Save the Cat rankings

Raging Bull script analysis

Raging Bull script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Raging Bull follows depressed middleweight boxer Jake LaMotta battling his own jealousy and self-destruction, from brutal ring matches to violent domestic confrontations, culminating in solitary confinement and a reconciliatory outing with his brother. The script charts Jake’s rise, fall, and partial redemption through 15 Save the Cat beats.

78 Save the Cat fit score 65% analysis confidence / 94 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

80%

Jake rehearses his monologue in a dim dressing room, setting the tone of performance and isolation.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 8 / Page 2 / 5% target

70%

Jake’s frustration at never fighting Joe Louis hints at his obsession with validation and self-worth.

I ain't ever gonna fight Joe Louis, that's what's the matter.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-7 / Pages 2-4 / 10% target

75%

We see Jake’s boxing struggles, family tensions with Irma, and his drinking, establishing his flawed relationships.

4

Catalyst

Scene 2 / Page 2 / 12% target

85%

Jake loses a brutal fight to Jimmy Reeves, igniting his crisis of confidence.

He's got you, Jake! You're outpointed! You're coming up for the tenth. You gotta knock him out!
5

Debate

Scenes 6-11 / Pages 4-7 / 20% target

70%

Jake vacillates about his career and personal life, drinking heavily and forcing Joey to prove his toughness.

6

Break into Two

Scene 12 / Page 8 / 25% target

65%

Jake pursues Vickie outside Irma’s hearing, moving into Act Two with a new romantic focus.

7

B Story

Scene 11 / Page 7 / 30% target

80%

Jake first notices Vickie at the pool, introducing his romantic subplot.

Whadda ya mean, whadda I care? Who is she? What's a matter? You afraid I'm gonna take her...
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 18-24 / Pages 9-12 / 40% target

75%

Jake and Vickie’s courtship scenes provide the promise of the premise—his charm outside the ring.

9

Midpoint

Scene 29 / Page 13 / 50% target

85%

Jake suffers a high-stakes loss to Sugar Ray Robinson, marking a false defeat.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 32-39 / Pages 14-17 / 65% target

70%

Jake’s paranoia, jealous outbursts, and mob pressures intensify off-stage and in the ring.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 48 / Page 18 / 75% target

80%

After the fixed Fox fight, Jake breaks down in tears, feeling betrayed and defeated.

Why did they have to stop it? Why did they have to stop it?
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 63 / Page 21 / 80% target

75%

Jake violently interrogates Vickie, revealing his darkest jealousy and utter isolation.

Do I have to kill somebody to get an answer? I know about you at the Copa. I...
13

Break into Three

Scene 67 / Page 22 / 85% target

70%

Jake endures extreme weight-cutting in the steam bath, recommitting to the fight ahead.

How many pounds I gotta lose?
14

Finale

Scenes 91-92 / Pages 28-29 / 95% target

80%

Jake allows Joey to beat him senseless in the street, a cathartic emotional reconciliation.

Go ahead. Hit me again. I deserve it... Pay me back... More...
15

Final Image

Scene 94 / Page 30 / 99% target

75%

Back in the Barbizon dressing room, Jake rehearses again—still performing alone, but transformed.

You know, I'm not a philosopher or anything like that but I been around a little and the...