Sophocles Screenwriting Software
www.sophocles.net
"Still"
by
Steven J. Fauquier
First Draft
March 14, 2005
Second Draft
E-Mail
July 12, 2006
swifte5070@yahoo.com
This screenplay is copyrighted to its author. All rights
reserved. This screenplay may not be used or reproduced
without the express written permission of the author.
FADE IN:
INT. KITCHEN - DAY
A table holds a sandwich on a paper plate. A single chair is
pulled out away from the table.
Two windows in the background welcomes the SUNLIGHT into the
tidy home.
MACHINERY is making a GRINDING noise somewhere outside.
The scene remains serene, undisturbed for a beat.
ANTHONY WATERS, mid thirties, saunters into view holding a
glass filled with soda.
He takes a seat at the table, sets the glass down, pulls in
his chair. He takes a large bite of the sandwich.
The machinery stops. Birds chirp.
Anthony smiles between bites, savoring the silence. He takes
a small sip of soda.
Sudden KNOCKING on the door.
Anthony gets up, perturbed, wiping his mouth with his sleeve.
INT. DOOR - DAY
The door opens.
A MAN, shirtless, sweat perspiring from his hairy chest,
wipes his brow with his forearm. He squints.
MAN
Sorry to bother you sir, but we ran
into a little problem.
Anthony studies the Man closely.
ANTHONY
You're the ones putting in the
Jenoff's pool, right?
MAN
Yup, that's us next door.
The Man motions to two vans parked on the neighbor's driveway.
2.
ANTHONY
This is the first time it has been
quiet in days. What's the problem?
The Man wipes his brow once more.
MAN
Well, we have a first timer in our
crew. This is his maiden job so to
speak. He accidentally dug the hole
for your neighbor's pool too wide.
It reached into your yard. Just
barely, but it did.
ANTHONY
You're... joking?
MAN
I'm afraid not.
ANTHONY
(Flustered)
Well what in the hell was he doing
operating the heavy machinery if he
didn't know how to use it?
MAN
He does know sir. It was an
accident. We'll repair it right away.
Anthony takes a deep breath. Settling.
ANTHONY
As long as nothing's permanent, and
you guys can fix it, I guess...
there's really not much I can do.
Just try to be more careful. I'm
not all that thrilled with the
whole thing as it is.
MAN
I understand sir. And again, sorry
to disturb you.
Anthony nods, closing the door.
MAN
Oh wait!
Anthony opens the door, annoyed.
The Man reaches into his back pocket and pulls out a faded
brown piece of paper. It is folded in half; not in good shape.
3.
MAN
We found this under your property
where the hole was... made.
He offers the paper to Anthony.
MAN
Didn't know what it was, if
anything. But it was on your side
of the fence so we figured we'd
pass it on up to you.
Anthony looks at the disgusting piece of paper for a beat
before taking it.
MAN
I didn't let any of the boys look
at it... thought it could've been
private.
ANTHONY
Or wiped on somebody's privates,
but thanks. I always enjoy
collecting extra pieces of garbage.
Anthony wipes some dirt off of it with a grimace.
MAN
Well, sorry again for the
inconvenience. We'll patch the hole
up like new. Don't even worry about
it. Good day.
The Man turns and begins walking down the steps.
Anthony watches him leave.
He looks down to the faded, filthy paper in his hand and
shuts the door.
INT. KITCHEN - DAY
Anthony sits at the table, chewing his half-eaten sandwich.
The filthy brown note lies on the table next to his glass of
soda.
Anthony continues to look at the note out of the corner of
his eye. beat.
He swallows what remains in his mouth, picks up the note
from the table and heads for a nearby garbage can. Pressing
down on the pedal with his foot, the lid pops open; he drops
the note into the garbage and slams the lid shut.
4.
Anthony looks out the window as machinery GRINDS away. His
gaze slowly drops back down to the garbage can. He steps on
the pedal and reaches in, picking the note out of the garbage.
He begins to unfold it carefully.
EXT. BACKYARD - DAY
Anthony jogs down the side hill towards the many oblivious
MEN working on his neighbor's pool.
An EXCAVATOR GRINDS away as it digs into the soil.
A small, rectangular hole about five meters into Anthony's
property has been filled.
The Man with the hairy chest is on his hands and knees,
carefully replacing new pads of grass onto the soil.
