Domino
The story of the life of Domino Harvey, who abandoned her career as a Ford model to become a bounty hunter.
The film financial setback against its respectable budget of $50.0M, earning $22.9M globally (-54% loss). While initial box office returns were modest, the film has gained appreciation for its compelling narrative within the action 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%)
Domino (2005) reveals carefully calibrated narrative architecture, characteristic of Tony Scott's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 2 hours and 7 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.4, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 2 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Young Domino at her father's funeral, establishing her privileged background as daughter of actor Laurence Harvey. Shows the world of wealth and expectation she's born into before her transformation.. Of particular interest, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 15 minutes when Domino sees an ad for bounty hunter seminar and attends. This is the inciting incident that introduces her to a completely different world that appeals to her rebellious nature.. 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 32 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 25% of the runtime. This indicates the protagonist's commitment to Domino makes her first actual arrest/capture as a bounty hunter, fully committing to this new identity. She actively chooses this dangerous life over her privileged background., moving from reaction to action.
At 64 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. The analysis reveals that this crucial beat The team gets involved in the armored car scheme with Claremont Williams III. What seems like a big score actually entangles them in a far more dangerous situation involving the mafia and millions of dollars., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 95 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Catastrophic shootout at the Stratosphere. Multiple deaths, including potential loss of team members. The violence that Domino embraced now destroys everything. Literal death and destruction., reveals the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 102 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Domino realizes the truth about the setup and manipulation. She understands who she really is versus who she was performing as. Clarity about authenticity versus spectacle., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Domino'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 Domino against these established plot points, we can identify how Tony Scott utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Domino within the action genre.
Tony Scott's Structural Approach
Among the 13 Tony Scott films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.0, demonstrating varied approaches to story architecture. Domino represents one of the director's most structurally precise works. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Tony Scott filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional action films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid. For more Tony Scott analyses, see Enemy of the State, Man on Fire and Days of Thunder.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Young Domino at her father's funeral, establishing her privileged background as daughter of actor Laurence Harvey. Shows the world of wealth and expectation she's born into before her transformation.
Theme
Ed Moseby tells Domino: "Imagine a life where you don't have to apologize for who you are." Theme of identity and choosing your own path despite societal expectations.
Worldbuilding
Establishment of Domino's privileged upbringing, her modeling career, her dissatisfaction with superficial life. Introduction of the reality TV show framing device. Shows her world before bounty hunting.
Disruption
Domino sees an ad for bounty hunter seminar and attends. This is the inciting incident that introduces her to a completely different world that appeals to her rebellious nature.
Resistance
Domino trains and debates whether to fully commit to bounty hunting. She meets Ed Moseby and Choco, learns the ropes. Resistance from her mother about this career choice.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Domino makes her first actual arrest/capture as a bounty hunter, fully committing to this new identity. She actively chooses this dangerous life over her privileged background.
Mirror World
Domino's deepening relationship with Choco and the bounty hunting team. They represent the authentic connection and purpose she's been seeking, contrasting with her superficial former life.
Premise
The fun of bounty hunting - the team takes on various cases, Domino proves herself, embraces the violence and chaos. Reality TV show documents their exploits. The promise of the premise delivered.
Midpoint
The team gets involved in the armored car scheme with Claremont Williams III. What seems like a big score actually entangles them in a far more dangerous situation involving the mafia and millions of dollars.
Opposition
The situation spirals - FBI involvement, mafia closing in, reality TV producer manipulating events. The team is in over their heads. Domino's impulsiveness and the team's greed have consequences.
Collapse
Catastrophic shootout at the Stratosphere. Multiple deaths, including potential loss of team members. The violence that Domino embraced now destroys everything. Literal death and destruction.
Crisis
Domino in FBI interrogation, processing the carnage. Dark night where she confronts what her choices have led to. The cost of her rebellion and chosen identity.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Domino realizes the truth about the setup and manipulation. She understands who she really is versus who she was performing as. Clarity about authenticity versus spectacle.
Synthesis
Final confrontation and resolution. Domino takes control of her narrative, facing the consequences while maintaining her authentic self. The reality show versus reality resolved.
Transformation
Domino dies from an overdose (revealed). Despite the tragedy, she lived and died on her own terms - transformed from privileged model to authentic rebel. The cost of freedom shown.