Action/Adventure
Written By
Ted Elliott, Terry Rossio
Logline
When the Governor of England's daughter is kidnapped, a young blacksmith teams up with the devilish but charming Captain Jack Sparrow
, and the two set out on a high-seas adventure to save her.
Why break it down?
I've made no secret of it...I love summer at the movies.
So much do I love summer movies, in fact, that I've made sacrifices in their pursuit. Hot date Saturday night? Canceled. Got a "Pacific Rim" showing to catch. Federal tax return due? Maybe next year. "Fast & Furious" marathon-slash-muscle-car-themed-potluck at my place. Family in town? Screw 'em. "Die Hard" trilogy. Last two don't count.
Which is why this edition of ClassAct is very special. Today, we're tackling one of the biggest blockbusters of all time…"Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl!" And what an awesome flick to study -- Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio are two of the most bankable scribes in the game, having penned Aladdin, The Legend of Zorro, Shrek, National Treasure, and even 2013's The Lone Ranger, which was honestly pretty cool if anyone got the chance to see it. Point being, if there's anybody who knows big-budget Hollywood spectacle, it's these guys. So what can we learn about three-act structure from "Curse of the Black Pearl?"
"PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: THE CURSE OF THE BLACK PEARL" IS AN EXAMPLE OF A THREE-ACT ADVENTURE SCRIPT. Beat-for-beat, it plays magnificently within the structure we've come to know, and can teach us about LAYERING OUR WORLDS WITH COMPLEX BACKSTORIES AND SPECIFICS. It can also teach us how to CRAFT EFFECTIVE MACGUFFINS, which (like "Tangled" a few posts back) can go a long way toward adding stakes to our characters' journeys.
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 - 05:00 (5.00 pages) [+]
EXT. OCEAN -- DAY
A British vessel drifts through the ocean fog. 12-year-old ELIZABETH SWANN
watches the water, singing "A Pirate's Life For Me." She's interrupted by First Mate JOSHAMEE GIBBS
, who warns her not to sing too loud:
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Another man, Captain NORRINGTON
, butts into the conversation:
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Yet another man, GOVERNOR SWANN
, steps into the conversation:
.png)
Elizabeth looks over the side of the ship, where she sees an UNCONSCIOUS BOY floating on a piece of driftwood. The crew pulls the boy onto the boat, curious where he came from. When off in the distance, they spot a graveyard of burning ships:
.png)
Elizabeth watches over the boy while the crew explores the wreckage. He wakes up and introduces himself - his name is WILL TURNER
- then passes back out. Around his neck, Elizabeth spots a peculiar necklace
:
.png)
Before her father comes back, she steals the necklace from Will -- protecting him. Looking into the distance, she spots another, more sinister-looking ship…
.png)
⬅ FLASH-BANG OPEN
A British vessel drifts through the ocean fog. 12-year-old ELIZABETH SWANN
watches the water, singing "A Pirate's Life For Me." She's interrupted by First Mate JOSHAMEE GIBBS, who warns her not to sing too loud:
Another man, Captain NORRINGTON
, butts into the conversation:
Yet another man, GOVERNOR SWANN
, steps into the conversation:
Elizabeth
looks over the side of the ship, where she sees an UNCONSCIOUS BOY floating on a piece of driftwood. The crew pulls the boy onto the boat, curious where he came from. When off in the distance, they spot a graveyard of burning ships:
"This be the work of pirates..."
Elizabeth
watches over the boy while the crew explores the wreckage. He wakes up and introduces himself - his name is WILL TURNER - then passes back out. Around his neck, Elizabeth spots a peculiar necklace:
"You're…a pirate?"
Before her father comes back, she steals the necklace
from Will -- protecting him. Looking into the distance, she spots another, more sinister-looking ship…
05:00 - 05:45 (0.75 pages) [+]
INT. ELIZABETH'S ROOM -- MORNING
Elizabeth wakes up with a start. She's no longer the 12-year-old girl from her dream, but a sensual, sex-legal adult woman. She opens her dresser, pulling out...
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She puts the necklace on. Admires herself in the mirror. When suddenly, a knock at the door -- it's Governor Swann, her father. He gives her a dress for Captain Norrington's promotion ceremony, which will be starting in a few hours.
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As Elizabeth struggles with the impossibly tight dress, a butler enters with a message for the Governor:
.png)
⇣
Elizabeth
wakes up with a start. She's no longer the 12-year-old girl from her dream, but a sensual, sex-legal adult woman. She opens her dresser, pulling out...
She puts the necklace on. Admires herself in the mirror. When suddenly, a knock at the door -- it's Governor Swann
, her father. He gives her a dress for Captain Norrington's promotion ceremony, which will be starting in a few hours.
As Elizabeth
struggles with the impossibly tight dress, a butler enters with a message for the Governor:
05:45 - 09:00 (3.25 pages) [+]
INT. GOVERNOR'S MANSION -- DAY
Governor Swann marches downstairs to find Will Turner (also grown up) waiting for him with a package. It's a sword -- expertly crafted, just like the Governor ordered -- for Commodore Norrington's promotion ceremony.
Elizabeth glides down the stairs in her new dress, looking beautiful. She is very happy to see Will, and he's clearly super happy to see her. But her father rushes her along -- after all, Will is but a lowly blacksmith's apprentice, unfit for a royal lady. As they ride away, Will stares after them.
.png)
⇣
Governor Swann
marches downstairs to find Will Turner (also grown up) waiting for him with a package. It's a sword -- expertly crafted, just like the Governor ordered -- for Commodore Norrington's promotion ceremony.
Elizabeth
glides down the stairs in her new dress, looking beautiful. She is very happy to see Will, and he's clearly super happy to see her. But her father rushes her along -- after all, Will is but a lowly blacksmith's apprentice, unfit for a royal lady. As they ride away, Will stares after them.
(Sigh.)
09:00 - 21:00 (12.0 pages) [+]
The following scenes in PORT ROYAL, JAMAICA are part of one continuous sequence, which is why they're grouped together.
EXT. BOAT DOCK -- DAY
A tiny sailboat wades toward Port Royal. At the helm, hair blowing in the wind...
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Jack steps onto the dock just as the boat sinks underwater. The harbormaster stops him.
.png)
Meanwhile…
EXT. FORT CHARLES -- DAY
Commodore Norrington's promotion ceremony is getting underway. Elizabeth struggles to breathe in her tight dress as the Governor gives Norrington his brand new sword (which Will Turner made for him). Meanwhile...
EXT. BOAT DOCK -- DAY
Jack sneaks around the dock, looking to commandeer a ship. He's stopped by two guards:
.png)
The guards (who are stupid idiots) launch into a discussion about the mysterious Black Pearl, giving Jack the opening to sneak onto one of the ships. The guards catch him, and he confesses his master plan: Steal a ship, round up a crew, and become the greatest pirate who ever lived. Meanwhile...
EXT. FORT CHARLES -- DAY
Norrington pulls Elizabeth to the side and asks for her hand in marriage. But she's having trouble breathing because her dress is too tight (which was planted in 05:00 - 05:45 ). She passes out and collapses over the edge of the tower, falling ten stories into the ocean below. Around her neck, the pirate necklace sends a weird electric pulse into the sea...
