Question: To what extent does Drag Me To Hell (2009) follow the conventions of
Todorov’s narrative structure?
[blue = expanding/analysing of quotations]
‘Drag Me To Hell’ (2009) follows the conventions of Todorov’s narrative structure to a certain
extent.
From the very beginning, it has been established that Drag Me To Hell does not follow all the
conventions of Todorov’s five-part narrative structure. It begins with disequilibrium instead of
equilibrium, despite equilibrium being the first stage of the cycle. The follow events of the
film, however, does obey the next stages. The audience is then presented with the
equilibrium, which is followed by the disequilibrium, recognition and repair. It uses Todorov’s
structure mostly and follows it to an extent. The audience, who are used to the repetitive
narrative structure, will most likely expect the film to end with the new equilibrium. But just
when we are provided with the final scene, which is assumed to be the new equilibrium, the
audience is forced into astonishment as they witness Christine being dragged down to the
train tracks and to hell. It has then become clear that Drag Me To Hell never reached the
final stage of new equilibrium but rather returned to another disequilibrium instead, and
therefore it is clear that the film does not follow all the conventions of the narrative structure.
To engage the audience, it is only understandable that the film uses most of the conventions
as the expected patterns is what satisfies the audience. The deliberate reposition of the final
stages surprises the audience. This can leave a lasting impression but may also feel
refreshing to audiences as it is not the typical, repetitive narrative structure they are used to.
Todorov states that: “This cycle belongs to the very definition of narrative: one cannot
imagine a narrative that fails to contain at least a part of it”. The cycle refers to the narrative
structure and this is what helps constructs a story. Todorov’s words indicates that whilst it is
possible to have a story in which not all of the elements are included, in this case the new
equilibrium, it is impossible to have a story in which none of the elements exist. Drag Me To
Hell proves this statement to be true. Therefore, it can also be said that whilst the film does
not follow the conventions, it still obeys Todorov’s statement and so follows the structure to a
certain degree.
Todorov states: “The beginning of the text presents the description of the state of affairs.
That does not suffice for narrative, however, as narrative requires the unfolding of an action,
change, difference”. When Christine's life is threatened by Ganush, the whole mood of the
film has changed and life has become different for Christine. The narrative continues but it is
clearly more interesting to watch because of the action and movement involved, it then
becomes stimulating for the audience to see the recognition and repair stages where
Christine deals with her issues. To be able to apply Todorov’s theory of narratology to the
film, and to have the ability to adapt or rearrange the narrative structure for the specific
genre of the film, the producers would be required to have a great understanding of the
theory. Drag Me To Hell does not only obey Todorov's second quote but also understands it
well enough to know that equilibrium is not enough for the story to progress. Therefore,
disequilibrium, recognition and repair exist in the film. The film also used disequilibrium to its
advantage in the trailer to interest audiences. However, that does not necessarily mean it is
following the conventions of the narrative structure. The producers have remodelled the
narrative structure in order to construct a new yet interesting narrative, where disequilibrium
shows up at the beginning, middle and end. It is also to fit the horror genre, as the change
provides the element of surprise to audiences. Ultimately, it will also satisfy audiences
through the unexpected ending because it is new and different from other films. Although the
structure is conventional for horror films. It may be argued that Drag Me To Hell does follow
the conventions of the narrative structure, whilst at the same time it does not because of the
restructuring. Therefore, Drag Me To Hell follows the narrative structure only to an extent.
