Over the past few weeks I have attempted to find the cast for my film. I still plan on using my wife, Holly, for the lead role of Emily.
I found a guy that I thought would be a good fit for Adam but so far we are having difficulty communicating. I may need to find someone else that is easier to get in contact with that is more excited about the project. Im still up in the air with this.
I also require a child actress for the role of Brooklyn. I have talked to a good friend of mine and her daughter seems to be pretty excited about doing it. I am still hesitant because I know she is a shy little girl and I worry about it being extremely difficult to get her to loosen up in front of a camera.
I now need to start filming some test shots for things. I want to get my "look" set before filming so I can better understand how to shoot. I want to also test my actors again before scheduling filming.
This has been fun so far but I really feel like I have tried doing too much. I dont mean for this to sound like Im trying to blame others but I have been helping with a few other projects for people and have pushed mine to the side for some time now. I really need to focus now and start the engine and begin what I hope to be my best piece.
As far as the script, I believe we have it pretty close to where I want it. Some small revisions may be made still. Brooklyn may need to change to a young boy depending on actors.
ABSOLUTE
DEBORAH J. MERRILL
ADAPTED FROM A SHORT STORY BY
HOLLY MERRILL
1. INTERIOR. BEDROOM AT EMILY’S HOME. LATE AFTERNOON
4:58—The house is silent. What appears to be a woman completely out of focus is in the background. She appears to be gathering things from around the room. She goes to the radio, cranks it, then turns it on. The static lingers as if it is never going to stop. At 5:07 a voice comes through.
RADIO (V.O.)
We apologize for being late with our regularly scheduled daily broadcast. We have breaking news! The United States has been defeated in its efforts to maintain a strong hold in Washington DC. The first family and other government officials have fled the city, seeking safety elsewhere. This is the final defeat for our nation. All government services, including military efforts, have been suspended. We regret to inform you that this will be our last scheduled program also.
We sign off with these final words of our President which were recorded earlier: It is with great sorrow that I speak to you today. At the end of this day, we bid farewell to the United States of America. We bid farewell to the people of this great nation. We bid farewell to life as we knew it. May God bless you during these unknown times.
Emily momentarily stops to listen to the radio, then continues to gather items. Fades to black.
2. INTERIOR. DINING ROOM AT EMILY’S HOME. EVENING.
We see a woman wearing a short sexy dress and heels. Her makeup and hair are done for a special evening event. She is finishing the final preparations of a meal. The table is set with dishes that indicate it is a celebrate and romantic evening. She lights tall candles on beautiful candleholders and pours some wine into goblets.
Fade to black
The camera does a closeup of the woman sitting by herself at the table. Only her side of the table is shown. It appears that the woman may have eaten dinner by herself. She sits with her elbows resting on the table, fingers clutched together with her chin resting on them, obviously pondering something. Partially eaten dessert and the remainder of wine in the her goblet is all that is left of the meal. Soft music is playing in the background. She looks up and smiles as Adam enters the room.
Adam is dressed in a pair of slacks and a collared shirt with rolled up sleeves.
ADAM
That was easy enough. A few strokes on her forehead and Daddy’s reassuring voice was all she needed. She went right back to sleep.
Adam sits down at the table, picks up his fork and continues to eat his dessert. He looks at Emily with a smile.
ADAM
You looked like you were having a serious moment when I came in. What’s up?
EMILY
I was just thinking about how lucky I am…that you have put up with me for six years.
ADAM
Six years! Is that all its been. It seems like sixty!
EMILY
Well, thanks a lot! That indicates that I have enjoyed this marriage a lot more than you have! Is it because I am more tolerant or just blind to all your faults? Or…do you not have any?
ADAM
Ah, Come on now, Em. You know I had to say that cuz I’m a guy. Men can’t be all soft and mushy! Seriously, I can’t believe it has been six years. You are the best thing that has happened in my life… The steak you cooked tonight is the second!
EMILY
I am so glad that you have your priorities straight. Me first. Steak second.
There is silence for a moment, each looking at the other.
EMILY
You know, the really great thing about tonight is that I am a woman and I am entitled to get all soft and mushy! I know you don’t expect anything less.
ADAM
Go ahead. Tell me how wonderful I am.
EMILY
You are! You are the man that taught me what love is all about! Dad never had time for me… I was blessed (uses her fingers to put blessed in quotation marks) with a mom who could care less about being a mother. I was taken care of, but I was never loved… (dramatically)
Then…my knight in shining armor came along… sweeping me off my feet…and onto his beautiful white stallion, and rode off into the sunset with me.
