From the Hip
Apprentice lawyer Robin "Stormy" Weathers turns a civil suit into a headline grabbing charade. He must re-examine his scruples after his shenanigans win him a promotion in his firm, and he must now defend a college professor who is apparently guilty of murder.
Working with a limited budget of $9.0M, the film achieved a modest success with $9.5M in global revenue (+6% profit margin).
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%)
From the Hip (1987) showcases meticulously timed plot construction, characteristic of Bob Clark's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 9-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 51 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.8, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The inciting incident occurs at 14 minutes when Robin is assigned to defend Douglas Benoit, a college professor accused of murdering one of his students, a high-profile case that could make or break his career at the firm.. 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 Collapse moment at 84 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Benoit privately confirms to Robin that he is indeed guilty and murdered the student, revealing Robin has been manipulated into freeing a killer through his own arrogance and showmanship., shows the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Synthesis at 90 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 81% of the runtime. Robin executes a risky courtroom strategy to provoke Benoit into a confession, using his theatrical skills for justice rather than victory; Benoit breaks and reveals his guilt in court; Robin sacrifices his partnership but maintains his integrity., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
From the Hip's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 9 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs structural analysis methodology used to understand storytelling architecture. By mapping From the Hip against these established plot points, we can identify how Bob Clark utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish From the Hip within the comedy genre.
Bob Clark's Structural Approach
Among the 8 Bob Clark films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.1, reflecting strong command of classical structure. From the Hip takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Bob Clark filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional comedy films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid. For more Bob Clark analyses, see Porky's, A Christmas Story and Rhinestone.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupTheme
Senior partner Craig Duncan warns Robin that "the law isn't about putting on a show, it's about justice and truth," establishing the central conflict between showmanship and integrity.
Worldbuilding
Robin's world of courthouse antics, mentor relationship with senior partner Duncan, romantic interest in Jo Ann, and his reputation as an unorthodox but winning lawyer are established.
Disruption
Robin is assigned to defend Douglas Benoit, a college professor accused of murdering one of his students, a high-profile case that could make or break his career at the firm.
Resistance
Robin debates taking the case seriously, meets with the mysterious and unsettling Benoit, investigates the circumstances, and receives conflicting advice about whether to use his showman tactics or play it straight.
Act II
ConfrontationPremise
The trial becomes a media circus as Robin uses every trick in his arsenal—grandstanding, theatrics, attacking witnesses—turning the courtroom into his stage and winning over the jury while Duncan watches with growing concern.
Opposition
Robin begins to suspect Benoit may actually be guilty; evidence mounts that contradicts the defense; Jo Ann pulls away, disgusted by his win-at-all-costs mentality; Duncan warns him he's crossed ethical lines; the jury still favors Robin but his conscience awakens.
Collapse
Benoit privately confirms to Robin that he is indeed guilty and murdered the student, revealing Robin has been manipulated into freeing a killer through his own arrogance and showmanship.
Crisis
Robin faces the dark reality that his pursuit of glory and victory has made him complicit in freeing a murderer; he struggles with what to do, knowing he cannot reveal client privilege but cannot live with the consequences of winning.
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
Robin executes a risky courtroom strategy to provoke Benoit into a confession, using his theatrical skills for justice rather than victory; Benoit breaks and reveals his guilt in court; Robin sacrifices his partnership but maintains his integrity.