Homer and Eddie (1989) - Patrick Cirillo

January 11, 1988

HOMER & EDDIE

Screenplay by Patrick Cirillo

Synopsis by Brian Aldrich

HOMER LANZA is a semi-retarded man in his middle thirties who works as a dishwasher and loves baseball. He finds out that his FATHER is dying in Oregon and sets off to see him. Hitchhiking, Homer is robbed by two THIEVES driving a red Mercury. Broke, Homer spends the night in what appears to be an abandoned Chevy. It isn't. The owner is EDDIE, a manic, foul-mouthed, lout who finds Homer in the back seat of his car, beats him up, knocks him unconscious and riffles his pockets. When good-natured Homer wakes up and explains his predicament, Eddie offers him a "ride" to help find the two THIEVES, get the money back, and keep it for himself.

Homer explains to Eddie that he was hit by a baseball which accounts for his condition. Homer's parents sent him away years ago and he has been taking care of himself since. Eddie has his problems too. When they stop for food, Eddie offers to pay, however, his credit card turns out to be stolen and they have to run for it. Eddie takes Homer to a black PROSTITUTE and gets him laid for the first time. Mean-while, Eddie robs a liquor store and shoots the CLERK. On the road, Homer finally gets mad enough at Eddie for pushing him around that he gets out and walks. Homer finds out that Eddie shot someone. Eddie shows up later and "promises" to not hit Homer. They hit the road. Eddie confesses that he has a fatal brain tumor which causes him to act crazy. Homer tries to get Eddie to confess his sins to a PRIEST, but the Priest tries to get Eddie to turn himself in to the police. They split. They go to see Eddie's burnt-out MOTHER in Oakland. Eddie feels bad for neglecting her all these years. They finally make it to Oregon after Eddie has killed yet another CLERK. Homer's DAD is already dead. He sees his MOTHER. His parents never told anyone that he existed; they were ashamed of him. Homer forgives them. Homer & Eddie go to a town party. An old FRIEND of Homer's gives him a job. Eddie, realizing that Homer will be okay, splits. When he tries to rob another CLERK, he has a seizure and runs off. The Clerk follows and shoots Eddie. He dies watching a crazy man carrying a cross who thinks he's Jesus Christ. Homer just thinks that Eddie drove off. He thinks fondly of his time with Eddie--his friend.

Summary Criticism: Although strange, this is a unique story with ambitious characterizations and an equally unconventional plot. Well-structured, this script endeavors to be a story of the heart, and succeeds to be a story of guts for the writer who chose this material.

Homer and Eddie (1989) - imdb