Home Screenwriting Products Screenwriter Community Screenwriting Store
ScriptBuddy - Screenwriting Software for the Web

Screenwriter Community

Back to List of Published Screenplays
View/Leave Feedback

Order out of Chaos
by Michael Kobzeff (whyworky@hotmail.com)

Rated: PG-13   Genre: Science Fiction/Fantasy   User Review: ***
Logline: A peek into Edward's soul as he battles with his conscience. I could really use some reviews to get an idea of how to improve. Enjoy!


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.



INT. CLARK COUNTY HOSPITAL - NIGHT
                                                            
A haggard woman sitting in a wheelchair wears patient scrubs
made of blue paper as she holds her newborn son.
                                                            
                       MOMMY
My innocent child.
                                                            
A single tear excretes from her eye.
                                                            
                       MOMMY
Godspeed.
                                                            
 
INT. EDWARD J. NOVAK'S MIND - DAY
                                                            
EDWARD J. NOVAK (5) is powerless as he struggles to stand in
the middle of a windowless room. The room is a physical
representation of the inner workings of his mind. On the
north wall stands two doors, the only two exits in the room.
                                                            
The child bawls while struggling to stand. His heated
tantrum begins to fog the lenses of his sturdy black reading
spectacles.
                                                            
Closely eyeing the child stands ED'S CONSCIENCE (25) dressed
as a military man with an uncanny resemblance to Eddy, right
down to the thick black glasses. He is well-groomed and fit,
dressed in a highly-decorated wrinkle-free pilot's uniform
with a name-tag which reads: NOVAK.
                                                            
                       EDWARD
I guess things have to get worse
before they get better.
                                                            
                       DADDY (VO)
What do you say we go build that
model I bought ya'?
                                                            
                       MOMMY (VO)
Edward. Your father is talking to
you.
                                                            
Eddy raises his head with a bloodshot look of resolve and
begins heading toward one of the two doors on the north wall
of the room.
                                                            
                       DADDY (VO)
And grab me a beer on your way
over.
                                                            

2.

The boy's cheeks are highlighted by the shine of tears as he
approaches the door.
                                                            
                       EDWARD
      (whimper)
It's my fault. Isn't it?
                                                            
                       ED'S CONSCIENCE
This is not your only option Ed.
                                                            
Ed's Conscience stands with a look of helplessness as he
watches Ed turn the doorknob to the door labeled: LET DADDY
PLAY WITH MY PRIVATE PARTS AGAIN.
                                                            
Edward's only other choice in his mind is the other door
labeled: GET DADDY IN TROUBLE.
                                                            
 
EXT. SCHOOL BUS STOP - DAY
                                                            
Holding a lunch pail at a bus stop stands CHUCK CARTER (10)
observing as Edward (8) gets stopped by the resident bully.
                                                            
 
INT. EDWARD J. NOVAK'S MIND - DAY
                                                            
Ed's Conscience stands in the corner of the
four-walled-room, still dressed in a pilots uniform,
observing the trials of nine year old Edward Novak.
                                                            
Like a troll patiently awaiting the tolls of local commuters
stands DICK (10). DICK, the resident obese bully, stands,
smiling as Edward approaches the only door on the north
wall. Above the door a sign reads: WALK HOME ALONE.
                                                            
                       DICK
Nice glasses freak!
                                                            
The bully shoves Ed backward knocking his thick glasses off
his face and onto the ground.
                                                            
In a submissive position, Ed decides to accept his ensuing,
seemingly inevitable beating. As if biting into a lemon,
Ed's face puckers as he anticipates a punch in the face.
                                                            
                       CHUCK
      (pointing his
       index finger)
Leave him alone!
                                                            
Chuck arrives from the shadows behind Ed in the nick of
time.
                                                            

3.

