Act II: False Messages from the Gods
LONG FADE TO
A black screen with the title (possibly against seasonal backgrounds or
graphics):
False Messages from the Gods
59. INT. RICK'S LIVING ROOM--NIGHT
FADE UP
On, in EXTREME CLOSE UP, the extinguished sterno canister in Rick's hand.
Rick's fondue dinner party is still in progress.
Vanessa rises from the fondue and enters the kitchen. The refrigerator door
opens and Vanessa's hand reaches in and grabs the Federico's cake box.
VANESSA
Rick, darling, do you have any champagne?
RICK
A little.
As Rick retrieves the champagne, Vanessa enters the living room where
everyone is reclining and drinking coffee.
VANESSA (CONT.)
Listen up, please. To lift the dower spirits of the
evening, I have a special announcement!
(she holds up the cake in proclamation)
Rick returns with champagne flutes and the half-empty bottle of bubbly. He
hands out the flutes.
VANESSA (CONT.)
(turning her glass upside down and placing
it on the table)
I am pregnant!
(she walks to Dennis, and they present a
proud tableaux)
Soon we'll be a happy family of three.
DENNIS
Father's little dividen.
While standing next to Vanessa, Rick takes the cork out of the more than
half-empty bottle and starts pouring the flutes.
VANESSA (CONT.)
(to Rick)
What...no pop?
FADE TO BLACK
60. INT. JUNE'S PAINTING STUDIO--DAY
June is showing Vanessa her paintings.
JUNE
(first painting)
This was Harold, on the Hill. Very self-absorbed. He
ran off to an appointment in his home district.
(second painting)
Petr--my last boyfriend. Very artistic, very
European. Which is where he is now. That was two
years ago.
(third painting--unfinished)
Then there's Bob. He ran off before I finished.
VANESSA
He looks like Aeneas.
JUNE
I paint what I see.
VANESSA
(looking at a blank canvas)
Is this for Rick?
JUNE
Yes, but he's reluctant to pose. But I'll get him.
VANESSA
(reviewing all the canvases)
You've got enough here to open a gallery.
JUNE
Jelous?
VANESSA
No!...Sorry. I don't mean to be so uptight. It's just
lately I feel like I'm running the emotional
gauntlet...
June escorts Vanessa to an empty chair on a small pedestal.
VANESSA
...Sometimes I wake up crying, for what I don't
know. Last night I laughed myself silly for a half
hour watching the news and then turned around
and screamed at Dennis for eating a bowl of crunch
berries before bed.
June begins to fiddle with her painting supplies. She puts on a smock.
JUNE
Oh God, I love crunch berries!
VANESSA
Me too...and it was the last bowl.
(skip a beat)
What are you doing?...I do not want to be painted.
Vanessa rises off the chair. June continues to set up to paint. She starts to
sketch out her composition.
JUNE
Why not? You'll get to express yourself.
VANESSA
This fat body isn't going on some stanger's wall.
Paint someone young and beautiful.
JUNE
You are young and beautiful. Plus I've never
painted a pregnat woman before.
Vanessa moves closer to the chair.
VANESSA
(touching the chair)
I've never been one before.
JUNE
Tell me, does it feel like you're bursting with life?
VANESSA
Well the bursting part is right.
Vanessa sits on the chair again.
JUNE
Are you comfortable?
VANESSA
(raising off the chair)
No.
June continues to paint.
VANESSA
No sketch first?
JUNE
I'm just probing around with the colors.
VANESSA
You're much more spontaneous than me
JUNE
How so?
VANESSA
I wouldn't go near a brush until I had planned out
exactly what the composition would look like.
JUNE
You used to paint?
VANESSA
Yes...a long time ago.
JUNE
(cocking an eyebrow)
Really?...No, I just start painting, and let the subject
speak to me. Then I define the composition. That's
why I paint people instead of...bowls of fruit.
(skip a beat)
Could you raise your shirt a little?...I'd like to see the
miracle in your belly.
(Vanessa complies)
When did you stop painting?
VANESSA
College.
JUNE
What happen there?
VANESSA
It was time to quit playing around. Art wasn't a
secure career. As my father was found of pointing
out
JUNE
And what was his choice?
VANESSA
Business. So I prayed about it. I had so much faith
then--I just knew He would answer.
JUNE
And?
VANESSA
And God agreed with my father
(dropping her shirt and sitting on the chair)
Can I drop my shirt?
FADE TO
A SERIES OF SHOTS of June painting and Vanessa posing. Amoung the shots
we hear:
JUNE
Why don't you try it nude? You'll speak much
louder that way.
Vanessa shakes her head "no."
FADE TO
VANESSA
How are things with Rick?
JUNE
Rick...I think I'm a better painter when I have a
lover. It unlocks me emotionally. Don't you agree?
VANESSA
I believe you let him seduce you!
JUNE
Don't be so sure.
VANESSA
And Bob?...Out of sight, out of mind?
JUNE
(tapping her head with her paintbrush)
When I was with Bob, I was totally here. Rick speaks
to a place...
(moving her paint brush lower down)
VANESSA
Poor Bob. Hay, I hear he has a new love interest.
JUNE
Bob?
61. INT. COFFEE SHOP--NIGHT
VANESSA (VO)
He met her in a coffee shop.
A punk rock girl with lot's of chains and leather and wildly colored hair is
reading poetry on stage during open-mike night at a coffeehouse.
