Hancock

The Status Quo at 2 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Hancock passed out drunk on a public bench, surrounded by empty bottles. He's a superhero, but hated by the public for his reckless, destructive "heroism" that causes millions in damage. He's isolated, alcoholic, and antagonistic to everyone around him.. Notably, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.

The inciting incident occurs at 12 minutes when Ray invites Hancock to dinner as gratitude for saving his life. This is the first genuine human connection and act of kindness offered to Hancock. Ray sees potential for good in him that no one else does, disrupting Hancock's isolated, self-destructive status quo.. At 10% 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 25 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 21% of the runtime. This demonstrates the protagonist's commitment to Hancock makes the active choice to trust Ray and voluntarily surrender himself to prison as part of the redemption plan. Despite being able to leave anytime, he chooses to stay, committing to change for the first time in his life. This is his decision to try being better., moving from reaction to action.

At 50 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 42% of the runtime—significantly early, compressing the first half. Notably, this crucial beat False victory: Hancock successfully stops a bank robbery with zero collateral damage, the public celebrates him, and Ray's PR campaign is a triumph. But during the celebration, Mary kisses Hancock and he feels strange. She later reveals she has powers too - they're both immortal beings. Everything changes; the fun and games are over., 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 (63% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Red Parker and his crew attack the hospital where Hancock is with Mary. Because they're together, Hancock has lost his invulnerability. Red shoots him multiple times - Hancock is bleeding, dying. Mary is also shot and wounded. The whiff of death: Hancock faces mortality for the first time, realizing his connection to Mary is literally killing them both., reveals the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.

The Second Threshold at 80 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 67% of the runtime. Hancock synthesizes everything he's learned: true heroism isn't about power, it's about sacrifice and choice. He chooses to leave Mary to save her life, accepting his destiny of eternal loneliness. This realization, combined with the knowledge that the criminals are coming, gives him clarity and resolve for the final confrontation., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.