Clifford
In this dark comedy, a mischievous ten-year-old boy named Clifford is sent to his Uncle Martin's for the weekend to get out of his father's hair. It turns out he has a dying obsession to go to Dinosaur World, a theme park near Martin's house and nothing will get in his way to get there.
The film financial setback against its moderate budget of $19.0M, earning $7.4M globally (-61% loss). While initial box office returns were modest, the film has gained appreciation for its fresh perspective within the comedy genre.
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%)
Clifford (1994) demonstrates meticulously timed narrative design, characteristic of Paul Flaherty's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 13-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 29 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.0, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Father Roger frames the story of his troubled past with his nephew Clifford, showing his current damaged state as a priest warning a young boy about manipulation.. Notably, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 11 minutes when Clifford's father suffers a nervous breakdown and dumps the boy on Uncle Martin, forcing the confirmed bachelor to take responsibility for his nephew for the weekend.. 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 22 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 25% of the runtime. This shows the protagonist's commitment to Martin breaks his promise and lies to Clifford about going to Dinosaur World, choosing his work presentation instead. Clifford realizes his uncle has betrayed him and chooses revenge., moving from reaction to action.
At 45 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. The analysis reveals that this crucial beat Clifford's sabotage peaks when he nearly destroys Martin's entire career and reputation. Martin realizes the full extent of the boy's manipulative power but no one believes him., 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 (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Martin's life is completely destroyed—career ruined, fiancée gone, reputation shattered. In desperation, he nearly kills Clifford, representing the death of his moral integrity., reveals the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Synthesis at 71 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. At Dinosaur World, Martin and Clifford reach understanding. Martin learns to be honest and responsible; Clifford learns consequences. Martin makes peace with his choices and accepts accountability., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Clifford's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 13 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs systematic plot point analysis that identifies crucial turning points. By mapping Clifford against these established plot points, we can identify how Paul Flaherty utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Clifford within the comedy genre.
Paul Flaherty's Structural Approach
Among the 2 Paul Flaherty films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.0, reflecting strong command of classical structure. Clifford takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Paul Flaherty filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional comedy films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid. For more Paul Flaherty analyses, see Who's Harry Crumb?.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Father Roger frames the story of his troubled past with his nephew Clifford, showing his current damaged state as a priest warning a young boy about manipulation.
Theme
Roger's warning to the boy about behaving establishes the theme: the destructive consequences of manipulation and the importance of genuine honesty over deceit.
Worldbuilding
Flashback to 1990: Ten-year-old Clifford is a manipulative terror obsessed with Dinosaur World, tormenting his parents on a flight. Uncle Martin (Roger) is introduced as a workaholic bachelor architect who has never wanted children.
Disruption
Clifford's father suffers a nervous breakdown and dumps the boy on Uncle Martin, forcing the confirmed bachelor to take responsibility for his nephew for the weekend.
Resistance
Martin reluctantly agrees to watch Clifford and promises to take him to Dinosaur World. Martin tries to balance his important career presentation with managing the increasingly manipulative child.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Martin breaks his promise and lies to Clifford about going to Dinosaur World, choosing his work presentation instead. Clifford realizes his uncle has betrayed him and chooses revenge.
Mirror World
Martin's relationship with his fiancée Sarah is introduced as a parallel to his relationship with Clifford—both require honesty and compromise he's unwilling to give.
Premise
Clifford systematically sabotages Martin's life: ruins his presentation, destroys his relationship with Sarah, frames him for terrorism, and wreaks havoc—all while maintaining his innocent facade.
Midpoint
Clifford's sabotage peaks when he nearly destroys Martin's entire career and reputation. Martin realizes the full extent of the boy's manipulative power but no one believes him.
Opposition
War escalates between Martin and Clifford. Martin tries increasingly desperate measures to expose or control Clifford, but the boy stays one step ahead, destroying everything Martin values.
Collapse
Martin's life is completely destroyed—career ruined, fiancée gone, reputation shattered. In desperation, he nearly kills Clifford, representing the death of his moral integrity.
Crisis
Martin confronts his own darkness and capacity for violence. He must decide whether to continue the cycle of manipulation and revenge or break free through honesty.
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
At Dinosaur World, Martin and Clifford reach understanding. Martin learns to be honest and responsible; Clifford learns consequences. Martin makes peace with his choices and accepts accountability.