Screenplay American hustle

5/28/2018 Screenplay American hustle

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AMERICAN HUSTLE

Written by

Eric Warren Singer and David O. Russell


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TITLE CARD: SOME OF THIS ACTUALLY HAPPENED

OVER BLACK: APRIL 26, 1978, PLAZA HOTEL, NEW YORK

FADE IN:1

INT. PLAZA HOTEL WINDOW NYC - DAY2

IRVING ROSENFELD, not a small man, gets dressed andmeticulously constructs his combover. Camera WRAPS AROUND,see his hands with rings adjust his dark velvet suit, up tohis face, serious, concentrated, intense, he is composinghimself before a performance.

Irving is now dressed, ready, and walks down the hall toanother room.

SECOND PLAZA HOTEL ROOM -- Irving composes himself -- looks3

into cramped surveillance closet, there are FBI Agents -- weonly see their hands and arms -- he looks at monitors -- seesa BLACK AND WHITE IMAGE OF ANOTHER ROOM ON MONITOR: MAYORCARMINE POLITO, swath of salt and pepper hair, cream suit,pinky ring, Rotary Club pin -- ALONG WITH CARL ELWAY, preppieshady businessman.

He exhales pressure, turns as CAMERA PANS TO: SYDNEY PROSSER(who will also be known for some time as EDITH GREENSLY),stylish crafty smart. They stare at each other intensely --they have a deep and emotional relationship. A DOOR BANGSOPEN, and in walks RICHIE DIMASO, Bronx-born. He standsthere.

RICHIE DIMASOWhat are you doing, going behind myback? Telling people I'm screwingup this operation? I got you asuite at the fuckin' Plaza Hotel!

IRVING ROSENFELDThe shittiest suite at the PlazaHotel.

RICHIE DIMASO

What?!

IRV ROSENFELDThe shittiest fuckin' suite.

RICHIE DIMASOBased on what--?


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IRVING ROSENFELDAnd the food is wrong, and--What isthis? You, like, went in my closetor something?

EDITH GREENSLY

No

IRVING ROSENFELDAre you dressing him like youredressing me now?

EDITH GREENSLY(shakes her head)

No, what are you thinking? Thisisn't all about you, you know that.

RICHIE DIMASO

What, did you try to dress me so Iwould look like him?

EDITH GREENSLYNo, you're not dressed like him,all right?

RICHIE DIMASOBut I do, I look like him.

EDITH GREENSLYNo, he's in like, velvet. Come on.

IRVING ROSENFELDYou asked me to show you how thiswas done, you wanna fuck it up bemy guest.

EDITH GREENSLYWhat is your problem?

RICHIE DIMASOHey, look, I never laid a hand onher, all right? Is that what this

is about?

EDITH GREENSLY(British accent)

Well technically, thats not true.

RICHIE DIMASOLook, we never had sex ok? I just --

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RICHIE DIMASO (CONTD)What'd I do? I put my hand likethis --

Richie reaches out and puts his hand on Irvings face verycarefully, not forcefully.

Irving swipes it away violently the second it touches hisface.

IRVING ROSENFELDDont you fucking touch me. Thatbothers me --

RICHIE DIMASOOh it does?

IRVING ROSENFELDOh yeah.

RICHIE DIMASOThat bothers you?

IRVING ROSENFELDYes.

RICHIE DIMASOYou know, a lot of shit bothers metoo, but I was trying to help you.If I wanted to bother you, if Ireally wanted to fucking botheryou, this is what Id do.

Richie takes his hand and destroys the combover Irving spentso much time creating. Irving just stands there, hair ruined,staring at Richie.

IRVING ROSENFELDYou shouldnt have done that.

Irving just stands there staring at Richie, hair all wild andmessed up looking very angry.

RICHIE DIMASOHows that? You bothered now? (noanswer) Alright, dont make a thingof it.

EDITH GREENSLYYou shouldnt touch him. He doesntlike that.

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RICHIE DIMASOOh my god, fix his hair. Dont makea thing of it.

EDITH GREENSLYIt takes some time, ok.

Edith walks over to Irving who is still standing there insilence with his hair all over the place. She carefullystarts helping him put it back together.

RICHIE DIMASOBig fucking deal. We got to get inthe other room, come on. Themayors in there.

EDITH GREENSLYYes I know that.

RICHIE DIMASOShould we go to the beauty parlor?Is that what we should do?

Richie walks over and opens up a briefcase thats sitting onthe dresser. Inside are stacks of cash.

Edith is still helping Irving put his hair back together.

IRVING ROSENFELDHows it look.

EDITH GREENSLYYou look fine.

Richie slams the briefcase shut looking very nervous andintense.

RICHIE DIMASOLets go.

CUT TO:

STEELY DANS DIRTY WORK STARTS ON THE SOUNDTRACK AS THEY4

WALK DOWN THE HALLWAY THREE ACROSS: IRVING, EDITH, RICHIE.RICHIE WITH BRIEFCASE IN HAND.

INT. PLAZA HOTEL SUITE FOYER - DAY5

SLOW MOTION -- DOUBLE DOORS PUSH OPEN AND Edith ENTERS THESUITE -- THEY WALK INTO --

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INT. PLAZA HOTEL LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS6

DRAMATIC PUSH IN ON: THE DESTINY OF THE STORY MAYOR CARMINEPOLITO PINKY RING, ROTARY CLUB PIN STANDS FINISHING STORY TOBUSINESSMAN CARL ELWAY AS IRVING, EDITH, RICHIE WAIT FOR HIMTO FINISH -- THEY ALL SHAKE HANDS AND SIT ON THE COUCH ACROSS

FROM EACH OTHER. RICHIE CAREFULLY SETS THE BRIEFCASE DOWN ONTHE GROUND NEXT TO HIS FEET. CUT TO THE SCENE AS VIEWEDTHROUGH A SURVEILLANCE MONITOR. THE DATE AND TIME STAMPVISIBLE.

CARMINE POLITOI thought he was going to be here.I do business face to face, personto person. Thats just who I am.

Richie reaches down and awkwardly slides the briefcase overto Carmine unprompted. LEAVE MONITORS POV AND RETURN BACK TO

THE SCENE.

IRVS EYES WIDEN AS IN NO! DONT DO THAT! WHILE HE ANDRICHIE STARE AT EACH OTHER, EDITH TENSE, CARMINE LOOKSDISTURBED AT THE CASE COMING HIS WAY. HE STANDS ABRUPTLY.

CARL ELWAYWhoa, excuse me, excuse me. I'llhandle that for the Mayor.

RICHIE DIMASONo, its for the Mayor. It would bea sign of disrespect to the sheikif the mayor didnt take ithimself. Its for you Mayor.

Carmine looks angry and confused. He looks over to Carl.

CARMINE POLITOWhat are you doing? What-- (toCarl) Carl, what the fuck? What isthis?

CARL ELWAYNo, I'll handle it. I'm gonna take

care of-- Everything's good. Igot everything under control. (TORICHIE) That's for me. I handle allthat for mayor.

CARMINE POLITOWhat is this?

Irving looks over and says nothing. Not surprised at all howbadly this is all going.

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Edith whispers to Richie.

EDITH GREENSLY(whispers to Richie)Just stop it, ok

RICHIE DIMASO(whispers to Edith)He's gotta take it himself, okay?

CARMINE POLITOI dont know what the fuck that isbut its weird you understand?

CARL ELWAYMisunderstanding. Misunderstanding.

CARMINE POLITOI came here to meet a sheik, thats

all I know. Im very interested inthat but hes not here apparently.Carl?!

Carmine turns and starts to walk out of the room.

CARMINE POLITO (CONTD)Im very interested in meeting theSheik. You let me know when THATcould happen! Thank you, have agood day.

Carmine leaves the room.

Irving looks over and shrugs his shoulders. Not surprised atall the way this is going and horrified that Richie hasruined it.

CARL ELWAY(leaving)

Irving! You better come get him.

RICHIE DIMASO(stares at Irv)

Go out there and get him right now.

CARL ELWAYHelp me get him back!

RICHIE DIMASOGo get him. He needs to take thefuckin' briefcase, Irving.

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IRVING ROSENFELDI didnt wanna do it in the firstplace. This is your show, YOU goget him.

RICHIE DIMASO

No, you have no choice. You haveto go get him. Now, go get him, sohe takes the briefcase by himself!That's the whole plan, Irving!

Irving stands up angry and gets in Richies face.

IRVING ROSENFELDWhat were you doing pushing thefucking briefcase, dummy? Huh?

RICHIE DIMASOThe whole fuckin' thing was falling

apart. You know how much I paidfor this goddamn hotel that youfucking asked for?!

IRVING ROSENFELDNow I gotta go mop up your mess.I'm gonna go fucking mop up yourmess!

Irving storms out of the hotel suite towards the Elevators toget Carmine.

INT. PLAZA HOTEL SUITE FOYER - DAY

Irving paces back and forth as he waits for the elevator.

INT. PLAZA HOTEL LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS

We push in on the concerned face of Sydney as Richie rambleson to her.

RICHIE DIMASOYou understand what I'm saying,

right? It wasn't working.

INT. PLAZA HOTEL SUITE FOYER - CONTINUOUS

Irving continues to pace back and forth in the hall waitingfor the elevator.

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IRVING ROSENFELD (V.O.)Did you ever have to find a way tosurvive and you knew your choiceswere bad?

Irving walks over and hits the elevator button again.

IRVING ROSENFELDI learned how to survive when I wasa kid.

CUT TO:7

IRVING ROSENFELD (V.O.) (CONTD)My father had a glass business.

IRV AS KID SMASHES PLATE GLASS WINDOWS OF BRONX STOREFRONTS28 2

Drumming up business for his father.

EXT. ROSENFELD & SON GLASS REPAIR CO. - DAY 1940S

Young Irving and his Father and Mother standing outside thefamily's glass repair shop in the Bronx as some toughcontractors march up to them.

IRVING ROSENFELD (V.O.)I would rather be on the takingside than the getting taken sideany day of the week, especiallyafter I saw how my father gottaken. I mean, seeing that scarredme for life.

EXT. UNDISCLOSED STREET - DAY 1940S

Young Irving runs by a store front as he throws a rockthrough each window on the store, smashing them all.

IRVING ROSENFELD (V.O.) (CONTD)I took it upon myself to drum upbusiness. I became a different kind

of guy than my father. I became acon artist -- from the feet up, forreal.

CUT TO:

THE BRONX: STOREFRONT WITH SMASHED WINDOW. - DAY - PRESENT

Irv shakes his head, surveys the damage.

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IRVING ROSENFELDI was gonna survive no matter what.I still had the glass business anda few dry cleaning stores on theside.

INT. IRVS DINGY OFFICE - DAY7G 7

Irving paces around his office smoking a cigar and talking onthe phone. What looks to be stolen art sits on the floor allaround him.

IRVING ROSENFELD (V.O.)And I did some art dealing on theside. Stolen or forged art.

EXT./INT. POOL PARTY - LONG ISLAND HOUSE - DAY

Chicagos Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is? fadesup. Jamming early 70s HOLIDAY party -- LONG ISLAND LADIES INBIKINIS WITH HUGE HAIR IN FUR COATS SMOKING OUTSIDE THE GLASSENCLOSED POOL -while inside steamed glass SHINY BIKINICANDIDATES FOR NOSE JOBS; A FEW OTHERS WHO ARE LARGE, SEVERALGUYS WHO LOOK MOBBED UP, pale, out of shape, gold chains, inswim trunks, EVEN MORE BURT REYNOLDS TYPE GUYS, slim, hairy,chains.

