Story strategy of IN THE BEDROOM (MOVIE)

 

Here are the basic steps in the story strategy of IN THE BEDROOM:

 

  1. Lovers in a field, Frank and Natalie.

 

  1. Frank and Matt take Jason lobstering.

 

  1. BBQ. Natalie’s husband shows up.Ruth: shall we do something? (hook)

 

  1. Matt catches them after sex.

 

  1. Richard wants a reconciliation. He’s belligerent. (complication)

 

  1. Frank thinking of delaying school.

 

  1. Frank gets beat up.

 

  1. Parents try to talk him out of seeing Natalie. (call to action)

 

  1. Richard goes bananas, Frank arrives, Richard shoots Frank.  (act one plot point)

 

  1. The parents grief. Ruth is more visible in her grief.

 

  1. Richard gets bail.

 

  1. Parents feel like victims of justice system. (midpoint)

 

  1. At cabin: Ruth wanted more kids.

 

  1. Matt: how can we keep him in jail longer? What else can we pin on him (to lawyer)? Seems hopeless.

 

  1. Ruth sees Richard in store, loses it.

 

  1. The bitter marital fight. Lots of low blows. (act two plot point)

 

  1. Matt takes Richard “hostage” after he closes up. The Plan. He is alone.

 

  1. Matt shoots him coldly. Willis is upset. “I couldn’t wait.” (resolution)

 

  1. Home. Did you do it? Later, do you want coffee.

 

21. Scenes of town. “Normal.”