SCENES FROM FREDDY’S LIFE: AN AMERICAN TRAGEDY: 9-11: BAD KARMA

INT.FREDDY’S APARTMENT – BREAKFAST – A DAY OR SO AFTER 9-11

Freddy and his dad are sitting at a small table. His dad is drinking coffee, smoking, and reading the paper.

FREDDY’S DAD

Can you believe it? Fucking Arabs brought down those buildings?! You got any Arabs

at school because if you do I think they’ll need to be home schooled.

FREDDY

(Amused.)

No, Dad, we don’t got any Arabs. But now that they blew up those buildings they’ll

probably start going to Jefferson.

FREDDY’S DAD

(Looking over his paper.)

I know that’s a joke but I don’t get it.

FREDDY

(Smiling.)

Cause you gotta be a criminal to get into Jefferson.

FREDDY’S DAD

(Interested.)

Not true. You’re not a criminal.

FREDDY

(Big smile.)

Not yet, but who knows? You know what they say about Jefferson High?

FREDDY’S DAD

No, what do they say?

FREDDY

That at Jefferson most the students major in criminology.

FREDDY’S DAD

(Smiling but concerned.)

Okay, funnyman, ha, ha. But you’re not serious, are you?

FREDDY

A little. I mean we just had an assembly on school violence. Did you know a teacher

was stabbed two years ago a Jefferson?

FREDDY’S DAD

No I didn’t. They didn’t say anything about a teacher being stabbed when I enrolled

you.

FREDDY

What do you expect, Dad? Ain’t all that many white kids at the school as is. Wouldn’t

be any if they told the parents what goes on at the school. I wouldn’t mind having a 

few Arabs at school. The bangers would kick their asses instead of hasslin me.

FREDDY’S DAD

(Smiling.)

This will be the last year. I promise. I’m going to get a better job soon and we’ll get

out of this neighborhood.

FREDDY

You know I wouldn’t even mind goin back to Iowa.

FREDDY’S DAD

That’s an option too. Just need to learn a little more on this job and save some money.

So tell me, has the school talked about the attacks?

FREDDY

Yeah, and today we’re gonna talk some more about them in social studies, you know

to show the government’s concerned about our safety.

FREDDY’S DAD

(Bitter.)

The government looks out for itself. I’m just glad I’m out of the army. You know 9/11

wouldn’t have happened if our government hadn’t been interfering in other peoples’

territories in the first place.

FREDDY

Sounds like the government could learn somethin about territory from the bangers.

They’ll tell you if you want to get into trouble be messin around in their territory.

FREDDY’S DAD

That’s true. Hussein should have learned that lesson when he invaded Iran. But he

didn’t and invaded Kuwait. Of course, if Kuwait exported turnips instead of oil the

country would now belong to Hussein. We’ll just have to wait and see if Bush is

smarter than Hussein, but I have my doubts. (Look of concern.) But I do know one

thing and that’s the future doesn’t look all that good.

FREDDY

(Interested.)

You were in the Army, Dad. Do you think those Arabs can kick our ass?

FREDDY’S DAD

No, no way they can do that. But with a loser as a president we might end up defeating

ourselves. To show you how stupid our government can be, it actually supported

Hussein during the Iraq-Iran war, though he started the war. The Iraqis even attacked

an American warship, the U.S.S. Stark killing a bunch of American sailors. The

government has its own agenda and it has very little to do with the welfare of

Americans and a lot to do with special interest groups like big oil and Israel.

(Looking at the clock.) Shouldn’t you be getting off to school?

FREDDY

(Glumly.)

Yeah, I guess so. (More upbeat.) We had a pretty good conversation, didn’t we,

Dad?

FREDDY’S DAD

(Smiling.)

Yeah we did. I’ll see you tonight.

FREDDY

Maybe we can watch some TV.

FREDDY’S DAD

Sure thing—after you’ve done your homework.

FREDDY

(Hopeful, yet uncertain expression.)

Okay.

Freddy grabs his pack, opens, the door...

FREDDY

Bye, Dad.

FREDDY’S DAD

(Watching Freddy leave.)

Bye, son. Have a great day at school.

INT. MS WHINER’S SOCIAL STUDIES CLASS

Ms. Whiner (young, open-minded and Jewish) stands at the front of the class. She is dress in black, almost as if in mourning. She looks beautiful.

MS WHINER

So class, after the attacks what you think about the government. Is it doing

everything possible to protect us? Does it have everything under control?

JARRELL JOHNSON

(Contemptuously.)

What are you sayin? From the way I see things, the government don’t got nothin

under control. I mean if the government was doin its job those buildings would still be

standing. The problem is the government is always looking out for itself and its fat-cat

friends. Niggers have known that for a long time. What folks like you are just

beginning to find that out.

MS WHINER

Jarrell, I wish you wouldn’t use that word in class.

JARRELL

You mean nigger?

MS WHINER

Yes.

JARRELL

Whatever.

MS WHINER

(To the class.)

Getting back to the topic. I agree with Jarrell that the government is imperfect, but I

think it’s doing everything it can to protect us...

JARRELL

(Interrupting.)

You’re sounding like you work for the government.

MS WHINER

No, Jarrell, I don’t work for the government. What I am saying is...

A STUDENT

(Interrupting.)

Sure you do. Jefferson ain’t no private school like the fancy pants school across the

street. You're a government worker.

MS WHINER

(Trying to be patient.)

That’s true, but I don’t work for the federal government. But my point is that it’s an

imperfect world and...

JARRELL

(Interrupting.)

You live around here, Ms Whiner?

MS WHINER

(Frustrated at being interrupted again.)

No I don’t.

JARRELL

Well if you did, you’d know you don’t need to be tellin us about how imperfect the

world is. We know all about that. Little ol Freddy can tell you about livin in an

imperfect world, can’t you, Freddy, ‘cause first day of class he got his white ass run

over by one of his own, didn’t you, Freddy?

Ms Whiner looks over at Freddy, who scoots down in his seat embarrassed.

