THE BLIND SIDE
Written by
John Lee Hancock
Based on the book
The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game
By
Michael Lewis
04/28/09
1 OVER BLACK... 1
A distinctly SOUTHERN VOICE...
LEIGH ANNE'S VOICE
There's a moment of orderly silence
before a football play begins.
Players are in position, linemen
are frozen, and anything's
possible. Then, like a traffic
accident, stuff begins to randomly
collide. From the snap of the ball
to the snap of the first bone is
closer to four seconds than five.
2 EXT. FOOTBALL FIELD/GAME FOOTAGE - NIGHT 2
We're watching footage of the 1985 Redskins/Giants Monday
Night Football game. Lots of angles, faces, knuckles as the
two teams line up, Redskins on offense, for the snap of the
ball. As the play begins --
LEIGH ANNE'S VOICE
One Mississippi. Joe Theismann, the
Redskins quarterback, takes the
snap and hands off to his running
back.
JOE THEISMANN hands off to JOHN RIGGINS, who takes two steps
forward, then turns and tosses the ball back'to Theismann.
The footage PAUSES AND PLAYS like a coach breaking down film.
LEIGH ANNE'S VOICE (CONT'D)
Two Mississippi. It's a trick play,
a flea flicker, and the running
back tosses the ball back to the
quarterback.
HARRY CARSON, the Giants linebacker sees that Theismann has
the ball back and races toward him. Theismann steps up and
to the side and Carson flies past.
LEIGH ANNE'S VOICE (CONT'D)
Three Mississippi. Up to now the
play's been defined by what the
quarterback sees. It's about to be
defined by what he doesn't.
LAWRENCE TAYLOR carves a wide circle around the Redskins
lineman trying to block him.
(CONTINUED)
2 CONTINUED: 2
The blocker dives frantically. at Taylor's ankles, and misses.
Taylor leaps, arms raised, filling the sky behind Theismann.
The image FREEZES.
LEIGH ANNE'S VOICE (CONT'D)
Four Mississippi. Lawrence Taylor
is the best defensive player in the
NFL and has been from the time he
stepped onto the field as a rookie.
The frozen image of Taylor comes to life as he jackknifes
Theismann's body.
PLAYERS' FACES react to what they're seeing. Devastating.
TAYLOR pops up from the pile and jumps around like a madman.
LEIGH ANNE'S VOICE (CONT'D)
He will also change the game of
football as we know it.
WE ARE WATCHING the MNF feed and hear the ANNOUNCER'S VOICES.
FRANK GIFFORD (V.0.)
Again, we'll look at it with the
reverse angle one more time. And I
suggest if your stomach is weak you
just don't watch.
LEIGH ANNE'S VOICE
Joe Theissman never played another
down of football.
3 TEAM PHOTO OF THE 2005 SEATTLE SEAHAWKS 3
LEIGH ANNE'S. VOICE
Now, y'all would guess that more
often than not the highest paid
player on an NFL team is the
quarterback.
The camera finds MATT HASSELBECK, Seattle's quarterback.
LEIGH ANNE'S VOICE (CONT'D)
And you'd be right. What you
probably don't know is that more
often than not the second highest
paid player is, thanks to Lawrence
Taylor, a left tackle.
The camera goes to WALTER JONES, Seattle's left tackle.
(CONTINUED)
3
3 CONTINUED: 3
LEIGH ANNE'S VOICE (CONT'D)
Because, as every housewife knows,
the first check you write is for
the mortgage and the second is for
the insurance. The left tackle's
job is to protect the quarterback
from what he can't see coming. To
protect his blind side.
4 SERIES OF SHOTS 4
"Famous" left tackles - Jonathan Ogden, Orlando Pace, Andre
Gurode. Then we SEE SHOTS of their hands, feet, waists,
etc., corresponding with ---
LEIGH ANNE'S VOICE
The ideal left tackle is big, but a
lot of people are big. He is wide
in the butt and massive in the
thighs. He has long arms, giant
hands and feet as quick as a
hiccup.
EXT. WEST MEMPHIS -- DAY 5
A street anchored by project housing and littered with broken
down cars and ne'er-do-wells. Lots of folks out, milling
about, but our focus is on A TEENAGER in the distance, moving
TOWARD US in SLO-MO while everyone else is at normal speed.
He's extremely large, six and a half feet, but he carefully
steps instead of strutting. His name is MICHAEL OHER.
LEIGH ANNE'S VOICE
This is a rare and expensive
combination the need for which can
be traced to that Monday night game
and Lawrence. Taylor. For on that
day he not only altered Joe
Theismann's life, but mine as well.
As Michael continues toward us he begins to go OUT OF FOCUS --
INVESTIGATOR'S VOICE (V.O.)
Mr. Oher, do you know why I'm here?
(NO RESPONSE)
Mr. Oher?...
MICHAEL (V.0.)
(CONTINUED)
4
5 CONTINUED: 5
INVESTIGATOR'S.VOICE (V.O.)
Do you know, do you understand why
I'm here?
MICHAEL (V.0.)
To... investigate.
INVESTIGATOR'S VOICE (V.0.)
Yes. To investigate. I'm here to
investigate your odd...
predicament.
6 INT. NONDESCRIPT ROOM - DAY 6
Looks like a government office. Not much more than a desk on
either side of which sit INVESTIGATOR GRANGER, an African-
American woman in a business suit, and Michael Oher. Michael
slumps a bit, eyes the ground and rubs his hands on his knees
- a nervous trait of his.
GRANGER
Do you find it odd? Your
predicament?
(NO RESPONSE)
Michael?...
MICHAEL
Iono [I don't know]...
Investigator Granger sifts through her briefcase, pulls out
files, documents - a good bit of evidence for whatever
trouble Michael is in.
She sits back, stares at Michael, as if trying to figure him
out. Michael can't meet her gaze. He looks out the window,
rubs his knees some more.
MICHAEL (CONT'D)
Can I... can I leave now?
GRANGER
(WITH FINALITY)
No. You can't.
7 INT. ANCIENT FORD TAURUS _ DAY 7
SUPERSCRIPT: TWO YEARS BEFORE
Michael sits in the back seat, behind STEVEN HAMILTON, 14,
and his father, BIG TONY, who drives.
(CONTINUED)
5
7 CONTINUED: 7
Not a word is spoken as they drive through the streets of
WEST MEMPHIS - poverty ridden.
8
EXT. HIGHWAY - DAY
The Taurus exits into --
9 EXT. SOMEWHAT NICER AREA OF TOWN.- DAY 9
The Taurus passes an endless supply of churches and strip
joints, all of which Michael's eyes take in.
10 EXT. EAST MEMPHIS - INT/EXT TAURUS - DAY (LATER) 10
We've gone from slums to nice neighborhoods - fathers and
sons play baseball, kids tend lemonade stands, sprinklers
keep the grass emerald green.
Michael's face tells us he's never seen anything like this.
11 EXT. WINGATE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL -- DAY 11
The Taurus enters the parking lot filled with nice cars.
A12
A12 INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY -- DAY
Big Tony strides down the almost empty hallway, spots a door.
12 INT. WINGATE - COTTON'S OFFICE - DAY 12
BERT COTTON, football coach, cleans off his desk, ready to
leave for the day. Big Tony knocks at the door.
BIG TONY
They say you the coach.
Cotton eyes Tony, offers a hand.
COTTON
Bert Cotton.
BIG TONY
Tony Hamilton, but everybody call
me Big Tony.
COTTON
What can I do for you, Tony?
13 EXT. WINGATE - SCHOOL GROUNDS - DAY 13
Steven and Michael eye the freshly painted buildings, the
flowers, the new playground jungle gyms and outdoor hoops.
(CONTINUED)
6
13 CONTINUED: 13
STEVEN
Sure is pretty, huh, Big Mike?
Mike doesn't answer, just takes it all in. Steven sees and
opens a container filled to the brim with balls - footballs,
basketballs, four square balls.
STEVEN (CONT'D)
Not even locked!
MICHAEL
White people are crazy.
14 INT. WINGATE - COTTON'S OFFICE - DAY 14
Big Tony and Cotton are mid-discussion ---
BIG TONY
You see I promised my mama Boo, on
her deathbed, that I would get
Steven outta public and into a
church school.
COTTON
I appreciate that but I'm not
involved with admissions.
BIG TONY
I figured I'd come to you; seeing
as you might need some players.
COTTON
What sport does he play?
BIG TONY
Anything with a ball. Good, too.
He has Cotton's attention for a moment, then it passes...
COTTON
Classes start in a week. It'd have
to be for next semester.
BIG TONY
I know what you're thinking, Coach,
but I got money. I'm a mechanic at
Wilson's Auto t'other side of town.
(ANOTHER TRY)
What if someone drops out or moves?
Could they get in then?
(CONTINUED)
7
14 CONTINUED: 14
COTTON
"They?" You only mentioned one son.
BIG TONY
Steven, yessir, but I brought
another boy along.
COTTON
Another boy?
BIG TONY
Yeah, Big Mike. He stays on our
couch sometimes. It's a bad deal.
His mama's on the crack pipe and he
ain't got nobody. He just wanted
to come along with us today.
COTTON
Would... Big Mike be an applicant
as well?
BIG TONY
Yeah, sure, why not.
Cotton sighs, considers what to do.
COTTON
They'd have to fill out
applications and make an
appointment for interviews.
BIG TONY
I was hopin' you might just
interview 'em now.
COTTON
They're here?
Big Tony points out the.window to the playground where Steven
and Michael are playing one on one basketball.
BIG TONY
The little ones Steven and the big
ONE'S --
COTTON
Big Mike.
BIG TONY
Yeah. That's right.
INTERCUT WITH:
8
15 EXT. WINGATE - PLAYGROUND - DAY 15
For a boy his size Michael can really move. He dribbles,
fakes left, then falls away, making a long three pointer.
Cotton's eyes get a little wider as he watches --
Michael dribbles the ball between his legs, behind his back
and jumps high, slamming the ball through the hoop. Big men
aren't supposed to move like this.
Cotton's lips are almost quivering --
COTTON
Mother of God...
16 INT. ADMINISTRATION OFFICE BOARD ROOM - DAY 16
The Board of Admissions, eight or so men and women, are
seated around a large conference table. By himself, at one
end, sits Bert Cotton.
COTTON
Are there spots available or not?
PAUL SANDSTROM, Principal, taps his fingers before...
SANDSTROM
Technically, yes, in both grades.
But we have a greater
responsibility than just filling
classrooms. Steven Hamilton's
paperwork looks acceptable and I
believe he would be capable of
succeeding here but the other kid --
Sandstrom looks through papers for the name.
COTTON
Big Mike.
SANDSTROM
Michael Oher gives us no reason to
believe, based on his record, that
he would be successful here.
COTTON
How bad could it be?
Another board member, MRS. SMITH, pores over Michael's file,
which is a mess. She finds facts and lays them out ---
(CONTINUED)
9
16 CONTINUED: 16
MRS. SMITH
We're not sure exactly how old he
is due to lack of records. He has
a measured IQ of 80. That's 6th
percentile. He's been enrolled in
seven different institutions,
including a gap of eighteen months
around the age of ten when he
apparently didn't attend school at
all. He repeated first grade as
well as second, there's no record
of attendance in third, and in
fourth grade --
COTTON
So they moved him ahead without
going to third grade. That says
something.
MRS. SMITH
(IGNORING COTTON)
His attendance records are abysmal
and his grade point average begins
with a zero. Zero-point-six-
Silence around the room. MRS. BOSWELL, a board member and
science teacher, looks to the others.
MRS. BOSWELL
Everyone passed him along - gave
him D's so they could hand their
problem off to the next school.
COTTON
Brave kid.
(off their confusion)
For wanting to come here. For
wanting a quality education. An
education denied him by the poor
quality of the schools he's
attended. Most kids with his
background wouldn't come within two
hundred miles of this place.
MRS. SMITH
Coach Cotton, we understand your
interest in the young man's
athletic abilities.
SANDSTROM
He wouldn't be able to play until
he got his grades up anyway.
(CONTINUED)
The Blind Side - Green Revision - 04/28/09 10
16 CONTINUED: 16
COTTON
Forget sports! Look at the wall.
He points to the crest on the wall. Beneath it: "NEIGHBORLY,
ACADEMIC, CHRISTIAN".
COTTON (CONT'D)
Christian. We either take that
seriously or we paint over it. You
don't admit Michael Oher for
sports, you admit him because it's
the right thing to do.
Their faces announce that he's made a point.
17 EXT. WINGATE - DAY 17
First day of class. Students, mostly blonde-haired and blue-
eyed, wearing crisply laundered Abercrombie and Fitch, carry
their backpacks through the school's arch and converse with
friends they haven't seen over the summer.
Michael ENTERS FRAME. Fills it up in fact. He stares at the
arch. Beneath the school name we read "WITH MEN THIS IS.
POSSIBLE, WITH GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE". Michael takes a
deep breath and enters. He carries his "school bag" - a
plastic grocery sack.
18 EXT. WINGATE - CAMPUS - DAY 18
Just as before, Michael moves at A DIFFERENT SPEED than those
around him. Makes sense because he is different. Not only
the color of his skin but his size, his clothes (short pants
and T-shirt), his eyes taking in the pavement - all point to
the fact that he doesn't belong here.
Small children from kindergarten and first grade give him a
wide, cautious berth. He's noticed and ogled by everyone.
19 INT. WINGATE - MRS. BOSWELL'S CLASS - DAY 19
It's Mrs. Boswell's biology class and she's writing on the
board in front of a full classroom when Michael enters. He
pauses and all eyes go to him. Mrs. Boswell does her best to
stifle a gasp as she first lays eyes on him. Then...
MRS. BOSWELL
Class, this is Mike Oher and he's
new here so I expect you all to
make him feel welcome.
(with a warm smile)
Mike, take any empty seat.
(CONTINUED)
11
19 CONTINUED: 19
She urges him with a nod. Michael walks back and sits in the
corner, looking terrified. He barely fits in the seat.
Mrs. Boswell hands out a stack of papers to each row. As
students pass them back to others...
MRS. BOSWELL (CONT'D)
This is a quiz based on the
information you learned last year
in your science curriculum.
(OVER GROANS)
Don't worry. It won't be graded. I
just want to see how much of the
information we need to hit again.
Just answer whatever you know.
The student in front of Michael hands a sheet back to him and
eyes the size of his feet.
The students start to work while Michael stares at the sheet
like it's written in Greek. Mrs. Boswell watches him for a
few seconds before turning back to her work.
20 INT. WINGATE - HALLWAY - DAY (LATER) 20
A bell RINGS and kids leave classrooms.
21 INT. WINGATE - MRS. BOSWELL'S CLASS - DAY 21
Michael sits alone while Mrs. Boswell collects the last of
the papers. She walks over to Michael, looks down at his
sheet. Nothing filled in, just his name scrawled at the top.
She tries to decide how to deal with this then opts for --
MRS. BOSWELL
It's okay.
MICHAEL
Can I leave now?
She nods and watches him stand and walk away. She glances
down at the sheet, turns it over and sees...
A DRAWING on the back - a boat on an ocean. On the boat is a
single, stick figure person. It's sweet but looks like a
third grader drew it.
12
22 INT. BIG TONY'S APARTMENT - NIGHT 22
Michael lies on a tattered sofa. The lights are out but
Michael's eyes are open, staring at the light emanating from
beneath a closed bedroom door. We hear voices...
WOMAN'S VOICE (O.S)
Why he gotta always stay here?
BIG TONY'S VOICE (0.S)
Ain't got nowhere else.
WOMAN'S VOICE (O.S)
And how's that your problem? You
the Red Cross all of a sudden?
Michael tries to shut his eyes.
23
23 EXT. WINGATE - PARKING LOT - DAY
School is out. Steven walks up to Michael...
STEVEN
Hey, Big Mike, um... my Pops'
girlfriend... she don't really want
you to stay with us no more.
Big Tony's Taurus pulls into the lot.
STEVEN (CONT'D)
We can still give you rides if you
want?
MICHAEL
Naw, it's aright.
Steven gets in the Taurus. Michael watches it drive away.
24
24 INT. WINGATE - GYMNASIUM FOYER - NIGHT
A girl's volleyball game is in progress in the bg. As
latecomers move en masse for entry into the gym, a small
pretty lady on a cell phone moves.against the crowd; a salmon
on a mission. This is LEIGH ANNE Tuohy. And she's pissed.
LEIGH ANNE
(on cell phone)
I don't care if Patrick Ramsey did
approve the chair. He's an NFL
quarterback not Martha frickin'
Stewart.
(CONTINUED)
The Blind Side - Green Revision - 04/28/09 13
24 CONTINUED: 24
She arrives at the concession stand and waits impatiently.
LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
There's a difference between Bunny
Williams and Lazee-boy.
(TO VENDOR)
Three large popcorns and two large
diets.
(INTO CELL)
When MTV Cribs comes to his house
he'll be showing off his home
theatre but all I'm gonna see is a
brown Barca-lounger. I'm his
designer, my name's on it. Deliver
what I ordered!!!
She hangs up angry, spots a friend nearby and her frown turns
into a smile that could light up a cave.
LEIGH ANNE (CONT`D)
Hi, sweetie! We're on the Kidspace
committee together, aren't we?!
It'll be a hoot!
25 INT. WINGATE - GYMNASIUM -- NIGHT 25
Leigh Anne's husband SEAN TUOHY, handsome, confidant, and
their 10-year-old son, SJ, sit, watching the game.
During a time out, Sean eyes the crowd, sees something odd.
In the upper corner of the gym sits Michael, by himself,
rubbing his knees. Others around him, all white, have moved
away. He's a very large island in the lily white gym.
SEAN
S.J., you know that kid?
SJ
What kid?
SEAN
Black kid. Up in the corner.
SI
Be goes to high school here. His
name is Big something... Big Mike.
Sean eyes Michael suspiciously.
(CONTINUED)
14
25 CONTINUED: 25
SEAN
He look like a volleyball fan to
you?
Leigh Anne, loaded up with refreshments, makes her way up the
stands to her family. She has a nod, a smile, a bon mot, for
everyone she passes. As she sits...
LEIGH ANNE
What'd I miss?
SEAN
Collins got a dig.
SI
It's girl's volleyball, Mom. You
didn't miss anything.
Leigh Anne gives him a look then stands and shouts --
LEIGH ANNE
Collins! Move your feet!
ON THE COURT - COLLINS TUOHY, a beautiful 16-year-old, sighs
and gives her mother a look - "Don't embarrass me!"
26 INT. WINGATE - GYMNASIUM - NIGHT (LATER) 26
The scoreboard tells us that the game is over. Fans file
out. The Tuohy family waits in a group as the volleyball
team exits the court.
LEIGH ANNE
Collins, we'll wait outside. And
don't double condition in the
shower - you still have homework!
COLLINS
I'm going over to Cannon's house to
study.
SI
Can I go.to the Johnson's for
dinner? They invited me.
LEIGH ANNE
What's so awful about our house?
Sean smiles, shakes his head as SJ and Collins leave.
(CONTINUED)
15
26 CONTINUED: 26
Sean's eyes go to the upper stands where he sees Michael,
alone, walking slowly, then bending down, picking something
up, taking a few more steps and repeating the process.
