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                (SPLASH) A BODY DROPS FROM THE SKY, SMASHING DOWN ON THE HOOD OF AN EXPENSIVE SPORTS UTILITY VEHICLE. THE BODY HITS WITH GREAT IMPACT, FORCING THE NOSE OF THE S.U.V. TO HUNKER DOWN ONTO THE FRONT TIRES AS THE WINDSHIELD EXPLODES.

 

                PLEASE DO NOT MAKE THIS AN OVERHEAD ANGLE (YOU’LL SEE WHY IN A MINUTE). ALMOST ANY OTHER ANGLE WILL DO.

 

                THE BODY IS A YOUNG BLACK WOMAN, A CRACK WHORE. BUT WE DO NOT NEED TO GET A GOOD LOOK AT HER IN THIS SHOT.

    1  CAPTION:      Midnight in The Mog.

    2  LEGEND:       Stan Lee presents

    3  LOGO:         < Insert  THE CREW logo >

    4  TITLE:        BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE MOGADISHU

                                                CHAPTER ONE: RHODEY

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                SIX PANEL GRID: FIXED CAMERA ANGLE: THIS IS A STAT-AND-REPEAT SEQUENCE: AN OVERHEAD VIEW OF THIS RUINED CAR:

 

1              OVERHEAD: THE SUV: IT IS PARKED IN AN ALLEY NEXT TO AN OPEN DUMPSTER. THE DEAD GIRL SPLAYED ACROSS THE HOOD IN UNDIGNIFIED RAG DOLL POSE. BLOOD EVERYWHERE, THE WINDSHIELD SMASHED, ETC.

 

                IT SHOULD BE OBVIOUS THAT THEY WERE AIMING FOR THE OPEN DUMPSTER AND MISSED.

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2              REPEAT.

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3              REPEAT

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4              REPEAT: NOW, TWO GANG BANGERS SCRAMBLE TOWARDS THE SUV. WE DO NOT SEE THEIR FACES HERE BECAUSE THIS IS STILL THE FIXED OVERHEAD ANGLE.

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5              REPEAT IMAGE: NOW THE GANG BANGERS CHECK THE CAR, ALL BUT IGNORING THE GIRL.

    1  GANG:         Dumbazz crack ho.

 

6              REPEAT:  THE GANG BANGERS, ANNOYED, LOOKING UP AT US NOW. THESE ARE SCARY LOOKING GUYS, EARLY 20’s. BLACK. BANDANNAS AND OTHER GANG PARAPHERNALIA (WE SHOULD DISCUSS URBAN STYLES).

    2  GANG:         The jump is wrong with you, man?!

    3  GANG:         I just had the spit detailed.

Page 3

1              DETAIL: A CLOCK RADIO. RHODEY’s HAND REACHING IN, TURNING OFF THE ALARM.

                COLOR: NOTE THIS IS RHODEY’s HAND TURNING OFF THE ALARM.

    1  CAPTION:      Morning in Oakland.

    2  RHODEY:       (Off) I dunno.

    3  RHODEY:       (Attach) It’s just the same dream, over and over.

 

2              PAN BACK: ON THIS NIGHT STAND: NEXT TO THE CLOCK RADIO: THE HELMET FOR RHODEY’s WAR MACHINE ARMOR. IT HAS SEEN BETTER DAYS. RHODEY USES IT MOSTLY AS A PENCIL HOLDER, PENS OR OTHER ITEMS ANGLED IN THRU THE EYELETS AND MOUTH OPENING.

 

                PUT A BOTTLE OF BEER ON THE TABLE.

    4  RHODEY:       (Off) It’s about cleaning things up.

    5  RHODEY:       (Attach)  I’m cleaning. Pine Sol. Ajax. Murphy’s Oil. Hands and knees stuff.

    6  RHODEY:       (Same) It’s my penthouse, so it’s a big job.

 

3              MEDIUM CLOSE UP: RHODEY, A DEVILISH GEORGE CLOONEY SMILE AS HE TURNS HIS HEAD, CONSIDERING THE (OFF-PANEL) WOMAN HE IS IN BED WITH.

 

                LET’S GIVE RHODEY A LITTLE PERSONALITY, A LITTLE GRAY AROUND THE TEMPLES. SOME LINES IN HIS FACE. HE SHOULDN’T LOOK OLD, JUST SEASONED. VERY GEORGE CLOONEY.

    7  RHODEY:       Dinner on the stove. Got Luther on the stereo.

    8  RHODEY:       Roses.

    9  RHODEY:       Waiting for Marcy. Want the place right for Marcy.

 

4              DETAIL: A PRESCRIPTION MEDICINE BOTTLE: RHODEY’s HAND REACHING FOR IT.

   10  RHODEY:       (Off) Then, at some point, it hits me--

   11  RHODEY:       (Attach) --Marcy’s not coming.

   12  BOTTLE:       (Add Pharmacy Info)

                     JAMES B. RHODES

                     PERCADAM .25 MIL

                     DOSAGE: 1 CAPSULE PER DAY

 

5              DETAIL: THE WAR MACHINE HELMET: RHODEY’s HAND GRABS THE BEER BOTTLE.

   13  RHODEY:       (Off) I’m cooking dinner for somebody who’s not coming.

   14  RHODEY:       (Attach) Any second, the phone will ring.

   15  RHODEY:       (Same) It’ll be a good excuse. It’s always a good excuse.

 

6              TWO-SHOT: RHODEY AND THE GIRL. THE GIRL ANNOYED, NOW. THEY’RE BOTH NAKED OR SEMI-DRESSED. RHODEY TAKES HIS PILL.

   16  RHODEY:       The lie just stabs through you.

   17  RHODEY:       Smells like ammonia, y’know?

   18  RHODEY:       You’re just this idiot with aching knees and fingers pruned from scrubbing all day.

   19  RHODEY:       Sisyphus and his rock.

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1              CUT TO: EXTERIOR: A LOW RENT HOTEL SOMEWHERE IN OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA. MORNING.

