Approaches to Narrative in Action Adventure Films
Narrative or Story
The narrative of an action adventure film often follows a particular pattern or structure. Tzvetan
Todorov is a Franco-Bulgarian philosopher. Todorov suggests that many narratives, regardless of
their genre, could be broken into specific stages for analysis.
Todorov’s Narrative Stages
Equilibrium
The setting is established, key character(s) are introduced and the storyline is setup
Disruption
Oppositional character(s) appear and the story takes a particular direction
Recognition of Disruption
The lives of characters and events are interwoven. Tension builds throughout this section, which is
often the longest.
Attempt to Repair Disruption
The highest point in the tension – climax of the film
Reinstatement of Equilibrium
Matters are sorted out, problems are solved and questions are answered
Narrative Structure
Try to write the narrative structure of your action adventure film. Identify examples of action
sequences and/or locations which occur along the way.
Film:
Equilibrium
Disruption
Recognition of
Disruption
Attempt to Repair
Disruption
Reinstatement of
Equilibrium