Casablanca’s A Mirror Image
EXT. Road- Evening
We see a long road, a car drives down it, it is far away due to the distance from the camera. The land seems desert-like, with no buildings in sight. Piano music is the only sound that fills the air, as no form of life can be heard. The title eases up while the camera stays on this distant car.
TITLE
The title fades out and we are back with the establishing shot. Cut to a tree with birds flying out of it, black ravens.
EXT. Villa- Evening
There is a large house, almost a villa in front of the camera. A circular driveway leads to a large front door. The car from before enters down a small pathway, quite thin, and into this circular driveway. It performs a u-turn as to fit into something resembling a parking spot. A man emerges from the driver side, an older man, 50 or so, average height, maybe a little plump, and rather sophisticated with glasses. This is WARREN. He looks up to the sky and stretches, his elbows above his head. He then looks as if he remembers something and goes to the passenger side and opens the door, helping a woman out. She is quite tall and thin, wearing a thick dress and a hat. She is pale and has a dull look on her face. She is MADELINE. She steps out and goes to the trunk, putting her purse on the back of the car. Her husband has her hand in his, and then lets go of it as he walks to the door. Now we see some shots of the setting. There are black birds, like before, in the trees, red leaves surrounding the thin, scrawny trees. A meadow pushes water down a stream, making a quiet crashing sound against the rocks as it goes down the path. It cuts back to the couple. Warren is looking around the main door, above and below it and Madeline is leaning against the car, lighting a cigarette, all of her attention turned to the lighter. The camera cuts to showing just Warren, who is fumbling around the door. He takes a step back and is looking around. Then, he sees the rug, and picks it up, revealing a key underneath it, which he picks up. He sticks it in the door and turns it, it opens. He turns and clears his throat. Madeline looks over and, noticing the door is open, takes her purse from the back of the car and walks towards the house.
INT. Villa- Evening
As the door opens wider, more and more light pours into the large main room. A small flicker of light pops up as Warren lights a lantern, walking in with it, Madeline behind him. He puts it down on a counter and takes a candle out of it. He proceeds to go around the room, lighting candles as Madeline opens the few measly windows, allowing small samples of light. We know can clearly see inside. Warren puts the candle back in the lantern and walks over to Madeline. He takes her hands and kisses her. Her face has a look of anger, depression, and lack of love towards her husband. As his face parts with hers, she breathes out some smoke form her cigarette. Her husband looks at her for a second and then forces a grim smile, more of a resentful understanding then of happiness. He turns and walks over to his bag, picks it up and leaves the room. Madeline goes to a window and looks at it. A black spider has a nest there, which she stares at, almost obsessively. Her stare gets deeper and deeper until she hears footsteps. She turns and sees her husband getting another bag, and then further walking out of the room. She does one more glance at the spider and then, seemingly haven lost the trance, turns and goes over to a bag, in which she picks up and leaves with, just like her husband.
EXT. Road- Evening
Similar to the establishing shot, we are provided with the same long road as before. Down it, a car drives, slowly and cautiously. Now, though, we hear the hum of the car, and there are no birds, or life for that matter in sight. It continues to drive down.
INT. Villa- Evening
Madeline is in the upstairs of the villa, unpacking her things. She is putting things in her dresser and items on the dresser, as well. Normal things mostly, clothing, things for the bathroom and for sleeping, but then she takes out a letter opener and puts it in a drawer. She hears a thump.
Madeline
Warren?
She walks towards the door, and then stops when she hears a different noise, a car pulling up. She turns around and walks towards a window.
EXT. Villa- Evening
The second car has now pulled in the circular driveway in a more hurried manner. As it stops, the driver door opens quickly and out jogs a man. He is younger, taller and more handsome. He too looks sophisticated, however, not as much so as Warren. He has a black suit and black hair. His name is JONATHON. He rushes to the front door of the villa and opens it, entering.
INT. Villa- Evening
Jonathon is in the main room. He looks around, and then heads for some stairs. Warren descends them first and greets Jonathon at the bottom. They shake hands. They talk quietly.
Jonathon (whispering)
Where shall she stay, have you a room made out?
Warren (whispering)
No, we haven’t yet, but how about you put her in the room to the left, right as you go up the stairs. Do you need assistance?
Jonathon
No, thank you very much.
Jonathon turns and rushes back out of the villa. It is raining now, and the sky lost its light and now appears to be a grey canvas. Pale. He goes to the passenger side of his car and opens the door. He leans in and appears to be struggling. Out he emerges with a woman, carrying her. She is in a formal nightgown and is quite beautiful, as well as quite small and precious. Her husband handles her as if she could break, being careful to please her. She is LAURA. Eerie music begins. We get a pan, starting at Jonathon closing the car door, swinging up to the window on the top floor. We see a close up of Madeline peering down at them, though her eyes resonate with hatred, with fear and anger. There is a twisted look in her eyes. The scene music ends as we cut back to Jonathon close the main door, Laura still in his arms.
INT. Villa- Evening
Jonathon is in the main room, and he takes Laura up to the stairs and starts climbing them. He goes to the bedroom on the left and enters. It is small, one bed and a small dresser. He lays Laura on the bed and smiles at her, they share a quick peck. He then turns and leaves the room. We cut to the room with Warren and Madeline. Out their window we see Jonathon getting bags from a car and in the room Warren is sitting on the bed, taking his shoes off, while Madeline is folding some clothes. There is an awkward silence. When broken, the talk is quiet and cold.
Madeline
What were their names again?
Warren
Oh, his is Jonathon. And her’s...oh, what was her’s again? Was it…Laurie, that was it, no Laura, Laura.
Madeline
How do you know them?
Warren
It’s actually Jonathon I know, I met him back a few years ago, he is in…oh, construction, architect, that sort of thing. Not so much the building, but the, you know, planning and such. Anyways, I was doing “In Daunting Shadows”, the play after last, and he was one of the men commissioned to build the sets. We met one day, got talking, turns out his father was quite well off, oil or something. Met a few times… not much really.
Madeline
Have you met her?