    1  RHODEY:       (From window) Sisyphus, the wisest and most prudent of mortals.

    2  RHODEY:       (Attach) Poor bastard pushes this big effing rock up a hill--

 

2              CUT TO: RHODEY, STANDING NOW, LOOKING AT SOME PAPERS IN HIS HANDS. INTENSE EXPRESSION AS HE STUDIES THE PAPERS. RHODEY WEARS BOXER SHORTS, IS OTHERWISE NAKED. HE IS IN TERRIFIC SHAPE, SUPER-HERO PHYSIQUE.

    3  RHODEY:       --only to have it topple down to the bottom, for him to start again.

    4  RHODEY:       The torment of hopeless labor.

    5  RHODEY:       One always finds one's burden again.

 

3              DETAIL: THE PAPERS IN RHODEY’s HANDS: FINANCIAL REPORTS. STOCK FROM STARK ENTERPRISES AND A COMPANY NAMED “GRACE & TUMBALT.” OTHER FINANCIAL PAPERS. MAKE SURE WE SEE THE G&T STOCK AND A FINANCIAL REPORT FROM RHODEY’s SALVAGE COMPANY (LET’S DISCUSS HOW BEST TO SHOW THIS).

    6  RHODEY:       (Off) Nice work with these.

    7  RHODEY:       (Attach)  You’re one hell of an accountant.

 

4              THE GIRL: SHE’S HURRIEDLY DRESSED SO HER BLOUSE IS OPEN OR SOME SUCH. SHE’S LEAVING, A LITTLE ANNOYED AT HERSELF.

    8  GIRL:         Yes. Yes, I am, Rhodey.

    9  GIRL:         Which makes me wonder if you hired me to handle your filings--

   10  GIRL:         --or your assets.

5              THE ROOM: A SMALL, RATTY ROOM IN A SMALL, RATTY HOTEL. THE GIRL IS LEAVING, ANNOYED. RHODEY DOESN’T CARE.

   11  GIRL:         You used to be a nicer guy when all you had to do was fly Tony Stark around.

   12  RHODEY:       No I wasn’t, Marcy.

   13  GIRL:         My name’s not “Marcy.”

 

6              ON RHODEY: STUDYING THE FINANCIAL PAPERS.

   14  RHODEY:       Honestly...

   15  RHODEY:       ...what difference does it make...?

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1              A BEADY-EYED DESK JOCKEY REVIEWS SOME PAPERS. SHIRT AND TIE. THIS GUY MAKES 30 GRAND A YEAR AND LIVES WITH HIS MOTHER. WE’RE IN AN OFFICE SOMEWHERE.

 

                NOTE: PROMINENT HERE SHOULD BE SOME STOCK CERTIFICATES FROM GRACE & TUMBALT.

    1  CASE MANAGER:  Mr. Rhodes-- I’m finding this difficult to understand.

    2  CM:           A war veteran... a pilot... you worked at Stark Enterprises for a very long time...

    3  CM:           ...you were CEO for a time...

   3a  STOCKS:       GRACE & TUMBALT

                    CERTIFIED 5000 SHARES

 

2              REVERSE ANGLE: RHODEY SITS IMPATIENTLY. HE’S NOT IN THE MOOD FOR THIS. RHODEY DRESSES LIKE A TOUGH GUY MERCENARY: NOT IN MILITARY FATIGUES, BUT IN PRACTICAL CLOTHES A GUY WHO DRIVES A CHEVY PICKUP MIGHT WEAR. THINK GENE HACKMAN. BLACK MOCK NECK SHIRT, LEATHER JACKET, THAT KIND OF THING.

 

                HE WEARS A ROLEX WATCH AND A GOLD CLASS RING: THEY GIVE AWAY THAT THIS EVERYMAN CHEVY TRUCK GUY HAS MONEY.

    4  CM:           (Off)  ...how could this happen...?

    5  CM:           (Attach)  Your salvage company had some very good years...

    6  RHODEY:       Yeah, well, when the U.S. Intelligence community decides they want you--

    7  RHODEY:       --and you say no--

 

3              ESTABLISH: RHODEY AND THE CASE MANAGE: THEY ARE IN A PARTITIONED AREA GOING OVER RHODEY’s FINANCES. THIS IS A LARGE SOCIAL SERVICES AGENCY.

    8  RHODEY:       --you tend to suddenly find yourself drowning in red ink.

    9  CM:           Are you saying the government ruined your firm--? I’m not following you--

 

4              ON RHODEY: HEAD COCKED TO ONE SIDE, SLIGHTLY AMUSED BY THIS DWEEB. VERY GEORGE CLOONEY HERE.

   10  RHODEY:       Look, Spencer-- Spence-- can I call you “Spence”--?

   11  RHODEY:       You’re, what, thirty two? Four years at Oakland State and night school working on the master’s?

   12  RHODEY:       You make 35 grand and live with your mother. You can’t possibly “follow” me.

 

5              DETAIL: THE CM CUTS RHODEY’s CREDIT CARDS. STOCKS AND OTHER PAPERS ON THE DESK.

  12a  STOCKS:       GRACE & TUMBALT

                     CERTIFIED 5000 SHARES

   13  RHODEY:       (Off) I can’t even “follow” me.

   14  CM:           (Off) I see.

   15  CM:           (Attach) Well, everything looks in order, Mr. Rhodes.

   16  CM:           (Same) This goes before Judge Berckett tomorrow--

 

6              DOWN ANGLE: THE CASE MANAGER EXITS, LEAVING RHODEY ALONE IN THE NOW EMPTY CUBICLE. THE CASE MANAGE TAKES RHODEY’s FILE WITH HIM.

