BLUE VALENTINE
Written by
Derek Cianfrance, Cami Delavigne & Joey Curtis
5/14/09
EXT. RURAL SUBURBAN STREET - DAWN - PRESENT DAY
A 5-year old girl wearing pajamas wanders alone down the
street.
FRANKIE
(BARELY AUDIBLE)
Me-gan!
INT. PERIERA HOME - PRESENT DAY
2 2
FRANKIE crawls through a dog door. She walks into the living
room where the TV is on loud.
DEAN PERIERA, 30 years old, hefty, sleeps in a lazyboy.
FRANKIE
(HUSHED)
Daddydaddydaddy.
Frankie uses the footrest to crawl up onto her dad's belly.
FRANKIE (CONT'D)
Wake up Daddy.
DEAN (WAKING)
What time is it baby?
She sniffles. He notices.
EXT. PERIERA HOME - BACK/FRONT YARDS - PRESENT DAY
The back door opens and Dean carries Frankie to the yard. The
first yellow rays of sunlight hit their faces.
He looks over the lawn, an empty bowl, water tin and a
doghouse posting the name MEGAN. He peeks inside the
doghouse. There's no one home. Dean moves to the fence. The
gate is open.
Dean carries Frankie to the front yard. They look around.
FRANKIE
When's she going to get back?
DEAN
She probably just went out for a run.
She'll be back soon because she's going
to get thirsty.
FRANKIE
She's going to be thirsty?
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 2.
3 CONTINUED: 3
DEAN
You know what we should do? We should
leave her bowl full of water and her dish
full of food. Because she's gotta get
hungry and thirsty sometime. You know?
Dean's optimism is infectious. Frankie nods slowly.
DEAN (CONT'D)
Like me. I'm hungry. I'm so hungry I
could eat your toes.
Dean pretends to gnaw at Frankie's toes. Breaks her sadness.
INT. PERIERA HOME - BEDROOM - 6:12AM - PRESENT DAY
4 4
CINDY PERIERA, 28, sleeps in bed. Sunlight spills through
translucent yellow curtains into a small master bedroom.
Dean sets Frankie down on the bed, motions to her to be
silent. He sniffs the air. She follows. They eye each other
and pounce. Cindy wakes up with a gasp.
CINDY
I'm sleeping!
DEAN
We're hungry! We're going to eat you.
They pin her arms above her head and 'furber' her armpit.
DEAN (CONT'D)
Don't laugh. Come on, don't laugh!
Cindy doesn't laugh, she screams.
INT. PERIERA HOME - VARIOUS - MORNING - LATER - PRESENT DAY
5 5
Cindy, nursing a weight-loss drink, scans through digital
photos on the computer. We see - family on vacation,
Frankie's first day of school, Frankie and a black and white
Border Collie mutt - Megan. Cindy exports the picture when...
A tea kettle whistle blows.
Dean and Frankie sit at the table. He plays a song for
Frankie on a ukulele. Cindy gets up, turns off the kettle.
DEAN
What happened to the flute?
Cindy pours the hot water into a bowl with instant oatmeal &
raisins. She blows on the food and places it at the table.
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 3.
5 CONTINUED: 5
CINDY
C'mon, eat, you can't be late today.
Frankie takes a tiny bite and makes a sour face.
FRANKIE
I don't like it...
Cindy turns on the faucet over a pile of dishes, returns to
the computer to e-mail herself the missing dog flyer.
DEAN
Here... we can make it taste better.
Dean spoons the raisins out of her bowl onto the table.
DEAN (CONT'D)
This is how a leopard eats.
He laps up his coffee like a cat. She mimics. Dean laughs.
CINDY
Come on Frankie, use a spoon. You know
how to use a spoon.
FRANKIE
Lepers don't use spoons.
DEAN (WHISPERS)
Are you gonna listen to your mother? I
think you better.
Frankie reluctantly takes a tiny bite. Her face sours and she
lets the food fall out of her mouth and back in the bowl.
Cindy returns to the dishes.
DEAN (CONT'D)
How old are you?
FRANKIE
Five.
DEAN
Okay, eat five bites.
Dean gets up, goes to Cindy at the sink.
DEAN (CONT'D)
We gotta get a dishwasher...
Tries to take the dish sponge away from her. She resists.
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 4.
5 CONTINUED: (2) 5
DEAN (CONT'D)
I'll do it. Come on let me do it.
She drops the sponge, dries her hands.
CINDY
Frankie! We're leaving in 15. Eat!
Frankie ignores her.
CINDY (CONT'D)
Alright...
She pulls Frankie out of her seat and carries her under one
arm to the back room. Frankie protests.
Dean watches, shakes his head. He sees the computer on,
Cindy's e-mail is still open. He shuts off the running water.
He scans through messages from a bunch of names of people
Dean doesn't know. He sweats, clicks open a return message
from a real estate company - apartment now available.
INT. PERIERA HOME - BATHROOM - MORNING
6 6
CINDY
Look up for mommy... come on Frankie!
We're gonna be late... look up.
Frankie is propped up on the sink. Cindy draws cat whiskers
on her cheeks. Frankie tips her head back.
CINDY (softens) (cont'd)
Don't blink... leopards don't blink...
EXT. PERIERA HOME - MORNING - PRESENT DAY
7 7
Cindy backs their minivan out of the garage. Frankie is
strapped in her carseat. Dean comes up to the window, knocks.
Cindy brakes. Dean hands Frankie her backpack.
DEAN (to Frankie)
You be good today for Miss Alex, okay?
Frankie, dressed like a little leopard, nods.
DEAN (to Frankie) (cont'd)
Love you.
FRANKIE
I love you.
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 5.
7 CONTINUED: 7
DEAN (to Cindy)
Love you.
He kisses her on the corner of her mouth. A hesitation.
CINDY
...Love you.
Dean pulls his head out of the window.
DEAN
Put your seat belt on.
She starts to back up.
DEAN (CONT'D)
C'mon. What's the big deal?
Cindy does as she's told, looks over her shoulder, scrapes
the curb.
DEAN (CONT'D)
Watch...
Cindy cranks the wheel straight, puts on the gas and burns
down the road.
Dean stands there in his driveway, muttering to himself. He
watches the car disappear down the street.
Another car, headed the opposite direction, barrels down the
road, past the Periera home.
DEAN (CONT'D)
Slow that piece of shit down!
INT. CLINIC - DAY - PRESENT DAY
8 8
Cindy clicks the "print" button on a computer, moves to the
printer. It spits out a "Missing Dog" flyer.
DR. SAM FEINBERG - handsome, well-groomed, unshakable
confidence - appears at the door, with coffee.
FEINBERG
There you are.
Cindy places the flyers in her folder in a rush.
CINDY
Sorry...I'm almost done.
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 5A.
8 CONTINUED: 8
FEINBERG
You got a second? Did you get a chance to
talk it over with your family yet?
CINDY
Yeah... I'm going to.
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 6.
8 CONTINUED: (2) 8
FEINBERG
I don't have to tell you, it's a huge
opportunity...
CINDY
I know I know. I should know for sure by
Monday.
FEINBERG
All right, Monday's our day. I want the A
team up there with me. Talk it over.
Feinberg walks away down the hallway.
CINDY
I will.
INT. VAN - DAY - PRESENT DAY
9 9
Dean drives with a beer in a koozie and a cigarette. He has a
coughing fit, rolls down his window and spits.
CHARLEY - late 30s, hefty, African American - sits in the
passenger seat. He pops the top to a Styrofoam coffee cup.
They talk about sex, women and broken fantasies. But Dean's
attention is on the side of the road, scanning the
neighborhood for Megan. He whistles sharp and loud.
CHARLEY
Cheer up man. God wants you to be happy.
DEAN
God's a woman and she's pissed off at me.
INT. CLINIC - DAY - PRESENT DAY
10 10
An ultrasound monitor, the abstracted image of a 20-week
fetus. Cindy watches Feinberg perform an ultrasound.
DR. FEINBERG (to Cindy)
Do you want to take over from here?
Cindy places her hand on the sensor. Feinberg places his hand
over hers. They gently glide it over the abdomen.
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 7.
10 CONTINUED: 10
DR. FEINBERG (cont'd)
Easy.
Feinberg releases Cindy's hand and removes his latex gloves.
DR. FEINBERG (cont'd)
Very good, Cindy. You're in good hands.
Cindy is one of our favorites.
Cindy blushes. She is transfixed on the monitor.
CINDY
Do you want to know the sex?
INT. SUBURBAN HOME - UNFINISHED HOUSING TRACK - PRESENT DAY
11 11
Dean smokes, works in the soon to be living room. He paints a
picture on the wall before covering it up with the roller.
INT. CINDY'S CAR - LATE AFTERNOON
A11 A11
She drives through a drive through and orders fast food.
INT/EXT. CINDY'S CAR- AFTERNOON
A12 A12
Cindy drives, fast food wrapper in hand, sees something out
the window. She slows down, waits for opposing traffic to
pass, then pulls a wide u-turn. She rises up out of her seat
to look at something.
CINDY
Oh no...
She pulls the car to a stop, puts on the hazzards, takes a
moment to compose herself, unbuckles her seatbelt. Gets out.
ELLIPSE: A blanket covers a dead Border Collie mutt in the
gutter. Cindy puts Megan's body into the back of her van.
INT. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL GYMNASIUM/DAY CAMP PROGRAM - AFTERNOON12
12
- PRESENT DAY
FOURTH OF JULY music recital. The Pre-K classes are lined up
on small bleachers. Led by their teacher, the kids sing "I'm
A Yankee Doodle Boy."
Frankie, steps out of her line of pre-kindergarteners to see
if her parents are in the bleachers. She spots her father,
jumps a little, and wonders if he can see her.
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 7A.
12 CONTINUED: 12
Dean sits alone, picks paint off his hands. He does not fully
watch the children - he watches the door for Cindy to enter.
He wonders where she is - every possible scenario passes
through his mind. looks at the clock - 3:35.
Cindy arrives with haste, purse open, holding a big set of
keys in her right hand and a water bottle in her left. She
props her sunglasses on her head, looks around for Frankie.
She waves to her, but Frankie doesn't see her.
Dean spots Cindy by the base of the bleachers - relaxes. He
picks up his jacket, puts it on his lap, making room for her.
She looks around for Dean, spots him near the top of the
bleachers. Little waves. She climbs the crowded bleachers,
stopping to talk with parents along the way. She comes up
next to Dean, takes her purse off. They say "hi" but neither
one makes eye contact. Dean takes the water bottle from her.
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 8.
12 CONTINUED: (2) 12
DEAN
Didn't think you were gonna make it.
CINDY
Did I miss her?
DEAN
Almost. Her class is coming up.
Dean kisses her cheek. Cindy settles, arranges her things.
DEAN (CONT'D)
You have a good day?
CINDY
It was alright... Busy.
DEAN
Anything good happen?
Cindy shakes her head "no." She drops her keys into her
purse, but they miss the target and she fumbles after them.
DEAN (CONT'D)
Is something wrong?
Cindy shakes her head. Takes the water from Dean. He stares
at her. She concentrates on closing the clasp on her purse.
DEAN (CONT'D)
Why don't you tell me?
She doesn't want to start crying. Dean gets visibly
frustrated. He's sick of prying everything out of her.
DEAN (CONT'D)
Why do you gotta make me beg? I know
there's something wrong. It's gonna come
out eventually. Just tell me.
The song ends. A patter of applause. The teacher introduces
the next song "THE BATTLE HYMN OF THE REPUBLIC".
CINDY
I found Megan.
DEAN
That's great, where?
Cindy doesn't answer. She can't. She tries to keep from
crying. He quickly realizes what she's trying to tell him.
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 8A.
12 CONTINUED: (3) 12
DEAN (CONT'D)
Where?
CINDY
Over on Urbandale... near Spur.
DEAN
I told you you gotta close that fucking
gate.
Cindy wipes tears. She has to look up and blink to keep them
from rolling down her cheek. Dean puts his arm around her,
holds her close. She tries to pull away. He won't let her.
DEAN (CONT'D)
I'm sorry. It's not your fault.
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 9.
12 CONTINUED: (4) 12
Frankie sees her Mother and Father huddled together. She
sings louder.
EXT. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL/DAY CAMP PROGRAM. AFTERNOON.
A13 A13
Cindy sits in her car, checking her eyes in the rear view
mirror. They are puffy. Frankie runs full speed into Dean's
arms. He picks her up and walks her to Cindy's car.
DEAN
You were great.
FRANKIE
Did you find Megan?
DEAN
No. But... I was thinking... Maybe she
got a job or something... You know? So
she could make some money and buy some
food. Or maybe she moved out to Hollywood
to become a movie dog!
Frankie nods. Dean gets her to the car. Straps her in.
DEAN (CONT'D)
I was thinking...you should have some fun
tonight1 Don't you think?
FRANKIE
Yeah!
Cindy listens in the front seat. She doesn't approve.
EXT. HELLER HOME - AFTERNOON - PRESENT DAY
13 13
The door opens to a grandpa in shorts and a bathrobe wearing
navy scuba gear, JERRY HELLER - early 70's. He has a tube
under his nose attached to an oxygen tank. His porch and
front yard are overloaded with Fourth of July decorations.
FRANKIE
Pa!
Jerry growls at Frankie. She screams, scared but delighted. A
yapping dog named SAMMY jumps on her. Jerry nods at Dean who
keeps his distance by the van.
CINDY
Aren't you coming up?
Dean gives a sour look and lights a cigarette.
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 9A.
13 CONTINUED: 13
CINDY (CONT'D)
He's an old man.
DEAN
What? I can't smoke around his oxygen.
Cindy gives Dean a slow look of contempt, grabs the backpack
and walks toward the house. Jerry stands over the hose spigot
with Frankie at his side.
JERRY
...Want me to show you a magic trick?
Here's how you turn the grass green. You
can teach it to your dad.
The sprinkler jets on. Cindy comes up and kisses her dad on
the cheek. She straightens Frankie's ears.
CINDY
Go say goodbye to Daddy. You're not going
to see him until tomorrow.
Jerry holds Frankie back.
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 10.
13 CONTINUED: (2) 13
JERRY
Wait...! OK...one, two, three GO!
Frankie runs to Dean, dodging the water stream. She hugs his
leg. He picks her up.
DEAN
Hey leopard. You be good now. You
remember what to do when Pa snores?
FRANKIE
Cover his mouth and hold his nose.
DEAN
That's my girl. Gimme a squeezer.
Dean hugs her and she squeezes back as hard as her arms
allow. Dean plays as if his neck was being pinched off. He
sets her on the ground running back to the porch. She gets
caught in the diameter of the sprinkler spray. She screams as
the water chases her.
JERRY
It got you! Go right! OTHER RIGHT!
Dean and Cindy both laugh. Their eyes meet for the first time
in days, maybe weeks. They exchange a brief smile, filled
with mutual love, pride and respect - connected by their
little girl. Frankie stands in front of Cindy, water drips
from her bangs.
CINDY
Come on silly. Let's go in and get dry.
FRANKIE
I don't wanna take off my costume!
CINDY
You don't have to. Let's just go in.
Cindy leads Frankie with one hand and pulls Jerry's oxygen
tank with the other. Jerry takes Frankie's free hand.
Dean smokes and watches... Cindy hold the screen open with
her foot and maneuver father, tank and child inside. The
screen door closes. Sammy barks at Dean through the screen
door. He tugs his smoke, memories flood. He drifts...
