PAGE 1
1/1 DISTANCE-ESTABLISHING SHOT-EXT-JOSIE’S HOME-DUSK
A brightly colored suburban home on the small side, with an ill-maintained lawn. The small frame of a woman (Cate) approaches the driveway carrying something.
1/2 MEDIUM
The focus is on Cate’s feet as they ascend the concrete front stairs of the home; she is only visible from the back of the thigh down.
1/3 CLOSE-UP-INSET
Cate’s finger presses a doorball.
1/4 INT-JOSIE’S LIVING ROOM-DUSK
Josie attention turns away from the television in front of her and she looks towards the front door.
SFX
BZZZZZZZZZ. BZZZ BZZZZZZZZ.
1/5 MEDIUM CLOSE-INSET
Josie rolls her eyes unenthusiastically.
1/6 MEDIUM WIDE
Josie gets up from the couch and moves to get the door.
PAGE 2
The layout of the page should show a door ajar on the left, in the first vertical third, with the panels filling in the space remaining.
2/1 MEDIUM-CATE’S POV-OVER-THE-SHOULDER
From behind Cate’s head, we see Josie standing at the door with a look of confusion tinged with a look of annoyance.
JOSIE
Hello?
2/2 MEDIUM-DIFFERENT ANGLE
Cate’s face is finally revealed; she wears a warm smile that compliments her Sunday’s Best (though it’s the middle of the week) and she carries a basket of food with her.
CATE
Hello, dear! How are you?
CATE (CONT’D)
*sigh* I’d almost forgotten what a beautiful girl you turned out to be.
JOSIE
Um...can I help you?
2/3 DIFFERENT ANGLE
Cate’s attention shifts to the basket as she digs through it with her free hand, surveying her own handy work.
CATE
Oh, there’s no need for that.
CATE (CONT’D)
John and I-and Lionel, too-we heard about your father’s accident last week. I just wanted to let you know that you’re all in our prayers.
2/4 DIFFERENT ANGLE
Bursting with excitement and pride, Cate raises her arm carrying the basket and offers it towards Josie.
CATE
So here you are. A little “get well” dinner, for the whole family. I know how hard it can be with the provider out of commission for a while.
2/5 MEDIUM CLOSE
Josie looks down at the basket, more than a little creeped out.
CATE (O.S.)
Oh, and the tupperware is yours to keep, of course.
2/6 CLOSE-UP INSET
A small card with an image of the Virgin Mary rests on top of the basket.
JOSIE (O.S.)
Thanks...
2/7 MEDIUM CLOSE
As the door slams out sight, Cate stands silently waiting. Her smile has not faded, though her eyes register confusion or disappointment.
SFX
SLAM!
PAGE 3
NOTE: This is supposed to be a dream sequence, or a hallucination that present-day Twitch is having from the dumpster as he recalls the story; obviously, it connects back to the forward-moving part of the story, but I thought we should try to remind readers of where the narrator stands presently without breaking up the narrative too much.
3/1 WIDE-EXT-A FIELD-DAY
Two windmills stand majestically at the far end of a sweeping green field. Two figures on horseback, armed with lances, approach.
TWITCH (CAPTION)
I haven’t eaten in days at this point.
3/2 MEDIUM CLOSE-RIDERS’ POV
From behind the mysterious riders, we see the two windmills again; a woman, bearing a striking resemblance to Josie only decked out in a ridiculous princess get-up, looks out a window, flailing her arms. One rider wears medieval armor, one moves his arm to left up the face shield on his helmet; the other is dressed like a cowboy archetype.
TWITCH (CAPTION)
And I think it’s finally starting to get to me.
3/3 CLOSE-UP
In the foreground, the first Knight has pulled up his face shield, revealing Twitch’s face underneath. Behind him, Walker-as-cowboy prepares for battle.
TWITCH
Prithee, thy fair maiden waits upon yonder window!
TWITCH (CONT’D)
Alas, my friend, I am without adeptness at the ways of the sword. Dost thou truly believe thou canst defeat these evil giants in combat?
3/4 CLOSE-UP-WALKER’S POV
Walker looks past Twitch at the windmills, ready to charge into battle.
WALKER
Guess we’ll find out, huh?
WALKER (CONT’D)
C’mon. Let’s be goddamn heroes.
3/5 CLOSE
Walker screams as he charges into battle; Twitch follows reluctantly behind.
WALKER
YAAAARGH!
TWITCH (CAPTION)
Now, when I see things in my head, it’s kind of like this.
PAGE 4
SPLASH
Mrs. Henderson and Walker in “millipede vision,” shown as long extensions of themselves, simultaneously from birth to death. The shot of Mrs. Henderson from last issue should be the focus here, to remind us of where we left off. Other characters can be in this splash as well, in the same millipede form-in general, this page seem like a calamity of lives, from beginning to end, splashed and spilled together like liquid.
That is, except Twitch, who is the only one who is not a millipede person.
CREDITS
“Tilting at Windmills, or, Everywhen But Here”
Created by Thom Dunn, Paul Cantillon, and Dmitry Milkin
TWITCH (CAPTION)
Everything that ever has been. Everything that ever will be.
TWITCH (CAPTION) (CONT’D)
Everything, at once.
TWITCH (CAPTION) (CONT’D)
How do you know which face is now? Or which who happens when?
TWITCH (CAPTION) (CONT’D)
Okay, sure. Maybe I’ve just completely lost it.
TWITCH (CAPTION) (CONT’D)
But maybe it’s a matter of perspective. Maybe if you change your angle-change the way you look at things-maybe if you just change the way you stand-
TWITCH (CAPTION) (CONT’D)
Maybe you can change the future.
TWITCH (CAPTION) (CONT’D)
Maybe you can change the past.
TWITCH (CAPTION) (CONT’D)
Or maybe...
*On the following pages, during Mrs. Henderson’s lectures, her speech bubbles can be partially covered or obscured by others.
PAGE 5
5/1 BLACK
The panel is all black, but for a single speech bubble:
CHRIS (O.S.)
This is stupid.
CHRIS (O.S.) (CONT’D)
Can we go back to the part about the Tasmanian Devil?
5/2 WIDE-INT-HIGH SCHOOL CLASSROOM-DAY
Walker, Twitch, Chris, Josie, et al in Mrs. Henderson’s history class. Mrs. Henderson is clearly not amused by this remark. There is a map of Australia pulled down on the board behind her. The analog clock on the wall should read 10:35.
MRS. HENDERSON
I assure you, they’re not as cuddly as the Warner Brothers would have you think.
MRS. HENDERSON (CONT’D)
Why, they don’t even do that little...tornado spin-y thing they do on television.
MRS. HENDERSON (SMALL) (CONT’D)
Though I suppose that rabbits can’t speak English in the real world either.
TWITCH (CAPTION)
Memory is a funny thing.
5/3 MEDIUM CLOSE-DIFFERENT ANGLE
Mrs. Henderson turns her back to face the board.
MRS. HENDERSON (SMALL)
Now where was I...
5/4 MEDIUM-WALKER’S POV
Walker looks over at Twitch, who is paying attention to Mrs. Henderson
TWITCH (CAPTION)
Although, I guess it’s not really funny in that I-told-you-so sense, because if it were, that would defeat the entire point of trying to articulate whatever it is I’m trying to articulate.
MRS. HENDERSON
Ah, yes! Here we are!
MRS. HENDERSON (CONT’D)
While each aboriginal tribe does have its own variation on the creation myth, there is a-generalized-consensus regarding this notion of the Dreaming.
MRS. HENDERSON (CONT’D)
Which, as I was trying to say before, seems to contradict the commonly accepted Western understanding of time.
TWITCH (CAPTION)
(And obviously, it’s not hilarious)
5/5 MEDIUM CLOSE
Focus on Twitch, as Walker still tries getting his attention from across the room in that way that people do by focusing all their energy on someone else. On Twitch’s wrist, we should see a digital watch that reads 10:28.
TWITCH (CAPTION)
It’s kind of like trying to explain to someone why you organize your clothes the way you do.
MRS. HENDERSON
An oversimplification of this concept...
MRS. HENDERSON (SMALL) (CONT’D)
...but one that I suppose would suffice...
MRS. HENDERSON (CONT’D)
...would be to say that history and dreams in Aboriginal cultures are viewed as being completely objective, whereas one’s personal sense of time and memory is subjective.
PAGE 6
6/1 MEDIUM-DIFFERENT ANGLE
Twitch finally notices Walker looking at him, and he looks back, with an inquisitive expression on his face.
TWITCH (CAPTION)
As far as you’re concerned, there’s only one place that socks could possibly go, and that’s in the left-hand side of the top drawer of the dresser, next to the underwear, which should always stay in the center.