Warren
Who, Laura? No, no, I think I shook her hand once, maybe at the Donner Christmas Party, never talked to her though. I didn’t actually know she was coming until Sunday.
Warren stands and walks over to the closet, taking of his jacket.
Warren
Turns out the poor girl is an invalid. Had her legs disabled in some sort of accident, hasn’t been able to walk ever since. It’s sad really, been so hard on Jonathon, you know, he has told me about that, I forgot to mention it. We shall have to…try to help out, I suppose, it would be a nice break for him, I imagine he’s tired, just…worn out over it all. I would be.
Madeline is staring at Warren with a mixture of emotions. Jealousy and anger really. Warren finally puts his coat in then goes back to the bed, sitting down by Madeline.
Warren
Also, there is one more thing…
He gets closer to her.
Warren
From what I gather, you know how people talk, I heard that…Jonathon and Laura…couldn’t have children. And I believe they have tried, quite a few times at that. There was a miscarriage once, I think, and then…nothing, it couldn’t happen. I just thought, being it such a…tight time, with Laura’s surgery coming up, surely they are worried, if we could refrain from the mention of…children and such. I know your stance on that, and I haven’t been pushing lately, however, I was hoping we could, sort of drop the issue for the month, out of courtesy, you follow?
Madeline stands up stiffly.
Madeline
Of course, I’d prefer not even to think of it, let alone mention.
Warren stands up with her, so that they are still relatively close.
Warren
Now, darling, I’m sorry, I know I promised not to bring it up; I just thought I should put it out there. I want to enjoy ourselves this month, don’t you?
Madeline
Certainly, we wouldn’t want to ruin our guest’s weekend, especially not with her surgery coming up.
Warren
Now, Madeline quiet, the walls are only so thick. And this is our month too, you said you wanted to get away, escape from the hustle of the city. I know my latest project has been draining; it has been for me too, five months with the crowds, 3 hours of sleep a night, you don’t think I wanted to get away, too? I just…I want to relax, Madeline, just enjoy ourselves. We haven’t been together much lately, and I realize that is my fault, much of it anyways, I have been pretty busy for a while and I hope to make it up to you.
Madeline turns and slowly paces around the room.
Madeline
How nice. So we’re to have a nice, calm month, the four of us. Tell me, did Jonathon bring his work with him…
Madeline throws a few notebooks on the ground.
Madeline (Cont…)
…his notebooks, his job. You want me to relax, I’ll be bored, I’ll be alone.
Warren assumes a role of power and stands up straight.
Warren
I’ll not allow this, we are to enjoy ourselves, and you are to keep your voice down. Pick up my notebooks and put them on the bed. I’ll be waiting for you downstairs, I expect you to clean yourself up, I don’t propose to be made a fool of in front of our guests.
He walks to the door.
Warren
When you come down make some coffee, Jonathon is apt to be cold, what with the rain and all.
Madeline is quite angry.
Madeline
I don’t want to meet them, just leave, leave…
Warren interrupts her quickly and, contrary to his warnings, loudly.
Warren (demanding)
You are to greet them with open arms, and you are to be quick of it.
He leaves, almost slamming the door quietly, if possible. Madeline looks frustrated, however, oddly enough, we see no tears, just anger. She lies on the bed, her hands on her head, as if cooling down. We then cut to the main room again. Jonathon is there, soaking wet. He has the last of his bags and is carrying it to the staircase. He goes up it and enters his room. Laura is lying there. He puts the bag down and sits on the bed next to her.
Jonathon
You awake, darling?
No response. Jonathon has a slight grimace and stands up to take his clothes off. After a while Laura starts moaning. Jonathon turns around and Laura is thrashing slightly.
Jonathon
Laura, what is it? What is it? Laura?
She trashes more and then regains herself, crying.
Laura
Jonathon, the pain, it was the pain.
Jonathon
It’s all right Laura, its over, its over.
She continues to cry with her head on his shoulder.
Jonathon
Tell you what darling. Warren and Madeline want to have a cup of coffee, why don’t you skip it, get some rest. Its been a long ride, your bound to be tired. I’ll bring you some tea afterwards, then we’ll…lay down, talk until we fall to sleep, how’s that?
She continues crying. It cuts to a table; Jonathon sits there with his head buried in his hands. Warren walks in with two cups of coffee and gives one to Jonathon. He then sits down.
Warren
Well, now we can say the weather could have been better.
Jonathon
That’s for sure, at least we arrived first, and hopefully it will be finished with tomorrow.
Warren
No telling, it may turn out to be five days, if we’re lucky, maybe more. You can’t tell around these parts, that’s something I learned when my father worked out here.
Jonathon
Your father worked in this town?
Warren puts his cup of coffee down, taking a sip.
Warren
No, no, not here. It was about thirty minutes away or so, a town called “Liowna”.
Jonathon
Sorry, I’ve never heard of it.
Warren
Oh, well, they’ve changed the name since then, don’t remember what to. Its somewhere around here anyways. However, I visited quite a bit when I was young, you know, 14 or 15, as my parents were divorced at the time. And I remember this one time really well, because, it was this bright sunny day, the sun shining and all, couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day. So, me and my father took this horse, there was …you know, carriage in the back, so we took it and thought we’d travel to town, buy some…oh, milk, eggs, something for dinner. So on we go, and we’re just riding. Now, we get about twenty minutes down the road, the sun starts hiding, behind the clouds like it does. I say…”Father, maybe we should turn back, the sun is gone”. He takes his pipe out of his mouth and he grumbles, he says “I don’t like the look of those clouds…but up there, they don’t look so bad”.
The men chuckle.
Warren (Cont.)
So we continue on, and it gets 30 minutes, 40 minutes into the trip, and it starts sprinkling. Now, as pig headed as my father was, he decided to turn around, thank god. However, it was still 40 minutes back. I had the idea to hide underneath a…oh, what do you call it, where you keep the chickens?
