Drive Shooting script
Content
DRIVE
Written by Hossein Amini
Based on the novel by James Sallis
Final Shooting Script Green Revisions Yellow Revisions Pink Draft Blue Draft White Production Draft
– – – – – –
11.22.10 09.24.10 09.22.10 09.17.10 08.26.10 07.23.10
1
INT. CAR ENGINE - NIGHT.
1
We’re close on a maze of metal rods, tubes, and wires. It’s only as we pull out that we realize it’s the engine of a car. Over the image we hear a voice talking on a phone. DRIVER O/S ...hundred thousand streets in this city, you don’t need to know the route. You give me a time and place, I give you a five minute window. Anything happens in those five minutes I’m yours, no matter what. Minute either side you’re on your own. Understand? Good. As the engine ignites and roars to life we DISSOLVE TO: 2 INT. LOW RENT APARTMENT/ KOREATOWN/ L.A. - NIGHT. 2
* * * *
A map of downtown L.A. spread out on a bed, dozens of different routes marked in pencil. The voice continues DRIVER O/S You won’t be able to reach me on this phone again. DRIVER hangs up the phone. He folds his map of LA and slips it in his duffel bag. A few clothes and other essentials are neatly packed inside. He zips the bag shut and takes one last look at a cheap TV set. On screen, a movie is playing. On a radio, the LA Clippers are taking a pounding from the New York Knicks. 3 INT. UNDERGROUND PARKING LOT/ APARTMENT/ KOREATOWN - NIGHT. 3 * *
Driver strides through a dimly lit car park, carrying his duffel bag. A YOUNG COUPLE emerge from their car after a late night out. Driver lowers his eyes, avoiding their gaze as he makes his way towards a sleek 1970’s Chevelle 4 INT/EXT. DRIVER’S CAR/ ALVARADO - NIGHT. 4
The Clippers-Knicks game plays on the car radio now. Driver is only half listening, focused on the road. We see his face in the passing neon lights. Feline good looks. Impassive blue eyes. Something almost melancholy in his unwavering gaze. He drives carefully, letting other cars overtake. 5 EXT. APARTMENT BUILDING/ ECHO PARK - NIGHT. 5
Driver glides into the parking lot of another low-rent apartment block.
Green Revisions
11/22/10
2
6
INT. UNDERGROUND CAR PARK/ APARTMENT/ ECHO PARK - NIGHT. Clutching his duffel bag Driver heads towards the car park elevator. Hurrying out in the opposite direction he sees a pretty GIRL in her 20’s wearing a waitress outfit. Their eyes meet briefly, before Driver walks on.
6
7
INT. APARTMENT/ ECHO PARK - NIGHT.
7
Driver heads down the hallway and unlocks the door to his new apartment. It’s not all that different from his last one. Clean, sparse, and anonymous. He doesn’t even bother to walk in. He tosses his duffel bag inside and locks the door again. 8 9 OMITTED INT. SHANNON’S GARAGE/ SILVERLAKE BOULEVARD - NIGHT. 8 9 *
SHANNON, the owner of the garage, has a distinctive limp. Driver follows him past rows of vintage cars. SHANNON ...Plain Jane like you asked for but I dropped 300 horses inside. You look like a zombie. You get any sleep? As Shannon grins we feel the familiarity between them. SHANNON I can offer you some Benzedrine, Dexedrine, Caffeine, Nicotine? Oh, I forgot. You don’t smoke. They head past more cars -- Fords, Dodges, Buicks -- until they arrive at a plain looking Impala. SHANNON There she is. Chevy Impala. Most popular car in the state of California. No one will be looking at you. Driver casts his eyes over the unimpressive vehicle then holds out his hand for the keys. * * * * * * *
* * *
Green Revisions
11/22/10
3
10
INT/EXT. SILVER IMPALA/ TOY DISTRICT/ DOWNTOWN L.A. - NIGHT. 10 The basketball game Driver’s behind the of dingy toy stores 9:50. He checks his is approaching the end of the third quarter. wheel of the Impala now, cruising past rows on 3rd Street. He glances at his watch. It’s mirror then turns into a side street. 11
11
INT/EXT. IMPALA/ ELECTRONICS SUPERSTORE/ DOWNTOWN - NIGHT.
A vast electronics superstore dominates the deserted street. Under the pale yellow glow of the street lamps, Driver sees signs advertising a ‘huge blow out weekend sale’. He pulls over, making sure he has a good view of the entrance. On the radio, the basketball commentator is getting more excited. BASKETBALL COMMENTARY ...This is some comeback from the Clippers! Only a few minutes ago they looked dead and buried!... Driver reaches under the seat and pulls out a small handheld scanner. He switches it on, tuning it to the right frequency. Crackling police dispatches are interspersed with the basketball commentary now. POLICE SCANNER ...9 Adam 81, what is your current location?...Repeat, what is your current location?... BASKETBALL COMMENTARY ...Another unbelievable three pointer from Davis and the Clippers are within five!... Out of the corner of his eye Driver sees two MEN approach. He doesn’t react, expecting them. They cut through the fence with bolt cutters and approach the main building. Driver watches them pull on their masks, then one of them takes out a shotgun and blasts the lock to the front door. Instantly the alarm shrills. The only thing Driver does is to turn on his stop watch. BASKETBALL COMMENTARY ...Time out Knicks... The stop watching keeps ticking away, the siren blaring, the commentary continuing, the police scanner crackling. The storefront is hidden in shadow, impossible to tell what’s going on inside. Driver looks at his stop watch. Almost three minutes. One of the masked men emerges now, carrying a duffel bag. He hurries over and gets in the back of Driver’s car without a word. There’s no sign of the other robber.
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
11
CONTINUED:
4 11
The commentary continues, so does the crackling on the police scanner. Four minutes. Still no sign of the second armed robber. His companion in the back starts to look nervous, wondering what’s happened to his partner. Driver doesn’t betray a hint of nerves. Four and half minutes on his stop watch. Thirty seconds more and he’s on his way. Suddenly the second robber appears from the shadows, running as fast as he can to the getaway car. He jumps into the back seat a few seconds short of five minutes and Driver screeches off. 12 INT/ EXT. SILVER IMPALA/ STREETS/ DOWNTOWN - NIGHT. 12
Driver thunders over the 1st Street bridge towards Boyle Heights, then eases his foot off the gas, slowing to a steady speed. In the back seat the two armed robbers rip off their masks, looking pumped up with adrenalin. Driver studies them in his rear view mirror, then swerves right on Mission Street as his police scanner crackles to life. POLICE SCANNER ...Attention all units...211...Superstore on Traction Avenue...Suspects headed Eastbound on 1st Street...Driving a Silver Impala... Driver swings sharply into 4th Street now, crossing the L.A. River again, heading back in the same direction he came. POLICE SCANNER ...Airships dispatched...Downtown and Boyle Heights...All units standby. Repeat, all units standby... Up ahead, the lights of Downtown L.A. glitter against the night sky. Hovering between the neon green glow of the skyscrapers Driver sees the red and white glint of a police helicopter. He switches off his headlights, turning left on Santa Fe Avenue. 13 INT/EXT. IMPALA/ALLEYWAYS/INDUSTRIAL AREA/DOWNTOWN - NIGHT. 13
The armed robbers watch in tense silence as Driver weaves in and out of the industrial alleyways with his lights switched off. It’s as if he’s trying to find his way out of the maze or probing to see if there’s anyone out there. POLICE SCANNER ...1 Baker 11, headed south on Boyle Avenue...No sign of suspects...Repeat, no sign of suspects... The armed robbers look relieved when suddenly a police car glides past at the end of the alleyway, its lights also off. (CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
13
CONTINUED:
5 13
It’s like catching a glimpse of a passing shark’s fin. Driver taps the brakes gently, his car sliding to a stop. He stays there a moment, then eases the Impala forward, turning in the same direction as the black-and-white. 14 INT/EXT. IMPALA/ LA RIVER INDUSTRIAL AREA/ DOWNTOWN - NIGHT. 14 It’s a high-risk strategy but Driver follows the black-and-white at a distance, hidden in the darkness, knowing other squad cars won’t be checking the same route. The police car makes its way through the dimly lit industrial zone, unaware it’s being shadowed. Driver turns his car radio up a whisper. BASKETBALL COMMENTARY ...And for the first time in the game the Clippers have the lead. 71 to 69. Seven to go in the Fourth here at the Staples Centre... Driver turns the sound back down. Up ahead, the police car swings left, disappearing from view. Driver slows down too, anticipating the next obstacle. He doesn’t have long to wait. In the distance he suddenly sees the piercing beam of a police chopper’s search-lights, sweeping the area one more time. Driver floors the gas, speeding straight towards the approaching helicopter. The armed robbers are too stunned to protest. They just sit there, watching the sweeping searchlights getting closer and closer. Then suddenly it becomes clear what Driver’s doing. Up ahead, there’s a small underpass below the 7th Street bridge. Driver slides the car under the safety of the bridge just before the chopper’s searchlights spot them. 15 INT/EXT. IMPALA/ UNDERPASS/ LA RIVER INDUSTRIAL AREA - NIGHT. 15 The roar of the helicopter thunders overhead. The underpass is crammed with dirty mattresses and shopping carts. Sleeping HOBOS can be seen under dirty blankets. Driver waits for the echo of the helicopter to fade, then moves forward again. 16 INT/EXT. IMPALA/ OLYMPIC BOULEVARD/ DOWNTOWN - NIGHT. 16
Gloomy yellow street-lamps shine down on the industrial zone. Rows of delivery trucks are parked outside the meat-packing factories. Driver cruises cautiously down the deserted street. The crackling of the police scanner and the droning of the basketball commentary add to the tension. Finally up ahead he sees car-lights streaming back and forth on Broadway. DRIVER Get down... (CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
16
CONTINUED:
6 16
The armed robbers lie flat on the back seat, paying Driver more respect now. 17 INT/EXT. IMPALA/ BROADWAY/ DOWNTOWN - NIGHT. There’s a steady flow of traffic on Broadway. Driver falls in behind the other cars. On the radio, the basketball game is still playing. BASKETBALL COMMENTARY ...Three thirteen left on the clock. Dunleavy calls a time out and it’s the Clippers by one... The passing head-lamps light up Driver’s face. There’s not a trace of emotion in his eyes -- even when he spots a patrol car approaching in the opposite direction. BASKETBALL COMMENTARY ...Buckle up your seat belts Clippers fans. This game really is too close to call... The two cars pass each other slowly. Driver sees the cops in the Black-and-White peering at the Impala as they head past. He turns down the basketball game and focuses on the scanner. POLICE SCANNER ...This is 1 David 16...Silver Impala headed South on Broadway and Pico...Couldn’t get a look at her license plates...Appears to be only one occupant... In the back seat, the armed robbers wait nervously for the police dispatch to respond. POLICE SCANNER ...1 David 16...why don’t you check her out... As soon as he hears this Driver swerves sharply into the next street. 18 INT/ EXT. IMPALA/ SIDESTREET OFF BROADWAY/ DOWNTOWN - NIGHT. 18 Driver guns around the block now, building up speed. POLICE SCANNER ...This is 1 David 16...We lost the suspect somewhere between Broadway and Grand...Possible evasive action...Request airship and additional units... 17
Green Revisions
11/22/10
7
19
INT/ EXT. IMPALA/ WEST PICO BOULEVARD/ DOWNTOWN - NIGHT.
19
Driver bursts out onto Pico now. A squad car headed in the opposite direction slows down as it sees him but is caught up in the flow of traffic, unable to turn round and give chase. POLICE SCANNER ...1 David 11...suspect headed West on Pico... Driver threads his way through the vehicles in front of him, so smooth and effortless it’s hard to tell how fast he’s going. He glances up as he hears the dull rumble of a police chopper overhead. The helicopter is almost directly above him, swinging its search-beam back and forth to get a lock on his position. Driver pushes the car as fast as it will go, but there’s no way of outrunning the chopper. Blue light floods the asphalt around him as he guns down Figueroa. POLICE SCANNER All units...pursuit in progress...silver Impala...Headed North on Figueroa... Even now Driver doesn’t panic, turning his attention back to the basketball game. BASKETBALL COMMENTARY Thornton pulls up from behind the arc, misses. Rebound New York. One eighteen to play... Driver swerves sharply towards the sparkling lights of the Staples Centre. 20 INT/EXT. IMPALA/ STAPLES CENTRE/ PARKING LOT - NIGHT. 20
The terraced parking lot looms up ahead. A sign above the barrier says ‘Season Ticket Holders Only’. Driver punches in a ticket and roars into the parking lot. 21 INT. IMPALA/ STAPLES CENTRE PARKING LOT - NIGHT. 21
The Impala screeches from one level to the next. With a game going on, the parking lot is almost full. Finally Driver pulls into a free parking space. BASKETBALL COMMENTARY ...Thirty seconds remaining and all the Knicks have to do is run out the clock... Driver glances in his side mirror. Behind him, dozens of FANS are already streaming out into the parking lot before the game is over, hoping to avoid the inevitable traffic. (CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
21
CONTINUED: BASKETBALL COMMENTARY ...Gordon back to Davis...Davis for three...This is unbelievable!...
8 21
The jubilant commentary continues, but Driver isn’t listening anymore. The game has served its purpose. More fans flood into the parking lot. Dozens of cars pull out of their places. BASKETBALL COMMENTARY ...What a remarkable comeback...Outplayed for most of the game, the Clippers have shown incredible resilience... Driver glances at the armed robbers and nods. It’s time. They climb out of the car, merging in with the crowd. Driver watches them disappear, then slips on a Clippers cap, climbs out of the Impala himself and heads out. 22 EXT. STAPLES CENTRE/ DOWNTOWN L.A. - NIGHT. 22
*
Outside the parking lot, the police are waiting, stopping anything that looks like an Impala, shining their flashlights into the windows. Wearing his Clippers cap, Driver calmly walks past them, making his getaway. DISSOLVE TO: 23 EXT. FILM SET/ SAN PEDRO/ LOS ANGELES - DAY. 23
*
Driver’s face is fixed ahead, sunglasses hiding his eyes. As we PULL OUT we see to our surprise that he’s wearing a policeman’s uniform. It’s only as we pull out further that we see several other ‘POLICE OFFICERS’ sitting in the same fold up chairs, reading car magazines and scripts as they’re powdered by MAKE-UP GIRLS, and realize we’re on a movie set. 24 EXT. FILM SET/ SAN PEDRO/ LOS ANGELES - DAY. 24 *
Shannon is discussing a car stunt with another AD, using two toy cars on the hood of a cop car to demonstrate the danger.
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
24
CONTINUED: SHANNON This is not what we talked about. We talked about a skid. Now you’re talking about a pit manoeuver and a rollover. A.D. This is exactly what we talked about. It’s what we need. It’s what the director wants. Look, I’ve got 10 other guys.... Driver heads off, disinterested in the negotiations. SHANNON A high risk stunt like that’s worth at least a thousand five. AD They won’t go higher than a thousand. SHANNON Done. A thousand dollars. I want to see a smile on your face for the first time in 15 years. For all his charm we sense something of the hustler about Shannon.
9 24 * * * * * * * *
* * *
25
EXT. CRAFT TABLE/ FILM SET/ SAN PEDRO/ LOS ANGELES - DAY.
25
Driver approaches a buffet table laid out with food. He’s about to help himself when JACK, the caterer, stops him. JACK Sorry, that’s for the director... 26 INT/ EXT. FILM SET/ SAN PEDRO - DAY. Driver returns without food. SHANNON I managed to get them up to five hundred. Driver doesn’t seem to care, focussed on the job. 26A EXT. FILM SET/ SAN PEDRO/ LOS ANGELES Driver sits in a chair getting fitted with the Handsome Mask 26A * * 26 * *
Green Revisions
11/22/10
10
26B
INT/ EXT. POLICE CAR/ FILM SET/ SAN PEDRO/ LOS ANGELES Ad Driver get’s strapped in (wearing the mask) an 2nd AD comes over with some paperwork. 2ND A.D. Before I put you on camera, I’m gonna need you to sign this contract. It releases us from liability in the event that you die or get maimed. Just initial it there. Thanks. And good luck to you. Driver floors the gas, screeching out of the alleyway. He swerves between several oil drums then straightens up on the main road. In his rear view mirror he sees a black Dodge Charger appear on cue, bearing down on him. Driver slows to forty, like he’s supposed to, but the black Charger keeps coming at speed.
26B
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Driver’s eyes stay fixed on his rear view mirror, judging the other car’s speed and angle of approach to perfection. The Charger slams into the back of Driver’s car at sixty miles an hour, hitting him just above the left rear wheel. Driver’s reactions are quick as lightning, counter-steering as his Black-and-White goes careening off the road. He keeps the car upright long enough to slow it down before it finally flips end over end. Up ahead, the Charger skids to a showy stop. We got it! ASSISTANT DIRECTOR Let’s move on! * *
Some clapping and cheering breaks out, but most the crew couldn’t care less, returning to their cell-phones and shot lists. 26C INT/ EXT. POLICE CAR/ FILM SET/ SAN PEDRO 26C
* *
Shannon seems interested in Driver, limping over and helping him out of his battered Black-and-White. SHANNON You good? He’s good! Hey Frank! How’d you like that? Nicely done. You might want to keep that mask on. It’s an improvement. (CONTINUED) * * * *
Green Revisions
11/22/10
26C
CONTINUED: Driver pulls the mask off
10A 26C * 27A * * 27
27A
EXT. NINO’S PIZZERIA/ SUNSET BOULEVARD - DAY. Establishing shot of Nino’s Pizzeria.
27
INT. NINO’S PIZZERIA/ WESTWOOD - DAY.
A New York style pizza-by-the-slice restaurant. A WAITER takes a delivery of Chinese food at the door and carries it over to a table where Shannon is sitting with an old friend, BERNIE ROSE. WAITER Here’s your food, Mr. Rose. (Taking out the white boxes) Egg rolls, chicken chow mein, five flavor shrimp and Peking duck. BERNIE ROSE Where are the chop sticks? WAITER Looks like the guy forgot them. From the way the waiter hurries off we get a sense of Bernie’s power and authority. He turns back to Shannon, resuming their conversation. Shannon lights a cigarette. BERNIE ROSE What are you doing? I’m eating. out. Put it He *
* *
* * * * * *
Shannon looks around for an ash try but can’t find one. puts the cigarette out on his cigarette box.
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
27
CONTINUED: BERNIE ROSE ...You run a perfectly good business. Why would you want to change now? SHANNON You know how much my business made last year? Thirty Grand. Takes me six months to build a car and a couple of seconds for these jerks to write it off on a stunt that doesn’t even make it into the movie.
11 27
Bernie shakes his head but clearly has a soft spot for Shannon. BERNIE ROSE How much do you need? SHANNON Let me talk you through it first. BERNIE ROSE That sounds like a lot. SHANNON Doesn’t have to be. The big money teams burn through three, four million a year but that’s ‘cause they’re using half a dozen test drivers and a stable of cars. BERNIE ROSE I don’t know anything about car racing but I assume there’s a reason for that? SHANNON Sure, but doesn’t have to be that way. All I need is a hard-used stock car. We start off with the small-town action then work our way up. There’s close to two thousand events out there and once we make the Show we’re talking millions. BERNIE ROSE ‘Millions’? SHANNON There’s a fortune to be made. Sponsorship. TV deals. We’ll even name the team after you. Bernie Rose Enterprises. We’ll paint a big rose on the side. Bernie looks at his friend in mild exasperation then turns away as the waiter returns with a handful of chop sticks. WAITER Excuse me, here’s the chopsticks. (CONTINUED) * * *
* *
Green Revisions
11/22/10
27
CONTINUED: (2) BERNIE ROSE Where’s the cookie? Never mind Javiar, just go get the cookie and read me the fortune.
11A 27 * * *
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
27
CONTINUED: (3) Bernie waits for the waiter to leave then continues. BERNIE ROSE You still haven’t given me a number? Shannon hesitates but only for a second. SHANNON Four hundred and thirty thousand dollars. Bernie Rose can’t help grinning at his nerve. Fuck you. SHANNON Look, I wouldn’t come to you unless I was sure about this. BERNIE ROSE Come on, Shannon. How can you be sure? What have you got these big money teams don’t have? SHANNON I got a driver. BERNIE ROSE And they got half a dozen Drivers you told me. SHANNON Not like this one. This kid is special. He stares at his friend with quiet conviction. SHANNON I been working with this guy a long time I’ve never seen anything like it. I had the money I’d back him myself... Bernie Rose considers him quietly. BERNIE ROSE But you don’t have the money. SHANNON Everything I own is in metal. I had to sell my Bullit car the other day just to pay the gas bill. I’m telling you, Bernie, put this kid behind a wheel there’s nothing he can’t do. BERNIE ROSE
12 27 *
* *
*
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
27
CONTINUED: (4) BERNIE ROSE And what happens to my money if this kid gets hit by a bus? SHANNON There’s no bus.
13 27
* * *
They’re interrupted by a big bull of a man with a gruff voice. NINO What are you doing eating Chink food in my restaurant? BERNIE ROSE What are you doing running a pizzeria? It’s officially inedible. What do you make it with, wood? NINO It’s the fucking water in this fucking hick town. Shannon smiles, intimidated by Nino, giving up his seat respectfully. Nino doesn’t even acknowledge him. BERNIE ROSE Stop taking it from the toilet. remember Shannon? You
* * * * * *
* * *
NINO (Barely a glance at Shannon) Take a hike. I need to talk to my partner. BERNIE ROSE Be nice. I invited him here. NINO Oh, I’m sorry. How you doing, Shannon? How’s the fucking leg? SHANNON I paid my debt. Bernie senses things are only going to get worse and dismisses Shannon gently. BERNIE ROSE I’ll think about it but I want to meet your guy first... Shannon gets up to leave and slides a peice of paper across the table.
*
* *
* *
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
27
CONTINUED: (5) SHANNON I’ll leave you some materials. BERNIE ROSE No, don’t leave me anything. Mail it. (To waiter) Javiar! Wrap this up, I want to take it to go.
13A 27 * * * * * * * 28
28
INT. ELEVATOR/ APARTMENT BLOCK/ ECHO PARK - DAY.
Driver stands in the elevator as it climbs slowly. It reaches the ground floor then the doors slide open. Driver finds himself face to face with the pretty girl he saw the other night. She looks a little startled to see him, then recovers
*
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
28
CONTINUED:
14 28
She joins him in the elevator, carrying a grocery bag with some milk and Fruit Loops cereal. DRIVER What floor? Four Driver presses the fourth floor button even though it’s already lit. The doors shut and the elevator starts to climb. Driver stares out quietly. Irene takes a glance at him, feeling awkward in the silence. She looks relieved as the elevator doors finally open. Driver steps aside to let her out first. Thanks 29 INT. CORRIDOR/ APARTMENT/ ECHO PARK - MORNING. Driver and Irene walk down the corridor in the same direction, only a few feet apart. She seems more aware of his presence than he is of hers. She reaches the door to her apartment first. Driver looks at her just long enough not to seem impolite, then continues down the corridor, not even glancing back. 30 EXT. SAUGUS SPEEDWAY - DAY. 30 29 IRENE * IRENE * *
*
Bright sunlight. In the distance we see a trail of dust moving across the flatland. Everything is silent, then slowly the hum of an engine rises as the stock car turns towards us. It shimmers in the heat waves, the noise of its engine getting louder as it picks up speed. Shannon stands with his friend Bernie Rose at the edge of the makeshift track, staring at the glittering car with its colorful signage advertising everything from Snickers to Cheerios. BERNIE ROSE You’re gonna have to tell me if that’s fast or slow. I got no idea... Shannon smiles to himself. SHANNON It ain’t slow... * *
Green Revisions
11/22/10
15
31
INT. RACE CAR/ SAUGUS SPEEDWAY - DAY.
31
Even in the cramped space of the roll cage there’s something effortless about the way Driver controls the car. His eyes are fixed in concentration, his body tensing only slightly as he lifts his foot off the gas and turns the wheel. 32 EXT. SAUGUS SPEEDWAY - DAY. 32
The glinting vehicle is lost in a cloud of dust, then reappears again, moving even faster now. The STOCK CAR’S OWNER, a bearded hot-rodder with a t-shirt that says, “Drive it like you stole it”, joins Shannon with a confident smile. STOCK CAR OWNER Told you she was a beauty... SHANNON (Playing hard to get) We’ll see... Bernie Rose pays no attention to their banter, his eyes fixed thoughtfully on the stock car as it finally slows to a stop. 33 EXT. RACE CAR/ SAUGUS SPEEDWAY - DAY. The car comes to a stop. SHANNON Wanna meet him? BERNIE ROSE Bring him over here. Driver climbs out of the car. As he looks up he sees Shannon limping over with the stock car’s owner. STOCK CAR OWNER Nothin’wrong with that. SHANNON Getting a little loose in the corners. Nicely done , Kid, for what you had to work with. STOCK CAR OWNER Beat the fastest lap by half a second.... DRIVER Needs more casters in the left front. The spindle’s driving it to the ground. It needs to lift up... 33 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
*
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
33
CONTINUED: SHANNON (dragging him away) I wnat you to meet someone. (referring to owner) Don’t say anything nic about the car. I want to get the price down... They walk over to Bernie who stands at the rail. SHANNON Kid, I want you to meet Bernie Rose. BERNIE ROSE (holding out his hand) Nice to meet you. DRIVER My hands are a little dirty. BERNIE ROSE So are mine...
15A 33 * * * * * * * * * * *
*
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
33
CONTINUED: (2)
16 33 * * * * * * * * *
He gives Driver a big grin and a warm handshake, sizing him up. Driver smiles politely, gazing back at him. Bernie’s still studying him. BERNIE ROSE Nice driving. Thanks. back? Sure.... Driver goes back over to the car SHANNON (to Bernie) So...what d’ya think? get the 400 grand? BERNIE ROSE I’ll give you three for seventy percent... SHANNON Balls! We’ll make it work. you see the Rose! 34 INT. SUPERMARKET/ ECHO PARK - DAY. Wait till 34 We DRIVER (turning to Shannon) Can I go SHANNON
* * * * * * * * * *
Tinny supermarket music plays in the background. Driver walks past the vast selection of instant coffee brands, bemused by the choice. Suddenly he notices something out of the corner of his eye. At the far end of the aisle his pretty neighbor, Irene, is browsing through the confectionery section. Standing next to her is a young boy of six or seven, (BENICIO). He grabs a multi-pack of snickers and puts it in Irene’s shopping basket. Irene calmly picks it out, replaces it on the shelf, and takes a single snicker bar for him instead. As Driver watches them, the boy turns around and notices him. Driver heads down another aisle before Irene sees him too, keeping to himself to himself. 35 EXT. CAR PARK/ SUPERMARKET - DAY. 35
Driver heads out of the supermarket with a small bag of groceries when he spots Irene and Benicio again in the car park. Irene sits in a battered Oldsmobile, trying to start the engine. She tries several times then gets out in frustration, opening the hood and peering at the engine she has no idea how to fix. Benicio peers in too, trying to be helpful.
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
35
CONTINUED:
17 35
Driver hesitates, all his instincts telling him to continue to his car and drive away, but as he feels Irene’s increasing frustration he can’t help himself, finally heading over to help. Irene looks over and sees him coming, surprised at first, then smiling. We watch from a distance as they talk now. 35a INT. ELEVATOR/ APARTMENT BLOCK/ ECHO PARK - DAY. Driver, Irene and Benicio stand in silence in the elevator, Driver clutching some of Irene’s grocery bags. 36 INT. IRENE’S APARTMENT/ ECHO PARK - DAY. Driver carries Irene’s grocery bags into the kitchen for her. Irene rushes through the apartment picking up the mess. DRIVER Where do you want me to put these? IRENE In the kitchen. Thank you. IRENE I’ll be a second... She walks out of the room, leaving Driver alone with Benicio. Benicio puts on a scary mask. The little boy stares at him fixedly. 36a 37 OMITTED INT. IRENE’S APARTMENT - DAY. Benicio’s still staring at Driver. 36a 37 36 * * * * * * * * * 35a
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
37
CONTINUED:
18 37 *
Scary....
DRIVER Want a toothpick?
