IN BLACK, A ROAR.

A THOUSAND FERRARI HORSES WAKE AND SCREAM. A SLIT OF LIGHT WIDENS. SKY, GRASS, SHAPES MOVING FAST.

GLOVES ON CURVE OF WHEEL, SLICE OF WINDSCREEN, RED BONNET SLOPES AWAY. MOVING TOWARD THE LIGHT, ENGINE BLIPPING,

VOICES COME TO US; A MELANGE OF CONFUSION. THEN THEY ARE DROWNED IN THE ROAR.

WE ARE OUT AND FREE AND ACCELERATING AWAY.

SPEED

THE REVS, SHIFT. FOOT TO THE FLOOR, THROUGH THE GEARS, TURNING IN TOWARD STREAMS OF COLORS WHIZZING THROUGH COUNTRYSIDE. THE VOICES AGAIN,

GILLES (V.O.)

Ignore them!

DOWNSHIFT THROUGH THE TURN. THEY ARE LOST IN THE ROAR.

THEN OUT, FOUR-WHEEL DRIFT, WHEEL CRANKED, THE BANK COMING UP.

GILLES (V.O.)

Catch it, on the edge.

THE CAR

KISSES THE EDGE. BLASTS AWAY. SPEED.

GILLES (V.O.)

Faster, faster.

FERRARI (V.O.)

In tune. As one; The car an extention of will. Faster.

THE VOICES AGAIN.

HIS POV - ZOLDER AT 210 MILES PER HOUR

Other images, barely percieved, maybe only memory...they whiz past...blinding us with emotion...

JODY (V.O.)

The Doubts, put them behind, Concentrate!

POV - THE TRACK - AT 200 MILES PER HOUR - THE SHRIEK

ROAR, RATTLING VIBRATION. COMING UP FAST, A CAR, BLOCKING, SLIP INSIDE, DOWNSHIFT, THE CURVE, CUT INSIDE THE CORNER, THEN OUT, AWAY, FASTER, FASTER. VOICES again, the images...

GASTON (V.O.)

Responsibilities...

GILLES (V.O.)

Damn them! Just let me race!

JOANN (V.O.)

The kids.

GILLES (V.O.)

The kids are fine. I love the kids...

Other drivers...good times...

HUNT (V.O.)

Friends...

GILLES (V.O.)

I have no friends. Just dead ones.

CRASHES

Flaming car parts, tumbling past. Dead drivers...Ronnie Peterson, Cevert...Nikki Lauda's crash.

GILLES (V.O.)

Dead ones.

JODY (V.O.)

You can't race with anger.

GILLES (V.O.)

The woman!

COURTNEY - THE WOMAN

AIR FRANCE - FIRST CLASS

GILLES (V.O.)

Formula One...

COURTNEY (V.O.)

Oh? What are you, a chemist?

A ROAR.

NIKKI LAUDA (V.O.) (V.O.)

...the craziest devil in Formula One.

THE ROAR EXPLODES INTO 200 DECIBEL CACAPHONY!

SEEM TO BE IN A TUNNEL

It's the Monaco tunnel... a pinpoint of light grows at 200 MILES PER HOUR into the bright, gleaming yacht harbor, with Prince Ranier's palace glittering on the hill.

THE ENGINE ROAR IS NOW A CROWD

Hanging from the balconies, hanging from the towers, the spires of exotic yachts...your name...they scream...VILLENEUVE! VILLENEUVE! VILLENEUVE! VILLENEUVE!

NELSON PIQUET (V.O.)

He's somewhat crazy, but surely a phenomenon. He's does things nobody else can.

THE WALLS OF MARANELLO

Red banners stream down both sides of the wall. The wall is made up of crowds of fanatical Tifosi...the impassioned Ferrari fans. And banners:.. Gilles Forever!!!

JODY (V.O.)

You're famous. A legend. It comes with a cost.

PIRONI (V.O.)

This one...Helga. She likes you.

Gilles Villeneuve buttons, banners, models of his number 27 car, helmet, books on his career.

JODY (V.O.)

They're using you. They're using your name.

ZOLDERS - THE CHICANE

GILLES (V.O.)

Courtney...Demands..

COURTNEY (V.O.)

I want nothing from you. Just you.

GILLES (V.O.)

Concentrate. Must CONCENTRATE!

JODY (V.O.)

You can't go out there thinking of other things.

GILLES (V.O.)

There is nothing else. There is only winning and losing.

JODY (V.O.)

Life is more than winning points.

GILLES (V.O.)

World Champion...

FERRARI (V.O.)

The Team.

GILLES (V.O.)

Fuck the team!

FERRARI (V.O.)

