Bang Bang (2024)

[bunniefuu]

(WATER SPLASHES)

(SPLASHING)

(DOLPHIN CLICKS)

(WATER SPLASHES)

(DOOR OPENS)

(DOOR CLOSES)

(ENGINE REVS)

(POURING)



COMMENTATOR 1 ON TV:

(INDISTINCT SPEECH)

Washington is on his knees now!

(BELL DINGS ON TV)

COMMENTATOR 1 ON TV:

Rozyski has done it.

Bang Bang has his vindication,

and in only four months after

his brother Bobby's brutal loss,

the future hall of famer,

-Darnell Washington.

-(BANGS ON DOOR)

MAN 1:

Bang Bang, just get out.

(BANGING CONTINUES ON DOOR)

(INDISTINCT SPEECH)



(PANTING)

(g*n RATTLES)



(BARFING)

(THUDS)

(WHEELCHAIR WHIRRS)

(LYRICS IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE)







DARNELL:

Last year, I told my wife,

I said,

"Babe, I think I got that itch."

(BOTTLE CAP CLOSES)

And her face dropped faster

than a cat lapping

chain lightning.

(CHUCKLES)

DARNELL:

And she said to me, she said,

"Darnell,

I do not want to hear it.

You are too damn old

to make a comeback."

I said, "I know, but I'm not

talking about fighting

in the ring.

I'm talking about fighting

for this city."

(LYRICS IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE)



DARNELL:

After countless hours

of prayerful reflection

with family and friends,

I realized that my decision.

No ramp?

DARNELL:

Wasn't a decision at all.

It was a calling.

(METAL DETECTOR BEEPS)

The f*cking wheelchair.

DARNELL:

Now, the road ahead

is not gonna be easy.

You see,

over the past few weeks,

I've talked to a lot of folks,

and I keep hearing

the same words over, and over,

and over again.

Justice, respect, and change.

Because no matter who you are

or what neighborhood

you come from,

I believe that we all

want the same things.

The only question is,

how do we get it?

No, I'm asking y'all.

How do we get it?

WOMAN 1:

You can start by fixing my roof.

-WOMAN 2: Yeah, right.

-DARNELL: You know what?

No, she's right.

'Cause when we talk

housing crisis repair,

we know we're not talking

about somebody

that wants a marble countertop

or granite, right?

People's houses are crumbling.

Your man's out here

living like I'm in a hotel,

talking about

the housing crisis.

Thank you, Dr. Oz.

I'm out of here.

(INDISTINCT CHATTER, BOOING)

DARNELL:

Look, I'm not gonna

stand up here and give you

that same old song and dance

like my opponents.

Do I live nice?

Heck yes, I do.

But I earned that.

Isn't that what you want, right?

AUDIENCE:

Yeah.

DARNELL:

Someone who grew up here?

-MAN 2: Yes.

-Who made it?

MAN 2:

Right.

Someone who can inspire change?

"What does he know

about politics", they say.

Well, what do they know

about the 313, I say.

(AUDIENCE CHEERS)

DARNELL:

In the great spirit

of Mother Rosa Parks,

this city may be down, but

it most certainly is not out.

And I'm ready to go 12 rounds

for y'all.

But what I want to know is,

are y'all ready to go

12 rounds for me?

AUDIENCE:

Yes.

I said, are y'all ready

to go 12 rounds for me?

AUDIENCE:

Yes.

DARNELL:

That's what I'm talking about.

Come October,

let me give you what you need.

(AUDIENCE CHEERING)

DARNELL:

Vote Washington.

Washington, Washington,

Washington.

Washington, Washington.

(CHEERING)

(WHEELCHAIR WHIRRS)

NEIGHBOR:

Hey, you carrying it

means you don't need it.

And clean up your sh*t

from here.

Idiot.

(LEAVES RUSTLING)

(THUDS, DOOR OPENS)

(INDISTINCT CHATTER

IN BACKGROUND)

What the f*ck are you doing?

What is wrong with you?

-(DOOR CLOSES)

-Give me a break.

The hoodie?

I hardly recognized him.

Hardly recognized you,

for Christ's sake.

Since when do you use a chair?

Since my d*ck's too damn heavy.

That was fun. Thank you.

(BOTTLES RATTLING)

JEN:

Look around, Jess.

This is why you're not

in private school anymore.

Because Martha Stewart here

needed a sh*t-colored backsplash

to go with his

piss-stained walls.

-(FLICKS LIGHTER)

-Private school?

John worked his a*s off

on this kitchen.

And I only paid him 2 grand.

Say hello to your grandfather.

Hey.

Stare at that phone long enough,

your other eye's

gonna droop, too.

JEN:

You're drenched.

Why are you sweating so heavy?

I ran a f*cking marathon.

What's it to you?

Your mom ever take you

to that house

we used to live in

up in Arden Park?

The one with the pool?

Went by there today.

Place looks like sh*t.

Hedges are wild,

concrete's all cracked.

Not like when we lived there,

huh, Jenny?

You mean for the year

we were there?

Three years,

until those insects

from the bank stole it away.

What, have you got a body

in there?

JEN:

Let's talk upstairs.

(WHEELCHAIR WHIRRS, THUDS)

(THUDS)

(DRAWER CLOSES)

So what's with the g*n?

I was planning on

sh**ting somebody.

I need you to watch him

for a while.

Watch him?

I haven't seen either of you

for a year and a half.

You called Carol

a trout sniffer.

Oh, Jesus.

It was Christmas.

We were having fish.

You don't say that

to my girlfriend,

especially not the day

you meet her.

So this is my punishment?

I gotta babysit?

Guess who doesn't have

a girlfriend?

Me.

Guess what doesn't drop panties?

Young grandpas.

Whatever.

I took a job in Chicago.

I could send cash,

come back on weekends, too.

Why can't Steve Jobs

go with you?

I'm staying on a friend's couch.

Also, he's on probation.

He got in trouble in school.

BANG BANG:

For what?

Jobs?

You gotta be sh1tting me.

200 hours of community service.

BANG BANG:

Where?

Some scrap pit in Highland Park.

And he likes it.

He's got a bunch of friends.

I don't know.

I gotta buy sh*t for him,

feed him.

It's not a good time.

He's not a f*cking gerbil.

I just told you, he stays busy.

What? You don't think

I have a life?

What do you think I do all day?

Oh, no. I'm sure

you're very busy wheeling around

with your g*n.

Oh, yeah?

Just the other day,

John saw some tweaker

eating out of the garbage.

Guy looks up, he's got

blood and guts

all over his mouth

and a half-dead f*cking rat

in his hands.

This city's not safe.

I don't ask you for anything.

Eh, it's not a good idea.

What part?

Getting to know your grandson

or helping out your daughter?

Both.

I told him this was a bad idea.

(DOOR OPENS)

(FOOTFALLS APPROACHING)

Son of a b*tch.

JUSTIN:

What's wrong?

Nothing. We're leaving.

-Hold up.

-What?

Don't forget your body.

Justin, can you please help?

The suitcase isn't gonna

carry itself.

It's fine, it's fine.

I'll stay.

I don't think you get it.

Your grandfather

doesn't want you here.

BANG BANG:

Jesus, the both of you.

Just stay.

Stay already.

You're not f*cking around?

BANG BANG:

I wish I was.

Thank you.

Least I could do.

It's only for a little while

until I get settled.

And he's sweet, you'll see.

Uh-huh.

-(DOOR OPENS)

-(ANNOUNCEMENT TONE CHIMES)

MAN 3:

(SPEAKS POLISH)

Sure.

(BOTTLES RATTLES)

This one?

No, no. (SPEAKS POLISH)

(BOTTLES RATTLES)

(DOOR CLOSES)

MAN 3:

Gracias.

Happy to help.

BETSY ON PHONE:

We've-- we've tried everything.

He's-- he's just not eating it.