MRS. HENDERSON
Being that the past-history, if you will-is inexplicably linked to both our present and our future, the three are seen to exist in simultaneity and harmony.
MRS. HENDERSON (CONT’D)
It is our dreams that connect our souls to the greater, all-encompassing web of life.
6/2 MEDIUM-TWITCH’S POV
Twitch looks back at Walker, who simply rolls his eyes at the lecture.
MRS. HENDERSON
Now, I know it might sound like I’m just advocating History as a field of study, but there is a distinct cultural relevance in these ideas.
MRS. HENDERSON (CONT’D)
Yes, Justin?
TWITCH (CAPTION)
Of course, someone else might use the bottom drawer, or-God forbid-a middle one (which makes no sense, whatsoever), because that just seems right to them.
TWITCH (CAPTION) (CONT’D)
(Again, unless it’s a middle drawer, because that’s just wrong no matter how you cut it.)
6/3 WIDE-MRS. HENDERSON’S POV
Mrs. Henderson calls on Justin, who nervously asks a questions. In the background, Twitch can be seen looking at Walker still, while Walker shrugs his shoulders.
TWITCH (CAPTION)
The point is, I could really use a new pair of socks now. There’s some really gross garbage juice in here, and it soaked through a while ago.
JUSTIN
This isn’t going to be on the test, is it?
JUSTIN (CONT’D)
All this...theoretical time...stuff.
MRS. HENDERSON
I’m afraid not, though you shouldn’t take that as an excuse for not doing the reading.
MRS. HENDERSON (CONT’D)
Just because it’s not on the test doesn’t mean it’s not important.
TWITCH (CAPTION)
And the tragic irony of it all? I don’t even know how long I’ve been here in this dumpster. The logic of my own memory is a mystery even to me-which I guess makes sense, with all that’s been going on.
6/4 CLOSE UP-INSET?
Close up on the analog clock in the classroom, with Twitch’s face reflected in the plexiglass.
TWITCH (CAPTION)
So my socks are back in the left hand side of the top drawer of my dresser at John and Cate’s house, and I’m here waiting for the Future Garbage Truck to come and take me away.
MRS. HENDERSON (O.S.)
However, Chapter Thirty Seven, which deals with the specifics of some of the more popular Creation epochs, will be.
PAGE 7
7/1 MEDIUM
Mrs. Henderson’s head is cut off in “Muppet Babies” fashion again, as Twitch and Walker try to talk inconspicuously.
MRS. HENDERSON
Interestingly enough, “The Dreaming” is actually a term that was popularized by an Australian anthropologist named WEH Stanner.
WALKER (WHISPER)
What are we supposed to do about this?
MRS. HENDERSON
Despite it’s popularity in the English language canon, the term was actually intended to serve as an insult of sorts. An Aboriginal man reportedly told Stanner that the-and I quote-”White man got no Dreaming,” a phrase which Stanner ironically adored and used as a title for one of his books.
TWITCH (WHISPER)
I don’t know...
MRS. HENDERSON
The Aborigines, of course, are not English speakers, and-yes, Chris?
7/2 MEDIUM CLOSE
Focus on Chris, as he tries to crack a joke.
TWITCH (O.S.)(WHISPER)
...you’re the action hero.
CHRIS
So are you kind of saying that Morpheus from The Matrix was one of these guys?
CHRIS (CONT’D)
I mean, Laurence Fishburne’s black, the aborgines are black-ish, and the Matrix is all about the same kind of dreaming mind stuff and all, you know?
MRS. HENDERSON (O.S.)
Thank you for your insight, Chris.
CHRIS
No problem, Missus H.
7/3 MEDIUM-DIFFERENT ANGLE
Walker rolls his eyes at Chris’s joke.
WALKER (WHISPER)
Well, do you remember anything?
TWITCH (WHISPER)
Yes, I told you what I saw!
WALKER (WHISPER)
Do you remember any details, or-? Maybe you can bring the image back in your head, paint a picture or something.
WALKER (WHISPER) (SMALL) (CONT’D)
Or have Tim Sale do it.
MRS. HENDERSON
As I was saying, calling it “The Dreaming,” or, “Dreamtime,” can be seen as somewhat ignorant by some of the Aborigine tribes.
7/4 MEDIUM-DIFFERENT ANGLE
TWITCH (WHISPER)
Maybe we could ask her? After class?
WALKER (WHISPER)
That’ll go over great. Oh, hi Mrs. Henderson. Do you have any dying planned soon that we could help stop?
WALKER (WHISPER) (CONT’D)
Oh, by the way, I was wondering if I could get some extra credit if I punch Chris in the face while I’m at it.
MRS. HENDERSON
The Anangu, for example, call this idea Tjukurpa. In fact, they have no word for dreams or dreaming in their language and all, and some take insult with the idea that we would consider such an important spiritual truth to be the equivalent of dreams, of sleep-induced fantasies.
MRS. HENDERSON (CONT’D)
Whereas many people in English-speaking countries do believe that dreams reflect life, the Anangu believe that what we call “The Dreaming” is life, in all its forms, existing beyond time.
CHRIS (SMALL)
Who makes this shit up...
TWITCH (WHISPER)
Look, I don’t know if she’s going to die necessarily, she just...looked like she was in a lot of pain, that’s all.
TWITCH (WHISPER) (CONT’D)
Well, plus she was sprawled out on the floor. But that could just be a coincidence!
7/5 MEDIUM CLOSE
Mrs. Henderson gives a stern look.
MRS. HENDERSON
Gentlemen...
7/6 TWO-SHOT
Shrunken with embarrassment and shame, Walker and Twitch exchange a look.
WALKER AND TWITCH
Sorry Mrs. Henderson.
PAGE 8
8/1 FULL FIGURE TWO-SHOT-INT-HIGH SCHOOL HALLWAY-DAY
Walker and Twitch talk as they leave the classroom.
WALKER
I just think you need to start training, that’s all.
TWITCH
Training? I’m not running a marathon, Walker.
WALKER
You know what I mean. We need to discipline your..your eye thing, so we can use it. The eye is a muscle after all, like anything else.
THE REST OF THE PAGE IS A SINGLE IMAGE, BROKEN VERTICALLY INTO PANELS (MAINLY FOR DIALOGUE'S SAKE), AND DEPICTS WALKER AND TWITCH STANDING IN THE HALLWAY SPEAKING, WHILE THE REST OF THE STUDENT BODY BLURS/MILLIPEDES AROUND THEM.
8/2
TWITCH
No, it’s not.
WALKER
Sure it is. What else could it be?
TWITCH
It’s-they’re-organs, like the heart or the lungs.
8/3
WALKER
Really?
WALKER (SMALL) (CONT’D)
Weird.
TWITCH
Listen, Walker-I feel like this is all just a little much right now.
WALKER
What, Henderson’s lecture? I’ll just wiki it later, it can’t be that confusing. But we should really focus more on-
TWITCH
Okay, I get it. This whole twitchy eye thing is really cool and all, but a few days ago you didn’t even know my first name. Now you’re all anxious to run around playing hero? It’s just kind of sudden. Maybe...
8/4
TWITCH
Maybe it’s too fast. Maybe we’re all moving too fast.
8/5
WALKER
Listen. We know that something bad is going to happen to Mrs. Henderson soon.
TWITCH
We don’t-
WALKER
AH.
WALKER (CONT’D)
We-that’s you and me-we are the only ones with the power to prevent this. It’s our duty-our responsibility.
8/6
TWITCH
Oh, sorry, didn’t realize you were Smokey the Spider-Bear all the sudden. Does that mean I get a code name, too, or...?
WALKER
What?
TWITCH
Nevermind.
8/7
WALKER
What does that even-
TWITCH
I told you to forget it.
TWITCH (CONT’D)
But yes, okay, you’ve got a point, I admit.
WALKER
So why are you being hesitant? I thought this was your thing! Epic quests, and damsels in distress, and something else that rhymes. It’s like those books you’re always carrying around!
TWITCH (CAPTION)
You’d think I’d know the difference between fiction and reality by now.
TWITCH (CONT’D)
But those are books, Walker. And that’s just me. What I still want to know-what I still don’t get-
PAGE 9
9/1 INT.-HIGH SCHOOL CAFETERIA - DAY
From Twitch’s perspective, Walker is sitting at a table eating lunch with friends, including Chris, the rest of whom are clearly jocks or “cool” guys. They are all laughing and having a good time.
TWITCH (O.S.)
“...what’s in it for you?”
GUY 1
You’re fuckin’ kidding me, dude! She said that?
GUY 2
Yeah man. She’s totally into that shit.
9/2 MEDIUM CLOSE
Walker looks over his shoulder, away from the group. He hasn’t been paying attention to the conversation at all.
