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diff --git a/wk5/pset/speller/texts/revenant.txt b/wk5/pset/speller/texts/revenant.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..b300a32 --- /dev/null +++ b/wk5/pset/speller/texts/revenant.txt @@ -0,0 +1,5524 @@ + THE REVENANT + + + + + Written by + + Mark L Smith + + + + + Based on the novel by + + MICHAEL PUNKE + + + + + September 26, 2007 + + + Revenge is an act of passion; vengeance of justice. + + + - Samuel Johnson + + + + + Based on a true story + + + + + FADE IN: + + + EXT. UPPER MISSOURI RIVER/1820'S - EVENING + + ANGLE ON A SINGLE COTTONWOOD LEAF... brown and crisp... + clinging to its empty branch... the solitary sign of life on + an otherwise barren tree. + + A gust of wind... the leaf breaks free... flutters down, + landing in the slow current of the Missouri. The last leaf + of the fall, taking its final journey south. + + As it floats along the surface, rising and falling with the + current, all we can hear is the river's gentle movement... + the trickle of water... the splash of timid rapids... until + DISTANT VOICES invade this world... soft at first, but + growing louder... LAUGHTER... SINGING. + + And then our leaf CRASHES INTO A WOODEN BOARD... the BOW OF A + BOAT. We hear the VOICES EVEN CLEARER... MEN'S VOICES, as we + rise up the bow... see it's a FLATBOAT BEACHED ON A SANDBAR + at the center of the river. + + Beyond the flatboat are the voices... TWENTY MEN of the Rocky + Mountain Fur Company, making camp along the shore... hauling + wood, building campfires, pitching squares of canvas for + makeshift rooftops. And this camp is full of life because + these are some of the first men to ever see this untouched + wilderness... men with a whole new world just waiting for + them to claim their share. + + + EXT. CAMP - EVENING + + CAPTAIN ANDREW HENRY, (late 20's), dressed in a buckskin + jacket with long fringe... thick belt pulled tightly around + his waist with two pistols and a knife hanging from it. He + stands out among the others... like an imposter pretending to + be a member of some exclusive club. He pulls off one of his + gloves... examines the BLOOD-FILLED BLISTERS lining his palm. + + From across the camp, JOHN FITZGERALD, (40's), solid and + thick... dark eyes of a killer, watches Henry. He nudges + MACE BOONE, (40's), a thief in a previous life. + + FITZGERALD + Likely got a splinter. Can't + figure what to do without Mama here + to pull it out for him. + + Boone chuckles... spits in Henry's direction. + 2. + + BOONE + Need a doc, Captain? + + Henry looks up... sees Fitzgerald and Boone grinning at him. + He slides his glove back on. + + HENRY + Gather more wood. + + Fitzgerald waits for Henry to turn, then gives his back an + exaggerated salute. + + FITZGERALD + (under his breath) + Shame my Pap was a broken down + drunk. Else he could've bought me + a Captain's job too. + + Boone snickers. Fitzgerald stomps his boot onto a branch, + easily snaps it into two easy-to-carry pieces. + + FITZGERALD (CONT'D) + We got a plan for these fires, + Captain, or are we roastin' berries + all the way up to Fort Union? + + HENRY + Glass and the others will be back + with some game, Fitzgerald. Just + make sure you have the fires ready. + + FITZGERALD + My supper's in the hands of a + hermit nigger, a kid and a dummy. + Hell, my belly feels full already. + + Fitzgerald's boot CRACKS another branch... and when it does, + we hear the EXPLOSION OF A GUNSHOT. + + CUT TO: + + + EXT. WILDERNESS - EVENING + + And a CLOUD OF SMOKE surrounding the LONG BARREL OF AN + ANSTADT RIFLE. + + The smoke fades, and at the other end of the rifle we see the + face of HUGH GLASS, (40's), African-American, one eye still + closed, as the other calmly stares down that barrel. + + VOICE (O.S.) + Shit fire, you got him, Mr. Glass! + 3. + + Glass lowers the rifle, as PIG GILMORE, (30's), fat and + filthy, races past. + + PIG (CONT'D) + Square as a barn door. + + JIM BRIDGER, (17), young eyes that have already seen a lot, + nods to Glass as he follows Pig. + + Glass watches Pig and Bridger trot through the trees to a + fallen ELK. Glass walks calmly after them, graceful in this + world... his rifle so comfortable in his hand it's like he + was born with it there. Pig crouches over the dead elk... + grins up at Glass. + + PIG (CONT'D) + Right where you said he'd be. + + BRIDGER + But bigger than we figured. Gonna + be a load to haul back to camp. + + PIG + Have to split it up I reckon. + + GLASS + Yep. Bridger'll take the tail, and + Pig you haul the rest. + + And Fitzgerald was right about Pig being a little slow, + because he just nods... pulls out his knife to cut the tail + off for Bridger. + + Bridger and Glass exchange a smile... until Glass notices + something... steps over the elk, his eyes locked on the + ground beside it. He runs a finger over the dirt... touches + a broken twig. + + BRIDGER + Another one close by? + + Glass doesn't answer... studies the track... feels the nearby + brush... inhales the scent from his hand. Bridger and Pig + watch him... exchange a confused glance. And then in a flash + of movement, Glass is on his feet, racing away. + + PIG + Hugh? + + Glass just keeps running. Pig and Bridger chase after him. + + CUT TO: + 4. + + + EXT. CAMP - EVENING + + The men building fires... laughing... enjoying themselves. + Boone on the outskirts, gathering branches. + + CUT TO: + + + GLASS - TEARING THROUGH THE WOODS... + + ...dodging trees... leaping over fallen logs... loading his + Anstadt as he runs. + + + BRIDGER AND PIG - CHASING AFTER GLASS... + + ...but not as gracefully. Pig trips... slams to the + ground... scrambles back to his feet to continue on. + + CUT TO: + + + BOONE - CARRYING AN ARMLOAD OF WOOD INTO CAMP... + + ...seeing other men playing cards. He stops along the edge + of camp, drops the wood to the ground. + + BOONE + No rule says I'm the only one + that's gotta gather this shit. + + The other men don't even notice. Then an ARROW WHIZZES + THROUGH THE AIR from behind Boone... THWACK... it hits him in + the back of the neck... erupts out the front of his throat. + + Boone stands frozen... confused... reaches up and grabs the + bloody arrow... finally drops to his knees. And that's when + a TRAPPER looks up... sees Boone on his knees, holding that + arrow, his mouth open like a dying fish. + + AND BEYOND BOONE ARE FORTY ARIKARA WARRIORS CHARGING THROUGH + THE TREES... FEATHERS RISING FROM THE MOHAWKS SPLITTING THEIR + SHAVED HEADS... FACES PAINTED FOR BATTLE. + + TRAPPER + `REE! + + WHOOSH... AN ARROW SAILS INTO THE TRAPPER'S CHEST, sending + him flying backward. The camp explodes into chaos... men + YELLING... grabbing for weapons... stumbling over each other + as they duck behind trees. + 5. + + + HENRY - PULLING THE PISTOLS FROM HIS BELT... + + ...taking aim at the attacking figures. + + The Arikara pour into camp, arrows flying... knives and + hatchets swinging. And this is a massacre... the Arikara + wading through the trappers... stabbing... clubbing... + scalping. This once peaceful world is filled with a sickening + mix of war cries and screams of death. + + Fitzgerald rises up from behind a log... aims his rifle... + BOOM... takes down one of the warriors. He starts reloading + as ANOTHER WARRIOR charges him... draws back his knife. + Fitzgerald pours the powder, but knows he isn't going to make + it in time... the warrior leaps toward him... + + ...BOOM... it's like the warrior hits an invisible wall... + flies back to the ground, very dead. Fitzgerald spins... + sees Glass and his Anstadt right behind him. + + GLASS + GET TO THE BOAT! + + Fitzgerald takes off... flips his rifle around, swings it + like a club across a warrior's head... WHACK! + + GLASS (CONT'D) + (TO HENRY) + THE BOAT, CAPTAIN! + + Henry shoves a TRAPPER toward the water. An arrow drives + into the trapper's leg... he goes down. Henry lifts the man + to pull him into the river, but several more arrows bury in + the man's back... he falls limp. Henry FIRES HIS PISTOLS, + dropping the WARRIOR. + + Bridger and Pig join Glass... splash into the river, SHOOTING + back at the attacking Arikara. The water deepens, and they + start swimming toward the flatboat. + + ARROWS HISS into the water all around them. + + Glass is still in the shallows... aims his pistol... BAM... + shoots an oncoming warrior... spins after the other men... + joins them as they near the flatboat. + + A final TRAPPER charges down the shore behind them. SEVERAL + WARRIORS pursue him. + + TRAPPER + WAIT! + 6. + + He aims his pistol over his shoulder as he runs... pulls the + trigger... CLICK... pulls it again... CLICK. But he's too + scared to stop his finger... CLICK... CLICK... CLICK... + THUD... as a hatchet buries in his back. He crashes face + first into the shallows. + + The Arikara leader, (ELK'S TONGUE), animal bones braided into + his mohawk, a NECKLACE OF HUMAN EARS around his neck, + straddles the dying man. Elk's Tongue grabs the Trapper by + the hair, and CUTS OFF HIS LEFT EAR, then holds it up to + Glass and the others, as he SCREAMS HIS WAR CRY. + + Glass and the men shove the flatboat off the sandbar... start + scrambling aboard, as arrows dart past them... drive into the + wooden boat. + + Suddenly a WARRIOR EXPLODES FROM THE WATER... tackles Bridger + as he climbs up the side of the flatboat... jerks him back + into the river. Bridger flails in the water... watches the + warrior raise his hatchet high to slam down... just as Glass + SLAMS THE BUTT OF HIS ANSTADT into the back of the Warrior's + head. + + The Warrior collapses under the surface. Glass grabs + Bridger's hand... drags him up onto the deck. + + BRIDGER + Thank you. + + But Glass is already gone... FIRING BACK AT THE ARIKARA, as + the current carries them away. + + VOICE (O.S.) + HEY! + + Pig looks over the side... sees a frantic WILLIAM ANDERSON + gripped to the edge. Pig pulls him onto the boat. + + Fitzgerald and Glass grab LONGPOLES... shove them against the + river's bottom to pick up speed. + + Henry stands on deck, watching as Elk's Tongue yanks a DYING + TRAPPER's head back by his hair to peel away his scalp. + + Henry drops his eyes... can't watch. The TRAPPER'S SCREAM + ECHOES OVER HIM. + + + EXT. MISSOURI RIVER/FLATBOAT - LATER + + Quiet and dark... the battle long over. The flatboat floats + with the gentle current. The NINE SURVIVING TRAPPERS are + scattered around the deck... + 7. + Glass digging an arrow out of WALLACE MURPHY'S SHOULDER... + Fitzgerald poling on one side with Anderson on the other... + STUBBY BILL VANCE and Pig standing patrol with their + rifles... Bridger doctoring a badly WOUNDED TRAPPER... and + Henry standing at the front of the flatboat, staring off + blankly. + + FITZGERALD + What's the plan, Captain? + + Henry's still lost in those screams. + + FITZGERALD (CONT'D) + Captain! What the hell do we do + now? + + Henry snaps out of his stare... turns to the men... obviously + doesn't have an answer. + + ANDERSON + We're just floatin' farther from + Fort Union. + + Henry's eyes instinctively look to Glass. + + GLASS + The Missouri's no good. Not if the + `Ree's running it. + + FITZGERALD + So we just float the hell down to + Mexico or wherever else this river + takes us? + + GLASS + We get ourselves safe outta range, + then track another course up. + + FITZGERALD + Add weeks to the trip. + + BRIDGER + Better that than endin' up scalped + on the side of the river. + + FITZGERALD + (shoving him away) + Shut up, kid, you don't get no say + in this. + + Bridger starts to respond, but Fitzgerald's angry glare stops + him. + 8. + + FITZGERALD (CONT'D) + (back to Henry) + And in case you hadn't noticed, + Captain, we're twelve men short of + what we were. + (off the badly wounded + TRAPPER) + Thirteen before long. + + HENRY + I understand our situation, Mr. + Fitzgerald. We do like Glass + said... put some distance between + us and the Arikara, then chart a + course to Fort Union. + + Fitzgerald MUMBLES UNDER HIS BREATH... rolls those dark eyes + to Anderson. Glass gives Henry a nod. + + + EXT. MISSOURI RIVER/FLATBOAT - NIGHT + + ANGLE ON THE BADLY WOUNDED TRAPPER... NOW DEAD... + + ...as hands push the body over the side of the boat. It + splashes into the water... floats downstream. + + We PULL BACK... see that the flatboat is beached along the + bank of the river. Glass and Pig watch the body drift away. + + PIG + Reckon it's better `an lettin' the + `Ree find him... take his ears... + slice what's left all to shit. + + Glass nods... steps down off the boat to Henry and the + others. They're gathered around a map spread out on the + ground. Henry runs his finger along a THIN BLUE LINE. + + HENRY + So we hike west to the Grand, then + follow it up to Fort Union. + + FITZGERALD + On foot? You got any idea how long + that's gonna take? It'll be winter + before we get there. + + ANDERSON + Unless we come across a post... + trade for some horses. + 9. + + GLASS + No posts that far out. + + FITZGERALD + So if we do this, we do every step + with our own feet. + + HENRY + We make camp here for the night, + then load supplies and head out for + the Grand at first light. + (BEAT) + And gather extra blankets `cause + there won't be any fires. + + More GRUMBLING from Fitzgerald and Anderson, as they move + toward the cover of trees. Bridger walks up beside Glass. + + BRIDGER + Thank you... for what you done back + there. + + GLASS + You'd have done the same for me. + + Bridger nods... he hopes so. + + + EXT. WOODS - NIGHT + + Pig on watch... sitting at the base of a tree, rifle across + his lap, eyes wide, scanning the darkness. All clear. He + peers back to camp... Fitzgerald, Anderson, Stubby Bill, and + Murphy wrapped in blankets... passing a bottle of whiskey + around. Bridger across from Fitzgerald, poking at the dirt + with a stick. Henry is off to one side, still studying that + map. Glass sits against a tree, cleaning his Anstadt rifle. + + Fitzgerald watches Glass a beat, then... + + FITZGERALD + You treat that Anstadt sweeter than + any woman, Glass. + + STUBBY BILL + Never seen a woman that could stop + a `Ree from three hundred feet. + + ANDERSON + I knew a particular big-breasted + redhead in Boston that might come + close. + 10. + + The others manage a small laugh. Glass just keeps working on + that rifle. + + FITZGERALD + Bring it over here for me to have a + look. + + Glass doesn't look up... wipes a rag down the barrel. + + FITZGERALD (CONT'D) + Did you hear what I said, boy? + + Still nothing from Glass. And Fitzgerald doesn't like + that... the tension's growing. + + BRIDGER + (MUMBLING) + You seen it before. + + Fitzgerald turns that mean, drunken glare on Bridger. + + FITZGERALD + What'd you say, kid? + + Bridger hesitates a beat... until the other men's eyes force + a response. + + BRIDGER + (SOFTLY) + I said you shoulda already got a + look when he saved you with it + earlier. + + The camp falls still... nobody talks to Fitzgerald like + that... especially when he's drunk. There isn't a sound + except for Glass working methodically on his rifle... + + ...until the SWISH OF BLADE OVER LEATHER, as Fitzgerald tears + the blade from his belt... flings it into the dirt between + Bridger's legs... AN INCH BELOW HIS CROTCH. + + Fitzgerald stares at Bridger, daring him to react. But + Bridger's too scared... doesn't, so Fitzgerald just smiles. + + FITZGERALD + You're lucky you ain't a man yet. + (off the blade) + Else that mighta nicked somethin'. + + A few NERVOUS CHUCKLES from the others, hoping this is over. + And it is, because Fitzgerald reaches over and pulls the + knife away... cleans the dirty blade on Bridger's leg. + 11. + + FITZGERALD (CONT'D) + And unlike you, I don't need savin' + by him or nobody else. Remember + that. + + Fitzgerald stands... wobbles just a bit. He slides the knife + back into his belt, then steadies his drunken gaze on Glass. + + The others exchange nervous glances... uh-oh. + + Fitzgerald walks to Glass... snaps his fingers for Glass' + Anstadt. + + FITZGERALD (CONT'D) + Lemme see what's so special `bout + that shooter of yours. + + Nothing from Glass, so Fitzgerald grabs the barrel, but Glass + holds firm. + + GLASS + Middle of workin' on it. + + FITZGERALD + Well you can stop workin' on it, + and let me have a look like I said. + + Fitzgerald gives another tug, but Glass' grip only grows + tighter. His eyes roll up to Fitzgerald... make it clear he + isn't giving up his rifle. And they hold that stare just as + hard as they're holding Glass' rifle. + + FITZGERALD (CONT'D) + You forget your place? + + GLASS + Best I can tell, my place is right + where I want it... on the smart end + of my rifle. + + Fitzgerald realizes the barrel he's holding is aimed right at + his stomach, while Glass' hand seems suddenly very close to + the trigger. But Fitzgerald's pride and that whiskey won't + let him lose this tug of war. + + FITZGERALD + I'd be careful if I was you, boy. + + And this thing's about to turn real ugly... until... + + HENRY + That's enough, Fitzgerald. Go + sober up and get to sleep. + (MORE) + 12. + HENRY(CONT'D) + If you're passed out when we break + camp tomorrow, I leave you here. + + Fitzgerald holds his glare on Glass, then releases the rifle, + shoving it back at Glass. He glances to Henry, and throws + back a big gulp from the bottle just for spite, before + backing away from Glass. + + FITZGERALD + That's the trouble with this part + of the world. No mirrors. Niggers + forget what color they are. + + Glass ignores Fitzgerald... goes back to his rifle. + Fitzgerald tosses the bottle at Anderson, then jerks his + blanket up... walks off to sleep by himself. + + Glass glances up from his work... just long enough to give + Bridger a nod. + + + EXT. CAMP - LATER + + Fitzgerald sleeping off that whiskey. The others snoring in + a cluster at the center of the camp. Henry lies there + awake... looks across to Glass, still sitting against the + tree, a HANDRAWN MAP in his lap, as his eyes pierce the + darkness. Henry eases over to Glass. + + HENRY + Can't sleep either? + + GLASS + Never like closin' my eyes when I'm + not sure who'll be standin' over me + when I open `em. + + HENRY + I keep thinking about Boone and the + others... how maybe I should've had + us make camp further up river. + + GLASS + The tracks I saw... those `Ree had + been