IRVING ROSENFELD (V.O.)So, one January I go to my friendspool party in Long Island.

Irving sits holding court with some friends by the pool whenhe turns and sees Sydney for the first time.

PUSH IN ON: Irving. He looks up, they lock eyes across theparty.

SYD REACHES FOR A SLICE OF FRUIT ON HIGH SET PLATE WHENIRVINGS HAND GRABS HER ARM -- she turns, taken aback -

IRVING ROSENFELDIs that Duke Ellington on your

bracelet?

She does have on a Duke Ellington charm bracelet.

SYDNEY PROSSERAs a matter of fact, it is. He diedthis year, you know.

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IRVING ROSENFELDI know. I doubt anyone else hereknows or cares about it.

SYDNEY PROSSERWell I care. He saved my life many

times.

Irving takes a good look at her, impressed.

IRVING ROSENFELD(impressed)

Mine too. Which one?

SYDNEY PROSSERJeeps Blues.

IRVING ROSENFELD

(smiles, warm)Jeeps Blues. Oh yeah.

Awkward pause.

IRVING ROSENFELD (CONTD)You wanna hear it?

SYDNEY PROSSERRight now?

IRVING ROSENFELDYeah.

SYDNEY PROSSERSure.

CUT TO: PORTABLE RECORD PLAYER PLAYS START OF JEEPS BLUES asIrving and Sydney nod to it - he watches her foot in her highwedge and her tanned leg rocking as she sits on arm of sofa.

IRVING ROSENFELDWho starts a song like that?!

SYDNEY PROSSER

Its magic.

IRVING ROSENFELDMagic.

They listen to the record, Edith checks Irving out.

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SYDNEY PROSSER (V.O.)He wasn't necessarily in goodshape, and he had this comb-overthat was rather -- elaborate. Hehad this air about him. And he hadthis confidence that drew me to

him. He was who he was and hedidnt care.

IRVING ROSENFELD (V.O.)Like me, she was a very particularperson. Like me, she came from aplace where her options werelimited -- and she had been someoneshe didn't want to be in her past.

CUT TO -- SYDNEY DANCES IN A SMALL TOWN, OLD FASHIONED STRIPBAR.

SYDNEY PROSSER (V.O.)It actually can feel kind of sexysometimes. There's a boldness init. But where would that boldnesstake me? I didn't know. But I wasgonna find out.

CUT TO:8

SYDNEY WALKS DOWN A BLEAK INDUSTRIAL STREET.

CUT TO -- RECORD STORE WHERE EDITH FLIPS THROUGH ALBUMS OFTHE OLD GREATS -- ELLA FITZGERALD, DUKE ELLINGTON, AND MOREOF THE OLD GREATS -- A WORLD OF ELEGANCE, SOPHISTICATION, ANDCULTURE A MILLION MILES AWAY FROM WHERE SHE LIVES.

IRVING ROSENFELD (V.O.)Like me, she learned to survive andreinvent herself. She knew she hadto reinvent her life and heridentity. And like me, sheenvisioned a better elegant futurefor herself. Like me, she knew youhad to have a vision.

EXT. NY STREET -- DAY

Sydney looks at scrap of paper with info in her hand -- looksup at office building address -- enters.

IRVING ROSENFELD (V.O.)She came to New York. Sheenvisioned it.

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And just like that, she applied fora job at Cosmopolitan Magazine.

INT. COSMOPOLITAN MAGAZINE OFFICES - DAY12 1

Clean bright colors, huge blown up Cosmo covers --

Sydney -- innocent, plain, slacks and blouse, hair back,nervously awaits interview.

SHE IS CALLED IN -- NERVOUSLY STANDS, small crumpled scrap ofpaper in hand, FIXES HER HAIR --

INT. COSMO INTERVIEW OFFICE - CONTINUOUS13 1

COSMO INTERVIEWER GIRLWell youre obviously here for a

reason. Lets get to it.

SYDNEY PROSSERAlright.

COSMO INTERVIEWER GIRLOur cover story right now is oncunnilingus. What do you thinkabout that?

SYDNEY PROSSERI like it.

COSMO INTERVIEWER GIRLDo you have any clerical skills?

SYDNEY PROSSERYes.

COSMO INTERVIEWER GIRLCan you type?

IRVING ROSENFELD (V.O.)She was unlike anybody I ever knew.She was smart. She saw through

people in situations. And she knewhow to live with passion and style.She understood Duke Ellington.

COSMO MAGAZINE OFFICES: SYDNEY PUSHES MAIL CART DELIVERS MAIL14 1TO SOPHISTICATED MAGAZINE EDITORS AND EXECUTIVES, SOME TOUGHBIRDS, MOST ELEGANT.

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IRVING ROSENFELD (V.O.) (CONT'D)


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CUT TO: Edith WATCHES A COSMO COVER SHOOT --15 1

SYDNEY PROSSER (V.O.)I was broke, fearless, with nothingto lose --

EXT./INT. POOL PARTY - LONG ISLAND HOUSE - DAY

Irv and Sydney dance slowly.

SYDNEY PROSSER (V.O.) (CONTD)-- and my dream, more thananything, was to become anyone elseother than who I was.

EXT. LONG ISLAND DRY CLEANERS-- DAY24 2

Irv holds the door open for Edith as she enters.

IRVING ROSENFELD-- I got two in the Bronx and threein Manhattan. (to an employee) Hey,Byron.

SYDNEY PROSSER (V.O.)He had a chain of dry cleaningstores. He asked me to come in andupgrade my wardrobe-- he said a lotof nice things got left behind bypeople and forgotten over the years--

IRVING ROSENFELDI mean you wouldnt believe theshit that people leave behind here.Unbelievable.

SYDNEY PROSSERPeople leave stuff here?

IRVING ROSENFELDOh yeah. They go out for the night,

they drink, come here in themorning, put their clothes in andthen they forget. They got no ideawhere they left it.

Irving touches a hanging blue sequined dress.

IRVING ROSENFELD (CONTD)Look at that. Sequined thing. Idont know. Is that nice or not?

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SYDNEY PROSSERIts beautiful.

Irving and Sydney continue to walk through towards the backand enter a fur vault filled with elegant designer clothes.

IRVING ROSENFELDI mean, some of its been here foryears. Theyre not picking it up.Nobodys picking it up.

Sydney starts riffling through nice things hanging on theracks.

IRVING ROSENFELD (CONTD)You like that?

SYDNEY PROSSERI love it.

IRVING ROSENFELDIts yours. You want it? Itsyours.

Sydney looks back at Irving in shock.

CUT TO: SHE STEPS OUT OF THE DRESSING ROOM IN THE VONFURSTENBERG DRESS - LOOKS FANTASTIC.

IRVING ROSENFELD (CONTD)You look fantastic!

SYDNEY PROSSEROh my god. I can only dream aboutthese dresses. Theyre beautiful.

SYDNEY PULLS CLASSIC CLOTHES FROM THE ABANDONED RACK: ONE,TWO, THREE. SHE PUTS A JACKET ON HIM THAT HE IS RELUCTANT TOWEAR, PAISLEY SMOKING COAT.

LATER: THEY GO INSIDE THE ELECTRIC ROTATING CAROUSEL RACK OFCLEAR PLASTIC COVERED, DRY CLEANED CLOTHES -- STAND INSIDE,ENCHANTED, SMILING AT EACH OTHER, AS THE RACK SWIRLSMAGICALLY AROUND THEM. THEY STARE AT EACH IN LOVE.

IRVING ROSENFELD (V.O.)I felt like we had a secret. Justthe two of us. You know like thatthing where you want to just bewith the one person the whole time.

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IRVING ROSENFELD (V.O.)You feel like the two of youunderstand something that nobodyelse gets. I could just tell hereverything about myself. And Inever had anybody like that in my

life before. I felt like finally, Ican truly be myself without beingashamed, without being embarrassed.

INT. Irvs dingy office - DAY39 3

Irv leads Sydney into a small, dingy Manhattan office on anupper floor.

SYDNEY PROSSERWhat is this place? Do you sell arthere?

IRVING ROSENFELDYeah, sometimes. This is my office.

SYDNEY PROSSERI know its your office, but, youhave these other places. Whatsthis for? Why did you bring mehere?

IRVING ROSENFELDThis getting to be my mainbusiness, my growing business. Ihelp get loans for guys that cantget loans. Im their last resort.

SYDNEY PROSSERYoure their last resort? Becauseinterest rates are north of 12% andheading to 18%.

IRVING ROSENFELDThats right, smarty pants.

SYDNEY PROSSERFucking Jimmy Carter. Fucking Nixon

really. And the war and thedeficit and all of that shit.

IRVING ROSENFELDI love you, youre so smart. Youare.

SYDNEY PROSSERThanks kid but how do you get themthe money?

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IRVING ROSENFELDWell --

SYDNEY PROSSERYou dont do you? You dont.

IRVING ROSENFELDThese guys are lousy risks, youknow? I cant get them a loan but Iget my fee. Five thousand.

SYDNEY PROSSERFive thousand? You take fivethousand and you dont give themanything?

IRVING ROSENFELDThese are bad guys, you know? Theygot bad divorces, gambling habits,

embezzling, all that shit, you knowwhat I mean?

SYDNEY PROSSEREverybody at the bottom crossespaths eventually in a pool ofdesperation and youre waiting forthem.

IRVING ROSENFELDHow about we?

SYDNEY PROSSERWe?

IRVING ROSENFELDHow bout it?

Sydney turns and begins walking out the door as Irving chasesher out.

IRVING ROSENFELD (CONTD)Sydney. Sydney Im sorry that wastoo much. I went too far. I didntwant to upset you.

She continues walking out without looking back and leaves.

IRVING ROSENFELD (CONTD)Sydney please, Im sorry! I know itaint for everybody.

The door slams in Irvings face

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IRVING ROSENFELD (CONTD)(Irving shouts to theclosed door)

Ah GOD I love getting to know you!

INT. IRVS DINGY OFFICE - DAY

IRVING PACES AROUND THE OFFICE UPSET AT HIMSELF. SLOWLY SITSDOWN IN THE DESK CHAIR IN DEFEAT, TAKES OFF HIS GLASSES ANDSITS BACK.

IRVING ROSENFELD (TO HIMSELF)What I do that for? I fucked it up.I should never tell a woman thetruth. Shes so smart. Shesdifferent.

OFF SCREEN THE DOOR OPENS. SHE WALKS RIGHT UP TO IRVING AS HE

SITS AT HIS DESK. SHE TOSSES HER COAT TO THE SIDE.

IRVING STARES UP HER TENSE -- WHAT WILL SHE DO?

SYDNEY PROSSERYou said it was nice knowing me.You said it was nice to meet me.

IRVING ROSENFELDYeah.

SYDNEY EXTENDS HER HAND TO HIM IN A ROYAL FASHION.

SYDNEY PROSSER(British accent)

Would you like to meet Lady EdithGreensly?

Irving looks stunned as he slowly clasps her extended hand.

SYDNEY PROSSER (CONTD)(British accent)

I have royal banking connections inLondon. Id love to help you withyour loan but of course I have to

be very selective.

