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The Weight
by Sean Gregson (shaygregson@googlemail.com)

Rated: R   Genre: Drama   User Review: ***1/2
Danny literally bares the weight of the world on his shoulders. Is his nightmare a fiction or fact?


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. A LARGE OFFICE BLOCK - DAY
                                                            
The OFFICE BLOCK is at least twenty storeys high.

People are quietly going to work. DANNY (24 years old) walks
in to the building for a job interview. Although he is
wearing shirt and trousers, he is looks scruffy. The
interview is heard as we see DANNY make his way.
                                                            
                       MICHAEL (V.O)
So, Daniel Whitten is it?
                                                            
                       DANNY (V.O)
Danny.
                                                            
                       MICHAEL (V.O)
Danny, that's fine. I'm Michael.
Please, take a seat.
                                                            
                       DANNY (V.O)
Thank you.
                                                            
 
INT. INSIDE LIFT - DAY
                                                            
DANNY enters the lift alone and selects the fourteenth
floor. He clings nervously to the hand rail and stares at
himself in the back wall mirror.
                                                            
                       MICHAEL (V.O)
So, Danny, let me explain a little
of what we do here at EIS. We're
an ethically led Insurance
company. Ethical from top to toe.
                                                            
                       DANNY (V.O)
Right...
                                                            
                       MICHAEL (V.O)
What do you define as good ethics
Danny?
                                                            
The lift stops at the ninth floor, DANNY panics as it halts.


Two women enter, one dressed all in white, one all in red.
They look at DANNY amused. He tries to act casual as the
women talk (unheard) between themselves.
                                                            

2.

                       DANNY (V.O)
Right, good ethics well…
                                                            
 
INT. SMALL OFFICE OFF TO ONE SIDE OF A LARGER OFFICE - DAY
                                                            
DANNY and MICHAEL (33 years old) sit at the side of a round
table, their bodies fully facing one another.
MICHAEL is in a very neat suit. He makes notes during the
interview.
                                                            
                       MICHAEL
So, let's take a look at your CV.
Hmm, so you're an artist?
                                                            
                       DANNY
No, well, not really.
                                                            
                       MICHAEL
But you've just finished a Masters
in
      (beat)
fine art?
                                                            
                       DANNY
No, sorry, I meant to change that.
I had to leave.
                                                            
                       MICHAEL
Any particular reason?
                                                            
                       DANNY
      (hurriedly)
Personal. No, I mean, I just
realised that I was wasting my
time.
                                                            
LATER
                                                            
                       MICHAEL
We have a saying here, Danny.
Don't ask "should I help", but,
"can I help"?
                                                            
                       DANNY
      (enquiring)
Can I help?
                                                            
                       MICHAEL
Exactly.
                                                            
                       DANNY
Absolutely, yes.
                                                            
 

3.

INT. DANNY'S KITCHEN - NIGHT
                                                            
DANNY is on the phone to DENISE (36 years old) a volunteer
for the Samaritans.
                                                            
                       DANNY
      (in to phone)
...I start Monday. I'm really
pleased.
                                                            
                       DENISE (V.O)
It's good to hear, after what...
                                                            
                       DANNY
      (in to phone)      (interrupting)
I told you, I don't want to talk
about that, Denise.
                                                            
                       DENISE (V.O)
      (changing tone)
OK, OK. I'm not going to pressure
you.
      (beat)
Listen, I need to talk to you. You
can't ring like this anymore. You
can't ask for me anymore...
                                                            
                       DANNY
      (in to phone)      (interrupting)
I've got to go, Denise. Bye.
      (he hangs up)
                                                            
 
INT. LARGE OFFICE FLOOR - DAY
                                                            
There are roughly one hundred people working at 'work
stations'. Electronic boards are scattered around the room
showing call waiting times and targets to be met.

DANNY is sat at a desk, organising his things. He nervously
glances towards the windows every once in-a-while.
LEE (28 years old) arrives some moments later.
LEE is better dressed than DANNY but looks like he's ready
for a night out rather than a day in work.
                                                            
                       LEE
Alright, mate. I see that Mark
didn't come back. I knew he
wouldn't.
                                                            

4.