tailin' us for a while. They'd + have gone as far north as it took. + (BEAT) + You're a good man, Captain. Soon + as you realize that, these others + will too. + + Henry likes hearing that... still isn't sure it's true. + 13. + + HENRY + Your years trappin' and guidin' out + here... have you had much + experience with the Arikara? + + GLASS + Enough to try and stay outta their + way. + + HENRY + (motions to Glass' map) + But you know this country well + enough to get us past them... up to + Fort Union? + + GLASS + I been here a long while. Whether + that gets us to Union or not... + + Henry waits for more... doesn't get it. So he just nods and + starts back to his blanket.... stops. + + HENRY + What Fitzgerald said earlier... he + doesn't speak for the rest. + + GLASS + He wasn't wrong. Truth is that's + what I prefer about this country... + it's got no eye for the color of a + man's skin. + + HENRY + (BEAT) + Try to get some sleep, Hugh. + + Henry climbs back under his blanket. Glass just sits there + looking at the map. + + ANGLE ON GLASS' MAP... + + ...primitive at best. Sketched mountains... winding blue + lines for rivers... small dots are scattered about with names + beside them... "Brazeau", "Talbot", "Union". And DOZENS OF + TRIANGLE PINE TREES have been drawn, representing the endless + wilderness. + + We TIGHTEN ON THOSE TRIANGLES until we're lost in them. + + DISSOLVE TO: + 14. + + + EXT. WILDERNESS - DAY + + Thick with trees. Henry leads the men single file through + the woods. They each have a canvas sack of supplies over one + shoulder, and their rifle in their hands. + + The only sound is their feet crunching the dried leaves, and + even that seems too loud as their eyes dart about, searching + for any sign of attack. + + STUBBY BILL + Shouldn't we have hit the Grand by + now? + + HENRY + We'll reach it soon enough. Glass + said to keep this course. + + FITZGERALD + Glass said. Too bad I don't see + him. + + PIG + That's on account he's up ahead + makin' sure it's clear, and you get + to keep your ears. + + Fitzgerald throws Pig an angry glance. + + FITZGERALD + Or he's run off and left us. + + BRIDGER + He wouldn't do that. + + Fitzgerald GRUNTS... doesn't believe that. + + FITZGERALD + My bet, that nigger's used to + runnin'. + + + EXT. WOODS - DAY + + Glass moves slowly through the brush, almost gliding... + subtle twists and turns to avoid branches and leaves... + careful not to leave his scent behind. And his eyes cut + through the trees as he moves... digging for any sign of + movement. + + He spots something at his feet... crouches down, running his + finger over the SMALL ANIMAL TRACK in the dirt. + 15. + + O.S. RUSTLING snaps his head up... to the TREMBLING OF + BUSHES... growing harder... whatever's in there is coming + toward Glass. He calmly raises his rifle... presses the + stock firmly against his shoulder... closes one eye as he + takes steady aim down the long barrel... + + ...to the shapes rumbling out of the brush... TWO BEAR CUBS + playfully wrestling. + + Glass lowers the Anstadt... looks past the cubs for something + else... but the woods are empty. A SUDDEN FEAR FILLS GLASS' + EYES... + + ...he spins... right into the GIANT GRIZZLY SWINGING ITS PAW + AT HIM... hitting him across the side of the neck. The + animal's razor claws tear into Glass' throat, as the force + sends him flying through the air. + + Glass sails into a thick tree... the CRACK OF HIS LEG + SNAPPING against the trunk. The rifle falls from his hand. + The Grizzly lets out a massive ROAR... charges Glass. Glass + crawls to the Anstadt... grabs it... has just enough time to + tilt the rifle toward the bear... BOOM. + + CUT TO: + + + HENRY - HEARING THE BLAST. + + HENRY + UP AHEAD! + + Henry takes off at full sprint. The other men follow. + + CUT TO: + + + GLASS - AS THE BEAR LEAPS ON TOP OF HIM... + + ...tosses Glass aside with a powerful swing. Glass hits the + ground with a PAINFUL THUD. He starts CRAWLING AWAY, pulling + the KNIFE from his belt as the bear rises up like a giant + behind him... swings... tears its claws across Glass's back, + shredding deep into his flesh. + + Glass is fighting for his life now... flailing with the + knife... slicing it across the bear's paw as it whips past + him. The wound slows the bear enough for Glass to start + crawling again. + + But the Grizzly doesn't give Glass the chance... ROARS... is + on him in a flash, a BLUR OF CLAWS AND FANGS... tearing + across Glass' head... ripping into his face... his chest. + 16. + + Glass drives his knife into the bear again... deep... trying + to tear through the layers of flesh to something more vital. + + CUT TO: + + + HENRY - LEADING THE CHARGE THROUGH THE FOREST. + + CUT TO: + + + GLASS AND THE GRIZZLY - FIGHTING THIS EPIC BATTLE... + + ...locked in a death grip... tumbling along the ground... + trading violent blows... Glass' blade versus the Grizzly's + claws and fangs... snapping small trees as they roll over + them... toward the edge of a steep embankment... + + ... and ROLL DOWN... spinning over and over... each ROARING + AT THE OTHER... Glass pounding the knife into the bear again + and again as they fall... neither willing to surrender as + they careen down the slope at a dizzying pace, then SLAM TO + THE BOTTOM WITH A CRUNCH. And the forest falls still... + Glass hidden somewhere beneath the massive animal... both + deathly motionless. + + + EXT. WOODS - DAY + + Bridger's the first to reach the battleground... sees the TWO + FRIGHTENED BEAR CUBS SCURRY AWAY. He follows the bloody + ground and crushed underbrush to the top of the slope... + looks down to the mass of flesh at the bottom. + + BRIDGER + Christ Almighty. + + Henry, Pig, and the others reach the edge. + + HENRY + Glass! + + No answer. And all they can see is the bear, so they scan + the trees. + + PIG + HUGH! + + Still nothing. So Bridger takes off down the slope... losing + his balance but rolling back to his feet. He reaches the + bear... sees GLASS' MANGLED ARM STICKING OUT FROM BENEATH IT. + 17. + + BRIDGER + He's down here! + + Bridger uses all his strength to push the bear off, as the + other men scramble down. But Bridger can't budge the massive + carcass... not until Stubby Bill and Pig join in... shove the + animal over, revealing the bloody mass that is Hugh Glass... + + ...his throat is torn wide open... scalp peeled back from + just above his eyebrows, hanging off the skull... stomach and + chest a gruesome design of gashes and cuts. His right leg + is snapped, the jagged bone jutting out through the skin. + + Bridger's legs give out... he drops to a knee and vomits. + + MURPHY + Oh, Jesus. + + STUBBY BILL + He's tore to pieces. + + The men stare down at Glass' corpse. + + ANDERSON + Least he took that Grizz down with + him. + + FITZGERALD + Wished he'da done it without firing + his rifle. If there wasn't no `Ree + around before, there will be now. + + And that's all Pig can stand... he TACKLES FITZGERALD... they + roll to the ground. And in a flash Fitzgerald is on top, + raining punches down on Pig... turning his face into a bloody + mess. + + Henry and Anderson grab Fitzgerald... drag him off. + + HENRY + THAT'S ENOUGH! + + Then somehow, GLASS GASPS... this horrible, GUTTURAL MOAN. + + BRIDGER + Holy Christ, he's alive. + + Henry and Bridger fall to their knees beside Glass. Glass + looks up at the men, tries to focus through the blood and + pain. His breathing is just a GURGLING WHEEZE... bubbles + forming along the deep gashes in his throat with each gasp. + 18. + + HENRY + Get me some water. + + Stubby Bill tosses Henry his canteen. Henry empties it over + Glass' throat... his face and scalp. The water hits the + wounds and immediately transforms to blood. + + BRIDGER + Oh, Jesus... Jesus. + + Glass lifts a trembling hand to his throat... feels the + gaping wound. His eyes widen in horror. He COUGHS... the + air splashes blood up from the open wounds in his throat. + + HENRY + It's okay, Hugh. + (pushing Glass' hand away) + You're going to be fine. + + Henry spins his head away from Glass. + + HENRY (CONT'D) + (WHISPERS) + I need some rags before he bleeds + out. + + Pig whips a shirt from his bag... shreds it. + + HENRY (CONT'D) + And your whiskey. + + Pig tosses a bottle to Henry. Henry pours it over the + gashes. The BURNING PAIN arches Glass... he CRIES OUT in + that same horrific moan. + + HENRY (CONT'D) + Hold him down, Bridger, goddammit. + + Bridger throws his weight against Glass' shoulders. + + HENRY (CONT'D) + The rest of you spread out... scout + a circle around us. Fitzgerald, + you and Anderson take west and + north. Murphy and Mike south and + east. Watch for anyone that + might've heard that shot. + + And for the first time, Henry seems like a leader of men... + firm... in complete control... just as Glass said he would + be. So the men hurry off to their positions. + 19. + + PIG + What about me, Cap? + + HENRY + Get down here and help me tie off + these wounds best we can. + + Pig shakily joins Henry in wrapping the wounds. The blood + keeps seeping out, soaking the rags. + + PIG + It won't stop bleedin'. + + HENRY + Shut up, Pig. + (TO GLASS) + We're fixing you up, Hugh. + + Glass is like a shredded rag doll... dazed eyes staring up at + them as they work on his wounds... wrapping the rags around + his throat... laying his scalp back over his skull, and tying + another rag around it and under his jaw to hold it in place. + + Bridger wipes the blood from Glass' face. + + BRIDGER + It's gonna be fine, Mr. Glass. + + Henry glances down to the PUDDLE OF BLOOD spilling out over + his knees... oozing out from beneath Glass. + + HENRY + Roll him over... easy. + + They gently push Glass onto one side, revealing DEEP, JAGGED, + GASHES running across the width of Glass' back. Henry stares + at the open flesh, ready to panic again... but he doesn't. + Instead he looks to Pig. + + HENRY (CONT'D) + Get me the kit. We need to stitch + his back up. + + BRIDGER + What about the rest of him? + + HENRY + He's losing more blood back here. + (off the throat) + And I don't know what to do with + that yet. + 20. + + Pig digs out a thick needle and spool of black thread... + hands it to Henry. Henry grabs the whiskey bottle. + + HENRY (CONT'D) + I'm sorry for how this is about to + burn, Hugh. + + Henry pours the whiskey over Glass' back. And the pain must + be excruciating, because Glass lets out a HORRIBLE WAIL. + + CUT TO: + + + EXT. WOODS - CONTINUOUS + + Fitzgerald and Anderson standing watch together in the trees. + Glass' scream erupts through the trees, and they both + immediately crouch down to a knee... out of sight to anyone + out there that might have heard that. + + ANDERSON + They're torturin' the poor bastard. + + FITZGERALD + And riskin' gettin' us killed in + the process. Proper thing would be + to end it for him quick. + + ANDERSON + `Less he could pull through. + + FITZGERALD + You seen what that grizz did to + him. Shit, Glass'll be dead inside + a hour. We all will be if he keeps + screamin' like that. + + + EXT. WOODS - LATER + + SERIES OF SHOTS + + HENRY, BRIDGER AND PIG WORKING OVER GLASS... Bridger and Pig + pressing Glass' scalp down, as Henry slides the needle and + thread through the skin, suturing the wound. + + HENRY CLEANING GLASS' SHREDDED THROAT. + + BRIDGER AND PIG HOLDING THE SCREAMING GLASS DOWN AS HENRY + SNAPS GLASS' LEG BACK IN PLACE. + 21. + + FITZGERALD PEERING BACK THROUGH THE TREES... to Henry + doctoring Glass. Fitzgerald shakes his head in anger... + turns back to the darkening forest. + + + EXT. WOODS - EVENING + + Glass rests unconscious on the ground. Two branches act as a + splint on his leg. A blanket covers his body... his face is + like a swollen, disfigured, Frankenstein's monster... + stitches of black thread holding it in place. + + Henry crouches a short distance away from him, rinsing his + hands under a canteen. Bridger and Pig stand beside him. + + BRIDGER + What now? + + HENRY + We wait. Does he have any kin you + know of? + + PIG + He keeps to hisself. Never + mentioned none. + + HENRY + Go get the others. Tell `em we're + making camp here for the night. + + Pig starts hustling away. + + HENRY (CONT'D) + And gather some wood, but make sure + it's dry. We don't want much smoke + when we cook that grizzly. + + + ANGLE ON THE MASSIVE BEAR... + + ...lying dead on the ground, its claws and fangs soaked with + blood... Glass' blood. + + DISSOLVE TO: + + + EXT. WOODS - NIGHT + + And what's left of the grizzly... its fur cut away... slabs + of flesh butchered from its skeleton. + + A fire burns at the center of camp... a chunk of meat roasts + above the flame. The men sit around the fire... + 22. + Murphy reaches up... tears a strip of meat from the roast, + tossing it in his mouth. The men are silent... the pall of + Glass' attack still hanging over them. + + Bridger rises... walks to the Grizzly... crouches down over + it, grabbing the animal's enormous paw. It dwarfs his own + hand, as he examines the claws. Bridger pulls out his + knife... stretches the claw out to its full length, and CUTS + IT OFF AT ITS BASE. + + FITZGERALD (O.S.) + What makes you think you earned a + claw? + + Bridger turns with a start... sees Fitzgerald standing over + him, meat in his hand... his lips shiny with the grease. + + FITZGERALD (CONT'D) + You didn't take that grizz down. + + BRIDGER + It ain't for me. + + Bridger stands... walks over to the sleeping Glass. Pig's + already crouched beside him. Bridger lifts Glass' small + leather POSSIBLES BAG from beside the Anstadt rifle... drops + the claw inside... throws a look back to Fitzgerald. + + Pig holds his palm out just above Glass' mouth. + + PIG + I can feel some air outta his + mouth. Maybe Captain sealed up his + throat proper, huh? + (off Bridger's silence) + Whatta you figure his odds are, + Jim? + + Bridger stares down at what's left of Glass. + + BRIDGER + Long. + + + EXT. WILDERNESS - MORNING + + The sun peeks over the horizon, sending an orange glow across + the treetops. + + + EXT. CAMP - MORNING + + ANGLE ON GLASS... + 23. + + ...unconscious but alive... his raspy breaths are weak and + staggered. The SHADOWS OF MEN hover over him... + + ...because Henry and the others surround Glass, staring down + at him. + + MURPHY + What that bear did to him... I + didn't expect he'd last this long. + + ANDERSON + I seen a fella go a week once after + a lion jumped him. Fever finally + finished him off. + + STUBBY BILL + Whatta we do, Cap? + + A long beat, then... + + HENRY + We give him his chance. + + Henry turns and walks away. + + + EXT. CAMP - NIGHT + + The fire has burned down to nothing. The men sleep scattered + about. Murphy stands just outside of camp, rifle ready, + keeping watch. + + Glass lies there awake... eyes wide open... a living corpse. + And his breathing is just as labored as before... raspy, + blood-soaked strains. + + Fitzgerald tosses and turns, listening to Glass' gurgling. + + FITZGERALD + You ain't doin' him or us no + favors, Captain, lettin' him suffer + that way. + + Henry's awake, but doesn't answer. He's holding his pistol + in his hand, as he stares at Glass... thinking the same thing + Fitzgerald just said. But he doesn't move... not yet. + + Fitzgerald angrily wraps a blanket around his head, muffling + the sound. Bridger sits beyond him... smiles at Fitzgerald's + misery, as he attaches the BEAR CLAW TO A THIN LEATHER + STRAP... a necklace. + 24. + + + EXT. CAMP - MORNING + + Bridger kneels over a SHIVERING GLASS, holding wet rags on + his head. Pig and Henry stand over them, watching. + + Fitzgerald, Anderson, Murphy and Stubby Bill sit huddled + across camp. + + ANDERSON + Fever's hit. Won't be long now. + + FITZGERALD + I seen a bad one drag on days. + + ANGLE ON GLASS... + + ...eyes open... he can hear every word. + + FITZGERALD (O.S.) (cont'd) + Insides shut down... flesh starts + to spoil and turn. Ain't no way + for... + + HENRY (O.S.) + Quiet, Fitzgerald. + + FITZGERALD... + + ...points a stick at Glass. + + FITZGERALD + (TO HENRY) + We keep sittin' here watchin' him + die, only gives the `Ree more + chance to find us. + + Henry doesn't answer... just keeps staring down at Glass. + + BRIDGER + He's burnin', Cap. Water turns to + boil as soon as it touches him. + + Henry considers this, then... + + HENRY + Pig, take Anderson and scout ahead. + Grand should be just west of here. + Find us the best route. + + FITZGERALD + Tryin' to buy Glass time don't make + sense for the rest of us, Captain. + 25. + + HENRY + (TO PIG) + Get movin'. + + Pig nods... grabs his gear. He and Anderson take off out of + camp. Henry turns... walks over to Fitzgerald and Stubby + Bill. + + HENRY (CONT'D) + (WHISPERS) + You two can start digging a grave. + + Fitzgerald tosses the stick away. + + FITZGERALD + Least it's a step in the right + direction. + + + EXT. CAMP - LATER + + Fitzgerald is covered in dirt and sweat, standing knee deep + in Glass' grave. Stubby Bill stands over him. + + FITZGERALD + Any coyote digs that deep deserves + the meal. + + He takes Stubby Bill's hand... pulls himself out. + + FITZGERALD (CONT'D) + Glass won't know the difference no + ways. + + Pig and Anderson walk back into camp. + + PIG + Found it, Cap. Right where Glass + had us headed. + + ANDERSON + No more than a mile or so out. + + Henry looks to Bridger, still doctoring Glass. + + HENRY + We could build a litter. Haul him + with us. + + ANDERSON + It's rocky and steep goin'. + + Henry looks to Pig for an honest answer. + 26. + + PIG + Marshy and thick on the other side. + We could try it, but... + + Pig shakes his head. + + FITZGERALD + I signed on as a trapper, not a + goddamn mule. + + BRIDGER + (TO HENRY) + Shape he's in... I don't see no way + he'd make bein' drug. + + Henry nods, his mind racing for a solution. And before long, + his hand is back on that pistol. He pulls it from his belt. + + The other men all drop their heads... except for + Fitzgerald... he's ready to see this end. + + Henry stares down at Glass. + + HENRY + Lay that rag over his eyes, Mr. + Bridger. + + BRIDGER + But, Captain. + + HENRY + Do it. + + Bridger hesitates, then reaches to fold the wet rag down over + Glass' wide open eyes. And Glass must know what's happening, + because his eyes roll up to Bridger's... his lips try to form + a word... his hand digs its fingers into the dirt beside him. + + CUT