Junior Requiem by Bryan E. Hall INT.

APARTMENT - SF VALLEY -- NIGHT Total darkness, TV talk show BLARING in the background, sound down, as WE HEAR heavy slow breathing. OPEN ANGLE As the view opens, we SEE a CLOSET DOOR barely open, letting a razor's edge of LIGHT through, it illuminates a MAN'S FACE, still only partly visible. We HEAR HEARTBEAT DOWN. and BREATHING FADE UP as TV TALK-SHOW FADE DISSOLVE TO: INT. ELEMENTARY CLASSROOM -- DAY SCRIBNER RIVKIN, JR., AGE 12, is in a spelling bee, 29 other KIDS, AGE 12, and a teacher, MR. MUSCOGEE, 50, in class, calling out words, first to COOPER, 12, two down from Junior. MUSCOGEE Cooper, spell anthrocite, anthrocite. COOPER Anthrocite, A-N-T-H-R-O-C-I-G-H-T. MUSCOGEE Wrong, Cooper, goose egg for you, big bugger mark. Mr. Fong, tell us how to spell Anthrocite correctly. FONG A-N-T-H-R-O-C-I-T-E, anthrocite. MUSCOGEE Very good. (under his breath) Those people have such good study habits. Muscogee walks around thumping his palm with a heavy pointer stick, and stops, as he flatly slams the stick on the desk next to Junior, 12. MUSCOGEE (CONT'D) Accident, Mr. Rivkin, like that which runs down your leg.

(CONTINUED)

2. Boys laugh, quietly. MUSCOGEE (CONT'D) Accident, spell it boy. JUNIOR, 12 Accident, A-C-C-I-D(beat) E . . . N-T. MUSCOGEE (smashing the stick again) Wrong, Junior, big goose egg, zero in the book for you on that one. JUNIOR, 12 What do you mean? It was correct, sir. MUSCOGEE Wrong boy, spell it right for him Mr. Kimbrough. KIMBROUGH Accident -JUNIOR, 12 (interrupting) I did spell it right, Mr. Muscogee. MUSCOGEE Boy, don't you argue or speak out of turn in my class, you'll not only be out of the tournament, but I'll really give you a zero for the day, a big bugger mark. He reaches into his nose, as if to pull out a big bugger and acts as if he is putting it in the grade book. JUNIOR, 12 (under his breath) You've got a zero in your head, fatass. MUSCOGEE What did you say? JUNIOR, 12 Nothing, nothing, I said you are a hero if you let me pass. The boys laugh. Fong turning his head, NO. (CONTINUED)

3. MUSCOGEE Mr. Fong, is there a correction on his last misstatement. FONG (Chinese accent) Yes sir. He said you have zero in your head, and you have fat-ass. The boys laugh but freeze as they see the anger on Muscogee's face. MUSCOGEE Mr. Rivkin, assume the position at the desk, whilst I get the Bishop. Muscogee exits the class. JUNIOR, 12 Oh shit, the Bishop. The boys rumble and whisper. Junior, 12 turns red and begins to sweat off his brow, holding on firmly to the edge of the desk. Muscogee re-enters the room, carrying a HUGE PADDLE, carved in the shape of a chess bishop, as: Muscogee walks briskly. Muscogee's collection of keys swinging from the chain on his belt. P.O.V. -- JUNIOR,12 -- MUSCOGEE'S FACE is monstrous, still red in the face with anger as: He rares back with the paddle and swings with fierce acceleration. We HEAR an EXPLOSION and ECHO as the paddle hits Jr's. ass. Junior, 12 screams at the top of his lungs. The boys in the room react in various ways, some go white with fear. Some look nauseated. All of them have huge popping eyes, as: We SEE the PADDLE flying across the room in pieces as we HEAR Jr. still SCREAMING. JR'S FACE, MOUTH OPEN (CONTINUED)

4. CLOSE ANGLE -- ZOOM To his dark cavernous MOUTH, ECHOING. DISSOLVE TO: EXT. SCHOOL, BEHIND CAFETERIA -- DAY Junior, 12 is walking alone, slowly with head hanging. He walks by OLIE, 15, seated on grass next to lot with dumpster behind exterior entrance to cafeteria. OLIE Hey, Scribbie! (hitting his ass) JUNIOR, 12 Ow, shit, Olie, my ass. OLIE Yeah, I heard. Sit down here, buddy. JUNIOR, 12 I'll stand, thanks. OLIE Mr. Muscogee really likes you. JUNIOR, 12 Right, beaten for a correct spelling. OLIE I heard you were beaten for calling him a fat-ass. And, he gets a boner from spanking tight little baby butts. JUNIOR, 12 Oh, I feel better, now. OLIE You need a drink. JUNIOR, 12 (he sits slowly) Yeah, too bad, my pops liquor cabinet is at home. OLIE Mine is here. Olie pulls out a thermos and shakes it, appealing to Junior, 12. JUNIOR, 12 Whiskey?

(CONTINUED)

5. OLIE Yup. JUNIOR, 12 Where'd you get it, your dad? OLIE (pointing to a janitorial closet) Old Frank. JANITORIAL CLOSET The door is slightly cracked open. ANGLE SLOW ZOOM CLOSER OLIE (O.S.) (CONT'D) Frank is my buddy. I caught him turning up the bottle one day. He was shitfaced, right back here. I just asked him to buy me a bottle, no problem. Next day, Jack Daniels shows up in a brown bag. JUNIOR, 12, TURNING UP THE THERMOS. He takes a big swig, two gulps. He rolls his eyes back. It takes his breath. He coughs uncontrollably for a moment and shakes his head quickly. JUNIOR, 12 Whew, tastes like shit, good stuff. OLIE First time, huh. Junior, 12, embarrassed, hesitates, then nods "yes". OLIE (CONT'D) Hit the spot? JUNIOR, 12 Oh yeah. Junior, 12 looks at Franks closet. P.O.V. JR.- ANGLE CLOSER - FRANK'S CLOSET NAT. SOUND FADES DOWN ANGLE CLOSER We HEAR HEAVY BREATHING and HEARTBEAT FADE UP. ANGLE CLOSER (CONTINUED)

6. FACE OF FRANK, LIT BY SLIVER OF LIGHT, TURNING UP BOTTLE DISSOLVE TO: INT. COURTROOM -- DAY JUNIOR, 35, impeccably dressed, stands behind a hardwood table. His client, a HISPANIC OLD MAN, wearing an old suit. JUNIOR, 35 (to front of court) . . . and finally, your honors, my client and other workers in our state will benefit from the final recognition of a universal right to confidentially express disagreement to an employer, corporation or government institution, SIX JUDGES seated across the front of the ornate courtroom behind a hardwood bench, three on each side of a PRESIDING JUDGE. JUNIOR, 35 (CONT'D) without fear of undue recourse for supposed insubordination. We ask the court to make the decision in the name of the protection of human dignity and harmonious community. The Presiding Judge fingers a file of papers, closes the folder, looks out to an attorney. PRESIDING JUDGE Mr. Rivkin, you have served this state and your clients well with a passionately and professionally prepared case. JUNIOR AND CLIENT LISTENING PRESIDING JUDGE (O.S.) (CONT'D) You and the opposing counsel will receive our final request for production of documents. Junior, 35, and OPPOSING COUNSEL (MALE) approach the bench, take their copies of the orders. Junior, 35, takes the file. They return to their tables. Junior, 35, puts the folder in his BRIEFCASE We SEE JACK DANIELS BOTTLE, quickly obscured by the folder.

(CONTINUED)

7. PRESIDING JUDGE (O.S.) (CONT'D) We will take a recess for lunch, after which objections will be noted and addressed. We should be able to wrap this up today, gentlemen. Court is recessed until 1 pm. JUDGE, GAVEL POUND, THREE TIMES, ECHO. JUNIOR SHAKING CLIENTS HAND, BOTH SMILING. INT. COURTROOM -- DAY CLOSE ANGLE -- JUDGES HAND AND GAVEL -- ZOOM OUT JUDGE is POUNDING the gavel. BAILIFF beside bench.

JUDGE We will have order in the court. (beat) What did you say Mr. Rivkin? JUNIOR, AGE 40, clothing slightly tight, needs a haircut and a shave, and his seedy male CLIENT, 35, behind a defense desk. PROSECUTOR at opposing desk. JUNIOR Sir, I simply suggested my client be relieved of the further burden of trial in lieu of the great financial loss he has suffered so far, due to the delaying tactics of counsel for the prosecution, motion for suspended sentence for time served and loss of income in trade for fines. Justice would be served. PROSECUTOR Your honor, I should not have to say... JUDGE (interrupting) Then don't. Counselor, you have serious disregard for reality, much less the law. Your client derived his income from a drug sales operation which led to the addiction and probably the . . . Junior, 40, looks anxious, pacing and scratching his head. JUDGE (CONT'D) . . . death of many children, teenagers, and unsuspecting adults. His losses have been high, only because his profits from illegal activities were also quite high. (CONTINUED)

8. JUNIOR Objection, referring to facts not in evidence. JUDGE Overruled. In fact I must wonder if you are high or something . . . JUNIOR (rolling his eyes) Objection. I'm not on trial. JUDGE . . . with these most improper motions. The court does appreciate the willingness of your client to confess and turn states evidence, but he is clearly a KING-PIN and must do time, serious time, as well as the further obligation of this court to refer the illegal taxable income to the appropriate jurisdiction. JUNIOR (Interrupting) Judge, objection on the grounds of (beat) ridiculous. PROSECUTOR Objection. JUNIOR Overruled. JUDGE Mr. Rivkin! Judge pounds gavel a couple of times, but stops in amazement to listen, shaking his head with agreement sarcastically. JUNIOR This man has suffered enough, and I insist with all the clout my bar card has to offer, I will not only appeal this decision, should you persist, but I will seek your removal from the bench. Junior's client begins to squirm and vascillate between disapproval and smiles as he hears this argument. JUDGE (calmly, patronizing) I'm holding you in contempt. take him out of my sight. (MORE)

Bailiff,

(CONTINUED)

9. JUDGE (CONT'D) (beat) Wait a minute, let me issue sentence for his client, so he doesn't get an appeal for having no representation allowed. JUNIOR Oh, I will appeal, then you're out man, out! Go ahead, say what you're gonna say. It's just digging you deeper, Mister! JUDGE (calmly) I do not plan to allow your counsel's clear insanity and contempt to affect my sentencing, you are the one on trial here and his guilt is irrelevant. (official tone, stern) I accept your guilty plea, and sentence you to forty years in jail, and a $1 million fine, if any value is left to your estate after tax levies. You are to serve no less than 10 years prior to parole. Now, Mr. Rivkin. JUNIOR (sarcastically) Yes, sir, your honor. JUDGE You have irritated me to the point of disbelief. Bailiff, just hold him til I catch my breath. JUNIOR You can choke for all I care, judge, and if you don't choke, and my client's friend's don't assassinate you, I'll kill you myself, you old fart. JUDGE Bailiff, remove this maniac. Junior screaming and ranting, as the bailiff drags him out. ANGLE ON - JR'S BRIEFCASE, STILL OPEN We SEE JACK DANIELS BOTTLE. Junior closes briefcase and grabs it as he is being dragged out. Prosecutor looks confused.

(CONTINUED)

10. PROSECUTOR Did I just win the case, your honor? JUDGE You didn't even need to be here. DISSOLVE TO: EXT. MAIN ROAD, REDLIGHT -- DAY Solid white Rolls Royce limo stopped at light. Pinto next to it. Junior, behind the wheel of Rolls, SKINHEAD young man and PUNKGIRL in Pinto. INT./EXT. ROLLS ROYCE -- CONTINUOUS Junior sits enjoying LOUD ROCK AND ROLL, smoking. He is a chauffeur, HAT next to him. Skinhead young man in Pinto HONKS from behind. Punkgirl in passenger seat. As he passes he shoots Junior a BIRD, only to be stopped short at the next LIGHT. Junior pulls next to him, turns down the radio, agitated and rolls down the window. JUNIOR Pardon me, do you have any Grey Poupon? SKINHEAD Fuck you, Richie Rich. Man and woman laugh, shoot BIRDS. Junior reaches under his hat, for a bottle of Grey Poupon, squeezes it into his face. Junior drinks from a Jack Daniels bottle and drives away. As he passes in front, changing lanes, he catches the bumper of the Pinto and rips it off. Drenched man and laughing woman sitting at GREENLIGHT. CUT TO: INT. APARTMENT - SF VALLEY -- EVENING Junior, still in chauffeur uniform, comes in stumbling, smoking a cigarette, tie is undone. He is carrying a bottle of whiskey. His FATHER, Scribner Rivkin, 70, white sideburns and an obvious full toupee, sits in a cheap recliner facing the television. The apartment is ecclectically decorated, some worn-out expensive pieces, like the leather couch. (CONTINUED)

11. An informercial on TV for a memory product is playing. Father has a bottle of the same brand whiskey Junior carries. They both take a swig of whiskey. His back still turned to Junior, cigarette in one hand, he points the remote at the TV as if he had been channel surfing. FATHER I guess that wasn't a talk show. Ought to be illegal to pass off a commercial as a talk show. He stops on a real talk show, TRANSVESTITES versus REAL WOMEN fighting over BOYFRIENDS. Junior has thrown down his jacket. over Father's shoulder. He stands there watching

JUNIOR I can't believe these people. Father nods. JUNIOR (CONT'D) Just shows, things could be worse. FATHER They got it bad. JUNIOR What kind of jobs these people do? FATHER Who'd give'm a job? JUNIOR They can have mine. opening. I hear there's an

FATHER You didn't get fired again, Junior? JUNIOR Fuck'em, I didn't give'm a chance. FATHER You punch somebody? Junior rolls his eyes and takes a long swig of whiskey, walks: INT. KITCHEN -- CONTINUOUS Junior opens the fridge door, stares at the contents, nothing there except for an unopened loaf of bread, covered with mold, (CONTINUED)

12. half-eaten hoop of cheese, dried up and also moldy. the pizza box only to find it empty. Junior walks over to the phone, picks it up. JUNIOR You eat yet pop? He takes a swig. FATHER We're outa pizza. Junior thumbing through coupons. The phone gives WARNING ALARM, off the the hook too long. He let's it go on and on. Finally, he finds a coupon of interest. JUNIOR Here's a new place, pop. He depresses the flashhook and dials. JUNIOR (CONT'D) I'd like your special, two large anchovy, double meat, extra garlic. INT. LIVING ROOM -- CONTINUOUS Father, still watching the talk show, remote prepared for the moment of boredom. He HEARS a fly and breaks his attention to the tube. He follows the sound with his eyes, though he cannot see it. He stops the hunt for a moment to take a preparatory swig. He grimaces. FATHER God, this tastes like shit. He takes another swig, eyes still following the buzz. P.O.V. FATHER -- CONTINUOUS Finally, he SEES the FLY. It is crawling around on the end table next to him, on an old crust of pizza. ANGLE ON FATHER Eyes fixed, he reaches up slowly to his hair. swats the fly with his toupee. Quickly, he He grabs

He pulls the toupee away from the target area slowly. NO FLY

(CONTINUED)

13. He shakes the toupee and the fly falls out into the ash tray. Father nonchalantly recovers the toupee, fluffs it, and remounts it to his bald head. As if nothing had happened, he focuses his attention on the transvestite on TV. INT. KITCHEN -- CONTINUOUS Junior takes another swig, thumbs through some letter and bills next to the phone. JUNIOR (staring at bill) Shit pop, who you been calling? am I supposed to pay this bill? FATHER I didn't make those calls. JUNIOR I didn't. FATHER Tell the phone company, not me. JUNIOR They are all 976 numbers. FATHER I never called 976 H-U-M-P, ok. INT. LIVING ROOM -- CONTINUOUS Junior joins father in living room, sits on couch. JUNIOR What have we got into? I can't even hold a job as a fuckin' chauffeur. ANGLE ON CERTIFICATES and DIPLOMAS on the wall, SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION--LICENSE, SCRIBNER RIVKIN. AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION-SCRIBNER RIVKIN JUNIOR, PHOTO OF YOUNG FATHER AND PRESIDENT NIXON SHAKING HANDS ON THE FLOOR OF STOCK EXCHANGE. FEMALE T.V. GUEST (O.S.) (low female voice) My life started when I was eighteen. I got the surgery as soon as I could. MALE T.V. HOST (O.S.) Couldn't you have waited and thought about it?