                       EDWARD
Ya, you fatass!
                                                            
                       DICK
Oh, who are you? His boyfriend?
                                                            
Ed quickly stands.
                                                            
                       CHUCK
Just leave him alone, alright?
                                                            
The two turn and begin to head toward the East wall as the
memory of Dick is quickly erased by the shadows.
                                                            
                       EDWARD
I think I probably could have
handled him.
                                                            
A spotlight shines from above outlining Ed's glasses which
lay upside-down on the ground. Chuck grabs them.
                                                            
                       CHUCK
It's gonna be tough to fight him
when your not wearing these.
                                                            
Ed puts on his glasses while approaching the East wall where
the outline of a door begins to take shape. Above the door
is a sign reading: WALK HOME WITH A FRIEND. Ed looks at the
door before him as if it's appearance were supernatural,
like a magician appearing from within a puff of smoke.
                                                            
As they approach the door, Ed's Conscience grabs Ed by the
shoulder, stopping him just before he enters. Chuck
continues on through the door maintaining his jolly stroll,
as if he has the inability to hear or see the physical
representation of Ed's Mind.
                                                            
                       ED'S CONSCIENCE
One day Lieutenant Colonel Edward
J. Novak will be respected by
everybody.
                                                            
                       EDWARD
And if they don't respect me?
                                                            
Ed's Conscience looks at Ed in confusion.
                                                            
Ed points his index finger like a gun and pretends to fire
multiple shots. GUNSHOT sounds follow his finger in
synchronized succession.
                                                            

4.

                       EDWARD
Then I will take them out, one by
one.
                                                            
The pilot pulls out his naval handkerchief and wipes the
tears from Ed's face.
                                                            
 
INT. EDWARD J. NOVAK'S BEDROOM - DAY
                                                            
A framed picture of the two young boys at a baseball game
hides behind a dusty frame on Ed's (19) desk next to a
half-empty handle of Jack Daniels. There Edward sits, in his
dimly lit, over-crowded bedroom littered with items fit for
a swap-meet.
                                                            
                       DADDY (OS)
Ed, what's his names here.
                                                            
With his thick glasses highlighted by his desk lamp, Ed
stares straight ahead into a mirror, utterly emotionless
Chuck enters the room and approaches from behind.
                                                            
                       CHUCK
Here's the paperwork I told you
about.
                                                            
                       DADDY (OS)
Didn't your mother tell you to
clean this God dammned room?
                                                            
Staring into the mirror's reflection Ed delivers an
abhorrent stare towards his father.
                                                            
DOOR SLAMS SHUT.
                                                            
Ed sits staring at himself in the mirror, too distracted to
acknowledge sound of approaching footsteps across the hollow
wooden floor of his bedroom.
                                                            
 
INT. EDWARD J. NOVAK'S MIND - DAY
                                                            
                       EDWARD
      (shaking his head)
Thickest glasses in town and I
wanted to be a pilot.
                                                            
Ed's Conscience stands observing Ed wearing the same pilots
uniform, however it is dirty, ripped, and old. The outfit
looks like a costume that a homeless man would wear on
Halloween.
                                                            

5.

                       ED'S CONSCIENCE
All of this disorder is causing
you confusion. You're not thinking
straight.
                                                            
                       EDWARD
You heard me. MOVE OUT OF MY WAY!
                                                            
As Ed's Conscience reluctantly steps aside, the door which
he was blocking comes into sight. The sign reads: EMERGENCY
EXIT.
                                                            
                       ED'S CONSCIENCE
Suicide is the last way you want
to exit this world.
                                                            
                       EDWARD
Do you have any idea how
ridiculous you look still wearing
that uniform?
                                                            
Ed's Conscience looks down at his chest in shame in homage
of his grotesque shirt and his pathetic attempt at looking
professional.
                                                            
                       EDWARD
I'm not a pilot and I'll NEVER be
a pilot! Now let me go!
                                                            
                       CHUCK (VO)
Ed.
                                                            
 
INT. EDWARD J. NOVAK'S BEDROOM - DAY
                                                            
                       CHUCK
Can't you see what's happening to
you?
                                                            
Ed looks at himself in the mirror.
                                                            
                       EDWARD
The beard is starting to fill in
nicely.
                                                            
                       CHUCK
You have to wake up man.
                                                            
                       EDWARD
Women dig all the hair, they think
I'm thirty.
                                                            
Ed takes an absurdly large drink of Jack Daniels.
                                                            

6.

