SimplyScripts



THE ARTIST

Earl J. Mullen

2891 Sangi, New road Pajo

Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu Island Philippines 06015

Cell# 09223876028

Land#63-032-340-5391

zadkielmullen@

EXT. CEMENTERY-RAINY DAY

Lighting flickers in the distance, rain pours hard, JAMES an average man late 30's early 40's walks in front of a tombstone, wearing jeans, t-shirt and jacket, holding roses.

JAMES

O how I wish you where here honey, it’s been a year now, and nothing has changed.

P.O.V OF TOMBSTONE, LOVING WIFE, JUDITH MCMULLEN, 1970-2007 A WITH A PICTURE OF HER

JAMES (CONT'D)

It has been a nightmare with out you; I am feeling so low that I don't care about anything.

James brushes his fingers across the engravings on the tombstone; he releases a deep sigh of guilt.

JAMES (CONT'D)

Because of the recurring memories of the accident, I have dwelled in the depths of darkness.

James kneels down placing the roses in front of Judith's tomb.

JAMES

Memories of you still haunt me and I feel that I am drowning in the abyss of emptiness from the guilt that weighs heavy upon my heart.

James steps back with a tear in his eye.

JAMES (CONT'D)

How long must I wrestle with my tormented Soul?

James reaches out touches Judith's picture.

JAMES

I feel nothing but the hollowness of bitterness and hate!

James leans his head up against Judith’s picture, slamming his fist against the tomb letting out a deep mournful cry.

JAMES (CONT'D)

Yet if I speak my pain doesn't go away!

CUT TO JUDITH

Invisible to James, Judith standing behind him dresses in white watching with deep sadness.

JUDITH

(Whispers aloud)

Oh James!

With a tear in Judith’s eye she gazes heavenward.

BACK ON JAMES

Judith watches James lean against her tombstone.

JAMES

Everyday I have grief and the cords of death entangle me, the anguish of the grave is calling me.

James slides down.

JAMES

(Sighs with a whisper)

Why has God forsaken me, Judith!

Judith reaches out as to say something but James closes his eyes, sitting with his head bent low and sees nothing.

FLASH TO

EXCHANGING RINGS, ROMANTIC DINNER, DANCING, AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT, JUDITH'S DEATH.

FLASH BACK

James opens his eyes, his fist clenched, as a burst of anger erupts.

JAMES (CONT’D)

(Screams)

NO!

James howls as he slams his fist to the ground, jumps to his feet shaking his fist toward heaven.

JAMES (CONT'D)

God damn it, why did you take her from me, it should have been me not her!

James pulls a gun out from under his jacket, glaring with hate towered to heaven.

JAMES (CONT’D)

You see this, I am going to blow my brains out, I don’t deserve to live!

James point the gun to his head still looking heaven ward.

JAMES (CONT’D)

Judge me!

James cocks the gun.

JAMES (CONT’D)

Damn you, Judge me!

Judith stand next to James and puts her hand over the gun, James closes his eyes and pulls the trigger.

JUDITH

Live!

James slowly opens his eyes, realizes he is still alive, he checks the gun and the bullets are still in the chamber.

JAMES

I can’t even die right!

James spills the bullets from the barrel.

P.O.V IN SLOW MOTION BULLETS FALL BOUNCING AROUND JAMES FEET

JAMES (CONT’D)

Damn it, why won’t let me die why?

James throws the gun, holding one bullet in his fingers staring at it.

JAMES (CONT’D)

God you took her from me, why should I give you the satisfaction of victory to end my life?

James throws the bullet and falls to his knees.

JAMES (CONT'D)

Your not worth it!

James’ anger explodes once again; he climbs to his feet punching the tombstone.

JAMES (CONT'D)

God I hate you!

James sucks in air and lets out a mighty shout throwing his fist heavenward.

JAMES (CONT'D)

(Deep Cry)

I hate you!

James exhausted collapses, he stairs intently into the rainy sky.

JUDITH

(Whispers)

Do not be angry my love...God is not to be blame.

James head is resting in Judith's lap as he lies on the ground sobbing; Judith gently combs her fingers through James' hair bringing comfort.

JUDITH (CONT'D)

And don't be so hard on yourself; the accident wasn't your fault.

JAMES

(Deep Cry)

Forgive me!

JUDITH

(Whispers)

You’re forgiven.

Judith wipes James' tears away, she gently kisses him on his forehead, and James slowly opens his eyes and sees Judith.

P.O.V JUDITH SMILEING LIKE AN ANGEL

JAMES

Judith!

Judith vanishes like an apparition, James leaps to his feet, franticly looking around the cemetery.

