National Treasure
Modern treasure hunters, led by archaeologist Ben Gates, search for a chest of riches rumored to have been stashed away by George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin during the Revolutionary War. The chest's whereabouts may lie in secret clues embedded in the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, and Gates is in a race to find the gold before his enemies do.
Despite a significant budget of $100.0M, National Treasure became a solid performer, earning $347.5M worldwide—a 248% 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%)
National Treasure (2004) showcases strategically placed story structure, characteristic of Jon Turteltaub's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 10-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 2 hours and 11 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 Young Ben Gates listens to his grandfather's story about the Templar treasure, establishing Ben as a dreamer obsessed with family legacy and historical mysteries.. Notably, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 16 minutes when Ian Howe reveals his plan to steal the Declaration of Independence and threatens Ben when he refuses. Ben realizes Ian will destroy the Declaration and that he must steal it first to protect it.. At 13% through the film, this Disruption is delayed, allowing extended setup of the story world. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The Collapse moment at 98 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Ian captures Ben, his father, Riley, and Abigail, taking the Declaration and all their research. Ben has lost everything: the treasure map, the Declaration, his freedom, and control. Ian now has all the answers and will find the treasure first., indicates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Synthesis at 105 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Ben leads everyone to the real treasure beneath Wall Street, outsmarts Ian, traps him underground for the FBI, protects the Declaration, and discovers the greatest treasure in history. He combines his knowledge, his father's wisdom, and his team's skills to succeed., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
National Treasure's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 10 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs structural analysis methodology used to understand storytelling architecture. By mapping National Treasure against these established plot points, we can identify how Jon Turteltaub utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish National Treasure within the adventure genre.
Jon Turteltaub's Structural Approach
Among the 7 Jon Turteltaub films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.1, reflecting strong command of classical structure. National Treasure takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Jon Turteltaub filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional adventure films include Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, The Bad Guys and Zoom. For more Jon Turteltaub analyses, see Cool Runnings, The Kid and Phenomenon.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Young Ben Gates listens to his grandfather's story about the Templar treasure, establishing Ben as a dreamer obsessed with family legacy and historical mysteries.
Theme
Ben's grandfather tells him "The treasure is real. And whoever finds it will go down in history." Theme of legacy, belief versus skepticism, and what we leave behind is established.
Worldbuilding
Adult Ben searches for the Charlotte ship in the Arctic with Riley and Ian. We learn Ben has dedicated his life to the treasure hunt despite his father's disapproval. His expertise, determination, and the skepticism of the world around him are established.
Disruption
Ian Howe reveals his plan to steal the Declaration of Independence and threatens Ben when he refuses. Ben realizes Ian will destroy the Declaration and that he must steal it first to protect it.
Resistance
Ben debates whether to steal the Declaration, tries to warn the FBI (who don't believe him), seeks his father's help (who refuses), and reluctantly prepares for the heist. He struggles with becoming a criminal to save history.
Act II
ConfrontationPremise
The fun treasure hunt unfolds: Ben successfully steals the Declaration, decodes clues with Abigail and Riley, discovers the Silence Dogood letters, evades Ian and the FBI, and follows the trail through Philadelphia. The adventure the audience came for.
Opposition
Ian intensifies his pursuit, kidnapping Abigail. The FBI closes in on Ben. Ben's father is drawn into danger. The clues get harder, the pressure mounts, and Ben must navigate Trinity Church while protecting everyone and staying ahead of both Ian and the law.
Collapse
Ian captures Ben, his father, Riley, and Abigail, taking the Declaration and all their research. Ben has lost everything: the treasure map, the Declaration, his freedom, and control. Ian now has all the answers and will find the treasure first.
Crisis
Ben and his team are held at gunpoint in Trinity Church. They process their apparent defeat as Ian uses their research to locate the treasure beneath the church. Ben must find a way forward from this dark moment.
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
Ben leads everyone to the real treasure beneath Wall Street, outsmarts Ian, traps him underground for the FBI, protects the Declaration, and discovers the greatest treasure in history. He combines his knowledge, his father's wisdom, and his team's skills to succeed.