Sci-Fi / Action
Written By
Andy Wachowski, Lana Wachowski
Logline
A young computer hacker discovers that our world is a virtual reality, created by intelligent machines to enslave Mankind. Now, he must join humanity's fight against the machines, and accept his new role as leader of the resistance.
Why break it down?
Remember back when you didn't even know what three-act structure was? When you could watch 'Rocky' and 'The King's Speech' back-to-back and live blissfully unaware that you'd just watched the same movie twice in a row? Hell, in a way I'm still there; I've seen each of those films a dozen times, and despite the fact that I recognize the similar plot points, I love each one for completely different reasons. To me, they're still two unique movies with their own original stories, which is the beauty of understanding how to structure a film; you can have the mold in front of you, but it's what you fill that mold with that makes your story great. So this week, we're going back to basics, breaking down one of the cleanest examples of three-act structure to come out in the last decade: Andy and Lana Wachowski's sci-fi masterpiece, The Matrix.
Beat for beat, THE MATRIX IS A DEFINITIVE BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO UNDERSTANDING THREE-ACT STRUCTURE. They teach it in film school and they do so for a reason; it's exciting, emotionally resonant, and it hits every single plot point exactly where it's supposed to (give or take a few pages, of course).
So read up, keep an eye out for the beats, and we'll look at the film's structure after the jump. (Click the [+] button for a summary of each scene.)
ACT I
00:00 - 01:30 (1.50 pages) [+]
OVER BLACK
Two voices talk on the phone while a series of commands is typed into a computer.
The two voices talk about some guy, whom they believe might be "The One." Then, they realize someone is listening to their conversation and quickly hang up. We ZOOM IN on the computer screen, giving way to…
⇣ OPENING EXPOSITION Two voices talk on the phone while a series of commands is typed into a computer.
Translation: The call is being traced.
The two voices talk about some guy, whom they believe might be "The One." Then, they realize someone is listening to their conversation and quickly hang up. We ZOOM IN on the computer screen, giving way to…
01:30 - 06:30 (5.00 pages) [+]
INT. / EXT. ABANDONED BUILDING - NIGHT
A bunch of cops creep through an abandoned building. They kick open a door to find TRINITY (Carrie-Anne Moss) sitting against a wall. She puts her hands in the air, surrendering.
Outside, AGENT SMITH (Hugo Weaving) and his goons arrive at the crime scene, telling the police to back off.
Back inside the building, Trinity beats the holy hell out of the cops, using some kind of super-karate that doesn't have any basis in gravity or physics. She picks up the phone and makes a call:
Chase scene, as Trinity runs from the Agents. She jumps across buildings, dodges bullets, etc. She narrowly escapes and makes it to a phone booth, picking up the phone and disappearing just as Agent Smith smashes a truck into it.
A bunch of cops creep through an abandoned building. They kick open a door to find TRINITY (Carrie-Anne Moss) sitting against a wall. She puts her hands in the air, surrendering.
Outside, AGENT SMITH (Hugo Weaving) and his goons arrive at the crime scene, telling the police to back off.
Back inside the building, Trinity beats the holy hell out of the cops, using some kind of super-karate that doesn't have any basis in gravity or physics. She picks up the phone and makes a call:
Chase scene, as Trinity runs from the Agents. She jumps across buildings, dodges bullets, etc. She narrowly escapes and makes it to a phone booth, picking up the phone and disappearing just as Agent Smith smashes a truck into it.
06:30 - 09:45 (3.25 pages) [+]
INT. NEO'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
NEO (Keanu Reeves) sleeps at his computer. He wakes up to find words being magically typed on the screen:
He's freaked out, but a bunch of people show up at his door and he snaps out of it. They give him money and he gives them a CD -- he's a computer hacker who sells people illegal software. The group asks him to come out with them, and he almost declines, but then...
...he sees a WHITE RABBIT tattooed on the shoulder of a girl in the group.
INCITING INCIDENT NEO (Keanu Reeves) sleeps at his computer. He wakes up to find words being magically typed on the screen:
He's freaked out, but a bunch of people show up at his door and he snaps out of it. They give him money and he gives them a CD -- he's a computer hacker who sells people illegal software. The group asks him to come out with them, and he almost declines, but then...
...he sees a WHITE RABBIT tattooed on the shoulder of a girl in the group.
09:45 - 12:00 (2.25 pages) [+]
INT. DANCE CLUB - NIGHT
Neo sulks in the corner. He's approached by Trinity, who tells him he's in danger.
She gets close and whispers into his ear, really getting his attention:
Trinity walks off, leaving him by himself to wonder what just happened.
Neo sulks in the corner. He's approached by Trinity, who tells him he's in danger.
She gets close and whispers into his ear, really getting his attention:
Trinity walks off, leaving him by himself to wonder what just happened.
12:00 - 17:00 (5.00 pages) [+]
INT. OFFICE BUILDING - DAY
Neo sits in his cubicle and receives a mysterious package from the mail guy. Inside the package is a cell phone, and it rings:
Neo is confused, but he follows the strange man's directions and tries to run. He's caught by the Agents anyway, and they take him into their custody. As they put him into their car, Trinity watches from across the street.
Neo sits in his cubicle and receives a mysterious package from the mail guy. Inside the package is a cell phone, and it rings:
Neo is confused, but he follows the strange man's directions and tries to run. He's caught by the Agents anyway, and they take him into their custody. As they put him into their car, Trinity watches from across the street.
17:00 - 21:30 (4.50 pages) [+]
INT. INTERROGATION ROOM - DAY
Agent Smith sits in an interrogation room with Neo. He asks Neo to give him information about some guy named Morpheus. Neo refuses.
The Agents hold Neo down and pull out a mechanical bug creature, which they inject into him via his bellybutton. He tries to scream, but his mouth is sealed shut by demon magic. In the middle of the chaos, we CUT TO:
⇡⇣ PREPARE FOR ADVENTURE Agent Smith sits in an interrogation room with Neo. He asks Neo to give him information about some guy named Morpheus. Neo refuses.
