Action/Adventure
Written By
Stephen Sommers
Logline
On an dig in the ancient city of Hamunaptra, a smart-mouthed American faces the fight of his life when his expedition crew accidentally awakens a 3,000-year-old mummy.
Why break it down?
I'll be honest…when it comes to movies, summer is my season. Hate all you want, but the numbers don't lie; people (not always smart ones, but certainly ones who buy tickets) love action, and I'm not ashamed to be one of them. That being said, I've been let down by as many blockbusters as I've liked, meaning they - like everything else - can be tricky to get right. A good blockbuster has to do a number of things to be deemed good, one of the most important being CREATING ACTION THAT'S PURPOSEFUL (I.E, ACTION THAT DOESN'T JUST HAPPEN TO CHARACTERS, BUT COMES AS A RESULT OF WHAT THEY DO). So what kinds of scripts can we study to better understand the anatomy of a good blockbuster? Enter one of my childhood faves, 'The Mummy.'
'THE MUMMY' IS AN EXAMPLE OF A CLASSIC THREE-ACT ACTION/ADVENTURE SCRIPT, which can help us understand where specific beats need to be in order to keep our stories driving forward. IT CAN ALSO TEACH US HOW TO WRITE PURPOSEFUL ACTION, so that we can avoid that dreaded "It was fun, but it was missing something…" feeling.
So read up, keep an eye out for the beats (a new one happens every fifteen pages!), 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 - 07:00 (7.00 pages) [+]
NARRATED FLASHBACK
Way back in time. MAIN-MAN MAJI (leader of the MAJI, a mystical group of Egyptians) tells the story of IMHOTEP, who was in love with a girl named ANCK SU NAMUN. She was the Pharao's girlfriend, and nobody was allowed to touch her.
But Imhotep and Anck Su Namun were having an affair. The Pharaoh found out, and Imhotep was thrown in jail. Anck Su Namun killed herself.
Imhotep and his gang of priests stole Anck Su Namun's body and brought it to Hamunaptra - the city of the dead, and resting place of the greatest treasure ever. He stole The Book of the Dead, and used it to start resurrecting her.
Anck Su Namun came back to life, but Pharao's bodyguards broke in and stopped the ritual before it could be completed. Imhotep's priests were tortured and turned into mummies. Imhotep was eaten alive by tiny bugs called scarabs and buried forever in Hamunaptra.
Way back in time. MAIN-MAN MAJI (leader of the MAJI, a mystical group of Egyptians) tells the story of IMHOTEP, who was in love with a girl named ANCK SU NAMUN. She was the Pharao's girlfriend, and nobody was allowed to touch her.
But Imhotep and Anck Su Namun were having an affair. The Pharaoh found out, and Imhotep was thrown in jail. Anck Su Namun killed herself.
Imhotep and his gang of priests stole Anck Su Namun's body and brought it to Hamunaptra - the city of the dead, and resting place of the greatest treasure ever. He stole The Book of the Dead, and used it to start resurrecting her.
Anck Su Namun came back to life, but Pharao's bodyguards broke in and stopped the ritual before it could be completed. Imhotep's priests were tortured and turned into mummies. Imhotep was eaten alive by tiny bugs called scarabs and buried forever in Hamunaptra.
07:00 - 12:30 (5.50 pages) [+]
EXT. HAMUNAPTRA - 1923 - DAY
A giant battle. Armies are fighting over possession of Hamunaptra. O'CONNELL leads one of these armies. His second-in-command, PUSSY, gets scared and runs away because he's a pussy.
A huge battle ensues. People riding horses, fighting with swords, guns, everything under the sun. Backed into a corner, O'Connell tries to run, but Pussy closes the door to the temple, locking him out. O'Connell screams to be let in:
But just when they're about to kill him, O'Connell's captors get scared and run away. Right then, Imhotep's giant evil face appears in the sand. O'Connell runs off into the desert, not knowing what he just saw. The MAJI (the group of mystical Egypians) watch him stumble away.
⇡⇣ OPENING EXPOSITION A giant battle. Armies are fighting over possession of Hamunaptra. O'CONNELL leads one of these armies. His second-in-command, PUSSY, gets scared and runs away because he's a pussy.
A huge battle ensues. People riding horses, fighting with swords, guns, everything under the sun. Backed into a corner, O'Connell tries to run, but Pussy closes the door to the temple, locking him out. O'Connell screams to be let in:
12:30 - 17:30 (5.00 pages) [+]
EXT. / INT. CAIRO LIBRARY - 3 YEARS LATER - DAY
EVY, a clumsy librarian, organizes books. By accident, she knocks over a bookcase, causing a domino-effect disaster that leaves the library in shambles. Evy's boss (herein the BOSS MAN) is furious:
Boss Man leaves. Suddenly, Evy hears a noise, leading her to an empty room, where JONATHAN - her brother - jumps out of a coffin and scares her. He shows her a box, which he found on an archaeological dig. Evy opens it up, and inside...is a map. 
EVY, a clumsy librarian, organizes books. By accident, she knocks over a bookcase, causing a domino-effect disaster that leaves the library in shambles. Evy's boss (herein the BOSS MAN) is furious:
17:30 - 19:00 (1.50 pages) [+]
INT. BOSS MAN'S OFFICE - LATER
Evy and Jonathan show Boss-Man the map. Evy knows how to read it, and says it leads to the legendary city of Hamunaptra. She wants to go there for research; Jonathan, however, wants to go there because it's supposed to have buried treasure. Boss-Man accidentally sets the map on fire, burning the Hamunaptra part (and providing a reason for Evy and Jonathan to seek O'Connell's help).
INCITING INCIDENT Evy and Jonathan show Boss-Man the map. Evy knows how to read it, and says it leads to the legendary city of Hamunaptra. She wants to go there for research; Jonathan, however, wants to go there because it's supposed to have buried treasure. Boss-Man accidentally sets the map on fire, burning the Hamunaptra part (and providing a reason for Evy and Jonathan to seek O'Connell's help).
19:00 - 21:30 (2.50 pages) [+]
EXT. MARKET - DAY
Evy and Jonathan walk around the market, looking for someone who can help them. Turns out, Jonathan didn't get the map on an archaeological dig…he stole it from "some guy."