                       CHUCK
It's hard enough to get a job
right now, especially for
someone... like you.
                                                            
                       EDWARD
You know, you should come over
more often Chuck.
                                                            
                       CHUCK
You know what I mean.
                                                            
                       EDWARD
You're gonna be MY boss?
                                                            
                       CHUCK
My Dad said as long as you show
up, he'll promote you as soon as a
spot opens.
                                                            
Chuck drops the application on Ed's desk and turns towards
the door.
                                                            
                       CHUCK (OS)
Hopefully filling it out doesn't
interfere with your plans today.
                                                            
DOOR OPENS. SHUTS.
                                                            
Ed picks up the phone on his desk.
                                                            
                       EDWARD
Rita what's my schedule look like
for the rest of the day?
                                                            
                       MOMMY (VO)
I'M ON THE PHONE.
                                                            
The top of application reads: CARTER COMMUNICATIONS
CUSTODIAN
                                                            
                       EDWARD
      (scoffing in
       disbelief)
Janitor.
                                                            
                       MOMMY (VO)
HANG IT UP NOW EDWARD!
                                                            
Ed slams the phone back on the hook.
                                                            
 

7.

INT. EDWARD J. NOVAK'S MIND - DAY
                                                            
Decorating the roof-line of the four-walled display that
makes up Ed's mind are flashing, multi-colored, half-broken
Christmas lights. In the corner of the room is a brown, dead
Christmas tree at least three months past its prime covered
in ornaments and lights.
                                                            
Christmas music PLAYS while semi-bald thirty-year old Ed
wobbles around attempting to dance in his blue one-piece
janitor jumpsuit complete with mop and bucket. A foul,
green, gurgling liquid bubbles from the yellow bucket
containing the base of the mop.
                                                            
Ed's Conscience stands near several doors wearing a tacky
maroon suit with obnoxious jewelry and a comb-over.
                                                            
                       EDWARD
      (wasted)
We need to find ourselves some
tail at this party.
                                                            
 
INT. CARTER COMMUNICATIONS CHRISTMAS PARTY - NIGHT
                                                            
All Eighty-one employees of Carter Communications gather for
their thirty-third annual Christmas Party. Employees are
dressed formally as they listen to a live orchestra while
mingling with one another as they're sporadically being
served sushi by attractive female servers.
                                                            
                       MALE EMPLOYEE
Ha-ha. Combine that mop and bucket
with all that dirt on his face,
he's a spot on Mexican.
                                                            
                       FEMALE EMPLOYEE
      (laughing)
I'll cheers to that.
                                                            
TING. The couples wine glasses touch eloquently.
                                                            
While awkwardly dancing alone on the dance-floor, Ed takes
special notice to the company's sexy young secretary.
                                                            
                       FEMALE EMPLOYEE
I thought this party was employees
only.
                                                            
                       MALE EMPLOYEE
I know he used to work here, Mr.
Carter must have given him a
twentieth chance.
                                                            

8.

