Truman
Julián receives an unexpected visit from his friend Tomás, who lives in Canada. The two men, accompanied by Julián's faithful dog, Truman, will share emotional and surprising moments prompted by Julián's complicated situation.
The film earned $9.0M at the global box office.
30 wins & 33 nominations
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%)
Truman (2015) exemplifies precise story structure, characteristic of Cesc Gay's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 45 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.0, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Julián arrives in Madrid. We see the city, establish the quiet, contemplative tone of a man visiting his terminally ill best friend Tomás.. Significantly, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 12 minutes when Tomás reveals he's given up on treatment and is preparing for death. Julián realizes this visit isn't about hope—it's about saying goodbye.. 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 26 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 25% of the runtime. This shows the protagonist's commitment to Julián chooses to fully embrace Tomás's approach: spending these final days living fully rather than fighting death. He commits to being present, not fixing., moving from reaction to action.
At 53 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Notably, this crucial beat False defeat: A difficult conversation with Tomás's son Nico reveals the deep pain and unresolved issues in the family. The weight of what's being lost becomes heavier., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 78 minutes (74% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Tomás has a physical crisis or breakdown. The reality that he's dying—truly, imminently dying—crashes into both men. The metaphorical death of denial and hope for more time., shows the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 85 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 81% of the runtime. Synthesis moment: Julián understands that the greatest gift is presence, not solutions. He decides to stay longer, to be fully with his friend until the end., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Truman'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 Truman against these established plot points, we can identify how Cesc Gay utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Truman 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
Julián arrives in Madrid. We see the city, establish the quiet, contemplative tone of a man visiting his terminally ill best friend Tomás.
Theme
Early conversation about facing death with dignity. Someone mentions how we choose to spend our final days matters more than the days themselves.
Worldbuilding
Julián reunites with Tomás. We learn Tomás has terminal cancer, has stopped treatment, and is trying to find a home for his beloved dog Truman. The weight of impending death hangs over their friendship.
Disruption
Tomás reveals he's given up on treatment and is preparing for death. Julián realizes this visit isn't about hope—it's about saying goodbye.
Resistance
Julián debates whether to support Tomás's decision or push him to keep fighting. They navigate awkward conversations about mortality, try to find Truman a new home, and attempt to maintain normalcy.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Julián chooses to fully embrace Tomás's approach: spending these final days living fully rather than fighting death. He commits to being present, not fixing.
Mirror World
Introduction of Tomás's cousin Paula and interactions with his son Nico arriving from Canada. These relationships reflect the theme of connection and acceptance in the face of mortality.
Premise
The friends embark on small adventures: attempting to find Truman a home, visiting Tomás's estranged son, sharing meals, reminiscing. The promise of the premise—a meditation on friendship and mortality.
Midpoint
False defeat: A difficult conversation with Tomás's son Nico reveals the deep pain and unresolved issues in the family. The weight of what's being lost becomes heavier.
Opposition
Reality presses in. Tomás's physical condition worsens. Failed attempts to rehome Truman. Growing tension between acceptance and the pain of letting go. Julián struggles with his own helplessness.
Collapse
Tomás has a physical crisis or breakdown. The reality that he's dying—truly, imminently dying—crashes into both men. The metaphorical death of denial and hope for more time.
Crisis
Dark night of the soul. Julián must sit with the unbearable truth. Both friends face the approaching end without illusions. Quiet, devastating acceptance begins to form.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Synthesis moment: Julián understands that the greatest gift is presence, not solutions. He decides to stay longer, to be fully with his friend until the end.
Synthesis
Final time together. Julián and Tomás share quiet moments, final conversations, settle affairs. Resolution about Truman. They say what needs to be said without saying goodbye explicitly.
Transformation
Closing image: Julián departs, transformed by love and loss. The final image mirrors the opening but shows a man who has learned how to be present for what matters most—not fixing, just being.