[Quick Summary: When an ex-army security guard fails to protect his client, a precocious 9 yr. old girl in Mexico City, he exacts his own justice on the killers.]
This script impressed me because:
1) It spends a 50% developing the relationship between Creasy and 9 yr. old Pinta.
2) With these emotional stakes established, his rage is easier to justify in the last 50%. He begins emotionally dead --> she brings him hope --> she is kidnapped --> he retaliates.
In the scene below, notice the small things Pinta does that gives Creasy hope: She pays attention to what he's been doing. She's amusing. She gives him her trust.
INT. MERCEDES - ROLLING - DAY
Creasy driving. Pinta looking noble and brave.
...PINTA (distant): You should break all my fingers, Creasy, then tape them back together. I wont' be able to play the piano, but I could still swim.
CREASY: Don't be a baby. You're tougher than that.
PINTA: There's no such thing as tough, Creasy. Just trained and untrained.
CREASY (smiles): Then be trained.
PINTA: I'm going to keep people safe someday. Just like you.
CREASY: Be a swimmer.
PINTA: I could do it. Remember the day you wanted the pencil? I know why. And I saw that car again. I wrote the license number in my notebook. Except I missed the last number.
Creasy checks his mirror, nothing back there now. He then looks at Pinta. A bit amazed.
CREASY: You'll have to show me that number when we get home.
WHAT I'VE LEARNED: Don't be afraid to take your time laying the emotional stakes. The action later will have more impact because of that investment.
Man on Fire (2004)(2/10/03, v.2)
by Brian Helgeland
Based on the novel by A.J. Quinnell
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