Head in the Clouds (feature film script)

8/11/2019 Head in the Clouds (feature film script)

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HEAD IN THE CLOUDS

written by

Sean Wu

[insert address here][insert phone number here][email protected]


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FADE IN:

INT. LOS ANGELES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT/ARRIVALS - DAY

A pretty brunette stands on an escalator going down. This is

MARIA, a twenty-something from Portugal. She grasps hersuitcase tight as it rolls. Her eyes dart, as if she'slooking for someone. She hears her name.

BROOKEMaria! Maria!

Maria turns to see her friend BROOKE, a blue-eyed brunette,waving at her. They embrace.

BROOKE (CONTD)How are you? I haven't seen you inforever!

Maria speaks with hesitance. English is not her firstlanguage.

MARIAI know, same. I'm good. What aboutyou?

BROOKEYou know what? Let's talk in thecar. It's too noisy here. Tell meeverything.

INT. BROOKE'S CAR - DAY

Maria observes Los Angeles from the shotgun window as she andBrooke talk. The car has a retractable roof, and at themoment it is down.

BROOKE...and that's why Bill can never goback to Haiti.

Brooke laughs. Maria smiles.

BROOKE (CONTD)Oh my god, Maria. I forgot to tellyou on the phone. There's someone Iwant you to meet?

MARIAWho?


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BROOKEIt's a guy.

Brooke smiles.

MARIA

Oh, Brooke. I told you! I'm notlooking for anyone here!

BROOKENo, but trust me on this one. He'sa musician. The guitar. He's great,really.

MARIAWhat's his name? Juan Antonio?

BROOKENo, no! His name is Richard, but I

call him Rhett.

MARIARhett? What kind of name is that?

BROOKETrust me when I say that you'lllike him. He's the yin to youryang.

A beat of silence.

BROOKE (CONTD)Hold on. Maria, don't tell meyou've got a guy back home?

Maria laughs.

MARIANo, oh no-no. Not anymore.

BROOKEDid you used to have a guy?

MARIA

Yea.

BROOKETell me about him!

MARIAI'd rather not.

BROOKEOh. Okay.


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Brooke turns on the radio. It's Estelle's "AMERICAN BOY".

MARIA(to herself)

I like this song.

EXT. PORTER HOUSE - DAY

Brooke drives the car up a long straight driveway. There is ahusband and wife in front of the house: CHRIS and JENNIFERPORTER. They are Brooke's uncle and aunt, respectively.

JENNIFERHey! Yoo hoo!

Brooke and Maria step out of the car. Brooke approachesJennifer.

BROOKEHey Aunt Jen! It's been awhile!How've you been?

The two hug. Chris extends his hand to Maria.

CHRISYou must be Maria, Brooke's friend.I've heard many nice things aboutyou.

The two shake hands.

MARIAYou must be Uncle... Uncle...

CHRISUncle Chris. Call me Chris.

Jennifer grabs Maria. An ambush hug.

JENNIFERMaria! I've heard all about you!

MARIA

So have I.

JENNIFERHave you eaten yet? Chris has gotsome excellent grilled chickenprepared.


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EXT. PORTER HOUSE/PORCH - AFTERNOON

The four are each seated to a side of a square table.

JENNIFERSo Maria, is this your first time

out to LA?

MARIAYeah, it is.

JENNIFERWhat do you think?

MARIAIt's nice. I like the palm trees.

JENNIFERThat's nice.

CHRIS(chewing)

Do you have an itinerary?

MARIAWhat is it?

JENNIFEROh, an itinerary? That's-

BROOKE

I'll show Maria around.

CHRISLooks like you've got somethingeven better: a tour guide!

Chris chuckles. A beat of silence.

BROOKEMaria, what would you like to dotoday?

MARIA

I don't know. Show me what's good.

CHRISI'll tell ya one thing: I don'tthink Maria would fit in atCompton, that's for sure.

We hear N.W.A's "Straight Outta Compton" fade in quietly-


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INT. BROOKE'S CAR - LATER

-but is now very loud. Brooke tries her best to dance anddrive.

MARIA

(yelling)What is this?

BROOKEWhat? I can't hear you!

MARIAWhat is this?

BROOKENever heard of N.W.A? You'remissing out!

EXT. RODEO DRIVE - LATER

Maria and Brooke exit a fancy store. Brooke is holding alarge shopping bag. The two talk as they walk past many nicestores.

BROOKE...there goes another credit card.

MARIAWhat is this place called again?

BROOKERodeo Drive. Like cowboys.

MARIAIt's nice.

The two walk past many stores.

EXT. RESTAURANT/OUTDOOR SEATING - EVENING

The two share a table, one on each side of it.

MARIA (CONTD)I hope we're not too late.

BROOKEWe are, but that's okay. The crowdbeat us.


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MARIABack in Portugal, you know, dinnerat this time would be consideredearly.

A WAITER approaches their table, carrying a basket of warm

rolls.

WAITERAre you two both ready to order?

BROOKEYou ready Maria?

Maria orders, then Brooke. The waiter sets down the rollbasket before leaving.

BROOKE (CONTD)Love the bread at this place. Do

you want me to warm some butter upfor you?

MARIAUh, sure.

Brooke takes a small package of butter and cups it in herhands. She then passes it to Maria.

MARIA (CONTD)Thank you.

BROOKEI learned it in a movie.

Brooke picks up her knife in preparation to cut some bread,but takes off what looks like a wedding ring.

MARIAIs that a-

Brooke smiles.

BROOKEA ring? Yessir, you are correct.

MARIAHow have I not noticed it?

BROOKEIt's a simple gold band, nothingfancy. We're not that rich, me andhim. I have school and all, andhe's not exactly a breadwinner.


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MARIALet me see it.

Brooke hands Maria the ring. Maria admires it while Brookecuts some bread.

MARIA (CONTD)Wow. It's like a "Lord of theRings" ring.

BROOKEI guess so.

MARIAWho's your fianc?

BROOKEHigh school sweetheart. He works asa street performer, but he's got a

heart of gold. He writes brilliantpoetry.

MARIAYou'll have to introduce me.

BROOKEDefinitely. But first, you gottameet Rhett.

MARIAWhat's his last name?

BROOKERodriguez. Rhett Rodriguez. Thealliteration is cartoonish, butyou'll get over that soon.

A beat of silence.

MARIAI can't believe I never asked. Whatare you studying?

BROOKE

Journalism.

MARIASo would you like to be on TVsomeday?

BROOKEYea, definitely. Or at least writefor something respectable.


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The waiter approaches their table with a plate of whatappears to be calamari.

BROOKE (CONTD)That can't be our food. We didn'torder that.

WAITERYou're correct. This appetizercomes with compliments of the mandown there.

The waiter points to a man radiating with ego and self-confidence. He is wearing a bro-tank, board shorts, and asnapback that reads "BRAD" on the front. He waves at Brookeand Maria. Brooke looks at him disgustingly.

BROOKETell 'Brad' to give to another

charity.

The waiter fumbles nervously.

WAITERUh, I'll just leave this here.

He sets down the plate on the center of the table, thenleaves. Brad leaves his table and walks over to Maria andBrooke.

BRAD

Yo. I'm Brad. How's the octopus?

Brad reaches over and takes a piece of calamari, then eatsit.

