The Killer
By
Walter Hill
Based on the Hong Kong Action Film by
John Woo
4/6/92 D.G., W.H. l.
FADE IN:
EXT. LANTAU ISLAND - NIGHT
The largest of Hong Kong's outlying islands...
Rural villages.
Not much evidence of the twentieth century except television aerials --
Dominated by a mountain at it's center.
LANTAU PEAK
A thousand meters high.
Remote.
Isolated.
A road winds up through clouds to an ancient Buddhist monastery ~t the top of
the hill.
INT. PO LIN MONASTERY - NIGHT
The walls lined with traditional Buddhist paintings and statues.
Thousands of candles illuminate an enormous image of the seated Buddha.
A gray robed MONK moves through the room lighting more candles --
JEFF
Appears in the doorway.
Suit, tie, overcoat, scarf.
He removes his shoes.
Enters the room.
TEMPLE
He walks to the front of the shrine.
Lights a joss stick, places it on the altar...
Tums and walks to the back of the room.
Sits down next to a MAN --
Similarly dressed, same age.
Chinese.
Carries a briefcase.
SIDNEY
Do you follow the eight fold path?
He hands Jeff the briefcase --
4/6/92 D.G., %W.H. 2.
SIDNEY
I used to come here when, I was very young. My
Father brought me. He thought it was a place of
perfect tranquility...Do you believe in God?
JEFF
(smiles)
Everyone believes in God.
SIDNEY
There are atheists --
JEFF
They believe in luck. It's the same thing.
Jeff snaps open the briefcase.
INSERT - INSIDE THE BRIEFCASE
A thick layer of sealed packets containing fresh Swiss banknotes.
Two 9mm WALTHERS.
A photograph of a middle aged CHINESE MAN.
SIDNEY
Want to count it?
JEFF
I trust you.
SIDNEY
You know who he is?
Jeff knows.
SIDNEY
You have a problem?
e
Jeff doesn't.
Closes the briefcase.
SIDNEY
A very bad man -- Nobody will ever miss him.
SOUND OVER - JENNY'S SONG BEGINS:
A slow, sad, distinctly Chinese song.
The musical accompaniment is Western.
Blues guitar.
Keyboards.
The voice is a woman's.
4/6/92 D.G., W.H. 3.
JEFF
As he walks through the temple --
EXT. PO LIN MONASTERY - NIGHT
Jeff comes out the huge doors.
Looks off at the city of Hong Kong across the harbor --
A million lights.
Beautiful, cooly remote...
JEFF - VERY CLOSE
The look in his eyes --
A moment of contemplation --
Tinged with regret?
He turns and moves off as THE SONG continues...
DISSOLVE.
EXT. TSIMSHATSUI DISTRICT - KOWLOON - NIGHT
The heart of Hong Kong's night life --
A massive NEON EXPLOSION of bars, restaurants, shops, cocktail lounges...
Five star luxe class hotels the size of airline terminals.
Nightclubs with lavish floor shows --
Chic discos -- every possible kind of restaurant...
EXT. WUCHOW DRAGON NIGHT CLUB - NIGHT
On a side street off Nathan road --
A small private club.
Rolls', Daimlers, Mercedes parked in front --
An elegant building with a traditional Chinese facade.
INT. WUCHOW DRAGON NIGHT CLUB - NIGHT
Expensively decorated with lacquered furniture, Chinese antiques --
A few knots of men at tables laden with bottles of liquor. Cognac, expensive Scotch...
Hostesses in Cheong Sams --
All nationalities.
Private rooms in back for gambling, opium, deals, sex...
Against the wall on a platform performing THE SONG;
A three piece group with a Woman Singer.
She is JENNY KWAN.
Late twenties. Beautiful.
4/6/92 D.G., W.H. 4.
JEFF
Dark suit, top coat, silk scarf --
He declines the hat check.
Looks over the room.
Sees Jenny for the first time --
JENNY KWAN
Singing --
For a brief moment their eyes meet --
VESTIBULE
A HOSTESS approaches Jeff.
He follows her through the Main Room past Jenny --
Toward the private cubicles...
As JENNY'S SONG ENDS --
INT. PRIVATE ROOM - WUCHOW DRAGON
High stakes PAI KAO.
The MAN IN THE BRIEFCASE PHOTO, and three others at the table --
Big time CHINESE GANGSTERS.
And they look it.
Tough, cruel, very ugly.
BODYGUARDS stand around lean against the walls fill the doorways...
No noise except the SLAPPING of the tiles on the table as the game progresses.