DANNY puts on his headset and looks for the team leader,
PATRICK.
                                                            
                       LEE
Don't call him over, mate. We
might get away with half an hour
here.
                                                            
DANNY acts like he's ignored LEE but stops looking round for
PATRICK. DANNY continues to look nervously over LEE'S
shoulder at the window.
                                                            
                       LEE
What's up? You're not afraid of
heights are you?
                                                            
DANNY shakes his head.
                                                            
                       LEE
Do you want a coffee? I know I
could do with one. I met up with
this bird last night, I'm telling
you, mate.
                                                            
                       DANNY
      (uninterested)
Yeah?
                                                            
PATRICK (19 years old) walks up to them. He has an air of,
the security guard who runs the company, arrogance to him.
                                                            
                       PATRICK
Hello, lads. I'm your team leader,
Patrick. Lee, we met yesterday.
How did you find training?
                                                            
                       LEE
Fine, it seems simple enough.
                                                            
                       PATRICK
Well, I'm sure you'll get used to
it. It takes a couple of weeks for
it all to sink in.
                                                            
                       LEE
Well I...
                                                            
                       PATRICK
      (interrupting)
Anyway, shall we get you boys up
and running? Sorry, I didn't catch
your name.
                                                            

5.

                       DANNY
Danny.
                                                            
                       PATRICK
Right, Danny. I'll just log you on
to the phone and then you're all
set. Any problems just give me a
shout.
                                                            
                       DANNY
OK.
      (beat)
Thanks.
                                                            
PATRICK taps in a simple key sequence on each of their
phones, making the most of his power. While PATRICK keys his
phone, LEE mouths wanker repeatedly behind his back.
                                                            
                       PATRICK
You're all set.
                                                            
PATRICK leaves.
                                                            
                       LEE
What a fucking prick.
      (to DANNY)
Anyway, this girl, Tracy, she
wants to come back to mine. She's
whispering all this she's going to
do to me, dirty, dirty stuff.
Nothing I can do though, I'm back
at my mum's until I get Japan
sorted out.
                                                            
                       DANNY
You live with your mum?
                                                            
                       LEE
For now. You still at home?
                                                            
                       DANNY
      (looking to change
       the subject)
I think we should get going, he's
looking over.
                                                            
                       LEE
      (turning in
       PATRICK'S
       direction)
Is he? The little weasel.
                                                            

6.

DANNY presses a key on his phone and it starts to ring. He
answers.
                                                            
                       DANNY
      (in to phone)
Good after… morning, EIS. This is
Dan… this is Danny speaking. How
can I help you this morning?
      (beat)
Right, Sir, I'll just have to
transfer you.
                                                            
DANNY grabs a piece of paper with a list of numbers on it;
dials a four digit number and hits another button.
                                                            
                       DANNY
      (to LEE)
I've hung up on him.
                                                            
                       LEE
And he said it would take two
weeks to learn.
                                                            
 
INT. LARGE OFFICE FLOOR - DAY
                                                            
Segments of DANNY'S morning. Though DANNY is the main
speaker, LEE'S role is key. He should be clearly doing
nothing, until PATRICK walks past when he acts busy.
                                                            
                       DANNY
      (in to phone)
Good afternoon, EIS. You're
speaking to Danny, how can I help?
OK, no problem Mrs. Flynn, can I
take your policy number.
                                                            
LATER

DANNY'S desk is even more cluttered in papers and policy
documents.
                                                            
                       DANNY
      (in to phone)
The tree fell on your roof?
      (beat)
Like who sorry?
      (beat)
Dorothy? When did this happen?
      (the dial tone
       rings from the
       other end)
Hello, hello?
                                                            

7.

LATER

DANNY'S desk is more untidy. Plastic coffee cups are piled
up to his left.
                                                            
                       DANNY
      (in to phone)
Yes, yes. I'll just get my
supervisor, bear with me.
      (to PATRICK)
Patrick, could you give me a hand?
                                                            
                       PATRICK
Andy, how can I help?
                                                            
                       DANNY
Danny. I've got a woman on the
phone whose policy expired, she
didn't realise. Can we do
anything?
                                                            
                       PATRICK
No.
                                                            
                       DANNY
No? What should I tell her?
                                                            
                       PATRICK
Tell her we can't help, end the
call.
                                                            
                       DANNY
That's it? She's 74 years old.
                                                            
                       PATRICK
That's it. End the call.
                                                            
PATRICK stands over DANNY waiting for him to go back on the
phone.
                                                            
                       DANNY
      (in to phone)
Hello, Mrs. Taylor. Yes, I'm…
I'm really sorry but, as your
policy has run out, I'm afraid
you're not covered. I know, I am
sorry, Mrs. Taylor. OK, thank you.
Sorry again, bye.
                                                            
DANNY takes his headset off.
                                                            

8.

