In Cold Blood
In meeting in Kansas, ex-cons Perry Smith and Dick Hickock are breaking several conditions of their respective paroles. The meeting, initiated by Dick, is to plan and eventually carry out a robbery based on information he had received from a fellow inmate about $10,000 cash being locked in a hidden safe in the home of the farming Clutter family of Holcomb, Kansas. After the robbery, they plan on going to Mexico permanently to elude capture by the police. Each brings a necessary personality to the partnership to carry out the plan, Dick who is the brash manipulator, Perry the outwardly more sensitive but unrealistic dreamer with a violent streak under the surface. Perry literally carries all his dreams in a large box he takes with him wherever he goes. The robbery does not go according to plan in any respect, the pair who ultimately hogtie and execute all four members of the Clutter family, only coming away from the home with $43 in cash. As Perry and Dick go on the run, a murder investigation ensues, led by Topeka based Detective Alvin Dewey. If Dewey and his team are able eventually to identify the pair as the murderers and capture them, they, if they understand the two, may get their much needed confessions in dividing and conquering. Perry and Dick's fates may also be regardless of who literally pulled the trigger.
Despite its small-scale budget of $3.5M, In Cold Blood became a box office success, earning $13.0M worldwide—a 272% return. The film's bold vision attracted moviegoers, confirming that strong storytelling can transcend budget limitations.
Nominated for 4 Oscars. 4 wins & 11 nominations
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%)
In Cold Blood (1967) reveals meticulously timed narrative design, characteristic of Richard Brooks's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 2 hours and 14 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 5.9, the film takes an unconventional approach to traditional narrative frameworks.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Opening shot of rural Kansas landscape and the Clutter family's peaceful farmhouse, establishing the quiet, prosperous world before its destruction.. Notably, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 16 minutes when Perry and Dick arrive at the Clutter farmhouse late at night with rope, tape, and a shotgun, beginning the invasion that will destroy the family.. 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 32 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 24% of the runtime. This demonstrates the protagonist's commitment to Lead investigator Alvin Dewey commits fully to the case, making it personal. The investigation becomes a methodical hunt while Perry and Dick cross into Mexico, fully committed to their flight., moving from reaction to action.
At 67 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Notably, this crucial beat A former cellmate comes forward with crucial information about Dick's plan to rob the Clutters, giving investigators the break they need. The net begins to close., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 87 minutes (65% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Dick breaks and confesses, blaming Perry for the actual killings. Perry then provides the full, horrific account of the murders in detailed flashback - the "whiff of death" made explicit., demonstrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 102 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 76% of the runtime. Final appeals are exhausted. Perry and Dick are prepared for execution, confronting the ultimate consequence of their actions with no escape remaining., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
In Cold Blood's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs structural analysis methodology used to understand storytelling architecture. By mapping In Cold Blood against these established plot points, we can identify how Richard Brooks utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish In Cold Blood within the biography genre.
Richard Brooks's Structural Approach
Among the 4 Richard Brooks films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 6.6, demonstrating varied approaches to story architecture. In Cold Blood takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Richard Brooks filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional biography films include Lords of Dogtown, Ip Man 2 and A Complete Unknown. For more Richard Brooks analyses, see Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Looking for Mr. Goodbar and Elmer Gantry.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Opening shot of rural Kansas landscape and the Clutter family's peaceful farmhouse, establishing the quiet, prosperous world before its destruction.
Theme
Perry tells Dick about his dream of finding treasure in Mexico, revealing the theme of pursuing impossible fantasies while running from reality and consequence.
Worldbuilding
Cross-cutting establishes two parallel worlds: the wholesome Clutter family in their comfortable Kansas home, and ex-cons Perry and Dick preparing for a robbery based on a tip about a safe with $10,000.
Disruption
Perry and Dick arrive at the Clutter farmhouse late at night with rope, tape, and a shotgun, beginning the invasion that will destroy the family.
Resistance
The film reveals the murders through aftermath and investigation rather than direct depiction. The community discovers the bodies, police begin investigating, and we see Perry and Dick fleeing across America.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Lead investigator Alvin Dewey commits fully to the case, making it personal. The investigation becomes a methodical hunt while Perry and Dick cross into Mexico, fully committed to their flight.
Mirror World
Perry's flashbacks to his troubled childhood, abusive upbringing, and broken family provide the thematic counterpoint: how does one become a killer? Nature versus nurture.
Premise
Dual narrative of the manhunt and the killers on the run. Police methodically gather evidence while Perry and Dick drift through Mexico and back to the US, running out of money and options.
Midpoint
A former cellmate comes forward with crucial information about Dick's plan to rob the Clutters, giving investigators the break they need. The net begins to close.
Opposition
Perry and Dick are arrested in Las Vegas. During interrogation, the psychological pressure mounts as investigators work to break them and get a confession.
Collapse
Dick breaks and confesses, blaming Perry for the actual killings. Perry then provides the full, horrific account of the murders in detailed flashback - the "whiff of death" made explicit.
Crisis
The trial proceeds. Perry and Dick face justice as the community and victims' family members confront the senselessness of the crime. Appeals are filed and denied over years.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Final appeals are exhausted. Perry and Dick are prepared for execution, confronting the ultimate consequence of their actions with no escape remaining.
Synthesis
The execution sequence: the long walk to the gallows, final moments, and the hanging deaths of both men. Justice is carried out with procedural precision.
Transformation
Investigator Dewey visits the Clutter family cemetery, standing among their graves. The case is closed, but the senseless loss remains - a world forever changed by violence.