INT. CORRIDOR - WUCHOW DRAGON
The Hostess speaks quietly to Jeff - indicates down the hallway --
then leaves.
Jeff moves down the corridor, eyes the doorways
Stops near the fourth door...
He leans up against the wall outside the room.
Pulls on a pair of thin white gloves.
Brings one of the WALTHERS up out of his coat --
Knocks lightly on the door.
A BODYGUARD cautiously opens the door.
And the FIREFIGHT BEGINS --
Jeff FIRES TWO SHOTS into his stomach.
Then drives into him, forcing the door open --
Rolls into the room...
4/6/92 D.G., %W.H. 5.
INT. PRIVATE ROOM - WUCHOW DRAGON
Jeff lands on his back, now with a pistol in each hand --
BLOWS AWAY the two GUARDS.
MAN IN THE PHOTO
Reaches for his gun --
JEFF
Immediately on his feet with his arms extended in each direction -- A cross with a gun
at each end.
He looks down the barrel of the pistol in his right hand.
It's trained on the Man In The Photo.
Without looking he SHOOTS a GUARD drawing a gun behind him.
MAN IN THE PHOTO
His gun half drawn --
Staring at the barrel of Jeff s gun pointed at him...
JEFF
Hesitates...
Then BLASTS a hole in the man's forehead.
FIRES three more in his chest with the other gun.
Wheels around and BLOWS AWAY a THUG who has come through the door behind
him.
The SOUND of a SHOTGUN PUMP --
Jeff leaps to his right as the SHOTGUN FIRES.
He avoids the full impact of the BLAST --
Takes some PELLETS in his back.
SMALL BAR
The BARTENDER pumps the shotgun for a second BLAST --
Jeff moves toward him CONTINUOUSLY FIRING both pistols.
Every bullet rips into the Bartender's body.
His second pellet blast FIRES uselessly into the ceiling.
JEFF
Out of ammunition and targets...
He drops both pistols --
Starts for the door.
4/6/92 D.G., O'.H. 6.
SMALL BAR
An already WOUNDED THUG finds life --
Goes for the BARTENDER'S SHOTGUN... --
WIDE SHOT
Jeff sees one of the Thug's PISTOLS on the card table --
He steps on the edge of the table, catapulting the revolver through the air and into his
hand!
Aims and FIRES.
THUG
JERKING and TWISTING as the slugs TEAR into him --
JEFF
Turns and walks to the doorway.
Hears a SOUND.
He raises the pistol to fire, stops when he sees...
JENNY
Standing in the doorway.
She freezes.
Jeff s gun pointed at her head --
JEFF & JENNY
He holds the gun on her.
A BULLET SPLINTERS the door jamb beside his head.
She jumps out of the way.
Jeff BLASTS a THUG in the distance behind her --
INT. CORRIDOR - WUCHOW DRAGON
Jenny runs down the corridor back toward the main room of the club...
Jeff gaining on her from behind --
He Tackles her just as ANOTHER THUG FIRES a blast --
Intended for him --
It would have hit her...
From the floor Jeff BLASTS the THUG before he can fire again --
Jenny struggles to get up --
ANOTHER THUG with a gun appears en the other side of her.
Jeff shoots across Jenny's face --
4/6/92 D.G., W.H. 7.
JENNY - IN JEFF'S ARMS
The MUZZLE FLASH of the gun firing --
An inch in front of her eyes...
THUG
Killed instantly
JENNY & JEFF
Jenny SCREAMING...
Thrashing around, violently, blindly --
Blood pouring from her eyes.
Jeff tries to hold her down --
She struggles away from him --
Never stops SCREAMING.
Jeff holds her down, bandages her eyes with his silk scarf.
She SCREAMS, SCREAMS, SCREAMS again...
He holds on to her -- then lets go -- moves off --
Face contorted in grief.
DISSOLVE.
INT. PO LIN MONASTERY - LANTAU ISLAND - NIGHT
The face of the Buddha fills the screen...
Serene, immutable.
Jeffs SCREAM echoes o.s.
JEFF
Stripped to the waist.
Lying on his stomach --
He SCREAMS AGAIN in agony...
TEMPLE
Behind Jeff, Sidney works with a forceps --
Pulling a slug out of his back.
Clunk.
Drops the pellet in a bowl held by a GRAY-ROBED NUN with a shaved head.
It isn't the only slug in the bowl.
SIDNEY
They took her to the Royal Hong Kong. Straight to
Emergency. I know a woman who works there. We
can find out how she's doing.
JEFF
You've already talked to her?
4/6/92 D.G.. V'.H. 8.
