The 3-Act Paradigm at Work: The Quiet American

written by Christopher Hampton & Robert Schenkkan

(based on a single theater viewing)


The Quiet American is a first rate adaptation of a brilliant novel by Graham Greene about a love triangle set in 1950s Vietnam.

Structural Analysis

  1. Hook
    • The dead body of Pyle, "the quiet American," is found in the river.
  2. Complication
    • Earlier, Fowler (British journalist, protagonist) is being called back to London since he is filing so few stories. He has a Vietnamese mistress, Phuong.
  3. Call to Action
    • Fowler decides to go to the north to find a story.
  4. Act One Plot Point
    • Pyle follows Fowler north and ends up saving his life. And later falling for Phuong.
  5. Midpoint Plot Point
    • Phuong learns that Fowler lied about being able to get a divorce so he can marry her. Phuong moves in with Pyle, who will marry her.
  6. Act Two Plot Point
    • Pyle has a secret life and Fowler sets him up with his enemies, immediately feeling guilty about it.
  7. Climax and Resolution
    • Pyle is murdered. Fowler stays in Vietnam, gets Phuong back, and reports on the American buildup and war.

Notes

Tight and focused and very well acted.


MODULE 4: SCREENWRIGHT: the craft of screenwriting

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02/03