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IMAGE
Written by
Jack Rushen
Property of:
Jack Rushen190 Edgewood St.
Stratford CT 06615
203-253-2232
Copyright by Jack Rushen
Reg. # PAu3-564-592
Registration date: June 28 2011 JAN 9 2015
Just goes to show what a team of publicity agents working overtime can do
to the human spirit.
--------Sunset Boulevard
IMAGE concerns a red-hot young celebrity who is
rushed to the hospital from a drug overdose and is on the
brink of death. Her publicist sees a money making
opportunity by acquiring her image rights from her
protective mother with a deceptive contract full of
loopholes. He quickly dispatches a tough sales executive
to get her name on the dotted line. The two women, both
headstrong, engage in a volatile meeting, but eventually
soften. The outcome is an understanding that human
relationships are much more important than show
business and stardom.
Characters
ANDREA..... Driven sales person 40's-50’s *
NICOLE..... Celebrity Mom 40's
CORBETT.... Tough business man, 30's *
Set
Corbett's office.
Nicole’s living room at her home in the Hollywood hills
IMAGE 4.
1/9/2015
SCENE 1
(CORBETT’S office. CORBETT and ANDREA. Morning.
CORBETT paces nervously.)
CORBETT
We have a window here, that's all I'm saying. That's all I'm saying.
ANDREA
How long?
CORBETT
Two hours. Maybe less.
(He opens a bottle of pills and takes one without water.
He offers.)
Xanax?
ANDREA
No thanks. I always wait till my first cup of coffee. Don’t you take water? *
CORBETT
No, I chew them. *
(Beat) *
I knew this shit would happen again. I knew it! Fucking people don't learn, especially
kids. Okay, I have to calm down and put this into perspective. What’s the saying?
"That which doesn't kill me...
ANDREA
Makes me stronger.
CORBETT
Makes me wanna kill someone else.
ANDREA
Is she going to make it?
CORBETT
She’ll be fine. The challenge is to get her out of this and quietly into rehab. Again. Hold
on a second.
IMAGE 5.
1/9/2015
(He picks up the phone and dials an extension.)
CORBETT *
Bill. I need you to send out a tweet right away from Gianna. Write this down. "It's
Friday, a beautiful morning and I'm off to make a new record just for all of you. Love
Gianna." Do the same thing for her facebook page, just mix it up a little. The usual
bullshit about how she loves her fans and look forward to seeing them on tour. Blah, blah,
blah. Right. Get on it right away and make sure it is time and date stamped. Is it
normally? Good. Thanks.
(He hangs up)
How can she be in a hospital when she just tweeted her fans, am I right?
ANDREA
Brilliant.
CORBETT
Okay. Silver lining. Let’s focus.
ANDREA
So you want to print a whole biography on this kid before she gets out of rehab.
CORBETT
Three steps here. That is step one. Thought of it this morning after I got the phone call.
ANDREA
An entire biography.
CORBETT
Perfect publicity! We time the release of the book with her release from rehab. All eyes
will be on her and sales will go through the roof. I'm telling you.
ANDREA
I don't think it's enough time.
CORBETT
Why not?
IMAGE 6.
1/9/2015
ANDREAYou can't write a biography in four weeks.
CORBETTSure you can.
ANDREAImpossible.
CORBETTI said you can write one. Doesn't have to be a good one. Quite frankly I don't care if it's a
fucking coloring book. Her fans will buy anything.
ANDREAYou want to include pictures?
CORBETTOf course.
ANDREAWho holds Image rights?
CORBETTHer mother .
ANDREAYou start printing pictures and you’ll have a lawsuit on your hands. What do we do?
CORBETTWe get her to sign over image rights to us. But here is the challenge. You ready for this?
We have to get a contract before the story breaks. Two hours.
ANDREA
Or?
CORBETT
Dear Mother is not going to sign anything because she is going to flip out again and end
up in the Psych ward like she did last time. She’ll be swamped and if that happens we'll
never get to her, and this brilliant plan is going to fade away. It’s now or never, darling.
So...along with the biography, we put up a new website with a blog where we can sell
prime advertising space. Infinite postings in cyber space at astronomical prices, and I
know people would pay it. We also cross-promote the book.
IMAGE 7.
1/9/2015
ANDREA
What are the projections?
CORBETT
Between thirty to fifty million. Probably more.
ANDREA
How did you come up with that?
CORBETT
Simple math. If you took a million fans and sold each a book at twenty five bucks a pop,
that is twenty five mil to start. Add in at least that much for advertising revenue, charge
membership dues to her new improved web site, and we’ll make that easy. This is gonna
be so fucking big, Andrea!
ANDREA
Mom is going to want something.
CORBETT
So we'll throw her a little something she can put in the trust fund. We still end up on top.
ANDREA
What about Attorneys?
CORBETT
Don’t need them.
ANDREA
We're going to offer her a contract without her attorney present? She's going to know it's
not legit.
CORBETT
We can get around that.
ANDREA
How?
IMAGE 8.
1/9/2015
CORBETTThink about it. This whole project has to be "sold" to her, right? We convince her it's
time sensitive and we don't have the luxury to wait for an attorney, and convince her it is
in her best interest. People only buy something when they clearly see their best interest.
She'll buy.
ANDREA
So who is going to go?
CORBETT
I think I'm gonna send Joe.
ANDREA
Come on, Corbett. You have to get someone better than that.
CORBETT
Joe's good. He can just look at someone and close them.
ANDREA
He's not going to do this in your time frame.
CORBETT
And you know this how?
ANDREA
He doesn't have what it takes. Don't send him, I'm telling you. If you're selling to a
woman, send a woman. All I'm saying is that it's a matter of trust. Now look at this
logically. She's divorced, right?
CORBETT
Yeah.
ANDREA
He skipped out on her?
CORBETT
Big time. With cash.
ANDREA
Big scars?
IMAGE 9.
1/9/2015
CORBETT
Probably so.
ANDREA
See what I mean? If her husband left her in the dust, she may have some trust issues
with men, and if you send a man to pitch her, you’re screwed. Sales takes thought and
preparation, and you can’t just wing it. This is what I’m good at.
CORBETT
Okay, who then?
(Beat)
ANDREA
Me.
(Beat)
Never thought of that with me standing three feet in front of you? Don't look at me like
that. You know me. Am I tenacious?
CORBETT
You are that.
ANDREA
Do I love a challenge?
CORBETT
Of course.
ANDREA
Can I make her see the need for this project?
CORBETT
Can you?
ANDREA
Of course I can. Do you believe that?
CORBETT
Yes.
IMAGE 10.
1/9/2015
ANDREA
Yes, yes, yes. I've been closing you. Now I ask the final question and put the hammer
down. With all I know, and all my experience...and being a woman, do you have any
reservations about sending me?
(Long pause)
CORBETT
No.
ANDREA
You're closed. I closed you like a goddamn book and you didn't know what hit you. You
want the contract? I'll get the contract.
CORBETT
In two hours.
ANDREA
Or less.
CORBETT
Let’s move then. You can stop by legal and Jimmy will have the contract ready for you
on your way out.
ANDREA
Hold on a second. Hold on. You’re not going to just pass me off like that. I'm not doing
this for free just because I love my company. Talk to me about some compensation.
CORBETT
Fine. I'll make it worth your while.
ANDREA
Twenty percent commission.
CORBETT
Twenty? Top sales people only make fifteen.
ANDREA
Twenty per cent.
IMAGE 11.
1/9/2015
CORBETTSo you think I'm just going to write a check for millions of dollars?
ANDREANo problem. We can do direct deposit. *
CORBETTRight.
ANDREAIf I get the contract, I'm worth that to you. Twenty per cent is nothing if your
projections roll in like you think they will.
CORBETTHow some incentive? Ten percent and advancement. *
ANDREA *
Talk to me. *
CORBETT *
How about I send you to New York? *
(Beat)
ANDREANew York.
(Putting on her jacket)
CORBETTYes.
ANDREAAnd do what?
CORBETTRun the office.
(Beat)
ANDREAWhat?
IMAGE 12.
1/9/2015
CORBETTRun the office.
ANDREACome on.
CORBETTAs it is, you can take the fucking money and retire, but that is not you. I know it's not.
You have to keep working or you're not happy.
ANDREAYou're going to let me run the New York office?
CORBETTThat is what I said.
ANDREAOf course that comes with a substantial raise.
CORBETTMore than substantial.
ANDREAAstronomical is the word I'm looking for.
CORBETTDon't get that greedy. I guarantee that you'll be very happy. And for me? I'll be a very
rich man.
ANDREAYou already are.
CORBETT
Richer.
