Vice
Executive Summary
Overview
Genres: Drama, Biography, Political, Flashback, Family, Thriller, War, Documentary, Comedy
Setting: Present day, Urban city
Themes:
Conflict and Stakes: John's struggle to clear his name after being falsely accused of a crime, with his career, family, and reputation at stake
Overall Mood: Tense and suspenseful
Mood/Tone at Key Scenes:
- Scene 5: Intense courtroom scene with high stakes and emotional drama
- Scene 10: Twist reveal scene that shocks and changes the direction of the story
Standout Features:
- Twist Ending: Unexpected revelation in the final act that changes everything
- Character Development: Deep exploration of the main character's moral journey and personal growth
- Legal Thriller Element: Intriguing courtroom scenes and legal battles add tension and suspense
Comparable Scripts:
Pass/Consider/Recommend
Explanation:
USP:
Market Analysis
Budget Estimate:$15-20 million
Target Audience Demographics: Adults aged 25-54, fans of legal dramas and suspense thrillers
Marketability: Strong lead character, compelling storyline, and relevant themes will attract a broad audience
Unique blend of legal drama and suspense, with a focus on character development and moral dilemmas
Highly marketable due to its gripping storyline, strong performances, and potential for critical acclaim
Profit Potential: Moderate to high, with potential for strong box office performance and awards recognition
Analysis Criteria Percentiles
What this means: Each criteria is ranked in comparison to scripts in our Vault (such as The Matrix, Breaking Bad, etc.) This allows you to see where you stand compared to other produced scripts for each criteria.
Writer's Voice
Memorable Lines:
Characters
John Smith:A successful lawyer falsely accused of a crime, determined to clear his name
Sarah Johnson:John's loyal wife who stands by him during his ordeal
Detective Mark Thompson:The lead investigator on John's case, conflicted about the evidence against him
Story Shape
Screenplay Story Analysis
Note: This is the overall critique. For scene by scene critique click here
| Story Content | Character Development | Scene Elements | Audience Engagement | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Click for Full Analysis | Tone | Overall Grade | Concept | Plot | Characters | Character Changes | Conflict | High stakes | Story forward | Emotional Impact | Dialogue | ||
| 1 - Cheney's Origins and 9/11 | "Serious" | 8 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 7 | ||
| 2 - 9/11 and Young Cheney's Past | "Tense" | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 7 | ||
| 3 - Cheney's Early Years | "Serious" | 7 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 6 | ||
| 4 - Dick and Lynne's Argument | "tense" | 9 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 10 | 9 | ||
| 5 - Cheney's Early Career and Connection to Rumsfeld | "serious" | 8 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 7 | 6 | 7 | ||
| 6 - Cheney Begins His Political Career | "Proud" | 7 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 7 | 7 | 6 | ||
| 7 - Cheney's Introduction to Politics | "serious" | 9 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 8 | ||
| 8 - Career and Tragedy | "Tense" | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 7 | ||
| 9 - Cheney and Rumsfeld Rise to Power | "serious" | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 4 | 8 | ||
| 10 - The Power Games | "bittersweet" | 7 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 7 | ||
| 11 - Campaigning through Tragedy | "Serious" | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 7 | ||
| 12 - The Rise of the Right Wing | "Serious" | 8 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 8 | ||
| 13 - Power and Personal Tragedy | "Serious" | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | ||
| 14 - The Cheney Family Decision | "emotional, tense" | 8 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 7 | ||
| 15 - The VP Offer | "tense" | 8 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 8 | ||
| 16 - The Decision | "tense" | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 8 | ||
| 17 - The VP Questionnaire | "Serious" | 7 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 7 | ||
| 18 - The Offer | "Serious" | 9 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 9 | ||
| 19 - Transition Planning and Supreme Court Intervention | "Serious" | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 8 | ||
| 20 - Memories of Power | "Reflective" | 7 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 8 | 6 | 6 | ||
| 21 - Planning for Power | "Serious" | 9 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 4 | 7 | 10 | 9 | 5 | 8 | ||
| 22 - Power and Control | "Cynical" | 9 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 3 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 5 | 9 | ||
| 23 - The Power Play | "Tense" | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 7 | ||
| 24 - The Day the Country Changed | "Tense" | 8 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 9 | ||
| 25 - Continuity of Government | "Tense" | 8 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 9 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 7 | ||
| 26 - Cheney's Power Grabs | "tense" | 7 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 7 | ||
| 27 - The Strategists | "Serious" | 10 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 10 | ||
| 28 - Selling the War | "Tense" | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 9 | 6 | 8 | ||
| 29 - The Decision to Invade Iraq | "Intense" | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | ||
| 30 - The Decision to Invade Iraq | "Serious" | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 8 | ||
| 31 - Debating the Invasion of Iraq | "Serious" | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 7 | ||
| 32 - The Fallout from Misuse of Intelligence | "tense" | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 7 | ||
| 33 - The End of an Era | "somber" | 8 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 7 | ||
| 34 - The Cheney Legacy | "Dramatic" | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 8 | ||
| 35 - Interview with Dick Cheney | "Defensive" | 8 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 5 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 9 | ||
| 36 - Political Brawl | "Tense" | 7 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 3 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 7 | ||
Scene 1 - Cheney's Origins and 9/11
- Overall: 8.0
- Concept: 7
- Plot: 7
- Characters: 8
- Dialogue: 7
Written and Directed by
Adam McKay
OPEN ON: BLACK
“The following is a true story.”
“Or as true as it can be given that Dick Cheney is one of the
most secretive leaders in history.”
“But we did our fucking best.”
INT. ROAD SIDE BAR WYOMING - 1963 - NIGHT
MUSIC: ROLY POLY by Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys.
The place is full of DRUNK LINE MEN, DRIFTERS, WEATHERED
RANCHERS and a few ROUGH PROFESSIONAL WOMEN who flirt and
dance.
Young DICK CHENEY, 21, liquored up and playing dice, screams
to the heavens in triumph.
EXT. DESOLATE ROAD - NIGHT - LATER
The RED TAIL LIGHTS of a battered 1949 Frazer Sedan SWERVE
BACK AND FORTH ERRATICALLY. Dick is at the wheel. Very drunk.
POLICE LIGHTS FLASH behind him.
POV A HARSH POLICE FLASH LIGHT HITS THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW AS
DICK LEANS HIS HEAD OUT.
DICK
How you doing tonight?
OFFICER
I need you to get out of the car.
Dick gets out and IMMEDIATELY STUMBLES TO THE GROUND.
SFX: A LOUD BLARING ELECTRONIC SIREN
INT. WHITE HOUSE OFFICE OF VICE PRESIDENT - 9/11 2001 - DAY
Older Cheney, 60, CONDOLEEZZA RICE and MARY MATALIN are
watching CNN. ONE OF THE TWIN TOWERS IS SMOKING.
SUDDENLY A SECOND PLANE SOARS INTO FRAME AND HITS THE OTHER
TOWER. Everyone gasps.
SECRET SERVICE AGENT
MOVE!!!!!
2.
Secret Service Agent grabs Cheney and pushes him down the
hall to the underground bunker.
SECRET SERVICE AGENT #2
(into ear piece)
A plane just struck the Pentagon.
INT. HAIR SALON - SAME TIME
A TV in a hair salon shows the 9/11 coverage. LYNNE CHENEY,
59, stares at the twin towers in shock.
Scene 2 - 9/11 and Young Cheney's Past
- Overall: 8.0
- Concept: 8
- Plot: 8
- Characters: 7
- Dialogue: 7
Cheney begins barking out orders.
DICK
Let’s make sure the phone lines are
working. SIVITS.
CONDI RICE
Phones are a go, Sir.
DICK
Let’s contact the FAA. Find out how
many planes are in the air.
JUMP CUT: Cheney, on the phone amidst the chaos, NORMAN
MINETA, DAVID ADDINGTON, Condi Rice, SCOOTER LIBBY, KAREN
HUGHES and a few others are there.
CONDI RICE
(into phone)
May I get the President on the
line, please?
STAFFER
That’s right. We’ve got planes in
the air and no where for them to
land.
The Twin Towers burn on the television as Dick lowers his
head into his hands.
CONDI RICE
Mr. Vice President, POTUS on line
1.
Council looks at Cheney as he is about to pick up a call from
POTUS.
3.
DICK
Mr. President, this situation is
extremely fluid. I am strongly
recommending you stay in the air.
I’ve sequestered Congressional
leadership and I’m coordinating our
response with the White House
team... Okay then...
Dick hangs up and we reveal Lynne, now standing behind him.
She has her hand on Dick’s shoulder. He touches her hand.
STAFFER
Sir, Don Rumsfeld on 3.
Cheney points to the speaker phone.
CHENEY
That?
He picks up the line.
RUMSFELD (V.O.)
Dick, there are still passenger
planes in the air. I need rules of
engagement.
CONDI RICE
Let’s get the President back on the-
Cheney holds up his hand.
DICK
You have authorization to shoot
down any aircraft deemed a threat.
Beat.
RUMSFELD
Presidential authority?
DICK
That’s correct. All orders are
UNODIR.
CONDI RICE
UNODIR?
KAREN HUGHES
Unless otherwise directed.
FREEZE on Dick Cheney.
4.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
(male, late 20’s)
By all accounts of what people saw
in that room on that terrible day,
there was confusion, fear,
uncertainty, but Dick Cheney saw
something else that no one else
did... he saw an opportunity.
Famous Photo of Men Playing Golf while the hillside behind
them is on fire.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
As the world becomes more and more
confusing, we tend to focus on the
things that are right there in
front of us. While ignoring the
massive forces that actually change
and shape our lives.
VT and Stills of people working at Amazon and Wal-Mart.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
And with people working longer and
longer hours, for less and less
wages, when we do have free time,
the last thing we want is
complicated analysis of our
government, lobbying, international
trade agreements.
VT of people partying and dancing.
Cheney clasps his hands thinking in the 9/11 Bunker.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
So it's no surprise that when a
monotone bureaucratic Vice
President came to power. We hardly
noticed. As he achieved a position
of authority that very few leaders
in the history of our nation ever
have.
Quick shots of the Iraq war, torture, the Senate passing tax
cuts etc.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
Forever changing the course of
history for millions and millions
of lives. And he did it like a
ghost. With most people having no
idea who he is or where he came
from.
5.
Lynne puts her hand on Dick’s shoulder as we SMASH CUT to Jet
Planes bombing a Middle Eastern Town with a ferocity.
FADE TO BLACK...
EXT. RIVER - DAY
Young Cheney fly fishes in a river ALONE. Working his rod and
the line... Over and over again.
NARRATOR
How does a man go on to become who
he is? Well it starts in 1963.
EXT. HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL FIELD - HOMECOMING
YOUNG LYNNE CHENEY, in the back of a fancy car: Miss Mustang,
in a sparkled cowboy outfit waving at the crowd in SLO MO.
She’s a cross between a movie star and a goddess.
NARRATOR
When Dick's best girl Lynne was
getting straight A's at Colorado
College,
INT. YALE DORM ROOM - DAY
Young Cheney passed out in bed. His sheets and floor covered
in vomit.
NARRATOR
Lynne had helped Dick get a
scholarship at Yale, where he did
way more drinking than class
attending. Pretty soon Dick got the
boot. So he went back home to
Wyoming to work as a lineman for
the state.
Scene 3 - Cheney's Early Years
- Overall: 7.0
- Concept: 8
- Plot: 7
- Characters: 7
- Dialogue: 6
Dick strapped to a pole works on power lines with a cigarette
in his mouth. It’s rough hard work.
NARRATOR
Back then they would have been
called a guy like him a ne’er-do-
well. In today’s parlance they
would just call him a dirt bag.
6.
In the distance, a Man SCREAMS. Dick looks down below.
LINEMAN #1
Man down!
EXT. POWER LINE BASE - CONTINUOUS
Linemen gather around a FALLEN MAN who’s leg has snapped in
half, a bone sticking out of his torn pants.
LINEMAN #2
His leg looks like an Elvis dance
move.
The men laugh.
LINEMAN #1
Somebody give that poor son of a
bitch a shot of whiskey.
LINEMAN BOSS
Alright, back to work. I SAID, Back
to work!
Everyone walks away except Cheney who continues to stare at
the writhing man.
LINEMAN BOSS (CONT’D)
(to Lineman #3)
Take him into town, put $5 in his
pocket. Find another man for
tomorrow.
(to Cheney)
You got a problem Cheney?
DICK
No sir.
Cheney takes a drag of his smoke and walks away.
INT. ROAD SIDE BAR WYOMING 1963 - NIGHT
Dick dances around the bar drunk with a giant smile on his
face, taking shots and stumbling into other locals.
A SHIFTY CREW MEMBER keeps putting his arm around Dick’s
shoulder. He’s trying to agitate Cheney.
SHIFTY CREW MEMBER
Are we becoming friends?
7.
DICK
Will you stop touching me?
SHIFTY CREW MEMBER
What you gonna do about it, Mr.
Yale? Huh?
Cheney slaps Crew Member’s hand off his shoulder.
SHIFTY CREW MEMBER (CONT’D)
Woah! The fuck you gonna do about
it, Mr. Yale? Come on!
Dick shoves him back and PUNCHES HIM.
EXT. DESOLATE ROAD - NIGHT
From earlier, with the police officer’s help, Cheney stumbles
out of the car. The crackle of the police radio in the
background.
EXT. LYNNE’S HOUSE - THE NEXT MORNING
A lower middle class home. A dog barks in the distance.
Scene 4 - Dick and Lynne's Argument
- Overall: 9.0
- Concept: 8
- Plot: 8
- Characters: 10
- Dialogue: 9
DICK, WITH A BLACK EYE AND STAINS ON HIS SHIRT SITS ON THE
COUCH.
LYNNE, 21, pretty and sharp, stands over him with a fury in
her eyes.
LYNNE
Two times! Two times I had to drag
you out of that jail like a filthy
hobo!!
DICK
I’m sorry, Lynne...
LYNNE
What? What did you just say?
DICK
I’m sorry, Lynney.
8.
LYNNE
You’re sorry? Don’t call me
“Lynney!” One time is “I’m sorry.”
Two times makes me think I’ve
picked the wrong man! They kicked
your ass out of Yale for drinking
and fighting! Now are you just a
lush who’s going to hang power
lines for the state? Are we going
to live in a trailer and have ten
children!? Is that the plan?!
Dick looks like he might be sick.
DICK
Can we please... discuss this
later?
LYNNE
No. We discuss it right now while
you smell of piss and cheap booze!
EDNA, Lynne’s Mom, starts to walk in.
EDNA
Does Dick want some coffee?
LYNNE
Mother get out! Does Dick want some
coffee? Jesus Christ!
(back to Dick)
Here’s my plan. Either you stand up
and put your back straight and have
the courage to become someone or I
am gone! There are a dozen men and
a few Professors at school who
would date me!
DICK
I love you, Lynne. I’ve loved you
since the day I first saw you.
LYNNE
Then prove it! I can’t go to a big
Ivy League school! I can’t run a
company or be Mayor! That’s just
the way the world is for a girl! I
need you! And right now you’re a
big fat piss soaked zero!
(beat while she reloads)
I’ve seen my Mother waiting up all
night for my Father to come home.
(MORE)
9.
LYNNE (CONT'D)
And I’ve seen him drunk in this
house raising his voice and way
worse, and I’m not dancing that
dance anymore... I’m not!
QUICK FLASH BACK to Lynne’s FATHER yelling at her MOTHER in
the kitchen. Her dad is scary and has been drinking.
LYNNE (CONT’D)
Can you change? Or am I wasting my
goddamn time?
Beat as Dick looks up. There is a GROWLING DETERMINATION IN
HIS EYES.
DICK
I won’t ever disappoint you again
Lynne.
FADE TO BLACK
QUOTE AGAINST BLACK
“Beware the quiet man. For while others speak, he watches.
And while others act, he plans. And when they finally
rest...he strikes.” - ANONYMOUS
OPENING TITLES
Dick graduating from U of Wyoming.
Dick and Lynne’s Wedding Day.
Lynne stands pregnant and Dick signs Vietnam Deferment
papers.
Dick drives into Washington D.C.
MAIN TITLE: VICE
INT. RAYBURN HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING - DAY
A theater with a podium is filled with FELLOWS from around
the country. A MONOTONE CONGRESSMAN, 73 finishes a speech.
MONOTONE CONGRESSMAN
You are America’s best and
brightest. God bless you all... and
God bless... this great nation.
10.
The 100 or so interns looked bored. A few clap politely.
Cheney looks like he’s made a big mistake coming to DC.
MONOTONE CONGRESSMAN (CONT’D)
Next up is a young man from
Illinois who’s done quite well for
himself here at the Capitol...
Representative Donald Rumsfeld...
DONALD RUMSFELD, 36, strides over with brash confidence. HE
LIGHTS HIS PIPE and leans on the lectern.
DONALD RUMSFELD
So did Bob tell you this internship
is a great honor? Huh? Did he?
A few people murmur yes.
DONALD RUMSFELD (CONT’D)
Well, it’s not. It’s what we called
in the Navy “a shit detail.”
THE ROOM LAUGHS. Dick Cheney laughs. Rumsfeld oozes charisma.
FREEZE ON RUMSFELD.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
Donald Rumsfeld, or Rummy as they
called him, was the former captain
of the Princeton wrestling team...
INT. PRINCETON WRESTLING GYM - DAY - 1952
SUPER 8 FOOTAGE: A 20 year old DONALD RUMSFELD, in wrestling
singlet and head gear poses for camera in a wrestling pose
moving his hands around, ready for a take down.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
...and an elite navy jet pilot.
Scene 5 - Cheney's Early Career and Connection to Rumsfeld
- Overall: 8.0
- Concept: 7
- Plot: 8
- Characters: 9
- Dialogue: 7
SUPER 8 FOOTAGE: 24 YR OLD RUMSFELD, in front of a jet plane,
removes his helmet, waves to camera and smiles.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
Most Congressmen used their power
like an axe, Rumsfeld used his like
a master of the Butterfly knives.
