Samantha Reynolds
Forum Replies Created
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Sam Reynolds – mid point and reaction
What I am learning is that I just need to keep on going despite not knowing all the answers and not going back and fixing dialogue etc. Not easy for me but so good to do.
EXT. NADINE AND JOHNNY’S HOME – PORCH
Nadine approaches the porch. RACHEL, late 30S, dressed in a suit and reading a magazine, turns to see her.
NADINE
Rachel? Hi. This is unexpected.
RACHEL
I know. I just decided to come down for a bit.
NADINE
What about work? Aren’t traders supposed to not even sleep.
RACHEL
Supposedly. But this one got some time off for good behavior. I haven’t taken a break in years.
NADINE
I know. The entire family knows. So why now?
RACHEL
I had this time so Johnny invited me.
NADINE
Oh. He didn’t tell me.
RACHEL
Probably slipped his mind.
NADINE
Maybe.
RACHEL
Nice to see you too sis. It’s been ages. How are you feeling?
NADINE
Fine.
RACHEL
I’ve been worried about you.
NADINE
I am older than you.
RACHEL
I know. You don’t have to keep reminding me.
Rachel gets up and hugs Nadine who is now on the porch. Nadine half heartedly hugs her sister.
Nadine sees a suitcase by the front door.
NADINE
Plan on moving in.
RACHEL
Two weeks.
That’s too long for Nadine.
RACHEL
What?
NADINE
Just is a long time that’s all.
RACHEL
Can’t I come and visit my big sis.
NADINE
I guess.
Nadine needs to rest her back and sits on one of the porch chairs.
Silence.
NADINE
Let’s cut the crap Rachel. Why are you really here?
RACHEL
I have been thinking about you.
NADINE
You never think about anyone but yourself.
Why now? Why not a month ago? A week ago? Yesterday?
RACHEL
Nadine, I know it hasn’t been easy for you. I can’t imagine what it must feel like.
NADINE
No you can’t. No one can’t.
Johnny set you up for this didn’t he?
RACHEL
He is worried about you. He didn’t know what to do.
NADINE
About what?
RACHEL
About the pretending. The baby is not coming home.
NADINE
He told you? He … behind my back. What? Am I twelve.
RACHEL
His motives were purely out of love.
NADINE
I don’t care what his motives are. He needs to speak to me directly. I am his wife. His partner in all of this.
RACHEL
He loves you.
NADINE
Does he.
Silence.
NADINE
So you are to babysit me? Am I that deranged that I need a babysitter? What am I a child. I can do this on my own. I am older than you.
RACHEL
He is just concerned.
NADINE
For himself. This has nothing to do with me. All he cares about is what it all looks like to everyone else.
RACHEL
Why can’t you accept that you need help. You may not be able to do this all on your own.
NADINE
Watch me.
RACHEL
We all love you.
Nadine gets up and attempts to grab her shopping bags but it is a challenge due to her belly.
RACHEL
Here, let me help you inside.
Rachel reaches for Nadine’s shopping bag. Nadine pulls it from her.
NADINE
Leave me alone.
Nadine gets up and opens the front door. Rachel follows but Nadine lets the door hit Rachel in the face.
INT. BABY ROOM
Nadine runs into the room. She shuts the door, making sure no one is following her.
Nadine opens the walk in closet and hides the new sheets, towels, and drop cloths she bought.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY’S HOME – BEDROOM
Nadine furiously researches on her computer. Rachel knocks on the door.
RACHEL
Nadine. I am sorry. Can I come in and talk?
NADINE
No. Not interested.
Nadine continues to type.
Rachel retreats.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY’S HOME – NIGHT
Johnny arrives home from being out. He creeps in the house, hangs up his coat and heads upstairs.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY’S HOME – BATHROOM – NIGHT
Dark.
Nadine hears Johnny enter.
His footsteps get closer to the bathroom until he opens the door.
Before he can turn on the bathroom light, Nadine does. She has been waiting for him. This is a different Nadine. They are whispering so Rachel doesn’t hear.
JOHNNY
You scared me.
NADINE
You lied to me.
Nadine looks at him.
JOHNNY
It’s only temporary. I just thought it would make you feel better to have her here.
NADINE
How long have we been together?
JOHNNY
13 years.
