The Game
by
John Brancato & Michael Ferris
REVISED
October 19, 1995
A1. TITLES OVER "HOME MOVIES" from the 1960's -- FLICKERING, GRAINY,
HAND-HELD, KODACHROME COLORS. MUSIC OVER.
1. E X T . V A N O R T O N H O U S E - D A Y (HOME MOVIES)
A SEVEN-YEAR-OLD BIRTHDAY BOY with a blindfold spins round and
round, the HANDS of OTHER CHILDREN keep him spinning. MAIN TITLE.
It's a game of pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey. The dizzy boy is given
a strip of felt, and the CAMERA follows as he stumbles toward a
large cardboard donkey. He pins the tail on its nose.
2. QUICK, RAGGED CUTS-- the BOY blows out candles... opens gifts...
a CLOWN ties balloon animals. CHILDREN, MAIDS and BUTLERS hover
about; there's even a real-live PONY. The party take splace in the
gardens of a massive Pacific Heights MANSION.
3. THE BOY is SCHUYLER VAN ORTON (7), and this is his birthday
party. He's a serious-looking child, who adjusts his glasses as he
poses for a shot with his mother, MRS. VAN ORTON, a stiff-looking
society matron. A NANNY brings over an INFANT and gently places
the baby in Schuyler's arms. Schuyler is ultra-careful, over-
whelmed by the responsibility of holding his tiny BROTHER (DAVID).
4. THE BOY and the other children sit spellbound, watching a magic
show in the front GARDEN-- a MAGICIAN waves a colored handkerchief,
a DOVE FLIES OUT. CAMERA FOLLOWS the bird UP toward the house...
5. THE CAMERA FINDS MR. VAN ORTON, a pinched, depressive man of
about 40, wearing glasses. He stands on a high balcony at the top
story of the mansion, in a bathrobe, smoking a cigarette. The
unseen photographer ZOOMS IN jerkily on the man. When he realizes
he's being photographed, Mr. Van Orton turns his back and goes
inside the house. The film SOLARIZES and runs into LEADER--
CUT TO:
6. E X T . V A N O R T O N H O U S E - D A Y (PRESENT DAY)
TITLES CONTINUE. Early morning, the same mansion (ideally an
ornate Victorian or Arts & Crafts). The landscaping has changed,
there are some modern touches, such as an iron gate surrounding the
carriageway, a black 500-class MERCEDES in the drive.
MUSIC DOWN, SEGUE to a CNN NEWS BROADCAST OVER as the CAMERA MOVES
IN ON THE UPPER BALCONY where we'd seen Mr. Van Orton earlier...
it's now COVERED and GLASSED-IN. We move THROUGH THE GLASS...
7. I N T . M A S T E R B E D R O O M - D A Y
TRACK THROUGH a large master bedroom; neat, masculine and Spartan,
free weights, a treadmill. Atop the bed a LAPTOP COMPUTER runs
STOCK QUOTES. A LARGE-SCREEN TV plays UNWATCHED, a familiar CNN
ANCHOR (we'll assume BERNARD SHAW). The Bang & Olufsen CLOCK RADIO
CLICKS ON, 6:30 am; CLASSICAL MUSIC now DUELS with the TV report.
HAND-ANNOTATED PAPERWORK and STOCK READOUTS cover a NIGHT TABLE,
where the ringing multi-line TELEPHONE JOINS the cacophony.
END TITLES as we MOVE TOWARD a DOOR, it's open a crack-- from this
adjacent bath we hear the SOUND OF A SHOWER RUNNING...
8. I N T . M A S T E R B A T H R O O M - D A Y
In the steam-filled bathroom, we make out SCHUYLER VAN ORTON, now
38. He's handsome, fit and apparently in complete control of his
world. He steps out of the shower, wraps a towel around himself
and grabs the BATHROOM PHONE.
SCHUYLER (on phone)
Van Orton... Yes, it is my
birthday, Bob, is that why you
called...? Ah... No, I'm not
carrying Alan Baer another inch,
fuck him, BG Lumber is history...
As he speaks, he continues his morning ritual-- hair combing, Q-
tips, etc. (Schuyler is a man in almost constant motion.)
9. E X T. S A N F R A N C I S C O S T R E E T S - D A Y
The black Mercedes moves quickly through morning traffic.
10. I N T . S C H U Y L E R ' S C A R - D A Y
SCHUYLER is on his car phone, NEWS RADIO LOW in BG, maneuvering
aggressively through traffic. His laptop RUNS in the passenger
seat, its cellular antenna up.
SCHUYLER (on carphone)
Ignore the rumors, Alan, you know
me, of course I'm behind Baer-
Grace a hundred per cent... great,
see you at the shareholders'
meeting next month...
He hangs up and HONKS at another driver, displaying no emotion.
11. I N T . V A N O R T O N O F F I C E S - D A Y
TRACK WITH SCHUYLER through an elegant suite of offices. He passes
a discreet sign: "THE VAN ORTON GROUP." Schuyler is on a cell-
phone, carrying the laptop, trailed by MARIA, his middle-aged
secretary. She bears paperwork and patiently awaits his attention.
SCHUYLER (on cellphone)
I've got buyers for the BG paper mill,
goose the lawyers, final papers in
three weeks... sure it's sad, but an
old dog loses its teeth and pisses
itself, you put it to sleep...
As Schuyler walks, he's GREETED by passing UNDERLINGS, whom he
ignores. He SHUTS OFF the phone, Maria hands him a couple of
items, follows him into his office.
MARIA
Carol from the museum called.
She's sending architect's sketches
of the wing...
12. I N T . S C H U Y L E R ' S O F F I C E - D A Y
The office is large, tasteful, reeks of old money. A window
overlooks the San Francisco skyline and the Bay.
MARIA
That Business Week reporter called again--
SCHUYLER
Tell him to fuck himself. Nicely.
MARIA
(awkwardly)
--and, um, somebody who identified
himself as, um, P.P. Willy.
SCHUYLER FREEZES at this, stares at her.
MARIA
Sorry, I figured it was a crank, but
he swore you'd know who he was. He
wanted to meet you for lunch, I told
him you had appointments all--
SCHUYLER
Cancel. Cancel the whole afternoon.
MARIA
But you--
SCHUYLER
Do it. Did he leave a number?
MARIA
No. He just said he'd be at Leo's
in the Haight. At noon.
Maria hands him a slip of paper, lingers, awaiting explanation...
SCHUYLER
That's all, Maria.
She heads out quickly. Schuyler stares at the slip, then turns to
look out the window, lost in thought.
CUT TO:
13. I N T . L E O ' S - D A Y
A working class bar, an ALCOHOLIC or two, pinball machines.
SCHUYLER sits a table near a window, checking his watch, it's not
his kind of place. A WAITRESS arrives in a too-small uniform--
young, multiple earrings, CHRISTINE according to her name tag.
CHRISTINE
Can I take your order?
SCHUYLER
I haven't seen the menu.
CHRISTINE
Oh, right. Here, see ya.
She hands him a menu and starts off. Schuyler calls after her.
SCHUYLER
An iced tea, please--
She waves a hand, "yeah, right," without looking back. Schuyler
sighs and opens the menu. Suddenly, someone BACKHANDS the side of
his skull, he assumes a defensive posture. Schuyler sees his
LAUGHING brother: DAVID VAN ORTON.
DAVID
Yo, Sky. Happy birthday.
SCHUYLER
(rubs his head, annoyed)
Thanks, "Pee-pee." I never get
tired of that.
DAVID slides into the seat opposite him. He's in his early 30's,
good-looking but unkempt, wears bright, funky clothes, an earring
and a perpetual grin. There's an intense, edgy quality to him
which Schuyler has some trouble readjusting to.
SCHUYLER
Well... long time.
DAVID
Yeah, since Mom died-- what, five
years? So how you been?
SCHUYLER
Business as usual...
DAVID
How's Elizabeth? Any kids?
SCHUYLER
A little girl.
DAVID
Congrat--
SCHUYLER
It's not mine, she married a
pediatrician in Sausalito.
DAVID
You're divorced...
(off Schuyler's nod)
Too bad, she was actually interesting.
SCHUYLER
She stopped drinking, I guess
getting rid of me was the 13th step.
DAVID
So you're all alone in the House of Pain.
SCHUYLER
I redecorated. Where have you been?
DAVID
All over. Nowhere in particular.
Didn't your fucking gumshoes keep
you informed of my every movement?
SCHUYLER
I called them off two years ago,
David. You'd kicked the heroin, you'd
left the ashram, you were windsurfing
somewhere in Central America...
DAVID
It's gorgeous down there... you
should go sometime.
SCHUYLER
Look, are you in trouble, is there
anything you need? You can't have
gone through the trust fund...
DAVID
(looks at him, hurt)
That's not why I'm here, Sky, I
just wanted to see you... I even
brought a gift, for a change.
SCHUYLER
You didn't bake me a cake, did you?
DAVID
You can't still be mad about the
hash brownies...
Schuyler's unamused by the memory. David grins and pulls a small
envelope out of his pocket, tosses it on the table in front of him.
DAVID
Happy birthday, bro.
SCHUYLER
What is this.
DAVID
It's a bomb. Open it!
Schuyler shrugs, opens the envelope and shakes out--
A BUSINESS CARD in BLUE and ORANGE: "CONSUMER RECREATION SERVICES."
The C, R and S are HIGHLIGHTED, a PHONE NUMBER at the bottom.
SCHUYLER picks up the card, fingers it.
SCHUYLER
Consumer Recreation Services. OK...
DAVID
I can't tell you very much about it,
that'd ruin the surprise. Just
promise me you'll give 'em a call.
SCHUYLER
I don't get it.
DAVID
Just call 'em. OK look, it's simple,
really. They entertain you.
SCHUYLER
Is this an escort service?
DAVID
No, it's nothing like that.
They're a business, they're for
real... They guarantee just one
thing-- you won't be bored.
Schuyler gives him a bored, blank look. David throws up his hands.
DAVID
They make your life fun.
SCHUYLER
Fun.
DAVID
You've heard of it.
Christine the waitress has shown up with Schuyler's iced tea. She
puts it down hastily, spilling some across the table. Schuyler
shies away, grabbing a napkin and blotting it up before it can drip
into his lap. Cracking gum:
CHRISTINE
Sorry.
She moves off as Schuyler tries to order, raising a finger--
SCHUYLER
Just a cheesebur... how'd you find
this place?
DAVID
Old connection used to meet me
here. So you gonna call 'em?
SCHUYLER
(a sigh, carefully)
You know, David, this is sweet, but
it's an awfully busy time, I'm in the
midst of a delicate liquidation--
DAVID
(mimicking him bitterly)
"A delicate liquidation," God, you
would do this...
SCHUYLER
David--
DAVID
We can't get together once without
you making me feel like shit. That's
important to you, isn't it?
SCHUYLER
What are you talking about?
DAVID
Forget about it, don't bother.
David slumps in his seat, won't meet Schuyler's eyes.
SCHUYLER
Are you still on medication...?
David glares at him. With the impeccable timing of all waitresses,
CHRISTINE appears, chipper.
CHRISTINE
You guys know what you want?
DAVID
Go away.
She curls her lip and departs before Schuyler can open his mouth.
He sighs, resigned to the idea of not eating. Calmly:
DAVID
I just thought you'd like it. I did,
it was a blast, best thing that ever
happened to me. And for your
information, I'm not on anything
anymore, I'm not even seeing a
shrink, I'm in a better place than
I've ever been, I'm even happy-- but
that's something else I wouldn't be
able to explain to you.
SCHUYLER
OK, OK, I'll give them a call...
DAVID
Whatever.
SCHUYLER
Look, take a pill. Just be normal
for thirty seconds and tell me what
this is. I hate surprises.
DAVID
I know.
David WINKS, puts a finger to his lips-- not another word.
CLOSE as Schuyler slips the brightly-colored CARD into his pocket.
CUT TO:
14. E X T . V A N O R T O N O F F I C E B U I L D I N G - N I G H T
ESTABLISH the moonlit exterior of an older, classy building in
downtown San Francisco. MOVE IN on a high window, one of the few
LIT at this hour. We hear the SOUND OF A PHONE CHIRPING OVER.
lS. I N T . S C H U Y L E R ' S O F F I C E - N I G H T
COMPUTERS run, stacks of PAPERWORK, etc. PHONE continues to RING.
FIND SCHUYLER as he punches the SPEAKER:
SCHUYLER
Van Orton.
ELIZABETH (on speaker)
Hello, Schuyler.
ELIZABETH is Schuyler's ex-wife-- an earnest woman, a stranger to
subtlety. STAY WITH SCHUYLER, who half-smiles, looks at his watch.
SCHUYLER
Eleven forty, you almost didn't
make it.
ELIZABETH (on speaker)
I always call on your birthday.
How was it?
SCHUYLER
Oh, the usual, big party, circus
clowns, naked lady in a cake...
ELIZABETH (on speaker)
(slight chuckle; serious)
How are you, Sky?
She has the concerned, forthright tone of a "recovery person,"
someone who's been through a lot of therapy and wants to reach out.
Schuyler GRIMACES, then mimics the tone:
SCHUYLER
I'm just fine. How are you?
ELIZABETH (on speaker)
It wasn't a trick question.
Thirty-eight, I thought that might
be a-- a difficult year for you...
SCHUYLER
Hm? Just another birthday,
another year closer to death.
ELIZABETH (on speaker)
I meant-- because of your father.
SCHUYLER
Oh that's right, I guess he was 38,
wasn't he? I hadn't thought about
it, to tell the truth, but thank you
for the reminder.
ELIZABETH (on speaker)
Why do I call you...
SCHUYLER
I honestly don't know, but it's a
nice change of pace from talking
to your attorneys. So, still
working at the hospice?
ELIZABETH (on speaker)
Mm-hmm, couple days a week...
SCHUYLER
Great, that's great. Well, give my
regards to Dr. Mel and the baby--
ELIZABETH (on speaker)
She has a little brother on the
way... we just did the ultrasound.
SCHUYLER
Really. Congratulations-- two
kids, an official nuclear family,
you must be very happy.
ELIZABETH (on speaker)
We are, Sky. Very happy.
SCHUYLER
Well, you deserved someone who
wanted the same things you did--
ELIZABETH
Are you? Happy?
SCHUYLER hates this question. He quickly changes the subject.
SCHUYLER
Speaking of little brothers, I saw
David today.
ELIZABETH (on speaker)
Really?
SCHUYLER
He asked about you. He's on a new
kick, some personal improvement cult.
I'm gonna check it out, I'm sure he's
getting fleeced again.
ELIZABETH (on speaker)
Who knows, maybe it'll be good for
you. Send David my love.
SCHUYLER
Right. Well, thanks again for
calling, Elizabeth, take care.
ELIZABETH (on speaker)
You too, Schuyler-- I mean that--
SCHUYLER
Mm, good luck, bye.
He PUNCHES off the phone in the middle of her "Good-bye." Schuyler
returns to his work, as if the call hadn't taken place-- but a few
seconds later, we see his concentration is completely shattered, he
leans back in his SQUEAKING deskchair.
CUT TO:
16. E X T . P A C I F I C H E I G H T S - N I G H T
SCHUYLER'S MERCEDES cruises on the hilly streets, past impressive
mansions on all sides, a CRESCENT MOON overhead.
17. I N T . S C H U Y L E R ' S C A R - N I G H T
CLASSICAL MUSIC plays. SCHUYLER drives, looking unsettled.
18. E X T . P A C I F I C H E I G H T S - D A Y (60'S/FLASHBACK)
POV DRIVING SHOT, from the backset of a LIMOUSINE. PERIOD CARS,
FASHIONS, etc. MUSIC CONTINUES OVER.
19. I N T . S C H U Y L E R ' S C A R - N I G H T
SCHUYLER changes the RADIO STATION, trying to drown out his
thoughts with LOUD ROCK AND ROLL.
20. E X T . V A N O R T O N H O U S E - N I G H T
THE ELECTRIC GATE slides open, and Schuyler's Benz pulls in.
21. E X T . V A N O R T O N H O U S E - D A Y (FLASHBACK)
A LIMOUSINE pulls into the ungated carriageway. THE BACK DOOR
OPENS and SCHUYLER (7) emerges from the backseat, carrying
elementary schoolbooks. As he approaches the front steps, he looks
upward at something, blinks and squints.
ANGLE UP-- MR. VAN ORTON, in his robe, stands on the balcony
railing, looking up at the sky. He turns his gaze slowly downward.
YOUNG SCHUYLER is puzzled, gives his dad a tentative wave.
MR. VAN ORTON waves back, his eyes dead, expression blank.
YOUNG SCHUYLER opens his mouth to call to his father-- instead we
hear an URGENT ELECTRONIC BEEPING--
22. I N T . S C H U Y L E R ' S K I T C H E N - N I G H T
A MICROWAVE OVEN BEEPS that the meal is "READY." SCHUYLER opens
the door, takes out his upscale junk food, grabs a fork.
23. I N T . S C H U Y L E R ' S D E N - N I G H T
ON A BIG-SCREEN TV, a CNN NEWSCAST shows a FIRE OUT OF CONTROL.
MOVE FROM THIS through the manly, book-lined den. The house is
traditional, opulent, densely decorated with "good pieces"-- and it
feels like a mausoleum.
FIND SCHUYLER peeling open the plastic food container. He sits in
a leather armchair. A BOTTLE OF DOM PERIGNON sits on the coffee
table, near a champagne flute glass, a CUPCAKE with a CANDLE in it.
The LAPTOP computer is RUNNING.
ON TV, BERNARD SHAW comes out of the story.
BERNARD SHAW (TV)
--for the residents of the
Crescent Heights project, a truly
tragic day is over at last--
SCHUYLER
I'll drink to that.
SCHUYLER raises his champagne glass to the TV, his birthday done.
Then he toasts in the direction of a FRAMED PICTURE on the coffee
table-- a WEDDING PHOTO OF SCHUYLER and ELIZABETH.
BERNARD SHAW (TV)
--up next, the latest in sports.
For all of us here at CNN, thank
you for watching--
SCHUYLER reaches for the REMOTE CONTROL. He settles back on the
sofa, CHANNEL HOPPING. He despairs of this quickly, points the
remote at his own head-- CLICK, CLICK. He closes his eyes.
24. E X T . V A N O R T O N H O U S E - D A Y (FLASHBACK)
MR. VAN ORTON stands on the edge of the balcony, waving as before.
He looks skyward one last time, then suddenly LAUNCHES HIMSELF INTO
SPACE in a head-first dive. We hear what sounds like a SCREAM--
CUT TO:
25. E X T . C R S B U I L D I N G - D A Y
--it's a CAR HORN. The vehicle passes to reveal SCHUYLER striding
toward a postmodern building in the financial district; a ramp
leads to a parking garage beneath. Casually dressed, he glances up
at the facade for a few moments, then goes in.
26. I N T . C R S L O B B Y A N D A T R I U M - D A Y
The very new, dramatic structure is built around a central twelve-
story atrium narrowing to a SKYLIGHT above. There's still some
minor construction underway on the ground floor, scaffolding about.
Schuyler crosses to a bank of lobby elevators.
27. I N T . C R S E L E V A T O R - D A Y
Schuyler looks out the glass elevator as it rises vertiginously.
HIS POV as the atrium shrinks below him.
28. I N T . C R S O F F I C E S - D A Y
Partitioned work areas, terminals, clutter and disarray. Office
doors open off a reception area. CRS EMPLOYEES move about
hectically. Schuyler enters, wanders about for a moment, confused.
A friendly female RECEPTIONIST glances up from her desk.
RECEPTIONIST
Can I help you?
SCHUYLER
Is this Consumer Recreation
Services? I have an appointment,
the name's Van Orton.
The woman flips through an appointment book with a logo, CRS. IN
BG, JIM FEINGOLD pays a CHINESE DELIVERY GUY for a BAG OF FOOD.
RECEPTIONIST
Hm... I don't seem to--
SCHUYLER
Schuyler Van Orton, I called last week.
The woman shakes her head. FEINGOLD slows as he crosses past
Schuyler, carrying the bag. He's 30-40, a no-nonsense engineer,
looks a bit dull, but he exudes competence and trustworthiness.
FEINGOLD
Problem?
RECEPTIONIST
This gentlemen says he has an
appointment, but...
Feingold glances at Schuyler, shrugs.
FEINGOLD
Van Orton, huh? I'll take him.
(shakes his hand)
Jim Feingold, v. p. in charge of
engineering and data analysis.
The man leads Schuyler to a row of open boxes on the floor, looks
in a couple, then finds what he's after. He snatches up a couple
of pages, hands them to Schuyler. Then he finds a clipboard on the
floor, tosses it to him like a frisbee.
FEINGOLD
Sorry about the chaos, we're still
in the process of moving...
follow me, I've got an office
around here someplace.
He reaches into a box of PENS, passes one to Schuyler.
CLOSE ON PEN-- the CRS LOGO.
CUT TO:
29. I N T . F E I N G O L D ' S O F F I C E / H A L L W A Y - D A Y
A modern, dramatic office. Swoopy furniture, imposing ART, all
very cool-looking. Feingold moves behind the desk, unpacks a
couple of white cartons.
FEINGOLD
I can't remember the last time I ate
in a restaurant, all I do is work...
SCHUYLER sits on a couch, looking at the forms.
SCHUYLER
I know what you mean. Look-- what
is all this?
The fast-talking Feingold moves energetically through the office,
occasionally picking at his food or poking at the air with
chopsticks-- he's a bit hyper and fidgety in general.
FEINGOLD
Application, MMPI and TAT tests,
financial statement...
(indicating food)
Want some? Tung Hoy, best in Chinatown...
(as Schuyler shakes his head)
The tests serve a threefold purpose.
First off, are you right for us?
Are we right for you? Unfortunately,
there's a limited number of slots--
SCHUYLER
Let's back up here--
FEINGOLD
(over him)
B, we need an idea of your abilities
and limitations, what turns you on,
and off. Numero tres, our insurance
company requires it.
(a beat, studying Schuyler)
You're familiar with our service,
aren't you?
SCHUYLER
Not at all. What are you selling?
FEINGOLD
Well... it's a game.
SCHUYLER
A game.
FEINGOLD
Recharges the batteries, gets you
off the treadmill, it's an
experience. Sort of a-- vacation
for the guy who's been everywhere.
SCHUYLER
This really doesn't sound like my
sort of--
Feingold sits on the edge of his desk, arms crossed, nodding and
smiling condescendingly-- he raises a hand to stop Schuyler.
SCHUYLER
What's so amusing?
FEINGOLD
Nothing. I know who you are.
You're David Van Orton's brother,
he got you in here.
SCHUYLER
So.
FEINGOLD
(remembering fondly)
David was-- impressive, one of the
better I've seen. But frankly, I
can see you're not the type.
SCHUYLER
The type.
FEINGOLD
You know, a player.
SCHUYLER
I'm not a player.
FEINGOLD
I don't mean anything personal by it--
I know you're an important guy,
powerful guy, you're used to being on
top. It's just, this isn't for
everyone. Not everyone can handle it.
SCHUYLER
(nearly losing it)
What kind of fu-- game is this?
FEINGOLD
The ultimate fucking game. I wish I
could tell you more, but it's
different every time.