.png)
Spotting Elizabeth in the distance, Jack dives into the water to save her. But when he brings her ashore, Governor Swann and Commodore Norrington have him arrested. Why? Because unbeknownst to the stupid idiot guards, he is…dun-dun-dunnnn!…the notorious pirate Jack Sparrow.
Backed into a corner, Jack puts a gun to Elizabeth's head. Then, he makes a daring escape while everyone shoots at him:
⬅ INCITING INCIDENT, PART I
EXT. BOAT DOCK -- DAY
A tiny sailboat wades toward Port Royal. At the helm, hair blowing in the wind...
...is CAPTAIN JACK SPARROW.
.Jack
steps onto the dock just as the boat sinks underwater. The harbormaster stops him.
Meanwhile…
EXT. FORT CHARLES -- DAY
Commodore Norrington
's promotion ceremony is getting underway. Elizabeth struggles to breathe in her tight dress as the Governor gives Norrington his brand new sword (which Will Turner made for him). Meanwhile...
EXT. BOAT DOCK -- DAY
Jack
sneaks around the dock, looking to commandeer a ship. He's stopped by two guards:
The guards (who are stupid idiots) launch into a discussion about the mysterious Black Pearl, giving Jack
the opening to sneak onto one of the ships. The guards catch him, and he confesses his master plan: Steal a ship, round up a crew, and become the greatest pirate who ever lived. Meanwhile...
EXT. FORT CHARLES -- DAY
Norrington
pulls Elizabeth to the side and asks for her hand in marriage. But she's having trouble breathing because her dress is too tight (which was planted in 05:00 - 05:45 ). She passes out and collapses over the edge of the tower, falling ten stories into the ocean below. Around her neck, the pirate necklace sends a weird electric pulse into the sea...
Spotting Elizabeth
in the distance, Jack dives into the water to save her. But when he brings her ashore, Governor Swann and Commodore Norrington have him arrested. Why? Because unbeknownst to the stupid idiot guards, he is…dun-dun-dunnnn!…the notorious pirate Jack Sparrow.
Backed into a corner, Jack
puts a gun to Elizabeth's head. Then, he makes a daring escape while everyone shoots at him:
"You will always remember this as the day you ALMOST caught Captain Jack Sparrow!"
!"21:00 - 27:15 (6.25 pages) [+]
EXT. / INT. BLACKSMITH'S FORGE -- DAY
Jack sneaks through the town, dodging guards. He ducks into a blacksmith's forge, where (thankfully) the blacksmith is passed out drunk. Jack gets to work on breaking apart his handcuffs, but just as he pries them apart...
.png)
…Will Turner shows up for work. Immediately, he senses something is wrong, but before he can figure it out, Jack jumps out of the shadows and engages him in a sword fight:
Just as Jack gets the upper hand, the drunk blacksmith wakes up and smashes a bottle on his head, knocking him out. Commodore Norrington and his troops arrive and take Jack into custody.
⇣
Jack
sneaks through the town, dodging guards. He ducks into a blacksmith's forge, where (thankfully) the blacksmith is passed out drunk. Jack gets to work on breaking apart his handcuffs, but just as he pries them apart...
…Will Turner
shows up for work. Immediately, he senses something is wrong, but before he can figure it out, Jack jumps out of the shadows and engages him in a sword fight:
Just as Jack
gets the upper hand, the drunk blacksmith wakes up and smashes a bottle on his head, knocking him out. Commodore Norrington and his troops arrive and take Jack into custody.
27:15 - 27:45 (0.50 pages) [+]
INT. PRISON -- NIGHT
Jack sits in his cell. The other prisoners try to get the guard dog's attention. Jack watches, amused.
⇣ opening
Jack
sits in his cell. The other prisoners try to get the guard dog's attention. Jack watches, amused.
27:45 - 36:00 (8.25 pages) [+]
The following scenes in PORT ROYAL, JAMAICA are part of one continuous sequence, which is why they're grouped together.
INT. GOVERNOR'S MANSION -- ELIZABETH'S ROOM -- NIGHT
The maid tucks Elizabeth in to bed.
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INT. BLACKSMITH'S FORGE -- SAME TIME
Will hears a noise and looks out the window. A black cat runs through the empty street…
EXT. HARBOR -- SAME TIME
A dark, mysterious ship floats toward Port Royal…
EXT. PORT ROYAL -- SAME TIME
Governor Swann and Commodore Norrington hear a strange noise. And then, out of nowhere…
…a cannon BLASTS the wall behind them.
INT. PRISON -- SAME TIME
Jack hears the canon fire from his cell. The prisoners rush to their windows, watching as a mysterious ship opens fire on the town.
.png)
EXT. PORT ROYAL -- CONTINUOUS
Panic breaking out as The Black Pearl launches a full-scale attack on Port Royal. Will grabs a sword and rushes into battle, taking down pirates one-by-one. Meanwhile…
INT. GOVERNOR'S MANSION
Elizabeth watches in terror as pirates descend upon the mansion. She locks herself in a closet, terrified they'll kidnap her. PINTEL
and RAGETTI
-- two evil pirates -- break into her room and find her.
.png)
EXT. PORT ROYAL
Back outside -- where Will battles through the chaos. Spotting Elizabeth being taken prisoner, he starts after her, but gets smacked unconscious with a glass bottle. Meanwhile…
INT. PRISON
An explosion blasts a hole in the prison wall. The prisoners escape, leaving Jack locked in his cell across the room. Looking out the window, he sees…
.png)
⇣ exposition
INT. GOVERNOR'S MANSION -- ELIZABETH'S ROOM -- NIGHT
The maid tucks Elizabeth in to bed.
INT. BLACKSMITH'S FORGE -- SAME TIME
Will
hears a noise and looks out the window. A black cat runs through the empty street…
EXT. HARBOR -- SAME TIME
A dark, mysterious ship floats toward Port Royal…
EXT. PORT ROYAL -- SAME TIME
Governor Swann
and Commodore Norrington hear a strange noise. And then, out of nowhere…
…a cannon BLASTS the wall behind them.
INT. PRISON -- SAME TIME
Jack
hears the canon fire from his cell. The prisoners rush to their windows, watching as a mysterious ship opens fire on the town.
EXT. PORT ROYAL -- CONTINUOUS
Panic breaking out as The Black Pearl launches a full-scale attack on Port Royal. Will
grabs a sword and rushes into battle, taking down pirates one-by-one. Meanwhile…
INT. GOVERNOR'S MANSION
Elizabeth
watches in terror as pirates descend upon the mansion. She locks herself in a closet, terrified they'll kidnap her. PINTEL and RAGETTI -- two evil pirates -- break into her room and find her.
