INT. THE WHIPPING POST – MANHATTAN BEACH – 1977 – NIGHT
Money everywhere. All over the floor, the counters, the
chairs, and even in the sinks. George and Derek count the
money patiently, writing the dollar amount in yellow high
lighter on the top of each stack, before wrapping it with a
rubber band.
DIEGO
Thirty-six hours. I can’t believe it.
Everything is gone in thirty-six hours.
GEORGE
I think it’s fair to say you
underestimated the market there, Derek.
DIEGO
Touche.
GEORGE
But to the victor belong the spoils.
George divides the money. There’s a hell of a lot.
GEORGE (CONT’D)
Half a million for you. Half a million
for me. One-point-three five for the
Colombians.
DEREK
Nice doing business with you, George.
GEORGE
Not bad for a weekend’s work, huh?
INT. AIRPORT – MIAMI – DAY
Immaculate in his white turtleneck and sunglasses, George
walks with two aluminum cases. He is greeted by Alessandro
and his thugs.
ALESSANDRO
Greetings, Mr. George.
GEORGE
Where do you guys want to count?
ALESSANDRO
On the plane.
GEORGE
What plane? We going someplace? Where
we headed? You have your money. It’s
all there. What the fuck is going on?
They usher him away.
EXT. OLAYA HERRERA AIRPORT – MEDELLIN – DAY
SUPERIMPOSE: MEDELLIN, COLOMBIA
The lear jet lands.
EXT. DESERTED SUGAR FACTORY – LOS RIOS, COLOMBIA – DAY
The blazer pulls into a long driveway. They approach a gate
where SHIRTLESS TEENAGERS with MAC-10’s stand guard. The
gate opens. YOUNG SOLDIERS open the door for George and
roughly usher him over to a Jeep within the confine. They
frisk him top to bottom. Diego is leaning against another
Jeep and waits for George to be released.
DIEGO
George, good to see you, my brother.
GEORGE
What the fuck is going on? When did you
get out of jail?
DIEGO
Pablo used his influence. Now, George,
watch what you say. Everybody hears
everything. A lot of things get said
and done that, well, let’s just say this
isn’t America. Life is cheap here, you
know? No offense, but you know what I’m
saying?
GEORGE
Yeah. Keep my mouth shut and let you do
the talking.
DIEGO
Right. Now who is the person in
California? The connection?
GEORGE
Just a friend.
DIEGO
Who? I need to know. Ah, never mind.
We’ll talk about it later.
GEORGE
Yeah. You do the talking.
The sound of a young man, a MALETON, struggling can be heard
in the distance. From another area, PABLO ESCOBAR emerges.
He is singular in purpose. He is handed a pistol and moves
quickly over to the man and quietly speaks a few words. And
then, without emotion, he shoots the maleton in the head.
George and Diego, who is visibly shaken, watch. Escobar is
handed a towel, and he wipes the splattered blood off his
hands, as he moves back.
LARGE COLOMBIAN MAN
He will see you now.
(to Diego)
Not you.
DIEGO
There must be some kind of mistake.
LARGE COLOMBIAN MAN
No mistake. Mr. Escobar will see Mr.
Jung alone. You are to wait here.
George hesitates.
DIEGO
It’s alright, George. You go.
LARGE COLOMBIAN MAN
This way, please.
The large Colombian man escorts George towards the area where
the maleton was just shot. George looks back at Diego as he
is led away.
ESCOBAR
So, this is the man who takes fifty
kilos and makes them disappear in one
day?
GEORGE
Actually, it was three.
ESCOBAR
The man who gives us the airplanes. The
man from America. The mafia. Chicago.
Boom boom. Hollywood. You are going to
open for us the gates of Hollywood,
George?
GEORGE
It would be my pleasure.
ESCOBAR
Good. Very good. Welcome, my friend.
Welcome to my country.
Escobar moves over to embrace George. George returns it, and
their hands come together. George can’t help it. He
reflexively looks at his hands. Escobar understands.
ESCOBAR (CONT’D)
The man in the garden. He was full of
courage.
GEORGE
Un sapo?
ESCOBAR
Un rata – no good. But he could have
run, fled the country. Gone to the
policia. But then his wife, his
children, his parents, his friends, many
people would die.
GEORGE
Yes.
ESCOBAR
But, never mind. I am thinking we can
do much together. This problem with
Diego, the stolen car, the jail, is very
silly business. To release him from the
carcel, it causes me much inconvenience.
The fifty kilos could have been a big
problem. And I don’t like problems.
GEORGE
With all respect, Padrino. Diego is my
partner. I do not do business without
him.
Escobar looks at him with a cold stare. But George doesn’t
flinch. His face reveals nothing. Finally, a smile breaks
across Pablo’s lips.
ESCOBAR
I like you, George. You are loyal.
