Save the Cat rankings

Man On Fire script analysis

Man On Fire script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

A disillusioned ex–CIA operative, Creasy, is hired to protect a wealthy family’s daughter in Mexico. He forms a bond with the girl, Pinta, until she’s kidnapped and presumed dead, sending him on a relentless mission for justice. Along the way, he confronts corrupt officials and uncovers the conspiracy behind her abduction. In the end, Creasy rescues Pinta but pays the ultimate price.

80 Save the Cat fit score 30% analysis confidence / 71 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

30%

Introduces violent kidnapping outside a church, establishing the world’s danger.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 6 / 5% target

30%

Rayburn urges Creasy to take a job and stick around, hinting that purpose and connection heal.

Take a job, Creasy. Breathe some air. Then decide if you want to... stick around or not.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-5 / 10% target

30%

We learn of Pinta’s prior kidnapping, meet Samuel, Lisa and see Creasy arrive and get detained, setting up his skills and isolation.

4

Catalyst

Scene 8 / 12% target

30%

Creasy is formally hired by Samuel to be Pinta’s bodyguard, launching the story.

5

Debate

Scenes 5-6 / 20% target

30%

Creasy debates whether to stay in Mexico and take a job, wrestling with his purpose.

I'm in a Customs holding tank in Mexico City International. Bring a bunch of cash... about 5K. I'm...
6

Break into Two

Scenes 8-9 / 25% target

30%

Creasy accepts the assignment and steps into the unfamiliar world of domestic protection.

7

B Story

Scenes 9-10 / 30% target

30%

The emotional subplot begins as Creasy meets Lisa and Pinta, sowing seeds of connection and family.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 17-23 / 40% target

30%

Creasy bonds with Pinta through drives, swimming, and gun-fear training, showcasing their growing trust.

The gunshot holds no fear.
9

Midpoint

Scene 30 / 50% target

30%

Pinta’s triumphant win at the swim meet marks the emotional high point and sense of security.

I won, Creasy! I won!
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 37 / 65% target

30%

Creasy is ambushed waiting for Pinta, revealing the kidnapping threat closing in.

Don't die, Creasy, don't die.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 46 / 75% target

30%

Creasy wakes to learn Pinta is dead, the darkest reversal imaginable.

She's dead. Isn't she?
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 49 / 80% target

30%

Confronted by Lisa, Creasy is consumed by guilt and rage, questioning his failures.

You let them take her. She loved you and you let them take her.
13

Break into Three

Scene 50 / 85% target

30%

A vision of Pinta inspires Creasy to rise again and pursue justice.

14

Finale

Scenes 53-59 / 95% target

30%

Creasy methodically hunts down corrupt officials and interrogates them, leading to Pinta’s rescue.

It's all up to you, commandante. Tell me about you and 'The Dreamer'.
15

Final Image

Scene 70 / 99% target

30%

In a poignant bookend, Creasy lies dead in his car, completing his sacrificial arc.

I'm your chauffeur now, Creasy.