* * * * * * * *
Benicio nods and takes the toothpick and wanders away IRENE Glass of water? Sure. Irene hands Driver a glass of water. IRENE You just move to LA? DRIVER No, I been here a while. IRENE Just new here? Yeah. IRENE (A gentle smile) Too many questions, huh?... Driver smiles back awkwardly, not sure how else to respond. Irene switches on the TV for Benicio, sitting him down on the couch. Driver has a sip of water, glancing around the room. He notices a few photographs on a side table. Most of them are of Benicio and Irene, but one of them shows the little boy standing next to a strikingly handsome Latino man. Irene turns around and sees him looking at the picture. IRENE That’s Benicio’s father. Driver takes in the significance of this, then looks back at her. DRIVER Where is he?? IRENE He’s in prison. (CONTINUED) DRIVER DRIVER
* *
* *
Green Revisions
11/22/10
37
CONTINUED: (2) IRENE (Changing the subject) What do you do? Driver hesitates. I drive. DRIVER
18A 37
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
37
CONTINUED: (3) IRENE Like a limo driver? DRIVER No, for the movies... IRENE Like a stunt guy? He nods, a little embarrassed. IRENE Isn’t that dangerous? He seems thrown by her concern. DRIVER It’s just part-time. Mostly I work in a garage. Where? DRIVER Reseda Boulevard. DRIVER I should go. IRENE
19 37
*
*
* *
He catches the disappointment in her eyes, but she covers it with another good humored smile.
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
37
CONTINUED: (4) IRENE Well, thank you. DRIVER Thanks for the water. She takes his empty glass and walks him to the door. IRENE (to Benicio) Say Bye. Bye. BENICIO
20 37 * *
* * * * 38
38
EXT/INT. STREET/ DRIVER’S APARTMENT/ ECHO PARK - DAY.
Passing traffic roars by on the busy street. Irene and Benicio are walking home from the bus stop, chatting happily. They look like they’ve just come back from the beach, Irene carrying a basket full of towels, Benicio clutching a dusty soccer ball. Driver watches them from the window of his apartment, blowing gently on a cup of coffee. 39 INT/ EXT. DRIVER’S CAR/ HOLLYWOOD BOULEVARD - NIGHT. 39
The reflection of passing neon rolls down the Camaro’s windscreen. Driver’s cruising down Hollywood Boulevard, shut off from the world outside, listening to ‘Purple Rain’. The HOOKERS and HIPSTERS have taken over the streets while up above airbrushed movie stars stare down from their lofty billboards. 40 EXT. PARKING LOT/ MINI MALL - MORNING. 40
It’s early morning and Driver’s been driving all night, unable to sleep. He heads across the parking lot towards a garishly lit mini-mall. Up ahead a small group of GANGBANGERS are hanging out with intent. They see him coming and look over intimidatingly. Driver’s only reaction is to bunch his car keys in his hand, the longest key sliding between his second and third fingers like a weapon. The gangbangers don’t see it but the unflinching look in his eyes unnerves them and they look away, letting him pass. 41 EXT/ INT. BUFFALO BAR AND GRILL/ LA - MORNING. Jukebox music plays in the bar and grill. Driver sits on his own, working his way through a plate of bacon and eggs. Driver looks up and sees a burly REDNECK with an unkempt beard and a wrestler’s physique. The redneck slides into the seat opposite him. * 41
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
41
CONTINUED: BEARDED REDNECK You’re Shannon’s buddy, right? We met last year. You drove me and my brother back from Palm Springs...
20A 41
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
41
CONTINUED: (2)
21 41
Driver stares into the redneck’s coked-up eyes, then looks back down at his food. BEARDED REDNECK Next run we hired another wheelman - I spent six months in jail, my brother got himself killed... Driver doesn’t seem to hear him. BEARDED REDNECK I got a sweet job coming up... DRIVER I’m not interested in talking to you so shut your mouth before I kick your teeth down your throat and shut it for you Driver looks up quietly, fixing him with his icy gaze. The Redneck’s smile slowly fades. He considers his response for a moment, then decides against it, standing up. BEARDED REDNECK Well, it’s good to see you again... Driver carries on eating as if the man didn’t exist. 42 EXT. FORECOURT/ SHANNON’S GARAGE - DAY. 42 * * * * * * * * *
Driver has his car up on a hydraulic lift and works on the brakes. A tow truck pulls into the driveway carrying Irene’s Toyota. The Driver, Irene and Benicio get out. Shannon limps over. He takes one look at the owner, then runs his hand through his white hair, breaking into a friendly smile. SHANNON Ray of sunshine on a rainy day. Shannon. I’m Irene. SHANNON And who’s this? IRENE This is Benicio. SHANNON What can I do for you? IRENE It just broke down. (CONTINUED) IRENE I’m
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Green Revisions
11/22/10
42
CONTINUED: SHANNON That’s usually the case when you show up on a tow truck. Like me to take a look? (yelling to his guys) Move the Galaxy out of bay three. (to Driver) Hey Kid, we’re gonna push ‘er into number three. Driver turns around in surprise. He comes over.
21A 42 * * * * * * *
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
42
CONTINUED: (2) Hi... Hi... DRIVER IRENE
22 42 *
A mischievous smile lights up Shannon’s face as he watches them. SHANNON You know each other? IRENE We’re neighbors. SHANNON Neighbors....that’s nice. Driver ignores the sly look in the old man’s eyes. Don’t SHANNON (to Irene) We’re gonna take a look. If it starts to rain you can duck into my office. 43 INT. SHANNON’S GARAGE/ SILVERLAKE BOULEVARD - DAY. Shannon’s got his tool kit out, examining the Toyota as Irene watches. Benicio wanders over to Driver. They get into a staring contest. Benicio cracks up. DRIVER You blinked. You owe me a dollar. BENICIO Let;s go again. Benicio blinks first. DRIVER Now you owe me another dollar. quit while you’re ahead? Want to 43 DRIVER * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
BENICIO (looking at the car) That thing won’t work. What? DRIVER
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
43
CONTINUED: BENICIO That car. It looks old. It’s got no tires. It’s all bruised up there. DRIVER I drove it here today....
22A 43 * * * * *
Green Revisions
11/22/10
23
44 45
OMITTED INT. SHANNON’S GARAGE/ SILVERLAKE BOULEVARD - DAY. Meanwhile in Bay Three Shannon works on Irene’s car SHANNON You from around here? Yeah. SHANNON Me, I’m from the midwest. Can’t get used to all the dry heat. What do you do? IRENE I waitress. SHANNON Yeah? That’s good honest work. place I know? Denny’s SHANNON I love Denny’s. Well, you know, we specialize in picture cars, for the movies. Oh. IRENE I’m sorry. He didn’t say... IRENE Any IRENE
44 45
*
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
SHANNON Don’t worry about it. I like a good puzzle. Well, we start with the simple things first, but it looks like your battery’s good...holding a charge. Alternator’s getting juice. Belts aren’t slipping. I checked the fuses, they’re okay. I can’t really seem to locate what the problem is. It might take a day or two. Can you leave the car with me for a few days? IRENE Ummmm, yeah... can I call a cab from here? SHANNON Wait a minute. What am I thinking? You and the Kid are neighbors. He can take you home. (CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
45
CONTINUED: IRENE I feel bad. He’s working.. SHANNON Don’t give it a second thought. He’s be happy to do it. He’s a good guy. He walked into my shop about 5 or 6 years ago, out of the blue, and asked for a job. I put him to the test, saw what he could do and offered him a job at half the wages. (yelling to Driver) Hey Kid, come over here. (continuing to Irene) Been exploiting him ever since. Don’t tell him. Driver and Benicio come over. SHANNON Bit of a problem...I can’t locate it. We’re gonna have to keep her car here for a few days so I offered your services. Can you give them a ride home? You kmow what? It’s a slow day. Take the rest of the day off. DRIVER Sure. But I gotta put wheels on my car. You got a few minutes? SHANNON (to Irene) we’ll see you in three weeks. Just kidding. I’ll put the Kid on it. He’ll find it.
23A 45 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* *
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
45
CONTINUED: (2)
24 45 *
46
INT/ EXT. DRIVER’S CAR/ LA RIVER - DAY. Driver, Irene and Benicio drive through the city. turns to Irene. DRIVER Wanna see something? Yeah. Driver takes them to the LA River. IRENE Driver
46 * * * * * * *
The car roars along the drainage canals. In the passenger seat Benicio looks tense but exhilarated. The car glides past a landscape of abandoned shopping carts, garbage bags, and shredded tires, picking up speed all the time. 47 EXT. LA RIVER - DAY. 47 * * * *
Driver’s parked the car now in an area of the drainage canal which looks like an oasis. He, Irene and Benicio head into a shady area. Benicio throws rocks, Irene and Driver skip stones across the water. 48 49 OMITTED 48
INT. BENICIO’S BEDROOM/ IRENE’S APARTMENT/ ECHO PARK - NIGHT. 49 Cradling the sleeping Benicio in his arms Driver lays him on his bed. Irene takes off her son’s clothes and puts on pyjamas, careful not to wake him. Driver slips out of the uncomfortable with the intimate moment between mother and down his room, son. 50
50
INT. LIVING ROOM/ IRENE’S APARTMENT/ ECHO PARK - NIGHT. Irene walks out of the bedroom, smiling at Driver gratefully. IRENE That was good. He had a great time...
*
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
50
CONTINUED: DRIVER I’m glad...
25 50
He stares back at her in the silence, both of them looking a little uncertain. IRENE I’m sorry if I put you on the spot, you know, just showing up like that... DRIVER Don’t worry... Their eyes stay on each other, the attraction palpable. Driver finally breaks the tension, making a tentative move towards the door. Irene opens it for him, looking up into his eyes. Driver knows he could kiss her, wants to, but something inside holds him back. Instead he just offers his help. DRIVER I’m not doing anything over the weekend....if you need a ride. 50a 51 52 53 OMITTED OMITTED OMITTED EXT. SHANNON’S GARAGE/ SILVERLAKE BOULEVARD - DAY. 50a 51 52 53 * * * * *
The roar of machinery. We see quick shots of Driver’s day in the garage -- fixing cars, taking out some fruit he’s left to ripen in his tool box for lunch, working on more engines and frames. At the end of the day Driver and Shannon examine the stock car. SHANNON ...I still can’t believe I bought this piece of shit... Kid, we’re on our way!
*
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
53
CONTINUED: He grins, looking at Driver. SHANNON I figure maybe we’d take her for a test run Thursday or Friday. DRIVER I can’t on Friday. SHANNON Yeah? Why’s that? DRIVER I have to take Benicio to the dentist Wow. (Teasing him) You’re seeing quite a lot of those two lately. DRIVER You’re taking a long time to fix her car... SHANNON
26 53
*
*
* * * *
54
INT. LIVING ROOM/ IRENE’S APARTMENT/ ECHO PARK - NIGHT.
54
On the TV, a Japanese cartoon is playing, a masked hero confronting the villains, the screen flickering from color to black and white. Driver and Benicio sit on the couch, watching the cartoon. From their relaxed body language it’s clear some time has passed and they know each other a little better. DRIVER Is he a good guy or a bad guy? BENICIO He’s a good guy DRIVER How do you know? Irene is getting ready in the bathroom. The doorbell suddenly rings. Irene enters to open it to CINDY, A YOUNG WOMAN who’s sitting for Benicio. The phone rings. Irene goes to answer it. Hi... Hello... DRIVER YOUNG WOMAN (IRENE’S FRIEND) * * * * * * * * * * * *
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
54
CONTINUED: BENICIO Hi Cindy... Irene’s friend heads past Driver and scolds Benicio affectionately. IRENE’S FRIEND Guess what time it is? It’s 7:30. Teeth. Pajamas. TV off. Cindy drags Benicio off to the bedroom
26A 54 * * * * * * * * *
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
54
CONTINUED: (2) IRENE (on phone) Hello?...Yes?...Yes, this is she...
27 54 * *
Driver sees the look of surprise on Irene’s face as she listens to the voice on the other end. Driver looks back at Irene now. She puts down the phone, forcing a smile but still looking distracted. 55 INT/ EXT. DRIVER’S CAR/ ECHO PARK - NIGHT. 55
*
Irene sits next to Driver in the passenger seat, staring out of the window at the glittering fountain in Echo Park.
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
55
CONTINUED: She looks at Driver, watching him quietly, then looks away again. IRENE That was my husband’s lawyer on the phone. He’s coming home in a week.
28 55 * *
*
She tries to sound casual. Driver takes the news quietly, even though it hits him like a sledgehammer. DRIVER That’s great... Driver knows she’s trying to explain herself but doesn’t say anything, driving in silence. Up ahead the traffic lights turn red and the car slows to a stop. Inside, the silence is unbearable. Irene pauses, then looks at Driver. He’s even more handsome in the shadowy half-light, something achingly lonely and melancholy about his stillness. She hesitates, then moves her hand towards his, brushing the back of his hand, then slipping her fingers between his. The gesture is tiny but charged with emotion. They both stare out in silence, fingers clasped, then Irene gently withdraws her hand, as if nothing’s happened. Outside the lights change to green. 56 INT. IRENE’S APARTMENT/ ECHO PARK - SUNSET. 56 *
The sound of laughter. A sign over the door says, Welcome home Dad. Inside the apartment there’s a small party going on.
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
56
CONTINUED:
29 56 * * * *
Irene’s husband, STANDARD, has been released from jail and his FRIENDS and FAMILY are here to celebrate. STANDARD (to Benicio) Turn the TV off. Thanks everyone, for coming..even though I know it’s probably for the food not me.. His self-deprecating humor gets a chorus of laughter and agreement from the guests. Irene is standing next to her friend Cindy, looking a little uncomfortable. STANDARD I know we’re celebrating. But there’s a lot of shame in what I’ve done. I have a lot of making up to do, to all of you. Second chances are rare and worth celebrating. He raises his glass to Irene. STANDARD I want to make a toast to that lady over there. I love you Rini, Salud. Now eat! More applause. Irene stares back at Standard’s handsome face, feeling even more uncomfortable. 57 INT. DRIVER’S BEDROOM/ APARTMENT/ ECHO PARK - SUNSET. 57
* * * * * * * *
Driver sits in his apartment, working on a carburator, listening to the sound of the party echoing down the corridor. 58 INT. IRENE’S APARTMENT/ ECHO PARK - NIGHT. 58
*
It’s nighttime and the party’s getting louder. Standard’s on the phone to someone, trying to hear them over the music. STANDARD I’m sorry, I can’t hear you...Speak up! He heads into the bedroom to take the call. The voice on the other end is accented and unfriendly. MAN’S VOICE ON THE PHONE Can you hear me now, you cunt? Standard pauses, looking concerned. Yep. STANDARD * *
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
58
CONTINUED: MAN’S VOICE ON THE PHONE You’re gonna come see me tomorrow, you understand?...
30 58
Across the crowded room, Irene is looking for Standard. She sees him in the bedroom, switching off his phone, and heads over. STANDARD Just let me know when and where. He gives her a warm smile. IRENE Who was that? STANDARD My parole officer. 59 INT. DRIVER’S BEDROOM/ APARTMENT/ ECHO PARK - NIGHT. 59 * * * *
The noise of the party is finally too much for Driver. He gets off the bed and slips on his jacket. 60 INT. APARTMENT/ CORRIDOR/ ECHO PARK - NIGHT. 60
Irene is finding the party overwhelming too. She heads out into the corridor to have a cigarette when she sees Driver across the hallway, locking the door to his own apartment. She hesitates, then calls out. Hey... He turns around and sees her standing there with a smile. IRENE I’m sorry about the noise. DRIVER I was going to call the cops. IRENE I wish you would. Their eyes stay on each other, the music pounding in the background. * * * IRENE
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
60
CONTINUED:
31 60 *
Another awkward silence, so much she wants to say but can’t. Suddenly she turns around as she hears her apartment door open. Standard stands there with Benicio, holding a bag of trash. He pauses, then smiles. STANDARD That the neighbor? He grins at his wife, then looks over at Driver, his smile not hiding what he feels inside. STANDARD Hey man, how you doing? Ben told me a lot about you. You’ve been coming around, helping out. That’s real nice of you. Driver seems unsure how to respond. DRIVER You’re welcome. Standard rests his hand gently on Benicio’s head, still staring at Driver. STANDARD You drive for the movies? Uh huh. STANDARD Must be pretty good? Yeah. DRIVER DRIVER
* *
* * * * * *
* *
* *
*
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
60
CONTINUED: (2) He’s still smiling but there’s a slight edge to his voice. Irene looks uncomfortable. IRENE I can take that. STANDARD No, we got it. Let mommy talk to her friend. His eyes are still fixed on Driver. STANDARD Have a good night.
32 60 *
* * *
* * *
He slips his arm around his son now and continues down the corridor, brushing past Driver on his way to empty the trash. Driver looks at Irene, then heads off in the same direction as Standard and Benicio to take the elevator. The two men stand there in charged silence, one emptying the trash, the other waiting for the elevator, only Benicio oblivious to the tension. 61 EXT/ INT. DRIVER’S CAR/ LA - NIGHT. 61
Brooding movie stars look down from the billboards. Driver is in his car now, soft rock playing on the radio. 62 63 OMITTED EXT/ INT. DRIVER’S CAR/ LA - DAY. Anonymous streets roll by, Driver’s eyes fixed on the road. 62 63 *
Green Revisions
11/22/10
33
64 65 66
OMITTED OMITTED INT. SHANNON’S GARAGE/ SILVER LAKE BOULEVARD - DAY.
64 65 66
*
A noise of hammering and drills. The corporate signage has been scraped off the race car and the seats ripped out. Bernie Rose has bought his partner Nino to the garage to take a look at his investment. NINO ...We paid three hundred fucking grand for this piece of shit? BERNIE ROSE I paid for it. Out of my own pocket. This is just the shell. You start with the shell, then you build the frame, then the engine. (Pointing to an engine nearby) I paid three hundred for that. It’s the inside that counts, not the outside. Right, Shannon? SHANNON That’s correct. NINO Fuck that shit. If I’m gonna blow three hundred I wanna make sure everyone can see it. Shannon smiles nervously, worried Nino’s going to sabotage his deal with Bernie. NINO (Pointing to a Thunderbird) ...Now this is one fine motherfucking pussymobile, motherfucker. BERNIE ROSE Why don’t you buy it? Shannon sell him the car...(aside to Shannon) He couldn’t find pussy in a whorehouse At the far end of the garage Driver hears them laughing, too busy working on his car to pay any attention. Shannon opens the door of the Thunderbird and invites Nino to take a seat. SHANNON This car will make even you good-looking. * *
* * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * *
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
66
CONTINUED: NINO I’m already good-looking, pal SHANNON Sit in it, you’ll feel like a king. Just don’t touch anything.
33A 66 * * * *
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
66
CONTINUED: (2)
34 66 *
He sits heavily in the car and starts prodding and pressing all the control buttons as if he wants to break them. NINO (breaking off a knob) What does this fucking thing do? SHANNON Jesus, Mary and Joseph. I asked you not to touch anything. You wana drive it? I’ll get the key. You’re sitting in a classic ‘55 T-Bird. NINO How about this little clit? I don’t know whether to fuck it or drive it. Fuck it, I’ll drive it... Bernie Rose shakes his head at his partner’s foul language then looks away, observing Driver quietly. Driver applies a blow torch to his car, so absorbed in his work he doesn’t hear Bernie Rose approach. BERNIE ROSE O/S How you doing?... Driver hears him standing up respectfully. Bernie Rose gives him a friendly smile. BERNIE ROSE So, when’s our first race? DRIVER Pretty soon. BERNIE ROSE You gonna be ready? There’s something gently challenging in his gaze. DRIVER I hope so... BERNIE ROSE Cautious man. Like myself. Don’t wanna make promises you can’t keep... Driver smiles but doesn’t respond. Bernie Rose finds him as hard to talk to as everyone else. Across the garage, Nino sits in the T-Bird with Shannon, still fucking with him. Bernie watches them. (CONTINUED) * * *
* * * *
Green Revisions
11/22/10
66
CONTINUED: (3) BERNIE ROSE He ever tell you how we met? Driver shakes his head, no. BERNIE ROSE I produced some movies back in the 80’s. Action films. Sexy stuff. Kind of European, at least one critic said. Shannon arranged the cars for us and did all the stunts. I knew he was overcharging me but I loved having him around. Then for his next business venture, he got involved with some of Nino’s friends. They didn’t like the overcharging part. They broke his pelvis. He never had much luck...you probably knew that, right.
34A 66 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
35
CONTINUED: * * * He’s about to continue when they’re interrupted by a familiar voice. Hey!... Driver turns around and sees Irene’s husband, Standard, heading towards him with a confident smile. STANDARD You got a minute? I want to BERNIE ROSE You see two people talking here? Bernie Rose barely raises his voice but it’s full of quiet menace and authority. Standard pauses, stung, but instinctively senses this is someone you don’t mess with. STANDARD Yeah, sorry. I’ll wait outside... Bernie Rose watches him leave with a look of contempt, then turns back to Driver with a smile, resuming their conversation. BERNIE ROSE Good, keep me abreast of your whereabouts, please. (back to Driver) The reason I’m telling you this is because he’s got a lot invested in you. So do I... Their eyes stay on each other with just a hint of tension. BERNIE ROSE Anything you need just let me know... I want to win, ok? Go back to work. Make it go faster! I’m excited! Driver nods. Bernie Rose studies him a moment, then finally walks away. 67 EXT. SHANNON’S GARAGE/ SILVER LAKE BOULEVARD - DAY. 67 * * * * * * * STANDARD O/S
Driver joins Standard in the forecourt of the garage, the midday sun blazing down on them.
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
67
CONTINUED: STANDARD Irene said me you fixed our car. How much do we owe you? DRIVER Don’t worry about it. STANDARD Why shouldn’t I worry about it? Driver senses the quiet pride in his voice, and lets it go. DRIVER OK, pal, call it fifty.
36 67 * *
*
*
Standard counts out some bills from his tattered wallet, his eyes lowered. STANDARD Here’s sixty. You sell cars here? I guess.. STANDARD I was thinking of trading her in for a new car. Something fast and cheap. Got anything like that? DRIVER You should really talk to Shannon. It’s mostly for the movies. There’s some Crown Vics in the back.. STANDARD Let’s see ‘em. They start to walk toward the back of the lot STANDARD You think I’m an asshole? DRIVER I wouldn’t know. STANDARD Well, I am. I am an asshole, eight months inside for holding somebody else’s stolen shit...Almost lost my family for it. So I am an asshole. You trying to fuck my wife? In front of my kid? What’s that make you? DRIVER * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * *
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
67
CONTINUED: (2) Driver stares back at him when Shannon emerges from the garage with Bernie Rose and Nino, calling out. SHANNON Hey, kid! Come say goodbye, the money people are leaving!...
37 67 *
Driver and Standard stare at each other a moment longer then Driver breaks off. DRIVER (Gesturing to a Crown Victoria) is, you want it? Fuck off. Driver walks off, leaving Standard alone with his thoughts. Shannon watches Standard curiously as Driver approaches. Driver hands Shannon the money Standard gave him. SHANNON What’s this from? That guy? Who’s he? DRIVER Irene’s husband. SHANNON (Grinning) What did I tell you about married women? 68 OMITTED 68 * * * * STANDARD Here it * * *
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
68
CONTINUED:
38 68 *
69
OMITTED
69
*
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
69
CONTINUED:
39 69 *
70 71 72
OMITTED OMITTED INT/ EXT. DRIVER’S CAR/ UNDERGROUND CAR PARK - NIGHT.
70 71 72
* *
As Driver descends into the darkness of the car park, he sees a group of SHADOWY FIGURES walking in the opposite direction, heading up the ramp, one of them being pushed in a wheelchair. Their leader, a large, balding man, (COOK), glances in Driver’s direction then looks away. Driver cruises past the mysterious group and winds his way further down the car park. Suddenly he notices something else in the shadows. A figure lies sprawled against one of the pillars. A smaller figure kneels a few feet away. Driver stops his car now, climbing out to see what’s happened. The prone figure groans in pain. As Driver approaches he realizes it’s Standard. His face is covered in blood and he clutches his ribs. STANDARD Bennie? It’s OK. Don’t be scared. I don’t even know who those guys were. I think they were confused. Don’t tell mommy. It’s a little secret between the boys, OK? Standard, seeing Driver approach. Oh shit. DRIVER You alright? Sure? The smaller figure is Benicio. He stares at his father helplessly, then looks up at Driver in tears. Driver kneels beside Benicio, picks him up Standard raises his head painfully and looks at his son. Benicio clings to Driver. Driver extends a hand to help Standard up. STANDARD
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
72
CONTINUED: .
40 72 * 73
73
INT. BATHROOM/ DRIVER’S APARTMENT/ ECHO PARK - NIGHT.
Standard is bent over the sink, splashing water on his face. As he turns off the tap he notices how neatly Driver’s laid out his toothbrush, shaving cream, and razor. He finally turns around and looks at Driver. STANDARD Sorry about the blood ... He’s still shaken but tries to pass it off with a smile. DRIVER You want anything? Standard looks at him in surprise now. STANDARD Yeah. You got 20 grand on you? helpful. DRIVER Who are they? STANDARD Why? Whatta ya gonna do? Beat ‘em up for me. Stunt guy?.....Some Guys that want me to do a job that I’m not gonna do. DRIVER What’s the job? STANDARD They want me to rob a pawn shop in the valley. Why? STANDARD I owe protection money from when I was in side. It was 2 thousand, then when I got out it was 5 thousand., Now it’s 20, tomorrow, I don’t know what the fuck it’ll be. 50? 100? Keeps going up and up and up.... DRIVER What are you gonna do? DRIVER That’d be * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
73
CONTINUED: STANDARD Yeah. What am I gonna do? That’s a good question. They say they’re gonna come after Benicio and Irene next.
40A 73 * * * *
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
73
CONTINUED: (2)
41 73
Driver stares at his battered face and the blood stains on his t- * shirt, then walks out of the bathroom to check on Benicio.
Green Revisions
11/22/10
42
74
INT. LIVING ROOM/ DRIVER’S APARTMENT/ ECHO PARK - NIGHT.
74
Benicio is watching a baseball game on TV, his back to Driver. You okay? The little boy nods without turning round, still frightened by his ordeal. DRIVER You want something to drink? Benicio shakes his head, trying to hide his tears. Driver heads over, then stops as he notices something in Benicio’s hand. The little boy is clutching it as if he’s afraid to let go. DRIVER What’s that? Can I see it? Benicio holds out his hand to reveal a small bullet. Driver stares at it, then looks at him. DRIVER Where’d you get that? BENICIO One of those men gave it to me. not to lose it... He told me * * * DRIVER
Driver gazes at the little boy’s frightened face in concern now, his eyes faraway, thinking to himself. 75 76 OMITTED EXT. OUTDOOR TACO SHACK/ EAST LA - DAY. 75 76
An outdoor food shack in a park. COOK, the leader of the group of men who beat Standard up in the parking lot, sits at a table with his girlfriend, BLANCHE, a stunning blonde with short cropped hair. COOK I’ve got you to do this fucking job for me, why do I need to pay someone else? Standard sits next to Driver, holding his ground even though he’s clearly intimidated by the Albanian. STANDARD You don’t have to pay him anything. I’ll pay him out of what’s left of my share. I can’t do this on my own. (CONTINUED) * *
Green Revisions
11/22/10
76
CONTINUED: COOK You got Blanche...
43 76
He grins, looking at Driver now. Blanche doesn’t even seem to hear them, hung-over from the previous night. COOK You look like you’re hard to work with? DRIVER Not if we understand each other. COOK What’s to understand? Driver stares at him quietly, finding it hard to conceal his contempt. DRIVER I drive. That’s all I do. Driver looks him calmly in the eye. DRIVER You tell me where we start, where we’re headed, where we’ll be going afterwards. I give you five minutes when we get there. Anything happens during those five minutes, I’m yours. Anything either side, you’re on your own. I don’t sit in while you’re running it down, I don’t carry a gun, I drive... Standard seems surprised by Driver’s professional patter. So does Cook. Even Blanche looks interested for once. COOK What the fuck I need you for if all you do is drive? Standard can hire a taxicab for that. DRIVER I drive for you, you get your money. Guaranteed. Blanche gets up. COOK Where the fuck you going? BLANCHE I need a coke. * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * *
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
76
CONTINUED: (2) COOK SIt the fuck down. Blanche sits. Standard! COOK Take her. Get her a coke.
43A 76 * * * * *
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
76
CONTINUED: (3) Standard hesitates, but has no choice. As he leaves with Blanche, Cook starts to write something down on the palm of his hand. COOK Okay, here’s the deal. This much for Blanche, this much for that asshole minus what he owes me, and this much for you...