IRVING ROSENFELDThat was fucking fantastic.

SYDNEY PROSSERThank you. Did you like it?

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IRVING ROSENFELDI liked it. I didnt think you werecoming back. Thank god you cameback.

SYDNEY PROSSER

I wasnt going anywhere.

IRVING ROSENFELDI fucking love you.

SYDNEY PROSSERYou have me.

CUT TO:

EXT. SUBURBAN STREET40 4

ONE OF SYDNEYS NANNY FRIENDS, REBECCA, walk out of aBUSINESS MANs (34) house pushing a stroller as the businessman comes chasing after them.

SYDNEY PROSSER (V.O.)And so Irving and I began ourpartnership -- in love andcommerce.

BUSINESSMANRebecca, hold on. Youre Edithright?

SYDNEY PROSSER(V.O.)He told me to tell my friends I had(in British accent) London bankingconnections

BUSINESSMANI'm Jim. I'm her employer. Listen -- she told me you can get me a lineof credit. I know you have bankingconnections in London, England.

SYDNEY PROSSER (V.O.)And after that...say no a lotuntil the guy is hooked.

Edith and Rebecca start walking away as the businessmanchases after them.

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BUSINESSMANBecky tell her! Ive never missed acheck!

EDITH GREENSLY(walking away)

NO!

SYDNEY PROSSER (V.O.)It was almost scary how easy itcould be to take money fromdesperate people.

CUT TO:

INT. IRVS DINGY OFFICE - DAY41 4

Edith extends her hand to greet ANOTHER BUSINESSMAN, 35.

Edith is dressed in a more sophisticated high end Britishfashion.

EDITH GREENSLYLady Edith Greensly, its so goodto see you again.

ANOTHER BUSINESSMAN, 35Lady -- your ladyship -- thank youagain.

IRVING ROSENFELD (V.O.)These are the roles that we weremeant to play.

INT. IRVS DINGY OFFICE - ANOTHER DAY42 4

Another desperate businessman sits across from Edith andIrving.

SYDNEY PROSSERWere very selective.

IRVING ROSENFELD

You got a strong application. Welltalk about it.

INT. IRVS DINGY OFFICE - ANOTHER DAY, ANOTHER MARK.

IRVING ROSENFELDI dont take a deal that I cantclose.

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SYDNEY PROSSERYoure not being aggressive enoughin putting up your assets --

The man looks nervous --

NERVOUS LOAN APPLICANTHave you ever been to Queens? Haveyou ever been to Great Neck?Everybody knows my dealerships.

CONTINUOUS MONTAGE AS THEIR CLOTHING CHANGES FROM DAY TO DAYBUT THE SETTING REMAINS THE SAME AS THEY CON MARK AFTER MARK.

A desperate man takes out a BUSINESS CHECK BOOK and writeshis check.

DESPERATE MAN

Five thousand gets me fifty right?

ANOTHER BUSINESSMANFive will get me thirty five. Isthat right?

ANOTHER BUSINESSMAN, 35Five grand gets me fifty?

INT. IRVS DINGY OFFICE - ANOTHER DAY

Sydney and Irving laugh and celebrate.

IRVING ROSENFELD (V.O.)I was doing so much more businesswith her. I mean it doubled, thenit tripled.

INT. IRVS GLASS STORE - DAY

Sydney -- hair getting bigger -- goes over the books with aLatino Man who nods and watches her --

Edith counts cash in the register - recounts it -- explainshow things can be done better as DRY CLEANING WORKER nods.

Irv watches happy.

IRVING ROSENFELD (V.O.)And I never met anyone, man orwoman, in business who was socareful and precise abouteverything. Every stylistic detail.

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INT. BUSINESSMAN OFFICE - DAY

Irving and Edith discuss a piece of art theyre in theprocess of selling to a businessman.

IRVING ROSENFELD (V.O.)

We kept selling art together, too.

EDITH GREENSLYIt's really a fabulous example of agenre painting, which is reallyrare for the time. It's a boy andhis dog. Non-religious painting.55. Golden age. Dutch painting.

ANOTHER DAY -- A CAR DEALERSHIP OFFICE -- IRV DROPS THECANVAS BAG REVEALING A VINTAGE PAINTING -- (COLORED ORBS ANDLINES) -- TO THE MIDDLE AGED CAR DEALER WHO OWNS THE

WAREHOUSE WHO WRITES A CHECK.

IRVING ROSENFELDPaul Klee. Bauhaus Movement. 1920s.

MIDDLE AGED CAR DEALERBefore we go any further, is thislegit?

IRVING ROSENFELDLets just say its missing fromSpain and leave it at that.

EDITH GREENSLYDont show any Spanish friends.

Irving and Sydney kiss passionately in front of the middleaged car dealer as he tries to hand them his check.

IRVING ROSENFELD (V.O.)I mean it just took off. We got anelegant Manhattan office. We calledit London Associates for heraccent.

INT. NEW OFFICE LOBBY - MADISON AVENUE - DAY44 4

A JANITOR FINISHES POLISHING SILVER PLATED LARGE LETTERS:LONDON ASSOCIATES to a pale wall as he and Edith sipchampagne from flutes and offer one to the worker who toastswith them.

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IRV DOES HIS TRADEMARK MINIMALIST BADGER DANCE, IN PROFILE,TO QUIET DELIGHT OF SYDNEY.

Irv and Edith kiss gently, lovingly, sincerely on the lips --

They walk into their CLASSIC LOOKING, STAID, PRIVATE BANKING

OFFICE SUITE.

IRVING ROSENFELD (V.O.)When I was around her I felt joy.Fucking joy! And love. Thats whatI felt.

SMASH TO:

EXT. PARK AVENUE - SUNNY DAY46 4

They dance down Park Avenue together.47 4

INT. LOBBY OF PIERRE HOTEL - CONTINUOUS

Irv and Edith dance through the lobby.

THE PIERRE HOTEL CAFE49 4

As they dance among mostly older wealthy couples on the smalldance floor of the elegant restaurant as a live jazz quartetplays Ive Got Your Number. Camera circles them, puttingtheir foreheads together, very happy. THEY SING TO EACHOTHER quietly as they dance close.

INT. ROOM AT PIERRE HOTEL -- NIGHT50 5

Irv and Edith make passionate love, we see in pieces --

He gets up, she watches him dress and leave --

INT. IRVS CADILLAC - NIGHT52 5

He drives over the Triborough Bridge.53 5

IRVING ROSENFELD (V.O.)As, as far as I could see, peoplewere always conning each other toget what they wanted. We even conourselves.

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INT./EXT. IRVS CADILLAC - NIGHT54 5

He drives through the suburb of ranch houses and driveways55 5

and pulls into his driveway of his split-level ranch. Irv56 5gets out of his Cadillac and walks to the front door of his

house --

IRVING ROSENFELD (V.O.)We talk ourselves into things. Wesell ourselves things we maybedon't even need or want by dressingthem up. We leave out the risk. Weleave out the ugly truth.

INT. IRVS HOUSE - NIGHT57 5

Irv walks into the decorated ranch house, frosted glass with

bird designs, glass tables, walls, black and brown lacquereverywhere. He walks into the house and looks at a picturehis son did -- a drawing of the Yankees playing baseball --that is taped to the refrigerator.

IRVING ROSENFELD (V.O.)Pay attention to that because wereall conning ourselves in one way oranother just to get through life.

Irv takes Dannys picture from the fridge and tip toes --with low sounds now of O.S. TV -- Irv goes to A CLOSED DOORWITH YANKEE STICKERS on it --

Irv OPENS A BEDROOM DOOR TO REVEAL HIS 5 YEAR OLD SON, DANNY.

SYDNEY PROSSER (V.O.)He was married, and he had a son.

INT. DANNYS ROOM - NIGHT58 5

DANNY is on the bed, picture books, baseball cards, spreadall around him. Irv stands holding the picture. Danny looksover his shoulder.

SYDNEY PROSSER (V.O.)He had adopted her son.

DANNYDADDY!

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SYDNEY PROSSER (V.O.)He was a really good dad and Irespected him for that. It was atough situation for everyone.

Irvs face lights up.

IRVING ROSENFELDDanny. This is a fantasticpicture. What did you do today?

DANNYThat kid Donovan is being mean tome.

IRVING ROSENFELDThe big kid? I thought Mommy pickedyou up so he couldnt bother you.

DANNYShe was late, and then after we putout the fire, mommy said stay in myroom with my baseball cards.

Danny reaches across to Irving and takes his glasses off hisface and puts them on.

IRVING ROSENFELDWhat fire?

DANNYDid you know they make a lamp thathas the sun in it? [Irv looks athim] Mommy got the lamp. She madeher special drink and the lamp madea fire.

Irv looks concerned.

INT. MASTER BEDROOM - NIGHT59 5

Irvs wife Rosalyn sits up on the bed in a muumuu, half herface is burned.

ROSALYN ROSENFELDI put out the fire. The fire isout.

IRVING ROSENFELDFor the first time in my life I dothe right thing.

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ROSALYN ROSENFELDOh shut up --

IRVING ROSENFELDI save a young single mother, andher kid. I marry her. I adopt him -

-

ROSALYN ROSENFELDYou fell in love! Dont forget wefell madly in love!

IRVING ROSENFELDYes, I fell in love. My God, Ifell in love. Yes. But you knowwhat? I thought you weremysterious like my mother until itturned out that mysterious justmeant depressed, hard to reach. I

mean, I'm dying here! And you needsomebody who's gonna be quiet likeyou. Youre young, you'rebeautiful. You gotta find somebodyelse. You gotta go out and getsome friends all right? Don't sitinside --

ROSALYN ROSENFELDI dont like going out. You knowthat I get anxiety when I have tomeet people. You know how hard thatis.

IRVING ROSENFELDYeah but you cant just stay in thehouse with the fucking sun lamp.Alright? And I can't-- I mean,look, I can't trust you with itanyway. That fire and everything. Ican't trust to leave you withDanny.

ROSALYN ROSENFELDI put the fire out Irving! There is

no fire! Maybe if you were heremore, then there wouldn't have beena fire in the first place.

IRVING ROSENFELDOh, what, there wouldn't have beena fire if I was here?

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ROSALYN ROSENFELDJust stop with the whole firething. God it was a mistake. Imsure a million people do that allthe time. Those sun lamps aredangerous. Shouldn't even have them

in the house, really. I bet thathappens all the time. This wasnothing.

IRVING ROSENFELDWere not happy. Alright?

Rosalyn just stares there for a moment at Irving sayingnothing.

ROSALYN ROSENFELDYou know that I could take Danny.You know that most of your work is

illegal. And you know that if youtried to divorce me, you know that--I'm not saying that I would, butI'm saying that I could. And I'msaying that thatis why I don'tlike divorce, Irving. Women do thatin divorces. Women get thechildren, and then the fathersnever see them. My mother never gotdivorced. My grandmother never gotdivorced. There are NO divorces inmy family. I am not getting adivorce.

IRVING ROSENFELDCome on. What are we doing here?

ROSALYN ROSENFELDWe fight and we fuck and thatswhat we do. Thats our thing.

IRVING ROSENFELD (V.O.)She was the Piccaso of passiveaggressive karate. She was betterthan any con artist I'd ever met

including myself. And she had melike nobody had me.

