Todorov's theory of narrative

five stages
equilibrium- all that should be
disruption- disruption of that order by event
Recognition- recognise that the disorder has occurred
Attempt to repair- repair the damage  of the disruption
 return or resolution of a new equilibrium

Die hard uses this structure perfectly, however films such as fight club doesn't:
1. Edward norton (this character is nameless) is trying to cure his insomnia
2. he discovers that by attending a support group and crying it helps him sleep (attempt to repair)
3.after arguing with tyler edward agrees to hit him and punches him in the ear. after tyler punches edward in the stomach they begin to fight. then they return to Tyler's home which is in pretty bad shape. time goes on and they start to have fights with other people in the parking lot. they eventually go into the basement of the bar after its closed and start a fight club (recognition of disruption)
4. tyler goes to his bosses office and attempts to blackmail him saying if he pays him he wont tell people of the companies secrets. (attempt to repair disruption)
5. he eventually tells edward that fight club has evolved into project mayhem (New equilibrium)

Although Todorov's theory is so flexible it could be argued that fight club could fit into the theory. Every film unless it is a sequel should end with a new equilibrium. star wars is a sequel and even that has a new equilibrium at the end of each film.

Virtual Insanity- Narrative- todorovs theory 8/02/2012