GUY 1
What about you, Walker? You been goin’ through a dry spell or somethin’ lately? Whatever happened with, uh...what the fuck’s her name...
9/3 WIDE
Sitting alone at a table, with the world buzzing-even blurring-around him, Twitch eats lunch alone reading “Don Quixote.”
GUY 1 (O.S.)
Walker?
9/4 MEDIUM
Saving face, Walker turns around and rejoins the conversation with the guys. A hint of skepticism or suspicion sneaks across Chris’s face, however.
WALKER
What? Yeah, sorry.
WALKER (CONT’D)
I’m just kind of spacing today. Late night.
GUY 2
I hear that. I was trying to read for Henderson’s class the other day, right? Took me like, four hours.
GUY 2 (CONT’D)
That shit makes no sense, at all.
9/5 CLOSE-INSET
Chris looks back in Twitch’s direction.
9/6 CLOSE
Chris turns his attention back to the group and motions in Twitch’s direction.
CHRIS
Hey.
CHRIS (CONT’D)
Did I tell you guys what happened with Twitchie Richie’s mom the other day?
PAGE 10
10/1 MEDIUM WIDE
Twitch is looking down at the table, still reading and eating and not paying much attention to the world around him.
10/2 SAME
The panel is the same,except a person-shaped shadow has now fallen over Twitch.
10/3 SAME
The panel is the same as the previous one, except Twitch has now looked up at the shadow’s source.
CHRIS (O.S.)
What was your Mom doing over at my girlfriend’s the other night, creep?
TWITCH (CAPTION)
You’d think I’d know when I’m being set-up for a joke...
TWITCH (CONT’D)
What the heck?
TWITCH (SMALL) (CONT’D)
Am I supposed to answer that seriously?
10/4 MEDIUM-TWITCH’S POV
Hands on the table, Chris stares down Twitch.
TWITCH (CAPTION)
...or when I’m the punch line.
CHRIS
I heard you made dinner for Josie and you had your mom deliver it.
CHRIS (CONT’D)
Too scared to stalk my girlfriend on your own, so you ask your mom to do it for you?
10/5 CLOSE
Still sitting at the lunch table with the other guys observing Chris’s masculine assertion, Walker’s face reveals his empathy. He’s torn between saving face and letting it happen, or stepping in and standing up for Twitch.
10/5 CLOSE
Completely confounded by this accusation, Twitch searches frantically in his head for an answer as his eye begins to twitch.
TWITCH
Um...I don’t...I’m not really sure what that-
CHRIS (O.S.)
See, now I know you’re lying,’cause that creepy little eye of yours is freaking out.
10/6 MEDIUM
As Twitch struggles to gain control over the coming vision, Walker comes over and places a hand on Chris’s shoulder.
WALKER
Hey, man. Knock it off.
WALKER (CONT’D)
It’s not like Josie’s gonna leave you for him or anything.
CHRIS
Man, what is with you lately? Why are you defending this freak?
WALKER
Why are you always starting shit? You think you’re so fucking macho, but you always pick on the weakest links.
WALKER (CONT’D)
You’re a real manly man, Chris. Maybe you should-
TWITCH (SMALL)
Hnnnn...
10/7 CLOSE
Twitch ejaculates in pain from his oncoming vision.
TWITCH
GAH!
PAGE 11
SPLASH
A collage of images, with Twitch’s writhing face in the center.
--The same image of Mrs. Henderson collapsing, with close-ups of it scattered throughout the collage as well.
--A hand stroking Josie’s face. It is Walker’s hand, though his face is not visible.
--A doctor writing out a prescription or diagnosis.
--Marissa, dressed much more angrily and militant, screaming about something.
PAGE 12
12/1-MEDIUM
As Twitch pulls himself together, Chris looks down at him with a disgusted look. Whether he is disgusted by Twitch, or with himself for being embarassed by Walker is up for debate. Walker looks to Twitch with concern, but still tries to maintain and assert his Alpha Male status.
TWITCH (SMALL)
Hunh...hff...hn...
12/2-SAME
A clash of glares from Chris and Walker; Twitch is still recovering.
12/3-MEDIUM WIDE
Chris turns his back and walks away from the table, getting the last word in a “hail mary” attempt to save face; the entire cafeteria has been watching. Walker checks in with Twitch, who has finally sat up.
CHRIS
Yeah. Whatever, Don Juan.
CHRIS (CONT’D)
Have fun with Don Quixote over here.
WALKER
You okay?
TWITCH (SMALL)
I did it...
WALKER
What?
12/4 MEDIUM
Twitch, still recovering, looks up excitedly and wide-eyed at Walker, who stands beside him.
TWITCH (SMALL)
Mrs. Henderson...hhnh...falling...I saw it again...
12/5 MEDIUM
Immediately, Walker takes the seat beside Twitch, gushing with adrenaline.
WALKER
You saw it? You brought the vision back? What did you see this time?
WALKER (SMALL) (CONT’D)
I knew it.
TWITCH (SMALL)
Well, I...ahh...didn’t really pay attention...huuh...I was kind of distracted...
TWITCH (SMALL) (CONT’D)
Thanks, by the way.
WALKER
Don’t worry about it.
WALKER (CONT’D)
You got the vision back once, which means we can bring it back again and figure out how to stop it.
TWITCH (SMALL)
Heh...”we”?
12/6 CLOSE
A cocky but exuberant grin, dripping both of mischief and courage, takes over Walker’s face.
WALKER
You heard me. Now c’mon.
WALKER (CONT’D)
Let’s be goddamn heroes.
PAGE 13
13/1 BIRD’S EYE VIEW-EXT-TREETOP/YARD-DAY-FLASHBACK
Looking down on young Walker, he reaches up towards something in the branches of the tree.
UNCLE (O.S.)
That’s it...There he is...You got him.
13/2 MEDIUM
Young Walker, standing on a ladder supported by his Uncle below, cradles a cat in his arms.
SFX (CAT)
Mreow.
UNCLE (O.S.)
Alright Walker, now come on down, nice and slow.
13/3 MEDIUM-WOMAN’S POV
Walker gets down from the ladder, cat in arms, with help from Uncle Ted.
UNCLE
There we go.
13/4 MEDIUM
Walker hands the cat to the Woman, a neighbor, who is ecstatic to have her cat back.
WALKER
Here you go, ma’am.
WOMAN
Oh, Walker! Thank you! Thank you so much!
WOMAN (CONT’D)
Ted, thank you, too, of course.
UNCLE
It’s our pleasure.
13/5 MEDIUM CLOSE
Uncle Ted puts his hand on Walker’s shoulder; his head is cut off.
UNCLE
See, I told you. You’ve got courage lie a lion. How’s it feel to be a hero?
PAGE 14-15
14-15/1 MEDIUM INT-HIGH SCHOOL HALLWAY-DAY-PRESENT
Backed up against a locker inconspicuously, Walker glances around.
14-15/2 WIDE
Chris yelling at Josie in the middle of the hallway. She pouts angrily and defiantly, eyes rolled.
14-15/3 MEDIUM-CLOSE
The doorway to Mrs. Henderson’s classroom; her name is visible on a plate on the wall beside the door.
14-15/4 SAME ANGLE
Mrs. Henderson comes to the door to leave.
TWITCH (CAPTION)
Do you ever feel like you’re just waiting for something to happen?
14-15/5 MEDIUM
Twitch looks up from the book he’s reading, sitting propped against a wall.
14-15/6 CLOSE
Walker looks intently and intensely at Twitch (off-panel), trying to communicate non-verbally; his jaw is clenched tight and eyes are wide.
14-15/7 MEDIUM
Twitch, from the same angle as before, eyes turned to look in the direction that Walker is (presumably) notioning.
14-15/8 WIDE
Mrs. Henderson walks down the hall, hobbling a bit; Chris and Josie can still be seen, somewhat obscured from view behind her. Josie has begun to walk away.
14-15/9 SAME ANGLE
Mrs. Henderson has walked further now, almost to the edge of the panel; behind her, more focused, is Josie, walking away from Chris defiantly as he yells after her.
14-15/10 SAME ANGLE
Chris alone, throwing his arms up in frustration, giving up.
TWITCH (CAPTION)
It’s like you know exactly what’s to come, and there’s nothing you can do but wait for it to hit you.
14-15/11 MEDIUM CLOSE
Twitch looks to Walker, with an inquisitive look of surprise.
14-15/12 MEDIUM CLOSE
Walker shrugs.
14-15/13 SAME
Walker nods his head in Mrs. Henderson’s direction.
14-15/14 WIDE
Mrs. Henderson continues to walk away down the hall; she’s at least 20 yards away by now.
14-15/15 MEDIUM
Twitch shoots an incredulous look in Walker’s direction.
