Narrative

Narrative

Todorov proposed a basic structure for all narratives. He stated that films and programmes begin with an equilibrium, a calm period. Then agents of disruption cause disequilibrium, a period of unsettlement and disquiet. This is then followed by a renewed state of peace and harmony for the protagonists and a new equilibrium brings the chaos to an end. The simplest form of narrative (sometimes referred to as ‘Classic’ or ‘Hollywood’ narrative).

A classic narrative pattern that could occur would be:

1. Equilibrium- This is when everything is at peace and all is in order at the beginning of the narrative
2. Disruption- Something happens which is normally bad and disrupts the peace and normality of things
3. Recognition- There is recognition that the disruption has occurred
4. Repair- There is an attempt to fix the disruption and return to it's normal state 
5. New equilibrium - The problem has been solved and the narrative returns to it's normal state

The Hangover

The 2009 film "The Hangover" follows this narrative pattern.

1. Equilibrium - Everything is in order. Doug is getting married so him and his 3 friends decide to go to Las Vegas for a stag party. They get extremely drunk and spend the night out on the Las Vegas strip.

2. Disruption - Phil, Alan And Stu wake up in their penthouse suite extremely hungover and no recollection of the previous night's events

3.  Recognition - Phil, Alan and Stu realize the groom Doug is missing on the day of his wedding 

4. Repair -  Phil, Alan and Stu must retrace their steps of the previous night by visiting various locations around Las Vegas in order to find Doug. With each location they think they have finally found Doug but it turns out to be someone or something completely different 

5. New equilibrium - Stu figures out that Doug is on the roof of the hotel and they rescue him just in time to quickly drive to his wedding ceremony. Doug then gets married and he, Phil, Alan and Stu remissness on the previous after finding out Alan had photographed the entire night.