That is good. That is rare. Maybe
crazy. Yes. I can tell already. You
are like me. I look at you and I see
myself. It’s in the eyes, no, George?
GEORGE
Yes, it is.
ESCOBAR
So, you are wanting to sell the cocaine
for me in your country, George?
GEORGE
Yes, sir. As much as you can give me.
ESCOBAR
As much as I can give you? Ha ha. Very
good. I like that. Come, George. Let
us drive. We have much to talk about.
Diego watches the two men walk outside. Escobar throws an
arm around George’s shoulder. Pablo hops into a Jeep and
motions for George. The bodyguards come running. But Pablo
waves them away.
EXT. MOUNTAINSIDE – COLOMBIA – DAY
Escobar pulls the Jeep off the road and parks it. Before
them is a stunning panorama.
ESCOBAR
I like to come up here. To make the
decisions. To be one with nature.
GEORGE
It’s beautiful.
ESCOBAR
People tell me that I am crazy. That my
business will never work in your
country. What do you think, George?
Escobar looks out over the vista, allowing George the time to
respond in full.
GEORGE
What do I think? I don’t want my answer
to be influenced by what I want, so I’m
going to have to say I don’t know.
ESCOBAR
Yes. I do not know, either. What do
you want, George?
GEORGE
I want money.
ESCOBAR
Yes. Money. Which is what, George?
GEORGE
Freedom.
ESCOBAR
Power?
GEORGE
Yeah, maybe.
ESCOBAR
Family.
GEORGE
Sure.
ESCOBAR
Beautiful girls?
GEORGE
Keep them coming.
ESCOBAR
Keep them coming? Ah, yes. Ha ha. You
are right. But money.
GEORGE
Money.
ESCOBAR
And Diego?
GEORGE
Diego is my brother.
Escobar looks at George a long time. He’s inscrutable.
ESCOBAR
Good. Take care of him, George. I’m
fond of him, but he is sometimes like a
baby. Keep an eye on him, okay?
EXT. DESERTED SUGAR FACTORY – ENTRANCE – DAY
Diego is a little pissed off for being left for so long. He
taps his foot and picks at his fingernails. Escobar and
George pull up in the Jeep. Diego leaps to his feet.
DIEGO
Padrino.
Escobar wraps his arms around Diego in an embrace.
ESCOBAR
Diego, mijo. I’ve made a decision. We
are going into business and I would like
to start right away.
MONTAGE – GEORGE AND DIEGO TAKING OVER THE WORLD
The following images are overlaid with snow falling and money
dropping through frame. CLOSE SHOTS of George and Diego on
the phone, wheeling and dealing, hands counting cash, and
lines being drawn off mirrors. The effect is surreal and
dreamy.
INT. WAREHOUSE – DAY
A duffel bag is unzipped, revealing bricks and bricks of
cocaine. Each marked with a “P.” A knife punctures one of
the bricks. A mound of white powder is brought up to a man’s
nose. It’s George who samples, and then it is sampled by the
man he is doing business with. The shot widens TO REVEAL all
the participants and dozens and dozens of duffel bags. A
handshake seals the deal.
STILL PHOTOS
Handshake after handshake after handshake.
INT. MIAMI HOUSE – NIGHT
George and Diego counting cash. It’s everywhere. All over
the floor, in two-foot stacks.
MORE STILL PHOTOS
Various transactions completed.
INT. MIAMI HOUSE – NIGHT
George and Diego count. It’s ridiculous how much money there
is. The stacks are now waist high and spill into other
rooms. Inez is there, pacing the floor and rapid-fire
talking on the phone.
MORE STILL PHOTOS
George and Diego, the Banditos. Cigars. Champagne. Arms
around each other in camaraderie. In Diego’s yellow Ferrari.
With Inez, sunning on a yacht. More coke and more
transactions. When the deals are with Derek Foreal, Diego is
always notably absent.
INT. MIAMI HOUSE – NIGHT
The money is so high, it almost reaches the ceiling. There
is nowhere to put it. George and Diego sit at the coffee
table, dwarfed by the stacks of bills. There is a
discrepancy in the count.
GEORGE
Three million. I counted it twice.
DIEGO
It’s two-point-five, George. I am sure.
George starts to pick up the money.
GEORGE
I’m calling it three.
DIEGO
We’re half a million off.
GEORGE
Fuck it. I’m not counting it again.
DIEGO
Weight it. If it’s sixty pounds, it’s
three. If it’s fifty, it’s two-point
five.
GEORGE
I don’t give a shit. Close enough.
George moves down the hall looking for a place to stack the
money, but there is no more room.
GEORGE (CONT’D)
Where do I put this!?
DIEGO
Try the back bedroom.
George opens the back bedroom door to find wall-to-wall
money. It’s packed.
GEORGE
There’s no room.
DIEGO
Try the closet.
No luck there, either. George drops the money on the floor
and moves back into the living room.