TO: + + + GLASS' POV - ON BRIDGER... + + ...the boy looking away as he pulls the rag over our eyes... + everything goes black. + + HENRY (O.S.) + Step clear, Mr. Bridger. + + A LONG BEAT in the dark, waiting for that gunshot, then... + + BACK TO SCENE + 27. + + Henry standing over Glass... pistol aimed down. His hand + trembles slightly. + + Pig turns away... presses his hands over his ears. + + Bridger takes a few steps back... stares at Henry. + + Henry struggles to steady his aim, until finally it calms... + because he's thought of something else. + + HENRY (CONT'D) + There's a seventy dollar bonus from + the Rocky Mountain Fur Company to + the two men that stay with Glass... + see this through. Then give him a + proper burial. + + BRIDGER + I'll stay with him... money or not. + + PIG + Same here. + + HENRY + I can't let you stay back, Pig. + Without Glass, I'll need you to + scout. + + Henry looks to the others... they all drop their eyes... not + interested. + + HENRY (CONT'D) + Just need one more. + + FITZGERALD + Two won't stand much chance against + a party of `Ree, Captain, and + seventy dollars won't buy me a new + setta ears. + + HENRY + A hundred then. + + Still nothing from the others. + + BRIDGER + They can have my share too. I owe + Glass that at least. + + FITZGERALD + That case I'll hang back with the + kid. I don't mind fallin' a day or + so behind for two hundred. + 28. + + HENRY + But Glass is to be cared for until. + Understood? + + FITZGERALD + (motions to Bridger) + I'll let the young doctor do his + job. + + Henry hesitates... doesn't like this, but knows it's the best + option left. + + HENRY + The rest gather your gear. + + Bridger reaches down... lifts the rag from Glass' face. + Their eyes meet... Bridger gives Glass a nod. + + + EXT. CAMP - LATER + + Henry and the others are loaded and ready to leave. Pig + bends down over Glass. + + PIG + I'll see ya at Fort Union, Hugh. + + Glass's glazed eyes focus on Pig. He moves the only thing he + can... BLINKS a "yes" back at him. + + HENRY + (to Fitzgerald and + BRIDGER) + As long as necessary. + + BRIDGER + I'll look after him. + + Henry turns... leads the men into the trees... toward the + Grand... toward Fort Union. + + + EXT. CAMP - NIGHT + + What's left of a small fire is nothing but smoldering ash. + Bridger crouches beside Glass, pouring a thin stream of broth + between his lips. Fitzgerald reaches in... grabs Glass' + Anstadt leaning against the tree. + + FITZGERALD + I'll take first watch. + 29. + + BRIDGER + Not with his rifle. + + FITZGERALD + Trust me, kid, he ain't gonna be + needin' it tonight. + + Fitzgerald disappears into the trees. + + + EXT. WILDERNESS - DAY + + Pig stands on a ridge, scouting a course. He waves back to + Henry and the others. They start toward him. + + + EXT. CAMP - EVENING + + Glass conscious on the ground... that same labored breathing. + + CUT TO: + + + GLASS' POV - ON FITZGERALD... + + ...smiling down at Glass as he grabs the Anstadt, holds it... + runs his hand down the barrel, as comfortable as if it were + his own. + + FITZGERALD + You were right to protect this. + + Then he disappears... and we're left alone, staring up at the + branches above us... the evening sky... accompanied by Glass' + deathly breaths. + + DISSOLVE TO: + + + EXT. WILDERNESS/CREEK - DAY + + Bridger kneels beside the stream, filling canteens. + + + EXT. CAMP - DAY + + Fitzgerald sits bored against a tree, twisting a knife in his + hands... flipping it point first into the dirt... grabbing... + repeating... twist... flip... thwack. And as he does, his + eyes are locked on Glass. + 30. + + Finally, Fitzgerald snaps the knife from the dirt, stands, + and walks over to Glass. Glass is asleep. Fitzgerald + crouches down over him... eyes his red, infected wounds. + + FITZGERALD + (WHISPERS) + When are you gonna die, boy? + + Fitzgerald reaches out with the blade... gently touches one + of the threads holding Glass' throat together. And when he + does, GLASS' EYES FLY OPEN... focus on Fitzgerald. + + Fitzgerald doesn't even flinch... just holds that knife tip + there against Glass' throat. + + FITZGERALD (CONT'D) + I'm nearly a week behind Henry's + bunch on accounta havin' to tend to + you. Be easier on us all if you'd + take that last breath. + + The two men hold a stare... until Fitzgerald pulls back the + knife... grabs a bloodstained rag from beside them... balls + it up in his fist. + + FITZGERALD (CONT'D) + I could help ya with that if you'd + like. Muzzle ya right now... end + all this sufferin' quick and easy. + Nobody'd ever know you give up. + + Fitzgerald moves the rag over Glass' nose and mouth... holds + it there, just inches above. + + FITZGERALD (CONT'D) + You just gimme a blink if you want + me to do it. + + Glass locks his eyes on Fitzgerald's... both men unblinking. + + A DROP OF BLOOD hangs from the rag... finally falls... lands + on Glass' lips. + + Fitzgerald almost smiles, waiting for the inevitable... as + Glass stares back, fighting the urge to blink. + + Suddenly Bridger's hand clamps down on Fitzgerald's shoulder. + Fitzgerald spins... startled. + + BRIDGER (O.S.) + What's goin' on? + 31. + + Fitzgerald jumps with a start, sees it's Bridger, and is + pissed that Bridger scared him... and interrupted his + business. He rises quickly, planting his meaty hand in + Bridger's chest, and SLAMMING HIM BACK AGAINST A TREE. + + FITZGERALD + Don't you ever question me, you + little piss-ant. + + Bridger tries to fight back, but Fitzgerald's too strong... + holds him pressed against the tree... slams a heavy elbow + into Bridger's mouth, splitting his lip. + + FITZGERALD (CONT'D) + I'd just as soon leave both you and + your nigger here to rot. `Cept + killin' you ain't worth givin' up + your share. + (LEANS CLOSER) + But that don't mean I can't be + coaxed into changin' my mind. + + Fitzgerald shoves him away... Bridger stumbles and falls. + Fitzgerald tosses the bloody rag at him. + + FITZGERALD (CONT'D) + And I was just doin' your job... + cleanin' him up. + + Fitzgerald grabs Glass' Anstadt, almost daring Bridger to say + something. Of course Bridger doesn't. Fitzgerald walks + toward the trees. + + FITZGERALD (CONT'D) + Why don't ya pour some more broth + down his throat... keep him alive + another week so we can fall farther + back. End up walkin' all the way + to Fort Union on our own. `Ree + would love to poach on just two. + (turns to Bridger) + I promise ya, you'll look a helluva + lot worse than Glass when they're + done with you. + + Bridger watches him disappear into the trees... wipes the + blood from his lip with a trembling hand. + + DISSOLVE TO: + 32. + + + EXT. WILDERNESS - NIGHT + + From high above the trees. The world is silent... peaceful... + until SEVERAL STARTLED CROWS shoot up from the treetops. + + CUT TO: + + + BLACK... + + ...the sound of FRENZIED BREATHING. + + FITZGERALD (V.O.) + (PANICKED WHISPER) + Bridger! Get your ass up! + + Dim light fills the frame... then FITZGERALD'S FACE right in + front of us. + + FITZGERALD (CONT'D) + `Ree. + + + BRIDGER - SCRAMBLES UP FROM UNDER HIS BLANKET, WIPING THE + SLEEP FROM HIS FRIGHTENED EYES. + + BRIDGER + What? + + FITZGERALD + Keep quiet. I was down at the + creek... there's twenty of `em at + least, comin' this way. + + BRIDGER + Oh, shit. Whatta we do? + + FITZGERALD + We run. Now. + + And Fitzgerald's just whispering, but it's with such power + that Bridger has no response... watches as Fitzgerald gathers + his bag, starts throwing in food and supplies. Bridger is + scared out of his mind... does the same... grabs for his + rifle, resting near Glass. + + Bridger freezes... in his panic, he'd forgotten all about + Glass. And now the wounded man's eyes stare up at him... + understanding perfectly what's happening around him. + + BRIDGER + What about Glass? + 33. + + FITZGERALD + He's on his own, same as us. + + BRIDGER + I can't leave him. + + FITZGERALD + Then I'm talkin' to a dead man. + + Glass gives Bridger the slightest of nods... go. But + Bridger's frozen... doesn't know what to do... until + Fitzgerald shoves him back to life. + + FITZGERALD (CONT'D) + Move. + + Glass reaches out a weak hand out for his Anstadt... clawing + for his weapon. Bridger starts to hand it to Glass, but + Fitzgerald grabs it first. + + BRIDGER + What're you doin'? He needs that. + + FITZGERALD + He couldn't hold it if you tarred + it to his hands. + + Glass strains to hold out his trembling hand for his gun. + + BRIDGER + It's his goddamn rifle! That's all + he's got! + + FITZGERALD + And more than he'll need. + + Fitzgerald scoops up Glass' knife as well. + + BRIDGER + We can't leave him with nothin'. + + But Fitzgerald is already sprinting away... disappearing into + the trees. Glass stares after him, his once-calm eyes + suddenly filled with a rage. And Bridger's frozen again, + lost between duty and fear... until finally, he just shakes + his head and takes off into the trees. + + Glass's empty hand falls back to the ground... he tries to + yell out in anger, but his throat EXPLODES IN PAIN. His hand + digs into the dirt... pulls him over onto his side. He flops + over to his stomach... GASPS IN PAIN... + 34. + then using his one good arm, drags himself over the dirt, his + healthy leg pushing weakly at the ground, trying to propel + him forward... a futile chase after Fitzgerald and Bridger... + + ...inch by inch... farther than he's been in days. But it's + still only a few yards, and now he lies in the open... a + clear target for the Arikara. + + Then he spots that hole... the grave Fitzgerald dug for him. + He grunts into action... grabs SEVERAL, THIN BROKEN BRANCHES + from the ground, then claws forward, each movement + excruciating... until finally, he reaches the hole, and ROLLS + INTO IT... lands with a PAINFUL CRUNCH. + + He rests there a moment, trying to regain any ounce of + strength. Finally he fights through the pain... shoves the + branches back up... spreading them across the hole as + camouflage... a thin veil, but all that Glass has. + + He lies there defenseless... INSIDE HIS OWN GRAVE. Hiding... + listening for the Arikara's arrival... waiting to die. + + CUT TO: + + + GLASS' POV - OUT OF THE GRAVE... TIGHT AND CLAUSTROPHOBIC... + JUST THE NIGHT SKY THROUGH THOSE BRANCHES... AND THE SOUND OF + HIS PAINFUL BREATHS. + + DISSOLVE TO: + + + EXT. WILDERNESS - MORNING + + Cold and grey. Fitzgerald crouches beside a small fire, + warming his hands. WHISPS OF SMOKE rise into the sky. + + FITZGERALD + We ran the better part of six + hours. Had to gain some ground on + Henry and them others. + + Bridger sits at the base of a tree, not listening... + staring... his mind replaying the desertion of Glass over and + over. He notices the smoke. + + BRIDGER + Best douse that smoke before them + `Ree spot it. + + FITZGERALD + We put enough distance between us + and them. And it's too damn cold + to go without one. + 35. + + BRIDGER + All we know, they hoofed it through + the night same as us. + + FITZGERALD + (shakes his head) + A dozen `Ree can't make the time us + two did. + + Bridger looks back to the trees... then considers something, + stares at Fitzgerald a beat, before... + + BRIDGER + It was twenty earlier. + + FITZGERALD + What? + + BRIDGER + When you woke me... you said you'd + spotted twenty `Ree. + + FITZGERALD + A dozen... twenty. I wasn't in a + mood to count feathers. Hell, one + `Ree woulda been too many. + + Fitzgerald empties his canteen over the fire, killing the + flames. Bridger stares at the water pouring out. + + BRIDGER + What was you even doin' down at the + creak in the middle of the night? + (BEAT) + I'd already brought plenty a water. + + Fitzgerald doesn't answer. Bridger tightens his grip on his + rifle... slowly rises. + + BRIDGER (CONT'D) + Answer me. + + FITZGERALD + Don't start questionin' me on + accounta you feelin' guilty `bout + leavin' your nigger buddy behind. + + Bridger musters up all the courage he can... aims his rifle + at Fitzgerald. + + BRIDGER + ANSWER ME OR I BLOW YOUR DAMN HEAD + OFF! + 36. + + Fitzgerald stares back at Bridger and his rifle... eyes + taking in everything... a snake sizing up its prey. Then + Fitzgerald stands... takes a step toward the boy. + + FITZGERALD + What're you askin'? Why it was you + turned your back on Glass? Why you + let him die to save your own sorry + skin? + (BEAT) + `Cause you was scared shitless, + that's why. + + BRIDGER + The `Ree... did you see `em? + (off Fitzgerald's silence) + DID YOU SEE `EM? + + FITZGERALD + (MOVING CLOSER) + Not a one. + + Bridger CRIES OUT... starts to pull the trigger, when + Fitzgerald's hand flashes out, grabbing the barrel, and + shoving the butt back into Bridger's face... THWACK. + + The force of the blow knocks Bridger back to the ground, but + Fitzgerald holds his grip on the rifle barrel... flips it + around to aim it at the boy. Blood drips down Bridger's head + as he stares up at his rifle pointed down. + + Fitzgerald's finger tightens on the trigger. + + FITZGERALD (CONT'D) + So that there is the answer to your + question. + + And Fitzgerald PULLS THE TRIGGER... AND BRIDGER SQUEEZES HIS + EYES SHUT IN FEAR... THEN CLICK. Bridger opens his eyes... + sees Fitzgerald sneering down at him. + + FITZGERALD (CONT'D) + And the next time you aim to kill + somebody, kid, best remember your + gun won't fire without a flint. + + Fitzgerald tosses the rifle back at Bridger, and turns away. + Bridger's face flushes with rage and humiliation... he + charges Fitzgerald from behind... tackles him to the + ground... starts pounding Fitzgerald with punches. + + A few of them land, but it's only a moment before Fitzgerald + is back in control... HEAD-BUTTING Bridger off of him... + 37. + tossing him away, then KICKING BRIDGER IN THE STOMACH... + AGAIN. He grabs his knife... is ready to finish Bridger + off... + + ...but Fitzgerald is smart enough to know that out here, two + are safer than one... even when one is just a kid. He starts + walking away. + + BRIDGER + I'm goin' back for him. + + FITZGERALD + Far as we ran all night, you + couldn't find Glass with dogs and a + map. And I don't believe you + really want to. `Cause after + leavin' him to die the first time, + I doubt he'd be too happy to see + you now. + + Fitzgerald digs at the dirt with the knife... covers the + fire's remains. + + FITZGERALD (CONT'D) + And just so we're clear. If you + try to backtrack without me + knowin', or ever get so guilty you + feel the need to tell somebody. + + Fitzgerald looks at Bridger... hard... evil. + + FITZGERALD (CONT'D) + I'll have no choice but to gut you + from nuts to nose. + + Fitzgerald stares his point home, then shoves the blade into + his belt, and stands. + + FITZGERALD (CONT'D) + Now let's go. + + Bridger wipes the blood from his face, then throws one last + glance behind him before following Fitzgerald. + + + EXT. CAMP - MORNING + + Empty and quiet... no sign of life... until GLASS' HAND RISES + BETWEEN THE BRANCHES. His fingers dig into the earth, + pulling himself up from the hole... a dead man climbing out + of his own grave. + + He rolls out to the ground... arches in pain when his back + hits the cold, hard surface. + 38. + Glass lies there shivering, regaining what little strength he + has, then rolls over... starts dragging himself again with + that one good arm. He makes it to the blanket... wraps it + around him. + + Glass rests there in the center of camp... unable to move... + his eyes scanning the surroundings... no food... no water... + and he's wide open in this clearing... an easy target for any + predator. So he grabs his Possibles bag and GUNPOWDER HORN, + and drags himself toward the cover of brush. + + And every movement takes all the will Glass has... a push + with his good leg followed by a pull with his healthy arm... + inch by inch... foot by foot... sweat pouring down his face + as he finally reaches the cover of the trees... continues + on... dragging himself across the forest floor in a + desperate, hopeless crawl for survival. + + But finally it's too much for Glass... the fever and pain + overwhelm him. He collapses... falls unconscious. + + + EXT. WILDERNESS - DAY + + Glass lies in the dirt, weak... dehydrated... starving. He + looks at his hands... scratched and bloody from clawing his + weight. + + He unwraps his small, leather Possibles bag... dumps it to + the ground, revealing it contents... flints, a straight + razor, his map, and a LEATHER NECKLACE WITH THE SIX-INCH BEAR + CLAW attached. Glass grabs the razor... cuts SEVERAL THIN + STRIPS FROM THE BLANKET, and wraps them around his hands. + + He shoves the rest back in the bag, and does the only thing + he can do... start crawling again... push with his healthy + leg... pull with his good arm. + + + EXT. WILDERNESS - LATER + + Glass dragging himself up a steep slope... over rocks... the + jagged edges catching the wounds... tearing the primitive + stitching. The gashes rip wider... blood oozes down, leaving + a crimson trail dripping down the rock behind him. + + + EXT. WILDERNESS - NIGHT + + The wind is howling through the trees. Glass lies beneath a + cluster of brush... shivering... bleeding. Every aching + breath creates a puff of smoke in the cold, night air. + 39. + + + EXT. MARSH - DAY + + Thick with a sea of four-foot high Cattails... like miniature + cornstalks. Looking down from above the marsh we see a two- + foot wide path of crushed plants that reaches the center of + the marsh, and stops. + + We tighten on the end of the path, until we see Glass lying + among the Cattails. He's sawing off one of the stalks with + the straight razor... peeling away the husk, and eating the + tender flesh beneath. + + Mosquitoes move in clouds around him... over his face... + arms. But Glass' injured body only allows him one action at + a time, so the mosquitoes have their fill of him, as he gnaws + on the Cattail. + + + EXT. WILDERNESS - DAY + + Glass pulling himself along the ground... stopping to tear a + FEW BERRIES from a plant, and shove them in his mouth. He + flinches as he swallows. He starts to move again, but + freezes... listens... RUSHING WATER. + + Glass digs his fingers into the ground with new energy... + pulls himself toward the sound... up over a ridge... and + there it is at the bottom of the ridge... + + ...THE GRAND RIVER... WATER. Glass crawls down toward