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The Passion of Joan of Arc script analysis

The Passion of Joan of Arc script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Joan is imprisoned and tormented by her captors before being summoned to trial, where she struggles with her faith under pressure to abjure. After renouncing and reclaiming her convictions, she faces execution with unwavering devotion.

60 Save the Cat fit score 70% analysis confidence / 17 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

80%

Joan’s isolation in her cell, arranging a straw cross knocked over by soldiers, visually establishes her plight and faith.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 5 / 5% target

75%

Joan swears on the Gospels to speak only the truth, stating the story’s spiritual and moral stakes.

I swear by the Holy Gospels to speak the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth,...
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-3 / Page 1 / 10% target

80%

The early scenes show Joan’s imprisonment, torment by soldiers, and the summoning that sets the trial in motion.

4

Catalyst

Scene 4 / 12% target

70%

Massieu’s summons marks the irreversible call to trial, forcing Joan into confrontation with her judges.

... that you summon the aforesaid Joan, commonly called the Maid, to appear before us ...
5

Debate

Scene 7 / 20% target

75%

In the torture-chamber interrogation, Joan grapples with doubt and the reality of her visions under judicial scrutiny.

Suppose we were to tell you now that your visions did not - as you believe - come...
6

Break into Two

Scene 9 / 25% target

70%

The public abjuration ceremony thrusts Joan into the new world of public pressure and the demand to renounce.

Joan, for the last time I order you to abjure. Are you willing to sign?
7

B Story

Scene 10 / 30% target

65%

Loiseleur’s plea for her to keep fighting for France introduces the personal/political subplot that contrasts her spiritual journey.

You have no right to die ... you must continue to fight for France ... for the King...
8

Fun and Games

Scene 11 / 40% target

70%

The signing of the confession is a grim performance of compliance, showing Joan navigating the trial’s rituals.

You have done a good day's work today ... you have saved your soul!
9

Midpoint

Scene 13 / 50% target

75%

The haircut and Joan’s exhaustion represent the story’s reversal: her spirit falters and she deeply regrets her abjuration.

Oh, I am so tired, so tired ...
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 14 / 65% target

70%

Joan’s decision to retract her confession brings renewed persecution as the judges are summoned back to confront her defiance.

Go and fetch the judges ... I take back ... I regret ... I have lied ...
11

All Is Lost

Scene 15 / 75% target

75%

Joan’s admission of sin to the judges feels like the lowest point, as she condemns herself and risks immediate execution.

I have committed a great sin ... I have denied God in order to save my life.
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 16 / 80% target

70%

Ladvenu’s preparation for her death forces Joan to confront her mortality and the price of her faith alone.

Joan, I have come to prepare you for death!
13

Break into Three

Scene 17 / 85% target

80%

Joan’s acceptance of death and her final plea to God mark her decision to embrace her fate and spiritual conviction.

Dear God, I accept my death willingly and gladly ... but I entreat Thee, if Thou lovest me,...
14

Finale

Scene 17 / 95% target

75%

The execution at the stake resolves Joan’s journey, showing the ultimate triumph of her faith in sacrifice.

15

Final Image

Scene 17 / 99% target

70%

Joan’s final vision of God as she dies echoes the opening cross motif, bookending her spiritual odyssey.