Last time. . .
We now continue.
CUT TO:
INT, Usagi's Room
The room is dark, save for the light of the full moon and outside streetlights pouring in through the window. LUNA is lying on the bed, asleep. From downstairs, we hear the door open and close. LUNA wakes up and lifts her head, optimistically.
VICTORIA (O.S., fr. dowstairs)
Any calls?
SAMMY(O.S., fr. downstairs)
No.
LUNA lowers her head, and then lifts her eyes toward to nearly full moon shining through the window-- if this scene reminds the viewer of Luna's room in the Cat Masion, so much more the better. As Luna looks around, the conversation continues.
DARIEN(O.S., fr. downstairs)
Did you try her friend?
VICTORIA(O.S., exasperated)
"Her friend"? You mean Naru Osaka?
DARIEN(O.S.)
Yes, I mean Naru!
VICTORIA(O.S.)
Yes, Darien, of course I tried Naru!
DARIEN(O.S.)
And?
VICTORIA(O.S.)
And. . . I couldn't reach them, so I tried Umino.
DARIEN(O.S.)
Who?
VICTORIA(O.S.)
Umino, he's another . . . look, never mind. It turns out Naru and her mother are both in hospital!
DARIEN(O.S.)
Oh Christ. . .
VICTORIA(O.S.)
Umino was with Naru all day. Turns out Usagi dropped by too.
(beat)
Did you know about this?
DARIEN(O.S.)
I knew something happened at a jewellery store.
(Ed: Let's just pretend that Darien wasn't at the scene that night. . .)
I didn't quite put it together until you mentioned "Osaka".
VICTORIA(O.S.)
What?
(beat)
What happened at the jewellery store?
DARIEN(O.S., frustrated)
I don't know, Victoria.
VICTORIA(O.S.)
Well, do you know anyone at NHK who does--?
DARIEN(O.S.)
Victoria, this isn't getting us anywhere.
VICTORIA(O.S.)
The hell it isn't!
DARIEN(O.S.)
Victoria, you're reaching out and grabbing whatever you can--
VICTORIA(O.S.)
What that does that mean--?
DARIEN(O.S.)
-- and trying to piece it together somehow!
VICTORIA(O.S.)
Do you seriously think--?
DARIEN(O.S.)
You need to calm down!
VICTORIA(O.S.)
-- there's no connection-- Don't tell me to calm down, Darien!
DARIEN(O.S.)
Victoria--
VICTORIA(O.S.)
Do you think I'm an idiot?
DARIEN(O.S.)
I think you're panicking!
This argument continues. SAMMY enters USAGI'S room, clearly upset by the parent's fighting and trying to get away.
SAMMY
(trying to smile)
Hey Luna!
SAMMY sits on USAGI'S bed and PETS LUNA. LUNA purrs sympatheitically.
SAMMY
Hey there kitty. . .
SAMMY reaches into his pocket and pulls out a package of CAT TREATS.
SAMMY
I bought these for you at lunch.
SAMMY pours some treats into his hand and gives them to Luna. The argument grows louder.
SAMMY
(nervous, but trying to hide it)
Here you go!
LUNA eats the treats as the parent's voices grow louder.
SAMMY
Don't worry about them. . . Usagi's not here, so they jnust have to yell at each other to comp--
We hear some stuff fall on to the floor. SAMMY flinches.
DARIEN(O.S., yelling)
Oh, that helps, Victoria!
VICTORIA(O.S., yelling)
How DARE you!
DARIEN(O.S.)
That really helps!
VICTORIA(O.S.)
I can't BELIEVE you would blame this on me!
DARIEN(O.S.)
You locked her out, Victoria! You think that's responsible?
VICTORIA(O.S.)
Oh, go fu--
DARIEN(O.S.)
You think that sets a good exam--
SAMMY rushes over to Usagi's stereo and turns it on, cranking up the volume-- it doesn't matter what music is playing, just that it's loud enough to drown out the parent's fighting. On the brink of tears, SAMMY lies down on USAGI'S bed, face down. LUNA, after a moment, crawls up next to him. We pan up toward the moon, shining through the window. We hold on this shot, and then
FADE TO BLACK.
To be continued.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Monday, June 6, 2011
This may be the shortest script snippet yet.
Seriously, I have to be out of here in 30 minutes so here's, like, a thrity second scene:
Last Time. . .
We now continue.