it. + + + EXT. GRAND RIVER - DAY + + Glass drags himself to the river's edge, cupping handfuls of + water and rubbing it over his parched lips... withstanding + the pain to gulp it down. + + As he does, Glass notices a FISH hovering in the shallows + beside him. He makes a desperate grab for the fish, but it + darts easily away. + + Glass cups more water to his mouth, but with each drink, he + feels the water leak from a hole in his throat... run down + his neck. He leans out over the surface to check his + reflection... barely recognizes the swollen, stitched- + together, disfigured face staring back at him. He fights off + the urge to vomit... pulls the razor from the leather bag, + and cuts more strips of blanket, soaking them in the river, + then cleaning his wounds. + 40. + + He runs a finger up to his shredded throat... around the + open, wet hole. He cups another handful of water to his + mouth... strains to swallow, then feels the liquid GURGLE OUT + OF THE HOLE. + + Glass shoves the cloth against the wound... tries to press + the flesh together... no good. He dumps out his Possibles + bag... stares at the meager contents. He picks up one of the + flints... looks to the powderhorn. + + + EXT. GRAND RIVER - LATER + + ANGLE ON A SMALL CLUMP OF DRIED GRASS... + + ...as Glass SPARKS one of the flints... ignites the grass. + As the fire grows, Glass pours a handful of GUNPOWDER from + the horn, and RUBS IT ALL OVER THE HOLE IN HIS THROAT. + + He lifts several small blades of burning grass... a miniature + torch. And only then do we realize what he's about to do... + because he stares at the flame a beat, then raises it toward + his gunpowder-covered throat. + + The flame nears the black powder, and LEAPS OFF THE GRASS, + igniting the powder, and SETTING GLASS'S NECK ON FIRE. + + Glass falls back to the ground in agony... TRIES TO SCREAM, + but his burning, shredded vocal chords won't allow him. + + The gunpowder sizzles and burns... the flame spreads... + Glass' flesh sears... melts. And the pain is too much for + Glass... he passes out. + + + EXT. GRAND RIVER - NIGHT + + ANGLE ON GLASS... looking dead beside the river, but we know + he's alive because we can hear those same painful, raspy + breaths. + + And then we hear something else... an O.S. RATTLING, growing + LOUDER... FASTER... BUZZING... until Glass' eyes flash open. + + CUT TO: + + + GLASS' POV - ON A RATTLESNAKE COILED INCHES FROM HIS FACE. + + Glass stares back in horror... has time to throw up his arm + in protection as the snake STRIKES... SINKS ITS FANGS INTO + HIS FOREARM. + 41. + He shakes it free, but can't escape the snake's next + strike... locking its jaws onto Glass' burned throat. Glass + opens his mouth to scream. + + CUT TO: + + + EXT. GRAND RIVER - DAY + + And Glass' eyes flying open in the glaring sun, as he awakens + from his nightmare... looks to his arm... no snake. His hand + instinctively jumps to his melted throat. No bites. + + But that's when he hears it... we all do... that same + RATTLING FROM HIS DREAM. Glass slowly turns his head toward + the sound... + + ...and there's a RATTLESNAKE COILED just a few feet away. + Only it isn't poised to attack Glass. It's facing the other + way, its target a FIELD MOUSE, trapped against a rock. + + The snake attacks, sinking its fangs into the mouse. The + field mouse tumbles over... quivers as the poison runs + through its body, then dies. + + As Glass watches the snake begin to make a meal of the mouse, + his hand grips a rock. He drags himself toward the occupied + snake... raises the rock high, then SMASHES IT DOWN ON THE + SNAKE'S HEAD. + + Glass immediately pulls the razor from his bag, and slices + off the rattlesnake's head, the field mouse still lodged + halfway inside. Glass then drags the razor down the length + of the snake... digs his fingers under the fresh seam, then + peels the outer layer down off the rattler. + + With the skin still hanging off the round tube of flesh, + Glass BITES INTO THE SNAKE, tearing off a chunk of meat. He + gobbles it down, slowing only to painfully swallow the food + past his injured throat. + + + EXT. GRAND RIVER - LATER + + ANGLE ON THE REMAINS OF THE SNAKE... + + ...the head, skin, and not much else. + + GLASS - at the water's edge, drinking... touching his + charred, melted throat... no leaks. He opens his Possibles + bag... pulls out the GRIZZLY CLAW NECKLACE... stares at it a + beat, then slips it over his head. + 42. + + He drags out the map... spreads it on the ground, then throws + a glance around him... fingers the point on the blue line... + a rough guess of his location. + + ANGLE ON THE MAP... + + ...Fort Union at the top... hundreds of miles north. Fort + Brazeau south... but not nearly as far away. + + Glass gazes north up the Grand, as if he can see Fitzgerald + and Bridger just ahead of him. Then he looks back down to + his reflection in the water... battered and scarred. He + looks to his leg... all but worthless for now... his one good + arm. It's clear he's not ready to take revenge on anyone. + + So Glass shoves the map back into the bag... ties it around + his arm with the powderhorn and blanket, then grabs a THICK, + FALLEN LOG, and rolls it into the river. Glass crawls in + behind it... deeper, until the current grows strong enough to + carry the weight of his mangled body downstream. + + Glass drapes his healthy arm over the log, and starts + floating... letting the river do the work. He watches the + land move past him faster than it has in days... and without + all the agony of every move. + + + EXT. GRAND RIVER - DAY + + Winding through the open prairie. Glass hangs onto the + log... floats with the gentle current. + + + EXT. GRAND RIVER - EVENING + + The sinking sun casts an orange glow over the water. Glass + floats downstream... past a HERD OF ELK grazing along the + riverbank. The animals don't even notice him. + + + EXT. GRAND RIVER - NIGHT + + Dark... the moon hidden behind clouds. A heavy mist hangs + over the river. Glass is draped across the log, eyes + closed... letting the slow current carry him south. But then + his eyes open... because he hears something... a LOW RUMBLE. + + Glass looks to the river banks... too foggy to see anything + clearly. The RUMBLE GROWS LOUDER. He peers ahead... too + dark to see much... just ANOTHER SPLINTERED LOG floating in + front of him, its one jagged branch rising up in the air. + 43. + + But then THE LOG VANISHES. Glass squints through the fog, + scanning the surface. But it's gone... the water's empty... + that LOW RUMBLE GROWS EVEN LOUDER. + + Glass looks to the water beside him... a BRANCH GLIDES PAST + AT A HIGHER SPEED. And now Glass knows what's coming, but + it's too late... because the world suddenly turns upside + down, as Glass tumbles over the edge of a TWENTY FOOT + WATERFALL. + + He spirals downward... crashes into the rushing current. + He's washed forward with the suddenly violent rapids. They + pull him under the surface, then toss him GASPING back out. + + The river carries him blindly through the mist... tossing... + turning... SLAMMING HIM INTO A HUGE BOULDER... CRACK... he + spins off, swept away headfirst... the foaming water sucking + him down the rocky gauntlet. + + He tumbles over more boulders... his Possibles bag snaps + loose... Glass makes a grab for it, but is suddenly flipped + down another set of falls. + + The Possibles Bag is lost in the raging river. + + Glass sinks beneath the surface, then floats back up, as the + rapids calm... spit Glass to the gentle shallows. His body + drifts face-down toward shore. + + And just when we're sure Glass has to finally be dead, his + arm reaches up from the water... he digs his fingers into the + muddy bank, and drags himself out of the river. + + Glass collapses unconscious to the ground, his body shrouded + in that mist. + + + EXT. GRAND RIVER - DAY + + TIGHT ON THE LEFT SIDE OF GLASS' FACE... the right still + pressed into the muddy bank. The sun beats down... then + SHADOWS APPEAR... BOUNCE ACROSS HIM... something is standing + over Glass. + + And then a VULTURE'S HEAD DROPS INTO FRAME... + + ...latches its beak onto Glass' cheek... tugs at it... + stretches it. Glass' eyes pop open... we PULL BACK to see + THREE VULTURES surrounding Glass' body, pecking and clawing + at his battered wounds. + 44. + + Glass swings his good arm, knocking one of the vultures away. + He tries to cry out, but only that PRIMITIVE HISS ERUPTS from + his throat. + + The vultures dance away from his flailing... aren't willing + to give up their meal so easily... dart in for quick attacks + on his flesh. + + Glass grasps a branch... swings at the birds, beating them + back. The vultures give up the battle... fly away. + + Glass crumbles back to the ground... squints up into the + sun... the SILHOUETTES OF THE VULTURES CIRCLING ABOVE HIM... + waiting for him to die. + + Glass looks down to his wounds, again oozing blood. He + glances around... sees a ridge just a few hundred yards away. + + At the base of the ridge, a GIANT BOULDER has broken free, + creating a partial cave. Glass starts crawling toward it. + And if it's possible, he looks even closer to death now than + when he started this journey. + + + EXT. CAVE - DAY + + No more than ten feet deep, but enough to hide from + predators. Glass drags himself as far back in the recess as + he can... collapses against the rock wall. + + + INT. CAVE - DAY + + Glass gathers loose sticks and grass into a small pile... + begins sparking rocks together to build a fire. + + + INT. CAVE - LATER + + The fire burns beside Glass, as he TEARS A SINGLE THREAD of + cloth from the tattered blanket, then feeds it through a tiny + hole in a JAGGED, NEEDLE-SIZED SLIVER OF SHARPENED ROCK... a + man-made needle and thread. + + Glass goes to work on the open wounds of his chest... + piercing his skin with the rock... wincing with pain as he + tugs the thread through the fresh hole in his skin... pierces + the other side of the wound, then pulls the flesh tightly + together... before repeating the excruciating process all + over again... pierce... pull... pierce... tighten. + 45. + + + EXT. GRAND RIVER - NIGHT + + The moon's glow reflects off the water. + + + INT. CAVE - NIGHT + + ANGLE ON GLASS' HAND... + + ...holding a small sharp stone, and SCRATCHING LETTERS INTO + THE CAVE'S ROCK WALL. + + WE PAN DOWN TO THE GROUND... still listening to the + SCRATCHING OF THE ROCK as we glide across the dirt... reach + the fire... its flame warm and strong. We TIGHTEN ON THE + FIRE, until WE'RE INSIDE IT... and then WE PULL BACK... + + ...and we see the fire has long died away... just black ash. + The O.S. SCRATCHING has silenced. We glide back across the + cave floor... to Glass unconscious on the ground. And above + him on the wall, we see what he had been scratching... + + "Robbed and left to die by Fitzgerald and Bridger. If find + eether kill for Hugh Glass" + + We hold on those words a beat, then... + + DISSOLVE TO: + + + EXT. GRAND RIVER - DAY + + DROPS OF RAIN dot the surface. THUNDER RUMBLES... the rain + grows heavier. + + + EXT. CAVE - NIGHT + + Rain pouring... gullies of water run down the ridge, spewing + over the mouth of the cave. But inside, Glass doesn't + stir... lying there just as we last saw him. + + + EXT. GRAND RIVER - DAY + + Rain coming down in buckets. The river's raging. + + + EXT. WILDERNESS - NIGHT + + Clouds drift across the moon... the storm has ended. + 46. + + + EXT. CAVE - DAY + + Sunny and clear. A rabbit hops along... stops for a moment + outside the cave. Beyond it, Glass is still sprawled on the + cave floor... he must be dead. The rabbit continues on past. + + + INT. CAVE - DAY + + TIGHT ON GLASS' FACE... as his eyes flutter open. He stares + straight ahead, unmoving. + + + EXT. CAVE - DAY + + Glass crawls out of the crevice... shields his eyes from the + sun, as he takes in the scene. + + The river has sunk back to normal, leaving the banks battered + and muddy. The water is thick and brown with all the flooded + earth it pulled up. + + Glass uses all his strength to rise up to his knees, then + higher... onto his healthy leg. He braces himself against a + tree. He's still crooked and hunched over, but for the first + time since the Grizzly attack, he looks more like a man than + an animal. He bends down... picks up a BROKEN TREE BRANCH. + + + EXT. GRAND RIVER - DAY + + Glass limps along the bank... beside the brown water stirred + up from the flood. He moves along the washed-out area, + searching for food... grabs some plants... tears them from + the ground to chew on the roots. + + He continues on... spots a DEAD SNAPPING TURTLE drowned in + the flood, frozen on its back. Glass kneels down to pick up + the turtle... sniffs it. As he does, he spots something + across the river... a DEER, staring back at him. + + Glass slowly raises his IMAGINARY RIFLE... takes careful aim + at the deer... pulls the trigger. If only he had his Anstadt. + + But then the deer's head snaps... to something beyond Glass. + Glass follows the animal's eyes... turns to the ridge... and + the FIVE ARIKARA WARRIORS STANDING AT GLASS' CAVE. + + Glass drops flat to the ground behind a tree uprooted in the + flood. He looks back across the river... THE DEER IS LONG + GONE. + 47. + + Glass inches his head up over the tree... to the warriors now + crouched outside the cave... studying the tracks. + + Glass' eyes jump to the soft dirt along the river... HIS + FOOTPRINTS CLEAR... an obvious trail leading right to him. + He throws a glance around... nowhere to run even if he could. + So he starts backing into the river on his stomach... feet- + first... dragging a small branch over the tracks around him, + wiping them away as he moves. And his eyes are locked on the + Arikara... watching to see if they spot him. + + But they haven't yet, and Glass keeps sliding backward... + five feet off shore... only three feet deep in the murky + water and sludge. But if he goes any further, the current + will catch him... pull him into the next set of violent + rapids... and make him a clear target. + + The Arikara follow the tracks down from the cave. + + Glass sinks neck-deep into the water... the Arikara keep + coming... near the river. So Glass drops beneath the surface. + + CUT TO: + + UNDERWATER - + + And Glass' eyes spread wide... searching the muddy water. He + grabs a LARGE ROCK... rolls onto his back, and places the + rock on his stomach, its weight holding him firmly to the + river bottom. + + + EXT. GRAND RIVER - DAY + + ANGLE ON THE ARIKARA WARRIORS... following Glass' tracks to + the edge of the river... looking out over the brown river. + + CUT TO: + + + UNDERWATER - + + Glass pressing his head back against the bottom... staring up + through the cloudy water... to the FIVE SHADOWS STANDING ONLY + A FEW FEET AWAY. + + + EXT. GRAND RIVER - CONTINUOUS + + The Arikara... unknowingly standing just above Glass... + looking back to the tracks... scanning the water. But the + surface is empty, and the river's too thick with mud to see + anything below. + 48. + + But they keep looking... and we're waiting for Glass to + explode from the river, gasping for air. But he doesn't... + and they keep scanning for what seems an eternity, until + finally, the warriors turn... start walking back up the path. + + Behind them, Glass' face inches to the surface... pulls in + some oxygen... watches as they fade into the trees. + + Then Glass rolls the rock away... starts moving deeper into + the river... fighting the current to grab rocks and + boulders... pulling himself to the other side. + + + EXT. WILDERNESS - DAY + + Glass limps through the trees, still dripping with the muddy + water of the Grand. + + + EXT. WILDERNESS - LATER + + Glass is on his knees, desperately grabbing for a TINY FIELD + MOUSE. The rodent escapes into a hole. Glass claws at the + ground after it. He's starving to death. + + + EXT. WILDERNESS - NIGHT + + The rain beating down through the trees. Glass huddles in a + cluster of bushes, trying to stay dry... shivering in the + cold. He reaches out from the cover, grabbing his moccasin + boot standing in the rain. He pulls it in... slurps back the + rainfall that it's caught. + + + EXT. PRAIRIE - EVENING + + Glass limps slowly across the rolling prairie. He's weak... + starving... isn't going to make it much further. He drops to + his hands and knees. + + And then he feels something... the ground almost trembling + under his hands. He watches his hands quiver with vibration. + A RUMBLE BUILDS. Glass strains to hear... looks to the crest + of a hill... labors up the gentle slope toward the sound. + + + EXT. PRAIRIE/HILL - EVENING + + Glass reaches the crest... looks over the other side to a + HERD OF BUFFALO THUNDERING ACROSS THE PRAIRIE. + 49. + + An incredible site... hundreds of massive creatures... their + hooves tearing up the earth, leaving a cloud of dust behind + them. + + Behind the herd, a PACK OF WOLVES FIGHT OVER A FALLEN + BUFFALO. + + Glass lies in the high grass, watching the wolves SNARL AND + SNAP over the remains. And he eyes that buffalo... the + closest he's been to food in days. + + + EXT. PLAINS - NIGHT + + The five wolves rest around the downed buffalo, their snouts + bloody from the meal. Suddenly, one of the wolves' heads + snaps up... bares its teeth... SNARLS. + + And then we see what the wolf is growling at... Glass... + limping out of the shadows toward the animals, holding a + BURNING SAGE BUSH IN EACH HAND... like giant FLAMING HANDS + clawing in the night. + + The wolves jump to their feet, unsure of what's approaching. + They growl at Glass. But Glass keeps coming... doing his + best to YELL... more like GROWL back at the wolves. He + swings the flaming brush, tossing glowing sparks through the + air. + + The wolves spread out, instinctively surrounding Glass. But + Glass singles out each one... charges, waving the flames... + driving each wolf back. + + Four of the wolves back away, but the leader holds its + ground... even moves toward Glass... only a few feet away... + SNARLING... bloody jaws ready to attack, but still not sure + what its up against. + + Glass shakes the flames at the wolf... it SNAPS AT GLASS' + ARM. Glass swings the other... slams the fiery plant across + the wolf's head. + + The wolf YELPS... leaps back... starts to run away, but turns + back... makes another