The Object of My Affection
A pregnant New York social worker begins to develop romantic feelings for her gay best friend, and decides she'd rather raise her child with him, much to the dismay of her overbearing boyfriend.
Despite a mid-range budget of $15.0M, The Object of My Affection became a solid performer, earning $46.9M worldwide—a 213% return.
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 Object of My Affection (1998) reveals strategically placed dramatic framework, characteristic of Nicholas Hytner's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 51 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.1, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Nina works as a social worker in Brooklyn, dating her controlling boyfriend Vince. She's searching for something more meaningful in her life but hasn't found it yet.. Notably, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 12 minutes when George and Robert break up. Nina immediately invites George to move in with her as a roommate, offering him a fresh start and escape from his failed relationship.. At 11% 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 27 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 24% of the runtime. This demonstrates the protagonist's commitment to Nina decides to keep the baby and asks George if he will help raise the child with her, rejecting Vince's marriage proposal. George agrees to this unconventional arrangement., moving from reaction to action.
At 56 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. The analysis reveals that this crucial beat Nina confesses her romantic feelings to George and kisses him. He gently rejects her, making it clear he's gay and loves her as a friend. The fantasy shatters - false victory becomes defeat., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 81 minutes (73% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Nina gives birth, and in the hospital, George chooses to be with Paul instead of staying with her. Nina realizes her dream of the unconventional family is dead. She must face reality alone., indicates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 88 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Nina realizes she can't force love into a shape it's not meant to take. She accepts George for who he is and acknowledges she must build her own life. She gains clarity about authentic love vs. Fantasy., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
The Object of My Affection'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 Object of My Affection against these established plot points, we can identify how Nicholas Hytner utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish The Object of My Affection within the comedy genre.
Nicholas Hytner's Structural Approach
Among the 6 Nicholas Hytner films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.3, reflecting strong command of classical structure. The Object of My Affection takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Nicholas Hytner filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional comedy films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid. For more Nicholas Hytner analyses, see The Lady in the Van, Center Stage and The Madness of King George.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Nina works as a social worker in Brooklyn, dating her controlling boyfriend Vince. She's searching for something more meaningful in her life but hasn't found it yet.
Theme
At a dinner party, someone discusses the complexity of modern relationships and whether love is enough without traditional compatibility. The theme: Can unconventional love overcome practical realities?
Worldbuilding
Nina meets George, a charming gay schoolteacher, at a dinner party. They connect immediately. Her relationship with Vince is shown to be unfulfilling. George is dealing with his boyfriend Robert's pretentiousness.
Disruption
George and Robert break up. Nina immediately invites George to move in with her as a roommate, offering him a fresh start and escape from his failed relationship.
Resistance
George moves in and they develop a deep friendship. Nina discovers she's pregnant with Vince's baby. She debates what to do about the pregnancy and her feelings for George, who becomes her emotional support.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Nina decides to keep the baby and asks George if he will help raise the child with her, rejecting Vince's marriage proposal. George agrees to this unconventional arrangement.
Mirror World
George meets Paul, a younger actor, and begins a romantic relationship. This subplot will test Nina's feelings and the viability of her fantasy family arrangement.
Premise
Nina and George play house together - preparing for the baby, going to appointments, creating a domestic life. Nina falls deeper in love with George while he pursues Paul. The promise of an unconventional family.
Midpoint
Nina confesses her romantic feelings to George and kisses him. He gently rejects her, making it clear he's gay and loves her as a friend. The fantasy shatters - false victory becomes defeat.
Opposition
The living situation becomes strained. George gets more serious with Paul. Vince returns wanting to be a father. Nina's family pressures her. Nina becomes jealous and resentful as George's life moves forward.
Collapse
Nina gives birth, and in the hospital, George chooses to be with Paul instead of staying with her. Nina realizes her dream of the unconventional family is dead. She must face reality alone.
Crisis
Nina struggles with new motherhood and the loss of her fantasy. George feels guilty but knows he can't be what she wants. Both process the death of their imagined future together.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Nina realizes she can't force love into a shape it's not meant to take. She accepts George for who he is and acknowledges she must build her own life. She gains clarity about authentic love vs. fantasy.
Synthesis
Nina and George have an honest conversation about their friendship. She reconciles with reality - George will be a friend and uncle figure, not a co-parent. She opens herself to real romantic possibilities. They redefine their relationship on honest terms.
Transformation
Nina is shown with her baby, independent and at peace. George visits as a friend. She's no longer clinging to fantasy but embracing reality. A potential new romantic interest appears, and she's open to authentic connection.