EXT. PORT ROYAL
Back outside -- where Will
battles through the chaos. Spotting Elizabeth being taken prisoner, he starts after her, but gets smacked unconscious with a glass bottle. Meanwhile…
INT. PRISON
An explosion blasts a hole in the prison wall. The prisoners escape, leaving Jack
locked in his cell across the room. Looking out the window, he sees…
A full moon…
36:00 - 37:30 (1.50 pages) [+]
INT. PRISON -- CONTINUOUS
Ironically, Jack now attempts to sweet-talk the guard dog. He's interrupted, however, when two PIRATES arrive. Two pirates that know him very well...
.png)
⇣
Ironically, Jack
now attempts to sweet-talk the guard dog. He's interrupted, however, when two PIRATES arrive. Two pirates that know him very well...
37:30 - 41:00 (3.50 pages) [+]
EXT. / INT. THE BLACK PEARL -- NIGHT
Elizabeth is taken to the Black Pearl, where she meets CAPTAIN BARBOSSA
. Naively, she attempts to negotiate a ceasefire. But all Barbossa wants is her pirate necklace -- she agrees to give it to him if he calls off the attack on Port Royal.
Barbossa demands to know Elizabeth's name. Not wanting to give away that she's the Governor's daughter, Elizabeth lies:
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Kicking and screaming, Elizabeth is taken away by the pirates, now a hostage on the Black Pearl.
⬅ INCITING INCIDENT, PART II
Elizabeth
is taken to the Black Pearl, where she meets CAPTAIN BARBOSSA. Naively, she attempts to negotiate a ceasefire. But all Barbossa wants is her pirate necklace -- she agrees to give it to him if he calls off the attack on Port Royal.
Barbossa
demands to know Elizabeth's name. Not wanting to give away that she's the Governor's daughter, Elizabeth lies:
Kicking and screaming, Elizabeth
is taken away by the pirates, now a hostage on the Black Pearl.
41:00 - 42:30 (1.50 pages) [+]
EXT. PORT ROYAL -- DAY
.png)
Will wakes up to find the townspeople cleaning up from last night's attack.
Panicked, he chases down Norrington and Governor Swann. Begs them to help him find Elizabeth.
.png)
Will suggests asking the prisoner Jack Sparrow where the Black Pearl is. Norrington and the Governor, however, are not interested in Jack's help -- or Will's, for that matter.
⇣ prepare for
Will
wakes up to find the townspeople cleaning up from last night's attack.
Panicked, he chases down Norrington
and Governor Swann. Begs them to help him find Elizabeth.
Will
suggests asking the prisoner Jack Sparrow where the Black Pearl is. Norrington and the Governor, however, are not interested in Jack's help -- or Will's, for that matter.
42:30 - 44:30 (2.00 pages) [+]
INT. PRISON -- DAY
Will runs to the prison, where he questions Jack about the Black Pearl:
.png)
Will makes a deal with Jack: You take me to the Black Pearl, and I'll break you out of prison. Jack declines, until he learns Will's last name…
.png)
⇣ adventure
Will
runs to the prison, where he questions Jack about the Black Pearl:
Will
makes a deal with Jack: You take me to the Black Pearl, and I'll break you out of prison. Jack declines, until he learns Will's last name…
44:30 - 48:30 (4.00 pages) [+]
EXT. PORT ROYAL -- DAY
Under the noses of the Royal Guard, Will and Jack sneak aboard a British fleet ship and commandeer it. Commodore Norrington gives chase, but when he catches up to them, they pull a switch-eroo and steal HIS ship, The Interceptor. Free of Norrington and his guards, Will and Jack set off into the ocean to hunt down the Black Pearl.
⬅ PLOT POINT #1
Under the noses of the Royal Guard, Will
and Jack sneak aboard a British fleet ship and commandeer it. Commodore Norrington gives chase, but when he catches up to them, they pull a switch-eroo and steal HIS ship, The Interceptor. Free of Norrington and his guards, Will and Jack set off into the ocean to hunt down the Black Pearl.
ACT II
48:30 - 50:30 (2.00 pages) [+]
EXT. THE INTERCEPTOR -- DAY
Will asks Jack if it's true that he knew Will's father --
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Will hates pirates. He threatens Jack, but Jack easily knocks him to the ground. He tells Will to accept what he really is:
.png)
Then, Jack switches gears. He gives Will back his sword, suggesting they work together. They set out on the first leg of their journey:
.png)
⇣
Will
asks Jack if it's true that he knew Will's father --Will
hates pirates. He threatens Jack, but Jack easily knocks him to the ground. He tells Will to accept what he really is:
"Pirate is in your blood, boy."
Then, Jack
switches gears. He gives Will back his sword, suggesting they work together. They set out on the first leg of their journey:
50:30 - 51:30 (1.00 pages) [+]
EXT. TORTUGA -- NIGHT
Jack and Will walk the streets of Tortuga, which is basically the Red Light District of 1700s Haiti. Drinking, fighting, prostitution…this place is a madhouse, and Jack Sparrow feels right at home. He runs into a few old friends --
⇣
Jack
and Will walk the streets of Tortuga, which is basically the Red Light District of 1700s Haiti. Drinking, fighting, prostitution…this place is a madhouse, and Jack Sparrow feels right at home. He runs into a few old friends --
51:30 - 52:15 (0.75 pages) [+]
INT. PIG PEN -- NIGHT
Jack finds his old friend, JOSHAMEE GIBBS, passed out in a pig pen. Will is disgusted. They wake up Gibbs and offer to buy him a drink.
⇣
Jack
finds his old friend, JOSHAMEE GIBBS, passed out in a pig pen. Will is disgusted. They wake up Gibbs and offer to buy him a drink.
52:15 - 54:00 (1.75 pages) [+] ⇣ fun
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54:00 - 61:00 (7.00 pages) [+]
The following scenes in THE BLACK PEARL are part of one continuous sequence, which is why they're grouped together.
INT. THE BLACK PEARL -- NIGHT
Pintel and Ragetti tell Elizabeth to get ready for dinner. Tonight, she'll be dining with Captain Barbossa.
INT. THE BLACK PEARL -- CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS -- LATER
Elizabeth eats dinner with Captain Barbossa. She begs him to let her go. He tells her a story.
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Elizabeth grabs a knife and stabs Barbossa in the heart. But instead of screaming, he pulls the knife out of his chest and laughs. Elizabeth runs outside, where she finds…
.png)
Elizabeth runs for her life. But the skeleton demons overwhelm her, thrusting her back into the arms of Captain Barbossa as he steps into the moonlight:
.png)
⇣ and
INT. THE BLACK PEARL -- NIGHT
Pintel
and Ragetti tell Elizabeth to get ready for dinner. Tonight, she'll be dining with Captain Barbossa.
INT. THE BLACK PEARL -- CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS -- LATER
Elizabeth
eats dinner with Captain Barbossa. She begs him to let her go. He tells her a story.
Elizabeth
grabs a knife and stabs Barbossa in the heart. But instead of screaming, he pulls the knife out of his chest and laughs. Elizabeth runs outside, where she finds…
…a whole goddamn crew of skeleton pirate demons.
Elizabeth
runs for her life. But the skeleton demons overwhelm her, thrusting her back into the arms of Captain Barbossa as he steps into the moonlight:
"You best start believing in ghost stories, Miss Turner…you're in one!"
