Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt
love the Lord thy God with all thy
heart, and with all thy soul, and
with all thy mind. This is the
first and great commandment. And
the second is like unto it, thou
shalt love thy neighbor as
thyself. On these two
commandments hang all the law and
the prophets."
Despite the lightness with which Ford speaks and the hopein his words, ELIZA SITS OFF TO THE SIDE - SELF-SECLUDEDA BIT - WEEPING GENTLY.
We should be able to see in Mistress Ford's eyes thatEliza's constant crying is unsettling.
OMITTED 66
OMIT 67
OMITTED 68
1/24/13 FINAL SHOOTING SCRIPT 44.
69 OMIT 69
70 EXT. FORD'S WORK AREA - DAY 70
-MID JUNE, 1841
The slaves have broken for lunch. They snack on smokedmeat and drink water from gourds. As they lunch Solomonreads from Sam's Bible to the other slaves.
SOLOMON:
But he that is greatest among you,
let him be as the younger; and he
that is chief, as he that doth
serve. For whether is greater, he
that sitteth at meat, or he that
serveth? Is not he that sitteth
at meat? But I am among you as he
that serveth.
A white customer - WINSLOW - irate at the sight and soundof slaves reading Scripture, crosses over. He grabs theBible.
WINSLOW:
From where did you thieve this?
SAM:
Suh, the book is my property.
The White Customer has no interest in Sam's answer. With
flailing hands he STARTS BEATING ON SAM. Solomon tries
to stop him. That only makes the situation worse,
Solomon now the target of the man's ire.
WINSLOW:
Take your hands from me!
Ford comes running over.
FORD:
What is the commotion?
WINSLOW:
Your n*ggers are either brazen or
rebellious. This one was readin'
Scripture, and this one claims it
to be his.
FORD:
It is. A gift from his Mistress.
WINSLOW:
You condone this?
FORD:
I encourage it. As a Christian I
can do no less.
(CONTINUED)
1/24/13 FINAL SHOOTING SCRIPT 45.
70 CONTINUED:
70 70 CONTINUED: 70
WINSLOW:
You can do no worse, Ford. A
slave that reads is dangerous.
Winslow moves off. He yells back at Ford:
WINSLOW (CONT’D)
And the man who would allow a
slave to read is unfit to own
n*ggers!
Handing the Bible back to Sam, very matter of factly:
FORD:
Pay him no mind. The word of God
applies to all. In that you may
take comfort.
71 OMITTED 71
72 EXT. ROAD -DAY 72
Sam is at the reigns of the wagon carrying the timber toFord's WORK AREA. Slaves trudge alongside, same as it
ever was. Only...it's not quite the same. Sam bringsthe wagon to a halt. He, and the slaves look up the roadahead of them.
Standing in the middle of the road is a group ofCHICKASAWS INDIANS. They are in their "usual" dress ofbuckskin breeches and calico hunting shirts of fantasticcolors, buttoned from belt to chin. They have with themDOGS and HORSES. They carry with them the carcass of adeer.
The two groups stare at each other for a long moment.
73 EXT. FIELD - DUSK/END OF DAY 73
The groups of slaves and Chickasaws are now intermingled.
They "break bread" - actually they work on the carcass ofthe deer which is now roasting over a large fire. As
well the group share a smoke on a pipe.
One of the Chickasaws is playing a tune on an "INDIANFIDDLE." The Chickasaws perform a customary dance;
trotting after each other, and giving utterance to aguttural, sing-song noise.
The slaves enjoy the respite from work, Solomonparticularly taken by the music...if not entirelyenthralled by it.
(CONTINUED)
1/24/13 FINAL SHOOTING SCRIPT 46.
73 CONTINUED:
73 73 CONTINUED: 73
After a bit, Solomon rights himself and heads from the
group.
74 EXT. RIVER BANK - CONTINUOUS 74
Solomon arrives to some tall grass at the edge of theriver. Lowering his trousers, SOLOMON SQUATS TODEFECATE. As he does, he stares out toward the flowingwaters of Indian Creek. After a few moments, as though athought far greater than relieving himself has come tohim, Solomon stands and replaces his pants.
Oddly, Solomon stares out at the water as though he werea man possessed.
75 EXT. FORD'S WORK AREA - DAY 75
Just beyond the WORK AREA Solomon speaks with Ford asTibeats listens. Solomon is drawing in the dirt, makingrough diagrams for Ford as he explains himself.
SOLOMON:
The creek is plenty deep enough to
sail, even with a boat full of
load. The distance from the WORK
AREA to the point on the latter
bayou is several miles by water
fewer than land. It occurs to me
that the expense of the
transportation would be materially
diminished-
TIBEATS:
"Materially diminished?"
