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Brian Azzarello's Joker
by James Barresi (JFB32@AOL.com)

Rated: R   Genre: Drama   User Review: ***1/2
Based on the graphic novel of the same name by Brian Azzarello and Lee Bermejo.


This screenplay is copyrighted to its author. All rights reserved. This screenplay may not be used or reproduced without the express written permission of the author.



FADE IN:

EXT. GOTHAM STREETS - DAY
                                                            
The dark and dirty streets of GOTHAM CITY are filled with
people, moving amongst one another with no sense of urgency.
They move like drones, and wander the streets aimlessly.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O.)
When the news came, it spread like
wildfire from the back alleys to
the social clubs...
                                                            
 
EXT. ANOYNOMOUS ALLEY - DAY
                                                            
A man approaches another standing beneath the shadows of a
building, and whispers in his ear. The man in shadows gives
him a look, and they both head off in the same direction.
                                                            
 
EXT. CHURCH - DAY
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
Through stores and brothels, and
to the confessionals where it was
all paid for...
                                                            
A man walks out of church, surveying the area. A car comes
to a HALTING stop in front of him. The men inside the car
usher him to hop in.
                                                            
 
INT. ED'S BAR - DAY
                                                            
JONNY FROST, a young man in his late teens-early twenties,
is seated at a bar, next to two men (MONTY and JIMMY). He
sips from his drink, slowly.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
Not like a wildfire. A DISEASE.
                                                            
JONNY looks over at MONTY, a grizzled man. The bartender
fills MONTY'S glass, while he rubs his face in his palms.
JIMMY rubs the tip of his beer bottle.
                                                            
                       JIMMY
Someone's gotta go get'm, Monty.
We can't avoid 'em for long.
                                                            

2.

MONTY finally lifts his face from his hands, clearly
distraught. He seems agitated, as if he's gone through this
in his head a thousand times.
                                                            
                       MONTY
Okay. Who?
                                                            
JIMMY shrugs, and opens his mouth--
                                                            
                       JONNY (O.S.)
If no one else got the stones,
I'll do it.
                                                            
MONTY and JIMMY leans over and look at JONNY, who is facing
the pair.

MONTY and JIMMY share a look, and both express feelings of
content through facial expressions. MONTY reaches in his
pocket, and pulls out keys. He DANGLES them in front of
JONNY.
                                                            
                       MONTY
Be my guest, kid.
                                                            
MONTY drops the keys into JONNY'S hands, who in turn grasps
them tightly.
                                                            
 
EXT. ARKHAM ASYLUM GATES - DAY
                                                            
JONNY leans against his car, parked on the opposite side of
the street from the gates. He twirls the keys in his hand,
as he surveys the haunting scenery.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O.)
He was a disease that someway,
somehow, convinced the doctors he
wasn't diseased anymore.
                                                            
Another car pulls up in front of the asylum, a good twenty
feet away from JONNY and his car. He stops twirling his
keys, and looks at them for a moment.

The CAR ENGINE CEASES, and the headlights fade. No faces are
visible through the windshield. JONNY looks to the gates
again.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
The news spread, and nobody knows
as to why... But he was...
                                                            
The gates CREAK OPEN. JONNY gets off the car and straightens
himself out.

3.


A dark, looming figure moves toward them in the darkness.
The coat on the character billows in the wind, creating a
mystical feeling to the approach.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
THE JOKER was being released from
Arkham Asylum.
                                                            
THE JOKER, sporting clothes a mobster would be proud of,
strolls through the gate with a big grin on his scarred
face. His green hair is jumbled, and it moves with the wind.


He stands in the middle of the street, his eyes showing his
true nature as they dart around. He turns and faces the
city, and raises his middle finger to the skyline.
                                                            
JOKER turns to see JONNY, as if he had no idea he was there
the entire time.
                                                            
                       JOKER
And who are you?
                                                            
                       JONNY
Uh, I'm here to pick you up. Monty
sent me. My name's Jonny. Jonny
Frost.
                                                            
JOKER turns away, and looks at the parked car near JONNY. He
snorts an unsure chuckle, and turns back to JONNY, playful.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Jonny Jonny Frost, let me ask you
a question. Do you have a gun?
                                                            
                       JONNY
Yes, sir.
                                                            
He lifts up his shirt to reveal a pistol tucked firmly into
his belt line. He takes it out by the barrel and hands it to
JOKER.
                                                            
                       JONNY
Do you need it?
                                                            
JOKER smiles, and rubs his chin.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Jonny Jonny I think I like you.
Let me have it.
                                                            
JOKER examines the gun, and makes sure it's loaded.
                                                            

4.

                       JOKER
See that car? The men inside there
have guns, too.
                                                            
JONNY looks over to the car, still not able to see anything.
He seems perplexed by the JOKER'S knowledge.
                                                            
                       JONNY
      (Confused)
You know who they are?
                                                            
JOKER drops the pistol to his side, and looks over at the
car again.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Thugs. Cops, maybe. You're here to
pick me up...
                                                            
JOKER gets in JONNY'S face. He smiles, while tapping the gun
of his head lightly.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Well, they're here to put me DOWN.
                                                            
JONNY nods in understanding, and JOKER looks down to put his
new pistol away.
                                                            
                       JOKER
      (motioning)
Open your trunk.
                                                            
JONNY walks over and begins opening it with the key, as
JOKER stands watching the other car still.
                                                            
                       JOKER
That shovel you have?
                                                            
JONNY pops the trunk open, but he looks at the JOKER,
amazed.
                                                            
                       JONNY
How'd you--
                                                            
                       JOKER
Wrap it in a blanket and give it
to me.
                                                            
JONNY does as the clown says, and hands it to him from the
trunk.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Thank you.
                                                            

5.

JOKER examines it, and smiles. JONNY closes the trunk, as
JOKER begins to walk around the front of the car.
                                                            
                       JOKER
I'll ride SHOTGUN.
                                                            
JONNY walks around from the back of the car, and gets in the
driver's seat, as JOKER does the same on the passenger side.
                                                            
 
EXT. CITY STREETS - DAY
                                                            
The sun is going down. JONNY'S car moves along swiftly, down
empty roads. The other car follows.
                                                            
 
INT. JONNY'S CAR - DAY
                                                            
JONNY looks in his mirror, and notices the car following
them. He shakes his head. JOKER watches him, seeing that
he's nervous and worried. He knows what he's thinking.

JONNY turns the wheel.
                                                            
 
EXT. SIDE STREET - DAY
                                                            
The car enters a side street, and stops for a moment.
                                                            
 
INT. JONNY'S CAR - DAY
                                                            
JONNY turns and looks to see where the other car is.

Looking out the back windshield, we see the other car turn
down their street as well.
                                                            
                       JONNY
Shit.
                                                            
 
EXT. SIDE STREET - DAY
                                                            
The car STARTS, and begins moving forward again, at an even
pace.
                                                            
 
INT. JONNY'S CAR - DAY
                                                            
JONNY continues to drive, and looks over to JOKER--
Completely calm.

JONNY is getting aggrivated. He constantly looks in his

6.

sideview mirror, and watching the other car creep up on
them. They pass blocks and blocks.
                                                            
 
EXT. INTERSECTION - DAY
                                                            
At an empty intersection, the following car turns RIGHT, as
JONNY and JOKER continue to move forward.
                                                            
 
INT. JONNY'S CAR - DAY
                                                            
JOKER laughs drly, and JONNY looks over at him. He's unsure
of what he just heard.
                                                            
                       JOKER
I want you to come somewhere with
me.
                                                            
 
EXT. MANNY'S MEAT AND FISH SHOP ALLEY - NIGHT
                                                            
JONNY'S car stops in a grungy alleyway, not a soul in sight.
Trash cans are everywhere. The pair gets out and walks
toward the other end of the alley.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O.)
We stopped at a place that for
anyone who went there, was the
LAST stopping place. It was the
end of the road.
                                                            
 
EXT. MANNY'S MEAT AND FISH SHOP - NIGHT
                                                            
The pair meets a large, barred-up door. It belongs in front
of a fortress. JOKER KNOCKS, JONNY waits to the side.
                                                            
                       CROC THUG
      (from inside)
Who's there?
                                                            
A beat.

JOKER smiles.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Joe.
                                                            
                       CROC THUG
      (from inside)
Joe wh--
                                                            

7.

The gang member stops as he opens the slider, and sees
nothing but the JOKER'S SCARRED SMILE. The young man goes
wide-eyed. He SHUTS the slider.

JOKER leans back against the door's frame, waiting.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Jonny Jonny, you look nervous.
                                                            
JONNY looks over to him, snapping out of a trance.
                                                            
                       JONNY
I do? I don't mean to. I mean...
I'm sorry.
                                                            
JONNY frowns, and leans against the door. JOKER waves him
over.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Here.
                                                            
JOKER pulls the pistol out from his coat, and hands it to
JONNY.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Little less nervous?
                                                            
JONNY smiles, and nods reassuringly.
                                                            
                       JOKER
A bit of advice...
                                                            
JOKER puts his hand on JONNY'S shoulder, and looks him dead
in the eye.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Don't EVER apologize to anyone for
the way you look.
                                                            
JOKER cracks his wrinkles, and the heavy door begins to open
behind him.
                                                            
 
INT. MANNY'S MEAT AND FISH SHOP - NIGHT
                                                            
JONNY and JOKER enter MANNY'S. The DOOR-MAN steps aside as
they enter, what appears to be one large meat locker. JOKER
looks around, and walks forward to a table with KILLER CROC
and his men. They're playing cards.

JONNY stays close to the door.
                                                            

8.

                       CROC
Joker...
                                                            
KILLER CROC is HUGE. A behemoth of a man, originally of
African-American descent. However, one would not be able to
tell, due to his skin disorder. This disorder causes him to
have hardened skin, and as a result, resembles a reptile.

He puts down his cards, and watches the Clown Prince. He
seems unsure of his presence in "his" place. His men keep an
eye on him, and JONNY to a lesser extent.
                                                            
                       CROC
I heard you was gettin' out...
Tell me... how'd you manage that?
                                                            
                       JOKER
Uh...
                                                            
JOKER looks around the table, hands in his pockets. He's
like a kid.
                                                            
                       JOKER
No.
                                                            
CROC leans back in his chair.
                                                            
                       CROC
So what brings you 'round here?
                                                            
JOKER puts his arms out, giving a "Are you serious?"-type of
expression.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Croc. C'mon... I always like to
see you.
                                                            
                       CROC
Why's that?
                                                            
JOKER smiles, and leans into the table.
                                                            
                       JOKER
You make me feel handsome.
                                                            
CROC smirks, approvingly. He leans forward, and picks up his
playing cards again.
                                                            
                       CROC
You want inta the game?
                                                            
JOKER looks at the cards on the table, and grimaces.
                                                            

9.

                       JOKER
I do, I do, but...
                                                            
JOKER pulls both of his pockets inside out. Nothing in them
but lint.

CROC chuckles.
                                                            
                       CROC
Heard THAT too. No respect shown.
While you was away. You broke?
                                                            
JOKER shrugs.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Nothing we can't fix.
                                                            
                       CROC
So what needs fixin'?
                                                            
                       JOKER
Fixin'? That's a SIDE DISH. Hungry
again, Croc?
                                                            
CROC proudly holds his head high to the comment, but still
seems monstrous.
                                                            
                       CROC
Always.
                                                            
JOKER holds up his pants' pockets, making them look like
rabbit ears.
                                                            
                       JOKER
How 'bout some rabbit?
                                                            
CROC looks angry at the joke, and begins to say something.
However, his growl grows into a chuckle. And his chuckle
grows into hysterical laughter. His men join in, and JOKER
SLAMS onto the table with his palms and dry heaves.

CROC gets up, and he and JOKER embrace in a hug. In the
back, JONNY watches while he lights up a cigarette.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O.)
My name is Jonny Frost. You don't
know me. But all my life, I knew
you would.
                                                            
 

10.

EXT. ED'S BAR - NIGHT
                                                            
JONNY, JOKER, CROC, and CROC'S MEN walk down the alley, just
outside the bar.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
That I'd do something... Be
somebody-- that you'd know. And
take notice.
                                                            
The group approaches the door to the bar, and JOKER begins
his way in.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
Not some two-bit hood, hustlin'
small potatoes that wouldn't
satisfy a starvin' Irish man.
SOMEBODY.
                                                            
 
INT. ED'S BAR - DAY
                                                            
JOKER walks into the bar, followed by JONNY and CROC. They
stand in the doorway, as JOKER surveys the room.

MONTY tuns around from the bar, and puts down his beer. He's
nervous.
                                                            
                       MONTY
Well, look who it is...
                                                            
MONTY gets up from his seat, arms extended. JOKER doesn't
share the excitement.
                                                            
                       MONTY
Welcome home, boss.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Monty. It's been, what? At least--
                                                            
                       MONTY
--TOO LONG! And we got no time to
talk about that, we gotta
celebrate!
                                                            
JOKER seems confused.
                                                            
                       JOKER
We DO? What's the occasion?
                                                            
JOKER looks around, as if there was a party going on he
wasn't seeing. MONTY rubs the back of his neck, and sweats
profusely.
                                                            

11.

                       MONTY
You're out...
                                                            
MONTY swings back, facing the bar. JOKER waits behind him,
as the rest of his crew, including JONNY, stand behind him.
                                                            
                       JOKER
      (matter-of-factly)
Yes, I am.
                                                            
MONTY swings back, holding a shot glass filled with liquor.
He hands it to JOKER. MONTY shakes.
                                                            
                       MONTY
Drink?
                                                            
JOKER raises his eyebrows at the offer, and takes the glass.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Yeah.
                                                            
He turns and raises the glass to CROC, JONNY, and CROC'S
MEN, then downs it. He expresses happiness with it, and then
shakes the empty glass at MONTY.
                                                            
                       JOKER
'Nother?
                                                            
                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
A HUGE PARTY. CROC'S MEN, CROC, and others are all drinking,
having a good time. They're all laughing and acting wild at
multiple booths.

JONNY, JOKER, and MONTY sit at the bar. JOKER turns away,
watching the festivities.

Then, a blonde girl walks into view, dressed in scampy
clothes. She walks by the trio, and JOKER follows her with
his eyes the entire time. She heads into a back room, and
pulls the curtain over the door.

MONTY looks away, and turns to JOKER.
                                                            
                       MONTY
You feelin' good?
                                                            
JOKER gives him an eye, but continues to watch CROC'S men.
                                                            
                       JOKER
I'm feelin'.
                                                            

12.

                       MONTY
Good.
(motioning to CROC and his men)
So why'd you bring the animals
with ya?
                                                            
JOKER puts his arms up, as if defenseless. He finally turns
to MONTY.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Now now, Monty, I'll admit that
Croc has a certain... eccentric
way with evidence, but that
doesn't make him a...OOH...
                                                            
JOKER chuckles, and points at MONTY.
                                                            
                       JOKER
You said ANIMALS.
                                                            
JOKER looks back at the bar, getting a feel for his
surroundings. As if he just showed up.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Monty, we should talk about what's
happened while I've been away. Now
I know you'd rather wait until
tomorrow, but I'm ANTSY.
                                                            
MONTY is sweating again. JOKER grabs his face with one hand,
and smooches his cheek.
                                                            
                       MONTY
I don' wan' you that way, Boss.
                                                            
JOKER pulls away, and taps MONTY'S face lightly with his
hand.
                                                            
                       JOKER
I know.
                                                            
JOKER moves MONTY'S head, and into the direction of the back
room's doorway.