And it also turns out that "guy" is O'Connell, who's now in prison getting ready to be hanged (because he's a bad boy). Evy and Jonathan ask him about Hamunaptra.
Evy and Jonathan walk around the market, looking for someone who can help them. Turns out, Jonathan didn't get the map on an archaeological dig…he stole it from "some guy."
And it also turns out that "guy" is O'Connell, who's now in prison getting ready to be hanged (because he's a bad boy). Evy and Jonathan ask him about Hamunaptra.
21:30 - 23:30 (2.00 pages) [+]
EXT. MARKET - LATER
O'Connell is being executed. He is about to be hanged, but Evy haggles with the JAILER (herein the PUDGY DOUCHEBAG) until he agrees to let O'Connel go. The price: Give him 25% of whatever she finds at Hamunaptra. The executioner cuts O'Connel down. Evy has successfully saved his life.
PLOT POINT #1 O'Connell is being executed. He is about to be hanged, but Evy haggles with the JAILER (herein the PUDGY DOUCHEBAG) until he agrees to let O'Connel go. The price: Give him 25% of whatever she finds at Hamunaptra. The executioner cuts O'Connel down. Evy has successfully saved his life.
23:30 - 24:45 (1.25 pages) [+]
EXT. GIZA PORT, CAIRO - DAY
Evy and Jonathan meet O'Connel at the boat docks. She makes him promise this isn't a scam, and he assures her he's been to Hamunaptra before. Even though they're at odds, they seem attracted to each other. The Pudgy Douchebag shows up, and everyone prepares to set sail.
Evy and Jonathan meet O'Connel at the boat docks. She makes him promise this isn't a scam, and he assures her he's been to Hamunaptra before. Even though they're at odds, they seem attracted to each other. The Pudgy Douchebag shows up, and everyone prepares to set sail.
ACT II
24:45 - 25:00 (0.25 pages) [+]
EXT. OCEAN - NIGHT
A group of BAD GUYS (MAJI, from 07:00 - 12:30) make their way in a rowboat toward Evy / Jonathan / Oconnel's ship.
A group of BAD GUYS (MAJI, from 07:00 - 12:30) make their way in a rowboat toward Evy / Jonathan / Oconnel's ship.
25:00 - 26:00 (1.00 pages) [+]
INT. BOAT, CAFETERIA - NIGHT
Jonathan plays poker with a group of AMERICANS. They are TWEEDLE DEE, TWEEDLE DUM, IDIOT GLASSES, and PROFESSOR DICK-WEED. O'Connell walks in, and they bet him and Jonathan $500 that they'll make it to Hamunaptra first.
Jonathan plays poker with a group of AMERICANS. They are TWEEDLE DEE, TWEEDLE DUM, IDIOT GLASSES, and PROFESSOR DICK-WEED. O'Connell walks in, and they bet him and Jonathan $500 that they'll make it to Hamunaptra first.
26:00 - 29:00 (3.00 pages) [+]
INT. BOAT, DECK - NIGHT
Evy reads a book. O'Connell sits down to join. She talks about the Book of the Dead, which she hopes to find in Hamunaptra. He talks about the evil that exists there, but she doesn't believe in fairy tales. She asks why he kissed her at the market.
O'Connell finds Pussy (07:00 - 12:30) hiding behind some bags. They talk, and he finds out Pussy is leading the Americans (25:00 - 26:00) to Hamunaptra for treasure. O'Connell throws Pussy over the side of the boat.
But suddenly, he notices something: Wet footsteps, leading onto the deck…
Evy reads a book. O'Connell sits down to join. She talks about the Book of the Dead, which she hopes to find in Hamunaptra. He talks about the evil that exists there, but she doesn't believe in fairy tales. She asks why he kissed her at the market.
But suddenly, he notices something: Wet footsteps, leading onto the deck…
29:00 - 33:30 (4.50 pages) [+]
INT. BOAT, EVY'S ROOM / REST OF BOAT - NIGHT
Evy studies history facts (hah!) in her room, but can't stop thinking about O'Connell's kiss at the market.
But when she looks up, a BAD GUY (24:45 - 25:00) is standing there. He demands to know where the map and "the key" are. Suddenly, O'Connell busts in and a huge, crazy battle ensues with tons of bad guys. The ship catches fire, and everybody has to desert it. Jonathan holds onto the little box that held the map (which is actually "the key").
Evy studies history facts (hah!) in her room, but can't stop thinking about O'Connell's kiss at the market.
But when she looks up, a BAD GUY (24:45 - 25:00) is standing there. He demands to know where the map and "the key" are. Suddenly, O'Connell busts in and a huge, crazy battle ensues with tons of bad guys. The ship catches fire, and everybody has to desert it. Jonathan holds onto the little box that held the map (which is actually "the key").
33:00 - 34:30 (1.50 pages) [+]
EXT. DESERT MARKET - DAY
The GANG (O'Connell, Evy, Jonathan, and Pudgy Douchebag) buys camels at a local market. Evy buys new clothes, and O'Connell secretly thinks she looks gorgeous.
The GANG (O'Connell, Evy, Jonathan, and Pudgy Douchebag) buys camels at a local market. Evy buys new clothes, and O'Connell secretly thinks she looks gorgeous.
34:30 - 36:00 (1.50 pages) [+]
EXT. DESERT - DAY
The gang rides their camels through the desert on their way to Hamunaptra. Montage: Different shots of them walking through the desert as the sun sets.
The gang rides their camels through the desert on their way to Hamunaptra. Montage: Different shots of them walking through the desert as the sun sets.
36:00 - 36:30 (0.50 pages) [+]
EXT. DESERT - NIGHT
The gang is still walking with their camels. Up ahead, they see the Maji (07:00 - 12:30) watching them.
⇡⇣ FUN AND GAMES The gang is still walking with their camels. Up ahead, they see the Maji (07:00 - 12:30) watching them.
36:30 - 39:30 (3.00 pages) [+]
EXT. DESERT - MORNING
The gang stops to watch the sunrise. Everyone (the Gang, Pussy, the Americans) is there, and they have a bet: First to the city gets $500. As the sun comes up over the horizon, Hamunaptra is revealed, and every breaks into a full-on race for the city. The Gang (O'Connell, Evy, Jonathan, Pudgy Douchebag) gets there first.