charge at Glass. But Glass is ready... + throws the flaming ball of sage at the wolf, then clubs it + with the other. The animal's fur begins to burn. + + The frightened wolf has had enough... rolls on the ground, + then spins to join the rest of its pack. They run a safe + distance, then stop... keeping a watch on Glass. + 50. + + Glass drags the burning sage bushes along the ground, + igniting the grass and brush... creating a foot-high flaming + wall between him and the wolves. + + He stretches the flame into a circle, a fiery ring surrounds + the fallen buffalo. + + The wolves have seen enough... turn... race away from the + flames. + + As the grass around him burns, Glass drops the sage plants... + attacks the buffalo remains, tearing away bloody chunks of + flesh from the carcass, and shoving them into his mouth... a + starving animal that's finally found food. + + + EXT. PRAIRIE - NIGHT + + From high above the prairie... Glass and the buffalo at the + center of that glowing ring of fire. + + + EXT. PRAIRIE - DAY + + The wind's gusting... bending the high golden grass over on + its side. Glass moves slowly across, pulling his collar up + to shield his face from the cold winds. He spots something + in the distant sky ahead... a THIN LINE OF BLACK SMOKE. + Glass picks up his pace... hope spurring him on. + + + EXT. BURNED ARIKARA VILLAGE - DAY + + The charred, skeletal remains of a tribe's village... just + black posts where tee-pees once stood... a half-burned log + lodge still smokes, sending that black line into the sky. + + Glass limps through the graveyard of structures... all signs + of life in this village long gone. He searches a basket... + pulls out a BLANKET... wraps it around his shoulders. + + + INT. LODGE - DAY + + Glass steps into the smoky warmth of the lodge... black and + empty. He slides down to the floor... unwraps strips of + roasted buffalo from what's left of his blanket. He starts to + take a bite, when SOMETHING DARTS PAST THE DOORWAY TO THE + BACK ROOM. The O.S. SHUFFLING OF FEET. + + Glass freezes... he isn't alone. He rises... grabs a + splintered post like a spear... eases toward the doorway... + raises the post to swing... + 51. + + ...and sees the SMALL PUPPY standing in the back room. The + dog takes off around a crumbled wall. Glass follows it. + + + INT. LODGE/BACK ROOM - CONTINUOUS + + Glass limps across the room... turns the corner of the + crumbled wall... and sees the dog slide to a stop beside an + ANCIENT ARIKARA SQUAW, huddled in the corner, her bony arms + outstretched in front of her in weak defense. And her eyes + are SOLID WHITE... the old woman is blind. She CRIES OUT A + CHANT over and over... her death chant, as she waits for this + stranger to kill her. + + Glass stands frozen... confused. He tries to speak, but his + throat still won't let him. He crouches down in front of the + old woman... reaches for her hand, but she flails him away. + He grabs her again... gently... just holds it until she + calms... studying the woman... her hollow face all skin and + bones... she's obviously dying. + + He pulls the strip of buffalo meat from his pocket... pushes + it into the squaw's hand. She immediately jerks it to her + mouth... and that's when Glass sees the WOMAN HAS NO TEETH... + she can't eat. + + Glass turns to an old pot tipped over on the floor. + + + EXT. BURNED ARIKARA VILLAGE - DAY + + Glass carries the pot toward a nearby stream. The dog + scurries out behind him... follows Glass to the water. + + + INT. LODGE/BACK ROOM - DAY + + The pot boils over burning logs. Glass dips a cup in, + pulling out a warm broth. He carries it to the squaw, still + sitting in the corner... takes her hand, placing the cup in + it for her. She gulps the liquid back. + + Glass goes back to refill the cup. The old woman MUMBLES + SOMETHING we can't understand... over and over, as Glass + brings the cup back to her. He tries to ease it into her + hand, but the woman pushes it away... slides her hand up + Glass' arm to his face... patting it... MUMBLING THOSE SAME + WORDS... thanking Glass. + 52. + + + EXT. BURNED ARIKARA VILLAGE - EVENING + + Glass carries several blankets toward the lodge. The puppy + trails behind him, biting at one of the corners... hanging on + as Glass pulls him across the dirt. + + + INT. LODGE - EVENING + + Glass enters the back room with the blankets... stops when he + sees the old woman slumped over to the floor, her white eyes + frozen open in a lifeless stare. + + + EXT. BURNED ARIKARA VILLAGE - NIGHT + + Glass has stacked several burned posts into a crude pyre at + the edge of the village. The squaw lies atop the pyre, + covered in the blankets he gathered for her. Glass stands + beside the pyre, a FLAMING TORCH in his hand. The puppy + rests at his feet. + + + EXT. DISTANT RIDGE - CONTINUOUS + + THREE INDIANS sit on horseback, watching Glass light the + pyre... the flames rise into the night. + + + EXT. BURNED ARIKARA VILLAGE - NIGHT + + Glass crouches... pets the dog, as he watches the flames + spread... engulf the woman. + + ANGLE ON THE GLOWING EMBERS... + + ...floating into the night. Beyond the sparks, we see + something else... THOSE THREE INDIANS GALLOPING TOWARD THE + VILLAGE... FAST. + + And now Glass sees them too... knows it's too late to run, so + he just stands there. But the dog's seen enough... darts + away. + + Glass watches the Indians ride into the village... their + braided hair and dress is different than the Arikara we've + seen earlier, because these are SIOUX WARRIORS, and Glass + knows it. + + The Sioux surround Glass on horseback... stare down at Glass. + The lead warrior (SPOTTED HORSE), (30's), poised and strong, + points to the flaming pyre... says something to Glass. + 53. + + Glass tries to answer... can't... touches his scarred throat. + Spotted Horse slides gracefully off his horse. The other two + warriors, (THREE FEATHERS and RUNNING FOX) do the same... + close in on Glass. + + Glass stands firm. Spotted Horse says something else to him. + Again, Glass touches his throat... holds his jacket out from + his sides... no weapons. Spotted Horse studies Glass hard... + reaches out, wiping his finger down Glass' cheek, almost + testing to see if the color comes off. + + One of the other warriors pats Glass' hair... smiles... says + something to the others. Spotted Horse and the other warrior + join him, each touching Glass' hair. + + Then Spotted Horse spots Glass' necklace... the grizzly claw + hanging from it. He examines the enormous claw, then nods to + Glass' stitching and scars. + + SPOTTED HORSE + Griz-lee. + + Glass hears the familiar word... nods. Three Feathers pulls + a WHITE SPECK from the back of Glass' neck... holds it up to + Spotted Horse. + + Spotted Horse jerks out his knife. Glass is confused... + holds up his hand, as he takes a step back. But Three + Feathers and Running Fox grab Glass... secure him... pull his + jacket down off his shoulders, exposing his shirt, as Spotted + Horse walks around behind Glass... raises the knife... Glass + GROWLS A PLEA... but Spotted Horse slices the knife down + Glass' back... just cutting open his shirt... and revealing a + MASS OF WHITE WORMS... MAGGOTS... COVERING THE DEEP GASHES ON + GLASS' BACK. + + The three warriors exchange glances... they've obviously + never seen anything like this. Glass sees their reaction... + throws a nervous glance... what? + + Three Feathers runs his hand across Glass' back, dragging a + HANDFUL OF WORMS for Glass to see. As Glass' eyes widen in + panic, Spotted Horse SLAMS THE BUTT OF HIS KNIFE against + Glass' head. + + Glass drops to his knees... makes a dazed grab for Spotted + Horse... misses... and Spotted Horse HITS GLASS AGAIN. Glass + tumbles unconscious to the dirt. + + Spotted Horse says something to the others... they grab + Glass' limp arms... drag him toward the horses. + 54. + + + EXT. SIOUX VILLAGE - NIGHT + + Dozens of glowing campfires dot the prairie, along with a sea + of tee-pees, their willow poles fanning against the night + sky. Animal hides and painted designs decorate the various + tee-pees and lodges. SIOUX CHILDREN laugh and play about the + village... freeze when they hear Spotted Horse and the other + riders splash across the stream. + + The warriors ride into the village, Glass' body tossed over + the back of Three Feather's horse. The children race to them. + + ANGLE ON GLASS... regaining consciousness... eyes blinking... + trying to focus. + + CUT TO: + + + GLASS' POV - FROM THE BACK OF THE HORSE... + + ...to the children's eager faces swarming around him... + studying this strange face. + + Spotted Horse - YELLING SOMETHING at the children... they + back away from Glass... fall into line behind the riders. + + Sioux MEN and WOMEN watch as the procession moves past... to + a tee-pee set away from the rest... its hide walls decorated + with wild lightning bolts and buffalo and vaguely human + figures circling the sun. + + An OLD MEDICINE MAN, gnarled and leathery, a DEAD RAVEN tied + in his long hair, his naked chest painted with red and black + stripes, steps out of the tee-pee. He eyes Glass, as Three + Feathers and Running Fox carry him inside. + + Suddenly, the Medicine Man begins CHANTING. + + CUT TO: + + + A FLURRY OF IMAGES ACCOMPANIED BY THE MEDICINE MAN'S V.O. + CHANTING... + + LEATHER STRAPS SNAPPING AROUND GLASS' WRISTS AND ANKLES... + stretched tight. + + Glass, naked, on his stomach at the center of the tee-pee, + his arms and legs outstretched, secured to wooden stakes in + the ground. The white worms cover his back. + 55. + + The Medicine Man... CHANTING... waving burning sticks in the + air. + + A THICK LIQUID BOILING IN A POT... the Medicine Man's twisted + hand reaching a gourd container in... filling it with the + steaming mixture. + + The liquid POURING OVER GLASS' BACK. + + GLASS' FACE... arched to the sky... twisted in horrible pain. + He SCREAMS THAT HORRIBLE GROWLING CRY. + + MORE IMAGES... even faster... the CHANTING more frantic... + + A SIOUX WOMAN,(WAKI), staring down. + + HANDS wiping a GREEN SLUDGE over Glass' neck... chest. + + The Medicine Man dancing... chanting... shaking sticks lined + with RATTLESNAKE TAILS. + + The moonlight shining through the tee-pee, illuminating the + images of the buffalo and dancing shapes. + + Waki gently pouring fluid into Glass' mouth. + + The Medicine Man holding the SEVERED HEAD OF A SNAKE... + lightly sinking the fangs around the wounds on Glass' throat. + + GLASS' EYES... wide open... rolling up white into his head. + + AND THE CHANTING STOPS... the world goes dark. + + + EXT. YELLOWSTONE RIVER - DAY + + Cutting through the open prairie. Snow-covered peaks touch + the sky in the distance. + + Fitzgerald and Bridger trudge their way across the prairie, + dressed in furs. They rise up a steep slope... reach the + top, and spot the cluster of log buildings inside a massive + thirty-foot tall wooden fence. Fort Union. + + Bridger smiles... relieved. + + FITZGERALD + `Bout goddamn time. + + They start down the slope. Fitzgerald grabs Bridger's arm... + firmly. + 56. + + FITZGERALD (CONT'D) + And we're understood on + everything... Glass' dyin' in his + sleep... us buryin' him like was + agreed. + + Bridger doesn't respond. Fitzgerald doesn't like that. + + FITZGERALD (CONT'D) + You're as guilty as me in leavin' + him. Don't you forget that. You + got a future up here. No sense + tossin' it away when he was as good + as dead already. Shit, all we did + was skip the funeral. + + Bridger pulls his arm free... continues on. + + FITZGERALD (CONT'D) + I won't take to givin' up that two- + hundred on accounta you gettin' + weak-kneed. + + Bridger keeps walking. Fitzgerald follows behind. + + + INT. FORT UNION - DAY + + Like a small town surrounded by a log wall. The main TRADING + POST BUILDING is busy... TRAPPERS, SIOUX, all with things to + trade. But most of the life is in the FORT UNION SALOON next + door... crowded with customers downstairs, and just as busy + in the whores' rooms upstairs. + + A small village of tents rests off to the side of the + buildings, holding the overflow of traffic. + + + INT. SALOON - DAY + + Fitzgerald and Bridger enter the crowded room... squeeze + their way to the bar. + + FITZGERALD + Twice the folks here than when we + left. + + BRIDGER + We should go see Captain Henry. + + FITZGERALD + Far as we hiked... we got time for + a drink on the company's tab. + 57. + + PIG (O.S.) + Jim! + + They spin... see Pig, Murphy and Stubby Bill sitting at a + table. Pig scrambles up... rushes to Bridger, locking him in + a big bear hug. + + PIG (CONT'D) + You made it! I was scared the `Ree + mighta caught up to ya. + + FITZGERALD + If your fat ass could get through, + we didn't have no worries. + + Pig glares at Fitzgerald... watches him walk to the table, + joining the others. + + PIG + (off Fitzgerald, to + BRIDGER) + Had to be a helluva long walk for + you. + + Bridger nods... Pig has no idea. + + PIG (CONT'D) + Hugh? + + Bridger hesitates a beat, then just shakes his head. + + PIG (CONT'D) + Guess we all knowed how it would + turn out. Did he suffer much more? + + Another long beat, then... + + BRIDGER + I hope not. + + A PROSTITUTE walks down the stairs... stops on the landing, + waiting for her next customer. Fitzgerald spots her... + grins. + + FITZGERALD + (TO BRIDGER) + Maybe we best go see Henry, kid. I + just got a itch to spend the first + of my two-hundred. + + The other men laugh. Not Bridger. + 58. + + + INT. ROCKY MOUNTAIN FUR COMPANY OFFICE - DAY + + Henry sits at his desk. Fitzgerald and Bridger stand across + from him. The others... Pig, Anderson, Murphy, and Stubby + Bill crowd the room behind them. + + FITZGERALD + I won't pretend to been his friend, + but I respect any man that fights + the way he done. + + HENRY + And the grave? + + FITZGERALD + We had those extra days so we went + deeper... covered it in rocks. To + keep the scavengers off him. + + HENRY + Any sign of hostiles? + + FITZGERALD + Not a one. + + The words are like a punch in the gut to Bridger. He can't + take the pain... opens his mouth to speak, but Fitzgerald + beats him to it. + + FITZGERALD (CONT'D) + Truth is, I was worried `bout `Ree, + and ready to get movin', but + Bridger here argued to stay and + make a cross for the grave. + + Bridger's head snaps to Fitzgerald... don't make this worse. + + FITZGERALD (CONT'D) + So that's what we did. + + Pig reaches up... gives Bridger a pat on the back. But to + Bridger, it feels like a red-hot blade. + + HENRY + Glad to hear you pulled your + weight, Mr. Bridger. I knew you + would. + + FITZGERALD + More than his share, Captain. + 59. + + And now Fitzgerald has snared Bridger into his lie. Bridger + drops his eyes to his feet. + + HENRY + Speaking of shares. + + Henry turns to a SAFE resting against the wall. Fitzgerald + watches as Henry spins the dial... locks in the combination, + then pulls the latch. The safe door swings open... + + ...revealing STACKS OF CASH. + + Fitzgerald's eyes lock on all that money. Henry pulls out a + handful... starts counting them out onto the desk. + + HENRY (CONT'D) + Am I to assume the agreed + arrangement didn't change? + + FITZGERALD + Fortunate for me, it did not. + + HENRY + Well thank you both for your + courage and honor. You have done + yourselves proud. + + Fitzgerald swipes up his pile of bills. Henry drops a couple + bills in front of Bridger. + + HENRY (CONT'D) + You're owed something for what you + did. + + Bridger stares down at the bills a beat, then snatches + them... pushes his way out of the office before he might have + to look someone in the eye. + + FITZGERALD + He's beat hisself up most of the + trip... wishin' he'da done more. + + HENRY + We all saw the shape Glass was in. + There was no more to be done. + + FITZGERALD + That's what I been tellin' him. + 60. + + + INT. BUNKHOUSE - DAY + + Empty, except for Bridger curled up on his cot, squeezing + those crumpled bills in his hand, crying. + + DISSOLVE TO: + + + INT. TEE-PEE - DAY + + Glass sleeps under a buffalo robe. His eyes flicker open. + + CUT TO: + + + GLASS' POV - ON THE BUFFALO AND DANCING FIGURE DESIGNS + SHADOWED THROUGH THE TEE-PEE. + + GLASS - His hand reaching up to his throat. It looks much + better than we last saw. And the stitches are gone from his + face, now just long, pink scars. He stiffly raises himself + up... remembers his back... struggles to reach behind him... + scarred but clean... no maggots. + + He looks beside him... sees BUCKSKIN PANTS AND SHIRT resting + on the ground... waiting for him. + + + EXT. TEE-PEE - DAY + + ANGLE ON GLASS... dressed... pushing his way out through the + flap of the tee-pee... limping out into the midday sun, and + shielding his eyes. He looks like a man that hasn't seen the + light of day for weeks. + + Glass adjusts to the brightness... stares in wonder at the + scene. + + And then we see what Glass is looking at, and understand his + reaction... the entire village is blanketed in snow. The + Sioux VILLAGERS move about, wearing heavy skins and furs. + + A WOMEN'S O.S. VOICE turns Glass... + + ...to WAKI, the woman from the images, walking toward him, + bundled in fur. She says something else we can't + understand... points to Glass' feet. Glass looks down... to + his BARE FEET BURIED DEEP IN THE SNOW. He hadn't noticed. + + And then Waki smiles... a sweet, pretty smile. She takes his + hand... leads him back into the tee-pee. + 61. + + + INT. TEE-PEE - CONTINUOUS + + Glass and Waki enter. She pulls a pair of moccasins from a + basket... hands them to Glass. + + He slips them on, then presses his fingers against his + throat... almost trying to hold it all inside to make it + work, then... + + GLASS + (scratching and rough) + Thank you. + + Waki doesn't understand... just raises a cup of liquid... + says something, then touches his throat... motions for him to + drink. Glass sips the drink... grimaces... shakes his head, + trying to give the cup back, but Waki refuses... points at + his throat, and motions for him to drink. Glass stares in + the cup a beat, then gulps it back... shakes his head. + + GLASS (CONT'D) + Bad medicine. + + Waki smiles... hands him his BEAR CLAW NECKLACE. Glass nods + in thanks, then achingly lifts his arms up to slip it over + his head. + + GLASS (CONT'D) + How long have I been here? + + Waki just stares back... no