EXT. CITY STREETS. DOG WALKING. DAY. 6 YEARS EARLIER.
14 14
The sound of barking. A YOUNGER DEAN, 24, walks 10 dogs.
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 11.
INT. DEAN'S FRIEND'S APARTMENT - LATE DAY. 6 YEARS EARLIER.
15 15
Dean comes inside from the cold. He tries to walk in quietly -
not disturbing Jake who's watching TV in the back bedroom. He
goes to say "hi" but decides he'd rather not disturb him.
Dean sits on the couch which he uses as a bed. He pulls his
travelling bag from underneath the coffee table, digs around
for a long sock where he keeps his money. He stuffs his day's
pay ($45), in the sock with the rest of his $ (about $100).
In the kitchen, he opens the fridge. There is a pie tin with
one last slice of pumpkin pie. Walks to Jake's room. Stands
in the doorway. Jake doesn't acknowledge him.
DEAN
Hey man... Can I have a slice of that
pie?
EXT. CITY STREET - DOG WALKING - MORNING. 6 YEARS EARLIER.
16 16
A dog poops on the sidewalk. Dean gets his little bag ready.
Sees - a light post with flyers taped to it. Dean reads - MEN
WANTED-$22/hr. He tears it down.
EXT. BUS STOP. MORNING.
17 17
Dean waits for the bus to come.
INT. STORAGE FACILITY/MOVING COMPANY - DAY - 6 YEARS EARLIER 18
18
Dean enters, hair combed, still wet, with fresh teeth marks.
JO - 36, receptionist sits beyond a scratched window. Dean
pulls out the folded flyer and asks if they have any work.
JO
You're gonna have to speak with Mr.
Saned, honey. Wait just a minute, okay.
Dean sits on a chair, smooths his hair, smells his clothes.
INT. GARAGE - LATER - 6 YEARS EARLIER
19 19
Saned - huge hands, the boss - leads Dean through a large,
open garage, lined with many sizes of moving trucks.
SANED
Normally we are busiest at the beginning
of the month. You break your back for two
weeks, you get 2 weeks to rest. That's
normal. Days start early.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 12.
19 CONTINUED: 19
You'll work on a crew of 4. The rate for
4 men is $122/hour.$40 goes to the truck.
You split the rest. Plus tips. Policy on
tardiness; you work for the day you don't
get paid. You're late two times; don't
bother coming back. Any questions, talk
to Curtis. He's your supervisor.
WORKERS eye Dean. He introduces himself. Shake hands.
INT. TRUCK - EARLY MORNING - 6 YEARS EARLIER
20 20
Dean rides in the back of a 20 foot truck. The wind is cold.
He warms his hands with his breath.
INT. HOME #1 - MORNING - 6 YEARS EARLIER
21 21
Dean lifts two large boxes and moves toward the stairs.
CURTIS
Whoa whoa. You gonna break your neck
homey. Look down.
Dean does. All he sees is brown box.
CURTIS (CONT'D)
Can't see your feet. If you can't see
your feet, how you gonna know where the
step is? You goin' bust your ass.
Curtis takes the boxes from Dean and demonstrates.
CURTIS (CONT'D)
Turn around.
Curtis hefts the boxes on Dean's back. He pulls his arms
around the back to hold onto them in an awkward position.
CURTIS (CONT'D)
You gotta be a mule. Always carry on your
back. Give `er a try.
Dean is unsure. He proceeds, imbalanced down the stairs.
He makes it to the truck where Saned waits to help him get
the boxes in. Dean can't quite manage a 30-pound, behind the
back hand-off. He ends up spilling up the boxes and their
contents all over the sidewalk. Saned gets pissed. Dean gets
down on his hands and knees and packs up the boxes - quickly.
MOVING MONTAGE: HOME #2
22 22
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 13.
- DEAN POURS HIMSELF A GLASS OF MILK FROM A CLIENT'S
REFRIGERATOR. HE CHUGS IT.
- DEAN STACKS BOXES LIKE BLOCKS AND TAP DANCES TO KEEP WARM. 23
23
HE SINGS A SONG TO HIMSELF.
- DEAN HOISTS A 6' TALL DRESSER WITH DRAWERS ON HIS BACK.
24 24
CURTIS TIES A BLUE BLANKET AROUND HIM TO SECURE HIS LOAD.
DEAN WALKS OUT OF THE TRUCK AND INTO A NEW APARTMENT.
- CURTIS HANDS OUT THE DAY'S MONEY, PLUS TIP. DEAN COUNTS HIS25
25
CUT - $327. NOT BAD. BUT HIS BACK FEELS BROKEN.
INT. DEAN'S FRIEND'S APARTMENT. DAY. 6 YEARS EARLIER
26 26
- Dean puts $300 in an envelope, seals it, and writes "THANKS
PAL." He slides the envelope under Jake's door.
- He lays on the couch, wrapped up in a white sheet, smoking
a cigarette. Tries to stretch his back.
INT/EXT. HOME #1. TRUCK. 6 YEARS EARLIER.
27 27
LUNCH-TIME. Dean, Curtis sit in the bed of the truck, legs
dangling. They eat hamburgers and talk about girls.
INT. DEAN'S FRIEND'S APARTMENT - BATHROOM. MORNING.
28 28
Dean showers, tries to stretch his aching back.
EXT/INT. BROWNSTONE. (HOME #3) MORNING. 6 YEARS EARLIER.
29 29
A fifty something MAN helps an ELDERLY MAN navigate his
walker down the stairs of his neglected Brownstone. Dean
holds a ream of unfolded cardboard boxes and can't help but
stare. Curtis slaps him on the back.
CURTIS
Gonna happen to you someday too.
INT. BROWNSTONE. MORNING.
30 30
INSIDE. Dank, dark home. 0 upkeep. The smell makes Dean hold
back a gag. Curtis climbs the stairs to the 2nd floor.
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 14.
30 CONTINUED: 30
CURTIS
I don't think that old man's been up here
in 10 years.
Saned elbows in with rolls of tape and contractor bags.
SANED (TO DEAN)
Box up everything on the first floor.
Toss everything else.
- Dean finds jars of yellow liquid everywhere. "What's this?"
He opens a jars and is overwhelmed by the stench of urine.
DEAN
It's fucking pee!
- He runs to the toilet and pukes in to a shit stained
porcelain bowl. Saned berates him for wasting time.
DEAN (CONT'D)
How could you live like this?
- He ties a bandana around his nose. Gets back to packing. -
boxes full of the old man's life (religious items, framed
pictures, old cameras and reams of polaroids). - Boxes are
packed, taped and stacked.
EXT. BROWNSTONE. MORNING.
31 31
Bags of garbage dump into a 20' rented dumpster out in the
street. - Dean and Curtis heft an old couch into the
dumpster. - Barren home reveals a sagging floor. Ghostly
impressions on walls where pictures used to hang. - The truck
takes off, leaving a full dumpster behind.
EXT/INT. TRUCK/ROAD. AFTERNOON. 6 YEARS EARLIER.
32 32
- Dean and crew cut out of the city. It's the first time Dean
has seen nature in the longest. Breathes deep.
INT. RETIREMENT HOME. LATE AFTERNOON. 6 YEARS EARLIER.
33 33
- The crew carries boxes down a hallway to a single room. A
sign on the door reads, "Welcome home Walter!!!"
CURTIS
How we s'posed to fit all this in here?
- Dean and Curtis move a dresser against the wall. - He
hammers a nail in the wall. Places a framed picture up. -
Unpacks the old man's clothes, folds them, puts them in
drawers. - Replaces the light bulb on a burned out lamp.
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 15.
33 CONTINUED: 33
- Wipes clean old pictures and knickknacks using toilet
paper,. - Saned carries in a box of food - cans of soup, etc.
SANED
Last one. Lets get a move on. Gotta make
it home for the game.
Dean holds up the man's wedding picture.
DEAN
Look how handsome he was.
SANED
What are you fucking queer?
Saned hands Dean a wad of bills.
SANED (CONT'D)
Finish up, we gotta 2 hour drive back.
Saned walks down the hall, calling out to hurry up. Dean sets
the bills down on the dresser. Continues to arrange the
things. He stares at a picture of old man and his wife.
ELLIPSE - A nurse wheels Walter down the hallway and
introduces him to his new room.
DEAN
Wait up. We gotta do this right...
He takes the wheelchair from the nurse, wheels Walter out of
the room, picks him out out of his wheelchair, and carries
him back into the room across the threshold of his new home.
DEAN (CONT'D)
You are gonna be the new stud in this
place.
Dean sets him down in a recliner, then gives him a tour of
his room - tells him which drawer his socks are in, where put
the aftershave, etc. Curtis pokes his head around the corner.
CURTIS
Boss says we gotta go. We gotta go.
Dean cuts the tour short, wishes the old man luck and tells
him he'll come visit him someday. He backs out of the
doorway, grabs his money off the dresser, and says goodbye.
Dean turns and is frozen in his tracks. Something or someone
makes his expression change to that of wonder, eyes fill with
love... he puts the money in his pocket.
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 15A.
INT. MINI VAN. DRIVING. AFTERNOON. PRESENT DAY
34 34
Cindy pulls into the driveway behind Dean's van. He walks
around her mini van and directs her to open the back hatch.
She presses the button from inside. Hatch opens. She gathers
the stack of missing dog flyers in the seat next to her.
EXT. PERIERA HOME- BACKYARD- PRESENT DAY
A35 A35
Dean buries Megan by the fence. He places a stone on the
mound as a marker. He stands over it, smoking a cigarette.
Cindy looks on from the porch, arms hugging her body. Dean
walks to her and wraps his arms around her. Her arms fall and
move up to touch his side.
CINDY
What are we going to tell her?
DEAN
We'll tell her Monday. After the weekend.
Let's not ruin her Holiday.
Dean turns Cindy around, closes his eyes, and hugs her.
CINDY
She would have wanted to say goodbye.
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 16.
INT/EXT. PERIERA HOME - CONTINUOUS
35 35
- Cindy washes dishes, straightens up the house.
OUTSIDE - Dean sits in Frankie's little rocking chair,
smoking a cigarette. He looks out over his lawn. - Picks up
frozen dog poop with a little shovel, rinses out Megan's
bowls with the hose. - He watches Cindy inside, cleaning. He
looks at his house. Remembers something.
INT/EXT. PERIERA HOME - CONTINUOUS
36 36
He comes in through the sliding glass door and steps over
Cindy who is on the floor picking up Frankie's Hotwheels. He
yanks open a junk drawer and pulls out items.
DEAN
You remember where we put...
Cindy stops and watches him. He holds up a gift certificate
in an old anniversary card.
DEAN (CONT'D)
Here! Let's get the fuck out of here.
Dean grabs the phone and dials.
DEAN (on phone) (cont'd)
Hello, I want to see if I can reserve a
room for the night... tonight. I have a
gift certificate but I don't know if it's
still good. Can I give you a number?
7G263?...
CINDY
What are you doing?
DEAN
Taking us away. We gotta get outta this
house.
(Back to phone)
It's still good? Good... Well, what rooms
do you got?...Hold on a minute...
Dean lowers the receiver to his neck.
DEAN (CONT'D)
What room do you want? The North Pole,
the Moon Room or Cupid's cave. Which one?
Cindy shakes her head.
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 17.
36 CONTINUED: 36
DEAN (CONT'D)
I don't want to hear any excuses. We're
going. We deserve it. One night. Because
we belong to each other. Pick a room.
CINDY
You're crazy.
DEAN
You're not going to decide? I'll decide.
That's how decisions get made.
Dean gets a shit-eating grin.
DEAN (CONT'D)
Come on let's go get drunk.
He returns to the phone.
DEAN (CONT'D)
Give us the moon room. Periera. P-E-R-I-
E-R-A... 2... Great...
Dean hangs up.
DEAN (CONT'D)
Pack our bags. We're going to the moon!
EXT. LIQUOR MART PARKING LOT. AFTERNOON. PRESENT DAY.
37 37
They argue about who's gonna go in.
INT. LIQUOR MART - AFTERNOON - PRESENT DAY
38 38
- Cindy jerks out a grocery cart, pushes it, scans the aisles
of the massive liquor store. - Tucks two large bottles of
champagne under her arm. - she tries on different pairs of
sunglasses at the display. She assumes the character that
each pair suggests. She is a tough guy cop when...
BOBBY (O.S.)
Is that Cindy Heller?
Cindy turns and sees BOBBY ONTARIO, her college sweetheart.
She lifts the glasses on her head, blood rushes to her face.
CINDY
Bobby Ontario?
EXT. GAS STATION - AFTERNOON - PRESENT DAY
39 39
Dean fills his tank.
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 18.
INT. LIQUOR MART - AFTERNOON - PRESENT DAY
40 40
Cindy pushes her cart down the aisle along side Bobby, 30
years old, fit. TAYLOR, a small toddler sits in his cart
wearing overalls and a backward baseball cap like his daddy.
BOBBY
...So, you been faithful to him?
CINDY
That's a strange question to ask someone
you haven't seen in forever.
BOBBY
I'm a strange person.
Cindy laughs.
BOBBY (CONT'D)
No seriously.
CINDY
Yes.
BOBBY
Yes you have or yes you haven't?
CINDY
Yes...I haven't. I mean I have...I have
been...Why are you looking at me like
that?
BOBBY
I'm not looking at you like anything.
CINDY
Oh OK.
BOBBY
It's hard to be faithful. I don't know if
monogamy is possible, especially if
you're a man...
CINDY
Who's this?
BOBBY
This is Taylor. He's two. Got a little
girl at home. Irene.
CINDY
Wow...
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 19.
40 CONTINUED: 40
BOBBY
Kids are great. They pick up on things so
fast. Like watch... Hey Spence, give me
five... Give me five, buddy.
Drooling, and with a toothless smile, Taylor gives his daddy
five. Bobby beams.
BOBBY (CONT'D)
Give Cindy five.
Taylor holds up his hand limply so that Cindy has to give him
an awkward five. Bobby laughs. They reach the register.
BOBBY (CONT'D)
To see yourself in your kid's face... I
never experienced anything like that.
CINDY
I know...
There is an uncomfortable silence between them. Cindy starts
to unload her purchases.
CINDY (CONT'D)
I'm really happy for you.
BOBBY
How's your kid?
CINDY
She's good.
Pause. They speak at the same time.
BOBBY
WHAT'S HER-
CINDY
SHE'S GOT-
They stop. Cindy concedes.
CINDY (CONT'D)
You go...
BOBBY
No, you go...
CINDY
Oh... I was going to say, you ask her
what kind of hair she's got and she says,
a bob. It's pretty funny.
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 20.
40 CONTINUED: (2) 40
Cindy smiles at the ground. Bobby eyes her purchases - a
bottle of vodka, cheap champagne, mixers, snacks.
BOBBY
What's her name?
CINDY
Frankie.
Fumbling, she starts bagging her groceries.
CHECKER
That's $58.42.
Cindy hands the CHECKER a fifty. The Checker holds it out.
CHECKER (CONT'D)
$58.42.
CINDY
Oh...I'm sorry.
Cindy searches her wallet, goes into her change purse.
CINDY (CONT'D)
How much was the vodka?
The Checker looks at the receipt.
CHECKER
$11.99.
CINDY
Can I put that back? I'm sorry...
Bobby holds out a twenty dollar bill.
BOBBY
I got it.
CINDY
Nothankyou.
(TO CHECKER)
Just take it off please.
Bobby drops the bill on the scanner.
BOBBY
You can get me back.
