Simon Says Script - Final Draft

7/30/2019 Simon Says Script - Final Draft

1/25

Simon Says

By

Matt Summers

Final Draft


2/25

FADE IN:

1 EXT. ALLEYWAY - LATE EVENING

It is silent. The only noises that can be heard are the

faint whisks of wind, and the small rumblings of animalsscurrying about the streets nearby.

A sudden scream can be heard nearby. Ellie enters thealleyway. She is running, whilst constantly looking behindherself.

ELLIE(Shouting)

Leave me alone!

Ellie trips and falls to the ground. She cuts her leg. She

begins backing away slowly.

ELLIEPlease, Please stop this!

She screams again, holding her head in pain and laying outon the ground in pain.

FADE TO BLACK:

SUPERIMPOSE TITLE: SIMON SAYS

FADE IN:

2 INT. DAVIDS OFFICE - DAY

EXTREME CLOSE UP from OVER SHOULDER PERSPECTIVE of pillpot raised. The man hurriedly places a couple of pills inhis mouth, and swallows.

He places the pill pot on the table. The pills arelabelled as paracetamols.

David Easton a young man, short dark hair, dressed smartly

with a shirt, tie, blazer and jeans is sat in a chair infront of his desk.

He is breathing heavily.

QUICK CUT TO:

3 INT. SIMONS OFFICE - DAY - FLASHBACK

DAVIDS POV - Extremely brief quick cut shots together.The location is obscure, and so too is the faces.

(CONTINUED)


3/25

CONTINUED: 2.

The lighting is dark in the room. The ceiling light abovethe desk is off, only a lamp is shining bright on thedesk.

David is sat in Simons Office facing the desk. Quick cutto David looking to his left. A woman (Lauren) is sat in

the chair next to him. Cut to pitch black. Screaming isheard from Lauren.

QUICK CUT TO:


David leans his head back against his chair. He closes hiseyes. He rests for a few seconds. His breathing slowlycalms down after consuming the pills.

There is the briefest glimpse of a woman on Davids laptopscreen (saved screensaver) as the camera pans up andswitches angle. The woman is Lauren Easton, a young petitewoman, who is Davids deceased wife.

A few seconds pass before a mobile phone on the deskstarts ringing and vibrating. It makes David jump in hisnow relaxed state. David leans forward, picks up themobile and acknowledges the caller.

DAVIDHello, this is David Easton,Private Investigator, how may I

help you?

TIME CUT TO:

5 EXT. MATHESON HOUSE - DAY

A car speeds along the road and pulls up outside theMathesons House. The door swings open and David stepsout.

David leans back into his car to the passengers side and

grabs a notepad and I.D. card off of the seat. There is ahandgun also on the seat. He quickly opens the glovecompartment and places the gun in there, and closes it.David leans back out of the car and closes the door. Heslides the notepad into his pocket.

David walks into the driveway to the front door of theMathesons house and rings the doorbell. There is a pausebefore the door open.

DAVIDHello Im the privateinvestigator, David Easton, I hada call to come to this address.

(CONTINUED)


4/25

CONTINUED: 3.

David shows his I.D. Card.

RUTHOh, you look younger than Iexpected in your profession.

DAVIDMost people say exactly the samething.

David forces a smile as he slides his I.D. back into hispocket.

RUTHIm sorry, Im Ruth Matheson.

DAVIDIts a pleasure to meet you.

RUTHPlease, come in.

Ruth Matheson, a young 22 year old woman, leaves the dooropen as she walks off. David quickly takes his car keysout of his pocket and locks the car. David enters thehouse.

6 INT. MATHESON HOUSE - HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS

David takes his shoes off by the mat at the front door. He

walks forward, trying to look to where Ruth might havegone. She quickly pops her head around the kitchendoorway.

RUTHPlease head on into the livingroom, Ill be there in a minute.Would you like a coffee?

DAVIDThat would be great thank you.

David walks down the hallway and into the living room.

CUT TO:

7 INT. MATHESON HOUSE - LIVING ROOM

David is sat on the settee. Ruth walks in with two coffeesand hands David a mug.

DAVIDThank you Mrs Matheson.

(CONTINUED)


5/25

CONTINUED: 4.

RUTHPlease, call me Ruth.

David takes a sip of coffee before placing it on a costeron the coffee table.

