Second Coming, a screenplay by Jim Wills based on his novel. Copyright (c) 2009-2010 by Jim Wills. All rights reserved.
Donnee.com Website Copyright (c) 1995-2010 by Donnee Books. All rights reserved.
Second Coming, a screenplay by Jim Wills
based on his novel. Copyright (c) 2009-2010 by Jim Wills. All rights reserved.
Donnee.com Website Copyright (c) 1995-2010 by Donnee Books. All rights reserved.
The screenplay is not simply the novel formatted as a script. In the
novel, protagonist Paul Genet rejects an invitation
which he accepts in
the screenplay. This is not an alternative-universe scenario nor a
change to how the story plays out.
Rather, it is a profound existential
change to Paul's identity and his
relationship to the title, Second Coming. --Editor
Tiger, tiger, burning bright
In the forests of the night,
What immortal hand or eye
Could frame thy fearful symmetry?
-William Blake
EXT. USA. MONASTERY - NIGHT
Present day. Winter. A wooded area. Latin plainsong is
audible.
INT. USA. MONASTERY. CHAPEL - NIGHT
From the visitor's balcony, PAUL overlooks a scene reminiscent
of the 9th century. Illuminated by candlelight, hooded monks,
chanting Latin plainsong, face the altar.
INT. USA. MONASTERY. HALLWAY - DAY
Paul is led through a hallway by a MONK. At a door, the monk
stops.
MONK
The abbot is waiting for you.
The monk knocks.
ABBOT
(from behind the door)
Enter.
The monk opens the door for Paul and closes it behind him.
INT. USA. MONASTERY. THE ABBOT'S OFFICE - DAY
The abbot sits behind his desk. He motions for Paul to sit
on the chair in front of the desk.
ABBOT
Preacher John's text message to me
said you wished to join our cloister.
What he didn't say was why you, Paul
Genet -- winner of the International
Prize for Literature and recipient
of the Medal of Freedom -- wishes to
withdraw from the world.
PAUL
My work in the world is finished.
ABBOT
How could you possibly know that?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.
PAUL
If I told you, I would have to reveal
who I am.
ABBOT
You're not Paul Genet?
PAUL
That is my identity in the world.
ABBOT
You have another identity not of
this world? What are you talking
about?
PAUL
I've already said too much. I came
because your religious order follows
a strict rule of silence. Please
admit me, no questions asked.
ABBOT
No, Mr. Genet, if you wish to join
this monastery, you may either tell
me everything, or you may leave.
PAUL
What I know is the Last Judgment.
ABBOT
Last Judgment? Come, now.
PAUL
Think of the Last Judgment as the
Final Story. It will change the way
you understand the world.
ABBOT
I doubt that. In any case, all who
seek solace here must first unburden
themselves.
PAUL
Maria put me in the same position
and she regretted it. You may, too.
ABBOT
Perhaps, but my responsibility is to
hear you out -- if you wish to stay.
PAUL
Will you at least promise you won't
reveal what I tell you to anyone?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3.
ABBOT
Everything said in this room is kept
in the strictest confidence.
Paul puts his head in his hands for a moment.
PAUL
This nightmare began the day I met
Maria. It's hard to believe that was
only three weeks ago. I stood near
the Arch in New York's Washington
Square with my boyhood friend, Michael
Chen, who was visiting my wife, Sara,
and me. We were waiting for Ben Sachs
to join us for lunch.
EXT. WASHINGTON SQUARE. ARCH - DAY
PAUL (V.O.)
The park was unusually crowded for
early February due to a warm front
out of the Gulf of Mexico. The mild
weather drew the full menagerie from
hibernation -- tourists, street
people, business types, and students
from City University where Ben is a
professor of philosophy.
Paul and MICHAEL stand in a small crowd that has formed a
circle around PREACHER JOHN.
PREACHER JOHN
Only humans have the capacity to
divide subject from object -- self
from other. Binary opposition of
self-other is the source of pride,
hatred, greed, envy -- every sin.
The first human act splitting self
from other was the Original Sin.
PAUL
Don't you recognize the preacher,
Michael? That's John Clay.
MICHAEL
The former civil rights leader who
became Secretary of Health, Education,
and Welfare? No way.
PAUL
How many street preachers have you
seen dressed as if they were on their
way to a meeting with the President?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4.
PREACHER JOHN
In the beginning, every creature
lived in the Kingdom of God and
enjoyed paradise -- the beatific
vision of all things as One. Then
one creature, Adam, broke the symmetry
of One into self and other. At this
instant, nothing -- One -- became
something -- the Many objects of the
visible universe.
PAUL
Michael, that's a natural explanation
for why there is something rather
than nothing.
Michael starts to object but Paul holds his hand up.
PAUL (CONT'D)
...Just saying.
PREACHER JOHN
Subject-object split was also the
beginning of consciousness or self-
awareness. Unlike the other creatures,
Adam now was aware he was naked.
With Adam's self-awareness also came
the fear death, which is the loss of
self. And with the fear of death
came the knowledge of good and evil,
for what preserves the self is good
and what threatens self is evil.
When Jesus returns he will restore
the vision of all things as One.
MALE HECKLER
The Second Coming? Ha! Don't hold
your breath, folks.
FEMALE PROFESSOR
All points of view are constructs.
Not even God can privilege a point
of view.
PREACHER JOHN
Privileging a point of view is what
it means to be God.
Paul's attention is drawn to MARIA on the opposite side of
Preacher John's congregation. He nudges Michael.
PAUL
What I wouldn't give to meet that
woman with the long, black hair.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5.
MICHAEL
You haven't changed since high school.
Paul's daughter, KAREN, 4, runs toward him.
KAREN
Daddy! Daddy! Come to the fountain.
Paul's stepson, ROB, 13, is right behind Karen.
KAREN (CONT'D)
Daddy, come hear the singers.
PAUL
Karen, I told Ben I'd meet him here.
Karen tugs hard on Paul's sleeve.
KAREN
Daddy!
MICHAEL
Go ahead, Paul. I'll wait for Ben.
EXT. WASHINGTON SQUARE. FOUNTAIN - DAY
The city has drained the fountain for winter. Two street
singers are using it as a stage. Karen and Rob sit on the
rim while Paul stands behind them in the crowd. The singers
are introducing a song when a drunk enters the fountain.
SINGER
Bugger off, you old sot.
The drunk showers the singer with wine. The singer starts
toward him. A police officer intervenes raising one hand to
hold back the singer while speaking to the drunk. The woman
Paul saw in Preacher John's congregation is behind him.
MARIA
Along with the music, a little street
psychology.
Paul turns. His delight is obvious.
MARIA (CONT'D)
All for our entertainment, of course.
May I squeeze in?
PAUL
Absolutely!
MARIA
You seemed very interested in what
that preacher was saying.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6.
PAUL
Oh. Yeah. Well, he said Jesus could
privilege One over Many, but I don't
see how that's possible.
MARIA
Sounds simple to me. Just pick one.
PAUL
Each aspect of a binary opposition,
like One-Many, is necessary to define
the other.
MARIA
To pick one or the other would be
arbitrary?
PAUL
Exactly.
MARIA
Maybe the preacher knows how Jesus
will do it.
PAUL
No. Ask him how it's done and he
says Jesus will know how.
MARIA
Why is this interesting to you?
PAUL
The answer would be the Final Story.
MARIA
Would that be the story from which
all other stories are derived?
PAUL
Yes. Exactly. I've dreamed my whole
life of telling such a story. By the
way, I'm Paul Genet.
MARIA
Author of the infamous novel, You
Are God. I know who you are.
Paul starts to respond when three skateboarders approach.
One of them shoves Paul into Maria.
PAUL
Come back here!
SKATER
What's your problem, dude?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7.
Paul steadies Maria.
PAUL
Are you okay?
MARIA
I think so.
PAUL
Go on, beat it. Punk.
The skater pushes Paul.
SKATER
You got something to say, let's hear
it, dude.
Paul pushes back.
PAUL
Apologize to the lady.
The skater slugs Paul's shoulder.
SKATER
You apologize to her. It was you who
almost knocked her down.
Rob, who turns when he hears the commotion, gets up from his
seat on the rim of the fountain, and punches the skater in
the stomach. The skater lifts Rob and throws him to the
ground. Paul lunges at the skater and they scuffle. The police
officer who separated the singer and the drunk intervenes.
NYPD OFFICER
Is your son okay, sir. I'll run this
kid in if you want.
PAUL
Thanks, but I think everyone's okay.
The skater breaks away. Michael arrives with BEN
BEN
Well, I see you finally managed to
meet Maria, pal.
PAUL
You're Maria Perez? Where's Ben been
hiding you?
BEN
Give me credit. I know better than
to introduce you to a beautiful woman.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8.
MICHAEL
Amen.
BEN
Michael, Maria is president of an
import-export company. She's adjunct
at the university. Maria, Michael
Chen, is a Jesuit who directs an
ecumenical conference center. Rob
and Karen are Paul's children.
PAUL
Maria, can you join us for lunch?
MARIA
Sorry, I have a class to teach.
PAUL
Will you be coming to the White House
with Ben tomorrow to see me get the
Medal of Freedom?
MARIA
I'll be in Puerto Rico on business.
PAUL
Then you have to come to our
discussion group on Monday night.
MARIA
Perhaps.
SARA arrives with a friend, MARTHA. Karen and Rob run to
greet their mother.
KAREN
Mommy! Daddy and Rob got in a fight.
SARA
Which each other?
PAUL
No. Some skateboarder. It was nothing.
SARA
Are you okay, Rob?
ROB
Yes, Mother.
BEN
Maria, this is Paul's wife, Sara,
and her friend, Martha.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9.
SARA
So you're the mystery woman Ben's
been keeping from us.
MARIA
Sorry to rush off, but I have a class.
SARA
We'll have to get together.
Sara gives Paul a look as he watches Maria leave.
PAUL
Michael, Ben and I are off to lunch.
ROB
Let me come with you guys.
PAUL
Ben and I have to talk business,
Rob. It's adult stuff.
ROB
I'm 13. I am an adult in the Jewish
religion, aren't I, Ben?
BEN
Let the young man come with us, Paul.
Paul nods assent. Rob puts his hand up for a high five.
KAREN
I wanna come, too, Daddy.
SARA
You're going to have lunch with Martha
and me, and then we're going shopping.
EXT. THE WHITE HOUSE - DAY
Winter. A limo pulls up to the portico with Paul, Karen,
Rob, Ben, and Michael.
EXT. THE WHITE HOUSE. ROSE GARDEN - DAY
The President is at the podium. Paul stands beside the
President holding Karen, with Rob by his side.
THE PRESIDENT
The good weather we're enjoying makes
holding this ceremony outdoors at
real treat for this time of year.
The President pauses to check his teleprompter.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10.
THE PRESIDENT (CONT'D)
We are a diverse nation in every way --
intellectually, spiritually, racially,
ethnically, and culturally. It is in
the spirit of this diversity that we
award the Medal of Freedom to one
whose faith differs from our own.
Paul Genet's idea that we create the
universe through the stories we tell
is certainly a minority view. Yet,
it has resonated throughout the world.
KAREN
Daddy, I want Mommy.
PAUL
Karen, Mommy's running late from her
business meeting at the Pentagon.
THE PRESIDENT
One of the things that makes America
a great nation is the rich diversity
of views which are guaranteed free
expression under our constitution.
Awarding Paul Genet the Medal of
Freedom celebrates both our diversity
of ideas and freedom of expression.
The President attaches the Medal of Freedom ribbon around
Paul's neck. Paul tries to put Karen down.
KAREN
No, Daddy, you hold me.
PAUL
Karen, Daddy has to speak.
KAREN
Don't put me down, Daddy.
PAUL
Thank you, Mr. President for this
honor and for recognizing that great
ideas always begin as minority
viewpoints.
An aide whispers to the President.
THE PRESIDENT
The press will have an opportunity
to interview Mr. Genet later.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11.
REPORTER 1
Mr. President, this ceremony is Paul
Genet's moment. Please allow him to
respond while we have live national
coverage.
THE PRESIDENT
I'll allow one or two questions.
REPORTER 1
In Sunday's literary supplement,
Times Critic Helen Johnson reminded
us that you've only written one book --
and that was five years ago. Does
she fairly criticize you as a washed-
up, flash-in-the-pan?
The President winces.
PAUL
Tomorrow I meet with my publisher to
sign a contract for my second novel.
A chorus of reporters compete for Paul's attention.
REPORTER 2
Some say your idea that "humans are
God" undermines our entire Judeo-
Christian heritage? Your response?
REPORTER 1
Mr. Genet, are the rumors true that
you and your wife are divorcing?
THE PRESIDENT
Mr. Genet will be available later...
REPORTER 3
Mr. President, was your staff unaware
of the controversy raised by Helen
Johnson until it was too late to
cancel this ceremony?
The President smiles and waves but his expression turns grim
when his back is to the cameras.
INT. WASHINGTON AIRPORT. VIP LOUNGE - DAY
Karen, Rob, Ben, Michael, enter the VIP lounge followed by
Maria and Paul. The group watches a TV newscaster with a
film clip of Ben in the background.
KAREN
Look, Daddy! Ben's on TV.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12.
NEWSCASTER (ON TV)
Ben Sachs -- famous for his
deconstruction of Hegel's idea that
opposites can be combined to form a
higher truth -- was in Washington
today. He spoke to the National Press
Corps about his new book, Post
Reality, which has everyone in an
uproar. Why? Sachs claims classical
cause and effect is finished. It
will be replaced by a post reality
where every event causes all other
events instantly. Sachs says this
doesn't mean all events have happened.
It means they are always happening.
He claims this idea of a nonlocal
universe is supported by Bell's
Theorem and repeated scientific
experiments. Sachs says that when we
experience deja vu we briefly enter
what he calls a quantum paradigm
where all events are always happening.
The TV screen cuts to a film clip of Ben at the National
Press Corps luncheon.
BEN (ON TV)
We will move to a post-reality
paradigm when someone discovers how
a nonlocal universe is possible. The
only person I know with the creative
imagination capable of doing that is
Paul Genet, author of You Are God.
REPORTER 4 (ON TV)
Have you changed your mind about
Genet's ability after Helen Johnson's
savage criticism of his ideas?
BEN (ON TV)
Not at all. Paul has the most original
mind of anyone writing today.
NEWSCASTER (ON TV)
Meanwhile, Genet, winner of the
world's most prestigious literary
award, was across town at the White
House to receive the Medal of Freedom.
A film clip of Paul's press conference appears on the TV.
KAREN
I'm on TV, Daddy. You're holding me.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13.
NEWSCASTER (ON TV)
The President cut off questions when
a reporter asked if rumors were true
that the Genets are divorcing.