ADAM
I assume that is the story you will tell Brooklyn when she asks how we met. I don’t mind her thinking that I saved you from the wicked stepmother and stepsisters!
EMILY
Oh, Adam. Where have you been. She has already heard that story so many times that she could probably tell it to you with all the details.
Adam stands up, walks over to Emily, and extends his hand toward here.
ADAM
Come, my fair princess. I would like to take you for a ride on my white stallion.
AMY
Whoa! I’m not sure how to take that! Are you being cheesy or dirty?!
ADAM
Geez, Em. Have I ever been cheesy in my whole life!
Emily takes him by the hand and gets up from the table.
FADE TO BLACK
3. EXTERIOR. PARK. DAY.
It is spring and the temperatures are cool. Early flowers are beginning to bloom. Emily and Brooklyn are wearing sweaters and long pants.
At the park about noon. Brooklyn is being pushed on the swing by her mother, Emily. Adam walks across the grass towards them. Emily stops pushing and walks to meet Adam. They give a quick hug. Brooklyn continues to swing. Adam and Emily walk over to a picnic table where Emily proceeds to take the items from her bag and put them on the table for lunch.
EMILY
(laughing)
You wouldn’t believe what Brooklyn said today!
ADAM
(with interest and smiling)
I can’t even imagine. What?
Adam proceeds to sit down at the table and begins putting food on his plate. Emily stops what she is doing to tell her story to Adam.
EMILY
We went to the bank today. When we were leaving she said, "That lady likes you more than me." I asked why she thought that. She said, "She gave you money and all she gave me was this sucker.”
They both laugh.
EMILY (cont.)
(teasing)
She must be your child! I hope the next one is as cute and funny as she is. Cute. Funny. Uhhh…I guess that makes her my child!
EMILY (cont.)
(Her light-hearted mood changes to serious)
The way things are going, I hope we can have another one. I don’t know if any child deserves being born into this world the way it is heading. Screwed up government. Threats of war. Who knows if we will even wake up in the morning.
ADAM
(seriously)
Hey, Let’s not even go there. I have a good job. We have money in the bank. The world might be crazy, but our kids don’t have to see that.
Brooklyn runs over to the table. Adam and Emily smile at her and act like nothing is wrong. Emily begins to put food on a plate. Brooklyn sits next to Adam and takes a chip off his plate. He teasingly grabs her wrist
ADAM
(His mood changes from serious to teasing)
Hey! Nobody steals my food! Now you have to pay.
BROOKLYN
You don’t scare me!
Brooklyn gets down from the table and begins to run away from Adam. He catches her and begins tickling her.
ADAM
I think Mamma needs tickled, too! She has been a bad girl! She worries way too much!
Knowing what is about to happen, Emily begins to move away from Adam. He grabs her and begins to tickle her.
EMILY
She screams between gasps of laughter.
Stop!
ADAM
(playfully)
Oh, I am sorry! Is something wrong?
EMILY
AHH! You are a monster! Let me go!
ADAM
Oh, I will let you go when you promise me you will lighten up!”
EMILY
Stop! Please! Okay. No more worries!!
Adam lets Emily free. She resumes what she was doing, while Adam goes to play with Brooklyn.
Fade to black.
4. EXTERIOR. DRIVEWAY IN FRONT OF EMILY’S HOUSE. DAY.
It is a warm summer day. Emily and Brooklyn are dressed in shorts and summer tops They drive up in front of house.
EMILY
Look, Brooklyn. Daddy must be home for lunch today!
BROOKLYN
(sad)
Oh, no, Momma. We didn’t get him a smoothie.
EMILY
That’s alright. I’ll share mine with him.
Brooklyn’s face brightens and she races into the house.
ADAM
Hey! There’s my two girls!
Adam picks up Brooklyn, swirls her around, then kisses her on her forehead. Emily immediately senses that something isn’t right.
ADAM
Hey, Bug. How about you findin’ Buster and taking him outside.
Adam looks at Emily lovingly, but with concern.
ADAM
Have you heard the news today?
Emily shakes her head no.
ADAM
Sit down and watch this.
They both sit down together on the sofa. Adam rewinds the live broadcast and hits play. BREAKING NEWS flashes across the bottom of the screen. Emily has a difficult time taking it all in, but gets enough information that she knows that the draft has been reinstated to fight the war with North Korea. She stands and walks to the window. Adam follows. They realize they are looking at the same thing, Brooklyn running around spraying the dog with a hose. They hear her laughter and it brings them back to reality.
