Music Video Research 11:Todorov Narrative Theory

Tzvetan Todorov's narrative theory suggests that all narratives follow a structure separated into three different parts, the first part consists of a narrative beginning with an equilibrium, where everything is happy and the characters are enjoying life and being their normal selves, a prime example of this is Michael Jacksons Thriller, this begins with Michael Jackson and his girlfriend watching a horror film at the cinema, Michael Jackson is enjoying himself and teasing his girlfriend for being scared and then they go for a walk, the equilibrium is in tact and everything is normal.

Stage 2 is where there is disruption of the equilibrium, when referring to Michael Jackson's Thriller, this is where corpses rise from the dead and walk the streets, this will be a clear problem even though the characters aren't aware of this yet.






Stage 3 is the recognition of the disruption, this is where the characters are aware of the problem and panic is often shown and the characters often show their emotions the most in the section of the narrative, in the case of the Thriller, this is where Michael Jackson and his girlfriend are circled by the zombies and they are scared for their lives and probably humanity.





Stage 4 is when someone attempts to restore a new equilibrium and repair the disruption that has been brought upon the characters, in the Thriller this occurs in effect when Michael Jackson wakes up his girlfriend from her nightmare.



The fifth and final stage is when equilibrium is restored, everything is back to normal and the disruption has left the narrative, in The Thriller this is when Michael Jacksons girlfriend has been awoken from her nightmare and she isn't been pursued by zombies and monsters. The brighter lighting also indicates a new equilibrium has been restored as the lighting reflects a more positive atmosphere.

• This influenced my planning and creativity as I have got a better idea of Todorovs narrative theory and can now identify it in a music video.
• I also like the distinctive costumes used in this video, I would like to use some costumes that stand out compared to the mainstream clothing as well.