Standing there is the girl from before, now dressed in a
new, red and black harlequin-like outfit. This is JOKER'S
henchwoman, HARLEY QUINN.

She motions for MONTY to come, much to MONTY'S surprise.
JOKER puts his arm around him.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Jonny?
                                                            

13.

                       JONNY
Yeah?
                                                            
                       JOKER
Keep an eye on Croc. He's on a
diet.
                                                            
JOKER and MONTY walk towards the back room, and HARLEY steps
away from the doorway enters as they approach.

JONNY sits at the bar, nearly passing out. He's dazed and
drunk.

JONNY tries to pour alcohol into his glass, but pours it on
the table. THE BARTENDER approaches, and pours more vodka in
his glass.

Then there are SCREAMS, and GASPS. The BARTENDER looks up,
in shock.
                                                            
                       BARTENDER
JESUS H--
                                                            
JONNY looks over, his vision obscured, but there's MONTY
stumbling all over the place.

But MONTY isn't drunk. There's BLOOD spilling from his
mouth, and he stumbles forward to the ground. There's a
CROWBAR in the base of his neck.

JOKER and HARLEY walk over to the body, and observe. They
shrug and walk away t another table. CROC chuckles, in light
of all the screaming and terror.

Some people try to get up and leave, but friends hold them
down in fear of what will happen. Others just sit, some in
disgust, while others with full attention to JOKER, who is
now standing on a table.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Friends...
                                                            
JOKER pulls back his hair, and shakes his head.
                                                            
                       JOKER
I'm very, very distressed. You can
see it in my face, I'm sure.
                                                            
JOKER sighs. HARLEY stands behind him, running her fingers
over a knife blade.
                                                            

14.

                       JOKER
When I went away, I thought I was
leaving my city in capable hands.
But it seems OTHER hands have
taken it from me... And you know
what these other hands did? They
loosened the belt around their fat
waists, and took a dump.
                                                            
JOKER looks over the crowd, his eyes grow more intense.
                                                            
                       JOKER
In MY city... MY sandbox...
MINE... GOTHAM BELONGS TO ME. So
who here...
                                                            
JOKER steps off the table, and looks around.

Many people are still terrified, some looking wide-eyed.
Others are nervous, and shaking.

CROC and his men are not phased, and JONNY watches with
great interest.
                                                            
                       JOKER
...Wants to help me take it back?
                                                            
A big smile cracks across JOKER'S face, as he looks around
the room for anyone willing to jump in.

JONNY puts a cigarette in his mouth, and a slight grin comes
across his face.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O.)
I do... Jonny does.
                                                            
 
INT. DENT'S MANSION - DAY
                                                            
It's a dreary day outside, and it can be seen high off the
ground from within this apartment. The telephone begins to
RING.

It continues to RING, and a coin can be heard FLIPPING.

In a man's hand, a coin has landed on heads.

The man picks up the phone. It's HARVEY DENT, with the left
side of his face obscured by shadows.
                                                            
                       HARVEY TWO-FACE
Yes?
                                                            

15.

HARVEY puts down his wine glass on a table, in his luxurious
manor. He remains in the shadows.
                                                            
                       HARVEY TWO-FACE
...No.
                                                            
HARVEY leans into the light, distraught. His full face can
be seen now, with the left side completely SCARRED. He's
TWO-FACE, no longer the good-hearted District Attorney.
                                                            
                       HARVEY TWO-FACE
God, no.
                                                            
HARVEY TWO-FACE drops the phone, and puts his head down.
                                                            
                       JOKER (O.S.)
You're sweating, Jonny Jonny...
                                                            
 
INT. JONNY'S CAR - DAY
                                                            
JONNY drives his car, as JOKER sits with his arm around
HARLEY in the back seat.
                                                            
                       JONNY
I am? ... I'm a little hung over.
                                                            
                       JOKER
We did hang the cats out to dry
last night, didn't we?
                                                            
 
EXT. BANK - DAY
                                                            
The car is pulling up in front of a bank.
                                                            
                       JOKER (O.S.)
I woke up with that not-so-fresh
feeling myself. You should have
told me you were in the same
straits...
                                                            
 
INT. JONNY'S CAR - DAY
                                                            
JOKER comes between the two front seats, waving pills
between his fingers to JONNY.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Here, stick these in your hole.
                                                            
JONNY looks.
                                                            

16.

                       JOKER
Joker, I can't take pills--
                                                            
                       JOKER
      (offended)
--WHY? They fix things. I've lived
on them for years. YEARS. Pills
pills pills. They pry open your
mind with fingers, and... wait...
                                                            
JOKER JUMPS ON JONNY, grasping his throat, angrily.
                                                            
                       JOKER
... ARE YOU SAYING YOU'RE BETTER
THAN ME?!
                                                            
JONNY looks terrified, sweat pours down his face. He
struggles to keep his breath.
                                                            
                       JONNY
No!-- I can't swallow 'em dry.
                                                            
JOKER releases his grip, and leans back to his seat. JONNY
rubs his neck.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Oh. Here.
                                                            
JOKER hands JONNY a bottle of water, and sits back.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Harley.
                                                            
JOKER turns to HARLEY, and she pulls out a pair of
sunglasses. She puts them on JOKER.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Sweet.
                                                            
JOKER throws a duffle bag around his shoulder, and gets out
of the car. He walks over to JONNY'S window.
                                                            
                       JOKER
I'll be right back.
                                                            
JOKER walks away, and towards the doors of the bank. JONNY
watches.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O.)
Sweating? Yeah, I was sweating
like a nun in a sauna. And booze
had nothing to do with it. Joker
was broke. All the cash, all his
holdings, his territory ...
            (MORE)

17.

                       JONNY (cont'd)
Everything he had-- was gone.
Divided up, by men who thought
they'd seen him for the last time.
But rather than going after them,
he decided to rob a bank.
                                                            
JOKER enters the bank.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
 
INT. GOTHAM PRISON - DAY
                                                            
JONNY sits inside a prison cell, as a prisoner. A guard
comes by and OPENS his cell gate slowly, and waves for him
to follow. JONNY smiles, and complies.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
Six months ago, I got out of the
joint for the fifth time.
                                                            
 
INT. PRISON LOBBY - DAY
                                                            
JONNY stands in front of a desk in the lobby, where a police
officer stands he loos up at JONNY, and starts RUMMAGING
through things.
                                                            
                       DESK OFFICER
Jonny Frost.
                                                            
Jonny waits patiently.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
It is, like they say; The first
bid is the worst, but make no
mistake... it's just the first.
                                                            
The DESK OFFICER pulls out a box with JONNY'S items, and
puts them on the desk.
                                                            
                       DESK OFFICER
Let's not do this again, kid.
                                                            
 
EXT. GOTHAM PRISON - DAY
                                                            
JONNY walks out of the prison, his head high. He looks
victorious, with a smile and his belongings over his
shoulder in a bag.
                                                            

18.

                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
So I made a promise instead. The
fifth was my last. Too much of my
life was spent behind bars.
                                                            
 
EXT. PRISON PARKING LOT - DAY
                                                            
JONNY walks over into the parking lot, and sees a
white-trash looking girl by a car. This is SHELLY, his
ex-wife. She's around the same age as JONNY.
                                                            
                       JONNY
Shelly...
                                                            
JONNY approaches her, as she stays leaned on the car. He
grins.
                                                            
                       JONNY
Change yer mind about me, baby?
                                                            
SHELLY pushes him away, not taking his bullshit.
                                                            
                       SHELLY
Back off, Jonny.
                                                            
JONNY stands, ashamed. He tries again.
                                                            
                       JONNY
Come on, Shel. For ol' time's
sake.
                                                            
SHELLY stand at him coldly.
                                                            
                       SHELLY
For old times?
                                                            
She holds something out from her hands to JONNY.
                                                            
                       SHELLY (cont'd)
The divorce papers.
                                                            
JONNY takes them in his hands, and looks them over quickly.
He seems condescending about the whole situation.
                                                            
                       JONNY
Shoulda sent your lawyer.
                                                            
SLAP. SHELLY SMACKS JONNY in the face, leading him to drop
his bag and hurl over in pain. He checks his mouth, and it
is bleeding slightly.

SHELLY starts crying, wiping away her tears.
                                                            

19.

                       SHELLY
I can't AFFORD a lawyer, you son
of a bitch.
                                                            
JONNY gets up, touching his mouth. He's angry, but he
understands why he was slapped.
                                                            
                       SHELLY
Look, Jonny... It's best for the
both of us.
                                                            
                       JONNY
I sign and there IS no US.
      (pause)
What about the kids?
                                                            
SHELLY grows furious, and almost starts crying again.
                                                            
                       SHELLY
NOW you're concerned about 'em...
                                                            
SHELLY constrains herself, and shakes it off.
                                                            
                       SHELLY
Please... Just sign the papers so
I can get out of here.
                                                            
JONNY grows depressed in his expression.
                                                            
JONNY sighs, and rubs his neck. He sighs, and rubs his neck.
He looks over the papers once more.
                                                            
                       JONNY
If I do...
                                                            
JONNY looks up at SHELLY, very serious.
                                                            
                       JONNY
Will you give me a ride back into
the city?
                                                            
SHELLY nods, waiting a moment. She walks over to her car.

JONNY folds up the divorce papers, and puts them in his
pocket. He walks over to the passenger side. He takes one
last look at the prison, before opening the door.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
 
INT. JONNY'S CAR - DAY
                                                            
JONNY watches as JOKER opens the bank doors.
                                                            

20.

                       JONNY
Here he comes...
                                                            
JONNY turns on the car, and puts it in DRIVE.

HARLEY LOADS AN UZI in the backseat, on edge.

JONNY looks over, surprised...
                                                            
                       JONNY
... Alone.
                                                            
JOKER opens the car door and starts to get in the car.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Drive, Jonny.
                                                            
JOKER SLAMS the door, as JONNY quickly begins to drive away.
                                                            
                       JONNY
How'd it go?
                                                            
JOKER sighs, and opens the bag, showing it to JONNY. There's
a lot of money in there. He seems sad, however.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Good-- Not great. But good.
Boring. The alarm wasn't tripped,
and nobody died.
      (shrugs)
Maybe next time.
                                                            
JOKER goes through the bag, and pulls something out.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Get rid of this.
                                                            
He hands JONNY a photograph of a little girl. It's covered
in BLOOD.
                                                            
                       JONNY
What the hell...
                                                            
                       JOKER
It's a picture of the bank
president's daughter.
                                                            
JONNY is disgusted. He keeps the photograph very far away
from him, as if it's infected.
                                                            
                       JONNY
You're kidding me.
                                                            

21.

JONNY tosses the picture out of the window, as JOKER begins
laughing hysterically. HARLEY smirks in the backseat. JONNY
seems uncomfortable, not seeing what's so funny.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Of course I'm kidding.
                                                            
JOKER looks to the road, and back to JONNY. Excited.
                                                            
                       JOKER
I dig driving people Jonny.
                                                            
JOKER takes his arm back from around JONNY'S shoulder, and
returns to his passenger seat. He puts both arms behind his
head, and leans back.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Drive me.
                                                            
 
EXT. GOTHAM STREETS - DAY
                                                            
The car moves briskly amongst city streets.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O.)
And drive I did. First to a
sporting goods store, of all
places. Didn't take Joker for much
of a sportsman, but hell...
                                                            
 
EXT. POND - DAY
                                                            
A pair of gloves rest on a fishing rod, slowly reeling it
in.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
... Every man needs a hobby.
                                                            
JOKER sits on the edge of a lake, fishing. JONNY walks by in
the background, holding a gun. HARLEY sits back, holding her
uzi. She watches the clouds.
                                                            
                       JONNY
You ain't gonna catch much with
that...
                                                            
JOKER turns, acknowledging.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Really? Think I should use sugar
instead?
                                                            

22.

JOKER looks back down at his line, as it starts to tremble a
bit. A catch--

A RUMBLE.
                                                            
                       JONNY
Someone's coming.
                                                            
A car comes over to the pond, as JONNY watches it move
closer.
                                                            
                       JOKER (O.S.)
Yes... I have an appointment.
                                                            
The car STOPS. The passenger door SWINGS open, and somebody
flies out.

The person starts to get up, but comes up a little short.
The person is dressed in a tux, portly and balding. An
absolute BEAK for a nose. This is OSWALD COBBLEPOT. THE
PENGUIN.

He rubs his back, as he makes his way over to JOKER, who
rolls his eyes at the incident.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Croc, can't you be nice?
                                                            
CROC gets out of his car.
                                                            
                       CROC
No...
      (slams car door
       shut)
No Joker, I CAN'T.
                                                            
COBBLEPOT waddles over, fixing his hair. He's angry.
                                                            
                       COBBLEPOT
That bastard is a monster.
                                                            
JOKER looks over to him, disappointed.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Can't you be the BIGGER man,
Oswald?
                                                            
COBBLEPOT stands there, not sure how to answer. JOKER pats
the ground next to him.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Sit.
                                                            

23.

COBBLEPOT slowly takes a seat next to JOKER, as he clearly
isn't the healthiest man. He starts taking out his monocle,
and rubs it with his shirt.
                                                            
                       COBBLEPOT
Good to see you.
                                                            
                       JOKER
      (shaking his head)
Can't stands me a liar, Ozzie.
                                                            
COBBLEPOT is not amused, and ignores the comment. He puts
his monocle in.
                                                            
                       COBBLEPOT
We heard you were released. No one
can figure how...
                                                            
                       JOKER
Well... I'm not CRAZY anymore...
                                                            
JOKER reels in really fast--

Nothing on his hook.
                                                            
                       JOKER
... Just MAD.
                                                            
JOKER recasts his line.
                                                            
                       JOKER
I've lost control of Gotham,
Ozzie...
                                                            
JOKER puts his rod down next to him.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Can't stands that either.
                                                            
COBBLEPOT chuckles a bit.
                                                            
                       COBBLEPOT
CONTROL? What makes you think you
ever had that?
                                                            
JOKER looks at him, then down at his arm. He flexes, and
taps his arm.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Feel my muscle...
                                                            
COBBLEPOT goes to reach for JOKER's arm, but JOKER grabs his
hand.
                                                            

24.

                       JOKER
Not this one...
                                                            
Suddenly, CROC GRABS COBBLEPOT, and puts him in a
CHOKE-HOLD.
                                                            
                       JOKER
I meant that one.
                                                            
COBBLEPOT struggles to to get free, but CROC is far too
powerful for him. COBBLEPOT starts coughing. He reaches for
JOKER, but is ignored.

JOKER continues fishing, unphased.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Show him what's in the bag, Jonny.
                                                            
JONNY walks over to COBBLEPOT, who is still struggling.
JONNY opens the bag to him.