The gang stops to watch the sunrise. Everyone (the Gang, Pussy, the Americans) is there, and they have a bet: First to the city gets $500. As the sun comes up over the horizon, Hamunaptra is revealed, and every breaks into a full-on race for the city. The Gang (O'Connell, Evy, Jonathan, Pudgy Douchebag) gets there first.
39:30 - 41:00 (1.50 pages) [+]
EXT. HAMUNAPTRA - LATER
Everyone gets ready to go inside Hamunaptra. Evy marvels at all the historical artifacts. O'Connell awkwardly gives her a gift: Some digging tools, to use if she needs to brush off anything. She's charmed.
Everyone gets ready to go inside Hamunaptra. Evy marvels at all the historical artifacts. O'Connell awkwardly gives her a gift: Some digging tools, to use if she needs to brush off anything. She's charmed.
41:00 - 43:30 (2.50 pages) [+]
INT. HAMUNAPTRA, ENTRYWAY - LATER
The gang goes down into the temple and starts to explore. They hear a group of bugs run by (the scarabs, from 00:00 - 07:00), and Pudgy Douchebag gets scared.
They come upon an old statue, where they find the Americans. There's a stand-off, where everyone argues over possession of the statue. But Evy reads the hieroglyphics around her, and realizes something…
Calming down O'Connell, she convinces the Gang to put down their weapons and leave.
The gang goes down into the temple and starts to explore. They hear a group of bugs run by (the scarabs, from 00:00 - 07:00), and Pudgy Douchebag gets scared.
They come upon an old statue, where they find the Americans. There's a stand-off, where everyone argues over possession of the statue. But Evy reads the hieroglyphics around her, and realizes something…
Calming down O'Connell, she convinces the Gang to put down their weapons and leave.
43:30 - 48:00 (4.50 pages) [+]
The following scenes in HAMUNAPTRA run simultaneously, which is why they're grouped together.
INT. THE SECRET ROOM
The gang picks away at the ceiling, planning to come up underneath the Americans and steal the statue. Meanwhile…
INT. THE HIDDEN TUNNEL
The Pudgy Douchebag sneaks through a tunnel looking for treasure. But what he finds is the scarabs (00:00 - 07:00), thinking they're pieces of gold. Meanwhile…
INT. THE STATUE ROOM
The Americans try to open up the statue, but it has booby traps on it. A bunch of their hired workers get acid in their faces. Meanwhile…
INT. THE SECRET ROOM
The gang waits for the Americans to fall asleep. They talk about the mummification process. Suddenly, a coffin falls down from the ceiling (Imhotep's coffin, I presume), which was buried at the base of the statue. Meanwhile…
INT. THE HIDDEN TUNNEL
The Pudgy Douchebag keeps picking at the scarabs, which come alive and start to eat him. Meanwhile…
INT. THE SECRET ROOM
The Gang sees that the coffin has a lock on it. They use "the key" (aka the map box) to open it up, but are interrupted when the Pudgy Douchebag comes running in, going crazy. He hits a wall and dies on the spot.
INT. THE SECRET ROOM
The gang picks away at the ceiling, planning to come up underneath the Americans and steal the statue. Meanwhile…
INT. THE HIDDEN TUNNEL
The Pudgy Douchebag sneaks through a tunnel looking for treasure. But what he finds is the scarabs (00:00 - 07:00), thinking they're pieces of gold. Meanwhile…
INT. THE STATUE ROOM
The Americans try to open up the statue, but it has booby traps on it. A bunch of their hired workers get acid in their faces. Meanwhile…
INT. THE SECRET ROOM
The gang waits for the Americans to fall asleep. They talk about the mummification process. Suddenly, a coffin falls down from the ceiling (Imhotep's coffin, I presume), which was buried at the base of the statue. Meanwhile…
INT. THE HIDDEN TUNNEL
The Pudgy Douchebag keeps picking at the scarabs, which come alive and start to eat him. Meanwhile…
INT. THE SECRET ROOM
The Gang sees that the coffin has a lock on it. They use "the key" (aka the map box) to open it up, but are interrupted when the Pudgy Douchebag comes running in, going crazy. He hits a wall and dies on the spot.
48:00 - 53:30 (5.50 pages) [+]
EXT. HAMUNAPTRA - NIGHT
The Gang sits around a fire talking about what happened earlier. Suddenly, tons of MAJI (07:00 - 12:30) show up, shooting at everything and trying to kill everyone. Then, they stop, sending out a warning: You must leave, immediately. The Americans think the Maji are trying to protect the treasure. But O'Connell knows they're trying to protect something else…
Later, the gang sits around the fire. Evy is drunk, and she tells O'Connell about why she loves Egypt. She leans in to kiss O'Connell, but falls asleep before she does.
The Gang sits around a fire talking about what happened earlier. Suddenly, tons of MAJI (07:00 - 12:30) show up, shooting at everything and trying to kill everyone. Then, they stop, sending out a warning: You must leave, immediately. The Americans think the Maji are trying to protect the treasure. But O'Connell knows they're trying to protect something else…
Later, the gang sits around the fire. Evy is drunk, and she tells O'Connell about why she loves Egypt. She leans in to kiss O'Connell, but falls asleep before she does.
53:30 - 57:30 (4.00 pages) [+]
The following scenes in HAMUNAPTRA run simultaneously, which is why they're grouped together.
INT. THE STATUE ROOM
The Americans find a chest, which has a curse on it. Professor Dick-Weed reads the curse:
Pussy runs away, terrified. The Americans aren't scared, though, and they open the chest anyway. Meanwhile…
INT. THE SECRET ROOM
The Gang opens up Imhotep's coffin. Inside is a skeleton, which looks like it hasn't even decomposed yet (after 3,000 years!). Inside, they find scratch marks, meaning this guy was buried alive. Meanwhile…
INT. THE STATUE ROOM
The Americans open up the chest and find the Book Of The Dead (00:00 - 07:00). Professor Dick-Weed is amazed, but all the Americans care about is the treasure.
