Applying Syd Field's Theory To 'Fatal Attraction'

Act 1
We see Dan's normal life with his wife and daughter and then see him meeting Alex. Within the first 30 minutes Dan and Alex have started their fling

Alex slitting her wrists is the transition between act 1 and act 2

Act 2
We see Alex begin to stalk Dan and each time it gets slightly worse (from turning up at work to the tape to forcing his way into his family life to boiling the bunny to taking his daughter)

The bunny's death is the point at which Dan realises he's been trying to solve the problem the wrong way

After he realises he tell s his wife hoping that Alex has nothing else to use against him, and goes round to her house to threaten her

Act 3
The plot culminates into a fight in which Alex dies, and the problem is therefore solved

The 'problematic' of 'Fatal Attraction' is Alex's obsession with Dan which starts off as a simple fling but ends up with her stalking him, ultimately leading to her death.

Steve Baker's article suggests that all single, independent women are evil and obsessive. He also suggest that they will ruin your life, so all women should remain the stereotypical housewife who looks after the home and kids, not work.

Syd Field's 3 Act Plot Structure

Act 1
Within the first 10 minutes the audience will decide if they will like the film or not so they must be given the following information:

• Who the main character is
• What the film's about
• What they should expect
• Why they should care about characters

Withing the first 30 minutes they must find out what the main problem of the film will be

Act 2
The longest of the three acts should show the main character in extreme situations where they helplessly confront their problem until they realise t hat they are going about it all the wrong way and change what they do

Act 3
The hero takes control of the situation and often confronts their enemy on their home territory leading to victory.