Media Theory

I will incorporate the Todorov's narrative theory. It is about five stages of equilibrium in a story, which is to show how the character evolves over time. I will use this to develop Paula's character. The five stages are: Equilibrium (stable state), disruption of equilibrium (something changes), recognition of the disruption (understanding the change), attempt to fix or repair the disruption (adapting to change) and lastly the new equilibrium ( a return or restoration of a new equilibrium at the end of the narrative, growth)

Here is how I envision this Theory in my opening film:

1. Equilibrium: The opening film shows Paula at 18 years old, living a happy and fulfilling life. She narrates her happiness and everything seems stable, making the audience think that her life has always looked like this.

2. Disruption of Equilibrium: The scenes suddenly shift to six years earlier, Paula is 11 years old at this time, packing along her mother. The mood changes and the environment feels heavy. The audience does not know the full story yet, but it feels that something drastic happened.

3. Recognition of the Disruption: The audience realizes Paula's stability has not always been there, she had lot leave everything behind and starts over to get to  where she is now. This will not be shown clearly on the opening film, but as the story develops. Paula realizes her life will not be the same.

4. Attempt to resolve the Disruption: This will be explored during the film, Paula struggles to adapt in a new country, feeling lost and looking back to her past. She tried hard to feel better but did not find her place and felt like she "didn't fit in", she eventually starts making friends and finds her place. Her life changes to the better primarily since her sister was born. This part is about Paula finding balance between her Colombian identity and new life.

5. New Equilibrium: The film goes back to the present day. It mirrors the opening, she is happy and the audience now understands what it took her to get there.

• ‌Todorov and Propps Narrative Theory. (2019, April 3). Richard’s EDCM2 FMP Blog. https://richardedcm2fmpblog.home.blog/2019/04/03/todorov-and-propps-narrative-theory/

• Todorov’s Equilibrium Theory. (2025). AS Media.  https://lucytownsendasmedia.weebly.com/todorovrsquos-equilibrium-theory.html‌‌