The Hurricane
The story of Rubin "Hurricane" Carter, a boxer wrongly imprisoned for murder, and the people who aided in his fight to prove his innocence.
Working with a mid-range budget of $50.0M, the film achieved a steady performer with $74.0M 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%)
The Hurricane (1999) exhibits meticulously timed story structure, characteristic of Norman Jewison's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 10-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 2 hours and 26 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.8, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 2 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Young Rubin Carter is brutalized by a white man and a racist police officer, establishing the cycle of injustice that will define his life. This opening image shows a world of racial violence and systemic corruption.. Notably, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
At 74 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. The analysis reveals that this crucial beat Their appeal is denied despite overwhelming evidence of Carter's innocence. This false defeat raises the stakes and reveals the depth of corruption they're fighting against. The system will not yield easily., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 109 minutes (74% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Carter, broken by repeated failures and decades of imprisonment, tells Lesra and the Canadians to abandon him. He nearly succumbs to despair, the metaphorical death of hope. The man who survived through will seems ready to give up., demonstrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Synthesis at 117 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. The federal court hearing unfolds. The team presents their case with passion and precision. Carter embodies dignity and truth. The judge deliberates. Finally, after 22 years, Carter is released when the conviction is overturned., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
The Hurricane's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 10 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs proven narrative structure principles that track dramatic progression. By mapping The Hurricane against these established plot points, we can identify how Norman Jewison utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish The Hurricane within the drama genre.
Norman Jewison's Structural Approach
Among the 13 Norman Jewison films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.2, reflecting strong command of classical structure. The Hurricane takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Norman Jewison filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional drama films include Eye for an Eye, South Pacific and Kiss of the Spider Woman. For more Norman Jewison analyses, see A Soldier's Story, Jesus Christ Superstar and F.I.S.T..
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Young Rubin Carter is brutalized by a white man and a racist police officer, establishing the cycle of injustice that will define his life. This opening image shows a world of racial violence and systemic corruption.
Theme
Lesra reads from Carter's autobiography: "Hate got me into this place, love is gonna get me out." The theme of transcending hate through love and truth is established through Lesra's discovery of the book.
Worldbuilding
Two parallel worlds are established: Carter's past as a rising boxer and his present reality in prison. We see his potential destroyed by false murder charges, and meet Lesra and his Canadian guardians who will become his advocates.
Resistance
Carter and Lesra begin corresponding. Carter debates whether to allow hope back into his life after years of disappointment. The Canadians research the case and begin to believe Carter is innocent, preparing to commit to his fight.
Act II
ConfrontationPremise
The team works together uncovering evidence, filing appeals, and building their case. We see the "fun and games" of detective work, legal research, and Carter mentoring Lesra, as hope builds that justice might prevail.
Midpoint
Their appeal is denied despite overwhelming evidence of Carter's innocence. This false defeat raises the stakes and reveals the depth of corruption they're fighting against. The system will not yield easily.
Opposition
The legal and emotional pressure intensifies. Carter faces the possibility of dying in prison. Racism and corruption actively work against them. The team's resources and resolve are tested as years pass without progress.
Collapse
Carter, broken by repeated failures and decades of imprisonment, tells Lesra and the Canadians to abandon him. He nearly succumbs to despair, the metaphorical death of hope. The man who survived through will seems ready to give up.
Crisis
Lesra and the Canadians refuse to abandon Carter. They reflect on the meaning of their fight and what they owe to truth and justice. Carter contemplates whether hate or love will define his final chapter.
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
The federal court hearing unfolds. The team presents their case with passion and precision. Carter embodies dignity and truth. The judge deliberates. Finally, after 22 years, Carter is released when the conviction is overturned.