Meteor
After a collision with a comet, a nearly five mile (eight kilometer) wide piece of the asteroid "Orpheus" is heading toward Earth. If it hits, it will cause an incredible catastrophe which will probably extinguish mankind. To stop the meteor, N.A.S.A. wants to use the illegal nuclear weapon satellite "Hercules", but soon discovers that it doesn't have enough firepower. Their only chance to save the world is to join forces with the U.S.S.R., which has also launched such an illegal satellite. But will both governments agree?
The film underperformed commercially against its respectable budget of $16.0M, earning $12.6M globally (-21% loss).
Nominated for 1 Oscar. 1 nomination
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%)
Meteor (1979) exhibits precise narrative design, characteristic of Ronald Neame's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 47 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.9, the film showcases strong structural fundamentals.
Characters
Cast & narrative archetypes
Dr. Paul Bradley
Tatiana Donskaya
Harry Sherwood
General Adlon
Sir Michael Hughes
The President
Main Cast & Characters
Dr. Paul Bradley
Played by Sean Connery
Former NASA scientist brought back to help stop an asteroid on collision course with Earth
Tatiana Donskaya
Played by Natalie Wood
Soviet scientist who collaborates with Americans to save Earth from asteroid impact
Harry Sherwood
Played by Karl Malden
NASA director who recruits Bradley and coordinates the international response effort
General Adlon
Played by Brian Keith
Soviet general coordinating his country's part in the joint mission
Sir Michael Hughes
Played by Trevor Howard
British scientist and astronomer providing expertise on the asteroid threat
The President
Played by Henry Fonda
U.S. President who must make critical decisions about using nuclear weapons
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes A comet collision in space sends a massive meteor on a collision course with Earth. Establishes the cosmic threat in the opening sequence.. Significantly, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 13 minutes when Bradley is summoned by the President and told that only the combined nuclear arsenals of the US and USSR can destroy the meteor, requiring revelation of secret weapons platforms.. 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 25% of the runtime. This indicates the protagonist's commitment to Both superpowers agree to work together, revealing their secret orbital weapons. Bradley commits fully to leading the joint operation, crossing into unprecedented US-Soviet cooperation., moving from reaction to action.
At 54 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Of particular interest, this crucial beat The first wave of nuclear missiles is launched at Orpheus, but the strike is only partially successful. The meteor is damaged but not destroyed, and larger fragments are now on a confirmed collision course with Earth. False defeat - they tried their best plan and it wasn't enough., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 80 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, A meteor fragment strikes near New York, causing catastrophic flooding and destruction. The command center is buried underground. Team members are killed. Bradley, Tatiana, and survivors are trapped with dwindling air and no communication. Whiff of death is literal., indicates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 86 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Survivors find a way to escape the buried facility. Bradley realizes the final missile strike must proceed despite their circumstances. They break through to the surface, reuniting personal survival with the global mission., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Meteor'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 Meteor against these established plot points, we can identify how Ronald Neame utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Meteor within the action genre.
Ronald Neame's Structural Approach
Among the 4 Ronald Neame films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.1, reflecting strong command of classical structure. Meteor represents one of the director's most structurally precise works. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Ronald Neame filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional action films include The Bad Guys, Puss in Boots and Venom: The Last Dance. For more Ronald Neame analyses, see The Poseidon Adventure, Scrooge and First Monday in October.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
A comet collision in space sends a massive meteor on a collision course with Earth. Establishes the cosmic threat in the opening sequence.
Theme
NASA officials discuss the necessity of US-Soviet cooperation to survive, stating that old enemies must become allies when facing extinction. The theme of cooperation over competition is established.
Worldbuilding
Introduction of Dr. Paul Bradley, retired scientist. The US and Soviet space defense systems are revealed. The magnitude of the threat is calculated - a five-mile-wide meteor named Orpheus will strike Earth in six days.
Disruption
Bradley is summoned by the President and told that only the combined nuclear arsenals of the US and USSR can destroy the meteor, requiring revelation of secret weapons platforms.
Resistance
Bradley debates whether the Soviets can be trusted. Diplomatic negotiations begin. Scientists calculate trajectories and plan the nuclear strike. Bradley meets Soviet scientist Tatiana Donskaya, creating tension and skepticism.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Both superpowers agree to work together, revealing their secret orbital weapons. Bradley commits fully to leading the joint operation, crossing into unprecedented US-Soviet cooperation.
Mirror World
Bradley and Tatiana begin developing mutual respect and attraction, representing the human connection that mirrors the political cooperation theme. Their relationship becomes the emotional B-story.
Premise
The promise of the premise: watching the two superpowers coordinate the most important mission in history. Meteor fragments begin hitting Earth, causing avalanches in Switzerland and destruction in Hong Kong. Tension builds as the clock ticks down.
Midpoint
The first wave of nuclear missiles is launched at Orpheus, but the strike is only partially successful. The meteor is damaged but not destroyed, and larger fragments are now on a confirmed collision course with Earth. False defeat - they tried their best plan and it wasn't enough.
Opposition
Massive fragments strike Earth. New York City faces evacuation. The team must recalculate and prepare a second strike with remaining weapons. Political pressure mounts. A major fragment heads directly for New York, threatening the command center itself.
Collapse
A meteor fragment strikes near New York, causing catastrophic flooding and destruction. The command center is buried underground. Team members are killed. Bradley, Tatiana, and survivors are trapped with dwindling air and no communication. Whiff of death is literal.
Crisis
Trapped survivors face suffocation and drowning. Bradley and Tatiana confront potential death together, sharing their darkest moment. The human cost of the disaster becomes personal and immediate.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Survivors find a way to escape the buried facility. Bradley realizes the final missile strike must proceed despite their circumstances. They break through to the surface, reuniting personal survival with the global mission.
Synthesis
The final coordinated nuclear strike is launched at the main mass of Orpheus. US and Soviet weapons fire in perfect synchronization. Bradley and Tatiana watch as the combined arsenal targets the meteor. The ultimate test of cooperation plays out.
Transformation
Orpheus is destroyed in space. Bradley and Tatiana embrace amid the ruins of New York, representing both personal connection and international cooperation. The world is saved through unity, not rivalry. What began as mutual suspicion has transformed into partnership and hope.