Save the Cat rankings

The Battle of Algiers script analysis

The Battle of Algiers script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

The Battle of Algiers follows the guerrilla tactics and counterinsurgency in occupied Algiers. It opens with a raid sequence, escalates into bombing campaigns and a general strike, and culminates in the tragic siege of Ali la Pointe's hiding place. The film’s structure mirrors Save the Cat beats through organized setups, reversals, and a final tragic payoff.

85 Save the Cat fit score 80% analysis confidence / 95 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

75%

Introduces French paratroopers preparing a raid, establishing the film’s tense tone.

We know where Ali la Pointe is. One of them "spoke" ...
2

Theme Stated

Scene 5 / Page 1 / 5% target

70%

Ali’s refusal to surrender underscores the theme of resistance vs. capitulation.

Ali la Pointe ... the house is surrounded. You haven't got a chance. Surrender. Let the child and...
3

Set-Up

Scenes 6-16 / Pages 1-3 / 10% target

80%

We meet Ali la Pointe in civilian spaces and see the NLF organization planning its first bombings.

4

Catalyst

Scene 10 / Page 2 / 12% target

75%

Ali executes a condemned collaborator, propelling him deeper into violent insurgency.

The NLF has condemned you to death.
5

Debate

Scenes 11-19 / Pages 2-4 / 20% target

80%

French response intensifies while the NLF debates risks of urban bombings.

6

Break into Two

Scene 23 / Page 4 / 25% target

85%

The women plant their first bomb, marking the shift into active insurgency.

7

B Story

Scene 16 / Pages 2-3 / 30% target

70%

Family ties among Djamila, Zohra and Hassiba offer a human counterpoint to the military conflict.

Number three rue de Chêne.
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 24-29 / Pages 4-6 / 40% target

85%

Montage of bombing successes and civilian casualties illustrates the 'fun' of insurgent tactics.

9

Midpoint

Scenes 34-39 / Pages 6-8 / 50% target

85%

The general strike begins, raising the stakes for both sides in a clear midpoint reversal.

To all militants! After two years of hard struggle in the mountains and city, the Algerian people have...
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 47-55 / Pages 8-10 / 65% target

80%

French paratroopers seal off the Casbah and tighten their grip, endangering all NLF cells.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 48 / Page 9 / 75% target

75%

Ben M'Hidi is trapped in his hiding place; it feels like the insurgency may collapse.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 72 / Page 11 / 80% target

80%

Torture montage represents the lowest point of moral and physical despair.

13

Break into Three

Scenes 86-89 / Pages 11-12 / 85% target

80%

Ali readies the final strike team for a suicide stand, preparing for the last act.

14

Finale

Scenes 90-94 / Pages 12-13 / 95% target

85%

The final siege of Ali’s hiding place plays out in tense, tragic detail.

15

Final Image

Scene 95 / Page 13 / 99% target

80%

The collapsed house and officers’ bleak remark underscore the film’s tragic cycle.

Yes, I believe there won't be any more talk of the NLF for some time.