Theory of Equilibrium

The theorist of theory of equilibrium was Tzvetan Todorov. Todorov's narrative theory is based on this - an equilibrium is set up which is the disrupted, causing disequilibrium, which is the resolved in to a new equilibrium by the end of the tale.

Equilibrium is a state in which opposing forces or influences are balanced or it is a state of physical balance. In media this means that the scene is calm and peaceful and there is not sign of chaos (or in other words disequilibrium).

Disequilibrium is a loss or lack of balance. This basically mean there is a point of chaos when one or more things happen to interrupt the calm and peaceful scene.
Disequilibrium would increase as the suspense increases and reaches its peak when the suspense does. For example disequilibrium would increase if a man was climbing into a scary dark loft and it would reach its peak if there was a huge bang or scream off camera.

This is a disequilibrium graph for Nightmare on Elm Street, Shrooms and our own film opening.