JARRELL

No, Ms Whiner you don’t need to be tellin us about how imperfect the world is. We

already know that and we also know the cops can’t protect us, like they didn’t protect

Tyrone, and the FBI can’t protect us, like they didn’t protect those people on the planes

or in those buildings they crashed into. Besides, we ain’t worried about no Arabs cause

most likely if we get killed it will be some negga or beaner or honky doin the

killin. Fuck.

MS WHINER

(Frustrated but sympathetic.)

Jarrell, I would really appreciate it if you would watch your language while in class.

JARRELL

Sorry, Ms Whiner. I’ll try to watch it but I can’t make no promises ‘cause the way I

talk is normal talk outside.

MS WHINER

I understand. (Turning to the whole class.) So tell me class, since the attacks do you

think Americans have a better understanding of what Israelis have to face every day?

HENRY: A NERDY JEWISH STUDENT

(Raises his hand.)

Ms Whiner I thought we’re supposed to be discussing the Arabs attacking America not

talking about Israel.

MS WHINER

That is correct, Henry, I just thought it would be interesting to compare our experience

with a nation that has suffered these types of attacks repeatedly for decades.

HENRY

Well we know why the Arabs don’t like the Jews in Israel. It’s because they took land

belonging to the Palestinians...

JARRELL

(Jumping in.)

That’s the territory thing. You see Ms Whiner you come into my neighborhood and try

to take over, you’re goin to be swimmin in deep shit...

MS WHINER

(Interrupting.)

Jarrell, I thought we had an agreement about that kind of language...

JARRELL

(Interrupting.)

We do Ms Whiner, and I’m goin to work on it, but I’ve been on the streets all summer

talkin dirty. So I need some time, but we got an agreement.

MS WHINER

Okay, okay, Jarrell, I’m glad we still have our agreement. You were saying something

about territory. Please finish your thought.

JARRELL

What I was sayin is that each neighborhood’s got a gang to protect it from intruders.

Blacks, Mexicans, Asians—all got local gangs that watch out for their territory, and if

you come messin around like taggin and shit, you’re gonna get hurt bad.

MS WHINER

But, Jarrell, where I live we have no gangs... 

JARRELL

(Interrupting.)

Yeah you do—the cops, and if me and some of my hommies decided to take a drive

through your neighborhood they’d be all over us. And if we messed with them, like

just talkin back, we’d end of dead or our heads beat in. Every place’s got a gang

watchin its territory. You better believe it.

HENRY

(Raising his hand.)

MS WHINER

Yes, Henry.

HENRY

Did you know, Ms Whiner, that the first black gangs in L.A. were formed to protect 

black people from whites?

MS WHINER

No, I didn’t know that, Henry. That’s very interesting.

JARRELL

And that’s why the Arabs are always blowin themselves up someplace where there’s

lot of Jews, ‘cause the Jews squatted on their territory.

MS WHINER

But after the Holocaust the Jewish people needed somewhere to go to be safe.

JARRELL

I thought two wrongs don’t make a right. They should of moved to Nevada. Lots of

empty desert just like Israel and they could of built a Jerusalem casino and got rich off 

all the American Christians. And they’d be a lot safer than where they are. I mean my

neighborhood is dangerous but at least the bangers aren’t blowin themselves up

on buses. They ain’t that stupid.

HENRY

(Raising his hand excitedly but not waiting to be called upon.)

And did you know that before the Jews moved in, Palestine was under the control of

the British, who helped create the state of Israel with the help of America and the

Soviets? And America has been arming Israel ever since. That’s the reason the Arabs

hate us. So yeah, now we know how the Israelis feel and it happened to us for the same

reason that Jarrell was talking about, messing around in Arab territory.

Freddy raises his hand. Ms Whiner has become uncomfortable with the tone and direction of the discussion, so is a little nervous about what Freddy might say.

MS WHINER

Yes Freddy?

FREDDY

(Shyly.)

If Henry’s right, then them 9/11 attacks were bad karma.

MS WHINER

How’s that, Freddy?

FREDDY

Karma means that doing something bad can have a bad effect later on, or doin

somethin good can have a good effect, like maybe America’s been acting like a bully

over in Arab territory, pushin em around tellin em what to do, like accepting the

Jews taken over, and so they just got tired of it and decided to kill some of the bully’s

people. And I don’t blame them.

MS WHINER

(Concerned.)

Why’s that, Freddy?

Music becomes ominous, like the soundtrack of The Human Stain.

JARRELL

(Jumping in.)

I’ll tell you why. It’s ‘cause Freddy knows all about being bullied, don’t you, Freddy?

Spike and his pathetic crew always fuckin with you ‘cause they know better than to

mess around with the neggas or them loco Mexicans. Ain’t that right, Freddy?

MS WHINER

Jarrell, don’t say anything else because if you do and it has words that you know are

forbidden in class, I will send to you Mr. Hurt and get you detention.

JARRELL

(Contemptuously.)

Whatever, but Freddy knows I’m right. It’s the way the world works, big fish eats little

fish, and little fish eats shit.

MS WHINER

That’s it, Jarrell. You got detention. Do you want suspension?

JARRELL

(Smiling wryly.)

You mean a couple of days off from Jefferson? Anytime. But don’t make promises you

can’t keep.

MS WHINER

(Beginning to lose control of herself.)

Well, maybe I need to speak to your parents.

JARRELL

You mean my mom ‘cause you’ll need a visitor’s pass to talk to my daddy? You see

Ms. Whiner, what you do don’t matter none. And I ain’t angry or nothing. You gotta 

do your job. I know that. But it don’t matter none. That’s all I’m saying.

HENRY

(Again raising his hand excitedly.)

MS WHINER

(Wearily.)

Yes, Henry.

HENRY

I just want to put what Jarrell and Freddy said together to get back to what you said

about Americans now knowing what it’s like to be Jews in Israel.

MS WHINER

Okay, Henry, why don’t you make the connection and we’ll call it a day because the

class is almost over.

HENRY

Well, the way I see it, when the Jews invaded Palestine and created Israel on

Palestinian territory they could expect trouble from the Arabs for the reason Jarrell

explained. They’re going to hate the Jews and fight them forever for taking their

territory. But like what Freddy said, the creation of Israel on the lands of the

Palestinians also created bad karma, mostly wars and bombings that keep happening. 