61:00 - 63:00 (2.00 pages) [+]
EXT. THE INTERCEPTOR -- DAY
Standing on the deck of the interceptor, Will, Jack, and Gibbs meet their crew, a raggedy band of misfits no more qualified to sail the open sea than the New York Giants are to play NFL football (© 2013-14).
⇣ games
Standing on the deck of the interceptor, Will
, Jack, and Gibbs meet their crew, a raggedy band of misfits no more qualified to sail the open sea than the New York Giants are to play NFL football (© 2013-14).
"Mr. Cotton's parrot! …Same question."
63:00 - 64:15 (1.25 pages) [+]
EXT. THE INTERCEPTOR -- NIGHT
A terrifying storm. Jack, Will, Gibbs, and the crew of the Interceptor fight against the rain and howling wind, gaining on the Black Pearl.
⇣
A terrifying storm. Jack
, Will, Gibbs, and the crew of the Interceptor fight against the rain and howling wind, gaining on the Black Pearl.
64:15 - 65:15 (1.00 pages) [+]
EXT. ISLAND OF THE DEAD -- DAY
The Black Pearl arrives at the Island of the Dead. Elizabeth looks around, nervous.
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⇣
The Black Pearl arrives at the Island of the Dead. Elizabeth
looks around, nervous.
65:15 - 68:00 (2.75 pages) [+]
EXT. ISLAND OF THE DEAD -- LATER
Will, Jack, Gibbs, and the crew of the Interceptor arrive at the Island of the Dead, not far behind the Black Pearl. As they approach the shore, Gibbs tells Will about Jack Sparrow 's troubled history:
.png)
The crew drops anchor. Jack and Will prepare to go ashore.
⇣
Will
, Jack, Gibbs, and the crew of the Interceptor arrive at the Island of the Dead, not far behind the Black Pearl. As they approach the shore, Gibbs tells Will about Jack Sparrow 's troubled history:
The crew drops anchor. Jack
and Will prepare to go ashore.
68:00 - 76:00 (8.00 pages) [+]
INT. CAVE -- ISLAND OF THE DEAD -- DAY
Barbossa and his crew enter a cave, marveling at the boatloads of treasure hidden inside. Meanwhile…
Will and Jack follow quietly behind. Sneaking into the cave, they watch from the shadows as Barbossa prepares to sacrifice Elizabeth…
.png)
Will knows Jack is planning to use him as bait, so when Jack isn't looking, Will knocks him unconscious. Meanwhile, Barbossa cuts Elizabeth's hand (the blood sacrifice) and drops her necklace (the last gold coin) into the treasure chest. But to the crew's dismay…nothing happens. The curse remains. And they all get really upset.
.png)
Barbossa slaps Elizabeth to the ground. While all the pirates argue about what to do next, Will sneaks up to save her. Keeping quiet, they scurry off -- but it isn't long before the pirates realize Elizabeth is gone…
.png)
As everyone scrambles to find Elizabeth, guess who shows up? Jack! But before anybody can kill him, he invokes "parley" (from 27:45 - 36:00), demanding to speak with Captain Barbossa.
⇣
Barbossa
and his crew enter a cave, marveling at the boatloads of treasure hidden inside. Meanwhile…
Will
and Jack follow quietly behind. Sneaking into the cave, they watch from the shadows as Barbossa prepares to sacrifice Elizabeth…
Will
knows Jack is planning to use him as bait, so when Jack isn't looking, Will knocks him unconscious. Meanwhile, Barbossa cuts Elizabeth's hand (the blood sacrifice) and drops her necklace (the last gold coin) into the treasure chest. But to the crew's dismay…nothing happens. The curse remains. And they all get really upset.
Barbossa
slaps Elizabeth to the ground. While all the pirates argue about what to do next, Will sneaks up to save her. Keeping quiet, they scurry off -- but it isn't long before the pirates realize Elizabeth is gone…
As everyone scrambles to find Elizabeth
, guess who shows up? Jack! But before anybody can kill him, he invokes "parley" (from 27:45 - 36:00), demanding to speak with Captain Barbossa.
76:00 - 76:45 (0.75 pages) [+]
EXT. THE INTERCEPTOR -- DAY
Will and Elizabeth return to the Interceptor. Gibbs and the crew ask where Jack went, and Will breaks the bad news…he's been taken hostage. Knowing there's no hope for Jack, the crew prepares to set sail…
⇣ false victory
Will
and Elizabeth return to the Interceptor. Gibbs and the crew ask where Jack went, and Will breaks the bad news…he's been taken hostage. Knowing there's no hope for Jack, the crew prepares to set sail…
76:45 - 77:30 (0.75 pages) [+]
INT. CAVE -- ISLAND OF THE DEAD -- CONTINUOUS
Jack meets with Captain Barbossa. In exchange for his life, he makes an offer they can't refuse:
.png)
⬅ MIDPOINT REVERSAL
Jack
meets with Captain Barbossa. In exchange for his life, he makes an offer they can't refuse:
Midpoint
77:30 - 79:45 (2.25 pages) [+]
INT. CABIN -- THE INTERCEPTOR -- DAY
Will tends the wound on Elizabeth's hand. Things turn romantic. Just as they're about to kiss, Elizabeth whips out the necklace...
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…and Will realizes -- it wasn't her blood Barbossa needed. It was his father's blood. His blood. The blood of a pirate.
⇣
Will
tends the wound on Elizabeth's hand. Things turn romantic. Just as they're about to kiss, Elizabeth whips out the necklace...
…and Will
realizes -- it wasn't her blood Barbossa needed. It was his father's blood. His blood. The blood of a pirate.
79:45 - 80:45 (1.00 pages) [+]
INT. / EXT. THE BLACK PEARL -- DAY
Barbossa and Jack discuss the terms of their agreement. They're interrupted by Barbossa's first mate:
.png)
⇣ roll
Barbossa
and Jack discuss the terms of their agreement. They're interrupted by Barbossa's first mate:
80:45 - 90:45 (10.0 pages) [+]
EXT. OCEAN -- BLACK PEARL / INTERCEPTOR -- CONTINUOUS
BLACK PEARL
Jack is locked in a holding cell downstairs.
INTERCEPTOR
Meanwhile, the Interceptor crew prepares for the oncoming attack. Refusing to go down without a fight, Will orders Gibbs to load the cannons with everything he can find. Banking on the element of surprise, the Interceptor u-turns to face the Black Pearl head on…
OCEAN
…and an ALL-OUT WAR ENSUES.
INTERCEPTOR
Will races downstairs to get the necklace, knowing Barbossa and his crew will stop at nothing to retrieve it. But as enemy canons rail the ship, he gets trapped in the rubble...and Barbossa's monkey runs away with the necklace.
.png)
Meanwhile, Jack escapes from his cell. Upstairs, the crew of the Black Pearl invades the Interceptor, and Barbossa gets his necklace back. Escaping back to their ship, they light a whole bunch of dynamite on the Interceptor and leave Will to die in the explosion.