                       FEMALE EMPLOYEE
I hardly consider a career as a
janitor a chance.
                                                            
The two employees let out a lighthearted holier than thou
chuckle as they suckle their champagne.
                                                            
                       MALE EMPLOYEE
Finally.
      (adjusting his tie)
It's a good thing security is here
or I may have had to do something
about it.
                                                            
 
INT. EDWARD J. NOVAK'S MIND - DAY
                                                            
Ed's Conscience stands behind Ed, rubbing his shoulders
while Ed stares specifically at the one of three doors front
of him.
                                                            
                       EDWARD
I gotta full-time job, no kids.
I'm a catch.
                                                            
Ed recklessly toasts his champagne glass splashing his drink
onto the floor.
                                                            
                       EDWARD
Cheers.
                                                            
He gulps the bubbly as he slithers toward the door.
                                                            
Just before grabbing the door knob, Chuck arrives in Ed's
mind, dressed in a tuxedo. Chuck quickly cuts in front of
the door, and prevents Ed from entering.
                                                            
                       EDWARD
      (inebriated)
Don't make me use Karate.
                                                            
Ed's shoulder bumps into Chuck as Ed attempts to pass. Chuck
does a quick thrust of his hand to Ed's chest, stopping him
in his tracks and knocking his glasses from his face.
                                                            
 
INT. CARTER COMMUNICATIONS CHRISTMAS PARTY - NIGHT
                                                            
The room looks on as the Chuck confronts the drunken janitor
in the middle of the dance floor.
                                                            
                       CHUCK
I've had it Ed.
                                                            

9.

                       EDWARD
No.
                                                            
                       CHUCK
Ya. You're fired.
                                                            
Ed stands staring at Chuck in total confusion while many
Carter Comm. employees look on, entertained.
                                                            
                       MALE EMPLOYEE (OS)
Can someone call security?
                                                            
                       FEMALE EMPLOYEE (OS)
SECURITY!
                                                            
                       EDWARD
Look everyone! My friend of
twenty-thirty years is having me
thrown out.
                                                            
Ed's champagne glass shatters on the floor as he struggles.
                                                            
                       EDWARD
      (overly helpful)
I'll clean that up. Let me get my
mop and bucket.
                                                            
Two large men wearing tuxedos forcibly begin the removal of
Ed from the building while Chuck turns his shoulder away
from the scene. Ed violently fights as they drag him by each
arm.
                                                            
Chuck notices Ed's glasses lying on the dance-floor and a
lifetime of memories rush through his mind.
                                                            
                       FEMALE COCKTAIL SERVER (OS)
Cocktail Mr. Carter?
                                                            
                       CHUCK
      (distracted)
No, thank you.
                                                            
After some brief thought, Chuck picks up the glasses and
runs, eventually catching up with the security and Ed near
the exit.
                                                            
                       CHUCK
Wait! One moment.
                                                            
Chuck puts Ed's glasses on his face.
                                                            

10.

                       CHUCK
How you ever gonna' beat 'em Ed if
you can't see who your fighting?
                                                            
Chuck reaches into his pocket and pulls out a silver money
clip stuffed with hundred dollar bills and places it in Ed's
shirt pocket.
                                                            
                       CHUCK
      (to security)
Don't lay a hand on him. Just get
him out of here.
                                                            
                       EDWARD
Chucky. Chuck. Chuck. CHUCK!
                                                            
Chuck turns and looks at Ed just before he is removed from
the building.
                                                            
                       EDWARD
Can you get my that girls number
over there?
                                                            
Chuck shakes his head while letting out a disheartened
chuckle.
                                                            
                       CHUCK
I'll see what I can do, women dig
guys with beards.
                                                            
 
INT. EDWARD J. NOVAK'S MIND - NIGHT
                                                            
In pouring rain Ed stands very close to the north wall. The
room is cold, dark, and wet. The only light in the room
shines on the door in front of him.
                                                            
Ed grabs the door handle and attempts to enter but it is
locked. His anger erratically explodes in a drunken attempt
to vandalize the locked door before him, all to no avail.
                                                            
 
INT. CARTER COMMUNICATIONS CHRISTMAS PARTY - NIGHT
                                                            
Beads of sweat drip from the brow of the overweight security
guard as he stands his post behind Chuck while all
eighty-one of his employees, the orchestra, and several
caterers quietly look on, anticipating a response from their
boss about the recent disturbance.
                                                            
                       CHUCK
I am really sorry...
      (interrupted)
                                                            

11.

