Avalanche (1999) Movie Script

[FOOTSTEPS]

We expected you

yesterday, Mr. Snyder.

You kept us waiting

right down to the wire.

I like life on the wire.

SOLDIER: Yeah.

[DISTANT DOG BARKING]

[CHUCKLES]

[GUN CLICKING]

That's life on the

wire, Mr. Snyder.

[GUNSHOT]

[FIGHTING SOUNDS]

[PLANE ENGINE STARTING]

Let's go!

[TIRES SQUEALING]

Now, Duncan!

[GUNFIRE]

[TIRES SQUEALING]

[HORN HONKING]

Do you believe this scenery?

This isn't exactly

the same old views

that we see day in and day out.

[GAME SOUNDS]

Very cool!

I made level four.

Max, will put that thing

down for five minutes?

All right.

Five minutes.

See that peak?

Mt.

McKinley, the highest point on

the North American continent.

It's great, Dad.

Five minutes up yet?

I don't believe you guys.

Dad, just take it easy on

the sales pitch here, OK?

Deidre, we see

each other so rarely.

Let's just have a good time.

[WIND BLOWING]

Hope you guys brought

your long johns.

It gets cold out here at night.

It's pretty cool.

Did you think I'd

bring out to some dump

in the middle of nowhere?

Remember Mexico?

I wasn't asking you.

I asked your sister.

4 o'clock, everybody.

"X-Men" is on the tube.

- Max?

- What?

Here, make yourself useful.

[BIRDSONG]

I'm glad you made it up here.

Beautiful place.

Pretty remote,

but it grows on you.

Let me get this straight,

no TV, no VCR, no dish.

Man, don't you think

you're taking this mountain

man just a little too far?

That's right, Max, no TV,

no VCR, no satellite dish.

And if I had it my

way, no video games.

This is seriously primitive.

Look, I had to lay down

a sizable damage deposit,

so I'm asking you not to

treat it just like home.

MAX: I'll try not to trash it!

Been a great six

months for me up here.

I've really been able

to focus on the book.

No distractions?

No.

This place is the

greatest, no noise.

No people.

(READING) The causal

relationship between weapons

technology and battlefield

strategies in medieval Europe.

Wow.

Call me crazy.

I find it fascinating.

You, um, just about finished?

A couple more chapters.

But, uh, I made time in

my schedule for you guys.

[LAUGHS] Well, you never know.

You might hit the bestseller

list with this one.

You think?

Good news, Dee, we

got running water.

[LAUGHS]

[OWL HOOTING]

[VIDEO GAME SOUNDS]

Hey, how you doing?

Find.

How do you like it up here?

It's cool.

I like it.

You really let your hair grow.

Yeah.

DAD: It looks good.

Thanks.

[VIDEO GAME SOUNDS]

Goodnight, Dad.

- Goodnight.

[VIDEO GAME SOUNDS]

[OWL HOOTING]

[KNOCKING]

Busy?

Can I come in?

Uh, sure.

Looks like you're

all moved in.

Yep.

Your mom told me you did

real well on your SAT scores.

Congratulations.

Oh, well, I could've

done better on my math.

1450 gets you into Stanford.

That's what you want, right?

Yeah, right, I guess so.

[SIGHING] You know

about Mom, right?

Hm?

She's-- she's

seeing somebody new.

He's an engineer, Gordon.

Mm.

Seeing him?

Just seeing or--

Actually, he's

moving in with us.

Is he a nice guy?

You like him?

Yeah.

Yeah, I guess.

He's pretty nice, yeah.

So it's OK with you then?

Yeah.

How about you?

Yeah.

I'm OK with it.

OK.

Brought you an extra blanket.

Here you go.

DEIDRE: Thanks.

Goodnight, Dee.

Night, Dad.

[OWL HOOTING]

[AIRPLANE ENGINE]

I'm gonna take us

in over Highway 69.

There's a strip just a few

miles past the mail run.

They keep it clear

all year round.

It's not more than

four or five miles

hoofin' it from there to Denali.

Hey, Whitney?

WHITNEY: What?

Smile.

Say cheese for the camera.

Cheese, Duncan.

[CAMERA CLICKS]

[CROWS CAWING]

Something smells good.

Hey, what you doing?

What's it look like?

Hey, you sit.

Come on, honey, let me do that.

- Dad, it's fine.

Yeah, well, I know

where everything is.

Dad, it's fine, really.

Well, here let

me set the table.

It's done.

I'm fine.

Max!

[CLANGING] Vittles!

[CLANGING]

Anyway, what I was

thinkin' is we can

get us the 4:15 to Anchorage.

And we'll meet

the clients there,

and then-- well, you know?

