Page 1
GRAN TORINO
Screenplay by
Nick Schenk
Story by
Nick Schenk & David Johannson
This script is the confidential and proprietary
property of Warner Bros. Pictures and no portion of
it may be performed, distributed, reproduced, used,
quoted or published without prior written permission.
May 5, 2008
WARNER BROS. PICTURES INC.
© 2008
4000 Warner Boulevard
WARNER BROS. ENT.
Burbank, California 91522
All Rights Reserved
Page 2
FADE IN:
INT. CHURCH
1
1
We’re at the funeral of Dorothy Kowalski. In attendance
are mostly old folks, their offspring and several bored
teenagers.
WALT KOWALSKI stands towards the front of the church. He
speaks to an older MAN in a bulky, out-of-date suit.
OLDER MAN
I’m real sorry about Dorothy,
Walt. She was a real peach.
WALT
Thanks for coming, Al.
Walt Kowalski looks young for his age. He has slate blue
eyes, physically fit and has had the same buzz cut
hairstyle since getting out of the military in 1953.
Walt is also a perfectionist. Nothing escapes his
hawklike eyes, eyes that pierce and judge.
Walt looks around at how the young people have dressed at
his wife’s funeral. His eyes narrow at his
GRANDDAUGHTER’s belly button ring.
WALT
Jesus Christ.
Walt’s two sons, MITCH and STEVE, watch their father from
across the pews.
MITCH
Look at the Old Man glaring at
Ashley. He can’t even tone it
down at Mom’s funeral?
STEVE
What do you expect? Dad’s still
living in the ‘50s. He expects
his granddaughter to dress a
little more modestly.
MITCH
Yeah, well your kid’s wearing a
Timberwolves jersey. I’m sure Dad
appreciates that.
STEVE
My point is that there’s nothing
anyone can do that won’t
disappoint the Old Man.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
Page 3
It’s inevitable. That’s why we
stopped doing Thanksgivings; the
deal with the boat motor, the
broken bird bath, it’s always
something.
MITCH
What are we going to do with him?
Don’t you think he’ll get in
trouble by himself over in the old
neighborhood?
STEVE
Why don’t you have him move in
with you?
MITCH
Ha ha.
INT. CHURCH - LATER
2
2
The choir sings the Beatitudes.
Walt looks around disgustedly at the people gathered as
one woman looks through her day planner, an old guy dozes
and his Granddaughter Ashley applies nail polish.
FATHER JANOVICH, the very young parish priest, steps up
to the altar and delivers the eulogy for Walt’s wife.
Walt sits ramrod straight and listens to the thin, weak,
unconvincing words of Father Janovich.
FATHER JANOVICH
Death... is often a bittersweet
occasion to us Catholics. Bitter
in the pain it causes the deceased
... and their families. Sweet to
those who know the salvation that
awaits them. And some may ask,
what is death. Is it the end? Or
is it the beginning? And what is
life? What is this thing we call
life?
WALT
Jesus.
Walt coughs. He takes a handkerchief and wipes his lips.
He looks down and notices a speck of BLOOD on the white
cloth.
2.
CONTINUED:
1
1
STEVE (CONT'D)
Page 4
INT. WALT’S HOUSE - SAME TIME
3
3
The house is crammed with people following the service.
Walt doesn’t know what to do with himself. He has to
keep busy. Steve steps over to his father.
STEVE
A lot of people showed up after
the service.
WALT
Yeah, well, I s’pose they knew
there’d be plenty of ham. I think
I’ll go downstairs and get some
more chairs.
STEVE
I’ll do it, Dad.
WALT
Naw, we need them now, not next
week.
INT. CELLAR - SAME TIME
4
4
Grandsons JOSH, DANIEL and DAVID look through boxes in
the cellar. A box of old Korea War photos are pawed
through.
Josh holds up a black-and-white PHOTO -- a young WALT
looks utterly exhausted, behind him six bodies are
sprawled dead on the ground.
DAVID
Is that Dad?
DANIEL
No, it’s Grandpa Walt.
Josh turns the photo over and reads it...
JOSH
‘Third Platoon, E company, March
second, 1952, Korea.’
DANIEL
Where’s Korea?
JOSH
Hell if I know?
David holds up a MEDAL.
3.
(CONTINUED)
Page 5
DAVID
Cool, I found a medal.
They hear someone coming downstairs. By the time Walt
descends the staircase, the boys sit on the couch,
pretending to be doing nothing.
Walt gives them a hard look as he grabs some chairs.
UPSTAIRS
5
5
People eat and chat. Ashley marches over to her parents,
KAREN and Mitch.
ASHLEY (GRANDDAUGHTER)
How long do we have to stay, this
ghetto is a dead zone for my cell
and I’m bored.
Walt stands behind them with an armful of folding chairs,
he overheard his Granddaughter. Mitch and Karen are
embarrassed.
MITCH
Ashley, honey. Why don’t you help
Grandpa Walt with the chairs?
ASHLEY
Me?
KAREN
Yes you.
ASHLEY
Grandpa Walt, can I help you with
the chairs.
WALT
I’ll take care of it, you just
painted your nails.
Walt opens the folding chairs and looks out the window.
It’s snowing. Walt puts on his coat, he almost looks
relieved to get out of the house.
WALT
I’d better salt the sidewalk
before someone falls and breaks a
hip.
Walt taps the floor with his boot and DAISY, his very,
very, very old DOG follows him outside.
4.
CONTINUED:
4
4
Page 6
EXT. WALT’S HOUSE - EVENING
6
6
Walt carefully shovels his sidewalk. He deliberately
stops at the boundary of his property.
The reason for this is that Walt’s neighbors are now
mostly Asians who moved into the house that once belonged
to Polish families.
Next door to Walt’s house some sort of party is going on.
Walt can see through the window that the living room is
jammed with at least forty people, all Asians, all Hmong.
And this is a problem for Walt, because Walt is a full-
blown, unrepentant racist.
Walt lights a cigarette and speaks to his dog, Daisy.
WALT
Jesus Christ, how many swamp rats
can they cram into a living room?
Walt spits in the snow and walks back to the garage.
INT. GARAGE - SAME TIME
7
7
Walt steps inside and catches Ashley sneaking a
cigarette. She has pulled back the canvas tarp that
covers his pride and joy, his beloved 1972 GRAN TORINO.
The Gran Torino is in mint condition. It has been babied
since the day it rolled off the line.
Ashley tosses her cigarette when she sees Grandpa Walt.
ASHLEY
Wow, Grandpa, when’d you get the
vintage car?
Walt looks at her for a second, then steps on her still
burning cigarette before answering.
WALT
1972.
ASHLEY
I never knew you had a cool old
car.
WALT
It’s only been in here since
before you were born.
5.
(CONTINUED)
Page 7
ASHLEY
So, what are you like going to do
with it like, when... you die?
Walt lights up a smoke --
WALT
Jesus, Joseph and Mary.
Walt pulls the cover back over the Gran Torino.
ASHLEY
Then what about that super cool
retro couch in the den, I’m going
to State next year and I don’t
have, like, any furniture?
Walt walks out without commenting.
BACK IN WALT’S HOUSE
8
8
The doorbell rings and Walt opens the door. Standing
there is TAO, a sixteen-year-old HMONG boy. Walt scowls.
TAO is slight, he has long hair, long lashes, but is very
good-looking -- like an Asian Johnny Depp.
WALT
Who the hell are you?
TAO
(very quietly)
I’m Tao, I live next door.
WALT
What?! Speak up, boy, get the
shit out of your mouth. What do
you want?
TAO
Do you have jumper cables? My
uncle’s car is old and...
WALT
No. And have some goddamned
respect, zipper head, we’re
mourning over here.
Walt slams the door in Tao’s face.
Walt turns and is suddenly cornered by Father Janovich.
Walt hates situations like this.
6.
CONTINUED:
7
7
(CONTINUED)
Page 8
FATHER JANOVICH
How you holding up, Walt?
WALT
Mr. Kowalski.
FATHER JANOVICH
Huh?
WALT
It’s Mr. Kowalski, not Walt.
FATHER JANOVICH
Right, Mr. Kowalski. Your wife
and I became quite close these
last few months. She asked that I
watch over you when she passed on.
I told her I watch out for my
entire flock, but she made me
promise I’d keep an extra sharp
eye on you.
WALT
I appreciate your kindness to my
wife and now that you’ve spoken
your piece, why don’t you move on
to the next sheep?
Walt starts to step away, but Father Janovich blocks him.
FATHER JANOVICH
Dorothy mentioned specifically
that it was her wish for you to go
to confession. She said she
couldn’t remember the last time
you went.
WALT
Is that so?
FATHER JANOVICH
It is.
Walt drains his lowball glass.
WALT
Well, I confess I never much liked
church and only went because of
the wife. And I confess I have no
desire to confess to a boy who is
fresh out of the seminary.
7.
CONTINUED:
8
8
Page 9
EXT. WALT’S HOUSE - LATER
9
9
People are leaving Walt’s house. A mass of shuffling,
stiff-jointed old Pollacks.
Right next door -- walking the opposite direction are
more Hmong going up the sidewalk. They laugh and chatter
and carry big dishes of food and fruit. They are a happy
bunch compared to the dour crowd exiting Walt’s home.
The Hmong are going to a birth ceremony. A three-day-old
baby is named and three souls are located for the
newborn.
CUT TO:
ANOTHER ANGLE
Walt leans over a car that contains two shivering old
ladies from the funeral. He hooks up the jumper cables
to their dead battery.
Mitch, Karen, Ashley and Josh pull up next to Walt in a
brand new Toyota Land Cruiser. Mitch opens the window.
MITCH
I’d really like to help, Dad, but
we have to get the kids home,
they’re getting restless.
Walt just looks at the TOYOTA EMBLEM on the Land Cruiser
and then gives Mitch a disgusted glance.
WALT
Fine. Go.
MITCH
I’ll call in a few, see how you’re
doing.
Walt nods and lights a cigarette as they drive off.
WALT
Kill you to buy American.
INT. LAND CRUISER - SAME TIME
10
10
MITCH
Did you see him look at the truck?
It’s always Rice-Burner this or
Jap-Buggy that. Even at Mom’s
funeral, he can’t let it go.
8.
(CONTINUED)
Page 10
KAREN
At least he didn’t say anything
this time.
MITCH
He didn’t have to.
KAREN
Well, what do you expect? The man
worked at a Ford plant for twenty-
eight years.
MITCH
And I suppose that’s my goddamned
fault?
BACK ON WALT
11
11
Walt gets his guests’ engine running.
As they drive off, Walt hears faint SINGING. Walt looks
into his neighbor’s backyard and can’t believe his eyes.
The Hmong all sing and chant as three CHICKENS have their
heads sliced off, right there in the yard.
The chickens are held up and everyone chants louder.
It’s a sacrifice. Walt spits in the snow and says to
Daisy.
WALT
Barbarians. Goddamned barbarians.
INT. HMONG HOUSE NEXT DOOR - SAME TIME
12
12
The house is a buzz of activity. The older Hmong speak
their native language, the younger generation speaks both
English and Hmong.
(NOTE: Hmong is subtitled when necessary.)
Tao’s Grandmother (PHONG) complains to a MAN.
PHONG
(subtitled)
There’s no man in this house,
that’s why my daughter should
remarry. Being a second wife is
better than having a woman be the
head of the household. It’s not
our way.
9.
CONTINUED:
10
10
(CONTINUED)
Page 11
MAN
(subtitled)
What about Tao?
PHONG
(subtitled)
What about him?
MAN
(subtitled)
He’s the man in the house.
PHONG
(subtitled)
Tao’s not a man.
(gestures)
Look at him in the kitchen,
washing dishes like a woman. Even
his sister gives him orders and he
obeys.
The CAMERA PANS TO the kitchen where TAO washes a pile of
dishes. An older relative drops dishes in the sink,
without acknowledging Tao’s presence. It’s clearly an
insult.
In the LIVING ROOM the Hmong “Soul Calling” ceremony
starts its next phase. An elder, the family SHAMAN, is
present and begins the ritual.
As the entire Hmong family gathers to watch. Tao slips
on his coat and goes out the back door.
EXT. TAO’S HOUSE - SAME TIME
13
13
Tao wobbles as he pedals his bike through the snow.
Tao passes Walt’s garage and is startled as Walt appears
from a shadow, JUMPER CABLES in his hands. They make eye
contact as Tao passes.
Walt spits in the snow and looks down at Daisy.
WALT
I thought these zips were supposed
to be such hard workers. Christ,
I had my own car when I was his
age.
EXT. CONVENIENCE STORE - NIGHT
14
14
Tao exits the store, gets on his bike and rides off.
10.
CONTINUED:
12
12
(CONTINUED)
Page 12
A few blocks away, Tao rides past a snowbank when --
WHAM! A HOCKEY STICK is thrown through the spokes of his
front wheel. Tao flies over the handlebars into the
snow.
A chorus of laughter is heard. Three LATINOS stand
around the stunned, prone Tao.
HEAD LATINO
Whatta you gonna do, gook? You
gonna ‘Kung Fu’ us?
Tao just lies there as Latino #2 picks up his bike.
LATINO #2
Surprised it ain’t a girl’s bike.
The Latinos laugh. Tao remains on the ground.
HEAD LATINO
You gonna get up or what?
Tao doesn’t move.
HEAD LATINO
Tell you what, I’ll let you take
the first swing. You drop me and
you can have your bike back.
Tao smiles, he can’t help it.
HEAD LATINO
What the fuck you smiling at,
gook? Something funny?
He grabs Tao by the jacket and pulls him to his feet.
HEAD LATINO
You better get the fuck outta
here, bitch.
He pushes Tao backwards. Tao falls back into the snow.
This time Tao crab-walks back away from the Latinos.
The Latinos stroll away with Tao’s bike.
EXT. WALT’S HOUSE - SUNNY SPRING MORNING
15
15
SUPERIMPOSE: THREE MONTHS LATER
Walt is going about the chores of spring cleaning.
11.
CONTINUED:
14
14
(CONTINUED)
Page 13
Walt looks around with disdain at his neighbors’ houses.
Walt’s property is perfectly kept, whereas his neighbors’
houses are rundown.
Walt’s eyes linger on every defect, gutter hangs, ripped
screen doors, peeling paint. One neighbor has installed
a chicken coop.
Walt looks down at Daisy --
WALT
Damn chinks let their yards go to
hell. Polarski would turn over in
his grave if he could see what
they did to his lawn.
Tao walks past. Walt watches him pass.
WALT
I don’t know why these goddamned
slopes had to move to my block.
This used to be a nice
neighborhood.