62. INT. JUNE'S PAINTING STUDIO--MOMENTS LATER
JUNE
Bob's drinking coffee now?
63. EXT. PUNK ROCK GIRL'S HOUSE--NIGHT
Bob's hand knocks on a door (reminiscent of June from the opening
sequence). Bob is relatively well-dressed. Punk Girl opens the door and Bob
gives her a flower.
64. INT. JUNE'S PAINTING STUDIO--MOMENTS LATER
JUNE
Well, that'll do it for today.
June puts down her painting supplies and steps back from the easel.
VANESSA
Is it finished?
JUNE
No. I'll need to see you again.
65. INT. VANESSA'S LIVING ROOM--DAY
Dennis is at a desk working, Vanessa starts on the sofa but moves around.
She has a book of baby names.
VANESSA
How about Ariel?
DENNIS
(without looking up)
No.
(he looks up momentarily)
Let's eliminate any name associated with Disney.
VANESSA
Brandon, for a boy?
DENNIS
The only decent name for a boy is Thor.
VANESSA
Dennis, get serious.
DENNIS
Let's wait 'til you've been to the doctor before we get
too serious. Did you tell mom and dad?
VANESSA
Are you kidding? If they found out they'd move in
instantly and stay until little Thor grew up.
We HEAR the chime of the doorbell. Vanessa and Dennis just look at each
other. Then we HEAR the sound of a large door opening.
Vanessa's Front stoop:
As the door opens, we see a middle aged couple across the threshold.
VANESSA
Mother!...
Vanessa's parents, JACK and SALLY, stand across the threshold from her.
VANESSA
(she doesn't mean it)
...What a nice surprise!
SALLY
Let me look at you! My precious!
Sally hugs Vanessa. As she's being hugged, Vanessa leans back into the
house and yells.
VANESSA
Darling! Look who's here!
While approaching the door:
DENNIS
(actually meaning it)
Jack! Sally! What a nice surprise!
JACK
My boy! How the hell are ya!
Both Jack and Sally move to hug Dennis. To do so, Sally disengages with
Vanessa. Vanessa stands watching.
Eventually they disengage.
JACK
Dennis! Come give me a hand out here.
Jack moves off toward the taxi cab parked in front of the house. Dennis
follows.
VANESSA
What are you doing? You're supposed to be in Hilton
Head.
SALLY
Oh, we pushed our reservations back a week and
thought we'd stop by here for a visit.
VANESSA
How sweet...I wish you would've called.
SALLY
Oh, well, we're here now!
Vanessa and Sally enter the house. We see Jack and Dennis pulling two large
suit cases from the taxi's trunk.
Vanessa's living room:
Sally enters from the kitchen with a pot of tea and four cups. She pours a
cup for Vanessa who sits on the sofa. Several large suitcases rest on the floor
next to Vanessa.
Jack and Dennis are in the background practicing their golf swings and
palling around.
SALLY
I made some tea.
JACK
I'm gonna get me some of that tea.
SALLY
My, how radiant and glowing you look.
(her eyes fall to Vanessa's midsection)
How are you feeling this morning?
VANESSA
Mother!
SALLY
You know we're eager to be grandparents!
Jack moves into the foreground near the sofa to get more tea.
JACK
(while leaning in to get more tea)
Dennis, tell me, when are you going to make
partner?
DENNIS
Soon I hope. Tomorrow I'm briefing Atwood.
VANESSA
In Chicago!?
DENNIS
It's just for the day. I'll be home for dinner.
VANESSA
At what time, midnight?
SALLY
Darling, this is important. He needs to do this.
DENNIS
Honey, if you're not happy, I can quit this job.
JACK
Of course not! This is what's best for everyone.
Vanessa, you know that.
DENNIS
There's no law that I have to make partner.
VANESSA
No. You're right. It'll be worth it. It is worth it.
DENNIS
Maybe we should reconsider.
VANESSA
No, we won't get another opportunity like this.
JACK
Now that's the type of talk I want to hear.
(picking up their suitcases)
Now we're gonna unpack and leave you love birds
alone.
Jack and Sally exit. A beat after they leave Dennis sits at his desk, Vanessa's
on the sofa and looking exhausted.
DENNIS
How about Andrew?
FADE TO BLACK
66. INT. JUNE'S APARTMENT--NIGHT
June, Rick, and Bob are in June's apartment. June is dressing and preparing
for a night out and moves about occasionally disappearing into her bedroom.
Rick sits on the sofa scanning the "Weekend" section of the paper. Bob
hovers around in the background.
RICK
Iggy Pop's in town...hey, so is Lyle Lovett.
JUNE
(moving off screen)
Not good enough!
BOB
So how is it different when you guys go out than
when friends go out?
JUNE (OS)
So how is it when you go out with your body-pierced
girl-friend?
BOB
It's all over with her. That was a big mistake.
JUNE
(re-entering, putting on earrings)
Thank God!
RICK
Hey, there's square dancing at the Texas Stomp?
June looks at Rick with a condescending expression. Silence fills the room.
RICK (CONT.)
Bob, square dancing?
The question doesn't register.
BOB
What's so special about being in love?
JUNE
We...umm...You tell him Rick.
June goes back into her bedroom.
RICK
Love is exciting. It...gets your juices flowing.
BOB
Why do you need someone else to make you feel
excited?