EXT. LIQUOR MART - PARKING LOT - AFTERNOON - PRESENT DAY
41 41
Cindy pushes the cart hurriedly, stolen shades on her head.
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 21.
41 CONTINUED: 41
Dean blows on a hot cup of coffee. Cindy moves fast, loads in
the bags next to their luggage, slams the hatch closed and
snatches the keys from Dean's hands.
CINDY
Let's go.
DEAN
You're drivin'?
Cindy hops in the driver's seat. Dean rides on the end of the
buggy and crashes it into the buggy corral. She fires up the
engine and honks. He throws his hands up.
INT. MINI VAN - LATE AFTERNOON - PRESENT DAY
42 42
Cindy drives the car along a windy, mountain road. Dean keeps
a lidless cup of coffee from spilling.
DEAN
Alright, lead foot. It's not a race.
Cindy is zoned into the road. She turns off the radio.
CINDY
Isn't it funny how you can be driving for
20 minutes and it feels like you've only
been driving for 20 seconds. The time
just gets swallowed up somewhere...
Dean places his hand on Cindy's hand that rests on the car
seat. A small squeeze. She squeezes back. Dean looks at her
with tenderness. Her eyes are on the road. She lifts her hand
to the wheel. Dean reaches for the radio.
DEAN
Do you mind if I turn this back on?
CINDY
I was kind of enjoying the silence.
DEAN
Let's just see if there's something on...
He scans through the low stations.
DEAN (CONT'D)
Anything? Fuck it.
He turns it off.
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 22.
42 CONTINUED: 42
DEAN (CONT'D)
That's better. You're right. It never
gets to be just quiet. You know?
Cindy nods. Dean rolls down his window, spits his gum as far
as he can. He rolls it back up.
DEAN (CONT'D)
What are you thinking about?
Dean looks at Cindy, waiting for her to respond.
DEAN (CONT'D)
Did you get everything?
CINDY
Think so.
DEAN
Where d'you get these?
Dean reaches for the glasses on top of Cindy's head. She
feels the dangling tag - "woops." She tears off the tag and
tosses the glasses on the dashboard.
DEAN (CONT'D)
Try em' on.
Cindy shakes her head "no." Dean puts them on his face. He
poses for Cindy. She grabs the glasses and puts them on. She
looks at Dean. He holds in a chuckle.
DEAN (CONT'D)
You look like your mom.
Cindy takes them off. Back on the dash.
DEAN (CONT'D)
You get any snacks?
CINDY
There should be some fig newtons back
there.
Dean unbuckles his seatbelt, crawls to the back of the van
digs through the bags. Cindy can't see out of the rear-view.
DEAN
Which bag?
CINDY
You have to look.
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 23.
42 CONTINUED: (2) 42
Cindy enjoys a moment alone, straightens her back, crosses
the dotted yellow lines and passes a car, then relaxes. Dean
crawls back up to the front seat. They both eat a cookie.
DEAN
Mmm. These are good.
He offers her another one. She shakes her head.
CINDY
I have to pee.
The car stops on the shoulder of the two lane highway. Cindy
gets out of the car.
DEAN
You can't wait? We're almost there.
EXT. ROADSIDE - DUSK - PRESENT DAY
43 43
CINDY
I gotta go.
Cindy jogs across the road. Dean sees traffic coming.
DEAN
Goddamnit Cindy!! Pay attention!!!
On the side of the road, she stares into the woods. Cars pass
behind her, headlights flood the night. She descends into the
thicket until the sound of the highway is faint. Wind through
the leaves. She drops her pants and pees. Something rustles
and she looks into the woods.
CINDY
...Hello?
She stands up and zips up her pants. Eyes search the shadows.
...Cindy is ALONE. A leaf falls to earth. She stares at it and
her mind drifts back to...
EXT. SUBURBAN STREET/COLLEGE - DAY - 6 YEARS EARLIER
44 44
A YOUNGER CINDY - 22, smart - wheels herself down suburban
sidewalks. Faces of passing people look at her with pity -
what a shame that such a pretty girl be in a wheelchair.
Cindy wheels herself across the campus quad. Students hurry
by clutching schoolbooks.
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 24.
INT. GYMNASIUM - DAY - 6 YEARS EARLIER
45 45
Wrestling practice. Bobby - 22, svelte - gets into the
defensive position. TROY LEANER, his buddy, gets on top of
him in the offensive position. Bobby looks up, sees Cindy by
the door attempting to pop wheelies in her wheelchair.
Whistle blows! Bobby escapes the position and wraps Troy up
in a double grapevine. Quickly pins him, stands up, takes off
his ear guards, bumps fists. He walks over to Cindy.
BOBBY
What are you doing?
CINDY
Research.
BOBBY
You're supposed to be a quadriplegic?
CINDY
Quads can't use their arms. I'm a
paraplegic.
BOBBY
Don't I give you enough attention?
He presses himself into her and mauls her with a wet kiss.
BOBBY (CONT'D)
Wonder what people would think if they
saw me making out with a paraplegic?
He lifts her expensive necklace out from under her dress -
looks at it admiringly. Then, Cindy.
BOBBY (close (cont'd)
Can you come over?
CINDY
I can't. I have to go get gramma.
Cindy rolls the wheelchair back.
BOBBY
Gimme a sec.
Bobby tries to hide the erection trapped in his wrestling
singlet.
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 25.
INT. HELLER HOME - FOYER - EVENING - 6 YEARS EARLIER
46 46
The front door opens and Cindy pushes GRAMMA FRANCIS - 80's,
Alzheimer's - into the middle class home. NAPOLEON - an ill-
trained dog - greets them with jumps and licks
CINDY
Get down Napoleon! Get down!
GLENDA HELLER - 50's, desperate - peeks her head out of the
kitchen. She holds a coffee mug filled with gin on the rocks.
GLENDA
Ope - I thought you were your Dad.
CINDY
Just us.
Cindy kisses her mom on the cheek, can smell the alcohol.
GLENDA
How was the beauty shop?
INT. HELLER HOME - FOYER - LATER - 6 YEARS EARLIER
47 47
The front door opens and COLONEL JERRY - 65, wound tighter
than a navy knot - enters. Glenda, rushes to greet him.
JERRY
Get that fucking dog out of the kitchen!
INT. HELLER HOME - DINING ROOM - EVENING - 6 YEARS EARLIER
48 48
GLENDA, JERRY AND GRAMMA
Come lord Jesus, be our guest, and let
Thy gifts to us be blessed. Amen.
Glenda, Jerry, Gramma Francis and Cindy sit around a dining
room table. Glenda slices a knife through a greenish
meatloaf. She serves a watery slice to Gramma.
GRAMMA
Thank you.
Glenda averts her eyes. She cuts another slice. Cindy offers
Glenda her plate. The meat breaks apart and half of it lands
on the table cloth. A brownish-green oil.
CINDY
It's OK mom.
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 26.
48 CONTINUED: 48
Cindy picks up the fallen particles with her fork. Jerry's
eyes burn into Glenda. She won't look at him.
GLENDA
Can I have your plate Dad?
He pushes it across the table an inch. Glenda lowers a slice
onto Jerry's plate with a SPLAT. Jerry looks at his dinner.
Glenda serves herself. Cindy cuts Gramma's meat with her fork
and looks over at her dad. His face is turning beat-red...
Suddenly, Jerry pounds his fist into the mound of meatloaf,
obliterating it. Particles of ground meat fly everywhere.
Glenda won't look up, her shoulders tremble. Jerry raises his
steaming fist. Bits of ground beef stick to his knuckles.
JERRY
What'd you do to meatloaf? Huh?!
GLENDA
They had it ready-made in the deli. I...
thought it looked good.
JERRY
Are you kidding me? How long does it take
to make a meatloaf? Five minutes? You
mean to tell me that you didn't have five
minutes to make a meatloaf? I been up
since six this morning busting my fucking
ass and you don't have five minutes to
make a meatloaf?
GLENDA
I thought it would be nice.
JERRY
Nice?
GLENDA
...for a change...
JERRY
Well, what gave you the idea that any of
us needed a change? Did you ask for a
change? Cindy? She doesn't ask for
anything... She doesn't talk. You didn't
ask for a change, did you mom?...She
can't hear! And I don't remember asking
for a change. So, it was you, wasn't it?
You wanted a change. I work all day so
you can sit on your fat ass, thinkin'
about yourself. How you'd like a change.
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 27.
48 CONTINUED: (2) 48
GLENDA
Sorry.
JERRY
Sorry? What good is sorry now?
GLENDA
Do you want me to make you some eggs?
JERRY
I want you to enjoy your fucking dinner.
He storms out of the dining room. Glenda, Cindy and Gramma
sit in silence. Cindy takes a bite.
CINDY
It's not bad.
GLENDA
Oh bullshit.
Glenda retreats into the kitchen. Gramma and Cindy eat.
PROFESSOR (O.S.)
...When I was a young physician, I used
to leave the hospital everyday in tears.
INT. HELLER HOME - BATHROOM - NIGHT - 6 YEARS EARLIER
49 49
Gramma sits in a chair in the bathtub. Cindy squeezes a sudsy
washcloth over her body. Uses a plastic cup to rinse.
PROFESSOR (O.S.)
Just broken down from seeing the
suffering of my patients.
GRAMMA FRANCIS
Don't get my hair.
INT. HELLER HOME - MASTER BEDROOM - NIGHT - 6 YEARS EARLIER
50 50
Fully clothed, Glenda is passed out on the bed. Framed family
portraits sit on the mantle.
PROFESSOR (O.S.)
...As a result, I began to suffer. Not just
in my work but emotionally and
physically...spiritually...
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 28.
INT. HELLER HOME - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT - 6 YEARS EARLIER
51 51
Shirt off, hand stuffed into his underwear - Jerry holds a
remote and flicks through channels. Nothing holds.
PROFESSOR (O.S.)
...There's a choice we all have to make
in the medical profession - whether to be
sympathetic or empathetic with our
patients...
INT. HELLER HOME - CINDY'S ROOM - DAWN - 6 YEARS EARLIER
52 52
SOUND of TYPING. An open medical schoolbook on the PSYCHOLOGY
OF PATIENTS sits on a well-organized desk. Cindy stares at
the screen, hits "enter."
PROFESSOR (O.S.)
...Imagine your patients as being in a
hole. To be sympathetic means you throw
them a rope to help pull them out...
Pages print on an old printer. Outside the window, the sun
has begun to rise.
PROFESSOR (O.S.) (cont'd)
...To be empathetic means you jump in the
hole with them...
EXT. CITY BUS - MORNING - 6 YEARS EARLIER
53 53
Cindy sits near the back of the bus. She hugs her backpack.
PROFESSOR (O.S.)
...Now you're both stuck.
INT. AUDITORIUM CLASSROOM - AFTERNOON - 6 YEARS EARLIER
54 54
The PROFESSOR stands in front of the class. There are grids
and diagrams illustrating DOCTOR-patient relationships. It is
a big class - students, sitting in steep rows.
PROFESSOR (CONCLUDING)
I want you to think about that when
we go into the next section. Please
pass in your reports.
Cindy passes her paper down. Bobby, the TA, collects the
reports. Cindy can feel him staring at her as she packs her
backpack.
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 29.
54 CONTINUED: 54
She tries not to give him the satisfaction, but she can't
help it - his cockiness is magnetic. She looks, notices
something new - his belt buckle has his name on it.
INT. BOBBY'S BEDROOM - AFTERNOON - 6 YEARS EARLIER
55 55
A gold necklace dangles from Cindy's neck. Her arms secure
her weight on the bed. Bobby stands behind her. His hands
caress her back as he looks down at himself inside of her. He
closes his eyes tight, trying to control himself. But the
ecstasy is too much - he comes inside of her, moaning, and
lets his body weight smother her onto the bed.
BOBBY (BREATHLESS)
Shit.
She stops moving, feels him shrinking inside of her.
CINDY (REALIZING)
Shit!
BOBBY
I couldn't help it.
She gets out from underneath him.
BOBBY (CONT'D)
I couldn't help it... You felt too good.
Cindy is white, tries to contain her terror. She disappears
into the BATHROOM. Bobby sits up.
BOBBY (calls out) (cont'd)
Don't trip. It'll be OK...OK?
Bobby lies back, frustrated, and buttons his pants.
IN THE BATHROOM - BOBBY'S
56 56
Cindy sits on the toilet, pees; hoping gravity will pull
Bobby out of her. She runs her hand under the faucet and
scrubs her crotch, hoping that this will wash him out of her.
Cindy comes out, shirt stretched over her waist. Bobby sits
up, asks her what's wrong? She can't look.
BOBBY
It's your fault. You felt too good.
She sees her underwear lying by the base of the bed. She goes
to grab them, but Bobby snatches them away.
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 30.
56 CONTINUED: 56
CINDY
Give em!
Cindy presses her lips together. She leaps at Bobby and
squeezes his crotch and gets her underwear back. Bobby's face
turns vicious. He snatches them back aggressively.
BOBBY
Say you're sorry!
Cindy picks her pants up off the floor - pulls them on.
CINDY
Take a deep whiff, you fucking douchebag!
She tears off his necklace, throws it at him, slams the door.
BOBBY
I was just joking! God!
EXT. SUBURBAN STREET. DAY. 6 YEARS EARLIER.
57 57
Cindy walks briskly, hoodie pulled low, pushing her Gramma in
a wheelchair. Gramma protects her hair from the breeze.
OMITTED
58 58
EXT/INT. RETIREMENT HOME - LATE AFTERNOON. 6 YEARS EARLIER.
59 59
Cindy pushes her Gramma in. Piles of moving boxes line the
hallway.
INT. RETIREMENT HOME. LATE AFTERNOON. 6 YEARS EARLIER.
A60 A60
ELLIPSE - Cindy sits down for dinner with Gramma and the
other elderly residents. Cindy notices a group of men moving
boxes into the home.
INT. GRAMMA'S BEDROOM. LATE AFTERNOON. 6 YEARS EARLIER.
B61 B61
- Cindy helps gramma with bedtime rituals.
- Cindy reads to Gramma... but she keeps getting distracted
by the commotion across the hall - movers carry boxes and
furniture down the hallway. One in particular, tall,
handsome, catches her eye. It is Dean. She cranes her head to
see - him decorating the inside of the old man's room.
GRAMMA
What is it?
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 30A.
B61 CONTINUED: B61
CINDY
It looks like you have a new neighbor.
Cindy returns to the book, but there is something about the
mover that has captured her attention. She can't stop
watching him every time he passes her door.
GRAMMA
Glenda... I mean Cindy... can I have a
cigarette?
CINDY
No, Gramma, you're in bed now. It's
bedtime. Do you want me to keep reading?
Gramma nods. Cindy turns the page, looks up, sees Dean lift
the old man over the threshold and into the room.
GRAMMA
Cindy. Have you got a cigarette!
CINDY
Okay, shhh. But you gotta be quiet.
Cindy gets up and opens the window. She turns on the fan,
digs in Gramma's purse, gets a cigarette and a lighter. Cindy
walks to her gramma's door, sees Curtis walking away from the
old man's room.
CURTIS (O.S.)
Boss says we gotta go. We gotta go.
She starts closing the door, then sees Dean backing out of
the old man's room. He puts a roll of money in his pocket,
turns to leave and sees Cindy watching him.
DEAN (LOOKS DOWN AT HIS MONEY)
I didn't just steal that.
Cindy doesn't know what this guy is talking about.
DEAN (CONT'D) (cont'd)
You think I just stole that money?