How

(CONTINUED)

14. FEMALE T.V. GUEST (O.S.) I was going crazy. I would have ended up an alcoholic or something worse if I hadn't done it then. I would have killed myself. JUNIOR He looks at the TV with curiosity. JUNIOR There are worse things. Poor victim.

FATHER If she can work, you can work. JUNIOR I don't want to be a hooker. FATHER You're just lazy. Without warning, Junior throws an ashtray across the room, hitting the wall behind the television. Father is surprised, grabbing his chest. Junior rolling his eyes at his father's gesture of heart problems, puts out his cigarette on the coffee table. JUNIOR You are so supportive. (beat) Besides, I learned from you. Junior takes another cigarette out and lights it. JUNIOR (CONT'D) You sit there every day, just smoking, drinking, and watching MY TV. FATHER I've paid my dues. JUNIOR Only millionaires retire at fifty. FATHER I didn't retire. JUNIOR That's right. You just stopped working.

(CONTINUED)

15. FATHER You call panhandling, scamming people on the bus and going to gameshows -work? JUNIOR Those gameshows got that TV. And it takes time to work the system. FATHER Law school and vagrancy, I guess that qualifies you to fill out welfare paperwork. Maybe you'll meet a wife. Hey, and a baby, while you're in line. Junior goes into the hallway bathroom to urinate, cigarette hanging out of his mouth, he continues talking. JUNIOR You got a lot of nerve talking about wives. You can't keep one and you try to fuck everybody elses. FATHER I knew I shouldn't have moved in with you. You won't ever let go of the fact I was a better man than you. JUNIOR Stealing my wife doesn't make you a big man, old man. Makes her a slut I never should've married, that's all. Don't forget, you couldn't keep her either. Junior, finished urinating, zips and walks back into the living room, face to face. JUNIOR (CONT'D) And let me tell you, this last month has seemed as long as the shitty childhood you put me through, law school, and the marriage from hell, put together. FATHER I could leave. JUNIOR Where would you go? Father is speechless. JUNIOR (CONT'D) Nobody loves you, pop, except me.

(CONTINUED)

16. FATHER You say that just like a mass murderer before he slashes your throat. JUNIOR Yeah, well, if the knife fits -FATHER I love you too, son. JUNIOR Yeah, whatever. DISSOLVE TO: EXT. APARTMENT - SF VALLEY An otherwise beautiful sunset amidst the quiet, still trees, is interrupted by an OLD CAR, gas guzzler, pulling up to the curb. It parks abruptly. A PIZZA SIGN is on its roof next to the drivers side. A teenage PIZZA BOY gets out, retrieves TWO PIZZAS from back seat, car still RUNNING. He runs up the sidewalk and to a set of stairs. KNOCKS on a door of an apartment. Diminutive man, BRANDON CHITTLE, 45, very cheap clothes, greasy hair. He opens door. CHITTLE What? PIZZA BOY Got your pizza, hot and on-time. CHITTLE Wrong address. PIZZA BOY Apartment 208? CHITTLE Wrong building. Junior opens apartment door, across the hall. out and listens. PIZZA BOY Sir, this is 11007 Huston? CHITTLE Right address, but I didn't order anything. Peaks his head

(CONTINUED)

17. JUNIOR (interrupting) What kind of pizza? PIZZA BOY It's double anchovy and double garlic. Chittle cringes. JUNIOR Sounds good, my favorite, enjoy it Shittle. Save me some. Junior slams door. PIZZA BOY Mr. Shittle, sir, can I use your phone? CHITTLE That's Chittle! (beat) Just stand there. Chittle retrieves cordless phone. CHITTLE (CONT'D) I'm a cordless dude. What's the number? Boy hands him the order ticket. HIGH PITCH SQUEAL from phone. CHITTLE (CONT'D) Wrong number. PIZZA BOY Great. He looks at Chittle with begging eyes. CHITTLE I don't want it. Slams door. Boys turns, knocks on Junior's. door. Door opens. Chittle dials.

JUNIOR Shittle change his mind? PIZZA BOY Says he didn't order it, you interested? JUNIOR Well, I already ate. order something. Maybe later I'll

(CONTINUED)

18. PIZZA BOY Give you a deal. JUNIOR Two bucks for your trouble. PIZZA BOY Sure. He hands him the two pizzas. trips over a cat. Walks away, head hanging, almost

JUNIOR Here kitty, kitty, got some anchovies. Cat ignores him. Chittle's door opens, the cat disappears into the apartment, Chittle grimacing, closes door. Junior closes his door. INT. JUNIOR'S LIVING ROOM -- CONTINUOUS Junior throws one box onto end-table next to Father, walks to hallway. INT. JUNIOR'S BEDROOM, DARK -- CONTINUOUS Junior sits the box of pizza on the desk under the edge of the window, next to unorganized stacks of paper. Clothes are strewn all over the room. Half-empty glasses on the desk. He sits down in the desk chair in the dark and peers out the window as he eats pizza and drinks whiskey. He sees a topless young NUDE NEIGHBOR in the apartment across the court. She stands in her kitchen washing dishes, unaware she's being watched. She is perfect. Her breasts are firm as she scrubs the dishes, they don't bounce, they just tightly bob. Junior lights up a cigarette. JUNIOR (quietly) Hello, welcome to the neighborhood. His five-o'clock shadowed face just barely lit by the red ember. He takes a puff, takes a bite of pizza, and takes a swig, all without detaching his gaze at the woman. He sets the cigarette down in an overstuffed ashtray. With one hand he continues to eat, with the other he begins to unzip his fly under the desk's edge.

19. P.O.V.-- JUNIOR The woman is still washing and reaching high to put up the dried dishes. We HEAR Junior moaning: JUNIOR Oh baby, wash it. She pulls the plug and rinses as the water drains. She walks into the dining room off the balcony. Junior now sees her full body through sliding glass door. Her ass toward the window as she wipes off the table. She bends over, stretching across the table. ANGLE ON JUNIOR He sits there, eyes wide open. He sets down his pizza, cigarette still burning in ashtray. He scoots in his chair as he slides down his pants (OFFSCREEN). P.O.V. -- JUNIOR She has now finished wiping the table and walks to light switch, flicks it off. JUNIOR (wimpering) Damn. Oh my God, not yet. She is still visible, as she lights up a cigarette and walks out the door to the balcony. She is now lit only by the flickering TV behind her in the living room beyond the dining room. Her silhouette and her face lit by her cigarette. She looks directly toward Junior as she begins to gently ring her nipple with her free hand. She runs her hand down the center of her chest across her navel and begins to touch her vagina. JUNIOR (CONT'D) Oh yeh, oh, oh. ANGLE ON JUNIOR His cigarette has burned out. The bottle is empty. box is open, pizza half eaten. P.O.V. -- JUNIOR FROM OUTSIDE THE WINDOW Junior is sprawled out, head hanging back over the edge of the desk chair, eyes closed. NUDE NEIGHBOR (O.S.) Stand up, you bad boy! (CONTINUED) The pizza

20. JUNIOR (opening his eyes) Who's that? P.O.V. -- JUNIOR His nude neighbor is standing in a dominatrix leather bikini wearing a mask and holding a small leather cat-of-nine-tails. Junior gets up at full attention and races to his closet. JUNIOR Yes mam, yes mam. She gently straps him on his ass as he passes her. In his closet, a leather strap hanging as a noose. He pierces it with his head and hangs down, squatting, applying pressure to his neck, his face turning red. She approaches him and begins to strap him across his shoulders. CUT TO: SAME AS PREVIOUS -- JUNIOR IN THE DESK CHAIR He is asleep. His eyes are bobbing around under the eyelids. He is dreaming. He begins to moan and jerk as if he is being strapped by the woman in his dreams. JUNIOR (CONT'D) Oh baby, I'm choking for you. His look of satisfaction changes abruptly. JUNIOR (CONT'D) Pop, what are you doing here? DISSOLVE TO: EXT. FOREST -- EVENING TWILIGHT DREAMY ATMOSPHERE, Junior, age 12 and FATHER, AGE 35, walking together slowly down a dark forest path next to a stream. They look happy. Father picks up Junior and swings him around, both laughing. Then, he sets him down. Father, immediately loses his smile and slaps Junior. P.O.V. -- JUNIOR Father is now an old man and Junior starts running from him.

(CONTINUED)

21. Junior runs down the path as it grows darker and more ominous. The trees are now older and more gnarled, and Junior can't even see the sky through the forest canopy. He only sees an OLD OUTHOUSE ahead in the middle of the trail. He runs into it. INT. TOP OF DARK STAIRWELL -- CONTINUOUS He can't see much. He looks up. The stairwell is lit only by a crack of moonlight from the SKYLIGHT above. Junior looks down and SEES his OLD HAND. He is now 40 again.

He starts running down the stairs, but he can't see the bottom through the spire. He HEARS SLAM from above. stairwell. His father has entered the

He speeds his descent, frantic, breathing heavily. Father is furious, STERN EYES and a grimace as he peers down the spire. He HEARS RUNNING below. Junior still running SEES LIT ARCHWAY ahead and below. runs into the light. INT. ORNATE BIRTHDAY PARTY -- CONTINUOUS TABLE with CAKE, several CHAIRS around the table. Junior, 12, sitting at the head of the table wearing a BIRTHDAY HAT. Next to him, father, 35, in TUXEDO (on left), MOTHER, 35 in a STEEL CAGE (on right). JR's WIFE, 25, in a WEDDING GOWN next to father. JR'S WIFE Honey, you made it to the party. She turns to father and they embrace, very sexually. Mother in cage shakes the cage in disgust and outrage. MOTHER That's my husband. JUNIOR That's my wife! They halt their embrace. JR'S WIFE You are ruining everything! It's little Scribner's birthday. He

(CONTINUED)

22. JUNIOR (echoing) It's my birthday too! Old father appears behind him. Junior is astonished. In front of Junior, father, 35 and Jr's wife begin kissing again. Behind Junior, old father swipes at Junior and grabs him up in a lusty, sweaty embrace, begins breathing in his face and crushing him. Old father rotates through the archway and faces the dark spire again. Seemingly bottomless SPIRE. Junior, 12, is now a child again, losing conscious, his face red, covered with father's drool, Jr's EYES bulging, growing faint. The father then propels him down the CENTER OF THE SPIRE. Junior, 40 again, is falling head first, spinning, EYES CLOSED. He looks peaceful, waiting to hit bottom. The pace grows less frantic, and Junior lands on the bottom, somewhat gently. The LIGHT from the top of the spire is now a BROADER BEAM, like spot light on him. He SEES an old wooden LONE TELEPHONE BOOTH with a PHONE, off the hook. He picks it up, listens, looks up, SILENCE, his LIT FACE. closes his eyes. He FADE TO: WHITE DISSOLVE TO: INT. WELFARE OFFICE -- MORNING SIGN -- CALIFORNIA SEAL -- GENERAL ASSISTANCE FORTY PEOPLE are seated, many with BABIES, in a waiting room. OTHERS standing in lines.

(CONTINUED)

23. Junior standing in line, shaved and wearing an old-style tight suit. One MALE WELFARE CLIENT in front of him just finishing with the WELFARE MAN clerk. MALE WELFARE CLIENT Gracias, Senora. Junior advances to the front. JUNIOR Yeah, I've got an appointment. The WELFARE MAN looks at his appointment card. WELFARE MAN This appointment was for 10 AM. It is now 10:30. You have missed your slot. When is the next time you will be available, Mr. Rivers? JUNIOR Rivkin. Now is the next time I am available. WELFARE MAN I don't have an appointment now. is the next day I have. Friday

JUNIOR I made the appointment this morning on the phone, and you're telling me now, the soonest new appointment is next Friday. The man looks at his watch, shakes it. WELFARE MAN (sarcastically) That's right. JUNIOR You don't understand. I have been in this line for an hour. I was on time for my appointment. This is the line for fucked up people that have appointments for rehab, right? P.O.V. -- JUNIOR WELFARE MAN Yes, but you did not reach the head of the line until now, which is late. Junior rolls his eyes, and squints as he looks at the man, his perspective is fuzzy.