INT. THE STATUE ROOM
The Americans find a chest, which has a curse on it. Professor Dick-Weed reads the curse:
INT. THE SECRET ROOM
The Gang opens up Imhotep's coffin. Inside is a skeleton, which looks like it hasn't even decomposed yet (after 3,000 years!). Inside, they find scratch marks, meaning this guy was buried alive. Meanwhile…
INT. THE STATUE ROOM
The Americans open up the chest and find the Book Of The Dead (00:00 - 07:00). Professor Dick-Weed is amazed, but all the Americans care about is the treasure.
57:30 - 59:00 (1.50 pages) [+]
EXT. HAMUNAPTRA - NIGHT
Everyone's back around their respective camp fires. Evy sees Professor Dick-Weed trying to open up The Book of the Dead, knowing she has the key to open it up (the box that the map was formerly in).
Evy sits down with the Gang (now just O'Connell and Jonathan, because Pudgy Douchebag is dead) to explain the history behind the mummy they found (i.e. the kind of torture he went through).
Everyone's back around their respective camp fires. Evy sees Professor Dick-Weed trying to open up The Book of the Dead, knowing she has the key to open it up (the box that the map was formerly in).
Evy sits down with the Gang (now just O'Connell and Jonathan, because Pudgy Douchebag is dead) to explain the history behind the mummy they found (i.e. the kind of torture he went through).
59:00 - 66:30 (7.50 pages) [+]
EXT. / INT. HAMUNAPTRA - LATER THAT NIGHT
Evy steals the Book of the Dead from Professor Dick-Weed. Opening it up, she reads a passage out loud…and inside the temple, IMHOTEP (THE MUMMY) COMES TO LIFE!
Suddenly, a massive swarm of locusts appears, forcing everyone inside the temple.
Idiot Glasses (one of the Americans) loses his spectacles in the chaos, and ends up alone inside a dark hallway. Imhotep shows up, and plucks the guy's eyeballs out.
Meanwhile, the Gang runs into a swarm of scarabs, which force them to run deep into the temple. Evy accidentally slips into a secret room, where she runs into Idiot Glasses…who now doesn't have any eyes. Suddenly, Imhotep shows up (he's still a mummy at this point), but doesn't kill her, because he thinks she's Anck Su Namun (his girlfriend, 00:00 - 07:00). He's interrupted by O'Connell, who shoots him and runs off with Evy.
The Gang (O'Connell, Evy, Jonathan) and everyone else runs outside, where they find the Maji. The MAIN-MAN MAJI (who was narrating in 00:00 - 07:00) tells them they've awakened Imhotep, and now the whole world is in danger…
MIDPOINT REVERSAL Evy steals the Book of the Dead from Professor Dick-Weed. Opening it up, she reads a passage out loud…and inside the temple, IMHOTEP (THE MUMMY) COMES TO LIFE!
Suddenly, a massive swarm of locusts appears, forcing everyone inside the temple.
Idiot Glasses (one of the Americans) loses his spectacles in the chaos, and ends up alone inside a dark hallway. Imhotep shows up, and plucks the guy's eyeballs out.
Meanwhile, the Gang runs into a swarm of scarabs, which force them to run deep into the temple. Evy accidentally slips into a secret room, where she runs into Idiot Glasses…who now doesn't have any eyes. Suddenly, Imhotep shows up (he's still a mummy at this point), but doesn't kill her, because he thinks she's Anck Su Namun (his girlfriend, 00:00 - 07:00). He's interrupted by O'Connell, who shoots him and runs off with Evy.
The Gang (O'Connell, Evy, Jonathan) and everyone else runs outside, where they find the Maji. The MAIN-MAN MAJI (who was narrating in 00:00 - 07:00) tells them they've awakened Imhotep, and now the whole world is in danger…
66:30 - 68:15 (1.75 pages) [+]
INT. HAMUNAPTRA, HALLWAY - NIGHT
Pussy walks around, terrified. He runs into Imhotep, who doesn't kill him, but makes him his servant instead.
Pussy walks around, terrified. He runs into Imhotep, who doesn't kill him, but makes him his servant instead.
68:15 - 68:30 (0.25 pages) [+]
EXT. HAMUNAPTRA - NIGHT
Everyone gets on their camels and starts running away. But as they go off into the distance, a zombie hand pops out of the ground…
Everyone gets on their camels and starts running away. But as they go off into the distance, a zombie hand pops out of the ground…
Midpoint
68:30 - 70:00 (1.50 pages) [+]
INT. HOTEL ROOM, CAIRO - DAY
O'Connell frantically packs Evy's stuff, but she unpacks it.
Frustrated, O'Connell leaves, telling her to save the world on her own.
O'Connell frantically packs Evy's stuff, but she unpacks it.
70:00 - 72:30 (2.50 pages) [+]
The following scenes in CAIRO run simultaneously, which is why they're grouped together.
INT. HOTEL BAR
O'Connell, Jonathan, and the Americans have a drink at the hotel bar. They run into CRAZY WINSTON, an ex-pilot who's clearly a raging alcoholic. Their boat doesn't leave until morning, so they'll have to wait it out here in Fort Brydon until then. Meanwhile…
INT. HOTEL LOUNGE
Pussy has set up a meeting between Idiot Glasses (the American with no eyes) and Imhotep. Imhotep took the dude's eyes, but needs more. He kills the shit out of Idiot Glasses right there on the spot. Meanwhile…
INT. HOTEL BAR
The guys all have a drink, but spit it out when they realize that the liquor has turned into blood. O'Connell realizes what he'd hoped wouldn't happen:
INT. HOTEL BAR
O'Connell, Jonathan, and the Americans have a drink at the hotel bar. They run into CRAZY WINSTON, an ex-pilot who's clearly a raging alcoholic. Their boat doesn't leave until morning, so they'll have to wait it out here in Fort Brydon until then. Meanwhile…
INT. HOTEL LOUNGE
Pussy has set up a meeting between Idiot Glasses (the American with no eyes) and Imhotep. Imhotep took the dude's eyes, but needs more. He kills the shit out of Idiot Glasses right there on the spot. Meanwhile…
INT. HOTEL BAR
The guys all have a drink, but spit it out when they realize that the liquor has turned into blood. O'Connell realizes what he'd hoped wouldn't happen:
72:30 - 74:00 (1.50 pages) [+]
EXT. / INT. HOTEL, CAIRO - MOMENTS LATER
O'Connell catches up to Evy, asking her to come inside. Suddenly, fire and brimstone starts raining from the sky. It's chaos; they run inside.