Picking up left-over bags of popcorn.
Sean considers this for a second before leaving.
27 INT. WINGATE - TEACHER'S LOUNGE - DAY 27
Teachers drink stale coffee and chew on donuts.
FIRST TEACHER (BOB)
Well, the big guy's been here a
month and he ain't cutting it in my
class.
SECOND TEACHER (APRIL)
Why would Admissions do this? It's
not fair to us or the boy.
THIRD TEACHER (GLENDA)
Just setting him up to fail.
BOB
I don't think he has any idea what
I'm teaching.
GLENDA
And how would you know if he did?
He won't even talk.
Mrs. Boswell can't contain herself.
MRS. BOSWELL
He writes.
APRIL
His name. Barely.
Mrs. Boswell goes to'her purse, pulls out a crumpled page.
MRS. BOSWELL
He threw this in the trash can.
(reads from the page)
"I look and I see white everywhere:
white walls, white floors, and a
lot of white people. The teachers
do not know I have no idea of
anything they are talking about. I
do not want to listen to anyone,
especially the teachers.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
16
27 CONTINUED: 27
MRS. BOSWELL (CONT'D)
They are giving homework and
expecting me to do the problems on
my own. I have never done homework
in my life. I go to the bathroom,
look in the mirror and say, "This
is not Michael Oher."
(a pause for effect)
He entitled it "White Walls."
The room is dead quiet.
BOB
How's the spelling?
Mrs. Boswell stuffs the page back in her purse and leaves.
28 INT. WINGATE - CAFETERIA -- DAY 28
Sean and Coach Cotton sip coffee while all around them
students eat their lunches. They are looking at Michael, who
sits by himself without a tray in front of him.
COTTON
If he makes his grades he'll be
eligible in the spring.
SEAN
If he makes his grades.
COTTON
But boy-hidey, just look at him.
Cotton is admiring Michael's size but Sean sees something
else. He stands, walks over to Michael, who barely looks up.
SEAN
What did you eat for lunch today?
MICHAEL
Here in the cafeteria.
SEAN
I didn't ask where you ate, I asked
what you ate.
MICHAEL
A few things.
SEAN
Do you need some money? For lunch?
(CONTINUED)
17
28 CONTINUED: 28
MICHAEL
I don't need any.
Sean walks back over to Coach Cotton.
SEAN
Buy him a semester lunch pass and
put it on my bill.
(off Cotton's look)
He's hungry.
COTTON
You could tell that by looking at
him?
SEAN -
I didn't grow up all that different
from him. At public school they
give you free lunch, Bert. And
when food is finite, you'd be
surprised how much time you can
spend thinking about it..
29 INT. WINGATE - MRS. BOSWELL'S CLASS - DAY 29
Mrs. Boswell distributes a test to the class.
MRS. BOSWELL
You'll have one hour. If you
finish early put it on my desk and
sit quietly.
She looks at the class as they begin to work, then sees
Michael just staring at his test. She sighs, makes a
decision, rises and walks over.
MRS. BOSWELL (CONT`D)
Mike, come with me.
30 INT. WINGATE - SMALL ADJACENT ROOM - DAY 30
Filled with supplies and a small desk. Mrs. Boswell points
and he sits.
MRS. BOSWELL
You can take the test back here
away from everybody else. I'll sit
in there so if there's anything you
don't understand you can ask.
(CONTINUED)
18
30 CONTINUED: 30
Michael's eyes go to the page in front of him. He rubs his
hands on his knees and stares. Mrs. Boswell waits a beat
then scoots her chair over next to him.
MRS. BOSWELL (CONT'D)
Mike, how about I ask the questions
and you tell me the answers or as
much as you know.
She looks at his hands - huge next to hers - then reads:
MRS. BOSWELL (CONT'D)
Protozoans are classified based on:
a) how they get their food, b) how
they reproduce, c) how they move,
or d) both a and c.
Michael just stares. After a long moment
MICHAEL
Iono...
MRS. BOSWELL
Just try. Ask questions if you
don't understand.
But still Michael stares at the page. The look on her face
says she's about to give up when
He lifts his eyes to her and points to --
-- the question on the test - specifically to the word
"classified".
MRS. BOSWELL (CONT'D)
"Classified". It means how things
are grouped together.
MICHAEL
Like our "class"?
MRS. BOSWELL
Exactly. This science course is
classified based on what grade
y'all are in. Eleventh.
Michael nods understanding.
MRS. BOSWELL (CONT'D)
Okay, Mike, you ready to answer the
question?
(CONTINUED)
19
30 CONTINUED: 30
He looks at her.
31 INT. WINGATE - TEACHER'S LOUNGE - DAY 31
Same group of teachers. Mrs. Boswell bursts through the
door, holding the test.
MRS. BOSWELL
He knows it!
BOB
Who knows it and what does he know?
MRS. BOSWELL
The material. Michael Oher. I
gave him this test verbally.
She holds up the test -- marked with a large red "C".
APRIL
On how big a curve?
MRS. BOSWELL
He's been listening the whole time.
It's amazing what he's absorbed.
And, trust me, he's listening to
you, too. Okay, so his reading
level is low and he has no idea how
to learn in a classroom, but...
(makes her point)
I'm not saying he's going to pass
but Big Mike is not stupid.
32 EXT. WINGATE - CAMPUS - DAY 32
School is out and Michael walks among the kids of all shapes
and sizes. Two little Kindergarten girls'try and swing
themselves. Michael stops nearby, watching them.
MICHAEL
They're stuck, not sure if they should talk to this
"stranger". They jump off the swings and run away.
SI (OS)
Smile at 'em.
Michael turns to see Si nearby, watching him.
(CONTINUED)
The Blind Side - Green Revision - 04/28/09 20
32 CONTINUED: 32
SJ (CONT'D)
It lets them know you're their
friend. Did you know that even
little kids born blind smile?
They've never seen anyone do it
before but they smile anyway. So
it's universal. That's why it
works. Not that you should fake it
or anything... You're Big Mike,
right?
Sean holds. out a fist for Mike to "knock" and the two walk
toward the school entrance.
SJ (CONT'D)
I'm Sean, but everyone calls me Si --
that's for Sean Junior because my
father's name is Sean. Sean Tuohy.
He was a basketball star at Ole
Miss, point guard, and now he owns
like a million Taco Bells.
Leigh Anne's car pulls up to the pick up/drop off and Si
starts toward it.
SJ (CONT'D)
Manana'.
Michael smiles at the kid, who smiles back.
33 INT. LEIGH ANNE'S CAR - DAY 33
Leigh Anne notices Michael as she drives past him.
LEIGH ANNE
Who's that SJ?
SI
Big Mike.
LEIGH ANNE
Get your feet off my dash.
34 EXT. WINGATE - PICK UP/DROP OFF - DAY 34
Michael watches Leigh Anne's car disappear.
SANDSTROM (O.S.)
Big Mike?...
(CONTINUED)
21
34 CONTINUED: 34
Michael turns to see Paul Sandstrom, the principal.
35 EXT. WINGATE - DAY (A FEW MINUTES LATER) 35
Michael and Sandstrom sit on a bench.
SANDSTROM
Mike, I just got a call from
someone at the police department.
(off Michael's look)
Do you remember the story in the
papers awhile back about the man
who fell off an overpass?
(Michael shakes his head)
No one knew who he was and they're
not sure if he jumped, or if... at
any rate he passed away.
Sandstrom struggles with how to say the words.
SANDSTROM (CONT'D)
Mike, the man... was your father.
Michael takes this in. without showing emotion.
SANDSTROM (CONT'D)
They've been looking for someone to
notify and came across your name on
our registry. I'm really sorry,
son.
(NO RESPONSE)
Were you close?
(Michael shakes his head)
When did you last see him?
MICHAEL
Iono.
SANDSTROM
I'll try and find out where he's
buried. Maybe we could go visit?
Michael nods, then rises and walks away.
36 EXT. ANOTHER STREET - DAY (LATER) 36
Michael sits at a bus stop with his bag, rises as a bus stops
in front of him.
37 OMITTED 37
The Blind Side -- Yellow Draft - 04/15/09 22
38 INT. LAUNDROMAT - NIGHT 38
Pretty seedy. Michael walks to a sink in the back, opens his
plastic sack, pulls out an extra T-shirt and starts to wash
it.
A WOMAN, the only other patron, reads a magazine. When he
turns to look at her, she becomes quite nervous. She sets
down the magazine and walks outside.
It seems Michael was expecting this because as soon as she
leaves he takes his wet T-shirt, wrings it-out, walks to her
dryer and tosses the shirt inside to dry with her things.
39 EXT. LAUNDROMAT - NIGHT (LATER) 39
Michael sits in the corner, his head resting against the
window, trying to sleep.
DISSOLVE TO:
40 EXT. WINGATE - AUDITORIUM - NIGHT 40
A banner over the arch reads: THANKSGIVING PAGEANT TONIGHT!
Kids in costume - Pilgrims, Indians, turkeys - race out the
door to greet their proud parents. Si, in an ornate
headdress looks for and spots Sean and Leigh Anne waving.
They walk away together toward the parking lot.
41-42 OMITTED 41-42
43 INT. SEAN'S BMW - PARKING LOT - NIGHT 43
As they exit the parking lot--
LEIGH ANNE
Turn on the heat!
SEAN
I don't know where it is.
LEIGH ANNE
It's fifteen degrees, you've had
this car a month and you don't know
how to turn on the heat?!
(as she turns it on)
What would you do without.me?
SEAN
Lots of things you'll never know
about.
(CONTINUED)
23
43 CONTINUED: 43
They trade a look and a smile. Sean puts a.hand on her lap.
SI
Get a room.
LEIGH ANNE
Si, don't let this go to your head
but I thought you were very
convincing in the role of... uh...
SI
Indian Number Three. I tried out
for the Chief but they gave it to
Andy Sung. I can't be sure but I
think there was some multi-cultural
bias thing working.
SEAN
Or maybe they just thought he'd
make a better Chief.
SI
Dad, he's like Chinese.
LEIGH ANNE
And you're Irish. If you weren't
the Chief how come you got the
headdress?
Si hesitates a bit before --
SI
Dad, I'm gonna need a few more of
those free Quesadilla tickets.
LEIGH ANNE
(LAUGHS)
And where does the acorn fall?
SEAN
Don't laugh too hard. The
Quesadilla saved our ass.
A44 EXT. STREET - NIGHT A44
Sean's car stops at a red light and Michael crosses in front
of them, wearing just his shorts and short sleeved shirt.
B44 INT. SEAN'S CAR - NIGHT B44
Leigh Anne notices Michael --
(CONTINUED)
24
B44 CONTINUED: B44
LEIGH ANNE
What is he wearing? It's below
freezing. What's his name again?
SEAN AND SJ
Big Mike.
LEIGH ANNE
Where's he going?
She gives Sean a look. Sean rolls down his window.
SEAN
Hey, Big Mike!
Michael stops in the crosswalk, looks to the car.
SEAN (CONT'D)
Where you headin'?
MICHAEL
Gym.._.
Sean nods, rolls his window back up and drives as the light
turns green.
LEIGH ANNE
The gym? It's nine o'clock.
No answer to this. They drive another half block,before --
LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
Turn around.
Sean sighs, knowing better than to argue.
44 EXT. STREET - NIGHT 44
The BMW pulls to a stop alongside Michael. Leigh Anne gets
out, walks up to Michael.
LEIGH ANNE
Big Mike, my name is Leigh Anne
Tuohy. My kids go to Wingate. You
said you're going to the gym?
Michael slowly nods.
LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
The school gym's closed.
Michael takes this in but doesn't respond.
(CONTINUED)
25
44 CONTINUED: 44
LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
Why were you going to the gym?
(again no answer)
Big Mike?! Why were you going to
the gym?
MICHAEL
Because... it's warm.
This hits her all at once. She bites her lip.
LEIGH ANNE
Do you have anywhere to stay
tonight?
Michael eyes the ground, then nods.
LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
Don't you dare lie to me.
45 INT. SEAN'S BMW - NIGHT 45
Sean and SJ watch the discussion without hearing any of it.
Leigh Anne looks to Sean, then back to Michael.
SEAN
I've seen that look many times.
She's about to get her way.
Leigh Anne makes her way back to the car, with Michael in
tow. She opens the back door and he gets in next to SJ in
his headdress. Leigh Anne climbs into the front seat, closes
the door. Sean is looking at her.
SEAN (CONT'D)
Where we going?
LEIGH ANNE
Home.
46 EXT. RITZY NEIGHBORHOOD - NIGHT 46
The car enters the driveway of a beautiful home and stops.
47 INT. SEAN'S BMW - NIGHT 47
Michael's eyes are frozen at the sight. To him it looks like
a mansion. Hell, it IS a mansion.
The Blind Side - Green Revision - 04/28/09 26
48 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - FAMILY ROOM - NIGHT 48
Collins, in her pjs, talks on the phone while watching TV and
listening to the stereo. She wears a tangerine cleansing
masque on her face. When the family enters behind her --
COLLINS
How'd the dork do in the play?
She turns to see... Sean, Leigh Anne, SJ in headdress and
Big Mike.
COLLINS (CONT'D)
Um... okay...
49 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT (LATER) 49
Leigh Anne lays out pillows, sheets, blankets on the couch.
LEIGH ANNE
I'd give you the guest bedroom but
it's full of sample boxes. And the
sectional in the family room slides
apart when you sleep on it. At
least that's what Sean says.
MICHAEL
Mr. Tuohy sleeps on the couch?
LEIGH ANNE
Only when he's bad. There's a
powder room right there and we're
upstairs if you need us.
The two share a look, then...
LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
Sleep tight, honey.
She leaves. Michael is dumbfounded, stares at everything in
the room, then sits on the couch.
SJ
Psst...
SJ is in the doorway to the kitchen.
SJ (CONT'D)
If you can't sleep, my room is the
first one at the top of the back
stairs. I got X-Box, Madden,
everything.
(CONTINUED)
The Blind Side - Green Revision - 04/28/09 26A
49 CONTINUED: 49
Michael nods then smiles. SJ smiles back, gives a thumbs up
and disappears. Michael's eyes go to a coffee table book
(CONTINUED)
27
49 CONTINUED: 49
NORMAN ROCKWELL. On the cover is "FREEDOM FROM WANT" -
picturing a family sitting around a dinner table.
50 INT. TUOHY HOUSE -- SEAN AND LEIGH ANNE'S BEDROOM - NIGHT 50
They lie in bed, awake.
LEIGH ANNE
Was this a bad idea?
SEAN
What?
LEIGH ANNE
Don't lie there and pretend you're
not thinking the same thing as me.
SEAN
Fine, tell me what you're thinking
so I can know what's supposed to be
on my mind.
LEIGH ANNE
How well do you know Big Mike?
SEAN
In case you haven't noticed he
doesn't have much to say. What's
the big deal? It's just one night.
(after a beat)
It is just one night, right?..
Leigh Anne?...
LEIGH ANNE
Do you think he'll steal anything?
SEAN
I guess we'll know in. the morning.
He rolls over to go to sleep. Leigh Anne just sits, stares.
51 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - SEAN AND LEIGH ANNE'S BEDROOM - DAY 51
Leigh Anne finishes teasing her hair. Sean rides an exercise
bike. Before she leaves the room...
LEIGH ANNE
If you hear a scream call the
insurance adjustor.
28
52 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - COLLINS' BEDROOM - DAY 52
Leigh Anne enters Collins' bedroom. Very "teenage girl" but
a mess - clothes everywhere. Leigh Anne opens the curtains
throwing light into the room.
LEIGH ANNE
Up and at 'em.
Collins groans. Leigh Anne picks up a few pieces of clothes.
on her way out and groans at the mess. We stay with her as
she re-enters the hallway, walks and opens the door to --
53 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - SJ'S BEDROOM - DAY 53
Just as messy but not all clothes. Leigh Anne almost trips
on a series of wires connecting games to a large screen TV.
LEIGH ANNE
Sean Junior!
She opens the shades.
LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
Clean this place up before you come
downstairs. You hear me?
Si crawls out of bed and Leigh Anne exits the room and starts
down the stairs, almost afraid of what she'll find.
54 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY 54
Leigh Anne stops, stares --
The couch is totally back to normal and the sheets, blankets
and pillows are neatly stacked in almost military precision.
No sign of Michael.
LEIGH ANNE
Mike? Big Mike?!
Nothing. She hears a DOG BARKING in the neighborhood and
moves to the window to look out.
55 EXT. TUOHY HOUSE - DAY 55
Michael, plastic sack in hand, walks away. Leigh Anne exits
the front door, spots Michael and tries to catch up.
LEIGH ANNE
Big Mike!
(CONTINUED)
The Blind Side - Yellow Draft -- 04/15/09 29
55 CONTINUED: 55
He stops, turns. Leigh Anne walks over.
LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
Where are you going?
MICHAEL
Iono.
LEIGH ANNE
Are you spending Thanksgiving with
your family?
Michael shakes his head.
56 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - KITCHEN -- DAY (LATER) 56
Leigh. Anne carves turkey onto a tray and takes it into...
57 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - FAMILY ROOM -- DAY 57
Leigh Anne sets the turkey on a serving table alongside the
rest of the Tuohy Thanksgiving feast.
LEIGH ANNE
Come and get it!
Sean sits at the TV,"watching an Ole Miss football game,
while SJ plays.video games on another. Collins chats on her
cell. Michael sits off to the side, taking it all in.
SEAN
SJ, Ole Miss is about to score!
SI
Which means they're about to
fumble.
They all shuffle over, grab plates, start piling on food.
Sean loads his plate and heads back to the couch.
SEAN
Looks great, hon.
Collins plate is pretty delicately apportioned.
COLLINS
I see a lot of starch.
SJ jams turkey into a roll and lathers on cranberry sauce -
creating an easy to eat sandwich. He walks away.
(CONTINUED)
30
57 CONTINUED: 57
Michael stares - he's never seen so much food. Leigh Anne
hands him a plate. He gingerly puts a slice of.turkey on it.
LEIGH ANNE
As much as you want.
(WALKS AWAY)
Oh, the potato salad!
With no one watching him, Michael shoves two rolls into his
pants pocket and finishes filling his plate.
Leigh Anne reenters to see Michael sitting at the dining room
table, alone, not touching his plate.
Her eyes go to the rest of her family, shoving down food and
playing games. She makes a decision, grabs the remote and
turns off the TVs.
58 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - DINING ROOM - DAY 58
The entire family sits at the table. Rockwell would be proud.
SI
Why are we eating in here?
Leigh Anne holds out her hands.
LEIGH ANNE
Shall we say grace?
The Tuohy family plus Michael hold hands.
Collins stares at her tiny hand intertwined with Michael's.
As Leigh Anne prays Michael tries to emulate behavior without
closing his eyes, taking it all in...
LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
Heavenly Father. We thank you for
all your many blessings on this
family. We thank you for bringing
us a new friend. And we ask that
you look after. us in this holiday
season and never let us forget just
how very fortunate we are. Amen.
A chorus of Amens and they all dig in. Michael is unsure at
first how to correctly use the silverware. He picks up the
fork and Leigh Anne nods, "that's right". She eyes Michael's
stained shirt.