SIDNEY
Yes. She says her condition doesn't seem very good.
DISSOLVE.
INT. ROYAL HONG KONG HOSPITAL WARD - JENNY'S FACE
Hands remove the gauze bandages covering her eyes.
The area around them is black and bruised, scabbed.
She tries to focus --
Panic begins when she realizes she can't see --
JENNY
I can't see...
DOCTOR V.O.
...the impact from the bullet exploding out of the
gun...
JENNY
I can't see.
DOCTOR V.O.
...may have damaged the optic --
JENNY
Will I be blind?
WIDER
She turns, faces the doctor, a nurse --
And hovering not too far away...SERGEANT CHANG.
DOCTOR
Can you see anything?
JENNY
Light. Shapes. Everything's blurred. Nothing's
clear.
DOCTOR
It may only be temporary. It depends on the
amount of damage to the optic nerve...
JENNY
Will I be blind?
DOCTOR
There's no way to tell right now.
Jenny begins to quietly weep...
CHANG
I'm Sergeant Chang from the police. Did you see the
man who did this to you?
4/6/92 D.G., W.H. 9.
Her face changes as she remembers --
CHANG
Could you describe him?
SUBLIMINAL SHOT - JEFF
As Jenny remembers him.
Jeff standing full front --
Both hands hang at his sides...
He raises the hand with a PISTOL.
Levels it straight at CAMERA.
FIRES.
A WASH OF BLOOD seeps across the screen --
INT. ROYAL HONG KONG HOSPITAL WARD - JENNY
She covers her face with her hands...
JENNY
Please leave me alone.
CHANG
I'm sorry...
JENNY
Please.
Chang just looks at her.
DISSOLVE.
EXT. STREET - WANCHAI DISTRICT - NIGHT
A blitz of NEON.
Bars and clubs.
Wanchai is the older decaying sister of the Tsimshatsui District --
A little worn under the garish make-up.
JENNY SINGS O.S.
The same SONG from earlier...
TITLE: SIX MONTHS LATER.
INT. PALE FLOWER COCKTAIL LOUNGE - WANCHAI - NIGHT
A small bar with a few simple wooden tables.
Indifferent decor.
4/6/92 D.G.. M/.H. 10.
Jenny accompanies herself on an electric keyboard.
Wears dark glasses...
JEFF
sits alone at a table.
Nursing a drink.
Watching her --
As the K)NG continues...
EXT. KAI TAK AIRPORT - DAY
A 747 bumps down on the tarmac.
Taxis to the terminal --
INT. TERMINAL - PASSPORT CONTROL - KAI TAK - DAY
Chang and a UNIFORMED COP wait by the passport control desk.
The Uniform directs Chang's attention to A BLACK MAN in a dark suit.
Chang approaches him.
CHANG
Excuse me, are you F.B.I. Agent Lee?
LEE
How'd you guess?
CHANG
Welcome to Hong Kong. I hope you will have a
productive visit.
LEE
Thank you. I look forward to getting acquainted.
CHANG
Your first visit to Hong Kong?
LEE
Yes. My first time here.
CHANG
My superiors are looking forward to meeting you.
LEE
It will be my pleasure, I'm sure.
This completes the official bullshit.
They look at one another.
Smile.
4/6/92 D.G.. V/.H. I l.
INT. ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE HQ - SUPERINTENDENT ROGERS'
OFFICE - DAY
The space still feels grandly colonial.
Overhead fans.
Parquet floors.
ROGERS sits behind his desk, examining Lee's credentials.
English, middle aged.
Uniformed.
ROGERS
I've been asked to give you all the help I can. I'm
afraid that will be very little. We have rather a lot of
our own problems just at the moment.
LEE
The man in the picture is wanted on Federal charges
in the United States.
He points to a PHOTOGRAPH in the dossier in front of Rogers.
Rogers picks it up.
INSERT - PHOTOGRAPH
A candid shot of Jeff in a restaurant --
OFFICE
Rogers drops the photo.
ROGERS
As I told you on the telephone, neither his name nor
his picture shows up on our computer.
LEE
Our sources say that he's living in Hong Kong...
Rogers is reading the file.
ROGERS
He's charged with "depriving a citizen of his civil
rights"..? You'll pardon me, but this seems a rather
trivial offense...
LEE
He deprived this citizen of his civil rights by putting
seven bullets in his head and body.
ROGERS
I'm told there are hundreds of murders a day in your
country. What's so special about this one to take you
so far out of your jurisdiction?
4/6/92 D.G., W.H. 12.
LEE
This particular citizen was a politician. Corrupt,
Mafia connected, a drug trafficker, but a politician.
