Save the Cat rankings

HEAVY METAL script analysis

HEAVY METAL script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Heavy Metal jumps between multiple storylines linked by the mysterious Loc-Nar device. The anthology introduces Austin’s machine and the green planetoid, the barbarian world of Kraan, and sci-fi courtroom and space hijinks. The structure loosely follows a hero’s journey but intercuts several B-stories without a clear unified Save the Cat arc.

20 Save the Cat fit score 12% analysis confidence / 36 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

20%

Introduces Austin arriving at a strange Victorian house amidst a wheatfield, setting the tone.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 11 / 5% target

10%

The Council Chamber debate about summoning Taarna hints at power and responsibility themes.

3

Set-Up

Scenes 3-5 / 10% target

15%

We see Austin building and repairing his holographic machine, establishing the world and stakes.

4

Catalyst

Scene 4 / 12% target

18%

The green planet fragment breaks off—a spark that sets all stories in motion.

5

Debate

Scenes 6-7 / 20% target

10%

The girl hesitates about the glowing ball’s power before taking it home.

6

Break into Two

Scenes 12-13 / 25% target

12%

Taarna arrives to fight barbarians and Austin’s lab transitions to a B-17 crash, shifting into parallel adventures.

7

B Story

Scenes 19-21 / 30% target

11%

A sci-fi subplot begins with Anrak at the Pentagon and Lincoln Sternn’s tribunal.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 22-25 / 40% target

13%

Taarna’s vengeance journey includes bar fights; Austin and Dan experiment with the ball.

9

Midpoint

Scenes 28-30 / 50% target

14%

Dan transforms into Den and meets Katherine—stakes heighten with romance and capture.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 31-32 / 65% target

13%

Ard’s throne room tests Den and the Loc-Nar’s power is uncovered by archaeologists—threat intensifies.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 34 / 75% target

10%

The professor’s murder and the girl fleeing into Harry’s cab suggest despair and loss.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 35 / 80% target

10%

Harry’s attempt to do the right thing is rebuffed at the police station, showing his isolation.

13

Break into Three

Scene 36 / 85% target

10%

Harry brings the girl home, resolving to help her—setting up final resolution.

14

Finale

Scene 36 / 95% target

10%

Harry and the girl plan their next move, closing the crime storyline and hinting at redemption.

15

Final Image

Scene 36 / 99% target

10%

The last shot of Harry’s apartment ends on a quiet yet determined note.