CROC forces him to look in the bag. He continues struggling
to breath.
                                                            
                       JOKER
You know what that is, Ozzie?
                                                            
CROC tightens his grip, as COBBLEPOT is able to squeeze in a
few gargles and wheezes.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Exactly-- Not enough.
                                                            
JOKER finally looks over to COBBLEPOT, who is now dry
heaving, struggling for air. CROC smiles.
                                                            
                       JOKER
But it's all I have... I'd like
you to invest it for me. I'm
looking for a high yield, say, ten
times as much. Quick turnaround,
too. You can do?
                                                            
COBBLEPOT gasps.
                                                            
                       JOKER
      (shocked)
Look, Ozzie, all I ask is that you
try. But I have confidence in
you-- as businessman, a
faciliator...
                                                            
Cobblepot reaches out to JOKER, who returns a smile.
                                                            

25.

                       JOKER
      (flicking
       Cobblepot's
       fingers)
There's not a nickel changes hands
in Gotham don't have a greasy
print from your fat sausages on
it.
                                                            
JOKER looks up to CROC, and licks his lips.
                                                            
                       JOKER
      (taunting)
Yum yum, huh Croc?
                                                            
JOKER looks back at COBBLEPOT, and holds up his hand.
                                                            
                       JOKER
We have a deal, Cobblepot?
                                                            
COBBLEPOT lunges forward with all his might, and grabs
JOKER'S hand in agreement.

CROC releases him, letting him fall to the grond. He walks
over to JONNY, and CROC nods at him.

COBBLEPOT struggles to loosen the collar around his neck, as
he falls to his knees gasping.

He gets on all fours, next to JOKER, who resumes fishing. He
hangs over the edge of the water.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Ozzie...
                                                            
JOKER looks at him, disgusted. The sound of VOMITING fills
the area.
                                                            
                       JOKER
You're scaring the fish...
                                                            
JONNY remains behind the two, and he puts his gun in his
waist line again. HARLEY walks over, and stands over JOKER
and COBBLEPOT, next to JONNY.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O.)
Now that-- Abso-posi-lutely-- Was
how I wanted to roll. Jonny
Frost-- Makin' his enemies do what
he wanted 'em to. Ta hell with
what THEY wanted.
                                                            
JONNY turns, and walks away.
                                                            
 

26.

EXT. JONNY'S APARTMENT BUILDING - NIGHT
                                                            
JONNY walks down the sidewalk outside his apartment
building, alone. People pass by him, as if he's not even
there.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O.)
Joker had me take him an' his lady
back to their crib. As they were
getting outta the car, he asked me
if there was anything at MY crib
that I HAD to have.
                                                            
 
INT. JONNY'S APARTMENT BUILDING HALLWAY - NIGHT
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
I hesitated to answer--
                                                            
JONNY takes out his keys, and flings them around his finger
a bit. He flips through his keys.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
Then he gave me a squeeze, and
stressed that-- only what you HAVE
to have-- then walk away. I'd be
staying with him now.
                                                            
JONNY opens the door, slightly.
                                                            
 
INT. JONNY'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
                                                            
JONNY opens the door, and JONNY is shocked. He stumbles
back, not sure what to do. He reaches into his pants for his
gun.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
My mistake was hesitatin'.
                                                            
In a flash, a man has his gun pulled on JONNY, who in turn
puts his arms up in surrender. This man is a DETECTIVE, and
keeps his aim on JONNY.
                                                            
                       DETECTIVE
You pull that, an' I drop you
where you stand, scumbag.
                                                            
JONNY seems almost relieved by this threat, and doesn't show
any fear at all. He keeps his arms raised, however.
                                                            
                       JONNY
You must be a cop.
                                                            

27.

                       DETECTIVE
      (perked)
Why MUST I be?
                                                            
JONNY laughs cheaply, putting on a show.
                                                            
                       JONNY
'Cause only cops call people
scumbags. People refer to people
by OTHER words.
                                                            
The DETECTIVE laughs, and reaches into his coat with one
hand, keeping his gun pointed at JONNY. He pulls out a
DIVORCE DOCUMENT and hangs it in the air with the tips of
his fingers.
                                                            
                       DETECTIVE
Ex-wives don't.
                                                            
JONNY grows furious, lowering his hands only to clench his
fist and point a finger.
                                                            
                       JONNY
You can tell Shelly--!
                                                            
DETECTIVE puts his hand in the air, waving JONNY to calm
down.
                                                            
                       DETECTIVE
Relax, Jonny. I'm not here on that
scag's behalf. We both know child
support only comes when one's
supportin' one's self. Right?
                                                            
JONNY cools down, and nods in agreement.
                                                            
                       DETECTIVE
Right.
                                                            
DETECTIVE drops the divorce papers, and begins putting his
gun back in his coat. He approaches JONNY.
                                                            
                       DETECTIVE
Yer runnin' with the wrong crowd,
kid.
                                                            
                       JONNY
Am I?
                                                            
DETECTIVE chuckles.
                                                            
                       DETECTIVE
I just SAID you were.
                                                            

28.

DETECTIVE makes his way out the door, much to JONNY'S
surprise.
                                                            
                       JONNY
What?-- That's it?
                                                            
DETECTIVE stops right outside the door.
                                                            
                       DETECTIVE
No--
                                                            
DETECTIVE STORMS back in, and shoves his badge in JONNY'S
face.
                                                            
                       DETECTIVE
You got a registration for that
piece yer carryin'?
                                                            
JONNY is dumbfounded. He looks like he just about shit his
pants. He tries to mouth words, but nothing audible comes
out.

Then, DETECTIVE chuckles.
                                                            
                       DETECTIVE
Just playin'.
                                                            
DETECTIVE makes his way out of the door, and down the hall.
                                                            
                       DETECTIVE
      (from hallway)
See you next time.
                                                            
JONNY looks up and sighs relief, as if the world has been
lifted off his shoulders. He takes a moment, and walks into
his apartment.

It's one room. There's junk everywhere: clothes all over the
place, beer bottles, un-made bed.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
I took nothing.
                                                            
JONNY sits on his bed, and looks at the ground--

A cracked and shattered frame. Inside is a picture of JONNY,
SHELLY, and their two kids.

He looks at it a moment, then gets up. He walks toward the
door.
                                                            

29.

                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
I walked away, light as a
feather...
                                                            
The lights go out in the apartment, as the door SHUTS.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
... On top of the world.
                                                            
 
EXT. JONNY'S CAR - NIGHT
                                                            
JONNY'S car moves through the dark city, illuminated by the
lights of many businesses. The car moves at a normal speed,
while people walk down the street. It's late, but not too
late.
                                                            
                       JONNY (O.S.)
It's all arranged, Joker. Tommy
Bang Bang will meet with us.
Though-- if you don't mind me
saying-- letting him know we're
coming could mean we're walking
into a setup.
                                                            
 
INT. JONNY'S CAR - NIGHT
                                                            
JOKER checks to see if his gun is loaded.
                                                            
                       JOKER
I don't mind you saying that,
Jonny. Sometimes, I need to hear
the obvious.
                                                            
JOKER smacks the gun chamber, and puts his shoulder against
the window, keeping the gun raised.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Now is not one of those times,
though...
                                                            
JONNY nods, and JOKER acknowledges his understanding. He
also nods, and then points out the window.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Look out the window, Jonny Jonny.
Tell me what you see.
                                                            
JONNY looks to JOKER, then leans more to the windshield.
                                                            
 

30.

EXT. GOTHAM STREETS - NIGHT
                                                            
A homeless man walks down the street, as trash TUMBLES in
the wind. The car continues moving, as lights from all
around reflect off of it.
                                                            
                       JONNY (O.S.)
I see... lights.
                                                            
 
INT. JONNY'S CAR - NIGHT
                                                            
Joker looks over at JONNY, and gives him a confused smile.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Lights?
                                                            
JOKER chuckles a bit, and brings up to a light laugh. He
smiles at JONNY.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Those lights? They're just pin
pricks... in the dark.
                                                            
JOKER snorts, and leans his head against the glass. He looks
outward. He taps the gun against the window.
                                                            
                       JOKER
HE'S out there.
      (pause)
You know that Jonny?
                                                            
JOKER turns to JONNY, who looks back. Confused.
                                                            
                       JOKER
      (tapping the
       window with the
       gun barrel)
Right on the other side of this
window...
                                                            
JOKER grimmaces.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Watching ME...
                                                            
JONNY watches JOKER, who seems disturbed. JONNY is clueless,
and faces the road. A bright light comes over them, and
JONNY stops the car.

JOKER looks over at JONNY.
                                                            

31.

                       JOKER
Let's go to work.
                                                            
 
EXT. JONNY'S CAR - NIGHT
                                                            
JONNY and JOKER get out of the car, slamming the doors.
JONNY locks it, while JOKER puts his pistol in his coat.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Work. I got into this business to
AVOID it.
                                                            
JOKER and JONNY start walking towards the restaurant,
slowly.
                                                            
                       JOKER
There's the rub-- it IS a
business. You never know it, at
first-- Gettin' that free taste in
the alley choking whores for milk
money.
                                                            
 
INT. LA BELLA ROMA - NIGHT
                                                            
JOKER enters LA BELLA ROMA, TOMMY BANG BANG'S RESTAURANT.
It's dark. Nobody can be seen in the front, but voices can
be heard. JONNY follows as JOKER heads to the back.
                                                            
 
INT. LA BELLA ROMA BACK ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
A large group of Italian men and women are around a table,
including TOMMY BANG BANG, eating pasta and drinking wine.
They're loud, and enjoying themselves.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Tommy...
                                                            
Everyone stops, and looks over at JOKER as he enters the
room.
                                                            
                       JOKER
      (making gun with
       his hand)
BANG BANG!
                                                            
The other men look around at each other, unsure how to act.
JONNY walks into the door frame, and leans against it.

BANG BANG gets up, and offers a seat to JOKER with his hand.
                                                            

32.

                       BANG BANG
C'mon in, Joker... Have a seat.
                                                            
JOKER sits down, and looks at BANG BANG'S men. JONNY remains
in the back, arms crossed.
                                                            
                       BANG BANG
You hungry? The scampi is--
                                                            
Before BANG BANG can even finish his sentence, JOKER has
reached for a piece of shrimp, and is slurping on it in his
mouth.

He loosens up a bit, and pulls on the tail of it with his
teeth. He moans with pleasure, as one of BANG BANG'S men
stares in disgust.

BANG BANG reaches over the table with a bottle of wine,
offering to pour into JOKER'S glass.
                                                            
                       BANG BANG
Wine?
                                                            
JOKER leans on the table, and throws an arm up as BANG BANG
pours his wine. He seems sad all of a sudden.
                                                            
                       JOKER
WAAA... I want what's mine back.
                                                            
BANG BANG and his men look at each other, then begin
laughing. JONNY cracks a smile as well.
                                                            
                       BANG BANG
That's good. You're a funny guy. I
don't care what anyone else says.
                                                            
JOKER doesn't find it funny. He takes another bite from his
shrimp, and points as he chews.
                                                            
                       JOKER
You should care about what I say,
Bang Bang.
                                                            
The laughter STOPS. BANG BANG grows nervous, as BANG BANG'S
ASSOCIATE grows serious. He seems angry.
                                                            
                       BANG BANG
I do... I do. Look--
                                                            
BANG BANG leans over the table, looking for reason in the
JOKER.
                                                            

33.

                       BANG BANG
When you went down, things... I'm
trying to say it wasn't my call.
But I took a piece.
                                                            
JOKER nods in understanding, expressing concern.
                                                            
                       JOKER
You would have been a fool NOT to.
                                                            
                       BANG BANG
Yeah... Yeah!
                                                            
BANG BANG motions over to one of the walls with his thumb.
                                                            
                       BANG BANG
I got the garbage over on
eastside. An' Shake Downs too.
That's ALL. It's all your's again.
I was just keepin' it warm for ya.
                                                            
JONNY COCKS his gun, underneath his shirt, EVER-SO-SLOWLY,
as to avoid attention.

Back at the table, the ASSOCIATE lifts an envelope from
under the table into the air.
                                                            
                       BANG BANG (O.S.)
Here's your cut.
                                                            
The ASSOCIATE hands the envelope to JOKER, who looks over at
BANG BANG. He grabs it, rudely.
                                                            
                       JOKER
I'd like your crew to run it for
me still. They can be trusted,
right? 'Cuz I get a whiff of
skimmin', it's like my boogers are
turned into sh--
                                                            
                       BANG BANG
--You ain't gonna smell BOO from
us.
                                                            
JOKER FLIPS through the money inside the envelope with his
fingers, and looks to TOMMY sympathetically.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Ten for you, five for yer guys.
                                                            
TOMMY looks over at his ASSOCIATE, who is smiling, as is his
wife. They're all extremely pleased. Even JONNY seems
surprised by the JOKER'S generosity.

34.


TOMMY turns back to JOKER.
                                                            
                       BANG BANG
That's VERY generous.
                                                            
                       JOKER
A good job deserves a livable
wage, no?
                                                            
JOKER extends his arm towards the middle of the table, and
BANG BANG goes to shake his hand--

JOKER'S hand dives into the plate of scampi, and he picks
one up, smiling in his ignorance.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Man... I LOVE shrimps.
                                                            
 
EXT. LA BELLA ROMA - NIGHT
                                                            
JONNY and JOKER walk out of the restaurant, heading towards
the car.
                                                            
                       JONNY
That went pretty good, huh, boss?
                                                            
                       JOKER
Did it?
                                                            
JOKER stops, and looks back at the restaurant.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Start the car, Jonny... I gotta go
back in...
                                                            
JOKER is angry, and he frowns as he begins moving toward the
restaurant.
                                                            
                       JOKER
I forgot to do something...
                                                            
 
INT. LA BELLA ROMA BACK ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
BANG BANG and his men, and their women, all laugh and
continue on having a good time. They hear the door open, as
BANG BANG shoves his face with spaghetti.
                                                            
                       JOKER (O.S.)
Tommy?
                                                            

35.

BANG BANG looks up and--

BANG BANG! TWO BULLETS FLY THROUGH TOMMY'S CHEST AND HEAD,
as he falls back in his chairs, BLOOD SPURTING. The other
men get up in horror, as the woman screams.

JOKER stands with his pistol, looking at the group still.
Smoke rises from the barrel.
                                                            
                       JOKER
      (trying to talk
       over the screams)
Ten percent is now OFF the table.
Five-- for the time being-- still
stands, gentlemen.
                                                            
 
EXT. LA BELLA ROMA - NIGHT
                                                            
JOKER walks out of the restaurant, and empties the chamber
of his gun. The bullets CLINK on the ground, as he continues
walking.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Not ENOUGH for you, huh?
                                                            
JOKER looks in the chamber of his gun, and there's ONE
BULLET left.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Need me for MORE of your dirty
work?
                                                            
JOKER looks to the sky, for something in the buildings, and
he LOADS his gun.
                                                            
                       JOKER
I admit, I aimed low.
                                                            
Then, JOKER puts the barrel of the pistol in his mouth. He
looks wide-eyed to JONNY, and his eyes full of wonder at
what he's about to do. JOKER pulls the trigger--

CLICK. JOKER is alive. He brings the gun down to his side,
and begins laughing.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O.)
I don't know what he was thinking,
or if he even was...
                                                            
JOKER then begins to laugh HYSTERICALLY, releasing his arms
and crying into the sky.