And because America supported the Jews against the Palestinians the Jewish bad

karma finally caught up with Americans on September 11.

MS WHINER

Very good, Henry. I think we had a very good discussion today, led by Henry, Jarrell,

and Freddy. Though I still need to see you after class, Jarrell.

The students file out of class. Jarrell hangs back. Ms Whiner waits, and he finally walks over to her.

JARRELL

(Sullen.)

I don’t think it right you jumpin on me for somethin I can’t help.

MS WHINER

(Sympathetically.)

I know, Jarrell, but I can’t just let that kind of talk go on in class; otherwise, all the

students will be talking trash. But that’s not what I want to talk with you about.

JARRELL

(Surprised.)

That’s good, but I don’t get it.

FREDDY

It’s what you said about Freddy. Is he being bullied on campus?

JARRELL

Big time. I mean he ain’t the only one you know. But Spike and his posse has got it out for him. Don’t ask me why. They’re a bunch of losers themselves, and don’t go saying I told you anything, ‘cause I’ll deny it.

MS WHINER

(Concerned.)

But why Freddy? He hasn’t done anything.

JARRELL

You just don’t get it, Ms Whiner. He’s weak and don’t have a crew.

MS WHINER

I don’t understand, Jarrell.

JARRELL

Backup. He ain’t got any backup. I mean he’s got a couple friends but losers just like

him. Only that crazy Jackie whatshisname...

MS WHINER

Jackie Neihiler.

JARRELL

That’s it, like what kind of name is that? Anyway he’s the only one you’d worry about

because he’s nuts, as far as I can see, always wearin that trench coat like he goin to

do a Columbine. But they’re losers. Ain’t nothin to be afraid of. If Spike messed with

me I’d hammer him, even if he is older than me. Skinny punk ass...

MS WHINER

Jarrell, please...

JARRELL

Sorry, Ms Whiner. What I’m sayin is just that if you don’t got backup you can expect

to be bullied. And Freddy's got no backup.

MS WHINER

(Appealing.)

What about you?

JARRELL

What about me? What?

MS WHINER

Couldn’t you kind of look out for him?

JARRELL

What? Haven’t you noticed that he’s white and I’m black? White and black

don’t mix.

MS WHINER

That’s too bad.

JARRELL

Maybe so, but that’s just how it is. Can I go now?

MS WHINER

Sure. Thanks for the information.

JARRELL

Hey, I didn’t tell you nothin’. 

MS WHINER

I understand.

Jarrell smiles and walks off. Last shot of Ms. Whiner looking pensive, sad. 

SCENES FROM FREDDY’S LIFE: AN AMERICAN TRAGEDY: THE PILGRIMAGE

INT. APARTMENT: MORNING
 
Freddy and Freddy’s dad are having breakfast at the small dining table. Freddy’s dad is smoking, drinking coffee, and reading the newspaper. Freddy is eating a bowl of cereal, his skateboard leaning against his chair, showing the face of Charles Manson.
 
FREDDY’S DAD
(Expression of surprise.)
Freddy, says here a kid that went to your school was shot and killed at a bus stop.
Tyrone’s his name. You know him? They got a picture of him here.
 
FREDDY
No way! Here, let me see.
 
Freddy’s dad hands over the paper. The camera shows a photo of a nice looking black kid about 16 years old and a makeshift shrine at the bus stop consisting flowers, cards, and balloons. Freddy intently reads the paper, his dad watches him curiously, sipping his coffee and smoking his cigarette.
 
FREDDY’S DAD
(Curious.)
Well?
 
FREDDY
(Stunned.)
Yeah I know him. I mean weren’t friends or nothin, no chance of that him being
black.
 
FREDDY’S DAD
Why’s that?
 
FREDDY
(Looking at his dad like he clueless.)
Whites and blacks don’t mix at school. Some of the jocks maybe because they’re on
the same team. Otherwise, you stay with your own kind.
 
FREDDY’S DAD
That’s too bad. I had a couple black friends when I was in school. 
 
FREDDY
Guys you played ball with, right, Dad?
 
FREDDY’S DAD
Yeah, I suppose.
 
FREDDY
And I bet there weren’t any black gangbangers.
 
FREDDY’S DAD
Well, that’s true. We didn’t have that many blacks at school. They were a minority.
 
FREDDY
Well, Jefferson is different, Dad. We’re all minorities there.
 
FREDDY’S DAD
Said he was a basketball player.
 
FREDDY
(Trying to read.)
Yeah, he was supposed to be pretty good.
 
FREDDY’S DAD
Did he ever give you a hard time?
 
FREDDY
No. Tyrone wasn’t a banger or bully. He was all about basketball. Probably wanted to
be a professional someday and make a lot of money.
 
FREDDY’S DAD
Should’ve got out of that crappy neighborhood. The paper said he might have been
killed by a member of the 46^th Street gang.
 
FREDDY
Yeah. He was bused to Jefferson which gives you some idea of what his
neighborhood’s like. But not now. The hood got em before he could get out.
 
FREDDY’S DAD
Guess living where we do ain’t so bad.
 
FREDDY
(Smiling.)
Right, Dad. Did you see the shrine?
 
FREDDY’S DAD
Yeah. Kind of sad looking.
 
FREDDY
I oughta pay it a visit.
 
FREDDY’S DAD
I don’t think so, Freddy. You don’t want to be going into a black ghetto. Don’t want to
end up like your schoolmate Tyrone.
 
FREDDY
No way. I think I’m goin to hit the streets with Manson for a while.
 
FREDDY’S DAD
(Worried look.)
Okay, but stay away from trouble, okay?
 
FREDDY
(Grabbing his skateboard.)
Don’t worry, Dad. Manson will keep me safe.
 
Freddy’s dad gives Freddy a perplex look.
 
FREDDY’S DAD
I’m serious, Freddy. Stay out of bad neighborhoods.
 
FREDDY
(With a reassuring smile.)
Don’t worry, Dad. I’ll be okay.
 