(rising)
Thanks for coming in--
SCHUYLER
(doesn't move)
I'm not an idiot. I see what you're
doing. First the vague yet intriguing
pitch, then I'm supposed to feel like
my manhood's in question because I'm
not up for, what, some motivational
role-playing fantasy nonsense--
FEINGOLD
Interesting, you don't know the first
thing about it but you've already
decided what it is... Listen, I
don't wanna waste any more--
SCHUYLER
Please, Jim, cut the hard-to-get
shit. I've got the afternoon
free, I'll take your silly tests.
Feingold cocks his head, reappraising him. Then, with a smile, he
calls to an attractive young WOMAN passing in the hall; Schuyler,
meanwhile, flips through the pages of the tests.
FEINGOLD
Ms. Nelson, are you busy? We need
someone to run Mr. Van Orton.
MS. NELSON
This way, sir...
As she leads Schuyler out the door, Feingold WINKS at him.
FEINGOLD
I'll catch up with you after the physical.
Schuyler reacts-- a physical? He throws up a hand and follows the
woman into the hall. Alone now, Feingold cracks a fortune cookie
and glances at the slip of paper inside. He furrows his brow with
concern at the fortune-- then tosses it aside.
CUT TO:
30. CRS OFFICES - SERIES OF SHOTS
During the following QUICK CUTS, SOUNDS will be layered in and
CONTINUE over one another, e. g. the SOUND of a scraping pencil,
the BLIPS of machinery, HEAVY BREATHING, MURMURING VOICES of
TECHNICIANS giving instructions...
A. X-CLOSE: A #2 pencil FILLS IN box after box on a long MMPI
form. CLOSE on a couple of these: "I sometimes hurt animals... I
feel guilty when I masturbate..." each followed by TRUE and FALSE
boxes.
B. A WHITE-WALLED ROOM: Schuyler concentrates on a drawing held by
a stone-faced PSYCHOLOGIST, a TAT test; he laughs as he speaks into
a tape-recorder, analyzing the pictures.
C. X-CLOSE: The DRAWING, a large ant with an apron feeding a TV
dinner to a human child. The card moves just as we register it to
reveal another DRAWING of a smiling man toppling backwards in a
chair, perched on the edge of a cliff.
D. A LAB: Electronic MONITORS and PRINTERS record Schuyler's EEG
and EKG. We see him on a doctor's table, wearing a medical gown
with the CRS logo. He's hooked up to the wires, a female
TECHNICIAN studying the readouts while a NURSE takes his blood
pressure.
E. X-CLOSE: The traveling trace of intersecting colored waves.
F. A DARKENED ROOM: Schuyler in FG, still in the gown, watches a
screen as images FLASH-- geometric SHAPES, WORDS, PHOTOS. His
finger hovers over a bank of three buttons, he presses different
ones from time to time. There's a MIRROR to one side of the room--
G. X-CLOSE: A COMPUTER SCREEN shows green columns of NUMBERS--
SCHUYLER'S NAME is steady at the top of the screen, with an account
number. CAMERA MOVES FROM THE SCREEN to show an unseen COMPUTER
OPERATOR watching Schuyler through the one-way glass.
The CACOPHONY of the MONTAGE ends abruptly as we CUT TO:
31. I N T . C U B I C L E - N I G H T
Schuyler, in the gown, sits on an examination table with his hands
in his lap in a small, featureless cubicle-- he seems vulnerable,
looks around blankly. To himself, irritated and bemused:
SCHUYLER
David, you suck.
FEINGOLD BURSTS IN, a slew of COMPUTER PRINT-OUTS under his arm.
FEINGOLD
Sorry to keep you waiting,
a client's head exploded...
(grins)
You can get dressed, we're done.
He throws open a closet door. Schuyler reaches inside for his
clothes, which are neatly folded and on hangers. Feingold turns
his back on him as he DRESSES, perching on the examination table
and studying the unburst print-outs.
FEINGOLD
Looks promising at this point.
You test well, you're in decent
shape for someone in your tax
bracket... Hm, some resistance to
the psych questions, but we got
the general idea...
He heads out, beckons for Schuyler to follow.
32. I N T . C R S M A I N F L O O R - N I G H T
Feingold leads him through the office-- SECRETARIES and other
WORKERS pack up at the end of the day.
FEINGOLD
We design the game around your
schedule, you're free to give it
as much or as little time as you
wish. And of course, you can call
it quits at any point.
SCHUYLER
This was actually a gift. Did my
brother pay in advance?
FEINGOLD
You'd have to ask our billing
department... the price varies. But
our service comes with a guarantee.
If you're not satisfied, there's no
charge. And we've never had an
unsatisfied customer...
SCHUYLER
You mean dissatisfied.
FEINGOLD
(looking at a form)
Mm, that's right-- you're a left-
brain word fetishist.
SCHUYLER
I get that all the time.
Feingold smiles tightly and leads Schuyler back into his office.
33. I N T . F E I N G O L D ' S O F F I C E - D A Y
CLOSE ON PAPERWORK as it's dropped on the desktop.
SCHUYLER, CRS pen in hand, looks at this dubiously.
SCHUYLER
So I'm supposed to sign up for a
game when I don't know the rules,
I don't know the object, I don't
know how much it costs...
FEINGOLD
It's a leap of faith. But at this
stage, there's no commitment-- we
just need to process your
application. And if you qualify,
you're in for the ride of your
life. What have you got to lose?
Schuyler CLICKS the ballpoint pen, they both lean over the papers.
FEINGOLD
Initials-- initials-- sign here.
Schuyler's about to sign when Feingold grabs his wrist.
FEINGOLD
In blood.
(a WINK)
---Just kidding.
CLOSE, as Schuyler SIGNS on the dotted line.
FEINGOLD snatches up the forms, suddenly seems in a hurry for
Schuyler to go.
FEINGOLD
Very good, Mr. Van Orton. Please,
keep the pen.
Schuyler shrugs, sticks it in his breast pocket, starts out.
SCHUYLER
When can I expect to hear--
FEINGOLD
We'll be in touch.
Feingold gently shuts the door on schuyler's face.
S C E N E 3 4 D E L E T E D
CUT TO:
35(NEW). I N T . R A C Q U E T B A L L C O U R T / C O R R I D O R - D A Y
WHAM, a BALL SLAMS against a wall.
THROUGH A WINDOW, we see SCHUYLER playing violently, pumping
sweat... he's alone. We hear the sound of a PHONE CALL OVER:
SCHUYLER (V. O.)
David, where the hell are you, we
were supposed to meet at the club--
DAVID (V. O.)
Oh, shit, sorry Sky, I spaced--
next Tuesday?
SCHUYLER (V. O.)
I'll be in Seattle.
DAVID (V. O.)
Buy you lunch soon as you get
back, I swear...
Fed up with playing alone, Schuyler lets the ball bounce, exits the
court and heads for a LOCKER ROOM down the hall...
SCHUYLER (V. O.)
I checked out CRS by the way--
DAVID (V. O.)
Hey, great, you gonna go for it?
SCHUYLER (V. O.)
Haven't decided yet...
S C E N E 3 6 D E L E T E D
37(NEW). E X T . C O U N T R Y C L U B B A R - D A Y
SCHUYLER, in casual clothes, hair still wet from a shower, comes
out of a locker room area toward an outdoor BAR by a SWIMMING POOL
at this upscale country ciub. He passes PETE and JOHN, two middle-
aged RICH MEN sitting at a table near the bar; he overhears a
snippet of their conversation--
JOHN
--like fuckin' wildfire, just
opened an office in Frisco here--
PETE
I played my game in New York...
What do you think John, will CRS
ever go public?
JOHN
(laughs)
Not likely, would you?
Schuyler slows down, eavesdropping, then moves toward the bar,
addresses the BARTENDER with a nod toward John and Pete.
SCHUYLER
New members?
BARTENDER
I believe so.
SCHUYLER
This round's on me.
Schuyler moves casually toward the men--
DISSOLVE TO:
38(N). SAME LOCATION, LATER, the bartender brings another round of
drinks to the table, Schuyler and the men have been chatting a
while, all seem relaxed. Pete, the friendlier (drunker) of the
two, puffs a CIGAR as he speaks:
PETE
...last time I played Pebble, I swore
I'd never pick up a club again...
The others CHUCKLE knowingly. Schuyler sips his drink, blinking
and coughing discretely at the smoke; there's a slight pause.
SCHUYLER
Great thing about golf, the way it
takes you out of your life...
Speaking of games-- I take it you
two are familiar with CRS...?
JOHN
Uh-oh. Time to piss...
He slides off his stool. Pete studies Schuyler, sizing him up.
PETE
Why do you ask, Schuyler?
SCHUYLER
I couldn't help overhearing--
PETE
We don't usually talk about it.
SCHUYLER
I only bring it up because, well,
I recently tested for it.
PETE
Did you? Kudos.
SCHUYLER
I just wasn't sure if they're for
real, whether it's worth it--
PETE
Worth it... Gee, I dunno... they did
save my fucking life...
SCHUYLER
Sorry?
PETE
Look, I don't know you, you don't know
me, but... I hit a certain point,
nothing meant anything. My work, the
wife and kids-- hell with 'em, I was
sick of it all, y'know? But CRS... they
changed everything. "Are they for
real?" Who cares, maybe nothing is.
(raises his glass)
To reality.
Schuyler raises his glass, numbed by this outpouring. Pete drains
his drink, chuckling to himself. His friend comes back, looking
concerned, takes the man's arm.
JOHN
C'mon Pete.
PETE
(winks at Schuyler)
Good luck, pal. You'll need it.
Schuyler stares after the two men dubiously as they move off.
CUT TO:
39. I N T . L A W F I R M C O N F E R E N C E R O O M - D A Y
A slick, designery conference room, filled with BABBLING LAWYERS--
at the head of the table stands BOB PLYMPTON, a trustworthy man in
his late 50's. MURMURING CONTINUES during Plympton's address.
PLYMPTON
Excuse me. Excuse me! Postponing
the Baer-Grace meeting is out of
the question. Schuyler gets on a
plane for Washington tomorrow
morning at seven with every
contract, every side agreement,
the complete closing package!
Schuyler has been going through paperwork in the back of the room,
he steps forward during the above.
LAWYER
But there's simply no--
THWAP! Schuyler DROPS the stack of papers on the table, SILENCE.
SCHUYLER
No is not an option. If you fail
to recognize that, I'll find ten
other law firms in the yellow
pages that can get the job done--
CHIRP. Schuyler's CELL-PHONE has started RINGING during the above.
He finally removes it from his pocket and moves to a quiet corner.
SCHUYLER
(impatient)
Yes.
QUIET COMMOTION resumes IN BG during the following. On the other
end of the line, there's the bland, bureaucratic VOICE of CYNTHIA:
CYNTHIA (filter)
Mr. Van Orton?
SCHUYLER
Yes, who is this?
CYNTHIA (filter)
This is Cynthia at CRS...
SCHUYLER
What?! How did you get this number?
CYNTHIA (filter)
I'm just calling to inform you
that we've finished processing
your application--
SCHUYLER
I'm in a meeting--
CYNTHIA (filter)
--and I'm afraid you didn't qualify.
SCHUYLER
--so I don't have time for--
(beat, then quickly)
Excuse me, what was that?
CYNTHIA (filter)
Well... your application was rejected.
SCHUYLER
...Why?
CYNTHIA (filter)
Oh, I'm afraid I don't have that
information, but-- many applicants
don't meet the criteria. We
apologize, we hope it hasn't
caused you any inconvenience--
SCHUYLER
This is absurd--
CYNTHIA (filter)
Thank you for thinking of CRS.
CLICK and a DIAL TONE. Schuyler shuts the phone and replaces it in
his pocket, his mind suddenly far away from the meeting at hand.
PLYMPTON, a wel1-meaning man with a fatherly attitude toward
Schuyler, steps close to him and speaks quietly, concerned:
PLYMPTON
Bad news, Sky?
SCHUYLER
No, nothing. Sorry, Bob.
(loudly, to boardroom)
So were there any more questions, or
may I assume it's under control...
CUT TO:
40. E X T . V A N O R T O N H O U S E - N I G H T
SCHUYLER pulls up in his MBZ, the electric gate glides shut. He
gets out of the car and SETS THE ALARM. He heads for the front
steps of his home-- then freezes, blinks--
ON HIS DOORSTEP lies a body, face-down, apparently a WINO, in a
tattered, filthy overcoat.
FLASH CUT TO:
41. E X T . V A N O R T O N H O U S E - D A Y (FLASHBACK)
SAME ANGLE, QUICK SHOT of the body of MR. VAN ORTON, sprawled
across the steps in much the same position as the wino, flat on his
stomach, head twisted at a grotesque angle. His bathrobe is even
similar in color to the wino's overcoac.
CUT BACK TO:
42. E X T . V A N O R T O N H O U S E - N I G H T
SCHUYLER shakes off the memory, looking alarmed. He calls out:
SCHUYLER
Hello! What are you doing here?
THE BODY doesn't stir. He approaches gingerly.
SCHUYLER
Wonderful. You OK? You dead?
He crouches by the wino, winces at a strong smell, covers his nose.
He reaches out to touch the body, but hesitates, pulls back. Alive
or dead, he doesn't want to have anything to do with this person.
SCHUYLER
Shit, shit, shit...
The "wino" suddenly SPRINGS UP like a jack-in-the-box, bending
backwards impossibly at the hips. Schuyler lets out a CRY and
scrambles back toward his car.
THE HEAD swivels to face him-- it's a grotesque HARLEQUIN, its head
made of COLORED GLASS, LIT from within. The MOUTH DROPS OPEN and a
tongue in the shape of a corkscrew SPRINGS OUT.
A SMALL KEY ON A HOOK dangles from the tip of the tongue. One of
the harlequin's glass eyes WINKS.
SCHUYLER stares in amazement for a few moments.
CLOSE on the dangling KEY as Schuyler fingers it. The key catches
the light and we see the letters "CRS" embossed on it.
42B(NEW). I N T . S C H U Y L E R ' S F O Y E R - N I G H T
THE DUMMY is dumped in a straight-back chair in the foyer.
SCHUYLER takes a step back and studies it. He crosses its legs,
smirks and shakes his head, ascending the stairs.
CLOSE ON the disturbing empty stare of the DUMMY...
CUT TO:
43. I N T . S C H U Y L E R ' S B A T H R O O M / B E D R O O M - N I G H T
CLOSE ON SCHUYLER'S EYE as he blinks and removes a CONTACT LENS. A
NEWSCAST is barely audible in BG.
WIDER, Schuyler, squinting, in a bathrobe, enters from the bathroom
off the bedroom, putting his contact lens case into a toiletries
case. He's been packing a leather GARMENT BAG, which hangs from a
door, slips the toiletries into a "side pouch. The TV PLAYS in BG,
Bernard Shaw delivering the news.
BERNARD SHAW (on TV)
...the bill goes before the House
next week, where it's expected to
meet stiff opposition--
(beat, touches his ear)
Wait, this just in...
This gets Schuyler's attention, he squints toward the television.
BERNARD SHAW (cont., on TV)
The U. S. geological service has
detected a massive disturbance in the
earth's crust deep beneath the northern
segment of the San Andreas fault...
SCHUYLER scrambles for his glasses, as Shaw struggles to continue.
BERNARD SHAW (cont., on TV)
...they have issued a warning that a
major earthquake of magnitude eight
or greater is likely to hit the San
Francisco Bay area within...
(a beat)
Oh my God, the next fifteen minutes--
SCHUYLER sits on the bed, breathes hard, stares at the tube.
BERNARD SHAW (cont., on TV)
There is no time for an evacuation.
The federal government has issued
the following instructions for all
residents of central and northern
California...
SCHUYLER is freaking out, paces frantically, moves toward a phone--
who's he going to call? He makes a low MOAN.
SHAW'S voice CRACKS, he speaks very rapidly.
BERNARD SHAW (cont., on TV)
Locate emergency shut-offs for all
power and gas--
SCHUYLER starts moving out of the room--
BERNARD SHAW (cont., on TV)
Wait, there's no time for that-- just
stay away from windows and doors--
SCHUYLER doubles back, avoiding a window, his panic mounting--
BERNARD SHAW (cant., on TV)
Find a heavy piece of furniture such as
a desk or table and get under it--
SCHUYLER looks around, sees no such appropriate spot in the room.
BERNARD SHAW (cant., on TV)
If no such furniture is immediately
available, go to a window or doorway--
SCHUYLER blinks, hesitates starts to move toward the doar--
BERNARD sHAW (cant., on TV)
But first turn off all power and gas.
Crouch in a comfortable position, put
your head between your knees and cover
it with your arms--
SCHUYLER, confused, crouches as instructed--
BERNARD SHAW (cant., on TV)
Then KISS YOUR LILY-WHITE ASS GOODBYE!
On this last line, Shaw's voice starts to ECHO and CHANGE.
SCHUYLER rises, staring at the TV, mouth agape.
SHAW WINKS. His VOICE is utterly transformed.
BERNARD SHAW (on TV)
Howdy Sky.
HIS FACE RIPPLES and MORPHS into a SKULL, it's becoming clear that
this is a computer-generated Bernard shaw.
CYBERSHAW (on TV)
Que pasa?
As CYBERSHAW speaks, his face will continue to transform, sometimes
back to a recognizable human state, other times into abstract
images, a talking piano, a dog, etc.
CYBERSHAW (on TV)
Welcome to the Game!
Congratulations on your decision
to let Consumer Recreation
Services entertain you.
The combination of relief, amazement and anger is a bit much for
Schuyler to absorb. Smiling sickly:
SCHUYLER
Fuckers!
CYBERSHAW (on TV)
This might be a good time to lay out
a few ground rules, help you enjoy
your adventure. You've received the
first key. There will be others.
Pay attention-- you never know where
you'll find 'em, you never know when
you'll need 'em, so keep 'em with
you at all times...
As he speaks, Schuyler reaches for the gold key on his bedside
table. He starts putting it onto his keychain.
ON TV SCREEN-- below CyberShaw, a PHONE NUMBER SCROLLS PAST.
CYBERSHAW (on TV)
You might want to write this number
down, it's the CRS hotline, operators
are standing by to assist... but
please don't call to ask what the
object of the game is-- figuring that
out is the object of the game...
SCHUYLER has snatched up the CRS pen to write down the number-- it
doesn't work. SWEARING, he tosses it aside, grabs another.
ON TV, CyberShaw MORPHS back into the original Bernard Shaw.
There's a quick VISUAL GLITCH on the tube as the original TV feed
resumes-- Bernard Shaw is delivering a normal news story.
BERNARD SHAW (on TV)
--reaction on wall Street was muted
following the Fed's announcement of...
SCHUYLER is taken with the display of electronic pyrotechnics, in
spite of himself. He hits the speaker button on his phone, dials.
OPERATOR VOICE (filter)
You've reached CRS...
SCHUYLER
Yeah, this is pretty impressive
but listen--
OPERATOR VOICE (filter)
Our office is closed. Please call
back during business hours.
(BEEP)
SCHUYLER
My name is Schuyler Van Orton, my
game just started. Look, this is a
bad time, I'm about to leave town--
A DIAL TONE, CRS doesn't take messages. Schuyler sighs, HANGS UP.
44. E X T . V A N O R T O N H O U S E - N I G H T
SCHUYLER crouches by a coaxial cable line emerging from the side of
the house. He fingers a box with a miniature LOOP and RABBIT EAR
ANTENNA that's been spliced into the line with a tiny S-shaped
WIRE. He starts to unscrew it, then thinks twice, heads back in.
WIDER, as Schuyler enters his mansion, a GIBBOUS MOON OVERHEAD.
CUT TO:
45. E X T . S E A - T A C A I R P O R T - D A Y
Mist in the air, a jet taxis to a terminal.
46. I N T . S E A - T A C T E R M I N A L - D A Y
SCHUYLER comes out of the gate with the garment bag and a
briefcase. He joins up with a DRIVER carrying a sign that says VAN
ORTON, the man takes his bag for him.
SCHUYLER
I'm expecting a package with some
documents. Did it arrive?
The man shakes his head, Schuyler, exasperated, whips out his cell-
phone and dials. As he and the driver move through the CROWD, they
pass a red-eyed, dredlocked, homeless-looking RASTA MAN in a
BRIGHTLY COLORED outfit with knit cap, hassling other TRAVELERS.
He turns his attention to Schuyler and begins walking alongside.
RASTA MAN
Ay mon, got sometin' fo you mon.
DRIVER
(to the rasta)
Get lost, pal.
RASTA MAN
No can do.
SCHUYLER (on phone)
Bob, it's Sky, what the hell is
going on? No, the papers aren't
here, you'll have to fax signature
copies straight to the BG offices
now. Yeah I'll hold.
The driver and Schuyler climb into a little white people mover
cart, the driver starts forward, BEEPING at folks in the way. The
rasta man continues to badger Schuyler.
RASTA MAN
You want what I got, mon.
SCHUYLER
(hand over the phone)
No thank you.
RASTA MAN
Dere are many paths to
enlightenment, but you must choose
one and stay on it-- or you will
surely die in the darkness--
SCHUYLER
I'll take my chances.
The rasta man jogs alongside, holds up a stained, newsprint
religious TRACT, Schuyler glances at it without taking it--
CLOSE-- we see the words "CRISIS, REVELATION, SOLUTION." The
letters C, Rand S are printed in a different color from the rest.
WIDER-- Schuyler ignores the tract, he's talking to Bob again on
the phone. The driver SPEEDS UP as they pass a guard, entering a
restricted access area.
SCHUYLER (on phone)
What?! Fire their asses, that's it.
The Rasta Man runs out of breath as the cart SPEEDS UP. He calls
after Schuyler:
RASTA MAN
Jah Love mon, dat's the key, dat's the key...
47. E X T . S E A - T A C T E R M I N A L - D A Y
Cold and bleak. The little white truck emerges from the terminal,
crosses the tarmac, heading toward an IDLING HELICOPTER, where is
stops. From the chopper, ALAN BAER emerges-- he's an elderly,
muscular man, bluff, once blue-collar. He gives Schuyler a firm
handshake. They have to SHOUT over the WHIRRING BLADES:
SCHUYLER
Alan! What's wrong with a car--
BAER
I'm giving you an overview of our
little operation! You gotta see the
new breed of high yield saplings...
SCHUYLER looks uncomfortable with this prospect. The driver is
already loading his bag into the chopper. Baer claps a hand on
Schuyler's shoulder, leading him under the wash, into the chopper.
THE RASTA MAN is walking slowly across the tarmac nearby. He
watches the HELICOPTER ASCEND with a half-smile.
48. I N T . H E L I C O P T E R - D A Y
SCHUYLER and BAER in the back of the chopper.
BAER
How was your flight?
SCHUYLER
Fine.
Schuyler looks out the window.
SCHUYLER'S POV - On the PASTA MAN in his colorful clothes, now
holding up a dangling KEY on a chain. Moments later, he's
invisible in the MIST.
ON SCHUYLER, looking disappointed, and annoyed with himself-- he
realizes he's missed something. He reaches into his pocket as Baer
DRONES ON beside him. Schuyler pulls out his KEYS, fingers the
gold one with the CRS logo, thinking.
DISSOLVE TO:
49. E X T . M O U N T A I N S - D A Y
The HELICOPTER swoops low over a beautiful FORESTED MOUNTAINSIDE.
DISSOLVE TO:
50. I N T . B A E R - G R A C E O F F I C E S - D A Y
PAN from a WINDOW. Outside, we see a sign-- BAER-GRACE LUMBER--
and the helicopter, now idle on a pad. MOVE PAST a HUMMING FAX
MACHINE, find Schuyler addressing Alan Baer across a table. A
couple of other LUMBER EXECS are present. Everyone wears a
stricken expression, Schuyler's tone is matter-of-fact.
