Save the Cat rankings

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Chili Palmer’s world as a smooth‐talking loan shark and movie enthusiast is established when his coat is stolen and he navigates underworld confrontations. He pitches a film idea to Harry Zimm and reluctantly enters a dangerous partnership with Bo Catlett. Through a series of money pickups and betrayals, Chili’s stakes escalate, leading to a climactic rescue of Karen and a final reckoning. Ultimately, the cycle of showbiz danger closes in on his foes.

70 Save the Cat fit score 85% analysis confidence / 30 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

70%

Introduces Chili Palmer in his element, negotiating business over lunch and observing the underworld.

They're closing the Granview. You know, theater down on Biscayne?
2

Theme Stated

Scene 5 / 5% target

80%

Chili explicitly declares his movie ambition, hinting at the risks and rewards of blending crime with filmmaking.

I think I got an idea for a movie.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-4 / Page 1 / 10% target

75%

Establishes Chili’s everyday world: his quick wit, criminal contacts, and the coat theft that sparks his confrontation with Ray Barboni.

4

Catalyst

Scene 6 / 12% target

70%

Bo Catlett enlists Yayo under false pretenses, introducing the criminal threat that will intersect Chili’s ambitions.

Don't say nothing to me. Sit down and act like you're waiting for somebody supposed to meet you.
5

Debate

Scenes 7-8 / 20% target

80%

Chili and Harry weigh the risks of getting involved with Bo’s money and influence in their film project.

6

Break into Two

Scene 10 / 25% target

70%

Chili fully steps into the movie world by visiting the Griffith Park set, leaving his old life behind.

7

B Story

Scene 16 / 30% target

80%

Chili’s relationship with Karen begins, providing emotional stakes and an alternate perspective on his ambitions.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 17-18 / 40% target

75%

Chili meets industry heavyweight Martin Weir and negotiates with Bo and Bear, showcasing the thrills of combining crime and cinema.

9

Midpoint

Scene 20 / 50% target

85%

Chili retrieves the money from the locker under DEA scrutiny, raising the stakes and giving him a false sense of victory.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 21 / 65% target

80%

Ray Barboni reasserts the criminal world’s threats by violently punishing Harry, tightening the noose around Chili’s allies.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 24 / 75% target

80%

Harry lies in the hospital, symbolizing Chili’s plan unraveling and his closest ally nearly lost.

Harry . . . My God . . .
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 23 / 80% target

75%

Chili and Karen share doubts about his future in movies and crime, reflecting his lowest emotional point.

13

Break into Three

Scene 27 / 85% target

80%

Bo’s kidnapping of Karen forces Chili to commit fully to a rescue, merging his personal and criminal battles.

14

Finale

Scenes 28-29 / 95% target

85%

Chili trades the money for Karen, confronts the killers, and delivers poetic justice to his enemies.

Guy's got a fucking pink toilet, for Christ's sake.
15

Final Image

Scene 30 / 99% target

80%

Ray Bones is trapped on a movie set, illustrating that in Chili’s world, showbiz and crime always intersect.