Barrio Barrister (F-1)
This scene does not appear to have much to do with the rest of the movie at first. It just sits there, independently, and the viewer will tend to forget about it. I suggest that you come back to this scene towards the end of the film to understand why it is important. Basically, it illustrates the importance of the Pitchess Motion, one of the most powerful tools we have for weeding out bad cops.
Please note: Medium changes the format I use with Final Draft.
Here is the opening scene:
FADE IN:
EXT. OUTSIDE MODEST HOUSE IN BOYLE HEIGHTS — NIGHT
CU-Badge number 039881. CAM PULLS BACK TO REVEAL two cops at door of modest home. Sinister music beginning and end of scene. NOR. COP (same actor as DEPUTY HERBER) is mid-20’s, 5 ft 10 in-165 lbs. YOUNG PARTNER is early 20’s. WOMAN, late 30’s.
NOR. COP
Open up!
Chicano woman comes to door.
WOMAN
What do you want?
NOR. COP
We got a report of a fugitive entering these premises.
WOMAN
My son got back from a party a little while ago.
YOUNG PARTNER
Hispanic male, possibly early twenties, moustache, wearing jeans and gang attire-entering a house of this description.
Nor. Cop begins to enter.
YOUNG PARTNER
Don’t we need a warrant?
NOR. COP
We got probable cause.
(pauses)
You just keep your mouth shut and learn something.
INT. LIVING ROOM — NIGHT
Police enter and push OLD MAN, 70’s, back into his chair.
WOMAN
My son is only eighteen.
WOMAN’S SON
(18, entering)
What do you pigs want?
NOR. COP
You been pushin’ in the wrong neighborhood, Pedro.
WOMAN’S SON
I ain’t done nothin’.
NOR. COP
You really wanna dance, huh?
Come on, Pancho Villa. What’s it gonna be?
OLD MAN
(rises up)
No tienes derecho…
NOR. COP
I told you to sit down.
(pushes him roughly)
YOUNG PARTNER
Come on, man.
NOR. COP
Shut up!
WOMAN
Stop it! Stop this now!
NOR. COP
(draws gun)
You interfere with an officer doing his duty and I’ll arrest all you fucking animals. Put the cuffs on.
Young Partner puts cuffs on boy and pushes him out door.
WOMAN
No!
NOR. COP
I warned you.
Points gun at her, then slowly turns and points gun at Old Man. He holds it close to OLD MAN’S head. Cocks it.
CU OF WOMAN
Her face shows horror and helplessness.
MS NOR COP
Nor. Cop brutally pistol whips Old Man across his face near his eye. He goes outside to porch where Woman’s Son is being held in cuffs, beats him in stomach then knocks him to knees.
NOR. COP
Well, what do we have here?
Nor. Cop drops bag of marijuana next to boy.
NOR.COP
Guess we found our dealer after all. You’re goin’ away a long time.
Jerks head back by hair.
NOR.COP
Who’s the pig now, beaner? Who’s the pig now?
YOUNG PARTNER
Take it easy.
NOR.COP
You back up your partner! Always! Now you hit him and you hit him hard, or you’re gonna learn what Serpico learned the hard way.
CU YOUNG COP — WONDERING WHAT TO DO.
CU OF BADGE #039881 CAM BEGINS TO TILT UP towards face.
For the next scene (Barrio Barrister F — 2) click here.