DAVIDWhen we spoke on the phoneyesterday you told me there was aproblem with your younger sister?What exactly is the problem?

David opens his notepad and gets ready to write.

RUTHEllie has always been quitetroubled. Our Mum died only a fewyears ago, and that was the real

turning point. She found it hardto trust anyone other than ourMum, she had little friends toturn to for help, and she wouldoften be reluctant to talk to meabout how she felt.

DAVIDIs your Dad still around?

Ruth hesitates, before continuing.

RUTH

I dont like to talk very muchabout that. But it definitelyeffected us all, in variousdifferent ways.

(beat)He was an abusive alcoholic. Heleft us when we were young to goabroad somewhere. We haventheard anything back from himsince.

DAVID

Im sorry to hear about all thetroubles youve had. It must ofbeen difficult for the both ofyou.

RUTHIt was. But Ive always done mybest to support Ellie, yesterdaywas just the turning point.

DAVIDWhat happened?

(CONTINUED)


6/25

CONTINUED: 5.

RUTHAs Ive said Ellie was always aquiet and lonely girl most of thetime. Two days ago she had anappointment at the local surgeryto see a doctor, nothing serious,just a problem in her leg she had

been complaining about. I askedif she wanted me to go with her,but she refused. We never reallyargued, and I agreed she could goalone.

David continues writing down notes.

RUTH (CONTD)But something happened yesterday.I found out she had lied to me,and instead of going to the

doctors she went to see ahypnotist.

DAVIDDid this have any significantimpact at all? I mean did she saywhy she chose to see thishypnotist instead of the Doctor?

RUTHNo she never mentioned why. Butshe didnt get home untilyesterday morning. I wasincredibly worried and concerned,but she acted strange. She wasntherself at all, and argued andsaid some things to me that Iwould never of expected.

DAVIDAnd her acting unusual didnthappen before yesterday?

RUTHNo. She just seemed really

distant and unlike herself, Iknow something wasnt right.

DAVIDDid she mention the hypnotistsname at all?

RUTHI think she said his name wasSimon.

David instantly stops writing. He appears frozen in

thought.

(CONTINUED)


7/25

CONTINUED: 6.

RUTHAre you okay?

David quickly springs back to life.

DAVIDOh, Im sorry about that. I justhave these constant headacheslately, its nothing.

David focuses again and gets ready to write more notes.

RUTHI dont believe in that hypnosisrubbish, but I know she was finebefore she went to thathypnotist. Something isnt rightabout him.

DAVIDDid she mention where thishypnotist worked?

RUTHNo, she says she couldntremember anything that happenedduring her session with him oranything after until she camehome yesterday.

DAVID

Okay well Ill do some backgroundresearch into this hypnotist. IfI find a location Ill go and seehim, and ask him a few questions.

RUTHThank you so much for doing this.

DAVIDThats no problem.

David stands and puts his notepad in his pocket.

8 INT. MATHESON HOUSE - HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS

David and Ruth both exit the living room into the hallway.David opens the door, before turning back to Ruth.

DAVIDDont worry about anything Ruth,I will find out if anything iswrong.

David exits the house before closing the door.

CUT TO:


8/25

7.

9 INT. DAVIDS OFFICE - EVENING

JIB SHOT starting from bin on the floor. A piece ofcrumpled paper is thrown into the bin. CAMERA PANS UP toreveal small office space. David is sat at a desk in thecorner of the room, with a laptop open on the desk.

QUICK SHOTS CUT between David and the laptop.

David searches hypnotism into Google. There are EXTREMECLOSE-UPS of particular words and phrases that he takesnotice of in the various pages. He continues to scan thetext, picking out phrases.

David searches again now for Simon Hypnotist. He scrollsthrough the search results but there is nothing of useabout Simon.

David looks back on the notes he has taken. Written downis Stage-hypnotism. He googles Simon - StageHypnotism. As he scrolls down he finds something, aTumblr article called Simon Says.... He clicks the link.The bloggers username is TwistedSpectrum666.

He scrolls through the article taking notes again. EXTREMECLOSE-UPS on particular phrases.

Simon Says... is the most recent article on the page.David scrolls down further on the Tumblr Blog looking formore articles. He stumbles upon an embedded video uploadedby the user. He clicks play.