                       PATRICK
You've got to learn to say no Gary
or they'll walk all over you.
                                                            
PATRICK walks away. DANNY watches him in disgust.
                                                            
                       DANNY
      (to himself)
Bastard.
                                                            
                       LEE
I told you, he's a prick. Come on,
lunch.
                                                            
 
INT. CANTEEN - DAY
                                                            
The canteen is large. Around fifty or so people sit and talk
quietly. DANNY and LEE sit for lunch in exactly the same
positions they sit while working.
                                                            
                       LEE
I'll be out of here in two months
anyway, Japan. I might get myself
off to Malaga for a week before I
go. Have you been?
                                                            
DANNY shakes his head.
                                                            
                       LEE
You should mate, you should. Me,
Dessy, and Phil went last year, it
was mayhem. Different girl every
night. Of course, I end up with
the stalker. "Oh Lee, I've fallen
in love with you. I'll move up
from Huddersfield". Fuck off!
                                                            
                       DANNY
I've only been on a plane twice in
my life. Once, going to Tenerife,
the other coming back. I was
terrified.
                                                            
                       LEE
Really? I don't give a toss me,
means to an ends.
                                                            
                       DANNY
The flight there was fine but
      (beat)
the return. As soon as we were up
in the air I thought we were all
dead. I kept thinking if I
            (MORE)

9.

                       DANNY (cont'd)
concentrated hard enough the plane
won't crash. I sat with my eyes
closed, gripping the seat the
entire way home, my sister had to
climb over me to get to the
toilet.
                                                            
                       LEE
Fucking hell.
      (beat)
Aye, I didn't know you had a
sister, is she fit?
                                                            
                       DANNY
We don't talk much.
                                                            
                       LEE
Yeah, but is she
      (beat)
Dan, you don't still believe that
do you? That you kept the plane in
the air?
                                                            
                       DANNY
No, I've only just remembered it
now. Come on, we'd better get
back; Patrick'll be doing his nut
in.
                                                            
                       LEE
That's the first thing I'm going
to do when I hand in my notice.
I'm going to throw him down every
flight of stairs from the 14th
floor to the 1st.
                                                            
 
INT. LARGE OFFICE FLOOR - DAY
                                                            
DANNY and LEE have just come back from lunch.
                                                            
                       DANNY
What were you saying?
                                                            
                       LEE
About what?
                                                            
                       DANNY
About Japan.
                                                            

10.

                       LEE
I've got a mate out there, Owen.
He's a football trainer, trains
kids. As soon as my Visa comes
through I'm going.
                                                            
                       DANNY
Really?
                                                            
                       LEE
Yeah. I've not got any badges or
anything Owen says just being
English makes you a footballer as
far as their concerned. Mate, he
says the women…
                                                            
LATER

LEE looks at the clock on his phone base (4:55), takes off
his headset and starts to pack his things. LEE signals to
DANNY, who is still on a call, asking if he wants to go for
a drink. DANNY shakes his head and carries on talking. LEE
leaves.
                                                            
                       DANNY
      (in to phone)
OK, Mr. Kahn just a few more
things to go through and then
we're done.
                                                            
Everyone in the office has now left or is leaving. DANNY is
still on the phone.
                                                            
LATER
                                                            
                       DANNY
      (in to phone)
Thank you, Mr. Kahn. Someone with
be with you first thing tomorrow.
                                                            
DANNY'S phone base shows 5:37. The office is totally empty.
DANNY slowly packs his things and leaves.
                                                            
 
INT. DANNY'S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
The room is all but bare. There are canvases of different
sizes lining one wall, all facing the wall.
After DANNY puts his bag down and takes off his coat, he
begins to take the canvases out, we don't see to where, one
by one, without looking at them. Only one blank canvas is
left.
                                                            
 

11.

EXT. DANNY'S BACK GARDEN - NIGHT
                                                            
DANNY starts to break up the canvases and put them inside
bin bags. He doesn't look at the paintings, just the backs.
                                                            
 
INT. DANNY'S BEDROOM. - NIGHT
                                                            
DANNY gets ready for bed.

LATER

DANNY lying in bed. A digital alarm clock on a bedside table
beside his head.
                                                            
 
EXT. CGI DREAM SEQUENCE - NIGHT
                                                            
The scene looks like the usual satellite pictures of Earth.
The scene changes, two huge steel arcs gradually appear
framing the globe. These arcs are different sizes, the first
lays flush with the globe, the second looks like it would
lay flush on the outer edge of the first. These two
structures begin to shunt back and forth as though
magnetised against each other. The noise they make sounds
like well oiled pistons. The noise becomes louder and
louder. As the noise reaches its loudest point we start
falling towards the Earth (but do not hit).
                                                            
 
INT. DANNY'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
DANNY wakes with a yell. He is visibly sweating and seems
terrified. He gets out of bed.
                                                            
 
INT. DANNY'S KITCHEN - NIGHT
                                                            
DANNY has put some clothes on and is still very shaken. He
picks up the phone in the kitchen and dials a number.
                                                            
                       SAMARITAN (V.O)
Samaritan's how can we help?
                                                            
                       DANNY
      (in to phone)
Is Denise there?
                                                            
                       SAMARITAN (V.O)
      (stumbling)
I'm afraid we're not allowed... I
can help... I'm sorry but...
                                                            

12.