   17  CM:           --congratulations.

   18  CM:           You’re bankrupt.

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1              DETAIL: THE WAR MACHINE HELMET: RHODEY IS DISPLAYING THE HELMET, HOLDING IT IN HIS HANDS..

    1  RHODEY:       (Off) --it’s a prototype... the working armor was destroyed--

    2  RHODEY:       (Attach) --well, more like it ceased to exist because of a--

    3  RHODEY:       (Same) --well, it’s a long story.

 

2              ON RHODEY: SERIOUS AS HE EXPLAINS THE HELMET. WE DO NOT SEE WHO HE IS TALKING TO. RHODEY IS BASICALLY TRYING TO SELL THE IDEA ON THIS OFF-PANEL MAN.

    4  RHODEY:       It’s made of very expensive technetium niobium-- a high carbon steel/iron alloy--

 

3              REVERSE ANGLE: WHO RHODEY IS TALKING TO: A GREASY GUY IN A PAWN SHOP. RHODEY IS TRYING TO PAWN THE HOLO ARMOR. THE GUY IS NOT INTERESTED.

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4              ON RHODEY: STILL DISPLAYING THE OPEN CASE. GRIM EXPRESSION, REALIZING HE’s WASTING HIS TIME.

    5  RHODEY:       --this prototype is worth over eight million--

 

5              STAT/REPEAT THE PAWN BROKER.

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6              RHODEY, ANNOYED, NOW HOLDS HIS ROLEX WATCH OUT FOR INSPECTION.

    6  RHODEY:       Rolex Benvenuto Cellini. Platinum.

Page 7

1              DETAIL: A RESTAURANT CHECK (BILL) LIES ON AN OPEN LEATHER FOLDER (THE FANCY LITTLE FOLDERS EXPENSIVE RESTAURANTS USE TO BRING YOU THE BILL). TWO $100 BILLS PLACED ON THE CHECK. PLEASE MAKE SURE WE CAN SEE BOTH $100 BILLS *AND* THE CHECK SO WE GET IT THAT RHODEY IS PAYING THE RESTAURANT TAB.

    1  RHODEY:       (Off) ...so, I suppose, technically, I committed a felony by not reporting the War Machine helmet--

 

2              RHODEY AT DINNER WITH A BEAUTIFUL WOMAN. THIS IS NOT THE SAME WOMAN AS BEFORE. SHE IS EXQUISITE, WEARING AN EXPENSIVE DRESS. RHODEY WEARS AN EXPENSIVE SUIT, NOW, LOOKING MORE LIKE TONY STARK THAN BRUCE WILLIS. THIS IS A VERY EXPENSIVE RESTAURANT.

    2  RHODEY:       --but the thing doesn’t even work, so I figure it’s okay.

    3  RHODEY:       And, hell, I was wearing the watch. If Dweeb Boy missed that, that’s on him, right Marcy?

    4  RHODEY:       It is “Marcy,” right--?

 

3              ON THE GIRL, SMILING. THIS IS NOT THE SAME GIRL AS BEFORE.

    5  GIRL:         Honestly...

    6  GIRL:         ...what difference does it make...?

    7  GIRL:         Thanks for the dress.

    8  RHODEY:       (Off) What’s a few thousand between friends...?

    9  GIRL:         You’re about to find out.

 

4              RHODEY LOOKS AT HIS CELL PHONE. AMUSED.

   10  RHODEY:       Hold that thought.

5              CUT TO: A NYPD POLICE WOMAN, IN AN OFFICE. SHE WEARS A UNIFORM BUT NO HAT. SHE IS READING FROM SOME OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS. NOTE SHE IS A POTENTIAL LOVE INTEREST FOR RHODEY SO MAKE HER CUTE. HISPANIC OR BLACK.

   11  COP:          James Rhodes?

   12  COP:          This is officer Howard from the 74th precinct in Brooklyn, New York.

   13  COP:          I’m afraid I’ve got some bad news for you, sir--

 

6              ON RHODEY: A LITTLE GRIMMER NOW, HEAD BOWED A LITTLE AS HE TALKS ON THE PHONE.

   14  ELECTRIC:     --it’s about your sister.

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1              THE DEAD GIRL FROM THE OPENING SEQUENCE: LYING ON A ROLL-OUT SLAB IN THE MORGUE.

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2              CUT TO: RHODEY IN AN OBSERVATION ROOM: THE LADY COP WITH HIM, PAPERWORK IN HER HANDS. RHODEY STARE BLANKLY AT THE GLASS WINDOW (THE DEAD GIRL COULD ALSO BE ON VIDEO MONITORS). RHODEY STILL DRESSED IN THE SUIT HE WORE TO DINNER. LOOKS LIKE A RICH GUY.

 

                RHODEY IS EMOTIONLESS.

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3              REPEAT.

    1  COPY:         ...sir...?

 

4              REPEAT.

    2  RHODEY:       ...I... I dunno...

    3  RHODEY:       ...I guess.

    4  RHODEY:       I guess that’s her.

 

5              REPEAT

    5  RHODEY:       Lost a little weight...

(More)

6              LARGER PANEL ACROSS BOTTOM: RHODEY FOLLOWS THE LADY COP DOWN A HALL.

 

                RHODEY PASSES RIGHT BY KASPER COLE. THE TWO MEN DO NOT KNOW EACH OTHER, KASPER DOESN’T GIVE RHODEY A SECOND LOOK OR VICE VERSA.

 

                KASPER LOOKS LIKE A STREET THUG. LET’S DISCUSS. HIS BADGE HANGS AROUND HIS NECK BY A BEADED CHAIN (WHEN INSIDE THE PRECINCT, COPS MUST ALWAYS DISPLAY ID). KASPER HAS THE PREDATOR’s GLARE, THINGS ON HIS MIND, BUT THAT’s FOR NEXT ISSUE.