RICK
(loudly to June)
Look, if there's nothing here you like, then why
don't we stay in tonight?...
June comes out of her bedroom and retrieves a coat and scarf from the
hallway closet.
RICK (CONT.)
(to Bob)
...I don't know.
JUNE
Well, come on. Let's go.
RICK
Where? Square dancing?
JUNE
To dinner. We'll decide at the restaurant. Bob make
yourself comfortable. Lock up when you leave.
Rick and June exit. Bob stands there, motionless.
67. EXT. STREET BENCH--DAY
Rick and Suzanne are casually drinking coffee.
SUZANNE
I was furious with you the night of the opera.
RICK
The night you dumped me?
SUZANNE
No. The night you dumped me.
RICK
Who walked out?
SUZANNE
So who's your new girl friend?
RICK
What makes you think I have a new girl friend?
SUZANNE
You always have a new girlfriend.
RICK
It was supposed to be different with June. We were
just going to be friends.
SUZANNE
...And?
RICK
I don't know--fate I guess.
SUZANNE
Do you like her?
RICK
Yeah. She's brilliant and hard and cold like a
diamond.
SUZANNE
She sounds impenetrable.
68. INT. VANESSA'S OFFICE & DENNIS'S HOTEL ROOM--NIGHT
A SPLIT SCREEN reveals Vanessa sitting depressed at her office desk and
Dennis working on some papers while seated at a hotel room table. They
speak to each other through the phone, Dennis uses a speaker phone.
VANESSA
Hello, darling.
DENNIS
Hi love. What did the doctor say?
VANESSA
I didn't go. I got my period this morning.
DENNIS
What?
VANESSA
I'm afraid we're not pregnant.
DENNIS
Van, I'm--I don't know what to say. Are you all
right?
VANESSA
For a woman on the rag, I'm in surprisingly good
spirits.
DENNIS
Do you want me to come home?
VANESSA
Don't be silly.
DENNIS
I'm coming home first thing in the morning.
VANESSA
Dennis, my love, I'm fine. So, have you given your
brief?
DENNIS
He's being cagey, they rescheduled for tomorrow.
Look, I don't want to talk about that. I'm coming
home!
VANESSA
Make Atwood happy. But let's try again soon. I
should be ovulating around the 12th, so why don't
you pencil me in?
DENNIS
(loud and toward the door)
Just a minute!
(into the phone)
Listen, they're knocking on my door--you'll be OK
alone?
VANESSA
I'll be fine.
Vanessa takes a rubber band and shoot it at the framed photograph of Dennis
located on the edge of her desk.
69. INT. JUNE'S APARTMENT--NIGHT
Rick and June are gathered around a table. We can't tell what they're
looking at.
JUNE
Go.
RICK
I'm thinking.
JUNE
Think faster.
RICK
Come on, this is difficult.
PULL BACK to reveal a half played scrabble board. Rick muses over his next
turn. We see relationship oriented words spelled out on the board:
commitment, love, monogamous, faithfulness, trust, etc., etc.
JUNE
I thought we were going out tonight?
RICK
Out?
JUNE
To dinner.
RICK
Oh...well we can go out after the game.
June is not pleased. A beat later:
JUNE
Don't cheat.
June gets up and leaves the room, only to return a moment later with a large
tub of facial masque. Rick is spelling "SEX" as she returns.
JUNE
(while leaving the room)
What did you tell Bob the other night?
June opens the tub and takes a handful of the green gook and applies it to
her face.
RICK
What are you doing?
JUNE
At the rate your going we'll be here all night. So
what did you say?
RICK
When?
JUNE
When he asked what's so special about being in
love?
RICK
I don't remember. But have you heard? Bob has a
new flame.
70. INT. ALTERNATIVE RECORD STORE--NIGHT
Bob is out with his new dead head girlfriend, a bouncy 21-year-old with long
braids, tie-dye shirt, and short-short cutoffs. They are having fun while
looking through the bins in an alternative record store.
JUNE (OS)
What!?! Another one?
RICK (OS)
A former student--she flunked his class, then he
asked her out...
71. INT. JUNE'S APARTMENT--MOMENTS LATER
RICK (CONT.)
(looking at June's face)
...That's really distracting. It's not fair.
JUNE
We can be fair.
72. INT. ALTERNATIVE RECORD STORE--NIGHT
DEAD HEAD GIRL
After the concert we went over to Wolf's. God, we did
so many drugs!
73. INT. JUNE'S APARTMENT--MOMENTS LATER
CLOSE-UP of the scrabble board. June has just played the word: "FIDELITY."
RICK (OS)
Triple word! Aaah, I wanted that.
PULL BACK to reveal Rick is also wearing a full facial masque. June sits back
from the board.
JUNE
So what's special about the love we have?
Rick has a blank expression on his green face.
74. F/X. VANESSA'S FIRST DREAM
We see Vanessa restlessly sleeping in bed.
FADE TO
A SERIES OF SHOTS in dark and murky colors of Vanessa dressed as Dido. She's
moving about and she's panic-stricken. At times she's carrying a baby
which, at the dream's end, she hurls off an ocean cliff.
75. INT. VANESSA'S BEDROOM--NIGHT
Vanessa wakes up in a panic state.
We HEAR the chime of a door bell.
76. INT. VANESSA'S FRONT DOOR--NIGHT
Vanessa, in a house robe and with a cup of tea in hand, opens her front door.
