FEATURE PRESENTATION
"...drugs aren't just done by bad guys and sleaze-bags; it's a universal disease."
- River Phoenix
There is usually at least one drug related death in show business each year due to addiction, a statistic that rang in Drew's head as he cautiously removes a syringe from a vein in his arm. He is slowly feeling weaker and his stomach starts to turn. He avoids vomiting at all costs. But suddenly, he feels his body losing control. He starts to shake as he can't hold the vomit back any longer. As he throws up, his body locks in to a seizure. His eyes begin to flicker ferociously. That is, before his hazel colored eyes close close and his body becomes lifeless...
The Irish Cafe. A very relaxed and modern setting. Also Drew McKenzie's favorite dining spot. He tries to drop in and eat his regular ham sandwich at least 3 times a week. Although he won't admit it, the ham sandwiches aren't the only reason he frequents the cafe so often.
Paige Finch, an amazingly gorgeous young woman approaches Drew's table. "Hi Drew," her voice was so beautiful to him, "I haven't seen you here since Thursday."
Drew finishes his bite with a gulping swallow and smiles.
"It's already Tuesday and I haven't had my pig intake," he says, making Paige laugh and poke her tongue out playfully.
There is an awkward few seconds of silence before Paige breaks it.
"Well, just let me know when you're finished."
"Will do."
"Come in Mr. McKenzie," Simon Varone says from his office. Simon is a middle aged director and casting agent.
In walks Drew, wearing a very sharp looking black suit and thin black tie. He looks a tad daunted as he holds a script in his hand. Drew can feel his hands becoming more and more clammy and sweaty.
"Good morning Mr. Varone." Drew flashes a smile, trying to stomach his nervousness. Simon smiles back; he is trying to make Drew feel comfortable.
"Okay, I see you've been sent the portion of the script I want you to read for. Go for it, bud."
Drew glances at the script and takes a deep breath as he reads from the script. "Cigar. When I was nine. Believe it. I don't have to sit with you scumbags anymore because--"
"STOP!"
Varone stops Drew mid-sentence.
"Are you my James Dean?" Simon asks, genuinely interested in Drew's response.
"Yes."
"How? What makes you different than any other schmuck who's walked into my office today? What makes you what I'm looking for?"
"Because I'm different," replies Drew. "Unlike any other schmuck out there I want this. I want this because I love to perform, not because I love a paycheck. And if you don't see that — I guess you've lost yourself James Dean."
Drew relaxes. He usually would never have the guts to say something like that, but it somehow made him at peace knowing that he can stand up and be counted.
Toronto, Canada is white with snow on a cold January day. Drew's family home was covered in it — but it was his favorite time of year. His smile is ear-to-ear as he cracks open the front door and proclaims, "I'm home!"
Rushing through the dining room and to the front door comes his mother Rhonda, father Steve and sister Reese. He embraces them all and gets them to settle down.
"How did it go?" his mom asks.
"Well... you're looking at James Dean!" Drew proclaims as the family cheer. The family usher him in and pour a glass of wine each. Drew begins to inform them of the logistics involved with making
James Dean: The Movie.
"Filming starts in April."
"Where is it being filmed?" asks Reese.
"I'll give you one guess. It starts with L and ends in A."
The family gets excited again as they realize that this is a big deal. Not only for Drew, but for them too.
It's Monday and Drew is back at the Irish Cafe having his usual lunch. Paige walks over.
"How did that audition you were telling me about go?"
"Amazing," Drew gloats. "You are looking at Hollywood's next movie star."
Drew says it in a tone where he is obviously joking, and Paige got that - but she knew that Drew had a dynamic that nobody else she has ever seen has. She truly believed that Drew will be a star.
"When does it start filming?"
"April."
"In Los Angeles I assume?"
"Yes."
Paige smiles.
"I hope you're not gone for long," she says poking her tongue out — one of her traits.
"Why is that?"