The Agents hold Neo down and pull out a mechanical bug creature, which they inject into him via his bellybutton. He tries to scream, but his mouth is sealed shut by demon magic. In the middle of the chaos, we CUT TO:
21:30 - 22:30 (1.00 pages) [+]
INT. NEO'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
Neo wakes up in a cold sweat. Apparently, it was all just a dream. But then, the phone rings. It's that Morpheus guy from earlier…
Neo wakes up in a cold sweat. Apparently, it was all just a dream. But then, the phone rings. It's that Morpheus guy from earlier…
22:30 - 25:00 (2.50 pages) [+]
INT. TUNNEL / INT. CAR - NIGHT
Neo stands in the tunnel, waiting. Trinity pulls up and he gets into her car. Using a complicated machine thing, she extracts the mechanical bug creature (17:00 - 21:30) from his stomach (turns out, it wasn't all a dream). She throws it out the window and they drive off.
Neo stands in the tunnel, waiting. Trinity pulls up and he gets into her car. Using a complicated machine thing, she extracts the mechanical bug creature (17:00 - 21:30) from his stomach (turns out, it wasn't all a dream). She throws it out the window and they drive off.
25:00 - 32:30 (7.50 pages) [+]
INT. ABANDONED BUILDING - NIGHT
The car pulls up to an abandoned building and Trinity takes Neo inside. She introduces him to MORPHEUS (Laurence Fishburn) and they talk:
Morpheus explains to Neo that the Matrix is a fake world, but Neo doesn't understand. Morpheus offers him two pills:
Neo takes the red pill. Morpheus brings him into another room, where a team of hackers starts to pull Neo out of the Matrix…
PLOT POINT #1 The car pulls up to an abandoned building and Trinity takes Neo inside. She introduces him to MORPHEUS (Laurence Fishburn) and they talk:
Morpheus explains to Neo that the Matrix is a fake world, but Neo doesn't understand. Morpheus offers him two pills:
"Take the blue pill, and your life will continue as normal.
Take the red pill, and I'll show you how deep the rabbit hole goes..."
Take the red pill, and I'll show you how deep the rabbit hole goes..."
Neo takes the red pill. Morpheus brings him into another room, where a team of hackers starts to pull Neo out of the Matrix…
ACT II
32:30 - 35:30 (3.00 pages) [+]
EXT. MACHINE WORLD - DAY
Neo opens his eyes in a strange pod-like contraption covered in red goo. He looks around to see millions of other pods just like his, each with a person inside. A big machine floats over to him, pulls a bunch of wires out of his body, and flushes him down a sewage drain.
Neo slides down the drain and drops into a pool of water, where a mechanical arm grabs him and lifts him toward a bright light...
…and drops him on the floor of a space ship. A bunch of people pick him up and drag him to another room.
Neo opens his eyes in a strange pod-like contraption covered in red goo. He looks around to see millions of other pods just like his, each with a person inside. A big machine floats over to him, pulls a bunch of wires out of his body, and flushes him down a sewage drain.
Neo slides down the drain and drops into a pool of water, where a mechanical arm grabs him and lifts him toward a bright light...
…and drops him on the floor of a space ship. A bunch of people pick him up and drag him to another room.
35:30 - 36:45 (1.25 pages) [+]
INT. NEBUCHADNEZZAR - NIGHT
Neo wakes up inside an infirmary, where Trinity and Morpheus are standing over him.
Neo goes to sleep and we enter a short montage, during which Morpheus' crew fixes Neo's atrophied muscles.
Neo wakes up inside an infirmary, where Trinity and Morpheus are standing over him.
Neo goes to sleep and we enter a short montage, during which Morpheus' crew fixes Neo's atrophied muscles.
36:45 - 39:30 (2.75 pages) [+]
INT. NEBUCHADNEZZAR - DAYS LATER
Neo wakes up and pulls the needles out of his arms. Morpheus walks in, and explains that the year is sometime around 2200 A.D. Simply stated, Neo is now in the future.
Morpheus walks Neo around his ship - the NEBUCHADNEZZAR - introducing him to the crew: DOZER (the pilot), TANK (the operator), MOUSE (the program writer), APOC (soldier #1), SWITCH (soldier #2), and CYPHER (the rebel). From here on out, we'll refer to this group as THE CREW.
Neo sits down in a Matrix chair and gets plugged into a computer for the first time…
Neo wakes up and pulls the needles out of his arms. Morpheus walks in, and explains that the year is sometime around 2200 A.D. Simply stated, Neo is now in the future.
Morpheus walks Neo around his ship - the NEBUCHADNEZZAR - introducing him to the crew: DOZER (the pilot), TANK (the operator), MOUSE (the program writer), APOC (soldier #1), SWITCH (soldier #2), and CYPHER (the rebel). From here on out, we'll refer to this group as THE CREW.
Neo sits down in a Matrix chair and gets plugged into a computer for the first time…
39:30 - 44:00 (4.50 pages) [+]
INT. WHITE SPACE - DAY
All of a sudden, Neo is in "The Construct," which is basically a blank loading space for clothing, weapons, locations, etc. Morpheus is there with him. Neo can't believe what's happening:
Morpheus explains the history of the world to him: Man created artificial intelligence, machines took over, enslaved the humans, and started using them as batteries. So when Neo woke up in that pod-like thingy (32:30 - 35:30), he was actually in a "human farm," where he was being used as a battery to power the machines.
All of a sudden, Neo is in "The Construct," which is basically a blank loading space for clothing, weapons, locations, etc. Morpheus is there with him. Neo can't believe what's happening:
Morpheus explains the history of the world to him: Man created artificial intelligence, machines took over, enslaved the humans, and started using them as batteries. So when Neo woke up in that pod-like thingy (32:30 - 35:30), he was actually in a "human farm," where he was being used as a battery to power the machines.
44:00 - 44:30 (0.50 pages) [+]
INT. NEBUCHADNEZZAR - MOMENTS LATER
Neo wakes up into the real world again, freaking out. He yells at everyone to back off, then drops to the floor and passes out.
Neo wakes up into the real world again, freaking out. He yells at everyone to back off, then drops to the floor and passes out.