Rick comes in and gives her a hug.
RICK
Vanessa, what's wrong?
VANESSA
Shhhhh...Probably nothing. Thanks so much for
coming.
RICK
Vanessa?
VANESSA
Shh, mom and dad are asleep. I just...I don't know...I
woke up crying and I couldn't stop.
RICK
Did you have a dream?
VANESSA
I can't remember. But I turned on the lights and
made some tea and now I'm fine. I'll bring you
some. Lets sit outside.
77. EXT. VANESSA'S FRONT STOOP--NIGHT
Vanessa comes through the door carrying a pot of tea. In addition to her
robe, she has on a hat, mittens, and a coat. She closes the door behind her--
but not all the way. She sits next to Rick and pours him a cup.
RICK
Where's Dennis?
VANESSA
Chicago.
RICK
Let's try to remember the dream.
VANESSA
The dream is not the issue. I found out today I'm not
pregnant.
RICK
Wow.
VANESSA
Well put. Here's your tea.
RICK
Vanessa, I'm sorry.
Rick begins to massage her shoulders.
VANESSA
Mmm. I'll give you until sun up to cut that out.
RICK
You're tense.
VANESSA
Well, I would think so.
RICK
Let's try to remember that dream.
Vanessa casually leans toward Rick and reaches behind his ear.
VANESSA
It's no use...
She pulls a small flake of green facial masque from behind his ear and flicks
it away. As Vanessa leans back from Rick we see Sally coldly glaring down
on them through the crack in the door.
Skip a beat or two.
VANESSA (CONT.)
...it's gone.
RICK
Do you have a...
Sally swiftly moves out of view.
RICK (CONT.)
...therapist?
VANESSA
What!
RICK
Shhhh. Easy. Everyone I know is in therapy.
VANESSA
Well, I'm not in therapy and I don't have a therapist.
RICK
OK, OK. Let's see. June's good at dreams. If she were
here, she'd probably say that you feel anxious.
VANESSA
If June were here, she'd say that I didn't even want
to have a baby.
78. INT. VANESSA'S KITCHEN--MORNING
Jack and Sally are seated at the kitchen table eating a well prepared
breakfast that includes scrambled eggs. Vanessa enters. She is wearing a
nice business suit and all the accessories.
JACK
Vanessa, you look tired. Are you getting enough
sleep?
VANESSA
Good morning mother. Good morning father.
Vanessa fixes herself a cup of coffee at the counter. She stays far away from
the kitchen table.
JACK
You've got a lovely house here Vanessa. And a
successful husband! I don't want to see anything
spoil that. You understand? And staying up all
night isn't what a married lady should be doing.
Jack eats a forkful of scrambled eggs.
JACK (CONT.)
You got two thing to focus on and not a damn thing
more: your marriage and your career.
SALLY
And we'd like to see you find some time for some
children too. That's always good for a marriage.
VANESSA
I'm late. I gotta go.
FADE TO BLACK
We hear the sound of a heart beating.
BOB (VO)
I'm the Grinch. My heart is three sizes too small.
79. INT. ART MUSEUM--DAY
FADE UP
June and Bob are roaming through a painting gallery. They will view three
separate paintings. The POV is from that of the art.
At the first painting:
JUNE
I don't like that--too much red. What are you
talking about?
BOB
(entering)
I have a good heart, and it's in the right place, but
it's just too small. No, I kinda like all that red.
JUNE
It's not your heart that's too small.
June exits. Bob has no reaction.
At the second painting:
JUNE
(entering)
What does your undergrad flunky think about your
heart?
BOB
It's all over with her...
(entering)
...That was a big mistake.
JUNE
This is much better. Very strong colors. Don't put
yourself down--you have a huge heart.
BOB
June, I think I love you as much as I possibly can,
but to you my love is just a spit in the ocean
compared to how you love Rick.
JUNE
Are you jealous of Rick?
(June exits)
BOB
No! Well, maybe. I mean...yes, the color is good, but
I'm not comfortable with the subject matter...
(Bob exits)
At the third painting:
BOB
(entering and joining June)
...I really thought I could be in love like everyone
else, if I just acted like everyone else. But there's no
point in acting like you're in love if there's nothing
in here.
(gesturing to his heart)
JUNE
Do you think I love Rick?
BOB
I...This I like. It's wonderful...Do you think you love
Rick?
June has no answer, she just looks at the painting.
80. INT. JUNE'S BEDROOM--MORNING
CLOSE-UP of Rick sleeping. Suddenly, the covers are pulled back exposing
his nude body. June drops the sheets, moves back from the bed to her easel,
and starts to paint Rick. Rick stirs then awakens.
RICK
What are you doing?
JUNE
What does it look like?
RICK
I don't want to be painted at seven in the morning.
JUNE
When you get me you get my paints.
Rick rolls over and curls up, exposing to June nothing more than his hairy
butt. June keeps painting.
81. INT. JUNE'S KITCHEN--MOMENTS LATER
Rick, wearing a robe (June's robe most likely), is drinking coffee and
reading the sports page. June is painting him.
JUNE
So speak to me.
RICK
June, I'm reading.
JUNE
Talk about your feelings.
RICK
What is there to say?
JUNE
What's the first thought you had this morning?
RICK
Whether the Capitals kept their streak alive.
JUNE
Did they?
RICK
Yes.