                       DANNY
      (in to phone)
Just put Denise on the phone!
                                                            
There is a rustling on the other end of the phone. In a
moment DENISE picks up.
                                                            
                       DENISE (V.O)
Danny? Danny, I thought we'd
talked about this.
                                                            
                       DANNY
      (in to phone)
I've had the dream Denise.
                                                            
                       DENISE (V.O)
About your…
                                                            
                       DANNY
      (in to phone)      (yelling)
No, Not that! Just listen.
      (calmer)
It came to me. I'm looking over
the world and I decide, I decide
everything...
                                                            
                       DENISE (V.O)
Danny, you're making no sense.
Just try to relax.
                                                            
                       DANNY
      (in to phone)
How can I relax? How? Denise, it's
me. It's me that's keeping the
world from falling. All the shit
that everyone else does: drinking,
going out, fucking, I knew there
was more....
                                                            
                       DENISE (V.O)
Danny, you've had a nightmare,
you've been through a lot lately.
Just try to stay calm, we all have
nightmares.
                                                            
                       DANNY
      (in to phone)
You don't understand do you? I've
stood above the world and watched
it turn. I've seen gravity cease.
      (beat)
I've watched you fall. I've seen
all of you drop. And I've been
            (MORE)

13.

                       DANNY (cont'd)
told
      (beat)
I control it.
      (matter of factly)
I've been given a test.
                                                            
DANNY moves to hang up the phone.
                                                            
                       DENISE (V.O)
Danny, listen to me Danny. I can
help, if you just let me know
where you are, I can help.
                                                            
DANNY hangs up the phone.

DANNY stares, his eyes unblinking.
                                                            
 
INT. LARGE OFFICE FLOOR - DAY
                                                            
DANNY arrives later for work, LEE is already on a call.
DANNY looks like he's slept in his clothes, if he's slept at
all.
                                                            
                       LEE
      (into phone)
OK, just give us a minute and
I'll...
      (to DANNY)
You're in luck. They're all in
some managers meeting or
something.
                                                            
                       DANNY
      (tired)
Right, thanks.
                                                            
                       LEE
      (into phone)
Ok love, it's all good. We'll have
someone out to you by dinnertime.
Alright, see you.
      (hangs up phone)
So where were you last night? Get
lucky? You're a dark horse,
Whitten, a dark horse.
                                                            
DANNY ignores LEE and gets his headset in.
                                                            
                       LEE
I will have to take your silence
as a sign of guilt. Who is she?
                                                            

14.

                       DANNY
No-one... it's nothing.
                                                            
DANNY pauses before taking a call.
                                                            
                       DANNY
      (into phone)
EIC, how can I help?
                                                            
LATER
                                                            
DANNY is staring vacantly into space. LEE is stood at the
coffee machine with LISA.
                                                            
                       LISA
Is he alright, that friend of
yours?
                                                            
                       LEE
He's just had a late one.
                                                            
                       LISA
Lee, look at him!
                                                            
They both turn and stare at DANNY.
                                                            
                       LEE
      (amused)
I don't think he likes it here.
                                                            
                       LISA
He's not the only one.
                                                            
LISA walks to her desk and LEE walks to his. LEE has two
coffees.
                                                            
                       LEE
Here.
      (hands DANNY
       coffee)
Thought you could do with this.
                                                            
DANNY comes too and takes the coffee. From now until the end
of the scene, LEE'S words are punctuated with shots of the
dream sequence.
                                                            
                       LEE
Mate, look, are you alright?
It's just you... Well, you look
like shit to be honest.
      (pauses to gauge
       DANNY'S reaction)
Why don't you just go home?
No-one's going to argue that
            (MORE)

15.

                       LEE (cont'd)
you're
sick.
                                                            
                       DANNY
I'm fine. Honest, I'm fine.
                                                            
 
INT. OFFICE TOILET CUBICLE - DAY
                                                            
DANNY is huddled, feet up, on the toilet seat lid. During
this scene the dream sequence flashes in and out getting
more and more rapid.
                                                            
                       DANNY
Just got to focus. Keep my mind on
what's what. Need to concentrate.
                                                            
Someone walks into the bathroom. DANNY tries to stop talking
but can't help mumbling/talking to himself. By the time the
other person leaves, DANNY begins to look like he's about to
be hit by on coming traffic. The dream sequence flashes
faster and faster until can't take it anymore.
                                                            
 
INT. LARGE OFFICE FLOOR - DAY
                                                            
DANNY comes in looking much, much worse. He hasn't shaved or
changed his clothes. As he reaches his desk PATRICK meets
him.
                                                            
                       PATRICK
      (sarcastically)
Ah, Gary, so nice of you to join
us.
                                                            
                       DANNY
      (without feeling)
I'm sorry.
                                                            
DANNY gets on with putting on his headset etc while PATRICK
looks on in disgust. PATRICK looks like he wants to say more
but instead leaves.
                                                            
                       LEE
      (to PATRICK)
Bye then.
      (to DANNY)
What a prick.
      (concerned but
       trying to joke)
How are you feeling? You know that
ban on soap and water got lifted
            (MORE)

16.