So the Bureau does not want to appear unenthusiastic
in the pursuit of his killer.
ROGERS
You'll pardon my own lack of enthusiasm.
LEE
We also believe he is a contract killer with at least
twenty-five notches on his gun.
ROGERS
(perfunctory)
Not a bad number. You'll find killers for hire are
rather common in Hong Kong...Of course we'll help
you in any way we can.
LEE
I'll try not to be a burden.
ROGERS
Please remember you have neither authority nor
jurisdiction here, which means if you do find him,
you will inform us and we will decide what action, if
any, is to be taken. You are not to apprehend him in
any way yourself. Do you understand me?
LEE
Perfectly.
ROGERS
And I'll have your gun.
LEE
I don't carry it on social occasions.
ROGERS
You will not carry a gun on any occasion in the
Colony.
LEE
I wouldn't dream of it.
This actually gets a smile from Rogers.
ROGERS
As you're here, there is something you could do for
us. If you'd like..?
LEE
(smiles)
I hope ii doesn't involve carrying a gun.
Rogers is already speaking into intercom.
4/6/92 D.G.. W.H. 13.
ROGERS
Ask Sergeant Chang to come in, please.
INT. PALE FLOWER NIGHTCLUB - WANCHAI - NIGHT
Another night.
Jenny sings ANOTHER SONG.
There is an oversized brandy snifter on top of her keyboard.
Across the way Jeff stands at the bar, watching her.
He finishes his drink.
Approaches Jenny.
Jeff puts a wad of bills in the snifter --
Lingers a moment.
She feels his presence.
Turns her dead eyes in his direction.
JENNY
Do you have a request?
JEFF
I'm sorry. I only speak English.
JENNY
Do you wish a request?
He can't answer.
Moves away.
EXT. STREET - WANCHAI - NIGHT
Some of the other clubs on the street are already closed.
Others are closing.
Jeff comes out of the Pale Flower.
Lights a cigarette.
Moves off down the street.
INT. PALE FLOWER NIGHTCLUB - WANCHAI - NIGHT
Jenny is packing up to leave.
She takes the money from the snifter.
Puts it in her purse.
A WAITER tries to help her to the door --
JENNY
It's all right, I can manage by myself.
WAITER
Do you have a ride home?
JENNY
There's a cab stand at the end of the street.
4/6/92 D.G., W.H. 14
WAITER
Wait a minute. I'll walk with you..
JENNY
Please. I'll be all right by myself.
She knows the way out.
No need for the white cane she carries.
EXT. STREET - WANCHAI - NIGHT
Jenny comes out of the nightclub.
Turns left and starts up the street.
Now she needs the cane --
Behind her a MOTORCYCLE comes slowly up the street.
TWO RIDERS.
They trail her for a moment.
Speed up --
The passenger GRABS Jenny's bag.
Knocks her over.
The Driver accelerates...
Gets about ten feet. Jeff suddenly appears out of the shadows --
A FLYING KICK sends Driver and Passenger sprawling.
The motorcycle CRASHES into a flower stand --
JEFF
Pounces on the Kid with Jenny's bag
Grabs the bag as the Driver runs off.
Jeff indicates the other Kid should follow him --
He does.
And fast.
JENNY
On her hands and knees groping for her cane --
Jeff comes over to her.
Tries to help her up --
She thinks it's one of the muggers --
Wrenches free.
JENNY
Help! Get away from me.
JEFF
Wait...
She finds her cane and swings it at him.
He catches it.
Then grabs her hands.
4/6/92 D.G., W.H. 15.
JEFF
I m trying to help you.
She stops struggling.
JENNY
I'm sorry.
JEFF
Are you all right?
He hands her her bag.
JENNY
Thank you. Is this my bag?
JEFF
Yes. A couple of guys on a motorcycle tried to take
it. They're gone now.
JENNY
You got it back?
JEFF
It's all over now. Can I take you home?
JENNY
Thank you, but you've done enough for me already --
Starts to move off.
He falls into step next to her --
JEFF
Then, maybe you can reward me by letting me take
you home.
JENNY
You were in the club. You spoke to me, left me
money --
JEFF
I come a lot to hear you sing --
She takes his arm.
They move down the street.
JENNY
You're an American?
JEFF
From New York. It's almost the same thing. My
name is Jeff.
4/6/92 D.G.. W.H. 16.
JENNY
You speak no Cantonese?
JEFF
Twenty or thirty words...
JENNY
Then you don't understand the songs?
JEFF
It's probably better that way. Here's the car.
A BMW 850.