BAER
You've been planning this for months,
haven't you? Sandbagging me like
this, selling us for scrap...
SCHUYLER
BG lumber is not profitable and
hasn't been for years, my duty is to
salvage what I can. These are the
closing papers, in ten minutes I'm
going to present the sale terms to
the shareholders and elect my new
management team.
As he speaks, Schuyler moves to the fax machine. A TRANSMISSION
has come through, he picks up the sheaf of papers.
BAER
I was friends with your father, you
bastard, I watched you grow up, and
now you kick me in the balls--
Schuyler squints at the papers in his hand, flipping through them.
CLOSE, the entire transmission has been GARBLED. The words all
BLEED TOGETHER incomprehensibly, it looks like a child's scribbles.
BAER (O.S.)
That's not how you play the game.
SCHUYLER turns on him, a suspicion forming...
BAER
You could've fucking told me!
SCHUYLER
What game?
Schuyler studies the SENSELESS PAGES for a moment then puts them
down, shaking off his apprehensions.
SCHUYLER
Never mind... we'll just have to
go with the earlier draft.
In BG, one exec picks up a page, WHISPERS to an ASSISTANT, who
moves out of the room. Schuyler moves to his briefcase. It's
LOCKED. He starts patting his pockets.
BAER
Can't find your keys?
Baer has a malevolent expression. Schuyler looks at him.
SCHUYLER
Where are they.
BAER
Up your ass?
A couple of execs stifle chuckles. Schuyler's suspicions mount.
SCHUYLER
Up my ass, very funny...
His eyes drift to a piece of CORPORATE STATIONARY on the table in
front of him. He picks it up:
INSERT - UNDER BAER-GRACE LETTERHEAD we see a handscrawled note:
"CRS CALLED." We don't see what's written below.
SCHUYLER is reeling, paranoia confirmed.
SCHUYLER
I don't-- OK. OK, you're with CRS...
Baer stares at him blankly. Schuyler puts a hand over his eyes,
seems disoriented, trying to piece it all together.
SCHUYLER
So the game, it's just a screen, to
blow this deal...
BAER
I'm not following you.
SCHUYLER
Like hell you aren't. How did you
get my brother involved, that's
unforgivable.
The assembled execs are looking at Schuyler in utter confusion. As
he speaks, the ASSISTANT returns with some PAPERWORK. Schuyler
stares at him menacingly. Hesitantly:
ASSISTANT
Um... sorry to interrupt. We've
been having some trouble with this
fax, so they re-sent the material.
It's all OK now.
The assistant comes over, cheerfully places the crucial documents
in front of Schuyler. The assistant fishes in his pocket.
ASSISTANT
Oh and Mr. Van Orton-- are these
yours? The pilot found 'em on the
floor of the chopper...
Schuyler gingerly takes the KEYS which the assistant holds out,
looks from them to the paperwork. Then he glances back at the
handwritten note on the table:
INSERT NOTE: It actually reads "CBS CALLED." (Schuyler's thumb or
a Post-It note covered the base of the B before, making it look
like an R.) It continues "Re: Interview with Alan B. on Sun..."
SCHUYLER takes a breath, reassembles his composure and consults his
watch. He rises, anxious to put the last few minutes behind him.
SCHUYLER
Everything seems to be in order.
Please disregard my last comments.
The shareholders meeting is about
to get underway... Shall we?
He heads for the door. As he leaves, the execs exchange looks.
CUT TO:
51. I N T . S E A - T A C T E R M I N A L - N I G H T
Schuyler wanders through the terminal, carrying his bags, glancing
periodically at the DEPARTURES monitor and the clock. His manner
now has changed, he eyes every PASSERBY, especially the ODD ONES.
P. A. VOICE (filter)
Flight 177 to San Francisco is now
boarding at Gate 14...
Suddenly a leg is thrust out from behind an advertising kiosk,
Schuyler TRIPS and goes sprawling. The Rasta Man steps out, now
wearing SUNGLASSES with PINK LENSES.
RASTA MAN
Shit mon sorry oughta pay more attention.
Schuyler gets up, dusts himself off. As calmly as possible:
SCHUYLER
Listen, I quit.
RASTA MAN
Free at last... you won't be
needin' this, then.
He snatches up the briefcase, dances back a few paces. Schuyler
speaks as if to a child.
SCHUYLER
No, cretin. I'm quitting the game.
The rasta man keeps backing away, puts a hand to his ear.
RASTA MAN
Wha's that, mon? I didna hear you.
Schuyler is pursuing the man, walking faster and faster.
SCHUYLER
I said I-- shit!
The rasta turns and RUNS, Schuyler bolts after him, unable to
believe this is happening. They draw a lot of looks during the
brief chase through the terminal, the suited businessman, garment
bag flapping behind him, in pursuit of the crazy rasta.
RASTA MAN
Help, help! The mon is crazy!
He runs into a MEN'S ROOM, Schuyler follows a moment later.
52. I N T . A I R P O R T M E N ' S R O O M - N I G H T
Schuyler has the rasta cornered now-- but he doesn't have the
briefcase. Both are out of breath. PISSING MEN look wary.
SCHUYLER
Where is it?
RASTA MAN
Got something better.
The rasta men holds out a SHINY KEY on a chain. Schuyler narrows
his eyes, he's trying not to lose control of his temper.
SCHUYLER
I realize you're just some bit
player, but I'd like you to get a
message to your employers. This
bullshit is interfering with my
work, it's breaking my concentration
and I can't allow that to happen--
THE RASTA makes a sad face, SNIFFLES, still dangling the key.
SCHUYLER
If I take that stupid key, will you
give me back my briefcase and go away?
The rasta nods with a big grin. Schuyler steps forward, hand
extended. The rasta flings open the door of a STALL beside him and
hurls the key into the TOILET. Instinctively, Schuyler moves to
grab it, reaches into the toilet, pulls out the chain, his hand and
sleeve DRIPPING. The key is missing from the end of the chain.
SCHUYLER
What the fuck am I doing?!
RASTA MAN
Don' worry, mon, it's a world a shit.
He drops the rasta schtick, speaks with an Ivy League accent:
RASTA MAN
So try looking at it through rose-
colored glasses... here.
He takes off his sunglasses, folds them and tucks them in the
pocket of Schuyler's suit. Then he reaches above him and pulls
down the briefcase, which was perched on top of the stall.
Schuyler grabs it from him, raises his voice:
SCHUYLER
I told you, this is over! I quit!
RASTA MAN
They all say that at first.
He gives Schuyler a hearty SLAP on the back and strolls off,
HUMMING. Schuyler leans against the wall, shaking his head. He
puts down his luggage, pulls the sunglasses from his pocket.
CLOSE ON SUNGLASSES-- there's the image of a tiny GOLD KEY embossed
on each of the arms.
SCHUYLER puts them on, looks around for a moment, catches a GLIMPSE
of himself in the mirror-- he looks silly. He quickly takes them
off. As Schuyler heads out the door we see him from behind... the
Rasta has slapped a colorful SIGN that reads "KICK ME" on his back.
CUT TO:
53. E X T . L E O ' S - D A Y
THE NEON SIGN FIZZLES in front of this low-rent establishment.
54. I N T . L E O ' S - D A Y
BELLS RING and LIGHTS FLASH as a DRUNK plays a PINBALL MACHINE with
a lot of body English. SCHUYLER, stuck at a table right next to
the machine, winces at the noise, checks his watch and rises. He
makes his way through the lunch hour CROWD to the bar, leans toward
the bartender, a gravelly-voiced woman-- RONNIE.
SCHUYLER
I was supposed to meet someone
here, a David Van Orton-- I was
wondering if he'd left a message.
RONNIE
'Fraid not, sorry.
He drums his fingers, then whips out a CELLPHONE, spins around
quickly as he starts to dial--
--and SMACKS into Christine the waitress as she emerges from the
kitchen carrying a tray--
--SCHUYLER gets hit in the chest with a TRAY OF DESSERTS, colorful
JELLO, CREAM PIE, etc. He stands there, stunned and DRIPPING.
CHRISTINE
Fuck me!
She starts picking up plates and silverware, oblivious to
Schuyler's own plight; Ronnie charges out from behind the bar.
After the first shock, Schuyler CHUCKLES with annoyance. He wipes
the phone clean, pocketing it.
SCHUYLER
Oh this is cute. Very cute.
RONNIE
What happened here, you OK?
CHRISTINE
It was an accident--
SCHUYLER
No it wasn't.
Ronnie gives Christine a look as she starts wiping at Schuyler with
a rag. He picks at his chest, examines the WHIPPED CREAM, tastes
it. Schuyler addresses the kneeling Christine:
SCHUYLER
What's next, a giant banana peel?
CHRISTINE squints up at him, puzzled.
CHRISTINE
Huh? Oh I get it-- you're nuts.
RONNIE
Chrissy, just apologize...
CHRISTINE
Dickhead here was on the phone, he
walked right into me!
SCHUYLER
Drop the act, you've been waiting
all day for this moment.
CHRISTINE
Shut the fuck up.
RONNIE
Go home, you're fired.
CHRISTINE
What?...
RONNIE
You heard me.
CHRISTINE
Fuck you too.
She THROWS a plate on the ground, it shatters, then storms off into
the kitchen. Schuyler CHUCKLES angrily, pushing through the slop
on the floor with his shoe, looking for something.
SCHUYLER
Let's get this over with... Where's
the next key? Does she have it?
Ronnie stares, uncomprehending... Schuyler goes after Christine.
55. I N T . L E O ' S K I T C H E N - D A Y
He crosses past a short-order COOK in the grimy industrial kitchen,
pulling a cube of JELLO out of his lapel pocket. He finds
Christine in an alcove with a couple of lockers, as she finishes
changing into her street clothes. Her brown uniform hangs from a
locker door, the nameplate "CHRIS" prominent.
CLOSE as his fingers touch the CRS of CHRIS-- they even look a bit
brighter than the H and the I.
SCHUYLER
I wish you people could be a
little more subtle.
CHRISTINE notices him for the first time.
CHRISTINE
Asshole, just send me the goddamn
dry-cleaning bill. Could you--?
She waves a hand at him, "go away" and ducks out of view, finishing
dressing into punk-grungy street clothes. She SLAMS the locker,
starts to push past him, pulling on her backpack bag.
SCHUYLER
Don't you have something for me?
CHRISTINE
Uh-huh sure, here you go.
She puts her hand into her side pocket, pulls it out with her
middle finger extended, moving away from him in a hurry.
Schuyler's face falls-- he made another mistake.
SCHUYLER
Wait, you really work here--
CHRISTINE
Not anymore, thanks to you.
She's out the SWINGING kitchen door. Schuyler absorbs his blunder
for a moment, then hurries after her.
56. E X T . L E O ' S - D A Y
Schuyler catches up as Christine hurries toward a MUNI station,
LIGHTING a cigarette. A few PEDESTRIANS come off the steps from
the arriving elevated train in this residential SF neighborhood.
SCHUYLER
Slow down-- you don't understand, I
thought it was a gag.
CHRISTINE
No, you don't understand. I carry
mace and I know how to use it.
She reaches into her purse/backpack, Schuyler backs off.
SCHUYLER
I was only trying to apologize.
CHRISTINE
Shit, it's in here somewhere--
SCHUYLER
Fine.
He starts to move away, then they both hear GASPING O. S.--
ON THE STEPS, a HEAVY MAN, 60, in a coat and tie has collapsed,
struggling for breath, very pale. Christine and Schuyler are the
only pedestrians around now.
CHRISTINE
Shit--
She rushes to help the guy, loosening his tie-- he JOLTS.
SCHUYLER looks up at them dubiously, brushing a scrap of food still
clinging to his suit.
CHRISTINE reaches in to clear the guy's throat, starting CPR. She
shoots a look at Schuyler.
CHRISTINE
You got a fucking phone, call an
ambulance!
Schuyler approaches slowly, pulling out his phone, studying the guy as
Christine gives him mouth-to-mouth.
SCHUYLER
This is just too weird-- it can't
be real--
CHRISTINE
You really are insane!
SCHUYLER leans close to look at the man.
ON THE MAN'S FACE-- sweating, contorted, unnaturally pale, his eyes
rolling back as he GAGS his last...
CHRISTINE grabs the phone away from Schuyler, dials.
CHRISTINE
We need an ambulance, guy's having a
heart attack near the MUNI station at
5th and Market--
(to Schuyler)
What's the number on this thing?!
SCHUYLER
I don't give it out--
(off her horrified look)
731-5723--
CHRISTINE
731-5723-- yeah, thanks--
She stuffs the phone in a pocket and pumps the man's chest, returns
to the mouth-to-mouth. Schuyler looks around uncomfortably,
starting to believe this is a real heart attack.
SCHUYLER
Is there anything I can do?
CHRISTINE ignores him, all attention on saving this guy's life...
56A. WIDE as an AMBULANCE pulls up, SIREN BLARING. A couple of
MALE PARAMEDICS hurry out with a stretcher.
ON THE STEPS, the two PARAMEDICS lift the unconscious HEAVY MAN
onto the stretcher while Christine and Schuyler stand aside. Both
have small EARPIECES that look like hearing aids, with wires into
their clothes. Throughout the following, there's a lot of MEDICAL
BUSINESS-- feeding the victim OXYGEN, giving him INJECTIONS, etc.
PARAMEDIC #1
(to Schuyler)
Could you come with us, help us
fill out a few forms--
SCHUYLER
No! I have work to do--
CHRISTINE
I'll go.
She climbs into the back, they start to shut the doors.
SCHUYLER
Wait a minute, you've got my phone--
He climbs in to get it back, they SLAM THE DOORS and start moving.
THE AMBULANCE peels out. We now see the LOGO on the back:
"CITYWIDE RESCUE SYSTEMS," with the C, R and S in RED.
57. I N T . A M B U L A N C E - D A Y
The PARAMEDICS are intent on the gasping man. The SIREN BLARES, a
bit MUFFLED in here. Schuyler, looking out the back, is extremely
pissed, makes a fist and almost punches the wall of the ambulance.
CHRISTINE
Chill, will you?!
SCHUYLER
I don't want to be here.
CHRISTINE
Neither do I, now siddown, get
outta their way!
A BUMP almost sends him flying atop the stretcher. Schuyler sits
near Christine on a ledge near the back doors. Petulant:
SCHUYLER
I'd like my phone back please.
CUT TO:
58(NEW). I N T . H O S P I T A L E N T R A N C E / G A R A G E - D A Y
An UNDERGROUND RAMP, signs reading "EMERGENCY VEHICLES ONLY," a set
of DOORS leading into the lobby of an EMERGENCY ROOM; MEDICAL
PERSONNEL visible inside, INJURED PEOPLE, etc., a few PEOPLE mill
outside the doors.
THE AMBULANCE SCREECHES to a stop, the back doors fly open, the
PARAMEDICS wheel out the dying man and rush into the entrance,
automatic doors OPEN and CLOSE for them. Schuyler and Christine
climb out, disoriented, walking more slowly to the doors. The
AMBULANCE pulls away behind them. Schuyler nearly slips in a
mysterious dark PUDDLE.
SCHUYLER
Oh, this day keeps getting better.
CHRISTINE
What is your problem, you think
the whole fucking world revolves
around you?
As she says this, she walks right into the ELECTRIC DOORS, which
fail to open for them.
THEIR POV-- THROUGH THE DOORS the gathered STAFF and PATIENTS all
turn at once to regard Christine and Schuyler. They GRIN and WINK.
ON SCHUYLER AND CHRISTINE, who barely get the chance to register
this before--
THE LIGHTS GO OUT... PITCH BLACKNESS and SUDDEN SILENCE. We hear
only SCHUYLER'S BITTER LAUGHTER. Dialogue OVER DARKNESS:
SCHUYLER
As a matter of fact...
CHRISTINE
What the fuck is going on?!
We hear RUSTLING in a purse, but still see next to nothing.
SCHUYLER
It's a little hard to explain...
CHRISTINE
Try!
We hear the STRIKING OF A MATCH, there's some ORANGE LIGHT--
CHRISTINE holds the match. The whole area is DESERTED, except for
the two of them. SCHUYLER kicks at the glass doors-- they're not
going to give, nothing is visible beyond them.
SCHUYLER
I seem to be playing a game. This
is supposed to be funny--
CHRISTINE
I don't get it.
SCHUYLER
--a challenge, a puzzle.
CHRISTINE
OK, I'm puzzled. Where are we?
SCHUYLER has found a STEEL DOOR with a GLOWING RED SIGN: EMERGENCY
USE ONLY. He yanks it open and a PAIL swings down, dumping WATER
on his head. He's facing a BRICK WALL through the door.
CHRISTINE can't help but LAUGH, then YELPS in pain as the match
burns her fingers. LIGHTS another. Schuyler flips open his phone.
SCHUYLER
Damn it, no signal.
CHRISTINE
Here's a lightswitch--
SCHUYLER
I wouldn't--
She flips it on, A BLINDING STROBE FLASHES for a few seconds-- both
CRY OUT-- then the BULB EXPLODES in a shower of sparks.
SCHUYLER
I don't know the rules, if there are
any, but it seems the obvious move
usually backfires...
CHRISTINE
Of course. I have no idea what
you're talking about.
They've taken a few steps forward, exploring the DARK. She LIGHTS
a cigarette with the next match, nearly running into ANOTHER DOOR.
She RATTLES it-- locked.
CHRISTINE
Son of a bitch.
SCHUYLER
I think I have a key.
Schuyler pulls out his keyring and tries the gold CRS key-- nope.
SCHUYLER
Damn it...
(a beat, thoughtful)
Wrong key...
CHRISTINE
Last match.
In the matchlight, we see Schuyler fumbling in his pockets, pulling
out the ROSY SUNGLASSES from the Rasta. He puts them on.
CHRISTINE
Too bright for you, is it?
SCHUYLER'S POV as the last MATCH GOES OUT-- CHRISTINE GLOWS RED in
the matchlight for a moment, then as soon as it goes out, we see a
GLOW of FLUORESCENT PAINT on the ground... a series of STRIPES and
ARROWS in DIFFERENT COLORS, GLOWING. These start PARALLEL near
where he stands, then RADIATE in different directions. CHRISTINE
is but a SILHOUETTE against the COLORED LINES.
SCHUYLER
I can see now. Grab my arm.
CHRISTINE
No way! You're crazy!
CHRISTINE moves away from him.
SCHUYLER
Stay on the path!
A BURST OF FLAME erupts from the GROUND close enough to scare the
shit out of CHRISTINE, who SCREAMS. SCHUYLER hurries toward her.
The FLAMES VANISH, she lurches in a differrent direction--
SCHUYLER
Christine, don't move!
CHRISTINE
Leave me alone!
She LOSES HER FOOTING on a slippery surface, falls, sliding down a
gentle SLOPE.
CHRISTINE
Help!
SCHUYLER follows. FALLING himself. They try to reach toward each
other for purchase, but it's no good, the slope is getting steeper.
58A. In a moment SCHUYLER tumbles on top of Christine in a four-
foot deep round CHILDREN'S POOL, but it isn't full of water.
There's a bit of BLACK LIGHT here, enough to make out--
--COCKROACHES, thousands of them, a TEEMING ROIL OF INSECTS in a
CHURNING LIQUID. There's a BUZZING NOISE, both SCREAM.
CHRISTINE
Aaggh! BUGS!!
SCHUYLER quickly helps lift Christine out. She starts to pull him
upward, but--
SCHUYLER
Where are the glasses?!
CHRISTINE
Fuck the glasses!
SCHUYLER
We can't get out of here without them!
He steels himself and rummages amidst the bugs, about to get sick,
finally coming up with the glasses. He shakes them free of INSECTS
and clambers out to join Christine, who's GASPING and brushing the
bugs off of her. SCHUYLER puts on the glasses and holds up a BUG.
SCHUYLER
They're rubber. Hold onto me,
I'll get us out of here.
CHRISTINE
Ha!
SCHUYLER
Fine, stay.
CHRISTINE
No!
She grabs his arm; both are now covered in MUCK from the bug soup.
SCHUYLER
What's your favorite color?
CHRISTINE
...Blue?
He takes off the glasses, puts them on her. She looks around.
HER POV-- the RAINBOW of COLORED LINES on the FLOOR...
CHRISTINE
Wow... OK, this is kinda cool. Hey!
SCHUYLER slips the glasses off her, puts them back on.
SCHUYLER
Sorry, it's my game. But we'll
take blue.
HIS POV-- a BLUE LINE moves in a snaking path ahead of them, going
in circles now and then, INTERSECTING or moving PARALLEL to other
colors, up a series of ramps. This space sometimes resembles a
PARKING GARAGE, scmetimes a SEWER or a STEAM TUNNEL.
CHRISTINE keeps a hand on Schuyler as he follows the path.
CHRISTINE
Talk about the blind leading the
blind... what's your name anyway?
SCHUYLER
Sky Van Orton.
CHRISTINE
Sky? Were your folks hippies or
something?
SCHUYLER
Far from it.
CHRISTINE
I'm Christine Kaminsky.
SCHUYLER
Nice to meet you.
58B. LATER, CHRISTINE almost hugs Schuyler now, as they move in a
seemingly random pattern in the darkness.
SCHUYLER
It's a company called Consumer
Recreation Services, CRS. I never
know what's gonna happen next.
CHRISTINE
Well, who does.
SCHUYLER
Until recently, I had a pretty
good idea... Duck.
The BLUE LINE has led them into a NARROW TUNNEL, soon they're
crawling on hands and knees.
CHRISTINE
So are you like a serious masochist,
or just really, really bored?
SCHUYLER
I'm sorry, you shouldn't have been
dragged into this.
CHRISTINE
Well... I have to tell you
something. Some guy came into
Leo's yesterday, showed me your
picture, offered me 250 bucks to
spill that food on you.
SCHUYLER
Ah.
CHRISTINE
Said it was a practical joke. I
figured what the hell, I can use
the money-- I got him up to 500.
I hated that fucking job anyway--
SCHUYLER
Wait, so the heart attack, you
knew that was a joke too--
CHRISTINE
No! It scared the shit out of me--
SCHUYLER
But that CPR routine--
CHRISTINE
I used to be a lifeguard.
SCHUYLER
(points)
We're getting somewhere...
The TUNNEL has opened up again. There's even a tiny bit of VISIBLE
LIGHT now. He takes off the glasses, gives them to her.
HER POV-- the COLORED LINES are all joining up from different
directions. A few steps onward they all converge at a point, like
the spokes of a wheel, at a WHITE SPOT on the ground...
SCHUYLER AND CHRISTINE look around, then Schuyler points upward--
A WHITE RING overhead... it looks like the underside of a MANHOLE
COVER, with an illuminated CIRCLE OF LIGHT around the rim, a halo.
CHRISTINE
How do we get up there?
SCHUYLER steps on the circle of WHITE-- it's a BUTTON. A ROPE
LADDER drops down.
59. E X T . W A L K W A Y - E V E N I N G
A MANHOLE COVER slides aside, SCHUYLER climbs out and helps
Christine up. It's a short, covered WOODEN WALKWAY in an alley.
CHRISTINE
Well, that was pointless... but
different... kind of fun...
SCHUYLER
Mm, a different kind of fun.