Jonathon
Oh, it’s a…a coop
Warren
Yes, a coop thank you, that’s it. Anyway, I recommend we hide under this coop, and he agrees. So we tie the horses to a pole and hide in this coop. Now, the wind is really blowing, branches are falling off trees, and the rain, its pouring down, absolutely pouring. And, to make things better there is this hole in the coop, and we’re trying to get as far away from it as possible, and there are all these, chickens, you know, running about, you step on them and all. And this wind, it keeps picking up, pretty soon, trees are being pulled out of the ground and literally thrown across the fields. The roof to the coop is slowly falling off, so here we are trying to hold on to the roof, and then the whole coop starts to leave the ground.
Jonathon smiles as he is entertained by the story.
Warren (Cont.)
Finally the wind dies down, suddenly, very quickly, and then the sun just…pops up, as if there had never even been a storm, just clear sky all the way you could see. So we walk out, carefully, sort of examining what had just happened, and then we go over to the horses, where we tied them up I mean. And there is nothing. The horses are gone, and…all that sits there is some rope tied to the pole, the horses, its like they vanished. So we had to walk back that whole way, I can’t even guess how many miles it was. Luckily a carriage came by and picked us up. But, and the thing is, while it was driving us back, we passed a dead horse, quite torn apart, technically it was half of a horse. Now, something seemed strange about it, so I told them to stop, and we pulled over. Now, remember this is about 20 minutes away from the coop we were at during the storm. So I get out and walk over to this horse, and the smell is unbearable, it is too much. So I plug my nose and, it took all the courage I had, I walk up, and sitting right there on the horse, were my bags. It was my horse. The wind throw it, god, it must have been 12 miles or so down the way, and here we are, passing it.
The men laugh.
Warren
But my bags were fine, nothing seriously broken. But, god, I’ll never forget that day.
There is a silence.
Warren
Madeline should be down soon, I don’t know what is keeping her, you know, the way women are.
Jonathon
I’m very sorry about Laura, she would love to have came out, but she’s been complaining about feeling ill, I’m not sure what it is.
Warren
Oh, no worries, none at all, it was…quite a ride, wasn’t it?
Jonathon
It was at that.
There is a noise coming closer.
Warren
Ah, there she is.
Madeline enters the screen. Warren jumps up and pulls a chair out for her.
Warren
Sit down dear, you want dome coffee, I just made a pot?
Madeline
No, you know I despise the drink.
Warren grimaces slightly and sits down himself.
Warren
I was just telling Jonathon, the weather could have been better, hopefully we’ll get more sun tomorrow. Oh, I forgot, you’ve never met. Jonathon, my wife Madeline.
Jonathon looks at her and says “Hello”, she simply nods.
Warren
Not that we were planning on doing anything today as it is, tomorrow though, whoever would like to come, I’d be interested in checking out that old village, only 20 minutes or so down the road. Supposedly quite a bit of ruins there, it may be quite a sight, anyone interested?
Jonathon
Yes, I’d love to, I’m quite fascinated by those sorts of things.
Warren
Splendid, Madeline, you feel up to it?
Madeline
No, I think I will stay here, there must be something to do around the house, I’m sure I’ll find something.
Warren
Well, are you sure? It’ll be a nice trip, and don’t worry about the work, I can handle that, just little things here and there it is, I’m sure.
Madeline
I’m sure.
There is a very short silence.
Warren
All right then, so it is. Well, I must say it is getting quite late, I seemed to have lost track of the time. I suppose we should get to bed early. After that ride, I could use it, if I want to get up at all tomorrow.
Jonathon chuckles as he stands up with Warren. They shake hands.
Jonathon
Well then, I’ll see you tomorrow, good night.
Warren
You too, say “good night” to Laura for me
Jonathon
I will, thank you
He turns towards Madeline and wishes her “good night” as well. He then turns and leaves. Warren holds his hand out to Madeline, however, she gets up herself, and they walk back to their room.
Warren
Nice man, Jonathon is, isn’t he?
Madeline
I suppose, where was his wife?
Warren
In the bedroom, apparently she isn’t feeling well or something
It fades out as they open they’re door. It is black, as we hear a noise, almost like coughing. A light flicks on and we see Warren in bed with Madeline. He sits up.
Warren
Madeline…?
She lies there with a black mask covering her eyes, not moving.
Warren
Madeline? Was that you? Madeline?
You hear more coughing, coming from down stairs. Warren sighs and lies back down. He turns the light off. It is dark and silent again.
Warren (V.O)
Oh god, god, god, god….
The sound ends.
EXT. Villa- Morning
It cuts to a bright sun. Then it cuts back to the woods and meadow displayed earlier. Everything seems more peaceful, more tranquil and calm. The water is still, unmoving except for a small ripple or so.
INT. Villa- Morning
Warren is wearing white clothes, boots and a hat, almost like he is going out on an adventure. He is tying his boats, as the laces go all the way up, so it takes him a while. Jonathon walks out in the same room. He is wearing brown clothing, a similar fashion. Warren stands up. He looks at Jonathon.
Warren
Well, you all set?
Jonathon
Yes, it seems so. Shall we head out?
Warren
Lead the way
They start to walk out, and then Warren stops them.
Warren
Jonathon…do you think I could, well, say “bye” to Laura. I mean, I haven’t even greeted her yet.
Jonathon
Certainly, she should be awake.
Warren
Thank you
Warren leaves the room, and Jonathon sits at the table, where Warren was. Cut to Warren walking in a hall way. He makes his way to a door and creaks it open slightly. We see Laura getting dressed, as she is naked. Warren shudders a second, but is strangely compelled. He stands there watching, breathing heavily. We are now inside the room. Laura is getting her bra on when she hears a noise. She turns around and sees nothing. After a while, she turns back to putting on her bra. The camera pans through the door crack and we see Warren pressed against the wall, so he cannot be seen. He is still breathing heavily. Cut back to Warren walking through the room with Jonathon.
Jonathon
Was she awake?
Warren hesitates.
Warren
No, she...must have fallen back asleep.
They leave. We cut to Madeline in bed. She slowly wakes up and takes the mask off. She hears noises from outside and a car start. Curious, she goes to the window, The bright light makes it hard for her to see but she can make out Warren and Jonathon are leaving for the village. She lies back in her bed. Through the open window, we hear the car drive away. Madeline hears moaning. She sits up. Cut to Laura’s room. Laura is trying to sit up, with not much luck. Madeline walks past and peers in. She opens the door even more slightly, but this causes Laura to look over and see her.