⇣ downhill
BLACK PEARL
Jack
is locked in a holding cell downstairs.
INTERCEPTOR
Meanwhile, the Interceptor crew prepares for the oncoming attack. Refusing to go down without a fight, Will
orders Gibbs to load the cannons with everything he can find. Banking on the element of surprise, the Interceptor u-turns to face the Black Pearl head on…
OCEAN
…and an ALL-OUT WAR ENSUES.
INTERCEPTOR
Will
races downstairs to get the necklace, knowing Barbossa and his crew will stop at nothing to retrieve it. But as enemy canons rail the ship, he gets trapped in the rubble...and Barbossa's monkey runs away with the necklace.
Meanwhile, Jack
escapes from his cell. Upstairs, the crew of the Black Pearl invades the Interceptor, and Barbossa gets his necklace back. Escaping back to their ship, they light a whole bunch of dynamite on the Interceptor and leave Will to die in the explosion.
90:45 - 92:30 (1.75 pages) [+]
EXT. THE BLACK PEARL -- DAY
.png)
The Interceptor blows up. Barbossa and his crew laugh and get ready to rape Elizabeth. I'm not kidding. But just when they're about to rip her clothes off…
…Will shows back up! Demanding they set Elizabeth free, he puts a pistol to his own chin --
.png)
Barbossa agrees to let Elizabeth go free in exchange for Will's cooperation. Will accepts the deal and gives himself up as a hostage.
⇣
The Interceptor blows up. Barbossa
and his crew laugh and get ready to rape Elizabeth. I'm not kidding. But just when they're about to rip her clothes off…
…Will
shows back up! Demanding they set Elizabeth free, he puts a pistol to his own chin --
Barbossa
agrees to let Elizabeth go free in exchange for Will's cooperation. Will accepts the deal and gives himself up as a hostage.
92:30 - 95:00 (2.50 pages) [+]
EXT. THE BLACK PEARL -- MOMENTS LATER
But guess what? Barbossa is an asshole and makes Elizabeth walk the plank. Next up, he tosses Jack a pistol and throws him overboard too. Jack and Elizabeth swim to a nearby island -- the same one Jack was banished to so many years ago.
.png)
⇣
But guess what? Barbossa
is an asshole and makes Elizabeth walk the plank. Next up, he tosses Jack a pistol and throws him overboard too. Jack and Elizabeth swim to a nearby island -- the same one Jack was banished to so many years ago.
95:00 - 96:45 (1.75 pages) [+]
EXT. RUMRUNNER'S ISLAND -- DAY
Jack and Elizabeth reach the shore. Elizabeth is hopeful they can escape. Jack, on the other hand, is none too optimistic. Finding a secret cache of rum, he reveals how he escaped the last time he was here:
.png)
⬅ LOW POINT
Jack
and Elizabeth reach the shore. Elizabeth is hopeful they can escape. Jack, on the other hand, is none too optimistic. Finding a secret cache of rum, he reveals how he escaped the last time he was here:
96:45 - 98:45 (2.00 pages) [+]
EXT. RUMRUNNER'S ISLAND -- NIGHT
Later that night, Jack and Elizabeth have built a bonfire. They dance around it, drunk. They talk about what they'll do when they make it back home. And then, Jack passes out…
…just like Elizabeth planned.
⇣
Later that night, Jack
and Elizabeth have built a bonfire. They dance around it, drunk. They talk about what they'll do when they make it back home. And then, Jack passes out…
…just like Elizabeth
planned.
98:45 - 100:0 (1.25 pages) [+]
EXT. RUMRUNNER'S ISLAND -- MORNING
Jack wakes up to find a giant fire blazing. In the night, Elizabeth has set all of their supplies on fire, creating a smoke signal hundreds of feet in the air. Jack is pissed. Mainly that she's burned up all the rum, but still, pissed. That is, until he spots the Royal Navy on the horizon, sailing toward the signal to save them…
⇣
Jack
wakes up to find a giant fire blazing. In the night, Elizabeth has set all of their supplies on fire, creating a smoke signal hundreds of feet in the air. Jack is pissed. Mainly that she's burned up all the rum, but still, pissed. That is, until he spots the Royal Navy on the horizon, sailing toward the signal to save them…
"But why is the rum gone?!"
100:00 - 101:30 (1.50 pages) [+]
EXT. HMS DAUNTLESS -- DAY
Elizabeth begs Governor Swann and Commodore Norrington to chase after the Black Pearl. When they refuse, she offers Norrington a compromise:
.png)
And just like that, the HMS Dauntless sets out for the Island of the Dead, to capture Captain Barbossa and the Black Pearl once and for all.
⬅ PLOT POINT #2
Elizabeth
begs Governor Swann and Commodore Norrington to chase after the Black Pearl. When they refuse, she offers Norrington a compromise:
And just like that, the HMS Dauntless sets out for the Island of the Dead, to capture Captain Barbossa
and the Black Pearl once and for all.
ACT III
101:30 - 103:00 (1.50 pages) [+]
INT. THE BLACK PEARL -- DAY
Will and his crew are locked away downstairs. As they wait to arrive at the Island of the Dead, Pintel and Ragetti tell Will the story of what happened to his father.
.png)
They're interrupted by Barbossa. They've arrived at The Island of the Dead. Time to take care of business.
⇣ ride
Will
and his crew are locked away downstairs. As they wait to arrive at the Island of the Dead, Pintel and Ragetti tell Will the story of what happened to his father.
They're interrupted by Barbossa
. They've arrived at The Island of the Dead. Time to take care of business.
103:00 - 104:30 (1.50 pages) [+]
EXT. ISLAND OF THE DEAD -- NIGHT
Norrington and his crew rowboat toward the Island of the Dead. Somehow, Jack convinces them it's a good idea to let him go in first and draw Barbossa out.
.png)
Meanwhile, back at the HMS Dauntless, Elizabeth is locked in the captain's quarters where she can be kept safe.
.png)
⇣ into
Norrington
and his crew rowboat toward the Island of the Dead. Somehow, Jack convinces them it's a good idea to let him go in first and draw Barbossa out.
Meanwhile, back at the HMS Dauntless, Elizabeth
is locked in the captain's quarters where she can be kept safe.
104:30 - 108:15 (3.75 pages) [+]
INT. / EXT. CAVE -- ISLAND OF THE DEAD -- NIGHT
Barbossa and his crew prepare to execute Will. But just as they're about to slice his throat, Jack shows up. In true Jack Sparrow form, he offers Barbossa a deal:
.png)
Barbossa agrees, and sends his crew outside to fight Norrington and the Royal Navy. But before they leave, Jack steals a piece of their coveted treasure…
.gif)
⇣ battle
Barbossa
and his crew prepare to execute Will. But just as they're about to slice his throat, Jack shows up. In true Jack Sparrow form, he offers Barbossa a deal:
Barbossa
agrees, and sends his crew outside to fight Norrington and the Royal Navy. But before they leave, Jack steals a piece of their coveted treasure…
108:15 - 124:30 (16.25 pages) [+]
The following scenes in THE ISLAND OF THE DEAD are part of one continuous sequence, which is why they're grouped together.
