The Express
This biopic focuses on the relationship of Ernie Davis (1939-1963), a gifted African-American athlete, and his coach from 1958 to 1962 at Syracuse University, Ben Schwartzwalder (1909-1993). Schwartzwalder recruits Davis with the help of All-American running back, Jim Brown. The civil rights movement is gaining steam; Davis experiences prejudice on campus, in town, and on the field, sometimes from teammates. How he handles it and how he challenges Schwartzwalder to stand up for his players provide a counterpoint to several great seasons that lead first to a national championship and then to the Heismann Trophy.
The film commercial failure against its respectable budget of $40.0M, earning $9.8M globally (-76% loss). While initial box office returns were modest, the film has gained appreciation for its fresh perspective within the biography genre.
1 win & 3 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%)
The Express (2008) exemplifies deliberately positioned narrative architecture, characteristic of Gary Fleder's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 2 hours and 10 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.1, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 2 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Young Ernie Davis watches his hero Jim Brown play football on TV in his modest Pennsylvania home, dreaming of greatness despite the racial barriers of 1950s America.. The analysis reveals that this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 16 minutes when Coach Schwartzwalder offers Ernie a full scholarship to Syracuse University, presenting an opportunity to follow in Jim Brown's footsteps and become something greater.. 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 32 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 25% of the runtime. This reveals the protagonist's commitment to Ernie chooses to accept the scholarship and commits to Syracuse, actively deciding to step into a world where he'll face both opportunity and intense racial hostility., moving from reaction to action.
At 66 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Significantly, this crucial beat Syracuse wins a major game and Ernie becomes a legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate. False victory: he's achieving athletic success, but the deeper challenges of racism and what his success means for others intensify., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 97 minutes (74% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Ernie is diagnosed with leukemia shortly after winning the Heisman Trophy. The whiff of death is literal: his dreams of playing professional football die, and his own mortality is suddenly in question., illustrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 104 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Ernie realizes his legacy isn't about football statistics but about the barrier he broke and the doors he opened for others. He chooses to face his illness with dignity and continue inspiring others., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
The Express'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 The Express against these established plot points, we can identify how Gary Fleder utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish The Express within the biography genre.
Gary Fleder's Structural Approach
Among the 6 Gary Fleder films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.0, reflecting strong command of classical structure. The Express represents one of the director's most structurally precise works. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Gary Fleder filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional biography films include Lords of Dogtown, Ip Man 2 and A Complete Unknown. For more Gary Fleder analyses, see Don't Say a Word, Kiss the Girls and Runaway Jury.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Young Ernie Davis watches his hero Jim Brown play football on TV in his modest Pennsylvania home, dreaming of greatness despite the racial barriers of 1950s America.
Theme
Coach Ben Schwartzwalder tells his team: "A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops." The film explores how breaking barriers requires both personal excellence and mentorship.
Worldbuilding
Ernie grows up in challenging circumstances, raised by his grandfather. We see his natural athletic talent, his relationship with his community, and the racial tensions of the era. Coach Schwartzwalder begins recruiting at Syracuse University.
Disruption
Coach Schwartzwalder offers Ernie a full scholarship to Syracuse University, presenting an opportunity to follow in Jim Brown's footsteps and become something greater.
Resistance
Ernie debates whether to accept the scholarship, faces pressure from family and community. He visits Syracuse, meets the team, and grapples with the weight of expectation and the racism he'll face at a predominantly white institution.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Ernie chooses to accept the scholarship and commits to Syracuse, actively deciding to step into a world where he'll face both opportunity and intense racial hostility.
Mirror World
Ernie develops a close relationship with his teammates, particularly building trust with Coach Schwartzwalder. This bond represents the thematic core: dignity and excellence transcending racial division.
Premise
The promise of the premise: watching Ernie excel on the football field. Spectacular runs, touchdowns, and growing fame. He proves himself as a player, earns respect from teammates, and begins to shine as Syracuse rises in the rankings.
Midpoint
Syracuse wins a major game and Ernie becomes a legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate. False victory: he's achieving athletic success, but the deeper challenges of racism and what his success means for others intensify.
Opposition
Ernie faces increased racial hostility at away games, threats, and violence. The pressure of being a symbol for his race weighs heavily. He meets Jim Brown, who challenges him to be more than just a great player. The personal and social stakes escalate.
Collapse
Ernie is diagnosed with leukemia shortly after winning the Heisman Trophy. The whiff of death is literal: his dreams of playing professional football die, and his own mortality is suddenly in question.
Crisis
Ernie processes his diagnosis in the darkness. He grapples with fear, anger, and the unfairness of achieving so much only to have it taken away. Quiet moments of despair and contemplation.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Ernie realizes his legacy isn't about football statistics but about the barrier he broke and the doors he opened for others. He chooses to face his illness with dignity and continue inspiring others.
Synthesis
Ernie is drafted by the Cleveland Browns, though he cannot play. He gives speeches, meets with President Kennedy, and accepts his role as a symbol of courage and progress. He lives his final time with purpose and grace.
Transformation
Final images show Ernie's funeral attended by thousands, his number retired, and his lasting impact. Contrast to opening: the boy who dreamed became the man who changed the game forever, not through touchdowns but through character.