PAUL
Can someone turn that thing off?
NEWSCASTER (ON TV)
In a related story, political
opposition leaders renewed their
attacks on the President's judgment
for awarding the Medal of Freedom to
Genet...
PA SYSTEM (V.O.)
Flight sixty-seven for New York City
now boarding at gate ten.
PAUL
Let's go home.
INT. FIFTH AVENUE APARTMENT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
KAREN
Mommy, I saw the President this close.
No, this close.
SARA
I know, sweetheart.
KAREN
And I was on TV, too, Mommy.
SARA
Yes, I saw you on TV.
PAUL
And did you see how your not being
there gave the press the opportunity
to fuel rumors about divorce?
SARA
I'm sure it caused a Twitter feeding
frenzy. You need to focus on how
you're going to pitch your new novel
to Roberts tomorrow.
PAUL
I'll just let Roberts make an offer.
SARA
No, Paul. Roberts will lowball if
you let him start. Force him to react.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14.
PAUL
Roberts started his publishing house
with You Are God. He owes me.
SARA
Don't be naive. You must seize the
initiative in order to maximize the
advance. We need cash. Badly.
PAUL
I'm no good at these games.
Sara picks up a book from the coffee table.
SARA
Here. Roberts would never have signed
Aren's White Exit without your help.
Be reading it when he arrives. He'll
have to acknowledge his debt to you --
at least to himself. Ask a two million
advance plus 12 per cent. Go to 1.5
and 12. If he won't take that, we'll
shop the manuscript.
INT. AFGAN COFFEE HOUSE - DAY
Paul is at the table reading White Exit when BARTON ROBERTS
arrives. Roberts places his folded Financial Journal by his
coffee cup, drops the napkin in his lap, and scans the room
to see who among publishing power elite is lunching whom.
ROBERTS
You can't seem to get your nose out
of that book, Paul. Whatever it is,
it must be good.
Paul holds White Exit so Roberts can see the dust jacket.
PAUL
Is it true you've nominated Aren for
the Pynchon Award?
Roberts shifts uncomfortably.
PAUL (CONT'D)
I understand the hardcover has already
done $3 million.
ROBERTS
Where did you hear that?
Waiter arrives.
WAITER
May I present the specials, sir?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
15.
Roberts waves the waiter off. After waiter leaves, there is
an uncomfortable pause.
PAUL
I'll need an advance of two million.
And I want 15 per cent.
Roberts studies his paper without picking it up. Paul is
nervous.
ROBERTS
Barton Books can't publish you, Paul.
PAUL
Naturally, I don't need the entire
advance up front.
ROBERTS
Paul, you're not listening. Barton
Books can't publish your novel.
Roberts fiddles with the silverware.
PAUL
You're not going to counter?
ROBERTS
I can make you a personal loan.
PAUL
How much?
ROBERTS
Five thousand...
PAUL
...You're joking.
Paul brandishes Aren's novel and raises his voice.
PAUL (CONT'D)
You started Barton Books with my
novel, and you wouldn't have signed
Susan Aren if it wasn't for me.
The hushed conspiratorial conversations in the room stop as
publishing's elite observe the drama.
PAUL (CONT'D)
I can walk out of here and have a
publisher within the hour.
ROBERTS
Do that and you can kiss off what's
left of your career.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
16.
Paul stands.
PAUL
We'll see about that...
ROBERTS
Sit down, Paul. Have your lunch.
Paul throws several bills from his wallet on the table.
PAUL
You have lunch. On me.
Every eye in the room follows Paul as he exits the restaurant.
EXT. AFGAN COFFEE HOUSE - DAY
Outside, Paul paces. He looks at his watch and hails a taxi.
EXT. WASHINGTON SQUARE - DAY
Preacher John is holding court when Paul arrives and passes
the Arch on his way to the university's business building.
PREACHER JOHN
Echoing Isaiah 10:22, Saint Paul
says in Romans 9:27, "Though the
number of the Israelites be like the
sand by the Sea, only the remnant
will be saved." "Many are called but
few are chosen," Matthew 22:14.
EXT. WASHINGTON SQUARE. UNIVERSITY - DAY
Maria is leaving the business building as Paul enters.
PAUL
Maria!
MARIA
Hello, Paul.
PAUL
Got time for a cup of coffee?
MARIA
I'm late for a meeting. Text me,
we'll arrange lunch.
INT. CITY UNIVERSITY. BEN'S OFFICE - DAY
Ben is in his university office grading papers.
BEN
How'd it go with Roberts, pal?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
17.
Paul gives him a thumbs down and takes a seat in the chair
next to Ben's desk. Ben puts a grade on a paper.
BEN (CONT'D)
I'm finished. Let's get coffee.
PAUL
I need something stronger than coffee.
EXT. WASHINGTON SQUARE. ARCH - DAY
Preacher John is winding down as Paul and Ben pass the Arch.
PREACHER JOHN
We must give up our identity to enter
the Kingdom of God where all is One.
BEN
That John Clay has really sunk to
the depths, hasn't he?
PAUL
Hold on. I need to talk to him.
BEN
You know him?
PAUL
We talk all the time. Mostly about
his years in the civil rights
movement. He was an attorney, not a
minister like King or Williams.
John finishes preaching.
PREACHER JOHN
Remember, the person who hesitates
is lost. There is no second chance.
PAUL
John, I'd like you to meet Ben Sachs
who...
PREACHER JOHN
I know Professor Sachs by reputation.
PAUL
John, there's something I want to
discuss with you. Let's have lunch
on Monday.
PREACHER JOHN
I'll be here, weather permitting.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
18.
INT. TAVERN - DAY
Ben and Paul are seated at the bar. The bartender pours a
coffee for Ben and a shot of rye for Paul.
BEN
Well? What did Roberts say?
Paul drinks the shot neat.
PAUL
He said my new novel is junk.
BEN
He's jealous of you. I've always
thought that.
PAUL
No, he's right.
Paul orders a second shot and throws it back.
PAUL (CONT'D)
Your post-real world is nonlocal.
Something Preacher John said may be
how nonlocality is possible.
BEN
An idea from him? You're joking.
PAUL
I've told you he says One shifts to
Many through subject-object split.
BEN
So?
PAUL
He says Many is itself binary. It's
aspects are gathering and scattering.
That got me to thinking.
Paul takes a napkin and draws a hexagram. Beside it, he draws
the two opposing triangles side-by-side.
PAUL (CONT'D)
One aspect begins scattered and ends
gathered. The other is opposite.
Apart, they represent the visible
world. Together, they cancel to zero.
BEN
What idea do you get from this?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
19.
PAUL
All things are One through balance.
BEN
Clever, but lose the gathering-and-
scattering trope. It's just Clay's
way of selling Jesus.
PAUL
That leaves balance. Balance is an
all-at-once phenomenon. It's how a
nonlocal universe is possible.
Ben gives Paul a thumbs up.
BEN
Balance is a natural. As operating
principle of the universe, balance
is a powerful meme.
PAUL
But balance is logocentric. You can't
privilege it without suppressing its
binary opposite, imbalance. Even
ninth graders today would find balance
an easy deconstruction project.
BEN
Of course, Paul. That's why there
can be no Final Story. Meantime, you
use balance to show how nonlocal
post reality is possible. You'll be
on top again.
PAUL
That's the same advice you gave me
years ago. Yes, I enjoyed temporary
glory. This time it must last.
BEN
The play of signifying references
cannot be stabilized.
PAUL
That's why I need something beyond
signification. I need a something
that all experience beyond language.
BEN
Your back's against the wall, pal.
You need to be practical.
INT. FIFTH AVENUE APARTMENT - NIGHT
Paul goes on the offensive the moment he arrives home.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
20.
PAUL
I feel like I've been reborn.
SARA
You got the two million advance from
Roberts?
PAUL
Better than that. I'm going to tell
the Final Story.
SARA
You blew it. I knew you couldn't
handle the negotiation. I knew it.
PAUL
Roberts said my novel's junk and
he's right. I'm starting from scratch.
SARA
No, Paul, you're going out there
tomorrow and sell that book.
PAUL
Ben doesn't think anyone can tell
the Final Story. I'll show him.
SARA
You're drunk.
PAUL
Drunk with a renewed sense of purpose.
SARA
Don't you get it? We're in real
financial trouble, Paul.
PAUL
No way. The International Prize was
for a million dollars.
SARA
All gone. The house on Cape Cod.
Your sail boat. Our vacation trip to
Africa. Trust funds for Rob and
Karen's college education.
Redecorating this condominium.
Entertaining. The mortgage on this
prime piece of Central Park real
estate. Tuition for the Rob's private
school and Karen's day care. Domestic
help. Taxes.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
21.
PAUL
We've got the royalties from You Are
God and my lecture fees. Your business
is doing well, isn't it?
SARA
You are totally clueless. Our monthly
income is half of our expenses. You
have to sell your new novel.
PAUL
I'm not going to run around New York
like a door-to-door peddler.
SARA
Sleep on the sofa tonight, hotshot.
Use your International Prize for a
pillow. Tomorrow I'm calling Jeff
Anderson.
EXT. FIFTH AVENUE - NIGHT
Paul dials Maria on his cellphone.
PAUL
Maria...
MARIA (PH V.O.)
Are you okay?
PAUL
I need to see you.
MARIA (PH V.O.)
What's wrong?
PAUL
Can I come over?
MARIA (PH V.O.)
Not tonight. Stop by my office
tomorrow, okay?
INT. MIDTOWN MANHATTAN. VARIOUS LOCATIONS - DAY
Paul being turned down twice.
INT. OFFICE OF PUBLISHER JANICE RENKO - DAY
Paul's third attempt. Janice is gazing out the window of her
midtown office when her assistant shows Paul in.
PAUL
Uh, this is your lucky day, Janice.
(MORE)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
22.
PAUL (CONT'D)
I've got the manuscript you've wanted
for years.
JANICE
Didn't you see Barton Roberts' tweet
after you met with him yesterday?
PAUL
God Twitter sees all, knows all.
EXT. FORTY-NINTH STREET AND FIFTH AVENUE - DAY
Paul walks to the intersection and mutters under his breath.
PAUL
I need to clear my head.
Paul enters the street against the light. A taxi turning the
corner brushes against him. The driver BLASTS his horn.
NYC TAXI DRIVER
You ain't long for this world, Mac.
Paul crosses the street and enters Saint Matthew's church.
INT. SAINT MATTHEW'S CHURCH - DAY
A funeral Mass is in progress. The priest is giving the homily
from the pulpit.
PRIEST
"Blessed is he who comes in the name
of the Lord," Psalm 118:26
Paul takes a seat at the end of a pew toward the back.
PRIEST (CONT'D)
Jesus said, "The person who does not
gather with me, scatters." How does
one gather? Through the narrow gate
for "wide is the gate that leads to
destruction, and many find it. Narrow
is the gate that leads to life, and
only a few enter through it." What
gate? Jesus said, I am the gate." We
do not know the day or the hour when
Jesus will call us to "Come, follow
me."
The priest's lips move when he says, "Come, follow me" but
Paul hears not the Priest's voice but Preacher John's coming
from the vestibule at the rear of the church.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
23.
Paul stands. An elderly woman in Paul's pew stares at him.
Again, Paul hears John's voice from the rear of the church
as the priest quotes Jesus from scripture.
PRIEST (CONT'D)
"If anyone would come after me, he
must deny himself and follow me. For
whomever wants to save his life shall
lose it and whomever loses his life
for my sake shall find it."
Paul places the manuscript of his novel on the pew. He takes
his keys and wallet and lays them on top of the manuscript.
The elderly woman continues to stare at him. Paul exits the
pew and almost runs to the vestibule. He looks around. No
one is there. The elderly woman taps him on the shoulder.
She hands him his manuscript, wallet and keys.
ELDERLY WOMAN
What's wrong with you, mister?
EXT. SAINT MATTHEW'S CHURCH - DAY
Paul exits the church. It has turned cold. Snow flurries
waft from an ashen sky. Paul pulls his coat around him.
EXT. WASHINGTON SQUARE. ARCH - DAY
Preacher John is talking to a couple. He waves goodbye to
them as Paul approaches.
PAUL
Were you at Saint Matthew's about
twenty minutes ago?
PREACHER JOHN
I've been here all morning. Why?
PAUL
I was having a bad day and stopped
in Saint Matthew's to clear my head.
The priest was talking about Jesus
in his homily. When he said, "Come,
follow me," it wasn't his voice but
yours I heard from the vestibule.
PREACHER JOHN
What did you do?
PAUL
I put my things in the pew and went
to meet you.
PREACHER JOHN
You didn't hesitate?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
24.
PAUL
No. John, are you He Who Comes in
the name of the Lord?
PREACHER JOHN
I could be. It just means stand-in.
PAUL
So this experience happens to others?
It happened to you?
PREACHER JOHN
Yes.
PAUL
You went to meet Jesus as I did?
John is reluctant to answer Paul.
PREACHER JOHN
No.
PAUL
You, of all people? But you'll respond
next time, right?
PREACHER JOHN
A second chance? I don't think so.
Like, John Calvin, I believe in double
predestination -- that a person's
fate as elect or not is sealed from
the beginning of time.
PAUL
What's the point of the Call if
there's no choice?
PREACHER JOHN
Response to the Call is personal
judgment. It simply informs a person
whether they are elect or not.
PAUL
Michael says there's a church concept
called the fundamental option. It
states that the sum of our actions,
not a single action, decides our
spiritual fate.
PREACHER JOHN
His fundamental option assumes free
will. Double predestination rules
that out. For me, spiritual fate is
revealed by our response to the Call.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
25.
PAUL
One thing puzzles me. I'm no saint.
Why would I be elect and not you?
PREACHER JOHN
You're puzzled because you're not
seeing the big picture. Maybe that's
what your Final Story is -- the big
picture. If so, you're out of luck.
The big picture is for God alone.
Snow flurries begin to collect on the sidewalk. Paul pulls
his collar up against the sharp wind.
INT. FIFTH AVENUE APARTMENT. KITCHEN - NIGHT
PAUL
Where are the kids?
SARA
They're spending an overnight with
friends.
PAUL
On a school night?
SARA
Did you see the blogs today trashing
your manuscript? Not even I could
sell it now.
PAUL
Something happened today when I
stopped in Saint Matthews' that made
me realize I can never make sense of
this world...
SARA
Paul, we have to sell the second
home and your boat and pull Rob out
of private school.
PAUL
...And if I can't make sense of this
world, I can't tell the Final Story...
SARA
Good. I'll help you fix your new
novel and this time I'll handle the
negotiations.
PAUL
...And if I can't tell the Final
Story, I can't...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
26.
SARA
Start the rewrite in the morning.
