THE BOX
Written by
Richard Kelly
Based on the short story
"BUTTON, BUTTON"
By
Richard Matheson
Sep 30th, 2006
OVER A BLACI: SCREEN:
Crickets chirp in the night.
A DOORBELL rings.
Sheets rustle...
A BEDSIDE LAMP is turned on.
INT. LEWIS HOUSE -- MASTER BEDROOM -- NIGHT
NORMA LEWIS ( 31) sits up in bed. The soft glow of the lamp
casts her in silhouette. Her husband, ARTHUR LEWIS (30), lies
next to her.
NORMA
Did you hear something?
ARTHUR
The doorbell.
NORMA
Are you sure that was the doorbell?
From down below... the DOORBELL rings again.
ARTHUR
Yep.
Norma retrieves her WATCH from the bedside table.
ARTHUR (CONT'D)
What time is it?
NORMA
Quarter 'til five.
Norma gets out of bed and throws on her bathrobe.
Arthur sits up, hair sticking up in every direction. He has
sideburns that run down the side of his face like daggers.
INT. LEWIS HOUSE -- FOYER -- NEXT
Norma comes down the stairs and approaches the front door.
She looks through the PEEPHOLE.
Through the PEEPHOLE... she glimpses a BLACK SEDAN idling in
the street. It quickly drives off.
Norma unlatches the DEAD BOLT and opens the door. She notices
something at her feet.
2.
Someone has left a CARDBOARD BOX on the front step. It's
dimensions are 1' x 1' x 1'
She leans down and picks up the box, noticing that it has
been meticulously sealed with clear tape. There are no
markings on it whatsoever.
Norma looks down the quiet, empty street. She quickly closes
the door and turns inside and away from the cold air.
Arthur arrives at the bottom of the stairs.
ARTHUR
What is it?
NORMA
Someone left a box.
ARTHUR
Who?
NORMA
I don't know. There was a car
waiting... but they drove off.
Norma hands the box to Arthur. He examines it.
MALE VOICE (O.S.)
Is that one of my Christmas
presents?
Their young son, WALTER LEWIS ( 9), is standing at the top of
the stairs. He is dressed in his pajamas.
His parents just stare back at him in silence.
INT. LEWIS HOUSE -- KITCHEN -- MOMENTS LATER
The Lewis family has now moved into the kitchen. WRAPPING
PAPER and CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS are scattered across the table.
Norma is pouring COFFEE. Arthur is cutting through the tape
that seals the box with a knife while Walter looks on
eagerly.
WALTER
Should I close my eyes?
ARTHUR
Maybe... it's up to you.
Arthur opens the lid and sees that there are FOAM PEANUTS
inside. He digs down and retrieves a WOODEN BOX. Its
dimensions are 8" x 8" x 8".
3.
The box is made of WHITE OAK with a clear varnish. Mounted on
top is a CLEAR GLASS DOME attached to a lid with a HINGE
MOUNT. Inside of the dome is a CYLINDRICAL METAL BUTTON.
NORMA
Is there a note?
Arthur reaches inside the box and retrieves a small WHITE
ENVELOPE. Printed on the envelope in CALLIGRAPHY is the name:
MRS. LEWIS
ARTHUR
It's for you, Norma.
Norma opens the envelope and removes a folded piece of white
stationary.
Printed in elegant calligraphy is a single sentence:
MR. STEWARD WILL CALL UPON YOU AT 5:00 PM.
NORMA
Mr. Steward will call upon you at 5
PM.
(TO HERSELF)
Do I know a Mr. Steward?
Arthur yawns.
ARTHUR
I dunno. You tell us.
INT. LEWIS HOUSE -- KITCHEN -- LATER THAT MORNING
Arthur is now showered and shaven, dressed for work. He and
Walter sit at the kitchen table, waiting for Norma to deliver
breakfast.
The box sits on the table between them.
Arthur opens up the newspaper.
INSERT SHOTS:
RICHMOND TIMES-DISPATCH... FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1976.
BANNER HEADLINE:
OPEC SAID TO DECIDE ON SPLIT HIKE
Arthur turns the page.
4.
ARTHUR
What kind of car was it?
NORMA
I couldn't see. It was dark and 1
didn't have my contacts in.
WALTER
Why would they just drive off?
NORMA
I don't know. But the bus will be
here if five minutes... so eat.
EXT. LEWIS HOUSE -- FRONT WALK -- MOMENTS LATER
Norma and Walter emerge from the house onto the front porch.
She hands him his LUNCH BOX and a WINTER HAT. SNOW has begun
to fall from the sky.
WALTER
Last day of school and now it
starts to snow?!
NORMA
Put on your hat...
A young girl, DANA ( 13) is waiting at the end of the
sidewalk. She is wrapped head-to-toe in warm clothes...
EARMUFFS and SCARF around her neck.
DANA
(muffled through scarf)
Hi Mrs. Lewis.
NORMA
Good morning, Dana.
(SHIVERING)
And please call me Norma. You're
making me feel old.
WALTER
You are old!
NORMA
I'm thirty-one!
WALTER
To us that's old! You're a geezer!
NORMA
Well you'll be a geezer one day
too, smarty-pants.
5.
Norma closes her eyes, taking in a breath of cold air.
Snowflakes land in her face and hair.
Walter sighs... looking at his watch.
WALTER
Why does the bus stop have to be at
the end of our driveway?
NORMA
(HIGH-PITCHED)
So I can watch my little Walter get
on his bus... safe in one piece!
Down the street, A SCHOOL BUS begins to crest the hill...
fast approaching...
WALTER
Please. Go. Inside. You're
embarrassing me.
NORMA
My love embarrasses you?
WALTER
Yes. Yes it does.
She begins to walk down the sidewalk... taunting him as the
bus approaches.
NORMA
What if I give little Walter a
little kiss in front of all his
friends on the school bus?
Dana's eyes widen. A MISCHIEVOUS GRIN emerges from behind the
scarf that covers the lower part of her face.
DANA
Do it!
The bus is fast approaching... brakes squealing as it slows
to a stop.
WALTER
Don't come any closer!
Norma gives him a big HUG and a KISS right as the bus doors
open. A bunch of OLDER KIDS stare out the window... scowling
at him.
Walter pushes away from her and stomps up onto the bus...
mortified. Dana follows him.
6.
NORMA
Dana... you're baby-sitting for us
tonight, right?
DANA
Eight o'clock?
NORMA
Eight o'clock.
DANA
Okay.
Dana gets on the bus. BUD WALL (30s), the bus driver, smiles
at Norma. He is an enormous giant of a man with a shaved
head.
NORMA
Bus-Driver Bud! Merry Christmas...
BUD
Our last day!
NORMAL
I know!
BUD
It'll all be over soon, Norma.
He stares at her for a moment that is almost too long... then
shuts the doors to the bus.
INT. LEWIS HOUSE -- KITCHEN -- MOMENTS LATER
Arthur sits at the table... reading the morning paper.
The CAMERA zooms into the COMICS SECTION... revealing the
panels of the comic strip REX MORGAN, MD. Arthur begins
reading the voices of REX MORGAN and his girlfriend JUNE.
ARTHUR
(as Rex Morgan)
Do you realize that this is the
first time in my life that I will
be taking more than a week's
vacation, June?
Norma arrives in the kitchen. She now has a slight limp.
ARTHUR (CONT-D)
(as June, hi-pitched)
And enjoy it! Don't worry about the
office!
.4
7.
NORMA
Rex Morgan... I need you back here
no later than seven. Rehearsal
dinner starts at eight.
Arthur grabs his BRIEFCASE and a BASKETBALL.
ARTHUR
The Viking Squad has a game at
four.
NORMA
Don't get stuck in Friday
traffic...
ARTHUR
Okay June.
He starts bouncing the ball on the kitchen floor.
She grabs the ball in mid bounce... annoyed with him.
NORMA
Not in the house!
ARTHUR
How's your foot?
NORMA
It's fine.
She pushes him toward into the FAMILY ROOM... opening the
door that leads out to the garage.
They exit the house and the CAMERA drifts back toward the
kitchen table... moving in toward the box.
EXT. LEWIS HOUSE -- DRIVEWAY -- MOMENTS LATER
The GARAGE DOOR opens and both of the LEWIS FAMILY CARS back
out at the same time, almost choreographed in perfect unison.
Arthur drives a SILVER 1975 PONTIAC TRANS-AM. Norma drives a
WHITE 1976 OLDSMOBILE STATION WAGON with WOOD WALLS.
They pull out onto MONUMENT AVENUE, cars pointing in opposite
directions. Arthur rolls down his window.
ARTHUR
It's your Christmas present.
NORMA
From you?
B.
ARTHUR
From your secret lover.
(BEAT)
Mr. Steward.
She furrows her brow.
NORMA
(SARCASTIC)
I hate you, Rex Morgan MD.
ARTHUR
(PLAYFUL)
I hate you, too.
NORMA
Don't be late tonight.
ARTHUR
I've got your present at work. It's
almost finished.
He smiles... then peels off down Monument Ave.
From Norma's REAR VIEW MIRROR... Arthur's car disappears down
the road. She reaches up to re-adjust... her eyes appear in
the mirror's reflection.
INSERT: Norma's VIRGINIA license plate.
The Oldsmobile drives down the street in the opposite
direction.
EXT. DOWNTOWN RICHMOND -- MORNING
HELICOPTER SHOT: The CAMERA crests over the barren WINTER
FOREST on the southeast side of the city... tipping up to
reveal DOWNTOWN RICHMOND, VIRGINIA.
RADIO VOICE (V.0.)
It's twenty-three degrees on this
December morning here in
Richmond...
The CAMERA moves over the DOWNTOWN EXPRESSWAY... heavy
traffic moves in either direction.
The CAMERA approaches the side of ARTHUR'S TRANS-AM as it
crests around the INTERSTATE EXCHANGE onto ROUTE 64 at the
HISTORICAL CLOCK TOWER of MAIN STREET TRAIN STATION.
9.
RADIO VOICE (V.0.) (CONT - D)
The French government, in what was
seen here as a gesture to President-
elect Jimmy Carter, announced
Thursday a further tightening of
controls over the exportation of
nuclear technology.
The CAMERA swoops down alongside the driver's side of
Arthur's car... moving into the SIDE VIEW MIRROR. His face
reflected in the mirror... listening to the radio as he
begins his southbound commute to work.
EXT. COLLEGIATE SCHOOL -- MORNING
The CAMERA pulls back from .a sign at the entrance to
COLLEGIATE... an exclusive PRIVATE SCHOOL. Norma's STATION
WAGON pulls into the school parking lot.
INT. COLLEGIATE SCHOOL -- HALLWAY -- MOMENTS LATER
The CAMERA tracks with Norma as makes her way through the
CROWDED HALLWAY... filled with LOUD TEENAGERS from the age of
9-18. Her limp. has gotten worse.
She WINKS at someone... then turns a corner and the CAMERA
whips around to reveal WALTER standing at his locker. He
closes the door, revealing Dana and another friend named
CHARLES ( 12) standing there.
DANA
Why does your mom limp?
CHARLES
Yeah... is something wrong with her
foot?
WALTER
That's none of your business.
CHARLES
Dana saw her take her shoe off in
the parking lot yesterday.
DANA
There's definitely something wrong
with her foot. It looks mangled.
CHARLES
You didn't say mangled... you said
it looked gross.
Walter lunges at Charles and pushes him up against the
locker... awkwardly trying to fight him.
10.
They continue to wrestle awkwardly for a moment against the
lockers and then Walter lets go... backing away.
WALTER
If you ever make fun of my mom
again I'll kill you!
Walter storms off down the hall.
INT. COLLEGIATE SCHOOL -- OFFICE -- MOMENTS LATER
The CAMERA moves through the SCHOOL OFFICE as teachers and
RECEPTIONISTS move about in preparation for the last day,
approaching a FROSTED GLASS DOOR that reads:
DR. WILLIAM H. POATES
INT. COLLEGIATE SCHOOL -- PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE -- NEXT
Norma sits across from the desk of WILLIAM POATES (45), the
principal of the school.
POATES
The uhhh... the board came to a
vote last week, so it's official.
They've officially cancelled the
faculty tuition discount.
NORMA
So what does that mean for me?
P OATE S
You're going to have to start
paying full tuition for your son.
NORMA
Starting when?
POATES
Next semester.
Norma notices a SMALL DROP of BLOOD forming in his right
nostril.
NORMA
Okay.
POATES
I'm real sorry about this, Norma.
11.
NORMA
Yeah, me too. I've got three weeks
to figure out how to tell my son we
can't afford to send him to
Collegiate any more.
The drop of blood has begun to flow down onto his upper lip.
POATES
Like I said, I'm real sorry.
NORMA
Yeah... your nose is bleeding.
Poates reaches for his HANDKERCHIEF and puts it to his face,
wiping off the blood. The MORNING BELL rings.
INT. COLLEGIATE SCHOOL -- HALLWAY -- MOMENTS LATER
Norma walks hurriedly down the empty hallway. Her limp has
gotten worse as the morning grind has now begun.
INT. COLLEGIATE SCHOOL -- SCIENCE LAB -- MOMENTS LATER
Norma comes into her CLASSROOM... a SCIENCE LAB with SINKS
and BUNSEN BURNERS mounted in MARBLE TOP DESKS. Kids are
moving about... loud and rambunctious.
NORMA
Okay... everyone quiet down! Take
your seats!
Norma moves toward a stack of METAL TRAYS on her desk. Inside
of each tray is a BALL OF BLACK MUSH.
NORMA (CONT-D)
Today is the day many of you have
been eagerly awaiting. You get to
dissect owl pellets.
A MALE STUDENT ( 13) pumps his fist...
MALE STUDENT #1
Yes!
Norma sets an OWL PELLET down in front of a FEMALE STUDENT
( 12). She looks at the owl pellet in disgust.
FEMALE STUDENT #1
This is so gross.
Norma sets a tray down in front of Charles.
12.
CHARLES
Why do they call it an owl pellet?
A MALE STUDENT ( 12) next to him takes his tray from Norma.
MALE STUDENT #2
Because they shit out of their
mouths.
NORMA
Hey... watch the language. You say
another cuss word I've gotta send
you to detention, okay?
MALE STUDENT #2
Sorry, Mrs. Lewis.
FEMALE STUDENT #1
Is it true?
NORMA
Is what true?
FEMALE STUDENT #1
That owls poo out of their mouths.
NORMA
Yes... this is true.
The classroom gasps in disgust... others laugh.
NORMA (CONT-D)
Grey forest owls feed upon field
mice, squirrels and small birds.
The owl will then regurgitate the
bones and waste matter in a ball of
black mucous. Inside this mucous
you will likely find the entire
skeleton of its prey.
Norma goes to the front of the room and lowers a SCREEN.
NORMA (CONT-D)
I'm going to show you a film about
the digestive process of the owl,
and how the owl pellet is formed.
The classroom whispers with excitement.
EXT. NASA LANGLEY RESEARCH CENTER -- ENTRANCE GATE -- MORNING
Arthur pulls through the ENTRANCE GATE at the NASA LANGLEY
RESEARCH CENTER. He retrieves his BADGE from the dashboard
and shows it to the guard.
13.
EXT. NASA LANGLEY FACILITY -- MAIN STREET -- MOMENTS LATER
Arthur's car drives down MAIN STREET on the campus of the
research center. The buildings are predominately drab,
functional, one story brick structures.. surrounded by
various GLOBE STRUCTURES and PIPE NETWORKS on manicured green
lawns.
INT. NASA LANGLEY FACILITY -- CORRIDOR -- MOMENTS LATER
The CAMERA tracks with Arthur as he moves through the crowded
corridor of one of the research buildings. He says hello to
various colleagues along the way.
All of the men at the facility are dressed the same... with
white shirts and TIES and POCKET PROTECTOR BADGES. The place
resembles an all-male community college for young scientists.
INT. NASA LANGLEY FACILITY -- MEDIA ROOM -- MOMENTS LATER
Arthur eases his way into the small, crowded AUDITORIUM that
serves as a MEDIA ROOM. A PRESS CONFERENCE is underway.
NORM CAHILL ( 40s), the VIKING PROJECT COORDINATOR, is
standing at the podium. Next to him is an OVERHEAD PROJECTOR
with maps and various schematics projected from it onto a
LARGE SCREEN.
REPORTER #1
It's been five months since the
Viking lander touched down on the
surface of Mars. We've seen dozens
of photographs of the rock covered
surface... what can you now tell us
about the tests you've been
conducting? Is there any sign of
life on the red planet?
Arthur takes a seat in the back of the auditorium.
CAHILL
Well... there are three separate
tests that we've been conducting...
Pyrolytic Release, Labeled Release
and Gas Exchange. The first two
tests, based on soil samples about
22 centimeters deep, came back
negative... and the third is...
still pending.
Cahill smiles. Laughter erupts from various parts of the
auditorium.
14.
REPORTER #1
Can you elaborate on test number
three?
Cahill places a transparent MAP of the mars surface on the
overhead projector and begins to draw on it with a WAX
PENCIL.
CAHILL
The gas exchange experiment
measures the production or uptake
of C02, nitrogen, methane,
hydrogen, and oxygen during the
incubation of the martian soil
sample.
