'Shooting Nikki'

Draft page from a script I'm working on called "Shooting Nikki"

Alan 'Marcy' Green


SHOOTING NIKKI


EXT. STREET - DAY

NIKKI

Would you have lunch with me?

FRANK

(cheesy) No. (off her surprise) I can see this coming a

mile away. (beat) Just because I'm homeless--

NIKKI

(over) --Oh! Of all the--

FRANK

(over) --And black. (off her) You probably don't...I don't blame

you. White people need--

NIKKI

--You self-pitying asshole!

Nikki unlocks her car, opens the door.

NIKKI

I'm not white!

Frank is confused. Nikki gets in the car, locks eyes, and...

NIKKI

I'm Australian!

She slams the door. Frank knocks on the window, twirls his finger ... 'Roll the window down'.

She lowers the window one inch.

FRANK

Get out.

She glares, he returns.

NIKKI

No!

FRANK

I need you to--

NIKKI

--I'm not...Why?

FRANK

I'm jacking the car, kidnapping you, 

and...whatever else I can think of.

He points at the pavement (with his right hand). 'Out, now'.

FRANK

Please! (points with left hand) Let's have lunch.

She glares, he returns, pointing with both hands (in different directions).

INT. BAR - MOMENTS LATER

Frank and Nikki stand in the middle of the entryway.

NIKKI

I don't want lunch.

I can't eat.

FRANK

Neither can I.

NIKKI

You wanna drink?

FRANK
Yeah. Okay.

She leads the way.


INT. BAR - MOMENTS LATER

They sit at the bar. Awkward, both staring forward. Nikki smiles.

NIKKI

(looking forward)

How many cars have you jacked?

FRANK

Not many.

The bartender delivers two Budweisers.

Nikki moves to pay.

FRANK

I got these--

NIKKI

--Let's split this one.

She pays with a crisp twenty, he with a crumpled five. Frank watches her take the five and push the twenty toward the bartender. The bartender leaves. She gives him the five back.

FRANK

Why are you doing this?

NIKKI

How long have you been in LA?

FRANK

Three weeks.

NIKKI

And, I'm the only person you know?

FRANK
What makes you think that?

She knows. He knows she knows. She knows he knows she knows.

FRANK

This is charity, then?

NIKKI

Probably.

FRANK

What is that supposed to mean?

NIKKI

I've lived in LA for twenty years and I don't know anybody.

Her change arrives. She thanks the bartender.

NIKKI

I don't have a single friend. (beat) I know a lot of people,
but... Where are you from?

FRANK

Chicago.

NIKKI

How many people there would you call friends?

FRANK

Some. Not many.

NIKKI

The way I look, as rich as I am, I can't talk to anybody.

It's like a broken, fake record -- the people I know.

She picks up her beer.

NIKKI

Stop looking at me. I can't drink with you looking at me.

He turns away, takes his beer. They drink.

FRANK

That's normal, isn't it. Or, is it?

NIKKI

I don't know. (beat) My husband's

leaving me.

FRANK

I'm sorry to hear that.

Nikki watches Frank in the bar's mirror. She likes him.

NIKKI

Can you see me in the mirror?

FRANK

Vodka's in the way.

NIKKI

I can see you.

Frank realizes he is now in a personal relationship. Nikki hopes she hasn't gone too far. Frank places his hand on Nikki's.

.

Looking at the new Spanish language poster for 'The Equalizer' I can't help but like their version of the title -- 'El Justiciero'. Got a ring to it and, really, a better flow than "The Equalizer."

A Step Back

First teaser for 'The Equalizer' crackled with newness, seemed a fresh take, had just the right cheeky tone, wasn't too deep. This first full trailer is a bit serious and steps into 'Death Wish' territory -- a dated premise.

I think people want to see the superficial kick-ass side more than the touchy-feely stuff. The movie should score but there might be a bigger first-weekend turnout if early trailers stick to the simplest plot elements, then pitch the emotional side running up to the second and third weekends.

Word of mouth will be strong either way but why not play your aces up front.

Denzel Carries 'The Equalizer'

A couple things I notice about the trailer for 'The Equalizer'. How quickly it becomes compelling, how easily you believe in Denzel Washington's character, and how fast the 'clicks his watch' thing becomes meaningful.

The other thing I can't help notice: this would probably be kinda dumb with another lead. It looks like Denzel makes what might have been a tired product edgy and involving. As usual, one more time, yet again.