BRAD (CONTD)Tastes good to me. Ladies, havesome.

BROOKEDon't you have some other guys youcan be talking to?

BRADYea, but can't a guy look at whathe likes?

BROOKELook, you're very kind, but we'renot looking for friends right now.

BRADAt least tell me who you girls are!


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BROOKEGo back to your mom's house, Brad.

BRADWell give me a holler when yougirls need to see a gun show.

Brad flexes his biceps, admiring himself. He then returns tohis table.

BROOKEWhat a jerk!

MARIAWhat was wrong with him?

BROOKEDid you not see him?

MARIASo?

BROOKEIf someone circumcised him, hewouldn't have a brain.

(beat)I'm going to the bathroom. Watch mypurse.

Brooke leaves. The waiter approaches Maria.

WAITERAre we all done here?

MARIAYes, I think so.

The waiter picks up the tray of calamari.

WAITERWe're running a little slow today.Your food will be out here shortly.

The waiter leaves. On the table where the calamari was placed

is a NAPKIN WITH A PHONE NUMBER (Brad's). Maria takes thenapkin, folds it gently, then puts it in her bag.

EXT. STREET/SIDEWALK - NIGHT

Maria is holding onto Brooke's arm as they run on thesidewalk, bumping into many pedestrians.


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MARIA(yelling)

Why are we running?

BROOKEC'mon, we're going to be late!

MARIALate?

BROOKEYea, late!

INT. CAF/BANDSTAND SEATING - MOMENTS LATER

Maria and Brooke shuffle by people who are already seated.

The lights in the place are dim. As they sit down beside each

other, a man with a Spanish guitar walks onstage. He is RHETTRODRIGUEZ, tall, tan, and well-dressed.

RHETTHi. Tonight I'll be playing an oldtune my father taught me. Maybeyou've heard it before. Maybe youhaven't. But I'd love it if all ofyou fell in love with the song likeI did so many years ago.

Rhett sits down on a barstool and begins playing his song.

BROOKE(whispering)

He plays beautifully.

Maria nods. Onstage, Rhett begins singing.

EXT. CAF - LATER

Maria and Brooke stand outside. Rhett walks outside and seesBrooke.

RHETTHey Brooke!

BROOKERhett!

The two hug.

RHETTDid you see my show?


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BROOKEOf course!

RHETTHow was it?

BROOKEIt was great, really. Rhett, I wantyou to meet someone.

RHETTIs this your Portuguese pal? Marta?

BROOKENot quite. Rhett, meet Maria.

Maria does a shy wave.

MARIA

Hi.

RHETTHi.

MARIAThat was really good. Your song.

RHETTReally? You mean it?

MARIAOf course.

BROOKEHold on. Let's get some drinks. On

me?

RHETTSure. Let's dump this Gaslight Caf

wannabe. There's a place across thestreet with some top-notch hops.

The three of them walk and talk as they cross the street.

INT. PORTER HOUSE/BEDROOM - LATE MORNING

Maria is groggily woken up by sunlight. She hears Brooketalking on a cell phone.

BROOKE (O.S.)...you need me when? What... Didyou say Tuesday or two days? Twodays?


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Maria walks out of the bedroom to a nearby study where Brookeis.

INT. PORTER HOUSE/STUDY - LATE MORNING

Brooke is still on the phone.BROOKE

Yes, I can hear you... Okay. Bringthe study... Okay... Thank you...Bye.

Brooke puts her phone in her pants pocket.

MARIAWho was that?

BROOKE

My professor. He wants me to covera story, a human interest one.

MARIAWhat's it for?

BROOKESome small-town guy in Oregon thateveryone loves. Nothing special.

MARIAWhen are you leaving?

BROOKETwo days from now.

MARIAHow long are you going to be gone?

BROOKEA couple of days, not too long.

Maria nods.

BROOKE (CONTD)

Look, this came out of left field.I wish I could spend every day ofthis trip with you. But this job,it means a lot to me. I'll be backas soon as possible.

Maria paces in a small circle near the doorway.

MARIAWhat are we gonna do today?


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BROOKEDid you bring a swimsuit?

EXT. BEACH - AFTERNOON

Maria rests on a beach towel. Brooke runs out of the water toher.

BROOKEYou see that guy?

MARIAWho?

BROOKEThat douche canoe and his wolf packby the boardwalk.

Brooke points her finger to a man sporting a bro tank, boardshorts, and a snapback hat.

MARIAWhat's a douche canoe?

BROOKEShh. Isn't that Brad from therestaurant?

Maria turns red.

MARIAYea, I think so.

BROOKELook away. If he sees us looking,he'll definitely walk over here.

MARIAPsh. You're the one looking at him.

BROOKEShut up! Shit, he saw me. He's

walking over.

MARIAWhat about his crew?

BRADHey. You're the girls at therestaurant yesterday. How're youladies doing?


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BROOKEBrad, please leave.

BRADDon't say that, especially since Icaught you 'mirin'.

Brad triumphantly smirks.

BROOKEBrad, I guarantee that I'll likeyou a whole lot more if you left.

BRADYou know what? You never introducedyourself to me. Why don't we do aproper introduction. Hi, I'm Brad.

BROOKE

Hi Brad. I'm 'done with you', butyou can also call me never. Justleave us alone.

Brooke flashes her hand and ring to Brad.

BROOKE (CONTD)You know what's on my finger?

BRADA girl, lookin' the way you do,carrying yourself the way you do.I'm not surprised.

BROOKENow will you leave us alone?

BRADNo, not quite. Missus, who callsherself 'done with you', who's yourfriend?

BROOKELook, she's not interested.

BRADLet the lady speak for herself.

Maria extends her hand.

MARIAHi, I'm Maria.


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BRADMaria? You look more like a'gorgeous' to me. Can I call youthat?

BROOKE

Do you say that to every Maria Imeet?

BRADNo, only ones that look just likeher.

BROOKEBrad?

BRADYes'm?

BROOKEYour crew needs you. Next time youbump into us, just leave us alone,okay?

BRADWell, I bet next time is gonna bearranged, hmm? Call me sometime,ladies. You know my digits.

Brad gets up and leaves. Brad's friends all give him highfives when he returns.

BROOKEGeez. What a confident tool!

MARIAHe's kinda cute.

BROOKEMaria! What are you talking about?

MARIAHe's just kinda cute.

BROOKEHe's a loser! He carries himselflike he's Kanye West but withoutthe talent!

MARIAHe's confident. I don't seeanything wrong with him.


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BROOKEHello? He thinks he can just try topick us up like we're twodumbbells. He's probably looks foranything that has half aresemblance to a vagina.

MARIABrooke, what are you talking about?

BROOKEDidn't you see? After I showed him

my ring, then he decided to try topick you up. He totally ignored youuntil he found out I was engaged!

MARIASo?

BROOKEWell Jesus. By some gypsy magic,he's got you blooming with rosycheeks.

MARIAI thought you wanted to get me aguy while I was here.

BROOKEYea, but not like Brad! Honestly,Rhett fits your personality like aglove. You just gotta know himbetter.

Maria nods.

BROOKE (CONTD)Look, forget Brad. Just pretendhe's a charming guy you pass by onthe street and think nothing ofafter five seconds.(beat)

I'm gonna arrange a dinner withRhett tomorrow evening before I go.

I'll bring my fianc.