REPORTER #2
Are you showing us all of the
photos? Are there little green men
up there?
Laughter from the press.
CAHILL
Well... there is a possibility that
the planet abounds with chemical
compounds produced by living
systems. Their chemical nature,
distribution and structural
uniqueness could be used to argue
the presence of microscopic living
organisms on Mars.
As Cahill moves on to the next question... Arthur taps the
reporter on the shoulder.
ARTHUR
It all comes down to water.
Arthur points to an OVERHEAD SATELLITE PHOTO of Utopia
Planitia, a raised level of martian terrain in the vicinity
of the site where VIKING II landed.
There are dry river-bed formations in the soil.
ARTHUR (CONT-D)
If we find water beneath the
surface... and the topographic maps
of Utopia Planitia indicate that
there were once rivers on the
surface of the planet, it's
possible that we'll eventually find
evidence of life.
15.
INT. COLLEGIATE SCHOOL -- SCIENCE LAB -- MOMENTS LATER
The OWL PELLET FILM is underway. Norma sits in the back of
the class next to the projector. She crosses her legs...
reaching for her foot... massaging it gently. She cringes...
clearly in intense pain.
Charles looks back at her... noticing this. They make eye
contact... and Charles turns back to the screen.
INT. NASA LANGLEY FACILITY -- CAHILL'S OFFICE -- MORNING
Arthur now sits across from Cahill in his office. Behind him
is a window that overlooks a huge laboratory.
CAHILL
I'm sorry Arthur, but they've
denied your application to be
admitted into the astronaut
program.
Arthur looks crushed.
ARTHUR
I see.
(BEAT)
Can I ask why?
CAHILL
I'm sorry, son... but they don't
tell us why.
INT. NASA LANGLEY FACILITY -- LABORATORY -- LATER ON
The CAMERA tracks through a LARGE LABORATORY in the heart of
one of the main buildings on the Langley campus.
Work tables assembled with LABORATORY EQUIPMENT and MACHINERY
extend out into infinity as DOZENS OF YOUNG MEN, all dressed
in similar white shirts with NASA ID BADGES move throughout,
engaged in various tasks.
Arthur is standing at a LABORATORY TABLE with a WHITE MASK
on. He is wearing a LAB COAT and GLASSES.
He pours PINK LIQUID onto the surface of a METAL PAN...
filling it to the edges.
A colleague named WENDELL JAMES ( 29) walks over to see what
he is doing.
16.
ARTHUR
Are they really with-holding some
of the Mars photos?
WENDELL
I don't know, man. Jesus... what's
that smell?
ARTHUR
It's a salinic compound.
WENDELL
What are you making?
ARTHUR
Christmas present for Norma.
Arthur retrieves a WHITE CERAMIC MOLD. The mold has an
extrusion that is shaped like a WOMAN'S FOOT... only the end
of the foot is round and missing its toes, save for the PINKY
TOE.
WENDELL
A new prosthesis for her foot?
ARTHUR
Yep.
Arthur carefully impresses the MOLD of his wife's foot into
the pink goop... sealing the mold at the edges into the tray.
WENDELL
What did you change up this time?
ARTHUR
The compound they're developing for
the pilot chairs on the space
shuttle.
INT. COLLEGIATE SCHOOL -- SCIENCE LAB -- NEXT
INSERT: The BONES of a FIELD MOUSE have been re-assembled in
rough form within the tray... as the OWL PELLET has been
ripped apart.
The tray belongs to Charles, and he has grown tired of
dissecting the owl pellet.
He looks up to the head of the class and sees that Norma is
sitting up on her desk... filing her nails... waiting out the
last remaining minutes of the period.
CHARLES
Mrs. Lewis?
17.
She raises her head.
NORMA
Hmmm?
CHARLES
What happened to your foot?
She just stares at him.
NORMA
What happened... to my foot?
CHARLES
Yeah.
(BEAT)
My friend... she saw you take your
shoe off. She said... that there's
something wrong with it.
The whole class goes silent. Norma begins to blush. She looks
down at her right foot, hidden inside of a CLOSED-TOE SHOE.
NORMA
Well... it's a long story.
She looks at her watch.
NORMA (CONT'D)
We've got five minutes until second
period.
She looks back at her class and sees that their curiosity has
been piqued. She has no choice now but to tell them.
NORMA (CONT'D)
Alright... I'll tell you what
happened to my foot.
INT. NASA LANGLEY FACILITY -- LABORATORY -- NEXT
Arthur sits at the table with Wendell... waiting for the MOLD
to dry. Arthur is dealing a deck of cards as they begin a
game of GIN RUMMY.
ARTHUR
When she was seventeen... still
living in Texas, her brother
dropped a barbell on her foot...
broke three of her toes.
18.
INT. COLLEGIATE SCHOOL -- SCIENCE LAB -- NEXT
The CAMERA pans across the faces of STUDENTS as they listen
to her tell the story.
NORMA
And so I go to see the doctor. He
goes to take an X-ray of my foot to
see if the bones are broken.
INT. NASA LANGLEY FACILITY -- LABORATORY -- NEXT
Arthur discards... then retrieves a replacement card from the
stack.
ARTHUR
So this dumb-ass Richmond doctor
takes the x-ray... then he goes to
check on another patient down the
hall.
Arthur discards a king.
ARTHUR (CONT'D)
This dumb--ass... he left the x-ray
machine on.
WENDELL
Jesus. That's not good.
INT. COLLEGIATE SCHOOL -- SCIENCE LAB -- NEXT
Norma raises up her right shoe to show the class.
NORMA
They found out that the tissue in
four of my toes had been completely
I
destroyed by the radiation.
Norma swivels around on the desk and places her right foot
against her left inner thigh.
NORMA (CONT'D)
So they have to amputate four of my
toes. And then they had to take a
bunch of skin from my inner thigh
to cover the front of my foot. This
is back in 1963... so they didn't
have the skin graft techniques they
do now.
19.
INT. NASA LANGLEY FACILITY -- LABORATORY -- NEXT
Arthur stands up and takes his RIGHT FOOT... pulls it up and
touches it to his LEFT INNER THIGH.
ARTHUR
She had to sit there in a hospital
bed in the same position for six
months, waiting for it to heal.
Wendell stares at the mold on the laboratory table.
WENDELL
Jesus. I hope she sued this idiot.
ARTHUR
Oh yeah. Her family sued. They won.
WENDELL
What was the settlement?
ARTHUR
Forty thousand dollars.
Arthur pulls the ceramic mold out of the pink goop... and we
see the IMPRESSION of her disfigured foot inside the new
PROSTHESIS.
INT. COLLEGIATE SCHOOL -- SCIENCE LAB -- NEXT
Norma turns around and uncrosses her legs. They now dangle
over the edge of the lab desk.
NORMA
You guys want to see it? Now that
the secret is out... I don't want
you spreading rumors about my
mangled foot.
The class responds enthusiastically.
NORMA (CONT'D)
Come on... gather round... take a
look at the freak show.
As the kids gather around... Norma removes her right shoe and
reveals her disfigured foot... missing every toe but her
pinky. A rounded piece of SCAR TISSUE covers the rest of it.
20.
INT. NASA LANGLEY FACILITY -- LABORATORY -- NEXT
Arthur takes the trimmed PROSTHESIS and wraps it in tissue
paper, then places it in a CARDBOARD BOX with a red bow on
it.
ARTHUR
If this sucker works... she can,
start jogging again.
INT. COLLEGIATE SCHOOL -- HALLWAY -- MIDDAY
Dana walks up to Walter as he stands in front of his locker.
DANA
I'm sorry I said that her foot
looked gross.
WALTER
It doesn't look gross... it looks
cool. And if you can't tell the
difference between gross and
cool... then I feel sorry for you,
Dana.
Walter walks off... leaving her alone.
EXT. LEWIS HOUSE -- AFTERNOON
Norma emerges from her car carrying GROCERY BAGS in both
arms. Walter comes out of the garage with his bike.
NORMA
Hey honey.
WALTER
Why do I need a baby-sitter?
NORMA
Because you're nine years old.
You're not a geezer yet.
WALTER
It's 1976, mom. Times are changing.
Nine years old isn't what it used
to be. I think I'm ready to get a
moped.
NORMA
We're not buying you a moped,
Walter. Stick with the bike... and
be home before dark.
21.
WALTER
Fine.
Walter rides off down the street.
INT. LEWIS HOUSE -- FOYER -- NEXT
Norma comes into the foyer, groceries in hand. The PHONE is
ringing.
INT. LEWIS HOUSE -- KITCHEN -- NEXT
Norma comes into the kitchen, sets the groceries down on the
kitchen table. She grabs the phone off the wall and puts it
to her ear.
NORMA
Hello?
There is silence on the other end of the line.
NORMA (CONT-D)
Hello?
A MOMENT OF SILENCE... then the caller disconnects.
Norma hangs up the phone and starts unloading the groceries.
The box sits on the table... but she takes no notice of it.
EXT. GYMNASIUM -- EARLY EVENING
Arthur emerges from a NASA CAMPUS GYMNASIUM into the twilight
with Wendell. Both are covered in sweat, dressed in gym
clothes. Arthur is carrying his BASKETBALL and a gym bag.
WENDELL
How's the commute back to Richmond?
ARTHUR
Not too bad. Maybe an hour and
twenty minutes.
WENDELL
Tell Norma I said hello.
Wendell watches him walk across the lawn to the parking
lot... approaching his car. He lights a cigarette and takes a
drag... then looks at his watch.
INSERT: His watch shows that it is 4:58 PM.
22.
INT. LEWIS HOUSE -- FAMILY ROOM -- NEXT
Norma sits on the couch... smoking a CIGARETTE. On the
TELEVISION... the LOCAL NEWS is playing.
The DOORBELL rings.
INT. LEWIS HOUSE -- FOYER -- NEXT
Norma opens the front door.
A man named ARLINGTON STEWARD (40) is standing there, his
body is turned in profile. He is wearing a crisp wool suit
and a BLACK HAT, with a BRIEFCASE in his right hand.
ARLINGTON
Mrs. Lewis?
NORMA
Yeah.
ARLINGTON
My name is Arlington Steward.
Her eyes light up, as she remembers the name and the box.
Arlington then rotates his body... revealing the RIGHT SIDE
of his face. Norma's eyes widen in horror at what she sees.
Nearly all of the right side of his face from his cheekbone
to his lower jaw has been burned away. His rear MOLARS and
GUMS are exposed beneath the absence of tissue that is
supposed to conceal them.
Norma immediately feels a strange connection... a deep
sympathy for him and the pain he must have endured.
ARLINGTON (CONT-D)
I assume you received the box that
I left on your doorstep.
His speech has a slight impediment from the burn that extends
to the right side of his mouth.
NORMA
Oh, yes. Yes we did.
ARLINGTON
And you retrieved the button unit
inside of the box.
Norma smiles. He smiles back at her.
23.
NORMA
The button unit. That's what you
call it?
ARLINGTON
Indeed. May I come in?
NORMA
Sure.
Norma turns and leads him back into the kitchen. She
retrieves the button unit from the table.
NORMA (CONT'D)
So what it this thing? I assume
you're trying to sell me something?
ARLINGTON
Well... in a way, yes. I do have an
offer to make.
NORMA
Yeah? What are you selling?
ARLINGTON
A financial opportunity.
Arlington gestures toward the table with his briefcase.
ARLINGTON (CONT'D)
May I?
She nods. He places the briefcase down on the table.
He takes the button unit from her and sets it down on the
kitchen table. They both sit down.
He then withdraws a SMALL YELLOW ENVELOPE from his suit
jacket pocket.
ARLINGTON (CONT'D)
inside of this envelope is a key.
Arlington opens the envelope and withdraws a small METAL KEY.
ARLINGTON (CONT'D)
This is the key that opens the
glass dome of the button unit.
Arlington then inserts the key into a small HORIZONTAL SLOT
at the top edge. He turns the key, and the LID that houses
the GLASS DOME pops lose.
The METAL BUTTON is now exposed.
24.
ARLINGTON (CONT'D)
If you push the button, one of two
things will happen.
(BEAT)
First, someone... somewhere in the
world... who you do not know...
will die.
Norma just stares at him.
ARLINGTON (CONT'D)
Then, you will receive a payment of
two-hundred thousand dollars... tax
free.
Arlington opens the briefcase. Inside are neatly stacked rows
of ONE-HUNDRED DOLLAR BILLS.
ARLINGTON (CONT'D)
The money will be delivered to you
in cash.
Norma covers her mouth... shocked at the sight of so much
money.
NORMA
Are you for real?
Arlington smiles back at her.
ARLINGTON
Mrs. Lewis, I can assure you that
the offer is real.
NORMA
Who do you work for?
ARLINGTON
The guarantee of payment has
several restrictions. One... I am
not permitted to disclose any
information about to the identity
of my employers.
(BEAT)
Two... if you discuss the details
of this financial opportunity with
anyone other than your husband, the
offer is null and void, and you
will not receive the money in
return for having pushed the
button.
(BEAT)
Three... you have twenty four
hours.
Arlington glances at his watch.
25.
ARLINGTON (CONT'D)
You have until five o'clock
tomorrow evening to make your
decision whether or not to push the
button. At that time, I will return
to retrieve the button unit from
you. It will be re-programmed and
the offer will be made to someone
else.
Arlington places the key back into the envelope, seals it
with crisp precision, and hands it over to her.
He then closes the briefcase and stands up to leave.
ARLINGTON (CONT'D)
Until then... a good day to you,
Mrs. Lewis.
He nods his head and turns toward the foyer.
INT. LEWIS HOUSE -- FOYER -- NEXT
She follows him toward the front door.
NORMA
Wait a minute... you're just going
to leave me with this thing.
(BAFFLED)
Is this some kind of joke? Who are
you?
He opens the front door and turns back to her with a friendly
smile.
ARLINGTON
My name is Arlington Steward, and I
can assure you that this is no
joke. The offer is real, but I am
not at liberty to disclose any more
information than I already have.
He withdraws a BUSINESS CARD and hands it to her.
ARLINGTON (CONT'D)
Good day.
He heads down the walk toward his car.
She looks down at the card and sees that his name is printed
in an embossed BLACK FONT:
ARLINGTON STEWARD
26.
She turns the card over and sees what looks like a PHONE
NUMBER printed on the back:
8 0 4 7 9 4 1 7 7 9
She stands there in the doorway and watches him step into the
automobile, start the engine and drive off.
EXT. CARYTOWN SHOPPING CENTER -- AFTERNOON
Walter is sitting on a bench in front of a line of shops in
CARYTOWN. Dana approaches him.
He turns to face her.
WALTER
What do you want?
DANA
I'm sorry. I just wanted to tell
you... that I think your mom is
beautiful.
Walter just stares at her in silence... wanting to forgive
her.
INT. LEWIS HOUSE -- KITCHEN -- NEXT
Norma walks back into the kitchen, holding the key envelope
in one hand and the business card in the other.
She stares at them both, then down at the box. She then
retrieves the key from the envelope and inserts it into the
slot, opening the glass dome.
She stares at the button for a long moment... then closes the
dome. She closes her eyes... trying to make sense of what has
just transpired.
INT. BURNS HOUSE -- NEXT
The CAMERA zooms out from a RINGING PHONE that sits on a
KITCHEN COUNTER in a large suburban house. SUSAN BURNS (50s)
goes to answer the phone.
SUSAN
Hello?
NORMA (PHONE)
Hey mom.
SUSAN
Hey honey. What's up?
27.
NORMA (PHONE)
Nothing... I just...
The CAMERA continues to zoom out, revealing her husband, JIM
BURNS (50s) laid out in a recliner, watching television.
SUSAN
Is something wrong?
INT. LEWIS HOUSE -- KITCHEN -- NEXT
Norma stares at the business card.
NORMA
No... something just happened
and...
SUSAN (PHONE)
What?
NORMA
Nothing. I don't want to talk about
it right now.
INT. BURNS HOUSE -- FAMILY ROOM -- NEXT
Susan carries the phone into the family room
SUSAN
Alright.
(covering the phone)
Jim... you gotta get ready.
JIM
Alright.
He sits up and moves toward the stairs.
SUSAN
Wait until you see the spread
tonight.
INT. LEWIS HOUSE -- KITCHEN -- NEXT
Norma twirls the phone cord around her finger.
NORMA
Hmmm. I think they're spending more
on their wedding than we did on our
house.
SUSAN (PHONE)
Is your foot acting up again?
28.
Norma leans against the wall... lifting her right foot off
the floor to ease the pain.
NORMA
A little, yeah. That damn bone. The
skin from my leg, it's not as tough
as it should be.
SUSAN (PHONE)
You know he's gonna be there
tonight.
NORMA
Who?
SUSAN
Dr. Stupid.
Norma takes this in... remembering...
NORMA
Well... it's been what... thirteen
years? Bound to run into each other
at some point, right?
INT. LEWIS HOUSE -- MASTER BATHROOM -- LATER ON
Norma is now wearing only her BRA AND PANTIES, her hair and
make-up flawless. She finishes putting on a pair of DIAMOND
EARRINGS.
As she steps into an elegant COCKTAIL DRESS... we see the
deep square shaped SCARS on the inside of her LEFT THIGH.