SOLOMON:
If we use the waterway.
TIBEATS:
It's a scheme. Plenty of
engineers have schemed similarly.
The passes are too tight.
SOLOMON:
I reckon them at more than twelve
feet at their most narrow. Wide
enough for a tub to traverse. A
team of n*ggers can clear it out.
TIBEATS:
And you know what of transport and
terra formin'?
(CONTINUED)
1/24/13 FINAL SHOOTING SCRIPT 47.
75 CONTINUED:
75 75 CONTINUED: 75
SOLOMON:
I labored repairing the Champlain
canal, on the section over which
William Van Nortwick was
superintendent. With my earnings
I hired several efficient hands to
assist me, and I entered into
contracts for the transportation
of large rafts of timber from Lake
Champlain to Troy.
FORD:
(to Tibeats)
I'll admit to being impressed even
if you won't.
(to Solomon)
Collect a gang, see what good you
can do.
76 EXT. CREEK -DAY 76
-END OF JUNE, 1841
WE HAVE A SERIES OF SCENES in which we see Solomon and a
TEAM OF BLACKS working on the creek: CHOPPING TREES
ALONG THE BANKS, widening out the shore... It's all justa trial for now. The work is diligent, but it is basicto this point. Still, under Solomon's direction, theslaves go at it like they've got something to prove. And
rightly they do.
Solomon also works on a narrow raft of twelve cribs with
which he will transport the timber.
Once this is constructed, HE PERSONALLY "SAILS" THEM UPTHE CREEK WITH A TEST LOAD.
77 EXT. FORD'S WORK AREA - LATER 77
Ford and a group of slaves wait along the river banksjust beyond the WORK AREA. All are expectant in their
manner. A long moment passes with no sign of Solomon.
Then, from up river, we see Solomon's raft of lumberwinding its way. SLAVES CHEER, and Ford literallyapplauds the effort. Tibeats looks pissed. He has justbeen shown up after all.
78 EXT. FORD PLANTATION/GREAT HOUSE - DAY 78
As we come into the scene, Ford is presenting Solomonwith a fiddle. Not as grand as the one he previouslyowned in New York, but a fine instrument none the less.
It is a gift of thanks for his hard work. Solomon's
gratitude is easily expressed.
(CONTINUED)
1/24/13 FINAL SHOOTING SCRIPT 48.
78 CONTINUED:
78 78 CONTINUED: 78
SOLOMON:
My great thanks, Master Ford.
FORD:
My thanks to you, and it is the
least of it. My hope is that it
brings us both much joy over the
years.
Following the statement, Solomon's not sure how to react.
He remains grateful, but the thought of "over the years"
is just a reminder of the altered state in which he nowfinds himself.
79 EXT. FORD PLANATION/SLAVE SHACK - EVENING 79
-END OF JULY, 1841
The slaves eat. All tired from a days work they conductthemselves in silence. All except for Eliza who,
SLIPPING INTO PERMANENT DEPRESSION, as always weeps. The
sound of her sobbing edging him up - particularly afterMaster Ford's "over the years" observation. Solomonfinally snaps:
SOLOMON:
Eliza. Eliza, stop!
Solomon goes to her, grabs Eliza. She does not stop. As
if to force the misery from her, Solomon SHAKES ELIZAVIOLENTLY.
SOLOMON (CONT'D)
Stop it! Stop!
ELIZA:
It’s all I have to keeps my loss
present.
SOLOMON:
You let yourself be overcome by
sorrow. You will drown in it.
ELIZA:
Have you stopped crying for your
children? You make no sounds, but
will you ever let them go in your
heart?
SOLOMON:
...They are as my flesh...
(CONTINUED)
1/24/13 FINAL SHOOTING SCRIPT 49.
79 CONTINUED:
79 79 CONTINUED: 79
ELIZA:
Then who is distressed? Do I
upset the Mistress and the Master?
Do you care less for my loss than
their well being?
SOLOMON:
Master Ford is a decent man.
ELIZA:
He is a slaver.
SOLOMON:
Under the circumstances-
ELIZA:
Under the circumstances he is a
slaver! Christian only in his
proclamations. Separated me from
my precious babies for lack of a
few dollars. But you truckle at
his boot-
SOLOMON:
No...
ELIZA:
You luxuriate in his favor.
SOLOMON:
I survive. I will not fall into
despair. Woeful and crushed;
melancholy is the yolk I see most.
I will offer up my talents to
Master Ford. I will keep myself
hearty until freedom is opportune.
