← All beats
Act I · Setup & commitment

Guide / New Information

Someone or something gives the hero what they need to commit.

The same beat in 15 of 16 films
Back to the Future 1985

Marty proves his story with the flux capacitor drawing; Doc accepts that time travel is real.

The Big Lebowski 1998

Walter Sobchak pushes Dude to confront the millionaire again for "rug restitution."

Donnie Darko 2001

Frank: eerie guide revealing destiny and "manipulated living."

Finding Nemo 2003

Meets forgetful but fearless Dory, who offers help.

Top Gun: Maverick 2022

Cyclone explains the uranium mission and tells Maverick he must train the pilots rather than fly it himself.

Fight Club 1999

Meets charismatic soap salesman Tyler Durden on a business flight.

Requiem for a Dream 2000

Doctors hand Sara amphetamines; local supplier Brody hooks the guys into wholesale; both "mentors" are gateways to addiction.

Spider-Man: No Way Home 2021

Seeks Doctor Strange; asks memory-wipe favor.

Toy Story 3 2010

Sunnyside's Lotso & Ken promise eternal playtime paradise.

Die Hard 1988

Grabs radio & pistol; becomes lone cop inside.

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring 2001

Gandalf instructs Frodo, sets Sam as sworn companion.

The Godfather 1972

Vito’s refusal defines the family’s code, while Tom explains the business pressure gathering around that decision.

The Wizard of Oz 1939

Marvel (earth-bound mentor) urges return; metaphorically the "guiding call."

The Matrix 1999

Morpheus offers Neo a direct choice between returning to familiar ignorance and learning the truth, whatever it costs.

Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope 1977

Ben gives Luke the lightsaber & "Force" worldview.