Tex
After their mother dies and their father leaves them, teenage brothers Tex and Mason McCormick struggle to make it on their own.
Working with a limited budget of $5.0M, the film achieved a respectable showing with $7.4M in global revenue (+48% profit margin).
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%)
Tex (1982) showcases carefully calibrated narrative design, characteristic of Tim Hunter's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 43 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.9, the film showcases strong structural fundamentals.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Tex rides his beloved horse Negrito across the Oklahoma countryside, carefree and happy in his simple world with his brother Mason, living alone while their father travels the rodeo circuit.. Structural examination shows that this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 12 minutes when Tex discovers that Mason has sold his beloved horse Negrito and his own horse to pay bills. This betrayal shatters Tex's carefree existence and creates a rift between the brothers.. 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 26 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 25% of the runtime. This demonstrates the protagonist's commitment to Tex makes choices that pull him deeper into trouble—skipping school, getting into fights, and engaging in reckless behavior. He crosses into a more dangerous world, actively choosing rebellion over conformity., moving from reaction to action.
At 52 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Structural examination shows that this crucial beat Tex and his friend hitchhike and are picked up by a dangerous escaped convict. The situation turns violent and life-threatening, raising the stakes from teenage rebellion to genuine mortal danger. False defeat: Tex realizes his recklessness has real consequences., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 77 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Tex learns the devastating truth: Pop is not his biological father. This revelation shatters his identity and sense of belonging. The "death" of who he thought he was—a McCormick, part of a family, with a clear place in the world., indicates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 82 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Tex has a breakthrough realization: family is defined by love and commitment, not blood. Mason has been his true brother all along. He chooses to accept this truth and move forward, synthesizing his innocence with new maturity., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Tex's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs systematic plot point analysis that identifies crucial turning points. By mapping Tex against these established plot points, we can identify how Tim Hunter utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Tex within the drama genre.
Tim Hunter's Structural Approach
Among the 2 Tim Hunter films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.8, reflecting strong command of classical structure. Tex represents one of the director's most structurally precise works. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Tim Hunter filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional drama films include Eye for an Eye, South Pacific and Kiss of the Spider Woman. For more Tim Hunter analyses, see River's Edge.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Tex rides his beloved horse Negrito across the Oklahoma countryside, carefree and happy in his simple world with his brother Mason, living alone while their father travels the rodeo circuit.
Theme
Johnny Collins or Mason speaks to the difficulty of growing up and taking responsibility when you're forced to become a man too soon—the central theme of lost innocence and forced maturity.
Worldbuilding
Introduction to Tex and Mason's world: their rundown home, absent father, financial struggles, Tex's relationship with neighbor Jamie Collins, the contrast between carefree Tex and responsible Mason, and the economic pressures threatening their way of life.
Disruption
Tex discovers that Mason has sold his beloved horse Negrito and his own horse to pay bills. This betrayal shatters Tex's carefree existence and creates a rift between the brothers.
Resistance
Tex struggles with anger at Mason, acts out at school, fights with Bob Collins, and resists accepting the harsh realities of their situation. Mason and Johnny Collins try to guide Tex toward maturity, but he rebels against growing up.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Tex makes choices that pull him deeper into trouble—skipping school, getting into fights, and engaging in reckless behavior. He crosses into a more dangerous world, actively choosing rebellion over conformity.
Mirror World
Tex's relationship with Jamie Collins deepens, representing the possibility of love, connection, and emotional growth. She becomes the mirror that reflects who Tex could become if he chooses maturity over recklessness.
Premise
Tex navigates teenage life: romantic complications with Jamie, conflicts with her protective brother Bob, school troubles, the tension with Mason escalating, and increasingly risky behavior that tests boundaries and relationships.
Midpoint
Tex and his friend hitchhike and are picked up by a dangerous escaped convict. The situation turns violent and life-threatening, raising the stakes from teenage rebellion to genuine mortal danger. False defeat: Tex realizes his recklessness has real consequences.
Opposition
The aftermath of the violent encounter intensifies pressure on Tex. Mason's anger grows, Jamie's father becomes more protective, school consequences mount, and the brothers' relationship deteriorates further as Tex struggles with trauma and identity.
Collapse
Tex learns the devastating truth: Pop is not his biological father. This revelation shatters his identity and sense of belonging. The "death" of who he thought he was—a McCormick, part of a family, with a clear place in the world.
Crisis
Tex spirals into his darkest emotional place, processing the truth about his parentage. He confronts what this means for his relationship with Mason, his absent father, and his own identity. A dark night of confusion and grief.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Tex has a breakthrough realization: family is defined by love and commitment, not blood. Mason has been his true brother all along. He chooses to accept this truth and move forward, synthesizing his innocence with new maturity.
Synthesis
Tex reconciles with Mason, demonstrating newfound maturity and understanding. He confronts his absent father figure, makes peace with his past, and shows that he has integrated the painful lessons into a more mature worldview. The finale resolves relationships.
Transformation
Tex stands with Mason, no longer the carefree boy from the opening but a young man who understands responsibility, family, and sacrifice. The final image mirrors the opening but shows transformation: same setting, different person.