CUT TO:
INT, Mizuno Residence
We pan around AMI'S room, with notes piled upon notes. We pan past AMI, who has fallen asleep with her head on her desk. We continue panning until we see SAEKO, standing in the doorway.
SAEKO
(sad, worried)
Damn it, Ami. . .
CUT TO:
A moment later. SAEKO putting AMI into bed.
SAEKO
(half to herself)
You know what I was into when I was your age? Kiki's Delivery Service. Seriously, I wore out the damn tape I watched it so much.
SAEKO draws the covers over AMI and strokes her hair, somewhat sadly. We hear the doorbell ring as we
CUT TO:
The front door. SAEKO opens it to reveal TOMOE.
SAEKO
Sensei!
SAEKO bows, followed by TOMOE.
SAEKO
What are you doing here?
CUT TO:
To Be Continued.
See? Told you it was short.
Last Time. . .
We now continue.
CUT TO:
INT, Mizuno Residence
We pan around AMI'S room, with notes piled upon notes. We pan past AMI, who has fallen asleep with her head on her desk. We continue panning until we see SAEKO, standing in the doorway.
SAEKO
(sad, worried)
Damn it, Ami. . .
CUT TO:
A moment later. SAEKO putting AMI into bed.
SAEKO
(half to herself)
You know what I was into when I was your age? Kiki's Delivery Service. Seriously, I wore out the damn tape I watched it so much.
SAEKO draws the covers over AMI and strokes her hair, somewhat sadly. We hear the doorbell ring as we
CUT TO:
The front door. SAEKO opens it to reveal TOMOE.
SAEKO
Sensei!
SAEKO bows, followed by TOMOE.
SAEKO
What are you doing here?
CUT TO:
To Be Continued.
See? Told you it was short.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
More Important Foreshadowing. Trust me!
Last Time. . .
We Now Continue.
CUT TO:
INT, Tokyo Sky Tree, Second Observatory
TAKASHI HINO, REI'S father, is pacing back and fourth behind a stage. The sounds of a PARTY can be heard in the background. HINO is reading from a notepad.
HINO
(quietly)
Despite continued hardship-- economic, political, even natural-- Japan remains committed to pushing back the boundaries of scientific and technological achievement. We built the Tokyo Sky Tree as a symbol of that commitment; now, we unveil the first of a--
HINO notices a group of SUITS approach him, lead by an elderly and intimidating looking political official, Hino's SENIOR. Hino stiffens, out of both respect and fear.
SENIOR
Minister Hino.
HINO bows deeply.
HINO
Minister! Good evening.
HINO bows again.
SENIOR
Yes. Good evening.
CUT TO:
An elevator door opening, revealing TOMOE. TOMOE steps out onto the upper observation deck. The place is swarming with the Tokyo political and social elite. Reluctantly, Tomoe advances, readying himself for the schmoozing to follow.
SENIOR(V.O.)
There have been some. . .
CUT TO:
HINO and SENIOR, backstage.
SENIOR
. . . regrettable things that have taken place today.
HINO knows what this coded language really means.
HINO
Sir--
SENIOR
It occured to us that, as a sign of respect, you might reconsider whether to give your speech tonight.
HINO
Sir, those comments. . . they were made two days ago. They've been taken out context--
SENIOR
There would be no shame if you were to decide not to give your speech tonight--
HINO
(interrupting)
How could I possibly know that something like this would--?
SENIOR
Respect, Takashi.
(beat, then slowly)
Show some goddamned respect. Do you understand me?
HINO is silenced.
SENIOR(V.O.)
-- as a symbol of that comittment, we now unveil the first--
CUT TO:
A few minutes later. The crowd is gathered in front of a small stage, where SENIOR is now delivering HINO'S speech.
SENIOR
-- of a series of new upgrades that will increase the transmission power and data hanlding capacity of the Tokyo Sky Tree, transforming it into an information hub unlike any the world has ever seen.
SENIOR goes on. We pan to HINO, who bitterly cradles a glass of liquor. After a moment, WAKAGI approaches.
WAKAGI
Minister?
HINO turns and fakes a smile.
HINO
Commissioner! I didn't realize you were invited!
WAKAGI
Actually, I'm not.
HINO
Then your trespassing!
(looking around)
Where's a cop when you need one?
(pulls in, quieter, tone becomes more serious)
What the hell are you doing here?
WAKAGI
Minist-
HINO
We have a separate line--
WAKAGI
That's what I needed to talk to you about.
HINO
Oh my God. How?