INT. LEWIS HOUSE -- MASTER BEDROOM -- NEXT
Norma comes into the bedroom... and ARTHUR is there...
putting on his CUFF LINKS. He is dressed in a TUXEDO.
His jacket is laid out on the bed, and next to it is his
CHRISTMAS PRESENT. Norma sees it.
NORMA
What's this?
ARTHUR
A little gift from Dr. Rex Morgan.
She opens the present and retrieves the PROSTHESIS.
NORMA
Oh my god!
29.
Norma removes an old, store-bought INSOLE from her right shoe
and inserts the new one.
ARTHUR
It's a material they developed for
the new shuttle chairs. It'll
absorb the pressure of your foot
and re-distribute it across the
entire surface area.
She then slides her disfigured foot into the shoe... and
begins to walk around the room.
NORMA
Oh my God, Rex... how'd you do it?
ARTHUR
I just figured out a way to make it
better.
She crosses the room and gives him a hug and a kiss.
NORMA
I don't know what I'd do without
you.
ARTHUR
Merry Christmas, June.
INT. LEWIS HOUSE -- FAMILY ROOM -- MOMENTS LATER
Norma and Arthur come into the family room, wearing their
winter coats. Walter is sitting across the coffee table with
Dana. They are playing CARDS.
The box is sitting between them.
WALTER
Did Mr. Steward show up?
Norma sees the box sitting there and immediately grabs it off
the table.
ARTHUR
Yeah... what's it all about. Did he
show up?
NORMA
Yeah... I'll tell you about it in
the car. We're running late.
Norma leans down and kisses Walter on the cheek.
30.
NORMA (CONT'D)
We'll be home late... your bedtime
is ten.
Dana watches them go... her eyes transfixed on the box in
Norma's hands.
EXT. RIVER ROAD -- NIGHT
The CAMERA tracks with Arthur's car as it drives south on
CARY STREET... approaching an intersection.
INT. ARTHUR'S CAR -- NEXT
Norma has the box sitting in her lap while Arthur drives.
NORMA
And before I could ask him anything
else... he got in his car... and he
pulled off.
ARTHUR
Did you get the license plate?
NORMA
No.
ARTHUR
Your dad is cop, Norma. Always get
the license plate number.
NORMA
I was little overwhelmed, Arthur.
ARTHUR
Somewhere in the world... someone
you do not know will die.
NORMA
Those were his exact words.
ARTHUR
Did he say how they would die?
NORMA
No.
ARTHUR
And he showed you the cash.
NORMA
Yeah. He said it was two-hundred
thousand. It looked real to me.
31.
ARTHUR
What did he look like?
NORMA
You don't want to know. I think
he's a burn victim. Poor thing...
half of his face is gone.
ARTHUR
Really?
NORMA
I think maybe he's a life insurance
salesman. Maybe that's what it is.
It's some kind of survey. We push
the button and he offers us a
discount on a two-hundred thousand
dollar life insurance policy.
Joke's on us.
EXT. COUNTRY CLUB OF VIRGINIA -- NIGHT
The CAMERA descends upon the COUNTRY CLUB OF VIRGINIA. It is
a MASSIVE COLONIAL MANSION that sits upon a huge hill that is
littered with CHRISTMAS LUMINARIES that glow in the night.
EXT. C.C.V. -- PARKING LOT -- NIGHT
We approach Arthur's car as they pull into a PARKING SPACE in
front of the main entrance.
INT. ARTHUR'S CAR -- NEXT
Arthur grabs the box from off her lap.
ARTHUR
Did you bring the key with you?
She hands it to him.
He takes the key and inserts it... opening the glass dome.
He then takes his INDEX FINGER and places it on the button.
NORMA
What the hell are you doing?!
ARTHUR
(PLAYFUL)
I was gonna push the button.
NORMA
No!
32.
Norma reaches over and snaps the dome closed.
ARTHUR
You think it's for real.
She takes the box back from him.
NORMA
I don't know. He was... he seemed
very sure of himself. If it's some
kind of survey... then... he's a
really good salesman because I
believe him. I believe that he
might give us that money.
ARTHUR
Do then you think he's a maniac and
he might go kill someone?
NORMA
I don't know.
Arthur takes the box back from her. He shakes it... then
flips it over. He sees that there is a SINGLE SCREW on the
bottom corner that holds it together.
ARTHUR
Open the glove compartment. There's
a philips head screwdriver in
there.
She opens the GLOVE COMPARTMENT and retrieves a PHILLIPS HEAD
SCREWDRIVER for him.
NORMA
What are you doing?
Arthur is now unscrewing the bottom of the box.
ARTHUR
I'm gonna see what's inside of it.
He removes the screw... and sees that the wooden base rotates
on a ROD MOUNT on the opposite corner.
INSIDE... it is completely empty.
ARTHUR (CONT'D)
Nothing... no transmitter... no
radio. If we pushed the button
right now... he'd have no way of
knowing.
She takes the box from him and closes the dome.
33.
EXT. C.C.V. -- PARI:ING LOT -- MOMENTS LATER
Arthur pops open the trunk and Norma places the box inside.
He shuts the trunk and they begin to walk toward the entrance
to the COUNTRY CLUB. Arthur then holds out his hand to his
wife.
ARTHUR
Let me hold the key.
NORMA
Why do you get to hold it?
ARTHUR
Because you'll lose it Norma. You
can't hold your liquor.
NORMA
Neither can you.
ARTHUR
What if someone takes your purse? I
have pockets. Let me hold it.
NORMA
Fine.
Norma goes through her purse and hands the small envelope to
him. They move toward the entrance to the country club.
INT. C.C.V. -- GRAND BALLROOM -- MOMENTS LATER
The CAMERA follows Norma and Arthur into the GRAND BALLROOM
of the country club. There are several hundred people
there... all dressed in black tie. A MASSIVE CHRISTMAS TREE
sits in the center of the room, surrounded by tables.
A PIANO PLAYER plays CHRISTMAS CAROLS up on the stage.
NORMA
Jesus. All this for a rehearsal
dinner... Deborah is so lucky.
Remember our rehearsal dinner?
ARTHUR
Yeah. Keg party in our back yard.
Susan and Jim are standing with ARTHUR LEWIS, SR (50s) and
BEV LEWIS ( 50s). Arthur and Norma go over to greet them.
The CAMERA drifts over to a PLACARD that reads:
DEBORAH ANNE BURNS - EDWARD REED POWELL
34.
REHEARSAL DINNER RECEPTION
INT. LEWIS HOUSE -- FAMILY ROOM -- NEXT
Dana enters the family room and hands a package to Walter.
DANA
Merry Christmas...
Walter takes the package and begins to remove the wrapping
paper.
Inside is a COMIC BOOK. He pulls it out of the wrapping...
and on the cover is an illustration of a DARK FIGURE walking
upon a RED DESERT SURFACE.
The title is: THE MAN FROM MARS
Walter looks at the cover in awe.
WALTER
Thanks Dana. My dad is gonna love
this.
INT. C.C.V. -- GRAND BALLROOM -- LATER ON
Norma and Arthur are now seated around a table with both sets
of parents. Bev is running her hand through Arthur's long
hair.
BEV
When are you gonna cut this hair?
ARTHUR
Never.
BEV
(TO NORMA)
Are you still cutting his hair?
NORMA
Uh-huh.
ARTHUR SR.
Are you Leonard or Skynard?
BEV
Well honey... they're never gonna
let you into outer space with these
sideburns.
SUSAN
They're all wearing them that way
now, Bev.
35.
NATHAN BURNS ( 26), Norma's wheelchair-bound younger brother,
comes rolling up.
NATHAN
Outer space? Is someone planning on
departing the surface of the earth?
ARTHUR
Nathan!
Arthur stands up and gives him a hug.
ARTHUR (CONT'D)
It's been years. How have you been?
NATHAN
I've been better... I mean, I used
to have legs...
The table goes silent... Susan looks as though she might
start to cry.
NATHAN (CONT'D)
Sorry... morbid humor. What's this
talk about outer space?
NORMA
Arthur has been working at Nasa.
JIM
He helped design the camera that
photographed the Mars surface.
Arthur puts his hands on the back of Nathan's wheelchair.
ARTHUR
Nathan and I are gonna go grab a
drink...
He begins to wheel Nathan toward the bar.
NORMA
Arthur made me a new prosthesis for
my foot. Some space age formula...
it's incredible.
JIM
Can he make Nathan a pair of
prosthetic legs?
INT. C.C.V. -- GRAND BALLROOM -- BAR -- MOMENTS LATER
Arthur now sits with Nathan over by the bar.
36.
NATHAN
Can you believe it? I survive
eighteen months crawlling through
the Vietnam jungle and not one
bullet so much as grazes my body.
(BEAT)
And I come home, take a few tabs of
LSD at a Grateful Dead show and
wrap my car around a tree.
Arthur doesn't know how to respond.
NATHAN (CONT'D)
Pretty damn sad... losing the legs
that way, but I always thought it
was Karmic retribution for what I
did to Norma.
ARTHUR
What'd you ever do to Norma?
NATHAN
I dropped that barbell on her foot
when we were kids. That's why she
went to get that x-ray. If it
wasn't for me... she'd still have
all her toes.
ARTHUR
You can't think of it that way.
NATHAN
Why not? It's the truth.
ARTHUR
You didn't leave the x-ray machine
on, Dr. Stupid did.
NATHAN
Yeah, but my mistake sent her to
Dr. Stupid... so that makes me
culpable in the eyes of Buddha.
ARTHUR
You're no more culpable than the
company that manufactured the
barbell. Stop punishing yourself.
Nathan smiles in appreciation and takes a long swig of Jack
Daniels.
NATHAN
You know he's here.
ARTHUR
Who?
37.
NATHAN
Dr. Stupid.
Nathan nods his head across the room... where DR. EARL STUPE
( 50s) is seated at a table with his wife.
NATHAN (CONT'D)
Dr. Earl Stupe. He's still got a
practice over on the west end.
Arthur looks over at him... for a moment they make brief eye
contact... and Stupe quickly looks away.
INT. C.C.V. -- GRAND BALLROOM -- NEXT
Susan is now staring at Dr. Stupe. They are joined by DEBORAH
BURNS (24), Norma's younger sister and bride-to-be.
SUSAN
I wonder if he even recognizes us.
JIM
I'm sure he does.
DEBORAH
I can't believe they still let him
practice medicine.
NORMA
You gotta let it go. You gotta
learn to forgive and forget.
SUSAN
I'd be willing to forgive him if he
would've just admitted his
negligence under oath. The bastard
lied... said it was the x-ray
machine that malfunctioned.
SENATOR GRIFFITH POWELL (50s) and his son EDWARD POWELL
( 20s), approach. Edward is the husband-to-be.
SUSAN (CONT'D)
Well Senator! You look very spiffy
tonight!
POWELL
Now that the mid-term elections are
over... the smile lines are
starting to fade.
Powell puts on a fake smile, grabs Jim's hand and they both
wave... poking fun at politician behavior.
38.
SUSAN
Well... we all voted!
Powell looks over at Norma.
POWELL
Norma... right?
NORMA
That's right.
He shakes her hand... fascinated by her.
POWELL
And you're married to the aspiring
astronaut.
NORMA
That's right. There he is right
over there.
She points over to Arthur the bar. Powell looks over at
him... and they briefly make eye contact.
INT. LEWIS HOUSE -- FAMILY ROOM -- NEXT
Dana and Walter are sitting on the floor, playing MONOPOLY.
DANA
Walter?
WALTER
Yeah?
DANA
Will you take me down to the
basement? I want to see your dad's
darkroom.
INT. LEWIS HOUSE -- BASEMENT -- MOMENTS LATER
Dana and Walter come down the stairs into the BASEMENT of the
house. RED LIGHT envelops the room. There are two long wooden
WORK BENCHES running down the middle.
There are a series of BLACK AND WHITE PHOTOGRAPHS hanging
from a wire. Each one shows a different view of the surface
of MARS.
DANA
Is that Mars?
WALTER
Yep.
39.
DANA
What did your dad have to do with
the Viking?
WALTER
He helped design the camera.
Walter points to a PLASTIC PROTOTYPE MODEL of the VIKING
LANDER mounted on a third WORK BENCH at the end of the room.
A model of the MARS SURFACE has been re-created and painted
with exacting detail.
WALTER (CONT'D)
He's making the model for the
science museum.
Walter points to one of TWO CAMERAS mounted on the front of
the SPIDER-SHAPED LANDING MODULE. The camera is cylindrical
and features a VERTICAL SLOT on the front.
WALTER (CONT'D)
They designed the camera to
photograph in 360 degrees. It scans
in the image one line at a time...
and takes about five minutes to
complete one revolution.
DANA
How do they get the images back to
earth?
WALTER
Radio transmission. They figured
out a way to interpret the scan
lines and then print them onto
film.
DANA
How long does it take to transmit
back to earth?
WALTER
About ten hours.
Dana looks over at the wall and sees a NEW YORK TIMES FRONT
PAGE from September with a large image of MARS on it.
WALTER (CONT'D)
They tested the camera in the
parking lot at Langley last year.
Walter points to another FRAMED PHOTOGRAPH on the wall. In
the black & white photograph, we see a group of FIFTY NASA
EMPLOYEES assembled in a long line in a PARKING LOT.
Walter points to his father standing in the group.
40.
WALTER (CONT'D)
There's my dad.
He moves his finger across the line of smiling faces...
ARTHUR appears for a SECOND TIME in the row.
WALTER (CONT'D)
And there he is again.
Walter then moves his finger down toward the right side of
the photo... ARTHUR LEWIS appears for a third time.
WALTER (CONT'D)
And there he is again.
Dana looks close at the photo.
DANA
How'd he do that?
WALTER
Because the camera takes five
minutes to scan in 360 degrees, he
waited until the camera passed over
him then jumped ahead in the
circle.
The CAMERA moves in closer to the photograph... to the THIRD
VERSION of ARTHUR LEWIS.
DANA
Your dad sounds pretty clever.
WALTER
My dad is more than just clever,
Dana. My dad is the coolest man who
ever walked the face of the earth.
The CAMERA ZOOMS in close to Arthur's face... then tips down
to another MAN kneeling on the pavement directly below him.
It is ARLINGTON STEWARD... smiling at the camera. His face is
normal... no evidence of any burn visible...
INT. C.C.V. -- GRAND BALLROOM -- NIGHT
Norma and Arthur are now DANCING among a group of people in
front of the stage the stage, where a WOMAN SINGER is
performing WHITE CHRISTMAS.
NORMA
Two-hundred thousand dollars is a
lot of money, Arthur.
41.
ARTHUR
What would we do with that kind of
money?
NORMA
We could get out of Richmond...
move to California.
ARTHUR
Then we could cross the border into
Mexico if they ever came after us.
NORMA
You can't arrest someone for
pushing a button, Arthur. It's not
a weapon. It's not a gun. We
wouldn't be culpable... not in a
court of law.
ARTHUR
What if it's someone's baby?
NORMA
What if it's some murderer on death
row in China?
ARTHUR
What if it's our neighbor across
the street. Do you know our
neighbors across the street? Have
you ever met them?
NORMA
Yeah. Doug and Donna.
ARTHUR
Hmmm. I haven't met Doug or Donna.
(BEAT)
What does it mean to officially
know someone, anyway? Do you know
me, Norma?
NORMA
I know you better than you know
yourself.
ARTHUR
Do you know Walter?
NORMA
Even better than I know you.
They spin around on the dance floor.
ARTHUR
It's just a stupid prank, Norma.
42.
NORMA
Life insurance.
Arthur gazes across the ballroom toward the bar. Nathan sits
there alone... finishing his drink.
EXT. C.C.V. -- PARKING LOT --LATER THAT NIGHT
Arthur and Norma watch as Jim hoists Nathan up into their VAN
with a HYDRAULIC LIFT. He is passed out drunk.
Behind him... Dr. Stupe is waiting in line at the valet for
his car. He and Norma make eye contact. His eyes dart down to
the pavement as he steps into his car.
INT. LEWIS HOUSE -- FAMILY ROOM -- LATER ON
Norma and Arthur come into the family room. Dana is asleep on
the couch. Norma sets the box down on the coffee table and
goes to wake Dana.
NORMA
Dana...
Dana's eyes slowly open.
NORMA (CONT'D)
Arthur will drive you home, okay?
DANA
I have my bike... and my house
isn't far from here.
NORMA
Where's Walter?
DANA
He's asleep upstairs.
Arthur hands Dana a ten dollar bill.
ARTHUR
Are you sure you don't need a ride?
DANA
I'm sure.
ARTHUR
Good night, Dana.
Dana exits through the front door. Norma stands up and moves
toward the foyer.
43.
NORMA
Can you turn off the Christmas tree
lights?
ARTHUR
I like leaving them on.
NORMA
It's a fire hazard.
ARTHUR
It keeps the Christmas spirit alive
while we sleep.
NORMA
We could die.
ARTHUR
Everyone dies eventually, Norma.
She stares at the tree.
NORMA
Fine. Leave them on.
She goes upstairs... leaving him alone with the glowing tree.
Arthur looks down at the coffee table. The box sits there...
taunting him. He retrieves the KEY ENVELOPE from his pocket
and stares at it.
