So, since our screenplay is no longer about fighters in a cage; but elsewhere; and it's still about heart problems (falling in love, tachycardia, bradycardia etc.) our working title for it now, is: Heartfight
I was going to go with something like "Hearts On Fire" or "Heart of Fire" or some such; but since the story is now going to involve flying, I wanted the title to include that, so Heartflight; but I just focus grouped Joseph and he said "Heartfight" was better "by far." So, Heartfight it is!
So here's our "fight movie" twist. They fight in zero gravity! Like, there's like an Elon Musk type character and he's built a space station that has a "fight chamber" and rich clients take his spaceship to go and bet on the games. And the fighters duke it out in weightlessness! I don't think I've seen that in a movie yet...oh, wait...did they do that in Moonraker? However, this idea seemed, in retrospect, a bit too outre. Then I thought about this:
I was going to go with something like "Hearts On Fire" or "Heart of Fire" or some such; but since the story is now going to involve flying, I wanted the title to include that, so Heartflight; but I just focus grouped Joseph and he said "Heartfight" was better "by far." So, Heartfight it is!
So here's our "fight movie" twist. They fight in zero gravity! Like, there's like an Elon Musk type character and he's built a space station that has a "fight chamber" and rich clients take his spaceship to go and bet on the games. And the fighters duke it out in weightlessness! I don't think I've seen that in a movie yet...oh, wait...did they do that in Moonraker? However, this idea seemed, in retrospect, a bit too outre. Then I thought about this:
So this is where they will fight. Not only is this within the realm of plausibility; it's within the realm of reality! So our heroes are going to fight in an indoor skydiving chamber. Or we could up the stakes and have them fight while skydiving...but that would be really hard to seat an audience. Plus I love the idea of the chamber. And remember, you saw this idea HERE, FIRST. SO THERE.
So this means I'm going to have to go back and rewrite some of the first act; but that's simple enough. So, enter one of our potentially villainous characters: Roddy Shannon. Idris Elba comes to mind; so let's cast him!
So this means I'm going to have to go back and rewrite some of the first act; but that's simple enough. So, enter one of our potentially villainous characters: Roddy Shannon. Idris Elba comes to mind; so let's cast him!
His tattoo says: "Lion Heart" Hey, a little synchronicity never hurt anyone!
CUT TO:
INT. WAREHOUSE -DAY
TILT DOWN from a huge banner that reads: LANI-BATALI U.K. The camera moves on Paddy, Sean and Cal who are standing on the floor of a hangar on the outskirts of London. They are looking up at a massive cylinder, which is transparent. Inside are four MEN: Two are FIGHTERS and two are TRAINERS. The trainers are tethered to safety wires as they guide the two fighters through the air. The chamber is a gigantic skydiving ring: the people inside shoosted into the air by a steady wind-gust of some 150 mph. They are literally flying: a skill they must master before they move on to the next stage: fighting.
I think Cal should be played by that super hot actor on Hawaii-5-0...what's his name? Let me look it up...
Oh, so this is weird. So I looked up the Hawaii 5-0 actor and his name is Daniel Dae Kim. Unfortunately, he's simply the wrong age to have been a contemporary of Paddy's. So then I looked up "handsome Asian male actors" and this fellow popped up. Perfect!
INT. WAREHOUSE -DAY
TILT DOWN from a huge banner that reads: LANI-BATALI U.K. The camera moves on Paddy, Sean and Cal who are standing on the floor of a hangar on the outskirts of London. They are looking up at a massive cylinder, which is transparent. Inside are four MEN: Two are FIGHTERS and two are TRAINERS. The trainers are tethered to safety wires as they guide the two fighters through the air. The chamber is a gigantic skydiving ring: the people inside shoosted into the air by a steady wind-gust of some 150 mph. They are literally flying: a skill they must master before they move on to the next stage: fighting.
I think Cal should be played by that super hot actor on Hawaii-5-0...what's his name? Let me look it up...
Oh, so this is weird. So I looked up the Hawaii 5-0 actor and his name is Daniel Dae Kim. Unfortunately, he's simply the wrong age to have been a contemporary of Paddy's. So then I looked up "handsome Asian male actors" and this fellow popped up. Perfect!
He's off the charts hot as you can see. Or rather, he was. He is the late Godfrey Gao. He died in 2019 of cardiac arrest. He was 35. I'm just gonna leave that be.
How about this gentleman: Takayuki Suzuki
How about this gentleman: Takayuki Suzuki
SEAN
Cat got your tongue brother?
PADDY
She just ran out into traffic with it.
CAL
Unbelievable!
MAN (O/S)
It's portable too...
The trio turn as the MAN who belongs to the voice strides up to them. He is RODDY SHANNON, 40's/50's. The man drips with confidence and cockiness. He's smooth and he knows it. But he has taste: one can tell by the four-ply cashmere LV sweater and the solid gold Smartwatch on his wrist. And clearly, he's richer than Croesus.
SEAN
Roddy! Thanks for taking my call! (Sean goes in for a bro-hug and Roddy one-ups him with a double-cheeked-Euro kiss. Paddy and Cal exchange a quizzical glance). Roddy, I'd like you to meet my brother Paddy and our friend Cal.
Greetings are exchanged
RODDY
Cal and I go way back; but I can't believe Paddy--in this fishbowl we both swim in; that we've only just met!
PADDY
Some people think I'm anti-social; but really, I'm just shy...
