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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.
Napoleon Dynamite (2004)
Screenplay Genre: Comedy / Drama / Romance
Movie Time: 82 minutes
1. INCITING INCIDENT
Napoleon (Jon Heder), a lethargic loner in a small Idaho town, is introduced to newcomer Pedro (Efren Ramirez), who quickly becomes his best friend. (00:08:35)
American Psycho (2000)
Screenplay Genre: Drama / Crime / Thriller
Movie Time: 102 minutes
1. INCITING INCIDENT
Patrick Bateman (Christian Bale), a young, narcissistic, vice president of a Wall Street financial institution is in a company boardroom when cohort Paul Allen (Jared Leto) mistakes the identity of Patrick for a similar looking Marcus Halberstram. Bateman begins feeling inferior and is taken aback by Paul Allen's business card, which impresses everyone in the boardroom. (00:18:01)
Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)
Screenplay Genre: Action / Adventure / Sci-Fi
Movie Time: 124 minutes
1. INCITING INCIDENT
Steve Rogers (Chris Evans), a sickly Brooklyn kid, just wants to serve his country, but due to his small frame and fragile health, he has been rejected from the army four times. While Rogers waits on an examination table for his fifth physical, Dr. Abraham Erskine (Stanley Tucci), impressed with Rodgers’ unwavering conviction to fight for his country, decides to give Rogers a chance and accepts his latest application. (00:15:28)
The Outsiders (1983)
The Outsiders (1983)
Screenplay Genre: Crime / Drama
Movie Time: 91 minutes
1. INCITING INCIDENT
Ponyboy (C. Thomas Howell) is an Oklahoma high school kid caught up in the midst of class warfare between the rival Greasers and Socials (a.k.a. Socs). While at the drive in with a few of his greaser buddies, Ponyboy befriends a couple Soc girls but is confronted by their boyfriends. The girls pacify the situation by agreeing to leave with the Socs. (00:15:58)
My Super Ex-Girlfriend (2006)
Screenplay Genre: Comedy / Crime / Drama
Movie Time: 95 minutes
1. INCITING INCIDENT
Matt Saunders (Luke Wilson) attempts to catch a thief who runs away with a woman's purse on the New York City subway. The woman is Jenny Johnson (Uma Thurman), also known by her super hero name, G-Girl. Matt, unaware of her superhero capabilities, musters up the courage and asks her out to dinner. (00:06:03)
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