He then walks over to the wall and unplugs the Christmas tree
lights.
INT. LEWIS HOUSE -- MASTER BEDROOM -- LATER THAT NIGHT
Norma and Arthur lay in bed, facing in opposite directions.
Neither of them can sleep.
Arthur rolls over and wraps his arm around her.
INT. LEWIS HOUSE -- WALTER'S BEDROOM -- NEXT
The CAMERA approaches Walter's bed. He has made a TENT under
the covers. A light glows from inside.
UNDER THE COVERS... Walter has a flashlight and he is reading
the comic book.
INSERT: Various illustrations from the comic... a HUGE TEMPLE
with a massive flying beast flying above it. A METEOR
hurtling toward EARTH...
44.
::WT. CARYTOWN E.kT-R S -LO1 -- EARLY MORNING
At the CARYTOWN HAIR SALON... the CAMERA zooms out from Norma
as she sits under a DOME, drying her hair. Next to her is her
sister Deborah and several other BRIDESMAIDS for the wedding.
The other women are gabbing... reading fashion magazines.
Norma seems lost in her own world.
EXT. CARYTOWN HAIR SALON -- LATER ON
Norma and Deborah emerge from the hair salon with the others
in tow. Lurking down at the end of the sidewalk is Bud Wall,
Walter's bus-driver.
The huge man watches them intensely.
INT. LEWIS HOUSE -- KITCHEN -- NEXT
Norma has Arlington's BUSINESS CARD out. She stares at the
number. Arthur comes in with the morning paper.
The box sits on the kitchen table. She retrieves the key and
inserts it into the slot... opening the glass dome. Arthur
comes into the kitchen.
NORMA
We'll never see that much money.
ARTHUR
Why do you say that?
NORMA
Be realistic Arthur... you work for
the government.
ARTHUR
Maybe not forever.
NORMA
We'll never leave Richmond.
ARTHUR
Do you want to move?
NORMA
We have to put Walter in public
school.
ARTHUR
Why?
45.
NORMA
Collegiate withdrew the faculty
tuition discount.
ARTHUR
No...
NORMA
Yeah. They did.
(BEAT)
Even if we sold my car and moved
into a smaller house, we couldn't
afford that school.
ARTHUR
No...
NORMA
We'd have to enroll him at
Hopewell. Unless...
ARTHUR
Unless what, Norma?
She reaches out and holds her finger over the button...
thinking. She then picks up the business card with her other
hand, flips it over and stares at the number.
ARTHUR (CONT'D)
Are you gonna call him?
NORMA
Yeah.
Norma begins to dial the number on the card.
EXT. WILLOW LAWN MOTEL -- NEXT
The CAMERA cranes down into the WILLOW LAWN MOTEL on the
north side of Richmond. The two-story building has a SWIMMING
POOL adjacent to south side.
INT. WILLOW LAWN MOTEL -- ROOM 234 -- NEXT
The CAMERA zooms out from a RINGING TELEPHONE that sits on
the bedside table.
Arlington sits on the bed... staring silently at the wall. He
picks up the receiver and places it to his ear.
ARLINGTON
Hello Mrs. Lewis.
46.
INT. LEWIS HOUSE -- KITCHEN -- NEXT
Norma pauses for a moment... wondering how he could have
known it was her.
NORMA
Is this Mr. Steward?
ARLINGTON (PHONE)
Of course it is.
NORMA
How did you know it was me... are
you tracing this call?
ARLINGTON (PHONE)
Time is running out... have you
made your decision?
Norma looks to Arthur... who paces around the kitchen.
NORMA
If we push the button... are you
going to murder someone?
INT. WILLOW LAWN MOTEL -- ROOM 234 -- NEXT
Arlington leans back on the motel room bed.
ARLINGTON
When you push the button...
somewhere in this world... someone
you do not know... will die. I
never mentioned the word murder.
NORMA (PHONE)
How will they die?
ARLINGTON
I'm not at liberty to disclose that
information. Besides... it would
spoil the fun.
NORMA (PHONE)
Are you selling life insurance?
ARLINGTON
I am not at liberty to disclose any
information about my employers. I
can only remind you that the offer
is real...
(looking at his watch)
.and it expires in approximately
eight hours.
47.
NORMA (PHONE)
Why do you do this? What do you get
out of this deal?
ARLINGTON
Absolutely nothing. The reward is
for you.
INT. LEWIS HOUSE -- KITCHEN -- NEXT
Norma paces around with the phone.
ARLINGTON (PHONE)
Is there anything else, Mrs. Lewis?
I have an appointment to make and I
don't want to be late.
NORMA
Can we meet in person? I'd like to
see you... before we make our final
decision.
ARLINGTON
Why... I'm looking at you right
now, Norma.
NORMA
Excuse me?
ARLINGTON
The grey spotted owl... in your
back yard.
Norma turns and looks out the large picture window in the
kitchen nook. Outside in the back yard, an OWL is perched on
a planter.
The large bird sits motionless... its large SAUCER EYES do
not blink.
Norma stares at it for a long moment... transfixed. Arthur
paces around the kitchen... facing in the other direction.
Outside... the owl flies away before Arthur notices it.
NORMA
Hello?
There is no response.
NORMA (CONT'D)
Mr. Steward? Are you still there?
Norma hangs up the phone. She stares at the box... then at
her husband, as he sits down across from her.
48.
ARTHUR
What do you want to do Norma?
NORMA
We're gonna have to pull Walter out
of that school.
ARTHUR
Then push it.
(TAUNTING)
Push the button, Norma... push the
button. I dare you. I double-dog
diddly dare you.
NORMA
I'm scared to.
ARTHUR
Well... if you don't push it...
then I will.
(BEAT)
This is stupid.
Arthur reaches out to push the button... but she grabs his
wrist with her left hand, restraining him.
NORMA
Ladies first.
She then reaches out and presses down on the button with her
index finger.
INT. RICHMOND POLICE STATION -- 911 EMERGENCY -- NEXT
The CAMERA tracks along a series of CUBICLES at the POLICE
STATION in downtown Richmond. A FEMALE OPERATOR sits at each
cubicle...
OPERATOR #1
911 emergency... how may I direct
your call?
The CAMERA moves in closer...
OPERATOR #1 (CONT'D)
Excuse me? You need to slow down...
I can't understand what you're
saying.
She listens to the voice on the other end of the line.
OPERATOR #1 (CONT'D)
So you heard loud screaming and
then a gun shot.
(BEAT)
(MORE)
49.
OPERATOR #1 (CONT'D)
What is your address?
(BEAT)
1500 Cary Street.
EXT. 1500 CARY STREET -- MOMENTS LATER
Two POLICE CARS pull up with their SIRENS blaring in front of
a TOWNHOUSE on Cary Street. TWO POLICE OFFICERS emerge from
each car and approach the front of the townhouse.
They begin to bang loudly on the door. A FEMALE NEIGHBOR
(20s) emerges from the townhouse next door.
NEIGHBOR
(DISTRAUGHT)
I heard a gunshot... then he ran
out the front door and got in his
car.
The POLICE OFFICER looks at his partner and then proceeds to
KICK DOWN the door.
INT. 1500 CARY STREET -- FOYER -- NEXT
The OFFICERS move through the townhouse with their GUNS
drawn. The SCREAMING of a YOUNG GIRL can be heard from
upstairs.
INT. 1500 CARY STREET -- KITCHEN -- NEXT
The OFFICERS enter the kitchen. A WOMAN (20s) named AMY
BEVILACQUA is slumped over on the kitchen floor in a pool of
blood.
The CAMERA moves in toward her face.
INT. 1500 CARY STREET -- UPSTAIRS HALLWAY -- NEXT
An OFFICER approaches the BATHROOM DOOR at the end of the
hall. The screaming girl from inside is bawling her eyes out.
The Officer sees a tiny HAND emerge from underneath the door.
She is reaching out for help. He goes to open the door, but
there is a LARGE DEAD BOLT LOCK mounted on the outside.
OFFICER #1
Honey... I need you to back away
from the door... I'M GONNA HAVE TO
KICK IT DOWN?
The screaming begins to subside.
50.
OFFICER #1 (CONT'D)
BACK AWAY FROM THE DOOR!
FEMALE VOICE
okay...
The Officer then kicks the door down.
INT. 1500 CARY STREET -- UPSTAIRS BATHROOM -- NEXT
Inside the bathroom... a YOUNG GIRL (7) is cowering in the
bathtub... hyperventilating...
INT. LEWIS HOUSE -- KITCHEN -- NEXT
Norma and Arthur are sitting across from one another in
silence. There is an empty BOTTLE OF WINE on the table.
ARTHUR
There's no turning back now.
Seconds later... THE DOORBELL RINGS.
Both Norma and Arthur jump in their seats.
INT. LEWIS HOUSE -- FOYER -- NEXT
Norma and Arthur move toward the front door. Norma puts her
eye to the PEEPHOLE. Arlington's disfigured face stares back
at her.
She opens the door. Arlington stands there smiling...
briefcase in hand.
ARLINGTON
Hello, Mrs. Lewis.
NORMA
Hi.
ARLINGTON
Do you have the button unit?
NORMA
Uhh... yeah... it's in the kitchen.
Norma goes to the kitchen to retrieve the box, leaving Arthur
alone with Arlington.
ARLINGTON
And you must be Mr. Lewis.
51.
Arthur stares at him... transfixed. Does he recognize him
from somewhere?
Norma returns with the box and hands it over to him.
ARLINGTON (CONT'D)
And the key?
NORMA
Oh... sorry...
Norma reaches into her pocket and retrieves the small
envelope and places it in his hand.
ARLINGTON
Thank you.
Arlington then opens the BRIEFCASE and shows it to them.
Inside... the bills are stacked neatly in rows.
ARLINGTON (CONT'D)
Two-hundred thousand. You can count
it if you like.
Arthur takes the briefcase from him and then closes.
ARTHUR
Thanks... we trust your word.
Arlington offers him a broad smile.
ARLINGTON
As you should.
He then turns to leave.
EXT. LEWIS HOUSE -- FRONT WALK -- NEXT
They follow Arlington out onto the front walk as he
approaches his car. The engine is idling... and someone else
is behind the wheel... but through the tinted windows it is
unclear who is driving.
NORMA
You said before that the box is re-
programmed...
ARLINGTON
Yes.
NORMA
So now what? Are you gonna go and
make the offer to someone else?
52.
ARLINGTON
Why yes. That-'s how it works, Mrs.
Lewis.
(BEAT)
And I can promise you that the
offer will be made... to someone
you do not know.
He smiles... opens the door... and steps into the passenger
side. The driver hits the gas and the car speeds off.
Arthur moves out into the street... watching the car go...
ARTHUR
I got his license plate.
INT. LEWIS HOUSE -- KITCHEN -- MOMENTS LATER
Arthur comes into the kitchen and goes to the desk and grabs
a PENCIL. He then scrawls the LICENSE PLATE NUMBER down on a
piece of scratch paper.
AXV-4049
ARTHUR
What are you thinking, Norma?
NORMA
I don't know.
Arthur paces around... thinking. He then opens the briefcase
and starts counting through the money.
ARTHUR
Did he mean that we're next? Is
that what he meant?
NORMA
I don't know.
INT. POLICE STATION -- BURNS'S OFFICE -- NEXT
Jim Burns sits behind his desk at the POLICE STATION. His
SECRETARY (20s) comes in to his office.
SECRETARY
Your daughter is on line two.
JIM
Alright.
He picks up the phone.
53.
JIM (CONT'D)
Norma...
INT. LEWIS HOUSE -- KITCHEN -- NEXT
Norma stares at the money in the briefcase.
NORMA
Hey dad...
JIM (PHONE)
What's going on...
NORMA
I need a favor.
JIM (PHONE)
Sure... what do you need?
NORMA
I need you to run a license plate
for me. Someone just came by the
house... and we think he might...
(looking to Arthur)
He just seemed real suspicious and
Arthur got the license plate and I
need you to run it.
JIM (PHONE)
Okay honey... you need me to send
someone over?
NORMA
No... if you could just run the
plate and find out whose car it is.
(BEAT)
AXV-4049 is the number.
JIM (PHONE)
I'll call you back in ten minutes.
INT. POLICE STATION -- LATER
An OFFICER removes a document from a PRINTER and approaches
Burns's office.
OFFICER #2
We ran those plates for you, sarge.
Jim takes the document from him. It is a blow-up of a
driver's license that belongs to ARLINGTON STEWARD. In the
photo... his face is not injured.
54.
INT. LEWIS HOUSE -- KITCHEN -- NEXT
Norma and Arthur are pacing around the kitchen... thinking.
The PHONE rings... Norma answers it.
NORMA
Hello?
JIM (PHONE)
The car is listed to an Arlington
J. Steward... do you want his
address and phone number?
NORMA
Yeah.
Norma begins to write them down.
INT. LEWIS HOUSE -- KITCHEN -- NEXT
Norma is dialing a number with the phone in her lap.
FEMALE VOICE (PHONE)
Hello?
NORMA
Hi... I'm trying to reach an
Arlington Steward.
FEMALE VOICE (PHONE)
(LONG BEAT)
Mrs. Lewis, I presume?
Norma's eyes widen. She nods to Arthur and points to the
phone. He rushes into the family room to pick up the other
PHONE so he can listen in.
NORMA
Yes.
FEMALE VOICE (PHONE)
I assume that you pushed the
button.
NORMA
Yes.
FEMALE VOICE (PHONE)
There is the myth of Prometheus and
Pandora... Prometheus gave Pandora
a box... and warned her not to open
it. But she did not listen, and
when Pandora opened the box...
(MORE)
55
FEMALE VOICE (PHONE) (CONT'D)
she unleashed a torrent of sorrow
and misery.
Norma stares at Arthur... unable to speak.
FEMALE VOICE (PHONE) (CONT'D)
Your descent into oblivion has
begun. The question remains... what
will the cuckold of a husband do...
to prevent the death of his beloved
Pandora?
Arthur stares at Norma... unable to speak.
FEMALE VOICE (PHONE) (CONT'D)
Because really... Mr. Lewis... do
you really know your wife?
ARTHUR
Who is this?
FEMALE VOICE (PHONE)
I am the mother of Prometheus...
and if you want to save yourself...
I suggest that you go to the
Richmond Public Library, and find
the book with the following call
number: F2988.34
Norma is writing the number out on a piece of paper.
She disconnects. Arthur steps into the kitchen.
ARTHUR
Norma...
NORMA
Arthur...
ARTHUR
Tell me this isn't real. Tell me
this isn't happening.
NORMA
This isn't real. This isn't
happening.
ARTHUR
I don't think I believe you, Norma.
EXT. STEWARD RESIDENCE -- MOMENTS LATER
Arthur backs his car out of the driveway and into the street.
Norma rides shotgun. Walter is circling around on his bike
with some friends in tow.
56.
NORMA
We're off to run an errand. Be back
in a few hours, okay?
WALTER
Okay.
He watches as they drive off.
INT. ARTHUR'S CAR -- NEXT
Arthur and Norma drive toward downtown.
NORMA
There was owl... in our back yard.
ARTHUR
An owl?
NORMA
He said it was his owl.
ARTHUR
Are you hiding anything else from
me, Norma?
NORMA
(DEFENSIVE)
No.
INT. RICHMOND PUBLIC LIBRARY -- NEXT
The CAMERA tracks with Arthur and Norma as they move through
the vast space of the RICHMOND PUBLIC LIBRARY. They arrive at
the ADULT FICTION section... and the CAMERA moves along the
spines of various books until it arrives at the one with the
call number: F2988.34
Norma removes a BOOK from the shelf and looks at the cover:
NO EXIT
JEAN-PAUL SARTRE
Norma shows it to Arthur.
NORMA
No exit.
ARTHUR
(MIS-PRONOUNCES)
Sartre.
57.
NORMA
it's pronounced Sartre. Jean-Paul
Sartre. The French existentialist.
She begins to thumb through the pages of the play.
ARTHUR
Never read it.
NORMA
It's a play... I read it in high
school. It's about three strangers
who find themselves trapped in a
room together for all of eternity.
They've quickly discover that
they've all been sent to hell.
Norma turns back to the inside cover of the book.
Someone has written in crisp penmanship:
RICHMOND TIMES-DISPATCH
SEPTEMBER 3, 1976
Norma runs her hand down the list of names on the library
card. The name of the last person to check out the book is:
STEWARD
INT. RICHMOND PUBLIC LIBRARY -- CIRCULATION DESK -- NEXT
Arthur and Norma approach the circulation desk. A female
LIBRARIAN ( 70s) is standing there.
NORMA
Hi... we're looking for an archival
Times-Dispatch from September of
this year.
She offers them a warm smile.
LIBRARIAN
Microfiche.
INT. RICHMOND PUBLIC LIBRARY -- RECORDS ROOM -- MOMENTS LATER
Arthur and Norma now sit in front of a MICROFICHE READER in a
long line of wooden desks in the RECORDS ROOM.
On the screen... HEADLINES from the year's newspapers scroll
by... stopping on the headline for SEPTEMBER 3, 1976:
MARS PHOTOS REVEALED
58.
VIKING LANDER SENDS FIRST IMAGES OF RED PLANET BACK TO EARTH
ARTHUR
Arlington Steward... I remember the
name now. He used to work at
NASA...