...so fond of Villeneuve... he's one of my family.

GILLES (V.O.)

Commandatore... Why did he abandon me?

PIRONI

GILLES (V.O.)

Stole the Race!

JOANN (V.O.)

I don't trust him!

NIGEL (V.O.)

Do you feel betrayed?

CLOSE ON GILLES

Trees streaming past in reflection on the visor of his helmet. Then reflections of other races...Jarama, the dead spectators, Imola...Monaco.

GILLES (V.O.)

Betrayed, yes. Of course! Maudit!
Concentrate! CONCENTRATE... The engine...

CLOSE ON - THE ENGINE - HIGH PITCHED SCREAM...

ON GILLES

GILLES (V.O.)

The tires...

CLOSE ON - THE TIRES

A WHINE at the edge of adhesion.

GILLES' POV - THE BIANCHIBOCHT -FAST LEFT HAIRPIN TURN

DOWNSHIFT!

GILLES (V.O.)

Fast left. Set up!

DOWNSHIFT! WHANG.WHANG.WHANG...downshift.

CHEEVER (V.O.)

...was always risking more than any other driver. That's how he made his career.

HIS POV - ON THE CORNER, COMING AROUND THE TURN

A CAR. BLOCKING!

GILLES (V.O.)

Blocking. Move it... move!

JODY (V.O.)

always wanting to prove himself, every lap. I never knew him to take it easy. It was always the maximum.

GILLES (V.O.)

THE VOICES, DAMN THEM. CONCENTRATE. CAR AHEAD. SHOOT LEFT!

THE WHITE CAR SUDDENLY SLIDES LEFT.

GILLES (V.O.)

NO!

KEKE ROSBERG (V.O.)

...abnormally brave. To race against, the hardest bastard I ever knew,

but absolutely fair. a giant of a driver.

He SWINGS IN. He's BLOCKING.

GILLES (V.O.)

COME ON! MOVE OVER!

LEFT, RIGHT, LEFT RIGHT.

GILLES

THERE, RIGHT!

JUST ROOM ENOUGH.

GILLES (V.O.)

SLIP RIGHT.

SHIFT ROAR.

JOANN (V.O.)

"Maybe," I thought..."he's crazy..."

GILLES (V.O.)

THE VOICES, DAMN THEM! WHAT?!

THE FRONT CAR DRIFTS OVER, GAP CLOSING,

GILLES (V.O.)

BRAKE? NO, NEVER!

SWING RIGHT, CAR COMING UP FAST,

GILLES (V.O.)

NO!

NO ROOM! PINCHED! REAR TIRE ZOOMING UP. HIT.

GILLES (V.O.)

Maudit!

UP. THEN SKY, ROLLING OVER.

THE WORLD SPINNING INTO THE PAST

GILLES (V.O.)

...fantastique...bonne...

AT LAST. ALL THINGS BEHIND...

SOUNDS OF A SCREAMING CRASH... WHANG

THE SKY A FENCE. PARTS FLY BY...INTO WHITE CLOUDS

SCREAMS SUBSIDE....A RUSHING, A FLUTTERING OF WINGS.

THEN...

BLACKNESS

Prince

of

Destruction

The Life of Gilles Villeneuve

By

Charles Proser

BERTHIEVILLE, QUEBEC, 15 YEARS EARLIER -1967

Aerial above a Pontiac roaring too fast, radio blaring.

INT. PONTIAC GRAND AM

A young Gilles blasts down the highway, singing to the music. He's in his element...speed. 108 miles

per hour, flat out. A curve, too soon, too fast. The cars skids, spins, clips a pole and wraps around a second.

GILLES

Maudit! (MOOS-ZI!)

He staggers out and looks at the steaming wreckage.

EXT. GILLES'S HOME

Police arrive at a very modest lower middle class existance.

INT. PARLOR

Gilles' father JEAN, greets them grumpily.

POLICE

You own a Pontiac Grand Prix?

JEAN

It was stolen!

POLICE

And wrecked it, I'm afraid..

Shows him a picture of the car impaled on a pole.

JEAN

My new car?!

He glances at Gilles. Gilles is uncomfortable. Jean gets it.

JEAN

You will make a report.

POLICE

We have.

JEAN

I will call the insurance. Thank you. What else is there.

The cop looks at Gilles suspiciously, but says nothing.

POLICE

Good day.

He ushers the police out.

GILLES

Father...

JEAN

Don't! I don't want to know.

GILLES

I...smashed the car.

His father looks stern. Gilles is shaken.

JEAN

Well, don't tell anyone. They'll cancel the insurance.

GILLES

I'm sorry father.

JEAN

Do you know what you did?