44:30 - 46:30 (2.00 pages) [+]
INT. NEBUCHADNEZZAR - LATER
Neo wakes up in his room and talks to Morpheus about the Matrix. Morpheus explains that Neo is essentially the second coming of Christ - "The One," as he calls it - chosen to lead the humans in the final war against the machines. He leaves, telling Neo to rest up:
Neo wakes up in his room and talks to Morpheus about the Matrix. Morpheus explains that Neo is essentially the second coming of Christ - "The One," as he calls it - chosen to lead the humans in the final war against the machines. He leaves, telling Neo to rest up:
46:30 - 48:00 (1.50 pages) [+]
INT. NEO'S ROOM - MORNING
Neo broods on his bed. Tank (the operator) walks in and tells Neo about ZION, the last human city left on Earth. He's excited to start Neo's training.
Neo broods on his bed. Tank (the operator) walks in and tells Neo about ZION, the last human city left on Earth. He's excited to start Neo's training.
48:00 - 49:15 (1.25 pages) [+]
MONTAGE
Neo sits down in a Matrix chair, and Tank plugs him in. We enter a montage, during which Tank spends ten hours uploading crazy knowledge into Neo's brain. Morpheus walks in, and Neo tells him what he's learned:
⇡⇣ FUN AND GAMES Neo sits down in a Matrix chair, and Tank plugs him in. We enter a montage, during which Tank spends ten hours uploading crazy knowledge into Neo's brain. Morpheus walks in, and Neo tells him what he's learned:
49:15 - 53:45 (4.50 pages) [+]
INT. DOJO - DAY
Morpheus and Neo are suddenly in a virtual dojo, where they engage in a kung fu battle. At first, Morpheus kicks Neo's ass. He tries to teach Neo that rules like gravity and physics don't matter inside the Matrix. Outside (in the Nebuchanezzar), The Crew watches the fight on a computer screen, eager to see if Neo can actually beat Morpheus.
Neo and Morpheus go at it again, but this time the fight is way more intense. Everyone comments on how fast Neo is, and by some crazy miracle, Neo actually beats his teacher.
Morpheus and Neo are suddenly in a virtual dojo, where they engage in a kung fu battle. At first, Morpheus kicks Neo's ass. He tries to teach Neo that rules like gravity and physics don't matter inside the Matrix. Outside (in the Nebuchanezzar), The Crew watches the fight on a computer screen, eager to see if Neo can actually beat Morpheus.
Neo and Morpheus go at it again, but this time the fight is way more intense. Everyone comments on how fast Neo is, and by some crazy miracle, Neo actually beats his teacher.
53:45 - 55:00 (1.25 pages) [+]
EXT. ROOFTOP - DAY
Now, Neo and Morpheus are on the roof of a skyscraper. Morpheus leaps to another rooftop two football fields away, then asks Neo to "free his mind" and do the same thing. Neo jumps, but falls straight down to the ground, failing his first big test. Outside (in the Nebuchanezzar), The Crew watches, disappointed.
Now, Neo and Morpheus are on the roof of a skyscraper. Morpheus leaps to another rooftop two football fields away, then asks Neo to "free his mind" and do the same thing. Neo jumps, but falls straight down to the ground, failing his first big test. Outside (in the Nebuchanezzar), The Crew watches, disappointed.
55:00 - 55:30 (0.50 pages) [+]
INT. NEBUCHANEZZAR - MOMENTS LATER
Neo and Morpheus come back to real life. Neo is bleeding, and Morpheus explains that if a person gets killed in the Matrix, he'll die in real life as well.
Neo and Morpheus come back to real life. Neo is bleeding, and Morpheus explains that if a person gets killed in the Matrix, he'll die in real life as well.
55:30 - 56:30 (1.00 pages) [+]
INT. NEO'S ROOM / INT. NEBUCHANEZZAR - NIGHT
Trinity brings Neo dinner, but finds him sleeping on his bed. She slips quietly out of the room, where Cypher (the rebel) is waiting to confront her. He doubts Neo is The One, but Trinity assures him that Morpheus is right.
Trinity brings Neo dinner, but finds him sleeping on his bed. She slips quietly out of the room, where Cypher (the rebel) is waiting to confront her. He doubts Neo is The One, but Trinity assures him that Morpheus is right.
56:30 - 59:00 (2.50 pages) [+]
EXT. CITY STREET - DAY
Neo follows Morpheus around the city as Morpheus tells him who the Agents are. He explains that the Agents are evil computer programs, which can turn into any person still connected to the Matrix. So basically, if Neo is talking to someone, that person could immediately turn into an agent and kill him.
Morpheus gets a phone call from Tank, who tells him the Nebuchanezzar is in trouble...
Neo follows Morpheus around the city as Morpheus tells him who the Agents are. He explains that the Agents are evil computer programs, which can turn into any person still connected to the Matrix. So basically, if Neo is talking to someone, that person could immediately turn into an agent and kill him.
Morpheus gets a phone call from Tank, who tells him the Nebuchanezzar is in trouble...
59:00 - 61:15 (2.25 pages) [+]
INT. NEBUCHANEZZAR - DAY
The Nebuchanezzar is being chased by SENTINELS, which are basically dangerous machines designed to seek and destroy the humans. The Crew puts the ship into stealth mode, and in a moment of tension, the Sentinels pass them by. Everyone sighs, relieved.
The Nebuchanezzar is being chased by SENTINELS, which are basically dangerous machines designed to seek and destroy the humans. The Crew puts the ship into stealth mode, and in a moment of tension, the Sentinels pass them by. Everyone sighs, relieved.