Maria nods.

BROOKE (CONTD)Let's go home.


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INT. RESTAURANT - EVENING

Maria sits alone at a square table. Rhett runs toward whereshe's sitting.

RHETT

Hey Maria. Am I late?MARIA

Yea, a little. It's fine.

RHETTWhere's Brooke?

MARIAShe's picking up her boyfriend.

RHETTOh, yea? Jimbo.

MARIAJimbo?

RHETTHer boyfriend. His name is Jim, but

we call him Jimbo for, uh, long Iguess.

Rhett sits down.

RHETT (CONTD)Anyway, how are you?

MARIAI'm good.

RHETTWhat've you done these past fewdays?

MARIAShopping and going to the beach.

RHETT

Sounds like fun. I wish I couldamade it out there but I've beenbusy.

MARIAWhat do you do?

RHETTI'm a college student, but performon the side.

(MORE)


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RHETT (CONTD)UCLA's med program is excellent,but it's, excuse myfranaise, ashit-ton of work.

MARIA

Wow.RHETT

Yea, I know.

A beat of silence.

RHETT (CONTD)Do you know where the bread is?

MARIANo, I don't.

RHETTMan. Normally this place is decent

with the service, but I have noidea what's up today!

MARIAYea, no idea.

Rhett's cell phone BUZZES loudly.

RHETTGeez, I'm sorry. Can I take this?

MARIAGo ahead.

Rhett walks away from the table and answers his phone. Abouta minute later, he comes back.

RHETTSorry, that was Brooke. She saidJimbo's down with a bug, and she'sgonna stay to keep him company.

MARIA

Oh.

RHETTShe might come down later for adrink.

MARIAOkay.


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RHETTFor the most part, though, lookslike it's gonna be the two of us.

Maria acknowledges Rhett's comment.

RHETT (CONTD)So, Maria...(beat)

...are you seeing anyone?

INT. PORTER HOUSE/BEDROOM - LATER

Brooke is lying underneath bedsheets reading a novel. Mariais standing close to the bed. Both are sporting nightgowns.

MARIAI don't understand, why couldn't

you make it to dinner tonight?

BROOKEI'm sorry. Jimbo was feeling illand I couldn't bear to leave himalone. How was the food?

MARIAIt was fine.

BROOKESee? Tonight wasn't too bad, huh?

MARIAYea, but look. I don't know aboutRhett.

BROOKEWhat do you mean?

MARIARhett, you know. He's like a rivergoing up and I'm like a rock that'sbeen thrown in his current.

BROOKEWhat does that mean?

MARIAI was there at dinner against my

will! I'm getting all of Rhett onme but it's not what I want.


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BROOKEI can't believe you don't like theguy.

MARIAI like Rhett, I really do. He's

nice, he sings well, he's kindagood-looking, and he's smart. Buthe's just not for me.

BROOKEWhat'd you guys talk about?

MARIAHe conversed like a high schooler.Meaningless stuff. Brooke, I don'tknow why you want me and himtogether so badly?

BROOKEI don't know, I just thought youguys would be a good together.

Silence.

MARIADon't you have to pack?

BROOKEI will tomorrow morning.

Maria nods.

BROOKE (CONTD)What're you gonna do while I'mgone?

MARIAI'll find something.

BROOKEDo you have Rhett's number?

MARIA

Yea.

BROOKELook, you two don't have to date oranything, but I'll have him showyou around a little more.

MARIAOkay.


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BROOKEHey, when I'm gone, let's call eachother every night, at or around11:00.

MARIA

That's okay with me.BROOKE

Okay. I'm ready for bed. Mindgetting the light?

Brooke closes her book and sets it on a nightstand. Mariaturns off the light.

CUT TO BLACK:

EXT. STREET/SIDEWALK - AFTERNOON

Maria stands near a pedestrian sidewalk with Rhett.

RHETTSo when did Brooke leave?

MARIAAbout a couple of hours ago.

RHETTDid she say how long she'd be gone?

MARIAA couple of days.

RHETTWhat's she doing out in Oregon?

MARIAHuman interest story.

RHETTGoing way back to middle school,Brooke really was a greatjournalist. I'm proud of her.

MARIAYea.

Rhett and Maria cross the street.

RHETTI have to ask, how'd you and Brooke

meet?(MORE)


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RHETT (CONTD)I had no idea she had a friend outin Portugal until last week.

MARIAIt was a student summer camp at

some northeast University, youknow, a nerd camp. Academic stuff,but it sounded interesting.

RHETTMm-hmm.

MARIAI had been looking for an excuse togo to America for the longest time,and this was my chance.

RHETT

How'd you meet Brooke?

MARIAShe was my roommate.

RHETTHow'd you two keep in touch?

MARIAOccasional letters. Like, four orso a year.

RHETTThat's really cool. I've always

wanted a pen pal.

MARIAHow come you don't have one?

RHETTI"m gonna be honest, but I don'tknow how to send a letter.

MARIAReally?

RHETTYea. Like, how many stamps do I puton, and how do put the address inorder. And even if I could do allthat, how do I make my lettersinteresting?

MARIAOh, it's so easy. I'll help yousometime.


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RHETTReally? I'd like that.(beat)

Have you ever been to the artgallery here?

MARIANo, this is my first time to LA.

RHETTOh, it's great. I've got to showyou this painting they have. It'ssensational.

INT. ART GALLERY - AFTERNOON

Rhett guides Maria into a room full of paintings.

MARIAI thought you said this was a bigplace.

RHETTOh, I did. But a lot of the stuffisn't on display now. Here, I wantto show you this one.

MARIAWhat is it?

RHETTSee it?

Rhett extends his pointer finger to a small white canvas witha red dot in a seemingly random place.

MARIASo?

RHETTLook at it.

MARIA

Hm. I don't get it.

RHETTWhat does it mean to you?

MARIAIt's a dot. Kinda looks likeJapan's flag to me.


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RHETTTo me, it's a red dot surrounded bya bunch of white dots.

MARIASo?

RHETTLook at the red dot. Does it looklike someone?

MARIAClifford?

RHETTNo, not the dog. It's you.

MARIAI'm confused.

RHETTPretend that red dot is you.Compared to all those other whitedots, it sticks out like a sore.But it's different!

MARIAOkay.

RHETTIsn't it incredible? Look at howsimple it is. And there's more too.

Rhett points to another canvas. It's a red dot with a bluedot next to it.

MARIAWhat does the blue one mean?

RHETTWhat does it mean to you?

MARIAI want to know you think?

RHETTI think it's like a friend.

MARIATo the red dot.

RHETTYea. Kinda like us, don't ya think?


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Rhett looks at Maria and smiles.

RHETT (CONTD)Those dots, it's sending a little

message. Be different, be distinct,don't be ordinary.

MARIAYea. Who did these?

RHETTSome guy named Andrew Newsom.

MARIAHmm. Is there anymore of his in thegallery?

RHETTI looked into him a bit. I haven't

found anything else of his.

MARIAOh. I guess it's interesting.

RHETTYea. He's one ear away from beinggreat. Just looking at it, I wannado something crazy.

MARIAWhat do you me-

Rhett grabs Maria's cheek gently and kisses her lips. Afterletting go his hand, he looks at her with fear.

RHETTI messed up, didn't I?

MARIA(laughs)

You're crazy.