GILLES

I drifted too far on the corner, I caught a lip.

His father is very stern.

JEAN

You took the car without permission.

GILLES

Yes.

JEAN

And you destroyed it.

GILLES

Yes.

JEAN

You've learned your lesson.

GILLES

Yes.

JEAN

Just don't do it again.

He looks at Gilles. Gilles says nothing.

EXT. COUNTRY ROADS - TRAVELING - FAST

An MGA duels with a Porsche on back roads. Come around a turn.

GILLE'S POV

Cows block the roadway, both shoulders, both ditches.

INT. MGA

Gilles cranks the wheel.

GILLES

Maudit!

EXT. ROAD

The MGA flips.

INT. MGA - GILLES

Upside down, wheels spinning, he's still trying to steer it, to affect direction by throwing his weight around the cockpit.

EXT. ROAD - THE MGA

UPSIDE DOWN, slides down the ditch, slams into a bank and rocks, enveloped in steam.

INT. MGA

Gilles hangs from belts upside down.

GILLES

Maudit!

He bleeds.

EXT. RURAL QUEBEC - SMALL TOWN AT A CROSSROADS - WEEKS LATER

A dog sleeps in the square. He wakes, ears perk. He gets up, slinks off. Townsfolk notice, listen... A distant WHINE grows into an approaching roar.

Villagers put down their papers, lean forward in their rockers.

A kid working on a car puts down his tools, moves to the street, wiping his hands on a rag.

Young girls stop playing jumprope, listen...turn toward the
growing roar.

THEIR POV

A Skoda whips through, clears a hairpin on two wheels and is gone in a cloud of dust.

KID

Gilles!

Townsfolk cheer.

OLD MAN

Gilles encore!

YOUNG GIRL

Bon chance Gilles!

The car is long gone...only settling dust and the ECHOING roar of the motor fading...

An old biddie shakes her head. The young folks cheer.

DISCO - JOLIETTE, A SMALL TOWN IN QUEBEC - NIGHT

INT. DISCO

Joann, a small-town beauty talks to a friend, Rose.

JOANN

I don't know, he's very quiet. And he's too short.

She looks at Gilles.

ANGLE - GILLES

He's slight, boyish, nervous and out of place. A boy speaks to Gilles, indicating Joann.

CHRISTIAN

I told you!

GILLES

She's very pretty. But... I don't think she likes me.

CHRISTIAN

Sure she does. Look how she's looking. Ask her to dance. Go on, what are you afraid of?

GILLES

(not so sure)

Nothing.

Christian pushes him into the room. He moves slowly, awkwardly.

HIS POV - JOANN

Angelic, vulnerable, provincial. She smiles encouragement.

JOANN

He looks like a boy.

ROSE

Looks can be deceiving.

JOANN

So can men.

ROSE

You're looking for your father. You're primed.

JOANN

Primed? For what?

ROSE

The usual solution. Marriage.

JOANN

Don't be rediculous. Never!

She looks at Gilles, critically.

NIGHT HIGHWAY - A FAST MUSTANG

INT. MUSTANG

Gilles drives like a maniac. Joann's terrified. She sneaks a glance at Gilles. Behind the wheel, he's in control, confident. She screams over the howling engine.

JOANN

So, what are you interested in, besides cars...?

He looks over, confused.

GILLES

Nothing.

A turn. He takes it at frightful speed. She opens her eyes, looks at him. He looks ahead calmly.

EXT. STREET

Joann and Rose.

JOANN

It wasn't to impress me. It's just the way he drives.

(stops, turns to her)

I think...maybe...he's crazy.

EXT. JOANN'S HOUSE - NIGHT

He screeches up.

INT. MUSTANG

He sits quietly, engine idling, now shy again.

JOANN

You're really good at this...

GILLES

Yeah. I can drive fast.

She kisses him, runs into the house.

QUEBEC ROAD - ANOTHER DAY

They pull up, he gets out, she follows.

JOANN

What is it?

GILLES

Get in the trunk.

She stands there for a beat, resistant.

GILLES

Quickly.

JOANN

Why?

GILLES

Don't you trust me?

She hesitates, then gets in. He kisses her, slams the lid.

INT. TRUNK - BLACKNESS

Just a thin shaft of light. Then a terrifying ROAR as he starts and GUNS the engine. She's terrified.

EXT. MUSTANG

he floors it, pops the clutch and peels out.

INT TRUNK

She's banged around. Things stop. Silence! WHANG! the trunk FLIES OPEN. She's impaled in brilliant light.

ANGLE JOANN

She blinks in the floodlit night.

HER POV

She sees bleachers. HEARS A DISTANT ROAR...COMING CLOSER.