ELIZA:
Ford is your opportunity. Do you
think he does not know that you
are more than you suggest? But he
does nothing for you. Nothing.
You are no better than prized
livestock. Call for him. Call,
tell him of your previous
circumstances and see what it
earns you...Solomon.
Eliza uses Solomon’s name quite pointedly as if to
underscore his true self. Solomon get her meaning. Yet
he says nothing. Again, pointedly:
ELIZA (CONT’D)
So, you’ve settled into your role
as Platt, then?
SOLOMON:
(defensive)
My back is thick with scars from(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
1/24/13 FINAL SHOOTING SCRIPT 50.
79 CONTINUED:
(2) 79
SOLOMON (CONT'D)
protesting my freedom. Do not
accuse me--
ELIZA:
I accuse you of nothing. I cannot
accuse. I too have done so many,
many dishonorable things to
survive. And for all of them I
have ended up here... No better
than if I had stood up for myself.
Father, Lord and Savior forgive
me... Forgive me. Oh, Solomon,
let me weep for my children.
FORD (V.O.)
At the same time came the
disciples unto Jesus, saying, Wh
is the greatest in the kingdom of
heaven?
80 EXT. FORD PLANTATION - MORNING 80
-AUGUST, 1841
It's Sunday. The slaves are again gathered in the rosegarden near the front of the house to hear the word ofthe Lord as read by Master Ford.
FORD:
And Jesus called a little child
unto him, and set him in the midst
of them, And said, Verily I say
unto you, Except ye be converted,
and become as little children, ye
shall not enter into the kingdom
of heaven.
The phrase seems to trigger Eliza's tears. She begins tosob uncontrollably.
Mrs. Ford turns to Rachel in a hushed whisper-
MRS. FORD
I cannot have that kind of
depression about.
Solomon, pretending not to have heard, slowly turns toEliza with worry.
Ford continues to preach over Eliza's keening.
FORD:
But whoso shall offend one of
these little ones which believe in
me, it were better for him that a
millstone were hanged about his
neck, and that he were drowned in
the depth of the sea. Woe unto
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
1/24/13 FINAL SHOOTING SCRIPT 50A.
80 CONTINUED:
80
FORD (CONT'D)
the world because of offences!
For it must needs be that offences
come; but woe to that man by whomthe offence cometh!
BLACK:
1/24/13 FINAL SHOOTING SCRIPT 51.
81 EXT. FORD PLANTATION - DAY 81
-JANUARY, 1842
Seasons have passed. It is winter now, and very grey outalong the bayou. Ford and Tibeats - who we have seen
working around the WORK AREA - stand with Solomon,
Tibeats giving Solomon an inspection. Ford carries much
lament.
TIBEATS:
Raise yer shirt.
Solomon does as instructed. Tibeats looks at Solomon's
back, at the scars from lashings he bears.
TIBEATS (CONT’D)
Troublesome.
FORD:
He's a good carpenter and quick-
witted.
TIBEATS:
I am familiar with his cleverness.
FORD:
You won't find a n*gger more
humble.
TIBEATS:
Ain't found a n*gger yet I cain't
humble.
Tibeats heads off. Solomon, highly curious over thepreceding.
SOLOMON:
Sir, have I done something wrong?
FORD:
Not your concern, Platt. I say
with much...shame I have compiled
debts. I have long preached
austerity, but find myself
hypocritical in that regard.
You'll be in the ownership of Mr.
Tibeats. You are his now. Serve
him as you'd serve me.
SOLOMON:
Sir.
FORD:
And your faithfulness will not be
forgotten.
(CONTINUED)
1/24/13 FINAL SHOOTING SCRIPT 52.
81 CONTINUED:
81 81 CONTINUED: 81
SOLOMON:
Yes, sir.
FORD:
Pride and want have been my sin.
Loss of you is but one of my
punishments.
82 EXT. FORD PLANATION - DAY 82
-END OF JANUARY, 1842- [OVER ONE DAY]
We see Solomon working as a carpenter, helping to erect aWeaving House that stands off to the side of theplantation's Great House.
At the moment Solomon is nailing on siding. Tibeats
arrives and is immediately dissatisfied with the work.
TIBEATS:
Make them boards flush.
SOLOMON:
They are, sir.
TIBEATS:
They is no such thing.
Solomon runs his hands over the boards.
SOLOMON:
As smooth to the touch as a
yearling's coat.
TIBEATS:
Callin' me a liar, boy?
SOLOMON:
Only a matter of perspective, sir.
From where you stand you may see
differently. But the hands ar
not mistaken. I ask only that you
employ all your senses before
rendering judgement.