EXT. TAO’S HOUSE - SAME TIME
16
16
Tao nods to an older woman rocking in a broken rocking
chair. PHONG nods back to Tao, then turns her evil eye
back on Walt, whom she’s been seething at all morning.
PHONG
(subtitled)
Why doesn’t that stupid, hairy
white man move? He must be too
dumb to realize he’s not welcome
here. All the Mee-Khah left in
the neighborhood should just move
away. Look at him strut like a
rooster.
She sees Walt glance at her and spit. Phong glares back
and spits beetle juice, which has turned her teeth black.
INT. WALT’S HOUSE - DAY
17
17
Daisy snoozes next to the front door. The doorbell
rings; Daisy doesn’t even move. Walt walks to the front
door holding a roll of duct tape. The doorbell rings
again.
Walt looks down at Daisy --
12.
CONTINUED:
15
15
(CONTINUED)
Page 14
WALT
Jesus Christ, dog, have you gone
totally deaf?
Walt opens the door. Standing on his front step is
Father Janovich.
FATHER JANOVICH
Hi there, Walt.
WALT
Listen, son, you’re not my barber,
you’re not a friend, so why in the
hell do you think you can call me
Walt?
FATHER JANOVICH
Sorry... Mr. Kowalski.
WALT
So, what are you peddling now?
FATHER JANOVICH
Oh, nothing. Thought I’d drop by
and see how you were doing.
Haven’t seen you in church in
awhile.
WALT
Okay. You’ve done your good deed,
now why don’t you run along.
FATHER JANOVICH
I’d really like to talk, Mr.
Kowalski.
WALT
I don’t think so, kid. Sorry.
FATHER JANOVICH
Why? Do you have a problem with
me, Mr. Kowalski?
WALT
You don’t want to know.
FATHER JANOVICH
No, I do.
WALT
The problem is I think you’re an
overeducated, 27-year-old virgin
who holds the hands of
superstitious old women and
promises them eternity.
13.
CONTINUED:
17
17
(CONTINUED)
Page 15
Walt shuts the front door in Father Janovich’s face.
EXT. STREET - DAY
18
18
Tao walks down the street, his head in a book. He
finally realizes there’s a blue Chevy following slowly
behind him.
The blue Chevy is now parallel with Tao and keeps pace
with his step. Tao looks over to the occupants of the
Chevy.
It’s two LATINOS. Tao quickens his pace, but the Chevy
easily keeps up with Tao.
LATINO DRIVER
Is you a boy or a girl, I can’t
tell?
LATINO #2
What you reading, gook, Jackass
And The Rice Stalk?
Tao laughs, but keeps walking.
LATINO DRIVER
That’s right, you keep walking.
Fucking slopes everywhere you
look, man. Why gooks come up in
here and fuck up our neighborhood?
Down the street -- is a suped-up HONDA CIVIC with a big
SPOILER on the back. Inside are five Hmong gangbangers.
The Hmong gangbangers notice Tao being followed by the
Latinos. SPIDER, the driver, squints and then points at
Tao.
SPIDER
Dude, that’s my little cousin,
Tao.
SMOKIE
You sure about that, Spider?
SPIDER
I’m sure. Do we do something...
or what?
Smokie is the gang leader. He looks at Tao for a second.
SMOKIE
Your cousin tight with anyone?
14.
CONTINUED: (2)
17
17
(CONTINUED)
Page 16
SPIDER
No, he flies solo, Smokie.
SMOKIE
Okay. Let’s go help out our
little cousin.
Smokie nods to Spider, they roar up and stop right across
from Tao and the Latinos’ car.
SMOKIE
You better not be giving my bro
here a hard time or you’re gonna
wish you never been born.
LATINO DRIVER
Oh goody, more Rice Niggers.
The Latino Driver smiles and flashes a PISTOL.
A Hmong kid in the back seat opens the door and displays
a sub-machine gun. The Latinos are way out-gunned.
LATINO #2
Fucking Viet Cong swamp rats. Go
back to your fucking rice paddy.
The Latinos screech their tires and are gone. The Hmongs
in the car smile and congratulate themselves.
Tao simply keeps walking down the street!
SMOKIE
Where the fuck does he think he’s
going? Turn us around and go
after that cousin of yours.
They swing a U-turn and pull up to Tao, keeping pace with
him as he walks.
SPIDER
Hey, cuz, slow down, where you
going? You should really think
about hanging with us, man. If we
all stick together, shit like that
won’t happen, with those Spicks.
Tao nods as he walks, but doesn’t answer.
SPIDER
You can’t be such a little girl.
You join up with us, we’ll keep
you out of trouble, cuz.
15.
CONTINUED:
18
18
(CONTINUED)
Page 17
Tao looks at the sub-machine gun cradled by the Hmong
gangbanger in the back seat.
Smokie takes this all in. He looks down the street and
sees that in a half block, Tao will have to pass a group
of Latino gangbanger types.
SMOKIE
You think about it and we’ll see
you tomorrow.
EXT. TAO’S HOUSE - DAY
19
19
Tao digs in the garden. Tao’s younger sister SUE sits
and reads JANE magazine on the porch.
The tricked-out Honda with Blue Neon lights pulls up.
Spider, Smokie and two other Hmong gangbangers get out.
SPIDER
Hey, cuz. Hey, Sue.
SUE
What do you want?
SPIDER
Came to talk to my cousin Tao.
Smokie looks over to Sue.
SMOKIE
Spider, who’s the other cousin?
SUE laughs at the name “Spider.” Sue is seventeen, has
long straight hair with red highlights.
SUE
‘Spider’? Is that what he just
called you, Fong?
SPIDER
This is my little cousin, Sue.
Smokie takes off his sunglasses and smiles at Sue.
SMOKIE
Hey, Sue... how old are you, girl?
SUE
Mentally, I’m way too old for you.
I’m going inside.
16.
CONTINUED: (2)
18
18
(CONTINUED)
Page 18
SPIDER
That’s right, go inside while the
men talk.
SUE
Yeah, that’s exactly what I’m
doing, Fong.
Sue rolls her eyes and goes inside. Smokie stares at
Tao.
SPIDER
You think about what we talked
about?
A PAUSE. Smokie watches Tao carefully, offers him a
cigarette. Tao shakes his head “no” and looks at the
ground.
SMOKIE
That’s exactly the point, Tao.
Spider told me how everyone thinks
you’re a pushover, how everybody
walks all over you and shit. I
mean, look at you, out here
working in the garden like a
woman.
Tao nods silently, but still looks at the ground.
SMOKIE
It ain’t no big thing. You just
need a little guidance.
Tao looks up at Smokie. Tao looks a little skeptical.
SMOKIE
It’s true, man. Shit, I used to
be kind of a quiet little punk
like you, everybody fucking with
me. But finally I said ‘no more.’
You, you’re lucky, Tao, we got
your back. Me? I didn’t have
nobody. Had to mold my own tribe.
SPIDER
Smokie’s right. We’re family,
right? You with us or what?
SMOKIE
I swear, brother, we’re the best
friends you’ll ever have. And
anyone fucks with you, they’re
fucked.
17.
CONTINUED:
19
19
(CONTINUED)
Page 19
SPIDER
Come on, man.
Tao clears his throat and speaks for the first time.
TAO
What do I have to do?
Smokie points to Walt’s open garage.
SMOKIE
Spider mentioned that neighbor of
yours.
CUT TO:
INT. GARAGE
ZOOM IN -- There it sits with the tarp rolled back,
Walt’s gorgeous, shining GRAN TORINO.
SMOKIE (O.S.)
Now that’s a car.
SPIDER (O.S.)
Shit ya. 1972 Gran Torino
fastback. Cobra jet engine.
Mint.
Next to the garage, Walt is bent over planting tomatoes.
Walt notices the Hmong punks looking at him.
INT. VFW
20
20
Walt sits at the bar in the VFW (Veterans of Foreign
Wars) drinking with the old buddies and cracking off-
color jokes.
WALT
I got one. A Mexican, a Jew and a
colored guy walk into a bar, the
bartender looks up at them and
says -- ‘get the fuck out.’
The gang laughs, until they see Father Janovich step up
to the bar. He smiles as he recognizes several faces.
FATHER JANOVICH
So, here’s where my flock
congregates when they’re not in
church.
18.
CONTINUED: (2)
19
19
(CONTINUED)
Page 20
MEL
Hiya, Father J.
FATHER JANOVICH
Hi, Mel. Hey there, Darrel.
DARREL
Hello, Father.
FATHER JANOVICH
Hi, Walt.
Walt says nothing. He just sips his beer.
DARREL
What brings you in here, Father?
The meat raffle?
FATHER JANOVICH
No. I came down to talk to Walt,
if that’s okay.
Mel and Darrel look at Walt. It puts him on the spot.
WALT
I have to hand it to you, Padre.
You are persistent.
FATHER JANOVICH
I promised your wife.
Walt looks over at Mel and Darrel and then back at Father
Janovich.
WALT
Oh Jesus Christ, let’s grab a
booth.
INT. VFW BOOTH - SAME TIME
21
21
The waitress comes over.
WALT
I’ll have a Pabst and a shot.
What are you having, Father?
FATHER JANOVICH
I’ll have a Diet Coke.
WALT
Bullshit, this is a bar, what do
you want to drink?
19.
CONTINUED:
20
20
(CONTINUED)
Page 21
FATHER JANOVICH
Ummmm... I’ll have a gin and
tonic.
WALT
Attaboy.
The waitress leaves.
WALT
So, what do you want?
FATHER JANOVICH
I promised your wife I’d get you
to go to confession.
WALT
Jesus Christ, why’d you do that?
FATHER JANOVICH
She was very insistent. She made
me.
WALT
You sure are fond of promising
people stuff you can’t deliver on.
FATHER JANOVICH
Let’s talk about something else.
WALT
Like what?
FATHER JANOVICH
Life and death.
WALT
What would you know about it?
FATHER JANOVICH
I’d like to think I know a lot.
I’m a priest.
WALT
You stand at the altar and preach
on and on about life and death
without knowing anything other
than what you learned in priest
school. Everything you say sounds
like it’s out of the Rookie
Preachers Handbook.
FATHER JANOVICH
I don’t know about that...
20.
CONTINUED:
21
21
(CONTINUED)
Page 22
Walt waves his hand and cuts him off.
WALT
‘Death is bittersweet? Bitter in
the pain, sweet in the salvation.’
That’s what you know of life and
death? Good God, it’s pathetic.
FATHER JANOVICH
What do you know, Mr. Kowalski?
WALT
Plenty. I lived with death for
three years in Korea. We shot
people, we stabbed them with
bayonets, we hacked seventeen-year-
old kids to death with shovels,
for Christ’s sake. I did things
that won’t leave me till the day I
die, horrible things, things I
have to live with.
FATHER JANOVICH
And what about life?
Walt has to think for a second. He struggles with his
answer.
WALT
Well... I survived the war... got
married... and raised a family.
FATHER JANOVICH
Sounds like you know more about
death than you do living.
Walt downs a shot.
WALT
Maybe so.
INT. WALT’S BEDROOM - THAT SAME NIGHT
22
22
Walt hears a sound and wakes up. He’s very groggy, he
had plenty to drink at the VFW.
WALT
Daisy?
The dog sleeps in her bed in the corner. Walt looks at
the clock; it’s 3:48 am.
Walt looks out his bedroom window. He sees the faint
beam of a flashlight in his garage.
21.
CONTINUED: (2)
21
21
(CONTINUED)
Page 23
WALT
Son of a bitch.
Walt pulls on his robe, opens the closet and pulls out
the big, 30-06 M1 Garand Rifle he took home from Korea.
Walt slides a magazine into the top of the M1 and
chambers a round with a loud SNAP.
INT. GARAGE - SECONDS LATER
23
23
The light flips on and before he can blink, Tao is face
to face with the barrel of Walt’s M1 RIFLE.
Walt is silent, he has one eye closed so he can better
aim at Tao’s forehead -- which is nine inches away. Tao
drops the tool he was holding, it bounces with a loud
metallic clang.
Tao backs away, his eyes wide with terror. As Tao backs
up, Walt advances, step for step.
Tao trips over a garden hose, which causes Walt to trip.
They both start to fall. The lightbulb is bumped with
the rifle barrel and swings back and forth.
As Walt hits the garage floor, he accidentally FIRES THE
RIFLE. The bullet goes through a big, metal Hamm’s Beer
sign on the wall.
Tao scrambles to his feet and jumps like a deer over
Walt. Tao runs out of the garage and into the night.
Walt lies on the floor for a second, stunned. Sweat runs
down his forehead. He coughs up blood. The lightbulb
still swings, casting odd shadows in the garage.
WALT
Shit.
EXT. ALLEY - SAME TIME
24
24
Tao scrambles down the alley. Parked off to the side is
Spider’s Honda. Spider opens the door.
SPIDER
Get in, get in!
Tao runs right past him. Spider guns the motor and pulls
in front of Tao. Smokie, Spider and another gangbanger
get out.
22.
CONTINUED:
22
22
(CONTINUED)
Page 24
SMOKIE
Get in, Tao.
TAO
No way. No fucking way. Leave me
alone!
Smokie, Spider and the other gangbanger grab Tao.
SPIDER
I vouched for you, Tao, because
you’re family and you’re with us
now.
Tao struggles.
TAO
He shot at me! I’m out! I’m
out!!!
Tao squirms out of Smokie’s grasp. Smokie yells at Tao
as he runs away...
SMOKIE
Don’t fool yourself, Tao. You
don’t join us and bail. Dumb
motherfucker.
SPIDER
Should we go after him?
SMOKIE
Naw, he’s got nowhere to go.
Let’s get out of here.
INT. GARAGE - AFTERNOON
25
25
Walt drills heavy-gauge screen mesh over the windows on
the garage. The phone rings and Walt answers.
WALT
Hello?
MITCH (V.O.)
Morning, Dad, it’s your number one
son, Mitch.
WALT
It’s one in the afternoon.
The CAMERA now INTERCUTS BETWEEN Walt and Mitch in the
kitchen of his huge, modern suburban house.
23.
CONTINUED:
24
24
(CONTINUED)
Page 25
MITCH
Right, good afternoon, then.
WALT
So, what do you want?
MITCH
Me? Nothing. What would I want?
WALT
I don’t know. Your wife already
went through all of your mother’s
jewelry.
MITCH
No. I was just wondering how you
are, what’s going on, anything new
in the old neighborhood?
Walt looks at the bullet hole in his Hamm’s Beer sign.
WALT
Nope.
MITCH
Great. Smooth sailing then?
WALT
Yup.
There’s a very painful pause in the conversation.
MITCH
Well good... Say, Dad?
WALT
Uh-huh.
MITCH
Do you still know that guy from
the plant who has Viking season
tickets?
