Save the Cat rankings

UNTITLED JAMES DONOVAN PROJECT script analysis

UNTITLED JAMES DONOVAN PROJECT script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Brooklyn lawyer James Donovan reluctantly agrees to defend Soviet spy Rudolf Abel, facing public scorn and personal threats. Through courtroom battles and family struggles, Donovan’s principles are tested, leading to a pivotal prisoner exchange in Berlin.

80 Save the Cat fit score 30% analysis confidence / 131 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

30%

Introduces tense FBI stakeout establishing conflict and tone.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 1 / 5% target

30%

Donovan’s quip about billing by the minute hints at his values and the cost of principles.

Take a seat, I’m billing you all by the minute you know.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 3-12 / Pages 1-4 / 10% target

30%

Shows Abel’s arrest, Donovan’s home and work life, and the political stakes.

4

Catalyst

Scene 17 / Page 5 / 12% target

30%

CIA officials reveal Abel’s capture and its national importance.

Our engineers still haven’t been able to explain what went wrong. We think the operative we just caught...
5

Debate

Scene 28 / Page 7 / 20% target

30%

Donovan grapples with Abel’s refusal to cooperate and the case’s difficulty.

I won’t cooperate with the United States government or do anything to embarrass my country just to save...
6

Break into Two

Scene 29 / Page 7 / 25% target

30%

Donovan publicly commits to the assignment at a press conference.

I have agreed to accept this assignment from the New York Bar Association as a public service. It...
7

B Story

Scene 48 / Page 15 / 30% target

30%

Donovan and Mary discuss the moral weight of defending Abel, deepening family stakes.

It’s the right thing to do, Mary.
8

Fun and Games

Scene 39 / Page 9 / 40% target

30%

Donovan debates the case’s meaning in a diner, illustrating his patriotic drive.

I love my country. I value every word of it’s constitution. That’s why I intend to do the...
9

Midpoint

Scene 60 / Page 12 / 50% target

30%

Donovan’s stirring opening statement marks the trial’s emotional peak.

This case is not only extraordinary; it is unique.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 49 / Page 15 / 65% target

30%

Mary receives a threatening blood-written letter, encroaching danger on Donovan’s family.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 75 / Page 18 / 75% target

30%

The jury returns a guilty verdict against Abel, Donovan’s defense seems to fail.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 76 / Page 18 / 80% target

30%

Donovan, lost in thought, confronts the personal cost of his struggle.

13

Break into Three

Scene 80 / Page 19 / 85% target

30%

Donovan brings Abel a letter offering a potential lifeline through a prisoner exchange.

This might be the best way we have of saving your life.
14

Finale

Scene 127 / Page 26 / 95% target

30%

The climactic prisoner swap on the Glienicke Bridge fulfills Donovan’s mission under high stakes.

15

Final Image

Scene 131 / Page 27 / 99% target

30%

Donovan returns to his office to find a gift from Abel, closing on personal reconciliation.