Use the fork to carve

little rivers in it,

so that the gravy

has a place to go

and then put the vegetables

on top of that.

BETSY ON PHONE:

Oh, okay.

Is Leon still in the kitchen?

BETSY ON PHONE:

Uh, I'm actually new

at Rosedale,

so I don't know where Leon is.

Alright.

Well, if all else fails, just

give him a f*cking cookie.

He loves cookies.

BETSY ON PHONE:

Cookies?

I got it.

What's your name?

- BETSY ON PHONE: I'm Betsy.

- Thanks, Betsy.

I appreciate the call.

BETSY ON PHONE:

Don't-- don't worry about it.

We'll-- we'll keep trying

with him.

Thanks for your help.

And tell Edna that the check's

in the mail, like it always is.

(THUDS)

(BOTTLE OPENS)

(BOTTLE CAP RATTLES)

What happened to all

the tough white guys?

-Laimbeer.

-Laim who?

Bill Laimbeer.

Nasty white dude.

We used to be tough, too,

you know.

Maybe you should write a letter

to the commissioner.

I'm sure he'd appreciate it.

What commissioner?

Of the league.

You're being a smartass,

but I'm serious.

It's not the same.

All these guys hoisting it up

from half court.

JUSTIN:

That's the league now.

What, pussies?

Three pointers.

Outside game.

What the f*ck?

You never had

a ketchup sandwich?

(COUGHS)

Keeps the appetite in check.

I used to live off those when

I was trying to make weight.

Plus, it cuts down

on the grocery bills.

Your mom says you've

been scrapping at school.

Come on, you can kiss and tell.

What'd you do?

Ring some kid's bell?

What?

You break his nose?

They had to reset his jaw?

What?

DARNELL ON TV:

Bringing you

the new Pegasus juicer.

My juicer will knock

your taste buds out.

Where's the remote?

The remote?

-Where is it?

-Sorry.

Look in the cushions.

(PAPERS RUSTLES)

-Found it.

-Give it to me.

BANG BANG:

Guy's a f*cking disgrace.

That why you got him up

on your wall?

(REMOTE THUDS)

BANG BANG:The f*ck you just

say?

You two fought, right?

Who are you,

Woodward and Bernstein?

I said you could stay here,

not interrogate me.

Mom bought us one of those.

These juicer, they f*cking suck.

They can't even juice a banana.

Juice a banana?

JUSTIN:

That's what it says

in the commercial.

BANG BANG:

Un-f*cking believable.

Yeah, mom and Carol

said they wanted to lose

some weight,

but we just wound up drinking

extra juice for a month,

and I'm pretty sure

we all gained weight,

especially Carol.

Carol's fat now, huh?

I don't know about fat,

just kinda,

kinda thick all over.

First it was skinny black dudes,

now it's thick white women.

She's a tough one to please,

your mom.

(BOTTLE SLIDES)

Is this a trap?

Guess you'll have to find out.

-(BOTTLES RATTLING)

-(JUSTIN LAUGHING)

JUSTIN:

I see why you have this thing,

it's f*cking fun.

(GUNFIRES ON PHONE)

Reign in the devil

No wonder there's so many

school shootings.

This game is hard as sh*t.

How do you even reload?

Get over here and show me.

-You're out of beer.

-Forget the beer.

Show me.

(SIGHS)

Hey.

I said you're out of booze.

I heard you.

We'll make a run in the morning.

f*cking show me.

Bottom button, huh?

f*cking g--

Phone's dead.

(THUDS)

What?

Sit up.

Put your hands up.

Why?

Because I got a game.

What's it called?

It's called,

"Put your f*cking hands up".

(CHUCKLES)

What the f*ck is this?

Square up.

Now, why'd you come here?

-I don't get it.

-(SLAPS)

Don't be shy.

I know it's you who wanted

to come here.

What do you want from me?

(SLAPS)

So that's it.

Well, you've come to

the right place, Jobs.

Two dumpy broads up your a*s,

a father in jail.

-I'd like getting hit, too.

-(SLAPPING CONTINUES)

Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah.

I've tried that.

It doesn't work.

Now.

I want you to hit your grandpa.

It'll make you feel better.

Go on.

That's why you came here, too,

isn't it?

You want to blame me

for everything?

I don't want to

f*cking hurt you.

Try me.

-(SLAPS)

-Come on.

This isn't

a f*cking school yard.

I said hit your grandpa.

Snap it.

Snap it. Like this.

Like a piston.

(SLAPS)

Now that's how you hit

your grandpa.

Put your hands up again.

Now this time, close 'em.

Go on.

Do it.

Now hit me.

(LYRICS IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE)



(FOOTFALLS LEAVING)

Jobs!

(LIGHT SWITCH FLICKS)

(THUDS)

(DOOR CLOSES IN DISTANCE)

(ENGINE WHIRRING)

BANG BANG:

Son of a b*tch!

(ENGINE REVS)

(KEYPAD DIALING TONE)

JOHN ON VOICEMAIL:

Hi, you've reached

Eton's executive--

Goddammit.

(DOG BARKING IN DISTANCE)

(HOOD OPENS)

(TOOLS CLANKING)

(DOOR CLOSES)

(KEYS RATTLING)

(ENGINE REVS)

(WHEELS SCREECHING)

PASTOR ON RADIO:

So, I'll say it again.

The poor have hope

and injustice shuts its mouth.

Message seems pretty clear

to me.

Sounds like God doesn't

appreciate these iniquitous men.

These cowards, bullies

picking on the poor.

Not one bit.

As we do every week, we'll open

up our discussion

to tonight's guest, former

Featherweight champion

and Detroit's mayoral

candidate,

Mr. Darnell Washington.

Welcome to the show.

DARNELL ON RADIO:

Oh, it's good to be here,

Pastor.

PASTOR ON RADIO:

So how do you interpret

what Eliphaz is saying to Job?

DARNELL ON RADIO:

Well, I believe God

was reminding Job

that no affliction comes to us

by chance.

Don't tell me

all your problems

And don't you

tell me all your woes

Let me tell it to you,

friend

What!

(POLICE VEHICLE HORN BUZZES)

(SIREN WAILS)

(ENGINE WHIRRING)

OFFICER FLORES:

Sir, can you roll down

the window

and k*ll the engine, please?

(WINDOW WHIRRS)

Where are you headed tonight?

(ENGINE SHUTS DOWN)

Couldn't sleep.

Thought I'd take a Sunday drive.

Well, it's a Wednesday, sir.

BANG BANG:

Is that right?

Are you intoxicated?

I'm not.

Why'd you pull me over?

Well, one, your taillight's out,

and two, your seatbelt.

May I see your license, please?

Lost my grandson.

-OFFICER FLORES: You lost him?

-Yeah.

About 6 feet, half white,

likes to beat on his grandpa.

You really don't recognize me?

I don't think so.

What's your name?

OFFICER FLORES:

Officer Flores.

What is that, Polish?

Let's try this again.

License and registration,

please.

BANG BANG:

Not a boxing fan, huh?

I've fought a few Latinos

in my day.

Maybe you're related

to one of 'em.

(PAPERS RUSTLING)

Rozyski. Wow.

Yep.

I've heard of you.

But uh, this is from 1998.

You got anything more recent?

I might be able to scrounge

a few tapes from the '80s.

You like Mellencamp?

I could've walked home,

you know.

OFFICER FLORES:

So you're a pony car guy, huh?

BANG BANG:

What?

The Trans Am.

I was gifted that car

by a Detroit legend.

The Silver b*llet himself.

Seger?

Bob?

There's nothing like

Detroit muscle.

Uh, you know Trans Ams

are made in Ohio?

Wherever it was made,

I don't want any dings on it.

Or homeless f*ck sleeping

in it.

Getting hand jobs, squirting

their DNA all over the leather.

Which absorbs, by the way.

I think you'll be alright,

just as long as you show up

with someone who has a valid ID

when you pick it up.

