Save the Cat rankings

OZ THE GREAT AND POWERFUL script analysis

OZ THE GREAT AND POWERFUL script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

A small-time magician lands in the fantastical land of Oz and is roped into its civil war. He struggles with self-doubt, forges alliances with Glinda and Theodora, and uses his stagecraft to save the Emerald City. Ultimately he embraces his own courage and chooses to stay as Oz’s new ruler.

78 Save the Cat fit score 82% analysis confidence / 30 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

80%

The drab Kansas prairie and circus establish Oscar Diggs’s mundane, underwhelming life before Oz.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 9 / Page 9 / 5% target

75%

Oz’s question “What’s in it for me?” hints at learning that true reward comes from purpose and selflessness.

What’s in it for me?
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-5 / Pages 1-5 / 10% target

85%

We meet Oz’s failing circus act, his assistant Frank, and Oz’s struggle for respect in a drab Kansas setting.

4

Catalyst

Scene 6 / Page 6 / 12% target

88%

Oz’s impromptu heroic tale of fending off a beast impresses Theodora and draws him toward Oz.

It was nothing. I just... I just fended off a large carnivorous, uh, carnivore -- no big deal...
5

Debate

Scenes 7-9 / Pages 7-9 / 20% target

80%

Oz wrestles with Theodora’s advances, the promise of power, and whether to accept the task in Oz.

6

Break into Two

Scene 8 / Page 8 / 25% target

78%

Oz formally meets Glinda, begins to believe in his mission, and steps into the new world’s politics.

Does it hurt when you do that?
7

B Story

Scenes 6-8 / Pages 6-8 / 30% target

76%

Theodora’s growing affection for Oz provides the emotional subplot and stakes beyond his selfish ambition.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 12-16 / Pages 12-16 / 40% target

82%

Oz rallies the Elves, launches illusions, and leads sabotage missions against the Gnomes and Whimsies.

Sure beats a broomstick doesn’t it?
9

Midpoint

Scene 17 / Page 17 / 50% target

84%

Theodora discovers the failed sabotage and starts to suspect Oz’s half-truths, raising personal stakes.

The Gnomes -- the Whimsies -- they’re fleeing -- they’re gone. Whatever magic Glinda used --
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 18 / Page 18 / 65% target

80%

Evanora orders an all-out attack on Oz’s allies, showing the real power of the villains and cornering our hero.

There you are... To the Enchanted Orchard! Kill everyone you see! Go!
11

All Is Lost

Scene 26 / Page 26 / 75% target

83%

Oz is unmasked and cornered by guards, seeming to lose everything he’s built in Oz.

Wizard? Me? I’m not the Wizard!
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 27 / Page 27 / 80% target

79%

In secret, Oz wrestles with his impostor guilt while preparing one last illusion to save the day.

13

Break into Three

Scene 28 / Page 28 / 85% target

81%

Oz unleashes his holographic show, turning the tide and stepping fully into the role of savior.

14

Finale

Scene 29 / Page 29 / 95% target

85%

Oz and Glinda celebrate victory, the people rejoice, and Oz achieves the triumph he never believed possible.

But... my kiss would kill you.
15

Final Image

Scene 30 / Page 30 / 99% target

88%

Oz’s choice to remain as the Wizard contrasts with his initial reluctance, showing his transformation.

I’m not leaving Oz. I can’t. If I did, you know what would happen here.