14-15/16 MEDIUM CLOSE
Walker shrugs again.
TWITCH (CAPTION)
I’m sure I’m not the only one that gets that feeling.
TWITCH (CAPTION) (CONT’D)
All things considered.
PAGE 16
16/1 TWO-SHOT
Twitch approaches Walker.
TWITCH
Now what?
WALKER
Now?
16/2 SAME
Twitch waits impatiently for a response. Walker looks down to the ground nervously searching for an answer.
WALKER
Ummm, well, uh-there could-um...
TWITCH
Seriously. What did that accomplish?
16/3 CLOSE
Walker shrugs, jokingly and charismatically, with a feigned innocence in his smile.
WALKER
...reconnaissance?
16/4 MEDIUM CLOSE
Twitch rolls his eyes and throws his head back.
16/5 TWO-SHOT-DIFFERENT ANGLE
Twitch steps it up, pointing at Walker (if he were more of a man, he’d poke him in the chest). Walker is surprised even by this slight step he’s taken.
TWITCH
If you really want to do something about this, then by all means, let’s do something.
TWITCH (CONT’D)
Especially if it’s going to make these...things subside.
TWITCH (CONT’D)
But if you’re just going to sit here and boost up your ego with delusions of grandeur, then forget it. I’m out. I’m done with your little prank.
16/6 MEDIUM CLOSE
Twitch indicates to Walker that they need to get going.
TWITCH
Let’s get to class.
TWITCH (SMALL) (CONT’D)
I won’t even make you sit with me.
PAGE 17
17/1 WIDE
Ms. Eliot teaching, indicating the board. The backs of students’ heads are once again visible--Walker is captivated, Twitch is distracted, Josie and Chris are separated, and Justin is hunched over, scribbling in his notebook.
MS. ELIOT
Can anyone tell me the benefits of a narrative like the one that Vonnegut uses here? When we’re told what’s going happen ahead of time, but not exactly how?
17/2 CLOSE
Ms. Eliot calls on a student.
MS. ELIOT
Ryan?
17/3 MEDIUM CLOSE
Twitch drifts off, clearly not paying attention. Walker can be seen behind him raising his hand.
RYAN (O.S.)
Uh, it’s like...idunno, it’s kinda like foreshadowing.
WALKER
It helps create suspense...
17/4 CLOSE
Close-up on the clock in the classroom, which reads 1:45pm.
WALKER (O.S.)
...by making the reader anticipate what’s going to happen.
WALKER (CONT’D)
‘Cause the reader knows things that the characters don’t.
MS. ELIOT (O.S.)
Very good, Walker.
PAGE 18
18/1 LARGE PANEL
Twitch sharply and suddenly sits up at his desk, eyes wide, with his right eye twitching. They rest of the students might be visible around him, but they should be opaque and faded; the rest of the panel is filled up with various images from his previous vision of Mrs. Henderson, repeated at different distances and zooms. Specifically, the time on her clock (1:47) should keep building on top of other fragmented images, each time getting closer and closer.
18/2 WIDE
Ms. Eliot continues to teach, but is stopped when she notices something.
MS. ELIOT
Now, who can tell--yes, Twitch?
18/3 CLOSE
Twitch anxiously asks a question.
TWITCH
Can I go to the bathroom?
MS. ELIOT (O.S.)
Of course. Go...
18/4 SAME ANGLE
Twitch is already out of his scene; Walker looks puzzled but curious.
MS. ELIOT (O.S.)
...right ahead.
PAGE 19
19/1 WIDE
Twitch’s hand reaches towards Mrs. Henderson’s door (which we can tell by the nametag plaque next to it. Or not.)
19/2 ONE-SHOT-INT-MRS. HENDERSON’S CLASSROOM-AFTERNOON
Twitch enters Mrs. Henderson’s classroom, speaking before he gets even half of his body in the door.
TWITCH
Mrs. Henderson?
TWITCH (CONT’D)
Hello?
19/3 MEDIUM
Mrs. Henderson sits at her desk. She looks up towards the door, bringing her glasses down to the tip of her nose.
MRS. HENDERSON
Hello, Lionel. What can I do for you?
19/4 MEDIUM CLOSE
Twitch, uncertain of how to answer without sounding like a nut, desperately and awkwardly grasps for something to say. He looks down and to the right, partially to hide his twitching right eye.
TWITCH
Um...I just...I...
TWITCH (CONT’D)
There was...umm...
19/5 INSET
Twitch looks at the watch on the wrist; the time is 1:46 and somelot of seconds.
19/6 SAME ANGLE AS BEFORE
Twitch looks up, excitedly feigning confidence.
TWITCH
I just wanted to say that all that...Aborigine stuff you were talking about today, with The Dreaming and whatnot. That was really interesting.
PAGE 20
20/1 WIDE-TWITCH’S POV OVER-THE-SHOULDER
Twitch keeps talking, trying to come up with an answer, as Mrs. Henderson looks at him. She is skeptical, but amused.
TWITCH
And, you did a really good job, you know,of...of explaining all those crazy concepts.
20/2 MEDIUM CLOSE
Twitch, finally fully confident in his act, keeps going, injecting an air of bravado and confidence, almost scoffing at what he’s saying in a poor attempt to cover for himself.
TWITCH
All that...fluid time spectrum...dimensional...stuff...
TWITCH (CONT’D)
I mean, it’s totally ridiculous and ungrounded and...you know...
TWITCH (CONT’D)
It was really good the way you taught it.
TWITCH (SMALL) (CONT’D)
You being a teacher and all.
20/3 MEDIUM CLOSE
Mrs. Henderson looks back down at her desk as she responds.
MRS. HENDERSON
Thank you for the kind words, Lionel, but...
MRS. HENDERSON (CONT’D)
Shouldn’t you be in class right now?
20/4 MEDIUM CLOSE
Twitch awkwardly searches for an answer. Again.
TWITCH
...
TWITCH (SMALL) (CONT’D)
I had to pee.
20/5 MRS. HENDERSON’S POV
Now Twitch has his alibi!
TWITCH
And-and school’s almost done for the day, you now, and-and we had a test, um, in Ms. Eliot’s class.
TWITCH (CONT’D)
Which I finished, you know, ‘cause...
MRS. HENDERSON
Oh, really? And what were you reading in Ms. Eliot’s class?
PAGE 21
21/1 MEDIUM-TWITCH’S POV
On a downward angle, looking at Mrs. Henderson from where Twitch stands beside her desk. This time, Twitch actually has the answer without thinking.
TWITCH
Slaughterhouse Five.
MRS. HENDERSON
Can’t say I’ve read that one.
TWITCH
It’s about time travel.
TWITCH (SMALL) (CONT’D)
Kind of.
21/2 PROFILE TWO-SHOT
Mrs. Henderson looks at Twitch again.
MRS. HENDERSON
Well, you should probably get back to Ms. Eliot’s class, Mr. Ritchie.
MRS. HENDERSON (CONT’D)
I’m sure she misses your engaging wit right now.
TWITCH (SMALL)
Yeah...
21/3 MEDIUM
Mrs. Henderson waits awkwardly and impatiently for Twitch to leave.
MRS. HENDERSON
...
MRS. HENDERSON (CONT’D)
Goodbye, Lionel.
21/4 MEDIUM WIDE
Twitch gets the clue. Finally.
TWITCH
Oh. Right!
TWITCH (CONT’D)
Bye Mrs. Henderson!
MRS. HENDERSON
Have a good weekend, Lionel.
TWITCH
Thanks! You too!
TWITCH (CONT’D)
Hope...you know...hope everything’s well!
MRS. HENDERSON
Thanks, Lionel.
TWITCH
Take care!
MRS. HENDERSON
Goodbye, Lionel.
21/5 MEDIUM CLOSE
Twitch walks towards the door, wearing a proud smile. Mrs. Henderson is clearly visible behind him, waiting for him to leave.
TWITCH
So long!
21/6 INSET
Twitch looks at his watch; the time is 1:50.
TWITCH (SMALL)
Mission accomplished.
PAGE 22
22/1 WIDE
Mrs. Henderson looks back down at her desk and continues correcting papers.
22/2 SAME
Same shot. Mrs. Henderson might move a bit.
22/3 SAME
Same shot. Mrs. Henderson might move a bit more.
22/4 DIFFERENT ANGLE
Mrs. Henderson looks up as the bell rings.
SFX
Bzzzzzzzzzzz
22/5 CLOSE
Focus on Mrs. Henderson’s desk; her hand is all that is seen of her, helping her up out of her chair. It obscures a doctor’s note.
22/6 SAME
With her hand removed, we get a clear shot of the doctor’s note beneath her hand that diagnoses her with breast cancer.