You're awful chipper for a cop.

Well, being nasty's overrated.

Your grandson,

does he live with you?

Apparently.

And the bruise?

His mother's an angry l*sbian

and his father's in jail.

I'm teaching him

to fend for himself.

So he ran away?

It was more of a jog.

Has he done that before?

In the one day

he's been living with me?

No.

What can I say?

The kid's confused.

I know a lot of confused kids

who don't run

from their guardians.

Yeah, well,

I'm very proud of you.

Does he have a girlfriend?

A job?

I'm thinking.

Anyone he's pissed off?

Something about a pit.

Huh?

His mother mentioned

some place he goes for work.

Durban Pit?

I don't know, maybe.

BANG BANG:

I'll be right there.

No, I'll come with you.

No.

If he sees you, he might run.

(DOOR CLOSES)

OFFICER FLORES:

Okay, Rozyski.

Five minutes.

Hey, can one of you guys grab

some water from the trailer

when you're done?

Yeah.

(FIRE CRACKLING)

Ah, it's a super heavy

piece of wood.

(FIRE CRACKLING)

(WIND BLOWING)

Can I help you?

What is this, some kind of cult?

No, it's just--

it's a clean-up crew.

We clean up the city

where it's needed.

-But uh, listen--

-Jobs.

Come on, let's go.

I'm taking you home.

Jess, you know this guy?

Yeah, that's my grandfather.

Oh.

I guess you'll just

make up the hours then.

What are you doing?

-What?

-Get your money.

Pay the kid his scratch.

That's not how this works.

Community service, my a*s.

Somebody's getting paid

off this sh*t.

I mean, we--

we got free sandwiches.

You want a sandwich?

-Soda?

-So what?

You lure 'em in with free food,

then you try and f*ck 'em?

-What are you talking about?

-JUSTIN: It's fine.

Hey, I was only here a few

hours. It's okay. Let's go.

I said pay my grandson

before I tune you up.

Okay.

Can somebody explain to him

how community service works,

because he's not getting--

How about I make you my personal

fart catcher instead.

Alright. Hey, whoa.

You don't need to start pushing.

Just stop it. Alright?

You don't need to start pushing!

(THUDS)

DYLAN:

I said stop!

That's what you want?

You want more?



COMMUNITY SERVICE WORKER 1:

What are you doing?

(DYLAN COUGHING)

Let's get the f*ck out of here.

COMMUNITY SERVICE WORKER 2:

Justin, dude.

DYLAN:

Justin!

What the f*ck?

I thought I told you

not to run away

without telling me

where you're going.

No, you didn't.

Who are those lowlifes anyway?

They're not lowlifes.

They're people who are cleaning

up the city you live in.

Today they are.

Tomorrow they'll be

knocking over a white castle.

And why am I in a cop car?

This is Officer Flores.

She's very concerned

about your welfare.

She'll be taking care of you

from now on.

What?

You know, your grandfather

was driving around

looking for you

with an expired license.

Did you hear me asking

for your help back there?

Volunteer work.

My father would've kicked

the teeth out of my head

working for free like that.

You should be saving yourself,

not this f*ck' town.

(MEDICINES RATTLING)

Vicodin, for my hips.

(LYRICS IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE)



What the f--

Average human head weighs

between 10 and 12 pounds,

but not yours.

Yours must weigh at least 14.

It's not gigantism,

that's for sure.

But it does mean

you have a strong neck.

That drop eye, how much can you

see out of it?

I don't know, like 50%.

Pittsburgh Windmill.

Huh?

Get dressed.

What the f*ck?



Who lives here?

This house was built

by John Eton I.

A merchant marine who married

a Portuguese woman from,

well, Portugal.

They spawned John Eton II,

who was born severely Ret*rded

and died young.

After that,

they had John Eton III.

And that's who lives here now.

John may seem Ret*rded,

but he's not.

Eton's a royalty.

Royalty?

Boxing royalty.

His granddaddy's first gym

burnt to the ground,

so he decided to build the

second one closer to home.

I don't-- I don't get it,

you planning on

making a comeback?

No.

We're here for you.

I've never trained

anyone before.

Never wanted to.

Not until I saw you crank that

chowderhead's neck

down at the site.

I wore these when I knocked out

Washington.

See, all that wrestling and MMA

bullshit may be fine and good,

sitting on each other's faces,

but it won't help you

in a real fight.

Don't believe me?

Try sniffing some guy's crotch

on the street

and see where it gets you.

It's written

all over your face, Jobs.

Swimming around in your DNA.

You don't have to tell me what

you're thinking,

'cause I already know.

Know what?

You want to learn.

Fight.

No, I don't.

It's natural to be scared.

I'm not scared,

I just don't want to.

Alright, you little prick.

Then we'll just tell your mom

how you choked out your boss.

I was helping you.

I don't think

she'll see it that way.

Not after everything

you've put her through.

Are you serious?

My house.

My rules.

Besides, it'll be good for you.

Teach you sh*t.

f*ck this.

I care about this city, too,

you know.

It might not look like it,

but I do.

And I'm tired of seeing it

corrupted by liars and thieves.

If you want to be

a good Samaritan,

make things better,

then you're gonna need money

or respect.

And right now,

you've got f*ck all.

How's fighting gonna

change that?

BANG BANG:

Already did.

The moment you slept that

neckbone down at the site,

you copped yourself respect

from him

and all the other chumps

watching.

See, this could be the answer

to your little conundrum.

You win a few fights, you can

actually make a difference.

sh*t, you can even buy a house

for your mom while you're at it.

By the time I was 19,

I had 75 grand

in Detroit National

from fighting,

and nobody could tell me d*ck.

Not my parents, not anyone.

And p*ssy?

I was f*cking drowning in it.

And not gutter slugs either,

but top drawer.

In every shape and color.

A f*cking kaleidoscope

of top drawer p*ssy.

(SIGHS)

What if I'm no good?

Impossible.

JUSTIN:

What about community service,

though?

It won't get in the way,

I promise.

(SIGHS)

Sure, fine, whatever.

You're making your grandpa

very happy, Jobs.

Bringing pride back

to the Rozyski name.

My last name's Thompson.

Doesn't matter.

Now, first order of business.

You got your learner's permit?



This thing drives funny.

That's what luxury feels like.

When you turn pro, you'll be

able to buy yourself

a whole fleet of these with

the scratch you'll be making.

They don't make cars

like this anymore.

You're preaching to the choir.

Factories in this town

used to be bustling.

Cranked-out cars hand over fist.

Not this one.

Trans Ams were made in Ohio.

I know the stories.

I grew up here.

You grew up in w*r-torn Berlin.

I'm talking about Mecca.

Before it all went to sh*t.

I'd take a fight at The Garden

and be on a plane

that night just to be

back here to celebrate.

New York was a dry hump

compared to Detroit.

The city took care of its own.

Not anymore.

I thought we were

gonna start training.

What the f*ck do you think

we're doing?

BANG BANG:

Pull up to this idiot over here.

Speak of the devil.

We were just at your place.

Called you earlier, too.

Needed a ride.

JOHN:

Uh, sorry.

You know, between

the rally and the prom, I, uh,

you know, I haven't had a break.

Shuttling people all--

you know, non-stop.

Looks like you got

yourself a ride, though.

BANG BANG:

It's my grandson, Justin.

I know the guy.

I know him.

I know who it is.

How's it going, Justin?

We're gonna be spending

some time at your place

this week.

Could use your help.

Yeah. Yeah.

Sure thing, Bang.

Hey, uh, give me a jump here.

We're on a schedule.

Answer your f*cking phone

next time, will ya?

Come on. Let's go.

Drive.

(ENGINE WHIRRS)

JUSTIN:

Kind of hungry.

Yeah. You know what?

I'm a little peckish myself.

Hang a left at this light.

