The basic way to break down the structure of a feature length screenplay- The ‘Syd Field’ formula, seems (at least to me..) to be like a basic song structure of verse/chorus/verse, which can also be varied, but is the most common form. The first act of ‘ Three Kings ‘ was a perfect example of this, having introduced us to the characters (lead and support), their situation in the first gulf war (used as a backdrop to the story), and revealing the first plot point leading in to act 2.
I watched ‘Swordfish’ recently, which, if you haven’t seen it before, is one of those big budget action movies with big name actors. It is a really cool movie though and it’s well scripted. It opens with a interesting piece of dialogue from John Travolta’s character ‘Gabriel’, who is the villain of the story. Funnily enough, Gabriel starts by criticising what he calls typical ‘hollywood’ good guy/bad guy films for their happy endings, suggesting that the opposite would be closer to real life. This small piece of dialogue gives us an insight into Gabriel’s personality, showing a dark, intellectual character who appears far superior to both his associates and pursuers.
Act 1:
The first act opens with a bang (literally) when the above mentioned piece of dialogue is revealed to be taking place during a hostage situation inside a bank. There is a failed attempt by police to resolve the situation by force which ends up with a bomb strapped to a hostage being detonated. As this scene actually takes place at the end of act 2, as far as the film’s timeline is concerned, we are then returned to the beginning of our story where we are introduced to our main characters: the detective chasing down Gabriel, the undercover agent posing as one of Gabriel’s associates, and our lead Stanley, a’retired’ computer hacker. Plot point one arrives when our lead is hired by Gabriel to hack into government files.
Act 2:
Act 2 draws us into the extravagent and dangerous world of organised crime. The reasons behind Stanley’s venture into this world are revealed to be payment for his services, which is to be used towards a custody hearing for his daughter. There are smaller plot points like when the undercover agent is found out by Stanley, when his past criminal record is revealed during an encounter between himself and police, and when he discovers his ex-wife and her boyfriend have been killed during his daughter’s kidnapping. Plot point 2 arrives when Stanley has been forced to finish off a job for Gabriel, who kidnapped his daughter. This takes place during the hostage scene from the opening sequence.
Act 3:
The conclusion sees Gabriel make a ‘big budget hollywood’ escape by hoisting his bus load of hostages off the ground, by use of a very big helicopter, and flying off through the city! Stanley tries to take out Gabriel in our final showdown on a building rooftop and he saves the day.. or does he? So all ends well for Stanley, but our villain pulls off a Houdini like escape by faking his death. Various hints and references to Houdini are made during the film which could help you figure this one out for yourself.
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