And then adios, amigos.

Hey, Whitney.

What?

[GUNSHOT]

Mm, wake up, sleepy head.

Well, I'll tell you one thing.

You're a better cook

than your father.

Mm.

Dee, this is exceptional.

Oh I am so glad.

Yeah, I thought we'd pack a

lunch today, strap on some skis

or snowshoes, and go exploring.

What do you say?

- Sure.

Where to?

Well, anywhere you want.

Pick a direction.

It's all gorgeous.

You do realize

I'm missing "X Man?"

[LAUGHS] Max,

you're such a slug.

[LOW RUMBLING]

Well, I would say we head

up this ridge just an hour.

Spectacular view up there.

Any wildlife?

Well, lots of caribou

in the valley below.

You really seen them?

Once.

We'll keep our fingers crossed.

[RUMBLING]

[RATTLING]

[RUMBLING]

[RATTLING]

Dee, let me--

[CRASHING]

[SCREAMING]

Ugh!

[SCREAMING]

Ugh!

[SCREAMING]

[CRASHING AND RUMBLING]

[SCREAMING]

Dee!

[SCREAMING] [CRYING]

[PANTING]

DEE: [CRYING] Daddy!

Dee?

Dee, I'm coming, baby.

(SHOUTING) Max?

[WOOD FALLING]

[DEE CRYING]

Oh, my god.

Dad, what happened?

(SHOUTING) Max?

DEE: [CRYING] What happened?

I don't know.

It's like half the

mountain comes down.

Here.

- My leg's stuck!

- Hold on.

I'll get it out.

Get you some leverage here.

Wiggle it.

[GRUNTING] Are you OK?

You hurt?

DEE: No.

Max?

(SHOUTING) Max!

[CRASHING]

DEE: (HYSTERICALLY) Max!

Max.

[PANTING]

Max?

Nope, not here.

DEE: Come on, Max.

[CREAKING]

Max.

Max?

Dee.

Max, [PANTING] you hurt?

Come on, you're OK.

(SHOUTING) Max!

Look at me!

You're OK.

MAX: Dad?

You're OK, Max.

Dad's got you.

Yeah.

Yes.

Good boy.

God.

God, we're buried.

[CREAKING]

We're buried!

[CREAKING]

What are we gonna do?

OK, we're gonna be all right.

Dee, I'm gonna check upstairs.

Look, there are more

flashlights in the top kitchen

drawer to the right of

the stove, candles too.

You'll get them for me.

I'll be right back.

OK.

[CREAKING]

[GASP]

[CREAKING]

Are you guys OK?

Look, we're gonna be fine.

I think I found us

a way out of here.

We'll dig our way

out from upstairs.

First I call for some help.

[CRASH]

Dad?

Dad.

[CREAKING]

Dad?

Get-- get out of the car.

The ceiling's going.

Mayday.

Anybody?

[RADIO SILENCE]

Mayday.

All stations, this

is Brian Kemp.

There's been an avalanche.

We're buried under it.

The Mitchell cabin, five

miles west of Highway 7

off County Road 218.

[STATIC]

Mayday.

[RADIO SILENCE]

[STATIC]

[SIGH].

I'll try again later.

We're fine.

We've got food, warm

clothes, and a way out.

And we'd better get started.

Here.

Come on.

[CREAKING]

[GRUNTING]

Ah!

[POUNDING]

[PANTING]

We're gonna need to

keep this landing clear.

Dad, I can help.

There used to be a

broom up here somewhere.

See if you can find it for me.

Go ahead.

Dee, get me something to dig

with, anything you can find.

[CREAKING]

[GRUNTING]

[CRASH]

[CREAKING]

[GASP]

Oh!

Dad!

What?

What, Dee?

[WHIMPERING]

[PANTING]

Oh, my God.

Take it slow.

Easy.

[GRUNTING] Easy does it.

You got him, Dee?

you got those legs?

Easy does it.

We don't know what's broken.

[QUIET GRUNTING]

Breathe.

Max, get something

from under his head.

[BLOWING]

Damn, look, we've

got to get him warm.

Uh, loosen his clothes,

his shoes, his socks.

Get them off now!

[BLOWING]

Good.

Rub his hands.

Get his hands.

Get the circulation going.

Come on.

Come on!

OK, all right, breathe.

[GASPING BREATH]

[SCREAM]

Ah Ah.

[GASPING]

He's breathing on his own.

Get some blankets.

We'll get him warm and

get the blood circulating.

It's about all we can do

until he comes around.

Max?

[ROUGH BREATHING]

You think you'll be all

right staying with him?

[GASPING BREATHS]

All right, good.