Anthony approaches behind the Man.
ANTHONY
(Muddled by machinery)
Excuse me.
The Man doesn't hear him.
ANTHONY
Excuse me!
The Man turns around and spots Anthony. He stands up.
Looking over to the excavator, he makes a quick gesture, the
motor begins to shut down.
Birds chirp.
ANTHONY
I'm sorry, I didn't get your name.
The Man waits for the excavator's engine to completely
settle before smiling and extending his hand.
MAN
Henry.
Anthony quickly shakes his hand.
ANTHONY
Henry, so- -
HENRY gestures back to the hole.
5.
HENRY
I'm fixing 'er up right now.
ANTHONY
No, not that.
Anthony holds up the piece of faded paper, still folded.
ANTHONY
This. Where did you get this?
HENRY
I told you sir, right under- -
ANTHONY
But who came upon it? You?
Henry shakes his head "no" and looks around at his men.
HENRY
Dallas!
MAN'S VOICE
(o.s.)
Yeah?
Henry beckons with his index finger.
DALLAS approaches, shirtless, sweating like the rest.
DALLAS
What's up?
Henry motions to Anthony.
HENRY
This is mister...
ANTHONY
Anthony. Just Anthony.
HENRY
Mister Anthony. He owns the
property where you- -
Anthony holds the paper up, stepping in.
ANTHONY
You found this?
DALLAS
I did.
6.
ANTHONY
(Motioning)
Right there in that hole where
Henry said it was?
DALLAS
Yes sir. Is their a problem?
Anthony looks at both Henry and Dallas, squinting suspiciously.
ANTHONY
Who dug it?
Henry and Dallas turn their heads to the excavator.
A YOUNG MAN, in his early twenties, leans out from the seat,
makes eye contact, then quickly looks away.
Anthony watches the Young Man before returning his gaze to
Henry and Dallas.
ANTHONY
If this is a joke. I don't find it
the least bit funny.
HENRY
Hold on a minute. We found this
underneath your lawn as I told you.
We don't even know what's on it. If
anything at all.
DALLAS
What does it say?
Anthony eyes Dallas.
ANTHONY
Here, read it.
Anthony hands him the faded brown paper.
Dallas unfolds it. Looks it over.
DALLAS
What is this? Mumbo jumbo?
ANTHONY
Read the third stanza. Out loud.
7.
DALLAS
Oh... um...
(Reading out loud)
"The first human being who remains
consciously still in a public
location for a period of seven days,
without assistance of drugs of any
sort, and is not suffering from any
illness or involuntary loss of
movement, will be endowed with the
power of the very God that created
them"
(beat)
That's all there is.
Dallas slowly folds the paper back up.
ANTHONY
Now, I'll ask you again. Is-this-a-
joke?
Dallas shakes his head in disbelief, he unfolds the paper
once more, reading it again to himself.
DALLAS
(Eyes on paper)
Your guess is as good as mine
mister Anthony. If it is... it's
missing the punchline.
He looks up.
DALLAS
Wouldn't you say so?
HENRY
Give me that.
Henry snatches the paper from Dallas. He reads it to himself.
Beat.
HENRY
Jesus.
ANTHONY
Yeah, no kidding.
HENRY
What's this other- - ?
8.
ANTHONY
Don't know. My guess would be that
it's the translation into other
languages.
Henry nods his head slowly. His eyes dart to the bottom of
the page.
HENRY
Or maybe our language is the
translated one. You see when this
was dated?
ANTHONY & DALLAS
(In unison)
What?
Anthony and Dallas close in around Henry, eyes trained on
the paper.
HENRY
(Reading out loud)
July twenty third, eighteen-eighty-
four.
ANTHONY
(Extending hand)
Give it here.
Henry passes Anthony the paper and looks to his Men.
Anthony looks the paper up and down.
Henry spots the Young Man, who is standing nearby, listening
intently.
Henry redirects his gaze.
HENRY
You hearin' this?
A MUSCULAR MAN with a shaved head is working on the layout
for the pool deck. He mixes around wet cement, subtly
nodding his head.
Anthony turns to look at the Man. He notices a '666' tattoo
on his left arm; another tattoo that resembles vines poking
up from his shirt on the back of his neck.
Anthony, Henry, and Dallas look back to each other.
HENRY
Never says much.
9.
ANTHONY
I like him already. Well, aside
from the... never mind.