Rhett smiles.

RHETTWanna see a movie?

The two walk out of the room.

INT. PORTER HOUSE/BEDROOM - NIGHT

Maria is talking to Brooke on her cell phone.


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MARIA...so we saw some movie, La Dolcesomething.

BROOKE (O.S.)Hold on. Can you repeat that part?

MARIALa Dolce?

BROOKE (O.S.)No, no! About the kiss! What was itlike?

Maria smiles.

MARIAHe kisses like a sixth grader.

BROOKE (O.S.)(laughing)

How many sixth graders have youkissed?

MARIAHaha.

BROOKE (O.S.)You know, Maria, guys always likedyou.

MARIANow why do you say that?

BROOKE (O.S.)I'm putting myself in Rhett'sshoes. Did you hear him talk whenhe's around you? Everything he saysis him playing it safe because hedoesn't want to hurt, offend, orconfuse you.

MARIAHe talks to me like I'm stupid.

BROOKE (O.S.)Really? When we got drinks it waskinda cute.

MARIAWhatever.

(beat)How's Oregon?


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BROOKE (O.S.)It's okay. I mean, I'll tell you

more when I get back.

MARIAOkay.

(beat)You know Rhett's philosophy?

BROOKE (O.S.)To do something crazy?

MARIAYea. What do you think of it?

BROOKE (O.S.)It's not bad. I wouldn't be injournalism without it. I wouldn'tbe marrying Jimbo without it. Like

you coming to spend the summer herein LA! That's a little crazy,especially two weeks ago I had noidea I'd be seeing you ever again!

MARIASo do something crazy.

BROOKE (O.S.)Yea! Do something crazy!

MARIA(louder)

Do something crazy!

BROOKE(even louder, laughing)

Do something crazy!

Maria laughs.

JENNIFER (O.S.)(calling loudly)

Is everything okay upstairs Maria?

MARIAYea, Mrs. Porter. It's yourdaughter, she's gonna do somethingcrazy!

BROOKE (O.S.)Stop!

JENNIFER (O.S.)Haha, alright.


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BROOKE (O.S.)I'm gonna go. I gotta get up early.

MARIAI'll call tomorrow.

BROOKE (O.S.)Alright! Okay, yea, that soundsgood. Love you.

Brooke hangs up. Maria sets her phone on a nightstand nearher bed.

MARIA(to herself, whispering)

To do something crazy.

Maria looks at a crumpled napkin on the nightstand. It'sBRAD'S NUMBER.

MARIA (CONTD)To do something crazy.

Maria takes the napkin and uncrumples it. Also grabbing herphone, Maria then begins to dial the number on the napkin.

FADE TO:

EXT. CAF/OUTDOOR SEATING - AFTERNOON

Rhett sits across from Maria as she sips from a coffee cup.

RHETTOkay, what's the craziest idea youever had?

MARIARunning away.

RHETTThat was quick. Wow. Running away?From Portugal? Isn't that placelikeparadiso?

MARIALike dropping everything.

RHETTLike ditching everything you have.Starting over.


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MARIA(laughs)

No, no, it's Maria. Nice try.

BRAD (O.S.)I'll get it soon. How are you?

MARIAI'm good. Good. How about you?

BRAD (O.S.)I'm not doing too badly myself.Hey, I wanna ask you something.

MARIASure. Shoot.

BRADMy friends and I are going to the

club tonight. Would you like tocome?

MARIAUh, sure, what time?

BRADAnytime. Be fashionably late.

MARIACan you pick me up?

BRADI'd love to, yeah. Where are yougonna be at 9:00?

MARIAProbably at my friend's aunt'shouse.(laughs)

No, I'll be at the Starbucks nearRodeo.

BRAD (O.S.)Okay. 9:00, I'll pick you up?

MARIAYes. Yes!

BRAD (O.S.)Okay. I'll see you tonight.

Maria hangs up on the call. She then walks back to Rhett.


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RHETTWho was it?

MARIASome guy.

Rhett looks at her nervously.

MARIA (CONTD)Don't worry about it.


As Rhett and Maria walk down the street, they pass manystreet performers.

RHETTD'you see him?

MARIAWho?

RHETTThe guy painted in all gold.

MARIANo, I must've missed him.

RHETTLook at this guy. Sexually

confused.

MARIAWho?

RHETTThe Statue of Liberty wannabe infront of us. He's a guy trying tobe an iron lady. C'mon dude, I cansee your pup tent beneath thatspray painted towel.

MARIA

Rhett, you are crazy.

RHETTMe? You mean crazy good.

MARIAI never said crazy bad.

An entertainer posing as CHARLIE CHAPLIN approaches Maria.


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32.

RHETTOh hello. You're pre Un-americanChaplin. You know, you kinda remindme of Iron Man. I'm not mistaken,am I?

Chaplin hands Maria a flower.

MARIAOh, thank you.

Chaplin smiles, and then waddles away.

RHETTMarie, have you ever seen the movie'City Lights'?

MARIANo. What is it?

RHETTIt's a Charlie Chaplin picture. Hefalls for a blind flower girl. Ithink it's his best film.

MARIAWhen I was young I think I saw oneof him working in a factory. It waspretty funny.

RHETT

Oh yeah? 'Modern Times'. It's no'City Lights', but it's not toobad.

EXT. STREET/SIDEWALK - NIGHT

RHETTSee Maria, what I don't understandis, why do you need to be at aStarbucks in five minutes!

MARIA

It's top secret.

RHETTMaria! Maria c'mon! I haven'thidden anything from ya!

MARIASorry Rhett. You're above me onthat. But it's a secret.


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33.

Maria rests her pointer finger on her upper lip, a sign for'shhhh'.

RHETTSo it's hush-hush and on the down-low?

The Starbucks store is in front of them.

RHETT (CONTD)Hey, look at all the clothingstores down here. You like H&M? Wecan go in before you bow-

Maria kisses Rhett on the cheek.

MARIALook, I'm sorry. I'll see youtomorrow.

RHETTTomorrow can't come any sooner.

Maria waves to Rhett. Rhett walks away, occasionally turninghis head to glance at Maria. Maria checks her phone. The timeon it reads 9:04. Around the cornerblock, a five-year oldsedan turns and stops in front of the Starbucks. The windowsare down, Brad is visible at the driver's seat, and hisfriends are in the back.

BRAD

Hey Maria!

MARIAHi.

BRADI've saved you shotgun. C'mon,let's turn up!

Maria enters the car. After her door is shut, the car drivesaway.

INT. CLUB - LATER

People dance on an overstuffed floor. Loud music blasts frombad speakers. Brad is sitting with Maria at a two-persontable from the club's balcony.

BRAD(yelling)

So are clubs in Portugal like thisat all?


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34.

MARIA(also yelling)

There's less English, but yes,you're right.

BRAD

I gotch-ya.

MARIAI never got introduced to yourfriends in the car.

BRADThat doesn't matter! They're notimportant!(beat)

C'mon M! Let's dance!

Brad extends his hand to Maria and she takes it. The two run

down to the dance floor. Both are talented dancers.


Maria opens the door to her room. She checks her phone. Thetime reads 2:25 AM. She has missed calls from Brooke.

MARIA(to herself)

Merda.

She calls Brooke. No response. Calls again. Immediately,there is an angry-

BROOKE (O.S.)Hello? Maria?