Laura
Hello, you must be Madeline. Jonathon has told me about you, but I haven’t met you yet. How do you do?
Madeline
Fine
Laura
I hate to ask, but do you think you could help me. I’m trying to get to my chair. I’m quite thirsty, I haven’t drank all night, and I was going to go to the kitchen.
Madeline
We’re all out of coffee
Laura
Oh, are we? Well, maybe I could run out later, once Jonathon gets home
Madeline
Well, I’ll take you. Yeah…let’s go out for a coffee.
Laura
We won’t miss Warren and Jonathon?
Madeline
Oh no, they will be four or five hours. Come on, I’ll be right back. Get dressed.
Laura nods in agreement and Madeline leaves. The camera tracks Madeline as she walk to the kitchen through the halls. She goes to a drawer and takes out a tin of coffee. She starts the sink and pours all of the coffee inside. It fades to black. When it opens up again, we see Warren standing, aiming a camera at the screen. He takes a picture.
Warren
Quite wonderful, really.
It pans out and we see Warren and Jonathon, as well as a few others, surrounding a small stone artifact.
Warren
It’s a coffin, you know. For the poor. Not just one person, probably…oh, 6 or 7. Just in that small stone structure. Amazing, it really is. How different things are now, how changed we have become. This reminds me of a play I did in New York about 6 years ago. It was a play about evolution, really. And it was astonishing at how fast we had to switch from the cavemen to, you know, modern men. You can’t put something like that in perspective just in a matter of minutes. It takes so much longer.
They walk away from it.
Warren
Well, we have seem to have lost our tour group
Jonathon
They’re probably back on the ferry home
Warren
Ha, no worries. We can take our time. Anyway, I have a map. Anything you want to see.
Jonathon
Oh, I’ve…no clue, you pick something.
Warren
All right…
He takes out a map, unfolds it and puts it against a rock.
Warren
Well, lets see. We can…How about we see this, the, uh...the garden, you know, where the king rested at. And then…would you like to take a boat ride?
Jonathon
A boat ride?
Warren
Yes, a boat ride through the rivers that link both sides of, oh, whats it called?
Jonathon
What, like a ferry?
Warren
Oh god no, the river isn’t that wide at all, more of a canoe trip actually, and…I don’t think you need a guide. Just you and me it seems. Says its pretty safe.
Jonathon
All right, maybe it will be a bit cooler then it is here
They walk off. It cuts to Madeline and Laura. Madeline is helping Laura in her wheel chair out of the car, and then pushes her into a coffee shop. They sit at a booth.
Laura
This is a nice town, quite small though
Madeline smiles and then looks down at the menu. A waiter walks up.
Waiter
What will it be?
Laura
I’ll just have a coffee please
Madeline
Two coffees
Waiter
Two coffees coming up
The waiter leaves. Madeline looks at Laura.
Laura
I haven’t had the chance to meet Warren yet, what line of business is he in?
Madeline
He writes plays
Laura
In the arts? Wow, I have always had a great respect for artists. It must be quite a bit of work though, how does he manage?
Madeline smiles and lights a cigarette, then puts it in her mouth.
Madeline
He works a lot
Laura
He must, what, with rehearsals and all. Jonathon is in architecture.
Madeline
Warren told me.
Laura
Oh did he? It’s a nice job, good paying anyway. And he seems to like it. He always liked putting things together and adventures, and such. Really, a blue print is like a treasure map, I suppose.
Madeline
Is that why he does it?
Laura
What do you mean?
Madeline
Does he seek excitement?
Laura
I think so, it’s just…I slow him down
Madeline
How so?
Laura starts to look sad.
Laura
I just…he used to want to travel a lot, go far places and, you know…always be on the move. And know, after this accident…he says its no big deal, and he sure seems happy, but I think that…its caused him more stress then it has caused me. I don’t like to put so much on him.
Laura starts to cry and Madeline cracks a slight sadistic smile.
Laura
We used to do a lot. Always be busy, at some party or another, somewhere all the time. Now, he says we must get used to staying home, to just…huddling around the house. And, well, I can’t do much, but I know that’s not what he wants. But he is so kind and so worried; I can’t talk him into it otherwise. And so, I just feel like I am causing him so much trouble, like I am…
Madeline
Yes?
Laura
Like I am worth…nothing. Just a problem. Worry after worry. And it’s…so stressful. Sometimes I wish…
She cries a bit louder, trying to contain herself.
Laura (Cont.)
I wish I wasn’t such a burden on him. Like I would just disappear.
The waiter walks back up with two cups of coffee. She puts them down.
Waiter
Here you are
The waiter walks off.
Laura
Madeline…is it?
Madeline nods.
Laura
May I ask you a question?
Madeline nods again.
Madeline
Anything
Laura
Do you want children?
Madeline’s face changes to that of a slight terror. It cuts to Warren and Jonathon walking through a garden.
Warren
I wonder if the king ever got as lost as we are
They chuckle
Jonathon
I thought we passed this point before
Warren
Following this map, we’ve passed this point 4 times
Jonathon
At least mother nature is taking pity
Warren
Thank god for that
Jonathon
I hope you don’t mind, but, I noticed…that Madeline seemed a bit distant last night. Was she all right?
Warren
Yes, yes, we just had a bit of an argument that was all. Thing is, we have been fighting more and more lately.
Jonathon
Well, yes, look at your schedule; you have so much to do. This will be a nice break, really help patch things up.
Warren
Yes, that’s what I told her. She doesn’t believe me, she has never been a fan of traveling. I think she would have preferred just stay in New York. God knows what she sees there.
Jonathon
Well, I suppose we have all been quite distant for a while. Even I have been more secluded then I usually am. Laura even commented on it, asked if anything was wrong. I can’t point it out, but there is just something. Something…wrong. I don’t know, hopefully it will work itself out, especially if I am sounding like a fool already.
Warren
Not at all, I feel it too. I think we all do. It’s…unexplainable. Just simply…some sort of stress from the past few weeks. Shouldn’t last long.