Drew replies in a half-serious manner, causing some awkward tension. Suddenly, something comes over Drew.
"Do you want to head out for dinner? I mean, after you've finished your shift."
Drew would usually never have the courage to ask something like that to a girl. Somehow standing up in the director's office during his audition has sparked something in him. An almost reckless, gay abandon.
"Definitely," Paige replies with a very cute smile. "I finish at 5 — so do you want to pick me up at around 6 or 6:30?"
"Deal. See you then."
Drew stands up and approaches the font counter to pay as Paige picks up Drew's plate and takes it back to the kitchen, a broad smile on her face.
The setting is a very lavish restaurant. Secretly Drew found it difficult to pay for and cringed inside when Paige ordered the most expensive steak on the menu — but he was still stoked that he had the opportunity to take Paige on a real date. Drew had scrubbed up quite nicely, sporting a green and black plaid shirt, a black scarf and khaki pants. He also changed up his usual 5 o'clock shadow in favor of shaving his face clean.
"How long will you be in LA for?" Paige inquires as she takes a mouthful of delicious food.
"I'm supposed to be there for 2 months, but that will mostly be work time, so I might spend an extra month or so just to see the sights."
"Oh my God! I need to let my manager know that we won't need as much ham shipped in while you're away."
"Hell, just deflect the shipment over to where I'm staying."
This makes Paige laugh. The two are extremely comfortable with each other now the ice is well and truly broken. Drew's hand ventures across the table and connects with Paige's hand. They lean across the table slowly and engage in a soft kiss. The kiss lasts for a while, but it seemed far too quick for Drew. He wanted it to last
forever.
As they pull away, they look around the restaurant to see about a dozen people looking at them. Drew and Paige look to each other and blush, giggling like school children.
A middle aged male waiter walks over to the couple's table and lays the check down on the table.
"Either you pay or she gives me some of that. It's up to you."
It's a fresh April morning at Toronto's International Airport. Drew puts his luggage through all the necessary machines and heads to the gate his flight to Los Angeles is leaving from. Welling tears are fought back as he turns to his family — mom, dad, Reese and his new girlfriend Paige and says his goodbyes.
Drew has now been in Los Angeles for 3 months filming
James Dean: The Movie, and it's the night of the wrap party. The now 21 year old budding movie star is relaxing in his hotel room with agent Ricky Smith. He hired Ricky as soon as he moved to LA and he has been there for Drew through some testing times.
Drew holds up both a black suit and a gray suit. He asks for Ricky's opinion.
"Black suit or gray suit?"
"I'm your agent, not your fu
cking husband."
"Well which one makes my ass look bigger?"
The two share a laugh as Ricky playfully punches Drew in the arm. It's evident that they have become close friends.
Suggested Listening:
"When You Were Young" by The KillersA security guard opens the door of a limo. Out come Drew and Ricky. They are outside a very high class club. They walk over to the entrance, which is lit up from a neon sign. "Come right through guys," the doorman says as he ushers Drew and Ricky inside.
In the club are many of Drew's cast mates — but he makes a b-line for director Simon Varone. "I can't thank you enough for the opportunity Simon," Drew says.
"Don't mention it Drew. I need to thank you, actually. Never did I think this movie was going to take flight. You saved my ass."
Simon picks up a glass of champagne from a tray.
"Okay everybody, find yourselves a glass of bubbly," he encourages.
People begin to stir and retrieve a glass each. Simon urges everyone to quiet down. He stands atop a table to make a toast.
"Cheers to us!"
The cast and crew all call "Cheers!" back to Simon and clink glasses.
Suggested Listening:
"Heroes" by The WallflowersDrew's mom, dad and sister — alongside Paige are waiting for Drew at Toronto International Airport. They are elated when they see Drew step from behind the baggage conveyor belt with a massive grin on his face. His family and Paige all run towards him and swarm him with a giant group hug.