Rosalyn sheds her muumuu, to reveal a white leotard.

ROSALYN ROSENFELDIrving, come to mama. Come on.

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IRVING ROSENFELD (V.O.)You might say she was my karma forhow I took advantage of people.

ROSALYN ROSENFELDIrving, come here. Come on. Get

into bed.

IRVING ROSENFELDAlright.

ROSALYN ROSENFELDBaby, theres such good stuff here.63 6

INT. DANNYS ROOM - NIGHT

DANNY SITS PLAYING ON THE BED WITH HIS TOYS.

IRVING ROSENFELD (V.O.)I did not want to leave the kidbehind. He was my son. She had me.I was her mark.

INT. LONDON ASSOCIATES - DAY

SLOW PUSH IN FROM WIDE SHOT BEHIND NEW CLIENT/MARK, FROM THEBACK, AS THEY SIT FACING EDITH, TO ONE SIDE, AND IRV, BEHINDTHE DESK.

CAMERA KEEPS PUSHING IN SLOWLY TOWARD THE BACK OF THE MARKSHEAD AS HE FACES SYD AND IRV.

WE NOW SEE THE MARK: A charismatic, mercurial, wild eyedBUSINESSMAN MORT PAPIERMAN in need of a loan.

Morts eyes go from her knees to her eyes -- His eyes meetSydneys -- he looks soulful, open. She stares at him. Irvnotices uncomfortably. Hes JEALOUS.

IRVING ROSENFELD-- and every deal I take, I close.However, my fee is non refundable,

just like my time.

MORT PAPIERMAN/RICHIE DIMASO(filling out paper work)

I want to thank you very muchIrving for seeing me. Sorry Im sonervous.

Richie reaches for his top button to adjust it.

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MORT PAPIERMAN/RICHIE DIMASO (CONTD)Am I not buttoned?

Edith stares at him and smiles.

MORT PAPIERMAN/RICHIE DIMASO (CONTD)

I just gotta say Mr. Rosenfeld,that Lady Edith was very adamantthat you were top notch and --

IRVING ROSENFELDThats correct.

MORT PAPIERMAN/RICHIE DIMASOI really need your help. Imdesperate. Ive got the Audis forcollateral and the two boats, and Iforgot to mention that I have alittle piece of real estate in Long

Island.

EDITH GREENSLYNo, you didn't mention that. Twolunches and you never mentionedthat.

MORT PAPIERMAN/RICHIE DIMASOOh, I was gonna mention it and thenthe guy with the hat walked in.

EDITH GREENSLYThe hat.

MORT PAPIERMAN/RICHIE DIMASOAnd I forgot totally. It was thesecond time we had lunch.

EDITH GREENSLYYou couldn't see his eyes. He hadno eyes. It was like, did he makeit?

MORT PAPIERMAN/RICHIE DIMASO(laughing)

Do they sell hats like that? Wheredo they come from? Actually, I wentto the store that I thought maybehe bought it there. I was gonna getyou one --

EDITH GREENSLYYou were going to get me one?

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MORT PAPIERMAN/RICHIE DIMASOLike as a memento.

Irving decides to interject.

IRVING ROSENFELD

Two lunches?

EDITH GREENSLYYes. Its two lunches. Whats thebig deal?

IRVING ROSENFELDThats unusual.

EDITH GREENSLYI was trying to get him to be moreaggressive. On his loan that is.

Mort PAPIERMAN/RICHIE DIMASOYou showed me a whole new side ofthe city I'd never seen before.

EDITH GREENSLYOh, good. Youre welcome.

Mort PAPIERMAN/RICHIE DIMASONo, thank you.

IRVING ROSENFELDYeah, right. You liked it? Should Itake you there?

EDITH GREENSLYYes.

IRVING ROSENFELDShould I take you there twice?

EDITH GREENSLYStop.

IRVING MOTIONS SYDNEY TO COME CLOSE HE WHISPERSCONFIDENTIALLY TO HER.

IRVING ROSENFELD(confidential to Edith)

Whats going on, you like this guy?

EDITH GREENSLYYes I like this guy.

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IRVING ROSENFELDIs that messing up your judgement?Dont be stupid.

SYDNEY PROSSERNo, hes not messing with my

judgment.

IRVING ROSENFELDHey, play your part.

EDITH GREENSLYFine. You play your part.

MORT PAPIERMAN/RICHIE DIMASO(holds out cashiers check)

Take it to your people in London.Please, take it to them. I got thecashiers check right here. I give

you five and you give me fiftyright back, right? Please. Pleasedont reject me. Give a guy achance.

MORT/RICHIE REPEATEDLY TRIES TO HAND IT TO IRV, WHO IS BUSYSTARING AT SYDNEY STARING AT MORT. MORT HOLDS THE CHECK INTHE AIR UNCOMFORTABLY AWKWARDLY UNTIL -- almost in slowmotion --Edith takes the check -- staring at Mort. IRV STARTSTO LEAVE -

MORT PAPIERMAN/RICHIE DIMASO (CONTD)Zurich? You got an office inZurich? Paris? I can call Paris?

IRVING ROSENFELDIf you could excuse me for onesecond?

MORT PAPIERMAN/RICHIE DIMASOYeah, take your time. Do whateveryou need to do. Go ahead, take yourtime.

HE HEADS TO THE REAR EXIT WHILE SYD MOVES TO ANOTHER -- IRV

OPENS THE DOOR - BAM -- A WARRANT IS HELD UP TO HIS FACE BYSTOCKY FBI AGENT SCHMIDT IN A SUIT - HE WALKS IRV BACK INTOTHE OFFICE --

AS Edith OPENS A SIDE DOOR -- BANG - FEDERAL AGENT STOCKWALKS HER BACK INTO THE OFFICE WITH A WARRANT.

IRVING ROSENFELDYou got the wrong office, youregonna be embarrassed.

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THE AGENTS START PUTTING EDITH IN CUFFS IMMEDIATELY.

IRVING ROSENFELD (CONTD)HEY, HEY, HEY! GO EASY ON HER.

MORT PAPIERMAN/RICHIE DIMASO

I may not have you, Irving, but Ihave her on fraud. Impersonatinganother individual.

IRVING ROSENFELDFraud?! Fraud? What is that?Identity fraud?

AGENTS SCHMIDT AND STOCK IMMEDIATELY START TAKING BOXES OFFILES FROM DRAWERS, IMPOUNDING EVIDENCE.

MORT PAPIERMAN/RICHIE DIMASOYou may be from England, Edith, but

youre not royal and you have nobanking connections and thats afelony. How long is that? Thats 3-5 years I think.

EDITH GREENSLY(about the handcuffs)

Hey! Not so tight!

IRVING ROSENFELDOh really? Thats interesting. Idont even know your real name.

Richie pulls out a badge and shoves it in Irvings face.

RICHIE DIMASORichie Dimaso, FBI. Nice to meetyou.

Richie looks at Edith with concern and points at Irving.

RICHIE DIMASO (CONTD)You gotta get away from this guy.

Agents take boxes of files out of the office- Irv standing

alone in center of room- shell-shocked.

INT. FBI HOLDING OFFICES - DAY.64 6

SYDNEY IS LED INTO A HOLDING CELL BY AN FBI AGENT.

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IRVING ROSENFELD (V.O.)He wouldnt let me see her forthree days. He even managed todelay a lawyer.

INT. FBI HOLDING CELL - DAY

Dim cell, lit only from small high barred window, no lightson. Edith looks like shes coming apart -- circles under hereyes, a shadow of her confident self -- pale, scared, hairflat, stringy, unglamourous, pacing, rocking.

IRVING ROSENFELD (V.O.)She couldn't handle it.65 6

INT. FBI HOLDING CELL - NIGHT66 6

FLUORESCENT LIGHTS COME ON IN THE CELL -- Edith squints. Cellis unlocked by Richie Dimaso WHO enters with a cup and saucerof tea. He stands near her with the tea.

RICHIE DIMASO(to the other side of thetwo-way mirror)

Joe, how come the fluorescents areon? Can we kill that, please? (toSyd) Jesus I put this lamp here foryou 'cause I thought it'd be betterfor you. There's a wire here.They're scared because people hangthemselves but I know youre toosmart for that. Wheres the tableand chair? There's no bed here?Its like a fucking asylum. Joe, iseverybody off today? Jesus Christits scary. Maybe I wanted to scareyou. I dont know. Maybe it was myidea. Maybe im a little off thebeaten path you know? I dont know.You look dehydrated. Here, want totry some tea? Oh yeah, your lipsare all chapped. (re: tea) Its

herbal. My favorite.

Richie bends down to Edith who is sitting on the floor in thecorner and hands her the cup and saucer. She lifts the cupbut her hand is shaking almost violently as she raises thecup to her lips.

RICHIE DIMASO (CONTD)I know you think -- look at me.Hey. Edith.

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I know you think Irv loves you. Iknow you think you know him -- thathe sees the world as a cold, darkplace, and he cares about nobodybut very few people on his shortlist: his son, his father, Rosalyn,

and you. And you think youre atthe top of that list. But what ifyoure not. What if youre not evenon the list at all? Hed be inhere right now if he took thecheck.

She thinks about this. She trembles.

RICHIE DIMASO (CONTD)He'd be in here right now if hetook the check. But no, you did.God, it's, it's so clear to me.

It's so crazy -- it's clear to me,but it's not clear to you. He usesyou, Edith, to protect himself. Toprotect his son and his wife inLong Island. No? Yes. He put aring on her finger, he adopted herson. They have huge house, theyhave two cars. What does she do allday? I'll tell you what she does --she plays with her nails, shewatches T.V., and she spends yourmoney, the money that you make.

Edith stares at Richie, taking this in.

RICHIE DIMASO (CONTD)I don't like that you're in jailwhile he's going free. I don'tlike any of that. I want to helpyou. All the razzle-dazzle that hedoes, it's not good. It's not real.It's fake. It's not real. Who youare is who you are, between you andGod. You and your soul. That's whatmatters. That's what counts.

That's what I'm about. And that'swhat I see in you. Tell me youdidn't feel it the first time wesaw each other. Am I crazy? I don'tthink so. I'm not supposed to betalking like this, but I don'tcare, I break the rules.

Edith looks at Richie in silence as she thinks about whathes saying.

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35/154

RICHIE DIMASO (CONTD)Okay, Edith? Edith. I want to helpyou. I like you. (whispers) I likeyou. (dead serious) I like you.

INT. FBI OFFICE, FEDERAL OFFICE BUILDING, NY - DAY67 6

Irv stands alone on the other side of the glass staring atSydney.

Richard Dimaso walks in.

RICHIE DIMASOBeen in there three days. Hasntbeen so good for her.

Irv continues to stare at Sydney.

RICHIE DIMASO (CONTD)How does that make you feel her inthere? That check was for you,right? But you knew somethin' wasoff. That's 'cause you're good.You're, like, the best at what youdo in the whole country, aren'tyou?

Irv looks at him.

RICHIE DIMASO (CONTD)But you know what? If the countrywere run by people like you, IrvingRosenfeld we'd be living in EasternEurope or Guatemala. You ever beenin Guatemala? You ever been in jailin Guatemala? You ever try to get atelephone or a permit or anythingin Guatemala? That's what thiscountry would be like if we letpeople, let the liars like you, runthis country.