36.

JONNY just watches from his car, looking in the side-view
mirror.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
Joker, I was learnin'... wasn't
about thinkin'...
                                                            
 
EXT. MONTAGE - NIGHT
                                                            
MONTAGE

A) Two bodies in a car, with BLOOD all over the windows.
People outside the car are in hysterics.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
... But was all about doin'.
                                                            
B) A cop walks over to a dead body on the beach, with crabs
and flies all around it. People in the distance are taking
pictures, as the officer checks the pulse.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
And always himself. I suppose one
could say that thing about "If you
want a job done right"...
                                                            
C) A body is stuffed in a garbage can, nearly impossibly, in
an anonymous yard. It rolls in the wind.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
Or maybe it was he enjoyed the...
                                                            
D) BLOOD pours out of a vent, and forms a PUDDLE on the
floor in a building.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
...Work? Even took pride in it.
Like an artist. Not that I know
from art, but as another saying
goes...
                                                            
E) A body is hanging from a tree by the neck, as BLOOD DRIPS
from the feet rapidly. The sun is rising in the distance.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
"I know what I like."
                                                            
F) A man walks into a bathroom, and opens the stall. Inside,
there's another man, DEAD. Blood is SPATTERED on the wall.
                                                            

37.

                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
And I was likin' this. Well, not
so much the "this", but definitely
being on the side that was doin'
it.
                                                            
G) A man walks over to a dumpster, and lifts up a bag of
trash. He then sees a body, shot. There's BLOOD coming out
from beneath him.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
Tommy was only the beginning. Over
the next several days a number of
Gotham's mid-level bosses turned
up face down... Others never
turned up at all.
                                                            
H) The sun is setting over the skyline of Gotham.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
And for the first time in my life,
Jonny Frost knew where all the
bodies were buried. That kinda
power, by the short hairs.
                                                            
END OF MONTAGE.
                                                            
 
EXT. MANNY'S MEAT AND FISH SHOP ALLEY - DAY
                                                            
JONNY'S car pulls up outside the alley, and parks. JONNY
steps out, and sighs. He walks down the alley.
                                                            
 
INT. MANNY'S MEAT AND FISH SHOP - DAY
                                                            
JONNY opens the heavy door, and rubs his shoulders due to
the cold. He SHUTS the heavy door behind him. He looks past
some meat, and sees CROC sitting at a table.
                                                            
                       JONNY
Croc--
                                                            
JONNY walks over to the table, where CROC is sitting. He is
chewing on some meat, and he turns around.
                                                            
                       JONNY
Let's go.
                                                            
CROC turns back around to his meal, and continues eating his
meaty meal.
                                                            

38.

                       CROC
I'm not done eatin'.
                                                            
JONNY chuckles to himself, and stands over CROC. He begins
pulling his plate away from him.
                                                            
                       JONNY
Yes-- Brother-- You ARE...
                                                            
CROC GROWLS, and stands up from his seat. He lifts up JONNY
by the THROAT, lifting him in mid-air.
                                                            
                       CROC
No BITCH, I ain't.
                                                            
CROC holds JONNY at a distance, laughing as he struggles to
free himself. He grabs CROC'S arm to support himself in the
air. He tries to find footing in the air.
                                                            
                       JONNY
      (struggling)
Croc... Don' do this-- You know
who I work for...
                                                            
                       CROC
You serious? You think you a
worker? Damn...
                                                            
CROC pulls JONNY in close to his face. JONNY winces from the
odor.
                                                            
                       CROC
You got no idea, do ya?
                                                            
CROC twists JONNY, making him face the "food" on the table.
CROC points to it, and looks back at JONNY.
                                                            
                       CROC
I'm workin'. You?
                                                            
CROC looks around the freezer, and finds an empty hook. He
smiles to himself.

CROC lifts JONNY high, and puts him on a hook very slowly.
JONNY looks back at the hook, terrified. It pierces the
collar of his shirt, and CROC drops him.

CROC steps back, and admires his work. JONNY hangs in the
middle of the room, unable to move.

CROC sits back down, and resumes eating his food.
                                                            

39.

                       CROC
Hang tight. We leave when I say
I'm done.
                                                            
He brings meat to his mouth, and looks over at JONNY.
                                                            
                       CROC
      (mocking)
That be coo' wit' the man?
                                                            
CROC chuckles, and resumes eating.

JONNY hangs, embarrassed. He looks over at a boiling pot on
the table. There's a SKULL inside, with blood filling it.
JONNY'S eyes grow wide, and he looks away.
                                                            
 
EXT. ICEBERG LOUNGE ALLEY - NIGHT
                                                            
A car stops outside a well-lit alleyway outside THE ICEBERG
LOUNGE, where JOKER and HARLEY stand waiting.

CROC, JONNY, and CROC'S MEN get out of the car, and start
walking towards JOKER.

JOKER pulls back his sleeve, and looks at his wrist. He
shakes his head, and looks at CROC.
                                                            
                       JOKER
You're late.
                                                            
                       CROC
That a problem?
                                                            
JONNY, walking alongside CROC, looks over to him, shocked by
his fearlessness.
                                                            
                       JOKER
No, not at all. I just got here
myself...
                                                            
JOKER puts his arm around CROC, as they turn to walk into
the ICEBERG LOUNGE.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Thought I kept YOU waiting.
                                                            
CROC laughs, and JOKER stops and turns. He waits for JONNY.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Jonny Jonny Frost, you look
bothered--
                                                            

40.

JOKER puts his arm around him, and they start walking again.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Something eating you?
                                                            
JONNY smiles.
                                                            
                       JONNY
Nothing, boss. Nothing is eating
me.
                                                            
JOKER smiles, and nods.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Good.
                                                            
JOKER lets go of JONNY, and walks over to the door. He
knocks.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O.)
There was something about Joker...
It was like he could see
everything you were thinkin'
written across yer mug as plain as
day...
                                                            
There's no answer on the door. JOKER lets himself in, and
the group follows.
                                                            
 
INT. ICEBERG LOUNGE - NIGHT
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O.)
Or maybe it was more like he made
you think the way he wanted you
to. He WANTED me to tell him about
Croc's lack of respect. I was sure
of it...
                                                            
JOKER opens a door, and they walk into a backroom filled
with people. A BOXING MATCH is taking place. The crew
shuffles through people.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O.)
I'm NOT that type of guy. Now
don't get me wrong. I had my
place, and Croc had his. He just
had to learn where that was.
                                                            
JOKER walks up to a door, where two men are guarding. They
begin frisking all members of JOKER'S group.
                                                            

41.

                       JONNY (V.O.)
The guy was all muscle. No
finesse. Now, sure, muscle means
something, and it can take a guy
far...
                                                            
 
INT. ICEBERG LOUNGE BACK ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O.)
... But never into the back room.
That was for finesse players only.
                                                            
COBBLEPOT sits at his desk, going over papers. JOKER enters
the room, followed only by HARLEY and JONNY.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Hello there, Oswald.
                                                            
COBBLEPOT looks up from his papers.
                                                            
                       COBBLEPOT
Joker.
      (adjusts monacle)
Take a seat.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Okay...
                                                            
JOKER walks to the center of the room, and looks around for
a moment. His eyes light up when he looks at COBBLEPOT
again.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Yours looks nice.
                                                            
There's a pause, and JOKER seems irritated. He walks over to
the desk, and leans right into COBBLEPOT'S face.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Get up.
                                                            
COBBLEPOT stares up at the JOKER, paralyzed in fear. JOKER
sighs, and pulls back. He takes a seat on the desk, and
crosses his legs.
                                                            
                       JOKER
I'm kidding...
      (turns to JONNY
       and HARLEY)
... Why is everybody so on edge
tonight?
                                                            

42.

JOKER turns back to his bag on the desk, and begins pulling
out money.
                                                            
                       COBBLEPOT
That might have something to do
with your actions of late. SOMEONE
is very sore at you.
                                                            
JOKER gets up, excited. He has a genuine smile on his face,
as he fiddles through dollars bills.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Really? That's wonderful news. I
just live to make HIM sore. It's
what drags me out of bed.
                                                            
COBBLEPOT smiles at JOKER, as if he admires his hatred for
the same person.
                                                            
                       COBBLEPOT
No, not HIM. Though I'm certain
he's not very happy about what
you've been up to, either.
      (takes out a
       cigarette holder)
I'm speaking of Dent.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Harvey's mad?
      (spins finger in
       hair)
Which one?
                                                            
COBBLEPOT laughs, and leans back in his chair.
                                                            
                       JOKER
You think that's funny, Ozzie?
                                                            
COBBLEPOT gets back up.
                                                            
                       COBBLEPOT
      (growing serious)
I think it's a fair question. I
don't know how to answer it...
                                                            
                       JOKER
Well, let me tell you how, because
I know psychosis like the back of
my hand...
      (standing up,
       facing JONNY and
       HARLEY)
Harvey's head... It's like a brand
new sports car-- or a beater,
            (MORE)

43.

                       JOKER (cont'd)
depending on how you look at it.
And this car, it has TWO owners--
not very creative owners either--
      (back to COBBLEPOT)
--since they couldn't come up with
separate goddamn names when the
opportunity presented itself.
                                                            
COBBLEPOT nods in interest, almost surpise as to how JOKER
came up with this metaphor.
                                                            
                       JOKER
So, which one is pissed off at me?
                                                            
                       COBBLEPOT
      (a beat)
... I don't know.
                                                            
                       JOKER
No?
                                                            
JOKER steps back, nodding his head.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Okay.
                                                            
JOKER motions for JONNY and HARLEY to exit. He picks up his
bag off the desk.
                                                            
                       JOKER
I'll call him and find out.
                                                            
JOKER begins making his exit, as COBBLEPOT lowers his
cigarette.
                                                            
                       COBBLEPOT
He won't take your call.
                                                            
JOKER turns his head, anger in his expression.
                                                            
                       JOKER
What was that?
                                                            
COBBLEPOT takes another puff, nervously.
                                                            
                       COBBLEPOT
I meant I don't THINK he will.
                                                            

44.

                       JOKER
Well...
      (turning back to
       the exit)
ONE Harvey probably won't.
                                                            
JOKER walks to the door, and stops, turning back to
COBBLEPOT.
                                                            
                       JOKER
I might get lucky and get the
OTHER one.
                                                            
JOKER smiles and exits, leaving COBBLEPOT alone, pondering.
                                                            
 
INT. DENT'S MANSION - NIGHT
                                                            
HARVEY TWO-FACE sits in a chair, alone in his luxurious
mansion. The fireplace CACKLES. He holds his lucky coin in
his hand, rubbing it.

The phone RINGS, on a table by a glass of wine. HARVEY
remains in his seat, letting it ring. He picks up the wine
glass, and takes a sip. He never answers the phone.

After a moment, it begins RINGING again. Still, HARVEY
doesn't answer. He rubs the coin in his thumb, while keeping
his other hand on his chin.

Slowly, a smile cracks on his face.
                                                            
 
INT. MCLAUGHLIN'S BAR - NIGHT
                                                            
JOKER, standing behind the bar, pulls the phone away from
his ear as it continues to ring. He seems perplexed. JOKER
moans. JONNY and CROC watch intently, while other gang
members sit around the bar. HARLEY is separate from the
group, looking into a portable mirror.

JOKER pours a drink for himself from a bottle.
                                                            
                       JOKER
      (concerned)
Well... That's not normal. I hope
Harvey's all right.
                                                            
JONNY chuckles.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Don't laugh, Jonny Jonny--
Harvey-- He's a guy, normally
takes a call... He's got a thing
            (MORE)

45.

                       JOKER (cont'd)
about being called on. His face...
complexion... confidence issues. I
feel bad for him...
                                                            
JOKER stops, and looks to the phone. He stares, zoning out.
                                                            
                       JOKER
HALF the time...
                                                            
EVERYONE watches JOKER, as he pauses for a moment.
Suddenly--

SMASH. JOKER brings his fist down on the phone, CRUSHING
into pieces, fury in his eyes.
                                                            
                       JOKER
All right all right, HARVEYS...
                                                            
He grabs a baseball bat, and gets his face inches away from
the phone.
                                                            
                       JOKER (cont'd)
You want to be tough guys about
this?
                                                            
JOKER takes that bat into both hands, and raises it over his
shoulder.
                                                            
                       JOKER (cont'd)
Fine. Fine. Long as I know what
the rules are, I can make 'em up
as I go along!
                                                            
JOKER BRINGS DOWN THE BAT on the phone, and SMASHES it
repeatedly. He tosses it off the table.

JONNY and one of CROC'S thugs step back, as JOKER proceeds
to SMASH all glasses and bottles of alcohol on the bar.
GLASS FLIES EVERYWHERE.

JOKER stops, and takes a breather. He leans over onto the
bat. He still pulls bottles off the shelf behind him,
sending them to the ground, SMATTERING instantly.
                                                            
                       CROC
What the hell you doin', Joker?
                                                            
JOKER turns his head to CROC, anger in his face. He breaths
heavily.
                                                            

46.

                       JOKER
Isn't anyone listening to what I
have to say?
                                                            
JOKER looks back down at the ground, now coughing.

One of CROC'S thugs approaches CROC, and leans in to his
ear.
                                                            
                       CROC THUG
We should go... Is a episode.
                                                            
JOKER looks over to the THUG, stricken with sadness. He
pouts.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Nonono-- Don't go!--
                                                            
JOKER gets off the bat, andlooks around the room for a
moment. He finds an unbroken bottle of alcohol, and picks it
up.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Have a drink. C'mon, huh?
                                                            
The THUG stares back coldly, but JOKER'S presumable
innocence continues.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Huh?
                                                            
The THUG waits a moment, and looks to CROC. He takes a seat
at the bar, right in front of JOKER.

JOKER smiles, and nods his head.
                                                            
                       JOKER
All right.
                                                            
JOKER turns away, and goes to the shelves--

JOKER SWINGS BACK AROUND, SMASHING A BOTTLE OFF THE THUG'S
HEAD. The THUG falls onto the bar, DEAD. JOKER leans over
his body, and crunches the bottle into his face still. The
sound of glass and bone SCRAPING fill the room.

CROC'S other THUG gets up, and almost goes after JOKER.
JONNY grabs him by the shirt, unknown whether he was
protecting the man or JOKER.

CROC sits still, as JOKER continues CRUSHING the man's face.
                                                            

47.

                       JOKER
      (blood spurting on
       his face)
Two against one, eh, Harveys?
That's the way you want to play
Gotham?
                                                            
JOKER steps back, and pushes the THUG off the bar. There's a
pool of BLOOD, as CROC just watches his comrade SLUMP to the
ground.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Okay. Okay then.
                                                            
JOKER pulls himself up on the bar, and sits there. He
twiddles his thumbs for a moment, and sighs. He notices the
pool of blood on the counter. He takes a hankerchief from
his backpocket, and wipes it up for a moment.

