Saturday, December 14, 2013
Javier Ortiz - Chinatown
Chinatown
By
Javier Ortiz
INT. CAR DRIVING AROUND CHINATOWN
It is a typical Los Angeles night in Chinatown. The sounds
of cars going by driving towards Downtown L.A. flood the
area. One car in particular contains two undercover police
officers, RENEE MONTOYA and LYLE BOLTON. As they drive
through Chinatown they see three teenagers hanging out on a
corner.
BOLTON
Montoya, pull over here.
MONTOYA
For what?
BOLTON
Those kids.
MONTOYA
Bolton I...
BOLTON
No worries kid, nothing I can’t
handle.
Montoya looks at the teenagers on the corner with a look of
confusion and pulls over. As Montoya watches Bolton get out
of the car we see him question them.
BOLTON
Hey there Lee. your mother know
you’re here?
The small group look at Bolton walking towards them and
watch in fear and we know why now. Watching him walk towards
them we see Bolton being a massive man standing at about
6’4.
LEE
Aw crap. I wasn’t doing anything.
Honest!
Another teenager is putting something away in his pocket and
Bolton reacts by punching him and beating up the other two
teenagers. Montoya simply watches, memorizing what she sees.
She knows in a town like this if she wants to try and make
the police force clean she has to have all the facts before
bringing justice.
MONTOYA
(In her head) He knows how to pick
on weaker people and fight. Don’t
do a damn thing, be sure of your
facts before you bring down another
cop. Just watch him and memorize
everything he does for future
reference.
Bolton tosses Lee in a dumpster and watches the other two
cower on the ground in pain. He walks back to the car
satisfied with his "work".
MONTOYA
What the hell was that about?
BOLTON
The kid was carrying this on him.
He tosses her what appears to be a pocketknife. Montoya
examines it and opens it. She turns to him revealing that it
isn’t a pocketknife at all.
MONTOYA
It’s a comb.
BOLTON
(smiling confidently) Can’t be too
careful these days.
Montoya begins driving again.
BOLTON
So have you met the commissioner
yet?
MONTOYA
Yeah, interesting guy.
BOLTON
Great guy! And believe me he’ll
treat you right if you treat him
right. He knows how to run a police
force.
MONTOYA
I’ll bet.
BOLTON
Too many people complain about this
place. But LA’s not as bad as it
looks. Especially if you’re a cop.
We got it made.
BOLTON
Turn here.
MONTOYA
Where exactly are we going?
BOLTON
You’ll see. I have to meet with
an... informant of mine.
Montoya keeps her eyes on the road. She knows the corruption
in the police force has a strong presence and that they’ve
done work with the Tong mafia. She wants to be able to clean
up the force but knows it would be close to impossible to do
it alone. But she needs to be patient and get all her facts
right to make sure that if she confronts the problem, they’d
have no way to get out of it. She knows that it isn’t fair
to the people here, especially in Chinatown. She knows what
it is like being from a family of immigrants, living in an
overcrowded home and seeing family work too many hours for
barely any pay.
They arrive at their destination, a back alley in the heart
of Chinatown. A member of the Tong Chinese mafia, Lou Zhao,
stands outside the back of a building. Bolton makes his way
out of the car and begins to walk towards Zhao to speak with
him.
EXT. CHINATOWN ALLEY OUTSIDE
ZHAO
Mr. Bolton, you’re late.
BOLTON
My partner (he points at the car),
she drives pretty slow around this
part of town.
ZHAO
(Zhao looks at the car)I hope you
can still be trusted. Driving slow
in Chinatown is never a good idea,
especially for the police.
BOLTON
Listen you keep paying the way you
do and you’ll never have a problem
with us. Montoya knows not to try
and play hero in a town like this.
ZHAO
For your sake I hope...
An immigrant worker suddenly bursts through the door of the
building revealing a sweat shop. As she tries to escape two
Tong members Zhao pulls out a gun and shoots her without
hesitation.
ZHAO
(While looking at the workers in
the building he speaks in Chinese)
Get back to work!
The sweat shop workers all suddenly start to get back to
work with much more urgency.
