Black Moon Rising
A professional thief is hired by the FBI to steal a data tape from a company under investigation. The analysis of this tape, will prove the criminal activities of this company. As this thief is discovered in his attempt, he hides the tape inside a prototype car, but unfortunately there is someone else interested in this vehicle.
The film earned $6.6M at the global box office.
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%)
Black Moon Rising (1986) showcases strategically placed narrative design, characteristic of Harley Cokeliss's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 40 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.7, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Characters
Cast & narrative archetypes
Quint
Nina
Ryland
Marvin Ringer
Main Cast & Characters
Quint
Played by Tommy Lee Jones
A skilled professional thief and freelance operative who steals an incriminating tape and must recover it from a high-tech skyscraper.
Nina
Played by Linda Hamilton
A sophisticated car thief and leader of a high-tech auto theft ring who becomes romantically involved with Quint.
Ryland
Played by Robert Vaughn
A powerful and ruthless corporate executive who commands a fortress-like building and pursues the stolen tape.
Marvin Ringer
Played by Richard Jaeckel
A shady businessman and target of Quint's investigation who possesses incriminating evidence.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Quint, a skilled thief working for the government, infiltrates a Las Vegas corporation to steal incriminating evidence on computer tape. He operates as a lone wolf, using his technical skills and nerve.. Significantly, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 13 minutes when The Black Moon, with the crucial evidence tape inside, is stolen by professional car thief Nina. Quint loses both the evidence he needs to deliver and his only leverage against dangerous enemies.. At 13% through the film, this Disruption is delayed, allowing extended setup of the story world. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 25 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 25% of the runtime. This shows the protagonist's commitment to Quint commits to infiltrating Ryland's organization to recover the Black Moon. He actively chooses to enter the high-tech fortress world rather than cut his losses, crossing into Act 2., moving from reaction to action.
At 50 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. The analysis reveals that this crucial beat False defeat: Quint's initial attempt to recover the Black Moon fails. Ryland becomes aware of the intrusion and tightens security. The stakes raise significantly as Ryland reveals the car's true value and his intention to sell it., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 75 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Nina is held hostage by Ryland and appears to betray Quint. His trusted ally seems lost, his mission has failed, and the evidence will be destroyed. Quint hits his lowest point - alone again and out of options., demonstrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 80 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Quint realizes Nina's "betrayal" was a ruse to get inside. He synthesizes his lone wolf skills with newfound trust in partnership. Armed with new resolve and a coordinated plan, he breaks into Act 3., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Black Moon Rising's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs systematic plot point analysis that identifies crucial turning points. By mapping Black Moon Rising against these established plot points, we can identify how Harley Cokeliss utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Black Moon Rising within the action genre.
Comparative Analysis
Additional action films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Quint, a skilled thief working for the government, infiltrates a Las Vegas corporation to steal incriminating evidence on computer tape. He operates as a lone wolf, using his technical skills and nerve.
Theme
Quint's handler mentions that sometimes the biggest risks come from trusting the wrong people - foreshadowing the theme of betrayal and the need to rely on others despite danger.
Worldbuilding
Establishment of Quint's world as a professional thief for hire. He successfully steals the tape but is pursued by both criminals and corrupt authorities. He hides the evidence in a prototype supercar called the Black Moon.
Disruption
The Black Moon, with the crucial evidence tape inside, is stolen by professional car thief Nina. Quint loses both the evidence he needs to deliver and his only leverage against dangerous enemies.
Resistance
Quint tracks the car to a high-tech theft ring run by Ryland, operating from a fortified skyscraper. He debates how to infiltrate the organization, researches their operation, and realizes he needs help. He makes contact with Nina.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Quint commits to infiltrating Ryland's organization to recover the Black Moon. He actively chooses to enter the high-tech fortress world rather than cut his losses, crossing into Act 2.
Mirror World
Quint and Nina form an uneasy alliance. Nina represents the mirror world relationship - another skilled thief who challenges Quint's lone wolf mentality and forces him to trust someone.
Premise
The "fun and games" of the heist premise. Quint navigates Ryland's high-tech security, develops his plan, works with Nina to gather intelligence, and explores the world of elite car theft. Cat-and-mouse games with Ryland's organization.
Midpoint
False defeat: Quint's initial attempt to recover the Black Moon fails. Ryland becomes aware of the intrusion and tightens security. The stakes raise significantly as Ryland reveals the car's true value and his intention to sell it.
Opposition
Ryland closes in on Quint and Nina. The corrupt agents pursuing Quint intensify their hunt. Nina is captured by Ryland's men. Time runs out as Ryland prepares to move the Black Moon. Quint's flaws and isolation nearly cost him everything.
Collapse
Nina is held hostage by Ryland and appears to betray Quint. His trusted ally seems lost, his mission has failed, and the evidence will be destroyed. Quint hits his lowest point - alone again and out of options.
Crisis
Quint processes the loss and faces his dark night. He must decide whether to abandon the mission or risk everything on a final desperate play. He confronts his inability to trust and work with others.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Quint realizes Nina's "betrayal" was a ruse to get inside. He synthesizes his lone wolf skills with newfound trust in partnership. Armed with new resolve and a coordinated plan, he breaks into Act 3.
Synthesis
The finale heist. Quint and Nina execute a coordinated assault on Ryland's stronghold. High-speed chase with the Black Moon. Confrontation with Ryland and the corrupt agents. Recovery of the evidence tape. Resolution of all plot threads.
Transformation
Quint and Nina drive off together, evidence secured. The lone wolf has learned to trust and partner with someone. The final image mirrors the opening but shows Quint transformed - no longer working alone.