Warren stops and this causes Jonathon to stop.
Jonathon
Well, what is it?
Warren
Nothing, I just…I could have sworn the entrance was right next to that sign, you see it, the information pamphlets.
Jonathon
Oh, it’s probably just another post, the exit has to be around here somewhere though, it didn’t disappear.
Warren
Yes, of course, it just…I could have…sworn
Jonathon
I’m just as lost as you; let’s keep walking we are bound to run into someone sooner or later
Warren
There is another thing; we haven’t seen anyone for the last half hour or so.
Jonathon
Yeah, and a tour just started when we entered, it was jam packed. What time do you have, maybe the tour is over
They look at their watches
Warren
I have…10:36
Jonathon
Yeah, me too, exactly
Warren
Well, that’s impossible. We left the house around 11:00, figure it took a couple hours to get here. Was your watch working earlier?
Jonathon
Funny thing is, right when I got off the ferry it said 2:00…so that means…
Warren
Well, time couldn’t have gone back!
Jonathon
Let’s keep walking, see what is up here
They continue to walk. It cuts back to Madeline and Laura at the coffee table.
Madeline
Well, that…that is a difficult question to answer, I…don’t know how. I….
Laura
We’ve tried so many times! So hard, and always…always, I fail! I’m such a burden, I’m so…in the way…I, I don’t know what more I can do. Do you want children, does he, does anyone!?
Madeline
Warren does
Laura
And you don’t.
There is a moment of cool silence.
Laura
Why? How? Why don’t you? Why don’t you? I want one so badly, so…bad…and this all seems so mean. Why can’t I have one?
Madeline
Some people aren’t meant to be mothers. Some of us don’t have that written for us.
Laura
Who cares whats written! Who cares! I…want one. Why am I chosen?
Madeline
It’s all fate. You were never meant to have a child. Did your husband want one?
Laura nods, crying.
Madeline
There wasn’t anything you could do. It was set that you fail him, that you leave him childless. That his bloodline end here.
She continues to cry harder.
Madeline
There isn’t a thing you could have done. Nothing you could have done…
Laura is devastated now.
Laura
Stop it, just stop it, please
Madeline
What caused you to fail him? Was it fate?
Laura (through tears)
No
Madeline
Was it genetic?
Laura
No!
Madeline
Was it the accident?
Laura stops crying for a second and looks up.
Madeline
It was his fault, wasn’t it?
Laura gets an angry look in her eyes.
Madeline
Tell me, how did it happen?
Cut back to the garden. Warren is walking, looking at the map and Jonathon is beside him.
Warren
It has got to be around here somewhere, there is the fountain. The bushes over there, and the red flowers, sprawled out over there. We have to be close!
Jonathon
Yet…no exit
Warren gets frustrated.
Warren
Where is the tour, we were right behind it!
Jonathon
We must have taken a wrong turn somewhere. It is like a maze, you know.
Warren
Maze or not, I would prefer to get out of here now. We can do one of two things, split up or continue to go together. I’d prefer stick together, but it is your call.
Jonathon
No, I agree on that.
Warren
Good. Now, let’s just go over where we were, and what we recognize. I remember passing this tree here, don’t you?
Jonathon
Vaguely
Warren
Well, are you sure?
There is a silence.
Warren
Do you remember?
Jonathon
I don’t remember crossing that tree
Warren gets even more frustrated.
Warren
Alright, how about the fountain, it must be a ways back, do you remember that?
Jonathon
Yes, I remember that
Warren- Great! Now, let’s just find out where we are, relative to the fountain, and hope to get there. Now, we should be close because I managed to point it out on the map not a few seconds ago.
Jonathon
Good, where did you point it out at?
Warren
Well, it was…hm…I believe it was….I can’t remember, there maybe…or maybe behind us
Jonathon
I thought you said you just pointed it out a second ago
Warren
I did, but…I can’t remember, where
Jonathon
Let’s just keep walking; we’re bound to run into someone, dang it
Warren
This is absurd!
They walk on. It cuts to a large statue in the garden, quite evil looking. Cut back to Madeline and Laura.
Laura
It was one of those dark nights, the ones where you can’t even see your own hands. I used to dance. I just gave a performance and was in the parking lot, waiting for Jonathon to pick me up. After he didn’t show for twenty minutes, I was worried and annoyed, but finally he showed. I didn’t questions where he was, I just…got in the car. He drove off, and we had to go about 30 miles, so he was going quite quickly, it being dark and all. We came up to a turn, and all of a sudden…a woman appeared in the middle of the road, just standing there. Jonathon swerved off as not to hit her, and we landed in a ditch, turned over. The seat I was in pushed forward and my legs were smashed by the council. Jonathon was all right, not even touched. I was rushed to the hospital, and they thought I was to die for sure. Luckily, I didn’t. We paid quite a bit of money for all the operations, and now, I am left living. But, my legs couldn’t be saved. I didn’t want them severed, so there are…pills I need to take, so they can stay on without rotting away. Otherwise, it is just…dead flesh.
Madeline
Who was the woman in the middle of the road?
Laura
They never found her, they assume she ran away. You should have seen her though. She looked…terrifying…her face…
Cut to a shot of Madeline looking disturbed.
Laura (Cont.)
…I’ll never forget her face.
Cut back to Jonathon and Warren. They are walking. All of a sudden, they hear a loud, honking noise.
Warren
What was that?
They think.
Jonathon
The boat! The Ferry!
They start running to the noise.
Warren
Jonathon, hurry, keep up! Keep up!
They run faster. They then stop. Warren sits down with a smile on his face and Jonathon laughs. It cuts top the exit. It then cuts to Madeline and Laura. Laura is still sad, but she seems to snap out of a mood, like breaking from a spell.
Laura
I’d like to go home now
Cut to Madeline’s face, angered. Then cut to the villa. Then to inside. Jonathon is walking around in night clothes, as Warren is. They shake hands.
Warren
Well, this is a long expected good night
Jonathon
After a day like we had today, it will be difficult
They chuckle. Jonathon continues walking. He goes in Laura’s room.
