Save the Cat rankings

Hudson Hawk script analysis

Hudson Hawk script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Master thief Hudson Hawk is released from prison and reluctantly dragged into a high-stakes heist of Da Vinci relics, encountering betrayal, new allies, and a budding romance along the way. The film follows his reluctant acceptance of a seemingly impossible mission, his deepening bond with Anna, and a climactic showdown in a Renaissance workshop. Ultimately, Hawk emerges victorious, richer in both treasure and connection.

70 Save the Cat fit score 12% analysis confidence / 37 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

10%

The film opens with a Renaissance fair interrupted by an explosion at Da Vinci’s castle, establishing tone and stakes.

Leonardo, che pazzo.
2

Theme Stated

Scene 3 / Page 1 / 5% target

8%

Hudson Hawk, fresh out of prison, quips about firing his publicist, hinting at themes of freedom versus obligation.

Remind me to fire my publicist.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-4 / Pages 1-4 / 10% target

11%

Scenes establish Hawk’s reputation, his release, the Mario brothers’ pursuit, and his first meeting with Alex and law enforcement.

4

Catalyst

Scene 5 / Page 5 / 12% target

10%

At Alex’s bar, Hawk meets Alex and is almost arrested, launching their partnership and conflict with Officer Gates.

You're under arrest...
5

Debate

Scenes 6-7 / Pages 6-7 / 20% target

10%

Hawk and Alex debate the risks and logistics of stealing the Da Vinci equestrian model at the auction.

And though he's slippery, he still gets caught.
6

Break into Two

Scene 8 / Page 8 / 25% target

9%

After Alfred kills Gates and retrieves the crystal, Hawk crosses into the world of government intrigue by witnessing real danger.

7

B Story

Scene 10 / Page 10 / 30% target

10%

Hawk meets Anna at Rutherford’s auction house, introducing the romantic subplot and ally who will challenge him.

Fantastic. Perfection. The Vatican extends its jealousy to the lucky bidder.
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 11-14 / Pages 11-14 / 40% target

10%

A series of chases and captures—from the Brooklyn Bridge to CIA interrogation to Mayflower board introduction—provides thrills and world-building.

9

Midpoint

Scene 15 / Page 15 / 50% target

12%

The Mayflower board explicitly pressures Hawk to steal the Codex, raising stakes and committing him to the central heist.

Ladies and gentlemen of the board...
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 16-20 / Pages 16-20 / 65% target

11%

Hawk’s infiltration of the Vatican, escape with Anna, and CIA confrontation escalate external threats.

Hawk, Hawk, Hawk. Enjoying Italy? I always had a soft spot for Rome. Did my first barehanded strangulation...
11

All Is Lost

Scene 25 / Page 25 / 75% target

9%

Anna drugs Hawk to confront CIA agents, leaving him incapacitated and trust in shambles.

This doesn't taste like cappuccino.
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scenes 26-28 / Pages 26-28 / 80% target

10%

Hawk awakens in the Mayflower workshop, facing betrayal by both government and clients, and questions his choices.

13

Break into Three

Scene 30 / Page 30 / 85% target

10%

Hawk, Anna, and Alex decide to breach the lock despite the odds, marking a shift from despair to action.

Don't worry, we'll get it...
14

Finale

Scenes 31-36 / Pages 31-36 / 95% target

11%

A multi-layered climax unfolds: ballroom distractions, lock-picking musical number, workshop explosion, and an aerial escape.

15

Final Image

Scene 37 / Page 37 / 99% target

10%

Hawk and Anna share a quiet coffee at dawn, mirroring the opening’s tone of surprise with serenity.

Have I ever told you the world is beautiful... I'd really like to play Nintendo with you, or...