Save the Cat rankings

Dave Barry's Complete Guide to Guys script analysis

Dave Barry's Complete Guide to Guys script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Dave Barry’s guide uses a series of comedic vignettes and documentary‐style interviews to explore male behavior and relationships. The story intercuts between Dave’s narrated segments and Roger & Elaine’s romance, building to a reflective conclusion about understanding men. The structure loosely follows Save the Cat beats but shifts tone frequently.

40 Save the Cat fit score 12% analysis confidence / 85 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

10%

Introduces surveillance agents monitoring two men in Hawaiian shirts, setting a comedic observational tone.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 3 / Page 1 / 5% target

15%

Dave states the central condition ‘Lust Induced Brain Freeze,’ framing the film’s theme of male behavior.

Hi, I'm Dave Barry. Has something like this ever happened to you? Because if you're a guy -...
3

Set-Up

Scenes 4-9 / Pages 2-5 / 10% target

10%

Various vignettes establish male relationship conflicts, hobbies, and communication gaps.

4

Catalyst

Scene 14 / Page 6 / 12% target

8%

Roger’s injury in the footrace causes Elaine to become involved, launching their subplot.

5

Debate

Scene 15 / Page 6 / 20% target

10%

Elaine cares for injured Roger and wonders about the future of their relationship.

I don't know why I listened to you. You need to see a doctor.
6

Break into Two

Scene 23 / Page 8 / 25% target

12%

Dave narrates how Roger and Elaine met, transitioning into the deeper romantic storyline.

You're kidding! That was you? At the Burger King?
7

B Story

Scenes 19-20 / Page 7 / 30% target

10%

Roger and Elaine’s relationship deepens as they visit Gene’s house and bond.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 30-33 / Pages 11-12 / 40% target

10%

Dave interviews Sheryl Crow and observes neighborhood reactions, providing comedic insights into male roles.

Do you have any advice for a guy in love?
9

Midpoint

Scene 37 / Page 13 / 50% target

10%

Roger reflects on his lack of mechanical skills, marking a personal low that shifts his perspective.

The thing is - I missed out. It's like everyone else was there the day they taught all...
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 44 / Page 15 / 65% target

10%

Roger and Gene agonize over the basketball game, illustrating mounting stakes in their obsession.

Come on come on come on comeoncomeon --
11

All Is Lost

Scene 57 / Page 20 / 75% target

10%

The lawyer breaks down, embodying the ‘all is lost’ moment in a comedic subplot.

What the hell am I doing. Why did I even think this would be a good idea --...
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 58 / Page 20 / 80% target

10%

The lawyer questions his choices as he visits the hang‐gliding center, reflecting desperation.

How can you do this? This is the perfect job!
13

Break into Three

Scene 83 / Page 24 / 85% target

12%

Dave convenes a women’s focus group, signaling a pivot toward resolution.

So now that we've heard your thoughts. The frustration, the exasperation... the obvious question comes to mind: Why...
14

Finale

Scene 84 / Page 24 / 95% target

12%

Dave delivers his concluding insights about men while preparing to hang glider, wrapping thematic threads.

Well now you know where things stand. You've learned a little bit about guys, and the critical roles...
15

Final Image

Scene 85 / Page 25 / 99% target

12%

John Madden’s end‐credit commentary provides a humorous bookend, returning to the film’s media framing.

Now these are the kinda end credits you like to see. You got the final update thing goin',...