Jonathon
Hello honey, sorry I was gone so long.
Laura
Oh that’s fine
Jonathon
Do anything today?
Laura
Madeline and me…we went out for coffee
Jonathon
Oh, did you? Great, must have been fun. I like seeing you get out like this! Here…
He sits a glass of water down.
Jonathon
Move over
She slides over in bed. Jonathon gets in bed with her.
Jonathon
Mind if I sleep here tonight?
She nods “no”. He cuddles with her.
Jonathon
You know what I was thinking?
She nods “no”
Jonathon
Go on, guess
Laura
I don’t know…not another vacation
Jonathon
No, no, not that. Something else.
Laura
I give up
Jonathon
Let’s move
Laura
Move?
Jonathon
Sure, why not? I’m finished with work there, you don’t like it. We’ll go somewhere by the lake, we’ll live on the lake. We can buy a boat. Nothing big, just something to sit on, like a raft. I’ll find a job, and you can take up knitting, like you wanted. You can sit on the raft and knit, just pass the time. I’ll work close to home, of course…
He chokes up, as does she.
Jonathon (Cont.)
…then, when I come home, we can have dinner together. You always wanted to sit at a table. Well, now we can. We’ll sit around a table, with knifes, forks, spoons, and drink, and just…talk. About anything, “How was your day?” or “what are you doing tomorrow?” and just not have a worry in the world. We will spend so much time outside, I’ll bring you on walks, we will travel the city, it would be like traveling the world, a new adventure every day, and always the safety of our home so close, so close. We’d never…never need anything, or anyone, just ourselves, just as long as we are together. Then…after it all. We could adopt a kid, I’m sure, I’ll keep looking. After you’re a grandmother, and our son has kids, and you can take care of them. After all that we’d be buried right next to each other, on that hill, you know the one, by the dunes. Where you said, you said “I bet that spot is the most perfect thing in the world”. And we would be there, side by side, forever.
They hug, crying silently.
Laura
Can we, can we Jonathon, really?
Jonathon
Of course we can, of course we will. We can start planning it, we’ll make a list. Of course we will.
It fades out. When it cuts back, Jonathon and Warren are on a boat. It is a normal pontoon boat, with only them on it.
Warren
Sleep alright last night?
Jonathon shrugs.
Warren
Neither did I
He fiddles with some ropes on the boat
Warren
At least this ride makes up for yesterday
Jonathon
Laura loves the water
Warren
I asked her to come
Jonathon
No, I needed to get away from her for a day
Warren
You aren’t fighting?
Jonathon
No, no, of course not
There is a dead silence.
Jonathon
Laura is…Laura is dying, Warren
Warren jumps up and looks shocked.
Warren
By god, I had no clue, I’m so sorry Jonathon. When…when did you find out?
Jonathon
A month ago
Warren
Christ! Does Laura know?
Jonathon starts shedding tears as he nods “No”
Warren
Oh my god, I can’t believe it, I…dear god, I can’t tell you how sorry I am
Jonathon looks lost in thought.
Jonathon
Last night, I…I slept with her, and…we talked about, the future, us, how we would…buy a house on the lake and try to adopt a child. And she was…she was so happy, she smiled and laughed, and talked about how…she would be a grandmother, and…Christ, she wants to take up knitting. She was so happy, so fun. I miss the smile I saw, the laugh, her laugh. I love seeing her happy, and she was…so happy, so…full of life, as if, she wasn’t going to die.
He collapses on his knees.
Jonathon
And I love her, I love her, and I can’t…I can’t lose her. I want to take her on walks and sit and talk until it is morning, but, I…I can’t. I just want her to be happy.
Warren
Jonathon…if you want her to be happy, try dropping death. Be happy for the time you have with her. How much longer does she have?
Jonathon
A few months
Warren
Well those are marvelous few months! Make them so! Make her happy, give her joy and cherish the smiles you get from her. Let her have fun her last few weeks here, don’t add your troubles to her list of worries, just let her be free. Talk with her, sleep with her, lay awake with her, and just be with her!
Jonathon
But it’s too hard! Everytime I go around her, she seems to be so hopeful, and what is there to hope for…nothing!
Warren
She doesn’t know that! Let her hope, let her dream. Let her have fun and live fully. Don’t limit her to a few repressed emotions, let her be happy.
Jonathon
But I can’t bear it, I can’t keep making up!
Warren
That’s selfish!
Jonathon
Its too hard!
Warren
How much do you love her? If you love her, then you wouldn’t let her go, not know. No, you would be holding on for all she is worth, taking joy in every waking moment, besides, being miserable at every thought. If you truly loved her, then you should show her, not leave her to die alone.
Jonathon
I know, I don’t want her to be alone, but I ant to. Whenever I look at her, I see what could have been. I see my mistake. I caused the accident, and when I look at her, I see all of my guilt rolled up into one body, and I can’t take it!!!! I can’t!!!
Warren
It’s not your fault, just calm down, please! Take a hold of yourself. You had nothing to do with it, it wasn’t you. You have…nothing…to blame yourself for, absolutely nothing!
Warren continues to stand there for a second before he turns and walks to the other end of the boat, sitting by the wheel. He takes out a cooler and removes two cups from it.
Warren
Jonathon, want a coffee?
Jonathon nods and wipes some tears from his face, and moves closer to Warren, who starts to pour coffee out of a large pot. He hands a cup to Jonathon.
Warren
Careful, it’s hot
Warren resumes sitting and leans back, as they both relax. He then stands up, as if suddenly getting a good idea. He moves to a trunk on the ship and takes out some fishing poles.
Warren
I forgot we had these, now there is an idea. Let’s try fishing.
Jonathon goes over and takes one of the poles.
Jonathon
Oh, good idea
They begin to fish and after a while of a still, peaceful shot, Jonathon starts reeling his in.
Warren
Got something there?