GEORGE
We’ve got to do something about this.
INT. BANCO DE FEDERALE – PANAMA CITY – DAY
SUPERIMPOSE: PANAMA CITY, PANAMA
George and Diego watch as their money is hauled into a huge
wall safe. Armed Panamanian soldiers stand guard. The
Panamanian officials and the BANK PRESIDENT oversee the
proceedings.
GEORGE
Are you comfortable with this?
DIEGO
George, we’ve got sixty-one million
dollars. It’s either here or someplace
else. We’ve got to put it somewhere.
Unless you want to launder it.
GEORGE
And keep only forty-percent? No thanks.
DIEGO
Then relax. It’s a federal bank.
Guaranteed by the government. And Senor
Noriega has very lenient banking
principles. No questions. No problems.
All the pesados keep their money here.
Even El Padrino. What do you worry?
Everyone knows we are with Escobar. Who
is going to fuck with us?
INT. BANCO DE FEDERALE – PRESIDENT’S OFFICE – DAY
George and Diego sign papers. The bank president
congratulates them and hands them documentation.
GEORGE
I love it.
BANK PRESIDENT
I’m sorry.
GEORGE
I give you thirty-million dollars and
you give me this little book.
MORE STILL PHOTOS
Diego and Inez’s wedding. The ceremony. The ring. The
kiss. The lineup with all of the bridesmaids. George is the
best man, and the only American.
INT. BILTMORE HOTEL – BALLROOM – NIGHT
A huge reception. All the pomp and circumstance Colombian
money can buy. Politicians. Policemen. And every smuggler
north of Colombia. George sits with Diego and Inez at the
table of honor. Inez is opening presents. Diego’s tipsiness
is a little out of character, but hey, it’s his wedding day
and a little champagne never hurt anyone. He drunkenly
throws his arm around George’s shoulder.
DIEGO
I’m married, George. Me. I can’t
believe it. Can you believe I’m
married, George?
GEORGE
You’re a lucky man, Diego.
DIEGO
I love you, my brother, do you know
that?
GEORGE
I love you too, man.
George notices MIRTHA showing teeth across the room.
GEORGE (CONT’D)
I’ll be right back, Diego.
INEZ
Look, honey, a power boat.
DIEGO
Great, baby, great!
They kiss. George walks across the dance floor directly
towards Mirtha.
GEORGE
Hello.
MIRTHA
Hello.
GEORGE
Do I know you?
MIRTHA
I don’t think so.
GEORGE
Why are you smiling?
MIRTHA
Why are you smiling?
GEORGE
I don’t know. My name is George.
MIRTHA
I know who you are, El Americano.
Mister George.
GEORGE
What is your name?
Cesar arrives.
CESAR
Mr. Jung, I see you’ve met my fiancee,
Mirtha.
He kisses her.
GEORGE
Mirtha.
CESAR
Diego needs to see you right away,
please. Excuse us, Amorcito.
They leave. George looks back, Mirtha is giving him more
teeth. George arrives at the table. Various greetings.
AUGUSTO
Pleased to meet you finally, George. I
am Augusto Oliveras.
GEORGE
My pleasure, Augusto. Diego has told me
much about you.
RAMON OCHOA
Congratulations on your conquest of the
West Coast. How much bigger can we
get?
GEORGE
Sky’s the limit. We’re just beginning
to tap the market. If it’s accepted by
actors and musicians, the rest will
follow.
They all agree. Mirtha still gives George the teeth from
across the room. Diego returns to the table.
AUGUSTO
We are talking about George’s West Coast
operation.
DIEGO
Ah, George’s mystery man.
RAFAEL OJEDA
Yes, where is this man? When do we meet
him?
DIEGO
You don’t meet him. George keeps this a
secret. He’s here meeting everyone,
goes to Colombia and meets Pablo, but
still keeps his secrets. Even from his
brother.
JUAN CARLOS “THE GUAPO”
Come on, George, we’re all in this
together.
EMILIO OCHOA
Yes, George, there’s enough for
everybody.
GEORGE
I think Padroni is happy with the
current situation. Will you please
excuse me?
George exits after Mirtha.
INT. BILTMORE HOTEL – BALLROOM – CONTINUOUS
George steps into the empty lobby looking for Mirtha. He
can’t find her. She appears from the shadows and startles
him. George embraces her and plants one on her.
MIRTHA
You better know what you’re doing,
George. You’re playing with fire.
GEORGE
I like fire.
MONTAGE – MUSIC CUE – LIVING THE GOOD LIFE
CLOSE UP – George does a huge line, left to right.
CLOSE UP – Mirtha does a huge line, right to left.
EXT. MIAMI DRAG – DAY
A stretch limo flies by, left to right. The windows are open
and Mirtha and George whoop it up as they go by.
