Save the Cat rankings

ANGEL HAS FALLEN script analysis

ANGEL HAS FALLEN script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Agent Mike Banning protects President Trumbull in Tallinn but is framed and his family attacked, forcing him to go on the run. He uncovers the true conspirators, defends his loved ones during a compound siege, then infiltrates Russia to confront his betrayers and save the day.

80 Save the Cat fit score 72% analysis confidence / 38 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / 1% target

65%

The aerial shot of Tallinn with snipers establishes the film’s high‐stakes world and Banning’s protective role from the outset.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / 5% target

60%

The line “You look nervous, Agent Davis” hints at Banning’s self‐doubt and the film’s theme of overcoming fear.

You look nervous, Agent Davis.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-5 / 10% target

75%

We meet Banning’s professional routine—poker with Trumbull, discussions with McKinney and the Oval Office—which establishes characters, relationships, and stakes.

4

Catalyst

Scene 6 / 12% target

70%

Banning’s pursuit of the suspicious waiter introduces the first concrete threat and propels him into active conflict.

5

Debate

Scene 9 / 20% target

68%

Banning and McKinney argue over the Tallinn incident, showing his internal conflict about whether he still has what it takes.

So now this shitstorm’s on my head.
6

Break into Two

Scene 12 / 25% target

80%

The assassination attempt on Banning’s home forces him to abandon his normal life and go on the run, marking the shift to Act Two.

7

B Story

Scene 10 / 30% target

66%

Trumbull’s advice that Banning take time off introduces the family thread that will underpin his emotional journey.

Listen Mike, why don’t you take a few days off. You’ve earned it.
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 12-21 / 40% target

74%

A series of chase and combat sequences—rescuing his family, high‐speed pursuit, losing pursuers—constitutes the ‘promise of the premise.’

9

Midpoint

Scene 23 / 50% target

78%

The reveal “Except it’s not Malikov” turns the story on its head, raising the stakes and shifting Banning’s mission.

Except it’s not Malikov.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 27 / 65% target

70%

The coordinated attack on the compound demonstrates the antagonists’ tightening grip and escalates the danger to Banning’s family.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 28 / 75% target

72%

Banning and Davis are pinned down in the pantry, seemingly facing certain death as bombs rain down.

Falcon Six, this is Sandstone. Expend all ordnance on me. I say again, dump everything on my position....
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 29 / 80% target

69%

In the bunker, Banning’s line about refusing to hide in a “12‐billion‐dollar cave” reveals his despair and determination to fight on.

I’m not gonna spend the rest of my life hiding in a goddamn 12-billion-dollar cave.
13

Break into Three

Scene 33 / 85% target

75%

Banning’s vow “I’ll bring her a fucking war” crystallizes his plan to take the fight to Dominika and her allies, launching Act Three.

She wants a war... I’ll bring her a fucking war.
14

Finale

Scenes 34-36 / 95% target

77%

The assault on the dacha and brutal confrontation with Averin and Dominika deliver the climactic action and resolution.

15

Final Image

Scene 37 / 99% target

68%

Reunion in the cafeteria with Trumbull’s congratulation “Thank Agent Banning” mirrors the opening’s protective tone, showing Banning restored.

Don’t thank me. Thank Agent Banning.