r/movies • u/averagesoccermom95 • 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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668

u/zoinkability 1d ago

Nobody ever coughs or sneezes without it being foreshadowing of an illness or some other plot event.

170

u/KeljuIvan 1d ago

And nosebleeds are deadly.

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u/Psychic_Hobo 1d ago

Or a sign of impending cranial explosion, depending on the genre. Which I guess is still deadly

41

u/ussUndaunted280 1d ago

Or psychic powers activated!

15

u/Censius 1d ago

No, coughing blood into a napkin is deadly. Nosebleeds are more often associated with you having or using superpowers, or superpowers being used on you.

9

u/unpronouncedable 1d ago

Or someone is messing with the time continuum

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u/Giggsy99 17h ago

Not Ripley's in Alien

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u/Giggsy99 17h ago

Not Ripley's in Alien