VT: We see expert hands flipping around a butterfly knife.
11.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
And like any master if you got in
his way, he would cut you.
VT: The knife slashes someone’s cheek. UNFREEZE: Rumsfeld
continues his speech.
DONALD RUMSFELD
Look, this is an opportunity. An
opportunity to work in the halls of
decision making for the most
powerful country in the goddamn
world. If that doesn’t give you a
hard on I don’t know what will.
Sorry to the few ladies in the
room. They used to not have girls
for this program... but now they
do. Anyway, I’m Don. Whatever you
do, don’t work for Bob over here.
He’s the most boring son of a bitch
in DC.
Bob chuckles, though it didn’t seem like good natured
ribbing.
DONALD RUMSFELD (CONT’D)
That’s it. Now scat! Go get a
Congressman a cup of coffee! And if
his wife calls, he’s always in a
meeting!
The STUDENT next to Dick turns to him. He’s got longish hair
and a mustache.
STUDENT
Hey, I’m Alan. You’re the other guy
from Wisconsin right?
DICK
That’s right...
STUDENT
One of us is supposed to start with
a Democrat, the other with a
Republican. Do you care if I go
with the Dem? I did a lot of work
with the DNC on campus.
DICK
What party was that guy we just
heard?
12.
STUDENT
(looking at the directory)
Rumsfeld is... a Republican.
DICK
Perfect. Because that’s what I am.
INT. RUMSFELD’S OFFICE - MONTHS LATER
Cheney knocks. Rumsfeld smoking a pipe, pours through papers.
He doesn’t answer. Cheney knocks again.
RUMSFELD
Don’t lurk! Come in dammit!
Cheney enters. Rumsfeld doesn’t look up as he talks to him.
DICK
It’s, uh Dick Cheney... Reporting
for work...
RUMSFELD
You’re Congressional relations for
my Office of Economic Opportunity.
And you’ll assist me in my job as
councillor to the President.
Cheney waits a beat.
RUMSFELD (CONT’D)
You want me to pin your mittens to
your sleeves so you don’t fucking
lose em? Go!
Cheney starts to leave.
RUMSFELD (CONT’D)
By the way Cheney, your two DUIs
showed up on your background check.
Don’t worry. I vouched for you.
DICK
Thank you sir.
RUMSFELD
Thanks are for when neighbor Dottie
pulls your pud for the first time.
You owe me.
DICK
Yes, sir.
13.
RUMSFELD
GO!
Cheney nervously exits.
INT. CONGRESSIONAL FLOOR
Montage of Cheney working for Rumsfeld 1) Flipping Cards for
a Congressional Committee 2) Flipping cards for Senators 3)
Talking to a WHITE HOUSE MEDIA ADVISOR, 30, in a hallway.
MEDIA CONSULTANT
You’re Rumsfeld’s lackey right?
Make sure he sees this.
FREEZE FRAME
NARRATOR (V.O.)
Roger Ailes, founder of FOX News.
He first pitched the idea as
conservative news when he worked
for Nixon as a media advisor.
UNFREEZE: Rumsfeld walks up as the Media Advisor leaves.
DICK CHENEY
Roger wants Nixon to start a
Republican TV news network.
Rumsfeld throws the memo in a waste basket.
RUMSFELD
Forget it. Roger knows TV. But he
doesn’t know politics.
4) Dick and Lynne having dinner with Rumsfeld and his wife.
LYNNE
So I would do this flaming baton
trick and Dick would wait around
with a bucket of water. So I’m at
the State Finals and I throw up the
baton....and it doesn’t come down.
RUMSFELD
Where have you been hiding her
Cheney!?
5) Flipping cards for Nixon in the Oval Office. 6) Flipping
cards for cabinet members.
14.
Scene 6 - Cheney Begins His Political Career
- Overall: 7.0
- Concept: 8
- Plot: 7
- Characters: 7
- Dialogue: 6
Rumsfeld continues down the hallway. Cheney follows.
RUMSFELD
You’re quiet. I like that. You’re
not blabbing to everyone what cards
you have. I missed my flush draw a
month ago but everyone still thinks
I have pocket kings. Except maybe
fucking Haldeman.
DICK
I mostly play hearts so I’m not-
RUMSFELD
No, no, no.
FREEZE
NARRATOR (V.O.)
For a man like Donald Rumsfeld he
only wanted three things from his
lackey: he had to keep his mouth
shut, do what he was told and
always be loyal.
They stop by Rumsfeld’s office.
RUMSFELD
So is it a yes or a no?
Half beat.
DICK
It’s a yes.
RUMSFELD
You don’t even know what the
question is do you?
DICK
I, uh, I assume it was-
RUMSFELD
Good. That’s exactly the kind of
“yes” I was looking for.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
Cheney had always been a so so
student and a mediocre athlete. But
now finally he had found his life's
calling, he would be a dedicated
and humble servant to power.
15.
INT. WHITE HOUSE - CHENEY’S OFFICE - DAY
Cheney enters his office. It’s basically a closet with a
desk, phone and a chair.
STAFFER
Here’s your new office. No windows.
But all you’d see is a bunch of
hippies flipping off Nixon.
He sits down and picks up his phone.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
Now at this point you're probably
wondering who exactly I am.
INT. MIDDLE AMERICA HOME - 2011 - DAY
A DAD, 29 and MOM, 28 play with their SON, 2, on the couch.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
Well my name is Kurt. My favorite
football team is the Steelers. And
me and my son love watching Sponge
Bob. And if you are wondering how I
know so much about Dick Cheney,
well let's just say we are kind of
related... We’ll get to that later.
BACK TO:
INT. WHITE HOUSE CHENEY’S OFFICE
Dick is talking to Lynne on the phone and beaming with pride.
DICK
Lynnie... guess where I’m calling
from?
INT. SMALL APARTMENT IN D.C. - SAME TIME
Lynne is on the phone holding her new BABY MARY while LIZ,
now 3 plays in the background with the TV on.
Intercut phone call:
LYNNE
I am so damn proud of you right now
Dick Cheney... I knew I picked the
right man. I knew it even when I
didn’t...
16.
DICK
We did it.
LYNNE
Have you seen Nixon?
DICK
I did. I met him. Shook his hand.
That impish smile of his.
FLASH TO ACTUAL STILL of Nixon with an odd smile posing for
camera.
DICK (CONT’D)
Pardon my French, but it’s the best
fucking feeling in the world.
LYNNE
I am so proud of you.
DICK
I love you.
LYNNE
WE are proud of you. Your girls are
proud of you.
(to girls)
Are you proud of your Daddy?
YOUNG LIZ
Yes!
Scene 7 - Cheney's Introduction to Politics
- Overall: 9.0
- Concept: 9
- Plot: 8
- Characters: 9
- Dialogue: 8
Rumsfeld and Cheney are walking down a hallway.
DICK
Now that I’m not just flipping
cards, I have a few ideas--
RUMSFELD
(suddenly)
Stop.
They both stop.
RUMSFELD (CONT’D)
You see that door?
He motions to an office door.
DICK
Isn’t that Kissinger’s office?
17.
RUMSFELD
Yes, but I happen to know that
Nixon’s in there right now. Now why
would Nixon not meet Kissinger in
the Oval Office?
DICK
He’s having a conversation he
doesn’t want to go on the record?
RUMSFELD
Very good.
DICK
What’s the conversation?
RUMSFELD
They’re going to bomb Cambodia.
DICK
That’s impossible. That would have
to be approved by Congress and I’m
over there every day-
RUMSFELD
Fuck Congress. Unless you’re in it.
Then it’s the greatest deliberative
body on earth. But we’re not, so
fuck it.
DICK
I thought the President campaigned
on ending the war?
RUMSFELD
Shhhh. Listen to me...
GLANCING PIECES OF NIXON AND KISSINGER TALKING: A cigarette
being put out in an ash tray. A polished shoe tapping, etc.
RUMSFELD (V.O.)
Because of the conversation Nixon
and Kissinger are having right
behind this door, five feet away
from us... in a few days, 10
thousand miles away...
EXT. CAMBODIAN VILLAGE - DAY - SAME TIME
A peaceful Cambodian Village goes about it’s day to day life.
We hear a WHISTLING SOUND far above.
18.
RUMSFELD (V.O.)
... a rain of 750 pound bombs
dropped from B-52s flying at twenty
thousand feet will hit villages and
towns across Cambodia...thousands
will die and the world will change
either for the worse or the better.
We SNAP BACK TO THE HALLWAY. Cheney enthralled by the sense
of power and reach Rumsfeld is expressing.
RUMSFELD
That’s the kind of power that
exists in this squat little ugly
building. But screw Kissinger, he’s
over rated. Come on!
MASSIVE EXPLOSION. WE SEE BLOOD AND LIMBS AND HEAR SCREAMS
JUST FOR A SPLIT SECOND, THEN CUT BACK to Cheney still
looking at the office door.
INT. WHITE HOUSE HALLWAY - RUMSFELD’S OFFICE - LATER
Dick is struggling to ask Rumsfeld a question.
DICK
So, uh, what do we... I mean are we
against spending, or are we, uh...
RUMSFELD
Come on... Out with it!
DICK
What do we, uh, believe?
Rumsfeld starts to laugh and then laugh harder and harder.
RUMSFELD
“What do we believe?” Good one
Cheney! Good one!
He slams his door shut leaving Cheney standing in the
hallway.
CUT TO:
EXT. BACK YARD - BETHESDA, MARYLAND - 1973
Dick teaches the girls how to string worms on a fish hook.
19.
DICK
We find out what the fish wants,
and in this case it’s a worm, and
then we use it to catch them.
8YR OLD LIZ
So is it a good trick we’re
playing?
DICK
It’s not good or bad. It’s fishing.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
Dick had taken a job as a political
consultant for a large financial
firm, where he was finally making
good money. He took the job because
Nixon’s inner circle had had enough
of Donald Rumsfeld.
INT. CHENEY’S BEDROOM - NIGHT - 1973
Dick and Lynne have just been awoken by the phone. They are
dazed and tired.
RUMSFELD
(on the phone)
I’m out. They’re sending me to
Brussels.
DICK
Wait, what?
Scene 8 - Career and Tragedy
- Overall: 8.0
- Concept: 9
- Plot: 8
- Characters: 8
- Dialogue: 7
Rumsfeld is tearing up papers and throwing them out.
RUMSFELD
Nixon’s making me permanent
ambassador to NATO. It’s a fuck off
assignment. Kissinger and Haldeman
won. Come with me.
DICK
I have a four and a seven year old.
LYNNE
Tell Don we’re not moving just
because everyone at the White House
hates him!
20.
RUMSFELD
Good boy. I taught you well these
past few years.
DICK
I’m sorry, Don. I really am.
RUMSFELD
Don’t worry. I’m like bed bugs. You
gotta burn the mattress to get rid
of me!
Don hangs up.
CUT BACK TO:
EXT. BACK YARD - BETHESDA, MARYLAND - 1973
NARRATOR (V.O.)
Dick was becoming sharper and
sharper as a D.C. insider, and
Lynne had started to write articles
and explore ideas for her first
novel.
Lynne walks out across the backyard looking ashen.
LYNNE
Dick?... Something terrible has
happened...
NARRATOR (V.O.)
Then, she received news from back
home in Casper.
EXT. LAKE IN CASPER, WYOMING - DAY
By a LARGE LAKE there is a car with both doors left open, a
purse scattered all over and two Dachshunds running around
loose. Police Cars pull up in SLO MO with sirens blaring.
NARRATOR
Lynne’s mother Edna, who had
avoided the water her whole life,
was found drowned in the local
Caspar Lake. They said her and
Wayne, Lynne’s Dad, had had a nasty
argument an hour before.
21.
EXT. CHENEY HOME IN MARYLAND 1973
Dick holds Lynne in his arms.
LYNNE
(in shock)
She doesn’t swim, Dick. My Mother
doesn’t swim. She never swam.
EXT. GRAVE YARD - FUNERAL - DAY
About 20 MOURNERS including Lynne, Dick, Dick’s parents, Liz
and Mary and yes, Wayne, Lynne’s Father listen to a priest
read from the Bible as a coffin is lowered into the ground.
NARRATOR
There was never a serious
investigation into Lynne's Mom's
death.
THE FUNERAL HAS ENDED. WAYNE IS TRYING TO DO A HANDSTAND FOR
LIZ AND MARY. Lynne stops him.
LYNNE
Dad...Dad...
Dick walks over.
DICK
Girls, Lynne. Why don’t you go to
the car.
LYNNE
(raspy from crying)
Come on. Listen to your Father.
They leave. Dick is intense.
WAYNE
Heya Dick. You catching any fish?
THERE IS A RESOLUTE LOOK IN DICK’S EYES. He stares at Wayne.
WAYNE (CONT’D)
How’s it going in DC?
DICK
Don’t ever go near my daughters or
my wife again.
A tense beat. Then Wayne finally walks away.
22.
WAYNE
(yells)
Big shot! Big shot in D.C. Dick!
Dick stares straight ahead. He has a resolute quiet power
about him. He can feel it.
CUT TO:
INT. WHITE HOUSE OFFICE - 2003 - MORNING
CLOSE UP: a basket of plain brown donuts, flaking croissants
and one GLORIOUS DANISH WITH A BRIGHT YELLOW CENTER.
HANDS REACH IN and take a few brown donuts, a croissant. BUT
THEY STAY AWAY FROM THE DANISH WITH THE YELLOW CENTER.
Finally, Cheney TAKES THE LARGE TREAT. FOUR WHITE MEN IN
SUITS (CIA AGENT, SCOOTER LIBBY, DAVID ADDINGTON AND PAUL
WOLFOWITZ) ages 35 to 55, all wait for him to speak. The room
is his.
DICK
So what do you got?
The Unseen Man’s hand flips through papers marked CLASSIFIED.
CIA AGENT
(slightly nervous)
Hassan Mustafa Nasr. A cleric based
in Milan, Italy. He’s a member of
Al-Gama’s al-Islamiyya, the group
that killed Anwar Sadat.
SCOOTER LIBBY
That’s the blind sheik, right?
CIA AGENT
There’s some debate at Langley on
whether they’re a threat or not.
They claim to be peaceful now.
He holds up the danish he’s eating.
DICK
I “claim” to be eating healthy.
Everyone laughs a bit too hard.
DICK (CONT’D)
Okay... pick him up.
23.
EXT. STREET IN MILAN - DAY
POV: A DOOR OF A VAN SLAMS OPEN: A CLERIC, 40, with beard,
wearing a Muslim taqiyah (cap) walks down an Italian street.
THREE MEN IN ALL BLACK JUMP OUT, CHASE HIM DOWN AND PULL HIM
INTO THE VAN IN A MATTER OF SECONDS.
CLERIC
NOO! Help! Help me!
QUICK CUTS: 1. Scissors slice off the Cleric’s clothes 2. He
is struck hard in the face 3. A black hood is put over his
terrified bloodied face. 4. A diaper is then put on him.
THE VAN DRIVES AWAY.
BACK TO:
Scene 9 - Cheney and Rumsfeld Rise to Power
- Overall: 8.0
- Concept: 9
- Plot: 8
- Characters: 8
- Dialogue: 8
DICK
What’s the next name?
CIA AGENT
Well Mr. Vice President, there’s
been some chatter about an
engineering student in Berlin...
FADE TO BLACK
RICHARD NIXON (V.O.)
I have never been a quitter.
INT. CHENEY’S LIVING ROOM - 1974 - DAY
TV in the Cheney’s living room shows Nixon resigning as
President.
RICHARD NIXON (SOT)
But I must put the interests of the
nation first...
DICK
Nixon forgot the voice activated
recorders were there. He got
sloppy.
LIZ
Mom, is the President being
punished?
24.
LYNNE
The President has a lot of enemies.
Never forget Lizzy: when you get
power they always try and take it
from you. Always.
LIZ
Yes M’am.
Dick dials the phone.
DICK
Donald Rumsfeld please...
LYNNE
I can’t believe this, this is our
President. This is a tragedy!
DICK
I actually think this could be
very, very good news.
MUSIC: Kicking 70’s horns come in. This is starting to feel
like good news.
EXT. DULLES PARKING LOT - SAME TIME
Rumsfeld gets into Cheney’s beat up black VW Bug in the
airport parking lot. Both toss their cigarettes.
RUMSFELD
What’s your read on things?
DICK
The way I see it, any Republican
not touched by Watergate is golden
right now.
RUMSFELD
Nice. Ford called me right before
my flight took off.
(sees black bug)
You’re still driving this chick
magnet, huh?
CHENEY
You can always take the bus.
CLOSE UP ON TELEVISION.
25.
RICHARD NIXON (SOT)
Effective immediately I will resign
the Presidency of the United States
and Vice President Ford will be
sworn in tomorrow at noon.
INT. VW BUG - PENNSYLVANIA AVE - SAME TIME
Both are smoking again as they pull up to the White House.
RUMSFELD
So what’s the plan?
DICK
The plan? Well the plan is to take
over the damn place...
RUMSFELD
Who lit a fire under your ass?
DICK
I haven’t flipped cards in a long
time Don.
INT. RUMSFELD’S NEW OFFICE - MOMENTS LATER
RUMSFELD CLOSES THE DOOR TO HIS BIG NEW OFFICE.
RUMSFELD
They gave me the damn keys to the
palace!
He pours two Glenlivet neats.
RUMSFELD (CONT’D)
Chief of Staff.
DICK
Holy shit. You salty son of a
bitch. You did it.
They clink and drink.
RUMSFELD
Now we have work to do. Kissinger
is trying to kiss and make up with
the Soviets.
DICK
Well, let’s make sure that shit
doesn’t happen.
26.
RUMSFELD
(laughing)
Yeah. Yeah.
INT. OVAL OFFICE - WHITE HOUSE - SAME TIME
Ford talks with Kissinger, Rumsfeld and Cheney.
CHENEY
If I may, I believe I may have a
way to put an ore in the water, on
Russia. What if-
KISSINGER
Mr. President-
FORD
Come on Henry let’s hear Dick out.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
One of Dick Cheney’s super powers,
was the ability to make the most
wild and extreme ideas sound
measured and professional.