ANDREA
A multi-millionaire.
CORBETT
Why stop there? I have lofty goals.
IMAGE 13.
1/9/2015
ANDREASo in the meantime I have a mission.
CORBETTShould you decide to accept it.
ANDREATo swoop down, get the contract, and save the reputation of Gianna...our spoiled little *
shoplifting drug addict with incredible entitlement issues.
CORBETTRight.
ANDREAI’ll do it, but are you sure you can hold the story?
CORBETTPositive.
ANDREAI'm not going to sit there with Mom and have something come over the television.
CORBETTMichael Jackson was there for two hours while they got their shit together. If they had
that much power to hide him, we can do the same.
ANDREASo where am I going to pitch Mom? Some hospital waiting room?
CORBETTNo, she's home.
ANDREAShe's not with her kid?
CORBETTNo.
ANDREAWhy not?
IMAGE 14.
1/9/2015
CORBETTBecause she's a typical airhead. She brought Gianna in, stayed five minutes, then ran
back home to perform some Indian healing prayer ritual or something, I don't know. It's
what I heard. Okay, We gotta get moving if you are going to do this.
ANDREAPut this all in writing. I want every word in writing. All the numbers you mentioned. In
writing.
CORBETTYou don't trust me?
ANDREAI don't trust anyone. Especially out here.
CORBETTI'll have legal draw up a contract. When you come back we'll do business. Let's go.
ANDREAOh...one more thing. I need to take your Bently.
CORBETTWhy?
ANDREAImage.
(CORBETT thinks a bit, then throws her the keys.)
CORBETTTwo hours. That's all you have. Oh, and I should mention something. It’s only a little
thing, but more of a challenge. If you fail here? You personally take millions from me. I
don’t like it when people rip me off, so if that happens, don't come back.
ANDREA
Oh, I’ll be back. I don't fail!
(ANDREA exits)
(Lights fade)
IMAGE 15.
1/9/2015
SCENE II
(Lights up. NICOLE and ANDREA. NICOLE’S living *
room. NICOLE is an emotional mess. Her eyes are
bloodshot from crying. Make-up is smudged. Incense
burns and she slowly waves a feather above it,
whispering a prayer. ANDREA watches patiently.)
NICOLE
Grandfather, Sacred one, Teach us love, compassion, and honor. That we may heal the
earth and heal each other.
ANDREA
Mrs. Madigan.
NICOLE
Shhh. One second. Heal the earth and heal each other. Oh Great Spirit, fulfill our needs
today and make us both whole.
(Pause. She closes her eyes, then opens them, turning to
ANDREA)
ANDREA
I'm sorry. Have you finished?
NICOLE
For now, You have to repeat this every couple of hours to get your intention into the
Universe.
ANDREA
I see. Can we talk now?
(NICOLE’S cell phone rings. She ignores the call and *
turns the phone off.)
NICOLE
Please.
ANDREA
Don’t you want to keep your phone on?
IMAGE 16.
1/9/2015
NICOLE
No. I don’t want to talk to anyone.
ANDREA
Emergencies?
NICOLE
I don’t want to talk to anyone.
ANDREA
Okay. Let’s begin. What do we hope to accomplish here today? I’ll start out by asking a *
question, and you can answer it as you see fit, okay? You don't even have to answer it.
Just think about it. Make it rhetorical, but it has to do with your relationship with all of *
us at Talent Promotions. Just look at me for a moment.
(NICOLE makes eye contact with her)
Here is my question. Who am I?
(NICOLE looks a bit confused)
I mean, you know who I am. I work for you. But what is it that I represent here and
now? What is important here? Money? Fame? You probably haven't thought about
this, but what I represent here and now is peace of mind. And as far as I'm concerned,
that is the most important aspect of what we try and do for our clients.
(NICOLE is quiet)
We can free you. We can make things much easier for you, and I'm sure you'd welcome
that, wouldn’t you? *
(NICOLE puts the feather next to the burning incense and
pauses a bit. She takes out a compact mirror, opens it,
and looks into it)
NICOLE
The Indians say that if you gaze into the eyes long enough, you can see the soul, which is
supposed to be bright and beautiful, and what I'm seeing right now is just ugly. Horribly
ugly.
(She puts away her compact and wipes her eyes one more
time. She takes a moment and a deep breath)
So. You work for Corbett.
IMAGE 17.
1/9/2015
ANDREA
We work together, Mrs Madigan.
NICOLE
Call me Nicole.
ANDREA
Fine. Corbett and I support each other and all of our clients. And we keep our base
relatively small so that we can focus.
NICOLE
Are you sleeping with him?
(ANDREA laughs)
You never know. It's Hollywood. People screw each other all the time in this town. One
way or another.
ANDREA
Well, that is something you don't have to worry about. What are you drinking?
NICOLE
Jack Daniels. Rocks.
(ANDREA takes her glass, goes to the bar, and refills the *
drink)
Pour yourself one.
ANDREA
No thank you. I only drink when I'm feeling horrible about myself. Now, the reason I'm
here. First and foremost. I'm a real fan of Gianna's. I love her films, I love her *
music...She's brilliant and so are you for guiding her career. You should be very proud.
(NICOLE stares)
I'm not kidding. It's quite an accomplishment. It's important for you to know that I'm a
fan as well as a representative.
NICOLE
Why?
IMAGE 18.
1/9/2015
ANDREAIt shows that we are on your side. I want you to be assured that only four people know
about this, and it will stay that way for at least a couple of hours. Talent Promotions can
guarantee that.
NICOLE
How can he guarantee anything like that? You know as well as I do that things like this
leak. They leak.
ANDREA
Not when you have powerful connections and take special precautions. This buys us
two hours worth of time before this story breaks, and this issue I'm here for has to be
resolved. I can't walk away from here today without you feeling a little better in some
way. If you don't, I haven't done my job. And I hate it when I can’t do my job. If I
can’t do my job, I feel like I’ve failed. And I don’t like to fail.
NICOLE
What happens in two hours?
ANDREA
He's locked in his office planning our strategy right now, but eventually it will have to be
released to the press. As far as the two of us... let's put that aside and talk about *
something important, okay. Gianna's future. Your future. *
NICOLE *
Future? You mean headlines and television news programs and entertainment tonight?
That mess? That future?
ANDREA
We will help you through that. We did last time, didn't we? Now. Let me just throw
this out to you. An important word with a lot of meaning.
(Beat)
What does the word "trust" mean to you?
NICOLE
I'm not sure.
IMAGE 19.
1/9/2015
ANDREAI'm not sure what that word means either, but for our purposes here and now, let's just
say that we understand each other. I know how you feel and you know that I'm trying to
help.
(NICOLE laughs)
NICOLEHow can you know how I feel?
ANDREAYou're right. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to---I can only imagine how you feel.
NICOLEDo you have children? *
(ANDREA is silent)It's an easy question. You should remember if you gave birth. Although... I sense *
something there. You have a very blue aura. Very blue.
ANDREA
Fine. My favorite color.
(Smiles)
NICOLE
Blue is a male color. You have a boy.
(Beat. ANDREA shifts, uncomfortable)
ANDREA
No, Nicole I don't have children.
NICOLE
I feel you do.
ANDREA
You do.
NICOLE
Yes.
IMAGE 20.
1/9/2015
ANDREA
How can you know that?
NICOLE
I am blessed with intuition.
ANDREA
Glad to hear that because that means you'll intuitively know the truth when we talk about
some issues here.
NICOLE
I'm not talking to Corbett. Just so we're clear.
ANDREA
You don't have to talk to him. But you do need to talk to me. You really do.
(Beat)
Listen, why don't we both sit down. Please.
(NICOLE takes a moment, then slowly sits. ANDREA
does the same)
That's fine. I'm sure we'll both be more comfortable.
NICOLE
You don't know about his reputation. His office is a revolving door, did you know that?
It spins like a goddamn top. How long have you been with him?
ANDREA
Over a year. So if I have to spin, I spin. In the meantime, I'll do my job.
(Smiles)
Point one. Talent Promotions has a vested interest in Gianna. As do you.
NICOLE
A "vested" interest? What is she? A real estate deal?
ANDREA
Let me put it another way. She is very important to both of us.
NICOLE
Of course she is.
IMAGE 21.
1/9/2015
ANDREA
So we agree on that. Good. We think of her as one of our own children at the office.
(Beat)
NICOLE
How old are you?
ANDREA
I'm sorry?
NICOLE
I want to know how old you are.
ANDREA
I don't see why this--
NICOLE
It adds to my knowledge database and I get to know you a little better.
ANDREA
But you don’t need---Fine.
(Smiles)
I am fifty years old, if that really matters.