(CONTINUED)
31
58 CONTINUED: 58
LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
Big Mike, do you like to shop?
(off his look)
Because tomorrow I think I'm gonna
have to show you how it's done.
59 INT. LEIGH ANNE'S CAR -- DAY 59
Leigh Anne drives and Michael sits shotgun.
MICHAEL
I qot clothes.
LEIGH ANNE
You "have" clothes.. And an extra T-
shirt in a plastic bag does not a
wardrobe make.
He looks out the window.
LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
Okay, fine, let's go get 'em. Just
tell me where I'm going.
No answer. Frustrated, she pulls the car over to the curb
and puts it in park.
LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
Tell me everything I need to know
about you.
He still stares out the window.
LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
Who takes care of you?
(NO ANSWER)
A mother? Do you have a mother?
(NO RESPONSE)
A grandmother maybe?
Nothing. Leigh Anne turns off the car.
LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
Look, Big Mike, we can do this the
easy way - or we can do it the hard
way. Take your pick.
He eyes the floor.
LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
Fine. Tell me one thing I should
know about you. One thing!
(CONTINUED)
32
59 CONTINUED: 59
After a beat...
MICHAEL
I don't like to be called Big Mike.
She wasn't expecting this, nods her head.
LEIGH ANNE
Okay. Mike or Michael?
(off his shrug)
Tell you what, from now on, to me,
'you're Michael. So,... Michael,
where we headed?
60 EXT. HURT VILLAGE HOUSING PROJECT - DAY 60
An expansive beehive of rotting housing. It's the place we
saw when we first laid eyes on Michael and nothing's changed.
Leigh Anne's car stops at one of the complexes.
LEIGH ANNE
This is where your mother lives?
He nods and she opens her door.
LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
Okay, let's go.
He forcefully reaches across her and closes the door,
catching her off guard.
MICHAEL
Don't get out!
LEIGH ANNE
Who's going to help you with your
clothes?
MICHAEL
(POINTED)
Don't get out of the car.
Michael gets out on his side and takes care to push the lock
before he closes the door.
She watches as he walks toward the structure, then notices
several of the local ne'er-do-wells eyeing her. she locks
the doors again, just for luck.
33
61 EXT. HURT VILLAGE - DAY 61
Michael walks slowly past a few gang-bangers on the steps.
The obvious leader, ALTON, eyes him.
ALTON
Big Mike! Where you been?!
Michael ignores, keeps walking.
ALTON (CONT'D)
And who's that fine piece o' thing
driving you around?
One of Alton's minions, DAVID, sits nearby. Michael sees
him, nods.
MICHAEL
Hey, David.
David, a little embarrassed to be with Alton, nods back.
62 EXT. HURT VILLAGE - DIFFERENT APARTMENT - DAY 62
Michael arrives at an apartment and stops, taken aback. On
the door is an EVICTION NOTICE and padlock.
He reads from the eviction for several seconds.
An Addict down the way fires up and slumps into bliss.
A63 EXT. HURT VILLAGE - MINUTES LATER A63
With Leigh Anne's car in the bg., Michael, hidden from view
slumps against a wall, looking lost - the first real emotions
we've seen from-him.
63 INT. LEIGH ANNE'S CAR - DAY (LATER) 63
She watches as Michael approaches the building with nothing
in his hands, and makes his way back to the car. She unlocks
it and he crawls inside. After a pregnant moment...
MICHAEL
She wadn't home.
LEIGH ANNE
We can come back.
Michael takes this in, looks out the window.
(CONTINUED)
34
63 CONTINUED: 63
MICHAEL
She prolly moved to a nicer place.
64 EXT. BIG AND TALL SHOP - DAY 64
Wrong side of the tracks. Michael and Leigh Anne cross the
street toward the shop.
LEIGH ANNE
I've lived in Memphis my whole life
and never been anywhere near here.
You're going to take care of me,
right?
MICHAEL
I got your back.
LEIGH ANNE
That's good to know. Thank you.
As they start to walk, Leigh Anne reaches up and takes
Michael's arm. He holds it out for her.
65 INT. BIG AND TALL SHOP - DAY (MOMENTS LATER) 65
An AFRICAN AMERICAN SALESMAN directs Leigh Anne and Michael.
SALESMAN
Everything I got to fit him will be
-right here.
LEIGH ANNE
This is it? If this is all you got
why's it say "Big and Tall" on the
sign?
SALESMAN
Big and Tall. You need "Bigger and
Taller".
He walks away. She starts to pore through the small rack.
LEIGH ANNE
Anything you like?
(HE SHRUGS)
The one thing I know about shopping
is that if you don't absolutely
love it in the store, you won't
wear it. The store is where you
like it best.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
35
65 CONTINUED: 65
LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
And before you choose something
think about yourself wearing it and
ask yourself: Is this me?
She finds one shirt, holds it out.
LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
What about this?
He shakes his head, "no".
LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
(ANOTHER SHIRT)
This isn't atrocious.
SHE
He shakes his head again. After a beat he points.
almost laughs.
LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
This one? This is the one you
like?
He nods, completely sure.
66 EXT. WINGATE - DAY 66
Drop off area. Leigh Anne's car pulls up and SJ, Collins and
Michael get out.
LEIGH ANNE
Have a great day. Learn something!
They say a few good-byes, get out and walk toward the arch.
Only then do we see what Michael is wearing: a GARGANTUAN
ORANGE AND MAROON STRIPED RUGBY SHIRT.
Leigh Anne shakes her head, watching him walk away. A car
behind her HONKS. She checks the rear view mirror --
LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
Don't get your panties in a wad.
67 INT. TONY RESTAURANT - DAY 67
Ladies who lunch. The right sort doing their thing. Leigh
Anne sits at a table with three friends, BETH, ELAINE and
SHERRY. They sip on lemon water and nibble at salads.
BETH
The best part about Paris was the
food.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
The Blind Side - Yellow Draft -- 04/15/09 36
67 CONTINUED: 67
BETH (CONT'D)
They use sauce like we use gravy. I
had to join a gym the day'we got
back.
LEIGH ANNE
Any of y'all spent much time on the
other side of town?
ELAINE
On the freeway.
SHERRY
Where exactly are you talking
about?
LEIGH ANNE
Alabama Street... Hurt Village.
BETH
Hurt Village -- that sounds like a
threat.
LEIGH ANNE
You're not far off.
SHERRY
It would "hurt" me to go there.
ELAINE
It would certainly hurt your
reputation to go there.
BETH
(tongue in cheek)
I'm actually from there but didn't
mind hard work and look where I am
now.
LEIGH ANNE
Eating an eighteen dollar salad.
BETH
And it's a little soggy to be
honest.
SHERRY
Such a shame.
BETH
(re: her salad)
Yes it is.
(CONTINUED)
37
67 CONTINUED: 67
SHERRY
Civil rights was responsible for
some good things but those programs
- building ugly, low cost housing.
I mean how could you be creative if
you lived there? It's stifling.
ELAINE
Did you know that black men were
employed at a higher rate before
those programs? It's a fact.
BETH
They're not "black", Elaine. The
term du jour is African-American.
ELAINE
And what if they're from Jamaica,
or like Bermuda.
SHERRY
Then they're BerMUDian-Americans.
They all cringe and laugh.
ELAINE
So, why are you asking about the
projects, Leigh.Anne? Another one
of your charities?
BETH
A project for the projects. That's
catchy. Money would raise itself.
(off their laughs)
Don't laugh. Count me in, Leigh
Anne.
And they laugh harder. Leigh Anne smiles, biting her lip.
68 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - KITCHEN - NIGHT 68
SJ and Michael sit at the island doing their homework.
SI
It can't be that hard.
MICHAEL
Oh, yeah?...
Si looks at the Michael's notebook.
(CONTINUED)
38
68 CONTINUED: 68
SI
There are different parts of a
sentence and you just have to draw
lines showing what they do.
Sean stops by the refrigerator for a cold drink while he
talks on his cell...
SEAN
(INTO CELL)
They're gonna get rid of those
stores in Florida... I'll look it
over now but I need the sales
figures by tomorrow morning.
SJ
Dad, you remember how to diagram
sentences?
SEAN
Nah.
Sean starts to leave, then stops at the door, turns around,
sighs and walks over. He leans in over Michael.
SEAN (CONT'D)
Let's see...
MICHAEL
You don't have to help.
(off Sean's. look)
I mean if you're busy or somethin'.
SEAN
I know.
(points to page)
Think of a sentence like a football
team. This is a noun here, see?
That's like the team name or what
they're known for - whether they're
a running team or a passing team.
And this is the verb. That's what
makes 'em go - like a star player --
maybe a quarterback, maybe a
running back. And this is an
adjective - everybody oohs and ahs
over adjectives but they're not as
important as verbs.
SI
They're like wide receivers.
(CONTINUED)
39
68 CONTINUED: 68
SEAN
Or kickers.
Michael just stares at them.
SEAN (CONT'D)
You have no idea what we're talking
about, do you?
MICHAEL
Not exactly.
They all laugh.
NEARBY
Leigh Anne watches, fixated on the image of the three. Sean
has an arm on Michael's shoulder. She smiles, almost sadly.
69 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - LIVING ROOM -- NIGHT (LATER) 69
Leigh Anne hands over clean sheets and pillows to Michael,
who starts to make the bed.
LEIGH ANNE
Do you want to stay here, Michael?
He keeps working.
LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
Because if you want to... stay...
for awhile... longer... I'll try
and find some time to figure out a
bedroom for you.
He stops, turns to her. She walks over, examines the
structure of the couch. It sags a bit.
LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
I mean, look at this, you've
practically ruined a.ten thousand
dollar couch.
She moves closer to him. Her face softens.
LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
Do you want to stay here, Michael?
MICHAEL
I don't want to go anyplace else.
She's a bit befuddled by the response.
(CONTINUED)
40
69 CONTINUED: 69
LEIGH ANNE
Well,... alright then.
70 INT. WINGATE - BOARDROOM - DAY 70
Leigh Anne sits in a chair reading through Michael's file.
LEIGH ANNE
I see here on the admission that
we're Michael's contact for medical
emergencies?
Mrs. Smith (from the admissions meeting) sits with her.
MRS. SMITH
Sean wrote that in last week. We
needed a contact number and the
ones listed weren't in service.
LEIGH ANNE
Love that man.
Leigh Anne pulls out another sheet, hands it over...
LEIGH ANNE (CONT`D)
What's this?
MRS. SMITH
The state makes schools measure for
career aptitude in eighth grade. It
came with his'file.
LEIGH ANNE
They try to figure out what a kid's
going to be in the eighth grade?
What does. it say about Michael?
Mrs. Smith nods and reads over Michael's results.
MRS. SMITH
Doesn't look promising. Spatial
relations - third percentile..
Ability to learn - fifth
percentile.
(sees another number)
It's funny though. He tested in
the 98th percentile in one
category.
LEIGH ANNE
Which one?
(CONTINUED)
41
70 CONTINUED: 70
MRS. SMITH
"Protective instincts."
Leigh Anne smiles and hands the file back.
MRS. SMITH (CONT'D)
It's just so sad.
Leigh Anne considers this, then...
LEIGH ANNE
Yes, it is sad. So sad. But he
either doesn't know it or doesn't
think so and it's my job, and your
job, to make sure he doesn't find
out.
(off Mrs. Smith's look)
Michael Oher doesn't feel sorry for
himself and I'll be damned if he
starts to because of the way we
treat him.
(again off her look)
"Darned."
71 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - MICHAEL'S BEDROOM - DAY 71
Now turned into Michael's room, with an armoire, a chest of
drawers, night stands, the whole nine yards. The bed is a
massive futon in an ornate stand.
Leigh Anne and Michael stand in the doorway.
LEIGH ANNE
I had to put half my samples in
storage but well, anyway, back
there's a desk.
(points as she talks)
Chest o'drawers. Night stand.
Lamps. Alarm clock. Bed. Sean
says a lot of pro athletes use
futons if they can't find a big
enough bed.
Michael doesn't dare touch anything, just stares in awe.
LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
Well, try it out. See if it feels
okay.
He gingerly moves to the bed; touches it.
(CONTINUED)
42
71 CONTINUED: 71
MICHAEL
It's mine?
LEIGH ANNE
Yeah.
(off his look)
What?
MICHAEL
Never had one before.
LEIGH ANNE
(CONFUSED)
A room to yourself?
MICHAEL
A bed.
We can see this unsettles her. She turns away a bit, trying
to contain herself.
LEIGH ANNE
Well, you got one now.
72 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - UPSTAIRS HALLWAY - DAY 72
She leaves the room, walks down the hall and enters --
73 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - SEAN AND LEIGH ANNE'S BEDROOM - DAY 73
She.closes the door behind her, sits on the bed and starts to
tear up. She fights it unsuccessfully.
74 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - UPSTAIRS HALLWAY - DAY 74
OUTSIDE THE DOOR
Michael stands, unsure what to do.
75 INT. WINGATE - ADJACENT ROOM - DAY 75
Mrs. Boswell gives Michael - in a RED AND BLUE RUGBY SHIRT -
an oral test...
MRS. BOSWELL
Define Osmosis, Michael.
MICHAEL
I think I know that. It's when
water...
43
76 INT. WINGATE - MRS. BOSWELL'S CLASS - DAY (LATER) 76
Mrs. Boswell grades the paper and puts C+ at the top.
77 INT. WINGATE - HISTORY TEACHER'S CLASSROOM - DAY 77
Michael, this time wearing a GREEN AND GOLD RUGBY SHIRT, is
orally tested by GLENDA...
GLENDA
Name the combatants in the battle
of Waterloo.
MICHAEL
I know that. The little guy,
Napoleon was on one side and...
78 INT. WINGATE - GLENDA'S CLASSROOM - DAY (LATER) 78
Glenda marks down a C-
79 INT. WINGATE - SCHOOL CAFETERIA - DAY 79
Michael, in another rugby shirt, this one BLACK AND YELLOW,
carries a tray and sits with SJ, who starts laughing.
MICHAEL
What?
SJ
Enough with the rugby shirts. You
look like a giant bumble bee.
Collins walks by with friends and glances but ignores them.
GIRL STUDENT
Who's the big guy hanging around
with your little brother?
COLLINS
Just another one of Mom's projects.
GIRL STUDENT
That must get incredibly old.
Collins' look says, "yes it does."
80 OMITTED 80
81 INT. WINGATE - BOB'S LITERATURE CLASS -- DAY (LATER) 81
Bob grades Michael's paper. He writes "D".
44
82 INT. SEAN'S BMW - NIGHT 82
The whole family, including Michael, rides in the car. SJ
points out fast food restaurants along the way --
SI
That Taco Bell. The KFC catty
corner. The Long John Silvers on
the next block.
MICHAEL
You own all of 'ern?
SJ
Yeah. We've got hundreds.
COLLINS'
(CORRECTING)
A hundred and fifteen.
MICHAEL
Is that why Mr. Tuohy don't have to
go to work?
SEAN
Hey, hey now. I'm working even
when I'm not working.
MICHAEL
And y'all eat at those places for
free?
SI
All you want. It's awesome.
MICHAEL
What do y'all do with the leftover
food? At the restaurant?,
SEAN
Well, we have to throw some of it
away. What's already been cooked.
MICHAEL
That's too bad.
SEAN
Yeah, I'd rather sell it.
(CONTINUED)
45
82 CONTINUED: 82
SI
Seems like you could give it away
or something? You should check
into that, Daddy.
Leigh Anne and Sean share a look and a smile.
SEAN
All right, I will.
MICHAEL
Why ain't we eatin' at one of yours
tonight?
SEAN
.Because tonight is a special
occasion.
SJ
What?
SEAN
I talked to Coach Cotton today.
Michael's grades improved enough
that he can do spring'training for
football in March.
LEIGH ANNE
Isn't that great?
SI
Oh, man, you are gonna crush some
people!
Michael almost smiles, a little unsure.
83 EXT. FANCY RESTAURANT - NIGHT 83
Sean's car pulls up to the valet. As the family gets out
Leigh Anne notices a bookstore next door and starts for it.
LEIGH ANNE
I've got a design book I need to
get. Sean, go check on our
reservation.
SEAN
They'll seat us when we walk in the
door. You can get the book after
dinner.
(CONTINUED)
46
83 CONTINUED: 83
LEIGH ANNE
(already walking away)
They might be closed by then.
COLLINS
I need some new magazines.
SJ shrugs and joins the girls, as does Michael. Sean watches
as his family deserts him.
84 INT. BOOKSTORE - NIGHT 84
Leigh Anne finds the book she's looking for and walks through
the stacks looking for her kids, plus Michael. She finds
them all together in the children's section, laughing.
LEIGH ANNE
Come on, your dad's already PO'ed.
Collins holds up a book. Sendak's WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE.
COLLINS
Remember this one, Mom? You read
it to us like a thousand times.
She softens, walks over, takes the book.
LEIGH ANNE
"And he gnashed his terrible teeth
and roared his terrible roar.-
SI
I always liked this one.
He holds up THE STORY OF FERDINAND.
LEIGH ANNE
Yeah, me too.
Leigh Anne sees Michael left out, but interested.
LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
Michael, your Mama ever read either
one of those to you?
He just stares at her, the answer obvious.
LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
No one ever...
47
85 EXT. FANCY RESTAURANT - NIGHT 85
The Tuohy family exits and waits for the valet.
SEAN
Now that was a good steak.
COLLINS
Thanks, Daddy.
MICHAEL
Thanks.
SEAN
You're welcome.
As the car pulls up everyone walks toward it except Michael
who notices something else --
AT THE SIDE DOOR: A BUSBOY steps outside for a smoke.
Michael absently walks over.
SEAN (CONT`D)
Michael?...
Leigh Anne touches Sean's arm, silencing him. They watch as --
Michael greets the busboy. They stand a few feet apart
talking. They nod at each other and after a few seconds --
They hug.
Leigh Ann is amazed. She's never seen affection in Michael.
86 INT. SEAN'S BMW - NIGHT (MINUTES LATER) 86
As they drive home.
LEIGH ANNE
Who was that boy you were talking
to, Michael? At the restaurant.
MICHAEL
Marcus.
LEIGH ANNE
He works there?
MICHAEL
Yeah.
(CONTINUED)
48
86
86 CONTINUED:
LEIGH ANNE
And how do you know Marcus?
MICHAEL
He's my brother.
Complete silence in the car. Leigh Anne finally breaks it --
LEIGH ANNE
Well, I'd like to meet him someday.
Would that be okay with you?
MICHAEL
I don't know where he stays.
LEIGH ANNE
When's the last time you saw him,
Michael?
MICHAEL
When I was little mebbe.
87
87 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - HALLWAY - NIGHT
Collins sits on the floor in the hallway near a door, smiling
sadly and secretly listening to ---
LEIGH ANNE'S VOICE
"Once upon a time in Spain, there
was a little bull --"
A88
A88 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - MICHAEL'S BEDROOM - NIGHT - SAME
A strange sight. Leigh Anne, SJ and Michael all sit on
Michael's huge futon as Leigh Anne reads THE STORY OF
FERDINAND. No one enjoys this more than Leigh Anne...