ZHAO
(Looking at the two tong members
who were chasing the woman) Clean
this up.
BOLTON
You know, you should probably
invest in a silencer.
ZHAO
The only thing silent in Chinatown
is them. (he points at the workers
in the sweat shop) Now I believe we
had business to take care of. (He
hands Bolton a large paper bag of
cash)
As Montoya sees what just happened, we see one tear falling
from her eye. This isn’t the first time something like this
has happened and she knows it. She’s gotten so used to the
crime that she finds it pointless to get out and confront
the tong members. As she looks ahead she sees a mother and
child who were walking by who stop to look at Montoya
expecting her to do something. Since she can’t do anything
about it the mother looks at her disappointed. They keep
walking, just another day in Chinatown. She pulls her blue
rosary and says a quick prayer in Spanish. Bolton is now
walking to get back in the car.
INT. CAR
BOLTON
Keep prayin’ maybe some day it’ll
work.
MONTOYA
God usually works through people,
but so does the devil.
BOLTON
(laughing at her) Don’t suppose you
want a cut then? (reveals to her
the bag full of money)
Montoya turns to look at the road and start the car.
BOLTON
Just thought I’d offer. Who knows,
maybe you’ll get wise one of these
days.
MONTOYA
There’s nothing wise about what you
do Bolton.
BOLTON
Yeah but you know what? You not
taking a cut, well it makes us get
nervous. You might just decide to
squeal...
MONTOYA
(Irritated) I’m no rat! (calmer
now) In a town this bad, who’s
there to rat to anyway.
BOLTON
(persuasively) You know, I could
have it so you get a piece of the
cut.
MONTOYA
No. I don’t get it Bolton. Why?
BOLTON
What’s not to get? They get left
alone and we get rich.
MONTOYA
Does an oath mean anything to you?
BOLTON
Rookie, you got a lot to learn
about the cops in this town.
Montoya continues to drive. She does have a lot to learn
about the cops in this town.
William Kohler Whisky a Go-Go
William Kohler
Whiskey a Go Go
The Whiskey a Go-Go
is a nightclub in West Hollywood, California located on Sunset Boulevard. The
first was opened in Chicago, Illinois and was considered the first real
American Discotheque. It got the name from the first discotheque in Paris.
Elmer Valentine,
Shelly Davis, and attorney Theodore Flier founded the Sunset Strip Whisky. It
was opened on January 16, 1964. Valentine went on to open the Rainbow Bar &
Grill along with The Roxy Theatre. Valentine sold the Whisky in the 90s but
kept ownership of the Rainbow and Roxy until the day he died.
The Whisky offered
live bands. It first opened with a band led by Johnny Rivers and Rhonda Lane.
Since there was hardly room for a DJ booth, Rhonda would spin records from a
cage that hung from the ceiling next to the stage. This was the start of cage
dancing.
The Whisky a Go-Go
popularized go-go dancing. The bar also stood at the forefront of popular music
trends such as rock and roll, punk and heavy metal. It played a very important
role in many musical careers. The Doors were regulars until they played a
12-minute track of “The End” and were banned. It was also home to the bands:
The Byrds, Alice Cooper, Buffalo Springfield, and many others.
Many British
performers made their first headlining performances at the Whisky, including:
the Kinks, The Who, Oasis, Cream, Led Zeppelin, Slade, and others.
During the 1970s
the Whisky focused on New Wave, punk rock, and heavy metal movements. In the
80s bands like Motley Crue, Guns n Roses, and Metallica played at the whisky
while rising to the upper echelon.
The Whisky a Go-Go
was iconic in the music scene during the 60s-70s. It was home to some of the
biggest bands and led a huge musical movement.
"The Game" by Kevin Stypulkoski
The Game
by Kevin Stypulkoski
EXT. FIRESIDE BOULEVARD --- DUSK
Downey.
A piece of the gargantuan city that is Los Angeles. A home
that has much diversity and history to it, but a town that
can weed out its visitors with the flick of a hat.
TOM and JARED, two men in their late-20's, are driving in a
rental car. Both have strong New York accents. They
immediately seem out of place in the localist setting.
