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 White (1997), a part of the Kieslowski trilogy, as I see them. White (1997) Starring: Zbigniew Zamachowski (Karol Karol), Julie Delpy (Dominique), Janusz Gajos (Mikolaj)
Directed by: Krzysztof Kieslowski
Writers: Krzysztof Kieslowski, Krzysztof Piesiewicz PROTAGONIST KAROL'S DILEMMA: He loves his wife Dominique but cannot satisfy her sexually. PROTAGONIST'S DESIRE: To be happy with Dominique. HIS CHIEF OBSTACLE: His impotency and poverty. ESTABLISHING SHOT: A red suitcase is moving along on a conveyor belt. INCITING INCIDENT: Dominique divorces Karol at a court in Paris. PLOT POINT 1: Karol has himself shipped back to Poland inside the same red suitcase. MID POINT EVENT: By cunning and a daring real estate deal, Karol becomes a successful and wealthy businessman. PLOT POINT 2: Karol arranges his own fake death and leaves all his wealth to Dominique so she would come visit him from Paris. 3rd ACT RESOLUTION: Dominique ends up in jail for aiding and abetting Karol's fake death. Karol stands in the street outside her jail cell and the two reaffirm their problematic love despite the physical distance between them. |
