Save the Cat rankings

DIE HARD script analysis

DIE HARD script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

John McClane, a New York cop, arrives in Los Angeles to reconcile with his estranged wife at her office Christmas party. When terrorists seize the Nakatomi Plaza, McClane becomes the lone wild card, picking them off while unable to contact outside help. He befriends Sgt. Al Powell via radio and sabotages the heist, facing his darkest moment when Ellis is killed and Holly is taken hostage. In a final rooftop showdown, McClane saves Holly and brings the crisis to a triumphant close.

90 Save the Cat fit score 85% analysis confidence / 93 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

80%

A 747 lands at night, establishing the holiday setting and McClane’s arrival.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 4 / 5% target

75%

Holly’s quip about Christmas reminds us family matters most.

Harry, it's Christmas Eve. Families... Stockings...chestnuts...Rudolph and Frosty...those things ring a bell?
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-3 / 10% target

80%

McClane boards the plane and banters, introducing his cop persona and emotional distance.

4

Catalyst

Scene 19 / 12% target

90%

Terrorists murder the security guard, triggering the hostage crisis.

5

Debate

Scene 22 / 20% target

88%

McClane realizes the phone lines are cut and debates how to fight back.

The vote's not in yet.
6

Break into Two

Scene 27 / 25% target

82%

McClane climbs onto the elevator shaft roof, committing to guerrilla warfare.

7

B Story

Scene 32 / 30% target

85%

We meet Sgt. Al Powell, setting up the emotional support subplot.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 33-36 / 40% target

88%

McClane’s cat-and-mouse tactics against the terrorists deliver thrills.

9

Midpoint

Scene 34 / 50% target

90%

He kills two terrorists and signals Powell—a false victory moment.

Welcome to the party, pal.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 37 / 65% target

87%

Hans discovers McClane has stolen their detonators, intensifying the threat.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 51 / 75% target

92%

Ellis is killed, representing McClane’s greatest loss and failure.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 63 / 80% target

88%

McClane fears he won’t survive and asks Powell to tell his wife he's sorry.

Look...I'm getting a bad feeling up here...I'd like you to do something for me. Look up my wife...don't...
13

Break into Three

Scenes 65-66 / 85% target

89%

With Holly held hostage and explosives on the roof, McClane steels himself for the final fight.

14

Finale

Scenes 66-71 / 95% target

91%

McClane battles Karl on the roof, disables the bombs, and saves Holly.

15

Final Image

Scene 93 / 99% target

85%

McClane and Holly exit at dawn, reunited, closing the story.

If this is their idea of Christmas I gotta be there for New Year's.