Save the Cat rankings

THE INFORMANT script analysis

THE INFORMANT script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Mark Whitacre, a high‐ranking executive at ADM, becomes an FBI informant to expose international price‐fixing of lysine, straining his family and sanity. As he records meetings under the bureau’s direction, corporate and marital pressures mount until his cooperation unravels his life, culminating in personal collapse and legal consequences.

75 Save the Cat fit score 3% analysis confidence / 174 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

10%

A sweeping cornfield shot and voiceover introduce Mark’s world and set the tone.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 1 / 5% target

10%

Mark’s monologue about corn ubiquity hints at hidden systems and corruption.

Corn starch. But, Daddy's company didn't come up with that one-- DuPont did...
3

Set-Up

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

10%

We learn Mark’s status at ADM, family life, and the failing lysine plant, establishing his normal world.

4

Catalyst

Scene 9 / Page 5 / 12% target

10%

Mark learns of an extortion attempt by Fujiwara, threatening the plant’s success.

It's not start-up problems like we thought. It's the Japanese. This guy Fujiwara from Ajinomoto, he's been calling...
5

Debate

Scenes 11-14 / Pages 6-8 / 20% target

10%

Mark and Ginger debate involving the FBI and being truthful versus protecting his position.

Whatever you do, Corky, no matter what's going on, just be honest with them and tell the truth....
6

Break into Two

Scene 15 / Page 8 / 25% target

10%

Mark formally meets Agent Shepard and agrees to start recording calls, entering Act Two.

He told me he wanted his payments deposited by wire transfer to numbered bank accounts in Switzerland and...
7

B Story

Scene 6 / Page 3 / 30% target

10%

Mark’s domestic life with Ginger and Alexander provides emotional counterpoint.

There's an opening in Mexico-- they might need me to go down there and get things set up...Alex,...
8

Fun and Games

Scene 25 / Page 12 / 40% target

10%

Mark and Shepard test the wire and begin gathering incriminating evidence against ADM.

I think they might have it bugged. We're safer out here.
9

Midpoint

Scenes 37-38 / Pages 16-17 / 50% target

10%

The FBI formally asks Mark to wear a wire – a point of no return with high stakes.

When they told me to lie, I had to lie. I lied to you guys and I feel...
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 34-36 / Pages 14-15 / 65% target

10%

ADM executives learn of the tap and sever FBI cooperation, isolating Mark.

We've decided that we're not going to be cooperating with any further FBI requests.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 102 / Page 60 / 75% target

10%

Mark’s covert identity is exposed; he’s ostracized and loses control of the investigation.

They know. They know it's me, my lawyer told them.
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 154 / Page 80 / 80% target

10%

Mark attempts suicide in his garage, hitting rock bottom emotionally and mentally.

13

Break into Three

Scenes 150-151 / Pages 78-79 / 85% target

10%

Facing DOJ scrutiny, Mark decides to fully confess all crimes, shifting into the final act.

Listen, I haven't been telling you the whole truth. I'll clear it up in there today.
14

Finale

Scenes 187-189 / Pages 90-92 / 95% target

10%

Sentencing and Whitacre’s recorded apology resolve the legal arc and consequences of his choices.

I appreciate the opportunity to say a few words, it's been a long five years. I apologize to...
15

Final Image

Scene 193 / Page 94 / 99% target

10%

Mark, now free, drives a combine again, returning to the cornfields but forever changed.