(VEHICLE WHOOSHES)

(DOOR OPENS, CLOSES)

(DOOR OPENS, CREAKS)

This looks perfect.

Best patty melt in town.

Grab a table.

Pigeon foot in an Edsel.

So that was you

creeping around yesterday.

I don't know what

you're talking about.

You look good.

What's with the head wrap?

Leftovers from my last round

of chemo.

Jesus.

What is it with this city?

The whole damn place

is crumbling.

Said by the dusty m*therf*cker

who just hobbled into my bar.

Sorry.

For what?

You didn't give it to me.

Y'all men act like you

the only m*therf*ckers

in this city that still

got a fight in them.

You still singing?

Damn straight.

Every day but Sunday.

I'd like to see that.

I bet you would.

I'm serious.

-(CHUCKLES)

-(POURS)

So, what brings you

out of hiding?

I know it ain't

for no damn patty melt.

My grandson, Justin.

Kid wants to fight.

Say hi to Sharon, Jobs.

Hi.

You want a patty melt, hon?

JUSTIN:

Yes, please.

Kid's a little soft

around the edges,

but he's got

some real heavy hands.

Well, if he's any relation

to you, I'm sure he does.

What?

Nothing.

Let me just put this

order in for the boy.

(TAPS)

I'm serious.

I want to hear you sing.

Well, if you keep creeping

around, you just might.



(SLIDES CHAIR)

(INDISTINCT CHATTER)

What's the verdict?

Better than

your ketchup sandwich?

Is it?

MAN 4:

Rozyski, right?

Yeah.

I thought you were dead

or had dementia or something.

Hey, was it you

or your twin brother

that fought Caswell in '87?

Me.

Yeah, that's the first time

I ever saw a guy get

knocked out in the ring.

Just so happens

he was my cousin.

(CHUCKLES)

Oh, yeah?

How is Charlie these days?

Been dead a while.

We found him out of meringue

with two b*ll*ts in his head.

(CHUCKLES)

Police called it a suicide.

I'm sorry to hear that.

He was a good fighter.

He's a gatekeeper

and you know it.

Come on.

Now you see why

I don't leave the house.

You have a brother?

Hasn't been around for a while.

What's that mean?

It means what I f*cking said.

What's a gatekeeper?

Glorified punching bag.

(VEHICLE WHOOSHES IN DISTANCE)

The guy you beat to establish

yourself as a contender.

JUSTIN:

Where to now?

Get over here.

Tell me when you lose my finger.

Now.

Every fighter has a weakness.

That's yours.

Let's get the f*ck out of here.

Unlock it.

(DOOR OPENS)

BANG BANG:

That's it.

Jab out.

Tuck it.

Tuck it.

I want to see you looking

through that brow

like a cyclops.

Watch your elbows.

Pinch 'em in.

They're flaring.

It's wasted energy.

First your elbows go,

then your shoulders get tired.

The next thing you know,

you're on the canvas looking up.

Always train like you fight,

Jobs.

Where do you think you're going?

I'm gonna be late for work.

Dylan's picking me up.

You owe me one more good round.

Can you believe this kid?

Cleans up houses for free

and calls it work.

Houses that were burnt down

by the people who lived in 'em.

Back in the day,

we had a name for that.

Called it, "Jewish Lightning".

Right, Johnny?

Talent alone ain't gonna

buy your mom a house, Jobs.

If you're not careful,

you'll end up

burning down your own one day.

There's that nasty boy.

(SCOFFS)

You think you're getting

under my skin, but really,

I just feel bad for you.

Ooh, looks like the daffodil

has some venom.

Give John one more good round,

then you can get back

to your city planning.

Where are you going?

I'm gonna go chop a log.

Be right back.

One more good rounds.

(SLURPS)

Where's Justin?

I haven't seen you

since our little dust-up.

Thought I'd say hello.

How's the neck?

It's good.

Better.

You know, we talked it out.

I told him I probably would

have done the same thing.

Good.

'Cause for whatever

weird reason,

he looks up to you.

Well, he's a good kid.

Yeah, he is.

But uh, the more you push him,

the more likely he is to run.

His father was the same way.

Couldn't take his mom riding

him anymore, so he ended up

knocking over a package store

just to get a break.

Thought his dad was a junkie.

Better than telling him

his father took

a cinderblock vacation

by choice, no?

The point is, he's not gonna be

hauling junk forever.

So if he misses a few asbestos

sessions with you,

let's not sweat it.

All that matters is he's found

purpose in something he loves.

Glad we had this little talk.

He'll be down in a minute.

f*cking as*h*le.

JEN ON PHONE:

So, how's it going there?

-(SLURPS)

-It's going great.

John's over.

We're watching TV.

(CLATTERS)

How's the job?

Uh, it's getting better.

I may have a lead on a place,

but I might not be able to

get back as soon as I hoped.

(PLASTIC RUSTLING)

Don't worry about it.

(PLASTIC RUSTLING)

Really?

BANG BANG ON PHONE:

Yeah, it's fine.

So, um, how's Jess?

Uh, he says you've been taking

him to John's to work out.

BANG BANG ON PHONE:

He told you about that?

What else did he say?

JEN ON PHONE:

Nothing, just that

you're getting along.

Like Ebony and Ivory.

(BOTTLE OPENS)

(SIGHS)

Are you sure?

BANG BANG ON PHONE:

Yeah, I'm telling you,

he's doing great.

Community service, a little

exercise, the whole nine yards.

That's really nice.

Hey, hey, hey.

What are you doing?

Don't do that.

JEN ON PHONE:

I'm fine.

I'm just-- I'm happy that

you're spending time together.

Yeah, me too.

Okay, well, um,

I should get back.

Uh, give my love to Jess.

BANG BANG ON PHONE:

Will do.

And hey, Jen.

JEN ON PHONE:

What?

I'm proud of you.

f*ck, damn it.

Better go down and stomp out

the fire under that man.

JOHN:

This guy kind of reminds me

of you.

Hip's feeling better, huh?

What's that supposed to mean?

You're not using

the chair anymore.

I only need it for flare-ups,

you know that.

Oh, yeah, the flare-ups,

that's-- that's-- that's right.

Kid's doing good, huh?

JOHN:

Real good, real good.

He's got pop you can't teach.

Even with the pads,

my ribs are k*lling me.

Yeah, his footwork's sloppy.

Southpaw would eat him alive.

He's like a young Ken Norton,

huh?

BANG BANG:

I'm not joking.

If he's gonna fight,

we gotta keep him honest.

Well, what has he got like,

two and a half weeks

under his belt?

Pops threw me in the ring

after a week.

Same with my brother.

Kid's gotta get his d*ck wet

sooner or later.

Besides, I want to get him

up and running

before his mom comes back

and has a conniption fit.

(SIGHS)

What's the best gym these days?

Well, you got uh, Butzel's.

You got Drexel's.

You got Sal's and Pontiac.

I asked for the best,

not the f*ck' Yellow Pages.

Well, the best is Drexel's, but.

But what?

It's-- it's Washington's place.

Eddie Perkins runs it.

Railroad Eton back on the trail.

(JOHN CHUCKLES)

I haven't heard that in a while.

It's a terrible nickname

for a fighter.

JOHN:

You wanna know where

that name comes from?

That's my grandmother

literally laying track

during the w*r while

the men were off fightin'.

It's sentimental.

You can't go in the ring

with a moniker like that.

Might as well be fightin'

with a pacifier in your mouth.

I always liked it.

Well, your record didn't.

That's right.

You were always a fighter.

That's right.

I thought I saw you

out late last night

(LAUGHS)

In the dark woods out

by Bob's house

(THUDS)

You know, I asked around.

It sounds like your grandpa

was hot sh*t back in the day.

That's what he says.

(METAL OBJECTS CLANKS)

He said you're pretty good, too.

I'm alright.

-You like it?

-Yeah.

Everything except the road work.

I hate running, but--

Yeah, I like it, though.