What's Tibeats to do when faced with fact? All he can do
is spew invectives.
TIBEATS:
You are a brute. You are a dog,
and no better for followin'
instruction.
SOLOMON:
I'll do as ordered, sir.
(CONTINUED)
1/24/13 FINAL SHOOTING SCRIPT 53.
82 CONTINUED:
82 82 CONTINUED: 82
TIBEATS:
Then you'll be up at daybreak.
You will procure a keg of nails
from Chapin and commence puttin'
on clapboards.
Tibeats wheels away. Solomon goes back to his work.
After a few moments Solomon notices a bit of commotion in
the drive of the great house. It involves an
inconsolable Eliza who is being herded by Sam onto a cartDRIVEN BY A WHITE MAN. Mistress Ford and Rachel watch.
Solomon can only watch as the last connection to his daysas a free man is driven away to a location unknown.
83 EXT. WEAVING HOUSE - MORNING 83
It is day break. As ordered, Solomon is up and working.
Chapin is rolling a keg of nails off a handcart forSolomon.
CHAPIN:
If Tibeats prefers a different
size, I will endeavor to furnish
them, but you may use those until
further directed.
SOLOMON:
Yes, sir.
84 EXT. WEAVING HOUSE - LATER 84
As the day gets on to mid-morning, the sun already bakingin the sky, Tibeats makes his way over to Solomon. Even
before arriving to Solomon his mien is one ofbelligerence; out of sorts and something less than sober.
TIBEATS:
I thought I told yah ta commence
ta puttin' on clapboards this
morn'.
(CONTINUED)
1/24/13 FINAL SHOOTING SCRIPT 54.
84 CONTINUED:
84 84 CONTINUED: 84
SOLOMON:
Yes, master. I am about it. I
have begun on the other side ofthe house.
Tibeats walks around to look over Solomon's work. He is
picayune, as if purposefully looking for fault.
TIBEATS:
Didn't I tell yah last night toget a keg of nails of Chapin?
SOLOMON:
And so I did; and Chapin said hewould get another size for you, ifyou wanted them when he came backfrom the field.
Tibeats walks to the keg and kicks it. Moving towardSolomon "with a great passion:"
TIBEATS:
Goddamn yah! I thought yah knowedsomethin'!
Solomon, perhaps inspired by his moment with Eliza, is inno mood for Tibeats.
SOLOMON:
I did as instructed. If there's
something wrong, then its wrongwith your instructions.
TIBEATS:
Yah black bastard! Yah goddmanblack bastard!
In an inconsolable rage, Tibeats runs off to the piazzato fetch a whip.
Solomon looks around. He is alone other than Rachel and
Mistress Ford who, shocked by that which she witnesses,
runs out to the field to fetch Chapin. Solomon's
instinct is to run, but he stands his ground as Tibeatsmarches back whip in hand.
TIBEATS (CONT'D)
Strip yer clothes!
Solomon does no such thing.
TIBEATS (CONT'D)
Strip!
SOLOMON:
I will not.
With "concentrated vengeance," Tibeats springs forSolomon, seizing him by the throat with one hand and
(CONTINUED)
1/24/13 FINAL SHOOTING SCRIPT 55.
84 CONTINUED:
(2) 84 84 CONTINUED: (2) 84
raising the whip with the other. Before he can strike
the blow, however, Solomon catches Tibeats by the collarof his coat and pulls him in close. Reaching down,
Solomon grabs Tibeats by the ankle and pushes him backwith the other hand. Tibeats tumbles to the ground. A
violent struggle takes place as Solomon puts a foot toTibeats throat, and then in a frenzy of madness snatchesthe whip from Tibeats and begins to strike him with thehandle again and again and again.
TIBEATS:
Yew will not live ta see another
day, n*gger! This is yer last, I
swear it!
Solomon ignores the threats, continues to beat Tibeats.
Blow after blow falling fast and heavy on Tibeats'swriggling form. The stiff stock of the whip wraps aroundTibeats's cringing body until Solomon's arm aches.
Tibeats's cries of vengeance turn to yelps for help andthen pleas for mercy:
TIBEATS (CONT'D)
Murder! It's murder! Lord, God,
help me. God be merciful!
And then suddenly, Tibeats shrieks-
TIBEATS (CONT’D)
Papa I'm sorry!
Chapin comes RIDING IN FROM THE FIELD fast and hard.
Solomon strikes Tibeats a blow or two more, then deliversa well-directed kick that sends Tibeats rolling over theground.
CHAPIN:
What is the matter?
Tibeats struggles up and tries to present an air ofdignity and control while he keeps a demonic eye onSolomon:
SOLOMON:
Master Tibeats wants to whip me
for using the nails you gave me.