CINDY
No.
DEAN
You do. No, you do. I know that you do.
And the reason that I know that you do is
- I have stolen money before... a lot of
it. And I know what it feels like to have
someone look at you like that...
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 30B.
B61 CONTINUED: (2) B61
CINDY
Like what?
DEAN
The way your lookin'. Just so you know, I
have a job where I make money. Money that
I can take girls out on dates with.
CINDY
Are you trying to pick up on me?
DEAN
Maybe...
SANED (O.S.)
Pack it up Periera. Bus is leaving.
Dean looks toward the door, then back at Cindy. He sees that
he has kind of went to far with his rant.
DEAN
Can I give you my number or something.
He feels inside his shirt pocket, pulls out a business card.
Finds a pen. Dean writes his name across the card. Hands it
to Cindy.
DEAN (CONT'D) (cont'd)
I'm Dean. Just call and you can ask for
me. I'll get it.
Cindy looks down at the card, at his name. Then back up to
him. Dean run out, chasing after his ride. He looking behind
before he leaves. Cindy watches him go out the door.
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 31.
INT. ROMANTASUITES - MOON ROOM - NIGHT - PRESENT DAY
60 60
Door opens revealing Dean and Cindy holding groceries and
suitcases. Dean flicks on the light, illuminating the Moon
Room - a hotel room decorated like the lunar surface.
DEAN
Wow. Where are we?
He sets down the suitcases, transfixed by the room, a kid in
a candy shop. Cindy moves to the small kitchen that looks
like a control room. She makes herself a drink.
INT. ROMANTASUITES - BATHROOM - NIGHT - PRESENT DAY
61 61
Dean walks into the bright BATHROOM, turns on the shower, a
sparse tinkle of water.
DEAN (yells out)
I could piss harder than this!
The dual mirrors multiply his reflection. He looks at himself
and removes his coffee-stained shirt. A neglected body. But
something else distresses Dean. A fallen hair on the T-shirt
he holds. He runs his hands through his hair, looks in horror
at twelve fallen hairs in his palm. He washes them down the
drain and leans to the mirror, inspecting his hairline.
DEAN (CONT'D)
Cynthia!
INT. ROMANTASUITES - MOON ROOM - NIGHT - PRESENT DAY
62 62
Cindy dials the telephone, drink in hand. Shirtless, Dean
walks out of the BATHROOM with his empty palms open.
DEAN
Now watch.
He runs his hands through his hair then shows her his palms -
three fallen hairs. His magic trick.
DEAN (CONT'D)
See. I tol' ya. It's falling out!
Cindy ignores Dean who is mesmerized.
DEAN (CONT'D)
Oooooooooh shiiiiiiit!
Cindy waves him away. Jerry picks up the line.
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 32.
62 CONTINUED: 62
CINDY (into phone)
Hi Dad. We're here... It's kind of crazy.
I don't know, should I feel bad?
Dean trots back into the BATHROOM. He is screaming like a
hyena.
CINDY (CONT'D)
...it's just Dean... he's losing his
hair. What are you guys doing?
INT. ROMANTASUITES - BEDROOM - NIGHT - PRESENT DAY
63 63
Dean tosses his suitcase onto the circular spaceship bed,
watches the graceful way it rebounds. He shoves the suitcase
aside, falls backwards onto the bed. He sighs with pleasure.
There is a box with a button next to the bed. He presses it.
The bed rotates. He looks up at his spinning reflection in
the mirror above the bed.
CINDY (O.S.)
Lemme talk to the little one.
DEAN (SHOUTS)
Is that Francis? Hey!? Don't hang up
until I talk to her!
INT. ROMANTASUITES - MOON ROOM - NIGHT - PRESENT DAY
64 64
CINDY
Did Pa make you something to eat yet?
...Frankie? ...What'd you and Pa eat?
...Was it cooked all the way through? No
pink in there? ...
Dean walks up from behind, putting on a clean, white T-shirt.
He snaps his fingers at Cindy. Cindy swipes his hand away
with more force than necessary.
CINDY (CONT'D)
Okay sweetheart, your daddy wants to talk
to you. I love you... love you... Don't
forget to brush your teeth tonight okay.
Okay? Here's your dad.
Cindy sets down the receiver and walks away. Dean snacks on
tortilla chips and picks up the phone.
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 33.
64 CONTINUED: 64
DEAN (disguised voice)
Who's this? ...How do you know I'm your
father?
A faint scream of joy is heard through the phone.
INT. ROMANTASUITES - BATHROOM - NIGHT - PRESENT DAY
65 65
Steam accumulates on mirrors. Cindy takes her clothes off,
tests the temperature of the water and steps in the shower.
INT. ROMANTASUITES - MOON ROOM - NIGHT - PRESENT DAY
66 66
Dean paces, improvising a bedtime story. It comes from the
well of creativity in him. Frankie loves to hear him talk.
And he loves to make her happy. He finishes. She is happy.
DEAN
Are you ready to go to sleep now? I'll
call you first thing in the morning, OK?
He walks into the living room, stretching the phone cord,
grabs the remote and turns on the television - animal doc.
Dean turns the channel. Tennis.
DEAN (CONT'D)
How much?
CLICK. The news.
DEAN (CONT'D)
...Well, I love you more. Sleep tight.
Dean hangs up and returns to the living room. He changes the
station. A porno. He turns the volume down and watches. He
hears water running in the BATHROOM. CLICK. A show on space.
INT. ROMANTASUITES - BATHROOM - NIGHT - PRESENT DAY
67 67
Dean cracks open the door to the steam-filled room. Cindy
lathers her hair with her eyes closed.
DEAN
What are you doing?
CINDY
What does it look like I'm doing?
DEAN
Do you like the place?
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 34.
67 CONTINUED: 67
CINDY
It's fine.
DEAN
I'm gonna go order dinner now.
CINDY
Fine!
DEAN
Any special requests?
CINDY
Close the door!
Dean closes the door, remains in the BATHROOM, watches his
naked wife, removes his clothes. Cindy does a double take.
CINDY (CONT'D)
What are you doing?
Dean pulls back the shower curtain and steps in.
DEAN
What does it look like I'm doing?
CINDY
Dean.
The small shower presses them close. Dean's smile infects
her. He leans over, they kiss. Brushing lips at first. Dean
presses closer. Cindy pulls back and pivots him around until
the stream of water catches his body. He leans his head back,
the water pours over his hair and face. He places his hands
on Cindy's hips and pulls her close to him. Cindy hands him a
bar of soap. He builds a gentle lather. Cindy inches back,
turns around. Dean lathers her back, slow and languid.
DEAN
I remember the first time I saw your
back.
CINDY
What do you remember?
DEAN
Everything.
He lowers his hands from her back to her behind. Cindy turns.
DEAN (CONT'D)
I wasn't done.
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 35.
67 CONTINUED: (2) 67
He washes her shoulders and neck. His hands sculpt her body
and move to her breasts. No longer washing her, but molding
her. Cindy looks up. His hands move to her belly. He kneels
down. Cindy reaches down and lifts him up by the arms. But
Dean remains where he is. He begins, on his knees, to wash
the entire surface of her left thigh, knee, calf, foot. Then
he moves to her right foot and up her calf, knee and thigh.
Cindy releases her breath. Then, Dean's hands move up between
her legs.
CINDY
Okay.
Cindy grabs under his armpits. He refuses, but she wins. She
pivots them around again. Standing in the stream of water,
Cindy washes the soap off her body, eyes closed, head back.
Dean reaches for her and follows with his fingertips the flow
of water down the front of her body.
CINDY (CONT'D)
Give me the soap.
She forms a quick lather in her hands. She rubs it into his
chest, her strong hands making circles of suds. Dean is a
tranquil participant. She lifts up his left arm, scrubs his
armpit, then his right. Her hands build a lather and wash his
penis. Dean catches his breath.
CINDY (CONT'D)
Turn around.
Dean obeys. She continues wash his back, buttocks and legs
and stops. Dean turns around to Cindy who holds a squirt of
shampoo in her hands. She reaches up and scours his head.
DEAN
Getting thinner, isn't it?
CINDY
Your hair is not falling out.
Cindy pivots him around into the water and rinses him.
CINDY (CONT'D)
You're crazy you know...
DEAN
I know. I love you.
She pecks him on the lips.
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 36.
67 CONTINUED: (3) 67
CINDY
Okay, get out. I have to finish washing
myself.
DEAN
I'll do it.
CINDY
No. Go order dinner. I'm hungry.
DEAN
Wait, I didn't wash your hair...
INT. ROMANTASUITES HALLWAY - NIGHT - PRESENT DAY
68 68
Ice dumps into an ice bucket. Music and laughter emanate from
other rooms. Dean wears a hotel robe and carries a full
bucket of ice. He swipes his key. A TEENAGE boy in a tuxedo
shirt and swim trunks chases a girl in a bikini down the
hallway behind him.
INT. ROMANTASUITES - MOON ROOM - NIGHT - PRESENT DAY
69 69
DEAN
We have neighbors.
Cindy stands in a towel at the bar, waiting for the ice.
CINDY
Grump. Grump.
She makes 2 drinks - vodka on the rocks. She hands Dean his
drink.
CINDY (CONT'D)
Why don't you put some music on Dean?
She pecks him on the cheek, walks to the bedroom to change.
DEAN
Thanks.
He takes a big drink, sifts through cassettes in his bag. In
the bedroom, Cindy buttons up one of Dean's big flannel
shirts.
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 37.
69 CONTINUED: 69
She hears the music begin from the other room, knows the song
- (Penny & the Quarters or Dynamite Four) It sounds really
good right now. Drink in hand, she begins to sway to the
rhythm. Dean peeks his head around the corner with a shit-
eating grin. He starts to awkwardly dance to the music and
make his way down the hallway to the bedroom.
It's been years since they danced in front of each other, and
it makes them a little embarrassed to be doing it now. The
closer they get to each other, the less they can be seen, the
less they are exposed. Soon, they are slow dancing, still
holding drinks. They don't feel as vulnerable now. The cotton
on Dean's robe feels good to Cindy's fingertips, she traces
invisible pictures on his back. Dean burrows his nose into
Cindy's neck, inhales deeply.
There is a knock at the door. They both wish it would go
away. It doesn't.
DEAN (YELLS) (cont'd)
Coming!
Something about this makes Cindy laugh, Dean too. He backs
away from her, slowly, as if pulled by some unseen force. The
song continues as Dean opens the door and pays the ROOM
SERVICE MAN. Cindy sets the table.
INT/EXT. TRUCK - CITY - 6 YEARS EARLIER
70 70
A torn and tattered teddy bear, tied to the grill of the
truck, cuts through the early spring morning.
CURTIS (V.O.)
Yeah. I can tell what's happening
already. You see this person... you think
it's love at first sight, and the course
of your life will be forever changed.
EXT. HOME #2. STREET - DAY - 6 YEARS EARLIER
71 71
Dean straps a weight-lifting belt around his waist. He lifts
a TV on his back.
DEAN (V.O.)
Maybe...
INT. HELLER HOME - BATHROOM - NIGHT - 6 YEARS EARLIER
72 72
Cindy gives Gramma a bath, runs her hair under the faucet.
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 38.
72 CONTINUED: 72
CURTIS (V.O.)
It's like when two streams are flowin'
down opposite sides of the mountain,
mindin' their business.
INT. HELLER HOME - GUEST BEDROOM - NIGHT - 6 YEARS EARLIER
73 73
A hand tucks sheets under Gramma's chin, kisses her forehead.
CURTIS (V.O.)
They're doin' fine until they hit the
bottom and run into one another...
EXT. COLLEGE CAMPUS - GYMNASIUM - 6 YEARS EARLIER
74 74
Bobby trains, 200 sit ups, his abdomen taught.
CURTIS (V.O.)
At that point they got no choice but to
become one river.
EXT. STREET - LATE AFTERNOON - 6 YEARS EARLIER
75 75
Dean counts his pay, opens his wallet - packs it with bills.
CURTIS (V.O.)
Sure, it's a great feeling at first, all
this new water flowing together. But then
you travel down a little ways and the
land levels out. The current starts
moving a little slower.
INT. AUDITORIUM CLASSROOM - DAY - 6 YEARS EARLIER
76 76
Papers are passed back. Cindy's reads "98% Great Insight!"
She doesn't look happy though. She looks a little green.
CURTIS (V.O. CONT'D)
People start drinking the water. Pissin'
in it. Putting up dams to stop the flow.
In the corner of the room, Bobby stares at Cindy from behind.
EXT. HELLER HOME - LATE AFTERNOON - 6 YEARS EARLIER
77 77
Cindy pushes Gramma Francis up the driveway. Bobby stands on
the porch holding a bunch of red roses. Cindy ignores it.
CURTIS (V.O. CONT)
In other words, life interferes, you
know.
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 38A.
77 CONTINUED: 77
Cindy struggles to get Gramma up the ramp of the porch.
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 39.
77 CONTINUED: (2) 77
BOBBY
Hasn't anyone ever been nice to you?
She takes the flowers, pushes Gramma into the house. The
screen door closes between them.
BOBBY (CONT'D)
Don't make me give up on you...
CURTIS(V.O.)
And there's not too many of these rivers
that'll make it all the way to the ocean
without splitting off eventually.
INT/EXT. TRUCK - AFTERNOON - 6 YEARS EARLIER
78 78
CURTIS (V.O.)
It's just nature, that's all.
Curtis - with harmonica - and Dean - with ukulele - eat
hamburgers on their lunchbreak.
CURTIS (CONT'D)
And instead of thinking about it you
gotta just do something about it. Action,
not thought.
INT. STORAGE FACILITY - MORNING. 6 YEARS EARLIER.
A79 A79
DEAN
Anyone call for me?
Dean peeks into Jo's office. She shakes her head "no."
INT. DEAN'S FRIEND'S APARTMENT. NIGHT. 6 YEARS EARLIER
79 79
Dean leans near the window, smoking, looking out at the moon.
DEAN (V.O.)
I just keep replaying it in my head.
Thinking about other things I coulda
done. Other things I coulda said.
INT. HELLER HOME - CINDY'S BEDROOM - NIGHT - 6 YEARS EARLIER 80
80
Cindy pours over textbooks but she is distracted. She opens
her window and breathes in the night air.
DEAN (V.O.)
You wait your whole life for something to
happen...
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 39A.
INT. COLLEGE - BATHROOM - DAY - 6 YEARS EARLIER
81 81
Cindy pukes in the toilet.
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 40.
81 CONTINUED: 81
DEAN (V.O.)
...And you have all these ideas in your
head about how you'll act and what you'll
say and what you'll do, who you'll be...
She washes the taste out of her mouth and looks at herself in
the mirror. She flicks water at her reflection.
INT. MOVING TRUCK - DAY - 6 YEARS EARLIER
82 82
Dean sweeps the bed of the truck. The broom catches something
in the corner. Dean reaches - a locket.
DEAN (V.O.) cont'd
...And then the opportunity comes, it
presents itself to you, living and
breathing in the flesh, and you puss out.
INT. MOVING TRUCK - DAY - 6 YEARS EARLIER
83 83
Dean holds up the locket and stares at it, twirling. He opens
the latch - sees a picture of the old man and his wife - 60
years ago. Dean puts it in his pocket, finishes sweeping up.
INT/EXT. TRAIN/TRAIN STATION. AFTERNOON. 6 YEARS EARLIER
84 84
Still wearing his work clothes, Dean rides the train out of
the city, pulls out the locket. Reads the inscription on the
back - "you are my sunshine."