What's your middle name?
CHRISTINE
Louise... why?
SCHUYLER points to some GRAFFITI-- a HEART with "SVO + CLK."
SCHUYLER
You're supposed to be here... they
picked you for a reason.
CHRISTINE
But-- why?
They start to move shakily down the CONSTRUCTION WALKWAY, both
bedraggled, covered in goo. HANDBILLS cover one wall.
SCHUYLER
Probably knew you'd play Good
Samaritan for that guy, drag me
along-- but they could have hired an
actor for that, less of a risk...
ON THE WALL, a series of HANDBILLS say, "AREN'T YOU FORGETTING
SOMETHING?" SCHUYLER puzzles over these as they move, gets to one
last one-- "BEHIND YOU, STUPID."
SCHUYLER looks back toward the end of the alley--
A YELLOW DUMPSTER with the logo, "CONSOLIDATED REFUSE SUPPLY" and
the smaller image of a KEY. SCHUYLER moves quickly to it, throws
open the lid.
ANGLE IN DUMPSTER-- a MOUNTAIN of SHREDDED PAPER.
SCHUYLER rolls his eyes, sorting through it. Christine approaches.
CHRISTINE
This is really sick. I think
they're trying to fix us up.
SCHUYLER
Maybe you can't play alone--
CHRISTINE
Who says I want to play?
(a sigh)
OK, what the fuck are you doing in
the dumpster.
SCHUYLER
There's something in here I need.
He climbs inside, dives in... and pops up again in a moment with--
CLOSE-- A Z-SHAPED WINDOW CRANK. Sure enough, there's a KEY
embossed on the side.
SCHUYLER climbs out again, brandishing the small crank.
CHRISTINE
What's that for?
SCHUYLER
I imagine I'll find out.
60. E X T . C R S B U I L D I N G - E V E N I N G
SCHUYLER pockets the crank as he and CHRISTINE emerge from the
alley. PEDESTRIANS give them a wide berth. To a PASSERBY:
CHRISTINE
What are you looking at?
Schuyler heads straight for the CRS doors, the large numbers 636
printed above-- it's LOCKED. He tries his little GOLD KEY on a
deadbolt, it's USELESS of course.
SCHUYLER
This is their offices. We must
have been in their garage... my
office is just a few blocks from
here, we can get cleaned up there.
He walks a few steps on, she stands still for a moment, then nods
agreeably and follows.
CUT TO:
61. I N T . S C H U Y L E R ' S O F F I C E - N I G H T
START ON THE SKYLINE-- SCHUYLER moves from the window, as we hear a
DOOR OPEN. CHRISTINE emerges from the attached dressing area and
bath, toweling damp hair, in an oversized Harvard sweatshirt and
gym shorts, with a large plastic bag containing her filthy clothes.
She looks good, clearly she put some effort into her make-up.
CHRISTINE
Your turn.
SCHUYLER
(moving past her)
Find everything you need?
CHRISTINE
You're outta conditioner.
SCHUYLER
My apologies, I'll have it taken care
of. Help yourself to the fridge.
He points to a MINI-FRIDGE, shuts the door, a moment later we hear
WATER RUNNING. She looks around the office, letting down her
facade. She seems quite impressed, and intimidated, by the place.
She looks back toward the bathroom door-- maybe this guy isn't so
bad after all. From this point, she takes a more seductive tack.
62. I N T . D R E S S I N G A R E A / B A T H - N I G H T
LATER, Schuyler has cleaned up, is finishing dressing, pulling a
pair of jeans over boxer shorts, tucking in a sport shirt.
Christine talks through the closed door.
CHRISTINE (O. S.)
So um... how rich are you anyway?
SCHUYLER
(amused)
Rich enough. Bit forward, aren't you?
CHRISTINE (O. S.)
Well, what exactly do you do?
SCHUYLER
Manage investments, some venture
capital, I'm on the board of a number
of publicly traded companies...
CHRISTINE (O. S.)
So you just like, move money around?
63. I N T . S C H U Y L E R ' S O F F I C E - N I G H T
Schuyler emerges, shoes in hand.
SCHUYLER
Basically. Beats working, huh?
Christine sits on his desk, with her bag slung over her shoulder,
eating an APPLE. She slides off the desk, flirting rather bluntly.
CHRISTINE
You don't look so bad, without the tie.
SCHUYLER
Look, I hope you haven't been too
put out... I could probably get
you another job, I have a stake in
a couple of restaurants--
CHRISTINE
I'm not much of a waitress, really.
Y'know, today's been kind of--
SCHUYLER
Can you type?
CHRISTINE
Kind of a turn-on, you know?
(getting no response)
I didn't mean-- just, the danger...
Like fucking in a graveyard.
SCHUYLER
Mm. So where do you live?
Christine realizes her come-on is falling flat, she pulls back,
tossing her unfinished apple in the trash.
CHRISTINE
Out in Concord, with my folks,
unfortunately. They're never
gonna believe that I've been
hanging out with a guy like you.
SCHUYLER
What do you mean?
CHRISTINE
Nothing, just-- most of the guys I
see have tats, y'know?
(off his confused look)
Tattoos...
SCHUYLER
Of course. We'd better head
downstairs, the limo's waiting.
Christine nods disappointedly as Schuyler moves to the door.
CUT TO:
64. I N T . L I M O - N I G H T
Schuyler and Christine ride in silence in the back seat.
CHRISTINE
Mind if I smoke in here?
SCHUYLER
Yes.
(leaning forward)
Up here on the left.
As the limo pulls over, he and Christine turn to each other. It's
a somewhat awkward moment.
CHRISTINE
So what's our next move? I mean, in
the game. Obviously we need to figure
out what that crank thing is for--
SCHUYLER
I'm not playing anymore.
CHRISTINE
(disappointed)
Why not?
SCHUYLER
I have a life. Jack'll take you
home, or wherever you want to go.
CHRISTINE
Yeah, maybe I'll get in a little
ballroom dancing before bed--
The limo has stopped now. Schuyler has started to open the door.
CHRISTINE
Wait, what about your clothes?
SCHUYLER
Forget it.
CHRISTINE
C'mon it's a brand new sweatshirt.
So saying, she pulls it off. She's wearing a black bra... a ROSE
is tattooed on her shoulder. Schuyler can't help but react. She
thrusts the shirt at him, he's half out of the car.
SCHUYLER
No, it's not-- just-- back from
the cleaners.
CHRISTINE
(throatily)
You dry clean your sweatshirts...
He nods slightly... as he reaches to take it--
--CHRISTINE leans forward, cups the back of his head and gives him
a LONG, HARD KISS.
JACK THE DRIVER, middle-aged and trustworthy, turns and catches a
glimpse of this, quickly turns away.
CHRISTINE breaks the kiss, sinks back against the red leather seat,
waiting for Schuyler to make the next move.
CHRISTINE
See ya.
Schuyler nods again, torn. She's looking at him expectantly. He's
clearly aroused, but this is such an inappropriate female. Sadly,
he waves a hand.
SCHUYLER
Good night.
65. E X T . L E O ' S - N I G H T
Schuyler shuts the door, sweatshirt in hand, the dome light slowly
DIMS OUT out on the crestfallen Christine-- we see her mouth a
CURSE. Schuyler moves toward his MBZ, the limo IDLING. He's about
to get inside when he sees a TICKET IN AN ENVELOPE under the
windshield wiper. He SNORTS-- insult to injury-- tosses it on the
dash as he climbs in.
66. I N T . S C H U Y L E R ' S M B Z - N I G H T
He sits behind the wheel, watching the lights of the limo
disappear. He sniffs the sweatshirt a moment, then STARTS at the
sound of a MOTOR STARTING across the street.
ANGLE THROUGH SIDE WINDOW-- an MBZ the same year, model and color
as Schuyler's-- pulls away from the curb, Schuyler gets a glimpse
of something REFLECTING STREET LIGHT in the window of the car-- a
gun? A camera with a long lens? The car makes a quick U-turn and
drives in the same direction as the limo.
SCHUYLER, curious, STARTS THE ENGINE as if to pursue. Then he
glimpses the envelope on the dash out of the corner of his eye. He
doesn't put the car in gear, picks up the envelope instead...
CLOSE ON ENVELOPE-- The words "OPEN ME" are printed in BLOCK
LETTERS on the outside. He opens it quickly-- there's no ticket
inside, but he shakes out a RAINBOW-COLORED CONDOM in a clear
wrapper and a NOTE in KIDNAPPER LETTERS: "BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY."
SCHUYLER frowns at this and throws the note aside. He flips on the
WINDSHIELD WIPERS (it's started to DRIZZLE) and pulls out.
POV THROUGH WINDESIELD-- A DARK FIGURE runs from the curb by Leo's,
right in front of the car, SCHUYLER SLAMS on the BRAKES--
--It's DAVID. He hurries around to the passenger door and jumps
in, looking haggard, scared, a man on the run.
DAVID
Drive. Anywhere.
SCHUYLER
Jesus, David, you scared the shit
out of me--
DAVID
I'm sorry Sky, just drive, please--
SCHUYLER pulls forward.
SCHUYLER
Where were you today?
DAVID
I almost didn't make it at all. I
been in the bar for hours, waiting
for you to come back to your car--
Jesus, I can't believe I did this to
you, I'm so sorry--
SCHUYLER
Slow down, take a breath-- what
are you talking about?
DAVID
The game! It just doesn't stop!
I thought I'd finished playing a
long time ago, I paid the bill,
then it started all over again,
they won't leave me alone--
SCHUYLER
(slowly, evenly)
Calm down. What are they doing to you?
DAVID
Everything. It just doesn't stop.
SCHUYLER
Look. That's crazy. Yes, it's a
pain in the ass, but why would they
keep playing once you paid them?
DAVID
I don't know! I paid them MORE to
make it stop, God help me I even
gave you to them... but they won't
leave me alone!
He sees the crumpled note on the floor, picks it up--
DAVID
What's this?
SCHUYLER
It was on my windshield--
DAVID
Oh shit, oh SHIT they must be
following us--
He cranks his neck around, looking for pursuers. Schuyler looks at
him for a beat-- BANG! He almost loses control of the wheel.
SCENES 67-71 DELETED
72. E X T . C I T Y S T R E E T - N I G H T
A TIRE HAS BLOWN. Schuyler drives ON THE RIM, struggles to get
over to the curb, BRAKES hard and stops.
73. I N T . S C H U Y L E R ' S M B Z - N I G H T
David's losing it, looking around.
DAVID
They're shooting at us!
SCHUYLER
David, get a grip, it's just a
flat tire!
He picks up the phone, punches buttons, gets nothing.
SCHUYLER
Damn it, the phone's not working--
DAVID
Of course not.
SCHUYLER
(climbing out)
Fine, I'll change the fucking
thing myself.
DAVID
Just hurry-- I'll pop the trunk.
David reaches for the glovebox.
SCHUYLER
No, you can't do it from--
CLOSE ON GLOVEBOX-- it POPS OPEN and KEYS SPILL OUT. There are at
least fifty of them jammed in there, all kinds, silver and gold...
and all have CRS stamped on them.
SCHUYLER leans closer, intrigued. David's eyes go wide as he
fingers a few of these keys.
SCHUYLER
What the fuck are those--
DAVID
(whirling on him)
Like you don't know. Sonofabitch,
they got to you first, didn't they?
SCHUYLER
Um, David-- hello?
74(NEW). E X T . G O L D E N G A T E P A R K - N I G H T
David gets out of the car in a hurry, amidst the greenery in the
park. RAINING HARDER now.
DAVID
It's more than that isn't it? You're
part of it, you're one of them! Of
course, it makes perfect sense!
SCHUYLER
They planted those keys! I don't
know what the hell they're for--
Schuyler tries hard to be rational, but David is over the edge.
DAVID
You're behind the whole thing aren't
you? You and your sick fucking
friends set it up--
SCHUYLER
What?! What friends? Get a grip,
David-- why would I do that?
DAVID
I don't know, out of boredom, to
get back at me--
SCHUYLER
For what?!
DAVID
For being a weirdo, for trying to
be happy? Well, congratulations,
you win. Now make it stop!
SCHUYLER
(grabbing him)
I can't! Listen to me--
DAVID
Fuck you!
David SLUGS HIM in the face, Schuyler staggers back, clutches his
BLEEDING nose. David runs, full tilt, into the woods near the
Japanese Tea Garden.
SCHUYLER pursues amidst the trees and vegetation, running out of
breath, calling after David, who's vanished. He leans against a
tree, PANTING, dabbing at his bleeding nose with a SCRAP OF TISSUE
from his pocket. He hears a PHONE RINGING, moves toward it,
emerging through bushes near the ACADEMY OF SCIENCE...
He pauses at the RINGING PAYPHONE. He decides not to pick it up,
looking around at the deserted MUSEUM BUILDINGS and hurrying toward
civilization. He passes other PAYPHONES en route to the park
exit... each one STARTS RINGING as he approaches it. He moves
faster, freaked. At the edge of the park, he snatches one up--
SCHUYLER (on phone)
What have you done to my brother,
you bastards?! This is over, I'm
not playing anymore--
(beat)
Hello, is anyone there--
PHONE VOICE
If you'd like to make a call,
please hang up and dial again-- if
you need help--
SCHUYLER slams the phone down. He dabs his nose one more time,
tosses the paper scrap into the trash.
CLOSE ON SCRAP-- "CRS" with the emergency NUMBER, the blue ink has
BLED with the rain and Schuyler's BLOOD...
SCENE 75 DELETED
76(NEW). E X T . F U L T O N S T R E E T - N I G H T
POV THROUGH CAR WINDSHIELD, as Schuyler emerges from the park. The
car suddenly MOVES FORWARD--
WITH SCHUYLER. He walks to the curb, distractedly raises a hand
for a cab, which pulls up instantly. He climbs in.
77. I N T . C A B - N I G H T
An aged, battered CAB; PLEXIGLAS between the CABBIE and the back.
SCHUYLER
Six three six Mission, please.
The cabbie nods and hits the gas.
78. E X T . S A N F R A N C I S C O S T R E E T - N I G H T
The cab roars down the street, KICKING UP WATER from the gutters.
79. I N T . C A B - N I G H T
Schuyler bites his cuticle, not watching where they're going; the
windows are wet and fogged. Then he looks out, narrows his eyes
and RAPS on the PLEXIGLAS PARTITION.
SCHUYLER
You're heading the wrong way.
CABBIE (filter)
Relax, pal, you'll get where
you're going.
The cabbie turns IN PROFILE for a moment. He appears to be wearing
a HEARING AID, a round piece of plastic, a tiny WIRE disappearing
into his shirt. And there's something familiar about his face.
Schuyler glances at the driver ID on the back of the seat--
CLOSE ON PHOTO, the man is the RASTA from the airport, with a new
hairdo. The COMPANY NAME-- "CONSOLIDATED REGENCY SEDANS." CRS.
SCHUYLER rubs his head, very angry.
SCHUYLER
Why are you doing this--
CABBIE/RASTA (filter)
We do it all for you! We're the best
friends you got, no one ever worked
so hard to make you feel alive... but
you gotta let it happen...
The cab STOPS at a RED LIGHT. SCHUYLER tries the doorhandle-- it
doesn't work.
80. E X T . S A N F R A N C I S C O S T R E E T - N I G H T
The cab PEELS OUT when the light turns green, heads for a pier.
81. I N T . C A B - N I G H T
Schuyler looks around in increasing panic.
SCHUYLER
What the fuck is this--
CABBIE/RASTA
Have a nice day...
The cabbie opens his own door and leaps out of the MOVING CAB--
82. E X T . W H A R F - N I G H T
The cabbie/rasta hits the ground and ROLLS in a perfect stunt fall.
The cab rockets to the end of the disused wharf and--
--GOES FLYING off the edge into the San Francisco Bay, illuminated
by SPOTLIGHTS from the end of the wharf.
83. I N T . C A B - N I G H T
Schuyler SCREAMS as the cab plunges and HITS the water.
84. E X T . B A Y - N I G H T
The STEAMING cab's nose slowly DIPS below the surface.
85. I N T . C A B - N I G H T
FILLING WITH WATER from the car's floor, from overhead. EERIE
LIGHT from the front of the cab. Schuyler tries to roll down the
window, the handle SPINS, nothing happens.
86. E X T . B A Y - N I G H T
The cab GOES UNDER with a BURBLE of BUBBLES.
87. I N T . C A B - N I G H T
Schuyler CRANKS the other window handle desperately, now up to his
waist in water, water GUSHING IN now. INCREASING BLACKNESS through
the windows as he sinks. The handle falls off in his hand.
88. U N D E R W A T E R S H O T - N I G H T
The sinking cab, HEADLIGHTS and INTERIOR LIGHTS STILL ON, Schuyler
inside KICKING at the windows and the Plexi, without any success.
89. I N T . C A B - N I G H T
Schuyler stops his frantic kicking, tries to think coolly. He's up
to his neck by now. Angry at himself for not realizing it sooner,
he pulls what he needs out of his pocket-- the HANDCRANK he found
in the dumpster. He takes a deep breath and--
90. SUBMERGES. UNDERWATER he inserts the crank into the window
handle hole... a perfect fit. He CRANKS FAST, WATER FLOODS IN.
91. U N D E R W A T E R S H O T - N I G H T
Schuyler SLITHERS OUT the open window. Cheeks puffed out, he kicks
frantically for the surface.
92. E X T . B A Y - N I G H T
He BURSTS to the surface, SPLUTTERING, catching his BREATH. A
FLASHLIGHT BEAM catches him.
GIRL
Mister-- are you all right?!
Schuyler, treading water, turns around--
A CABIN CRUISER at the dock nearby. A very beautiful GIRL in a
yellow rain slicker, holding a powerful FLASHLIGHT leans over the
edge, tosses him a life preserver, hauls him toward her.
93. E X T . C A B I N C R U I S E R - N I G H T
SCHUYLER clambers onto the rear ladder with the girl's help, teeth
CHATERING. HOLD ON the boat's colorfully painted name on the
stern: "POSEIDON'S CURSE," and in small letters, "COSTA REY SOL."
SCHUYLER boards the large, ritzy craft.
SCHUYLER
Thank you... I'm very grateful.
GIRL
Shouldn't swim in the Bay, you
could get hepatitis.
Schuyler nods, looking around, recovering from the shock.
SCHUYLER
I have to get in touch with the police.
GIRL
You're freezing, I got some dry
clothes below.
94. I N T . B O A T C A B I N - N I G H T
Schuyler's wet clothes hang from a hook, he's in a towel, starting
to pull on a fresh set of casual clothes.
GIRL
Do you need any help?
His back is turned as the girl climbs down, opens her raincoat--
only a STRING BIKINI beneath. She could be a Playboy centerfold.
SCHUYLER
Uh, no. I'm fine. These fit...
(buttoning his pants)
...perfectly.
He turns slowly, just as the girl reaches behind her.
GIRL
Sure I can't do something for you?
She WINKS as she lets her top drop. Schuyler smiles strangely.
She takes this for lust, approaches him with open arms. He GRABS
her by the hair. Menacingly:
SCHUYLER
I am finished playing.
GIRL
OW! Let go!
She pounds at him, tries to kick. He wrestles her to the floor,
kneels on top of her. He seems about to hit her.
SCHUYLER
This has got to fucking STOP!
GIRL
You're hurting me!
SCHUYLER
Who are you!?
GIRL
I just got hired to show you a good
time! C'mon please get off me...
Schuyler gets his rage under control, horrified at himself. He
climbs off her, she scrambles away, afraid, covering herself.
GIRL
I am not into this kinda shit!
SCHUYLER
Who hired you.
GIRL
I don't know, the service set it up.
SCHUYLER
The service?
GIRL
Y'know, Fantasy Girls. They said
you had this wild fantasy, I
should just wait in the boat...
Schuyler realizes he's not going to get anything more out of her,
pulls on a shirt, grabs his wet clothes and leaves the cabin.
95. E X T . W H A R F - N I G H T
Schuyler leaps off onto the wharf. The girl, pulling the raincoat
on, leans over the deck.
GIRL
Doncha want your thing? I'm supposed
to give you this, this key thingie...
Schuyler pauses, turns slowly, approaches.
SCHUYLER
A key.
THE GIRL nods quickly, reaches over the railing to hand him a SMALL
WOODEN COFFIN with a BLACK BOW and a RED KEY BURNED into the lid.
GIRL
They said you'd figure out what to
do with it.
SCHUYLER takes it from her gingerly, undoes the bow, opens the lid:
ANGLE IN COFFIN-- an ornate HATCHET with a KEY DESIGN on the blade.
SCHUYLER REMOVES it from its QUILTED resting place. THE GIRL backs
away, nervous to see SCHUYLER with a weapon.
SCHUYLER
I'm supposed to carry a fucking
hatchet around...? Relax. I
don't want it.
He drops the AXE and the COFFIN into the water with a SPLASH--
95PT. THEY GO UNDER and DISAPPEAR...
CUT TO:
96. E X T . C R S B U I L D I N G - D A Y
Early morning, the RAIN has stopped-- a RAINBOW arcs behind the
office building. TWO COP CARS, marked and unmarked, pull up at the
curb, lights FLASHING.
97. I N T . C R S L O B B Y - D A Y
Schuyler, in the clothes from the boat, and Plympton, his lawyer,
are joined at the elevators by two plainclothes detectives--
BARNETT and GALLO-- and two UNIFORMS.
PLYMPTON
Thank you for your promptness,
officers. I'm Robert Plympton,
Mr. Van Orton's attorney--
SCHUYLER
Let's go. Seventh floor.
98. I N T . C R S O F F I C E S - D A Y
Schuyler enters, followed by the others. He stops short, reacts.
WIDE SHOT reveals-- the same offices, now entirely empty. The
partitions, the desks, everything has been removed. A small amount
of TRASH is scattered on the floor-- the move was evidently hasty.
CUT TO:
99. LATER. UNIFORM #1 SPEAKS into his walkie-talkie, COP TALK; #2
pokes around in a box full of SHREDDED PAPER; Plympton CONFERS with
Barnett, nods, then both of them cross to Schuyler, who sits on the
carpet, back to an empty wall. Barnett checks his notes.
BARNETT
Management company for the building
said this floor hasn't been rented. We
checked with the Secretary of State and
the county recorder, there's no listing
of a "consumer research service."
PLYMPTON
Recreation service.
BARNETT
Right. No sign of the boat or the
girl. Divers got the cab's vehicle
ID, the company junked it a month ago.
Gallo, who'd been talking on a phone IN BG, approaches.
GALLO
The numbers you gave us are
disconnected, sir, this was the only
address the phone company had. And
we found your car-- it's in impound.
BARNETT
I'm a little confused as to motive
here. You said your brother sent you
to these people...
SCHUYLER
It's not his fault, he's unstable,
he didn't know what he was doing--
BARNETT
And they were supposed to show you
a, a good time?
GALLO
(a cautioning look at Barnett)
My guess is this Feingold guy's
using an alias... is there anything
else you can tell us about him?
Schuyler spots an empty CHINESE FOOD CARTON crumpled in the corner.
CLOSER as SCHUYLER picks up and fingers the container-- Chinese
characters on it, the name TUNG HOY.
SCHUYLER
He likes Chinese food...
BARNETT
Don't worry, Mr. Van Orton, we'll
get these jokers.
SCHUYLER nods, unconvinced.