44 76 * *
He holds up the palm of his hand to Driver, the words Fuck Off written in marker pen. COOK You still interested? Driver looks at him, all his instincts telling him to walk away, but he stays where he is, thinking of Irene and Benicio. COOK Good. Anything else?... Driver stares back at him with his clear blue eyes. DRIVER When you get your money, his debt’s paid. He’s out. You never go near his family again. Understand? Cook looks surprised at first, then laughs at his nerve. COOK I understand. 77 EXT. PARKING LOT/ EAST LA - DAY. 77 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The midday sun beats down on a maze of cars. Driver strolls past rows of glittering vehicles until he spots an old model Mustang 77A INT DENNY’S DAY Driver comes in and sits at a corner booth. and comes over Hi Hi IRENE Do you need a bigger table? DRIVER IRENE Irene sees him 77A
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
77A
CONTINUED: DRIVER It’s just if I sit at the counter people try to talk to me. Oh no! DRIVER I mean you can talk to me, I just don’t want them to talk to me. IRENE Oh. Okay. I have a break. some coffee? Sure. Irene get him a cup of coffee and sits in the booth DRIVER How are you? Good. DRIVER You just saying that? IRENE No. What do you mean? DRIVER I just saw that Standard had an accident. Yeah. DRIVER What happened? IRENE He got beat up Why? No reason. IRENE Just a bunch of kids DRIVER IRENE IRENE DRIVER Do you want IRENE
44A 77A * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
DRIVER For no reason?
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
77A
CONTINUED: (2) IRENE Just drunk kids. DRIVER That’s strange. IRENE How are you? We don’t talk about you. don’t know anything about you. DRIVER What do you want to know? IRENE Where are you from? DRIVER The future....by way of Arizona. IRENE What was your favorite subject at school? Auto Shop. question. DRIVER That was easy. Next I
44B 77A * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
IRENE Do you have family? DRIVER I don’t usually talk about because it makes people uncomfortable. IRENE What do you mean? DRIVER Just makes people uncomfortable. My mother killed my father in front of me when I was 8. She put a steak knife in his neck because she didn’t like a table he ordered from a catalog. They put her in an asylum and I was raised by the state. Are you uncomfortable? See? Can we talk about something else? How’s Benic? He’s good. DRIVER How are his teeth? IRENE
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
77A
CONTINUED: (3) IRENE (laughing) They’re good DRIVER Is he flossing? How can you be sure? IRENE He misses you. DRIVER He misses my car. IRENE Yeah. You should come and see him. DRIVER I should come by? And see him? How?
44C 77A * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
IRENE We should just have dinner. Okay. IRENE Okay. I have to get back to work. you want anything? DRIVER Can I get a Moons Over My Hammy? IRENE Good choice. Irene gets up to go back to work. Do DRIVER
* * * * * * * *
*
Green Revisions
11/22/10
44D
78
INT. LIVING ROOM/ IRENE’S APARTMENT/ ECHO PARK - NIGHT.
78
Driver sits at the dinner table with Standard, Irene and Benicio now. Standard’s in high spirits, beaming at his wife. STANDARD Wanna hear the story about how we met? We’re at this party and I see the most gorgeous 19 year old thing... I was 17. You were 17? OK. So I illegally walked up to her and said, ‘Hello Miss, what’s your name?” And she said, she didn’t say anything, so I said, “my name’s Standard Gabriel’. And you said, what did you say? IRENE I said, ‘Where’s the deluxe version?’... IRENE * * * * * * * * * * * * *
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
78
CONTINUED: Irene smiles awkwardly, glancing at Driver. Benicio grins, eager to please his dad. STANDARD I didn’t get it either. I love her. And a year later, this little guy came out swinging and it was the best day of my life. We had everything. It was nice.
45 78 *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
He ruffles his son’s hair then pours himself another shot of tequila. Irene notices he’s drinking, turning to Driver. IRENE (Changing the subject) How’s the movie going?... Fine... STANDARD Now this is some deluxe chicken. Do you like it? It’s good, right? DRIVER It’s great. STANDARD She’s such a great cook. I wanna open a restaurant. Do you wanna do that? What do you think? Oh. OK. Not LA. IRENE STANDARD Yeah, let’s do it. But not here. Fuck this place. Standard! STANDARD (to Benicio) Where do you want to go? Florida. STANDARD Florida? OK. We can go to Florida next week. Get out of this shithole. Anyway, we’re celebrating here, right? I’m here with my family, my new friend, so let’s celebrate. (CONTINUED) BENICIO IRENE DRIVER
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Green Revisions
11/22/10
78
CONTINUED: (2) Standard offers Driver some wine. DRIVER No, thank you. STANDARD I’ll drink for all of us. To my family, my new friend...to the future. (MORE)
45A 78 * * * * * * *
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
78
CONTINUED: (3) STANDARD (cont'd)
46 78 *
Green Revisions
11/22/10
47
79 80 81
OMITTED OMITTED EXT. PAWN SHOP/ TARZANA/ LA - DAY. The pawn shop is nothing much to look at from the outside, another anonymous LA store front. Driver’s parked the car a hundred yards from the entrance, he straps his watch to the steering wheel, his police scanner crackling. Standard stands outside the car looking tense.
79 80 81
* * *
* * * *
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
81
CONTINUED:
48 81 *
DRIVER You got five minutes... STANDARD (Grinning) I’ll see you in four... Driver watches him cross the parking lot with a strong sense of foreboding. Standard enters the pawn shop. Driver starts his stopwatch now, listening to the seconds tick away. He casts his eyes around the street, observing the smallest details -- the number plates of other vehicles; the windows of overlooking buildings. The white hot sun blazes down, reflecting on the pawn shop windows, hiding everything inside. The police scanner crackles but picks up no activity. Driver listens to his stop watch, in his own world. He starts the engine and sets off, cruising slowly past the pawn shop, heading for the corner where he told Standard he’d be waiting. He notices something. Parked a hundred yards down the road he sees another vehicle glinting in the sunlight. To the ordinary eye it’s no different from the other cars parked nearby, but to Driver it stands out. For one, it’s a Chrysler. Secondly, it has reinforced bumpers and racing tires. Driver’s stopwatch shows four minutes now. He looks away from the Chrysler, gazing at the doors of the pawn shop, expecting Standard and Blanche to burst out at any moment. But there’s no sign of them. The seconds tick away. Five minutes. Driver hesitates, all his instincts telling him to drive off, but he stays where he is, thinking of Irene. Suddenly he sees Standard and Blanche emerge from the pawn shop, Standard clutching a big black gym bag in his hand. * *
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
81
CONTINUED: (2)
49 81
He smiles at Driver as he approaches when suddenly he hears the crack of gunshots behind him. Driver sees the look of panic on his face as he spins around. A GUY IN A SUIT strides out of the pawn shop. Crouching low in an expert firing position he squeezes off several shots. The force of the bullets sends Standard flying. Driver sees him hit the sidewalk, arterial blood pumping from his neck. Blanche screams, grabbing the gym bag and leaping into the back seat of the car. Driver hesitates, takes one last look at Standard’s lifeless body, then hits the gas as more gunshots crack behind him. As Driver’s car roars down the street, the Chrysler suddenly comes to life, pulling out of its parking place. 82 INT/ EXT. CAR/ STREET/ TARZANA/ LA - DAY. 82
Driver glances in his rear-view mirror and sees the Chrysler on his tail. It doesn’t seem to be trying to close the gap, just following at a discreet distance. In the back seat, Blanche zips open the gym bag, then stares in shock. There are literally stacks of hundred dollar bills crammed inside the gym bag. Driver catches her reaction in the mirror, but his attention is focussed on the Chrysler. Up ahead, at an intersection, the lights turn red. Driver thinks about running them, but decides against it, braking sharply. The Chrysler draws up beside him, its windows glinting in the sunlight. Driver ignores her, still watching the Chrysler out of the corner of his eye. The lights change to green but Driver doesn’t move. Nor does the Chrysler. Behind them, other cars start honking their horns. Suddenly Driver roars off, swerving left at speed. The Chrysler reacts, screeching off in pursuit. Driver floors the gas. On speed and power his vehicle may be no match for the Chrysler, but in traffic the odds are even. He weaves his way past the slower cars, putting obstacles between himself and the Chrysler. The pursuing car matches him move for move, staying on his tail. In the back seat, Blanche looks terrified, buckling herself in. Driver swerves left then suddenly makes a hard right onto a deserted canyon road. The mustang somehow manages to make the same turn. It gets close enough to "pit" Driver, its nose pressing against the rear corner of Driver's vehicle. *
*
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
82
CONTINUED:
49A 82
Driver’s almost run off the road, but manages to save it and regains control of his car. The Mustang pulls out wide to build momentum and smash into him. As it moves in to deliver the knockout blow, Driver pulls the Emergency Brake and spins 180 degrees, causing the Mustang to miss and lose control for a brief moment. Now the two cars are nose to nose, barrelling down the road, Driver heading in reverse as fast as he can, the Mustang closing fast. It rams Driver’s front bumper. BAM! The two cars separated for an instant. The Mustang guns it, ready to smash into Driver again... Driver clocks an upcoming three way intersection dotted with construction equipment. In a last ditch attempt to evade his pursuer he throws a reverse 180, then incredibly keeps going, spinning 270 degrees. The Mustang tries to make the same turn, but this time the maneuver is beyond his ability. Driver’s suckered him into a corner he can't control. The Mustang crashes into the construction equipment in a sickening crunch of metal on metal. Driver guns the motor and speeds away.
Green Revisions
11/22/10
50
83
EXT. MOTEL/ LA - DAY. Purple neon spills onto the forecourt of a seedy motel.
83
84
INT. MOTEL ROOM - DAY. The black gym bag lies open on a double bed, full to the brim with stacks of cash. Blanche sits on the bed, looking pale. DRIVER How much did Cook say you were gonna get? BLANCHE Forty Grand...
84
*
She glances at the bag, staring at how much more money there is. Driver switches on the cheap TV set with the remote, flicking through the news channels. There’s no mention of the robbery yet. Stay here. Blanche nods, too shaken to protest. 85 EXT. MOTEL/ LA - DAY. 85 DRIVER
* *
Driver hesitates, then dials a number on his cell-phone. Benicio answers. Hello?... Driver hears the tremor in his voice. DRIVER Benicio?... Yeah?... DRIVER Is your mom there?... BENICIO’S VOICE ON THE PHONE BENICIO’S VOICE ON THE PHONE
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
85
CONTINUED:
51 85
There’s an uncomfortable silence. Driver can feel the little boy trying to hold it together. BENICIO’S VOICE ON THE PHONE She’s talking to the police... 85a INT. IRENE’S APARTMENT/ ECHO PARK - DAY. 85a
In the living room we can see Irene sitting on the couch with a male and female POLICE OFFICER, looking dazed, taking in the news of Standard’s death. POLICE OFFICER I’m Officer Ford. Did your husband have a job? Did you know he was involved in criminal activities? Please answer the questions. I know this is difficult. INTERCUT Driver pauses, still on the phone to Benicio. DRIVER Tell her I’ll call later... 86 INT. MOTEL ROOM - DAY. 86 * * * * *
A soap opera plays on the TV. Driver walks back into the motel room. Blanche lies on the bed, looking more relaxed. Driver picks up the remote and flicks through the channels until he finally finds a breaking news story on the robbery. There is a police mug-shot of Standard on screen. TV REPORT ...The armed robber was pronounced dead at the scene. He was identified as Standard Gabriel of Echo Park, Los Angeles... Driver listens to the report in silence. Blanche seems upset again, confronted with the reality of what’s happened. TV REPORT ...Other details are unclear but the owner of the pawn shop told reporters that the robber had no accomplices and that the items he’d taken had been recovered. In other news... Driver switches off the TV, staring at the blank screen in surprise. He turns to Blanche. DRIVER If he saw you take the money and get in the car -- why didn’t he say anything? (CONTINUED) *
*
Green Revisions
11/22/10
86
CONTINUED: BLANCHE I’ve no idea. DRIVER Any idea there’d be a second car waiting?
51A 86
*
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
86
CONTINUED: (2) This time she takes a fraction too long to answer. BLANCHE I already told you everything Driver suddenly slaps her -- hard. DRIVER You just got a little kid’s father killed. You almost got us killed. Now you’re lying to me? How about this? From now on, every word that comes out of your mouth is the truth...or I’m gonna hurt you. Understand? Now what did Cook tell you?
52 86
* * * * *
He raises his hand to slap her again and this time she talks, tears welling in her eyes. BLANCHE ...He told me there would be another car that would hold us up...but he never said anything about money or anyone getting killed... Driver stares at her quietly, beginning to put the pieces together in his head. DRIVER You were gonna rip us off? She nods guiltily. DRIVER How long have you known him? BLANCHE Just a couple months. We were fooling around. I’ve never been mixed up in anything like this - I promise... DRIVER What’s his real name? BLANCHE He told me it was Chris, but I just called him Cook. DRIVER You’re going to take me to him right now, you understand? She nods, terrified, tears running down her face. * * * *
* *
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
86
CONTINUED: (3) BLANCHE ....Can I go wash up?...
52A 86
Driver nods distractedly, his mind racing. Blanche heads over to the bathroom.
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
86
CONTINUED: (4)
53 86
As she disappears inside Driver notices something on the bed where she’s just been lying. It’s her cell phone. Still flipped open as if she’s called someone recently. Driver reaches for the cell phone when he notices the silhouette of a MAN crossing the curtains. Someone’s outside. The door handle of the motel room starts to turn, slowly -- then suddenly there’s the roar of a shotgun from the bathroom. Driver reacts in an instant, He pushes the mattress against the door and rushes towards the bathroom. 87 INT. BATHROOM/ MOTEL ROOM - DAY. 87 * *
Driver almost trips over Blanche’s sprawled body as he bursts through. One quick glance and he knows she’s dead - half her head blown off. Another quick glance and he sees her killer, a big burly HITMAN, trying to climb through the same bathroom window where he just shot her. Driver moves like lightning, grabbing the man’s arms before he can get off another shot and pulling him through the window. The hitman lands heavily in a sea of broken glass, cutting his forehead open, blinded momentarily by the blood in his eyes. Driver takes his opportunity and slams the man’s face back into the glass strewn floor, stunning him for a few more seconds as they struggle. Crawling away, he grabs the towel rack and pulls the metal bar off the wall. Using it as a spear he impales the hitman and grabs his shotgun. 88 INT. MOTEL ROOM - DAY. In the Driver firing up the doll. 88
bedroom, the 2nd HITMAN finally kicks the door open. bursts through the bathroom door at the same time -the 1st shooter’s shotgun. The force of the blast picks 2nd hitman and flings him against the wall like a rag
The startling explosion of violence is over just as suddenly as it began. Driver slumps to the floor in exhaustion, his hand and his arm ripped open by the broken glass. There’s blood splatter all over the wall. Neon lights from outside flashing on the dead man’s face. But no panicked footsteps or sirens yet. Driver crawls over to the dead hitman and rifles through his pockets. All he finds are a set of car keys. 89 INT. OFFICE/ SHANNON’S GARAGE - DAY. 89
Shannon stands in his office, listening silently on the phone, looking like he’s been punched in the gut.
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
89
CONTINUED: SHANNON Kid? Why didn’t you tell me?... All he hears is silence on the other end. SHANNON Forget it...what’s done is done. He leans back against a car. SHANNON How big’s the take?... DRIVER’S VOICE ON THE PHONE One million I guess... SHANNON You got it with you? Yeah. He looks dazed by the thought of so much money. SHANNON You better bring it over. DRIVER’S VOICE ON THE PHONE I’m hurt. I need a doctor to patch me up... SHANNON Alright. I’ll take care of it... right over, alright, kid? Just come DRIVER
54 89 *
*
* * *
* * * 90 91
Shannon hangs up then starts to dial the doctor. 90 91 OMITTED INT. OFFICE/ SHANNON’S GARAGE - NIGHT.
An underworld doctor, “DOC”, a shabbily dressed old man who looks well past his prime takes out a small bottle of scotch along with his surgical tools, preparing for Driver’s arrival. Shannon watches him uncertainly then heads downstairs as he hears a noise in the garage. 92 INT. SHANNON’S GARAGE - NIGHT. 92
Shannon arrives downstairs to see Driver walking unsteadily towards him in the gloom. Shannon can’t help glancing at his hands, expecting him to be carrying the bag with the money, but there’s no sign of it.
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
92
CONTINUED: SHANNON Hey kid, you alright? here. Get yourself in
54A 92 * * *
93
INT. OFFICE/ SHANNON’S GARAGE/ SILVER LAKE BOULEVARD - NIGHT. 93 Doc examines the shards of glass embedded in his arm. *
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
93
CONTINUED: DOC ...Looks like an eye.... (His hand shakes) Hold still, will ya? Driver looks up at him warily from Shannon’s pull out bed. DRIVER There’s not even one there. DOC They’re too deep. Can’t see’em.
55 93 * * * * * *
Doc picks up his bottle of scotch from among his bowls of Peroxide and Betadine, takes a drink, then offers it to Driver. Driver shakes his head, closing his eyes. Shannon watches him quietly, concerned for him but also curious about the money. SHANNON What did you do with the cash? Shannon hesitates, but can’t help himself. SHANNON If you want, I can keep it safe for you here.... Driver doesn’t answer, gritting his teeth as Doc pulls out the largest shard of glass. DRIVER Could you stop? I just had two guys try to kill me. I don’t want them coming after you, too. Shannon nods, coming back down to earth. SHANNON This guy Cook got a real name?... DRIVER Chris, maybe. I don’t know. I doubt it. * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
SHANNON I’ll ask Bernie. See if he knows him. Imagine what we could do with all that dough.... DRIVER Could you stop?!
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
93
CONTINUED: (2) Driver doesn’t reply, his eyes fixed on the ceiling. SHANNON Lotta guys fall for married women, but you’re the only one I know robs a joint to make it up to the husband...I’ll call Bernie.
56 93 * * * * 94
94
INT. BERNIE ROSE’S APARTMENT - DAY.
An elegant apartment full of framed photographs of beautiful grandchildren and movie posters from Hollywood’s golden age. Bernie is in his silk pyjamas, looking like he’s just woken up. BERNIE ROSE You want some coffee? SHANNON No, I’m good, thanks... Shannon looks tense but tries to hide it. From next door they can hear the sound of raised voices. Bernie Rose grabs the TV remote and turns up the volume to drown out his neighbors. BERNIE ROSE They’ve been going at it ever since they moved in. She seems like a lovely woman but it’s a lousy Shidach. It’s a wonder they haven’t killed each other... sit down. (A beat) So, what’s your interest in the Seventh Heaven? Shannon doesn’t understand, looking confused. Sorry? BERNIE ROSE It’s a strip club on La Cienega. Your friend Cook runs it. Why’re you curious about him all of a sudden? Even though they’re close, Shannon’s wary of giving away too much information. SHANNON A friend of mine owes him some money. So I thought maybe you knew him. BERNIE ROSE Yeah, I know him. Fuckin’ crazy Albanian. If I were your friend I’d pay up. (CONTINUED) * * * SHANNON * * * *
* *
Green Revisions
11/22/10
94
CONTINUED:
57 94
Bernie Rose pours himself a cup of coffee in the kitchenette. BERNIE ROSE I’m assuming since you come over this early this friend must be a close friend? SHANNON (hesitating) Yeah... BERNIE ROSE How’s our car by the way? SHANNON We’ll be ready for the end of the month. BERNIE ROSE And our driver? SHANNON He’s doing great. BERNIE ROSE That’s what you should worry about... Shannon smiles back but Bernie senses how distracted he is. BERNIE ROSE You want my advice? Let your friend work it out for himself. Don’t take pills for other people’s headaches... (He grins) You got twenty minutes? I need you to run down to the market and get me some milk... 95 96 OMITTED INT. HALL/ STAIRS/ STRIP JOINT - DAY. 95 96 * *
Sunlight pours through a doorway. Driver heads down some stairs, passing some half naked STRIPPERS at the bar. There’s a handful of CLIENTS watching a pole dance, but otherwise the place is empty. Driver turns down a long corridor. A couple of STRIPPERS emerge from their changing room, surprised to see him, but he puts them at ease with a friendly smile. DRIVER Where’s Cook? STRIPPER In the dressing room. DRIVER Where’s that? (CONTINUED) * * * *
Green Revisions
11/22/10
96
CONTINUED: The Stripper points down a hallway. STRIPPER Right there.
57A 96 * * * *
Driver smiles gratefully, then heads towards the dressing room
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
96
CONTINUED: (2)
58 96 *
Driver takes a hammer out of his jacket Driver storms into the dressing room full of strippers, smashing Cook’s right hand with the hammer. Cook collapses in a heap. Driver’s about to hit him again, when he sees that Cook’s left hand is broken and there are cuts and bruises on his face. Someone’s clearly given him a beating since the robbery. COOK You’re a fucking dead man. Come ta chi at noni. (Albanian for I’m gonna fuck your mother) DRIVER You gonna tell me what’s going on? Fuck you Driver smashes the hammer into Cook’s right hand now, breaking it too. Cook screams. Some of the strippers have gathered at the door but Driver couldn’t care less. DRIVER You gonna tell me? COOK You’ll find out soon enough. You don’t know who you’re dealing with. Look what they did to me. DRIVER Who’s they? Fuck you. DRIVER Whose money am I holding? COOK Don’t worry. They’ll come get it. Driver smashes the hammer into the metal plates supporting Cook’s left hand. He screams like a stuck pig. Call him. COOK Somebody call Nino. (CONTINUED) DRIVER COOK COOK
* * *
* * * * *
* * * * * * * * * *
*
* * * *
Green Revisions
11/22/10
96
CONTINUED: (3)
58A 96 * * * 97
The strippers look stunned and riveted at the same time. One of them picks up a cell phone and dials, handing the phone to Driver. 97 OMITTED
Green Revisions
11/22/10
59
98
INT. NINO’S PIZZERIA - DAY.
98
The kitchen is busy, CHEFS taking out hot pizzas from the oven and slicing them up in takeaway boxes. In the background we hear the phone ringing. 99 INT. BACK ROOM/ PIZZERIA - DAY. An impeccably dressed MAN IN A TAN SUIT answers the phone. NINO? TAN SUIT I’m afraid we’re closed. Could you call back later? 100 EXT. PARKING LOT/ BURGER KING/ SUNSET BOULEVARD - DAY. 100 (INTERCUT) Driver leans against his car, talking on Cook’s cell phone. DRIVER I could, but Nino won’t be happy when he finds out you’ve kept him waiting... Tan Suit looks curious now. TAN SUIT Can I ask what this is about? DRIVER I have something of his. TAN SUIT And that would be? DRIVER A million dollars... There’s a pause on the other line now. TAN SUIT O/S Please hold... 101 INT. NINO’S PIZZERIA - DAY. 101 * * DRIVER’S VOICE ON THE PHONE * * * * 99
Tan Suit walks into the dining area. A large bull of a man sits on his own in the empty restaurant with his back to us. It’s only when he hears Tan Suit approach and turns around that we realize it’s Nino, Bernie’s partner.
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
101
CONTINUED: TAN SUIT It’s about the money.
59A 101 * * 102 *
102
INT. STRIP CLUB - DAY. Driver hears a heavy chesty voice come on the line.
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
102
CONTINUED: NINO O/S You have something that fucking belongs to me?... The voice is unmistakable. Driver stares quietly. DRIVER Seems that way...
60 102
(INTERCUT) NINO And you’re calling me why? You expect me to buy my fucking stuff back from you?... DRIVER I’m not selling. I give you a time and place, you come and get it. Understand? NINO And what do you get out of it?... DRIVER Just that. Out of it. Nino’s thinking to himself, looking more concerned than he sounds. NINO Your partners happy with that?... DRIVER I don’t have partners... NINO You discuss this with anyone else? DRIVER Just you... Nino begins to relax now, still calculating. NINO You’re not very good at this, are you?... DRIVER No. I’ll call You back with instructions... Driver switches the cell phone off. He takes the bullet that Cook gave to Benicio out of his pocket and holds it to Cook’s forehead. DRIVER Remember this? Don’t lose it. (CONTINUED) * * * * * * *
*
Green Revisions
11/22/10
102
CONTINUED: (2)
60A 102 * * *
Driver shoves the bullet into Cook’s mouth and forces him to swallow.
Green Revisions
11/22/10
61
103
INT. BACK ROOM/ NINO’S PIZZERIA - DAY.
103
Nino hangs up. Behind him we see that Tan Suit is also in the room, waiting for his orders. A104 INT IRENE’S APARTMENT - NIGHT Irene lies on her bed with Benicio in her arms. Irene sits with her friend Cindy B104 INT CORRIDOR B104 A104 * * * * * * 104 * *
Driver exits elevator to corridor. Walks to Irene’s door and knocks. 104 INT. LIVING ROOM/ IRENE’S APARTMENT/ ECHO PARK - NIGHT. Irene is sitting on the couch next to Cindy. Irene gets up to leave when the buzzer rings. She walks over and opens the door then stops in surprise. Driver stands there. DRIVER Can I talk to you a minute?... She looks at him in a daze. He stares back at her in silence. His eyes stay on her, as if he’s trying to tell her something more.
* *
* *
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
104
CONTINUED:
62 104 *
Irene begins to see the guilt in his eyes and slowly it hits her. She stares in disbelief, reeling. IRENE I can’t talk now. I have to go. DRIVER Can I drive you? She stares at him in dismay, close to tears. IRENE That’s okay. DRIVER Can I walk with you? She wants to say no but can’t. Okay. 105 INT. CORRIDOR/ APARTMENT/ ECHO PARK - NIGHT. Driver and Irene head down the long corridor in silence. DRIVER I gotta tell you something. Standard was into some guys in prison for a lot of money. They were gong to come after you and Benicio if he didn’t pay. He asked for my help....it Went wrong. DRIVER I still have the money. Do you want it? You could take Benicio.... She turns around and slaps him hard. 105 IRENE
*
* *
* *
* * * * * * * * * *
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
105
CONTINUED: Her eyes well up with tears, staring at him in anger and frustration. DRIVER I thought you could get out of here. I could come with you, look out for you. Things could be like they were.... She stares at him in deep disappointment.
63-64 105
* * * * *
She turns away when the elevator bell rings. The doors open, revealing TAN SUIT. Neither Driver or Irene recognizes him but we do. He smiles, pretending to look confused. TAN SUIT Sorry, wrong floor. She steps into the elevator. Driver follows her in. TAN SUIT Which floor? DRIVER Parking lot, please... Tan Suit presses the button and the doors slide shut. 106 INT. ELEVATOR/ APARTMENT BLOCK/ ECHO PARK - NIGHT. 106 * *
Driver and Irene ride down in silence, their eyes fixed on each other. Tan Suit watches them quietly, considering a move, but Driver glances at him and sees his gun. The lights on the panel descend. Driver pushes Irene against the back wall and kisses her. The elevator bell finally rings as they reach the lower level. Tan Suit hesitates, but Driver knocks him against the panel, stunning him, then throws him against the back wall and to the floor where he proceeds to stomp his brains out. Irene watches in horror. 107 INT. UNDERGROUND GARAGE/ APARTMENT/ ECHO PARK - NIGHT. The elevator doors open and Irene backs away, looking at Driver with fear and sadness. Driver looks sadly back, knowing it’s all over. 107
* * * * * * *
* * *
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
107
CONTINUED:
65 107 *
Driver stands there, his hands covered in Tan Suit’s blood. The elevator doors finally close, hiding Irene from view. 108 INT DRIVER’S CAR - NIGHT. Driver drives through the city. 108a EXT. LA STREET - NIGHT. 108a 108 * *
Shannon gets out of his car. Driver is waiting for him by his own car, silhouetted against the streetlight. Shannon stares at him a moment, then notices the blood stains on his shirt.
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
108a CONTINUED: SHANNON What happened? DRIVER They came to my apartment. How did they know where I live? Shannon takes a moment to reply, looking dazed. SHANNON I called Bernie...I asked if he could help. DRIVER (angrily) You did what? SHANNON I told you I was gonna call Bernie. I told him you weren’t interested in the money, that you only did it for the girl... Driver grabs Shannon, pushes him against his car. DRIVER (furious) You told him about Irene? SHANNON (From the heart) I wanted to make sure once you returned the money that was the end of it... DRIVER Why’d you have to fuck everything up? SHANNON I just wanted to help you. Let me talk to Bernie again. He and Nino are like brothers, they probably didn’t listen to him DRIVER It’s too late... Shannon says nothing now, knowing he’s right. DRIVER They’re gonna come after you to find me. You have to get out of here. You have to go now....never come back. Shannon takes this in slowly.
66 108a
* *
* * * * *
* * * * * *
* * * * *
* *
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
108a CONTINUED: (2) SHANNON What are you gonna do?...
66A 108a
Driver doesn’t answer, but from his silence Shannon can guess. SHANNON How the fuck did this happen? We’re supposed be in Charlotte or Daytona drinking champagne out of trophies and getting laid by pit lizards... He stares at Driver with quiet regret. SHANNON Sorry kid, good luck 109 OMITTED 109 *
Green Revisions
11/22/10
67
110
INT. NINO’S PIZZERIA - MORNING. Bernie Rose looks quietly furious. BERNIE ROSE ...I already gave you my advice. You should have taken your money and left this guy alone.