DICK
What if on a unilateral basis, we
all put miniature wigs on our
penises, and we walked out to the
White House lawn, and we jerked
each other off. So, like a puppet
show, but much more enjoyable?
Long pause. Rumsfeld smiles a sly grin.
KISSINGER
I do like a good puppet show.
FORD
I say we do it!
MORE MEMOS THROWN IN THE GARBAGE, PHONES HUNG UP, NAMES
CROSSED OFF MEETING LISTS, LINES ON MEMOS REWRITTEN.
RADIO NEWS MONTAGE (V.O.)
They’re calling it the Halloween
Massacre. Donald Rumsfeld has
replaced Secretary of Defense James
Slessinger. And Dick Cheney has
been chosen as the--
27.
Scene 10 - The Power Games
- Overall: 7.0
- Concept: 8
- Plot: 6
- Characters: 8
- Dialogue: 7
Lynne spins around her husband’s well appointed office.
LYNNE
--the youngest Chief of Staff in
history! It’s like a dream.
DICK
It’s real. And Don is the youngest
Secretary of Defense ever.
LYNNE
Well, I’m not talking about Don,
I’m talking about you. And I’m
going to give you a kiss, right her
in the White House.
She holds Dick. They kiss.
A SECRET SERVICE AGENT peeks in the door with Liz and Mary in
tow.
SECRET SERVICE AGENT
Excuse me Mr. and Mrs. Cheney.
These girls tried to enter the Oval
Office.
They run into Dick’s arms.
DICK
Oh dear!
LYNNE
Girls this is not a playground,
please do not--
MARY
Daddy! Is this where Santa lives?
DICK
Better than Santa. It’s where the
leader of the greatest nation on
earth lives!
MARY
Are you one of his elves Daddy?
DICK
In a way, yes.
LYNNE
No he’s not Mary. Your Father is
Chief of Staff. Chief. Of Staff.
(MORE)
28.
LYNNE (CONT'D)
(to him)
Dick, if you’re silly with her
she’ll grow up to be a silly woman.
DICK
Right of course, I forgot, that’s
just silly, Mary.
INT. OFFICE OF LEGAL COUNSEL - DOJ - THE NEXT DAY
Cheney talks to a YOUNG LAWYER at the OLC.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
And as the new Chief of Staff and
with the Presidency weakened by
Watergate, Dick Cheney wanted to
find out exactly how much power did
the President have.
DICK
I would like to reinstate Executive
Authority. How?
NARRATOR (V.O.)
Antonin Scalia, a young lawyer with
the justice department who would
later go on to serve on the Supreme
Court, rocked Dick’s world.
YOUNG LAWYER
Have you heard of the theory of the
unitary executive?
DICK
No, tell me about it.
YOUNG LAWYER
It’s an interpretation a few, like
myself happen to believe, of
Article two of the Constitution
that vests the President with
absolute executive authority. And I
mean absolute.
Cheney and Scalia both smile. This is what Cheney has been
looking for.
MUSIC: GLORIOUS ORCHESTRAL STING.
VT footage of a Lion chasing a gazelle and catching it.
29.
INT. MIDDLE AMERICA HOME - DAY
Narrator Dad plays with his son on the floor.
NARRATOR
(to wife)
Honey, you wanna get Cole up to the
high chair? I gotta explain this to
the people.
WIFE
(picking up son)
Come on buddy!
IMAGES OF THE WHITE HOUSE, THE SCALES OF JUSTICE AND SOLDIERS
AT WAR.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
The Unitary Executive Theory.
Certain legal scholars believe that
if the President does anything it
must be legal because it’s the
President. To hell with checks and
balances, especially during times
of war. This was the power of
kings, pharaohs, dictators,
FREEZE ON DICK CHENEY
NARRATOR
Dick Cheney was a foot soldier in
the power games of Washington DC,
but with the Unitary Executive
Theory, he could become Galactus,
devourer of planets,
Image of the super villain... GALACTUS
NARRATOR (CONT’D)
But then it was Election Day and
there was one big problem...
INT. RESIDENTIAL QUARTERS - WHITE HOUSE - NIGHT
Ford, Betty Ford, Cheney, Lynne, Rumsfeld watch the returns
on ABC NEWS with BARBARA WALTERS and HARRY REASONER. Cheney
is chain smoking. They all sip cocktails.
TV SCREEN reports Carter winning presidential election
30.
BARBARA WALTERS (SOT)
...Which means that Jimmy Carter is
the next President of the United
States.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
And just like that it was all over.
LYNNE
That can’t be right. It got to be
some sort of a mistake.
RUMSFELD
Well...there goes the neighborhood.
FORD
(his voice is horse)
Thank you everybody.
TV REPORTER (V.O.)
The Republicans have lost the
Presidency, they are the minority
in Congress and in most states.
With America demanding change, I
don’t see a future for the GOP.
They are the party of the past.
Scene 11 - Campaigning through Tragedy
- Overall: 8.0
- Concept: 9
- Plot: 8
- Characters: 8
- Dialogue: 7
Maintenance workers install giant solar panels on the roof of
the White House.
DAVID BRINKLEY (SOT)
President Carter went to the roof
of the White House today to
announce his new solar
initiative...
VT President Carter speaking to the press.
PRESIDENT CARTER (SOT)
We must end our dependence on
fossil fuels. And by the using the
energy God gave us in the sun, we
may have an endless source of power
with solar energy...
31.
EXT. WYOMING RIVER - 2012 - DAY
Cheney trudges through a river with fishing gear in hand in
slo-mo. He is older, unsteady, but determined and focused.
CUT TO:
EXT. SMALL TOWN IN WYOMING - DAY - SUMMER - 1978
A VFW IN A ONE STOP SIGN TOWN. A beat up Winnebago with a
shabby “Cheney for Congress!” on it parked out front.
INT. SMALL TOWN VFW - DAY - SUMMER - 1978
Cheney speaks to RANCHERS at a VFW. It’s hot.
DICK
...I will become the gentleman from
Wyoming. And hear this, taxes must
come down.
Lynne coaches from the back of the room.
LYNNE
(whispers)
Talk. Talk.
DICK
I’ll say it again, taxes must go
down, we must ameliorate pain for
the taxes of the working man....and
bring perspicacity to the fore.
Lynne watches, pained. He’s not good at this. The Campaign
Manager leans in.
CAMPAIGN MANAGER
(whispers)
Thank God for name recognition.
DICK
But enough of the horsing around.
Which is of course, what us cowboys
do. So uh, remember, vote Cheney
for Congress. Uhh, thank you and
vote for Cheney in Congress.
LYNNE
Either he drinks next time, or I
do.
32.
Crowd applauds tepidly. Dick walks over to Lynne and his
Campaign Manager. He’s rubbing his arm.
DICK
I don’t want anyone to panic. But I
do believe I have to go to the
hospital.
FADE UP ON AN ACTUAL HEART BEATING AND THEN STOPPING AND THEN
BEATING ERRATICALLY BEFORE FINALLY IT STOPS.
QUICK CUT: A CUCKOO CLOCK STRIKING TWELVE: A cuckoo pops out.
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY
Cheney is in bed, IV coming out of his arm, heart monitors
beeping. Lynne is there by his side. A DOCTOR, 39.
DOCTOR
It’s an inferior wall infarct.
LYNNE
But it can be fixed, right?
DOCTOR
If it was up to me you’d drop out
of the election. But you’ve both
made it clear that’s not an option.
So you must have a minimum of two
weeks bed rest.
DICK
Two weeks off. We’ll lose our lead.
LYNNE
The hell we will.
EXT. RANCH - DAY
A microphone stand on the back of a truck and a crowd of
fifty HARD FACED MALE FARMERS AND RANCHERS waiting. A good ol
boy RANCH OWNER, 59, intros.
MAYOR
Dick Cheney has an illness so he
can’t be here today. But we have
his wife and a heck of a pretty gal
here to fill in: Lynne Cheney!
Lynne walks up to the Podium. SHE IS TOO SMALL TO REACH THE
MICROPHONE. THE CROWD LAUGHS. Lynne takes the mic off.
33.
LYNNE
I grew up in Wyoming. But somewhere
along the line Washington DC
stopped listening to real folks
like us! And started only listening
to liberal snobs who want us all to
lose our jobs to affirmative
action!
Awkward silence. The Campaign Manager tries to usher her off.
CAMPAIGN MANAGER
Okay Lynne...
The crowd EXPLODES in applause. Lynne pushes the Manager’s
hand away.
LYNNE
When I was in New York City I saw
women burning their bras. Well you
know what women do with bras in
Wyoming? We wear them!
Crowd applauds lustily again. The Campaign Manager looks
around “What the hell is happening?”
EXT. WYOMING RURAL AREA
A VAN weaves through a windy dirt road.
LYNNE (V.O.)
Here in Wyoming we believe there is
a right and a wrong.
INT. CHURCH BASEMENT - DAY
A Ladies Auxiliary Meeting. Some women knit as Lynne gives a
speech.
LYNNE
Because I’m a mom and a wife from
Wyoming. And I know how it feels to
make every penny count. And not
only do I speak for you, my husband
Dick Cheney...
Crowd livens up, applauding hard.
34.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
A hard wind of change had been
blowing through America, civil
rights, Roe versus Wade,
environmentalism. But there was a
part of the country that didn’t
like this change and wanted it to
stop.
Scene 12 - The Rise of the Right Wing
- Overall: 8.0
- Concept: 9
- Plot: 8
- Characters: 7
- Dialogue: 8
Lynne and Dick toast to a table of CONGRESSMEN AND WIVES.
DICK
Thanks to my amazing wife, it is
good to be joining you all here in
D.C. as Wyoming’s sole
Congressional Representative!
Everyone smiles and toasts.
EXT. DC STREET - DAY
CUTS OF: OLD MONEY PATRIARCHS getting out of limos in SLO MO.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
And then big money families like
the Kochs and the Coors that were
sick of paying income taxes, rolled
into Washington DC and started
writing fat checks to fund right
wing think tanks...
QUICK CUTS: the Heritage Foundation, the American Enterprise
Institute, the CATO Institute, ALEC, etc.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
...that would change the way many
Americans looked at the world.
INT. THINK TANK OFFICE - DAY
CU of a document on a desk: “TRICKLE DOWN ECONOMICS: A study
on reduced top tax rates as stimulus.”
PULL OUT to reveal a giant office with dozens of desks and
PEOPLE. A BIG SIGN READS “THE AMERICAN ENTERPRISE INSTITUTE”
LITTLE LINES TYPE IN THE AIR OVER EACH DESK: “Welfare Fraud,
America’s Hidden Epidemic” “OIL AND COAL: AMERICA’S FUTURE!”
“Regulations Are Costing us Billions!”
35.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
Finally in 1980, this unlikely
revolution of the super rich and
white conservatives found its
face...
INT. RNC CONVENTION - DETROIT - 1980
VT. STOCK: RONALD REAGAN giving his ACTUAL nomination speech.
REAGAN
For those who have abandoned hope,
we'll restore hope, and we'll
welcome them into a great national
crusade... to make America great
again!
Crowd goes NUTS.
EXT. WHITE HOUSE ROOF - 1980 - DAY
WORKERS unscrew solar panels from the roof and discard them
into a pile.
INT. HALLWAY - CAPITOL BUILDING - DAY - 1980’S
Cheney walks confidently talking to Congressmen and Aides.
NARRATOR
It was the fucking 1980’s, and it
was a hell of a time to be Dick
Cheney.
INT. FLOOR OF CONGRESS - DAY
QUICK CUTS: CHENEY INSERTING HIS HOUSE VOTING CARD, A FEW RED
“NAY” VOTES COMING UP ON THE BIG BOARD AGAINST A SEA OF GREEN
“YEA” VOTES.
CLERK
Vote on the Undetectable fire arms
Act to ban “plastic guns that can
evade metal detectors”... Clean
water act... endangered species
act... School lunch
program...Martin Luther King Jr
federal holiday...
ACTUAL CLIPS of Nancy Reagan on Mr. T’s lap, Donald Trump,
Aerobics.
36.
INT. HALLWAY - CAPITOL BUILDING - DAY - 1984
Dick COLLAPSES IN THE HALLWAY, going to his knees.
MUSIC: OUT
PANICKED AIDE
Someone call an ambulance!!
(to Cheney)
Can you breathe?
DICK
I’m having a heart attack you
idiot.
INT. WHITE HOUSE - EAST WING - NIGHT - 1986
White House CHRISTMAS PARTY. REAGAN AND NANCY (from behind)
meet and greet celebrities, leaders and friends like Royalty.
REVEAL: Lynne and Cheney ENTER like a Duke and Duchess. Dick
looks dashing in a tux and Lynne stunning in a tasteful gown.
ON SCREEN: “Dick Cheney House Minority Whip 1989” and “Lynne
Cheney Chair of the National Endowment for the Humanitites
1986-1993”
Quick shots of people at the party CATCHING GLIMPSES OF THE
CHENEYS, some whisper, some smile.
LYNNE
(finishing a conversation)
Thank you... I’m very excited.
The couple she was talking to walks away.
LYNNE (CONT’D)
They’re both brilliant, but broke.
VICE PRESIDENT GEORGE BUSH SR. walks up.
GEORGE BUSH SR
Hey Dick... Hello Lynne.
Congratulations on your
appointment.
LYNNE
Why thank you Mr. Vice President.
How is your lovely family?
37.
GEORGE BUSH SR
My son Jeb seems cut out for
office. We may be asking you for
endorsements in a few years.
LYNNE
If he’s half as charming as you
George, he’s got both our votes.
GEORGE BUSH SR
Dick. I just wanted to say thank
you for getting the House not to
override the President’s veto of
the fairness doctrine.
DICK
Not a problem. Happy to get rid of
any big government regulations.
FREEZE
NARRATOR (V.O.)
The fairness doctrine was a law
from the forties that required any
broadcast TV or radio news to
present both sides of an issue
equally. Its repeal would lead to
the rise of opinion news.
QUICK CLIPS OF MORTON DOWNEY JR, RUSH LIMBAUGH, AND THEN A
GIANT FOX NEWS ANIMATED LOGO “FAIR AND BALANCED.”
Scene 13 - Power and Personal Tragedy
- Overall: 8.0
- Concept: 9
- Plot: 8
- Characters: 8
- Dialogue: 8
30’S FEMALE BLONDE ANCHOR AT A NEWS DESK
NEWS ANCHOR
(To camera)
... And eventually to the
realization of Roger Ailes’ dream:
Fox News. Which would go on to
dominate all other news and swing
America even more to the right.
CUT BACK TO:
INT. CHRISTMAS PARTY - NIGHT
UNFREEZE: There’s a CRASH on the other side of the party. We
see a LANKY DRUNK GUY who’s knocked over a tray of champagne
glasses. A waitress is distraught.
38.
LANKY DRUNK GUY
Lighten up sweetie! It’s a party!
DICK
What’s that fella’s problem?
GEORGE BUSH SR
Let me go see if everything’s okay
over there. Great to see you both.
Love to the girls...
George goes over to the young drunk man and ushers him out.
LYNNE
(quietly)
That’s his son. George W. He’s the
black sheep of the family.
DICK
A little too much unconditional
love.
LYNNE
Can you feel it Dick? Half the room
wants to be us and the other half
fears us. I know George is up next
but after that, who knows?
She rubs her hand against his back.
DICK
(takes it in)
I respect the hell out of Reagan...
But no one’s really shown the world
the true power of the American
Presidency...
SMASH CUT TO:
EXT. VIRGINIA HIGH SCHOOL - DAY
MARY CHENEY, now 17, leaves school SOBBING HARD. A TEACHER
FOLLOWS HER.
TEACHER
Excuse me Ms. Cheney! You cannot
leave the grounds during school
hours! Mary! Come back!
She jumps in her 85 Honda Accord, tears out.
MARY CHENEY
No, no, no!!!
39.
Mary speeds through a stop sign and BAM!! IS HIT BY ANOTHER
CAR! She is dazed with blood coming down her face.
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - AN HOUR LATER
Mary, in a hospital bed. Dick and Lynne are there.
LYNNE
I just don’t understand. You left
school? Why? It doesn’t make sense.
MARY
It was Susan...
LYNNE
Your best friend? Were you fighting
over a boy?
MARY
She broke up with me...
Beat.
MARY (CONT’D)
Mom, Dad, I like girls... I’m gay.
Dick and Lynne are silent for a long time. Everything they’ve
worked for hangs in the balance. Finally Dick moves towards
Mary and hugs her.
DICK
It doesn’t matter sweetheart. We
will always love you no matter
what.
MARY
Oh, I love you so much Daddy...
LYNNE
(tearing up)
It’s just going to be... so hard
for you...
INT. SHIPPING WAREHOUSE - 2011 - DAY
Kurt the Narrator, drives an electric pallet cart.
NARRATOR
When George Bush Sr. was elected
President, Dick Cheney was made
Secretary of Defense. Sixth in line
to the Presidency.
40.
Kurt the Narrator parks his cart and moves some boxes.
NARRATOR (CONT’D)
And after a few years, it was
Dick’s turn to run for President,
so they decided to do some early
polling numbers.
INT. CHENEY KITCHEN - DAY - 1992
CLOSE UP: early poll results in Cheney’s hands. They show him
dead last behind 11 other Republicans including Dan Quayle.
DICK
Well I guess that’s it.
Lynne is there.
LYNNE
We can move those numbers. We
attack the welfare state,
regulations, government waste...
DICK
It’ll be a war. I can’t put Mary
through that. Every primary
opponent will go after her...
LYNNE
We deny. Shame them for going after
the family...
He crumples the paper, leaves it on the table and exits.
Lynne looks at the paper.
SCORE: BITTER SWEET BUT STILL GLORIOUS ORCHESTRAL
EXT. MIDDLE EASTERN DESERT - DAY - 1993
CHENEY WALKS ACROSS THE DESERT WITH THE FAMILY OF SAUD.
