EXT. HOLLYWOOD STREET -NIGHT
A long silver '75 Oldsmobile 98 Regency turns a corner on a rain slick LA street. The CAMERA TILTS UP AND ZOOMS in on the street sign. It's the corner of Hollywood Blvd. and N. Orange Drive. We hear the SPLASH of the water beneath the car tires and the MUFFLED BEAT of the MUSIC from inside the car.
CUT TO:
INT. CAR -NIGHT
In the glow of the dashboard light, we see a MAN'S HAND reach for the radio and hit the tuner. STATIC, COMMERCIAL BITS, VOICES then the following SONG, Albert Hammond's "It Never Rains in California."
We see the Oldsmobile pull into a space along a curb. The door opens and A YOUNG MAN gets out. He's wearing a rain coat. He goes to the sidewalk and looks up at a parking sign.
INSERT SHOT - SIGN.
CUT TO:
EXT. HOLLYWOOD BLVD. -NIGHT
The CAMERA TRACKS the Hollywood Walk of Fame as Chris walks. The terra-cota STARS shimmer in the watery reflections from the street lights and Chris treads carefully. Chris knows those stars are slicker than WD40 on a doorknob when they're wet. Even so, he nearly slips and goes down on one of the stars. He looks down: MICKEY MOUSE.
CHRIS
Figures.
A gust of wind rips his umbrella from his hand and it goes flying towards Beverly Hills. But it doesn't matter. Chris is now beneath the protective canopy of Grauman's Chinese Theater. WORKMEN are dismantling some hoi polloi barriers and putting them in a truck. Chris looks around the famous forecourt and as he nears the building, a SECURITY OFFICER approaches him.
OFFICER
Sorry, it's closed for a private event.
CHRIS
Oh, I know. Do you mind if I just look at the footprints?
OFFICER
(Shrugs) Knock yourself out.
CHRIS
"So let it be written, so let it be done!" No, wait...wrong movie..."Etcetera! Et--"
The door to the theater flies open and a MAN rushes out and stops. Chris observes him as he pats his ill fitting black suit jacket. He finds his pack of cigarettes, puts one to his lips and again pats himself down. After a moment he SIGHS and his eyes fall on Chris, who is now crouching down and attempting to put his hands in Yul Brynner's. The man with the unlit cigarette is the actor, ANDREW MCCARTHY, 23. He flips up the collar of his jacket.
ANDREW
You don't have a light, by any chance?
CHRIS
Yeah, I do...
Chris wipes his hand on his pants, stand and fishes a gold lighter out of his jacket. He goes to Andy, flicks the lighter and puts forward the flame. Andrew leans in for the light.
ANDREW
(Hitching his thumb over his shoulder) Were you inside?
CHRIS
No. I was just out for a walk.
There is an awkward pause, as though Andrew is waiting for something. Some kind of shoe to fall?
ANDREW
Okay...well, thanks. Stay dry...
Andrew heads into the rain and dashes across the street which is weirdly empty. Chris returns his attention to the footprints.
CUT TO:
EXT. HOLLYWOOD BLVD. -NIGHT
Chris is walking west down the sidewalk. He crosses Hollywood Blvd. at Orange and then turns east, towards The Hamburger Hamlet. The rain is really coming down.
INT. HAMBURGER HAMLET -NIGHT
Chris enters through the main door. The restaurant is not crowded on a rainy Wednesday night; in fact, nearly empty.
Chris walks towards the back. As he does, he looks to his left and sees Andrew sitting at the bar, a halo of cigarette smoke over his head. Chris continues towards the restrooms.
CUT TO:
INT. MEN'S ROOM -NIGHT
Chris zips up, steps away from the urinal and goes to the sink. He washes his hands, dries them and looks at his reflection in the mirror. He looks like a wet cat as he attempts to fix the hair flattened to his head.
CUT TO:
INT. BAR -NIGHT
Chris enters the bar area and takes a stool about halfway down from Andrew. Apart from the BARTENDER, they are the only two there. Chirs takes off his rain coat and shakes some of the water out of it. The RUSTLING of the fabric causes Andrew to turn. He turns back and then turns again.