Then, he takes the bottle of alcohol from next to him. He
stuffs the hankerchief into the bottle's opening.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Boys, Harley--
                                                            
JOKER takes out a match, and lights it. He holds it up to
the hankerchief, and it CATCHES. He watches the flames climb
up, closer and closer to the bottle.
                                                            
                       JOKER
--We should go.
                                                            
JONNY lets go of the other THUG, and grows wide-eyed.
                                                            
 
EXT. MCLAUGHLIN'S BAR ALLEY - NIGHT
                                                            
JOKER, JONNY, CROC, and one of CROC'S thugs walk out of
McLaughlin's Bar, all behind JOKER and HARLEY. JOKER puffs
on a cigar, and brushes off his shoulder. They turn a corner
onto Sea Street.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O.)
What he did then. Why he did it,
made sense to nobody there.
                                                            
 
EXT. SEA STREET - NIGHT
                                                            
JOKER tosses his cigar onto the street, simultaneously
with--

KA-BOOM! The BAR EXPLODES, and JONNY flinches at the noise,

48.

along with CROC'S thug. JOKER continues to walk down the
street, ever so calmly, as JONNY looks ahead to him in
shock.

CAR ALARMS are going off EVERYWHERE, SIRENS CAN BE HEARD
ALMOST INSTANTLY. The THUG is constantly looking around.

JOKER just keeps moving, and the group follows.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
Nobody but me.
                                                            
The group disappears into the darkness, as the sound of
SIRENS grow louder and louder. ON-LOOKERS begin to walk down
the street, to see what's going on.
                                                            
The FLAMES f the building fill the air, and SMOKE covers
surrounding areas. Everything is engulfed by the building's
FIRE.
                                                            
 
INT. JOKER'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
                                                            
JONNY looks into a fish tank, as the fish move in harmony
with one another. They're not very eye-pleasing.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O.)
When I was a kid, my scumbag
stepfather, once-- only once--
took us camping.
                                                            
JONNY steps back, and puts a cigarette in his mouth. He
looks out the window, high above Gotham.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
I'd never been out in the woods
before, and I haven't been there
since, really.
                                                            
JONNY walks away, and starts looking around the apartment.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
But the time with my stepfather, I
caught a toad, and took him home
in a box. I fed him bugs I'd
catch... roaches, mostly, since we
already had those.
                                                            
JONNY walks over to a table, where his lighter is. He picks
it up, and lights his cigarette.
                                                            

49.

                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
After it rained, I'd take him up
on the roof of our building too.
Seein' it was outside, I figured
he'd like to hop around up there,
and I think he really did. I like
to think that.
                                                            
As JONNY smokes his cigarette, he notices a light coming
from a crack in the door down the hall. Intrigued, he turns
and puts his cigarette out in an ashtray. He walks down the
hall.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
But this one time, there were
older kids up there. And they saw
what I had...
                                                            
JONNY looks into the opening of the door, trying to be
unseen. He seems perplexed.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
And they said they were going to
throw my toad off the roof. And
they were, I knew it. And I also
knew I couldn't let them do that.
                                                            
INSIDE THE ROOM, JOKER is kneeling on the ground, hugging
HARLEY who stands over him. She rubs his head.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
To me.
                                                            
JOKER is actually sobbing, and he grips onto HARLEY even
tighter.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
So I did it myself.
                                                            
JONNY continues watching, his eyes wide with amazement at
the sight of JOKER crying. He's motionless.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
After, I went down to the street,
to find it. I looked everywhere...
                                                            
JONNY steps away from the door, and back into the hallway.
He seems like he just murdered someone. He turns and faces
away from the door, but looks back one last time.

He walks away.
                                                            

50.

                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
But I never did.
                                                            
 
EXT. EGG & I RESTAURANT - DAY
                                                            
A PAPERBOY stands outside of the EGG & I restaurant, on the
street corner. He holds up a newspaper with the headline
"NIGHTCLUB BURNS" in the air, yelling for buyers.

A HAND grabs one of the papers, and pays the PAPERBOY. It's
the DETECTIVE.

DETECTIVE reads the headline, and walks towards the EGG & I.
                                                            
 
INT. EGG & I RESTAURANT - DAY
                                                            
DETECTIVE walks in and looks around the are for a moment. He
sees JONNY sitting at the bar, and smiles. He tosses out his
paper, and sits down next to JONNY.
                                                            
                       DETECTIVE
How's the food here, Frost?
                                                            
JONNY looks over at the DETECTIVE, still chewing his food.
He nods in recognition of him, and turns back to his plate.
He swallows.
                                                            
                       JONNY
S'good... I didn't order a side of
bacon, though.
                                                            
DETECTIVE laughs.
                                                            
                       DETECTIVE
That's a good one.
                                                            
DETECTIVE reaches on to JONNY'S plate, and grabs a fork-full
of scrambled eggs.
                                                            
                       DETECTIVE
Guess the CLOWNY is rubbin' off on
you.
                                                            
JONNY turns the other cheek, ashamed of being called-out.
                                                            
                       JONNY
I don' know what you're talkin'
about.
                                                            

51.

                       DETECTIVE
Frankly, I don' give a rat's ass
what you know... I know a man that
DOES, though.
                                                            
The WAITRESS comes over with a pot of coffee, and is ready
to pour it into JONNY'S cup. DETECTIVE puts his finger up,
in protest.
                                                            
                       DETECTIVE
Jonny's finished, Missy--
                                                            
The WAITRESS looks at JONNY, who has his head down. Then she
looks at DETECTIVE, who is smiling at her. She returns the
smile, and returns to the kitchen.

DETECTIVE continues to smile, and looks over at JONNY.
                                                            
                       DETECTIVE
And late for a meeting.
                                                            
JONNY looks up and over to DETECTIVE, confused.
                                                            
 
INT. DENT'S OFFICE - DAY
                                                            
There's a KNOCK on the door of an old, shoddy room, as a man
in a suit opens it up.

The DETECTIVE walks in, and JONNY follows.

JONNY looks around for a moment, and notices HARVEY TWO-FACE
standing in front of the window on the opposite side of the
room. He watches him for a moment, until DETECTIVE directs
him to a seat.

JONNY sits, and continues watching HARVEY. He flips his coin
in the window, not taking notice to his visitor. DETECTIVE
just stands next to JONNY, leaning against the wall.

JONNY puts his head down, unsure what to do in this place.
                                                            
                       HARVEY TWO-FACE
Mister Frost...
                                                            
JONNY looks up now, attentive.
                                                            
                       HARVEY TWO-FACE (cont'd)
I CAN'T tell you it's a pleasure
to meet you... Circumstances won't
allow that.
                                                            

52.

JONNY nervously rubs his hands together. He looks over to
DETECTIVE, who hasn't moved.
                                                            
                       JONNY
I'm, ah... sorry they ain't
different, Mr. Dent.
                                                            
HARVEY turns his head, slightly.
                                                            
                       HARVEY TWO-FACE
What if they were...
                                                            
HARVEY rolls his coin through his fingers.
                                                            
                       HARVEY TWO-FACE (cont'd)
Could they be?
                                                            
He turns and looks out the window again.
                                                            
                       HARVEY TWO-FACE (cont'd)
Maybe.
                                                            
JONNY just sits in silence, taking the man's words to heart.


HARVEY grasps his coin, and rubs it with his thumb.
                                                            
                       HARVEY TWO-FACE
You know you are involved with a
sick man who will see you die?
                                                            
DETECTIVE looks down at JONNY, proving that he knew all
along who he was working for. JONNY looks down in
embarrassment.
                                                            
                       HARVEY TWO-FACE
He will stand over your body, with
your blood on his hands, and I
promise you he will laugh. Not
because your life means nothing to
him--
      (pause)
But because death, for him--
      (pause)
Is the PUNCH LINE.
                                                            
At this moment, HARVEY clenches his coin in a fist, and
turns back his head a bit to see JONNY.

He faces the window again.
                                                            

53.

                       HARVEY TWO-FACE
A very sick man. A disease, that
this city can't afford to catch
again.
                                                            
A beat.

HARVEY turns to face JONNY, finally, his SCARRED-SIDE
showing.
                                                            
                       HARVEY TWO-FACE
Do you understand what I'm telling
you?
                                                            
JONNY just sits with a vacant expression for a moment,
terrified.
                                                            
                       JONNY
I don't understand WHY you are...
                                                            
HARVEY nods, understanding his confusion, and spins his
SQUEAKING chair towards him. He takes a seat.
                                                            
                       HARVEY TWO-FACE
I'm hoping, Mister Frost, that you
will.
      (pause)
When the time comes, of course.
                                                            
HARVEY turns away, and reaches over to touch the leaves of a
plant he is growing.
                                                            
                       HARVEY TWO-FACE
For some reason, the sick man
trusts you.
      (HARVEY faces
       JONNY)
We'd like to as well...
                                                            
JONNY just stares at HARVEY TWO-FACE, who just turns away.

DETECTIVE puts his arm on JONNY'S shoulder.
                                                            
 
EXT. ROOFTOP - DAY
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O.)
I don't remember leaving Harvey
Dent's office.
                                                            
JONNY is smoking a cigarette, with dozens of telephone poles
and lines in the distance. The sky is cloudy, but
illuminated by the sunset.

54.


JONNY seems depressed.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
I must've walked. My legs ached
from walking. Walked, and kept
walking...
                                                            
At JONNY'S feet, there is a ledge. A large bunch of
cigarettes are also on the ledge, and he kicks them off.

They fall into an abyss. He's extremely high off the ground.
Buildings can be seen.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
All the way up to the top of the
world.
                                                            
It is now clear that JONNY is standing on the very edge of a
building, the wind blowing extremely hard against his
clothing. Everything on him moves with the wind.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
I stayed there all day. Just...
stayed.
      (pause)
Too long. I don't know why. Maybe
it was because...
                                                            
JONNY'S feet turn away from the ledge, and walk off towards
a presumably safer place.
                                                            
 
EXT. GOTHAM HIGH SCHOOL - NIGHT
                                                            
JOKER, HARLEY, CROC, and CROC'S MEN are in different
positions amongst the front of the school. JOKER is wearing
a tie, and standing in the middle.

Everyone else is on guard, guns in hand.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
It was the last place I wanted to
be.
                                                            
JONNY'S car pulls up, and stops in one of the parking
spaces. He gets out, and begins making his way towards
JOKER. CROC gives him a dirty look.
                                                            
                       JOKER
You're late.
                                                            
JONNY continues approaching JOKER, not phased.
                                                            

55.

                       JONNY
That a problem?
                                                            
JOKER looks around to everybody else, as if he couldn't
believe his ears.

Right when JONNY makes his way to him, JOKER knees him in
the groin.

JONNY FALLS to his knees, and begins coughing. JOKER looks
down at him.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Jonny Jonny...
      (gets in JONNY'S
       face)
I don't HAVE any problems.
                                                            
JOKER stands up straight again, and adjusts his tie.
                                                            
                       JOKER
None at all. Zip, zilch, nada,
unless...
                                                            
JOKER pauses as if he has made some great discovery. He
reaches into his coat.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Wait-- Are you sayin'...
                                                            
JOKER pulls out a gun and puts it at JONNY'S head, his
finger on the trigger.
                                                            
                       JOKER (cont'd)
That YOU'RE my problem?
                                                            
JOKER kneels down next to JONNY, and twists the barrel on
his skull.

JONNY is still wincing in pain.
                                                            
                       JONNY
No...
      (coughs)
No, Joker.
      (shakes his head)
I was just kidding.
                                                            
JOKER pulls the gun away from JONNY'S head, and stands back.
He raises his hands in innocence.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Oh... Well, so was I then.
                                                            

56.

JONNY nods in understanding, not wanting to risk anymore
damage. He gets up slowly.

In the distance, cars traveling at high speeds approach the
school. CROC watches them, his gun by his side.
                                                            
                       CROC
Joker-- Your APPOINTMENT. He's
here.
                                                            
JOKER nods approvingly.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Right on time, too.
      (Waves his hand)
Let the problem child by, Croc.
                                                            
CROC steps back off the drive-thru for a moment, and lets a
car pass by. The other remains by the exit.
                                                            
JONNY walks over to JOKER, who is fixing his hair.
                                                            
                       JONNY
Joker, you-- You expect some
trouble out of this guy?
                                                            
                       JOKER
No, but I do expect you to, Jonny
Jonny.
                                                            
JOKER smiles, and puts his hand on JONNY'S cheek.
                                                            
                       JOKER
That's why I keep you around.
                                                            
The car pulls up right in front of JOKER and JONNY, and
stops. Every single door of the car opens, and men come out
of each one.

Out of the passenger seat comes THE RIDDLER, EDWARD NYGMA.
He carries a cane in the shape of a QUESTION MARK, and has
orange hair covered partly by his fedora. He has tattoos of
QUESTION MARKS all over his visible stomach.

He begins making his way towards JOKER, who opens his arms
in welcoming.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Hola, Edward!
                                                            
                       EDWARD
Joker.
                                                            

57.

HARLEY points her gun at EDWARD. EDWARD'S DRIVER takes aim
at HARLEY. Then, CROC'S THUG points his piece at EDWARD'S
DRIVER.

A man gets out of the backseat and points his gun at CROC'S
THUG, followed by another man on the opposite door.

CROC walks over, his gun loaded, and stands by JONNY. JONNY
is already pointing his gun at a man holding dual pistols.
He's smiling.

EDWARD looks around, and exhales smoke from his cigarette.
                                                            
                       EDWARD
Hm. When the world is against you,
where's the safest place to hide?
                                                            
JOKER contemplates, rubbing his chin.

HARLEY pulls out her knife in order to intimidate the other
men.
                                                            
                       JOKER
I'm... stumped.
      (chuckles)
I don't get you, Edward. Your
motivations-- you're wise. But
your WHY'S are completely lost on
me.
                                                            
JOKER turns to JONNY.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Strange how that sounds, isn't it?
                                                            
JOKER walks over to EDWARD, and gets right in front of
him. EDWARD'S men are tense, with itchy trigger-fingers.
                                                            
                       JOKER
YOU might call it puzzling.
                                                            
EDWARD gives JOKER a long stare. He is not amused in the
slightest. He drops his cigarette, and stomps it out with
his sneaker.
                                                            
                       EDWARD
Shall we get down to business?
                                                            
EDWARD motions for one of his men to open the trunk.

EDWARD'S THUG walks over to the trunk, and one of CROC'S
THUGS follows. The trunk opens, and EDWARD'S THUG hands a
SUITCASE over to CROC'S. They stare at each other intensely

58.

for a moment, and break off. The trunk CLOSES.