EXT. WALT’S DRIVEWAY - DAY
26
26
Walt has parked the Gran Torino at an angle across his
driveway. Walt mutters as he rubs Turtle Wax on his car.
EXT. DRIVEWAY - THAT AFTERNOON
27
27
Walt fishes out a soft pack of cigarettes and lights one.
He exhales as he looks at his car.
24.
CONTINUED:
25
25
(CONTINUED)
Page 26
It’s stunning. It absolutely sparkles. The chrome
shines, the tires look new and the paint is waxed and
polished.
Walt looks up again and his eyes sweep the neighborhood
in defiance. A couple of Hmong teenagers look at the
car.
WALT
(mutters)
That’s right, ain’t she pretty.
Walt drops down heavily into an old lawn chair and pops
open a can of Pabst.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. WALT’S DRIVEWAY - EVENING
28
28
Dusk is falling. Walt finally gets up, folds up his lawn
chair and walks stiffly back into the garage.
Walt flips on the outdoor light, highlighting the Gran
Torino still sitting at an angle in the driveway. The
whole scene looks like a mid-sixties car ad in Popular
Mechanics.
Walt goes in the back door and a moment later the kitchen
light comes on. The Gran Torino remains in the driveway.
It’s a challenge, an invitation. Walt is daring the
thief to come back. And Walt’s ready this time.
EXT. WALT’S STREET - LATER THAT NIGHT
29
29
The tricked-out Honda drives up, but doesn’t stop at
Walt’s. It pulls up in front of Tao’s house. Tao and
Sue exchange looks out on the front step.
Smokie, Spider and two others get out, walking
confidently up the sidewalk towards them. They grin,
they’re cocky.
SPIDER
Hey, cuz. What’s up?
TAO
What are you doing here?
SPIDER
Be happy. We’ve got good news.
25.
CONTINUED:
27
27
(CONTINUED)
Page 27
SUE
Oh really? What’s that?
SMOKIE
We’re giving you another shot.
TAO
I don’t think so.
SMOKIE
You blew it the first time. We’ve
got another little inauguration
planned for you. This time
there’ll be no mistakes.
SUE
Another big, tough gangbanger with
‘little-man’ complex.
Smokie leers at Sue. It makes her uncomfortable.
SMOKIE
I got my eye on you too, little
girl.
SUE
Whatever.
SMOKIE
Come on, Tao. Let’s go.
Tao says nothing. He looks at the ground.
SPIDER
He said, let’s go.
SMOKIE
Come on, man. Nobody’s gonna get
hurt. We’ll take care of you.
SUE
Don’t go, Tao.
SMOKIE
You mind your own business, girl.
Two Hmong gangbangers grab Tao by the arms.
The front door swings open and there stands a glaring
Phong.
PHONG
(subtitled)
Leave my grandson alone!
26.
CONTINUED:
29
29
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
Page 28
I know what you are. Go away and
don’t come back.
SMOKIE
That old woman’s got bigger balls
than you. You always let little
girls and old ladies fight for
you?
Tao tries to squirm away. Smokie grabs him by the hair
and opens his coat to reveal the PISTOL in his belt.
SMOKIE
I’m not gonna say it again. Let’s
go. Now.
Tao is shoved towards the car.
Suddenly -- Sue jumps on the back of one of the
gangbangers and knocks him to the ground. Tao breaks
free.
SUE
Run, Tao, run!
Sue is slapped to the ground.
SUE
RUN!!
Tao is tackled by Smokie and punched in the face. Tao’s
mother comes out the front door.
Smokie and Spider pull Tao towards the car as the other
gangbangers keep Mom, Grandma and Sue at bay.
A middle-aged Hmong Man from across the street comes into
the yard. All the gangbangers overreact and pull their
pistols. The middle-aged Hmong Man gets in Spider’s face
and is cracked across the jaw with a pistol barrel.
Tao back-pedals away from Spider and Smokie. It becomes
a pushing, rolling, surging melee.
This mess boils over and spills into Walt’s front yard.
EXT. WALT’S YARD - SAME TIME
30
30
The gangbangers, Tao, his mother, grandmother and Sue all
struggle on Walt’s painstakingly maintained lawn.
A ceramic Lawn Gnome is knocked over and breaks.
27.
CONTINUED: (2)
29
29
PHONG (CONT'D)
(CONTINUED)
Page 29
And before anyone can blink, WALT has the muzzle of his
big 30-06 M1 Garand Rifle pointing at Smokie’s face.
WALT
Get off my lawn.
SMOKIE
Listen, old man, you don’t want...
WALT
I said get off my lawn. Now.
Walt’s calm demeanor is unnerving to the gangbangers.
The guns in their hands seem tiny compared to the big
military rifle Walt holds.
SMOKIE
Are you fucking crazy? Go back in
your house, old man.
WALT
Get off my lawn.
SMOKIE
I’m not fucking around, Gramps.
Walt spits out the side of his mouth. He grins.
WALT
Don’t think for a second I won’t
blow a big hole in your face and
it won’t bother me a bit, not any
more than if I shot a deer. Now
get off my goddamned lawn.
Two of the Hmong gangbangers take a step back. Walt
senses their fear. Only Smokie holds his ground.
WALT
Believe me, kid, I’ll blow your
damn head off, go back to bed and
sleep like a baby. I couldn’t
care less.
SMOKIE
I’m not gonna warn you again!
Walt laughs...
WALT
You’re nothing to me. In Korea,
we stacked fucks like you five
feet high and used you as
sandbags.
28.
CONTINUED:
30
30
(CONTINUED)
Page 30
Complete silence, there’s no sound anywhere in the
neighborhood. All eyes are on Walt.
Walt CLICKS OFF the safety on the M1 Garand Rifle.
Smokie and the gangbangers give Walt fierce looks, but
melt back towards their car.
As they get into the car -- Smokie has to say something.
SMOKIE
You better watch yourself, old
man.
The Honda screeches its tires and goes off down the
street.
Walt looks at Tao, Sue, Mom and Grandma who stand in
stunned silence in his front yard.
A PAUSE. Finally, Sue speaks up...
SUE
Thank you.
Walt lowers his rifle and spits on the ground.
WALT
I said get off my lawn.
INT. WALT’S HOUSE - NEXT MORNING
31
31
We hear a sound outside. Walt grabs his rifle, swings
open the front door and leads with the barrel.
CUT TO:
EXT. WALT’S FRONT PORCH - SAME TIME
32
32
Walt looks around and slowly lowers his rifle.
His front porch is covered with FLOWERS and FRUIT and
GIFTS of food. There must be a dozen different gifts
piled there.
Daisy comes out and stretches on the porch, before
putting her nose in a food basket.
WALT
Bad dog. Bad deaf, dumb, blind
dog.
29.
CONTINUED: (2)
30
30
Page 31
EXT. WALT’S HOUSE - DAY
33
33
Walt carries three big bouquets of flowers to the trash.
He dumps them on top of other gifts he received from the
Hmongs. His garbage is overflowing.
Coming down the alley is another Hmong couple, they smile
carrying a basket filled with Asian vegetables.
Walt holds up his hand like a traffic cop.
WALT
No. No more.
The Hmong couple nod, say something with a smile and turn
around.
NEXT DOOR
Tao, his mother and Sue argue in the yard. They gesture
towards Walt’s house. The women buzz around Tao, all
speaking in his ear at the same time.
Phong yells at them from the porch, but they ignore her.
Walt watches as the mother and Sue march Tao towards his
house. Tao looks like a whipped dog.
WALT
Why won’t these people leave me
alone?
Walt walks out to meet them at his property line and puts
up his hands, indicating they’ve come far enough.
Sue holds up a plant.
SUE
We brought you some shallots to
plant in your garden.
WALT
I don’t want them.
SUE
They’re perennials, they come back
every year.
WALT
No. You keep them. Why do you
people keep giving me all this
garbage?
Sue is a little taken aback.
30.
(CONTINUED)
Page 32
SUE
Because... because you saved Tao.
WALT
No, I didn’t. All I did was get a
bunch of jabbering gooks off my
lawn.
SUE
Well, you’re a hero to the
neighborhood.
WALT
No, I’m not.
SUE
Too bad, they think you are and
that’s why they’re bringing you
the gifts.
WALT
Just take your plant and leave me
alone.
Walt turns and starts to walk away.
Tao’s mother speaks rapidly in Hmong to Sue. They look
at Tao and then to Walt.
SUE
There’s another thing.
WALT
What?
SUE
This is my mother, Vu, I’m Sue and
this is my brother, Tao. We live
next door.
WALT
So?
SUE
Tao is here to apologize.
Sue shoots a hard look at Tao, who shifts uncomfortably.
TAO
I’m sorry.
WALT
For what?
31.
CONTINUED:
33
33
(CONTINUED)
Page 33
TAO
For trying to steal your car.
Walt’s eyes go wide in recognition. He turns white with
rage.
WALT
Get this straight, I see you on my
property again, you’re done.
Walt turns on his heels and storms into his house.
INT. WALT’S ENTRYWAY
34
34
The doorbell rings. Walt opens it to find Father
Janovich standing on his front step.
FATHER JANOVICH
Good afternoon, Walt.
Walt’s eyes narrow.
FATHER JANOVICH
I mean, Mr. Kowalski.
WALT
I already told you I’m not going
to confession.
FATHER JANOVICH
Why didn’t you just call the
police?
WALT
Pardon?
FATHER JANOVICH
I do work with some of the Hmong
gangs and I heard there was some
trouble in the neighborhood. Why
didn’t you call the police?
WALT
Oh, I prayed for them to show up,
but guess what? No answer.
FATHER JANOVICH
What were you thinking? Someone
could have been killed. We’re
talking life and death here.
32.
CONTINUED: (2)
33
33
(CONTINUED)
Page 34
WALT
Not that it’s any of your
goddamned business, but when
things happen quickly like that,
you have to react. In Korea, we
never ‘called the police’ when a
swarm of screaming gooks came
pouring into our lines. We
reacted.
FATHER JANOVICH
We’re not in Korea, Mr. Kowalski.
Walt says nothing.
FATHER JANOVICH
I’ve been thinking about our
discussion on life and death.
About what you said. About how
you carry around the horrible
things you were forced to do.
Horrible things that won’t leave
you. It seems that it would do
you good to unload some of that
burden. Things done during war
are terrible, being ordered to
kill, killing to save others,
killing to save yourself. You’re
right, those are things I don’t
know anything about. But I do
know about forgiveness. And I’ve
seen a lot of men who have
confessed their sins, admitted
their guilt and left their burdens
behind them. Stronger men than
you. Men at war who were ordered
to do appalling things and are now
at peace.
Walt nods. Father Janovich threw a bull’s-eye. Almost.
WALT
I’m impressed. You came with your
guns loaded, for once.
FATHER JANOVICH
Thank you.
WALT
You have balls, Father. And what
you said, you’re right. I’m sure
stronger men than me have found
their salvation. Hallelujah. But
there’s one thing you’re way wrong
about.
33.
CONTINUED:
34
34
(CONTINUED)
Page 35
FATHER JANOVICH
What’s that, Mr. Kowalski?
WALT
The thing that haunts a guy is the
stuff he wasn’t ordered to do.
INT. OLD SCHOOL BARBERSHOP
35
35
The old, balding BARBER finishes cutting Walt’s hair.
BARBER
There, you look like a human being
again. You shouldn’t wait so long
between haircuts, you cheap
bastard.
WALT
I’m just amazed that you’re still
alive. I keep hoping you’ll die
and they’ll get someone good in
here, but you just hang in there,
you dumb, Italian-Wop-Dago, you.
BARBER
That’ll be ten dollars, Walt.
WALT
Ten dollars? Jesus Christ,
Martin, you keep raising the
price. You sure you’re not part
Jew?
Martin the Barber laughs at Walt.
BARBER
It’s been ten bucks for the last
five years and you know it, you
thick-skulled, old Pollack son of
a bitch.
WALT
Here’s ten, keep the change.
BARBER
See you in three weeks, you prick.
WALT
If you live that long, dipshit.
Walt and Martin shake hands and Walt walks out.
34.
CONTINUED: (2)
34
34
Page 36
EXT. BARBERSHOP - SAME TIME
36
36
Walt gets in his old Ford pickup and drives off. This is
a very bad, rundown neighborhood.
EXT. SIDEWALK - SAME TIME
37
37
Sue walks with her ridiculous Wigger (urban white kid)
boyfriend, TREY. Trey wears big baggy pants, a sports
jersey and an Oakland Raiders visor upside-down and
backwards.
They walk past three BLACK GUYS leaning against a
building. The TALL BLACK GUY spots Sue and smiles.
TALL BLACK GUY
Hey, girl, you come over here and
talk to me. Come on, baby, don’t
be shy.
Trey and Sue move as far over on the sidewalk as they can
to avoid the black guys. They try to ignore them.
TALL BLACK GUY
Come on, sweetie, don’t be like
that. You talk to me, don’t be
all stuck up and shit.
ACROSS THE STREET
Walt waits at a stoplight. He watches Sue and Trey and
the three black guys who block their path.
One black guy flips Trey’s VISOR onto the ground. The
Tall Guy makes “kissy faces” at Sue as he touches his
crotch.
Walt sits there for a second; he shouldn’t help, but Walt
solves every situation by being aggressive.
Walt drives off, then makes a U-turn.
The Tall Black Guy now focuses on Trey.
TALL BLACK GUY
What are you ‘sposed to be?
Trey puts up his hand to “hi-five.” The Tall Black Guy
just looks at him.
TREY
Yo, it’s cool, dog.
35.
(CONTINUED)
Page 37
TALL BLACK GUY
What the fuck are you doing in my
neighborhood, boy?
TREY
Nothing. We’re going to Red Roost
to get some CDs. That place is
trippin’, bro.
TALL BLACK GUY
What you call me, you fucking with
me, bitch? You think you’re
funny?
TREY
Nothing. No.
TALL BLACK GUY
I’m warning you, boy. What you
all come up in here for? You here
to bring me this present?
TREY
Huh?
TALL BLACK GUY
This Oriental yummy for me? Don’t
worry, I’ll take good care of her.
SUE
Great, another asshole with a
fetish for Asian girls. God, it
gets so old.
TALL BLACK GUY
What’s your name, girl?
SUE
My name? It’s ‘take your crude,
overly obvious come-on to every
woman who walks past and cram it.’
That’s my name.
TALL BLACK GUY
You should keep your bitch on a
leash, put a choke chain on this
whore and yank.
SUE
Oh, of course, right to the
stereotype thesaurus. Call me
‘whore’ and ‘bitch’ in the same
sentence.
36.