INT. NASA LANGLEY FACILITY -- LABORATORY -- [FLASHBACK]
Arthur and Wendell are standing among a large group of
SCIENTISTS in the laboratory.
Everyone is assembled... staring at a large BLANK SCREEN,
waiting in anticipation. Cahill stands at the front of the
group with a WALKIE-TALKIE to his ear.
CAHILL
Alright... the first photo should
come down off the server in less
than a minute.
EXT. NASA LANGLEY FACILITY -- LUNAR LANDER MODULE -- NEXT
The CAMERA cranes up toward the GIGANTIC LUNAR LANDER MODULE.
Rain pours down from the night sky. Lightning flashes in the
distance... several miles away. Thunder rumbles.
The CAMERA approaches the UPPER TRESTLE BEAM... which crosses
the expanse of the structure. Mounted on top of the beam is a
MASSIVE ANTENNAE.
Standing on the trestle several yards away from the antennae
is ARLINGTON STEWARD. He is wearing a rain slicker and is
face appears normal. He carries a walkie-talkie in his right
hand.
ARLINGTON
(INTO WALKIE-TALKIE)
So place your bet... martians or no
martians?
INT. NASA LANGLEY FACILITY -- LABORATORY -- NEXT
Arthur stares up at the screen... waiting on baited breath.
Moments later... a LARGE BLACK AND WHITE PHOTO OF THE MARS
SURFACE appears on the screen.
The SCIENTISTS erupt in loud cheering and applause.
59.
EXT. NASA LANGLEY FACILITY -- NEXT
Near the base of the LUNAR LANDER MODULE... a NASA EMPLOYEE
named ROBERT BEVILACQUA (31) is standing with two others.
They are huddled under UMBRELLAS..'. smoking cigarettes.
Bevilacqua has a WALKIE-TALKIE to his ear. He hears the
cheering from the walkie-talkie.
BEVILACQUA
Touchdown.
INT. RICHMOND PUBLIC LIBRARY -- RECORDS ROOM -- NEXT
Arthur scrolls down to the bottom of the front page. A
SMALLER ARTICLE:
NASA EMPLOYEE STRUCK BY LIGHTNING
ARTHUR
An engineer at the NASA Langley
research center was struck by
lightning yesterday evening...
EXT. NASA -- LUNAR LANDER MODULE -- (FLASHBACK]
Arlington looks at his watch... staring up at the sky...
nervous about the storm. RAIN pours down upon on the
module... water running down in sheets on either side of the
trestle.
He hears the cheering from the walkie-talkie. Thunder rumbles
in the distance.
Moments later... a MASSIVE LIGHTNING BOLT STRIKES THE TOP
TRESTLE BEAM.
THE TRESTLE EXPLODES IN A STORM OF SPARKS... ARLINGTON IS
THROWN ONTO HIS BACK... HIS BODY ENGULFED IN FLAMES.
Bevilacqua witnesses the FIRE on the lunar lander module.
BEVILACQUA
Jesus Christ.
Bevilacqua and the others begin to sprint across the lawn
toward the base of the structure to the ELEVATOR DOOR at the
bottom of the elevator shaft on the south end of the module.
60.
INT. RICHMOND PUBLIC LIBP.F.RY -- RECORDS ROOM -- NE t"T
Arthur continues to read from the article.
ARTHUR
The man received third degree burns
over fifty percent of his body...
EXT. NASA LANGLEY FACILITY -- [FLASHBACK]
Bevilacqua and the others emerge from the ELEVATOR at the top
of the trestle. They rush toward Arlington's body... as he
convulses on the trestle... smoke emanating from his charred
body.
INT. RICHMOND PUBLIC LIBRARY -- RECORDS ROOM -- NEXT
Arthur turns to Norma.
ARTHUR
He got struck by lightning on the
night we received the transmission
from Mars.
EXT. NASA LANGLEY FACILITY -- (FLASHBACK)
Arthur and Wendell stand outside the main laboratory building
with a group of scientists, sipping champagne. They see an
AMBULANCE pass down the main street of the campus with its
sirens on.
Cahill emerges from inside the building and rushes out to the
parking lot. Bevilacqua and the others are approaching.
CAHILL
What happened?
BEVILACQUA
The module got hit!
CAHILL
Lightning?
BEVILACQUA
Yeah. Steward was up there on the
trestle. He got burned real bad!
The CAMERA moves in toward Bevilacqua's face... his eyes
filled with anguish and despair.
61.
INT. RICHMOND POLICE STATION -- NEXT
Jim Burns stands in front of a group of POLICE OFFICERS in a
briefing room. He holds up a large FAMILY PHOTO of ROBERT
BEVILACQUA, posing with his WIFE and YOUNG DAUGHTER.
JIM
Our fugitive is named Robert
Bevilacqua. He shot and killed his
wife at their residence on Cary
Street earlier today. We believe
that he escaped on foot... and
could be armed and dangerous.
The CAMERA moves across a line of POLICE OFFICERS...
listening...
JIM (CONT'D)
Mr. Bevilacqua is an employee at
NASA... and he is a former Marine
who served in Vietnam. He may very
well be armed and dangerous...
INT. RICHMOND BAR -- NEXT
The CAMERA tracks through a dingy RICHMOND DIVE BAR.
Bevilacqua sits at the bar with a baseball cap pulled down
low to conceal his face. He is drinking whiskey.
Wendell James approaches... carrying a FILE under his arm.
WENDELL
Bevilacqua...
Bevilacqua turns to face him.
BEVILACQUA
Wendell.
They hug one another.
INT. RICHMOND BAR -- MOMENTS LATER
The two men are now sitting across from one another in a
BOOTH. Wendell has a NASA BLUE-PRINT laid out on the table.
The blue-print is of the button unit.
BEVILACQUA
You designed it?
WENDELL
Yeah. Cahill told me to...
62.
Bevilacaua notices a SMALL PURPLE STAIN on the blue-print.
INT. NASA LANGLEY FACILITY -- LABORATORY -- [FLASHBACK]
Cahill stands over Wendell's shoulder as he sits at a
DRAFTING TABLE in the laboratory.
WENDELL
This what you were looking for,
sir?
Cahill looks stares at the blue-print... possessed. A DROP OF
BLOOD falls from his right nostril and lands on it.
CAHILL
Yes. Thank you Wendell.
INT. NASA LANGLEY FACILITY -- MAIN HANGAR -- DAY
The CAMERA moves through the MASSIVE MAIN HANGAR at Langley.
There are several planes parked inside. Wendell emerges from
behind one of the planes... watching from a hidden vantage
point...
Cahill stands at a work table with Arlington. There are THREE
BUTTON UNITS laid out on the table. Arlington begins to place
them inside a leather bag.
Cahill then hands Arlington a FILE.
CAHILL
You're not gonna hurt these boys,
are you?
ARLINGTON
Any harm that comes to them will be
their own doing.
Arlington takes the bag and moves toward the hangar entrance.
EXT. NASA LANGLEY FACILITY -- MAIN HANGAR -- NEXT
Outside... there is a MASSIVE CEMENT RUNWAY. Parked on the
runway is Arlington's car. BUD WALL steps out and opens the
door for his boss. Bus-Driver Bud is Steward's driver...
Arlington steps inside.
Wendell watches them drive off...
63.
INT. RICHMOND DIVE BAR -- EVENING
Wendell then hands a file to Bevilacqua. Inside there is a
dossier and photo of a ARTHUR LEWIS. He flips to another
dossier and photo of another NASA EMPLOYEE named KENNETH
WELLER.
WENDELL
There's a list... and they've all
got a wife and one child.
Bevilacqua thumbs through the list of NASA dossiers. He sees
Arthur Lewis among them.
WENDELL (CONT'D)
Did you kill your wife?
Bevilacqua just stares at him... on the verge of tears. He
slides an ENVELOPE across the table.
BEVILACQUA
This is a confession letter that I
wrote... it explains everything
that happened with Steward and the
box. Keep it... cause if I don't
make it... this might clear my name
one day.
Bevilacqua looks at the KENNETH WELLER dossier.
BEVILACQUA (CONT'D)
This guy Weller is gonna be next.
Did you get their phone number?
WENDELL
No. They're not listed. Just an old
address south of Petersburg. What
are you gonna do?
BEVILACQUA
I don't know. I need a car. I might
be able to save them... and this
guy Arthur Lewis...
Wendell thinks to himself... then retrieves a set of KEYS
from his pocket.
WENDELL
These are the keys to my cousin's
pick-up truck. It's not registered.
It's parked in front of my house
over on Byrd street. Take it...
BEVILACQUA
Thank you, Wendell.
64.
INT. RICHMOND POLICE STATION -- BURNS'S OFFICE -- LATER
Burns sits behind his desk... telephone to his ear.
JIM
(INTO PHONE)
Steward. First name Arlington...
middle name is James.
He begins to scrawl words down on a piece of paper:
NASA
STRUCK BY LIGHTNING
Just then... his RECEPTIONIST opens the door to his office.
RECEPTIONIST
Sir... there's a Mr. Steward here
to see you.
JIM
(INTO PHONE)
Thank you... that's all I need.
He hangs up the phone and looks through the glass window of
his office into the reception area.
Standing there through the glass... is a man who looks
identical to Arlington Steward.
He stands with the normal side of his face in profile. He
turns to face Jim... but his face now appears as it did
before he was burned. Is this the same person?
Jim turns to his receptionist... who waits in the doorway
JIM (CONT'D)
Send him in.
EXT. RICHMOND PUBLIC LIBRARY -- NEXT
The library is closing down for the night.
A group of young CHILDREN come out of the front exit. One of
them turns and notices the OWL perched on the railing.
The owl stares at the children...
65.
INT. RICHMOND PUBLIC LIBRARY -- NEXT
The real Arlington Steward is now standing in the periodicals
area. of the library... situated in front of the circulation
desk.
He stands in profile... then turns toward the CAMERA in the
same manner as his TWIN in the police station. His burned
face forms a deformed smile...
INT. RICHMOND POLICE STATION -- BURNS'S OFFICE -- NEXT
The STEWARD TWIN steps into Jim's office. He reaches out and
shakes Jim's hand.
STEWARD TWIN
Officer Burns... my name is Reston
Steward.
INT. RICHMOND PUBLIC LIBRARY -- NEXT
Arlington... with his eyes closed... mimics his TWIN'S
movement exactly... reaching out his hand and shaking it with
nothing.
ARLINGTON
Officer Burns... my name is Reston
Steward.
INT. RICHMOND POLICE STATION -- BURNS'S OFFICE -- NEXT
RESTON STEWARD (40) sits down in the chair across from his
desk.
RESTON
I see you have made an inquiry
about my brother Arlington.
INT. RICHMOND PUBLIC LIBRARY -- NEXT
Arlington is now seated in a library chair... eyes closed...
in the exact same manner as his brother. it is as though he
is controlling his twin brother's body via remote telepathy.
ARLINGTON
. an inquiry about my brother
Arlington.
66.
INT. RICHMOND POLICE STATION -- BURNS'S OFFICE -- NEXT
Jim stares at him from across his desk.
JIM
Yes. Apparently he made an
appearance at my daughter's house.
Your brother works for NASA?
INT. RICHMOND PUBLIC LIBRARY -- NEXT
Arlington nods his head.
ARLINGTON
Yes. My brother works at the
Langley research facility.
INT. RICHMOND POLICE STATION -- BURNS'S OFFICE -- NEXT
Jim nods his head in return.
JIM
With my son-in-law.
RESTON
That's right.
JIM
And may I ask... what do you do,
Mr. Steward?
INT. RICHMOND PUBLIC LIBRARY -- NEXT
With his eyes closed... Arlington reaches into his pocket and
retrieves something imaginary from his pocket. He raises
something that we cannot see up into the air.
INT. RICHMOND POLICE STATION -- BURNS'S OFFICE -- NEXT
Reston is now holding out a GOVERNMENT BADGE with his right
hand.
RESTON
I work for the CIA.
JIM
I see.
He then hands Jim one of his cards. Jim looks at it.
67.
INSERT OF BUSINESS CARD WITH CIA INSIGNIA:
DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE
RESTON STEWARD
Reston rises to his feet... putting his hat on his head.
RESTON
I assure you my brother is of no
threat to your daughter. However,
the man you're looking for...
Robert Bevilacqua. He is very
dangerous... and he might try and
contact your son-in-law or your
daughter.
JIM
Really.
RESTON
Yes.
RESTON (CONT'D)
Help us find Bevilacqua. If and
when you do... please call us.
Jim stares at the business card as Reston bids him good-bye.
INT. RICHMOND PUBLIC LIBRARY -- NEXT
Arlington is now standing. With his eyes still closed, he
nods his head and smiles, then turns and begins to walk
several steps. He then stops... takes a deep breath... and
opens his eyes.
INT. RICHMOND POLICE STATION -- RECEPTION AREA -- NEXT
Reston opens his eyes... as if a spirit has suddenly left his
body. He takes a deep breath and smiles at the Receptionist,
trying to conceal his expression of horror.
He moves toward the exit.
EXT. RICHMOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY BUILDING -- MOMENTS LATER
Reston emerges from the General Assembly building. There is a
black town car waiting. A CIA AGENT stands next to it.
Reston withdraws a HANDKERCHIEF and wipes BLOOD from his
nose.
68.
RESTON
General Nathan Teague at the
Pentagon. Get him on the phone
immediately.
The Agent opens the car door, and Reston steps inside.
INT. RICHMOND PUBLIC LIBRARY -- RECORDS ROOM -- NEXT
Norma and Arthur are still sitting in front of the microfiche
machine. Norma looks like she is going to faint... her face
has gone white.
ARTHUR
You alright, Norma?
NORMA
I feel like I'm gonna faint...
She stands up to leave.
ARTHUR
Where are you going?
NORMA
Bathroom.
Norma moves.taward the main library... leaving Arthur alone.
INT. RICHMOND PUBLIC LIBRARY -- CIRCULATION DESK -- NEXT
Norma emerges from the records room and walks toward the
circulation desk. As she rounds the corner... Arlington
emerges from behind a row of book shelves.
Norma stops in her tracks... frozen. He stares her down.
INT. RICHMOND PUBLIC LIBRARY -- RECORDS ROOM -- NEXT
Arthur stares at the microfiche reader... transfixed by the
newspaper articles.
A shadow passes across the wall... and Arthur senses someone
lurking over his shoulder. He turns to see that it is the
LIBRARIAN. Something about her is different... she seems
possessed.
LIBRARIAN
The myth of Prometheus tells the
story of a God who created man.
(BEAT)
(MORE)
69.
LIBRARIAN (CONT'D)
When Prometheus flew too close to
the sun... his wings caught fire...
and he fell to the earth.
Arthur remembers her voice from the phone call.
ARTHUR
Was that you on the phone? You're
his mother...
LIBRARIAN
He finds your wife fascinating...
Mr. Lewis.
Her name is ELIZABETH STEWARD.
INT. RICHMOND PUBLIC LIBRARY -- PERIODICALS SECTION -- NEXT
Norma remains frozen... her mind racing. Arlington smiles at
her... gesturing toward an empty chair.
ARLINGTON
Have a seat... Mrs. Lewis.
She looks around... realizing that the library is now
completely empty.
ARLINGTON (CONT'D)
Don't be afraid. I may look like a
monster... but-I can assure you
that I am... only human.
His face contorts into a broad smile.
ARLINGTON (CONT'D)
Please... sit down.
INT. RICHMOND PUBLIC LIBRARY -- RECORDS ROOM -- NEXT
Elizabeth sits down on the chair across from Arthur.
ELIZABETH
My name is Clymene, mother of five.
Prometheus, Atlas, Menoetius,
Logan, and Epimetheus.
A drop of blood begins to ooze from her left eye as she
speaks.
ELIZABETH (CONT'D)
Epimetheus is the twin brother of
Prometheus, but he has become his
brother's slave... the victim of
his cunning and deceit.
70.
IT. RICHMOND PUBLIC LIBP F,°_ -- PERIODICALS SECTION -- NEXT
Norma is now seated in a chair across from him. He stares
deep into her eyes... transfixed by her beauty.
ARLINGTON
Tell me Norma... when was the exact
moment that you realized you loved
your husband?
There is something about him that now makes her feel safe...
willing to tell him anything.
NORMA
About five seconds after I laid
eyes on him.
ARLINGTON
And when was this?
NORMA
In college. My sophomore year. He
was a year younger than me. We
dated for two weeks and then...
She stops herself.
ARLINGTON
You became frightened about
something.
NORMA
Then I thought... this is too good
to be true. When he sees my mangled
foot... he's gonna be out the door
in ten seconds and he's gonna go
tell all his friends.
ARLINGTON
How did he respond when you showed
him?
NORMA
We were at the drive-in... and he
caught a glimpse of the scars on my
thigh. He asked me what happened...
and I felt this sense of dread.
ARLINGTON
Why?
71.
NORMA
Because you can just see the glow
disappear in someone's eyes when
they discover something about you
that they just can't stomach.
ARLINGTON
Did the glow disappear from his
eyes?
NORMA
No. Not Arthur. He was different
than the others. He... said that...
my scars were cool.