TOM
I heard the first Taco Bell was
around here.
JARED
Ain't surprised. Something like
that would be started in LA.
TOM
What the fuck is that supposed to
mean?
JARED
Damn illegals.
Tom laughs at the ridiculous of it.
TOM
You know Jared, Taco Bell was
founded by an American. Glen Bell.
JARED
Oh woopty fucking doo Tom. When did
you become the book of knowledge.
TOM
I'm just saying, why you gotta be
such an insensitive prick all the
time.
JARED
It comes with the territory.
Tom shrugs it off.
JARED (CONT.)
Oh what the fuck is wrong now? You
gotta a soft spot for Taco Bell.
TOM
Yes I do. I happen to love Taco
Bell. I love every thing about the
Bell.
JARED
The Bell? Jesus Christ why don't
you just leave me back on the east
and stay out here in the middle of
the desert alright?
Jared punches Tom in the shoulder, almost as if busting
Tom's balls. Tom smirks and punches back.
TOM
You know sometimes I really don't
know why I'm friends with a bitch
like you, you know that?
JARED
I couldn't give two shits. The only
thing I care about right now is
watching the game which is on in
(looks at the car clock)
two minutes! Shit!
TOM
Well were quite a ways from the
hotel in Hollywood.
JARED
I think we need to stop.
Tom appears hesitant.
TOM
Jared, we can't just stop around
here. We're playing the fucking
Dodgers for Christ's sake. You
can't just walk into a local pub
and start rooting for the other
team in Game 7 of the series.
JARED
What are you scared or somethin?
TOM
(nodding)
Very much so, yeah.
JARED
(shaking his head)
Jesus Tom, you know people wouldn't
even know you're from the Bronx.
Tom starts getting a little annoyed with constant agitation.
TOM
Oh yeah?
Tom swerves into another lane.
INT. DOWNEY BREWING COMPANY --- NIGHT
A local pub, swarming with people. The dress is very
specific. LA Dodgers gear. Every TV in the entire
establishment is showing the game.
The atmosphere is quiet, but dedicated. When the pitch is
thrown, there is but a whisper in the air. The bat connects
with the ball and its flying high through the air. The crowd
starts roaring, but the ball is caught. A collective awe is
heard, but two guys at the front entrance cheer.
Beat.
The silence and stares from the bars patrons says it all.
Tom and Jared take a seat at the crowded bar top. A man,
LARRY, mid-30's and gruff, can't help but keep his demeaning
eyes off the two of them.
LARRY
So where is it you boys come from?
TOM
The Bronx.
LARRY
(sarcastic)
Why did I even ask.
It is the 3rd inning, 0-0.
The bartender, HERB, slowly approaches Tom and Jared.
HERB
So what is it I can get you boys?
TOM
Bud Light.
The crowd collectively laughs, Herb included.
HERB
(smirking)
Bud Light?! I think you should take
a look around buddy.
Tom and Jared search their surroundings and see Miller and
Miller High Life bottles spread throughout the bar.
TOM
Miller.
JARED
My friend wants a Bud.
HERB
Well quite frankly, as a Miller
brewery, we don't serve Annheuser
here. That isn't our product.
Jared is clearly sensing the condescending tone. Tom senses
the retaliation that's coming on and speaks up first.
TOM
(snirking)
I guess were having High Life.
Herb motions to give them both a beer. Larry looks at his
action with disbelief.
LARRY
You're not seriously going to serve
these fellows are you Herb?
The crowd is obviously all thinking the same thing, but no
one utters a word.
HERB
It's my bar Larry. I can do
whatever the hell I want.
Tom and Jared clearly appreciate notion, but Herb isn't
finished.
HERB (CONT.)
Especially when we have foreigners
on our turf.
The consideration dissipates.
The two men drink their beers and look back to the screen.
INT. DOWNEY BREWING COMPANY --- LATER
It's the 5th inning now, the game is still 0-0. There have
been no real chances for fans of either team to gloat, and
it's obvious by the saggy body language of Tom and Jared as
well as the bars constituents.