LEIGH ANNE
"...and his name was Ferdinand.
All the other little bulls he lived
with would run and jump and butt
their heads together, but not
Ferdinand. He liked to sit just
quietly and smell the flowers"...
88
88 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - SEAN AND LEIGH ANNE'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Leigh Anne and Sean sit in bed. Sean puts his book on the
night stand and leans over to give Leigh Anne a kiss. He
notices her smile...
(CONTINUED)
The Blind side - Yellow Draft -- 04/15/09 49
88 CONTINUED: 88
SEAN
What?
LEIGH ANNE
Huh?
SEAN
Why are you smiling?
LEIGH ANNE
I don't know. I'm just happy.
Really happy.
SEAN
Does. this happiness have anything
to do with Michael?
LEIGH ANNE
No. It has everything to do with
Michael.
Sean smiles, kisses her, turns off the light. She snuggles
next to him and kisses the back of his neck.
SEAN
Oh...
He gets the message, rolls over and kisses her on the lips.
SEAN (CONT'D)
Happy's good.
As their amorous activities continue...
LEIGH ANNE
I think we should start a charity.
For kids like him.
SEAN
(his mind elsewhere)
Sure, okay.
LEIGH ANNE
Maybe fund a program at Wingate.
SEAN
Absolutely...
LEIGH ANNE
Are you even listening to me?
(CONTINUED)
50
88 CONTINUED: 88
SEAN
I try to concentrate on one thing
at a time.
LEIGH ANNE
You knew I was a multi-tasker when
you married me.
She kisses him and they roll over, laughing.
89 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY 89
The Tuohy family, dressed nice, poses in front of a blue'and
red artificial Christmas tree adorned ENTIRELY WITH OLE MISS
ORNAMENTS. They are posing for a photograph.
PHOTOGRAPHER
Okay, big smiles everyone!
FLASH! Leigh Anne smiles but notices ---
Michael sitting on the couch by himself.
LEIGH ANNE
Michael! Come over here and get in
the next one.
Sean gives her a look like she's crazy.
LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
We don't have a single picture with
him.
(off Sean's sigh)
Oh, come on. It's not like I'm
gonna put it on the Christmas card.
Michael moves in behind the family, dwarfing them.
PHOTOGRAPHER
Okay, really big smiles. One, two,
three... say Rebels!
FLASH TO:
THE TUOHY FAMILY CHRISTMAS CARD - INCLUDING MICHAEL
90 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - FAMILY ROOM - DAY 90
New Year's Day. Sean, Si and Michael watch football.
Collins sits on the couch reading. Leigh Anne comes in the
front door with groceries.
(CONTINUED)
51
90 CONTINUED: 90
LEIGH ANNE
Who's winning?
SI
Tennessee.
LEIGH ANNE
Too bad. Who are they playing?
SEAN
So you root against Tennessee no
matter who they're playing?
LEIGH ANNE
Yep. With gusto.
SI
(TO MICHAEL)
She can't stand Tennessee.
LEIGH ANNE
Collie-bell, I thought you were
going to your boyfriend's?
COLLINS
I'm just gonna hang around here
today.
LEIGH ANNE
I like that.
SEAN
Coupla messages on the machine.
She pushes PLAY on the message machine.
MESSAGE MACHINE
Hey, Leigh Anne, it's Patrick
Ramsey.
INTERCUT WITH:
A91 INT. WASHINGTON REDSKINS LOCKER ROOM - DAY A91
PATRICK RAMSEY, on his cell phone, near his locker...
PATRICK RAMSEY
You sent me these measurements for
clothes and I posted 'em in the
locker room for donations but
there's a problem.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
The Blind Side - Yellow Draft -- 04/15/09 52
A91 CONTINUED: A91
PATRICK RAMSEY (CONT'D)
I mean, are you sure the sizes are
right, because there's nobody on
our team who's that big? Gimme a
call.
BACK TO SCENE:.
B91 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - FAMILY ROOM - DAY B91
Leigh Anne chuckles as the next message begins --
MESSAGE MACHINE
Hey, Sean, hey Leigh Anne, it's
cousin Bobby. Happy New Years!
INTERCUT WITH:
C91 INT. COUSIN BOBBY'S HOUSE - DAY C91
Bobby sits in his recliner, talks on phone...
COUSIN BOBBY
Listen, I've had about five cold
ones so'I'm just gonna go ahead and
ask... Who's the colored boy in
y'all's,Christmas Card?
BACK TO SCENE:
D91 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - FAMILY ROOM - DAY D91
Leigh Anne and Sean look at each other and laugh.
ELAINE (V.0.)
Leigh Anne, you looked teeny-tiny
next to him.
91 INT. TONY RESTAURANT - DAY 91
Leigh Anne sits at a table with her lunch buddies. They're
finishing up and are all laughing hard except Leigh Anne.
ELAINE
It was like you were Jessica Lange
and he was King Kong.
SHERRY
I taped your card to, the fridge.
The next morning Frank almost
gagged on his orange juice.
(CONTINUED)
53
91 CONTINUED: 91
BETH
Does Michael get the family
discount at Taco Bell? Because if
he does Sean's gonna lose a few
stores.
More laughter.
LEIGH ANNE
Look, he's a great kid.
ELAINE
I say just make it official and
adopt him.
Big laughs at the "crazy" idea.
LEIGH ANNE
He'll be eighteen in a few months.
(off their confusion)
So, I mean it wouldn't make much
sense to legally adopt him, right?
They realize she's thought about it and stop laughing. After
an awkward beat of silence...
SHERRY
Is this some kind of white guilt
thing, Leigh Anne? I mean
charity's the Lord's work but...
ELAINE
What will your daddy say?
LEIGH ANNE
Before or after he turns over in
his grave? Daddy's gone five years
now, Elaine, and to make matters
worse you were at the funeral. You
wore Chanel with that awful black
hat.
Before Elaine can attack --
LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
Look, here's the deal. I don't need
any of y'all to approve of my
choices. But I do ask you to
respect them. You have no idea
what this boy's been through.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
54
91, CONTINUED: 91
LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
And if this is going to be a
running diatribe I can find an
overpriced salad a lot closer to
home.
SHERRY
I'm so sorry, Leigh Anne. We
didn't intend to --
ELAINE
No, we didn't, really --
BETH
I mean, what you're doing is so
great. To open your home to him.
You're changing his life.
Leigh Anne smiles to herself, realizing...
LEIGH ANNE
No. He's changing mine.
ELAINE
That's awesome for you, but... what
about Collins?
LEIGH ANNE
What about Collins?
ELAINE
Aren't you worried, even just a
little?
(off Leigh Anne)
I mean he is a boy, a large, black
boy, sleeping under the same roof.
Leigh Anne stares at them, shakes her head then grabs the
CHECK ---
LEIGH ANNE
I've got this.
(rises; to the group)
Shame on you.
And strides away.
92 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - COLLINS' ROOM - NIGHT 92
Collins is reading in bed. Leigh Anne knocks, enters and
sits on the edge of the bed.
(CONTINUED)
55
92
92 CONTINUED:
LEIGH ANNE
Be honest with me now, okay?
Collins nods, having no idea what her mother is about to say.
LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
Is Michael being here weird for
you?
COLLINS
They're stupid kids, who cares what
they say.
LEIGH ANNE
What kids?
COLLINS
At school. They're juvenile.
LEIGH ANNE
And what do the juvenile kids say?
COLLINS
It's really not worth repeating.
And don't worry about SJ - he loves
the attention. He introduces
Michael as his big brother.
LEIGH ANNE
What about you?
COLLINS
It's fine.
(off Leigh Anne's look)
I mean, you can't just throw him
out on the street.
LEIGH ANNE
I can make other arrangements.
(off Collins' hesitance)
Just let me know. Okay?...
Leigh Anne kisses Collins goodnight.
93
93 EXT. WINGATE - PLAYGROUND - DAY
Michael walks up to the two little Kindergarten girls from
before, sitting in the swings. He smiles. They smile back.
FIRST LITTLE GIRL
Hi Mike.
(CONTINUED)
56
93 CONTINUED: 93
MICHAEL
Hi. Need a push?
They giggle and Michael pushes them, one arm each until
they're flying high and squealing.
NEARBY
Collins watches.
94 INT. WINGATE - LIBRARY - DAY 94
Collins is sitting with her friends, laughing and whispering.
She notices Michael enter and walk to a table with a book.
He sits alone while every other table is full.
Collins sighs, makes up her mind and stands with her books.
FRIEND
Where are you going?
Collins walks away toward Michael.
FRIEND (CONT'D)
Collins?
They are aghast when they see Collins set down her books
across from Michael and sit.
AT MICHAEL'S TABLE
Michael is confused. She looks at him and shakes her head.
COLLINS
Quit looking at me like that. I
mean, we study together at home.
Eyes in the library are on the pair as they start to read.
95 EXT. WINGATE -- PRACTICE FIELD - DAY 95
Several players, in full gear, drag equipment out onto the
field under the watchful eye of Bert Cotton. Sean Tuohy sits
in the nearby stands.
Michael carries four blocking dummies to the center of the
field and tosses them like they're pillows. Cotton smiles.
COTTON
You know how much those things
weigh? This kid's gonna make us
all famous.
(CONTINUED)
57
95
95 CONTINUED:
SEAN
Easy, Bert. It's only the spring
and he hasn't even been through his
first practice.
(LATER) 96
96 EXT. WINGATE - PRACTICE FIELD - DAY
Michael is lined up at defensive tackle. The offense breaks
the huddle and Michael just stands there. He notices the
other defensive linemen get in a stance and kind of squats a
bit. When the ball is snapped he just holds his hands out,
keeping the blocker from getting close to his body.
The running back races right past him and into the secondary.
THE WHISTLE BLOWS and Cotton races up to Michael.
COTTON
Okay, Mike, you fought off the
block but you've got to shuck him
and make the tackle. You got it?
NEXT PLAY
Michael gets down in a his stance and when the ball is
snapped he gets under the blocker and lifts him up like WWF.
The quarterback goes back to pass and sees Michael lumbering
toward him with the lineman on his shoulders.
The Quarterback's eyes go wide and he races out of the pocket
and throws and incomplete pass. ANOTHER WHISTLE.
COTTON (CONT'D)
Shuck the blocker, Mike!
Michael gingerly sets the lineman on the ground.
IN THE STANDS
Leigh Anne shows up, sits next to Sean.
LEIGH ANNE
How's he doing?
SEAN
Doesn't quite have the hang of it
yet.
SERIES OF SHOTS:
Michael tries to crawl under the blocker.
(CONTINUED)
58
96
96 CONTINUED:
COTTON
No!
Michael drops back and tries to intercept a pass.
COTTON (CONT'D)
No!
Michael holds a blocker off him with one arm and looks
skyward as a flock of birds flies overhead.
COTTON (CONT'D)
No! No! No!
97 EXT. WINGATE - PRACTICE FIELD - DAY (AFTER PRACTICE) 97
As players leave the field, Bert Cotton walks and talks with
Leigh Anne and Sean...
COTTON
Most kids from bad situations can't
wait to be violent and that comes
out on the field. But this kid, he
doesn't seem to wanna hit anyone.
LEIGH ANNE
(almost to herself)
He's Ferdinand the Bull.
COTTON
What?
LEIGH ANNE
Nothing.
COTTON
I thought for sure he was gonna be
a player. I can't believe I used
up my chits to get him in school.
LEIGH ANNE
I thought you said it was your
Christian duty?
He gives her a smirk.
SEAN
Look, Bert, he's never even played
before.
(CONTINUED)
59
97 CONTINUED: 97
COTTON
And he won't in the fall if he
doesn't improve a lot before then.
98 EXT. WINGATE - PRACTICE FIELD - DIFFERENT DAY 98
Si, holding a sheet and wearing a whistle, stands before
Michael. No one else'is around.
SI
This is your summer workout sheet.
First it says to warm up and get
loose.
(off Michael's look)
Well, go ahead, get loose.
Michael moves his arms around a bit then stops.
SJ (CONT'D)
You loose?
(MICHAEL NODS)
Okay, next is five one hundred yard
runs to stretch out your legs.
Michael grimaces.
MICHAEL
Let's go home, play some video
games.
SI
Look, everybody at. Wingate is
expecting you to be a star football
player. You don't want to let them
down, do you?
MICHAEL
Iono..
SI
What about Dad and Mom?
(off Michael's look)
'Cause you see, in our family,
everyone's an athlete. Dad was a
basketball star, Collins plays
volleyball and runs track. Me, as
you know, I do it all and Mom,...
well, Mom was a cheerleader, which
doesn't exactly count but don't
tell her I said that.
(CONTINUED)
60
98 CONTINUED: 98
MICHAEL
Okay...
Michael moves to the line. Si raises his whistle and blows.
99
99 EXT. WINGATE PRACTICE FIELD -- DAY
SERIES OF SHOTS - DIFFERENT DAYS:
SJ holds a blocking dummy and Michael fires out, hitting
the dummy and sending Si flying.
Michael does ten yard "back and forths" as Si times him.
Michael does push ups as SJ lowers himself to count.
Michael does crab crawls.
WIDE - SJ runs Michael through his workout. He blows his
whistle and Michael collapses on the ground - dead tired.
100 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - LEIGH ANNE'S WORKSPACE - NIGHT 100
Leigh Anne goes through sample boxes and matches swatches.
MICHAEL
Mrs. Tuohy?
Michael stands nearby.
LEIGH ANNE
I hear "Mrs. Tuohy" I look over my
shoulder for my mother--in-law. Call
me Leigh Anne or Mama or almost
anything else.
MICHAEL
Will you help get me something?
LEIGH ANNE
What?
MICHAEL
Driver's license.
LEIGH ANNE
Why do you need a driver's license
when you don't have a car?
MICHAEL
You have a car.
(CONTINUED)
61
100
100 CONTINUED:
LEIGH ANNE
That I use to haul y'all all over
creation with.
He doesn't say anything but doesn't leave either. Leigh Anne
puts down the swatches, turns to him..
LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
Why do you want a license, Michael?
MICHAEL
Something to carry. With my name
on it.
She locks eyes with him. This time he holds her gaze.
DMV EMPLOYEE (V.0.)
Address?...
101 INT. DMV OFFICE - DAY 101
Leigh Anne and Michael sit across from a DMV EMPLOYEE typing
on her computer. Leigh Anne holds out her driver's license.
DMV EMPLOYEE
Is this his address as well?
LEIGH ANNE
Yes. He lives with us.
DMV EMPLOYEE
Are y'all his foster parents?
LEIGH ANNE
No.
DMV EMPLOYEE
His legal guardians?
LEIGH ANNE
oh... no.
The Employee does a search on the computer. As she types...
DMV EMPLOYEE
Does he have a Social Security
card?
Leigh Anne looks to Michael, who shakes his head.
DMV EMPLOYEE (CONT'D)
Birth certificate?
(CONTINUED)
62
101 CONTINUED: 101
LEIGH ANNE
We tried to find one for school,
but...
DMV.EMPLOYEE
You don't know which city, which
county, which hospital?...
LEIGH ANNE
How big a problem is this?
DMV Employee looks to Leigh Anne.
DMV EMPLOYEE
There's nobody named Michael Oher
in the system. Another last name
perhaps?
Leigh Anne again turns to Michael, who shrugs.
LEIGH ANNE
Look, I'll sign something saying he
lives with us and we'll pay for the
insurance; whatever it takes.
(off her look)
What's it gonna take?
Off the Employee's look --
102 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - SEAN AND LEIGH ANNE'S MASTER BATH - NIGHT 102
As they get ready for bed. Sean rinses his mouth --
SEAN
You wanna do what?!
LEIGH ANNE
Don't pretend you didn't hear me.
SEAN
Shouldn't we at least talk about
it?
LEIGH ANNE
What do you think we're doing? And
don't act like I'm going behind
your back. I know you put us down
as his medical contact at school.
(CONTINUED)
63.
102 CONTINUED: 102
SEAN
There's a big difference between
paying for a broken arm and being
legally responsible for someone.
Someone we barely know.
LEIGH ANNE
And that's another thing. We have
to find out more about his past.
SEAN
He won't talk about it. He's like
an onion; you have to peel it a
layer at a time.
LEIGH ANNE
Not if you use a knife. What if we
sent him to a child psychologist?
SEAN
Do you really expect Big Mike --
LEIGH ANNE
MICHAEL ---
SEAN
-- expect Michael to lie down and
talk about his childhood like he's
Woody Allen or something? Michael's
gift is his ability to forget.
He's mad at no one and doesn't
really care what happened in the
past.
This puts her on her heels.
LEIGH'ANNE
You're right.
SEAN
(like he's never heard
THESE WORDS)
Excuse me? "You're right?"
(off her grimace)
How'd those words taste coming out
of your mouth?
LEIGH ANNE
Like vinegar.
She moves to him, holds him.
(CONTINUED)
64
102 CONTINUED: 102
LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
At least promise me you'll think
about it.
SEAN
Alright.
LEIGH ANNE
"Alright" you'll think about it or
"alright" we should do it?
SEAN
Is there a difference?
103 INT. CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES OFFICE DAY 103
Leigh Anne sits in a crowded waiting area, talking on her
cell phone. She's been here awhile.
LEIGH ANNE
(INTO CELL)
Just tell Rodney to hold the
chiffonier for me and I'll get by
after while.
TO
She hangs up and, exasperated by the wait, rises and walks
a counter, pushing past someone --
LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
I'm not cutting, just asking.
(TO EMPLOYEE)
I've been waiting for over an hour
and I look around and all I see is
people shooting the bull and
drinking coffee. Who runs this
place anyway?
The "heard it all" EMPLOYEE points to the wall with a
government seal and a large portrait of President Bush.
LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
Well I'd have it in shape in two
days, I can tell you that.
EMPLOYEE
I'm sure you would. How can I help
you?
She turns to the man waiting behind her.
LEIGH ANNE
He was first.
(CONTINUED)
65
103
103 CONTINUED:
MAN IN LINE
No, you go ahead. I think I. want
to hear this.
EMPLOYEE
Me, too.
LEIGH ANNE
(TO EMPLOYEE)
I do not appreciate the attitude.
EMPLOYEE
Ma'am, you can tell me what you
want or I'll make sure you wait all
day. How. Can. I. Help. You?
LEIGH ANNE
I'd like to become a legal
guardian.
EMPLOYEE
Lord look over that child.
(LATER) 104
104 INT. CRAMPED OFFICE - DAY
A haggard MANAGER, let's call him RONALD, sits across from
Leigh Ann. He looks at a flimsy file.
RONALD
There's very little on Michael.
Most of his files have been lost.
LEIGH ANNE
What is in there?
RONALD
A few case notes.
(holds one sheet up)
This one describes an incident
where officers forcibly removed
Michael and six half-siblings from
Denise Oher's care when Michael was
seven. Quite a scene evidently.
They had to split up the kids. And
it's far from the worst.
LEIGH ANNE
Where is she? His mother?
RONALD
Dunno, but if you find her we have
a bunch more files we could add to.
(CONTINUED.)
66
104 CONTINUED: 104
LEIGH ANNE
How many children does she have?
RONALD
At least a dozen, probably more.
With her drug arrest record my
guess would be she can't even
remember.