As they mingled whilst walking through the airport, Drew felt something was different than the last time he was in his hometown. People are now beginning to stare and pass little whispers on. He could faintly hear "Hey, is that the guy from the James Dean movie?" or something of that nature from seemingly every passer by.
It was a surreal experience for Drew. One he didn't know how to handle.
Paige is sitting at her house, folding washing as per usual. She is interrupted by her cell phone vibrating in the pocket of the jeans she is wearing. The caller I.D. reads 'Drew <3'.
"Hey babe, what's up?"
"Come out the front. Now." Drew immediately hangs up after that. Paige walks through the house to the front door, which she opens. To her amazement, she finds Drew in the driver's seat of a black Ford GT Convertible. She sprints towards the car and enters the passenger seat door.
"Oh my God!" she slowly utters. "How did you pay for this?"
"I told you it was big budget," Drew says with a wide grin. "Now stop quizzing me and let's cruise!"
Suggested Listening:
"Life in Technicolor II" by ColdplayThe pitch black night is patchily lit by weak street lights as Drew drives with Paige through very quiet streets — setting a romantic and relaxing atmosphere. Drew's smile can not be erased. He knows that this is just the beginning of his happiness. He is already being offered lead roles in other high profile movies, and things with Paige are going from strength to strength.
Paige's life will also never be the same. She is having the time of her life. To express this — as Drew speeds down the highway — she stands in the passenger side and holds her arms in the air, taking in the gusty breeze. As the smile on her face widens and her hair blows freely in the wind, she screams with joy.
Can life get any better?
It's 4 months later, and
James Dean: The Movie's release is getting closer and closer.
Also, Drew and Paige's relationship is stronger than ever. The glow that was in their first date is still visible and sparks them every day.
Drew, with Paige in the front seat are driving down the peaceful Toronto roads. When they stop at a red light, Drew leans over and tells Paige to put on a blind fold he has given her. After some bargaining with, Paige puts it on and Drew makes sure she can't see anything.
The car stops in front of a beautiful, old style house surrounded by amazing tall trees. Drew walks Paige to the front lawn — then removes the blindfold, revealing the house. As soon as she catches a glimpse, tears begin to fall. She is ecstatic as she and Drew share a passionate kiss.
Paige then sums up their relationship in 3 words.
"I love you."
It was the perfect time to say it. Their love has now reached the next level.
"I love you, too," replies Drew.
After a few seconds of pure silence and the two staring lovingly into each others eyes — Drew pipes up.
"I have to jet over to New York for the premiere. Can you do me a favor and not unpack too much so we can do it together when I get back?"
"Done deal."
Suggested Listening:
"Superstar" by Lupe Fiasco feat. Matt SantosOutside a very fancy looking New York theater, the passenger doors of a limousine — revealing Drew and agent Ricky. They are dressed to impress.
Fans, blocked off by metal barriers, scream Drew's name and camera flashes are almost blinding. Drew walks to a group of fans and shakes hands, hugs, signs things and takes photos.
One picture Drew takes is with a teenage girl. He scruffs up his beforehand flawlessly slicked hair and poses as if it were a MySpace photo. The girl is almost crying she is so ecstatic.
E! Entertainment reporter Ryan Seacrest approaches Drew for an interview.
"I'm here with the star of the movie, Mr. Rylan Brody. How are you doing?"
"I'm good, how are you?"
"I'm great, thank you. You seem to be having a good time here with all these fanatical fans."
"It's unreal. Easily the biggest premiere I've been to, and it's really humbling and sobering to see so many people here supporting this movie."
"Oscar buzz. Will you have any of it or are you not expecting anything?"
"I don't make movies to win awards, but obviously an Oscar would be just so rewarding and amazing, but I won't buy in to it just yet. I have to wait and see what everyone thinks of the movie first!"
"Thanks for joining us."
"My pleasure."
As Seacrest leaves, Ricky races over to Drew.
"Ready to head in?"