Anything change, the

slightest thing, you call me.

What's happening, Dad?

We're passed the roofline.

Are we through?

We're getting there.

[PANTING] It's breaking up.

We'll get through

if we keep working.

It's looking good.

That's great.

There's a tree there, Dad.

We'll get around

that in a second.

Yeah, right.

Come on, Dee.

Help me out here.

Clear some of this snow away.

[GRUNT] We're making progress.

[GRUNT]

Ah!

[LABORED BREATHING]

[INDISTINCT GRUNT]

[GASPING GROAN]

[LABORED BREATHING]

[GRUNTING]

Dad!

What are you

doing up here, Max?

Look what I found.

What is it?

It's a Purple Heart.

The guy's a war hero, right?

Max, please, put this

back where you found it.

It's none of our business.

And stay with him

like I asked you to.

OK.

I'm going.

[GRUNTING] Dee, get me

some rope and something

to haul this snow out of here.

We'll get a better

system going, OK?

OK.

[GRUNTING]

[CREAKING]

[SCREAMING]

It's OK.

[CRYING]

Dee, we can't

afford to panic here.

We've got to stay positive.

What, so we can

pretend that we're

not buried alive in this place?

God.

Oh, God, look at us.

Dee, I don't know if there's

a foot of snow between us

and the outside or 100 feet.

I don't know.

But I got to believe

we're getting out of here.

And, you got to believe it.

I need you to pull together.

I need you to be strong--

for Max and for me.

[WHISPERING] OK.

OK.

I'm sorry, Dad.

[CREAKING]

I guess you can kiss your

damage deposit goodbye now, huh?

[LAUGHS]

I thought that we could, uh,

tie a rope to the handle,

and we could haul the

snow out that way.

Good.

This is gonna work.

[VIDEO GAME SOUNDS]

[GROANING]

[VIDEO GAME SOUNDS]

[GROANING]

[VIDEO GAME SOUNDS]

[LOUD GASPING]

Dad!

He's up!

Thanks, Max.

Look, it's OK.

It's OK.

You're all right.

Help me.

Dee, get more blankets.

Max-- Max, get

some of my clothes.

Go.

- Where am I?

Where am I?

It's OK.

Where am I?

My house.

You're fine.

You're lucky to be alive.

Dad.

Here give me those.

[GRUNTING]

Here let me help

you with that.

No, it's OK.

It's OK.

Where are my clothes?

Your clothes are drying.

I, uh--

I had a pack.

Did you-- did you find a pack?

Sorry, no.

All we found was you.

You were wearing a parachute.

Max, he needs to rest.

No, that's OK.

He's OK.

You remember anything?

I was, uh--

I-I was flying to

Denali, and, uh,

the starboard engine went

out, and, uh, the hydraulics

went so I just---

I bailed out.

- Anybody with you?

- No.

No.

Thank God.

No.

Dee, see if you can find him

something to eat, anything.

I got you some dry clothes.

Thanks.

Thanks, son.

Thanks.

Here, chocolate.

Thank you.

Well, I-- I guess I owe you

all a pretty big thank you.

My name's Duncan, Duncan Snyder.

Brian Kemp.

Deidre.

Max.

Hi.

What-- what happened?

We were hit by an

avalanche, we found you buried

right outside that window.

Anybody know we're

trapped down here?

No.

Radio's dead.

We're digging our way

out from upstairs.

Oh, that's smart.

That's, uh-- that's very smart.

I tell you what, I--

I, uh-- I'll get

these clothes on, huh?

And then-- then

maybe I can help.

I could sure use an

extra pair of hands.

OK.

Oh!

- Oh.

- [GRUNTING]

Watch it.

Easy.

[GRUNTING] Oh, this leg.

This leg's not right.

[PANTING]

Yeah, it's probably

just a torn ligament.

You got something that I--

I could use to make a splint?

I could-- I could get

something for your leg.

[RUMBLING]

[SCREAMING]

- No.

It's OK.

You guys go ahead.

[CHUCKLING] It's a a hell

of a lot more important

getting us out of her

than babysitting me.

We better get going.

OK.

Brian, Deidre, Max, I really

appreciate what you did.

[CREAKING]

Thank you.

It's fine.

Glad we could help you.

[PANTING]

[GRUNTING] OK.

OK.

We've got a system going.

I'm gonna need some shoring!

Dee, go downstairs.

See what you can find,

pieces of wood, anything.

Yeah.

Um, you got two

jobs now, slacker.

Pick up the pace, huh?

Yes, sir.

[GRUNTING] Hi.

Hey.

[PANTING]

[CLOTH TEARING]

[GRUNTING]

People call you Deidre or Dee?

Um, either.

