Save the Cat rankings

FOXCATCHER script analysis

FOXCATCHER script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Mark Schultz is introduced as a driven but under-appreciated Olympic wrestler whose life is upended when he’s recruited by eccentric billionaire John du Pont. He forges a fraught partnership that yields early triumphs but soon unravels under du Pont’s growing instability and Mark’s own self-destructive impulses. As family bonds and Olympic dreams fracture, Mark is forced to confront the cost of ambition and loyalty.

72 Save the Cat fit score 35% analysis confidence / 95 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

40%

Introduces Mark’s obsessive training isolation and relentless grind.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 4 / 5% target

45%

Mark rhetorically asks why he pushes himself to limits, foreshadowing passion vs. obsession theme.

Why do I do it? Why do I push myself to my limits - of pain, of exhaustion...
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-6 / 10% target

40%

Shows Mark’s day-to-day life, modest financial struggles, and his medal-centric identity.

4

Catalyst

Scene 22 / 12% target

50%

Mark receives the call from du Pont’s representative, setting new plot in motion.

What does he want to talk about?
5

Debate

Scenes 21-22 / 20% target

40%

Mark hesitates as he cleans up and processes the mysterious opportunity.

6

Break into Two

Scenes 23-24 / 25% target

50%

Mark boards the helicopter to the Foxcatcher estate, entering a new world.

7

B Story

Scenes 15-16 / 30% target

45%

Introduces Dave as the supportive brother and future emotional counterpoint.

Where were you today?
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 28-33 / 40% target

40%

Covers training under du Pont’s gaze and early international competition successes.

9

Midpoint

Scene 38 / 50% target

50%

Mark wins the Clermont-Ferrand match, a false victory that raises stakes.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 42 / 65% target

45%

Du Pont pressures Mark, questioning his worth and pushing recruitment of Dave.

America doesn't respect you. Doesn't place any value on you at all. I reward accomplishment.
11

All Is Lost

Scenes 65-66 / 75% target

40%

Both brothers lose their Olympic Trials matches, marking Mark’s deepest professional failure.

That's the second - and final - loss for David Schultz.
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scenes 68-69 / 80% target

40%

Mark punishes himself and spirals into self-destruction in hotel and tunnel.

13

Break into Three

Scene 89 / 85% target

45%

Dave negotiates terms that promise Mark a legitimate chance and structure recovery.

I'll commit to remaining at Foxcatcher so long as John wants me here, but only if my brother...
14

Finale

Scenes 90-94 / 95% target

45%

Culminates in Olympic disappointment, Mark’s departure, and Dave’s murder by du Pont.

15

Final Image

Scene 95 / 99% target

40%

Mark’s new life in MMA contrasts his former Olympic dream world.