MARIAHey Brooke.

BROOKE (O.S.)Hey, where were you? We promisedeach other we'd talk every night ataround eleven. Is there anything

wrong?

MARIANo, nothing.

BROOKE (O.S.)Where were you?

MARIAA club?


36/69


37/69

36.

CHRISHey. Were you out late last night?You were out all morning!

MARIAWhat time is it?

CHRISNearly three. D'you have a busynight?

MARIAI guess so, yeah.

CHRISThat's good. It's okay to be latefor the sun. You're young.

Chris is staring out of the window near the bed.

MARIAMr. Porter?

CHRISYeah?

MARIAWhat are you looking at?

CHRISNothing. Just thinking.

MARIAWhat are you thinking about?

CHRISMy girls.

MARIAYou have kids? How old are they?

CHRISHad. On the 12th of August they'dbe twenty.

MARIAWhere are they now?

CHRISSix feet under. Both of 'em. Twingirls. They were wonderful.


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37.

MARIAI'm so sorry. We don't have to talkabout this if you don't want to.

CHRISIt's fine. You're older than they

are, but I think you should putwhat I'm about to tell you in yourback pocket, not the back burner.

MARIAWhat is it?

CHRISBe careful with who you meet. Iguess I'm telling you because I'mworried for Brooke. You too,definitely, but Brooke.

MARIAWhat is there to worry about withher?

CHRISHer Jimbo. I can't believe she'smarrying him. I've never met him,but I don't think much of him.

MARIAWhy?

CHRISHe's a bum hopping from one oddjobto the next. How can such a brightupstart like Brooke be with such ahopeless man?

MARIABrooke told me he's an excellentwriter.

CHRISI just don't trust him. I've losttwo kids to strange men. I don't

wanna lose Brooke, and I don'twanna lose a friend of Brooke's.

MARIAMr. Porter, you're scaring me.

A beat of silence.


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38.

CHRISAnd so is your breath! Go brushyour teeth! Go!

Maria laughs.

CHRIS (CONTD)It's too strong for me! Go, go!

Maria hops out of bed. She takes her phone with her to thebathroom across the hall. Chris rolls on the bed.

CHRIS (CONTD)(mockingly)

Hey, I'm dyin' here!

INT. PORTER HOUSE/BATHROOM - AFTERNOON

Maria looks at herself in the mirror. She squirts toothpasteon her toothbrush, and starts brushing. As she brushes, shechecks her phone. There are missed calls from Rhett.

EXT. PORTER HOUSE - AFTERNOON

Maria steps out of the house. She is wearing a knee-lengthskirt and a matching top. Her phone RINGS from her smallshoulderbag. It's Rhett.

RHETT (O.S.)

Hello? Mar-

She hangs up.


Maria walks down the street where the Chaplin performer wasthe day before. She is approached by him, but this time hehands her two flowers.

MARIAThank you.

Chaplin smiles, tips his hat, then waddles away. Mariasmiles. Soon after, Brad walks out of a store.

BRADI can't believe it in there. Aquarter for a piss. Hey, where'dyou get those?


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39.

MARIAOh, these? The flowers?

BRADYea.

MARIAThey were a gift from CharlieChaplin.

Brad laughs.

BRADThere's a beach over a block. Wannago?

EXT. BEACH - EVENING

Brad, Maria, and friends are playing beach volleyball. Marialeaves the game during a break.

BRADHey Maria. Where you goin'?

MARIAI'm getting a snack down thestreet.

BRADOh cool. Get me a Combos while

you're they're, eh? I'll pay youlater.

Maria nods, then walks away.

INT. STORE - EVENING

A bell dings as Maria enters a local mart, not dissimilarwith 7/11. She browses the aisles, looking for food. A manspots her from another aisle. He is JIM aka JIMBO, Brooke'shusband-to-be.

JIMBO (O.S.)Hey!

Maria turns around and sees Jimbo.

JIMBO (CONTD)Hi. Hi. Do you know Brooke Porter?

MARIAYea. How do you know her?


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40.

JIMBOI'm her boyfriend.

MARIAOh! You must be Jim!

JIMBOYea. Call me Jimbo.

MARIAJimbo.(beat)

Do you know who I am?

JIMBOYou? You must be Maria. Brooke'sbeen talking about you all lastmonth.

MARIAReally?

JIMBOYea, she loves you.(beat)

What're you doing here by yourself?Didn't you have a guy with youearlier today?

MARIAWhat?

JIMBOShit! Shit, I haven't told you!(beat)

I'm the Charlie Chaplin streetperformer.

MARIAOh!

JIMBOYea, yea. When I saw you, I wasthinking about calling out to you,

but of course, the Tramp can'tspeak, so I resorted to the nextbest thing.

MARIAThe flowers were wonderfully kind.Thank you.(beat)

The guy you were wondering about?Brad?

(MORE)


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41.

MARIA (CONTD)He's down by the beach. I was justgetting some munchies.

JIMBOOh, cool.

Maria picks up a bag of Combos and a nearby soda.

MARIAHey, I'm going to check out now. Itwas very nice to meet you.

JIMBOThe pleasure's all mine.(beat)

You know what? Let's get dinnertogether sometime. You, Brooke, me,and your friend. How does that

sound?

MARIAThat would be nice. Let's do it.

JIMBOOkay. I'll call Brooke sometimeabout it.

Maria smiles and waves. Jimbo walks out.

EXT. BEACH - EVENING

Maria walks out of the store and back to Brad and his beachvolleyball game.

BRADAre those Combos I see? Toss 'emover.

Maria tosses Brad the bag.

BRAD (CONTD)Thank you. I'll pay you back

sometime, I don't have my wallet onme.

Maria nods.

BRAD (CONTD)(to the volleyballplayers)

Guys, let's take five. Water break.


43/69

42.

The game dissolves as everyone disperses to where their waterbottles are.

EXT. STREET/SIDEWALK - EVENING

Brad and Maria are walking back to his car.

MARIADo you remember where you parkedit?

BRADYea, it's somewhere around here.Next block over, I think.

The two cross the street.

BRAD (CONTD)

See it?

Brad hits the unlock button on his keys. The car lightsflash.

MARIAOh. I see.

The two stand outside the car. Maria's back faces thepassenger seat door.

MARIA (CONTD)

Aren't you going to start the car?

Brad places his hand on her shoulder. He sighs.

MARIA (CONTD)(nervously)

What the hell are you doing?

FADE TO BLACK.

BLACK SCREEN (BY BRAD'S CAR)

The screen is all black, but the sounds from the scene arestill heard. Rhett has been accidentally dialed.

RHETT (O.S.)Hello? Maria?

Maria and Brad are panting.

RHETT (O.S.) (CONTD)Is anyone there with you right now?


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43.

MARIA(loudly)

Rhett, Rhett! Call-

BRADShut up.

Maria resists more.

RHETT (O.S.)Maria, if this is your idea of ajoke, it's not funny. You're messedup.

A long beat of silence before the next scene.

FADE IN:

EXT. PORTER HOUSE/KITCHEN - AFTERNOON

Jimbo and Brooke stand on opposite ends of a granite island,conversing.

JIMBOYou know, I've probably said thisfor the millionth time, but it's sogreat to have you back.

