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"We're outlaws but we're humane"
SET PIECE #10: The Finger-cutting
This script extract from THE YAKUZA, written and produced by Paul Schrader, involves the fillm's two main characters-Harry Kilmer (Robert Mitchum), a Southern California private detective transported to Tokyo to prevent a murder, and Tanaka Ken (Ken Takakura), an honorable businessman drawn back into the yakuza underworld to help his old American friend-adversary-and one of the striking set pieces of yakuza-eiaa: the finger-cutting.
Interior Ken's House-Night
Tanaka Ken comes to the door. He is surprised to see Harry. He is wearing blue jeans and an informal shirt. His left little finger is professionally bandaged [to hide the results of an earlier demonstration of Set Piece #10].
KEN. Harry, what's the matter?
KILMER. Chotto hanashitain degozansu.
(SUBTITLE: / wish to speak with you a moment.)
KEN. Of course.
Ken gestures for Kilmerto come into the "Foreigner Greeting Room." Harry shakes his head.
KILMER. lie, seishiki no. (SUBTITLE: No. Formally.)
Ken understands.
KEN. Just a moment. I'll put on my kimono.
Ken walks into another room. Kilmer removes his shoes and walks toward the tatami room.
CUT TO:
Interior Tanaka Ken's Tatami Room-Night
Kilmer walks into the tatami room and sits down. On the table is a small glass and a pint of Johnny Walker Black-Ken has been drinking alone. While Ken is out of the room, Harry pulls a small white silk square out of his kimono and places it on the black lacquered table. He rests his outstretched little finger on the silk square. Harry unsheathes his short katana, places its tip next to his finger, and prepares to cut down. Kilmer winces and bites his lips. In the tradition of yakuza-eiga, we do not see the actual amputation. But it appears from Kilmer's face that he has only partially cut through his finger. Bolstering his courage, Kilmer tightens his face and finishes the job. His face is blitzed with pain. He almost faints but manages to retain his balance. Kilmer pulls a white cotton handkerchief from his kimono and wraps his bleeding hand. He covers the severed finger with the four corners of the silk square. Ken, dressed in formal blue kimono, enters the room and is shocked to see what Harry has...