Save the Cat rankings

CATCH ME IF YOU CAN script analysis

CATCH ME IF YOU CAN script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Catch Me If You Can follows Frank Abagnale Jr.’s rise from suburban impersonator to globe-trotting con man, pursued relentlessly by FBI agent Joe Shaye. Along the way Frank experiments with identities—pilot, doctor, lawyer—while his relationship with Brenda and his father provide emotional stakes. Ultimately he’s captured, experiences rock bottom, and reforms to aid the FBI.

45 Save the Cat fit score 12% analysis confidence / 202 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

10%

Frank appears as an imposter on a TV game show, establishing his deceptive life.

My name is Frank Abagnale Jr.
2

Theme Stated

Scene 5 / 5% target

10%

Joe Shaye worries over Frank’s fate: “Jesus, Frank… positively barbaric,” hinting at themes of identity and consequences.

Jesus, Frank, you look terrible. I heard about French prisons, but this is positively barbaric.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 9-13 / 10% target

10%

Shows Frank Sr.’s family life and Frank Jr.’s early mimicry and confidence-building cons.

Two little mice fell in a bucket of cream. The first mouse quickly gave up and drowned, but...
4

Catalyst

Scene 25 / 12% target

10%

Frank’s first major impersonation at school as a substitute teacher launches his confidence.

Listen up, class. My name is Mr. Abagnale and I'll be your substitute today. Would somebody please tell...
5

Debate

Scenes 37-39 / 20% target

10%

Frank debates his ability to stay a step ahead when Shaye begins extradition proceedings.

Your wife is sleeping with one of the guards. Just thought you should know.
6

Break into Two

Scenes 44-45 / 25% target

10%

Frank decides to become a pilot after seeing one cashing a check; he commits fully to a new con.

Yes. My name is Williams, and I'm a co-pilot based out of San Francisco. I flew a jet...
7

B Story

Scene 110 / 30% target

10%

Frank meets Brenda at the hospital, introducing the romantic subplot that grounds his emotional stakes.

He told me to pick up the blood, so I did. He never told me to label it.
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 45-49 / 40% target

10%

Frank’s playful con montage includes uniform fittings and easy check cashing adventures.

Well you're in luck, son. Because I was one of the best.
9

Midpoint

Scene 82 / 50% target

10%

FBI agent Shaye officially briefs his team on “John Doe 2172,” raising the stakes for both pursuer and pursued.

John Doe 2172 is a paperhanger who started on the East Coast. During the last few weeks 2172...
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 87 / 65% target

10%

Frank tricks Shaye by posing as Secret Service, showing the FBI closing in yet being repeatedly duped.

Relax, buddy, you're late. My name is Johnson, Secret Service. Our boy just tried to climb out the...
11

All Is Lost

Scene 172 / 75% target

10%

Frank is sentenced in a French courtroom and sent to prison—the apparent end of his freedom.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 174 / 80% target

10%

Joe tells Frank “Your father is dead,” plunging Frank into guilt and despair.

Your father is dead, Frank. I'm sorry.
13

Break into Three

Scene 189 / 85% target

10%

Frank is offered a job with the FBI, marking the turning point to use his skills for good.

Joe, one of these days you should get yourself a new jacket. What is that material?
14

Finale

Scenes 190-202 / 95% target

10%

Frank integrates into the FBI, culminating in presentations and joint missions with Shaye.

I'm Frank Abagnale. I'm supposed to start work here today.
15

Final Image

Scene 202 / 99% target

10%

Frank and Joe fly off together, illustrating Frank’s full circle from fugitive to partner.

Joe, do you guys always fly coach?