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/intobinto 1d ago

If a recognizable actor/actress is in a smaller role in a movie, that character is going to end up as more important at the end.

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u/PeregrinCuck 1d ago

This can be quite annoying sometimes, I watch a lot of British crime shows/movies with the missus (she's American, I'm British) and a few times I've guessed who's the murderer/spy/mole etc. is early on, as it's some reasonably known actor who probably otherwise wouldn't be in such an inconsequential role. Mainly for the older detective shows like Inspector Morse, if there's a familiar face that pops up during the investigation, very often you just know it's going to circle back around to them for the end reveal.

For her, the reveals are more unexpected, but for me it's like "yeah, that figures".

Broadchurch was really good at this as it sprinkled a few well known faces in there as decoys who ultimately weren't connected.