EXT. TRACK

They are at a track. A race roars. She gets out.

JOANN

Gilles. What?!!!

GILLES

Shhsh. I only had money for one.

JOANN

What am I supposed to do now?

GILLES

Attends-moi, ce ne sera pas long...

JOANN

What?!

He kisses her.

GILLES

Wait for me. I won't be long.

He takes her by the hand and leads her into the infield, to a small bleacher filled with girlfriends and crew.

EXT. MUSTANG

He hops in, belts up, cranks up. turns onto the track.

The flag comes down. They are off.

ON JOANN

Shocked beyond belief. He mouth hangs open.

She looks around at the other girlfriends, screaming and yelling for their men. At the crew, jumping up and down, shouting driving tips and encouragement as the racers come around the turn at 90 miles and hour and 100 decibels.

After a turn or two, Joann finds herself screaming for her man.

EXT. THE TRACK - THE RACE - STOCK - NIGHT

Gilles wins. The crowd roars. It surges toward the cars... She is carried along. She's excited. He's elated. Pretty girls rush his car. Joann's lost in the crowd.

GILLES

He climbs out. He's hugged and slapped on the shoulder. He is pummeled and from a blonde or two...kissed. He looks around then finds...Joann. He moves throught the crowd with a lopsided grinr. He comes up, about to say something.

Joann rushes forward, kisses him fiercely. He kisses back. The crowd takes note. Blondes mumble, look at each other.

THE KISS

Goes on... They swirl, dizzy. They fall back into the car. The horn blares. The crowd cheers.

EXT. DIRT TRACK RACES - MONTAGE

Joann is also drawn to his small-town notoriety. The outlaw edge of someone who drives dangerously fast. As the girlfriend of Gilles, she shares this celebrity.

EXT. QUEBEC COUNTRYSIDEN

Rolling hills, brilliant fall leaves, small towns.

EXT. BERTIEVILLE PROVINCIAL CATHEDRAL

A MUSTANG

Horn blaring, screams into the square. Gilles gets out, opens the door. Joann's in a bridal gown. Rose comes up.

ROSE

Are you sure?

She struggles out of the car, moves toward the church. Gilles comes around the car in an ill-fitting and out-of- style suit. Joanne looks at him. He looks small and lost.

JOANN

I don't know.

He smiles, nervously hands her a bouquet. Aside to Rose:

JOANN

But I need a father for Jacques.

She pats her stomach. They walk up the stairs toward small crowd of relatives in their baptismal best. Gilles follows looking proud and overwhelmed.

INT. CATHEDRAL

Cold light shafts on the martyrs. It's intimidating.

CHRISTIAN

How do you feel?

GILLES

Terrified

CHRISTIAN

Don't worry, it's just that it's a new concept for you.

GILLES

What?

CHRISTIAN

Responsibility.

GILLES

I don't know what to do?

CHRISTIAN

When he asks, just say "I do."

GILLES

No, not about that.

CHRISTIAN

Yeah, that's the easy part.

GILLES

I know to race, but I don't know how to get a job.

CHRISTIAN

Don't worry, It'll come to you. She'll see to that.

He looks over at Joann. She smiles nervously, along with her whole family. She hides her baby bulge with her coat.

GILLES

How can I be responsible for a family?

His father steps up.

JEAN

Simple. You have no choice. You're Catholic, she's Catholic. That's all she wrote.

His wife favors him with a glare.

JEAN

Get a girl pregnant, you marry her, that's the law.

MOTHER

Look! How beautiful she is!

FATHER

Yeah. You coulda done worse.

He takes Joann's hand.

CLOSE ON - HER HAND

EXT. CATHEDRAL - DAY

Her hand. It still tightly clings to his but now it's in the Mustang. The crowd outside the church cheers, throws rice.

INT. MUSTANG

She turns to him.

JOANN

What now?

GILLES

Just hang on.

He roars away, showering the crowd with pebbles.

EXT. OUTSIDE BERTHIERVILLE - QUIET ROAD, MOMENTS LATER.

No longer quiet. A Mustang streaming tin cans, ROARS by.

INT. MUSTANG - GILLES AND JOANN

JOANN

So, how long you think we'll stay married.

HIS POV - JOANN

She fights fiercely with her bridal veil, sits, wide-eyed and defiant, trying not to let it get sucked out the window by the hundred mile an hour blast...

ON GILLES

GILLES

Maybe...forever!

She smiles and seems to relax for the first time.

JOANN

So, what's your hurry?

GILLES

No hurry.

JOANN

Then, maybe this one time, you could slow down.

GILLES

What do you mean?

She sees he hasn't a clue. This is just the way he is.