Like, once you learn all

the combinations and everything,

it's just like any other game.

Bank says I can make

some real money.

Maybe buy my mom a house.

What?

You don't think I can?

(METAL OBJECTS CLANKS)

I didn't say that.

I just think maybe, you know,

might be good to get

a fight under your belt

before you start talking about

buying houses.

That's just me.

(CHUCKLES)

You know, I could have

taken you both that day, right?

Because you're what? 5'6".

-He's 4'3".

-(CHUCKLES)

DYLAN:

I'm just saying.

No, I got hands.

(ENGINE REVS)



You sure about this?

Yeah, I'm f*cking sure.

(MEDICINES RATTLE)

(DOOR OPENS, CLOSES)

Sure about this.

What the hell took him so long?

(INDISTINCT RADIO CHATTER

IN BACKGROUND)

(DOOR OPENS, CLOSES)

Sorry, I kept

running into people.

Jesus, how'd it go?

Eddie says

he knows just the guy.

Welterweight?

Yeah, Welterweight.

And you saw him?

How'd he look?

He pointed him out, but

I didn't get a good look.

Dodgy m*therf*ckers.

I knew they'd take the fight.

Nothing's changed.

Green's still green.

When do they want it to happen?

Two weeks from Sunday.

It's an exhibition card.

And he'll be there?

Who, the kid?

Washington.

Oh, yeah.

It's his charity.

Okay, Mr. Charity.

Mayor, my a*s.

(ENGINE REVS)

SHARON:

Or am I older, better than



(DOOR OPENS, CREAKS)

Quiet little dreams

I'm staring at the sun

And I'm grinning in my sleep

Hey

Yeah!

I'm staring at the sun

And I'm grinning in my sleep

(VOCALIZES)

(AUDIENCE CHEERS)

SHARON:

Thank you.



(CHUCKLES)

Prick's still hard as rock.

Mm-hmm. I'm sure it is.

I'm serious.

(CHUCKLES)

What's on your mind?

The only thing on my mind

other than that kid boxing,

is you.

Mm. You need to stop.

You don't want me

thinking about you?

Man comes out of the woodwork

acting like you is,

makes the woman feel like

there's a cause for concern.

That's the motor city

in you talking.

(CHUCKLES)

Always waiting for

the other shoe to drop.

I mean, I am as positive

as they come.

Even after they took my girls

right here.

Still kept my sh*t together.

I can't be happy, too.

I'm all for it, as long as

that's what it is.

Look at you,

pushing all my buttons.

(CHUCKLES)

SHARON:

What can I say?

They ain't hard to find.

(CHUCKLES)

You should cut another album.

You do remember the disaster

that was my first album.

I never should've been

in the studio.

I was keyed out of my mind.

Mull it over.

That's all I'm saying.

Let's get some sleep.

JOHN:

Imagine waking up

on Christmas morning being told

there will be no presents

under the tree.

Because Santa's in the slammer

for tax evasion.

That's how-- that's how

betrayed the fans were.

It's like Jake LaMotta

and the mob.

It's like uh,

resto and the pads.

This was their haggler.

Your grandfather wanted to,

he wanted that Washington fight

more than anything.

He would have given away half

his purse if he'd had to,

he would have fought for free.

So it wasn't his fault.

When people look at you

with that flop eye,

they see someone who's pliable,

easy, but when he sees you,

he sees King Mongkut,

you know the fourth monarch

of Siam.

The nobleman wanted

a puppet ruler,

someone they could push around.

King Mongkut

modernized his society.

He preserved

his people's independence.

He was the most

underrated ruler in history.

He is pleased with me,

my lord and master

Declares he's pleased

with me

What does he mean?

What does he know of me

this lord and master?

When he has looked at me,

what does he see?

He is pleased with me

My lord and master

Declares he's pleased

with me

What does he mean?

What are you doing?

How does he live with himself?

SHARON:

Here we go.

Others may have forgotten

what he did, but I haven't.

(GRUNTS)

He got banned from the sport.

At least,

you got to keep fighting.

That's not the point.

Look, we get to choose

a lot of things in life,

but family and cancer

ain't one of 'em.

Hey, you got that right.

SHARON:

Where you going?

I can't sleep.

Especially, not with

that photo staring at me.

I'll put it in the drawer.

BANG BANG:

Doesn't matter where you put it.

It'll just pop up

somewhere else.

Look at you all hot and bothered

like a $2 p*stol.

You f*ck like one, too.

I didn't hear you complaining.

You ever think about

why he threw that fight?

If he threw it?

Let's not do this.

Why don't you just talk to him?

Man to man.

I'm just saying.

You sang great tonight.

What has he seen?

Something young

Soft and slim

Painted cheek

Tap'ring limb

Smiling lips

All for him

BANG BANG:

Getting your road work

in early?

Couldn't sleep.

Tell me about it.

JUSTIN:

Had a nightmare.

Oh, yeah?

JUSTIN:

That guy beat me to death.

Pounded my body with a canvas.

Only thing left were my eyes.

Well, I'm no Freud,

but it sounds to me like

you're jonesing for a fight.

What, you don't think

I'll end up a vegetable?

Who said anything about that?

Anyway, you've only got

two more weeks to worry.

That's right.

I got you a fight.

Three-rounder on a charity card.

Nothing crazy.

Who's the guy?

Who cares?

He's a rube like you.

Pick up your feet.

You're dragging.

(VEHICLE WHOOSHES)

Pound it.

Pound it.

(CHAINS RATTLING,

PUNCHING BAG SOUNDS)

That's right.

Body shots are like cheap wine.

(CHAINS RATTLING,

PUNCHING BAG SOUNDS)

They always catch up with you.

Burn the ships.

Burn the ships.

We're not going home.

Burn the f*cking ships.

BANG BANG:

Wait, you're not coming.

I ain't your arm candy.

What?

You don't want your cousin

seeing us together?

Well, that's a reason.

Are you serious?

You couldn't have told me

this earlier?

Earlier,

I wasn't feeling that way.

Sitting here now, I do.

Oh, come on.

I don't need this sh*t

right now.

Alright, fine.

(DOOR OPENS)

But how about after this win,

I buy you a steak dinner?

I'm off red meat.

(DOOR CLOSES)

(SHARON CHUCKLES)

What's up, Bang?

(BELL DINGS)

(INDISTINCT LYRICS)

(PUNCHING SOUNDS IN DISTANCE)



(INDISTINCT CHATTER

IN BACKGROUND)

What is this?

The f*cking green room

at Caroline's?

Get the f*ck out of here.

DYLAN:

No, let's--

Girls, let's go.

Alright. I just saw your guy.

He's taller than you.

Longer reach, too.

Where were you?

Are your f*cking ears broken?

I just told you

I was scouting your guy.

Get up.

-Now, listen.

-(BELL DINGS)

Since he's taller than you,

you can't let him dictate range.

You go back in a straight line,

he'll tag you.

The way you counter that is

by always moving side to side.

The best way to cut off his

range is to get right up on him.

Use those heavy hands of yours.

Bang, bang.

Bang, bang.

Bang, bang.

(PUNCHING THUDS)

MAN 7:

Come on.

Get off the rope.

BANG BANG:

That's it.

(OVERLAPPING CHATTER)

Get inside. Heavy hands.

MAN 8:

Yeah, yeah.

Hit that m*therf*cker.

Mull him.

Mull him, Jobs.

There you go.

-(PUNCHING THUDS)

-(BELL DINGS)

MAN 9:

You can't live on the ropes.

Yo, Juice Meister, don't be

spending my charity money

just yet.

JOHN:

Come on up, Bang.

It's the last round.

-How are you feeling?

-Feel good.

I feel good.

Well, your feelings were wrong.

Judges have it even.

What? You thought this was gonna

be a fair fight?

Look around.

You're in

the f*cking lion's den.

These people don't

want you to win.