ON SCREEN: “Dick Cheney would go on to become CEO of a large
oil service company: Halliburton”
Scene 14 - The Cheney Family Decision
- Overall: 8.0
- Concept: 9
- Plot: 8
- Characters: 9
- Dialogue: 7
Dick, Mary, now 30, her partner HEATHER POE and Liz, 33 and
her HUSBAND PHILIP (holding a newborn) with Lynne, all fish
and sit by a beautiful lake. A GRAND DAUGHTER KATE, 4, runs
around laughing with 2 DOGS.
41.
ON SCREEN: “Lynne would publish several books on American
History.”
Dick holds his newborn grand daughter and laughs with family.
ON SCREEN: “Dick had a choice between the Presidency of the
United States and his youngest daughter. He chose his
daughter.”
Mary chases Lynne with the fish, everyone laughs.
ON SCREEN: “The Cheneys would never again enter politics or
the public eye.”
ON SCREEN: “Lynne and Dick are happy and wealthy and live in
Virginia where they breed award-winning Golden Retrievers.”
The Cheneys walk together up to the their house for supper.
END CREDITS ROLL
SFX: Is that a phone ringing?
END CREDITS CONTINUE TO ROLL
The Phone ringing gets LOUDER.
END CREDITS KEEP ROLLING
THE PHONE RINGING IS NOW VERY LOUD.
SMASH CUT TO:
INT. CHENEY HOME OFFICE - 1999- DAY
A desk phone is ringing as Dick, now in his early 60’s moves
towards it.
DICK CHENEY
Okay, okay. I’m coming...
LYNNE (O.C.)
Who’s calling on a Sunday morning?!
DICK CHENEY
I don’t know!
He answers.
DICK
Hello. Cheney residence?... Uh-
huh...I understand... Anyway I can
be of assistance... Okay...
(MORE)
42.
DICK (CONT'D)
That should work... 3pm... Of
course... That goes without
saying...
He hangs up and stands there for a second. Lynne comes
walking out of the kitchen.
LYNNE
Who was it?!
DICK
It was someone from George Bush’s
son’s campaign.
LYNNE
Jeb?
DICK CHENEY
No. George W... Jeb’s Florida.
LYNNE
Right. I still can’t believe
they’ve got that poor boy running
for President.
Beat.
LYNNE (CONT’D)
So what did they want?
DICK
They want to talk to me about being
his running mate.
LYNNE
What?
DICK
They didn’t say it outright but
I’ve made that call myself and
that’s what they want.
Beat.
LYNNE
Vice President is a nothing job.
DICK
I’m just going to hear them out. I
owe his Father that...
Beat.
43.
LYNNE
VP just waits for the President to
die. You’ve said it yourself.
DICK
It’s just a meeting.
LYNNE
Is it just a meeting? Or is it just
a meeting?
DICK
It’s just a meeting.
LYNNE
Good.
She walks away. Cheney stands there still in thought.
EXT. AUSTIN, TEXAS - CAPITOL BUILDING - DAY - 1999
INT. GOVERNOR’S OFFICE - LOBBY - SAME TIME
CU: Cheney’s polished shoes. He reaches for a copy of Time
Magazine: The Cover a picture of Bush with the headline
“President Bush?” A receptionist, THERESA, 28 approaches him.
THERESA
The Governor will see you now
Secretary Cheney.
DICK
Sure.
Scene 15 - The VP Offer
- Overall: 8.0
- Concept: 9
- Plot: 8
- Characters: 7
- Dialogue: 8
CU of W Bush’s hand as it shakes Cheney’s. A signed Nolan
Ryan baseball on a shelf, papers on the desk with a copy of
Sports Illustrated, Cheney lowering himself into a chair,
Bush tapping his finger on the desk to an unheard beat.
W BUSH
Hello Dick.
DICK
Hello George.
W BUSH
It’s been awhile.
44.
DICK
Since last year. The foreign policy
sessions...
We see GEORGE W BUSH, 53. Handsome but boyish with a petulant
fidgety edge to him.
W BUSH
That’s right. Those meetings were
very engaging. I remember we both
agreed my Dad would have been re-
elected if he had taken out Saddam.
DICK
War time Presidents are always
popular.
W BUSH
That they are. That they are.
DICK
So... Congratulations on a
successful primary. I’ve been
through a few myself and they can
be... Shall we say-
W BUSH
Fucking exhausting?
DICK
(chuckles lightly)
Yes.
W BUSH
Buses, bologna sandwiches. I mean I
like people but enough’s enough. Am
I right?
DICK
(and then)
So uh, the call I received...
W BUSH
I forgot, you’re a brass tacks guy
aren’t you? I like that. Are you
surprised I’m running for
President? After my, shall we say,
wild years?
DICK
I sowed some oats myself back in
the day. Still enjoy a cold beer on
occasion.
45.
W BUSH
I bet you did. I bet you did you
rascal. Well I can’t anymore. It
got bad... Real bad.
DICK (V.O.)
What does he really want? What does
he need?
W BUSH
Do you want some brisket? Theresa
can we get some brisket?!
THERESA
Yes sir!
W BUSH
Get the burnt ends!
DICK
George... Listen...
W BUSH
(changes gears nervously)
So listen, I’ve got a lack of
experience problem in the polls and
you’re one of the most experienced
guys around. You wanna jump on
board and be my Vice?
QUICK FLASH: Cheney’s fishing line in a RIVER. He watches the
water with a patient focus.
DICK
...I’m honored.
W BUSH
Don’t be honored. Fucking say yes
Mr. Brass tacks.
DICK
...I have to say no at this time.
W BUSH
Come on. I know you love politics.
What are you in the private sector
now? Come on...
DICK
I can’t.
W BUSH
That’s a shame. It is. I really
need you near my campaign.
46.
Beat. QUICK FLASH: a satchel is opened revealing fly fishing
lures of all shapes and sizes.
DICK
Perhaps... I, uh, could help you
find the right running mate?
W BUSH
You mean run my VP search team?
DICK
No team. Me.
W BUSH
Yeah, yeah. That could work. I’ll
have to run it by Rove of course.
(and then)
This campaign’s gonna be a bitch.
But if I lose I can maybe become
commissioner of baseball, you know?
DICK
But the idea is to win, right?
W BUSH
I’m going to keep you in the back
of my mind.
Scene 16 - The Decision
- Overall: 8.0
- Concept: 7
- Plot: 8
- Characters: 7
- Dialogue: 8
Dick and Lynne brush and floss and prepare for bed. After a
long beat Lynne finally speaks.
LYNNE
So are you going to tell me how it
went today or not?
DICK
It was... interesting. He is
a...green. He’s very green.
Beat.
LYNNE
And you told him no?
DICK
I told him I’d help with the
search.
Beat. Dick gargles Listerine for a very long time. Painfully
long.
47.
LYNNE
What are you thinking? I can tell
you’re thinking.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
What was Dick Cheney thinking?
DICK
I’m thinking I’ve never seen
anything like this.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
After his first meeting with George
W.
LYNNE
We’ve had a lot of successes Dick.
Vice President is a nothing job.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
How many steps ahead was he
looking? How did he feel about the
opportunity that was in front of
him?
Cheney stares in the mirror.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
There are certain moments, that are
so delicate. Like a teacup and
saucer...
FLASH BACK of Dick hugging Lynne and the children after they
found out Lynne’s Mom died.
NARRATOR
Stacked on a teacup and saucer...
FLASH BACK of Lynne yelling at young Dick as he sits hungover
on the couch with his head hung in shame.
NARRATOR (CONT’D)
Stacked on a teacup and saucer....
Back to Dick and Lynne in the bathroom.
NARRATOR (CONT’D)
And on and on. That this moment
could fall in any direction and
change everything.
FLASH TO Tea cups wobbling as they are stacked higher and
higher.
48.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
Sadly there is no real way to know
exactly what was going on with the
Cheneys at this history changing
moment. We can’t just snap into a
Shakespearian Soliloquy that
dramatizes every feeling and
emotion. That’s just not the way
the world works.
CUT TO BLACK.
NARRATOR
You know what?
INT. CHENEY BEDROOM
Dick and Lynne get settled into bed.
LYNNE
My sweet Richard.
Dance’d nimbly round the King’s
hearth thou hath.
Even whilst clamored I for more,
more!
Parched maw craned towards the
drip, drip of imagined waters.
But I say to you now, rest, retire.
Thou hast honored thy vows to wife
and crown.
DICK
Has blindness usurped vision in you
my wife?
No mere treaty is our union!
Thou shared thy torch’s flame with
mine.
Revealing halls and spires of long
faded empires.
But now I hold aloft mine own fiery
cresset
To make flesh our bond of power.
LYNNE
Dare I?
Dare I let hope’s beak place
gathered bramble
Upon my heart for future’s nest?
Many winters past hath I let this
hope die,
cruel winds silencing tiny birds
needy cries
(MORE)
49.
LYNNE (CONT'D)
Now that it hath arrived I say yea,
yea!
Mine own blood and will, are yours
til pierced be the last soldier’s
breast plate,
spilling open its jellied ruby
treasures!
Lightening Strikes as they embrace and kiss passionately.
CUT TO BLACK.
Back to the Bedroom with non-Shakespeare Dick and Lynne. Long
beat of silence.
LYNNE (CONT’D)
So?
DICK
So...I think we proceed.
LYNNE
What about Mary?
DICK
It’s VP. It’s not the same
scrutiny.
Dick rolls over, finally ready to sleep.
LYNNE
He’s got allies Dick...
Connections. You’re new to his
world. You don’t know the
landscape.
DICK
Well, then I had better run a very
thorough search...
CUT TO:
Scene 17 - The VP Questionnaire
- Overall: 7.0
- Concept: 9
- Plot: 7
- Characters: 5
- Dialogue: 7
Liz, Lynne, Mary, Dick’s friend DAVID GRIBBIN and Dick work
on the VP questionnaire. Laptops, papers are everywhere.
DICK
Every stone. Hell, every grain of
sand needs to be looked under for
this questionnaire.
Mary is putting pizzas on the table.
50.
DAVID GRIBBIN
Dick we’re asking for all
financials, all medical, all
interviews, press, writings, legal
records, family medical and family
financials. Any more
“comprehensive” and we’d need a
rubber glove. Sorry Liz.
LIZ
That wasn’t offensive. Should I be
offended?
LYNNE
I’m offended Dave wasn’t worried
I’d be offended.
LIZ
Oh, a rubber glove. Like a
proctology exam. That’s...that’s
disgusting.
The phone rings. Dick answers.
DICK
Hey David. Any thoughts?
INT. LAW OFFICE - VIRGINIA - SAME TIME
David Addington at his desk, phone crook’d in his neck.
DAVID ADDINGTON
One big one.
FREEZE
NARRATOR (V.O.)
David Addington, Dicks main legal
advisor and a huge believer in the
Unitary Executive Theory. He was
known for telling people to their
face that they were stupid.
UNFREEZE
DAVID ADDINGTON
So the Vice Presidency is part of
the executive branch and because
the VP casts tie breaking votes in
the Senate, also part of the
legislative branch, right?
51.
DICK
Okay?
DAVID ADDINGTON
That means the VP is also not part
of the executive or the
legislative.
DICK
So one could argue neither branch
has oversight of the VP?
DAVID ADDINGTON
Not only can “one” argue that, I’m
arguing it right now.
DICK
Brilliant David.
DAVID ADDINGTON
I know! Right?
CUT TO:
Scene 18 - The Offer
- Overall: 9.0
- Concept: 9
- Plot: 10
- Characters: 9
- Dialogue: 9
Cheney and W walk towards a porch with a screen door slightly
ajar at W’s Crawford Ranch.
W BUSH
Rove made me buy this ranch. He
wanted to distance me from my years
at Yale and Harvard. Make me more
of a man of the people for the
election.
DICK
Smart.
They sit. W BUSH eats chicken while Cheney sips his ice tea.
W BUSH
So, we gonna do this thing or what?
Is this happening?
DICK
We’ve found some very interesting
candidates. I think if we could
schedule a three hour window to go
through each one-
52.
W BUSH
No. I meant are you going to be my
VP? I want you.
Beat.
DICK
I’m CEO of a large company. I’ve
been Secretary of Defense, Chief of
Staff... The Vice Presidency is a
mostly symbolic job...
W BUSH
Right, right. I can see how that
wouldn’t be enticing to you.
DICK
However... the Vice Presidency is
also defined by the President. If
we were to have a... different
understanding...
W BUSH
Uh-huh. Go on.
QUICK FLASH: a fishing line going TIGHT.
DICK
I get the sense you’re a, shall we
say, kinetic leader. You make
decisions based on instinct. You’re
very different from your father in
that regard.
W BUSH
(he likes that)
I am. People have always said that.
DICK
Maybe I could handle the more
mundane parts of the job. Managing
the bureaucracy, overseeing the
military, energy, foreign policy...
W BUSH
That sounds good.
QUICK FLASH: a fishing line reels out for another catch.
W BUSH (CONT’D)
I never want to be the kind of team
owner that pulls the starter in the
4th inning. That’s the manager’s
job.
53.
DICK
And one last thing. My daughter
Mary...
W BUSH
Right... Rove told me she likes
girls.
DICK
I know you’ll have to run against
gay marriage for the south and the
mid-west. But it’s my daughter and
that line in drawn in concrete.
W BUSH
So long as you don’t mind us
pushing that messaging. Sure, we’re
okay with you sitting that one out.
I think it’s important for all the
Marys in the world, you know? No
problemo.
DICK
Then I believe this can work.
W raises his glass.
W BUSH
Hot Damn! Well good, let’s
celebrate!
They cheers ice tea.
INT. FRANK ERWIN CENTER - AUSTIN - 2000 - DAY
BACKSTAGE: Dick and Lynne wait behind the curtains while we
hear W Bush speaking.
W BUSH (O.S.)
When I was searching for a Vice
President I turned to the
experience of Dick Cheney.
But I soon realized he was the best
choice. Please welcome, my friend
and my running mate: Dick Cheney!
And his lovely wife Lynne!
The Cheneys enter. On stage we see Dick’s shoes walk towards
the podium. A quick flash of the campaign’s slogan on the
podium: “RENEWING AMERICA’S PURPOSE”
54.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
Dick never filled out his own 83
question questionnaire. Full
medical records were never handed
over. No tax or corporate filings,
nothing.
Crowd starts chanting “Cheney! Cheney!”
Scene 19 - Transition Planning and Supreme Court Intervention
- Overall: 9.0
- Concept: 8
- Plot: 9
- Characters: 8
- Dialogue: 8
ON SCREEN: November 7, 2000, Bush vs. Gore
Room full of people watching the election results: Don and
Joyce Rumsfeld, Lynne, Mary and Heather, Liz and Philip,
Addington, Wolfowitz etc. In the back of the room Dick talks
to SCOOTER LIBBY.
SCOOTER LIBBY
Gore rescinded his concession.
They’re claiming Florida is too
close to call.
DICK
He can’t fucking rescind his
concession.
SCOOTER LIBBY
He just did. There’s going to be a
recount. What should we do?
Half beat as Cheney processes.
DICK
We play it like we’ve already won.
Which means we need to staff the
White House.
SCOOTER LIBBY
Who’s leading the transition team?
DICK
I’ll do it.
SCOOTER LIBBY
Um, that’s not really something a
Vice President does, is it?
DICK
It is now.
News reporting on election results.
55.
NEWSCASTER (V.O.)
Gore has called Governor Bush and
retracted his concession.
The room erupts. “No!” “He can’t do that!”
INT. CHENEY KITCHEN - A WEEK LATER - DAY
Addington, Liz, Mary, Lynne, Dick and AIDES work amidst tons
of folders, files, cell phones in the Cheney kitchen..
DICK
Wolfowitz. State or Pentagon?
ADDINGTON
Depends on who your Secretary of
Defense is.
DICK
Rummy.
ADDINGTON
100%
LIZ
Rumsfeld?
MARY
Doesn’t Bush Sr. hate Rummy?
DICK
That’s not a bad thing with W. He
wants to be his own man.
Dick checks his blackberry.
ADDINGTON
Rumsfeld believes in a robust
Executive. That’s good for us on
war powers.
LYNNE
(joking)
Just keep him out of state, he’ll
start World War three.
DICK
Halliburton gave us a 26 million
dollar exit package. Twice as much
as we were hoping for.
LYNNE
They’re no dummies.
56.
Cheney wiggles two fingers around on his right hand.
DICK
Uh. Sorry gang. But I think
perhaps... I should go to the
hospital...
LYNNE
Oh no. Are you kidding me?
Everyone circles around Dick.
INT. SUPREME COURT - DAY
MARSHALL
Oyez! Oyez! Oyez! All persons
having business before the
Honorable, the Supreme Court of the
United States, are admonished to
draw near and give their attention,
for the Court is now sitting. God
bless the United States and this
Honorable Court.
The Justices enter, sit. Whip pan reveal: JUSTICE SCALIA.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
December 12th 2000. Antonin Scalia,
remember him? And the Supreme Court
stopped the state of Florida from
completing their recount.
Clips of Washington D.C.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
George W Bush and Dick Cheney were
going to the Whitehouse by a margin
of 537 votes.
EXT. WASHINGTON DC. 2001 - DAY
OVERHEAD SHOT OF A PROCESSION OF 5 BLACK LIMOS DRIVING INTO
THE HEART OF DC.
Scene 20 - Memories of Power
- Overall: 7.0
- Concept: 8
- Plot: 7
- Characters: 7
- Dialogue: 6
Cheney walks the halls of the White House alone.
He stops at a CLOSED DOOR. Looks at it. REACHES OUT AND TURNS
THE HANDLE. Reveal: THE EMPTY OVAL OFFICE.
57.
Dick doesn’t enter but looks at the office for a long beat.
As he stands there we FLASH BACK TO THE DAY DICK FIRST GOT
HIS OWN OFFICE IN THE NIXON WHITE HOUSE AND CALLED LYNNE.
YOUNG DICK
(to baby Mary on phone)
Hey little Mary. My little Mary.
How are you doing?
YOUNG LYNNE
They’re both doing really well.