CONTINUED:
37
37
(CONTINUED)
Page 38
The Tall Black Guy grabs Sue by the arm. Trey moves
slightly towards Sue and is pushed down into a pile of
garbage.
TALL BLACK GUY
You think you’re pretty funny,
don’t you?
SUE
What, are you gonna hit me now?
That’d pretty much complete the
picture.
The Tall Black Guy pushes Sue hard against the wall.
TALL BLACK GUY
You don’t know when to quit.
The old, black pickup pulls up and stops next to them.
Sue, Trey and the black guys look over.
Walt sits behind the wheel, he looks right through the
Tall Black Guy.
TALL BLACK GUY
What the fuck you looking at, old
man?
WALT
You... and your buddies. What’s
the matter with you? Don’t any of
you work? I see you lazy show-
offs in the middle of the day,
slowly walking across the street
or harassing women. Nobody owes
you bastards anything so go out
and get a job instead of pushing
little girls around, for Christ’s
sake.
TALL BLACK GUY
Why don’t you get the fuck out of
here, while I’ll still let you.
BLACK GUY #2
That’s right, bitch.
WALT
What makes you spooks think you
can bully a couple kids with
impunity?
TALL BLACK GUY
What?! Are you fucking crazy?
37.
CONTINUED: (2)
37
37
(CONTINUED)
Page 39
WALT
Look at me, Slick. You’re crazy
if you thinking I’m fooling
around.
TALL BLACK GUY
You are fucking crazy.
WALT
You have to be pretty goddamned
dumb to think you can push people
around without running into
someone who will push back.
The black guys are a bit dumbfounded. Walt stares them
down.
WALT
But you might just be dumb enough
not to recognize that your luck
just ran out.
All bravado drains away from the black guys. Walt is a
rock.
Walt grins slightly and spits on the ground.
TALL BLACK GUY
Fuck this guy. He ain’t worth it.
The trio walks slowly across the street, forcing a car to
miss a green light.
Trey puts his hand out to shake Walt’s...
TREY
Man, thanks a lot, mister.
Walt doesn’t extend a hand, he lets Trey stand there like
an idiot. Trey slowly lowers his arm.
Walt looks at Trey’s outfit.
WALT
Go home, clown... and pull up your
goddamned pants.
Walt turns to Sue.
WALT
Come on, I’ll give you a ride.
38.
CONTINUED: (3)
37
37
Page 40
INT. WALT’S TRUCK - DRIVING
38
38
Walt and Sue drive in silence. Finally Sue speaks up.
SUE
So, what’s with you, you have some
sort of savior complex or
something?
WALT
What in the hell’s the matter with
you? I thought all you Asian
girls were supposed to be so
smart. What are you doing walking
around in that neighborhood?
That’s how you end up in the
obituaries, that is, if they can
identify your body once they pull
it out of the goddamned river.
SUE
I know, I know. Take it easy.
Walt looks at her for a second. She’s not ruffled at
all.
They drive.
WALT
So, that goofball back there.
He’s your boyfriend?
SUE
Yeah, kind of, his name is Trey.
WALT
Why in the hell would you go out
with a clown like that. Why don’t
you date one of your... own...one
of those other... Hu-mungs.
SUE
You mean, Hmong? We’re Hmong, not
Hu-mung.
WALT
Right. Hmong. What is a... where
is Hmong or whatever?
Sue laughs.
SUE
Wow! You’re so enlightened.
Hmong isn’t a place, it’s a
people.
39.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
Page 41
Hmong people come from different
parts of Laos and Thailand and
China.
WALT
Then why are you in my
neighborhood, instead of back
there?
SUE
It’s a Vietnam thing. We fought
on your side and when America
quit, the Communists starting
killing the Hmong, so we came over
here.
Walt is quiet for few seconds.
WALT
Why’d you pick the Midwest, for
Christ’s sake? There’s snow on
the ground near half the year.
Jungle people on the frozen
tundra?
SUE
Hill people. We were hill people,
not jungle people. Boo-ga, boo-
ga, boo-ga.
WALT
Whatever.
SUE
Blame the Lutherans. They brought
us here.
WALT
Still, you’d think the cold would
keep all the assholes away.
Sue laughs again at Walt’s conscienceless racism.
SUE
Thanks for the ride.
WALT
Sure... You know, you seem okay.
What the hell’s the matter with
your half-wit brother? He a
little slow or something?
40.
CONTINUED:
38
38
SUE (CONT'D)
(CONTINUED)
Page 42
SUE
Tao is actually really bright, he
just doesn’t know which direction
to go in.
WALT
Oh, poor Toad.
SUE
It’s really common. Hmong girls
over here fit in better, we
adjust. The girls go to college,
the boys go to jail.
EXT. WALT’S FRONT PORCH - EARLY MORNING
39
39
Walt drinks coffee and reads the newspaper. He flips
from section to section. Daisy’s at his feet.
Next door, Phong sits watching Walt. He can see her
mumbling under her breath.
WALT
Old hag, giving me the evil eye?
Walt opens the paper to the TV guide section and lingers
at the HOROSCOPES for a second.
WALT
Aw, what the hell...
Walt reads aloud to himself.
WALT
Your birthday today; This year you
have to make a choice between two
life paths. Second chances come
your way. Extraordinary events
culminate in what might seem to be
an anti-climax. Your lucky
numbers are: 84, 23, 11, 78 and
99.
Walt drains his coffee and tosses the paper onto the
porch.
WALT
What a load of crap.
Walt lights up a cigarette and exhales.
Walt watches as the only white woman on the block
struggles to unload her groceries from her car. One of
her bags rips.
41.
CONTINUED: (2)
38
38
(CONTINUED)
Page 43
Three teenagers walk past and laugh at her spilled
groceries. One of them makes a crude gesture behind her
back.
WALT
Christ all Friday. What’s wrong
with kids today?
Walt gets up to go help, but before he can get to the
sidewalk, another neighbor has gone over to help...
It’s TAO. Tao bends down and carries her bags up to her
door.
WALT
Well, I’ll be damned.
INT. WALT’S KITCHEN
40
40
Mitch and Karen sit across from Walt. A small store-
bought birthday cake sits in front of Walt.
Walt reads his birthday card. It’s signed; Love Mitch,
Karen, Ashley and Josh. ALL the signatures have been
written in a woman’s cursive style and with the same pen.
Mitch slides a wrapped gift across the table to Walt.
MITCH
Go ahead, Dad. Open it.
WALT
What is it?
MITCH
Just open it.
Walt opens the package, it’s a Gopher Reaching Tool --
the kind that has an alligator clamp so you can pick up
objects that have fallen behind the stove, etc.
Walt looks at his son and daughter-in-law.
MITCH
It’s a Gopher. It’s so you can
reach stuff. You know, it makes
things easier.
KAREN
Here’s one from me.
KAREN slides over a another wrapped gift. Walt opens it.
It’s a PHONE with really big numbers for old people.
42.
CONTINUED:
39
39
(CONTINUED)
Page 44
KAREN
It’s a phone.
WALT
(emotionlessly)
Thank you, Karen.
KAREN
I just thought... we thought that
it would... make things easier.
WALT
Yeah, I see that.
KAREN
There’s nothing wrong with making
things less hard on yourself.
MITCH
Karen’s right, Dad. You’ve worked
hard your whole life. Maybe you
should think about taking it a
little easier?
Walt lights up a cigarette.
MITCH
And that’s another thing, Dad.
You should get rid of the coffin
nails.
Walt says nothing.
MITCH
And the house, now that Mom’s
gone, it’s got to be a lot to
maintain, let alone clean... and
you’re all alone in here.
It’s worse than Walt thought. He puffs smoke.
KAREN
There’s these great places now,
these communities where you don’t
have to worry about mowing the
lawn or shoveling snow. People
who are like you, alert, active,
but are alone and would benefit by
being with other folks their own
age.
43.
CONTINUED:
40
40
(CONTINUED)
Page 45
MITCH
Dad, take a look. We brought some
pamphlets.
CUT TO:
EXT. WALT’S HOUSE - SECONDS LATER
41
41
Mitch and Karen storm out to their Land Cruiser. Mitch
carries the Gopher Grabber Tool and Karen has the big
numbered phone in her hand.
MITCH
I told you, I told you this was a
bad idea.
KAREN
I know, you were right.
MITCH
Son of a bitch! He just won’t let
anyone help him.
KAREN
Well, we tried. Now we can just
drop it. No one can say we didn’t
try.
MITCH
To hell with him, kicking us out
on his birthday?! We should’ve
stayed home with Ashley and Josh.
They knew better, they wouldn’t
even come. The goddamned kids are
smarter than we are!
Mitch screeches the tires as they take off. Walt waits
for them to clear out, before coming out on the porch
with a can of Pabst.
Daisy comes out and lies at his feet.
Walt covers his mouth as he coughs. A dime-sized circle
of dark, red blood is left in the palm of his hand.
Walt looks at the blood as he takes another sip of beer.
EXT. WALT’S PORCH - EVENING
42
42
Walt continues to sit on his porch, a long row of empty
Pabst beer cans are lined up on the railing.
44.
CONTINUED: (2)
40
40
(CONTINUED)
Page 46
Walt looks at a photo in his wallet, his and Dorothy’s
wedding photo. Walt looks down at Daisy --
WALT
We miss Momma, don’t we, Daisy.
A vehicle pulls up to Tao’s house. A party is in full
swing.
Sue comes out and helps the Hmong women unload big
platters of food and carry them to the house.
Sue catches Walt’s gaze and steps over to his porch.
SUE
Hey, Walt, what are you up to?
Walt points his index finger at the can of Pabst in his
hand.
SUE
We’re having a barbecue. You want
to come over?
WALT
What do you think?
SUE
There’s tons of food.
WALT
I’ll bet. Just keep your paws off
my dog.
SUE
No worries, we only eat cats.
WALT
Really?
SUE
No, I’m kidding, you moron. Come
on, come on over. You can be my
special guest.
WALT
I’m fine right here.
Walt reaches into the cooler for another beer. It’s
empty, just water and ice.
WALT
Son of a bitch.
45.
CONTINUED:
42
42
(CONTINUED)
Page 47
SUE
What have you had to eat today,
Walt?
WALT
A piece of cake and some beef
jerky.
SUE
Come on over and get something to
eat. We’ve got beer, too.
Walt exhales loudly --
WALT
Oh, what the hell. It’s my
birthday, I may as well drink with
strangers instead of myself.
Walt gets up and walks with Sue towards her house.
SUE
Happy Birthday, Wally.
WALT
Don’t call me Wally.
INT. TAO’S HOUSE - KITCHEN
43
43
Inside are thirty Hmong and Walt, who sticks out like a
sore thumb. Total fish out of water.
Walt looks in the refrigerator, Sue looks over his
shoulder.
WALT
You do have a lot of beer, but no
Pabst.
SUE
As they say, When in Hmong.
WALT
Ha ha. Are you sure it’s okay I’m
here? Everyone keeps looking at
me and when I look back, they look
at the ground.
SUE
It’s fine.
Phong appears from the crowd and points at Walt.
46.
CONTINUED: (2)
42
42
(CONTINUED)
Page 48
PHONG
(subtitled)
You, get out. Out of our house!
(to Sue)
What is he doing here?
Walt cringes at her presence.
WALT
What’d she say?
SUE
She said welcome to our home.
WALT
No she didn’t.
SUE
No, she didn’t.
PHONG
(subtitled)
Why is this white man in our home?
A man like him brings nothing,
nothing but sorrow and death.
Several relatives usher Phong away from Walt. The
relatives are embarrassed at the outburst.
WALT
She hates me.
SUE
Yes, she hates you.
WALT
What did I do?
A little Hmong girl walks past and Walt pats her on the
head. Everyone in the room looks in horror at Walt.
WALT
What?! What the hell are all you
fish heads looking at?!
Sue looks around and then pulls Walt out of the room.
SUE
Maybe we should go in the other
room.
INT. DINING ROOM - SECONDS LATER
44
44
Sue explains a few facts to Walt.
47.
CONTINUED:
43
43
(CONTINUED)
Page 49
SUE
A lot of the people in this house
are very traditional. Number one,
never touch a Hmong person on the
head, not even a child. Hmong
people believe that the soul
resides in the head, so don’t do
that.
WALT
That’s dumb, but fine.
SUE
Hmong people also consider looking
someone in the eye to be rude.
That’s why everyone looks away
when you look at them.
WALT
Swell. Anything else?
SUE
Yeah, some Hmong smile or grin
when they’re yelled at or get into
a confrontation. It’s a cultural
thing. It expresses embarrassment
or insecurity, not that they’re
laughing at you.
WALT
Good God, you people are all nuts.
INT. LIVING ROOM
45
45
Walt opens another beer, as Sue speaks Hmong to a
relative. Walt notices an Old Hmong Man staring at him.
Walt interrupts Sue.
WALT
Hey, Sue.
SUE
What?
WALT
You said you guys don’t look you
in the eye, but that guy keeps
staring at me.
Sue laughs and gestures to the Old Hmong Man. The Old
Hmong Man steps over and nods to Walt.
48.
CONTINUED:
44
44
(CONTINUED)
Page 50
SUE
This is Kor Khue. He’s the Lor
family shaman.
WALT
Witch doctor?
Sue smiles and nods.
SUE
Something like that. The Hmong
hold their clan Shaman in very
high regards.
WALT
Boo-ga, boo-ga.
Kor Khue says something to Sue in Hmong. She turns and
translates to Walt.
SUE
Kor Khue is interested in you, he
heard what you did. He says he
would like to read you.
WALT
Huh?
SUE
He wants to read you. Tell you
your soul. It’d be rude not to
allow him this, it’s a great
honor.
WALT
Tell Kor to be my guest, fire
away.
Sue speaks Hmong to the Shaman. The Shaman responds and
sits down across from Walt. He looks at Walt for a long
time.
Walt stares straight back at him. The Shaman mumbles to
himself.
Finally the Shaman turns to Sue and speaks very rapidly.
As Sue translates, the Shaman watches Walt’s reaction.
SUE
Kor Khue says that you think
you’ve been disrespected. You do
not live your life. Your food has
no flavor. You are scared of your
past.
49.
CONTINUED:
45
45
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
Page 51
You stopped living years and years
ago. Kor Khue says you’re not at
peace.
Walt looks like he’s been hit by a truck. The Shaman
watches Walt closely, he knows he hit the nail on the
head.
Walt looks pale. He’s been spooked good. He wipes sweat
from his forehead.
WALT
Excuse me.
Walt gets up and steps into the kitchen. He takes
several deep breaths. He’s pretty shook up.
WALT
Je -- zuz -- Christ.
Walt looks around at all the Hmongs eating and carrying
on.
