Save the Cat rankings

KISS, KISS, BANG, BANG script analysis

KISS, KISS, BANG, BANG script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

A wise-cracking private eye stumbles into a high-profile murder mystery when he finds a corpse in his bathtub. As he navigates Hollywood glitz, kidnapping, and double crosses, he reluctantly partners with an ambitious producer and the victim’s daughter. Betrayals mount until a final shootout on an overpass forces him to fight for redemption and the truth. In the end, he emerges battered but victorious, having solved the case and won back his integrity.

75 Save the Cat fit score 80% analysis confidence / 31 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

70%

Harry’s self-intro and the lavish Hollywood party establish tone and setting.

It's hard to believe it was just last Christmas that me and Harmony changed the world. We didn't...
2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 2 / 5% target

60%

Harry’s flirtation with a woman hints at themes of deception and the price of fame.

3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-3 / Pages 1-3 / 10% target

80%

We meet Harry’s small-time thievery life and his partner Richie before they botch a toy-store robbery.

4

Catalyst

Scene 5 / Page 5 / 12% target

80%

A mysterious woman shoots Richie, forcing Harry into a deadly situation.

5

Debate

Scene 6 / Page 6 / 20% target

70%

Harry hesitates when Dabney Shaw unexpectedly casts him in an audition, questioning his path.

Um... beat on me all night. You want me to give up my client, you can go spit.
6

Break into Two

Scene 7 / Page 7 / 25% target

90%

Discovering a corpse in his tub propels Harry into Act Two and the central mystery.

7

B Story

Scene 14 / Page 14 / 30% target

80%

Harmony reveals her sister’s past, introducing the emotional throughline and Harry’s connection to her.

I said, 'Someday, baby, you'll go to Hollywood, and meet your famous real Daddy.'
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 10-12 / Pages 10-12 / 40% target

80%

Harry and Perry’s bungled body disposal and car-chase antics deliver the movie’s promised humor and hijinks.

9

Midpoint

Scene 20 / Page 20 / 50% target

90%

They discover Harlan Dexter’s shocking connection to the crime, raising the stakes significantly.

That's fucking Harlan Dexter, he's 25 years younger, look.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 21 / Page 21 / 65% target

80%

Harry is confronted and nearly killed, showing the criminals tightening their net.

Aaahhh...! Oh, shit, OH JESUS you tore it off, you tore off my FUCKING FINGER!!
11

All Is Lost

Scene 23 / Page 23 / 75% target

70%

A pink-haired thief steals Harmony’s SUV, leaving Harry unconscious and alone.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 24 / Page 24 / 80% target

80%

After a violent shootout, Harry and Perry doubt their ability to save Harmony and crack the case.

13

Break into Three

Scene 25 / Page 25 / 85% target

80%

Harry wakes in a garage and witnesses another murder, steeling his resolve to stop the killers.

Hey. You still around, tough guy? Got a gun, I see. Damn. You are tough.
14

Finale

Scenes 27-28 / Pages 27-28 / 95% target

90%

In a climactic overpass shootout, Harry kills his attackers and reunites with Harmony.

There. All done. Finished.
15

Final Image

Scene 31 / Page 31 / 99% target

70%

Harry emerges from the hospital stronger, having solved the mystery and redeemed himself.