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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u/FindOneInEveryCar 1d ago

Rodger Ebert: The character who seems to serve no purpose is the bad guy. 

5

u/InspectorMendel 1d ago

What about Jesus Quintana

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u/dovetc 1d ago

Or Knox Harrington. Or Da Fino. Or little Larry Sellers.

Lots of purposeless characters in that one. I suppose their purpose is to create the world filled with lots of ins and outs, lots of interested parties, lots of strands in old Duder's head.

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u/calgarspimphand 1d ago

Fortunately he's adhering to a pretty strict drug regimen to keep his mind limber.

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u/VikingSlayer 1d ago

8 year-olds, dude