                       LEE (cont'd)
last week.
                                                            
DANNY doesn't pay any attention, instead answering the
phone.
                                                            
                       DANNY
EIS.
      (beat)
No... no, it doesn't work like
that. Bye.
                                                            
LEE watches on as DANNY sits muttering to himself slightly.

LATER

LEE walks up the desk with two coffees. As he arrives,
behind DANNY, he notices his monitor is filled with the same
word: CONCENTRATE, over and over again. When DANNY notices
LEE he minimizes the file.
                                                            
                       LEE
Coffee?
                                                            
 
INT. DANNY'S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
DANNY is sat, hunched up, on the sofa. All the lights are
off except for the TV. DANNY stares blankly at the set
repeating the same line over and over again. Each repetition
is punctuated by a flash of the dream sequence.
                                                            
                       DANNY
Keep it turning. Keep it turning.
                                                            
 
INT. DANNY'S KITCHEN - NIGHT
                                                            
DANNY moves into the kitchen and makes a coffee. Clock on
the wall shows 3:55am.
                                                            
 
INT. LARGE OFFICE FLOOR - DAY
                                                            
DANNY is on the phone with an elderly lady, Mrs. Wyatt. LEE
stares over every once in a while.
                                                            
                       MRS. WYATT (V.O)
Well, it's made a terrible mess of
the roof and the carpets.
                                                            

17.

                       DANNY
      (in to phone,
       after a long time)
Yes. When... sorry, where did it
happen?
                                                            
As MRS. WYATT speaks the dream sequence begins to slowly
flash.
                                                            
                       MRS. WYATT (V.O)
Well, I was just saying. In the
conservatory. One of the panels
split, do you understand?
                                                            
DANNY stares blankly. It's obvious he can't hear what she's
saying.
                                                            
                       MRS. WYATT (V.O)
Hello?
      (beat)
Hello, are you there? Can you hear
me?
      (away from phone)
I think they've bloody hung up on
me.
                                                            
 
INT. DANNY'S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
Again, DANNY is sat on the sofa. All the lights are off
except for the TV. DANNY stares out, looking like he's about
to fall asleep. The scene is punctuated by flashes of the
dream. DANNY starts to close his eyes.
                                                            
                       DANNY
      (with a jolt)
Keep it turning... Stay awake! I
need to stay awake.
                                                            
 
EXT. BUSY MANCHESTER STREET - NIGHT
                                                            
DANNY walks, almost as if sleepwalking, past bars with
people outside smoking or heading somewhere. As he passes
one bar someone shouts his name.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Danny! Whitten! Hey, Danny.
                                                            
CHRIS grabs DANNY'S arm. DANNY swings round aggressively.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
Woah, Danny, it's me, Chris.
                                                            

18.

DANNY looks at CHRIS for a moment, unsure if he recognises
him.
                                                            
                       DANNY
Oh, hiya.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
What's going on? Hows things?
                                                            
                       DANNY
      (uneasy)
Fine. Everything's fine.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
      (looks concerned)
Do you want a drink? Come on I'll
buy you one.
                                                            
                       DANNY
No. No, I'd best be going. I've
got things to do.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
At one in the morning? Come on,
you can tell me what you've been
up to. I'll buy, come on.
                                                            
DANNY stares at CHRIS obviously wanting to leave. CHRIS
motions towards the door of the bar.
                                                            
 
INT. INSIDE THE BAR - NIGHT
                                                            
                       CHRIS
EIS? I can't image you in there!
How's everything else? You still
painting?
                                                            
                       DANNY
      (looking uneasy)
I gave it up. I couldn't see the
point anymore. Listen, Chris,
thanks, but I need to go.
                                                            
DANNY makes to leave but CHRIS stops him. CHRIS' speech
(though not DANNY'S) is punctuated by the dream seq. flasing
in and out.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
      (concerned)
What's going on, Dan? No-one's
heard from you for months. Why did
you just leave like that? I mean,
            (MORE)

19.

