Mannequin
Jonathan Switcher, an unemployed artist, finds a job as an assistant window dresser for a department store. When Jonathan happens upon a beautiful mannequin he previously designed, she springs to life and introduces herself as Emmy, an Egyptian under an ancient spell. Despite interference from the store's devious manager, Jonathan and his mannequin fall in love while creating eye-catching window displays to keep the struggling store in business.
Despite its small-scale budget of $6.0M, Mannequin became a box office phenomenon, earning $42.7M worldwide—a remarkable 612% return. The film's bold vision resonated with audiences, demonstrating that strong storytelling can transcend budget limitations.
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%)
Mannequin (1987) reveals meticulously timed narrative design, characteristic of Michael Gottlieb's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 29 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.7, the film showcases strong structural fundamentals.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Ancient Egypt: Emmy, a beautiful woman, refuses an arranged marriage and prays to the gods for freedom. She vanishes in a beam of light, establishing the magical premise and her yearning for true love.. Notably, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 9 minutes when Jonathan is fired from the mannequin factory, and his girlfriend Roxie breaks up with him for being an impractical dreamer. He loses both his job and relationship, hitting rock bottom.. 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 21 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 24% of the runtime. This demonstrates the protagonist's commitment to Alone in the store after hours, Jonathan actively chooses to stay and create a window display with his special mannequin. This is when she magically comes to life as Emmy. He embraces the magic rather than running away, choosing to enter this fantastical new world., moving from reaction to action.
At 43 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 48% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Significantly, this crucial beat False victory: Jonathan is promoted to vice president and his success peaks. He's publicly celebrated and the store is thriving. However, the stakes raise as rival store Illustra and their spy Richards intensify efforts to steal Emmy the mannequin and destroy Prince & Company., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 64 minutes (72% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Emmy is kidnapped by the villains and taken to the Illustra store. Jonathan loses her—his muse, his love, and the source of his confidence. Without Emmy, he faces the death of his dreams and newly found self-belief. His worst fear realized: he's powerless and alone again., reveals the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 70 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 78% of the runtime. Synthesis and realization: Jonathan understands that he must believe in himself—not just in Emmy's magic. He combines his artistic talents with newfound confidence. He rallies Hollywood and his allies to storm Illustra, using both creativity and courage to rescue Emmy., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Mannequin'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 Mannequin against these established plot points, we can identify how Michael Gottlieb utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Mannequin within the comedy genre.
Comparative Analysis
Additional comedy films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Ancient Egypt: Emmy, a beautiful woman, refuses an arranged marriage and prays to the gods for freedom. She vanishes in a beam of light, establishing the magical premise and her yearning for true love.
Theme
Jonathan's mother tells him, "You're an artist, not a salesman. You need to believe in what you're selling." The theme: authenticity and believing in yourself versus compromising your artistic soul for commercial success.
Worldbuilding
Modern-day Philadelphia: Jonathan Switcher is a talented but struggling artist who can't hold a job because he focuses on perfection over productivity. He's fired from multiple jobs, frustrating his girlfriend Roxie who wants him to be practical. He pours his heart into creating one perfect mannequin.
Disruption
Jonathan is fired from the mannequin factory, and his girlfriend Roxie breaks up with him for being an impractical dreamer. He loses both his job and relationship, hitting rock bottom.
Resistance
Jonathan wanders Philadelphia jobless, saving store owner Claire Timkin from being hit by a truck. She hires him as a stock boy at Prince & Company department store. He meets flamboyant Hollywood Montrose who becomes his ally. Jonathan spots his perfect mannequin in the store window.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Alone in the store after hours, Jonathan actively chooses to stay and create a window display with his special mannequin. This is when she magically comes to life as Emmy. He embraces the magic rather than running away, choosing to enter this fantastical new world.
Mirror World
Emmy reveals she's been reincarnated through the ages, waiting to find her true love. She represents everything Jonathan needs: someone who believes in his artistic vision, encourages his creativity, and loves him for who he truly is. Their relationship becomes the B-story that teaches Jonathan self-worth.
Premise
The fun and games: Jonathan and Emmy create spectacular window displays together at night. His windows become sensations, drawing crowds and reviving the struggling store. Jonathan becomes a rising star while falling in love with Emmy. Montage of creative collaboration, romance, and success.
Midpoint
False victory: Jonathan is promoted to vice president and his success peaks. He's publicly celebrated and the store is thriving. However, the stakes raise as rival store Illustra and their spy Richards intensify efforts to steal Emmy the mannequin and destroy Prince & Company.
Opposition
The antagonists close in: Richards and Illustra plot to steal Emmy. Jonathan's ex Roxie returns and schemes with Richards. Jonathan struggles to protect Emmy while maintaining his success. The villains get closer to discovering the secret. Jonathan faces pressure to compromise his artistic integrity for commercial demands.
Collapse
Emmy is kidnapped by the villains and taken to the Illustra store. Jonathan loses her—his muse, his love, and the source of his confidence. Without Emmy, he faces the death of his dreams and newly found self-belief. His worst fear realized: he's powerless and alone again.
Crisis
Jonathan's dark night: He must find the courage to save Emmy, but realizes he can't rely on her magic anymore. He processes the loss and contemplates giving up versus fighting for love. Montrose rallies him, reminding him of his own worth.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Synthesis and realization: Jonathan understands that he must believe in himself—not just in Emmy's magic. He combines his artistic talents with newfound confidence. He rallies Hollywood and his allies to storm Illustra, using both creativity and courage to rescue Emmy.
Synthesis
The finale: Jonathan and Hollywood infiltrate Illustra in disguise. Chaotic confrontation with the villains. Jonathan finds Emmy and confesses his love, breaking the curse. Emmy becomes permanently human. The villains are defeated. Prince & Company is saved. Jonathan proves his worth through his own agency, not magic.
Transformation
Jonathan and Emmy ride off on a motorcycle together, both free and fully alive. Mirrors the opening image of Emmy praying for freedom and true love. Jonathan has transformed from insecure, compromising artist to confident creator who believes in himself. He found love by being authentic.