Save the Cat rankings

FORD V FERRARI script analysis

FORD V FERRARI script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Ford V Ferrari follows Carroll Shelby and Ken Miles as they build and race the Ford GT40 to beat Ferrari at Le Mans. The film introduces Shelby’s health issues and Ford’s corporate pressure, brings Miles into the team, shows the car’s development, hits a mid‐race crisis, and ends with a bittersweet near‐victory. The emotional core is Shelby and Miles’ partnership and Miles’ personal stakes.

80 Save the Cat fit score 70% analysis confidence / 65 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

80%

Introduces high-stakes racing and Shelby’s drive as his car flames in the pits at Le Mans.

FINISH IT! FILL THE TANK! WE GOT TEN HOURS TO GO! WE’RE IN FRONT!
2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 1 / 5% target

75%

Doctor warns Shelby to stop racing, stating the personal cost of his ambition.

I take the pills. The pills work.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 3-6 / Pages 1-10 / 10% target

70%

We see Shelby’s reckless drive, Ford’s sales crisis, and Ken Miles at work, establishing stakes and key characters.

4

Catalyst

Scene 17 / Pages 10-12 / 12% target

80%

Enzo Ferrari cancels the merger, spurring Henry Ford II to declare corporate war on Ferrari.

He said Ford makes ugly little cars in an ugly factory. And its executives are sons of whores.
5

Debate

Scenes 19-23 / Pages 12-20 / 20% target

70%

Shelby debates his ability to build a winning team and Ken wrestles with family and career choices.

You’re forgetting something, Ken. See, I know you. I’ve actually been here these past twenty years. Who is...
6

Break into Two

Scene 20 / Page 13 / 25% target

75%

Iacocca offers Shelby Ford’s backing, propelling him into the racing project.

I’m here on behalf of Mr. Ford. Henry Ford the 2nd. Suppose, hypothetically, he wanted his company to...
7

B Story

Scene 19 / Page 12 / 30% target

70%

Ken’s home life with Mollie and Peter adds a personal emotional thread.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 28-33 / Pages 20-35 / 40% target

75%

Shelby and Miles test and refine the GT40, showcasing engineering creativity and growing partnership.

So put in a bigger engine.
9

Midpoint

Scene 36 / Page 36 / 50% target

75%

Miles successfully tests the new engine at Ford’s track, raising hopes in a clear win–win moment.

Miles is a beatnik. He dresses like one. Ford means reliability. Ken Miles is not a Ford man.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 41 / Page 40 / 65% target

80%

Miles crashes during a test drive due to brake failure, threatening the project.

The brakes are a problem.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 42 / Pages 40-42 / 75% target

75%

Family tension peaks as Mollie leaves with Peter and braking problems persist.

I’m gonna take him home. You figure this out.
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 44 / Page 43 / 80% target

70%

Shelby resorts to trickery, locking out Beebe, reflecting desperation.

Peter? I need you to do something. Ask your dad to take you to Nate's for a coke...
13

Break into Three

Scene 58 / Page 55 / 85% target

80%

Shelby informs Miles of Ford’s three-car finish order, forcing a moral and tactical choice.

He wants you to slow down. You're four minutes ahead of McLaren. The Deuce wants three Fords to...
14

Finale

Scenes 59-60 / Pages 56-58 / 95% target

80%

The three Fords cross the finish line together in a coordinated victory that tests loyalty and rules.

15

Final Image

Scene 62 / Pages 58-59 / 99% target

80%

Shelby and Miles share a poignant moment after the race, underlining their bond and sacrifice.

It was a hell of a drive.