61:15 - 63:45 (2.50 pages) [+]
INT. CONTROL ROOM - LATER
Neo walks in on Cypher (the rebel), who quickly turns off his computer. Cypher offers him a drink, and marvels at how much pressure Neo must be under (what with Morpheus calling him "The One" and all). He gives Neo a word of advice:
Neo walks in on Cypher (the rebel), who quickly turns off his computer. Cypher offers him a drink, and marvels at how much pressure Neo must be under (what with Morpheus calling him "The One" and all). He gives Neo a word of advice:
63:45 - 65:15 (1.50 pages) [+]
INT. FANCY RESTAURANT - NIGHT
Cypher (the rebel) sits with Agent Smith (01:30 - 06:30) eating steak. Turns out, Cypher was the informant that the Agents were talking about earlier (01:30 - 06:30). He makes a deal with Agent Smith:
Cypher (the rebel) sits with Agent Smith (01:30 - 06:30) eating steak. Turns out, Cypher was the informant that the Agents were talking about earlier (01:30 - 06:30). He makes a deal with Agent Smith:
65:15 - 67:00 (1.75 pages) [+]
INT. NEBUCHANEZZAR CAFETERIA - NIGHT
Neo eats dinner with the rest of The Crew. They talk about the bad-tasting food. Morpheus comes in and makes an announcement: He's taking Neo into the Matrix for the first time, and they're going to visit THE ORACLE (who is the woman that prophesized there would be a "second coming" of The One).
MIDPOINT REVERSAL Neo eats dinner with the rest of The Crew. They talk about the bad-tasting food. Morpheus comes in and makes an announcement: He's taking Neo into the Matrix for the first time, and they're going to visit THE ORACLE (who is the woman that prophesized there would be a "second coming" of The One).
Midpoint
67:00 - 69:15 (2.25 pages) [+]
INT. NEBUCHANEZZAR / INT. THE MATRIX - DAY
Neo, Morpheus, Trinity, and The Crew go into the Matrix and drive to the Oracle's apartment. During the drive, Trinity and Neo discuss the Oracle. They arrive at the Oracle's apartment; Neo and Morpheus get out of the car.
Neo, Morpheus, Trinity, and The Crew go into the Matrix and drive to the Oracle's apartment. During the drive, Trinity and Neo discuss the Oracle. They arrive at the Oracle's apartment; Neo and Morpheus get out of the car.
69:15 - 77:45 (8.50 pages) [+]
INT. THE ORACLE'S APARTMENT - DAY
Neo and Morpheus discuss the Oracle as they ride the elevator up to her apartment. They enter the waiting room, where Neo meets a young boy who teaches him how to bend a spoon with his mind.
The Oracle invites Neo inside. They talk, and she tells him he's not The One.
He leaves, and Morpheus tells him to keep the Oracle's advice a secret.
⇡⇣ ROLL DOWNHILL Neo and Morpheus discuss the Oracle as they ride the elevator up to her apartment. They enter the waiting room, where Neo meets a young boy who teaches him how to bend a spoon with his mind.
The Oracle invites Neo inside. They talk, and she tells him he's not The One.
He leaves, and Morpheus tells him to keep the Oracle's advice a secret.
77:45 - 91:15 (13.5 pages) [+]
INT. ABANDONED BUILDING - DAY
Neo, Morpheus, Trinity, and The Crew return to an abandoned building, where they plan to call Tank (the operator) and have him extract them from the Matrix. But Cypher (the rebel) is up to something...
Suddenly, the building is swarmed by cops and Agents. They kill Mouse (the program writer), and the rest of The Crew hides inside the walls of the building. An action scene ensues as the cops start shooting through the walls, forcing The Crew to run for their lives. Morpheus stays back, sacrificing himself to save Neo (just like the Oracle predicted).
Morpheus fights against Agent Smith, getting his ass kicked. He's captured, but not killed; after all, the Agents need to find out the location of Zion (the human city, from 46:30 - 48:00).
Cypher gets out of the Matrix, and starts killing people on the Nebuchadnezzar. He kills Dozer (the pilot) and Tank (the operator), meaning there's no way for the rest of The Crew to get out of the Matrix (i.e, they're trapped inside with the Agents).
Trinity talks to Cypher on the phone, realizing he's a bad guy. He starts unplugging members of The Crew, killing them one by one. He kills Apoc (soldier #1) and Switch (soldier #2). He's about to unplug Neo, but he's stopped when...
…Tank (the operator) stands back up - he's not dead! - and kills Cypher. He pulls Trinity and Neo out of the Matrix and they all hug.
Neo, Morpheus, Trinity, and The Crew return to an abandoned building, where they plan to call Tank (the operator) and have him extract them from the Matrix. But Cypher (the rebel) is up to something...
Suddenly, the building is swarmed by cops and Agents. They kill Mouse (the program writer), and the rest of The Crew hides inside the walls of the building. An action scene ensues as the cops start shooting through the walls, forcing The Crew to run for their lives. Morpheus stays back, sacrificing himself to save Neo (just like the Oracle predicted).
Morpheus fights against Agent Smith, getting his ass kicked. He's captured, but not killed; after all, the Agents need to find out the location of Zion (the human city, from 46:30 - 48:00).
Cypher gets out of the Matrix, and starts killing people on the Nebuchadnezzar. He kills Dozer (the pilot) and Tank (the operator), meaning there's no way for the rest of The Crew to get out of the Matrix (i.e, they're trapped inside with the Agents).
Trinity talks to Cypher on the phone, realizing he's a bad guy. He starts unplugging members of The Crew, killing them one by one. He kills Apoc (soldier #1) and Switch (soldier #2). He's about to unplug Neo, but he's stopped when...
…Tank (the operator) stands back up - he's not dead! - and kills Cypher. He pulls Trinity and Neo out of the Matrix and they all hug.
91:15 - 99:15 (8.00 pages) [+]
The following scenes in THE MATRIX and THE NEBUCHADNEZZARrun simultaneously, which is why they're grouped together.
INT. SKYSCRAPER (INSIDE THE MATRIX)
Morpheus is tied to a chair at the top of a tall building. Agent Smith gets ready to torture him, delivering a monologue about how inferior the humans are to the machines. Meanwhile…
INT. NEBUCHADNEZZAR (OUTSIDE THE MATRIX)
Tank, Neo and Trinity talk about what they need to do:
Meanwhile...
INT. SKYSCRAPER (INSIDE THE MATRIX)
The Agents talk about what they need to do:
Meanwhile...
