200 Cigarettes
A collection of twentysomethings try to cope with relationships, loneliness, desire and their individual neuroses.
Working with a small-scale budget of $6.0M, the film achieved a modest success with $6.9M in global revenue (+14% profit margin).
2 nominations
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
200 Cigarettes (1999) exhibits deliberately positioned narrative design, characteristic of Risa Bramon Garcia's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 10-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 41 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.8, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Characters
Cast & narrative archetypes
Monica
Ellie
Lucy
Val
Kevin
Eric
Tom
Stephie
Main Cast & Characters
Monica
Played by Martha Plimpton
Neurotic party hostess desperately trying to make her New Year's Eve party perfect while waiting for guests to arrive.
Ellie
Played by Janeane Garofalo
Insecure young woman searching for her boyfriend at various parties throughout the night.
Lucy
Played by Courtney Love
Confident aspiring actress navigating the party scene with her best friend.
Val
Played by Christina Ricci
Party girl and Lucy's best friend, looking for romance and adventure on New Year's Eve.
Kevin
Played by Paul Rudd
Cynical bartender who serves as observer and occasional participant in the night's chaos.
Eric
Played by Brian McCardie
Monica's ex-boyfriend and object of her lingering affection, creating tension at the party.
Tom
Played by Casey Affleck
Awkward nice guy trying to navigate his feelings and the social chaos of New Year's Eve.
Stephie
Played by Gaby Hoffmann
Tom's date, a quirky young woman trying to enjoy the evening.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Monica frantically prepares her apartment for the "party of the year" on New Year's Eve 1981, establishing her anxious, controlling personality and desperate need for everything to be perfect.. Significantly, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 12 minutes when No one shows up to Monica's party at the expected time. Her worst nightmare is unfolding—the party she's obsessed over is failing, and her fragile self-confidence begins to crumble.. At 12% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The Collapse moment at 76 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Monica's party descends into chaos—fights break out, people leave, her romantic hopes are dashed. Multiple relationship storylines hit their lowest points simultaneously. The "death" of the perfect New Year's Eve everyone was chasing., shows the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Synthesis at 81 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. The finale as midnight strikes: characters make genuine connections, apologize, take emotional risks. Monica lets go of her perfect party fantasy. Couples reconcile or part ways with honesty. Everyone counts down to the new year together, messier but more authentic., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
200 Cigarettes's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 10 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs systematic plot point analysis that identifies crucial turning points. By mapping 200 Cigarettes against these established plot points, we can identify how Risa Bramon Garcia utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish 200 Cigarettes within the comedy genre.
Comparative Analysis
Additional comedy films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Monica frantically prepares her apartment for the "party of the year" on New Year's Eve 1981, establishing her anxious, controlling personality and desperate need for everything to be perfect.
Theme
Monica's friend suggests that maybe she's trying too hard to force connections, hinting at the film's theme: authentic connection cannot be manufactured or controlled, only discovered through vulnerability.
Worldbuilding
Introduction to the ensemble cast across New York City: Kevin and Lucy trying to find the party, Ellie recovering from heartbreak, Val and Stephie navigating their relationship tensions, and various characters preparing for the night ahead.
Disruption
No one shows up to Monica's party at the expected time. Her worst nightmare is unfolding—the party she's obsessed over is failing, and her fragile self-confidence begins to crumble.
Resistance
Multiple storylines develop as characters debate their choices: Kevin and Lucy argue about their relationship, Ellie debates whether to call her ex, Monica debates whether to abandon her party. Each character wrestles with their fears about connection and vulnerability.
Act II
ConfrontationPremise
The "fun and games" of New Year's Eve 1981: characters cross paths, flirt, fight, smoke cigarettes, ride in cabs, navigate the East Village punk scene. The ensemble explores various relationship dynamics and romantic possibilities across New York.
Opposition
Complications intensify: relationships fracture, jealousies emerge, miscommunications multiply. Monica's insecurities worsen as her ex shows up. Kevin and Lucy's tensions peak. Ellie confronts her emotional vulnerability. The pressure of the ticking clock toward midnight increases.
Collapse
Monica's party descends into chaos—fights break out, people leave, her romantic hopes are dashed. Multiple relationship storylines hit their lowest points simultaneously. The "death" of the perfect New Year's Eve everyone was chasing.
Crisis
Characters sit with their disappointments and failures. Monica faces her need for control, others confront what they're really afraid of. The dark night before midnight, processing loss and reconsidering what they actually want versus what they thought they wanted.
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
The finale as midnight strikes: characters make genuine connections, apologize, take emotional risks. Monica lets go of her perfect party fantasy. Couples reconcile or part ways with honesty. Everyone counts down to the new year together, messier but more authentic.