Save the Cat rankings

WHITE JAZZ script analysis

WHITE JAZZ script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Lieutenant Klein, a morally decayed narcotics cop, is drawn into a corrupt power play involving city council intrigue, mob figures, and federal agents. Haunted by nightmares and his past injuries, he navigates schemes, betrayals, and personal loss while trying to protect a witness and expose conspiracies. Ultimately, he makes a desperate break for freedom after turning the tables on his corrupt superiors.

45 Save the Cat fit score 12% analysis confidence / 86 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

10%

Klein’s reflection in the villa, showing his age, injuries, and moral decay, establishes the story’s tonal “before” image.

I'm old. And all I have left is the will to remember...
2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Pages 1-2 / 5% target

10%

Junior and Klein debate timing and risk mid-fight, hinting that playing by the rules brings more chaos than rebellion.

Mid-fight? Look at the crowd: you wanna be at the center of a riot?
3

Set-Up

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

11%

We meet Klein’s world: his sister’s cottage, nightmares, interrogation methods, and the order to remove a council candidate.

4

Catalyst

Scene 5 / Page 5 / 12% target

10%

Klein kills Sanderline Johnson on a threatening call, igniting federal attention and internal conflict.

DID THAT MUTT JUST JUMP?
5

Debate

Scenes 7-11 / Pages 7-11 / 20% target

11%

Klein debates staying in the force versus reaching out to Hughes’ operative, balancing paranoia and opportunity.

6

Break into Two

Scenes 12-13 / Pages 12-13 / 25% target

10%

Klein formally enters Act Two by intercepting Diskant and blackmailing him for dropping out of the race.

Drop out of the City Council race or I send these pictures to the papers.
7

B Story

Scenes 14-15 / Pages 14-15 / 30% target

10%

Pete Bondurant’s offer from Hughes introduces the personal subplot of loyalty versus redemption.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 22-33 / Pages 22-33 / 40% target

10%

Klein tails targets, spies on Glenda’s fake kidnapping shoot, interviews club figures, and gathers evidence.

Get Lester and get me a scotch straight.
9

Midpoint

Scenes 46-48 / Pages 46-48 / 50% target

11%

After the shoot-out in Tilly’s bedroom and Tommy’s death by a mysterious Packard, stakes rise—Klein is personally implicated.

-YOU SET ME UP YOU COCKSUCKER!
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 50-53 / Pages 50-53 / 65% target

11%

Klein confronts Magdalena family and is rebuked by Bradley, tightening the net of corrupt forces around him.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 64 / Page 64 / 75% target

10%

Watching Wilhite’s suicide feels like Klein’s greatest low point, with no clear path forward.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scenes 66-69 / Pages 66-69 / 80% target

10%

Klein signs the Federal Witness Agreement and reflects on betrayal and the vulnerability of his witness.

Get me Stemmons files and Wilhite's body by noon tomorrow.
13

Break into Three

Scenes 72-74 / Pages 72-74 / 85% target

10%

Armed with evidence against Bradley and fueled by Junior’s betrayal, Klein prepares to confront his corrupt boss and former allies.

14

Finale

Scenes 96-99 / Pages 96-99 / 95% target

11%

Klein exacts revenge—killing Ainge and blackmailing Bradley—before being beaten under orders, then escaping.

Dead. Along with Wilhite, Junior...and Hector Magdalena.
15

Final Image

Scene 105 / Page 105 / 99% target

10%

Older Klein reflects again at the villa, bookending the story with his lasting scars and lonely survival.