CHAPIN:
What's the matter with the nails?
With a mix of shame, anger and embarrassment, Tibeatssays, as if being exposed-
TIBEATS:
They're...they're too large.
CHAPIN:
I am overseer here. I told Platt
to use them, and
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
1/24/13 FINAL SHOOTING SCRIPT 56.
84 CONTINUED:
(3) 84
CHAPIN (CONT'D)
I shall furnish such nails as I
please. Do you understand that,
Mr. Tibeats?
Tibeats answer is in the grinding of his teeth and theshaking of his fist.
TIBEATS:
This ain't done by half. I will
have flesh, and I will have all of
it.
Tibeats moves off toward, and then INTO THE HOUSE.
Chapin follows. A long moment, Solomon stands alone. He
looks around, not sure what to do; to stay or to flee.
Anxiety mounts on his features.
A moment more, and Tibeats EXITS the house. He saddles
his horse and rides off to beat the devil. Or, worse, tofetch him.
Chapin comes running back out of the house. He is
visibly excited, and when he speaks he is quite earnest.
Though he tries to project reasoned emotions he gives offan air of impending trouble.
CHAPIN:
Do not stir. Do not attempt to
leave the plantation on any
account whatever. But if you run
there is no protecting you.
SOLOMON:
Sir-
CHAPIN:
If you run, Platt, there is no
protecting you. Rachel...!
Chapin runs off to join Rachel. The two converse at a
distance from Solomon, then they head off for the logkitchen.
Solomon is now very much alone, and he waits for what isto come. AND WE WAIT WITH HIM. And we wait, and wecontinue to wait... Moment by moment, the dread of theunexpected mounts.
Solomon's eyes begin to well. He has beaten a white man,
and he knows that death awaits him.
A SLIGHT PRAYER TO THE HEAVENS BEGINS TO FORM IN HIS
THROAT, but he is too choked up to fully speak it.
(CONTINUED)
1/24/13 FINAL SHOOTING SCRIPT 57.
84 CONTINUED:
(4) 84 84 CONTINUED: (4) 84
Chapin has now returned to the piazza. He stands and
watches, but does not move to Solomon.
Solomon waits, and waits...
WE HEAR THE SOUND OF DISTANT HOOFS which grow louder andlouder in the manner of rolling thunder. It's Tibeats.
He returns with two accomplices; RAMSAY and COOK. Theycarry with them large whips and a coil of rope.
TIBEATS:
Tha's the one. Tha's him.
Dismounting, they move with menace that is tinged withperverse pleasure and wordless malevolence. Solomon
tries to fight back, but he is strong armed and tied byTIBEATS - his wrists, and then ankles bound in the same
manner. In the meantime the other two have slipped acord within Solomon's elbows, running it across his backand tying it firmly. Solomon is then dragged toward apeach tree. A lynching is in store. The naked horror of
it intensely palpable.
Solomon looks toward the piazza, but Chapin is now gone.
Tears of fear flow down Solomon's cheeks. He is on the
verge of panic; a man heading toward his own execution,
he begins to struggle and fight.
A rope goes around Solomon's neck, then is tossed overthe branch of the tree. The trio begin to hoist Solomon.
He gasps and gags as spittle flies from his mouth and thelife is choked from him.
With suddenness, Chapin comes from the house brandishinga pistol in each hand - Colt Paterson .36 caliber"Holster" pistols with 9" barrels. Chapin moves withdetermination toward the lynch mob. He is sharp andmatter of fact. With the guns in hand, he really doesn'tneed to be much more demonstrative.
CHAPIN:
Gentlemen... Whoever moves that
n*gger another foot from where hestands is a dead man. I am
overseer of this plantation sevenyears, and in the absence ofWilliam Ford, my duty is toprotect his interests. Ford holds
a mortgage on Platt of fourhundred dollars. If you hang him,
he loses his debt. Until that is
canceled you have no claim to hislife.
Directing his attention to Ramsay and Cook:
(CONTINUED)
1/24/13 FINAL SHOOTING SCRIPT 58.
84 CONTINUED:
(5) 84 84 CONTINUED: (5) 84
CHAPIN (CONT'D)
As for you two, if you have any
regard for your own safety...I
say, begone!
Ramsay and Cook don't need to be told twice. The pistolsChapin's gripping make the situation real clear. Without
further word, they mount their horses and ride away.
Tibeats remains, and his anger with him.
TIBEATS:
Yah got no cause. Platt is mine,
and mine ta do with as I please.
Yah touch my property, I will 'ave
yah strung up as well.