IRVING ROSENFELD

Who made you god and judge?

RICHIE DIMASOMy grandmother lived to be ninety-three years old. Never lied in herlife.

IRVING ROSENFELDCongratulations.

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RICHIE DIMASOThank you. I'm proud of that, too.Does that make her not a goodperson? Is that not something tostrive for?

IRVING ROSENFELDWhy you breaking my balls? Get tothe point.

RICHIE DIMASOI see something in you, Irving. Iget very excited. I think that wehave a lot of potential here. Now,look. I came up with the idea.It's all from me. I want to changethings. I want to go after whitecollar crime. Irving, you're veryskilled. And I want you to teach me

and we can do this. I want fourpeople that do what you do.Fraudulent investments. Fakecertificates of deposit. Stolenart, fake art. You get me fourpeople and you're off the hook.

IRVING ROSENFELDFour busts and you'll leave usalone? We don't have to testify?

RICHIE DIMASOYou're good, you're done. Anythingyou want. But if you run, then yourlife is over. You'll be hunted, andit's gonna be very difficult forRosalyn and your kid to live inthis country.

INT. SYDNEYS APARTMENT BEDROOM - NIGHT68 6

A NICE UPPER EAST SIDE apartment. Sydney has finally changedher clothing from when she wore the same dress at the holdingcell. It is quiet in the apartment - faint street noise from

3rd Avenue below.

SYDNEY PROSSERWe need to leave. We need to runand we need to do it now. We can goto Estonia or Romania, I don'tcare, we'll take the cash from thebed and get out of here, alright?We talked about it a hundred times.

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Irv stares at her and struggles.

IRVING ROSENFELDWhat about Danny?

SYDNEY PROSSER

What about Danny?

IRVING ROSENFELDI adopted him! I gave him my name!I'm not leaving him with Rosalyn,she's unstable!

SYDNEY PROSSERThats a manipulation! Rosalynswill never let you go. She'll useDanny against you because she's toomessed up to let you leave.

IRVING ROSENFELDI cant leave him. I love him.Alright? Hes my son.

SYDNEY PROSSERRichie said you would say that.

IRVING ROSENFELDRichie? What, the cop? Your on afirst name basis with him?

SYDNEY PROSSERYes I am. Im not even on your listam I?

IRVING ROSENFELDWhat list?

SYDNEY PROSSERYour list. Your short list. Yourlong list. I'm not even on anyoneof your fucking lists. I thoughtyou loved me. I thought we hadsomething.

IRVING ROSENFELDWe do have something. I love you,its perfect! What are you saying?We're gonna go to Romania? We'regonna take Danny?

SYDNEY PROSSERYes. Yes, thats what Im saying.You, me, Danny.

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IRVING ROSENFELDWell you never said that before.

SYDNEY PROSSERIm saying it now. We're us, and wecan make it an adventure like we

did. We can make it an adventurelike we make everything, alright?But we have to go now. We have toleave right now.

IRVING ROSENFELDI cant leave Danny. Ill losecustody.

SYDNEY PROSSERYou have to take me away! We haveto leave!

(sobbing)What are you saying?! Oh my god.

IRVING ROSENFELDWhat are you doing?! Please!

Sydney goes storming out of the room and down the hall of herapartment. Irving follows.

SYDNEY PROSSERI cant believe this is happening.

IRVING ROSENFELDDont say I dont love you becausethats bullshit!

SYDNEY PROSSER(sobbing)

Thisis bullshit. Youare bullshit.Weare bullshit.

She starts sobbing, shaking.

IRVING ROSENFELDPlease dont do this.

SYDNEY PROSSERI just never thought you wereconning me.

IRVING ROSENFELDI could never con you. I love you.Please dont say this.

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Irv walks to her and bends down to join her on the floor asshe sobs.

SYDNEY PROSSERNo, Im done.

IRVING ROSENFELDDont say that.

SYDNEY PROSSER(cries)

I'm gonna do these four busts,these four cons, to get us out ofthis. Not just me, but us. AndI'm gonna get really close withRichie, the cop, in case we need touse him, if we need another move.

IRVING ROSENFELD

We dont need another move. We needfour busts, and were done.

SYDNEY PROSSERWe are going to need another move,trust me. And youre going to bethanking me. (shifts to Britishaccent) The key to people is whatthey believe and what they want tobelieve and I want to believe thatwe were real, and I want to believethat a man could want me. And I'mgonna take all of that heartbreak,and all of that sorrow, and I amgoing to use it. And I'm going tomake Richie think that I want him,and that I like him, and Im goingto be very convincing -- And Impissed at you.

Sydney reaches over and carefully grabs Irvings facelovingly which quickly turns into a slap as she continues on.

SYDNEY PROSSER (CONTD)Because Im pissed at you!

Irving stares at Sydney with confusion. Hes never seen herlike this before.

SYDNEY PROSSER (CONTD)Maybe I do like him -- Maybe I likehim a lot. From the feet up right --baby?

Sydney gets up from the couch and storms back to her room.

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SYDNEY PROSSER (CONTD)Quite your belly aching and come upwith something to get us out ofthis. And you're right -- I'm in nostate to deal with this so what'sit gonna be, Mister Mastermind?

SOUND PRELAP:

RICHIE DIMASO (O.S.)An Arab sheik? Why do we need an69 6Arab Sheik?

INT. ART MUSEUM - DAY70 7

Richie, in sharp lapeled suit, chain on his neck, walks withIrv and Edith and joined by a man who looks like an ARABSHEIK who they trail.

IRVING ROSENFELDHow do you think this works,stupid?

SYDNEY PROSSERIf you could not call him stupidwhich hes isnt, hes smarter thanyou. Last I checked hes in controlhere and we work for him now so benice.

Richie stares at Edith elated that she just stuck up for him.Hes really enjoying this position of power shes putting himin.

IRVING ROSENFELD(stares at her, upset)

OK, to set this up and bust a conartist we have to make the honeypot to attract the bees. In orderto attract the bees, we need tooffer them a wealthy individual whocan be taken advantage of, someonespecial, someone new, someone

amazing. Then those guys will wantto sell fake bank CDS to THAT guy,take the sheiks money, see?

Richie looks at Irving uncertain.

SYDNEY PROSSEROnly they cant get into his moneyunless you they know someone, andthat someone is us.

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RICHIE DIMASOOh thats good.

RICHIE DIMASO (CONTD)So if you want to get somebody likeyour con artist friend -- Carl

Elway -- you get him to want to buy--

IRVING ROSENFELDKeep your voice down.

RICHIE DIMASO-- or sell fake art or stolen artor fake certificates of deposit, heneeds -- who does he need? -- heneeds a rich sheik guy, and thereyou go -- we can pinch him!

IRVING ROSENFELDRight, but I dont tell Elway shit.I wait for him to call me. The artworld is a small world -- and oneof Elway's acquaintances isclocking us right now.

Richie starts to look around.

RICHIE DIMASOWhere?

IRVING ROSENFELDDont look.

Richie looks anyway and sees ELWAYS ACQUAINTANCE, a manbalding, 45 clocking them from the balcony.

IRVING ROSENFELD (CONTD)You have a good look?

RICHIE DIMASOHow do you know the Sheik?

IRVING ROSENFELD

This is my friend Al from Queens.

AL FROM QUEENS/SHEIKI do aluminum siding and roofing.

Richie stares, impressed.

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INT. ART MUSEUM - NEXT ROOM - CONTINUOUS

Irving, Edith, Richie, and the fake Sheik admire a REMBRANDTpainting on the wall.

IRVING ROSENFELD

I want to show you something. ThisRembrandt here? People come fromall over the world to see this.

RICHIE DIMASOYeah, he's good.

IRVING ROSENFELDIts a fake.

RICHIE DIMASOWait, whatre you talking about?That's impossible.

IRVING ROSENFELDPeople believe what they want tobelieve. Cause the guy who madethis was so good that its real toeverybody. Now whose the master --the painter or the forger?

Richies continues to stare at the REMBRANDT on the wall.

RICHIE DIMASOThats a fake?

IRVING ROSENFELDThats the way the world works. Notblack and white as you say.Extremely grey.

ELWAYS ACQUAINTANCE walks up to Irving and the group andsteps into the conversation.

ELWAYS ACQUAINTANCEIrving can I --

IRVING ROSENFELD

How many times I gotta tell you.You cant meet the sheik, alright?

Edith sees this and steps into the conversation.

EDITH GREENSLYArthur? Hi. Edith. Weve metbefore.

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EDITH GREENSLY (CONTD)I wanted to introduce you to RobertSpencer. Were advising the Sheiktogether.

She looks at Richie. Richie offers his hand.

RICHIE DIMASO(catching up)

Yeah, Im Robert Spencer, advisorto the sheik.

EXT. CHELSEA HOTEL -- ESTABLISHING - DAY70A 70

INT. OFFICE OF CARL ELWAY - SUCCESSFUL, BUT SHADY - DAY71 7

CARL ELWAY, 40, preppie Waspy, very old fashioned with

cigarette holder, but something vaguely criminal about him,in his conservative suit, natty white and red striped shirt,and navy blue tie sits with Irving.

CARL ELWAYWhats this I hear about a god damnSheik?! Why you leaving me out ofthis? I gotta hear about it from myfriends?

IRVING ROSENFELDIt aint for you Carl.

CARL ELWAYWhat do you mean it aint for me?We gotta do certificates ofdeposit. I can print as many as youneed.

IRVING ROSENFELDThis is not a one man operation.

CARL ELWAYLook, I can get other guys. Whatare you talking about Irving?

IRVING ROSENFELDYoure telling me that you can getfour guys to sell fake certificatesof deposit to my investor within aweek?

The camera zooms into Irvings shirt collar revealing a tinymicrophone.

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CARL ELWAYYes I can make that happen. CarlElway can do what he says hesgoing to do.

IRVING ROSENFELD

Thats interesting but you knowIve got other guys lined up. Ivegot a meeting with my associates.

SUDDENLY CARL ELWAYS ASSISTANT, OPENS THE DOOR AND ENTERS.Richie Dimaso and Edith ARE STANDING THERE -- MUCH TO IRVSDISMAY.

CARL ELWAYS ASSISTANTCarl, his associates are here. Hesgot a meeting hes got to go to.

CARL ELWAY

No wait. Dont go anywhere.

IRVING ROSENFELDIve got to go.

Irving gets up to walk out as Richie and Edith stand in thedoorway.

IRVING ROSENFELD (V.O.)Crazy thing about people -- themore you say no, the more they wantin on somethin. It is so stupid.

Irving looks over at Richie and Edith.

IRVING ROSENFELDIll tell them, dont worry. Heyyou know what Carl just told me? Hesaid he could do this whole thingwith four guys within a week.

CARL ELWAYOr we could do somethin' muchbigger!

Richie jumps into the conversation.

RICHIE DIMASOSomething bigger? My guy deals withhundreds of millions of dollars.How much bigger?

He walks over to Carl.

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CARL ELWAYHundreds of million -- I knew youwere holdin' out on me Irving!Hundreds of millions of dollars?Like much bigger. Like I'm talkingabout we say never the fuck mind

the CD's and we could have somecomplete access to something huge.

RICHIE DIMASOHuge? Like what? (introducinghimself) Robert Spencer, advisor tothe Sheik.

CARL ELWAYCarl Elway.

