Third Act?

[Solo619]

What is a third act in a film or script and what is it's purpose?

[Midnight Blue]

HERE are some ideas of what a third act is supposed to be.

[Rembrandt Rob]

The theory is that almost every play or film can be broken down into three acts.

Act 1. We get to know the hero and put him up a tree.
Act 2. We throw stones at him.
Act 3. He gets down and wins the bride.

In other words "Act 3" brings all the threads together, tidies up the mess and is the denouement.