INT. MIAMI NIGHTCLUB – NIGHT
George and Mirtha out on the crowded dance floor, grooving to
the Salsa rhythms.
STILL PHOTOS
Champagne bottles in hand, George and Mirtha on the tarmac
running from the limo to the waiting private plane.
EXT. FIVE STAR HOTEL – LOS ANGELES – DAY
George and Mirtha poolside, wearing shades, getting some sun.
She blows him a kiss from the adjoining lounge chair. He
blows one back. She licks her lips and it’s on. He’s out of
the chair, pouring champagne over her tan body, and licking
it off. She squeals with delight.
A table gets knocked over as they cause a commotion. A hotel
manager comes over, but George hands him a wad of cash and he
quickly fucks off.
INT. MIAMI NIGHTCLUB – NIGHT – MAGICAL REALITY
The dancing is in SUPER SLOW MOTION now. Passionate, carnal,
intimate.
STILL PHOTOS
George buys gifts for Mirtha and she shows them off for the
camera. A fur. A ring. A house.
INT. EASTHAM HOUSE – DAY
Overhead shot of George and Mirtha’s bedroom. It’s
completely covered with money. Completely covered. George
and Mirtha make love on the sea of cash. As CAMERA PULLS UP
we see money slowly falling from the ceiling.
INT. SILVER STAR WEDDING CHAPEL – LAS VEGAS – 1978 – DAY
There is no white dress. There is no tuxedo. George and
Mirtha haven’t even taken off their sunglasses.
MIRTHA
I do.
They kiss. Mirtha wipes her red nose.
MIRTHA (CONT’D)
I need a fucking drink.
INT. EASTHAM HOUSE – CONTINUOUS
George moves to the bedroom. Mirtha is pregnant and she’s
showing. She’s also bent over a mirror with a straw in her
hand. George opens the door and takes her by surprise.
GEORGE
Jesus Christ.
MIRTHA
Oh, don’t be such a fucking hypocrite.
I quit smoking, didn’t I?
GEORGE
Put that shit away, they’re here.
INT. EASTHAM HOUSE – DOWNSTAIRS – LATER
Mirtha and George lead Fred and Ermine from room to room,
showing off the house. The decor is, well, eclectic. It
doesn’t match the architecture.
ERMINE
It’s all so beautiful.
MIRTHA
What do you think, Dad?
FRED
Yeah. Nice.
ERMINE
Look at this credenza. If you don’t
mind me asking, how much is something
like that? It’s got to cost a fortune.
GEORGE
(quickly)
It’s a family heirloom.
ERMINE
I’ve seen those in magazines. They’re
not cheap.
GEORGE
Mirtha comes from a very wealthy family.
ERMINE
Oh, I see.
MIRTHA
Come on. I’ll show you the rest of the
house.
George and his father move outside.
EXT. GROUNDS – CONTINUOUS
George and his father walk.
GEORGE
So, business is going good. I’ve got
this import/export thing going on in
Miami that’s been very profitable. With
my investments…
FRED
Don’t bullshit me, George. I don’t see
you very much, I don’t want to waste the
time.
They move along the rear of the house. Classic cars line the
driveway.
FRED (CONT’D)
You come from my body, remember? You’re
my baby boy. The same kid who would
jump off a mountain if someone told him
he couldn’t do it. You haven’t changed
much. I know the things you do. Not
everything. But I get the picture and I
don’t care. I don’t like it. It’s not
what I would have chosen for you, but
it’s your life. It doesn’t have
anything to do with me.
He turns and looks at his boy.
FRED (CONT’D)
You’re like your mother. You love
money.
GEORGE
Dad.
FRED
No, it’s good. You have a family. It’s
good if it makes you happy. It’s nice
to have nice things. Are you happy,
son?
GEORGE
Yeah, Dad. I’m happy right now.
INT. HOLIDAY MOTEL – LITTLE HAVANA – 1978 – DAY
Diego puts a straw in his nose and snorts a big gakker. His
eyes are wide, his pupils dilated, and a weapon sticks out of
the back of his pants. He knocks the dust off his nose
before moving outside. George is on the porch, smoking a
cigarette.
DIEGO
Three years. How long have we been in
business? Three years. Does she get to
meet your connection? Was she good
enough?
GEORGE
Shut up, Diego. They’re going to be
here any minute. I’m trying to
concentrate.
DIEGO
I’m very angry with you, George. Very
angry. You don’t take me to California,
but you take your bitch wife? A woman?
I understand you love her, but it was
you and me who started this. You and
me.
GEORGE
What do you need my connection for,
Diego? What are you going to do with
it?
DIEGO
What do I do with it? Nothing. It’s
for peace of mind. It’s for the
principle.
George doesn’t have time for this. He checks the cylinders
on his weapon and runs over possible scenarios in his mind.
But Diego won’t get off the soap box.