    6  COP:          When’s the last time you saw your sister, Mr. Rhodes...?

    7  RHODEY:       I dunno. Five... six years. It’s a family thing.

    8  COP:          You know anyone who would want to kill her?

    9  RHODEY:       Other than me?

Page 9

1              THE POLICE BULLPEN: UNIFORMED COPS, MAP OF BROOKLYN SOMEWHERE. THE LADY COP TYPES ON A COMPUTER.

    1  RHODEY:       My sister was a very bright college student.

    2  COP:          Your sister was a crack fiend and a prostitute.

    3  RHODEY:       That too.

 

2              DETAIL: THIS MAP: SHOW US PRINCETON WALK AND THE MOG ON THE MAP (LET’s DISCUSS). RHODEY INSPECTS THE MAP.

    4  COP:          (Off) She was found in The Mog-- what we call Little Mogadishu--

    5  COP:          (Attach)  --a very not nice part of town...

 

3              CUT TO: MEDIUM CLOSE-UP: A GROUP OF URBAN PREDATORS: MENACING-LOOKING BLACK YOUTHS. THAT PREDATOR GLARE (NARROWED EYES, HEAD BACK A BIT SO THEY’RE KIND OF LOOKING DOWN AT YOU WITH BOTH MENACE AND CONTEMPT).

    6  CAPTION:      “...it’s become a kind of haven for some of Brooklyn’s worst thugs.

    7  CAPTION:      “I don’t advise your going down there.”

 

4              WHAT THEY ARE LOOKING AT: RHODEY, EXITING A SUBWAY STATION, NIGHT. RHODEY STILL DRESSED IN THE EXPENSIVE SUIT (THOUGH HIS TIE CAN BE LOOSENED OR UNKNOTTED A LA SAMMY DAVIS JR.).

 

                THESE GUYS MAKE RHODEY FOR SOME KIND OF RICH SOCIAL BITCH.

    8  CAPTION:      “My sister is dead, officer.

    9  CAPTION:      “Going down there is the least I owe her.

(More)

5              NEW ANGLE: RHODEY WALKING, THE THUGS CLOSE IN A SEMI CIRCLE IN FRONT OF HIM, BLOCKING HIS WAY.

   10  CAPTION:      “Besides-- you call this ‘Little Mogadishu’..?”

Page 10

1              RHODEY, AMUSED, GEORGE CLOONEY SMILE (NOT LAUGHING AT THE THUGS, JUST MILDLY AMUSED) PASSES THROUGH THEM WITHOUT BEING INTIMIDATED BY THEM. RHODEY DOES NOT LOOK AT THE THUGS, BUT FOCUSES HIS GAZE DOWN THE STREET.

    1  CAPTION:      “...I’ve survived the big one.”

 

                FOUR PANELS ACROSS:

 

2-5           QUICK CUTS: SNAPSHOTS OF LITTLE MOGADISHU: LET’S DISCUSS:

                THUGS OUTSIDE BURNED OUT BUILDINGS

                DIRTY, POORLY-DRESSED CHILDREN AND MAYBE PREGNANT TEEN MOMS

                CARS THAT HAVE BEEN VANDALIZED AND STRIPPED

                GARBAGE EVERYWHERE

 

                COMMON THEMES: EVERYONE IN THE MOG IS A PREDATOR. EVEN THE LITTLE KIDS HAVE A HOSTILITY TO THEM.

 

                THERE ARE NO TAXIS AND NO BUSES HERE, NO SURFACE TRANSIT AT ALL. FEW CARS. IF WE SEE CARS, THEY SHOULD, LIKELY, BE DRIVEN BY GANG BANGERS.

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6              WIDE ACROSS THE BOTTOM: GO TO A LONG SHOT, NOW: TINY FIGURE OF RHODEY APPROACHING A MASSIVE HOUSING PROJECT IN THE MOG. THE MOG ITSELF CLOSING IN AROUND HIM AS HE JOURNEYS DEEPER AND DEEPER INTO NO MAN’s LAND.

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Page 11

1              DETAIL: A CHALK OUTLINE IN THE ALLEY WHERE THE GIRL DIED. THE S.U.V. SHE HIT IS GONE. RHODEY’s $300 BRUNO MAGALIA SHOES NEAR THIS OUTLINE.

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2              REVERSE ANGLE: UP AT RHODEY, GLARING DOWN AT US: SOBER, A LITTLE ANGER BUT NOT RAGE. STILL LOOKS LIKE SAMMY DAVIS JR. AFTER A SET AT THE COPA.

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3              STAT/REPEAT.

    1  VOICE:        (Off) Somethin’ we can do for you, Cuz...?

 

4              NEW ANGLE: GANG MEMBERS. YOUNG. HANDGUNS TUCKED INTO WAIST BANDS. AT LEAST ONE OF THEM HAS AN ASSAULT RIFLE SLUNG OVER HIS SHOULDER. THEY ARE NOT AFRAID OF POLICE.

    2  GANG:         Know where you at, fool?

 

5              WIDEN THE SHOT: RHODEY TALKS TO THE GANG, COMPLETELY UNAFRAID OF THEM AND INDIFFERENT TO THEIR MENACE OR THEIR WEAPONRY. RHODEY’s GOT ONE HAND CASUALLY IN HIS PANTS POCKET, GESTURES WITH THE OTHER. SERIOUS EXPRESSION, BUT NO HOSTILITY TOWARDS THE GANG. THEY ARE, SIMPLY, NOT A FACTOR TO HIM.

    3  RHODEY:       Jeanette.

    4  RHODEY:       Jeanette was my sister.

    5  RHODEY:       Anybody know what happened?

    6  GANG:         If you mean Star, she was the neighborhood crack ho.

    7  GANG:         She got got. End of story.

Page 12

1              CUT TO: A DINGY BASEMENT APARTMENT. LOW CEILING, PIPES RUNNING ACROSS THE CEILING.

 

                RHODEY DUCKS A LITTLE AS HE ENTERS. SHEETS OF PLASTIC HANG AS ROOM DIVIDERS, KEEPING THE HEAT (OR COOL) IN.