Leigh Anne absorbs this.
LEIGH ANNE
We'd need her permission though,
.right?
RONALD
No. Michael is a ward of the
state. Just apply and get a Judge
to sign off on it.
LEIGH ANNE
So you would give him away without
even telling his mother?
Ronald shrugs.
105 EXT. HURT VILLAGE - DAY 105
Looks the same as before except for the'blonde woman walking
between the buildings.
Leigh Anne spots and checks a list of tenants posted. She
can barely see through the cover as someone has scrawled "C
Block" on it.
106 EXT. HURT VILLAGE - DAY 106
The one Michael visited before. Leigh Anne summons her
courage and knocks on the door. And again. No answer.
A VOICE comes from the apartment behind her --
MAN'S VOICE (O.S.)
Who you lookin' for?!
Startled, Leigh Anne turns and sees Alton approaching...
LEIGH ANNE
I'm looking for Denise Oher.
ALTON
Dee Dee don't stay there no more.
(CONTINUED)
67
106 CONTINUED: 106
LEIGH ANNE
Do you know where she might be?
ALTON
Chances are she ain't gone far.
(SMILES)
I seen you before. You with Big
Mike now. You wanna come in for a
wine cooler or sumthin'?
LEIGH ANNE
No, I can't, but thank you.
107 EXT. HURT VILLAGE - PLAYGROUND - DAY 107
Leigh Anne speaks with a mother trying to keep her son from
hurting himself on a rusty slide. The mother points to
another building.
108 EXT. HURT VILLAGE - BUILDING E -- DAY 108
A door opens revealing DENISE OHER in a ratty robe.
LEIGH ANNE
Hi. Mrs. Oher?
DENISE OHER
You from the state?
LEIGH ANNE
No. My. name is Leigh Anne Tuohy and
your son Michael lives with me.
And my family.
Denise takes this in.
109 INT. HURT VILLAGE - DENISE'S APARTMENT - DAY (MINUTES LATER) 109
Leigh Anne sits on the edge of a filthy couch and eyes.the
room. There are sleeping pallets on the floor and empty wine
and beer bottles strewn around.
DENISE OHER (O.S.)
How is my boy, how's Big Mike?
LEIGH ANNE
(CALLS OUT)
He's fine. He's doing well.
(after a beat)
When did you move from the other
building?
(CONTINUED)
68
109 CONTINUED: 109
Denise emerges from the back of the apartment, adjusting a
wig on her head, making herself "presentable."
DENISE OHER
Awhile back. This is temporary.
Friends let me stay here.
LEIGH ANNE
When did you last see Michael?
DENISE OHER
Iono. We might have some wine in
the kitchen, if...
LEIGH ANNE
No, no that's very kind but...
DENISE OHER
How many foster kids you got living
with you?
LEIGH ANNE
Oh, I'm not a foster parent to
Michael. We were just helping him
out.
DENISE OHER
State don't pay you nothing?
LEIGH ANNE
No.
DENISE OHER
And he lives with you?
(Leigh Anne nods)
And you feed him?.
(ANOTHER NOD)
Buy him clothes, too?
LEIGH ANNE
When I can find them in his size.
DENISE OHER
You a fine Christian lady.
LEIGH ANNE
I try to be.
DENISE OHER
This is all real nice what you're
doing, but don't be surprised if
one day you wake up and he gone.
(CONTINUED)
. 69
109
109 CONTINUED:
LEIGH ANNE
What do you mean?
DENISE OHER
He's a "runner". That's what the
state called him after they took
him from me.
(off her look)
Every foster home they sent him to,
he'd slip out the window at night
and come looking for me. No matter
where I was that boy would come
find me, take care of me.
(AN EXPLANATION)
I've had some . health problems.
LEIGH ANNE
Mrs. Oher, was Michael born under a
different name?
Denise tries to remember. After a few seconds...
DENISE OHER
Proctor. That was his Daddy's last
name.
LEIGH ANNE
Where is he, the father, if you
don't mind me asking?
DENISE OHER
Ain't. seen him since he left.
LEIGH ANNE
And when was that?
DENISE OHER
Week after Mike was born.
LEIGH ANNE
Do you have Michael's birth
certificate?
Denise sighs, looks around at the mess, shakes her head. And
then, unexpectedly, starts to cry softly.
LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
It's okay, Mrs. Oher.. I'll figure
it out.
Leigh Anne walks over, kneels and takes Denise's hands.
(CONTINUED)
70
109 CONTINUED: 109
LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
You'll always be Michael's Mama.
Would you like to see him?
DENISE OHER
No... Not this way.
LEIGH ANNE
People lose birth certificates.
It's nothing to be ashamed of.
DENISE OHER
It's Williams.
(off Leigh Anne's look)
His last name's Williams. Couldn't
even remember who the boy's father
is.
Leigh Anne bites her lip'and puts her arms around Denise, who
hugs back.
DISSOLVE TO:
110 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - DINING ROOM - DAY 110
The entire Tuohy family sits with Michael at the table.
SEAN
Michael, we have something to ask
you.
MICHAEL
What?
SEAN
Leigh. Anne and I would like to
become your legal guardians.
MICHAEL
What's that mean?
LEIGH ANNE
Well, what it means is, we want to
know if you'd like to be a part of
this family?
Michael looks to a grinning SJ, to Collins who nods and
smiles, then to Leigh Anne...
MICHAEL
I kinda thought I already was.
(CONTINUED)
71
110
110 CONTINUED:
Leigh Anne feels a wave of emotion, nods to him, then races
away to go and gather herself.
- "I
Michael looks to Sean for an explanation. Sean shrugs
can't explain her to you."
111 A CAMERA FLASH (IN DMV OFFICE) 111
When it clears we see MICHAEL'S FACE - on a DRIVER'S LICENSE.
112
112 EXT. TUOHY HOUSE - DAY
Michael, blindfolded, is led outside by the entire family.
When Leigh Anne pulls if off, Michael gasps at the sight of -
A NEW TRUCK in the driveway.
SEAN
Is that the one you wanted?
He just stands there, staring. Sean hands him the keys.
SEAN (CONT'D)
Well, hell, take it for a spin.
(off Michael's look)
Go on.
SI
Can I go, too?
LEIGH ANNE
okay, but Michael?...
(off his look)
Be careful.
Michael smiles and he and SJ get inside the truck.
COLLINS
He wanted a truck?!
SEAN
Michael thinks he's a redneck.
113
113 EXT. WINGATE - PARKING LOT - DAY
Michael drives up in his new truck, parks it carefully.
At the drop off Big Tony's car sputters away, leaving Steven
at the curb. Steven notices Michael and walks over, eyeing
the truck.
(CONTINUED)
72
113 CONTINUED: 113
MICHAEL
Tenth grade tough?
STEVEN
Naw.
(points to truck)
This really yours?
MICHAEL
Yeah.
STEVEN
They just give it to ya'?
MICHAEL
Yeah.
After a beat...
STEVEN
You're right. white people are
crazy.
And they walk off together to class.
114 INT. WINGATE - BOB'S LITERATURE CLASS - DAY 114
Students seated, including Michael, listen to Bob, who stands
at the front of the classroom.
BOB
You are now seniors.
Congratulations. But with that
distinction comes responsibility.
This will be one of your tougher
courses because my job is to
prepare you, at least most of you,
for the rigors of college Freshman
English. You are each holding a
class study guide which details
assignments. I won't remind you
what is due and when. Read the
materials and come prepared. At
the end of the year you will each
choose one of our literature
assignments and present a written
dissection of the piece.
The faces in the classroom tell us this is a tough course.
73
115 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - DINING ROOM - DAY 115
Dozens of.condiment jars and bottles are lined up on the
table. SJ has the football playbook open and is explaining
formations to Michael.
SI
See, you're the ketchup, here at
Left Tackle. On the weakside.
MICHAEL
I'm not that weak, SJ.
SI
it just means there are more
blockers on the other side. It's a
compliment, really.
MICHAEL
A compliment for a condiment.
SJ
(CHUCKLES)
Good one.
(back to work)
So the first play is simple.
"Gap." It just means you block
whoever is in front of you, or the
person on your inside shoulder if
you're not covered by a defender.
(points to condiments)
I'll be the running back and you
show me what you're supposed to do.
Ready... . Hike!
SJ, using both hands, moves Cayenne pepper back a bit, then
"hands off" to Cinnamon who "runs" toward Michael (Ketchup).
Michael moves the bottle forward, pushing back Mustard, then
Relish, as well as toppling a bottle of Vanilla Extract.
SJ (CONT'D)
Open lane to the end zone. All
there is to it.
Si slides Cinnamon forward. The bottle flies off the end of
the table and crashes on the ground just as --
Leigh Anne walks down the stairs, purse in hand --
LEIGH ANNE
What is going on here?!
(CONTINUED)
74
115 CONTINUED: 115
MICHAEL
Cinnamon just scored.
SI
We're going through the playbook.
Michael got moved to offense..
LEIGH ANNE
Well, when you're finished, put the
players back in the spice cabinet.
SJ
No problem. Actually, Mom, we were
waiting for you. The new Madden
came out and me and Michael want to
go get it.
LEIGH ANNE
Honey, I've got a meeting in ten
minutes.
MICHAEL
I'll drive.
off her look --
116 INT. MICHAEL'S TRUCK - DAY 116
Michael drives while SJ searches for music on the radio.
SI
Look for Walker Street. That's
where we take a left.
Si finds a hip-hop station and they both groove to the beat,
dancing in the seats.
SJ (CONT`D)
That's what I'm talkin' 'bout!
As the beat reaches a crescendo --
Michael instinctively throws a big arm in front of SJ as --
117 EXT. INTERSECTION - SAME 117
THE-truck CRASHES into the side of a VAN.
118 INT. RUG SHOP - DAY 118
Leigh Anne, with a client, is looking at rugs with the owner.
(CONTINUED)
75
118
118 CONTINUED:
LEIGH ANNE
This is not a twenty thousand
dollar Oushak, Jerry. The borders
are different widths, it's been
altered.
Leigh Anne's phone rings. As she answers
LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
We'll give you nine tops.
(INTO PHONE)
Hello ...
The look on her face changes --
119 EXT. INTERSECTION - DAY 119
A massive traffic jam. Leigh Anne pulls her car right onto
the median, gets out and starts running. She passes stopped
cars and weaves past bystanders on her way to:
THE COLLISION INTERSECTION
As she approaches she sees -- Michael's truck -- the front end
is smashed -- The Van - its side caved in -- And --
Michael sitting on the curb, crying. She races over --
LEIGH ANNE
Michael!
He looks up, sobbing.
MICHAEL
I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry!
LEIGH ANNE
Where's SJ?!
MICHAEL
(POINTS)
Go help him! Please go help him!
Leigh Anne turns to see a group of PARAMEDICS kneeling around
a body. She gasps, races over and looks down at --
Si, whose face is bloody. He spots Leigh Anne and sits up.
SI
Mom, do you think the blood will
come out of my shirt?
(CONTINUED)
76
119
119 CONTINUED:
LEIGH ANNE AND PARAMEDIC - MINUTES LATER
While the paramedics attend to an obviously fine SJ, Leigh
Anne and a FIREMAN eye the deflated airbag.
FIREMAN
An airbag deploys at 200 miles per
hour. Your son's too small to sit
in the front seat.
LEIGH ANNE
He's okay, though, right?
FIREMAN
Busted lip, some facial bruising.
When an airbag strikes a child his
size it usually means a fractured
face, a broken neck or worse. It's
almost like the airbag started at
him then changed direction.
Defective or something. Very, very
lucky.
Leigh Anne nods thanks and looks to Michael, still on the
curb, eyes on the ground. She walks over, kneels down.
LEIGH ANNE
Michael, it wasn't your fault. It
could have happened to anybody..
He doesn't look up. She almost gasps when she notices --
HIS ARM - red, bleeding, a large burn from the wrist all the
way up to the sleeve, which is also singed.
LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
Michael, your arm... what happened?
He looks up and into her eyes...
MICHAEL
I stopped it.
120
120 EXT. WINGATE - STANDS/PRACTICE FIELD - DAY
SJ sits in the stands videotaping -- [NOTE: We integrate SJ's
video with live action].
ON THE FIELD: Michael skips to the line and gets down in his
stance. On the snap Michael pushes the tackle, JAY COLLIS,
who rolls, gets by Michael and makes the tackle.
(CONTINUED)
77
120 CONTINUED: 120
COTTON
0her! You've got a hundred pounds
on Collis and you can't keep him
out of our backfield?!
IN THE STANDS
Leigh Anne sits down next to SJ.
LEIGH ANNE
What's. with the camera?
SI
Michael does better when he can see
what he's supposed to be doing.
ON THE FIELD
The quarterback drops back to pass. Michael backpedals. When
the Defender tries. to go around him, Michael grabs him.with
one big paw and throws him to the ground. A WHISTLE BLOWS.
COTTON
Holding - left tackle!
He gets right in Michael's face, grabs his jersey.
COTTON (CONT'D)
You can only grab in here -- at the
tits, you got it?! You grab out
here or here, we're gonna get
flagged and I'm gonna get pissed.
Leigh Anne grimaces, shakes her head.
NEXT PLAY
At the snap of the ball Michael tries to pass protect, pushes
the Defender who tries left, right, then slides past Michael
and sacks the quarterback.
COTTON (CONT'D)
Move your feet, son! Keep 'em
moving! Back to the huddle!
Cotton addresses an ASSISTANT COACH...
COTTON (CONT'D)
Well at least he'll look good
coming off the bus. The other team
will be terrified 'til they realize
he's a marshmallow.
(CONTINUED)
78
120
120 CONTINUED:
As they chuckle, Leigh Anne strides past, onto the field.
LEIGH ANNE
Gimme a minute, Bert.
COTTON
We're in the middle of practice,
Leigh Anne!
LEIGH ANNE
You can thank me later.
Bert just watches as Leigh Anne walks straight to the huddle
and pulls Michael aside. The other players turn to watch.
LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
Do you remember just after we met,
and we went to that horrible part
of town to buy you those dreadful
clothes?
(HE NODS)
And I was a little scared and you
told me not to worry, that you had
my back?. Do you remember that?
MICHAEL
Yes ma'am.
LEIGH ANNE
If anyone tried to get to me you
would have stopped them, right?
(HE NODS)
And when you and Si were in that
car wreck, what did you do to that
airbag?
MICHAEL
I stopped it.
Leigh Anne points to the offense.
LEIGH ANNE
This team is your family. And you
have to protect them --
(points to defense)
--from those guys.
She walks over and grabs the QB, pulls him out.
LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
Tony is your quarterback. You
protect his blindside.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
79
120
120 CONTINUED:
LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
When you look at him, think of me.
How you have my back. How you have
his.
She grabs BOBBY, a short stump of a running back.
LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
oomaloompah here is your tailback.
When you look at him think of SJ
and how you'd never let anything or
anyone hurt him. Do you understand
me?
MICHAEL
What about Mr. Tuohy and Collins?
LEIGH ANNE
I suppose they can be on the team,
too. Are you going to protect the
family, Michael?
He nods. She nods back and walks away, past Bert Cotton.
LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
Yelling at him won't help. He
doesn't trust men. In his
experience they pretend to care
about you 'til they disappear.
Cotton chuckles.. She walks over and sits next to SJ, who has
the video camera in his lap.
LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
You're gonna wanna get this.
INTERCUT VIDEO AND LIVE ACTION:
At the snap Michael drives the defender into the dirt.
Michael drops back, knocks down one defender, then takes
on another while Tony completes a pass.
On a sweep to his side, Michael pushes three defenders
away, clearing an alley for Bobby to blast through.
Bert shakes his head, turns to Leigh Anne --
COTTON
What'd you say to him?
(CONTINUED)
80
120
120 CONTINUED:
LEIGH ANNE
You should get to know your
players, Bert. He tested 98
percent in protective instincts.
(off Bert's look)
I told you you.could thank me
later.
(a beat for effect)
It's later, Bert!
COTTON
(BY ROTE)
Thank you, Leigh Anne.
121
121 EXT. WINGATE - STADIUM -- NIGHT
Packed'house - bands, banners, cheerleaders.
IN THE STANDS: Sean, Leigh Anne and SJ take their seats and
check out the raucous crowd.
SEAN
So much for home field advantage.
LEIGH ANNE
You ever seen so many rednecks in
one place?
SJ
Nascar, not even close.
122
122 INT. WINGATE - LOCKER ROOM -- NIGHT
Coach Cotton is addressing his team before the game.
COTTON
On the schedule it says this is a
home game but don't be deceived,
gentlemen. Three fourths of the
people in the stands are here from
Milford. They'll be loud and rowdy
and a lot of 'em drunk. Keep your
helmets on 'til you're on the
sidelines. I don't want anyone
getting beaned with a whiskey
bottle.
(BEAT)
Grab a knee.
And the team huddles for their prayer...
(CONTINUED)
81
122
122 CONTINUED:
COTTON (CONT'D)
For we can...
(team repeats each phrase)
Do all things...
Through Jesus Christ...
Who strengthens us...
Each and every day...
And may God... Bless the Crusaders!
As they rise to leave--
COTTON (CONT'D)
Oh, one more thing. The reason
Milford traveled all that way to
come here is they expect to whup
your ass. Whup your ass and have a
party in your house. Whup your
ass, have a party in your house and
piss on your mama's new couch. Is
that gonna happen?
The team erupts with a chorus of NO'.s and HELL NO!s.
123 EXT. WINGATE - EDGE OF STANDS - NIGHT 123
As the Wingate Crusaders exit the dressing room they find
themselves next to the Milford Lions ready to take the field.
The cocky Milford players eye the Crusaders.
MILFORD PLAYER
Hey, Crusaders, y'all gonna turn
the other cheek or just bend over?!
Another Milford player, #66, spots Michael.
MILFORD #66
Would y'all look at the size of
that buck!
Milford takes the field. Jay Collis, to Michael...
JAY COLLIS
Pay 'em back on the field.
Coach Cotton raises a hand and the team moves forward to
squeeze through an entrance onto the field. Above them
Milford fans look down and jeer, toss sodas at them.
The Blind Side -- Yellow Draft - 04/15/09 82
124 EXT. WINGATE - STADIUM - NIGHT 124
MILFORD DAD
Damn, that ain't fair! They got a
big ole' black bear playing for
'em! What is this, a circus?!
IN THE STANDS
Leigh Anne, Sean and SJ cheer as Wingate runs onto the field.
A chorus of BOOS comes from the stands behind them.
MILFORD DAD (CONT'D)
There's the Lions and here come the
Christians!
SJ turns and gives a dirty look --
LEIGH ANNE
SJ, eyes forward! Sticks and
stones...
ON THE FIELD
The ball is kicked off and Bobby, the Crusaders tailback
takes it in at the five yard line. He makes one player miss
then is dragged down by a swarm of defenders at the twenty.
COTTON
Let's go 0!
The offense runs onto the field and huddles. The Milford
defense waits, slapping each other and building to a frenzy.
Number 66 from before is the defensive end on Michael's side.
Wingate breaks huddle and #66 sees him.
MILFORD #66
Look whose fat black ass I get to
kick all night long.
