The first thing to note is that the script is long: 153 pages to be exact. The movie clocks in at 113 minutes. Subtract 6 minutes for end credits and we're looking at something like 107 minutes actual screen time. In contrast to the typical "one page per minute" rubric often used in Hollywood development circles, with The Mitchells, it's more like one-and-a-half pages per minute).
For the analysis here, let's my language system for a mainstream commercial Hollywood screenplay using. NOTE: I use 105 page count as it reflects a "shrinkage" in terms of conventional screenplay legnth over the last three to four decades.
1-5: The Opening (Act One setup)
10-12: The Hook (Act One midpoint)
20-25 The Lock (Act One end)
35-40: Deconstruction Test (Act Two A midpoint)
50-55 Transition (Act Two midpoint)
65-70: Reconstruction Test (Act Two B midpoint)
80-85: All Is Lost (Act Two end)
85-90: On the Offensive (Act Three beginning)
90-100: Final Struggle (Act Three middle)
100-105: Denouement (Act Three end)
Let's go through the key plotline points in The Mitchells script and see what's what. Note: The first number is the actual script page number. The following number (in parentheses) is where it would land if we divided the page number by one-and-a-half, reflecting page count to screen time).
4 (2 1/2): The Opening. The "flash forward" establishing the Mitchell family in the midst of a war with the machines.
26 (17) The Hook. The family takes off on a cross-country road trip to Katie's college.
45 (30): The Lock. Robots attack humans includin the Mitchells at Dinostop.
67 (45): Deconstruction Test. The Mitchells work together to defend themselves against next Robot attack.
86 (57): Transition: The Mitchells, along with Eric and DeborahBot 5000, travel to the Mall of the Globe in an attempt to turn the tide by entering the kill code at a Pal Labs center there.
108 (72): Reconstruction Test. The Mitchells disguise themselves as Robots in order to infiltrate enemy headquarters.
120 (80): All Is Lost. Rick and Linda have been captured, along with Mark who tries to help, but Rick says it's too late.
135 (90): On the Offensive. The Mitchells fighting back against the Robots.
143 (95): Final Struggle. The Mitchells prevail against the Robots. The humans are free!
153 (102): Denouement. Loose ends tied up with the Mitchells being a "whole" family.
While Act One is a few pages longer as is the Denouement, the overall story structure aligns quite nicely with the approach I teach (and use in my own screenwriting).
The Mitchells once again proves that one can write a screenplay with a conventional plot structure that can work as an non-formulaic story because of plot twists and turns, and - critically - compelling and emotionally engaging characters.