110
Nino and Cook sit opposite him, both of Cook’s hands broken now. NINO It’s not that simple, Bernie. BERNIE ROSE Not now that it’s bounced up in your face. COOK Nino, I owe you this guy. Just give me the okay and I’ll BERNIE ROSE You like taking orders, hop up and go get me a coke. Cook holds up his broken hands. BERNIE ROSE I forgot...I’m sorry. Shut the fuck up you fucking monkey! Nino doesn’t look at Cook, a clear indication he should do as he’s told. Cook stands up, humiliated, and walks over to the windows. Bernie Rose waits for Nino to explain. NINO ...The money belonged to a half assed wiseguy from Philly. I had a tip he was stowing a million in a pawn shop and was gonna invest it here in LA, try to run a rival operation. I wanted to teach him a fucking lesson... The lights in the restaurant gradually fade as Cook shuts the blinds. BERNIE ROSE (Incredulously) You stole from the East Coast mob? NINO No, I stole from a jumped up punk who was gonna step on our business (CONTINUED) * *
* * * * *
* * *
Green Revisions
11/22/10
110
CONTINUED: BERNIE ROSE And where did this punk find a million dollars? You ever consider he may have consulted some higher-ups? You ever think of that? NINO I don’t give a fuck who he consulted. This is my town BERNIE ROSE Your town? This is a big city, pal, and last time I checked we were partners! NINO We are partners BERNIE ROSE Then why the fuck didn’t you consult me before you set up your dummy robbery or hired this fucking amateur?!...
68 110
* * * * *
*
Cook sits back down at the table, having closed the blinds. Nino looks almost embarrassed for once. NINO This was off to the side, Bernie. I didn’t wanna involve you. BERNIE ROSE Well, now you fucked up I am involved. Anyone finds out you stole from the family, we’re both dead NINO What family? These fucks still call me a kike to my face. I’m fifty nine years old, they pinch my cheek, treat me like a fuckin’ kid. They’re the reason we left New York in the first place. Decrepit old men waving us over to their dinner and domino tables to complain. BERNIE ROSE Those old men gave us the funds to move out here. NINO And I made them a shit load of money. I made you a lotta money too... He stares at Bernie, genuinely indignant now. *
* *
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
110
CONTINUED: (2) NINO I pay them half of everything I fucking earn and then they set up some fucking kid from Philadelphia just because he’s a fucking wop! There’s a hint of sympathy in Bernie’s eyes. BERNIE ROSE The money always flows up, Izzy. You know that.
69 110
He calls Nino by his childhood name now, emphasizing the fact that they’re both outsiders in this organization. For the first time Nino’s tough guy act slips and he looks anxious. NINO That’s why this driver has to go. Him, and maybe your pal Shannon, are the only two people who can tie me to the robbery. Bernie discreetly points at Cook questioningly. Nino nods.
* * *
The two friends stare at each other as if Cook didn’t exist. BERNIE ROSE Are you asking my permission? NINO I’m asking for your help. I shoulda’ come to you first, Bernie. I know that. We’re a team. He stares at Bernie apologetically, appealing to their friendship. NINO I’ll pay you back the three hundred you spent on the race car. BERNIE ROSE You sonofabithch, It’s not about the money... He stares out quietly, torn.
*
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
110
CONTINUED: (3)
70 110 *
Bernie suddenly grabs a stainless steel fork and rams it in his eye. As Cook screams, Bernie takes a knife and buries it in his neck. He twists the knife deeper for good measure, then with one powerful sweep of his arm clears Cook off the table. Cook’s not dead yet, just writhing on the floor, choking on his own blood. Bernie Rose keeps his eyes fixed on Nino. BERNIE ROSE Your turn to clean up after me... 110a OMITTED 111 INT. SHANNON’S GARAGE/ SILVERLAKE BOULEVARD - MORNING. 110a 111
*
*
Shannon limps down the steps from his office with a suitcase in his hand. He heads into the main garage then suddenly stops. Bernie Rose stands beside the stock car, waiting for him. BERNIE ROSE All these priceless cars, you should get better locks... SHANNON Door’s always open to you... Bernie Rose heads towards him with his hands in his coat pockets. BERNIE ROSE Going somewhere? SHANNON Thinking about it.
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
111
CONTINUED: BERNIE ROSE I’m looking for your driver. SHANNON You break in like this I figure it’s bad news. BERNIE ROSE It’s bad luck. Two thousand heists in this city a year, he had to pick the wrong one. SHANNON He tried to put it right. BERNIE ROSE Picked the wrong guy for that too. My partner’s a belligerent asshole with his back against the wall... He stops, facing Shannon. BERNIE ROSE Right now so am I. I don’t set this straight, I’m in big trouble... He stares at his old friend. BERNIE ROSE Any idea where he might be? SHANNON Yeah. Mexico. Or maybe Belize. Bernie Rose smiles, not believing a word. BERNIE ROSE Really? After everything you’ve done for him, he walks out and takes all the money? SHANNON That’s gratitude, I guess. Bernie Rose can’t help grinning, fond of Shannon despite everything. BERNIE ROSE I ever tell you how long Izzy and I been friends? Since we were six. Only Jews in a neighborhood of wops. Long as I can remember he was getting me into trouble and I was getting him out of scrapes... He looks almost apologetic.
71 111
* *
* *
* *
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
111
CONTINUED: (2) BERNIE ROSE Anyone else I’d take your side... SHANNON Anyone else I’d do the same...
72 111
Bernie Rose watches him with a mixture of affection and regret. BERNIE ROSE What’s this fucking kid to you anyway? Shannon shrugs, no idea himself. BERNIE ROSE I leave here without finding out where he is, there’ll be others coming after me. I guarantee they’ll be too stupid to figure out you won’t talk and drag this out unnecessarily... SHANNON Then I’m glad you got here first... Bernie Rose holds his gaze, then looks away, admiring the shiny stock car. BERNIE ROSE You know, it’s too bad, I was getting excited about this whole thing, having my name all over the car. Where would it go? I even started watching Nascar on cable. The cars going around and around and I was hooked. I think we could have made a go of this business... SHANNON Nah, I’d have screwed it up too... Shannon smiles, reconciled with himself. Bernie Rose grins, and extends his hand. They shake hands firmly, like old friends, when suddenly Shannon recoils, as if he’s been stung. We see now that his shirt sleeve is covered in blood, his vein cut all the way from his elbow to his wrist. He looks dazed, paralysed with shock. Bernie Rose holds a razor knife in his hand, the blade wet with Shannon’s blood. He takes Shannon gently by the arm and sits him down against the boot of the stock car. BERNIE ROSE Don’t worry, there’s no pain. It’s done now, sit. You won’t feel a thing. (MORE) (CONTINUED) * *
* * * * *
*
Green Revisions
11/22/10
111
CONTINUED: (3) BERNIE ROSE (cont'd) It’s all over. Close your eyes and you’ll fall asleep... Goodbye my friend.
72A 111 * *
Shannon stares out numbly, the life ebbing out of him. Bernie Rose watches him quietly, wiping his bloody razor with a handkerchief.
Green Revisions
11/22/10
73
111a INT. BERNIE ROSE’S APARTMENT - DAY.
111a
Bernie Rose replaces the razor knife in a small lacquered box full of other knives. From next door he can hear his neighbors arguing again. He stands there a moment, deflated, then suddenly storms towards his front door. 111b EXT. CORRIDOR/ BERNIE ROSE’S NEIGHBORS’ APARTMENT - DAY. A loud knocking. Bernie Rose’s neighbor opens his door. Yeah? BERNIE ROSE Bernie Rose, I live downstairs. HUSBAND Yeah, I know. I’m kind of busy here. I heard... There’s something threatening in the old mobster’s eyes now. The husband moves to close the door but Bernie jams it open with his elbow, shoves him aside, then looks over at the wife. BERNIE ROSE You all right, honeu? The woman nods without meeting his eyes. HUSBAND Get the fuck out of my Bernie doesn’t give him time to finish, clamping a powerful hand on his throat. BERNIE ROSE What’s your fucking name? Lenny BERNIE ROSE I’m a patient man, Lenny, not much for getting in other people’s way. What I figure is, we’ve all got our own privacy (Squeezing harder) So I sit downstairs for almost a year now listening to the shit that goes down in here and I keep thinking, hey, they’ll work it out. You gonna work it out, Lenny? (CONTINUED) HUSBAND * * BERNIE ROSE * HUSBAND 111b
* * *
Green Revisions
11/22/10
111b CONTINUED: He jerks the husband’s neck forward, making him nod. BERNIE ROSE You’re a lucky man. You’re lucky to have her, lucky she’s put up with you this long. Lucky I’ve put up with you. She has reason: she loves you. I don’t have any reason at all. let me tell you a story. I used to live in Studio City. My neighbors had a little yap dog. For eighteen months I put up with that yapping. But on Yom Kippur, I shot it. So work it out, or fucking move... He lets go of the terrified man and storms out again. 112 113 OMITTED INT. SHANNON’S GARAGE/ RESEDA BOULEVARD - DAY.
74 111b
* * * * * * * *
112 113
*
Driver pulls open the garage door and sees the rows of vintage cars shimmering in the shafts of sunlight. As he heads past the vehicles he suddenly spots a figure slumped against the stock car. Shannon’s eyes have been closed, his head resting gently against the trunk of the car. Driver kneels down and lifts him up in his arms, holding him for a second, then lays him down on the floor. He turns back and opens the car boot now, revealing the black gym bag full of money. 114 115 OMITTED INT. NINO’S PIZZERIA - SUNSET. 114 115 *
Nino stands in the kitchen, wearing a beautiful suit but no shoes or socks, listening on his cell phone. We hold on the curious image for a moment, then reveal a beautifully dressed WOMAN polishing his shoes. And now we see more of Nino’s MEN, also smartly dressed and accompanied by GORGEOUS WOMEN, getting ready for an event. 116 EXT. NINO’S PIZZERIA - SUNSET. 116
*
Two big Lincoln Towncars are parked outside. Across the road we recognize Driver’s car. He opens the trunk. When he closes it again we see that he’s wearing the eerily convincing SFX mask. He crosses the road, entering the pizzeria.
Green Revisions
11/22/10
75
117
INT. NINO’S PIZZERIA - SUNSET. Driver walks up to the door and stares in at the party in progress. He sees Nino in the back lughing his as off. We feel his mind calculating then he walks back to his car.
117 * * * 118
118
EXT. NINO’S PIZZERIA - NIGHT.
Nino emerges with his bodyguards now, heading towards one of the white Lincolns. NINO (To his chauffeur) You fucking cocksucker, where’s your fucking hat? You pussy chewing motherfucker. You’re a fucking idiot because you blow your cum all over that commie-loving chinese pussy. I’m gonna pick up my wife on the way. Across the road Driver climbs into his car, still wearing the mask. He starts his car, setting off after Nino’s Lincoln. 119 INT. DRIVER’S CAR/ NINO’S PIZZERIA/ WESTWOOD - NIGHT. Driver drifts in behind a couple of other cars, keeping them between himself and the Lincoln. 120 EXT. STREETS - NIGHT. 120 119 * * * * * * * *
The sunlight is fading fast. The neon cityscape has come to life and the streets are a sea of glittering lights. 121 INT. NINO’S CAR/ STREETS - NIGHT. 121
The CHAUFFEUR checks his mirror as he turns into another street, seeing only the anonymous glare of headlights behind him. 122 INT. DRIVER’S CAR/ STREETS - NIGHT. Driver slows down and lets another car turn in front of him, keeping it between himself and Nino’s car. 123 EXT. STREETS - NIGHT. 123 122
The streets are less crowded in this residential area. As the car in front of Driver pulls into its front drive, Driver takes the next turning, making sure the Lincoln doesn’t spot him.
Green Revisions
11/22/10
76
124
INT. DRIVER’S CAR/ PARALLEL STREET - NIGHT. Driver cruises along another residential street. At every intersection we glimpse the Lincoln heading in the same direction down a parallel street.
124
125
EXT. SAN VINCENTE BOULEVARD/ BRENTWOOD - NIGHT. The Lincoln turns back into traffic on San Vincente.
125
126
INT. NINO’S CAR/ SAN VINCENTE BOULEVARD - NIGHT. Nino’s talking on a cell phone in the back seat. NINO ...Sure, Carlo, I’ll send him your regards...
126
127
INT. DRIVER’S CAR/ SAN VINCENTE BOULEVARD - NIGHT.
127
Driver merges in with the traffic, weaving between the cars in front of him until he has Nino’s Lincoln back in his sights. 128 EXT. AERIAL VIEW/ SAN VINCENTE BOULEVARD - NIGHT. 128
The sun has almost set, the red backlights of the cars blinking in the fading light. 129 INT. NINO’S CAR/ SAN VINCENTE/ 7TH STREET - NIGHT. Nino’s car turns into 7th Street. 130 INT. DRIVER’S CAR/ SAN VINCENTE/ 7TH STREET - NIGHT. 130 129
This time there are no other vehicles turning into the same street. Driver has no choice, settling in behind the Lincoln. 131 INT. NINO’S CAR/ 7TH STREET/ PACIFIC PALISADES - NIGHT. 131
The chauffeur glances in his rear-view mirror and spots Driver’s car for the first time. For now he doesn’t give it much thought. In the back seat Nino finally says goodbye on the phone. NINO ...Nice talking to you too...ciao (As he hangs up) Asshole... 132 EXT. ENTRADA DRIVE/ PACIFIC PALISADES - NIGHT. Both cars head into Entrada Drive. 132 *
Green Revisions
11/22/10
77
133
INT. NINO’S CAR/ ENTRADA DRIVE/ PACIFIC PALISADES - NIGHT.
133
The chauffeur checks his mirror again and notices Driver’s car still on his tail. Just as a precaution he slows down, seeing if the pursuing car will overtake. 134 INT. DRIVER’S CAR/ ENTRADA DRIVE - NIGHT. Driver has to decide in an instant whether to take up the invitation. He overtakes the Lincoln, speeding ahead. 135 INT. NINO’S CAR/ ENTRADA DRIVE/ PACIFIC PALISADES - NIGHT. 135 134
Nino’s chauffeur sees Driver’s car disappear up ahead, relaxing now. 136 INT. DRIVER’S CAR/ WEST CHANNEL ROAD/ PCH - NIGHT. 136
Driver puts his foot on the gas, taking sharp turns on small side streets, driving fast around the block until he’s back on the Lincoln’s tail, keeping a safe distance now. 137 INT. NINO’S CAR/ W.CHANNEL RD./ PCH - NIGHT. Nino’s chauffeur turns right into the Pacific Coast Highway. 138 INT. DRIVER’S CAR/ PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY - NIGHT. 138 137
Driver follows the Lincoln at a distance, keeping the winding corners of the PCH between himself and his prey. 139 EXT. AERIAL VIEW/ PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY - NIGHT. 139
From above we see Driver’s car gliding along the open highway, the rising hills on one side, the churning ocean on the other, no vehicles in sight. 140 INT. NINO’S CAR/ PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY - NIGHT. 140
In the back seat Nino dials another number on his cell-phone. NINO ...Bernie, it’s me... 141 EXT. AERIAL VIEW/ PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY - NIGHT. 141
The headlights of Driver’s car sweep ahead of it on the open road. From above it looks like a shark closing in on its prey. 142 INT. BERNIE ROSE’S APARTMENT/ LA - NIGHT. Bernie Rose stands by the window, listening to the phone in silence. 142
Green Revisions
11/22/10
78
143
INT. NINO’S CAR/ PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY - NIGHT. Nino sounds apologetic. NINO ...Look, about that thing today...I’m sorry. I know how much you liked the guy...
143
In his rear view mirror the chauffeur sees the headlights of the car behind getting closer. 144 INT. DRIVER’S CAR/ PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY - NIGHT. 144
Driver stares ahead, his eyes fixed on the Lincoln’s backlights. 145 INT. BERNIE ROSE’S APARTMENT - NIGHT. Bernie Rose doesn’t speak, looking weary. Bernie?... Yeah?... NINO O/S You’re the only fucking person in the world I trust. I love you, man... Bernie shakes his head, the same old apologies. 146 INT. NINO’S CAR/ PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY - NIGHT. 146 BERNIE ROSE NINO O/S 145
In the front seat Nino’s chauffeur checks his mirror curiously. NINO When this is over I’ll make it up to you, I swear... The lights of the car behind have vanished. 147 EXT. AERIAL VIEW/ PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY - NIGHT. 147
Even from above we can’t see Driver’s car with its lights off no idea how close it is to Nino’s car. 148 INT. BERNIE ROSE’S APARTMENT - NIGHT. 148
Even though he’s still angry, Bernie can’t help forgiving his childhood friend. BERNIE ROSE How many times I heard that before...
Green Revisions
11/22/10
79
149
INT. NINO’S CAR/ PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY - NIGHT. Nino grins. NINO I lost count -
149
Suddenly blazing headlights explode to life behind him. Driver rams into the Lincoln sending it into a 180 degree spin. BERNIE ROSE (On phone) Hello? Call me back. to talk to you. On the side of the road. 150 INT. NINO’S CAR - NIGHT. I need
* * * * * *
Driver speeds away. 150
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
As the Lincoln colmes to a stop, Nino yells at his Chauffeur. NINO Get the cum out of your ass and check it out. The Chauffeur warily gets out and looks around. in. CHAUFFEUR Something definitely hit us. NINO Let’s get out of here. Suddenly, out of nowhere, Driver comes speeding toward them, headlights blazing, utterly taking them by surprise. Nino and his Chauffeur see it coming. SMASH! Driver rams the Lincoln at over a hundred miles an hour, hitting it just above the left rear wheel. 151 EXT. PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY - NIGHT. 151 He gets back
The impact is momentous. The huge Continental is lifted up in the air and spun round at the same time. It slams back into the tarmac then flips end over end for a hundred yards. 152 INT. BERNIE ROSE’S APARTMENT - NIGHT. Bernie Rose is left holding the phone as the line goes dead. 153 INT. DRIVER’S CAR/ PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY - NIGHT. The collision has barely knocked Driver off course. His car skids to a stop near the overturned wreck. 153 152
Green Revisions
11/22/10
79A
154
INT. NINO’S CAR/ PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY - NIGHT. Among the carnage, we see Nino, bloodied but still alive. He unbuckles his seat belt and crawls out of the twisted wreck.
154
155
EXT. PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY - NIGHT.
155
Driver gets out of his car, calmly walking over to the pulverized Lincoln. He sees Nino stumbling off towards the beach but doesn’t hurry after him yet. He checks to make sure the other passengers are dead, then heads on. 156 EXT. BEACH/ OCEAN/ PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY - NIGHT. 156
Nino stumbles through the sand, running for his life now. He looks behind him and sees Driver calmly pursuing him. He keeps running, but he’s badly injured, slowing all the time. Fear clouds reason and he staggers towards the crashing waves. Nino stop in the sand. life. He turns to Driver to beg for his * * * * * * *
NINO It was Bernie...Bernie Rose killed your friend not me... Driver raises his arm, pointing to the waves. The gangster turns and stumbles into the ocean, a pathetic last attempt to evade him. The crashing waves and the undertow are an impenetrable wall. Every time Nino tries to wade out further, the ocean drags him back.
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
156
CONTINUED:
80 156
Driver stares at his trapped prey. Nino’s attempts become more and more feeble as the ocean exhausts him and snuffs out any hope of escape. Finally he retreats back into the shallow water, barely able to keep his footing. He turns around and faces Driver, the crashing waves still smashing into his back. They stay like that for a moment. Gazing at each other. Driver silhouetted against the white sand. Nino trapped in the ocean. Then Driver wades out into the water. Nino has no fight left in him, staring at the masked man. Driver stares back at him then grabs him by the throat, forcing his head under the water. Nino splutters as Driver lets him up again. Driver shoves his face back under the water, keeping it there until Nino’s body finally stops thrashing. 157 INT. BERNIE ROSE’S APARTMENT/ BEL AIR - NIGHT. A phone shrills. Bernie Rose answers it. Nino? BERNIE ROSE Hello? Who is this? * * * * * * 157 *
DRIVER’S VOICE ON THE PHONE You know who this is. BERNIE ROSE Where’s Nino? He’s dead. Bernie Rose stares out in silence. Whatever he thinks of Nino, a part of him has died. We feel the regret in his eyes but there’s no trace of emotion in his voice. 158 EXT. BEACH/ OCEAN - NIGHT. 158 DRIVER’S VOICE ON THE PHONE
*
Driver is no longer wearing a mask, framed against the ocean. He catches the veiled threat in Bernie’s words but doesn’t respond. INTERCUT BERNIE ROSE OK. I’d say this has gone far enough. See any reason why it should continue? Let’s meet. DRIVER Why would I do that? * * * *
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
158
CONTINUED: BERNIE ROSE Why would you do that? You, me and your girlfriend are the only players left. How’s that for a reason? When? DRIVER
80A 158 * * * * * *
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
158
CONTINUED: (2) BERNIE ROSE Tomorrow. There’s a restaurant on Sherman Way called the Great Wall. Do you know where that is? DRIVER’S VOICE ON THE PHONE I can find it. Bernie pauses, staring out. Good. one. BERNIE’S VOICE ON THE PHONE You find it. I’ll see you there at
81-82 158 * * *
*
A charged silence, then the line goes dead. 159 160 OMITTED INT. GREAT WALL RESTAURANT/ LINCOLN BOULEVARD - DAY. A large He sees himself wearing 159 160
Chinese restaurant. We follow Driver through the crowd. Bernie Rose sitting at a table on his own, pouring a glass of wine. The mobster’s dressed for the occasion, a jacket and tie. He smiles at Driver as he sits down. BERNIE ROSE There he is. Have a seat. doin? I’m tired BERNIE ROSEB Glass of wine? Everything is good here. can recommend the Peking Duck. I can recommend everything. Walnut Prawns, Shredded Beef, Steamed Fish. But the duck...I dream about it. I DRIVER How’re you * * * * * * * * * *
Driver doesn’t smile, gazing back at him across the table. Bernie Rose doesn’t seem to care. He turns away, calling over a WAITRESS. BERNIE ROSE The duck. For two. WAITRESS Anything else? BERNIE ROSE Bring everything. The works. Will you throw this away? (handing her his newspaper) (CONTINUED) * * * * *
Green Revisions
11/22/10
160
CONTINUED:
81-82A 160
He waits for the waitress to leave, then turns back to Driver. BERNIE ROSE I know you’re upset, but it’s your fault. Shannon’s dead because of you. So is my partner. And you’re out there running around like a psychopath. You’ve backed me into a corner and I have no wiggle room...no choices. Why is this happening? Is it because of the girl? Driver hesitates, betraying a hint of concern. Bernie sees it and smiles. Hey, I’ve four like like BERNIE ROSE we all have problems with women. got two ex wives and two daughters, grand daughters and none of them me but I’m not running around acting a lunatic. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
He smiles again, looking into Driver’s eyes with just a hint of sympathy. BERNIE ROSE This is what I’ll do for you. You give me the money, nobody knows she exists. But it’s a different matter with you. These people I have the misfortune to be involved with, they don’t mind Nino being gone, but they’ll wanna know what happened to him... DRIVER Sounds like we have a problem... BERNIE ROSE And just when we were getting to know each other... Their eyes are fixed on each other, deadly enemies but kindred spirits of a kind. BERNIE ROSE ...We shake hands, say goodbye, it’s the start of your new life. Sooner or later they’ll come after you. No end to it. Someone gets tired, somebody else takes their place. It goes on and on. Whatever dreams you have, whatever plans, you might as well forget ‘em, because this is what it’s gonna be like till the day you die... (MORE) (CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
160
CONTINUED: (2) BERNIE ROSE (cont'd) (A beat) I just thought you should know... Driver stares back at him quietly. DRIVER What do you suggest I do? BERNIE ROSE First time I heard about you, Shannon told me you drove. Fast. That’s a start...
81-82B 160 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
He smiles again, looking into Driver’s eyes with just a hint of sympathy. BERNIE ROSE You brought the money with you, right? Here’s what I’m prepared to offer. You give me the money, the girl is safe, nobody knows about her. She’s off the radar. But I can’t mke that promise to you. These people I have the misfortune to be involved with, they don’t mind Nino being gone, but they’ll wanna know what happened to him. So I take the money. ...We shake hands, say goodbye, and I would do what you do best and drive fast away from here. Sooner or later they’ll come after you. No end to it. Someone gets tired, somebody else takes their place. It goes on and on. Whatever dreams you have, whatever plans, you might as well forget ‘em, because this is what it’s gonna be like for the rest of your life. (A beat) I’m just being honest. (a beat) Where’s the money right now? DRIVER In the car. BERNIE ROSE Let’s go get it. The duck’ll take 20 minutes. Let’s go get the money and come back, have a leisurely lunch, my treat. C’mon! Driver stands to exit.
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
160
CONTINUED: (3)
83 160 *
161
EXT. PARKING LOT/ LINCOLN BOULEVARD - DAY.
161
Driver’s car is parked at the back of the parking lot, half hidden by a fenced area for garbage. Driver pops the trunk, taking out the black gym bag with the cash. Bernie Rose doesn’t even look at it, still admiring the car.
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
161
CONTINUED:
84 161 *
Driver reaches out to give him the bag, when suddenly Bernie’s hand snakes out of his pocket, twisting a switchblade into Driver’s gut. He pulls it out, ready to stab again, but this time Driver catches his wrist, slowly forcing the knife up to his throat. Their eyes are fixed on each other for a moment, with something like regret, then the blade pierces Bernie Rose’s neck, sinking deeper and deeper. Driver holds the old man in his arms as he dies. They stay like that, locked in a fatal embrace, then Driver lowers Bernie Rose gently to the ground, out of sight. Blood seeping through his shirt, Driver picks up the gym bag and puts it back in the trunk, slamming the door shut. 162 EXT. AERIAL VIEW OF A MUCH LARGER PARKING LOT/ LA - DAY. We’re looking down on an enormous parking lot, hundreds of different colored vehicles gleaming down below. Driver pulls into the lot, searching for a place to park. 163 EXT. LARGE PARKING LOT/ LA - DAY. 163 162
Driver climbs out of his car, wearing a jacket over his bloodsoaked shirt. He walks to the back of the car, kneels down, and hides the keys behind the left rear wheel, drops of blood dripping on the tarmac beneath him. He gets up again, then sets off through the maze of parked vehicles, dialling a number on his cell-phone. 164 EXT. ECHO PARK - DAY. Irene and Benicio sit in the park. IRENE (Picking up her phone) Hello?... (INTERCUT) The blazing sun beats down. Driver walks through a long corridor of glinting cars. 164
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
164
CONTINUED: Irene stares in surprise. She says nothing but stays on the line. Driver continues painfully through the maze of cars. DRIVER You know that amusement park on the 101? Yeah. DRIVER I left my car there for you. third level... On the IRENE’S VOICE ON THE PHONE
85 164 * *
* * * * * * * * * *
DRIVER’S VOICE ON THE PHONE Keys are under the left rear wheel...money’s in the trunk. All around him the Chevys, Dodges, and Fords glitter in the sunlight. Blood seeps through Driver’s shirt, dripping on the tarmac. Irene hears his labored breathing now, looking concerned.
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
164
CONTINUED: (2)
86 164 *
DRIVER It was nice to meet you. Irene smiles sadly. IRENE It was nice to meet you too... 165 EXT. LARGE PARKING LOT/ LA - DAY. 165
* *
From above we see the maze of vehicles stretching out forever -Chevys, Chryslers, Fords -- the history of America on wheels. Driver switches off his cell-phone reluctantly then heads towards the Dodge Super Bee. 166 INT. WHITE CAMARO/ LARGE PARKING LOT - DAY. 166
*
Driver climbs into the front seat of the Super Bee, catching his breath. He sits there a moment, sheltering from the world outside, then pulls out a pocket knife, opening the blades until he finds the screwdriver. He starts with the left side of the steering column, then gets to work on the section below the turn signal.
*
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
166
CONTINUED: His face shows the strain, but his fingers are as steady as ever. A master at work. Finally he breaks into the ignition device, leaning back in the seat to take a rest.
87 166
167
EXT. AERIAL VIEW/ LARGE PARKING LOT - DAY.
167
We’re gazing down at the white Camaro from above, waiting for it to move. 168 INT. WHITE CAMARO/ LARGE PARKING LOT - DAY. 168
Driver’s face is completely still now. So are his eyes. He looks almost at peace. There’s a long pause, then slowly he leans forward and turns on the ignition. As the engine comes to life, we CUT TO BLACK.