Irv stares at Richie with contempt, then turns to Edith,DRESSED TO THE NINES.

CARL ELWAY (CONTD)I want you to think of the mostundervalued asset in the state ofNew Jersey today. The rebuilding ofAtlantic City.

Richie looks over at Irving and Sydney and mouths the wordWOW.

CARL ELWAY (CONTD)Look, maybe they, maybe theylegalized gambling a year ago butnothings happening.

Irving interjects.

IRVING ROSENFELDHey, quit while youre ahead Carl.

CARL ELWAYI know the guy. I know the rightpeople who are going to help youout.

RICHIE DIMASOWhose the guy?

CARL ELWAYThe guy is Carmine Polito.

RICHIE DIMASOWhose Carmine Polito?

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INT. FBI OFFICE, FEDERAL OFFICE BUILDING, NY75 7

PUSH IN: STODDARD THORSEN, Richies FBI supervisor.

STODDARD THORSEN(shakes his finger no)

Carmine Polito? Carmine Polito, no.

We freeze frame on Stoddard as we HEAR RichieS VO:

AS Richie TALKS WE SEE A SHORT FILM ABOUT Carmine Polito:

- PUSH IN: Mayor Polito walks a Camden street waves, shakeshands of WELL-WISHERS

RICHIE DIMASO (V.O.)My boss Stoddard proceeded to tellme that Carmine Polito was the mostquietly powerful person in the

state of New Jersey. A lifetimenative of the very racially mixedCamden, which had become a ghetto,and where he had been Mayor for tenyears. A very beloved guy. A guywho never gave up on his people.His father had emigrated from Italyand had stoked coal.

- Frank Sinatras COFFEE SONG, 1940s version, as we seeCarmine talk to and dance joyfully with his kids and wife atbreakfast.

RICHIE DIMASO (V.O.)A big family guy with five kids.They even adopted some other kid.A black kid from the Boys and GirlsClub who'd lost his family. I mean,his household was a joyous place.And his wife Dolly, she was theapple of his eye and the center ofthe household. I mean everyoneloved this guy.

- PULL OUT Mayor Polito walks up steps of City Hall as hegreets a women and her baby; into his office greeted by acouple of AIDES who show him papers to sign.

RICHIE DIMASO (V.O.)And he had a huge heart.

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INT. CAMDEN CITY HALL - W.P.A. MURAL ROOM - DAY78 7

CARMINE POLITO(giving speech)

The W.P.A. employed craftsmen topaint this during the Depression.

Why can't we employ people today todo work like this in rebuildingAtlantic City?

RICHIE DIMASO (V.O.)He worked with all the unions. Hewas the leader of the StateAssembly. And he had just gottengambling legalized in New Jersey tocreate jobs.

-- FLOOR OF STATE ASSEMBLY -- Carmine huddles with other80 8STATE LEGISLATORS, horsetrading and then poses for a picture

with other members of the State Assembly.

RICHIE DIMASO (V.O.)But he couldnt get the funds torebuild Atlantic City and thatwashis problem. So with our help, hewas about to have his hand in thewrong pocket at the wrong time.And to me that meant corrupt

BACK TO:81 8

STODDARD THORSENYou said grifters and con artists.We're not going after somepolitician. This is a bad idea,Richard.

RICHIE DIMASOShhhh. Look, it's really simple.All you need is to put two millionin a Chase account --

STODDARD THORSENWhat?!

RICHIE DIMASO (CONTD)-- under the Sheiks name --

STODDARD THORSENWhose two million?!

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RICHIE DIMASOShh, just listen. Two milliondollars under the Sheik's name, ina Chase account that we control.Carmine calls up on the telephone --calls the bank -- and he sees that

the Sheik is real and he has a realaccount. Five days.

STODDARD THORSENI'm not taking two million dollarsof the taxpayers' money and puttingit anywhere for five days, I don'tcare if we control it the wholetime.

Richie as he stares at Stoddard in frustration.

RICHIE DIMASO

Stoddard, let us do what we need todo to rule out corruption and toget rid of the payoff guys that areruining this country. That's mydream. Don't smother it, please.

STODDARD THORSENYou know Richard, I understand youreagerness. I really do. You knowI'm from Michigan, right? Let metell you a story about me, and mydad, and my brother. We used to goice fishing every November. IceFishing. Thats what we lived for.

RICHIE DIMASOHoly shit --

STODDARD THORSENJust listen to me. It's beautiful.You have a little stove. You huddlearound, you keep each other warm.You drop a line and you just wait.One year my brother says, let's goin October." He wants to go ice

fishing in October. My dad says,"No, the ice is too thin." Mybrother says -- I love my brotherhe says --

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RICHIE DIMASOI understand what's happening.You're saying your brother went outon the ice, the ice was too thin,he fell through the ice, he went inthe water because he was too eager,

and you're saying I'm too eager --that's what you're saying?

STODDARD THORSENNo, thats not what Im saying.

RICHIE DIMASOWhat are you saying?

STODDARD THORSENWell finish the ice fishing storyanother time, young man. For now,no Carmine Polito. Go do your job.

Richie looks at him annoyed and upset.

RICHIE DIMASO (V.O.)Stoddard shot the whole thing down.

RICHIE DIMASOBoring.

RICHIE DIMASO (V.O.) (CONTD)But Edith was a genius.

SEE B-ROLL OF: Edith and Richie walk back into FBI building,83 8

down corridor;84 8

RICHIE DIMASO (V.O.) (CONTD)She somehow found this woman whocontrolled the wire room. A womanId never heard of. Way back in awarren buried in the Bureau. Thiscat lady nobody even talked to.Edith met her in the ladies roomand became friends with her. Thislady handled all the wires and now,

she was working with us.

SMASH TO:

Edith and Richie enter to find BRENDA, FBI, MATRONLY, OLDER;85 8EDITH carries a basket of exotic teas;

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RICHIE DIMASO (V.O.) (CONTD)She was excited to be included inan operation instead of being onthe other end of a memo. It wasbeautiful.

Edith goes to hand her the PIMMS CUP and basket of teas.

EDITH GREENSLYBrenda, hi!

BRENDA MCPHERSONHi!

EDITH GREENSLYYou said you liked exotic food, sothats from England.

BRENDA MCPHERSON

Thats from England?

EDITH GREENSLYThats right. And I brought yousome tea as well.

BRENDA MCPHERSONThank you so much! Nobody evertells me about these operations,they just say, Brenda, do theclerical wiring work and dont askquestions.

EDITH GREENSLYYou need to tell Richie about yourcats. He loves them.

BRENDA MCPHERSONOh my cats?!

Brenda starts pointing out pictures of all her cats tacked tothe walls amidst the wire memos and paperwork.

BRENDA MCPHERSON (CONTD)Well thats Harry -- look at him

standing up, isn't that sweet? Andthat's Wendy. She's a rascal. ButBarnaby, that's another story.Barnaby plays the piano!

RICHIE DIMASOThats impressive.

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RICHIE DIMASO (V.O.) (CONTD)We got her to wire two milliondollars into an F.B.I.-controlledaccount at Chase. It'd be therefor five days and if Polito calledhed see that the Sheik was real.

HALLWAY OF FBI86 8

Edith and Richie laugh excitedly as they walk the hallways.

RICHIE DIMASO (V.O.) (CONTD)By the time Stoddard caught up tous Edith made sure his boss wasimpressed by my idea. So before heeven knew it was happening his bosswas calling to congratulate him.

PUSH IN ON CHIEF US PROSECUTOR, SPECIAL TASK FORCE, ANTHONYAMADO IN HIS LARGE OFFICE ON THE PHONE WITH STODDARD --

ANTHONY AMADOI'm very impressed. That was verysmart. The Sheik with the money inthe bank is a fantastic...dont bemodest.

RICHIE DIMASO (V.O.)Anthony Amado. He was the U.S.Attorney, and he had a major hard-on to make a name for himself. Imean this guy loved the idea ofbeing famous. And Stoddard had tosay it was his own idea or he'dlook stupid in front of his boss.

INT. STODDARDS OFFICE --

PUSH IN ON STODDARD -- confused, dismayed.89 8

STODDARD THORSENThank you, sir, wait, the sheik --

INT. STODDARDS OFFICE - DAY

He hangs up, pissed, confused.

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STODDARD THORSENYou made me accept praise from myboss whos thanking me forsomething that never shouldahappened! Something that I didn'tapprove!

RICHIE DIMASOYou should be happy. There'simaginative things happening inthis office, alright? We're notjust working in a box.

Richie leaves triumphant.

RICHIE DIMASO (V.O.) (CONTD)We got the two million to putCarmine and the Sheik together.

STODDARD THORSENPunk.

INT. CORRIDOR OF FBI -- DAY90 9

Laughing Richie and Edith walk briskly on their way out.

RICHIE DIMASO (V.O.)I liked being on this side of theline. But someone had been leftout.

INT. SYDNEYS APARTMENT - DAY91 9

IRVING ROSENFELDWe succeeded because we stayedsmall. I got you Carl Elway. Hebought stolen art, sold fake bankC.D.'s, that's enough. That's one.I get you three more -- nopoliticians.

Richie and Edith look at him.

RICHIE DIMASOYou're gonna do this because yougot no choice. You work for me.

IRVING ROSENFELDNow you keep changing the rules.You're gettin' a little powerdrunk, Richard.

51.

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You want to tell him, Edith? Youwant to wake him up?

EDITH GREENSLYOh no, I said we shouldn't do anyof it, Irving. You know I said

that. So now I support Richie.He's got vision. Do it heavy ordon't do it.

IRVING ROSENFELDI mean, he's the one ruiningAmerica, not me.

RICHIE DIMASOHow the hell am I ruining America?

IRVING ROSENFELDBecause people just got over

Watergate and Vietnam, alright?And you're gonna shit all overpoliticians again? And just becauseyou want to be a big shot and get apromotion.

RICHIE DIMASONo I'm thinking big. This is gonnabe fantastic. We're doing videosurveillance. I'm doing this fromthe feet up.

IRVING ROSENFELDYou will never do it properlybecause you got too much governmentattitude to be small and sleek.I'm like the fuckin' Vietcong, man.I'm in and I'm out. I was there thewhole time -- you don't know it.That's the fucking art of becomingsomebody who people can pin theirbeliefs and their dreams on. Andyou can't do it.

RICHIE DIMASO

How about a suite at the SheratonHotel?

IRVING ROSENFELDFor Carmine Polito and rebuildingAtlantic City?

RICHIE DIMASOWhy not?

52.

IRVING ROSENFELD (CONT'D)


54/154

IRVING ROSENFELDYou need a luxury hotel for theSheik. Come on!

RICHIE DIMASOCarmine does back door dealings all

the time. We don't have a budgetfor that Irving!

IRVING ROSENFELDYou gotta knock the Mayor, theSpeaker of the State Assembly --you gotta knock him off of hisfucking feet. He's gotta feel likehe's out of his league. What you'reoffering, this deal, I mean, thisis unheard of in the state of NewJersey, maybe even the wholefucking country. A sheik with

hundreds of millions of dollars torebuild Atlantic City -- are youfuckin' kidding me? That'sgigantic. And the Mayor, he's goingto want to see cash, he's going towant to see it in an account, he'sgoing to want to see it right now,and he will check. And that's whythis meeting isn't happening,because to get millions, you needmillions.

