Save the Cat rankings

Rushmore script analysis

Rushmore script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Rushmore follows Max Fischer’s obsessive extracurricular pursuits leading to a romantic infatuation and personal crisis. After academic probation catalyzes his pursuit of Miss Cross, he navigates triumphs and setbacks in both his social life and creative ambitions. Ultimately, a moment of clarity at his mother’s grave propels him to reconcile and achieve catharsis through theatre. The final school dance image bookends his growth.

75 Save the Cat fit score 80% analysis confidence / 21 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

70%

Max impresses classmates with an impossible geometry solution, establishing his genius and outsider status.

Except when the value of the x coordinate is less than or equal to the value of the...
2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Pages 1-2 / 5% target

80%

Blume’s chapel speech on privilege and purpose hints at themes of ambition and belonging.

Now, for some of you it doesn't matter. You were born rich, and you're going to stay rich....
3

Set-Up

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

70%

We learn Max’s talents, locker‐room status, and his admiration of Blume after meeting him.

My name's Max Fischer. I just wanted to tell you, I strongly agree with your views concerning Rushmore.
4

Catalyst

Scene 4 / Pages 3-4 / 12% target

90%

Academic probation threatens Max’s place at Rushmore and instigates his quest for significance.

It entails that if you fail another class, you are going to be asked to leave Rushmore.
5

Debate

Scenes 5-7 / Pages 4-6 / 20% target

80%

Max weighs his merits and insecurities, discussing academic failure with his father and searching the library for meaning.

Do you think I'm stupid?
6

Break into Two

Scene 8 / Pages 6-7 / 25% target

90%

Meeting Miss Cross officially shifts Max into Act II, as he pursues a romantic B‐story.

Sic transit gloria. Glory fades. I'm Max Fischer.
7

B Story

Scenes 5-6 / Pages 4-6 / 30% target

70%

Max’s relationship with Miss Cross begins when he discovers her through a library quote and watches her teach.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 9-11 / Pages 7-9 / 40% target

80%

Max’s play is produced, showcasing his creative successes and escalating ego onstage and backstage.

9

Midpoint

Scene 10 / Pages 9-10 / 50% target

90%

A backstage fight marks a false victory turning point, raising stakes in Max’s artistic and personal conflicts.

What happened to the cannoli line?
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 15 / Pages 11-12 / 65% target

80%

Bullies attack Max on Halloween, symbolizing mounting external pressures and isolation.

Dad. Please. Stay out of it.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 16 / Pages 12-13 / 75% target

90%

Miss Cross resigns and Max’s schemes are exposed, his plan utterly collapsing.

I never took you for an informer, Max.
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 17 / Pages 13-14 / 80% target

80%

Max confronts rejection alone as Miss Cross packs to leave, reflecting on his mistakes.

No. Please, don't come in here. Look. I'm sorry I hurt you. I'm sorry I love your friend...
13

Break into Three

Scene 19 / Pages 15-16 / 85% target

90%

At his mother’s grave, Max and Blume reconcile, giving Max new emotional clarity for the finale.

Oh. Yeah. I was going to try and have that oak tree fall on you.
14

Finale

Scene 20 / Pages 16-17 / 95% target

80%

Max stages the final play scene triumphantly, reuniting relationships and fulfilling his creative arc.

I want you to have something, Sarge.
15

Final Image

Scene 21 / Page 17 / 99% target

70%

The Cotillion dance mirrors the opening’s school setting, showing Max integrated and matured.

Miss Cross, this is my father Bert Fischer. He's a barber.