Save the Cat rankings

Manhattan script analysis

Manhattan script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Ike, a writer in Manhattan, navigates complicated relationships with friends, ex-lovers, and a new romance. After his friend Yale’s affair is revealed, Ike embarks on a love affair with Mary, only to have it challenged by jealousy and uncertainty. He hits bottom when all his relationships unravel, then rediscovers his values and chases after true love.

70 Save the Cat fit score 12% analysis confidence / 35 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

10%

Dinner argument establishes Ike’s world of witty banter and his intellectual circle.

Tsch. I think the important thing in life is courage.
2

Theme Stated

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 5% target

11%

The debate about courage versus art hints at Ike’s need to act on his heart.

Tsch. I think the important thing in life is courage.
3

Set-Up

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

10%

We meet Ike’s circle: Yale and Emily’s marriage issues and Ike’s career doubts.

Yale...have you ever thought anymore about kids?
4

Catalyst

Scene 2 / Page 2 / 12% target

15%

Yale confesses his affair, shaking up the group dynamic.

I met a woman there. And I-I-I-I've - I've got kind of involved with her. It started out...
5

Debate

Scene 3 / Page 3 / 20% target

13%

Emily and Yale argue about their future and Ike’s involvement, raising stakes.

Yale...have you ever thought anymore about kids?
6

Break into Two

Scene 9 / Page 9 / 25% target

12%

Ike’s dinner with Tracey marks his move into a new romantic possibility.

So I have a chance to go to London and study with - with the Academy of Music...
7

B Story

Scene 8 / Page 8 / 30% target

12%

Ike meets Mary and sparks the secondary love story.

So congratulations on your book. I thought it was terrific.
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 18-23 / Pages 18-23 / 40% target

11%

A montage of romantic country outings shows the joy of Ike and Mary’s affair.

What am I doing? You have to ask what I'm doing? I was kissing you flush on the...
9

Midpoint

Scene 21 / Page 21 / 50% target

13%

They admit pleasure in each other’s company: “I love being in the country.”

I love being in the country.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 26 / Page 26 / 65% target

12%

Mary and Ike fight over Yale, threatening their relationship.

Why? Because you...why? B-B-Because you're preferring Yale to me, that's all. I know that sounds egotistical, but, uh...
11

All Is Lost

Scene 29 / Page 29 / 75% target

14%

Ike realizes his friendships and romances are falling apart in the empty classroom fight.

Look, I love her. I've always loved her.
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 30 / Page 30 / 80% target

10%

Ike records his lonely thoughts, searching for meaning.

13

Break into Three

Scene 32 / Page 32 / 85% target

11%

Over lunch with Emily, Ike reflects on compromise and what matters in love.

You know, it's funny because I can't - I, you know, I'm just a non-compromiser. I mean, I...
14

Finale

Scenes 34-35 / Pages 34-35 / 95% target

13%

Ike races through Manhattan and confronts Tracey, taking decisive action for love.

15

Final Image

Scene 35 / Page 35 / 99% target

12%

Ike pleads “I don’t think you oughta go,” mirroring his initial hesitation but now committed.

I don't think you oughta go. I think I made a big mistake.