GEORGE
Jesus fucking Christ, Diego. I ain’t
telling you. It’s just business. Now,
shut up. You’re driving me crazy.
DIEGO
I’m driving you crazy? No. You’re
driving me crazy. We had a dream. What
happened to our dream?
A black sedan pulls up and FIVE PUERTO RICAN MEN approach the
room. George and Diego greet them and lead them inside.
It’s game time. The atmosphere is charged with danger and
everyone is acutely aware of everything. The guys sit down,
their guns bulging through the inside of their suits. The
suitcases are opened. The rules are the same. No English.
No raising voices. No sudden movements. George offers their
leader, TONY, beers for his men, and is politely declined.
The count starts. George and Diego riff through ten thousand
dollar bundles. Diego is still acting pissy. He’s mumbling
to himself, making faces, slamming the money all around. The
guys keep a close eye on him. Diego finishes a stack, throws
one of the bags on the ground. The conversation is in
Spanish unless otherwise indicated.
TONY
Algun problema?
GEORGE
No no no… no problema, amigo. El
dinero esta todo aqui.
Lleves las “llaves” y mas tarde lo
contaremos. Okay? No problem.
TONY
Que problema? Nosotros esperamos.
The pressure is getting to one of the hoods. His name is
BENNY. He’s got a crazy eye and he seems ready to snap.
George resumes the count, but Diego won’t get off it.
DIEGO
(English)
You embarrassed me, George. You make me
look very bad.
BENNY
Que esta diciendo?
GEORGE
Nothing. Todo esta bien.
DIEGO
(English)
Everything is not alright. I bring you
in, and you slap my fucking face!
GEORGE
This is not the time, Diego.
The men all reach for their pieces and all hell starts to
break loose.
TONY
Hay algun problema? Hablame!
DIEGO
(English)
You fucked me in front of my whole
family!
GEORGE
Fuck you…I didn’t fuck you.
BENNY
Maldita sea, que diablos esta diciendo?
GEORGE
Esta todo aqui, amigo…take the keys.
Take ’em and go.
TONY
Que esta pasando aqui, jefe?
DIEGO
Sientese ye no se meta en lo que no le
importa.
The guns are out and pointed. It’s out of control now.
GEORGE
Take it easy! Everything’s okay!
DIEGO
Que es lo que quieren de me, hijueputas
campesinos?
George steps forward with the keys.
GEORGE
Take the fucking keys!
BLAM! Courtesy of Benny, George is hit. The shoulder, the
collarbone. It’s hard to tell.
GEORGE (CONT’D)
Estoy bien, okay? Everything is
alright. There’s no problem. Okay?
This never happened. No one has to know
anything about this. Diego, I want you
to calmly tell them where the fucking
coke is. Do it now.
DIEGO
Es un Ford blanco junto a una pick-up.
Tony very carefully takes the car keys.
GEORGE
No problem, gentlemen. Goodbye.
The men slowly back out the door. George looks at Diego.
GEORGE (CONT’D)
Derek Foreal.
DIEGO
What?
GEORGE
Derek Foreal. Derek Foreal. Derek
fucking Foreal. Alright? The answer to
all your dreams. Are you happy now?
EXT. LOS ANGELES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT – DAY
George and Diego exit the terminal. George’s arm is in a
sling. The familiar sight of Derek Foreal is Lincoln
Continental.
The three men come together, and Diego and Derek are
introduced. The men’s hands come together and the FRAME
FREEZES on their handshake.
EXT. EASTHAM HOUSE – UPSTAIRS – DAY
Fred pulls into the driveway in his new car and honks the
horn. Fred and Ermine get out of the car.
FRED
Hello, hello.
INT. OLIVEROS MANSION – MIAMI – NIGHT
It’s a New Year’s Eve party. A lavish Colombian celebration.
George and a very pregnant Mirtha move through the crowd to
find Augusto.
AUGUSTO
I’m so glad you two could make it.
Mirtha, look at you. So beautiful. You
look like you’re about to burst.
MIRTHA
Thanks. I am. Where’s Martha?
AUGUSTO
I don’t know. Drunk somewhere. Try the
bar. And if you find her, tell her to
come, it’s almost midnight.
As Mirtha leaves, Augusto throws his arm around George’s
shoulder.
AUGUSTO (CONT’D)
It’s good you came down, George. We
need to discuss a few things.
DIEGO
Where’s Diego?
AUGUSTO
He’s not here, George.
GEORGE
Yeah, well where is he? And who is this
Norman K. guy? That’s all anyone is
talking about. Norman K. Norman K. Do
I know him?
Augusto lets out a big laugh.
AUGUSTO
Norman Cay is not a person. He is an
island, George. In the Bahamas. From
what they say, it is free and it’s
Diego’s new home.
GEORGE
What?
Augusto throws an arm around George’s shoulder.
AUGUSTO
Let us walk. From what I understand,
Diego has bought a hundred and sixty
acres, a marina, a hotel, and an
airstrip.