There in the lounge is Idiot Glasses, who is now just a skeleton because Imhotep ate him. Standing over him is Imhotep, who is using the dude's organs to regenerate himself.
He's about to kiss Evy, but a CAT enters the room and he freaks out. Imhotep turns into sand and disappears out the window.
O'Connell catches up to Evy, asking her to come inside. Suddenly, fire and brimstone starts raining from the sky. It's chaos; they run inside.
There in the lounge is Idiot Glasses, who is now just a skeleton because Imhotep ate him. Standing over him is Imhotep, who is using the dude's organs to regenerate himself.
He's about to kiss Evy, but a CAT enters the room and he freaks out. Imhotep turns into sand and disappears out the window.
74:00 - 76:00 (2.00 pages) [+]
INT. MUSEUM, CAIRO - DAY
The Gang (with the remaining two Americans) walks into a museum, where they find the MAIN-MAN MAJI and the BOSS MAN (12:30 - 17:30). Turns out, the Boss Man is part of the Maji. He explains Imhotep's history, and the Gang finds out Imhotep's motive:
The Gang (with the remaining two Americans) walks into a museum, where they find the MAIN-MAN MAJI and the BOSS MAN (12:30 - 17:30). Turns out, the Boss Man is part of the Maji. He explains Imhotep's history, and the Gang finds out Imhotep's motive:
76:00 - 77:00 (1.00 pages) [+]
INT. HOTEL ROOM, CAIRO - NIGHT
O'Connell locks Evy in her bedroom, leaving the Americans (Tweedle-Dee and Tweedle-Dum) to guard the door.
O'Connell and Jonathan leave to find Professor Dick-Weed and protect him, since he and the other Americans are the only people who opened up that chest with the Book of the Dead in it (53:30 - 57:30).
(REMINDER: Remember that "curse" that was written on the chest when they opened it? Basically, Imhotep will be fully regenerated - i.e., not be a mummy anymore - when he kills all the people who were in the room when that chest was opened.)
⇡⇣ ROLL DOWNHILL O'Connell locks Evy in her bedroom, leaving the Americans (Tweedle-Dee and Tweedle-Dum) to guard the door.
O'Connell and Jonathan leave to find Professor Dick-Weed and protect him, since he and the other Americans are the only people who opened up that chest with the Book of the Dead in it (53:30 - 57:30).
(REMINDER: Remember that "curse" that was written on the chest when they opened it? Basically, Imhotep will be fully regenerated - i.e., not be a mummy anymore - when he kills all the people who were in the room when that chest was opened.)
77:00 - 77:15 (0.25 pages) [+]
EXT. CAIRO STREETS - NIGHT
Professor Dick-Weed walks the streets of Cairo. Imhotep follows closely behind…
Professor Dick-Weed walks the streets of Cairo. Imhotep follows closely behind…
77:15 - 79:30 (2.50 pages) [+]
INT. PUSSY'S HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT
O'Connell and Jonathan burst into Pussy's room and demand to know what Imhotep's looking for.
Suddenly, they hear a SCREAM. Pussy leaps out the window, escaping. O'Connell and Jonathan look out the window to see Imhotep standing over Professor Dick-Weed, who he has killed.
O'Connell and Jonathan burst into Pussy's room and demand to know what Imhotep's looking for.
79:30 - 82:15 (2.75 pages) [+]
INT. HOTEL ROOM, CAIRO - NIGHT
Tweedle-Dee and Tweedle-Dum are bored, because they're Americans. Tweedle-Dum leaves to get some booze.
So now, Tweedle-Dee is alone in the hotel room, and Imhotep shows up. He eats the shit out of Tweedle-Dee and makes his way toward Evy's bedroom (remember, the Americans were supposed to guard the front door so Imhotep couldn't get to her)…
Imhotep enters the bedroom and finds Evy sleeping. He kisses her. But suddenly, O'Connell and Jonathan burst in, holding up a cat:
Tweedle-Dee and Tweedle-Dum are bored, because they're Americans. Tweedle-Dum leaves to get some booze.
So now, Tweedle-Dee is alone in the hotel room, and Imhotep shows up. He eats the shit out of Tweedle-Dee and makes his way toward Evy's bedroom (remember, the Americans were supposed to guard the front door so Imhotep couldn't get to her)…
Imhotep enters the bedroom and finds Evy sleeping. He kisses her. But suddenly, O'Connell and Jonathan burst in, holding up a cat:
82:15 - 85:30 (3.25 pages) [+]
INT. MUSEUM, CAIRO - NIGHT
The Gang (O'Connell, Evy, Jonathan, Tweedle-Dum) and their two friends (Boss-Man and Main-Man Maji) hurry into the museum, hoping to figure out how to kill Imhotep.
But then, they hear something outside: Zombies - thousands of them - gathered in the streets, chanting Imhotep's name. They're surrounding the museum. Imhotep walks among them, followed closely behind by Pussy.
Back in the museum, Evy reads some hieroglyphics that tell her where the Golden Book is.
The zombies break into the library, and the Gang escapes by the skin of their teeth.
The Gang (O'Connell, Evy, Jonathan, Tweedle-Dum) and their two friends (Boss-Man and Main-Man Maji) hurry into the museum, hoping to figure out how to kill Imhotep.
Back in the museum, Evy reads some hieroglyphics that tell her where the Golden Book is.
85:30 - 90:00 (4.50 pages) [+]
EXT. CAIRO STREETS - NIGHT
Driving away from the museum, the Gang runs into a giant horde of zombies. The zombies swarm the car, and an all-out chase ensues as the Gang scrambles to get them off the car.
But the zombies get a hold of Tweedle-Dum, pulling him down with them. The Gang keeps driving, unable to save him. Imhotep shows up, and eats Tweedle-Dum's face off.
Meanwhile, the Gang crashes their car. Zombies surround them, making it impossible to escape.
Imhotep shows up, now fully regenerated. He talks to Evy:
She goes with him, but says one last thing to O'Connell before she leaves:
They leave, and the Gang escapes. Except for Boss Man, who dies a horrible, horrible death helping them get away.