JOANN

Nothing. Never mind.

EXT. COUNTRY ROADS

The MUSTANG roars off to the honeymoon at 105 miles an hour.

SPEED - A WHITE HURRICANE

A loud blatting roar. A blizzard of snow blasts the face.

EXT. QUEBEC - WINTER DAY - SKIMOBILE RACING - NORTH AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIP

Sideways sliding on ice. Crystals smash into his face, obscuring vision. Roostertails of snow whip in his wake.

GILLES

He leans into a powerslide, comes up too fast, clips a slower machine and departs into flight, spinning onto the ice at ninety miles an hour, whirling through the pack.

SCATTERING SNOWMOBILES

swerve to avoid him.

GILLES - ACROBATIC

He tucks to spin from the roaring track, extends to slow his spin. Digging, looking, planning, thinking at 90 miles an hour. He skitters across ice, smashes into a hay bale,

GILLES POV -THE SKY ABOVE

Swirling snow...dark figures...A face...Joann.

GILLES

looks up... smiles.

JOANN

Her face is a mask of horror.

INT GILLES' TRAILER - LATER THAT NIGHT

Gilles wolfs down steak, frites. Joann looks curious.

JOANN

Gilles...

GILLES

Huh,

JOANN

What were you thinking of...?

GILLES

Oh, nothing. More potatoes?

She just stares. He looks up. She's not satisfied. He shovels in more food.

GILLES

I was thinking how to control the spin, to miss the machines, how to hit.

JOANN

Weren't you afraid?

GILLES

No time for that. I just wanted to hit right, so I wouldn't be hurt, so I could race again.

JOANN

That's all?

GILLES

At the end...just before, when I had done all I could, there was a moment...serene... a release. Everything was... fantastique!...bonne!

EXT. ALBERTA - A RACE

She leans into his cockpit, terrified.

JOANN

Gilles, are you worried?

GILLES

About what?

JOANN

You know. What can happen.

He looks at her. He really doesn't understand.

GILLES

Don't worry?

JOANN

What else can I do?

GILLES

Just... wait for me, I won't be long.

A growing ROAR. She hops out of the way. They are off.

UNDERNEATH A HOUSE TRAILER - NIGHT

Joann crawls in wet mud, thawing frozen pipes with a blowtorch.

JOANN

Wait my ass!

A big glop of frozen slush drops on her face.

JOANN

Maudit!

INT. TRAILER

She enters and quiets two bawling kids, Jacques and Melanie. Gilles is at the table oblivious. He's holds up a drawing.

GILLES

What do you think!

JOANN

It's cold. We're out of propane again.

(a beat. He's not really listening. What's the use!)

What's that?

GILLES

New suspension. Just designed it. What do you think?

JOANN

Kids are hungry. Can you sell it for some food?

He looks up, no idea what she's talking about. He looks at the kids. They are shivering, wrapped in blankets. Joanne, gets up, walks to the bedroom compartment, slams the door.

GILLES

He's shocked. He's so involved he hasn't noticed.

INT. BEDROOM

She's on the bed, crying. He enters.

GILLES

I love the kids. Am I being fair? I thought...They're here with us...what else do they need?

JOANN

You didn't think. You don't.

GILLES

I'll quit, get a real job. We should have a home.

JOANN

Thing is...you don't believe that.

GILLES

Sure...sure I do.

JOANN

What job?

GILLES

I don't know...maybe... mechanic?

JOANN

And a home where, back in Berthieville?

GILLES

Yah...sure..

JOANN

What would you do?

GILLES

Whatever it took.

JOANN

You'd be just another small town failure who used to drive fast.

GILLES

There'd be food. And heat.

JOANN

No. It won't work.

Gilles nods.

GILLES

There's only one way to go...

JOANN

Fast.

SNOWMOBILE - FINISH LINE

Gilles crosses first, the crowd roars. Joann hugs the kids.

JOANN

North American Champion!!!

Gilles comes up with a trophy, a check. Joann looks at it.

JOANN

Is that all there is?

Gilles looks at it...disbelief.

GILLES

You're right, there's no

money in this.

She's relieved.

GILLES

I've got to get a Formula Car!

He walks away. She looks after him.

EXT. QUEBEC - THE TRAILER

Gilles revs a racing car engine.

INT. THE TRAILER

Joann and Rose have coffee.

ROSE

But you hate racing!

JOANN

It's not so bad.

ROSE

Are you kidding? Why do you encourage him?

JOANN

I can't stand to see him miserable.

MANITOBA - GIMLI RACE TRACK

Rain clouds. Gilles and Joann are covered with oil and dirt. They look at the opposition: giant transporters, mechanics in outfits, gleaming toolkits. Aloof sponsored drivers look over with pity and contempt. Joann looks at Gilles covered with grease, a rusty wrench in his hand.