WAKAGI
(beat)
I don't know. But we have to get rid of it.
HINO
Then get rid of it!
(beat)
It's really been my day today, hasn't it?
WAKAGI
(bitterly)
It's been a lot of people's day today.
WAKAGI walks off. As Hino recovers from Wakagi's retort, we hear SENIOR once again.
SENIOR
Now where is he? Professor? Ah! There he is, Professor Souichi Tomoe!
HINO looks over toward TOMOE, standing next to a window, waving politely.
HINO(V.O.)
Professor?
CUT TO:
A few minutes later. The party is now well underway. HINO approaches TOMOE, who is looking out the window of the observation deck.
HINO
Professor?
TOMOE
I can hear you.
HINO is stung by this, yet another insult.
TOMOE
Takashi. Relax. You're one of the few people I can afford not be polite to. Consider it a compliment.
HINO relaxes, and then looks around.
TOMOE
I thought you were giving the speech tonight.
HINO
No. Change of plans.
HINO catches a glimpse of SENIOR.
HINO
Pompous ass. Thinks he's hot shit 'cause he used to hang with Mishima. "Respect." What the hell does he know about anime--?
TOMOE
(ignoring HINO)
I didn't think it was possible to see this far from a building.
HINO turns to TOMOE.
TOMOE
(excited)
This tower is six hundred thirty-four metres tall. That means it's visible from ninety kilometers away. Ninety kilometers! People can see us from ninety kilometers away! Can you believe that?
HINO
I suppose. . .
TOMOE
(abruptly)
Takashi. . . everyone--
(eyes the partygoers)
-- can see us up here.
TOMOE eyes HINO. He gets the message.
CUT TO:
INT, Bar
An upscale bar, packed with a mix of hip locals and foreigners. After a moment, we see BANDANA sitting at the bar, cradling a drink, much like HINO was a moment ago. She looks around, admiring some of the handsome men that have come out tonight. Eventually she spots one young man who bears a close resemblance to Sempai. BANDANA like. She tentatively prepares herself to approach the young man, but just as she's about to get up, she catches a glimpse of herself in the reflective bartop-- while she may have been beautiful once, age and illness has left their mark. Giving up on the idea of asking the man out, she pulls ou her cell phone. We can hear the sound of Sid Viscious' cover of "My Way" fade in as we
CUT TO:
INT, Tokyo Sky Tree, First Observatory
Another party, this time on the Sky Tree's larger lower deck. This party, consisting of scientists and laborers who actually did all the work that is being celebrated on the upper floor, is louder, rougher. . . in other words, more like a party. Amidsts the pariters, we see working class FREETER wailing into a karaoke machine, singing "My Way" in the most stereotypically Japanese way you could imagine. We pan to reveal HINO and TOMOE leaning against a wall.
HINO
Are you sure this isn't too loud?
TOMOE doesn't respond.
HINO
Tomoe-san?
TOMOE
It's perfect!
TOMOE starts nodding his head with the music.
HINO
I thought we were going somewhere else. Somewhere private.
TOMOE
No. I just wanted to get away from the suits.
A young boyfriend and girlfriend walk by TOMOE and HINO. The girl catches a glimpse of TOMOE'S eyepatch, and nods approvingly.
HINO
(in disbelief)
What the hell was that?
TOMOE
The patch!
HINO
Unbelievable. You could have lazy eye for all she knows.
(shakes head)
Damn kids.
TOMOE
How's yours?
HINO
What?
TOMOE
Rei! I didn't see her tonight.
HINO
Do you really need to ask?
TOMOE
(with music)
-all else to do!
(to HINO)
She's coming Friday night, right?
HINO
Yes, yes. Definitely. Firday is your night. I won't allow her to miss it.
TOMOE
"Won't allow her?"
HINO
Absolutely not.
TOMOE looks a HINO, disappointed in him.
HINO
By the way, congratulations!
From HINO'S pocket, we can see some flashing lights.
HINO
These upgrades are a major acheivement. At least from what I understand.
TOMOE
You understand more than I do. I'm just here to show my face for the Foundation.
HINO
You're far too humble, Tomoe-sensei.
TOMOE looks at HINO, and points to the flashing light in his pocket. HINO reaches in and pulls out a cell phone. Plugging one ear with his finger, TOMOE answers the phone.
TOMOE
Mushi-mushi?
(pause)
What?
(pause, then sharply)
You what?
TOMOE turns to HINO. HINO looks worried.
