Save the Cat rankings

Burning Annie script analysis

Burning Annie script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Max, a college radio host obsessed with Annie Hall, navigates past traumas, awkward dating experiences, and friendships as he seeks genuine connection. His fixation on the film informs his romantic misadventures and ultimately leads him to confront his own fears of intimacy. A series of flashbacks and present-day encounters build to his emotional reckoning.

20 Save the Cat fit score 12% analysis confidence / 94 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

10%

Max’s on‐air monologue establishes his world and personality obsession.

There's an old joke. It comes from "The Iliad," but I think it was popularized by Oscar Wilde....
2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Pages 1-2 / 5% target

10%

Father’s line hints at learning from romantic comedy templates.

Someday, you'll understand. Pay attention, you'll learn something.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 3-6 / Pages 2-10 / 10% target

11%

Flashbacks and present radio station scenes introduce Max’s history and current habit.

4

Catalyst

Scene 10 / Pages 10-11 / 12% target

11%

Erica’s confrontation jolts Max out of his comfort zone.

AND WHAT IS IT WITH JEWISH MEN AND THEIR PENIS ISSUES?!
5

Debate

Scenes 11-12 / Pages 11-12 / 20% target

10%

Max hesitates over new romance possibilities and asks Beth out.

I mean, I know we're just friends, but you really mean a lot to me and we've been...
6

Break into Two

Scenes 12-13 / Pages 12-13 / 25% target

10%

Max commits to a date with Beth, entering Act Two.

7

B Story

Scenes 18-20 / Pages 16-18 / 30% target

12%

Charles’s theory about Annie Hall parallels Max’s romantic journey.

No, I'm telling you, I was thinking about this over break. Ever since we started watching it, what...
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 22-31 / Pages 18-30 / 40% target

11%

Max’s series of awkward dates and gatherings provide comedic exploration of his beliefs.

9

Midpoint

Scenes 38-39 / Pages 30-32 / 50% target

12%

Turning point when Max’s tension with Mark around Julie reveals stakes of his insecurities.

Sorry, Popeye, I guess I was thrown by the Dave Matthews merchandise.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 54-56 / Pages 40-42 / 65% target

11%

Max’s inner doubts intensify as he weighs Beth vs Julie; Charles’s revelation about Beth.

Fuckin' hate this flavored shit. Anyway, I can't believe the cat in the shag jacket was Andy.
11

All Is Lost

Scenes 63-64 / Pages 43-44 / 75% target

13%

Max’s failed encounter at Julie’s dorm leaves him dejected and beaten down.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scenes 65-67 / Pages 44-46 / 80% target

12%

Max wanders through familiar haunts, reflecting on his loneliness.

13

Break into Three

Scenes 70-71 / Pages 47-48 / 85% target

13%

After talking with Beth about Julie, Max resolves to act authentically.

So glad you could make it.
14

Finale

Scenes 91-92 / Pages 60-62 / 95% target

14%

Max invites Julie to watch Annie Hall; she breaks up, forcing his true growth.

Boy, what an uplifting movie. Such a refreshingly positive message.
15

Final Image

Scene 94 / Page 63 / 99% target

15%

Max’s reconciliation with Beth mirrors the opening but with genuine connection.

Hi there. Happy Valentine's Day.