The 3-Act Paradigm at Work:
About Schmidt
written by Alexander Payne & Jim Taylor
(based on a single theater viewing)
About Schmidt
is a drama and dark comedy about a man who feels his life is a waste -- but learns there is at least one thing he is doing right.
Structural Analysis
Hook
Schmidt is retiring from his insurance job.
Complication
But he's not too happy about it. There's a big vacuum in his life.
Call to Action
He tries to fill it by sponsoring a child in Africa.
Act One Plot Point
His wife dies, leaving him alone. He hits the road in his RV.
Midpoint Plot Point
He tries to convince his daughter to cancel her wedding to a guy not worthy of her.
Act Two Plot Point
He decides he's failed at everything.
Climax and Resolution
He gets his first letter from the African child -- and a drawing that shows him this, at least, is something he is doing right.
Notes
Great performance help this dark comedy considerably. Some Oscar roles here.
MODULE 4:
SCREENWRIGHT: the craft of screenwriting
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