INT. OCEAN -- NIGHT
Under the light of the full moon, the cursed crew of the Black Pearl marches underwater toward the HMS Dauntless. An army of undead hell-skeletons…
.png)
HMS DAUNTLESS
Onboard, Elizabeth sneaks away from the captain's quarters. She steals a rowboat just as the skeleton army climbs aboard the ship…
…and launches an all-out assault on the British crew. Skeletons stabbing bitches in the face, massacring anything with a heartbeat. A bloody war zone. Meanwhile…
CAVE
Barbossa holds Jack and Will hostage. At just the right moment, Jack steals a sword and cuts Will free, kicking off an epic sword fight with Barbossa and his remaining men. It's the battle we've been waiting for -- Jack Sparrow versus Captain Barbossa, metal to metal.
BLACK PEARL
Elizabeth sneaks onto the Black Pearl, searching for Will. What she finds is Gibbs and the crew, locked in holding cells. As she scrambles to free them…
HMS DAUNTLESS
The skeleton army continues its assault on the Brits. Governor Swann, fending off intruding corpses…
CAVE
Where Jack fights Barbossa tooth and nail. Barbossa gets the upper hand, stabbing Jack through the heart -- only to discover that Jack too is an undead skeleton corpse…
.png)
HMS DAUNTLESS
Where the massacre continues. Governor Swann scrambling for his life…
CAVE
Jack and Will battling the bad guys…
BLACK PEARL
Where Elizabeth frees Gibbs and the crew. Only problem…they have no intention of helping Jack.
.png)
HMS DAUNTLESS
Where Commodore Norrington and his men return to the ship and attack the skeleton army. EPIC SHIT NOW as humans and skeletons brawl face-to-face…
CAVE
Will losing ground, skeletons closing in…when Elizabeth shows up to save him! Together, they take on the bad guys while Jack battles Barbossa. At the last second, Jack tosses Will the stolen coin -- Will cuts his hand, drops the coin in the treasure chest -- and Jack shoots Barbossa in the chest.
.png)
HMS DAUNTLESS
Suddenly, the pirates onboard transform back into humans. Dropping their swords, they surrender to the British. Everyone celebrates.
CAVE
Will and Elizabeth almost kiss, but then Will says something stupid...
.png)
…and Elizabeth runs off crying. Jack laughs, because at the end of the day he's still an asshole.
⬅ CLIMAX
INT. OCEAN -- NIGHT
Under the light of the full moon, the cursed crew of the Black Pearl marches underwater toward the HMS Dauntless. An army of undead hell-skeletons…
HMS DAUNTLESS
Onboard, Elizabeth
sneaks away from the captain's quarters. She steals a rowboat just as the skeleton army climbs aboard the ship…
…and launches an all-out assault on the British crew. Skeletons stabbing bitches in the face, massacring anything with a heartbeat. A bloody war zone. Meanwhile…
CAVE
Barbossa
holds Jack and Will hostage. At just the right moment, Jack steals a sword and cuts Will free, kicking off an epic sword fight with Barbossa and his remaining men. It's the battle we've been waiting for -- Jack Sparrow versus Captain Barbossa, metal to metal.
BLACK PEARL
Elizabeth
sneaks onto the Black Pearl, searching for Will. What she finds is Gibbs and the crew, locked in holding cells. As she scrambles to free them…
HMS DAUNTLESS
The skeleton army continues its assault on the Brits. Governor Swann
, fending off intruding corpses…
CAVE
Where Jack
fights Barbossa tooth and nail. Barbossa gets the upper hand, stabbing Jack through the heart -- only to discover that Jack too is an undead skeleton corpse…
HMS DAUNTLESS
Where the massacre continues. Governor Swann
scrambling for his life…
CAVE
Jack
and Will battling the bad guys…
BLACK PEARL
Where Elizabeth
frees Gibbs and the crew. Only problem…they have no intention of helping Jack.
HMS DAUNTLESS
Where Commodore Norrington
and his men return to the ship and attack the skeleton army. EPIC SHIT NOW as humans and skeletons brawl face-to-face…
CAVE
Will
losing ground, skeletons closing in…when Elizabeth shows up to save him! Together, they take on the bad guys while Jack battles Barbossa. At the last second, Jack tosses Will the stolen coin -- Will cuts his hand, drops the coin in the treasure chest -- and Jack shoots Barbossa in the chest.
The curse is lifted…and Barbossa is dead.
is dead.HMS DAUNTLESS
Suddenly, the pirates onboard transform back into humans. Dropping their swords, they surrender to the British. Everyone celebrates.
CAVE
Will
and Elizabeth almost kiss, but then Will says something stupid...
…and Elizabeth
runs off crying. Jack laughs, because at the end of the day he's still an asshole.
124:15 - 131:45 (7.50 pages) [+]
EXT. GALLOWS -- PORT ROYAL -- DAY
British troops pound the drums as the executioner reads Jack Sparrow his last rights. Jack stands on the gallows, waiting to be hanged. Looks like there's no way out of this one…
We pick up on Will, pushing through the crowd. He finds Elizabeth, and tells her what he's been wanting to say all along:
.png)
Just as Jack is about to be hanged, Will jumps in and saves him. In their final battle, the two pirates fight off the Royal guards, fighting arm-in-arm like badasses...until they're finally cornered. Now there's really no way out, right?
…NOPE. Just as Norrington is about to take them away, Elizabeth steps in. She begs her father to let Will and Jack go free. For some reason, Governor Swann agrees. Will and Elizabeth kiss as the sun rises over the ocean. And Jack jumps into the water, where…
.png)
⇣
British troops pound the drums as the executioner reads Jack Sparrow
his last rights. Jack stands on the gallows, waiting to be hanged. Looks like there's no way out of this one…
We pick up on Will
, pushing through the crowd. He finds Elizabeth, and tells her what he's been wanting to say all along:
Just as Jack
is about to be hanged, Will jumps in and saves him. In their final battle, the two pirates fight off the Royal guards, fighting arm-in-arm like badasses...until they're finally cornered. Now there's really no way out, right?
…NOPE. Just as Norrington
is about to take them away, Elizabeth steps in. She begs her father to let Will and Jack go free. For some reason, Governor Swann agrees. Will and Elizabeth kiss as the sun rises over the ocean. And Jack jumps into the water, where…
131:45 - 133:15 (1.50 pages) [+]
EXT. BLACK PEARL -- DAY
Gibbs and the crew welcome Jack onboard, where he takes the wheel as captain of the Black Pearl.
.png)
⇣ resolution
Gibbs
and the crew welcome Jack onboard, where he takes the wheel as captain of the Black Pearl.
THE END
Analysis
Pirates is a master class in big-budget blockbuster screenwriting. All the essential story elements are there, fleshed out to mind-boggling specificity. It's a marvel to pick apart. Want big, playable characters? Check. Monster-level set pieces? Double-check. Fairytale romance? You betcha. This is the kind of screenplay that makes three-act structure look dangerously simple…yet few writers have built careers pulling it off as well as Elliott and Rossio have.
