The Saint
Simon Templar (The Saint), is a thief for hire, whose latest job to steal the secret process for cold fusion puts him at odds with a traitor bent on toppling the Russian government, as well as the woman who holds its secret.
Working with a mid-range budget of $68.0M, the film achieved a steady performer with $118.1M in global revenue (+74% 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 Saint (1997) demonstrates deliberately positioned dramatic framework, characteristic of Phillip Noyce's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 10-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 56 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.8, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Young John Rossi witnesses a cruel punishment by priests at the orphanage, establishing his world of trauma and the identity-shifting survival mechanism that will define Simon Templar. A boy jumps to his death rather than face punishment.. The analysis reveals that this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
At 58 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Significantly, this crucial beat False defeat: Emma discovers Simon's betrayal—he has stolen her life's work. The stakes raise as Tretiak's true plan is revealed: he wants to create an energy crisis to seize power in Russia. Simon realizes he's enabled a dangerous man., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 87 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Simon is captured and beaten by Tretiak's men. The "whiff of death" moment where his masks and disguises have failed completely. Stripped of all pretense, he faces execution. His false identities cannot save him—only the real person beneath can., indicates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Synthesis at 93 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. The finale where Simon and Emma work together to stop Tretiak's plan. Simon uses his skills but now with purpose beyond self-preservation. They expose Tretiak, prevent the crisis, and save Russia from his manipulation. Partnership replaces isolation., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
The Saint's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 10 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs systematic plot point analysis that identifies crucial turning points. By mapping The Saint against these established plot points, we can identify how Phillip Noyce utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish The Saint within the thriller genre.
Phillip Noyce's Structural Approach
Among the 10 Phillip Noyce films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.2, reflecting strong command of classical structure. The Saint takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Phillip Noyce filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional thriller films include Eye for an Eye, Lake Placid and Operation Finale. For more Phillip Noyce analyses, see Clear and Present Danger, Salt and Sliver.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Young John Rossi witnesses a cruel punishment by priests at the orphanage, establishing his world of trauma and the identity-shifting survival mechanism that will define Simon Templar. A boy jumps to his death rather than face punishment.
Theme
The priest tells young Simon, "You can be anyone you want to be," planting the thematic seed about identity, masks, and whether constantly changing faces prevents real human connection.
Worldbuilding
Introduction to adult Simon Templar as a master thief and man of many disguises. He operates in Moscow, stealing a valuable microchip for Russian oil tycoon Ivan Tretiak. We see his skill, his isolation, and his mercenary nature.
Resistance
Simon researches Emma, travels to Oxford, and debates how to approach her. He creates an elaborate disguise and backstory. The section explores his preparation while showing glimpses of Emma's lonely, dedicated scientific life—they mirror each other.
Act II
ConfrontationPremise
The "fun and games" of Simon playing both master thief and romantic interest. He gets close to Emma, steals her formula, but finds himself genuinely falling for her. Cat-and-mouse games with both Emma and Tretiak's pursuit escalate.
Midpoint
False defeat: Emma discovers Simon's betrayal—he has stolen her life's work. The stakes raise as Tretiak's true plan is revealed: he wants to create an energy crisis to seize power in Russia. Simon realizes he's enabled a dangerous man.
Opposition
Simon tries to make things right but faces opposition from all sides: Tretiak's men hunt him, Emma refuses to trust him, and Russian authorities pursue them both. His old survival tactics fail as emotional stakes overpower tactical ones.
Collapse
Simon is captured and beaten by Tretiak's men. The "whiff of death" moment where his masks and disguises have failed completely. Stripped of all pretense, he faces execution. His false identities cannot save him—only the real person beneath can.
Crisis
Simon's dark night where he must confront who he really is without disguises. Emma, despite his betrayal, chooses to help him—demonstrating the authentic connection he's never known. Simon processes that real identity means vulnerability and trust.
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
The finale where Simon and Emma work together to stop Tretiak's plan. Simon uses his skills but now with purpose beyond self-preservation. They expose Tretiak, prevent the crisis, and save Russia from his manipulation. Partnership replaces isolation.