After Drew nods his head — Ricky and 2 large security guards escort Drew into the theater as fans and paparazzi continue to swoon over the young star.
At the premiere party — located in a clean, family friendly looking bar, Ricky holds over a beautiful looking girl at the bar. Across the room, Drew sits at a table with Ricky's six year-old daughter Emma, both of them drinking juice. It looks quite cute.
"So my mom really doesn't like me playing on the swings."
Emma raises her left arm, showing off a cast.
"Ouch. So are you staying the night here in the hotel with me and your dad or is your mom taking you back tonight?"
"With you guys!"
Emma shows off her very cute toothless, gummy grin to Drew.
"Don't drink too much juice then! We don't want you acting silly when we get back to the hotel room and watch our favorite show,
Dora the Explorer!"
"You like Dora!?"
"Oh yeah!"
"Remember the episode where Dora is lost in the jungle but she eventually finds her way home because of her lucky sneakers?"
"Oh, of course. My favorite episode!"
It's clear that Drew has never seen an episode of
Dora the Explorer in his life, but is really doing a great job with Emma.
"So, we're watching Dora tonight?"
"Wait just a second and we can go and watch it."
Drew walks through the crowded bar, pushing through random people trying to talk to him, over to Ricky, who is getting quite flirtatious with the woman.
"Hey man, Emma looks pretty tired. Wanna taker her back?"
"Can you do it man?"
Ricky leans in and whispers to Drew.
"I've got some grade-A poon in the palm of my hand.. literally!"
Drew looks down to see Ricky stroking the woman's crotch area.
"Fucking hell man. Alright, I'll take Emma to the room, make sure she's asleep and come right back."
"Cool beans."
Outside the bar, holding Emma's hand, Drew flags down a cab. He assists Emma in to the cab and makes sure her seatbelt is fastened.
Back at the hotel, Drew and little Emma open the door and step inside the hotel room.
"Okay, I have a surprise for you."
Drew searches through a duffel bag he brought, finally fishing out a
Dora the Explorer DVD.
"Ta-da!"
Emma freaks out with excitement and begins jumping on the bed. Drew attempts to calm her down.
"Shhh. There are people staying in rooms all around us so you have to make sure you're extra quiet."
Drew moves towards the TV/DVD player and puts in the DVD. We then follow him to the little kitchen of the lavish looking hotel. He takes two juice boxes from the refrigerator and returns to Emma. But when he enters the room, Emma is out like a light. The beginning credits haven't even finished, but she's already asleep.
Back at the premiere party in the gentleman's lavatory — Ricky has rough sex with the girl he was flirting with earlier.
Back in the hotel room, and laying on a sofa near Emma's bed is Drew — fast asleep.
The next morning the sun breaks through the windows of the hotel room. Emma is shaking Drew, trying to wake him up.
"Drew! Drew!"
Drew slowly and gingerly awakes.
"What's up?"
"I think my daddy is sick."
Suggested Listening:
"You Found Me" by The FrayDrew pops up off the sofa he slept on and follows Emma into the bedroom that Ricky was sleeping in. Inside, laying naked on the bed is Ricky. There is vomit next to him and his face looks alarmingly pale.
"Oh fuck!" Drew mutters under his breath.
Drew runs to Ricky and begins slapping him in the face.
"Wake up! Ricky! Come on man!"
Drew turns and notices Emma. He needs to get her as far away from seeing her father like this as possible.
"Emma, can you please go in the other room?"
Emma runs out of the room briskly.
Drew then notices something shocking. Full ecstasy pills in the contents of Ricky's vomit. Drew puts his hands behind his head.
"Shit, shit, shit!"
Drew rushes to the bedside phone and frantically dials 911.
"Hello, what is your emergency?" the operator asks.
"Hello, my friend is laying in a pool of vomit and I think he's overdosed."
"Does he have a pulse?"
"Shit, I don't know. One second."