It doesn't really matter.

Where you from?

Well, I was born in Berkeley,

but I live in Houston.

Houston?

No kidding.

That's where Jane's from.

That's my wife.

I knew her during

basic training.

She was going to school

at Rice down there.

Uh, dammit.

Um, here, I'll

help you with that.

Yeah, thanks.

Here.

Loop that around there.

I made a couple of holes there.

OK.

Maybe you know the family.

Her maiden name was Hatcher.

They lived at Bel-Air Heights.

You know that area?

Alameda Street?

No, I--

I don't think so.

Real nice people in

Houston, real nice.

Oh!

I'm sorry.

No, it's OK.

If I'm gonna be of any use, it's

got to support my whole weight.

Just go ahead.

Give it a good yank.

Go ahead.

Aw!

Aw.

[PANTING]

You know, I think I

saw my plane go down.

It hit the mountain.

Probably started

this whole mess.

[PANTING]

Here, we'll give this a try.

Yeah, thanks.

Oh.

That's good.

That's real good.

[CRUMBLING AND CRASHING]

MAX: Dee, get up here!

Come on.

Are you OK?

Yeah.

It'll take two hours before

I can clear this snow.

I needed something to

shore these wall, Dee.

Where were you?

She-- she was

helping me, Brian.

You all right?

I'm really sorry, Dad.

It's my fault.

You should take a break, huh?

I can take over now.

Yeah, Dad, you rest.

Here.

[GRUNTING]

It's good, Brian.

It's real good.

Yeah, straight out

through the roof, huh?

Yeah, makes a certain

amount of sense.

Stands to reason.

Top of the house is

closest to the surface.

Yeah.

You are right about that.

[GRUNTING] Do you know,

Brian, this roof is holding,

well, we don't know

how many tons of snow.

I mean, it could

go at any moment.

[CREAKING]

Well, when it goes, I

mean, so does the tunnel.

Now, on the other hand, the

structure on the leeward side

of the house is sound.

I mean, you saw it

yourself, Brian.

It survived the impact.

Now, if it were me, I'd

dig right out the living

room window where I came in.

It's protected.

[CREAKING]

I'd dig away and up.

[CREAKING]

I know you spent a lot of

time and effort on this root.

But, uh, I got to tell you, I

just think it's a hell of a lot

riskier for you and your family.

Yeah, but we were

making good progress.

Well, I'm just

expressing my opinion.

[CHUCKLING] And there

are many roads to Mecca.

We're already

passed the roof here.

We start downstairs, we've got

a lot of catching up to do.

Yep, that is

[CREAKING]

Maybe Duncan's got a point.

I don't want to take any

chances with you kids.

[CREAKING]

We'll dig downstairs.

[GRUNTING]

OK, coming out.

Oh.

[GRUNTING] Deirdre, you've

got to clear that snow

away a little faster, huh?

Sometimes I gotta stop

shoveling and wait for you guys.

Yes, sir.

You're the boss.

You all right?

Yeah.

You sure?

Yeah.

I'll take over now.

Why?

I'm doing fine.

You want to rest that leg.

Yeah, yeah, you're

probably right.

Thanks.

Max.

I can dig.

I haven't even had a turn.

I can clear the snow

from behind you.

No.

You're not to go in this tunnel.

But I can dig, Dad.

I'm not useless.

Why do you treat me

like such a baby?

Max, he's just

concerned for you.

That's his duty.

The man's just trying to

take care of his family.

Max, it's not safe.

Just clear snow like

you've been doing.

Come on.

I got a five-year-old

boy in Juno.

He's probably getting dressed

to go to school right now.

And his mother is

probably worried

sick not hearing from me.

Go to school?

I'm supposed to graduate

in a couple of months, but--

That's great.

I never made it past 10th grade.

Got a boyfriend in Houston?

[CREAKING]

[LAUGHING] Not really.

[CHUCKLING] Not

really but sort of?

It's not serious.

Oh.

OK.

So what you guys doing

up here, on holiday?

[CREAKING]

Actually we came up for--

for spring break.

[LAUGHS]

[LAUGHING] Ooh, some break.

[LAUGHS]

So, um, where's your mom?

I guess she couldn't

make it, huh?

You know, you sure

ask a lot of questions.

[LAUGHS]

DUNCAN: Sorry.

Actually, my parents

don't live together anymore.

Oh.

Well, sometimes

that's for the best.

Yeah, sometimes.

What you gonna do

when you finish school?

I don't know.

I-- I've been accepted to

Stanford, English Literature.

That's great.

Yeah, actually, I--

I was thinking about

taking a year off,

just travel, you know?

I really want to

see Central America.

