Scripts
BOTTLE ROCKET poster

1996

BOTTLE ROCKET script

Dignan, with his friend Anthony and getaway driver Bob, commits a series of petty crimes that escalate to a botched bookstore robbery. During their subsequent road trip, Anthony falls for a maid, Bob abandons them, and they later join the eccentric Mr. Henry for a major heist. The Hinckley Cold Storage heist quickly descends into chaos, resulting in Dignan's capture while trying to save their accomplice, Applejack. Anthony and Bob visit Dignan in prison, where he remains optimistically committed to his elaborate 75-year plan despite his incarceration.

Writer
Wes Anderson and Owen Wilson
IMDb ID (imdb_id)
tt0115734
Script date
1996
76Scenes
10Characters
79Pages
8Dialogue samples

Save the Cat beat sheet

BOTTLE ROCKET Save the Cat analysis

Two brothers, Anthony and Dignan, embark on a series of petty crimes that escalate into a major heist, testing their loyalty and dreams.

Open full beat sheet
60

Key characters

Anthony

Anthony is listed as Protagonist. Nineteen years old, wears a red jacket with an Enco patch. In the parsed data, Anthony is connected to 71 scenes, 128 dialogue lines, 142 text mentions, first appearing around scene 1.

71 scenes / 128 dialogue lines

Dignan

Dignan is listed as Protagonist. Twenty years old, buzz-cut, wears a short-sleeved terrycloth shirt. In the parsed data, Dignan is connected to 69 scenes, 211 dialogue lines, 246 text mentions, first appearing around scene 1.

69 scenes / 211 dialogue lines

Bob

Bob is listed as Accomplice. Twenty-six years old, owns a 1972 Mercedes, wealthy background. In the parsed data, Bob is connected to 45 scenes, 92 dialogue lines, 137 text mentions, first appearing around scene 5.

45 scenes / 92 dialogue lines

Applejack

Applejack is listed as Wheel man. Small black man, white hair, around sixty-five. In the parsed data, Applejack is connected to 12 scenes, 4 text mentions, first appearing around scene 55.

12 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Mr. Henry

Mr. Henry is listed as Criminal mastermind. Tall, white hair, goatee, wears animal teeth necklace. In the parsed data, Mr. Henry is connected to 9 scenes, 7 dialogue lines, 11 text mentions, first appearing around scene 59.

9 scenes / 7 dialogue lines

Inez

Inez is listed as Maid. Cuban, works at the motel, Anthony's love interest. In the parsed data, Inez is connected to 9 scenes, 2 dialogue lines, 3 text mentions, first appearing around scene 4.

9 scenes / 2 dialogue lines

Kumar Banijamali

Kumar Banijamali is listed as Safecracker. Sixty-five, white hair, expert safecracker. In the parsed data, Kumar Banijamali is connected to 6 scenes, 3 dialogue lines, 3 text mentions, first appearing around scene 61.

6 scenes / 3 dialogue lines

Future Man

Future Man is listed as Bob's brother. Looks like he is from the future, prominent family. In the parsed data, Future Man is connected to 3 scenes, 5 dialogue lines, 7 text mentions, first appearing around scene 16.

3 scenes / 5 dialogue lines

Little Richard

Little Richard is listed as Antagonist. Short, muscular, aggressive, carries a percussion bomb. In the parsed data, Little Richard is connected to 2 scenes, 5 dialogue lines, 11 text mentions, first appearing around scene 10.

2 scenes / 5 dialogue lines

Temple

Temple is listed as Mentor. Mid-fifties, short, heavy, expressionless, firearms expert. In the parsed data, Temple is connected to 2 scenes, 2 dialogue lines, 2 text mentions, first appearing around scene 13.

2 scenes / 2 dialogue lines

Scene outline

  1. 1. EXT. Alley - DAY

    Anthony and Dignan discuss a TV show episode while walking behind a store.

    Anthony, Dignan
  2. 2. EXT. Backyard - DAY

    They walk through a backyard and discuss the logic of a dream.

    Anthony, Dignan
  3. 3. INT. House - DAY

    Anthony and Dignan burglarize a house.

