Todorov's Narrtive Theory

Todorov's narrative theory states that films follow the 3 act structure of beginning, middle and end and that these 3 acts are compromised of 5 events, these events are as followed:



The Equilibrium - this establishes the normal of the world inside that film.



The Disruption- this is an event which sets up the conflict and changes the normal.



The Recognition - which is when the characters recognise or find out about the disruption



The Repair - this takes up the middle part of the movie and is not just one event as the characters usually have many attempts at repair before the final repair and resolution



The New Equilibrium - things go back to a normal but things are changed due to the vents experienced

Applying Narrative Theory to films



Baby Driver


Equilibrium - Baby is getting by as a getaway driver for Doc, he waits for the crew and the escapes the police then report back and split the cut.




Disruption -  Baby meets Debora before his final job and becomes enamoured with her, then his final jobs goes a little wrong but he uses the money to take out Debora. However Doc mentions when he pays Baby that they're straight on the money owed however he never says Baby is done.




Recognition - While on his date with Debora, Baby is threatened but Doc to do the next job and Baby realises he hasn't escaped his old life yet.


Repair - Baby's first attempt at repair is just going along with it and helping with setting up for the highest however during this Bats nearly kills Debora and would've if Baby hadn't intervened. Baby then realises he can't be happy with Debora while he is in association with these criminals so he kills Bats which leads to Buddy hunting down where he kills Doc but is ultimately killed by Baby and Debora. However once the two escape they are blocked off by the police and Baby realises the only repair he can do is turn himself in the to the police where he is then sent to prison.


New Equilibrium - Baby is released on parole after five years with Debora waiting for him and they presumably live a happy life however things have changed, Baby is no longer a criminal however his hearing is impaired due to Buddy firing guns right next to his ears, however overall it seems like things have changed for the better.