 

                IT IS DIFFICULT TO DESCRIBE WHAT A CRACK HOUSE LOOKS LIKE INSIDE. IT’S A WORSE HORROR THAN I CAN DESCRIBE HERE (AND, YES, I HAVE SEEN THIS FIRST HAND). LET’S DISCUSS WHAT THIS PLACE LOOKS LIKE. LET’S JUST SAY IT LOOKS LIKE HELL.

 

                RHODEY STILL IN HIS EXPENSIVE SUIT AND SHOES. GRIM EXPRESSION.

    1  CAPTION:      “Star used to crash in the basement with the rest of ‘em.

    2  CAPTION:      “You’ll find her gear down there.”

 

2              CUT TO: RHODEY’s POINT OF VIEW: THIS HELLISH PLACE. JUNKIES IN VARIOUS STATE OF DRESS, SOME PASSED OUT, LYING ON DILAPIDATED SOFAS, ON THE FLOOR. GARBAGE EVERYWHERE, TORN SHEETS OF PLASTIC EVERYWHERE.

 

                EVERYWHERE YOU LOOK: SMALL MIRROR TILES (FOR SNORTING COKE), PIPES, NEEDLES, ETC. BASICALLY THE WORST PLACE YOU CAN IMAGINE.

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3              DETAIL: RHODEY’s HAND HOLDING A FRAMED PHOTOGRAPH: RHODEY, HIS SISTER, TONY STARK: FROM HAPPIER TIMES. RHODEY WITH THE AFRO FROM THE MICHELINIE/LAYTON DAYS. PUT RHODEY IN A FLIGHT SUIT HERE. HIS SISTER LOOKS NOTHING AT ALL LIKE THE CRACK WHORE WHO WENT OUT THE WINDOW: SHE IS A HEALTHY HIGH SCHOOL KID, BEAUTIFUL SMILE. EVERYBODY’s HAPPY.

 

                THE GLASS IN THE PICTURE FRAME IS CRACKED.

    3  GANG:         (Off) Sorry ‘bout yo sista, Cuz--

 

4              THE GANG: BLOCKING RHODEY’s EXIT.

    4  GANG:         --sho’ will miss bangin’ dat.

    5  GANG:         Witch squeal like a monkey when you--

 

5              THE GANG MEMBER GETS HIT IN THE TEETH WITH THE PICTURE FRAME, FLUNG IN FROM OFF-PANEL. OTHER GANG MEMBERS DRAW WEAPONS NOW.

    6  SFX:          KRAAAKKK.

Page 13

1              RHODEY GRABS UP THE GUY HE HIT IN THE MOUTH, YOKING HIM WITH ONE HAND WHILE GRABBING THE PUNK’s GUN WITH HIS OTHER HAND. THE PUNK IS A LITTLE STUNNED, HIS MOUTH BLEEDING, HIS HANDS NURSING HIS MOUTH.

    1  GANG:         (Bleeding mouth) MmMmMfffpPphhh--!!

    2  OTHER GANG:  (Burst)  SMOKE THAT BEEYOTCH!

 

2              RHODEY FIRES THE PISTOL, AIMING HIGH.

    3  SFX:          BLAM!  BLAM!  BLAM!!

 

3              OVERHEAD PIPES BURST, DELUGING THE GANG.

    4  SFX:          FFWWWOOOOSSSHH--!!

 

4              THE GANG’s POV: LOOKING FOR RHODEY: IT’S DARK DOWN THERE AND NOW WATER IS SPRAYING EVERYWHERE AND THERE ARE THOSE DAMNED HANGING PLASTIC SHEETS: THEY CAN’T GET A FIX ON THE GUY.

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5              THE GANG MOVES FORWARD, AIMING WEAPONS THIS WAY AND THAT. RHODEY, BEHIND THEM GRABS ONE OF THEM FROM BEHIND. WATER GUSHES FROM SEVERAL POINTS ABOVE.

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Page 14

1              ANOTHER GANG MEMBER: RHODEY’s FOOT SMASHES IN THE SIDE OF THIS GUY’s FACE. A MARTIAL ARTS MOVE, SIDE KICK OR WHAT HAVE YOU.

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2              RHODEY TAKES OUT ANOTHER GANG GUY. RHODEY IS AN EXPERT MARTIAL ARTIST AND SOLDIER. THESE PUNKS ARE SIMPLY NO MATCH FOR HIM.

 

                NOTE: THIS VIOLENCE CAN BE WHATEVER YOU WANT, JUST MAKE IT CINEMATIC A LA JOHN WOO, AND TRY AND MAKE IT AS REALISTIC AND LOGICAL A SEQUENCE OF EVENTS AS POSSIBLE.

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3              THE GUY WITH THE ASSAULT RIFLE UNLOADS FULL AUTO. MULTIPLE LIGHT SOURCES FROM THE LOW LIGHT BEHIND HIM AND THE MUZZLE FLASH IN FRONT OF HIM, SHEETS OF WATER CASCADE DOWN ON HIM.

    1  SFX:          BBRRAAATATATATAATAT--!!

 

4              REVERSE ANGLE: WE SEE THE CRACK JOINT GETTING RIPPED UP BY GUNFIRE. MOST OF THE JUNKIES ARE STILL PASSED OUT OR LYING ON THE FLOOR, SO NOBODY GETTING HIT, HERE. WE DO NOT SEE RHODEY.

    2  SFX:          BBRRAAATATATATAATAT--!!

 

5              RHODEY DISARMS THIS GUY (POSSIBLY FROM BEHIND; WHATEVER WORKS). TAKES THE ASSAULT RIFLE.

    3  SFX:          BBRRAAATATATATAATAT--!!

Page 15

1              NEW ANGLE: A NEW GUY ARRIVING, COMING DOWN THE STAIRCASE. HEAVY SHADOWS, WE DO NOT KNOW IF THIS IS FRIEND OR FOE. WATER CASCADES BETWEEN US AND HIM, FURTHER OBSCURING HIS FEATURES.

