The Martian - Structural Theories and Story Telling

After watching Gravity, we were tasked with finding another linear film that uses the act structure. Films like this are more commonly plot driven with little story. I decided to look at the Martian.

Exposition 

This stage is the introduction to the film's main characters, essentially setting the scene. In the Martin, this is when the audience is introduced to Mark Watney and the rest of his crew. 

Inciting Incident 

The inciting incident is when the crew realises that the storm will prevent them from leaving Mars safely. 

End of Act: Plot Point 1

Mark is struck over the head during the storm and the crew wrongly presume he is dead and make their way back to Earth. Mark wakes up and returns the the groups 'Hub' to avoid running out of oxygen. 

Mid Point 2 (Act 2)

This is when the main character faces their biggest obstacles, for Mark this is a limited supply of food and now way to contact Earth for a rescue. 

Plot Point 2 (End of Act 2)

This stage is when Mark is able to contact Earth and create a food source for him to live off whilst waiting to be rescued. However, a ship launch sending supplies to his rescue crew is destroyed and he now believes his death is inevitable. 

Race to the Climax 

With all of the main issues resolved, Mark rushes to another station on Mars to retrieve a device that will essentially sling shot him to his crew mates ship. 

The Twist?

As Mark finally reaches the atmosphere, his crewmate fails to catch him and he is left unable to reach the ship. He pierces his pressure suite and uses the escaping air to push him towards the ship.

Denouement End

Mark reaches the crew and they return to Earth. Mark becomes a survival instructor for astronaut candidates. The film concludes with scenes of his crew members in their current lives. 

 

This film has an Arc Plot. Although there are scenes in which the main character is not followed, the plot still remains linear. I believe the ending to be closed as there is no more story left. Although the film is heavily plot driven, there are not a large amount of questions left for the audience to ask.