NICOLE
Where did you go to school?
ANDREA
Princeton Bachelors in business and a masters at Yale with a concentration in marketing.
NICOLE
Very impressive. When is your birthday?
ANDREA
January 3rd.
IMAGE 22.
1/9/2015
NICOLECapricorn. I'm an Aquarius. February 3rd. I'm a water bearer. Water permeates my life,
and in this business, sometimes I feel I'm drowning and can’t breathe. In the old days of
Salem, when they accused people of being a witch, they used to “press” people to death
by putting a piece of wood on their chest, and adding stones until they died. I feel like
I’m under that board all the time.
ANDREAThen we will figuratively help remove some of the stones. Like I said. Peace of mind is
important.
(Andrea's text message alarm goes off)
NICOLELet me guess. Corbett?
ANDREAMy Ex. I'll call him back.
NICOLESo you're divorced too. What happened?
ANDREAIt's a long story, and I can't go into it now.
NICOLEWhat? He cheated on you, and you threw him out. Mine took off in a blaze of light along
with a healthy stash of cash. But that is in the past. Divorce. Welcome to the club.
ANDREAIt's not really a club I wanted to belong to, but sometimes you don't have a choice. Let's
get back to what we were talking about. I came to talk about your future. Gianna's *
future. And the future of your relationship with Talent Promotions.
NICOLEShe's supposed to start shooting a music video next month.
ANDREAShe'll be fine. We will take care of her.
IMAGE 23.
1/9/2015
NICOLEAnd she has a concert at Radio City in June. Then she tours. They are going to push her,
aren't they?
ANDREA
She has obligations and we'll be right here to see it through. We'll make sure she is well
taken care of.
NICOLE
It's all about money. She could die, and they'd make money on her for years.
ANDREA
She is not going to die.
NICOLE
You know that?
ANDREA
I talked to Corbett on the way over, and he said she is conscious and out of intensive
care.
NICOLE
She still needs to be taken care of. The right way. I need to take her back east.
ANDREA
East.
NICOLE
Yes.
ANDREA
I'm not sure I understand.
NICOLE
Connecticut. Rehab. I don't want her here. Last time the staff collected autographs and
pictures in this vortex of star fucking. Rehab was a waste here and you know it.
Silver Hills is the best in the country. And no one will know she is there.
ANDREA
Okay. That's fine. We'll support you on that.
IMAGE 24.
1/9/2015
NICOLE
I know what they will be saying. How she spent time in jail. How she was arrested for
shoplifting. And drugs. Her second time in rehab. Everyone knows her for that now.
ANDREA
We can change that! In four weeks she'll be right up on top. But we have to implement
this plan right away. It cant wait. Do you understand what we have to do?
NICOLE
What can you possibly have her do that is going to make them forget what she did?
ANDREA
Besides this brilliant plan I'm going to share with you? How about Community service?
Our photographers can take shots of her volunteering in a soup kitchen downtown and
release it to the tabloids. She can be a UNICEF spokesperson. We give her a first class
ticket to the Congo, snap a few pictures helping some of the locals and suddenly she is
loved. It's done all the time. *
NICOLE
This doesn’t represent who she is.
ANDREA
It doesn’t have to. In this business, it's not who you are that matters, Nicole. It's who
people think you are. We have the power make people think.
NICOLE
Have you met her?
ANDREA
No, we've never met. I have other accounts to take care of and I'm just filling in for today
so our paths haven't crossed.
NICOLE
Would you like to get to know her? I can arrange that.
(NICOLE takes a photo album from a bookcase and
throws it on the couch. ANDREA picks it up)
Everything you want to know about Gianna is right here. Her life is in that book.
Pictures, clippings---everything. Open it up and look.
IMAGE 25.
1/9/2015
(ANDREA opens the album and thumbs through a few
pictures. NICOLE looks over her shoulder)
NICOLEThere. How old do you think she is there?
ANDREAI don't know. Six? Seven?
NICOLELook in her eyes and tell me what you see. What can a six year old tell you with her
eyes?
ANDREAShe looks very joyful.
NICOLEYou see that. You see the joy.
ANDREAI can see it, yes.
NICOLEAnd the freedom. She’s very free.
ANDREAI understand what you are saying.
NICOLEYou can tell a lot from Children's eyes. Look at this one. All the kids had hobby horses.
She gravitated toward fire engines.
ANDREALiving in the fast lane at six years old, huh? Very cute.
NICOLEDo you notice how clear her eyes are? Crystal clear. No clutter. She was born with a
clean slate. Every child is born with a clean slate until you allow people to write on it.
You get screwed up with all that scribble.
(NICOLE takes a small leather case from a side table and
hands it to ANDREA)
IMAGE 26.
1/9/2015
NICOLE
Let me show you the other side of the spectrum. Do you have any idea of what is in this
handy little leather bound toiletry kit? Look at the contents and you tell me if it's
something you'd like your child to have. Go ahead.
(ANDREA opens the case and takes out a rubber
tourniquet. She then removes a syringe and a spoon)
Is that a toy? Something you can play with?
ANDREA
My God.
NICOLE
Cocaine is passe these days. Pills? No. The chic new drug is the old drug. Disposable
needles, rubber tourniquet.
ANDREA
Where did she get this?
NICOLE
Where else is a teen-ager going to get anything? Friends. If you can call them that. But
you don't really understand, so how can I put it in Hollywood terms. Fade in: Close up
on Gianna laying on the floor. Face blue. Puke dripping from her mouth. Mother tries
to get in the door but it is locked. She screams for her daughter who doesn't respond,
then, in a rush of adrenaline, she gets super human strength and crashes it down with her
shoulder, feeling no pain. She picks her daughter up in her arms, then puts plan "A" in
effect and whisks her away to the hospital before anyone knows. Fade out.
ANDREA
Okay, I understand, but we have to take the next steps. If things are going to come out
the right way, we need to help each other.
NICOLE
You need something from me? Don't you?
ANDREA
Yes. And it's very simple and won't take long. We need your signature.
(ANDREA slips the paper out of her case and shows it to
NICOLE)
IMAGE 27.
1/9/2015
ANDREA
And in the spirit of good business practice...Mutually beneficial. We have a new
promotion coming up for her, and we want to make sure that you understand it. It's
very, very aggressive. The most aggressive we’ve ever done. If we prepare this plan the
right way, it will hit the public just when she walks out of rehab, which is going to be the
best thing that can happen to all of us. Timing is everything. Do you want to mend this
fence, Nicole? Tell me you do.
NICOLE
Of course.
ANDREA
Good, we understand each other then. I like that. We will mend this fence together.
(She hands her the contract)
ANDREA
This is a contract you have to sign before we can go ahead and do anything. We need
permission to get the ball rolling.
(NICOLE reads the contract. She puts it down and pours
herself another drink)
It's very simple and it is very important in the maintenance of a career. It's like any other
business, and we have to look at the big picture.
NICOLE
What about the picture of my daughter on the floor. That is pretty strong, you think?
Try getting something like that out of your head.
ANDREA
I'm so sorry you had to deal with that. But now I'm talking about the public. The public
cares.
NICOLE
I don't care about the public.
ANDREA
You know that Gianna's career can't survive without the public. *
IMAGE 28.
1/9/2015
NICOLEDoes the public care about me? What I go through every day? Do they? Are they with
me through the screaming fits and the suicide threats? They don't know.
ANDREAI understand, but her image is going to change drastically once this story gets out and our
mission is to "counter-attack" and change it back or re-invent it. She goes into rehab a
victim and comes out a survivor. If you agree to this, it will be in your best interest and *
this whole incident will seem as though it never happened. *
(Looking at contract) *
NICOLEDidn't I sign something like this already? I already signed something like this.
ANDREA
No. Let me explain how this is going to work. First, the biography. *
NICOLE
A biography?
ANDREA
Yes.
NICOLE
She is seventeen years old!
ANDREA
She has accomplishments. Her fans want to share those. And then the website which
can reinforce the message of the book. There is a going to be a blog on her website which
we will maintain and make entries. A staff member will be assigned to post a personal *
message from her every day. *
(Andrea's text message alarm goes off. She looks at the
message)
NICOLE
Again?
ANDREA
It can wait.
IMAGE 29.
1/9/2015
(NICOLE stares at ANDREA for a long time, making her
a bit uncomfortable)
NICOLE
How are you with games?
(Beat)
ANDREA
Games.
NICOLE
Games.
ANDREA
I'm not sure what you---
NICOLE
Games that amuse you and keep you busy.
ANDREA
Well, I used to play Monopoly when I was a kid, but---
NICOLE
I want to play one.
ANDREA
I appreciate that, Nicole. But this is not really why I'm here.