Written by Hossein Amini
Based on the novel by James Sallis
Final Shooting Script Green Revisions Yellow Revisions Pink Draft Blue Draft White Production Draft
– – – – – –
11.22.10 09.24.10 09.22.10 09.17.10 08.26.10 07.23.10
1
INT. CAR ENGINE - NIGHT.
1
We’re close on a maze of metal rods, tubes, and wires. It’s only as we pull out that we realize it’s the engine of a car. Over the image we hear a voice talking on a phone. DRIVER O/S ...hundred thousand streets in this city, you don’t need to know the route. You give me a time and place, I give you a five minute window. Anything happens in those five minutes I’m yours, no matter what. Minute either side you’re on your own. Understand? Good. As the engine ignites and roars to life we DISSOLVE TO: 2 INT. LOW RENT APARTMENT/ KOREATOWN/ L.A. - NIGHT. 2
* * * *
A map of downtown L.A. spread out on a bed, dozens of different routes marked in pencil. The voice continues DRIVER O/S You won’t be able to reach me on this phone again. DRIVER hangs up the phone. He folds his map of LA and slips it in his duffel bag. A few clothes and other essentials are neatly packed inside. He zips the bag shut and takes one last look at a cheap TV set. On screen, a movie is playing. On a radio, the LA Clippers are taking a pounding from the New York Knicks. 3 INT. UNDERGROUND PARKING LOT/ APARTMENT/ KOREATOWN - NIGHT. 3 * *
Driver strides through a dimly lit car park, carrying his duffel bag. A YOUNG COUPLE emerge from their car after a late night out. Driver lowers his eyes, avoiding their gaze as he makes his way towards a sleek 1970’s Chevelle 4 INT/EXT. DRIVER’S CAR/ ALVARADO - NIGHT. 4
The Clippers-Knicks game plays on the car radio now. Driver is only half listening, focused on the road. We see his face in the passing neon lights. Feline good looks. Impassive blue eyes. Something almost melancholy in his unwavering gaze. He drives carefully, letting other cars overtake. 5 EXT. APARTMENT BUILDING/ ECHO PARK - NIGHT. 5
Driver glides into the parking lot of another low-rent apartment block.
Green Revisions
11/22/10
2
6
INT. UNDERGROUND CAR PARK/ APARTMENT/ ECHO PARK - NIGHT. Clutching his duffel bag Driver heads towards the car park elevator. Hurrying out in the opposite direction he sees a pretty GIRL in her 20’s wearing a waitress outfit. Their eyes meet briefly, before Driver walks on.
6
7
INT. APARTMENT/ ECHO PARK - NIGHT.
7
Driver heads down the hallway and unlocks the door to his new apartment. It’s not all that different from his last one. Clean, sparse, and anonymous. He doesn’t even bother to walk in. He tosses his duffel bag inside and locks the door again. 8 9 OMITTED INT. SHANNON’S GARAGE/ SILVERLAKE BOULEVARD - NIGHT. 8 9 *
SHANNON, the owner of the garage, has a distinctive limp. Driver follows him past rows of vintage cars. SHANNON ...Plain Jane like you asked for but I dropped 300 horses inside. You look like a zombie. You get any sleep? As Shannon grins we feel the familiarity between them. SHANNON I can offer you some Benzedrine, Dexedrine, Caffeine, Nicotine? Oh, I forgot. You don’t smoke. They head past more cars -- Fords, Dodges, Buicks -- until they arrive at a plain looking Impala. SHANNON There she is. Chevy Impala. Most popular car in the state of California. No one will be looking at you. Driver casts his eyes over the unimpressive vehicle then holds out his hand for the keys. * * * * * * *
* * *
Green Revisions
11/22/10
3
10
INT/EXT. SILVER IMPALA/ TOY DISTRICT/ DOWNTOWN L.A. - NIGHT. 10 The basketball game Driver’s behind the of dingy toy stores 9:50. He checks his is approaching the end of the third quarter. wheel of the Impala now, cruising past rows on 3rd Street. He glances at his watch. It’s mirror then turns into a side street. 11
11
INT/EXT. IMPALA/ ELECTRONICS SUPERSTORE/ DOWNTOWN - NIGHT.
A vast electronics superstore dominates the deserted street. Under the pale yellow glow of the street lamps, Driver sees signs advertising a ‘huge blow out weekend sale’. He pulls over, making sure he has a good view of the entrance. On the radio, the basketball commentator is getting more excited. BASKETBALL COMMENTARY ...This is some comeback from the Clippers! Only a few minutes ago they looked dead and buried!... Driver reaches under the seat and pulls out a small handheld scanner. He switches it on, tuning it to the right frequency. Crackling police dispatches are interspersed with the basketball commentary now. POLICE SCANNER ...9 Adam 81, what is your current location?...Repeat, what is your current location?... BASKETBALL COMMENTARY ...Another unbelievable three pointer from Davis and the Clippers are within five!... Out of the corner of his eye Driver sees two MEN approach. He doesn’t react, expecting them. They cut through the fence with bolt cutters and approach the main building. Driver watches them pull on their masks, then one of them takes out a shotgun and blasts the lock to the front door. Instantly the alarm shrills. The only thing Driver does is to turn on his stop watch. BASKETBALL COMMENTARY ...Time out Knicks... The stop watching keeps ticking away, the siren blaring, the commentary continuing, the police scanner crackling. The storefront is hidden in shadow, impossible to tell what’s going on inside. Driver looks at his stop watch. Almost three minutes. One of the masked men emerges now, carrying a duffel bag. He hurries over and gets in the back of Driver’s car without a word. There’s no sign of the other robber.
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
11
CONTINUED:
4 11
The commentary continues, so does the crackling on the police scanner. Four minutes. Still no sign of the second armed robber. His companion in the back starts to look nervous, wondering what’s happened to his partner. Driver doesn’t betray a hint of nerves. Four and half minutes on his stop watch. Thirty seconds more and he’s on his way. Suddenly the second robber appears from the shadows, running as fast as he can to the getaway car. He jumps into the back seat a few seconds short of five minutes and Driver screeches off. 12 INT/ EXT. SILVER IMPALA/ STREETS/ DOWNTOWN - NIGHT. 12
Driver thunders over the 1st Street bridge towards Boyle Heights, then eases his foot off the gas, slowing to a steady speed. In the back seat the two armed robbers rip off their masks, looking pumped up with adrenalin. Driver studies them in his rear view mirror, then swerves right on Mission Street as his police scanner crackles to life. POLICE SCANNER ...Attention all units...211...Superstore on Traction Avenue...Suspects headed Eastbound on 1st Street...Driving a Silver Impala... Driver swings sharply into 4th Street now, crossing the L.A. River again, heading back in the same direction he came. POLICE SCANNER ...Airships dispatched...Downtown and Boyle Heights...All units standby. Repeat, all units standby... Up ahead, the lights of Downtown L.A. glitter against the night sky. Hovering between the neon green glow of the skyscrapers Driver sees the red and white glint of a police helicopter. He switches off his headlights, turning left on Santa Fe Avenue. 13 INT/EXT. IMPALA/ALLEYWAYS/INDUSTRIAL AREA/DOWNTOWN - NIGHT. 13
The armed robbers watch in tense silence as Driver weaves in and out of the industrial alleyways with his lights switched off. It’s as if he’s trying to find his way out of the maze or probing to see if there’s anyone out there. POLICE SCANNER ...1 Baker 11, headed south on Boyle Avenue...No sign of suspects...Repeat, no sign of suspects... The armed robbers look relieved when suddenly a police car glides past at the end of the alleyway, its lights also off. (CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
13
CONTINUED:
5 13
It’s like catching a glimpse of a passing shark’s fin. Driver taps the brakes gently, his car sliding to a stop. He stays there a moment, then eases the Impala forward, turning in the same direction as the black-and-white. 14 INT/EXT. IMPALA/ LA RIVER INDUSTRIAL AREA/ DOWNTOWN - NIGHT. 14 It’s a high-risk strategy but Driver follows the black-and-white at a distance, hidden in the darkness, knowing other squad cars won’t be checking the same route. The police car makes its way through the dimly lit industrial zone, unaware it’s being shadowed. Driver turns his car radio up a whisper. BASKETBALL COMMENTARY ...And for the first time in the game the Clippers have the lead. 71 to 69. Seven to go in the Fourth here at the Staples Centre... Driver turns the sound back down. Up ahead, the police car swings left, disappearing from view. Driver slows down too, anticipating the next obstacle. He doesn’t have long to wait. In the distance he suddenly sees the piercing beam of a police chopper’s search-lights, sweeping the area one more time. Driver floors the gas, speeding straight towards the approaching helicopter. The armed robbers are too stunned to protest. They just sit there, watching the sweeping searchlights getting closer and closer. Then suddenly it becomes clear what Driver’s doing. Up ahead, there’s a small underpass below the 7th Street bridge. Driver slides the car under the safety of the bridge just before the chopper’s searchlights spot them. 15 INT/EXT. IMPALA/ UNDERPASS/ LA RIVER INDUSTRIAL AREA - NIGHT. 15 The roar of the helicopter thunders overhead. The underpass is crammed with dirty mattresses and shopping carts. Sleeping HOBOS can be seen under dirty blankets. Driver waits for the echo of the helicopter to fade, then moves forward again. 16 INT/EXT. IMPALA/ OLYMPIC BOULEVARD/ DOWNTOWN - NIGHT. 16
Gloomy yellow street-lamps shine down on the industrial zone. Rows of delivery trucks are parked outside the meat-packing factories. Driver cruises cautiously down the deserted street. The crackling of the police scanner and the droning of the basketball commentary add to the tension. Finally up ahead he sees car-lights streaming back and forth on Broadway. DRIVER Get down... (CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
16
CONTINUED:
6 16
The armed robbers lie flat on the back seat, paying Driver more respect now. 17 INT/EXT. IMPALA/ BROADWAY/ DOWNTOWN - NIGHT. There’s a steady flow of traffic on Broadway. Driver falls in behind the other cars. On the radio, the basketball game is still playing. BASKETBALL COMMENTARY ...Three thirteen left on the clock. Dunleavy calls a time out and it’s the Clippers by one... The passing head-lamps light up Driver’s face. There’s not a trace of emotion in his eyes -- even when he spots a patrol car approaching in the opposite direction. BASKETBALL COMMENTARY ...Buckle up your seat belts Clippers fans. This game really is too close to call... The two cars pass each other slowly. Driver sees the cops in the Black-and-White peering at the Impala as they head past. He turns down the basketball game and focuses on the scanner. POLICE SCANNER ...This is 1 David 16...Silver Impala headed South on Broadway and Pico...Couldn’t get a look at her license plates...Appears to be only one occupant... In the back seat, the armed robbers wait nervously for the police dispatch to respond. POLICE SCANNER ...1 David 16...why don’t you check her out... As soon as he hears this Driver swerves sharply into the next street. 18 INT/ EXT. IMPALA/ SIDESTREET OFF BROADWAY/ DOWNTOWN - NIGHT. 18 Driver guns around the block now, building up speed. POLICE SCANNER ...This is 1 David 16...We lost the suspect somewhere between Broadway and Grand...Possible evasive action...Request airship and additional units... 17
Green Revisions
11/22/10
7
19
INT/ EXT. IMPALA/ WEST PICO BOULEVARD/ DOWNTOWN - NIGHT.
19
Driver bursts out onto Pico now. A squad car headed in the opposite direction slows down as it sees him but is caught up in the flow of traffic, unable to turn round and give chase. POLICE SCANNER ...1 David 11...suspect headed West on Pico... Driver threads his way through the vehicles in front of him, so smooth and effortless it’s hard to tell how fast he’s going. He glances up as he hears the dull rumble of a police chopper overhead. The helicopter is almost directly above him, swinging its search-beam back and forth to get a lock on his position. Driver pushes the car as fast as it will go, but there’s no way of outrunning the chopper. Blue light floods the asphalt around him as he guns down Figueroa. POLICE SCANNER All units...pursuit in progress...silver Impala...Headed North on Figueroa... Even now Driver doesn’t panic, turning his attention back to the basketball game. BASKETBALL COMMENTARY Thornton pulls up from behind the arc, misses. Rebound New York. One eighteen to play... Driver swerves sharply towards the sparkling lights of the Staples Centre. 20 INT/EXT. IMPALA/ STAPLES CENTRE/ PARKING LOT - NIGHT. 20
The terraced parking lot looms up ahead. A sign above the barrier says ‘Season Ticket Holders Only’. Driver punches in a ticket and roars into the parking lot. 21 INT. IMPALA/ STAPLES CENTRE PARKING LOT - NIGHT. 21
The Impala screeches from one level to the next. With a game going on, the parking lot is almost full. Finally Driver pulls into a free parking space. BASKETBALL COMMENTARY ...Thirty seconds remaining and all the Knicks have to do is run out the clock... Driver glances in his side mirror. Behind him, dozens of FANS are already streaming out into the parking lot before the game is over, hoping to avoid the inevitable traffic. (CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
21
CONTINUED: BASKETBALL COMMENTARY ...Gordon back to Davis...Davis for three...This is unbelievable!...
8 21
The jubilant commentary continues, but Driver isn’t listening anymore. The game has served its purpose. More fans flood into the parking lot. Dozens of cars pull out of their places. BASKETBALL COMMENTARY ...What a remarkable comeback...Outplayed for most of the game, the Clippers have shown incredible resilience... Driver glances at the armed robbers and nods. It’s time. They climb out of the car, merging in with the crowd. Driver watches them disappear, then slips on a Clippers cap, climbs out of the Impala himself and heads out. 22 EXT. STAPLES CENTRE/ DOWNTOWN L.A. - NIGHT. 22
*
Outside the parking lot, the police are waiting, stopping anything that looks like an Impala, shining their flashlights into the windows. Wearing his Clippers cap, Driver calmly walks past them, making his getaway. DISSOLVE TO: 23 EXT. FILM SET/ SAN PEDRO/ LOS ANGELES - DAY. 23
*
Driver’s face is fixed ahead, sunglasses hiding his eyes. As we PULL OUT we see to our surprise that he’s wearing a policeman’s uniform. It’s only as we pull out further that we see several other ‘POLICE OFFICERS’ sitting in the same fold up chairs, reading car magazines and scripts as they’re powdered by MAKE-UP GIRLS, and realize we’re on a movie set. 24 EXT. FILM SET/ SAN PEDRO/ LOS ANGELES - DAY. 24 *
Shannon is discussing a car stunt with another AD, using two toy cars on the hood of a cop car to demonstrate the danger.
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
24
CONTINUED: SHANNON This is not what we talked about. We talked about a skid. Now you’re talking about a pit manoeuver and a rollover. A.D. This is exactly what we talked about. It’s what we need. It’s what the director wants. Look, I’ve got 10 other guys.... Driver heads off, disinterested in the negotiations. SHANNON A high risk stunt like that’s worth at least a thousand five. AD They won’t go higher than a thousand. SHANNON Done. A thousand dollars. I want to see a smile on your face for the first time in 15 years. For all his charm we sense something of the hustler about Shannon.
9 24 * * * * * * * *
* * *
25
EXT. CRAFT TABLE/ FILM SET/ SAN PEDRO/ LOS ANGELES - DAY.
25
Driver approaches a buffet table laid out with food. He’s about to help himself when JACK, the caterer, stops him. JACK Sorry, that’s for the director... 26 INT/ EXT. FILM SET/ SAN PEDRO - DAY. Driver returns without food. SHANNON I managed to get them up to five hundred. Driver doesn’t seem to care, focussed on the job. 26A EXT. FILM SET/ SAN PEDRO/ LOS ANGELES Driver sits in a chair getting fitted with the Handsome Mask 26A * * 26 * *
Green Revisions
11/22/10
10
26B
INT/ EXT. POLICE CAR/ FILM SET/ SAN PEDRO/ LOS ANGELES Ad Driver get’s strapped in (wearing the mask) an 2nd AD comes over with some paperwork. 2ND A.D. Before I put you on camera, I’m gonna need you to sign this contract. It releases us from liability in the event that you die or get maimed. Just initial it there. Thanks. And good luck to you. Driver floors the gas, screeching out of the alleyway. He swerves between several oil drums then straightens up on the main road. In his rear view mirror he sees a black Dodge Charger appear on cue, bearing down on him. Driver slows to forty, like he’s supposed to, but the black Charger keeps coming at speed.
26B
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Driver’s eyes stay fixed on his rear view mirror, judging the other car’s speed and angle of approach to perfection. The Charger slams into the back of Driver’s car at sixty miles an hour, hitting him just above the left rear wheel. Driver’s reactions are quick as lightning, counter-steering as his Black-and-White goes careening off the road. He keeps the car upright long enough to slow it down before it finally flips end over end. Up ahead, the Charger skids to a showy stop. We got it! ASSISTANT DIRECTOR Let’s move on! * *
Some clapping and cheering breaks out, but most the crew couldn’t care less, returning to their cell-phones and shot lists. 26C INT/ EXT. POLICE CAR/ FILM SET/ SAN PEDRO 26C
* *
Shannon seems interested in Driver, limping over and helping him out of his battered Black-and-White. SHANNON You good? He’s good! Hey Frank! How’d you like that? Nicely done. You might want to keep that mask on. It’s an improvement. (CONTINUED) * * * *
Green Revisions
11/22/10
26C
CONTINUED: Driver pulls the mask off
10A 26C * 27A * * 27
27A
EXT. NINO’S PIZZERIA/ SUNSET BOULEVARD - DAY. Establishing shot of Nino’s Pizzeria.
27
INT. NINO’S PIZZERIA/ WESTWOOD - DAY.
A New York style pizza-by-the-slice restaurant. A WAITER takes a delivery of Chinese food at the door and carries it over to a table where Shannon is sitting with an old friend, BERNIE ROSE. WAITER Here’s your food, Mr. Rose. (Taking out the white boxes) Egg rolls, chicken chow mein, five flavor shrimp and Peking duck. BERNIE ROSE Where are the chop sticks? WAITER Looks like the guy forgot them. From the way the waiter hurries off we get a sense of Bernie’s power and authority. He turns back to Shannon, resuming their conversation. Shannon lights a cigarette. BERNIE ROSE What are you doing? I’m eating. out. Put it He *
* *
* * * * * *
Shannon looks around for an ash try but can’t find one. puts the cigarette out on his cigarette box.
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
27
CONTINUED: BERNIE ROSE ...You run a perfectly good business. Why would you want to change now? SHANNON You know how much my business made last year? Thirty Grand. Takes me six months to build a car and a couple of seconds for these jerks to write it off on a stunt that doesn’t even make it into the movie.
11 27
Bernie shakes his head but clearly has a soft spot for Shannon. BERNIE ROSE How much do you need? SHANNON Let me talk you through it first. BERNIE ROSE That sounds like a lot. SHANNON Doesn’t have to be. The big money teams burn through three, four million a year but that’s ‘cause they’re using half a dozen test drivers and a stable of cars. BERNIE ROSE I don’t know anything about car racing but I assume there’s a reason for that? SHANNON Sure, but doesn’t have to be that way. All I need is a hard-used stock car. We start off with the small-town action then work our way up. There’s close to two thousand events out there and once we make the Show we’re talking millions. BERNIE ROSE ‘Millions’? SHANNON There’s a fortune to be made. Sponsorship. TV deals. We’ll even name the team after you. Bernie Rose Enterprises. We’ll paint a big rose on the side. Bernie looks at his friend in mild exasperation then turns away as the waiter returns with a handful of chop sticks. WAITER Excuse me, here’s the chopsticks. (CONTINUED) * * *
* *
Green Revisions
11/22/10
27
CONTINUED: (2) BERNIE ROSE Where’s the cookie? Never mind Javiar, just go get the cookie and read me the fortune.
11A 27 * * *
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
27
CONTINUED: (3) Bernie waits for the waiter to leave then continues. BERNIE ROSE You still haven’t given me a number? Shannon hesitates but only for a second. SHANNON Four hundred and thirty thousand dollars. Bernie Rose can’t help grinning at his nerve. Fuck you. SHANNON Look, I wouldn’t come to you unless I was sure about this. BERNIE ROSE Come on, Shannon. How can you be sure? What have you got these big money teams don’t have? SHANNON I got a driver. BERNIE ROSE And they got half a dozen Drivers you told me. SHANNON Not like this one. This kid is special. He stares at his friend with quiet conviction. SHANNON I been working with this guy a long time I’ve never seen anything like it. I had the money I’d back him myself... Bernie Rose considers him quietly. BERNIE ROSE But you don’t have the money. SHANNON Everything I own is in metal. I had to sell my Bullit car the other day just to pay the gas bill. I’m telling you, Bernie, put this kid behind a wheel there’s nothing he can’t do. BERNIE ROSE
12 27 *
* *
*
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
27
CONTINUED: (4) BERNIE ROSE And what happens to my money if this kid gets hit by a bus? SHANNON There’s no bus.
13 27
* * *
They’re interrupted by a big bull of a man with a gruff voice. NINO What are you doing eating Chink food in my restaurant? BERNIE ROSE What are you doing running a pizzeria? It’s officially inedible. What do you make it with, wood? NINO It’s the fucking water in this fucking hick town. Shannon smiles, intimidated by Nino, giving up his seat respectfully. Nino doesn’t even acknowledge him. BERNIE ROSE Stop taking it from the toilet. remember Shannon? You
* * * * * *
* * *
NINO (Barely a glance at Shannon) Take a hike. I need to talk to my partner. BERNIE ROSE Be nice. I invited him here. NINO Oh, I’m sorry. How you doing, Shannon? How’s the fucking leg? SHANNON I paid my debt. Bernie senses things are only going to get worse and dismisses Shannon gently. BERNIE ROSE I’ll think about it but I want to meet your guy first... Shannon gets up to leave and slides a peice of paper across the table.
*
* *
* *
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
27
CONTINUED: (5) SHANNON I’ll leave you some materials. BERNIE ROSE No, don’t leave me anything. Mail it. (To waiter) Javiar! Wrap this up, I want to take it to go.
13A 27 * * * * * * * 28
28
INT. ELEVATOR/ APARTMENT BLOCK/ ECHO PARK - DAY.
Driver stands in the elevator as it climbs slowly. It reaches the ground floor then the doors slide open. Driver finds himself face to face with the pretty girl he saw the other night. She looks a little startled to see him, then recovers
*
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
28
CONTINUED:
14 28
She joins him in the elevator, carrying a grocery bag with some milk and Fruit Loops cereal. DRIVER What floor? Four Driver presses the fourth floor button even though it’s already lit. The doors shut and the elevator starts to climb. Driver stares out quietly. Irene takes a glance at him, feeling awkward in the silence. She looks relieved as the elevator doors finally open. Driver steps aside to let her out first. Thanks 29 INT. CORRIDOR/ APARTMENT/ ECHO PARK - MORNING. Driver and Irene walk down the corridor in the same direction, only a few feet apart. She seems more aware of his presence than he is of hers. She reaches the door to her apartment first. Driver looks at her just long enough not to seem impolite, then continues down the corridor, not even glancing back. 30 EXT. SAUGUS SPEEDWAY - DAY. 30 29 IRENE * IRENE * *
*
Bright sunlight. In the distance we see a trail of dust moving across the flatland. Everything is silent, then slowly the hum of an engine rises as the stock car turns towards us. It shimmers in the heat waves, the noise of its engine getting louder as it picks up speed. Shannon stands with his friend Bernie Rose at the edge of the makeshift track, staring at the glittering car with its colorful signage advertising everything from Snickers to Cheerios. BERNIE ROSE You’re gonna have to tell me if that’s fast or slow. I got no idea... Shannon smiles to himself. SHANNON It ain’t slow... * *
Green Revisions
11/22/10
15
31
INT. RACE CAR/ SAUGUS SPEEDWAY - DAY.
31
Even in the cramped space of the roll cage there’s something effortless about the way Driver controls the car. His eyes are fixed in concentration, his body tensing only slightly as he lifts his foot off the gas and turns the wheel. 32 EXT. SAUGUS SPEEDWAY - DAY. 32
The glinting vehicle is lost in a cloud of dust, then reappears again, moving even faster now. The STOCK CAR’S OWNER, a bearded hot-rodder with a t-shirt that says, “Drive it like you stole it”, joins Shannon with a confident smile. STOCK CAR OWNER Told you she was a beauty... SHANNON (Playing hard to get) We’ll see... Bernie Rose pays no attention to their banter, his eyes fixed thoughtfully on the stock car as it finally slows to a stop. 33 EXT. RACE CAR/ SAUGUS SPEEDWAY - DAY. The car comes to a stop. SHANNON Wanna meet him? BERNIE ROSE Bring him over here. Driver climbs out of the car. As he looks up he sees Shannon limping over with the stock car’s owner. STOCK CAR OWNER Nothin’wrong with that. SHANNON Getting a little loose in the corners. Nicely done , Kid, for what you had to work with. STOCK CAR OWNER Beat the fastest lap by half a second.... DRIVER Needs more casters in the left front. The spindle’s driving it to the ground. It needs to lift up... 33 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
*
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
33
CONTINUED: SHANNON (dragging him away) I wnat you to meet someone. (referring to owner) Don’t say anything nic about the car. I want to get the price down... They walk over to Bernie who stands at the rail. SHANNON Kid, I want you to meet Bernie Rose. BERNIE ROSE (holding out his hand) Nice to meet you. DRIVER My hands are a little dirty. BERNIE ROSE So are mine...
15A 33 * * * * * * * * * * *
*
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
33
CONTINUED: (2)
16 33 * * * * * * * * *
He gives Driver a big grin and a warm handshake, sizing him up. Driver smiles politely, gazing back at him. Bernie’s still studying him. BERNIE ROSE Nice driving. Thanks. back? Sure.... Driver goes back over to the car SHANNON (to Bernie) So...what d’ya think? get the 400 grand? BERNIE ROSE I’ll give you three for seventy percent... SHANNON Balls! We’ll make it work. you see the Rose! 34 INT. SUPERMARKET/ ECHO PARK - DAY. Wait till 34 We DRIVER (turning to Shannon) Can I go SHANNON
* * * * * * * * * *
Tinny supermarket music plays in the background. Driver walks past the vast selection of instant coffee brands, bemused by the choice. Suddenly he notices something out of the corner of his eye. At the far end of the aisle his pretty neighbor, Irene, is browsing through the confectionery section. Standing next to her is a young boy of six or seven, (BENICIO). He grabs a multi-pack of snickers and puts it in Irene’s shopping basket. Irene calmly picks it out, replaces it on the shelf, and takes a single snicker bar for him instead. As Driver watches them, the boy turns around and notices him. Driver heads down another aisle before Irene sees him too, keeping to himself to himself. 35 EXT. CAR PARK/ SUPERMARKET - DAY. 35
Driver heads out of the supermarket with a small bag of groceries when he spots Irene and Benicio again in the car park. Irene sits in a battered Oldsmobile, trying to start the engine. She tries several times then gets out in frustration, opening the hood and peering at the engine she has no idea how to fix. Benicio peers in too, trying to be helpful.
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
35
CONTINUED:
17 35
Driver hesitates, all his instincts telling him to continue to his car and drive away, but as he feels Irene’s increasing frustration he can’t help himself, finally heading over to help. Irene looks over and sees him coming, surprised at first, then smiling. We watch from a distance as they talk now. 35a INT. ELEVATOR/ APARTMENT BLOCK/ ECHO PARK - DAY. Driver, Irene and Benicio stand in silence in the elevator, Driver clutching some of Irene’s grocery bags. 36 INT. IRENE’S APARTMENT/ ECHO PARK - DAY. Driver carries Irene’s grocery bags into the kitchen for her. Irene rushes through the apartment picking up the mess. DRIVER Where do you want me to put these? IRENE In the kitchen. Thank you. IRENE I’ll be a second... She walks out of the room, leaving Driver alone with Benicio. Benicio puts on a scary mask. The little boy stares at him fixedly. 36a 37 OMITTED INT. IRENE’S APARTMENT - DAY. Benicio’s still staring at Driver. 36a 37 36 * * * * * * * * * 35a
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
37
CONTINUED:
18 37 *
Scary....
DRIVER Want a toothpick?
