Save the Cat rankings

The Pursuit of Happyness script analysis

The Pursuit of Happyness script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Chris Gardner, an underemployed salesman and father, struggles to provide for his son while pursuing a coveted brokerage internship. Facing eviction, homelessness, and the failure of his medical scanner, Chris must summon resilience to balance his parental duties with his professional ambitions. His unwavering bond with his son and relentless determination lead him from despair to triumph.

85 Save the Cat fit score 42% analysis confidence / 109 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

45%

Introduces Chris and Linda discussing future plans and their unborn child, establishing the film’s emotional tone.

I’m almost out. One more year. Then I’ll get a good job. And I’ll take care of him.
2

Theme Stated

Scene 12 / Page 6 / 5% target

48%

Chris reflects on “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” articulating the film’s central theme.

And the passage about our right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. For real.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-4 / Pages 1-3 / 10% target

40%

We see Chris’s daily routine—walking his son to daycare and quietly observing him—establishing his loving but precarious life.

4

Catalyst

Scene 8 / Page 4 / 12% target

44%

Chris impresses Jay Twistle by solving a Rubik’s cube in a cab, triggering his introduction to the brokerage world.

No one can. It’s bullshit.
5

Debate

Scenes 15-16 / Pages 7-8 / 20% target

41%

Linda leaves with their belongings and Chris searches for his family and heard from the landlord, forcing him to question his path.

I got to get the rent from you.
6

Break into Two

Scene 17 / Page 8 / 25% target

46%

Jay Twistle calls Chris to invite him to Dean Witter, marking his entry into the internship world.

Do you still want to come by and visit?
7

B Story

Scene 2 / Page 1 / 30% target

38%

Chris’s relationship with his son Christopher deepens, providing the emotional throughline that supports the main plot.

8

Fun and Games

Scene 5 / Page 2 / 40% target

35%

Chris demonstrates his salesmanship and humor on the city bus, using his scanner as a 'time machine' to entertain strangers.

9

Midpoint

Scene 56 / Page 30 / 50% target

47%

Chris and his son sleep in a public bathroom, hitting rock bottom and emphasizing the stakes of his struggle.

You got to shush. Shush.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 61 / Page 31 / 65% target

43%

Chris fights to secure a bed at the shelter, illustrating mounting external pressures and competition.

I got here first. I was here first.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 51 / Page 26 / 75% target

39%

His scanner malfunctions mid-pitch to Dr. Strauk, symbolizing the collapse of his primary hope for financial stability.

Fuck... functioning right now. There was an issue with the light that I tried to--
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 65 / Page 33 / 80% target

42%

Chris breaks down in tears in the shelter room, questioning his ability to succeed.

How are you going to tie your tie?
13

Break into Three

Scene 100 / Page 50 / 85% target

44%

Chris decides to take his son to a hotel for dignity and stability, signaling a strategic pivot toward hope.

Let’s go to a hotel.
14

Finale

Scene 106 / Page 57 / 95% target

47%

Chris is officially offered a brokerage position, culminating in his professional victory.

15

Final Image

Scene 109 / Page 58 / 99% target

45%

Chris and his son sit peacefully on a bench, underscoring the emotional and professional fulfillment achieved.

No... I don’t want to run anywhere for a while.