PAUL
...Our every attempt to make sense
of this world is countered by the
fact that this world doesn't make
any sense...
SARA
Do you love Karen and Rob, Paul.
PAUL
What kind of a question is that?
SARA
Then meet your responsibilities.
PAUL
I can't write anymore. I've become
Saint Thomas.
SARA
Have you been drinking with Ben again?
PAUL
Something happened when I stopped in
Saint Matthew's today. The same thing
that I think happened to Saint Thomas.
SARA
You're not making any sense.
PAUL
In December, 1273, Saint Thomas
stopped in the middle of saying Mass
and returned to his monastery cell.
When asked what was wrong, he said
he had an insight that made his
writings no more important than straw.
He never picked up a pen again. Three
months later, he was dead.
SARA
You're scaring me, Paul. I want you
to see Dr. Stephens tomorrow.
PAUL
I don't need a psychiatrist.
SARA
Fine. Then stop looking for excuses
and get to work.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
27.
PAUL
I know about you and Derek Somers.
SARA
Don't change the subject. And don't
you dare repeat what the supermarket
tabloids have been saying since your
press conference at the White House.
PAUL
I don't have to. Ben saw you the
night you and Somers had dinner when
I was out of town. He followed you
and Somers to the Hotel de Lion and
sat in the lobby all night until the
two of you came down around ten the
next morning, arm and arm.
SARA
You're over the line, Paul.
PAUL
Don't make a fool of yourself trying
to deny it, Sara.
SARA
You refuse to rewrite your book? You
say you won't ever write again because
something happened to you in Saint
Matthew's? Fine. Tomorrow, I'll ask
Jeff Anderson to file for divorce.
You're not staying here tonight.
Sleep with one of your girlfriends.
EXT. MARIA'S TOWN HOUSE - NIGHT
Maria is in her robe when she answers the door.
PAUL
I'm having the worst day of my life.
MARIA
Shouldn't you be with your family?
PAUL
Sara threw me out.
MARIA
I'm sorry, Paul.
PAUL
Can I come in?
MARIA
It's not a good time.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
28.
PAUL
I can't write anymore. I've got to
talk to you, Maria, please.
MARIA
You're not going to write anymore?
PAUL
Can we talk inside?
MARIA
No, Paul. Call me tomorrow.
PAUL
Maria, I...
MARIA
Good-night, Paul.
INT. PAUL'S HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT
Every light is on. Paul, fully dressed, lies on the bed
starring at the ceiling.
INT. PAUL'S HOTEL ROOM - DAY
Paul listens to voice mail on his cellphone's speaker.
CELLPHONE (V.O.)
It's Jeff Anderson, Paul. Can we
meet this afternoon? Call me.
(BEEP)
Hey, pal, Ben here. I need to see
you before I go to the West Coast.
(BEEP)
Hi, Paul, it's Michael. I want you
to come to my ecumenical conference
in New Orleans. Join me at the gym
this afternoon.
INT. BATTERY PARK OFFICE BUILDING. RESTAURANT - DAY
Paul and Maria are having lunch on the top floor.
MARIA
When did you first know you wanted
to be a writer?
PAUL
It was at Berkeley. After I lost my
faith, I wanted to tell a Final Story --
a story no one could deny.
MARIA
Now, you're giving up.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
29.
PAUL
My dream of a Final Story assumes
the universe is rational.
MARIA
You don't believe that anymore?
PAUL
Something happened yesterday. Every
publisher I contacted turned down my
new novel. I stopped in Saint
Matthew's to clear my head. It was
like I was in a different universe.
MARIA
What happened?
PAUL
I need some air. Let's go up to the
observation deck on the roof.
EXT. BATTERY PARK OFFICE BUILDING. OBSERVATION DECK - DAY
As they move around the walkway, Maria turns up her collar
against a frigid wind blowing off the Lower Bay.
PAUL
Sara's filing for divorce. I have to
meet with her attorney this afternoon.
MARIA
I'm sorry, Paul.
Paul kisses Maria. She returns the kiss for a moment, then
pulls away.
MARIA (CONT'D)
What happened in Saint Matthew's
that's stopped your writing?
Paul stares out past the Varazono Narrows to the Atlantic.
MARIA (CONT'D)
Paul, there can be no us unless you
can tell me everything.
Another freezing gust whips across the roof. Paul shivers.
INT. JEFF ANDERSON'S OFFICE - DAY
Paul is seated in front of Jeff's desk. Jeff is on the phone.
JEFF
Yeah. Yeah. That's doable. Okay.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
30.
Jeff hangs up and hands Paul a copy of the divorce agreement.
JEFF (CONT'D)
Sara is very upset with you, Paul.
She said that you had some kind of
experience you won't talk about?
Personally, I think you are having a
garden variety mid-life crisis.
PAUL
Spare me the self-help analysis. Is
this where I sign?
JEFF
Aren't you going to read it first?
Actually, you should have your own
counsel. I can recommend someone.
Paul quickly scans the document, then signs it.
INT. BUILDING LOBBY - DAY
Paul is on his cellphone.
PAUL
This is Paul Genet. I need to speak
to Maria.
MARIA'S ASSISTANT (PH V.O.)
She's out of the office, Mr. Genet.
INT. UNIVERSITY THEATER. LOBBY CONCESSION - NIGHT
BEN
Wednesday you were all fired up to
write the Final Story. Now, you say
you can't do it. What gives?
PAUL
Something happened to me when I
stopped in Saint Matthew's.
BEN
What happened, pal? Tell me.
PAUL
It convinced me there can be no Final
Story. I'll never again make sense
of the world after Saint Matthew's.
USHER
Curtain in five minutes.
Everyone begins to file into the theater except Paul who
appears stricken.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
31.
BEN
You don't look good, Paul. What's
wrong?
PAUL
I feel nauseous.
Ben helps Paul who walks unsteadily to the men's room.
INT. UNIVERSITY THEATER. MEN'S ROOM - NIGHT
BEN
You're sweating like you just ran
the three-minute mile. Are you in
pain?
PAUL
My chest...down my arm.
BEN
You could be having a heart attack.
Let me get a doctor.
PAUL
No...no...it's tension...a muscle
cramp. Let me rest against the wall.
I'll be okay.
Ben takes a paper cup from the dispenser, fills it with water,
and offers it to Paul who gulps the water.
BEN
I'm going to see if there's a doctor
in the house.
PAUL
No, Ben. I'm feeling better. The
water helped.
BEN
Promise me you'll see a doctor first
thing Monday morning, Paul.
Paul crumbles the cup and throws it into the waste can.
PAUL
No doctor can fix what's wrong with
me.
BEN
Then talk to a priest. Talk to
Michael.
Paul shakes his head again.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
32.
BEN (CONT'D)
Use the discussion Monday night to
talk about it.
PAUL
We'll see.
BEN
C'mon, you can invite Michael and
Preacher John if you want. And isn't
you're sister, Elaine, in town? Ask
her to join us.
PAUL
Okay, if you'll invite Indira
Chowdury, chair of the World Studies
Department, and have her bring any
cute students from her seminar.
BEN
Guess I don't have to worry about
your health after all, do I, pal?
EXT. WASHINGTON SQUARE. ARCH - DAY
The weather is clear and cold; Friday's snow flurries did
not stick. Paul plays catch with Karen and Rob near the Arch.
When he finishes preaching, Preacher John walks over.
PAUL
John, I'll like you to meet my
daughter, Karen, and stepson, Rob.
John smiles and shakes hands with the kids.
PAUL (CONT'D)
Play nice with your sister while I
talk to Preacher John.
ROB
Half-sister.
Paul and John take a seat on a nearby bench.
PAUL
I'm in trouble with everybody because
I won't talk about what happened in
Saint Matthew's.
PREACHER JOHN
How do they know anything happened?
PAUL
You know me. I can't keep my mouth
shut.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
33.
PREACHER JOHN
What can I do?
PAUL
I'm going to try to make some sense
of it at a discussion meeting Monday
evening. I want you to come.
PREACHER JOHN
Sorry, Paul, I have no interest in
an academic discussion of truths
that I, and everyone else, learn
from within.
PAUL
I'm inviting my friend, Michael Chen,
who is a Jesuit, and my sister,
Elaine, who is a theoretical
physicist. Ben is inviting the chair
of the World Studies Department at
the university. Think of it as your
chance to address a group different
than your usual street congregation.
PREACHER JOHN
Sorry, Paul, I wouldn't be
comfortable.
Karen and Rob run to the bench.
ROB
Ask him, Karen.
KAREN
Can we go to lunch now, Daddy?
PAUL
In a minute, sweetie.
ROB
Dad, I'm starved.
PAUL
Rob, I'm talking to Mr. Clay.
KAREN
Daddy, you said his name is Preacher
John.
PREACHER JOHN
My real name is John Clay. Preacher
John is a nickname.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
34.
ROB
Yeah, Karen, like your nickname is
twerp.
PAUL
Rob! You and Karen play for a few
more minutes.
ROB
I roll the ball to her and she still
can't catch it.
KAREN
My hands are cold, Daddy.
PAUL
Okay, then make up a story about
someone you see by the fountain and
tell it to me when I'm finished
talking to Mr. Clay.
ROB
Aw, Dad!
PAUL
This is important to me, Rob.
ROB
C'mon, Karen.
Paul watches them go, then turns to Preacher John.
PAUL
Why did I accept the Call and you
didn't?
PREACHER JOHN
I don't know. As I told you, only
God knows the big picture.
PAUL
Well, not knowing is giving me fits.
It would help if I could talk about
it. I was hoping to use the discussion
to try to make some sense of it.
This is really important. I need you
for moral support, John.
PREACHER JOHN
Since you put it that way, okay.
EXT. WASHINGTON SQUARE. FOUNTAIN - DAY
Paul sits on the top tier of the fountain between Karen and
Rob.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
35.
PAUL
Did you make up a story about
somebody?
ROB
Yeah, that guy over there, the one
drinking wine out of the bottle he
keeps hidden in that paper bag.
PAUL
He's the one who started the trouble
with the singers last week. What's
his story?
ROB
He quit his job and left his wife
and kids. Now he's homeless and gets
drunk on cheap wine he buys with the
change he bums off the tourists.
PAUL
Humm, did he have two children?
ROB
Yeah, a boy and a girl. The boy was
older, about my age, and the girl
was little like Karen.
Paul's voice catches.
PAUL
That's quite a story.
ROB
He left home because he didn't love
his kids.
KAREN
Do you love us, Daddy?
Paul puts his arm around Karen.
PAUL
Yes, sweetie, I do, very much.
KAREN
Then why did you leave home?
ROB
Was it something I did? I promise to
be good to Karen and never call her
twerp again. I mean it this time.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
36.
PAUL
It isn't you. Either of you. It's
me. I'm the problem.
ROB
Just tell Mom you're sorry.
KAREN
Then you can stay with us when you
take us home.
PAUL
It's not that simple.
KAREN
Will we ever see you again?
Paul's voice catches again.
PAUL
Yes, but not every day...
ROB
Dad, can we go to lunch now?
They stand and Karen wants to be carried. Paul picks her up.
PAUL
You're getting too big for this.
They start to walk.
ROB
Dad, I want to come to the discussion
this month.
PAUL
These are grown up discussions, Rob.
ROB
You said that the other day when I
wanted to go to lunch with you and
Ben.
PAUL
This is different.
ROB
You didn't mean it about loving us,
did you?
PAUL
Of course, I did, Rob, but these
discussions are about ideas.
(MORE)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
37.
PAUL (CONT'D)
I don't want you to hear things you're
not ready for.
ROB
Don't treat me like a kid.
PAUL
Let's see what your mother says.
ROB
You'll let her talk you out of it.
PAUL
No, I won't.
ROB
Then you have to be prepared. Tell
her it's important that we do real
stuff together, and not just go to
the park to play ball.
PAUL
I have underestimated you, Rob. I'll
try not to let it happen again.
INT. MIDTOWN GYM - DAY
Paul and Michael are playing a game of HOOPS. Michael takes
a shot from the top of the key. His shot goes in.
MICHAEL
I called you at home before I left
my message this morning. Sara told
me she's filing for divorce.
Paul shoots but misses.
PAUL
All I need now is a lecture from
you, Michael.
Michael faces the basket from the sideline and lofts a two-
handed shot over his head. SWISH.
MICHAEL
Sara said you were comparing some
experience you had to something that
happened to Saint Thomas. She didn't
know about the scandal you caused at
prep school when you learned how he
quit writing. What happened to you?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
38.
PAUL
First, I want you to tell me about
this New Orleans gig.
MICHAEL
Nothing to tell. I want you at my
ecumenical conference this month.
Paul missed his attempt to duplicate Michael's shot.
PAUL
Why? You're always complaining that
I have foot-in-mouth disease.
Michael takes another set shot -- a right-handed hook that
goes in. Again, Paul misses his attempt.
MICHAEL
Actually, I need someone to stir the
pot.
Michael makes a two-handed lay-up off the boards. Paul makes
his lay-up but with only one hand.
PAUL
I can't afford the trip.
MICHAEL
I'll cover your expenses.
Michael's next shot is a one-handed jumper from ten feet
out. He's makes it and Paul misses.
PAUL
I'll come to New Orleans if you come
Monday night to the discussion group
Ben and I host.
MICHAEL
Can't. I have an dinner meeting with
the Father General on Monday.
PAUL
Too bad. You wanted to know what
happened to me. I plan to talk about
it at the discussion.
MICHAEL
Well, you just said the magic words.
I'll find some excuse to reschedule
with the Father General.
Michael's next shot is a one-handed jumper from ten feet
out. He's makes it and Paul misses.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
39.
MICHAEL (CONT'D)
5-0. That's HOOPS. Shut you out.
First time ever.
PAUL
Before you get too excited, remember
you're paying my New Orleans expenses.
EXT. PAUL'S HOTEL - NIGHT
A taxi pulls to the curb. Paul's sister, Elaine, is inside.
Paul opens the door and joins her in the back seat.
INT. TAXI - NIGHT
PAUL
Where are we having dinner?
ELAINE
There's a new French restaurant.
PAUL
How goes the funding drive for your
think tank on quantum gravity?
ELAINE
Nobody's got any money right now,
public or private. I may have to
close the center.
PAUL
Might as well. General relativity and
quantum mechanics are mutually exclusive.
There's never going to be a coherent
theory of quantum gravity.
Elaine glares at Paul.
PAUL (CONT'D)
Don't get mad at me, Elaine. Hegel
was wrong and Ben is right. Binary
opposites don't combine, they cancel.
ELAINE
You and Ben are full of it.
Neither speaks for several moments.
PAUL
You'll be glad to hear I've stopped
trying to discover a Final Story...
ELAINE
That may be the first intelligent
career decision you've ever made.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
40.