Boiled down to basics, though, Pirates uses the same three-act skeleton we've come to know and love. So without further ado, let's take a look at where the important plot points show up, and briefly talk about why they are where they are:
F
lash-Bang Open [+]
WHERE IT HAPPENS: 00:00 - 05:00
The Flash-Bang Open in Curse of the Black Pearl wears a few different hats. Aside from being exciting/eye-catching (as Flash-Bang Opens are wont to be), it sets up three important story elements right out the gate: and Elizabeth met, who Norrington and Governor Swann are, AND we get our first look at the thing the bad guys will be chasing after (the necklace).
The Flash-Bang Open in Curse of the Black Pearl wears a few different hats. Aside from being exciting/eye-catching (as Flash-Bang Opens are wont to be), it sets up three important story elements right out the gate:
• The main characters (ElizabethIn total, we're looking at five pages. And in that short span, we learn how Will
• The secondary characters (Norrington
• The MacGuffin (the necklace
and Elizabeth met, who Norrington and Governor Swann are, AND we get our first look at the thing the bad guys will be chasing after (the necklace).
O
pening Exposition [+]
WHERE IT HAPPENS: 00:00 - 37:30
The Opening Exposition in Black Pearl is all about setting up relationships between the characters. There are four major relationships, and they're introduced in this order: loves Elizabeth…Elizabeth is grossed out by Norrington…Elizabeth HATES Jack Sparrow…and (surprise) Will also hates Jack Sparrow.
The Opening Exposition in Black Pearl is all about setting up relationships between the characters. There are four major relationships, and they're introduced in this order:
1. WillThese relationships having been established, the tables are now set for our major plot points to start unfolding. In 38 or so pages, we now know that WillFirst up, we establish the relationship between Will• Elizabeth
• Years later -- Will
2. ElizabethNext up, Elizabeth• Norrington
• Norrington
3. ElizabethElizabeth• Elizabeth
• Jack
• Jack
4. JackAnd finally, we have Jack• Jack
• Will
loves Elizabeth…Elizabeth is grossed out by Norrington…Elizabeth HATES Jack Sparrow…and (surprise) Will also hates Jack Sparrow.
I
nciting Incident, Part I [+]
WHERE IT HAPPENS: 14:15 - 16:30
The first Inciting Incident occurs during the Opening Exposition, when Elizabeth falls into the ocean and her necklace sends a magic signal to the Black Pearl.
Notice that we've accounted for two Inciting Incidents in the first act. As you'll read in a minute, the main Inciting Incident happens around Page 37, when Elizabeth gets kidnapped (because it's the direct catalyst for the first Plot Point). But because this film has such a lengthy first act, we can break it down into smaller sections -- and in doing so, we discover a beat fifteen minutes in that incites the Inciting Incident. This is that scene. In the context of the greater plot, here's how we can frame it:
gets kidnapped), we can really look at it as one greater plot point broken into two parts: Elizabeth accidentally tells the Black Pearl where she is…and then the Black Pearl kidnaps her. In between these two beats, we have a fight scene (more exposition) where Jack and Will meet each other for the first time.
The first Inciting Incident occurs during the Opening Exposition, when Elizabeth
falls into the ocean and her necklace sends a magic signal to the Black Pearl.
Notice that we've accounted for two Inciting Incidents in the first act. As you'll read in a minute, the main Inciting Incident happens around Page 37, when Elizabeth
gets kidnapped (because it's the direct catalyst for the first Plot Point). But because this film has such a lengthy first act, we can break it down into smaller sections -- and in doing so, we discover a beat fifteen minutes in that incites the Inciting Incident. This is that scene. In the context of the greater plot, here's how we can frame it:
• Page 15: ElizabethSo while the Inciting Incident is technically in the next section (when Elizabeth
• Page 37: Barbossa
• Page 45: Will
gets kidnapped), we can really look at it as one greater plot point broken into two parts: Elizabeth accidentally tells the Black Pearl where she is…and then the Black Pearl kidnaps her. In between these two beats, we have a fight scene (more exposition) where Jack and Will meet each other for the first time.
I
nciting Incident, Part II [+]
WHERE IT HAPPENS: 37:30 - 41:00
The second Inciting Incident occurs when Elizabeth is kidnapped by Barbossa and the crew of the Black Pearl.
Moreso than the last, this scene is the main Inciting Incident of our story, because it's the thing that leads directly to the end of the first act. Elizabeth gets kidnapped (Inciting Incident), which leads to the moment fifteen pages later when Will sets off on a journey to find her (Plot Point #1). Easy, breezy, beautiful, Cover Girl.
The second Inciting Incident occurs when Elizabeth
is kidnapped by Barbossa and the crew of the Black Pearl.
Moreso than the last, this scene is the main Inciting Incident of our story, because it's the thing that leads directly to the end of the first act. Elizabeth
gets kidnapped (Inciting Incident), which leads to the moment fifteen pages later when Will sets off on a journey to find her (Plot Point #1). Easy, breezy, beautiful, Cover Girl.
P
repare for Adventure [+]
WHERE IT HAPPENS: 41:00 - 44:30
In the Prepare For Adventure section, Will races around trying to convince people to help him save Elizabeth.
After Elizabeth is kidnapped, Will does two things in preparation for his big journey:
and Jack will set out on their journey to find Elizabeth.
In the Prepare For Adventure section, Will
races around trying to convince people to help him save Elizabeth.
After Elizabeth
is kidnapped, Will does two things in preparation for his big journey:
1. He tries to convince NorringtonWith this, the table has been set for Plot Point #1, where Will
2. He tries to convince Jack
and Jack will set out on their journey to find Elizabeth.
P
lot Point #1 [+]
WHERE IT HAPPENS: 44:30 - 48:30
Plot Point #1 happens when Will and Jack set out on their journey to find Elizabeth.
It's a lesson we've been over, but it's worth noting regardless -- notice how interesting and fun Elliot and Rossio make this scene! Jack and Will could easily just hop on a boat and set sail. But instead, they pull off a badass heist. It's action-packed, it's funny, and it's got little plants/payoffs sprinkled throughout (namely Norrington's line, "That has got to be the worst pirate I've ever seen"…just watch the movie, it's hilarious).
Plot Point #1 happens when Will
and Jack set out on their journey to find Elizabeth.
It's a lesson we've been over, but it's worth noting regardless -- notice how interesting and fun Elliot and Rossio make this scene! Jack
and Will could easily just hop on a boat and set sail. But instead, they pull off a badass heist. It's action-packed, it's funny, and it's got little plants/payoffs sprinkled throughout (namely Norrington's line, "That has got to be the worst pirate I've ever seen"…just watch the movie, it's hilarious).
F
un and Games [+]
WHERE IT HAPPENS: 48:30 - 77:30
Three important things happen in the Fun and Games:
Three important things happen in the Fun and Games:
• 5 Scenes: Will1. They sail across the ocean.
