This document summarizes Todorov's narrative theory and applies it to the film Sweeney Todd. Todorov's theory outlines narratives as having 5 stages: 1) equilibrium, 2) a disruption, 3) recognition of the disruption, 4) an attempt to repair the damage, and 5) a new equilibrium. The document then analyzes how the plot of Sweeney Todd follows these 5 stages, from Sweeney Todd's return to London hoping for normalcy, to the discoveries and killings that disrupt this, to his eventual recognition and attempts at revenge, culminating in a new resolution. Key elements of the film like the razors, pies, and time period are also briefly discussed.
1. Todorov’s Narrative Theory A state of equilibrium – (all is as it should be) 2) A disruption of that order – (by an event) 5) A return or restoration of a new equilibrium 3) A recognition that the disorder has occurred 4) An attempt to repair the damage – (of the disruption) Todorov argues that narrative involves a transformation. The characters or the situations are transformed through the progress of the disruption.
2. Sweeney Todd Sweeney Todd is an example of a horror film that can be applied to the 5 stages. 1) Benjamin Barker returns to London after 15 years arrest in Australia under the new identity of Sweeney Todd and hopes to come back to a normal life. (Equilibrium) 2) However, on arrival of Fleet Street he learns from Mrs. Lovett that his wife Lucy poisoned herself with arsenic after Judge Turpin (who falsely charged Benjamin) raped her. He also learns that his teenage daughter Johanna is now Judge Turpin’s ward (legal guardian). (Disruption) 3) Todd decides to re-open his Barber shop and tries to continue life as normal. However, he’s restless and can’t live with the fact that his wife is dead and Judge Turpin has his daughter. It’s not until Todd’s former assistant arrives at his shop and tries to blackmail him, that he takes his anger out on him and kills him. He then misses a chance to kill Judge Turpin by being disrupted and anger builds again.(Recognition of problem).
3. 4) As he didn’t get to kill the one man he wanted to kill, he turns his revenge on the entire world and vents his murderous rage on his customers whilst waiting for another chance to kill Turpin. Sparks start flickering in Mrs. Lovett’s head that they could use the dead bodies to turn them into pies, to make money and improve her business. So together, they are both benefiting from the situation. (Repair/solution) 5) In the spur of the moment, Todd kills what seems to be a beggar woman as Turpin makes a return to his shop. He then lets the beggar fall through the trapped door. As he then finally kills Turpin, he retreats to the basement and discovers that the beggar woman was actually his wife Lucy and Mrs. Lovett lied to him because she loved him. Again, he boils up and vents his anger and betrayal on Mrs. Lovett and throws her into the furnace. Finally, he cradles Lucy’s body in his arms and can sense Toby’s presence in the room. He lifts his head and lets Toby kill him, so he can be with his wife and be at rest. (Restoration)
4. Elements used Razor- this is the classic image of Sweeney Todd and is used in every murder Dark lighting, dim colours and the bright red blood- used to make the blood be the focus point and to stand out and to remind everyone of the dramatic gore scenes Pies- the reason why the murders are occurring. Also gives you the sense of the amount of people killed and the horrid thought of a dead person being inside the pie. Period costumes- shows you the era the film is set in and when gruesome murders like these took place.(1800’s – Victorian Era)
5. Causes and effect Benjamin falsely charged and sent to Australia for 15 years Original anger, as he is innocent Hope and excitement as he returns to London Anger again when he returns Vent his anger out Lets everyone get justice by allowing himself to be killed Innocent people getting killed Accidently kills his wife By Lauren Hill. Year 12 Media Studies.