Anthony looks back down to the faded paper, feeling along
its rough edge.
ANTHONY
You know...
(Shakes head)
Nah, forget it.
DALLAS
C'mon. Speak on it.
ANTHONY
It's nothing.
HENRY
You know, having an idea and not
voicing it is like turning on a
lightbulb then leaving the room.
Anthony stares at Henry.
HENRY
What's the point?
Dallas stares off into space.
DALLAS
That's true.
Anthony snickers.
ANTHONY
Well in that case, I was just going
to say that this looks like it came
from a book. It's ripped down the
side, like a page that has been
removed. But I wonder...
Henry stares at Anthony who is suddenly lost in thought.
HENRY
What?
ANTHONY
Where's the book?
All three Men look down at the newly filled hole with pads
of grass covering three quarters of it.
Beat.
10.
DALLAS
You know what? I can't believe
we're actually falling for this.
(Laughs)
Some kid probably buried it before
you moved in here. Or some dog.
ANTHONY
Doubt it. I'm the first owner of
this house.
DALLAS
Maybe some kids were starting up a
time capsule back then, huh? Maybe
one of them dug the hole and buried it?
Henry laughs to himself.
Anthony looks up to the Young Man standing nearby.
ANTHONY
Anything is possible.
The Young Man quickly looks away, after being caught staring.
The Men stand completely still, eyeing the paper for a long
beat.
WOMAN'S VOICE
(o.s.)
You know gentlemen, I'd like to
have my pool ready by as soon as
possible.
The Men look up to the deck.
An attractive WOMAN with long blonde hair stands with a hand
on her hip.
HENRY
Yes, sorry ma'am. We'll get right
on it.
Anthony waves.
ANTHONY
Hi there Janice.
JANICE JENOFF gives a polite smile.
HENRY
Scott, back to work.
The Young Man, SCOTT, heads back to the excavator.
11.
Dallas nods to Anthony and heads off.
The Muscular Man with the shaved head and tattoo begins the
process of shaping and molding the cement into a block.
Henry extends his hand to Anthony.
HENRY
Good day sir.
Anthony shakes it.
HENRY
You know if you want that note out
of your sight, I can take it off
your hands for you.
Anthony shoves the paper into his pocket.
ANTHONY
Good day, Henry. Have my lawn
repaired by tomorrow, okay?
Henry nods and smiles.
The excavator comes to a GRINDING start.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT
Anthony lies on his side watching TELEVISION on his bed.
The faded paper lies on his bedside table; folded, filthy,
fluttering in a breeze.
INSERT TELEVISION
A tropical island paradise is displayed on the screen.
WOMAN'S VOICE
(On T.V.)
Have you ever wanted to get away
from the grind of everyday life?
A golf course surrounded by palm trees and canyons with
waterfalls on either side.
WOMAN'S VOICE
(On T.V.)
Feeling like you are stuck in one
spot is more common than you think...
PEOPLE scuba diving with exotic sea creatures.
12.
WOMAN'S VOICE
(On T.V.)
Escape to the Cayman's...
Various COUPLES drink and laugh at a bar; the night
atmosphere lit up by various bright, neon LIGHTS.
WOMAN'S VOICE
(On T.V.)
And let freedom wash over you...
Waves rush over the white sand of a beach.
WOMAN'S VOICE
(On T.V.)
... a tropical getaway you and your
love ones won't soon forget.
Anthony shuts off the television. Dejected. He turns to a
PICTURE on his bedside table, where he is standing behind a
Young Woman, arms wrapped around her stomach, both smiling.
He turns on his back, looking up to the spinning ceiling fan.
Putting both arms at his sides, his body suddenly tightens
up. He closes his eyes, not moving a muscle. beat.
He shivers.
EXT. BACKYARD - NIGHT
Anthony walks wearily down the side hill. He carries a shovel.
A patio LIGHT illuminates the backyard.
He reaches the spot where a hole used to be; it is now
covered with brand new grass, pressed flatly against the soil.
He penetrates the ground with a single downward thrust of
the shovel.
EXT. BACKYARD - LATER NIGHT
Anthony has dug a hole, about three feet deep.
The shovel stands straight up in the dirt, Anthony lies on
his belly atop the grass on level ground. He pushes soil out
of the way with his hands.
Searching desperately, he continues his dig.
13.
