Save the Cat rankings

JFK script analysis

JFK script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

JFK follows Jim Garrison’s obsessive investigation into the Kennedy assassination, juxtaposing courtroom drama with flashbacks that reveal potential conspirators. The film alternates between Garrison’s personal struggle—jeopardized family life and mounting pressure—and revelations about FBI, CIA, and Mafia involvement. Ultimately, Garrison’s trial ends in a not‐guilty verdict for Clay Shaw, underscoring unresolved questions about the true conspiracy.

70 Save the Cat fit score 20% analysis confidence / 87 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

10%

We open on the brutal car accident that introduces the film’s themes of violence and conspiracy.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Pages 1-2 / 5% target

15%

Rose’s warning about a Dallas hit foreshadows the question of who controls history and truth.

They're going up to Dallas... to whack Kennedy. Friday the 22nd, that's when they're going to do it....
3

Set-Up

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

15%

Garrison learns of Kennedy’s death, we meet key players—Garrison, Banister, Martin—and see public shock.

4

Catalyst

Scene 6 / Pages 5-6 / 12% target

10%

Oswald’s press conference and Lou’s reaction spark Garrison’s doubt about the lone‐gunman theory.

No, I don't know what I'm charged with... I don't know what dispatches you people have been given,...
5

Debate

Scenes 7-12 / Pages 6-12 / 20% target

15%

Garrison’s team debates witness credibility and the Warren Commission’s reliability.

6

Break into Two

Scenes 13-14 / Pages 12-14 / 25% target

15%

Garrison commits fully to his crusade by diving into Warren Commission research.

Mmmmm... sure smells good... but Egghead, do you realize Oswald was interrogated for twelve hours after the assassination,...
7

B Story

Scenes 15-17 / Pages 14-17 / 30% target

15%

Garrison’s family life and marriage with Liz provide emotional stakes as his obsession grows.

Jim, dinner's just about ready... I've got a surprise for you... tried something new... Jim? Jim, dinner.
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 18-27 / Pages 17-25 / 40% target

15%

The investigation’s colorful encounters—interviews with Banister, Martin, O’Keefe, Ferrie—provide the detective thrills.

9

Midpoint

Scenes 28-29 / Pages 25-27 / 50% target

20%

Ferrie’s breakdown under interrogation reveals the conspiracy’s magnitude and raises the stakes dramatically.

The day that Communist sumbitch died was a great day for this country.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 30-40 / Pages 27-34 / 65% target

20%

Garrison faces increasing obstruction—negative press, bugged offices, threats to witnesses and family.

Dave Ferrie's dead. The body was found at his apartment two hours ago.
11

All Is Lost

Scenes 41-46 / Pages 34-38 / 75% target

20%

Ferrie’s death and the FBI warning to Bill leave Garrison isolated and his case in jeopardy.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scenes 47-50 / Pages 38-40 / 80% target

15%

Garrison questions whether he can proceed after Clay Shaw’s arrest yields little concrete evidence.

13

Break into Three

Scenes 51-56 / Pages 40-44 / 85% target

20%

Garrison reinvigorates the case with fresh flashbacks and ballistic tests at the Book Depository.

The Zapruder film establishes 3 shots in 5.6 seconds. Here. I'm Oswald. Time me.
14

Finale

Scenes 57-83 / Pages 44-72 / 95% target

20%

The courtroom trial unfolds—expert testimony, emotional confrontations—culminating in Shaw’s acquittal but also Garrison’s resolve to continue.

I think all it proves is you cannot run a trial even questioning the intelligence operations of the...
15

Final Image

Scenes 84-87 / Pages 72-75 / 99% target

15%

Jim and X conclude that the conspiracy stands unresolved, mirroring the film’s opening uncertainty.

You didn't get that break you needed, but you went as far as any man could, bubba. What...