JAMES (CONT'D)

Judith where are you!

James stands like a statue with his head bent low.

JAMES (CONT’D)

(Whispers)

Judith!

EXT. VINNIE’S BAR-RAINY NIGHT

Standing on a street corner in the pouring rain is James, who sees a small pub with neon lights flashing.

P.O.V VINNIE’S BAR AND GRILL

James steps down of the curve and moves toward the pub.

INT. VINNIE'S BAR–MOMENTS LATER

James walks into the club.

JAMES

I hope they have something good here.

James takes a seat at the bar, and plays with his wedding band.

P.O.V JAMES PLAYING WITH HIS WEDDING BAND

A BARTENDER a tall distinguished gentleman dressed in black and white approaches James.

BARTENDER

What can I get you?

James' attention is fixated on his wedding band.

JAMES

Anything!

The bartender pulls out a glass and some bottles and mixes a drink.

BARTENDER

This should do the job!

James looks up and sees the man pouring his drink, the Bartender looks at James with a smile.

BARTENDER (CONT'D)

Man you look like shit!

James chuckles.

JAMES

Thanks, you should see me on my bad days!

The bartender laughs as he finishes pouring James' drink.

BARTENDER

Here this will warm you up!

JAMES

What is this?

BARTENDER

My secret remedy for a broken heart!

JAMES

How would you know that I have a broken heart?

BARTENDER

It all in the eyes!

JAMES

Sounds like bullshit to me!

James sips on his drink.

BARTENDER

Listen son, I have been in this business before you were in diapers.

JAMES

(Sarcastic laughter)

Really, so what am I broken up over?

The bartender steps back and eyes James.

BARTENDER

A woman perhaps, someone close, yes, yes, someone died?

James chokes on his drink.

JAMES

How the hell did you know that?

BARTENDER

I just know.

JAMES

What are you a physic, a mind reader?

BARTENDER

(Laughs)

Neither.

JAMES

Then that was a lucky guess.

BARTENDER

Luck, nonsense son, luck has nothing to do with it!

The Bartender pours more drink.

P.O.V A SLIGHT GLOWING SUBSTANCE RADITES FROM THE DRINK

James sighs and takes a swig of his drink.

JAMES

Man this stuff is good, keep it coming.

James slides his glass over to the bartender for more.

BARTENDER

(Laughs)

You’re welcome.

The bartender pours more into James glass.

BARTENDER (CONT’D)

Was she close to you?

James takes another a sip.

JAMES

I don't want to talk about it!

Bartender pours a little more into James glass.

BARTENDER

They say a friendly ear is a start for healing heart.

James sips on his drink with smoldering eyes.

BARTENDER (CONT'D)

What happened that makes you carry the guilt of the world on your shoulders?

James looks at his wedding band.

JAMES

(Sighs)

A year ago my wife died.

BARTENDER

I am sorry to hear that?

JAMES

You don’t understand.

BARTENDER

I understand that you’re lonely.

James glances up.

JAMES

I killed my wife; it is my fault that she is dead.

BARTENDER

Oh, how so?

James swigs down his drink, the Bartender pours a little more into his glass.

JAMES

It happen a year ago my wife wanted to go to a concert and I told her we couldn't go because we didn't have the money.

James sips on his drink, the bartender smiles as he pours more into James’ glass.

JAMES (CONT'D)

So later that week I sold a couple of paintings and I bought a pair of concert tickets for our Anniversary, I wanted to surprise her and see her smile.

James holds back his tears.

JAMES (CONT'D)

On the night of our Anniversary, she decided she didn't want to go to the concert, I was furious and so we argued.

James takes more of his drink, Bartender pours a little more.

BARTENDER

So what happen?

James hesitates as he drinks.

JAMES

All she wanted was to stay with me, but I insisted and I promised her that she would have a great time.

Bartender listens intently as he continues to pour James his drinks.

JAMES (CONT’D)

As we were driving to the concert I put on her favorite music to entice the moment.

James facial expression changes to a look of hate.

JAMES (CONT'D)

(Holds back his pain)

Then out of the blue a drunk driver broadsided us, my wife was crushed and she died on her way to the hospital, me I suffered a fracture collar bone.

James guzzles down his drink then slams the glass on the bar.

JAMES (CONT'D)

And that drunken bastard walks away with no scratch; all he got was a slap on the wrist for DWI.

BARTENDER

Don't beat yourself up over it Son, It wasn't your fault, You didn't know!

JAMES

(Angrily snaps)

Yes it was my fault!

James stairs into the bartenders eyes with contentment.

JAMES (CONT'D)

If I just listened to the plea of my wife instead of being a selfish prick my wife would be alive today!

