Save the Cat rankings

Barry Lyndon script analysis

Barry Lyndon script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Barry Lyndon follows the rise and fall of Roderick James, an ambitious Irishman who courts fortune through gambling and espionage, only to be undone by debt and betrayal. Along the way he marries into aristocracy, builds a life at Castle Hackton, and suffers devastating personal losses. Ultimately, his overreach leads to disgrace, imprisonment, and a final life of obscurity.

72 Save the Cat fit score 82% analysis confidence / 80 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

75%

Introduces Roderick’s father’s death and frames his origin in loss.

My father, who was well-known to the best circles in this kingdom under the name of roaring Harry...
2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Pages 1-2 / 5% target

70%

Roderick’s mother’s devotion and pride hint at themes of social standing and familial duty.

My mother, after her husband's death, and her retirement, lived in such a way as to defy slander....
3

Set-Up

Scenes 3-5 / Pages 2-5 / 10% target

80%

Establishes Roderick’s upbringing, his mother’s influence, and early flirtation with Dorothy.

4

Catalyst

Scene 8 / Page 6 / 12% target

78%

Roderick offers money to Mrs. O’Reilly, setting him on the path to Dublin and espionage.

As you have been robbed of your purse, may I have permission to lend your ladyship a couple...
5

Debate

Scene 13 / Page 7 / 20% target

76%

Roderick learns of his spy assignment and hesitates over loyalty versus ambition.

Private Roderick James. First Hanoverian Guards. Captain Galgenstein sent for me.
6

Break into Two

Scene 15 / Page 8 / 25% target

80%

Roderick reveals his true identity to the Chevalier and formally enters Act Two’s espionage world.

Sir, I have a confession to make. I am an Irishman, and my name is Roderick James. I...
7

B Story

Scenes 19-20 / Pages 9-10 / 30% target

74%

Introduction of the Countess of Cosgrove and budding romance details Roderick’s personal stakes.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 17-21 / Pages 9-12 / 40% target

81%

Roderick gains fame at Spa and London casinos, enjoying high society life and wealth.

I was by this time one of the best-known characters in Europe; and the fame of my exploits,...
9

Midpoint

Scenes 22-23 / Pages 12-13 / 50% target

79%

Mounting debts at Castle Hackton and a violent confrontation with Brookside mark the story’s turning point.

Papa, please don't flog Brookside today. It wasn't his fault -- really is wasn't.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 28-31 / Pages 14-16 / 65% target

77%

Society shuns Roderick, the King dismisses him, and financial ruin grows ever closer.

11

All Is Lost

Scenes 45-46 / Pages 17-18 / 75% target

83%

Patrick’s funeral and the shooting of the horse signify Roderick’s ultimate personal catastrophe.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scenes 47-49 / Pages 18-19 / 80% target

80%

The Countess’s depression and Roderick’s ruinous estate reflect his despair and guilt.

13

Break into Three

Scenes 71-74 / Pages 20-22 / 85% target

75%

Roderick is warned of danger in London and negotiates with Tapewell, preparing for a final stand.

Roderick -- don't go in. I am sure there is danger. There's time yet, let us go back...
14

Finale

Scenes 75-77 / Pages 22-23 / 95% target

82%

Arrest for debt, his mother’s brief rescue attempt, and betrayal by Brookside conclude the conflict.

I have decided to have you arrested upon the writs for your debt.
15

Final Image

Scenes 79-80 / Page 24 / 99% target

85%

An aged Roderick as a bootblack alongside his mother in prison starkly mirrors the opening’s loss.