INT. NEBUCHADNEZZAR (OUTSIDE THE MATRIX)
Tank (the operator), Neo and Trinity get ready to unplug Morpheus. But at the last second, Neo stops them. He decides to go into the Matrix and save Morpheus himself. Tank and Trinity think he's crazy, but they decide to go along with it anyway because apparently they have no capacity for logic.
Meanwhile...
INT. SKYSCRAPER (INSIDE THE MATRIX)
Agent Smith continues to torture Morpheus while talking about how stupid the humans are. Meanwhile…
INT. NEBUCHADNEZZAR (OUTSIDE THE MATRIX)
Neo and Trinity go into the Construct (aka, the "blank white space" from 39:30 - 44:00), where Tank (the operator) loads up a bunch of weapons for them.
PLOT POINT #2 INT. SKYSCRAPER (INSIDE THE MATRIX)
Morpheus is tied to a chair at the top of a tall building. Agent Smith gets ready to torture him, delivering a monologue about how inferior the humans are to the machines. Meanwhile…
INT. NEBUCHADNEZZAR (OUTSIDE THE MATRIX)
Tank, Neo and Trinity talk about what they need to do:
Meanwhile...
INT. SKYSCRAPER (INSIDE THE MATRIX)
The Agents talk about what they need to do:
Meanwhile...
INT. NEBUCHADNEZZAR (OUTSIDE THE MATRIX)
Tank (the operator), Neo and Trinity get ready to unplug Morpheus. But at the last second, Neo stops them. He decides to go into the Matrix and save Morpheus himself. Tank and Trinity think he's crazy, but they decide to go along with it anyway because apparently they have no capacity for logic.
Meanwhile...
INT. SKYSCRAPER (INSIDE THE MATRIX)
Agent Smith continues to torture Morpheus while talking about how stupid the humans are. Meanwhile…
INT. NEBUCHADNEZZAR (OUTSIDE THE MATRIX)
Neo and Trinity go into the Construct (aka, the "blank white space" from 39:30 - 44:00), where Tank (the operator) loads up a bunch of weapons for them.
ACT III
99:15 - 113:00 (13.75 pages) [+]
INT. / EXT. SKYSCRAPER - DAY
Agent Smith continues to torture Morpheus. He gets impatient and starts squeezing the hell out of Morpheus' head.
Downstairs, Neo and Trinity enter the lobby of the building and get into a GIANT SHOOTOUT with the guards. A huge, famous action scene ensues where they kill dozens of bad guys in slow motion. They get into the elevator and set up a bomb, then shoot up the elevator shaft to the roof while the entire first floor of the building blows up.
Back with Morpheus, the agents realize what Neo and Trinity are up to:
On the roof of the building, Neo and Trinity kill more guards. An Agent shows up and starts shooting at Neo, but Neo dodges the bullets (the famous shot where bullets fly by him in slow motion). Trinity kills the agent and hops in a helicopter with Neo.
Neo and Trinity fly the helicopter to Morpheus' floor of the building, and start shooting at his captors with a gatling gun. Morpheus gets out of his chair and runs toward the window, jumping out of the building to Neo, who catches him in mid-air. Trinity flies to an adjacent building while Neo and Morpheus hang on for dear life. The agents shoot the helicopter and it crashes, but Neo saves Trinity at the last second like a boss.
The Agents watch Neo, Trinity and Morpheus as they scamper off:
Agent Smith continues to torture Morpheus. He gets impatient and starts squeezing the hell out of Morpheus' head.
Downstairs, Neo and Trinity enter the lobby of the building and get into a GIANT SHOOTOUT with the guards. A huge, famous action scene ensues where they kill dozens of bad guys in slow motion. They get into the elevator and set up a bomb, then shoot up the elevator shaft to the roof while the entire first floor of the building blows up.
Back with Morpheus, the agents realize what Neo and Trinity are up to:
On the roof of the building, Neo and Trinity kill more guards. An Agent shows up and starts shooting at Neo, but Neo dodges the bullets (the famous shot where bullets fly by him in slow motion). Trinity kills the agent and hops in a helicopter with Neo.
Neo and Trinity fly the helicopter to Morpheus' floor of the building, and start shooting at his captors with a gatling gun. Morpheus gets out of his chair and runs toward the window, jumping out of the building to Neo, who catches him in mid-air. Trinity flies to an adjacent building while Neo and Morpheus hang on for dear life. The agents shoot the helicopter and it crashes, but Neo saves Trinity at the last second like a boss.
The Agents watch Neo, Trinity and Morpheus as they scamper off:
113:00 - 128:00 (15.0 pages) [+]
The following scenes in THE MATRIX and THE NEBUCHADNEZZAR run simultaneously, which is why they're grouped together.
INT. TRAIN STATION (INSIDE THE MATRIX)
Neo, Morpheus, and Trinity arrive at the train station, where they find a phone booth and prepare to exit the Matrix. Morpheus and Trinity get out, but Agent Smith shows up and destroys the phone just as she escapes.
But instead of running away, Neo turns around and faces Agent Smith head-on. They engage in a crazy, gravity-defying martial arts fight, and Neo pushes Agent Smith into the train tracks, killing him. Meanwhile…
INT. NEBUCHADNEZZAR (OUTSIDE THE MATRIX)
The emergency lights start blinking; the Sentinels have found the Nebuchadnezzar! Tank gets the "E.M.P." ready, which will kill every machine in and around the ship (including the computer Neo's attached to, meaning Neo will die if he's still hooked up to it).
