第六感生死缘Meet Joe Black Movie Script

PARRISH:

Yes, you are to understand that, and now may I ask you a question?

DREW:

Certainly, Bill.

PARRISH:

Are you running this Board or am I? Sloane leans in.

SLOANE:

We're not getting anywhere here. Why don't we take some of the best out of this thing, let's consider it coolly, let's take a week --

DREW:

Bontecou wants a speedier response than that.

SLOANE:

He'll wait --

PARRISH:

Doesn't need to. Today, tomorrow, a week from now -- 'a week from now', who can think about a week from now -- the answer is going to be the same -- a loud, unmistakable, all-inclusive, airtight -- 'No'. A BUZZ amongst the Board, they finally rustle into silence under Parrish's withering glance. PARRISH (cont'd) That's it? I've got a busy day and this meeting has already set me behind. Shall we adjourn?

DREW:

Before we do, while we're here, there is a second question the Board would like a response to, a far simpler one. Parrish waits. DREW (cont'd) Who is the man sitting to the right of you? Everybody's eyes are on Joe.

PARRISH:

I've already introduced Mr. Black to you all.

PARRISH:

In English, please.

DREW:

Mandatory retirement upon our Chairman's sixty-fifth birthday. Parrish is expressionless. DREW (cont'd) At which time, the Chairman will be named Emeritus, he will be welcome to attend all meetings, and will serve as International Spokesman for the corporation plus, of course, a settlement, a golden parachute of such magnitude that his feet will never touch the ground. Drew pauses. DREW (cont'd) Please indicate your vote by a "Yes" or "No". A "Yes" is heard, now another "Yes", now more "Yes"es, all reluctant, "No" from Sloane, "No" from Quince who realizes he is the instrument of Parrish's dismissal. DREW (cont'd) The motion is passed. We will of course delay the announcement, out of respect for our former Chairman, until after the celebration of his birthday this weekend.

PARRISH:

Thank you for allowing me to save face, Drew. Joe's eyes are riveted on Drew.

DREW:

(to the Board) The other motion before us is the acceptance of John Bontecou's offer to merge this corporation with Bontecou International -- Parrish stands, Drew stops speaking.

PARRISH:

Joe? Silence, then Joe rises.

JOE:

(to the Board) Who I am, and my relationship to Bill, will be divulged in our own good time. Joe follows Parrish out of the room. INT. HALLWAY, OUTSIDE BOARD ROOM - DAYSloane has pursued Parrish and Joe.

SLOANE:

(to Parrish) ...It's not over, 'til it's over.

PARRISH:

Please, Eddie, no 'Fat Lady Sings" sh*t.

SLOANE:

I still sense some doubt in this group, we could turn it around. You'll be up in the country?

PARRISH:

Yes, the big 'celebration' of my mandatory retirement birthday. You're an honored guest, Eddie.

SLOANE:

I'm going to stick it out here. We still have a shot. The elevator door opens, Parrish and Joe step inside and the door closes, leaving Sloane behind. INT. HALLWAY, PARRISH COMMUNICATIONS - DAY The Board meeting has broken up, clusters of members have lingered, exchanging post-mortems. And enraged Quince has cornered Drew, out of earshot of the others.

QUINCE:

What have you done? You've gotten the old man fired!

DREW:

That we did. Thanks to you. He was wobbling, mind you, but you spplied the coup de grace. Quince falls silent, aquiver with this reality.

QUINCE:

I'm going to put a stop to this!

DREW:

Quince, you can't unscramble scrambled eggs.

QUINCE:

But I didn't mean to do it!