(BEAT)
He said that they made me more
attractive.
INT. RICHMOND PUBLIC LIBRARY -- RECORDS ROOM -- NEXT
Arthur sits across from Elizabeth. His mind is racing...
trying to put the puzzle pieces together.
He looks at his watch. It is almost 5PM.
ELIZABETH
I have worked at this library for
forty years. Since 1936, I have
read a book a day. 23455 books I
have read.
ARTHUR
Wow.
(BEAT)
Someone should nominate you for
librarian of the year.
She holds the copy of No Exit in her hands.
ELIZABETH
Of all of the books I have read in
my lifetime... this is my son's
favorite.
(BEAT)
Have you ever read No Exit?
ARTHUR
No.
She reaches out with her hand.
ELIZABETH
Take my hand... and I'll show you.
72.
He stares at the blood coagulating in the bag beneath her
left eye.
ARTHUR
I'm not gonna touch you, lady.
INT. RICHMOND PUBLIC LIBRARY -- PERIODICALS SECTION -- NEXT
Arlington now stares directly into Norma's soul.
The scar tissue on the left side of his face does not move
when he smiles. It remains frozen... unable to express
emotion.
ARLINGTON
And what emotion did you feel when
you first laid eyes upon me, Norma?
She thinks silently for a moment.
NORMA
I felt.. .
She stops herself... afraid of how he might respond if she is
honest with him.
ARLINGTON
You felt what?
NORMA
I felt...
ARLINGTON
Pity?
NORMA
Love.
ARLINGTON
You felt love for me?
NORMA
Yes.
ARLINGTON
Why?
NORMA
Because of my foot. Because of my
disfigurement. I thought of all the
pain I've felt in my life because
of it... the physical pain... the
emotional pain.
(BEAT)
(MORE)
73.
NORMA (CONT'D)
I thought about what it would be
like to have that pain magnified
and projected onto my face... onto
a part of my body that I can't hide
with a shoe.
There are tears welling in her eyes.
NORMA (CONT`D)
I saw all of that pain in your face
and I understood it... and I felt
an overwhelming feeling of love for
you because I knew I'd never feel
sorry for myself or my goddamn foot
ever again.
INT. RICHMOND PUBLIC LIBRARY -- RECORDS ROOM -- NEXT
Elizabeth continues to hold her hand out toward Arthur.
ELIZABETH
Take my hand, son.
ARTHUR
You called me a cuckold. You made a
statement... made an implication to
me that my wife was going to be
killed.
(BEAT)
So please understand why I might be
reluctant to take your hand.
INT. RICHMOND PUBLIC LIBRARY -- PERIODICALS SECTION -- NEXT
Arlington reaches his hand out to Norma.
ARLINGTON
Take my hand, Norma...
She stares at him, unable to move... then takes his hand...
INT. RICHMOND PUBLIC LIBRARY -- RECORDS ROOM -- NEXT
Elizabeth reaches out and grabs Arthur's hand against his
will. His body convulses at her touch...
The CAMERA drifts in toward Arthur's face as his eyes slowly
close. Her spell has been cast upon him...
CUT TO BLACK:
SILENCE.
74.
INT. DREAM -- CORRIDOR -- NEXT
The CAMERA moves slowly down a CORRIDOR. The floor is shiny
white marble and the walls are framed by ornate molding and
RENAISSANCE ART.
Arlington stands at the end of the corridor. He is wearing a
TUXEDO, portraying the VALET character from Sartre's No Exit.
The CAMERA pans around to reveal Arthur... walking slowly
down the corridor.
Arlington opens a DOOR at the end of the corridor and leads
Arthur into a DRAWING ROOM... recreated from Sartre's play.
INT. DREAM -- DRAWING ROOM -- NEXT
Arlington leads Arthur inside and closes the door behind him.
Inside the DRAWING ROOM, there are THREE COUCHES made in the
style.: of the SECOND EMPIRE. The walls are covered in similar
Renaissance art and the floor is marble.
NORMA and WALTER have now been admitted to the drawing room.
Norma is dressed in an elegant BLACK GOWN. Walter wears a
tuxedo that looks to be nearly identical to the one his
father is wearing... and THERE IS A SILK BLINDFOLD WRAPPED
AROUND HIS HEAD. He wanders around the room... lost...
The dimensions of the room are equal in every way. It is a
perfect three-dimensional box.
Arthur then looks to his wife. He notices that her EYELIDS
are now gone. Arthur then turns to his son.
Walter reaches out into the air... seemingly unaware that
they are in, the room with him.
The CAMERA moves through the wall into another corridor...
BUD WALL... dressed as another VALET, passes by... and the
CAMERA moves into another DRAWING ROOM...
INT. DREAM -- SECOND DRAWING ROOM -- NEXT
Inside the SECOND DRAWING ROOM... the CAMERA finds ROBERT
BEVILACQUA and his WIFE. Their DAUGHTER is wearing a SILK
BLINDFOLD.
The CAMERA then drifts up and moves through the GLASS PANELS
at the top of the room...
75.
INT. DREAM -- UPPER LEVEL -- NEXT
The CAMERA pulls up higher... revealing the layout of a
massive network of CORRIDORS and DRAWING ROOMS that form a
larger box. Through the glass ceilings looking down into each
room... FAMILIES are assembled together... trapped
together... forever...
EXT. MARS SURFACE -- NEXT
The CAMERA flies over the edge of the SARTRE'S HOTEL of rooms
and corridors to reveal the plateau of UTOPIA PLANITIA on the
surface of mars...
INT. LEWIS HOUSE -- MASTER BEDROOM -- LATER ON
Arthur's eyes pop open... he rolls over... and Norma is
asleep in bed next to him. They are both fully dressed in the
clothes they were wearing in the library.
ARTHUR
Norma...
Her eyes open. She looks around... disoriented.
ARTHUR (CONT'D)
Norma... what happened?
NORMA
I don't know.
Norma notices Walter standing in the doorway.
WALTER
You came home an hour ago.
NORMA
We did?
She sits up in bed... looking at the clock radio. It is 6PM.
WALTER
Neither of you said a word... you
just walked into the house like two
zombies. Went straight to bed.
Arthur and Norma stare at one another, trying to make sense
of what has just transpired.
NORMA
The wedding. It starts in an hour.
We've got to get ready.
76.
Norma sees that the copy of No Exit is now sitting on --heir
bedside table.
EXT. WASHINGTON D.C. -- NIGHT
A U.S. ARMY JET flies over the nation's capital. The PENTAGON
and the WASHINGTON MONUMENT are visible below.
INT. U.S. ARMY JET -- NEXT
The CAMERA approaches US ARMY GENERAL NATHAN TEAGUE ( 50s),
seated just behind the cockpit.
In his lap is a file. He is thumbing through a series of
photographs of the MARS SURFACE. He then arrives at a stack
of paperwork. There is a photograph of ARTHUR LEWIS at the
top of the stack.
INT. LEWIS HOUSE -- MASTER BATHROOM -- LATER ON
Norma, now wearing her BRIDESMAID DRESS, puts a DIAMOND
EARRING in her right lobe. She turns to the mirror and jumps
in her skin... as the face staring back at her has no
eyelids.
INT. LEWIS HOUSE -- WALTER'S BEDROOM -- NEXT
Arthur sits on the end of Walter's bed. Walters stands in
front of him as his father ties his NECK TIE in front of a
standing mirror.
WALTER
What's going on?
ARTHUR
I don't know.
WALTER
This is about the box... isn't it?
ARTHUR
Yeah.
WALTER
Did you push the button?
ARTHUR
Your mother did.
WALTER
What happens when you push the
button?
77.
ARTHUR
I don't know.
WALTER
Yes you do. You're just not telling
me.
Arthur finishes with his tie. He notices something on the
floor of his son's bedroom. It is the MARS COMIC BOOK.
He picks it up and stares at the dark figure looming on the
cover.
ARTHUR
Where did you get this?
WALTER
Dana. She gave it to me.
Arthur begins to page through the comic book.
EXT. WILLOW LAWN MOTEL -- ROOF TOP -- NEXT
Arlington kneels at the edge of the MOTEL SWIMMING POOL. He
runs his hand through the water. Steam is rising from the
surface.
STROBES OF WHITE LIGHT begin flicker from beneath the
surface... as though some unseen SOURCE OF ENERGY is
emanating from down below.
Arlington slowly rises to his feet and turns to leave.
EXT. WILLOW LAWN MOTEL -- DRIVEWAY -- MOMENTS LATER
Arlington approaches the BLACK SEDAN idling in the car port.
He gets inside... and Bud drives off.
INT. SCOPE INSERT -- NIGHT
The CAMERA looks through a TELESCOPE LENS of some sort from
high on a ROOFTOP in downtown Richmond.
It scans across several CARS passing down the street...
PEDESTRIANS on the sidewalk... landing on ARLINGTON and BUD
as they move toward the entrance of a STONE FRONT BUILDING.
EXT. RICHMOND ROOFTOP -- NIGHT
We see that a SNIPER, dressed in a dark suit, is perched on
the roof of an adjacent building. He has an earpiece in his
left ear.
78.
SNIPER
Alright... they are entering the
building from the south entrance on
fourteenth street.
INT. RICHMOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY BUILDING -- MOMENTS LATER
Arlington and Bud move down the main corridor of the GENERAL
ASSEMBLY BUILDING, approaching a bank of ELEVATORS. A
SECURITY GUARD nods to them nervously.
Arlington nods back.
INT. RICHMOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY BUILDING -- MOMENTS LATER
Arlington and Bud emerge from the elevators on the THIRD
FLOOR and move down the hall. As they pass into a RECEPTION
AREA, the CAMERA moves toward a GLASS PARTITION with the
VIRGINIA STATE EMBLEM etched into the glass.
Below it is a name:
HOUSE OF DELEGATES
GRIFFITH POWELL - MAJORITY LEADER
INT. GRIFFITH POWELL'S OFFICE -- RECEPTION -- NEXT
As they approach the RECEPTION AREA... the FEMALE
RECEPTIONIST ( 30s) stands up anxiously behind her desk.
RECEPTIONIST
Excuse me... may I help you?
ARLINGTON
Where is he?
RECEPTIONIST
Uhhh... he's in a meeting.
ARLINGTON
I need to see him... now.
INT. GRIFFITH POWELL'S OFFICE -- NEXT
The RECEPTIONIST comes into the office. Griffith Powell
stands at the window behind his desk... smoking a cigarette.
He is dressed in a TUXEDO with his jacket hanging next to his
desk.
79.
RECEPTIONIST
He's here... I don't know what to
do.
Powell turns to face her.
POWELL
Let him in.
The Receptionist goes back out... and within moments...
Arlington and Bud enter the office. The Receptionist closes
the door and leaves them alone.
ARLINGTON
Hello Senator.
POWELL
(TERRIFIED)
Mr. Steward... it's good to see
you.
ARLINGTON
Call me Arlington.
POWELL
Okay... Arlington.
Bud just stares at the Senator... showing no sign of emotion.
ARLINGTON
Do you have my money?
POWELL
I've given you four-hundred
thousand already. How much more are
you going to need?
ARLINGTON
As much as it takes.
Powell sighs out loud... irritated.
ARLINGTON (CONT'D)
First the nose...
Powell turns around and there is now BLOOD GUSHING from his
nose...
ARLINGTON (CONT'D)
Then the ears...
BLOOD begins to ooze from both ears... as he covers his
face... feeling the warm fluid rush from every orifice...
ARLINGTON (CONT'D)
Then the eyes...
80.
Blood rushes from beneath his eyelids... his entire face
covered in BLOOD... his WHITE SHIRT DRENCHED...
POWELL
Please! I've got it right here!
Powell reaches beneath his desk and retrieves a large
briefcase. He places it on the desk.
POWELL (CONT'D)
It's all there! Two-hundred
thousand! You can count it if you
want!
ARLINGTON
Bud...
Bud grabs the briefcase from the desk and pops it open. He
sees that it is filled with stacks of cash.
ARLINGTON (CONT'D)
You tell that sniper you have
perched on that roof next door that
I can smell his cheap cologne.
EXT. RICHMOND ROOFTOP -- NEXT
The SNIPER hears Arlington's VOICE in his earpiece.
ARLINGTON (EARPIECE)
I think it might be Old Spice.
The Sniper smells his shoulder.
INT. POWELL'S OFFICE -- RECEPTION -- NEXT
Arlington and Bud move through the reception area. The
Receptionist lurks behind her desk... frightened.
INT. FOREST LAWN BABTIST CHURCH -- NIGHT
Arthur and Norma are standing in a WAITING ROOM in the church
where her sister is about to be married. BRIDESMAIDS and
GROOMSMEN are chatting with one another in anticipation of
the ceremony.
Norma clutches the copy of No Exit.
ARTHUR
You and Walter were there in the
room. You were wearing a black
dress, identical to the one you
have on now.
(MORE)
81.
ARTHUR (CONT'D)
Walter had a blindfold on.
(BEAT)
And then your eyes...
NORMA
They didn't have lids...
ARTHUR
Yeah.
NORMA
I had the same dream.
Arthur's mind is racing... he glances through the crowd
nervously, afraid that they are being watched.
ARTHUR
What's the last thing you remember?
NORMA
The library. He was asking me all
of these questions... about you...
about our marriage.
(BEAT)
Then I took his hand...
Susan approaches...
SUSAN
Alright girls... time to line up!
Susan hands Arthur the book and goes off with the other
BRIDESMAIDS.
INT. FOREST LAWN BABTIST CHURCH -- NIGHT
Norma stands next to Deborah as she is about to take her
vows.
PREACHER
Do you, Deborah Burns, take Edward
Powell, to be your'-lawfully wedded
husband, 'til death do you part?
DEBORAH
I do.
Norma looks over to Arthur, as he sits in the congregation.
He is not paying attention to the wedding. He is reading
Sartre's play...
The CAMERA zooms into a close-up of the page describing the
final scene in the play No Exit:
INSERT OF PAGE:
82.
ESTELLE: [with a peal of laughter]: Forever. My God, how
funny! Forever.
GARCIN: [looks over at the two women, and joins in the
laughter]: For ever, and ever, and ever.
INSERT: Arthur's eyes... reading...
INSERT OF PAGE:
[They slump onto their respective sofas. A long silence.
Their laughter dies away and they gaze at each other.]
GARCIN: Well, well, let's get on with it...
CURTAIN
EXT. FOREST LAWN SQUARE -- NIGHT
The WEDDING PARTY comes pouring out of the church. There is a
massive LAWN south of the entrance. During the holidays it is
filled with CHRISTMAS TREES for sale, and dozens of ARTS &
CRAFTS BOOTHS assembled in rows.
The CAMERA moves through the crowd to find Norma posing for
photos with her fellow bridesmaids out in front of the
square.
ACROSS THE SQUARE... Bud Wall lurks within the rows of
Christmas Trees. He spies Arthur and Walter mingling with his
parents and Senator Powell, who has TWO SECRET SERVICEMEN
standing close by.
EXT. VIRGINIA HOUSE -- LATER ON
The CAMERA approaches the driveway of the VIRGINIA HOUSE...
which is positioned at the south end of Forest Lawn square.
Wedding guests are arriving in droves.
The house is a large GOTHIC MANSION that is often rented out
for public events... and in this case... for the lavish
WEDDING RECEPTION of Deborah Burns and Edward Powell.
EXT. VIRGINIA HOUSE -- BACK LAWN -- LATER ON
Arthur and Norma move through the courtyard into the wedding
reception area... which flows through several TENTS that have
been erected with HEAT LAMPS and tables covered in WHITE
TABLECLOTHS and FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS.
Arthur carries the copy of No Exit with him.
83.
ARTHUR
The play tells the story of uhree
people, condemned to hell. They are
to remain in a second empire
drawing room for all of eternity.
He closes the book... his mind dissecting what he has just
read.
ARTHUR (CONT'D)
They soon discover that their
eyelids are missing... and for all
eternity they will be unable to
sleep.
Norma remembers most of the play from high school.
NORMA
There are no mirrors... so they
will never be able to see their own
reflection... but only the faces of
their tormentors.
ARTHUR
This is Sartre's vision of hell.
NORMA
Because Hell... is other people.
The look into one another's eyes... Norma sees a WAITER pass
by with a tray of CHAMPAGNE. They both take a glass.
Jim crosses the lawn to greet them.
JIM
Arthur... can I speak with you
privately for a moment?
ARTHUR
Sure.
Arthur walks away with Jim toward the edge of a PATIO that
overlooks the whole party.
EXT. VIRGINIA HOUSE -- UPPER PATIO -- MOMENTS LATER
Jim and Arthur stand at a table. Jim has several PHOTOGRAPHS
laid out on the table. They are mostly family photos taken
from the house of Robert Bevilacqua.
JIM
And do you know this fella? Robert
Bevilacqua?
84.
ARTHUR
Yeah... I know him. He works at
NASA.
JIM
Do you know his wife?
ARTHUR
No...
JIM
Well... he shot and killed his wife
yesterday morning.
ARTHUR
No...
JIM
Yeah... He shot her point blank in
the chest in his kitchen.
Arthur takes a deep breath. He isn't feeling well.