Walt sees a young man give up his seat to an Elder.
Walt sees a young woman go to each of the older folks and
offer tea and cookies from a tray.
Walt sees a child help an old man out of the bathroom.
Walt coughs hard. He wipes blood from his lips. Sue
comes in and looks at Walt.
SUE
Are you okay?
Walt brushes past her and goes into the bathroom.
INT. BATHROOM - SAME TIME
46
46
EPIPHANY.
Walt washes his face in the sink and dries his hands.
He’s still pale. He looks long and hard in the mirror.
Walt is stunned, it all adds up. Walt hasn’t really
lived in 50 years, he hasn’t relaxed or exhaled or let
his guard down since he got back from Korea in 1953.
WALT
(to himself)
Son of a bitch. I’ve got more in
common with these goddamned gooks
than my own spoiled-rotten family.
50.
CONTINUED: (2)
45
45
SUE (CONT'D)
(CONTINUED)
Page 52
Walt looks at himself.
WALT
Happy birthday.
Walt opens the bathroom door. Sue stands there with a
concerned look on her face.
SUE
Are you okay?
WALT
Me? I’m fine.
SUE
You were bleeding?
Walt smiles disarmingly.
WALT
I just bit my tongue. I’m fine.
I’m great. Let’s get some of that
gook food, I’m starving.
INT. KITCHEN
47
47
Walt sits amongst several old Hmong Women, who take great
delight in feeding him different Hmong dishes which he’s
obviously never tasted before.
Walt reacts with great enthusiasm to the food,
occasionally making jokes like he’s choking, etc. This
corny stuff goes over like gangbusters with the Hmong
ladies.
Sue comes in and rolls her eyes at Walt.
SUE
Come on, you glutton, let’s go
downstairs.
WALT
Why?
SUE
To mingle.
WALT
I’m fine right here. I’m
mingling.
SUE
Come on, you said ‘not to leave
you alone.’
51.
CONTINUED:
46
46
Page 53
INT. BASEMENT - SAME TIME
48
48
Walt and Sue descend the stairway. Walt is really out of
his element down with all the Hmong teenagers.
And the first person he sees across the room is Tao.
WALT
Oh great.
SUE
Well, look who’s over there.
WALT
What’s-his-name who tried to steal
my Gran Torino.
SUE
My brother Tao.
WALT
Yeah, Toad.
Tao is in the corner, he avoids Walt’s gaze. Sue walks
over to a group of boys, leaving Walt alone.
Walt doesn’t know what to do with himself. He leans
against the DRYER. The DRYER wobbles.
Walt gets on his hands and knees. He looks under the
dryer. He adjusts the short leg to balance out the
machine.
He just can’t help it.
All the Hmong kids watch Walt, trying not to laugh at
this strange white man on his hands and knees fixing a
dryer during a party. Walt looks up -- deer in the
headlights.
WALT
It was wobbly, but I fixed it.
It’s fine now, shouldn’t wobble
anymore.
The Hmong kids look away, covering their mouths with
their hands.
Walt glares at Tao, who immediately wipes the smile from
his face. Sue walks over and hands Walt a drink.
WALT
What’s this?
52.
(CONTINUED)
Page 54
SUE
Rice liquor. Try it.
WALT
Alright.
Sue walks off. Walt sips his rice liquor and watches the
interaction between the boys and girls.
One particularly gorgeous young willow-wisp of a GIRL
stares across the room at Tao. Tao looks back at her,
but then looks away.
The Girl keeps looking at Tao, smiling and twisting her
hair.
Tao doesn’t approach her, but three other young men do.
They do their best to charm her. She’s polite, but not
interested, she keeps looking at Tao.
Walt laughs at Tao’s ineptitude, shakes his head at this
wasted opportunity. Suddenly the Girl steps over to
Walt.
She smiles --
WA XAM (GIRL)
My friends and I were just
wondering what you’re doing here?
WALT
Good question. What am I doing
here? Anyways, I’m Walt.
WA XAM
Hi, Walt. I’m Wa Xam.
WALT
Wa Yum?
WA XAM
No, Wa Xam. So... what do you do?
WALT
Me? Not too much... I fix stuff I
guess.
WA XAM
Like what?
WALT
Well, I fixed my wife’s friend’s
sink yesterday.
53.
CONTINUED:
48
48
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
Page 55
I drove my aunt to the doctor to
straighten out her prescription.
Even fixed my screen door before
it was broke.
WA XAM
You’re funny.
WALT
That’s one thing I’ve never been
accused of. A bastard, yes.
Funny, no.
Wa Xam laughs.
WA XAM
Well, have fun. I’m going to take
off.
WALT
A pleasure to meet you, Yum Yum.
She laughs at Walt butchering her name and goes upstairs.
The three young suitors follow her up. Tao watches her.
Walt comes over to Tao, who is startled. Walt laughs.
WALT
Relax, zipper head, whatta you
think I’m gonna do, shoot you?
Tao looks like he wants to run away.
WALT
I wouldn’t say anything either, if
I was you.
Walt sips his rice liquor. Walt can’t help but rib Tao.
WALT
You know, I knew you were a
dipshit even before the whole
garage deal, but I have to say
you’re even worse with women than
you are stealing cars, Toad.
TAO
It’s Tao.
WALT
What’s that?
TAO
It’s Tao, not Toad. My name is
Tao.
54.
CONTINUED: (2)
48
48
WALT (CONT'D)
(CONTINUED)
Page 56
WALT
Good for you. Anyways, you’re
blowing it with that girl. Not
that I give two shits about a Toad
like you.
TAO
You don’t know what you’re talking
about.
WALT
Wrong, egg roll. I completely
know what I’m talking about. I
know I’m not always the most
pleasant person to be around, but
I got the greatest woman who ever
lived to marry me. I had to work
at it, but I got her and it was
the best thing that ever happened
to me. Hands down.
Walt points across the room. He sways slightly.
WALT
But you? You just sit there and
watch as Ding Dong and Click Clack
and Charlie Chan walk away with
what’s-her-face. She likes you,
you know.
TAO
Who?
WALT
She was standing over there,
orange dress, twisting her hair
and smiling at you.
TAO
You mean Wa Xam?
Walt takes a long swig off his drink and nods.
WALT
Yeah, yeah. Anyways, she likes
you, I know, I talked to her.
Great girl, charming girl. Love
her. I love Yum Yum. But you?
You just watch her walk out the
door with the Three Stooges. Why?
Because you’re a big fat pussy!
Walt drains his drink.
55.
CONTINUED: (3)
48
48
(CONTINUED)
Page 57
WALT
I gotta go home. Good luck, puss-
cake. You need it.
EXT. WALT’S YARD - DAY
49
49
Walt empties the lawnmower bag as two elderly Hmong Women
come over, each carrying a FLOWER BOUQUET.
WALT
No. No thanks. No more flowers.
The elderly Hmong Women nod and speak rapid sentences in
Hmong to Walt. He has no idea what they are saying.
WALT
No more. Please, keep your
flowers.
The Hmong women nod, smile and chatter away, ignoring
Walt. They walk past him and set the BOUQUETS on his
porch.
WALT
(defeated)
Okay, just put them on the porch.
But that’s it. No more.
INT. WALT’S ENTRYWAY - MORNING
50
50
The doorbell rings. Walt answers, a Skillsaw in one
hand.
Standing on his doorstep are three Hmong women.
WALT
What now, Gee?
Gee holds up a plate covered with tinfoil.
WALT
No. Forget it. Stop bringing me
stuff.
Gee scolds Walt in Hmong.
WALT
No. I’ve had it.
Gee opens the corner of the tinfoil. Walt looks at the
food.
56.
CONTINUED: (4)
48
48
(CONTINUED)
Page 58
WALT
I can’t. You have to stop.
Gee pulls the tinfoil off. Walt gazes at the food.
WALT
Is that the chicken dumpling thing
you brought the other day?
EXT. WALT’S HOUSE - EVENING
51
51
Walt pulls up in his pickup truck. Sue and Vu wait on
Walt’s porch. Tao stands out on the sidewalk.
Walt gets out of his pickup.
WALT
What now? What?
Vu rambles on in Hmong. Walt looks at his watch. He
looks at Sue for the translation.
SUE
Tao is here to make amends, he’s
here to work for you.
WALT
No he’s not.
SUE
Mother says that Tao dishonored
the family and now he has to work
off his debt. He’ll start
tomorrow morning.
WALT
No. The kid is useless, I don’t
even want him on my property. I
thought we already went over that.
SUE
It’s very important to my mother
that you accept. It’d be an
insult to refuse.
WALT
How is this all of a sudden turned
around on me? The goddamned kid
tries to steal my car and somehow
I’m the bad guy if I don’t accept?
57.
CONTINUED:
50
50
(CONTINUED)
Page 59
SUE
My family is very traditional and
it will very much upset them if
you don’t let Tao repay...
Tao interrupts from the sidewalk...
TAO
Come on, Sue. If he doesn’t want
to, let’s just go.
Sue and Vu yell at Tao to shut up at the same time; Sue
in English, Vu in Hmong.
SUE/VU
Shut up. Shut up! Shut up!!
Tao looks at the ground.
A PAUSE. Walt sees the earnest looks on the Hmong
women’s faces. Their expression “begs” Walt.
Walt gazes back at Tao. Walt looks disgusted, he exhales
loudly...
WALT
Fine. Great. Tomorrow.
Walt walks past them and into his house.
WALT
Jesus, Joseph and Mary. These
Hmong broads are like badgers.
EXT. WALT’S PORCH - NEXT MORNING
52
52
Walt sits drinking coffee and reading the newspaper. Tao
walks sheepishly over to the property line.
WALT
Son of a bitch, I didn’t think
he’d show.
Walt waves Tao over. Tao barely looks at Walt.
WALT
Okay. What are you good at?
TAO
Like what?
WALT
That’s what I’m asking. What are
you good at?
58.
CONTINUED:
51
51
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
Page 60
If you’re gonna work for me, I
have to know what you can do.
TAO
I don’t know.
WALT
That’s about what I expected.
Okay, why don’t you go over by the
spruce tree and count how many
birds feed at the bird feeder.
TAO
Count the birds?
WALT
Yeah, you can count? You slopes
are supposed to be good at math,
right?
TAO
Yes, I can count.
EXT. WALT’S GARDEN - MORNING
53
53
Tao stands in Walt’s garden with his arms folded. Walt
walks over to trim weeds around the garden fence.
Walt doesn’t even look at Tao. Finally...
TAO
You want me to do that?
WALT
No.
TAO
Why not?
WALT
I want it done right, that’s why.
TAO
But you’ve got me just standing
here. What am I supposed to be
doing, anyway?
WALT
Scaring away crows.
Tao shoots Walt a dirty look.
59.
CONTINUED:
52
52
WALT (CONT'D)
(CONTINUED)
Page 61
WALT
It’s a perfect job for you, plus
you people don’t seem to mind
squinting in the sun all day.
EXT. WALT’S HOUSE - MORNING
54
54
Walt waters a flower bed. Tao comes over and stands
there. Walt finishes watering before even looking at
Tao.
TAO
What do you have for me today?
You want me to watch paint dry or
maybe count the clouds that pass
by?
WALT
Don’t get flip with me, zipper
head. I ain’t the one who tried
to steal and don’t forget it.
TAO
Go ahead. I don’t care if you
insult me and say racist things.
I’ll take it.
WALT
That I know. You have no teeth,
kid. That’s your problem. You
have no balls.
TAO
Look, I’m stuck here. Why don’t
you give me something useful to
do.
WALT
Because unlike you I’m not
useless. I maintain my property,
whereas you swamp rats let your
houses go to hell.
Walt looks across the street at one very dilapidated
house.
WALT
Wait a minute... How long do I
have you for?
Tao pauses... he doesn’t want to answer.
WALT
How long, Toad?
60.
CONTINUED:
53
53
(CONTINUED)
Page 62
TAO
(quietly)
Till next Friday.
Walt laughs out loud. It makes Tao cringe.
WALT
Go get my ladder out of the
garage.
CUT TO:
EXT. NEIGHBOR’S HOUSE - SAME DAY
55
55
Tao is at the top of the LADDER. Walt and the Hmong
neighbor grin at him from the bottom.
WALT
When you’re done caulking the
siding, nail that gutter back up,
I can see it right out my kitchen
window, it’s been bugging me for
three years.
The neighbor says something in Hmong to Walt.
WALT
You said it, brother.
EXT. HOUSE ACROSS THE STREET - RAINY MORNING
56
56
Tao digs up a big TREE STUMP out in the rain. It’s hard,
draining labor and Tao is covered with mud.
Tao’s shovel hits rocks and roots and clay. Misery.
EXT. NEIGHBORING HOUSES - DAY
57
57
We see Tao do various chores; scrape paint, hang screen
doors, reattach house numbers, trim bushes, etc.
Walt scrutinizes his every move. Tao is a virtual slave.
EXT. WALT’S PORCH - MORNING
58
58
Walt watches with great satisfaction as Tao paints one of
the neighboring houses. The neighborhood is really
shaping up.
Walt sips his coffee with a slight grin. He is really,
really, really enjoying this.
61.
CONTINUED:
54
54
(CONTINUED)
Page 63
A very old Hmong man and his very young GRANDSON walk up
Walt’s driveway. The Grandson translates for grandpa.
GRANDSON
Grandpa says he want to know if
you can have Tao clear out the big
wasp nest under our porch?
Walt reaches in his pocket and studies a small note pad.
WALT
I don’t see why not.
(grins )
Tell him sometime after lunch.
EXT. WALT’S HOUSE - MORNING
59
59
Tao walks up the sidewalk. Before ringing the doorbell,
Tao looks down at his hands which have several CALLOUSES
on them.
Tao rubs his hands with a smile. This has been the first
time Tao has really risen to a task presented to him.
Tao reaches for the doorbell...
INT. WALT’S BATHROOM - SAME TIME
60
60
Walt stands over the sink, coughing. In the b.g. the
doorbell rings.
Walt coughs up a big spot of blood, it’s thick with
fibers. The doorbell rings again.
Walt wipes his mouth and runs the water in the sink.
INT. WALT’S ENTRYWAY - SECONDS LATER
61
61
Walt answers the door, just as Tao rings the doorbell a
third time. Walt looks angry.
WALT
Jesus Lord almighty, knock it off.
TAO
It’s my last day, whatta you want
me to do?
WALT
Take the day off, you’ve done
enough.
62.
CONTINUED:
58
58
(CONTINUED)
Page 64
Tao looks disappointed, but says nothing. He nods and
starts to walk away. Walt calls after him...
WALT
Toad.
Tao turns around. Walt wants to say something, but
stops.
