A MONOLOGUE FROM THE COMPLETED SHORT FILM THE EXTERMINATOR- Don, a Vietnam vet, responds after James asks him what it's like to kill a man. (some dialogue was taken from a true story)
Don leans in; he's anxious to talk.
DON
If you aren't ready to kill, then
you prepare yourself to die.
James nods while Don continues.
DON (CONT'D)
You ever just walk down the street
and notice how close people are to
you, or how far?
JAMES
Yes Sir.
DON
Well look at the ranges to these people,
see how small a target they can be at
200 yards, and how little movements change
their paths so quickly. Now imagine they
were moving in short, quick dashes, or
from cover to cover, all the while you
have bullets whining by and chipping at
the dirt around you. Who do you shoot
at? If you concentrate on one, the others
will get closer. It was around thirty
meters when I first fired. Initially six
entry wounds and six exit wounds, after
the third controlled pair, I dropped to
a knee and put a round through his right
hip bone, which dropped him immediately.
Then I rushed up and shot him in the head.
I never thought a human being could produce
a scream like that. I just felt numb.
Don leans in; his face ANGRY.
DON (CONT'D)
You people don't get it. You'll never know
what it's like to end a life. It had to
be done. You guys cry about women and
children getting murdered, but a twelve
year old gook threw a hand grenade in a
bunker, killing three american soldiers.
And to answer your question Steve.
I didn't feel a fucking thing.
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A SCENE FROM THE COMPLETED FEATURE SCREENPLAY OFFTRACK.- Vincennzo visits his delinquent son, Angelo, in jail.
VINCENZZO
Listen Angelo, I didn't come
here to yell at you, I've done
enough of that. Don't get me
wrong, I don't condone what you
did, but I just wanted to talk
to you. I feel like we haven't
really done that. Just talk.
Angelo gets comfortable.
ANGELO (CONT'D)
What do you want to talk about
Dad?
Beat.
VINCENZZO
Well, I only have a few minutes,
but I just wanted you to know
that you shouldn't feel like it's
entirely your fault that you're in
here.
ANGELO
Oh yeah? Who's fault is it?
VINCENZZO
Well, I don't think it's really
anybody’s fault, but...
(searching)
...listen, we all make mistakes.
Angelo waits for more.
They sit in silence.
ANGELO
So when I get out of here, I'll
get my shit together?
VINCENZZO
If you want to, yes. I can help
you.
ANGELO
Oh yeah?
VINCENZZO
Yes.
Angelo turns to the cop.
ANGELO
How much time do we have
Officer?
COP
It's OK.
ANGELO
Thanks. Hey dad, want to
see something?
VINCENZZO
(smiling)
Sure.
Angelo walks over to a small TREE.
ANGELO
This is Hoover the tree, that's
what we call it. Sometimes I see
other inmates actually talking to it.
VINCENZZO
I guess you have to do something
while you're in here, right?
ANGELO
Yeah. It's a young tree, very
fragile.
Angelo touches the tree.
ANGELO
Try to bend the little branch
there.
VINCENZZO
What?
ANGELO
Just for fun.
VINCENZZO
What's wrong with it?
ANGELO
Just try.
VINCENZZO
You want me to bend the
branch?
ANGELO
Yes.
Vincenzzo bends it.
ANGELO (CONT.)
Pretty easy isn't it?
Angelo walks to a huge OAK TREE.
ANGELO (CONT'D)
Now, try to bend this tree.
Vincenzzo looks up at the huge tree.
VINCENZZO
Bend that? Yeah right.
ANGELO
Just try.
VINCENZZO
Angelo, I can't bend a tree.
ANGELO
It's impossible, right Dad.
Do you know why?
Beat.
ANGELO (CONT'D)
This tree's all grown up.
Angelo pats Vincenzzo’s shoulder and walks away.
Vincenzzo watches him leave.
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