Save the Cat rankings

Jackie Brown script analysis

Jackie Brown script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Jackie Brown, a flight attendant, is caught smuggling money and coerced by both the police and a crime boss into double-dealing. She devises a cunning plan to play everyone against each other for her freedom and profit.

85 Save the Cat fit score 45% analysis confidence / 57 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

40%

Jackie’s routine life is introduced as she boards Flight 710, establishing her world.

Flight 710 Cabo San Lucas, now boarding Gate 12, first class only.
2

Theme Stated

Scene 3 / 5% target

35%

Ordell’s conversation about crime hints at greed and survival as core themes.

This TEC-9? They advertise it as being the most popular gun in American crime.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 4-7 / 10% target

40%

We see Ordell’s bail-business routine and his violent methods, setting stakes and character relationships.

4

Catalyst

Scene 11 / 12% target

45%

Jackie is stopped by Detectives Dargus and Nicolet, thrusting her into criminal investigation.

Hi, I'm Detective Mark Dargus. L.A.P.D. can I ask what you have in that bag?
5

Debate

Scenes 12-17 / 20% target

50%

Jackie debates cooperating with the feds versus protecting herself as she’s interrogated and bailed out.

6

Break into Two

Scene 18 / 25% target

40%

Jackie leaves jail with Max, committing to the undercover deal with ATF and Ordell.

I can give you a lift home if you'd like?
7

B Story

Scene 20 / 30% target

35%

Max and Jackie’s relationship deepens as he provides guidance and trust.

I don't know - I guess what I need is a lawyer, find out what my options are.
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 26-30 / 40% target

40%

Jackie maneuvers between Ordell, Melanie, Louis, and ATF, showcasing her clever manipulations.

9

Midpoint

Scene 31 / 50% target

45%

The mall meeting where the money exchange trial run seems to succeed—stakes are high and success feels possible.

The money's in a Broadway shopping bag. I get some food, and sit down here in the food...
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 35-40 / 65% target

40%

Ordell’s associates plan their own heist, tension mounts as multiple factions close in.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 47 / 75% target

45%

Melanie is killed, and Jackie’s plan seems to unravel when money vanishes.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 51 / 80% target

40%

Jackie is interrogated about the missing money, questioning if her scheme failed.

Because I didn't have it. Ray, I swear, Melanie came in and grabbed it.
13

Break into Three

Scene 53 / 85% target

40%

Jackie and Max set a trap at Cherry Bail Bonds, launching their final plan.

Tell him I want to give him his money.
14

Finale

Scenes 54-55 / 95% target

45%

Dargus kills Ordell at the sting; Jackie and Max handle the aftermath, securing her freedom and profit.

15

Final Image

Scene 57 / 99% target

40%

Jackie and Max share a quiet farewell before she departs for Spain, bookending her journey.