The video features CHRISTOPHER ELLIS speaking directly tothe camera being recorded on. Christopher appears crazy,visibly stressed and paranoid.

CHRISTOPHER(Crazy)

It seems so strange now. Itsbeen weeks since my firstencounter with Simon. I cannotget Simon out of my head, he isdriving me insane. What he did to

those people, all of thosepeople, its horrifying.

Christopher picks up a can of coke and takes a swig.

CHRISTOPHER (CONTD)(Crazy)

I used to be so respected in myjob, but look at me now. Lookwhat Simon has driven me to.Insanity? Is that what you wouldcall it? It feels like I aminsane, and perhaps that is why Iam past the point of return. But

(MORE)

(CONTINUED)


9/25

CONTINUED: 8.

CHRISTOPHER (CONTD) (contd)that doesnt mean for others theycannot be helped before its toolate.

Christopher takes a final swig of coke, before throwing

the can out of sight of the camera.

CHRISTOPHER (CONTD)(Crazy)

I had a conversation yesterdaywith someone interested in myblog. I cant quite remember hisname, its a blur, I think theinitials were D.E. He wasinterested in Simon, I tried tohelp him too, and I think Isucceeded. But there are others.

He wants others. Listen to mywarnings people, do not go to seethe hypnotist Simon. Do not gothere! You will lose your mind tohim.

David sits back in his seat, confused. He scrolls backthrough the video to replay a section.

CHRISTOPHER(Repeated)

I had a conversation yesterdaywith someone interested in my

blog. I cant quite remember hisname, its a blur, I think theinitials were D.E.

David quickly loses focuses.

10 INT. CHRISTOPHERS ROOM - DAY - FLASHBACK

DAVIDs POV - Quick Cuts in Christophers Room. David isshaking hands with Christopher. Christopher hands him apot of pills (paracetamols). Quick snippet of dialogue.

CHRISTOPHERTrust me, these help.

CLOSE UP on pills. Quick cut to Christopher sat down withDavid talking. Quick cut to Christopher standing,appearing crazed and paranoid.

QUICK CUT TO:


10/25

9.


David snaps back to life, startled at what has justoccurred.

He hesitantly sits upright and scrolls down the tumblr

blog further. There is an earlier article from furtherback. He begins to skim through the text, continuing topick out phrases of interest that Christopher has used todescribe Simon.

As David reaches the bottom of the article there is apicture of an office building. David squints at thepicture before finally recognising it.

QUICK CUT TO:

12 EXT. SIMONS OFFICE BUILDING - DAY - FLASHBACK

DAVIDS POV - Quick shots cut together.

Quick shot as David is driving. David exits the car. Davidstands looking at Simons office building. Quick cut toDavid walking down a narrow corridor. Looks to his left -Revealed Lauren is with him. Quick cut to David and Laurenat a door, pan up to reveal a plaque on the door. It readsDr. Simon Smith.

QUICK CUT TO:


David recognises the picture. He still appears confused --not certain why he is unsure of the memory.

David quickly leans forward and looks through his desk. Hebegins to flick through files.

Several shots cut together as David picks out variousfiles, beginning to hurriedly look through each page tofind something of importance. Several minutes have passed.

As David looks to give up and places files back he noticessomething. Lodged at the back of the desk is a glimpse ofa file. David picks out the file from the back of thedesk.

DAVIDWhat the hell was this doing backthere?

He quickly skips through the many pages -- he finds whathe is looking for.

(CONTINUED)


11/25

CONTINUED: 10.

There is Davids written notes on the location, as well asthe same picture stapled to the page. Simons name iswritten as part of the heading to the page.

David leans back in his chair, appearing agitated andslightly concerned.

DAVID(Confused)

How could I possibly not haveknown I had this?

As David continues to look out the page he picks outanother name. CHRISTOPHER ELLIS. Davids notes continue tolink in with the video he saw of Christopher -- they wereconnected in some way - Christopher and Simon appearedclose originally.

TIME CUT TO:

14 EXT. SIMONS OFFICE BUILDING - DAY

David is driving in his car, he pulls up outside of thebuilding he recognises from the picture. It is SimonsOffice Building. David sits in his car with his eyesclosed. He breaths slowly.

On the seat next to him is his paracetamols, notebook andhis handgun. He picks up the paracetamols, slides off thelid, places a few in his mouth and swallows. After taking

a few deep breaths again he feels ready. He picks up hisnotepad and gun and exits his car.

