The second film based on Nabokov's famous novel.
Clean 3-act structure. Manages to draw an almost sympathetic pervert.
Structural Analysis
Hook
Humbert, the protagonist, weaving on the road, a complete wreck,
blood on his face, thinking of Lolita.
Complication
At 14 he falls in love with Annabel and is marked for life. He will
search for her all his days.
Call to Action
Rents a room in New England -- only because Lolita is there.
Act One Plot Point
Quick twists: marries Lo's mother; she discovers his diary about
Lo; she runs off and gets hit by car, dies. Humbert is alone with Lo,
his step-daughter.
Midpoint Plot Point
Finally tells Lo her mother is dead. They become lovers, go
to prep school where he will teach.
Act Two Plot Point
Lo in hospital with virus -- someone else checks her out. He's
lost her.
Climax and Resolution
Meets Lo after she's married and pregnant. She rejects running
off with him. He learns who checked her out of hospital, and he goes
and kills him. Afterwards, image of beginning, weaving down highway
with police in pursuit.
Notes
A touching tragedy, despite its subject matter.
MODULE 4: SCREENWRIGHT: the craft of screenwriting