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2              BIG TERMINATOR SHOT: RHODEY, SNARLING NOW, HOLDING THE ASSAULT RIFLE WITH ONE HAND, LIKE IT WAS A PISTOL, AIMING IT PAST OUR POINT OF VIEW (AT THE OFF-PANEL NEW ARRIVAL). MULTIPLE LIGHT SOURCES, WATER CASCADES ON HIM, RUINING HIS ARMANI SUIT.

 

                RHODEY MEANS BUSINESS HERE. YA FEEL LUCKY, PUNK?!

    1  [1]RHODEY:      Your weight or your fate.

 

3              REVERSE: THE NEW ARRIVAL: WE CAN SEE HIM NOW: IT IS JOSIAH X.

                JOSIAH SHOULD LOOK LIKE DENZEL WASHINGTON IN THE OPENING SCENES OF Training Day. STATUESQUE, COMMANDING. LEATHER COAT OVER CASUAL DRESS CLOTHES (SLACKS, MOCK NECK SHIRT, NOT TOO EXPENSIVE BUT NOT GANGSTA EITHER).

 

                GIVE JOSIAH A SKULL CAP AND GLASSES LIKE DENZEL’s IN Training Day’s OPENING SCENE (SEE FILM FOR REF).

 

                JOSIAH LOOKS MORE LIKE A MUSLIM ACADEMIC THAN A STREET THUG, BUT HE IS STILL OBVIOUSLY A PHYSICAL PRESENCE.

 

                INTENSE EXPRESSION, JOSIAH’s EYES LOCKED ON THE OFF-PANEL RHODEY. NO FEAR, NO ANGER. MORE LIKE A REPRESSED AMUSEMENT.

    2  JOSIAH:       Boom.

    3  JOSIAH:       Wanna get out of here or what?

Page 16

1              CUT TO: EXT/ SHABAZZ MISSION CENTER FOR ALL PEOPLE, A STOREFRONT MINISTRY SOMEWHERE  IN THE MOG. LETS’ DISCUSS THE DESIGN OF JOSIAH’S HQ.

    1  JOSIAH:       (From Mission) Zay and his boys get a little territorial. Not making excuses, mind you--

    2  JOSIAH:       (Attach) --but you are in their world, now.

 

2              INSIDE: JOSIAH HANDS RHODEY A CUP OF COFFEE. RHODEY STILL WET, HAS A TOWEL AROUND HIS NECK. STILL WEARING THE RUINED ARMANI.

 

                JOSIAH’s MOOD IS ONE OF CURIOSITY AND RESTRAINED AMUSEMENT AT THIS AUDACIOUS BROTHER WHO’S DROPPED INTO HIS WORLD OUT OF NOWHERE.

    3  JOSIAH:       Sorry about Star. She had a lot of issues.

    4  RHODEY:       You knew her?

    5  JOSIAH:       As much as anyone else. Tried to get her off the street.

    6  JOSIAH:       Never actually believed her... until now.

 

3              RHODEY: GRIM, SIPPING COFFEE, STARING INTO SPACE.

    7  RHODEY:       Believed what?

    8  JOSIAH:       (Off) That her brother was CEO of Stark Enterprises while she was turning tricks in the projects.

    9  RHODEY:       This a toll booth, son?

   10  JOSIAH:       (Off) Guilt’s not my trip, sir.

 

4              ON JOSIAH: STILL SCRUTINIZING THE OFF-PANEL RHODEY.

   11  JOSIAH:       Josiah al hajj Saddiq.

   12  JOSIAH:       Josiah X.

   13  JOSIAH:       I run this mission here in The Mog.

   14  RHODEY:       (Off) If you’re angling for a donation, my account’s overdrawn.

 

5              WIDE: THE TWO MEN: JOSIAH SMILING NOW, GESTURING WITH HIS HAND. RHODEY SEEMINGLY IGNORES HIM, CONTINUES STARING OFF IN SOME DIRECTION, SIPPING COFFEE.

   15  JOSIAH:       Think I’m trying to hustle you, Mr. Rhodes?

   16  RHODEY:       Let’s just say I’m not a fan of street corner preachers.

   17  JOSIAH:       Makes two of us.

   18  JOSIAH:       So, you’ve got Star’s things. Find what you were looking for?

 

6              RHODEY. INTENSE, STARING OUT INTO SPACE.

   19  RHODEY:       Not yet.

   20  RHODEY:       Soon.

Page 17

1              CUT TO: EXTERIOR: NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY (WE MAY SWITCH THIS TO NYU’s LIBRARY AS IT IS OPEN 24 HOURS).

 

                AN UNMARKED POLICE CAR IS SOMEWHERE OUT FRONT, TWO FEDERAL AGENTS SITTING INSIDE. WHITE GUYS IN SUITS AND TIES.

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2              RHODEY AT ONE OF THE COMPUTERS: LEANING BACK IN THE CHAIR, BUT EYES FIXED ON THE SCREEN. HE’S BEEN THERE A LONG TIME.