Dean gets off the train. Asks some people for directions.
INT. BUS - DAY. 6 YEARS EARLIER.
85 85
A feeling of anticipation. Dean pulls the lever - his stop.
INT. RETIREMENT HOME. LATE AFTERNOON. 6 YEARS EARLIER.
86 86
Dean walks to the old man's room. The door is open, lights
are off, room is empty. All the furniture, pictures, gone -
just an empty bed. Dean is at a loss for what to do. He hears
the TV coming from across the hall. He knocks, waits, then
opens Cindy's Gramma's door. She is lying in bed. Tries to
recognize Dean. He pulls up a chair next to her.
DEAN
Hi. I was looking for your neighbor...
the man who moved in last month. Across
the hall. Do you know what happened to
him?
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 41.
86 CONTINUED: 86
GRAMMA
He went out for groceries.
DEAN
What about the girl that was with you?
GRAMMA
Who?
The conversation moves in circles. Not much information is
gained. Dean ends up just holding her hand.
INT/EXT. BUS - LATE AFTERNOON
87 87
The bus drives away. Inside, Dean stands. He is a little
down. He feels around in his pocket. Finds the locket. He
puts it on. The bus comes to a stop. A few passengers get on.
One of them is Cindy. Dean watches her pay her fare and move
to the back of the bus without noticing him.
She finds a seat, pulls her hoodie low, anonymous. She
underlines passages from a textbook using a highlighter. Dean
is frozen. He gathers the courage to walk toward her. The
moving bus throws his balance. He stands over her for a
moment. Cindy senses somebody in her space. She looks up.
Recognizes him, but can't place it.
DEAN
Hi.
CINDY
Hi.
DEAN
I just had a long talk with your
gramma... is that, is that your gramma?
Cindy remembers him now - he's just dressed nicer - he
doesn't look like a mover
DEAN (CONT'D)
I was looking for that old guy who moved
across the hall, you know? Do you know
what happened to him?
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 42.
87 CONTINUED: 87
CINDY
I think he passed away.
Dean feels for the locket around his neck. He shakes his
head.
DEAN
That's exactly what happened to my dog.
My parents moved out of our house and
three days later she was a goner.
He pulls the locket out from behind his shirt. He unclasps
it. Shows her the pictures.
DEAN (CONT'D)
He was so handsome, wasn't he? I was
trying to give it back to him.
Cindy looks at it.
CINDY
She was pretty too..
Dean thinks about the old man. The bus drives.
DEAN
She must have been crazy.
CINDY
Why do you say that?
DEAN
Cause there's one thing I know... the
prettier a girl is the more nuts she is.
I mean, look at you... you must be
insane.
CINDY
Excuse me?
DEAN
It's okay, I mean, I get it. It's not
your fault.
Cindy pulls the chain to stop the bus.
DEAN (CONT'D)
Where you going?
CINDY
Home.
The bus slows. She gets up to leave. Doors open.
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 42A.
87 CONTINUED: (2) 87
DEAN
Can I walk with you?
Cindy thinks about it.
DEAN (CONT'D)
Just for a little bit... And when you
don't want to walk with me no more, then
just speed up.
Doors to the bus open. Cindy thinks about it.
EXT. TOWN STREETS - DUSK TO DAWN
88 88
Dean and Cindy wander side by side down the sidewalks and
streets of the town. They walk and talk about - small towns
and big cities, school and work, dreams and nightmares, being
old and being young, etc.
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 43.
88 CONTINUED: 88
DEAN
Where's you house?
CINDY
We passed it.
DEAN
Where?
CINDY
Back there...
Dean looks back. He sees a bunch of houses that all look the
same. They keep walking.
ELLIPSE: Cindy smokes one of Dean's cigarettes, calls her dad
A89 A89
on a pay phone and tells him she won't be home for dinner
because she is studying.
ELLIPSE. DEAN tells Cindy about his childhood, the
B89 B89
sexualizing of his mother, and his fascination with women's
purses. It makes Cindy a little uncomfortable.
DEAN
Do you think it would be okay if I looked
in your purse?
CINDY
No.
DEAN
Why?
Cindy thinks about it for a moment. Against her better
judgement, she hands over her bag. It weighs a lot.
DEAN (CONT'D)
Jeez... What you got in here?
CINDY
Books. Mostly.
DEAN
Lot of books. You doing good?
CINDY
We'll see.
DEAN
What are you gonna be when you grow up?
CINDY
I'm trying to get into med school.
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 44.
88 CONTINUED: (2) 88
DEAN
You going to be a doctor?
CINDY
Someday.
DEAN
Oh yeah? What should I do about this?
He pretends to bump into a pole. Cindy laughs.
CINDY
Don't do it.
DEAN (rubbing his head)
You're gonna be a good doctor. I can
tell.
He digs through text books, pens, a wallet, asthma inhaler.
Then he comes to a bottle of lotion. Opens the cap, sniffs.
DEAN (CONT'D)
Mmm. This is what you smell like?
Cindy nods, "I guess so."
DEAN (CONT'D)
I wanna smell like you. Can I?
CINDY
You wanna put on my lotion?
Dean nods, applies a little lotion to his fingertips, rubs it
in circles on his hands, applies it to his forearms, neck,
face. He enjoys the feeling of it, offers her some. She say's
no. He digs through her purse and finds lip balm, smells it.
DEAN
This is what your lips smell like? They
must smell good.
He puts some on his lips.
DEAN (CONT'D)
Mmm. Your lips must taste good.
CINDY
Are you fucking with me?
DEAN
No.
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 45.
DEAN FINDS A LITTLE BAG INSIDE THE PURSE. SHE SNATCHES IT.
89 89
DEAN
What's in there?
She takes her purse back.
CINDY
Okay enough...
DEAN
Why?
CINDY
Because.
Throughout the rest of the night Dean tries to continually
steal Cindy's purse from her. It is a game. Innocent.
ELLIPSE. DEAN TRIES TO GIVE CINDY THE LOCKET. SHE REFUSES.
90 90
CINDY
Aren't you gonna miss your train?
DEAN
Probably. I think I... I think I already
did. It's okay. There's an early one.
CINDY
You are just gonna stay up all night?
DEAN
Until you get tired...
ELLIPSE: MORE WALK AND TALK.
91 91
DEAN
Where'd you grow up?
CINDY
Here.
DEAN
Here?
Cindy gives him a grimace.
CINDY
Same streets. Same people. Everything
here is the same. You walk down the
street, you can't get lost... you know.
.
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 46.
91 CONTINUED: 91
DEAN
Where do you want to go? I mean, if you
could go anywhere..
They walk to an old playground. Cindy gets an idea.
CINDY
There!
Cindy runs to an old, creaky merry-go round, jumps on.
CINDY (CONT'D)
I used to love these things.
DEAN
Oh God... I hate these things.
CINDY
Push me.
Dean is tentative, but goes along with her. He starts slow,
but she eggs him to go faster. He runs in circles picking up
speed until he is in a breathless, circular sprint. He can't
keep up with the centrifugal force.
CINDY (CONT'D)
Get on!
Dean does as he's told. They both hold on for dear life. The
world spins in a frenzy. The dread on Dean's face builds to
insane laughter. It is super fun. Cindy screams. Her hair
snaps in her face. Then, a look of sickness steals her smile
away. She wants it to stop, which, slowly, it does. She gets
off first, tries to walk, but is too dizzy. She just keeps
falling to the ground. Dean crawls off the merry-go round on
all fours, laughing.
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 47.
91 CONTINUED: (2) 91
DEAN
What happened, tough guy?
CINDY
Make it stop.
DEAN
You gotta puke... it's the only way.
She refuses.
DEAN (CONT'D)
It's the only way. It will make you feel
better. Don't be embarrassed. I'll do it.
He sticks his finger down his throat and forces himself to
vomit. The sound of it is too much for her. She gags. Side by
side, they puke into the gravel. They finish their business
and end up on their backs and out of breath, side by side,
looking up at the stars. They are both covered in sweat. We
see their breath.
CINDY
I'm still spinning.
DEAN
Me too.
CINDY
Maybe it's just the Earth that's
spinning.
DEAN
Yeah. We're flying.
They laugh. Birds begin to awaken and fly.
DEAN (CONT'D)
You should come visit me in the city
sometime.
The morning air chills their bodies. Dean takes off his
jacket and uses it as a blanket. They get close together to
get warm and watch the stars spin above them.
INT. ROMANTASUITES - MOON ROOM - NIGHT - PRESENT DAY
92 92
The dining room table is set for two. A single champagne
glass is raised.
DEAN
To honesty...
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 48.
92 CONTINUED: 92
They sit across from each other. Cindy drinks premature.
DEAN (CONT'D)
Hey! Wait up.
CINDY
We're toasting tonight?
Dean makes his toast. CLINK. Dean quaffs his glass.
CINDY (CONT'D)
Sometimes you don't make any sense. You
might as well be speaking Chinese.
Dean imitates a Chinese man - it goes on too long.
CINDY (CONT'D)
Happy belated anniversary.
Cindy starts to eat a spread of Indian food and booze.
DEAN
How is it?
CINDY
Good. How did Frankie sound?
DEAN
Great. She's the best.
CINDY
She didn't sound sad?
DEAN
Naw. She's the champ. She's the best
parts of you and the best parts of me put
together. Everyday she gets more and more
amazing.
Dean chews a bite of meat and washes it down with a shot of
vodka. He refills both their glasses.
CINDY
Daddy's little girl.
DEAN
She's not mine. I'm hers.
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 49.
92 CONTINUED: (2) 92
Cindy slows down.
DEAN (CONT'D)
I'm her father. She isn't there for me...
I'm there for her. That's the way I look
at it.
CINDY
That's beautiful.
DEAN
It's the choice I made when she was born.
Silence. They chew. Cindy stares through Dean.
CINDY
Why don't you do something...
DEAN
Like what?
CINDY
I don't know... isn't there anything you
want to do?
Dean thinks about it. Shakes his head.
DEAN
What am I supposed to want to do?
CINDY
I don't know... You have so many things
you could do. You're good at everything.
You could do anything you wanted.
DEAN
I just wanna be with you.
Silence. Cindy tries not to look disappointed.
DEAN (CONT'D)
You look like an animal right now. Your
eyes look like an animal. Like a bear's
eyes.
CINDY
Like right before the bear eats the man?
DEAN
Yeah... You do. It's true. That's what
you look like.
Dean is amused but fearful. Cindy's confidence surges.
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 50.
92 CONTINUED: (3) 92
DEAN (CONT'D)
Whatchu thinking about?
CINDY
How different we are. You and me.
DEAN
Different?
CINDY
It's a good thing.
DEAN
You think that's good that we're
different?
CINDY
Absolutely. We don't have to get in each
other's way.
DEAN
And that's the way you like it, don't
you? You don't like me to bother you.
CINDY
I didn't say that. What I meant is that
it's important for us to have our space.
That's all. We're grown people.
DEAN
Well there's not much space here. So I
guess you won't be able to get away from
me will ya?
CINDY
You know, we rarely sit down and have a
conversation. An adult conversation.
Because every time we do, you turn
something that I say around and make it
mean something that I didn't mean to say.
You just blab. Blab.
DEAN
If you're not interested in hearing what
I think I just won't say anything.
CINDY
Good luck. I just want you to think about
what you say sometimes instead of saying
what you think all the time.
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 51.
92 CONTINUED: (4) 92
DEAN
OK. I'm going to say something. And what
I'm about to say I've thought long and
hard about. I'm the luckiest person alive
because I'm living my dream - you, her,
this, us, all of it.
Cindy lifts up her empty wine glass to the light.
CINDY
I think my glass has a hole in it.
Cindy cuts around her food and pushes a piece aside.
DEAN
What's wrong with that?
CINDY
It's fat.
DEAN
That's the flavor. Eat it.
CINDY
I don't want to. You eat it.
Dean stabs a piece of fat and pops it into his mouth.
CINDY (CONT'D)
That's going straight to your tits.
DEAN
My tits? I got tits?
Dean opens his shirt and peers down at his chest.
DEAN (CONT'D)
I could still kick yer ass.
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 52.
92 CONTINUED: (5) 92
CINDY
Shiiit. I bet you a nickel you can't even
beat me at arm wrestling.
DEAN
A dime and you're on.
Cindy gulps more champagne. They scoot dishes out of the way
and clasp hands in the middle of the table.
CINDY
Ready?
DEAN
I'm always ready, baby.
CINDY
On the count of three... One... Two...
Cindy flexes and starts.
CINDY (CONT'D)
THREE!
Dean, acting as if he isn't trying at all, holds Cindy's hand
at a stand still.
DEAN
Come on. Go! Start.
Cindy ignores his taunts and pushes as hard as she can.
Slowly, she begins to push Dean's hand down. Dean groans,
letting her win a little. Cindy presses down with all her
weight. His hand is centimeters from hitting the table. Then,
he turns the tide. Cindy battles back with all the strength
she can muster. Dean laughs, realizing her passion for
victory. Dean pounds her hand into the table. He stands
kisses his flexed bicep. Cindy lifts her hand. A fork is
stuck in the back of it. She looks at it with curiosity.
DEAN (CONT'D)
Oh fuck.
CINDY
I'm alright.
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 53.
92 CONTINUED: (6) 92
DEAN
Hold still.
He plucks the fork from her hand, leaving four vampire bites.
CINDY
Ow ow ow.
Dean leads her to the kitchen, holds her hand under the
faucet.
DEAN
You think we should rush you to the
hospital before you bleed to death?
Cindy shoots him a look. Dean wraps her hand with a dishrag.
DEAN (CONT'D)
Does it hurt?
CINDY
It stings a little.
Dean tries to pick up Cindy. She struggles against it.
Finally he cradles her like a squirming baby.
CINDY (CONT'D)
No, no... Put me down. It's okay...
Dean huffs a little. Cindy adjusts her weight, self-
conscious. He hefts her down the hallway to the bedroom.
INT. ROMANTASUITES - MOON ROOM - NIGHT - PRESENT DAY
93 93
Dean awkwardly sets Cindy down on the circular spaceship bed.
DEAN
Wait wait wait.
He flicks the switch and the bed starts spinning. He runs out
of the room. Cindy watches the room around her spin. Dean
returns with the vodka bottle and two shot glasses. He kneels
above her and pours them two shots.
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 54.
93 CONTINUED: 93
DEAN (CONT'D)
To numb the pain. Doctors orders. I'm an
anesthesiologist.
CINDY
I'm spinning.
She sits up. They toast. Dean gulps his. Cindy takes a sip.
DEAN
Drink up. We haven't gotten loaded
together in years.
He tops off her glass, refills his own, and quaffs it.
DEAN (CONT'D)
I gotta take a piss. Don't fall asleep.
He kisses her on the forehead, stumbles. Cindy hears Dean
urinating. She is sickened by it. She tries to set her full
glass on the floor that spins beneath her. The toilet
flushes. The drink tips over. A loud crash comes from the
BATHROOM. Cindy sits up.
CINDY
What are you doing in there? ...Dean?!
An agonizing moan comes from down the hall. Cindy staggers
off the spinning bed and stumbles to the bathroom door.
CINDY (CONT'D)
Are you all right? Dean...
She pushes the door but it is blocked. Dean moans louder.
Cindy pushes again and inches it open. She sticks her head
in, sees him laying on his back looking up at the ceiling.
DEAN (SLURS)
I fell over.
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 55.