Meanwhile…
EXT. CITY (INSIDE THE MATRIX)
Neo runs for his life as Agents start popping up everywhere, chasing him. He runs into an apartment building, dodging bullets, then jumps three stories to the city street below. Meanwhile…
INT. NEBUCHADNEZZAR (OUTSIDE THE MATRIX)
The Sentinels find the Nebuchadnezzar and start eating their way through its walls. Morpheus gets the E.M.P. ready, praying he won't have to use it. Meanwhile…
EXT. CITY (INSIDE THE MATRIX)
Neo scurries into an abandoned building, where a phone (aka, a ticket out of the Matrix) awaits him. Meanwhile…
INT. NEBUCHADNEZZAR (OUTSIDE THE MATRIX)
The Sentinels break through the ship's walls and get inside. Trinity glances down at Neo:
INT. ABANDONED BUILDING (INSIDE THE MATRIX)
Neo almost makes it to the phone, but comes face-to-face with Agent Smith, who shoots him fifty times in the chest. Neo collapses, dying. Meanwhile…
INT. NEBUCHADNEZZAR (OUTSIDE THE MATRIX)
The Sentinels start breaking into the control room. Neo's lifeline goes flat, but Trinity brings him back to life by kissing him. Meanwhile…
INT. ABANDONED BUILDING (INSIDE THE MATRIX)
Neo stands back up and the Agents shoot at him. But this time, he stops the bullets with his mind. He looks around, finally seeing the Matrix as a sequence of numbers (meaning he really is "The One"). Agent Smith tries to fight him, but it's no use; Neo swan-dives INTO Agent Smith's body, causing him to explode from within. Meanwhile…
INT. NEBUCHADNEZZAR (OUTSIDE THE MATRIX)
All hell is breaking loose in the Nebuchadnezzar, where the Sentinels are inches away from getting into the control room. Trinity screams for Neo to wake up. Meanwhile…
INT. ABANDONED BUILDING (INSIDE THE MATRIX)
Neo runs to the phone and picks it up, propelling him back into the real world…
INT. NEBUCHADNEZZAR (OUTSIDE THE MATRIX)
Inside the Nebuchadnezzar, Morpheus turns on the E.M.P, destroying every machine in sight. Trinity sits over Neo, who by some miracle…is actually awake! They kiss, and we fade to black.
⇡ CLIMAX INT. TRAIN STATION (INSIDE THE MATRIX)
Neo, Morpheus, and Trinity arrive at the train station, where they find a phone booth and prepare to exit the Matrix. Morpheus and Trinity get out, but Agent Smith shows up and destroys the phone just as she escapes.
But instead of running away, Neo turns around and faces Agent Smith head-on. They engage in a crazy, gravity-defying martial arts fight, and Neo pushes Agent Smith into the train tracks, killing him. Meanwhile…
INT. NEBUCHADNEZZAR (OUTSIDE THE MATRIX)
The emergency lights start blinking; the Sentinels have found the Nebuchadnezzar! Tank gets the "E.M.P." ready, which will kill every machine in and around the ship (including the computer Neo's attached to, meaning Neo will die if he's still hooked up to it).
Meanwhile…
EXT. CITY (INSIDE THE MATRIX)
Neo runs for his life as Agents start popping up everywhere, chasing him. He runs into an apartment building, dodging bullets, then jumps three stories to the city street below. Meanwhile…
INT. NEBUCHADNEZZAR (OUTSIDE THE MATRIX)
The Sentinels find the Nebuchadnezzar and start eating their way through its walls. Morpheus gets the E.M.P. ready, praying he won't have to use it. Meanwhile…
EXT. CITY (INSIDE THE MATRIX)
Neo scurries into an abandoned building, where a phone (aka, a ticket out of the Matrix) awaits him. Meanwhile…
INT. NEBUCHADNEZZAR (OUTSIDE THE MATRIX)
The Sentinels break through the ship's walls and get inside. Trinity glances down at Neo:
INT. ABANDONED BUILDING (INSIDE THE MATRIX)
Neo almost makes it to the phone, but comes face-to-face with Agent Smith, who shoots him fifty times in the chest. Neo collapses, dying. Meanwhile…
INT. NEBUCHADNEZZAR (OUTSIDE THE MATRIX)
The Sentinels start breaking into the control room. Neo's lifeline goes flat, but Trinity brings him back to life by kissing him. Meanwhile…
INT. ABANDONED BUILDING (INSIDE THE MATRIX)
Neo stands back up and the Agents shoot at him. But this time, he stops the bullets with his mind. He looks around, finally seeing the Matrix as a sequence of numbers (meaning he really is "The One"). Agent Smith tries to fight him, but it's no use; Neo swan-dives INTO Agent Smith's body, causing him to explode from within. Meanwhile…
INT. NEBUCHADNEZZAR (OUTSIDE THE MATRIX)
All hell is breaking loose in the Nebuchadnezzar, where the Sentinels are inches away from getting into the control room. Trinity screams for Neo to wake up. Meanwhile…
INT. ABANDONED BUILDING (INSIDE THE MATRIX)
Neo runs to the phone and picks it up, propelling him back into the real world…
INT. NEBUCHADNEZZAR (OUTSIDE THE MATRIX)
Inside the Nebuchadnezzar, Morpheus turns on the E.M.P, destroying every machine in sight. Trinity sits over Neo, who by some miracle…is actually awake! They kiss, and we fade to black.
128:00 - 129:30 (1.50 pages) [+]
OVER BLACK / EXT. CITY - DAY
Neo's voice talks on the phone while a series of commands is typed into a computer.
Neo issues a threat to the machines, telling them he's going to save the humans and take back the planet Earth. We zoom in on the computer screen, cross-fading to…
Neo in a phone booth, hanging up. He walks outside, looks around…
…and then flies away.
RESOLUTION Neo's voice talks on the phone while a series of commands is typed into a computer.
Translation: The call is being traced.
Neo issues a threat to the machines, telling them he's going to save the humans and take back the planet Earth. We zoom in on the computer screen, cross-fading to…
Neo in a phone booth, hanging up. He walks outside, looks around…
…and then flies away.
Analysis
As I said before, The Matrix is a great movie to look at if you're just starting to learn three-act structure, because each of its plot points is more or less exactly where it should be. Of course, that doesn't mean it's a conventional film; I could talk all day about how it's actually lightyears ahead of ninety percent of other classically structured scripts. But alas, that would be a conversation for a different post (or perhaps a different blog), so as for this breakdown, we're going to stick with what we came here to learn: Three-act structure. Let's take a look at where the plot points in The Matrix show up, and briefly talk about why they are where they are:
Flash-Bang Open [+]
WHERE IT HAPPENS: 01:30 - 06:30
In true three-act form, The Matrix starts off with (what else?) an action scene. A bunch of cops trap Trinity inside a building, and she kills them with magic super-karate. Agent Smith (our villain) shows up and chases after Trinity, but she escapes from the Matrix at the last second just before he crashes a truck into her.