idea what Glass said. + + GLASS (CONT'D) + You're Sioux. I only know a bit a + Pawnee. + + Glass stumbles through a sentence of Pawnee. Waki shakes her + head... throws a jumble of Sioux back at him. + + GLASS (CONT'D) + The snow... my healin'. + (points to himself) + Me. + (points to the ground) + Here. How long? + + Waki shakes her head again. Glass leads her outside. + 62. + + + EXT. SIOUX VILLAGE - CONTINUOUS + + Glass points to the sun overhead, then raises both hands, + fingers outstretched. + + GLASS + How many suns? Ten? + + Waki studies Glass... the sun... begins to understand. She + nods... SAYS A WORD... holds up all ten of her fingers. + + GLASS (CONT'D) + Ten suns? + + Then Waki closes her hands into fists... opens them again... + closes them again... SAYS A DIFFERENT WORD. + + GLASS (CONT'D) + Christ. + + Glass glances around... for the first time, notices Sioux MEN + and WOMEN staring at him. Children freeze in the middle of + their play... all eyes locked on Glass. TWO SMALL BOYS, (NEW + MOON and LITTLE ONE), repeat the same TWO WORDS to each + other... + + BOYS + Tatanka Wicasa. + + ...over and over. + + Glass stares back, unsure. Then... + + SPOTTED HORSE (O.S.) + Buff-A-lo Man. + + Glass turns... sees Yellow Horse stepping out of a tee-pee. + + Spotted Horse (cont'd) + (very broken english) + What they call you. + (points to Glass' hair) + Fur of Buff-A-lo. + + Glass touches his hair... nods... smiles. The children smile + and laugh now too... repeat the words LOUDER. + + GLASS + You speak English. + + SPOTTED HORSE + Need words when trade with whites. + 63. + + GLASS + Well I'm grateful for you bringing + me here... havin' them care for me. + (off Spotted Horse's nod) + Now if you could point me which way + it is you do your tradin'... with + the whites. + + SPOTTED HORSE + (POINTS) + Whites. Bra-zo. + + GLASS + Fort Brazeau? That's where I'm + tryin' to get. Is it far from here? + + Spotted Horse doesn't understand. Glass motions into the + distance. + + GLASS (CONT'D) + Far? Long way? + + Spotted Horse points to a horse, then holds up three fingers. + + GLASS (CONT'D) + Three days on horse? + + Spotted Horse nods... looks Glass over, and shakes his head. + + SPOTTED HORSE + Not walk. Hides soon. + + Glass doesn't understand... until Spotted Horse points to a + ROW OF BUFFALO HIDES hanging from a line. + + Spotted Horse (cont'd) + We trade Bra-zo. + + Glass stares at the tanning hides, then down at his leg. + Finally, he nods. Spotted Horse starts walking... waves for + Glass to follow. + + Spotted Horse (cont'd) + Come. Eat. + + Glass follows after him. The children sneak in behind, + giggling as they tail Glass across camp. + + Glass glances back... New Moon and Little One duck behind a + tee-pee... wait for him to continue before they scoot back + out after him. + 64. + + + INT. CHIEF'S LODGE - NIGHT + + Glass, Spotted Horse, Three Feathers, Running Fox and OTHER + WARRIORS sit around a fire, eating with CHIEF RED HAWK, the + Medicine Man, and several other TRIBAL ELDERS. + + GLASS + The men stole my rifle. + + The Sioux don't understand. Glass reaches over, taking + Spotted Horse's plate. + + GLASS (CONT'D) + They took. They took... + + Glass aims an imaginary rifle. + + GLASS (CONT'D) + ...my rifle. My gear. + + Now Spotted Horse understands... translates for the others. + + GLASS (CONT'D) + They left me to die. So I mean to + find `em both. Get my rifle back. + + Spotted Horse translates again. Red Hawk nods, studying + Glass. + + Red Hawk SAYS SOMETHING to Glass... motions to the BEAR CLAW + NECKLACE. Glass looks to Spotted Horse. + + SPOTTED HORSE + Red Hawk ask who kill griz-lee. + + Glass touches his chest. Red Hawk nods, impressed. Glass + points to the JAGGED SCARS running up Red Hawk's neck to a + MISSING RIGHT EAR. + + GLASS + Grizzly? + + Red Hawk smiles... shakes his head. + + RED HAWK + Arikara. + + That word, Glass understands. Red Hawk rambles a long + sentence in Sioux. The other members LAUGH. + 65. + + SPOTTED HORSE + He say Arikara take right ear of + Sioux. Left ear of whites. Not + know what they take from you. + + Glass smiles along with the others. They continue their meal. + + + EXT. SIOUX VILLAGE - DAY + + Snow falls over Glass, as he stands outside the tee-pee, + flexing his injured leg... putting more weight on it... + testing its recovered strength. + + Suddenly, a SPEAR PLANTS INTO THE GROUND BETWEEN HIS FEET. + Glass turns, startled... sees Spotted Horse, Three Feathers, + Running Fox, and several OTHER WARRIORS staring at him. + + Glass' eyes jump from the spear to the warriors, unsure. + + Spotted Horse strides to Glass... grabs the spear, then spins + it sideways... stares at Glass, until a smile spreads across + Spotted Horse's face... he holds the spear out to Glass. + + SPOTTED HORSE + Buff-A-lo Man hunt with Sioux? + + Glass relaxes... nods... takes the spear from Spotted Horse. + Three Feathers hands a BUFFALO HIDE to Glass... motions for + Glass to put it on. + + THREE FEATHERS + Tatanka Wicasa. + + Glass wraps the hide around him. The Warriors smile and nod. + + + EXT. FOREST - DAY + + A world of silent white... like we're inside a giant snow- + globe. The sky is emptying all the snow it has over us... + pouring down... the only sound comes from the flakes hitting + the already fallen snow. The pale trunks of Cottonwoods rise + up from the white ground. + + Then out of the white... a SHAPE APPEARS... a GIANT WOLF + WALKING ON ITS HIND LEGS. But as the wolf comes closer, we + see it's not a wolf at all... it's THREE FEATHERS, wearing + his WOLF SKIN. He CRIES OUT... HOWLING WILDLY. + + A few yards beside him, another WARRIOR is doing the same... + CHANTING... beating his spear against the Cottonwoods as he + walks. + 66. + + + GLASS - WEARING THE BUFFALO HIDE... + + ...walking slowly through the trees, carrying the spear. + Yellow Bear is beside him... motions for Glass to spread out. + + + FROM ABOVE THE TREES... + + ...we see the fur-covered warriors are formed into a wide + circle... and slowly converging... YELLING... pounding their + spears... making as much noise as possible, as they tighten + their ring. + + + POV FROM THE BRUSH... + + ...watching DISTANT CHANTING WARRIORS pushing through the + trees. V.O. SNORTING... our POV darts sideways... charges + through the brush... slides to a stop when we see Running Fox + moving toward us... spins back another direction. + + + GLASS - MOVING THROUGH THE FOREST... + + ...the falling snow clinging to his face... covering the + buffalo hide. + + And then a MASSIVE SHAPE BLASTS through the trees ahead of + him. Glass freezes, his grip tightening on the spear. He + looks to Spotted Horse, who nods... YELLS OUT, beating his + spear against the trees, and motioning for Glass to do the + same. + + Glass is apprehensive at first... just lightly tapping his + spear. But as the other warriors' chants grow, Glass gets + caught up in the hunt... begins beating the trees... YELLING + as loud as his throat will allow. + + + THE WARRIORS - EYES PIERCING THROUGH THE SNOW... CHANTING... + BEATING THE BUSHES. + + + OUR LOW POV AGAIN - RACING CHAOTICALLY THROUGH THE BRUSH... + + ...to Spotted Horse waving his spear... back over the snow... + to Three Feathers SCREAMING... we spin again... crash through + bushes, then suddenly TUMBLE... DROP THROUGH THE SNOW. + 67. + + + GLASS - HEARING THE ANIMAL'S WAIL... + + ...seeing Spotted Horse pick up his pace... start trotting + forward. Glass does the same... all the hunters converging + around a LARGE BLACK HOLE IN THE SNOW... + + ...and the ELK trapped at the bottom. + + The warriors cry out victoriously... begin DRIVING THEIR + SPEARS INTO THE TRAP, killing the animal. + + + EXT. SIOUX VILLAGE - EVENING + + The elk roasts over a fire at the center of the village. + Glass sits alone outside the tee-pee, using the sharp tip of + the spear to carve into a small chunk of wood. + + As he carves, New Moon and Little One sneak around the tee- + pee behind him... watch Glass work. Glass hears them + GIGGLING... doesn't react... just keeps carving... tilts the + long handle of the spear as he works, tapping the side of the + tee-pee, and SHAKING LOOSE A CLUMP OF SNOW DOWN ONTO THE + BOYS. + + The shocked boys freeze in the cold... wipe the snow from + their faces to see Glass grinning at them. The little boys + charge Glass, leaping onto him... wrestling him to the + ground, as they squeeze his hair. + + BOYS + Tatanka Wicasa! Tatanka Wicasa! + + Spotted Horse stands across the village, watching Glass and + the boys play in the snow. + + + EXT. SIOUX VILLAGE - NIGHT + + Glass stands at the edge of the village, carving at the wood + with the spear tip, and watching the Sioux from a distance. + Yellow Bear sees him... approaches, carrying his SON on his + shoulders. The little boy gnaws on a strip of meat. + + Spotted Horse holds out a bowl of food to Glass. + + GLASS + Thank you. + + SPOTTED HORSE + Good hunt. + 68. + + GLASS + Yes. + + Glass smiles up at Spotted Horse's son. + + SPOTTED HORSE + You. Fam-i-lee? + + GLASS + (shakes his head) + No. + + SPOTTED HORSE + No wom-an? + (pointing to son) + Wakayaja? + + A long beat, then... + + GLASS + No. Not for a long time. + + Glass continues eating... watches Spotted Horse bounce the + giggling little boy on his shoulders. + + + EXT. SIOUX VILLAGE - DAY + + Glass steps out of his tee-pee, whittling with the spear tip. + He glances up... freezes because he sees several Sioux + pulling the hides from the line... rolling them up to carry. + + Spotted Horse (O.S.) + Bra-zo. + + Glass turns to Spotted Horse, pointing to the hides. Glass + nods... looks back to the last of the hides being pulled + down... doesn't seem as excited as he once might have been. + + + EXT. SIOUX VILLAGE - LATER + + Spotted Horse and Three Feathers sit atop their horses. + Three Feathers holds the reins to another horse packed with + hides. An empty horse stands beside them... waiting for + Glass. + + Glass is leaning over to New Moon and Little One... handing + them the CRUDE BUFFALO CARVING he made from the wood. + + GLASS + (taps his chest) + Tatanka Wicasa. + 69. + + The little boys smile. Glass nods to Waki, then waves to Red + Hawk and the Medicine Man. They return it... watch Glass + climb onto his horse. + + Glass, Spotted Horse and Three Feathers ride out of the + village. + + + EXT. WILDERNESS - DAY + + Glass, Spotted Horse and Three Feathers ride along a high + ridge, surrounded by empty snow-covered wilderness. They + have the world to themselves. + + + EXT. CAMP - NIGHT + + Glass crouches over a shallow, five-foot long hole surrounded + by deep snow. The hole is filled with small fires and rocks. + And he's watching Spotted Horse and Three Feathers tossing + rocks into their own matching holes, then dragging the dirt + back into them. Spotted Horse throws a glance back to Glass, + making sure he understands. + + Glass nods... pulls the dirt back in, covering the flames. + He watches Spotted Horse spread a blanket over the warm + ground, then does the same. He sits on the mound of dirt... + leans back against a tree... feels the warmth rise up from + beneath him. + + He nods to Spotted Horse, who is already resting under his + blanket. + + GLASS + Nice. + + SPOTTED HORSE + (NODS) + Nice. + + Glass pulls the buffalo hide around himself... keeping watch. + + SPOTTED HORSE (cont'd) + Sleep. No Arikara. + + Glass nods... but still doesn't close his eyes. Spotted + Horse tosses his knife over beside Glass. Glass takes it... + nods to Spotted Horse. + + SPOTTED HORSE (cont'd) + Me sleep. + 70. + + Spotted Horse rolls over, turning his back on Glass... + trusting him with the knife. Three Feathers does the same. + + Glass just stares out into the night. + + + INT. FORT UNION/BUNKHOUSE - NIGHT + + Dark and quiet... except for the SNORING of a few men. + Fitzgerald sleeps on his cot. A shadow glides across him... + hovers over his face. + + Fitzgerald's eyes blink open. + + CUT TO: + + + FITZGERALD'S POV... + + ...on GLASS STANDING OVER HIM... his scarred face calm and + deadly... raising a knife to drive down into Fitzgerald's + chest. + + FITZGERALD + No... please. + + But Glass swings the blade. + + CUT TO: + + + EXT. WILDERNESS - MORNING + + And Spotted Horse shaking Glass awake from his dream. Glass' + hand flies up, the knife gripped. But Spotted Horse grabs + his arm... stops it in mid-swing... holds it until Glass + realizes it was a dream... relaxes. + + SPOTTED HORSE + We go. + + Glass calms... nods. + + + EXT. FORT BRAZEAU - DAY + + Just a small cluster of log buildings sitting along the banks + of the Missouri. Dozens of tee-pees and tents are set up + outside the complex. + + Glass follows Spotted Horse and Three Feathers into the camp. + BEGGING INDIANS and DRUNK TRAPPERS paw at the men as they + ride past, pleading for handouts. + 71. + + One of the Indians grabs for the hides. Three Feathers + plants his foot in the Indian's chest... shoves him back into + the snow. + + They continue on... climb off their horses outside the + TRADING POST. Three Feathers stays to guard the hides, as + Spotted Horse and Glass enter. + + + INT. TRADING POST - DAY + + A small, dingy room lined with shelves, all stacked high with + pots, pans, dry goods, whiskey, blankets, weapons... anything + that can be traded. KIOWA BRAZEAU, (60's), French-Canadian, + stands behind the counter... looks up when the BELL over the + door RINGS... sees Spotted Horse with Glass behind. + + BRAZEAU + (thick French accent) + Bon jour, Spotted Horse. You come + with many hides I hope. + (off Spotted Horse's nod) + We make good trades then. + + Brazeau's eyes lock on Glass... stares at him, unsure. + + BRAZEAU (CONT'D) + Monsieur Glass? + + GLASS + Good to see you again, Mr. Brazeau. + + BRAZEAU + Jesus Christ, what happened to your + goddamned face? + + GLASS + Had a tussle with a grizzly. + + Glass shakes Brazeau's hand. Brazeau studies his face... + notices the Bear Claw Necklace... smiles. + + BRAZEAU + And now the grizzly, he don't look + so good either, eh? + + Glass shakes his head. + + BRAZEAU (CONT'D) + (off Spotted Horse) + You run with the Sioux these days? + 72. + + GLASS + They looked after me for a spell. + I'm on my way to catch back up with + Captain Henry... at Fort Union. + Needed to trade for some supplies + on the Company's credit if I could. + + BRAZEAU + Oui, of course. Anything you like. + + Glass pulls down a KENTUCKY LONG RIFLE. + + GLASS + We can start with this. + + + INT. TRADING POST - LATER + + Glass is loaded with gear. He signs a ticket for Brazeau. + + BRAZEAU + You can pick up the horse at the + livery in the morning. + (off Glass' nod) + I wish I could give you a room for + the night, but... + + Brazeau looks to SEVERAL TRAPPERS standing across the room, + glaring at Glass. + + BRAZEAU (CONT'D) + I cannot risk the trouble of + letting a colored stay inside. + + Glass glances to the trappers... one of them spits in Glass' + direction... makes some MONKEY SOUNDS... daring Glass to + respond. Glass just turns away. + + GLASS + Won't be the last night I sleep on + the ground. + + Glass nods to Brazeau, then walks out. + + BRAZEAU + Take care of that face, Glass. + + + EXT. TRADING POST - DAY + + Spotted Horse and Three Feathers sit on their horses. The + other horses are now packed with new goods. Glass + approaches. + 73. + + GLASS + (points to the tents) + You stay here tonight? + + Spotted Horse shakes his head... motions back toward the + wilderness. Then he points to the trading post... the + TRAPPERS. + + SPOTTED HORSE + Your people? + + Glass looks back to all the white faces... trappers, drunks, + prostitutes. He shakes his head. + + GLASS + No. + + SPOTTED HORSE + You come then. + + Spotted Horse taps his own chest... points back the way they + came. Glass hesitates, almost like he's considering it... + then he shakes his head again... points the opposite way. + + GLASS + Fort Union. + + Spotted Horse stares at Glass a long beat, then... + + SPOTTED HORSE + You spend your life hunting enemy. + Enemy wins. + + GLASS + It will be over soon. + + Then Glass pulls the Bear Claw Necklace off... hands it to + Spotted Horse. Spotted Horse holds it... then proudly slides + it over his head. + + GLASS (CONT'D) + (IN SIOUX) + Thank you. + + Spotted Horse raises his hand in goodbye, then spins his + horse and starts away. Three Feathers does the same. Glass + returns it... watches them ride off. + + + EXT. FORT BRAZEAU - NIGHT + + Glass is in the trees beyond the tents and tee-pees... + crouched on the ground... + 74. + dragging the dirt back over the fire and rocks. He slides up + onto the mound... feels the warmth, and smiles... just a + little. + + + EXT. MISSOURI RIVER - MORNING + + Glass rides a PAINT MARE along a ridge overlooking the river. + Fort Brazeau stands in the distance behind him. + + + EXT. OPEN COUNTRY - DAY + + Snowy and cold. Glass leads the line of riders through the + snow. + + + EXT. FORT UNION - EVENING + + But you can't tell if it's day or night through the blizzard. + Fitzgerald, Pig, Anderson, Bridger, Murphy and Stubby Joe + trudge through the snow in their snowshoes... finally reach + the bunkhouse. + + + INT. BUNKHOUSE - EVENING + + Anderson shoves the door closed against the wind... latches + it. The men look worn and battered... wind-burnt faces, + icicles in their beards. + + FITZGERALD + I had enough of this cold as hell + shit. + + ANDERSON + What'd you figure when ya signed on + outta that St. Louis whorehouse you + was workin'? That you was headin' + off to paradise? + + Pig snorts a laugh at Fitzgerald's expense. + + FITZGERALD + I tell ya what I figured, I figured + I'd be somewhere the piss wouldn't + freeze before I got it outta my + pecker. + + BRIDGER + Figured wrong. + 75. + + Fitzgerald throws Bridger a glare... wants to throw more, but + Bridger's returning the stare... hard... so Fitzgerald + decides he'd better not push it. + + FITZGERALD + Waste a time to check traps in this + weather... while Henry sits warmin' + his ass on the stove in his office. + + STUBBY BILL + Why don't you go tell him that, + Fitz? Then start your hike back to + St. Louie. + + FITZGERALD + Shit, I walked up here, I got no + problem walkin' back. + + MURPHY + Contracted for twelve months. We + all did. + + FITZGERALD + Henry can shove that contract up + his toasty warm ass, or I'll do it + for him. + + The others laugh at Fitzgerald's rambling. + + FITZGERALD (CONT'D) + You don't think I will? + + The men shake their heads. Fitzgerald grabs his gloves... + starts strapping his snowshoes back on. + + ANDERSON + Just give that fat little whore + you're so sweet on a couple extra + bits... she'll have you thinkin' + it's Spring already. + + The men laugh as Fitzgerald walks out... leaves the door wide + open for the cold wind to pour over the others. Pig scurries + over, shoving it closed. + + As the other men gather around a table to play cards, Bridger + pulls a JOURNAL from under his cot... falls onto the cot, and + starts writing. + + + INT. ROCKY MOUNTAIN FUR COMPANY OFFICE - EVENING + + Fitzgerald enters... looks around the empty office. + 76. + + FITZGERALD + Hello? Captain? + + The place is empty. Fitzgerald eyes Henry's desk... then + past his desk... to the SAFE... its door CRACKED OPEN... + STACKS OF MONEY visible inside. + + Fitzgerald glances around... looks back to that safe. + + + EXT. FORT UNION - NIGHT + + Dark and quiet. The snow has stopped. + + + INT. BUNKHOUSE - NIGHT + + Fitzgerald eases up from his cot... looks around at the + sleeping men. + + + EXT. FORT UNION - NIGHT + + Fitzgerald slips out of the bunkhouse door... across the + compound... toward the front gate. + + MURPHY (O.S.) + Where're you headed? + + Fitzgerald looks up... sees Murphy in the Blockhouse on + sentry duty. + + FITZGERALD + To the river, Murphy. + + Murphy squints down into the shadows. + + MURPHY + That you, Fitzgerald? + + FITZGERALD + Left my rifle down there... don't + want it out all night. + + MURPHY + That weren't too smart. + + FITZGERALD + Just don't take a shot at me when I + come back in. + + MURPHY + We'll see. + 77. + + Murphy waves Fitzgerald out. + + FITZGERALD + Not that you'd hit me if you tried. + + Murphy fakes a laugh... raises his rifle down at Fitzgerald. + + CUT TO: + + + POV DOWN MURPHY'S RIFLE... + + ...on Fitzgerald moving toward the river... disappearing into + the darkness. + + + EXT. MISSOURI RIVER - NIGHT + + Out of sight from the fort. Fitzgerald slides the ANSTADT + FROM UNDER HIS COAT... hurries down the bank... searches + under the brush and snow... pulls out an OVERTURNED CANOE. + + He drags it to the icy edge... slides it across the ice + toward the middle of the river, where the water still hasn't + frozen over. The ice CRACKS UNDER HIS FEET. Fitzgerald + climbs in the canoe... pounds the ice with the oar, breaking + it loose. + + The current seeps through the cracks... catches the canoe, + pulling it to the center of the wide river... sends + Fitzgerald shooting south. He throws a glance back at the + shadow of Fort Union in the distance... growing smaller. + + + EXT. WILDERNESS - DAY + + Clear blue sky. The sun glistening off the snow-covered + ground. Glass is bundled under furs, as he rides through the + snowy trees. + + + EXT. WILDERNESS/CAMP - NIGHT + + Tucked under the rooftop of trees. A small fire burns. + Glass sits on his fire-bed, looking over a map. + + An O.S. SNORT from the Paint Mare, tied to a tree. Glass + looks over in time to see the horse's ears perk up. + + With his eyes searching the darkness, Glass slowly reaches + over... grabs his rifle. Then he drops to his stomach... + slides backward into the brush. + 78. + + Glass peers through the brush... the woods seem empty... + until SEVERAL DARK SHAPES APPEAR... moving through the + distant trees... coming straight toward Glass' camp. + + Then an O.S. SNAP BEHIND GLASS... he glances back in time to + see an ARIKARA WARRIOR SWINGING A HATCHET. + + Glass spins his rifle... shoves it into the stomach of the + Warrior as he swings... BOOM... the Warrior flies back. + + The dark woods suddenly ERUPT IN WAR CRIES... Arikara appear + from all sides... charge toward the camp. + + Glass scrambles up... races toward the Paint Mare as ARROWS + AND GUNSHOTS FLASH THROUGH THE AIR ALL AROUND HIM. + + Glass swings up onto the Paint Mare... spots ELK'S TONGUE + leading the charge... the necklace of ears hanging around his + neck. And Elk's Tongue's eyes are locked on Glass... almost + like he remembers him. + + Glass takes off through the forest. + + + EXT. FOREST - NIGHT + + Glass hanging onto the paint mare, as she gallops through the + trees... the animal's nostrils spread wide, pulling in all + the oxygen it can. + + Glass glances back... sees SHAPES BEHIND HIM... HORSES... + ridden by Elk's Tongue and eight other warriors. + + Glass digs his heels into the horse, squeezing every ounce of + speed from her legs... pushing her toward the clearing up + ahead... throwing another glance back... then looking in + front of him, and realizing it isn't a clearing at all... + + ...it's the edge of the world. + + The paint mare explodes from the trees, then runs out of + ground... because she's just galloped off the side of a + cliff. + + The horse sails downward toward a thick forest of trees, its + legs flailing for something to stand on. + + Glass drops the rifle to grip the horse's mane, hanging on + for what seems an endless fall. + 79. + + The mare SLAMS LEG-FIRST INTO THE TREE-TOPS with Glass still + on her back. The Paint Mare SQUEALS as she drops into the + snow-covered trees, carrying Glass with her. + + CUT TO: + + + EXT. FOREST - CONTINUOUS + + And the horse comes crashing through the branches... the + massive limbs slowing her fall... snapping off as her body + hits and twists... tosses Glass away. + + The Paint Mare continues her deadly descent, the trees + tearing at her body... catching her head... SNAPPING her + neck. + + Glass slams off a branch... tumbles to the ground with a + thud. The Paint Mare hits the snow beside him... very dead. + + Glass struggles to breath... finally GASPS... sucks in the + oxygen. He lays there a moment... stares up through the + trees... + + ...to Elk's Tongue and the others staring down from the top + of the cliff... with no way to get to Glass. + + Glass rises to his knees... glances around for his rifle... + lost. He flinches with what must be broken ribs... drags + himself up, and staggers to the horse... pulls his knife and + cuts the snowshoes from the back of the saddle. + + He throws the snowshoes over his shoulder... continues on, + through the woods... alone... in the middle of nowhere... + again. + + + EXT. OPEN COUNTRY - DAY + + From high above... the small shape of Glass making his way + over the snowy ground... heading toward TWO DISTANT SHACKS. + + + EXT. FORT TALBOT - DAY + + A makeshift town on the banks of the Missouri. Two + ramshackle structures... the General Store and a tattered + livery stable filled with horses. + 80. + + + INT. FORT TALBOT/GENERAL STORE - DAY + + More like a saloon that sells a few supplies. A gang of + TRAPPERS drink and play cards. A RUNTY MAN stands behind the + counter, watching them... + + ...until the door blows open, and in steps Glass. He pulls + the fur hat away from his face, and what a sight he is... + scarred face stiff from the cold... ice frozen in his beard. + + The room falls silent... everyone staring at Glass. Until + TRAPPER #1 snorts a laugh. Glass limps to the counter. All + eyes follow him. + + GLASS + (struggling to make his + frozen lips move) + I'm Hugh Glass of... + + RUNTY MAN + We don't serve niggers. + + Glass stares at the Runty Man a beat, then... + + GLASS + Of the Rocky Mountain Fur Company + on my way to Fort Union. + + RUNTY MAN + I don't care if you was with Lewis + and Clark headed for the new world. + We don't serve niggers. + + GLASS + All I need is a horse and enough + supplies to... + + TRAPPER + Ice musta froze up his ears, `cause + he ain't listenin' to you, Cees. + + GLASS + ...to get me to Fort Union. I can + sign a draft made good by Captain + Henry. + + The Runty Man just stares at Glass... grins a TOOTHLESS GRIN. + + RUNTY MAN + What the fuck happened to your + face, boy? You try to slice all + the black off? + 81. + + TRAPPER #2 + Maybe we oughta help him do it + right. + + FAT TRAPPER + Best get on your way, boy. + + Glass stares back at the men for a long beat, then... + + GLASS + I'm Hugh Glass of the Rocky + Mountain Fur Company, and all I + need is... + + RUNTY MAN + (to the trappers) + Do you believe this shit? + + Trapper #1 and Trapper #2 pull the SKINNING KNIVES from their + belts... start toward Glass. + + FAT TRAPPER + Hell, I warned ya. + + GLASS + All I need... + + And that's when Trapper #1 grabs for Glass, but in a flash of + movement that catches them all off-guard, Glass has is own + knife pulled and JAMMED UNDER TRAPPER #1's CHIN. + + Everyone freezes. + + GLASS (CONT'D) + ...is a horse and enough supplies + to get me to Fort Union. + + Then Glass slides Trapper #1's PISTOL from his belt... aims + it at the other men. + + GLASS (CONT'D) + And this shooter here. All made + good by Captain Henry and The Rocky + Mountain Fur Company. + + + EXT. FORT TALBOT - DAY + + The snow pours down on the Runty Man and the trappers, as + they stand outside, rifles aimed into the distance. + + RUNTY MAN + Shoot him, goddammit! + 82. + + TRAPPER #2 + I can't get a clear look. + + RUNTY MAN + Shoot `em both! + + The Runty Man snatches one of the rifles... BOOM... fires a + wild shot past the riders. + + CUT TO: + + + GLASS - GALLOPING AWAY ON HORSEBACK... + + ...with Trapper #1 sitting backward on the horse behind him. + Glass has the pistol jammed into his ribs, and keeps glancing + back to the men growing smaller behind him. + + Finally, Glass shoves the man off the back of the horse. + Trapper #1 tumbles into the snow. + + The RUMBLE OF DISTANT GUNSHOTS... too far away to reach + Glass, who just keeps racing north. + + CUT TO: + + + THE RUNTY MAN - WATCHING GLASS ESCAPE. + + RUNTY MAN + Get after the son of a bitch! + + The trappers exchange glances... don't move. + + TRAPPER #2 + It's cold as hell, Cees. + + FAT TRAPPER + And he did say to put it all on the + Rocky Mountain tab. + + The Runty Man glares at the trappers. + + + EXT. OPEN COUNTRY - EVENING + + Glass riding the horse at a trot through the snow. + + + EXT. FORT UNION - NIGHT + + Thick with fog, and silent as death. The moon fights its way + through the mist, sending an eerie glow over the fort. + 83. + + + EXT. FORT UNION/BLOCKHOUSE - NIGHT + + Stubby Bill sits dozing in a chair, his rifle across his lap. + O.S. CRUNCHING... getting louder... loud enough to nudge + Stubby Bill awake. He sits up... peers over the wall, but + can't see anything in the fog... just hears the CRUNCHING + MOVING CLOSER... FOOTSTEPS IN THE CRISP SNOW. + + CUT TO: + + + STUBBY BILL'S POV... + + ...on the blanket of fog hanging in the air... that same + CRUNCHING, as a SHADOW APPEARS... growing clearer... a FIGURE + walking... leading a horse behind him... appearing out of the + mist like a ghost... GLASS. + + STUBBY BILL - STARES DOWN IN SHOCK... + + ...sure his eyes are betraying him. But then Glass looks + straight up at Stubby Bill, and there's no doubt. + + STUBBY BILL + Jesus Christ. + + + INT. BUNKHOUSE - NIGHT + + Dark and quiet... just Pig's snoring rattling the silence. + Suddenly the door kicks open... SLAMS into the wall... and + there's GLASS' SILHOUETTE FILLING THE DOORWAY. + + GROANS from the awakened men... hands moving through the dark + for oil lamps... turning them bright... until the room's + fully lit... and they all see Glass standing there... eyes + floating across the room, searching for a target. + + The men just stare back at him, like they're all part of the + same dream. + + Except for Bridger, who's propped up in his cot like he's + been waiting all night... waiting every night... for Glass to + appear in that doorway. + + BRIDGER + I'm sorry. + + Glass raises the stolen pistol... aims it at Bridger. And + the young man doesn't flinch... almost as if he wants to make + sure Glass doesn't miss. + 84. + + The other men just watch in silence, not sure what the hell's + going on. + + Glass holds his aim on Bridger's face... a face that's + haunted him... kept him alive. + + GLASS + You took everything I had... left + me to die. + + Glass walks toward Bridger, the gun still raised... each step + of his feet on the wood floor is like the thud of an + executioner's drum. + + MUMBLING from the other men, as they watch this ghost reach + Bridger... stand over him, the pistol aimed down. + + GLASS (CONT'D) + Why? + + BRIDGER + I was scared of dyin'. + (BEAT) + But every day since, I've wished I + had. + + Glass' finger tightens on the trigger, ready to make + Bridger's wish come true. + + The rest of the bunkhouse watches this execution in wide- + eyed, stone silence, afraid to move. + + GLASS + There wasn't no `Ree that night, + was there? + + A long beat, then... + + BRIDGER + No. + + Glass PISTOL WHIPS BRIDGER, knocking him to the floor. And + before Bridger can crawl away, Glass in over him... those + aching, frozen fists beating mercilessly down on Bridger. + + And Bridger doesn't fight back... just does his best to cover + up, but the blows keep coming, and Bridger's face is covered + in blood... + + ...just as Henry runs inside, half-dressed from where Stubby + Bill awoke him. Henry grabs Glass... pulls him off. + + Glass spins... jams his pistol right in Henry's face. + 85. + + HENRY + Hugh. Wait. + + Glass is crazy with rage... barely stops himself from pulling + that trigger. But finally, he calms... his arm sinks, + lowering his aim. He glances around the bunkhouse. + + GLASS + Where's Fitzgerald and my rifle? + + HENRY + Deserted two days ago. Along with + about five hundred dollars of + company money. + (BEAT) + Let's get some coffee to warm you + up. + (to Glass, but looking at + BRIDGER) + I wanna hear what happened. + + Glass looks back to Bridger... they hold a long stare, until + Glass walks out. + + BRIDGER + Wait. Please! + + But Glass and Henry disappear, leaving Bridger alone with all + those eyes burning into him. Bridger looks to Pig, but Pig + just lowers his eyes... can't even look at the boy. + + The men step into their boots and furs... file out after + Glass and Henry... leaving Bridger alone in the bunkhouse. + + + INT. ROCKY MOUNTAIN FUR COMPANY OFFICE - NIGHT + + Glass sits by the warmth of the stove, sipping coffee. + Henry's behind he desk, with the other men scattered around. + + GLASS + I cut the shoes loose of her, and + hiked over to Fort Talbot. + + STUBBY BILL + Christ almighty. + + GLASS + And you may hear from the fella + there about a stoled horse and + supplies charged to you. + 86. + + HENRY + We'll take care of it. You should + go settle in. + + MURPHY + There's a couple fair whores next + door that'll ease the miles on ya, + scars or not. + + Stubby Bill gives Murphy an elbow. + + ANDERSON + Jesus, Murph. + + MURPHY + I just meant I'd go roust one of + `em for ya if you wanted. + + GLASS + She can take the night off, but I + wouldn't mind the use of her bed. + + HENRY + (TO MURPHY) + Go clear out a room. The rest head + on back to bunk. + + Murphy hustles out. The others move toward the door, each + stopping to shake Glass' hand, or give him a pat on the back. + + PIG + I told ya I'd see ya up here. You + remember that, Hugh? + + GLASS + I do, Pig. You must have a little + gypsy in ya. + + Pig grins and nods. + + PIG + I'll see ya in the mornin'. + + Pig exits, leaving just Glass and Henry, sitting in a beat of + silence, until... + + HENRY + Can I talk you outta what you're + planning? + + Glass doesn't answer... just stands, placing the coffee cup + on the table. + 87. + + GLASS + Thank you for what you done for + me... stitchin' me back together... + givin' me a chance. + + HENRY + I'm offerin' you another right + now... to stay here... let this + thing go. + + GLASS + (BEAT) + He thinks he let me die. But he + don't know that he's the one that's + kept me alive... for the chance of + findin' him... makin' him pay for + what he done. + + HENRY + The law will make Fitzgerald pay. + + Glass stares out the window... his SCARRED REFLECTION stares + back at him. + + GLASS + You told me once that other men + didn't think like him. + (BEAT) + But the truth is, most do. I seen + it my whole life... the looks folks + give... the whisperin'. I watched + my wife and son die from the fever + on accounta no white doctor would + care for `em. Wasn't no different + to them than if their neighbor's + dog was sick. + (BEAT) + So I don't figure nobody's gonna + care much that Fitzgerald took some + dyin' nigger's rifle, and left him + in the middle of nowhere. + (turns to Henry) + Do you, Captain? + + Henry doesn't answer... because he knows Glass is right. + + GLASS (CONT'D) + I thank you for the coffee. + + Glass walks out. Henry just sits there. + 88. + + + EXT. FORT UNION - DAY + + Glass, Pig and Murphy stand by Glass' horse, as he ties off + his supplies. + + MURPHY + He said he was goin' to get his + rifle... + + And then Murphy catches himself... shrugs. + + MURPHY (CONT'D) + Your rifle. But he never showed + back up. The next day I figured + him mighta fell in, but then Pig + seen the canoe was missin'. + + PIG + And the Captain found the money + gone. + + GLASS + I'll make my way down river. See + what turns up. + + Glass pulls the cinch tight around the horse. Stubby Bill + comes waddling toward them. + + STUBBY BILL + The kid's gone... gear and all. + Musta slipped out before light. + + Stubby Bill waves Bridger's journal at them. + + STUBBY BILL (cont'd) + Just left this on his bunk. + + Henry takes the journal... flips it open. + + HENRY + (READING) + "Every day I think about what I + done. I want to tell Pig and the + others the truth but am afraid what + they'll think of me. I look at + Fitzgerald and want to kill him but + am afraid to try. I am a coward + and wish he hadn't been lyin about + the Ree that night. I wish they + had come and kilt us both." + + Glass considers the words a beat, then swings onto his horse. + 89. + + GLASS + If I run across the boy, I'll send + him back your way. + + Glass sees Henry on horseback, trotting toward them. + + GLASS (CONT'D) + Where're you headed? + + HENRY + Fitzgerald stole five hundred + dollars. Rocky Mountain Fur + Company wants him too. + + GLASS + I can do this on my own. + + HENRY + I know you can. But maybe you + won't have to. + + Glass stares at Henry a beat, then finally just pulls his + horse around... heads