Three of Hearts
A lesbian hires a male escort to break the heart of the bisexual woman who has just dumped her.
The film earned $5.5M at the global box office.
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%)
Three of Hearts (1993) showcases strategically placed story structure, characteristic of Yurek Bogayevicz's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 10-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 50 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 Connie is heartbroken after her girlfriend Ellen leaves her, establishing her vulnerable emotional state and desperate need for closure.. Structural examination shows that this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 13 minutes when Connie devises her plan: she will hire male escort Joe to seduce Ellen, make her fall for him, then break her heart so Ellen knows how it feels.. 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 Collapse moment at 83 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, The truth is revealed - Ellen discovers that Joe was hired by Connie to seduce her. The deception is exposed, destroying trust and breaking Ellen's heart, but not in the way Connie intended., demonstrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Synthesis at 88 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. The characters attempt to make amends and confront their authentic feelings. They work to repair the damage caused by the deception, with each person having to choose between pride and genuine connection., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Three of Hearts's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 10 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs a 15-point narrative structure framework that maps key story moments. By mapping Three of Hearts against these established plot points, we can identify how Yurek Bogayevicz utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Three of Hearts within the comedy genre.
Comparative Analysis
Additional comedy films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Connie is heartbroken after her girlfriend Ellen leaves her, establishing her vulnerable emotional state and desperate need for closure.
Theme
A friend tells Connie that revenge won't heal her heart - suggesting the film's theme about love versus manipulation and the futility of trying to control relationships.
Worldbuilding
We meet Connie in her world as a swimming instructor, learn about her recent breakup with Ellen, and see her pain. We're also introduced to Joe, a male escort struggling with his own romantic complications.
Disruption
Connie devises her plan: she will hire male escort Joe to seduce Ellen, make her fall for him, then break her heart so Ellen knows how it feels.
Resistance
Connie convinces Joe to take the job despite his reluctance. They debate the ethics and feasibility of the plan. Joe needs the money and agrees to help, though he has reservations about deceiving someone.
Act II
ConfrontationPremise
The seduction unfolds as promised - Joe dates Ellen while reporting back to Connie. Complications arise as Joe finds himself actually falling for Ellen, while Connie watches from the sidelines with increasing discomfort.
Opposition
The love triangle intensifies. Joe struggles with his genuine feelings versus his obligation to Connie. Connie becomes jealous and conflicted about her revenge plan. Ellen remains unaware of the deception, and the lies become harder to maintain.
Collapse
The truth is revealed - Ellen discovers that Joe was hired by Connie to seduce her. The deception is exposed, destroying trust and breaking Ellen's heart, but not in the way Connie intended.
Crisis
All three characters face the emotional wreckage. Joe has lost Ellen. Connie faces the consequences of her manipulation. Ellen feels betrayed by both. Everyone sits in the darkness of broken relationships and regret.
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
The characters attempt to make amends and confront their authentic feelings. They work to repair the damage caused by the deception, with each person having to choose between pride and genuine connection.