Jo at Also a Talker made an interesting post today about “go-to” movie plots. A conversation with a video store clerk made her realize that her own go-to plot is, “Plucky, Independent Female Misfit Gets a Shot at Mainstream Acceptance But In The End Realizes That Her Original Life Was Much Better,” like Josie And The Pussycats.
The clerk claimed his was, “One Brave Man Sacrificing Himself in Some Gigantic Way For The Greater Good of The People Even Though He Knows It Will End Badly For Him,” like Braveheart or Gladiator. I have to say, I think Sir Monkeypants falls into this category.
So, I’ve been thinking a lot about my own go-to plot. It’s hard to get a handle on. I do like a happy ending. I like movies that show the kindness of people, despite the hardness of the world. I like movies with a sidekick who is unquestionably loyal. I like a little romance and a little heart.
I’m waiting for epiphany.
Two hours later…
Oh man! It just came to me. My go-to plot is Naive Young Man/Woman Learns There Is Bad In The World But Finds Maturity Inside To Carry On.
Also known as the Coming Of Age movie.
Cases in point: Almost Famous, Star Wars, Bend It Like Beckham, Dirty Dancing, American Graffiti, The Virgin Suicides.
And suddenly, I am having a second brain explosion — am I allowed to pick two? Because I also love The Family Holiday Movie. You know, where all the family gets together over some holiday and old sibling rivalries and parental conflicts come to a head.
Cases in point: The Family Stone, Dan In Real Life, Home for the Holidays.
What’s your go-to plot?
TurtleHead 
Sadly, mine doesn’t exactly sound pithy when distilled to a headline.
It would have to be “What is REALLY going on?” as exemplified by Identity, Conspiracy Theory and The Game.
It’s important to me that there’s a brain teaser aspect and that it’s not too scary.
Right now I’m loving the TV series Damages as being a FANTASTIC example of this kind of plot. In the first season it’s all about Who a bad guy…Ted Danson or Glenn Close (or both)? What machinations are going on behind the scenes? Who knows what and is using it against the other characters and who is simply reacting to situations?
The second season has just started and it’s very cat and mouse with Ellen and Patty. What is Ellen up to? What does Patty suspect? I figure Patty is going to be far more in the know than is being revealed…
I can’t think of my go-to plot right now but reading your post made me want to watch “Say Anything”.
Not totally clear on what a go-to plot is, but after a few minutes of thinking (sorry, I don’t have the liberty of giving it 2 hours these days!), I think my go-to plot is the same as Jo’s.
Heck, if you like this game, maybe you can up with an original one for me!
The Love Holiday Family Movie. Also The Coming of Age Movie.