And I was thinking about

going to Rio for the--

for the Sun Festival.

[LAUGHING] Now,

that would be great.

I haven't told my parents.

[CREAKING]

How come?

My mom would freak.

[LAUGHS] She, uh, she doesn't

want me go anywhere alone.

I don't know what

my dad would say.

Well, Deirdre, you're

a young woman now.

And you're a free

woman, and you just got

to do what you gotta do, right?

[CREAKING]

Yeah.

Yeah, right.

DUNCAN: Can I call you Dee?

Yeah, sure.

Dee.

[LAUGHS]

[PANTING]

Dad, come on.

Let me do it.

Max.

I'm not tired.

Just while you rest a bit.

[PANTING] All right.

All right.

Hey, but slow and easy.

OK.

DAD: [GRUNTING]

I'll clear for a while, Dad.

Thanks.

Well, it's time for

me to get back to work.

Just give Max a minute.

He wants to help.

[CREAKING]

Oh, OK.

You know, Brian,

you got great kids.

I mean, that's what it's

all about, isn't it?

Yeah.

That's what it's all about.

MAX: Hey!

I found something!

What is it, Max?

What did you find?

It's a compass, a good one.

Yes!

Good work.

What's so important

about a compass?

Hansel and Gretel, Brian.

You know, like the crumbs.

Follow my stuff

all the way home.

MAX: Hey, I've got

something else!

[RUMBLING]

What is it?

What is it, Max?

MAX: It's stuck.

I got it!

[RUMBLING]

Max?

Max!

[RUMBLING]

Son, grab my legs, pull!

Pull!

Come on!

[GRUNTING]

I got you.

You're moving.

I got you.

All right.

Yeah.

Breathe.

Just breathe easy.

Breathe slow.

What'd you find in there, Max?

Please, let him be.

[PANTING]

Sorry.

OK.

You're OK.

You'll be fine.

I saw a gun.

Hey, looks like we're

on the right track.

I don't like firearms

around my kids.

Oh, it's-- it's part

of my survival kit.

A man needs a gun in Bush.

We're not in the bush.

Actually, it does make

me a little nervous too.

No firearms in this house.

MAX: [PANTING]

I'm sorry, Brian.

I didn't mean to scare the kids.

Put it away.

This is where it goes.

And this is where it stays.

[CREAKING]

Good Back to work.

Oh, we're gonna have

to shore this up.

It could come down again.

[GRUNTING]

You OK?

Max, I don't want you

digging in that tunnel again.

Dad, everybody's got to do it.

No.

You understand me?

OK, Dad.

[CREAKING]

Are you OK?

I'm all right.

Are you sure?

I don't trust him.

Dee, I'm just not

sure the three of us

alone can dig our

way out of here.

Dad, whatever you want to do,

I will back you all the way.

[GRUNTING]

Hey, Max?

Hand me that cup

of water, will you?

[CREAKING]

Sure.

[PANTING] Thanks.

Look what I found.

[PANTING] Where'd

you find that?

I found it in your pants.

Sorry I took it.

That's OK.

You were just hanging

onto it for me.

Where'd you get it?

Took a bullet in Somalia,

a Delta Force thing.

Wow.

Wanna do me a favor?

Will you show we where you

found that gun and compass?

Uh, my father told

me not to go in there.

Oh, he's absolutely right.

But I'm not asking

you to dig here.

I just want you to show me

where you found my stuff.

I-- I can't.

[CREAKING]

You know, Max, if I

listened to everything

my commanding officer

said, I would never have

been awarded this Purple Heart.

I want you to have it.

- Really?

For luck.

Cool.

[PANTING]

DUNCAN: [GRUNTING]

[PANTING]

Max?

Max!

Max, get out of there.

Get out of there now!

I thought I told you that I

didn't want you in that tunnel.

I'm sorry.

Did he tell you

to go in there?

Did Duncan tell

you to go in there?

Duncan?

Duncan!

DUNCAN: [GRUNTING]

Duncan, you stay the

hell away from my boy.

(ANGRILY) You hear me?

[PANTING AND GRUNTING]

What are you doing?

You're digging down!

What the hell are you doing?

Ah!

You're done.

What's the matter

with you, Brian?

I'm just digging!

[SOUNDS OF FIGHTING]

Now, knock it off, man!

I don't wanna hurt you.

Oh!

[SOUNDS OF FIGHTING]

Enough!

Please, let him go.

[PANTING] Dee, don't you

point that thing at me.

It's dangerous.

Now, put it down.

Please.

OK.

We're coming out.

Brian?

Come on.

DAD: Yeah.

Let's go.

[GRUNTING] OK,

give me the gun, Dee.

