Comments on: Structure: E.T.

By: John

John — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 21:18:47 +0000

In reply to Steve Vidler. E.T. being left behind is not the inciting incident. When E.T. and Elliot meet is. Without them meeting there is no story.

By: Karel Segers

Karel Segers — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 01:12:00 +0000

In reply to Steve Vidler. Nice. I like it! Thank you Steve.

By: Steve Vidler

Steve Vidler — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 00:09:00 +0000

Thanks. I’d quibble slightly with your definition of the Inciting Incident [see Karel’s posts on this elsewhere on this site]. I’d say the movie is a great demonstration of how the Inciting Incident, the hero’s Call to Action, and the Act 1 Turning Point are frequently different beats.

Inciting Incident is ET being left behind when the spaceship departs to avoid discovery.
[if this doesn’t happen, there is no further story – period]
Call to Action is Elliot’s first glimpse of ET in the “probably a coyote” sequence.
[if this doesn’t happen, Elliot doesn’t begin pursuing his goal]
Act 1 Turning Point is when ET connects with Elliot – giving the candy back to Elliot.
[if this doesn’t happen, the “promise of the premise” is not met [ie boy befriends alien].

By: Aaron

Aaron — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 20:22:37 +0000

THANKS FOR THE SCREENPLAY STRUCTURE FOR MY ALL TIME FAVORITE MOVIE!!!!!!

By: scoob

scoob — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 17:47:49 +0000

Lollies? Must be an Englishman writing this…which is totally cool but I couldn’t figure out how that meant Resse’s Pieces for the longest time.