NICOLE
It won't take long. Revelation and inspiration. Cards.
ANDREA
I'm not really a card player.
NICOLE
No, this is different. No Jacks, Aces, or Spades. Just animals.
(She takes out a pack of cards and starts to shuffle the
deck)
IMAGE 30.
1/9/2015
NICOLE
These are Indian Medicine cards. They show guidance. Each card features and animal,
and every animal can teach you a lesson as well as tell you what is deep inside you.
ANDREA
That’s fine, Nicole. Listen, can I use your bathroom for a second?
NICOLE
Down the hall on the right.
ANDREA
Thanks. I’ll be right back.
(ANDREA moves to another part of the stage where the
lights fade on everything but her. She dials her cellphone
and lights come up on CORBETT, stage right. He
answers his phone.)
CORBETT
Yeah. *
ANDREA *
What do you want? *
CORBETT *
Checking in. *
ANDREA
Will you let me do my job?
CORBETT
I need an update.
ANDREA
She’s a tough case. I may have to warm her up some more.
CORBETT
Put the hammer down.
ANDREA
I can’t do that, Corbett. I just know she is going to close up if I push.
IMAGE 31.
1/9/2015
CORBETT
Where do you stand now?
ANDREA
She wants to read my future with animal cards.
CORBETT
Animal cards.
ANDREA
Yeah. Some Indian thing.
CORBETT
Let her. Let her read your tea leaves. Hell, let her read the lines in your face for all I care.
Just come back here with that contract.
ANDREA
Let me do my job. I’m shutting off my phone now. *
(ANDREA shuts off her phone. Lights on CORBETT fade.
ANDREA makes her way back over to NICOLE. She
sits.)
ANDREA
Nicole, Let me ask you. Have you been happy with our services? With what we provide
for you? When have we ever failed you?
NICOLE
That perfume commercial.
ANDREA
You weren't happy with that? That was a big money maker.
NICOLE
No, I wasn't happy. Not at all.
ANDREA
Why?
NICOLE
You made her into a slut.
IMAGE 32.
1/9/2015
ANDREA
I don’t think we did that.
NICOLE
That is where she changed in the eyes of her fans. Suddenly it wasn’t about the music
anymore. It was about sex. The silk nightgown from Victoria's secret? And the shape
of the bottle? It may as well been a vibrator sitting in her lap.
ANDREA
We talked about how her image would change when she got to be this age, and you knew
that sexiness sells. It was something we all agreed to without getting explict. *
NICOLE
I don't know what I agree to. You people make my head spin most of the time. All I
know is that there was a change.
ANDREA
Right. She’s grown up now and has sex appeal. We have to use that. Now let’s get to
work. Let me help you.
(Beat)
NICOLE
If you are serious in helping me, I want something.
ANDREA
I can work with you. Tell me.
(NICOLE stares at her for a long time, then takes the
medicine cards, handing the deck to ANDREA who
doesn't take it)
NICOLE
The Spirit. The Great Spirit will tell all about you. I have to know all about you.
ANDREA
I'm not that interesting, believe me. The Great Spirit will be put to sleep fast.
NICOLE
It is important to me to see your soul.
IMAGE 33.
1/9/2015
ANDREA
Not now Nicole. Some other time maybe.
(NICOLE holds out the deck of cards)
NICOLE
This can't hurt. For me. Shuffle these cards. They'll attract your vibrations.
(ANDREA is fighting to remain cheerful as time is ticking
away)
Do you like animals?
ANDREA
I...I do. Yes.
NICOLE
Do you think we can learn anything from them?
ANDREA
I suppose so.
NICOLE
The weasel for example. Represents "stealth." You watch him and you see a quiet
movement, very slick. Think about how our life would be if we just sat quietly and
watched...and shut up for a change. Can you see the lesson?
ANDREA
Sure.
(ANDREA checks her watch)
NICOLE
I gave you five minutes; now isn't it fair that you return the favor?
(Beat)
(ANDREA thinks for a second)
ANDREA
Okay. Alright. You're right. I'm sorry. Tell me. What do you have there?
IMAGE 34.
1/9/2015
NICOLE
It's very simple. Medicine cards are based on the Indian animals, and each animal
represents an important piece of wisdom.
(NICOLE picks up the pack of cards and shows them to
ANDREA)
See? Each card has an animal picture and tells a message. All messages from Indian *
Medicine can only be good, as the medicine comes from a positive place. The sky, the
earth, the water, the universe. Very simple.
(NICOLE starts to shuffle the deck)
I’ll show you. Watch me. You have to say a prayer as you shuffle the cards."I 'm asking
for the wisdom of the Great Spirit and the guidance of the animals to tell us what we need
to know today."
(NICOLE picks a card and puts it face down on the table.
She flips over the card and looks at it)
The dog. That represents Loyalty. I have to examine my loyalty. Isn't it ironic that I
should pick that card while the only person I'm loyal to is lying in the hospital? It’s
telling me that I have to examine our relationship. You see what I mean? Here, shuffle the
deck and pick a card. We'll find out about you.
(Beat)
(ANDREA thinks for a second, then gives in)
ANDREA
Sure.
(ANDREA keeps the cheery demeanor, as she has
throughout the scene and decides to play along, hoping
that she is getting the trust from NICOLE. ANDREA
takes the cards and shuffles them)
NICOLE
The Indians had it right. Everything is based on spirit, even the animals that inhabit the
earth. Hold the cards for a moment. Just hold them. They have to pick up your
vibrations. Now pick one and lay it face down on the table.
(ANDREA lays a card down)
Now you have the card that will tell about yourself, your spirit, and your purpose. (MORE)
IMAGE 35.
1/9/2015
Your key card. This card is you. Your whole life and purpose here emanates from that
card. Ready?
ANDREA
Yes.
(NICOLE turns the card over)
NICOLE
Coyote.
ANDREA
So what does that mean?
NICOLE
Are you sure you want to know? Sometimes we can't face ourselves when we find out
the truth.
ANDREA
I’m fine. Tell me.
NICOLE
The coyote is the trickster.
(Long beat as NICOLE looks at ANDREA. ANDREA
becomes uncomfortable.)
He or she sets up a trick. The entire existence of the Coyote is trickery. Just when he
thinks he has his plan in place it backfires.
(Beat)
Let me see what else the cards have in store for you. This usually concerns a deeper level
and something that bothers you, and you can’t put it aside. Something that can’t leave
you.
(NICOLE turns over a card)
The otter. The otter is woman's medicine. And what do all women have in common?
They all think about being a mother, are a mother, or were a mother. Tell me your
feelings about motherhood.
ANDREA
I really don't want to talk about personal issues. I hope you understand.
NICOLE (CONT'D)
IMAGE 36.
1/9/2015
NICOLE
Fine. Let’s go on.
(NICOLE flips over another card)
NICOLE
The bat. Rebirth. This signifies that you will undergo a change. Are you planning a trip?
(Beat)
ANDREA
No.
NICOLE
Will you be leaving the city?
ANDREA
I don't think I'm going anywhere for a while.
NICOLE
The bat tells me you'll be away, most likely with a new experience.
(NICOLE flips over another card.)
The turtle. Mother earth. Strange. Do you see a pattern coming up here? Why does the
theme of "mother" keep coming up when I read your cards?
(ANDREA is shuffling through papers. Her hand shakes
somewhat)
You look nervous.
ANDREA
Hm?
NICOLE
I was saying that you looked nervous. You're shaking.
ANDREA
I get like this from time to time. Coffee. I really have to give it up.
(Beat)
IMAGE 37.
1/9/2015
(ANDREA changes her strategy and tries to touch a
personal note with NICOLE)
ANDREA
You don't seem to mind personal questions, so can I ask you one? Do you mind?
NICOLE
Is it my fault? Do I take the responsibility for a wayward child?
ANDREA
How did you know what I was going to ask you?
NICOLE
Intuition. They'll blame me anyway, wouldn't they?
ANDREA
Most likely they'll say that. But we fix it. Like we did last time.
NICOLE
Let's talk about your child. I'm tired of talking about mine.
(Beat)
ANDREA
I...I don't have a child. Even if I did, this wouldn't be the time to talk about him...or her.
Let's talk about Gianna and what is best for her.
(Beat)\
What we're proposing isn't going to destroy anyone. It's not going to put you in a bad
light. Quite the opposite. And it's good for Gianna. Think of how it will be when she is
released. The stories of courage she can tell.
NICOLE
It says here that you'll give me ten percent of the project.
ANDREA
Right. You'll be richly compensated.
NICOLE
You get eighty percent?
IMAGE 38.