They're all team Washington.

Hey, man.

Watch your headbutts, alright?

I'll warn both of you.

See, even this blowhard's

doing his best to try

and f*ck you.

But I'm winning.

He's gas.

Maybe in the ring, but not

out there where it counts.

You see that guy?

He's with USA Boxing.

Likes what he sees.

But if you lose this round,

he'll walk the f*ck out of here.

Now, I want you to open up

on this neck bone.

Forget the body and knock

this m*therf*cker out.

Don't leave these crooks

willing to screw you.

(AUDIENCE CHEERING)

-Grow those hands, Jobsy!

-(BELL DINGS)

Burn the ships!

(PUNCHING THUDS)

Look at those feet.

What's he doing?

He's just toying with him.

Watch.

That's it.

Attaboy!

(INDISTINCT SHOUTING

IN BACKGROUND)

Stop dancing with him

and put that fire out.

(PUNCHING THUDS)

Grow those hands! That's it.

-Come on, Jobsy!

-(PUNCH THUDS)



Get the medic in here.

(SIREN WAILING)

MEDIC 1:

Lung sounds are clear

and present bilaterally.

(INDISTINCT RADIO CHATTER

IN BACKGROUND)

MEDIC 1:

Heart sounds good.

BANG BANG:

m*therf*cker!

(GLASS SHATTERS)

(DOOR OPENS)

sh*t, bang your hand.

Forget the hand.

What did the doctor say?

Not much.

You know, he thinks the headgear

might have had something

to do with it.

You know, the extra torque

or whatever.

I was f*cking there!

I don't need a play-by-play.

Will he walk again?

Be able to wipe his own a*s?

He thinks he'll recover.

That's what it sounded like.

He said the seizure probably

came from the concussion.

Well, there you go.

Yeah, he wants to keep him

for a day or two.

Monitor him.

Monitor him.

That's hospital speak

for bleed you dry.

(ANNOUNCEMENT TONE)

Hey, is he gonna be okay?

f*cking guy.

BANG BANG:

Kid was a f*cking ringer.

I know it.

You just need to be happy

that the boy's alright.

You do know that I'm trying

to beat cancer, right?

Right, the chemo. You said.

No, no, not just the chemo.

With every f*cking ounce of me.

I'm sorry, Shar.

Come on.

Let's go in.

I don't want to.

Kid's sleeping anyway.

SHARON:

Be better that way.

You'll be there

when he wakes up.

Just do the right thing.

I am.

What, you just gonna leave?

Boy just got his bell rung.

He ain't dying.

Where are you going?

Home.

ALEX:

Wait, when do we come in?

There you go.

RACHEL:

Where the waves--

ALEX:

No, wait, wait.

-But the waves...

-But the waves...

-...came falling out

-...came falling out

ALEX:

Did you--

I feel like the chords keep

-changing every time.

-MARCUS: Uh-uh.

That sounds good.

-ALEX: Does it?

-MARCUS: Yeah.

ALEX:

Okay, let's start again.

RACHEL:

Yeah, okay, I'm okay.

MARCUS:

Go.

-BOTH: I tried to wait

-(KNOCKS ON THE DOOR)

Did you invite anybody, or?

-RACHEL: Okay.

-No.

Sounds great, though.

(INDISTINCT CHATTER

IN BACKGROUND)

(DOOR OPENS, CREAKS)

-Can I help you?

-Yeah.

I was uh,

just in the neighborhood.

I used to live here.

In this house.

Oh, cool.

You mind if I come in?

MARCUS:

Uh.

I'm sure that's cool.

I mean I just gotta

ask my roommates.

Thanks.

Yeah, f*ck it. Yeah, come in.

RACHEL:

Marcus, come on, let's go.

You have to be playing.

(DOOR CLOSES)

Oh, we got-- we have a guest.

Can I get you a drink?

Sure. I could use a drop.

(SNORTS)

(CHAIR CREAKING)

Thanks for the toot.

I like what you've done

with the place.

Yeah.

Still kind of moving in.

MARCUS:

So, uh, how'd you get the name

Bang Bang?

Punching people.

MARCUS:

So you were a fighter?

Something like that.

Were you any good?

BANG BANG:

Bought this house

with my second big purse.

Now all I got

is that car outside

and a half-finished kitchen.

ALEX:

I thought boxers retired rich.

I think you mean incarcerated.

Most of the fighters I know

are either dead or on welfare,

wishing they were dead.

RACHEL:

What about you?

I'm rich in a lot of things,

but money

and happiness ain't one of 'em.

You guys mind if I look around?

No. Not at all.

Go for it.

But I'm seeing two

Rozyskis here.

(RETCHES)

Is it Bernard or Bobby?

Try Bernard.

Holy sh*t.

Here he is.

Bernard Bang Bang Rozyski

or the Bang Bang,

is an American professional

boxer, a featherweight,

who held a professional

record of 42-6-2,

was known for his wild

and abrasive personality

in and outside of the ring.

Bang Bang quickly

became a fan favorite for

his languid loopy punches

and sloppy footwork.

Look at this dude.

He's a f*cking pimp.

Let me see.

(CHUCKLES)

Holy sh*t, that's crazy.

Damn, he's been married

like three times.



ALEX:

So what are you up to?

Oh, it's okay.

I'd snoop too

if I used to live here.

My daughter, she scratched

something in the frame.

Oh yeah?

The R House.

Yeah, I saw that

when I moved in.

I thought it was cool,

so I kept it there.

That's really sweet.

She's probably cursing my name

as we speak.

ALEX:

Bad dad?

BANG BANG:

Something like that.

I got her son hurt

in a fight today.

ALEX:

Is that what you do now?

Train people?

Uh, is he okay?

Who?

ALEX:

Your grandson.

I think so.

He's still in the hospital.

ALEX:

My mom and I have

a complex relationship, too.

She's a shrink.

Maybe I could use

one of those myself.

ALEX:

Well, you don't want her.

She can barely

take care of herself.

She's a low-key hoarder.

Uh-huh.

ALEX:

Wikipedia said you were

kicked out of boxing.

Not exactly, but I might

as well have been.

That sucks.

Sorry.

So you like living here?

Yeah, I do.

It's got good mojo.

It's better than my mom's.

We have a spare bedroom if you

want to crash or something.

Nah, I'm good, thanks.

You know what?

I'm just gonna give you a minute

to look around, do your thing.

BANG BANG:

That's very nice of you.

Yeah.

Take your time.



(PHONE RINGING)

JEN ON PHONE:

Put that m*therf*cker

on the phone.

Kid awake yet?

JOHN ON PHONE:

No, but his mom just got here.

I don't know

what you were thinking.

But in case you were planning

on coming back this way--

JEN ON PHONE:

John!

Give me the f*cking phone.

JOHN ON PHONE:

She's pretty upset.

JEN ON PHONE:

When I see him--

JOHN ON PHONE:

You still there?

Yeah.

Thanks for the heads up.

-JEN ON PHONE: You c*ck--

-(PHONE FLIPS)

ALEX:

"I'm not the one I was.

I'm not the one I am.

I'm neither here nor there.

I live between water and air.

Bit by bit.

I live in fire.

My eyes burnt.

My lips burnt.

Burnt are these words.

He who whispered these words

lies in an open coffin.

Framing the framed sky

passes by."

f*cking poetry, man.

ALEX:

So what'd you get, Bang?

-Me?

-ALEX: Yeah.

Sounds like someone's so f*cked

they can't get out of bed.

(MARCUS LAUGHS)

ALEX:

He's not wrong.

You know his parents and sister

died in the Holocaust.

And later on, his wife

died in a car accident.

And he wrote that while he was

recovering from his injuries.

So, spot on.

You know what goes good

with poetry?

-ALEX: What?

-MARCUS: What?

More blow.

MARCUS:

Let's go.

Hey, you know who loved boxing?

What?

I said,

you know who loved boxing?

