Coneheads
A pair of aliens arrive on Earth to prepare for invasion, but crash instead. With enormous cone-shaped heads, robotlike walks and an appetite for toilet paper, aliens Beldar and Prymatt don't exactly blend in with the population of Paramus, N.J. But for some reason, everyone believes them when they say they're from France.
The film struggled financially against its moderate budget of $33.0M, earning $21.3M globally (-36% loss). While initial box office returns were modest, the film has gained appreciation for its compelling narrative 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%)
Coneheads (1993) demonstrates meticulously timed narrative design, characteristic of Steve Barron's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 27 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.2, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes The Coneheads on their home planet Remulak, showing their normal alien life before being sent to Earth as advance scouts for an invasion.. Notably, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 10 minutes when INS agent Gorman Seedling spots the Coneheads and becomes suspicious, beginning his pursuit to expose them as illegal aliens (literally).. 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 21 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 24% of the runtime. This illustrates the protagonist's commitment to Beldar decides to fully commit to life on Earth, taking a job and embracing suburbia while waiting for rescue from Remulak., moving from reaction to action.
At 42 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 48% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. The analysis reveals that this crucial beat Connie falls in love with Ronnie, a human, raising the stakes about identity and belonging. Simultaneously, the rescue ship from Remulak finally makes contact., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 63 minutes (72% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, The Coneheads are captured by the INS and face deportation, or Beldar is finally summoned back to Remulak to face punishment for his failure, forcing them to leave their Earth life behind., shows the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 68 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 78% of the runtime. Beldar realizes he can use his knowledge of Earth and his hybrid identity to save both worlds, deciding to stand up to the Remulak authorities., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Coneheads's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs a 15-point narrative structure framework that maps key story moments. By mapping Coneheads against these established plot points, we can identify how Steve Barron utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Coneheads within the comedy genre.
Steve Barron's Structural Approach
Among the 2 Steve Barron films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.5, reflecting strong command of classical structure. Coneheads takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Steve Barron filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional comedy films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid. For more Steve Barron analyses, see The Adventures of Pinocchio.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
The Coneheads on their home planet Remulak, showing their normal alien life before being sent to Earth as advance scouts for an invasion.
Theme
Early dialogue about adapting and fitting in, establishing the theme of assimilation versus maintaining one's true identity.
Worldbuilding
Establishing the Coneheads' mission to Earth, their crash landing in New York, and their attempts to blend into suburban New Jersey life despite their obvious physical differences.
Disruption
INS agent Gorman Seedling spots the Coneheads and becomes suspicious, beginning his pursuit to expose them as illegal aliens (literally).
Resistance
Beldar and Prymaat debate how to handle the INS threat while maintaining their cover, learning to navigate American bureaucracy and suburban life.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Beldar decides to fully commit to life on Earth, taking a job and embracing suburbia while waiting for rescue from Remulak.
Mirror World
Their daughter Connie is born and grows up, representing the next generation that will bridge two worlds and embody the immigrant experience.
Premise
The fun of watching aliens navigate human culture: Beldar becomes a successful appliance repairman, they host parties, Connie goes to high school, all while maintaining their bizarre cover stories.
Midpoint
Connie falls in love with Ronnie, a human, raising the stakes about identity and belonging. Simultaneously, the rescue ship from Remulak finally makes contact.
Opposition
Gorman intensifies his pursuit, Connie's relationship complicates their situation, and the conflict between Earth life and their Remulak duty grows.
Collapse
The Coneheads are captured by the INS and face deportation, or Beldar is finally summoned back to Remulak to face punishment for his failure, forcing them to leave their Earth life behind.
Crisis
The family confronts the reality that they may never return to Earth and must say goodbye to the life and identity they've built.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Beldar realizes he can use his knowledge of Earth and his hybrid identity to save both worlds, deciding to stand up to the Remulak authorities.
Synthesis
Final confrontation on Remulak where Beldar proves his worth, reconciles his dual identity, and secures the family's right to return to Earth.
Transformation
The Coneheads return to Earth as legal residents, fully embracing their hybrid identity - no longer pretending to be human, but accepted as they are.