(CONTINUED)

24. WELFARE MAN is babbling, ECHOING. The man pulls a gun into the frame and points it at his own head, pulls the trigger and his head EXPLODES. BACK TO REALITY WELFARE MAN (CONT'D) It is our policy to set appointments and to insist people abide by the appointed time. Otherwise it's not fair to others who were on time and who knew, understood and abided by the rules. If you have a problem with rules, sir, we can't help that. We must advance those already checked in when someone fails to meet their appointment. JUNIOR How could I know I was going to be penalized for waiting in your line. WELFARE MAN You should have come to the front of the line and told me you were late. JUNIOR I should've known. gig on Friday. A job? JUNIOR Yes. WELFARE MAN You cannot apply for this program if you have a job. JUNIOR (thinking quick) It's a volunteer job, feeding the poor. (beat) Look man, you don't know how bad I felt this morning. (whispering) I was laying in a puddle of my own pee, with my pants halfway down and what a fucking headache. Do you think I might need some help? Look I've got a

WELFARE MAN

(CONTINUED)

25. WELFARE MAN (catching a whiff, grimacing) Do you want to come Friday or not Mr. -JUNIOR Rivkin, yes, same bat time, same bat channel. (beat) Can I keep drinking 'til then? The man just looks at him without cracking a smile, dismissing him, hands him another card. Junior takes the card. He seems to have trouble holding back another comment. But he walks away, crushing the card in his hand, stuffing it into his front pocket. He walks out of the room, shouldering past several people, breathing heavily. INT. HALLWAY -- CONTINUOUS P.O.V. -- JUNIOR He scopes around the hall and sees the men's room. He walks toward it and as he opens the door he bumps into a SMALL MAN. A bottle slips out of his suitcoat pocket and almost falls out onto the floor. Junior just catches it. INT. RESTROOM -- CONTINUOUS Junior is shaking as he enters the restroom and walks up to the counter sink, faces the mirror. He runs water and wets his face, looks into the mirror, opens his mouth and looks at his teeth. He wiggles one near the front. Blood oozes out from round the tooth. He breathes deeply and sighs. He steps away from the sink and walks into a stall. INT. STALL -- CONTINUOUS He sits down without letting his pants down. He reaches into his coat pocket and retrieves the bottle. He nervously opens it and turns it up for a double swig. He breathes deeply and closes his eyes as he relaxes finally. INT. HALLWAY -- MOMENTS LATER Junior walks out of restroom, smiling. He walks with a light step, nodding at PEOPLE as they walk by, greeting them.

26. INT. APARTMENT - SF VALLEY, JUNIOR'S BEDROOM -- NEXT MORNING Junior puts on ragged blue jeans and motorcycle boots. Junior is blow-drying his hair, upside-down, spraying hairspray. He stands upright and looks into the mirror, looks wild, gives himself a big smile and an evil glint. EXT. LARGE OFFICE BUILDING -- AFTERNOON SEVERAL PEOPLE stand in line on the sidewalk for a casting call. Junior arrives and walks to the front of the line as if he works there and collects up one of every form on the table. TWO PEOPLE sit behind table and just watch. JUNIOR Aaron Spelling's niece is inside, shhh, don't tell anybody. (motioning to forms) She doesn't want special treatment. Junior walks away. TABLEMAN Who's that? TABLEWOMAN (shrugging) Producer? TABLEMAN I think it must be the writer . . . dressed like an expert. TABLEWOMAN I think he's the guy that wrote Wayne's World, the first one. TABLEMAN Yeh, they always ruin classics when they make a sequel. INT. LARGE OFFICE BUILDING, HALLWAY -- MOMENTS LATER Junior walks confidently down the hall, now carrying a clipboard, passes TWO SUITED MEN. JUNIOR Hi guys, gonna be a classic, I can feel it. They just look at him.

(CONTINUED)

27. SUIT 1 (to SUIT 2) The writer? SUIT 2 Think they'll let him on the set? Suit 1 turns his head, "no." Junior ducks into the restroom. INT. RESTROOM -- CONTINUOUS Junior goes into stall. INT. RESTROOM, STALL -- CONTINUOUS Clipboard in hand he begins to fill out the paperwork. He takes a swig from the flask in his fanny pack. He throws back his head wildly. Aahhh. JUNIOR God that tastes like shit.

He takes another swig. He fills out the paperwork. INT. RESTROOM -- CONTINUOUS He exits the stall, pulling up his zipper. Walks over to the mirror. Looks around to see if he is alone. Stuffs a sock into his pants and fixes the position in his crotch. A goofy kid, BUMPER, 23, walks into the restroom, sniffing and grabbing his nose. Steps up beside Junior BUMPER (looking in the mirror) 'Sup dude? JUNIOR Nada mucho, kiddo. BUMPER You in this movie? JUNIOR Will be soon, got that star quality. The kid pulls out a small vial. BUMPER Care for some confidence?

(CONTINUED)

28. JUNIOR Got plenty of that, but I can always take more. Don't mind if I do. He takes the vial, opens it. He uses the built-in spoon attached to the cap to scoop out a nose-hit. Looking in the mirror, he snorts one good time. BUMPER One for each nostril, dude. JUNIOR Balance, you have a fine mind. He takes another snort. JUNIOR (CONT'D) Scribner Rivkin, Junior and yourself? Shaking hands. BUMPER Just call me Bumper. bump? The kid takes a bump. BUMPER (CONT'D) (to himself) Why thank you, mighty fine idea. (to Junior) And you? JUNIOR I never say "no" to drugs. He takes another bump. JUNIOR (CONT'D) Looks like I've found a friend. So, Bumper, you want to be a star? I'm giving out parts. Just fill out this and you're in. He hands Bumper a form. BUMPER Just like that? JUNIOR Just like that. Stick with me, you'll learn the ropes. Care for another

(CONTINUED)

29. BUMPER Gotta pen, where do I sign? Junior laughs, hands him a pen. INT. ROOM, OFFICE BUILDING -- MOMENTS LATER Junior enters first, Bumper following. FIFTY BIKERS, male and female, in a room filled with folding chairs. Junior hands Bumper a clipboard, as if he is an assistant. JUNIOR Ladies and gentlemen, please hand your requisition to my assistant after they are completed. Bumper begins to take up the cards. JUNIOR (CONT'D) You may leave after you have turned in your cards. You will paid for today, one-hundred dollars. Just call your agency next Wednesday for assignment. Shooting for this week is already cast and you will begin on the twenty-second. Don't forget, be on time, or don't show up. Please exit the door on the left. Do not go out the front or you will be removed from the film. Please do not call your agents until next week as they are entirely too busy. There should be no questions. Thank you. (beat) Oh, headshots at the door. Bumper continues to take up cards until the last one is out. The door shuts behind the last biker. BUMPER Wow, that was skillful, you should run for President or something. JUNIOR Overqualified. They sit down in the front row of seats. The door opens. seats. TWO BIKERS enter. They look around and take

Junior looks at Bumper.

(CONTINUED)

30. JUNIOR (CONT'D) They can stay. Upgrades for everyone. The door opens again. CASTING PERSON, 25, male, feminine valley accent, pokes his head in. CASTING PERSON Those guys up front are so slow. He goes into the room. CASTING PERSON (CONT'D) (rolling his eyes and sighing) OK, everyone, we are in a hurry. Just go out the front. Cross the street to the lot. That's where we shoot movies. The security guard will direct you to the location. All of you will need to go to the makeup trailer and give them your card. (beat) I have ten upgrades. He stops to count, pointing as he counts. CASTING PERSON (CONT'D) Not enough, no shit Doogie, I am soooo... worked, I don't believe. The people just sit there looking at him. CASTING PERSON (CONT'D) Well, go already. They get up and exit. EXT. FILM STUDIO, SHOOTING LOT -- LATER -- DAY LOUD MUSIC from the BAND on stage, warming up. CREW PEOPLE everywhere, scurrying around with cables, lights. BIKERS and FLOWER CHILDREN walking around with cups of coffee, scripts in hand. ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (A.D.) walks by. Junior and Bumper. Junior stops the A.D.

JUNIOR Sir, where is the makeup trailer? BUMPER Yeh, dude, we need makeup.

(CONTINUED)

31. A.D. It is that trailer there. for God's sake. The man walks away in a hurry. Junior and Bumper walk to the trailer and up to the door. INT. MAKEUP TRAILER -- CONTINUOUS FOUR MAKEUP ARTISTS working on FOUR VARIOUS BIKERS seated. One of them stops her work. MAKEUP ARTIST 1 Give me your card. Hurry up now. Junior and Bumper hand her the cards. She signs them.

But hurry

MAKEUP ARTIST 1 (CONT'D) You got upgrades, so sit down there and wait. No, take off those clothes and give them to me, hurry. They begin to take off their pants. Junior turns to the side and pulls the sock out, puts it in his pocket. Bumper, facing the makeup artists, catches eye contact with a couple of them, male and female, and winks. BUMPER You want me to take off my underwear too, bikers don't wear underwear do they? Bumper grabs himself like Marky Mark and poses. MAKEUP ARTIST 1 That won't be necessary. Give me your clothes. They hand her their clothes and stand there in their undies. MAKEUP ARTIST 2 (looking at his watch) It's time for lunch. Everyone drops everything. MAKEUP ARTIST 1 Craft services best not serve us that dried up prime rib again.

(CONTINUED)

32. MAKEUP ARTIST 2 (to the person in chair) Go eat honey. I'll finish after lunch. They all get up and start leaving the trailer. Makeup Artist 1 continues to bag up the clothes of Junior and Bumper. Junior and Bumper awaiting instructions in their underwear. MAKEUP ARTIST 1 (to Junior and Bumper) I'm not going to break this seal and start over again. Too much paperwork. BUMPER Where's my hippie costume? You don't want me showing my package at lunch. MAKEUP ARTIST 1 (looking at Bumper's package) Wardrobe is not my department. They'll come after lunch. JUNIOR (to Bumper) I think I'll come during lunch. Bumpers spews trying to contain a laugh. BUMPER Come, dude, you go boy. MAKEUP ARTIST 1 You . . . boys just put these on. She holds up a light cotton robe. BUMPER Both of us? MAKEUP ARTIST 1 I think I have two. She gives a sarcastic look and grabs a second robe. MAKEUP ARTIST 1 (CONT'D) Hurry. JUNIOR (to Bumper) Hurry, hurry, step right up, two hippie studpunks, capable of giving major (MORE) (CONTINUED)

33. JUNIOR (CONT'D) pleasures to the highest bidders, young and old, experience or horny willingness, take your pick. They put on their robes. EXT. CRAFT SERVICES -- LATER -- DAY Junior and Bumper strut in their robes to the lunch table. Variety of CREW and ACTORS. They are seated facing each other, across a long picnic table. BUMPER Dude, you are such a pro. of our association. I'm proud As she is

A cute GIRL 1 walks by and sits at the next table. passing: GIRL 1 (to Bumper) Hi. BUMPER Yes, I'm high, how are you? How, high are you? Girl laughs and sits. JUNIOR I used to be slick with the women. BUMPER Why not now? JUNIOR Well, Bumper, I thought I had good pickup lines, and I was funny and I just generally had an attractive personality. BUMPER Yeah, like me. JUNIOR Exactly. I found out people were just willing to put up with otherwise obnoxious behavior because I was a stud. The same behavior now, gets me fucked instead of laid. The cute shit coming from somebody not so cute, aint so cute. I mean,

(CONTINUED)

34. BUMPER That's deep. JUNIOR (pouring liquor from his flask) Deep as my glass. (beat) Care for a snoot? BUMPER Sure, and a bump for dessert. Junior pours into Bumper's glass, runs out. BUMPER (CONT'D) Oh shit, the guilt, the guilt. Junior retrieves his fanny pack. JUNIOR Always more, never enough. EXT. ROCK CONCERT SET -- DAY ROCK BAND on stage, LOUD MUSIC. SCREAMING FANS. GIRL 1 shaking and dancing, SCREAMING. Junior and Bumper standing on edge of stage guarding the band, wearing matching biker uniforms. Fans are wild. Trying to get onto the stage. Junior and Bumper grab and throw FLYING FAN and toss him back into the audience. FIVE FANS catch him. The crowd ignites a ROAR. A.D. (with megaphone) CUT!!! The band and the crowd go silent. Junior and Bumper look toward the A.D. and CAMERAMAN, DIRECTOR and SCRIPT SUPERVISOR. Director turns his head, looking at the ground. DIRECTOR (to A.D.) Wimps. (beat) These are supposed to be the most extreme rock fans at the concert of the century.

(CONTINUED)

35. A.D. (megaphone) Let's do it again, this time like you really mean it, wild, violent, passionate. Be artists, do your part. (beat) Take 3, roll camera. SCRIPT SUPER (with clapboard) Take 3, scene 142A. CLAPS board. A.D. Action. Same series as before, until: ROCK BAND on stage, LOUD MUSIC. SCREAMING FANS. GIRL 1 shaking and dancing, SCREAMING. Junior and Bumper standing on edge of stage guarding the band, wearing matching biker uniforms. Fans are wild. Trying to get onto the stage. Junior and Bumper grab and throw flying fan into the audience. Five fans wait to catch him. He is overthrown.

The five fans rush deeper into the crowd, trampling several people, trying to catch the man. His body plows down several others as his head makes full contact with another ROCKER's head. They both lie there, knocked out. Junior and Bumper high five. A.D. (CONT'D) Cut. DIRECTOR Print it! A.D. Everyone take it easy for a few, for a new setup. (to the people on ground) You two can get up now, good job. No one moves.

(CONTINUED)

36. Junior and Bumper look on. BIKER bends down to check one of them. FLYING FAN BIKER I think this one's dead. The other rocker revives, shaking his head. DIRECTOR (to A.D.) Are we insured for this? A.D. Oh yeah, since Landis and Vic Morrow, full coverage. DIRECTOR (relieved) OK, well move camera to next setup, (beat) oh and call security about the dead guy. INT./EXT. AUTOMOBILE -- NIGHT Junior and Bumper. Bumper takes a bump, passes the vial to Junior Junior takes a swig, hands Bumper the bottle. Junior takes a bump as Bumper chokes from the liquor. BUMPER Wow, that tastes like shit. JUNIOR Yeah, it's the good stuff. BUMPER Beer tastes better. JUNIOR You don't drink it for the taste. Bumper takes another swig. Woo, damn. JUNIOR Good boy. Coughs.