Drew attempts to find a pulse on both Ricky's neck and wrist.
"... no," Drew replies; tears welling in his eyes.
Drew bows his head.
Outside the hotel on a grassy lawn, Drew sits next to Emma, who is evidently unaware of what is happening. An ambulance worker passes through the lobby to outside the hotel foyer where Drew and Emma are sitting. He motions for Drew to come over, but for Emma to remain sitting on the steps.
"Unfortunately, we were not able to revive him. I'm sorry."
Drew bursts into tears. He attempts to hold himself together in front of Emma.
"Shall I tell his daughter, or do you want to?" the ambulance worker adds.
Drew internally fights to hold back a breakdown.
"I'll tell her."
Drew slowly walks towards Emma. He sits next to her.
Emma notices Drew's tears?
"What's wrong?"
"Emma... I don't really know how to tell you this," Drew begins to say. He is really struggling to break the news.
"Your daddy is going to heaven. He died."
Emma is stunned. After a few second, she totally loses control with tears pouring from her eyes. Drew embraces her. Both their worlds are shattered.
Suggested Listening:
"How to Save a Life" by The FrayWe're at JFK airport. Ricky's ex-wife Tiffany, the mother of Emma enters the airport through the security gates. We see that Drew and Emma are waiting for her on the seats near checkout.
Drew, holding Emma's hand approaches Tiffany, who is now shedding tears.
"I'm so sorry Tiffany." Drew tries to console.
Tiffany slaps Drew. Hard.
"Why the fuck didn't you save him? Why weren't you with him?! You were supposed to be his best friend and you didn't have his ass. You weren't there, Drew. You weren't there to tell him when to stop. I don't want you at the funeral, okay?"
The slap was like a gunshot to Drew. Tiffany then turns to Emma.
"Let's go home baby."
Drew's head is down. A tear rolls down his cheek as Emma and Tiffany head to get Emma's bag checked and get on the next flight.
Suggested Listening:
"Hurt" by Johnny CashDREW GRIEVING MONTAGE:
- Drew is at Ricky's grave site, standing in the rain holding a framed picture of himself and Ricky together. He drops the photo on the dirt in front of the tombstone. He then kneels on the ground and looks up, almost making a connection with Ricky in the heavens.
- Drew is sitting cross-legged opposite Paige on the rug in their bedroom. Drew seems to be explaining what happened. They are both crying.
- Drew is sitting on his sofa alongside Paige. He is holding his cell phone. We close-in on the cell phone and see that he is creating a new text message and the recipient is listed as
Ricky.
"I know you can't hear me, but I want to tell you that I love you, I miss you and I'm sorry. Heaven needed a fucking well-organized agent."
We pan up to see Drew smiling, but tears falling from his eyes. It's as if he thinks Ricky is reading the text and laughing along.
Suggested Listening:
"The Fear" by Lily AllenThe Kodak Theater is the site of the 82nd Annual Academy Awards. The glitz and glamor takes center stage as stars like Meryl Streep, Mickey Rourke, Sean Penn and Daniel Day-Lewis grace the red carpet, alongside the starry-eyed Drew.
With a beautiful looking Paige at his side — Drew, wearing the traditional black suit-and-tie attire, walks through the crowd towards the theater. Light bulbs from cameras are blinding. This is the event that Drew always wished he could be a part of.
Inside the theater, Jack Nicholson is on stage to present the award for 'Best Actor in a Leading Role'. This was Drew's category. Butterflies whooshed around his stomach as the announcement was drawn out.
"And the Oscar goes to... Drew McKenzie for
James Dean."
The audience roars its approval as the TV camera zeroes in on Drew. His smile is ear-to-ear as he firstly turns and kisses Paige — then approaches the podium.
Drew was in pure ecstasy. The drama of the past months wash away as he stands before his peers.
