Save the Cat rankings

GRAND THEFT PARSONS script analysis

GRAND THEFT PARSONS script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Phil Kaufman, a down-on-his-luck mortician, loses his job and impulsively steals rock star Gram Parsons’ body. Joined by eccentric friend Larry and pursued by Gram’s grieving father and scheming wife, Phil embarks on a cross-country odyssey to cremate Parsons in the desert. Along the way, relationships fray and loyalties are tested before Phil finds redemption in honoring his promise.

70 Save the Cat fit score 30% analysis confidence / 76 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

20%

A dark bedroom and a ringing phone set a lonely, unsettled tone for Phil’s life.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 10 / 5% target

40%

Phil admits “out of a job again,” hinting at themes of purpose and failure.

Yeah, out of a job again.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 5-9 / 10% target

40%

Phil is introduced at work, loses his role when he sees Parsons’ body, and returns home to a strained relationship with Susie.

4

Catalyst

Scene 8 / 12% target

50%

Discovering Gram Parsons’ body catalyzes Phil’s decision to take matters into his own hands.

5

Debate

Scenes 14-15 / 20% target

40%

Susie leaves Phil, and he debates his next step before contacting Larry.

6

Break into Two

Scenes 16-17 / 25% target

50%

Phil commits to the heist, hiring Larry’s hearse to steal Parsons’ body.

Hello? Anyone there?
7

B Story

Scenes 9-10 / 30% target

30%

Susie’s reaction grounds the emotional subplot of trust and partnership.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 18-23 / 40% target

40%

Comical misadventures as they procure the hearse, navigate the airport, and evade mortuary staff.

9

Midpoint

Scene 40 / 50% target

50%

At the gas station, Phil and Larry embrace their “rock ’n’ roll undertaker” roles, raising stakes for both comedy and commitment.

Nope. We're special rock 'n roll undertakers. Musical morticians.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 41-43 / 65% target

40%

Barbara and Susie discover the stolen body and begin their pursuit, tightening the noose.

11

All Is Lost

Scenes 49-51 / 75% target

50%

A crash and arrest of Phil and Larry marks their lowest, with the mission in jeopardy.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scenes 61-62 / 80% target

40%

Phil realizes they’ve truly stolen a man’s son, questioning the morality of their quest.

13

Break into Three

Scene 71 / 85% target

50%

Phil resolves to go ahead alone when Larry backs out, recommitting to his promise.

I can't do this. This isn't right.
14

Finale

Scenes 73-75 / 95% target

40%

The desert cremation unfolds amid pursuit, culminating in catharsis and Phil’s redemption.

15

Final Image

Scene 76 / 99% target

30%

Phil hallucinates a final conversation with Gram, signifying personal closure.