BUMPER

(CONTINUED)

37. They ride down Ventura Blvd., CITY LIGHTS, LUXURY CARS PASSING, PEOPLE walking on sidewalks. Bumper slows down, SEES BOYFRIEND and GIRLFRIEND window shopping. Junior leans out the window. JUNIOR (CONT'D) (loudly) Yowwwww. The couple jump out of their skins, and the man spills his soda on the woman. Car speeds away. Junior and Bumper laughing hysterically. They ride for a moment. Having recovered their composure, wiping their drool, each respectively. They look at each other with approval, and shake hands. JUNIOR (CONT'D) You ever think about getting really wild? BUMPER Always. JUNIOR (taking a swig) Ever think about robbing a bank? BUMPER Sure, just gotta find one that doesn't have bulletproof glass. Good gun, mask . . . this fine getaway car. JUNIOR Get serious. You're learning how to rob banks from guys that got caught. Don't listen to prison stories if you want to commit a crime and not get caught. BUMPER How would you do it Old Pro? JUNIOR Who says I haven't? (CONTINUED)

38. BUMPER Well. JUNIOR No, I haven't but, I've represented a few guys who did. I'm an attorney, you know. BUMPER No way. Junior looks at him sideways. JUNIOR Want to see my bar card? Expired, though it may be, I am a juris doctor. BUMPER A doctor too. JUNIOR (sighing) Just a lawyer. BUMPER So, you really know how to rip somebody off. Junior thinks intensely. Bumper listening now without interruption. JUNIOR It's all in the note. One of my clients told me, it's all in the note. It's a smart man's game. Bumper grabs the bottle and takes a swig without breaking his attention to Junior out the side of his gaze. He swirves to avoid an oncoming car. JUNIOR (CONT'D) What you hand the teller is the most important part. (beat) Ideally, you get the head teller, you know, scope it out first. Do your homework. Find out who she is, where she lives, her kids names, where they go to school, schedule. (beat) The more you know, the better. BUMPER Then kidnap one of her kids, right? (CONTINUED)

39. JUNIOR Not necessary. Don't do it, threaten it. In your note, first you tell her not to press the alarm switch. Tell her you wired the place to explode, immediately behind the counter, if she pushes the button. Second, tell her you have a partner, both in the bank and outside, and you are a member of the syndicate. That if you get caught, her kids and her husband get blown away. Provide her with the information you have collected about her family. (beat) Believe me she wouldn't push the button or turn you in. She'd let you get away with clean bills and wouldn't let a peep for long enough for you to escape. Bumper, nodding his head begins to get dizzy. He pulls over quickly, but not quickly enough. He vomits half on the inside of the door and half on the pavement. Junior laughs, takes a swig and spits right next to Bumper's face, almost hitting him. Bumper jumps back wide awake, eyes wide open, to avoid the spit. JUNIOR (CONT'D) Don't forget, it's all in the note. FADE TO BLACK: CUT TO: INT. APARTMENT - SF VALLEY, JUNIOR'S BEDROOM -- MORNING Junior asleep, SNORING, on his bed, still wearing his punk clothes. His leg is hanging off the bed, boot pointing toward floor. Bumper asleep on the floor, head in FRAME with Junior's boot. ALARM SOUNDS. Bumper jumps up and hits Junior's boot. Junior jumps and grabs BASEBALL BAT from wall side of bed. Junior looks around until he realizes he is safe. He SEES: Bumper on floor. Bumper and Junior grab their heads and roll their necks. Holding their faces. (CONTINUED)

40. Bumper lies back down. Junior looks at his watch. JUNIOR Thursday, Thursday, what to do? He grabs his crotch. JUNIOR (CONT'D) Oh yes. He heads to the bathroom connected to the bedroom. We HEAR PISSING. JUNIOR (O.S.) (CONT'D) Ohhhhh, yesssssss! WE HEAR FLUSH, Junior CLEARING HIS THROAT, SPITTING. Bumper back to sleep. JUNIOR (CONT'D) (looking at Bumper) Waste of skin. INT. LIVING ROOM/KITCHEN -- CONTINUOUS FATHER asleep in recliner. TV on morning show. Appears to be scrambled. Every channel seems

Junior goes to TV and changes channels. to be scrambled. JUNIOR Bull . . . shit, cocksuckers. (beat) Wake up pop. Junior shaking Father in chair.

FATHER God . . . dammit, leave me alone, bitch. JUNIOR (in a high voice) Oh fuck me, daddy. Father wakes up, opens eyes. FATHER Junior, the cables out.

(CONTINUED)

41. JUNIOR No shit, pop. I'm gonna call those bastards right now. Junior picks up the phone, dials, knows the number by heart. JUNIOR (CONT'D) Let me speak to Julie, extension 69. (beat) Yeah, I'll hold for a second, but this is long-distance. He clears his throat. JUNIOR (CONT'D) Hey Julie, Scribner Rivkin here. Why is my cable out again? (beat) 11007 Huston. (beat) That's right, 209. (beat) Julie, you know I paid the bill. I brought it to you personally. (beat) No, that was just last week Julie. (beat) Let me speak to Miss Goldfarb. (beat) Can't blame her, she was inept, couldn't do her job if her life depended on it. Who's the big boss? (beat) Le'me talk to him. Junior sits on hold for a while. He looks through the refrigerator, still empty. He looks into the cabinet above refrigerator, finds a can of PINTO BEANS. Still on hold. He grabs the can and looks for a can opener in drawer. Finds it. Begins to open the can. Bean juice squirts out as the opener pierces the can. Hits Junior in the face. He just wipes it with his sleeve. Can now open, he drinks it like a shake. It spills out the side of his mouth onto the phone. the phone on his pants. God . . . I am? JUNIOR (CONT'D) dammit, don't they know who He wipes

(CONTINUED)

42. He hangs up the phone. FATHER (O.S.) Did you straighten it out? JUNIOR No, but I'm gonna. Junior tosses the can of beans onto the kitchen counter. walks out the door. EXT. APARTMENT - SF VALLEY, COURTYARD -- CONTINUOUS Junior storms down the sidewalk. P.O.V. JUNIOR -- CHITTLE'S CAT ON SIDEWALK AHEAD JUNIOR Here kitty. He stops and bends down, smiling and calling. JUNIOR (CONT'D) Here kitty, kitty. Cat just looks at him, stands there licking his paw, then turns away. JUNIOR rubs his eyes, squints. P.O.V. -- JUNIOR The cat looks at him, turns and sticks his ass in the air, FARTS. JUNIOR Fuck you, little son of a bitch. Junior turns in his tracks and returns up the stairs to his apartment. The door SLAMS. Cat licking himself. The door opens. bowl of milk. Junior like a man with a mission carries a He

Junior sets the bowl down off the edge of the sidewalk, stirring it with his finger. Junior starts to lick his finger off but he hesitates, winces and recovers it before it reaches his mouth. Wipes it on his pants instead. (CONTINUED)

43. JUNIOR (CONT'D) Here kitty, kitty. The cat still just looks at him. Junior walks away about ten feet and the cat walks toward him and the bowl. The cat brushes affectionately against his pants leg as he walks by to retrieve the milk. The cat lapping up the milk. All of the sudden, the cat looks up wide-eyed with a realization, coughs and chokes, his body stiffens, and he falls over dead, four legs in the air. Other cats approach the bowl, begin lapping it up, totally unaware. JUNIOR looking back, evil laugh. BACK TO REALITY CAT still licking himself.

He walks away, disappears around a corner. INT. CABLE OFFICE RECEPTION AREA -- DAY A CABLE WOMAN, slightly superior and aloof, behind bulletproof glass window, service counter. CABLE WOMAN May I help you, sir. JUNIOR silent, looking angry, choosing his words. CABLE WOMAN (CONT'D) Sir, can I help you. JUNIOR I doubt it. Shall I try? CABLE WOMAN You may be surprised.

JUNIOR You might be surprised. CABLE WOMAN silent, looking less patient now. JUNIOR (CONT'D) May connotes permission. (under his breath) Go to school or something. (to her) Where's Julie?

(CONTINUED)

44. CABLE WOMAN Sir, she works in customer service. JUNIOR That's what I want, customer service. CABLE WOMAN This is the payment window. JUNIOR Oh, I'm sorry, may I use your phone? I'll call you. CABLE WOMAN That won't be necessary, sir. JUNIOR What would be necessary? CABLE WOMAN What's the problem, sir? JUNIOR My problem is I wanna see Julie, and you insist on talking to me when I am not here to make a payment, I already made the payment, and I don't have cable. CABLE WOMAN Maybe you should talk to Julie. JUNIOR Now, that's an idea. The woman walks away. picks up a phone. She stops only a few feet away and

CABLE WOMAN Julie, there is a . . . here to see you.

gentleman

She looks at him out the corner of her eye. Junior smiles and waves. CABLE WOMAN (CONT'D) He's wearing biker clothes, unshaven. JUNIOR (pointing at himself) Scribner Rivkin. CABLE WOMAN It's Scribner Rivkin. (MORE) (CONTINUED)

45. CABLE WOMAN (CONT'D) (beat) Julie, hello, Julie. Junior looks on smiling. CABLE WOMAN (CONT'D) She'll be out. (beat) I think. JULIE pops her head through the door. JULIE (smiling) Mr. Rivkin, come on in. She opens the door to the secured area. He hesitates, then enters, admiring Julie's ass. They walk into the door from which Julie had previously entered. Junior stands, hesitates at the threshold. P.O.V. -- JUNIOR VIEW OF JULIE She is young with porcelain skin, hair in a bun, and wearing a Victorian, flower-print dress, now standing behind her desk. INT. CUSTOMER SERVICE OFFICE -- CONTINUOUS Rows of MEN and WOMEN with headsets, talking on the phone. Julie and Junior walk to a private office. INT. SMALL CONFERENCE ROOM -- CONTINUOUS Come in. JULIE Have a seat.

Junior enters and sits down. Julie sits down. JUNIOR Julie, what happened to your big boss? I was on hold for . . . a half hour or so. My father depends on his television viewing. He's an invalid, you know.

(CONTINUED)

46. JULIE Yes, I know, but we have no record of your payment, and I honestly don't remember you paying recently. She looks at the screen of her COMPUTER. JULIE (CONT'D) Seems like a month at least. We appreciate your patience, and I'll be glad to enter a note onto your record that you claim to have made payment. We'll remove all late charges if the check shows up or you find a receipt. Does that sound fair? JUNIOR (tapping his fingers on the table, under his breath) The fair is in Pomona. JULIE Pardon me. She gets it. Julie tries too contain a giggle, embarrassed.

JUNIOR (to himself) I'm not the governor. She shyly giggles, taken with his simplistic wit. JULIE (looking at the computer) Mr. Rivkin . . . JUNIOR looking distant, a sly, sideways smile as he looks up and down Julie. JUNIOR (interrupting, sexy voice) Junior, Julie. P.O.V. -- JUNIOR Julie is now nude except for fig leaves covering her lap and her long, flowing hair across her breasts, as she sits back, away from the desk, displaying herself.

(CONTINUED)

47. JULIE (echo) Junior, we need you to make a payment before we can reactivate your box. JUNIOR -- BACK TO REALITY JUNIOR I'll need to make a withdrawal today, and if you happen to find my previous payment, I am sure you will do the right thing. JULIE I always do. Junior stands up. Julie interrupts: JULIE (CONT'D) Mr. Rivkin . . . JUNIOR . . . Junior. Junior. JULIE Have you eaten?

JUNIOR Are you asking me to lunch? JULIE Everyone eats. (beat) Jerry's Deli? I get a break in an hour. JUNIOR nods, "yes," silently. Julie looks confused, still seated. INT. JERRY'S DELI -- DAY Julie seated. She looks anxious, but she is seated very properly, self-aware and pristine, waiting for Junior. EXT. JERRY'S DELI -- DAY Junior walking toward the entrance. An OLD WOMAN BUM, 70, seated next to the door, watching traffic. She is very tan in the face. Her skin is like dried old leather. She sits still, like a wooden indian outside the cigar store.

(CONTINUED)

48. Junior stops. P.O.V. JUNIOR A shirtless BUM, 50, also weathered and very tan, dirty, barefeet, is walking in the middle of the street, approaching cars at the intersection, asking for money. A CADILLAC DRIVER, 40, hands him a cigarette from a pack. The bum puts it into his shirt pocket. A SMALL RED CONVERTIBLE pulls up in the far lane, away from the bum. The DRIVER, 30, takes a drag from a cigarette and tosses it into the street. The bum watches the car pull away and he navigates over to the still burning cigarette. He puts it out and puts it into a crushed cigarette packet in his shirt pocket. The bum walks off the street and joins the old woman, seated on the sidewalk. He lights the fresh cigarette. The old woman looks at him without speaking, but looking at his cigarette. He reaches into his pocket, retrieves the used cigarette and hands it to her. JUNIOR WATCHING Bum lights it for her. OLD WOMAN BUM Thanks honey. BUM Your welcome, mom. JUNIOR'S FACE P.O.V. -- JUNIOR Junior and his father in place of the bums, smoking, drinking. JUNIOR He winces, looks at the entrance door, sees Julie seated inside looking at her watch. see him. He looks back at: the bum and his mother. (CONTINUED) She doesn't

49. He looks at wealthy, WELL-DRESSED PEOPLE deli. He shakes his head and walks away. EXT. APARTMENT - SF VALLEY, STREET IN FRONT -- DAY Junior climbs up a telephone pole. PANEL OF MANY WIRES, coaxial cables going in all directions. One large wire going into box, and out of the box. Junior pulls out a large pocket knife, smiles as he admires it. He cuts the wire on one side. He looks at his apartment building. He cuts the wire on the other side. He looks at the long row of apartment buildings down the long road. He smiles and climbs down the pole. He walks into the front of the building. EXT. APARTMENT - SF VALLEY, COURTYARD -- CONTINUOUS Junior walks through the courtyard and SEES: THE CAT Junior starts to call the cat but: JUNIOR Nevermind. INT. APARTMENT - SF VALLEY, LIVING ROOM -- CONTINUOUS Father is asleep in recliner. Junior walks into kitchen and clears a spot on the cluttered counter. He rinses a dirty glass, opens the refrigerator and retrieves some orange juice, pours some in the glass, and grabs a bottle of whiskey, filling the remainder of the glass. He starts drinking it as he walks out of the kitchen. INT. APARTMENT - SF VALLEY, JUNIOR'S BEDROOM -- CONTINUOUS Bumper still asleep on floor. Junior kicks him. walking into the

(CONTINUED)

50. Bumper stirs, groggy, slowly awakens. BUMPER Scribner man, it's too early to get up. Dude, it's still light. JUNIOR (handing him the glass) Here, you need a balanced breakfast. Bumper drinks from the glass, shakes his head, wide-eyed. JUNIOR (CONT'D) C'mon boy, we gotta make a withdrawal. INT./EXT. BUMPER'S CAR -- DAY EXT. CAR Junior and Bumper parked in front of office buildings. INT. CAR Junior and Bumper drinking liquor, taking bumps. JUNIOR This is the life. BUMPER That it is. Bumper takes a nose-hit and passes vial to Junior Junior drops the vial on the floorboard. BUMPER (CONT'D) Shit man, what are you doing. Oh, dude you spilled at least two good lines. JUNIOR Don't worry about it. BUMPER What do you mean? That's money, that's pleasure. JUNIOR What, five bucks? BUMPER You're workin' my nerve man. JUNIOR (like Eastwood) Go ahead, make my day. (CONTINUED)

51. Bumper doesn't get it. BUMPER It's not the money, it's the principle of the thing. JUNIOR (laughing) The pleasure principle. (beat) Look, I'll make you feel better while I make myself feel better. Junior opens the car door and pulls a straw out of a fastfood bag. He gets out of the car. BUMPER What? JUNIOR You just watch for the head-teller. EXT. BANK SIGN - LOS ANGELES NATIONAL BANK - POWERBANK - SAFE, SECURE, FRIENDLY. INT. CAR Junior gets down on his knees and snorts the coke up with the straw. JUNIOR I owe you five bucks. BUMPER Just take it out of the million you're gonna withdraw, Big Scrib. JUNIOR Roger that, co-pilot. BUMPER My name isn't Roger. JUNIOR Nevermind. BUMPER There she is. EXT. BANK HEAD TELLER, 50, walks out of the back-office door, locks it behind her, walks by the customer entrance, waves at the GUARD, 50, through the door. Guard waves back. (CONTINUED)

52. She stops and puts the keys in her purse. her car. She is walking to

She takes the keys out again, unlocks the door, gets in the car. She starts the car. INT. CAR JUNIOR Like clockwork. They've got the timing of bankers. BUMPER It's a bank. JUNIOR Just pull around slowly, stay back, (beat) but don't lose her. BUMPER I know that, dude. Take some of your medicine, man. I got the driving gig taken care of. They follow her. INT. CAR -- LATER - DAY P.O.V. - JUNIOR AND BUMPER The woman is arriving home. Bumper writes the address down. JUNIOR Good boy. Looks like we hit the jackpot. I told you she'd go home for lunch. BUMPER I agreed. JUNIOR You're smart. (beat) OK, here's the deal. This is enough information to bluff the rest. EXT. YARD TWO BICYCLES in front yard, a COUPLE OF PLAYBALLS.