EXT. THE STREET
Skating montage. Indicating Freddy travels some distance.
 
Freddy skates fast through his neighborhood, ollieing over and off curbs. He skates passed white trash, rundown apartments and then enters a surreal-looking neighborhood where grafheads and bangers have bombed every fence and wall. Without the graffiti it would still be a really ugly place, but the graffiti makes it a scary ugly place. He passes a McDonald’s where a four or five Latino gangbangers dressed in khaki, white T-shirts and opened cholo long sleeves standing in front of the restaurant. They watch Freddy pass, giving him hard looks but saying nothing. He then enters Vietnamese neighborhood. Asian faces with neutral looks watch him pass. Skates around an old woman wearing a wide brim hat of a rice paddy worker. She pushes a shopping cart filled with two or three bags containing cans. Then he skates into a housing complex that has a sign in front saying <SINCE 1953: U.S. NAVY HOUSING>. Old fashion, 1950’s stucco homes. The lawns are neat manicured, no trash or graffiti. A woman watering her lawn, her two young children playing in the yard, looks as he passes by. Then he skates through a long series of strip malls and the traffic thickens. Finally, the stores and neighborhood begin to become rundown. Three or four black youths dressed in gang gear watch Freddy from across the street. Freddy gives them a worried look but keeps skating fast.
 
EXT. THE BLACK ZONE – A BLACK NEIGHBORHOOD – RUNDOWN, LOTS OF GANG GRAFFITI
 
Freddy sees a BUS STOP in the distance next to a streetlight with 4 or 5 tired BALLOONS tied to it. He wears a cautious expression.
 
All around, concrete, asphalt, cheap store signs that look like they were cheaply made some by the owners, looking more depressing than the graffiti, half-dead vegetation, businesses looking like they are going out of business, and behind them down the streets where people live one sees neglected faded houses and apartments all squeezed together.  On each side of the street with a are row gas guzzlers from the 70s and 80s. The atmosphere is mind-numbingly dreary.
 
A few young people stand around looking at the shrine. There’s no bench to sit on. A collection of flowers and letters lie on the ground below the half inflated balloons hanging limply from the streetlight. As Freddy looks more closely at the hastily improvised shrine his expression becomes sad.
 
The people at the shrine are mostly girls, about a half-dozen, standing but looking sad and bewildered. They all turn at once toward Freddy when they hear his skateboard. The sad looks become grim. Freddy looks around cautiously. The neighborhood looks threatening with very few people on the street.
 
About 40 feet away Freddy picks up Manson and offers a friendly smile. A black girl about 16 years old walks up to him.
 
BLACK GIRL
(Suspicious and full of attitude.)
Did you know Tyrone?
 
FREDDY
(Uneasy.)
No, but I’d see him around at school.
 
BLACK GIRL
(Agitated.)
So why are you here?
 
Freddy looks up at the street sign: <46th Street>.
 
FLASHBACK 1 - NEWSPAPER 
INT. FREDDY’S APARTMENT – FREDDY READING THE PAPER - SHOT ONLY OF THE NEWSPAPER 
CLOSE UP: THE NEWSPAPER READS:
 
“Young man, 16, and girl, shot and killed at a bus stop on 46^th Street. Killer may have been a member of the 46^th Street Gang or a member of a rival gang.”

FLASHBACK 2 - 46^th STREET BUS STOP 
EXT. THE SAME BUS STOP BUT THE DAY OF THE SHOOTING
 
A car slowly drives in front of the bus stop. A hand with pistol extends from the passenger-side window. Tyrone and little girl look at the car with frightened expression. The gun shoots Tyrone twice in the chest then shoots the little girl.
 
RETURN TO PRESENT - EXT. 46^TH STREET BUS STOP
 
Freddy looks back at the black girl who addressed him.
 
FREDDY
(With a befuddled expression.)
I don’t know.

BLACK GIRL
(Hostile tone of voice.)
Just a curious motherfucker?
 
FREDDY
(Seeing being nice is pointless.)
Somethin like that, I suppose.
 
A black boy about 13, a street kid with a lot of attitude approaches and walks right up to Freddy.
 
BLACK BOY
(Aggressively.)
Whatcha doin in the hood, whitey?
 
FREDDY
(Trying one more time being nice.)
Tyrone went to Jefferson High where I go to school. Just thought I’d pay my respects.
 
By now the others have gather around. Very young teenagers, maybe a youngster or two.
 
BLACK BOY
(Lots of bluster.)
Bullshit, whitey. Yous just stickin your nose where it don’t belong.
 
FREDDY
Okay, have it your way.
 
Freddy turns, runs and drop Manson and heads away moving fast but trying not to look scared. He glances back and sees the black boy running after him.
 
BLACK BOY
(Falling behind Freddy.)
You motherfucker!
 
Freddy pumps fast down 46^th Street, businesses flashing by. He cuts across the street, coasts and does some ollies. Everything seems back to normal when a BLACK BMW with tinted windows approaches and pulls alongside Freddy. The car’s GIANT WOOFERS make the air vibrate. The shotgun window sucks downward and a SCARY-LOOKING BLACK MAN with a gold tooth gives Freddy a Halloween smile. The man then pulls out a 9MM just so Freddy can see it.
 
CUT – AN IMAGINARY SCENE OF THE SITUATION
In Freddy’s imagination: The man starts shooting Freddy, who then falls slow-motion off Manson onto the street.
 
CUT - BACK TO PRESENT TIME 
Freddy sees an opening between parked cars and suddenly and spectacularly cuts off the street onto the sidewalk. Coming to a wide intersection Freddy keeps going as if he is going to continue on 46^th Street but then suddenly cuts right on the other side of the intersection, ditching the car for the moment.
 