Brooke brushes off the kindness

BROOKEYea, yea. Where's Maria?

JIMBOShe's in the bedroom.

BROOKEWhat happened last night?

JIMBOIt's ugly.

BROOKE

Like what?

JIMBOLet's just leave it at(beat)

'attempted rape'.

BROOKENo way. You're shitting me.


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44.

JIMBOAccording to the police.

BROOKEWho was the guy?

JIMBOI don't know for certain.

BROOKEAny ideas?

JIMBOI don't know, Brooke. Pointingfingers and playing the blame gameisn't my forte.

Brooke sighs.

BROOKEThere's a whole lotta dirt in thiscity.

JIMBOAt least she's not six feet under.

BROOKECan I see her?

JIMBOYea, of course.

Brooke and Jimbo leave the kitchen.

INT. PORTER HOUSE/BEDROOM -AFTERNOON

Maria gazes at the closed bedroom door. The room is nearlyall dark. She hears two KNOCKS.

MARIA(groggily)

Come in.

Jimbo and Brooke enter the room. They each sit on a side ofthe foot of Maria's bed.

JIMBOHey Maria, how are you feeling?

MARIABetter, thank you.


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45.

BROOKEHey, can we turn on a light inhere? I feel like a vampire's gonnapop out of the armoire.

JIMBO

(to Brooke)Hey!

MARIANo, it's fine.

JIMBOI'm going to open a window.

Jimbo goes to a nearby window and pulls up curtain. Animmense light seeps through.

MARIA

Oh!

BROOKEIs it too much?

MARIANo, it's fine. Thank you Jim.

Jim returns to the foot of the bed.

BROOKEWhat happened?

MARIA(slowly)

I... don't really remember.(beat)

Before I could react, he had hishands all over me. He was like ananimal, clawing at my skirt.

Brooke nods.

BROOKEDo you know where he is now? It's a

he, right?

MARIANo, I don't.

BROOKEDid anyone see him? Any witnesses?

Maria chokes a little.


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46.

MARIANo.

BROOKESo he can get away with this?

JIMBOHey, hey. The investigator in youis kicking in. Let's take it down anotch.

Brooke catches her breath.

BROOKESorry. I got caught up in themoment.

JIMBOCan we bring you anything?

MARIANo, I just need some rest.

JIMBOOkay. Brooke, let's go.

The two walk toward the door.

BROOKEGive me a holler if you needanything, okay?

Maria nods. The two walk out the door.

INT. PORTER HOUSE/HALLWAY - AFTERNOON

Jimbo and Brooke step out the door. As Jimbo walks down thehall, Brooke freezes.

JIMBOHey Brooke, what're you doing?

Brooke puts her finger to her lips, as to make a 'shhh' sign.

Brooke tips her ear against the bedroom door. She hearssniffling, like silent crying.

JIMBO (CONTD)(softly)

Don't do that. C'mon, let's go.


48/69

47.

INT. PORTER HOUSE/KITCHEN - AFTERNOON

Brooke and Jimbo assume the same positions they were in lasttime, each on an opposite side of the granite slab.

BROOKE

Have you talked to Rhett at all?

JIMBOI tried, but he won't pick up.

BROOKEReally? That's weird.

JIMBOCall him on your phone.

BROOKEOkay.

Brooke summons her phone, and almost immediately has it up toher ear.

BROOKE (CONTD)(mockingly)

Brrrr...Brrr...Brrr...(robotically)

Sorry, we are not available now.Please leave your name an-(normally)

Oh, hello Rhett.

Rhett answers gloomily.

RHETT (O.S.)Hey Brooke.

Brooke pulls the phone away from her ear.

BROOKE(to Jimbo, softly)

He sounds terrible.

Jimbo shrugs.

RHETT (O.S.)Why'd you call?

BROOKEDo you know what happened to Maria-

RHETT (O.S.)(angrily)

Maria? Your piece of shit friend?(MORE)


49/69

48.

RHETT (O.S.) (CONTD)One night she comes onto me, nextnight she puts me on speaker phonewhile she and another guy screw!

BROOKE

Um.(beat)We need to talk about that.

RHETT (O.S.)Wait, what?

BROOKESomeone tried to force themselveson Maria last night.

RHETT (O.S.)Jesus.

BROOKEWhy weren't you with her?

RHETT (O.S.)I tried calling her like seventeentimes yesterday but she was givingme the cold shoulder!

BROOKEYou should come over. We gotta talkabout this.

INT. PORTER HOUSE/DINING ROOM - LATER

Brooke, Rhett, Jimbo, and Maria are all seated on their ownsides of a circular table.

RHETTHey Brooke, where's Jen and Chris?

BROOKEThey're both bogged down in healthinsurance work.

Rhett nods.

RHETT(sternly)

Maria, did anyone see you at all?

MARIANo.


50/69

49.

RHETTAre you sure?

MARIAYes.

JIMBODo you know where Brad is now?

MARIANo.

JIMBOWell, shit.

RHETTNo witnesses. Excuse my directness,but he didn't...(beat)

...penetrate, did he?

MARIANo.

RHETTHe hurt you, didn't he?

MARIAYes.

RHETT

Hey Jim, can't we call thisassault?

JIMBODon't ask me, all I do is streetperformance.

BROOKEYea, with our court system, I betwe can get a charge on him.

RHETTThat'd be reasonable.

Jimbo nods. Maria stares at the floor.

EXT. PORTER HOUSE/PORCH - EVENING

Rhett and Jimbo walk out of the house and into the porch.There are fireflies out.


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50.

JIMBOI always liked those littlebuggers.

RHETTFireflies?

JIMBOYea.(beat)

Is Brooke with Maria right now?

RHETTYea.

JIMBOThat's good. I hope she getsbetter.

RHETTI've been thinking crazy.

JIMBOYou're always thinking crazy.

RHETTNo, but I'm serious.

JIMBOOkay, what is it?

RHETTWhat if she's faking it?

JIMBOWhat?

RHETTWe don't know who the guy is. Hecould be Santa Claus for all weknow!

JIMBOStop.

RHETTWhy?

JIMBOYou're molesting my childhood.(beat)

But why would she lie about nearlybeing raped?


52/69

51.

Brooke enters the porch.

BROOKEWhat were you two talking about?

RHETT

Nothing.

BROOKEDidn't sound like nothing to me.

RHETTIs Maria okay?

BROOKEShe's asleep now. She's good.

RHETTThat's good.

JIMBORhett was telling us about someKennedy conspiracy.

RHETTNo, it wasn't like that.

BROOKETell.

RHETT

I think Maria might be faking it.

BROOKEWhat the hell Rhett? Why would she,actually, why would anyone lieabout being raped?

RHETTI feel she's using the rape storyfor attention.

BROOKEWhoa. I know Maria, she would never

do anything like that. She's gotall the attention she needs.

RHETTReally Brooke?

BROOKERhett, how old are we? Seven? Don't'really' me.


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52.

RHETTDo you really know her?

BROOKEYes!

RHETTWhat do you have to show for yourfriendship? Ten days at a summercamp and stamped shits of paper?

JIMBOWait. Did you mean to say sheets ofpaper?

RHETTI know what I said, damnit.

BROOKE

Okay Rhett, you really need to calmdown.

RHETT(angrily)

I am calm!