Then! CRACK! The ball is hit by Matt Kemp to the outfield.
It's going, it's going, it's....GONE! Home run Dodgers, 2-0.
LARRY
(to Tom and Jared)
Fuck you two!
He continues clapping obnoxiously along with the other
Angelinos.
INT. DOWNEY BREWING COMPANY --- LATER
It is now the 7th inning. The score is still 2-0 Dodgers.
Larry, clearly more drunk now as the game has gone on, looks
to Tom and Jerry, ready to lay on some insults.
LARRY
(slurring)
So you fucking guys, decided that
flying over here from New York, and
coming to this bar. Who do you guys
really think you are? The inferior
team always loses.
Tom shakes his head thinking the man is just a waste of
time. Jared isn't taking it though.
JARED
Inferior? (laughs)
In-fucking-ferior. I guess that's
what you call a team with 27 World
Series championships under their
belt. What the fuck you got? Six?
And only two of those were after
you moved out of Brooklyn.
The bar is clearly not having any of it.
TOM
Yo Jared, how about we chill huh?
LARRY
Nah I think your friend here knows
perfectly well what he's getting
himself into. Because no matter
what statistics you throw in other
teams faces, it don't change the
fact that your team "buys" its wins
because of the budget they got.
Jared is getting even more pissed than before.
JARED
You can't be fucking serious right?
Our salary cap is $228 mil. Yours
is $216. Aint much of a difference
pal.
LARRY
Yeah now. But it aint used to be
that way back in the day!
JARED
For real? Let's take Kevin Brown in
2000. Played for you with an annual
paycheck of 15. Sure A-Rod got 21
from the Yanks in 2004. Adjust for
inflation and its about even.
LARRY
(sarcastically)
Oh look a numbers man!
CRACK! It's a wallop of a ball, line drive to the outfield!
Jeter and Suzuki round third and bring it in. The game is
2-2!
Jared starts obnoxiously clapping in the face of Larry.
JARED
That's how its done.
Larry knows he needs to shut his mouth for a bit.
INT. DOWNEY BREWING COMPANY --- LATER
It's finally toward the final minutes of the game.
ANNOUNCER ON TV
Bottom of the 9th inning. It has
all come down to this. The score is
now 3-2 LA. You could not ask for a
more intense Game 7 and its all
left up to Yanks. The team has
bases loaded, two outs, and have
Robinson Cano at the plate.
JARED
Cano don't you know?
Jared winks at Larry who at this point is a wasted mess.
Larry is not pleased to say the least.
Larry looks over to his other friends and pulls them close.
LARRY
(whispering)
If Cano hits a deep one and wins
the game, I wanna pull this asshole
outside and teach him a lesson.
His two "bouncer-looking" friends nod.
The silence across the bar is incredible. You could hear a
needle drop. The only sound is the announcer's voice, which
echoes through the room.
ANNOUNCER ON TV
Cano steps up to the plate. A
winding curve ball Strike 1.
Jared looks back to Larry who's smiling now.
ANNOUNCER ON TV
Rodriguez winds up, and...Strike 2!
LARRY
Aint looking good for you either
way Mr. Bronx.
Tom looks at Larry strange as he begins to suspect he is
gearing up for no good.
TOM
(to Jared discretely)
Hey Jared, I'm thinking we should
get out of here man, I got a bad
feeling.
JARED
Shut up man, this is the game.
Tom looks back to the TV nervously.
ANNOUNCER ON TV
Rodriguez throws the pitch...Ball!
Tom takes a sigh of relief, but he looks back to Larry in
fear, who seems to have his buddies huddled up and ready.
ANNOUNCER ON TV (O.S)
This is looking like it folks.
Rodriguez winds up, the pitch is
fast...Cano strikes it and it's
going...
Shot of Jared's face.
ANNOUNCER ON TV (O.S)
Going...
Shot of Larry's face.
ANNOUNCER ON TV (O.S)
Going...
Shot of Tom's face.
ANNOUNCER ON TV (O.S)
...and it's gone!
JARED
YES!!!!!