GEORGE
Motherfucker works fast.
AUGUSTO
The word is that soon he is to be king
of the middle empire. He is doing
multiple runs right now and using the
island as a jump-off point.
GEORGE
He what?
AUGUSTO
Yes. Jack Stevens is already a very
busy man. Along with many others. You
shouldn’t stay away so long.
GEORGE
That’s impossible. We can’t be up and
running. Who’s distributing?
Augusto says nothing. But the ball is dropping in Times
Square. 10, 9, 8, 7…
GEORGE (CONT’D)
Oh, no.
Happy New Year. Streamers, confetti, and champagne. George
marches through the kissing guests and over to a phone. He’s
steaming. The music is up, so he has to scream.
GEORGE (CONT’D)
Hello, Derek? This is George. Am I
wearing lipstick?
I said, am I wearing lipstick? Because
when I’m getting fucked, I want to make
sure my face is pretty. You’re buying
directly from Diego, aren’t you, you son
of a bitch?
INTERCUT
Derek Foreal in full New Year’s regalia, complete with party
hat.
DEREK
I don’t want to get caught in the middle
of this. That’s between you and Diego.
George’s face scrinches in pain.
DEREK (CONT’D)
It’s nothing personal, George. Just
business.
GEORGE
Yeah. I understand. Just business.
Right. Fuck you.
The song ends, and George is left standing there screaming.
GEORGE (CONT’D)
I bring you in, and this is how you
repay me? You little homo! Hey, Derek?
Derek?
INT. OLIVEROS MANSION – DINING ROOM – 1979 – LATER
It’s late. The family is all there. Fifteen, twenty strong.
Cuban coffees all around.
MIRTHA
Que va hacer?
AUGUSTO
Que queres decir. Que es lo que el va
hacer? Pues, no va hacer nada.
MARIA
Alguna cosa tiene que hacer.
FAMILY MEMBER #2
De otra manera, es un marica.
FAMILY MEMBER #3
Un hijueputa
FAMILY MEMBER #1
Maricon.
FAMILY MEMBER #2
Mira, vos sos responsable por el exito
de Diego.
FAMILY MEMBER #3
El se esta burlando de vos. Debes hacer
algo, hombre.
MARIA
No Puedes hacer ni un culo.
AUGUSTO
El no va hacer nada. Hay un problema.
Aqui, hubo un error y nosotros lo vamos
ha arreglar.
BLANCA
No le escusches a mi yerno. A el solo
le importa la plata.
Blanca reaches into her purse, pulls out an ice pick folded
in a piece of linen cloth, and puts it down in front of
George.
BLANCA (CONT’D)
Vos lo tenes que matar, ahorita mismo.
De lo contrario vas a quedar como un
marica sin horror.
FAMILY MEMBER #3
Mejor dicho vos sos un aculillado.
FAMILY MEMBER #1
Maricon.
BLANCA
Sabes que, vos no tenes pantalones.
Nadie te va a respetar. Usa esto. Deja
solo un huequito tan pequeno, que ni
sangre le va a salir a ese malparido del
Diego.
AUGUSTO
Blanca, por favor.
MIRTHA
Mama, vos sos bien antigua. Como lo va
a matar con un picahielo. Eso era en su
tiempo, estamos casi ya en los ochenta.
El lo va a meter un tiro, lo va a volar,
le va a hechar un hijueputa carro
encima.
AUGUSTO
Dejen la maricada pues! No jodan!
Nadie va a matar a nadie! George,
debemos hablarle al Patron, es la unica
manera, mano.
GEORGE
No, no, no, no yo puedo arregarlo solo.
EXT. NORMAN CAY – BAHAMAS – 1979 – DUSK
George cruises through the turqoise water of the Caribbean in
a sport fisherman. Before him is Norman Cay. White sand
beaches. Beautiful. Pristine.
EXT. NORMAN CAY – DOCKS – DUSK
Waiting for him is Cesar.
CESAR
Good to see you, George. It’s been a
long time.
INT. THE YACHT CLUB – SUNSET
The Yacht Club is a tavern style bar that juts out over the
water. The crimson sky streaks the windows. Diego looks
like Che Guavera. His hair is long, and a graying beard
sticks through his gaunt face. The bar has been taken over
by Diego’s BANDITOS. Automatic weapons and PROSTITUTES
accent this drunken setting. George is escorted through the
door by Cesar, and the room quiets. All eyes on Diego and
George. Diego rises.
DIEGO
George, I am happy to see you. How are
you, my brother?
GEORGE
No more brothers, Diego.
DIEGO
Of course we are brothers. Why do you
say that? You hurt me, George.
GEORGE
You fucked me, Diego.
DIEGO
I did not.
GEORGE
You went behind my back and you cut me
out.
DIEGO
No, I never. I would not do that,
George. Never.