JUNE
How does that make you feel?
RICK
Nervous.
JUNE
Nervous? Why?
RICK
Because we never talk about sports.
82. INT. VANESSA'S FRONT DOOR--NIGHT
Vanessa enters wearing a business outfit. Her arms are full carrying a
briefcase, a handbag, a set of keys, and several shopping bags from fancy
clothing stores. The phone is ringing. As she approaches the phone the
machine kicks into action and we hear:
VANESSA & DENNIS (VO)
(from phone machine)
This is Vanessa...And this is Dennis. And together,
we're the Davenports! Leave a message. Bye, bye.
("BEEP")
Vanessa is about to pick up when:
DENNIS (OS)
(from phone machine)
Darling, it's me...
Vanessa halts and stands there motionless. She doesn't pick up.
DENNIS (OS) (CONT.)
(from phone machine)
...I'm on my way home as I speak. I'll see ya tonight.
I have great news. I love you, bye.
("CLICK")
83. INT. JUNE'S APARTMENT--NIGHT
Rick and June are cuddling on the sofa. Underneath the dialogue we hear
opera MUSIC from the Echo Dance of Furies.
JUNE
(casually lifting one leg overhead and
tieing her loose shoe string)
Rick, where is this relationship going? Remember
how you'd bring me flowers and cook me dinner.
And that Marx Brothers video we watched. We don't
do that anymore.
RICK
You used to say those things weren't important.
What mattered was unlocking emotions deep within
you.
JUNE
Yes, but I thought you liked those things too. Don't
you want more?
RICK
More what?
JUNE
Intimacy
RICK
(casually lifting one knee to his chest and
tieing his loose shoe string)
June, where is this relationship going?
JUNE
We've got a good thing, don't we?
RICK
Yeah, we still have the spark.
JUNE
(sitting upright with both feet on the floor,
but still cuddling)
But is that enough?
RICK
We have touching and loving and being together--
it's all there.
JUNE
I'm not sure--there should also be an emotional
connection.
RICK
(sitting upright with both feet on the floor,
but still cuddling)
But is that enough?
JUNE
(leaning away but still hold hands)
Do you think our relationship is about anything?
RICK
It probably isn't enough.
JUNE
What foundation do we have?
RICK
(leaning away and releasing her hand)
Do you think our relationship isn't about anything?
JUNE
(moving to the far end of the sofa)
There's no point in acting like you're in love if
there's nothing in here.
(indicating her heart)
RICK
(moving to the far end of the sofa)
We haven't fulfilled our potential. We don't share on this
level, here.(indicating his heart)
RICK & JUNE
(simultaneously)
Do we love each other?
84. INT. BOB'S FACULTY OFFICE--DAY
Bob is in an academic office doing paperwork. His office door is open. Julie
Anne slowly walks by while reading some papers. As she goes by, Bob looks
up at her. A moment after she passes she backs up and returns into the
doorway and into Bob's gaze.
BOB
Dr. Julie Anne Barish. What can I do for you?
JULIE ANNE
I'm putting together the Genetics exam. Did you
teach that last year?
BOB
Yeah, I have a folder full of questions.
JULIE ANNE
Mind if I have a look?
BOB
No.
Bob reaches to a nearby file drawer as Julie Anne enters and sits next to him.
They begin looking through the folder of questions.
JULIE ANNE
Everyone's getting ready for the Chancellor's
Christmas formal.
BOB
Are you going?
JULIE ANNE
No, I couldn't get a date.
BOB
Look, here's a cute one, about dead wood on the
evolutionary tree.
JULIE ANNE
Yeah, I'll use that one.
BOB
Look, Julie Anne, I think I've given up on dating.
It's just not working out for me.
JULIE ANNE
I know what you mean. Do you have anything on
mutation rates?
BOB
Hmm....
85. INT. VANESSA'S HOME--NIGHT
Dennis enters through the front door. Before we see him, he pushes a large
suitcase through the opened door. He then proceeds toward Vanessa, who is
seated in the foreground filing her nails.
DENNIS
I'm home!
VANESSA
Darling, it's nice to see you. Dinner's three days
cold.
DENNIS
What's the matter? Miss me?
VANESSA
Dennis, are you happy?
DENNIS
Of course. Atwood loved the brief. And listen, he's
making me partner!
VANESSA
How nice.
DENNIS
Pumpkin, are you all right?
VANESSA
I'm fine.
DENNIS
Good, because there's a hitch...We'll be in Chicago.
VANESSA
It's cold in Chicago.
DENNIS
The summers are lovely.
Enter Jack and Sally. They come in through the front door laughing and
gay. They're wearing nice evening clothes. After a beat, they notice Dennis
and Vanessa. Jack's mood turns on a dime. He becomes intense and strong as
he moves swiftly toward Dennis.
JACK
(to Sally while entering)
I'll tell ya, you gotta make crab cakes like that!...
(to Dennis)
...Dennis! How did it go? Should we open the
champagne?
DENNIS
Yes sir. It went well. They offered me the
partnership.
Sally, displaying more restraint, has only now crossed the room and joined
them.
SALLY
That's wonderful. We're so happy for the both of
you.
Vanessa turns away from everyone as to not hear any of their words. A
panicked look crosses her face.
JACK
(turning to look at then hug Sally)
Partner!...That's why we let him marry her, dear.