    Anthony, Dignan
  4. 4. INT. Diner - DAY

    Anthony and Dignan eat at a diner and discuss a woman.

    Anthony, Dignan, Inez
  5. 5. EXT. Bob's House - DAY

    Anthony and Dignan visit Bob at his house.

    Anthony, Dignan, Bob
  6. 6. INT. Bob's House - DAY

    They discuss stealing a car.

    Anthony, Dignan, Bob
  7. 7. INT. Deli - DAY

    Anthony and Dignan argue about the burglary loot.

    Anthony, Dignan
  8. 8. EXT. Sidewalk - DAY

    They argue and then commit a car theft.

    Anthony, Dignan
  9. 9. EXT. Alley - DAY

    They count the money from the wallet.

    Anthony, Dignan
  10. 10. INT. Hamburger Place - NIGHT

    They meet Bob and Little Richard.

    Anthony, Dignan, Bob, Little Richard
  11. 11. EXT. Hamburger Place - NIGHT

    A fight breaks out.

    Anthony, Dignan, Bob, Little Richard
  12. 12. INT. Car - DAY

    They drive around looking for a girl.

    Anthony, Dignan, Bob
  13. 13. INT. Coffee Shop - DAY

    They meet Temple to learn about weapons.

    Anthony, Dignan, Bob, Temple
  14. 14. EXT. Field - DAY

    They practice shooting.

    Anthony, Dignan, Bob, Temple
  15. 15. INT. Bob's House - DAY

    They plan the robbery.

    Anthony, Dignan, Bob
  16. 16. EXT. Deck - EVENING

    Future Man visits.

    Anthony, Dignan, Bob, Future Man
  17. 17. INT. Car - NIGHT

    They prepare for the bookstore robbery.

    Anthony, Dignan, Bob
  18. 18. EXT/INT. Bookstore - NIGHT

    They rob the bookstore.

    Anthony, Dignan
  19. 19. INT. Car - NIGHT

    They escape.

    Anthony, Dignan, Bob
  20. 20. EXT. Hamburger Place - NIGHT

    They discuss the robbery.

    Anthony, Dignan, Bob
  21. 21. EXT. 7-11 - NIGHT

    They part ways with Bob.

    Anthony, Dignan, Bob
  22. 22. INT. Bob's House - DAY

    Dignan and Anthony confront Bob.

    Anthony, Dignan, Bob
  23. 23. EXT. BOB'S HOUSE - EVENING

    Anthony, Dignan, and Bob investigate a disturbance at Bob's house where a neighbor, Phil, has been attacked.

    Anthony, Dignan, Bob
  24. 24. EXT. BOB'S HOUSE - NIGHT

    Police investigate the attack on Phil; Dignan discovers marijuana plants in the backyard and leads the police on a chase.

    Anthony, Dignan, Bob
  25. 25. INT. BOB'S CAR - DAY

    The trio drives away, discussing the incident and their plan to stay on the road.

    Anthony, Dignan, Bob
  26. 26. EXT. GAS STATION - DAY

    The group stops for gas; Dignan tries to get Anthony to use his mother's credit card.

    Anthony, Dignan, Bob
  27. 27. INT. CAR - DAY

    The group travels, with Anthony playing games and Dignan reading.

    Anthony, Dignan, Bob
  28. 28. EXT. FIREWORKS STAND - DAY

    The group buys fireworks and sets them off from the car.

    Anthony, Dignan, Bob
  29. 29. EXT. LAKE - DAY

    The group spends time at a lake swimming and relaxing.

    Anthony, Dignan, Bob
  30. 30. EXT. CAR - DAY

    Anthony and Dignan argue about their running shoes.

    Anthony, Dignan, Bob
  31. 31. EXT. SIDE OF HIGHWAY - DAY

    Anthony and Dignan race on the side of the road.

    Anthony, Dignan, Bob
  32. 32. EXT/INT. MOTEL - DAY

    The group checks into a Holiday Inn in Bandera, TX.

    Anthony, Dignan, Bob
  33. 33. INT. CAR - NIGHT

    Bob rams another car after a confrontation.