Roddy LAUGHS, a somewhat forced chuckle. He doesn't know quite what to say..
RODDY
Well, let me give you the tour boys...(Shouting up to the chamber) FRANKIE! (No response, then LOUDER): FRANKIE!
PADDY
He can hear you in there Roddy?
RODDY
Roight. What was I thinking? (He raises his watch and presses a button) Frankie, could you come down to the floor please?
One of the TRAINERS waves and flies to the top of the cylinder. He comes out of a hatch at the top of the chamber and rappels down its side on his safety wire. He unhooks himself and parkours the rest of the way down. He joins the group, removes a protective helmet and grins. He is FRANKIE "ICK" SHANNON, late teens/early 20s. He is a happy-go-lucky charmer with a near constant grin.
RODDY
Gentlemen, I'd like you to meet my son--
PADDY
Don't tell me...Frankie?
FRANKIE
Mr. O'Riada, I'm a huge fan! (He pumps Paddy's arm, which is still wrapped and claps his other hand over Paddy's forearm)
PADDY
(Wincing) Nice to meet you son; I'm a little tender there...new tattoo...
FRANKIE
Oh, I'm sorry!
PADDY
Quite all right. I'll live! This is my brother Sean and our mate Cal...(greetings are exchanged) Sean is my manager and Cal is my trainer--
FRANKIE
But Dad said I'd be training you--
PADDY
Did he now? We haven't even determined if I'm going to do this..Lani Batali...thing. Besides, what could a young squirt like you train me to do? No offense, Frankie.
FRANKIE
You can call me "Ick"; everybody does--
PADDY
Sure...Ick...
RODDY
He's gonna train you how to fly, Paddy!
PADDY
Well, that remains to be seen. And why do they call you Ick? Do you get airsick easily? You're not gonna thorw up on me are you? (Ick LAUGHS).
RODDY
It's short for "Icarus"!
Roddy tousles "Ick"s hair. Paddy says nothing
SEAN
You know, Paddy, the Greek kid who could fly.
PADDY
I know who Icarus is Sean.
CAL
So, how about that tour? I'm dying to see this thing!
RODDY
All right then, let's do it!
Roddy, Cal and Frankie (who we'll be referring to as "Ick" from here forward) move towards the chamber. Sean looks at Paddy's side-eye, shrugs and moves on. Paddy glances up again at the flying fighters, who are now tumbling through the air with BO's, which are Japanese fighting sticks.
I want a newcomer to play the son, Frankie. So how about this fellow:
Cat got your tongue brother?
PADDY
She just ran out into traffic with it.
CAL
Unbelievable!
MAN (O/S)
It's portable too...
The trio turn as the MAN who belongs to the voice strides up to them. He is RODDY SHANNON, 40's/50's. The man drips with confidence and cockiness. He's smooth and he knows it. But he has taste: one can tell by the four-ply cashmere LV sweater and the solid gold Smartwatch on his wrist. And clearly, he's richer than Croesus.
SEAN
Roddy! Thanks for taking my call! (Sean goes in for a bro-hug and Roddy one-ups him with a double-cheeked-Euro kiss. Paddy and Cal exchange a quizzical glance). Roddy, I'd like you to meet my brother Paddy and our friend Cal.
Greetings are exchanged
RODDY
Cal and I go way back; but I can't believe Paddy--in this fishbowl we both swim in; that we've only just met!
PADDY
Some people think I'm anti-social; but really, I'm just shy...
Roddy LAUGHS, a somewhat forced chuckle. He doesn't know quite what to say..
RODDY
Well, let me give you the tour boys...(Shouting up to the chamber) FRANKIE! (No response, then LOUDER): FRANKIE!
PADDY
He can hear you in there Roddy?
RODDY
Roight. What was I thinking? (He raises his watch and presses a button) Frankie, could you come down to the floor please?
One of the TRAINERS waves and flies to the top of the cylinder. He comes out of a hatch at the top of the chamber and rappels down its side on his safety wire. He unhooks himself and parkours the rest of the way down. He joins the group, removes a protective helmet and grins. He is FRANKIE "ICK" SHANNON, late teens/early 20s. He is a happy-go-lucky charmer with a near constant grin.
RODDY
Gentlemen, I'd like you to meet my son--
PADDY
Don't tell me...Frankie?
FRANKIE
Mr. O'Riada, I'm a huge fan! (He pumps Paddy's arm, which is still wrapped and claps his other hand over Paddy's forearm)
PADDY
(Wincing) Nice to meet you son; I'm a little tender there...new tattoo...
FRANKIE
Oh, I'm sorry!
PADDY
Quite all right. I'll live! This is my brother Sean and our mate Cal...(greetings are exchanged) Sean is my manager and Cal is my trainer--
FRANKIE
But Dad said I'd be training you--
PADDY
Did he now? We haven't even determined if I'm going to do this..Lani Batali...thing. Besides, what could a young squirt like you train me to do? No offense, Frankie.
FRANKIE
You can call me "Ick"; everybody does--
PADDY
Sure...Ick...
RODDY
He's gonna train you how to fly, Paddy!
PADDY
Well, that remains to be seen. And why do they call you Ick? Do you get airsick easily? You're not gonna thorw up on me are you? (Ick LAUGHS).
RODDY
It's short for "Icarus"!
Roddy tousles "Ick"s hair. Paddy says nothing
SEAN
You know, Paddy, the Greek kid who could fly.