PAUL
...In fact, I've quit writing.
ELAINE
So that's why Sara's upset. What are
you going to support your family?
Paul is silent.
ELAINE (CONT'D)
Sara says you signed the divorce
papers yesterday.
Paul does not respond.
ELAINE (CONT'D)
Your divorce will finish Mother.
PAUL
She'll outlast both of us.
Elaine stares vacantly out her taxi window.
ELAINE
Her stomach cancer's spread, Paul.
She's dying. I want you to come back
to San Francisco with me and reconcile
with her before it's too late.
PAUL
Now's not a good time.
ELAINE
If you miss this chance to make peace
with her, you'll never forgive
yourself.
PAUL
Okay, I'll go back -- if you'll come
to our discussion Monday evening.
ELAINE
I can't believe you'd try to bargain
with me about this.
PAUL
Well?
ELAINE
My flight to San Francisco is Monday.
PAUL
Change your flight.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
41.
ELAINE
How do I know you won't renege?
PAUL
Come to the discussion and we'll go
back together on Tuesday. Promise.
INT. BEN'S TOWN HOUSE. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Those present: Paul, Rob, Ben, Maria, Michael, Elaine,
Preacher John, Professor INDIRA CHOWDURY, with three of her
students, early 20s, JENNIFER, MARGARET, and ELIZABETH.
PAUL
Balance is the operating principle
of the universe. The reason for
everything is balance. The answer to
every why question is balance. In a
balanced universe, everything is the
cause of everything else instantly.
ROB
Dad, are you saying something that
happened billions of years ago caused
us to meet here tonight?
PAUL
Yes, except it didn't happen billions
of years ago. It's happening now.
ELAINE
In physics, we call that nonlocality.
ROB
Are you saying there is no time?
PAUL
Nonlocality is all things connected
instantly as if time and space did
not exist.
JENNIFER
Einstein called nonlocality, "spooky
action at a distance." He brought
the full power of his genius to bear,
but failed to defeat it.
BEN
A balanced quantum universe makes
nonlocality possible.
PREACHER JOHN
To get time, you have to break the
symmetry of balance.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
42.
ROB
How do you do that?
PREACHER JOHN
One is Paradise. Many is the physical
world. But you have to break the
symmetry of One in order to see the
world. Only Adam, man, has the
capacity to do this. And it starts
with dividing self from non-self.
ROB
Are humans why there is something
rather than nothing?
PREACHER JOHN
You're a quick study, Rob.
PAUL
The world is One if things are
connected nonlocally. It is Many, if
composed of separate objects with
unique identities.
ROB
Which is correct, One or Many?
BEN
Both. They are equal aspects of a
binary opposition. And because they
are equal, neither can be privileged.
ELAINE
A photon has opposing binary aspects --
wave or particle. Bohr said, though
they contradict each other, both are
essential to understanding nature.
Heisenberg showed nature prevents us
from seeing both at once. You see
only the aspect you look for.
ROB
I don't get it.
BEN
Rob, I can show you how this works.
Ben takes a piece of paper and makes a line drawing.
BEN (CONT'D)
What does that look like to you?
ROB
The side of a bunny's face?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
43.
BEN
Yes, a rabbit. What if the rabbit's
ears were a beak or a bill?
ROB
Um...then it's a duck looking the
other way?
BEN
It's a rabbit and a duck. Try to see
both at the same time, Rob.
ROB
Hey, that's cool. I can only see
what I look for just like Hi...
ELAINE
...Heisenberg.
MICHAEL
Rob, there are other ways of looking
at why there is something rather
than nothing. God created the universe
in Judeo-Christian-Islamic tradition.
INDIRA
Rob, your father's idea of balance
is also like Brahman in Hinduism.
Brahman is everything that is. Like
balance, Brahman is everywhere at
once and has no before or after.
ROB
Dad, isn't what Aunt Elaine said,
isn't non...non...?
ELAINE
...Nonlocality.
ROB
...yeah...isn't that the same as
your idea, Dad -- all things One
through balance? Or like Hinduism's
idea of Brahman?
PAUL
Yes, until the other day.
ROB
What happened the other day, Dad?
Paul does not respond.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
44.
BEN
Yeah, pal. Tell us why you're giving
up your dream of a Final Story.
MICHAEL
Come on, Paul. It's not like you to
keep anything to yourself.
ELAINE AND MARIA
Yes, Paul, do tell.
PAUL
I stopped in Saint Matthew's. There
was a funeral Mass and the priest
was talking about following Jesus.
But when he said, "Come, follow me,"
it wasn't the priest's voice but
John's that I heard call me from the
vestibule. Then the priest quoted
scripture, "Blessed is he who comes
in the name of the Lord," and...
Paul hesitates. Rapt attention from everyone.
PAUL (CONT'D)
...and I suddenly understood that it
wasn't John calling me. John was
only "he who comes in the name of
the Lord." The person calling me a
that moment was...Jesus.
Dead silence. Finally, Rob speaks.
ROB
Mr. Clay, are you "he who comes in
the name of the Lord?"
PREACHER JOHN
Anyone could be, Rob.
ROB
What did you do, Dad?
PAUL
Something totally out of character.
I put my wallet and keys on the pew
and went to meet Jesus.
ROB
Why did you leave you wallet and
keys in the pew?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
45.
PAUL
This is the irrational part, the
part I can't make sense of. I thought
I didn't need them because I was
going to become Jesus.
MICHAEL
That's absurd.
BEN
Rubbish.
Elaine's cellphone RINGS.
ELAINE
It's Mother's nurse.
MARIA
I'll freshen everyone's drink.
Maria goes to the kitchen and Paul follows.
INT. BEN'S TOWN HOUSE. KITCHEN - NIGHT
PAUL
I signed the divorce agreement.
MARIA
And you've given up your dream to
tell the Final Story.
PAUL
Try to understand.
MARIA
If you've given up your dream, then
you've give me up, too.
Maria exits the kitchen as Elaine enters.
PAUL
Is Mother...?
ELAINE
It's only a matter of time now. I
want you to take the first flight
out with me tomorrow.
INT. BEN'S TOWN HOUSE. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Elaine says goodbye to everyone and her leaving breaks up
the discussion. Michael approaches Indira and her students.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
46.
MICHAEL
Indira, I'm holding an ecumenical
conference in New Orleans next week.
We wish to include non-Christian
perspectives. I'd like you to attend.
INDIRA
I'd be delighted.
JENNIFER
I'm a graduate theology student. Can
I come?
MICHAEL
Yes, but only as an observer -- if
Professor Chowdury approves.
INDIRA
Our off-campus trip to Athens is at
the end of next week. Can you afford
to miss more of your other classes?
JENNIFER
I'm caught up in all my classes.
MICHAEL
Then, should I make reservations for
the two of you?
Indira nods her approval.
JENNIFER
Paul, sign my copy of You Are God.
PAUL
Looks like you've read this a hundred
times.
MARGARET AND ELIZABETH
Two hundred.
Paul autographs the book.
JENNIFER
I'm looking forward to the conference,
Paul. I've always wanted to go to
New Orleans.
MARGARET AND ELIZABETH
Yeah, right.
PAUL
Why didn't you guys join in?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
47.
MARGARET
Oh, we're just student observers.
ELIZABETH
Yeah, we observe Jen to keep her out
of trouble.
PAUL
She needs a chaperon, does she?
The two look at Paul's inscription in Jennifer's book.
MARGARET AND ELIZABETH
Duh-uh.
INT. TAXI - NIGHT
A taxi with Paul, Rob and Michael pulls to the curb.
PAUL
You made a valuable contribution
tonight, Rob.
ROB
Thanks, Dad.
Rob exits and Paul starts to exit.
ROB (CONT'D)
No need to see me to the door, Dad.
PAUL
Right. Good night, big guy.
MICHAEL
Good night, Rob.
PAUL
Driver, hold it until he's in the
building...Okay, let's go.
The taxi pulls away.
MICHAEL
I was surprised when Ben said you
were giving up the Final Story.
PAUL
Well, things have changed again.
Maria won't let me quit.
Michael shakes this head as he looks at Paul.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
48.
PAUL (CONT'D)
I believe Ben's about to propose.
She'll accept if I quit now.
The two ride in silence until taxi arrives at Paul's hotel.
MICHAEL
Go back to your wife and children.
PAUL
I'll tell Maria that I'll figure all
this out no matter what it takes.
MICHAEL
What happens if you're successful
and you learn something terrible?
You wouldn't keep it to yourself.
You've never been able to shut up.
INT. BATTERY PARK OFFICE BUILDING. MARIA'S OFFICE - DAY
Paul brushes past MARIA'S ASSISTANT and opens the door to
Maria's office. Maria is at her conference room door.
MARIA
I have a meeting about to start,
Paul.
Maria's Assistant is right behind Paul.
MARIA'S ASSISTANT
I tried to stop him...
PAUL
Give me two minutes, Maria.
Maria gives him permission with a wave of her hand.
PAUL (CONT'D)
I'm going to pursue the Final Story.
Maria turns and speaks to those in the conference room.
MARIA
Sorry for the delay. I promise this
will only take a moment.
Maria closes the door to the conference room.
MARIA (CONT'D)
Ben got the offer from Westmont
University in San Francisco. Last
night he asked me to marry him.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
49.
PAUL
What did you say?
MARIA
That I had to think about it.
PAUL
Your business is here.
MARIA
I want to expand operations to the
Pacific Rim.
PAUL
Give me a chance to prove myself.
MARIA
You have two weeks.
PAUL
Two weeks? Two weeks to do what no
one has ever done?
MARIA
Ben has two weeks to decide, and he
has asked for my decision by then.
PAUL
What you're asking is impossible.
MARIA
I thought you wanted to do the
impossible for me.
Paul cellphone rings.
PAUL
It's Elaine.
Paul puts his cellphone on speaker.
ELAINE (PH V.O.)
I'm at the airport, Paul. Why aren't
you here with me?
PAUL
Something's come up.
ELAINE (PH V.O.)
Mother's condition has worsened again.
She could pass at any time. You must
come now. Bring Michael. She's asking
for him. She's told me she'll only
let him administer the last rites.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
50.
Paul hangs up and dials Michael.
MICHAEL (PH V.O.)
I'm in the middle of a meeting.
PAUL
Mother's dying. She won't accept the
last rites from anyone but you.
MICHAEL (PH V.O.)
Paul, the conference is in two days.
PAUL
You were her favorite, Michael, more
of a son to her than I was.
MICHAEL (PH V.O.)
Okay. I'll work something out.
Paul hangs up.
MARIA
I'm sorry your mother is so ill but
the clock is ticking, Paul.
PAUL
I'm sure I can get some ideas by
meeting with Elaine's scientist
colleagues while in the Bay Area.
EXT. SAN FRANCISCO. AIRPORT - NIGHT
Plane landing.
INT. ELAINE'S CAR - NIGHT
Paul gets in Elaine's car in front of the terminal.
ELAINE
Where's Michael?
PAUL
He'll be here in the morning.
ELAINE
That may be too late.
PAUL
We're lucky he's coming at all. By
the way, I want to meet with the
scientists in your group while I'm
out here.
ELAINE
What for?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
51.
PAUL
Perhaps I can learn something that
will help me find the Final Story.
ELAINE
You told me you were finished with
that nonsense.
PAUL
Will you arrange a meeting?
ELAINE
I want you to apologize to Mother
for writing You Are God.
PAUL
Will you arrange a meeting with your
colleagues?
ELAINE
No.
INT. HOUSE ON LOMBARD STREET. STAIRWAY - NIGHT
Elaine leads the way upstairs to mother's bedroom.
ELAINE
Mother hasn't been to Mass or taken
Communion since you published your
horrid novel. She blamed herself.
PAUL
She wanted to play Saint Monica to
my Saint Augustine.
ELAINE
How dare you make light of this.
Tell her you'll return to the church.
PAUL
I can't do that.
ELAINE
Then tell her you're sorry for her
suffering and for anything you many
have done to cause it.
INT. HOUSE ON LOMBARD STREET. MOTHER'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Mother's NURSE stands when Paul and Elaine enter the bedroom.
ELAINE
Please wait downstairs, Jane.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
52.
PAUL
Let's come back when she's awake.
Elaine touches Mother's arm.
ELAINE
Look who's here, Mother.
Mother looks at Paul without expression.
ELAINE (CONT'D)
It's Paul, Mother. Paul's come home.
Mother looks at Elaine, then, blankly, straight ahead.
ELAINE (CONT'D)
Say something, Paul.
PAUL
It's been a long time, Mother. Too
long. I should have come sooner.
Mother stares ahead without response. Elaine puts her hand
to her mouth and her eyes tear.
PAUL (CONT'D)
Maybe she doesn't know me.
ELAINE
You're very alert, aren't you, Mother?
I'll leave the two of you alone.
Elaine exits and Paul brings the nurse's chair from the window
to the side of mother's bed.
PAUL
Elaine told me you haven't been to
Mass or taken Communion in years. Of
course, she blames it on me. But I
think I know the real reason.
Paul waits for a response.
PAUL (CONT'D)
Last week Jesus called me. I learned
he also had called my street-preacher
friend, John Clay. I answered the
Call but John did not. It should
have been the other way around.
Paul pauses for a response.
PAUL (CONT'D)
Here's what I think.
(MORE)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
53.
PAUL (CONT'D)
Like John, you didn't go when you
were called. That must have been
devastating to you after a lifetime
of counting on the church to assure
your salvation.
Again, there is no response.
PAUL (CONT'D)
You don't want the last rites of the
church, do you? You just wanted to
see Michael again.
Mother closes her eyes. Paul remains a minute then exits.
INT. HOUSE ON LOMBARD STREET. HALLWAY - NIGHT
ELAINE
How did it go?
PAUL
I tried to speak with her.
ELAINE
You apologized? What did Mother say?
PAUL
Well...she...I...
Elaine takes Paul's hand.
ELAINE
It's her medication. You can try
again later. I've prepared the guest
bedroom for you.
PAUL
I've made reservations for Michael
and myself downtown.
ELAINE
I wish you'd stay here.
PAUL
I'm going to meet Michael's plane.
We'll be here early tomorrow.
INT. HOUSE ON LOMBARD STREET. LIVING ROOM - DAY
Doctor descends the stairs to the living room where Michael,
Elaine, and Paul are seated.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
54.
DOCTOR
We're at the end, Elaine. She needs
you more than me now, Father.
INT. HOUSE ON LOMBARD STREET. MOTHER'S BEDROOM - DAY
Mother's expression brightens when she see Michael.
MICHAEL
Elaine asked me to give you the last
rites, Catherine. If it's okay with
you, I'll begin now.
Mother makes no response.