Tibeats mounts up and departs. There is a surreal moment
as Chapin's not sure what to do about Solomon. He
chooses to do nothing. Solomon is left dangling by theneck from the tree as Chapin calls to Sam in thedistance:
CHAPIN:
Sam! Get the mule. You must ride
to Master Ford. Tell him to come
here at once without a single
moment's delay. Tell him they are
trying to murder Platt. Hurry,
boy. Bring him back if you must
kill the mule to do so!
SAM:
Yes, suh!
Sam mounts up and rides off, the mule demonstrating muchspeed.
85 EXT. FORD PLANATION - LATER 85
HOURS HAVE PASSED. The sun is now at its apex. The sightand smell of the red rose bush is more than vivid as
Solomon remains tied and dangling exactly where he wasleft. The scene is both tranquil and horrific. Life onthe plantation continues. The OTHER SLAVES work in the
field. CHILDREN make their way playfully in the yard.
It should all underscore the fact that a black, hangingeven partially from a tree, is nothing unusual in thistime and space.
(CONTINUED)
86
87 87
88
89
1/24/13 FINAL SHOOTING SCRIPT 59.
CONTINUED:
85
Chapin walks back and forth with the pistols in hishands. Clearly he fears Tibeats returning with more andbetter assistance. And yet, he does nothing to alleviateSolomon's suffering. He heeds Tibeats words, and asthough caught up in the middle of nothing more than aproperty dispute, he offers no further aid.
Solomon's head lolls to one side. He looks toward the
sun. The bright light flares off the leaves and branchesof the tree from which Solomon hangs. The glare inSolomon's eyes offering him more pain than solace, but hecannot help but look upward. As he does, his eyesflutter between life and lifelessness...
OMIT 86
EXT. FORD PLANATION - LATER 87
Solomon continues to hang. By now he is drenched insweat, and nearly delirious with dehydration. His lipsdry and parched. He may not die from hanging, but he mayvery well expire before the day is over.
Eventually Rachel comes over - timidly, and as though shewere acting contrary to orders - and offers a drink ofwater from a tin cup, pouring it in Solomon's mouth forhim. She then takes a small hand towel and dabs at the
water which clings to his lips. Rachel then retreats,
and leaves Solomon to hang.
EXT. FORD PLANATION - EVENING 88
The sun is just now arching for the horizon. Solomon
remains, as though his torture will not end. Ford,
trailed by Sam, finally comes riding up. He dismounts,
and moves swiftly over to Solomon. With great heartache:
FORD:
Platt... My poor Platt.
Ford produces a blade and cuts Solomon loose. Solomon
attempts to carry himself, but he cannot. He falls to
the ground and passes out.
INT. FORD PLANATION/GREAT HOUSE - NIGHT 89
As we come into the scene, Solomon lays on a blanket onthe floor. Eventually, his eyes flutter, then open. He
is in the foyer of the Ford house. As he gets hisbearings, he looks around the interior. THE SPACE IS
HANDSOME, AND WELL DECORATED. It is sharp contrast tothe bleak surroundings, shacks and dungeons Solomon haslargely been accustom to during his time of slavery. It
will be the "first and last time such a sumptuous restingplace was granted" during his twelve years of bondage.
(CONTINUED)
1/24/13 FINAL SHOOTING SCRIPT 60.
89 CONTINUED:
89 89 CONTINUED: 89
Solomon doesn't have much chance to luxuriate in his
surroundings. He hears a DOG BARKING just outside, andis unnerved. Has Tibeats returned to finish what he
started?
From a study, Master Ford appears with a gun in hand. He
goes to the door, opens it and looks outside. He can see
nothing. Satisfied, Ford crosses back over to Solomon.
He is frank with Solomon regarding the situation.
FORD:
I believe Tibeats is skulkin'
about the premises somewhere. He
wants you dead, and he will
attempt to have you so. It's no
longer safe for you here. And I
don't believe you will remain
passive if Tibeats attacks. I
have transferred my debt to Edwin
Epps. He will take charge of you.
SOLOMON:
(desperate, urgent)
Master Ford, you must know; I am
not a slave.
FORD:
I cannot hear that.
SOLOMON:
Before I came to you I was a
freeman.
FORD:
I am trying to save your life!
And...I have a debt to be mindful
of. That, now, is to Edwin Epps.
He is a hard man. Prides himself
on being a "n*gger breaker." But
truthfully I could find no others
who would have you. You've made a
reputation of yourself. Whatever
your circumstances, you are an
exceptional n*gger, Platt. I fear
no good will come of it.