86. INT. VANESSA'S BEDROOM--NIGHT
Vanessa sits in a large, wing chair drinking tea as Dennis unpacks.
DENNIS
What's the matter, blossom pie?
VANESSA
I don't know. I just want to know that my life isn't
scripted out for me.
Opera MUSIC is heard underneath the following. The following subtitles
appear as the preceding line is said.
DENNIS
Are you angry with me?
VANESSA
No, sweetie. I'm really very happy for both of us.
SUBTITLE: Her eyes confess the flame her tongue denies!
DENNIS
Vanessa, I want only what will make you happy.
Let's take that vacation. Look, I'm already packed.
SUBTITLE: But ah! what language can I try,
My injur'd Queen to pacify?
VANESSA
Not while mom and dad are here.
SUBTITLE: Fate forbids what you pursue.
DENNIS
Well let's do something together...come on, let's get
in bed.
SUBTITLE: If not for mine, for empire's sake,
Some pity on your lover take.
VANESSA
You go ahead. I'll join you soon.
SUBTITLE: Away, away!...
DENNIS
I can turn down the promotion. We can stay right
here in Washington if you like.
SUBTITLE: No, no, I'll stay...
VANESSA
Let's not talk about that now.
SUBTITLE: ...Away, away!
DENNIS
I'll quit and find a new job. Does your office need a
lawyer?
SUBTITLE: ...And love obey.
DENNIS (CONT.)
Come to bed darling.
Dennis turns down the lights and lifts Vanessa out of her chair. He leads her
to the bed. MUSIC from the opera is heard.
FADE TO BLACK
87. F/X. VANESSA'S SECOND DREAM
FADE UP
On a SERIES OF SHOTS showing Vanessa's dream. This dream is clearer and
brighter than the previous dream. We see the Hot Dog Vendor in a bright
blue tuxedo with top hat. He is shrunken down to midget size and he waves a
hot dog while singing an opera tune.
Dennis appears wearing a business suit and carrying a briefcase. With the
aid of the midget, he runs past Vanessa and boards a large wooden ship. The
ship carries the name "Partner Ship."
The hot dog in the outstretched hand of the Hot Dog Vendor transforms into a
baby wrapped in a blanket. He gives the baby to Vanessa. She caresses it
gently.
Vanessa's parents appear hovering over head. They are dressed as the
witches from the opera. They point and laugh at Vanessa while singing
(subtitles provided).
JACK & SALLY
(singing)
The Queen of Carthage, whom we hate,
As we do all in prosp'rous state,
Ere sunset shall most wretched prove,
Depriv'd of fame, of life, and love.
Ho, ho ho, ho, ho, ho.
The ship sets sail with Dennis on board. Dennis is laughing manically. He is
joined by other men in business suits. They're toasting and drinking
champagne.
Vanessa becomes panicked. She runs to the edge of an ocean cliff and hurls
the baby into the abyss.
Vanessa begins a prolonged scream.
VANESSA
Noooo...!
As the baby falls the screen bleaches white.
88. INT. VANESSA'S BEDROOM--NIGHT
Vanessa sits up quickly while continuing to scream.
VANESSA (CONT.)
...noooo!
Dennis is slumped over asleep next to her.
FADE TO WHITE
89. INT. VANESSA'S KITCHEN--MORNING
Jack and Sally are seated having a nicely prepared breakfast. Jack has a fork
full of scrambles eggs he is about to stuff into his mouth when...Enter
Vanessa.
VANESSA
Jack, Sally, good morning. I trust you slept well. I
called a cab. It'll be here in twenty minutes to take
you to the airport. I changed your reservation in
Hilton Head to begin tonight. I do hope you've
enjoyed your stay. Please, visit again soon.
Vanessa exits then Jack's eggs fall from his fork onto the table.
90. INT. VANESSA'S APARTMENT--TWENTY MINUTES LATER
Vanessa stands at the front door to her house, she waves as a taxi whisks
away Jack and Sally.
A beat later, Vanessa watering her many house plants. She pauses a moment
by a particular plant. Then she picks it up and throws it in a garbage can
(the plant doesn't look unhealthy). Vanessa stands there a moment, takes a
deep breadth, and then jumps into action.
A quick SERIES OF TIGHT SHOTS show things going into the garbage can:
three more houseplants, a box of plant food, a half-finished needlepoint
project ("God bless our home"), a collection of Martha Stewart Living
magazines, a book on juggling career and family, etc., etc.
91. EXT. JUNE'S HOME--TWILIGHT
FADE UP
Vanessa walks down a street, she turns and is in front of June's apartment
building.
VANESSA (VO)
Why don't we try it nude today?
92. INT. JUNE'S PAINTING STUDIO--NIGHT
June arranges her easel and canvas and paints as Vanessa removes her coat.
JUNE
Excellent.
Vanessa begins to undress. June busily prepares her painting supplies,
readying them like surgical tools on a medical tray.
JUNE
(fiddling with her tools)
What color would you like to be?
VANESSA
(undressing)
What color am I communicating?
JUNE
I'm not sure.
VANESSA
(undressing)
So what does my belly have to say today?
JUNE
I can't tell yet.
VANESSA
(undressing)
Hollow...It's hollow.
JUNE
What!?! Vanessa, I'm so sorry.
VANESSA
(just about completely undressed)
Don't worry, it's fine...Do you have any tea?
FADE TO
Vanessa posing nude with a cup of tea in her hands.
