Plot points are linear links that make up the chain of traditional Aristotelian 3-act dramatic structure. This classic structure worked well in Hollywood for almost a century now. Although young movie makers are forcing the limits of this structure, plot points still rule the day as the tent poles that hold up of the circus of our dreams. Here are the plot points of Red (1994), a part of the Kieslowski trilogy, as I see them. Red (1994) Starring: (Irene Jacob), Jean-Louis Trintignant (The Judge), Jean-Pierre Lorit (Auguste Bruner)
Directed by: Krzysztof Kieslowski
Writers: Krzysztof Kieslowski, Krzysztof Piesiewicz PROTAGONIST VALENTINE'S DILEMMA: She wants to be happy but is separated from her boyfriend. PROTAGONIST'S DESIRE: To be happy. HER CHIEF OBSTACLE: Her domineering boyfriend is away in England. ESTABLISHING SHOT: A man places a phone call that we track across the English Channel into the France and through a maze of cables and connections all the way to a ... red busy light. INCITING INCIDENT: Valentine hits a dog while driving. PLOT POINT 1: Valentine discovers that the Judge is electronically eavesdropping on his neighbors' phone calls. MID POINT EVENT: Auguste is crushed when he catches his girlfriend cheat on him with a guy, and seemingly for no good reason at all. PLOT POINT 2: Valentine starts to really like The Judge and deciphers Judge's own past which is very much like that of Auguste. 3rd ACT RESOLUTION: Valentine shares the same ferry boat to England with the Young Judge Auguste. Both are saved from the tragic accident. |
