Save the Cat rankings

Brokeback Mountain script analysis

Brokeback Mountain script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Two Texas cowboys, Ennis and Jack, form a deep bond while herding sheep on Brokeback Mountain. Their relationship evolves from camaraderie to forbidden romance, then fractures under social pressures, only to be rekindled years later in tragic circumstances.

70 Save the Cat fit score 30% analysis confidence / 83 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

80%

Introduces rugged mountain life and Ennis’s stoicism as he hunts deer with Jack watching excitedly.

Oooooeee! Meat on the table tonight!
2

Theme Stated

Scene 6 / 5% target

70%

They discuss the purpose of riding and money, hinting at the theme of authenticity vs. societal expectation.

Money's a good point.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-5 / 10% target

85%

We see Jack and Ennis settling into camp, sharing routines, establishing their personalities and growing rapport.

4

Catalyst

Scenes 13-14 / 12% target

90%

Jack invites Ennis into his bedroll leading to their first sexual encounter, shifting the story tone.

Jesus Christ, quit hammerin' and get over here. Bedroll's big enough.
5

Debate

Scenes 15-22 / 20% target

75%

After the dawn separation, Ennis questions what just happened and they discuss ‘one shot thing’ viability under social constraints.

One shot thing we get goin' here.
6

Break into Two

Scene 24 / 25% target

65%

News of Jack’s uncle’s illness forces them off the mountain and marks their return to real life.

Twist, your Uncle Harold's in the hospital with pneumonia. Docs don't expect he'll make it.
7

B Story

Scenes 35-43 / 30% target

60%

Ennis marries Alma and begins a family, paralleling Jack’s own domestic life with Lureen, exploring contrasting relationships.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 44-53 / 40% target

65%

Jack’s rodeo life and Lureen’s birth scenes show them living separate but fulfilled lives, while letters keep hope alive.

9

Midpoint

Scenes 61-66 / 50% target

85%

Jack’s return and their motel reunion solidify their love (false victory) but Ennis’s fear surfaces with flashback to a murdered rancher.

We got a talk about this. Swear to God I didn't know we was goin' a get into...
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 67-69 / 65% target

70%

Ennis’s fear and domestic pressures mount as he explains why they can’t be together and fights with Cassie illustrate personal stakes.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 78 / 75% target

90%

Ennis receives a postcard marked ‘DECEASED’, believing Jack is dead—darkest moment of loss.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scenes 79-80 / 80% target

85%

Ennis desperately calls Lureen and visits Jack’s parents, grappling with grief and regret.

13

Break into Three

Scene 81 / 85% target

75%

Discovering his own shirt in Jack’s room gives Ennis a renewed purpose to honor their bond.

14

Finale

Scenes 82-83 / 95% target

80%

Ennis’s daughter visits and he hangs up the shirts and postcard—an emotional closure that honors Jack’s memory.

15

Final Image

Scene 83 / 99% target

85%

The shot of Ennis arranging the shirts mirrors the opening’s solitary image but now layered with loss and remembrance.