Reversal of Fortune

The Status Quo at 2 minutes (2% through the runtime) establishes Sunny von Bülow's voiceover from her coma introduces the mystery and the opulent world of Newport society. She lies in a permanent vegetative state while we learn of Claus's conviction for attempted murder.. Of particular interest, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.

The inciting incident occurs at 15 minutes when Dershowitz agrees to take Claus von Bülow's appeal case despite his doubts about Claus's innocence. This decision disrupts his comfortable academic life and commits him to a morally ambiguous fight.. 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 First Threshold at 29 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 26% of the runtime. This indicates the protagonist's commitment to The team commits fully to an active investigation, deciding to dig deeper into Sunny's medical history and drug use. They shift from passive case review to aggressive pursuit of exculpatory evidence., moving from reaction to action.

At 56 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. The analysis reveals that this crucial beat Major discovery about Sunny's insulin levels or medical evidence that could establish reasonable doubt. False victory: the case seems winnable, but Claus remains enigmatic and won't fully cooperate with his own defense., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.

The Collapse moment at 82 minutes (74% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Darkest moment of doubt about winning the appeal. Confrontation with Claus who refuses to help himself. The darkest flashback shows the morning Sunny was found. The truth seems unknowable and reasonable doubt impossible to establish., shows the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.

The Second Threshold at 89 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Breakthrough realization: focus on what can be proven rather than what actually happened. New strategy for establishing reasonable doubt through medical expert testimony. The team finds clarity in the legal standard rather than absolute truth., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.