Who?

f*cking Allen Ginsberg.

Really?

I smoked dust with him

in the basement of

Boston Garden after I fought

Cheeto Rojas in '87.

That's amazing.

BANG BANG:

What?

I said that's amazing.

It f*cking was.

To be honest, I'm more

of a Hettie Jones fan.

Great fighter.

Are you okay?

(THUDS)

JEN:

Why didn't you do it?

Oh, f*ck?

What?

Off yourself.

BANG BANG:

Where'd you get that?

Uh, it was in your jacket.

Have you been walking

around with this since I left?

It's registered.

So, coke and booze weren't

enough for you

to pull the trigger,

so you figured, what, you'd

f*ck up my son's life, too?

What do you want from me?

I saw he had potential.

So you got him knocked out?

John told me the whole thing.

He was doing good

until you f*cked him up.

Ah, come on, Jen.

He had to go for it.

He was gonna lose.

JEN:

Bullshit.

Say what you want.

You weren't there.

No.

No, I wasn't.

I was sweating my f*cking t*ts

off on the line

under the illusion that my son

would be safe

with his crackpot grandfather.

BANG BANG:

A lot safer than hanging out

in crumbling houses,

that's for sure.

Oh, that's what this is about.

Dylan?

You don't like him.

Because you can't push him

around like John.

You don't know what

you're talking about.

JEN:

Oh, the f*ck I don't.

Your only real friend

is a drunk.

And you can't stand anyone

succeeding besides yourself,

so you do the next best thing.

You get him knocked out.

Ah, bullshit.

Did the same

with my writing lessons.

You hated that I was good at it,

so you took it away.

Instructor said

your weight was an issue.

f*ck you.

You're beating on me

like the kid

didn't have a choice

in the matter.

All I did was present

an alternative and he took it.

I'm sorry he got tagged,

but he did.

It's what happens

when you fight.

He's a smart kid.

He'll bounce back.

I'll talk to him.

-You'll see.

-Oh, no you won't.

Mm-mm.

You know, I asked him

why he wanted to fight.

And he said, because he could

make money doing it.

And I don't want him thinking

that the only way out

is through f*cking boxing!

Do you understand?

Now you leave us alone.

You leave us the f*ck alone.

Doctor says your heart's fine,

just severely dehydrated.

I'm gonna catch legionnaires

in this f*cking place.

Jen gave you the business, huh?

She was civil enough.

What the f*ck is this?

JOHN:

Darnell said, "Keep it."

He said they already have

enough charity money,

no need stealing from the poor.

He said, "Give it to Bang.

Tell him it's for Bobby.

Tell him I'm sorry."

Grab my f*cking sh*t.

(SCRIBBLES)

If you'll never

see me coming

And the light

is on your wall

You can feel the weight

is lifting

And I'm walking out

the door

BANG BANG:

Dear Jobs,

hope you got some sleep.

If you don't know by now,

you got knocked the f*ck out.

Don't feel bad.

Every fighter does.

Just not me.

Who knows, maybe your

droopy eye got in the way.

"Or maybe that growl kid

was just better than you.

The point is,

you looked good out there.

Until you didn't.

Anyway, I know

your mother hates me.

Hopefully, you don't.

Bang."

Though you might hear

it is the season

Of a wild, frail romance

(SIGHS)

Here.

I gave the other half to Jobs.

Take it.

JOHN:

I'm good, Bang.

It's all yours.

Take Nance to the rattlesnake.

-Live it up.

-JOHN: Seriously.

Get her that f*cking facelift

she's always talking about.

I already did.

Then take her to Greektown

to show it off!

Just take it!

I didn't know

she had the procedure.

You should have told me.

You should have asked.

You're right. I'm sorry.

What are you gonna do now?

Got a few airport pickups,

that's about it.

Probably go home afterward,

go to sleep, you?

People actually take a limo home

from the airport.

Yeah, sometimes.

Especially, the rich ones.

We used to, right?

You ever pick up

Washington in this thing?

JOHN:

Nah.

Never.

(DOOR OPENS)

Where you headed?

I don't know.

Might swing by Grosse Pointe.

(DOOR CLOSES)

(VEHICLE WHOOSHES IN DISTANCE)

Take it easy.

You don't want

another heart attack.

I'm looking for my car keys.

Besides, my ticker's fine.

It's just a little dehydrated.

(FLICKS LIGHTER)

(PAPER RUSTLES)

Jesus.

Oh, yeah.

We weren't sure if you were

gonna live,

so we made you an altar.

This supposed to be me?

ALEX:

Well, we tried, but,

I mean, hey, it worked, right?

(PAPER RUSTLES)

Oh, the keys, I got 'em.

Here.

(KEYS RATTLE)

Thanks.

You mind?

Sure, go ahead.

But if you pass out,

I don't know if we're gonna do

the whole hospital thing again.

(SNORTS)

(THUDS)

(SOFA CREAKING)

ALEX:

Whoa.

You got any need for this?

For like,

protection or whatever?

Nope.

I think we're good.

BANG BANG:

You sure?

Promise.

(SPEAKS SPANISH)

Adios.

(ENGINE WHIRRS)

(ENGINE CHOKES)

f*ck me!

f*ck me!

(BRAKES SCREECH)

(KEYS RATTLE)

(DOOR OPENS, CLOSES)

Excuse me.

(SPEAKS POLISH)

(SPEAKS POLISH)

Ah, ah, I go there, too.

(SPEAKS FOREIGN LANGUAGE)



WOMAN 4:

(SPEAKS POLISH)

(SPEAKS POLISH)

(SPEAKS POLISH)

MAN 11:

(SPEAKS POLISH)

Rozyski.

(CHUCKLES)

Bang Bang.



(BIRDS CHIRPING IN DISTANCE)



(GATE RATTLES)

MAN 12 ON PHONE:

And on the uh, 6th

you're also hosting a lunch

at Martin Luther King.

I don't understand

how I'm supposed

to be in two places

at the same time.

MAN 12 ON PHONE:

Sir, we're just gonna have

to deal with it.

You know, we didn't anticipate

this kind of drop in the poll,

so--

Let me call you back.

MAN 12 ON PHONE:

Yeah, but call--

(THUDS)

BANG BANG:

You hear that?

They know who the best is now,

baby.

We came here,

did what we had to do.

Trained for a hard fight.

We left nothing on the canvas,

no excuses.

Washington came to fight

and I beat his a*s.

My wife keeps that there

for prospective voters.

HOST:

Listen, there-- there was a lot

of animosity leading up to

this fight, because of

what he did to your brother.

BANG BANG:

For Bobby, yeah, there was

a lot of animosity about Bobby.

If he wants to run it back,

we can run it back again,

and I'll hand him another beat.

This one means a lot more to me

than any of my other fights,

'cause I'm

Featherweight champ now!

-Drink?

-No, thanks.

-(GLASSES CLINKING)

-(CORK POPS)

Well, you're trying

to stay fit, huh?

I still drink, trust me.

(GLASSES CLINKING)

So what are you walking

around at these days?

Fighting weight.

Okay.

Have a seat.

I didn't realize

you were so dedicated.

Yeah, I lead a service

every Sunday

at Little Rock Baptist Church,

man.

We try to keep it lively.

You should come through.

I think I'll pass.

(THUDS)

I have to ask, man,

what's with the hospital gown?

Does it matter?

No.

So, to what do I owe

the pleasure, Bang?

Not entirely sure.

Better than the alternative,

I guess.

So why don't you start

with that?

I was gonna sh**t you.

(CHUCKLES)

BANG BANG:

Can't even juice a banana.

What was that?

I said that's an awful lot

of juicers.

Yeah, God bless.

Yeah, campaigning ain't cheap,

man.

So, uh,

so you're a trainer now, huh?

No.

It wasn't for me.

What? Just one time?

-That's it?

-I fought.

That's what I was good at.