In true three-act form, The Matrix starts off with (what else?) an action scene. A bunch of cops trap Trinity inside a building, and she kills them with magic super-karate. Agent Smith (our villain) shows up and chases after Trinity, but she escapes from the Matrix at the last second just before he crashes a truck into her.
Opening Exposition [+]
WHERE IT HAPPENS: 00:00 - 06:30
Okay, I know this section is short. But that's only because the Inciting Incident happens early on (take a look at the next section for more about that). Remember: The whole purpose of the Opening Exposition is to introduce the characters and their relationships to each other. Looking at The Matrix, that's exactly what this section does; In two scenes (the "over black" scene at the beginning, and the Flash-Bang Open), we're given the following information:
(NOTE: I know this blog is about structure, but I can't help pointing out that the introduction to Neo in this movie is really well done. Basically, his character has two important qualities when we first meet him:
Okay, I know this section is short. But that's only because the Inciting Incident happens early on (take a look at the next section for more about that). Remember: The whole purpose of the Opening Exposition is to introduce the characters and their relationships to each other. Looking at The Matrix, that's exactly what this section does; In two scenes (the "over black" scene at the beginning, and the Flash-Bang Open), we're given the following information:
• Introduction to Trinity (she's looking for "The One," she's a badass).What's beautiful about this Opening is that there are so many other characters in the film, yet none of them are introduced until Plot Point #1 (aka, the very end of the First Act!). Talk about keeping things simple; the film introduces us to Trinity, tells us she's looking for "The One," shows us who the villain is, and then shows us our good guy, Neo. After that, it's Inciting Incident time and we're off to see the Wizard.
• Introduction to Agent Smith (he's trying to catch Trinity and her crew).
• Introduction to Neo (he's a computer hacker, he has no life purpose).
(NOTE: I know this blog is about structure, but I can't help pointing out that the introduction to Neo in this movie is really well done. Basically, his character has two important qualities when we first meet him:
1. He has no life purpose.So how do we introduce him in the most concise / effective way possible? Easy…just show him doing the two exact things that define his character:
2. He's a professional computer hacker.
1. He's sleeping…
2. …at his computer.)
Inciting Incident [+]
WHERE IT HAPPENS: 06:30 - 09:45
The Inciting Incident happens when Trinity contacts Neo for the first time.
This specific event sets the story in motion, because it's Neo's first step in a series of events that will end with his being pulled out of the Matrix (the official end of Act I). Now that Trinity has contacted him, the story will pick up speed for the next twenty pages (the Agents will capture Neo and "bug" him for surveillance // Trinity will "de-bug" him and bring him to meet Morpheus // he'll take the pill and get sucked into the real world).
The Inciting Incident happens when Trinity contacts Neo for the first time.
This specific event sets the story in motion, because it's Neo's first step in a series of events that will end with his being pulled out of the Matrix (the official end of Act I). Now that Trinity has contacted him, the story will pick up speed for the next twenty pages (the Agents will capture Neo and "bug" him for surveillance // Trinity will "de-bug" him and bring him to meet Morpheus // he'll take the pill and get sucked into the real world).
Prepare For Adventure [+]
WHERE IT HAPPENS: 09:45 - 32:30
Someone asked me last week about a section of the First Act that I had been neglecting in my posts: The middle part, i.e. that 15 to 20-minute section between the Inciting Incident and the first Plot Point. And looking back, that friend was totally right; it's one thing to know where your story should kick into gear (the Inciting Incident) and another to know when to shift the story into a new gear (the start of Act II), but what happens during the time in between? Why, acceleration, of course! Which is why this week, we're going to take a look at a new part of the ever-evolving ClassAct breakdown: The PREPARE FOR ADVENTURE section (also known as the build-up to Plot Point #1).
And what better story to look at for the Prepare For Adventure section than The Matrix? Just like in the Opening Exposition, this movie keeps it simple and sweet: The Inciting Incident happens (Trinity contacts Neo), and because of that one thing, a series of events leads Neo toward his decision to take the Red Pill (Plot Point #1). Simply stated, there are FIVE BEATS that result from Trinity's "white rabbit" message to Neo:
Someone asked me last week about a section of the First Act that I had been neglecting in my posts: The middle part, i.e. that 15 to 20-minute section between the Inciting Incident and the first Plot Point. And looking back, that friend was totally right; it's one thing to know where your story should kick into gear (the Inciting Incident) and another to know when to shift the story into a new gear (the start of Act II), but what happens during the time in between? Why, acceleration, of course! Which is why this week, we're going to take a look at a new part of the ever-evolving ClassAct breakdown: The PREPARE FOR ADVENTURE section (also known as the build-up to Plot Point #1).
And what better story to look at for the Prepare For Adventure section than The Matrix? Just like in the Opening Exposition, this movie keeps it simple and sweet: The Inciting Incident happens (Trinity contacts Neo), and because of that one thing, a series of events leads Neo toward his decision to take the Red Pill (Plot Point #1). Simply stated, there are FIVE BEATS that result from Trinity's "white rabbit" message to Neo:
• Neo goes to the dance club, where Trinity talks to him in person.
• The Agents find out Trinity talked to Neo, so they put a "bug" on Neo to track his movements.
• Trinity takes the "bug" out of Neo.
• Trinity brings Neo to meet Morpheus.
• Morpheus gives Neo the Red Pill (Plot Point #1)
Plot Point #1 [+]
WHERE IT HAPPENS: 25:00 - 32:30
Plot Point #1 happens when Neo takes the Red Pill and gets unplugged from the Matrix.
This one's obvious, but that's why The Matrix is such a good film to break down. The definition of Plot Point #1 is the moment at the end of Act I where the last ingredient for adventure is finally set, and the main character can officially set off on his journey. When Neo takes the Red Pill, that's exactly what happens; he "sets off" on a journey, and with this, Act I comes to a definitive end.