MICHAEL (CONT'D)
Do you want to confess?
Mother shakes head, no. Michael anoints Mother. When he is
finished he offers her Holy Communion which she refuses.
ELAINE
She's afraid, Michael. We've had to
feed her intravenously because of
the pain of digesting food.
MICHAEL
Jesus is present, body and blood, in
the entire host, Catherine.
Michael breaks off a tiny piece of the host, leans in close
to Mother, and whispers.
MICHAEL (CONT'D)
Catherine, this small piece of the
host will dissolve in your mouth.
You don't have to swallow it. There
will be no discomfort.
Mother refuses again.
MICHAEL (CONT'D)
That's all right, Catherine, Jesus
understands.
Mother looks at him without expression and dies. Michael
closes her eyelids. Elaine knees beside the bed, crosses
herself, puts her head in her hands and sobs. Michael puts
his hand on her shoulder to comfort her, then he and Paul
leave to allow her to grieve.
INT. HOUSE ON LOMBARD STREET. LIVING ROOM - DAY
MICHAEL
You have my deepest sympathy, Paul.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
55.
Paul nods.
MICHAEL (CONT'D)
Were you able to reconcile with her?
Paul makes a slight gesture to indicate he tired.
MICHAEL (CONT'D)
Don't blame yourself. It's difficult
for someone in your Mother's condition
to focus on anything beyond their
own suffering.
Elaine joins them wiping her nose with a handkerchief.
ELAINE
Please stay to say the funeral Mass.
MICHAEL
I must go now if I'm to be in New
Orleans for my conference. Would you
call me a taxi for the airport? Tell
them I'll be at the top of the hill.
EXT. HOUSE ON LOMBARD STREET - DAY
Michael and Elaine wave goodbye. Paul accompanies Michael.
EXT. RUSSIAN HILL. HYDE STREET AT LOMBARD - DAY
PAUL
Mother despaired of entering the
Kingdom of God.
MICHAEL
Your Mother was very ill, Paul. Her
behavior was common for someone so
sick. God's greatest mercy is reserved
for those whom he tests so severely.
PAUL
Michael, if Preacher John and perhaps
my saintly Mother, cannot enter the
Kingdom of God, who can?
MICHAEL
You're distraught, Paul.
PAUL
What is the terrible truth you don't
want me to discover, Michael? Is it
an insight that confirms, "Many are
called but few are chosen?"
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
56.
MICHAEL
Why can't you let anything alone?
Why do you have to push, push, push?
Taxi arrives.
PAUL
You know something and I'm going to
get it out of you. We'll continue
this conversation in New Orleans.
Michael gets into the taxi.
MICHAEL
Without a reservation, you probably
won't make it.
PAUL
I'll go standby. I'll get there.
INT. HOUSE ON LOMBARD STREET. LIVING ROOM - DAY
ELAINE
Paul, you have to arrange Mother's
funeral and cremation.
PAUL
Why can't you do it?
ELAINE
I have a meeting with the senior
members of the center this afternoon.
PAUL
Can't you reschedule?
ELAINE
No, I'm have to announce the center
is closing for lack of funds.
PAUL
Let me make the announcement, Elaine.
I want to talk with them anyway.
ELAINE
No, because you don't believe a theory
of quantum gravity is possible. You'll
shoot off your mouth like always.
PAUL
I'd botch Mother's funeral arrangement
and you know you wouldn't like that.
I promise not to embarrass you.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
57.
INT. CENTER FOR THE STUDY OF QUANTUM GRAVITY - DAY
The physicists sit in stunned silence at a conference table.
PAUL
...Naturally, Elaine regrets not
being able to tell you in person
that the center must close for lack
of funds.
ELADIO VILLA
If Elaine can't handle fund raising,
let's turn it over to professionals.
MAYUMI IWASAKI
It's not Elaine's fault. We didn't
make sufficient progress. We should
have united behind my superstrings
approach.
NELSON ULUNDI
You're at a mathematical dead end,
Mayumi. We should have shifted our
focus to my general relativity
approach.
ELADIO VILLA
Except that you don't go far enough,
Nelson. You and the others should
have joined me and concentrated on
discrete causality units.
WERNER SCHWARTZ
You're all off the track. We should
have put our resources into my search
for a non-physical principle.
MAYUMI IWASAKI
What non-physical principle? No one
has ever had any idea if there is
such a thing, or what it might be.
PAUL
I know of such a non-physical
principle but it won't help you with
your quest for quantum gravity.
Every eye turns malevolently toward Paul.
DON BROWN
Really? You, a fiction writer, knows
what the entire scientific community
cannot fathom?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
58.
PAUL
The most ubiquitous non-physical
principle of all -- balance.
DON BROWN
Balance? What's balance got to do
with anything?
PAUL
It explains nonlocality.
WERNER SCHWARTZ
I would like to hear this.
DON BROWN
Don't encourage him, Werner.
PAUL
Thanks to Bell's Theorem we now know
the universe is nonlocal. Bohm said
it was a "pilot wave" that made
instant connections across the
universe possible. I say balance
connects everything simultaneously.
MAYUMI IWASAKI
Position and momentum of a particle
are indeterminate. Are you suggesting
we throw out Heisenberg's uncertainty
principle?
PAUL
Heisenberg's experiment showed we
are uncertain because nature will
not allow us to gather position and
momentum data at the same time. He
never said uncertainty is inherent.
WERNER SCHWARTZ
When Paul Davies interviewed Bell,
he asked if experimental evidence
made a determinant universe out of
the question.
PAUL
Quite the contrary, Bell told Davies.
Nonlocality superdetermines everything
in the universe.
WERNER SCHWARTZ
Davies asked if that made free will
an illusion, and Bell said, "That's
correct."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
59.
PAUL
The Aspect experiment, and more
sophisticated recent scientific
experiments, confirm Bell's Theorem
was right. The universe is nonlocal.
NELSON ULUNDI
This is very entertaining, Mr. Genet,
but what's that got to do with quantum
gravity?
PAUL
It has nothing to do with quantum
gravity. Balance is the non-physical
principle Professor Schwartz is looking
for. Balance, applied to the totality
of existence, is fearful symmetry.
By connecting all things as One, balance
ends time, space, and individual identity.
DON BROWN
Why are we sitting here listening to
this bilge?
PAUL
Hegel attempted to combine binary
opposites he called thesis and
antithesis into a higher truth he
called synthesis. He failed because
binary opposites don't combine, they
cancel out to nothing. Your binary
opposites of general relativity and
quantum mechanics cancel out, too.
I'm sorry, but there will never be
a coherent theory of quantum gravity
no matter what approach you take.
DON BROWN
You've worn out your welcome, Genet.
MAYUMI IWASAKI
I'll handle this, Don. Mr. Genet, we
appreciate your coming on Elaine's
behalf. We extend our sympathy to
you and Elaine for the loss of your
mother. Now, if you'll excuse us, we
have serious matters to discuss.
EXT. HYDE STREET CABLE CAR - DAY
Paul is on his cellphone to Maria.
MARIA (PH V.O.)
You have my deepest sympathy, Paul.
PAUL
I appreciate that.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
60.
MARIA (PH V.O.)
Did you meet with the scientists?
PAUL
Another dead end. I'll get some ideas
at Michael's conference. Are you
still planning to attend with Ben?
MARIA (PH V.O.)
Yes, I'll be there.
INT. HOUSE ON LOMBARD STREET. LIVING ROOM - DAY
ELAINE
I knew I shouldn't have sent you to
make the announcement. Why can you
never keep your mouth shut?
PAUL
I got carried away.
ELAINE
You don't have the discipline of a
four-year-old.
PAUL
They were asking for it.
ELAINE
See? It's not that you don't know
what you're doing when you pop off
like that. You don't care.
PAUL
You've always been envious of my
success especially now that your
project has failed.
ELAINE
Envious of you? Science has standards.
Scientists can't say anything that
comes into their heads like you do.
INT. CATHOLIC CHURCH - DAY
Casket before altar. Priest gives blessing. Elaine, Paul,
Sara, Rob, Karen with other mourners in pews.
EXT. GOLDEN GATE BRIDE - DAY
Elaine holds an urn with her mother's ashes.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
61.
ELAINE
Mother wanted me to pour her ashes
into the bay from this spot at the
center of the Golden Gate Bridge.
PAUL
Why didn't you tell me this is what
you were up to? I thought you were
just being sentimental because her
favorite view was from here.
Elaine is poised to empty a small urn into the bay.
PAUL (CONT'D)
Elaine. You can't do this.
Elaine hands the urn to Paul.
ELAINE
Then you do it. It was Mother's wish.
PAUL
It's illegal. And the church forbids
it as disrespectful of the remains.
ELAINE
Since when did that ever bother you?
PAUL
I don't want you to do something you
will regret.
Elaine walks away from Paul.
EXT. NEW ORLEANS. GARDEN DISTRICT - DAY
Paul exits the St. Charles Street trolley with his suitcase.
INT. ECUMENICAL CONFERENCE CENTER. MEETING ROOM - DAY
Delegates -- including Michael and Indira -- sit at a oblong
table in a sunlit ante-bellum room. Observers -- including
Ben, Maria, and Jennifer Craig -- sit against the walls.
MICHAEL
...You're point is well taken...
The housekeeper shows Paul into the room.
MICHAEL (CONT'D)
Ladies and gentlemen, Paul Genet has
finally arrived from San Francisco.
Michael motions Paul to sit next to him at the table.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
62.
MICHAEL (CONT'D)
I invited Paul because he has a, um,
unique viewpoint about ultimate
reality. Paul...
The coadjutor bishop for the Archdiocese of New Orleans
objects to Paul's participation.
COADJUTOR BISHOP
Father Chen, Mr. Genet is an atheist.
His views have no place at this
ecumenical conference for believers.
PAUL
I'm not an atheist. My novel, You
Are God, says you and I are the agency
creator, not some imaginary sky-god.
COADJUTOR BISHOP
That's atheism in my book, sir.
Paul gestures toward Indira.
PAUL
I wonder what Prof. Chowdury -- and
the five or six billion people living
east of Suez -- say about your book?
MICHAEL
Paul, that's enough.
PAUL
Your eternal, yet self-created God
is a contradiction. It makes no sense.
COADJUTOR BISHOP
God is a mystery.
PAUL
There's no mystery to my idea of all
things One through balance.
AHMED ABU SAID
Allah is one. I am willing to hear
what Mr. Genet has to say.
INDIRA
So am I. We Hindus believe in the
unity of all things. Maya is the
term we have for individual things.
It does not mean illusion, as some
think, but distortion. The devote
Hindu wishes to move beyond distortion
to unify individual self with the
supreme universal self, Atman.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
63.
MICHAEL
Bishop, you did agree to invite
participants with non-Christian
perspectives...
The coadjutor's sour look betrays his displeasure.
COADJUTOR BISHOP
Let's take a break. May I see you
for a moment, Father Chen?
All exit to the courtyard. The coadjutor pulls Michael to
the side and speaks while Michael listens.
INT. ECUMENICAL CONFERENCE CENTER. COURTYARD - DAY
Maria, Ben, India, and Jennifer are chatting. When Paul joins
them, Jennifer brushes against him and whispers in his ear.
JENNIFER
Paul, the iconoclast, destroyer of
sacred truths.
Michael approaches.
MICHAEL
May I speak to you, Paul? Privately.
PAUL
We're all friends here, Michael.
MICHAEL
The coadjutor says you can't stay.
PAUL
You're throwing me out? You brought
me down here to stir the pot.
MICHAEL
Stir it, yes. Kick it over, no.
PAUL
C'est la guerre. Where am I staying
tonight?
MICHAEL
I have a friend who leaves town during
Mardi Gras. You're staying with me
at his apartment on Jackson Square.
Michael hands Paul a key and the address.
JENNIFER
Father Chen, I heard Mardi Gras isn't
the same as before hurricane Katrina.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
64.
MICHAEL
Mardi Gras never disappoints. Anyway,
we'll be at the Rex parade and that's
guaranteed bedlam.
JENNIFER
Paul, are you going to sit with Prof.
Chowdury and me in the grandstand?
PAUL
No, but you're welcome to get lost
in the crowd with Michael, Ben, Maria
and me.
Jennifer looks at Indira for approval.
INDIRA
Yes, enjoy the street scene.
EXT. BOURBON STREET - DAY
Bourbon Street is packed with Mardi Gras revelers. Michael
leaves Paul, Maria, and Ben to stop in a liquor store. He
emerges with a fifth of whiskey in a bag.
MICHAEL
Fat Tuesday. After today, forty days
of fasting and penance before Easter.
Michael drinks from the bottle.
EXT. CANAL STREET. REX PARADE - DAY
America's widest street is wall-to-wall revelers. Michael
takes another drink.
MICHAEL
We have to get next to the floats or
we won't catch the throws.
JENNIFER
Throws?
MICHAEL
Necklaces and doubloons -- highly
valued souvenirs.
The four work there way, single file, toward the police
barricade along the parade route. Every arm is outstretched.
Every voice screams, "Throw me something, mister."
MICHAEL (CONT'D)
Heeeeeey! There's a doubloon, Paul.
Quick, step on it.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
65.
Two people put a foot on top of Paul's.
MICHAEL (CONT'D)
The trick is to retrieve it before
you're pushed away by the crowd.
PAUL
Show me.
Michael picks the coin up in a sweeping move only to have
Jennifer snatch it from him.
The King Rex float stops. Michael jumps the police barricade,
and hops on the float. Ben and Paul cross the barricade in
pursuit. Michael takes another drink and shouts to Rex who
is perched high on his canopied throne.
MICHAEL
Let me join you up there, King Rex.
I want to share your throne.
Rex shakes his head, no, while smiling and waving to his
unruly subjects.
PAUL
Come down, Michael.
MICHAEL
You ruined my life.
PAUL
Let me have that bottle.
MICHAEL
You ruined my life.
PAUL
Come down and we'll discuss it.
MICHAEL
You're going to ruin everybody's
lives.
BEN
Let me give you a hand.
MICHAEL
You can't keep your mouth shut no
matter whom you hurt.
A police office approaches.
NOPD OFFICER
I'll arrest him.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
66.
PAUL
You're busted, Michael. Let's go.
Paul tugs on Michael's coat. Michael falls backwards. Paul
and Ben catch Michael and help him back across the barricade.
BEN
Does he do this often?
PAUL
Never. Something's wrong. I'm taking
him back to the Lafitte Apartments.
JENNIFER
Let me help, Paul.
Michael drinks liberally from his bottle.
MARIA
Maybe we should all help.
PAUL
No, Michael and I need to talk.
EXT. BOURBON STREET - DAY
Michael is woozy. Paul helps him navigate the noisy, crowed
street. Michael pulls away and enters an oyster bar.