ANDREW
You didn't take my advice...
CHRIS
What do you mean?
ANDREW
You didn't stay dry.
CHRIS
My umbrella blew away.
ANDREW
I hate when that happens. Nice raincoat.
CHRIS
Thanks. It's vintage Calvin Klein.
ANDREW
Vintage? I thought something had to be like twenty-five years old before it was considered "vintage."
CHRIS
It's forty-five years old.
There is a pause as Andrew thinks about this for a moment.
ANDREW
So, Calvin started his business when he was a toddler?
CHRIS
I think so.
Andrew tilts his head and lifts his glass.
ANDREW
Here's to the child prodigies...
He finishes off his drink and motions to the bartender. Chris puts his cigarettes and wallet on the bar and gets comfy on his chair. The BARTENDER refills Andrew's glass with Absolut. Chris looks up at the TV, the sound is turned down and a graphic reads: CHALLENGER DISASTER as a NEWS ANCHOR speaks in front of video of the tragedy. Chris puts his hand to his mouth as the bartender approaches him.
BARTENDER
What can I get for you?
CHRIS
Margarita on the rocks with salt and a shot on the side.
The bartender starts making the drink as Chris puts his head in his hands.
CHRIS
I forgot about that...
ANDREW
(Pointing at TV) What? It happened yesterday. Are you sure you need that margarita?
CHRIS
Oh, I really need it now. No wonder everyone is so bummed out...
The bartender puts the shot in front of him and he tosses it back. The bartender picks up a remote.
BARTENDER
This has been on all day. I'll change it.
He hits a few buttons and the MTV logo comes up, doing it's irreverant, animated thing.
Lord, please; anything but this.
An image of Andrew comes up on the screen in a clip from Pretty In Pink.
BARTENDER
Wait a secondd, isn't this happening right now, across the street?
ANDREW
Yep.
Chris looks at the TV then out the window and then at Andrew.
CHRIS
That's not you on the TV, is it?
ANDREW
Yep.
BARTENDER
(To Chris) Don't you know who this is?
ANDREW
Oh, no...please...(to bartender)...what's your name?
BARTENDER
Carlos.
ANDREW
Let's just--
CARLOS
This is Andrew McCarthy! From Saint Elmo's Fire!
CHRIS
(Feigning something) Oh, yes. Of course. I saw it on cable five times!
CARLOS
I saw it seven!
A WAITRESS comes to the end of the bar with a tray and Carlos goes to take her order. Chris retrieves a cigarette from his pack and goes to light it, but his lighter doesn't work.
CHRIS
(Aside) Forgot to fill this again. (Turns to Andrew) Do you have a light?
ANDREW
I do. You know, since it looks like we're going to be conversing, why don't you slide down here next to me?
CHRIS
You're not trying to pick me up, are you? Because if you are, I'd be fine with that.
ANDREW
(LAUGHS) Ah, no.
Chris slides his things down the bar and takes a seat next to Andrew. Andrew strikes a match and lights Chris' cigarette.
ANDREW
You know, you don't seem too impressed that I'm a movie star.
CHRIS
You don't seem too impressed that you're a movie star.
ANDREW
Snappy comebacks. I like it.
ANDREW
"DuMaurier"? Never heard of this brand.
CHRIS
They're Canadian.
Andrew peers closer at the cigarette pack and a look of shock comes over his face.
ANDREW
Why the fuck are those pictures on there?
CHRIS
Canadian law requires them.
ANDREW
Since when. That's disgusting!
CHRIS
That's the idea. It's supposed to be a deterrent.
ANDREW
Okay. Look. You seem like a nice guy; but what's going on? Am I on Candid Camera or something?
CHRIS
No. But I'll tell you this. We have met before.
ANDREW
We have? I don't think so. I never forget a face.
CHRIS
Let's do a shot. How about something pink?
ANDREW
Whatever floats your boat--
CHRIS
Chris.
ANDREW
Whatever floats your boat, Chris.
CHRIS
Let's see, it's 1986, they should at least have strawberry schnapps...