BARTENDER

Carrying guilt for one’s sins is one thing, but carrying for something you didn't commit, that is foolish.

JAMES

It should have been me who died in that accident not her, and that bastard should be fried for the murder of my wife.

James tries to compose himself.

JAMES (CONT'D)

My wife was a woman with a heart of gold, she was heaven sent and she was the best thing in my life; and now I can go to her but she will never return to me.

BARTENDER

The mysteries of life is an Enigma, I am truly sorry, hear another drinks on the house.

Bartender pours more into James’ glass.

JAMES

Thanks.

BARTENDER

Don't mention it, take as long as you need and if you need to talk I'll be right here.

The Bartender walks off to attend to another customer.

James munches on some pretzels, and nurses his drink; ANGELA a beautiful woman dressed in red, walks up and sits next to him.

The Bartender gives her a drink, James sees the woman from the corner of his eye; he slowly turns his head as he puts down his glass down.

ANGELA

Hello.

JAMES

Hi?

Angela looks at James with a huge smile.

JAMES

Are you alright?

ANGELA

I am now

JAMES

OK?

James turns away nursing more of his drink.

ANGELA

My name is Angela and I need to know, are you James McMullen the famous artist in Time magazine?

James puts his glass down, looks back at Angela.

JAMES

I think you got the wrong guy lady.

The woman opens up her purse and pulls out a Time Magazine with James' face on the front cover. She puts the magazine in front of him.

P.O.V WE SEE JAMES FACE ON THE TIME MAGAZINE

ANGELA

(Sarcastic)

Tell me that ain't you?

James glances at the Magazine, he spins around with a bit of frustration in his tone.

JAMES

Look lady I am not that man any longer... so leave me the hell alone and go pester someone else!

ANGELA

I can’t do that.

JAMES

And why not?

The Bartender walks over and pours James and Angel a drink, and she takes a swig.

ANGELA

I am here to help you.

JAMES

(Laughs)

You can't help me.

ANGELA

(Laughs)

Maybe I can... Maybe I can't...but what I see Mr. McMullen is that you need a spark!

JAMES

A Spark, what the hell are you talking about?

Angela pulls out a Business card and hands it to James.

P.O.V A WHITE CARD WITH LETTER TSADDIK'S FINE ARTS

ANGELA

(Happy)

My employer has sent me to find you and here you are!

James puts the card down on the bar.

JAMES

Angela right?

Angel shakes her head yes.

JAMES (CONT'D)

Well Angela, I am not interested. so leave me alone!

ANGELA

Sorry Mr. McMullen I can not do that!

JAMES

(Frustrated)

And why not!

ANGELA

I am to inform you about my boss's proposition.

JAMES

Proportions?

ANGELA

Yes.

JAMES

(Sighs)

OK...If I give you the time will you leave me alone?

ANGELA

Yes.

JAMES

Good, then you have two minutes!

James looks at his watch.

P.O.V CLOCK TICKING

ANGELA (V.O.)

Mr. McMullen my employer would like you to paint him a picture.

James looks up with a shocking expression,

ANGELA

Now that I have your attention.

Angela composes herself.

ANGELA (CONT’D)

Any questions?

JAMES

(Laughs)

A picture you say?

ANGELA

Yes.

JAMES

(Sighs)

I have given it up, so you can tell your boss I am not interested.

ANGELA

(Sighs)

Mr. McMullen maybe if you did paint a picture the pain you carry inside would heal.

JAMES

(Sarcasm)

And what do you know of my pain?

ANGELA

(Glares)

Maybe I don't know anything about your pain Mr. McMullen, but I do know not to waist your talents God has given you!

JAMES

(Angered sarcasm)

God, listen to me Angela, God doesn't exist and if he dose he is nothing more than a big bully with a magnified glass burning us little people like ants, So you can take your God and go shove it up your!

The Bartender cuts in, interrupting James sarcasm remark.

BARTENDER

Excuse me would you like another drink?

James looks up with anger.

JAMES

(Confused)

What!

BARTENDER

Would you like another drink!

JAMES

(Sighs)

Yeah sure!

The bartender pours James his drink; Angela stands and takes a few steps with her back facing James, she stops and glances over her shoulder.

ANGELA

Mr. McMullen if you want to waste your life away wallowing in self pity that’s up to you, but a window has been opened for you, take the opportunity that has been given to you... If not for yourself then do it for Judith your wife!

James glares at his drink.

JAMES

That’s a low blow Lady!

James looks up ready to tear into Angela.

JAMES (CONT'D)

How do you know...Her?