WALT
Nothing, never mind.
Walt shuts the door.
INT. DOCTOR’S WAITING ROOM
62
62
Walt sits in the crowded waiting room. He looks around.
He’s the only WHITE PERSON in the room. Even most of the
STAFF is African or from India.
As Walt waits, names are called out such as Alvarez,
Ngaima, Yang and Abdalla.
Finally when the name “Kowalski” is called, the Muslim
woman can’t pronounce it correctly. Walt winces.
INT. DOCTOR’S OFFICE
63
63
Walt sits in a chair, his hands folded in his lap.
A short Asian man in a doctor’s smock comes in with a
chart.
ASIAN DOCTOR
Mr. Kowalski?
WALT
That’s right.
ASIAN DOCTOR
Good afternoon. I looked over
your paperwork and I think we
should immediately start on a full
battery of tests. I feel that
this...
WALT
Wait a minute. Where’s my regular
doctor, where’s Dr. Fellman?
63.
CONTINUED:
61
61
(CONTINUED)
Page 65
ASIAN DOCTOR
Dr. Fellman retired three years
ago. I’m his replacement, Dr.
Chang.
WALT
Jesus Christ.
INT. MITCH’S KITCHEN
64
64
Mitch, Karen and Ashley are in the kitchen. The phone
rings and Ashley looks at the caller ID.
ASHLEY
It’s Grandpa Walt.
KAREN
Well, pick it up.
ASHLEY
You talk to him.
KAREN
Mitch?
MITCH
I’m doing bills here.
KAREN
He’s your father.
Ashley hands him the phone and he pushes the TALK button.
MITCH
Hello, Dad.
WALT (V.O.)
Hello? It’s me... Dad.
MITCH
I know. What’s up?
The CAMERA INTERCUTS BETWEEN Mitch in his huge kitchen
and Walt sitting on the edge of his bed.
WALT
Um... not much, how about you?
MITCH
I’m fine, fine.
WALT
Fine. That’s fine... How about
the kids and Karen?
64.
CONTINUED:
63
63
(CONTINUED)
Page 66
MITCH
Everyone is fine.
WALT
Good.
There is a long, uncomfortable pause. Walt looks at some
Xeroxed medical pamphlets scattered on his bed.
MITCH
Good.
WALT
Well, that’s good... How’s...
work?
MITCH
Busy.
WALT
Right. I s’pose.
MITCH
Speaking of busy, I have a lot on
my plate right now, unless there’s
something pressing.
Walt looks at a pale, blue pamphlet. Mitch looks at his
housekeeping bill.
WALT
No. Nope.
Another pause.
WALT
Okay then.
MITCH
Okay. Yeah, so it’s not a good
time right now. Why don’t you
call me over the weekend.
WALT
Sure.
MITCH
Okay, it was nice talking to you,
bye, Dad.
Walt hangs up. He lies down on his bed.
65.
CONTINUED:
64
64
Page 67
EXT. WALT’S FRONT YARD - DAY
65
65
While Walt fills a bird feeder, he notices Tao next door.
Tao stands, tiptoed on the top of a six-foot ladder,
trying to cut a high branch with a pole saw.
Walt shakes his head and walks over to Tao.
WALT
Hey, moron.
Tao is startled and almost falls off the ladder.
TAO
What?
WALT
I appreciate you’re doing
something on your own, but you’re
the only person I know dumb enough
to get himself killed trimming
tree branches.
TAO
What now?
WALT
You don’t stand on the top step of
a ladder and if you cut through
that branch you’re hacking away
at, you’ll end up kaput.
Tao looks and sure enough -- a thick, black POWER LINE is
five feet below the branch he’s almost severed.
WALT
Go grab the extension ladder from
my garage and I’ll show you how to
do it right, zipper head.
CUT TO:
EXT. TAO’S YARD - LATER
66
66
Tao ties up bundles of branches and twigs. Walt lights a
cigarette, looks up in the tree and nods.
WALT
Looks good. Good job.
Tao nods.
66.
(CONTINUED)
Page 68
WALT
Make sure you put the ladder back
when you’re done raking up the
leaves.
TAO
I know. I will.
Walt walks back over to his porch, grabs a Pabst from the
cooler and watches Tao rake.
A white Honda turns the corner and drives slowly past
Tao.
Smokie and Spider smile menacingly at Tao as they pass.
WALT
This kid doesn’t have a chance.
The Honda now slowly passes Walt’s house. Walt just
stands there, sipping his beer.
The Honda slows to a stop and the gangbangers glare at
Walt.
The REAR WINDOW of the Honda opens.
Walt holds out his RIGHT HAND like a GUN. He closes one
eye to better “aim” his imaginary gun and moves his thumb
several times as if firing. Bang -- bang -- bang.
The Honda takes off. Walt watches it drive off and
lights another cigarette.
Walt doesn’t notice, but Tao witnessed this whole
interaction from his yard.
INT. WALT’S ENTRYWAY - MORNING
67
67
The doorbell rings.
Walt opens his door. Tao stands there with his hands in
his pockets. He’s a bit apprehensive.
TAO
What do you know about faucets?
Walt stares at him for a second and then laughs.
CUT TO:
67.
CONTINUED:
66
66
Page 69
INT. TAO’S KITCHEN - A MINUTE LATER
68
68
Tao looks on as Walt turns the faucet on and off, it
drips water at its base. Walt looks under the sink.
WALT
For the love of Pete.
TAO
What?
WALT
It must be a hundred degrees in
here, turn on the fan.
Tao flips the switch on the CEILING FAN, the fan wobbles
and shakes, it looks like it’s about to fly off.
Walt stares up at the fan and shakes his head.
INT. WALT’S GARAGE
69
69
The CEILING FAN and FAUCET are taken apart on the
workbench. Walt reinstalls the diverter valve. Tao
looks at all of Walt’s tools.
TAO
Man, where did you get all this
stuff?
WALT
What are you talking about?
TAO
All the tools and stuff.
WALT
Where the hell do you think I got
them, Toad? This may come as a
shock to a thief, but I actually
bought the things I have with
money I earned.
TAO
Yeah, yeah, yeah, that’s not what
I meant. There’s just so much
shit packed in here.
WALT
You need the right tool for the
right job. Every single thing
here has a purpose.
68.
(CONTINUED)
Page 70
TAO
Okay, what’s this?
Tao points to a tool.
WALT
Post hole digger.
Tao starts pointing at things on the workbench in quick
succession, questioning Walt with his expression.
WALT
Hand spade. Tin snips. Nail
punch. Tack hammer. Putty knife.
Wire stripper. Drywall saw. Tile
spacers.
Silence. Walt can see something is bothering Tao, but
he’s too uncomfortable to speak up --
WALT
What?
TAO
I can’t afford to buy all this
stuff.
WALT
I didn’t buy all this stuff at
once, blockhead. I’ve lived here
for fifty years. A man stays in
one place long enough he tends to
attract a decent set of tools.
TAO
Yeah, but...
WALT
Look, kid, I think I know where
you’re going with this. You don’t
need everything to maintain a
house. I’m going to let you in on
a little secret.
Walt rattles around his tool bench and slaps down THREE
items in quick succession.
WALT
This is for you. Roll of duct
tape, can of WD-40 and a pair of
vise-grips. Any man who’s worth a
shit can do half his household
jobs with these three things. In
the odd chance that doesn’t work
out, you can borrow something.
69.
CONTINUED:
69
69
(CONTINUED)
Page 71
TAO
Okay. Cool.
Walt coughs and covers his mouth. Both Tao and Walt see
the spot of BLOOD in his hand.
TAO
What’s with that?
WALT
What’s with what?
TAO
The blood you just coughed up.
That’s not good, you should see a
doctor.
Walt quickly changes the subject -- while tightening the
screws that hold the fan blade to the motor hub.
WALT
So... what exactly was the deal
with those guys out on my lawn
that night? Who are they?
TAO
A gang. Hmong gangbangers.
WALT
I gathered that. What did they
want with you?
TAO
They wanted to take me away
because I blew my first
initiation.
WALT
You joined up with those pukes?
Damn, you are a pussy. Why in the
hell did you do that?
TAO
I don’t know. They were
persuasive. My cousin’s in the
gang. They just talked me into it
I guess.
WALT
Well, at least you’re honest about
it.
A LONG SILENCE. Walt finishes fixing the ceiling fan.
70.
CONTINUED: (2)
69
69
(CONTINUED)
Page 72
WALT
So how’d you blow your first
initiation?
Tao nods towards the GRAN TORINO.
WALT
The Gran Torino?
Tao nods. Walt laughs.
WALT
Christ all Friday.
INT. WALT’S BASEMENT
70
70
Walt straps an old WESTINGHOUSE FREEZER onto a two-
wheeled DOLLY. Walt attempts to pull the freezer
upstairs.
Walt strains with the heavy appliance. It’s too much
weight for Walt, but this doesn’t stop him from heaving
and pulling.
Walt could have done this by himself when he was younger.
Walt sits down on the step and breathes hard.
INT. MITCH’S MASSIVE DEN
71
71
Mitch watches afternoon baseball, drinking an imported,
bottled beer. KAREN pokes her head into the room.
KAREN
See you later, I’m taking the kids
to the mall.
Mitch never looks up from the TV.
MITCH
Yeah, fine. Just don’t spend too
much goddamned money.
KAREN
I will.
We hear Karen and the kids exit.
MITCH
Thank God. Finally get the house
to myself for once.
The PHONE RINGS. Mitch looks at the Caller ID. It says;
“Dad.” Mitch almost doesn’t pick it up...
71.
CONTINUED: (3)
69
69
(CONTINUED)
Page 73
MITCH
Hello.
WALT (V.O.)
Hello? It’s me, Dad... Walt.
MITCH
Hey, Dad. What’s up?
The CAMERA INTERCUTS BETWEEN Walt in his small kitchen
and Mitch in his huge den.
WALT
Well... I... um... I’m getting the
old Westinghouse up out of the
basement.
Mitch mouths the word “Shit.”
MITCH
Uh-huh.
WALT
So... I got it on the dolly.
MITCH
Yeah, that’ll help.
WALT
Yeah... And it’s a bit heavy...
for one guy.
MITCH
Uh-huh.
WALT
Yeah... I need a hand.
MITCH
Oh.
WALT
So are you busy?
MITCH
Does it have to be done right this
second? It’s been down there for
years.
WALT
Well... Yeah, I’d like to get on
it.
72.
CONTINUED:
71
71
(CONTINUED)
Page 74
MITCH
Does it work? We were thinking
about getting a freezer. What are
you going to do with it?
WALT
Giving it to Aunt Mary.
MITCH
Oh... Can’t she give you a hand?
WALT
She’s eighty-one.
MITCH
I know, I was joking... What does
she need it for?
WALT
To freeze food.
Mitch opens another beer.
MITCH
Yeah, well, I’d love to help you
out, Dad, but I’m just walking out
the door. I have to bring the
kids to the mall. Sorry.
WALT
Uh-huh.
MITCH
Why don’t you call Stevie?
WALT
Your brother lives out of state.
MITCH
Well, I don’t know what to tell
you, I’m on my way out. Keys in
my hand.
WALT
Okay then.
MITCH
If you can’t find anyone by next
week, give me a call.
Walt nods and hangs up.
Mitch hangs up and takes a sip of beer.
73.
CONTINUED: (2)
71
71
(CONTINUED)
Page 75
MITCH
Aunt Mary. Like she needs a
freezer.
INT. TAO’S HOUSE
72
72
The doorbell rings and Tao opens the door. There stands
Walt. Tao is a little shocked.
WALT
You got a minute, Toad?
CUT TO:
INT. WALT’S BASEMENT - A MINUTE LATER
73
73
Walt and Tao look at the freezer strapped to the dolly.
WALT
I just need a little push. All
the weight is up top, so you stay
down and give me a little shove at
each step.
TAO
Let me take the top.
WALT
Naw, I got it.
TAO
No really, I’ll take the top. It
looks pretty heavy.
WALT
I’m not crippled. I got it.
TAO
If you don’t let me take the top,
I ain’t helping. I’ll go home.
WALT
Listen, zipper head, now’s not the
time to go and...
TAO
You listen, old man. You came and
got me because you needed help, so
let me help you. Either it’s top
or I’m out of here.
Walt studies Tao for a second. Tao doesn’t blink, he
holds his ground. Walt nods, trying not to grin.
74.
CONTINUED: (3)
71
71
(CONTINUED)
Page 76
WALT
Okay then, be my guest. Just
don’t let it slip out of your
little girl hands and crush me.
Tao laughs.
TAO
Don’t give me any ideas.
EXT. WALT’S BACKYARD - MINUTES LATER
74
74
Tao and Walt ease the freezer down the back steps and
pause to take a break. They both breathe hard.
TAO
That thing weighs a ton.
WALT
Yeah, but it runs like new. They
don’t make them like that anymore.
TAO
What are you going to do with it?
WALT
Sell it. I haven’t used it in
years and it was always in the way
down there.
TAO
How much?
WALT
Oh, I don’t know. Sixty bucks,
maybe. Why, you need a freezer?
TAO
(nods)
Our downstairs one died.
Walt thinks for a second.
WALT
Twenty-five and it’s yours.
TAO
Twenty-five? You just said sixty?
WALT
Save me from wasting money on
putting an ad in the paper.
75.
CONTINUED:
73
73
Page 77
EXT. WALT’S PORCH - DAY
75
75
Walt and Sue sit eating Laab as they watch Tao, who
washes and waxes the Gran Torino in Walt’s driveway.
Sue laughs and shakes her head.
SUE
Kind of ironic, huh?
WALT
What?
SUE
What the hell do you think I’m
referring to? Toad washing the
car he tried to steal from you.
WALT
It seems like justice to me. And
if he misses a spot, he’s doing it
all over.
SUE
It’s nice of you to kind of look
after him like this. He doesn’t
have any real role models in his
life.
WALT
I ain’t a role model.
SUE
You’re a good man, Wally. I wish
our dad would have been more like
you.
WALT
Don’t call me Wally.
SUE
No, I’m serious. He was hard on
us, really traditional, really old
school.
WALT
I’m old school.
SUE
Yeah, but you’re American.
WALT
What’s that supposed to mean?
Sue shrugs him off. They look at Tao for awhile.
76.
(CONTINUED)
Page 78
SUE
You like him, don’t you?
WALT
Him? Don’t be crazy. He tried to
steal my car.
SUE
And you spend time with him and
you teach him how to fix things
and you saved him from that fuck
cousin of ours and...
WALT
Hey. Watch the language.
SUE
And you’re a good man.
WALT
Hand me a beer, Dragon Lady.
Sue hands him a beer and Walt pops the top.