GILLES

Maudit! We've got no chance.

Gilles looks up at the darkening rainclouds.

EXT. TRACK - THE RACE

Torrential downpour, visibility zero, a non- sponsored car blasts through hesitant competition. Gilles wins.

EXT. THE PITS

A competitor comes up. Gilles is still on his winning high.

DRIVER

Great race, Villeneuve! Gilles, how can you drive in this?

GILLES

What do you mean? I love the rain!

DRIVER

I mean...there's no traction!

GILLES

Sure there is... a lot more than with snowmobiles.

The mechanics pack their beautiful tools and look at this dirtball in awe.

INT. MOTORHOME - MANITOBA - DEAD OF WINTER

Joann looks at a document, aghast.

JOANN

Gilles, what have you done?

GILLES

I had to.

JOANN

You mortgaged the motorhome!

GILLES

...uhh yes. To buy the car!

JOANN

But Gilles, we don't own the motorhome!

Off Gilles...

MONTAGE - FORMULA ATLANTIC RACES

Gilles crashes or wins. He crashes and wins. Conflicting emotions play on Joann's face; terror, excitement, dread, victory, defeat. She grows to like her celebrity status around the track. She times his laps and shows off the kids to the crowds.

Gilles loves the kids. They sit in the cockpits as he works on the cars. Other times, he looks right past them, as he mentally prepares for a race.

EXT. OLD MONTREAL

Beautiful old Victorian/Edwardian architecture, narrow streets and coffeehouses.

INT. - A TRENDY OFFICE

From behind a big desk, Gaston Parent is a Quebecois Damon Runyon. Short with gut and goatee, he's a shrewd judge of character, an entrepreneur. But now...his jaw's dropped in disbelief.

GASTON

You want what?

GILLES

Twelve thousand dollars.

GASTON

For what?

GILLES

To enter a race.

GASTON

A race?

GILLES

Formula Atlantic.

GASTON

Is that a horse?

GILLES

I race cars. And snowmobiles.

GASTON

Is there money in that?

GILLES

I've won everything there is in North America.

GASTON

Don't you get money when you win?

GILLES

This is the biggest race of my life.

GASTON

Twelve thousand dollars to enter a race?

GILLES

Yeah.

GASTON

That's an extremely..bad idea.

GILLES

The formula one guys will be there. The top drivers in the world. I can beat them.

Parent studies Gilles. His eyes are tearful. Parent watches.

GILLES

The rest of Gilles' speech is lost in the ROAR OF ENGINES.

EXT. TROIS RIVIERES - QUEBEC - THE FORMULA ONE RACE

NIGEL ROEBUCK does a standup for the CBC.

NIGEL

...a street race, a place to be seen and get noticed as Formula 1 heroes race lesser known North Atlantic champs.

INT. THE PITS

Gilles looks at the F1 drivers with envy. Joann's intimidated.

JOANN

Gilles, that's James Hunt, the world champion, that's Laffite, Rene Arnoux... You sure you're ready for this?

GILLES

We're broke, I've got to be.

JOANN

You can't...

He doesn't let her finish.

GILLES

I've won everything in Atlantic.

JOANN

These guys are Formula One.

GILLES

Yeah, this is my chance.

Suddenly, a driver stands next to him. Didier Pironi, a handsome European, interrupts.

PIRONI

You're Villeneuve? I am Pironi.

No reaction. Gilles has heard of Pironi, but doesn't know what to say. Pironi's smooth, arrogant, charming.

PIRONI

They're talking about you in Europe.

GILLES

Oh, yeah?

PIRONI

Yeah...Ferrarri...

GILLES

(shrugs)

I've heard nothing.

Pironi glances at Joann. She stiffens. Pironi walks away. Gilles watches him, then turns to Joann.

JOANN

Don't take chances.

GILLES

What do you mean?

GILLES

You know.

He laughs, kisses her, whispers

GILLES

Wait for me, I won't be long.

THE PITS - QUALIFYING

A crewman looks up from his stopwatch to see Gilles shooting through the corner backwards.

CREWMAN 1

Who the hell is that?

CREWMAN 2

27, the Ford. Villnova.

INT. COCKPIT

Gilles whips the car around in a cloud of smoke, keeps right
on going.

INT. THE PITS

The crewman.

CREWMAN 1

What... the hell was that!?

CREWMAN'S POV - FROM THE PITS

The crewman looks at his watch. His jaw drops.

CREWMAN 2

I don't know, but it only cost him a second!

An engineer shakes his head and laughs.