Everything's OK.

I just lost my temper.

Dad grabbed my bad leg.

Oh, please don't

come any closer.

Dee, now, come on.

Somebody could get

hurt with that thing.

Now, we don't want that

to happen now, do we, huh?

Do we?

Now, come on.

Just give me the gun.

No, I can't.

Oh, please.

Dee--

[SOBBING] God.

Bastard!

That bastard was digging down.

Max, get the broom.

DUNCAN: Dee.

Dee!

Dee--

DUNCAN: Dee!

Dee, clear the snow

away like you did before.

Ah!

Come on, you guys, let me go!

Please?

Dee, oh, please.

Don't leave me here to die.

Don't pay attention to him.

We're not gonna let him die.

We're gonna dig our

way out of here.

DUNCAN: Dee--e--e!

Maybe you don't get

this, but you need me.

Don't you, huh?

I think you do.

Nothing against

you kids up there,

but you're gonna need my

muscle to get out of here!

Come on, Brian, admit it.

You need me to help dig!

No.

[GRUNTING] We're doing great.

I'm thinking maybe four

or five feet an hour.

Dad, come on,

let me take over.

You're exhausted.

I'm OK.

Look, just get me

some water, OK?

[PANTING]

Sure.

Thanks.

[GRUNTING]

Dee.

Dee!

You look at me.

Dee, you know me.

You think I deserve this?

Please, just--

just do me a favor.

Just loosen the

ropes a little bit.

I've got no feelings

in my hands.

Please.

Please?

Well, it was worth

a shot anyway, huh?

Dee, I'm really sorry.

I guess I just

got a temper, huh?

But you know your dad, he

hurt me really bad, you know?

Still, you're right.

I should've never

let it get to me.

I guess I really blew it, huh?

[CREAKING]

Dee.

Dee!

Could I have a little of that?

Please?

I'm so thirsty.

Please.

[PANTING]

Just pour it down my throat.

Go ahead.

Mm.

[GULPING] Thank you.

Thank you very much.

[GRUNTING] We're through.

We've broken through!

Max ?

Max?

Dee?

We've reached the surface.

Where's your sister?

Dee?

[MUFFLED SHOUTING]

Look out!

Ah!

[SCREAMING]

You started, Brian.

[MUFFLED SHOUTING]

How the hell am I

supposed to trust you now?

Untie my daughter.

[MUFFLED SHOUTING]

Dad!

Hey, Max, come on down.

Sit down.

I'm asking you, please

untie my daughter.

[MUFFLED CRIES]

Are you asking me for a favor?

What, do you think

I owe you a favor?

Please.

[CREAKING]

Oh.

All right, Brian,

whatever you say.

OK, here's what we're gonna do.

We're gonna dig in my

tunnel, as we agreed.

They're almost through.

We hit the surface.

Great.

But first we gotta get my stuff.

What's in there's

you want so badly?

A prize, Brian, a prize.

[BANG]

[SCREAM]

We better get started!

Come on.

We're a family now.

Let's work as a team.

Come on.

Are you are right?

Please don't make him dig.

He's hurt.

I'm fine.

Dad, you OK?

Sure.

I'm doing all right.

Dad?

Is Duncan gonna kill us?

No, Max, no.

He just wants his things.

That's all.

Then he'll let us go.

Yeah.

You're mad at me, aren't you?

Look, you don't understand

it-- it's is that your dad's

got a bad temper.

That's all.

Why are you doing this to us?

I mean, what is that

you want so bad?

See, you are mad at me.

Why are you taking this

thing so personally?

It's got nothing to

do with you and me.

Dee, you're a good

person, like me.

And you're sensitive, like me.

I mean, I like you.

I know I got caught up in

a little lie back there.

I mean, I don't have

a wife and kids.

[CHUCKLING] I just told

you about them because--

because I wanted you to like me.

[GASPING]

It's OK.

I'd never hurt you.

No, never.

I just want you to like me.

Get your hands

off my daughter.

We were just talking.

Get away from her.

Nothing happened here, Brian.

Tell him, Dee.

Tell him nothing happened.

It's OK, Dad.

Never again.

You hear me?

Yes, sir.

You're the boss.

[CREAKING]

[SHOUTING] Go on, dig!

[PANTING]

[GRUNTING] We need to

find a way to distract.

Take it easy, Dad.

Stupid!

I promise you he's

not going to hurt you.

Hey.

Here.

You can have your

stupid medal back.

What's the matter?

I thought we were pals.

We're not pals.

I hate your guts.

Max, I'm sorry about Dad.

He's just got to learn to

show some respect, right?

This is not my medal.

It belonged to my dad.

He lost half his face

in Korea for this medal.