At the snap #66 sidesteps Michael and sacks the QB.
MILFORD #66 (CONT'D)
(as he walks by Michael)
All night long, fat ass. All night
long.
IN THE STANDS
Leigh Anne and Sean share a look and cheer on the team.
(CONTINUED)
The Blind Side - Yellow Draft -04/15/09 83
124
124 CONTINUED:
LEIGH ANNE
Come on, Michael!
ON THE FIELD
Wingate breaks huddle and as they get into their stances #66
calls a switch. He moves inside and the linebacker moves
outside. Michael looks at the move, confused.
Hut! Tony, the Wingate QB starts to drop back but hands off
the ball on a draw to BOBBY, the Oompaloompah.
Michael, unsure which player to block, just stands there
while they both crush Bobby.
The Milford players high five and both give Michael a
shoulder as they pass him.
NEXT PLAY - BALL SNAPS
Michael hits #66 square in the numbers, putting him on his
heels. But he's quick as a cat and jumps to bat down a pass.
REFEREE
Fourth down !
The crusaders offense leaves the field. #66 follows behind
Michael, taunting him.
MILFORD #66
And don't come back unless you want
me to embarrass your black ass!
COTTON
Get back to your own bench, 66!
66 laughs and struts away. Cotton goes straight to the ref.
COTTON (CONT'D)
Did you hear what he said? Are you
gonna just let that kinda talk go?!
REFEREE
Ever heard of the First amendment,
Coach? Get back to the sideline.
Cotton takes a deep breath, then turns to Michael, who has
been beside him the whole time.
COTTON
Look, son, 66 is quick, so just
focus on his belt buckle.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
84
124 CONTINUED: 124
COTTON (CONT'D)
Where it goes he goes. And block
'til the whistle blows. All right?
Michael nods and takes a seat on the bench. Cotton hears
something and realizes it is his cell phone. He looks at the
number calling. and answers...
COTTON (CONT'D)
Hello?...
IN THE STANDS
Leigh Anne is on the phone.
LEIGH ANNE
Enough with the trick plays, Bert.
Just run the dang ball.
AND
Bert, on the field, turns to the stands, shakes his head
hangs up angrily.
Behind the Tuohys, the Milford fans are in a frenzy.
MILFORD DAD
That's my boy Jimmy, number 66. He
is kicking that blue gum's ass!
Leigh Anne can't restrain herself. She rises, turns
LEIGH ANNE
Hey crotch mouth! Yeah, you! Zip
it or I'll come zip it for ya!
Sean pulls her back down to her seat.
SI
Sticks and stones?
ON THE FIELD
The Milford offense is moving the ball
a draw play for ten yards.
a screen pass for twenty.
an option play - the QB pitches out and the tailback turns
the corner and runs all the way to the end zone. The
scoreboard reads: "HOME 0 VISITORS 7".
ON THE SIDELINE
(CONTINUED)
85
124 CONTINUED: 124
Bert Cotton gathers his forces.
COTTON
It's all right. Settle down.
ON THE FIELD
The Crusaders have the ball at the twenty. They break from
the huddle, get over the ball and the play starts. It's a
sweep left and Michael pulls to lead for Bobby. 66 fends off
Michael and keeps moving, forcing a pileup near the sideline.
Michael and Bobby are at the bottom of the pile.
66 extricates himself from the pile and gives Michael a
little kick as a cherry on top.
MILFORD #66
Big black pile of nigger crap!
Cotton is nearby, hears this, races straight over to the Ref.
COTTON
Ref, you gonna do something about
this?! He kicked my boy in the
head and cussed him!
The Ref throws a flag.
COTTON (CONT'D)
Thank you!
REFEREE
Unsportsmanlike conduct on Wingate!
Fifteen yards. Shut up or you'll
get another fifteen.
COTTON
What happened to the first
Amendment?!
Cotton throws his hat and another ref throws a flag.
COTTON (CONT'D)
This young man plays for my team
and I will defend him like he's my
own son! Against you or any other
redneck sonofabitch!
Michael watches, dumbfounded. He walks over to the livid
Cotton and pulls him backwards, looks him in the eye.
(CONTINUED)
86
124 CONTINUED: 124
MICHAEL
Don't worry, Coach. I got your
back.
Cotton cools down. Michael trots out onto the field.
Halfway there he stops, looks back at Cotton and smiles.
REFEREE
Second and 38.
IN THE CRUSADERS HUDDLE
Michael looks to Tony.
MICHAEL
Try Gap.
TONY
Coach called a pass.
MICHAEL
Gap.
AT THE LINE OF SCRIMMAGE
As Wingate lines up, 66 is at it again.
MILFORD #66
Your coach always do your fightin'
for you? He your Massa?-
Michael gets in his stance and on the snap of the ball powers
forward. We've never seen him so quick, neither has 66 who
dips a hip to keep from being plowed over. The ploy rights
66 but the damage isn't over as Michael now has him "in the
fit" grabbing his jersey, "between the tits." --
Bobby races through the hole and into the secondary --
Michael keeps pushing 66 back, picking up speed until 66 is
airborne save every third step of Michael's when he touches a
toe to the ground like a ballerina --
Bobby cuts to the sideline --
Michael is running full speed with 66 now and he keeps going
past the sideline--
Past Collins and the rest of the cheerleaders while --
Bobby makes the opposite corner and heads for the end zone ---
(CONTINUED)
The Blind Side - Yellow Draft 04/15/09 87
124 CONTINUED: 124
Si is on his feet, filming Michael --
Michael keeps going, past the track and toward the fence
separating the field from the parking lot --
Just as Bobby races into the end zone --
Michael chucks 66 into the air. 66 hits the fence hard and
lands in a heap. Michael turns and walks back to the field.
As he passes Collins she gives him a high five.
COLLINS
Way to go big bro!
A referee signals touchdown then notices Michael walking back
and 66 lying slumped at the fence.
The Ref throws a flag.
COTTON
Now what?! Was he holding?
REFEREE
Uh, no.
COTTON
Did he hit after the whistle?
REFEREE
I don't believe so.
COTTON
Then what's the flag for?
REFEREE
I dunno... . Excessive blocking.
COTTON
You're kidding me.
The Referee ignores and returns to the field to assess the
penalty. 66, now on his feet, limps back onto the field.
Michael looks at him and 66's eyes go straight to the dirt.
Cotton walks up to Michael.
MICHAEL
Sorry, Coach. I stopped when I
heard the whistle.
(CONTINUED)
88
124
124 CONTINUED:
COTTON
Where were you taking him, Mike?
MICHAEL
To the bus. It was time for him to
go home.
Cotton smiles proudly and slaps Michael on the ass.
COTTON
Attaboy, Michael Oher. Attaboy!
IN THE STANDS
--
Leigh Anne stands and turns to face the Milford fans
LEIGH ANNE
See number seventy-four? Well,
that's MY son.!
The Milford fans don't know what to make of this. Leigh Anne
sits down with a self-satisfied smile.
ON THE FIELD - A SEQUENCE:
Tony throws a touchdown pass --
66 submarines and Michael pushes him down with one hand --
Bobby is off to the races with a screen pass. Touchdown! ---
And another touchdown --
Scoreboard reads: VISITORS 7 HOME 35
66 limps off the field, shamed and another player takes
his place. The SCRUB, terrified, looks to Michael.
AT THE SNAP the Scrub flinches and hits the dirt. The play
goes to the other side and Michael reaches a hand down to
help the Scrub up and to his feet.
12 5
12 5 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - SJ'S ROOM - DAY
Si has the video of Michael up on his computer. A "burned
DVD" pops out and SJ puts it in a distinctive case.
126
126 INT. TOM LEMMING'S RECRUITING OFFICE - DAY
A hub of activity. Move past a SECRETARY answering phones --
(CONTINUED)
89
126 CONTINUED: 126
SECRETARY
Tom Lemming Recruiting, please
hold... Tom Lemming Recruiting,
please hold...
And land on TOM LEMMING, the foremost college talent
forecaster in the country.
TOM LEMMING .
Did the monthly recruiting updates
get mailed?
SECRETARY
Coach Saban wants his Fed Exed.
TOM LEMMING
Does he really think getting it one
day early is gonna give LSU a leg
up?
An ASSISTANT hurries up.
ASSISTANT
Have you filled all the slots for
the Army All Star Game?
TOM LEMMING
Yeah, why?
The assistant hands over the distinctive DVD marked MICHAEL
OHER - THE TERMINATOR!
ASSISTANT
You might want to open one up.
127 EXT. SEAN'S OFFICE - DAY 127
Lemming walks along with Sean and Coach Cotton toward Sean's
office.
TOM LEMMING
Every year there are a dozen
running backs in the high school
ranks who will make it to the NFL.
Quarterbacks maybe three or four.
But left tackles, true left
tackles, they're freaks, gifts from
the gods. A great one only comes
around every four or five years.
Mike's the best I've seen in ten.
(CONTINUED)
90
127 CONTINUED: 127
COTTON
You're kidding?
TOM LEMMING
I don't kid about guys who'll get
fifty million or more to play
football.
COTTON
And you think that could be
Michael?
TOM LEMMING
Oh, yeah. The embarrassing thing
is it's my business to know every
prospect in the nation but if you
hadn't sent me that DVD I would
have never heard of him.
SEAN
What DVD? I didn't send a DVD.
TOM LEMMING
You're Sean Tuohy, right?
Sean "gets it", trades a look with Cotton.
SEAN
Si.
128 INT. WINGATE - SEAN'S OFFICE - DAY 128
They arrive at an empty office where Michael sits. He stands
and Lemming eyes him like a piece of meat...
TOM LEMMING
Wow. Just wow.
Lemming breaks out a measuring tape and smiles.
129 INT. WINGATE - SEAN'S OFFICE/HALLWAY/OUTSIDE THE DOOR - DAY 129
Sean and Bert stand outside and talk...
COTTON
Tom Lemming runs the biggest
recruiting service in the nation.
He practically created an industry.
Every college coach subscribes to
his newsletter. One word from him
and... This is big, Sean.
91
130 INT. WINGATE - SEAN'S OFFICE - DAY 130
Lemming sits across from Michael...
TOM LEMMING
Mike, I came all the way from
Chicago just to see for myself.
And now that I have, I'd like to
extend to you an invitation to play
in the Army High School All
American game at the end of the
season.
He places an application on the desk. Michael stares at it.
131 INT. WINGATE - SEAN'S OFFICE - DAY (A FEW MINUTES LATER) 131
The door opens and Lemming comes out shaking his head.
TOM LEMMING
I don't want to offend but... does
Mike have special needs?
SEAN
Well, he eats a lot.
TOM LEMMING
No, I meant, is he mentally... off?
SEAN
No, no, he's just...
COTTON
Shy. Really shy.
TOM LEMMING
Because the only thing he said to
me was "No." Said it three times;
every time I asked him if he'd like
to play in the Army All Star game.
I get lobbied by every player,
every father, every coach to get
into this game.
(hands over application)
Let me know if he changes his mind.
Lemming walks away. After he's gone, Michael emerges.
SEAN
Why didn't you fill out the
application, Michael?
(CONTINUED)
The Blind Side - Green Revision - 04/28/09 92
131 CONTINUED: 131
MICHAEL
I don't wanna join the Army.
Sean and Coach Cotton crack up.
132 INT. SABAN'S OFFICE - DAY 132
SERIES OF SHOTS INTERCUT WITH SJ'S VIDEO OF "THE PLAY" ON
LEMMING'S WEBSITE:
NICK SABAN watches on a computer --
133 INT. TUBERVILLE'S OFFICE - DAY 133
TOMMY TUBERVILLE and other AUBURN coaches watch --
134 INT. NUTT'S OFFICE - DAY 134
HOUSTON NUTT and ARKANSAS coaches watch ---
135 INT. HOLTZ'S OFFICE - DAY 135
LOU HOLTZ and SOUTH CAROLINA COACHES watch --
136 INT. FULMER'S OFFICE - DAY 136
PHIL FULMER and other TENNESSEE coaches watch.
PHIL FULMER
I want him! I want him bad.
137 EXT. WINGATE - PARKING LOT - DAY 137
A CADILLAC races into the parking lot and hurriedly parks in
a spot. Phil Ful
mer, in a bright orange Tennessee shirt,
jumps out and starts to trot toward
138 EXT. WINGATE -- FIELD -- DAY 138
Leigh Anne helps coach the cheerleaders, including Collins.
LEIGH ANNE
Kick higher, Collins. Point your
toes!
Leigh Anne notices Fulmer.
LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
What in the world?...
(to the squad)
Y'all keep practicing.
(CONTINUED)
The Blind Side - Green Revision - 04/28/09 93
138 CONTINUED: 138
She strides toward the football practice field.
139 EXT. WINGATE - PRACTICE FIELD - DAY 139
Leigh Anne arrives to see a group of coaches, all wearing
shirts and hats emblazoned with school logos. They chat and
watch as the Wingate football team finishes calisthenics.
One ASSISTANT COACH, from. Southern Miss, sees Fulmer racing
up.
SOUTHERN MISS COACH
Shoot, man, Fulmer's here. I might
as well go home.
Fulmer smiles at the assembled coaches, shakes a few-hands.
FULMER
Drove all the way from Knoxville to
come see for myself.
Leigh Anne slides in near the group so she can eavesdro
CLEMSON ASSISTANT COACH
Heck, I drove from Clemson, that's
nine hours!
Bert cotton walks over, shakes Fulmer's hand, leaving the
other coaches shaking their heads.
COTTON
Coach Fulmer, it's a real honor.
FULMER
Coach Cotton I been keeping an eye
on your program. Y'all doing a
fine job down here. Wouldn't be a
bit surprised to see you coaching
at the next level real soon.
Cotton's smile tells us he'd like that a lot.
FULMER (CONT`D)
Is that him? Is that O'Hair?
LEIGH ANNE
It's Oher. Like a paddle in a
boat.
Fulmer notices Leigh Anne, grunts then turns back to Cotton.
(CONTINUED)
94
139 CONTINUED: 139
FULMER
If you could run him through a few
drills, we'd sure appreciate it..
.Cotton gives Leigh Anne a look that says, "get out of here."
She shakes her head -- "I'm not going anywhere."
Cotton blows his whistle and the team approaches.
COTTON
Board drill. Big Mike and Jay
Collis. Best on best.
An Equipment manager lays out a plank and Jay Collis sighs
and lines up, one foot on either side of the board. Michael
slowly moves into position opposite him.
The coaches all inch closer and crane their necks to see.
Leigh Anne is now right in the middle of them. Fulmer gives
her a look that says,,"Who the hell are you?"
Cotton blows his whistle, Michael fires out and it's over in
an instant. Collis is pancaked under Michael, who gets up
and offers a hand.
The coaches are frozen - as if they've witnessed a miracle.
FULMER
(almost to himself)
Force equals mass times
acceleration.
Then, all at once, the coaches pull out their cell phones and
start poking digits and jabbering: "You won't believe it!"
"You gotta see this!" "He's a freak of nature!"
The Clemson coach strides away.
COTTON
Where are you going, Coach?
CLEMSON COACH
Back to South Carolina. I've seen
more than enough. If he can qualify
with his grades you tell Michael
Oher that Clemson wants him.
FULMER
Good luck with that, Brad!
Fulmer smiles wide then turns to look once more at Michael.
(CONTINUED)
95
139 CONTINUED: 139
Leigh Anne watches him watch Michael.
140 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY 140
Leigh Anne, distressed, has books and pamphlets spread out in
front of her. Sean walks in, takes in the sight.
LEIGH ANNE
Did you know that to be eligible
for a Division One scholarship
Michael's gonna need a 2.5 GPA?
SEAN
Really?
LEIGH ANNE
His ACT is low and I don't see him
doing any better if he retakes it.
SEAN
What's his GPA now?
LEIGH ANNE
1.76.
SEAN
Not bad really, when you consider
where he started.
LEIGH ANNE
He needs to make A's this year.
(off Sean's laugh)
I'm serious. And that might not
even be enough.
SEAN
So he goes to Junior College.
LEIGH ANNE
Most inner city kids that go to JC
drop out in a year. His shot at
the pros would go out the window.
SEAN
Pros? Are we even sure he's gonna
get college offers?
She walks over to the answering machine, presses "Play."
(CONTINUED)
The Blind Side - Green Revision - 04/28/09 96
140 CONTINUED: 140
ON THE MACHINE
Hello, my name is Nick Saban and
I'm the head football coach at
Louisiana State University...
(Leigh Anne fast forwards)
Tommy Tuberville, Auburn
University...
(fast forwards again)
We're very interested in having
Michael over to Knoxville for a
visit.
SEAN
Phil Fulmer, from Tennessee?
LEIGH ANNE
There are twenty more.
She holds up a stack of mail - envelopes and Fed Exes.
LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
And these. Fifty of 'em.
SEAN
Any from Ole Miss?
LEIGH ANNE
They won't recruit until they hire
a new coach. But none of it
matters unless he makes his grades.
SEAN
So, what do we do?
141 INT. WINGATE - TEACHER'S LOUNGE - DAY 141
Leigh Anne speaks to the assembled teachers.
LEIGH ANNE
So here's the plan. E-mail me all
assignments and let me know what
Michael has to do to make an "A".
There is laughter in the room.
LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
Okay, fine, a B plus. And if
anyone knows of a good tutor I'd
love to hear about 'em.
MRS. BOSWELL
I think I know someone.
The Blind Side - Green Revision -- 04/28/09 97
142 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY 142
Leigh Anne sits with MISS SUE, a no nonsense prospective
tutor wearing an Ole Miss sweatshirt.
LEIGH ANNE
I understand that you applied for a
teaching position at Wingate?
MISS SUE
I wasn't religious enough for 'em.
I'm a spiritual person, Mrs. Tuohy,
but I have certain,. shall we say...
doubts.
LEIGH ANNE
I appreciate your honesty, Miss
Sue.
MISS SUE
What's the situation with Michael?
LEIGH ANNE
He needs to do better in school.
MISS SUE
Obviously. But why the big push?
LEIGH ANNE
He's in line for a football
scholarship if he gets his grades
up.
MISS SUE
Is he considering Ole Miss?
LEIGH ANNE
He'd better be.
MISS SUE
I'd love to work with him.
LEIGH ANNE
When do you want to start?
MISS SUE
Mrs. Tuohy there's something you
should know about me. I don't tell
many people, but it's something I
feel you should be aware of before
you hire me.
(CONTINUED)
The Blind Side - Green Revision - 04/28/09 98
142 CONTINUED: 142
LEIGH ANNE
What's that?
MISS SUE
I'm a Democrat.
143 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - KITCHEN -- NIGHT (LATER) 143
Leigh Ann and Sean sneak looks at Miss Sue and Michael at the
dining room table.
AT THE TABLE
Michael stares at a problem in Geometry book, then...
MICHAEL
I don't understand it.
MISS SUE
Yet. You don't understand it yet.
How big is your head, Michael?
MICHAEL
Big.
MISS SUE
And what's in there?
MICHAEL
A brain.
MISS SUE
A brain. Full of knowledge - like
a file cabinet with maps; shortcuts
for figuring things out. You will
learn this, Michael Oher because
I'm here to help you use those maps
and reach your destination. Like
Sacagawea helped Lewis and Clark.
