Todorov produced a theory explaining the narrative of a film. He stated that there are different stages which the narrative goes through; equilibrium, disequilibrium and new equilibrium. He also mentioned several techniques that can be seen used in films:
Mode of Address - How the audience is addressed through the film. This may be through direct address/dialogue, voice over or written narrative.
Enigma - Presenting a puzzle that needs to be solved and so teasing the audience.
Action Code - Narrative device where a resolution is produced through action.
Linear Narrative - Plot that moves forward in a straight line with no flashbacks or discretion.
Parallel Action - Cutting between two scenes so they are seen as happening at the same time.
Anti-narrative - When there is a deliberate disruption to the narrative flow to achieve a particular effect, this could be through the repetition of images or disruption of a chronological sequence of events.
Examples in a Short Film: The Last Man On Earth
The short film 'The Last Man On Earth' shows some of the qualities mentioned in Todorov's theory.
At this point in the film there is a mode of address seen through the eye contact made by the character. The audience can empathise here and feel a deeper connection with the character. The character's eyes show sorrow and despair which makes the audience feel this also because of the eye contact.
Here there is a use of enigma in the short film where the audience are teased. The phone rings which makes us think the man is not alone on Earth. But the audience are teased as the man doesn't answer the phone so we don't find out if he is the last man on earth or not.
The short film also has a linear narrative running through it. The plot flows throughout and isn't disrupted by any other narrative. The story of this man's last few moments on Earth are told as he thinks he is the only person left. then his phone rings but it's already too late as he has already taken pills to kill himself.
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