GEORGE
I talked to Foreal, Diego.
There is a pause. Diego’s goons ready their weapons as Diego
scoops up a cringer with his pinky and sniffs.
DIEGO
Maybe you are right. I did betray you a
little bit.
One of the men says something in Spanish and everyone laughs.
George is furious. He starts to tremble and his face turns
red.
DIEGO (CONT’D)
Oh, boo hoo, boo hoo. So sad, George.
I stole your California connection. So
what? Who introduced you to Pablo
Escobar? Me. Who introduced you to
your fucking Colombian wife? Me. Who
protected you when my friend Cesar Roza
wanted to slice your fucking throat,
huh? Who mad you millions and millions
of dollars? Me. And what do I get in
return? This? Accusations? I have
always given you everything, George, but
that is over now. This is my operation.
My dream. So go home, George. Go back
to your stupid little life. You can
sell half grams to your fucking
relatives for all I care. Because you
are out!
George lunges at Diego and is immediately grabbed.
GEORGE
You’d better kill me now, Diego, because
you’re a dead man.
DIEGO
George, don’t be so emotional. This is
business. Besides, I can’t kill you,
you are my brother.
They lead him away.
EXT. YACHT CLUB – CONTINUOUS
George is getting the shit kicked out of him. His teeth
broken, kicked in the head, the body, the groin. His arm
stomped. Blood and broken bones. It’s a king size beating.
The men prop him up and Cesar reaches back and hits him with
a haymaker. CRACK. George’s nose is broken. Blood spurts
everywhere. George is dropped to the ground, spit on, and
left for dead.
CESAR
Say “hi” to your pretty wife for me.
EXT. HACIENDA LOS NAPOLES – COLOMBIA – POOL – DAY
A beautiful, sprawling estate. A family barbecue, Colombian
style, is in full swing. Kids play soccer. Zoo animals run
wild together.
George is led outside by TWO OVER-ARMED BODYGUARDS. Pablo
sees him and gives George a big hug.
ESCOBAR
George, you look terrible.
GEORGE
Yeah, well…
ESCOBAR
Diego?
GEORGE
Yeah.
ESCOBAR
Please. Sit down. We’ll drink some
scotch.
GEORGE
I didn’t come here to drink scotch.
ESCOBAR
I see. I’m sorry about this, George.
I’m not happy about this situation.
It’s bad. You now know who your Brutus
is.
GEORGE
You know why I’m here. You know what I
have to do. I came here for permission.
Out of respect, Pablo. This is
bullshit, he’s making me look like a
punk.
ESCOBAR
It is very difficult. Diego makes me a
lot of money. If Diego goes so does the
money. You were an excellent teacher,
George. When the student has learned
well, the teacher is no longer
necessary. We must remember we have
wives, friends, familia. Even familia
that has not been born. But sometimes,
we must forget as well. I am like you.
I must teach the lesson. We want to
teach the lesson. But we cannot. We
must remember that life is the teacher.
GEORGE
You’re saying life will take care of
Diego?
ESCOBAR
Life will take care of everybody.
Diego, me, you. It is the teacher.
GEORGE
I get it. I’m really pissed, Pablo.
You know the DEA knows about Norman’s
Cay. For Chrissakes, Diego worships
Adolf Hitler and John Lennon, that’s
fucked up!
ESCOBAR
I’m sorry, George.
GEORGE
Yeah, well, what are you gonna do? You
and me, Pablo? Are we good?
ESCOBAR
Of course, George. We are beautiful.
We are brothers. Real brothers. Not
like Diego. We started this, George.
Escobar embraces George for a moment, and then George starts
to move away.
ESCOBAR (CONT’D)
And, George? The vengance? It is best
served cold.
INT. EASTHAM HOUSE – GEORGE’S BEDROOM – NIGHT
Mirtha is sleeping. She’s so big, she looks like she’s gonna
explode. George sits on the bed and rests his hand on
Mirtha’s face. He looks like the Elephant Man.
MIRTHA
George. Oh, Jesus Christ, George. Look
at you.
GEORGE
Shhh, honey, never mind. It’s alright.
It’s over. I quit the business. I’m
out.
MIRTHA
Pablo said no?
GEORGE
Pablo said no. It’s all over. And I’m
never going back. I have you. We have
the baby. And there’s nothing else.
It’s just the family now. Shhh. Sleep
now.
EXT. EASTHAM HOUSE – DAY
Fred, Ermine and Mirth are waiting for George in the car.
Mirtha’s water has broken. Ermine honks the horn from the
back seat and screams out the window.
ERMINE
George, it’s time! George! George!
INT. HOUSE – CONTINUOUS
George is high and in a panic. He races around, trying to
get a suitcase packed and find his keys.
GEORGE
Coming!
He finally gets it together, but before he runs out the door,
he does one last blast.
