The Last Duel

The Status Quo at 2 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Jean de Carrouges prepares for the duel at dawn, armored and solemn. He exists in a world of rigid honor codes, loyal service, and unfulfilled ambition as a knight in 14th-century France.. Notably, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.

The inciting incident occurs at 19 minutes when Carrouges is denied land he believes is rightfully his when Count Pierre awards the disputed estate of Aunou-le-Faucon to Jacques Le Gris instead. This betrayal fractures the friendship and ignites Carrouges' sense of injustice.. At 13% through the film, this Disruption is delayed, allowing extended setup of the story world. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.

The First Threshold at 38 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 25% of the runtime. This shows the protagonist's commitment to Marguerite accuses Jacques Le Gris of raping her while Carrouges was away. Carrouges chooses to believe her and pursue justice through legal channels, entering a new world of accusation and mortal stakes., moving from reaction to action.

At 77 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Structural examination shows that this crucial beat The narrative shifts to "The Truth According to Marguerite," the definitive perspective. Her voice centers the story, revealing the misogyny she endures and the reality of her assault. The stakes crystallize: her life depends on the duel's outcome., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.

The Collapse moment at 115 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, King Charles VI decrees the trial by combat. If Carrouges loses, Marguerite will be burned at the stake for false accusation. Her life is utterly in the hands of men fighting for their own honor, not her justice., indicates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.

The Second Threshold at 122 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. The duel begins. Carrouges and Le Gris enter the lists. This is the final threshold—combat will determine whose "truth" prevails, though only Marguerite's truth is real. Resolution through violence begins., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.