ENGINEER

Look! He spins and knows exactly what the car is doing. Watch him!

Nigel takes notice and moves forward next to them, leaning on the pit wall.

ENGINEER

He never loses sight of where he is.

NIGEL

He's good, huh?

ENGINEER

He's the only driver I've ever seen who can do that!

EXT. THE RACE - STOCK - GILLES' CAR

In opposite lock, slides the corners, using every inch, scrapes a wall, tires smoking, sparks flying. Photographers lean over, trying to focus on the furious contest. Suddenly, a HOWL! They look up. Gilles in full lock, slides sideways toward them. They scatter, but he catches it, inches away.

VICTORY LAP

Wildly cheering spectators weep with joy. One of their own has won, the Fleur de Lis of Quebec on the car. Gilles pulls up to Gaston who grins proudly.

GILLES

Surprised?

GASTON

Not at all. I'm a great judge of character. You're a Canadian hero. Now I'm going to sell you like a can of beans.

IN THE PITS

Gilles walks past Jody Scheckter and Ronnie Peterson, two of the fastest drivers in the world. They look at him curiously. He nods and keeps walking. When they aren't looking, he sneaks a glance at his heroes. A tall Briton, James Hunt, speaks to a CBC crew. His eyes follow Gilles.

HUNT

I drove a good race. Not as good as he did. Who is he?

REPORTER

Villeneuve, our Atlantic champion.

HUNT

He's quite marvelous.

The Canadians are surprised.

REPORTER

Is he really that good?

HUNT

He must be. He beat me.

Hunt's called to the phone by a mechanic..

MECHANIC

Teddy Mayer, McLaren team.

Hunt takes the phone, holds his ear against victory noise.

HUNT

Yes, hello. Fine Weiner. Yes, Quite! Finished third... yes... say, I've just been beaten by this chap Villeneuve. Heard of him? No, well. you've got to get hold of him, he's really magic!

SILVERSTONE - BRITISH G.P. F1 RACE - A BLUR!

Trees, grass, sky, track, trees, grass sky, track, treesgrassskytrack. Howl! Trees coming up fast.

INT. COCKPIT

Gilles is in a rapid spin, working like mad. Downshift. WhaaWhaaaWhaaWhaa. Fifthfourththird secondfirst. Trees,grass,sky... slows.

He catches it, pops the clutch, swerves back, rockets away. Upshift WhaaWhaaWhaa. Firstsecondthird forthfifth. Gaining, into a curve, Rear kicks loose. Opposite lock, rear comes around. He loses it.

A BLUR! Trees, grass, sky, track, trees...

IN THE PITS

The McLaren mechanics are dismissive.

MECHANIC 1

What the hell's he doing?

MECHANIC 2

Good thing it's last year's car.

Cognoscenti shake their heads at the antics of this unknown.

COG 1

Shouldn't be here.

COG 2

Doesn't know what he's doing.

INT. PRESS AREA

Home of cynicism. Journalists argue.

FRANCO

Way over his head. Dangerous!

DIETER

He's spun nineteen times.

They look to Nigel Roebuck, a respected judge, who stares thoughtfully...

NIGEL

You notice anything?

DIETER

He's backwards a lot.

NIGEL

He spins only once at any corner.

x

Well, that's all there is.

NIGEL

He's finding his limits by exceeding them. Intelligent.

DIETER

Yeah, if he lives through the learning process.

INT. THE PADDOCK

Gilles and Joann sew sponsor patches on his suit. Journalists and crowds cluster around better known drivers. Villeneuve is unknown, but ecstatic.

NIGEL

Your first big race?

GILLES

Yeah.

NIGEL

How's it feel?

He grinns, taps his heart, his gesture for a thrill.

EXT. THE RACE - STOCK

A roaring, screeching battle.

CU - NIGEL - STAND UP

The race ROARS by in B.G.

NIGEL

Andretti and Scheckter duel with an unknown number 40 McLaren right up there with the best in the world. A new driver, Gilles Villeneuve...

EXT. THE TRACK - TRAVELING MONTAGE

Round and round.

NIGEL (V.O.)

He spins many times, but qualifies. He tests his limits, taking chances, finding the maximum speed... for himself, the track, the car.

THE STANDS

The crowd's on it's feet, searching their programs.

FAN

Who's in the 40 McLaren?

INT. COCKPIT

Gilles looks at his temperature gauge...way into the red.

GILLES

Engine's going to blow!

INT. THE PITS

Crew chief on radio.

CREW CHIEF

Come in. Now!

EXT. PITS

He pulls into the pit. The crew scramble. Gilles sits in the cockpit, gesturing frantically as the other cars whiz past.