Jared hugs Tom who gives him a light hug back.
ANNOUNCER ON TV
Grand Slam wins the series for New
York and everyone in the Bronx will
be sleeping tightly tonight...
LARRY
I beg to differ.
Beat.
LARRY (CONT.)
Boys, I think we need to take this
outside.
Everyone at the bar is silent, most people quivering at the
sight, but too afraid to step in, including Herb.
Larry and his friends get up in Jared's face. The two
henchmen grab Jared and Tom by their shirts and begin to
throw them outside.
EXT. DOWNEY BREWING COMPANY --- PARKING LOT --- CONTINUOUS
Tom and Jared hit the ground hard. Jared is struggling to
get up, but Tom is able to help him. Larry and his friends
surround them.
Larry and Jared are still considerably drunk, but its quite
obvious that the 3-on-2 fight against his burly friends
won't be quite the match for them.
LARRY
Winning the World Series! Can you
hear the sounds boys? The cheering?
Larry cups his hand around his ear.
LARRY (CONT.)
I don't hear shit. You know why?
Cuz you two are in the wrong
fucking place! That's why!
Tom gets defensive and slowly approaches Larry.
TOM
Look, Larry right? We just wanted
to watch the game, scratch that, HE
just wanted to watch the game. Our
flight from LAX got in late and we
didn't have a chance to get to the
hotel before the game started. It's
Game 7 man. You don't miss that,
especially if you're a nitwit like
my friend here.
LARRY
I don't really give two shits about
your sob story ass wipe.
Jared gets pissed off.
JARED
What the fuck did you call him?!
Jared starts charging Larry, but Tom restrains him.
TOM
Just let us go man. Let us just
leave with our victory.
LARRY
You aint leaving with your victory,
cuz you came to the wrong place my
friend. You don't come to LA, on
the eve of the biggest game of the
year, order a Bud Light and root
for the other team. This aint
bumblefuck man. This is Downey! And
in Downey, we don't like east
coasters.
Jared's face gets mean.
JARED
I had enough of this shit...
Jared charges after Larry and pushes him to the ground. Tom
tries to go in after him, but Larry's two guys hold him back
to let the fight play out.
TOM
Jared!
Larry and Jared both squabble around drunk, but Larry seems
to have the upper hand, decking Jared a good dozen times.
Tom keeps squirming to get out unsuccessfully.
(Video clips from the baseball game intercut with the
announcer's voice overlaying)
ANNOUNCER ON TV
Cano steps up to the plate.
Tom's eyes open wide.
ANNOUNCER ON TV (CONT.)
He looks determined to hit this
ball deep.
Jared is laying on the ground bloody and incoherent.
ANNOUNCER ON TV (CONT.)
It all comes down to this.
Jared breaks free of the hold, punches the one guy then lays
a wallop into the second.
ANNOUNCER ON TV (CONT.)
The pitch is up...
Jared leaps towards Larry about to punch him when Larry lays
one on him first sending to him the ground.
But...
Larry is hit from behind with one knockout blow!
ANNOUNCER ON TV (CONT.)
The ball is smacked to the
outfield! It's gone!
The man standing above Larry's body is none other than Herb.
HERB
Jackass.
Herb helps up Tom and Jared to their feet. Both of them are
speechless and the only thing that seems to come from their
mouth is...
TOM AND JARED
Thank you.
HERB
Hey, he's got one thing right. What
you boys did was downright stupid
and the furthest thing from
courageous.
The two hang their heads a bit.
HERB (CONT.)
But it sure as hell was a good way
to end the series. In Downey, we
fall with our team, whoever that
is.
Herb puts his hand out to shake. The two of them shake it.
TOM
Thank you...Herb right?
HERB
Yeah, Herb.
JARED
Yeah thank you Herb.
HERB
Now you guys get out here before
more angry fans pour out. These 3
will come around.
The two of them start heading to the car to leave. Just
before they open the door, Herb turns around.
HERB (CONT.)
By the way...don't tell anyone
but...I root for America's team.
Tom and Jared smirk and drive off.
KEVIN STYPULKOSKI
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