He gestrues to Carlos who is finishing up with the waitress.
CARLOS
What can I get you?
CHRIS
We want pink shots. Do you have anything strawberry?
CARLOS
I've got strawberry margarita mix...let me whip something up.
CHRIS
Yeah! Surprise us!
ANDREW
I hate strawberry; but it seems apropos.
CHRIS
The chicks really dig it!
ANDREW
You're into chicks? You seem kinda gay to me.
CHRIS
I am gay.
ANDREW
So you are trying to pick me up?
CHRIS
"Look, I didn't come here to get you off!"
ANDREW
Hey, wait a second. That's a line from the movie. It hasn't come out yet; how can you--do you work for Paramount?
CHRIS
No; but I did. Or should I say, I will?
ANDREW
Okay man, I know I'm a little drunk; but you're starting to freak me out here...
CHRIS
Please don't freak out. I'm harmless. Let me explain--
Carlos returns with three shot glasses containing bright pink elixir.
On the house gentlemen. I'll do one with you. A los astronautos. Salud!
CHRIS AND ANDREW: Salud!
They do the shots.
ANDREW
Not bad.
CHRIS
What's in it?
CARLOS
Strawberry syrup, white tequila, a dash of Midori, a dash of tabasco. I call it "fresas caliente."
He heads off to another customer at the end of the bar.
CHRIS
Okay. So I knew exactly who you were when I walked in. I'm actually here to talk to you. And we have met.
ANDREW
Where?
CHRIS
At Erewhon market.
ANDREW
When?
CHRIS
I think it was 1992.
ANDREW
You mean '82?
CHRIS
It hasn't happened yet. I'm from the future.
ANDREW
Okay. Sure. (LAUGHS). I'm drunk. So drunk, in fact, that I'm going to pretend you're not a lunatic and continue this discussion in a friendly manner, because you know what?
CHRIS
What?
ANDREW
I like your face.
CHRIS
Thank you. You know, I'm like the person on the sidewalk that the stranger is always going to ask for directions. Or money. Or a light.
ANDREW
Touche. So, where in the future are you from? Or should I say, "when"?
CHRIS
I travelled from Virginia in the year 2025.
ANDREW
Oh, like that song? (Singing)...In the year, 2525, will you and me still be talkin' jive...
CHRIS
No, I'm from thirty-nine years from now, not five-hundred-thirty-nine.
ANDREW
So, where am I in 2025?
CHRIS
I can't really tell you anything about yourself unless it pertains to me; like when we meet at Erewhon.
ANDREW
Are you talking about the health food store on Beverly?
CHRIS
Yes. I moved here in the early 90's and at some point meet you there around 1992.
ANDREW
Do we talk?
CHRIS
No.
ANDREW
Why not?
CHRIS
I don't know. I mean, I'm shy. I don't know about you. But we were the only two people there. We were waiting for smoothies or something. I looked at you, realized who you were and then you realized I realized who you were and then I think you expected me to say something but then I didn't.
ANDREW
Why?
CHRIS
I told you. I'm shy.
ANDREW
Can this event still happen once you've told me about it?
CHRIS
Yes.
ANDREW
How do you know? I mean, what if I make a point not to go to Erewhon for the entirety of 1992 in order to ensure it doesn't happen?
CHRIS
Because this conversation is actually going on in my mind in 2025.
ANDREW
Hmmm. So, we're not really here, but in your mind in 2025? So you look like you're in your early 20's, like me more or less. Is that how old you are in 2025?
CHRIS
No. I'm 59. But in January of 1986, I'm 20.
ANDREW
Okay, so if this is all in your mind, then you're making it up, so you're putting words into my mouth. Further than that, you're putting a conversation into my past that never happened.
CHRIS
Yes, but who's to say I haven't astral projected back to this night and this is actually what you might have said if this unfolded the way it is in this moment? That we're conversing in some parallel universe and that you are actually projecting your responses into my consciousness? Based on energy exchanged between us sometime in...we're guessing...1992.
ANDREW
You're guessing. Let's be clear about that.
CHRIS
Absolutely!