PLOT POINT #2 Driving away from the museum, the Gang runs into a giant horde of zombies. The zombies swarm the car, and an all-out chase ensues as the Gang scrambles to get them off the car.
But the zombies get a hold of Tweedle-Dum, pulling him down with them. The Gang keeps driving, unable to save him. Imhotep shows up, and eats Tweedle-Dum's face off.
Meanwhile, the Gang crashes their car. Zombies surround them, making it impossible to escape.
Imhotep shows up, now fully regenerated. He talks to Evy:
ACT III
90:00 - 90:45 (0.75 pages) [+]
EXT. DESERT, CRAZY WINSTON'S AIRPORT - DAY
The Gang meets up with Crazy Winston (the alcoholic pilot from 70:00 - 72:30). O'Connell asks him for help rescuing Evy - specifically, to fly the Gang back to Hamunaptra - and Winston says yes.
The Gang meets up with Crazy Winston (the alcoholic pilot from 70:00 - 72:30). O'Connell asks him for help rescuing Evy - specifically, to fly the Gang back to Hamunaptra - and Winston says yes.
90:45 - 96:00 (5.25 pages) [+]
EXT. HAMUNAPTRA - DAY
An airplane flies over Hamunaptra, with Crazy Winston at the wheel. O'Connell, Jonathan, and Main-Man Maji are in the plane with him.
Down below, Imhotep approaches the city with Evy and Pussy in tow. He looks up, seeing the airplane. Pissed, he creates a giant sandstorm that swallows the plane whole. Action sequence, as the Gang tries to escape the sandstorm.
Needing a diversion, Evy kisses Imhotep, distracting him. The sandstorm disappears, but the airplane crashes, killing Crazy Winston. O'Connell, Jonathan, and Main-Man Maji come away clean.
An airplane flies over Hamunaptra, with Crazy Winston at the wheel. O'Connell, Jonathan, and Main-Man Maji are in the plane with him.
Down below, Imhotep approaches the city with Evy and Pussy in tow. He looks up, seeing the airplane. Pissed, he creates a giant sandstorm that swallows the plane whole. Action sequence, as the Gang tries to escape the sandstorm.
Needing a diversion, Evy kisses Imhotep, distracting him. The sandstorm disappears, but the airplane crashes, killing Crazy Winston. O'Connell, Jonathan, and Main-Man Maji come away clean.
96:00 - 114:30 (18.50 pages) [+]
The following scenes in HAMUNAPTRA run simultaneously, which is why they're grouped together.
INT. THE SACRED TEMPLE (INSIDE THE SACRIFICE ROOM)
Imhotep drags Evy and Pussy into the Sacred Temple with him.
Meanwhile…
INT. HAMUNAPTRA (OUTSIDE THE SACRIFICE ROOM)
O'Connell, Jonathan, and Main-Man Maji try to break in. Jonathan finds a scarab, and it climbs inside his skin. O'Connell pulls it out with a switchblade and shoots it.
Meanwhile…
INT. THE SACRED TEMPLE
Imhotep says an incantation and brings his MUMMY PRIESTS to life.
Meanwhile…
INT. HAMUNAPTRA
O'Connell, Jonathan, and Main-Man Maji break through a wall, arriving at the Treasure Room. Jonathan nearly shits his pants at the sight of all the treasure.
But suddenly, tons of Mummy Priests come to life, and a battle ensues.
Meanwhile…
INT. SACRED TEMPLE
Evy is tied town to a slab of rock as Imhotep prepares to sacrifice her.
Meanwhile…
INT. HAMUNAPTRA
Pussy grabs a bunch of treasure and tries to escape while he still can. O'Connell, Jonathan, and Main-Man Maji shoot their way through a giant horde of Mummy Priests.
Meanwhile…
INT. SACRED TEMPLE
Imhotep sets up Anck Su Namun's corpse next to Evy, and opens the Book of the Dead.
Meanwhile...
INT. HAMUNAPTRA
O'Connell, Jonathan, and Main-Man Maji dig at the base of the Statue of Amun-Ra (remember…that's where the Golden Book is). Mummy Priests approach them from all sides, and Main-Man Maji goes to fight them.
Meanwhile…
EXT. HAMUNAPTRA (PUSSY'S ESCAPE)
Pussy is outside Hamunaptra. He throws his treasure onto a camel and gets ready to ride off. But he wants more treasure, and decides to go back in.
Meanwhile…
INT. HAMUNAPTRA
O'Connell and Jonathan find the Golden Book. Main-Man Maji battles the Mummy Priests, sacrificing himself for the greater good.
Meanwhile...
INT. SACRED TEMPLE
Imhotep performs the ritual to resurrect Anck Su Namun. Evy watches, terrified, as the mummy next to her comes alive. Imhotep gets ready to sacrifice Evy, but gets interrupted when…
Jonathan shows up! He has the Golden Book. He lures Imhotep away while O'Connell sword-fights hundreds of Mummy Priests. He unties Evy, but more mummies arrive. This time, they're Imhotep's GUARDS, who know how to fight.
Jonathan struggles to read the inscription on the Golden Book, which will allow him to control the Guards. O'Connell fights hundreds of Guards while Evy helps Jonathan read the inscription. And just as the Guards back O'Connell into a corner…
…Jonathan reads the inscription! Imhotep no longer controls the Guards, and Jonathan commands them to kill Anck Su Namun. Imhotep is pissed, and grabs Jonathan. But Jonathan steals "the key" (the box that had the map in it) and O'Connell steps in to fight Imhotep.
Evy and Jonathan open up the Golden Book while O'Connell fights Imhotep, and say an enchantment that makes Imhotep a mortal. O'Connell stabs Imhotep, killing him once and for all.
But with Imhotep's death, Hamunaptra begins to collapse. Now, the Gang is forced into a frantic race for the exit as the walls cave in around them. Pussy doesn't make it, because he's trying to drag his treasure with him. Now locked inside Hamunaptra, he gets eaten by a giant swarm of scarabs.
CLIMAX INT. THE SACRED TEMPLE (INSIDE THE SACRIFICE ROOM)
Imhotep drags Evy and Pussy into the Sacred Temple with him.