for the river. Henry nods to Pig and + Murphy as he follows after Glass. + + + EXT. ROCK LEDGE - DAY + + From above Fort Union. Our POV on Glass and Henry riding + south along the icy river. + + And then we see our POV is Bridger's... standing along the + ledge, loaded with all his gear. He watches the riders + another moment, then turns... hikes the opposite direction... + leaving Fort Union behind forever. + + + EXT. FORT TALBOT/GENERAL STORE - DAY + + The Runty Man behind the counter. A few of the same Trappers + drinking... playing cards. Just another day at Fort Talbot. + + The door swings open, and a FUR-COVERED FIGURE enters. + + RUNTY MAN + We ain't got no food to spare, + friend, if that's what you're + lookin' for. + + The figure pulls back his furs, and we see it's Fitzgerald... + cold and miserable. + 90. + + FITZGERALD + Then what the hell have ya got? + + RUNTY MAN + Whiskey and blankets mostly. + Weather's held back deliveries. + + Fitzgerald throws a glance to the Trappers. + + FITZGERALD + Gimme a couple bottles then. + Goddamn ice shredded my boat. Been + walkin' for two days. + + The Runty Man hands Fitzgerald the bottles. Fitzgerald pops + one... gulps some down. + + FITZGERALD (CONT'D) + How much for one of them horses out + there? + + RUNTY MAN + Horses ain't cheap this time a + year. + + FITZGERALD + Whatever the price, Rocky Mountain + Fur Company's good for it. + + And those words stop everything. The Trappers all turn from + their game. The Runty Man glares at Fitzgerald. + + RUNTY MAN + You're the second son of a bitch + come in here makin' that claim. + And the first one left a bad taste. + + FITZGERALD + That right? Well I don't know + nothin' about that. Just that I + need a horse. + + RUNTY MAN + So did this other fella. So he + stole one... along with Lange's + pistola. + + Trapper #1 nods to Fitzgerald. + + FITZGERALD + Fine then, I'll pay cash for the + horse. How much? + 91. + + RUNTY MAN + How `bout you pay for your friend's + too. + + TRAPPER #1 + And my shooter. + + FITZGERALD + Wasn't my friend. + + Trapper #1 stands up. + + TRAPPER #1 + Then from where I stand, you don't + got no friends at all. + + The other Trappers glare at Fitzgerald. The Runty Man just + grins that toothless smile of his. Fitzgerald's in a bind, + and he knows it. + + FITZGERALD + Yeah, okay. I'll collect from him. + How much? + + RUNTY MAN + How `bout we say eighty... + (sees Fitzgerald doesn't + ARGUE) + ...five. + + Fitzgerald starts digging into his pocket. + + FITZGERALD + You boys are leavin' me with + nothin'. Better be a helluva + horse. + + RUNTY MAN + Pick of the litter. + + The Runty Man snatches the cash. + + RUNTY MAN (cont'd) + And when you see that scarred-up + nigger, you tell him he'd best not + show up here again. + + Fitzgerald freezes... not sure he heard correctly. + + FITZGERALD + When I see who? + 92. + + RUNTY MAN + The black son of a bitch that + robbed me. You tell him that. + + A long beat, then... + + FITZGERALD + Scarred up, you say... and headed + up to Union? + + RUNTY MAN + That's what he told us. Seemed + real anxious to get there too. + + FITZGERALD + (NODS) + I'll make sure to give him the + message when I find him. + + + EXT. FORT TALBOT - DAY + + Fitzgerald sits on the horse, staring back over the ground... + his LINE OF TRACKS LEADING THROUGH THE SNOW. He turns... + looks south, then back to the tracks. + + Finally, Fitzgerald digs his heels into the horse. The + animal takes off, right along Fitzgerald's tracks in the + snow... right back toward Glass. + + + EXT. MISSOURI RIVER - DAY + + Thick ice along the edges, tapering to a narrow stream of + flowing water at the very center. + + Glass and Henry ride along the snow-covered bank. + + HENRY + Hugh. + + Henry points. Glass follows his finger along the river... to + a CANOE resting on the bank ahead. They dismount... examine + the canoe... the letters "RMFC" painted on the side. + + HENRY (CONT'D) + That's it. + + Glass runs his mittened hand along the gashes in the wood. + + GLASS + Ice tore it up. + 93. + + Glass looks to the FOOTPRINTS IN THE SNOW, leading deep into + the trees. He glances up to the sky... clear and blue. + + GLASS (CONT'D) + If the snow holds off, we'll have a + good trail to track. + + HENRY + What's out that direction? Talbot? + + GLASS + And the Missouri. Doubt he'd risk + the river with the `Ree. Likely + grab a horse, and cross over + high... take his chances goin' east + against the weather. When'd you + say he skipped out? + + HENRY + Three days ago now. + + GLASS + We best pick up our pace. + + They climb back onto their horses... trot into the trees. + + + EXT. OPEN COUNTRY - DAY + + Glass and Henry gallop across, their path dead on + Fitzgerald's tracks. + + + EXT. FOREST - DAY + + The snow is shallow here, the ground protected by the trees. + There's a black spot where a fire once burned, and footprints + all over the place. Glass is off his horse, crouched, + studying the site... lifting the charred chunks of wood. + + HENRY + This was Fitzgerald camped here? + + GLASS + Couple nights back. But these + tracks aren't all his. + + HENRY + He's travelin' with somebody? + 94. + + GLASS + (shakes his head) + Came in after. Prints are smooth. + Mocassins. + + Henry throws Glass a look... he knows what that means. + + GLASS (CONT'D) + Could be Sioux... Blackfoot even. + + HENRY + But you figure they're `Ree. + + GLASS + I don't figure nothin', Captain. + But whoever it is, they're a good + day behind Fitzgerald. + + Glass walks, leading his horse, as he follows the tracks away + from camp. Henry rides after him. + + GLASS (CONT'D) + And they're on his trail too, so we + should keep it quiet... don't + announce we're back here. + + HENRY + You told me once you knew enough to + keep away from the `Ree. + + GLASS + I do. + + HENRY + You figure this is smart then? + + Glass swings up onto his horse. + + GLASS + You're welcome to head back, + Captain. + + Glass trots off. Henry watches him a beat, then throws a + glance into the trees... follows after Glass. + + + EXT. WILDERNESS/CAMP - NIGHT + + Glass kneels on the ground, building a fire-bed... dragging + the dirt over the fire and rocks. Henry's under a blanket, + watching him. + 95. + + HENRY + What if we find Fitzgerald... and I + ask you not to do this? + + Glass spreads a blanket over the ground. + + GLASS + Don't ask me. + + Glass settles in on the warm earth. Henry just keeps + watching him. + + + EXT. WILDERNESS/CAMP - LATER + + ANGLE ON HENRY... + + ...asleep under the blanket. O.S. RUSTLING sends his eyes + flashing open. He raises up... rifle ready. + + He glances at Glass, who puts a finger over his lips. + + HENRY + (WHISPERS) + `Ree? + + Glass doesn't answer... just keeps searching the brush. + + Henry's groggy eyes dart around the night... spots MOVEMENT + IN THE BRUSH. + + HENRY (CONT'D) + There! + + GLASS + Wait! + + But it's too late... Henry fires... BOOM... the shot explodes + through the night... + + ...and the DEER leaps away. + + Henry looks to Glass... shakes his head... sorry. + + HENRY + So much for stayin' quiet. + + CUT TO: + 96. + + + FITZGERALD - SQUATTING BESIDE A SMALL FIRE... + + ...staring out into the darkness, as the GUNSHOT ECHOES OVER + HIM. Fitzgerald immediately throws dirt over the flames. + + + EXT. WILDERNESS/CAMP - NIGHT + + Glass and Henry are loaded up, back on their horses. + + HENRY + Guess you would've been better off + on your own. + + GLASS + We needed to pick up some time + anyways. + + The two riders disappear into the dark trees. + + + EXT. WILDERNESS/CLEARING - NIGHT + + Glass and Henry riding across a meadow. Glass stops... tilts + his head back to sniff the air. + + HENRY + Whatta ya got? + + GLASS + Smoke. + + Glass pulls some snow from his horse's mane... tosses it in + the air, and watches it blow to the side. + + Glass turns his horse toward the breeze... squints out into + the night. + + GLASS (CONT'D) + No more than mile out that way. + (pulls his rifle) + I'll head in from the west... you + take the east. + + HENRY + What if it's `Ree? + + GLASS + Then we leave `em be... meet back + up here. + 97. + + Henry nods... Glass takes off at a trot. Henry veers the + other direction... splitting up across the snow. + + + EXT. FOREST - NIGHT + + Splinters of moonlight shoot through the pines. Glass on + horseback, walking through the trees... appearing and + disappearing. + + He spots something in the distance... the slightest of glows. + Glass eases off his horse... wraps the reins around a branch. + + + EXT. WILDERNESS - NIGHT + + Henry's already off his horse... leading it through the + trees... searching as he walks. + + + EXT. FOREST - NIGHT + + Glass moves silently through the darkness... rifle poised to + aim and fire... just like the first time we saw him, + perfectly comfortable in this world. + + His eyes shine in the darkness, drifting back and forth... + picking up everything. + + He reaches the glow... the remains of a campfire. The + slightest bit of dying smoke rises into the air. Glass + crouches down, studying the surround ground... HOOF-PRINTS + blended in with the other tracks. + + + EXT. WILDERNESS - NIGHT + + Henry's horse is making too much noise with each step. He + stops walking... wraps the reins around a tree... walks back + around the horse... + + ...AND THERE'S FITZGERALD STARING AT HIM... + + ...Glass' Anstadt aimed and ready to fire. + + FITZGERALD + Didn't figure an important man like + you to be away from your stove on a + night as cold as this, Captain. + You lost? + + Henry just stares back at Fitzgerald and that rifle. His + eyes drift to his own rifle, still strapped onto his saddle. + 98. + + HENRY + I'm here to save your life. + + FITZGERALD + I done told you boys... I don't + need savin' by you or nobody else. + + Henry knows he's only got one chance... he makes a grab for + the rifle. + + + EXT. FOREST - NIGHT + + Glass running his fingers across the tracks. Suddenly an + O.S. GUNSHOT EXPLODES IN THE DISTANCE. Glass spins to it... + races back through the trees toward his horse. + + + EXT. FOREST - NIGHT + + Glass at full gallop through the woods... veering between + trees... ducking branches. + + + EXT. WILDERNESS - NIGHT + + Glass charges from the forest... spots Henry's horse standing + in the trees... tears through the snow toward it... leaps off + the still-moving animal in a fluid slide... hits the ground + with his rifle ready... + + ...and sees HENRY'S BODY face-up in the snow. + + Glass drops to a knee... scans the darkness, as he slides + over to Henry... + + ...and we see he's a bloody mess... a GUNSHOT WOUND in his + chest leaking out onto the snow... HIS HEAD SCALPED... LEFT + EAR SLICED OFF. + + Glass stands back up, turning in a circle, as he peers into + the distance around him. But there's nothing out there. + Glass SCREAMS in rage. + + He turns back to Henry... crouches down over him. + + GLASS + You shouldn't a come. + + As Glass looks at Henry, he notices something... takes Henry + by the chin, and tilts his head. And HENRY'S RIGHT EAR HAS + BEEN CUT OFF AS WELL. + 99. + + Glass stares at Henry a beat, then squints out into the + forest. + + GLASS (CONT'D) + (repeating Spotted Horse's + words under his breath) + Arikara take right ear of Sioux. + Left ear of whites. Not know what + they take from you. + + + EXT. WILDERNESS/CLEARING - NIGHT + + Glass on horseback, leading Henry's horse behind him across + the snow-covered meadow. Henry's fur-covered body is draped + over the saddle. + + + EXT. FROZEN RIVER - NIGHT + + A thick layer of ice covers the narrow river, thinning just a + bit at the center. Glass kneels near the middle, chopping at + the thick ice to get to the water beneath. He makes a + hole... dips his canteen down into it, glancing around into + the darkness. + + Then Glass turns... stares up a slope into the dark forest + beyond... like he knows what's waiting for him there. + + He walks to the horses, tied in the trees at the base of the + slope... Henry still laying across the saddle of his horse in + his bloody furs. + + Glass SNAPS A BRANCH FROM A FALLEN TREE... looks back up that + slope. + + + EXT. WILDERNESS - NIGHT + + OUR POV FROM DEEP IN THE FOREST... + + ...watching from the shadowy brush, as Glass appears up over + the distant slope... riding through the trees, with Henry + draped over the horse behind. + + The forest is quiet... just the CRACKING of crusty snow and + branches under the horses' hooves. + + Then BOOM... as the ANSTADT BARREL WE HADN'T SEEN BESIDE US + FLASHES IN THE NIGHT... + + ...and Glass tumbles off his horse. + 100. + + The horses prance around with a start, then settle... and + then FITZGERALD RISES FROM THE BRUSH BESIDE US... eases + toward the horses, reloading the Anstadt as he moves. + + He reaches Glass, face down in the snow... his furs covering + him. + + And Fitzgerald has that rifle aimed, ready for Glass to + suddenly roll over firing... + + ...but Glass doesn't move. Fitzgerald nudges him with his + boot, then crouches down... grabs Glass by the shoulder, and + pulls him over... + + ...and there's HENRY'S LIFELESS FACE HIDDEN BENEATH THE + FURS... and that BROKEN BRANCH sticking up along his back. + + + ANGLE FROM BEHIND HENRY'S HORSE... + + ...on the REST OF THE BRANCH RIGGED TO GLASS' SADDLE to hold + Henry upright... + + ...and then what we thought was Henry flung over the second + horse... MOVING... the bloody fur-covered arm lifting a + rifle... the head raising up... it's GLASS... taking aim... + + ...as Fitzgerald realizes what's happened... spins with the + Anstadt... + + ...to Glass laying across the horse... rifle dead set on + Fitzgerald... BOOM... BOOM... both rifles explode... + + ...Fitzgerald goes flying backward into the brush. + + Fitzgerald's wild shot hits Henry's horse, sending it rearing + up, tossing Glass to the ground. + + But Glass is on his feet in a flash... reloading as he + charges into the brush... + + ...but FITZGERALD IS GONE. + + Until the flash of movement behind Glass... he turns... as + the butt of the Anstadt whips through the air... WHACK... + clubs him across the head, sending him tumbling down the + slope to the frozen river. + + Fitzgerald swings the Anstadt back over his BLOODY SHOULDER, + snatches up his knife, and charges down the slope to finish + Glass off. + 101. + + + EXT. FROZEN RIVER - NIGHT + + Glass lies on the ice, barely conscious. Blood oozes down + his head... over his eyes. He wipes it away to see + Fitzgerald barreling down toward him. + + Fitzgerald dives in attack, but Glass kicks up his leg, + sending Fitzgerald flying over... SLAMMING into the frozen + river, his head CRACKING THE ICE. + + Glass rips the knife from his belt... moves after Fitzgerald, + his feet slipping and sliding under him. + + Fitzgerald rises to his feet... the men charge like two wild + animals... crash into each other... knives flailing. + + They roll along the ice, blades glistening... slicing through + furs... across flesh. + + Fitzgerald thrusts his knife down... plants it through the + back of Glass' hand, pinning it to the ice. Glass CRIES + OUT... drops his own knife to pull Fitzgerald's out. As he + does, Fitzgerald kicks Glass in the face, sending him sailing + back... sliding to the center of the river. + + The thin ice around him splinters... cracks. Glass looks + up... sees Fitzgerald stalking toward him, HOLDING BOTH + KNIVES now. Glass is trapped... + + ...until he pounds his elbow down on the weakened ice... it + begins to give... he pounds it again and again... Fitzgerald + speeds up to get to Glass in time... raises one of the + knives, as Glass shatters the ice... drops beneath the + surface. + + Fitzgerald rushes after him, but the ice cracks under his + feet, forcing him back. + + CUT TO: + + + UNDERWATER... + + ...and Glass just under the ice, floating with the current. + His fingers search for a hole, but there's nothing. + + CUT TO: + 102. + + + FITZGERALD... + + ...making his way down the river, peering through the ice, + searching for Glass. He spots something... stops... leans + close to make out the shape... it's GLASS' FEET. + + Then suddenly, GLASS' FIST EXPLODES THROUGH THE ICE AT + FITZGERALD'S FEET... grab Fitzgerald's leg, pulling him down. + + Fitzgerald crashes to the ice... it splinters around him... + gives away, and he sinks into the icy water... but the + ANSTADT STRAPPED AROUND HIM CATCHES ON THE ICE... holds him + against the current. + + Glass drags himself from the water... stands... stares down + at Fitzgerald trapped in the hole... his face looking up at + Glass through the ice. Glass lifts one of the fallen + knives... stands over Fitzgerald. + + FITZGERALD + (through the water and + ICE) + Help me! + (off Glass' stare) + Glass... please! + + Glass hesitates a beat, staring at him, just as he did with + Bridger that night in the bunkhouse. And then Glass leans + down... grabs the Anstadt to pull Fitzgerald up. + + Except Glass SLICES THE BLADE ACROSS THE STRAP OF THE + ANSTADT, sending Fitzgerald floating away under the ice, as + Glass holds on to the Anstadt. + + CUT TO: + + + FITZGERALD... + + ...floating under the surface... pounding at the ice as he + drifts, until his swinging slows... stops... his body drifts + away. + + + EXT. FROZEN RIVER - NIGHT + + Glass stands on the ice, blood dripping down his face, + holding his Anstadt. He begins to tremble... not from the + cold, but from finally reaching the end of this journey. His + eyes begin to fill with tears... + 103. + + ...and then he sees ELK'S TONGUE, and SEVERAL OTHER ARIKARA + WARRIORS watching him from the other side of the river. + + Glass and Elk's Tongue exchange a long stare, until finally + Glass SCREAMS OUT. + + GLASS + I am Tatanka Wicasa! I have killed + whites and I have killed Arikara + and I have killed grizzly! AND I + WILL KILL YOU! + + Elk's Tongue doesn't move... just stares back at Glass... + soaked in blood and water. Then Glass CRIES OUT at the + warriors again. + + GLASS (CONT'D) + COME ON! + + But the Arikara don't attack... don't move at all... until + Elk's Tongue gives Glass the SLIGHTEST OF NODS, then turns... + they disappear back into the trees. + + Glass watches them fade away, then collapses to his knees on + the icy river... exhausted in every possible way. + + He begins to cry. + + FADE OUT. + + + THE END |