You took a fix

that f*cked my life.

f*cked your life?

And what about the padding

they said was

missing from your gloves

when you fought Bobby?

Padding and the gloves.

Have you ever thought that

maybe it was the padding

in your f*cking head?

I'm sorry I didn't have

a million-dollar idea to

fall back on when my career

in cheating was over.

How much money you think

I made from our fight?

Ain't what paid for this house.

And it ain't what sent

my daughters through college.

And it sure as hell didn't

come close to the money

I made at the plant

years after I left boxing.

So, when you want to talk

about a fix,

you should think twice.

So you admit it?

I ain't admitting sh*t.

You're sitting in my house.

The house that juicer bought.

Well, it sure didn't go

into my pocket.

Or my family's.

And it sure as sh*t

didn't go into Bobby's.

You gambled on our livelihood.

You know the difference

between me and you?

You believed that that

ring made you immortal.

Heck, Ali thought the same thing

and we all know how that ended.

You know the people

who make our sport heroic

are the journalists.

I mean, yeah, you know what?

What we do?

Yeah. Okay?

That was work.

But there was always

some type of manipulation.

Always some kind of fix.

I mean, who's to say that Ray

didn't cut a deal

to make our card happen sooner?

Right? Because of what happened

to your brother.

What the f*ck

are you talking about?

I'm talking about you, Bang.

I'm talking about the pride

of Poland.

Bernard Bang Bang Rozyski

fighting

Darnell the Destroyer

Washington.

Four months after your brother,

excuse the expression,

ended up a vegetable

going 12 rounds with me.

You don't think Ray and Sal

knew the city wanted

to see us fight?

You don't think they wanted to

see the brother of Bobby Rozyski

step up and beat the black man

that put his brother in a chair?

I would have fought you anyway.

DARNELL:

That's not the point.

What is the point?

Ray, Sal, Detroit, man,

they needed our fight

to happen then.

John Angelino.

Uh, Morris Johnson.

Both of those dudes

were in line ahead of you.

And plenty of others, too.

But along comes your brother,

this gatekeeper.

Sorry, journeyman.

They told me he was

gonna be a cakewalk.

A pothole on the way

to the promised land.

But they were wrong, Bang.

He fought like

a g*dd*mn mercenary.

I couldn't believe it.

I thought I was gonna

lose that fight.

But I didn't.

These stories don't

write themselves, Bang.

People do.

The city wanted to see us fight,

because it was heroic.

I wish somebody would have

paid your brother to take

a dive, man, so I wouldn't

have to hit him so many times.

It's not my fault

your brother had a great chin

and it's not yours either.

Turtle.

DARNELL:

Sorry?

That's what we called him

behind his back.

'Cause he wouldn't stick

his neck back in his shell.

Bobby always led with his chin.

My father tried to change it.

And he sure

wouldn't listen to me.

I think he liked getting hit.

I think he was laughing

the whole time.

Laughing at everyone

who counted him out.

Laughing at everyone who thought

they could knock his block off.

I bet if he could talk,

he'd tell you himself.

sh*t.

I bet he's laughing right now.

Yeah.

What do you think?

It's no pigeon foot,

but it'll do.

That bottle was designed by

a famous sculptor

in France, man.

I can't uh-- I can't speak

on the quality

of what's inside of it,

but damn, for a $1000 a pop,

it should be as good as,

you know,

anything I've had bef--

(BOTTLE SHATTERS)

What the f*ck are you doing?

(DOOR OPENS)

NADIA:

Darnell?

Is everything okay?

No, no, we're good.

We're just talking.

NADIA:

Doesn't look like

you're just talking.

Look, I promise.

We're just talking.

I'll be out in a few.

(FIRE CRACKLING IN DISTANCE)

Are we good?

I said, are we good?

Hmm.

You really want to k*ll me?

You know, I really hope you find

what you're looking for, Bang.

If that feeling of doubt

washes over you about

our fight or my integrity,

you know where to find me.

We can throw hands

any time you want.

You heard that dinner bell ring

in your head, huh?

Do me a favor.

Close that door.

No witnesses?

DARNELL:

No, it's not about witnesses.

It's just about protecting

the sanctity of a man's home.

Like this.

(BIRDS CHIRPING IN DISTANCE)

(KIDS PLAYING IN BACKGROUND)

(GRUNTING)

Yeah, that one

has mustard on it, huh?

(GRUNTING)

(THUDS)

(GRUNTING)

(PUNCHES THUDS)

(INDISTINCT SPEECH)

f*cking house!

SHARON:

Tanya!

What you looking at, sweetheart?

(INDISTINCT SPEECH)

Come here, come here,

come here.

(GRUNTING)



(PANTING)

It's a lot different

with no Vaseline.

SHARON OVER INTERCOM:

What the hell

are you guys thinking?

Tanya is out there

crying her eyes out.

I'd say we got about a minute

to finish this thing

before they call in the cow.

SHARON:

Bang, Bang, I'm not playing.

You better open

this g*dd*mn door.

Really?

SHARON:

Unlock the door.

Y'all better stop.

You're gonna k*ll each other.

(INDISTINCT SPEECH)

What's wrong?

They're in there fighting.

-BODYGUARD: Who?

-Darnell and Bang.

What the?

Now just get that first-aid kit,

will you?

NADIA:

Oh, hell no!

SHARON:

Are you kidding me?

That was some sh*t you pulled.

You lucky I wasn't there.

Does he pay you to talk?

Well, you can get out

any time you want.

What's up with that kid

you trained?

What about him?

BODYGUARD:

Is he any good?

You saw him fight.

What did you think?

I mean, he looked good

for a minute

until he got knocked out.

I ask because my son, he's 6.

I think he could fight someday.

I'm always trying to pick

boss man's brains,

but he's not trying

to talk boxing.

So?

So what?

So what are you supposed to do

to start a kid off?

I'll tell you something.

Then you decide what you

think about training your kid.

How's that sound?

Most humans don't intentionally

put themselves in danger, right?

But fighters put themselves

in danger every day.

BANG BANG:

And my father taught me

and my brother Bobby

how to fight.

Some two-bit journalist

who's never fought before

will say we do it for

the love of the game.

Others might say

we do it for money.

Some might go so far

as to say it's a sickness.

Still others might have

the f*cking nerve to say

a fighter's ducking something.

But me and my brother, we fought

'cause we didn't have

a f*cking choice.

We fought so we wouldn't

catch a beating from our father.

Look, I'm not telling

you not to teach him.

I'm just telling you.

Me and my brother won

so many fights,

it's hard to keep count.

Even had fun doing it.

But in the end, we didn't win.

Our pops did.

And by the time

I figured that out,

it's all I could do

and all I wanted to do.

It had turned

into something else.

What was that?

Me.











Bobby.







BOBBY:

That's okay.

He didn't know what you did.

I had the ladder.





I don't care

if I don't go home

My life's too broken

now anyway

So no, I don't care

if I don't go home

My life's too

broken now anyway

I got myself

in some trouble

I got myself

in some trouble

I said,

give me the bottle now

Give me the bottle,

I am reformed

I said, oh, I'm reformed,

reformed, reformed

For you

Reformed for you

I said, no, I don't care

if I don't go home

My life's so broken

now anyhow

I said, no, I don't

care if I don't go home

My life's too broken

now anyways

I got myself

in some trouble

I got myself

in some trouble

I said give me

the bottle now

Give me the bottle,

I'm reformed

I'm reformed, I'm reformed

I said, oh, I'm reformed,

reformed, reformed for you

I'm reformed

For you

I said, no, I don't care

if I don't go home

My life's too broken down

anyway

I said, I don't care

if I don't go home

My life's too broken

now anyway

I got myself

in some trouble

I said, I got myself

in some trouble

I said, give me the bottle

now, give me the bottle

I'm reformed, reformed,

reformed for you

(PEOPLE CHEERING, WHISTLING)