90 EXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION/BACK PORCH - DAY 90
-END OF JANUARY, 1842
From the back porch, we come into the scene on EDWINEPPS; a repulsive and coarse man. His language givesspeedy and unequivocal evidence that he has never enjoyedthe advantages of an education.
(CONTINUED)
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90 90 CONTINUED: 90
Epps reads the Bible to his slaves, eight of themaltogether. ABRAM; a tall, older slave of about sixty
years. WILEY, who is forty eight. PHEBE, who is marriedto Wiley. BOB and HENRY who are Phebe's children, EDWARDand PATSEY. Patsey is young, just 23 years old...thoughin the era, 23 not as young as in the present day. She
is the offspring of a "Guinea n*gger," brought over toCuba in a slave ship. She nearly brims with unconversantsexuality.
MISTRESS EPPS, Epps's wife, is also present. She sits
with, holds quite lovingly, some SLAVE CHILDREN. WITH
THEM SHE IS VERY "MOTHERLY." We also see Epps's overseerTREACH. Treach constantly sports a LOADED PISTOL.
Though Epps reads the word of the Lord, he lacks the toneof compassion with which Ford read.
EPPS:
"And that servant which knew his
Lord's will...WHICH KNEW HIS
LORD'S WILL and prepared not
himself...PREPARED NOT HIMSELF,
neither did according to his will,
shall be beaten with many
stripes..." D'ye hear that?
"Stripes." That n*gger that don't
take care, that don't obey his
lord - that's his master - d'ye
see? - that 'ere n*gger shall be
beaten with many stripes. Now,
"many" signifies a great many.
Forty, a hundred, a hundred and
fifty lashes... That's Scripter!
91 EXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION/FIELD - DAY 91
-AUGUST, 1842
WE START THE SCENE WITH A PAIR OF BLACK HANDS
picking cotton ferociously. As we move out, we identify PATSEY, a 23 year old striking black woman. The cameramoves out again to a wider shot. This reveals severallines of slaves picking cotton, with Patsey way out inthe lead.
We cut to another pair of black hands. This time,
revealing SOLOMON, clumsy and unskilled hands, pickingcotton. A lash bears down on him.
It is August, "cotton picking" season.
We are looking out over a cotton field in full bloom. It
presents a visual purity, like an immaculate expanse oflight, new-fallen snow. The cotton grows from five toseven feet high, each stalk having a great many branches
(CONTINUED)
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91 91 CONTINUED: 91
shooting out in all directions and lapping each otherabove the water furrow.
There is a slave to each side of the row. They have asack around their necks that hangs to the ground, themouth of the sack about breast high. Baskets are placedat the end of the furrows. Slaves dump their sacks ofcotton in the baskets, then pick until their sacks areagain filled.
EDWARDS:
Pick that cotton. Move along now.
THE SOUNDTRACK TO THE SCENE IS NOTHING MORE THAN THE
RUSTLE OF LABOR, THE MALE CICADAS BUGS "TYMBALS" IN THEHEAT and a SPIRITUAL SUNG BY THE SLAVES.
Despite the heat, there is no stopping for water. The
slaves are "driven" by Edward, who is himself "driven" byTreach.
TREACH:
C'mon. Drive dem n*ggers.
Edward moves among the slaves, applying the whip to themwithout regard.
EDWARD:
Pick dat cotton. Move along now,
hear?
92 EXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION/GIN HOUSE - EVENING 92
The day's work is done. The slaves are now assembled in
the gin house with their baskets of cotton which arebeing weighed by Treach. There is anxiety among theslave, the reason for which soon becomes apparent.
TREACH:
Two hundred forty pounds for Bob.
EPPS:
What yah got for James?
TREACH:
Two hundred ninety five pounds.
EPPS:
Tha's real good, boy. Tha's real
good.
TREACH:
One hundred eighty two pounds for
Platt.
Epps does not look happy. Treach says again:
(CONTINUED)
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92 CONTINUED:
92 92 CONTINUED: 92
TREACH (CONT'D)
One hundred eighty two.
EPPS:
How much can even an averagenigger pick a day?
TREACH:
Two hundred pounds.
EPPS:
This n*gger ain't even average.
Epps pulls Solomon aside.
TREACH:
Five hundred twelve pounds forPatsey.
EPPS:
Five hundred twelve. Yah men folk
got no shame lettin' Patsey outpick yah? The day ain't yet comeshe swung lower than five hundredpounds. Queen of the fields, sheis.
TREACH:
Two hundred six pou-
EPPS:
I ain't done, Treach. Ain't I
owed a minute to luxuriate on the
work Patsey done?
TREACH:
...Sir...
