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THE GODFATHER script analysis

THE GODFATHER script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

The Godfather follows Michael Corleone’s transformation from reluctant family outsider to ruthless mafia boss. After the aging Don is targeted, Michael steps in to protect his family, experiences personal losses abroad, and returns to consolidate power. Betrayals and hits lead to Michael’s full assumption of control, ending with his coronation as the new Don.

70 Save the Cat fit score 30% analysis confidence / 61 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

25%

Amerigo Bonasera beseeches Don Corleone for justice, establishing the world of favors and power.

Some day, and that day may never come, I would like to call upon you to do me...
2

Theme Stated

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 5% target

25%

Corleone’s remark about “someday” hints at loyalty and the price of power.

Some day, and that day may never come, I would like to call upon you to do me...
3

Set-Up

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

30%

We meet the Corleone family at the wedding and see Don’s influence in business and personal matters.

4

Catalyst

Scene 4 / Pages 10-12 / 12% target

30%

Sollozzo proposes a narcotics deal, introducing a major threat to the Corleones.

My business is heroin, I have poppy fields, laboratories in Narseilles and Sicily, ready to go into production.
5

Debate

Scenes 9-10 / Pages 12-15 / 20% target

30%

Michael discusses a future with Kay and hesitates over getting involved with family business.

We'll have a quiet, civil ceremony at the City Hall, no big fuss, no family, just a couple...
6

Break into Two

Scene 11 / Pages 15-17 / 25% target

30%

Don Corleone is shot, forcing Michael to enter the family war.

7

B Story

Scenes 8-9 / Pages 10-12 / 30% target

30%

Michael and Kay’s relationship provides the emotional counterpoint to the mafia saga.

And what do you want for Christmas?
8

Fun and Games

Scene 14 / Pages 18-20 / 40% target

30%

Luca Brasi’s meeting and murder by Sollozzo illustrate the violent stakes and Michael’s world.

I need somebody strong to protect my operation, physically. I've heard you're not happy with your family, you...
9

Midpoint

Scene 29 / Pages 25-27 / 50% target

30%

Sonny’s assassination marks a false defeat and raises the stakes for Michael.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 30-31 / Pages 27-29 / 65% target

30%

The family mourns Sonny and negotiates peace, but threats mount around Michael.

Tattaglia has lost a son; I have lost a son. We are quits. Let there be a peace.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 40 / Pages 32-34 / 75% target

30%

Appolonia is killed, leaving Michael isolated and at his lowest point.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 41 / Pages 34-36 / 80% target

30%

Michael vows revenge, wrestling with grief and duty.

Fabrizzio. Let your shepherds know that the one who gives me Fabrizzio will own the finest pastures in...
13

Break into Three

Scenes 42-43 / Pages 36-38 / 85% target

30%

Michael returns to America and reconnects with his father to plan the final move.

Believe in a family; believe in a Code of Honor, older and higher, believe in Roots that go...
14

Finale

Scenes 55-59 / Pages 50-55 / 95% target

30%

Michael orchestrates hits on Tessio, Carlo, and Fabrizzio, cleansing betrayal and seizing power.

You'd better make your call to Barzini; Michael's ready.
15

Final Image

Scene 61 / Pages 56-57 / 99% target

30%

Michael is acknowledged as the new Don, mirroring the opening’s power dynamics but with him in control.