Save the Cat rankings

The Grand Budapest Hotel script analysis

The Grand Budapest Hotel script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

An aging Author recounts the vivid tale of M. Gustave, the devoted concierge of the Grand Budapest Hotel, and his young protégé Zero. When the wealthy Madame D. dies mysteriously, Gustave and Zero embark on a madcap adventure involving a stolen painting, a wrongful murder charge, and a daring prison escape. Along the way, Zero finds love with pastry-maker Agatha, while Gustave battles sinister forces. Ultimately, loyalty, friendship, and a shared vocation shine through as the story closes with reflections on the loss and legacy of both hotel and mentor.

85 Save the Cat fit score 70% analysis confidence / 49 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

60%

Introduces the Author’s grave visit and the hotel key, setting a reflective tone.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 1 / 5% target

65%

The Author muses on the nature of imagination and storytelling, hinting at themes of memory and legacy.

It is an extremely common mistake: people think the writer’s imagination is always at work, that he is...
3

Set-Up

Scenes 3-6 / Pages 1-4 / 10% target

60%

We meet the Grand Budapest Hotel, M. Gustave’s impeccable service to Madame D., and his meeting with Zero.

4

Catalyst

Scene 7 / Page 4 / 12% target

60%

Madame D. prepares to depart, demonstrating her bond with Gustave and foreshadowing her imminent death.

Bring the table to the window.
5

Debate

Scenes 8-11 / Pages 4-8 / 20% target

65%

Zero wrestles with his new role as Gustave’s protégé and the shock of Madame D.’s death.

6

Break into Two

Scenes 12-13 / Pages 8-10 / 25% target

65%

Gustave and Zero decide to travel and confront the suspicious circumstances of Madame D.’s passing.

7

B Story

Scenes 27-29 / Pages 18-20 / 30% target

60%

Mr. Moustafa’s past romance with Agatha unfolds, introducing the love story that parallels the main heist plot.

You see, I never speak of Agatha, because -- even at the thought of her name -- I’m...
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 13-17 / Pages 10-14 / 40% target

65%

A series of comedic escapades: train confrontations, will reading, painting theft, and hiding evidence.

9

Midpoint

Scene 17 / Page 13 / 50% target

70%

The heist succeeds when Gustave and Zero steal the painting in the mansion’s library, raising stakes.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 20-21 / Pages 14-16 / 65% target

70%

Gustave is arrested for Madame D.’s murder; Zero visits him in prison as allies and enemies mobilize.

I knew there was something fishy! We never got the cause of death! She’s been murdered -- and...
11

All Is Lost

Scene 36 / Page 28 / 75% target

65%

Deputy Kovacs is murdered by Jopling, crushing hopes for a fair investigation and rescue.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 37 / Pages 28-29 / 80% target

65%

Inmates escape but Gustave faces despair in captivity, fearing he’s lost everything.

13

Break into Three

Scene 39 / Page 30 / 85% target

65%

Gustave makes the call for outside help, marking a proactive shift toward final resolution.

Operator, get me the Excelsior Palace in Baden-Jürgen and reverse the charges, please.
14

Finale

Scenes 45-47 / Pages 34-36 / 95% target

70%

A climactic shootout and retrieval of the second will resolve the murder charge and recover the painting.

15

Final Image

Scene 49 / Page 37 / 99% target

65%

Back in the lobby, the Author and Mr. Moustafa reflect on the vanished hotel and Gustave’s legacy.

No, I don’t think so. You see, we shared a vocation. It wouldn’t have been necessary. He’s always...