PADDY
I know who Icarus is Sean.
CAL
So, how about that tour? I'm dying to see this thing!
RODDY
All right then, let's do it!
Roddy, Cal and Frankie (who we'll be referring to as "Ick" from here forward) move towards the chamber. Sean looks at Paddy's side-eye, shrugs and moves on. Paddy glances up again at the flying fighters, who are now tumbling through the air with BO's, which are Japanese fighting sticks.
I want a newcomer to play the son, Frankie. So how about this fellow:
Still looks like a STAR to me. He was supposed to play the son on Cheeseheads, my imaginary sitcom; but he's too old now to play a high school student. He even has a demo reel!
Now, since Mr. Shelby has made himself a public figure, I have no qualms about posting this. He's now in college. He should be easy to find. Hey, HOLLYWOODLAND, make this kid a STAR...NOW!
CUT TO:
INT. FAN ROOM -DAY
So, the more research I do...the more skydiving chambers and wind tunnels become a thing. Obviously, there is an exact science to propelling a human body into the air and keeping it there. So, if this script goes into production, we would need various and sundry "consultants." Not just consulting about air speed/terminal velocity science etc. but the training of skydivers in chambers and all of that. Now, since I don't really have the time to become an expert on these subjects I'm just gonna go with "poetic license." If I were to direct a picture like this, I would want--nay--demand scientific accuracy. But I mean look what these people can do!
CUT TO:
INT. FAN ROOM -DAY
So, the more research I do...the more skydiving chambers and wind tunnels become a thing. Obviously, there is an exact science to propelling a human body into the air and keeping it there. So, if this script goes into production, we would need various and sundry "consultants." Not just consulting about air speed/terminal velocity science etc. but the training of skydivers in chambers and all of that. Now, since I don't really have the time to become an expert on these subjects I'm just gonna go with "poetic license." If I were to direct a picture like this, I would want--nay--demand scientific accuracy. But I mean look what these people can do!
Roddy is showing off his high-tech toy, in particular the massive wind generating fan.
RODDY
So, the air needs to flow at terminal velocity, which is about one hundred and twenty miles per hour; but this baby can do three times that...
PADDY
Why would it need to?
RODDY
Well, it wouldn't Paddy; but I wanted it to.
PADDY
You don't drive a Hummer by any chance? (Sean kicks Paddy's foot).
RODDY
(Chuckles) No Paddy. I drive a Rolls Silver Shadow...or rather; I have it driven for me.
PADDY
Must be nice.
RODDY
It is...so...right...okay Frankie, you wanna show these lads what you can do?
ICK
Roger that!
RODDY
Well, let's do it!
SMASH CUT TO:
Ick in the wind chamber by himself. Roddy and Paddy and Sean and Cal watch from a control room as Ick rises and falls in the air, like some kind of angelic bird of prey. It is at once poetic, athletic and aesthetic. And perhaps, even erotic.
RODDY
So, the air needs to flow at terminal velocity, which is about one hundred and twenty miles per hour; but this baby can do three times that...
PADDY
Why would it need to?
RODDY
Well, it wouldn't Paddy; but I wanted it to.
PADDY
You don't drive a Hummer by any chance? (Sean kicks Paddy's foot).
RODDY
(Chuckles) No Paddy. I drive a Rolls Silver Shadow...or rather; I have it driven for me.
PADDY
Must be nice.
RODDY
It is...so...right...okay Frankie, you wanna show these lads what you can do?
ICK
Roger that!
RODDY
Well, let's do it!
SMASH CUT TO:
Ick in the wind chamber by himself. Roddy and Paddy and Sean and Cal watch from a control room as Ick rises and falls in the air, like some kind of angelic bird of prey. It is at once poetic, athletic and aesthetic. And perhaps, even erotic.
RODDY
(Speaking into his watch) That was beautiful son...okay, we're gonna lower you now...(Ick gives a thumbs up as Roddy turns to the CONTROLLER at a console) Okay, Chris, bring him down...
Chris decreases the wind-speed and lowers Ick to the chamber floor. He bounds into the control room, right up to Paddy, who he seems to, maybe, have a "mancrush" on.
ICK
So, what do you think Mr. O'Riada? You wanna give it a go?
PADDY
Call me Paddy, son. And by the way, that was brilliant!
ICK
Thank you...
RODDY
So, are you in Paddy?
PADDY
This is a lot to think about Roddy...
RODDY
You're right, it is. Why don't you sleep on it for a while?
PADDY
Yeah. Yeah, I'll do just that. Well, it was nice to meet you Ick.
Paddy extends his hand, which Ick clasps and proceeds to pump again.
ICK
Paddy, you have to say yes. I have a feeling you'll take to this like a bird. And I wanna get you into the air!
The handshake lasts too long, making it a bit awkward.
RODDY
Ick, let the man go...
ICK
(Laughs) Oh, right!
PADDY
By the way; what does "Lani-Batali" mean?
RODDY
It's from an ancient Celtic language...lost to the mists of time...he or she may have been a warrior god.
Paddy nods slowly.
CUT TO:
INT. CAR -DAY
Paddy is driving. Sean is in the passenger seat and Cal is in the back. The English countryside flies past the windows.
PADDY
...Never met me before! Can you believe that? He personally handed me the check when I took out Billy O'Grady in '15. And just what the hell does "Lani Batali" mean, anyways?
