Save the Cat rankings

THE AMERICAN script analysis

THE AMERICAN script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

The screenplay follows Jack, a lone assassin, as he navigates isolation, relationships, and the moral cost of his work. Early scenes establish his solitary life in Sweden and his move to Italy, where he balances a budding romance with Clara against his clandestine assignments. As complications mount—with threats from handlers and unintended victims—Jack faces betrayal and loss, leading to his final escape. The story closes on Jack’s lonely journey back into the unknown.

45 Save the Cat fit score 30% analysis confidence / 141 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

40%

Establishes Jack alone at a remote Swedish lake, setting tone and isolation.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 30 / 5% target

35%

Jack mentions his hypersensitivity, hinting at his vulnerability beneath the assassin facade.

Did I forget to mention my electromagnetic hypersensitivity?
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-7 / 10% target

40%

Jack’s routine in Sweden—killings, sabotage, packing—shows his methods and survival skills.

4

Catalyst

Scenes 8-9 / 12% target

45%

Meeting Larry in Rome sets Jack’s next mission in motion.

Jack. What brings you to Rome?
5

Debate

Scenes 28-31 / 20% target

30%

Jack wrestles with local trust—Father Benedetto and townspeople suggest a life beyond killing.

6

Break into Two

Scenes 34-36 / 25% target

30%

Jack decides to investigate Clara’s world, committing to personal connection over isolation.

7

B Story

Scenes 34-36 / 30% target

35%

Introduction of Clara provides emotional counterpoint to Jack’s professional life.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 65-74 / 40% target

30%

Jack’s playful yet tense outings with Clara and Mathilde showcase dual personal and professional pursuits.

9

Midpoint

Scene 93 / 50% target

40%

Jack wakes to find Clara’s gun—stakes rise as his two worlds collide.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 94-99 / 65% target

35%

Tense calls with Larry reveal betrayal risks; surveillance on Clara escalates danger.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 133 / 75% target

40%

Jack kills Larry—his last connection and hope for normalcy is destroyed.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scenes 112-113 / 80% target

40%

Father Benedetto reads Jack’s farewell letter, underscoring Jack’s despair.

Dear Father Benedetto. I promised myself that I would write to you- as your friend- to say goodbye...
13

Break into Three

Scenes 116-119 / 85% target

30%

Jack meets Mathilde to finalize exchange—chooses one last mission over retreat.

14

Finale

Scenes 128-134 / 95% target

35%

Mathilde’s jam, Clara’s escape, Larry’s confrontation—all converge in Jack’s violent resolution and flight.

15

Final Image

Scene 141 / 99% target

45%

Bus emerges from tunnel into daylight, mirroring opening’s isolation but hinting at a new path.