ANDREW
Speaking of Absolut...Carlos, can I get a refill?
Carlos looks up from a newspaper and gives a thumbs up. Chris lifts his glass as well and Carlos nods.
CHRIS
(To Andrew) Do you want to see a picture of me from 1986?
ANDREW
Aren't I seeing the you from 1986 right now? Shouldn't you ask me if I want to see a picture of you from 2025?
CHRIS
Good point.
ANDREW
I gottta hit the loo. Can you watch my stuff?
CHRIS
(CHUCKLES) Sure.
ANDREW
Why are you laughing?
CHRIS
I have this friend who always asks me to watch his stuff when he goes to the bathroom. Oh, I notice you're a lefty, me too.
(Singing)...and if you want me, you can find me, left of center off of the strip...(LAUGHS, points at TV where the video to Suzanne Vega's "Left of Center" is playing MOS):
ANDREW
Oww. (Laughs again).
He disappears into the back. Carlos places the next round in front of Chris, reluctantly pouring more vodka in Andrew's glass.
CARLOS
Isn't he supposed to be at the party that's on the TV right now?
CHRIS
He is. It's just up the street.
CARLOS
He's not driving, is he?
CHRIS
I don't know. But it's not far. I can drive him...
CARLOS
(Looks at Chris' glass) I get off soon, maybe I could drive. Are you going?
CHRIS
I--
The waitress returns with her tray.
WAITRESS
Carlos, I need two Sutter pinots...
Chris extends his finger and brings it to his nose.
CHRIS
Z...y...x...w...v...ahh...shit, I can't even do this when I'm stone sober...
Andrew returns and takes his seat. He points at Chris's cigs.
ANDREW
Can I try one of those?
CHRIS
Sure!
Andrew lights a DuMaurier.
ANDREW
These really are good.
CHRIS
So, wanna see me in 2025?
ANDREW
Sure.
Chris removes some photos from his pocket and hands one to Andrew.
Is that you on the right, with the beard?
CHRIS
Yeah.
ANDREW
You'd probably look a lot younger without that beard. Who's the other guy? Your boyfriend?
CHRIS
It's actually a cardboard cutout of Peyton Manning. It's a long story.
ANDREW
Oh, please! This I gotta hear...
CHRIS
He's a huge football star. A quarterback. Won a bunch of Superbowls.
ANDREW
Never heard of him.
CHRIS
He's nine years old right now.
ANDREW
You're dating a nine-year-old?
CHRIS
No!
ANDREW
You're dating a cardboard cut-out?
CHRIS
No, I'm married.
ANDREW
I thought you said you were gay.
CHRIS
I am. I'm married to a man. Same sex marriage is legalized in 2015.
ANDREW
Really?
CHRIS
Yes. We were all kind of surprised.
ANDREW
2025 doesn't look much different than now. Except maybe for Bud Light.
CHRIS
Oh, that gets boycotted because of a drag queen--
ANDREW
What?
CHRIS
Or, I should say, a transgendered person.
ANDREW
The future sounds very...forward.
CHRIS
Yeah...it was. Anyways, for those who might be reading this, here's one of me from now.
ANDREW
Like right now; or now, then?
CHRIS
Now, now. 1986.
ANDREW
This is starting to get complicated.
That's not a very good picture...
CHRIS
I know. I was a super early advocate of the solo mustache, but the look never quite clicked for me.
ANDREW
I meant the quality of the image.
CHRIS
Oh.
ANDREW
So, what's going on there? Why is there...what is that...an ironing board?
CHRIS
Well, that's taken in the dining room of the house I grew up in. I used that room to work in a lot. I was probably going to iron something or had just ironed something. Actually, I'm working on an art project.
ANDREW
Oh? What for. Were you in art school?
CHRIS
No. Film school. But I did a lot of art during this period. I was super influenced by Warhol. I think it's multiples of the Statue of Liberty's face. Looking back on that now, I can see it was really art therapy.
ANDREW
How?
CHRIS
I had OCD but didn't know what it was and I was trying to hide it. It was really awful. I was self-medicating...
ANDREW
How?
