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THE IMAGINARIUM OF DOCTOR PARNASSUS script analysis

THE IMAGINARIUM OF DOCTOR PARNASSUS script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Doctor Parnassus’s magical troupe struggles under a Faustian wager, as young Anton navigates love, loss, and temptation while Parnassus fights to save his daughter. The story weaves between real-world performances and surreal mirror worlds, building to a final confrontation with Mr. Nick and a bittersweet reunion.

60 Save the Cat fit score 30% analysis confidence / 74 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

30%

Don witnesses the ghostly, driverless wagon—introducing the film’s magical-realist tone.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 11 / Page 5 / 5% target

30%

Anton hears “Beauty, Truth, Wisdom…” inside the mirror, stating the power—and danger—of imagination.

Beauty, Truth, Wisdom, Justice... without imagination all are dead.
3

Set-Up

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

30%

We meet Parnassus’s troupe, the magical wagon, and the mysterious mirror through Don, Carol, and the town clock.

4

Catalyst

Scene 4 / Pages 3-4 / 12% target

30%

During a back‐street show, Martin chases Valentina through the mirror, plunging characters into another realm.

Doctor Parnassus... as old as time... yes, ladies and gentlemen, more than a thousand years old ... he...
5

Debate

Scenes 4-6 / Pages 4-6 / 20% target

30%

Parnassus and family argue over using the mirror; Martin’s violence and Valentina’s recklessness raise stakes.

6

Break into Two

Scene 7 / Page 6 / 25% target

30%

Lost in the forest, Martin is lured into Mr. Nick’s nightclub, committing the troupe to the devil’s game.

Hi there. C'mon in. Looks like you could use a drink.
7

B Story

Scene 16 / Page 12 / 30% target

30%

Anton and Valentina share a tender moment on the wagon, introducing their romantic subplot.

Look at that moon. I've n-never seen it so b-big. And the stars...It's so c-clear.
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 10-13 / Pages 8-10 / 40% target

30%

A series of mirror journeys—Diego and Anton’s temptations—showcase the Imaginarium’s wonders and perils.

9

Midpoint

Scene 21 / Page 15 / 50% target

30%

Parnassus recounts his medieval wager with Mr. Nick: ten converts for eternal life, raising the central stakes.

Whichever of us won ten converts first, would win the bet... My argument was the importance of the...
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 41 / Page 23 / 65% target

30%

Mr. Nick visits Parnassus with a harsher “first to five” bet, escalating the conflict.

First to five?... You might win. And save her. What do you have to lose?
11

All Is Lost

Scene 49 / Page 28 / 75% target

30%

Parnassus, delirious and defeated, laments “All is lost” as he counts the first loss of five.

This is my punishment. All is lost. First to Five. One down. Impossible, Valentina. First to five. One...
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 51 / Page 29 / 80% target

30%

Anton sits alone amid rubbish, depressed and questioning his faith in the Imaginarium.

13

Break into Three

Scene 62 / Page 32 / 85% target

30%

Tony persuades Parnassus to stage one last show—offering hope to win back Valentina.

Either the style of the show is at fault... or the type of audience. I would suggest changing...
14

Finale

Scenes 67-68 / Pages 36-38 / 95% target

30%

At a charity ball, hidden truths emerge: Anton’s crimes exposed, Valentina’s rescue, and Parnassus’s intervention.

15

Final Image

Scene 74 / Page 42 / 99% target

30%

Parnassus and Percy at a toy stall reflect a humble, hopeful rebirth after their ordeal.