93 CONTINUED: (2) 93
CINDY
Ew. Come on, get up.
DEAN
Nope, I want you to come here first. I
want you to laugh.
Cindy opens the door and Dean scoots, making room for her. He
lets out an "ow" before extending his hand.
DEAN (CONT'D)
Come close. I want to hear you... I want
to tell you... Shh, come here...
Cindy reluctantly joins him on the bathroom floor. Their
faces are close, eyes locked.
DEAN (CONT'D)
You want to hear a joke? OK. What's
better than winning a gold medal at the
Special Olympics?
CINDY
What?
DEAN
Not being retarded.
Cindy looks down.
DEAN (CONT'D)
Hey...that's not funny? How come you
don't think I'm funny any more? I tell
you something funny. You laugh. I see you
laugh. But you don't really laugh so
much. You don't laugh anymore Cindy.
CINDY
Dean... Come on, it's time for bed.
DEAN
No I want to make you laugh.
Tears well up in her eyes. Dean rolls on top of her. He cups
her face in his hands and stares long into her watery eyes.
DEAN (CONT'D)
Hello...
CINDY
You're drunk.
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 56.
93 CONTINUED: (3) 93
DEAN
No, I'm just still in love with you.
After a moment, their lips meet in an awkward rejuvenation.
She moves her head away and pats Dean on the shoulder in a
gesture of friendship. Dean kisses her neck.
DEAN (CONT'D)
Do you... you want to have another baby?
... I want another child.
Cindy bites her lip. He slides his hand between her legs.
CINDY
No... Dean... Wait a second.
She removes his hand and places it on her hip. Dean continues
to kiss her neck. He slides his hand up to her breasts. Cindy
turns her head in the other direction. She pushes his hand
away. He brings it back aggressive. Again. Cindy squirms
underneath him. He grabs her wrists and holds her arms over
her head. His tongue licks Cindy from her breasts to her
face. She worms her arms away and grabs onto his hair. She
arches her back, looks at him through slit eyes. His pelvis
pulses and he moans. He looks up at her over his brow into
her desperate eyes. He springs up. Sweat beads on his
forehead.
DEAN
What!? I can't have sex with my wife!?
Cindy covers her face with her hand.
DEAN (CONT'D)
Do I repulse you that much? I'm good to
you. I'm good to Frankie. I deserve a
little affection. Do you want me to stop
loving you? Do you want me to fuck other
women? Do you want me to beat you?
CINDY
Stop... stop... stop...
DEAN
Is that what you think you deserve? Would
that make it easier on you so you can
treat me like this?
Cindy raises her hips and slips off her panties. She lifts
the shirt up over her head, positions her feet on the door
jam. Her arm falls over her eyes. Breathless, Dean awkwardly
moves one hand up and down her bodice.
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 57.
93 CONTINUED: (4) 93
He unbuckles his belt, pushes his pants and underwear down to
his knees, holds himself in his hand. He lowers onto her.
Cindy adjusts her legs higher. He rotates his hips, looks
away in concentration. Cindy's arms move around him, grabbing
the small of his arching back. His pelvis humps in a feeble
performance. A small moan. Cindy's eyes press closed harder.
The erratic motion slows... stops. Dean's raspy breathing.
His weight covers Cindy. She opens her eyes to the ceiling.
DEAN (CONT'D)
I'm sorry...I'm sorry...I'm sorry...
She looks at him. His head faces away. She rolls out from
underneath and stands. She wraps her dress around her and
slips into the bedroom.
INT. ROMANTASUITES - NIGHT - CONTINUOUS
94 94
Back against the closed door, Cindy turns the lock. Her eyes
shift from despair to relief. Her gaze grows more wild. The
doorknob jiggles. A secret, crazy laugh builds in Cindy that
she suppresses. Dean presses his face into the bedroom door.
He talks to her.
On the other side of the door, Cindy listens. Dean's voice
cracks. A wave of confusion backs Cindy away from the door.
She searches the room for an escape. There are no windows,
the only way out is through the locked door. Trembling, she
wraps her arms around herself. She tries to make herself as
small as possible. The spaceship bed is the only place where
she can disappear. She crawls underneath the covers, curls
into a tight ball. Sadness lets loose. Cindy's body pulses
with faint, painful tears. The black walls of the room
twinkle with stars suspended in space. The cries get lost.
EXT. CITY. NIGHT. 6 YEARS EARLIER.
95 95
Drunk, Dean and Cindy make out on the street corner. It is
cold enough to see their breath. Their hands caress each
other, feel what is underneath the layers of clothes. Cindy
makes a move. She unbuttons Dean's Pea-Coat, feels the shape
of his chest, his abdomen, his back.
CINDY
Are my hands cold?
DEAN
Yes.
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 58.
95 CONTINUED: 95
Dean follows suit, reaching up under her jacket to touch the
skin on her lower back. She recoils from the icy touch.
CINDY
You wanna go somewhere.
DEAN
Sure.
CINDY
Where can we go?
INT. TAXI. NIGHT.
96 96
They make out in the back of a cab. But the cab driver won't
allow it. But they can't keep their hands off each other.
They try not to get caught.
INT. DEAN'S FRIEND'S APARTMENT. 5AM. EARLY LIGHT
97 97
The door to Jake's room is cracked open and the TV is on.
Dean and Cindy tiptoe in the apartment as quietly as they
can. They can't keep their hands off each other. Dean makes a
bed for them on the couch where he sleeps - straightening out
a couple white sheets. They crawl under with clothes on.
CINDY (WHISPERS)
Is your roommate awake?
DEAN (WHISPERS)
I don't know. Let me go check.
Dean tiptoes over to Jake's room. Peeks in his door. Returns
to the couch where Cindy is taking off her jacket. He crawls
back under the sheet.
DEAN (WHISPERS) (cont'd)
He's just watching TV.
They start to make out while listening for Jake.
CINDY (WHISPERS)
Do you think he's gonna come out?
DEAN (WHISPERS)
I don't know... Should I go see if he
brushed his teeth?
She nods. He throws off the sheet and goes into the bathroom,
touches the bristles of Jake's tooth brush. Cindy takes off
her socks and waits for Dean to return.
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 59.
97 CONTINUED: 97
DEAN (WHISPERS)(cont'd)
It's still dry.
He gets back on the couch. They kiss. Slowly. Silently. Their
hands search each other under the blanket. Clothing is
removed and there is alot of movement, but the details of
what occurs under that single sheet remain largely a mystery.
Jake's bedroom door opens and Jake walks out into the living
room and into the kitchen. Dean and Cindy pantomime sleeping.
They listen and hear Jake opening the refrigerator, pouring
himself a bowl of cereal, crunching. They feel like he's
watching them. Cindy tries her hardest not to laugh. Jake
stares at the trembling sheet with contempt before returning
to his room. Cindy releases her laugh. Dean tries to shush
her, but he can't help laughing himself.
DEAN (CONT'D)
Be quiet! Seriously. He's gonna kill me.
He already hates me.
CINDY
You think he's gonna go to sleep now?
They hear Jake changing channels in the other room. As
quietly as possible, they have sex under the sheet.
INT. COLLEGE CAMPUS - BATHROOM - DAY - 6 YEARS EARLIER
98 98
A red plus sign bleeds onto the result area of a home
pregnancy test. Cindy sits on a toilet in a stall holding the
positive test stick. A knock on the BATHROOM door.
CINDY
Just a second...
She wraps the test in toilet paper and buries it in the trash
receptacle. A moment while the door swings closed. Silence.
Cindy opens the stall and confronts herself in the mirror.
INT. AUDITORIUM CLASSROOM - DAY - 6 YEARS EARLIER
99 99
Cindy writes a note to Dean, his business card sits next to
an envelope.
The note reads: I don't know if I can trust you. Can I trust
you? I'm in trouble.
Bobby places a test paper in front of Cindy. Her grade, "D."
She covers up her note. He leans in and swipes the business
card.
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 59A.
99 CONTINUED: 99
CINDY
Give it back!
Bobby crushes the card in his fist. She tries to pry it open.
She can't. She's not gonna get it back.
EXT. STORAGE FACILITY - PARKING LOT - DAY - 6 YEARS EARLIER 100
100
Dean and his buddies, file out of the garage, he notices
Cindy across the street, he looks both ways, crosses the
street toward her. The closer he gets to her, the more
nervous she gets.
DEAN
Are you okay?
Cindy nods.
CURTIS (O.S.)
See you later, Elvis!
Dean turns around and sees his work buddies busting him for
being a Romeo. He waves goodbye to them, turns back to Cindy,
embarrassed but happy. She smiles, concealing something.
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 60.
EXT. BRIDGE - DAY - 6 YEARS EARLIER
101 101
Dean and Cindy stand a distance away. Cars beneath them roar.
DEAN
Is it mine?
Cindy looks Dean in the eyes.
CINDY
I... I don't know... It might be...
DEAN
You let that asshole knock you up?
CINDY
...I'm sorry...I'm sorry...
DEAN
When'd this happen?
CINDY
Before us.
DEAN
What do you want to do?
CINDY
I don't know.
DEAN
(after a pause)
We'll keep it. We'll take care of it.
Cindy nods. Silence.
CINDY
It's not the right time.
Dean looks down, pauses and looks back to Cindy.
DEAN
Do you want to take care of it?
INT. ABORTION CLINIC - DAY - 6 YEARS EARLIER
102 102
A female DOCTOR sits on a wheeled chair in the corner of the
room and looks through Cindy's file.
DOCTOR
You can put your clothes on the chair.
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 61.
102 CONTINUED: 102
Cindy does.
DOCTOR (CONT'D)
How are you doing?
CINDY
Okay...
The DOCTOR wheels over to the table in the center of the
room. She pulls out a clean sheet of examination table paper.
DOCTOR
I'm going to have you lie up here, and
put your feet in the stirrups.
Cindy gets on the table, looks over at a tray of instruments.
The Doctor pulls a mask up over her face - the vacuum
aspirator on a wheeled base. Cindy focuses her gaze at the
corrugated ceiling, dim light.
DOCTOR (CONT'D)
Are you okay?
CINDY
Yeah.
The Doctor touches Cindy's knee to spread her legs, picks up
an instrument off the table.
DOCTOR
I want you to try and relax. This is
going to be a little cold.
The Doctor inserts a speculum into Cindy's vagina.
DOCTOR (CONT'D)
There, take a deep breath... What do you
do?
CINDY
I'm a student...
DOCTOR
What are you studying?
The Doctor dips a long swab into a solution, inserts it into
her vagina.
CINDY
I'm studying to be a DOCTOR...
DOCTOR
That's what I studied.
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 62.
102 CONTINUED: (2) 102
She laughs. Cindy doesn't know what to do with her eyes. The
Doctor picks up a syringe.
CINDY
What's that?
DOCTOR
This is a mild anesthetic for your
cervix. You're going to feel a pinch and
then it's going to feel like electricity.
Cindy looks back up at the ceiling. She steady's her breath.
DOCTOR (CONT'D)
Can you cough for me.
Cindy coughs.
DOCTOR (CONT'D)
Good... Why do you want to be a Doctor?
Wheels move across the linoleum floor. The Doctor positions
the vacuum aspirator.
CINDY
Because... I always thought... it would
be wonderful to take a sick child and...
Cindy cuts herself off. The Doctor holds a hose.
DOCTOR
And what?
CINDY
...heal them...
DOCTOR
Cindy, I'm going to begin the procedure.
It won't take long. You may feel a little
cramping.
The Doctor turns on the vacuum. Panic flushes Cindy's face.
Her eyes widen.
CINDY
Wait... wait.
INT. ABORTION CLINIC - WAITING ROOM - DAY - 6 YEARS EARLIER 103
103
A plastic model of a womb and fetus on the magazine-laden
coffee table. Ashtrays overflow. Dean, wearing his work
clothes, sits among several would-be fathers.
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 63.
103 CONTINUED: 103
He snuffs his cigarette and studies the fetus in the plastic
uterus. TROY, Bobby's wrestler friend, sits nearby.
The waiting room door opens, Cindy comes out. Dean puts the
model back and stands up. They stare at each other. Dean nods
slightly. Cindy shakes her head "no." A flush of realization
across Dean's face, then a smile. He goes to her and wraps
his arms around her.
TROY (O.S.)
Cindy?
Cindy looks over Dean's shoulder to Troy, who gazes at her
over a magazine. Dean looks back and forth between them.
Cindy looks ahead and walks out with Dean.
INT. BUS - NIGHT - 6 YEARS EARLIER
104 104
Darkness passes. Cindy lies against Dean in the back of the
bright bus. Her head rests on his chest, arms holding his
encircling arms. She is wearing the locket around her neck.
Dean caresses Cindy's earlobe. Her eyes are closed.
DEAN
You're not in this alone. This baby is
ours. It's us. Let's start a family.
CINDY
Your eyes ever wide open, and you're
dreaming?
Cindy breathes deep & settles into him. Dean hums a lullaby.
CINDY (CONT'D)
You smell like you.
INT. ROMANTASUITES - BEDROOM - EARLY MORNING - PRESENT DAY
105 105
Darkness disturbed by beeping. Cindy awakens, dishevelled
from the night before. She lifts her cell phone off the
bedside table and squints to make out the text.
CINDY
Shit.
She drops it and rolls over. The digital clock reads 4:52...
Moments later... she is on the phone.
CINDY (on phone) (cont'd)
Hi it's Cindy... I have this weekend off.
Cindy unwraps the bandage on her hand. She presses the four
vampire bites to her lips.
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 64.
105 CONTINUED: 105
CINDY (cont'd on phone)
(CONT'D)
...Who didn't show?...Meredith again? How
long can she keep doing this?... Did you
try Janet?...She's your first call....I'm
out of town too...Yes I know, I know all
of it. Yes...It's going to take me a few
hours.
She hangs up, eases the door open. Dean is passed out in the
middle of the hallway. She tries to wake him, but he's
hibernating. She steps over his fallen body.
INT. ROMANTASUITES - VARIOUS - PRESENT DAY
106 106
- Cindy washes her face in the shower. She looks at the
vampire holes on the back of her hand.
- her hair in a towel, Cindy flicks on the coffee maker. She
eats a banana. - she throws on jeans and a sweater. - inhales
from an inhaler for her asthma. - holds her eye open and
drops eye-drops. - vigorously brushes her teeth. - drinks
coffee and writes a note on Fantasuite stationery. - washes
the mug in the kitchen sink. - tapes the note to the
television screen. - She stands over DEAN.
CINDY
Goodbye.
No response. She closes the door behind her.
INT. ROMANTASUITES - LATER - PRESENT DAY
107 107
The phone rings. Dean's eyes struggle open, drunk. He listens
annoyed to the ring. After the eighth ring, he hollers.
DEAN
Cynthia!
No response. He struggles up and stumbles to the phone.
DEAN (CONT'D)
Hello?
A prerecorded message.
MESSAGE
Good morning. This is your...11:30
a.m...wake up call.
DEAN
OK.
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 65.
107 CONTINUED: 107
He hangs up the phone and looks around the room.
DEAN (confused) (cont'd)
Cynthia?
He wanders to the bedroom, the door is open. Cindy's bags sit
next to a made bed. He calls out for her again. - He walks
into the bathroom and urinates, finds only a damp towel
hanging over the shower door. He touches the bristles of
Cindy's toothbrush, flicking up a spray of water. - He walks
to the kitchen and lights a cigarette. He coughs a little as
he pours himself a cup of coffee. Zaps it in the microwave.