CHRIS
Like, stealing my dad's scotch and putting it in orange juice to knock myself out so I could sleep.
ANDREW
Do you have clearer pictures?
CHRIS
Yeah. See, I only felt I should show you pictures that were verifiably from 1986, like, with the date printed on the back.
ANDREW
Why?
CHRIS
I don't want to throw off the space-time continuum.
ANDREW
Oh, I won't tell if you won't.
CHRIS
Okay, here's some more...
Who are those two ladies?
CHRIS
Well, that's my mom in the black and white picture and my friend Kelly in the other.
ANDREW
And what's that black wand you have there?
CHRIS
Oh, that's called a swagger stick. It's my dad's. They used to give them to Marine Corps officers; I'm not sure what they were for. To swagger around with, I guess. I still have it.
ANDREW
Didn't Colonel Klink have one?
CHRIS
Yeah, he did!
ANDREW
So, you would wander around Virginia, posing with a swagger stick?
CHRIS
No...well, in 1986--I mean, now--I live in Massachusetts, about twelve miles north of Boston.
ANDREW
Oh, I'm from the East coast too. New Jersey.
CHRIS
I know. My first love was from the Garden State.
ANDREW
Oh, never fall in love with a Jersey boy. We'll only break your heart. And bust ya ballz!
CHRIS
New Jersey has it's day in the sun. So, would you like to see a picture of me in 2025, right now, as this is unfolding in my head?
ANDREW
Sure Chris. Give me some head...ah, err...that came out wrong...
That is me warts and all. An unexpurgated, unretouched genuine Polaroid Instamatic from January 23rd, 2025.
ANDREW
You look like a character from Woody Allen's Interiors.
CHRIS
Oh wow! Thanks! I love that movie!
ANDREW
What's going on with the top of your head?
CHRIS
I think it was a bad batch of film. Several were total blanks.
ANDREW
Why is the border black? Do Polaroids get a makeover in the future?
CHRIS
Actually, yeah...
ANDREW
Do tell.
CHRIS
Well, remember that scene in the movie where you meet cute with Molly and do the "computer trick" with the pictures?
ANDREW
Of course...
CHRIS
Well, picture film comes to be replaced with computer generated images as the main source and real film kind of goes away, particularly Polaroid instant film. But then it comes back in a smaller version with black borders instead of white. That picture is like two inches by two inches.
ANDREW
That's weird.
CHRIS
Yeah and by 2025, computer tricks start getting too weird. Too weird for my taste, anyways. And porno. More porno than you could ever think to dream of. Things you would think people couldn't do; let alone want to do.
ANDREW
(LAUGHS) Here's to tripple X! Oh, I meant to ask: just who will be reading this real or imagined conversation in your head and how?
CHRIS
Computers again. Vast networks grow; like say, the library computer network at the high school in the movie. Well that gets hooked up to other networks and then beyond that to bigger and bigger ones until it's like a global network of interconnected computer networks. It's called the Worldwide Web and one of the first trends it generates is people writing what are called "blogs" which is a combo of "web" and "log." And those are kind of like free-lance computer generated newspaper articles. You follow?
ANDREW
Yeah. So that's what you do?
CHRIS
Yes; although actually, by 2025, blogging is kind of old-fashioned. It becomes displaced by a whole other phenomenon of people generating their own videos.
ANDREW
Like MTV?
CHRIS
Actually, MTV kind of turns into a channel all about New Jersey.
ANDREW
You're kidding, right?
CHRIS
I wish I could say I was.
ANDREW
Speaking of MTV, I guess I better get to that party. It's up on Vine. Wanna come?
CHRIS
How are you getting there?
ANDREW
I was gonna walk.
CHRIS
Actually, me and Carlos could give you a ride.
Andrew drains his glass.
ANDREW
Salud! Vamonos!
INT. CAR -NIGHT
CHRIS
Do they have seatbelt laws yet?
CARLOS
Shit, that's right--they just passed that law! Oh well, next time...
ANDREW
Man this car is plush. I think I'll take a nap back here.
