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Five Plot Point Breakdowns
"A movie, I think, is really only four or five moments between two people; the rest of it exists to give those moments their impact and resonance. The script exists for that. Everything does." - Robert Towne
When breaking down a film’s structure, generally speaking, “The Eight Sequences” framework is the standard: two in Act One, four in Act Two, and two in Act Three.
But the number 8 is only part of the equation. If the sequences are what shape a screenplay’s three-act structure, then the five major plot points are the building blocks behind sequence construction: Inciting Incident, Lock In, Midpoint, Main Culmination, and Third Act Twist.
Each analysis of selected features breaks the film down to the essential 5 major plot points, time code of when each plot point occurs included.
It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
Screenplay Genre: Drama / Family / Fantasy
Movie Time: 130 minutes
1. INCITING INCIDENT
George is a good boy who always put himself before others, but now he’s finally saved up enough to go to college. He wants to get out of Bedford Falls, see the world, and really make something of himself despite his father’s plea that he stay and continue to help out in the Building and Loan. (00:17:22)
Bubble Boy (2001)
Screenplay Genre: Comedy
Movie Time: 84 minutes
1. INCITING INCIDENT
Jimmy (Jake Gyllenhaal) was born with no immunities: therefore, his mother (Swoosie Kurtz) raised him in a protective bubble. When Jimmy reaches the age of pubescence, he starts to notice Chloe (Marley Shelton), the girl next door. Chloe takes an interest in him, and they quickly become friends. (00:08:14)
Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
Screenplay Genre: Comedy / Drama / Family
Movie Time: 96 minutes
1. INCITING INCIDENT
Lucky for Mrs. Doris Parker (Maureen O’Hara), a concerned citizen Kris Kringle (Edmund Gwen) agrees to step in at the last minute when the Santa in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is too drunk to participate. This new Santa is such a hit that he is hired on as the Macy’s Santa for the holiday season. (00:14:55)
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)
Screenplay Genre: Animation / Short / Comedy
Movie Time: 26 minutes
1. INCITING INCIDENT
In the little town of Whoville, the Whos joyously prepare for Christmas. The Grinch (Boris Karloff), who lives in a snowy mountain cave above Whoville, hates Christmas and wishes there was something he could do to make it stop. (00:03:33)
Murder on the Orient Express (1974)
Screenplay Genre: Mystery
Movie Time: 127 minutes
1. INCITING INCIDENT
Detective Hercule Poirot (Albert Finney) is looking for a way back to England but the Orient Express is unusually filled to capacity. Poirot's friend Bianchi (Martin Balsam), who owns the train line, offers him a spot. (00:16:15)
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