He opens the door and helps her into the car.
It's difficult for her.
JENNY
I hate being so helpless...
He adjusts the safety belt around her.
JENNY
I hate it. I'll never get used to it.
As he closes the door --
INT. JENNY'S APARTMENT - MONGKOK DISTRICT - KOWLOON -
NIGHT
The apartment is simple and spare.
A piano.
Sophisticated sound system.
Jeff opens the door and turns on a LIGHT --
JEFF
Would you like me to have a look around? Just to be
safe?
JENNY
Thank you. Coming home alone still scares me.
JEFF
Don't you have a boyfriend?
JENNY
I got rid of him. I feel sorry enough for myself. I
didn't need any more help.
Jeff looks around the apartment.
Stops near a high table.
Looks at some photographs of Jenny --
Winning a talent contest.
4/6/92 D.G., W.H. 17.
Playing tennis.
An album cover.
It's painful for him.
JEFF
You sure that's the way he felt?
JENNY
It's the way I felt... Would you like something to
drink? I think I have some brandy.
JEFF
I don't want to keep you up.
JENNY
You won't be. Please have a drink. I'll have one too.
She has moved to a cabinet and is fumbling among the bottles.
JEFF
I can get it.
JENNY
It might be better. At least you'll know what you're
getting. I'm still not too good at fumbling in the
dark.
He moves to the cabinet.
JEFF
You can't see at all?
JENNY
I can see light. Shapes.
He's poured two snifters of cognac.
Gives her one.
Jenny lifts the glass to toast him.
JENNY
(smiles)
'Brighter days ahead.
They drink.
JEFF
Isn't there anything that can be done? An operation
or something?
JENNY
No. The optic nerve is damaged. They say it might
heal by itself, but it might not.
On the nearby coat rack Jeff sees his scarf --
From the night of the shooting.
4/6/92 D.G., W.H. 18.
Blood stained.
He touches it...
JENNY
Wouldn't you like to sit down?
He doesn't move.
JENNY
You're looking at the scarf, aren't you?
JEFF
The bloodstains are yours?
JENNY
The man who did this to me used it to bandage me.
JEFF
Why do you keep it?
JENNY
I keep momentos of all the big events in my life.
Jeff doesn't have much to say to this.
JENNY
I'm sorry I'm so bitter, but I can't stop myself --
I should be brave and cheerful. Positive and op-
timistic. But, I don't feel any of that. Maybe I will
sometime, but not now. I'm blind and depressed and
bad tempered. Good company, don't you think?
JEFF
I was never crazy about brave and cheerful.
He sits down next to her.
JENNY
I haven't seen my face in six months. I wonder if I've
lost my looks.
JEFF
You don't have to worry.
JENNY
Are you feeling sorry for me or taking advantage of
me?
JEFF
Both.
He kisses her.
She accepts the kiss.
Seems to enjoy it.
Then suddenly pulls back...
4/6/92 D.G., W.H. 19.
JENNY
I think you should go.
She stands. So does he.
JEFF
Can I see you again?
JENNY
No. It's not a good idea.
JEFF
I'd like to.
JENNY
I sing every night in a bar. You can see me there.
JEFF
Okay. I'll see you tomorrow.
Moves to the door.
Looks back and smiles.
Realizes it's a smile she'll never see.
Turns and goes.
EXT. STREET - ABERDEEN DISTRICT - NIGHT
A white Daimler rolling along a quiet, narrow street --
INT. DAIMLER - CHANG - LEE
Chang drives.
Lee practices shoving a speed loader into a .357 Magnum.
CHANG
It's perfect. Eddy'll never make you for a cop.
LEE
You don't think I look like a police officer?
CHANG
Not like a local cop anyway.
LEE
Your man Eddy is a pretty bad boy?
CHANG
Not just bad. Insane. And no problem pulling the
trigger.
LEE
Great. Tell me about him. Make me hate him.
!
t
4/6/92 D.G., %W.H. 20.
CHANG
He's the local front man for the Chinese military.
They've supplied guns to every terrorist organization
you can think of. Sikhs, Tamils, Khmer Rouge...
LEE
And who do I represent?
CHANG
Unspecified. You're just a businessman. If
something~ goes wrong, don't give it a second
thought. Shoot first and ask questions later.
LEE
What's going to go wrong?
EXT. CONSTRUCTION SITE - DOWNTOWN HONG KONG - NIGHT
The shell of a fifty story skyscraper.
Deserted for the night.
A VAN is parked on the street in front.
Blackened rear windows.
TWO MEN visible.
Smoking cigarettes as they wait.