"Wow. This is just mind blowing. I'm sure you've all heard just about all the speeches you would've wanted to tonight, so I would like to thank everyone involved with
James Dean, whether you were cast or crew, and I would like to send send just one gigantic and specific thank you out."
Drew pauses as tears well up.
"To my best friend, Ricky Smith. I miss you, and I love you. Thank you."
Drew holds his Oscar up and soaks in the applause. There still seems to he a hollow feeling about Drew's demeanor. A black cloud lingering above his head.
At the Oscars' After Party, Drew is in conversation with Meryl Streep. He hugs her and seems to be moving towards somebody else. Chad Timms, a 30-something year old African American.
"Hey man, congrats!"
"Thanks dude."
"So I hear we're both in a movie that starts filming in a couple of weeks."
"Yeah! Sounds good, huh?"
"Yeah, I can't wait. How old are you?" Chad asks.
"Just turned 21."
"Let me buy you a congratulatory beer."
"I'm not a huge drinker. Don't worry about it," Drew insists.
"I won't hear of it. Come on man, it'll help you loosen up."
Something seems to trigger in Drew.
"What the hell, I'll go for one; sure."
Drew heads over to the bar where Chad gets two beers.
"So who was the dude you thanked?"
"My old agent. He died a couple of months ago. I'm still grieving, honestly. I hurt. Every day."
"That sucks bro. I have the perfect thing. It'll take away all your shitty feelings. Come with me."
There is a line of cocaine on the sink of a bathroom. Drew snorts the cocaine through his noise. His head tilts back and he groans, suddenly feeling the effects.
Drew is on the set of his latest movie, a remake of
Rumble Fish. He is in his trailer along with his cast mate, Chad, who he met at the Oscars.
"Look at what I've got," Chad says excitedly. He then pulls out a bag of white powder.
"Top grade heroin my friend."
Drew is daunted. He was still amazed and feeling a little odd that he did cocaine at the Academy Awards. It just wasn't in his character — but he would do anything to get his mind off Ricky and get rid of the guilt he felt.
It was almost blurred instinct after that — Chad prepared a needle full of heroin for Drew. Chad, realizing that it was Drew's first time, inserted the needle instead of Drew doing it himself.
As the contents spilled in to Drew's veins, a euphoria comes over Drew. An unexplainable buzz. It's true — one hit can get you addicted. It just did for Drew.
Back at their fully decorated home, Drew and Paige are watching a movie on the sofa. Drew is wearing a gray cardigan, and when Paige leans over and puts her arm around Drew, she feels a lump in its front pocket. She puts her hand in and retrieves a pack of cigarettes.
Paige is a little startled.
"Since when did you smoke?" Paige asks a little confused.
"Just some stress release. Me and some of the crew just have a couple behind the trailer after a scene. They're just leftovers."
Drew replies in a very matter-of-fact manner. If this was him a few months ago he would be worried about Paige finding a pack of cigarettes — but now he has a much bigger secret to keep. One that he subconsciously knows will ruin him. But he can't get away from it. And at this point — he doesn't want to break his addiction.
In his bedroom — Drew plays his guitar. He is reading from a book titled
The Official Guitar Songbook of The Beatles.
Drew begins strumming the chords and singing.
"Words are flowing out like
endless rain into a paper cup
They slither while they pass
They slip away across the universe
Pools of sorrow waves of joy
Are drifting thorough my open mind
Possessing and caressing me
Jai guru deva om
Nothing's gonna change my world
Nothing's gonna change my world
Nothing's gonna change my world
Nothing's gonna change my world
Images of broken light
Which dance before me like a million eyes
That call me on and on across the universe
Thoughts meander like a restless wind inside a letter box
They stumble blindly as they make their way across the universe
Jai guru deva om
Nothing's gonna change my world
Nothing's gonna change my world
Nothing's gonna change my world
Nothing's gonna change my world
Sounds of laughter shades of earth
Are ringing through my open views
Inciting and inviting me
Limitless undying love
Which shines around me like a million suns
It calls me on and on across the universe
Jai guru deva om
Nothing's gonna change my world
Nothing's gonna change my world
Nothing's gonna change my world
Nothing's gonna change my world
Jai guru deva
Jai guru deva"As Drew finishes the song, Paige stands in the doorway smiling. She could sense real feeling and pain in his voice.
