Abstract
Subplots are mini-stories with their own beginning, middle, and end, each connecting to and advancing the main plotline. In terms of the Protagonist’s psychological journey, there is a principle which comes into play: Subplot = Relationship. The Protagonist’s relationships with the Nemesis, Attractor, Mentor, and Trickster characters motivate the Protagonist’s transformation. Each subplot provides a different, yet invaluable function in contributing to the Protagonist’s journey from disunity to unity. This chapter explores some of the most compelling relationships in cinema history including subplots from Jerry Maguire, The Wolf of Wall Street, The Intouchables, A Beautiful Mind, and Adaptation, and Monsters, Inc.
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Notes
- 1.
Cross-cutting is an editorial technique writers use to shift or “jump” the action from one storyline to another, often but not always in concurrent time.
- 2.
Writer-director Cameron Crowe was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen.
- 3.
Much of the movie’s humor derives from inverting expectations: Instead of the monsters scaring humans, humans scare monsters. This inversion of the norms is a trademark of Pixar storytelling.
- 4.
The Mandalorian television series (2021-present) explores a similar Protagonist-Attractor relationship between the Protagonist (The Mandalorian) and the Attractor (Baby Yoda a.k.a. Grogu). Much like Monster’s Inc., the Protagonist evolves from an I-It relationship with the Attractor to an I-You connection. This development is emblematic of the Protagonist’s emotional maturation.
- 5.
In the closing titles of The Intouchables, it is revealed that Philippe is now married again and has fathered two daughters. Driss owns his own company, is married, and has three children.
- 6.
Among the Oscars the movie received, screenwriter Akiva Goldsman won the Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published award.
- 7.
The movie version of the final struggle spends much more time with Charlie and Donald, the pair sharing key secrets from their past capped off by them singing The Turtles’ song Happy Together just as Donald dies.
Further Study
Cameron Crowe Reflects On His ‘Jerry Maguire’ Journey, Mike Fleming Jr., Deadline, January 2, 2017, https://deadline.com/2017/01/jerry-maguire-cameron-crowe-tom-cruise-james-l-brooks-cuba-gooding-glenn-frey-leigh-steinberg-drew-rosenhaus-20th-anniversary-1201877503/.
Monsters Inc: Pete Docter Dives Deep into Movie’s Legacy and Creation, 15 Years Later, Marc Snetiker, Entertainment Weekly, November 2, 2016, https://ew.com/article/2016/11/02/monsters-inc-anniversary-pete-docter/.
‘Sunset Boulevard’: Billy Wilder and Charles Brackett’s Sobering Exposure of the Dark Side of Hollywood, Sven Mikulec, Cinephilia & Beyond, November 26, 2016, https://cinephiliabeyond.org/sunset-boulevard-billy-wilder-charles-bracketts-sobering-exposure-dark-side-hollywood/.
‘Psycho’: The Proto-Slasher That Brought On a Revolution in Cinema, Sven Mikulec, Cinephilia & Beyond, June 15, 2020, https://cinephiliabeyond.org/psycho-proto-slasher-brought-revolution-cinema/.
Four decades later, Brian De Palma’s ‘Carrie’ Stands Out as One of the Most Capably Crafted Horror Films of All Time, Sven Mikulec, Cinephilia & Beyond, January 18, 2015, https://cinephiliabeyond.org/four-decades-later-brian-de-palmas-carrie-stands-one-capably-crafted-horror-films-time/.
The Men Who Still Love “Fight Club,” Peter C. Baker, New Yorker, November 4, 2019, https://www.newyorker.com/culture/cultural-comment/the-men-who-still-love-fight-club.
‘Fight Club’: David Fincher’s Stylish Exploration of Modern-Day Man’s Estrangement and Disillusionment, Sven Mikulec, Cinephilia & Beyond, June 16, 2017, https://cinephiliabeyond.org/fight-club-david-finchers-stylish-exploration-modern-day-mans-estrangement-disillusionment/.
A Beautiful Mind: The Shooting Script, Akiva Goldsman, Newmarket Press, First Trade Paper Edition, January 25, 2002.
Adaptation: The Shooting Script, Charlie Kaufman, Dey Street Books, December 19, 2002.
References
Crowe, C. (written by) (1996). Jerry Maguire; TriStar Pictures.
Goldsman, A. (screenplay), Nasar, S. (book) (2001). A Beautiful Mind; Universal Pictures.
Kaufman, C. (screenplay), Orlean, S. (book), (2001). Adaptation; Columbia Pictures / Propaganda Films.
Nakache, O. and Toledano, E. (written by), di Borgo, P. P. (book) (2001). The Intouchables; Quad Productions.
Winter, T. (screenplay), Belfort, J. (book) (2013). The Wolf of Wall Street; Paramount Pictures.
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Myers, S. (2022). Subplots. In: The Protagonist's Journey. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-79682-2_13
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