53. INT. CAR JUNIOR I'll say we also know where her kids go to school. BUMPER Scribner, man, I feel good. on me. INT. CAR -- DAY Junior and Bumper still eating hamburgers in the car, parked again in front of the bank, waiting. BUMPER There she is. JUNIOR Of course, she's gotta open the bank for us customers. BUMPER For withdrawals. Bumper takes a bite of his hamburger. EXT. BANK TELLER walks into the bank with head teller. BUMPER You know, I'll give the cute one a deposit while you make the withdrawal. JUNIOR I know what you wanna deposit. BUMPER (with his mouth full) All American beef. Junior and Bumper have finished their food. Bumper pulls out the vial. BUMPER (CONT'D) (holding up vial) A little confidence? JUNIOR And a mixed drink. Junior licks his pinky finger and dips it into the vial. Junior reams the inside of his lower lip with the coke. Bumper takes a bump. (CONTINUED) Lunch is

54. Junior pours a load of liquor into the near-empty cup of ice. He drinks it. Both look pumped up and prepared as they both take a deep breath. Junior grabs a bag and opens it, removes two fake moustaches, hands one to Bumper. BUMPER Why do I need one? JUNIOR So you can sit here in the car looking cool. BUMPER I look cool. JUNIOR Can you grow a moustache? Bumper, embarrassed, turns his head, "No." JUNIOR (CONT'D) Not cool enough. They both put the moustaches on. EXT. CAR Junior gets out of the car, walks to the bank with a briefcase. He stops outside the door, and takes one more drink, then tosses the bottle into a garbage can, perfect shot. He enters. INT. BANK -- CONTINUOUS Large service area, GUARD, TEN TELLERS, NO bullet-proof glass. Junior walks up to the first window, to TELLER 1. around. JUNIOR (under his breath) Won't need a gun. (surprised by teller) Hello honey, I'll need the head teller for a major withdrawal. TELLER 1 How much sir? He looks EIGHT CUSTOMERS.

(CONTINUED)

55. JUNIOR I'm not sure yet, I'll need to reconcile. Then, who knows, maybe she'll give me all the money. He laughs. She laughs. TELLER 1 Right away sir. She walks to the head teller, counting money on the back counter. Teller 1 gets her attention. Head teller holds up a finger, 'Just a moment'. She looks at Junior and smiles. Junior looks back and waves with his fingers and smiles. He feels his moustache detach slightly. He reaches up to pat it. She doesn't notice. Junior waiting. Head teller arrives at the window, smiling. HEAD TELLER Hi, welcome to Powerbank, may I help you? JUNIOR Yes, I need close my accounts. HEAD TELLER Which accounts? JUNIOR All of them. HEAD TELLER I just need a list of accounts and we'll check the balances. JUNIOR I have them written down. He slips her a deposit slip with the note on back. HEAD TELLER Sir, this is blank. JUNIOR I wrote on the back. She turns it over.

(CONTINUED)

56. She reaches for a button, and stops herself. Junior smiles and pulls out a REMOTE CONTROL onto the counter. He puts his finger on the play button. She shakes her head, "No." She steps back into the vault and comes out with two bags. she hands them over the counter. Junior smiles. She smiles back, looking around nervously. Teller 1 is watching suspiciously. Junior puts the bags into his briefcase. JUNIOR (CONT'D) There's room for more. I believe I had more accounts than this. She walks back into the vault and grabs two more bags, and returns to the counter, handing them over. JUNIOR (CONT'D) Thank you so much, and I just want to say, in the future, when I bank, I will feel safe and secure with your company. He walks away. JUNIOR (CONT'D) (to himself) And so friendly. Teller 1 pushes BUTTON. ALARMS SOUNDS as Junior reaches door. JUNIOR (CONT'D) (loudly) That's not friendly. He exits. EXT. CAR -- CONTINUOUS Junior is running to the car, Bumper already rolling. jumps into the car. Peels out. Junior

Car darts around corner as GUARD exits the bank, gun pulled. Guard looks in both directions, nothing. Clean getaway.

57. INT. CAR -- CONTINUOUS JUNIOR (breathing heavily) Oh my God. BUMPER Quit saying that, dude, calm down, we're gone, anonymous in the naked city. JUNIOR (taking off moustache) That's a big word. BUMPER Know lots of 'em. Bumper takes his moustache off. JUNIOR Yeah, but, do you know what they mean? EXT. CAR -- CONTINUOUS Still speeding, they have gotten into the middle of a traffic jam on the 101 Hollywood Fwy. They almost rearend the car in front. BUMPER (unphased) Plenty of time to count the money. JUNIOR Easy enough. Four one hundred-thousand dollar bags. BUMPER That's almost a million. Junior looks at him, rolls his eyes. BUMPER (CONT'D) Yowwwwwww! We are rich mutha-fuckas. Let's do it again. JUNIOR (objecting) Next desperate moment in hell! BUMPER Just a thought.

(CONTINUED)

58. JUNIOR (reflecting) Thinking again, huh. (beat) Anarchy is a good thing every once and a while. (beat) But, if it were continuous, it would develop a pattern and appear to be the establishment again. BUMPER What's anarchy? JUNIOR What we just did. Breaking the rules relieves a little pressure, equalizes things a little. Think about it. If you had little or no government, police and all that . . . then there would be more individual crime, right? Like the old west, gunslingers, good guys, bad guys, survival of the fittest, freedom. Sounds terrible, lotta people dead. But, which is worse, a government with its finger on a button that can destroy the whole fucking planet in minutes, or everyone with the ability to defend against the other. Some people die, but those who live are free. BUMPER Come on, man. We'd all kill each other. JUNIOR We're doing that now. Just the soldiers don't know why. They think they're fighting for freedom, but they're really fighting to defend the property of rich men. BUMPER It would be dangerous. get anything done. And you'd never

JUNIOR That's why anarchy can't go forever. If it could, it would destroy everything, just very slowly. Eventually, people would respect each other and they would hire a sheriff. If he got too powerful and evil . . . (beat) . . . they'd kill him.

(CONTINUED)

59. BUMPER So, we just killed the sheriff. JUNIOR Just a deputy or two. BUMPER Cool. JUNIOR We need to kill the sheriff. All of the sudden, they HEAR SIRENS behind them, growing louder. Junior and Bumper appear alarmed. Bumper pulls the car to the side and slows. JUNIOR (CONT'D) What are you doing? BUMPER I don't know. Finally, a LONG FIRETRUCK passes. SIREN and HORNS.

JUNIOR (relieved) There goes the government, to put out the freedom. They laugh. Bumper pulls out the vial. Opens it. it to Junior. He takes it, opens it. JUNIOR (CONT'D) All gone. (beat) Out of liquor, too. (beat) E.T.A. to next liquor store? BUMPER I don't know where the E.T.A. store is, Junior, but there's one at the next exit. JUNIOR E.T.A. is not the name of the store. BUMPER Estimated time of arrival, (beat) gotcha. I love making you think I'm stupid. I'm really only half-stupid. Takes a bump. Empty. He hands

(CONTINUED)

60. They both laugh. INT. CAR -- LATER - DAY Junior and Bumper are parked at the side of a liquor store. BUMPER Give me some money and I'll go in for some good stuff. Junior starts to break open one of the bags. BUMPER watching. We HEAR LOUD POP, explosion. The front of Bumper's shirt gets splash of RED INK. JUNIOR's FACE, also red under chin. JUNIOR Goddamn that stupid bitch, (beat) How irresponsible. Doesn't she give a shit about her own kids. Bumper laughing, looks in the mirror to see if he has anything on his face. BUMPER What the fuck? My upholstery. JUNIOR That dumb whore gave me bad money. What are they teaching people today? First, they blow the alarm, and now this. They are dead mother-fuckers. BUMPER You gonna kill'em? JUNIOR No, but they don't know that. (beat) It's not even their money. BUMPER I'm sure they have accounts. JUNIOR Maybe I can salvage some of the money. Junior is fingering through the money.

(CONTINUED)

61. JUNIOR (CONT'D) This stuff soaks through the bills like crazy. The edges are covered. (beat) Here take this hundred. The report can't be out yet. Just make sure you get change. Bumper is pulling off his shirt, over his head. BUMPER (shirt off now) Don't forget you owe me five bucks. Junior laughs, hands Bumper the money and Bumper gets out of the car, strutting. Junior takes off his shirt, tie and jacket. He tries to comb his hair but the thick ink is in it. He reaches for his large knife. He begins to cut off his long hair with the knife. INT. STORE -- AFTERNOON KOREAN CLERK behind counter. Bumper walks in glancing around the store nervously, intently. BUMPER Ah, yes, liquor . . . in a liquor store, wow. He walks to the brand he wants, JACK DANIELS. BUMPER (CONT'D) Jack Black, the good stuff. KOREAN CLERK (with accent) No shirt, no shoes, no service. Bumper ignores him as he grabs a small grocery basket and puts the bottle in it. KOREAN CLERK (CONT'D) You no wear shirt. I'm sorry. Clerk looks confused. Bumper puts two more bottles in the basket, and loads up junk food too. (CONTINUED) BUMPER I don't speak English.

62. He also begins to make himself a SLUSHIE. Bumper goes to the counter and sets the basket down. The man reluctantly rings him up. - $87.75 BUMPER (CONT'D) (reaching for pocket) Stick'em up, this is a purchase! Clerk jumps. Bumper lays HUNDRED on counter. BUMPER (CONT'D) You the owner? KOREAN CLERK Yes. BUMPER (in a broken Korean accent) I'm good customer, huh? Clerk GRUNTS and nods as he gives him his CHANGE. Bumper catches a whiff of the man's breath. BUMPER (CONT'D) Like Kimchee, huh? Bumper collects up the stuff and bags it himself. BUMPER (CONT'D) Don't take any wooden nickels. Bumper exits. EXT. CAR -- CONTINUOUS Bumper gets in. INT. CAR -- CONTINUOUS Junior's hair is notched badly. BUMPER Scribner man, you have the most fucked up hair do, excellent. What about that red shit on your chin? JUNIOR Give me the change. *

(CONTINUED)

63. BUMPER Thirteen bucks. JUNIOR What? BUMPER I got necessary items. Bumper holds up liquor and junk food. JUNIOR We're going to have to break more of this soon. BUMPER The guy in there likes me. ask him for change. JUNIOR I'll take care of it. Junior opens liquor. He takes big double gulp, spilling some out the sides. BUMPER Thirsty? JUNIOR Ahhhh. BUMPER Me too. Bumper takes a swig. BUMPER (CONT'D) Gotta score some coke, Scribby. JUNIOR Yeh, let's go to your dealer, see if he wants to handle some of this dough. (beat) Get cleaned up. INT. APARTMENT - SF VALLEY, LIVING ROOM -- DAY Junior's father has gotten fully dressed, baseball cap on backwards, wearing a toolbelt. He exits the apartment. I'll just

64. EXT. APARTMENT - SF VALLEY - HALL OUTSIDE CHITTLE'S APT -CONTINUOUS Father locking his apartment. Chittle sticks his head out the door. CHITTLE Here kitty, kitty. (beat) Precious. (to Father) Have you seen Precious? FATHER What, I don't believe we've met. Scribner Rivkin. I'm

CHITTLE We've met, Mr. Rivkin, it's Chittle. FATHER Oh yes, my son's friend . . . or are you the guy with the cat? CHITTLE I'm the guy with the cat, Precious. FATHER Just call me Scribner, dear. CHITTLE My cat's Precious. FATHER I'm sure. (beat) Hey, is your cable OK? CHITTLE Don't have cable, I have an antenna, public ownership of the airwaves, you know? FATHER Bullshit, G.E. owns them now. good reception? CHITTLE Perfect. FATHER But you don't get American Film Classics. (under his breath) Schmuck. (CONTINUED) You get

65. CHITTLE (calling cat) Precious. Father walks down the steps. EXT. SUBURBAN L.A. NEIGHBORHOOD -- AFTERNOON Junior and Bumper, now both shirtless pull up to a house, much like the Brady Bunch, seventies split-level. American cars in front of the houses, pastels, etc. Bumper pulls into the driveway. They get out of the car. Junior looks at the house, confused. JUNIOR This is your drug dealers house? BUMPER Cool isn't it. (singing) It's a story, 'bout a man named Brady, who was snortin' up half the drugs in town, all his kids were potheads too, like their mother, the youngest girl fucked girls. JUNIOR (laughing) Talented boy. Bumper knocks on the front door. Junior turns up a bottle of liquor. COX (O.S.) (from inside) Who is it? BUMPER It's your boy, Bumper, dude. open the door. Cox,

Cox opens the door, gun in hand. He is dressed in conservative, button-down shirt, wears glasses, pocketprotector with pens, nylon double-knit pants. COX Who's this? BUMPER This is the smartest man I know, my friend, Scribner.