END.
1/1 DISTANCE-ESTABLISHING SHOT-EXT-JOSIE’S HOME-DUSK
A brightly colored suburban home on the small side, with an ill-maintained lawn. The small frame of a woman (Cate) approaches the driveway carrying something.
1/2 MEDIUM
The focus is on Cate’s feet as they ascend the concrete front stairs of the home; she is only visible from the back of the thigh down.
1/3 CLOSE-UP-INSET
Cate’s finger presses a doorball.
1/4 INT-JOSIE’S LIVING ROOM-DUSK
Josie attention turns away from the television in front of her and she looks towards the front door.
SFX
BZZZZZZZZZ. BZZZ BZZZZZZZZ.
1/5 MEDIUM CLOSE-INSET
Josie rolls her eyes unenthusiastically.
1/6 MEDIUM WIDE
Josie gets up from the couch and moves to get the door.
PAGE 2
The layout of the page should show a door ajar on the left, in the first vertical third, with the panels filling in the space remaining.
2/1 MEDIUM-CATE’S POV-OVER-THE-SHOULDER
From behind Cate’s head, we see Josie standing at the door with a look of confusion tinged with a look of annoyance.
JOSIE
Hello?
2/2 MEDIUM-DIFFERENT ANGLE
Cate’s face is finally revealed; she wears a warm smile that compliments her Sunday’s Best (though it’s the middle of the week) and she carries a basket of food with her.
CATE
Hello, dear! How are you?
CATE (CONT’D)
*sigh* I’d almost forgotten what a beautiful girl you turned out to be.
JOSIE
Um...can I help you?
2/3 DIFFERENT ANGLE
Cate’s attention shifts to the basket as she digs through it with her free hand, surveying her own handy work.
CATE
Oh, there’s no need for that.
CATE (CONT’D)
John and I-and Lionel, too-we heard about your father’s accident last week. I just wanted to let you know that you’re all in our prayers.
2/4 DIFFERENT ANGLE
Bursting with excitement and pride, Cate raises her arm carrying the basket and offers it towards Josie.
CATE
So here you are. A little “get well” dinner, for the whole family. I know how hard it can be with the provider out of commission for a while.
2/5 MEDIUM CLOSE
Josie looks down at the basket, more than a little creeped out.
CATE (O.S.)
Oh, and the tupperware is yours to keep, of course.
2/6 CLOSE-UP INSET
A small card with an image of the Virgin Mary rests on top of the basket.
JOSIE (O.S.)
Thanks...
2/7 MEDIUM CLOSE
As the door slams out sight, Cate stands silently waiting. Her smile has not faded, though her eyes register confusion or disappointment.
SFX
SLAM!
PAGE 3
NOTE: This is supposed to be a dream sequence, or a hallucination that present-day Twitch is having from the dumpster as he recalls the story; obviously, it connects back to the forward-moving part of the story, but I thought we should try to remind readers of where the narrator stands presently without breaking up the narrative too much.
3/1 WIDE-EXT-A FIELD-DAY
Two windmills stand majestically at the far end of a sweeping green field. Two figures on horseback, armed with lances, approach.
TWITCH (CAPTION)
I haven’t eaten in days at this point.
3/2 MEDIUM CLOSE-RIDERS’ POV
From behind the mysterious riders, we see the two windmills again; a woman, bearing a striking resemblance to Josie only decked out in a ridiculous princess get-up, looks out a window, flailing her arms. One rider wears medieval armor, one moves his arm to left up the face shield on his helmet; the other is dressed like a cowboy archetype.
TWITCH (CAPTION)
And I think it’s finally starting to get to me.
3/3 CLOSE-UP
In the foreground, the first Knight has pulled up his face shield, revealing Twitch’s face underneath. Behind him, Walker-as-cowboy prepares for battle.
TWITCH
Prithee, thy fair maiden waits upon yonder window!
TWITCH (CONT’D)
Alas, my friend, I am without adeptness at the ways of the sword. Dost thou truly believe thou canst defeat these evil giants in combat?
3/4 CLOSE-UP-WALKER’S POV
Walker looks past Twitch at the windmills, ready to charge into battle.
WALKER
Guess we’ll find out, huh?
WALKER (CONT’D)
C’mon. Let’s be goddamn heroes.
3/5 CLOSE
Walker screams as he charges into battle; Twitch follows reluctantly behind.
WALKER
YAAAARGH!
TWITCH (CAPTION)
Now, when I see things in my head, it’s kind of like this.
PAGE 4
SPLASH
Mrs. Henderson and Walker in “millipede vision,” shown as long extensions of themselves, simultaneously from birth to death. The shot of Mrs. Henderson from last issue should be the focus here, to remind us of where we left off. Other characters can be in this splash as well, in the same millipede form-in general, this page seem like a calamity of lives, from beginning to end, splashed and spilled together like liquid.
That is, except Twitch, who is the only one who is not a millipede person.
CREDITS
“Tilting at Windmills, or, Everywhen But Here”
Created by Thom Dunn, Paul Cantillon, and Dmitry Milkin
TWITCH (CAPTION)
Everything that ever has been. Everything that ever will be.
TWITCH (CAPTION) (CONT’D)
Everything, at once.
TWITCH (CAPTION) (CONT’D)
How do you know which face is now? Or which who happens when?
TWITCH (CAPTION) (CONT’D)
Okay, sure. Maybe I’ve just completely lost it.
TWITCH (CAPTION) (CONT’D)
But maybe it’s a matter of perspective. Maybe if you change your angle-change the way you look at things-maybe if you just change the way you stand-
TWITCH (CAPTION) (CONT’D)
Maybe you can change the future.
TWITCH (CAPTION) (CONT’D)
Maybe you can change the past.
TWITCH (CAPTION) (CONT’D)
Or maybe...
*On the following pages, during Mrs. Henderson’s lectures, her speech bubbles can be partially covered or obscured by others.
PAGE 5
5/1 BLACK
The panel is all black, but for a single speech bubble:
CHRIS (O.S.)
This is stupid.
CHRIS (O.S.) (CONT’D)
Can we go back to the part about the Tasmanian Devil?
5/2 WIDE-INT-HIGH SCHOOL CLASSROOM-DAY
Walker, Twitch, Chris, Josie, et al in Mrs. Henderson’s history class. Mrs. Henderson is clearly not amused by this remark. There is a map of Australia pulled down on the board behind her. The analog clock on the wall should read 10:35.
MRS. HENDERSON
I assure you, they’re not as cuddly as the Warner Brothers would have you think.
MRS. HENDERSON (CONT’D)
Why, they don’t even do that little...tornado spin-y thing they do on television.
MRS. HENDERSON (SMALL) (CONT’D)
Though I suppose that rabbits can’t speak English in the real world either.
TWITCH (CAPTION)
Memory is a funny thing.
5/3 MEDIUM CLOSE-DIFFERENT ANGLE
Mrs. Henderson turns her back to face the board.
MRS. HENDERSON (SMALL)
Now where was I...
5/4 MEDIUM-WALKER’S POV
Walker looks over at Twitch, who is paying attention to Mrs. Henderson
TWITCH (CAPTION)
Although, I guess it’s not really funny in that I-told-you-so sense, because if it were, that would defeat the entire point of trying to articulate whatever it is I’m trying to articulate.
MRS. HENDERSON
Ah, yes! Here we are!
MRS. HENDERSON (CONT’D)
While each aboriginal tribe does have its own variation on the creation myth, there is a-generalized-consensus regarding this notion of the Dreaming.
MRS. HENDERSON (CONT’D)
Which, as I was trying to say before, seems to contradict the commonly accepted Western understanding of time.
TWITCH (CAPTION)
(And obviously, it’s not hilarious)
5/5 MEDIUM CLOSE
Focus on Twitch, as Walker still tries getting his attention from across the room in that way that people do by focusing all their energy on someone else. On Twitch’s wrist, we should see a digital watch that reads 10:28.
TWITCH (CAPTION)
It’s kind of like trying to explain to someone why you organize your clothes the way you do.
MRS. HENDERSON
An oversimplification of this concept...
MRS. HENDERSON (SMALL) (CONT’D)
...but one that I suppose would suffice...
MRS. HENDERSON (CONT’D)
...would be to say that history and dreams in Aboriginal cultures are viewed as being completely objective, whereas one’s personal sense of time and memory is subjective.
PAGE 6
6/1 MEDIUM-DIFFERENT ANGLE
Twitch finally notices Walker looking at him, and he looks back, with an inquisitive expression on his face.
TWITCH (CAPTION)
As far as you’re concerned, there’s only one place that socks could possibly go, and that’s in the left-hand side of the top drawer of the dresser, next to the underwear, which should always stay in the center.