EXT. BACKYARD - LATER NIGHT
The ground has been repaired once more; except this time a
lot less professionally.
The grass is out of place and uneven over the protruding soil.
The patio is completely dark.
INT. BEDROOM - LATER NIGHT
Anthony lies in only his boxers on his bed, eyes closed,
semi-washed arms at his side, perfectly still.
The overhead fan no longer spins. No breeze.
The faded piece of paper remains on his bedside table,
completely still.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. BACKYARD - DAY
Machinery GRINDING.
Dallas now mans the excavator. Scott works on the deck layout.
Cement has been filled into the hole in the Jenoff's yard,
creating a shell at the bottom and up the sides.
Henry stands off to the side with Anthony. He wipes his brow.
ANTHONY
(Loudly over the machinery)
So if you could fix it up once more,
I'd appreciate it.
HENRY
(Loudly)
Not a problem. Just make sure you
keep an eye out for anymore of
those damn raccoons.
ANTHONY
(Loudly)
Yeah, most definitely. They won't
be messing with my lawn again,
that's for sure.
(beat)
I got a shovel.
Anthony puts his hands in his pockets.
14.
ANTHONY
(Loudly; simultaneous)
So I see you got...
HENRY
(Loudly; simultaneous)
So what did you do with...
ANTHONY
(Loudly; simultaneous)
... the kid a new job.
HENRY
(Loudly; simultaneous)
... that note?
Anthony and Henry smile at each other.
The excavator comes to a gradual stop. Birds chirp.
HENRY
Yeah... I think he's better at the
molding.
ANTHONY
I would hope so.
Scott looks up from the crouch position, smiling.
SCOTT
Yeah, sorry about yesterday.
Anthony looks over and nods his head. He turns back to Henry.
ANTHONY
So where's silent Bob today?
HENRY
Who- - ?
Henry suddenly smiles, realizing the joke.
HENRY
Oh, I don't know. Just didn't show
up today for some reason. Not the
first time.
(Under his breath)
The prick.
Scott forcefully clears his throat, it doesn't seem natural.
HENRY
(Under his breath)
Guess you get what you pay for.
15.
Dallas leans out from the inside of the excavator, smiling.
DALLAS
(Calls to Anthony)
So what did you do with that...
that page I found?
Henry looks to Anthony, also curious.
ANTHONY
(Shrugs)
Kept it.
DALLAS
Yeah and I bet you tried to stay
still right? To see what it would take?
Anthony grins, shaking his head.
ANTHONY
Of course not. I don't really care
to be honest with you.
HENRY
(To Dallas)
Get back to work.
Dallas checks his watch.
DALLAS
(To Henry; dismissive)
It's lunch.
(To Anthony)
I know I did.
Scott checks his watch.
ANTHONY
You did?
Dallas steps out of the excavator and begins to walk around
the pool to the other side.
DALLAS
(Looking ahead)
How could you not?
Anthony looks to Henry, smiling.
ANTHONY
You too?
16.
HENRY
What are you kidding? My wife would
think I'm dead and call nine one
one. But after her massage, facial,
manicure, and maybe even a vacation
or two, of course. I could be
rotting for weeks.
Anthony snickers.
DALLAS
(o.s.)
And you still wouldn't smell any
better!
Henry and Anthony laugh.
SCOTT
(o.s.)
Yup, it's lunch time.
Scott stands up, brushing off the drying cement from his shirt.
Anthony scans his yard quickly.
ANTHONY
Okay, well... I'm on my way, fellas.
HENRY
Work?
ANTHONY
What else?
HENRY
Mind if I ask what it is you do?
Anthony glances at Henry. Unsure. beat.
ANTHONY
Uhh... I work at home sometimes.
Just to get away from the office.
The people. Doing... computer stuff.
Henry stares at him.
ANTHONY
I'm a data analyst.
HENRY
Oh, so you get plenty of practice
staying still then?
Henry smiles.
17.
Anthony politely returns the grin.
ANTHONY
Certainly goes with the territory.
(Smile fades)
So I can expect my lawn to be
repaired by the end of the day?
HENRY
You can.
Dallas and Scott sit at a picnic table underneath a deck,
shaded from the sun.
Anthony nods goodbye and makes his way up the hill at the side.
Henry watches Anthony leave before joining Dallas and Scott
at the picnic table. He takes a seat along side them.