    1  VOICE:        (Off) I figured you for milk and sugar.

    2  RHODEY:       You figured right.

 

3              JOSIAH HAS A SEAT. JOSIAH HAS TWO COFFEES FROM A TAKE OUT JOINT.

    3  JOSIAH:       Couple of cars sitting on the place.

    4  JOSIAH:       Looks federal.

    5  RHODEY:       (Off) Military cutouts. Black ops guys.

    6  RHODEY:       (Attach) Wondering why I’m hacking into the NSA’s system.

 

4              RHODEY

    7  RHODEY:       Don’t have my gear with me. Harder to cover my tracks.

    8  RHODEY:       Maybe eight minutes before they figure out which terminal I’m on.

    9  RHODEY:       A lifetime.

 

5              DETAIL: THE COMPUTER SCREEN

   10  SCREEN:       IDYLLWILD

                     T-7 TASKER REQUEST GRID 994A BY 1721G

                     36 HR LOG REVIEW SPEED = 200X

   11  RHODEY:       Maybe we get lucky and there was a bird up there... when Jeannette...

 

6              RHODEY WORKING. JOSIAH INTRIGUED.

   12  RHODEY:       ...here we go.

   13  RHODEY:       FBI task force takes pictures of your neighborhood, minister. Helicopters and satellites.

   14  RHODEY:       If I play back some of that video...

Page 18

1              DETAIL: THE COMPUTER SCREEN:  THE ALLEY FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE ISSUE: WE SEE THE SUV PARKED NEXT TO THE DUMPSTER.

    1  RHODEY:       (Off)  ..we may get some...

 

2              SAME: NOW WE SEE THE GIRL SMASH INTO THE CAR (THIS IS ALL OVERHEAD ANGLE, VIEW FROM A SATELLITE).

    2  RHODEY:       (Off) ...answers...

 

3              SAME: THE DEAD GIRL COMES TO REST, SMASHED GLASS AND DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE.

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4              ON RHODEY: WORKING THE COMPUTER, GRIM. JOSIAH STUDIES HIM, NO LONGER AMUSED.

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5              SAME: RHODEY WINCES A BIT, HIS THUMB AND FOREFINGER KIND OF RUBBING HIS NOSE, A BRIEF TWINGE OF EMOTION, HERE. JOSIAH REMAINS THE SAME.

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6              STAT REPEAT PANEL 4: RHODEY AGAIN WORKING ON THE COMPUTER, COMPOSED.

    3  RHODEY:       Have a look--

 

7              THE SCREEN: WE NOW SEE THE TWO THUGS, FROM PAGE TWO, LOOKING UP AT US.

    4  RHODEY:       (Off) --there’s your boys.

Page 19

1              CUT TO: THE POLICE PRECINCT: RHODEY PURSUES THE LADY COP, THE LADY COP HOLDS A FILE FOLDER (NOT LOOKING AT IT).

    1  COP:          I’m sorry, Mr. Rhodes, we can’t help you.

    2  RHODES:       Why the hell not? Here’s a photo of your suspects!

    3  COP:          There’s no photo of them pushing your sister out of the window--

 

2              IN CLOSER: SHE’s STOPPED, TURNED TOWARDS RHODEY.

    4  COP:          --and, even if there were-- where’d we get it?

    5  RHODEY:       From me.

    6  COP:          And where’d you get it?

    7  COP:          Mr. Rhodes-- there’s no chain of custody. You could have invented that photo.

 

3              MORE OF THIS: RHODEY MAKES HIS PLEA, MORE ANNOYED THAN BEGGING.

    8  RHODEY:       These are the guys.

    9  RHODEY:       Go sit on them-- round up their

                     associates--

   10  COP:          This photo won’t stand up in court. We have no probable cause.

   11  COP:          Look-- Mr. Rhodes-- this is the way things work--

(More)

4              RHODEY EXITS, FURIOUS.

   12  COP:          --if we don’t do this the right way, the D.A. won’t even write it up.

   13  COP:          I wish there were more I could do.

 

5              OUTSIDE, ON THE STREET, RHODEY BRUSHES JOSIAH OFF AS HE LEAVES.

   14  JOSIAH:       Never been one to say “I told you so.”

   15  RHODEY:       That’s a good policy.

   16  JOSIAH:       And now--?

   17  RHODEY:       Thanks for the coffee.

Page 20

1              VIEW THROUGH THE DRIVER’s WINDOW OF A CAR: KASPER, LOOKING LIKE AN URBAN THUG, AT THE WHEEL. HOODED SWEATSHIRT. HE GLARES MALEVOLENTLY OUT OF THE DRIVER’s WINDOW, LOOKING AT SOMETHING ACROSS THE STREET.

 

                ANOTHER GANG-TYPE SITS NEXT TO HIM IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. TWO MORE GANG TYPES IN THE BACK SEAT. THESE ARE VERY SCARY-LOOKING GUYS.

 

                NOTE: THIS IS KASPER’s CREW. MORE ON THEM NEXT ISSUE, BUT ASK ME FOR A DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THESE THREE GUYS.

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2              WHAT HE SEES: THE SUV FROM PAGE ONE, SITTING ON A SIDE STREET, DOORS OPEN, REAR HATCH OPEN, LIGHTS ON.

 

                TWO MEN APPARENTLY BOUND AND GAGGED ON THE SIDEWALK NEXT TO THE VEHICLE.

    1  VOICE:        (Off) Eight Baker Four Eleven.

    2  ELECTRIC:     [Ital.] Eight Baker Four.

    3  VOICE:        10-24 Stuyvesant at 7th.[2]

    4  ELECTRIC:     10-24 copy Eight Baker Four.

 

3              MEDIUM CLOSE UP: KASPER, GRIM, HIS FIST CLOSED AROUND A LARGE METAL FLASHLIGHT, THE FLASHLIGHT AIMED DOWN AT THE OFF-PANEL VICTIMS.

    5  VOICE:        (Off) What we got, Kasper--?

    6  KASPER:       Fish.[3]

 

4              CLOSE ON THE VICTIMS: THE TWO GUYS FROM PAGE 2. GAGGED AND BOUND IN AS PAINFUL A MANNER AS YOU CAN IMAGINE.

 

                PINNED TO THEIR SHIRTS: TRAFFIC SURVEILLANCE PHOTOS WITH TIME INDEXES ON THEM. THESE ARE PHOTOS OF THEIR SUV. THE SUV IN THE PHOTOS IS NOT DAMAGED: THESE TRAFFIC PHOTOS WERE TAKEN BEFORE THE TRUCK WAS DAMAGED.