MRS. HENDERSON
Being that the past-history, if you will-is inexplicably linked to both our present and our future, the three are seen to exist in simultaneity and harmony.
MRS. HENDERSON (CONT’D)
It is our dreams that connect our souls to the greater, all-encompassing web of life.
6/2 MEDIUM-TWITCH’S POV
Twitch looks back at Walker, who simply rolls his eyes at the lecture.
MRS. HENDERSON
Now, I know it might sound like I’m just advocating History as a field of study, but there is a distinct cultural relevance in these ideas.
MRS. HENDERSON (CONT’D)
Yes, Justin?
TWITCH (CAPTION)
Of course, someone else might use the bottom drawer, or-God forbid-a middle one (which makes no sense, whatsoever), because that just seems right to them.
TWITCH (CAPTION) (CONT’D)
(Again, unless it’s a middle drawer, because that’s just wrong no matter how you cut it.)
6/3 WIDE-MRS. HENDERSON’S POV
Mrs. Henderson calls on Justin, who nervously asks a questions. In the background, Twitch can be seen looking at Walker still, while Walker shrugs his shoulders.
TWITCH (CAPTION)
The point is, I could really use a new pair of socks now. There’s some really gross garbage juice in here, and it soaked through a while ago.
JUSTIN
This isn’t going to be on the test, is it?
JUSTIN (CONT’D)
All this...theoretical time...stuff.
MRS. HENDERSON
I’m afraid not, though you shouldn’t take that as an excuse for not doing the reading.
MRS. HENDERSON (CONT’D)
Just because it’s not on the test doesn’t mean it’s not important.
TWITCH (CAPTION)
And the tragic irony of it all? I don’t even know how long I’ve been here in this dumpster. The logic of my own memory is a mystery even to me-which I guess makes sense, with all that’s been going on.
6/4 CLOSE UP-INSET?
Close up on the analog clock in the classroom, with Twitch’s face reflected in the plexiglass.
TWITCH (CAPTION)
So my socks are back in the left hand side of the top drawer of my dresser at John and Cate’s house, and I’m here waiting for the Future Garbage Truck to come and take me away.
MRS. HENDERSON (O.S.)
However, Chapter Thirty Seven, which deals with the specifics of some of the more popular Creation epochs, will be.
PAGE 7
7/1 MEDIUM
Mrs. Henderson’s head is cut off in “Muppet Babies” fashion again, as Twitch and Walker try to talk inconspicuously.
MRS. HENDERSON
Interestingly enough, “The Dreaming” is actually a term that was popularized by an Australian anthropologist named WEH Stanner.
WALKER (WHISPER)
What are we supposed to do about this?
MRS. HENDERSON
Despite it’s popularity in the English language canon, the term was actually intended to serve as an insult of sorts. An Aboriginal man reportedly told Stanner that the-and I quote-”White man got no Dreaming,” a phrase which Stanner ironically adored and used as a title for one of his books.
TWITCH (WHISPER)
I don’t know...
MRS. HENDERSON
The Aborigines, of course, are not English speakers, and-yes, Chris?
7/2 MEDIUM CLOSE
Focus on Chris, as he tries to crack a joke.
TWITCH (O.S.)(WHISPER)
...you’re the action hero.
CHRIS
So are you kind of saying that Morpheus from The Matrix was one of these guys?
CHRIS (CONT’D)
I mean, Laurence Fishburne’s black, the aborgines are black-ish, and the Matrix is all about the same kind of dreaming mind stuff and all, you know?
MRS. HENDERSON (O.S.)
Thank you for your insight, Chris.
CHRIS
No problem, Missus H.
7/3 MEDIUM-DIFFERENT ANGLE
Walker rolls his eyes at Chris’s joke.
WALKER (WHISPER)
Well, do you remember anything?
TWITCH (WHISPER)
Yes, I told you what I saw!
WALKER (WHISPER)
Do you remember any details, or-? Maybe you can bring the image back in your head, paint a picture or something.
WALKER (WHISPER) (SMALL) (CONT’D)
Or have Tim Sale do it.
MRS. HENDERSON
As I was saying, calling it “The Dreaming,” or, “Dreamtime,” can be seen as somewhat ignorant by some of the Aborigine tribes.
7/4 MEDIUM-DIFFERENT ANGLE
TWITCH (WHISPER)
Maybe we could ask her? After class?
WALKER (WHISPER)
That’ll go over great. Oh, hi Mrs. Henderson. Do you have any dying planned soon that we could help stop?
WALKER (WHISPER) (CONT’D)
Oh, by the way, I was wondering if I could get some extra credit if I punch Chris in the face while I’m at it.
MRS. HENDERSON
The Anangu, for example, call this idea Tjukurpa. In fact, they have no word for dreams or dreaming in their language and all, and some take insult with the idea that we would consider such an important spiritual truth to be the equivalent of dreams, of sleep-induced fantasies.
MRS. HENDERSON (CONT’D)
Whereas many people in English-speaking countries do believe that dreams reflect life, the Anangu believe that what we call “The Dreaming” is life, in all its forms, existing beyond time.
CHRIS (SMALL)
Who makes this shit up...
TWITCH (WHISPER)
Look, I don’t know if she’s going to die necessarily, she just...looked like she was in a lot of pain, that’s all.
TWITCH (WHISPER) (CONT’D)
Well, plus she was sprawled out on the floor. But that could just be a coincidence!
7/5 MEDIUM CLOSE
Mrs. Henderson gives a stern look.
MRS. HENDERSON
Gentlemen...
7/6 TWO-SHOT
Shrunken with embarrassment and shame, Walker and Twitch exchange a look.
WALKER AND TWITCH
Sorry Mrs. Henderson.
PAGE 8
8/1 FULL FIGURE TWO-SHOT-INT-HIGH SCHOOL HALLWAY-DAY
Walker and Twitch talk as they leave the classroom.
WALKER
I just think you need to start training, that’s all.
TWITCH
Training? I’m not running a marathon, Walker.
WALKER
You know what I mean. We need to discipline your..your eye thing, so we can use it. The eye is a muscle after all, like anything else.
THE REST OF THE PAGE IS A SINGLE IMAGE, BROKEN VERTICALLY INTO PANELS (MAINLY FOR DIALOGUE'S SAKE), AND DEPICTS WALKER AND TWITCH STANDING IN THE HALLWAY SPEAKING, WHILE THE REST OF THE STUDENT BODY BLURS/MILLIPEDES AROUND THEM.
8/2
TWITCH
No, it’s not.
WALKER
Sure it is. What else could it be?
TWITCH
It’s-they’re-organs, like the heart or the lungs.
8/3
WALKER
Really?
WALKER (SMALL) (CONT’D)
Weird.
TWITCH
Listen, Walker-I feel like this is all just a little much right now.
WALKER
What, Henderson’s lecture? I’ll just wiki it later, it can’t be that confusing. But we should really focus more on-
TWITCH
Okay, I get it. This whole twitchy eye thing is really cool and all, but a few days ago you didn’t even know my first name. Now you’re all anxious to run around playing hero? It’s just kind of sudden. Maybe...
8/4
TWITCH
Maybe it’s too fast. Maybe we’re all moving too fast.
8/5
WALKER
Listen. We know that something bad is going to happen to Mrs. Henderson soon.
TWITCH
We don’t-
WALKER
AH.
WALKER (CONT’D)
We-that’s you and me-we are the only ones with the power to prevent this. It’s our duty-our responsibility.
8/6
TWITCH
Oh, sorry, didn’t realize you were Smokey the Spider-Bear all the sudden. Does that mean I get a code name, too, or...?
WALKER
What?
TWITCH
Nevermind.
8/7
WALKER
What does that even-
TWITCH
I told you to forget it.
TWITCH (CONT’D)
But yes, okay, you’ve got a point, I admit.
WALKER
So why are you being hesitant? I thought this was your thing! Epic quests, and damsels in distress, and something else that rhymes. It’s like those books you’re always carrying around!
TWITCH (CAPTION)
You’d think I’d know the difference between fiction and reality by now.
TWITCH (CONT’D)
But those are books, Walker. And that’s just me. What I still want to know-what I still don’t get-
PAGE 9
9/1 INT.-HIGH SCHOOL CAFETERIA - DAY
From Twitch’s perspective, Walker is sitting at a table eating lunch with friends, including Chris, the rest of whom are clearly jocks or “cool” guys. They are all laughing and having a good time.
TWITCH (O.S.)
“...what’s in it for you?”
GUY 1
You’re fuckin’ kidding me, dude! She said that?
GUY 2
Yeah man. She’s totally into that shit.
9/2 MEDIUM CLOSE
Walker looks over his shoulder, away from the group. He hasn’t been paying attention to the conversation at all.