INT. OYSTER BAR. DINNING ROOM - DAY
The restaurant is packed with people waiting for tables.
Michael heads for and open space at the bar. He catches the
bartender's eye and points to the bar.
MICHAEL
Set 'em up.
The bartender breaks open half a dozen oysters. Michael
concocts a sauce of catsup, mustard and dabs an oyster.
MICHAEL (CONT'D)
Never chew it. Let's slide down.
PAUL
How did I ruin your life, Michael?
Michael takes another drink.
MICHAEL
At prep school you had to rub
everyone's nose in it when you learned
Saint Thomas called his work of little
value.
(MORE)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
67.
MICHAEL (CONT'D)
You couldn't shut up even when the
headmaster said you were
misinterpreting Saint Thomas' meaning.
Michael swallows another oyster.
PAUL
That ruined your life?
MICHAEL
At Berkeley, when you lost your faith
you couldn't stop talking about it.
You've never cared whom you hurt.
PAUL
Obviously, you weren't affected
because you became a priest.
Unless...unless you became a priest
because you were running away from
something...
The bartender breaks open six more oysters.
PAUL (CONT'D)
I'm beginning to get the picture.
Jesus called you as he called me in
Saint Matthew's, didn't he? It was
when we were at Berkeley.
Michael throws his head back, raises another oyster, stops,
puts the oyster down and stares at the bar.
PAUL (CONT'D)
You didn't answer Jesus' Call. "Many
are called but few are chosen." How
few, Michael? That's the terrible
truth you don't want me to discover,
isn't it?
Michael reaches for his bottle but Paul stops him.
PAUL (CONT'D)
No more booze, Michael.
(to bartender)
Where's the men's room?
The bartender nods toward the back of the restaurant.
INT. OYSTER BAR. MEN'S ROOM - DAY
The men's room is crowded. Michael is unable to get to the
sink or toilet. He vomits on the floor. Everyone clears out.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
68.
BARTENDER
What's goin' on back here?
Bartender sees the mess on the floor.
BARTENDER (CONT'D)
AWWWWWW! Joey! Joey, get a mop and
clean the men's head.
PAUL
Let me give you something for your
trouble...
BARTENDER
Just take this guy outta here.
Michael is unable to walk on his own.
EXT. JACKSON SQUARE. LAFITTE APARTMENTS. BALCONY - NIGHT
Paul watches Mardi Gras wind down in Jackson Square. He tries
Ben's cellphone, then leaves a message at Ben's hotel.
PAUL
Tell Mr. Sachs I'd like our group to
meet for breakfast at the Cafe Lafitte
tomorrow around eight o'clock.
INT. JACKSON SQUARE. LAFITTE APARTMENT. LIVING ROOM - DAY
Michael is dressed and about to go out the door. Paul is
waking up on the sofa.
PAUL
I didn't expect to see you up so
early.
MICHAEL
It's Ash Wednesday in case you forgot.
I'm going to get coffee at the Cafe
Lafitte before I distribute ashes.
Michael shuts the door as Paul begins to dress.
EXT. JACKSON SQUARE. CAFE LAFITTE - DAY
As Paul sits, the waiter serves Michael three steaming cups
of black coffee. Michael drains the first cup.
PAUL
"Many are called but few are chosen."
How few, Michael?
MICHAEL
Let it go.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
69.
Michael drains the second cup.
PAUL
What you know contradicts everything
the church teaches about salvation.
That's the terrible truth you don't
want me to discover, isn't it?
MICHAEL
I accept without reservation the
magisterium of Holy Mother Church.
Michael stands and drains the last cup.
MICHAEL (CONT'D)
I have to go to work.
As Michael leaves, Maria approaches.
MARIA
Where's Michael off to?
PAUL
He has to help distribute ashes.
Where's Ben?
MARIA
I wanted to speak to you alone.
PAUL
Should I be encouraged?
MARIA
Why did you act out at the conference?
PAUL
I was bored.
MARIA
You blew an opportunity to get some
ideas with time running out.
PAUL
Maria, it was just a rehash of the
same stuff they've been saying for
thousands of years.
MARIA
You didn't give it a chance, Paul.
PAUL
Michael wants me to stop searching.
I think he knows the Final Story but
won't tell me because it's terrible.
(MORE)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
70.
PAUL (CONT'D)
He thinks I'll spread it around the
globe at the speed of Twitter.
MARIA
Only a week and a half left, Paul.
Jennifer and Indira arrive. Jennifer overhears.
JENNIFER
A week and a half left for what?
PAUL
Maria says that's how much time I
have to put together the Final Story.
JENNIFER
Then you'll just have to come to our
seminar tomorrow. We'll be discussing
the grand-cycle theories of history.
That is, of course, if it's okay
with Prof. Chowdury for you to come.
PAUL
She may not want me after my
performance at the conference.
INDIRA
You are welcome to join us anytime,
Paul.
JENNIFER
Then it's settled.
Ben arrives and sits down. Maria stands.
MARIA
I'm going to get ashes. Anyone want
to join me?
BEN
Not me.
PAUL
I'll go with you, Maria.
EXT. JACKSON SQUARE - DAY
Paul and Maria leave the cafe and walk though the square to
the church on the opposite side.
INT. CHURCH - DAY
Several priests are distributing ashes from the sanctuary.
Paul and Maria get in Michael's queue.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
71.
Michael acknowledges Maria with a nod before placing ashes
on her forehead.
MICHAEL
Dust thou art. From dust thou came
and unto dust thou shalt return.
Michael takes a pinch of ashes as Paul steps forward.
PAUL
How few enter the Kingdom of God?
Michael smudges ashes on Paul's forehead.
MICHAEL
The single act of refusing Jesus'
Call does not decide our spiritual
fate. The fundamental option of all
our actions decides it.
PAUL
Preacher John says the Call is
personal judgment and simply informs
us of our fundamental option.
EXT. CHURCH STEPS - DAY
Paul stares across the street into Jackson Square.
MARIA
Penny for your thoughts.
PAUL
Preacher John said I'm missing the
big picture. He said the big picture
was the Providence of God alone.
MARIA
You are God, remember?
PAUL
That and five dollars buys a coffee
at the airport.
INT. UNIVERSITY. SEMINAR ROOM - DAY
Seated around the seminar table with Indira and Paul are
Jennifer, Margaret and Elizabeth, from the discussion at
Ben's, and a male student, TOD.
INDIRA
One grand cycle? Or endlessly
repeating cycles? A finite or an
infinite universe? Which do you
prefer, Paul?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
72.
PAUL
They are both linear -- all events
happening in sequence. My universe
is non-linear. All events happen
simultaneously.
TOD
All events have already happened?
JENNIFER
In a non-linear or nonlocal universe,
all events are always happening.
Margaret and Elizabeth look at each other.
TOD
No time or space? How does that work?
PAUL
Balance isn't a process. Applied to
the universe, balance connects
everything instantly as if time and
space did not exist.
TOD
Are we talking real world here?
JENNIFER
Yes, Tod, our universe is nonlocal.
Ever hear of Bell's Theorem and the
Aspect experiment that verified it?
Margaret and Elizabeth look at each other and smile.
INDIRA
As we've discussed, Tod, this is
much like Hindu understanding of the
unity of all things.
PAUL
Hindu thought assumes Oneness of all
things. That's where I want to end
up but I can't just declare it so.
TOD
Why not?
PAUL
It's impossible to privilege one
aspect of the One-Many binary without
arbitrarily suppressing the other.
JENNIFER
The play of signifying references
cannot be stabilized.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
73.
Margaret and Elizabeth look at each other again and smile.
ELIZABETH
Was Paul tutoring you in New Orleans,
Jennifer?
JENNIFER
Mentoring. The word is mentoring.
MARGARET
Mentoring. Right. Got it.
JENNIFER
Shut up.
INDIRA
Ladies.
PAUL
Jennifer's right. I need to go beyond
language and repeat the experience I
told you about at the discussion.
TOD
Somebody want to fill me in?
JENNIFER
Basically, Paul had an interface
with another time.
TOD
Interface? Are you talking wormhole?
JENNIFER
He experienced someone from another
time. Except it wasn't another time
because all events are always
happening.
TOD
I'm having trouble understanding
this.
JENNIFER
You're trying to understand using
language. The experience Paul needs
to repeat is beyond words.
ELIZABETH
I'll say it's beyond words.
MARGARET
Yeah. Good luck with that.
The bell rings ending class.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
74.
INT. UNIVERSITY. ENTRANCE TO HUMANITIES BUILDING - DAY
Jennifer walks Paul out, her arm in his.
JENNIFER
Sorry our seminar wasn't helpful.
PAUL
Now, I'm at a complete loss.
Jennifer squeezes Paul's arm.
JENNIFER
Know what you need to do?
PAUL
I'm afraid to ask.
JENNIFER
Go to Israel.
PAUL
Why would I want to go to Israel?
JENNIFER
So you can open the interface with
the past again.
PAUL
Ummm.
JENNIFER
And you know the best part?
PAUL
Solving this isn't the best part?
JENNIFER
Our field trip is next week. Margaret,
Elizabeth, and I will stop in Israel
before going on to Athens. You can
join me -- I mean us -- in Jerusalem's
Old City.
PAUL
Well, I am at a dead end with
everything else.
JENNIFER
Then it's settled. Meet us at the
hospice near the Jaffa Gate. I'll
text you the details.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
75.
EXT. WASHINGTON SQUARE. ARCH - DAY
Preacher John is leaving as Paul arrives.
PAUL
John, wait up.
PREACHER JOHN
What's with the suitcase?
PAUL
I'm going to Israel.
PREACHER JOHN
Israel? Why?
PAUL
I need to repeat the experience I
had in Saint Matthew's.
PREACHER JOHN
We've discussed this. The Call
experience can't be repeated.
PAUL
All things are One through balance.
That means all events are always
happening. Somehow, I need to move
from the Many aspect to the One aspect
to interface with Jesus again.
PREACHER JOHN
You're getting into deep water, Paul.
PAUL
I've been in deep water for years.
PREACHER JOHN
Just because you haven't drown yet
doesn't mean you can't. I fear for
you.
PAUL
I've exhausted every possibility and
I'm running out of time. This is my
last chance. I have to risk it.
PREACHER JOHN
I want to know how this turns out.
PAUL
I'll be in touch as soon as I return.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
76.
INT. UNIVERSITY CLASSROOM BUILDING - DAY
Ben is leaving as Paul enters.
BEN
Hey, what's with the suitcase, pal?
PAUL
I'm going to Israel.
BEN
Israel? You're kidding.
PAUL
I don't have time to go into it now.
BEN
And you came to say goodbye. What a
guy. But why are you going in the
Business building?
PAUL
Um, I have to use the rest room. See
you when I get back.
Ben waves as he goes out the door.
INT. HALLWAY OUTSIDE MARIA'S CLASSROOM - DAY
Maria is about to enter her classroom. She looks puzzled.
MARIA
Are you going somewhere?
PAUL
Israel. My flight's this afternoon.
MARIA
Why on earth are you going to Israel?
PAUL
Maybe I do need to become God to
solve this puzzle.
MARIA
Tell me you are not serious.
PAUL
I'm close to fulfilling my life-long
dream. I need to explore every
possibility.
MARIA
I'm concerned about you.
(MORE)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
77.
MARIA (CONT'D)
I no longer care if you find the
Final Story. We'll talk after class.
PAUL
I'll miss my flight.
MARIA
I'm losing you, Paul.
Maria enters her classroom. Paul stands in the hallway for a
moment and then exits.
EXT. JERUSALEM OLD CITY. VARIOUS LOCATIONS - DAY
Paul, Jennifer, Margaret, and Elizabeth tour the Western
Wall, the Dome of the Rock, and the Via Delarosa.
EXT. JERUSALEM. ISRAEL MUSEUM - DAY
The four exit an exhibit building and stand in the plaza.
JENNIFER
What's wrong, Paul.
PAUL
This isn't getting me anywhere. I'm
going to Galilee this afternoon.
JENNIFER
See the Dead Sea Scrolls first.
PAUL
Where do we have to go for that?
JENNIFER
Right here. See the building shaped
like the top of a clay jar that once
stored the ancient Qumran scrolls?
Jennifer points to the Shrine of the Book.
PAUL
A bunch of dusty 2,000-year-old
manuscripts? How will that help?
JENNIFER
The cafeteria is on the way. Maybe
you'll be more agreeable after you've
had something to eat.
INT. SHRINE OF THE BOOK - DAY
The four examine the central exhibit: the Isaiah scroll.
Paul whispers to Jennifer and nods toward two nearby visitors.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
78.
PAUL
Listen to what they're saying.
FEMALE VISITOR
The Qumran monks believed in a world
divided into Sons of Light and Sons
of Darkness.
MALE VISITOR
An idea they got from the Zorastrians,
no doubt.
FEMALE VISITOR
The monks also believed in a strange
kind of predestination.
MALE VISITOR
Pre-Christian Gnosticism, perhaps?
FEMALE VISITOR
There are definite Gnostic elements,
but the Qumran monks' predestination
was unique. They called themselves
the true remnant.
MALE VISITOR
Yeah? Where did they get that idea?
FEMALE VISITOR
It's written on the Isaiah scroll in
front of you. "For though thy people,
Israel, be as the sand of the sea,
only a remnant of them shall return,"
Isaiah 10:22.
MALE VISITOR
These monks based their worldview on
a single scriptural passage?
FEMALE VISITOR
No. There's also Jeremiah 42:2,
"Though we were once many, now only
a remnant remains." Also Micah 2:12,
"I will surely gather together the
remnant of Israel," and Micah 5:7,
"The remnant of Jacob shall be in
the midst of many people,"
MALE VISITOR
Come on, those guys all cribbed from
one another.
Paul draws a hexagram on his hand and shows it to Jennifer.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
79.
PAUL
The triangles represent Preacher
John's main idea of two worlds, one
scattering, the other gathering...
Jennifer finishes Paul's sentence.
JENNIFER
...Gathering into the true remnant
like the monks at Qumran. The girls
and I plan to stop at Qumran this
afternoon on our way to En Gedi...
Jennifer put her arm through Paul's arm.
JENNIFER (CONT'D)
...And you are coming with us.
EXT. QUMRAN MONASTERY RUINS - DAY
Paul and the women follow a tourist group.
TOUR GUIDE
In this forbidding place, during the
reign of King Herod, a Jewish sect
waited for the end of the world which
they believed was near. They called
themselves the true remnant of Israel,
and believed they alone deserved to
be called chosen -- the elect of
God, the Sons of Light. While they
waited for the final battle between
themselves and an evil world, they
shared their possessions in common.
