Gogol. The Beginning
1829: Nikolay Gogol, troubled Third Section clerk, burns his own books. Epileptic seizures plague him. Investigator Yakov Guro discovers Gogol's visions hold crime-solving clues. Together, they tackle a baffling case in Dikanka, where everyone hides a dark secret.
The film earned $7.9M 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%)
Gogol. The Beginning (2017) exemplifies meticulously timed story structure, characteristic of Egor Baranov's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 11-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 40 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.7, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Young Gogol experiences disturbing visions and seizures, living as an outcast in St. Petersburg, struggling with his mysterious affliction that others view as madness.. Of particular interest, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 13 minutes when Gogol has a powerful vision of a brutal murder involving a headless horseman. The vision is so intense it leads to his arrest and interrogation by Inspector Guro.. At 13% through the film, this Disruption is delayed, allowing extended setup of the story world. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
At 50 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Significantly, this crucial beat Gogol discovers the murders are part of a dark ritual, and the killer is closer than expected. Someone they trust may be involved, raising the stakes and revealing the supernatural nature of the threat., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 75 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Lisa is kidnapped by the killer to be the final sacrifice. Gogol's worst fear is realized—his inability to control his visions has led to the danger of someone he loves. He faces complete failure., demonstrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Synthesis at 80 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Gogol and Guro race to stop the final ritual. Confrontation with the killer and the supernatural forces. Gogol uses his visions strategically, combining them with courage and action to save Lisa and defeat the evil., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Gogol. The Beginning's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 11 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs a 15-point narrative structure framework that maps key story moments. By mapping Gogol. The Beginning against these established plot points, we can identify how Egor Baranov utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Gogol. The Beginning within the mystery genre.
Comparative Analysis
Additional mystery films include Oblivion, From Darkness and American Gigolo.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Young Gogol experiences disturbing visions and seizures, living as an outcast in St. Petersburg, struggling with his mysterious affliction that others view as madness.
Theme
A character tells Gogol that what seems like a curse might be a gift, suggesting that seeing the truth others cannot is both burden and power.
Worldbuilding
Introduction to 1829 Russia, Gogol's troubled life as a clerk, his visions of violent crimes, his estrangement from society, and the dark atmosphere of the era.
Disruption
Gogol has a powerful vision of a brutal murder involving a headless horseman. The vision is so intense it leads to his arrest and interrogation by Inspector Guro.
Resistance
Inspector Guro debates whether to trust Gogol or treat him as a suspect. Gogol resists using his visions, fearing madness, while Guro gradually recognizes the potential value of Gogol's abilities.
Act II
ConfrontationPremise
Gogol and Guro investigate the series of murders, with Gogol using his visions to piece together clues. They explore the dark folklore of the headless horseman and uncover a pattern to the killings.
Midpoint
Gogol discovers the murders are part of a dark ritual, and the killer is closer than expected. Someone they trust may be involved, raising the stakes and revealing the supernatural nature of the threat.
Opposition
The killer strikes closer to Gogol and those he cares about. His visions become more overwhelming and dangerous. The investigation intensifies as the body count rises and the ritual nears completion.
Collapse
Lisa is kidnapped by the killer to be the final sacrifice. Gogol's worst fear is realized—his inability to control his visions has led to the danger of someone he loves. He faces complete failure.
Crisis
Gogol struggles with despair and self-doubt, questioning whether his visions are truly a gift or if they only bring death. He must decide whether to embrace his power fully or abandon it.
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
Gogol and Guro race to stop the final ritual. Confrontation with the killer and the supernatural forces. Gogol uses his visions strategically, combining them with courage and action to save Lisa and defeat the evil.