                       CHRIS (cont'd)
you look like shit.
                                                            
                       DANNY
      (annoyed)
I'm going.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
What's your problem?
                                                            
                       DANNY
My problem? You. You and everyone
else in here. Look at you all.
      (beginning to get
       more animated)
You all think it's so fucking easy
don't you?
                                                            
                       CHRIS
      (worried)
Dan, I'm sorry. Relax, I didn't
mean anything. We were just
worried.
                                                            
                       DANNY
      (getting more
       irate)
Worried? You couldn't care less.
What have you got to worry about?
Me? Bullshit. All you lot care
about is yourselves. You think
you've got worries? You've got no
idea.
                                                            
People begin to stare at DANNY and CHRIS as DANNY gets
louder.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
      (embarrassed)
Danny, calm down. I said I was
sorry. If you've got to go...
                                                            
                       DANNY
Go? That's it, is it? That's the
extent of your worry? You haven't
got the first clue about me.
You're only here because of me.
      (noticing people
       looking)
All of you. You don't have the
first clue. You'll never know what
you owe me.
                                                            

20.

People begin to look nervous, shifting around. Others are
laughing in the background. A bouncer moves close to where
DANNY is.
                                                            
                       CHRIS
      (quietly)
Dan, I think you should get out of
here, don't you?
                                                            
                       DANNY
I'm leaving. You know, I don't
even know why I bother. This
weight, this fucking weight on me,
and for what? For you lot to treat
life like this? You're not worth
it.
                                                            
DANNY leaves followed by the bouncer. CHRIS' friend comes
over looking confused.
                                                            
                       CHRIS' FRIEND
Jesus. Who was that?
                                                            
                       CHRIS
      (confused and
       upset)
I used to know him.
                                                            
 
INT. LARGE OFFICE FLOOR - DAY
                                                            
DANNY walks in. He looks like he's been walking all night.
PATRICK makes a bee line for him. LEE pulls his headset off
as PATRICK gets to DANNY.
                                                            
                       PATRICK
Right, that's it. Every day this
week you've stumbled in late.
                                                            
                       LEE
Alright, alright. Can't you see
he's not well?
                                                            
                       PATRICK
Not well? Is that right, Andy?
                                                            
                       DANNY
      (suddenly bursting)
It's Danny, my name's Danny!
                                                            
                       PATRICK
I want you out of here now.
                                                            

21.

                       LEE
You can't do that.
                                                            
                       DANNY
No. I need to be here. It's part
of the test. I need to stay.
                                                            
                       PATRICK
      (to LEE)
What is he on about?
                                                            
People have now started to look at them.
                                                            
                       LEE
      (almost whispering)
Dan, just go home, yeah? Get some
sleep and come back Monday. Don't
worry about him, I'll speak to
them.
                                                            
                       PATRICK
Get your things, Danny. You've had
ample warning.
                                                            
                       LEE
Didn't I tell you to leave him?
                                                            
LEE and PATRICK argue. As they do DANNY starts to stare off
again. For DANNY, everything goes silent, the dream flashes
in and out. DANNY is unaware of what's happening but
someone, PATRICK, has grabbed his arm.
                                                            
                       LEE
Just fucking leave him, Patrick,
you prick.
      (to DANNY)
Danny, just get out of here.
                                                            
                       DANNY
Quiet! Just keep quiet! I've got
to concentrate.
      (talking to
       himself)
Keep it turning, keep it
turning...
                                                            
LEE and PATRICK stare at each other, not knowing what to do.
PATRICK again tries to move DANNY. Instead he pushes him.
DANNY falls to the floor. LEE pushes PATRICK away. DANNY'S
nose in bleeding.
                                                            

22.

                       LEE
Oh, Christ.
      (to PATRICK)
Look what you've fucking done.
                                                            
DANNY wipes his nose. Seeing the blood he turns on PATRICK.
The dream sequence flashes quicker.
                                                            
                       DANNY
Who are you? Who are you to do
this to me? Do you know...
                                                            
                       LEE
      (interrupting)
Come on, Dan, let's get you home.
                                                            
                       DANNY
      (ignoring LEE)
Do you have any idea what I have
to do every day? For all of you?
I've put everything...
                                                            
DANNY breaks down.
                                                            
                       DANNY
I don't know what's happening.
                                                            
LEE helps DANNY up and walks him to the lift. PATRICK
notices everyone looking at him.
                                                            
                       PATRICK
Call waiting's up to seven
minutes! What's everybody doing?!
                                                            
 
INT. INSIDE LIFT - DAY
                                                            
A woman in a white dress exits the lift as DANNY and LEE
enter. A woman in a red dress just manages to get into the
lift with them.
                                                            
                       LEE
      (quietly)
Dan, you need some rest. Can you
stay with your mum or something?
                                                            
                       DANNY
She's gone.
      (beat)
I'm trying so hard, Lee.
                                                            

23.