CAL
I'll look it up. (He pulls out his phone)
SEAN
I think you'd be a fool to turn him down Paddy. Shannon's a genius and this thing is gonna be huge.
CAL
"Lani" is Hawaiian for "sky"; and "Batali" means "fighter" in Esperanto.
PADDY
Ancient language!
SEAN
What did you make of his son? Seemed a little light in his loafers to me. Literally.
PADDY
Shut up Sean! He was a nice kid.
SEAN
Jeez Paddy, relax. I didn't mean anything by it--it was just an observation.
PADDY
Well when I want your observations, I'll turn up the lights over there.
SEAN
Veg-out bro...
CAL
By the way Paddy; when did I become your trainer?
PADDY
(Looks at his watch) About forty-seven minutes ago.
CAL
Cool. What about benefits?
SEAN
National health and dental. And you get to see Paddy naked.
CAL
Seen it. Not impressed.
PADDY
Right. Who's your daddy Cal?
CAL
Mr. Nakamura
PADDY
Who?
CAL
...you Paddy...
SEAN
Daddy Paddy!
As their LAUGHTER fades, a contemplative silence descends. Sean snaps on the radio. "Spirit In the Sky" comes on.
SEAN
It's a sign!
Paddy raises an eyebrow as Cal claps him on the shoulder. Sean starts singing along. Then Cal joins in. And reluctantly...finally...Paddy as the car speeds down the road.
(Speaking into his watch) That was beautiful son...okay, we're gonna lower you now...(Ick gives a thumbs up as Roddy turns to the CONTROLLER at a console) Okay, Chris, bring him down...
Chris decreases the wind-speed and lowers Ick to the chamber floor. He bounds into the control room, right up to Paddy, who he seems to, maybe, have a "mancrush" on.
ICK
So, what do you think Mr. O'Riada? You wanna give it a go?
PADDY
Call me Paddy, son. And by the way, that was brilliant!
ICK
Thank you...
RODDY
So, are you in Paddy?
PADDY
This is a lot to think about Roddy...
RODDY
You're right, it is. Why don't you sleep on it for a while?
PADDY
Yeah. Yeah, I'll do just that. Well, it was nice to meet you Ick.
Paddy extends his hand, which Ick clasps and proceeds to pump again.
ICK
Paddy, you have to say yes. I have a feeling you'll take to this like a bird. And I wanna get you into the air!
The handshake lasts too long, making it a bit awkward.
RODDY
Ick, let the man go...
ICK
(Laughs) Oh, right!
PADDY
By the way; what does "Lani-Batali" mean?
RODDY
It's from an ancient Celtic language...lost to the mists of time...he or she may have been a warrior god.
Paddy nods slowly.
CUT TO:
INT. CAR -DAY
Paddy is driving. Sean is in the passenger seat and Cal is in the back. The English countryside flies past the windows.
PADDY
...Never met me before! Can you believe that? He personally handed me the check when I took out Billy O'Grady in '15. And just what the hell does "Lani Batali" mean, anyways?
CAL
I'll look it up. (He pulls out his phone)
SEAN
I think you'd be a fool to turn him down Paddy. Shannon's a genius and this thing is gonna be huge.
CAL
"Lani" is Hawaiian for "sky"; and "Batali" means "fighter" in Esperanto.
PADDY
Ancient language!
SEAN
What did you make of his son? Seemed a little light in his loafers to me. Literally.
PADDY
Shut up Sean! He was a nice kid.
SEAN
Jeez Paddy, relax. I didn't mean anything by it--it was just an observation.
PADDY
Well when I want your observations, I'll turn up the lights over there.
SEAN
Veg-out bro...
CAL
By the way Paddy; when did I become your trainer?
PADDY
(Looks at his watch) About forty-seven minutes ago.
CAL
Cool. What about benefits?
SEAN
National health and dental. And you get to see Paddy naked.
CAL
Seen it. Not impressed.
PADDY
Right. Who's your daddy Cal?
CAL
Mr. Nakamura
PADDY
Who?
CAL
...you Paddy...
SEAN
Daddy Paddy!
As their LAUGHTER fades, a contemplative silence descends. Sean snaps on the radio. "Spirit In the Sky" comes on.
SEAN
It's a sign!
Paddy raises an eyebrow as Cal claps him on the shoulder. Sean starts singing along. Then Cal joins in. And reluctantly...finally...Paddy as the car speeds down the road.
CUT TO:
INT. THE GOLDEN BANANA, PEABODY MA -EVENING
The Golden Banana is an upscale "adult" nightclub that features "exotic" dancing and cocktails. A tight CLOSE-UP on a pair of eyes as we hear Huey Lewis' "The Heart of Rock and Roll." The camera pulls back and tilts down showing us more and more of the body the eyes belong to: a gorgeous and fulsome dancer, STACEY JONES, 20's. She is undulating all over the place to the peppy tempo of the song; wearing little more than the Lucite stilettos on her feet. Donna approaches a table where sit three YOUNG MEN. They are kinda douchey. SNICKERING, GIGGLING and being loud.
DONNA
What can I get you fellahs?
1ST YOUNG MAN
Sex on the beach, babe!
DONNA
And for you, sir?
2ND YOUNG MAN
A Long, Slow Comfortable Screw Up Against the Wall!
DONNA
Wow, is this 1985? And you honey?
3RD YOUNG MAN
Cum In a Hot Tub!
DONNA
"Cumming" right up!