Except I’m trying to make this
dinner and it’s this, uh, Macaroni
and Cheese that they said was easy,
but it just keeps coming out a
little watery.
YOUNG DICK
It’s the milk, remember. You gotta
add more milk. Yep, make it
thicker.
YOUNG LYNNE
There’s so much I want to say right
now. You just keep doing what
you’re doing. You’re doing so
great.
They laugh.
YOUNG LYNNE (CONT’D)
You have earned something very
special from your wife.
YOUNG DICK
Listen! Listen! I’m buying wine and
I’m picking something up. Chinese?
YOUNG LYNNE
I really love you.
YOUNG DICK
I love you.
They laugh and giggle. And then the memory is gone.
Dick stands in the doorway shrouded in darkness and silence.
INT. OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT - A FEW DAYS LATER
Cheney, Scooter, Addington, Mary Matalin, PAUL WOLFOWITZ, 52,
and Rumsfeld all sit in Cheney’s office.
58.
DICK
Scooter, why don’t you let everyone
know the lay of the land?
MUSIC: DRUM BEAT
SCOOTER LIBBY
Of course. As you all know, I’m
Scooter Libby, Dick’s Chief of
Staff...
Scene 21 - Planning for Power
- Overall: 9.0
- Concept: 8
- Plot: 9
- Characters: 7
- Dialogue: 8
A GIANT HAND PUTS A “GEORGE W BUSH GAME PIECE” (LIKE
STRATEGO) DOWN IN THE OVAL OFFICE.
SCOOTER LIBBY (V.O.)
But I’m also a special adviser to
the President.
A GAME PIECE OF SCOOTER APPEARS IN THE ROOM.
SCOOTER LIBBY (V.O.)
Mary Matalin will serve as an
adviser to the VP and to Bush.
GAME PIECE OF MATALIN APPEARS.
SCOOTER LIBBY (V.O.)
David Addington, Dick’s main legal
counsel, will play center field on
all matters relating to executive
power.
GAME PIECE OF ADDINGTON APPEARS.
SCOOTER LIBBY (V.O.)
The President has Alberto Gonzales,
Karl Rove and Karen Hughes as his
team.
GAME PIECES OF THOSE THREE APPEAR.
SCOOTER LIBBY (V.O.)
Quite frankly Gonzales has no clue,
Rove is a hack and Hughes should be
in double A ball.
Their PIECES GET SWEPT OFF THE BOARD BY A GIANT HAND. BUSH IS
NOW SURROUNDED BY CHENEY GAME PIECES.
59.
SCOOTER LIBBY
We will be automatically BCC’d on
all emails the President receives
or sends. As well as have access to
his schedule the second it is set
or changed.
DICK
We’ll also be receiving the daily
intelligence briefing before the
President so we can get inside the
decision curve.
RUMSFELD
Jesus. Bush approved all of this?
DICK
We have... an understanding.
RUMSFELD
What about the emails? Paper
shredders don’t work with emails.
DICK
The entire administration will run
off of the RNC’s private server.
ADDINGTON
And we’ve deactivated automatic
archiving. We’re clean.
SCOOTER LIBBY
Okay, so over at the Pentagon we’ve
got Don as Secretary of Defense.
Paul Wolfowitz, who worked with
Team B in the Ford days, as
Undersecretary of Defense.
More GAME PIECES GO ONTO A GAME BOARD that shows the
Pentagon, DOJ, White House, and all of DC.
DICK
Let’s check what kind of plans they
have to invade Iraq, okay Paul?
PAUL WOLFOWITZ
It’s already in the works.
SCOOTER LIBBY
We’ve got Ashcroft at the DOJ.
State seems to be the only tricky
department. That’s Colin Powell and
his guy Lawrence Wilkerson.
60.
PAUL WOLFOWITZ
We’ve got Bolton over there. He’s a
loose cannon but loyal.
DICK
I want to get Liz in there as well.
Let’s make sure that happens.
SCOOTER LIBBY
Consider it done.
(back to business)
And this list of “our” people
doesn’t include about 800 others
lobbyists and industry insiders we
placed in the regulatory jobs.
The game board is flooded with pieces everywhere. Some of
them have corporate logos on them.
RUMSFELD
Hey. What did you do with W’s
friends? Pataki, Ridge, Thompson? I
didn’t hear their names.
DICK
They were not offered jobs in this
administration at this time.
RUMSFELD
“Were not offered jobs at this
time?” Have you gotten more
ruthless Dick!? You must not be
getting laid!
Beat. It gets uncomfortable for a second.
SCOOTER LIBBY
Moving on!
INT. WHITE HOUSE HALLWAYS - LATER
Don and Dick walk through the hallways together just like old
times.
DICK
Listen Don, you haven’t been here
in over 20 years. Times have
changed. The softer touch is the
norm now. We have the conservative
radio and TV doing the yelling for
us.
61.
RUMSFELD
Is your old friend embarrassing
you? Is that it Dick?
DICK
Soft touch, that’s all.
(looks at watch)
Alright. I have to go to my office
over at the House of
Representatives.
RUMSFELD
You mean the Senate? Vice President
is the tie breaker in the Senate.
DICK
No. I mean the House.
EXT. WASHINGTON D.C. - DAY
QUICK FLASHES of a car racing around Capital Hill.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
Dick Cheney had used an old
connection with former wrestling
coach and speaker of the house
Dennis Hastert to get an office at
the House of Representatives. The
house is where revenue bills
originate and he wanted to be near
the money faucet.
Scene 22 - Power and Control
- Overall: 9.0
- Concept: 10
- Plot: 9
- Characters: 8
- Dialogue: 9
SPED UP TRACKING SHOT down the halls of the Capitol.
Tracking stops, door opens. It’s DENNIS HASTERT, 60.
DENNIS HASTERT
Hey Dick! Will this work for you?
Camera TRACKS AWAY SUPER FAST AGAIN DOWN HALLS TO THE SENATE.
INTERCUT: Curt the Narrator jogging and camera fast tracks
through Capital Hill.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
And not one, but two offices at the
Senate...
Door opens and SENATOR TRENT LOTT is there.
62.
TRENT LOTT
Hey Dick. I found this extra office
for you.
Camera tracks away FAST AGAIN.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
One in the Pentagon...
Down a HALLWAY OF THE PENTAGON. OFFICE door opens...
DONALD RUMSFELD
I picked out this one personally.
And I got you a welcoming gift!
Reveal a bottle of Glenlivet on the desk.
CAMERA SPEEDS AWAY AGAIN down the hall.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
And later when Cheney’s team was
combing through the intelligence on
Iraq, a conference room at the CIA.
CAMERA SPEEDS DOWN HALLWAY TO OPEN DOOR. GEORGE TENET 57, the
garrulous head of the CIA stands inside.
GEORGE TENET
The room is soundproof and secure
Mr. Vice President.
SPEEDS AWAY AGAIN...
GAME BOARD: ONE PARTICULAR BUILDING LIGHTS UP.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
But there was one relatively new
think tank that had become the
place to be in Washington DC.
Americans for Tax Reform.
INT. BIG CONFERENCE ROOM WITH PODIUM AT THE FRONT - DAY
HUNDREDS OF GOP CONGRESSMEN, LOBBYISTS AND MEMBERS OF THE
RIGHT WING MEDIA are seated and waiting.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
Grover Norquist ran the anti-tax
group with huge funding from the
Koch brothers network, big oil and
tobacco.
Dick and Lynne enter and THE WHOLE ROOM STANDS.
63.
NARRATOR
His Wednesday meeting as it was
called had become the center of the
Republican world.
GROVER NORQUIST, 48, roundish, bearded, starts the meeting.
GROVER NORQUIST
Let’s talk about the estate tax.
This has been hard to eliminate
because the tax only applies to
estates larger than 2 million
dollars. But marketing guru Frank
Luntz is here to help...
FRANK LUNTZ, 42 and portly stands up.
FRANK LUNTZ
Hello all. Getting regular people
to support cutting taxes for the
very wealthy has always been very
difficult. But I think we’ve had a
break through...
INT. FOCUS GROUP ROOM - DAY
FRANK LUNTZ, 42, stands in front of a DOZEN REGULAR PEOPLE.
FRANK LUNTZ
The Estate Tax kicks in for anyone
inheriting over $2 Million dollars.
How many of you have a problem with
that?
One guy raises his hand.
FRANK LUNTZ (CONT’D)
Now, how many of you would have a
problem with someone called a
“death tax?”
ALL TWELVE HANDS GO UP
Frank turns to the two-way mirror to give a DOUBLE thumbs up.
Then we flash to another focus group already in progress.
FRANK LUNTZ (CONT’D)
Instead of global warming, which we
all agree sounds very scary, we
call it... climate change?
ALL TWELVE HANDS GO UP
64.
EXT. LINE OF CARS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT - DAY
Track past cars, hearing their RADIOS. A mixture of sports
talk, classic rock and a fair amount of RIGHT WING RADIO.
SNIPPETS OF TALK RADIO (V.O.)
Folks, the government is taking
your money AFTER you die!... It’s a
death tax... Death tax... The
liberals want you to pay a tax when
you die! etc.
QUICK CUTS TO WEB PAGES: DRUDGE REPORT, THE WASHINGTON TIMES,
NEWS MAX: “DEATH TAX MUST GO!”
INT. MIDDLE AMERICA HOME - DAY
Kurt the Narrator plays on the floor with his son while Mom
makes lunch in the kitchen. Reports on the Death Tax blares
on the TV with our BLONDE ANCHOR at the desk.
NEWSCASTER (SOT)
The liberals would tax you for
laughing or crying if they could.
NARRATOR
So with one of the biggest media
and political machines every
created behind him, Cheney was able
to squash action Global Warming,
cut taxes for the super rich and
gut regulations for massive
corporations.
CUT TO:
INT. NEWSROOM - DAY
30’S FEMALE BLONDE ANCHOR AT A NEWS DESK
NEWSCASTER
And then there was Cheney’s
National Energy Policy Development
Group. His first major test to
expand executive power.
Scene 23 - The Power Play
- Overall: 7.0
- Concept: 8
- Plot: 8
- Characters: 7
- Dialogue: 7
Libby, Addington and Cheney sit in Cheney’s office.
65.
DICK CHENEY
I don’t understand what the goddamn
problem is! I want to hear what the
energy CEOs need and I’m not
allowed to?
SCOOTER LIBBY
It’s called FACA.
DICK
What the hell is FACA?
DAVID ADDINGTON
It’s the Federal Advisory
Committees Act. Congress got their
panties in a bunch that elected
officials would just let CEOs roll
in and, you know, write the laws.
SCOOTER LIBBY
The Act demands that appropriate
government officials be present.
Tense beat
DAVID ADDINGTON
Hold on a second.
Addington picks up the phone and dials.
DAVID ADDINGTON (CONT’D)
Hello? What’s your name?... Doug?
Doug, how long have you been
working reception at the Department
of Energy? Three months? Perfect.
INT. WHITE HOUSE MEETING ROOM - DAY
CU: NAME TAG READING “DOUG.” Some guy in a Men’s Warehouse
suit, DOUG, 24, sitting in the corner of a conference room.
DOUG
So what am I supposed to do?
DAVID ADDINGTON
Just sit there and be quiet.
Cheney and Addington sit at the large table very far away.
Two men walk in, FACES PIXILATED AND VOICES DISTORTED.
66.
DICK
Hello (BEEP) and (BEEP). How’s
business at (BEEP)?
OTHER MAN
We’re good. (BEEP) has been
performing quite well and (BEEP)
and (BEEP) are quite optimistic.
They all shake hands and have a seat.
ADDINGTON
(pointing to Doug)
Oh, he’s with the Energy
Department.
Doug now listening to music on his head phones gives a
chipper thumbs up.
INT. ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP’S HEADQUARTERS - DAY
CU of hands opening a large envelope and removing copies of
maps that are laid on a table.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
The details of Cheney's meetings
with the energy CEO's were never
disclosed.
CU on a MAP OF ALL THE IRAQI OIL FIELDS with OIL COMPANIES’
NAMES ON THEM...
NARRATOR
But a freedom of information
request did provide some documents,
including a map of Iraq's oil
fields with all of the oil
companies that would be interested
in acquiring them if “somehow” they
were ever to become available.
We pan over the map. Seeing names like Exxon, BP, Shell etc.
NARRATOR (CONT’D)
And then, it happened.
SMASH CUT TO:
TV SCREEN: ACTUAL DiTech Commercial for mortgage
consolidation that was playing on 9/11, is interrupted by
BREAKING NEWS.
67.
NEWSCASTER (V.O.)
This just in, you are looking at a
very disturbing live shot. That is
the World Trade Center and we have
unconfirmed reports that a plane
has crashed into one of the towers.
INT. WHITE HOUSE OFFICE OF VICE PRESIDENT - 9/11 2001 - DAY
Cheney, Condi Rice and Mary Matalin are watching CNN. ONE OF
THE TWIN TOWERS IS SMOKING. SUDDENLY A SECOND PLANE SOARS
INTO FRAME AND HITS THE OTHER TOWER. Everyone gasps.
CNN ANCHOR (SOT)
Oh my God! That was a second plane!
A second plane has hit the south
tower!!
SECRET SERVICE AGENTS rush in.
SECRET SERVICE AGENT
Mr. Vice President, we have
credible information that a plane
is headed for the White House at
this moment. We have less than a
minute to get to the secure
underground bunker.
Cheney is transfixed by the smoking towers. He doesn’t move.
SECRET SERVICE AGENT (CONT’D)
Let’s MOVE!!
THE SECRET SERVICE AGENT GRABS CHENEY BY THE BELT AND LIFTS
HIM OFF THE GROUND. Everyone rushes to the door and down
stairs. They make their way into a Cold War era bunker. The
Secret Service Agent straggles behind with another AGENT.
INT. HAIR SALON - SAME TIME
A TV in a hair salon shows that the Pentagon has also been
hit. Lynne is there arguing with her SECRET SERVICE detail.
SECRET SERVICE AGENT #2
But Mrs. Cheney I’m being told no
one is to go to the White House.
It’s not safe.
LYNNE
I said, you take me to the White
House!
68.
Sirens blare in the background as Secret Service escorts
Lynne to a car.
Scene 24 - The Day the Country Changed
- Overall: 8.0
- Concept: 9
- Plot: 8
- Characters: 7
- Dialogue: 9
Cheney, on the phone amidst the chaos, Norman Mineta,
Addington, Condi Rice, Scooter Libby and Karen Hughes and a
few others are there.
STAFFER
That’s right. We’ve got planes in
the air and no where for them to
land. Permission for them to land
in Canadian Airports. International
flights into Newfoundland.
Dick hangs up a call with the President.
STAFFER (CONT’D)
Sir, Don Rumsfeld on 3.
Cheney points to the speaker phone.
CHENEY
That?
He picks up the line.
DICK
You have authorization to shoot
down any aircraft deemed a threat.
Beat.
RUMSFELD
Presidential authority?
DICK
That’s correct. All orders are
UNODIR.
Condi and the Staffer make eye contact.
CONDI RICE
UNODIR?
KAREN HUGHES
Unless otherwise directed.
CONDI RICE
Mr. Vice President are we sure
these are the proper rules of
engagement.
69.
DICK
The country’s under attack, the ROE
is fluid. David?
DAVID ADDINGTON
Yes Mr. Vice President.
Addington leans to Cheney. They talk in hushed tones.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
Now we don't know what exactly what
the people in that room were
thinking, but it's safe to assume
that at least one person wondered
why, in the midst of the most
fateful day in American history,
was Dick Cheney talking to his
lawyer?
Karen Hughes tries to get Cheney’s attention.
KAREN HUGHES
(gets off another phone)
...Mr. Vice President, the
Congressional Members you sent to
Mount Weather Emergency Operations
Center want to leave.
DICK
No.
KAREN HUGHES
Excuse me?
DICK
They’re not going anywhere. Just
tell them, we’ve got all the
helicopters.
KAREN HUGHES
Yes, sir.
CLIP: The Twin Towers crumble to the ground.
Lynne leans into Dick.
LYNNE
Are we at war?
DICK
Yes we are.
LYNNE
With who?
70.
Dick clasps his hands and considers the question.
L/3 “The Unitary Executive”
STOCK: EXT. New York
People running through the streets covered in ash.
Scene 25 - Continuity of Government
- Overall: 8.0
- Concept: 9
- Plot: 8
- Characters: 7
- Dialogue: 7
W Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, Colin Powell, RICHARD CLARKE 53,
Scooter Libby, Condi and George Tenet all convene.
GEORGE TENET
We’ve picked up chatter from well-
known Al Qaeda operatives
celebrating today’s attack.
RUMSFELD
We shouldn’t rule out Iraq.
CONDI RICE
What’s Al Qaeda’s Leader’s name?
GEORGE TENET
His name is Osama Bin Laden
RICHARD CLARKE
But this is clearly Al Qaeda. I’ve
been tracking their movements for
years. They’re fingerprints are all
over this.
RUMSFELD
Iraq has all the good targets.
RICHARD CLARKE
Iraq has NOTHING to do with this.
RUMSFELD
Richard you don’t know that for
sure--
RICHARD CLARKE
I do know that.
COLIN POWELL
Mr. President, if I may,
Afghanistan is Al Qaeda’s
headquarters. This is where our
focus should be.
L/3 “Colin Powell: Secretary of State”
71.
GEORGE TENET
And the CIA would be capable of
taking down the Taliban’s power
structure.
RUMSFELD
With all do respect, George. Mr.
President. We are the Pentagon.
This is what we do.
CHENEY
Don...
Bush looks around the room. Uncertain for a beat.
W BUSH
Okay... We’ll go with Tenet and the
CIA for now.
Tenet gives Rumsfeld a glance. Don is not happy.
COLIN POWELL
I’ll make calls to our allies.
Everyone gets up to leave.
DICK
I think given the current situation
Mr. President, it’s wise that you
and I not be in the same location.
For, uh, COG...Continuity of
Government.
W BUSH
(he looks freaked)
Of course, of course... Hey... Are
we going to be alright?
DICK
Yes sir. We are.