Plot Point #1 happens when Neo takes the Red Pill and gets unplugged from the Matrix.
This one's obvious, but that's why The Matrix is such a good film to break down. The definition of Plot Point #1 is the moment at the end of Act I where the last ingredient for adventure is finally set, and the main character can officially set off on his journey. When Neo takes the Red Pill, that's exactly what happens; he "sets off" on a journey, and with this, Act I comes to a definitive end.
Fun and Games [+]
WHERE IT HAPPENS: 32:30 - 67:00
The Fun and Games in The Matrix can be looked at as three clear-cut segments:
The Fun and Games in The Matrix can be looked at as three clear-cut segments:
14 pages: Neo LEARNS [+]So what we really get is an easy-to-follow progression: 15 pages of learning, 15 pages of training, and two quick scenes that set up bad shit for later.• Neo wakes up in the real world.
• Neo gets brought onto the Nebuchadnezzar.
• Neo meets The Crew.
• Neo learns what the Matrix is.
16 pages: Neo TRAINS [+]• Neo fights Morpheus in the dojo. (Training Exercise #1)
• Neo attempts the "roof-jump." (Training Exercise #2)
• Neo learns about the Agents. (Training Exercise #3).
4 pages: BAD THINGS are set up for later in the film [+]• Cypher (the rebel) meets with Agent Smith.
• We learn what the Sentinels are.
Midpoint Reversal [+]
WHERE IT HAPPENS: 65:15 - 67:00
The Midpoint Reversal happens when Morpheus announces he will take Neo to see the Oracle.
With this, Neo's "education" is officially over, and things will start going wrong for everybody until the Climax (which will happen roughly 30 pages later). The reason why this film's midpoint is easier to recognize than most is because Morpheus pretty much says it out loud; he walks right into the room while everybody is eating and announces: "No more training for our protagonist. He is officially ready to enter the Matrix with me."
The Midpoint Reversal happens when Morpheus announces he will take Neo to see the Oracle.
With this, Neo's "education" is officially over, and things will start going wrong for everybody until the Climax (which will happen roughly 30 pages later). The reason why this film's midpoint is easier to recognize than most is because Morpheus pretty much says it out loud; he walks right into the room while everybody is eating and announces: "No more training for our protagonist. He is officially ready to enter the Matrix with me."
Roll Downhill [+]
WHERE IT HAPPENS: 67:00 - 91:15
The Matrix gives us a pitch-perfect illustration of the Roll Downhill: In a nutshell, the bad guys (i.e. the machines) start winning. This is presented to us in a very simple order:
The Matrix gives us a pitch-perfect illustration of the Roll Downhill: In a nutshell, the bad guys (i.e. the machines) start winning. This is presented to us in a very simple order:
• The Oracle tells Neo he's NOT "The One."
• Cypher and the Agents kill several members of The Crew.
• Morpheus gets kidnapped.
• Trinity, Neo, and Tank (the operator) get ready to kill Morpheus (the LOW POINT of the script).
Plot Point #2 [+]
WHERE IT HAPPENS: 91:15 - 99:15
Plot Point #2 happens when Neo and Trinity decide to enter the Matrix and save Morpheus.
If you read any screenwriting book ever written, it won't take long for Plot Point #2 (aka the end of the Second Act) to become etched into your brain: Typically, this point calls for a decision; in other words, just when it seems like all hope for the protagonist is lost (the Low Point), he will decide to stand up and fight for what's right, which is exactly what Neo does here. Just before he's about to kill Morpheus, he decides that instead of letting the bad guys win, he's going to risk his life and save Morpheus once and for all.
Plot Point #2 happens when Neo and Trinity decide to enter the Matrix and save Morpheus.
If you read any screenwriting book ever written, it won't take long for Plot Point #2 (aka the end of the Second Act) to become etched into your brain: Typically, this point calls for a decision; in other words, just when it seems like all hope for the protagonist is lost (the Low Point), he will decide to stand up and fight for what's right, which is exactly what Neo does here. Just before he's about to kill Morpheus, he decides that instead of letting the bad guys win, he's going to risk his life and save Morpheus once and for all.
Climax [+]
WHERE IT HAPPENS: 99:15 - 128:00
The Climax of The Matrix lasts two scenes, and is packed with almost thirty straight minutes of hardcore violence (that's how you make a movie, folks). But what actually happens in this section is really quite simple: Neo and Trinity save Morpheus, Neo battles against Agent Smith, and the three good guys escape from the Matrix. But what the Wachowskis do so well in this portion of the story is CREATE A TICKING TIME CLOCK . In the Fun and Games, they deliberately introduce the Sentinels, which are brought back during this final battle to create an awesome sense of time running out. And like last week's post, this action scene is split between two different sets of characters, which allows the story to jump back and forth between both and really crank up the tension.
The Climax of The Matrix lasts two scenes, and is packed with almost thirty straight minutes of hardcore violence (that's how you make a movie, folks). But what actually happens in this section is really quite simple: Neo and Trinity save Morpheus, Neo battles against Agent Smith, and the three good guys escape from the Matrix. But what the Wachowskis do so well in this portion of the story is CREATE A TICKING TIME CLOCK . In the Fun and Games, they deliberately introduce the Sentinels, which are brought back during this final battle to create an awesome sense of time running out. And like last week's post, this action scene is split between two different sets of characters, which allows the story to jump back and forth between both and really crank up the tension.
Resolution [+]
WHERE IT HAPPENS: 128:00 - 129:30
As in the last three posts, our Resolution consists of one single, easy-to-digest scene. Neo issues a threat to the machines, hangs up the phone, and flies off into the clouds. End of movie.
As in the last three posts, our Resolution consists of one single, easy-to-digest scene. Neo issues a threat to the machines, hangs up the phone, and flies off into the clouds. End of movie.
Fantastic analysis, very accurate, I agree with it.
ReplyDeleteGood job guys!
Thank you for opening the eyes of some "blind" people.
ReplyDeleteBrilliant!!!
ReplyDelete