    Anthony, Dignan, Bob
  34. 34. INT. MOTEL ROOM - NIGHT

    The group discusses the car incident.

    Anthony, Dignan, Bob
  35. 35. INT. MOTEL ROOM - MORNING

    Morning routine at the motel.

    Anthony, Dignan, Bob
  36. 36. EXT. MOTEL POOL - DAY

    Anthony swims and meets Inez.

    Anthony, Dignan, Bob, Inez
  37. 37. INT. MOTEL ROOM - DAY

    Anthony helps Inez clean the rooms.

    Anthony, Inez
  38. 38. INT. BARBERSHOP - DAY

    Bob learns his brother, Future Man, has been arrested.

    Dignan, Bob
  39. 39. INT. DINER - DAY

    The group discusses Future Man's arrest and whether to return.

    Anthony, Dignan, Bob
  40. 40. EXT. STREET - DAY

    Dignan tries to convince Bob not to return.

    Dignan, Bob
  41. 41. INT. MOTEL ROOM - NIGHT

    Anthony is making drinks with Inez and other maids when Dignan and Bob return.

    Anthony, Dignan, Bob, Inez
  42. 42. EXT. MOTEL POOL - NIGHT

    Anthony and Inez swim while Dignan talks about the past.

    Anthony, Dignan, Inez
  43. 43. EXT. MOTEL - DAY

    Dignan discovers Bob has stolen the car and left.

    Anthony, Dignan
  44. 44. INT. MOTEL ROOM - DAY

    Anthony and Dignan argue about Bob leaving and Anthony's secret knowledge of Bob's departure.

    Anthony, Dignan
  45. 45. INT. DINER - DAY

    Anthony and Dignan discuss the map and Bob's departure.

    Anthony, Dignan
  46. 46. EXT/INT. MOTEL/TOWN - DAY

    Anthony meets Inez at the motel and they walk through town.

    Anthony, Inez
  47. 47. EXT. MOTEL - EVENING

    Anthony and Inez invite Dignan to a bar.

    Anthony, Dignan, Inez
  48. 48. INT. MEXICAN BAR - NIGHT

    Dignan gets into a confrontation with a local man while playing pool.

    Anthony, Dignan, Inez
  49. 49. INT. BATHROOM - NIGHT

    Dignan is attacked by the Mexican man.

    Dignan
  50. 50. INT. MOTEL ROOM - NIGHT

    Dignan recovers from the fight and argues with Anthony about stealing a car.

    Anthony, Dignan, Inez
  51. 51. EXT. SIDEWALK - DAY

    Anthony steals a car.

    Anthony, Dignan
  52. 52. EXT. HIGHWAY - DAY

    The car breaks down and Dignan discovers Anthony gave money to Inez.

    Anthony, Dignan
  53. 53. EXT. GOLF COURSE - DAY

    Anthony and Bob discuss Anthony's past.

    Anthony, Bob
  54. 54. EXT. BOB'S HOUSE - DAY

    Anthony and Bob talk by the pool while Future Man is present.

    Anthony, Bob, Future Man
  55. 55. INT. CAR - DAY

    Dignan and Applejack track Anthony.

    Anthony, Dignan, Applejack
  56. 56. EXT. ALLEY - DAY

    Dignan and Anthony reunite.

    Anthony, Dignan, Applejack
  57. 57. EXT. HAMBURGER PLACE - DAY

    The group discusses a new job.

    Anthony, Dignan, Applejack
  58. 58. EXT. HINCKLEY COLD STORAGE - DAY

    The group scouts the location.

    Anthony, Dignan, Applejack
  59. 59. EXT. WAREHOUSE - DAY

    Meeting Mr. Henry.

    Anthony, Dignan, Mr. Henry, Applejack
  60. 60. INT. WAREHOUSE - DAY

    Planning the job.

    Anthony, Dignan, Mr. Henry, Applejack
  61. 61. INT. KUMAR'S ROOM - DAY

    Anthony and Dignan visit Kumar to recruit him for their heist; Kumar remains silent but eventually agrees by walking out.