VANESSA
I think Bob's got a crush.
JUNE
Another weirdo girlfriend?
93. INT. BOB'S FACULTY OFFICE--LATE AFTERNOON
We see Julie Anne grading exam papers from the Genetics class. Bob brings
her a steaming cup of hot tea.
VANESSA (OS)
Actually she sounds nice and rather normal. An
interoffice romance.
JUNE (OS)
Well, good for him...I'm totally over Bob now.
(skip a beat)
Tell me more about your belly.
94. INT. JUNE'S PAINTING STUDIO--NIGHT
VANESSA
Not much to say. I got my period--two months late.
Part of me is sad. But the rest of me feels...reborn.
Now I can shed all these phony roles given to me by
everyone but myself.
JUNE
How so?
VANESSA
First, I kicked my parents out of my home. It was
exhilarating! Then I quit my job. I called in and
quite, right there on the phone. I feel liberated...I
think I'll start painting again.
JUNE
What's next on the list?
Vanessa has no answer.
95. INT. BOB'S FACULTY OFFICE--LATE AFTERNOON
Bob and Julie Anne continue grading papers.
JULIE ANNE
Listen to this joker. Name three traits of a
genetically-successful male. She said, "Tall, dark
and handsome."
BOB
Give her partial credit.
Julie Anne hits him with the paper.
96. INT. JUNE'S PAINTING STUDIO--NIGHT
VANESSA
How are things with Rick?
JUNE
Rick? He, ah...he keeps me warm.
VANESSA
If you're not happy, you should dump him.
JUNE
Really?
VANESSA
Yes.
JUNE
Look who has all the answers...And what about your
bed warmer? Ready to shed him?
VANESSA
Dennis?
JUNE
Aeneas--always off rebuilding Troy and leaving
poor Dido all alone.
VANESSA
(laughing)
I'm not giving him up.
JUNE
I'll give up mine when you give up yours.
97. INT. BOB'S FACULTY OFFICE--LATE AFTERNOON
JULIE ANNE
Come on. Three traits of the ideal female mate.
BOB
I told you I gave up dating.
JULIE ANNE
Come on, Bob.
BOB
OK. I guess she should be beautiful, and intelligent,
and witty
(Bob is looking at Julie Anne; however the
audience begins to see quick, almost
imperceptible flashes of June)
and fun and exciting....
We HEAR the opera phrase Great Minds Against Themselves Conspire. Their
eyes meet and they go to kiss. The song stops abruptly at the end of the
scene.
98. INT. JUNE'S PAINTING STUDIO--NIGHT
VANESSA
You're right.
JUNE
What?
VANESSA
Dennis...I married the perfect (scripted?) man. It's
just another role.
JUNE
(alarmed)
Vanessa!
VANESSA
He's not my husband, he's their son-in-law.
JUNE
(stepping out from behind the easel)
No, Vanessa. I didn't mean it.
VANESSA
I'm Dido, he's Aeneas. And the script hasn't
changed.
The song Great Minds resumes and plays through the following scenes.
97.3 INT. BOB'S FACULTY OFFICE--LATE AFTERNOON
Bob and Julie Anne kiss. The CAMERA circles around them. As the CAMERA
comes out from behind Bob, we see that he is no longer kissing Julie Anne...
97.5 INT. JUNE'S PAINTING STUDIO--DAY
...Instead, he is kissing June. They are standing in June's painting studio
(special effects make the edges of the frame sparkle and/or soft focus).
Bob pulls back a moment and takes in the new location and the new person
that he's kissing. Undaunted, he eagerly re-engages in kissing June. The
CAMERA continues to spin around him.
98.5 INT. JUNE'S PAINTING STUDIO--NIGHT
Vanessa is slowly, sadly dressing. June stands nearby, helpless to comfort
her. The camera dollies back away from them, revealing in the foreground
June's painting.
It shows Vanessa in a pose like one of the four unfinished "slave" sculptures
of Michelangelo. In the painting, Vanessa is contorted and only half free of
the stone from which the sculpture is being carved. The base of the painted
sculpture rests on a pile of jumbled full-length super model images cut from
a glamour magazine. Hidden in the mess is a cut-out of a large coffee cup.
The painting is dark and swirling with reds.
99. INT. BOB'S FACULTY OFFICE--LATE AFTERNOON
Bob and June are still kissing. The CAMERA continues to circle around them
as they kiss, and as it comes out from behind Bob, he pulls back again. Now
he's once again kissing Julie Anne, not June.
Again, Bob pulls back. He disengages from Julie Anne and, after a moments
confusion ended by sharp insight, he apologizes and takes his leave.
LONG FADE TO BLACK
We HEAR instrumental music from the opera.
FADE TO
TIME WARP:
100. CHARACTER INTRODUCTIONS--NIGHT
The opening SERIES OF SHOTS of Vanessa putting on makeup, Bob at the door
with a hot dog, and Rick and Suzanne running down the street speed by.
Only this time it is from yet another NEW ANGLE and with an even more fluid
CAMERA.
101. INT. OPERA HOUSE--NIGHT
On stage:
Dido and Aeneas sing.
AENEAS
(singing)
What shall lost Aeneas do?
How, how royal fair, shall I impart
The god's decree, and tell you we must part?
DIDO
(singing)
Thus on the fatal banks of Nile,
Weeps the deceitful crocodile.