Edith listens intently.

EDITH GREENSLY(shrugs)

We already did it.

IRVING ROSENFELD(stunned)

What?

Irv studies Richie and Edith.

EDITH GREENSLY

We got the bureau to park 2 millionfor three days -- we got theaccount numbers.

IRVING ROSENFELDWe meaning you and him?

RICHIE DIMASOYeah we did it.

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IRVING ROSENFELDReally?

EDITH GREENSLYYeah, me and that guy.

RICHIE DIMASOShe showed me.

IRVING ROSENFELDYou showed him our thing? You didthat without me? Are you kiddingme?

EDITH GREENSLYWhat are you going to do?

IRVING AND RICHIE LOOK AT SYDNEY, UNCERTAIN.

IRVING SHAKES HIS HEAD IN DISGUST AND LEAVES. RICHIE STARESAT SYDNEY SWINGING HER LEGS ON THE COUNTER AS SHE SITS.

RICHIE DIMASOYou playing me? Are we doing this?Or you playing him? It'd be verybad for you if you're playing me.

EDITH GREENSLYYoure going to have to decide foryourself, kid, I just laideverything out on the table.

RICHIE DIMASOThis is all very exciting, I neverknew life could be like this.Youre wild. You know were takingdown a very important politician.

Richie stands very close to Edith - between her legs as shesits on the counter. He puts his hands on her hips, pullsher into him. He takes her hand -- puts it on his face,makes her feel his cheek and forehead with her hand. It isintense. She prepares for him to kiss her but he steps back.

They are both excited. They stare at each other. The air isthick with tension, Richie exhales and leaves.

RICHIE DIMASO (CONTD)(prelap)

54.

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56/154

This is agent Richard Dimaso, Implacing $75,000 into this briefcasefor Mayor Carmine Polito to procurecasino license and building permitsfor Atlantic City.

BACK TO:

INT. PLAZA HOTEL SUITE - DAY92 9

Where the film started --

See RICHIE TALK TO CAMERA IN A CORNER OF THE PLAZA SUITE--CLOSE ON MONEY COUNTED INTO BRIEFCASE --

SMASH TO:

IRVINGS EYES WIDEN AS WE CUT TO: Richie SLIDE THE BRIEFCASE

OF CASH, AS SEEN BEFORE, Edith puts her hand on top ofRichies to stop him.

IRVS EYES WIDEN AS IN NO! DONT DO THAT! WHILE HE ANDRICHIE STARE AT EACH OTHER. CARMINE LOOKS DISTURBED AT THECASE COMING HIS WAY. HE STANDS.

EXT. PLAZA HOTEL -- DAY93 9

Carmine Polito, upset, storms down the street as Irvingcatches up.

IRVING ROSENFELDMr. Mayor -- Please stop. Listen, Iapologize if that prick offendedyou. I really apologize.

Carmine will not turn around -- Irving catches up.

CARMINE POLITOReally, I'm all right, thank you.I'm okay.

IRVING ROSENFELD

No. I'm fucking embarrassed to beassociated with that guy at all.Can I just say somethin' to you,please? Don't lose this opportunityto fuckin' Florida -- all right? --because of some bullshit from thatpunk advisor with his diploma whocould never get into the schoolthat we come from. Don't lose thatopportunity.

55.

RICHIE DIMASO (CONTD)


57/154

CARMINE POLITOWhere you from?

IRVING ROSENFELDI'm from the Bronx. GrandConcourse, Hundred and Sixty-fourth

Street.

THIS REACHES CARMINE. HE AND IRV ARE CUT FROM THE SAME CLOTH.

CARMINE POLITOI got a lot of friends that live upthere. I go to Tomasos on ArthurAvenue. You know Tomasoss?

IRVING ROSENFELDYeah, Tomaso's.

CARMINE POLITO

The spicy clams.

IRVING ROSENFELDYes. They're always good.

CARMINE POLITOOh, they're to fucking die for,those clams. I haven't been therein a while. I like that place.

IRVING ROSENFELDCarmine -- can I call you Carmine?You know, Carmine -- (catches hisbreath) My fuckin' heart's goingfrom running down the stairs -- I'mnot used to running. There's alotta green grass in that hotelroom up there, alright? And all thedeals would float through you. Youget a serious piece on both ends.You do with that what you will. Ilive in the real world, I am afamily man, I got mouths to feedand everything. But, you know, wejust...we gotta grease you

directly. No middlemen, nobullshit. It's the Arab way.

CARMINE POLITOYeah, look, I understand. It's agreat opportunity. It's just I gota little thrown by going to have ameeting with somebody who ended upnot being there, so --

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IRVING ROSENFELDHey, listen, I was thrown as well.

CARMINE POLITOI understand. I'll deal with youdirectly. I don't want any

middleman or any of that bullshit.

IRVING ROSENFELDDone.

CARMINE POLITOI like you. Eye to eye. We can dobusiness together.

Irv smiles and nods as they walk back into the hoteltogether.

CARMINE POLITO (CONTD)

How long do you know this guy? Youwork with this guy before?

IRVING ROSENFELDI gotta work with him. He's theSheiks man.

CARMINE POLITOBut I still need to meet the Sheik,okay?

IRVING ROSENFELDDone.

INT. SYDNEYS APARTMENT - DAY94 9

IRVING ROSENFELDIm going out to dinner withCarmine and the wives in Camden.

RICHIE DIMASOWho?

IRVING ROSENFELD

Carmine and myself and the wives.

RICHIE DIMASOWhat?! Without me?!

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IRVING ROSENFELDHe doesnt like you, what do youwant from me, I got him to comeback and take the money and you gothim on tape alright? I cant makehim like you. I did my job.

RICHIE DIMASODid you tell him you were workingwith me? That Im the Sheiksassociate?!

IRVING ROSENFELDI just fucking told you he doesntlike you. I mean, let him have anight out with a human being forfucks sake, hes going to jailsoon. Youre done with him. You gothim on tape taking a bribe.

RICHIE DIMASOCarmine has got to deal with me,Irving.

RICHIE DIMASO (CONTD)We're gonna use Carmine. We'regonna use Carmine to get otherpeople, that's what we're gonna do.

IRVING ROSENFELDWhat?! Like who?!

RICHIE DIMASOCarmine's gonna use the Sheik topay off people.

IRVING ROSENFELDAre you fuckin' nuts? What are yousay--

RICHIE DIMASOWe're gonna let Carmine show theSheik Atlantic City, how he's gonnarenovate hotels, and see who shows

up. Whoever the Sheik pays off forlicenses and casinos, that's whowe're gonna go after. We're gonnago after all of 'em!

IRVING ROSENFELDMore politicians? You realize howfuckin' dangerous that is? There'sno fucking reasoning with you.

58.

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Edith and I were so successful forso long because we kept it justsmall enough. You are takin' us toa very fucking dangerous place,with very serious numbers!

RICHIE DIMASOIf your that successful, how comeyou wound up in this room with me?Taking orders from me.

EDITH GREENSLYYou're taking your wife out todinner? Your fucking wife? Did Ijust hear you correctly?

IRVING ROSENFELDThats the one thing you heard mesay?

EDITH GREENSLYI just find it rather shockingthats all.

IRVING ROSENFELDI get to handle two wives with onedinner, alright? I take Rosalynout, she keeps her mouth shut, shesees that my work is legitimate, Iget to keep my kid, and I get tokeep (pointing at Richie) thatfucking wife happy. Both wiveshappy.

INT. SYDNEYS APARTMENT - NIGHT

Sydney sits alone in her apartment, hair in curlers andsparks a joint.

INT. RICHIE DIMASOS APARTMENT - NIGHT96 9

Richie sits in his bathroom, his hair in tight curlers, as he

eats a chicken wing.

RICHIES MOTHER (O.S.)Richard! What are you doing? Don'teat in the bathroom, I told you somany times! And Diane broughtNapoleons for dessert. Come out ofthe bathroom and pray!

59.

IRVING ROSENFELD (CONT'D)


61/154

HE OPENS DOOR - REVEALS WHOLESOME LOOKING NICE QUEENS GIRLDRESSED NEATLY AND HOLDING UP A PASTRY BOX--

RICHIE DIMASOOh my god, what did you do?

CUT TO:

RICHIES MOTHER, ITALIAN, HER HAIR PULLED BACK.97 9

RICHIES MOTHERRichard, the filter is broken inthe fish tank. It's a problem.

RICHIE DIMASOSee, your job is to do the filter,Mom, mine is to do the gravel.When you don't do the filter right

all the fish die. See?

RICHIES MOTHERI can't get the top on that filter.

RICHIE DIMASOIve gone over this a hundred timesmom --

CUT TO:

RICHIE, HIS GIRLFRIEND, AND MOTHER ALL SIT AT THE TABLE WITHFOOD INFRONT OF THEM AS THEY START TO PRAY.

RICHIES MOTHER-- and please help Richard to marryDiane so that I may havegrandchildren and the Pope may havemore followers. And please blessthis food that we are about to eat --

THE TELEPHONE RINGS OFF SCREEN. RICHIE GETS UP TO GRAB IT.

RICHIE DIMASOYeah, hello?

SMASH TO:

EDITH GREENSLYHi.

RICHIE DIMASOWhos this?

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EDITH GREENSLYIts Edith.

RICHIES MOTHER (O.S.)Sit down and pray properly!

RICHIE DIMASOAre you alright?

EDITH GREENSLYYeah, I'm fine, I'm just alone, youknow? Irving's out with Carmine.

RICHIE DIMASOThat's right, he went out withCarmine and his wife. You must notfeel so good about that.

RICHIES GIRLFRIEND (O.S.)Richard, sit down!

EDITH GREENSLYWait whos there? Who are you with?

RICHIE DIMASOOh, no, it's just people.

RICHIES GIRLFRIEND (O.S.)People? I'm your fiance! Richard!

EDITH GREENSLYOh, you've got a fiance. You'reengaged.

RICHIE DIMASOWell, I don't know, no fiance. Idont know.

EDITH GREENSLYYou dont know if you have afiance?

RICHIE DIMASO

I don't know --

EDITH GREENSLYYou don't know? You don't know ifyou have a fiance?

RICHIES MOTHER (O.S.)The fish filter is broken!

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RICHIE DIMASOI dont. No.

EDITH GREENSLYHmm -- intersting.

RICHIE DIMASOHey, you want to get together?

RICHIES MOTHER (O.S.)Richard, do something about thefish tank.

EDITH GREENSLYFifty-fourth Street?

RICHIE DIMASOOK, fifty-fourth street.

EDITH GREENSLYOK.

SMASH TO:

RICHIE WALKS OVER TO HIS MOTHER, SITS DOWN IN FRONT OF HER.ELLA FITZGERALDS ITS DE-LOVELY PLAYS.

RICHIE DIMASOThat's what that phone call'sabout. Everybody thought, "Oh,Richie DiMaso's gonna stay in theoffice, pushing papers." That'snot gonna happen, Mom. I'm outsidein the field. I got people workingfor me. My ideas. I'm running theshow. I'm the quarterback. And I'mnot gonna settle for no one, Mom.

RICHIE KISSES HER ON THE CHEEK AND EXITS.

SMASH TO:

Ext. BARONS ITALIAN RESTAURANT- CAMDEN- NIGHT98 9

ELLA CARRIES OVER AS --

SLOW MOTION: Carmine and DOLLY POLITO (big frosted hair) getout of his maroon Lincoln Town car.