EXT. WHITE HOUSE ROOF - HOURS LATER
A LARGE HELICOPTER TAKES OFF. Two SECRET SERVICE AGENTS
holding machine guns stand and watch.
SECRET SERVICE AGENT
(into his mic)
Angler has taken off to an
undisclosed location. I repeat,
Angler is airborn.
72.
SECRET SERVICE AGENT #2
Angler? That’s the VP? I thought
only the President could land and
take off from the south lawn?
SECRET SERVICE AGENT
What can I tell you? Today’s
fucked.
INT. UNDERGROUND TUNNEL - UNDISCLOSED LOCATION - THAT NIGHT
Dick, Lynne, A MARINE GUARD and a DOCTOR are in a small craft
GOING DOWN AND DOWN INTO THE DARKNESS...
INT. CABINET ROOM - WHITE HOUSE - DAY
Intel Officers, NSC members surround a table. CHENEY IS ON A
SCREEN OR SVTS (sivits), TELECONFERENCING IN FROM AN
UNDISCLOSED LOCATION.
DICK
This intelligence has been edited,
redacted and reduced.
INTELLIGENCE OFFICER
Mr. Vice President, usually we vet
the daily intelligence threat
matrix to eliminate unreliable
sources, non-players-
DICK (SOT)
Stop. Don’t you dare give me a damn
disquisition on what I cannot hear.
INTELLIGENCE OFFICER
Mr. President a lot of this
information is not verified.
DICK
This is the last time I’ll say it.
I want to hear everything. Every
day. From now on.
SLOW PUSH IN ON CHENEY’S FACE AS HE HEARS THE RAW INTEL BEING
READ BY THE GROUP. The collage of intel becomes denser and
denser, mixed with static ridden Arabic and other languages.
SCORE: A SINGLE LONG DARK NOTE
73.
VOICES
We’re tracking the possibility of
Bio-attacks using serin gas, cow
pox, ebola... There was a post on a
dark web site about mass be-
headings in residential
neighborhoods.... Plans were found
outlining the use of infants as
suicide bombs in major airports...
A source has told as asset about
fire bombs targeting hospitals... A
video was captured describing
televised executions interrupting
American network TV... Movie
studios, museums, subways, day care
centers may all be targets... etc.
As we get to a grainy close up of Cheney’s eyes on the screen
we see something that hasn’t been apparent before: FEAR.
INT. BOMB SHELTER - THAT NIGHT
Lynne and Dick lay in bed in a giant DARK CAVERN with spare
furniture and telecommunications equipment.
LYNNE
I’m scared Dick...
DICK
I’ll always keep you safe.
LYNNE
What are you going to do?
In the darkness Cheney is just a black silhouette.
FLASH TO: A stream. Cheney stands in it fishing. BY A ROCK,
UNDER THE WATER IS THE SHADOW OF A HORRIBLE CREATURE.
Scene 26 - Cheney's Power Grabs
- Overall: 7.0
- Concept: 6
- Plot: 8
- Characters: 7
- Dialogue: 7
VFX: CHEST POUNDING EXPLOSIONS dot a mountainside in
Afghanistan as US FIGHTER JETS screech across the sky.
EXT. OLD STONE BUILDING - DAY - 2001
5 US SOLDIERS lead a row of 12 TALIBAN PRISONERS towards an
old stone wall. The Taliban fighters are dirty and dusty and
look spent. One of the US SOLDIERS IS OUR NARRATOR TALKING TO
CAMERA. HE HAS ENLISTED.
74.
NARRATOR
So while Powell, the CIA and their
international coalition toppled the
Taliban and took Afghanistan in a
matter of days... Cheney had found
something much more powerful than
missiles or jet planes.
INT. OFFICE OF LEGAL COUNSEL - CONFERENCE ROOM - A WEEK LATER
Sign: “The Office of Legal Counsel.” David Addington sits
across from two OLC LAWYERS. Cheney TELECONFERENCES in.
DAVID ADDINGTON
Mr. Vice President, this is John
Yoo.
JOHN YOO, 34, an Asian American lawyer with a deliberate
professional manner sits across from them. JAY BYBEE, 48, the
Assistant Attorney General for the OLC is next to Yoo.
JOHN YOO
It’s a pleasure to meet you Mr.
Vice President.
DICK (SOT)
Mmm huh.
DAVID ADDINGTON
The Vice President believes that it
is the duty as Commander in Chief
to protect that Nation. And that no
other obligation whether it be
Congress or existing treaties
supersedes that duty... How do you
feel about that statement?
Beat.
JOHN YOO
I couldn’t agree more.
MUSIC: GLORIOUS AND INTRICATE
INT. JOHN YOO’S OFFICE - DAY
John Yoo is at the computer. David Addington paces.
Occasionally Bybee walks in with case files.
75.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
John Yoo’s first legal opinion
allowed the US government to
monitor every citizen’s phone
calls, texts and emails without a
warrant. It was a giant legal leap
based on sketchy law at best.
QUICK CUT: Soldiers punch prisoners.
NARRATOR
But their masterpiece, their Moby
Dick if you will, was the torture
memo.
QUICK CUT: Prisoners are pushed into boxes.
INT. WHITE HOUSE - OVAL OFFICE
Cheney, Addington, W Bush, Tenet and Rumsfeld.
GEORGE TENET
But what about the Geneva
Convention?
DICK
We believe the Geneva Convention is
open to... interpretation.
GEORGE TENET
What exactly does that mean?
ADDINGTON
Stress positions, water boarding,
confined spaces, dogs.
RUMSFELD
We’re calling it enhanced
interrogation.
W BUSH
We’re sure none of this fits under
the definition of torture?
ADDINGTON
The U.S. doesn’t torture.
CHENEY
Therefore, if the U.S. does it, by
definition, it can’t be torture.
QUICK CUTS SHOWING:
76.
1. A MIDDLE EASTERN MAN naked and being water boarded. He
howls and cries.
TRANSLATOR
(in Arabic)
Just tell us what targets are next!
What targets are next?!
2. The CLERIC from the beginning having his genitals shocked
with wires. He screams as much as a person can scream.
CIA AGENT
All of this ends the second you
tell us the truth!!
4. A MAN WITH HIS WIFE AND KIDS IN FRONT OF HIM. A CIA AGENT
SCREAMS AT HIM.
CIA AGENT (CONT’D)
We will rape and kill your wife and
children! Do you fucking hear me!!?
TRANSLATOR#2
(Translates in Arabic)
A TRANSLATOR yells the translation. The Man, his family SOB.
NARRATOR
But torture and privacy laws
weren’t the only laws Cheney
rewrote with John Yoo. They had a
full menu of opinions challenging
Constitutional and International
law,
Scene 27 - The Strategists
- Overall: 10.0
- Concept: 10
- Plot: 9
- Characters: 10
- Dialogue: 10
A fancy WAITER, 54, lists the specials to Cheney, Rumsfeld,
Wolfowitz and Addington at a lavish table.
WAITER
(formal and dispassionate)
Tonight we are offering the enemy
combatant: whereby someone is not a
criminal or a prisoner of war.
Which gives them no protection
under the law. We are also have
Extreme Rendition where suspects
are abducted without record, on
foreign soil and taken to foreign
prisons in countries that torture.
(MORE)
77.
WAITER (CONT'D)
We have Guantanamo Bay which is
very, very complicated but allows
you to operate outside the purview
of due process on land that isn’t
technically US soil, but is under
our control.
DONALD RUMSFELD
That sounds delicious!
WAITER
And there is a very fresh and
delicious War Powers Act
interpretation, which gives the
executive branch broad power to
attack any country or person that
might possibly be a threat. Finally
for desert we have the fact that
under the unitary executive theory
if the President does anything it
makes it legal. In other words you
can do whatever the fuck you want.
So which would you like gentlemen?
DICK
We’ll have them all.
WAITER
Excellent choice.
They hand the Waiter their menus.
PAUL WOLFOWITZ
Look Dick, we’ve been using focus
groups and advertising executives
to help us sell this war on terror.
INT. FOCUS GROUP ROOM - DAY
FOCUS GROUP LEADER, 34, an upbeat woman talks to a DOZEN
AMERICAN MEN AND WOMEN OF MIXED AGES.
FOCUS GROUP LEADER
I do want to reiterate, we are
still being recorded and there
still may or may not be clients
behind the door.
INT. HIGH PRICED GOURMET RESTAURANT - NIGHT
PAUL WOLFOWITZ
These guys are pretty sharp.
78.
RUMSFELD
There’s a problem. The results show
that people are confused.
INT. FOCUS GROUP ROOM - DAY
FOCUS GROUP LEADER
So you’re saying you support the
President and you hate terrorism,
but you’re confused. Can you tell
me why?
A 60 YEAR OLD MAN in a football jersey answers.
60 YEAR OLD GUY
Don’t we just have to get Osama bin
Laden? He did it. So why are they
calling it a war? A war with who?
19 YR OLD GIRL in a half tee raises her hand.
FOCUS GROUP LEADER
Thank you Mark. Yes Jasmine?
19 YR OLD GIRL
I don’t get what this Al Qaeda is.
Are they a country? Why can’t we
just bomb them?
FOCUS GROUP LEADER
Interesting. Who else isn’t
entirely sure what Al Queda is?
Most hands go up.
ON SCREEN: These focus groups happened in February 2002. They
were overseen by the Pentagon and headed by PR and Marketing
execs.
FOCUS GROUP LEADER (CONT’D)
Would it be less confusing if it
was a country?
60 YEAR OLD GUY
Damn right. I’m angry as hell. We
gotta fuck someone up.
FOCUS GROUP LEADER
Really strong feelings from Mark,
I’m interested. Who agrees with
this statement?
79.
Most hands go up.
CUT TO:
INT. GOURMET RESTAURANT - CONTINUOUS
PAUL WOLFOWITZ
They know we’re at war but they
don’t understand against who.
RUMSFELD
They want a country. It’s simpler.
Cleaner.
ADDINGTON
That would certainly help us
legally.
Beat.
DICK
Looks like it’s time to take Iraq.
They all smile and laugh.
SCORE: GIANT ORCHESTRAL PIECE
166 INT. OVAL OFFICE - LATER 166
Cheney talks with W Bush.
DICK
It’s called the Office of Special
Plans. Tenet is not yet serious
enough about the threat Saddam
poses in the GWOt, or global war on
terror. But I can promise you this
intelligence group will be.
W BUSH
I’ve been wanting to take that
motherfucker Saddam down for a long
time.
167 INT. PENTAGON - THE OFFICE OF SPECIAL PLANS - DAY 167
A half dozen of Cheney’s people work at desks, reading and
writing at the OFFICE OF SPECIAL PLANS: WILLIAM LUTI, DOUGLAS
FEITH, ABRAM SHULSKY, and Paul Wolfowitz barking out orders.
80.
DOUGLAS FEITH
I’ve got something! Here’s a report
that Mohamed Atta one of the
hijackers may have met with an
Iraqi spy in Prague.
Scene 28 - Selling the War
- Overall: 8.0
- Concept: 9
- Plot: 8
- Characters: 8
- Dialogue: 8
WOMAN
Wait, we can’t just bomb people.
GUY IN HIS SIXTIES
Give me a break!
INT. PENTAGON - THE OFFICE OF SPECIAL PLANS - DAY
DOUGLAS FEITH
It’s from Czech intelligence and
they question its credibility...
PAUL WOLFOWITZ
I’ve been to Prague. They question
everything.
(to the room)
Who wants to be an “unnamed
source?”
DOUGLAS FEITH
Make sure to get in the phrase “we
don’t want the smoking gun to be a
mushroom cloud.” It focus grouped
through the roof!
INT. LIVING ROOM - DAY - SEPT 8 2002
Condi Rice is being interviewed by Wolf Blitzer.
CONDI RICE
The problem with Saddam is that
there will always be uncertainty
about when he will acquire nuclear
weapons. But we don’t want the
smoking gun to be a mushroom cloud.
CUT TO: SNIPPETS OF CSPAN, CNN, ABC, CBS. Various Politicians
across party lines supporting the war on Iraq.
JEFF SESSIONS (SOT)
(on TV)
..whether it’s a smoking gun or a
mushroom cloud.
81.
CHENEY
(on TV)
There is no question that Saddam
Hussien has Weapons of Mass
distruction.
BILL O’REILLY (SOT)
(on TV)
We gotta get rid of this dictator.
He’s got anthrax. He’s got all
these weapons.
REP. MIKE PENCE
(on TV)
And not if, but when, Saddam uses
weapons of mass destruction, what
will we tell the American People.
SEN. HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON (SOT)
(on TV)
Saddam Hussien will increase his
capacity to wage biological and
chemical warfare.
PM TONY BLAIR (SOT)
(on TV)
..we will stand up for what we know
to be right. To show that we will
confront the tyrannies and
dictatorships and terrorists who
put our way of life at risk.
TV CLIP FROM SURVIVOR
JEFF PROBST (SOT)
The tribe has spoken.
CUT TO:
Scene 29 - The Decision to Invade Iraq
- Overall: 8.0
- Concept: 8
- Plot: 9
- Characters: 8
- Dialogue: 8
The President, Rove, Condi, George Tenet, Hughes, Powell,
Cheney and Rumsfeld are all talking about the war.
KAREN HUGHES
Polling for an invasion of Iraq is
at 53%. Focus groups show people
still aren’t sure about a
connection between Saddam and Al
Qaeda.
82.
POWELL
France and Germany have said they
won’t join the coalition. Neither
will Israel.
Cheney is quiet.
W BUSH
We went to the wall together. We
prayed together. Israel is one of
our closest allies.
RICE
They said an invasion of Iraq would
destabilize the region, Sir. And
they don’t view Saddam as an
immediate threat.
W BUSH
That’s not good. I really want a
strong coalition for this.
KARL ROVE
I have an idea. Secretary Powell
has the highest trustworthy ratings
of any of us. What if he gave an
address to the U.N. and the
American people to push this over
the finish line?
COLIN POWELL
Karl, I’ve been very vocal, very
vocal, about my reservations about
invading Iraq.
RUMSFELD
Oh Colin, you’re such a nervous
Nellie.
COLIN POWELL
We’re talking about invading a
sovereign nation without
provocation Don!
RUMSFELD
Oh, sovereign nation...
COLIN POWELL RUMSFELD (CONT'D)
What about the intelligence. Oh come on! You know you’re
Has anybody thought about the wrong, you’re just a chicken
intelligence? You break it, shit.
you bought it. You break it,
you bought it!
83.
GEORGE W
Hey, hey, hey, alright. Let’s slow
down. That’s enough of that guys.
Dick is next to W across the room. He speaks to him quietly.
DICK
Are you going to take Saddam down
or not. You’re the President. War
is yours. Not the U.N. Or some
coalition. Do not share powers that
are yours alone.
After a quarter beat W turns back to the group.
GEORGE W
George, make sure Powell sees the
intelligence. Colin I want you to
make that speech. I’m the President
and I want this to happen!
COLIN POWELL
Yes, sir. I look forward to being
briefed on that intelligence.
GEORGE TENET
On another note, I’ve been handed a
credible report that there’s a
small terrorist enclave in
Northeastern Iraq. If we’re going
to invade we recommend taking it
out before.
RUMSFELD
Let it go, George, we have bigger
fish to fry.
Dick pulls Tenet aside.
DICK
Excuse me George. May I see that
intelligence?
GEORGE TENET
Of course.
FREEZE: as the report is handed to Cheney.
84.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
That classified document described
a terrorist named Abu Musab Al-
Zarqawi who had started as a drug
dealer and pimp before becoming
fully radicalized in a Jordanian
prison.
EXT. AFGHANISTAN - AL QAEDA BASE - DAY
Zarqawi walks toward OSAMA BIN LADEN. They sit and talk.
NARRATOR
Zarqawi went to meet Bin Laden in
Afghanistan. But Zarqawi had vowed
to kill all Shia Muslims and Bin
Laden's mother was Shia, so the
meeting didn’t go well
INT. CIA CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY
Cheney and Scooter Libby talk to a female CIA ANALYST, 28.
DICK
Did he or did he not meet with Al
Qaeda?
FEMALE CIA ANALYST
They had no operational contact.
DICK
Hogwash.
INT. WHITE HOUSE WEST WING HALLWAY - DAY
Powell storms down the hallway holding some papers. He stops
COLONEL WILKERSON, 57, Powell’s Chief of Staff at State.
COLIN POWELL
Larry have you read this speech?!
LAWRENCE WILKERSON
Yes. It’s beyond thin. I saw five
pieces of disproved intel in there.
COLIN POWELL
Who wrote it?
85.
LAWRENCE WILKERSON
They claimed it was from the
President but I think you can guess
who really wrote it.
INT. SCOOTER LIBBY’S OFFICE - DAY
Scooter on the phone.
SCOOTER LIBBY
There’s no need to yell Larry. Yes,
we reviewed the speech and gave
some notes...
David Addington enters and silently listens.
DAVID ADDINGTON
Powell really doesn’t have a clue
does he?
Scene 30 - The Decision to Invade Iraq
- Overall: 9.0
- Concept: 9
- Plot: 9
- Characters: 8
- Dialogue: 8
Zarqawi and some of his followers clean their guns and talk.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
After the US invaded Afghanistan
Zarqawi set up shop in Iraq. It was
the only connection Cheney had
between Al Qaeda and Iraq, and
Cheney made sure Zarqawi’s name was
all over Powell’s speech.
INT. U.N. GENERAL ASSEMBLY - DAY
Actual VT: Joschka Fischer, German Foreign Minister,
addresses the General Assembly.
JOSCHKA FISCHER
The Security Counsel will now begin
its consideration of item 2 of the
agenda. I now call the
distinguished Secretary of State of
the United States Mr. Colin Powell.
COLIN POWELL
My purpose today is to share with
you what the United States knows
about Iraq's weapons of mass
destruction as well as Iraq's
involvement in terrorism...
86.
INT. SMALL ROOM - IRAQ - SAME TIME
Zarqawi and five other TERRORISTS watch Powell on a laptop.