1/9/2015
ANDREA
I know what you are thinking, but are finances really the issue here, Nicole? Talent
Promotions doesn't make out like bandits here. We have things to pay for. Lawyers,
staff, expenses--- a very high overhead. What will you be getting from us? Popularity in
spades. Do you think that the studio would have forked over ten million if we didn't get
her face out there in the first place? Next picture...twenty million. Please sign the
contract, and we'll work our asses off to keep her visible. Believe me, you need us. You
do.
(Beat)
NICOLE
I'll think about it and If I sign it, I'll do it next week.
(Beat)
(ANDREA is frustrated but doesn't show it.)
ANDREA
This can't...I...Fine. I understand. I'd be the same way. Okay, I understand. It's good to
be cautious.
(Beat)
I'm just trying to do the best I can for you. Can you tell me what you feel uncomfortable *
about?
(Beat)
You must know what is holding you back. Tell me.
NICOLE
Shhh... Just be quiet for a moment.
(ANDREA is quiet. NICOLE plays with the cards.
ANDREA looks impatiently at her watch.)
ANDREA
Nicole...
IMAGE 39.
1/9/2015
NICOLEI want just a bit of quiet. In my brain I want quiet. I haven't had quiet for a long time. I
can't slow down my thoughts sometimes. My brain is not quiet!! I can't function if my
brain is not quiet.
ANDREAFine. I understand. A lot is happening. Why don't you take a deep breath, and when you
feel like talking, we'll start again. Deep breath.
(A moment)
NICOLEMy thoughts race. It's really a horrible feeling. It's like ten movies in my head all playing
at the same time and the sound is loud and the pictures flicker. Again and again. Over
and over.
(ANDREA looks around and notices three small vials of
medication on a side table. She picks them up and looks
them over)
ANDREADepakote and Paxil? Xanax.
NICOLEYes. They are supposed to regulate moods.
ANDREAShould you be drinking ?
NICOLEProbably not. But I really don’t give a shit anymore.
(NICOLE stares off, distant. Long pause)
ANDREAAre you alright? Nicole?
NICOLEHm?
ANDREAI was just asking if you were alright.
IMAGE 40.
1/9/2015
NICOLE
I'm fine.
ANDREA
Tell me what you are thinking.
NICOLE
I'm thinking about Bugs.
(Beat)
ANDREA
Why are you thinking about bugs?
NICOLE
Their dynamics and their relationship. What do you call those bugs? The long ones with
all the legs?
ANDREA
I'm not sure. I missed my college class on entomology. Let's get back to what we were
talking about.
NICOLE
There are these long bugs. Long ones with a hundred legs. A centipede. That is it...
Yesterday morning I was sitting in the kitchen staring down at the patterns on the floor
form this optical illusion and I saw one of them. It was about an inch long and it was
gliding across the floor in a very graceful, smooth manner. I could have gotten up and
stepped on it, but I didn't. I sat there for a long time and watched because I wanted to see
what it would do. What happens when there are no rules and you let something go on
without stopping it? You know what it did? It crawled in a perfect circle. Maybe it was
bi-polar. A chemical imbalance in it's tiny brain and he was caught in performing the
same action over and over again. Thoughts racing...movies playing in his head. Sounds
blaring. I watched it for an hour and it would make a circle, crawl just a little more in a
straight line, then start in circles again. I started to think about its family. Where were
they? Would they come to his rescue to put him on a straight path, or was it his
responsibility to take it upon himself to survive. After a long time, it finally crawled
under the refrigerator and disappeared. I let it go because I thought maybe it finally got
on the right track and I didn't want to kill it if was finally on the right track. It took an
hour for it to make that decision...probably months in bug time...and If bugs do make
decisions, I would have felt bad if I ruined it's potential if that makes sense at all. (MORE)
IMAGE 41.
1/9/2015
So I've made a decision not to screw with anything in nature. Not to kill anything...even
the slightest little bug. Everything has a mother...that's not the only reason. I won't step
on anything, smash, stomp, squeeze, trap, poison, or eat...and the next time I see
something walking around in circles I'll let it go then too. How can you be sure to put
something on the path of a straight line and make sure it stays that way?
(NICOLE pours another drink. ANDREA sits transfixed)
You have to understand that you can't sell her life away.
ANDREA
Our intention is to share her life, not sell it. We want to share her story with as many
people as possible.
NICOLE
She's given enough.
ANDREA
It's never enough. As long as you want to stay in the game, it is never enough. By this
afternoon Gianna is going to be all over the headlines and we have to move fast.
Together.
(Beat)
Nicole, You have to see some merit in what I'm showing you. Tell me you don’t see
something positive.
NICOLE
Do yourself a favor. Quit Talent Promotions. Go back to wherever you came from and
get a normal life. This business doesn't suit you.
(ANDREA laughs)
ANDREA
Why do you say that?
NICOLE
It's a sense I have. I got it from the cards. The coyote goes back to his den. When he is
hungry, he is weak.
ANDREA
I prefer to concentrate on strengths.
NICOLE (CONT'D)
IMAGE 42.
1/9/2015
NICOLE
And we all need guidance, don't you think? I mean, how many of us can do anything on
our own?
(NICOLE shuffles the medicine cards again. She holds
them out to ANDREA.)
ANDREA
I'm sorry, Nicole. Please.
NICOLE
You're looking for guidance and you know that. We all are.
ANDREA
I don't need guidance right now, Nicole. With all due respect. I need to complete a simple
transaction. That is all I need right now.
NICOLE
Take them. Prove to me that you are not afraid. Don’t show me weakness.
(Long Pause. ANDREA thinks a bit.)
ANDREA
I will do this...Only if you assure me that this is the last time. Then we get back to
talking about what I came here for.
NICOLE
The last time. Shuffle them. Put them down on the table.
(ANDREA does)
Cut the cards and take one off the top. Put it on the table face down.
(ANDREA follows NICOLE’S directions)
NICOLE
Turn it over. You'll see the last lesson you should be incorporating into your life. Let's
make it count, shall we?
(NICOLE looks at the card)
The deer. The deer embodies a gentle spirit. It also tells of fear. Don't be afraid. (MORE)
IMAGE 43.
1/9/2015
Go back to being a mother and teach your child what you know about being gentle and
nurturing.
(Long Pause)
ANDREAWhy did you say that?
NICOLEEvery a card you pick is a reflection. This is in combination with the other cards. Fear,
leaving, motherhood, trickery, weakness. This is all you. The cards have just told me
who you are.
ANDREAI think these cards are really a matter of interpretation.
NICOLEIt's divinity. The cards are laid out before you.
(Beat)
NICOLEI'll make a deal with you. Very simple. If you answer a question for me, I'll sign the
contract.
(Another long pause)I just came up with an idea. We both want something, right?
ANDREAThat is what mutually beneficial means.
NICOLELook at me. You're not looking at me.
ANDREAI'm looking at you, Nicole. I am.
NICOLELet's get back to the deer because there is such a lesson in that. There is a reason why you
drew that card. It's a story about fear, and how you deal with it. I would like to
know...What is your biggest fear?
NICOLE (CONT'D)
IMAGE 44.
1/9/2015
(Beat)
(ANDREA laughs)
ANDREAAre you serious?
NICOLEI expect you to answer that. Because if you don't, you'll fail. And you don't want to fail,
do you?
(ANDREA stares)
You don't want to run back to Corbett empty handed.
(Beat)
Would you like a drink?
ANDREA
No. Thank you.
NICOLE
Oh , I forgot. You only drink when you're feeling horrible about yourself.
(NICOLE goes to a drawer and pulls out several pens.)
Let's see what I have here. A fine point, a sharpie...and a medium point. I'd go with the
medium, I think. It has a nice, even flow. There.
(She takes the contract and puts it on the table, with pen
on top.)
It's right there within my reach. Tell me.
ANDREA
What am I afraid of?
NICOLE
I didn't ask that. I asked "what is your biggest fear?" There is a difference. A big
difference.
ANDREA
What do you want me to say? Death? Snakes, a bucket of spiders... You want honesty?
IMAGE 45.
1/9/2015
NICOLE
I want honesty.
ANDREA
I am fearless. I always was.
NICOLE
Fearless people are in comic books and action movies, not reality.
(Pause)
Are you afraid of me?
ANDREA
Of course not. What is there to be afraid of?
NICOLE
Of the supernatural? Of the cards telling you about yourself. Of me reading your soul.
ANDREA
Tell me about myself if you are so observant. You tell me what the fear is.
NICOLE
You have a fear of showing yourself. You hide. I'm not sure that is the only fear though.
You are complex.
ANDREA
It's all a matter of how you see things. You perceive that. I don't. Now, do you have
any other questions for me?