Freddy laughs, feeling pretty good about ditching the bad guys, begins cutting from one side of the street to the other and in and out between cars, ollieing up, over and off of curbs, carving the street and sidewalk like a snowboarder,  when suddenly the sound of barking dogs: Aaarf! Aaarf! Aaarf! Aaarf! Aaarf! Looking back he sees two pit-bulls racing toward him. Just as the pit-bulls reach his hears a car to the right pulls into the approaching intersection blocking Freddy’s way and causing him to cut in front of and around the car but by doing so cutting in front of an oncoming car traveling the same direction he is. The driver honks his horn but the cars at least cut off the pit-bulls. The expression on Freddy’s face is one of concentration. He looks back. The two pit-bulls have given up the chase. Freddy smiles and lets out a sigh of relief. But then he hears a car accelerating and he looks back to see the black BMW heading straight for him. Freddy cuts back onto the sidewalk as the BMW passes fast, drags his foot to slow down, cuts back out into the street to turn left at an intersection, but an oncoming honking car prevents the turn. The BMW catches up with him, its brake lights come on and the car slows so that Freddy, riding in the center of the street, is now parallel with the BMW. The BMW driver’s window rolls down and the driver smiles, seemingly impressed by Freddy’s skating. Then the points like a gun his index and middle fingers at Freddy as a warning to stay out of the hood.
 
Freddy smiles and give the driver the finger. The driver frowns, but Freddy has reached an intersection and cuts left in front of oncoming traffic, causing a motorist to slam on the brakes and honk his horn. Freddy is now riding down a descending street. He's flying. Oncoming traffic causes the BMW to wait before making the turn. Freddy now hears the screeching of tires, looks back and sees the BMW coming fast. However, at the bottom of the hill is a 7-Eleven with a police car parked in front. Freddy pulls into the center of the street in front of the BMW and points to the police car. The BMW slows. Freddy then cuts toward the 7-Eleven and begins dragging his foot to slow down but can’t stop before running into the police car and falling to the ground. A BLACK POLICE OFFICER comes out of the 7-Eleven and looks across the street to see the BMW stopped, its driver smiling and then taking off. He looks down at Freddy, his face scared, flush, and sweaty.
 
BLACK POLICE OFFICER
(Concerned but also annoyed.)
You running from someone, son?
 
FREDDY
(Getting up.)
Sorry about your car. I tried to stop.
 
BLACK POLICE OFFICER
(Helping FREDDY up.)
Yeah, I see that. The car looks fine, but are you okay?
 
A WHITE POLICE OFFICER has come out of the 7-Eleven and picks up Freddy’s skateboard and brings it around to where Freddy and the other police officer are.
 
FREDDY
(Looking nervous.)
Yeah, I’m okay. I just got goin too fast down the hill.
 
BLACK POLICE OFFICER
Those guys in the BMW give you are hard time?
 
FREDDY
No, just kinda scared me is all.
 
BLACK POLICE OFFICER
Well, you ought to be scared. They’re thugs. What’s your name?
 
FREDDY
Freddy.
 
BLACK POLICE OFFICER
So, Freddy, what are you doing here in this neighborhood, looking for trouble?
 
FREDDY
No, nothing like that. I was just visiting where Tyrone Williams was shot. He went to
my school.
 
BLACK POLICE OFFICER
I see. Still I don’t think this is the safest neighborhood for a white kid on a skateboard.
Where do you live?
 
FREDDY
Alta Vista.
 
BLACK POLICE OFFICER
You’re a long ways from home. Perhaps we should give you a ride home to make sure
you get there safely.
 
FREDDY
I appreciate that, officer, but I think I’ll call my dad. He’ll be bummed if I come home
in a police car.
 
BLACK POLICE OFFICER
(Smiling.)
I understand. Well, go ahead and make that call while we are here just so we know
you can get a ride home.
 
The black police officer looks around as if someone might be waiting for Freddy.
 
FREDDY
Thanks.
 
Freddy goes to the pay phone and makes the call.
 
FREDDY
Hello, Dad, could you pick me up?
 
FREDDY’S DAD
Anything wrong?
 
FREDDY
No, just feelin a little sick is all.
 
FREDDY’S DAD
Where are you?
 
FREDDY
7-Eleven...Hold on.
 
Puts his hand over the phone.
 
FREDDY
Officer, what’s this street.
 
WHITE POLICE OFFICER
Fairmont and 42^th Street.
 
FREDDY
Thanks.
 
FREDDY
Fairmont and 42^nd Street.
 
FREDDY’S DAD
42^nd  Street! Isn’t that’s in the ghetto? What in the hell are you doing there? Do you
want to get killed? And what did I just tell you about staying out of bad
neighborhoods?
 
FREDDY
I got lost is all, Dad.
 
FREDDY’S DAD
I bet. I’ll be there in a few minutes.
 
Freddy hangs up the phone and walks over to the police officers.
 
FREDDY
He said he’s on his way.
 
BLACK POLICE OFFICER
Good. You know I ought to give you a ticket for running into my car. And if you’re
going to be running into things maybe you should wear a helmet and not riding that
thing in the middle of the street.
 
FREDDY
Yeah, I know. I’m sorry about the car. I just kinda lost control.
 
BLACK POLICE OFFICER
I saw that. Just be careful, and maybe skate somewhere safer like a skatepark, or at
least not here. It’s just not safe. You know what happen to Tyrone.
 
FREDDY
(Starting to get emotional, as if he’s about to cry.)
I know. I just thought I should pay my respects.
 
The white police officer walks over with the board and hands it to Freddy. Freddy takes it.
 
WHITE POLICE OFFICER
(Smiling.)
Here’s your board, Freddy. I just have to ask. Why Charles Manson?
 
FREDDY
He keeps me safe, like just now. He knows the streets.
 
WHITE POLICE OFFICER
(Surprised.)
You mean like running into a police car?
 
FREDDY
Nah, that was my fault. Before that.
 
BLACK POLICE OFFICER
So something did happen before.
 
FREDDY
No, no. I just thought maybe someone was comin after me. Anyway, I understand that
you don’t like my board. My dad doesn’t either.
 
BLACK POLICE OFFICER
And I bet he didn’t know you were here in the hood.
 
FREDDY
No, he wouldn’t of let me come if I’d of told him where I was goin.
 
BLACK POLICE OFFICER
We’re goin to take off, Freddy. You should wait for your dad inside. Okay? Come on.
 