INT. CAPE COD HOSPITAL – HYANNIS – MATERNITY – DAY
Mirtha is on the birthing table and screaming in pain. She’s
crowning. George wears hospital scrubs and a surgical mask.
He and his saucer pupils hold Mirtha’s hand in comfort. The
baby comes, and DOCTOR MICK BAY slaps it’s behind and cuts
the cord. Tough ass Mirtha breaks down and sobs
hysterically. But something is wrong with George. The color
drains from his face. He grabs his chest and falls over onto
the floor. The MEDICAL STAFF attends to him.
GEORGE (V.O.)
Watching my baby girl born did something
to me.
They talk about religious experiences, I
didn’t believe in religion. But when
Kristina Sunshine Jung came into this
world, something in me changed. I
looked at her and I knew right then that
I could never love anything but my
daughter ever again. It sounds sappy,
but it was like, click, I knew what I
was put on this planet for. It was the
greatest feeling I ever had followed by
the worst feeling I ever had.
NURSE
He fainted.
MIRTHA
George!
The doctor grabs George’s wrist.
DR. BAY
He’s in tachycardia. George, your heart
is racing. Have you been using drugs?
GEORGE
Coke.
DR. BAY
Cocaine? How much?
GEORGE
I don’t know. Maybe eighteen grams.
DR. BAY
In how long? A week?
GEORGE
Today.
DR. BAY
Oh, Jesus, Get me a 12-lead e.k.g. and
start an i.v. stat! This man is having
a heart attack.
INT. CAPE COD HOSPITAL – HYANNIS – LATER
George lies in the recovery room, sedated, tubes everywhere.
He’s hooked up to IV’s, monitors, and machines. Dr. Bay
enters.
DR. BAY
I’ve reviewed your toxicology report
three times, George. I’ve never seen
anything like it. Eighteen grams.
The lethal dose is a gram and a half.
You should be in the Guiness Book.
George cracks a faint smile.
DR. BAY (CONT’D)
It’s not funny, George. You should be
dead right now. Absolutely. I cannot
come up with one logical explanation for
why you’re still breathing. I’m not
here to give you lectures, I’ve got no
moral interest in what you do. But,
take it easy, George. Stay with us a
while. You’ve got a daughter now.
INT. EASTHAM HOUSE – DAY
Kristina is crying. Daddy George to the rescue. He picks
her up, cuddles her. Gives her a bottle and she quiets.
EXT. EASTHAM HOUSE – FRONT YARD – 1980 – DAY
A one-year-old Kristina is being coaxed by George to take her
first steps.
GEORGE
Come on. Come on, honey. You can do
it. Come to Daddy.
Kristina tries, stumbles. Gets up again. She looks like a
drunk, but she’s doing it.
GEORGE (CONT’D)
Good girl!
Mirtha enters. She’s all pinned out, dressed in Ungaro,
Cartier, and dark sunglasses.
GEORGE (CONT’D)
Look, Mirtha. She’s walking.
MIRTHA
She did that before.
GEORGE
No. These are her first steps. Watch
her.
MIRTHA
Yeah. I know. She did that before.
GEORGE
But this is…
MIRTHA
I said, I’ve seen it before.
GEORGE
Alright.
MIRTHA
Can you lift the furnace. I need money.
GEORGE
Where are you going?
MIRTHA
Out.
MONTAGE – SERIES OF SHOTS – 1980-85
HOME MOVIE STYLE & PHOTOGRAPHS
The years go by and they are SUPERIMPOSED as they pass.
George, clean and sober, enjoying family life. Healthy and
happy. Mr. Mom. Mirtha looks worse and worse as her habit
becomes bigger and bigger. As George and Kristina grow
closer and closer, Mirtha is stepping out on the town.
Blowing money right and left. Shopping with Mirtha, buying
clothes, furs, and diamonds. As Kristina gets older, WE SEE
her birthday parties. George and Kristina wearing paper hats
and eating ice cream. She’s two years old, she’s three,
four, five, six…
INT. EASTHAM HOUSE – 1985 – NIGHT
The Eastham house is all done up for a party deluxe. Fully
catered, with bartenders, waiters, music, the works. And of
course the three c’s, champagne, caviar and Colombians.
George is laughing with Augusto and Martha Oliveros, but when
Derek Foreal appears in the doorway, George excuses himself
and walks over.
DEREK
Happy Birthday, George. Mirtha invited
me.
GEORGE
Yeah. She told me.
DEREK
Look, I’m sorry about everything. I
feel like an idiot. You were right. I
did fuck you. And then Diego fucked me.
Cut me out, too.
GEORGE
I heard.
DEREK
I lost sight of everything. Forgot who
my friends were.
GEORGE
It’s in the past. I’m out of the
business now, so forget about it. No
hard feelings. We need to move on. And
besides, I’m sorry, too.
DEREK
You?