                       LEE
      (quietly)
I know mate, I know. What about
your sister? I can ring if you
like.
                                                            
                       DANNY
No, I can't see her. I need to
focus.
                                                            
                       LEE
      (quietly)
You don't need to focus, you need
some fucking sleep.
                                                            
                       DANNY
It's that easy is it? Yes, it's
easy for you. I've got the world
spinning in my head: every life,
every speck of dust.
                                                            
                       LEE
      (uncomfortable)
Dan, come on, mate. You're not
making any sense.
                                                            
The lift doors open. DANNY runs out before LEE can stop him.
                                                            
                       LEE
Shit!
      (turning to the
       woman)
Sorry about that.
                                                            
 
INT. DANNY'S FLAT - DAY
                                                            
DANNY aimlessly wanders around his flat. He looks a thousand
times worse. The dream flicks in and out for longer periods
of time.
                                                            
 
INT. DANNY'S BATHROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
DANNY runs himself a glass of water and catches his
refection in the mirror of the bathroom cupboard.
                                                            
                       DANNY
He's right, I've got to get
it together. If I could just...
                                                            
The dream sequence begins to flash in and out slower but for
longer periods of time.
                                                            

24.

                       DANNY
I can't do this! I give in, ok? I
give in!
                                                            
DANNY pulls open the cupboard and picks up a bottle of
pills. The pills have the name 'Kate Whitten' on them. DANNY
takes a handful of the pills and makes his way into his
bedroom.
                                                            
 
INT. DANNY'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
                       DANNY
If it falls it falls. It's not
my...
                                                            
He falls asleep.
                                                            
LATER - DAY.
                                                            
DANNY wakes with a start. His alarm clock shows 11:02am. He
looks like he's suffering from a slight headache but
otherwise the sleep has done him well.
                                                            
 
INT. DANNY'S LIVING ROOM - DAY
                                                            
DANNY is stood behind an easel. He has paint over his shirt.
Although concentrating he looks more at ease. The painting
is of his mother, lying on a bed in a blue-white room. As
DANNY applies more black to the painting, he is distracted
by the TV, a news report about a natural disaster somewhere
in Asia. DANNY puts his paintbrush in a glass full of water
on the floor and watches. When the report ends, DANNY turns
back to the canvas and knocks the painting over.
                                                            
                       DANNY
Shit!
                                                            
He bends down to pick the painting up. As he bends he kicks
the glass of (now black) water over the painting. The water
covers the picture and the black he had just added smears.
                                                            
                       DANNY
      (upset and frantic)
Shit! NO, NO!
                                                            
DANNY begins frantically wiping the black paint away.
Instead of removing the paint it smears deeper in. DANNY
begins to weep.
                                                            
                       DANNY
NO! Please! NO!
                                                            

25.

DANNY is now viciously tearing at the canvas. The dream
sequence starts up again. With ever swipe at the canvas the
dream flashes. He begins to rip at the canvas, entirely out
of control.
                                                            
                       DANNY
STOP! PLEASE! MAKE IT STOP!
                                                            
 
EXT. THE LARGE OFFICE BLOCK - DAY
                                                            
Still unwashed and unshaven, Danny walks into the building
along with other workers.
                                                            
 
INT. RECEPTION AREA OF OFFICE - DAY
                                                            
LEE is stood at the far end of the reception talking to a
female colleague. As DANNY walks in LEE notices him. LEE
stops his conversation (with a woman) and runs after DANNY.
                                                            
                       LEE
      (yelling)
Danny! Danny, mate! It's Lee!
                                                            
DANNY doesn't react to LEE'S yells and enters the lift which
closes just before LEE can get in.
                                                            
 
INT. LARGE OFFICE FLOOR - DAY
                                                            
LEE is walking, hurredly, back to his desk. When he gets
there and realises DANNY isn't there, he begins to get
worried.
                                                            
                       LEE
      (to passing worker)
Have you seen? Danny? You know the
lad that...
                                                            
LEE goes to LISA'S desk.
                                                            
                       LEE
Lisa, have you seen Danny?
                                                            
                       LISA
Is that supposed to be a joke?
                                                            
                       LEE
No, I saw him here, downstairs.
                                                            

26.

                       LISA
Get stuffed, Lee. Get on with your
work or something.
                                                            
                       LEE
I'm fucking serious. I saw him get
in the lift.
                                                            
LEE spots PATRICK walking towards them.
                                                            
                       LEE
Have you seen Danny?
                                                            
                       PATRICK
Don't be stupid.
                                                            
                       LEE
I'm not being stupid, have you
seen him?
                                                            
                       PATRICK
Get back to your desk.
                                                            
                       LEE
Listen, you little toss-piece, I
asked you a simple question: Have
you seen Danny? He's here.
                                                            
                       PATRICK
You've seen him here? You're as
mad as he is.
                                                            
LEE grabs PATRICK. PATRICK is clearly frightened.
                                                            
                       LEE
One of these days, you fuck.
                                                            
                       LISA
      (from her desk)
Lee, don't.
                                                            
LEE walks away.
                                                            
                       PATRICK
Now where do you think you're
going?
                                                            
                       LEE
To find him.
                                                            
 

27.