66. INT. LIVING ROOM -- CONTINUOUS Smart huh? COX Come on in.

He lowers his guns as Scribner pushes it away. Cox offers the other hand for shake. COX (CONT'D) Cox. JUNIOR Yeah, got any? COX (confused, looking at gun) You don't like guns? JUNIOR (turning head) I'm a card-carrying liberal, ACLU, guncontrol is the answer. Bumper makes himself at home, walks into kitchen, pops a beer. Two kids on couch watching TV, BOY-13, GIRL-15. watching Melrose Place. GIRL-15 Courtney is so rad, I want her bad. BOY-13 Me too. Junior and Cox walk to the dining table in the area adjacent to the living room, sit down. Bumper looking through the refrigerator, looks at them through a serving window from the kitchen to the dining area. BUMPER This bologna safe, Cox? COX Yeah, Bumper help yourself. BUMPER Hey, Cox, we just robbed a bank, dude. The kids open eyes wide, but pretend not to hear, continue watching TV. COX Could you throw me a milk? They are

(CONTINUED)

67. JUNIOR And you sell drugs, I hear. BUMPER Chocolate or regular? COX (to Bumper) Chocolate . . . (to Junior) . . . yeah and guns too. should be armed.

Every American

Bumper joins them at the table, hands Cox a carton of milk. BUMPER Cox, you wouldn't believe, we robbed the bank without a gun, it was so smooth, Scrib here's a genius. COX How? JUNIOR Ancient Chinese secret. COX I can respect that. JUNIOR Let's cut to the chase. We have to convert some of this cash, and yes, I'll buy a gun. Junior puts a large bag on table. of cash on table. COX How many guns you need? JUNIOR One. BUMPER What about me? JUNIOR Please. COX How 'bout this one. JUNIOR It'll do. Opens it pours out stacks

(CONTINUED)

68. Cox hands him the gun. his pants. Junior stuffs it into the front of

BUMPER (to Junior) Could lose a ball that way. JUNIOR (to Cox) These are all marked bills, serial numbered. I know they are worth at least 20 percent. These others are inkspotted. I've thrown out the really bad ones. (beat) I'll take 10 percent. COX (drinking his milk, with moustache) I'll see what I can do. less?

Will you take

JUNIOR Not a bit, keep it for now, shop it, but give it back if there is not a deal of at least those terms. We'll need some folding money in the meantime. BUMPER And some blow . . . Scrib. JUNIOR And some blow. COX Look, all I got right now is about a thousand bucks. JUNIOR That'll have to do. Cox pulls out his billfold, peels off hundred dollar bills, hands it to Junior Bumper looks on anxiously. Junior stands, takes a swig of liquor. JUNIOR (CONT'D) Hey, Cox, you got any turtleneck shirts? COX Sweater? Don't forget,

(CONTINUED)

69. JUNIOR No, something light. COX Let me check. (yelling to upstairs) Honey, grab my cotton turtleneck, that ski shirt, the red one. Red? JUNIOR You don't have blue?

Cox drinking milk, turns head, "No." LOUD WOMAN (O.S.) Got it. An arm throws the shirt out the bedroom door down the stairs. Junior retrieves it, pulls out knife. Junior cuts the sleeves off. He puts on the shirt. JUNIOR (to kids in LR) Hey kids, Just say, "no." The kids laugh. Junior winks. LOUD WOMAN (O.S.) Who is it, Cox? COX Just a bank robber and Bumper. LOUD WOMAN (O.S.) Hi, Bumper, get something to eat. BUMPER Did already, thanks. JUNIOR Gotta go. Watch that money, Cox. Catch'ya later. Junior and Bumper exit. EXT. APARTMENT - SF VALLEY - ROOFTOP -- EVENING Father is finishing connecting a second set of wires to an antenna on the roof.

(CONTINUED)

70. He turns up a bottle of whiskey. FATHER That'll do it, Geraldo here I come. He puts the tools into his belt. of the roof. P.O.V. -- FATHER Cat just down the roof line, lying on the edge of the gutter. FATHER (on fire escape ladder) Here kitty. The cat doesn't move, perfectly still. FATHER (CONT'D) Asshole. He crawls down ladder. INT./EXT. CAR -- NIGHT Junior is now wearing a baseball cap. Junior and Bumper drinking and snorting, Bumper driving. BUMPER This is the life, man. Loaded with cash and good drugs, all that's left is pussy. JUNIOR Let's do it. BUMPER (misunderstanding) I don't play that Scrib. JUNIOR I mean, pussy. Bumper looks relieved. JUNIOR (CONT'D) Even though I'll bet you've got a real tight butt. Bumper gives him a mean look. JUNIOR (CONT'D) They'll love you in prison. BUMPER Yeah, but I gotta good lawyer, right. (CONTINUED) He slides over to the edge

71. JUNIOR That's right, I'll go all the way with you Bumper . . . Straight to jail. BUMPER No man, we're free as birds. (beat) So, you really wanna get a whore, Scrib? Sure, kid. JUNIOR You know where to look?

BUMPER That I do, almost there. EXT. CITY STREETS -- NIGHT PROSTITUTES on corner of Sunset and Vine. Bumper and Junior in car, slowly cruising by. Police car behind them. Bumper almost stops and police car almost hits him from behind. We HEAR SIREN. BLUE LIGHTS. BUMPER Oh shit. JUNIOR Don't worry, I'll take care of it. They stop and pull over. to police car. Junior gets out of car, walks back

Lone POLICEMAN, still seated in car, opens door, gets out. JUNIOR (CONT'D) Evening officer. Is there a problem? POLICEMAN I almost hit you. Junior pulls out an old BAR CARD (Attorney ID). JUNIOR Ooh, that wouldn't have looked good, with the new tailgating laws and all, good thing Jr's. taillights are working correctly. POLICEMAN What has you out tonight? (CONTINUED)

72. JUNIOR Well, officer, my boy has never gotten laid, if you know what I mean. Bumper is still sitting in the car. Never. POLICEMAN How old is he? JUNIOR Twenty-two. POLICEMAN Is he gay? JUNIOR God, I hope not. He's just a little shy, has a hard time talking to people, little slow too. Just taught him to drive last year. Poor kid. POLICEMAN He looks pretty hip to me. He gives a curious look.

JUNIOR He wouldn't know hip if it was connected to his ass. Policeman tries to control his laughter. Junior pulls out a fresh pack of CIGARETTES, and LIGHTS it, offering one to the policeman. Policeman motions "no". JUNIOR (CONT'D) I know I shouldn't tell you this, but this is the reason prostitution should be legal. Backward kids, keep'em from going queer, you know? POLICEMAN I do the pros every once and a while. JUNIOR I'm sure you do, and I bet they don't charge you, right stud. POLICEMAN Professional courtesy. Policeman points at one of the prostitutes on the sidewalk. P.O.V.- POLICEMAN Prostitute is YOUNG NUDE NEIGHBOR, the same woman that lives across from Junior, (the one he watches).

(CONTINUED)

73. POLICEMAN She's the best. JUNIOR (hesitating, realizing) Yes, she is. POLICEMAN You wanna meet her? Bumper is looking very nervous, squirming, looking out his rear-view mirror. POLICEMAN (CONT'D) (yelling) Kitty. (beat) Come here. Young nude neighbor walks over to them, and kisses the policeman on the cheek. POLICEMAN (CONT'D) Kitty, I want you to meet my friend here. JUNIOR Scribner, pleased to meet you. POLICEMAN His son is a virgin. YOUNG NUDE NEIGHBOR What's his name? JUNIOR Bumper. Bumper hears his name and turns around nervously, still can't hear the conversation. JUNIOR (CONT'D) He loves to play bumper-pool, it's his life. Just can't get enough. POLICEMAN Yeah, I loved that when I was a kid. JUNIOR He's the best. YOUNG NUDE NEIGHBOR So, does he like to bump and grind? JUNIOR Oohhh. (CONTINUED)

74. POLICEMAN I told you she was the best. JUNIOR Turns me on. POLICEMAN I'll let you two discuss business. (beat) Kitty, I'll see you tomorrow night, do the kid right, he's a little slow. The policeman walks back to his car and gets in. hat. Junior and Young nude neighbor wave. Bumper sweats and takes a bump as quickly as the policeman drives away. JUNIOR and YOUNG NUDE NEIGHBOR. YOUNG NUDE NEIGHBOR You look familiar. Have we done business before? JUNIOR I don't think so, Kitty, but I have been watching you. YOUNG NUDE NEIGHBOR Really? JUNIOR Oh yeh. (beat, yelling to bumper) Hey, Bumper, son, I have someone I'd like you to meet. (to her) Careful, he's shy. Bumper gets out of car and walks over to them. BUMPER 'sup? YOUNG NUDE NEIGHBOR Your going to be up soon, youngster. BUMPER That's fast, and do I disagree? way. No Tips his

JUNIOR Bumper, she's all yours, son, happy birthday. (CONTINUED)

75. She walks up to Bumper and grabs his crotch. YOUNG NUDE NEIGHBOR This is quite a wad to be sitting in limbo all these years. Bumper looks at Junior, smiling. JUNIOR Yeh, He just hasn't had the right vibes to get laid, very shy. (to Bumper) She'll take you into the real world, son. (to her) Take it easy on him, OK? YOUNG NUDE NEIGHBOR (taking Bumper by the arm) Easy, yeh. All three walk to the car. INT. HOTEL ROOM -- NIGHT Bumper is kissing her and sucking her neck, pounding the prostitute like a wild man. She is moaning and her eyes are bulging. YOUNG NUDE NEIGHBOR Shit, boy, you are a natural. Bumper doesn't say a word, just closes his eyes and proudly shoves it in, with attitude. Junior is seated behind the table with his legs up. We can't see Jr's lap, but he is naked, watching Bumper and the prostitute. BUMPER Hey, Dad, want some too? JUNIOR Aint none gonna be left, son. You just get it out of your system. You've got years of pent up frustration. (beat) I've got your mama to take care of me. BUMPER My mama, that aint funny. They laugh.

(CONTINUED)

76. She squeals as the bed squeaks and the headboard hits the wall, Bumper pumping harder than ever as he is about to shoot his load. Junior is really enjoying this too. He is closing his eyes, looking up at the ceiling, he imagines: P.O.V. -- JUNIOR The prostitute is straddling Junior. She is wearing her dominatrix, leather bikini. Junior is handcuffed to the headboard, face up, his neck bound by a leather strap. He is red in the face, moaning, as she whips his chest. He is building up pressure, about to shoot. JUNIOR Make me, make me, oh mistress. BACK TO REALITY The prostitute exhibits pain and pleasure, clearly enjoying Bumper's insistent style. Bumper tightens up and moans a concentrated grunt. BUMPER Ohhhhhh....yeh...yeh, uh, uh, uh. Bumper explodes with a wild scream, as he appears to be violent now with his undulations, banging the headboard hard against the wall with her head. She looks exhausted, as Bumper collapses on top of her. Junior passed out in chair with his legs up on the table. Junior's HAND hanging off to the side, EMPTY LIQUOR BOTTLE, turned on its side on floor. CIGARETTE burning in ashtray on table. YOUNG NUDE NEIGHBOR, her face. She is looking at: Ooohhhh!

P.O.V. -- YOUNG NUDE NEIGHBOR -- JUNIOR'S FACE She ponders. YOUNG NUDE NEIGHBOR (to herself, toward Junior) I know you. BUMPER What?

(CONTINUED)

77. YOUNG NUDE NEIGHBOR (her concentration broken) Your father has a . . . familiar face. BUMPER Nice way of saying, "fucked up." YOUNG NUDE NEIGHBOR, HER FACE INT./EXT. CAR -- LATER -- NIGHT Junior looks out the open window, wind blowing through his hair. JUNIOR You know kid, we're going to have to split up and head different directions in life, you know. We are trouble. I'm trouble. Bumper smiles. JUNIOR (CONT'D) I gotta get on with my life, go to welfare, get rehab, get a job. You need to find a friend younger, than me at least, get a girl friend. That's what you need. BUMPER You my dad now, Scrib? JUNIOR Had a kid, don't want another. wife. And a

BUMPER I'm not surprised, dude, I'll bet you were upstanding. JUNIOR I wouldn't go that far. another bum. Now, I'm just

BUMPER A rich bum, not just another asshole on the street. JUNIOR Hey, people on the street aren't just assholes. Nobody's just an asshole, especially the assholes. Half of those guys used to be movie executives. BUMPER Then, they were assholes, huh? (CONTINUED)

78. JUNIOR I guess. Now, they just wanna forget it. (beat) You gotta learn to care about people that don't have anything. They're human beings, for God's sake. People that have something, don't need your help. (beat) You gotta love everybody. I always say, 'You might not like me, but if you don't love me, I'll kill 'ya, mutherfucker. BUMPER (laughing) Well, I aint gonna end up on the street. JUNIOR You don't know. You might end up at some AA meeting makin' amends for bank robbery, and fuckin' too much. No way. BUMPER AA is for weak people.

JUNIOR Well, I might seeya there. BUMPER Bullshit, Scribner, you're the strongest man I know. They drive along, drinking and snorting. JUNIOR (pensively) Watching you fuck . . . it moved me. That's where you belong. Bumper takes a bump, still smiling. JUNIOR (CONT'D) I have never seen anyone tear it up like that, including me, and I could definately tear it up, when I was your age. Junior takes a swig. JUNIOR (CONT'D) You gotta do the right thing. Get a haircut, get a real job, get married, (beat) Get rid of me. (CONTINUED)

79. Bumper stops the car abruptly. Bumper hands Junior the keys and gets out of the car. BUMPER You need a car man, that's all. The bus fumes are getting to you dude. Bumper walks down the road. Junior looks confused. P.O.V. -- JUNIOR Bumper stops and looks back at the car. From about 20 feet he grabs his crotch. Then he shoots Junior a bird. Bumper then walks back to the car, and gets in. BUMPER Get sick at my stomach, dude. Bumper grabs the keys from the confused Junior, starts car, puts in gear and car begins to move again. BUMPER (CONT'D) What the hell are you talking about? If I get a girlfriend, I'm still your friend dude. I have never met anybody needed my friendship worse than you man. (beat) We fit. You know everything. I wanna be just like you man, smart I mean, but you know, with a life someday. Bumper takes a bump of coke. Junior takes a swig. BUMPER (CONT'D) But you can forget this bullshit, us splittin' up. I'll kick your old hairy ass if you say that again, Scrib. So, don't even think about it, (beat) friends forever. JUNIOR I never had a real friend. BUMPER You got one now, dude. Junior and Bumper riding slowly down a dark road, no other cars.