Drew was unawares that Paige had heard him.
"Drew, I have great news!" Paige proclaims as the couple are going about their morning routine.
"What is it?"
"I got you an interview with Universal Music!"
"What for?"
"Because I saw you sing last week. You have a beautiful voice. You can't waste it."
Drew is very reluctant, but unbeknown to anyone, he did have dreams of being a music star as well as an actor. This may be his chance.
"What the hell then?" he says with a smirk.
Inside a music studio, Drew is interviewed by two executives.
"Go for it Drew!" one of them says — urging him to play.
As the exec says that, Drew breaks in to
Across the Universe — the same Beatles song he wowed Paige with.
But before he could finish, an assistant interrupts.
"There are two police officers here to see Mr. McKenzie," he says. "It's urgent."
Drew, miffed at what it could be about, walks through the studio to the lobby — where two officers greet him with a pair of handcuffs.
In the station, Drew sits in a cell by himself. The two officers from before enter the cell.
"Your girlfriend called us because she found your stash" one officer says.
"What stash?" Drew asks stupidly — knowing full well what they're talking about.
"Well, here she is." After the officer says that, Paige appears outside the cell. She is holding Drew's guitar and it is obvious she has been crying from her eye make-up.
She gingerly walks into the cell, not knowing what Drew's reaction will be.
"I'm sorry," she starts off by saying. "I found the stuff and panicked. It's okay, you're out on bail and can go home with me tonight. They just want you to stay until 9.30."
She then hands Drew the guitar and kisses him on the forehead.
"I'll see you at 9.30."
Drew hasn't moved a muscle. He just stares at painted white brick wall — trying to digest everything that's just happened.
Suddenly, he BURSTS on to his feet, picks up the guitar, and SMASHES it over the bed post. An act of pure rage.
Suggested Listening:
"Time to Pretend" by MGMTIt's 9.30. Somehow the press is already all over this story and are like vultures — lurking outside the station waiting for Drew to appear.
Drew finally appears through the front doors of the station. He is still in the attire he wore for the music interview — a black suit with a thin blue tie and black wayfarers. His beforehand slicked back hair is messed up and a cigarette is in his mouth. He attempts to break through the crowd of photographers and press. He finally reaches the car Paige is in and dives in the passenger seat — allowing Paige to speed off immediately.
Back at the house — all of Drew's cocaine and heroin bags are layed out on the bedroom floor.
Drew brings a garbage bag in to the room and disposes of the bags. It's very bittersweet for Drew. He is happy that he is hopefully ridding himself of the drugs — but at the same time hates that he can't have his hit anymore.
Drew returns to the set of
Rumble Fish and receives some very odd looks. People had no idea what to make of his situation.
Chad then approaches Drew. Big mistake. Without hesitation — Drew PUNCHES Chad as hard as he can in the nose, breaking it instantly. As Chad writhes on the ground in agony, several security guards on-set escort Drew in to his trailer to cool off.
As Drew sits in his trailer contemplating what has just happened — the film's director Gus Van Sant walks in.
"What the fuck were you thinking son?" asks Van Sant.
"Getting my life back" replies Drew. Gus is befuddled.
"Look Drew, this isn't an easy decision — but I've decided to lay you off."
"For good?"
"Yeah. You will be recast."
Gus then gets up and walks to the door of Drew's trailer.
"I expect your things to be packed up by the end of the day. Oh, and Drew..."
Drew — who was looking away — redirects his attention to the director.
"... I'm sorry."
In Drew's bedroom, he opens a the door of a little bedside shelf he has in his bedroom. He lifts several magazines and reveals bags of heroin.
