Day 22 Assignment

[Joe Donato]

Joe’s Climax

(Really? A great title for a raunchy comedy)

This always happens: I start writing. I think I’ve done the task at hand, and I “publish/submit” and then, an hour later I think of more ways to make it better. I’ve already got two more ideas to strengthen this, but that’s what rewrites are for right? Here’s the first draft. I did it. I got closure to the physical part of the plot. I could drag that fight out more and more, depending on the producer’s desired budget or time lengths, but I know it will still end with the Antagonist contained, humbled and the Protagonists wounded and scarred but otherwise able to walk away with their lives and hope for a future. that “20 percent” rule is a real game-changer.

EXT. RAVINE – DUSK

The Kid stares at the wreckage of his zombie car as he hyperventilates with anger.

He crawls down into the wreckage.

He finds a rock and smashes into what’s left of the opaque front windshield. It doesn’t easily give, but he persists until light breaks into the interior.

He cleans off broken glass and reaches in deep to grab a monitor secured to the dashboard with velcro.

He shakes it until it comes to life. It shows a beacon coming closer to him. He hears a car approaching.

He crawls to the edge of the ravine and scurries up the bank. He peers over the edge to see a Volkswagon bus pulling up, blaring a classic rock traveling anthem.

It screeches to a halt. Chuck steps out and observes the scene.

The kid’s tesla is on the other side of the hole, but the kid is nowhere in sight. Chuck walks to the edge of the ravine.

The kid does his best to shove himself into a crevice on the wall of the ravine, becoming one with the clay, even painting some on his face.

Chuck turns and nods to the vehicle.

Ruth steps out and approaches Chuck.

CHUCK

We know you’re here. We come in peace if you do.

SOMETHING SHOEMTHING. Ruth takes a break. It doesn’t seem to be working, or Chuck intervenes because its too scary because the kid is testing her to see if she’s afraid.

CHUCK

That’s right. I’m gonna protect her. Because I love her. That’s what gives my life purpose.

KID

Oh yeah? well you crushed my purpose.

CHUCK

Because you used it as a weapon.

KID

Better than a gun. You’re still alive aren’t you? Besides, You sure you didn’t deserve it?

CHUCK

Ok, you think I deserve it? Tell you what. I’ll put down my gun if you put down your phone.

The kid slowly pulls his phone out and thinks long and hard.

CHUCK

I’m serious.

Chuck throws the gun into the sagebrush and puts his hands up.

the kid slowly puts his phone on the ground at his feet.

KID

I’m still thinkin’ about it.

Chuck looks over at Ruth. She eggs him on with a nod.

CHUCK

(in his relaxed late night DJ voice)

What’s your name?

KID

Why does it matter?

CHUCK

We all got names. Mine is Chuck.

KID

I’m Brad.

CHUCK

Where you from?

KID

Why does it matter?

CHUCK

Just tryin’ to get to know you. Tryin’ to see you as something more than a faceless psycho who’s been terrorizing my wife for the past 2 days.

KID

Its not my fault she was in the car when you were trying to hunt me down.

CHUCK

You need to understand something. If I’m in only one in the car, its a tool. If she’s in the car, its a vessel. a sanctuary.

KID

Wasn’t that enough for you? You were free to go, why’d you come back here? Who’s terrorizin who now? Get your son or whoever that is drivin’ the van to take you far away from here.

CHUCK

(back to normal voice)

OK enough of this crap. You want me to leave, make me. C’mon, lets fight it out. Here’s your chance.

He starts walking right to the kid.

KID

What are you gonna attack me?

CHUCK

Are you a minor?

KID

No.

CHUCK

Then yes. Don’t you think you can take a middle-aged old man?

The kid starts backing away.

KID

I’ll press charges!

CHUCK

I’ll pay the fines. Then you’ll get arrested.

The kid runs to his car and starts it up. He starts driving straight for Chuck. Chuck runs into the sagebrush.

the kid circles the sagebrush, afraid to drive straight in.

Chuch searches for his gun while the kid looks for a way in, but Chuck is smart enough to stay in the dense part.

Still, he ventures out as much as he can in search of the gun.

He trips on a rock and falls hard. The car turns to head straight for him. Chuck looks up in fear.

But then his look changes to panic.

CHUCK

Ruth! No!

Ruth appears between the Tesla and Chuck. The Kid slams on the breaks.

RUTH

It’s over here!

She reaches into the brush and pulls out the gun.

The kid’s face changes from shock to betrayal.

She throws the gun to Chuck.

Chuck points the gun at the kid’s tires.

The kid kicks it in hard reverse as Chuck shoots.

The Tesla fights sagebrush, rocks and sand as it retreats slowly as Chuck shoots at the front tires. He tries to stand up and walk but he’s limping now, and falling.

Ruth puts out her hand. Chuck takes it and gets back up. Together they walk towards the retreating kid.

Chuck points the gun with one hand and cradles Ruth with the other, as she helps support him.

Chuck finally hits one tire. The kid continues his retreat.

RUTH

How many more bullets are in that thing?

CHUCK

Uhh, I forget.

The kid gets more desperate as Chuck and Ruth slowly gain.

Chuck gets the other front tire.

They are on the car now. The kid finally stops the car.

Chuck shoots the door handle. It jams the door. The kid can’t get out.

Chuck walks around to the back of the car and points at a back tire, but CLICK CLICK. No more bullets.

Chuck walks up to where the kid can see him. he taps on the glass to get the kid’s attention.

the kid looks up at the gun with fear in his eyes. He stops wrestling with the door.

Now that Chuck has his full attention, Chuck points the gun away from the kid and CLICK CLICK CLICK into the air.

He non-chalantly tosses the gun away again. Ruth shakes her head.

The kid scrambles to the other side of the vehicle and tries other doors. They seem jammed too. Chuck smiles.

Then the back hatch opens. The kid scrambles to the back.

CHUCK

No you don’t!

Chuck lunges for the kid’s leg. They both fall to the ground.

It’s a wrestling match with sand, dirt, sage and sun.

The kid manages to get on top of Chuck and throws the first punch into his nose. But it’s pretty wimpy.

CHUCK

That’s what I thought.

Chuck rolls him around and punches him in the gut. The kid doubles over in tears.

Chuck pulls out handcuffs and handcuffs the kid to the handle of the car. Then he gets up and looks around.

CHUCK

Hey dear, could you help me find his phone?

RUTH

It’s over there.

Chuck starts to hobble over.

RUTH

Here, I’ll get it.

Ruth runs over and gets the phone. They meet halfway.

CHUCK

How do you call 911 on this thing?