EXT. ON THE ROOF OF THE OFFICE BLOCK - DAY
                                                            
DANNY is stood on the edge of the roof. He is clearly
distressed. He begins to panic.
We see the dream seq. flash in and out.
                                                            
 
INT. FLASHBACK: HOSPITAL CORRIDOR - NIGHT
                                                            
The flashback takes place around six months previous.
Although DANNY isn't any younger he looks different: clean
shaven, styled hair, clothing similar to CHRIS'.

DANNY is sat, half asleep, in an otherwise empty corridor.
Every now and again, DANNY wakes and tries to remain
focused, staring at the wall ahead.
                                                            
DANNY'S sister, REBECCA (28 years old) arrives. REBECCA
looks worried. She takes the seat by DANNY, trying not to
wake him.
DANNY wakes again and stares blankly at REBECCA.
                                                            
                       REBECCA
Have you been here all night?
                                                            
                       DANNY
      (Groggy)
Someone had to stay with her.
                                                            
                       REBECCA
Don't start Danny. Some of us have
to work, you know.
                                                            
                       DANNY
      (Sarcastically)
I know that 'Becca'.
                                                            
                       REBECCA
      (Flinching at the
       word Becca.)
Go home, Dan. I'm here now. You
need some rest. You look awful.
                                                            
                       DANNY
I can't just leave her. What if
she wakes up?
                                                            
                       REBECCA
If she does, I'll ring you. Look
at you, you can hardly keep your
eyes open.
                                                            

28.

                       DANNY
      (trying to wake
       properly)
I'm staying, Rebecca. I need to...
                                                            
                       REBECCA
Jesus, Danny. Listen, do you want
a coffee?
                                                            
                       DANNY
      (nodding)
Thanks.
                                                            
REBECCA goes to the coffee machine, turning back, concerned,
towards DANNY. He sits up straight and tries to get himself
together. REBECCA comes back with a coffee.
                                                            
                       REBECCA
Here.
      (hands DANNY the
       drink)
Have you heard anything?
                                                            
                       DANNY
They say she's the same.
                                                            
                       REBECCA
      (pleading)
Danny, go home. Please, you're not
doing her any favours getting
yourself like this.
                                                            
                       DANNY
      (angry)
I'm staying. I have to stay. Don't
you understand?
                                                            
                       REBECCA
Danny, listen...
                                                            
                       DANNY
      (interrupting
       aggressively)
No, you listen. I'm staying here.
If I go then I can't stop it.
                                                            
                       REBECCA
      (perplexed)
Stop what?
                                                            
                       DANNY
Stop all this. I can make it
better. Staying here, I can help.
                                                            

29.

                       REBECCA
How the hell is this helping, Dan?
You're a state. She doesn't even
know you're here.
                                                            
                       DANNY
I'm helping now. If i can...
      (faltering, then
       more animated)
If I can just concentrate, I can
help her. Sitting here, focusing
on it, I can make it better.
                                                            
DANNY drops the coffee. He darts up and starts cleaning the
mess up.
                                                            
                       REBECCA
Jesus, Danny. You're delirious.
                                                            
A DOCTOR approaches as DANNY is on his hands and knees,
REBECCA is stood over him.
                                                            
                       DOCTOR
Mr. Whitten, Miss...
                                                            
                       REBECCA
Rebecca.
                                                            
                       DOCTOR
Could we go somewhere private? I'm
afraid your Mother's condition has
worsened.
                                                            
 
EXT. ON THE ROOF OF THE OFFICE BLOCK - DAY
                                                            
DANNY is closer to the edge of the roof. He looks calmer
now, almost at peace. He closes his eyes a steps over the
edge.
We follow DANNY as he falls. As he falls a single bird flies
up. We continue to follow the bird, leaving DANNY to fall
unseen.
                                                            


FADE OUT.


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From Drew Date 7/23/2008 ***1/2
Very enjoyable script. Really visual. Well done.

From David Chase Date 6/24/2008 ***1/2
This was really good, especially from a character development point of view. You get a good sense of Danny as he changes. I also really liked the dialogue. I would probably cut back on the amount of description attached to each bit of dialogue, a lot of it is self explanatory. Also, try to avoid using phrases that look like camera direction ("we see", etc). There are ways to suggest direction without actually directing. Otherwise, good job.


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