SCOTT
News says it's going to rain for
the next several days.
Dallas takes a bite of his sandwich.
Henry nods, unpacking his lunch from a cooler.
HENRY
Then we better get this done soon.
Janice steps outside carrying a tray of beers. She looks
below just between one of the cracks on the deck.
JANICE
Thought you boys would enjoy
something to calm your nerves?
Henry, Dallas, and Scott look above and smile.
DALLAS
Bring 'em on down ma'am.
HENRY
We appreciate it, thanks.
Janice begins to head down the steps.
HENRY
(Quietly)
Silent Bob sure don't know what
he's missing.
Dallas and Scott glance at each other.
18.
DALLAS & SCOTT
(Simultaneous)
What?
Henry smiles to himself, placing his food out in front of him.
HENRY
Nah, forget it.
DALLAS
Don't forget the lightbulb, Henry.
The lightbulb.
HENRY
(Points at Dallas)
Touche.
SCOTT
Wait... what?
INT. LIVING ROOM - LATER DAY
Anthony sits still in front of a blank spreadsheet on his
computer screen. The cursor blinks on and off.
He rests his jaw in the palm of his hands.
He looks down to his lap; the brown piece of paper is spread
out flat across it.
ANTHONY
(Reading quietly)
"... will be endowed with the power
of the very God that created them".
Anthony rubs his forehead and slowly exhales.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT
Anthony sits on the edge of his bed, both hands grasping the
paper. His eyes continue to cross it back and forth.
ANTHONY
The first human being. The first. A
public place. Seven days.
Anthony rubs his temples with his hands.
19.
ANTHONY
What's the harm if you're wrong?
You lose seven days? Who cares? But
if you're right...
(beat)
Don't be a moron. Shit. You're
talking to yourself.
Anthony stands and stretches, his legs crack.
INT. BATHROOM - NIGHT
The blurry outline of Anthony in the shower. The mist pours
out from the semi-opened shower door.
He is standing completely still.
INT. OFFICE - DAY
Holding a newspaper under one arm, a StarBucks coffee cup in
the other, Anthony makes his way passed various cubicles
filled with his CO-WORKERS, who don't notice his presence,
all focused on their computer screens, typing strenuously.
Anthony reaches his cubicle, takes a seat while placing the
StarBucks cup on top of the folded paper. He turns on his
computer and sits back in his chair.
VOICE
(o.s.)
Waters!
Anthony jumps slightly, spins around.
ANTHONY
(Mimics)
Jerry!
JERRY stands at the cubicles entrance, arms crossed. He's
not pleased.
JERRY
You're late.
He glances at his gold Rolex.
JERRY
Again.
Anthony nods. A subtle gesture.
JERRY
Do I need to ask?
20.
ANTHONY
(Innocently)
Ask what, sir?
Jerry sighs.
JERRY
Why... were... you... late?
Anthony spins around in his chair as his screen blinks on.
ANTHONY
The weather.
JERRY
The weather? Don't insult my
intelligence Anthony. I drove here
too. We all did. The traffic was
fine. So explain to me, what does
the weather have to do with anything?
Anthony types in his password.
ANTHONY
It determines whether or not I show up.
Anthony spins around, smiling.
JERRY
You work on that one all weekend?
Whatever. I don't care. Just get to
work. I'm taking the last hour out
of your paycheck. Plus another one
for being a smartass.
(Smiles proudly)
Have a good day.
He leaves.
Anthony turns back to his screen. He attempts to move the
mouse, but the cursor is frozen on the screen. He moves the
mouse around in a circular motion, the cursor remains still.
Anthony sighs and re-boots the computer.
He picks up his StarBucks coffee cup and takes a sip.
Unfolding the newspaper, he removes the brown piece of paper
from inside.
A quick look back over his shoulder, he begins to read it to
himself.
21.
INT. OFFICE - LATER DAY
Anthony rushes passed various CO-WORKERS, his head down,
newspaper tucked tightly under his arm.
He jumps into the elevator and presses a button. He waits,
closes his eyes calmly. Beat.
ANTHONY
(v.o.)
A prison is not a prison if you
can't see the walls.
The doors close.
SLOW DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. PLAZA - DAY
A rainy, gray day. PEDESTRIANS adorned with raincoats and
carrying umbrellas scurry by an immense building.