BROOKELook, Jim and I are going inside.Take a time out, like the sevenyear old you are right now.

Brooke snatches Jimbo's arm, and hurries him past a slidingglass door. Rhett looks the other way, seething with anger.

INT. PORTER HOUSE/KITCHEN - EVENING

Jimbo and Brooke stand around the island in silence.

JIMBOWasn't that something?

BROOKEHuh?

JIMBORhett.

BROOKEI have no idea what's gotten inthat kid's head. I've never seenhim like this.(beat)

Can I get you anything?


54/69

53.

JIMBOLike what.

BROOKELike a coffee. Or tea. Or a soda.

JIMBOHow about some fancy tea. Thatshit's popular right now.

Brooke chuckles. She walks over to a nearby pantry and grabsa teabag.

JIMBO (CONTD)Check the pantry for a chill pillfor Rhett.

BROOKEJim you're terrible!

JIMBOI'm just trying to lighten thingsup here.

BROOKEYou're doing a marvelous job.

Brooke give Jimbo a long kiss from the other side of theisland. Mid-kiss, Rhett walks in.

RHETT

That's the shit I don't like.

Brooke is annoyed by Rhett's presence.

BROOKEGo outside because I'm not puttingup with you inside here.

RHETTPlease. I love it outside! I don'thave to put up with your stupidPDA!(mumbling)

Calling me a seven year old? Ittakes one to know one.

BROOKEHey Jim, guess what? I'm having aconversation with a talking turd!Rhett, right now, you're being apiece of shit.


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54.

JIMBO(to Brooke)

Hey, you're crossing a line.

RHETTYou know what? A wise man once said

not to argue with fools becau-

BROOKEAre you quoting Jay Z? Really?

Rhett puts his hands up and waves them sarcastically.

RHETTYou got me.

BROOKEWhat makes you so certain thatMaria is faking it, huh?

RHETTBecause she had the nerve to callme during her fucking!

(beat)Jimbo, be a dear and get a beer forme out of the fridge.

BROOKEJim, don't do it.

RHETT

C'mon.

BROOKEJim, don't.

Jim walks to the fridge and gets a beer.

JIMBO(to Brooke)

Sorry.

Brooke sighs. Jimbo tosses the can to Rhett. He drops it, butpicks it up. He presses the top and takes a sip.

RHETT(oddly choked up)

You told me she was perfect.

Rhett walks out of the kitchen and down a hallway. Brookelooks at Jimbo with disappointment.

JIMBOWhat?


56/69

55.

BROOKEYou shouldn't have done that.

Brooke sighs.

BROOKE (CONTD)

Anything to shut him up, I guess.

JIMBOHell, ditch the tea, I need a beer.

Brooke gets one out of the fridge and hands it to Jimbo.

JIMBO (CONTD)Man, I'm awful. I'm relapsingmyself and making light humorbecause shit like rape is too muchfor me to stomach. What a night.

Jimbo takes a sip.

BROOKEI'm bad too. I made my best friendthat's not married to me hate me. Imade myself I hate my best friend!

A beat of silence.

JIMBORaise your imaginary glass, Brooke.

BROOKEWhy?

Jimbo lifts his beer, ready to toast.

JIMBOTo terrible people and the shitthey do.

BROOKEI'll drink to that.

Jimbo takes a sip, and Brooke takes an imaginary one.

BROOKE (CONTD)How's Maria doing?

JIMBOWe should check.


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56.

INT. PORTER HOUSE/HALLWAY - NIGHT

Brooke and Jim go through a hallway. There are big windowsthat show how the orange evening has become a very darknight. As they walk down the hallway, they pass by the openliving room, which has an old sofa that holds a snoring

Jimbo. His beer can is on the floor.

BROOKEI'll clean that up later.


Jimbo and Brooke tiptoe into the bedroom.

MARIAHi guys.

BROOKE(sweetly)

Hey Maria. We were just wonderinghow you were doing.

MARIAI'm good. Thank you. Where's Rhett?

BROOKEHe's passed out on a sofa. Can weget you anything? Food?

MARIA(smiling)I could go for a chocolate bar.

BROOKE(to Jimbo)

Do you know if we have anychocolate bars?

Jimbo looks as if he's suddenly realized something.

JIMBOI think I saw one when you were

getting the teabag.

BROOKEOkay. Hang tight. Jim, can youfetch the chocolate for Maria?

JIMBO(fidgety)

Yea, yea. Brooke, can you come too?


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57.

BROOKEYou don't need a buddy system in myaunt's house!

JIMBOI have something to talk to you

about.

MARIAI'm not going anywhere.

Maria smiles.

BROOKEOkay, let's go.(short beat)

Maria, we'll be right back.

Brooke kisses Maria's forehead. Jimbo holds the bedroom door

for Brooke.

INT. PORTER HOUSE/HALLWAY - NIGHT

The two walk away from the bedroom door.

BROOKEWhat was it that you had to talk tome about?

JIMBO

You know why Rhett's mad?

BROOKEShoot.

JIMBOJealousy. Someone beat him toMaria.

BROOKEI kinda figured that.

JIMBO

Yea, but if there was anyone to,um...(beat)

...take advantage of Maria, itwould be her friend Brad.

BROOKEWhoa. Whoa. Brad?


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58.

JIMBOYesterday night, I met Maria at aconvenience store. She was buyingCombos for her friend Brad.

BROOKE

Do you know what he looked like?

JIMBOIf you saw him, you'd say he lookedlike a douchecanoe.

BROOKESo that Brad, huh?

JIMBOYea.

BROOKE

Why didn't you tell me earlier?

JIMBOIt crossed my mind, but I wasn'tsure!

Short silence.

BROOKEDo you have the chocolate bar?

JIMBO

We haven't reached the pantry yet.

BROOKECan you get it? I need to talk toMaria.

Brooke pats Jimbo on the back before running down the hallwayand back to the bedroom.

JIMBO(yelling to her back)

Brooke! What're you doing?

The bedroom door is opened, then slammed shut.

JIMBO (CONTD)Shit.


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59.

Jimbo keeps on walking to the pantry. After retrieving thechocolate bar, he slowly paces back to the bedroom door.There is yelling on the other side of the door. Jimbo slideshis back down a nearby wall, and waits for it all to be over.

FADE TO:

INT. PORTER HOUSE/CHRIS AND JENNIFER'S BEDROOM - NIGHT

This bedroom is different than the one Maria is currently in.There is one big bed pressed against a wall, occupied byJimbo and Brooke.

JIMBOIs Maria okay?

BROOKEYea. She's good.

JIMBOWhy'd you chew her out like that?

BROOKEI was mad. Why would she lie to meabout Brad?

A long silence.

JIMBOChris and Jen are okay if we sleep

here, right?

BROOKEWhat're they gonna do? Kick us out?

JIMBOWe're terrible.

Jimbo sighs.

BROOKEYou know the Brad guy?

JIMBOYea.

BROOKEApparently he's being looked for.There was a witness from thebuilding where the car was parked.

JIMBOThat's good.


61/69

60.

Short silence.

BROOKETell me something beautiful.

JIMBO

Like a poem?

BROOKEYea. You're good at those.

JIMBOAw, geez. Okay.

Brooke snuggles tighter with Jimbo.

