American Gangster script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

A lone suited man enters the jazz club, setting a tone of cool violence and style.

Richie admits his fear of public speaking, hinting at personal vulnerabilities under pressure.

I live in fear of hearing my name called.

We meet Bumpy distributing turkeys and his death, then Frank inheriting the operation and dealing with his associates.

Detectives at NYPD HQ and the heroin cut in the warehouse reveal the scope of the trade.

Richie and Rivera debate keeping seized money, hinting at moral conflict.

You know, what you were saying before - about throwing up in front of people - money will...

Richie faces family troubles while Frank adopts Bumpy’s leadership style, fully entering Act Two.

Frank’s blossoming relationship with Ana provides his emotional subplot.

Who's the beauty queen?

Richie’s new task force tests buys while Frank enjoys wealth and power, demonstrating the “promise of the premise.”

At Frank and Ana’s engagement and wedding, both worlds peak emotionally, marking a false victory.

Trupo demands payoffs and Frank endures extortion and betrayal, pressure mounts on both leads.

Frank and Ana survive a drive-by shooting; he contemplates escape, hitting his lowest physical point.

After the shooting, Frank questions his security and success; Richie and Trupo must cooperate.

Frank leads a mule train through the jungle to secure direct supply, signaling Act Three plans.

Richie executes a massive raid on the projects, capturing Teddy and arresting Frank’s brothers.

At Bumpy’s grave Richie confronts Frank, then we see Frank’s release and uneasy freedom.