She rolls her eyes as she strides to the bar. One of the bouncers, RONNIE, is sitting on a stool, nursing a glass of seltzer.
RONNIE
Those guys giving you a hard time?
DONNA
Nothing I can't handle. Thanks Ronnie.
RONNIE
You bet. Oh, something came for you. I left it in your dressing room.
This club actually exists in Peabody, Massachusetts. Their website says they have "totally nude" dancers. I guess that's open to interpretation. For our purposes, Donna will be a cocktail waitress, who wears at least a thong and a bikini top; it is implied that she also dances. I would like to keep this PG-13; but with our leading men's love scene coming up; it's more than likely an R. Or maybe we should go for broke: skip right over NC-17 and bring back the original "X" rating. But let's stay classy San Diego!
CUT TO:
INT. DRESSING ROOM -NIGHT
Donna enters the room and moves towards her vanity. A huge bouquet of red roses, with a card, is on her table. She opens the card and reads it as Stacey enters the room and puts on a robe.
STACEY
Those are beautiful.
DONNA
I know, right?
STACEY
Who are they from?
DONNA
Hank...
STACEY
When did he all of a sudden turn romantic?
DONNA
He's always been romantic...in his own way.
STACEY
If you say so. (She sits and slides her shoes off and starts pawing through various and sundry supplements and vitamin bottles) Where's my feverfew, my feet hurt...
DONNA
Does your face hurt too?
STACEY
No, why?
DONNA
Because it's killing me!
STACEY
Oh you're a riot darlin'. Peabody's first stand-up stripper!
DONNA
Now there's a million dollar idea!
INT. THE GOLDEN BANANA, PEABODY MA -EVENING
The Golden Banana is an upscale "adult" nightclub that features "exotic" dancing and cocktails. A tight CLOSE-UP on a pair of eyes as we hear Huey Lewis' "The Heart of Rock and Roll." The camera pulls back and tilts down showing us more and more of the body the eyes belong to: a gorgeous and fulsome dancer, STACEY JONES, 20's. She is undulating all over the place to the peppy tempo of the song; wearing little more than the Lucite stilettos on her feet. Donna approaches a table where sit three YOUNG MEN. They are kinda douchey. SNICKERING, GIGGLING and being loud.
DONNA
What can I get you fellahs?
1ST YOUNG MAN
Sex on the beach, babe!
DONNA
And for you, sir?
2ND YOUNG MAN
A Long, Slow Comfortable Screw Up Against the Wall!
DONNA
Wow, is this 1985? And you honey?
3RD YOUNG MAN
Cum In a Hot Tub!
DONNA
"Cumming" right up!
She rolls her eyes as she strides to the bar. One of the bouncers, RONNIE, is sitting on a stool, nursing a glass of seltzer.
RONNIE
Those guys giving you a hard time?
DONNA
Nothing I can't handle. Thanks Ronnie.
RONNIE
You bet. Oh, something came for you. I left it in your dressing room.
This club actually exists in Peabody, Massachusetts. Their website says they have "totally nude" dancers. I guess that's open to interpretation. For our purposes, Donna will be a cocktail waitress, who wears at least a thong and a bikini top; it is implied that she also dances. I would like to keep this PG-13; but with our leading men's love scene coming up; it's more than likely an R. Or maybe we should go for broke: skip right over NC-17 and bring back the original "X" rating. But let's stay classy San Diego!
CUT TO:
INT. DRESSING ROOM -NIGHT
Donna enters the room and moves towards her vanity. A huge bouquet of red roses, with a card, is on her table. She opens the card and reads it as Stacey enters the room and puts on a robe.
STACEY
Those are beautiful.
DONNA
I know, right?
STACEY
Who are they from?
DONNA
Hank...
STACEY
When did he all of a sudden turn romantic?
DONNA
He's always been romantic...in his own way.
STACEY
If you say so. (She sits and slides her shoes off and starts pawing through various and sundry supplements and vitamin bottles) Where's my feverfew, my feet hurt...
DONNA
Does your face hurt too?
STACEY
No, why?
DONNA
Because it's killing me!
STACEY
Oh you're a riot darlin'. Peabody's first stand-up stripper!
DONNA
Now there's a million dollar idea!
STACEY
Seriously though Donna; what's the occasion? I mean, it's not your birthday and it's not Valentine's day...
DONNA
Does there need to be an "occasion" to send flowers?
STACEY
With men? Generally yes. A holiday or a funeral. Or...an apology?
DONNA
(Sighs) Fine. We had a fight...(LAUGHS)
STACEY
Why is that funny?
DONNA
We had a fight about fighting. He wants to go back to it.
STACEY
And what do you want?
DONNA
Well, naturally I don't want him fighting. But I knew going in it was his first love.
STACEY
Ultimatumize his ass.
DONNA
What?
STACEY
Make him put a ring on it, Bey.
DONNA
I already have the ring.
STACEY
Why don't you wear it?
DONNA
I don't want to lose it.
STACEY
Well, it seems to me you don't really know what you want from him...
DONNA
No Stacey, it's the other way around. I don't think he really knows what he wants.
STACEY
From you?
DONNA
From life. I've gotta get back on the floor.
Donna takes a rose from the bouquet and hands it to Stacey. She then takes a second, cuts the stem away and places the rose in her cleavage and heads back to 1985. Stacey puts the rose to her nose.
STACEY
Does anyone?