Each day, they followed a strict
routine of work, ritual baths, and
prayer. They copied the Bible and
other manuscripts onto leather,
copper, and parchment scrolls, and
put them in clay jars which they
stored the in surrounding caves.
The guide waves toward the hills behind the site.
TOURIST
Was Jesus ever one of the monks?
TOUR GUIDE
Scholars are divided. Some say, yes.
Others say, no.
TOURIST
What do you think?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
80.
TOUR GUIDE
The monks believed in reincarnation.
Jesus did not.
PAUL
If Jesus did not believe in
reincarnation, what did he mean when
he said that Elijah had already
returned?
The guide ignores Paul.
TOUR GUIDE
Another difference was that Jesus
said all could enter his Father's
kingdom, not just a remnant.
PAUL
Then what did he mean when he said,
"Many are called but few are chosen?"
The guide scows and mutters under his breath. Jennifer brushes
against Paul and whispers in his ear.
JENNIFER
Paul, the iconoclast, destroyer of
sacred truths.
Elizabeth and Margaret stay with the group. Paul and Jennifer
mount the stairs to a platform where the ancient monastery
watchtower once stood.
EXT. WATCHTOWER PLATFORM - DAY
Paul and Jennifer pause for a moment to take in the view.
Heat waves rising from the Dead Sea make the hills of Moab
on the far shore appear to dance.
PAUL
Go on to En Gedi without me.
JENNIFER
I'm not going to leave you here alone.
PAUL
I have to be alone if I'm going to
experience Jesus again.
JENNIFER
I don't like this, but I know it's
why you agreed to come to Israel.
Jennifer embraces Paul.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
81.
JENNIFER (CONT'D)
We'll wait for you at En Gedi.
EXT. QUMRAN MONASTERY. CEMETERY - DAY
30 C.E. Paul sits facing the Dead Sea, his back to the
monastery. A man runs toward Paul wearing an ancient robe.
He takes no note of Paul's modern dress -- green golf visor,
white knit polo shirt, and khaki trousers.
GUARDIAN'S ASSISTANT
Paul! The Guardian is waiting!
Paul turns.
PAUL
Who are you?
GUARDIAN'S ASSISTANT
The Guardian's assistant.
PAUL
Guardian?
GUARDIAN'S ASSISTANT
The spiritual leader of the monastery.
You've been sitting in the sun too
long. Come on, he's waiting at the
watchtower with the novice candidate,
Jesus of Nazareth.
PAUL
Jesus is here now?
GUARDIAN'S ASSISTANT
Yes. The Guardian needs an impartial
witness for the interrogation.
PAUL
I get to meet Jesus?
The assistant wipes the sweat from his face with his sleeve.
GUARDIAN'S ASSISTANT
Yes. Come on.
INT. WEST BANK. QUMRAN MONASTERY WATCHTOWER - DAY
The room is small with a window overlooking the Dead Sea.
The Guardian and Jesus are dressed in ancient robes. Like
the Assistant, they do not note Paul's modern clothing.
GUARDIAN
You took your time.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
82.
PAUL
I agreed to take part in this only
because I want of fulfill my lifelong
dream to learn the Final Story.
GUARDIAN
You're a story teller? I thought you
were a grain merchant. No matter.
Let's get this over with.
PAUL
Why do you need an impartial witness?
JESUS
Because he's throwing me out.
GUARDIAN
He's quite bright. Very perceptive.
The Guardian starts to leave. Jesus' shoulders slump.
PAUL
Wait. As witness, I have a right to
know why you don't want him here.
The Guardian sighs and comes back into the room and goes to
the window. He gazes at the Dead Sea before he speaks.
GUARDIAN
Jesus has a kinsman named John, son
of the old Abijah priest, Zacharias.
We threw John out six months ago
because he insisted that anyone could
enter the Kingdom of God through
repentance and baptism. That's heresy.
It contradicts our great Teacher of
Righteousness who proclaimed that
only the Sons of Light can enter the
Kingdom of God. If I allow Jesus to
stay, his presence will remind the
other monks of John's apostasy.
PAUL
It's not fair to judge Jesus by his
kinsman's beliefs.
GUARDIAN
Okay, okay, my diligent witness.
Tell us, Jesus of Nazareth. What do
you believe?
JESUS
I believe as the community does.
(MORE)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
83.
JESUS (CONT'D)
A person is either of the light or
of the darkness from the beginning.
I believe the chosen are the few who
live in this monastery.
ABBOT
Fine, but that's not enough.
PAUL
Are you changing the rules?
The Guardian draws a deep breath.
GUARDIAN
No, Paul. Candidates also must have
a spiritual experience known to us
as the Calling. No one who has had
the experience, and revealed what
happened, has been turned away.
PAUL
Yeah, I had such a call when I was
in Saint Matthew's church.
JESUS
Yes, so did I. It was one night three
years ago. I'll never forget it. I
thought I heard someone call me -- a
merchant who passed through Nazareth
that day. I understood that this
merchant was "He Who Comes in the
name of the Lord," Psalm 118:26. I
put on my tunic, and went out into
the night. I set the latch behind me
because I did not intend to return.
GUARDIAN
(smirking)
And the Lord was there to greet you?
JESUS
No one was there. I waited. Then I
returned to the house and woke my
mother to let me in.
GUARDIAN
You're lying. You never left the
house.
JESUS
I am not lying.
GUARDIAN
Okay, I believe you.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
84.
PAUL
All right then. You can admit him.
GUARDIAN
No, it is because I believe him that
I cannot admit him.
PAUL
Guardian, your community claims to
be the true remnant. What Jesus just
told us proves he, too, is of the
remnant. Yet, you reject him. You
dishonor yourself. I insist you tell
Jesus why you will not admit him.
GUARDIAN
You are as pesky as these flies,
Paul.
(swats the air)
But I will indulge you this once.
What I am going to show you now will
break a solemn vow of secrecy. No
one but the inner circle of elders
has seen what you are about to see.
The Guardian takes a piece of limestone from his robe and
draws a hexagram (six-pointed star) on the floor.
GUARDIAN (CONT'D)
This is the true symbol of existence
as taught to us by our great Teacher
of Righteousness. But its meaning is
not apparent as you see it here. To
get the meaning, you must place the
triangles side-by-side.
The Guardian draws the opposing triangles side-by-side.
GUARDIAN (CONT'D)
Two opposite worlds always in balance
with each other and within themselves.
No one crosses from one to the other.
God decided at the beginning of time
who is in each world.
JESUS
How can that be just?
GUARDIAN
Balance is the key. Look closely.
One world begins scattered and ends
gathered. The other begins gathered
and ends scattered.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
85.
JESUS
The first shall be last and the last
shall be first. Balance is divine
justice.
The Guardian starts to exit.
PAUL
Wait. That doesn't explain why you
cannot admit Jesus to your monastery.
The Guardian stops and turns to Paul.
GUARDIAN
Sure it does. He can never fit in
here. I thought you understood, but
you still don't get it, do you?
(to Jesus)
I want you gone within the hour.
The Guardian exits. Paul turns to Jesus.
PAUL
Tell me the Final Story.
JESUS
I have no idea what you mean.
EXT. SHUKAMIT FALLS NEAR THE EN GEDI RESORT - EVENING
Paul and Jennifer stand in front of the waterfall.
PAUL
I wanted to say this away from your
friends. I've had the interface I
sought with timelessness.
JENNIFER
At Qumran? Did Jesus Call you again?
PAUL
No, but I met him. He was trying to
join the monastery. He said he had a
Call experience like I did.
JENNIFER
Did he tell you the Final Story?
PAUL
He didn't know anymore than I do.
JENNIFER
I guess this is a dead end, too.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
86.
PAUL
Why did the Guardian reject Jesus?
There's, something about this I still
don't understand. Maybe Preacher
John was right and the Final Story
is beyond me.
JENNIFER
Come with us to Masada tomorrow.
PAUL
The Guardian's mood changed after
Jesus said he answered the Call...but
all the monks at Qumran would have
given the same answer...unless...
JENNIFER
What is it, Paul? You look ill.
Paul sits on the ground. He looks stricken.
JENNIFER (CONT'D)
Maybe you were in the sun too long.
PAUL
I know how a dead man can call people
to follow him.
Jennifer puts her hand on Paul's brow.
JENNIFER
Don't say things like that, Paul
PAUL
I must be the one to tell Jesus.
Otherwise he'll never know.
JENNIFER
If everything is determined by balance
in a nonlocal quantum universe, it's
not possible to change events.
PAUL
That only means that my revealing
what I know to Jesus is always
happening. I am an essential part of
this and always have been.
Jennifer puts her arms around Paul.
JENNIFER
You're not thinking clearly. Too
much sun today. Get a good night's
rest and come with us tomorrow.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
87.
PAUL
No, Jesus said he was going to
Jericho. I must go there tomorrow.
JENNIFER
Then I'm coming with you.
PAUL
I have to do this alone.
JENNIFER
You can't stop me, Paul.
EXT. EN GEDI RESORT - DAY
Paul, Jennifer, Margaret and Elizabeth stand with their
luggage as the bus to Masada pulls to a stop.
JENNIFER
Paul thinks the answer he's looking
for may be in Jericho. I'm going
with him.
Margaret glares at Paul.
MARGARET
Oh, no you're not, Jen.
BUS DRIVER
I am leaving, girls. You catch next
bus in afternoon.
ELIZABETH
You know his reputation, Jennifer.
JENNIFER
It's not what you think. I had to
beg him to let me go with him.
There is a HISSSS as the driver releases the brakes.
BUS DRIVER
Bye, bye, girls.
Margaret and Elizabeth get on the bus. Margaret turns.
MARGARET
Hello? This is a no-brainer, Jen.
You've got a crush on him and he's
taking advantage.
JENNIFER
Nothing's changed. We'll rendezvous
at the Christian hospice in Jerusalem.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
88.
ELIZABETH
We are not leaving the West Bank
without you.
(to Paul)
Where can we find you in Jericho?
BUS DRIVER
Stand back, please. I close door.
MARGARET
You're not shutting this door until
we know where to meet our friend.
PAUL
Meet us at the Hisham's Palace Hotel.
ELIZABETH
Oh, great. I told you he only wants
one thing from you, Jen. Now get on
this bus.
Jennifer doesn't move. The door WHOOSES shut and the bus's
tires SKID on the gravel drive as the driver REVS the engine.
INT. JERICHO. HOTEL LOBBY - DAY
The desk clerk gives Paul a receipt for the luggage.
PAUL
Wait here for me. I won't be long.
JENNIFER
No. I'm going with you.
PAUL
Jennifer, you promised to stay here.
JENNIFER
I don't want you sitting on the Mount
of Temptation all day by yourself.
PAUL
I told you, I have to do this alone.
JENNIFER
Paul, I'm going with you and that's
final.
PAUL
All right, but only to the monastery
that guards the summit.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
89.
EXT. WEST BANK. MOUNT OF TEMPTATION. SUMMIT - DAY
30 C.E. Paul and Jesus sit on the summit overlooking the
Judean wilderness. Paul draws two triangles in the dust.
PAUL
I now understand why the Guardian
rejected you. You are the last of
the gathering.
JESUS
All the monks at Qumran are of the
true remnant. They all gather.
PAUL
No, they're poseurs. Neither the
Guardian nor anyone else at the
monastery answered the Call. When
you naively told him you did, he
realized you are the true remnant.
JESUS
I'm confused.
PAUL
The key is balance as the Guardian
said. Scattering starts as one --
Adam -- and gathering ends as one --
you, Jesus.
JESUS
But I want to gather everyone into
the Kingdom of God.
PAUL
Just as Adam was One-into-Many, you
are Many-into-One. In the end, the
true remnant can be only One.
JESUS
All the gathering are already in me?
And the scattering is everyone else?
PAUL
As the last of the gathering, you
are the One who issues the Call.
JESUS
A Call everyone must reject because
they are scattering. I've never heard
anything more cynical.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
90.
PAUL
The judgment of the living and the
dead is not cynical. It's the job of
the true remnant. It's the job that
satisfies balance. It's your job.
JESUS
It's monstrous.
PAUL
That's the good news. The bad news
is you have to physically die before
you begin to issue the Call.
JESUS
No way will I participate in this.
PAUL
(arm around Jesus)
All things are One through balance.
Balance superdetermines everything.
You will play the role balance
requires of you as do we all.
Jesus pulls away from Paul and runs down the trail. Paul
hesitates, then bounds after him.
PAUL (CONT'D)
Jesus! Wait!
EXT. MOUNT OF TEMPTATION. SUMMIT TRAIL - DAY
Present. Instead of catching Jesus, Paul runs into Jennifer
and a monk from the Mount of Temptation monastery.
JENNIFER
Who were you calling out to?
PAUL
Jesus. He went down the trail.
MONK
You are the only one on this trail
besides this woman and myself, sir.
JENNIFER
Did you enter the timeless world of
balance again, Paul?
MONK
He could have heat stroke. Let's get
him to the monastery.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
91.
INT. HOTEL LOBBY - DAY
Margaret and Elizabeth are in the lobby when Paul and Jennifer
arrive.
ELIZABETH
We were worried sick about you, Jen.
JENNIFER
Paul is coming with us to Athens.
Margaret looks at Paul with disgust.
PAUL
I'm not going to Athens.
JENNIFER
You can't stay here alone, Paul.
You're not well.
PAUL
I'm okay. Let's get your luggage.
Paul retrieves Jennifer's luggage from the desk clerk.
EXT. JERICHO STREET - DAY
The four walk to the town square to get a taxi. Paul and
Jennifer walk ahead and keep their voices low.
JENNIFER
I go along with all-events-always-
happening only up to a point. I think
you've had too much sun. You need to
come with us.
PAUL
I still don't know the Final Story.
I know Jesus and I can figure this
out together. I have to see him again.
A tear rolls down Jennifer's cheek.
EXT. JERICHO. TOWN SQUARE - DAY
A driver gets out of his taxi as the four approach.
JERICHO TAXI DRIVER
You tour? Good, good. We like the
English in Palestine. We not mad
about Balfour Declaration. I make
joke. But serious, we have special
rate for English.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
92.
PAUL
I'll bet you do. Take these ladies
to Ben Gurion Airport. Here, this
should cover the fare.
JERICHO TAXI DRIVER
Ah, you American, not English. Tell
me about Jeemmee Carter. He is poet
now. Is true, no? Ah, you Americans.
You all crazy. I make joke.
PAUL
No detours, got it?
JERICHO TAXI DRIVER
Everything detour in West Bank now.
But I get Americans with passports
though no problem. Not to worry.
The driver puts the luggage in the trunk. Margaret and
Elizabeth get in the back seat of the taxi.
MARGARET
Jennifer! Come on!