ADAM
We need to stop! We aren’t going to do this. We don’t need to worry. Our country has fought many wars before and we have risen from them all. We are going to be okay!
EMILY
But, Honey. You heard what they said about doing a draft again. I mean… can they really do that? What are we going to do? What if you?…
ADAM
(interrupting Emily)
Stop! They said in extreme measures they might do a draft. It’s not for sure. Even if they did, the chances of me being called would be slim. Men with families are always the last to go.
Adam calms, then moves behind Emily and wraps his arms around her, both watching Brooklyn play.
Fade to black.
5. INTERIOR. ADAM’S OFFICE. LATE MORNING
Adam is at the office working at his desk. His phone rings. He looks to see who is calling.
ADAM
Hey, Em. What’s up?
EMILY
(She is crying)
I need you to come home.
ADAM
What’s happening, Em. Are you and Brooklyn okay?
EMILY
Brooklyn is fine. She is at Macee’s playing. I need you to come home though.
ADAM
Tell me what’s wrong. What’s happened, Babe?
EMILY
I just talked to Courtney. She said that Brandon just received his draft notice. I wasn’t worried too much when it was just the single guys, then married with no kids. But, Adam, Courtney and Brandon have two little kids. How is she going to do it?! How can she be both a mom and a dad to to them.
(Emily pauses, trying to not say what has to be said. )
Adam, I just know its going to be us next!
ADAM
Come on, Em. We don’t know that. It could all be over with before I receive a notice.
EMILY
Please, Adam. I need you to come home.
ADAM
Em, I’ve got to get this job done. I really don’t have time.
EMILY
Please, Adam. Please!
Fade to black
6. INTERIOR. KITCHEN AT EMILY’S HOUSE. DAY
Emily, Adam, and Brooklyn enter the house carrying a few bags of groceries. Emily heads to the kitchen. Adam sets down his bag, looks through the mail he carried in and takes a moment to look at a particular letter. He puts it on bottom and throws the mail on the table. As she and Adam sort groceries into three boxes, each labeled and partially filled: Emily- 3 months, Adam- 3 months, Brooklyn- 3 months.
EMILY
This is crazy! What is going on in this world?!!
ADAM
I have a feeling it is going to get worse before it gets better.
EMILY
How can it? It doesn’t matter how much money is in the bank if there is nothing to buy! I am afraid that the time is quickly coming when we aren’t going to be able to get the food we need! I love that you got us working on this food supply. It may be what saves us. We were able to buy extra food this time, but a lot of it is stuff we don’t even like.
ADAM
At least we have enough to keep us from being hungry.
EMILY
And how do we convince our picky little child to eat it? She knows something is up. We had to tell her that she can’t start school for another year! You saw how disappointed she was. She had to notice that the shelves at the store weren’t fully stocked. Now we are going to feed her food that she doesn’t even like!
ADAM
We really don’t have any choice. We will have to make do with what we have. Sure she is smart, but if we handle this like it is normal, that is what she will believe. We can do it. We have to do it!
EMILY
(pouty)
Why do things have to be so hard?
ADAM
(gently)
So you can learn to be tough!
They finish packing their boxes, sliding them into a cupboard. Adam picks up the radio they just bought and begins taking it out of the package.
ADAM
Here, Em. Let me show you how this works.
Adam proceeds to show her how it works as he talks.
ADAM (cont,)
When you crank it, it produces enough electricity that we can listen to it for a few minutes. That way if we are ever without power we can find out what is going on. It’ll be a handy little gadget to have around.
After Adam finishes, Emily walks over and picks up the mail. She notices the letter. There is no expression on her face. She sets the letter back down and leaves the room.
Adam picks up the letter and sits down on sofa and proceeds to open it.
Fade to black.
7. INTERIOR. LIVING ROOM AT EMILY’S HOUSE. DAY
Emily rereads the letter she received from Adam. Emily helps Brooklyn write a letter to Adam and she draws a picture to mail with it. Emily puts it in an envelope and they walk to the mailbox to mail it. There is a letter in the mailbox. Brooklyn quickly takes it out and puts hers in.
BROOKLYN
Look, Momma. Its is a letter from Daddy. Will you read it to me?
EMILY
Sure. Let’s go inside and snuggle while we read it.
Emily takes the letter and realizes that it is the letter they put in the mailbox yesterday. They walk toward the house.
Fade to black.
8. EXTERIOR. EMILY’S CAR. DAY
Emily and Brooklyn are in the car. Emily turns the key and notices that the gas light is on. She hits the steering wheel with her hand and puts her head down on it. As she raises her head, she wipes the tears away.