CARLOS
Oh, Mister Andrew, I wanted to breathe chartreuse fire in honor of your movie, but the Hamlet frowns on that.
ANDREW
I can rest easy now Carlos. But thank you just the same. And I think I will take a little nap...
No Mr. Andy, you'll go to lalaland.
ANDREW
We're already in lalaland...
CHRIS
No, come on Andrew. He's right. Sit up now.
ANDREW
So comfy...five more minutes...
CARLOS
If he goes out now, we'll never get him into that party conscious. If he won't think about the professional repercussions, then we'll have to!
CHRIS
Find a Seven-Eleven; we're gonna have to Red Bull him!
CARLOS
Is that legal?
Chris climbs over the seat and tries to rouse Andrew.
CHRIS
Come on Andrew, we're going to get you some Red Bull!
CARLOS
Is that some new kind of speed?
CHRIS
Oh, shit. They don't make it yet...come on Andrew, sit up now.
He pushes Andrew into a sitting position and lightly taps his cheeks.
Andrew LAUGHS and MUMBLES and starts singing.
ANDREW
Matty told Hatty...let's don't take no chance...let's not be L-7's...come and learn to dance...wooly-bully...
CARLOS
Sing with him!
CHRIS
I don't know the words! (Singing) Wooly-bully! Wooly-bully!
CARLOS
I know! Come on Mr. Andrew...let's all sing it! ...Play the game, you know you can't quit until it's won...
CHRIS
Soldier on, only you can do what must be done! You know in some way, you're a lot like me--
CARLOS
You're just a prisoner and you're trying to break free!
ALL
(LOUD) I can see a new horizon, underneath the blazin' sky! I'll be where the eagles flyin' higher and higher! Gonna be your man in motion, all I needs this pair of wheels, take me where my future's lyin' St. Elmo's Fire!
ANDREW
Ooooh-ooooh--oooh-oooh-oooohooo!
CHRIS
Is there a restaurant around here?
CARLOS
The Brown Derby--
CHRIS
We need drugs right now Carlos, and that drug is caffeine! A cuppa-cuppa, Joe, java-juice, downtown brown, Columbian Cabeza Cleaner! Maxwell's Bean Blaster! The Folger Five Flush! Are you hearin' what I'm layin' down Mr. C?
CARLOS
I'm on it!
He hits a hard right onto Vine and then bangs a Uie.
CHRIS
Double park! I'll be right out!
Chris throws open the door and dashes out into the rainy night.
INT. BROWN DERBY -NIGHT
Chris dashes into the dining room and looks around. The place is crowded. But something seems off.
CHRIS
Was this a retroraunt in '86?
He stops a WAITRESS who passes by in a super old-fashioned looking uniform.
CHRIS
Could I ask--
WAITRESS
You need to see the hostess, hon. (She looks around) Oh, where did she disappear to now? Her tenth cigggie break in fifteen minutes.
CHRIS
I just need like a super large ice-coffee to go.
WAITRESS
Go where?
CHRIS
It's an emergency. I have a friend I've got to sober up, pronto!
WAITRESS
Oh, I get the picture; doesn't want the little lady to know he's been out tomcattin' at some passion pit?
CHRIS
Ah, yes. Yes! Exactly. Just put it in a to go cup.
WAITRESS
Honey, I don't know what that is; but you have a sweet mug. I'm about to take my own break, so's I'll help a fellah out.
CHRIS
Thank you...(looks at her nametag)...Trixie...you're a gem!
She winks at him, snaps her gum and strides off. Chris looks closer at the patrons. Their clothes seem to be circa mid 1950's.
CHRIS
(To himself) I really might have messed up the space time continuum.
SMASH CUT TO:
INT. CAR -NIGHT
The rear door flies open and Chirs climbs in holding an aluminum coffee carafe and a tumbler of ice.
CHRIS
Thank God, you're still here!
CARLOS
Should I head over to the Palace?
CHRIS
Park behind the Taft building, and we'll sober him up.
CARLOS
On it!
CUT TO:
INT. CAR -NIGHT
Chris is attempting to apply ice to Andrew's pressure points.