MICHAEL
Sacagawea?
MISS SUE
We'll get to that. And the history
books have it wrong, but all you
need to you know is that I'll get
you there. Do you believe me? Do
you trust me, Michael?
MICHAEL
Yes, Miss Sue.
(CONTINUED)
The Blind Side - Green Revision - 04/28/09 98A
143 CONTINUED: 143
MISS SUE
Try it again.
He goes back to the book.
SEAN AND LEIGH ANNE
Sean shakes his head.
(CONTINUED)
The Blind Side - Green Revision - 04/28/09 99
143 CONTINUED: 143
SEAN
Who'd a thought we'd have a black
son before we knew a Democrat.
144-145 OMITTED 144-145
146 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - FOYER - DAY 146
The doorbell RINGS and Leigh Anne fixes her hair before she
opens it to --
NICK SABAN, a handsome man wearing a sport jacket and LSU rep
tie. Leigh Anne is immediately taken with him.
NICK SABAN
And you must be Leigh Anne.
LEIGH ANNE
Yes, Coach Saban, that's me. Leigh
Anne. Touhy.
NICK SABAN
Please, call me Nick. What an
incredible home. Love the Windsor
valances.
LEIGH ANNE
(VERY IMPRESSED)
Thank you. You obviously have good
taste.
NICK SABAN
Let's just say I appreciate
quality.
Michael and SJ walk in.
NICK SABAN (CONT'D)
(EYEING MICHAEL)
And I know it when I see it.
(offers a hand)
Michael, I'm Nick Saban. And you
must be SJ. I hear you have quite
a jump shot, young man.
LEIGH ANNE
Nick, why don't you and Michael go
into the living room to talk.
MICHAEL
Can SJ come?
(CONTINUED)
100
146 CONTINUED: 146
SABAN
Absolutely. I'll recruit the both
of you.
As they walk away, Collins approaches...
LEIGH ANNE
I find him extremely handsome.
147 INT. TUOHY HOUSE- LIVING ROOM - DAY (LATER) 147
Michael and SJ sit across from Saban.
SABAN
So, as soon as possible we'd like
to get you down to Baton Rouge.
We've got a great thing going,
Michael and we plan on winning a
bunch more National Championships.
Whattaya' say, will you commit to a
visit?
Michael turns to SJ, who raises his hand.
SI
Can I ask a question?
SABAN
Sure.
SJ
My brother and me are very close.
I'm worried that if he goes off to
school I won't see him so...
SABAN
Go on.
SI
I guess I was just wondering how
much access I'd have to him.
Saban smiles at the kid's moxie.
SABAN
Tell you what, SJ. Michael comes
to LSU I'll get you an all-access
pass. How's that sound?
SJ
Sounds good.
(CONTINUED)
The Blind Side - Green Revision - 04/28/09 101
147 CONTINUED: 147
SERIES OF SHOTS:
148 EXT. WINGATE - STADIUM - NIGHT 148
Michael pancakes an opponent --
149 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY 149
Michael and Miss Sue study --
MISS SUE
You know this stuff. Just be
logical.
150 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - FOYER - DAY 150
HOUSTON NUTT walks in the Tuohy front door --
NUTT
Hi, I'm Houston Nutt from Arkansas.
151 EXT. WINGATE - STADIUM - NIGHT 151
Michael pancakes another defender --
152 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - LIVING ROOM -- DAY 152
Miss Sue high fives Michael after a quiz --
153 INT. TUGHY HOUSE - FOYER - DAY 153
Phil Fulmer walks in, recognizes Leigh Anne
FULMER
This is a beautiful home, Ma'am.
He is startled to see --
Michael, in briefs, racing down the stairs, carrying Collins,
who is holding his pants away from him.
154 INT. WINGATE -- CLASSROOM - DAY 154
Mrs. Boswell grades Michael's paper, writes "B" at the top.
155 EXT. WINGATE - STADIUM - NIGHT 155
A SCOREBOARD: CRUSADERS 44 VISITORS 0
156 NEWSPAPER HEADLINE - DAY 156
A HEADLINE: CRUSADERS TO PLAY FOR PRIVATE SCHOOL CHAMPIONSHIP
The Blind Side - Green Revision - 04/28/09 102
157 INT. WINGATE - LOCKER ROOM - NIGHT 157
Michael and Coach Cotton hold up a championship trophy
158 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - FOYER -- DAY 158
Coaches, one after another, enter the Tuohy home --
COACHES
Hi, I'm Tommy Tuberville...Hi,
I'm Lou Holtz...
159 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY 159
SJ asks them each his question ---
SI
What level of access can I expect?
160 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY 160
Coaches, one after another, up the ante ----
TOMMY TUBERVILLE
Your own locker right next to
Michael's.
HOUSTON NUTT
Access to the Letterman's Lounge.
LOU HOLTZ
(with a wink)
A Gamecock headdress. Real
feathers.
PHIL FULMER
We'll run arm in arm onto the field
and you can do the coin toss
thingie at the first game.
SI
Sounds real good.
161 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY 161
Michael studies with Miss Sue, in her Ole Miss sweatshirt.
(CONTINUED)
The Blind Side - Yellow. Draft -- 04/15/09 103
161 CONTINUED: 161
MISS SUE
Have you decided yet, Michael?
MICHAEL
No, Miss Sue.
MISS SUE
But you like Tennessee?
(off his nod)
It's a good school. Not at the
academic level of Ole Miss but they
do have an outstanding science
department. You know one of the
things they're famous for?
(he shakes his head)
They work with the FBI to study the
effects of the soil on decomposing
body parts.
Michael is a bit lost.
MISS SUE (CONT'D)
When they find a body the police
want to know how long they've been
dead. The fine department at
Tennessee helps them. They have
lots of body parts - arms, legs,
hands - from hospitals and medical
schools. Do you know where they
store them?
(Michael shakes his head)
Right underneath the football
field.
Michael's eyes widen a bit.
MISS SUE (CONT'D)
So, while it's fine and dandy to
have 100,000 fans cheering for you,
the bodies you should be worried
about are right underneath the
turf. Set to poke up through the
ground and grab you.
She raises a clawed hand (think "CARRIE") to make her point.
Michael is completely freaked out by this.
MISS SUE (CONT'D)
But it's your decision where you
play football. Don't let me
influence you.
The Blind Side Green Revision - 04/28/09 104
162 INT. TUGHY HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY 162
Ole Miss Coach, ED ORGERON, talks with Leigh Anne.
LEIGH ANNE
Congrats on gettin' hired, Coach.
ED ORGERON
Thank yew, Ma'am. Ole Miss is my
dream job.
LEIGH ANNE
Coach 0, you're coming a little
late to the party but we're diehard
Rebels so I'm gonna give you a
frickin' road map, okay?
ED ORGERON
Yes 'm.
LEIGH ANNE
LSU is out. Everybody knows
Saban's going to the NFL. So when
he comes for his visit to Ole Miss,
don't take him to some titty bar
and give him tequila shots. He'll
have nightmares for weeks. Feed
him Italian - he likes Fettucine
Alfredo - take him to a movie - but
not Chainsaw massacre because he'll
just cover his eyes - and put him
to bed by ten. You got it?
ED ORGERON
Yes'm. What about Tennessee?
LEIGH ANNE
It breaks my heart but they're
still in the hunt. Fulmer offered
SJ a sweet deal.
ED ORGERON
I hear the kid can really pepper
the gumbo.
LEIGH ANNE
He's his daddy's boy.
105
163 INT.. TUOHY HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY (LATER) 163
Orgeron sits with Michael and SJ.
ED ORGERON
You a Ole Miss tackle, son. I'm
buildin' my line, buildin' my team
aroun' you. Make your parents
proud, come to Oxford, get that
sheepskin and help us win the SEC.
Michael nods, turns to SJ. Before SJ can raise his hand --
ED ORGERON (CONT'D)
And for you, Si, here's what I can
do. At Ole Miss we have The Grove
by the stadium. And the team walks
it before the game, surrounded by
thousands of fans. It's a sacred
ritual. And I'm in front.
SI
("that's it?")
Seen it a thousand times.
ED ORGERON
Ever seen it from the front of the
line? Next year, you and me --
leading the team.
SI
Tennessee offered to let me run on
the field and flip the coin.
ED ORGERON
I'll throw in a sideline pass.
Si considers this, smiles and nods.
164 INT. WINGATE - LIBRARY -- DAY 164
A press conference is under way. Photographers push to get a
shot of --
Michael, at a table, stares at three caps -- Tennessee, LSU
and Ole Miss. He smiles and selects an Ole Miss hat.
165 INT. PHIL FULMER'S OFFICE - DAY 165
Fulmer watches the press conference on TV. He tosses a piece
of chalk against the wall.
(CONTINUED)
106
165 CONTINUED: 165
FULMER
This stinks to high heaven.
166 INT. WINGATE - BOB'S LITERATURE CLASS - DAY 166
Leigh Anne and Bob have a chat in the empty classroom.
BOB
I will not give a student a grade
he, or she, doesn't deserve.
LEIGH ANNE
He needs a B. What's he gonna have
to do to "deserve" that?
BOB
Right now Michael's doing C minus,
D plus work. His best chance at
improving is with the written essay
at the end of the year. It counts
for a third of his grade.
LEIGH ANNE
That's it. We're sunk.
167 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - FAMILY ROOM - NIGHT 167
Miss Sue works with Michael at the table.
MISS SUE
Why not write about "Great
Expectations"? You're a lot like
Pip. He was poor, an orphan and
someone sort of found him. You
should be able to relate to that.
Michael shrugs. Sean is nearby, watching NBA basketball.
MISS SUE (CONT'D)
Fine, let's go through the reading
list. But you have to pick one,
Michael.
(reading from list)
"Pygmalion"... "A Tale of Two
Cities"... "The Charge of the
Light Brigade"...
SEAN
(almost to himself)
"Half a league, half a league, half
a league onward." I love that one.
(CONTINUED)
The Blind Side - Yellow Draft --04/15/09 107
167 CONTINUED: 167
MISS SUE
Fine, you do this and I'll watch
basketball.
Miss Sue walks over, takes the remote from Sean, who rises.
SEAN
"All in the valley of Death rode
the six hundred". They call LSU's
stadium Death Valley because of
this story. Alfred, Lord Tennyson
is writing about Ole Miss-LSU.
MICHAEL
You're kidding?
SEAN
No. It's a great story.
MISS SUE
It's a poem.
SEAN
"Forward the Light Brigade!"
That's like the offense. "Charge
for the guns'he said." That's the
end zone. "Into the Valley of
Death rode the six hundred."
He knows it by heart and even miss Sue is impressed.
SEAN (CONT'D)
"Forward the Light Brigade! Was
there a man d±smay'd? Not tho' the
soldier knew someone had
blundered."
MICHAEL
Someone made a mistake?
SEAN'
Yeah, their leader, their coach.
MICHAEL
Why would they go ahead if they
knew he messed up?
SEAN
"Theirs not to make reply, theirs
not to reason why, theirs but to do
and die: Into the Valley of Death
rode the six hundred."
(CONTINUED)
108
167 CONTINUED: 167
It hits Michael. He takes a moment, looks right at Sean.
MICHAEL
They all gonna die, aren't they?
SEAN
Yeah.
MICHAEL
That's really, really sad.
SEAN
I think you just found something to
write about.
Michael opens his notebook, picks up a pen.
MICHAEL (V.0.)
Courage is a hard thing to figure.
You can have courage based on a
dumb idea or a mistake, but you're
not supposed to question adults, or
your coach, or your teacher because
they make the rules. Maybe they
know best but maybe they don't.
SERIES OF REPEATED SHOTS:
168 EXT. HURT VILLAGE - REPEATED SHOT - DAY 168
Michael moves through the tough crowd.
MICHAEL (V.0.)
It all depends on who you are,
where you come from. Didn't at
least one of the six hundred guys
think about giving up and joining
with the other side? I mean,
Valley of Death, that's pretty
salty stuff.
169 EXT. WINGATE - REPEATED SHOT - DAY 169
Michael walks under the arch for the first time.
MICHAEL (V.0.)
That's why courage is tricky.
Should you always do what others
tell you to do? Sometimes you
might not even know why you're
doing something. I mean, any fool
can have courage.
109
170 INT. LAUNDROMAT - REPEATED SHOT - NIGHT 170
Michael leans against the wall and tries to sleep.
MICHAEL (V.0.)
But honor, that's the real reason
you either do something or you
don't. It's who you are and maybe
who you want to be. If you die
trying for something important then
you have both honor and courage and
that's pretty good.
171 INT. WINGATE - BOB'S LITERATURE CLASS - DAY 171
Bob sits at his desk, reading Michael's. essay. As he turns
to the last page...
MICHAEL (V.0.)
I think that's what the writer was
saying. That you should try for
courage and hope for honor. And
maybe even pray that the people
telling you what. to do have some,
too.
Bob, visibly moved, sets down the essay and smiles.
172 INT. WINGATE --- AUDITORIUM - FOYER - DAY 172
Graduation day and Sean sits beside an empty seat in the
quick filling auditorium. He sees Leigh Anne marching up the
aisle, a big smile on her face. she pushes down the row and
plops down in the seat next to him.
SEAN
What?
LEIGH ANNE
2.52.
(off Sean's' look)
Michael's final GPA. Got it off
Paul's computer. He did it, Sean.
He did it!
Sean grins, then...
SEAN
Wait a minute. You broke into the
principal's computer?
(CONTINUED)
110
172 CONTINUED: 172
She ignores him and opens her program, letting Sean know that
is precisely what she did.
173 INT. WINGATE - AUDITORIUM - DAY (LATER) 173
Graduation ceremonies. Paul Sandstrom reads the names and
the graduates move across the stage to get their diplomas.
As each student walks across the stage a BABY PICTURE of their
is PROJECTED.
SANDSTROM
Michael Jerome Oher.
Even though no one is supposed to clap, a spontaneous round
of APPLAUSE gives Michael pause as he accepts his diploma.
Projected behind him is a picture of the cutest African-
American infant the world has ever seen.
ON SEAN AND LEIGH ANNE
SEAN
Where'd you find a baby picture of
Michael?
LEIGH ANNE
Scanned it off an Internet ad for a
toddler boutique.
(off his look)
Tell a soul and I'll rip your
tongue out.
IN THE CROWD: The Tuohys, Big Tony, Miss Sue, Bob and the
other teachers all clap.
174 EXT. WINGATE - OUTSIDE THE AUDITORIUM -.DAY 174
Michael, diploma in hand, shakes Sean's hand. Sean moves
close, looks him in the eye.
SEAN
I want you to know something.
You'n me, okay?
(BEAT)
I never believed you could do this.
But you did. And I'm as proud of
you as I am ashamed of myself. I
should know better. I'll never
doubt you again, Michael.
Michael smiles, nods, gives Leigh Anne a little hug then raps
knuckles with Si and high fives Collins.
(CONTINUED)
111
174 CONTINUED: 174
LEIGH ANNE
Excuse me young man, but I think I
need a proper hug.
He smiles and moves to her. Off their embrace
175-176 OMITTED 175-176
177-182 OMITTED 177-182
183 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY 183
Leigh Anne and Sean go over Ole Miss pamphlets with Michael.
LEIGH ANNE
You'll be living in Deaton Hall --
here. You'll have a meal plan and
you'll go to Johnson commons to
eat.
SEAN
Johnson Commons has all you can eat
self-serve ice cream.
MICHAEL
As much as you want?
SEAN
Yep, that's how Mama put on her
freshman ten.
Leigh Anne rolls up a pamphlet and whacks him hard on her way
to answer a RINGING PHONE.
LEIGH ANNE
Hello... This is Mrs. Tuohy...
As she listens she gives Sean a look - "This isn't good".
184 INT. BUttDING HALLWAY - DAY 184
Leigh Anne walks with Michael.
LEIGH ANNE
They just want to ask you a few
questions. You've got nothing to
hide, Michael.
They arrive at a door, open it.
112
185 INT. INTERROGATION ROOM - DAY 185
Sits Investigator Granger in the room we've seen before. She
rises, professional, but not smiling.
GRANGER
Mrs. Tuohy? Mr. Oher? My name is
Jocelyn Granger and I'm the
Assistant Director of Enforcement
for the NCAA.
LEIGH ANNE
Please call me Leigh Anne.
Leigh Anne shakes her hand and she and Michael move to the
chairs.
GRANGER
Mrs. Tuohy, I'd prefer to speak
with Michael alone.
LEIGH ANNE
How long will this take?
GRANGER
Awhile.
Michael starts rubbing his knees, nervous as hell.
LEIGH ANNE
Michael, I'll be outside.
Leigh Anne pecks his cheek and exits, giving Michael one last
look before she leaves.
186 EXT. BUILDING - DAY 186
Leigh Anne sits on a bench, talking on the phone.
LEIGH ANNE
I've got a bad feeling about this,
Sean. This broad is tough. Oh,.
Susie's on the other line.
(CLICKS OVER)
Hey... . what does the client
want?... But that's tacky... You
know what, fine, if she wants her
living room to look like a bordello
make it happen.
She hangs up, checks her watch and looks toward the building.
113
187 INT. NONDESCRIPT GOVERNMENT-LOOKING ROOM - DAY 187
The interrogation is ongoing...
GRANGER
Your parents are friends with Coach
Bert Cotton, correct?
MICHAEL
Coach is a good guy.
GRANGER
Were you aware that Coach Cotton is
accepting a job at Ole Miss?
(Michael shakes his head)
And that this job offer came after
you signed with them?
(no response from Michael)
Sean Tuohy, your legal guardian
went to Ole Miss.
MICHAEL
He played basketball.
GRANGER
And Mrs. Tuohy attended Ole Miss as
well.
MICHAEL
She was a cheerleader.
GRANGER
Is it safe to say that Ole Miss is
their favorite school?
(MICHAEL NODS)
Do they like any other
Universities?
(MICHAEL SHRUGS)
What about, say Tennessee?
MICHAEL
They can't stand Tennessee.
GRANGER
So they wouldn't be happy if you
chose to play football there?
MICHAEL
No.
GRANGER
And your tutor...
(CONTINUED)
114
187 CONTINUED: 187
MICHAEL
Miss Sue.
GRANGER
Miss Sue is an Ole Miss grad, too.
(MICHAEL NODS)
Did Miss Sue try to persuade you to
attend Ole Miss?
(MICHAEL NODS)
Did you know that the Tuohys make
generous donations to Ole Miss?
That even Miss Sue makes donations?
That the:Tuohy's have a condo in
Oxford so they can attend as many
athletic events as possible? That,
in fact, Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy
are by our definition "boosters."
MICHAEL
What's that mean?
GRANGER
A booster is someone with an
abnormal interest in a school's
sports. Someone who-contributes
financially to the University's
athletic program.
Michael doesn't answer, just keeps rubbing his knees. Then
comes the part we've heard before...'
GRANGER (CONT'D)
Mr. Oher, do you know why I'm here?
(NO RESPONSE)
Mr. Oher?...
MICHAEL (V.0.)
GRANGER
Do you know, do you understand why
I'm here?
MICHAEL (V.0.)
To... investigate.