Jonathon
Something little, nothing much
Hr finishes reeling it in and sees a little fish at the end. He takes it off and throws it back in the water. Cut to a still shot of the water. It cuts to Madeline in the villa. She is in her room, picking up glasses and plates. She walks out and goes to the kitchen, where she starts the water and lets the sink fill up. She then turns and goes to the deck, while waiting. She sees a glass out there and picks it up. On her way to the kitchen she passes a mirror. After, she stops and pauses. Then turns and goes back to it. She stares at herself for a while. She hears splashing and notices that the sink is overflowing. She quickly goes over to it and shuts it off. Laura gives a scream, attached to moans and groans from a different room. Madeline grips the counter the covers her ears with a grimace on her face. Cut to Madeline outside. She is wondering around the long driveway, smoking a cigarette, lost in deep thought. She notices the leaves falling off the trees and picks one up, studying it. She throws it on the ground when finished and continues walking. She hears a hum then. Curious, she goes through the woods looking for it. It leads her to the edge of the woods, looking at the lake, where Warren and Jonathon’s boat is driving. She stares at it. A bird makes a noise and she turns her head to see. What she sees is a small pathway. She follows it slightly and sees a tombstone, then another, and another. It cuts to Jonathon, Madeline and Warren around a table eating. Warren takes a serving of something and holds it up to Jonathon.
Warren
Jonathon?
Jonathon nods a “no”.
Jonathon
No, thank you
There is silence.
Warren
I was telling Jonathon that the water looked quite cool. It’s good for fishing though, I was thinking we may go again tomorrow.
Madeline
Is that right?
There is more silence.
Madeline-
I was walking along the driveway, up at the front, and I noticed a path, lead to a cemetery or something of the sort. Do you know of it?
Warren-
Cemetery? No, I’ve never seen it. Not far, you say?
Madeline- Just up the driveway
Warren
Hmmm….did it look active?
Madeline
No- desolate, it must be older
Warren
Well then, we’ll have to check that out, won’t we Jonathon?
They continue eating
Jonathon
While we were gone, you didn’t…I mean, Laura seemed…fine, didn’t she?
Short silence
Madeline
She appeared fine, sound asleep all day
Jonathon smiles slightly and thanks her. Fade out, Cut to Madeline in bed. Warren comes in yawning. He starts to take his shirt off.
Warren
Well…it shouldn’t be a trouble getting to sleep tonight.
After, he takes his shoes off and lies down.
Madeline
Jonathon, he…worries about her often
Warren
Who, Laura? Oh, that’s just Jonathon, quite worrisome, with all right to be as well. Shame that Laura isn’t feeling to well, I heard she likes the water, could’ve taken her boating.
There is a silence as Warren sits up.
Warren
Actually, I don’t think Laura is doing too well at all
Madeline
How so?
Warren looks at her, then at the ground.
Warren
I was talking to Jonathon today, earlier on the boat, you know, and he was telling me about her. She hasn’t been quite well, as you know, and I, uh…well, it appears as if…she is dying
Cut to Madeline’s emotionless face
Warren
It’s, uh…quite sad really. She is so young, so full of life, so loving.
Madeline
Everything I’m not?
Warren takes a second to understand what she said, and then jumps up.
Warren
Now Madeline, of all the selfish, ridiculous things to say!
Madeline
Is it?
Warren
Yes it is. It’s downright foolish and irrational. Worrying about this absolute…paranoia, while she lays down there dying, why…its just cruel!
Madeline
Cruel? Whats cruel is your craving for her, your desire. Do you fantasize about her? Her young body, her fair…
Warren slaps her.
Warren
Stop it! Control yourself Madeline! I love you, but I have a limit and you are pushing it…I’m not going to put up with this anymore, first the child and now this. We are to drop it and never return to the point, is this clear?
It is silent
Warren
Is it?
Madeline
Yes!
Warren
Very well…
He walks towards the bed.
Warren
I shall be getting up quite early tomorrow. I expect to get a bit of work done in the morning.
He lies down but Madeline stands up and leaves the room, almost slamming the door. Warren puts his head against the pillow and sighs. The camera cuts and pans throughout the house at night. We can hear Jonathon and Laura chuckling and talking. It pans to Madeline, who is sitting up in a chair, a cold expression on her face. Cut to leaves on a tree, the sun pouring through them. Pan down to the stump of the tree, the water the only thing in the background. We hear whistling. Pan over to Warren walking among the tombstones. Then a front tracking shot of him as he is seemingly pondering ideas. He slows down then and sits down on a ledge. He puts his head in his hands. The he sees something on the ground. He looks curiously and then picks up a small beetle. He sits it on a rock and watches it crawl a little. It goes to the edge and then flies off. He smiles.
Warren (whispers)
Laura
It shows Warren entering the Villa. He slowly pulls of his gloves and puts his coat up. He starts walking up the stairs. Cut to Madeline, who hears this. She gets up and leaves the room. Cut back to Warren. He approaches Laura’s room and knocks on the door.
Laura
Jonathon?
Warren
Its, uh, Warren actually. I was wondering I may come in
Laura
Certainly
He enters, closing the door slightly behind him. It shows him in her room.
Warren
How are you feeling?
Laura
Quite well, thank you, Jonathon just ran out to pick up some medication, but I’ll manage
Warren goes over to the bed
Warren
That’s, uh…nice to hear
He sits on the bed
Warren
It’s a shame you must worry so, sit here and…just wait
Laura
It’s fine, really it is
Warren
No it isn’t. I…cannot stand to see you locked up in here, secluded, isolated, deprived of…pleasure
There is a silence
Warren
It’s such a shame. You are…
He puts his hand up, and rubs her hair.
Warren (Cont.)
…so beautiful. Radiant, like a god.
He puts his hands down and stands up, almost like he is leaving.
Laura
Wait
He stops and turns around
Laura
Thank you
Warren
What for?
Laura
It has been…so long since I have been…desired, since I have felt…wanted, and I…thank you
She takes his hand and thanks him again. He goes over to her.
Warren
Desired? I worship you. You are lovely, pure, god, I adore you. And never lose that light you carry. Your radiance, never lose that, never.
He leans forward and kisses her. It pans over to Madeline backing up in the hallway, appalled at what she sees, a little light from the room striping up her. The kiss ends.
Warren
Consider that the kiss of a lover.
Laura smiles kindly, as does Warren.