Ed loudly BANGS on the door outside as he begs to be let
back in.
                                                            
                       CHUCK
Time for fun.
      (pointing to the
       orchestra)
Let's hear some music!
                                                            
The music starts as Ed's pleading is slowly drowned out.
                                                            
 
INT. EDWARD J. NOVAK'S MIND - NIGHT
                                                            
On his knees Ed sobs in the pouring rain. Exhausted, the
wavering man hunches over with his hand against the wall,
catching his breath.
                                                            
The locked door in front of him reads: ONE MORE CHANCE.
                                                            
 
INT. ROSE HILLS CEMETERY - DAY
                                                            
Ed (38) stands staring down at the ground, peeing, on a warm
and sunny California day. He wears stained jeans, and a
dirty frayed flannel.
                                                            
Ed's unshaven cheek flinches as he finishes peeing and zips
his pants.
                                                            
                       EDWARD
All's I ever wanted was to make
you happy.
                                                            
Ed wipes his running nose with a Naval handkerchief.
                                                            
                       EDWARD
Nothing I could ever do was good
enough. I am not you Dad. When
would it have been enough for you
Dad? When? Answer me!
                                                            
Ed takes his father's handkerchief and throws it on the
ground.
                                                            
                       EDWARD
I will never be William Aaron
Novak.
      (beat)
You sick petafile.
                                                            
As Ed walks away the handkerchief begins to soak up the
puddle of urine at the base of the tombstone reading: DUTY,

12.

HONOR, COUNTRY. LIEUTENANT COLONEL WILLIAM AARON NOVAK,
UNITED STATES AIR FORCE.
                                                            
 
INT. EDWARD J. NOVAK'S MIND - DAY
                                                            
Ed (45) lays face down in a dilapidated army jacket, on his
stomach, surrounded by four stone castle walls. Ed's
Conscience stands wearing a feces covered janitor uniform
with dirty, coke-bottle glasses.
                                                            
                       ED'S CONSCIENCE
King of the castle Mr. Novak.
                                                            
Ed GROANS as he rolls to his back, bottle in hand,
surrounded by the sounds of CHILDREN PLAYING.
                                                            
                       ED'S CONSCIENCE
Sleeping on the playground? You're
liable to get arrested again.
                                                            
Ed slowly stands, eyes glazed, staring perversely in the
distance.
                                                            
                       ED'S CONSCIENCE
Don't even think about...
      (interrupted)
                                                            
Ed begins gravitating towards the door reading: INDULGE IN
YOUR DARKEST DESIRE.
                                                            
                       EDWARD
Not only have I thought about it,
I have considered it.
                                                            
                       ED'S CONSCIENCE
You don't want this. This is not
right.
                                                            
Ed guzzles what's left of his alcohol while creeping toward
his prey.
                                                            
                       ED'S CONSCIENCE
Please don't do it Ed.
                                                            
Ed smiles while pulling a candy bar from the pocket of his
ripped Army Jacket, just as he crosses the threshold. The
castle walls begin to turn to blood as Ed's mind becomes
enveloped in evil.
                                                            
 

13.

INT. CHUCK CARTER'S MIND - DAY
                                                            
Chuck (68), now shriveled, feeble, and gray, sits, connected
to an I.V., in the middle of a four-walled white room,
sitting in a wheelchair. Dressed in casual clothing is
CHUCK'S CONSCIENCE, a younger, more vibrant, tanner, version
of Chuck standing proudly by the only door in the room.
                                                            
                       CHUCK'S CONSCIENCE
I can wheel you through.
                                                            
Because of his blurry cataracts, Chuck struggles to read the
label of the only door in the room.
                                                            
                       CHUCK
I got this far. Let me walk.
                                                            
Chuck pulls the I.V. from his elderly arm and throws it to
the ground as he rises from the confines of his wheelchair
and begins to walk.
                                                            