HINO
Why didn't you tell me?
(pause)
Of course I would want to know! You think I don't care-- look, hold on, I'll be right-- I'll be right there! Give me twenty minutes!
HINO hangs up,
HINO
(apologetically)
I'm. . .
(bows)
I'm sorry. I have to go. Forgive me.
TOMOE
I'll see you Friday.
HINO leaves.
HINO
(as he exits)
Rei too!
TOMOE looks around the room, and eventually spots a impressive looking bit of electronics along the central support beam of the tower. We walks over to take a closer look. He cut between him and his POV of the electronics. It is, supposedly, part of the upgrades to Tokyo Sky Tree. As he examines it, his look is. . . inscrutable. Is he confused by the electronics? Intrigued? We hold on Tomoe and then
CUT TO:
Tomoe, once again looking out over the city, somehow. . . revitalized.
CUT TO:
To Be Continued.
We Now Continue.
CUT TO:
INT, Tokyo Sky Tree, Second Observatory
TAKASHI HINO, REI'S father, is pacing back and fourth behind a stage. The sounds of a PARTY can be heard in the background. HINO is reading from a notepad.
HINO
(quietly)
Despite continued hardship-- economic, political, even natural-- Japan remains committed to pushing back the boundaries of scientific and technological achievement. We built the Tokyo Sky Tree as a symbol of that commitment; now, we unveil the first of a--
HINO notices a group of SUITS approach him, lead by an elderly and intimidating looking political official, Hino's SENIOR. Hino stiffens, out of both respect and fear.
SENIOR
Minister Hino.
HINO bows deeply.
HINO
Minister! Good evening.
HINO bows again.
SENIOR
Yes. Good evening.
CUT TO:
An elevator door opening, revealing TOMOE. TOMOE steps out onto the upper observation deck. The place is swarming with the Tokyo political and social elite. Reluctantly, Tomoe advances, readying himself for the schmoozing to follow.
SENIOR(V.O.)
There have been some. . .
CUT TO:
HINO and SENIOR, backstage.
SENIOR
. . . regrettable things that have taken place today.
HINO knows what this coded language really means.
HINO
Sir--
SENIOR
It occured to us that, as a sign of respect, you might reconsider whether to give your speech tonight.
HINO
Sir, those comments. . . they were made two days ago. They've been taken out context--
SENIOR
There would be no shame if you were to decide not to give your speech tonight--
HINO
(interrupting)
How could I possibly know that something like this would--?
SENIOR
Respect, Takashi.
(beat, then slowly)
Show some goddamned respect. Do you understand me?
HINO is silenced.
SENIOR(V.O.)
-- as a symbol of that comittment, we now unveil the first--
CUT TO:
A few minutes later. The crowd is gathered in front of a small stage, where SENIOR is now delivering HINO'S speech.
SENIOR
-- of a series of new upgrades that will increase the transmission power and data hanlding capacity of the Tokyo Sky Tree, transforming it into an information hub unlike any the world has ever seen.
SENIOR goes on. We pan to HINO, who bitterly cradles a glass of liquor. After a moment, WAKAGI approaches.
WAKAGI
Minister?
HINO turns and fakes a smile.
HINO
Commissioner! I didn't realize you were invited!
WAKAGI
Actually, I'm not.
HINO
Then your trespassing!
(looking around)
Where's a cop when you need one?
(pulls in, quieter, tone becomes more serious)
What the hell are you doing here?
WAKAGI
Minist-
HINO
We have a separate line--
WAKAGI
That's what I needed to talk to you about.
HINO
Oh my God. How?
WAKAGI
(beat)
I don't know. But we have to get rid of it.
HINO
Then get rid of it!
(beat)
It's really been my day today, hasn't it?
WAKAGI
(bitterly)
It's been a lot of people's day today.
WAKAGI walks off. As Hino recovers from Wakagi's retort, we hear SENIOR once again.
SENIOR
Now where is he? Professor? Ah! There he is, Professor Souichi Tomoe!
HINO looks over toward TOMOE, standing next to a window, waving politely.
HINO(V.O.)
Professor?
CUT TO:
A few minutes later. The party is now well underway. HINO approaches TOMOE, who is looking out the window of the observation deck.
HINO
Professor?
TOMOE
I can hear you.
HINO is stung by this, yet another insult.
TOMOE
Takashi. Relax. You're one of the few people I can afford not be polite to. Consider it a compliment.
HINO relaxes, and then looks around.
