Analyze That Story Analysis: Plot Summary & Character Arcs
Deep dive into the narrative structure and emotional journey of Analyze That.
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2002, Analyze That is a Comedy, Crime film directed by Harold Ramis, written by Harold Ramis. The narrative brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. As part of the Analyze Collection, it provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Robert De Niro as Paul Vitti.
Story Breakdown
The comedic structure relies on both situational humor and character-based comedy. The mafia's Paul Vitti is back in prison and will need some serious counseling when he gets out. Naturally, he returns to his analyst Dr. Ben Sobel for help and finds that Sobel needs some serious help himself as he has inherited the family practice, as well as an excess stock of stress. The production finds humor in relatable situations while maintaining narrative momentum. The jokes serve the story, with callbacks that reward attentive viewers.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: Analyze That's opening establishes the comedic tone through Robert De Niro as Paul Vitti's interactions, introducing the central conflict with humor and character quirks that Harold Ramis layers throughout.
- Character Arc: Character development is present but somewhat formulaic, following familiar patterns without adding fresh perspectives to the genre.
- Climax & Resolution: The comedic climax ties together the recurring threads, with Robert De Niro's storyline wrapping up predictably but entertainingly.