open_flame | Liz Sherman’s Appearances in the Hellboy Script

Liz Sherman’s Appearances in the Hellboy Script

Scene Four

(Here is the fourth in a series of cuts from the Hellboy script. These are to serve as a reference for me and for anyone interested in how Del Toro originally wrote Liz. Again, Movie!Liz and Comic!Liz vary greatly, so I used personal digression to make up her unique character traits.

This scene was cut entirely from the movie when it was in theaters. Selma Blair said in the cast commentary that Del Toro was unhappy with how "happy" Liz was so quickly after the explosion at Bellemie. I, however find this to be another classic example of how emotionally volatile Liz truly is. One seemingly tiny thing, such as taking a few snapshots with her camera, can take her from depressed to smiling in the blink of an eye. There are also snippits of her defiance and her stubbornness in this scene, evident by her refusal to come back in the cab after Myers expresses his concern. To quote my girl, I like that. The scene ended up even longer in the Director's Cut, with more conversation between Liz and Myers, showing how Liz became very self aware and embarrassed when complimented for something she really is quite good at. She's never been good with taking compliments, as those who've played with her know. That is a shame, because she kicks so much ass. :D )

SMASH CUT TO: INT. TAXI CAB (MOVING) / EXT. BPRD ADJACENT AVENUE - DAY

An ethnic pop song blasts from the taxi radio. Liz pokes her head out of the window and shoots a Polaroid snapshot. She passes it to Myers.

LIZ: It feels good to be outside!! It's been so long...

He can't hear her over the music. Myers knocks on the bulletproof acrylic divider.

MYERS: Hey!! The music!! Turn down the music!!
DRIVER: Yeah, yeah, music!!

He merely changes the radio station; the music stays at the same volume. Myers looks back at Liz. She is halfway out the window, sitting on the door.

MYERS: Jesus! That's not -- That's not safe, Miss Sherman -- Miss Sherman?

She takes another Polaroid and passes it down to him. Myers looks at the Polaroid, then smiles. He climbs out of the other window, hands her the photograph.

MYERS: Nice view --

He waves at her. For the first time, she smiles.

MYERS: A smile, huh? That's good.

She takes his picture. With the cold morning wind blowing Liz's hair and the sun on her face, she looks beautiful.

LIZ: Don't get used to it.

Myers taps his fingers on the roof, to the beat of the music. He can't take his eyes off her. They drive towards the BPRD.