CROC'S THUG brings over the suitcase to JOKER, and places it
in his hands. JOKER puts the suitcase down on a table, and
opens it up. He smiles.
                                                            
                       EDWARD
What do you plan to do with that?
                                                            
                       JOKER
MY business.
                                                            
                       EDWARD
      (smirking)
Ah, getting everyone's attention.
                                                            
JOKER turns his head to EDWARD.
                                                            
                       JOKER
I could care less about everyone
else's.
                                                            
JOKER'S eyes carry him back to the open suitcase, having
trouble staying away.
                                                            
                       JOKER
How did you acquire--
                                                            
                       EDWARD
It was suppose to be impossible to
steal...
      (signals to his
       men)
So I stole it.
                                                            
EDWARD turns away, as his men turn back to the car and start
filing in. JOKER'S gang lowers their weapons.
                                                            
                       EDWARD
Let's do this again.
                                                            
EDWARD walks away, and opens the car door. He starts seating
himself.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Edward-- I I were you-- I'd get
out of town.
                                                            
EDWARD begins rolling up his window, while looking at JOKER.
                                                            
                       EDWARD
Joker, if I were you--
                                                            

59.

                       JOKER
--You'd know that the safest place
to hide...
                                                            
JOKER gets right up to the car window, his breath getting
all over the glass.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Is IN SANITY.
                                                            
EDWARD'S eyes go WIDE as he looks at the terrifying JOKER.
His car speeds away just as the window rolls up.

JOKER steps back, and walks over to the suitcase. He closes
it, and JONNY watches him as he walks away.
                                                            
 
EXT. CITY STREETS - NIGHT
                                                            
TWO CARS, one with JONNY, JOKER, and HARLEY, the other with
CROC and his men, move at very high speeds down streets.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O.)
The deal with the Riddler went off
without a hitch... That is, if you
don't count the one in his hip.
                                                            
 
INT. JONNY'S CAR - NIGHT
                                                            
JONNY drives while smoking his cigarette. JOKER laughs in
the backseat, popping pills in his mouth. He constantly
shows HARLEY the pills resting on his tongue. He pops a new
one in every few seconds, as they constantly "disappear".
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
That had put JOKER in a good mood,
which was good for everyone. His
mood was like the weather...
                                                            
BRIGHT LIGHTS come over the interior of JONNY'S car. HIGH
BEAMS. He looks in the side-view mirror, trying to see
behind him.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
It had that type of persuasive
effect on everyone it touched.
Sunny days ahead, right?
                                                            
FROM THE BACK WINDSHIELD, A CAR comes up right behind
JONNY'S. JOKER is oblivious, as a man from the other car
pulls out a gun.


60.

JONNY, looking in the rear-view mirror still, goes
wide-eyed.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
Turned out to be just the calm
before the storm.
                                                            
 
EXT. CITY STREETS - NIGHT
                                                            
THE CAR OPENS FIRE. First, from behind, and then moving to
the SIDE. JONNY'S car is DRENCHED IN BULLETS, coming from
the unknown attackers.

JONNY'S car SWERVES, as it tries to avoid getting
demolished. It STOPS outside a building, as the other car
continues to move after CROC'S.
                                                            
 
INT. JONNY'S CAR - NIGHT
                                                            
JONNY is breathing heavily, wounded from grazed bullets. He
collapses on the front seat. HARLEY is passed out, as well.

JOKER pushes JONNY from the back seat, urging him to move.
Nothing.

JOKER looks around for a moment, and pulls out his gun. He
grabs the briefcase, and exits the car in a hurry.
                                                            
 
EXT. ABANDONED BUILDING - NIGHT
                                                            
JOKER walks on the street in front of an old abandoned
building, when ANOTHER CAR swerves around the corner.

Men get out, holding guns. They start SHOOTING AT JOKER.

JOKER, aims his pistol, and RETURNS FIRE. He remains in one
spot while he SHOOTS, fearless, while the enemy hide behind
the car doors.

After a brief moment, JOKER takes both men out. JOKER moves
towards the parking lot of the abandoned building, when he
is SHOT in the arm. He screams in a mix of anger and pain.

One of the men managed to clip his shoulder, while on the
ground. JOKER walks over to the man, and without mercy,
kills him with one bullet.

He grasps his shoulder, and makes his way into the
building's perimeter.
                                                            
 

61.

EXT. ABANDONED BUILDING ALLEY - NIGHT
                                                            
JOKER moves down an alleyway briskly, not paying attention
to what is ahead of him. He hears a SHUFFLE. HE FIRES to
behind him.
Something RUSTLES on the roof. He FIRES REPEATEDLY into the
air. He fires until--

CLICK. CLICK. He is completely out of bullets.

Then he hears another SHUFFLE, accompanied by a FIGURE. The
FIGURE looks a lot like a certain caped crusader, and JOKER
grows furious that he has no bullets.

The FIGURE is completely immersed in shadow, nothing but a
silhouette. It APPROACHES JOKER.
                                                            
                       DETECTIVE
I'd say you're under arrest...
                                                            
The FIGURE moves out from the shadows, and into the light.
It's the DETECTIVE.

He reaches into his coat.
                                                            
                       DETECTIVE (cont'd)
... If you were.
                                                            
The DETECTIVE chuckles, and pulls out a gun. He points it at
JOKER.

JOKER steps back, fearing the inevitable. BLAM.

JOKER'S eyes widen, and he just remains still. Until--

THUD. Something hits the floor. And JOKER is still standing.
He looks down to see--

DETECTIVE, DEAD. A HOLE IN HIS HEAD, from a bullet. JOKER
looks at his own gun, and then behind him.

JONNY IS STANDING THERE, his gun still pointed at
DETECTIVE'S body. He holds on to his side, clearly in pain,
as he leans against a wall.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O.)
Dent wouldn't be happy, I knew
that. And I cared about it. His
time came...
                                                            
JONNY stumbles again, dropping his gun. He stumbles towards
JOKER.
                                                            

62.

                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
For me...
                                                            
JONNY collapses into JOKER, passing out instantly. But JOKER
holds him up, still holding the suitcase and pistol.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
... And it passed.
                                                            
JOKER smiles to himself, and pats JONNY with his pistol. He
succumbs to being worn out, and sits on the ground.

JOKER just sits there, with JONNY still clinging to him. He
sighs greatly, and drops his pistol to his side. He shuts
his eyes.
                                                            
                       JOKER
      (faint)
Jonny Jonny...
                                                            
 
EXT. DENT'S MANSION - DAY
                                                            
It's morning. Birds are CHIRPING in the cold, autumn
morning. The DENT MANSION seems haunted in it's stillness,
until the door opens.

HARVEY walks out of the front door and on to his steps, and
looks around for a moment.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O.)
I didn't get much sleep that
night. After I saved his life,
Joker couldn't stop laughing.
                                                            
DENT sees his newspaper underneath the tree on his front
lawn, and walks over to it.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
REALLY couldn't stop. Laughing so
hard he was choking. So hard his
face went red and his eyes got
wet.
                                                            
HARVEY crouches down on a knee, reaching for the newspaper.
Something DROPS in front of him. Liquid.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
I swear it was coming up straight
from his lungs. Real dry, no spit
at all.
                                                            

63.

The liquid SPLATS on HARVEY in the face. It's RED. BLOOD. He
turns his eyes up slowly, regretting what he's about to see
already.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
Just a COUGH. Maybe that's all he
was doin'...
                                                            
Hung from the tree, is the body of DETECTIVE. He's
upside-down, and BLOOD is DRIPPING from every possible
direction. He has a huge CHELSEA GRIN CARVED ON HIS FACE, as
he rocks back and forth slowly in the wind.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
...Coughin'.
                                                            
HARVEY steps back briskly, and falls back down on his
bottom. He just stays there, looking up at the horror that
he is responsible for.
                                                            
 
EXT. MONTAGE - NIGHT
                                                            
A) A grenade flies through the air.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O.)
Harvey Dent was the rackets in
Gotham.
                                                            
B) An EXPLOSION in a building causes mayhem outside. People
drop everything and run away from the building, some FLYING
IN THE AIR due to pressure.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
From fruit stands to oyster bars,
he got a taste. The price of doing
business was doing it with HIM.
                                                            
C) In an alley somewhere, a barrel fire illuminates a wall.
The shadows on the wall show a man on his knees, with a man
standing behind him. The man has a gun pointed to the
kneeler's head.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
Joker decided to RAISE that price.
I woulda said Dent is dead. End of
story.
                                                            
The man pulls the trigger on the gun, and the kneeler's body
jerks back, and then forward to the ground.
                                                            

64.

D) JOKER is sitting in a chair, next to the telephone in his
apartment. He has a bottle of pills in his hand, and strokes
back his hair.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
Joker, though, wasn't looking for
an ENDING. I didn't get that.
                                                            
E) Money falls, seemingly endlessly.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
He sat in a chair for DAYS and
didn't get up.
                                                            
F) Multiple bodies lay dead on stairs and the sidewalk
outside of an apartment complex, while the money continues
to fall.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
We did what we did, but he didn't
move...
                                                            
G) POLICE surround yet another man with a CHELSEA GRIN on
his face, while struggling to keep back ON-LOOKERS and
PHOTOGRAPHERS.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
For days...
                                                            
H) CROC, with BLOOD covering his face, licks his lips.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
We made Gotham a TOILET...
                                                            
 
INT. JOKER'S APARTMENT - DAY
                                                            
JOKER'S phone sits in place, on a table.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
... And Joker SAT in it.
                                                            
The telephone begins RINGING. JOKER'S gloved hand grabs it
after a moment.

JOKER brings the phone up to his ear, with a sinister smile
across his face.
                                                            
                       JOKER
      (into phone)
Hello?
      (beat)
Why, Harvey... Sucks to be you,
doesn't it? Or does it? I never
            (MORE)

65.

                       JOKER (cont'd)
know who it is I'm talking to.
      (long pause)
Yes, you're right. We do need to
talk face to face... to face.
                                                            
JOKER leans back in his chair, basking in the room filled
with pills. Pills are all over the floor, along with the
numerous empty bottles.
                                                            
 
INT. PARKING GARAGE - NIGHT
                                                            
It's night, in a parking garage on the outskirts of town.
HARVEY stands amongst his men, who are all armed. He flips
his coin, waiting patiently.

Then, down from the ramp, JOKER. HARVEY seems confused that
he is alone. But then, CROC and JONNY follow. It's only
those three, overshadowed greatly by HARVEY'S gang.

JOKER stops a good ten feet from DENT, because one of the
CROOKED COPS has a shotgun pointed at him.

JOKER and HARVEY stare each other down coldly. HARVEY gives
JONNY a glance, and then returns to JOKER.
                                                            
                       HARVEY TWO-FACE
We both agree, things got out of
hand. Well, it is what it is.
There's no use placing any blame,
either.
                                                            
JOKER is looking around the area, oblivious.
                                                            
                       HARVEY TWO-FACE (cont'd)
It's all about egos with men in
our position. Slights are taken
where none were meant, isn't that
right?
                                                            
JOKER continues looking around, looking at each of DENT'S
men, as if he was sizing them up.

HARVEY grows angry.
                                                            
                       HARVEY TWO-FACE
You going to answer me?
                                                            
JOKER reacts, like waking up from being dazed out.
                                                            

66.

                       JOKER
Wha? Oh, my mistake...
      (shakes head)
I thought you were talking to
yourselves, Harvey.
                                                            
                       HARVEY TWO-FACE
You're NOT funny, Joker.
                                                            
                       JOKER
      (surprised)
Really? And here I thought the
point of this little tete- a-tete-
a tete, was because I'm a regular
RIOT.
                                                            
                       HARVEY TWO-FACE
The point is to reach an
UNDERSTANDING.
                                                            
JOKER walks over to HARVEY, holding two fingers up.

HARVEY'S MEN keep their fingers on their triggers, and
follow JOKER with their barrels.

JOKER stops right in front of HARVEY.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Two make a deal, Harvey?
                                                            
HARVEY nods.
                                                            
                       HARVEY TWO-FACE
Exactly.
                                                            
TWO OF CROC'S MEN enter the area, carrying the SUITCASE.
JOKER turns his head.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Hmm. There's a problem...
                                                            
                       HARVEY TWO-FACE
We should be WILLING to work that
out.
                                                            
                       JOKER
No, no. Willing ain't gonna cut
it...
                                                            
JOKER turns back around, and gets right up into HARVEY'S
face.
                                                            

67.

                       JOKER (cont'd)
Try BEGGING.
                                                            
HARVEY chuckles, and turns away from JOKER, facing his men.

JOKER cracks now, becoming angry.
                                                            
                       JOKER
That wasn't meant to be FUNNY.
                                                            
HARVEY starts walking away.
                                                            
                       JOKER
I mean to have what's MINE,
Harvey.
                                                            
                       HARVEY TWO-FACE
And what the hell is THAT?
                                                            
                       JOKER
I'm asking for it.
                                                            
HARVEY stops.
                                                            
                       HARVEY TWO-FACE
GODDAMN right you are! Isn't he...
      (turns his head)
... Mr. Frost?
                                                            
JONNY'S face goes PALE, as HARVEY walks over to JOKER again.

JOKER looks at JONNY, suspicious.
                                                            
                       JOKER
You know the HARVEYS, Jonny Jonny?
                                                            
                       HARVEY TWO-FACE
      (interjecting)
We've met. Didn't he tell you?
                                                            
JOKER gives HARVEY a cold stare, and HARVEY smiles.
                                                            
                       HARVEY TWO-FACE (cont'd)
What a surprise.
                                                            
HARVEY turns back to his men, and motions to them. They
throw someone forward, and the person falls to the ground
behind HARVEY--

SHELLY. She looks up, DRIED BLOOD CAKED UNDER HER NOSE. Her
face is BEATEN BADLY. HARVEY looks down at her.
                                                            

68.

                       JONNY (O.S.)
Shelly?
                                                            
JOKER turns to JONNY, bewildered. JONNY looks down.

JOKER goes to say something--
                                                            
                       JONNY
My wife.
                                                            
                       JOKER
You didn't tell me you were
married...
      (turns to HARVEY,
       smiling)
But then, neither did YOU, Harvey.
                                                            
                       HARVEY TWO-FACE
Ha Ha. I've been married for
years--
                                                            
                       JOKER
I wasn't talking to YOU...
                                                            
JOKER walks over, and grabs HARVEY'S face. He looks at the
SCARRED SIDE.
                                                            
                       JOKER
I was talking to YOU. There's a
lot of things people in our
position can get away with...
MURDER being one...
                                                            
JOKER proceeds to take one of his gloves off, and sprays
spit as he speaks in HARVEY'S face.
                                                            
                       JOKER (cont'd)
WIVES ain't two of them. Bigamy is
like tax evasion. Once a
prosecutor has a crime he can try
in the public eye...
                                                            
CRASH. Something falls off in the distance in the garage,
and everyone reacts. JOKER looks over, calm. HARVEY'S MEN
aim their guns, waiting for someone to come out.

After a moment, a CAT runs out from the darkness, and
scurries off.
                                                            
                       JOKER
... I don't need to explain myself
further to you two, do I?
                                                            

69.