Meanwhile…
INT. HAMUNAPTRA (OUTSIDE THE SACRIFICE ROOM)
O'Connell, Jonathan, and Main-Man Maji try to break in. Jonathan finds a scarab, and it climbs inside his skin. O'Connell pulls it out with a switchblade and shoots it.
Meanwhile…
INT. THE SACRED TEMPLE
Imhotep says an incantation and brings his MUMMY PRIESTS to life.
INT. HAMUNAPTRA
O'Connell, Jonathan, and Main-Man Maji break through a wall, arriving at the Treasure Room. Jonathan nearly shits his pants at the sight of all the treasure.
But suddenly, tons of Mummy Priests come to life, and a battle ensues.
Meanwhile…
INT. SACRED TEMPLE
Evy is tied town to a slab of rock as Imhotep prepares to sacrifice her.
Meanwhile…
INT. HAMUNAPTRA
Pussy grabs a bunch of treasure and tries to escape while he still can. O'Connell, Jonathan, and Main-Man Maji shoot their way through a giant horde of Mummy Priests.
Meanwhile…
INT. SACRED TEMPLE
Imhotep sets up Anck Su Namun's corpse next to Evy, and opens the Book of the Dead.
INT. HAMUNAPTRA
O'Connell, Jonathan, and Main-Man Maji dig at the base of the Statue of Amun-Ra (remember…that's where the Golden Book is). Mummy Priests approach them from all sides, and Main-Man Maji goes to fight them.
Meanwhile…
EXT. HAMUNAPTRA (PUSSY'S ESCAPE)
Pussy is outside Hamunaptra. He throws his treasure onto a camel and gets ready to ride off. But he wants more treasure, and decides to go back in.
Meanwhile…
INT. HAMUNAPTRA
O'Connell and Jonathan find the Golden Book. Main-Man Maji battles the Mummy Priests, sacrificing himself for the greater good.
INT. SACRED TEMPLE
Imhotep performs the ritual to resurrect Anck Su Namun. Evy watches, terrified, as the mummy next to her comes alive. Imhotep gets ready to sacrifice Evy, but gets interrupted when…
Jonathan shows up! He has the Golden Book. He lures Imhotep away while O'Connell sword-fights hundreds of Mummy Priests. He unties Evy, but more mummies arrive. This time, they're Imhotep's GUARDS, who know how to fight.
Jonathan struggles to read the inscription on the Golden Book, which will allow him to control the Guards. O'Connell fights hundreds of Guards while Evy helps Jonathan read the inscription. And just as the Guards back O'Connell into a corner…
…Jonathan reads the inscription! Imhotep no longer controls the Guards, and Jonathan commands them to kill Anck Su Namun. Imhotep is pissed, and grabs Jonathan. But Jonathan steals "the key" (the box that had the map in it) and O'Connell steps in to fight Imhotep.
Evy and Jonathan open up the Golden Book while O'Connell fights Imhotep, and say an enchantment that makes Imhotep a mortal. O'Connell stabs Imhotep, killing him once and for all.
But with Imhotep's death, Hamunaptra begins to collapse. Now, the Gang is forced into a frantic race for the exit as the walls cave in around them. Pussy doesn't make it, because he's trying to drag his treasure with him. Now locked inside Hamunaptra, he gets eaten by a giant swarm of scarabs.
114:30 - 116:45 (2.25 pages) [+]
EXT. HAMUNAPTRA - DAY
O'Connell, Evy, and Jonathan run for their lives as the city collapses. When they finally make it to safety, they see…
…Main-Man Maji! Turns out, he lived. He congratulates them and rides off.
O'Connell and Evy kiss, and the Gang rides off into the sunset.
RESOLUTION O'Connell, Evy, and Jonathan run for their lives as the city collapses. When they finally make it to safety, they see…
…Main-Man Maji! Turns out, he lived. He congratulates them and rides off.
O'Connell and Evy kiss, and the Gang rides off into the sunset.
Analysis
Take a look at the second act of this film. See a pattern? What's neat about it is that Sommers cut it up into clearly defined segments broken up by little action beats, each of which gives the characters a new goal to accomplish or a new hurdle to get over. Let's take a look at where these plot points show up, and briefly talk about why they are where they are:
Opening Exposition [+]
WHERE IT HAPPENS: 00:00 - 17:30
At first, the opening exposition in this film is literally exposition; Main-Man Maji narrates the story of Imhotep, and then we meet the other central characters. In all, here's the information we get:
At first, the opening exposition in this film is literally exposition; Main-Man Maji narrates the story of Imhotep, and then we meet the other central characters. In all, here's the information we get:
- Introduction to the story of Imhotep (where we see the ritual he will try to perform on Evy).
- Introduction to O'Connell (badass, has seen Hamunaptra before, has a wimpy sidekick named Pussy).
- Introduction to Evy (history buff, has a silly brother named Jonathan).
Flash-Bang Open [+]
WHERE IT HAPPENS: 07:00 - 12:30
We mustn't forget that most action movies kick things off with a big, crazy set piece. In this case, it happens after the opening scene, because the movie doesn't technically "start" until Imhotep's story is fully explained. In the Flash-Bang, O'Connell and Pussy are introduced during a huge battle where tons of people are stabbing/shooting at each other on the grounds of Hamunaptra.
We mustn't forget that most action movies kick things off with a big, crazy set piece. In this case, it happens after the opening scene, because the movie doesn't technically "start" until Imhotep's story is fully explained. In the Flash-Bang, O'Connell and Pussy are introduced during a huge battle where tons of people are stabbing/shooting at each other on the grounds of Hamunaptra.
Inciting Incident [+]
WHERE IT HAPPENS: 17:30 - 19:00
Technically, the Inciting Incident would happen when Jonathan shows Evy the map to Hamunaptra. But what really sets the story in motion is the map getting set on fire, because now Evy and Jonathan have a goal: To find O'Connell and convince him to show them the way to Hamunaptra.
Technically, the Inciting Incident would happen when Jonathan shows Evy the map to Hamunaptra. But what really sets the story in motion is the map getting set on fire, because now Evy and Jonathan have a goal: To find O'Connell and convince him to show them the way to Hamunaptra.