ANDREW
So cold!
Andrew swats the ice away.
CHRIS
Handing a packet of NoDoz pills to Carlos) The waitress gave me these. Can you crush them up?
CARLOS
I'll try. Is he gonna snort it?
CHRIS
No. We're putting it in the coffee...
CARLOS
Oh! Right.
He starts breaking up some of the pills with a car key. Chris holds out the glass, Carlos dumps in the NoDoz and Chris pours coffee into the tumbler.
CHRIS
Andrew, come on, sit up. Drink this.
He holds Andrew's head up and puts the tumbler to his lips.
CHRIS
He's drinking it.
CARLOS
The package says it takes fifteen minutes to kick in. In my experience though, usually all you get with this method is a wide-awake drunk.
CHRIS
That's fine. We just gotta get him into the party and then you can keep an eye on him. Oh, look, there's a big rain puddle. Maybe we could stand him next to it and then drive the car through the puddle.
CARLOS
He's wearing a white shirt though.
CHRIS
Yeah. How about we roll down the window and let some cold rain hit him?
CARLOS
Couldn't hurt.
Chris rolls down the window. Rain blows in and hits Andrew's face. He opens his eyes and looks up. He points.
ANDREW
The Taffy building! (LAUGHS).
CHRIS
I work here in the future.
CARLOS
Oh, you got a job there?
CHRIS
Ah, yeah. Twice actually; on different floors.
We see the clock move forward fifteen minutes in a FAST FOWARD.
ANDREW
(Mumble-singing) ...gotta be a manly motion...gotta get some brand new wheels...
CARLOS
He seems to be coming around. Let's see if he has sea legs...
CHRIS
Good thinking!
EXT. PARKING LOT -NIGHT
Chris and Carlos get Andrew out of the car and start walking him. He's a little wobbly but not a lost cause.
CHRIS
Oh, maybe this will help...
Chris retrieves the remainder of the ice.
CHRIS
Okay Carlos, hold him steady...
CARLOS
Got him.
Chris loosens Andrew's tie and then reaches up to his collars. He pulls Andrew's shirt collar back and dumps the rest of the ice down the back of Andrew's shirt. There is no reaction.
CARLOS
Okay, Andrew...we're just gonna walk a little ways here...we're gonna get you to that party...
ANDREW
(Still mumble-singing)...gonna get me to that party...it's my party and I'll cry if I want to...you would cry to, if--
Suddenly, Andrew seems to become painfully aware of the ice down his back whilst the NoDoz and coffee kick in. He starts spazzing out.
ANDREW
Whhhooooo-ooooohhhhhh-ahhhh--ARRRRGHHH--COLD! SO COLD! etc.etc.
CARLOS
Well, he's a man in motion now.
ANDREW
What's going on? Is it snowing?
CHRIS
Carlos is gonna take you to the party. It's just a couple of blocks.
Andrew seems to have been shocked into a near full state of sobriety.
ANDREW
Oh. Aren't you coming?
CHRIS
No, thank you. I'd love to but I can't.
ANDREW
Why not? You're with me. I'm the fucking star of the movie.
Chris looks at him.
ANDREW
Well I'm on the poster! Come on.
CHRIS
I can't. I have this feeling. I can't interact with more than two people at a time in this--
He glances at Carlos.
CARLOS
It's okay man. I heard every word of your conversation at the bar. Makes total sense to me.
Chris and Carlos shake hands. Chris turns to Andrew.
CHRIS
Go. Go be a movie star. I'll see you in...(counts on his fingers) six years or so.
Sudddenly, Andrew grabs Chris in a bearhug. Chris returns the gesture.
ANDREW
Don't look back.
CHRIS
I won't. I'll be running the other way.
Andrew turns to Carlos.
CARLOS
Vamanos!
The pair head to the corner of Hollywood and Vine. Chris gets back in the Olds turns the key and fiddles with the radio. He pulls out on to Vine and heads north towards the 101. As he passes Andrew and Carlos his hand hovers above the car horn. He thinks a moment then doesn't hit it. He is already forgotten to the night. But he finds a song to drive to...