Predicament (2010) — AI Story Visualization

Plot Analysis Summary

A naive teenager's adolescent fantasy world develops into criminal complicity and murder within a 1930s Taranaki town.

Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases

A Town And A Troubled Youth

Cedric Williamson is presented as a naive teenager in a 1930s Taranaki town. The story establishes adolescence as a psychologically powerful and disturbing world.

Key Events

• Naive Adolescent Introduced — Cedric Williamson is introduced as a naive teenager in a small-town setting. Characters: Cedric Williamson Location: 1930s Taranaki town
• Small Town World — The story takes place in a Taranaki town similar to Morrieson's Hāwera. Characters: Cedric Williamson Location: 1930s Taranaki town
• Adolescent Fantasy Emerges — The narrative explores the powerful and disturbing psychological fantasy world of adolescence. Characters: Cedric Williamson Location: 1930s Taranaki town

The Misfits' Photograph Scheme

Cedric becomes involved with two older criminally inclined misfits. Together, they photograph amorous couples as part of a blackmailing scheme.

Key Events

• Misfit Association Begins — Cedric becomes involved with two older criminally inclined misfits. Characters: Cedric Williamson Location: 1930s Taranaki town
• Couples Become Targets — Cedric and the older misfits begin targeting amorous couples for photographs. Characters: Cedric Williamson Location: 1930s Taranaki town
• Secret Photographs Taken — Photographing amorous couples becomes part of Cedric's criminal involvement. Characters: Cedric Williamson Location: 1930s Taranaki town

Blackmail Turns Serious

The photography and blackmail move Cedric deeper into criminal conduct. His adolescent fantasy becomes connected to serious consequences.

Key Events

• Blackmail Scheme Develops — The photographs are used in a blackmailing scheme involving amorous couples. Characters: Cedric Williamson Location: 1930s Taranaki town
• Criminal Complicity Deepens — Cedric's participation moves beyond adolescent fantasy into direct criminal complicity. Characters: Cedric Williamson Location: 1930s Taranaki town

An Accomplice To Murder

The criminal involvement culminates in murder. Cedric ultimately becomes an accomplice, completing the story's disturbing coming-of-age trajectory.

Key Events

• Murder Enters The Story — The criminal situation culminates in a murder connected to Cedric's involvement. Characters: Cedric Williamson Location: 1930s Taranaki town
• Accomplice To Murder — Cedric ultimately ends up as an accomplice to murder. Characters: Cedric Williamson Location: 1930s Taranaki town
• Coming Of Age Through Crime — Cedric's coming-of-age story is defined by his progression into serious criminal involvement. Characters: Cedric Williamson Location: 1930s Taranaki town
• Disturbing Small Town Portrait — The story closes as a disturbing crime comedy and portrait of adolescent psychology. Characters: Cedric Williamson Location: 1930s Taranaki town

Story Breakdown

• Small Town Setting — The story is grounded in a familiar 1930s Taranaki town similar to Morrieson's Hāwera.
  • Taranaki Town — The setting is a small Taranaki town.
  • 1930s Atmosphere — The story is set during the 1930s.
• Adolescent Psychology — The narrative examines the powerful and disturbing psychological fantasy world of adolescence.
  • Naive Protagonist — Cedric Williamson is described as a naive teenager.
  • Disturbing Fantasy — Adolescent fantasy is presented as psychologically powerful and troubling.
• Misfit Association — Cedric becomes involved with two older criminally inclined misfits.
  • Older Misfits — Cedric associates with older figures described as criminally inclined misfits.
  • Criminal Influence — The association draws Cedric into criminal activity.
• Photographing Couples — Cedric participates in photographing amorous couples.
  • Amorous Targets — Amorous couples are the subjects of the photographs.
  • Secret Photography — Photography functions as part of the criminal scheme.
• Blackmail Scheme — The photographs are connected to blackmailing amorous couples.
  • Photographic Leverage — Photographs provide the basis for the blackmailing activity.
  • Growing Complicity — Cedric becomes increasingly involved in the criminal conduct.
• Murderous Consequence — The criminal trajectory culminates in Cedric becoming an accomplice to murder.
  • Murder — Murder becomes the most serious event in Cedric's predicament.
  • Accomplice Status — Cedric ultimately ends up as an accomplice to murder.

Directed by

Jason Stutter

Key Cast

• Jemaine Clement — Spook
• Heath Franklin — Mervyn Toebeck
• Hayden Frost — Cedric Williamson
• Tim Finn — Martin Williamson
• Rose McIver — Maybelle