Plot Point #1 [+]
WHERE IT HAPPENS: 21:30 - 23:30
I was tempted to say Plot Point #1 happens when Evy and Jonathan meet O'Connell for the first time. After all, in terms of plot, there's no real reason to have O'Connell be in prison (it's really just in there to establish his character). But since he IS in prison, Evy and Jonathan have to break him out in order to start their journey to Hamunaptra. So Plot Point #1 happens when Evy convinces the Pudgy Douchebag to let O'Connell go, allowing the journey to Hamunaptra to finally begin (and Act 1 to end).
I was tempted to say Plot Point #1 happens when Evy and Jonathan meet O'Connell for the first time. After all, in terms of plot, there's no real reason to have O'Connell be in prison (it's really just in there to establish his character). But since he IS in prison, Evy and Jonathan have to break him out in order to start their journey to Hamunaptra. So Plot Point #1 happens when Evy convinces the Pudgy Douchebag to let O'Connell go, allowing the journey to Hamunaptra to finally begin (and Act 1 to end).
Fun and Games [+]
WHERE IT HAPPENS: 24:45 - 59:00
The Fun and Games in this film is fun to look at, because it's broken up into two distinct segments, each of which lasts about fifteen minutes. These segments are:
The Fun and Games in this film is fun to look at, because it's broken up into two distinct segments, each of which lasts about fifteen minutes. These segments are:
PRE-HAMUNAPTRA (Page 25-40) [+]This section consists of everything leading up to the characters' discovery of Hamunaptra. In it, the they float toward the city on a boat, where they meet the Americans (Tweedle-Dee, Tweedle-Dum, Idiot Glasses, and Professor Dick-Weed) and reunite with Pussy. Then, the Maji set the boat on fire, and everybody has to make their way to Hamunaptra on foot.POST-HAMUNAPTRA (Page 40-59) [+]This section consists of (you guessed it) the discovery of Hamunaptra and everything that happens afterward. Basically, there are three important beats: The Pudgy Douche gets eaten by scarabs (the first run-in with danger), the Gang finds Imhotep's coffin (set-up #1 for the midpoint), and the Americans find the Book of the Dead (set-up #2 for the midpoint).
WHERE IT HAPPENS: 59:00 - 68:30
The midpoint reversal happens when Evy reads from the Book of the Dead, waking up Imhotep and forcing everyone to run away from Hamunaptra. This sends the story in a completely different direction; Now, the villain is awake, and can wreak havoc until the end of the second act (at which point he'll kidnap Evy and set the scene for the final fight).
The midpoint reversal happens when Evy reads from the Book of the Dead, waking up Imhotep and forcing everyone to run away from Hamunaptra. This sends the story in a completely different direction; Now, the villain is awake, and can wreak havoc until the end of the second act (at which point he'll kidnap Evy and set the scene for the final fight).
Roll Downhill [+]
WHERE IT HAPPENS: 68:30 - 85:30
Like the fun and games, this section is broken into four distinct segments. Basically, Imhotep has to kill four people - Tweedle-Dee, Tweedle-Dum, Idiot Glasses, and Professor Dick-Weed - in order to regenerate and become powerful again. So the Roll Downhill section consists of him bouncing from person to person, killing them and becoming stronger with each attack.
Like the fun and games, this section is broken into four distinct segments. Basically, Imhotep has to kill four people - Tweedle-Dee, Tweedle-Dum, Idiot Glasses, and Professor Dick-Weed - in order to regenerate and become powerful again. So the Roll Downhill section consists of him bouncing from person to person, killing them and becoming stronger with each attack.
Plot Point #2 [+]
WHERE IT HAPPENS: 85:30 - 90:00
Act 2 comes to an end at exactly the 90-minute mark, when Imhotep kidnaps Evy. Now, the stage is set for the climax, which will be the final battle against Imhotep to get Evy back and save the day.
Act 2 comes to an end at exactly the 90-minute mark, when Imhotep kidnaps Evy. Now, the stage is set for the climax, which will be the final battle against Imhotep to get Evy back and save the day.
Climax [+]
WHERE IT HAPPENS: 96:00 - 114:30
This portion of the film consists of exactly what it should: The final battle between the good guys (O'Connell / Jonathan / Evy) and the villain (Imhotep). Of course, O'Connell kills Imhotep and saves the girl, providing the happy ending we so need from movies like this.
This portion of the film consists of exactly what it should: The final battle between the good guys (O'Connell / Jonathan / Evy) and the villain (Imhotep). Of course, O'Connell kills Imhotep and saves the girl, providing the happy ending we so need from movies like this.
Resolution [+]
WHERE IT HAPPENS: 114:30 - 116:45
This conclusion is short and sweet (one scene), as it usually is in action flicks. The Gang looks back at the destroyed city of Hamunaptra. O'Connell and Evy kiss. They all ride off into the sunset. End of movie!
This conclusion is short and sweet (one scene), as it usually is in action flicks. The Gang looks back at the destroyed city of Hamunaptra. O'Connell and Evy kiss. They all ride off into the sunset. End of movie!
Really interesting statement concerning purposeful action. I think another key part in creating successful action sequences is attaining a certain degree of immersion on the part of the character as a vestibule for the audience's individual immersion. So much can be happening to the character or around the character as a George-Lucasian sequence often does, where we have no sense of scale and relation and therefore cannot be involved as onlookers into the action. Sure, it may be exciting for a few moments, but ultimately we cannot relate to the situation untless there is an intimacy with the main character and their fears or emotions within the sequence. This being said, if the sequence is a "result of what they do," the action sequence can come off as even stronger, as the audience attempts to interpret how the character feels about making the mistake from which the action sprouted, but are constantly thwarted by the action.
ReplyDeleteMake sense?
Check out this interview. Not only does it make me excited for the movie, but it kind of relates to what I said about scale and being able to relate to an action sequence: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jon-favreau/if-i-die-you-die_b_885526.html#s299786&title=Human_Scale
Yeah, that's spot on. I saw 'Transformers 3' over the weekend and the problem was exactly that; an action sequence can be as cool as it wants to be...but if I don't care about what the characters want or even understand how they got to this point, the whole thing just comes off as boring.
ReplyDeleteI am writing a story with very similar plot structure to The Mummy. Stumbled upon this. I love your breakdown! Keep up the good work!
ReplyDelete