Aladdin

The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Aladdin is a "street rat" thief in Agrabah, stealing bread to survive with his monkey Abu. He's poor, homeless, but dreams of something more while looking at the palace from his rooftop hideout.. The analysis reveals that this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.

The inciting incident occurs at 11 minutes when Aladdin meets Jasmine in the marketplace (she's disguised, having run away from the palace). He saves her from having her hand cut off for stealing an apple. This chance encounter disrupts both their worlds.. At 10% 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 First Threshold at 24 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 20% of the runtime. This reveals the protagonist's commitment to Aladdin chooses to enter the Cave of Wonders, crossing into a magical world he's never experienced. The cave entrance rises from the desert as a giant tiger head, warning only the "diamond in the rough" may enter., moving from reaction to action.

At 49 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 41% of the runtime—significantly early, compressing the first half. Notably, this crucial beat False victory: After the magic carpet ride, Jasmine recognizes Aladdin as the boy from the market. They nearly kiss, and she seems to be falling for him. But Aladdin lies, claiming he sometimes dresses as a commoner, deepening his deception. Stakes raised: the lie is now more complicated., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.

The Collapse moment at 72 minutes (60% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Jafar obtains the lamp and becomes the most powerful sorcerer in the world. He exposes Aladdin as a fraud before Jasmine and her father, reduces him back to a street rat, and banishes him to a frozen wasteland. Everything Aladdin gained is lost. Death imagery: freezing, powerless, alone., illustrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.

The Second Threshold at 78 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 65% of the runtime. Aladdin returns to the palace as himself - not Prince Ali, just Aladdin. He synthesizes his street smarts (Act 1 skills) with what he learned about honesty and self-worth (from Genie/Jasmine in Act 2). He chooses to fight Jafar with his wits and truth, not false power., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.