Freddy and the two police officers go inside the 7-Eleven. The police pick up two coffees and a bag at the counter and start back out to their car.
 
BLACK POLICE OFFICER
(To the older of the two black clerks.)
Eugene, Freddy here is going to wait for his dad inside the store.
 
CLERK
(Chuckles amiably.)
Yeah, sure, no problem.
 
As they leave Freddy speaks to them.
 
FREDDY
(Happier.)
Thanks again for not giving me a ticket for running into your car.
 
The police smile and leave.

CLERK
(To Freddy.)
I’m surprised they didn’t you a ticket or something, running into their car like that. I
guess they were more interested in eating their honey buns and drinking their coffee
before it gets cold than giving you a hard time. You were just plain lucky. (Laughs,
shaking his head.)
 
FREDDY
(Smiles but then the smile disappears.)
Yeah, I was lucky.
 
CUT - THE SHRINE FOR TYRONE
 
No one is there. The balloons hang down limp. A breeze causes them to stir. The camera pulls back and upward. The shrine disappears mid the desolate community.

SCENES FROM FREDDY’S LIFE: AN AMERICAN TRAGEDY: SKATEBOARD CHRISTMAS

FLASHBACK TO THE PRECEDING CHRISTMAS
FREDDY (V.O.)
That’s always been a tough one for Dad to accept. It was Christmas the year before when I was just a kid and we had just come out here. It didn’t take me long to discover that was a mistake. The first week my bike was stolen. Anyway, we had this little dinky tree that Dad bought Christmas Eve, or maybe he didn’t because that’s about when they give them away. It was decorated with a string of lights and a few ornaments that Dad probably got discounted Christmas being the next day. The whole thing was really fucking sad. Dad wasn’t happy here and still ain’t. But he always says, “You gotta go where the work is,” trying to make it seem he had no choice, but he had a job when he left in Iowa so I think he did have a choice. Anyway, I had already shut down at school, hated the fucking place.
 
INT. FREDDY’S APARTMENT – CHRISTMAS MORING
 
Freddy looking unenthusiastically at a PEN SET and a PADRES BASEBALL CAP.
 
FREDDY’S DAD
Like the cap?
 
FREDDY
(Trying, but not very successfully, to appear pleased.)
Yeah, it’s great.
 
FREDDY’S DAD
I know it ain’t much of a Christmas, not like the ones back in Waterloo.
 
FREDDY
It’s okay, Dad.
 
FREDDY’S DAD
No it’s not, but I got another surprise for you. Open that card hanging from the tree.
 
Freddy takes the card and opens it. Big smile.
 
FREDDY
It says we’ll go out and get me skateboard. Is that true?
 
FREDDY’S DAD
Yeah. But I wanted you to pick out the one you want. Tomorrow we can go to
K-Mart or Toys R Us.
 
FREDDY
That’s so cool. Thanks a lot, Dad. But the guys at school who skate said that if you
want a good board you gotta go to a skateboard store like Pacific Shores Skater.
 
FREDDY’S DAD
That’s okay by me. Let’s drive down to the Shores and take a look. I could go for some
ocean air. We could even grab some breakfast on the way at McDonalds and eat it
down at the beach? That’ll be good way to spend Christmas morning.
 
FREDDY
Absolutely! And Shores Skater might even be open today.
 
FREDDY’S DAD
Well, let’s go and take a look.
 
FREDDY
That sounds really great, Dad.
 
EXT. F-10 PICKUP - DRIVING TO PACIFIC SHORES
 
The F-10 is shown driving out of Freddy’s white trash, ghetto neighborhood. Then driving through the beach town of Pacific Shore. Then swinging into McDonald’s drive thru.
 
INT. F-10 PICKUP – PARKING LOT FACING THE OCEAN – A PIER IS ON THE RIGHT
 
The ocean and pier can be seen as well as people walking on the BOARDWALK.
 
INT. F-10
 
Freddy’s dad is eating a big bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit. A large coffee sits on the dashboard. Freddy is eating hash browns with a small orange juice on the dashboard. Both are pensively looking out the front window. Finally Freddy looks over at his dad.
 
FREDDY
Whatchu thinking about, Dad?
 
FREDDY’S DAD
Last Christmas. 
 
FREDDY
At Grandma’s and Grandpa’s?
 
FREDDY’S DAD
Yeah. That was a pretty good Christmas, wasn’t it? I mean your mom and me were
having some problems but we kept it together that day, didn’t we?
 
FREDDY
Yeah. Got a new bike. It was great.
 
FREDDY’S DAD
Still can’t believe it got stolen right in front of our apartment the first week we were
out here. Who’d of thought that would ever happen?
 
FREDDY’S DAD
It was a great bike, but now I’m goin to have a great skateboard. (Smiling.)
 
FREDDY’S DAD
That’s right...Tell me, Freddy, do you miss your mom much? I know you two weren’t
getting along the last year or so.
 
Freddy grows solemn and pensive.
 
FREDDY
Sorry, Dad, but not really. Why? Do you? I mean she screwed you over royal.
 
FLASHBACK 
INT. CAMERA FOLLOWS TO A DOOR THAT SAYS “THE BOSS.” 
The door opens and reveals the boss having intercourse with Freddy’s mom. She is wearing a waitress uniform. She is sitting on the desk, her skirt up and her blouse open revealing her breasts. The BOSS is pounding away toward a climax and Freddy’s mom is moaning with pleasure, trying to keep her voice down.
 
NEXT SHOT 
Both are straightening their clothes. The BOSS is handsome in a sleazy, city slicker sort of way. He looks more worldly than Freddy’s dad.
 
THE BOSS
Doesn’t your old man know about us?
 
FREDDY’S MOM
I doubt it. I almost wish he did.
 
The BOSS makes a surprised expression, as if he almost feels sorry for Freddy’s dad. Then his expression changes to one of playful lust and he reaches for Freddy’s mom’s breasts.
 
THE BOSS
Well, what he don’t know can’t hurt him.
 
BACK TO THE PRESENT 
INT. F-10 PICKUP – PARKING LOT FACING THE OCEAN – A PIER IS ON THE RIGHT
 
FREDDY’S DAD
(Mopey expression.)
I guess I still love her, weird, huh?
 
