Monday, December 14, 2020

TODAY'S NUGGET: The Untouchables (1987) - The Wily, Crafty Trickster Role

[Quick Summary: Elliott Ness hunts Capone, helped by a worn beat cop, Malone.]

What was it about this Mamet script that swayed Sean Connery to take the role (and a rare pay cut)?  I think it's because Malone is such a great trickster role.

Malone, an entirely fictional character, is both sage and "bad cop" to the upstanding "good cop" Ness. He understands what motivates human nature.

In the scene below:
- Ness has just caught George, Capone's accountant, red handed with a shipment and a coded ledger. 
- Ness wants the code but George refuses. 
- Watch how Malone uses all his skills to create a crucible situation that put mental pressure on George.

EXT./INT. CABIN - DAY

MALONE (continuing): You going to talk? (beat) You're gonna talk, pal. You're gonna beg to talk.

In frustration, Malone takes the ledger.

MALONE: Somebody's going to talk.

He walks O.S., out onto the porch. WE HEAR him talking.

MALONE (O.S.)(continuing): Hey you, on your feet. We need you to translate this book. And you are going to. I won't ask you again.

EXT. THE CABIN - DAY

Malone has picked up the dead body of the slain bootlegger and is holding him up by the chin, while holding a pistol to the other. Malone shoves the pistol in the dead man's mouth.

MALONE: What's the matter. Can't you talk with a gun in your mouth? One...two...three...

He fires, as he heaves the body toward the open door.

INT. THE CABIN - DAY

The GUNSHOT, and the body flying through the door. Beat. Malone comes in the door.

He takes a step toward George, who is seated on a chair. The chair falls over, George struggles to his feet.

GEORGE: Yes. Yes. Yes...I'll...yesyesyes I'm going to...

WHAT I'VE LEARNED: I like that nothing about this scene above is unearned. 

The threat is imminent (body a few feet away), so it's realistic that George is scared and willing to spill. 

The Untouchables (1987)
by David Mamet

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