The Daimler pulls up.
The van turns on its HEADLIGHTS.
Lee and Chang get out of Daimler.
EDDY and a THUG get out of the van.
CHANG
Eddy. sorry we're late.
EDDY
This the customer?
CHANG
Tony Lee say hello to Eddy.
Eddy and Tony shake hands. Eddy laughs.
EDDY
Lee, huh?
A quick burst of Cantonese from Eddy to his companion.
-- Evidently a joke.
LEE
What's so funny?
4/6/92 D.G., W.H. 21.
CHANG
This guy's name is Li. Eddy says maybe he's our
cousin.
LEE
More likely my brother. My old man got around
pretty good.
Chang translates.
Everybody but Li laughs.
Quick, nervous laughs.
EDDY
Let's see the money.
Chang opens the briefcase.
Shows it to Eddy.
Lined with MONEY.
He takes a packet out --
Tosses it to Eddy.
CHANG
Now, let's see the guns.
Eddy POUNDS on the hood of the van.
The rear door opens.
TWO HENCHMEN get out.
Both carrying suitcases --
They put them on the ground.
Open them.
Assault rifles, automatic weapons, pistols...
Lots of guns.
Lee goes over to examine them.
Picks up a hand gun.
Puts it through a quick inspection: trigger action magazine, chamber ejection... -
A warning NOISE from Li --
The Henchmen quickly pack up the bags.
A TRAFFIC COP on a MOTORCYCLE pulls up.
COP
What's going on here'
CHANG
Nothing. Just a little reunion.
COP
What's in the suitcases?
CHANG
Ladies underwear. The spring line.
COP
Let's have a look.
4/6/92 D.G., W.H. 22.
Chang takes out his wallet.
CHANG
Officer, do we really...
COP
Open 'em up. Now!
Eddy bends to open the suitcase.
Suddenly turns.
Pulls a PISTOL out of his waist band --
BLASTS the cop!
Chang SHOUTS at him --
Eddy turns the gun on Chang.
EDDY
What the fuck is this?! A set up?! You trying to set
me up?! You a cop?!
He sticks the gun right up Chang's nose.
CHANG
What are you talking about?! You know me!
EDDY
I don't know you from shit!
Eddy's friends have their guns out.
Two cover Lee.
The other levels down on Chang --
CHANG
I'm no cop.
LEE
Cut this shit out and let's do business.
EDDY
Sure. Here's how this deal is going to work. I take
the money~ keep the guns, and kill you. How does
that sound~
Before he's got the last words out --
Lee KICKS the legs out from one Thug,
Throws the other one into Eddy --
Dives to the ground.
The Thug covering Chang SHOOTS at Lee.
Misses.
Chang draws and BLASTS him.
Lee rolls and comes up, gun in hand --
BLASTING.
One Thug takes a bullet sandwich while firing at Lee --
Chang jumps on Eddy....
Thug #3 SHOOTS Chang in the leg, then BLAM! BLAM!
4/6/92 D.G., %W.H. 23.
Takes two bullets from Lee.
The big slugs death-dance him backward.
Eddy takes off running --
Lee checks on Chang, moving quickly to his side.
CHANG
I'm all right! Get him! Kill that fucker! Kill him!!
Lee takes off after Eddy --
EDDY
Running down the street.
Hears FOOTSTEPS
Turns.
Lee chasing him.
Gaining on him.
Eddy FIRES a wild shot.
He turns a corner --
LEE
Full stride --
Races around the same comer...
EXT. STREET - DOWNTOWN HONG KONG - NIGHT
Cars, people, lights.
Eddy twenty yards away.
Kneeling in the firing position.
Aims, FIRES.
Lee hits the pavement.
Eddy FIRES again.
Then runs into a crowded intersection --
Lee chases...
INTERSECTION - CITY STREETS - DOWNTOWN HONG KONG
More TRAFFIC.
Cars, buses, trucks, pedestrians --
Lee runs into the intersection.
No sign of Eddy.
Hundreds of Chinese faces.
But only one black man with a gun...
People scatter out of his way --
He sees...
EDDY
Boarding a CROWDED STREETCAR --
4/6/92 D.G., %W.H. 24.
LEE
Runs toward the streetcar --
People cutting him a wide swath...
STREETCAR
It moves off down the track.
Eddy looks out the window.
Sees Lee running toward the streetcar.
He'll never make it.
Eddy sits down next to A MIDDLE-AGED COUPLE.
Safe.
LEE
The streetcar pulling away from him.
He turns on the speed.
Chases down the track.
Running like hell.
Catches it. Jumps on the back platform.