A mechanic pops out, screams in his ear.

MECHANIC

Nothing wrong with the engine. It's the fucking gauge!

Gilles pops clutch, screams out in a cloud of smoke, laying rubber, scattering mechanics.

THE RACE

Gilles ROARS UP, rejoins the leaders and holds with the famous - a triumph in itself.

THE PRESS AREA - THE PHONES - AFTER THE RACE

In the B.G. drivers do interviews. Gilles speaks quietly to Nigel. In the F.G. an Italian journalist is on the phone.

LINI

Hello, yes, Franco Lini at Silverstone. May I speak to Commendatore Ferrari.

CLASSICAL ITALIAN VILLA

Cut stone and red tiles, gracefull arches, exquisite gardens. Horrible noise.

WIDER SHOT

The villa sits... in - THE MIDDLE OF A TEST TRACK

Red cars whiz by. Ferrari's. The twelve cylinder HOWL at 1400 rpm...shakes the olives from the trees.

INT. THE CLASSICALLY AND RICHLY APPOINTED VILLA

A door opens on a room filled with TVs monitoring the test track. A functionary, MORTARA, hands a videotape to a silver-haired figure seated before video screens.

MORTARA

Commendatore...

Without looking up, the figure accepts the tape.

FERRARI

Grazi.

EXT. MOSPORT RACEWAY - TORONTO

Gilles accepts third place trophy. Parent's in the crowd, talking to Teddy Mayer, the McLaren manager. Gaston's expression is grim. Out of the celebration, Gilles is called away. Gilles beams in the victory rush. Mayer's solemn.

MAYER

Gilles, if some team makes an offer, don't let us hold you back.

GILLES

I...I don't understand.

MAYER

I don't intend to keep your option.

Gilles is stunned. As he walks away, an aide arches a quizzical eyebrow. Mayer mumbles.

MAYER

Too many broken cars. He costs too much.

EXT. BERTHIEVILLE - DEAD OF WINTER

GILLES (V.O.)

Hello, Gaston?

INT. GENERAL STORE

Gilles is on a payphone in the corner.

GILLES

...Any news?

INT. PARENT'S OFFICE - MONTREAL

Parent sits behind his desk.

GASTON

No Gilles. Nothing. I'm sorry.

(listens for a beat.) Gilles, face reality. This is a rich man's game.

EXT. YARD

Gilles sits in his car, holding his helmet, moping. Joann comes out, hands him a Pepsi sits.

GILLES

I have one trade, racing driver.

JOANN

We'll get by...

GILLES

We're in debt. You need a more stable future. The kids...

The phone rings. Joann puts her hand on his arm, then rests her head on her hand...looks up at him, sadly.

The phone keeps ringing...finally, she gets up and goes inside to it. He can see her through the window answering.

He looks around at the bleak landscape, bare trees, grey skies, winter approaching...

INT. TRAILER

Joann's puzzled, straining to hear a faraway voice.

GILLES' POV

She slides open the window, calls to him.

JOANN

Gilles...

GILLES

What?

JOANN

Long distance,

GILLES

Who?

JOANN

I don't know. Somebody speaking English...with a foreign accent.

GILLES

What...foreign accent?

A long beat as she listens on the phone. Then she covers the mouthpiece and hollers out the window....

JOANN

I don't know, Italian, I think.

ANGLE -CAR

Gilles is out through the window and on the run.

INT. TRAILER

He bursts in, trips over the kids toys and stumbles for the table. Gilles grabs the phone.

GILLES

Hello, hello...

He looks at Joann accusingly. The phone seems to be dead. Then he hears something.

GILLES

Yes..hello? Yes, this is Gilles Villeneuve, who is it?

OPERATOR

One moment please...

He cups the phone and is about to say something to Joann when the caller comes back on.

OPERATOR

Ferrari...is calling.

Gilles' eyes widen.

MORTARA

Yes, hello, this is Ennio Mortara. I am speaking on behalf of Mr. Ferrari who has asked me to contact Gilles Villenueve in Canada.

GILLES

(beyond shock)

That's...me.

Joann's excited, jumping around. He signals her quiet.

JOANN

What is it? Who is it?

GILLES

Someone says he is calling for Ferrari. Must be a joke. How would Ferrari know how to find me?

(Then into the phone.) Yes...well, what is the message?

MORTARA

The message is in the form of a question.

GILLES

(impatient)

And...what is the question?

Gilles cups the phone again. He shrugs at the riddle. He's about to whisper the news when the caller shocks him silent.

MORTARA

...Would you be interesting in driving for Ferrari?

Hold on Gilles incredulous face.

END, ACT 1.

Charles Proser

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