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
Hook
The dead body of Pyle, "the quiet American," is found in the river.
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.
Call to Action
Fowler decides to go to the north to find a story.
Act One Plot Point
Pyle follows Fowler north and ends up saving his life. And later
falling for Phuong.
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.
Act Two Plot Point
Pyle has a secret life and Fowler sets him up with his enemies,
immediately feeling guilty about it.
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