* * * * * * * *
Benicio nods and takes the toothpick and wanders away IRENE Glass of water? Sure. Irene hands Driver a glass of water. IRENE You just move to LA? DRIVER No, I been here a while. IRENE Just new here? Yeah. IRENE (A gentle smile) Too many questions, huh?... Driver smiles back awkwardly, not sure how else to respond. Irene switches on the TV for Benicio, sitting him down on the couch. Driver has a sip of water, glancing around the room. He notices a few photographs on a side table. Most of them are of Benicio and Irene, but one of them shows the little boy standing next to a strikingly handsome Latino man. Irene turns around and sees him looking at the picture. IRENE That’s Benicio’s father. Driver takes in the significance of this, then looks back at her. DRIVER Where is he?? IRENE He’s in prison. (CONTINUED) DRIVER DRIVER
* *
* *
Green Revisions
11/22/10
37
CONTINUED: (2) IRENE (Changing the subject) What do you do? Driver hesitates. I drive. DRIVER
18A 37
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
37
CONTINUED: (3) IRENE Like a limo driver? DRIVER No, for the movies... IRENE Like a stunt guy? He nods, a little embarrassed. IRENE Isn’t that dangerous? He seems thrown by her concern. DRIVER It’s just part-time. Mostly I work in a garage. Where? DRIVER Reseda Boulevard. DRIVER I should go. IRENE
19 37
*
*
* *
He catches the disappointment in her eyes, but she covers it with another good humored smile.
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
37
CONTINUED: (4) IRENE Well, thank you. DRIVER Thanks for the water. She takes his empty glass and walks him to the door. IRENE (to Benicio) Say Bye. Bye. BENICIO
20 37 * *
* * * * 38
38
EXT/INT. STREET/ DRIVER’S APARTMENT/ ECHO PARK - DAY.
Passing traffic roars by on the busy street. Irene and Benicio are walking home from the bus stop, chatting happily. They look like they’ve just come back from the beach, Irene carrying a basket full of towels, Benicio clutching a dusty soccer ball. Driver watches them from the window of his apartment, blowing gently on a cup of coffee. 39 INT/ EXT. DRIVER’S CAR/ HOLLYWOOD BOULEVARD - NIGHT. 39
The reflection of passing neon rolls down the Camaro’s windscreen. Driver’s cruising down Hollywood Boulevard, shut off from the world outside, listening to ‘Purple Rain’. The HOOKERS and HIPSTERS have taken over the streets while up above airbrushed movie stars stare down from their lofty billboards. 40 EXT. PARKING LOT/ MINI MALL - MORNING. 40
It’s early morning and Driver’s been driving all night, unable to sleep. He heads across the parking lot towards a garishly lit mini-mall. Up ahead a small group of GANGBANGERS are hanging out with intent. They see him coming and look over intimidatingly. Driver’s only reaction is to bunch his car keys in his hand, the longest key sliding between his second and third fingers like a weapon. The gangbangers don’t see it but the unflinching look in his eyes unnerves them and they look away, letting him pass. 41 EXT/ INT. BUFFALO BAR AND GRILL/ LA - MORNING. Jukebox music plays in the bar and grill. Driver sits on his own, working his way through a plate of bacon and eggs. Driver looks up and sees a burly REDNECK with an unkempt beard and a wrestler’s physique. The redneck slides into the seat opposite him. * 41
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
41
CONTINUED: BEARDED REDNECK You’re Shannon’s buddy, right? We met last year. You drove me and my brother back from Palm Springs...
20A 41
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
41
CONTINUED: (2)
21 41
Driver stares into the redneck’s coked-up eyes, then looks back down at his food. BEARDED REDNECK Next run we hired another wheelman - I spent six months in jail, my brother got himself killed... Driver doesn’t seem to hear him. BEARDED REDNECK I got a sweet job coming up... DRIVER I’m not interested in talking to you so shut your mouth before I kick your teeth down your throat and shut it for you Driver looks up quietly, fixing him with his icy gaze. The Redneck’s smile slowly fades. He considers his response for a moment, then decides against it, standing up. BEARDED REDNECK Well, it’s good to see you again... Driver carries on eating as if the man didn’t exist. 42 EXT. FORECOURT/ SHANNON’S GARAGE - DAY. 42 * * * * * * * * *
Driver has his car up on a hydraulic lift and works on the brakes. A tow truck pulls into the driveway carrying Irene’s Toyota. The Driver, Irene and Benicio get out. Shannon limps over. He takes one look at the owner, then runs his hand through his white hair, breaking into a friendly smile. SHANNON Ray of sunshine on a rainy day. Shannon. I’m Irene. SHANNON And who’s this? IRENE This is Benicio. SHANNON What can I do for you? IRENE It just broke down. (CONTINUED) IRENE I’m
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Green Revisions
11/22/10
42
CONTINUED: SHANNON That’s usually the case when you show up on a tow truck. Like me to take a look? (yelling to his guys) Move the Galaxy out of bay three. (to Driver) Hey Kid, we’re gonna push ‘er into number three. Driver turns around in surprise. He comes over.
21A 42 * * * * * * *
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
42
CONTINUED: (2) Hi... Hi... DRIVER IRENE
22 42 *
A mischievous smile lights up Shannon’s face as he watches them. SHANNON You know each other? IRENE We’re neighbors. SHANNON Neighbors....that’s nice. Driver ignores the sly look in the old man’s eyes. Don’t SHANNON (to Irene) We’re gonna take a look. If it starts to rain you can duck into my office. 43 INT. SHANNON’S GARAGE/ SILVERLAKE BOULEVARD - DAY. Shannon’s got his tool kit out, examining the Toyota as Irene watches. Benicio wanders over to Driver. They get into a staring contest. Benicio cracks up. DRIVER You blinked. You owe me a dollar. BENICIO Let;s go again. Benicio blinks first. DRIVER Now you owe me another dollar. quit while you’re ahead? Want to 43 DRIVER * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
BENICIO (looking at the car) That thing won’t work. What? DRIVER
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
43
CONTINUED: BENICIO That car. It looks old. It’s got no tires. It’s all bruised up there. DRIVER I drove it here today....
22A 43 * * * * *
Green Revisions
11/22/10
23
44 45
OMITTED INT. SHANNON’S GARAGE/ SILVERLAKE BOULEVARD - DAY. Meanwhile in Bay Three Shannon works on Irene’s car SHANNON You from around here? Yeah. SHANNON Me, I’m from the midwest. Can’t get used to all the dry heat. What do you do? IRENE I waitress. SHANNON Yeah? That’s good honest work. place I know? Denny’s SHANNON I love Denny’s. Well, you know, we specialize in picture cars, for the movies. Oh. IRENE I’m sorry. He didn’t say... IRENE Any IRENE
44 45
*
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
SHANNON Don’t worry about it. I like a good puzzle. Well, we start with the simple things first, but it looks like your battery’s good...holding a charge. Alternator’s getting juice. Belts aren’t slipping. I checked the fuses, they’re okay. I can’t really seem to locate what the problem is. It might take a day or two. Can you leave the car with me for a few days? IRENE Ummmm, yeah... can I call a cab from here? SHANNON Wait a minute. What am I thinking? You and the Kid are neighbors. He can take you home. (CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
45
CONTINUED: IRENE I feel bad. He’s working.. SHANNON Don’t give it a second thought. He’s be happy to do it. He’s a good guy. He walked into my shop about 5 or 6 years ago, out of the blue, and asked for a job. I put him to the test, saw what he could do and offered him a job at half the wages. (yelling to Driver) Hey Kid, come over here. (continuing to Irene) Been exploiting him ever since. Don’t tell him. Driver and Benicio come over. SHANNON Bit of a problem...I can’t locate it. We’re gonna have to keep her car here for a few days so I offered your services. Can you give them a ride home? You kmow what? It’s a slow day. Take the rest of the day off. DRIVER Sure. But I gotta put wheels on my car. You got a few minutes? SHANNON (to Irene) we’ll see you in three weeks. Just kidding. I’ll put the Kid on it. He’ll find it.
23A 45 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* *
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
45
CONTINUED: (2)
24 45 *
46
INT/ EXT. DRIVER’S CAR/ LA RIVER - DAY. Driver, Irene and Benicio drive through the city. turns to Irene. DRIVER Wanna see something? Yeah. Driver takes them to the LA River. IRENE Driver
46 * * * * * * *
The car roars along the drainage canals. In the passenger seat Benicio looks tense but exhilarated. The car glides past a landscape of abandoned shopping carts, garbage bags, and shredded tires, picking up speed all the time. 47 EXT. LA RIVER - DAY. 47 * * * *
Driver’s parked the car now in an area of the drainage canal which looks like an oasis. He, Irene and Benicio head into a shady area. Benicio throws rocks, Irene and Driver skip stones across the water. 48 49 OMITTED 48
INT. BENICIO’S BEDROOM/ IRENE’S APARTMENT/ ECHO PARK - NIGHT. 49 Cradling the sleeping Benicio in his arms Driver lays him on his bed. Irene takes off her son’s clothes and puts on pyjamas, careful not to wake him. Driver slips out of the uncomfortable with the intimate moment between mother and down his room, son. 50
50
INT. LIVING ROOM/ IRENE’S APARTMENT/ ECHO PARK - NIGHT. Irene walks out of the bedroom, smiling at Driver gratefully. IRENE That was good. He had a great time...
*
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
50
CONTINUED: DRIVER I’m glad...
25 50
He stares back at her in the silence, both of them looking a little uncertain. IRENE I’m sorry if I put you on the spot, you know, just showing up like that... DRIVER Don’t worry... Their eyes stay on each other, the attraction palpable. Driver finally breaks the tension, making a tentative move towards the door. Irene opens it for him, looking up into his eyes. Driver knows he could kiss her, wants to, but something inside holds him back. Instead he just offers his help. DRIVER I’m not doing anything over the weekend....if you need a ride. 50a 51 52 53 OMITTED OMITTED OMITTED EXT. SHANNON’S GARAGE/ SILVERLAKE BOULEVARD - DAY. 50a 51 52 53 * * * * *
The roar of machinery. We see quick shots of Driver’s day in the garage -- fixing cars, taking out some fruit he’s left to ripen in his tool box for lunch, working on more engines and frames. At the end of the day Driver and Shannon examine the stock car. SHANNON ...I still can’t believe I bought this piece of shit... Kid, we’re on our way!
*
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
53
CONTINUED: He grins, looking at Driver. SHANNON I figure maybe we’d take her for a test run Thursday or Friday. DRIVER I can’t on Friday. SHANNON Yeah? Why’s that? DRIVER I have to take Benicio to the dentist Wow. (Teasing him) You’re seeing quite a lot of those two lately. DRIVER You’re taking a long time to fix her car... SHANNON
26 53
*
*
* * * *
54
INT. LIVING ROOM/ IRENE’S APARTMENT/ ECHO PARK - NIGHT.
54
On the TV, a Japanese cartoon is playing, a masked hero confronting the villains, the screen flickering from color to black and white. Driver and Benicio sit on the couch, watching the cartoon. From their relaxed body language it’s clear some time has passed and they know each other a little better. DRIVER Is he a good guy or a bad guy? BENICIO He’s a good guy DRIVER How do you know? Irene is getting ready in the bathroom. The doorbell suddenly rings. Irene enters to open it to CINDY, A YOUNG WOMAN who’s sitting for Benicio. The phone rings. Irene goes to answer it. Hi... Hello... DRIVER YOUNG WOMAN (IRENE’S FRIEND) * * * * * * * * * * * *
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
54
CONTINUED: BENICIO Hi Cindy... Irene’s friend heads past Driver and scolds Benicio affectionately. IRENE’S FRIEND Guess what time it is? It’s 7:30. Teeth. Pajamas. TV off. Cindy drags Benicio off to the bedroom
26A 54 * * * * * * * * *
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
54
CONTINUED: (2) IRENE (on phone) Hello?...Yes?...Yes, this is she...
27 54 * *
Driver sees the look of surprise on Irene’s face as she listens to the voice on the other end. Driver looks back at Irene now. She puts down the phone, forcing a smile but still looking distracted. 55 INT/ EXT. DRIVER’S CAR/ ECHO PARK - NIGHT. 55
*
Irene sits next to Driver in the passenger seat, staring out of the window at the glittering fountain in Echo Park.
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
55
CONTINUED: She looks at Driver, watching him quietly, then looks away again. IRENE That was my husband’s lawyer on the phone. He’s coming home in a week.
28 55 * *
*
She tries to sound casual. Driver takes the news quietly, even though it hits him like a sledgehammer. DRIVER That’s great... Driver knows she’s trying to explain herself but doesn’t say anything, driving in silence. Up ahead the traffic lights turn red and the car slows to a stop. Inside, the silence is unbearable. Irene pauses, then looks at Driver. He’s even more handsome in the shadowy half-light, something achingly lonely and melancholy about his stillness. She hesitates, then moves her hand towards his, brushing the back of his hand, then slipping her fingers between his. The gesture is tiny but charged with emotion. They both stare out in silence, fingers clasped, then Irene gently withdraws her hand, as if nothing’s happened. Outside the lights change to green. 56 INT. IRENE’S APARTMENT/ ECHO PARK - SUNSET. 56 *
The sound of laughter. A sign over the door says, Welcome home Dad. Inside the apartment there’s a small party going on.
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
56
CONTINUED:
29 56 * * * *
Irene’s husband, STANDARD, has been released from jail and his FRIENDS and FAMILY are here to celebrate. STANDARD (to Benicio) Turn the TV off. Thanks everyone, for coming..even though I know it’s probably for the food not me.. His self-deprecating humor gets a chorus of laughter and agreement from the guests. Irene is standing next to her friend Cindy, looking a little uncomfortable. STANDARD I know we’re celebrating. But there’s a lot of shame in what I’ve done. I have a lot of making up to do, to all of you. Second chances are rare and worth celebrating. He raises his glass to Irene. STANDARD I want to make a toast to that lady over there. I love you Rini, Salud. Now eat! More applause. Irene stares back at Standard’s handsome face, feeling even more uncomfortable. 57 INT. DRIVER’S BEDROOM/ APARTMENT/ ECHO PARK - SUNSET. 57
* * * * * * * *
Driver sits in his apartment, working on a carburator, listening to the sound of the party echoing down the corridor. 58 INT. IRENE’S APARTMENT/ ECHO PARK - NIGHT. 58
*
It’s nighttime and the party’s getting louder. Standard’s on the phone to someone, trying to hear them over the music. STANDARD I’m sorry, I can’t hear you...Speak up! He heads into the bedroom to take the call. The voice on the other end is accented and unfriendly. MAN’S VOICE ON THE PHONE Can you hear me now, you cunt? Standard pauses, looking concerned. Yep. STANDARD * *
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
58
CONTINUED: MAN’S VOICE ON THE PHONE You’re gonna come see me tomorrow, you understand?...
30 58
Across the crowded room, Irene is looking for Standard. She sees him in the bedroom, switching off his phone, and heads over. STANDARD Just let me know when and where. He gives her a warm smile. IRENE Who was that? STANDARD My parole officer. 59 INT. DRIVER’S BEDROOM/ APARTMENT/ ECHO PARK - NIGHT. 59 * * * *
The noise of the party is finally too much for Driver. He gets off the bed and slips on his jacket. 60 INT. APARTMENT/ CORRIDOR/ ECHO PARK - NIGHT. 60
Irene is finding the party overwhelming too. She heads out into the corridor to have a cigarette when she sees Driver across the hallway, locking the door to his own apartment. She hesitates, then calls out. Hey... He turns around and sees her standing there with a smile. IRENE I’m sorry about the noise. DRIVER I was going to call the cops. IRENE I wish you would. Their eyes stay on each other, the music pounding in the background. * * * IRENE
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
60
CONTINUED:
31 60 *
Another awkward silence, so much she wants to say but can’t. Suddenly she turns around as she hears her apartment door open. Standard stands there with Benicio, holding a bag of trash. He pauses, then smiles. STANDARD That the neighbor? He grins at his wife, then looks over at Driver, his smile not hiding what he feels inside. STANDARD Hey man, how you doing? Ben told me a lot about you. You’ve been coming around, helping out. That’s real nice of you. Driver seems unsure how to respond. DRIVER You’re welcome. Standard rests his hand gently on Benicio’s head, still staring at Driver. STANDARD You drive for the movies? Uh huh. STANDARD Must be pretty good? Yeah. DRIVER DRIVER
* *
* * * * * *
* *
* *
*
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
60
CONTINUED: (2) He’s still smiling but there’s a slight edge to his voice. Irene looks uncomfortable. IRENE I can take that. STANDARD No, we got it. Let mommy talk to her friend. His eyes are still fixed on Driver. STANDARD Have a good night.
32 60 *
* * *
* * *
He slips his arm around his son now and continues down the corridor, brushing past Driver on his way to empty the trash. Driver looks at Irene, then heads off in the same direction as Standard and Benicio to take the elevator. The two men stand there in charged silence, one emptying the trash, the other waiting for the elevator, only Benicio oblivious to the tension. 61 EXT/ INT. DRIVER’S CAR/ LA - NIGHT. 61
Brooding movie stars look down from the billboards. Driver is in his car now, soft rock playing on the radio. 62 63 OMITTED EXT/ INT. DRIVER’S CAR/ LA - DAY. Anonymous streets roll by, Driver’s eyes fixed on the road. 62 63 *
Green Revisions
11/22/10
33
64 65 66
OMITTED OMITTED INT. SHANNON’S GARAGE/ SILVER LAKE BOULEVARD - DAY.
64 65 66
*
A noise of hammering and drills. The corporate signage has been scraped off the race car and the seats ripped out. Bernie Rose has bought his partner Nino to the garage to take a look at his investment. NINO ...We paid three hundred fucking grand for this piece of shit? BERNIE ROSE I paid for it. Out of my own pocket. This is just the shell. You start with the shell, then you build the frame, then the engine. (Pointing to an engine nearby) I paid three hundred for that. It’s the inside that counts, not the outside. Right, Shannon? SHANNON That’s correct. NINO Fuck that shit. If I’m gonna blow three hundred I wanna make sure everyone can see it. Shannon smiles nervously, worried Nino’s going to sabotage his deal with Bernie. NINO (Pointing to a Thunderbird) ...Now this is one fine motherfucking pussymobile, motherfucker. BERNIE ROSE Why don’t you buy it? Shannon sell him the car...(aside to Shannon) He couldn’t find pussy in a whorehouse At the far end of the garage Driver hears them laughing, too busy working on his car to pay any attention. Shannon opens the door of the Thunderbird and invites Nino to take a seat. SHANNON This car will make even you good-looking. * *
* * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * *
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
66
CONTINUED: NINO I’m already good-looking, pal SHANNON Sit in it, you’ll feel like a king. Just don’t touch anything.
33A 66 * * * *
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
66
CONTINUED: (2)
34 66 *
He sits heavily in the car and starts prodding and pressing all the control buttons as if he wants to break them. NINO (breaking off a knob) What does this fucking thing do? SHANNON Jesus, Mary and Joseph. I asked you not to touch anything. You wana drive it? I’ll get the key. You’re sitting in a classic ‘55 T-Bird. NINO How about this little clit? I don’t know whether to fuck it or drive it. Fuck it, I’ll drive it... Bernie Rose shakes his head at his partner’s foul language then looks away, observing Driver quietly. Driver applies a blow torch to his car, so absorbed in his work he doesn’t hear Bernie Rose approach. BERNIE ROSE O/S How you doing?... Driver hears him standing up respectfully. Bernie Rose gives him a friendly smile. BERNIE ROSE So, when’s our first race? DRIVER Pretty soon. BERNIE ROSE You gonna be ready? There’s something gently challenging in his gaze. DRIVER I hope so... BERNIE ROSE Cautious man. Like myself. Don’t wanna make promises you can’t keep... Driver smiles but doesn’t respond. Bernie Rose finds him as hard to talk to as everyone else. Across the garage, Nino sits in the T-Bird with Shannon, still fucking with him. Bernie watches them. (CONTINUED) * * *
* * * *
Green Revisions
11/22/10
66
CONTINUED: (3) BERNIE ROSE He ever tell you how we met? Driver shakes his head, no. BERNIE ROSE I produced some movies back in the 80’s. Action films. Sexy stuff. Kind of European, at least one critic said. Shannon arranged the cars for us and did all the stunts. I knew he was overcharging me but I loved having him around. Then for his next business venture, he got involved with some of Nino’s friends. They didn’t like the overcharging part. They broke his pelvis. He never had much luck...you probably knew that, right.
34A 66 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
35
CONTINUED: * * * He’s about to continue when they’re interrupted by a familiar voice. Hey!... Driver turns around and sees Irene’s husband, Standard, heading towards him with a confident smile. STANDARD You got a minute? I want to BERNIE ROSE You see two people talking here? Bernie Rose barely raises his voice but it’s full of quiet menace and authority. Standard pauses, stung, but instinctively senses this is someone you don’t mess with. STANDARD Yeah, sorry. I’ll wait outside... Bernie Rose watches him leave with a look of contempt, then turns back to Driver with a smile, resuming their conversation. BERNIE ROSE Good, keep me abreast of your whereabouts, please. (back to Driver) The reason I’m telling you this is because he’s got a lot invested in you. So do I... Their eyes stay on each other with just a hint of tension. BERNIE ROSE Anything you need just let me know... I want to win, ok? Go back to work. Make it go faster! I’m excited! Driver nods. Bernie Rose studies him a moment, then finally walks away. 67 EXT. SHANNON’S GARAGE/ SILVER LAKE BOULEVARD - DAY. 67 * * * * * * * STANDARD O/S
Driver joins Standard in the forecourt of the garage, the midday sun blazing down on them.
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
67
CONTINUED: STANDARD Irene said me you fixed our car. How much do we owe you? DRIVER Don’t worry about it. STANDARD Why shouldn’t I worry about it? Driver senses the quiet pride in his voice, and lets it go. DRIVER OK, pal, call it fifty.
36 67 * *
*
*
Standard counts out some bills from his tattered wallet, his eyes lowered. STANDARD Here’s sixty. You sell cars here? I guess.. STANDARD I was thinking of trading her in for a new car. Something fast and cheap. Got anything like that? DRIVER You should really talk to Shannon. It’s mostly for the movies. There’s some Crown Vics in the back.. STANDARD Let’s see ‘em. They start to walk toward the back of the lot STANDARD You think I’m an asshole? DRIVER I wouldn’t know. STANDARD Well, I am. I am an asshole, eight months inside for holding somebody else’s stolen shit...Almost lost my family for it. So I am an asshole. You trying to fuck my wife? In front of my kid? What’s that make you? DRIVER * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * *
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
67
CONTINUED: (2) Driver stares back at him when Shannon emerges from the garage with Bernie Rose and Nino, calling out. SHANNON Hey, kid! Come say goodbye, the money people are leaving!...
37 67 *
Driver and Standard stare at each other a moment longer then Driver breaks off. DRIVER (Gesturing to a Crown Victoria) is, you want it? Fuck off. Driver walks off, leaving Standard alone with his thoughts. Shannon watches Standard curiously as Driver approaches. Driver hands Shannon the money Standard gave him. SHANNON What’s this from? That guy? Who’s he? DRIVER Irene’s husband. SHANNON (Grinning) What did I tell you about married women? 68 OMITTED 68 * * * * STANDARD Here it * * *
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
68
CONTINUED:
38 68 *
69
OMITTED
69
*
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
69
CONTINUED:
39 69 *
70 71 72
OMITTED OMITTED INT/ EXT. DRIVER’S CAR/ UNDERGROUND CAR PARK - NIGHT.
70 71 72
* *
As Driver descends into the darkness of the car park, he sees a group of SHADOWY FIGURES walking in the opposite direction, heading up the ramp, one of them being pushed in a wheelchair. Their leader, a large, balding man, (COOK), glances in Driver’s direction then looks away. Driver cruises past the mysterious group and winds his way further down the car park. Suddenly he notices something else in the shadows. A figure lies sprawled against one of the pillars. A smaller figure kneels a few feet away. Driver stops his car now, climbing out to see what’s happened. The prone figure groans in pain. As Driver approaches he realizes it’s Standard. His face is covered in blood and he clutches his ribs. STANDARD Bennie? It’s OK. Don’t be scared. I don’t even know who those guys were. I think they were confused. Don’t tell mommy. It’s a little secret between the boys, OK? Standard, seeing Driver approach. Oh shit. DRIVER You alright? Sure? The smaller figure is Benicio. He stares at his father helplessly, then looks up at Driver in tears. Driver kneels beside Benicio, picks him up Standard raises his head painfully and looks at his son. Benicio clings to Driver. Driver extends a hand to help Standard up. STANDARD
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
72
CONTINUED: .
40 72 * 73
73
INT. BATHROOM/ DRIVER’S APARTMENT/ ECHO PARK - NIGHT.
Standard is bent over the sink, splashing water on his face. As he turns off the tap he notices how neatly Driver’s laid out his toothbrush, shaving cream, and razor. He finally turns around and looks at Driver. STANDARD Sorry about the blood ... He’s still shaken but tries to pass it off with a smile. DRIVER You want anything? Standard looks at him in surprise now. STANDARD Yeah. You got 20 grand on you? helpful. DRIVER Who are they? STANDARD Why? Whatta ya gonna do? Beat ‘em up for me. Stunt guy?.....Some Guys that want me to do a job that I’m not gonna do. DRIVER What’s the job? STANDARD They want me to rob a pawn shop in the valley. Why? STANDARD I owe protection money from when I was in side. It was 2 thousand, then when I got out it was 5 thousand., Now it’s 20, tomorrow, I don’t know what the fuck it’ll be. 50? 100? Keeps going up and up and up.... DRIVER What are you gonna do? DRIVER That’d be * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
73
CONTINUED: STANDARD Yeah. What am I gonna do? That’s a good question. They say they’re gonna come after Benicio and Irene next.
40A 73 * * * *
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
73
CONTINUED: (2)
41 73
Driver stares at his battered face and the blood stains on his t- * shirt, then walks out of the bathroom to check on Benicio.
Green Revisions
11/22/10
42
74
INT. LIVING ROOM/ DRIVER’S APARTMENT/ ECHO PARK - NIGHT.
74
Benicio is watching a baseball game on TV, his back to Driver. You okay? The little boy nods without turning round, still frightened by his ordeal. DRIVER You want something to drink? Benicio shakes his head, trying to hide his tears. Driver heads over, then stops as he notices something in Benicio’s hand. The little boy is clutching it as if he’s afraid to let go. DRIVER What’s that? Can I see it? Benicio holds out his hand to reveal a small bullet. Driver stares at it, then looks at him. DRIVER Where’d you get that? BENICIO One of those men gave it to me. not to lose it... He told me * * * DRIVER
Driver gazes at the little boy’s frightened face in concern now, his eyes faraway, thinking to himself. 75 76 OMITTED EXT. OUTDOOR TACO SHACK/ EAST LA - DAY. 75 76
An outdoor food shack in a park. COOK, the leader of the group of men who beat Standard up in the parking lot, sits at a table with his girlfriend, BLANCHE, a stunning blonde with short cropped hair. COOK I’ve got you to do this fucking job for me, why do I need to pay someone else? Standard sits next to Driver, holding his ground even though he’s clearly intimidated by the Albanian. STANDARD You don’t have to pay him anything. I’ll pay him out of what’s left of my share. I can’t do this on my own. (CONTINUED) * *
Green Revisions
11/22/10
76
CONTINUED: COOK You got Blanche...
43 76
He grins, looking at Driver now. Blanche doesn’t even seem to hear them, hung-over from the previous night. COOK You look like you’re hard to work with? DRIVER Not if we understand each other. COOK What’s to understand? Driver stares at him quietly, finding it hard to conceal his contempt. DRIVER I drive. That’s all I do. Driver looks him calmly in the eye. DRIVER You tell me where we start, where we’re headed, where we’ll be going afterwards. I give you five minutes when we get there. Anything happens during those five minutes, I’m yours. Anything either side, you’re on your own. I don’t sit in while you’re running it down, I don’t carry a gun, I drive... Standard seems surprised by Driver’s professional patter. So does Cook. Even Blanche looks interested for once. COOK What the fuck I need you for if all you do is drive? Standard can hire a taxicab for that. DRIVER I drive for you, you get your money. Guaranteed. Blanche gets up. COOK Where the fuck you going? BLANCHE I need a coke. * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * *
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
76
CONTINUED: (2) COOK SIt the fuck down. Blanche sits. Standard! COOK Take her. Get her a coke.
43A 76 * * * * *
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
76
CONTINUED: (3) Standard hesitates, but has no choice. As he leaves with Blanche, Cook starts to write something down on the palm of his hand. COOK Okay, here’s the deal. This much for Blanche, this much for that asshole minus what he owes me, and this much for you...