(Beat. ANDREA offers the contract)
Please do us both a favor.
NICOLE
Now tell me. What is it? You're afraid that you're not good enough? Are you afraid that
you are an unfit mother?
ANDREA
I'm afraid of dogs. And snakes.
IMAGE 46.
1/9/2015
NICOLEOkay, if you're not going to be serious. Here's a fear for you. I'm afraid that my daughter
may die and never see life as a normal human being. I'm afraid that my daughter may live
and never see life as a normal human being. Now it's your turn. Go.
ANDREAI don't think about it. Thinking about fear slows you down. I will not be stopped. I
refuse to be stopped, Nicole.
NICOLEPeople are afraid of a lot of things. But whatever they are afraid of seeps down to the
bottom of their soul, settles in. Don't you believe that you are a human being? There is
something you're not admitting.
ANDREAI came here to meet with you to complete a business deal. My life is nothing! What
matters is Gianna.
NICOLEYour life is nothing?
ANDREAI meant my life is nothing to you.
NICOLEYou said your life is nothing.
ANDREAYou know what I meant.
NICOLEFunny the things we say sometimes.
ANDREAI'm here for one reason.
NICOLEMy signature.
ANDREATo have you understand our services.
IMAGE 47.
1/9/2015
NICOLEBy signing a contract.
ANDREAWhere we both win.
NICOLEDo you think you're going about it the right way?
ANDREAI'm being fair to you. I'm showing you the benefits.
NICOLEI've signed many contracts, and it always goes though my attorney.
ANDREAI understand, but this is a time sensitive issue. It is a simple contract with everything laid
out for you, to make it the easiest possible transaction. You don't need an attorney. And
we don't have time for one.
NICOLEI sense that it is not one thing then. You have all your fears mixed up in a very tangled
heap. Like threads of a rope.
ANDREA
I'm not talking about fears now.
NICOLE
What is it? Your biggest. Reach down and come up with something.
ANDREA
No.
NICOLE
You're afraid.
ANDREA
No.
NICOLE
Fear!
IMAGE 48.
1/9/2015
ANDREA
STOP TALKING ABOUT FEAR! I AM NOT HERE TO TALK ABOUT FEAR!
AND STOP STARING AT ME.
(Long silence)
I'm sorry.
(Beat)
ANDREA
I want to ask you something.
NICOLE
I would be happy to tell you anything.
(Beat)
You're still shaking.
ANDREA
I'm fine.
NICOLE
Talk to me.
ANDREA
You said... Gianna may never be normal in this world.
NICOLE
I did say that.
ANDREA
Why do you feel that?
NICOLE
Because she is not treated like a normal kid. Everywhere she goes, they whisk her to the
front of the line, and she never has to wait for anything. Restaurants, department stores,
movie lines. This celebrity crap comes with entitlement issues. That contributed to her
downfall...among other things.
IMAGE 49.
1/9/2015
ANDREAIt shows how much they love her.
NICOLELove her? How can they love her? They don't know her.
ANDREAThey feel they do.
NICOLEThey don't know her.
(Long pause. NICOLE looks at her intensely)I know what your fear is Andrea.
ANDREATell me then. Tell me my fear. Tell me what I am afraid of.
NICOLEIt's the same thing, isn't it? We share the same fear. What will become of our children?
We are afraid of failing our children. It eats away at us and we don’t pay attention until it
hurts, and only then do we look for a solution.
(Long pause)
NICOLEWe understand each other now, don't we?
ANDREAOkay. You have what you want, don't you?
NICOLEThat wasn't so hard, was it? Now tell me. Failing our children. Am I right?
(Long pause. ANDREA composes herself.)
ANDREA
We have something in common. That's all I'm going to say.
NICOLE
Then there is something more.
IMAGE 50.
1/9/2015
ANDREA
Every mother is worried about her children, and I completely understand the need to be.
We can end this right here.
NICOLE
I don't think so. I haven't signed the contract yet. I want something more. I want you to
be honest with me.
ANDREA
What more do you want from me?
NICOLE
You know what I want.
(Long pause. NICOLE picks up the contract and a pen.)
ANDREA
Alright. It’s a long story but probably something you can relate to.
NICOLE
Go ahead.
ANDREA
I never talk about this. Most people don’t know.
NICOLE
Tell me.
ANDREA
I have a son. I do. So I guess my blue aura gave me away.
(Another long pause. ANDREA composes herself.)
Is that what you wanted to hear? I have a child, and I lied about it because I didn't want
to discuss it. You know now. I'm sick of lying.
NICOLE
Maybe you should discuss it. I’ve told you all about me.
ANDREA
I know. I know that.
IMAGE 51.
1/9/2015
NICOLE
And it is a burden to you, isn't it? No one to help you. Tell me about your husband.
ANDREA
My husband.
NICOLE
I want to know your story. Where did you meet him?
ANDREA
In my last year of Grad school. It totally took me by surprise and I never expected to
fall in love because I really didn't believe in it. I went to countless weddings and I always
stared at the bride and groom wondering if they really felt something special. I couldn't
imagine it. Then I met Bob in the Law Library at Yale and everything stopped.
NICOLE
I know the feeling.
ANDREA
I still couldn't believe it because I felt like things like that never happen to me. I never
dated much in high school and college and love was just the subject of a song or
something. But a whole new world opened up and it was so foreign to me.
NICOLE
Did he love you?
ANDREA
He did. He couldn't do enough. We moved out here twenty years ago and he joined a law
practice and I was in sales. I set goals and treated my life like a business deal. We set one
goal together and that was to have a child, which we did ten years ago. We waited way
too long. Children are for young people.
NICOLE
That is not necessarily true.
ANDREA
How old were you when you had Gianna?
NICOLE
I was twenty.
IMAGE 52.
1/9/2015
ANDREA
I should have done that.
NICOLE
Should have. You can't go back.
ANDREA
I understand that, but I always think about it. How different I would be if I...
NICOLE
Made better choices? You made them. I could have made better choices, too. I curse
this business every day.
ANDREA
This business has been good to you, Nicole. You both have made a lot of money.
NICOLE
Things were better when I was back east working as a secretary. The problem started
when I took her into the city to model. She was very photogenic and she made two
million dollars in one year and it went up from there. Then we moved out here and things
exploded.
ANDREA
What about your husband?
NICOLE
It fell apart when he forged my signature on some papers, and made off with a lot of
money. I haven't heard from him since.
ANDREA
Can't you sue him?
NICOLE
Of course I can sue him, but do I want to? All that stress would make me jump off the
Hollywood sign. We're fine. We're alive. And we have money coming in.
ANDREA
Does Gianna ever see him?
NICOLE
Neither of us do.
IMAGE 53.
1/9/2015
ANDREA
Does anyone talk to him?
NICOLE
No.
ANDREA
Do you think she misses him?
NICOLE
If she does, she doesn't say anything. She never talks about him. Not at all. What about
yours?
ANDREA
No. It's as if he never happened. Bob is gone. Maybe the whole thing was my fault. I
was selfish and waited too long and had a baby at forty. David ended up with severe *
muscular dystrophy. He's not functional and needs constant care.
NICOLE
So you are a single mother---
ANDREA
With a special needs child. And his father? Who wants to be around a sick child and a
workaholic mother? I wouldn't want to be.
(Beat)
I am struggling, and I am leaving very soon. Your cards were right.
NICOLE
They always are. You're not taking him with you.
ANDREA
No. I'm putting him in a group home in Ventura where he will get good care. I want him
taken care of in a way that I can't.
(Beat)
I can't look at him or his wheelchair anymore. I can't stand to see his head hanging down
because he doesn't have the strength to sit up. The Doctors say that he’ll be lucky if he
lives to be thirteen. But I try and connect. I hold his head up to look in his eyes and he
doesn't recognize me. Do you know what its like for a child not to recognize his mother?
IMAGE 54.
1/9/2015
NICOLE
Do you know what it's like for a mother not to recognize her child?
(Beat)
So you've chosen to deal with this whole thing by just leaving?
(Beat)
I left too. I did. I abandoned my child. I sat with her and held her hand for a while. She
never opened her eyes, and that bluish color never left her face. I tried to talk with her,
but they put in all these tubes, and hooked her up to every IV you could imagine. Color
came back to her face and I knew then that she wasn't going to die, but I couldn't stay. So
I rushed back here and I prayed. She wasn't Gianna to me. I lost Gianna a long time ago,
and I'll never get her back. The way I want her back.
(Silence. NICOLE plays with the deck of cards for a long
moment and pulls a card)
Butterfly. Transformation. Next to my loyalties. What does that tell you? She's lost to
me. There. See? Here are my loyalties--- And here is the butterfly. She is out of the
cocoon and there is nothing I can do but accept it.
