Save the Cat rankings

Five Easy Pieces script analysis

Five Easy Pieces script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Bobby Dupea, a former piano prodigy turned oil-worker, drifts through tense relationships and obligations until a family crisis propels him back home. Confrontations with loved ones and his own restlessness lead to a brief reconciliation and ultimate departure.

70 Save the Cat fit score 12% analysis confidence / 47 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

10%

Introduces Bobby’s musical heritage and family environment in the Dupea music room.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 5 / 5% target

10%

Rayette challenges Bobby’s commitment and authenticity: the theme of identity versus performance.

I'm gonna play it again...
3

Set-Up

Scene 4 / 10% target

10%

Shows Bobby’s current life as an oil‐rig laborer, establishing his drift away from music.

4

Catalyst

Scene 5 / 12% target

10%

Argument with Rayette about her singing and his life marks the inciting incident.

5

Debate

Scenes 6-7 / 20% target

10%

Bobby debates his relationship with Rayette during bowling and convinces her to go with him, showing hesitation and stakes.

6

Break into Two

Scene 8 / 25% target

10%

Bobby abandons his car in traffic to chase a piano on a truck—entering act two by embracing impulsive freedom.

7

B Story

Scenes 12-13 / 30% target

10%

Visits with sister Tita introduce the family subplot and catalyst for returning home.

Oh my goodness... Bobby...
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 17-19 / 40% target

10%

Roadside diner conflict and motel distancing with Rayette showcase Bobby’s restlessness.

Yeah. I want you to hold it between your knees.
9

Midpoint

Scene 20 / 50% target

10%

Bobby arrives at his family home and admits estrangement from his father: stakes are personal and irreversible.

He doesn't even know who the hell I am.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 22 / 65% target

10%

Family dinner confrontations intensify pressure on Bobby to resume music or conform.

I mean, how could you not play anymore? That's so strange to me...
11

All Is Lost

Scene 37 / 75% target

10%

Catherine ends their relationship, representing Bobby’s deepest personal defeat.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 38 / 80% target

10%

Bobby’s quiet conversation with his incapacitated father underscores his despair and isolation.

13

Break into Three

Scene 39 / 85% target

10%

Bobby decides to leave the Dupea house with Rayette, forging a new direction.

14

Finale

Scenes 44-46 / 95% target

10%

At the gas station, Bobby’s mirror self‐assessment and choice to hitch on a semi finalize his internal shift.

15

Final Image

Scene 47 / 99% target

10%

Rayette searching for Bobby as the truck drives off mirrors the opening image of his restless journey.