FREDDY
I guess. She shouldn’t of cheated on you. Now he’s got more kids by her
than you do.
 
FREDDY’S DAD
(Looking at Freddy with a smile.)
But I got you. That’s all that matters.
 
FREDDY
I’m really glad I didn’t get stuck with her.
 
FREDDY’S DAD
Me too.

FADE OUT. FREDDY’S DAD LOOKING PENSIVELY AT THE OCEAN 
EXT. PARKING LOT OF PACIFIC SHORES SKATEBOARD 
The F-10 pulls up to a store with a sign that says Pacific Shores Skateboards and a giant mural with a kid doing an ollie, arms reaching in the air. Except for the mural the store is not much to look at from the outside, an older shabby stucco building that has seen a lot of tenants, but seems to fit the laidback surfing culture of the town. It is also located next to the beach so that the ocean can be seen in the distance.
 
INT. SKATEBOARD STORE
Inside, the store is like Santa’s skateboard workshop with dozens of colorfully designed decks hanging on the walls.
 
A tall, lanky guy somewhere in his twenties walks over. He’s wearing lots of TATTOOS. One on his forearm is of FRANKENSTEIN. Freddy looks over at his dad, as if expecting him to freak out. His dad gives him a quizzical look but then a reassuring smile.
 
SALESMAN
(Upbeat.)
Is somebody getting a skateboard for Christmas?
 
Freddy nods his head.
 
SALESMAN
Yeah? Great. And Merry Christmas to both of ya.
 
FREDDY’S DAD
Same here. I’m surprised you’d be open Christmas.
 
SALESMAN
All my family’s back east so I thought I’d open the store. We sold a lot of gift
certificates and I expect some kids will be coming in later on to pick out their boards...
 
FREDDY’S DAD
Like us.
 
SALESMAN
You’re the first. Do you have a certificate? 
 
FREDDY’S DAD
No. Actually coming here was Freddy’s idea.
 
SALESMAN
Good choice. So is this your first board? 
 
FREDDY
Yeah.
 
SALESMAN
Well, we have a big selection. See those decks on the wall (looking at the wall). First
of all, you need to choose one that you like, then we’ll go from there. Okay? So take
your time and grab me if you have any questions
 
FREDDY
Okay.
 
CAMERA PASSES OVER DECK DESGINS, SKULLS, HORRIFIC FACES, ETC.
 
FREDDY’S DAD
Do you sell plain boards or do they all have designs?
 
SALESMAN
We sell a lot of blank decks, but don’t display them for obvious reasons, but we sell
mostly boards with the graphics. It just depends on what the skater’s looking for.
Skateboarding is about self-expression and the graphics are part of it.
 
Freddy’s Dad nods his head to show that he understands but still seems mystified. Freddy walks toward the decks and his dad follows.
 
As Freddy looks at the decks, his dad starts points out decks with innocuous designs.
 
FREDDY’S DAD
(Hopefully, pointing to one with an image of a panda bear)
What do you think about that one?
 
FREDDY
(Slightly annoyed.)
A panda bear? I don’t think so, Dad.
 
FREDDY’S DAD
(Perplexed.)
Here’s a funny one with a scared SpongeBob.
 
FREDDY
(Again annoyed.)
Don’t think so, Dad. That’s more for kids.
 
Amused, Freddy glances up at his dad, as if thinking, “Oh Dad, you’re so clueless!” Then Freddy notices a SERIAL KILLER deck with CHARLES MANSON’S face staring at him with that crazed expression. Freddy’s dad notices Freddy looking at the Manson deck, and then Freddy looks over to Salesman hoping he’ll come over and he does.
 
SALESMAN
(Upbeat.)
Got a question?
 
FREDDY
Yeah...I was just wondering about that Charlie Manson deck. Is it a good one?
 
Freddy’s dad has an alarmed look.
 
SALESMAN
Serial Killer decks? Yeah, they’re a good deck. I mean sure, you might want to
upgrade to an Element or a Mullen Uber Light or Foundation after you’ve mastered a
bunch of tricks, but for now the Serial Killer will work. You like that crazy Manson
design don’t you?
 
FREDDY
(Looking over at his dad.)
Yeah. I do...What do you think, Dad?
 
FREDDY’S DAD
(Shaking his head in dismay.)
Charlie Manson? Jesus Freddy, why not one with a skull or something if it’s got to be
awful?
 
Freddy simmers, but doesn’t answer.
 
FREDDY’S DAD
(To the salesman.)
Why would they put Charles Manson’s face on a skateboard for kids?
 
SALESMAN
Kids like the graphics for their shock value.
 
FREDDY’S DAD
I guess it works because I’m pretty shocked.
 
SALESMAN
(Smiling, amused, but understanding.)
Exactly. But I wouldn’t make too much out of it. It’s a little harmless rebellion, that’s
all. (Sees Freddy’s dad isn’t convinced.) It’s like that decal of Calvin pissing on a
Ford.
 
Turning to his dad Freddy chuckles.
 
FREDDY’S DAD
(Still mopey.)
I guess. Still, it’s sick.
 
SALESMAN
Think of it this way, most the damage the board receives is on the bottom of the deck.
After a few boardslides you won’t even know it’s Charlie Manson.
 
FREDDY’S DAD
You mean the face will be ground away?
 
SALESMAN
Yeah, let me show you.
 
The salesman goes into the back room and comes out with a used board.
 
SALESMAN
See.
 
Close up of the bottom of the deck, which is scraped so that the graphic is unrecognizable. He then puts the deck down and takes the Manson deck down from the wall.
 
SALESMAN
The main thing is the workmanship and material of the board, or the deck as this part
of the skateboard is called. These decks are made from laminated maple, six or seven
layers.
 
He hands the deck to Mr. Louche with the edge up so he can see the layers of wood. 
 
FREDDY’S DAD
I see.
 
Freddy’s dad looks at Freddy and back to the salesman.
 
SALESMAN
And this one’s pretty inexpensive, thirty-five bucks. Probably discounted to move it
out.
 