44 76 * *
He holds up the palm of his hand to Driver, the words Fuck Off written in marker pen. COOK You still interested? Driver looks at him, all his instincts telling him to walk away, but he stays where he is, thinking of Irene and Benicio. COOK Good. Anything else?... Driver stares back at him with his clear blue eyes. DRIVER When you get your money, his debt’s paid. He’s out. You never go near his family again. Understand? Cook looks surprised at first, then laughs at his nerve. COOK I understand. 77 EXT. PARKING LOT/ EAST LA - DAY. 77 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The midday sun beats down on a maze of cars. Driver strolls past rows of glittering vehicles until he spots an old model Mustang 77A INT DENNY’S DAY Driver comes in and sits at a corner booth. and comes over Hi Hi IRENE Do you need a bigger table? DRIVER IRENE Irene sees him 77A
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
77A
CONTINUED: DRIVER It’s just if I sit at the counter people try to talk to me. Oh no! DRIVER I mean you can talk to me, I just don’t want them to talk to me. IRENE Oh. Okay. I have a break. some coffee? Sure. Irene get him a cup of coffee and sits in the booth DRIVER How are you? Good. DRIVER You just saying that? IRENE No. What do you mean? DRIVER I just saw that Standard had an accident. Yeah. DRIVER What happened? IRENE He got beat up Why? No reason. IRENE Just a bunch of kids DRIVER IRENE IRENE DRIVER Do you want IRENE
44A 77A * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
DRIVER For no reason?
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
77A
CONTINUED: (2) IRENE Just drunk kids. DRIVER That’s strange. IRENE How are you? We don’t talk about you. don’t know anything about you. DRIVER What do you want to know? IRENE Where are you from? DRIVER The future....by way of Arizona. IRENE What was your favorite subject at school? Auto Shop. question. DRIVER That was easy. Next I
44B 77A * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
IRENE Do you have family? DRIVER I don’t usually talk about because it makes people uncomfortable. IRENE What do you mean? DRIVER Just makes people uncomfortable. My mother killed my father in front of me when I was 8. She put a steak knife in his neck because she didn’t like a table he ordered from a catalog. They put her in an asylum and I was raised by the state. Are you uncomfortable? See? Can we talk about something else? How’s Benic? He’s good. DRIVER How are his teeth? IRENE
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
77A
CONTINUED: (3) IRENE (laughing) They’re good DRIVER Is he flossing? How can you be sure? IRENE He misses you. DRIVER He misses my car. IRENE Yeah. You should come and see him. DRIVER I should come by? And see him? How?
44C 77A * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
IRENE We should just have dinner. Okay. IRENE Okay. I have to get back to work. you want anything? DRIVER Can I get a Moons Over My Hammy? IRENE Good choice. Irene gets up to go back to work. Do DRIVER
* * * * * * * *
*
Green Revisions
11/22/10
44D
78
INT. LIVING ROOM/ IRENE’S APARTMENT/ ECHO PARK - NIGHT.
78
Driver sits at the dinner table with Standard, Irene and Benicio now. Standard’s in high spirits, beaming at his wife. STANDARD Wanna hear the story about how we met? We’re at this party and I see the most gorgeous 19 year old thing... I was 17. You were 17? OK. So I illegally walked up to her and said, ‘Hello Miss, what’s your name?” And she said, she didn’t say anything, so I said, “my name’s Standard Gabriel’. And you said, what did you say? IRENE I said, ‘Where’s the deluxe version?’... IRENE * * * * * * * * * * * * *
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
78
CONTINUED: Irene smiles awkwardly, glancing at Driver. Benicio grins, eager to please his dad. STANDARD I didn’t get it either. I love her. And a year later, this little guy came out swinging and it was the best day of my life. We had everything. It was nice.
45 78 *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
He ruffles his son’s hair then pours himself another shot of tequila. Irene notices he’s drinking, turning to Driver. IRENE (Changing the subject) How’s the movie going?... Fine... STANDARD Now this is some deluxe chicken. Do you like it? It’s good, right? DRIVER It’s great. STANDARD She’s such a great cook. I wanna open a restaurant. Do you wanna do that? What do you think? Oh. OK. Not LA. IRENE STANDARD Yeah, let’s do it. But not here. Fuck this place. Standard! STANDARD (to Benicio) Where do you want to go? Florida. STANDARD Florida? OK. We can go to Florida next week. Get out of this shithole. Anyway, we’re celebrating here, right? I’m here with my family, my new friend, so let’s celebrate. (CONTINUED) BENICIO IRENE DRIVER
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Green Revisions
11/22/10
78
CONTINUED: (2) Standard offers Driver some wine. DRIVER No, thank you. STANDARD I’ll drink for all of us. To my family, my new friend...to the future. (MORE)
45A 78 * * * * * * *
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
78
CONTINUED: (3) STANDARD (cont'd)
46 78 *
Green Revisions
11/22/10
47
79 80 81
OMITTED OMITTED EXT. PAWN SHOP/ TARZANA/ LA - DAY. The pawn shop is nothing much to look at from the outside, another anonymous LA store front. Driver’s parked the car a hundred yards from the entrance, he straps his watch to the steering wheel, his police scanner crackling. Standard stands outside the car looking tense.
79 80 81
* * *
* * * *
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
81
CONTINUED:
48 81 *
DRIVER You got five minutes... STANDARD (Grinning) I’ll see you in four... Driver watches him cross the parking lot with a strong sense of foreboding. Standard enters the pawn shop. Driver starts his stopwatch now, listening to the seconds tick away. He casts his eyes around the street, observing the smallest details -- the number plates of other vehicles; the windows of overlooking buildings. The white hot sun blazes down, reflecting on the pawn shop windows, hiding everything inside. The police scanner crackles but picks up no activity. Driver listens to his stop watch, in his own world. He starts the engine and sets off, cruising slowly past the pawn shop, heading for the corner where he told Standard he’d be waiting. He notices something. Parked a hundred yards down the road he sees another vehicle glinting in the sunlight. To the ordinary eye it’s no different from the other cars parked nearby, but to Driver it stands out. For one, it’s a Chrysler. Secondly, it has reinforced bumpers and racing tires. Driver’s stopwatch shows four minutes now. He looks away from the Chrysler, gazing at the doors of the pawn shop, expecting Standard and Blanche to burst out at any moment. But there’s no sign of them. The seconds tick away. Five minutes. Driver hesitates, all his instincts telling him to drive off, but he stays where he is, thinking of Irene. Suddenly he sees Standard and Blanche emerge from the pawn shop, Standard clutching a big black gym bag in his hand. * *
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
81
CONTINUED: (2)
49 81
He smiles at Driver as he approaches when suddenly he hears the crack of gunshots behind him. Driver sees the look of panic on his face as he spins around. A GUY IN A SUIT strides out of the pawn shop. Crouching low in an expert firing position he squeezes off several shots. The force of the bullets sends Standard flying. Driver sees him hit the sidewalk, arterial blood pumping from his neck. Blanche screams, grabbing the gym bag and leaping into the back seat of the car. Driver hesitates, takes one last look at Standard’s lifeless body, then hits the gas as more gunshots crack behind him. As Driver’s car roars down the street, the Chrysler suddenly comes to life, pulling out of its parking place. 82 INT/ EXT. CAR/ STREET/ TARZANA/ LA - DAY. 82
Driver glances in his rear-view mirror and sees the Chrysler on his tail. It doesn’t seem to be trying to close the gap, just following at a discreet distance. In the back seat, Blanche zips open the gym bag, then stares in shock. There are literally stacks of hundred dollar bills crammed inside the gym bag. Driver catches her reaction in the mirror, but his attention is focussed on the Chrysler. Up ahead, at an intersection, the lights turn red. Driver thinks about running them, but decides against it, braking sharply. The Chrysler draws up beside him, its windows glinting in the sunlight. Driver ignores her, still watching the Chrysler out of the corner of his eye. The lights change to green but Driver doesn’t move. Nor does the Chrysler. Behind them, other cars start honking their horns. Suddenly Driver roars off, swerving left at speed. The Chrysler reacts, screeching off in pursuit. Driver floors the gas. On speed and power his vehicle may be no match for the Chrysler, but in traffic the odds are even. He weaves his way past the slower cars, putting obstacles between himself and the Chrysler. The pursuing car matches him move for move, staying on his tail. In the back seat, Blanche looks terrified, buckling herself in. Driver swerves left then suddenly makes a hard right onto a deserted canyon road. The mustang somehow manages to make the same turn. It gets close enough to "pit" Driver, its nose pressing against the rear corner of Driver's vehicle. *
*
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
82
CONTINUED:
49A 82
Driver’s almost run off the road, but manages to save it and regains control of his car. The Mustang pulls out wide to build momentum and smash into him. As it moves in to deliver the knockout blow, Driver pulls the Emergency Brake and spins 180 degrees, causing the Mustang to miss and lose control for a brief moment. Now the two cars are nose to nose, barrelling down the road, Driver heading in reverse as fast as he can, the Mustang closing fast. It rams Driver’s front bumper. BAM! The two cars separated for an instant. The Mustang guns it, ready to smash into Driver again... Driver clocks an upcoming three way intersection dotted with construction equipment. In a last ditch attempt to evade his pursuer he throws a reverse 180, then incredibly keeps going, spinning 270 degrees. The Mustang tries to make the same turn, but this time the maneuver is beyond his ability. Driver’s suckered him into a corner he can't control. The Mustang crashes into the construction equipment in a sickening crunch of metal on metal. Driver guns the motor and speeds away.
Green Revisions
11/22/10
50
83
EXT. MOTEL/ LA - DAY. Purple neon spills onto the forecourt of a seedy motel.
83
84
INT. MOTEL ROOM - DAY. The black gym bag lies open on a double bed, full to the brim with stacks of cash. Blanche sits on the bed, looking pale. DRIVER How much did Cook say you were gonna get? BLANCHE Forty Grand...
84
*
She glances at the bag, staring at how much more money there is. Driver switches on the cheap TV set with the remote, flicking through the news channels. There’s no mention of the robbery yet. Stay here. Blanche nods, too shaken to protest. 85 EXT. MOTEL/ LA - DAY. 85 DRIVER
* *
Driver hesitates, then dials a number on his cell-phone. Benicio answers. Hello?... Driver hears the tremor in his voice. DRIVER Benicio?... Yeah?... DRIVER Is your mom there?... BENICIO’S VOICE ON THE PHONE BENICIO’S VOICE ON THE PHONE
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
85
CONTINUED:
51 85
There’s an uncomfortable silence. Driver can feel the little boy trying to hold it together. BENICIO’S VOICE ON THE PHONE She’s talking to the police... 85a INT. IRENE’S APARTMENT/ ECHO PARK - DAY. 85a
In the living room we can see Irene sitting on the couch with a male and female POLICE OFFICER, looking dazed, taking in the news of Standard’s death. POLICE OFFICER I’m Officer Ford. Did your husband have a job? Did you know he was involved in criminal activities? Please answer the questions. I know this is difficult. INTERCUT Driver pauses, still on the phone to Benicio. DRIVER Tell her I’ll call later... 86 INT. MOTEL ROOM - DAY. 86 * * * * *
A soap opera plays on the TV. Driver walks back into the motel room. Blanche lies on the bed, looking more relaxed. Driver picks up the remote and flicks through the channels until he finally finds a breaking news story on the robbery. There is a police mug-shot of Standard on screen. TV REPORT ...The armed robber was pronounced dead at the scene. He was identified as Standard Gabriel of Echo Park, Los Angeles... Driver listens to the report in silence. Blanche seems upset again, confronted with the reality of what’s happened. TV REPORT ...Other details are unclear but the owner of the pawn shop told reporters that the robber had no accomplices and that the items he’d taken had been recovered. In other news... Driver switches off the TV, staring at the blank screen in surprise. He turns to Blanche. DRIVER If he saw you take the money and get in the car -- why didn’t he say anything? (CONTINUED) *
*
Green Revisions
11/22/10
86
CONTINUED: BLANCHE I’ve no idea. DRIVER Any idea there’d be a second car waiting?
51A 86
*
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
86
CONTINUED: (2) This time she takes a fraction too long to answer. BLANCHE I already told you everything Driver suddenly slaps her -- hard. DRIVER You just got a little kid’s father killed. You almost got us killed. Now you’re lying to me? How about this? From now on, every word that comes out of your mouth is the truth...or I’m gonna hurt you. Understand? Now what did Cook tell you?
52 86
* * * * *
He raises his hand to slap her again and this time she talks, tears welling in her eyes. BLANCHE ...He told me there would be another car that would hold us up...but he never said anything about money or anyone getting killed... Driver stares at her quietly, beginning to put the pieces together in his head. DRIVER You were gonna rip us off? She nods guiltily. DRIVER How long have you known him? BLANCHE Just a couple months. We were fooling around. I’ve never been mixed up in anything like this - I promise... DRIVER What’s his real name? BLANCHE He told me it was Chris, but I just called him Cook. DRIVER You’re going to take me to him right now, you understand? She nods, terrified, tears running down her face. * * * *
* *
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
86
CONTINUED: (3) BLANCHE ....Can I go wash up?...
52A 86
Driver nods distractedly, his mind racing. Blanche heads over to the bathroom.
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
86
CONTINUED: (4)
53 86
As she disappears inside Driver notices something on the bed where she’s just been lying. It’s her cell phone. Still flipped open as if she’s called someone recently. Driver reaches for the cell phone when he notices the silhouette of a MAN crossing the curtains. Someone’s outside. The door handle of the motel room starts to turn, slowly -- then suddenly there’s the roar of a shotgun from the bathroom. Driver reacts in an instant, He pushes the mattress against the door and rushes towards the bathroom. 87 INT. BATHROOM/ MOTEL ROOM - DAY. 87 * *
Driver almost trips over Blanche’s sprawled body as he bursts through. One quick glance and he knows she’s dead - half her head blown off. Another quick glance and he sees her killer, a big burly HITMAN, trying to climb through the same bathroom window where he just shot her. Driver moves like lightning, grabbing the man’s arms before he can get off another shot and pulling him through the window. The hitman lands heavily in a sea of broken glass, cutting his forehead open, blinded momentarily by the blood in his eyes. Driver takes his opportunity and slams the man’s face back into the glass strewn floor, stunning him for a few more seconds as they struggle. Crawling away, he grabs the towel rack and pulls the metal bar off the wall. Using it as a spear he impales the hitman and grabs his shotgun. 88 INT. MOTEL ROOM - DAY. In the Driver firing up the doll. 88
bedroom, the 2nd HITMAN finally kicks the door open. bursts through the bathroom door at the same time -the 1st shooter’s shotgun. The force of the blast picks 2nd hitman and flings him against the wall like a rag
The startling explosion of violence is over just as suddenly as it began. Driver slumps to the floor in exhaustion, his hand and his arm ripped open by the broken glass. There’s blood splatter all over the wall. Neon lights from outside flashing on the dead man’s face. But no panicked footsteps or sirens yet. Driver crawls over to the dead hitman and rifles through his pockets. All he finds are a set of car keys. 89 INT. OFFICE/ SHANNON’S GARAGE - DAY. 89
Shannon stands in his office, listening silently on the phone, looking like he’s been punched in the gut.
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
89
CONTINUED: SHANNON Kid? Why didn’t you tell me?... All he hears is silence on the other end. SHANNON Forget it...what’s done is done. He leans back against a car. SHANNON How big’s the take?... DRIVER’S VOICE ON THE PHONE One million I guess... SHANNON You got it with you? Yeah. He looks dazed by the thought of so much money. SHANNON You better bring it over. DRIVER’S VOICE ON THE PHONE I’m hurt. I need a doctor to patch me up... SHANNON Alright. I’ll take care of it... right over, alright, kid? Just come DRIVER
54 89 *
*
* * *
* * * 90 91
Shannon hangs up then starts to dial the doctor. 90 91 OMITTED INT. OFFICE/ SHANNON’S GARAGE - NIGHT.
An underworld doctor, “DOC”, a shabbily dressed old man who looks well past his prime takes out a small bottle of scotch along with his surgical tools, preparing for Driver’s arrival. Shannon watches him uncertainly then heads downstairs as he hears a noise in the garage. 92 INT. SHANNON’S GARAGE - NIGHT. 92
Shannon arrives downstairs to see Driver walking unsteadily towards him in the gloom. Shannon can’t help glancing at his hands, expecting him to be carrying the bag with the money, but there’s no sign of it.
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
92
CONTINUED: SHANNON Hey kid, you alright? here. Get yourself in
54A 92 * * *
93
INT. OFFICE/ SHANNON’S GARAGE/ SILVER LAKE BOULEVARD - NIGHT. 93 Doc examines the shards of glass embedded in his arm. *
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
93
CONTINUED: DOC ...Looks like an eye.... (His hand shakes) Hold still, will ya? Driver looks up at him warily from Shannon’s pull out bed. DRIVER There’s not even one there. DOC They’re too deep. Can’t see’em.
55 93 * * * * * *
Doc picks up his bottle of scotch from among his bowls of Peroxide and Betadine, takes a drink, then offers it to Driver. Driver shakes his head, closing his eyes. Shannon watches him quietly, concerned for him but also curious about the money. SHANNON What did you do with the cash? Shannon hesitates, but can’t help himself. SHANNON If you want, I can keep it safe for you here.... Driver doesn’t answer, gritting his teeth as Doc pulls out the largest shard of glass. DRIVER Could you stop? I just had two guys try to kill me. I don’t want them coming after you, too. Shannon nods, coming back down to earth. SHANNON This guy Cook got a real name?... DRIVER Chris, maybe. I don’t know. I doubt it. * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
SHANNON I’ll ask Bernie. See if he knows him. Imagine what we could do with all that dough.... DRIVER Could you stop?!
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
93
CONTINUED: (2) Driver doesn’t reply, his eyes fixed on the ceiling. SHANNON Lotta guys fall for married women, but you’re the only one I know robs a joint to make it up to the husband...I’ll call Bernie.
56 93 * * * * 94
94
INT. BERNIE ROSE’S APARTMENT - DAY.
An elegant apartment full of framed photographs of beautiful grandchildren and movie posters from Hollywood’s golden age. Bernie is in his silk pyjamas, looking like he’s just woken up. BERNIE ROSE You want some coffee? SHANNON No, I’m good, thanks... Shannon looks tense but tries to hide it. From next door they can hear the sound of raised voices. Bernie Rose grabs the TV remote and turns up the volume to drown out his neighbors. BERNIE ROSE They’ve been going at it ever since they moved in. She seems like a lovely woman but it’s a lousy Shidach. It’s a wonder they haven’t killed each other... sit down. (A beat) So, what’s your interest in the Seventh Heaven? Shannon doesn’t understand, looking confused. Sorry? BERNIE ROSE It’s a strip club on La Cienega. Your friend Cook runs it. Why’re you curious about him all of a sudden? Even though they’re close, Shannon’s wary of giving away too much information. SHANNON A friend of mine owes him some money. So I thought maybe you knew him. BERNIE ROSE Yeah, I know him. Fuckin’ crazy Albanian. If I were your friend I’d pay up. (CONTINUED) * * * SHANNON * * * *
* *
Green Revisions
11/22/10
94
CONTINUED:
57 94
Bernie Rose pours himself a cup of coffee in the kitchenette. BERNIE ROSE I’m assuming since you come over this early this friend must be a close friend? SHANNON (hesitating) Yeah... BERNIE ROSE How’s our car by the way? SHANNON We’ll be ready for the end of the month. BERNIE ROSE And our driver? SHANNON He’s doing great. BERNIE ROSE That’s what you should worry about... Shannon smiles back but Bernie senses how distracted he is. BERNIE ROSE You want my advice? Let your friend work it out for himself. Don’t take pills for other people’s headaches... (He grins) You got twenty minutes? I need you to run down to the market and get me some milk... 95 96 OMITTED INT. HALL/ STAIRS/ STRIP JOINT - DAY. 95 96 * *
Sunlight pours through a doorway. Driver heads down some stairs, passing some half naked STRIPPERS at the bar. There’s a handful of CLIENTS watching a pole dance, but otherwise the place is empty. Driver turns down a long corridor. A couple of STRIPPERS emerge from their changing room, surprised to see him, but he puts them at ease with a friendly smile. DRIVER Where’s Cook? STRIPPER In the dressing room. DRIVER Where’s that? (CONTINUED) * * * *
Green Revisions
11/22/10
96
CONTINUED: The Stripper points down a hallway. STRIPPER Right there.
57A 96 * * * *
Driver smiles gratefully, then heads towards the dressing room
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
96
CONTINUED: (2)
58 96 *
Driver takes a hammer out of his jacket Driver storms into the dressing room full of strippers, smashing Cook’s right hand with the hammer. Cook collapses in a heap. Driver’s about to hit him again, when he sees that Cook’s left hand is broken and there are cuts and bruises on his face. Someone’s clearly given him a beating since the robbery. COOK You’re a fucking dead man. Come ta chi at noni. (Albanian for I’m gonna fuck your mother) DRIVER You gonna tell me what’s going on? Fuck you Driver smashes the hammer into Cook’s right hand now, breaking it too. Cook screams. Some of the strippers have gathered at the door but Driver couldn’t care less. DRIVER You gonna tell me? COOK You’ll find out soon enough. You don’t know who you’re dealing with. Look what they did to me. DRIVER Who’s they? Fuck you. DRIVER Whose money am I holding? COOK Don’t worry. They’ll come get it. Driver smashes the hammer into the metal plates supporting Cook’s left hand. He screams like a stuck pig. Call him. COOK Somebody call Nino. (CONTINUED) DRIVER COOK COOK
* * *
* * * * *
* * * * * * * * * *
*
* * * *
Green Revisions
11/22/10
96
CONTINUED: (3)
58A 96 * * * 97
The strippers look stunned and riveted at the same time. One of them picks up a cell phone and dials, handing the phone to Driver. 97 OMITTED
Green Revisions
11/22/10
59
98
INT. NINO’S PIZZERIA - DAY.
98
The kitchen is busy, CHEFS taking out hot pizzas from the oven and slicing them up in takeaway boxes. In the background we hear the phone ringing. 99 INT. BACK ROOM/ PIZZERIA - DAY. An impeccably dressed MAN IN A TAN SUIT answers the phone. NINO? TAN SUIT I’m afraid we’re closed. Could you call back later? 100 EXT. PARKING LOT/ BURGER KING/ SUNSET BOULEVARD - DAY. 100 (INTERCUT) Driver leans against his car, talking on Cook’s cell phone. DRIVER I could, but Nino won’t be happy when he finds out you’ve kept him waiting... Tan Suit looks curious now. TAN SUIT Can I ask what this is about? DRIVER I have something of his. TAN SUIT And that would be? DRIVER A million dollars... There’s a pause on the other line now. TAN SUIT O/S Please hold... 101 INT. NINO’S PIZZERIA - DAY. 101 * * DRIVER’S VOICE ON THE PHONE * * * * 99
Tan Suit walks into the dining area. A large bull of a man sits on his own in the empty restaurant with his back to us. It’s only when he hears Tan Suit approach and turns around that we realize it’s Nino, Bernie’s partner.
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
101
CONTINUED: TAN SUIT It’s about the money.
59A 101 * * 102 *
102
INT. STRIP CLUB - DAY. Driver hears a heavy chesty voice come on the line.
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
102
CONTINUED: NINO O/S You have something that fucking belongs to me?... The voice is unmistakable. Driver stares quietly. DRIVER Seems that way...
60 102
(INTERCUT) NINO And you’re calling me why? You expect me to buy my fucking stuff back from you?... DRIVER I’m not selling. I give you a time and place, you come and get it. Understand? NINO And what do you get out of it?... DRIVER Just that. Out of it. Nino’s thinking to himself, looking more concerned than he sounds. NINO Your partners happy with that?... DRIVER I don’t have partners... NINO You discuss this with anyone else? DRIVER Just you... Nino begins to relax now, still calculating. NINO You’re not very good at this, are you?... DRIVER No. I’ll call You back with instructions... Driver switches the cell phone off. He takes the bullet that Cook gave to Benicio out of his pocket and holds it to Cook’s forehead. DRIVER Remember this? Don’t lose it. (CONTINUED) * * * * * * *
*
Green Revisions
11/22/10
102
CONTINUED: (2)
60A 102 * * *
Driver shoves the bullet into Cook’s mouth and forces him to swallow.
Green Revisions
11/22/10
61
103
INT. BACK ROOM/ NINO’S PIZZERIA - DAY.
103
Nino hangs up. Behind him we see that Tan Suit is also in the room, waiting for his orders. A104 INT IRENE’S APARTMENT - NIGHT Irene lies on her bed with Benicio in her arms. Irene sits with her friend Cindy B104 INT CORRIDOR B104 A104 * * * * * * 104 * *
Driver exits elevator to corridor. Walks to Irene’s door and knocks. 104 INT. LIVING ROOM/ IRENE’S APARTMENT/ ECHO PARK - NIGHT. Irene is sitting on the couch next to Cindy. Irene gets up to leave when the buzzer rings. She walks over and opens the door then stops in surprise. Driver stands there. DRIVER Can I talk to you a minute?... She looks at him in a daze. He stares back at her in silence. His eyes stay on her, as if he’s trying to tell her something more.
* *
* *
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
104
CONTINUED:
62 104 *
Irene begins to see the guilt in his eyes and slowly it hits her. She stares in disbelief, reeling. IRENE I can’t talk now. I have to go. DRIVER Can I drive you? She stares at him in dismay, close to tears. IRENE That’s okay. DRIVER Can I walk with you? She wants to say no but can’t. Okay. 105 INT. CORRIDOR/ APARTMENT/ ECHO PARK - NIGHT. Driver and Irene head down the long corridor in silence. DRIVER I gotta tell you something. Standard was into some guys in prison for a lot of money. They were gong to come after you and Benicio if he didn’t pay. He asked for my help....it Went wrong. DRIVER I still have the money. Do you want it? You could take Benicio.... She turns around and slaps him hard. 105 IRENE
*
* *
* *
* * * * * * * * * *
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
105
CONTINUED: Her eyes well up with tears, staring at him in anger and frustration. DRIVER I thought you could get out of here. I could come with you, look out for you. Things could be like they were.... She stares at him in deep disappointment.
63-64 105
* * * * *
She turns away when the elevator bell rings. The doors open, revealing TAN SUIT. Neither Driver or Irene recognizes him but we do. He smiles, pretending to look confused. TAN SUIT Sorry, wrong floor. She steps into the elevator. Driver follows her in. TAN SUIT Which floor? DRIVER Parking lot, please... Tan Suit presses the button and the doors slide shut. 106 INT. ELEVATOR/ APARTMENT BLOCK/ ECHO PARK - NIGHT. 106 * *
Driver and Irene ride down in silence, their eyes fixed on each other. Tan Suit watches them quietly, considering a move, but Driver glances at him and sees his gun. The lights on the panel descend. Driver pushes Irene against the back wall and kisses her. The elevator bell finally rings as they reach the lower level. Tan Suit hesitates, but Driver knocks him against the panel, stunning him, then throws him against the back wall and to the floor where he proceeds to stomp his brains out. Irene watches in horror. 107 INT. UNDERGROUND GARAGE/ APARTMENT/ ECHO PARK - NIGHT. The elevator doors open and Irene backs away, looking at Driver with fear and sadness. Driver looks sadly back, knowing it’s all over. 107
* * * * * * *
* * *
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
107
CONTINUED:
65 107 *
Driver stands there, his hands covered in Tan Suit’s blood. The elevator doors finally close, hiding Irene from view. 108 INT DRIVER’S CAR - NIGHT. Driver drives through the city. 108a EXT. LA STREET - NIGHT. 108a 108 * *
Shannon gets out of his car. Driver is waiting for him by his own car, silhouetted against the streetlight. Shannon stares at him a moment, then notices the blood stains on his shirt.
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
108a CONTINUED: SHANNON What happened? DRIVER They came to my apartment. How did they know where I live? Shannon takes a moment to reply, looking dazed. SHANNON I called Bernie...I asked if he could help. DRIVER (angrily) You did what? SHANNON I told you I was gonna call Bernie. I told him you weren’t interested in the money, that you only did it for the girl... Driver grabs Shannon, pushes him against his car. DRIVER (furious) You told him about Irene? SHANNON (From the heart) I wanted to make sure once you returned the money that was the end of it... DRIVER Why’d you have to fuck everything up? SHANNON I just wanted to help you. Let me talk to Bernie again. He and Nino are like brothers, they probably didn’t listen to him DRIVER It’s too late... Shannon says nothing now, knowing he’s right. DRIVER They’re gonna come after you to find me. You have to get out of here. You have to go now....never come back. Shannon takes this in slowly.
66 108a
* *
* * * * *
* * * * * *
* * * * *
* *
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
108a CONTINUED: (2) SHANNON What are you gonna do?...
66A 108a
Driver doesn’t answer, but from his silence Shannon can guess. SHANNON How the fuck did this happen? We’re supposed be in Charlotte or Daytona drinking champagne out of trophies and getting laid by pit lizards... He stares at Driver with quiet regret. SHANNON Sorry kid, good luck 109 OMITTED 109 *
Green Revisions
11/22/10
67
110
INT. NINO’S PIZZERIA - MORNING. Bernie Rose looks quietly furious. BERNIE ROSE ...I already gave you my advice. You should have taken your money and left this guy alone.