JIM (CONT'D)
This Bevilacqua fella... if he
tries to contact you or Norma...
you have to call me immediately,
you understand?
ARTHUR
Yeah. Of course.
Arthur looks down at the lawn. Norma is staring back at them.
EXT. VIRGINIA HOUSE -- BACK LAWN -- LATER ON
Norma is now standing up on stage with a MICROPHONE in her
hand..,. giving her MAID OF HONOR speech.
NORMA
My little sister once asked me...
what's the best thing about being
married?
Norma looks across the lawn to the table where Arthur is
seated, next to Walter and their parents.
NORMA (CONT'D)
I told her that... it's knowing
that for the rest of your life
you'll never feel alone.
(BEAT)
Not ever again.
She smiles at her husband.
85.
NORMA (CONT'D)
That is... until you get divorced.
There is laughter from the crowd. Deborah blushes... leaning
her head on her new husband's shoulder.
NORMA (CONT'D)
Or... until he decides to kill you.
More laughter.
EXT. VIRGINIA HOUSE -- DANCE FLOOR -- LATER
Arthur and Norma are now slow dancing.
ARTHUR
Why did you say that?
NORMA
Say what?
ARTHUR
In your speech. That joke about me
killing you.
NORMA
I don't know... I thought it was
funny. Guess I've had too much
champagne.
ARTHUR
Did your dad tell you about Robert
Bevilacqua?
NORMA
No.
ARTHUR
He shot his wife yesterday morning.
Did you know his wife?
NORMA
No.
Norma is still searching for some other explanation.
NORMA (CONT'D)
What if it's all a test for the
aspiring astronauts?
ARTHUR
What do you mean?
86.
NORMA
A psychological test. They want to
see how you'll respond to a moral
dilemma... the fate of a human
life... determined by the push of a
single button. Think of the men on
the Apollo thirteen mission...
sound familiar?
They turn slowly on the dance floor...
Arthur closes his eyes... his mind racing...
A VOICE breaks through the music...
VOICE (O.S.)
May I cut in?
Arthur and Norma turn to see a MAN standing there...
It is DR. EARL STUPE.
STUPE
I would like to dance with your
wife. Do you mind?
Arthur glares at Dr. Stupe.
NORMA
It's okay Arthur...
Arthur looks at him... then back at Norma. His face has gone
pale and he looks for a moment as though he might faint on
the dance floor.
ARTHUR
I.. I.
(SWALLOWS HARD)
Will you please excuse me?
Arthur moves toward the stairs that lead up to the palatial
estate. Walter is there... waiting.
WALTER
Dad! What's going on?
ARTHUR
I.. I'm gonna be sick Walter...
He places his hand on his son's head for a brief moment and
then stumbles up the stairs.
ON THE DANCE FLOOR... Norma is now slow dancing with Dr.
Stupe.
87.
STUPE
I know what they call me. Dr.
Stupid. My patients... the ones who
will still see me... they find out
what I did and they stop calling.
NORMA
I'm sorry for that. I can't control
what people say.
STUPE
I am Dr. Stupid now. Someone wrote
it on my windshield with soap once.
I figure it must have been a
relative... a friend of yours.
(BEAT)
Oh... how they love you, Norma
Lewis. And they love your
husband... the one who saved you.
Did he save your life? Did he
rescue you from the oblivion that I
manufactured?
NORMA
Yes. You have my forgiveness, Earl.
People make mistakes... and if they
seek forgiveness... they should be
forgiven.
(BEAT)
That's the rule of my lord.
INT. VIRGINIA HOUSE -- MEN'S BATHROOM -- NEXT
Arthur comes into the MEN'S BATHROOM and rushes into one of
the stalls. He falls to his knees... leaning over the toilet.
EXT. VIRGINIA HOUSE -- DANCE FLOOR -- LATER
ON THE DANCE FLOOR... Norma notices her brother NATHAN...
sitting alone at his table in his wheelchair. He is drunk...
lost in his own sadness. He smiles at her...
STUPE
There is that old cliche... that
the lord works in mysterious ways.
Well... I have met the lord. I have
spoken to him in my dreams. And it
brought me back to that day in my
office when you arrived with a
fractured foot... some thirteen
years ago.
(BEAT)
He told me that it was essential...
(MORE)
88.
STUPE (CONT'D)
an essential event in the cycle of
purgatory and its inevitable
conclusion.
Norma pulls away from him. Blood drains out of his nose...
STUPE (CONT'D)
For when the cycle of purgatory
concludes... there is nothing left
but a barren wasteland of rock and
sand... a deafening wind and a
cold, dry winter.
ABOVE... on the MARBLE RAILING... the OWL is perched on the
ledge... watching...
ON THE DANCE FLOOR... Stupe retrieves a PISTOL from his
pocket... and raises his eyes to meet those of his dance
partner.
STUPE (CONT'D)
I am sorry my dear...
Stupe takes the pistol... places it against his temple... and
pulls the trigger.
BLOOD SPRAYS across the dance floor... some of it on Norma's
face. PEOPLE BEGIN TO SCREAM AND THE ENTIRE WEDDING ERUPTS
INTO CHAOS...
INT. VIRGINIA HOUSE -- MEN'S BATHROOM -- NEXT
Arthur is now standing at the urinal. He begins to hear
commotion outside. He turns his head to the left... when
something COLD and METAL locks itself around his wrist.
Arthur turns back to the right and sees that it is Robert
Bevilacqua. He is standing at the urinal next to him and they
are now HAND-CUFFED TOGETHER at the wrists.
Bevilacqua retrieves a GUN from his pocket at points it at
Arthur. He has dark circles under his eyes.
BEVILACQUA
You can still save yourself. It's
too late for me... but you can
still save yourself.
ARTHUR
Bevilacqua...
BEVILACQUA
Follow me out through the kitchen.
I have a truck waiting...
89.
INT. VIRGINIA HOUSE -- BACK CORRIDOR -- NEXT
Arthur and Bevilacqua emerge from the men's bathroom into a
hallway that leads into the kitchen. Beyond them... in th.e
PARLOR... there is commotion among the members of the wedding
party in response to the gunshot.
INT. VIRGINIA HOUSE -- KITCHEN -- NEXT
Arthur and Bevilacqua move through the kitchen. The WAITERS
and WAITRESSES are all distracted by the commotion and barely
take notice of them as they pass through...
EXT. VIRGINIA HOUSE -- MOMENTS LATER
Walter walks down the driveway as several POLICE OFFICERS
rush past him, moving toward the entrance of the house. The
whole place is being evacuated...
He looks toward the square... and begins to move in that
direction.
The CAMERA drifts back toward the ROCK PILLAR that stands at
the entrance to the house. Arlington is standing there in
front of it. He is wearing his black hat... pulled down low.
He begins to follow Walter toward the square...
EXT. VIRGINIA HOUSE -- BACK DRIVEWAY -- NEXT
Arthur and Bevilacqua come out the back entrance into the
driveway. There is a WHITE PICKUP TRUCK parked there.
Bevilacqua opens the passenger side door and the two of them
slide across the seat, Bevilacqua behind the wheel.
EXT. FOREST LAWN SQUARE -- MOMENTS LATER
Walter wanders through a group of CHRISTMAS CAROLERS...
moving toward the maze of CHRISTMAS TREES. He looks over his
shoulder... where Arlington emerges from a crowd... staring
him down like a monster.
Walter's face is ghost white with terror. He begins to walk
faster through the maze.
90.
EXT. VIRGINIA HOUSE -- DRIVEWAY -- MOMENTS LATER
Norma comes down the driveway with her mother and sister...
overcome with shock... searching the crowd...
NORMA
Walter?
EXT. VIRGINIA HOUSE -- BACK DRIVEWAY -- NEXT
Bevilacqua puts the truck into drive and speeds out of the
driveway onto the street.
Jim stands across the lawn, manning the chaos. He recognizes
the two men as the pass him by... and he raises his WALKIE-
TALKIE to his mouth.
JIM
I just spotted Bevilacqua... he's
in a white pick-up truck. Potential
hostage situation.
EXT. FOREST LAWN SQUARE -- MOMENTS LATER
Walter winds his way through the maze of Christmas trees...
rounding a corner... where he runs into DANA.
DANA
Walter...
WALTER
Hey.
Bud arrives next to her.
DANA
Is everything alright?
WALTER
No.
DANA
Come with us.
She takes his hand and they move north back toward the
church.
EXT. 1-95 -- NIGHT
The WHITE PICK-UP drives south down 1-95.
91.
INT. WHITE PICK-UP TRUCK -- NEXT
Bevilacqua has his hands on the steering wheel... Arthur's
left arm extended due to the hand-cuffing.
BEVILACQUA
(DELIRIOUS)
Did you push the button... or was
it your wife?
ARTHUR
My wife.
BEVILACQUA
Yeah... me too. I wasn't even home.
She decided to push it when I
wasn't around to stop her.
ARTHUR
And now she's dead. Did you kill
her?
BEVILACQUA
I don't want to talk about it.
ARTHUR
Where are you taking me?
Bevilacqua retrieves a NASA DOSSIER from the dashboard and
hands it to Arthur.
BEVILACQUA
Kenneth Weller. You know him?
ARTHUR
Name sounds familiar. Does he work
at Langley too?
BEVILACQUA
Yep. He's next. Him and his wife...
they've got the box now.
Suddenly... BLUE AND RED LIGHTS appear behind them...
followed by the sound of a SIREN.
EXT. 1-95 -- NIGHT
TWO POLICE CRUISERS are now tailing the pick-up truck.
INT. WHITE PICK-UP TRUCK -- NEXT
Bevilacqua steps on the gas... accelerating to outrun them.
92.
ARTHUR
What are you doing?
BEVILACQUA
I'm not gonna let them get me...
Arthur... we've got to get to
Kenneth Weller. We've got to break
the chain... or your wife is gonna
die!
ARTHUR
How is she going to die?
BEVILACQUA
You're going to kill her!
Bevilacqua swerves into the ONCOMING TRAFFIC LANE to pass a
car in front of them. A LARGE 18-WHEELER TRUCK is barreling
toward them.
Bevilacqua pulls the truck back into the right lane.
EXT. 1-95 -- NEXT
The 18 WHEELER slams on the brakes... then jack-knives to
the left... blocking both lanes...
One of the POLICE CRUISERS pulls off into the ditch... while
the second CRUISER swerves and SMASHES head on into the side
of the truck bed... sheering the top of the sedan into two
pieces...
INT. WHITE PICK-UP TRUCK -- NEXT
Arthur looks back over his shoulder... seeing the cars smash
together.
ARTHUR
Jesus! You're gonna get us killed!
BEVILACQUA
Did Steward take you to the
library? Did you meet his mother...
the librarian?
ARTHUR
Yeah.
BEVILACQUA
Did she tell you about Prometheus?
ARTHUR
Yeah...
93.
BEVILACQUA
Steward has a twin brother... and
he works for the CIA.
UP AHEAD... Arthur sees FOUR MORE POLICE CRUISERS with their
lights flashing. They have formed a ROADBLOCK.
Bevilacqua lowers his foot onto the accelerator... refusing
to back down.
BEVILACQUA (CONT'D)
This is purgatory... we're living
in purgatory...
EXT. 1-95 -- NIGHT
The WHITE TRUCK smashes through the line of POLICE CRUISERS
as POLICE OFFICERS dive for cover.
An officer raises his GUN and fires off several rounds toward
the truck.
A BULLET explodes the right front tire...
The truck swerves and FLIPS OVER onto one side... tumbling
over and over along the interstate in a horrific crash.
ONCOMING CARS swerve into ditches... and the white truck
comes sliding to a stop on the wet pavement.
The CAMERA slowly approaches the smoking wreckage... catching
a glimpse of Bevilacqua... his face covered in blood. Arthur
remains hidden from sight.
EXT. VIRGINIA HOUSE -- DRIVEWAY -- MOMENTS LATER
Norma rushes down the sidewalk on the perimeter of the
square... searching for her son.
NORMA
Walter?
A BLACK SEDAN pulls up next to her... and Reston steps out of
the car.
Norma locks eyes with him... recognizing his face...
RESTON
Mrs. Lewis? Norma Lewis?
NORMA
Yes.
94.
RESTON
My name is Reston Steward. I work
for the CIA.
NORMA
Yeah? Where is my son? Where is my
husband?
RESTON
Please... get into the car.
Norma stares at him in disbelief... as he opens the back door
and gestures inside.
RESTON (CONT'D)
(GENTLE)
Please... there isn't much time.
EXT. 1-95 -- NIGHT -- LATER ON
Jim Burns walks through the aftermath of the crash site.
There are now several FIRE TRUCKS, AMBULANCES and other
EMERGENCY VEHICLES scattered on either side of the
interstate.
Robert Bevilacqua's DEAD BODY is now on a stretcher. Jim
looks down at him briefly... then turns to another OFFICER on
the scene.
JIM
Where's Arthur?
OFFICER #1
They took him away in an ambulance.
INT. AMBULANCE -- NEXT
Arthur sits up in the back of the ambulance. He has a small
scrape on his cheekbone... but otherwise appears unharmed.
An EMS TECHNICIAN is in there with him. He hands Arthur an
ICE PACK.
EMS TECHNICIAN
Here... hold this against your
forehead. It'll keep your head from
swelling.
Arthur takes the ice pack and places it against his head.
ARTHUR
Thanks.
95.
EMS TECHNICIAN
I think it might have been a
miracle.
The EMS Technician shakes his head in disbelief.
ARTHUR
What?
EMS TECHNICIAN
That car accident. I've never seen
someone walk away from an accident
like that.
(BEAT)
Somebody upstairs is looking out
for you, buddy.
The door to the ambulance opens. A US ARMY OFFICER appears.
He steps away from the doors and General Teague emerges from
the darkness.
TEAGUE
Are you able to walk, son?
ARTHUR
Yes, sir.
TEAGUE
Please step out of the ambulance.
EXT. HOWARD JOHNSON -- PARKING LOT -- NEXT
Arthur steps out of the ambulance and sees that it is parked
in front of a HOWARD JOHNSON HOTEL on an exit of 1-95. The
hotel has a DINER attached to it.
There are more than a dozen POLICE CARS parked in front,
along with..several BLACK SEDANS and MILITARY VEHICLES.
Arthur hears the rumble of a HELICOPTER circling the sky
above them. Its SEARCHLIGHT sweeps through the forest.
In front of the diner entrance... more than a DOZEN MEN
operate VIDEO CAMERAS and STILL CAMERAS mounted on tripods,
all pointed toward the front window of the diner.
Teague is standing with Cahill and Reston, along with several
other MILITARY PERSONNEL.
Arthur notices Norma as she emerges from a BLACK SEDAN... she
looks exhausted... delirious.
NORMA
Arthur!
96.
ARTHUR
Norma!
She hugs him... neither has slept in two days.
NORMA
Where's Walter?
ARTHUR
I don't know.
Reston steps forward.
RESTON
My brother has taken your son...
but he assures me that he is alive
and well.
Reston tries to comfort them with a smile.
RESTON (CONT'D)
Take a walk with us.
Norma and Arthur begin to walk with Reston, Teague and Cahill
toward the diner entrance.
RESTON (CONT'D)
Are you familiar with the myth of
Prometheus?
ARTHUR
Yeah.
RESTON
In the 1940s... when NASA was
formed, we began developing, in
secret, a project that we dubbed
the Prometheus Effect.
TEAGUE
Projecting fictional scenarios
about how we would respond, if and
when we came into contact with an
alien intelligence.
RESTON
If the intelligence had hostile
intent... or if it began to somehow
display proof of its ability to
destroy us, we would have a system
in place to begin negotiating with
it in secret.
97.
TEAGUE
The goal of Prometheus is to
maintain coexistence with this life-
form, and eventually achieve peace
with it, so that its power can be
harnessed, developed and applied in
such a manner that will benefit the
human race.
Arthur notices that Cahill is holding a folder in his right
hand.
CAHILL
On the night of September 3rd, as
the server was downloading images
from the Viking camera system that
you helped design... we experienced
an electrical surge from a bolt of
lightning.
As they arrive at the entrance to the diner, Cahill shows
Arthur a blurry black and white photograph.
CAHILL (CONT'D)
An anomaly in the series of Viking
images produced this photograph of
the Mars surface.
The photo appears to be a ghost-like TRAIL OF WHITE LIGHT
streaking across the martian landscape.
Teague nods toward the diner window.
TEAGUE
According to... it... and whatever
it is...
Arthur notices Arlington sitting alone in a booth inside the
diner... waiting...
TEAGUE (CONT'D)
A ghost... an apparition... a
methane compound imbedded in pulse
of electricity...
CAHILL
If the human spirit is assigned a
specific bandwidth upon
conception... twins... would
provide it with a dual bandwidth
carrier...
RESTON
(INTERRUPTING)
It claims to be more than six
billion years old.
98.
J
Arthur stares at the streak of white light in the photo.
ARTHUR
My camera... took this photo...
CAHILL
We've run the data sequence off the
server more than a thousand times.
Each time... this one photo in the
sequence comes out of the dark room
just like this. We can't explain
why.
Arthur hands the photo back to Cahill.
NORMA
What does it want?
Cahill glances at Teague... who looks to Cahill.