(CONTINUED)

80. Junior loads the gun. Bumper takes a snort of coke. BUMPER (CONT'D) Hey dude, see that security guard in that car. P.O.V. -- JUNIOR AND BUMPER Uniformed SECURITY GUARD, asleep behind the wheel of parked car. BUMPER Watch this, dude. He stops the car and parks on the side, down and across from the security guard. Bumper grabs the gun from Junior. JUNIOR (holding onto the gun) Bullshit. BUMPER Ah, come on man, I'm just gonna scare him. JUNIOR Use your face, that'll be plenty. Bumper gets out of car. Junior plays with the gun as: Bumper walks slowly to the car of the security guard. He walks around the car. in the dirt: "PART-TIME PIG" Bumper walks to the car window of the guard, unzips his fly and begins to piss on the side of the car, looking back at Junior. Junior, watching, shakes his head. As Bumper is finishing the flow, he shakes his cock around, slings a little piss on the guards face. BUMPER (silently) Oops. Stops at the back window and writes

(CONTINUED)

81. Junior laughing. The guard shakes his head a little. Bumper with his cock still out, in his hand. BUMPER (CONT'D) (loudly) Freeze pig, I got you covered. The guard, wakes up yelling. GUARD V.C.!!!!! Guard pulls gun immediately, eyes barely open, and: GUN-FIRE, two shots. One shot shatters a plate-glass window behind Bumper. The second shot hits Bumper in the middle of chest. He flies back through the air and lands on the ground still spazzing a little, then dies, pants still unzipped. Junior appalled, grabs his gun tight, and starts to head out of the car, but hesitates. The guard now wide awake, realizes what he has done, stares at Bumper on the ground. Bumper's peaceful, dead face. Junior finally gets out of the car, quietly. Guard still looking at the body, turns and looks at: MOBILE RADIO Junior walks up, gun pointed at guard. JUNIOR You fuckin' idiot, can't you take a joke? The guard points the gun at Junior. Cocks the hammer.

JUNIOR (CONT'D) That was my only friend, you fuckin' pig. All he did was piss on you. Did he deserve to die? GUARD I thought . . . GUNSHOT

(CONTINUED)

82. Front of guard's forehead explodes, head flies back. Junior, still holding gun up, SMOKING. JUNIOR I don't want to hear it. Bumper lying there dead. Junior zips up Bumper's fly. Then Junior kneels there, crying over: BUMPER'S FACE. Juniors TEAR falls into: BUMPER's EYE. JUNIOR (CONT'D) Kid. (beat) You ended up on street. Junior closes Bumpers eyes. FADE TO BLACK EXT. APARTMENT - SF VALLEY, COURTYARD -- TWILIGHT MORNING Sunrise over the tops of the apartment roofs, barely light. Precious (the cat) is lying on the edge of the roof still. EXT. STREET -- CONTINUOUS Junior pulls up in Bumper's car. INT. CAR -- CONTINUOUS Junior looks like hell, eyes bloodshot. his shirt and his bearded chin. EXT. CAR -- CONTINUOUS He parks the car caddy-cornered against the curb. He gets out of the car, stumbling. He walks up the sidewalk into: EXT. APARTMENT - SF VALLEY, COURTYARD -- CONTINUOUS P.O.V. -- JUNIOR The cat lying on the edge of the roof, apparently dead. Puke on the front of

(CONTINUED)

83. JUNIOR Here kitty, kitty. (laughing) Here pussy. (beat) The little bastard read my mind. EXT. CHITTLE'S APARTMENT -- CONTINUOUS Chittle opens door and peaks out. P.O.V. -- CHITTLE Junior walking. JUNIOR (singing) Good morning sunshine, oohhhhh. CHITTLE Precious. JUNIOR Oh, Shittle, you are so sweet, I love you too. Very funny. CHITTLE Have you seen my cat?

JUNIOR All the time. I see your pussy in my dreams, I think about it constantly. CHITTLE You are disgusting. Junior stumbling up steps. JUNIOR You aren't so cute, yourself. In fact you're just an irritating, little man. I think Precious is the only pussy you ever had. Poor pussy is gone, can't find my pussy. Junior at apartment door, with key. Chittle does not say anything, just stands there speechless and angry. Chittle walks away, ignores Junior and goes down stairs calling the cat. CHITTLE Here Precious. Junior opens door, finally.

(CONTINUED)

84. JUNIOR I always have a hard time getting it in, baby. But it always works when I do. INT. APARTMENT - SF VALLEY -- CONTINUOUS Junior walks in. Father asleep in recliner. Television reception clear . . . Infomercial for "Psychic Connection." INT. APARTMENT - SF VALLEY, JUNIOR'S BEDROOM -- CONTINUOUS Junior falls backward onto his bed, stares at the ceiling. He wimpers a few times and his eyes fill with tears. He sits up for a moment and finishes off a bottle of whiskey from his desk. He rests the bottle next to him as he falls back again, this time apparently passed out with his eyes half open, bloodshot, full of tears. INT. APARTMENT - SF VALLEY, JUNIOR'S BEDROOM -- NEXT MORNING BLACK We HEAR DOOR KNOCK. P.O.V. -- JUNIOR He opens his eyes. Everything is blurry and spinning. stumbles to the door. He turns and sees FATHER asleep in the recliner. Junior opens the door. from Junior's odor. That's him. JUNIOR Good morning, officers. Shittle. Chittle looks angry and frustrated. CHITTLE You are so smart. Fuck you, TWO POLICEMEN and CHITTLE. CHITTLE They wince He

(CONTINUED)

85. JUNIOR Why do you always tell me that? know I am, Shittle. POLICEMAN 1 Sir, Mr. Shittle tells us -CHITTLE (interrupting) That's Chittle. POLICEMAN 1 Sorry, he tells us, you are responsible for this dead cat. Policeman holds up a brown, paper bag (apparently with a dead cat). Junior looks relieved. JUNIOR Dead cats? POLICEMAN 1 Yes sir, he thinks someone has poisoned this cat here. Junior laughs. JUNIOR Maybe it was AIDS. Poison pussy's going around now, you know. CHITTLE I told you he's sick. him. Just arrest

JUNIOR Shut up, Shithead. Officers, I don't know what the hell you're talking about, but I do know my rights. I am an attorney. CHITTLE He is such a liar. JUNIOR I hope you officer's are noting his defamatory remarks. Now, if you don't have any evidence, please, I'd like to take a shower and go to work. He lifts his arm and smells his armpit. The policemen wince again.

(CONTINUED)

86. JUNIOR (CONT'D) I am concerned about any crime in my neighborhood, and I'll call you if I hear anything. CHITTLE (to officers) Are you just going to stand there? They look at Chittle and shrug. JUNIOR And officers. POLICEMAN 1 Yes sir. JUNIOR Make sure you check on the life insurance policy Mr. Shittle here had on his cat. There's your motive. Chittles eyes wide opened. Junior closes the door. He stumbles lazily toward the kitchen. Father still asleep. Junior guzzles down some soft drink from a 2-liter bottle. We HEAR DOOR KNOCK again. Junior goes to the door, opens it. Chittle, alone. CHITTLE I hope you don't think you got away with this. Junior slams door in his face. DOOR KNOCK again. Junior opens the door again. JUNIOR Look Shittle. I am sick of you. meet you, is to be sick of you. To

CHITTLE I can't believe you would kill my cat. I know you are a sick man, but that.

(CONTINUED)

87. JUNIOR Are you finished? CHITTLE I know you did it and if I can't prove it, I will still make sure you pay -JUNIOR (interrupting) How much? CHITTLE What? How much That cat food you attitude JUNIOR am I gonna pay, Shittle? of yours wasn't worth the bought for him. He had an problem, just like you.

CHITTLE You've got an attitude. JUNIOR Yours is worse than the cat. CHITTLE Oh, you gonna murder me too? Junior pauses. JUNIOR That's an idea. Let me get back to you on that. Junior slams the door again. He takes a final swig of soft drink as he begins to walk back to his room. DOOR KNOCK again. Junior turns, looks angry, walks to the door again, opens it. JULIE from the cable office, standing at the door with a BAG of donuts. JUNIOR (CONT'D) There's not a cat in that bag, is there? Julie looks confused. JULIE Why, I don't . . . JUNIOR (interrupting) Nevermind. (CONTINUED)

88. JULIE Is that your father? Father sleeping in the recliner. Junior steps outside with her, door still open. EXT. APARTMENT - SF VALLEY - HALL OUTSIDE APT -- CONTINUOUS JUNIOR Shhh, he's sleeping. JULIE Sorry, here's some donuts. JUNIOR Thanks. JULIE I thought I'd check up on you and your father. JUNIOR That part of your job, Julie? JULIE Well, you said he was an invalid and -well I credited you with a marketing promotion we've got running, so you've got cable now. JUNIOR Yeah, I know. JULIE (confused) It doesn't come on until noon. JUNIOR I mean great, we're getting cable, (under his breath) legally. JULIE So, what have you been doing lately. JUNIOR Can you keep a secret? JULIE Sure. JUNIOR For some reason, I believe you. (MORE)

(CONTINUED)

89. JUNIOR (CONT'D) (beat) Well, I robbed a bank, watched my buddy get killed, I killed the guy that killed him, drove a car into a lake. Hell, I'm so busy, and I've got an appointment with welfare today. Get some rehab, shit like that, nothing special. (beat) And you? Julie is shocked with disbelief, but she maintains her silence. JUNIOR (CONT'D) Can you believe it? JULIE It sounds like you had a busy week. Is there any way I can help? JUNIOR I wouldn't have thought you liked those kind of things. JULIE (quietly, sarcastic) Well, I guess there's a first time for everything. JUNIOR You know, if I didn't know better, I'd think you were flirting with me. I know I'm really sexy and all -JULIE (interrupting) Mr. Rivkin, I think you remind me of my father. JUNIOR No shit. (beat) So you wouldn't date me or anything. JULIE I don't know. You look like you clean up pretty well. Junior gets an embarrassed look. JUNIOR (laughing) You asking me out? JULIE Maybe, I can help. (CONTINUED)

90. JUNIOR Look, just give me the donuts. He takes the bag. JUNIOR (CONT'D) You are really pretty, and I'm sure a very nice woman, which is reason enough for me to think this is a practical joke or something. But, I'm gonna have to pass on this one. JULIE OK. JUNIOR Can you call me sometime, later? JULIE When? JUNIOR (thinking) How about tonight, after midnight? JULIE I've got your number. Junior, speechless, walks in his door as she walks away. Junior tilts his head thinking, watching through the slightly open door: Julie walking away. Julie passes Young nude neighbor (the prostitute), on the sidewalk. They check each other out. Junior still watching, is interrupted. FATHER (O.S.) You are an idiot. INT. APARTMENT - SF VALLEY, LIVING ROOM -- CONTINUOUS Junior looks at his father. FATHER Go after her. JUNIOR What? FATHER Go. JUNIOR You're crazy, pop. (MORE) (CONTINUED)

91. JUNIOR (CONT'D) I can't believe you were listening to a private conversation. FATHER Oh yeh, I'm rude, and you're a criminal. Junior cannot reply. FATHER (CONT'D) (channel checking) You should really go on one of these shows. I'm serious, Geraldo would love you. He'd put a little wig on you and make your voice funny so you couldn't be recognized. Junior is trying to ignore him, now in the kitchen, cooking some toast. JUNIOR Can I borrow yours, pop? FATHER My what? Then, father looks up, realizes Junior was referring to his wig, now slightly ajar. Father adjusts it. JUNIOR (throwing him the bag) She brought you some donuts. FATHER What does she see in you? loser. You're a

JUNIOR Like father, like son. (bites a donut) I'm like her father, she said. FATHER Sick woman. Maybe she'll do the second half of Geraldo. I got the toll-free number if you want it. Junior walks into his room. INT. APARTMENT - SF VALLEY, JUNIOR'S BEDROOM -- CONTINUOUS Junior looks in his closet, slides the row of clothes aside and identifies his old-style suit (from his previous visit to welfare).

92. INT. RESTROOM, WELFARE OFFICE -- DAY Junior, now wearing his suit, is inside restroom stall, taking a long gulp of liquor. He follows that with a gargle of mouthwash. Junior steps out of the stall and straightens his tie in front of the restroom mirror. INT. WELFARE OFFICE -- DAY Many PEOPLE stand in line. Junior walks to the front of the line, to the welfare man clerk (from previous visit). JUNIOR I just wanted to let you know I'm here, thirty minutes before my appointment. WELFARE MAN Sir, you have to wait your turn in line. JUNIOR I'm just doing what you said, last time. The MAN IN LINE looks impatient. WELFARE MAN What's your name? JUNIOR Scribner Rivkin, Jr. WELFARE MAN Oh yes, well, you're early. JUNIOR Oh really. WELFARE MAN There is a cancellation. JUNIOR What? WELFARE MAN I mean the person before you. So, do you want to go ahead or reschedule for a later date. JUNIOR (confused) I think I'll see her now. (CONTINUED)

93. WELFARE MAN I'll see if she's busy. Welfare man picks up the phone and calls INTERVIEWER, who answers. We SEE INTERVIEWER directly behind welfare man. INTERVIEWER Yeah, send him in, even though he is early. WELFARE MAN Yeah, I know. (hanging up) Sir, she'll see you now. Junior says nothing, just shakes his head and walks to the desk behind the counter. INTERVIEWER Please sit down. JUNIOR Oh, well, that's nice of you, thanks. Junior sits. INTERVIEWER Sir, I have your file. JUNIOR (nodding) Really. INTERVIEWER Says here, you've drawn general assistance before . . . on the basis of long-term unemployment. JUNIOR Yes. INTERVIEWER Now, it says the reason is alcoholism. Junior nods. INTERVIEWER (CONT'D) Were you an alcoholic during your last claim? JUNIOR Yes.

(CONTINUED)

94. INTERVIEWER Why didn't you file for rehab or disability before? JUNIOR I didn't know I could. INTERVIEWER Says here, you're an attorney. didn't know? JUNIOR I was a criminal attorney. INTERVIEWER Well, with your qualifications, you shouldn't need retraining. JUNIOR Lady, I can't be a lawyer again, they won't let me near judges for some reason. INTERVIEWER The paperwork seems OK, but it will take at least six weeks to process your rehab application. JUNIOR So, I'll draw general assistance in the meantime? INTERVIEWER No sir, because, if you qualify for rehab, we would have to take back the money. Wrong budget, you understand? No, I don't. JUNIOR I'm mentally ill remember? You

INTERVIEWER Sir, don't get smart with me. JUNIOR What? I'm crazy, and you want me to behave. INTERVIEWER Look, you people think you have a right to be abusive, just because you're ill. If you would just stop drinking and change your attitude you wouldn't need rehab.