CUT TO:
INT. GRAN'S KITCHEN -NIGHT
The bouquet of roses is now on Gran's table, where she is pulverizing some aspirin in a mortar. Henry enters the room in his work clothes.
HENRY
Hey Gran...whatcha doing?
GRAN
Grinding up some aspirin for these flowers. Are you hungry?
HENRY
Famished, actually.
GRAN
Good. I'll heat you up some beef stew.
HENRY
You made beef stew? I love your beef stew!
GRAN
I know son. That's why I made it. Go ask Danny if he wants some.
Seriously though Donna; what's the occasion? I mean, it's not your birthday and it's not Valentine's day...
DONNA
Does there need to be an "occasion" to send flowers?
STACEY
With men? Generally yes. A holiday or a funeral. Or...an apology?
DONNA
(Sighs) Fine. We had a fight...(LAUGHS)
STACEY
Why is that funny?
DONNA
We had a fight about fighting. He wants to go back to it.
STACEY
And what do you want?
DONNA
Well, naturally I don't want him fighting. But I knew going in it was his first love.
STACEY
Ultimatumize his ass.
DONNA
What?
STACEY
Make him put a ring on it, Bey.
DONNA
I already have the ring.
STACEY
Why don't you wear it?
DONNA
I don't want to lose it.
STACEY
Well, it seems to me you don't really know what you want from him...
DONNA
No Stacey, it's the other way around. I don't think he really knows what he wants.
STACEY
From you?
DONNA
From life. I've gotta get back on the floor.
Donna takes a rose from the bouquet and hands it to Stacey. She then takes a second, cuts the stem away and places the rose in her cleavage and heads back to 1985. Stacey puts the rose to her nose.
STACEY
Does anyone?
CUT TO:
INT. GRAN'S KITCHEN -NIGHT
The bouquet of roses is now on Gran's table, where she is pulverizing some aspirin in a mortar. Henry enters the room in his work clothes.
HENRY
Hey Gran...whatcha doing?
GRAN
Grinding up some aspirin for these flowers. Are you hungry?
HENRY
Famished, actually.
GRAN
Good. I'll heat you up some beef stew.
HENRY
You made beef stew? I love your beef stew!
GRAN
I know son. That's why I made it. Go ask Danny if he wants some.
Henry stands and goes to the basement door and BANGS on it.
HENRY
Danny!
DANNY (O/S)
What!
CUT TO:
Gran's basement. It's really Danny's living space. Kind of cramped; but rather neat and cozy. In one corner is a shelving unit, displaying trophies and photos from Henry's fighting career. Danny is sitting at his desk, looking at his laptop. On the screen we can see that he's looking at a video of Roddy, promoting "Lani-Batali" the video cuts to footage of Ick training some fighters in the flying chamber. Henry comes half-way down the stairs.
HENRY
Do you want some stew?
DANNY
Sure; but Henry come look at this...
HENRY
I'm starving Danny. Bring it up here.
DANNY
Fine--
CUT TO:
INT. -GRAN'S KITCHEN -NIGHT
Henry returns to the table and Gran places a huge bowl of Irish stew in front of him; and a big glass of milk.
Donna comes in through the back door and stands behind Henry.
DONNA
(Looking down at him)
Thank you for the flowers. They're really beautiful.
HENRY
You're welcome.
He tilts his head up and she kisses him, more intensely than anyone, including herself, might've expected.
GRAN
Would you like some stew Donna; or should I get you two a room?
DONNA
(Breaking from the kiss)
Sure Mary; I mean as long as we're all just ignoring our cholesterol.
GRAN
Don't be petty love; it doesn't suit you.
Danny comes crashing into the room with his laptop.
DANNY
Hank, you have to see these fighters--(He stops short when he sees Donna). Oh, well, I mean...we can look at this later...
DONNA
Danny it's fine. I want to see it too. If Henry's gonna fight, I'm gonna look both of you square in the eye.
Danny puts the laptop on the table and sits, turns it so everyone can see and hits play. He turns down the volume.
DANNY
Now that fellah right there; he's Roddy Shannon. He's put together a new style of fighting called "Lani-Batali"
HENRY
What does that mean?
DANNY
Who knows? Sounds made-up. Anyways, here's the gimmick. They fight in the air!
GRAN
On wires?
DANNY
No Gran! In the actual air! They put the fighters in a gigantic vertical wind-tunnel and shoost them up where they fight.
DONNA
A wind tunnel?
DANNY
Yeah, they use these things for indoor sky-diving and now it's sort of become an art-form. Shannon's taking it in a new direction. Look! For fooks sake look!
GRAN
(Swats Danny with a dish-towel) Watch that mouth young man...
DANNY
Sorry Gran; but look!
They all watch, mesmerized, at a video of Ick as he rolls and tumbles, dives and spins in the wind chamber.
HENRY
Looks like we're gonna need a specialist, if I'm gonna learn this...
DONNA
So, now you're gonna be jumping out of planes?
HENRY
Whatever it takes, honey...
DONNA
(Softly) Wow.
DANNY
I talked to my trainer friend Sheamus and get this: he's a skydiving enthusiast! Of course he is!
HENRY
What's an "entooziast"?
DANNY
(Enunciating) En-thoo-see-ast...
DONNA
And where does he do this enthusiasing?
DANNY
The Isle of Skye.
DONNA
And where is that?
DANNY
Scotland...
Donna nods, stands, goes to the vase on the counter and takes the dripping roses out of it. She goes to Danny and thrusts them into his hands.
