Todorov talked about how a movie should be structured. Todorov explains the three main consecutive elements which should be followed when making a film:
Equilibrium
This is referred to as the 'status quo' in the movie. Normally, this would represent the normal, casual lifestyle in which the world usually revolves around.
Disruption
This is when the equilibrium experiences a significant, short-term change that looks to be resolved.
New equilibrium
This when the disruption has been resolved, and the new 'status quo' of the society is formed.
However, it is important to note that this is only the structure of a movie. What we've learned in our media lesson is that it is essential that the new equilibrium is not shown in the trailer, or else the trailer would be conveyed as a mini-film, rather than a trailer (as the plot and finish is given away, and there would be no point in seeing the actual film).
I will use "The Taking of Pelham 123" as my example.
As you can see, the equilibrium is passengers boarding on a train, going to work as they usually do. The disruption is the hijacking of the train, and it needs to be resolved. However, we don't see how the hijacking is resolved, otherwise there would be no point of the trailer. The reason why a trailer is used is to encourage the audience to watch the film. Therefore, the audience will have to pay to watch the movie, to find out what happens at the end of "The Taking of Pelham 123" (to find out the new equilibrium/resolution).
In briefer terms, Todorov elaborates his theory from the standard movie structure of 'beginning, middle, and end'.
How will this be useful for my trailer?
Now I understand that through using Todorov's theory, that I should be only looking to use the equilibrium, and parts of the disruption, to intrigue my target audience to watch the movie. There should be no hints of a new equilibrium, otherwise it ruins the purpose of initially creating a trailer.
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