WALT
So tell me the problem with Hmong
boys again. I’m not completely
clear.
SUE
Hmong girls slip in and out of the
culture more easily. Date who we
want, stay close to our mothers,
but are able to keep a foot on
each side of the fence. The boys
fall through the cracks.
WALT
Why?
SUE
It’s tough. The boys float
around. The fathers belong in a
totally different world and the
boys have no one to turn to. Does
that make sense?
WALT
Not sure. No.
SUE
The boys don’t ask their fathers
for advice, because over here,
their fathers no longer have the
answers.
77.
CONTINUED:
75
75
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
Page 79
Hmong boys become almost
invisible, they end up banding
together and it all goes to hell
from there.
WALT
The girls go to college and the
boys go to jail.
SUE
It’s more common than not.
Walt reflects on this for awhile, then changes the
subject.
WALT
You still going out with that
clown?
SUE
No. I dumped him. He was a dim-
wit.
Walt nods.
WALT
Good girl.
EXT. WALT’S GARDEN - DAY
76
76
Walt and Tao spread mulch around Walt’s vegetable plants.
TAO
You know, the Hmong consider
gardening to be women’s work.
WALT
Is that why I see you out in your
garden all the time? Besides,
zipper head, we ain’t in Hu-Mong.
TAO
Funny.
Walt lights a cigarette.
TAO
You should quit those. It’s bad
for you.
WALT
So is joining a gang, you dipshit.
78.
CONTINUED: (2)
75
75
SUE (CONT'D)
(CONTINUED)
Page 80
TAO
Seriously, you should quit, I saw
you cough up blood.
WALT
So, you ever think about what you
want to do with your life?
TAO
I don’t know.
WALT
You’ve never thought about it?
TAO
Of course I have.
WALT
Well, while you’re thinking about
it, try not to stomp all over my
chives, you dipshit.
Tao looks down; sure enough, he’s standing on Walt’s
chives.
TAO
Sorry.
WALT
Put some mulch around the
cucumbers.
Tao spreads more mulch.
TAO
I was thinking about sales, maybe.
WALT
My oldest son’s a salesman. He
sells cars.
TAO
Does he do well?
WALT
License to steal. I worked in a
Ford plant for thirty years and my
son sells goddamned Japanese cars.
TAO
You made cars?
79.
CONTINUED:
76
76
(CONTINUED)
Page 81
WALT
That’s right. And I put the
steering column in the Gran Torino
when it rolled down the line in
1972.
TAO
Wow, that’s cool.
WALT
It is, isn’t it?
TAO
Does your son come over much?
WALT
How are you going about getting
into sales? You thinking about
school?
TAO
Kinda.
WALT
Well, you should.
TAO
School costs money.
WALT
Maybe you should get a job and
save instead of spreading mulch in
my garden.
TAO
Maybe you could just pay me.
WALT
That’s funny.
TAO
What kind of job could I get?
WALT
Good question. Who the hell would
hire you?
TAO
(deflated)
Yeah, I know.
WALT
Aw, go on. I’m kidding. You
could get a job, easy.
80.
CONTINUED: (2)
76
76
(CONTINUED)
Page 82
TAO
Like what?
WALT
I’d think about construction.
TAO
Me? Construction? What, do you
have Alzheimer’s or something?
WALT
Naw, you could hack it. You just
need a little adjustment.
TAO
You said yourself I’m worthless
and I have soft little girl hands.
WALT
That’s exactly the point. I know
some guys in the trades, but you
have to get your shit together.
We have to man you up a bit.
TAO
Man me up?
WALT
Yes. And you should ask out Yum
Yum too.
EXT./INT. BARBERSHOP - DAY
77
77
Walt and Tao walk up to the barbershop.
WALT
You have to learn how guys talk.
Now watch how me and Martin
communicate. We just throw it
back and forth. You ready?
TAO
Sure.
WALT
Okay, let’s go in.
Walt holds the door for Tao and they enter. The Barber
has his feet up reading a Playboy.
BARBER
Oh great, a Pollack and a chink.
81.
CONTINUED: (3)
76
76
(CONTINUED)
Page 83
WALT
Afternoon, Martin, you dumb
Italian prick.
BARBER
Walt, you cheap asshole, I should
have known you’d come in, I was
having such a pleasant day.
WALT
Why, did you jew some blind man
out of a few bucks, give him the
wrong change?
Walt and the Barber shake hands warmly. Tao is wide-
eyed.
BARBER
Who’s the Nip?
WALT
This is Tao. He’s a pussy kid who
lives next door and I’m trying to
man him up a little.
Walt points at Tao.
WALT
Did you see? That’s how men talk
to each other.
TAO
They do?
BARBER
What, do you have shit in your
ears?
WALT
Okay. You go out, come back in
and give it a try.
TAO
Come on, Walt.
WALT
I said go out there, come back in
and talk to the barber like a man.
Do it.
Tao shrugs, goes outside, lets the door shut then comes
back in. The Barber stands there with a sneer on his
face.
82.
CONTINUED:
77
77
(CONTINUED)
Page 84
TAO
Wus up, you old Italian prick?
The Barber levels a sawed-off SHOTGUN at Tao.
BARBER
Get outta my shop before I blow
your head off, you long-haired
faggy little gook!
Tao is terrified, frozen stiff.
Walt and the Barber throw their heads back and laugh.
The Barber lowers the shotgun.
WALT
Jesus Christ, Toad, you don’t walk
in and insult a guy. What are
you, an idiot?
TAO
But... but that’s what you said.
That’s what you said men say.
WALT
Not if you never met the guy. If
you say that shit to the wrong
stranger, they’ll blow your
goddamned gook head off!
Walt and the Barber laugh again.
TAO
What should I have said?
WALT
Anything but that.
BARBER
Kid, you shoulda just started with
‘Hi’ or ‘Hello.’
WALT
Right. You should have said,
‘Excuse me, I’m looking for a
haircut if you have time.’
BARBER
Yeah. Be polite, but don’t kiss
ass.
WALT
Or, even better is act like you
just got off a construction job.
83.
CONTINUED: (2)
77
77
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
Page 85
Or bitch about your girlfriend or
getting your car fixed.
BARBER
Right. Son of a bitch, I just got
my brakes fixed and those sons a
bitches really nailed me. Screwed
me right in the ass.
WALT
Exactly. Don’t swear at the guy
you’re talking to, swear about
another guy who ain’t there. My
son of a bitch prick fucking boss
made me work overtime and he knew
I had bowling tonight.
BARBER
Or, my old lady bitches to me for
two fucking hours about how they
don’t take expired coupons at the
grocery store and the minute I
turn on the goddamned game, she
starts crying how we never talk.
WALT
See? You come back in, Toad. Be
polite and then you bring up
something you can both talk about.
It ain’t rocket science.
TAO
Yeah, but I don’t have a job or a
car or a girlfriend.
Walt and the Barber laugh.
BARBER
Sweet Jesus, I shoulda blown his
head off when I had the chance.
WALT
Just go back outside and try it
again. And don’t mention you’re a
pussy with no car, girl, job,
future or whatever. Come in and
act like a man, Toad.
Tao goes out, turns around and comes back in.
TAO
Excuse me, sir, I need a haircut,
if you ain’t too busy... you
Italian son-of-a-bitch prick
barber.
84.
CONTINUED: (3)
77
77
WALT (CONT'D)
(CONTINUED)
Page 86
Walt and the Barber laugh...
TAO
Boy does my ass hurt from all the
guys at my construction job.
Walt and the Barber laugh harder.
INT. WALT’S OLD PICKUP TRUCK - MORNING
78
78
WALT
If you do this, you’re going to
follow through, right?
TAO
Yeah, yeah.
WALT
No, not yeah, yeah. Yes, as in
yes, sir, I’ll do my best.
TAO
Yes, I’ll do my best.
WALT
You better, because when I vouch
for someone, it’s my word and I
don’t want anyone making me look
bad.
TAO
No, I’m good. I’m totally into
this.
WALT
And don’t lay down to people all
the time. Always look a person in
the eye. When you shake a man’s
hand, you can usually tell where
you stand with him.
Walt hands a pair of beat-up WORK GLOVES to Tao.
WALT
Here, stuff these in your back
pocket.
TAO
Cool.
WALT
Just don’t blow this.
85.
CONTINUED: (4)
77
77
(CONTINUED)
Page 87
Walt and Tao walk up to the Superintendent’s Office
Trailer on a construction job site.
INT. JOB TRAILER - SAME TIME
79
79
Walt and Tao come in. Walt shakes hands with TIM
KENNEDY, the job super.
WALT
Kennedy, you drunken Irish goon,
how the hell are ya?
KENNEDY
Shitty, but who’s gonna listen?
WALT
Not me.
Walt pours himself a cup of the bad job-site coffee.
KENNEDY
Help yourself, Walt, you dumb
Pollack.
WALT
I already did. This is the kid I
told you about. Tao, this is Tim
Kennedy, he’s the super on the
job.
Kennedy looks Tao up and down. Tao looks him in the eye.
KENNEDY
What do we got, Walt?
WALT
He’s done construction here and
there. Whatever you need, he’ll
pick it up quick.
KENNEDY
You sure?
WALT
Sure.
KENNEDY
You speak English?
TAO
Yes, sir.
KENNEDY
You born here?
86.
CONTINUED:
78
78
(CONTINUED)
Page 88
TAO
You bet.
KENNEDY
You got a vehicle? I see Walt
drove you here.
TAO
Not at the moment. I’m taking the
bus for now.
KENNEDY
The bus? Jesus Christ, you don’t
have a car?
TAO
My headgasket cracked and the
goddamned prick at the shop wants
to bend me over for $2100.
KENNEDY
I just replaced the tranny in my
Tahoe and the sons a bitches
fucked me hard, just under $3200.
TAO
Goddamned thieves. It ain’t
right.
KENNEDY
You got that right. Come on in on
Monday and we’ll find something
for you to do.
Tao puts out his hand to shake.
TAO
Thanks, Mr. Kennedy.
Tim Kennedy shakes Tao’s hand.
KENNEDY
It’s Tim. What’s your name again?
TAO
Tao.
KENNEDY
Okay. You owe me one, Walt.
WALT
I’ll send you a fucking fruitcake
at Christmas.
87.
CONTINUED:
79
79
(CONTINUED)
Page 89
KENNEDY
Fuck the fruitcake, why don’t you
hand over the keys to that Gran
Torino.
WALT
Yeah, everybody seems to want that
car.
KENNEDY
I bet.
WALT
You don’t know the half of it.
Come on, zipper head, let’s let
this big Mick get back to screwing
off.
Walt and Tao exit and walk back to the truck.
INT. TRUCK - DRIVING - SAME MORNING
80
80
Walt pulls into a Home Depot parking lot.
TAO
What are we doing?
WALT
What are you gonna put all your
tools in, an empty rice bag?
INT. HOME DEPOT
81
81
Walt and Tao walk the aisles. Walt grabs a tool belt and
tosses it to Tao.
WALT
You’ll need this.
Walt then tosses Tao a utility knife holder.
WALT
And you’ll need that. Now where
the hell do they hide the hardware
holders?
TAO
I can’t afford any of this.
WALT
I’ll get it, but you’re paying me
back with your first check.
88.
CONTINUED: (2)
79
79
(CONTINUED)
Page 90
TAO
Cool.
Walt pitches a hardware pouch at Tao.
WALT
And you need this too. That
should about do it.
TAO
Not to bitch, but won’t I be
needing some tools?
WALT
Tools I got, but I ain’t loaning
you my tool belt. You can buy
tools as you go.
TAO
I appreciate all this.
WALT
Aw, forget it.
TAO
No, I really do. Thank you.
Walt sticks out his jaw and looks Tao straight in the
eye. Tao doesn’t know what to expect.
A PAUSE. Walt puts out his HAND to Tao. Tao extends his
and they SHAKE HANDS.
It’s really quite a moment for both of them.
EXT. BUS STOP - AFTERNOON
82
82
Tao gets off the bus, his tool belt over his shoulder.
Tao looks tired after working, but content. He walks
past an abandoned lot.
The tricked-out Honda pulls up and stops. Smokie, Spider
and company get out. Tao looks nervous, but remains
calm.
TAO
What now?
SPIDER
Just seeing what you’re up to,
cuz.
89.
CONTINUED:
81
81
(CONTINUED)
Page 91
TAO
I’m getting home from work, not
that you guys would know much
about that.
SPIDER
So it’s true? You got a job.
TAO
Come on, what do you guys want
with me?
SMOKIE
Jesus Christ, Tao. What do you
think? I’ve been sooooo easy on
you, but I can’t just go on like
nothing happened.
TAO
You can’t just leave me alone?
SMOKIE
Afraid not.
The gangbangers grab Tao. Tao kicks and struggles as
they yank away his tool belt.
TAO
Keep your hands off my stuff.
SMOKIE
Your stuff? You and everything
you have is mine. I own you.
Smokie pulls the tape measure off the belt and smashes it
against the pavement. Whatever tools Smokie can’t
destroy, he tosses onto the roof of the closest building.
SMOKIE
You can’t just walk away from us,
Tao. It looks bad. It makes me
look bad.
Smokie lights a CIGARETTE and exhales...
SMOKIE
What’s the phrase I’m looking for?
Oh yeah, I need to ‘save face.’
Smokie grabs Tao by the neck and presses the lit
CIGARETTE into Tao’s cheek.
Tao screams as his flesh burns.
90.
CONTINUED:
82
82
Page 92
EXT. WALT’S ALLEY - MORNING
83
83
Walt spots Tao as he takes out the trash.
WALT
Hey there.
Tao looks to the ground and heads in the other direction.
TAO
Hey, I gotta run.
WALT
Wait a minute. Where have you
been, I haven’t seen you in days?
TAO
Busy.
Walt squints at Tao. He steps closer. Tao looks away.
Walt tilts Tao’s head up, he sees the burn.
WALT
What in the hell happened to you?
TAO
Don’t worry about it.
WALT
Don’t worry about it? Look at
your goddamned face!
TAO
I said don’t worry about it. It’s
not your problem.
Walt looks at the ground and spits.
WALT
When?
TAO
Couple days ago. Grabbed me after
I got off the bus coming home from
work.
WALT
Cowards.
TAO
I did everything I could possibly
do. They broke some of your
tools. I’ll replace them.
91.
(CONTINUED)
Page 93
WALT
Forget the tools. Where does your
cousin live?
TAO
No, Walt, I can manage. I don’t
want you doing anything.
Walt is angry, but eventually nods at Tao.
WALT
Alright. You need any other tools
for work?
TAO
I could use a roofing hammer.
WALT
Go in the garage and get whatever
you need.