But he knew respect.

He knew discipline.

He knew commitment.

(LOUDLY You hit first!

[CHUCKLES] (QUIETLY)

And ask questions later.

Yeah, that's my dad,

Max, a real hero.

[TAPPING METAL]

[RATTLING]

Brian?

What the hell's going on?

What the hell's going on, Brian?

I don't hear anything.

Hang On.

Brian?

We found something.

DUNCAN: What?

What?

What'd you find?

I'm-- I--

I-- I-- can't tell.

Looks like a camera.

Camera.

OK, just get it down here.

Trying to get it.

It's-- it's stuck,

wedged under a rock.

Just get out of there.

Come on!

Just get out of there right now.

Come on!

I can't shift it.

I-- I can't seem to shift it

with this shoulder of mine.

Get out of there.

Come on.

Can't take this shoulder.

I tried.

[PANTING]

Go upstairs.

Now.

What's going on?

Come on.

[SCREAMING]

Dad, are we gonna leave him?

Forget him.

Help me out here,

where's the pick?

Where is it?

It's in the tunnel.

It's frozen over.

But it shouldn't

take much longer.

Get your brother and

get warm clothes,

sweaters, boots, coats.

Go ahead.

[GRUNTING]

Come on, Max.

Get your warm coat.

Come on.

Let's go.

Dad!

He's getting out!

Dad, he's getting out.

Get in the

tunnel, both of you.

Dee!

[GRUNTING] Brian!

Where are my diamonds?

That a-girl.

[GRUNTING]

[PANTING] Ah!

No!

[GRUNTING]

What happened?

I'm sorry.

I slipped.

It's OK.

Go.

Brian!

Ah!

[GRUNTING]

[SCREAMING] Brian!

All right, everybody

come on back down

to Duncan, nice and easy.

Move it!

Max, you gotta get

out of here by yourself.

I can't.

Yes, you can.

Brian, I'm gonna

count to three.

Don't listen to him.

DUNCAN: 1--

Listen to me, go down

the road and get help

DUNCAN: 2--

[GUN CLICKS]

- We're coming.

[WHISPERING] Down the

mountain and get help!

Ah, we got a lot of work

to do, start all over.

Go, Max, go!

Max!

[GRUNTING] Ah!

[SCREAM]

[CRASHING]

[GASPING]

[GROANING]

[CREAKING]

[SCREAMING] Do it!

Do it!

Kill him!

[SHOUTING]

Do it!

Kill him!

[CRYING]

[WHIMPERING]

[CRYING]

[PANTING] Is he

gonna bleed to death?

Get me some tape.

[PANTING]

[CREAKING]

Oh, my god!

The second floor is gone!

[CREAKING]

Oh, god!

Dee, please, you

gotta hang in here.

We were close.

We'll get there again.

Don't touch me!

I'm gonna go home now!

Dee!

No don't!

[SOBBING] I don't

know where I am!

I don't-- don't

know if it's day.

I don't know if it's night.

I don't know what's

happened to Max.

Dee, I promise

we'll get out of here.

I promise.

Don't make promises to me!

You can't do it anymore, Dad.

You just can't.

[WIND BLOWING]

Mister!

Over here!

Hey, mister, over here!

Mister!

I need your help.

There's a man, and

he took my family.

They're caught.

They're caught in--

[WIND WHISTLING]

It's funny.

On the way up I was thinking

about Aunt Kathy's wedding, how

you weren't supposed

to come and there

was this big to do because

you and Mom were split up,

and you weren't supposed to be

seen together in the same place

at the same time.

I remember thinking, hey, that

is so great when you showed up

there with all those balloons.

[CREAKING]

And everyone was so uptight.

[CREAKING]

But Mom, she thought

it was really funny.

[LAUGHING] And you know, I

watched you guys dancing,

just like you were

back together again

and everything was normal.

And then you just got

up and you left early.

[CREAKING]

[CRYING] I mean, it

just-- it looked so right.

Why couldn't you guys

have worked it out?

Hello?

[ECHOING] Can anybody hear me?

Hello?

[ECHOING]

[GRUNTING]

Is there an excuse for your

mom and I not working harder,

an excuse for leaving you

kids, for all this time lost,

not being there while you're--

while you're growing up?

There's no excuse,

never will be.

There's nothing I can do

to change what's happened.

We're gonna get

through this stuff.

We can't be far

from the surface.

We know where we have to go.

Give me a hand, Dee.

[GASPING]

[WHISPERING] Dad.

[LOUDLY] Dad!

[LAUGHING] Oh!

Dee.

DEE: Oh, god!

[CRYING AND LAUGHING]

[CREAKING]

[CROWS CAWING]

Hello?