110
Nino and Cook sit opposite him, both of Cook’s hands broken now. NINO It’s not that simple, Bernie. BERNIE ROSE Not now that it’s bounced up in your face. COOK Nino, I owe you this guy. Just give me the okay and I’ll BERNIE ROSE You like taking orders, hop up and go get me a coke. Cook holds up his broken hands. BERNIE ROSE I forgot...I’m sorry. Shut the fuck up you fucking monkey! Nino doesn’t look at Cook, a clear indication he should do as he’s told. Cook stands up, humiliated, and walks over to the windows. Bernie Rose waits for Nino to explain. NINO ...The money belonged to a half assed wiseguy from Philly. I had a tip he was stowing a million in a pawn shop and was gonna invest it here in LA, try to run a rival operation. I wanted to teach him a fucking lesson... The lights in the restaurant gradually fade as Cook shuts the blinds. BERNIE ROSE (Incredulously) You stole from the East Coast mob? NINO No, I stole from a jumped up punk who was gonna step on our business (CONTINUED) * *
* * * * *
* * *
Green Revisions
11/22/10
110
CONTINUED: BERNIE ROSE And where did this punk find a million dollars? You ever consider he may have consulted some higher-ups? You ever think of that? NINO I don’t give a fuck who he consulted. This is my town BERNIE ROSE Your town? This is a big city, pal, and last time I checked we were partners! NINO We are partners BERNIE ROSE Then why the fuck didn’t you consult me before you set up your dummy robbery or hired this fucking amateur?!...
68 110
* * * * *
*
Cook sits back down at the table, having closed the blinds. Nino looks almost embarrassed for once. NINO This was off to the side, Bernie. I didn’t wanna involve you. BERNIE ROSE Well, now you fucked up I am involved. Anyone finds out you stole from the family, we’re both dead NINO What family? These fucks still call me a kike to my face. I’m fifty nine years old, they pinch my cheek, treat me like a fuckin’ kid. They’re the reason we left New York in the first place. Decrepit old men waving us over to their dinner and domino tables to complain. BERNIE ROSE Those old men gave us the funds to move out here. NINO And I made them a shit load of money. I made you a lotta money too... He stares at Bernie, genuinely indignant now. *
* *
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
110
CONTINUED: (2) NINO I pay them half of everything I fucking earn and then they set up some fucking kid from Philadelphia just because he’s a fucking wop! There’s a hint of sympathy in Bernie’s eyes. BERNIE ROSE The money always flows up, Izzy. You know that.
69 110
He calls Nino by his childhood name now, emphasizing the fact that they’re both outsiders in this organization. For the first time Nino’s tough guy act slips and he looks anxious. NINO That’s why this driver has to go. Him, and maybe your pal Shannon, are the only two people who can tie me to the robbery. Bernie discreetly points at Cook questioningly. Nino nods.
* * *
The two friends stare at each other as if Cook didn’t exist. BERNIE ROSE Are you asking my permission? NINO I’m asking for your help. I shoulda’ come to you first, Bernie. I know that. We’re a team. He stares at Bernie apologetically, appealing to their friendship. NINO I’ll pay you back the three hundred you spent on the race car. BERNIE ROSE You sonofabithch, It’s not about the money... He stares out quietly, torn.
*
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
110
CONTINUED: (3)
70 110 *
Bernie suddenly grabs a stainless steel fork and rams it in his eye. As Cook screams, Bernie takes a knife and buries it in his neck. He twists the knife deeper for good measure, then with one powerful sweep of his arm clears Cook off the table. Cook’s not dead yet, just writhing on the floor, choking on his own blood. Bernie Rose keeps his eyes fixed on Nino. BERNIE ROSE Your turn to clean up after me... 110a OMITTED 111 INT. SHANNON’S GARAGE/ SILVERLAKE BOULEVARD - MORNING. 110a 111
*
*
Shannon limps down the steps from his office with a suitcase in his hand. He heads into the main garage then suddenly stops. Bernie Rose stands beside the stock car, waiting for him. BERNIE ROSE All these priceless cars, you should get better locks... SHANNON Door’s always open to you... Bernie Rose heads towards him with his hands in his coat pockets. BERNIE ROSE Going somewhere? SHANNON Thinking about it.
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
111
CONTINUED: BERNIE ROSE I’m looking for your driver. SHANNON You break in like this I figure it’s bad news. BERNIE ROSE It’s bad luck. Two thousand heists in this city a year, he had to pick the wrong one. SHANNON He tried to put it right. BERNIE ROSE Picked the wrong guy for that too. My partner’s a belligerent asshole with his back against the wall... He stops, facing Shannon. BERNIE ROSE Right now so am I. I don’t set this straight, I’m in big trouble... He stares at his old friend. BERNIE ROSE Any idea where he might be? SHANNON Yeah. Mexico. Or maybe Belize. Bernie Rose smiles, not believing a word. BERNIE ROSE Really? After everything you’ve done for him, he walks out and takes all the money? SHANNON That’s gratitude, I guess. Bernie Rose can’t help grinning, fond of Shannon despite everything. BERNIE ROSE I ever tell you how long Izzy and I been friends? Since we were six. Only Jews in a neighborhood of wops. Long as I can remember he was getting me into trouble and I was getting him out of scrapes... He looks almost apologetic.
71 111
* *
* *
* *
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
111
CONTINUED: (2) BERNIE ROSE Anyone else I’d take your side... SHANNON Anyone else I’d do the same...
72 111
Bernie Rose watches him with a mixture of affection and regret. BERNIE ROSE What’s this fucking kid to you anyway? Shannon shrugs, no idea himself. BERNIE ROSE I leave here without finding out where he is, there’ll be others coming after me. I guarantee they’ll be too stupid to figure out you won’t talk and drag this out unnecessarily... SHANNON Then I’m glad you got here first... Bernie Rose holds his gaze, then looks away, admiring the shiny stock car. BERNIE ROSE You know, it’s too bad, I was getting excited about this whole thing, having my name all over the car. Where would it go? I even started watching Nascar on cable. The cars going around and around and I was hooked. I think we could have made a go of this business... SHANNON Nah, I’d have screwed it up too... Shannon smiles, reconciled with himself. Bernie Rose grins, and extends his hand. They shake hands firmly, like old friends, when suddenly Shannon recoils, as if he’s been stung. We see now that his shirt sleeve is covered in blood, his vein cut all the way from his elbow to his wrist. He looks dazed, paralysed with shock. Bernie Rose holds a razor knife in his hand, the blade wet with Shannon’s blood. He takes Shannon gently by the arm and sits him down against the boot of the stock car. BERNIE ROSE Don’t worry, there’s no pain. It’s done now, sit. You won’t feel a thing. (MORE) (CONTINUED) * *
* * * * *
*
Green Revisions
11/22/10
111
CONTINUED: (3) BERNIE ROSE (cont'd) It’s all over. Close your eyes and you’ll fall asleep... Goodbye my friend.
72A 111 * *
Shannon stares out numbly, the life ebbing out of him. Bernie Rose watches him quietly, wiping his bloody razor with a handkerchief.
Green Revisions
11/22/10
73
111a INT. BERNIE ROSE’S APARTMENT - DAY.
111a
Bernie Rose replaces the razor knife in a small lacquered box full of other knives. From next door he can hear his neighbors arguing again. He stands there a moment, deflated, then suddenly storms towards his front door. 111b EXT. CORRIDOR/ BERNIE ROSE’S NEIGHBORS’ APARTMENT - DAY. A loud knocking. Bernie Rose’s neighbor opens his door. Yeah? BERNIE ROSE Bernie Rose, I live downstairs. HUSBAND Yeah, I know. I’m kind of busy here. I heard... There’s something threatening in the old mobster’s eyes now. The husband moves to close the door but Bernie jams it open with his elbow, shoves him aside, then looks over at the wife. BERNIE ROSE You all right, honeu? The woman nods without meeting his eyes. HUSBAND Get the fuck out of my Bernie doesn’t give him time to finish, clamping a powerful hand on his throat. BERNIE ROSE What’s your fucking name? Lenny BERNIE ROSE I’m a patient man, Lenny, not much for getting in other people’s way. What I figure is, we’ve all got our own privacy (Squeezing harder) So I sit downstairs for almost a year now listening to the shit that goes down in here and I keep thinking, hey, they’ll work it out. You gonna work it out, Lenny? (CONTINUED) HUSBAND * * BERNIE ROSE * HUSBAND 111b
* * *
Green Revisions
11/22/10
111b CONTINUED: He jerks the husband’s neck forward, making him nod. BERNIE ROSE You’re a lucky man. You’re lucky to have her, lucky she’s put up with you this long. Lucky I’ve put up with you. She has reason: she loves you. I don’t have any reason at all. let me tell you a story. I used to live in Studio City. My neighbors had a little yap dog. For eighteen months I put up with that yapping. But on Yom Kippur, I shot it. So work it out, or fucking move... He lets go of the terrified man and storms out again. 112 113 OMITTED INT. SHANNON’S GARAGE/ RESEDA BOULEVARD - DAY.
74 111b
* * * * * * * *
112 113
*
Driver pulls open the garage door and sees the rows of vintage cars shimmering in the shafts of sunlight. As he heads past the vehicles he suddenly spots a figure slumped against the stock car. Shannon’s eyes have been closed, his head resting gently against the trunk of the car. Driver kneels down and lifts him up in his arms, holding him for a second, then lays him down on the floor. He turns back and opens the car boot now, revealing the black gym bag full of money. 114 115 OMITTED INT. NINO’S PIZZERIA - SUNSET. 114 115 *
Nino stands in the kitchen, wearing a beautiful suit but no shoes or socks, listening on his cell phone. We hold on the curious image for a moment, then reveal a beautifully dressed WOMAN polishing his shoes. And now we see more of Nino’s MEN, also smartly dressed and accompanied by GORGEOUS WOMEN, getting ready for an event. 116 EXT. NINO’S PIZZERIA - SUNSET. 116
*
Two big Lincoln Towncars are parked outside. Across the road we recognize Driver’s car. He opens the trunk. When he closes it again we see that he’s wearing the eerily convincing SFX mask. He crosses the road, entering the pizzeria.
Green Revisions
11/22/10
75
117
INT. NINO’S PIZZERIA - SUNSET. Driver walks up to the door and stares in at the party in progress. He sees Nino in the back lughing his as off. We feel his mind calculating then he walks back to his car.
117 * * * 118
118
EXT. NINO’S PIZZERIA - NIGHT.
Nino emerges with his bodyguards now, heading towards one of the white Lincolns. NINO (To his chauffeur) You fucking cocksucker, where’s your fucking hat? You pussy chewing motherfucker. You’re a fucking idiot because you blow your cum all over that commie-loving chinese pussy. I’m gonna pick up my wife on the way. Across the road Driver climbs into his car, still wearing the mask. He starts his car, setting off after Nino’s Lincoln. 119 INT. DRIVER’S CAR/ NINO’S PIZZERIA/ WESTWOOD - NIGHT. Driver drifts in behind a couple of other cars, keeping them between himself and the Lincoln. 120 EXT. STREETS - NIGHT. 120 119 * * * * * * * *
The sunlight is fading fast. The neon cityscape has come to life and the streets are a sea of glittering lights. 121 INT. NINO’S CAR/ STREETS - NIGHT. 121
The CHAUFFEUR checks his mirror as he turns into another street, seeing only the anonymous glare of headlights behind him. 122 INT. DRIVER’S CAR/ STREETS - NIGHT. Driver slows down and lets another car turn in front of him, keeping it between himself and Nino’s car. 123 EXT. STREETS - NIGHT. 123 122
The streets are less crowded in this residential area. As the car in front of Driver pulls into its front drive, Driver takes the next turning, making sure the Lincoln doesn’t spot him.
Green Revisions
11/22/10
76
124
INT. DRIVER’S CAR/ PARALLEL STREET - NIGHT. Driver cruises along another residential street. At every intersection we glimpse the Lincoln heading in the same direction down a parallel street.
124
125
EXT. SAN VINCENTE BOULEVARD/ BRENTWOOD - NIGHT. The Lincoln turns back into traffic on San Vincente.
125
126
INT. NINO’S CAR/ SAN VINCENTE BOULEVARD - NIGHT. Nino’s talking on a cell phone in the back seat. NINO ...Sure, Carlo, I’ll send him your regards...
126
127
INT. DRIVER’S CAR/ SAN VINCENTE BOULEVARD - NIGHT.
127
Driver merges in with the traffic, weaving between the cars in front of him until he has Nino’s Lincoln back in his sights. 128 EXT. AERIAL VIEW/ SAN VINCENTE BOULEVARD - NIGHT. 128
The sun has almost set, the red backlights of the cars blinking in the fading light. 129 INT. NINO’S CAR/ SAN VINCENTE/ 7TH STREET - NIGHT. Nino’s car turns into 7th Street. 130 INT. DRIVER’S CAR/ SAN VINCENTE/ 7TH STREET - NIGHT. 130 129
This time there are no other vehicles turning into the same street. Driver has no choice, settling in behind the Lincoln. 131 INT. NINO’S CAR/ 7TH STREET/ PACIFIC PALISADES - NIGHT. 131
The chauffeur glances in his rear-view mirror and spots Driver’s car for the first time. For now he doesn’t give it much thought. In the back seat Nino finally says goodbye on the phone. NINO ...Nice talking to you too...ciao (As he hangs up) Asshole... 132 EXT. ENTRADA DRIVE/ PACIFIC PALISADES - NIGHT. Both cars head into Entrada Drive. 132 *
Green Revisions
11/22/10
77
133
INT. NINO’S CAR/ ENTRADA DRIVE/ PACIFIC PALISADES - NIGHT.
133
The chauffeur checks his mirror again and notices Driver’s car still on his tail. Just as a precaution he slows down, seeing if the pursuing car will overtake. 134 INT. DRIVER’S CAR/ ENTRADA DRIVE - NIGHT. Driver has to decide in an instant whether to take up the invitation. He overtakes the Lincoln, speeding ahead. 135 INT. NINO’S CAR/ ENTRADA DRIVE/ PACIFIC PALISADES - NIGHT. 135 134
Nino’s chauffeur sees Driver’s car disappear up ahead, relaxing now. 136 INT. DRIVER’S CAR/ WEST CHANNEL ROAD/ PCH - NIGHT. 136
Driver puts his foot on the gas, taking sharp turns on small side streets, driving fast around the block until he’s back on the Lincoln’s tail, keeping a safe distance now. 137 INT. NINO’S CAR/ W.CHANNEL RD./ PCH - NIGHT. Nino’s chauffeur turns right into the Pacific Coast Highway. 138 INT. DRIVER’S CAR/ PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY - NIGHT. 138 137
Driver follows the Lincoln at a distance, keeping the winding corners of the PCH between himself and his prey. 139 EXT. AERIAL VIEW/ PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY - NIGHT. 139
From above we see Driver’s car gliding along the open highway, the rising hills on one side, the churning ocean on the other, no vehicles in sight. 140 INT. NINO’S CAR/ PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY - NIGHT. 140
In the back seat Nino dials another number on his cell-phone. NINO ...Bernie, it’s me... 141 EXT. AERIAL VIEW/ PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY - NIGHT. 141
The headlights of Driver’s car sweep ahead of it on the open road. From above it looks like a shark closing in on its prey. 142 INT. BERNIE ROSE’S APARTMENT/ LA - NIGHT. Bernie Rose stands by the window, listening to the phone in silence. 142
Green Revisions
11/22/10
78
143
INT. NINO’S CAR/ PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY - NIGHT. Nino sounds apologetic. NINO ...Look, about that thing today...I’m sorry. I know how much you liked the guy...
143
In his rear view mirror the chauffeur sees the headlights of the car behind getting closer. 144 INT. DRIVER’S CAR/ PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY - NIGHT. 144
Driver stares ahead, his eyes fixed on the Lincoln’s backlights. 145 INT. BERNIE ROSE’S APARTMENT - NIGHT. Bernie Rose doesn’t speak, looking weary. Bernie?... Yeah?... NINO O/S You’re the only fucking person in the world I trust. I love you, man... Bernie shakes his head, the same old apologies. 146 INT. NINO’S CAR/ PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY - NIGHT. 146 BERNIE ROSE NINO O/S 145
In the front seat Nino’s chauffeur checks his mirror curiously. NINO When this is over I’ll make it up to you, I swear... The lights of the car behind have vanished. 147 EXT. AERIAL VIEW/ PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY - NIGHT. 147
Even from above we can’t see Driver’s car with its lights off no idea how close it is to Nino’s car. 148 INT. BERNIE ROSE’S APARTMENT - NIGHT. 148
Even though he’s still angry, Bernie can’t help forgiving his childhood friend. BERNIE ROSE How many times I heard that before...
Green Revisions
11/22/10
79
149
INT. NINO’S CAR/ PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY - NIGHT. Nino grins. NINO I lost count -
149
Suddenly blazing headlights explode to life behind him. Driver rams into the Lincoln sending it into a 180 degree spin. BERNIE ROSE (On phone) Hello? Call me back. to talk to you. On the side of the road. 150 INT. NINO’S CAR - NIGHT. I need
* * * * * *
Driver speeds away. 150
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
As the Lincoln colmes to a stop, Nino yells at his Chauffeur. NINO Get the cum out of your ass and check it out. The Chauffeur warily gets out and looks around. in. CHAUFFEUR Something definitely hit us. NINO Let’s get out of here. Suddenly, out of nowhere, Driver comes speeding toward them, headlights blazing, utterly taking them by surprise. Nino and his Chauffeur see it coming. SMASH! Driver rams the Lincoln at over a hundred miles an hour, hitting it just above the left rear wheel. 151 EXT. PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY - NIGHT. 151 He gets back
The impact is momentous. The huge Continental is lifted up in the air and spun round at the same time. It slams back into the tarmac then flips end over end for a hundred yards. 152 INT. BERNIE ROSE’S APARTMENT - NIGHT. Bernie Rose is left holding the phone as the line goes dead. 153 INT. DRIVER’S CAR/ PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY - NIGHT. The collision has barely knocked Driver off course. His car skids to a stop near the overturned wreck. 153 152
Green Revisions
11/22/10
79A
154
INT. NINO’S CAR/ PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY - NIGHT. Among the carnage, we see Nino, bloodied but still alive. He unbuckles his seat belt and crawls out of the twisted wreck.
154
155
EXT. PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY - NIGHT.
155
Driver gets out of his car, calmly walking over to the pulverized Lincoln. He sees Nino stumbling off towards the beach but doesn’t hurry after him yet. He checks to make sure the other passengers are dead, then heads on. 156 EXT. BEACH/ OCEAN/ PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY - NIGHT. 156
Nino stumbles through the sand, running for his life now. He looks behind him and sees Driver calmly pursuing him. He keeps running, but he’s badly injured, slowing all the time. Fear clouds reason and he staggers towards the crashing waves. Nino stop in the sand. life. He turns to Driver to beg for his * * * * * * *
NINO It was Bernie...Bernie Rose killed your friend not me... Driver raises his arm, pointing to the waves. The gangster turns and stumbles into the ocean, a pathetic last attempt to evade him. The crashing waves and the undertow are an impenetrable wall. Every time Nino tries to wade out further, the ocean drags him back.
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
156
CONTINUED:
80 156
Driver stares at his trapped prey. Nino’s attempts become more and more feeble as the ocean exhausts him and snuffs out any hope of escape. Finally he retreats back into the shallow water, barely able to keep his footing. He turns around and faces Driver, the crashing waves still smashing into his back. They stay like that for a moment. Gazing at each other. Driver silhouetted against the white sand. Nino trapped in the ocean. Then Driver wades out into the water. Nino has no fight left in him, staring at the masked man. Driver stares back at him then grabs him by the throat, forcing his head under the water. Nino splutters as Driver lets him up again. Driver shoves his face back under the water, keeping it there until Nino’s body finally stops thrashing. 157 INT. BERNIE ROSE’S APARTMENT/ BEL AIR - NIGHT. A phone shrills. Bernie Rose answers it. Nino? BERNIE ROSE Hello? Who is this? * * * * * * 157 *
DRIVER’S VOICE ON THE PHONE You know who this is. BERNIE ROSE Where’s Nino? He’s dead. Bernie Rose stares out in silence. Whatever he thinks of Nino, a part of him has died. We feel the regret in his eyes but there’s no trace of emotion in his voice. 158 EXT. BEACH/ OCEAN - NIGHT. 158 DRIVER’S VOICE ON THE PHONE
*
Driver is no longer wearing a mask, framed against the ocean. He catches the veiled threat in Bernie’s words but doesn’t respond. INTERCUT BERNIE ROSE OK. I’d say this has gone far enough. See any reason why it should continue? Let’s meet. DRIVER Why would I do that? * * * *
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
158
CONTINUED: BERNIE ROSE Why would you do that? You, me and your girlfriend are the only players left. How’s that for a reason? When? DRIVER
80A 158 * * * * * *
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
158
CONTINUED: (2) BERNIE ROSE Tomorrow. There’s a restaurant on Sherman Way called the Great Wall. Do you know where that is? DRIVER’S VOICE ON THE PHONE I can find it. Bernie pauses, staring out. Good. one. BERNIE’S VOICE ON THE PHONE You find it. I’ll see you there at
81-82 158 * * *
*
A charged silence, then the line goes dead. 159 160 OMITTED INT. GREAT WALL RESTAURANT/ LINCOLN BOULEVARD - DAY. A large He sees himself wearing 159 160
Chinese restaurant. We follow Driver through the crowd. Bernie Rose sitting at a table on his own, pouring a glass of wine. The mobster’s dressed for the occasion, a jacket and tie. He smiles at Driver as he sits down. BERNIE ROSE There he is. Have a seat. doin? I’m tired BERNIE ROSEB Glass of wine? Everything is good here. can recommend the Peking Duck. I can recommend everything. Walnut Prawns, Shredded Beef, Steamed Fish. But the duck...I dream about it. I DRIVER How’re you * * * * * * * * * *
Driver doesn’t smile, gazing back at him across the table. Bernie Rose doesn’t seem to care. He turns away, calling over a WAITRESS. BERNIE ROSE The duck. For two. WAITRESS Anything else? BERNIE ROSE Bring everything. The works. Will you throw this away? (handing her his newspaper) (CONTINUED) * * * * *
Green Revisions
11/22/10
160
CONTINUED:
81-82A 160
He waits for the waitress to leave, then turns back to Driver. BERNIE ROSE I know you’re upset, but it’s your fault. Shannon’s dead because of you. So is my partner. And you’re out there running around like a psychopath. You’ve backed me into a corner and I have no wiggle room...no choices. Why is this happening? Is it because of the girl? Driver hesitates, betraying a hint of concern. Bernie sees it and smiles. Hey, I’ve four like like BERNIE ROSE we all have problems with women. got two ex wives and two daughters, grand daughters and none of them me but I’m not running around acting a lunatic. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
He smiles again, looking into Driver’s eyes with just a hint of sympathy. BERNIE ROSE This is what I’ll do for you. You give me the money, nobody knows she exists. But it’s a different matter with you. These people I have the misfortune to be involved with, they don’t mind Nino being gone, but they’ll wanna know what happened to him... DRIVER Sounds like we have a problem... BERNIE ROSE And just when we were getting to know each other... Their eyes are fixed on each other, deadly enemies but kindred spirits of a kind. BERNIE ROSE ...We shake hands, say goodbye, it’s the start of your new life. Sooner or later they’ll come after you. No end to it. Someone gets tired, somebody else takes their place. It goes on and on. Whatever dreams you have, whatever plans, you might as well forget ‘em, because this is what it’s gonna be like till the day you die... (MORE) (CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
160
CONTINUED: (2) BERNIE ROSE (cont'd) (A beat) I just thought you should know... Driver stares back at him quietly. DRIVER What do you suggest I do? BERNIE ROSE First time I heard about you, Shannon told me you drove. Fast. That’s a start...
81-82B 160 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
He smiles again, looking into Driver’s eyes with just a hint of sympathy. BERNIE ROSE You brought the money with you, right? Here’s what I’m prepared to offer. You give me the money, the girl is safe, nobody knows about her. She’s off the radar. But I can’t mke that promise to you. These people I have the misfortune to be involved with, they don’t mind Nino being gone, but they’ll wanna know what happened to him. So I take the money. ...We shake hands, say goodbye, and I would do what you do best and drive fast away from here. Sooner or later they’ll come after you. No end to it. Someone gets tired, somebody else takes their place. It goes on and on. Whatever dreams you have, whatever plans, you might as well forget ‘em, because this is what it’s gonna be like for the rest of your life. (A beat) I’m just being honest. (a beat) Where’s the money right now? DRIVER In the car. BERNIE ROSE Let’s go get it. The duck’ll take 20 minutes. Let’s go get the money and come back, have a leisurely lunch, my treat. C’mon! Driver stands to exit.
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
160
CONTINUED: (3)
83 160 *
161
EXT. PARKING LOT/ LINCOLN BOULEVARD - DAY.
161
Driver’s car is parked at the back of the parking lot, half hidden by a fenced area for garbage. Driver pops the trunk, taking out the black gym bag with the cash. Bernie Rose doesn’t even look at it, still admiring the car.
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
161
CONTINUED:
84 161 *
Driver reaches out to give him the bag, when suddenly Bernie’s hand snakes out of his pocket, twisting a switchblade into Driver’s gut. He pulls it out, ready to stab again, but this time Driver catches his wrist, slowly forcing the knife up to his throat. Their eyes are fixed on each other for a moment, with something like regret, then the blade pierces Bernie Rose’s neck, sinking deeper and deeper. Driver holds the old man in his arms as he dies. They stay like that, locked in a fatal embrace, then Driver lowers Bernie Rose gently to the ground, out of sight. Blood seeping through his shirt, Driver picks up the gym bag and puts it back in the trunk, slamming the door shut. 162 EXT. AERIAL VIEW OF A MUCH LARGER PARKING LOT/ LA - DAY. We’re looking down on an enormous parking lot, hundreds of different colored vehicles gleaming down below. Driver pulls into the lot, searching for a place to park. 163 EXT. LARGE PARKING LOT/ LA - DAY. 163 162
Driver climbs out of his car, wearing a jacket over his bloodsoaked shirt. He walks to the back of the car, kneels down, and hides the keys behind the left rear wheel, drops of blood dripping on the tarmac beneath him. He gets up again, then sets off through the maze of parked vehicles, dialling a number on his cell-phone. 164 EXT. ECHO PARK - DAY. Irene and Benicio sit in the park. IRENE (Picking up her phone) Hello?... (INTERCUT) The blazing sun beats down. Driver walks through a long corridor of glinting cars. 164
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
164
CONTINUED: Irene stares in surprise. She says nothing but stays on the line. Driver continues painfully through the maze of cars. DRIVER You know that amusement park on the 101? Yeah. DRIVER I left my car there for you. third level... On the IRENE’S VOICE ON THE PHONE
85 164 * *
* * * * * * * * * *
DRIVER’S VOICE ON THE PHONE Keys are under the left rear wheel...money’s in the trunk. All around him the Chevys, Dodges, and Fords glitter in the sunlight. Blood seeps through Driver’s shirt, dripping on the tarmac. Irene hears his labored breathing now, looking concerned.
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
164
CONTINUED: (2)
86 164 *
DRIVER It was nice to meet you. Irene smiles sadly. IRENE It was nice to meet you too... 165 EXT. LARGE PARKING LOT/ LA - DAY. 165
* *
From above we see the maze of vehicles stretching out forever -Chevys, Chryslers, Fords -- the history of America on wheels. Driver switches off his cell-phone reluctantly then heads towards the Dodge Super Bee. 166 INT. WHITE CAMARO/ LARGE PARKING LOT - DAY. 166
*
Driver climbs into the front seat of the Super Bee, catching his breath. He sits there a moment, sheltering from the world outside, then pulls out a pocket knife, opening the blades until he finds the screwdriver. He starts with the left side of the steering column, then gets to work on the section below the turn signal.
*
(CONTINUED)
Green Revisions
11/22/10
166
CONTINUED: His face shows the strain, but his fingers are as steady as ever. A master at work. Finally he breaks into the ignition device, leaning back in the seat to take a rest.
87 166
167
EXT. AERIAL VIEW/ LARGE PARKING LOT - DAY.
167
We’re gazing down at the white Camaro from above, waiting for it to move. 168 INT. WHITE CAMARO/ LARGE PARKING LOT - DAY. 168
Driver’s face is completely still now. So are his eyes. He looks almost at peace. There’s a long pause, then slowly he leans forward and turns on the ignition. As the engine comes to life, we CUT TO BLACK.