INT. TAO’S BEDROOM - NIGHT
84
84
Tao leans over his desk with a black Sharpie marker. He
carefully writes “Tao Vang Lor” in black ink on the face
of his smashed-up tape measure. He puts it back into the
tool belt and grabs another tool to label.
INT./EXT. WALT’S TRUCK - NIGHT
85
85
Walt sits in the dark, the only light is from the radio
tuned to baseball. Daisy lies in the front seat. Next
to Daisy is the M1 RIFLE.
Walt watches as Spider and another Hmong gangbanger step
out of the rundown duplex, get in their Honda and drive
off.
WALT
That’s the last of them.
Walt pulls out his Colt .45 automatic and chambers a
round.
EXT. DUPLEX - SAME TIME
86
86
Walt pounds loudly on the door. A moment later the door
starts to swing open and a voice is heard...
SMOKIE (O.S.)
What the hell did...
92.
CONTINUED:
83
83
(CONTINUED)
Page 94
Walt kicks open the door and grabs Smokie by the collar.
Walt drags the 105 pound Smokie out of his house and
tosses him off the front porch onto the front sidewalk.
Smokie is stunned. Walt kicks him hard in the ribs.
SMOKIE
How the fuck did you get here?!
WALT
You aren’t that hard to track
down.
Walt boots him again. Smokie curls up in the fetal
position.
SMOKIE
What do you want?
Walt kicks him a second time.
WALT
I came to give you a chance.
SOMETHING comes out of the shadows under the porch.
Walt swings the barrel of the big Colt .45 at the
movement.
It’s a cat. Walt puts his pistol away. Smokie exhales.
WALT
It’s just you and me. Nobody
knows or has to know I was here.
You lay off Tao. Tell your guys
he ain’t worth it or whatever the
hell you want. You don’t talk to
him, you don’t go near him. This
is your one chance. You lay off
and no one will ever be the wiser.
Smokie says nothing.
WALT
I’ll take that as a yes. I don’t
want to come back here. But if I
do, believe me, it’ll be goddamned
ugly.
Walt kicks Smokie again and stalks off into the dark.
93.
CONTINUED:
86
86
Page 95
EXT. WALT’S HOUSE - SAME EVENING
87
87
Walt pulls up his driveway and parks. Daisy jumps out
and Walt carries his rifle into the house. Walt walks
stiffly.
Walt gets to the door and drops his keys. When he bends
down to pick them up, you can really tell he’s sore and
hurting.
Walt groans as he goes inside. He’s feeling his age.
EXT. WALT’S BACKYARD - DAY
88
88
Vu, Sue, Tao and Wa Xam all sit in lawn chairs, talking
and laughing. Walt flips the inch-thick STEAKS on his
Weber.
WALT
How do you want your dog... I mean
steaks cooked? Medium, medium
well?
TAO
Funny.
Walt pops open a beer and grabs an appetizer that Vu
made.
WALT
Is this Hmoog or Laab?
SUE
Laab.
WALT
Isn’t it usually a little spicier?
Tao, Wa Xam and Sue laugh.
SUE
Oh whatever, Wally.
WALT
It does. Usually it’s got more
zing.
SUE
Jesus Christ, look at you. I’ve
never seen you like this.
WALT
What?
94.
(CONTINUED)
Page 96
SUE
Look at you smile, old man.
Kicking back, having a good old
time. You’re sure pleased with
yourself today.
TAO
And it’s a little unnerving if you
ask me.
WALT
Aw, go on.
SUE
No, admit it. You are. You’re
feeling pretty good, aren’t you?
WALT
Well, who wouldn’t? I’m
surrounded by beautiful women,
it’s a beautiful day. Great food,
good friends. Hell, even Toad
isn’t driving me nuts for once.
TAO
It never ends.
WALT
I’m just kidding. Let me tell you
something, Yum-Yum. If Tao
doesn’t ask you out soon, I will.
SUE
Don’t listen to him, Wa Xam. He’s
a white devil.
WA XAM
(laughs)
I’d love to, Walt, but he beat you
to it.
WALT
I’ll be damned. Movie? Dinner?
Wa Xam and Tao nod. They’re a bit embarrassed.
SUE
Yeah, they’re taking the bus.
WALT
The bus?! That’s no good. A
charming young lady like this
deserves to go in style.
95.
CONTINUED:
88
88
(CONTINUED)
Page 97
TAO
Like what? Take a limo?
Walt nods towards the GRAN TORINO.
TAO
The Gran Torino? You’d let me
drive it?
WALT
Sure. Why not.
TAO
Really?
Walt smiles.
WALT
Really.
They shake hands.
INT. WALT’S LIVING ROOM - EVENING
89
89
Walt watches baseball. He hears a car outside. Shouts
are heard and glass breaks.
Walt gets up and looks out the shades...
TAO’S HOUSE is raked with GUNFIRE coming from a VAN!
Windows shatter and the siding splinters.
FIFTY BULLETS shake the house before the VAN peels off.
EXT. TAO’S HOUSE - SAME TIME
90
90
Walt is up their front steps and in the house in seconds.
Walt goes from room to room, from Vu to Phong finally to
Tao -- making sure no one’s been hit.
WALT
Is everyone okay? Is anyone hit?
Sue? Vu? Tao, where’s Tao?
Tao sits up from behind the couch. Blood pours down his
neck. He’s stunned.
WALT
Oh no.
Walt lays Tao down and rips open the collar of his shirt.
Walt probes around Tao’s neck.
96.
CONTINUED: (2)
88
88
(CONTINUED)
Page 98
TAO
What... what is it?
WALT
Hang on... you’re just cut, is
all.
TAO
Is everybody else okay?
WALT
Yeah.
Walt looks around at the BULLET HOLES in the walls. Tao
follows his gaze.
TAO
It’s a miracle no one was killed.
WALT
They aimed high.
Sure enough -- most of the bullet holes are above head
level on the walls.
WALT
Where’s Sue?
TAO
She went to our aunt’s.
WALT
Call her.
TAO
What?
WALT
I said call her. Get the
goddamned phone and call and see
if she’s there.
Tao scrambles for the phone and dials.
Tao speaks Hmong to whomever answered. Tao starts to
speak faster. He looks at Walt and shakes his head “no.”
For once -- Vu and Phong understand what Walt was talking
about. There is anguish on every face in the room.
CUT TO:
97.
CONTINUED:
90
90
Page 99
INT. TAO’S HOUSE - LATER
91
91
Walt sits across from Tao, drinking rice liquor. Walt
speaks loudly, without any consideration for Phong who
shoots him dirty looks.
WALT
This is exactly what I didn’t
want. Damn gooks. Why the hell
am I even here?
TAO
Maybe one of her friends called
and she just changed plans.
Walt sips the rice liquor. Walt now speaks quietly to
Tao.
WALT
In Korea I learned not to care.
The best friends of my life are
still missing somewhere in Korea.
You harden yourself. Don’t let
anything get to you.
Phong looks out the window and screams. She runs over
and swings open the door.
Everyone expects the worst...
And it comes like a cold wind -- SUE WALKS IN LIKE A
ZOMBIE. She has been brutally beaten. Her clothes are
dirty and torn.
BLOOD runs down SUE’S legs from under her shirt.
Walt looks at her and the glass falls from his hand.
Sue staggers into Vu’s arms. Vu weeps. Sue hugs her
mother and sobs.
Tao reaches to hug his sister, but Phong screeches at
him, pointing at Walt and back to Tao.
Walt is destroyed. He steps outside into the dark.
EXT./INT. WALT’S HOUSE - SAME TIME
92
92
Walt staggers across the yard to his house.
WALT
No, no, no, no, no.
98.
(CONTINUED)
Page 100
Walt bursts in the door, throws himself in an easy chair
and CRIES. He tries to stop and cries harder.
It’s the first time Walt has cried in fifty years. He
wails, crying for Tao, Sue, his wife, kids and himself.
He lets it all out. Daisy jumps in his lap and he hugs
his old dog as he bawls.
CUT TO:
INT. WALT’S LIVING ROOM - LATER
93
93
Walt sits, red-eyed. He’s done crying. Family photo
albums are scattered around.
Father Janovich knocks and eases open the front door.
FATHER JANOVICH
Mr. Kowalski, are you in here?
WALT
Come on in.
Father Janovich comes in and sits down across from Walt.
FATHER JANOVICH
Are you okay?
Walt nods.
FATHER JANOVICH
The police finally left. No one
is talking. One thing about the
Hmong, they keep their mouths
shut.
WALT
I’ve noticed that.
Father Janovich picks up a photo album and flips through
it. Pictures of Mitch and Steve as babies.
WALT
You know, there’s no way that Tao
or Sue are gonna have any peace if
these gang guys don’t go away. Go
away forever. You know it as well
as I do.
FATHER JANOVICH
What are you saying?
99.
CONTINUED:
92
92
(CONTINUED)
Page 101
WALT
You heard what I said.
FATHER JANOVICH
They took Sue to the hospital.
She’s scared. They’re all scared.
WALT
I’m not.
FATHER JANOVICH
I know that. Believe me, they all
know that. Tao especially. He’s
sitting out there staring at your
front door. You know what he
expects, Mr. Kowalski.
WALT
Yeah, well what would you do if
you were me? If you were Tao?
What would you do?
Father Janovich shakes his head.
FATHER JANOVICH
I know what I’d do if I was you,
or at least what you think you
should do. If I was Tao I guess
I’d want vengeance. I’d want to
stand shoulder to shoulder with
you and kill those guys.
WALT
And you?
FATHER JANOVICH
What would I do? I’d come over
here and talk to you I guess. I
know you’re close with these
people, but this pisses me off
too, Mr. Kowalski.
Walt nods.
WALT
Wanna beer?
FATHER JANOVICH
I’d love one.
WALT
They’re in the cooler, grab me one
too.
100.
CONTINUED:
93
93
(CONTINUED)
Page 102
Father Janovich grabs four beers, two for each of them.
He opens a Pabst and takes a big swig.
FATHER JANOVICH
Damn all this. It just isn’t
fair.
WALT
Nothing’s fair, Father.
Father Janovich and Walt sit for awhile.
FATHER JANOVICH
So, what are you going to do, Mr.
Kowalski?
WALT
Call me Walt.
Father Janovich nods.
FATHER JANOVICH
Alright, what are you going to do,
Walt?
WALT
Not sure yet. All I do know is
they don’t have a goddamned
chance.
INT. WALT’S KITCHEN - MORNING
94
94
Walt sits at the kitchen table in his robe, drinking
coffee. Tao comes in without even knocking on the door.
TAO
What are you doing?
WALT
I’m thinking.
TAO
Thinking time is over. Now it’s
time to knock the ass out of those
pricks.
WALT
I know you don’t want to hear
this, but you have to calm down.
TAO
What?!
101.
CONTINUED: (2)
93
93
(CONTINUED)
Page 103
WALT
You have to have a clear head,
otherwise mistakes get made. Back
away from what’s happened, Tao.
TAO
No. Don’t let me down, Walt. Not
you. This is going to end, today.
Walt stands up and pulls out a chair for Tao to sit in.
WALT
Sit down.
TAO
I don’t want to sit.
WALT
I SAID SIT DOWN! Just listen up
for a second and don’t say
anything.
Tao sits down. Walt rubs his hands together.
WALT
I know what needs to be done. I
need to prepare, this needs to be
carefully planned. You know I’m
the right man for this. So cool
down for a little while and meet
me back here at 4 P.M. I promise
you, what needs to be done, will
be done.
TAO
I say we go now. Right now.
WALT
And do what? You want to go kill
your cousin and those other Zips.
Mr. Tough-Guy-All-Of-A-Sudden is
out for blood. What do you even
know about it?
Tao is furious, but says nothing.
WALT
Trust me, Tao. Cool down and
we’ll meet back here at four.
Okay?
Tao doesn’t answer.
102.
CONTINUED:
94
94
(CONTINUED)
Page 104
WALT
I said ‘okay?’ You won’t do
anything without me. You meet me
back here at four? Say ‘okay.’
TAO
Okay.
Tao storms out the back door. Walt pours more coffee.
INT. BATHROOM
95
95
Walt soaks in the tub. It’s filled with bubbles. Walt
looks over at Daisy who rests on a towel in the corner.
Walt lights a CIGARETTE and exhales. Daisy curls up her
lips at the smoke.
WALT
I know, I know. Give me a break,
it’s the first time I’ve ever
smoked in the house.
EXT. WALT’S YARD - DAY
96
96
Walt meticulously mows his lawn. He carefully trims
around the fence and birdbath.
INT. OLD SCHOOL BARBERSHOP
97
97
Martin finishes cutting Walt’s hair.
BARBER
There, all done. Ten bucks
American.
WALT
I don’t suppose you still have
steady enough hands to give a guy
a straight shave, you withered,
old Italian mummy?
BARBER
You? A straight shave? You’ve
never ordered a straight shave,
ever.
WALT
That’s right. I always wondered
what they were like. Unless
you’re too goddamned busy?
103.
CONTINUED: (2)
94
94
(CONTINUED)
Page 105
BARBER
No, no. That’s fine. Let me heat
up a towel.
Walt hands Martin the Barber a twenty.
WALT
Here’s a twenty. Keep the change
in case you slip and hit my
jugular.
INT. OLD SCHOOL MEN’S CLOTHING STORE
98
98
Walt gets fitted for a new suit. The OLD TAILOR
carefully measures Walt’s shoulders.
WALT
So you can take it in right here?
TAILOR
Yes, sir. Take about an hour.
WALT
That’s great. Thank you.
TAILOR
Yes, sir.
WALT
Never had a fitted suit.
INT. CATHOLIC CHURCH OFFICE
99
99
Walt comes in and Father Janovich looks up.
FATHER JANOVICH
Mr. Kowalski, what can I do for
you?
WALT
I’ve come for confession.
FATHER JANOVICH
Oh Lord Jesus, what have you done?
WALT
Nothing. Take it easy.
FATHER JANOVICH
What are you up to?
104.
CONTINUED:
97
97
(CONTINUED)
Page 106
WALT
Are you going to let me confess or
not?
CUT TO:
INT. CONFESSIONAL BOOTH
100
100
Walt calmly sits on one side and a very nervous, sweating
Father Janovich sits on the other.
FATHER JANOVICH
How long has it been since your
last confession?
WALT
Forever. Bless me, Father, for I
have sinned.
FATHER JANOVICH
What are your sins, my son.
WALT
In 1968, I kissed Betty Jablonski
at the work Christmas party.
Dorothy was talking with the other
wives and it just happened.
FATHER JANOVICH
Yes. Go on.
WALT
I made nine hundred dollars profit
selling a boat and motor and never
reported the taxes which is the