Anthony Waters strolls briskly towards the MUSEUM. He wears
a dark green rain jacket, a hood over his head.
Stopping near the entrance, Anthony looks up to admire a
statue. Not quite pristine. Rough around the edges.
He smiles and mimics its exact pose, staying as still as he
can for a long beat.
A group of TEENAGE GIRLS giggle as they pass.
Anthony shivers from the cold rain and looks up to the statue.
ANTHONY
If you were human, you would be a
God a long time ago.
(beat)
And still be.
He smirks, rubs it on the leg for luck, and jogs up the
stairs towards the doors.
We're left looking at the statue; perfectly still.
INT. MUSEUM MONTAGE - DAY
Anthony brushes passed many FAMILIES. Most of them look as
if they just wanted to get out of the rain; bored expressions
on their faces as they stare at art behind a pane of glass.
22.
Anthony walks through the outer-space exhibits; the dinosaur,
pre-historic exhibits; the environment exhibits full of
extinct replica plants and animals.
He makes his way to the back and briskly walks into a
darkened room.
A sign overhead reads; 'Wax Museum'.
INT. WAX MUSEUM - DAY
Anthony stands in front of Captain Kirk.
Shatner looks a lot younger.
INT. WAX MUSEUM - DAY
Anthony sips from a straw in a jumbo-sized plastic cup.
He passes Jimmy Hendrix.
INT. WAX MUSEUM - LATER DAY
Anthony snaps a photo of an ASIAN FAMILY huddling around
Godzilla as they pretend to scream.
INT. WAX MUSEUM - LATER DAY
The Incredible Hulk flexes.
Outside, two TWINS pretend to box. Twin #1 steps back and
flexes.
TWIN # 1
(Growling)
You wouldn't like me when I'm angry.
He changes poses, still flexing.
Twin #2 turns away, not amused.
TWIN # 2
Yeah well, I don't like you
normally, so you're probably right.
Anthony walks passed quickly, his face reddened.
INT. BATHROOM - LATER DAY
Anthony stands at a urinal. A FAT MAN with thick-framed
glasses stands two urinals down.
Anthony turns his head to face the Fat Man.
23.
ANTHONY
I can't go until you leave.
The Fat Man turns his head slowly in Anthony's direction.
FAT MAN
I can't leave until I go.
Anthony, somewhat stunned, turns back to face the wall.
INT. WAX MUSEUM - EVENING
Anthony removes an apple from his pocket and chews it as he
stares at the best two parts of Pamela Anderson.
INT. WAX MUSEUM - EVENING
Anthony talks with an AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMAN as they examine
George Clooney in a doctor's uniform.
INT. WAX MUSEUM - NIGHT
An elderly JANITOR passes behind Anthony.
Anthony stares skeptically at someone's wax duplicate he has
never seen before.
JANITOR
Closing time, sir.
The Janitor strolls by without looking.
Anthony looks on at the waxed stranger with unfamiliarity.
INT. WAX MUSEUM - LATER NIGHT
The LIGHTS shut off one by one. All is quiet.
Anthony stands perfectly still, frozen comically in a
running position, against the back wall in a display case.
He is on a beach with white sand. Painted waves are behind
him. He wears nothing but swim attire.
Next to him, holding a red flotation device and wearing red
shorts, is David Hasselhoff.
Anthony drops to the sand, laughing.
INT. WAX MUSEUM - DAY
A few TEENAGERS walk up to the display case, facing straight
ahead, they shakes their heads.
24.
Hasselhoff remains still. Anthony is nowhere to be found.
As the Teenagers move down the line, they stop at another
display case. They stare ahead in confusion.
The cast of Friends sit around in a coffee shop. Anthony is
in the background, sitting perfectly still at the counter.
TEENAGER # 1
Who's that?
TEENAGER # 2
Where?
Teenager # 1 points.
TEENAGER # 1
Back there. At the counter.
The Teenagers lean in for a closer look, faces pressed
tightly against the glass.
TEENAGER # 3
Who the hell is that?
TEENAGER # 2
Probably just an extra or something.
The Teenagers pull back, wide eyed, they nod their heads in
unison. Their facial marks slowly fading from the clean glass.
TEENAGER # 1
Any of you guys find the Jay and
Silent Bob yet?
INT. WAX MUSEUM - NIGHT
No lights. It's closed.
Anthony sits in the exact position as before at the Friends
counter. His face has turned red. beat.
