Save the Cat rankings

HERO script analysis

HERO script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Bernie LaPlante, a small‐time con man, is convicted of theft and navigates his self‐centered life raising his son and selling stolen goods. When a plane catches fire, he impulsively becomes a hero, triggering fame, legal troubles, and personal reckonings. Ultimately, he helps rescue a true hero on a TV‐station ledge and returns to his son with a new view of truth and heroism.

85 Save the Cat fit score 74% analysis confidence / 73 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

82%

Introduces Bernie’s world as he’s convicted and still petty—stealing from his lawyer’s wallet in the courtroom.

What's going on? "Guilty"! What is this?
2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 1 / 5% target

70%

Bernie’s argument with Donna about ‘not a prison kind of guy’ hints at self‐interest versus responsibility.

I'm not a prison kinda guy, Miss O'Day. Look, you're not doin' your job here, you're sposed to...
3

Set-Up

Scenes 3-5 / Pages 1-2 / 10% target

78%

We see Bernie’s relationship with son Joey and his shady code when he finds and refuses to turn in the wallet.

What I don't like about public restrooms is how you're always standing in piss.
4

Catalyst

Scene 5 / Page 2 / 12% target

68%

He discovers the wallet—triggering his ongoing moral conflict.

What I don't like about public restrooms is how you're always standing in piss.
5

Debate

Scenes 6-11 / Pages 2-5 / 20% target

75%

Bernie debates his self‐interest while talking life advice with Joey and Chick and sells stolen cards—questioning his path.

When I was a kid, I thought I was gonna be this fantastic wonderful heroic human being.
6

Break into Two

Scene 12 / Page 5 / 25% target

80%

He enters the fire‐filled plane to search for Fletcher—crossing into the ‘upside‐down’ world of heroism.

MISTER FLETCHER! HEY, MISTER FLETCHER! MISTER FLETCHER, HEY BUDDY, WHERE ARE YA, GODDAMNIT?
7

B Story

Scene 10 / Page 4 / 30% target

65%

His talk with Chick about wanting to be a hero sets up the emotional subplot.

When I was a kid, I thought I was gonna be this fantastic wonderful heroic human being.
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 12-17 / Pages 5-7 / 40% target

77%

Bernie’s daring rescues aboard the burning plane and riverbank wander illustrate the ‘hero in action’ sequence.

9

Midpoint

Scene 14 / Page 6 / 50% target

79%

Fletcher reunites with his son thanks to Bernie’s efforts—stakes and public recognition spike.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 19-23 / Pages 8-9 / 65% target

76%

Evelyn’s anger and Bernie’s firing and arrest plot complications tighten the pressure.

I am so tired of your bullshit, Bernie.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 25 / Page 10 / 75% target

73%

Bernie’s arrest at the bar represents his lowest, alone and blamed for events.

CHICK, CALL MY ATTORNEY! THIS IS BULLSHIT! ENTRAPMENT! I GOT A MILLION BUCKS COMING, FOR CHRISSAKE!
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scenes 28-29 / Page 11 / 80% target

75%

In jail and at his bail hearing, Bernie faces loss of freedom and denial of his hero status.

It was a total set-up, I'm telling you. Entrapment! But it don't matter, I got everything whipped. You're...
13

Break into Three

Scene 57 / Page 26 / 85% target

80%

Bernie decides to go onto the ledge to help the real hero—choosing selflessness.

14

Finale

Scenes 58-72 / Pages 26-31 / 95% target

82%

Tense ledge negotiations and rescue sequence resolve Bernie’s arc from con man to genuine helper.

Put...the...rope...on...him.
15

Final Image

Scene 73 / Page 32 / 99% target

78%

Bernie, changed by truth, shares wisdom with Joey at the zoo—a mirror to the opening image.

See, sometimes we're not exactly... 'ready' for the truth so we have this layer of... bullshit.