FADE FROM BACKINT. AMERICAN MILITARY OFFICE - DAY, 1941
GIACOMO: (Seated opposite AMERICAN MILITARY LEADER facing the camera) Vincit qui se Vincit. He who conquers himself, will conquer all.
AMERICAN MILITARY LEADER (With a passive and still face) Cut the wise crap. Your protection money's running out. I need your next payment or there will be consequences.
GIACOMO: (Chuckles to himself and smirks) You could conquer the world, but here you are, taking bribes from your enemies when you're meant to be killing us. A Real Man does not let his own flaws defeat him, Gerald.
AMERICAN MILITARY LEADER: And what are you suggesting?
GIACOMO: You're not a Real Man.
AMERICAN MILITARY LEADER: (Laughs incredulously) Like anything a fucking Guinea says matters to me! Enough of the jokes, where's my payment?
GIACOMO: I've run out.
Suddenly, AMERICAN MILITARY LEADER's face turns red with anger and he stands up from his chair, walking towards GIACOMO.
AMERICAN MILITARY LEADER: (Anger begins to take over him) You've run out?
GIACOMO: (Remaining calm) The Army don't pay us much. Besides, I have a family that I need to send money to. I'm sure you understand Gerald, you have children yourself don't you?
AMERICAN MILITARY LEADER: (Now slightly more composed, he laughs) Oh I understand. No Money, no Protection. (Gerald reaches over to his desk, grabbing a knife)
GIACOMO: (Catching a glimpse of the knife, he begins to panic) Now hold on Gerald, don't do thi-
With a short deft movement, AMERICAN MILITARY LEADER sinks the blade into GIACOMO's neck, slowly twisting the knife)
GIACOMO: (Weakly groans) You will never be a great man.
GIACOMO drops to the floor, his body still and blood dripping down his neck.
AMERICAN MILITARY LEADER: This is what happens when you cross a man like me Giacomo, it's just a shame you had to find out the hard way.
Exit AMERICAN MILITARY LEADER.
YOU ARE READING
Pezzonovante: An Original Screenplay
Mystery / ThrillerAn epic tale depicting the rise and eventual fall of 20 year old Giovanni Valente in the growing film industry. Set shortly after World War II, Giovanni's family and others like them are in severe financial ruin. Much to his family's anger, he rejec...