EXT. ROMANTASUITES - PARKING LOT - CONTINUOUS - PRESENT DAY 108
108
A plane cuts through the sky. Dean stands in front of an
empty parking space. He stares at where her car should be. A
Chrysler Aspen is parked with its back opened. KARINA and
BILLY, two high school kids, toss in luggage.
INT. ROMANTASUITES LOBBY - CONTINUOUS - PRESENT DAY
109 109
Dean leans on the concierge desk.
DEAN
Was she with a guy?
CONCIERGE
Like I said, I couldn't say. I just got
here, so maybe she left before I came in.
He types on the computer.
CONCIERGE (CONT'D)
And, she didn't check out. You're still
booked until...Monday morning. 11 am. Is
there anything else I can help you with
sir?
INT. ROMANTASUITES -HALLWAY/MOON ROOM- CONTINUOUS - PRESENT 110
110
Dean puts his key in the door to his room. Across the
hallway, Billy calls into a room.
BILLY (O.S.)
Hurry up Randy!
Dean walks in to his room, sits down, heavy. His stare is out
of focus. He turns on the TV. Volume comes up loud. The TV
illuminates the note left by Cindy. Dean stares at it for a
moment. He plucks the note from the screen and reads it.
"Dean - I got called in.
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 66.
110 CONTINUED: 110
I was going to wake you but I knew you wouldn't understand.
I'll be back this afternoon to get you. We have to talk. I'm
sorry...-C"
Dean eyes search for something. He sees the vodka bottle and
takes a drink. Pacing, he lets out a few angry weeps and
reaches in his front shirt pocket for a cigarette. He's out.
In the ashtray, he grabs a snuffed out butt. He searches for
a lighter. He lights his cigarette on the stove. He hears the
kids in the hallway.
He opens the door and Randy, a hungover high school kid, and
AMANDA, large-chested, short, walk down the hallway, arm and
arm. They slow when see a frighteningly dishevelled Dean,
vodka in hand, cigarette in mouth, framed in the door jam.
INT. BILLY'S CAR - DAY - PRESENT DAY
111 111
Dean rides in the back seat of a Jeep Cherokee wedged in
between Amanda and Randy. Billy and Karina sit in the front
seat. Amanda offers Dean a glass pipe.
AMANDA
You want some of this?
Dean accepts the pipe and takes a monster toke, holding it in
until his face turns purple.
EXT. NEIGHBORHOOD - EARLY MORNING - 6 YEARS EARLIER
112 112
Spring sky.. Trees blossom. Cindy walks alone down the street
from the train station.
INT. HELLER HOME - EARLY MORNING - 6 YEARS EARLIER
113 113
The front door squeaks open, Cindy slips in. Glenda is passed
out on the couch. She tiptoes up the creaking staircase. A
shower runs. She heads down the hallway to her room.
INT. - CINDY'S ROOM - EARLY MORNING - 6 YEARS EARLIER
114 114
Cindy opens the door to her bedroom, falls on her bed and is
about to close her eyes but is distracted by the blinking
lights of the answering machine. Cindy presses play.
ANSWERING MACHINE VOICE
You have twenty five new messages. BEEP
Cindy sits up. Bobby voice is heard - drunk.
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 67.
114 CONTINUED: 114
BOBBY (on answering machine)
I just want to say to you thanks for
making all bets off and freeing me of my
human decency. All your shit's going in
the trash, your books are gonna be ripped
up. We'll go to war see who'll win. I
know who the fucker is and I'm gonna
destroy him. BEEP You probably don't know
what you did. I want it all to come out.
It'll be beautiful, It'll be sweet, it'll
be awesome. BEEP
Glenda's bloodshot eyeball appears in the doorway.
Bobby (V.O.) (cont'd)
BEEP Well, what I was really trying to
say before your machine cut me off is you
created me, I'm your child... You created
the person that I am now, and now you
have to deal with this person.
A SOUND - Cindy turns around sees her mom in the doorway.
INT. TROY'S CAR - DAY - 6 YEARS EARLIER
115 115
The car drives down a highway toward the city. TONY powers
down beers in the back. Underwear hangs from the rearview.
BOBBY (V.O.)
...And I got nothing better to do than
destroy you both. BEEP If you think I'm
being evil, you have no idea, no idea at
all... I'm growing very impatient and I
really don't give a fuck anymore...
Bobby shotguns a beer in the passenger's seat. Speed metal
music and adrenaline. The car blasts down the street to the
storage facility. The three bound out of the car, fists
clenched, geared up for ultraviolence.
INT. STORAGE FACILITY - CONTINUOUS - 6 YEARS EARLIER
116 116
They storm the reception. The office is empty - Jo is on her
lunch break. Troy tries the door leading to the garage, it is
locked. So he squeezes through the receptionist window, feels
underneath the desk for the door release button. Tony yanks
on the door. The door buzzes open and the gang, Bobby in the
lead, rush into the cacophonous garage.
INT. HELLER HOME - MORNING. 6 YEARS EARLIER
117 117
Cindy presses the telephone to her ear - waiting...
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 68.
INT. GARAGE - CONTINUOUS
118 118
Dean is all alone in the garage, loading up a truck with
reams of cardboard boxes for a big job tomorrow. Bobby and
gang search through a maze of yellow trucks.
BOBBY
Hey faggot!
Dean continues his work.
BOBBY (CONT'D)
Is your name Dean?
DEAN
Who's askin'?
Bobby rushes him, throws a shoulder into his stomach. They
both flail to the floor. The two lock. Everything is quick.
Bobby sends a flurry of punches to Dean's ribs and guts. Dean
pummels the back of Bobby's head with blind overhead rights.
It becomes clear that Bobby has the upper hand. He holds
Dean's bloodied head in some kind of jiujitsu headlock.
BOBBY
Think I'm dumb? Think I'm that dumb?
Dean struggles to breathe but manages to say...
DEAN
I think you're a fucking idiot.
Bobby hits him again, harder. Harder.
BOBBY
Fucking faggot!
- Troy and Tony watch the door and egg Bobby on. - THE PHONE
RINGS OFF THE HOOK in the EMPTY OFFICE.
INT. HELLER HOME - MORNING. 6 YEARS EARLIER
119 119
Cindy's mind is taking her to bad places. She hangs up. Tells
herself that everything is all right. Paces her room... Picks
up the phone and dials again.
INT. GARAGE - CONTINUOUS - 6 YEARS EARLIER
120 120
Troy whistles sharp, warning Bobby that Jo has just arrived.
Bobby kicks Dean while he's down. Dean is beat and Bobby is
running out of breath and strength.
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 69.
120 CONTINUED: 120
BOBBY
Stay away from her!
DEAN
Never.
Bobby looks at his bloodied hands. He lacks the strength to
lift he arms. Gives one last weak kick into Dean's bloodied
face. Troy and Tony pull Bobby out. The gang leaves,
victorious yet somehow defeated. The office phone, which has
been ringing incessantly, stops.
Dean is on the floor in the fetal position. It takes him a
while, but he manages to sit up. He feels the inside of his
split lip with his tongue. He doesn't feel pain as much as he
feels tingling and ringing - all over. Jo comes in. She
freezes when she sees him.
JO
Dean... Telephone.
It takes Dean a while to get up, but he does. And it takes
him a while to get to the office where his phone call awaits.
Once there, he holds the receiver in his hand for a beat...
DEAN
Hello?
INT. CLINIC - WAITING ROOM - DAY - PRESENT DAY
121 121
Cindy wearing scrubs, picks up the ringing phone.
CINDY
Mediplex... You are going to need to come
in... We're going to need to see him... I
can't diagnose over the phone... About 20-
30 minutes... Okay? ...okay, bye...
Cindy hangs up. She holds a clipboard.
CINDY (reading) (cont'd)
Maria?
A Hispanic women, MARIA GUEVARA - robust, 50's - clutches her
purse and rises off a waiting area chair. Cindy smiles.
CINDY (CONT'D)
Right this way.
INT. CLINIC - EXAMINATION ROOM - CONTINUOUS - PRESENT DAY
122 122
Cindy opens the door and gestures to the examination table.
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 70.
122 CONTINUED: 122
CINDY
Have a seat on the table, Mrs. Guevara.
Maria has a blank look.
CINDY (CONT'D)
Do you speak English? Hablas Ingles?
Maria holds her fingers up, indicating an inch.
MARIA
Small.
CINDY
Poquito?
MARIA
Si.
CINDY
Yo tabien. De donde eres tu?
MARIA
El Salvador.
CINDY
So...Tu famalia esta aqui? Here?
MARIA
No no.
CINDY
They're in El Salvador?
MARIA
Si....Yo...sola. How you say en Ingles?
Sola?
CINDY
Uh...Sola...Alone.
MARIA
Si. Alone.
CINDY
But hopefully not lonely.
Maria hides her face with her hand and lets out a self-
pitying giggle. Cindy looks at her clipboard.
CINDY (CONT'D)
So you're feeling some pain in your left
breast. Uh...Tu dueles en tu chiche?
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 71.
122 CONTINUED: (2) 122
MARIA
Si Si.
CINDY
Well let's take a look.
Cindy hands her a paper robe.
CINDY (CONT'D)
Can you take off tu ropas and pongas...
put this on? Okay? Comprende?
Maria nods and takes the robe. Cindy turns to leave.
CINDY (CONT'D)
Lo siento mi Espanol es muy mal.
INT. CLINIC - HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS - PRESENT DAY
123 123
Cindy leaves the room and gets a drink of water from the
fountain. Dr. Feinberg approaches her from behind.
DR. FEINBERG
Busy. Haven't sat down yet. Walk with me.
Cindy's holds her clipboard to her chest. He tilts it down
with his finger.
DR. FEINBERG (cont'd)
What do you have?
CINDY
A woman in 215. Hispanic. 53. Lives
alone. Complaining of pain in her left
breast.
DR. FEINBERG
Uh huh. I'll be in in a minute. By the
way, I was thinking about you.
CINDY
Oh yeah?
DR. FEINBERG
Yeah, well I can understand how you might
not be able to relocate your whole family
up to Riverdale, with your daughter being
in school and everything. But, I was
thinking, maybe, you could get an
apartment. Work during the week, drive
down on weekends.
They arrive at a door, Room 220.
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 72.
123 CONTINUED: 123
DR. FEINBERG (cont'd)
You wouldn't have to worry about being
alone... We could hang out together. Grab
some dinners sometime.
Cindy blushes and then her brow furrows.
CINDY
I'm married.
DR. FEINBERG
It's not a proposition, I'm just trying
to help.
CINDY
I don't remember asking you for help.
He holds up his hands and leaves Cindy alone in the hallway.
She looks at the ground, turns around and walks to Room 215.
INT. CLINIC - EXAMINATION ROOM - CONTINUOUS - PRESENT DAY
124 124
Maria sits, still clothed, on the table clutching the robe.
Cindy walks into the room and looks at her.
CINDY
What's the problem, Maria? Tu sabes?
Cindy pantomimes undoing her shirt.
CINDY (CONT'D)
No comprende? Necessita take off tu
comisitas. Your shirt. Understand?
Maria nods and undoes her blouse. Cindy turns her back. Maria
sits slumped with her blouse opened. Cindy pantomimes
removing her shirt fully. Maria does so and sits with her
hand covering her face. Cindy gestures to her bra.
CINDY (CONT'D)
Por favor, Maria. Come on.
Maria unhooks her bra. A purplish cantaloupe-size abscess
grows on her left breast. Cindy's covers her mouth.
CINDY (CONT'D)
Oh my God. Jesus Christ. Maria...
Maria puts back on her blouse.
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 73.
124 CONTINUED: 124
CINDY (CONT'D)
Maria! Que eso? Why didn't you come in
sooner? Why did you wait this long?! Eso
es muy mal. Very bad.
Maria starts to cry.
CINDY (CONT'D)
How could you look at yourself in the
mirror and pretend it's not there? How
long have you been pretending?
Dr. Feinberg walks into the room.
DR. FEINBERG
Cindy. What's going on here?
Cindy points to Maria.
CINDY
Her breast. Her breast!
Dr. Feinberg takes Cindy's clipboard from her hands.
DR. FEINBERG
I can take over from here.
He talks to Maria calm and clear.
DR. FEINBERG (cont'd)
Hello Mrs. Guevara. I'm Dr. Feinberg. I'm
your DOCTOR. Let me see. It's OK.
He reaches for the trembling Maria's blouse. Maria flinches.
CINDY
It's probably been growing for years!
Dr. Feinberg turns to Cindy.
DR. FEINBERG
Out!
He turns back to Maria and places his hand on her shoulder.
DR. FEINBERG (cont'd)
It's going to be alright, Mrs. Guevara.
Cindy backs out of the room.
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 74.
EXT. CLINIC - DAY - PRESENT DAY
125 125
Dean gets out of the Aspen. The kids honk as they drive off.
Drunk and stoned, he walks to the entrance of the clinic
carrying their suitcases.
INT. CLINIC - CONTINUOUS - PRESENT DAY
126 126
Dean walks through the lobby and approaches Mimi at the
reception desk. He drops his baggage.
MIMI
(ON PHONE)
Ma'am you're going to have to bring him
in...you have to bring him in...
DEAN
Where's my wife?
She hands him an in-patient form. Dean looks at it.
DEAN (CONT'D)
I'm not sick.
Mimi cups her hand over the phone.
MIMI
You need to fill that out, sir. You can
go over there.
Mimi returns to the phone.
DEAN
There's nothing wrong with me.
Dean hands her back the clipboard.
MIMI
No, you need to fill it out, sir. Bring
it back up to me when you're done.
DEAN
Where's my wife?
Mimi lowers the phone.
MIMI
Who's your wife?
DEAN
Cynthia. Where is she?
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 75.
126 CONTINUED: 126
MIMI
Are you Dean?
DEAN
Yeah, are you deaf or are you just dumb?
She puts the phone on hold and disappears into the clinic.
Dean turns around and looks at the people in the waiting
room. He has a slight confrontation with a gang banger.
Cindy approaches from the hallway.
CINDY
Dean?
DEAN (TURNS)
Saved you a trip.
CINDY
I can see that. How'd you get here?
DEAN
I got a ride.
Mimi appears behind Cindy.
DEAN (CONT'D)
- I was going out of my mind. I didn't
know if there's an emergency. I didn't
know if Francis was hurt. Did you think
about that?
CINDY
Frankie's fine...
Dean nods. He looks over Cindy's shoulder at Mimi.
DEAN
Taking pictures?
Mimi sits down at her desk and picks up a ringing phone.
CINDY
We're not going to do this here.
Cindy crosses the counter, grabs the bags by Dean's feet.
CINDY (to Mimi) (cont'd)
Give me a few minutes.
MIMI
I'll be right here. Don't let him
brainwash you again.
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 76.
126 CONTINUED: (2) 126
CINDY
Live your life.
Cindy walks out of the clinic hefting her bags.
CINDY (CONT'D)
Help me.
Dean grabs the remaining luggage and follows, throwing back a
look to both Mimi and the Gang-banger.
EXT. CLINIC - PARKING LOT - CONTINUOUS - PRESENT DAY
127 127
Dean follows behind Cindy.
DEAN
Last night got fucked up, OK? I know it.
I know I'm lazy, I eat too much, I drink
too much, I drive you crazy with all my
jealous bullshit. I fuck up. I know I'm
clumsy. But you're not trying anymore.
Cindy hurls the bags into the back of the car. Dean helps.
DEAN (CONT'D)
Please don't make me be alone.