(re:contract)
So---this does not matter to me, do you understand? It's just a piece of paper. Now tell
me what you really want.
ANDREA
I want what is the best for both of us.
NICOLE
What's best for both of us isn't on this piece of paper, is it? We need to be free, don't
we? Like you said, lives change when you have peace of mind.
(NICOLE picks up the contract and looks it over again)
Words. Words on a piece of paper. Agreements. Is anyone in this town honest? Yes,
you were honest with me. You were. Other than that, I don't have honesty in my life at
all. Honesty is rewarded. I really don’t care anymore. We are going back east and
starting over.
(NICOLE signs the contract and hands it to ANDREA.
ANDREA puts it in her portfolio. She wins.
IMAGE 55.
1/9/2015
NICOLE lies back and closes her eyes. ANDREA watches
her for a moment then gets up and moves to another part
of the stage. She takes out her cell phone and dials.)
ANDREA
I have it. I'll be back as soon as I can.
(ANDREA closes the phone and takes a deep breath. She
has what she wants, but doesn't look happy. She walks
over to the bar and pours herself a drink. She wanders
around the room for a moment and picks up the photo
album from before. The lights fade.)
IMAGE 56.
1/9/2015
SCENE III
(Lights come up on CORBETT’s office. He is sitting at
his desk, lost in thought. ANDREA comes in, not very
happy. She hands him the contract.)
ANDREA
Mission accomplished.
CORBETT
Very good.
ANDREA
Can I have a drink?
CORBETT
Help yourself.
ANDREA
Want one?
CORBETT
No thanks.
(She gets a drink for herself.)
ANDREA
Are you going to break this story?
CORBETT
Soon.
(Beat.)
Please close the door. We gotta talk about something.
(ANDREA closes the door)
Have a seat.
ANDREA
I'm fine. What’s up?
IMAGE 57.
1/9/2015
CORBETT
Uh...
ANDREA
You got your contract. You don’t look very happy.
CORBETT
I’m not.
ANDREA
Then what is the problem?
CORBETT
We had a development. Something I didn't expect. None of us did. And it’s a very hard
thing to accept, but we are professionals and know how to hit a curve ball.
ANDREA
Okay, cut the cryptic shit. Tell me.
(Beat)
She didn't make it, Andrea.
(Long pause)
ANDREA
What are you talking about? Who didn't make what?
CORBETT
There was nothing they could do.
ANDREA
Tell me what you are talking about.
CORBETT
Gianna.
ANDREA
What happened?
CORBETT
That’s what I’m saying. She didn’t make it after all.
IMAGE 58.
1/9/2015
(Very long pause. )
ANDREA
What?
CORBETT
Yeah. This morning everything was fine. Then she took a turn.
ANDREA
What do you mean?
CORBETT
I’m saying that things took a turn.
ANDREA
What are you telling me? She’s dead?
CORBETT
I hate to---.
ANDREA
You told me she was fine.
CORBETT
I know I did.
ANDREA
You told me!!
CORBETT
Things change. I can’t help it.
ANDREA
What happened?
CORBETT
Renal failure.
ANDREA
Oh my God.
IMAGE 59.
1/9/2015
CORBETT
They tried dialysis, but it was too late. When the kidneys go, there is little you can do.
They just shut down.
ANDREA
You said she was fine! This morning you told me she was fine. Twice you said that.
CORBETT
I'm sorry, Andrea. I'm sorry this happened.
ANDREA
Twice you told me that!
CORBETT
What can I say?
ANDREA
Oh my God.
CORBETT
Nothing I can do.
ANDREA
Jesus, what do we do? I don't know what we need to do.
CORBETT
Let me take care of things.
ANDREA
How? What can you do?
CORBETT
What do people do after this happens? We take a deep breath and regroup, that’s what
we do.
(checks his watch)
Another hour this will be all over the media, and I have to be two steps ahead of them. I
have to start planning the funeral arrangements.
ANDREA
What are you talking about?
IMAGE 60.
1/9/2015
CORBETT
I told you...I have to stay ahead of the media.
ANDREA
Arrangements?
CORBETT
Yes.
ANDREA
Why you?
CORBETT
It has to be done.
ANDREA
You would do that?
CORBETT
Of course. I would do that.
ANDREA
Hold on here. That's not your responsibility!
CORBETT
This is my company. Don't tell me what my responsibilities are!
ANDREA
You're not family, Corbett. Where do you get off making arrangements?
CORBETT
If it has to do with the media, it's my responsibility.
ANDREA
Oh come on.
CORBETT
We have to make some impact. There has to be some drama here. Big funeral, golden
casket. The public is expecting it.
IMAGE 61.
1/9/2015
ANDREAWhen someone dies, the first thought isn't the public.
CORBETTIt is as far as we are concerned.
ANDREAWhat did Nicole say?
CORBETT
She...
ANDREA
Didn’t she have anything to say about it?
CORBETT
Not yet.
ANDREA
Wait a minute. You can’t be telling me...Does she know?
CORBETT
Andrea---
ANDREA
You didn't tell her?
CORBETT
Not yet.
(Long pause)
ANDREA
What??
CORBETT
I'm know she'll be grateful.
ANDREA
Jesus Christ!
IMAGE 62.
1/9/2015
CORBETT
Don't forget that I know her better than you.
ANDREA
Is that right? How do you know that?
CORBETT
What did you do?? Spend an hour with her? I've spent six years.
ANDREA
Why doesn't she know?
CORBETT
Andrea, please.
ANDREA
Tell me.
CORBETT
She doesn't know because we don't have our strategy in place yet. We have to have a
strategy in place or we’re fucked.
ANDREA
God, Corbett. She doesn't know? How can she not know? Didn’t the hospital call her?
CORBETT
I told the hospital not to call her, and I would break the news when the time came.
ANDREA.
This is ridiculous. She has to be told. Jesus Christ.
(She collects her things and goes for the door)
CORBETT
Where are you going?
ANDREA
I have to go back.
CORBETT
Andrea, you can't...
IMAGE 63.
1/9/2015
ANDREA
No, I have to. She has no one.
CORBETT
You got the contract. Your part of this is over.
ANDREA
She has NO ONE! Do you understand? Where is the comfort here?
CORBETT
She'll have comfort from the public.
ANDREA
She'll get nothing from the public. And I'll tell you something else. She's not going to
want a funeral here. She'll want to bring her back to Connecticut. Which I fully support.
CORBETT
Connecticut?
ANDREA
It's her right!
CORBETT
What are you doing to me? The biggest Hollywood event since Michael Jackson and you
want to fuck it up.
(Long pause. She stares at him.)
ANDREA
I don’t consider this a Hollywood event. The Oscars are a Hollywood event.
CORBETT
No, this is a Hollywood event. Anything that has to do with stars is a Hollywood event.
ANDREA
Corbett...this isn't a recap of "Bachelorette!" Someone died.
CORBETT
What can I do about it?
IMAGE 64.
1/9/2015
ANDREASomeone died!!
CORBETTWhat can I do? Give it up to the other publicity vultures and lose a few mil? We have
the goddamn contract!
ANDREAWe're dealing with a mother and her child. Don't you feel anything?
CORBETTSure. I feel like we should move forward. We have to.
ANDREAHow could you justify not telling her own Mother?
CORBETTYou think this was easy and stress free? I've agonized over this for the last three hours.
I've already taken three xanax.
(Beat)
ANDREAHold on. Three hours?
CORBETTYeah.
(Beat)
(CORBETT is caught.)
ANDREAIt's one o'clock.
CORBETTSo?
ANDREAThree hours would make it 10am.
IMAGE 65.
1/9/2015
CORBETTRight.
ANDREAI was here in your office at 10am. I was standing right here. And you told me she was
fine.
CORBETTShe was then.
ANDREABullshit!
(Long Pause)
CORBETTI was...doing my job.
ANDREAYou knew she was dead when you sent me over there, didn't you? She was gone in the
morning.
CORBETTWhat purpose would it serve...?
ANDREAYou were certain that if I knew, I wouldn't get that contract. You were the only one who
knew the truth.
CORBETTAndrea...
ANDREAYou had to plan! You knew!! You use all your power to keep it quiet.
CORBETTStop it!
ANDREAYou plan things, Corbett! You plan things well. And you planned this!
IMAGE 66.
1/9/2015
CORBETTI don’t know why you have to....
ANDREATell me! You KNEW!
CORBETTWhy are you...?
ANDREAFor Christ sake!
CORBETTPlease...
ANDREAOh, Jesus.
