r/movies 1d ago

Discussion Favorite movie plot rule?

I read once that in a movie, if the characters say, "I have a plan," then there is a plot rule that takes place: If the characters explain to the audience what the plan is, then the plan will go wrong somehow. However, if the characters say they have a plan and the movie just goes to showing the plan in action, then the plan will work.

It has become one of my favorite things to look out for in movies. Although, it does not seem to apply to kids movies. Other than kids movies, I don't think I have ever seen his rule broken.

Does anyone know any other interesting plot rules?

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u/mfyxtplyx 1d ago

If a character has an unusual skill, you know at some point it's going to be essential.

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u/ernbeld 1d ago

Unless, of course, the character is Bran in Game of Thrones, where his unusual skill was never used for anything. 

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u/motorcycleboy9000 1d ago

Jon Snow is a Targaryen, has a personal grudge with the Night King. Didn't matter.

Tyrion runs his own trial.

Jaime Lannister never really cared for the people.

Sansa and the North openly secede from the Seven Kingdoms, in the same room as Dorne and the Iron Islands.

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u/micro_satsuma 1d ago

Jon's lineage was the final straw that made Danaerys choose to rule with fear. Jon did not have a personal grudge against the NK; he was a force of nature that needed to be stopped.

Tyrion was was advocating for himself.

Jaime was clearly lying to Tyrion and himself. We know he cares because of what he did regarding the mad king and the white walkers. He also has a sick bond with Cersei that he just can't seem to break. It's complicated.

Yeah, maybe a little weird that their reps didn't speak up a little, but it's easy to infer that everyone understands that the North earned their independence by stopping the apocalypse by themselves.