CUT TO:
100(NEW). E X T . V A N O R T O N M A N S I O N - D A Y
PLYMPTON pulls up in his LEXUS, SCHUYLER gets out wearily.
PLYMPTON
There's clearly a civil case once
we locate the defendant...
SCHUYLER
Whatever.
PLYMPTON
Y'know, Sky, things are quiet
since the closing-- you could take
some time off.
SCHUYLER sighs and nods, closes the car door and waves good-bye.
He climbs the steps to his front door and Plympton pulls away.
101(NEW). I N T . S C H U Y L E R ' S F O Y E R - D A Y
SCHUYLER enters and automatically reaches for a LIGHTSWITCH--
BLUE SPARKS leap to his fingers, the switch has been RIPPED OUT,
leaving exposed WIRING.
SCHUYLER CURSES and shakes his hand out. He looks around in
disbelief-- the walls are covered in GRAFFITI.
"GAME OVER" is the first one we see in the foyer, above the
HARLEQUIN, who still sits in the only upright chair... but now a
GLOSSY BLACK AND WHITE PHOTO is stuck in its teeth.
SCHUYLER pulls out the picture, looks at it, hand trembling--
A POLICE PHOTO of MR. VAN ORTON, his body sprawled in a pool of
blood. It's stamped "PROPERTY SFPD" in red...
SCHUYLER
Oh, God--
SCHUYLER tosses the picture aside, moves into his living room--
101B(NEW). I N T . S C H U Y L E R ' S L I V I N G R O O M - D A Y
More GRAFFITI everywhere: "FUCK THE POLICE," "SORE LOSER!," "NO
FUTURE," "CRS RULES," assorted OBSCENITIES. BOOM, as Schuyler
moves through the living room, CONTACT EXPLOSIVES on the floor
EXPLODE beneath his feet, making him LEAP and DANCE.
OVER THE MANTLEPIECE, A NOTE is stuck into a PAINTING with a
KITCHEN-KNIFE. SCHUYLER approaches and rips this down.
INSERT NOTE, PAN DOWN SLOWLY, X-CLOSE: "Like my father before me,
I kill what I love. Goodbye, cruel world, blah blah blah..." A
RED SIGNATURE ARROW is affixed by a DOTTED LINE at the bottom,
"PLEASE SIGN HERE."
SCHUYLER GROANS and crumples the note. He reaches for a phone-- he
PICKS up the receiver, it's been MELTED into the body of the
telephone. He throws it aside. He hears VOICES from the next
room, enters cautiously, picking up a SMALL SCULPTURE as a weapon--
lOlC(NEW). I N T . S C H U Y L E R ' S S T U D Y - D A Y
THE TELEVISION is on, playing a silly-looking CARTOON. ACTION
HEROS fly through the air, shooting LIGHT from their eyeballs, etc.
SCHUYLER lowers his weapon, moves to shut off the tube. More
GRAFITTI over the walls, the books, etc.: stick figure drawings of
a MAN HANGING HIMSELF, a BROKEN HEART, a PENIS, a NAKED WOMAN, etc.
Across the walls, over the TV, are the words, "YOU ARE NOT ALONE."
SCHUYLER presses the on-off switch-- nothing happens.
ACTION HERO (on TV)
Don't touch that dial, Sky!
ON SCREEN, THE MASKED ACTION HERO stands proudly, hands on hips,
before a colorful MOVING BACKGROUND. It speaks in a cheezy HE-MAN
VOICE, an ANIMATED MOUTH. There's a CRS LOGO on its chest.
CRS-MAN (on TV)
Boy oh boy, you fucked up big-time!
Bringing in the cops-- real mistake!
SCHUYLER covers his eyes, leans against a chair; this is too much.
SCHUYLER
No no no--
CRS-MAN (on TV)
Oh you're always so negative...
Schuyler realizes this is a two-way conversation as the CRS-MAN
WINKS at him, making a stiff WAVE.
SCHUYLER
You people are insane...
CRS-MAN (on TV)
Hey, look who's talking to their
TV set.
SCHUYLER
How did you do this, how did you
get in here?
CRS-MAN (on TV)
Simple, we duped your keys the day you
came in for your physical, wired the
whole house while you were at work.
You rich people all have alarms, but
you never set 'em, do you?
SCHUYLER
Look, at least leave my brother
alone, he's fragile enough as it is--
CRS-MAN (on TV)
Don't worry about him, he's just
playing his own game-- at a more
advanced level, you might say...
SCHUYLER
You can't just fuck with people
like this, you don't know who
you're dealing with!
CRS-MAN (on TV)
(LAUGHS)
We know exactly who we're dealing
with, that's the whole idea! For
a guy with your test scores,
you're pretty slow on the uptake.
SCHUYLER
What the fuck do you want from me?!
CRS-MAN (on TV)
Sky, I just came to say good-
bye... Too bad it didn't work
out, better luck next time. Uh,
there might be a few loose ends
for you to tie up, but remember--
it's not whether you win or lose
that counts, it's how you play the
game... ya big loser you...
THE SCREEN IMPLODES as SCHUYLER SMASHES IT with the sculpture--
CRS-MAN (filter)
Ouch! Take it easy, my hot-headed friend!
Schuyler peers into the SMOKING electronics, pulls out a battery
pack, a small video camera, a loop antenna; the SPEAKER's not dead.
CRS-MAN (filter)
Holy smoke, this was an expensive TV--
He BASHES the equipment repeatedly on the floor with all his might.
The speaker SPUTTERS OUT, the CRS-MAN'S VOICE at last SILENCED.
The PHONE has started ringing during the above. Schuyler,
breathless, moves around the room now, trying to find it. He
finally tracks it down in the bottom of a GARBAGE CAN, covered with
disgusting SLIME which he wipes on his shirt.
SCHUYLER (on phone)
Now what?!
MANAGER (filter)
(beat)
Is this Schuyler Van Orton?
SCHUYLER (on phone)
Yeah, who's this?
MANAGER (filter)
I'm calling from the Claremont
Hotel in Berkeley... we have your
American Express card, you left it
at the check-in desk...
SCHUYLER (on phone)
What? That's impossible, I've
never stayed there--
MANAGER (filter)
Are you sure, sir?
SCHUYLER pulls his wallet, spreading his credit cards on the floor.
SCHUYLER
Son of a bitch.
101D(NEW). I N T . S C H U Y L E R ' S F O Y E R - D A Y
START ON THE DUMMY, propped in a chair-- SCHUYLER seizes it,
SMASHES IT against the wall, the glass head SHATTERS.
CUT TO:
102(NEW). E X T . C L A R E M O N T H O T E L - D A Y
LATE AFTERNOON, the COMPANY LIMO pulls up and Schuyler emerges.
102B(NEW). I N T . C L A R E M O N T H O T E L - D A Y
SCHUYLER crosses the opulent lobby to the desk. A passing BELLHOP
gives him a nod and a smile.
BELLHOP
Hello, Mr. Van Orton.
Schuyler stares after the bellhop, whom he's clearly never seen
before. He proceeds to the check-in desk. Before he can even
introduce himself, the DESK CLERK turns to him with a tight smile--
DESK CLERK
Mr. Van Orton. Here's your credit
card... and the maid found this
under the bed...
From under the desk he removes a small ATTACHE CASE, places it
gingerly in front of Schuyler.
SCHUYLER
That isn't mine.
DESK CLERK
It has your initials on it, sir.
SCHUYLER examines the case closely for the first time, sees the
gold monogram, "S. V. O."
DESK CLERK
We'd just as soon you took it with
you, in any event... and in the
future, you might consider
choosing another hotel for your...
The man trails off and moves away.
SCHUYLER
I've never been here before in my life!
The man ignores him now. Schuyler pockets his credit card, thinks
a beat, then grabs the briefcase.
SCENES 103-104 DELETED
105. I N T . C O M P A N Y L I M O - D A Y
JACK drives, Schuyler in back, studying the open briefcase in his
lap. He seems extremely upset, fighting to maintain his wits...
SCHUYLER
Jack... the woman you took home
the other night, where did you go?
JACK
(puzzled)
Out to Concord...
SCHUYLER
I know, what was the address?
JACK is a bit nervous, he doesn't want to piss off the boss.
JACK
Mmm... it was... Beulah Drive, I
think, yeah, offa Oakdale... but
didn't you-- never mind.
SCHUYLER
What?
JACK
Just-- I thought you followed us
there. There was a black 500SE behind
us the whole way, I just assumed...
SCHUYLER
Shit. Shit! It wasn't me, Jack.
JACK
Of course, sir. It was a white
house, I remember... big tree in
the front... with one of those,
you know, tire swings...
SCHUYLER
Jack, I'm serious. It wasn't me.
JACK
It wasn't you, sir.
Schuyler looks at the man, who stares straight ahead, not believing
him for a second. Schuyler shakes his head, looks down at the open
briefcase in his lap.
ANGLE IN BRIEFCASE-- a set of HANDCUFFS, assorted BONDAGE GEAR...
and a few BLURRY POLAROID PHOTOS, showing a NAKED WOMAN with a
LEATHER MASK chained to a bed. ONE SHOT shows her shoulder
clearly-- we see a ROSE TATTOO.
CUT TO:
106. E X T . I M P O U N D L O T - D A Y
A female IMPOUND WORKER with paperwork leads SCHUYLER through a
maze of SMASHED CARS, etc. IN BG, the COMPANY LIMO pulls away.
IMPOUND WORKER
Triple A changed your tire... bad
blow-out was it? Anyone hurt?
Schuyler shakes his head. They've reached his MBZ.
IMPOUND WORKER
Oh. Just... we were a little curious
about the mess in the back...
SCHUYLER bends down to look in the window.
HIS POV-- THE BACKSEAT has been SLASHED. A few SPLASHES OF BLOOD,
not too much. Schuyler's HARVARD SWEATSHIRT is torn and STAINED
with blood, crumpled in a corner of the seat.
SCHUYLER swallows, recovers quickly.
SCHUYLER
A friend's dog-- he'd been hit by a
car, I drove him to the vet...
(as the cop nods slowly)
Golden retriever, beautiful animal.
IMPOUND WORKER
(handing Sky a receipt)
He OK?
SCHUYLER
Too early to say.
He quickly gets behind the wheel.
CUT TO:
SCENE 107 DELETED
108. E X T . C H R I S T I N E ' S N E I G H B O R H O O D / H O U S E - E V E N I N G
SCHUYLER'S MBZ cruises past rows of similar-looking, lower-middle-
class homes, a pretty shabby neighborhood. He parks the Benz. A
WHITE VAN is parked just up the street, a LOOP AND RABBIT EAR on
the roof. PAN to show THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR... A cartoonish logo
with the CRS MAN holding a wrench by a TV SET in front of a
RAINBOW, the words "CABLE REPAIR SPECIALISTS."
ON THE HOUSE, MOVE from a WHITEWALL TIRE hanging on a rope from a
tree to SCHUYLER as he RINGS the front doorbell of a WHITE HOUSE.
AT THE DOOR, an older, working-class man in a T-shirt appears--
Christine's dad, MR. KAMINSKY.
MR. KAMINSKY
Yes?
SCHUYLER
Mr. Kaminsky? Schuyler Van Orton--
MR. KAMINSKY
Is that a name? Look, I'm kinda busy.
(starts to close the door)
SCHUYLER
You have a daughter named
Christine? I'm afraid she might
be in danger.
MR. KAMINSKY narrows his eyes at him as we hear--
CHRISTINE (O. S.)
Daddy? Who is it?
Schuyler, very surprised, peers around Mr. Kaminsky--
109. I N T . C H R I S T I N E ' S L I V I N G R O O M - E V E N I N G
Schuyler does a double-take as CHRISTINE comes down the staircase,
wearing a sweatshirt and shorts. She lights up when she sees him,
then quickly hides her excitement.
CHRISTINE
Sky? Hi, Sky.
MR. KAMINSKY allows the relieved Schuyler to enter now.
DAD
Well, I'm gonna get back to that
carburetor... nice meeting you.
Christine's dad WINKS at his daughter as he moves back to the
basement. She rolls her eyes, but mouths, "thanks," and then moves
to sit beside Schuyler in the modest, over-knick-knacked living
room: religious pictures and statues, family photos, etc.
CHRISTINE
I didn't think I'd-- what are you
doing here?
SCHUYLER is smiling at himself now, shaking his head. Christine
reaches across him to FLIP ON a lamp.
SCHUYLER
Last night, when Jack dropped you
off-- did anything happen?
CHRISTINE
No... unfortunately.
SCHUYLER
I thought-- eh, you don't wanna know.
CHRISTINE
Come on--
SCHUYLER
I thought they kidnapped you,
tortured you--
CHRISTINE
What? Who?
SCHUYLER
CRS... I saw pictures, girl with a
tattoo on her shoulder like yours--
CHRISTINE
(touches her shoulder)
Ssh, my folks don't know about
that yet. So, what-- they wanted
ransom from you or something?
SCHUYLER
No, I thought they were trying to
frame me, they planted evidence...
CHRISTINE
Why would they do that?
SCHUYLER
I have no idea, nothing they do makes any
sense. Forget it, it's just a game.
CHRISTINE
So that's the only reason you came
out here to East Hell, your stupid
goddamn game.
SCHUYLER
I was worried about you. I wanted to
see you again.
CHRISTINE
(thinks for a beat)
If you pretend to mean that, I'll
pretend to believe it. Well, looks like
your pals are trying to keep us
together. Buy me dinner at least?
SCHUYLER
Sure, why not.
CHRISTINE
(rises)
I look like a slob, let me change.
She hurries upstairs. Schuyler sighs, wondering what the hell he's
doing here. He glances at a VIRGIN MARY statue, squints-- then
unscrews the head, it's a decanter. He takes a sniff and puts it
back with a bemused expression. He takes another sniff, noticing
something else in the air...
A WISP OF SMOKE rises from the lamp Christine turned on.
SCHUYLER peers beneath the shade. On the table is a framed
PHOTOGRAPH of a LITTLE GIRL who could be Christine in a frilly
white dress, holding flowers.
ANGLE INSIDE LAMPSHADE-- a new PRICETAG dangles from the shade
against the bulb, starting to TURN BROWN, smoking.
SCHUYLER licks his fingertips, reaches inside the shade to PULL OFF
tag-- in doing so, he burns his fingers on the hot bulb, STIFLES a
curse and jerks his hand away. He KNOCKS OVER the picture, which
FALLS to the floor. Shaking his hand, he rises distractedly, pokes
his head through a swinging door.
110. I N T . C H R I S T I N E ' S K I T C H E N - N I G H T
DIMLY LIT from outside. Modest, surface clutter, hanging pots,
etc. Schuyler moves to a sink, turns on the tap and RUNS WATER
over his burned fingertips. He SHUTS OFF the tap, looks around for
a towel, shaking his hand-- the paper towel dispenser has no roll
on it. He pulls open a kitchen drawer--
ANGLE IN DRAWER-- completely empty.
SCHUYLER, curious now, opens a cabinet, absently drying his hand on
his shirt-- also empty. He tries another couple of drawers, finds
nothing but scraps of paper, matches. No utensils. He exits, a
disturbing thought forming.
111. I N T . C H R I S T I N E ' S L I V I N G R O O M - N I G H T
SCHUYLER picks up the photo to replace it on the table.
ANGLE ON PHOTO: Schuyler slips the picture from its cardboard
mount-- it's an ADVERTISEMENT clipped from a glossy magazine, TEXT
printed on the portion previously unseen.
SCHUYLER quickly returns the clipping to its mount, puts the photo
back on the table as Christine comes downstairs, dressed and made-
up for a night on the town.
CHRISTINE
Can you get us into Chez Panisse? I
always wanted to eat there--
Schuyler nods casually toward the photo as she sits beside him.
SCHUYLER
Is that you?
CHRISTINE
(quick glance)
Mm-hmm, First Communion.
(touches his hair)
What's the matter, you look a
little green around the gills--
He grabs her hand away. Icily:
SCHUYLER
Don't touch me.
His tone alarms her-- he stares at her with hatred. A silent BEAT
between them, each tries to assess the new situation. She realizes
he's onto her. She swallows, makes a quick decision. Suddenly she
leans close to him, reaching around him to SHUT OFF the table lamp.
She leaves her arms around him and HISSES in his ear-- she drops
her lower-class accent, speaks in a clipped, educated voice:
CHRISTINE
Don't be stupid. Don't say anything,
not here, they're watching.
SCHUYLER
(sickened; to himself)
God damn it...
She kisses him, he doesn't open his mouth, neither shuts their
eyes. Then she gets up quickly, moves to a corner of the room.
CHRISTINE
(back in character, accented)
OK, I know a good place we could
go and like, be alone...
She glances up quickly to indicate something on the ceiling--
ON CEILING, a large SMOKE DETECTOR with a RED LIGHT, a cable from
it-- there's a small LENS in the center... A HIDDEN CAMERA.
SCHUYLER looks at this, starting to rise. She moves to a window,
out of range of the camera, beckons him over.
CHRISTINE
It's a beautiful night, isn't it?
Schuyler comes up beside her, she nods for him to look outside--
POV-- THROUGH WINDOW-- the CRS VAN. Christine WHISPERS urgently:
CHRISTINE
There's four of them in the van,
they're armed. Just play along,
I'll get us out of here--
SCHUYLER turns to her, his voice is tired.
SCHUYLER
Fuck you.
(to surveillance camera)
OK, that's it, game over--
112. I N T . C R S V A N - N I G H T
CLOSE on a video monitor, Schuyler framed in a FISHEYE SHOT:
SCHUYLER (FILTER)
--you can come out now, assholes--
He moves toward the front door, a panicked Christine behind him--
RASTA MAN'S VOICE
We're blown, let's do it--
We hear MEN GETTING TO THEIR FEET, see BODIES MOVE in FG.
113. I N T . C H R I S T I N E ' S L I V I N G R O O M - N I G H T
Christine's furious and terrified, dashes in front of him, LOCKS
and THROWS A CHAIN across the front door.
CHRISTINE
You idiot! Come on!
She starts to pull him away from the door, he throws off her arm.
SCHUYLER
No, enough already. I've had it.
He goes to the window and opens the curtain.
THROUGH WINDOW-- the Hack/Cabbie, the Rasta/Pilot and a pair of CRS
AGENTS (JOHN and PETER from the men's club) hurry toward the house,
the older men reach inside their jackets--
SCHUYLER
Now what.
CHRISTINE
Get away from there!!
SCHUYLER
(steps toward her)
Oh, now I suppose they're going to--
THE WINDOWS BLOW IN, GUNFIRE, Christine TACKLES HIM and pulls him
to the ground as--
KNICK-KNACKS fly to pieces directly behind where he was standing.
CHRISTINE AND SCHUYLER keep low as they dash for the kitchen--
SCHUYLER
Holy shit!!
114. I N T . C H R I S T I N E ' S K I T C H E N - N I G H T
Christine pulls him toward a basement door--
115. I N T . C H R I S T I N E ' S G A R A G E - N I G H T
They dash down steps to the darkened one-car garage, mostly empty
with a few random tools. MR. KAMINSKY looks up from a game of
SOLITAIRE, a day player confused by the sudden commotion.
SCHUYLER
What is this!?
CHRISTINE
God, wake up, it's a con game!
THE GARAGE DOOR OPENS, Christine pulls Schuyler against a wall--
A "PARAMEDIC" charges out of the shadows, pulling a handgun--
IN BG MR. KAMINSKY dives for cover with a frightened NOISE--
CHRISTINE grabs a WRENCH and CLUBS THE PARAMEDIC, who falls with a
CRY, clutching his skull. They hear FOOTSTEPS on the stairs they
just came down. Christine hustles the dazed Schuyler out of there.
116. E X T . C H R I S T I N E ' S H O U S E - N I G H T
Christine and Schuyler dash for the Benz, climb in and SCREECH OFF.
CRS MEN run for their van to pursue.
117. I N T . S C H U Y L E R ' S M B Z - N I G H T
Schuyler drives for all he's worth, Christine watching behind.
118. E X T . S U B U R B A N S T R E E T S - N I G H T
A brief CHASE, the van pursues the MBZ.
119. I N T . S C H U Y L E R ' S M B Z - N I G H T
Christine turns forward, her eyes widen--
CHRISTINE
Watch out!!
120. E X T . S U B U R B A N S T R E E T - N I G H T
The MBZ SIDESWIPES a car as Schuyler runs a light, his WINDSHIELD
CRACKS, the side of the car's CRUNCHED IN, but he keeps driving.
He crosses lanes directly in front of an oncoming TRUCK-- the VAN
HITS THE BRAKES to avoid getting squashed.
Schuyler SKIDS into a narrow alley. THE VAN, having lost a half a
block, misses this and continues straight.
121. I N T . M B Z - N I G H T
Christine's looking behind as Schuyler drives.
CHRISTINE
OK, we lost 'em--
She's THROWN FORWARD as Schuyler SLAMS ON THE BRAKES, reaches
across her and THROWS OPEN the passenger door, which CREAKS from
the collision. He gives her a shove, she clings to the doorframe--
CHRISTINE
What are you doing!?
SCHUYLER
Get out of my car.
CHRISTINE
I coulda handed you to them! They
find me now I'm dead--
Schuyler pushes harder.
122. E X T . S U B U R B A N A L L E Y - N I G H T
Christine tumbles into the wet gutter.
CHRISTINE
Listen to me you bastard-- I know
what's going on! No one else is
gonna tell you!
Schuyler pulls the door shut, the car starts BACKING AWAY.
Christine gets to her feet, looks after him. He reaches the end of
the alley and stops-- then SCREECHES FORWARD. She jumps to the
edge of the alley, fearing he's trying to run her down. Schuyler
HITS THE BRAKES a few feet away. He leans across, calls to her.
SCHUYLER
Get in.
123. I N T . S C H U Y L E R ' S M B Z - N I G H T
SCHUYLER
You can talk while I drive to the
police station.
Christine puts a hand on the wheel before he can back up again.
CHRISTINE
No cops, I got an outstanding warrant.
(off his look)
Mail fraud. I'll get nailed, but
you'll never be able to prove a thing.
Just drive.
CUT TO:
124. E X T . H I G H W A Y - N I G H T
The MBZ SPEEDS out of a tunnel on the highway toward SF.
125. I N T . M B Z - N I G H T
Christine looks out the side window, lights a cigarette.
CHRISTINE
Heard about this big swindle and--
I needed the money. You wouldn't
know what that's like.
SCHUYLER
Spare me the snide comments. And
please don't do that in here--
CHRISTINE
Second-hand smoke is the least of
your problems.
(blows it in his face)
Shit, they really screwed up, I can't
believe they didn't take the time to
get the house right.
SCHUYLER
Wait, how did-- before the game,
you were working in that bar--
CHRISTINE
They planted me in advance, your
brother set you up.
SCHUYLER
Oh God, David's in on it...?
CHRISTINE
It's not his fault, he thought it was
the only way out... just another victim.
SCHUYLER
How the hell did they think they
were gonna get my money?
CHRISTINE
Honey, they already got it.
She gives him a pitying look. Schuyler throws her a sidelong
glance; this is absurd. She gestures at his car phone.
CHRISTINE
You don't believe me, check your
bank accounts. Listen, that night
in your office, remember? I
downloaded files off your computer
while you were in the shower...
CAMERA MOVES IN ON SCHUYLER'S FACE during the following and--
DISSOLVE TO:
126. --SCHUYLER'S DESKTOP COMPUTER as CHRISTINE'S HAND inserts a
FLOPPY DISK and starts hitting keys.