He places the notepad into his pocket, and puts his guninto the back of his jeans. He locks the car, and proceedsto walk towards the building.

15 INT. SIMONS OFFICE BUILDING - HALLWAY - DAY

The hallway is long. There are numerous doors positionedalong the hallway. The building is quiet. No one is

around.

David appears at the end of the hallway, rounding thecorner. As he passes each door he looks for someindication as to what room he is looking for.

QUICK CUT TO:


12/25

11.

16 INT. SIMONS OFFICE BUILDING - HALLWAY - DAY - FLASHBACK

Incredibly brief quick cut from DAVIDS POV - continuingon from an earlier flashback.

David is at the beginning of the hallway. Quick cut toDavid standing at the Simons Office door. There is aplaque on the door that reads Doctor Simon Smith- Psychotherapist.

QUICK CUT TO:

17 INT. SIMONS OFFICE BUILDING - DAY

David quickly realises which door he is looking for. Hestill walks up the hallway cautiously, ensuring thismemory is not likely to hinder him in any way. He reachesthe door.

He looks up at the plaque on the door. He doesnt botherknocking. He checks to make sure the door is unlocked. Itis. David enters.

18 INT. SIMONS OFFICE - DAY

The door slowly opens. It is silent. David cautiouslysteps in, quietly closing the door behind him. As Davidfaces the door closing it, Simon speaks up.

The main light in the room positioned above Simon isoff. A lamp is positioned on the desk, shining onSimons hands. His face is not visible.

SIMONHello David.

David quickly turns on the spot. Sitting at the desk isSimon.

The main light in the room positioned above Simon is off.A lamp is positioned on the desk, shining on Simonshands. His face is not visible.

SIMON (CONTD)What may I do for you?

David approaches the desk slowly.

DAVIDHow do you know my name?

SIMONPlease, do you really think Idforget an old friend? Or perhaps

you just have one of thosefamiliar faces?

(CONTINUED)


13/25

CONTINUED: 12.

(beat)Please, sit down.

Simons hand from the table gestures towards the seatopposite him in front of the desk. David, still cautious,sits down in the chair.

SIMONIm sorry about the lighting inhere David, Im getting it fixedas soon as possible.

David looks and notices Simons hands constantly fidgetingon his desk.

DAVIDIs that true? Or did the mindmanipulating start the second I

stepped through that door?

SIMON(Sarcastic)

Thats right, youve caught meout already David. Or would youprefer me to call you Mr Easton?

DAVIDYou still never told me how youknow my name, or do you enjoytalking in riddles.

SIMONAh, a magician never reveals hissecrets David.

DAVIDMagician? I thought you were ahypnotist?

SIMONPsychotherapist, actually. Butyes, my trick with the tradebegan long ago. Im sure youve

already done some research intome. But tell me please, how is itthat you were able to find meagain?

David takes the notepad out his pocket, and opens it tohis recent page.

DAVIDA couple of days ago I wascontacted by Ruth Matheson. Doesthat name stir anything in yourmemory? Her younger sisterapparently seemed to be a

(MORE)

(CONTINUED)


14/25

CONTINUED: 13.

DAVID (contd)completely different person aftercoming to see you the other day.

SIMONI only try to help my patients

David, if they have a particularfear that they cannot deal with Ijust want to help them ...encounter this ... to defeat it.

DAVIDNow I dont believe in all thehypnotism shit Ive been reading.Many people claim hypnotism to befake, an illusion created by theillusionist so that they believewhat they want to hear. I guess

that just wasnt the case withEllie Matheson was it. What didyou do to her?

There is a pause. Simon opens a draw in his desk.

DAVIDWhat did you do to her?

Simon continues to ignore this. He takes a file out fromthe draw, before closing it again. He places the file onthe desk. He opens it to the first page.

SIMONYou failed to answer my firstquestion, so now I wont answeryour questions. How is Lauren,David?

David pauses for thought.

DAVIDI dont know what youre talkingabout.

SIMONCome on David, dont tell meyouve forgotten about everythingwe spoke about on our last visit.

David again appears confused, struggling to comprehendwhat hes being told.

DAVIDWhat are you talking about?

Simon laughs to himself, menacingly.

(CONTINUED)


15/25

CONTINUED: 14.