CAHILL
I think the same thing that it
wanted from Bevilacqua... except
that poor boy is no longer around
to tell us why he shot his wife.
NORMA
What did he say to you when you
were in the car with him?
ARTHUR
Something about breaking the chain.
He wanted to find the next test
subject... and prevent them from
pushing the button.
Cahill is writing diligently on his NOTE PAD.
Reston can now feel something taking control of him... he
looks to Teague... terrified.
He closes his eyes... his body begins to twitch.
Teague stares at his friend... realizing what is happening.
Reston opens his eyes... now possessed... blood draining from
his ears.
RESTON
General Teague... it's a pleasure
to meet you.
(BEAT)
I would like to continue with my
experiment... if you don't mind.
Reston smiles at the General.
99.
RESTON (CONT'D)
Please do not interfere... as I
assure you that if you do... there
will be dire consequences...
Reston then turns to face Arthur and Norma.
RESTON (CONT'D)
Time is of the essence... and I'd
like to invite my guests inside.
Reston opens the door to the diner and gestures to Arthur and
Norma for them to come inside.
INT. HOWARD JOHNSON -- DINER -- NEXT
Arthur, Norma and Reston make their way down the long aisle
of the diner, flanked by a row of booths, across from a long
LUNCH COUNTER with a metal surface.
Arlington sits alone in a booth. He pivots his head around to
face them.
ARLINGTON
Please have a seat.
Reston sits down next to his twin brother... Arthur and Norma
sit down across from the twins.
Arlington has now locked completely into his brother's
spirit...
The movement of the two men is in now in PERFECT
SYNCHRONICITY, staggered by exactly one second... Reston
following Arlington.
Arlington's eyes remain closed in deep concentration...
Arlington's lips move silently... and Reston repeats them out
loud. Reston's demeanor is now kind... gentle... almost
apologetic for his past behavior.
RESTON/ARLINGTON
Don't be frightened by my manner of
communication... but it is becoming
more difficult for me to speak,
given my body's... condition.
NORMA
What have you done with our son?
100.
RESTON/ARLINGTON
We'll get to him in a moment... but
first I want you to know that I
have a deep respect and admiration
you both, and I am very sorry...
that you pushed the button.
EXT. WILLOW LAWN MOTEL -- POOL -- NEXT
Bud now has Walter laid out on the cement next the edge of
the SWIMMING POOL at the shallow end. The boy is
unconscious... still dressed in his suit from the wedding.
From across the pool... Dana is squatting on the end of the
DIVING BOARD... watching them.
Bud then removes Walter's right shoe and sock... exposing his
bare foot. He then retrieves a SERRATED HUNTING KNIFE... and
cuts in the flesh from his BIG TOE across the ball of his
foot... drawing blood.
INT. HOWARD JOHNSON -- DINER -- NEXT
Reston closes his eyes for a moment. When he opens them...
tears have begun to form, as though he cannot bear the news
that his brother is forcing him to deliver.
RESTON/ARLINGTON
I will now give you a chance to
save yourselves... an opportunity
for redemption and salvation.
EXT. WILLOW LAWN MOTEL -- POOL -- NEXT
Bud is now carrying the unconscious Walter in his arms. He
steps into the shallow end of the heated pool... and dunks
the boy under the surface.
BLOOD from the cut on the bottom of his foot drains out into
the water like red ink...
INT. HOWARD JOHNSON -- DINER -- NEXT
Norma closes her eyes... the impending sense of dread
building inside of her.
RESTON/ARLINGTON
Two of your son's five functional
senses have been permanently
impaired.
101.
EXT. WILLOW LAWN MOTEL -- POOL -- NEXT
UNDERWATER... Walter floats with his arms spread wide...
WHITE STROBES OF LIGHT FLICKER AROUND HIM. The light streaks
bear a close resemblance to the image in the -Mars photo.
Blood streams out from his foot into the water.
INT. HOWARD JOHNSON -- DINER -- NEXT
Blood is now flowing out of Reston's left nostril. Both
Arthur and Norma recoil in horror.
RESTON/ARLINGTON
He is now blind and deaf.
(BEAT)
For the rest of his life, he will
never hear your voice... or see
your face.
ARTHUR
(under his breath)
Why...
RESTON/ARLINGTON
You are now presented with two
options.
(BEAT)
Option one... you enjoy the rest of
your lives with the money you have
been given, and you learn to live
with your son's disability.
Reston then reaches into his pocket and retrieves a PISTOL.
He places it on the table next to the box.
RESTON/ARLINGTON (CONT'D)
And then there is option number
two.
(BEAT)
There is one bullet in the chamber
of this gun.
Reston slides the gun across the table in Arthur's direction.
RESTON/ARLINGTON (CONT'D)
You can fire this bullet into your
wife's heart... killing her.
(BEAT)
At the exact moment that her spirit
departs the earth, this curse upon
your son will be reversed, and both
of his impaired senses will
instantaneously return to normal.
102.
Arthur looks over at Norma in disbelief... then back at the
twins. He cannot fathom how it has now come to this.
RESTON/ARLINGTON (CONT'D)
Arthur, you will then be arrested
and charged with the murder of your
wife... and the money will be
placed in an interest bearing trust
for your son to receive upon his
eighteenth birthday.
NORMA
That's not fair.
(BEAT)
Let me do it. I, pushed your stupid
button. If I deserve to be punished
for it... then let me kill myself.
Arthur has nothing to do with this.
RESTON/ARLINGTON
I'm sorry, but the offer is not
negotiable.
(TO ARTHUR)
And if Norma's fingers so much as
touch the weapon at any point from
this moment on... the restoration
of Walter's sight and sound will be
denied.
NORMA
If Arthur has to do it... then I
want you to make it look like a
suicide. Arthur shouldn't be
punished for something that I did.
RESTON/ARLINGTON
I'm sorry... but the terms of the
offer are not negotiable.
Arthur faces has gone completely white.
ARTHUR
Is there an afterlife?
The twins smile cryptically in response to Arthur's question.
ARTHUR (CONT'D)
Because this is purgatory, right?
The earth is purgatory... and
you're here to start shutting
things down... right?
The twins appear impressed with his foresight.
103.
RESTON/ARLINGTON
I find your theory to be quite
fascinating. But I must remind you
that I am unable to disclose the
identity of my employers.
Arthur glances out the window at all of the cameras.
ARTHUR
Right. I get it.
Reston then turns to the window...
RESTON/ARLINGTON
Can someone please bring up the
car?
EXT. HOWARD JOHNSON -- DINER -- MOMENTS LATER
Arthur and Norma emerge from the diner in a state of
delirium. A SOLDIER pulls up in Arthur's TRANS-AM. He steps
out of the car and holds the door open.
Teague and Cahill approach... as MEN in dark suits snap
hundreds of photographs of the couple.
Cahill puts his hand on Arthur's shoulder... searching for
words.
Teague glances inside the diner... then back at Arthur.
Arthur nods his head slowly... his mind lost... and he limps
toward the car with Norma at his side.
INT. ARTHUR'S CAR -- NEXT
Norma sits behind the wheel... allowing Arthur to ride
shotgun. He looks weakened by the whole ordeal, and she is
afraid he might pass out.
ARTHUR
Tell me this isn't happening,
Norma.
NORMA
This isn't happening...
She starts the engine... and they drive off.
Arthur watches the parking lot full of MEN reflected back at
them in the side-view mirror.
104.
EXT. INTERSTATE 95 -- SUNRISE
HELICOPTER SHOT: The CAMERA flies over 1-95 as Arthur's car
travels north toward Richmond. A MILITARY HELICOPTER flies
overhead... escorting them on their journey home.
INT. ARTHUR'S CAR -- NEXT
Arthur sits shotgun as Norma drives them home. They have been
riding in silence for quite some time now, having reached a
level of complete mental and physical exhaustion.
NORMA
All these years... I've given you
the impression that Walter was an
accident.
ARTHUR
Yeah... and?
NORMA
And... it wasn't exactly an
accident.
(BEAT)
I stopped taking the pill when I
met you...
ARTHUR
Why?
NORMA
Because I was so afraid of losing
you to someone prettier than me.
Arthur just stares at her... unsure how to respond.
NORMA (CONT'D)
For that alone... I deserve a
bullet in the heart... don't you
think?
ARTHUR
No... I don't.
She manages a smile. A tear rolls down her cheek as she
stares out at the pavement and the endless trees lining
either side of the interstate.
EXT. LEWIS HOUSE -- FOYER -- EARLY MORNING
Arthur pulls the car up into the driveway. The street is
quiet and empty.
105.
They step out of the car. Dana is sitting on the front porch,
waiting for them.
She rises to her feet as they approach.
DANA
Did my dad tell you why he loves
you, Norma?
Norma realizes that she has been involved all along. Blood
drains from her nose.
NORMA
No.
DANA
Because you're an amputee. He says
that the soul of an amputee leaks
out into the wind... searching for
the place where there is no longer
flesh and bone.
(BEAT)
It says that the soul that leaks is
the soul that endures. It is the
kindest and bravest soul of them
all.
NORMA
Where is our son?
DANA
He's locked in the upstairs
bathroom. I think he just woke up.
Dana turns away... and begins to walk down the sidewalk in
the opposite direction.
INT. LEWIS HOUSE -- UPSTAIRS BATHROOM -- NEXT
Walter lays inside the bathtub, soaking wet. He is still
wearing his suit from the wedding. He is shivering... looking
around... disoriented...
His EYE-BALLS are now COMPLETELY WHITE... pupils no longer
visible.
WALTER
Is anyone-there?!
He begins clawing at the walls... trying to figure out where
he is.
WALTER (CONT'D)
I can't see!
106.
He climbs out of the bathtub and begins to crawl across the
tile floor. He runs into the door... and then reaches up and
finds the DOORKNOB. It is locked.
He begins to bang on the door relentlessly.
INT. LEWIS HOUSE -- UPSTAIRS HALLWAY -- NEXT
Norma and Arthur come up the stairs and round the corner of
the hallway. Walter's HAND reaches out through the crack
beneath the door.
Norma tries to open the door but there is a MASSIVE LOCK
installed on it.
NORMA
Walter!
Norma reaches down and takes her son's hand.
WALTER
Who's there?! Who's there?!
NORMA
Walter! It's mom! Can you hear me?!
WALTER
WHO'S THERE?!!
NORMA
CAN YOU HEAR ME!!?
INT. LEWIS HOUSE -- UPSTAIRS BATHROOM -- NEXT
He does not respond... and begins banging his head against
the door... harder and harder...
Thump... thump...
NORMA (O.S.)
CAN YOU HEAR ME?!!!
INT. LEWIS HOUSE -- UPSTAIRS HALLWAY -- NEXT
No response... just his head... slamming against the door
repeatedly.
ARTHUR
We need to kick the door down.
NORMA
He could get hurt...
107.
Norma begins to pound back on the door with her fist... and
eventually the thumping stops. She begins to hear quiet sobs
from inside the bathroom.
WALTER
Who's there? Who's there?
Norma rises to her feet.
NORMA
Come downstairs, Arthur.
She takes his left hand... as he clutches Walter's hand in
his right.
NORMA (CONT'D)
Arthur...
(BEAT)
I need you to come downstairs with
me... right now.
INT. WELLER HOUSE -- BEDROOM -- NEXT
SUZANNE WELLER (30s) sits on her bed. Her husband KENNETH
WELLER (30s) stands at the window. Neither looks like they
have slept in a while.
Suzanne has the box sitting on the mattress in front of
her... the glass dome is open.
SUZANNE
I'm gonna push it.
INT. LEWIS HOUSE -- KITCHEN -- NEXT
Arthur and Norma stand across from one another in the
kitchen. Arthur holds the GUN in his right hand... and he
slowly limps over to his wife and takes her into his arms.
ARTHUR
Norma...
NORMA
Arthur... I love you, and I'm so
sorry... I'm so sorry that I did
this to us...
ARTHUR
I'm the one who told you to push
the button... so don't apologize.
He looks out through the window at his back yard... likely
for the last time.
108.
ARTHUR (CONT'D)
I love you too... and please
know... that I regret nothing in
this life we've lived together.
NORMA
I'll be waiting... counting the
days until my Arthur comes to see
me.
INT. WELLER HOUSE -- BEDROOM -- NEXT
Suzanne Weller smiles at her husband... reaches her finger
out and places it on the button.
She then presses down.
INT. LEWIS HOUSE -- KITCHEN -- NEXT
FROM UPSTAIRS... thump... thump... their son's head banging
against the door...
NORMA
It's going to be harder for you to
live than for me to die.
Arthur closes his eyes... the noise is excruciating. There is
no time to wait any longer.
ARTHUR
Well then.
(BEAT)
Let's get on with it.
Arthur kisses her... then steps back... still clutching her
hand... raises the gun... and fires off a round into her
heart.
Norma collapses... Arthur falls with her... breaking her fall
with his arms as they collapse into a heap onto the linoleum
floor.
INT. WELLER HOUSE -- BEDROOM -- NEXT
Suzanne looks over at her husband and lets out a deranged
giggle. He smiles back.
INT. LEWIS HOUSE -- KITCHEN -- NEXT
Arthur looks down into his wife's eyes as the life drains
from her body. Seconds later... Norma is dead.
109.
BLOOD begins to flow from the exit wound in her back across
the linoleum. Arthur is now covered in it.
INT. LEWIS HOUSE -- KITCHEN -- NEXT
Walter crawls across the blood-soaked kitchen floor and
reaches up to the PHONE that is mounted on the wall. He takes
his finger and places it in the cradle... dials 911.
INT. RICHMOND POLICE STATION -- 911 EMERGENCY -- NEXT
The CAMERA tracks along a series of CUBICLES at the POLICE
STATION in downtown Richmond. An OPERATOR sits at each
cubicle... each one female.
OPERATOR #1
911 emergency... how may I direct
your call?
The CAMERA moves in closer...
INT. LEWIS HOUSE -- KITCHEN -- NEXT
Arthur has the phone to his ear... imprints of his wife's
blood are smeared on the phone's receiver.
ARTHUR
Yes. This is Arthur Lewis at 1560
Monument Avenue. I've just shot my
wife... can you please send an
ambulance?
The Operator begins to ask more questions... but Arthur does
not listen. He hangs up the phone.
The thumping from upstairs has now subsided.
ARTHUR (CONT'D)
WALTER!!!
He pulls himself to his feet and heads into the foyer.
INT. LEWIS HOUSE -- KITCHEN -- NEXT
Arthur rounds the corner at the base of the stairs...
ARTHUR
WALTER!!!
110.
INT. LEWIS HOUSE -- UPSTAIRS HALLWAY -- NEXT
Arthur rounds the corner of the upstairs hallway... rushes
toward the bathroom door.
Walter's hand comes sliding out from beneath the crack in the
door. Arthur grabs it.
ARTHUR
WALTER!!!
WALTER
Dad?
ARTHUR
Yes... can you hear me?
WALTER
Yeah.
ARTHUR
What do you see? Where are you
Walter?
WALTER
I'm in the bathroom...
ARTHUR
Can you see clearly?
WALTER
Yeah... I can see... everything is
bright... but I can see.
ARTHUR
Everything is bright. Everything is
bright Walter... you're gonna be
okay, buddy.
WALTER
What's going on?
ARTHUR
You're gonna be okay, buddy. That's
all that matters.
(BEAT)
That's all that matters, now.
Out of the corner of his eye, Arthur notices something at the
top of the stairs. It is a POLICE OFFICER. He has his gun
aimed at Arthur.
POLICE OFFICER
BACK AWAY FROM THE DOOR AND PUT
YOUR HANDS ON YOUR HEAD!!
Arthur stares at the officer... frozen... the repercussions
of his decision now stare him in the face with a loaded gun.
POLICE OFFICER (CONT'D)
I SAID BACK AWAY FROM THE DOOR AND
PUT YOUR HANDS ON YOUR HEAD!!
Arthur obeys... and the cop rushes over and pushes him over
onto his stomach... handcuffing his wrists together.
INT. WELLER HOUSE -- FOYER -- NEXT
The DOORBELL rings.
Suzanne Weller opens the door. Arlington is standing there
with his briefcase... smiling.
ARLINGTON
Mrs. Weller... do you have the
button unit?
INT. LEWIS HOUSE -- KITCHEN -- LATER THAT MORNING
A CORONER places a BLANKET over Norma's face as the house is
sealed off by various CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATORS and other
police.
EXT. LEWIS HOUSE -- FRONT WALK -- MOMENTS LATER
Arthur is now being escorted by two POLICE OFFICERS to a
waiting CRUISER that is parked in front of the house.
Jim Burns is standing there with the door open.
ARTHUR
I'm sorry, Jim.
He stares Arthur down as he is put into the back seat of the
cruiser. Jim closes the door and goes around to the front of
the car.
Jim gets behind the wheel and starts the engine.
Arthur looks back through the window, toward his house.
Upstairs in the MASTER BEDROOM WINDOW... Walter is watching,
tears streaming down his face.
Arthur reaches up with his hands... cuffed together... and
tries his best to wave at his son.
112.
ARTHUR (CONT'D)
(MOUTHING SILENTLY)
I`m sorry...
From the window... Walter watches the car pull away from the
curb.
He places his hand on the glass... waving back.
CUT TO BLACK:
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