EMILY
(Trying to sound carefree.)
Sorry, Bugs. We aren’t going anyplace today. There isn’t much gas in the car so we had better save it for something really important.
BROOKLYN
Can’t we just get some more gas?
EMILY
We can’t. All of the gas stations are closed. We will have to go to the park another day. We had better save what is left in case we need it. How about if we go for a walk though. We can take your collection bucket and find some pretty rocks.
They get out of the car and head back to the house. Brooklyn runs ahead to get her bucket.
9. INTERIOR. BEDROOM AT EMILY’S HOUSE. DAY.
Emily is obviously having a difficult time without Adam. She is quiet and sullen. The phone rings, she checks to see who it is, then reluctantly answers it. She lays down on the bed to talk.
We here only Emily’s side of the conversation…pauses between.
EMILY
Hi, Mom.
No, I haven’t heard anything.
(Emily listens.)
I have tried that. They won’t tell me anything.
(Emily listens.)
(getting agitated)
I have written to them! They won't even respond. And now I can’t even do that. They haven’t picked up our mail for over two weeks. When I call, all I get is some stupid electronic voice. The internet is down. I can’t think of anything else I can do!
(Emily listens.)
(quietly)
Now I know how people feel when they have no idea where somebody they love is. He could be in a prison camp. They could be torturing him! He could be in a hospital not even being cared for. Mom, I don’t even know if he is alive.
(Emily listens.)
I am. It is hard, but I am trying to be strong for her.
(Emily listens.)
No. We can’t go to the park anymore. It isn’t safe. I don’t answer the door unless I know who is on the other side. I have taught Brookie the same. Everything has changed so much. I know we aren’t safe like we used to be. My husband needs to be home to take care of me and our daughter.
(Emily listens.)
(Resolutely)
But, our motto, “Even though it isn’t normal, make believe it is.”
(Emily listens.)
Ya. I will let you know if I hear anything.
(Emily listens.)
Love you, too.
Emily continues to lay down on the bed. Several moments later Brooklyn enters and climbs up on the bed next to her.
BROOKLYN
Don’t be sad, Momma. Daddy will be home soon.
(Brooklyn starts to tickle Emily.)
No worries, Momma. We have to laugh.
Emily pulls her close, tears flowing even though she is slightly smiling.
EMILY
Are you hungry? Let’s go get you something to eat.
10. INTERIOR. KITCHEN IN EMILY’S HOUSE. DAY
Emily and Brooklyn go to the kitchen and pull out their food storage boxes and take food from them. Then they sit down at the table. Emily puts her arms around Brooklyn.
EMILY
I love you, Bugs.
BROOKLYN
Love you, too, Momma.
Emily looks at the clock. It is almost five o’clock. She turns on the crank radio.
Fade to black.
11. INTERIOR. LIVING ROOM AT EMILY’S HOUSE. DAY
It is very apparent that Emily is depressed. She is unkempt and the house has not been taken care of. She tries to turn on the TV. Nothing happens. She tries the lights. They don’t turn on. She realizes that they are without electricity. She pulls out the old emergency radio and begins to crank it.
EMILY
Oh, how I love you and hate you, my dear friend. When everyone fails me, you still come through! But, oh, how I hate the news you bring!
Brooklyn enters the room.
BROOKLYN
The toilet is broke! It won’t flush!
Emily ignores her and continues trying to get better reception on the radio so she can listen to the 5:00 broadcast. She is frustrated as she tries to understand what is being said.
RADIO (V.O.)
We remind you that we will continue our broadcasts in the evening at 5:00. Please join us then for the updates on each days activities. There are predictions that it is only a matter of days before the fall of the United States. We join Matt Summers, our correspondent in…..
Emily quickly turns the radio off and sits there.
BROOKLYN
Momma!
EMILY
(She shouts at Brooklyn.)
What Brooklyn! What do you want?
EMILY
(calming)
Sorry, Bug. I don’t know how to fix it either. Just don’t use too much toilet paper and it will be alright.
BROOKLYN
Daddy can fix it! When will he comes home? He can fix the lights and the TV, too.
Emily pulls her close, hesitating before she begins speaking.
EMILY
Brooklyn, I need to tell you something. I need you to trust me. Okay?
Brooklyn nods.
EMILY
Daddy, had to go fight some bad people, like the bad guys in your stories.