He begins to shake.
ANTHONY
Shit.
Anthony explodes up from his seat, he makes a mad dash out
of the display case.
INT. BATHROOM - NIGHT
Anthony pisses into a urinal. Alone. His head tilted up to
the ceiling, a look of relief spread across his face.
25.
ANTHONY
(Mimics the Fat Man)
'I can't leave until I go.' ...
Smartass.
INT. WAX MUSEUM - NIGHT
Anthony walks along the line of display cases and looks into
each, searching for the right spot.
He eventually looks into one and smiles.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. WAX MUSEUM - DAY
A MOTHER shows her young DAUGHTER a display case; the scene
of Jesus' birth.
Mary holds the baby Jesus, surrounded by Animals and several
Wise Men.
MOTHER
It is good for you to see this.
The Daughter tugs on her Mother's arm.
DAUGHTER
(Whining)
I don't care! I want to see Shrek!
You promised!
The Mother looks around at the other PEOPLE, somewhat
embarrassed.
MOTHER
(Stern and quiet)
We will if you be good. Keep making
a scene, and no stopping off at
Blockbuster on the way home. Period.
I mean it.
DAUGHTER
No! You can't do that! You're not
allowed!
The Mother looks up and smiles at the other People, who
politely smile back.
MOTHER
A bundle of joy.
The Mother tightens her grip on her Daughter's hand and
pulls her away as the tantrum continues.
26.
The People watch them leave. They turn their heads in unison,
eyeing the inside of the display case.
One of the Wise Men is lying down on the hay, back turned,
with a wool blanket draped over the head and body.
An OLD MAN looks over to an OLD WOMAN with confusion.
OLD MAN
Does this look a little odd to you?
The Old Woman studies the scene.
OLD WOMAN
A little. But they never said it
would be completely historically
accurate. Did they?
The Old Man turns his attention back to the scene, scratching
his thin head of hair.
OLD MAN
Yeah... I guess not.
INT. WAX MUSEUM MONTAGE - DAY
Various PEOPLE come and go, passing the birth of Christ
display case. It doesn't seem that popular of an attraction.
Everything within remains perfectly still.
FADE TO BLACK
FADE IN:
INSERT - 6 Days Later
INT. WAX MUSEUM - NIGHT
The LIGHTS turn on.
The elderly Janitor enters the birth of Christ display case,
carrying a broom.
The Janitor heads to the center of the room, directly
underneath a malfunctioning lightbulb on the ceiling.
He pokes the lightbulb with the broom handle.
The LIGHT FLICKERS to life before dying again.
The Janitor sighs tiredly.
27.
JANITOR
This is it. I'm quitting.
He trudges away and out of the display case.
CLOSE UP on Anthony. Ghostly pale, his eyes shut tightly.
The wool blanket wrapped tightly around his head. He's lost
a lot of weight. He looks dead.
Beat.
The Janitor re-enters with a small step ladder and a new bulb.
He places the step ladder directly underneath the defective
bulb and begins climbing.
Reaching the top, he slowly unscrews the lightbulb. While
doing so, he looks down to find his bearings on the ladder.
The lightbulb suddenly unscrews, seemingly by its own
volition, and falls from the Janitor's hands.
It SHATTERS on the one portion of the ground not covered
with hay, right next to Anthony the wise man.
Anthony's eyes burst open; he turns over onto his back with
lightning quick speed, breathing heavily.
The Janitor looks down, wide eyed, and lets out a scream.
The stepladder gives way, the frightened Janitor tumbles to
the hay in a crumpled heap.
Anthony sits up and backs himself into the wall, the front
of his pants stained with a dark, wet mark that stretches
down to the leg.
There's a pool of piss where he once lay.
ANTHONY
(Voice hoarse)
Oh please God don't tell me- - ?
He stares wide eyed at the unconscious Janitor.
ANTHONY
You son of a- - !
Anthony looks around in the room in utter horror.
ANTHONY
No!!
He springs up to his feet; grimacing as his legs crack.
28.
He hobbles over to the motionless Janitor. He turns him
around and takes hold of him by the shirt collar.
ANTHONY
Do you have any idea what you just
cost me! Do you know what you've done?!
Anthony collapses to his knees, releasing the unconscious
Janitor from his clutches. He falls back on his ass,
bringing his legs up to his chest, wrapping his arms around
his knees, he buries his head in his little pocket, sobbing
uncontrollably. beat.
