The Man
A federal agent turns up dead and a hardcore undercover agent, known as Derrick Vann heads off to try and recover the stolen arms and find the killers. Andy Fiddler is an ordinary family man and a dentist, and is out heading to a conference, when he gets stuck in the same mess. Criminal Kane believes Fiddler is 'The Man' behind it all and offers him a gun. Vann spots him and drags him across town, with him posing as the actual 'Man'.
The film box office disappointment against its mid-range budget of $33.0M, earning $13.5M globally (-59% loss). While initial box office returns were modest, the film has gained appreciation for its unconventional structure within the action genre.
1 win & 1 nomination
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 Man (2005) demonstrates strategically placed plot construction, characteristic of Les Mayfield's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 23 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.6, the film showcases strong structural fundamentals.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Agent Derrick Vann works a dangerous undercover arms deal that goes wrong when his partner is killed. Establishes Vann as a lone wolf, tough federal agent who doesn't trust anyone.. Of particular interest, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 10 minutes when Andy is mistaken for Vann's contact at a meet. Arms dealer 'The Man' approaches Andy in a public square, creating the case of mistaken identity that drives the plot.. 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 20 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 24% of the runtime. This shows the protagonist's commitment to Andy actively chooses to help Vann meet the arms dealers, despite his fear. He commits to the dangerous mission, leaving his safe world behind. They enter the criminal underworld together as reluctant partners., moving from reaction to action.
At 42 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Of particular interest, this crucial beat False victory: Vann and Andy successfully infiltrate the arms deal operation and gain the trust of the criminals. They appear to be making progress on the case, and their partnership seems to be working despite their differences., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 62 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Their cover is blown. Andy is captured by the arms dealers and faces death. Vann is suspended from the case. The partnership appears destroyed, and both men face their worst fears - Andy in mortal danger, Vann losing another partner., illustrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 66 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Vann chooses to go rogue to save Andy, finally embracing partnership and trust. Andy resolves to be brave and help himself. They each synthesize what they've learned - Vann accepts help, Andy accepts risk., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
The Man's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs a 15-point narrative structure framework that maps key story moments. By mapping The Man against these established plot points, we can identify how Les Mayfield utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish The Man within the action genre.
Les Mayfield's Structural Approach
Among the 7 Les Mayfield films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.2, reflecting strong command of classical structure. The Man represents one of the director's most structurally precise works. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Les Mayfield filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional action films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid. For more Les Mayfield analyses, see Blue Streak, Flubber and Code Name: The Cleaner.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Agent Derrick Vann works a dangerous undercover arms deal that goes wrong when his partner is killed. Establishes Vann as a lone wolf, tough federal agent who doesn't trust anyone.
Theme
Andy Fidler's wife tells him he needs to "take chances" and "step out of his comfort zone" - the film's core theme about partnership, trust, and embracing the unexpected.
Worldbuilding
Parallel setup of two opposite worlds: Vann investigating his partner's death alone, obsessed with finding the killers; Andy as a nerdy dental supplies salesman heading to a convention in Detroit, living a safe, predictable life.
Disruption
Andy is mistaken for Vann's contact at a meet. Arms dealer 'The Man' approaches Andy in a public square, creating the case of mistaken identity that drives the plot.
Resistance
Vann realizes Andy met his contact and forces the reluctant salesman to help him. Andy resists, wanting to return to his normal life. Vann threatens and coerces Andy into cooperation, establishing their combative dynamic.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Andy actively chooses to help Vann meet the arms dealers, despite his fear. He commits to the dangerous mission, leaving his safe world behind. They enter the criminal underworld together as reluctant partners.
Mirror World
The partnership between Vann and Andy becomes the B-story. Their odd-couple dynamic mirrors the theme - Andy teaches Vann to trust and work with others, while Vann pushes Andy out of his comfort zone.
Premise
Fish-out-of-water comedy as Andy and Vann navigate the criminal world together. Undercover operations, comic mishaps, and growing chemistry. Andy surprises himself and Vann with unexpected competence while Vann slowly warms to his partner.
Midpoint
False victory: Vann and Andy successfully infiltrate the arms deal operation and gain the trust of the criminals. They appear to be making progress on the case, and their partnership seems to be working despite their differences.
Opposition
The criminals become suspicious. Vann's obsession with avenging his partner clouds his judgment. Andy's civilian status becomes a liability. Internal Affairs questions Vann's methods. The partnership strains as stakes rise and danger intensifies.
Collapse
Their cover is blown. Andy is captured by the arms dealers and faces death. Vann is suspended from the case. The partnership appears destroyed, and both men face their worst fears - Andy in mortal danger, Vann losing another partner.
Crisis
Vann faces the dark reality that his lone wolf approach has put Andy in danger. Andy must find courage within himself. Both process what they've learned from each other during their forced partnership.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Vann chooses to go rogue to save Andy, finally embracing partnership and trust. Andy resolves to be brave and help himself. They each synthesize what they've learned - Vann accepts help, Andy accepts risk.
Synthesis
Final confrontation with the arms dealers. Vann and Andy work as true partners, combining Vann's skills with Andy's unexpected resourcefulness. They take down the criminal operation and solve the case together, each saving the other.
Transformation
Mirror to opening: Vann now works with a partner and trusts others. Andy has stepped out of his comfort zone and embraced adventure. Their unlikely friendship has transformed both men, proving the theme about partnership and growth.