Save the Cat rankings

REQUIEM FOR A DREAM script analysis

REQUIEM FOR A DREAM script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

The film intercuts three parallel descents into addiction: Sara’s obsession with appearing on television, Harry and Tyrone’s pursuit of easy money through drugs, and Marion’s emotional void. Early character decisions set each on destructive paths, leading to crises that shatter their lives. Ultimately, the characters hit rock bottom in a series of irreversible tragedies, mirrored by the opening and closing images of televised illusion.

40 Save the Cat fit score 12% analysis confidence / 78 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

15%

Opens with Sara’s obsession illustrated by Tappy Tibbons’ TV show before the set is unplugged.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 1 / 5% target

13%

Sara’s line about the TV warns of her compulsive need for media validation.

Harold. Please. Not again the TV.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 3-5 / Pages 1-3 / 10% target

11%

We meet Harry, Tyrone and Marion in their daily lives as Harry and Tyrone pawn Sara’s TV and Marion waits anxiously.

4

Catalyst

Scene 6 / Pages 3-4 / 12% target

14%

The pawning of the TV forces Harry and Tyrone into the drug world.

5

Debate

Scene 8 / Pages 4-5 / 20% target

12%

Harry and Marion question whether drug money can solve their problems while playing skeeball.

Yeah, that’s what I’ll do.
6

Break into Two

Scene 13 / Page 7 / 25% target

13%

They cross the threshold into addiction when entering the supermarket drug scene.

7

B Story

Scene 9 / Pages 5-6 / 30% target

10%

Sara’s subplot solidifies as she obsessively cleans and takes diet pills, deepening her addiction theme.

8

Fun and Games

Scene 15 / Page 8 / 40% target

12%

Harry and Tyrone experience the highs of the drug underworld while waiting for a deal.

Everyone and their mother.
9

Midpoint

Scene 17 / Page 9 / 50% target

14%

The shootout in the loading area marks a major reversal with real danger and stakes.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 20 / Page 10 / 65% target

11%

After the failed deal, Harry and Tyrone confront the consequences and bleak options.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 30 / Page 14 / 75% target

13%

Paramedics arrive for Sara, suggesting her obsession has led to total collapse.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 35 / Page 16 / 80% target

12%

Sara’s admission to the psyche ward represents her nadir of mental ruin.

13

Break into Three

Scene 47 / Page 20 / 85% target

11%

Harry’s doctor visit about his infected arm signals a decision to face the physical cost of addiction.

14

Finale

Scene 64 / Page 24 / 95% target

14%

Harry’s arm amputation and Sara’s continued shock therapy underscore the irreversible price they pay.

We’re taking it off at the shoulder. Let’s move here people, otherwise we lose him.
15

Final Image

Scene 78 / Page 31 / 99% target

15%

Sara hallucinating a game show reunion mirrors the opening TV illusion, showing her broken state.

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