Todorov's theory applied to The Notebook

T H E  N O T E B O O K

The Notebook trailer partially conforms to Todorov’s theory of the five stages of a narrative. The beginning of the trailer shows normality and happiness through the colourful mise en scene and uplifting music. This follows Todorov’s theory of a ‘state of equilibrium’ from the start where all is as it should be. The voiceover sets up the storyline with ‘it was a magical summer’ reflecting the contentment of the characters.

As the trailer goes on, again the trailer follows Todorov’s formula for a narrative with the ‘disruption’. In The Notebook this arrives in the form of parental disapproval, therefore disturbing the peace and happiness of the characters we saw at the beginning. Emotions of anger and hatred are seen as the disruption is recognised and dealt with.

In the attempt to repair the damage of the disruption we see Ally accept her removal from her true love and try to create a new life with a new man. This conforms to Todorov’s theory as he states the fourth stage of a narrative as being an ‘attempt to repair the disruption’ and starts towards a positive or happy ending to the film which is what we expect from most narratives.

Other effective elements of the trailer include the fades at the beginning which create a relaxed and calm feel, showing the state of equilibrium again.

The trailer doesn’t follow the typical structure of a theatrical trailer, below is a timeline of editing within the trailer:

(Orange = fade, Green = cut)

The timeline shows the equilibrium at the start as it begins with slow fades and goes onto faster cuts, ‘the disruption’ conforming to Todorov’s theory. The rest of the trailer’s editing format doesn’t entirely follow Todorov’s theory as fades and cuts are both used to create drama as the trailer ends.