FREDDY’S DAD
The boss probably got tired at looking at it.
 
SALESMAN
Maybe. More likely it’s parents putting their foot down. You can see the images on the
decks are for the kids, not parents. If they were for the parents, the kids wouldn’t
want them. Like I said, it’s all about self-expression.
 
FREDDY’S DAD
I understand. Still why Serial Killer? It seems awfully extreme.
 
SALESMAN
That’s it exactly. Shock value. Let’s face it, it gets your attention. But the name also
makes the point that these are killer boards in the sense of being impressive or of
superior quality. 
 
FREDDY’S DAD
(Getting the point but still not convinced.)
I see.
 
Freddy’s dad looks back the decks on the wall and points to an Element deck with picture of a tree on it.
 
How much is that one?
 
SALESMAN
That deck’s sixty bucks.
 
Freddy’s dad gives his son hopeless look.

FREDDY
(Impatient yet understanding.)
Dad, if you don’t want me to get the Manson board I’ll get a different one.
 
FREDDY’S DAD
(Smiling somewhat sadly, as if doesn’t understand the world.)
It’s your present, Freddy. You should get what you want.
 
The salesman sees the decision isn’t easy for Freddy’s dad.
 
SALESMAN
(To Freddy’s Dad.)
Keep in mind that most the time no one sees what’s on the bottom of the board because
it’s facing the ground.
 
FREDDY’S DAD
(Looking at Freddy, suddenly smiling.)
Let’s get it.
 
Freddy smiles.
 
FREDDY’S DAD
Does it come with wheels?
 
Camera: incredulous looks on Freddy’s and the salesman’s faces.
 
SALESMAN
(Indulgent smile.)
Nope. Those are extra. You need to buy trucks and wheels.
 
FREDDY’S DAD
Trucks?
 
SALESMAN
They’re the axles for the wheels.
 
FREDDY’S DAD
(Worried look.)
How much are they?
 
SALESMAN
(Noting Mr. Louche’s concern.)
Most run from 35 to 50 dollars per set, but we have a set of Macks that I can sell you
for 24 dollars that will do the job.
 
FREDDY’S DAD
(Looking pathetic.)
Thirty-five to fifty dollars is what I was expecting to pay for the board.
 
SALESMAN
You can buy one made in China for that price, but not a quality board.
 
FREDDY’S DAD
No, I don’t want a board made in China. Hell, everything else I buy is, ‘cept my truck.
 
EXT. FULL SHOT OF THE UGLY, OLD F-10 PARKED IN THE LOT
 
SALESMAN
Now all you need is some wheels and bearings and you’ll be set.
 
FREDDY’S DAD
(Turning to Freddy, joking.)
Oooh ahh...You sure you don’t want to play soccer? Hah, hah.
 
SALESMAN
Hell, soccer’s not even American. Skateboarding was born and bred in America.
 
FREDDY’S DAD
(Nodding in agreement.)
You’re right.
 
SALESMAN
(Smiling.)
Soccer balls are made in China and all this stuff is made in America, all the good stuff
anyway.
 
FREDDY’S DAD
Okay, you’ve convinced me.
 
SALESMAN
(Speaking quickly.)
I’ll set you up with Spitfire wheels for 30 bucks and some bearings for 16 bucks. There
are more expensive wheels and bearings just like there’s more expensive trucks and
decks but for what Freddy will be doing on the board for a while this equipment will
do the job. Oh yeah, you’ll need some grip tape. That’s the sandpaper that keeps the
skater from slipping off the board. I can sell you a sheet for five bucks. That’s a
hundred and ten dollars plus tax.
 
MEDIUM SHOT: FREDDY’S DAD LOOKING BEWILDERED
 
The salesman sees that Freddy’s dad is shocked by the price. Freddy is also a little shock.
 
SALESMAN
Tell you what, normally we charge to assemble a board, or you can do it yourself but
since it’s Christmas and you came here instead of one of those big box stores, I’ll put
your board together no charge. That way Freddy can go home and hit the streets right
away.
 
FREDDY’S DAD
(Resignedly giving his credit card but grateful.)
That would be great, thanks.
 
SALESMAN
(Ringing up the sale and returning the card.)
Come on in back so Freddy can see how the boards put together.

INT. WORKROOM
 
Freddy and his dad follow the salesman into a neatly kept workshop behind the counter. Tools hang on a wall above a workbench and a cabinet with little drawers for holding screws runs along the workbench. There is also a table in the center of the room.
 
The assembly is SHOT IN COMPRESSED TIME. However, the tattoos are prominent, especially the one of FRANKENSTEIN. Also, these shots should show the salesman putting on the GRIP TAPE in a fast and efficient manner. Freddy’s dad gives Freddy a happy but concerned look (POSSIBLE CUT to Freddy’s dad imagining a tattooed Freddy riding his skateboard).
 
SALESMAN
(Wiping the completed board and handing it to Freddy.)
Clean and lubricate the bearings regularly with Tri-Flow lubricant, cheaper lubricants
leave a film that collects grime, and this skateboard should last you a long time. If you
have questions just come by the store. Anyone who’s here will be glad to help you.
 
EXT. PARKING LOT OUTSIDE SKATEBOARD SHOP
 
FREDDY’S DAD
You like your skateboard, Freddy?
 
FREDDY
(Looking away from the board.)
I love it, Dad, thanks a lot. This is the best Christmas ever.
 
FREDDY’S DAD
That’s great...[pausing] Man that guy had a lot of tattoos, but I liked him. He was really
helpful and knew his job. It would have taken us a couple of hours to put the thing
together. And the way he put the grip tape on, I was impressed. He wasn’t sloppy at all,
smoothing off the edges with the extra tape. I don’t think I would have thought of
doing that.
 
FREDDY
Yeah, he was great. And don’t worry, Dad. I don’t plan to have Charles Manson
tattooed on my arm or anything.
 
FREDDY’S DAD
That’s great, Freddy.
 
FREDDY (V.O.)
I knew Dad would appreciate that. It was kinda my gift to him for getting me the
board. And it didn’t cost anything