Paranoia
An entry-level employee at a powerful corporation finds himself occupying a corner office, but at a dangerous price—he must spy on his boss's old mentor to secure for him a multi-billion dollar advantage.
The film financial setback against its mid-range budget of $35.0M, earning $17.1M globally (-51% loss). While initial box office returns were modest, the film has gained appreciation for its distinctive approach within the drama genre.
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%)
Paranoia (2013) reveals deliberately positioned dramatic framework, characteristic of Robert Luketic's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 46 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.8, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Characters
Cast & narrative archetypes
Adam Cassidy
Jock Goddard
Nicolas Wyatt
Emma Jennings
Judith Bolton
Frank Cassidy
Kevin
Agent Gamble
Main Cast & Characters
Adam Cassidy
Played by Liam Hemsworth
An ambitious young entry-level employee at Wyatt Corporation who becomes caught in a deadly game of corporate espionage between two rival tech billionaires.
Jock Goddard
Played by Harrison Ford
The charming and ruthless CEO of Goddard's rival company who recruits Adam as a corporate spy, presenting himself as a mentor figure.
Nicolas Wyatt
Played by Gary Oldman
A cold and calculating tech mogul who blackmails Adam into infiltrating his rival's company, willing to destroy anyone who stands in his way.
Emma Jennings
Played by Amber Heard
Goddard's head of marketing and Adam's love interest who becomes entangled in the espionage plot.
Judith Bolton
Played by Embeth Davidtz
Wyatt's ruthless security chief and enforcer who ensures Adam complies with his espionage mission through intimidation and surveillance.
Frank Cassidy
Played by Richard Dreyfuss
Adam's ailing blue-collar father whose medical bills drive Adam's desperation and moral compromise.
Kevin
Played by Lucas Till
Adam's best friend and former coworker who remains loyal despite Adam's rise and subsequent fall.
Agent Gamble
Played by Josh Holloway
An FBI agent investigating the corporate espionage who becomes Adam's potential ally.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Adam Cassidy is shown as a hungry young employee at Wyatt Corporation, working long hours in a cramped workspace while caring for his sick father, establishing his ambition to escape his working-class Brooklyn origins.. The analysis reveals that this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 13 minutes when After being fired, Adam uses the company credit card for a wild night out. Wyatt's security team catches him, and Wyatt blackmails Adam into becoming a corporate spy or face prison for fraud - his ordinary life is shattered.. 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 Adam accepts the mission and walks into Eikon Corporation for his first day as a planted spy, crossing into the world of corporate espionage with no way back. He commits to the deception., moving from reaction to action.
At 53 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Of particular interest, this crucial beat Adam gains access to Goddard's inner circle and learns about the revolutionary smartphone technology both companies are racing to develop. He's achieved unprecedented access - a false victory as he doesn't realize how trapped he truly is., 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, Adam discovers his friend Kevin has been killed by Meechum for knowing too much. Emma rejects him after learning the truth. He's lost everything - his friend, his love, his integrity - and both billionaires see him as disposable., demonstrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 85 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Adam realizes he can use the spy skills both men taught him against them. He decides to turn the tables by gathering evidence of their illegal activities and setting them up to destroy each other., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Paranoia's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs a 15-point narrative structure framework that maps key story moments. By mapping Paranoia against these established plot points, we can identify how Robert Luketic utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Paranoia within the drama genre.
Robert Luketic's Structural Approach
Among the 7 Robert Luketic films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.2, reflecting strong command of classical structure. Paranoia takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Robert Luketic filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional drama films include After Thomas, South Pacific and Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights. For more Robert Luketic analyses, see Win a Date with Tad Hamilton!, 21 and Killers.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Adam Cassidy is shown as a hungry young employee at Wyatt Corporation, working long hours in a cramped workspace while caring for his sick father, establishing his ambition to escape his working-class Brooklyn origins.
Theme
Adam's father Frank warns him that chasing money and corporate success comes at a cost, stating that the corporate world will chew him up - foreshadowing the moral compromises Adam will face.
Worldbuilding
Adam's ordinary world is established: his tech job at Wyatt Corp, his ailing father's medical bills, his friendship with coworkers, his pitch presentation to Nicolas Wyatt, and his subsequent firing after challenging Wyatt's dismissive attitude.
Disruption
After being fired, Adam uses the company credit card for a wild night out. Wyatt's security team catches him, and Wyatt blackmails Adam into becoming a corporate spy or face prison for fraud - his ordinary life is shattered.
Resistance
Wyatt and his enforcer Miles Meechum prepare Adam for infiltration: teaching him how to dress, act, and manipulate his way into Goddard's company. Adam debates his moral qualms but sees no alternative given his father's medical needs.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Adam accepts the mission and walks into Eikon Corporation for his first day as a planted spy, crossing into the world of corporate espionage with no way back. He commits to the deception.
Mirror World
Adam meets Emma Jennings, Goddard's marketing director. Their genuine romantic connection represents the authentic life he could have if he weren't living a lie - she embodies the honesty he's sacrificing.
Premise
Adam excels at corporate espionage, rising quickly through Eikon while stealing secrets for Wyatt. He enjoys the luxury lifestyle, impresses Goddard, deepens his romance with Emma, and plays both sides while his father's treatment improves.
Midpoint
Adam gains access to Goddard's inner circle and learns about the revolutionary smartphone technology both companies are racing to develop. He's achieved unprecedented access - a false victory as he doesn't realize how trapped he truly is.
Opposition
The walls close in: Goddard reveals he knows Adam is a spy and has been using him too. Wyatt increases pressure and threatens Adam's family. Adam's friend Kevin is murdered by Meechum. Emma discovers Adam's lies. Both CEOs tighten their grip.
Collapse
Adam discovers his friend Kevin has been killed by Meechum for knowing too much. Emma rejects him after learning the truth. He's lost everything - his friend, his love, his integrity - and both billionaires see him as disposable.
Crisis
Adam grieves Kevin's death and confronts the consequences of his choices. He realizes he's been a pawn to both Wyatt and Goddard, with his father and Emma endangered. He must find a way out or become another casualty.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Adam realizes he can use the spy skills both men taught him against them. He decides to turn the tables by gathering evidence of their illegal activities and setting them up to destroy each other.
Synthesis
Adam executes his plan: he records incriminating conversations, manipulates both Wyatt and Goddard into exposing their crimes, works with the FBI, and orchestrates a confrontation where both billionaires are arrested for corporate espionage and murder.
Transformation
Adam walks away free, reunited with Emma, having exposed the corruption without becoming corrupted himself. Unlike the opening, he's no longer chasing wealth and power - he's chosen integrity over ambition, reconciled with his father's values.