Grosse Pointe Blank
Hitman Martin Blank becomes a moving target after he rebuffs a fellow assassin's invitation to form a union. On the advice of his quirky assistant and neurotic psychiatrist, Martin begrudgingly heads out to Grosse Pointe, Michigan for his ten-year high school reunion, where he soon comes across the woman he jilted on prom night.
Despite a mid-range budget of $15.0M, Grosse Pointe Blank became a financial success, earning $31.1M worldwide—a 107% 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%)
Grosse Pointe Blank (1997) reveals meticulously timed narrative design, characteristic of George Armitage's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 10-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 47 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.5, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Martin Blank, a professional hitman, experiences a nightmare about a botched job. We see him in his sterile apartment, emotionally detached from life, a killer-for-hire living in isolated numbness.. Structural examination shows that this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 13 minutes when Marcella informs Martin he has a contract in Detroit—the same weekend as his reunion. A rival hitman Grocer also approaches, wanting Martin to join his killer's union. Martin's carefully compartmentalized life begins colliding.. 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 79 minutes (73% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Debi rejects Martin after learning he's a killer, saying "Go away" and shutting him out. Martin's hope for redemption and reconnection dies. He faces the consequence of his choices: he cannot have both his profession and authentic love. His dream of coming home is dead., indicates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Synthesis at 85 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Martin confronts Grocer and his men at Debi's father's house. Explosive finale where Martin uses his skills to protect those he loves, killing Grocer. He saves Debi, reconciles with his past, and chooses a different future. The NSA offers him a way out., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Grosse Pointe Blank's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 10 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs structural analysis methodology used to understand storytelling architecture. By mapping Grosse Pointe Blank against these established plot points, we can identify how George Armitage utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Grosse Pointe Blank within the action genre.
George Armitage's Structural Approach
Among the 3 George Armitage films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 6.9, demonstrating varied approaches to story architecture. Grosse Pointe Blank takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete George Armitage filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional action films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid. For more George Armitage analyses, see Miami Blues, The Big Bounce.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Martin Blank, a professional hitman, experiences a nightmare about a botched job. We see him in his sterile apartment, emotionally detached from life, a killer-for-hire living in isolated numbness.
Theme
Martin's therapist Dr. Oatman says, "You're avoiding something," pointing to Martin's inability to connect emotionally and his refusal to face his past. The theme: confronting your past is necessary for growth and genuine human connection.
Worldbuilding
Martin's world is established: he's a contract killer managed by Marcella, hunted by rivals, seeing a reluctant therapist, and emotionally hollow. His assistant reminds him about his 10-year high school reunion in Grosse Pointe, which he initially dismisses.
Disruption
Marcella informs Martin he has a contract in Detroit—the same weekend as his reunion. A rival hitman Grocer also approaches, wanting Martin to join his killer's union. Martin's carefully compartmentalized life begins colliding.
Resistance
Martin debates whether to attend the reunion and confront his past, particularly Debi, the girl he abandoned on prom night. His therapist pushes him to face his feelings. He reluctantly decides to combine the hit with the reunion trip.
Act II
ConfrontationPremise
Martin navigates the absurd contrast of attending his reunion while working a hit job. He reconnects with old classmates, pursues Debi, scouts his target, and faces the comic dissonance between his violent profession and suburban nostalgia. The promise of the premise: hitman goes home.
Opposition
Multiple forces close in: Grocer and his men hunt Martin; two NSA agents investigate; Debi discovers Martin's true profession and is horrified; Martin's attempt to reconcile his two worlds crumbles. The pressure intensifies from all sides.
Collapse
Debi rejects Martin after learning he's a killer, saying "Go away" and shutting him out. Martin's hope for redemption and reconnection dies. He faces the consequence of his choices: he cannot have both his profession and authentic love. His dream of coming home is dead.
Crisis
Martin processes the loss, wallowing in darkness. He contemplates his empty life and the impossibility of redemption. The emotional low point where he must decide: stay a killer or become someone worthy of the life he wants.
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
Martin confronts Grocer and his men at Debi's father's house. Explosive finale where Martin uses his skills to protect those he loves, killing Grocer. He saves Debi, reconciles with his past, and chooses a different future. The NSA offers him a way out.