TOMOE
I thought you were giving the speech tonight.
HINO
No. Change of plans.
HINO catches a glimpse of SENIOR.
HINO
Pompous ass. Thinks he's hot shit 'cause he used to hang with Mishima. "Respect." What the hell does he know about anime--?
TOMOE
(ignoring HINO)
I didn't think it was possible to see this far from a building.
HINO turns to TOMOE.
TOMOE
(excited)
This tower is six hundred thirty-four metres tall. That means it's visible from ninety kilometers away. Ninety kilometers! People can see us from ninety kilometers away! Can you believe that?
HINO
I suppose. . .
TOMOE
(abruptly)
Takashi. . . everyone--
(eyes the partygoers)
-- can see us up here.
TOMOE eyes HINO. He gets the message.
CUT TO:
INT, Bar
An upscale bar, packed with a mix of hip locals and foreigners. After a moment, we see BANDANA sitting at the bar, cradling a drink, much like HINO was a moment ago. She looks around, admiring some of the handsome men that have come out tonight. Eventually she spots one young man who bears a close resemblance to Sempai. BANDANA like. She tentatively prepares herself to approach the young man, but just as she's about to get up, she catches a glimpse of herself in the reflective bartop-- while she may have been beautiful once, age and illness has left their mark. Giving up on the idea of asking the man out, she pulls ou her cell phone. We can hear the sound of Sid Viscious' cover of "My Way" fade in as we
CUT TO:
INT, Tokyo Sky Tree, First Observatory
Another party, this time on the Sky Tree's larger lower deck. This party, consisting of scientists and laborers who actually did all the work that is being celebrated on the upper floor, is louder, rougher. . . in other words, more like a party. Amidsts the pariters, we see working class FREETER wailing into a karaoke machine, singing "My Way" in the most stereotypically Japanese way you could imagine. We pan to reveal HINO and TOMOE leaning against a wall.
HINO
Are you sure this isn't too loud?
TOMOE doesn't respond.
HINO
Tomoe-san?
TOMOE
It's perfect!
TOMOE starts nodding his head with the music.
HINO
I thought we were going somewhere else. Somewhere private.
TOMOE
No. I just wanted to get away from the suits.
A young boyfriend and girlfriend walk by TOMOE and HINO. The girl catches a glimpse of TOMOE'S eyepatch, and nods approvingly.
HINO
(in disbelief)
What the hell was that?
TOMOE
The patch!
HINO
Unbelievable. You could have lazy eye for all she knows.
(shakes head)
Damn kids.
TOMOE
How's yours?
HINO
What?
TOMOE
Rei! I didn't see her tonight.
HINO
Do you really need to ask?
TOMOE
(with music)
-all else to do!
(to HINO)
She's coming Friday night, right?
HINO
Yes, yes. Definitely. Firday is your night. I won't allow her to miss it.
TOMOE
"Won't allow her?"
HINO
Absolutely not.
TOMOE looks a HINO, disappointed in him.
HINO
By the way, congratulations!
From HINO'S pocket, we can see some flashing lights.
HINO
These upgrades are a major acheivement. At least from what I understand.
TOMOE
You understand more than I do. I'm just here to show my face for the Foundation.
HINO
You're far too humble, Tomoe-sensei.
TOMOE looks at HINO, and points to the flashing light in his pocket. HINO reaches in and pulls out a cell phone. Plugging one ear with his finger, TOMOE answers the phone.
TOMOE
Mushi-mushi?
(pause)
What?
(pause, then sharply)
You what?
TOMOE turns to HINO. HINO looks worried.
HINO
Why didn't you tell me?
(pause)
Of course I would want to know! You think I don't care-- look, hold on, I'll be right-- I'll be right there! Give me twenty minutes!
HINO hangs up,
HINO
(apologetically)
I'm. . .
(bows)
I'm sorry. I have to go. Forgive me.
TOMOE
I'll see you Friday.
HINO leaves.
HINO
(as he exits)
Rei too!
TOMOE looks around the room, and eventually spots a impressive looking bit of electronics along the central support beam of the tower. We walks over to take a closer look. He cut between him and his POV of the electronics. It is, supposedly, part of the upgrades to Tokyo Sky Tree. As he examines it, his look is. . . inscrutable. Is he confused by the electronics? Intrigued? We hold on Tomoe and then
CUT TO:
Tomoe, once again looking out over the city, somehow. . . revitalized.
CUT TO:
To Be Continued.
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