Topaz
Copenhagen, Denmark, 1962. When a high-ranking Soviet official decides to change sides, a French intelligence agent is caught up in a cold, silent and bloody spy war in which his own family will play a decisive role.
Working with a tight budget of $4.0M, the film achieved a steady performer with $6.0M in global revenue (+50% 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%)
Topaz (1969) reveals deliberately positioned story structure, characteristic of Alfred Hitchcock's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 13-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 2 hours and 7 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.7, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 2 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Copenhagen parade establishing Cold War tensions. Soviet official Boris Kusenov watches military display with family, appearing as loyal member of USSR delegation.. Notably, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 16 minutes when Kusenov reveals to Andre that there is a Soviet spy network ("Topaz") operating at the highest levels of French intelligence, threatening NATO security.. 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 32 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 25% of the runtime. This indicates the protagonist's commitment to Andre actively chooses to send his agent Philippe Dubois into the Cuban UN mission in Harlem to photograph secret documents, crossing into dangerous espionage against Soviet-Cuban operations., moving from reaction to action.
At 64 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. The analysis reveals that this crucial beat Juanita's network is exposed. Rico Parra, Cuban security chief, discovers the espionage operation. False victory of intelligence gathering turns to imminent danger and compromise., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 96 minutes (76% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Andre learns that Juanita has been killed by Rico Parra in Cuba. The woman he loved is dead, and his mission has cost her life - the ultimate personal sacrifice and "whiff of death."., reveals the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Synthesis at 102 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Andre confronts Granville with evidence. Political maneuvering ensues as French government manages the scandal quietly. Granville's fate is sealed, and the Topaz network is dismantled., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Topaz's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 13 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs structural analysis methodology used to understand storytelling architecture. By mapping Topaz against these established plot points, we can identify how Alfred Hitchcock utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Topaz within the drama genre.
Alfred Hitchcock's Structural Approach
Among the 20 Alfred Hitchcock films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 6.6, demonstrating varied approaches to story architecture. Topaz represents one of the director's most structurally precise works. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Alfred Hitchcock filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional drama films include Eye for an Eye, South Pacific and Kiss of the Spider Woman. For more Alfred Hitchcock analyses, see Family Plot, To Catch a Thief and The Trouble with Harry.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Copenhagen parade establishing Cold War tensions. Soviet official Boris Kusenov watches military display with family, appearing as loyal member of USSR delegation.
Theme
CIA agent Michael Nordstrom discusses loyalty and betrayal: "In our business, you never know who to trust." Theme of conflicting loyalties and deception stated.
Worldbuilding
Kusenov family defects to the West with CIA help. Establishes the world of Cold War espionage, defection protocols, and introduces French agent Andre Devereaux who assists the operation.
Disruption
Kusenov reveals to Andre that there is a Soviet spy network ("Topaz") operating at the highest levels of French intelligence, threatening NATO security.
Resistance
Andre debates whether to investigate Topaz for the Americans, risking his career and French loyalty. He reluctantly agrees to help, conflicted about spying on his own government.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Andre actively chooses to send his agent Philippe Dubois into the Cuban UN mission in Harlem to photograph secret documents, crossing into dangerous espionage against Soviet-Cuban operations.
Premise
Andre works with Juanita's network in Cuba to gather intelligence on Soviet missiles. Espionage tradecraft, dangerous meetings, photographing documents - the "fun" of the spy thriller premise plays out.
Midpoint
Juanita's network is exposed. Rico Parra, Cuban security chief, discovers the espionage operation. False victory of intelligence gathering turns to imminent danger and compromise.
Opposition
Andre returns to Paris to identify the Topaz mole while Cuban situation deteriorates. Pressure intensifies as suspects are investigated, his marriage strains, and French intelligence grows suspicious of his activities.
Collapse
Andre learns that Juanita has been killed by Rico Parra in Cuba. The woman he loved is dead, and his mission has cost her life - the ultimate personal sacrifice and "whiff of death."
Crisis
Andre grieves Juanita's death while grappling with the moral weight of his choices. He must decide whether to continue pursuing Topaz despite the devastating personal cost.
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
Andre confronts Granville with evidence. Political maneuvering ensues as French government manages the scandal quietly. Granville's fate is sealed, and the Topaz network is dismantled.
Transformation
Andre walks alone at the airport, separated from his wife, having lost his lover. He has preserved national security but at tremendous personal cost - transformed from confident agent to solitary, haunted man.