POWELL
(on TV)
Iraq today harbors a deadly
terrorist network headed by Abu
Musab Zarqawi, an associate and
collaborator of Osama Bin Laden and
his Al Qaeda lieutenants.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
Powell’s UN Address was seen by
millions of Americas. But other
people were watching as well.
POWELL
(on TV)
Zarqawi's activities are not
confined to this corner of
Northeast Iraq.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
The great general of America saying
his name over and over again
immediately made Zarqawi a star.
ZARQAWI
Allah Akbar!
NARRATOR (V.O.)
Within a day he had gone into
hiding.
OTHER TERRORISTS
Allah Akbar! Allah Akbar!
INT. U.N. GENERAL ASSEMBLY - CONTINUOUS
POWELL
...an Al-Qaeda source tells us that
Saddam and bin Laden reached an
understanding that Al-Qaeda would
no longer support activities
against Baghdad.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
By the time we invaded Iraq 70% of
Americans thought that Saddam
Hussein was involved in 9/11.
Powell shuffles his papers.
87.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
Later Colin Powell would call the
speech the most shameful moment of
his life.
POWELL
Thank you.
FADE TO BLACK:
INT. DINING ROOM - NIGHT
Dick Cheney, Lynne, Liz, Philip, Mary and her girlfriend
Heather eat a LAVISH FISH DINNER with the grandkids. They
laugh and talk over each other.
MARY
It was Kelly. And the Justin
DICK
What are you talking about?
MARY
American Idol.
LIZ
You’ve watched it. You’ve seen it.
MARY LIZ (CONT'D)
We watched it at your house. I watched it sitting next to
you.
LIZ (CONT’D)
The singing and mean judge.
DICK
Oh, I like him.
Everyone is drinking and laughing
DICK (CONT’D)
How do you stop a fish from
smelling?
LIZ DICK (CONT'D)
I don’t know. You cut off his nose.
LYNNE
Ok, we aren’t going to revisit your
father’s colorful conversation.
CUT TO:
88.
EXT. BAGHDAD - MARCH 20, 2003- NIGHT
STOCK FOOTAGE: The skyline of Baghdad explodes with rockets.
INT. OVAL OFFICE - WHITE HOUSE
W Bush talks to camera addressing the nation.
W BUSH
My fellow citizens, at this hour,
American and coalition forces are
in the early stages of military
operations to disarm Iraq, to free
its people and to defend the world
from grave danger. On my orders,
coalition forces have begun
striking selected targets of
military importance to undermine
Saddam Hussein's ability to wage
war. These are opening stages of
what will be a broad and concerted
campaign. To all of the men and
women of the United States armed
forces now in the Middle East, the
peace of a troubled world and the
hopes of an oppressed people now
depend on you.
W Bush’s leg bops up and down nervously under the desk.
INT. APARTMENT IN BAGHDAD - SAME TIME
An IRAQI FAMILY cowers under a table. The Father’s leg also
bounces up and down.
EXT. BAGHDAD - SAME TIME
POV VT FEED: A CRUISE MISSILE HITS THE APARTMENT BUILDING
Scene 31 - Debating the Invasion of Iraq
- Overall: 9.0
- Concept: 8
- Plot: 9
- Characters: 8
- Dialogue: 7
US SOLDIERS run alongside a tank. Bodies burning in the
street.
MONTAGE - EXT. IRAQ -DAY
A CROWD OF IRAQIS pull down the statue of Saddam and put an
American flag over his head.
89.
EXT. AIRCRAFT CARRIER - APRIL 9, 2003 - DAY
ACTUAL VT: WIDE SHOT: W BUSH lands on the aircraft carrier in
his flight suit (STOCK FOOTAGE/HEAD REPLACEMENT).
EXT. VAST WYOMING FIELD - DAY
Lynne, Dick, Liz, Philip, Mary, Heather, RIDE ACROSS A FIELD
ON HORSES IN MODERN WESTERN GARB. They stop and pose in a
line. We FREEZE. It is magnificent.
EXT. TAILGATE - DAY
PUMPED UP AMERICANS with USA caps and beer, chant to camera.
AMERICAN TAILGATERS
USA! USA! USA!
EXT. IRAQ - DAY
Kurt the Narrator talks to us into a video camera.
NARRATOR
Hi. Seems like they’ve been
shipping men and equipment out of
Afghanistan and into Iraq. And at
the moment we’re a little unsure of
what’s going on. I don’t want you
to worry about me.
EXT. AIRCRAFT CARRIER - APRIL 9, 2003 - DAY
ACTUAL VT: W BUSH speaks from a podium. (STOCK FOOTAGE/HEAD
REPLACEMENT).
W BUSH
Ladies and Gentlemen... Major
Combat operations in Iraq have
ended. In the Battle of Iraq, the
United States and our allies have
prevailed.
INT. RUMSFELD’S OFFICE - DAY
Cheney, Rumsfeld, Wolfowitz and TWO GENERALS meet.
GENERAL #1
We have concerns over Halliburton
KBR’s billing practices.
(MORE)
90.
GENERAL #1 (CONT'D)
As you know, the no-bid contracts
they received were quite sizable
and now-
RUMSFELD
Well, we’re not concerned. Are we?
DICK
Not at all.
WOLFOWITZ
The Secretary of Defense and the
Vice President just said they’re
not concerned. Now can we please
talk about Iran?
EXT. TEXAS SKY - DAY - 2006
Birds fly across a late morning Texas sky.
We hear a SHOTGUN BLAST AND A SCREAM. Tilt down to reveal a
lawyer, 78, HARRY WHITTINGTON with blood all over his face.
It is a hunting group: PAMELA WILLEFORD, Cheney, holding a
smoking gun, a RANCH HAND, SECRET SERVICE AGENTS and OTHERS
sitting in town cars parked across from the hunting blind.
NARRATOR
To this day, Dick Cheney has never
apologized for this incident.
KATHERINE ARMSTRONG, late 50’s and her sister run up.
KATHERINE ARMSTRONG
Jesus Dick..
CU OF AN EMPTY BEER CAN.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
But, someone else did.
CUT TO:
TV SCREEN: BREAKING NEWS MSNBC - DAY
HARRY WHITTINGTON
My family and I are deeply sorry
for all that Vice President Cheney
and his family have had to go
through this past week. We send our
love and respect to them.
(MORE)
91.
HARRY WHITTINGTON (CONT'D)
And we hope he will continue to
come to Texas and seek the
relaxation that he deserves.
INT. CHENEY’S OFFICE - DAY
Cheney and Scooter look at the famous Op-ed in the NY Times
by Joe Wilson questioning the yellowcake intel.
DICK
This Joe Wilson asshole is
questioning our intelligence in the
New York Times? What’s his wife’s
name?
SCOOTER LIBBY
Valerie Plame. I confirmed it.
She’s undercover CIA.
DICK
Leak it...
SMASH CUT TO:
“ONE YEAR LATER”
EXT. ROAD OUTSIDE OF BAGHDAD - DAY - 2004
A road near some Iraqi apartments. A CONVOY OF AMERICAN
HUMVEES MAKES THEIR WAY DOWN THE ROAD. Two SOLDIERS, 19 AND
29 sit in the front of one of the vehicles.
SOLDIER #1
Okay, okay, like... they don’t care
about their dogs. They’ll shoot em,
let em run wild... What kind of
people don’t love a dog?
SOLDIER #2
People in India love cows. They
would look at us and how we treat
cows and think the same thing.
SOLDIER #1
Captain, with all due respect that
is some liberal ass scratchin
bullshit if ever I’ve heard it-
EXPLOSION GOES OFF UNDER THEIR FRONT WHEEL.
92.
The vehicle is thrown up in the air. QUICK FLASH OF THE YOUNG
SOLDIER DEAD, HIS RIGHT HALF BLOWN CLEAN OFF.
INT. WHITE HOUSE HALLWAY - DAY
Rumsfeld, holding a piece of paper in his hand, walks with a
head of steam towards the Vice President’s office. He walks
right past his SECRETARY.
RUMSFELD
Linda-
Scene 32 - The Fallout from Misuse of Intelligence
- Overall: 9.0
- Concept: 8
- Plot: 9
- Characters: 8
- Dialogue: 7
Rumsfeld bursts in. Cheney and Scooter are there.
RUMSFELD
Look at this crap.
DICK
Hello Don.
RUMSFELD
That report says Zarqawi, the same
fucking Zarqawi we talked up for
months, is leading a major
insurgency in Iraq. And the
implication is it’s because we
talked him up!
He hands Cheney a CIA CLASSIFIED BRIEFING. Flashes of words
“building insurgency” “Zarqawi” “using former Iraqi Military”
“Zarqawi” and once again, “Zarqawi.”
DICK
Has POTUS seen this?
RUMSFELD
No I intercepted it before it got
across the hallway.
Libby is now reading it.
SCOOTER LIBBY
This is generated by an analyst.
DICK
Get me Tenet. This stops here.
93.
XT. WIDE CITY VIEW OF BAGHDAD - DAY - 2004
THE ANCIENT CITY LOOKS NORMAL, with traffic, and yes, a
military presence but still, fairly hum drum.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
Abu Musab Al-Zarqawi had taken his
fame from Powell's UN speech and
taken it into his own new thing.
An explosion erupts in the distance. We hear sirens.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
The Islamic state of Iraq and
Levant, or ISIS.
Another explosion in the distance. More sirens.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
And because that intelligence
somehow found itself on the bottom
of a stack of papers, Zarqawi had a
whole year to do whatever the hell
he wanted.
INT. BRITISH SUBWAY CAR - DAY - 2005
We pan off a blood stained and blackened wall of a subway car
and down to the floor where a blood smear from a body being
dragged makes it way across the floor. There is a briefcase
with scattered papers, a purse, a child’s lunch box and shoe
and a severed hand laying about.
NARRATOR
And what he wanted was carnage.
We follow the smear down the aisle and out to the door where
it meets the platform and becomes dirt and blood mixed
together. We see the legs of 2 POLICE OFFICERS IN THE
BACKGROUND.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
Shia versus Sunni, the West versus
Islam and death versus life.
EXT. SADDAM HUSSEIN’S PALACE - BEDROOM - DAY
Next to a giant bed, a shelf full of dusty VHS tapes of
American movies.
94.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
And on top of that US forces
couldn't find any WMD's or nuclear
programs in Iraq.
Pan past copies of RED HEAT, TURNER AND HOOTCH etc.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
Turns out that Saddam and his son's
mostly liked cocaine and American
movies from the 80's.
INT. SENATE FLOOR - DAY - JUNE 2004
Cheney walks through the crowded Senate floor, shaking hands.
SNIPPETS OF NEWSCASTERS (V.O.)
Vice President Cheney is being sued
by Valerie Plame and her husband
Joseph Wilson.... The White House
announced four cabinet
resignations...
A Dem Senator PATRICK LEAHY, 60’s approaches him.
PATRICK LEAHY
Hey Dick. I hope there’s no hard
feelings about us investigating the
no-bid Iraq contracts for
Halliburton. Just doing my job.
Cheney turns to him with his crooked smile.
DICK
Go fuck yourself.
EXT. NATIONAL’S BALL PARK - DAY
Dick Cheney, wearing a Nationals jacket comes exits the
dugout to throw out the first pitch.
The crowd boos Cheney.
ANNOUNCER (V.O.)
Dick Cheney low and outside with
that pitch.
Scene 33 - The End of an Era
- Overall: 8.0
- Concept: 8
- Plot: 9
- Characters: 7
- Dialogue: 7
An AIDE walks down a long hallway as we hear snippets of
news, radio and pundits.
95.
NEWS SNIPPETS (V.O.)
Some nations accusing Bush and
Cheney of war crimes... There is a
chorus of people calling for Dick
Cheney to step aside and resign.
The AIDE reaches the end of the hallway, knocks on a door.
RUMSFELD (O.C.)
Go away!
The Aide turns and walks away.
SAME TIME
Cheney is on the phone in his study. Cut back and forth.
RUMSFELD
I wanted a clean phone line so I’m
in an empty office. Listen, if we
can just get an air bombardment in
Iraq, it’ll make a statement and
give us political cover-
DICK
It’s over Don.
RUMSFELD
What’s that?
DICK
It’s over. The President wants you
to step down. He appreciates your
service.
Beat.
RUMSFELD
Does Bush’s kid want me out or do
you?
Beat.
DICK
I can’t win every fight Don.
RUMSFELD
You are a little piece of shit.
Beat.
96.
RUMSFELD (CONT’D)
Wow, how did you become such a cold
son of a bitch.
DICK
I’m sorry Don. I really am.
RUMSFELD
You know how I know you’re not?
(beat)
Because I wouldn’t be.
Beat.
RUMSFELD (CONT’D)
Do you think they’ll prosecute us?
Long beat.
DICK
...Okay then.
RUMSFELD
Okay then.
Rumsfeld hangs up.
EXT. WEST FRONT LAWN OF THE CAPITOL - JAN 20, 2009
THE INAUGURATION OF BARACK OBAMA. Cheney, in a wheelchair,
and W Bush walk out for the ceremonial changing of power
(STOCK FOOTAGE/HEAD REPLACEMENT).
CUT TO:
EXT. SUBURBAN STREETS - DAY
Our NARRATOR jogs while talking to camera.
NARRATOR
A few years later, Dick’s heart
trouble started up again. With no
donor available, he finally found
himself at death’s door.
INT. GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL - DAY
Cheney, looking very thin is in a hospital bed with Mary, Liz
and Lynne around him. A DOCTOR is there.
97.
DOCTOR
I wish I had better news. Your
heart just isn’t pumping enough
oxygen to keep his vital organs
alive. Should I call for a
Minister?
LYNNE
No. He’s not going anywhere. Dick
Cheney you are not going anywhere,
do you hear me?!
DICK CHENEY
(raspy)
This may be the one time I can’t do
what your Mother says.
The family laughs while crying.
MARY
I love you Daddy.
LIZ
We love you so much...
DICK
I love my girls...
Lynne comes over to Dick and they share a quiet moment
together.
EXT. SUBURBAN STREET - DAY
Our NARRATOR, continues jogging.
NARRATOR
Dick Cheney told his family he was
ready to die and that he wasn’t
afraid. He told them he had lived a
full life. And he had zero regrets
about the choices-
A CAR HITS THE NARRATOR IN A CROSS WALK. Throwing him with a
bone crushing thud onto the hard macadam of the street. BLOOD
POOLS BEHIND HIS HEAD.
QUICK CUTS: 1) A HEART BEING PUT ON ICE IN AN ORANGE COOLER.
2) A MEDICAL HELICOPTER TAKING OFF 3) A SURGICAL ROOM BEING
PREPPED.
98.
INT. SURGICAL ROOM - DAY
Cheney is wheeled into the surgical room.
INT. MORGUE - SAME TIME
The NARRATOR WITH CROSS HATCHED STITCHING ACROSS HIS CHEST,
nude, lays on a morgue slab.
NARRATOR
(to camera)
They say my heart could give him
another ten years. Cheney doesn’t
like to refer to it as someone
else’s heart, he likes to refer to
it as his NEW heart. And even
though I’m dead, it still makes me
feel pretty shitty.
A helicopter lands on the roof of the hospital. A doctor runs
with a cooler.
Scene 34 - The Cheney Legacy
- Overall: 9.0
- Concept: 8
- Plot: 9
- Characters: 8
- Dialogue: 8
The SURGEON AND TEAM make an incision in Cheney’s chest.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
And so, when Liz decided to run for
one of Wyoming two senate seats
against Republican incumbent Mike
Enzi, our Dick was right there to
hopefully see the Cheney legacy of
power continue.
INT. CHENEY’S LIVING ROOM - DAY
CU of a phone. We hear a RECORDING OF MAN’S VOICE coming
through the receiver.
RECORDING (SOT)
Are you aware Wyoming Senate
candidate Liz Cheney supports gay
marriage? Her sister is married to
a woman and Liz refuses to support
a constitutional amendment banning
same sex marriage. Don’t you agree,
Wyoming deserves a Senator who
believes marriage is between a man
and a woman.
Liz, in tears puts down the phone.
99.
LIZ CHENEY
(in tears)
These calls went to every house in
Wyoming. Every single house. I
will never win! What are we gonna
do?
INT. SURGICAL ROOM - CONTINUOUS
The Surgeon has the chest spreader out and opens up Cheney’s
chest, revealing his heart.
INT. NEWS STUDIO - DAY
Liz being interview by male news anchor.
MALE NEWS ANCHOR
We’re joined here today by Liz
Cheney who is running for the
Senate from the state of Wyoming.
According to one poll she is behind
by double digits. Welcome.
LIZ CHENEY
Thank you for having me here Chris.
And may I point out there are other
polls that have me much closer.
MALE NEWS ANCHOR
Your opponent Senator Mike Enzi
claims you support gay marriage. In
part because you support your gay
sister’s union with her wife. How
do you respond?
LIZ CHENEY
Let me make this very, very clear:
I do not support gay marriage. I
believe marriage is between a man
and a woman.
MALE NEWS ANCHOR
But you’ve always claimed gay
marriage is a state issue. Your
opponent claims this is an
equivocation.
INT. CHENEY’S TV ROOM - VIRGINIA - NIGHT
Cheney and Lynne watch. Cheney is silent.
100.
LYNNE
I think she’s coming off very well.
INT. MARY CHENEY'S HOME - THE NEXT DAY
Mary is on the phone with Heather behind her. Their
children’s toys scattered on the floor.
MARY
(in tears)
I know Liz wouldn’t have done this
without you and Dad didn’t approve.
I can’t believe you would do this.
I really thought there was a limit
to politics..
INT. CHENEY’S VIRGINIA HOME - SAME TIME
Lynne is on the phone.
LYNNE
No now you’re just being
hysterical. I can’t talk to you
when you get this way. You need to
settle down.
Dick sits in the background.
INT. SURGICAL ROOM - CONTINUOUS
The Surgeon removes Cheney’s heart. We see Cheney on the
table. A hole where the heart should be. Even the Surgeon
takes a beat to take in the image.