Drew is outside a world-class rehab center, where he has just completed a drug rehabilitation course. He holds a duffel bag filled with 3 days worth of dirty clothes.
Drew has told Paige that he attended rehab to try and stop a relapse, but the truth is that he is still secretly using every day. Sometimes he injects himself up for 4 times a day. He knows he needs to stop, and believes that rehab has changed him.
Suggested Listening:
"Sweetest Thing" by U2DREW RECOVERING MONTAGE:
- Drew comes home to Paige, bearing her a gift. He has bought a puppy for them. A small golden Labrador.
- Up singing karaoke at a local restaurant is Drew and Paige. They are having the time of their lives laughing and singing.
- Drew opens a parcel in the mail. It is the script for a film called
The Bird and the Spider. Drew is more interested in the byline which reads directed by Gus Van Sant. As he opens the script, a handwritten note falls out. It reads as follows:
Dear Drew,
I hear you're back on track, so I'm really keen to have you on board as the lead in my next film. Everybody deserves a second chance. What do you say?
GVS- Drew is having a ball on the set of
The Bird and the Spider. He takes more than his fair share of food at the catering table, causing other cast mates to tickle him — in turn making the food fall off his plate.
- Drew and Paige train their dog in the park along with some other dog owners.
It's late-night at a carnival, and Drew and Paige are sitting together in a cabin of the ferris wheel. Fireworks explode near the ferris wheel — creating the perfect moment for Drew.
"Can I steal a cheesy, cliche kiss under fireworks?" Drew asks.
"I wouldn't have it any other way."
They kiss passionately. But Drew pulls away first.
"I have something to ask you."
Drew reaches in to his pocket and pulls out a ring.
"Will you marry me?"
Paige bursts in to tears. A huge smile appears on her face.
"Of course I will!" she answers.
At the wedding, there is a large attendance from both families. The wedding is in the same park where Drew and Paige trained their dog. It is truly beautiful. Green grass and tall trees. It's at the end of the wedding ceremony.
"You may kiss the bride" the priest proclaims.
As they kiss, everybody in attendance stands and cheers. As the newlyweds kiss, there is a smile on both of their faces.
Drew arrives home from going to the mall. As he walks in, he gets quite a shock. Bags of heroin are sitting on the lounge room table. He is extremely confused.
Paige appears in the lounge from the kitchen. She looks extremely, unbearably angry.
"You lying sack of shit." Paige is fuming.
"What are you talking about?"
"I cannot believe it. After all that you're still not through with being a trashy, shot up moron?!"
Then it hits Drew. Those bags of heroin are from the stash he had back when he was an addict.
"No! They are from ages ago" he pleads with Paige.
"Why should I believe that?" she asks.
"Because I'm your husband. You've gotta believe me!"
"I'm going out for a while."
Paige then storms out of the house entirely.
"STOP!" Drew yells, but to no avail.
Once Paige is gone, he looks at the bags of heroin. Something comes over him. He figures that he now has nothing to lose and that he can shoot the heroin and get away with it. He picks up the bags and heads to the bedroom.
Paige is in the car, going in a long drive. She has been driving now for an hour in circles, trying to blow off some steam — but it isn't working.
She returns to the house and parks in the driveway. She then walks to the shed and enters. Inside she finds a pistol. It looks planted for a reason. She loads it with bullets that are also in the shed.
She walks with a purpose in to the house, through the lounge and in to the kitchen. She sets the gun on the table and pours herself a glass of water. She attempts to think everything through — but rage is getting the better of her.
In her mind, Drew has stabbed her in the back. She has stayed with him — through thick and thin and when she finally thinks he has turned his life around and they get married — it all turns out to be a lie.
She remains stony eyed and makes her way to the bedroom door. She swings it open to find...
Drew on the bed, laying in a pile of vomit. His face pale. He is dead.
[/quote]
