Save the Cat rankings

THE DISASTER ARTIST script analysis

THE DISASTER ARTIST script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Greg Sestero meets the eccentric Tommy Wiseau in acting class, sparking an unlikely friendship. Together they navigate Hollywood rejection, decide to make their own film, The Room, and endure its disastrous premiere. Through persistence and camaraderie, they redefine success on their own terms.

80 Save the Cat fit score 45% analysis confidence / 16 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

50%

Introduces Greg’s humble acting failure and Tommy’s bizarre talent in class.

STOP! Stop! Jesus. That was... Painfully unremarkable.
2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 1 / 5% target

40%

Greg offers friendship and collaboration, hinting that creating your own opportunity is key.

Excuse me. Hey man. My name’s Greg. Greg Sestero. Would you want to do a scene together?
3

Set-Up

Scenes 3-4 / Pages 1-2 / 10% target

40%

Shows both men struggling with critics—Tommy in class and at an agency—establishing their shared outsider status.

4

Catalyst

Scene 5 / Page 2 / 12% target

35%

Tommy pushes Greg to socialize, but Greg prioritizes Amber, showing initial conflict of priorities.

Greg! We must go out tonight! Maybe go dancing or a movie.
5

Debate

Scenes 6-7 / Pages 2-3 / 20% target

40%

Tommy feels isolated at a party and vents frustration in his car, questioning his path.

Anyway, here we are - another shitty day. I don’t know how much more of this I can...
6

Break into Two

Scene 9 / Page 4 / 25% target

45%

On the rooftop, Greg proposes they make their own movie, launching Act Two’s adventure.

Maybe we should make our own movie.
7

B Story

Scene 12 / Page 6 / 30% target

35%

Greg’s relationship with Amber highlights the personal stakes and emotional support in production.

When this is over, let’s get out of here. Take the money you made, start over somewhere.
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 10-11 / Pages 5-6 / 40% target

40%

On set, we see Tommy’s eccentric directing style and tensions with cast and crew.

9

Midpoint

Scene 13 / Page 7 / 50% target

45%

The Room’s premiere becomes a disaster as the audience mocks Tommy’s film, a false defeat.

It’s not true. I did not hit her. It’s bullshit. I did not hit her. I did naaht....
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 14 / Page 7 / 65% target

45%

Tommy’s self–esteem plummets in the lobby; he believes his failure confirms he’s a joke.

They’re laughing at me. Maybe everyone right, Greg. Maybe it’s true. I am a joke.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 14 / Page 7 / 75% target

40%

The harsh laughter feels like the final blow, Tommy ready to give up.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 14 / Page 7 / 80% target

40%

In the lobby’s quiet moment, Tommy questions his dreams and identity.

13

Break into Three

Scene 15 / Page 8 / 85% target

45%

Greg convinces Tommy to embrace the laughter as success and re–enter the theatre.

Look how much fun they’re having. They’re fucking loving it, Tommy. This is what it’s all about.
14

Finale

Scenes 15-16 / Pages 8-9 / 95% target

45%

Tommy and Greg return, celebrate the audience’s reaction, and address the crowd, proving resilience wins.

15

Final Image

Scene 16 / Page 9 / 99% target

50%

Tommy’s triumphant stage appearance mirrors the opening but now shows confidence and acceptance.