12 Years a Slave Page #11

superintendent. With my earnings

I hired several efficient hands to

assist me, and I entered into

contracts for the transportation

of large rafts of timber from Lake

Champlain to Troy.

FORD:

(to Tibeats)

I'll admit to being impressed even

if you won't.

(to Solomon)

Collect a gang, see what good you

can do.

76 EXT. CREEK -DAY 76

-END OF JUNE, 1841

WE HAVE A SERIES OF SCENES in which we see Solomon and a

TEAM OF BLACKS working on the creek: CHOPPING TREES

ALONG THE BANKS, widening out the shore... It's all justa trial for now. The work is diligent, but it is basicto this point. Still, under Solomon's direction, theslaves go at it like they've got something to prove. And

rightly they do.

Solomon also works on a narrow raft of twelve cribs with

which he will transport the timber.

Once this is constructed, HE PERSONALLY "SAILS" THEM UPTHE CREEK WITH A TEST LOAD.

77 EXT. FORD'S WORK AREA - LATER 77

Ford and a group of slaves wait along the river banksjust beyond the WORK AREA. All are expectant in their

manner. A long moment passes with no sign of Solomon.

Then, from up river, we see Solomon's raft of lumberwinding its way. SLAVES CHEER, and Ford literallyapplauds the effort. Tibeats looks pissed. He has justbeen shown up after all.

78 EXT. FORD PLANTATION/GREAT HOUSE - DAY 78

As we come into the scene, Ford is presenting Solomonwith a fiddle. Not as grand as the one he previouslyowned in New York, but a fine instrument none the less.

It is a gift of thanks for his hard work. Solomon's

gratitude is easily expressed.

(CONTINUED)

1/24/13 FINAL SHOOTING SCRIPT 48.

78 CONTINUED:
78 78 CONTINUED: 78

SOLOMON:

My great thanks, Master Ford.

FORD:

My thanks to you, and it is the

least of it. My hope is that it

brings us both much joy over the

years.

Following the statement, Solomon's not sure how to react.

He remains grateful, but the thought of "over the years"

is just a reminder of the altered state in which he nowfinds himself.

79 EXT. FORD PLANATION/SLAVE SHACK - EVENING 79

-END OF JULY, 1841

The slaves eat. All tired from a days work they conductthemselves in silence. All except for Eliza who,

SLIPPING INTO PERMANENT DEPRESSION, as always weeps. The

sound of her sobbing edging him up - particularly afterMaster Ford's "over the years" observation. Solomonfinally snaps:

SOLOMON:

Eliza. Eliza, stop!

Solomon goes to her, grabs Eliza. She does not stop. As

if to force the misery from her, Solomon SHAKES ELIZAVIOLENTLY.

SOLOMON (CONT'D)

Stop it! Stop!

ELIZA:

It’s all I have to keeps my loss

present.

SOLOMON:

You let yourself be overcome by

sorrow. You will drown in it.

ELIZA:

Have you stopped crying for your

children? You make no sounds, but

will you ever let them go in your

heart?

SOLOMON:

...They are as my flesh...

(CONTINUED)

1/24/13 FINAL SHOOTING SCRIPT 49.

79 CONTINUED:
79 79 CONTINUED: 79

ELIZA:

Then who is distressed? Do I

upset the Mistress and the Master?

Do you care less for my loss than

their well being?

SOLOMON:

Master Ford is a decent man.

ELIZA:

He is a slaver.

SOLOMON:

Under the circumstances-

ELIZA:

Under the circumstances he is a

slaver! Christian only in his

proclamations. Separated me from

my precious babies for lack of a

few dollars. But you truckle at

his boot-

SOLOMON:

No...

ELIZA:

You luxuriate in his favor.

SOLOMON:

I survive. I will not fall into

despair. Woeful and crushed;

melancholy is the yolk I see most.

I will offer up my talents to

Master Ford. I will keep myself

hearty until freedom is opportune.

ELIZA:

Ford is your opportunity. Do you

think he does not know that you

are more than you suggest? But he

does nothing for you. Nothing.

You are no better than prized

livestock. Call for him. Call,

tell him of your previous

circumstances and see what it

earns you...Solomon.

Eliza uses Solomon’s name quite pointedly as if to

underscore his true self. Solomon get her meaning. Yet

he says nothing. Again, pointedly:

ELIZA (CONT’D)

So, you’ve settled into your role

as Platt, then?

SOLOMON:

(defensive)

My back is thick with scars from(MORE)

(CONTINUED)

1/24/13 FINAL SHOOTING SCRIPT 50.

79 CONTINUED:
(2) 79

SOLOMON (CONT'D)

protesting my freedom. Do not

accuse me--

ELIZA:

I accuse you of nothing. I cannot

accuse. I too have done so many,

many dishonorable things to

survive. And for all of them I

have ended up here... No better

than if I had stood up for myself.

Father, Lord and Savior forgive

me... Forgive me. Oh, Solomon,

let me weep for my children.

FORD (V.O.)

At the same time came the

disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who

is the greatest in the kingdom of

heaven?

80 EXT. FORD PLANTATION - MORNING 80

-AUGUST, 1841

It's Sunday. The slaves are again gathered in the rosegarden near the front of the house to hear the word ofthe Lord as read by Master Ford.

FORD:

And Jesus called a little child

unto him, and set him in the midst

of them, And said, Verily I say

unto you, Except ye be converted,

and become as little children, ye

shall not enter into the kingdom

of heaven.

The phrase seems to trigger Eliza's tears. She begins tosob uncontrollably.

Mrs. Ford turns to Rachel in a hushed whisper-

MRS. FORD

I cannot have that kind of

depression about.

Solomon, pretending not to have heard, slowly turns toEliza with worry.

Ford continues to preach over Eliza's keening.

FORD:

But whoso shall offend one of

these little ones which believe in

me, it were better for him that a

millstone were hanged about his

neck, and that he were drowned in

the depth of the sea. Woe unto

(MORE)

(CONTINUED)

1/24/13 FINAL SHOOTING SCRIPT 50A.

80 CONTINUED:
80

FORD (CONT'D)

the world because of offences!

For it must needs be that offences

come; but woe to that man by whomthe offence cometh!

BLACK:

1/24/13 FINAL SHOOTING SCRIPT 51.

81 EXT. FORD PLANTATION - DAY 81

-JANUARY, 1842

Seasons have passed. It is winter now, and very grey outalong the bayou. Ford and Tibeats - who we have seen

working around the WORK AREA - stand with Solomon,

Tibeats giving Solomon an inspection. Ford carries much

lament.

TIBEATS:

Raise yer shirt.

Solomon does as instructed. Tibeats looks at Solomon's

back, at the scars from lashings he bears.

TIBEATS (CONT’D)

Troublesome.

FORD:

He's a good carpenter and quick-

witted.

TIBEATS:

I am familiar with his cleverness.

FORD:

You won't find a n*gger more

humble.

TIBEATS:

Ain't found a n*gger yet I cain't

humble.

Tibeats heads off. Solomon, highly curious over thepreceding.

SOLOMON:

Sir, have I done something wrong?

FORD:

Not your concern, Platt. I say

with much...shame I have compiled

debts. I have long preached

austerity, but find myself

hypocritical in that regard.

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