The Three Act Structure

The Three Act Structure

The Three Act Structure is a typical and frequently-used narrative structuring template. Most of the mainstream movies released by Hollywood conform to this template, but it can be found in other story-telling forms as well. The idea is that the story is structured so that all of the action falls into one of three acts, with regular plot-points (or reversals) used to bridge each act, and send the narrative into a different direction than it had previously been going. 



Act 1

Act I consists of the first quarter of the film. This would last approximately 30 mins in a 2 hour film.
What happens in Act I regarding the setup?

Exposition--The part of a story that introduces the characters, shows some of their interrelationships, and places them within a time and place.

This part of the story introduces the main character, the dramatic premise, and the dramatic situation.

Main character--the person in the story who has a need/objective to full fill and whose actions drive the story
Dramatic premise--what the story's about 

Dramatic situation--the circumstances surrounding the action

Inciting Incident--an event that sets the plot of the film in motion. It occurs approximately halfway through the first act.

Act 2

Act 2 comprises the next two quarters of the film. In a 2 hour movie, this section would last approximately 60 mins.

What happens in Act 2 regarding confrontation?

Obstacles--In the second act, the main character encounters obstacle after obstacle that prevent him from achieving his dramatic need.
First Culmination--a point just before the halfway point of the film where the main character seems close to achieving his or her goal/objective. Then, everything falls apart, leading to the midpoint.
Midpoint--a point approximately halfway through the film where the main character reaches his/her lowest point and seems farthest from fulfilling the dramatic need or objective. 

Act 3 

Act 3 comprises the final quarter of the film. For a 2 hour film, this would approximately be 30 mins.

What happens in Act III, the resolution?

Climax (Second Culmination)--The point at which the plot reaches its maximum tension and the forces in opposition confront each other at a peak of physical or emotional action.
Denouement--The brief period of calm at the end of a film where a state of equilibrium returns. 

Panic Room

Panic room is an example of a film in the 'Thriller' genre that follows and includes the three act structure. The plot of the film on brief terms is that a mother and her daughter, The Altmans, move into their new home in New York. The home they move into was last owned by a millionaire who installed a safety room, also known as the panic room. The room can be entered when in danger that includes strong steel and concrete enforced walls, an emergency telephone and multiple surveillance cameras. After a few days of the two moving in, it is discovered that 3 men, one being the previous owners grandson, are after $3 million that is located in the panic rooms safe. In the mid-course of the film, the 3 men brawl into the house beginning their robbery. The mother and daughter run into the panic room and enclose themselves in there. The burglars pour propane gas into the room via the air vents. The Altmans protect themselves with fireproof jackets and try several ways to call for help which most fail. The daughter suffers a seizure in the room adding to the anxiety. She later is saved with a syringe. It is also discovered that there was actually $22 million in the safe as the robbers fight to get to it keeping the Altmans as hostage. The police are later alerted by sighs for help and arrest the criminals at the end of the film.  The Altmans, traumatized by the experience close the film by looking for a new home.

As read in the plot, there is an obvious indication to the three act structure with the film 'Panic Room'. Starting with Act 1, we are introduced to the characters and we discover that there is $3 million in the safe of the panic room. Plot point 1 is where the 3 antagonists bust into the Altmans home in search for the money. Moving into Act 2, the confrontation and plot point 2 is the scramble and brawl between the Altmans and the 3 burglars. Fighting takes place between the two before the Altmans run into the panic room where they continue to be hassled. The midpoint would be the point of most crisis such as the two being locked in the room, in dire need for help, gas is poured into the room and the young girl has a seizure. All of this terror adds to the anxiety making the story more intense. The confrontation and scrambling continues into Act 3 which is the climax. The Altmans are taken hostage before they can receive help and when the police come, they are forced to lie and in short terms, say there is nothing wrong. Later on after the climax, the police arrest the 3 criminals and the plot is resolved, which is what act 3 tends to consist of and all is settled. The 3 are arrested and the two look into getting a new home. 

This is an intense example of the three act structure as it is a thriller but it is clearly seen how the producers of the film have included it within the plot.