GRANGER
Yes. To investigate. I'm here to
investigate your odd...
predicament. Do you find it odd?
Your predicament?
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
115
187 CONTINUED: 187
GRANGER (CONT'D)
(NO RESPONSE)
Michael?...
MICHAEL
Iono...
she sifts through her briefcase, pulls out files, documents -
a good bit of evidence for whatever trouble Michael is in.
She sits back, stares at Michael, as if trying to figure him
out. Michael can't meet her gaze. He looks out the window,
rubs his knees some more.
MICHAEL (CONT'D)
Can I... can I leave now?
GRANGER
(WITH FINALITY)
No. You can't.
Michael's building up anxiety by the second.
MICHAEL
What do you want, ma'am?
GRANGER
What I want, what my job is, is to
discern whether something untoward
occurred in your recruitment to Ole
Miss.
MICHAEL
Unto...
GRANGER
I want the facts. I need the
truth.
MICHAEL
I didn't lie...
GRANGER
And I want to know what you think
about all this.
MICHAEL
THINK ABOUT WHAT?!
It's the first time we've ever heard Michael raise his voice.
It echoes in the room. Granger lets it die before she leans
forward and continues...
(CONTINUED)
116
187 CONTINUED: 187
GRANGER
The NCAA fears that with your
recruitment a door might be opened
that boosters from lots of schools
in the south will become legal
guardians for young athletes
without means and funnel them to
their Alma Maters.
Michael still doesn't get it, shakes his head.
GRANGER (CONT'D)
I'm not saying I believe it and I'm
not saying I don't, but there are
many people involved with this case
who would argue that the Tuohys
took you in, fed you, clothed you,
paid for your private education --
MICHAEL
(almost to himself)
No...no...no...
GRANGER
-- bought you a car and paid for a
tutor all as part of a plan to
insure that you played football for
the University of Mississippi.
Now Michael understands. He stares at the floor for a long
time then quickly stands and makes for the door.
GRANGER (CONT'D)
Michael, we're not finished.
But he's gone.
188 EXT. GOVERNMENT BUILDING - DAY 188
Leigh Anne sees Michael exit the building. Once he's outside
he moves in circles, gesticulating and talking to himself.
Leigh Anne races over --
LEIGH ANNE
Michael, what's wrong?
He looks at her, glares really; upset.
MICHAEL
Why'd you do it?
(CONTINUED)
117
188 CONTINUED: 188
LEIGH ANNE
What?
MICHAEL
All along you wanted me to go to
Ole Miss.
LEIGH ANNE
Well, of course, but...
MICHAEL
Why did you do this for me?!
LEIGH ANNE
What?
MICHAEL
Everything! Was it for you or was
it for me? Was it so I would go to
school where you wanted?! Was it
so I would do what you wanted?!
LEIGH ANNE
No, Michael...
MICHAEL
(points to building)
That's what she thinks! Is she
right?!
(her own words)
Don't you dare lie to me!
Leigh Anne digests this, takes a breath...
LEIGH ANNE
Michael, look... I can see where,
where some people might...
Her inability, for the first time, to articulate, hits
Michael in the face.
MICHAEL
I'm not stupid!
He turns and walks away.
LEIGH ANNE
Michael?!
But she doesn't move, just watches him go.
189 OMITTED 189
118
190 INT. TUGHY HOUSE - KITCHEN - NIGHT 190
Sean and Leigh Anne sit at the kitchen table while Collins
and SJ pace in the living room.
LEIGH ANNE
(on her cell)
Well if he comes by there let me
know. Thanks.
COLLINS
(ON PHONE)
Michael, please call me and let me
know you're okay.
LEIGH ANNE
Text him SJ.
SEAN
Keep it light. Tell him you're
gonna take his truck for a spin if
he doesn't get in touch.
SJ starts texting. Leigh Anne and Sean stare at each other.
A191 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - SEAN AND'LEIGH ANNE'S BEDROOM - NIGHT A191
(LATER)
Sean sits in bed and Leigh Anne paces.
LEIGH ANNE
I should have followed him.
SEAN
You had no way of knowing he'd
disappear.
LEIGH ANNE
Was he right?
(off Sean's look)
What he said about us?
SEAN
Leigh Anne, be sensible. We gave
clothes to a boy who had one pair
of shorts. We gave him a bed. To
hell with the NCAA, I'd do it again
tomorrow.
(CONTINUED)
119
A191 CONTINUED: A191
LEIGH ANNE
What about the rest of it - all the
stuff we did to make sure he got a
scholarship? A scholarship to Ole
Miss.
SEAN
He could go wherever he wanted, he
knew that.
LEIGH ANNE
Did he? Did you ask him? 'Cause I
know for sure I never did.
Sean considers this, then beckons.
SEAN
Come here, honey.
She moves to him. He puts his arm around her, kisses her
forehead.
LEIGH ANNE
Am I a good person?
(off his look)
Not a joke. Not rhetorical.
SEAN
You're the best person I know.
Everything you do, you do for
others.
LEIGH ANNE
Why is that?
SEAN
(with a smile)
I have not a clue. You obviously
get some sick satisfaction from it.
She looks at him. There's truth in his words.
LEIGH ANNE
Sean... what if he never comes
back?
191 EXT. HURT VILLAGE - NIGHT 191
Michael makes his way toward Building "C", passing some of
the same faces we've seen before.
(CONTINUED)
120
191 CONTINUED: 191
Alton opens his door to make a transaction with an addict'and
spots Michael.
ALTON
That you Big Mike? Get your ass in
here.
MICHAEL
I'm looking for Moms.
ALTON
Your Mama? Oh, I seen Dee Dee
around. She usually stop by for a
taste around this time. Tell you
what, I'll get you a forty and
we'll chop it up 'til she get here.
Michael hesitates. Alton smiles, beckons.
192 OMITTED 192
193 INT. HURT VILLAGE - ALTON'S APARTMENT - NIGHT 193
Shitty but with good electronics. There are maybe eight
people in the apartment - partying, drinking, getting high.
Michael steps inside. Alton points to a chair. A stoned out
couple smokes on the adjacent couch.
Next to them an INFANT cries in a broken down crib. In the
other corner of the room sits David, the young man we met
before. Michael nods and David nods back. Alton hands
Michael a beer.
ALTON
It's good to see you, Big Mike.
You lookin' fit. I heard you
playin' some ball.
MICHAEL
Yeah.
ALTON
But you know that rich kid football
ain't like the public school
league. People packing knives in
their socks. Back in the day I was
a quarterback. You knew that,
right? At MLK.
(CONTINUED)
121
193 CONTINUED: 193
MICHAEL
Yeah, I heard.
(TO DAVID)
You still playing ball over at the
JC?
DAVID
Naw.
ALTON
He with me now! I'll open a spot
for you, too.
DAVID
Got tired of going to class. Always
somebody tellin' me what to do.
ALTON
Turn it up, bitch!
David jumps up and cranks the volume on a RAP SONG until the
beat is bouncing off the walls. Michael sips the beer; rubs
his knees.
ALTON (CONT'D)
You stayin' to the other side of
town, that's what Dee Dee said.
Said you got a new Mama. She fine,
too. I seen her when she come to
see Dee Dee.
MICHAEL
She came here?
ALTON
She got any other kids? She got a
daughter?
(MICHAEL NODS)
You tap that?
Michael sets down the beer, rises to leave.
ALTON (CONT'D)
Where you going? Sit down. I
wanna hear about your fine white
sister. 'Cause I like me some
mommy/daughter.
MICHAEL
Shut up.
Alton steps in front of Michael, raises his hands ---
(CONTINUED)
122
193 CONTINUED: 193
ALTON
Shutup?You tellin' me to shut
up?I'llcap your fat ass. Cap
yourass,drive east and pay a
visittoyour Cracker Mama and her
SWEETLITTLE --
Michael shoves him hard. Alton unprepared for the force,
flies back against the wall. On the ground he reaches in his
belt for his gun, but just as he gets it out --
Michael slaps it away. He picks up Alton and throws him
across the room. The party comes unhinged as Michael grabs
Alton, holds him against the wall with one hand while
pounding him with the other. Blood flies from Alton's face -
eighteen years of subdued rage coming out in seconds.
TWO OTHER GUYS grab Michael from behind and one --
STICKS A GUN IN MICHAEL'S TEMPLE
Michael screams like a banshee, spins, grabs them and tackles
them over the couch. An errant round FIRES into the ceiling.
A table flies and the crib smashes.
Michael looks to David, frozen in the corner, then over to
the SCREAMING child on the floor.
He grabs his head and heaves, trying to make it all stop -
the music, the screams, the crying. The shots PULSE to the
music and. are INTERCUT WITH:
194 EXT. HURT VILLAGE - DAY 194
PULSING FLASHBACK IMAGES
MICHAEL, AGE SEVEN, and several half brothers and sisters in
front of Hurt Village as Child Protective Services herds them
away from Denise Oher. She's screaming, the kids are crying.
Michael breaks away and runs to Denise.
SEVEN YEAR OLD MICHAEL
MAMA!! 1 1
He grabs her waist and is pulled away by an officer.
FLASHBACK ENDS. BACK TO SCENE AT...
The Blind Side - Yellow Draft -- 04/15/09 123
195 INT. ALTON'S APARTMENT - NIGHT 195
Michael looks at the blood on his hands and shirt and
stumbles out of the room, terrified.
196 INT. TUOHY HOUSE - HALLWAY/MICHAEL'S BEDROOM - NIGHT 196
Leigh Anne stands at the doorway to Michael's empty, very
neat room. She stares, missing everything about him.
197 INT. LEIGH ANNE'S CAR - DAY 197
Leigh Anne drives around, looking for Michael at Wingate.
198 EXT. WEST SIDE OF MEMPHIS STREET - DAY 198
The streets of west side of Memphis. And finally --
199 EXT. HURT VILLAGE - DAY 199
Leigh Anne approaches the complex. Alton, his face bandaged,
sits on the stoop with his crowd. A mother holds the
unharmed baby.
ALTON
He gone.
Leigh Anne stops, looks to Alton.
ALTON (CONT'D)
But you tell him I'll be seeing him
around. You tell him he'll get his.
LEIGH ANNE
Michael was here?
ALTON
Last night. Sneaked me then took
off like a little bitch. So you
tell him, sleep with one eye open.
Yod'hear me, bitch?'
Leigh Anne steps closer to Alton, stares him down.
LEIGH ANNE
No, you hear me, bitch. You
threaten my son you threaten me.
You so much as cross downtown
you'll be sorry. I'm in a prayer
group with the D.A., I'm a member
of the NRA and I am always packing.
(CONTINUED)
124
199 CONTINUED: 199
She taps her tiny purse. Alton laughs.
ALTON
What you got in there, a .22? You
got yourself a Saturday Night
Special?
LEIGH ANNE
And it shoots just fine all the
other days, too.
She turns on her heels and strides to her car.
200 INT. LEIGH ANNE'S CAR - DAY 200
When she gets in she's so nervous she hyperventilates. Her
phone RINGS and she opens the tiny purse revealing nothing
more than a wallet and the phone. She recognizes the number
and answers...
LEIGH ANNE
Michael?!!!
MICHAEL'S VOICE
Mama?...
201 EXT. LAUNDROMAT - DAY 201
The one where Michael spent the night. He sits inside.
Leigh Anne pulls up, stops and they lock eyes.
MICHAEL (V.0.)
You think the police gonna come and
get me?
202 EXT. CURB - DAY 202
Leigh Anne sits on the curb with Michael.
LEIGH ANNE
I'd imagine the last thing anybody
at Hurt Village wants is cops
snooping around.
(after a beat)
I swore I'd never ask but... how'd
you make it out of there, Michael?
MICHAEL
When I was little and something
awful was happening, my Mama would
tell me to close my eyes.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
125'
202 CONTINUED: 202
MICHAEL (CONT'D)
She was tryin' to keep me from
seeing her do drugs or other bad
things. And she'd say, "keep 'em
closed till I say so." And then
when she was finished or the bad
things were over she'd say, "now
when I count to three, you open
your eyes and the past is gone, the
world is a good place, and it's all
gonna be okay."
LEIGH ANNE
You closed your eyes.
He nods. She shakes her head, amazed at the kid. They stare
out at the street, then...
LEIGH ANNE (CONT'D)
You know, when I was driving all
over Kingdom Come looking for you I
just kept thinking about one thing.
(BEAT)
Ferdinand the bull. Everyone
assumed because he was big that he
wanted to fight in the ring. But
he just wanted to sit under a tree
and smell the flowers.
(right at him)
I know I should have asked this a
long time ago but do you even wanna
play football? I mean, do you even
like it?'
Michael considers this.
MICHAEL
I'm pretty good at it.
LEIGH ANNE
Yeah, you are.
(A BEAT)
Sean and I have been talking and
Michael, if you're gonna accept a
football scholarship we think it
should be from Tennessee.
(off his look)
And I promise you I will be at
every game cheering for you.
MICHAEL
Every game?
(CONTINUED)
126
202 CONTINUED: 202
LEIGH ANNE
But I will not wear that gaudy
orange of theirs because it's not
in my color wheel.
MICHAEL
You want me to go to Tennessee?
LEIGH ANNE
I want you to go wherever you want.
It's your decision, Michael. It's
your life.
MICHAEL
What if I wanted to flip burgers?
She takes this in, swallows hard and
LEIGH ANNE
Your decision; your life.
Michael smiles.
MICHAEL
Okay.
LEIGH ANNE
Okay, what?
203 INT. NONDESCRIPT GOVERNMENT-LOOKING ROOM - DAY 203
Michael is at another session with Jocelyn Granger.
MICHAEL
I'm sorry I left the other day.
GRANGER
You were pretty upset.
MICHAEL
You ask a lot of questions.
GRANGER
I'm trying to get to the bottom of
this.
MICHAEL
But all the questions you asked
were about why everybody else
wanted me to go to Ole Miss.
(CONTINUED)
127
203 CONTINUED: 203
GRANGER
Okay...
MICHAEL
You asked about everybody but me.
You never asked why I wanted to go
there.
GRANGER
Alright, fine, Michael... why do
you want to go to Ole Miss?
MICHAEL
It's where my family goes to
school. It's where they've always
gone to school.
Granger considers this, stares at Michael, then almost, just
almost, smiles.
DISSOLVE TO:
204 EXT. OLE MISS DORM - DAY 204
Cars are unloaded as parents and siblings move their kids
into the dorm. Tearful good-byes and lots of picture taking.
Leigh Anne and.Sean walk from the dorm toward the car, giving
last words of advice. SJ and.Collins are there, too.
LEIGH ANNE
College is going to be a different
experience for you. There are lots
of distractions.
SEAN
Just have fun.
LEIGH ANNE
There'll always be some nimrod in
the dorm who wants to play video
games all night, or goof off on the
internet.
SEAN
You're gonna have a great time. I
know I did.
Leigh Anne gives Sean a look - "You're not helping."
(CONTINUED)
128
204 CONTINUED: 204
LEIGH ANNE
You'll spend lots of time at
practice which means you have to be
very dedicated to your studies.
MISS SUE (O.S.)
Relax, Mama.
Miss Sue walks up carrying papers.
MISS SUE (CONT'D)
Just got back from the library
where I reserved a private cubicle
for the semester.
(hands sheets to Michael)
Here's your class schedule and our
study hall hours.
She reaches in her purse for her keys.
MISS SUE (CONT'D)
Now, if y'all don't mind I'm gonna
go move into my new apartment.
She walks away.
LEIGH ANNE
Thank you, Miss Sue.
MISS SUE
Yeah, yeah, yeah...
Sean and Michael and SJ eye a GROUP OF ATTRACTIVE COEDS
sashaying past. SJ does a little dance move and laughs.
SEAN
Have a lot of fun.
Leigh Anne notices their looks.
LEIGH ANNE
Michael Oher, you listen to me. I
want you to enjoy yourself but you
need to know that if you get a girl
pregnant out of wedlock I will
climb in the car, drive here to
Oxford and cut off your penis.
SI
(sotto: to Michael)
She means it.
(CONTINUED)
129
204 CONTINUED:
204
MICHAEL
Yes ma'am.
Leigh Anne gives Sean a look that says, "let's get on the
road." Sean offers a hand; Michael shakes it. Collins high
fives him. SJ offers a fist; Michael knocks it.
Leigh Anne, tearing up, nods and gives Michael a quick hug.
MICHAEL (CONT'D)
Thank you, Mama.
Overwhelmed, she turns for the car with a little wave.
LEIGH ANNE
The 78'll be a parking lot. We
should go.
She gets inside and closes the door for privacy.
Sean, SJ, Collins and Michael stand there, watching her cry.
MICHAEL
Why does she always do that?
SEAN
She's an onion, Michael. You have
to peel her one layer at a time.
Michael walks over to the car, knocks on the window. She
rolls it down, dabbing tears from her eyes.
LEIGH ANNE
What?
MICHAEL
I need a proper hug.
She gets out of the car and holds him for a long time.
DISSOLVE TO:
SERIES OF STILL PHOTOS:
205 NEWSPAPER HEADLINE
205
"LOCAL YOUTH SHOT AND KILLED"
LEIGH ANNE'S VOICE
I read a story the other day about
a boy from the projects. No
daddy, in and out of foster care.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
130
205 CONTINUED:
205
LEIGH ANNE'S VOICE (CONT'D)
He'd been killed in a gang fight at
Hurt Village.
206 NEWSPAPER PHOTO
206
A newspaper photo of a dead boy from the.projects. Then
another headline, another young, black face. Another and
another, until the last headline shows a photo of David,
Alton's minion - his face full of shining promise.
LEIGH ANNE'S VOICE
In the last paragraph they talked
about his superb athletic skills
and how different his life might
have been if he hadn't fallen
behind and dropped out of school.
He was twenty-one years old the day
he died. It was his birthday.
207 STILL PHOTO OF HURT VILLAGE
207
Lonely, falling apart.
LEIGH ANNE'S VOICE
That could have been anyone. It
could have been my son, Michael.
208 STILL PHOTO OF OLE MISS CAMPUS
208
Beautiful on a fall day. And then THE STILL COMES TO LIFE
and Michael, books in hand, ENTERS FRAME walking. It's like
the other Michael/crowd shots with one difference - this time
he moves at the same speed as everyone else.
LEIGH ANNE'S VOICE
But it wasn't. And I suppose I
have God to thank for that. God
and Lawrence Taylor.
A209 INT. SEAN'S CAR - DAY
A209
As the family drives home from Ole Miss, we notice that Leigh
Anne is very still. And very content. She closes her eyes.
FADE TO BLACK.
LEIGH ANNE'S VOICE
One Mississippi...
131
209 SUPERSCRIPT:
209
Michael Oher was a freshman All-American in his first season
and, with help from Miss Sue, made the Dean's List.
Collins followed in her Mom's footsteps and became a
cheerleader at Ole Miss.
Sean and Leigh Anne still live in Memphis.
FADE UP ON:
210 EXT. THE GROVE -- DAY
210
Game day and Coach 0 and SJ walk together, leading the team
to the stadium.
211
SUPERSCRIPT: SJ RECEIVED EVERYTHING HE WAS PROMISED. 211
FADE TO BLACK.
|