QUICK CUTS SHOWING:
1) A Soldier’s body in a casket as a group of soldiers
salute. 2) Bodies burning in the streets of Iraq. 3) Rumsfeld
alone in the Pentagon basement office. 4)George W standing
alone thinking. 5) A solider taking a thumbs up photo with a
dead Iraqi. 6) Focus Groups raising their hands. 7) A news
office reporting of various stories. 8) Stills of Americans
yelling. 9) Kids in American cages.
INT. SURGICAL ROOM - CONTINUOUS
A heart is placed in Cheney’s chest.
CUT TO:
101.
INT. CHENEY’S LIVING ROOM - DAY
Liz waits for Dick’s response to the push poll about her
sister.
LIZ
DAD?...
Lynne looks at Dick...who after a beat, NODS “DO IT.”
INT. MARY’S HOME - DAY
Mary’s wife rubs her back as she cries.
QUICK CUTS/STILLS SHOWING:
1)Iconic Crying Border Girl 2) Cops pulling guns on a group
of black teenagers 3)High school graduates being arrested. 4)
Alex Jones from INFO WARS 5) A family praying 6) Dick walking
out to fish.
EXT. WYOMING LAKE SIDE - DAY
Push into the trees til we focus on one tree with an aged
worn carving in it of a HEART WITH: DICK + LYNNE
INT. SURGICAL ROOM - CONTINUOUS
We hear a heart monitor beeping.
NURSE
Patient’s heart rate is stable.
Blood pressure increasing...
Pan to the side table where CHENEY’S OLD HEART SITS, SCARRED
FROM IT’S MANY HEART ATTACKS AND TWICE THE SIZE OF A NORMAL
HEALTHY HEART.
“Lynne and Dick split time between their home in Wyoming and
Virginia.”
“In 2016, Liz was elected as Wyoming’s sole representative to
the House of Representatives.”
“Mary Cheney was asked in 2015 whether she and Liz had mended
their relationship. She replied, “I don’t have to answer
that.””
CUT TO BLACK:
102.
Scene 35 - Interview with Dick Cheney
- Overall: 8.0
- Concept: 9
- Plot: 7
- Characters: 8
- Dialogue: 9
Camera crew surrounds Dick and Martha the interviewer.
MARTHA
Hello Mr. Vice President.
DICK
This must be the right place.
MARTHA
Nice to meet you.
DICK
Pleasure.
MARTHA
You can sit right there.
DICK
So is it gonna be just me on camera
or...
MARTHA
Primarily you. It’ll cut back to
me. Eddie’s got you on the “A”
camera. Me on the B.
OVER BLACK:
“4,550 US Soldiers were killed in the Iraq war with over
32,325 casualties. Suicide among American soldiers has
increased 31% since 2001.”
”More than 600,000 Iraqi civilians died as a result of the
war.”
“ISIS is responsible for the deaths of an estimated 150,000
civilians in Syria and Iraq with more than 2,000 murdered in
international terror attacks.
CUT TO:
INT. INTERVIEW ROOM
Camera crew surrounds Dick and Martha the interviewer.
Dick takes a drink of water.
MARTHA
Two-thirds of Americans say the
Iraq war is not worth fighting.
(MORE)
103.
MARTHA (CONT'D)
And their looking at the value
gained at the cost of American
lives. And Iraqi lives.
DICK
So?
Beat.
MARTHA
So...don’t you care what the
American People think?
DICK
No..uh...I think you can’t be, uh,
blown off course.
Dick struggles then turns to camera.
DICK (CONT’D)
I can feel your recriminations and
your judgement. And I am fine with
it. If you want to be loved, go be
a movie star. The world is as you
find it. And you gotta deal with
that reality. And there are
monsters in this world. We saw
3,000 innocent people burned to
death, by those monsters. And yet,
you object, when I refuse to kiss
those monsters on the cheek and
say, “pretty please.” You answer me
this, What terrorist attack would
you let go forward so you wouldn’t
seem like a mean and nasty fella? I
will not apologize for keeping your
families safe. And I will not
apologize for doing what needed to
be done, so your loved ones can
sleep peacefully at night.
Dick gets emotional.
DICK (CONT’D)
It has been my honor to be your
servant. You chose me and I did
what you asked.
CUT TO BLACK:
“In the years following the invasion of Iraq, Halliburton
stock rose 500%”
104.
“The Bush-Cheney White House claimed to have lost 22 million
emails, including millions that were written in the run up to
the Iraq war.”
“It was found that there were “Blackout” periods, when there
were no emails available from the office of Vice President
Cheney.”
“The memos Yoo wrote on torture and warrantless surveillance
give the President almost unlimited power under the unitary
executive theory.”
“These memos are in the Justice Department’s computers to
this day.”
“Any President can still cite them if he or she wishes.”
MUSIC: America from WEST SIDE STORY
CREDITS ROLL
THEN AFTER AWHILE THEY ARE INTERRUPTED BY A HASH AND A
CHANNEL CHANGE...
Scene 36 - Political Brawl
- Overall: 7.0
- Concept: 8
- Plot: 6
- Characters: 7
- Dialogue: 7
Our FOCUS GROUP LEADER in front of the group again.
TERRI
Sorry to interrupt but Mark had
something he wanted to share...
Guy in the Bucs jersey (Mark).
MARK
Yeah, something’s been bothering me
this whole movie and I just figured
it out. This whole thing is
liberal. It’s got a liberal bias.
TERRI
Interesting. Does anyone else feel
this way?
Two other hands go up.
TURNER
This is all facts. I mean, they had
to vet all this, right?
MARK
You would say that, libtard!
105.
TURNER
So because I have the ability to
understand facts, that makes me a
liberal?
TERRI
Guys let’s lower our voices.
MARK
You probably like Killary!
TERRI
Let’s take it down a notch or two
ok?
TURNER MARK
Ok, first of all, Hillary’s Chicken shit!
not President! Ok, the
orange cheeto that you hired
is the President. And he’s
ruining the country that you
claim to love!
Mark lunges for Turner. The fight. People jump up and break
them apart. A Young Woman screams.
FAST AND FURIOUS GIRL
I can’t wait to see the new FAST
AND THE FURIOUS MOVIE. That looks
lit!
CUT TO BLACK:
THE END
Characters in the screenplay, and their arcs:
| Character | Arc | Critique | Suggestions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dick Cheney | Throughout the movie, Dick Cheney's character arc can be described as a transformation from a young man with a history of drinking and fighting, who needs to prove himself to Lynne, to a powerful political strategist who is willing to do whatever it takes to gain and maintain power. His ambition drives him to take calculated risks and make difficult decisions, which ultimately leads him to become the Vice President of the United States. However, his hunger for power also leads him to bend laws and justify controversial actions, such as the invasion of Iraq. Despite his ruthlessness, Cheney also displays moments of vulnerability, particularly when facing his mortality or reflecting on his family. | While Cheney's character arc is clear and well-defined, it focuses primarily on his ambition and thirst for power, at the expense of exploring other aspects of his personality and personal life. Additionally, his character is presented in a rather one-dimensional manner, with minimal exploration of his inner conflicts and emotions beyond his love for his family. There is little to no nuance in the portrayal of Cheney, which may limit the viewers' ability to empathize or connect with him. | To improve Cheney's character arc, it would be beneficial to explore his personal and emotional struggles in more depth, particularly his conflicts between his political ambitions and his loyalty to his family. Additionally, presenting him more as a real person rather than a caricature of a ruthless politician could help create a more nuanced and compelling portrayal. Finally, providing more insight into Cheney's motivations and beliefs could help create a more complex and multifaceted character. |
| Lynne Cheney | Throughout the movie, Lynne Cheney's character arc follows her evolution from a supportive and loving wife to a pragmatic and protective political strategist. Initially, Lynne is portrayed as proud of her husband's career and achievements, but also frustrated with his behavior after a drunken altercation. She puts an ultimatum on their relationship, questioning if Dick can change. Later, Lynne displays her concern for her husband's well-being and appears to be against his re-entering politics. However, she eventually becomes an indispensable force in his political career, serving as his advisor and strategist. Despite her initial skepticism, she shows unwavering support and determination in protecting her family's image and promoting Dick's political ambitions. | The character arc of Lynne Cheney is well-developed and consistent throughout the movie. However, some of the scenes involving her character could have been more impactful. For instance, her reaction to the 9/11 attacks is brief, and her subsequent role in the events is not fully explored. Additionally, her vulnerability after her mother's death is not fully developed or explored in later scenes. Further development of these aspects would have added depth to her character. | To improve the character arc of Lynne Cheney, the movie could have included more scenes showing her involvement and impact in politics, especially in the post-9/11 era. Additionally, the movie could have explored her vulnerability and grief after her mother's death in more detail, and how it affects her relationship with Dick. This would have added more emotional depth and complexity to her character. |
| Donald Rumsfeld | Donald Rumsfeld's character arc in the screenplay is primarily about his relationship with Cheney and how it impacts his career. At first, Rumsfeld is shown as a partner in crime with Cheney, sharing his hunger for power and willingness to do whatever it takes to gain it. However, as their careers take different paths, Rumsfeld becomes skeptical of Cheney's tactics. He begins to question whether Cheney's actions are ethical and worries about the consequences they will have on their political party. Despite these misgivings, Rumsfeld remains ultimately loyal to Cheney and stands by him even when it means putting his own career on the line. | The character arc for Donald Rumsfeld is well-written, showcasing his journey from a ruthless politician to a more empathetic and nuanced character. However, the arc could benefit from more exploration of Rumsfeld's internal struggle between his morality and his loyalty to Cheney. While the movie illustrates his doubts about Cheney's tactics, it does not fully delve into his emotional turmoil or explore the reasons behind his eventual decision to remain loyal. Additionally, the arc neglects to recognize the impact of Rumsfeld's troubled past on his present-day behavior, leaving the audience with an incomplete picture of the character. | To improve the character arc for Donald Rumsfeld, the screenplay could add more scenes that showcase his internal struggles and emotional turmoil. For instance, the movie could expand on the reasons behind his decision to remain loyal to Cheney despite his misgivings. Furthermore, the arc could benefit from more exploration of Rumsfeld's troubled past and the impact that it has on his present-day behavior. By portraying Rumsfeld as a more complex and multi-dimensional character, the screenplay could deepen the audience's engagement with his story and ultimately create a more impactful arc. |
| David Addington | Throughout the movie, David Addington's character arc involves a gradual realization of the dangers of unchecked executive power and what it costs in terms of personal and political morality. At the beginning of the movie, he is confident in his beliefs and willing to do whatever it takes to maintain and expand executive power. As he becomes increasingly involved in the administration's actions, however, he begins to question the ethics of their methods and the cost to the nation's democratic principles. Eventually, he reaches a breaking point where he realizes that he cannot continue to blindly support the administration, leading him to confront Cheney and resign from his position. | The arc is well-developed, but could benefit from more nuanced exploration of Addington's emotional state and relationships with other characters. By focusing more on his internal struggle and interactions with others, his arc would be more relatable and compelling to the audience. | One suggestion could be to introduce a scene where Addington has a personal relationship with someone who is affected by the administration's actions, which could cause him to question his beliefs. Alternatively, adding more moments of vulnerability and self-reflection throughout the film could help the audience empathize with his journey. |
Top Correlations and patterns found in the scenes:
| Pattern | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Strong Emotional Impact | The emotional impact of the screenplay is consistently high across various tones and genres. This may be due to the author's ability to create compelling characters and conflicts that resonate with audiences. |
| Significant Conflict and High Stakes | Many of the screenplays analyzed feature significant conflict and high stakes, which drives the plot and maintains tension throughout. This is especially apparent in the screenplays with a 'tense' tone. |
| Character Changes and Emotional Impact | Screenplays with a serious or dramatic tone tend to feature significant character changes, which have a strong emotional impact on the audience. This may be a deliberate choice by the author to create more meaningful and impactful stories. |
| Dialogue and Tension | Screenplays with a tense tone tend to feature dialogue that enhances the tension and keeps the audience on edge. This may be due to the author's ability to write compelling and suspenseful dialogue that adds to the overall atmosphere of the screenplay. |
| Move Story Forward and High Stakes | Screenplays that consistently move the story forward tend to have high stakes that keep the audience engaged and invested in the outcome. This may be a deliberate choice by the author to create a sense of urgency and momentum that propels the story forward. |
Stories Similar to this one
| Story | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Vice | This screenplay tells the story of Dick Cheney's life and political career, which is similar to the movie 'Vice' that also explores the political life of Cheney and his influence in the White House. |
| House of Cards | The political maneuvering and power plays in 'Vice' are reminiscent of the TV show 'House of Cards,' which also explores the dark side of politics and the lengths people will go to maintain power. |
| The Big Short | Both 'The Big Short 'and 'Vice' are political dramas that delve into the realm of finance and government corruption, with a focus on high stakes and behind-the-scenes deals and Machiavellian tactics. |
| The West Wing | The TV show 'The West Wing' tackles similar themes of politics and power, with a focus on the inner workings of the White House and the everyday lives of politicians and staffers. |
Here are different Tropes found in the screenplay
| Trope | Trope Details | Trope Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| The Narrator | The scene opens with a disclaimer about Cheney's secretive nature | The Narrator is a character in a story who tells their own story or relates the story and experiences of others. An example of the Narrator trope is the character of Ted Mosby in the TV show How I Met Your Mother. |
| Flashback | The scene transitions to show Cheney's origins as a young man | A flashback is a narrative device used in films and literature where a scene from the present is interrupted to show a scene from the past. An example of this trope is the TV show Lost. |
| Montage | Includes a montage of Cheney's political career | A montage is a sequence of shots that compresses time and shows the progression of events. An example of this trope is the Rocky movie franchise. |
| Injury Inheritor | Cheney witnesses a coworker's injury before getting into a physical altercation at a bar | An Injury Inheritor is a character who experiences or witnesses an injury and then later becomes involved in a physical altercation. An example of this trope is the character of Tommy in the Martin Scorsese film Goodfellas. |
| Mama Bear | Cheney is confronted by Lynne about his behavior | Mama Bear is a trope that refers to a character, typically a mother, who becomes fiercely protective over their children. An example of this trope is the character of Cersei Lannister in the TV show Game of Thrones. |
| Mentor Archetype | The next scene shows Cheney meeting Rumsfeld, their relationship and political discussions. Cheney then decides to leave his family to work for Rumsfeld. | The Mentor Archetype is a character who guides and supports the protagonist. An example of this trope is the character of Obi-Wan Kenobi in the Star Wars franchise. |
| Family Drama | Another scene shows Cheney's political maneuvering during Nixon's resignation and his family life. Cheney and Rumsfeld strategize to gain power after Nixon's resignation and Cheney's family experiences a personal tragedy | Family Drama is a genre of storytelling that centers around the relationships and conflicts within a family. An example of this trope is the TV show This Is Us. |
| Political Thriller | Cheney and his team discuss their strategy for gaining power and control in the White House, including accessing the President's schedule and emails, while also discussing the use of torture and rewriting laws | Political Thriller is a genre of storytelling that combines political intrigue with suspense and thriller elements. An example of this trope is the TV show House of Cards. |
| Disaster Movie | Suddenly, the scene shifts to the events of 9/11, as they rush to a secure underground bunker and strategize on how to handle the situation | Disaster Movie is a genre of storytelling that focuses on a catastrophic event that threatens the safety and survival of a group of people. An example of this trope is the movie The Day After Tomorrow. |
| CIA Conspiracy | Rumsfeld and Cheney attempt to stop a damaging CIA report from reaching POTUS and blame it on faulty intelligence | CIA Conspiracy is a trope that involves characters in positions of power conspiring to cover up information or mislead the public. An example of this trope is the movie Three Days of the Condor. |
| Legacy Defender | Former Vice President Dick Cheney defends his legacy in politics and justifies the Iraq War in an interview | Legacy Defender is a character who defends their legacy or reputation in the face of criticism or controversy. An example of this trope is the character of Walter White in the TV show Breaking Bad. |
| Focus Group Melee | A focus group discussing a movie turns violent when a member accuses the movie of having a liberal bias | Focus Group Melee is a trope that involves a focus group or other group of people becoming violent or chaotic. An example of this trope is the movie Fight Club. |
Screenplay Rating:
Recommend
Executive Summary
The 'Vice' screenplay is a captivating and thought-provoking exploration of Dick Cheney's rise to power and his impact on American history. With its unique narrative structure, strong character development, and masterful use of tension, the script is both entertaining and informative. However, some satirical elements could be refined, and exploring perspectives beyond Cheney's inner circle would enhance the overall depth of the story.
Strengths
- Compelling and unconventional narrative structure, blending historical biopic with dark satire and breaking the fourth wall. high
- Strong character development, particularly for Dick and Lynne Cheney, exploring their complex motivations and relationship. high
- Masterful use of tension and suspense, especially surrounding pivotal events like 9/11 and the lead-up to the Iraq War. high ( Scene 1 Scene 24 Scene 29 Scene 30 )
- Sharp and witty dialogue, effectively balancing humor with the serious subject matter. medium
- Insightful exploration of the political landscape and the influence of money and ideology on American policy. medium ( Scene 12 Scene 22 Scene 23 )
Areas of Improvement
- The satirical elements, while effective, could be toned down in certain scenes to ensure the historical context remains clear. medium
- The pacing could be tightened in some sections, particularly during montages or scenes with extensive exposition. low ( Scene 26 Scene 27 )
- Exploring the perspectives of characters beyond the Cheney inner circle could provide a more nuanced view of the events. low
MissingElements
- Deeper exploration of the psychological impact of Cheney's decisions and actions on himself and those around him. medium
- More explicit portrayal of the human cost of the Iraq War and the War on Terror, particularly on civilians and soldiers. medium
NotablePoints
- The use of the narrator's heart transplant as a metaphor for Cheney's legacy is both powerful and disturbing. high ( Scene 34 )
- The scene where Cheney tells Rumsfeld he's being fired showcases the ruthlessness and pragmatism of his character. high ( Scene 33 )
- The conflict between Cheney's political ambitions and his love for his daughter Mary adds an emotional layer to the narrative. medium ( Scene 14 Scene 34 )