DONNA
Congratulations Danny. You win!
She walks out of the room and we hear the back door SLAM.
DANNY
(Yelping in pain) Owww! Owwww!
HENRY
What?
DANNY
Thorns! Thorns!
MARY
Don't you dare get any blood on my good table-cloth.
Henry stands to go after Donna. Gran puts her hand on his wrist.
GRAN
Give her a minute son.
Henry reluctantly sits back down as Danny, still yelping in pain, tries to put the roses back in their vase. The more he tries, the worse it gets.
DANNY
Owww! Oh fook! Fook, fook, fook!
Gran leaps up and starts snapping the dish-towel at Danny, inflicting even more pain.
GRAN
I will not have that language in my house!
DANNY
OWWWW! Gran, that hurts!
GRAN
It's hurting me more than it's hurting you!
Henry continues eating as we FADE OUT.
HENRY
Danny!
DANNY (O/S)
What!
CUT TO:
Gran's basement. It's really Danny's living space. Kind of cramped; but rather neat and cozy. In one corner is a shelving unit, displaying trophies and photos from Henry's fighting career. Danny is sitting at his desk, looking at his laptop. On the screen we can see that he's looking at a video of Roddy, promoting "Lani-Batali" the video cuts to footage of Ick training some fighters in the flying chamber. Henry comes half-way down the stairs.
HENRY
Do you want some stew?
DANNY
Sure; but Henry come look at this...
HENRY
I'm starving Danny. Bring it up here.
DANNY
Fine--
CUT TO:
INT. -GRAN'S KITCHEN -NIGHT
Henry returns to the table and Gran places a huge bowl of Irish stew in front of him; and a big glass of milk.
Donna comes in through the back door and stands behind Henry.
DONNA
(Looking down at him)
Thank you for the flowers. They're really beautiful.
HENRY
You're welcome.
He tilts his head up and she kisses him, more intensely than anyone, including herself, might've expected.
GRAN
Would you like some stew Donna; or should I get you two a room?
DONNA
(Breaking from the kiss)
Sure Mary; I mean as long as we're all just ignoring our cholesterol.
GRAN
Don't be petty love; it doesn't suit you.
Danny comes crashing into the room with his laptop.
DANNY
Hank, you have to see these fighters--(He stops short when he sees Donna). Oh, well, I mean...we can look at this later...
DONNA
Danny it's fine. I want to see it too. If Henry's gonna fight, I'm gonna look both of you square in the eye.
Danny puts the laptop on the table and sits, turns it so everyone can see and hits play. He turns down the volume.
DANNY
Now that fellah right there; he's Roddy Shannon. He's put together a new style of fighting called "Lani-Batali"
HENRY
What does that mean?
DANNY
Who knows? Sounds made-up. Anyways, here's the gimmick. They fight in the air!
GRAN
On wires?
DANNY
No Gran! In the actual air! They put the fighters in a gigantic vertical wind-tunnel and shoost them up where they fight.
DONNA
A wind tunnel?
DANNY
Yeah, they use these things for indoor sky-diving and now it's sort of become an art-form. Shannon's taking it in a new direction. Look! For fooks sake look!
GRAN
(Swats Danny with a dish-towel) Watch that mouth young man...
DANNY
Sorry Gran; but look!
They all watch, mesmerized, at a video of Ick as he rolls and tumbles, dives and spins in the wind chamber.
HENRY
Looks like we're gonna need a specialist, if I'm gonna learn this...
DONNA
So, now you're gonna be jumping out of planes?
HENRY
Whatever it takes, honey...
DONNA
(Softly) Wow.
DANNY
I talked to my trainer friend Sheamus and get this: he's a skydiving enthusiast! Of course he is!
HENRY
What's an "entooziast"?
DANNY
(Enunciating) En-thoo-see-ast...
DONNA
And where does he do this enthusiasing?
DANNY
The Isle of Skye.
DONNA
And where is that?
DANNY
Scotland...
Donna nods, stands, goes to the vase on the counter and takes the dripping roses out of it. She goes to Danny and thrusts them into his hands.
DONNA
Congratulations Danny. You win!
She walks out of the room and we hear the back door SLAM.
DANNY
(Yelping in pain) Owww! Owwww!
HENRY
What?
DANNY
Thorns! Thorns!
MARY
Don't you dare get any blood on my good table-cloth.
Henry stands to go after Donna. Gran puts her hand on his wrist.
GRAN
Give her a minute son.
Henry reluctantly sits back down as Danny, still yelping in pain, tries to put the roses back in their vase. The more he tries, the worse it gets.
DANNY
Owww! Oh fook! Fook, fook, fook!
Gran leaps up and starts snapping the dish-towel at Danny, inflicting even more pain.
GRAN
I will not have that language in my house!
DANNY
OWWWW! Gran, that hurts!
GRAN
It's hurting me more than it's hurting you!
Henry continues eating as we FADE OUT.
FADE IN ON:
INT. TRAILER -NIGHT
Later, the same evening. Donna is sitting at the table, sipping a beer. She SIGHS, stands, and goes to a drawer and removes a jewelry box. She goes back to the table, sits, opens the jewelry box and removes a heart-shaped, red velvet, ring box, which she opens. TIGHT CLOSE-UP of a not insubstantial diamond engagement ring. Actually it's quite beautiful.
