Link (1986) — AI Story Visualization

Plot Analysis Summary

Jane's work in Phillip's home becomes increasingly unsettled as animal behavior, isolation, and unanswered danger disrupt her attempts to manage events.

Story Structure — 5 Plot Phases

A Frightening Opening and Scientific Warning

Becky wakes frightened after hearing a cat scream. In a lecture, Dr Steven Phillip discusses animal intelligence, demonstrates a chimpanzee's abilities, and warns about its strength.

Key Events

• Becky Wakes in Fear — Becky wakes after hearing a cat scream, and her mother comforts her. Characters: Becky Location: Bedroom
• Phillip Challenges Human Exceptionalism — Phillip questions whether humans are fundamentally different from other animals. Characters: Dr Steven Phillip Location: Lecture room
• Chimpanzee Intelligence Demonstration — Phillip demonstrates a trained chimpanzee communicating through a computer and taking an intelligence test. Characters: Dr Steven Phillip Location: Lecture room
• Warning About Chimpanzee Strength — Phillip warns that even a seemingly manageable chimpanzee is extraordinarily strong. Characters: Dr Steven Phillip Location: Lecture room

Jane Enters Phillip's World

Jane arrives at Phillip's home as his assistant and meets the chimpanzees. Phillip explains Voodoo's planned departure, and he and Jane disagree about how the animals should be handled.

Key Events

• Jane Arrives at the House — Jane arrives to work as Phillip's assistant and meets the chimpanzees living there. Characters: Jane Chase, Dr Steven Phillip Location: Phillip's home
• Phillip Explains Voodoo's Departure — Phillip tells Jane that he sold Voodoo and intends to send her away. Characters: Jane Chase, Dr Steven Phillip Location: Phillip's home
• Disagreement Over Animal Handling — Jane favors kindness, while Phillip argues that firm warnings can be necessary for safety. Characters: Jane Chase, Dr Steven Phillip Location: Phillip's home
• Computer Test Comparison — Phillip compares Jane's test performance with the chimpanzee's and discusses the effect of learning. Characters: Jane Chase, Dr Steven Phillip Location: Phillip's home

Isolation and Interrupted Plans

The older chimp interferes with the telephone, preventing Jane from reaching town. David calls about his canceled trip, while Jane has little time to speak with him.

Key Events

• Telephone Interference — The older chimp interferes with the telephone, leaving Jane unable to reach town. Characters: Jane Chase Location: Phillip's home
• David Calls Jane — David tells Jane that he has canceled a trip to Greece, but she has little time to talk. Characters: Jane Chase, David Location: Phillip's home

Voodoo's Collection Is Delayed

Bailey arrives to collect Voodoo while Phillip is absent. Jane refuses to let him proceed without Phillip, and Bailey leaves after asking her to pass on a message.

Key Events

• Bailey Arrives for Voodoo — Bailey arrives to collect Voodoo while Phillip is absent. Characters: Jane Chase, Bailey Location: Phillip's home
• Jane Refuses Collection — Jane refuses to let Bailey proceed without Phillip, and Bailey leaves a message. Characters: Jane Chase, Bailey Location: Phillip's home

The Return to an Unresolved Danger

Jane tries to get help and return to the house, but her attempt to have the older chimp push a car fails. Back inside, she finds Phillip's gun, reads to the chimp, and the available account ends without resolving what happens next.

Key Events

• Attempt to Get Help — Jane tries to get help and return to the house, but events continue to go wrong. Characters: Jane Chase Location: Near Phillip's home
• Car Pushing Attempt Fails — Jane asks the older chimp to help push a car, but it does not stop when asked. Characters: Jane Chase Location: Near a car
• Jane Finds Phillip's Gun — Jane calls for the younger chimp and discovers Phillip's gun. Characters: Jane Chase Location: Phillip's home
• Story of the Three Little Pigs — Jane warns the animal about civilized behavior and reads a story about the three little pigs. Characters: Jane Chase Location: Phillip's home
• Unresolved Call for the Chimp — The available dialogue ends with Jane calling for the chimp and declaring herself an ape man. Characters: Jane Chase Location: Phillip's home

Story Breakdown

• Becky's Fright — The opening establishes fear through Becky's nighttime disturbance.
  • Cat's Scream — Becky wakes after hearing a cat scream.
  • Maternal Comfort — Becky's mother comforts her after she wakes frightened.
• Phillip's Lecture — Phillip presents his views on animal intelligence and warns about chimpanzee strength.
  • Human Animal Debate — Phillip challenges the idea that humans are fundamentally different from other animals.
  • Computer Demonstration — A trained chimpanzee communicates through a computer and takes an intelligence test.
• Jane Joins the Household — Jane begins work at Phillip's home and learns about its animals and their treatment.
  • Assistant Arrives — Jane arrives to work as Phillip's assistant.
  • Voodoo's Planned Departure — Phillip tells Jane he has sold Voodoo and intends to send her away.
• Conflicting Animal Methods — Jane and Phillip express different views about managing the chimpanzees.
  • Kindness Versus Threats — Jane favors kindness, while Phillip says firm warnings can be necessary for safety.
  • Test Comparison — Phillip compares Jane's computer-based test performance with the chimpanzee's and discusses learning.
• Growing Isolation — Household disruptions limit Jane's ability to communicate and attend to her personal life.
  • Telephone Disruption — The older chimp interferes with the telephone, leaving Jane unable to reach town.
  • David's Canceled Trip — David tells Jane he has canceled a trip to Greece, but she has little time to talk.
• Bailey's Abandoned Collection — Jane prevents Bailey from collecting Voodoo while Phillip is absent.
  • Bailey Arrives — Bailey arrives to collect Voodoo under an arrangement involving a drug.
  • Jane Refuses — Jane will not let Bailey proceed without Phillip, so he leaves a message.
• Unresolved House Danger — Jane's attempts to get help and control events fail, and the available account leaves the immediate danger unresolved.
  • Car Push Fails — Jane asks the older chimp to help push a car, but it does not stop when asked.
  • Gun and Storybook — Jane finds Phillip's gun, warns the animal, and reads a story about the three little pigs.

Directed by

Richard Franklin

Key Cast

• Elisabeth Shue — Jane Chase
• Terence Stamp — Dr Steven Phillip
• Steven Finch — David
• Richard Garnett — Dennis
• David O'Hara — Tom