Save the Cat rankings

KING KONG script analysis

KING KONG script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Depression-era New York gives way to a dangerous voyage to Skull Island, where Ann Darrow is captured by Kong. Jack Driscoll and Carl Denham lead a daring rescue through prehistoric perils. Kong is brought to Broadway, escapes chaos ensues, and Jack must face the tragic climax atop the Empire State Building.

80 Save the Cat fit score 30% analysis confidence / 104 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

90%

Establishes bleak 1930s NYC at the Central Park Zoo.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 5 / 5% target

70%

Manny’s line “Hey – you’re all I’ve got” hints at themes of loyalty and love.

Hey - you're all I've got.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-10 / 10% target

80%

Introduces Ann’s vaudeville struggles, Denham’s film ambition, and assembling the expedition crew.

4

Catalyst

Scene 12 / 12% target

80%

Denham spots Ann stealing fruit, initiating her recruitment for the film.

5

Debate

Scene 11 / 20% target

60%

Denham and Preston debate the lack of a lead actress and whether the project can proceed.

6

Break into Two

Scene 16 / 25% target

70%

Boarding The Venture marks transition into the unknown world of Skull Island.

Is this the moving picture ship?
7

B Story

Scene 28 / 30% target

80%

Jack and Ann share a romantic moment, establishing their emotional subplot.

I'm writing it for you.
8

Fun and Games

Scene 27 / 40% target

70%

Crew hears legends of Skull Island, playing out adventurous promise.

If someone were to tell you this ship is headed for Singapore, what would you say?
9

Midpoint

Scene 53 / 50% target

80%

The Venture floats free and they realize Ann has been taken, doubling stakes.

Stop! Stop! Turn back, we have to turn back! They've taken Ann!
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 68 / 65% target

80%

Kong’s attack on the log chasm escalates conflict and kills Hayes.

Go back! Back across the log!
11

All Is Lost

Scene 78 / 75% target

60%

Kong’s roar heard by Denham suggests everything is out of control and rescue may fail.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 83 / 80% target

70%

Jack and Ann escape through the wall alone, facing despair as Kong is under attack.

13

Break into Three

Scene 89 / 85% target

50%

Jack watches a play, signaling their return to civilization and last stand preparation.

14

Finale

Scene 101 / 95% target

90%

Naval biplanes attack Kong atop the Empire State Building in the story’s climax.

15

Final Image

Scene 104 / 99% target

90%

Crowds around Kong’s body and Denham’s final line close the tragic circle.

Come on, boys, move on! Show's over! Stay back! Behind the line!