INT. STREETCAR
Lee comes into the car.
Gun out.
LEE'S POV
Terrified people trying to get out of his way.
He sights Eddy now cringing behind a WOMAN.
Reaching for his pistol.
LEE
Raises his gun.
Takes careful aim.
People SCREAMING.
LEE
Freeze!
EDDY
Grabs the Woman as a shield with one hand.
Raises the gun with the other.
4/6/92 D.G., ~W.H. 25.
LEE
Shoots.
EDDY R WOMAN
The bullet SLAMS Eddie in the head.
He drops the gun and the Woman.
Blown backward on to a seat --
The Woman falls to the floor --
Her body constricts.
Shock.
Convulsions.
Coronary.
STREETCAR
Lee makes sure Eddy's dead.
Immediately begins giving the woman CPR.
Pounds on her chest.
Breathes into her mouth and nose.
People standing around frozen --
LEE
Help me! Goddammit! Help me!
As a WOMAN kneels to aid him --
INT. CONFERENCE ROOM - ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE H.Q. -
DAY
Rogers, Chang and Lee.
Several suited POLICE COMMISSIONERS.
COMMISSIONER
He should be deported and shipped out on the next
plane.
ROGERS
He was on special assignment at my request.
COMMISSIONER
We don't have enough cowboys and kung fu killers
of our own? You have to turn some trigger happy
American G-man loose on the streets with a gun?
ROGERS
It was in the line of duty...
4/6/92 D.G., V'.H. 26.
COMMISSIONER
On a crowded bus. With a woman directly in his line
of fire.
LEE
This guy had just killed a cop, shot two innocent
bystanders -- More innocent lives were in danger so I
shot him. You think I should have waited for him
to shoot me? Maybe a few more civilians?
COMMISSIONER
The woman died of a heart attack. You might as
well have shot her.
ROGERS
Just a moment. He shot one of the most vicious
criminals in the Colony. That the woman died is
regrettable...
COMMISSIONER
(Incredulous)
Regrettable ..?
ROGERS
Tragic, if you like, but not due to any irresponsibility
or dereliction on his part.
COMMISSIONER
He should never have been on the street with a gun.
ROGERS
That was my decision. And I will take full
responsibility for it.
COMMISSIONER
Yes, you will.
Silence.
There's nothing else for the Commissioner to say.
Rogers knows it.
CHANG
I think he ought to get a medal for killing the son of a
bitch.
INT. CORRIDOR - ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE H.Q. - DAY
Lee, Chang and Rogers leave the conference room --
LEE
You're a stand up guy. Thanks.
4/6/92 D.G., W.H. 27.
ROGERS
I didn't mean a word of it. I think you're a fucking
menace to public safety --
LEE
Come on. You love me.
ROGERS
I want you to get your business done and get the hell
out of Hong Kong before there's any more carnage.
LEE
Help me find my man and I'm outta here.
ROGERS
Sergeant Chang you are to assist Mr. Lee in any way
you can that does not involve the slaughter of
innocent civilians.
INT. PALE FLOWER NIGHTCLUB - WANCHAI - NIGHT
Jenny at the piano bar singing.
Jeff comes through the entrance.
Walks to a table.
Passes Jenny.
She seems to sense his presence.
He takes a seat at the piano bar.
Close to her.
She's aware of him.
Knows it's him.
She sings to him.
The song finishes.
A moment...
Wen:
JEFF
How did you know it was me?
JENNY
I don't know. I just knew. Maybe now that I've lost
my sight, my other senses are getting stronger. I've
heard that's supposed to happen.
JEFF
They do that in martial arts training. Blindfold you
and make you use your other senses...I saw a lot of
Kung Fu movies when I was a kid.
o/6/92 D.G., W.H. 28.
EXT. CITY STREET - WANCHAI - NIGHT
Jeff and Jenny walk through the crowded NEON wilderness.--
JEFF
Last night you asked me if I felt sorry for you...I do.
I feel terrible about what happened to you.
She stops, looks at him
JEFF
You've already had enough sympathy. I know. You
said that too.
JENNY
Now I'm sorry about the way I talked last night.
JEFF
Are you going to apologize for feeling sorry for
yourself!
JENNY
I was. Stupid, huh?
JEFF
Do you want to get back at the one who did it to you?
JENNY
I'd like to make him blind...
A moment.
JENNY
I think he feels guilty. He tried to help me. After it
happened...He didn't do it on purpose.
JEFF
Then, you forgive him?
JENNY
No. I don't forgive him...I don't really want to talk
about this anymore.
She starts to pull away -- he takes her arm, holds her in place...