CINDY
Are you drunk?
DEAN
I'm OK.
CINDY
Can you drive?
DEAN
Yeah. Let's go.
CINDY
No, you go. Take the car home.
She hands him the keys.
DEAN
You don't think about anyone but
yourself. Do you?
Cindy walks back to the clinic. Dean follows close behind.
DEAN (CONT'D)
You got no time for me anymore. It all
goes to this fucking job.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 77.
127 CONTINUED: 127
You give it all to them. All these people
who don't give a shit about you. They get
the beautiful version of you. What does
your family get? Nothing. You come home
and you're empty. You think I don't
notice? You think Frankie doesn't notice?
Her mom walking around like a ghost?
CINDY
You know how many sacrifices I make every
day.
DEAN
You! What about me? I gave up everything
for you.
CINDY
I never asked you to! I can't take this
shit anymore.
Cindy enters through the electric doors.
INT. CLINIC - CONTINUOUS - PRESENT DAY
128 128
Dean follows Cindy down the hallway to the employee's lounge.
DEAN
Take what? What can't you take... The
truth? I know you can't... You never
could.
CINDY
You're right Dean, I can't take the
truth...I've had it with the truth or
whatever it is you make up along the way
and label as truth... You win. I give
up... I've been lying to you for a long
time.
DEAN
Who is it?
CINDY
It's me, Dean. I didn't want to hurt you.
But I'm not the person you fell in love
with. And you won't let me be anything
but that person. That's why I can't look
at you. Because every time I do I can't
stop thinking about how much I want you
to hate me. But you're too stupid to see
it, and too chicken shit to do anything
about it.
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 78.
128 CONTINUED: 128
DEAN
Wait a second...
He grabs her in a hug. Her arms are pressed into her side.
CINDY
I don't love you anymore... Why can't you
stop loving me?
He pulls back his fist and swings, hitting the metal locker
behind Cindy's head. He repeats the blows with thunderous
rage. Feinberg enters the room.
FEINBERG
What the hell is going on!?
Dean turns and takes a blind swing at Feinberg. One blow and
Feinberg reels against the metal lockers. He hits the ground
with a thud. His nose gushes blood. Dean paces around
Feinberg like a caged animal. He pulls down a locker with his
hand. It crashes to the floor. Cindy kneels over Feinberg.
CINDY
I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Let me see.
FEINBERG
You're done. Leave.
Dean jerks Cindy up off the floor.
DEAN
Get up.
She hits Dean with a flurry of flailing fists.
CINDY
You son of a bitch!
Punches catch him in the nose. Cindy bullies Dean backwards
with repeated shoves to the chest. He backs up down the
hallway. Mimi stands in the hallway.
MIMI
Oh my god. Call 911. I'm going to call
911.
The doors slide open and Dean backs outside.
EXT. CLINIC - CONTINUOUS - PRESENT DAY
129 129
CINDY
Give me the keys.
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 79.
129 CONTINUED: 129
She digs into his pocket and fishes them out. She marches to
the car, gets in the driver's seat, starts the car - the
radio blasts at high decibels. Dean bangs on the passenger
side window. Cindy flips the lock. Dean gets in the car.
CINDY (CONT'D)
I want a divorce!
She has emptied herself. Her whole body is numb and it feels
as if she is floating in space. Anger overcomes Dean. He hits
the dashboard with concrete fists.
DEAN
I know!
He grabs the suitcase next to him and opens the door. He
throws it through the air into a FIELD - trying rid himself
of pain, longing, and desperation. He clutches his wedding
ring, but can't yank it off of his fat finger. Finally, he
gets it off and tosses it into the field. The moment he
releases it, he wishes he hadn't.
MOMENTS LATER - Dean and Cindy search for the ring. It is
lost. Music begins to play in reverse.
INT/EXT. HOME VIDEO MONTAGE:
130 130
Various Scenes of the Periera family together...
EXT. FLOWERSHOP. AFTERNOON. 6 YEARS EARLIER.
131 131
All kinds of flowers. Colors, smells. Freshly arranged. Dean
studies them. Finds the one's he likes. And steals them.
EXT. STREET - DUSK - 6 YEARS EARLIER
132 132
We follow Dean from behind - walking down the middle of the
street. He holds the flowers. Meanwhile, we hear Cindy asking
her gramma questions about love and life. "What's it like to
be old?" - "when did men stop looking at you?" She confides
her feelings for Dean. (The responses will be real responses -
a real conversation).
INT. HELLER HOME - KITCHEN - NIGHT - 6 YEARS EARLIER
133 133
Cindy and Gramma sit at the dinner table. The sound of
boiling. Steam rises out of the pots and pans. They continue
their conversation.
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 80.
EXT./INT. HELLER HOME - NIGHT - 6 YEARS EARLIER
134 134
Dean finds the house. He straightens himself, walks to the
front door, rings the BELL, checks the smell of his hands.
Jerry, bourbon in hand, opens the door. Dean's face is purple
and swollen from the fight.
DEAN
I didn't know if it was pot luck so I
brought an eggplant.
He points at his face. Behind Jerry, Cindy peeks out from the
kitchen at the end of the hallway. It is the first time she
has seen Dean since the fight. She is shocked.
DEAN (CONT'D)
Face looks like an eggplant, don't it?
How you doing sir, I'm Dean.
Dean holds out his hand. Jerry looks Dean up and down.
CINDY
Oh God.
Cindy squeezes by her father to Dean. The expression on her
face says it all. Dean hands her the flowers, leans in and
kisses her. While he's there he whispers.
DEAN
I stole these for you.
CINDY
Are you okay?
Dean nods. She leads him down the hall. Jerry stops, turns.
JERRY (to Cindy)
Tell him to take off his shoes.
Dean removes his boots. A toe wiggles out of a holey sock. He
gathers the hole and tucks it between his big toe and his
second toe. Cindy leads him by the hand to the kitchen.
INT. HELLER HOME - DINING ROOM - CONTINUOUS - 6 YEARS EARLIER
135 135
The Heller family and Dean sit around the table. Jerry,
Glenda and Gramma bow their heads, saying grace.
ALL EXCEPT DEAN
Come lord Jesus, be our guest, and let
thy gifts to us be blessed. Amen.
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 81.
135 CONTINUED: 135
Glenda continues with a little speech about choices, and
needing to be able to make mistakes with our choices. Her
speech continues over the next images...
- They eat. Dean compliments the meal. Glenda is self
depreciating. Jerry is judgemental. Gramma wants to go home.
Cindy can't take her eyes off of Dean - she has fallen.
LATER - Cindy leads Dean upstairs to her room.
INT. CINDY'S ROOM - NIGHT - 6 YEARS EARLIER
136 136
Dean follows, obediently. Cindy closes her door behind him.
She begins gently kissing Dean's wounds. Whispers.
CINDY
Does that hurt.
DEAN
No. It feels good. Keep doing it.
She does and is interrupted by... The FAINT SOUND of her
parents fighting downstairs.
JERRY (O.S.)
...She's going to struggle the rest of
her Goddamn life with that fucking loser.
And that's okay with you. Sit there...sit
there on your fat ass don't do a goddamn
thing.
DEAN
Maybe I should go.
CINDY
Why? They'll stop soon.
DEAN
I'm going to miss my train.
CINDY
Good.
Cindy goes over to her stereo and turns on some music, low -
it is the same song that Dean and Cindy listened to in the
moon room. It drowns out some of the fighting. She approaches
him, starts unbuttoning his shirt.
CINDY (CONT'D)
Promise me one thing... you'll never let
me become an adult.
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 82.
136 CONTINUED: 136
DEAN
Okay.
She kisses him. Opens up his shirt. Reveals a severely
bruised torso. He winces a bit from the movement. She
redresses his wounds, nursing him back to health.
CINDY
That motherfucker.
She kisses his chest. Dean starts getting underneath Cindy's
clothes. He places his palm on her belly.
DEAN
I love you.
CINDY
I love you too.
DEAN
Really?
CINDY
Yeah.
From here on out, their actions increase with urgency. Each
moment that goes by makes them more and more desperate to
feel the other's skin. They are down to their underwear when
they hear a door slam downstairs.
DEAN
Are your parent's gonna walk in on us?
CINDY
They never come in here.
They make sweet love.
EXT. HELLER HOME - DAY - PRESENT DAY
137 137
The front door bursts open and Frankie, still in her leopard
costume, charges down the walkway.
FRANKIE
Daddy! Daddy! Mommy!
Cindy's car sits in the driveway. Cindy gets out, grabs her
suitcase. Jerry emerges from the house. Cindy kneels down and
hugs Frankie. She is electricity in her arms.
CINDY
Who had candy for breakfast?
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 83.
137 CONTINUED: 137
Frankie doesn't answer and squirms out of Cindy's arms. She
runs to Dean who gets out of the car like a wounded soldier.
DEAN
Hey sweetheart.
Frankie leaps into Dean's arms. Cindy walks up to the house.
CINDY
How was Frankie?
JERRY
She was good. Are you OK?
CINDY
I'm OK.
Cindy kisses her father on the cheek, closes the screen door.
DEAN (holding Frankie)
I can't play right now, okay?
He releases his wired daughter who runs circles around him.
Dean walks up to the porch. He and Jerry stand face to face.
DEAN (CONT'D)
Do you want to get out of my way.
Jerry backs away. Dean walks past him into the house.
JERRY
I don't know what happened up there. But
please Dean, come on. Don't push it. Let
it be...
Dean closes the screen door behind him and locks it. Jerry
pulls on the door.
JERRY (CONT'D)
Hey! You can't lock me out of my own
house!
Dean calls back.
DEAN
Keep an eye on Francis.
JERRY
I don't have my oxygen! Hey!
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 84.
INT. HELLER HOME - DAY - 6 YEARS EARLIER
138 138
Cindy puts on a simple yellow dress. She checks herself in
the mirror. Her hand traces the bump on her belly.
INT. HELLER HOME - KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS - PRESENT DAY
139 139
Cindy pours a glass of water. She gulps down aspirin. Dean
keeps his distance at the edge of the room.
In the backyard, Frankie makes herself dizzy by twirling.
Jerry cranes his neck to look into the window of his house.
CINDY
I'm not coming home.
Fear strikes Dean. He presses the base of his palms into his
eyes, rubbing until he sees stars.
DEAN
We're not alone here Cynthia. We have a
little girl. We need to think about her.
CINDY
I am thinking about her.
DEAN
All you're thinking about is yourself.
You. Francis is gonna grow up in a broken
home and that's OK with you.
CINDY
I can't let her grow up in a home where
her parents don't love each other.
DEAN
Don't love each other? I've only ever
loved you.
Dean approaches her from behind. Reaches out...
INT. DEAN'S FRIEND'S APARTMENT - DAY - 6 YEARS EARLIER
140 140
Dean wears his baby blue tux. He looks himself up and down in
the mirror. Takes a deep breath.
INT. HELLER HOME - KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS - PRESENT DAY
141 141
Cindy flinches from Dean's touch. A look of terror in her
eyes. Dean hushes her. He leads her to a chair and sits her
down. He kneels by her side and repeats her name.
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 85.
141 CONTINUED: 141
DEAN
...Cynthia...Cynthia...
He holds her hands and gropes her arms, legs, shoulders
whatever she will let him touch. Cindy has tears in her eyes
but she is focused. There is nothing to say.
INT. MUNICIPAL COURTHOUSE - DAY - 6 YEARS EARLIER
142 142
Dean takes a quarter, places it in a gumball machine, turns
the crank. A plastic box rolls out. He takes it, shakes it -
inside is a plastic ring. She takes a quarter and follows
suit, buying another plastic ring.
INT. HELLER HOME - VARIOUS - CONTINUOUS - PRESENT DAY
143 143
In THE KITCHEN, Frankie climbs in through the old dog door.
She sees her father kneeling on the floor at her mother's
feet. Perplexed, she pulls at her bottom lip with her finger.
Cindy releases herself from Dean's grip and goes to her
suitcase. She carries it up the stairs.
A144 INT. MUNICIPAL BUILDING - DAY. 6 YEARS EARLIER. A144
Dean and Cindy wait together in a room filled with other
people about to get married. They observe these other people
and create fictional narratives about them and their lives
for each other.
INT. CINDY'S ROOM- CONTINUOUS,
144 144
Cindy opens the door and sets her suitcase on the dusty bed.
The room is just like it used to be.
BACK INT THE KITCHEN- CONTINUOUS
145 145
Dean is defeated. He sits back against the cupboards and
hangs his head down low between his knees. Frankie touches
his shoulders. She gives him a massage.
FRANKIE
I want to stay at Grampa's house next
time for fifty nights.
Dean looks up. He has tears in his eyes. Frankie touches one
as it streams down his face.
FRANKIE (CONT'D)
Why you crying?
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 85A.
145 CONTINUED: 145
Dean can't answer. Frankie slides a chair over to the sink.
She steps up and fills the glass with water. Balancing it
still, she brings it to Dean. She takes a sip and hands the
glass to him. He drinks.
DEAN
Thank you...
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 86.
145 CONTINUED: (2) 145
Cindy comes down the stairs.
DEAN (CONT'D)
Daddy's gonna go now, OK.
Dean stands and picks up Frankie. He walks to Cindy and hands
her over.
INT. MUNICIPAL COURTHOUSE - DAY - 6 YEARS EARLIER
146 146
Cindy and Dean stare into each other's eyes. The JUSTICE OF
THE PEACE reads them their vows.
EXT. HELLER HOME - LATE AFTERNOON - PRESENT DAY
147 147
Frankie tries to squirm out of her mother's arms.
FRANKIE
Daddy!
Dean walks out the front door where he passes Jerry who
stands on the porch. He moves across the lawn to the
sidewalk. Vermillion light falls in the sky.
Cindy sets Frankie down and she runs out the door. Jerry
catches the little girl by the arm and holds her tight.
Dean walks toward the horizon.
FRANKIE (SCREAMS) (cont'd)
Daddy!
Dean stops and turns. Cindy walks to the porch.
CINDY
Let her go, Dad.
Jerry releases her and Frankie runs fast to Dean. She jumps
at him to go into his arms. He doesn't pick her up. From the
porch Cindy and Jerry watch Dean as he points to them.
Frankie doesn't move. Dean yells for her to go back. Frankie
heads back to her mother, confused. Cindy kneels down and
takes her in her arms.
Families light fireworks off in the middle of the streets.
EXT. HELLER HOME STREET- CONTINUOUS
DEAN continues down the street that connects with other
streets, all lined with pretty houses.
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 86A.
The houses form neighborhoods that join with other
neighborhoods forming towns. Beyond the towns, hills stretch
far into to the horizon. Fireworks explode against dark blue
on blue.
(CONTINUED)
Blue Valentine Official Green Script as of 6/9/09 87.
148 CONTINUED: (2) 148
INT. MUNICIPAL COURTHOUSE - DAY - 6 YEARS EARLIER
149 149
Dean and Cindy consecrate their vows. The ceremony lasts all
of 45 seconds.
JUSTICE
... you may now kiss the bride.
Dean and Cindy kiss. We hold on the kiss for as long as it
takes. They stop kissing and look at each other in the eyes.
Then, they start to hug. And hug... and hug...
The title BLUE VALENTINE superimposes on top of the image.
Credits start to scroll over...
A SERIES OF PORTRAITS/DOCUMENTS OF MARRIAGES. REAL PEOPLE
150 150
REALLY GETTING MARRIED. WE PLAY WITNESS TO THEM ALL.
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