Save the Cat rankings

LA LA LAND script analysis

LA LA LAND script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

LA LA LAND follows aspiring actress Mia and jazz musician Sebastian as they chase their dreams in Los Angeles, falling in love and inspiring each other along the way. When setbacks threaten their ambitions and relationship, they must decide between love and career. In the end, both achieve success but at the cost of their romance.

80 Save the Cat fit score 65% analysis confidence / 32 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

70%

A vibrant traffic jam musical sets the tone for dreams versus reality in LA.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / 5% target

60%

Mia’s co-worker reassures her, hinting that perseverance will define success.

Don't worry, it is. I know sometimes it --
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-5 / Page 1 / 10% target

60%

We meet Mia stuck in auditions and coffee-shop drudgery, and Sebastian playing uninspired gigs.

4

Catalyst

Scene 6 / 12% target

70%

Sebastian is fired for playing his own jazz, upending his plans.

I'll stick to the set list, I promise --
5

Debate

Scenes 10-11 / 20% target

60%

After failing her audition, Mia questions if she’s good enough to pursue her dream.

Well when you put it like that it sounds like a huge accomplishment.
6

Break into Two

Scene 7 / 25% target

70%

Mia and Sebastian reconnect by chance, igniting both romance and ambition.

It is strange. Maybe it means something.
7

B Story

Scenes 7-9 / 30% target

70%

Their budding relationship provides emotional stakes and mutual inspiration.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 8-9 / 40% target

60%

They explore LA together—touring the studio lot and a jazz club—experiencing the magic of each other’s worlds.

Most people say they hate jazz because they don't have context.
9

Midpoint

Scene 14 / 50% target

70%

At the Griffith Observatory they share a perfect dance and kiss—love and dreams align.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 10-13 / 65% target

60%

Mia’s audition failures and film break at the theater strain their confidence and relationship.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 13 / 75% target

70%

The movie breaks mid-screening, mirroring their stalled hopes.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scenes 12-13 / 80% target

60%

Mia retreats emotionally after multiple public humiliations and relationship tension.

13

Break into Three

Scenes 28-29 / 85% target

70%

Sebastian delivers news of Mia’s big audition, giving her one last chance.

Because I have good news.
14

Finale

Scenes 30-31 / 95% target

60%

Mia nails the audition and later they envision their future and love at Griffith Park.

You know I'm always going to love you.
15

Final Image

Scene 32 / 99% target

70%

Years later, they glimpse what might have been as Mia visits Sebastian’s jazz club—dreams realized but love transformed.