Warren
I ought to let you sleep, Jonathon will be home soon
He stands and leaves the room. Cut to him sitting by a fire, staring into it. A noise happens.
Warren
Madeline, is that you?
It cuts to Laura in her room. She turns quickly and see’s Madeline there.
Laura
Oh! Sorry, you scared me, I didn’t see you enter.
Madeline
Sorry, I just came to see how you were doing, if you were getting on
Laura
Perfect, thank you, everything is great
Madeline
Is it?
Laura
Yes, thank you…why?
Madeline
Nothing…Jonathon has been gone a while
Laura
He had to pick up my medication
Madeline
How nice, what is it for, the pain?
Laura
Pain?
Madeline
To make things easier
Laura
What do you mean “easier”?
Madeline
Well, surely you want to be in peace
Laura
Peace?
Madeline
I’m sorry I mentioned it; I know it must be tragic for you
Laura
What did you mention?
Madeline
You…passing away
It cuts to a storm outside. Jonathon pulls up in a car. He gets out, starting to run in. Cut to Madeline in her room. She takes the letter opener out of her drawer. It cuts to Jonathon enter the house. He is taking off his coat. The letter opener flies and lands at his feet. He picks it up and looks up the stairs where it came, Madeline is at the top.
Jonathon
Whats going on?
He hears a noise. He looks over and sees Laura standing there. The film turns black suddenly and words appear, “The End is Near”. It cuts to a bright sun. It pans down to a bright, tan field with crops and things growing. Panning across we see Laura standing in it, gazing at the sun. Clouds quickly cast over the sky and things get dark. We see a tree wither away in a matter of seconds and all life seems dead. Cut to words “Findings Part 1: Jonathon”. It shows Jonathon sitting in a room, all bare and dark except him. He stares at the screen.
Voice (quiet and somber)
Why do you love her, what future do you seek?
Jonathon
I love her because she sees me, she likes me for what I am, and isn’t cold to me, she is warm and gentle.
Voice
Do you love her?
Jonathon
I just said so, yes, I love her.
Voice
Do you really love her?
Jonathon
Yes, she is bonded with me, we share the same beliefs and ideas, we are one
Voice
Does she burden you?
Jonathon
Of course not, I take care of her because…
A black screen appears with the words “I Love Her”. It cuts to Jonathon looking at the camera again.
Voice
Hello Jonathon
Jonathon
Hello
Voice
Why do you love her, what future do you seek?
Jonathon
I love her because she sees me, she likes me for what I am, and isn’t cold to me, she is warm and gentle.
Voice
Do you love her?
Jonathon
I just said so, yes, I love her.
Voice
Do you really love her?
Jonathon
Yes, she is bonded with me, we share the same beliefs and ideas, we are one
Voice
Does she burden you?
Jonathon
Of course not, I take care of her because…
A black screen appears with the words “I Hate Her”. The screen distorts. Then, images come flashing up, images of death and chaos, then the camera stops on a bird flying. The bird soars for a while, then slowly withers away, dieing and falling. It falls and falls, landing on the earth by someone’s feet. It pans up quickly to see Madeline. A black screen, with words “Findings Part 2: Madeline”. Madeline is looking at the camera.
Voice
Does Warren love you?
Madeline
He loves the idea of me?
Voice
Do you love him?
Madeline
I love the idea of him
Voice
You are afraid to be alone, afraid of separation, are you not?
Madeline
I am. I am afraid of being alone.
Voice
Are you jealous?
Silence
Voice
Are you jealous?
Silence
Voice
Are you jealous?
It cuts to a tree with snow on it, and then pans over to a land covered in snow. A man trucks through it, obviously freezing. Madeline is seen wearing all white, thin layers of nightgown. She runs towards the man, going in slow motion. She finally catches him. She touches him on the shoulder. He slowly turns around but right before we see his face it cuts to Warren looking at Madeline.
Warren
Who did you see?
Madeline
I saw a figment of my imagination.
Warren
What would you have liked to see?
Words come up, “Death?”.
Madeline
Yes.
We see still shots of water, trees and nature as this reads:
Voice (V.O.)
Peace, my heart, let the time for the parting be sweet.
Let it not be a death but completeness.
Let love melt into memory and pain into songs.
Let the flight through the sky end in the folding of the wings over the nest.
Let the last touch of your hands be gentle like the flower of the night.
Stand still, O Beautiful End, for a moment, and say your last words in silence.
I bow to you and hold up my lamp to light you on your way.
It then cuts to black. After this, we see Jonathon. He is asleep, turning and moaning in his bed. It pans over and you see Madeline beside him, staring down. She moves her mouth but nothing comes out. Jonathon awakens. Madeline moves her mouth, distorted words come out, like a trance, a flow of sound. Jonathon’s eyes fixate, his pupils grow and he becomes emotionless, as if hypnotized. Warren is asleep on the coach. He hears a noise. Slowly, he gets up to see what it is. He takes a few steps then Jonathon leaps out from the darkness with the letter opener and kills him. Madeline can be seen there, behind the couch. Jonathon stares at the body for a second. He then limps down the hallway and slowly into Laura’s room. He sees her lying there, and grasps the letter opener more firmly. He walks over to her bed and raises the letter opener in the air. Madeline appears beside him.
Madeline (dreamy)
Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her, Kill her
Cut to a close up of Jonathon’s eye as he screams very, very loudly. Cut to black.
For the rest of the film, listen to:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBdSqk78nHw The four of the characters slowly walk out of the house. The atmosphere is very jazzy and sleek, stunning black and white. It cuts to Warren pull out of the driveway in a black Cadillac car. The remaining three get in different doors, all rubbing the car, the sleek surface, sliding into the interior. The car pulls out slowly. Cut to the car driving up town. The neon lights flash against the slick, reflective surface of the car, however, the road is empty. No one is in sight. The car drives further. It stops at a red light, the light reflecting over the hood, showing us when it is green. It pulls out slowly, then gains more speed, more, and more and more, and then…
A woman is in the middle of the road.
The car swerves to the right and flips over many times. The last shot is a large pan if the car lying in a ditch…
…empty.
Fin
