Save the Cat rankings

BLOOD DIAMOND script analysis

BLOOD DIAMOND script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Blood Diamond follows Solomon Vandy’s wrenching capture by rebels and his forced labor in a diamond camp, intersecting with Danny Archer’s cynical pursuit of the same stones. When Solomon finds a pink diamond, he and Archer form a reluctant alliance on a perilous journey to return Solomon’s family and trade the gem for their futures. The film moves from a tranquil African village through war‐torn chaos to a tense, redemptive climax in London.

70 Save the Cat fit score 51% analysis confidence / 84 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

67%

Introduces Solomon’s peaceful family life at dawn in his hut, establishing the emotional core.

Every day. Just like you. So you can become a doctor. Not walk behind an ox like your...
2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Pages 1-2 / 5% target

62%

Dia declares his ambition, hinting at the theme of aspiration versus brutal reality.

Don't want to be a doctor. I want to be President.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-5 / Pages 1-5 / 10% target

60%

Establishes Solomon’s life: farming with his son and family routines before conflict intrudes.

4

Catalyst

Scene 6 / Pages 5-6 / 12% target

68%

Rebels attack the village, violently ripping Solomon from his home and family.

Go back inside... NOW!
5

Debate

Scene 7 / Pages 6-7 / 20% target

55%

Solomon is interrogated about the diamond, questioning his survival and purpose.

I am not R.U.F. My name is Solomon Vandy! I am a farmer!
6

Break into Two

Scene 8 / Page 7 / 25% target

58%

Shifts to Danny Archer flying over Sierra Leone, introducing the mercenary viewpoint and diamond pursuit.

7

B Story

Scene 31 / Page 15 / 30% target

65%

In prison, Solomon and Archer meet, planting the personal relationship that drives the emotional B story.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 37-41 / Pages 17-20 / 40% target

57%

Archer hustles diamonds in Freetown and London, showing the thrill and danger of illicit trade.

9

Midpoint

Scene 25 / Page 10 / 50% target

70%

Solomon discovers the pink diamond, raising the stakes to life-or-death levels.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 30 / Page 11 / 65% target

66%

Solomon is forced by R.U.F. captors to reveal the diamond’s whereabouts under threat.

What did you do with it? Where is the diamond!?
11

All Is Lost

Scene 50 / Page 19 / 75% target

53%

Solomon’s hope falters when he’s released to no freedom but renewed exploitation by Fawaz.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 69 / Page 29 / 80% target

60%

Solomon hallucinates memories of home, facing despair over his dire circumstances.

-- Yes. And next year we will plant coffee--
13

Break into Three

Scene 75 / Page 31 / 85% target

64%

Solomon kills Captain Poison in the chaos, committing fully to his quest for family.

14

Finale

Scenes 78-80 / Pages 32-33 / 95% target

68%

Solomon rescues Dia, reconciles with his son, and Archer sacrifices himself so they can escape.

Take. . . .your. . . .boy. . . .home.
15

Final Image

Scene 82 / Page 35 / 99% target

71%

Solomon reunites with his family at Heathrow, closing on hope and new beginnings.