                       HARVEY TWO-FACE
No, Joker. 'Course you don't. I'll
admit it's embarrassing for me...
                                                            
HARVEY reaches into his pocket.
                                                            
                       HARVEY TWO-FACE (cont'd)
But what can you do? Love's a
funny thing.
                                                            
HARVEY smiles, and pulls out his cell phone. He holds it so
JOKER can see.
                                                            
                       HARVEY TWO-FACE (cont'd)
Funnier than you'll ever be. I
knew there was always a chance
that this could happen... That his
happiness compromised our best
interests.
      (beat)
So I made certain it couldn't. I
have a man on speed dial that will
make EVERYTHING in that suitcase
there disappear.
                                                            
JOKER nods, clearly growing angry. He takes a deep breath
and--

SWING. JOKER'S arm extends, trying to whack HARVEY. HARVEY
backs away, barely.
                                                            
                       HARVEY TWO-FACE
Ah, Ah, Ah-- Naughty, naughty.
                                                            
JOKER smiles, as he rests his arms at his side.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Naughty?
                                                            
HARVEY, winces in pain. He looks over at his arm, still
holding the phone.

GASHES all over his wrist. He looks mortified.
                                                            
                       JOKER (cont'd)
Like YOU got room to talk.
                                                            
HARVEY drops the phone, and grabs his wrist, trying to stop
the bleeding. BLOOD is POURING out of him. He groans.
                                                            
                       HARVEY TWO-FACE
What the-- What the HELL did you
DO to me!?
                                                            

70.

JOKER smiles and licks his lips.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Not much...
                                                            
JOKER pulls up his hand, with shards of glass taped to his
fingertips. HARVEY'S BLOOD is on his fingers.
                                                            
                       JOKER (cont'd)
Yet.
                                                            
One of HARVEY'S men grabs SHELLY, and throws her behind
them. They all raise their guns to fire when--

Their heads are BLOWN TO PIECES by GUNFIRE. They all
COLLAPSE to the ground dead, leaving SHELLY standing amongst
them.

Out of the darkness comes HARLEY, armed with her uzi yet
again. She stands up, alongside JOKER.

HARVEY is still concentrated on his wrist, groaning in pain.
                                                            
                       JOKER
You want to tell me about what's
FUNNY? You think either of you can
make ME laugh?
                                                            
JOKER KICKS HARVEY in the stomach, and he FALLS down to his
knees.
                                                            
                       JOKER
BEG. I'll tell you what's funny--
That you think this is about
MONEY. I don't care about MONEY.
                                                            
JOKER kneels down next to HARVEY, who is out of breath, and
exhaling heavily.
                                                            
                       JOKER
How's THAT for funny, Two-Face? Or
should I call you...
                                                            
JOKER grabs HARVEY by the hair, and pulls him back. He puts
a KNIFE to his face.
                                                            
                       JOKER (cont'd)
No-Face?
      (chuckle)
You like that name? I think it's
pretty good. Got a real RING to
it-- I think it could actually do
you BOTH some good.
                                                            

71.

JOKER lets go, and lets HARVEY fall flat on his face. He
stands over him.
                                                            
                       JOKER
You are my CASH REGISTER now. Got
it? Oh, and one more thing...
                                                            
JOKER gets down on one knee, and WHISPERS into HARVEY'S ear.
JONNY seems confused.

JOKER lets go, and nods his head as he steps back. HARVEY
watches him, in shock of what he just said. He lets his face
fall flat again.

Suddenly, JOKER starts kicking HARVEY like a mad-man. His
screams fill the air, as JOKER begins to stomp on HARVEY'S
back. He goes on for a moment, and then stops. He strokes
his hair, and starts to walk away, leaving the limp HARVEY.
                                                            
                       JOKER
I wanted to keep this about your
indiscretion, Harvey. YOU made it
personal, not me.
                                                            
JOKER walks back over to his group, who are all smiles but
JONNY. He is terrified. JOKER passes him, and turns his
head.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Jonny Jonny... Get your lady.
                                                            
SHELLY is standing amongst the DOZEN DEAD BODIES, in
absolute shock. JONNY lowers his head in shame for what has
come her way.
                                                            
 
EXT. RESERVOIR - DAY
                                                            
The sun is rising in the distance. JONNY sits on the edge of
the reservoir, staring off blankly. CROC stands in the
distance. CROC'S CAR rocks back and forth, constantly.

The back door OPENS. JOKER comes out. His pants are undone.
He starts TIGHTENING his belt.

JONNY looks into the car, and sees SHELLY curled up, crying.
Her underwear is on the seat. She looks ashamed.
                                                            
                       JOKER
      (to Croc)
Drive her wherever. Give her some
money.
                                                            

72.

                       CROC
How much?
                                                            
JOKER shrugs.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Whatever it was worth.
                                                            
CROC looks at JOKER for a moment, even he is amazed by his
gesture. JOKER motions for CROC to get in the car, and he
does so.

JOKER looks at JONNY as he ZIPS up his pants, and CROC
drives away with SHELLY.
                                                            
                       JOKER
That makes us even, no?
                                                            
JONNY does nothing, but remains seated and staring off into
space. JOKER sighs.
                                                            
                       JOKER
C'mon...
                                                            
JOKER begins walking away.
                                                            
                       JOKER (cont'd)
Let's stay out tonight, Jonny
Jonny.
                                                            
JONNY looks over at JOKER, and slowly gets up. He follows
him.
                                                            
 
INT. MULLANEY'S LIQUOR - NIGHT
                                                            
A CASHIER sits behind the counter, working on his homework.
He takes off his glasses, blurring his vision. The door
RINGS, as someone enters.

He puts his glasses back on, and JOKER is staring in his
face. He smiles, and grabs the man by his hair.
                                                            
                       JOKER
      (to Jonny)
Grab me some brown liquor.
                                                            
                       CASHIER
Can I help you?
                                                            
JOKER spits in the man's face, a huge wad. The man squints,
and JOKER shoves him.


73.

JOKER pulls out his gun. BANG. He shoots the man in the
chest, as he drops dead on to the counter top instantly.

JONNY rushes over, to see what has happened. He notices the
dead body, and looks over to JOKER, who is just standing
there, looking at it.
                                                            
                       JOKER
      (to Jonny)
I'm in the mood for brown liquor.
                                                            
JOKER walks down the aisles, and starts switching bottles
around.
                                                            
                       JOKER
What about you, Jonny Jonny? What
are you in the mood for?
                                                            
JONNY doesn't say a word. He opens his mouth, but the words
don't come out. He's taken aback by the murdered CASHIER.

JOKER approaches him.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Name it-- Take it... It's MY
sandbox.
                                                            
JOKER throws his arm around JONNY, embracing him.
                                                            
                       JOKER
And you're in it WITH me.
                                                            
JOKER chuckles, then walks away. JONNY just watches him.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O.)
Yes I was. In it with the JOKER.
Where I'd WANTED to be...
                                                            
 
EXT. APARTMENT BUILDING - NIGHT
                                                            
JOKER and JONNY enter a luxurious apartment building, while
JONNY watches his surroundings for on-lookers.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
Until I got there.
                                                            
 
INT. APARTMENT BUILDING HALLWAY - NIGHT
                                                            
JONNY and JOKER walk down a large hallway, filled with
seemingless endless doors. JOKER looks at each one.
                                                            

74.

                       JOKER
      (while walking)
No. No. No. No. No.
                                                            
JOKER stops in front of DOOR NUMBER 61, and looks it over
for a minute.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Yes.
                                                            
JOKER drops down on one knee, and starts JIGGLING through
his pockets.
                                                            
                       JONNY
What are we doing?
                                                            
                       JOKER
Shhh.
                                                            
JOKER pulls out a pick, and inserts it into the key hole. He
starts FIDGETING around, trying to open the door. JONNY
steps back, and keeps into a crevice in the wall. He
constantly looks down the hall, paranoid.

After a minute, JOKER finally PICKS the lock. He opens the
door.
                                                            
 
INT. APARTMENT 61 - NIGHT
                                                            
JOKER enters, followed by the cautious JONNY.
                                                            
                       JONNY
Joker, what are we doing?
                                                            
JOKER turns around, and grabs JONNY by the collar. He throws
him into the wall, holding him off his feet. A picture
CRASHES to the ground.
                                                            
                       JOKER
I said SHUT UP!
                                                            
 
INT. APARTMENT 61 BEDROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
An elderly couple is laying in bed. The WIFE shoots up at
the noises outside, and listens for a moment. She shakes her
husband, CARL.
                                                            
                       CARL'S WIFE
      (whispering)
Carl-- Someone's here!
                                                            

75.

CARL wakes up, and looks at his wife.
                                                            
                       CARL
What?
                                                            
She points to the door knob, which is TURNING.
                                                            
 
INT. APARTMENT 61 - NIGHT
                                                            
JOKER is leaning against the door, enjoying listening to the
whimpers of the elderly couple. He smiles to himself.

JONNY just watches him, almost disgusted.
                                                            
                       JONNY
Who are these people?
                                                            
JOKER stops turning the door knob, and sighs.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Who...
      (turns his head)
... Cares?
                                                            
JOKER clearly smiles cheaply, and turns back to the door. He
goes to open it-- LOCKED.

He chuckles, and starts JIGGLING the door knob more and
more. He grows more agitated, and starts throwing his entire
body into it, trying to knock it down.
                                                            
 
INT. APARTMENT 61 BEDROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
CARL slowly steps away from the door, as it begins BENDING
IN. He looks back at his wife.
                                                            
                       CARL
Call the police. Quick.
                                                            
 
INT. APARTMENT 61 - NIGHT
                                                            
Outside the door, JOKER is going crazy trying to knock down
the door. He boots it constantly, and is still throwing his
body into it. Nothing seems to be working.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O.)
I knew then, I was CRAZY to want
to be like Joker...
                                                            

76.

JOKER stops, and looks around the hallway. He walks a few
feet, and grabs a statue of a stand.

He charges at the door, and SMASHES it over the door knob.
The door opens.
                                                            
 
INT. APARTMENT 61 BEDROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
JOKER stands in the doorway, leaning on his side. He wiggles
his fingers at the couple.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Hello there.
                                                            
CARL gets up, and walks over to JOKER. The old man seems
helpless, and tries to reach out to JOKER.

JOKER smacks his hand away, and pushes him back onto the
bed.

JOKER begins walking forward, pulls out a razor, and walks
towards the two, laughing to himself.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
Because he was RIGHT-- He WASN'T
crazy.
                                                            
JONNY slowly follows JOKER into the room, as screams fill
the air, overcome by JOKER's laughter.

JONNY turns away, averting his eyes.
                                                            
                                         CUT TO:
                                                            
 
INT. APARTMENT 61 BEDROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
JOKER lays sprawled out on the bed, which is COVERED IN
BLOOD. The mutilated bodies of CARL and his WIFE lay in the
sheets with JOKER.

JOKER is smiling, extremely satisfied with what he has done.
He lifts up the WIFE'S hand, and takes off her wedding ring.
He examines it for a moment, then FLICKS it to the floor.

JONNY is just sitting in a chair by the window, rubbing his
head in a mix of confusion, terror, and disgust. JOKER looks
over to him.
                                                            
                       JOKER
You know what I HATE, Jonny Jonny?
                                                            

77.

JONNY doesn't look up. He's still in shock of what has
happened.
                                                            
                       JONNY
      (faint)
Everything.
                                                            
JOKER chuckles.
                                                            
                       JOKER
My, my... Is it you've learned a
lot...
                                                            
JOKER grabs his razor, and crawls over to the edge of the
bed. He looks at the blood on it.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Or you're smarter than you look?
                                                            
JOKER runs his gloved finger along the blade, and gets a
good blotch of blood. He tastes it, and seems disgusted. He
coughs.
                                                            
                       JOKER
And by the by, I'm not saying that
you're RIGHT.
                                                            
JOKER gets up, slowly. He walks over to JONNY, who is still
seated by the window.
                                                            
                       JOKER
You are CLOSE though. I'll give
you that.
                                                            
JOKER stands over JONNY, looking down at him. He flips is
razor SHUT, and puts it in his pocket.

He just stands there a moment.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Why do you HATE yourself?
                                                            
JONNY finally looks up, as JOKER turns to look out the
window.
                                                            
                       JONNY
I d--
                                                            
                       JOKER
-- Don't kid a kidder.
                                                            
JONNY puts his head down, ashamed.
                                                            

78.

                       JONNY
Sorry.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Didn't I tell you NEVER to
apologize?
                                                            
JOKER walks over to the very center of the window, a few
inches from it. He's trying hard to see something.

JONNY gets up, leaning against the wall by the window.
                                                            
                       JONNY
Yeah.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Then don't.
                                                            
JONNY shakes his head.
                                                            
                       JONNY
You don't get it, Joker.
                                                            
JONNY looks over to JOKER, finally, with truth in his face.
                                                            
                       JONNY
I AM sorry.
                                                            
JOKER nods.

A beat.
                                                            
                       JOKER
I can't think of a WORSE way to
die.
      (pause)
And I know ALL of the bad ways,
inside and out.
                                                            
Police cars can be heard approaching from the street below.
JONNY looks down as the red and blue lights SHINE on his and
JOKER'S faces.

JOKER looks at JONNY.
                                                            
                       JOKER
My friend... Jonny Jonny...
      (pause)
What I HATE more than
EVERYTHING...
      (looks back out
       window)
Is APOLOGIES.
                                                            

79.

JONNY just stands there for a moment, his mouth open in
amazement of JOKER'S revelation.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O.)
That confession... from a man who
NEVER confessed...
                                                            
JONNY looks back down at the police cars, as their doors
SLAM. Officers shouting can be heard.
                                                            
                       JONNY
We should go.
                                                            
JOKER smiles.
                                                            
                       JOKER
I know.
                                                            
JOKER points to the sky, and there in all of its glory--

THE BAT-SIGNAL. It shines bright in the GOTHAM SKYLINE. It's
crude, and clearly a makeshift signal, but nonetheless
enough to get the message across.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
It killed me.
                                                            
JOKER turns, and begins walking away, calmly.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Come on.
                                                            
JONNY looks at JOKER, and moves toward him. He stops, and
makes one last look to the sky. The paint DRIPS from the
BAT-SYMBOL.

JOKER has left the room, and JONNY rushes after him.
                                                            
 
EXT. BUILDING ROOFTOP - NIGHT
                                                            
The paint DRIPS from the make-shift BAT-SIGNAL, as light
shines through it into the sky.

HARVEY sits next to it, looking up in the sky. He looks at
the paintbrush, and runs it through his fingers. There's a
billow in the wind--

RUNCH. A dark, cloaked figure lands on the rooftop, next to
the BAT-SIGNAL-- THE BATMAN.

HARVEY looks over him, and puts his head down. He puts the

80.

paintbrush inside the bucket. He takes a moment, as BATMAN
approaches him.
                                                            
                       HARVEY TWO-FACE
Please...
      (looks up)
You HAVE to stop him. He said...
                                                            
HARVEY looks down, ashamed.
                                                            
                       HARVEY TWO-FACE (cont'd)
--He said he figured out a way to
MURDER one of us...
                                                            
A beat.
                                                            
                       BATMAN
Us?
                                                            
HARVEY looks up, shaking his head.
                                                            
                       HARVEY TWO-FACE
Us. Not You.
                                                            
HARVEY lowers his head again, clenching his hair and nearly
sobbing. He's on the brink of collapse.
                                                            
                       HARVEY TWO-FACE
He's going to murder one of US.
                                                            
BATMAN looks up, to the skyline. He walks over to the edge
of the building, and LEAPS off into the night.

