Lethal Weapon
A veteran cop and an unstable detective become partners who must put their differences aside in order to bring down a heroin-smuggling ring run by ex-Special Forces.
Despite a mid-range budget of $15.0M, Lethal Weapon became a runaway success, earning $120.2M worldwide—a remarkable 701% 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%)
Lethal Weapon (1987) showcases strategically placed plot construction, characteristic of Richard Donner's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 50 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.3, the film takes an unconventional approach to traditional narrative frameworks.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Riggs wakes alone in his trailer with a gun and a bullet, contemplating suicide on his birthday while looking at a photo of his dead wife. This establishes him as suicidal, isolated, and broken by grief.. Notably, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 13 minutes when Murtaugh is assigned the Amanda Hunsaker case - the daughter of his Vietnam War buddy Michael. What appears to be a suicide will pull him into a dangerous conspiracy and force him out of his safe, comfortable world.. 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 27 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 24% of the runtime. This illustrates the protagonist's commitment to After Dixie (a prostitute informant) is killed, Murtaugh decides to fully commit to the case despite the danger. He and Riggs actively choose to pursue the truth about the heroin smuggling operation, entering the world of the investigation., moving from reaction to action.
At 56 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 51% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Notably, this crucial beat The stakes raise dramatically when Murtaugh's daughter Rianne is kidnapped by the drug cartel. What was a professional investigation becomes deeply personal - the enemy has struck at Murtaugh's family, his most precious thing. 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 83 minutes (76% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Riggs is brutally tortured with electric shocks while Murtaugh is forced to watch helplessly. Riggs appears broken and near death - a literal "whiff of death" as he's pushed to his physical and psychological limits, with Murtaugh unable to save him., reveals the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 88 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Riggs dislocates his shoulder to slip free of the chains, then frees Murtaugh. Armed with new resolve and the realization that their partnership and friendship give him a reason to live, Riggs is ready for the final confrontation. They escape and go after the villains., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Lethal Weapon'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 Lethal Weapon against these established plot points, we can identify how Richard Donner utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Lethal Weapon within the adventure genre.
Richard Donner's Structural Approach
Among the 15 Richard Donner films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 6.9, demonstrating varied approaches to story architecture. Lethal Weapon takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Richard Donner filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional adventure films include Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, The Bad Guys and Zoom. For more Richard Donner analyses, see Ladyhawke, Superman and Lethal Weapon 2.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Riggs wakes alone in his trailer with a gun and a bullet, contemplating suicide on his birthday while looking at a photo of his dead wife. This establishes him as suicidal, isolated, and broken by grief.
Theme
The police psychologist warns the captain that Riggs is a "real burnout" and "psychologically unstable" - stating the theme about finding reasons to live and the danger of letting grief destroy you.
Worldbuilding
We meet both protagonists in their ordinary worlds: Riggs as a suicidal loner who takes reckless risks, Murtaugh as a stable family man celebrating his 50th birthday. Amanda Hunsaker jumps to her death from a high-rise, setting the mystery in motion.
Disruption
Murtaugh is assigned the Amanda Hunsaker case - the daughter of his Vietnam War buddy Michael. What appears to be a suicide will pull him into a dangerous conspiracy and force him out of his safe, comfortable world.
Resistance
Riggs and Murtaugh are reluctantly partnered despite Murtaugh's resistance to working with a "psycho." They investigate Amanda's death, discovering evidence of drugs and murder. Murtaugh debates whether to pursue the case given the danger it represents.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
After Dixie (a prostitute informant) is killed, Murtaugh decides to fully commit to the case despite the danger. He and Riggs actively choose to pursue the truth about the heroin smuggling operation, entering the world of the investigation.
Mirror World
Riggs has dinner with Murtaugh's family, experiencing warmth and connection for the first time since his wife's death. This relationship will teach Riggs that family and connection are reasons to live, carrying the thematic counterpoint to his suicidal isolation.
Premise
The buddy-cop fun and games: Riggs and Murtaugh investigate together, showcasing their contrasting styles. Riggs uses his "crazy" reputation and combat skills while Murtaugh tries to stay cautious. They interrogate suspects, trace the heroin operation, and bond despite their differences.
Midpoint
The stakes raise dramatically when Murtaugh's daughter Rianne is kidnapped by the drug cartel. What was a professional investigation becomes deeply personal - the enemy has struck at Murtaugh's family, his most precious thing. The fun and games are over.
Opposition
Riggs and Murtaugh follow orders to exchange Rianne for themselves, walking into a trap. They are captured, tortured by Joshua and Mr. Joshua's men. The villains close in, and the heroes' flaws and desperation are fully exposed under brutal interrogation and torture.
Collapse
Riggs is brutally tortured with electric shocks while Murtaugh is forced to watch helplessly. Riggs appears broken and near death - a literal "whiff of death" as he's pushed to his physical and psychological limits, with Murtaugh unable to save him.
Crisis
In their darkest moment, hanging from chains after torture, Riggs reveals to Murtaugh that he's wanted to die since his wife was killed but hasn't found the courage. Murtaugh talks him through dislocating his shoulder to escape - a moment of deep emotional connection and trust.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Riggs dislocates his shoulder to slip free of the chains, then frees Murtaugh. Armed with new resolve and the realization that their partnership and friendship give him a reason to live, Riggs is ready for the final confrontation. They escape and go after the villains.
Synthesis
The finale: Riggs and Murtaugh assault the compound, rescue Rianne, and kill General McAllister and his men. Joshua escapes but crashes into Murtaugh's house. The final fight occurs on Murtaugh's lawn where Riggs defeats Joshua in hand-to-hand combat, defending his new family.
Transformation
Riggs brings Murtaugh a Christmas gift at his damaged house, surrounded by Murtaugh's family. Riggs is smiling, connected, and part of a family - transformed from the suicidal loner at the beginning. He has found a reason to live through friendship and belonging.