GUY 1
What about you, Walker? You been goin’ through a dry spell or somethin’ lately? Whatever happened with, uh...what the fuck’s her name...
9/3 WIDE
Sitting alone at a table, with the world buzzing-even blurring-around him, Twitch eats lunch alone reading “Don Quixote.”
GUY 1 (O.S.)
Walker?
9/4 MEDIUM
Saving face, Walker turns around and rejoins the conversation with the guys. A hint of skepticism or suspicion sneaks across Chris’s face, however.
WALKER
What? Yeah, sorry.
WALKER (CONT’D)
I’m just kind of spacing today. Late night.
GUY 2
I hear that. I was trying to read for Henderson’s class the other day, right? Took me like, four hours.
GUY 2 (CONT’D)
That shit makes no sense, at all.
9/5 CLOSE-INSET
Chris looks back in Twitch’s direction.
9/6 CLOSE
Chris turns his attention back to the group and motions in Twitch’s direction.
CHRIS
Hey.
CHRIS (CONT’D)
Did I tell you guys what happened with Twitchie Richie’s mom the other day?
PAGE 10
10/1 MEDIUM WIDE
Twitch is looking down at the table, still reading and eating and not paying much attention to the world around him.
10/2 SAME
The panel is the same,except a person-shaped shadow has now fallen over Twitch.
10/3 SAME
The panel is the same as the previous one, except Twitch has now looked up at the shadow’s source.
CHRIS (O.S.)
What was your Mom doing over at my girlfriend’s the other night, creep?
TWITCH (CAPTION)
You’d think I’d know when I’m being set-up for a joke...
TWITCH (CONT’D)
What the heck?
TWITCH (SMALL) (CONT’D)
Am I supposed to answer that seriously?
10/4 MEDIUM-TWITCH’S POV
Hands on the table, Chris stares down Twitch.
TWITCH (CAPTION)
...or when I’m the punch line.
CHRIS
I heard you made dinner for Josie and you had your mom deliver it.
CHRIS (CONT’D)
Too scared to stalk my girlfriend on your own, so you ask your mom to do it for you?
10/5 CLOSE
Still sitting at the lunch table with the other guys observing Chris’s masculine assertion, Walker’s face reveals his empathy. He’s torn between saving face and letting it happen, or stepping in and standing up for Twitch.
10/5 CLOSE
Completely confounded by this accusation, Twitch searches frantically in his head for an answer as his eye begins to twitch.
TWITCH
Um...I don’t...I’m not really sure what that-
CHRIS (O.S.)
See, now I know you’re lying,’cause that creepy little eye of yours is freaking out.
10/6 MEDIUM
As Twitch struggles to gain control over the coming vision, Walker comes over and places a hand on Chris’s shoulder.
WALKER
Hey, man. Knock it off.
WALKER (CONT’D)
It’s not like Josie’s gonna leave you for him or anything.
CHRIS
Man, what is with you lately? Why are you defending this freak?
WALKER
Why are you always starting shit? You think you’re so fucking macho, but you always pick on the weakest links.
WALKER (CONT’D)
You’re a real manly man, Chris. Maybe you should-
TWITCH (SMALL)
Hnnnn...
10/7 CLOSE
Twitch ejaculates in pain from his oncoming vision.
TWITCH
GAH!
PAGE 11
SPLASH
A collage of images, with Twitch’s writhing face in the center.
--The same image of Mrs. Henderson collapsing, with close-ups of it scattered throughout the collage as well.
--A hand stroking Josie’s face. It is Walker’s hand, though his face is not visible.
--A doctor writing out a prescription or diagnosis.
--Marissa, dressed much more angrily and militant, screaming about something.
PAGE 12
12/1-MEDIUM
As Twitch pulls himself together, Chris looks down at him with a disgusted look. Whether he is disgusted by Twitch, or with himself for being embarassed by Walker is up for debate. Walker looks to Twitch with concern, but still tries to maintain and assert his Alpha Male status.
TWITCH (SMALL)
Hunh...hff...hn...
12/2-SAME
A clash of glares from Chris and Walker; Twitch is still recovering.
12/3-MEDIUM WIDE
Chris turns his back and walks away from the table, getting the last word in a “hail mary” attempt to save face; the entire cafeteria has been watching. Walker checks in with Twitch, who has finally sat up.
CHRIS
Yeah. Whatever, Don Juan.
CHRIS (CONT’D)
Have fun with Don Quixote over here.
WALKER
You okay?
TWITCH (SMALL)
I did it...
WALKER
What?
12/4 MEDIUM
Twitch, still recovering, looks up excitedly and wide-eyed at Walker, who stands beside him.
TWITCH (SMALL)
Mrs. Henderson...hhnh...falling...I saw it again...
12/5 MEDIUM
Immediately, Walker takes the seat beside Twitch, gushing with adrenaline.
WALKER
You saw it? You brought the vision back? What did you see this time?
WALKER (SMALL) (CONT’D)
I knew it.
TWITCH (SMALL)
Well, I...ahh...didn’t really pay attention...huuh...I was kind of distracted...
TWITCH (SMALL) (CONT’D)
Thanks, by the way.
WALKER
Don’t worry about it.
WALKER (CONT’D)
You got the vision back once, which means we can bring it back again and figure out how to stop it.
TWITCH (SMALL)
Heh...”we”?
12/6 CLOSE
A cocky but exuberant grin, dripping both of mischief and courage, takes over Walker’s face.
WALKER
You heard me. Now c’mon.
WALKER (CONT’D)
Let’s be goddamn heroes.
PAGE 13
13/1 BIRD’S EYE VIEW-EXT-TREETOP/YARD-DAY-FLASHBACK
Looking down on young Walker, he reaches up towards something in the branches of the tree.
UNCLE (O.S.)
That’s it...There he is...You got him.
13/2 MEDIUM
Young Walker, standing on a ladder supported by his Uncle below, cradles a cat in his arms.
SFX (CAT)
Mreow.
UNCLE (O.S.)
Alright Walker, now come on down, nice and slow.
13/3 MEDIUM-WOMAN’S POV
Walker gets down from the ladder, cat in arms, with help from Uncle Ted.
UNCLE
There we go.
13/4 MEDIUM
Walker hands the cat to the Woman, a neighbor, who is ecstatic to have her cat back.
WALKER
Here you go, ma’am.
WOMAN
Oh, Walker! Thank you! Thank you so much!
WOMAN (CONT’D)
Ted, thank you, too, of course.
UNCLE
It’s our pleasure.
13/5 MEDIUM CLOSE
Uncle Ted puts his hand on Walker’s shoulder; his head is cut off.
UNCLE
See, I told you. You’ve got courage lie a lion. How’s it feel to be a hero?
PAGE 14-15
14-15/1 MEDIUM INT-HIGH SCHOOL HALLWAY-DAY-PRESENT
Backed up against a locker inconspicuously, Walker glances around.
14-15/2 WIDE
Chris yelling at Josie in the middle of the hallway. She pouts angrily and defiantly, eyes rolled.
14-15/3 MEDIUM-CLOSE
The doorway to Mrs. Henderson’s classroom; her name is visible on a plate on the wall beside the door.
14-15/4 SAME ANGLE
Mrs. Henderson comes to the door to leave.
TWITCH (CAPTION)
Do you ever feel like you’re just waiting for something to happen?
14-15/5 MEDIUM
Twitch looks up from the book he’s reading, sitting propped against a wall.
14-15/6 CLOSE
Walker looks intently and intensely at Twitch (off-panel), trying to communicate non-verbally; his jaw is clenched tight and eyes are wide.
14-15/7 MEDIUM
Twitch, from the same angle as before, eyes turned to look in the direction that Walker is (presumably) notioning.
14-15/8 WIDE
Mrs. Henderson walks down the hall, hobbling a bit; Chris and Josie can still be seen, somewhat obscured from view behind her. Josie has begun to walk away.
14-15/9 SAME ANGLE
Mrs. Henderson has walked further now, almost to the edge of the panel; behind her, more focused, is Josie, walking away from Chris defiantly as he yells after her.
14-15/10 SAME ANGLE
Chris alone, throwing his arms up in frustration, giving up.
TWITCH (CAPTION)
It’s like you know exactly what’s to come, and there’s nothing you can do but wait for it to hit you.
14-15/11 MEDIUM CLOSE
Twitch looks to Walker, with an inquisitive look of surprise.
14-15/12 MEDIUM CLOSE
Walker shrugs.
14-15/13 SAME
Walker nods his head in Mrs. Henderson’s direction.
14-15/14 WIDE
Mrs. Henderson continues to walk away down the hall; she’s at least 20 yards away by now.
14-15/15 MEDIUM
Twitch shoots an incredulous look in Walker’s direction.
