Disorganized Crime
This movie places some top thiefs, looking to steal money from a bank. The All-Star cast has many blunders on the way. Meanwhile a member of their group is missing and two cops chase after him.
The film earned $7.7M 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%)
Disorganized Crime (1989) reveals meticulously timed dramatic framework, characteristic of Jim Kouf's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 38 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.1, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Frank Salazar drives into the small Montana town of Deer Lodge, scouting the bank he plans to rob. He's a confident professional criminal in his element, assessing the target with practiced ease.. Structural examination shows that this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 12 minutes when Frank is unexpectedly arrested by New Jersey detectives Salazar and Marder at a diner before he can brief the crew on the actual plan. The mastermind is removed just as the operation should begin.. At 12% 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 25 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 26% of the runtime. This shows the protagonist's commitment to The crew decides to stay and attempt to figure out Frank's plan themselves rather than abandon the job. They commit to working together despite their differences and lack of information., moving from reaction to action.
At 49 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Of particular interest, this crucial beat The crew successfully pieces together Frank's plan and gains confidence they can pull off the heist without him. False victory: they feel prepared, but they're still winging it and don't know about complications ahead., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 74 minutes (76% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, The heist plan falls apart as the detectives arrive at the worst possible moment and the crew's improvised coordination breaks down. Their brief unity dissolves into chaos and it appears the job is completely blown., demonstrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 79 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 81% of the runtime. The crew realizes that their chaotic, improvised approach is actually their strength. They don't need Frank's perfect plan—they need to embrace the disorganization and use it against their pursuers., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Disorganized Crime's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs proven narrative structure principles that track dramatic progression. By mapping Disorganized Crime against these established plot points, we can identify how Jim Kouf utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Disorganized Crime 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
Frank Salazar drives into the small Montana town of Deer Lodge, scouting the bank he plans to rob. He's a confident professional criminal in his element, assessing the target with practiced ease.
Theme
One of the arriving crew members comments on the importance of organization and planning in pulling off a successful heist, establishing the film's central irony about what happens when the organizer disappears.
Worldbuilding
Frank recruits four specialized criminals: Ray (safe cracker), Carlos (wheelman), Max (con man), and Nick (muscle). They arrive separately in Montana, each with distinct personalities and methods. Frank establishes the plan and timeline for the bank heist.
Disruption
Frank is unexpectedly arrested by New Jersey detectives Salazar and Marder at a diner before he can brief the crew on the actual plan. The mastermind is removed just as the operation should begin.
Resistance
The four crew members debate what to do without Frank. They don't know the plan, don't trust each other, and can't agree on whether to proceed or abort. Meanwhile, Frank escapes police custody and begins making his way back to Montana.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
The crew decides to stay and attempt to figure out Frank's plan themselves rather than abandon the job. They commit to working together despite their differences and lack of information.
Mirror World
The crew's dynamics begin to shift from antagonistic strangers to reluctant partners. Their forced collaboration mirrors the film's theme: sometimes chaos and adaptation matter more than perfect planning.
Premise
The crew attempts to reverse-engineer Frank's plan while avoiding the two bumbling detectives who have followed Frank's trail to Montana. Comic misadventures ensue as the mismatched criminals try to work together and scout the bank.
Midpoint
The crew successfully pieces together Frank's plan and gains confidence they can pull off the heist without him. False victory: they feel prepared, but they're still winging it and don't know about complications ahead.
Opposition
The detectives close in on the crew's location. Internal conflicts resurface as the pressure mounts. Frank faces obstacles trying to return. The heist timing becomes critical as multiple parties converge on the small town.
Collapse
The heist plan falls apart as the detectives arrive at the worst possible moment and the crew's improvised coordination breaks down. Their brief unity dissolves into chaos and it appears the job is completely blown.
Crisis
The crew faces capture and failure. They must decide whether to cut their losses and run or find a way to salvage the situation. Frank, still trying to reach them, represents the order they've lost.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
The crew realizes that their chaotic, improvised approach is actually their strength. They don't need Frank's perfect plan—they need to embrace the disorganization and use it against their pursuers.
Synthesis
The crew executes a wild, improvised finale that turns their dysfunction into an asset. They outwit the detectives through unpredictability, complete the heist in their own chaotic way, and Frank finally arrives to find they succeeded without him.
Transformation
The crew, now genuinely bonded through their shared chaos, celebrates their unlikely success. Frank must accept that perfect planning isn't everything—sometimes disorganized crime works just fine.