SIMONThis is great fun this is. Alwaysgreat to see a former patientriddled with confusion.

DAVID

(Shouting)What are you talking about?!

SIMONLauren is your wife.

David pauses again in thought.

QUICK CUT TO:



David is sat in Simons office, looking to his left whereLauren is sat next to him.

QUICK CUT TO:


David quickly gasps back to present day, he appears

shocked and nervous.

DAVIDWhatever you are doing stop. Idont know any Lauren, Imsingle. You think I might knowIf I had a wife.

SIMONLauren is your deceased wifeDavid.

David still looks nervous. He wipes the sweat off hisforehead.

DAVIDI never have had a wife.

SIMONIf that is true David then howcome your memory is vague? Why isit that you have headaches? Whyis it that sat here the wholetime you have felt uneasy,because you feel something iswrong with this place.

(CONTINUED)


16/25

CONTINUED: 15.

David frantically begins looking around. Confused.

QUICK CUT TO:



David is on the floor. Quick cut to Lauren standing abovehim. Quick cut to Lauren on the floor dead, David layingmotionless next to her.

QUICK CUT TO:


David stands. Clearly effected by what is happening.

DAVID(Shouting)

What are you doing to me?

David holds his head again, appearing in pain.

SIMONPlease David, just relax and sitback down.

David cautiously sits back down.

SIMON (CONTD)Lauren was here with you when youfirst came to visit me. I sayvisit me, but that wasnt reallythe purpose of your visit.

DAVIDWhat happened to me?! Yourelying, trying to manipulate me.

SIMONYou came to visit Christopher.

David again pauses in his thoughts.

QUICK CUT TO:

23 INT. DAVIDS OFFICE - EVENING - FLASHBACK

Incredibly brief quick cuts from DAVIDS POV - continuingon from an earlier flashback.

(CONTINUED)


17/25

CONTINUED: 16.

Video of Christopher talking on Davids laptop is brieflyshown. Quick cut to Christopher talking to David in hisoffice -- another flashback already seen.

QUICK CUT TO:


David quickly snaps back to life again in the present.

DAVIDWhat happened to Christopher?

SIMONHow exactly do you mean?

DAVID

I remembered something about him.He was in my office before.Talking to me about something.Then he appeared to go insanewith rage.

Simon laughs to himself.

DAVIDWhat did you do to Christopher?Did you kill him?

Simon continues laughing to himself.

SIMONKill him? How could I havepossibly killed him? Me andChristopher were closer than youmight think.

DAVIDHow close?

Simon leans in to the light, revealing himself to beidentical to Christopher.

SIMON(Sinister)

Very, Very Close.

David quickly jumps out of his seat and moves back.

DAVID(Shouting)

What the fuck is this? YoureChristopher?

Simon also stands now.

(CONTINUED)


18/25

CONTINUED: 17.

SIMONIn a way you could say I amChristopher, but also Im not.

Simon steps out from around his desk and begins toapproach David. David pulls out his handgun from the back

of his jeans and aims it at Simon. Simon steps backagainst his desk.

DAVIDYou dont come anywhere me, yougot it.

SIMONThat is understandable David.

DAVIDNow, explain what you meant.

SIMONIm sure you have done someresearch into me? Anythinginteresting show up? Maybeanything from Christopher?

DAVIDThe tumblr blog. The tumblr blogdemanding people to not go andsee you here. What was that? Somekind of weird, twisted delusionaljoke by yourself? You seemed

pretty insane.

SIMONLet me explain.

25 INT. THEATRE HALL - DAY - FLASHBACK

Simon is narrating over this flashback from present day.

SIMON (V.O.)I was once known as ChristopherEllis. I say I was, but thatsnot particularly true.

JIB SHOT from floor - panning up to reveal poster on signof theatre hall door. Poster is for Christopher Ellis -Amazing Illusionist.

SIMON (V.O.)I ... He ... used to be astage-hypnotist. Not a famousone, but it was a paying gignonetheless.

(CONTINUED)


19/25

CONTINUED: 18.

A couple, hand-in-hand, walk into shot past the poster andinto the theatre hall. Loud audience chatter can be heard.

Simon steps out on stage, accepting and entertaining asthe crowd can be heard applauding.

SIMON (V.O.)Its well known that manyhypnotists are actually not awareof the power they possess. Thatwas the case for Christopher.

