Save the Cat rankings

Donnie Brasco script analysis

Donnie Brasco script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Undercover FBI agent Joe Pistone infiltrates the Mafia under the alias Donnie Brasco, forming a bond with veteran mobster Lefty Ruggiero. As Donnie rises in the family, his double life strains his marriage and identity. When his cover is blown, he must choose between his loyalty to the mob and his duty to the Bureau.

70 Save the Cat fit score 50% analysis confidence / 99 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

50%

Establishes 1981 FBI headquarters and the world Joe will return to.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 1 / 5% target

50%

Agents warn ‘It’s going down tonight,’ hinting at the peril of undercover work.

It's going down tonight.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 3-5 / Pages 1-10 / 10% target

50%

We meet Joe’s family life and learn of his assignment, establishing stakes at home and work.

This is different. It's undercover.
4

Catalyst

Scene 6 / Page 10 / 12% target

50%

Donnie’s first contact with Lefty at Casa Bella introduces him to mob life.

You can't say to me a Lincoln is better than a Cadillac.
5

Debate

Scene 28 / Page 20 / 20% target

50%

At home, Maggie argues about his lifestyle, showing Donnie’s internal conflict.

I don't give a shit about the moustache. But if you're gonna live your life however the fuck...
6

Break into Two

Scene 31 / Page 25 / 25% target

50%

Donnie fully commits by discussing high-level hits with Lefty in the Cadillac.

I got sent for, Donnie. With This Thing, you go in alive and you come out dead. And...
7

B Story

Scenes 44-46 / Pages 30-35 / 30% target

50%

Domestic subplot deepens as Donnie’s undercover life strains his marriage and family.

I'm an undercover agent for the FBI!
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 33-43 / Pages 35-50 / 40% target

50%

Donnie experiences mob perks—lion cub, dinners, travel—showing “the life.”

Thirty years, there ever was a piece of work to be done-- call Lefty --I never complained. But...
9

Midpoint

Scene 76 / Page 60 / 50% target

50%

Sonny kills Boobie in front of Donnie—stakes jump as violence confirms true Mafia rules.

Okay. We're running to the fountain.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 81-84 / Pages 65-68 / 65% target

50%

Maggie’s accident and family pressure intensify Donnie’s guilt and danger.

Where's Terry? She still asleep?
11

All Is Lost

Scenes 95-96 / Page 80 / 75% target

50%

Mobsters learn his identity—Donnie’s world collapses.

You know this guy as Donnie Brasco. He's an FBI agent. We just wanted to tell you.
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 98 / Page 85 / 80% target

50%

Donnie tells the Bureau to stop searching for Lefty, mourning his betrayal.

You can stop looking for Lefty.
13

Break into Three

Scene 99 / Page 90 / 85% target

50%

Donnie agrees to testify in court, deciding to complete his mission.

The government calls Special Agent Joseph D. Pistone.
14

Finale

Scene 99 / Pages 90-95 / 95% target

50%

He testifies against the mob, resolving his duty but confirming painful personal cost.

15

Final Image

Scene 99 / Page 95 / 99% target

50%

Courtroom image contrasts with the opening FBI HQ, showing how far Joe has gone.