Uncover the Hidden Secrets Behind Every Thrilling Scene in “Argo” (2012)
Here is my take on this exercise from a previous series of posts — How To Read A Screenplay:
After a first pass, it’s time to crack open the script for a deeper analysis and you can do that by creating a scene-by-scene breakdown. It is precisely what it sounds like: A list of all the scenes in the script accompanied by a brief description of the events that transpire.
For purposes of this exercise, I have a slightly different take on scene. Here I am looking not just for individual scenes per se, but a scene or set of scenes that comprise one event or a continuous piece of action. Admittedly this is subjective and there is no right or wrong, the point is simply to break down the script into a series of parts which you then can use dig into the script’s structure and themes.
The value of this exercise:
- We pare down the story to its most constituent parts: Scenes.
- By doing this, we consciously explore the structure of the narrative.
- A scene-by-scene breakdown creates a foundation for even deeper analysis of the story.
Today: Argo (2012). You may download the script here.
Screenplay by Chris Terrio
IMDb Plot Summary: Acting under the cover of a Hollywood producer scouting a location for a science fiction film, a CIA agent launches a dangerous operation to rescue six Americans in Tehran during the U.S. hostage crisis in Iran in 1980.
Argo
Scene By Scene Breakdown
By Nora Barry
GoIntoTheStory.com1–2: Set-up of embassy takeover in Tehran
3: Int. of embassy as gates are breached. Meet Mark and Bob, 2 of the 6.
4: Ext of embassy as security guard is taken
5–8: Back and forth between exterior, as the protestors swarm, and interior, as the staff deletes files. Meet Lee, Cora and Joe (3 of the 6).
9: Embassy surrounded and hostages taken 5 of the 6 exit the back door
10–11: State department reacting to embassy capture. Learn the 5 who left the embassy have been joined by a 6th (Kathy) and they’re being housed at Canadians.
12–13: White House…