James surveys the area; but Angela is gone, he glances over at the Bartender.

JAMES

Where did Angela go?

BARTENDER

Angela who?

JAMES

The woman who was sitting next to me!

The Bartender looks around.

P.O.V REMNANT OF PEOPLE SITTING AROUND

BARTENDER

There was no one sitting next to you.

James shows the Bartender the business card.

JAMES

OK...then the imaginary woman that gave me this card! Where is she?

The Bartender takes the card from James' hand and looks at it with a smile.

BARTENDER

If I were you son, I would see this man!

James snatches the card back from the Bartender's hand felling frustrated.

JAMES

Whatever! No one here makes any sense, I am out of here!

James storms out of Vinnie's Bar.

EXT. TSADDIK LIGHT AND SOUND STUIDO-PARKING LOT DAY

James comes driving up on a motorcycle, and parks it climbs off and enters the front door.

INT. TSADDIK LIGHT AND SOUND STUIDO-DAY

Standing in an open lobby looking something like an art gallery, James moves about admiring the art.

JAMES

Impressive, Theses are really good.

ANGEL a woman in 20's dressed in a business outfit, strolls up behind James startling him.

ANGEL

Hello sir is there something you are particularly looking for?

James turns and faces Angel.

JAMES

(Smiles)

Ah No.

James turns and walks away, he heads for another direction, when Angel appears, and she stands blocking his way.

JAMES

(Confused)

H..h.. how did you do that?

ANGEL

How did I do what?

JAMES

You where at the other end just a moment ago and now you're here in front of me how you did do that?

ANGEL

There are many questions in life, some you can understand and then there are some you can not.

Angel slowly advances James with eyes that pierce through his soul.

ANGEL (CONT'D)

But my question to you is what are you looking for?

JAMES

Look Lady...I am not here to perches any art that's for sure?

ANGEL

(Raises tone)

Then why are you here?

JAMES

I am here to see Mr. Tsaddik.

Angel looks over her shoulder, then back at James with a smile.

ANGLE

You're here to see Tsaddik?

James pulls out Tsaddik's business card and hands it to Angel.

JAMES

Someone in your firm gave me this card last night.

Angel glances at it then back at James.

ANGEL

O...I see.

Angel puts the business card in her pocket,

ANGEL (CONT’D)

Then in that case you will need this.

A golden scroll appears in Angel's hand, and she hands it to James.

JAMES

What's this?

ANGEL

It’s a scroll you'll need it to show Tsaddik.

JAMES

(Sarcastic)

Why not a ticket or a number something more simple?

Angel steps up into James' face glaring into his eyes.

ANGEL

(Scolding)

You know you Mr. McMullen you complain too much, you should really learn to tame your tong and have a little trust! Good day Mr. McMullen!

Angel spins around and walks off, James follows.

JAMES

How did you know my name?

Angel stops and turns and sees James following her.

JAMES (CONT'D)

I don't even know your name?

ANGEL

(Raises tone)

Good day Mr. McMullen

Angel starts to walk off.

JAMES

Please don't go, I am sorry for my behavior, I have just been under a lot of stress theses days.

Angel turns and hands him the golden scroll, James looks at the scroll then into Angel’s eyes she smiles, and he takes the scroll.

ANGEL

(Smiles)

Good, now follow me!

Angel leads James to a door and she opens it.

ANGEL (CONT’D)

You will find Mr. Tsaddik in here.

James stands staring at her and at the open door with a twinge of fear.

ANGEL

What are you waiting for?

JAMES

I am suddenly afraid to go through that door.

ANGEL

Fear not Mr. McMullen; Tsaddik is suspecting you.

James reluctantly walks through the door.

INT. TSADDIK'S OFFICE-MOMENTS LATER

TSADDIK a jolly man, dress in white comes walking into the office from another direction.

TSADDIK

May I help you?

James hands Tsaddik the golden scroll.

JAMES

The lady out in the lobby gave me this to give to you.

Tsaddik smiles and shakes James hand with great joy.

TSADDIK

Ah you must be James McMullen it’s a pleasure to have you here.

Tsaddik takes the scroll and opens it then he puts in down on his desk.

TSADDIK

(Excitement)

I have been waiting for a long time to meet with you!

JAMES

Really?

Tsaddik offers James a seat.

TSADDIK

Please take a seat, I won't waste your time.

James sits down with a look of confusion on his face.

JAMES

One of your employees said you wanted me to paint a picture for you, So what is it that you want of me to paint Mr. Tsaddik?

TSADDIK

Right to the point I like that.

Tsaddik sits across from James.

TSADDIK

I want you to paint me a picture from your heart!