JEFF
I'm the one. I'm the one who did it. I shot you.
JENNY
Why do you tell me this? Why did you come back?
JEFF
I came back because I felt guilty. I'm telling you
because I want you. I want to be with you.
4/6/92 D.G.. V'.H. 29.
$he walks away from him -- then stops...After a moment, Jeff again moves tp
her side.
JENNY
You could have stayed with me last night.
JEFF
I couldn't...
JENNY
Why not? It would have been easy. I would have let
you. I was at the end of my resistance. Should I be
afraid? Maybe you're going to kill me?. I'm the only
witness who saw you.
JEFF
Call the police. I won't stop you.
JENNY
Why did you tell me?
JEFF
I don't feel much. At all. Ever. I'm trained not to.
But...I don't know. I had to tell you. I couldn't
deceive you. No matter...what.
JENNY
All day today, I remembered. I was hoping to see
you. I thought maybe you'd come to the bar, but
then I didn't know.
(sighs)
I'm talking to you like I've already slept with you.
You know why?
He shakes his head.
JENNY
You've already changed my life more than any man
I've ever met...
INT. JENNY'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Jeff and Jenny are making love.
JENNY
When you make love, do you close your eyes?
JEFF
Sometimes.
4/6/92 D.G., O'.H. 30.
JENNY
I always did. But when you can't open them. It's
not the same. Anyway, I can't really explain it yet.
It's my first time, you know. I mean my first time
since...
He gets out of bed, moves to a cabinet.
Pours two glasses of wine from an open bottle.
JENNY
I thought it was you before you told me.
JEFF
How?
JENNY
Wouldn't you know me in the dark? My smell. My
presence...?
JEFF
Is that really true? (Hai ma?)
JENNY
It's true. (Hai ya).
He returns to the bed, hands her a glass.
JEFF
And you went with me anyway?
JENNY
That's all you need to know about me.
JEFF
You need to know more about me. I'm a killer. I
don't know how to explain it. I'm good at it. I get
paid well. I decide who I'm going to kill. It's w%at I
do. It's all I've ever done. Kill people. But I still
think of myself as a good man. And I want to be
with you. Now. Tomorrow. Next week. Next
month. Next year.
JENNY
You're in love with me. Yes? But you have to be in
love with me to justify hurting someone innocent --
JEFF
You think that's true?
JENNY
Yes. But its' good. I'll have you forever. You have
to live a long time. For me. You owe it to me.
4/6/92 D.G., %W.H. 31.
EXT. CITY STREET - WANCHAI - LONG LENS - DAY
A compressed vista of cars, pedestrians, taxis, signs, flags, trucks...
The teeming city going about its mid-day bustle.
Sidney, carrying a BROWN LEATHER BRIEFCASE, moves through the crowd.
Hops on a groaning, crowded streetcar.
INT. MOVING STREETCAR - WANCHAI - DAY
Sidney picking his way through the densely packed vehicle as it jerks down the
crowded boulevard.
He stops and grabs a strap next to a MAN READING A NEWSPAPER.
Sets his briefcase down --
Next to a similar BRIEFCASE OF BLACK LEATHER at the Man's feet.
The Man reading the newspaper pays no attention to Sidney.
The exit bell RINGS --
Many passengers begin to disembark.
The Man with the newspaper reaches down, grabs Sidney's suitcase and heads for the
exit...
SIDNEY
Watches the man with the newspaper disappear from view through the window as the
streetcar again lurches forward.
Reaches down and picks up the black suitcase.
Finds a seat.
Puts the suitcase across his lap.
Drums his fingers on it for a moment.
Then lights a cigarette.
EXT. HIGH RISE APARTMENT BUILDING - VICTORIA PEAK - DAY
Modem.
Glorious view.
JEFF
Stands on his terrace.
Middle floor.
Looks out on the harbor.
SOUND of a BUZZER.
He Tums and goes back into the apartment.
INT. JEFFS APARTMENT - VICTORIA PEAK - DAY
Sparsely furnished.
Some antiques.
Khmer Buddhas.
Burmese wall hangings.
4/6/92 D.G., W.H. 32.
Tibetan carpets.
Chinese paintings.
Jeff walks through the apartment to the front door.
Opens it.
Sidney comes in.
Carries the BLACK BRIEFCASE.
JEFF
The briefcase. I guess somebody's got a big
problem.
Jeff walks into the kitchen.
JEFF
'Want a beer?
SIDNEY
Sure.
Jeff appears in the kitchen doorway.
JEFF
How's the action hand?
Throws a can of beer at S