Jennifer hugs Paul and kisses him on the cheek.
PAUL
I'll be okay.
JENNIFER
Call me when you get back.
EXT. RIVER JORDAN - DAY
30 C.E. Paul approaches the river. A group of people dressed
in ancient robes are gathered around Jesus.
NICHODEMUS
Rabbi, I am Nichodemus, a member of
the Sanhedrin. Tell me, if you can,
what must a person do to enter the
Kingdom of God?
JESUS
You must follow me.
TALL WOMAN
I follow you and I have not entered
the Kingdom of God.
JESUS
You do not follow me. You walk behind
me.
(MORE)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
93.
JESUS (CONT'D)
When I say follow me, I mean follow
into me. Become me. Give up all right
to yourself.
A large, red-bearded man holds his huge stomach.
RED BEARD
Then I would be nobody.
Red Beard laughs and the crowd laughs with him.
JESUS
You wouldn't be nobody. You'd be me.
TALL WOMAN
Are you crazy? What you say is
impossible.
JESUS
What is humanly impossible is not
impossible for the Children of Light.
NICHODEMUS
Rabbi, I don't believe Ive seen the
Kingdom of God on a map. Is it in
the sky or beneath the earth?
JESUS
The Kingdom of God is within.
NICHODEMUS
Ah, within. And you can only get
there by forsaking yourself. I find
you amusing, Rabbi. You missed your
calling. You should be entertaining
the court of King Herod.
RED BEARD
This man is no rabbi. He is a
trickster. He plays word games to
confuse us.
NICHODEMUS
Stop with the riddles. Tell us
directly, is it possible for anyone
to enter the Kingdom of God?
JESUS
Do not concern yourself with others,
Nichodemus. Follow me when I call,
and you will enter the Kingdom of
God.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
94.
A DISCIPLE
But, Master, we gave up everything
when you called us, and we have not
entered the Kingdom of God.
JESUS
The only Call that matters is the
one you receive from me after I go
to the Father.
TALL WOMAN
When will you Call us?
JESUS
No one knows when the Son of Man
will come for you. Be ready at all
times.
MERCHANT
But what if I can't come when you
Call? I have obligations -- a family,
a business...
JESUS
The person who hesitates cannot be
with me in the Kingdom of God.
NICHODEMUS
That's pretty harsh, Rabbi. Can't
you soften it a bit. After all,
allowances must be made.
JESUS
If you do not abandon mother and
father, brother and sister, spouse
and children, friends, everything
that you have, and give up your
identity to become me, you cannot
enter the Kingdom of God. The person
who tries to preserve this life will
lose it, and the person who gives up
all possessions, including self, for
my sake, will find life.
PRIEST
How dare you presume to Call me while
I'm performing my priestly duties at
the Temple.
JESUS
Your duty is to follow me.
PRIEST
This carpenter's son puts service to
himself above service to God.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
95.
JESUS
I and the Father are one.
PRIEST
He blasphemes! You are all witnesses.
NICHODEMUS
This is serious, Rabbi. You are
accused of blasphemy. Deny it for
your own sake.
Jesus stoops to draw the hexagram in the dust.
JESUS
When I go to the Father, I will gather
to the center of existence. Each of
you has a moment of balance when
your personal center coincides with
the center of existence. At that
moment, I will Call you to give up
who you are to become One with me.
The person who does not gather with
me scatters. The person who hesitates
is lost. There is no second chance.
PRIEST
Blasphemer! Only God can Call us.
JESUS
If my Father requires you to serve
me for his sake, what is that to
you?
PRIEST
Blasphemer! You are all witnesses.
Paul goes to Jesus.
PAUL
You must tell them no one can answer
your Call because everyone scatters.
JESUS
The Final Story is your job, Paul.
PAUL
The Final Story is the Last Judgment?
JESUS
Yes. My job is personal judgment.
Your job is general or Last Judgment.
PAUL
You're the last of the gathering.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
96.
JESUS
You gathered with me when you answered
the Call. We are One.
PAUL
But every life must end balanced.
JESUS
Every life except mine. I sacrifice
my life so personal judgment can
begin. And so you can reveal the
truth hidden since the beginning.
PAUL
Balance is served if one person knows
the truth. The Final Story doesn't
have to be told.
JESUS
The Final Story counters all other
stories. Since they are told, the
Final Story must be told. You need
only tell it once to satisfy balance.
PAUL
No way will I participate in this.
JESUS
(arm around Paul)
All things are One through balance.
Balance superdetermines everything.
You will play the role balance
requires of you as do we all.
INT. GYM AT ROB'S SCHOOL - DAY
Rob finishes basketball practice.
ROB
Dad! Did you find the Final Story?
PAUL
Yes...yes, I did.
Rob puts his hand up for a high five.
ROB
Way to go, Dad. Now, you can finish
your new book.
PAUL
I've decided not to tell the Final
Story, Rob.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
97.
ROB
I thought this was the story you've
dreamed your whole life of telling.
PAUL
This isn't going to be easy to
understand. It's going to require
maturity on your part.
ROB
I can handle it.
PAUL
Some things are best left unsaid,
and that applies to the Final Story
above all.
ROB
You're right, Dad, I don't understand.
PAUL
How shall I say this? Sooner or later
everyone has an existence experience
that teaches from within the part of
the Final Story that relates to them.
ROB
I don't know it, do I?
PAUL
Not yet. But you will.
ROB
It must be okay to tell it if
everybody knows it anyway.
PAUL
This is the difficult part, Rob. We
know the truth, but as long as nobody
talks about it, we don't have to
face the consequences.
ROB
Why would talking about it be so
bad?
PAUL
Because it would confirm what we
learn from within. Without that
confirmation, we can entertain
doubt...
ROB
...Not knowing makes hope possible.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
98.
PAUL
You've really grown up, Rob.
ROB
If you're not going to tell the Final
Story, what are you going to do,
Dad?
PAUL
I...I don't know.
Rob and Paul embrace.
INT. BATTERY PARK OFFICE BUILDING. MARIA'S OFFICE - DUSK
Maria's assistant picks up the phone.
MARIA'S ASSISTANT
Mr. Genet is here...you may go in.
Paul notices that Maria's assistant looks concerned.
PAUL
What is it? What's wrong?
MARIA'S ASSISTANT
I shouldn't say anything, but she's
been really down since you left for
Israel. I've never seen her like
this. I hope you have good news.
Paul enters Maria's office. She remains at her desk.
PAUL
I made the deadline.
MARIA
Okay. I want to hear this Final Story.
PAUL
The Final Story is the Last Judgment.
MARIA
I told you, no secrets.
PAUL
Where do things stand between you
and Ben?
MARIA
We're having dinner tonight. I'll
accept his proposal if you don't
tell me the Final Story.
Paul hesitates.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
99.
PAUL
You may regret putting me in this
position.
MARIA
Are you going to tell me or not?
PAUL
Let's ride the Staten Island Ferry
over and back.
MARIA
I have to be back by seven.
EXT. NEW YORK HARBOR - DUSK TO NIGHT
Ferry crosses from Manhattan to Staten Island and back.
INT. STATEN ISLAND FERRY - NIGHT
The ferry nears Manhattan. Paul and Maria are seated inside.
Maria is visibly upset.
MARIA
If what you're saying is true, the
entire human race is involved in a
conspiracy of silence.
She goes outside. Paul follows.
EXT. STATEN ISLAND FERRY - NIGHT
As the ferry nears the docking slip, Maria stands by the
railing and peers into the black waters.
MARIA
Your Final Story is monstrous, Paul.
Admit this is just your overactive
writer's imagination.
The ferry pushes against the end of the docking slip and
lurches to a stop.
MARIA (CONT'D)
Last chance, Paul. I understand you
have to pretend for the public, but
you must tell me the truth.
Paul looks away. The crew lowers the gangplank.
MARIA (CONT'D)
This is all my fault. I pushed you
too hard.
Maria flees into the terminal.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
100.
INT. FERRY TERMINAL BUILDING - NIGHT
Paul catches up to Maria but she breaks away when the
skateboarder who shoved Paul into Maria in Washington Square
grabs Paul's shoulder.
SKATER
The lady wants you to get lost, dude.
Paul pushes the skater and he falls. As Paul starts after
Maria again, a port authority officer stops him.
PAUL
I have to go.
The officer presses his nightstick against Paul's chest.
PORT AUTHORITY OFFICER
You wanna busted arm?
The skater stands and brushes himself off.
PORT AUTHORITY OFFICER (CONT'D)
You okay, fella?
SKATER
Yeah. Me and him got a history. Maybe
we'll just call it even.
Paul breaks away and rushes from the terminal.
EXT. FERRY TERMINAL BUILDING - NIGHT
Paul gets to the curb just as Maria's taxi pulls away. Paul
pushes a man out of the way to take the next taxi in line.
INT. TAXI - NIGHT
PAUL
Follow that yellow cab.
NYC TAXI DRIVER
Which one? There are 15, maybe 20,
yellow cabs in front of us. And a
million more just like 'em in NYC.
PAUL
Yeah, well, forget it.
The driver studies Paul in the rear view mirror.
NYC TAXI DRIVER
Hey, I know you.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
101.
PAUL
How could you know me?
NYC TAXI DRIVER
Yeah, I never forget a face. You're
the jerk I almost ran over uptown a
couple of weeks ago. Look, I'm sorry
about that, Mac. Tell you what. This
fare's on me. Where to?
PAUL
Greenwich Village.
NYC TAXI DRIVER
Women troubles, huh, Mac? I saw you
tryin' to catch the broad -- excuse
my language. Listen, I really didn't
see where her cab went. Anyways,
don't let 'em get you down. It's the
human condition, know what I mean?
PAUL
Yeah, tell me about the human
condition.
INT. TAXI - FIRST LIGHT
Taxi driver awakens Paul who was asleep in the back seat.
NYC TAXI DRIVER
No couple went in or out of that
town house all night, Mac. It's
getting light and I'm off duty. Let's
call it a night.
Paul yawns, rubs his eyes, then hands the driver two bills.
PAUL
Thanks. Here...for your trouble.
The driver takes the money. Paul exits the cab and it leaves.
EXT. BEN'S TOWN HOUSE - DAWN
Paul stands in the doorway, shivering. The street is covered
with a dusting of snow. The leafless branches of the trees
along the sidewalk add to the bleakness. Ben opens the door.
BEN
Hey, pal, what are you doing standing
out here in the cold?
Ben motions for Paul to enter.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
102.
PAUL
Waiting for you to come home from
dinner with Maria last night.
INT. BEN'S TOWN HOUSE - DAWN
BEN
She never showed up. I went by her
apartment, but there was no answer.
I sat in a bar until it closed, then
came back here.
PAUL
Yeah, the cabby didn't say no one
went in. He said no couple when in.
BEN
You were sitting in that cab parked
outside my house all night?
PAUL
I had to talk to Maria. We had an
argument earlier after I told her
the Final Story...
BEN
You and Maria?
PAUL
Let's make sure she's okay, Ben.
INT. LOWER MANHATTAN. VARIOUS LOCATIONS - DAY
Paul at his hotel and Maria's business and university offices.
INT. MARIA'S APARTMENT - DAY
Ben enters, finds Maria on the floor in the bathroom.
EXT. BEN'S TOWN HOUSE - DAY
Paul is waiting at the door when Ben returns. He doesn't
look at Paul. His voice quavers.
BEN
Maria's dead. She shot herself.
Paul goes white. He holds the door frame for support.
PAUL
Did she leave a note?
BEN
No. Come inside.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
103.
INT. BEN'S TOWN HOUSE. LIVING ROOM - DAY
BEN
Why did you and Maria argue?
PAUL
She wanted me to say the Final Story
was just my imagination. I refused.
BEN
You told her. Now you can tell me.
PAUL
I won't be telling it again.
Ben walks to a small desk against the wall. He takes a
revolver from the drawer and points it at Paul. His hand is
shaking.
BEN
You betrayed me.
A tense moment passes.
PAUL
You'd be doing me a favor.
A bereft Ben slumps into a chair, sobbing.
BEN
Maria...Maria...
Paul slips the revolver from Ben's hand, removes the bullets,
and puts them in his pocket. Paul exits the apartment.
EXT. WASHINGTON SQUARE. ARCH - DAY
Winter. Few people are out, but Preacher John has a small
congregation surrounding him. Paul interrupts.
PAUL
Maria took her life last night.
PREACHER JOHN
Folks, that's all for now. Please
excuse me. Paul, I'm sorry. What
happened?
PAUL
I told her the Final Story. She wanted
me to admit it was just my overactive
writer's imagination.
PREACHER JOHN
And you couldn't do that?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
104.
PAUL
No. She said we were finished and
broke away. Ben...Ben found her.
PREACHER JOHN
And you think she took her life
because of what you told her?
PAUL
She rejected the Final Story. She
thought I had gone over the edge.
She blamed herself for pushing me.
PREACHER JOHN
How long did you know Maria? A month?
Paul, you didn't know her well enough
to know why she despaired.
PAUL
I don't believe that, but I can't
say you're wrong.
PREACHER JOHN
I have a couple of questions. Does
the Final Story confirm Isaiah was
right about the remnant?
PAUL
Yes, if Isaiah meant that in the end
the remnant can be only One.
PREACHER JOHN
So Nietzsche was right when he said
there was only one Christian?
PAUL
Yes. As Adam was One into Many, Jesus
is Many into One.
PREACHER JOHN
Was John Calvin right about double
predestination?
PAUL
Both gathering and scattering are
predestined by balance.
PREACHER JOHN
And that's just?
PAUL
The first shall be last and the last
first. Balance is divine justice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
105.
PREACHER JOHN
Doesn't the Last Judgment have to be
proclaimed to the world?
PAUL
Balance is satisfied. There is nothing
more that needs to be done or said.
PREACHER JOHN
Will there be an apocalypse?
PAUL
Yes, but forget Revelations. The end
of the world will happen naturally.
PREACHER JOHN
And time has already ended.
PAUL
Yes. Time began with subject-object
split. It ended with nonlocality.
Preacher John is silent for a moment.
PREACHER JOHN
What are you going to do now?
PAUL
I wish I could withdraw into the
desert like the ancient hermits. I'm
thankful the kids are in good hands
with Sara.
PREACHER JOHN
Is there anything I can do for you?
PAUL
Are you still in contact with the
abbot of that monastery where they
follow a strict rule of silence?
Preacher John takes out his cell phone and checks for the
abbot's information.
PREACHER JOHN
I can make an appointment for you.
The rest will be up to you.
PAUL
Thanks, John. Text me when you've
made the arrangements.
Paul starts to walk away.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
106.
PREACHER JOHN
Careful, Paul.
(beat)
The definition of insanity begins
with those who claim they are Jesus.
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