JAMES

(Confused)

A picture from my heart are you out of your mind?

TSADDIK

I assure you Mr. McMullen we don't joke about these matters, we take art seriously here.

JAMES

OK?

TSADDIK

Now if you accept my offer you will be working in my studio with everything provided for you and at the end of our agreement, I will pay you a sum $20,000,000.00.

JAMES

(Laughs)

You must be one crazy old man to offer me such a crazy price of a painting that I don't even know what the hell I am going to paint!

Tsaddik looks at James with a smile as he stands.

TSADDIK

Just think of me as a little eccentric, but the question still remains do you want the job or not?

James glances down closing his eyes releases a sigh.

ANGELA (V.O.)

Not for you then for Judith your wife.

James opens his eyes, slowly looks up.

JAMES

What the hell, I have nothing to lose right?

Tsaddik stands with excitement.

TSADDIK

Excellent choice!

Tsaddik heads for the door.

TSADDIK (CONT’D)

Now Mr. McMullen would you please accompany me!

James stands and follows Tsaddik out the door.

INT. TSADDIK'S STUIDO-MOMENTS LATER

James and Tsaddik are standing in a large white room with a large canvas board with paints, paint brushes and pencils.

JAMES

Wow, this is one big white room!

Tsaddik smiles.

TSADDIK

Everything you need is here to complete the work that we discussed.

James glances at Tsaddik.

JAMES

(Remorse)

Why?

TSADDIK

Why what?

JAMES

Why are you doing this?

Tsaddik puts his hand on James' shoulder showing compassion.

TSADDIK

Because son everybody needs a second chance at life, don't you think?

JAMES

Yea I guess so?

Tsaddik smiles slap James on his back.

TSADDIK

Remember to paint from your heart.

JAMES

(Laughs)

Yea from my heart!

Tsaddik slaps James on his back.

TSADDIK

That’s the spirit!

Tsaddik leaves the premises, he peeks his head through the door once more.

TSADDIK (CONT'D)

Remember to paint from your heart.

James stares at the blank canvas with complexity.

JAMES

(Sighs with grief)

From my heart?

James sits on the floor and continues to stare at the blank canvas, lighting flickers, James slowly stands and picks up a pencil and starts to sketch out lines.

James picks up his pallet and brushes and paints, stroke after stroke, an image slowly comes to life. James finishes, he slowly steps back wiping the sweat from his brow.

P.O.V A BEAUTIFUL PAINTING OF JUDITH

JAMES

(Whispers)

Judith my love!

James' eyes are full of tears as he stairs at his masterpiece; a light shines as Judith appears in the light wearing white.

P.O.V JUDITH STANDS IN A SHIMMERING LIGHT DRESSED IN WHITE

JUDITH

Do not stare my love see how the winter has past and the rains are over and gone.

James slowly approaches Judith.

JAMES

Oh how I have missed you my love.

James reaches out to touch Judith.

JAMES (CONT'D)

Oh God don't let this be a dream or I will surly die.

Judith reaches out and the two touch.

JAMES (CONT'D)

For my heart cannot take the pain of missing you another day my love!

Judith embraces James.

JUDITH

I slept but my heart was awaken, and I arose to open for you my love.

Tsaddik appears in a golden light behind Judith, James glances up with a tear in his eye.

JAMES

How is this possible?

TSADDIK

What is impossible to you is not impossible with God.

James looks at Judith with gladness takes her and caresses her with passion.

TSADDIK (V.O.)

I know of your sorrow and I have felt your pain, now rejoice with your fountain of life and be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth.

James and Judith embrace and kiss.

INT. BEDROOM-DAY

James wakes up with a cold sweat; Judith is sleeping next to him.

JAMES

A dream?

James leans over kisses Judith who is sleeping.

JAMES (CONT’D)

Thank God it was only a dream.

Judith opens her eyes with a smile.

JUDITH

You say something sweetheart?

JAMES

Good morning!

Judith stretches, James stairs into Judith’s eyes, tearing up.

JUDITH

What's wrong sweetheart?

JAMES

Nothing, I just want you to know I love you,

James cresses Judith’s cheek and she kiss his hand.

JAMES (CONT’D)

Whatever you want to do today is fine with me.

Judith smiles wrapping her arms around James neck.

JUDITH

I am glad you said that!

JAMES

(Hint of worry)

Why...What do you want to do?

JUDITH

I just want to stay home with you.

James and Judith smile as they lean their heads against one another staring into each others eyes intently.

JAMES

(Laughs with a sigh)

You read my mind, happy Anniversary honey.

JUDITH

Happy Anniversary sweetheart.

James and Judith kiss.

END

................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download