BROOKLYN
Oh, Like Vector in spicable me”
EMILY
You love that movie, even though it is older than you! You are right, just like that except this time the bad guys are winning. The good guys have tried really hard, but there are just too many bad guys. Even though Daddy wants to come back to us, he isn’t coming home. He loves you a whole bunch though, Bugs. We are his special girls!
Emily wraps her arms around Brooklyn and holds her close to her.
Fade to black.
12. INTERIOR. LIVING ROOM AT EMILY’S HOUSE. DAY
Late fall—Emily is very depressed. She is irritable and impatient with Brooklyn. The house is a mess. It is obvious that she is not functioning at this point. She is lying on the bed when Brooklyn walks in, playing her recorder.
EMILY
(yelling at her)
Stop that noise right now! Can’t you just give me some peace and quiet! Now go to your room and leave me alone.
BROOKLYN
(sad or crying)
I just wanted to show you my picture I drew for Daddy.
Brooklyn runs out of the room. Emily lays there for several moments, then forces herself to get up. She goes in Brooklyn’s room where she is sitting at her table, paper and crayons still out.
EMILY
I am sorry, Brooklyn. I didn’t mean to make you feel bad. Please, show me your picture.
BROOKLYN
This is me and this is you. That is Daddy. He is in heaven. This is our house and we are here just waiting to be with Daddy. See, Mommy. We have smiles on our faces cuz we don’t have to worry. Everything is going to be alright.
Brooklyn looks up at Emily with a big smile. Emily gives a light laugh, like she is relieved.
EMILY
You make me so proud to be your mother! I don’t know what I would do without you! Come on. Let’s get us a bite to eat, then off to bed you go. I have lots of things I need to do.
Emily takes Brooklyn to the kitchen to get something to eat. They pull out the box marked Daddy-3 months.
Fade to black.
13. INTERIOR. LIVING ROOM AT EMILY’S HOUSE. DAY
5:00pm on a late fall day—The house is clean and orderly, but silent. The drapes are open, letting the sunshine in. Emily is dressed; her makeup is on; and her hair is clean and curled. She is gathering things from around the room and placing them in two backpacks. . She goes to the radio and turns it on. The static lingers as if it is never going to stop. Then a voice comes through. Emily momentarily stops to listen to the radio, then continues to gather items.
RADIO (V.O.)
We apologize for being late with our regularly scheduled daily broadcast. We have breaking news! The United States has been defeated in its efforts to maintain a strong hold in Washington DC. The first family and other government officials have fled the city, seeking safety elsewhere. This is the final defeat for our nation. All government services, including military efforts, have been suspended.
We sign off with these final words of our President which were recorded earlier: It is with great sorrow that I speak to you today. At the end of this day, we bid farewell to the United States of America. We bid farewell to the people of this great nation. We bid farewell to life as we knew it. May God bless you during these unknown times.
The static begins again but Emily seems to pay no attention to it. She goes into Brooklyn’s room and gets Brooklyn’s tattered blue elephant, a couple of children’s
books, and her polka dot blanket that she loves to sleep with. She lays out Brooklyn’s clothes, then gently wakes Brooklyn.
EMILY
Hey, Bugs. Nap time is over. Can you wake up and get dressed! We are going to do something special!
Brooklyn hurries and dresses and brings her brush and hair ribbon to Emily in the living room.
BROOKLYN
You look pretty, Momma.
EMILY
As do you, Bugs.
BROOKLYN
Where are we going?
EMILY
It is a surprise! You go get your shoes and socks on and I will fix a picnic to take with us.
Brooklyn goes to her bedroom. Emily goes to the food storage and takes out their favorite foods from Adam’s box. She takes a plastic gallon bottle from the closet and pours water from it into two used plastic water bottles. Brooklyn returns, ready to go. Emily hears the static from the radio.
Emily helps Brooklyn put on her jacket. She then puts on hers, then picks up the items she has packed. She casually turns the radio off as they walk out the door.
14. EXTERIOR. PARK. LATE AFTERNOON
Emily and Brooklyn drive to the same park where they were playing at the beginning of the story. They play on the playground. They put their feet in the water. They collect leaves. They sit side by side as Emily tells her the story of how she and Adam fell in love.
Just moments later Emily’s eyes are drawn upward to see a jet dropping a bomb, followed by a bright flash lighting up the sky in bright pinks and oranges. She has a slight smile on her face. She squeezes Brooklyn.
EMILY
I love you, Bugs.
Brooklyn looks up at her face. She has a happy content smile.
EMILY (CONT.)
Are you ready for that picnic?
Fade to white.
No comments:
Post a Comment