Roman J. Israel, Esq.
ROMAN J. ISRAEL, ESQ. is a dramatic thriller set in the underbelly of the overburdened Los Angeles criminal court system. Denzel Washington stars as Roman Israel, a driven, idealistic defense attorney who, through a tumultuous series of events, finds himself in a crisis that leads to extreme action. Colin Farrell costars as the monied, cutthroat lawyer who recruits Roman to his firm.
The film struggled financially against its moderate budget of $22.0M, earning $13.0M globally (-41% loss). While initial box office returns were modest, the film has gained appreciation for its innovative storytelling within the crime genre.
Nominated for 1 Oscar. 2 wins & 11 nominations
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%)
Roman J. Israel, Esq. (2017) exemplifies deliberately positioned plot construction, characteristic of Dan Gilroy's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 2 hours and 2 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.9, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 2 minutes (2% through the runtime) establishes Roman works diligently in his cluttered office, a brilliant but eccentric civil rights lawyer operating behind the scenes for decades, socially awkward but ideologically pure.. The analysis reveals that this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 14 minutes when William Henry Jackson, Roman's law partner and protector, suffers a heart attack and falls into a coma, leaving the firm in crisis and Roman without his anchor.. 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 31 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 25% of the runtime. This shows the protagonist's commitment to Roman accepts a position at George Pierce's high-end firm, leaving behind his activist roots to enter the corporate legal world - a fundamental betrayal of his principles., moving from reaction to action.
At 60 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 49% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Structural examination shows that this crucial beat Roman makes a devastating moral choice: he anonymously sells information about a client's location to a bail bondsman for $100,000, directly causing the client's capture and betraying everything he stood for., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 91 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Roman's betrayal is discovered. The client he sold out is murdered. Maya and George both learn the truth. Roman loses everything - his job, his reputation, and Maya's respect., indicates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 98 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 81% of the runtime. Roman decides to turn himself in and tell the truth, reclaiming his integrity even though it will destroy him. He chooses principle over self-preservation., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Roman J. Israel, Esq.'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 Roman J. Israel, Esq. against these established plot points, we can identify how Dan Gilroy utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Roman J. Israel, Esq. within the crime genre.
Dan Gilroy's Structural Approach
Among the 2 Dan Gilroy films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 6.9, demonstrating varied approaches to story architecture. Roman J. Israel, Esq. exemplifies the director's characteristic narrative technique. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Dan Gilroy filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional crime films include The Bad Guys, Batman Forever and 12 Rounds. For more Dan Gilroy analyses, see Nightcrawler.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Roman works diligently in his cluttered office, a brilliant but eccentric civil rights lawyer operating behind the scenes for decades, socially awkward but ideologically pure.
Theme
Discussion about the compromises required in the legal system versus standing on principle. \"You can't save the world\" - the tension between idealism and pragmatism.
Worldbuilding
Establishment of Roman's world: his partnership with William Henry Jackson, his activist legal work, his dedication to a civil rights lawsuit he's worked on for years, and his inability to function in modern social contexts.
Disruption
William Henry Jackson, Roman's law partner and protector, suffers a heart attack and falls into a coma, leaving the firm in crisis and Roman without his anchor.
Resistance
Roman resists change as George Pierce takes over the firm. Roman meets with clients, struggles with the new corporate approach, and debates whether to join Pierce's white-shoe law firm or find another path.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Roman accepts a position at George Pierce's high-end firm, leaving behind his activist roots to enter the corporate legal world - a fundamental betrayal of his principles.
Mirror World
Roman meets Maya, a civil rights activist who represents the idealistic world he's leaving behind. She embodies the values he claims to hold dear.
Premise
Roman navigates the corporate law world awkwardly, begins to experience financial comfort for the first time, but grows increasingly uncomfortable with the moral compromises. He develops a relationship with Maya.
Midpoint
Roman makes a devastating moral choice: he anonymously sells information about a client's location to a bail bondsman for $100,000, directly causing the client's capture and betraying everything he stood for.
Opposition
Roman uses the money to live lavishly, buys expensive clothes and a new apartment, but the guilt weighs on him. His relationship with Maya deepens even as he hides his betrayal. The truth begins to surface.
Collapse
Roman's betrayal is discovered. The client he sold out is murdered. Maya and George both learn the truth. Roman loses everything - his job, his reputation, and Maya's respect.
Crisis
Roman sits in darkness with his choices, confronting the death of his ideals and the man he thought he was. He processes the cost of his corruption.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Roman decides to turn himself in and tell the truth, reclaiming his integrity even though it will destroy him. He chooses principle over self-preservation.
Synthesis
Roman confesses to authorities, faces the consequences of his actions, and attempts to make what amends he can. He is targeted for his cooperation and shot on the street.
Transformation
Roman lies dying or dead on the street, having reclaimed his principles at the cost of his life. A tragic ending showing that redemption came too late, but integrity was restored.