Bullet to the Head

The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Hitman Jimmy Bobo and partner Louis execute a contract killing in New Orleans. Jimmy operates by a strict code: he's a professional killer who works with loyalty and precision in the criminal underworld.. Structural examination shows that this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.

The inciting incident occurs at 11 minutes when Keegan, a mercenary hired by corrupt businessman Baptiste, murders Louis in a hotel room. Jimmy survives the ambush. His partner is dead, and Jimmy realizes they've been set up—the hit was a trap.. At 11% 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 22 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 24% of the runtime. This demonstrates the protagonist's commitment to After a brutal confrontation, Jimmy and Kwon reluctantly agree to work together. Jimmy chooses to partner with a cop—violating his criminal code—because they share a common enemy. They enter the investigation as unlikely allies., moving from reaction to action.

At 47 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 51% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Of particular interest, this crucial beat Jimmy and Kwon discover Baptiste's plan: he's eliminating everyone connected to illegal land deals. The stakes raise when Baptiste's men target Jimmy's daughter Lisa. What was professional becomes personal. False defeat: they're outgunned and the enemy knows their moves., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.

The Collapse moment at 67 minutes (72% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Lisa is taken hostage by Baptiste. Jimmy's worst fear realized—his daughter endangered because of his life choices. Kwon is wounded and suspended. Their investigation appears finished, and Jimmy faces losing the only family he has left. Whiff of death: both men could lose everything., shows the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.

The Second Threshold at 72 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 78% of the runtime. Jimmy and Kwon synthesize their approaches: Jimmy's street skills and willingness to break rules combined with Kwon's strategic thinking and moral compass. They forge a true partnership, trusting each other completely. They infiltrate Baptiste's compound., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.