Thus hypocrites that murder act,
Make heaven and gods the author of the fact.
AENEAS
(singing)
By all that's good...
DIDO
(singing)
By all that's good, no more,
All that's good you have forswore.
To your promis'd empire fly,
And let forsaken Dido die.
In the audience:
A SERIES OF SHOTS show Vanessa, Bob and June, and Rick and Suzanne in
their seats listening carefully as Dido and Aeneas continue to sing.
On stage:
AENEAS
(singing)
In spite of Jove's commands, I'll stay,
Offend the gods, and love obey.
DIDO
(singing)
No, faithless man, thy course pursue,
I'm now resolv'd as well as you.
No repentance shall reclaim
The injur'd Dido's slighted flame.
For 'tis enough whate'er you now decree,
That you had once a thought of leaving me.
DIDO AENEAS
(singing) (singing)
Let Jove say what he will, I'll stay.
Away, away! No, no, I'll stay
Away, away! No, no, I'll stay
No, no I'll stay
No, no I'll stay
No, no I'll stay
Away And love obey
Away, away I'll stay
Away, away! And love obey.
To death I'll fly I'll stay, I'll stay
If longer you And love obey
Delay. And love obey.
Away, away!
DIDO
(singing)
But death, alas, I cannot shun,
Death must come when he is gone.
In the audience:
ZOOM TO
Droplets of sweat forming on Rick's brow. He wipes them. He gulps,
attempting to swallow away his anxiety. His hands grasp at his knees.
FADE TO BLACK
102. INT. THEATRE STAGE--CUTAWAY
FADE UP
On a SERIES OF SHOTS of Bob, June, Rick, and Vanessa, each appearing alone
in front of the closed theatre stage curtain and speaking directly to the
CAMERA. They are dressed in the clothes they wore to the opera. We HEAR
the music from the opera.
BOB
After receiving the gods' message, Aeneas prepares
to leave Carthage.
VANESSA
The false gods rejoice and cackle.
JUNE
The queen gets wind of his plans, and...she's pretty
bitter.
RICK
She knew from the first act it couldn't last.
VANESSA
The die was cast from the very beginning.
RICK
Aeneas' heart is broken too. So much so that he
proclaims he will stay.
JUNE
This is a lie. The queen knows it's over so she sends
him away.
RICK
Aeneas hops on his ship and sails into the sunset.
VANESSA
Hopeless and alone, the queen dies.
BOB
I don't know. I guess she's supposed to die of a
broken heart or something.
FADE TO
103. INT. CAFE--NIGHT
We see Rick still in the awkward moment with June just as we left him
earlier. We again hear his last line.
RICK
(to June)
I don't think we're going to get along.
An awkward beat of silence passes.
VANESSA
Actually, I need to get going. It has been a pleasure.
Thank you all.
RICK
Will we be seeing you again, Vanessa?
June rises.
JUNE
I'll walk you to your coat.
VANESSA
When the fates allow, mon cherie.
Vanessa flips a silk scarf over her shoulder--or a similar distancing action--
as she turns to leave. June and Vanessa walk off screen.
RICK
(to Bob)
Abstinence?
Bob puts his head down on the table.
June and Vanessa are walking toward the door.
JUNE
Thanks for trying with Bob.
VANESSA
He's nice. I wish you the best.
(skip a beat)
There's a humble selfishness about him.
JUNE
And it's wearing me out.
Vanessa reaches the coat closet. A large red curtain is where it's door would
be. She pulls back the curtain to get her coat when...
FADE TO BLACK
104. INT. OPERA HOUSE BACKSTAGE--DURING PERFORMANCE
FADE UP
Dido and Aeneas is in progress on the other side of the curtain. Vanessa
finds herself backstage by the curtain's edge. Dido appears, and is readying
herself to go on stage.
VANESSA
Stop! Don't do it. Don't go out there!
DIDO
This is my cue.
VANESSA
No! You don't have to do it.
DIDO
But I do. Here on this stage I must live my fate with
Aeneas.
VANESSA
Then get off this stage!
DIDO
Get off? Why?
Dido heads out on stage.
We hear the MUSIC from the opera song Away, Away!
In the background we see stagehands preparing the coffin for the final
scene. Vanessa sees this and can't stay silent. She begins a prolonged
scream.
VANESSA
Noooo...!
She pulls open the curtain and turns to run out on the stage but the stage
lights shine brightly onto her face and into her eyes. The screen goes white
with light and the sound drops to zero.
105. INT. CAFE--NIGHT
We HEAR a "click" and we're back at the coat closet. June has appeared, and
her hand is on the light switch.
VANESSA (CONT.)
...ooooooh!
JUNE
Some light may help.
Vanessa recoils then finds her coat. Meanwhile, June writes on the back of a
business card and hands it to Vanessa.
JUNE (CONT.)
Here. I'm having a dinner party next weekend. I'd
love to see you again.
VANESSA
Great. I'll see if I can make it.
JUNE
So, what do you think? Should I invite Rick?
VANESSA
(facing June)
Suit yourself...
(turning away)
...but if it were up to me I wouldn't.
June closes the door behind Vanessa and stands there a moment
contemplating the situation.
106. EXT. CAFE--NIGHT
Vanessa exits onto the sidewalk in front of the cafe.
VANESSA (CONT.)
He's trouble.
LONG FADE TO
...
Oklahoma Theatre Productions
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