 
INT. EDWARD J. NOVAK'S MIND - DAY
                                                            
With swollen black-eyes lies Edward J. Novak (66) on his
back, shattered spectacles and all. A hand-made prison shank
protrudes from the neck of the blubbering social outcast as
blood pumps from his jugular vein onto his orange prison
jumpsuit while spilling onto the floor. There are seemingly
no walls surrounding him, just darkness.
                                                            
                       ED'S CONSCIENCE
Get up you sack of flesh!
                                                            
                       EDWARD
I just want to die. I can't go on
anymore.
                                                            
Ed breaks out in hysterical sobbing.
                                                            
                       ED'S CONSCIENCE
Can't go on anymore? You haven't
even gotten started.
                                                            
Ed lifts his head while squinting through his broken glasses
to see only one blurry door in front of him.
                                                            
                       EDWARD
There is only one door. What?
Where are my options?
                                                            

14.

                       ED'S CONSCIENCE
Can't you see the writing on the
wall? Your choice has already been
made.
                                                            
 
INT. CHUCK CARTER'S MIND - DAY
                                                            
At a snails pace the elderly Chuck journeys toward the door
with brilliant white light shining from its seams.
                                                            
Chuck's Conscience proudly watches as Chuck opens the door.
Blinding white light radiates Chuck's body as he finds the
room labeled: ETERNAL ORDER.
                                                            
 
INT. EDWARD J. NOVAK'S MIND - DAY
                                                            
Tortured SCREAMS erupt from the door as it flips open
reflecting a red light into the room. Lying on his back, a
fiery glow refracts onto his face as his hair begins to
flutter.
                                                            
                       EDWARD
You are my conscience, my mind's
eye! It was your job to protect me
and you failed!
                                                            
                       ED'S CONSCIENCE
No Ed.
                                                            
                       EDWARD
Yes! Now you have to come with me.
                                                            
                       ED'S CONSCIENCE
You got it all wrong. You're
conscience is not in you, like
your mind's eye, I am beside you,
like a messenger, your...
      (beat)
guardian angel. Every Human is
responsible for the doors they
choose to walk through.
                                                            
                       EDWARD
      (horrified)
No.
                                                            
                       ED'S CONSCIENCE
How ironic a man with glasses that
thick so adamantly refuses to see.
You have had every opportunity to
walk a different path, but like
the drunkard you are you speed
            (MORE)

15.

                       ED'S CONSCIENCE (cont'd)
through life on a collision
course, a fool too careless to
consider the consequences of his
actions. Now you weep before me,
not in penitence, but
condemnation. Despite having over
sixty-six years to make the right
choice, the fruits of your actions
remained absurd.
                                                            
                       EDWARD
I thought you were a true friend.
                                                            
Ed's Conscience lowers his head in defeat.
                                                            
                       ED'S CONSCIENCE
Unfortunately Edward James Novak,
from here on out, you will be
going it alone.
                                                            
Edward SCREAMS as the unknown drags him by the feet through
the only doorway in the room. The door slams shut leading
Ed into: ETERNAL CHAOS.
                                                            
Just off in the darkness hides a silhouette of another door.
                                                            


THE END


Back to Top of Page
Leave Feedback
Feedback
From tina kenney Date 8/4/2012 ***1/2
at the end you left me wanting more. Good job.

From Stuart Date 5/16/2009 **
Got to give you props for imagination. I liked your story, If anything, It was kinda hard for me to get a complete understanding of your meaning, but it was an interesting read. I would say work on the clarity of your story, your meaning that way we can all kinda tune into your symbolism. Thanks for the read.


Back to Top of Page
Leave Feedback
You must be logged in to leave feedback.
Home    My Account    Products    Screenwriter Community    Screenwriter's Corner    Help
Forgot Your Password?    Privacy Policy    Copyright 2024, ScriptBuddy LLC.    Email help@scriptbuddy.com