CHRISTINE (V. O.)
I stuck in a code-breaking program
to glve CRS remote access to Van
Orton Group files...
127. --RAPID INSERTS from the CRS OFFICES-- Schuyler's SIGNATURE,
financial FORMS, a TAPE RECORDER, TEST FORMS, etc.
CHRISTINE (V. O.)
--you'd already given them everything
else they needed. Your handwriting,
voice samples, personal information, all
the tests you took... they used the data
to generate your passwords.
--ON A CRT SCREEN as various combinations of letters and numbers
SCROLL BY, too quickly for the eye to read.
CHRISTINE (V. O.)
From there they just had to break into
the financial networks, transfer your
holdings into some dummy accounts--
--PAN OVER BANKS Of COMPUTER TERMINALS in DARK OffICES as financial
READOUTS FLIP and CHANGE, VANISH. HIGH NUMBERS go to 0.00.
CHRISTINE (V. O.)
Remember Jim Feingold, guy who
signed you up? He's one of the
original hackers, did a five-year
stretch for zapping Citibank.
--MOVE FROM deft fingers at a computer keyboard UPWARD toward the
screen. POLARIZE to show, in reflection... FEINGOLD'S FACE, LIT BY
the BLUE-GREEN CRT LIGHT, a mask of evil.
CHRISTINE (V. O.)
He's not some dweeb flunkie, he runs
the whole show.
END SERIES OF SHOTS, DISSOLVE TO:
128. SCHUYLER'S FACE... LIGHTS through the FRAGMENTED WINDSHIELD
cast weird PATTERNS on it. He's pumping sweat now, reaches for his
cell phone, dials, hand shaking. Christine flicks her cig out the
window; she sounds regretful.
CHRISTINE
I'm sorry. They already did your
brother, I guess they figured you
for a family of suckers...
SCHUYLER (on phone)
Overseas operator? Please dial the
number for Allgemeine Bank in Zurich...
CHRISTINE
Bet you haven't really been taking
care of business the past few days,
huh? This "game," the psych shit
about your dad going sui...
SCHUYLER (on phone)
Guten tag-- Vilen dank, Englisch...
CHRISTINE
All of it was just to buy time,
keep you from paying attention...
SCHUYLER (on phone)
Blue Two-Five... 6-9-0-D... Yes, I
consent to voice-print... My name
is Schuyler Van Orton. I'd like
to know my balance, please... that
account is closed?!
CHRISTINE (nervously)
I think maybe you should pull over...
Schuyler sets his jaw, drops the phone-- and turns the wheel hard.
129. E X T . H I G H W A Y - N I G H T
The MBZ SCREECHES for an offramp.
130. E X T . C O N V E N I E N C E S T O R E - N I G H T
Schuyler's on his portable phone at a gas station/convenience
store, leaning on the Benz as he pumps gas. Christine stands out
of earshot, arms folded, staring at the dark horizon.
SCHUYLER (on phone)
Bob, listen carefully, this is an
emergency. Feingold and his people,
I've called all my banks, they've
drained the accounts, personal and
corporate, everything-- tell the cops
I've got one of them with me, we'll
make her testify. They're trying to
kill us, I'm heading for the island
in Oregon, if I can still find it.
Bob-- call when you get this message
and-- be extremely careful...
131. I N T . C O N V E N I E N C E S T O R E - N I G H T
START ON-- a thermos full of coffee, foodstuffs, miscellaneous
camping supplies as a CLERK holds a credit card, hangs up a phone.
He looks up at SCHUYLER and CHRISTINE.
CLERK
They say I gotta confiscate your card...
Schuyler sighs, "of course," Christine fishes in her pocket.
CHRISTINE
I think I have some cash.
132. E X T . C O N V E N I E N C E S T O R E - N I G H T
They emerge from the store with a couple of grocery bags, Christine
sucks an ice cream pop. They toss the bags in the trunk.
CHRISTINE
Money isn't everything, right?
Schuyler is seething, clutching the trunk lid for a beat, then
SLAMS it hard when she steps back, making her jump.
SCHUYLER
It might be best if you didn't
speak. I very nearly crushed your
skull just now.
CHRISTINE
C'mon chill, what'd they take you for, a
couple hundred G's? Chump change for a
guy like you, chalk it up to experience.
SCHUYLER
(quietly, restraining himself)
Just under a billion dollars.
CHRISTINE
A bil--?
(nervous laugh)
You're kidding, right?
SCHUYLER
Do I look like I'm kidding?
This is about more than my
personal lifestyle-- your pals
raided pension plans, charitable
foundations, company payrolls...
CHRISTINE
Oh my God--
SCHUYLER
I don't know what kind of jerk-off
con games you've played in the
past, but now you're in the big
leagues, hon. You just helped
sabotage a small portion of the
national economy-- and destroy a
whole lotta lives.
He stares at her, she looks sick and truly scared. He climbs in
the car. For once without a comeback, she gets in the car quietly.
CUT TO:
133. E X T . D I R T R O A D - D A W N
The Benz ZIPS AROUND a logging truck on a DIRT ROAD.
134. I N T . S C H U Y L E R ' S C A R - D A W N
Schuyler, bleary-eyed, drains coffee from the thermos and tosses it
aside. He glances over at the sleeping Christine, her head tilted
toward his shoulder; she looks pretty sexy. He stares at her for a
moment, SIGHS and turns away.
CUT TO:
135. E X T . O R E G O N L A K E - D A Y
A beautiful Northern lake-- dense forests on the mainland, pines
and fall foliage. A STORM coming in, ominous CLOUDS. The Benz is
parked at the shoreline. MOVE TO FIND Schuyler and Christine, as
they paddle a rowboat toward a small island with a surprisingly
humble, somewhat decrepit cabin on it. A FLASH OF LIGHTNING.
CUT TO:
136. I N T . O R E G O N C A B I N - D A Y
CHRISTINE pours a cup of coffee from a metal pot on a wood-burning
stove in which a FIRE CRACKLES. This cabin is genuinely rustic and
run-down-- hewn wood, fishing rods, cobwebs, rain damage, dust.
WATER DRIPS from the ceiling in a few places. LIGHTNING FLASHES in
BG through the scene, the STORM has gotten pretty bad.
SCHUYLER finishes taking out his contacts, DROPPING them in cups
full of water. He slips on his glasses, then looks at a few framed
family photos on the coffee table in front of him. Christine,
barefoot, brings him a cup of coffee, which he sips gratefully.
SCHUYLER
You're not having any?
CHRISTINE
Never drink it. Makes my tits hurt.
Schuyler gives her a sidelong glance, looks back at a photo.
ON PHOTO-- he rubs away the dust from a shot showing Schuyler's
father, with young Schuyler, on a boat with fishing equipment.
CHRISTINE takes a step and CRIES out, clutching her foot and
sitting beside Schuyler. A small FISHHOOK protrudes from her foot,
SCHUYLER
Hold still.
He talks while he carefully removes the hook from her foot.
SCHUYLER
Sorry, this place hasn't been cleaned
in a while. My dad built it himself,
spent a lot of time here alone.
(regards a LEAK)
Rotten carpenter...
He pulls out the hook, puts it aside; she rubs her foot.
CHRISTINE
Thank you.
SCHUYLER suddenly starts LAUGHING, wipes tears from his eyes.
CHRISTINE
What's so funny?
SCHUYLER
Just-- private joke...
CHRISTINE
Tell me.
SCHUYLER
Well... I always told myself I
wasn't gonna end up like him. And
now here I am, running his
corporation, living in his house,
hiding in the cabin where he went
to hide right before he... I even
look like the bastard.
Christine looks at the photo of MR. VAN ORTON, then at Schuyler.
CHRISTINE
Not that much.
SCHUYLER
Mm, plus I'm a helluva lot more
gullible than he ever was...
THE CELL-PHONE CHIRPS, Schuyler shakes off his self-pity, snatches
up the handset.
SCHUYLER
Yes.
CHRISTINE mouths, "Who is it?"
PLYMPTON (filter)
(careful, worried)
It's me, Schuyler... I got your message...
I'll admlt, I was very disturbed...
SCHUYLER
(hand over phone)
My, lawyer.
(to Plympton)
So. What's our next move?
During the following, Christine's eyes go wide, she shakes her head
frantically, draws a finger across her throat--
PLYMPTON (filter)
I've been on the phone all morning... your
funds are intact, nothing's changed,
there's been no activity whatsoever...
SCHUYLER struggles to absorb the import of this as well as
Christine's behavior. She shakes her head with a sigh, rises to
refill his coffee cup.
SCHUYLER
Wait-- that's not true--
PLYMPTON (filter)
(firmly)
It is true, no one is after your
money, no one is trying to hurt you--
SCHUYLER looks at Christine with horror. She nods and WHISPERS:
CHRISTINE
He's in on it.
SCHUYLER
Oh, God...
PLYMPTON (filter)
Listen to me, Sky!
SCHUYLER
What are they paying you, Robert?
Piece of the action?
PLYMPTON (filter)
Schuyler! Look, you've done the
right thing going up there, maybe
it's best if you just sit tight for
a while, forget about everything,
it's all under control--
Schuyler HANGS UP, breathing hard, pacing, clutching the phone.
SCHUYLER
We have to get out of here!
Christine approaches him with a fresh cup of coffee, which he sips.
The PHONE CHIRPS again, Schuyler THROWS it violently against the
wall, it's silenced. He gulps more coffee, rising again, looking
at the smashed phone, sickened by his own loss of control.
SCHUYLER
Well, that was stupid.
Christine watches him closely. He keeps balling his hands into
fists as he paces, trying to think out his next play.
SCHUYLER
OK, they've gotten to him. OK.
Is there anyone I can trust?
CHRISTINE
Mm... I wouldn't worry about it.
SCHUYLER
(a beat)
What do you mean?
CHRISTINE
It's out of your hands.
He takes a step, stumbles, shakes his head to clear it. She rises,
picks up his half-empty cup and heads for the kitchen area. His
gaze follows this, he realizes he's been drugged.
SCHUYLER
Christine!!
CHRISTINE
That's not my name.
With a CRY OF RAGE he lunges after her, but CRASHES into the wall,
clutching at a hanging ROD, which falls when he does-- he KNOCKS
OVER the table of photos as he goes down, PANTING for air like a
fish out of water, clutching his stomach, nauseated.
HIS POV-- SIDEWAYS, LOW ANGLE. SFX, BLOOD POUNDING in his head.
Schuyler's eyes FOLLOW the GROOVES of the wet, warped hardwood
floor, they lead to-- and almost seem to point to-- Christine.
ANOTHER ANGLE, CLOSE-- from the counter she picks up a small vial
with a bit of powder at the bottom, slips it into her pocket.
SCHUYLER's eyes roll into his head as he struggles against the
effects, tries to get to his hands and knees. He gasps:
SCHUYLER
Why...
CHRISTINE approaches, stands a few feet away, lights a cigarette,
CHRISTINE
We needed you to call your banks.
Cellular calls can be intercepted,
rerouted, y'know.
She crouches by him, flicking ashes a few inches from his nose.
CHRISTINE
All those calls to Switzerland and
Chase Manhattan-- you were talking to
our people. See, we were still
missing a lotta pieces-- access
codes, passwords, stuff even Plyrnpton
didn't have-- but now we have
I everything. I guess you are pretty
fucking stupid-- but thanks.
He CLAWS at her helplessly with a GROAN, but misses. His glasses
fall off, he collapses again.
SCHUYLER'S POV-- everything a BLUR NOW, except in EXTREME FG-- the
photo of himself and his father, which now lies on the floor.
137. FLASH-CUT TO: FLASHBACK POV-- THE MOMENT OF IMPACT, as MR.
VAN ORTON'S FACE SMASHES into the ground, his GLASSES SHATTERING,
BLOOD SPRAYING from his head.
138. CUT BACK TO: SCHUYLER writhes, fighting the drug.
139. FLASH-CUT TO: The moment of his father's jump-- only in this
HALLUCINATION, SCHUYLER himself wears the robe, leaps into space.
140. SCHUYLER'S POV-- FROM FLOOR-- Christine moves INTO FOCUS,
crouches near him, studying her victim almost clinically.
CHRISTINE
It's over. Just let go...
The SFX POUNDING STOPS, and--
CUT TO BLACK
BREATHING... THEN SCREAMING, POUNDING and KICKING...
141. I N T . C R Y P T - D A Y
A WOODEN LID SPLINTERS as SCHUYLER pounds his way out of a COFFIN.
DIM LIGHT through CRACKS in the walls, this is an old and moldering
MAUSOLEUM, other COFFINS nearby. FRESH FLOWERS surround his
resting place, otherwise everything is completely DECAYED.
By the time SCHUYLER gets out of the coffin, his arms are BLOODIED.
He's been dressed in an ALL-WHITE BURIAL SUIT. A RED ROSE is TAPED
to his chest. He blinks and stares about wildly--
HIS POV-- BLURRY, can't make out much.
SCHUYLER blinks, breathing hard, utterly freaked. He notices the
ROSE on his chest, tears it off, SNIFFS it, then THROWS IT aside
with a frustrated CRY. He stumbles to the heavy door of the crypt,
tugs, then realizes it opens the other way-- he gives it a PUSH--
142. E X T . C E M E T E R Y - D A Y
IT COLLAPSES immediately. SCHUYLER tumbles out of the crypt into
the HOT SUNLIGHT. He's in a ramshackle city of the dead, a SPANISH
GRAVEYARD. There are endless rows of TOMBS, rioting tropical
VEGETATION, many FLOWERS, impossibly bright COLORS. It should be
quite beautiful and peaceful...
SCHUYLER
What?
He walks around tentatively, SQUINTING. AN OLD WOMAN in black sits
contemplating a grave, fingering her rosary. SCHUYLER slips a hand
absently into his pocket, and finds something there, pulls it out--
SCHUYLER'S POV-- BLURRY shot of a NOTE in SPANISH, with a KEY on
the stationery...
SCHUYLER blinks, slips the note in his pocket.
CUT TO:
143. E X T . C E N T R A L A M E R I C A N S T R E E T - D A Y
TIGHT SHOT on Schuyler blinking, disoriented, JOSTLED by a sea of
HISPANIC PEOPLE on this busy street.
SCHUYLER'S POV-- WALKING TENUOUSLY. The world's a BLUR, FACES move
in and out of FOCUS. They're dark, foreign, many POOR PEOPLE,
poverty-scarred features. Scraps of SPANISH. He grabs a DARK MAN.
SCHUYLER
Where am I?!
The man replies with an EXCLAMATION in SPANISH, pushes Schuyler
away, CAMERA TUMBLES--
OBJECTIVE SHOT-- Schuyler's on his knees in the middle of this
third-world thoroughfare, utterly disoriented. STREET VENDORS sell
weird-looking foods, squads of SQLDIERS march with rifles,
MUSICIANS PLAY odd instruments... Schuyler clutches his head, as if
trying to wish it all away.
A COP IN BEIGE UNIFORM suddenly prods at him with a nightstick,
YELLING AT HIM in SPANISH to move on.
SCHUYLER'S POV-- the COP looming over him, a BLURRY menace, the end
of the nightstick SHARP in FG as it POKES at him.
ANOTHER ANGLE-- Schuyler pleads with the man:
SCHUYLER
Please, help me, I'm an American!
I'm lost! Please!!
This doesn't seem to help. He tries to get away from the stick,
but the cop pursues. He bangs into people as he tries to move
quickly, the stick right behind him.
Schuyler FALLS over a BEGGAR on the ground, in far worse shape than
he is. The cop YELLS at him. Schuyler covers his head, holding
out the NOTE WITH THE KEY, which the cop finally snatches away. He
studies it for a moment, then BARKS with LAUGHTER.
SCHUYLER'S POV-- the cop reaches down to him--
OBJECTIVE ANGLE-- Schuyler cringes, expecting a blow, but the cop
just pulls him to his feet. He drags him away with him, speaking
more gently IN SPANISH, amused. Schuyler nods thankfully.
HIGH ANGLE-- the THRONGS on this crowded street.
CUT TO:
144. I N T . F O R E I G N P O L I C E S T A T I O N - D A Y
A DESK SERGEANT studies the note, approaching SCHUYLER, whose face
is now red, SUNBURNT. He sits on a bench with a VAGRANT or two.
SCHUYLER
Hello. Where am I?
DESK SERGEANT
Tegucigalpa.
(off Schuyler's blank look)
Tegucigalpa. Tegucigalpa?
SCHUYLER
That's gibberish!
DESK SERGEANT
(annoyed)
It is the capital of Honduras.
SCHUYLER buries his face in his hands, nods. He's relieved to have
found an English speaker at least.
SCHUYLER
Right.
DESK SERGEANT
So-- you have become, lost from,
from your father...?
SCHUYLER
My father's dead, God damn it. I have
to get to the United States embassy.
The sergeant cocks his head, confused. Indicating the note:
DESK SERGEANT
Do you know what this says?
CUT TO:
145. I N T . A M E R I C A N E M B A S S Y L O B B Y - D A Y
An Hispanic embassy WORKER behind a desk with a U. S. flag
TRANSLATES THE NOTE aloud in amazed, unaccented English.
WORKER
"I am an American. I am an idiot.
My father is very rich. If I
become lost, please take me to the
police. There is a reward."
ANOTHER ANGLE-- Schuyler, utterly humiliated, sits in a chair on
the other side of the desk.
WORKER
Mr. Van Orton... is this a joke of
some sort? What are you doing here?
SCHUYLER
I don't know.
WORKER
(a beat)
Well, without any identification it
will take at least a week to get you
a temporary visa--
SCHUYLER
(rising)
A week?! Christ knows what they
can do in a week-- and what the
hell am I supposed to, to live
on?! What day is it anyway?
(squints at his watch, thinks)
Where's the nearest pawn shop?
CUT TO:
146. I N T . W E I R D B O D E G A - D A Y
A middle-aged Latina-- the BODEGA LADY-- counts out a stack of
bills on the counter, beside Schuyler's watch. Her store displays
JEWELRY, KNIVES, MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS, as well as mystical CANDLES,
POTIONS and BOTTLES with DEAD ANIMALS in formaldehyde.
PAWN SHOP OWNER
This will buy you a plane ticket.
On the other side of the counter, SCHUYLER Sorts through A BOX OF
EYEGLASSES, trying on different pairs.
SCHUYLER
Yeah, well I, I seem to have lost my
passport...
The pawn shop owner nods knowingly. There's one other CUSTOMER, a
shabbily-dressed but honest-looking HONDURAN MAN, looking through a
BIN full of sports equipment. He seems to have been eavesdropping,
the pawn shop owner now exchanges a few words with him IN SPANISH,
clearly they're coming to some kind of deal. Meanwhile, Schuyler
puts on a rhinestone-studded pair of woman's glasses, looks around.
SCHUYLER
Huh, close enough...
PAWN SHOP OWNER
I throw them in.
(indicating the man)
This man says he can help you...
Schuyler narrows his eyes at the Honduran man, who flashes a
crooked-toothed smile.
CUT TO:
147. E X T . G U A T E M A L A N H I G H W A Y - D A W N
A large, covered STAKE TRUCK RUMBLES BY on a hilly jungle highway.
148. I N T . S T A K E T R U C K - D A W N
In the back of the truck, Schuyler rides among HUNDREDS OF BAGS of
COFFEE BEANS, marked "CAFE, PRODUCTO DE HONDURAS." He wears the
silly rhinestone glasses, as well as cheap new clothes-- shorts, a
Spanish message T-shirt, sneakers. He munches on a mango, peeks
out a hole in the tarp at the passing scenery.
HIS POV-- a VISTA of spectacular beauty, ideally jungle-encrusted
MAYAN RUINS against the backdrop of the rising sun.
SCHUYLER's quite taken with the view, despite his troubles.
DISSOLVE TO:
149. E X T . B O R D E R C R O S S I N G - E V E N I N G
The stake truck is parked at a U. S. BORDER CROSSING in the desert.
The Honduran man-- the truck's driver-- shows his papers to an
INSPECTOR as he walks him to the back of the IDLING truck.
ANGLE FROM INSIDE TRUCK as a tarp is lifted. The inspector glances
inside, examines a couple of COFFEE BAGS. IN FG, Schuyler hides
below a bag or two, holding his breath. The tarp falls again,
Schuyler exhales with relief in the darkness.
CUT TO:
150(NEW). E X T . B U S T E R M I N A L - N I G H T
MOS, SCHUYLER has been reduced to pan-handling for bus fare in
front of a San Antonio BUS STATION. An OLDER MAN takes pity, gives
him a bill, he moves on to a couple who shake their heads and avoid
looking at him. He hurries off at the sight of a disapproving COP.
DISSOLVE TO:
150B(NEW). I N T . / E X T . B U S - D A Y
ANGLE ON BUS WINDOW, ARIZONA/UTAH SCENERY reflected in the glass...
POLARIZE to show SCHUYLER through the bus window, exhausted, numbly
taking in the glorious view.
DISSOLVE TO:
151. E X T . S C H U Y L E R ' S H O U S E - N I G H T
All seems quiet, the house dark-- late at night. There's a
movement in the bushes near the street-- SCHUYLER emerges, on the
lookout for any surveillance. It seems safe. He digs out a hidden
KEY from within a FAKE ROCK then goes to the front door, gathers up
NEWSPAPERS and a thick stack of MAIL from his box. He flips
through it quickly, finds a postcard that interests him and shoves
it in his pocket-- the rest of the mail he leaves in the box. He
punches in his code on the alarm pad, unlocks the door and enters.
CLOSE ON ALARM PAD-- the light goes from GREEN to RED.
152. I N T . S C H U Y L E R ' S H O U S E - N I G H T
SCHUYLER blinks as he enters the house-- the graffiti is gone, the
mess cleared up, it actually looks cleaner than ever.
QUICK SHOTS, JUMP-CUTS, the rhythm jarring. LIGHTS LOW throughout,
Schuyler wants to attract as little attention as possible...
152A(NEW). IN THE KITCHEN, SCHUYLER gobbles handfuls of dry cereal,
grabs for anything he can find in the refrigerator.
153. IN THE SHOWER, Schuyler scrubs away the grime.
154. IN THE BATHROOM, he inserts a CONTACT LENS.
154A. IN A DESK DRAWER he finds a few $20.00 bills.
154B. IN THE BEDROOM-- Schuyler changes into jeans and a sport
jacket, tucking the MONEY and the POSTCARD into the pockets. As he
turns to leave, he spots something on his dresser--
A WHITE ENVELOPE, with a handwritten "TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN..."
SCHUYLER frowns at this. tears it open. reacts with fear...
155. IN THE KITCHEN, SCHUYLER holds the handwritten note to the
BLUE FLAME. He tosses the BURNING PAGE into the sink.
CLOSE SHOTS on the curling, burning note, we make out KEY WORDS:
"MY FATHER WAS RIGHT," "NO REASON TO CONTINUE," "TAKE MY OWN LIFE,"
"I WANT ONLY DEATH..." and finally the signature, "SCHUYLER VAN
ORTON..." This suicide note is no joke.
SCHUYLER backs away from the sink. Quiet, determined:
SCHUYLER
No. Fuck you... I'm going to live...
156. I N T . S T U D Y - N I G H T
Schuyler moves to a bookshelf, looking for a volume, finds--
CLOSE-- a large, leather-bound BLACK BOOK with no title.