(CONTINUED)

95. JUNIOR Hey, hey, hey, hey, wo . . . my rights.

I know

INTERVIEWER Well, you're smart enough to have a job then, Mr. Rivkin. Junior rubs his eyes. P.O.V. -- JUNIOR We SEE HIS HAND WITH KNIFE, ENTERING FRAME. HER ANGRY FACE coming into FOCUS, BEHIND KNIFE. INTERVIEWER Plenty of people come in here just to rip off the government. And it's my job to stop them. He swings at her, but she grabs his hand with brute force and control, returning the knife into his on eyes. RED-FLASH CUT TO: REALITY JUNIOR (wide-eyed) I'm not gonna fight you, lady. INTERVIEWER Good, then just watch your mouth, and wait until your application is processed. But, I will say you have entirely too much education for retraining, but your alcoholism . . . JUNIOR What? INTERVIEWER I don't know. (beat) We'll just see, OK? JUNIOR (getting up) I hope you suffer badly before you get sick and die.

(CONTINUED)

96. INTERVIEWER (surprised) Why would you say something like that to me? JUNIOR (walking away) 'Cause you just said it to me. INT. RESTROOM -- DAY JUNIOR'S FACE SWEATING in a mirror. Junior puches the mirror. only a: DISTORTED IMAGE OF JUNIOR. Man in line (earlier) walks into the restroom, SEES: JUNIOR GUZZLING LIQUOR. Junior doesn't seem to care. Junior breathes deeply and stares him down as the man looks at the mirror. The man looks away, exits rest room. INT. APARTMENT - SF VALLEY, LIVING ROOM -- NIGHT Julie is in the living room, talking to Father. JULIE Junior cares about you, I'm sure. FATHER I guess so. (beat) He used to care about everything. Got arrested a million times, protests, all that shit. Excuse my language. I've degenerated into quite a classless pig myself. But really, Junior was a real firecracker. See that picture. He points to a PICTURE on the wall, Junior, 24, long-hair, tie-dye t-shirt, Washington, DC, carrying a protest sign, "Fuck Vietnam - - Make Love to Each Other". FATHER (CONT'D) Junior, the hippie. He was a fuckin' stud wasn't he? Julie is a little embarrassed. FATHER (CONT'D) There was this one time, I get this phone call, right, while I was on the stock exchange floor. (MORE) (CONTINUED) Eyes bloodshot. It's metal,

It doesn't break.

97. FATHER (CONT'D) I was a trader, big-time, anyway, Junior got arrested for having sex in public. JULIE Oh? FATHER Yeh, I mean he wasn't by himself. It was one of those love-ins, you know. She gives him a "not really" look. FATHER (CONT'D) So, lotsa kids were makin' love right smack in the middle of the courtyard at NYU. And they arrested Junior, said he was the instigator. Don't ask me how they could tell that, 'cept maybe he was coaching some of them or something. Anyway he should tell you about that sometime. JULIE You've done quite well at that. FATHER See, I told you I'm a pig sometimes. JULIE You're too hard on yourself. Julie reaches up and caresses Father's cheek. JUNIOR opens the door. He SEES: Julie and Father. JUNIOR Oh, shit. Junior slams the door behind him as he leaves again. INT. APARTMENT - SF VALLEY, LIVING ROOM JULIE (to the door) Junior! FATHER He's just jealous. JULIE Jealous?

(CONTINUED)

98. FATHER Yeah, who'd believe it? EXT. APARTMENT - SF VALLEY - HALL OUTSIDE APT -- CONTINUOUS Junior squatted down outside window in hallway, listening. P.O.V. -- JUNIOR Julie and Father continue: FATHER All his girlfriends like me for some reason. JULIE He can't possibly think -FATHER (interrupting) Believe me, he can think, too much. Don't worry about it, my dear. JULIE He must feel terrible. FATHER He always feels terrible. he's got too much of. JULIE He's so sensitive. FATHER Sensitive to himself. JULIE I think he just looks that way because he doesn't think he has anybody else. FATHER Well, he's got me dammit. JULIE He's lucky. Junior outside, in the shadows, listening. JUNIOR (under his breath) I'm sick.

Feelings,

99. P.O.V. -- JUNIOR FATHER (to Julie) He's sick. DISSOLVE TO: INT. TAXI -- NIGHT Junior and woman -- TAXI DRIVER, 50, with a Gypsy accent. She drives but never looks at the road as: P.O.V. -- JUNIOR Her EYES stare at Junior through the REAR-VIEW MIRROR. are driving down Ventura Blvd. JUNIOR, IN BACK SEAT, turns up a bottle of liquor. He's already quite drunk. They

TAXI DRIVER It's not good to drink when it's not a party. JUNIOR Got that right. TAXI DRIVER You are punishing yourself? JUNIOR (pondering) You a doctor? TAXI DRIVER You a lawyer? JUNIOR Damn, you're good. I'm listening.

TAXI DRIVER Why do you drink, right now? JUNIOR I don't need a reason anymore. TAXI DRIVER There are many reasons to drink. I'm sure you have reasons, too many to count, or you would not be so low, to drink with me. JUNIOR Nobody understands me. (CONTINUED)

100. TAXI DRIVER I think they do understand, (beat) they just don't care. JUNIOR Oh, you're making me feel great. TAXI DRIVER I'm not to make you feel good. because you can't. JUNIOR I can't what? TAXI DRIVER You can't feel. That's why you drink? JUNIOR I got feelings. I know. TAXI DRIVER And you don't want them. I can't,

Junior takes another long swig. JUNIOR You're a mind reader. TAXI DRIVER It's light reading, not much left. JUNIOR (to himself) There's not much left. They ride along. The taxi turns into a subdivision, makes a couple of turns onto interior streets. JUNIOR (CONT'D) You're almost there. TAXI DRIVER I know where you are going. JUNIOR Yeah, I think you understand. They pull up in front of the drug dealer's house. TAXI DRIVER Yes, but I don't care. JUNIOR'S FACE. He doesn't know if he should be hurt, perplexed, or accepting. (CONTINUED)

101. TAXI DRIVER (CONT'D) Fifteen-fifty, please. DISSOLVE TO: EXT. FRONT OF DRUG DEALER'S HOUSE -- EVENING A taxi has just arrived with Junior in back. Junior gets out of the taxi, hands DRIVER some money. Taxi pulls away as Junior stands, watching: TAXI DRIVING AWAY DRUG DEALER HOUSE from the street, dark. Junior takes a long swig of liquor and begins walking toward the the door. Junior SEES the WINDOWS of the house, NO LIGHTS. Junior KNOCKS on the door. No answer. Junior looks impatient, KNOCKS again loudly. JUNIOR Come to the door, dammit. Still no answer. Junior looks around, backs up, and kicks in the door. LIVING ROOM, dark except for the LIGHT from the street. INT. DRUG DEALER'S HOUSE, LIVING ROOM -- CONTINUOUS P.O.V. -- JUNIOR The room is empty except for incidental TRASH, PIZZA BOXES and a CABLE BOX. Junior pulls his gun. He SHOOTS the cable box. the front door. A CAT darts across the room and out

Junior just stands there, HALF-LIT by outside light. Junior walks back outside. A NEIGHBOR looks out the window next door. As Junior looks at the window, the curtain is pulled. Junior looks at the empty, silent street. He looks up to the street light. His FACE LIT, he closes his eyes, GUN still in hand by his side.

102. EXT. APARTMENT - SF VALLEY, STREET IN FRONT -- NIGHT Junior is walking, tired, stumbling, drunk. EXT. APARTMENT - SF VALLEY, COURTYARD -- CONTINUOUS P.O.V. -- JUNIOR Chittle looks out his window at Junior, shuts curtain quickly, still peaking through the crack. Young nude neighbor sits outside, on her balcony, in the dark, nude, smoking. She SEES JUNIOR. She looks confused. Junior stumbles up the stairs to his apartment door, fumbles through his KEYS. Chittle's door opens to a crack, his eye peaking through. Junior finds the key, opens the door. INT. APARTMENT - SF VALLEY, LIVING ROOM -- NIGHT Father asleep in the recliner, television on. Junior closes the door, LIT only by the FLICKERING TV. MALE T.V. ANNOUNCER (O.S.) If you're tired of that same old grind, the office, factory line, or you're just out of work, call Brother Truckers and we'll put you behind the wheel in six weeks. Junior goes to the kitchen and opens the fridge, sees nothing interesting, his face now LIT by the refrigerator LIGHT. He closes the door, DARKNESS. INT. JUNIOR'S BEDROOM, DARK -- NIGHT Only LIGHT is coming in from the WINDOW. We LOOK around the room. We SEE the CLOSET DOOR, partially opened. We HEAR HEAVY BREATHING, GURGLING FROM A BOTTLE. INT. CLOSET -- CONTINUOUS JUNIOR'S FACE LIT only by the light from the crack through the door. We SEE a LEATHER STRAP around his neck, tied to the rod above. Junior's EYES close, his breathing stops. We HEAR HEARTBEAT, now slowing, growing faint. BEATING stops. (CONTINUED)

103. BLACK We HEAR loud KNOCKING at the door. HEARTBEAT resumes. JUNIOR'S EYES pop open. He reaches up, loosens the belt, leaves belt hanging like a tie around his neck. INT. APARTMENT - SF VALLEY, LIVING ROOM -- CONTINUOUS Father still asleep. We HEAR Junior sling his bedroom door open. Junior walks with determination across the living room. Junior opens the door. Chittle at the door. He looks angry.

JUNIOR (after long piercing stare) What do you want? CHITTLE You're gonna pay. JUNIOR You have no idea. (beat) You interrupted my sleep. CHITTLE (frantically) I don't care. I haven't slept in days. Chittle raises a GUN into the FRAME, pointing at Junior. JUNIOR (surprised, smiling) Is that your teddy bear . . . little Shittle, cat with a fiddle. CHITTLE You're such a smart ass. JUNIOR You're such a poet, so well spoken, and that jewelry . . . (CONTINUED)

104. CHITTLE (interrupting, shaking) I'm sick and tired of your mouth and I'm ready to get new neighbors . . . with a little respect. JUNIOR Can I see that? It looks just like mine. Did you steal that, Chittle? Father is now awake, wide-eyed watching. CHITTLE What does it take to get your attention? JUNIOR (abruptly, mean) Oh, you are starving for attention, you puke. Chittle is shaking, angry and scared. JUNIOR (CONT'D) Look at you, pathetic. You repel everyone you meet with your irritating little voice and your incessant bitching. And that gun. You're shaking with fear. But why? You've got the gun and I don't. You're afraid of that reflection of yourself in my eyes. You disgust yourself and I am your mirror, you little man. Chittle looks more sad than mad, still shaking, both hands on the gun now, almost crying. JUNIOR (CONT'D) Don't you know who I am. I'm God, Shittle. Listen to the voice of God, man. You can't kill the dead. God is dead, remember the sixties, Shittle. (beat) I'm your savior and you're just a man with nothing, not the courage of a lion, not even a cat, you pussy! Junior abruptly reaches for the gun and squeezes Chittle's hand around the gun, crushing it. CHITTLE You're hurting me. JUNIOR You're killing me. Junior lets up pressure on Chittle's hands. (CONTINUED)

105. CHITTLE You don't understand. JUNIOR I understand. I feel for you. (beat) I even used to care. Junior slides his hands down Chittle's wrists, freeing his hands. JUNIOR (CONT'D) Save yourself. Be a man, Mister Chittle. Chittle pulls the trigger, CLICK. Junior looks up, rolling his eyes, as if to God. Chittle pulls the trigger again, BANG. JUNIOR'S FACE, EYES WIDE OPEN. We HEAR HEARTBEAT again, growing fainter and slower. Junior drops to his knees, a huge hole in his stomach, his hands covering it, blood pouring out. JUNIOR'S FACE, PAINED EXPRESSION Chittle holding the smoking gun. Junior falls backward. HEART STILL BEATING under following: Chittle looks at the body and the gun, then looks up at the Father. Chittle, astonished, becomes vigilant, immediately points the gun at the Father. FATHER'S FACE, wide-eyed, his head falls to the side. His toupee falls off. He reaches up slowly and grabs his chest. His HAND twitching, it stops. EYES still open, but he's dead. Chittle in disbelief, lowers the gun and stares for a moment, turns and slowly walks away, down the stairs away from his apartment towards the courtyard. EXT. APARTMENT - SF VALLEY, COURTYARD ENDING 1 YOUNG NUDE NEIGHBOR (CONTINUED)

106. walks by Chittle in the courtyard, as she goes toward Junior's apartment. Chittle doesn't even acknowledge her. She looks at Chittle and the gun, as she stops at the bottom of the stairs, looks up the stairs, looks back at Chittle, changes direction and walks back toward her apartment. INT. APARTMENT - SF VALLEY, LIVING ROOM -- CONTINUOUS We HEAR PHONE RING, several times. INT. ANOTHER APARTMENT -- CONTINUOUS It's DARK, only the PHONE LIT. CLOCK next to phone, 12:00. We HEAR the PHONE RING on the line now. JULIE'S HAND, her FACE in the shadows, lowers the RECEIVER, hangs up. DISSOLVE TO: INT. APARTMENT - SF VALLEY, LIVING ROOM -- CONTINUOUS JUNIOR. The HEARTBEAT STOPS. His face LIT only by the flickering TV and the outside HALL LIGHT. CUT TO: BLACK ENDING 2 EXT. APARTMENT - SF VALLEY, COURTYARD YOUNG NUDE NEIGHBOR walks by Chittle in the courtyard, as she goes toward Junior's apartment. Chittle doesn't even acknowledge her. She looks at Chittle and the gun, as she stops at the bottom of the stairs, looks up the stairs. Julie walks up and looks at Chittle and the neighbor. The neighbor looks back and looks back up the stairs, back at Chittle, back at Julie, changes direction and walks back toward her apartment. Julie slowly walks up the stairs, concerned. INT. APARTMENT - SF VALLEY, LIVING ROOM -- CONTINUOUS JUNIOR, HEARTBEAT. His face LIT only by the FLICKERING TV and the outside HALL LIGHT. CUT TO: BLACK We HEAR FACE SLAP.

107. P.O.V. - JUNIOR He SEES JULIES FACE staring down at him. P.O.V. - JULIE JUNIOR'S FACE. He reaches up to feel his face because it stung from the slap. JUNIOR God. (beat) Woman, I thought you were going to call. JULIE Looks like I needed to drop by instead. JUNIOR I thought I was dead. right? You're an angel,

JULIE Junior, don't give up before the miracle. JUNIOR Nobody cares. JULIE We care. She helps him up. head, "no". He checks his father's pulse. Nods his

Junior and Julie walk slowly down the stairs. silent Chittle in the courtyard.

They pass a