INT. TRAILER -NIGHT
Later, the same evening. Donna is sitting at the table, sipping a beer. She SIGHS, stands, and goes to a drawer and removes a jewelry box. She goes back to the table, sits, opens the jewelry box and removes a heart-shaped, red velvet, ring box, which she opens. TIGHT CLOSE-UP of a not insubstantial diamond engagement ring. Actually it's quite beautiful.
Donna takes the ring out of the box and slips it on her finger, regards it sparkling in the light. Henry enters the trailer.
HENRY
I was wondering when you were going to wear that.
DONNA
What? I wear it!
HENRY
If you say so.
DONNA
I don't wear it to work because--
HENRY
Because you don't want anyone to know you're engaged.
DONNA
Well, yes...you get more tips if they think you're single. But I just don't feel safe wearing it to the club.
HENRY
Then quit.
DONNA
I can't quit. You know that. We need the money. And most of your money went to this ring.
HERNY
No, most of my money went to Grampee's doctors. That's why I'm going to fight again. I'm gonna win that purse and buy us a house. (He sits next to her and puts his arms around her). And you're going to have the wedding of your dreams! (Donna starts to quietly cry). What? What is it?
DONNA
Our wedding Henry. Our wedding.
HENRY
Well, that's what I meant.
Donna wipes her tears away and Henry kisses her. She throws her arms around him and returns his kiss, because what else can she do?
SMASH CUT TO:
INT. -TRAILER -DAY
The next morning. Donna is lying in the bed, gazing out the window at a hummingbird feeder. Henry is asleep next to her. Numerous ruby-throated hummingbirds are feeding; but more so, fighting one another off.
HENRY
(Rousing himself) Whatcha looking at?
DONNA
The hummingbirds.
HENRY
Pretty...
DONNA
They're actually really mean. All they do is fight. It makes me not like them.
HENRY
I'm a fighter. Do you not like me?
DONNA
I'm not sure Hank. So when are you going to Sky Island?
HENRY
The Isle of Skye--
DONNA
Don't even, Henry.
HENRY
A week from Thursday.
DONNA
I've gotta go to the bathroom.
She removes her engagement ring and places it on the nightstand.
HENRY
You can wear it in the house Donna. Gran's not gonna steal it.
DONNA
Danny might.
HENRY
You really don't like him, do you?
DONNA
No, I don't. I love him; but I don't like him.
She's out the door. Henry picks up the ring and looks at the stone. The camera does a slow ZOOM on the diamond until it's nothing but abstract shards of light.
DIZZOLVE TO:
More abstract light. Prismatic and swirling. The camera now ZOOMS out and we see that the light is coming from the sunlight sparkling on the surf of the ocean. A wave rolls on to a beach where Henry is standing, looking out at the water. Behind him is an inn/restaurant. Danny comes out and waves from the outdoor seating area.
DANNY
Hank! Hank!
Henry turns and shades his eyes. Danny motions for him to come up from the beach.
HENRY
I was wondering when you were going to wear that.
DONNA
What? I wear it!
HENRY
If you say so.
DONNA
I don't wear it to work because--
HENRY
Because you don't want anyone to know you're engaged.
DONNA
Well, yes...you get more tips if they think you're single. But I just don't feel safe wearing it to the club.
HENRY
Then quit.
DONNA
I can't quit. You know that. We need the money. And most of your money went to this ring.
HERNY
No, most of my money went to Grampee's doctors. That's why I'm going to fight again. I'm gonna win that purse and buy us a house. (He sits next to her and puts his arms around her). And you're going to have the wedding of your dreams! (Donna starts to quietly cry). What? What is it?
DONNA
Our wedding Henry. Our wedding.
HENRY
Well, that's what I meant.
Donna wipes her tears away and Henry kisses her. She throws her arms around him and returns his kiss, because what else can she do?
SMASH CUT TO:
INT. -TRAILER -DAY
The next morning. Donna is lying in the bed, gazing out the window at a hummingbird feeder. Henry is asleep next to her. Numerous ruby-throated hummingbirds are feeding; but more so, fighting one another off.
HENRY
(Rousing himself) Whatcha looking at?
DONNA
The hummingbirds.
HENRY
Pretty...
DONNA
They're actually really mean. All they do is fight. It makes me not like them.
HENRY
I'm a fighter. Do you not like me?
DONNA
I'm not sure Hank. So when are you going to Sky Island?
HENRY
The Isle of Skye--
DONNA
Don't even, Henry.
HENRY
A week from Thursday.
DONNA
I've gotta go to the bathroom.
She removes her engagement ring and places it on the nightstand.
HENRY
You can wear it in the house Donna. Gran's not gonna steal it.
DONNA
Danny might.
HENRY
You really don't like him, do you?
DONNA
No, I don't. I love him; but I don't like him.
She's out the door. Henry picks up the ring and looks at the stone. The camera does a slow ZOOM on the diamond until it's nothing but abstract shards of light.
DIZZOLVE TO:
More abstract light. Prismatic and swirling. The camera now ZOOMS out and we see that the light is coming from the sunlight sparkling on the surf of the ocean. A wave rolls on to a beach where Henry is standing, looking out at the water. Behind him is an inn/restaurant. Danny comes out and waves from the outdoor seating area.
DANNY
Hank! Hank!
Henry turns and shades his eyes. Danny motions for him to come up from the beach.
Screenplay continues in new blog: "Heartfight: A Screenplay: Act 2/Part 2"
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