SCHUYLER clutches the volume. HEADLIGHTS shine in the window, a
VEHICLE in the drive. Schuyler moves for a back door.
157. E X T . V A N O R T O N H O U S E - N I G H T
A CAR DOOR CLOSES, we see a UNIFORMED FIGURE MOVE O. S., revealing
A POLICE STYLE CREST, the words "CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL SECURITY,"
the initials "CRS" in the center.
SCHUYLER, sneaking around the side of the house, takes this in,
waiting for the RENT-A-COPS with FLASHLIGHTS and WEAPONS to enter
his house. Then he hurries away, book under his arm.
157A(NEW). E X T . P A C I F I C H E I G H T S S T R E E T - D A W N
UNDER A STREET LAMP on a hilly street, SCHUYLER reaches into his
pocket and squints at THE POSTCARD--
INSERT POSTCARD, the message side: "S - IT'S SAFE HERE - D." An
ARROW points to a printed ADDRESS. Schuyler FLIPS the card over--
a PAINTING of a COLONIAL MANSION down a tree-lined DRIVE...
DISSOLVE TO:
158. E X T . M A N S I O N G A T E S - D A Y
THE SAME VIEW of the same mansion, a very beautiful, peaceful spot.
SCHUYLER moves down the drive toward the entrance. He carries the
thick book, as he will through following scenes.
159. I N T . S A N I T A R I U M C O R R I D O R - D A Y
A NURSE leads Schuyler down a door-lined corridor, no one in sight.
This place turns out to be an incredibly ritzy SANITARIUM.
NURSE
The medication seems to be helping.
Unfortunately we're going to have to
transfer your brother to a public
institution in a few days, his funds
are entirely exhausted-- unless you're
prepared to take responsibility...
She KNOCKS at a door, OPENS IT a crack and lets Schuyler in.
160. I N T . S A N I T A R I U M R O O M - D A Y
A pleasant bedroom, and safe-- no sharp objects or primary colors
in sight, discreet decorative BARS on the window.
DAVID, in pajamas, sits in a chair, eating bland food from a
plastic lunch tray. He watches a GOLF MATCH on a tiny WATCHMAN TV,
we'll hear it IN BG-- CLAPPING, etc. He doesn't react as Schuyler
enters, moves to his side.
SCHUYLER
David...
David turns to him, half-smiles; food particles on his lips.
DAVID
Hello Sky...
Schuyler sits close to David, upset.
SCHUYLER
What are you doing here?
DAVID
Sorry, I was just eating... I'm
much better. Really.
David does seem in control now, if a little hazy.
SCHUYLER
Thank God... Listen, I know you put
them onto me-- but I understand,
we're both victims of this thing...
They've stolen everything we ever
had, they're trying to drive us both
crazy-- but we won't let them.
We'll find a way. There's gotta be
a way to beat these bastards! We're
in it together...
He clutches his brother's hand. David narrows his eyes, confused.
DAVID
In what together?
SCHUYLER
The game.
DAVID
Oh, Schuyler, there is no game. It
was just a fantasy of mine, a self-
aggrandizing delusion... I can't
believe you took that shit seriously.
SCHUYLER
(clutching his hand)
No, David-- please...
DAVID
(pulling away)
Oh, man, stop fucking with me!
You know the game doesn't exist...
it never did! It never did...
Schuyler stares at him for a beat-- no getting through. David
leans forward, turns UP THE TV VOLUME, aiming the set at Schuyler.
DAVID
Can you see?
ON SCREEN-- a golf ball rolls on a green and PLOPS into the cup.
CUT TO:
161. I N T . S F P O L I C E S T A T I O N - D A Y
Barnett, the detective from earlier, has come out to the reception
area to speak with Schuyler, who's trying very hard to be rational.
BARNETT
So the waitress was in on it--
SCHUYLER
She isn't really a waitress.
BARNETT
--and now you're brother's been
institutionalized... is there a history
of mental illness in your family?
SCHUYLER narrows his eyes at the question. GALLO, beyond a METAL
DETECTOR in the rear area of the station, gestures to Barnett, who
holds up a finger.
BARNETT
'Scuse me.
Moving away, Barnett glances at the leatherbound book, which
Schuyler clutches very possessively.
BARNETT
Whatcha reading?
SCHUYLER
Nothing.
Barnett purses his lips, nods, steps around the metal detector to
chat with Gallo.
WITH GALLO AND BARNETT
GALLO
I just spoke with his lawyer
Plympton, he thinks Van Orton's
having a nervous breakdown, we
should probably hold onto him till
his people can get down here...
WITH SCHUYLER as GALLO AND BARNETT glance in his direction, gesture
for him to approach. Gallo WINKS casually at Schuyler.
SCHUYLER, wary now, moves toward them through the METAL DETECTOR--
which GOES OFF with a WHINE. The ALARM MONITOR woman approaches
with a wand-- but Schuyler steps back, wide-eyed.
ALARM MONITOR
Probably just your keys, sir--
SCHUYLER turns and moves quickly for the exit.
BARNETT
Yo, Schuyler, wait up--
He's through the door. The WHINE OF THE DETECTOR continues as we--
CUT TO:
162. E X T . B A R T T R A I N - N I G H T
THE WHINE dissolves into the SCREECHING of a TRAIN on an EL TRACK.
163. I N T . B A R T T R A I N - N I G H T
LIGHTS FLICKER on and off in a moving train car.
SCHUYLER scribbles intently in a brand new kid's school notebook,
open in his lap. He sits at the end of the moderately crowded
train car. Suddenly, he looks up, eyes wild, starts SCANNING the
subway car slowly, sensitive to it all. By now he's definitely the
sort of person you'd avoid in a public place.
INTERCUT POV with his REACTIONS, as everything falls into place in
his increasingly febrile mind...
SCHUYLER'S POV-- SLOW PAN OVER the assortment of nighttime RIDERS--
a couple of TEENAGERS, an OLDER WOMAN with shopping bags, a DRUNK.
CAMERA PAUSES on a patch of GRAFITTI: typically unreadable SCRAWL,
but the letters could be CRS.
CAMERA MOVES to the overhead ADVERTISEMENTS: one for hemrnorhoids,
a seasonal bank ad featuring the EASTER BUNNY... PAUSE ON a PHOTO
of an ecstatic CALIFORNIA LOTTERY WINNER holding up a wad of cash
with the words "YOU CAN'T WIN IF YOU DON'T PLAY."
A MAN READS the SPORTS PAGE: "GAME FINAL 23-2."
ON THE FLOOR, a CANDY BAR WRAPPER with A GOLD KEY printed on it,
part of a contest.
SCHUYLER picks this up, examines and discards it.
SCHUYLER' S POV-- an ELDERLY MAN with a clunky HEARING AID is
looking at Schuyler with a blank expression. The man suffers from
a facial TWITCH that causes one eye to BLINK rapidly.
SCHUYLER narrows his eyes at the man, then looks away pointedly.
He puts the notebook into A PLASTIC BAG. Beneath it, cradled in
his lap, is the mysterious black book. He opens this carefully--
CLOSE, the book is hollow. Inside is an expensive HANDGUN.
WIDE SHOT from the next train car-- A FIGURE IN FG is staring
through the scratched, fogged window AT SCHUYLER as he puts the
leather book into the bag with his notebook...
164. E X T . B A R T T R A C K S - N I G H T
The train car SHOOTS into a tunnel.
DISSOLVE TO:
165. I N T . B A R T C A R - D A W N
Schuyler is using the plastic bag and his jacket as a pillow, his
eyes closed. Suddenly there's a KNIFE at his throat.
PUNK
End of the line, man.
SCHUYLER starts; the PUNK keeps the knife on him. He's a young,
glassy-eyed junkie. He wears a RADIO EARPLUG in one ear, a wire
heading down to his waist. Schuyler nods, starts studying the
man's arms, heavily TATTOOED with crude cabalistic SYMBOLS.
SCHUYLER
Are the tattoos supposed to mean
something?
PUNK
(momentarily thrown)
Yeah, they mean you're dead, you
don't gimme what you got.
SCHUYLER
(touches the punk's arm)
OK, there's the C...
PUNK
Give me the fucking bag!
SCHUYLER
(cold, deadly)
Come on, you're not going to put
me through all this shit and then
kill me on a fucking train, it
won't look like a suicide...
As Schuyler speaks he sits up, the PUNK grabs the bag-- Schuyler
grabs the guy's knife hand, they wrestle on the floor of the car,
clawing at each other. The punk drops the knife, it gets knocked
beneath the seat, both men reach for it...
TRANSIT COP
Freeze assholes!
Schuyler and the punk look up to see a TRANSIT COP pointing his
WEAPON. The punk throws his hands up, scrambles to his feet--
PUNK
Psycho pulled a knife on me!
The cop has grabbed the still prone Schuyler, flipping him over and
slapping a handcuff on him--
SCHUYLER
What do you think you're doing,
this guy attacked me!
The cop has dropped his guard; the punk spins and bolts into the
next car, squeezing through the door. The TRANSIT COP hastily
cuffs Schuyler to an armrest--
TRANSIT COP
Wait here--
He dashes into the next car after the punk. Schuyler looks at the
floor of the car, sees--
THE SMALL RADIO and its EARPLUG attached by a WIRE. The radio has
a tiny LOOP/RABBIT EAR antenna on it. He snatches it up, then
YANKS at the cuff. He spots the knife under the seat, grabs it,
starts using the blade to unscrew the armrest from its post.
FROM THE NEXT CAR he hears SHOUTS, SCREAMS, a serious commotion
going on, he doesn't know who's winning. Schuyler's almost gotten
free as the TRAIN SLOWS, when--
--the DOOR at the far end of the car opens, it's the PUNK, bruised
and bloody, ready to kill.
He lunges at Schuyler just as he PRIES THE ARMREST off the seat and
CLOBBERS him with it. The punk reels back. The train has stopped,
the doors have opened-- Schuyler grabs his bag and squeezes out
onto the platform just before they shut again.
166. I N T . B A R T S T A T I O N - D A Y
SCHUYLER locks the free cuff on to the same wrist as the other,
sliding his jacket over them, moving briskly up the stairs.
167. E X T . B E R K E L E Y S T R E E T - D A Y
SCHUYLER emerges and walks quickly, checking over his shoulder,
BLINKING IN THE BRIGHT MORNING SUN. He fiddles with the RADIO, the
PLUG to his ear. We hear STATIC, BLEEPING NOISES, FILTERED VOICES.
For a few moments the VOICES ON THE RADIO become CLEARER.
RADIO VOICE #1
--can't let him get away with this,
he's outta control! The next thing
you know, he'll push the wrong
button and we'll all be dead--
SCHUYLER listens intently, leaning against a wall in the shadows,
breathing hard. He stares nervously at a couple of nearby STREET
PEOPLE huddled by a shopping cart, they stare back. Another VOICE
on the radio talks OVER the first:
RADIO VOICE #2
--Whoah whoah whoah-- OK the guy's a
moron, sure, but he doesn't have the
balls to end the world! Anyway I'm
sicka talking politics, let's get back
to the business of nipple piercing--
you got a ring, don't ya Robin?
We hear the HYSTERICAL GIGGLING of ROBIN QUIVERS. SCHUYLER blinks,
recognizing the voice of RADIO DJ HOWARD STERN.
RADIO VOICE #2 (HOWARD STERN)
Ugh, we gotta do commercials, this is
the Howard Stern show...
SCHUYLER fiddles frantically with the dial and antennas, calling up
RANDOM RADIO MUSIC, COMMERCIALS, etc.
CLOSE ON A TRASH CAN-- Schuyler tosses his hollowed leather book
into it. It falls open, we see the gun is gone.
CUT TO:
168(NEW). I N T . H O S P I C E - D A Y
TRACK DOWN an institutional corridor, a few EMACIATED PATIENTS in
wheelchairs... they only come here to die. ELIZABETH, Schuyler's
ex, 4Oish, fit and attractive, a few months pregnant, READS to a
couple of sad PATIENTS in a lounge area. She trails off as she
looks up, astonished to see--
SCHUYLER, bruised, frightened, almost looking like he belongs here.
SCHUYLER
Hello Elizabeth...
168A(NEW). I N T . S P O R T S C A R - D A Y
Elizabeth backs out of a parking lot in a 3OO-ZX CONVERTIBLE and
pulls into traffic, Schuyler beside her, babbling emotionally.
SCHUYLER
I'm sorry, I shouldn't be
bothering you-- you're a genuinely
good person, your work is
important, it's real, nothing that
happens to me is real anymore--
ELIZABETH
What has happened to you, Sky?
SCHUYLER
I need your help, you're the only
one left, the only one I can trust--
not that I deserve your help, God
how could you have even married me,
I was a shit to you--
ELIZABETH
No you weren't--
SCHUYLER
Yes I was. Sometimes I think I'm
being punished for my sins, I
mean, there has to be a reason...
CUT TO:
169. I N T . B R E A K F A S T P L A C E - D A Y
ELIZABETH FLIPS THE PAGES of Schuyler's notebook-- page after page
of psychotic-looking scribbling, dense UNDERLINES, many EXCLAMATION
POINTS. ON ONE PAGE-- "CRUEL RANDOM SHIT."
WIDER-- a few BUSINESS PEOPLE read papers, pick at eggs; A LARGE-
SCREEN TV plays MORNING PROGRAMS. Schuyler stares at Elizabeth,
awaiting reaction... she seems incapable of speech. He puts the
tiny radio and earplug on the table between them.
SCHUYLER
This is one of their devices, I
pulled it off their assassin in
the subway. It's how they
communicate with each other.
Elizabeth picks the thing up, studies it, puts the plug to her ear.
ELIZABETH
It's... a radio...
Schuyler waves dismissively, "you don't understand," takes the
radio back from her and pockets it.
SCHUYLER
I can't find the right channel...
Listen, I may not make it through
this-- if anything happens, get that
notebook to, to, the press, or the
FBI or something. Someone you can
trust, I don't know, assuming you can
trust anyone. I just want you to
know I'm not crazy, and I didn't kill
myself, no matter what they say--
She stares at him, trying to be strong, but she's very freaked out.
A BARMAID brings their order. Schuyler stares at the barmaid
suspiciously as she puts a cup of coffee before Elizabeth, and
gives him a bottle of water and a glass. He tests the seal.
SCHUYLER
Has this been opened?
BARMAID
No sir. Just like you said.
He watches her as she retreats, leans toward Elizabeth, puts his
hand on top of her cup.
SCHUYLER
I don't think coffee is safe.
Schuyler opens the bottle and drinks straight from it thirstily.
Elizabeth registers the CLINKING HANDCUFFS on his left wrist.
ELIZABETH
Schuyler, try and listen to me. I
love you, I always have, I always
will. And maybe this is... good.
Maybe this a point you had to
reach, before--
SCHUYLER
(staring at her)
Before what?
ELIZABETH
Before-- I'm just glad you came to
me for help. I don't know if I'm
strong enough to, to handle this
on my own but I know a lot of
excellent crisis people--
SCHUYLER
Crisis people. Crisis people?
A CELL-PHONE RINGS in her purse, she makes an exasperated noise and
pulls it out, with a "one sec" gesture at Schuyler. He rises
during her conversation, a new look on his face-- he can't trust
her either.
ELIZABETH
Hello? Hi, hon, I'm OK... um,
could I call you back...?
Schuyler's distracted by something on the TV... he lets out a
STRANGLED CRY. Elizabeth turns her head to see.
ON TV SCREEN-- It's JIM FEINGOLD, clutching his head, rubbing his
temples with a look of pain. CHEESY MUSIC, THROBBING SPFX.
SCHUYLER approaches the set, shouting at it.
SCHUYLER
You bastard! You fucking bastard!
How did you find me here!?
Elizabeth gets up, tries to pull him back to the booth, he pushes
her away, not taking his eyes from the set. PATRONS react
nervously to the deranged man.
FEINGOLD (ON TV, filter)
Ooof-- my head is killing me!
SCHUYLER
Fuck you!
THE TV IMAGE WIDENS, a COMMERCIAL ACTRESS rubs Feingold's neck.
SCHUYLER
Who are you?
ACTRESS (ON TV, filter)
Honey, have you taken anything?
FEINGOLD (ON TV, filter)
Sure, some aspirin--
The actress CLUCKS her tongue, shakes her head.
SCHUYLER's starting to get the picture.
SCHUYLER
He's an actor...
ELIZABETH
Of course he's an actor, it's a commercial.
SCHUYLER
(a revelation)
He's just a fucking actor...
ON TV-- Feingold holds up a colorfully marked bottle of pills,
studies them with a shit-eating grin. SOOTHING MUSIC.
FEINGOLD (ON TV, filter)
My head feels great! Thanks to
Ambutol, I'll never use aspirin again!
FEINGOLD gives way to the image of A BOX OF AMBUTOL.
SCHUYLER lets Elizabeth escort him back near the booth. He's
completely absorbed in his own thoughts.
ELIZABETH
Have you taken something?
SCHUYLER
What?
ELIZABETH
Are you on drugs?
He shakes his head, waves his hand dismissively. He's thinking
about something else. Elizabeth starts dialing.
ELIZABETH
Schuyler, I'm calling a friend
right now, I want you to wait here
with me until--
Schuyler tries to sound normal, claps her on the arm. WHILE HE
TALKS, CAMERA FINDS Schuyler's other hand, which slips stealthily
into her PURSE, lying on the seat of the booth.
SCHUYLER
Elizabeth, please... I'm sorry,
I'II be alright, it's just been a
hard day... Listen, I gotta use
the restroom, be right back--
He moves quickly down a corridor marked RESTROOMS and EMERGENCY
EXIT. She looks after him, quite puzzled, phone still to her ear.
170. E X T . R E S T A U R A N T P A R K I N G L O T - D A Y
Schuyler emerges from a back exit, looking behind him, the
EMERGENCY ALARM SOUNDING. He twirls Elizabeth's car keys on his
finger as he jogs toward her sports car. He unlocks it and the
ALARM SCREAMS for a moment before he figures out how to shut it
off, then he starts it and PEELS OUT.
SCENE 171-172 DELETED
CUT TO:
173. E X T . C H I N A T O W N - D A Y
Elizabeth's car zips through traffic in a Chinatown neighborhood
full of festive restaurants and shops.
SCENE 174 DELETED
175. E X T . T U N G H O Y - D A Y
Hanging red ducks in the window, a SIGN with a phone number in the
window: "TUNG HOY-- WE DELIVER" in English and Chinese. SCHUYLER
argues with an OLD CHINESE WOMAN behind the counter--
175A(NEW). I N T . T U N G H O Y - D A Y
A cramped, funky restaurant, rows of CELEBRITY HEAD SHOTS on a wall
behind the delivery counter. SCHUYLER pursues the CHINESE WOMAN as
she serves bowls of noodles to a CHINESE FAMILY.
SCHUYLER
He's an actor, does TV
commercials, I know he's ordered
from you, he had food delivered to
an office building on Mission--
CHINESE WOMAN
Many customers, very busy, I don't
know, I don't know--
SCHUYLER
Damn it!
Schuyler stalks away from her, finds himself facing the wall of
signed photographs--
ON WALL, old and stained pictures, the most famous being the likes
of ED McMAHON and CHARO. Among them is a newer HEAD SHOT of
FEINGOLD with a shit-eating grin... below, the name WILLIAM FISHER.
SCHUYLER leaps on the counter and tears the photo off the wall--
CHINESE WOMAN
Stop that, what you doing?!
Schuyler's already leapt off the counter, bolts out the door.
175B(NEW). I N T . E L I Z A B E T H ' S C A R - D A Y
SCHUYLER is on the CARPHONE, glances from the road to--
THE OBVERSE OF THE HEAD SHOT in his hand, a PHONE NUMBER before the
(short) list of credits, he flips it to show Feingold/Fisher.
SCHUYLER (on phone)
Yes, Mrs. Fisher, I know it's
short notice but we were hoping
your husband could come in for an
audition today, he's perfect...
SCHUYLER looks annoyed at what he's hearing.
SCHUYLER
Isn't there any way we can get in
touch with him now...? I see...
He makes a quick U-TURN, the tires SCREECHING.
SCENES 176-179 DELETED
180. E X T . Z O O - D A Y
Late afternoon. PAN FROM THE ENTRANCE to find SCHUYLER buying a
ticket and hurrying in.
181. IN THE ZOO, Schuyler prowls the crowd with manic energy.
SCHUYLER'S POV-- ZOO-GOERS gazing at the ANIMALS... CAMERA FINDS
Feingold/Fisher, wearing casual clothes, eating a popsicle. He's
doing his best to supervise THREE OBNOXIOUS CHILDREN, two boys and
an older girl. He's just another dad at the zoo, far from
impressive-- the Wizard of Oz after the curtain's been pulled.
When he makes eye contact with Schuyler, he pales, trying to herd
the children together as Schuyler moves in on him... he can't get
away. Schuyler grabs the man's shirt.
SCHUYLER
Bill Fisher, hi! I really admire
your work...
FEINGOLD
Oh please... I got my kids here...
Schuyler releases him, Feingold sheepishly avoids his eyes.
Schuyler casually shows him the gun, the man's eyes widen.
SCHUYLER
Get rid of them.
FEINGOLD
(to the kids)
Hey, everyone-- here's a twenty!
Snack time!
He dangles the bill over their heads, the KIDS CHEER, leap like
dolphins after fish. The girl's tallest, grabs the cash, they run
for a nearby concession. Schuyler and Feingold stroll together.
FEINGOLD
Look, buddy, it was just a job--
nothing personal, y'know? I play
my part, improvise a little,
that's what I'm good at, I still
do a little stand-up--
SCHUYLER
I've seen your resume. I'm sick
of foot soldiers, I've gotta get
to whoever's in charge.
FEINGOLD
Of CRS? Christ, nobody knows, nobody
gets the big picture--
(looking away)
Jason, Tommy, cut it out!
FEINGOLD'S BOYS ARE THROWING ROCKS at the monkeys. They give their
father a look and saunter along.
SCHUYLER's not interested in the zoo drama.
FEINGOLD
Goddammit, why do they do that.
SCHUYLER
How do I find them!? Their
offices were abandoned--
FEINGOLD
They own the whole building, they
just move from floor to floor.
Schuyler takes this in for a moment, thinking.
SCHUYLER
OK... They know you, you've worked for
them. You're going to get me inside.
FEINGOLD
(shaking his head)
Uh-uh, I'm sorry and all, but--
SCHUYLER
Tell them anything, tell them the cops
are after you, you've gotta talk to
someone or you'll blow the whistle.
FEINGOLD
No way, it's too dangerous.
Schuyler cocks his head, steps in front of him. Right in his face:
SCHUYLER
You don't seem to understand. Right
here, right now-- I'm the danger.
Feingold gets the message.
DISSOLVE TO:
182. E X T . C R S B U I L D I N G - N I G H T
LIGHTS OFF in the building. A battered STATION WAGON rounds a
corner, PAUSES before the ramp to the garage entrance-- the same
garage he and Christine were once tormented in.
183. I N T . S T A T I O N W A G O N - N I G H T
FEINGOLD drives, looking very tense; a kiddie seat strapped next to
him, junk galore; he's apparently alone.
FEINGOLD
We're here, Sky. They said they're on
the twelfth floor.
BEHIND THE SEAT-- Schuyler crouches under a blanket.
SCHUYLER
Drive in, then.
FEINGOLD
Look-- what are you gonna do? Really?