    Anthony, Dignan, Kumar Banijamali
  62. 62. INT. BOB'S HOUSE - NIGHT

    Anthony and Dignan confront Bob about his brother; a fight ensues, followed by a reconciliation.

    Anthony, Dignan, Bob
  63. 63. EXT. COUNTRY CLUB - DAY

    The crew meets at the country club; Mr. Henry confronts Future Man about his lies.

    Anthony, Dignan, Bob, Mr. Henry, Future Man
  64. 64. EXT. HINCKLEY COLD STORAGE - DAY

    Dignan and Anthony scout the location.

    Anthony, Dignan
  65. 65. INT/EXT. PLANNING SEQUENCE - DAY

    Montage of the team preparing for the heist.

    Anthony, Dignan, Bob, Applejack, Kumar Banijamali
  66. 66. EXT. RAILROAD TRACKS - DAY

    Mr. Henry tests Anthony's loyalty regarding Dignan.

    Anthony, Mr. Henry
  67. 67. EXT. ROOFTOP - NIGHT

    A party at Mr. Henry's warehouse.

    Anthony, Dignan, Bob, Mr. Henry, Applejack, Kumar Banijamali
  68. 68. INT. WAREHOUSE - NIGHT

    Final planning session with Mr. Henry.

    Anthony, Dignan, Bob, Mr. Henry
  69. 69. EXT. ROOFTOP - NIGHT

    Mr. Henry and Anthony share a joint and discuss their pasts.

    Anthony, Mr. Henry
  70. 70. INT. BOB'S HOUSE - NIGHT

    Anthony, Dignan, and Bob share a late-night snack before the heist.

    Anthony, Dignan, Bob
  71. 71. EXT. HINCKLEY COLD STORAGE - DAY

    The heist begins; chaos ensues due to communication failures.

    Anthony, Dignan, Bob, Applejack, Kumar Banijamali
  72. 72. INT. HINCKLEY COLD STORAGE - DAY

    The heist goes wrong as an alarm is triggered and Kumar is found in the freezer.

    Anthony, Dignan, Bob, Applejack, Kumar Banijamali
  73. 73. EXT. HINCKLEY COLD STORAGE - DAY

    The team realizes the car is locked and Applejack is stuck in the elevator.

    Anthony, Dignan, Bob, Applejack, Kumar Banijamali
  74. 74. EXT. BOB'S HOUSE - DAY

    Mr. Henry oversees the removal of furniture from Bob's house.

    Bob, Mr. Henry
  75. 75. INT. HINCKLEY COLD STORAGE - DAY

    Dignan is caught by the police while trying to rescue Applejack.

    Dignan, Applejack
  76. 76. EXT. COUNTY JAIL - DAY

    Anthony and Bob visit Dignan in prison.

    Anthony, Dignan, Bob, Mr. Henry

Dialogue examples

It was an accidental. I don't want to go into the details. It was just one of those senior pranks that didn't really go right. I mean, obviously, since Swifty's dead. That's why Anthony never graduated.

Dignan / Scene 16

Anyone who tells you a ballpoint pen is not a weapon needs intensive psychiatric treatment. You can stick them in the esophagus. You give them a ballpoint tracheotomy.

Temple / Scene 13

Little Richard. Trust me. You're insane. Jesus, this guy used to carry a percussion bomb around in his trunk. You do not want a guy like that loose on the streets.

Bob / Scene 10

Every once in a while some cat comes to me. He wants to know how I made it. How did I become a success? The first thing I tell them is: follow your instincts.

Mr. Henry / Scene 60

That doesn't make any difference. I bought those earrings for my mother on her birthday. They have a very special value for her.

Anthony / Scene 8

We'll get him. Don't worry about that. We'll go back. We'll find him. And we'll blow up his car. Or do something. I promise you.

Dignan / Scene 44

A gun is a firearm. A pistol is a firearm. But anything you hold in your hand is a weapon. A knife. A wrench. A ballpoint pen.

Temple / Scene 13

You're making fun of my family. You know there's nothing to steal from my mom and Craig. You know exactly what you're saying.

Dignan / Scene 8

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