Save the Cat rankings

SOUND OF METAL script analysis

SOUND OF METAL script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Drummer Ruben’s world is upended when he begins losing his hearing, jeopardizing his career and relationship with Lou. He enters a deaf community to adapt, sells his Airstream, and undergoes surgery but struggles with his identity. Ultimately he chooses to reconnect with love over sound.

85 Save the Cat fit score 30% analysis confidence / 54 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

40%

Introduces Ruben and Lou performing energetically, establishing Ruben’s identity as a musician.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 6 / Page 6 / 5% target

35%

Lou sings about love’s limits, foreshadowing Ruben’s challenge of what he’s willing to sacrifice.

And I would do anything FOR LOVE! But I won't do that.
3

Set-Up

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

40%

Shows Ruben and Lou’s partnership in the Airstream, their routine, fears, and bond before conflict.

4

Catalyst

Scene 7 / Page 7 / 12% target

45%

Ruben experiences sudden ringing, signaling the onset of his hearing loss.

5

Debate

Scenes 8-11 / Pages 8-11 / 20% target

40%

Ruben struggles with distorted sound in performances and seeks help, debating next steps.

6

Break into Two

Scenes 18-19 / Pages 18-19 / 25% target

35%

Lou calls Hector and they decide to trust Joe’s facility, committing to Ruben’s treatment.

7

B Story

Scene 36 / Page 36 / 30% target

30%

Ruben meets Diane and the deaf students, beginning his emotional journey in the community.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 34-41 / Pages 34-41 / 40% target

35%

Ruben adapts to communal living, routines, and support group meetings, discovering a new world.

9

Midpoint

Scene 42 / Page 42 / 50% target

40%

Ruben sells his Airstream, a point of no return signaling his full immersion in the deaf community.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 38-41 / Pages 38-41 / 65% target

35%

Internal doubts and community rules challenge Ruben’s desire to control and fix things himself.

So yeah, I’m Ruben and I’m an addict. I’ve been sober for about six years. I’m sorry I...
11

All Is Lost

Scene 45 / Page 45 / 75% target

40%

Ruben debates leaving the program after surgery, feeling he no longer fits either world.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scenes 47-49 / Pages 47-49 / 80% target

35%

Alone in a motel and the hospital, Ruben grapples with his identity and the implant’s promise.

13

Break into Three

Scene 50 / Page 50 / 85% target

35%

Ruben accepts his choice and travels to Paris to find Lou, armed with new resolve.

14

Finale

Scenes 50-53 / Pages 50-53 / 95% target

35%

Ruben reunites with Lou, confronts their fractured relationship, and chooses love over sound.

15

Final Image

Scene 54 / Page 54 / 99% target

40%

Ruben stands in peaceful silence in Paris, having found inner peace beyond hearing.