    7  KASPER:       (Off) Joop and Marcus. Looks like traffic surveillance photos--

    8  KASPER:       (Attach) --them running red lights. Check for summonses--

 

5              CUT TO: KASPER EXAMINES THE FRONT END OF THE SUV: SMASHED (FROM WHERE THE GIRL HIT), BLOOD, SMASHED WINDSHIELD, ETC. KASPER GRIM, SCRUTINIZING THIS.

    9  KASPER:       --and let’s get Crime Scene down here to process the Laredo.

   10  KASPER:       Looks like somebody just pitched us a ground ball. I wanna know who.[4]

   11  KASPER:       I wanna know why.

Page 21

1              ZOOM IN: ECU KASPER: SQUINTING A LITTLE, INTENSE GLOWER AS HE SCRUTINIZES SOMETHING IN THE DISTANCE.

 

                IT IS DAY NOW.

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2              CYPRESS HILL CEMETERY, BROOKLYN. A HUGE, MILES-LONG EXPANSE OF GRAVE SITES, GREEN LAWN. A HIGHWAY, THE INTERBORO PARKWAY (NICKNAMED “DEAD MAN’S HIGHWAY”) TWISTS AROUND AND ALONGSIDE IT. MANHATTAN SKYLINE IN THE DISTANCE.

 

                THIS IS RHODEY’s SISTER’s FUNERAL. A COUPLE OF HOOKERS, A COUPLE OF UNIFORMED COPS WHO KNEW HER (THE FEMALE COP FROM EARLIER IS THERE). THE COPS WEAR DRESS UNIFORMS (DARK JACKETS OVER WHITE SHIRTS, SEE REF).

 

                RHODEY STANDS JUST A BIT OFF FROM THE OTHERS.

 

                A PRIEST CONDUCTS THE FUNERAL.

 

                WAY IN B/G: KASPER. HE CAN BE AN OPEN FIGURE OR SILHOUETTE. HE IS NOT DRESSED FOR A FUNERAL, BUT WEARS HIS STANDARD GEAR (SEE REF): EXPENSE URBAN WEAR A LA FUBU AND SEAN JEAN.

 

                RHODEY HAS ON A BLACK SUIT, DARK SUNGLASSES. HEAD BOWED BUT HE IS NOT WEEPING.

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3              DETAIL: RHODEY’s HAND PLACES A SINGLE ROSE ON THE CASKET. MAKE THIS AN ELEGANT CASKET, RHODEY CAME THROUGH, PAID FOR THIS.

    1  VOICE:        (Off) We’ve got Joop and Marcus in

                     custody--

    2  VOICE:        (Attach) --the right way.

 

4              2-SHOT: RHODEY AND LADY COP, PERHAPS SOME GROUNDWORK HERE FOR A ROMANTIC DEAL. SHE IS NOT HAPPY. RHODEY STOIC, BUT SOME SEXUAL TENSION HERE. GET IN CLOSE ENOUGH FOR EMOTIONAL RESONANCE.

    3  COP:          We discourage vigilantism, Mr. Rhodes.

    4  RHODEY:       Me too.

    5  COP:          The traffic warrants gave us probable cause to search the vehicle--

    6  COP:          --matched your sister’s blood to it. And we found trace narcotics inside.

 

5              RHODEY WALKS, SHE PURSUES. BOTH REMAIN GRIM.

    7  RHODEY:       That a fact.

    8  COP:          What we didn’t find is whoever jumped them and tied them up.

    9  COP:          That investigation remains ongoing...

   10  RHODEY:       Who do they work for?

Page 22

1              KAPSER: PREDATOR GLARE. HE CAN HEAR THEM, BUT WE CAN’T EXPLAIN THIS UNTIL NEXT ISSUE.

    1  COP:          (Off) --?! No, Mr. Rhodes-- you’ve done enough.

    2  RHODEY:       (Off) Officer Howard--

 

2              RHODEY WALKS OFF, GRIM.

    3  RHODEY:       --I’m just getting started.

 

3              RHODEY PASSES JOSIAH. JOSIAH STILL WEARS SKULL CAP, BUT NOW WEARS BLACK SUIT AND TIE. PLEASE DO NOT GIVE JOSIAH A BOW TIE. HE IS NOT A MEMBER OF THE NATION OS ISLAM.

 

                JOSIAH HAS A SERIOUS EXPRESSION.

    4  JOSIAH:       I know what you’re feeling, Mr. Rhodes. But you’ve gotta let it go.

    5  JOSIAH:       Can’t make up for a lifetime of neglect by taping up bad guys.

    6  RHODEY:       Save the sermon, preacher.

 

4              OVER RHODEY’s SHOULDER: IN CLOSE ON JOSIAH, SMILING THAT DENZEL PREDATOR SMILE FROM Training Day. JOSIAH LOOKS LIKE A SCHOOLYARD BULLY.

    7  JOSIAH:       What do you think, man?

    8  JOSIAH:       You just get your war paint on and start haulin’ brothers down to the precinct?

    9  JOSIAH:       Gee-- why didn’t I think of that?!

(More)

5              REVERSE ANGLE: RHODEY: HE REALLY DOESN’T LIKE THIS GUY.

   10  RHODEY:       Why didn’t you?

   11  RHODEY:       Instead, all you do is preach. Preach but fail to inspire. To lead.

   12  RHODEY:       You’re great in the locker room, pal, but you’re weak when you put your spikes on.

 

6              OVERHEAD: RHODEY WALKS AWAY, LEAVING JOSIAH STANDING THERE. SOMEWHERE IN THE DISTANCE: KASPER OBSERVES.

   13  RHODEY:       Pray for me, Reverend.

   14  RHODEY:       Looks like I’m gonna be here awhile.

   15  NEXT:         KASPER

 

 

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