CUT TO BLACK

Loud screaming is heard.

CUT TO:


SIMONYou see, that is the dayChristopher realised the power hepossessed, and that is the day Icame to prominence.

DAVIDWhat do you mean?

SIMON

Im his ... alter-ego if youwill.

DAVIDSplit Personality Disorder?Christopher realised he had SplitPersonality Disorder?

SIMON(Sinister)

Yes. Yes.(beat)

But one identity came out on top.Me.

Simon grins.

27 SIMON MONTAGE SEQUENCE

A) SIMONS OFFICE - Christopher is sat at his desk Stopthis, you cant keep doing this to me, I dont want this!

B) SIMON MIRROR SEQUENCE - Christopher looks into mirrorat himself. Closes his eyes. Turns his head rapidly -looks back at himself - disgusted.

(CONTINUED)


20/25

CONTINUED: 19.

C) SIMONS OFFICE - Simon Says ... Relax. Remain Calm.This wont hurt a bit.

D) Quick cuts of various people sitting in Simons office- eyes closed - screaming in pain. Quick cut to Simonstanding over them - evily looking on - hands gesturing -

manipulating minds - stealing their memories.

E) SIMON MIRROR SEQUENCE (CONTD) - Christopher twists andturns his head again. Begins punching the mirror,intently. Mirror smashes.


SIMONThat was the day I defeatedChristopher. Now it is just me.

DAVIDYoure crazy.

SIMONYes that is one way of looking atit.

DAVIDWhat exactly is it you did toEllie?

SIMON

Well, that relates to the powerChristopher discovered inhimself, well now myself.

(beat)Do you want to know my littlesecret? My little secret of howpeople will listen to me? Itsall in the triggered phrase.

DAVIDTriggered what?

SIMONThe triggered phrase. For exampleif I was to take a simple phraselike .... I dont know ... howabout SIMON SAYS for example.

(beat)SIMON SAYS ... You will loweryour gun now.

David hesitantly and against his will starts to lower hisgun. He desperately tries to keep the gun pointed, but henow has no control.

(CONTINUED)


21/25

CONTINUED: 20.

DAVID(struggling)

What are you doing? How are youdoing this?

SIMON

I am able to hypnotise you whileyoure fully awake and aware ofthe process. I prefer to useSimon Says, it just gives me thattwisted phrase that everyonerecognises, but for the wrongreasons.

(beat)We have had this discussionbefore but you just do notremember it. Kind of like how youdont remember Lauren, or me. Or

who you were. I certainly didwipe your memory clean didnt I.

David begins to frantically panic. He blinks continuously,and stands back against the wall.

DAVIDWhat is this?

DAVIDs POV - HALLUCINATION - Unusual effect duringhallucination. It is visibly clear Davids mind iscreating this strange effect.

SIMONThere is the setback for thesubject during this phase ofbeing hypnotised, they begin tohallucinate.

DAVIDs POV - HALLUCINATION - Quick cuts as Lauren appearsin place of Simon. She has blood on her face, as well asred markings on her neck.

David is visibly effected by this. He tries closing hiseyes. He falls to the floor.

DAVIDs POV - HALLUCINATION - Lauren continuesto manoeuvres the room. The image of Lauren switches toSimon. The hallucination inter-cuts between both Laurenand Simon. MANIACAL LAUGHING FROM SIMON CAN BE HEARD.

David is clearly distressed by what is happening. He triesto prop himself up against the wall, but struggles. Hecontinues to look on at his hallucinations.

DAVIDs POV - HALLUCINATION - Lauren turns and begins toapproach David. The hallucination switches to Simon. Davidraises his gun. Simon continues to approach David. Davidshoots. Nothing happens.

(CONTINUED)


22/25

CONTINUED: 21.

David looks at his gun. Visibly frustrated he aims again.

DAVIDS POV - HALLUCINATION - David shoots several times,with no impact on Simon. He approaches David. Simon jumpsat David, crazily laughing.

FADE TO:


Time has passed. David is no longer propped up against thewall, but is sprawled on the floor - unconscious. The gunis no longer in his hand.

David awakens. He begins coughing, and responding in pain.He props himself up against the wall.

Off-screen a gun reloading noise is heard. David looks up.

