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INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS script analysis

INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Inglourious Basterds opens with Colonel Landa’s chilling interrogation of a French farmer, setting the tone of Nazi-occupied France. Parallel to this, Lt. Aldo Raine assembles a brutal squad of Jewish-American soldiers committed to scalping Nazis. Meanwhile, Shosanna Dreyfus’s survival plot unfolds as she plans vengeance via her cinema, intersecting with the Basterds’ Operation Kino. The story culminates in a fiery climax that blends personal retribution with guerrilla tactics.

60 Save the Cat fit score 75% analysis confidence / 35 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

70%

Introduces Landa’s menacing persona and the high stakes of Nazi control at the LaPadite farm.

It is a pleasure to meet you Monsieur LaPadite, I am Colonel Hans Landa of the S.S.
2

Theme Stated

Scene 4 / Page 4 / 5% target

70%

Raine’s scalping order articulates the film’s central theme of vengeance against the Nazis.

Every man under my command, owes me, one hundred nazi scalps.
3

Set-Up

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

70%

Establishes Landa’s ruthless methods and shifts to Raine recruiting his team, setting up dual storylines.

4

Catalyst

Scene 4 / Page 4 / 12% target

70%

The Basterds are officially formed when Raine commands his men to collect Nazi scalps.

5

Debate

Scene 6 / Page 6 / 20% target

70%

The squad debates tactics and interrogates a German sargeant, questioning their methods and limits.

Lt.Aldo Raine, pleased to meet cha. You know what sit down means Werner?
6

Break into Two

Scene 7 / Page 7 / 25% target

70%

Shosanna’s encounter with Fredrick Zoller pulls her into the Nazi world and transitions her to active resistance.

7

B Story

Scenes 8-9 / Pages 8-9 / 30% target

70%

Shosanna’s relationship with Marcel and her determination to use the cinema for revenge provides the emotional B-story.

8

Fun and Games

Scene 6 / Page 6 / 40% target

70%

The Basterds’ grisly execution and scalping of German soldiers showcases the film’s promise of violent thrills.

9

Midpoint

Scene 11 / Page 11 / 50% target

70%

The Nazi elite’s lunch at Maxim’s raises the stakes as Landa probes Shosanna under Goebbels’ watch.

Charmed Mademoiselle.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 18 / Page 18 / 65% target

70%

Tensions explode in the tavern when a Gestapo Major arrives, forcing a deadly showdown.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 19 / Page 19 / 75% target

70%

The Basterds flee with a critically wounded Bridget, casting doubt on their mission’s success.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 22 / Page 22 / 80% target

70%

Bridget’s interrogation by Aldo underscores the personal cost and despair following the failed operation.

13

Break into Three

Scene 26 / Page 26 / 85% target

70%

Landa’s revelation at the premiere scattering the Basterds and Shosanna forces everyone into the final push.

Margheriti.... Say it for me once please...?
14

Finale

Scene 33 / Page 33 / 95% target

70%

Shosanna ignites her explosive revenge, destroying the cinema and murdering the Nazi leadership.

My name is Shosanna Dreyfus, and this is the face of Jewish Vengeance! Marcel, BURN IT DOWN!
15

Final Image

Scene 35 / Page 35 / 99% target

70%

Raine carving a swastika into Landa’s forehead cements the theme of irreversible vengeance.