Can anybody hear me?

[GROWLING AND BARKING]

[PANTING]

[CROW CAWING]

MAN: [WHISTLES]

[DOG WHINING]

[PANTING]

Are you sure

you're up to this?

No.

You can't get make it

with that shoulder.

OK, one step at a time.

Test each foot hold with your

weight before you go on, OK?

Yeah.

When you get to the

job, just tie it up.

Didn't I tell you we'd get out?

Yeah, yeah, you did.

OK.

[GRUNTING] That a-girl.

[PANTING]

DAD: I'll keep feeding

this rope up there.

There's not much

to grab on to.

You're doing fine.

Don't look down here.

Just keep looking

up, keep going.

[BARKING]

How about this, now,

does this look familiar?

Do you remember a landmark, a

road, a rock face, anything?

It was a cabin.

My father rented

it for the season.

It's up here somewhere.

I know it is!

I'll recognize it.

This cabin, it's buried

30 feet under the snow?

It's a big mountain, son.

[GRUNTING]

[SCREAMING]

Come on, Dee.

Come on.

Let me do this.

No, it's OK.

I'm going up.

[GRUNTING]

I made it!

No!

Hi.

It's me.

Come on down, one

step at a time, OK?

OK.

No!

God!

Come on.

Whoa.

Come on!

Ah!

What did you do to him?

Oh, Dad!

Dee.

Are you all right?

You've got to help me

talk some sense into Dad.

He won't tell me

where my diamonds are.

I don't know what

you're talking about.

Ah!

[SCREAMING]

Dee, would you do me a favor?

Would you bring me

some chocolates?

[CREAKING]

Do what he says.

[GRUNTING] You know, Brian?

She is a great kid.

I like her a lot.

Ah!

Ah.

You know, Brian?

Dee was telling

me about a dream.

Did you know that

she wants to travel?

She doesn't want to be

cooped up in some university

like her old man.

[GASPING]

[CREAKING]

Your daughter has

such a feeling for life.

[CREAKING]

I hope you appreciate

that, Brian.

Duncan, here.

Oh, good.

Now let her go.

[PANTING]

Sure.

Ah!

[SCREAMING] Why

didn't you kill me?

Come on, Dee.

It's you and me now, Dee.

We can work together.

[CRYING]

[GRUNTING] OK.

OK.

Now, pick them up.

[CREAKING]

I found one, Dee.

[CRASHING]

[SCREAMING]

I'm gonna take you

back down the mountain.

We'll get some help.

You get in now.

[WIND WHISTLING]

Hey!

Get back here!

I got four, Dee.

How many you got?

[CREAKING]

I got one.

One?

I'm winning.

Make sure you don't go over

the same spot twice, huh?

Just remember that.

Ooh, look at this,

teardrop, 9 and 1/2 karats.

Oh, must be worth a lot.

You have no idea.

Here, go on, Dee, take

one, for yourself, from me,

Oh.

Uh, uh, yeah.

Thank you, Duncan.

[CREAKING]

Oh, good choice.

That's a marquise.

Duncan?

Can I-- can I get

something to put

underneath my dad's head because

he looks like he's a little--

[CRASHING]

--uncomfortable!

Yeah, he does.

Go ahead.

[RUMBLING]

[CREAKING]

[GROANING]

Watch your head.

[CREAKING]

The Jeep--

[RUMBLING]

--before the whole place goes.

DUNCAN: [CHUCKLING] Hey,

Dee, got two more, beauties.

Oh, I'm way ahead of you now.

Duncan!

I found two.

I found three.

Come here!

Oh.

Oh!

You hit pay dirt.

Let me see.

I found them right--

right in here.

You are my lucky charm.

Thank you.

Where else do you want

me to look, Duncan?

Anywhere you want, babe.

You got a nose for it.

[GRUNTING]

Come on, Dee.

[ENGINE NOT STARTING]

[ENGINE ALMOST STARTING]

[ENGINE STARTS]

[CRASHING]

DAD: Try your side.

DEE: The door's stuck.

[CRYING] It's hard to breathe.

Shh.

I love you, Daddy,

for trying so hard.

Thank you.

I love you too.

[CRYING]

[THUMPING]

DEE: [WHIMPERING]

God in heaven, he's found us.

Max!

[CRYING]

[WIND BLOWING]

[GRUNTING]

My daughter.

Dad.

Dad?

Yeah.

I got you.

Yeah.

Max!

Max.

[CRYING] Oh, thank you.

Dad.

Good.

You did good.

Let's go home.

[GRUNTING]

DEE: Take it easy, Dad.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

Avalanche (1999) - full transcript