2. They arrive at the Island of Tortuga.
3. They find Gibbs
4.Jack
5.Will
• 1 Scene: BarbossaThis is the obligatory "check in with the bad guys" scene, where the damsel in distress screams for help and the villains laugh evilly. Only in Curse of the Black Pearl, it's awesome, because we get to see Geoffrey Rush turn into a devil skeleton.
• 5 Scenes: Will1. They sail across the ocean.
2. The Black Pears arrives at the Island of the Dead.
3. Jack
4.Will
5.Jack
F
alse Victory [+]
WHERE IT HAPPENS: 76:00 - 76:45
The False Victory in Black Pearl happens when Will rescues Elizabeth.
Remember…the False Victory typically happens just before the Midpoint. It's a moment where the main character thinks he or she has won the ballgame, and it precedes the Roll Downhill (where everything goes to hell). Black Pearl is no different -- halfway through the film, Will accomplishes his goal…he saves Elizabeth and starts to take her home. But as we'll see in the next few sections, his victory will be short-lived...
The False Victory in Black Pearl happens when Will
rescues Elizabeth.
Remember…the False Victory typically happens just before the Midpoint. It's a moment where the main character thinks he or she has won the ballgame, and it precedes the Roll Downhill (where everything goes to hell). Black Pearl is no different -- halfway through the film, Will
accomplishes his goal…he saves Elizabeth and starts to take her home. But as we'll see in the next few sections, his victory will be short-lived...
M
idpoint Reversal [+]
WHERE IT HAPPENS: 76:45 - 77:30
The Midpoint Reversal happens when Jack strikes a deal with Barbossa to help him capture Will.
What's neat about the Midpoint Reversal in this film is that it's literally a reversal -- one of the protagonists of the film switches sides and joins the bad guys (albeit for a short time, but still). From this point forward, things will start to wrong for the main characters. Will will get kidnapped, Jack and Elizabeth will get banished to a desert island, all hope will be lost, etc.
The Midpoint Reversal happens when Jack
strikes a deal with Barbossa to help him capture Will.
What's neat about the Midpoint Reversal in this film is that it's literally a reversal -- one of the protagonists of the film switches sides and joins the bad guys (albeit for a short time, but still). From this point forward, things will start to wrong for the main characters. Will
will get kidnapped, Jack and Elizabeth will get banished to a desert island, all hope will be lost, etc.
R
oll Downhill [+]
WHERE IT HAPPENS: 77:30 - 96:45
In the Roll Downhill, three important things happen:
In the Roll Downhill, three important things happen:
1. The Black Pearl ATTACKS the good guys (action set piece).Talk about shit going sour fast, amiright? For about twenty pages, not a single good thing happens to the main characters. Naturally, this leads us to our Low Point, which marks the close of the second act.
2. Barbossa
3. Jack
L
ow Point [+]
WHERE IT HAPPENS: 95:00 - 96:45
The Low Point occurs when Jack and Elizabeth are banished to a desert island.
Think about where we're at now. Will has been taken hostage and he'll probably die. Jack and Elizabeth are stranded on a desert island with no way out, and they'll probably die. Things couldn't look more bleak for the good guys right now. Luckily, Elizabeth comes up with a plan to get herself and Jack out of the jam, which leads us directly to...
The Low Point occurs when Jack
and Elizabeth are banished to a desert island.
Think about where we're at now. Will
has been taken hostage and he'll probably die. Jack and Elizabeth are stranded on a desert island with no way out, and they'll probably die. Things couldn't look more bleak for the good guys right now. Luckily, Elizabeth comes up with a plan to get herself and Jack out of the jam, which leads us directly to...
P
lot Point #2 [+]
WHERE IT HAPPENS: 100:00 - 101:30
Plot Point #2 happens when Elizabeth convinces Norrington and Governor Swann to save Will's life.
With all hope lost, Elizabeth strikes a deal with Norrington: Save Will's life, and I'll marry you. The HMS Dauntless (Norrington's ship) sets out to find and defeat the bad guys, bringing act two to a definitive close.
Plot Point #2 happens when Elizabeth
convinces Norrington and Governor Swann to save Will's life.
With all hope lost, Elizabeth
strikes a deal with Norrington: Save Will's life, and I'll marry you. The HMS Dauntless (Norrington's ship) sets out to find and defeat the bad guys, bringing act two to a definitive close.
R
ide Into Battle [+]
WHERE IT HAPPENS: 101:30 - 108:15
In the Ride Into Battle section, the good guys chase down the bad guys.
Much like the Prepare For Adventure earlier on, this section of the film is all about setting us up for the big moment. In this case, that moment is the Climax -- i.e., the big showdown between good and evil -- meaning the Ride Into Battle comprises entirely of setup for that event. The bad guys arrive at the Island of the Dead. The good guys arrive shortly behind. The bad guys get ready to carry out their evil plan, but just before they do…the good guys intervene (and the Climax starts)!
In the Ride Into Battle section, the good guys chase down the bad guys.
Much like the Prepare For Adventure earlier on, this section of the film is all about setting us up for the big moment. In this case, that moment is the Climax -- i.e., the big showdown between good and evil -- meaning the Ride Into Battle comprises entirely of setup for that event. The bad guys arrive at the Island of the Dead. The good guys arrive shortly behind. The bad guys get ready to carry out their evil plan, but just before they do…the good guys intervene (and the Climax starts)!
C
limax [+]
WHERE IT HAPPENS: 108:15 - 124:30
In the Climax, Will and Jack defeat the cursed pirates and kill Barbossa.
Pretty self-explanatory, this one. Badass/creative fifteen-minute action scene where the good guys face off against the villains, defeat them, and everyone celebrates.
In the Climax, Will
and Jack defeat the cursed pirates and kill Barbossa.
Pretty self-explanatory, this one. Badass/creative fifteen-minute action scene where the good guys face off against the villains, defeat them, and everyone celebrates.
R
esolution [+]
This was awesome. Thanks for the breakdown! I was taking notes based on the little tool-tip popups that show when I hovered my cursor over each major point, but I noticed that some, like false victory and low point, don't have popups with definitions. Is there anywhere you have a complete list of each point with the definitions? I would greatly appreciate it!
ReplyDeleteHey jmsevold -- glad it's helpful. I honestly had no idea anybody reads my blog :) I'm actually out of the country but will get a glossary up asap.
DeleteIn the meantime, though:
The False Victory, typically, is a plot point that happens near the middle of a film -- where our main character SUCCESSFULLY accomplishes the goal that we established in Plot Point #1.
In this case, at Plot Point #1, Will Turner has a clearly-defined goal: SAVE ELIZABETH. And at the False Victory (right in the middle of the movie)...he accomplishes that.
From there, the False Victory typically causes a new, even worse complication -- and it allows the bad guys to make a comeback (the Roll Downhill) until...
THE LOW POINT -- where our bad guys have pretty much kicked our hero's ass. Our hero is down for the count, with nowhere to go, and all hope is lost...until he or she comes up with a NEW PLAN (Plot Point #2) to fight one last battle and defeat the bad guys.
Hope this helps!