CORBETTForget about it. Go back to your office.
ANDREAYou can't be honest? Tell me. You knew!
CORBETTANDREA! Shut up and go do your work!
ANDREAYou KNEW!!
CORBETTSTOP!
ANDREAYOU KNEW!
CORBETTOF COURSE I KNEW! Is that what you want to hear then? Alright! I KNEW.
(Very long pause.)
ANDREAThen you lied. You lied to me, you lied to Nicole, and you're lying to the public.
IMAGE 67.
1/9/2015
CORBETT
Have you changed so much? An hour with some nut case and BOOM...instant values.
This is our last shot at owning Gianna’s image and I'm not wasting the chance to cash in.
If you think I'm slimy, then you are just as slimy as I am...Lopez was lied to, and you
took the money.
ANDREANo one died because of it.
CORBETTBut you lied!
ANDREAYou pushed me! You know that.
CORBETTStill.
ANDREAWhy would you lie like that?
CORBETTI lied to get the image, okay? That is what we do. We deal in images.
(ANDREA runs over and snatches the contract out of his
hands.)What the fuck are you doing! Get back here!
ANDREANo.
CORBETTGive me that fucking contract. I’m serious.
(She makes for the door. He catches her and throws her
back in the room.)
ANDREANo!
IMAGE 68.
1/9/2015
(He grabs her by the throat and pins her against the
wall.)
CORBETTDrop it! Drop that contract!
(She is defiant. He squeezes harder and she starts to
choke. Slowly, she lets the contract fall to the ground.)
CORBETTYOU DON’T FUCK WITH ME, YOU HEAR ME! I will ruin you! I will make sure
that you never work again in this business. When I get through with you, you won’t
even be able to get a gig at a Burger King in Detroit.
ANDREA
You can't treat people like shit your whole life and get away with it.
CORBETT
Talk to me about Karma. Come after me. I don’t give a shit. And as for the kid? She's
going to be like Marilyn Monroe and live on forever in images owned and licensed by
Talent Promotions. She gave us the rights. We have them!
ANDREA
For the project.
CORBETT
Forever.
(She is quiet)
Did you read he contract?
ANDREA
Yes.
CORBETT
All of it?
ANDREA
I---
IMAGE 69.
1/9/2015
CORBETTWe purposely invented all that small print. No one is going to go through all that. Now
you know why I didn’t want her attorneys involved.
ANDREABrilliant.
CORBETTThat biography goes to press in three weeks. Blog goes up tomorrow morning. "Gianna's *
Last Hours" with pictures and music. I'll start selling ad space tomorrow afternoon.
(Long pause)
ANDREAShe's dead.
CORBETTWho am I? Jesus Christ? Can I bring her back ?
ANDREANo, but you can have some respect.
CORBETTI have.
ANDREAFor what? You have respect for money...that’s all you have respect for.
CORBETTYou're here to make money too. Don’t give me that shit.
ANDREAI'm going back to my office.
CORBETTThat's a good start.
ANDREAI'm going to clean it out.
CORBETTYou wanna do that? It’s fine with me.
IMAGE 70.
1/9/2015
ANDREAI don't trust you. I really don't think I ever did. I was in total denial.
(CORBETT laughs)My work ethic made me look the other way.
CORBETTMoney made you look the other way. You have no work ethic. No one in this town
does.
ANDREAI did once.
CORBETTRight. You were fierce..you didn't take any shit. You were tough. Are you now? Are
you tough?
ANDREA
Maybe not so much after all. But you know what? It doesn’t matter.
(They stare at each other. Lights fade)
IMAGE 71.
1/9/2015
SCENE IV
(Lights up in NICOLE’S area. She is still asleep on the
couch as ANDREA enters. ANDREA sits on the couch
next to NICOLE, and for a long time, there is silence.)
ANDREA
Nicole?
NICOLE
Mm.
(NICOLE stirs)
ANDREA
Are you awake?
NICOLE
Mm.
ANDREA
Can you sit up for a minute. Can you? I need you to sit up. We need to talk.
(NICOLE slowly sits up and tries to focus on ANDREA.)
Listen to me. Can you hear me?
NICOLE
I can hear you.
ANDREA
Please sit up and look at me. I need you to.
(NICOLE sits up, wiping the sleep out of her eyes.)
I have to tell you something. It's about Gianna. We have some news.
NICOLE
When is she coming out? Have you talked to the Doctors?
ANDREA
Nicole---
IMAGE 72.
1/9/2015
NICOLE
When is she going into rehab then? Can you arrange to get her back east?
ANDREA
Well, that is what I wanted to talk with you about. I'm sorry. Nicole, Gianna was fine
for a while. This morning. She tried to recover, but things changed. Her kidneys shut
down. They couldn't save her.
(Long, long pause. NICOLE is struck my lightning. She
is immobile.)
I'm sorry. How could it happen? I don't know. No. She didn't make it.
(Another long silence. NICOLE stares. Slowly, she takes
the medicine cards and shuffles the deck. She pulls a
card. ANDREA watches.)
NICOLE
Butterfly. Out of cocoon and reborn in the transformation. Transformation.
(She takes a long while to look at the card, turning it over
and over in her hand. ANDREA doesn't know what to
say. Still more silence. Eventually, NICOLE gets up and
pours a drink.)
ANDREA
They did everything they could.
NICOLE
That's supposed to be a comfort?
ANDREA
We spoke with the chief of the Emergency and he assured us.
NICOLE
They always say that, don't they? I mean they can't really say, "we weren't up to it
today."
(Beat)
IMAGE 73.
1/9/2015
NICOLE (CONT'D)Before I'm not able to talk, or not want to talk, or hurt so much I can't talk...I want to tell
you something.
ANDREATell me.
NICOLEI want to thank you.
ANDREAYou're thanking me?
NICOLEI'm thanking you.
ANDREAFor what? What did I do?
NICOLELook around. Who else is here? Who came?
ANDREAI left. I was bringing that contract back to the office where we'd take you for everything
you had.
NICOLEYou left, yes. And you cared enough to come back. Not a lot of people come here, if you
can believe that.
ANDREAIt wasn't a matter of caring. Not at first.
NICOLEBut you do. I can see it.
ANDREAYes. I do care. I understand everything. How can you trust me? I'm a coyote.
NICOLESo what? A contract. What does that mean to me right now? Image? They can have
their it. I don't need it, and she certainly doesn't anymore, does she?
IMAGE 74.
1/9/2015
(Beat)
She was such a sweet kid, Andrea. She just went wrong.
(Beat)And you know what pisses me off? With all the power of intuition I have, with all the
common sense I have...I just couldn't see this coming. You think kids are indestructible.
(Pause. She sips her drink)Tell me something---
(Long pause)
ANDREAHm?
NICOLEDo you believe that everything has a purpose? Shapes, colors...trees, grass, clouds?
Cows in the fields, children at play?
ANDREAIf you really look at things, I believe it all serves a purpose.
NICOLEMe too. I love colors. Do you believe in Blue?
ANDREAI'm not sure I know what you mean.
NICOLEAs a purpose.
ANDREAYou have to clarify that.
NICOLEBlue means warmth. Once it is there, once it is released, it is open and warm, and it floats
through the air in delicate little ribbons. Just wrapping...entwining whatever it comes in
contact with. It came out slowly and proved to me that you're a comfort. You were
complex and deep down, you understood me, and I understood you. And that is the
reason that both of us are here, now, at this moment.
IMAGE 75.
1/9/2015
(NICOLE smiles at ANDREA lovingly and sits for a long
moment. ANDREA takes her hand.)
ANDREAI have to tell you something too. I'm leaving the company.
NICOLEWhen?
ANDREAAs of a half hour ago.
NICOLEI told you that you don't belong there. I saw it in your cards.
ANDREAYes, you did tell me. You told me a lot of things.
NICOLESo what will you do?
ANDREAI don't know. Certainly not anything in the corporate world. I don't want to sit in an
office, I don't want to take orders, and I certainly don't want to lie for a living. That is
what I did. I made up lie after lie so people will keep believing bullshit and pay us a a lot
of money. I mended fences and I oversaw every magazine cover and photoshopped out
zits and scars so that people will believe in perfection and there is no such thing.
NICOLEThis town is not real. There is nothing real about it.
(Long pause. NICOLE breaks down and ANDREA holds
her for a long moment.)
ANDREANicole? Do you want me to stay with you for a while? I don't have anywhere to go.
NICOLEI could use the company.
IMAGE 76.
1/9/2015
ANDREAMe too.
(ANDREA holds her hand and they sit in silence. The
lights fade.)
End of Play
IMAGE 77.
1/9/2015