14-15/16 MEDIUM CLOSE
Walker shrugs again.
TWITCH (CAPTION)
I’m sure I’m not the only one that gets that feeling.
TWITCH (CAPTION) (CONT’D)
All things considered.
PAGE 16
16/1 TWO-SHOT
Twitch approaches Walker.
TWITCH
Now what?
WALKER
Now?
16/2 SAME
Twitch waits impatiently for a response. Walker looks down to the ground nervously searching for an answer.
WALKER
Ummm, well, uh-there could-um...
TWITCH
Seriously. What did that accomplish?
16/3 CLOSE
Walker shrugs, jokingly and charismatically, with a feigned innocence in his smile.
WALKER
...reconnaissance?
16/4 MEDIUM CLOSE
Twitch rolls his eyes and throws his head back.
16/5 TWO-SHOT-DIFFERENT ANGLE
Twitch steps it up, pointing at Walker (if he were more of a man, he’d poke him in the chest). Walker is surprised even by this slight step he’s taken.
TWITCH
If you really want to do something about this, then by all means, let’s do something.
TWITCH (CONT’D)
Especially if it’s going to make these...things subside.
TWITCH (CONT’D)
But if you’re just going to sit here and boost up your ego with delusions of grandeur, then forget it. I’m out. I’m done with your little prank.
16/6 MEDIUM CLOSE
Twitch indicates to Walker that they need to get going.
TWITCH
Let’s get to class.
TWITCH (SMALL) (CONT’D)
I won’t even make you sit with me.
PAGE 17
17/1 WIDE
Ms. Eliot teaching, indicating the board. The backs of students’ heads are once again visible--Walker is captivated, Twitch is distracted, Josie and Chris are separated, and Justin is hunched over, scribbling in his notebook.
MS. ELIOT
Can anyone tell me the benefits of a narrative like the one that Vonnegut uses here? When we’re told what’s going happen ahead of time, but not exactly how?
17/2 CLOSE
Ms. Eliot calls on a student.
MS. ELIOT
Ryan?
17/3 MEDIUM CLOSE
Twitch drifts off, clearly not paying attention. Walker can be seen behind him raising his hand.
RYAN (O.S.)
Uh, it’s like...idunno, it’s kinda like foreshadowing.
WALKER
It helps create suspense...
17/4 CLOSE
Close-up on the clock in the classroom, which reads 1:45pm.
WALKER (O.S.)
...by making the reader anticipate what’s going to happen.
WALKER (CONT’D)
‘Cause the reader knows things that the characters don’t.
MS. ELIOT (O.S.)
Very good, Walker.
PAGE 18
18/1 LARGE PANEL
Twitch sharply and suddenly sits up at his desk, eyes wide, with his right eye twitching. They rest of the students might be visible around him, but they should be opaque and faded; the rest of the panel is filled up with various images from his previous vision of Mrs. Henderson, repeated at different distances and zooms. Specifically, the time on her clock (1:47) should keep building on top of other fragmented images, each time getting closer and closer.
18/2 WIDE
Ms. Eliot continues to teach, but is stopped when she notices something.
MS. ELIOT
Now, who can tell--yes, Twitch?
18/3 CLOSE
Twitch anxiously asks a question.
TWITCH
Can I go to the bathroom?
MS. ELIOT (O.S.)
Of course. Go...
18/4 SAME ANGLE
Twitch is already out of his scene; Walker looks puzzled but curious.
MS. ELIOT (O.S.)
...right ahead.
PAGE 19
19/1 WIDE
Twitch’s hand reaches towards Mrs. Henderson’s door (which we can tell by the nametag plaque next to it. Or not.)
19/2 ONE-SHOT-INT-MRS. HENDERSON’S CLASSROOM-AFTERNOON
Twitch enters Mrs. Henderson’s classroom, speaking before he gets even half of his body in the door.
TWITCH
Mrs. Henderson?
TWITCH (CONT’D)
Hello?
19/3 MEDIUM
Mrs. Henderson sits at her desk. She looks up towards the door, bringing her glasses down to the tip of her nose.
MRS. HENDERSON
Hello, Lionel. What can I do for you?
19/4 MEDIUM CLOSE
Twitch, uncertain of how to answer without sounding like a nut, desperately and awkwardly grasps for something to say. He looks down and to the right, partially to hide his twitching right eye.
TWITCH
Um...I just...I...
TWITCH (CONT’D)
There was...umm...
19/5 INSET
Twitch looks at the watch on the wrist; the time is 1:46 and somelot of seconds.
19/6 SAME ANGLE AS BEFORE
Twitch looks up, excitedly feigning confidence.
TWITCH
I just wanted to say that all that...Aborigine stuff you were talking about today, with The Dreaming and whatnot. That was really interesting.
PAGE 20
20/1 WIDE-TWITCH’S POV OVER-THE-SHOULDER
Twitch keeps talking, trying to come up with an answer, as Mrs. Henderson looks at him. She is skeptical, but amused.
TWITCH
And, you did a really good job, you know,of...of explaining all those crazy concepts.
20/2 MEDIUM CLOSE
Twitch, finally fully confident in his act, keeps going, injecting an air of bravado and confidence, almost scoffing at what he’s saying in a poor attempt to cover for himself.
TWITCH
All that...fluid time spectrum...dimensional...stuff...
TWITCH (CONT’D)
I mean, it’s totally ridiculous and ungrounded and...you know...
TWITCH (CONT’D)
It was really good the way you taught it.
TWITCH (SMALL) (CONT’D)
You being a teacher and all.
20/3 MEDIUM CLOSE
Mrs. Henderson looks back down at her desk as she responds.
MRS. HENDERSON
Thank you for the kind words, Lionel, but...
MRS. HENDERSON (CONT’D)
Shouldn’t you be in class right now?
20/4 MEDIUM CLOSE
Twitch awkwardly searches for an answer. Again.
TWITCH
...
TWITCH (SMALL) (CONT’D)
I had to pee.
20/5 MRS. HENDERSON’S POV
Now Twitch has his alibi!
TWITCH
And-and school’s almost done for the day, you now, and-and we had a test, um, in Ms. Eliot’s class.
TWITCH (CONT’D)
Which I finished, you know, ‘cause...
MRS. HENDERSON
Oh, really? And what were you reading in Ms. Eliot’s class?
PAGE 21
21/1 MEDIUM-TWITCH’S POV
On a downward angle, looking at Mrs. Henderson from where Twitch stands beside her desk. This time, Twitch actually has the answer without thinking.
TWITCH
Slaughterhouse Five.
MRS. HENDERSON
Can’t say I’ve read that one.
TWITCH
It’s about time travel.
TWITCH (SMALL) (CONT’D)
Kind of.
21/2 PROFILE TWO-SHOT
Mrs. Henderson looks at Twitch again.
MRS. HENDERSON
Well, you should probably get back to Ms. Eliot’s class, Mr. Ritchie.
MRS. HENDERSON (CONT’D)
I’m sure she misses your engaging wit right now.
TWITCH (SMALL)
Yeah...
21/3 MEDIUM
Mrs. Henderson waits awkwardly and impatiently for Twitch to leave.
MRS. HENDERSON
...
MRS. HENDERSON (CONT’D)
Goodbye, Lionel.
21/4 MEDIUM WIDE
Twitch gets the clue. Finally.
TWITCH
Oh. Right!
TWITCH (CONT’D)
Bye Mrs. Henderson!
MRS. HENDERSON
Have a good weekend, Lionel.
TWITCH
Thanks! You too!
TWITCH (CONT’D)
Hope...you know...hope everything’s well!
MRS. HENDERSON
Thanks, Lionel.
TWITCH
Take care!
MRS. HENDERSON
Goodbye, Lionel.
21/5 MEDIUM CLOSE
Twitch walks towards the door, wearing a proud smile. Mrs. Henderson is clearly visible behind him, waiting for him to leave.
TWITCH
So long!
21/6 INSET
Twitch looks at his watch; the time is 1:50.
TWITCH (SMALL)
Mission accomplished.
PAGE 22
22/1 WIDE
Mrs. Henderson looks back down at her desk and continues correcting papers.
22/2 SAME
Same shot. Mrs. Henderson might move a bit.
22/3 SAME
Same shot. Mrs. Henderson might move a bit more.
22/4 DIFFERENT ANGLE
Mrs. Henderson looks up as the bell rings.
SFX
Bzzzzzzzzzzz
22/5 CLOSE
Focus on Mrs. Henderson’s desk; her hand is all that is seen of her, helping her up out of her chair. It obscures a doctor’s note.
22/6 SAME
With her hand removed, we get a clear shot of the doctor’s note beneath her hand that diagnoses her with breast cancer.
END.
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