Anthony looks up with tears welling up his eyes.
ANTHONY
A fucking lightbulb.
He collapses onto his back, exhausted from all that lack of
movement.
SLOW DISSOLVE TO:
INT. MUSEUM - MORNING
Anthony, tired and worn-out, sits alone at a table drinking
a coffee, a half eaten sandwich in front of him.
Various FAMILIES rush by in raincoats, holding folded umbrellas.
He watches them all with complete disgust.
EXT. PLAZA - MORNING
Gray. Raining. Depressing. Anthony Waters emerges from the
museum doors. He wears a dark green rain jacket.
He stops at the foot of the descending stairs and looks out
in front of him.
Various PEDESTRIANS scurry by, oblivious to any and all.
Cars rush by on the busy street ahead.
ANTHONY
(Quietly)
It could've been mine. All of it.
All of you. It should've been.
He takes a deep breath and steps down the stairs.
He reaches the bottom and looks up. A slight grin crosses
his face as he walks straight ahead.
Anthony reaches the statue; he looks up at it in admiration.
29.
The statue seems worn-down from the constant rain.
ANTHONY
It's amazing what you can do when
you know people are watching.
His smile grows wider. beat. He suddenly bursts out into a
fit of laughter.
He leans forward on the statue, trying to catch his breath.
Several PEOPLE throw him a quick, awkward glance, but keep
moving.
Anthony begins to calm down.
ANTHONY
What was I thinking? Jesus.
He chuckles to himself and shakes his head at the ground.
A Bug crawls out of the statue's nostril.
Anthony looks up.
ANTHONY
I'll leave it to you pal.
Anthony taps the statue on the shin with his knuckle and
turns to leave. He takes a few awkward steps. beat.
A CRACKING sound.
He stops in his tracks. Looks down at his legs.
CRACK.
His body stiffens, still facing away.
CRACK. CRACK - - CRACK.
He hesitantly turns around.
The statue begins to crumble apart slowly, piece by piece. A
MAN falls out from within the statue and collapses onto the
pavement below.
Some PEOPLE nearby yelp and run away. Anthony's jaw drops.
The Man wears a T-shirt and shorts, both covered completely
with dried cement. He has a semi-shaved head and a tattoo of
'666' across his left arm.
Anthony's eyes widen.
30.
EXT. BACKYARD - DAY
FLASHCUT:
HENRY
You hearin' this?
A Muscular Man with a shaved head is working on the layout
for the pool deck. He mixes around wet cement.
FLASHCUT:
The Muscular Man with shaved head and tattoo begins the
process of shaping and molding the cement into a block.
FLASHCUT:
SCOTT
News says it's going to rain for
the next several days.
EXT. PLAZA - MORNING
The Man slowly stands up and stretches. His 666 tattoo
prominent beneath the remnants of damp cement.
Anthony watches on with bewilderment.
The Man spots Anthony, a crooked smile spreads across his
face. He winks.
The Man turns and walks powerfully toward the street, the
busy traffic rushing by.
Anthony follows him with an amazed stare.
The Man reaches the curb, cars speed by a few feet from
where he stands. He holds out his hand, everything stops.
The cars freeze in their positions. PEDESTRIANS freeze in
their hurried tracks.
Anthony watches the Man, unmoving. Still.
The Man looks at his hand with satisfaction as a lone car
maneuvers passed the frozen vehicles and pulls up to the
curb where he stands.
The door swings open. Scott steps out of the driver's seat
and leads the Man by the arm to the passenger side door.
Scott opens it with a smile and lets the Man in.
He looks over in Anthony's direction.
31.
EXT. BACKYARD - DAY
FLASHCUT:
HENRY
Yeah... I think he's better at the
molding.
ANTHONY
I would hope so.
Scott looks up from the crouch position, smiling.
EXT. PLAZA - MORNING
The lone car pulls away from the curb, around the unmoving
traffic, and drives off into the distance.
And everything's normal again. The cars speed by without a
care. The pedestrians continue with their lives, oblivious.
Anthony collapses to his knees. His stare fixated on the
place where the man used to be.
Looking back at the pieces of the broken statue, then out
across the street, Anthony desperately searches for the
man's whereabouts. He is nowhere to be found.
FADE OUT.