EPPS:
Damned Queen. Born and bred to
the field. A n*gger amongniggers, and God give 'er to me.
A lesson in the rewards of
righteous livin'. All be
observant ta that. All!
(beat)
Now, Treach. Now speak.
TREACH:
One hundred thirty eight poundsfor Phebe.
EPPS:
Hit one forty five yesterday.
Pull her out.
TREACH:
Two hundred six pounds for Wiley.
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EPPS:
How much he pick yesterday?
TREACH:
Two hundred twenty nine pounds.
Wiley is pulled from the line, huddled with Solomon.
93 EXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION/YARD - EVENING 93
In the distance, a flogging is going on. Solomon, Phebe,
and Wiley are stripped, placed in a stockade and nowbeing given a perfunctory whipping delivered by ANOTHERIDENTIFIED SLAVE.
94 EXT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION - EVENING 94
Evening, but the day is not yet done. Slaves attend
their various evening chores; feeding livestock, doinglaundry, cooking food. There is no respite from aslave's charge.
95 INT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION/SLAVE SHACK - NIGHT 95
A fire is kindled in the cabin. The slaves finally fixtheir own dinner of corn meal. Corn is ground in a smallhand mill. The corn meal is mixed with a little water,
placed in the fire and baked. When it is "done brown"
the ashes are scraped off. Bacon is fried. As the
slaves eat, Abram goes on in great length and with muchemotion about General Jackson.
UNCLE ABRAM:
Hold my words:
General Jackson
will forever be immortalized. His
bravery will be handed down to the
last posterity. If ever there be
a stain upon "raw militia," he
done wiped away on the eight of
January. I say da result a that
day's battle is of 'mo importance
to our grand nation than any
occurrence 'fo or since. Great
man. Great man in deed. We all
need pray to Heavenly Father da
General reign over us always.
96 INT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION/SLAVE SHACK - NIGHT 96
The slaves are sleeping. There is a loud commotion.
Epps enters, drunkenly, forcing the slaves awake.
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96 96 CONTINUED: 96
EPPS:
Get up! Get up, we dance tonight!
We will not waste the evenin' with
yer laziness. Get up.
97 INT. MASTER EPPS'S PLANTATION/MAIN HOUSE - NIGHT 97
Despite the lateness of the hour, the slaves are up andnow fully dressed. They take up position in the middleof the floor. They wait, poised like actors. Solomon
strikes up a tune; Henry joins in with a pan flute andthe slaves dance. They do so very wearily. The whole of
it certainly more torture than pleasure.
Epps, whip in hand:
EPPS:
Where's yah merriment? Move yer
feet.
As the slaves twirl about Epps keeps an attentive eye onPatsey. It should be quite clear that his primarymotivation for holding dances is so that he may viewPatsey twirl about the floor.
This fact is not lost on Mistress Epps. A few moments of
Epps's lust on display is all that the Mistress can bear.
Jealousy mounting, she snatches up a CARAFE. With all
her might she throws it at Patsey. It hits Patsey squarein the face. TOO THICK TO SHATTER, IT LEAVES HER BLOODYAND WRITHING ON THE FLOOR. The dancing, the music stop.
The slaves, however, react as though it is not the firsttime they've seen as much from the Mistress.
Mistress Epps, screaming like a hellion:
MISTRESS EPPS:
Sell her!
EPPS:
C'mon, now. Wha's this?
MISTRESS EPPS:
You will sell the negress!
EPPS:
You're talkin' foolish. Sell
little Pats? She pick with more
vigor than any other n*gger!
Choose another ta go.
MISTRESS EPPS:
No other. Sell her!
EPPS:
I will not!
(CONTINUED)
98
99
100
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CONTINUED:
97
MISTRESS EPPS:
You will remove that black b*tch
from this property, 'er I'll takemyself back to Cheneyville.
EPPS:
Back to that hog's trough where Ifound you? Oh, the idleness ofthat yarn washes over me. Do not
set yourself up against Patsey, mydear. That's a wager on which youwill not profit. Calm yerself.
And settle for my affection,
'cause my affection you got. Or,
go. 'Cause I will rid myself ofyah well before I do away withher!
Mistress Epps stands irate, lost in fury and unable toeven think of what to do. Eventually, optionless, shestorms away.
For a few beats there is only the sound of Patseysobbing.
EPPS (CONT'D)
That damned woman! I won't have
my mood spoiled. I will not.
Dance!
Epps sends the whip in Solomon's direction. Solomon
responds by playing.
Treach literally drags the prone Patsey from the floor,
blood still spilling from her face. The slaves, asordered, return to dancing.
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