A chair is positioned a close distance away from David,Simon is sitting on it. He is now aiming the gun at David.

David sighs when he realises the position he is now in.

SIMONOh David, Im afraid were stuckin a bit of a loop here. You see,if I just wipe your memory againyou will just keep coming backhere, somehow you will find a

way. I tried being reasonable,everyone gets a fighting chance... I invade the mind, they leaveknowing none the wiser.

(beat)But you David .... You just dontknow when to quit. Even with yourmemory gone you continue to findme. Theres a connection betweenus which can only be broken inone way.

DAVID(Painfully)

Tell me first, How did Laurendie? Did you kill her?

SIMONIve never killed David. I mayappear a sadisticly evil humanbeing, but that is not my way. Doyou really want to know thetruth?

David nods.

(CONTINUED)


23/25

CONTINUED: 22.

SIMONYou were the one that killedLauren.

David appears shocked.

DAVID(Painfully)

Liar!

Just as David says this, again another flashback starts.

QUICK CUT TO:


Incredibly brief quick cuts from DAVIDS POV - continuingon from an earlier flashback.

The effect in the flashback is again the same - its ahallucination.

David is on the floor. Quick cut to Lauren standing abovehim. Quick cut to David standing, pushing Simon to thefloor and strangling him. As David looks back he realisesit was never Simon - the image changes to Lauren. Quickcut to Lauren on the floor dead, David laying motionlessnext to her.

QUICK CUT TO:


David reacts awkwardly, struggling to believe it.

SIMONNow you realise and understand,my bad ways actually did you afavour. It made you forget whatyou did.

DAVID

I would never of done it if I hadnever visited you in the firstplace.

SIMONYou chose to visit me, the stressof your job caused a strain onyour health and relationship. Youthought hypnotherapy could saveyou. Unfortunately for you, itwas me you came to see.

David appears upset, looking away in disgust. He looksback again, his eyes tearing up.

(CONTINUED)


24/25

CONTINUED: 23.

The gun remains pointed at David. For the first time, itlooks as if Simon actually shows compassion. He hesitates.

SIMONSIMON SAYS ... Its time to moveon.

QUICK CUT TO BLACK

GUN SHOT IS HEARD.

CREDITS ROLL.

Alternate - Simon Ruthlessly kills David.

SIMONI let you go once, but I wasweaker then. But now is a time

when I have no weakness ... Just... Manipulation.

QUICK CUT TO BLACK

GUN SHOT IS HEARD.

CREDITS ROLL.

32 INT. SIMONS OFFICE - DAY - ALTERNATE

David reacts awkwardly, struggling to believe it.

SIMONNow you realise and understand,my bad ways actually did you afavour. It made you forget whatyou did.

DAVIDI would never of done it if I hadnever visited you in the firstplace.

SIMONYou chose to visit me, the stressof your job caused a strain onyour health and relationship. Youthought hypnotherapy could saveyou. Unfortunately for you, itwas me you came to see.

David appears upset, looking away in disgust. He looksback again, his eyes tearing up.

The gun remains pointed at David. For the first time, itlooks as if Simon actually shows compassion. He hesitates.He begins to look away, contemplating his decision.

(CONTINUED)


25/25

CONTINUED: 24.

David takes this opportunity. He quickly jumps to his feettowards Simon. A fight ensues. David and Simon both fightover control of the gun. David punches Simon away andgains control of the gun. Simon looks back to him inshock.

SIMONI was going to let you liveDavid, dont do something youllregret.

DAVIDI am this person I am todaybecause of you. You made me, andnow Im going to put a stop toyour madness.

David fires the gun. Simon falls against his desk, and

lays motionless on the ground. David goes over to Simonand checks for a pulse. After a few seconds, he begins tobreath heavily again, this time relieved. He walks awayfrom the body.

TIME CUT TO:


SUPERIMPOSE TEXT: 1 MONTH LATER

David opens the door to his office. He is carrying his

notebook in his hand, and throws it onto his desk. Hetakes his gun out from the back of his jeans and places iton the desk. Something catches his attention.

There is a note on the desk.

David picks up the note. The note reads - Time for yoursession David? Your Psychotherapist Simon.

David drops the note to the floor. Final shot on note asit impacts the floor.

QUICK CUT TO BLACK

CREDITS ROLL

Documents

Simon Says Script - Final Draft