V for Vendetta
In the distant future, Evey Hammond is an average citizen of the United Kingdom, which is under the rule of the fascist and tyrannical Norsefire Party. She is an employee of the state-run British Television Network, but soon, she becomes the number one enemy of the state together with an enigmatic and larger-than-life freedom fighter known only by the letter "V". V informs Evey that she must hide in his underground lair for at least one year, and while she is reluctant to the idea at first, a bond soon forms between the two individuals. In the meanwhile, the mysterious past of V is gradually revealed to the police inspector tasked with capturing him, Eric Finch, and it is not long until he starts questioning everything his government stands for.
Despite a respectable budget of $54.0M, V for Vendetta became a commercial success, earning $134.7M worldwide—a 149% return.
7 wins & 29 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%)
V for Vendetta (2005) exemplifies meticulously timed narrative design, characteristic of James McTeigue's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 11-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 2 hours and 12 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 3.9, the film takes an unconventional approach to traditional narrative frameworks.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Evey Hammond prepares for her evening in fascist London, while voiceover establishes November 5th and the totalitarian Norsefire regime's control through surveillance and curfew.. Significantly, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 14 minutes when Evey is knocked unconscious and wakes in V's Shadow Gallery. Her ordinary life as a BTN employee is shattered; she cannot return to her old existence having witnessed V's terrorist act.. 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.
At 59 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 45% of the runtime—arriving early, accelerating into Act IIb complications. Notably, this crucial beat Gordon is arrested and executed for possessing a Quran and satirizing the Chancellor. Evey is captured by what she believes are fingermen. False defeat: the resistance appears crushed, and Evey faces torture and death., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 88 minutes (67% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Evey is taken to be executed—the literal whiff of death. She declares she would rather die than betray V. At her lowest point, willing to accept death, she embodies complete liberation from fear., indicates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Synthesis at 95 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 72% of the runtime. V confronts Creedy and Sutler, sacrificing himself to destroy both. Finch chooses not to stop Evey. The people of London, wearing Guy Fawkes masks, gather as Evey sends V's body in the explosives-laden train to destroy Parliament., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
V for Vendetta's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 11 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs proven narrative structure principles that track dramatic progression. By mapping V for Vendetta against these established plot points, we can identify how James McTeigue utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish V for Vendetta within the action genre.
James McTeigue's Structural Approach
Among the 4 James McTeigue films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 6.1, demonstrating varied approaches to story architecture. V for Vendetta takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete James McTeigue filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional action films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid. For more James McTeigue analyses, see Ninja Assassin, The Raven and Breaking In.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Evey Hammond prepares for her evening in fascist London, while voiceover establishes November 5th and the totalitarian Norsefire regime's control through surveillance and curfew.
Theme
V quotes: "People should not be afraid of their governments. Governments should be afraid of their people." This encapsulates the film's central theme of individual liberty versus state control.
Worldbuilding
Introduction to fascist Britain under High Chancellor Sutler, BTN propaganda network, V's rescue of Evey from fingermen, and the spectacular destruction of the Old Bailey set to the 1812 Overture.
Disruption
Evey is knocked unconscious and wakes in V's Shadow Gallery. Her ordinary life as a BTN employee is shattered; she cannot return to her old existence having witnessed V's terrorist act.
Resistance
V serves as both disruptor and guide, showing Evey his gallery of forbidden art and culture. Inspector Finch begins investigating V. Evey debates whether to embrace V's revolution or return to safety. Includes Bishop Lilliman murder.
Act II
ConfrontationPremise
The promise of the premise: watching V systematically dismantle Norsefire's key figures. Evey finds refuge with Gordon. V kills Prothero and Dr. Delia Surridge. Parallel investigations by Finch reveal the Larkhill atrocities.
Midpoint
Gordon is arrested and executed for possessing a Quran and satirizing the Chancellor. Evey is captured by what she believes are fingermen. False defeat: the resistance appears crushed, and Evey faces torture and death.
Opposition
Evey endures imprisonment and torture, refusing to give up V. She finds Valerie's letter and chooses death over betrayal. Finch uncovers the full truth about Larkhill and the government's bioterrorism. Creedy consolidates power.
Collapse
Evey is taken to be executed—the literal whiff of death. She declares she would rather die than betray V. At her lowest point, willing to accept death, she embodies complete liberation from fear.
Crisis
Evey discovers the torture was orchestrated by V. She experiences profound betrayal, rage, and emotional devastation. On the rooftop in the rain, she experiences rebirth—freedom from fear—before leaving V in anger and confusion.
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
V confronts Creedy and Sutler, sacrificing himself to destroy both. Finch chooses not to stop Evey. The people of London, wearing Guy Fawkes masks, gather as Evey sends V's body in the explosives-laden train to destroy Parliament.