As the title indicates, I'm adapting the Sam Raimi-directed, Scott Smith-written 1998 gem that is A Simple Plan. If you haven't seen this film yet, stop reading and go watch it, because it's amazing and I'm spoiling one of the final scenes here.
If you're familiar with the film, I'm doing the tail-end of this scene, a beautifully acted moment between Bill Paxton and Billy Bob Thornton. Everything has hit the fan and Hank is so close to the finish line, but Jacob doesn't know that he can make it across with him...
1 - In the clearing next to the plane and bodies. Jacob hands Hank the gun. Hank looks confused, not understanding what's happening.
JACOB: Make it look like the bad guy did it.
HANK: What?
JACOB: I can't do it, so you're going to have to do it.
2 - Jacob turns around and looks away from Hank. Jacob is calm, decisive. Hank is horrified, realizing what Jacob is suggesting.
JACOB (1): It's okay with me. I won't look at you.
JACOB (2): It's perfect.
HANK: No.
JACOB: If you love me, you'll do it.
3 - Close on Hank, looking at the gun, still mortified. He's sobbing, tears streaming down his face.
JACOB (off-panel): I don't wanna be here.
4 - Establishing shot of the edge of the forest. Lots of tall, lifeless tress rising up in the cold winter. A lone figure, still small at this distance, walks across the snow-covered field between the forest's edge and the road. It's Hank.
NO COPY
Yeah, A Simple Plan is an intense movie. I teach it in the Acting segment of my film class and this scene just slays my class--such a downer but so well done. I really like the cut-away from shooting Jacob. That was nice.
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