Eddie the Eagle
The feel-good story of Michael 'Eddie' Edwards, an unlikely but courageous British ski-jumper who never stopped believing in himself—even as an entire nation was counting him out. With the help of a rebellious and charismatic coach, Eddie takes on the establishment and wins the hearts of sports fans around the world by making an improbable and historic showing at the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics.
Despite a moderate budget of $23.0M, Eddie the Eagle became a financial success, earning $46.2M worldwide—a 101% return.
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%)
Eddie the Eagle (2016) reveals strategically placed story structure, characteristic of Dexter Fletcher's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 46 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.7, the film showcases strong structural fundamentals.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Young Eddie watches the 1972 Olympics on TV, dreaming of becoming an Olympian despite his leg braces and thick glasses. His mother encourages him while his father dismisses the dream as unrealistic.. Notably, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 12 minutes when Eddie discovers that Britain hasn't sent a ski jumper to the Olympics since 1928. He realizes this is his opportunity - if there's no competition, he can make the team by default.. 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 26 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 25% of the runtime. This reveals the protagonist's commitment to Eddie successfully completes his first 15-meter jump after numerous painful crashes. He refuses to quit despite everyone telling him to go home. Bronson Peary, a former ski jumper, reluctantly agrees to coach him., moving from reaction to action.
At 53 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Notably, this crucial beat Eddie successfully lands the 70-meter jump, qualifying for the Olympics. He celebrates his victory - he's achieved his lifelong dream of becoming an Olympian. The stakes are raised: now he must actually compete., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 79 minutes (74% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Eddie crashes horrifically on his first 90m practice jump, landing face-first in the snow. He's injured and humiliated. Bronson tells him he's done enough and should withdraw. Eddie's dream of proving himself appears to be over., indicates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 85 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Eddie decides to compete in the 90m event. Bronson returns with new equipment and renewed commitment. Eddie synthesizes everything he's learned - it's not about winning, it's about doing his best and finishing what he started., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Eddie the Eagle'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 Eddie the Eagle against these established plot points, we can identify how Dexter Fletcher utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Eddie the Eagle within the comedy genre.
Dexter Fletcher's Structural Approach
Among the 4 Dexter Fletcher films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.3, reflecting strong command of classical structure. Eddie the Eagle represents one of the director's most structurally precise works. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Dexter Fletcher filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional comedy films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid. For more Dexter Fletcher analyses, see Rocketman, Sunshine on Leith and Ghosted.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Young Eddie watches the 1972 Olympics on TV, dreaming of becoming an Olympian despite his leg braces and thick glasses. His mother encourages him while his father dismisses the dream as unrealistic.
Theme
Eddie's mother tells him: "It's not about how good you are, it's about how good you want to be." This encapsulates the film's theme about determination and self-belief over natural talent.
Worldbuilding
Montage of Eddie attempting various Olympic sports throughout his youth and young adulthood, failing at each one. His father wants him to be a plasterer. Eddie is rejected from the British Olympic team for downhill skiing.
Disruption
Eddie discovers that Britain hasn't sent a ski jumper to the Olympics since 1928. He realizes this is his opportunity - if there's no competition, he can make the team by default.
Resistance
Eddie travels to Garmisch, Germany to train. He struggles alone on the smallest jumps, crashes repeatedly, and is mocked by other athletes. He sleeps in a shed and works odd jobs. The German team tries to discourage him.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Eddie successfully completes his first 15-meter jump after numerous painful crashes. He refuses to quit despite everyone telling him to go home. Bronson Peary, a former ski jumper, reluctantly agrees to coach him.
Mirror World
Bronson reveals his own past as a talented jumper who squandered his potential through drinking and rebellion against his coach/mentor Warren Sharp. Their relationship begins to develop as Bronson sees himself in Eddie.
Premise
Bronson trains Eddie properly. Eddie progresses from 15m to 40m to 70m jumps. He gains confidence and improves technique. British Olympic officials raise the qualifying standards to keep Eddie out, but he persists and meets each new requirement.
Midpoint
Eddie successfully lands the 70-meter jump, qualifying for the Olympics. He celebrates his victory - he's achieved his lifelong dream of becoming an Olympian. The stakes are raised: now he must actually compete.
Opposition
At the Calgary Olympics, Eddie faces media mockery, British Olympic Committee hostility, and pressure to quit. He competes in the 70m event and finishes last but alive. He decides to attempt the dangerous 90m jump despite having never trained on it.
Collapse
Eddie crashes horrifically on his first 90m practice jump, landing face-first in the snow. He's injured and humiliated. Bronson tells him he's done enough and should withdraw. Eddie's dream of proving himself appears to be over.
Crisis
Eddie lies injured, contemplating quitting. Bronson visits his mentor Warren Sharp, confronting his own past failures. Eddie calls his mother, who reminds him of who he is. He must decide whether to risk his life for one more jump.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Eddie decides to compete in the 90m event. Bronson returns with new equipment and renewed commitment. Eddie synthesizes everything he's learned - it's not about winning, it's about doing his best and finishing what he started.
Synthesis
Eddie competes in the 90m jump. He executes his jump with everything he has, setting a British record despite finishing last. The crowd, initially mocking, gives him a standing ovation. He proves his worth on his own terms.
Transformation
Eddie stands at the top of the ski jump, victorious not through winning but through perseverance. The final image mirrors the opening - but now Eddie has achieved his Olympic dream, earned respect, and inspired millions. He soars.