Rollover
Lee Winters, the go-getting widow of a murdered petrochemical company chairman, and Hubbell Smith, a professional sent by the First New York Bank chairman Maxwell Emery to investigate the liquidity of one of their banks, fall for each other and team up to get to the bottom of things. Their investigations lead them to the discovery of an international financial scheme involving her husband's company and the Arab states that could lead to global economic collapse and render U.S. dollar worthless.
The film earned $10.2M at the global box office.
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%)
Rollover (1981) exemplifies meticulously timed narrative architecture, characteristic of Alan J. Pakula's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 13-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 56 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.3, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Lee Winters appears as a glamorous widow and film star, living a life of luxury and celebrity while her late husband's petrochemical empire continues without her involvement.. Of particular interest, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 14 minutes when Lee discovers her late husband's company is in financial crisis and massive debts are hidden. She learns she must work with Hubbell Smith, a financial expert brought in by the bank to restructure the company.. 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.
At 58 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Of particular interest, this crucial beat Lee and Hubbell discover the true scale of the conspiracy: a coordinated plan by Arab nations to trigger global financial collapse through massive fund withdrawals. What seemed like corporate intrigue is revealed as potential economic apocalypse., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 87 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, The rollover occurs—Arab investors withdraw their funds en masse. Global markets begin to collapse. Lee and Hubbell watch helplessly as their warnings are ignored and the financial system crumbles., illustrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 93 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Lee and Hubbell realize that survival and human connection matter more than financial power. They accept that they cannot control global forces but can choose how to face an uncertain future together., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Rollover's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 13 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs a 15-point narrative structure framework that maps key story moments. By mapping Rollover against these established plot points, we can identify how Alan J. Pakula utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Rollover within the drama genre.
Alan J. Pakula's Structural Approach
Among the 10 Alan J. Pakula films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.3, reflecting strong command of classical structure. Rollover takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Alan J. Pakula filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional drama films include Eye for an Eye, South Pacific and Kiss of the Spider Woman. For more Alan J. Pakula analyses, see All the President's Men, Presumed Innocent and Consenting Adults.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Lee Winters appears as a glamorous widow and film star, living a life of luxury and celebrity while her late husband's petrochemical empire continues without her involvement.
Theme
A banker mentions that "money has no loyalty" and everything is connected to global financial flows, foreshadowing the film's exploration of power, trust, and economic vulnerability.
Worldbuilding
Establishment of Lee's world as corporate widow trying to maintain control of her husband's company, the complex web of international banking relationships, and the introduction of Arab investors who hold significant financial power.
Disruption
Lee discovers her late husband's company is in financial crisis and massive debts are hidden. She learns she must work with Hubbell Smith, a financial expert brought in by the bank to restructure the company.
Resistance
Lee resists Hubbell's involvement and attempts to maintain control. Hubbell reveals the extent of financial manipulation and introduces her to the complex world of international finance, petrodollars, and Arab investment.
Act II
ConfrontationPremise
Lee and Hubbell investigate the financial conspiracy, uncovering that Arab investors are planning to withdraw billions from American banks. They navigate high-stakes negotiations, corporate espionage, and the promise of solving the mystery.
Midpoint
Lee and Hubbell discover the true scale of the conspiracy: a coordinated plan by Arab nations to trigger global financial collapse through massive fund withdrawals. What seemed like corporate intrigue is revealed as potential economic apocalypse.
Opposition
Powerful banking interests work against Lee and Hubbell to suppress the truth. Threats escalate, allies disappear, and the conspiracy tightens around them. They realize they cannot stop the financial collapse.
Collapse
The rollover occurs—Arab investors withdraw their funds en masse. Global markets begin to collapse. Lee and Hubbell watch helplessly as their warnings are ignored and the financial system crumbles.
Crisis
In the aftermath of the collapse, Lee and Hubbell confront their powerlessness. They process the implications of economic catastrophe and what it means for their future in a world where the systems they knew have failed.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Lee and Hubbell realize that survival and human connection matter more than financial power. They accept that they cannot control global forces but can choose how to face an uncertain future together.
Synthesis
As the world economy collapses around them, Lee and Hubbell make plans to escape the chaos. They liquidate what assets remain and prepare for a fundamentally changed world, finding meaning in their relationship amid the ruins.
Transformation
Lee and Hubbell flee together as news reports detail worldwide economic collapse. The glamorous widow who began in luxury now faces an uncertain future, transformed from passive heiress to someone who understands the fragility of power.