Save the Cat rankings

RAIN MAN script analysis

RAIN MAN script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Charismatic car dealer Charlie Babbitt learns of his estranged father’s death and discovers a huge inheritance left to his autistic brother Raymond. He kidnaps Raymond to Los Angeles, embarking on a road trip that evolves from exploitation to genuine brotherly love. After winning big at blackjack and emotionally bonding, Charlie fights to keep custody, culminating in a heartrending farewell at the train station.

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

Save the Cat is referenced as a story-analysis framework. SlugDB is not affiliated with Save the Cat or its rights holders.

1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

10%

Introduces brisk automotive world and Charlie’s business persona with a flashy Ferrari unloading.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 6 / 5% target

15%

Charlie admits to his girlfriend that he and his father “hated each other,” foreshadowing themes of familial alienation and reconciliation.

Look, we, uh... hated each other. Actual... hate.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-4 / 10% target

10%

We meet Charlie’s high-stakes business, his self-centered drive, girlfriend Susan, and his impatience under pressure.

4

Catalyst

Scene 6 / 12% target

15%

Charlie receives news of his father’s death while driving, kicking off his quest for inheritance.

5

Debate

Scene 12 / 20% target

12%

Charlie discovers the existence of “Rain Man,” debating whether to pursue this mysterious beneficiary.

Well, mine was named -- what the hell was his name? Rain Man. That's it. The Rain Man....
6

Break into Two

Scene 17 / 25% target

10%

Charlie and Susan drive to the Lynwood Home, crossing into the new world of Raymond’s institutional life.

7

B Story

Scene 27 / 30% target

10%

Charlie formally meets Raymond, launching their evolving brother-brother relationship.

Because... that's why... I'm your... brother.
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 29-42 / 40% target

10%

A montage of road-trip episodes shows Raymond’s savant talents and Charlie’s initial profiteering.

You're almost old enough to be my father. But it feels like you're my... Like you're... my kid.
9

Midpoint

Scene 42 / 50% target

14%

Charlie realizes he feels protective toward Raymond, shifting from exploitation to affection.

You're almost old enough to be my father. But it feels like you're my... Like you're... my kid.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 57 / 65% target

10%

Casino security confronts Charlie about card counting and threatens their budding partnership.

Congratulations, Mr. Babbitt. You've won... let's see... eighty-six thousand three hundred dollars. That's a great deal of money.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 58 / 75% target

10%

Raymond refuses to leave Vegas with Charlie, leaving Charlie stranded and distraught.

If I go... you'll be alone. All alone. Right here. Nobody to help you. No-fucking-body! Do you hear...
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 59 / 80% target

12%

Playing baseball in the park, Charlie apologizes and they emotionally reconcile, but stakes remain uncertain.

I'm saying I'm sorry. And when one guys says he's sorry... the other guy says...
13

Break into Three

Scene 66 / 85% target

12%

Dr. Lenz offers Charlie a big check to walk away, forcing Charlie to recommit and fight for Raymond.

I'm prepared to write you a check. A very... very... big one.
14

Finale

Scene 69 / 95% target

14%

In the custody hearing, Charlie passionately argues for Raymond’s future, showing his transformed priorities.

You're gonna take him away from me, you're in a knife fight!
15

Final Image

Scene 70 / 99% target

15%

At Union Station Charlie tearfully says goodbye as Raymond boards the train, mirroring their emotional journey from estrangement to love.

You could come. On the train.