HARVEY looks up, noticing BATMAN has left him, and turns his
head back down.
                                                            
 
INT. JOKER'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
                                                            
HARLEY is sitting in a chair, smoking a cigarette. She takes
a big puff, then walks over to the window.

She also sees the BAT-SIGNAL. She shrugs it off, and walks
back over to the chair.

BANG. something crashes down in the apartment. HARLEY shoots
up out of her chair.

She walks into another room, where a lamp has fallen over
onto the ground. She lifts it up, and places it back on the
table. She stands there a moment, puffing from a cigarette.

While she smokes, BATS can be seen flying towards her

81.

window. MORE and MORE fly towards it, unbeknownst to her.
Suddenly, she notices the noise and turns around. Just as
she turns--

BATMAN FLIES THROUGH THE WINDOW, arms reaching out to tackle
her.
                                                            
 
EXT. CITY STREETS - NIGHT
                                                            
A car moves along the city streets, slowly. JONNY and JOKER
can be seen inside.
                                                            
                       JOKER (O.S.)
Want to hear something funny?
                                                            
 
INT. JONNY'S CAR - NIGHT
                                                            
JONNY is driving, but has one hand on his head. He has a
throbbing headache, presumably.
                                                            
                       JONNY
Sure.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Well, when I was... GONE, I met a
man who was obsessed with driving
a car around the world in one day.
      (pause)
He swore up and down he could do
it. And he TRIED to, many times,
from what I understand.
      (pause)
At the end of those failed days...
He'd sit on the side of the road
cursing his bad luck. Eventually,
a good samaritan would stop.
      (pause)
After SLAUGHTERING the samaritan--
and anyone else with the
samaritan-- like his wife,
children-- he'd put them in his
car, set it on fire, and drive off
in theirs.
      (looks at Jonny,
       who is intrigued)
Then he'd fill up the tank and
wait on the sun, so he could try
to drive around the world again.
                                                            
The car stops. JONNY just looks at JOKER, who shrugs.
                                                            

82.

                       JONNY
He never made it?
                                                            
                       JOKER
      (shaking his head)
No, he was-- GONE. But that's not
the point.
                                                            
                       JONNY
There is one, I'm assuming.
                                                            
JONNY gets out of the car.
                                                            
                       JOKER
So you don't get it, Jonny Jonny?
                                                            
JOKER gets out of the car, also.
                                                            
 
EXT. JONNY'S CAR - NIGHT
                                                            
                       JOKER
He blamed the CARS for his
failures.
                                                            
JONNY grunts, and lights up a cigarette. He leans against
the car, and looks over at JOKER, who is staring up at a
shattered window to his apartment.

JONNY looks up at the window too, and puts out his cigarette
without even smoking. He walks over to JOKER.
                                                            
                       JONNY
What is that?
                                                            
                       JOKER
      (still looking up)
It never crossed his mind that
what he BELIEVED he could do was
impossible.
      (pause; looks to
       JONNY)
I ADMIRE that. I REALLY do.
                                                            
JOKER looks down into his coat, and pulls out his pistol.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Start the car, Jonny Jonny.
                                                            
JOKER checks his ammo, and begins walking away.
                                                            
                       JONNY
Why, what's--
                                                            

83.

                       JOKER
Just keep it running.
                                                            
JOKER disappears into the building's entrance, and JONNY
shakes his head. He opens the car door, and gets inside.
                                                            
 
INT. JOKER'S APARTMENT COMPLEX HALLWAY - NIGHT
                                                            
JOKER turns the corner, and what seems to be an endless
hallway is before him. He walks down, with his gun drawn. He
moves VERY slowly, constantly checking his surroundings.

He finally reaches the door, which is slightly ajar. He
seems suspicious of it, but opens it with a hand. He enters.
                                                            
 
INT. JOKER'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
                                                            
JOKER walks into his apartment, slowly. It's dark, with the
lights from the city shining through the windows. There is
junk all over the floor.

He moves down the hallway, checking every door.

Then, a door CREAKS. A saddened frown cracks across JOKER'S
face, as he approaches the door.

He stands at the door for a moment. He reaches for the door
knob, but opts not to open it.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Harley?
                                                            
There's nothing. No noise whatsoever. JOKER sums up the
courage, and FLINGS open the door to reveal--

NOTHING. In the closet is absolutely nothing but clothes. He
chuckles to himself. Then-- A SQUEAK.

JOKER turns around, and the SQUEAKS continue. He looks into
his bedroom, where A BAT is flying around. JOKER grows
wide-eyed, and flees the apartment.
                                                            
 
EXT. JONNY'S CAR - NIGHT
                                                            
JOKER comes rushing over to the car.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Drive, Jonny Jonny.
                                                            

84.

All at once, the ENGINE ROARS and the car starts moving, as
JOKER hops into the passenger seat.
                                                            
 
INT. JONNY'S CAR - NIGHT
                                                            
The car is flying down the streets. JONNY constantly looks
over at JOKER, who is drinking his brown liquor from the
bottle.

JOKER takes a big swig, and moans as he leans his head back.
                                                            
                       JOKER
That sonofabitch...
                                                            
JOKER PUNCHES the dashboard.
                                                            
                       JONNY
Who? I don't GET it...
                                                            
JOKER laughs, but it quickly fades into desperation.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Of course not-- He doesn't have a
funny broken bone in his body.
      (looks to Jonny)
Oh, but he's got his hands on the
rug, Jonny. Everything-- He let
me...
      (grabs Jonny by
       the shoulder)
We have to get OFF the rug...
                                                            
                       JONNY
What rug?
                                                            
JOKER lets go of JONNY.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Goddammit--
                                                            
JOKER slams his head off the dashboard, and keeps it there.
He stares off into the ground.
                                                            
                       JOKER (cont'd)
Can't you feel it SLIPPING AWAY!?
                                                            
JONNY just watches JOKER, as he shakes his head on the
dashboard.
                                                            
 

85.

EXT. CITY STREETS - NIGHT
                                                            
Jonny's car picks it up into high speed and flies down the
empty streets of Gotham, and fades away into the distance.
                                                            
 
EXT. MANNY'S MEAT AND FISH SHOP ALLEY - NIGHT
                                                            
The car comes to a SCREECHING HALT outside the alley by
MANNY'S MEAT AND FISH SHOP.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O.)
Truth be told, I wasn't seeing
ANYTHING at all. It was as if,
though my hands were on the
wheel...
                                                            
JONNY and JOKER open the car doors, and sprint down the
alleyway.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
I was just along for the RIDE.
Things were moving that way for
me.
                                                            
JONNY and JOKER reach the door to CROC'S hideout, and it's
closed. JOKER BANGS like a madman on the door, but nobody
answers.
                                                            
                       JOKER
      (repeatedly)
CROC!
                                                            
JOKER gives up waiting, and pushes the door open--
                                                            
 
INT. MANNY'S MEAT AND FISH SHOP - NIGHT
                                                            
JOKER'S face is that of pure horror. His eyes grow wide, and
he stops dead in his tracks.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
When Joker pushed open that door,
I knew he regretted it...
                                                            
CROC, and ALL of his men, are beaten. CROC is tied up,
hanging from a meat hook. He's conscious, and spits BLOOD.

CROC'S thugs are all over the place. Some hang from hooks,
others beaten and bloody on the floor.

JONNY peeks in.
                                                            

86.

                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
And then, I GOT it.
                                                            
JONNY looks at JOKER, but is quickly distracted by this
SOUND. Both men look away from their fallen comrades into
the sky.
                                                            
 
EXT. MANNY'S MEAT AND FISH SHOP ALLEY - NIGHT
                                                            
Above the alleyway, a huge SWARM OF BATS is forming. JONNY
looks up in shock.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
THEN I felt the tug on the rug.
                                                            
The SWARM gets LARGER and LARGER, and JONNY slowly backs off
into a crevice in the wall. JOKER is already there,
struggling to light a MOLOTOV.

JOKER finally gets the MOLOTOV lit, and RUNS out from the
alley. JONNY follows.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
Feeling that, I hoped...
                                                            
 
EXT. JONNY'S CAR - NIGHT
                                                            
JONNY runs to his car, and opens the door. JOKER runs right
past him, down the street.
                                                            
                       JONNY
Joker, come on!
                                                            
JOKER never stops running. JONNY leaves the car, and runs
after him.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
... It was above the one I was
already on.
                                                            
 
EXT. CITY STREETS - NIGHT
                                                            
JOKER is running down the streets at full speed, and JONNY
follows.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O.)
We RAN.
                                                            

87.

Suddenly, JOKER turns and HURLS a molotov into an alley. The
alley goes up in FLAMES, an JOKER walks towards it. JONNY
stops, and watches him come mere inches from the FLAMES.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
Joker setting the streets on fire,
dragging me along.
                                                            
JOKER bends back, and looks up into the sky.
                                                            
                       JOKER
THIS BELONGS TO ME!!!
                                                            
 
EXT. BRIDGE - NIGHT
                                                            
JOKER is running at high speeds again, and enters a BRIDGE.
JONNY is looking back, with a huge smile on his face. He
enters the BRIDGE that stretches to an island off Gotham.
It's abandoned.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O.)
I was LAUGHING.
                                                            
JOKER is running along the bridge, as JONNY lets out a
chuckle, struggling to keep up.

JONNY looks back again, fully laughing this time. He's right
up on JOKER'S rear when--

CRACK. JOKER SWINGS AT JONNY.
                                                            
                       JOKER
      (while swinging)
SHUT-UP!
                                                            
JONNY goes flying backwards, and lands HARD on the concrete.
He turns over, and struggles to get up. He SPITS BLOOD onto
the pavement. JOKER approaches him.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Uh... God. You DISGUST me. You
have NO CHARM at all. Just...
                                                            
JOKER pulls out his pistol yet again, and a huge smile
cracks on his face.
                                                            
                       JOKER
OBVIOUSNESS. Dumb, dull...
disappointing.
                                                            
JOKER puts the pistol to the back of JONNY'S head, who is
still rising to his feet.
                                                            

88.

                       JOKER
OBVIOUS.
                                                            
JOKER COCKS the gun.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Shame on you.
                                                            
Then, there's a SWIFT noise in the air, and JOKER turns--

A BATARANG comes through the sky, and PIERCES JOKER'S
FOREHEAD. BLOOD SPURTS, and he covers his face. He steps
away, giving JONNY to opportunity to rise to his feet.

BATMAN LEAPS DOWN from above, as JOKER quickly reacts. He
grabs JONNY, and puts him in a choke-hold. He points the
pistol at JONNY'S temple.

He turns and faces BATMAN, with JONNY as his hostage.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Obvious... And everybody knows.
                                                            
JOKER then looks up at BATMAN, making it clear who he's
talking to. He licks the blood that is falling from his
face.

BATMAN remains motionless, just standing a few feet away,
encompassed by his cape.
                                                            
                       JOKER
You wear your SHAME like a badge,
because you don't have the BALLS
to actually pin one on.
                                                            
JOKER chuckles, as he drives the pistol barrel deeper into
JONNY'S neck.
                                                            
                       JOKER
Yes... Just look at you...
      (pause)
Desperate to be feared, you want
to be perceived as a MONSTER,
draped in black. And yet...
                                                            
BATMAN'S face grows stern, not amused by JOKER.

JOKER steps back, with JONNY ahead of him. BATMAN follows by
also taking a step.
                                                            
                       JOKER (cont'd)
You leave that LITTLE WINDOW...
      (chuckles)
A glimpse at the PERFECTION
            (MORE)

89.

                       JOKER (cont'd)
underneath. OBVIOUS-- The chiseled
good looks-- not the jaw, the
mouth of a MONSTER...
                                                            
JOKER licks the blood from his face again, and presses the
gun deeper into JONNY.
                                                            
                       JOKER (cont'd)
Tell me WHY.
                                                            
JONNY'S EYES are filled with fright, as he anticipates
BATMAN'S answer. He's on the verge of tears, watching
BATMAN. JOKER is smiling.

Then, BATMAN SMILES.
                                                            
                       BATMAN
To mock you.
                                                            
JOKER'S smile fades, and he screams. He looks at JONNY, with
nothing but EVIL in his face.

JONNY goes to yell, but--
                                                            
                       JOKER
...NOOO!
                                                            
BLAM. JOKER FIRES A BULLET INTO JONNY'S JAW, and BLOOD
SPURTS everywhere. JOKER SHOOTS TWICE MORE, missing both
times.

BATMAN takes action, as JONNY flies forward to the ground.
BATMAN pushes him aside, and goes after JOKER.

JONNY is kneeling on the ground, amazed at the amount of
BLOOD COMING FROM HIS JAW. IT COVERS HIS HAND.

Meanwhile, BATMAN SWINGS at JOKER, and the gun goes flying
from his hands.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O.)
My name is Jonny Frost, but I
don't have to tell you that, do I?
You know I'm SOMEBODY...
                                                            
JONNY crawls towards the edge of the bridge, as the blood
never ceases.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
I'm on the top of the world,
looking down.
                                                            

90.

He reaches out the to wall, but falls short. He looks back.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
You know what I see?
                                                            
BATMAN kicks JOKER in the face, and he flies back down to
the ground. BLOOD FLIES FROM HIS MOUTH.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
Do you WANT to know what I see?
                                                            
On the ground, JOKER pulls out a knife. He screams.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
I see YOU.
                                                            
JOKER lunges forward from the ground with the knife in hand.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
A DISEASE.
                                                            
JONNY pulls himself up to the ledge with one arm, the other
trying to stop the bleeding in his jaw.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
One that has been around longer
than Gotham, the city infected.
                                                            
BATMAN'S fist pulls back, COVERED IN BLOOD from JOKER'S
wounds.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
A disease that's OLDER than any
city. Hell, it's probably the same
disease that built the FIRST one.
                                                            
JONNY'S HANDS are over to ledge, and his head pokes up. HIS
FACE IS COVERED IN BLOOD, as well, with great fear in his
eyes. Behind him, BATMAN and JOKER resume fighting.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
There will ALWAYS be a Joker.
                                                            
JONNY then pulls himself up even further, his shoulders now
over the ledge. He looks back, barely.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
Because there's NO CURE for him.
                                                            
BATMAN leaps on the JOKER, who is trying to keep him back
with the knife. BATMAN'S ARM draws back, getting ready for a
full blow. However, JOKER is PUSHING the knife forward,
towards BATMAN.
                                                            

91.

                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
No cure at ALL.
                                                            
From the DISTANCE, we see the entire BRIDGE. The CITY
illuminates the sky in the background, and water shines
beneath the bridge.

Suddenly, SOMETHING FALLS from the BRIDGE, and plunges into
the water.
                                                            
                       JONNY (V.O., cont'd)
... Just a BATMAN.
                                                            
Cut to BLACK.
                                                            


THE END


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From Alyssa Date 5/26/2009 ***1/2
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