Save the Cat rankings

The Insider script analysis

The Insider script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

The Insider follows investigative producer Lowell Bergman as he uncovers a tobacco industry whistleblower, Jeffrey Wigand, and fights corporate and legal pressure to air his revelations on 60 Minutes. Personal and professional stakes intertwine as Wigand’s family life and Lowell’s journalistic integrity face relentless attacks. After the broadcast is compromised, both men question their choices before ultimately achieving vindication in a last-minute scoop. The film closes on Lowell’s determination to keep pursuing truth.

72 Save the Cat fit score 42% analysis confidence / 74 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

50%

Introduces Lowell on a tense convoy assignment, symbolizing the perilous world of investigative journalism.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 3 / 5% target

48%

Early interview with Sheikh Fadlallah establishes the theme of risking everything for truth and integrity.

Because I think Hezbollah is trying to broaden into a political party right now. So you care about...
3

Set-Up

Scenes 4-8 / 10% target

44%

We meet Jeffrey Wigand’s family and see Lowell receive anonymous tobacco documents, setting up both protagonists and their worlds.

4

Catalyst

Scene 9 / 12% target

46%

Lowell meets Wigand in a hotel room, igniting the whistleblower alliance.

I worked as the head of Research and Development for Brown & Williamson Tobacco Company. I was a...
5

Debate

Scene 12 / 20% target

41%

Wigand confronts Brown & Williamson over a new confidentiality agreement, debating whether to stay silent or speak out.

But I will tell you, Mr. Sandefur, and Brown & Williamson, too... Fuck me? Well, fuck you!!
6

Break into Two

Scene 18 / 25% target

49%

Over sushi in Washington, Lowell and Wigand decide Wigand will go public on 60 Minutes, entering the ‘whistleblowing’ world.

To me? You are not a commodity. What you are is important.
7

B Story

Scene 23 / 30% target

38%

A strained dinner with Liane highlights the toll on Wigand’s marriage, developing the personal B-story.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 24-25 / 40% target

45%

Wigand’s on-camera revelations to Mike Wallace showcase the highs of exposing industry secrets.

The process is known as 'impact boosting...' While not spiking nicotine, they clearly manipulate it. There's extensive use...
9

Midpoint

Scene 24 / 50% target

40%

The formal 60 Minutes interview occurs, raising stakes: success feels possible but risks grow.

10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 31 / 65% target

42%

Security details arrive at Wigand’s home, showing corporate forces tightening their grip.

It's okay. You got your own security now...
11

All Is Lost

Scene 53 / 75% target

47%

CBS executives kill the Wigand interview, representing the darkest betrayal and seeming defeat.

There has been so much soul searching about this Wigand, I've decided we should cut an alternate version...
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 67 / 80% target

44%

Mike Wallace berates Lowell for abandoning Wigand, and Lowell questions his journalistic loyalty.

I never left a source hung out to dry, ever. Abandoned. Not 'til right fucking now!
13

Break into Three

Scene 71 / 85% target

39%

Lowell shifts focus to breaking news on the Unabomber, reigniting his investigative passion and setting up the comeback.

I promised you a three-hour heads-up...well, here it is. Have a camera crew standing by in Helena, Montana...
14

Finale

Scene 73 / 95% target

43%

Lowell steps into CBS master control to report the Unabomber’s arrest, achieving journalistic redemption.

Reporting from CBS World News headquarters in New York, good afternoon. There has been a major break in...
15

Final Image

Scene 74 / 99% target

41%

Lowell quits CBS in the corridor, affirming his commitment to truth over corporate interests.

Everything interests me.