Irv and Rosalyn Rosenfeld get out of his green Cadillac. SOMELOCALS SHOUT TO THE MAYOR.

CUT TO:

62.


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INT. TABLE AT BARONS ITALIAN RESTAURANT - CAMDEN - NIGHT99 9

Ella continues. Mixture of LOCALS: ITALIANS, POLISH, BLACKSAND PUERTO RICANS -- wave to the mayor from the bar, andtables, as Irv and Rosalyn follow.

THEY SIT AT BOOTH --100 10

CARMINE POLITORocco, you know like we do. Thechicken very thin. You should seethe way he does this chicken withthe red sauce

DOLLY POLITOIts beautiful.

CARMINE POLITORight? With the red sauce, the

lemon--

Dolly kisses Carmine as he gives his wifes leg a squeeze andkisses her cheek, then her mouth.

Irv and Rosalyn squeeze hands on the table. SHE KNOCKS BACK AGLASS OF RED WINE as a plate of Chicken Picatta is served tothe table.

DOLLY POLITOIts the Piccata of the gods!

She pulls away awkwardly, waiter refills her glass which shethrows back right away. Irv looks concerned.

They all drink.

CUT TO - LATER: Carmine and Irving talk.101 10

IRVING ROSENFELDI believe that you should treatpeople the way that you want to betreated.

CARMINE POLITO

Right.

IRVING ROSENFELDDidn't Jesus say that or something?

CARMINE POLITOHe may have.

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IRVING ROSENFELDAlso, always take a favor overmoney. I think Jesus said that aswell.

CARMINE POLITO

(laughing)I don't know if he said the secondone but he may have said the firstone.

CUT TO -- Rosalyn DRUNKENLY LEANS IN TALKING TO Dolly POLITO

ROSALYN ROSENFELD(shows her nails)

I chip them moving furniture, itsmy obsession -- Moving, re-decorating, it makes me feel betterlike exercise. Theres this top

coat that you can only get fromSwitzerland and I dont know whatIm going to do because Im runningout of it but I LOVE the smell ofit.

DOLLY POLITOI can get that for you, of course.

ROSALYN ROSENFELDTheres something, the topcoat,(sniffs nails) it's like perfumeybut there's also something rotten?I know that sounds crazy, but Ican't get enough of it.

Dolly laughs.

ROSALYN ROSENFELD (CONTD)No, smell it. It's true. Dolly,historically the best perfumes inthe world, they're all laced withsomething nasty and foul. Itstrue!

She puts it under Irvs nose as he talks to Carmine, hesniffs, closes his eyes, nods without even looking.

ROSALYN ROSENFELD (CONTD)Irving loves them. He cant getenough of them.

IRVING ROSENFELDI cant get enough.

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ROSALYN ROSENFELD(hand out to Carmine)

Carmine, sweet and sour. Rotten anddelicious.

She leans across the table and puts them under Carmines

nose.

CARMINE POLITOSmells like flowers.

ROSALYN ROSENFELDFlowers, but with garbage.

CARMINE POLITOYou know what that is for me? It'scoriander for me.

ROSALYN ROSENFELD

Irving loves it. He cant getenough. Thats what hooks you. Healways comes back for it.

IRVING ROSENFELDI cant stop.

ROSALYN ROSENFELD(confidentially to Dolly)

Hes gonna say we have to talkbusiness in five, four, three, two,one --

IRVING ROSENFELD(to girls)

Dolly, can me and the mayor talkbusiness here?

ROSALYN ROSENFELD(falling off her seat)

AHH-HA-HAHAAAAAAAAHHHHH!

Carmine and Dolly rush to grab Rosalyn; JULIUS, Carminessteadfast AIDE, BLACK, 40, BIG SIDEBURNS, LOOSENED TIE andwhite shirtsleeves, BIG SMILE, helps.

ROSALYN ROSENFELD (CONTD)No, dont do that it makes me lookmore drunk than I am! Im not thisdrunk. Irving please dont make mego, I was just starting to havefun!

She WOBBLES INTO ARMS OF his WIFE Dolly, she and Carmine helpguide Rosalyn out.

65.


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EXT. WEST 54TH STREET - NIGHT102 10

Todd Rundgrens I Saw the Light plays somewhere. Edithdressed in tight Halston dress, hair flows huge all roundher; walks with Richie, who is waiting in a white gray suitwith a white disco collar outside the lapel, chains around

his neck.

EDITH GREENSLYDidnt your fiance want to come outtonight?

RICHIE DIMASOYeah, no, I dont know.

EDITH GREENSLYIm sorry, we dont have to talkabout it. I was just teasing you.

RICHIE DIMASODo you ever think, how did I end uphere? How did my life become this?You ever think that? And youwonder, am I ever gonna get to abetter place or is this it? Youever feel like that?

Edith stares, nods yes.

EDITH GREENSLYI do. I definitely know that.

Edith nods puts a hand on his face.

EDITH GREENSLY (CONTD)Im sorry we dont have to godancing. We can go have coffee ortalk or something.

RICHIE DIMASONo, I need this. Please, I need togo dancing with you.

Richie reaches down and squeezes her hand.

RICHIE DIMASO (CONTD)Please.

Edith smiles.103 10

EDITH GREENSLYOK baby, lets go dancing.

INT. DISCO - NIGHT

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Richie and Edith DANCE AND DANCE AND SWEAT to Donna SummersI Feel Love -- dance -- riding a high.

Edith EXCUSES HERSELF to go to bathroom -- breaks awaythrough crowd -- leaves Richie on dance floor -- thenSUDDENLY BREAKS AWAY -- RUSHES THROUGH THE CROWD --

GETS TO THE LADIES ROOM JUST AS SYDNEY DOES -- HE PUSHES HER104 10FROM BEHIND INTO A STALL -- SHE PUTS HER HANDS ON THE TOP OFTHE STALL WALL AS RICHIE RUNS HIS HANDS UP HER LEGS FROM HERANKLES AND UNDER HER DRESS - SHE LEANS HER ASS BACK INTO ITARCHES HER BACK --

SUDDENLY RICHIE STOPS, throws himself back against the otherstall wall, out of breath. Edith LOOKS OVER HER SHOULDER --

RICHIE DIMASOI really fucking like you.

EDITH GREENSLYI like you too. I want to live,alright. For real. No more fakeshit. Alright?

She gets real close to his face, almost about to kiss.

EDITH GREENSLY (CONTD)Were going to wait until we decideto go for love Richie. For real.Thats when we fuck. Not till then,ok?

RICHIE DIMASOOK.

GIRL OUTSIDE STALL (O.S.)Are you gonna fuck for real or getout of the stall for real?

EDITH GREENSLYNo more fake shit.

RICHIE DIMASO

No more fake shit.

EDITH GREENSLYNo more fake shit!

GIRL OUTSIDE STALLFuck me I gotta piss!

The girl outside the stall bangs on the door.

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She holds his mouth in one hand and leans in and kisses him -they get lost --

EDITH GREENSLYGet out!

SHE SHOVES HIM OUT OF THE STALL, LOCKS IT.

RICHIE DIMASO(outside stall)

I want to be fucking real!

RICHIE LAUGHS MANICALLY EXCITED AS HE STANDS AMID MANY WOMENWHO SHOVE HIM OUT THE DOOR. IN THE STALL SYD SITSEXHILARANTLY AND THROWS HER HEAD BACK LAUGHING HYSTERICALLY -GIDDY.

EDITH GREENSLYAHHHHHHH!

SMASH TO:

INT. BARONS BACK ROOM - CAMDEN SOCIAL CLUB - NIGHT105 10

Irv and Carmine JOYOUSLY SING Tom Jones "Delilah" WITH aRAUNCHOUSLY HAPPY GROUP OF locals.

SMASH TO:

INT. BARONS BACK ROOM- CAMDEN SOCIAL CLUB - NIGHT - LATER

Carmine puts down glass of bourbon as he addresses everyoneemotionally as he looks at Irving.

CARMINE POLITO(to Julius)

This guy right here, IrvingRosenfeld? You know what he's gonnado? He's gonna bring the Sheik toAtlantic City, where we can rebuildall those resorts there, puteverybody back to work.

Irving stares and is moved by this. Tears come to his eyes,he feels bad about it all suddenly.

CARMINE POLITO (CONTD)He's gonna get this community --he's gonna get this state -- backon its feet where it belongs. Isn'tthat right?

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He's gonna grow our tax base andcreate thousands and thousands ofjobs for everyone. You understandthat? You know what that means?

JULIUS

To Irving.

GIRLSTo Irving!

Carmine sits down on the couch next to Irving.

CARMINE POLITOThis guy right here. Hes got a bigheart.

IRVING ROSENFELD(quietly)

I'd just hate it if it didn't workout.

CARMINE POLITOWhat do you mean? Of course itsgoing to work out. Guys like youand me? We dream and we build. Wenever give up. We never quit.

SMASH TO:

EGGS, PANCAKES, AND BACON COOK ON A DINER GRIDDLE.106 10

QUIET -- INT. DINER - MORNING107 10

Irv and Carmine eat breakfast.

CARMINE POLITOCan I ask you a question.

IRVING ROSENFELDSure.

CARMINE POLITOIs the sheik black?

Irving looks flummoxed.

IRVING ROSENFELDHes an Arab.

They look at each other.

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CARMINE POLITOThats black, isnt it?

Irv isnt sure what to say.

IRVING ROSENFELD

Why you asking?

CARMINE POLITOMaybe it's a dumb question, but Iwas just wondering -- I would liketo arrange for the Sheik to seeCamden. To see the people ofCamden. The people I serve. Thepeople I love. Who are mostly blackand Puerto Rican. I really want himto see how good this is going to befor the community, how ready we arefor this opportunity, and he can

see how far his dollar will go.You know what I mean? What do youthink?

IRVING ROSENFELDYeah we can do that. He can seeCamden.

CARMINE POLITO(relieved)

Hey, I got something I wanna giveto you.

IRVING ROSENFELDFor me?

CARMINE POLITOI got you a gift. Lets get out ofhere. The girls are going to killus Im sure.

CUT TO:

EXT. DINER PARKING LOT - MORNING108 10

They walk in the morning sun to Carmines Lincoln where heopens the trunk and they stare at what is inside.

IRVING ROSENFELDWhat is it?

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CARMINE POLITOIts a microwave. It heats upeverything. Pasta, lasagna,meatballs, whatever.

IRVING ROSENFELD

Really?

CARMINE POLITOIt's science, yeah. That's how itheats up the food. It's scientific.

IRVING ROSENFELDAnd you specifically bought thisscience oven for me.

CARMINE POLITO(Carmine staresmeaningfully at Irv)

Yes. A new friend.

Irv is touched. He sees it is a sincere gift from Carmine,because Carmine likes him; not cynical in any way.

IRVING ROSENFELDThank you.

CARMINE POLITODont put metal in it. Come on,lets get out of here.

SMASH TO:

EXT. FBI BUILDING - DAY

RICHIE DIMASO (O.S.)I need a jet at Teeterboro.

INT. FBI OFFICE, FEDERAL OFFICE BUILDING, NY - DAY109 10

RICHIE DIMASOI need a jet at

Documents

Screenplay American hustle