SCHUYLER
Really-- I don't know. Improvise. Go!
183A. I N T . C R S G A R A G E - N I G H T
The station wagon stops at the bottom of the ramp. A BEEFY GATE
GUARD behind glass glares at Feingold, who waves timidly. The
STEEL GATE RISES and the station wagon drives in.
THE STATION WAGON parks near an elevator bank; a handful of CARS, a
few white CRS SECURITY VEHICLES and VANS parked nearby. Feingold
climbs out, trying hard not to look scared. ELEVATOR DOORS OPEN
and a beefy, frightening-looking SECURITY MAN in a suit steps out.
He looks around carefully as Feingold joins him. He takes
Feingold's arm and pulls him toward the elevator. They wait.
SCHUYLER'S POV from the back seat-- just as the DOORS OPEN, the
Gate Guard steps up behind Feingold, puts a gun in his back.
GATE GUARD
You're not authorized to be here.
HE FIRES-- Schuyler glimpses a SPRAY OF BLOOD, Feingold collapses.
The Security Man grabs the body as it falls, starts dragging it out
of sight while the Gate Guard puts a hand to his ear, talks into a
mini-transmitter in his other hand. He follows the Security Man
out of sight. The elevator doors remain open.
With the guards out of sight, Schuyler rises slowly. He looks
stunned and sickened as he lets himself out cautiously, sneaking
behind vehicles. The main gate is sealed, he has no idea how long
the guards will be gone. THE OPEN ELEVATOR DOORS beckon.
Schuyler crawls on his belly the last few yards, starts, finding--
CLOSE, a RUBBER BUG on its back.
SCHUYLER creeps military style, on hands and knees, the rest of the
way to the elevator. He puts a hand in some of Feingold's BLOOD,
winces, then gets in the elevator.
184. I N T . C R S E L E V A T O R - N I G H T
SCHUYLER presses the button for 12-- the top floor.
ON PANEL-- nothing happens, the button LIGHTS for an instant but
GOES OUT again. The elevator won't move.
SCHUYLER's getting exasperated.
ON PANEL-- he tries BUTTONS allover, same story.
GATE GUARD
Yo!
ANGLE INTO GARAGE-- the gate guard jogs TOWARD the elevators,
pulling his gun.
SCHUYLER starts to panic, pulls his own gun and POINTS IT AT THE
GUARD, who freezes and raises his hands. Behind him, the Security
Man approaches Schuyler from a different angle, his gun out.
Schuyler can't get a bead on both of them.
SECURITY MAN
You're a dead man.
Schuyler looks one more time at the elevator panel--
AT BASE OF PANEL, a gold keyhole. CLOSER-- the letters CRS are
printed beneath it, very small.
SCHUYLER shakes his head-- it couldn't be; but what else can he do?
ANGLE INTO GARAGE-- the guards are fanning out and getting closer.
SCHUYLER reaches with one hand for his keys, fumbling for the small
gold key he received at the start of the game.
ON PANEL-- his hand shakes as he tries to insert the gold key... it
fits into the hole; he turns it and PUSHES THE BUTTON for 12.
WIDER-- as the DOORS CLOSE, both guards train their guns-- but too
late. Schuyler's on his way up.
184A. THE GLASS ELEVATOR RISES through completely blackened spaces.
SCHUYLER stares at a BULLET HOLE in the back of the glass elevator,
a remnant of Feingold's murder. He holds the gun in front of
himself in both hands... then he closes his eyes, steeling himself,
almost in an attitude of prayer.
185. I N T . A T R I U M - N I G H T
PITCH BLACK but for the LIT ELEVATOR ascending swiftly through the
darkness... Schuyler, like a solitary spaceship pilot, looks upward
toward his unknown destination.
186. I N T . C R S E L E V A T O R - N I G H T
The DIGITAL READOUT slows as it comes to 10, 11 and STOPS at 12.
SCHUYLER comes out of his trance, slips the revolver back into his
jacket pocket, keeps a hand there, and stands against a wall of the
elevator as the DOORS OPEN ON--
187. I N T . 1 2 T H F L O O R C O M M I S S A R Y - N I G H T
--A BUSTLING, NOISY COMMISSARY. Schuyler keeps the gun concealed
as he steps out of the elevator-- nobody here is paying any
attention to him anyway. There's a cafeteria style counter along
one wall, people CHATTING and LAUGHING at Formica tables... amongst
others, everyone from his game appears to be here... there's the
RASTA, the PARAMEDICS with the HEART ATTACK VICTIM, JOHN and PETE
from the men's club, the GIRL from the boat, the DESK CLERK and
BELLHOP... also the HONDURAN TRUCK DRIVER, the SECURITY PEOPLE from
his house, the PUNK and the TRANSIT COP... and a lot of ENGINEERS.
SCHUYLER inches into the room, meets the eyes of--
CHRISTINE, who's just come away from the cafeteria counter with a
tray of food. She nearly drops it, looks over her shoulder to see
if anyone is watching. Suddenly, Schuyler is in front of her,
backs her into an alcove-- she holds the tray between them as if to
protect herself.
CHRISTINE
What are you doing here?
For a moment, Schuyler's not sure. His voice is flat, monotonal:
SCHUYLER
I'm back from the dead.
CHRISTINE
Listen, everything's OK, nobody
touched your money, nobody stole a
thing, that's impossible--
SCHUYLER
I don't give a fuck about the money,
I wanna know who's behind this, who
did this to me, how, why--
CHRISTINE
It's just a game!
Even though she's keeping a surface cool, he notices the GLASS and
SILVERWARE on her tray RATTLING. She starts to move toward a
table, he blocks her path.
SCHUYLER
You're not going anywhere.
Feingold, or or Fisher, was that
just a game too?
CHRISTINE
What are you talking about?
SCHUYLER
I watched him die...
Schuyler shows her his BLOOD-STAINED HAND. Christine looks utterly
perplexed, then shrugs, finding a place to put down her tray.
SCHUYLER
Seemed like a nice guy, actually,
father of three--
CHRISTINE
Well, look, I'm sure it's just
another stunt-- that can't be
real, taste it.
SCHUYLER
You taste it, you fucking vampire.
He pushes his palm in her face, she flinches, swipes him away, then
puts a finger to her ear as--
THE ELEVATOR DOORS OPEN and the guard and security man from
downstairs burst into the commissary.
Suddenly the ROOM QUIETS, many others are touching their ears.
They all TURN in the direction of Schuyler and Christine. The gate
guard gestures at Schuyler, attempting a smile.
GATE GUARD
Could you come with us, please?
You're not authorized to be here.
Schuyler grabs Christine, wraps an arm around her throat, puts his
GUN to her neck.
SCHUYLER
Back off. Everybody back off.
He uses his knee in the small of her back to push her brutally
toward the nearest door, she CHOKES and GASPS.
188. I N T . S T A I R W E L L - N I G H T
The door shuts behind them, the stairs only lead UP.
SCHUYLER
Shit, how do we get out--
Christine STOMPS his foot and ELBOWS his gut, breaks free and bolts
up the stairs. Schuyler catches his breath and pursues. Beneath
him, the stairwell door opens, GUARDS PURSUE.
189. E X T . C R S R O O F - N I G H T
A HIGH LEDGE surrounds the roof on all four sides, a ROOF ENTRANCE
at each side as well. The NUMBER "636" is painted large for
helicopters; there are air conditioning vents, ducts, etc. A
MUFFLED ALARM sounds as Christine bursts through the door, followed
by Schuyler. She spins, her back to the EDGE of the atrium, a
black pit in the center of the roof with a sunken GLASS SKYLIGHT, a
white RAILING around it.
Schuyler SLAMS the door, a large number 1 painted on it in BLUE.
He throws the HEAVY BOLT. He and Christine circle each other
warily, his gun trained on her. POUNDING from the other side,
MUFFLED VOICES that can't be heard.
For the first time, Christine focuses on the gun in his hand, then
clutches the railing.
CHRISTINE
Wait a minute. What's that?
Schuyler addresses her as if speaking to a child:
SCHUYLER
It's my gun...
CHRISTINE
We didn't give it to you? Where did
it come from?
SCHUYLER
A gun store.
CHRISTINE
We searched your house!
SCHUYLER
Guess you fucked up again.
Christine touches her ear, listening to something, then puts her
hand to her mouth, speaks urgently.
CHRISTINE
He's armed, he's got a real gun.
Real Situation, real--
Schuyler steps forward and violently wrenches the EAR PIECE and
HAND MIKE away from Christine, the wire tears her blouse open.
SCHUYLER
Yeah, it's real all right.
CHRISTINE
Schuyler this is all fake, tricks,
it's all part of the game--
SCHUYLER
Stop it. Every word out of your
mouth is a lie--
Christine's desperately panicked, fumbling for words.
CHRISTINE
The key!! They, we gave you a key
to the elevator! Why would we do
that?! We wanted you to come up--
SCHUYLER
Of course you did. So you could kill
me or, or frame me for murder--
CHRISTINE
No, no, it's THE GAME!! Blanks,
squibs, high-tech special effects,
none of it's real! Just open that
door and I'll show you!
Schuyler hesitates a moment, looking in the direction of the door.
SCHUYLER
I open the door and I die.
ON THE DOOR-- POUNDING DESPERATE, but the ALARM DROWNS out the
sounds of VOICES on the other side.
SCHUYLER turns quickly as she takes a step towards him. He points
the gun at her again. He looks ready to use it. The following
DIALOG overlaps and collides, growing AURAL CHAOS--
SCHUYLER
You move again I swear I'll kill
you, you bitch.
CHRISTINE
THINK ABOUT IT!! They followed you
every step of the way, the cab, in
the trunk, we had a diver--
SCHUYLER
They? We?
CHRISTINE
--the guy in Honduras, the cop on
the train, there was always a
safety net, always--
SCHUYLER
Shut up, shut the fuck up!!
AXES DENT the metal door, which BULGES.
He looks at the monitor in his hand, the one he tore from her body,
putting it in his own ear, letting the rest of the device dangle.
RADIO VOICE (filter)
--just hang in there, keep talking
him down, we're on our way--
CHRISTINE
We've been trying to end it since
you got back, our people came to
your house, they tried to bring
you in from the subway, you kept
running, you weren't supposed to
keep getting lost--
SCHUYLER
You just said you wanted me to
come here-- you're making this up
as you go along!
CHRISTINE
Please Sky, please. Take a breath
and think about it!
SCHUYLER
Stop. Fucking. With my head!
Schuyler runs a hand over his sweating forehead, the gun TREMBLING
in his hand. Christine's regaining control. Schuyler's mind
whirls, he GROANS, almost crying as he considers for the first time
that she might be telling the truth. She steps closer.
CHRISTINE
You're all right, it's OK, just relax...
RADIO VOICE (filter)
Are you there? How's he doing?
CHRISTINE
Please... when you open the door, the
game ends... just open the door... Bill
Fisher's out there, he's fine, nobody
got hurt. Why would we do the crazy
things we did, if it wasn't part of a
game? We thought you knew that...
He looks at her, almost ready to lower the gun. He raises his
bloody hand to his lips, about to taste it.
RADIO VOICE (filter)
--we're at the North entrance,
Number 2, just a few more seconds
and we'll nail him--
Schuyler's eyes dart toward--
ANOTHER DOORWAY, on the other side of the atrium, like the one
that's bolted. The number 2 is painted on it in RED. The handle
starts to TURN just as--
--CHRISTINE LUNGES AT HIM to wrest the gun away.
SCHUYLER comes to his senses, struggling. The GUN GOES OFF, the
report should be DEAFENING.
He spins, points the gun at Door #2 and FIRES again, several times.
THE ALARM STOPS-- SILENCE.
Christine STIFFENS, falls backwards onto the ground, clutching her
BLOOD-DRENCHED stomach. Schuyler just stares. Dark blood SPILLS
from her mouth as she CHOKES in pain...
CHRISTINE
Oh God. I blew it... we blew it...
DOOR #2 OPENS and--
DAVID steps through. He wears a brightly colored, silly looking
PARTY HAT, carries a magnum of CHAMPAGNE bearing a huge BOW that
reads, "SURPRISE." BLOOD PUMPS from HIS CHEST. He DROPS THE
BOTTLE, which SHATTERS... David collapses amidst the broken glass.
A BLOW OF THE AXE SEVERS the deadbolt and Door #1 flies open behind
Schuyler. FEINGOLD is the first of a group to come charging
through, he wears a TUXEDO with a ROSE in the lapel, holds the axe.
SCHUYLER spins, points the gun at this axe-wielding man, then,
utterly stunned, lowers it in disbelief.
FEINGOLD looks from Schuyler to the wounded Christine-- her agony
is painful to watch. He drops the axe with a CLATTER and runs to
her side, kneels. His voice CRACKS.
FEINGOLD
You shot her!? No!
(looking toward David)
Qh God no...
THE GUARD and SECURITY MAN come out on the roof looking very
disturbed, followed by the RASTA and a few OTHERS. Many are
dressed for a party now. Feingold looks to their horrified faces.
FEINGOLD
He fucking shot them!!
RASTA
I'll call an ambulance.
The Rasta dashes downstairs. Schuyler backs away, drops the gun,
staggers over to David. He's GASPING for breath. CRS EMPLOYEES
give the brothers a wide berth, move toward Feingold and Christine.
SCHUYLER
David, David, no, no--
DAVID
Oh God, Oh God, Sky, save me, I
don't wanna die, I don't wanna--
SCHUYLER
You're not gonna die. I'm here,
you're not gonna die...
David's already DEAD, eyes wide, body limp.
WITH FEINGOLD and CHRISTINE. He holds his colorful cummerbund over
her stomach to staunch the bleeding. She CHOKES in pain.
FEINGOLD
Hang on, just hang on, you're
gonna make it--
CHRISTINE
That stupid...
They stare over at Schuyler, registering David's death. Schuyler
is now drenched in his brother's blood, rocking him in his arms.
Most of the assorted CRS people move to get out of the building
before the cops show, MURMURING amongst themselves in fear.
FEINGOLD
Oh God. I thought you could
handle it. All the tests... they
said you could handle it...
CHRISTINE yells at Schuyler, unable to stand--
CHRISTINE
You fucking psycho, you piece of
shit, how could you--
SCHUYLER gently lowers his brother and rises, like a zombie now.
The big security man picks up his gun and backs away with it,
keeping it out of his reach.
Schuyler backs away from the body, starts to SHAKE, looks as if he
really has lost his mind. Feingold SOBS aloud.
FEINGOLD
God, why-- there was no point. It was
supposed to be fun...
Schuyler looks back and forth from the wounded Christine-- who
GASPS silent curses, beyond speech-- to David's body...
He slowly turns to the Atrium pit directly in front of him. He's
strangely calm...
SCHUYLER
Fun...
SHIFT TO SLOW MOTION:
SCHUYLER moves for the edge of the atrium pit...
THE OTHERS react in HORROR, SHOUT "NO!!", lunging TOWARD HIM...
DAVID'S HEAD suddenly MOVES, he BLINKS...
SCHUYLER leaps onto the safety barrier around the atrium pit.
CHRISTINE jumps to her feet, perfectly alert, a hand extended,
SCREAMING, just as--
SCHUYLER CATAPULTS HIMSELF INTO SPACE, and--
DAVID SITS BOLT UPRIGHT.
DAVID
SKY, NOOOO!!
SCHUYLER sees this, too late--
HE AND DAVID make terrified, helpless eye contact across the void,
arms outstretched. Schuyler has time to register his irrevocable
error as he seems to hang suspended above the glass skylight for an
agonizing MOMENT.
THEN HE FALLS... LEAVE SLOW MOTION.
190. I N T . A T R I U M - N I G H T
SCHUYLER CRASHES through the skylight, TUMBLING-- SPARKLING SHARDS
surround him like stars as he PLUNGES, SPINS, SCREAMING.
191. RAPID CUTS-- the CLOWN, CHRISTINE's face, SCHUYLER and DAVID
as CHILDREN, HIS FATHER's head striking the landing. These FLASH
PAST so rapidly we can't quite process them.
192. INTERCUT WITH: INCREASING DARKNESS, GROUND RUSHING CLOSER...
ON SCHUYLER'S FACE as he experiences the epiphany that comes before
the end. BRILLIANT ANGELIC LIGHT suddenly illuminates him, his
eyes roll into his head, closing--
ANGLE FROM ABOVE-- the LIGHTS are real, they've COME ON to show--
SCHUYLER'S IMPACT-- he LANDS on his back, arms outstretched, eyes
squeezed shut--
--and is swallowed by an ENORMOUS INFLATED LIFESAVING CUSHION that
covers the floor of the atrium.
SCHUYLER BOUNCES in the cushion a few times, gradually coming to a
rest, harmless bits of BREAKAWAY GLASS showering down around him.
He doesn't move a muscle, his eyes still closed.
CLOSER ON HIS FACE... muscles twitch. His eyes open.
HIS POV-- UP the now illuminated tunnel formed by the walls of the
building around the atrium. THE FULL MOON in the very center
through the hole in the glass.
All the lighted GLASS ELEVATORS COME TO EARTH, packed with people.
SCHUYLER stares upward, mouth open, motionless.
DAVID comes running from an elevator, leaps up onto the cushion and
bounces over to Schuyler, a huge smile on his face.
DAVID
Hey, bro, how you doin'?
Getting no response, David hops closer, squats by Schuyler's side.
DAVID
Admit it, you weren't bored...
SCHUYLER remains motionless, David's worried now, grabs his arm and
starts shaking him.
DAVID
Jesus. Sky, c'mon Sky--
SCHUYLER begins to LAUGH, a tremendous catharsis. DAVID laughs
too, greatly relieved as he helps Schuyler to his feet.
THE TWO BROTHERS clutch each other for support on the BOUNCING
surface, LAUGHING. CRS EMPLOYEES have gathered around the cushion,
CHEERING and APPLAUDING.
SCHUYLER wipes his eyes, shaking his head with amazement. Then he
hauls back and SLUGS DAVID in the jaw, sending him flying onto his
back on the cushion. MORE CHEERS from the crowd, as if they were
watching a boxing match.
CUT TO:
193. I N T . C R S L O B B Y - N I G H T
THE HALLELUJAH CHORUS from Handel's "Messiah" plays. SCHUYLER and
DAVID enter together from the atrium, the CUSHION deflates behind
them. David licks blood from his lips, rubs his jaw.
DAVID
You've been wanting to do that for
a long, long time, haven't you?
Schuyler half-smiles. The SECURITY MAN unlocks Schuyler's
handcuffs, giving him back his gun, which Schuyler stares at.
DAVID
Like they'd really leave a loaded gun
lying around. They went over the
whole place with a metal detector,
then packed that thing with blanks.
They turn a corner into the main lobby, Schuyler absently pockets
the gun, looks up in wonder...
SCHUYLER'S POV-- a SURPRISE PARTY: A STEREO, STREAMERS and
BALLOONS, a CHAMPAGNE FOUNTAIN, CAKE and FOOD. CRS EMPLOYEES
(mostly ordinary-looking office workers) CLAP and CHEER for
Schuyler. They wear PARTY HATS, blow PLASTIC HORNS.
SMILING PEOPLE eager to offer CONGRATULATIONS surround him. He's
pretty shaky, like a newborn calf. JOHN and PETE shake his hand.
JOHN
Good one, buddy, really had you
going, didn't we?
PETE
Wait'll you try level two...
(a wink)
Joke.
The RASTA SLAPS his back, Schuyler instinctively looks over his
shoulder for a gag message.
RASTA
That look on your face up there?
Shit, man, I almost lost it.
The RECEPTIONIST POPS a bottle of Dom Perignon, hands it to Sky.
RECEPTIONIST
Awesome game-- best I've seen.
Not knowing what else to do, Schuyler takes a slug. The GIRL from
the boat KISSES his cheek. TECHNICIANS, men with STUNTS UNLIMITED
T-SHIRTS, the NURSE from the asylum, the SECURITY PEOPLE, CRS
GUARDS, AGENTS, all want a piece of him at once.
The "MESSIAH" FADES and an R & B BAND breaks into ROUSING MUSIC as
Feingold approaches and sticks a CIGAR in his mouth, LIGHTS it.
FEINGOLD
Sure glad you jumped, compadre.
Otherwise I was supposed to throw
you off.
(whispering)
It's not strictly legal, so don't
tell anyone...
(a beat, off Schuyler's look)
The cigar. It's a Monte Cristo,
straight from Havana.
Christine approaches, wobbly and dazed herself; she touches his
arm. Her voice is soft for the first time, accents gone.
CHRISTINE
Hey... you all right?
SCHUYLER
(nods slowly)
I think so. You?
CHRISTINE
Little shook. I'm pretty much a
method actress, y'know?
SCHUYLER
What's your name?
CHRISTINE
Susan. Susan Waters.
SCHUYLER
Nice to meet you, Susan...
CHRISTINE
Can I have a puff?
He gives her a DRAG on his cigar.
SCHUYLER
Look, I have to know. Who's
really in charge?
She shrugs, blows a SMOKE RING and sticks her finger through it.
CHRISTINE
God?
She winks and strolls off. Schuyler smiles, looking after her.
DANCING is starting up IN BG. A clutch of non-CRS people approach
tentatively-- including PLYMPTON, ELIZABETH, MARIA and JACK. They
all look very confused.
PLYMPTON
What is this, Sky? We got a call
from your brother, said there was
a surprise party...
ELIZABETH
Kind of late for your birthday,
isn't it?
Schuyler LAUGHS, gives her a hug, surprising her. He still has a
giddy smile plastered on his face.
ELIZABETH
If you wanted to borrow my car,
you could've just asked--
SCHUYLER
I know, Liz, I've been an idiot,
and I'm sorry...
PLYMPTON
You OK?
SCHUYLER
Yeah-- I'm good, really. Happy to
be alive... Listen, it's great to
see all of you, thanks for coming--
but there's something I have to do.
Excuse me.
He moves away quickly.
SCENES 194-197 DELETED
198(NEW). I N T . M E N ' S R O O M - N I G H T
SCHUYLER FLUSHES and moves away from a urinal. David waits a few
feet away by the sinks and mirrors; Schuyler starts slightly.
DAVID
So what's the object of the game?
SCHUYLER
(a beat)
What game?
DAVID
Very good...
SCHUYLER
(rinsing his hands)
Is it always like this?
DAVID
Mine was a little weirder. Tell
you about it sometime.
David pulls out A COLORED ENVELOPE, slips it into Schuyler's shirt.
Schuyler looks at him curiously as he dries his hands.
DAVID
The bill. It's itemized. Don't
bother opening it now...
SCHUYLER
(opening it)
I thought it was a gift.
DAVID
Well, no, the card was the gift,
the rest was up to you.
CAMERA FOLLOWS as David hurries out of the rest room, Schuyler
behind him, flipping pages of a long, long bill--
199(NEW). I N T . C R S L O B B Y - N I G H T
--we rejoin the PARTY, which is now in full swing. Schuyler stands
alone at the periphery of the dance floor with the bill. He hits
the bottom line... he blinks and GASPS.
CHRISTINE appears, taking his hand and pulling him away.
SCHUYLER
What? Where are we going?
CHRISTINE
Does it matter?
They move into a stairwell and start climbing O. S., their hands
all over each other. We hear the MUSIC and FESTIVITIES continuing
in BG.
CAMERA HOLDS for a beat on a SIGN painted on the wall with an arrow
upward: "LEVEL 2..."
CUT TO BLACK