Save the Cat rankings

RED DRAGON script analysis

RED DRAGON script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

FBI profiler Will Graham is recruited from retirement to catch a new serial killer, consulting imprisoned Hannibal Lecktor for insight. As he delves deeper, Graham’s home and family are threatened, pushing him into crisis. With guidance from Lecktor, he confronts the killer in a final showdown and returns to his life with Molly.

70 Save the Cat fit score 12% analysis confidence / 71 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

10%

Introduces Graham in retirement on a Florida beach, setting his peaceful status quo.

I don't want to talk about it anywhere. If you brought pictures, leave them in the briefcase. Molly...
2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 2 / 5% target

10%

Molly and Graham discuss his reluctance to return, hinting at the cost of his gift.

3

Set-Up

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

11%

Crawford recruits Graham, establishes family life and his unique profiling ability with Kevin’s turtle project.

4

Catalyst

Scene 5 / Page 5 / 12% target

10%

Graham arrives at the first Atlanta crime scene, marking the case’s real start.

5

Debate

Scenes 11-13 / Pages 11-13 / 20% target

11%

Graham questions the risk of consulting Lecktor and his own capacity to handle the killer.

... I'm going to see Lecter.
6

Break into Two

Scene 13 / Page 13 / 25% target

12%

Graham commits to seeing Lecktor for help, crossing into Act Two.

... I'm going to see Lecter.
7

B Story

Scenes 16-17 / Pages 16-17 / 30% target

12%

Graham’s relationship with Lecktor begins, paralleling his marriage B-story.

I'm not a doctor. I need to see Lecter in as much privacy as possible.
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 6-10 / Pages 6-10 / 40% target

11%

Graham uses his profiling skills across multiple crime scenes, making breakthroughs.

DID YOU OPEN THEIR EYES? THEIR DEAD EYES?!
9

Midpoint

Scene 17 / Page 17 / 50% target

12%

Graham’s first deep session with Lecktor, heightening stakes and his internal conflict.

That's the same atrocious aftershave you wore in court three years ago.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 34 / Page 34 / 65% target

11%

Lecktor reveals the killer has Graham’s home address, escalating danger.

It says: 'Graham home, 3860 DeSoto Highway, Marathon, Florida. Save yourself. Kill them all. It's your home address,...
11

All Is Lost

Scene 45 / Page 45 / 75% target

11%

Freddie Lounds is abducted and killed, representing the lowest point for Graham.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 48 / Page 48 / 80% target

11%

Graham and Molly reflect on the cost of his work and the threat to their future.

You haven't smoked in two years.
13

Break into Three

Scene 57 / Page 57 / 85% target

12%

Graham turns back to Lecktor for the final insight that will let him find the killer.

I want to help you, Will. You'd be more comfortable if you relaxed with yourself. We don't invent...
14

Finale

Scenes 65-66 / Pages 65-66 / 95% target

11%

Graham and Crawford confront Dollarhyde at his property and resolve the case.

15

Final Image

Scene 71 / Page 71 / 99% target

10%

Graham and Molly reunited on the beach, mirroring the opening image but changed.

Let's forget who said what to whom...