JIMBO (CONTD)Clouds come floating into my life,no longer to carry rain or usher

storm, but to add color to mysunset sky.(beat)

There was a star riding throughclouds one night, & I said to thestar, 'Consume me'.

BROOKEWow.

JIMBOSpecial thanks to Tagore and Woolf.

(beat)A girl came from no man's land andsaw a one man band. But she fellfor a man in love with the brands,so she got all of his hands.

BROOKEWho's is that?

JIMBOThat's an original Jim Hill.

BROOKE

Jimbo Hill.

JIMBOYes.(beat)

When's your article gettingpublished?


62/69

61.

BROOKEOh, the one I was in Oregon for. Itotally forgot about it. I don'tknow if it even will be. Let's justget some sleep.

FADE TO:

INT. PORTER HOUSE/LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

Rhett groggily wakes up off the couch. He peeks out a bigwindow, and sees that it is still quite dark outside. He getsup and walks into the hallway.


Rhett cracks his head in the door. Maria is awake, sitting up

against the headboard. He walks to the foot of her bed.

RHETT(whispering)

Hey.

MARIA(whispering)

Hi.

RHETTWhy're you up so early?

MARIAI couldn't sleep.

RHETTNeither could I.

Silence.

MARIAWhat're you doing here?

RHETT

I was going to ask you something.

MARIAWhat is it?

RHETTWould you like to do somethingcrazy with me?


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62.

MARIAWhat do you mean?

RHETTLike running away. Let's ditch LAfor a bit.

MARIARhett, are you crazy?

RHETTC'mon.

MARIAWhy would you want to do this?

RHETTBecause I don't like to see youhurting in this bed anymore. Isn't

that what you wanted to do? Runaway?

Maria sighs.

RHETT (CONTD)Let's just go to the beach. Forgetrunning away. I have something toshow you.

Rhett extends his hand. Maria grabs it, stepping out of thebed.

RHETT (CONTD)I have a few blankets in the car.

EXT. PORTER HOUSE - BEFORE SUNRISE

Rhett and Maria are fully dressed, walking to Rhett's car.Rhett opens the door for Maria before entering, before theydrive off.

INT. RHETT'S CAR - BEFORE SUNRISE

Maria is curled up in blankets in the passenger seat. Shetries sleeping, but the city lights are too distracting.

MARIAMmmmmmmmm.

RHETTWhat?


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MARIAThe city is very bright.

RHETT(off-topic)

Let's go here.

EXT. BEACH - BEFORE SUNRISE

The car pulls into an old asphalt parking lot that faces asad-looking beach. The sun is just about to rise.

INT. RHETT'S CAR - SUNRISE

Maria is about to leave the car.

RHETT

Stay.

Maria lets go of the handle.

MARIARhett?

RHETTYea?

MARIADo you know that feeling you get,

before you go to sleep?

RHETTWhat about it?

MARIAThe feeling when you're lying onyour back, thinking about the hoursbefore. Sometimes you never want tosleep because then the night wouldend, but some nights you wish youweren't thinking about the day, butyou can't help but think about it

even though it hurts so much, andyou wish you could sleep sotomorrow could come sooner, but youcan't because you can't stopthinking about it. Do you know thatfeeling?

RHETTYea.


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MARIADo you know that feeling when youget up in the morning, with yourface smashed against the pillow andyour back is to the sky?

RHETTWhat about it?

MARIAAll I think about in those morningsis 'how did I get this bed somessy', and 'how did I roll myselfover', and I try my hardest toremember, but I never ever can.

Rhett nods.

MARIA (CONTD)

But the worst feeling is when Ipeel back my bedsheets and feel thecool air hit my sides. And when myfeet touch the floor. I rememberhow the good stuff the day beforeis all gone, and the bad stuffwon't ever leave my mind. I wish Icould just live in my bed.

RHETTYes, I know that feeling. Thatfeeling of self-loathing you get

when you brush yourself against thewall, inching to the shower.

MARIAIt feels like you're seeing a mostrealistic dream, a dream you wantto leave but cannot because it isyour reality.

RHETTI get this chill down my spineevery time I take my clothes offbefore I enter the shower. I avoid

looking at myself because only aguy like me, with a face like mine,could screw over yesterday soterribly.

MARIAI had a feeling yesterday.

RHETTWhich one?


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MARIAThe one when you're afraid to facethe world because you feel alonebut hiding in your bed guaranteesyour loneliness.

RHETTIsn't it nice to be alone though?

MARIASometimes.

RHETTYou know, before I met Brooke, Inever had a friend. It was me andmy guitar, writing and singingsongs for no one in particular.

MARIA

Was it bad?

RHETTIt was all I had, and sometimes Ibeat myself up over my loneliness,but it was never bad. Friendship isalways better.

MARIAThat's good.

The sunrise is strong.

RHETT(pointing)

Look at it.

MARIAWow.

RHETTIt's a new day. Are you ready?

MARIAYea.

RHETTTell me what you're feeling.

MARIAI'm feeling that warmth, the warmsting like hot water spraying inthe shower. It hurts, but it hurtsso good.


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RHETTIt's good, right? This feeling?

MARIAIt's wonderful. You're alone andnaked, singing that dumb tune you

heard two days ago but justremembered. And the shampoo slidesinto your eyes but you don't care.

RHETTLike how the sun feels.

MARIAThe sun doesn't have feelings.

RHETTI bet the sun is looking down atus, waving his flares, thinking

we're funny as hell. Humans, welove some, hate some, protect some,and kill some. We're weird.

MARIA(confused)

Who said hell was funny?

RHETTOh, I didn't mean it like that.

Silence.

MARIAYou asked me how I felt and how thesun probably feels, but you nevertalked about yourself. How do youfeel, Rhett?

RHETT(smiling)

Most of the time I use my fingers.

Maria jokingly hits Rhett's arm.

MARIANo! Not like that. Like youremotion. What is that right now?

RHETTLet me think. I look at the futurewith optimism, but when it comes,my face reads ambivalence.


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MARIALike when did you feel this?

RHETTLike two days ago. I thought youdug me, like you were really really

into me.

MARIAAnd I was!

RHETTBut you left me in the cold thenext day!

MARIAI know. I'm sorry.

RHETT

You can apologize a trillion times,but sorry doesn't mean anything.Doing different? Changing yourways? That's an apology I canaccept.

MARIAI thought Brad could be my AmericanBoy.

RHETTSeriously? Like the song?

MARIAI've been living a lot with my headin the clouds.

The sun shines brightly.

RHETTWe should get back. Brooke andJimbo might be up and they'reprobably worried sick.

MARIA

Okay. Hold on. Give me a second.

Maria opens the door and steps out of the car.

RHETTMaria, what're you doing?


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EXT. BEACH - MORNING

Maria runs opposite the beach, where there is a large cliff.Rhett runs after her. There are steps leading a ledge forviewing the water. Maria runs to the top of the ledge,catching her breath near a railing. Rhett stops to recompose

himself on the opposite side of the ledge.

MARIAAre you gonna join me when I startliving on my cloud?

RHETTWhat?

Maria climbs on top of the railing.

RHETT (CONTD)What're you doing? Get down!

MARIALet's do something crazy!

Maria runs off the railing and into the sky. Rhett watches asshe disappears behind a cloud. Awestruck, Rhett hops on topof the railing and begins his climb.

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Documents

Head in the Clouds (feature film script)