NADINE
And in that time, how many times have I wanted to see my sister.
JOHNNY
Maybe 2.
NADINE
So, no it would make you feel better if she were here. Not me. We do not get along. Never have and never will. I don’t need a babysitter.
JOHNNY
Yes you do.
I am worried about you.
NADINE
You went behind my back Johnny. With her. A sister I don’t even talk to. She is practically a stranger to me.
Nadine sits on the toilet and goes pee.
JOHNNY
Really? Now?
NADINE
I have to go.
JOHNNY
I didn’t know what else to do.
NADINE
How about talking to me.
JOHNNY
You don’t listen to me anymore. You are behaving as if this baby is going to be born alive. She is not. She is dead.
NADINE
I know.
JOHNNY
Do you? Then why is the baby’s room all set up Nadine. Why are you behaving as if she is alive.
NADINE
Stop judging me.
Aren’t you the one who said everyone heals differently.
JOHNNY
Nadine.
NADINE
No. I am fine. She is leaving. I do not need a babysitter. I am not a child and do not need looking after. You should have asked me first.
JOHNNY
I knew you’d say no.
NADINE
Of course I would. Why are you making all of this more difficult for me. Are you trying to make this more difficult for me?
JOHNNY
No.
NADINE
Have you even thought what it is like to carry around your dead baby with everyone else thinking she is alive.
Johnny is silent.
NADINE
Of course not. What is happening is not normal. It is not the way nature is supposed to happen.
JOHNNY
I know. That’s why I want to help.
NADINE
Then ask her to leave tomorrow.
JOHNNY
I can’t.
NADINE
She lives a few hours away. She’s a workaholic.
It dawns on Nadine.
NADINE
You don’t trust me.
Johnny pauses.
JOHNNY
I think you are losing your shit and I don’t want to lose you too. I have already lost one person I love. I love…loved her.
Johnny begins to cry. Nadine watches him with little empathy.
NADINE
I am not going to hurt myself. I would have done that by now. You are not going to lose me.
JOHNNY
How do I know. You have been acting strange lately. You are not eating. You are up during all hours of the night. You are feeding a doll Nadine and pretending it is real. That’s not normal behavior.
NADINE
You don’t get it.
JOHNNY
Get what. Nadine, these are special circumstances. We are grieving and grieving is hard. It can make us do crazy things.
NADINE
I want this baby. I don’t know about you but I wanted this baby. I want to be a momma and now it will never happen. I am too old. I … my body is already tell me it will never happen again. That’s all I wanted is to be a momma.
JOHNNY
You are one.
NADINE
She is dead Johnny. I want a live baby.
NADINE
It’s too late.
Nadine moves to leave the bathroom.
NADINE
You do not need to take care of me. I can do that. I am 41 I think I can do that.
JOHNNY
Nadine, these are special circumstances. We are grieving and grieving is hard. It can make us do crazy things.
JOHNNY
I want you safe.
NADINE
I hate her and now I hate you too. She has to go. At least make this birth a private one with people I care about. I don’t want her here.
Nadine exits to the bedroom determined now to make her plan succeed.
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Sam Reynolds – Act 2 – response to turning point.
What I am learning is that outlining simply each scene is a great help is my thought processes.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY’S HOME
Johnny guides Nadine through the front door and closes the door behind him. It is quiet and still.
Nadine stands in the entrance. She doesn’t want to be here. This was supposed to be different – coming home after the hospital.
Johnny helps Nadine with her coat and her boots.
Silence.
Nadine feels her belly and looks at her clothes. They still have some sticky gel from the hospital on them.
NADINE
I need to get out of these. I need to shower. I smell like hospital. I hate hospitals. I feel yucky.
Nadine gets up and heads towards a narrow staircase.
JOHNNY
Need any help?
NADINE
No.
Nadine heads upstairs.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY’S HOME – UPSTAIRS
Nadine makes it to the top of the stairs. She pauses out of breath. We see the baby’s room to her left. Nadine takes a deep breath and heads for the bathroom and turns on the shower. As quickly as she can she strips off her clothes.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY’S HOME – BATHROOM
Nadine looks at herself in the mirror. She begins to touch the bruises on her belly. She then pushes them in harder and harder as if she can make them disappear inside of herself.
The mirror begins to steam up. It feels like we are in a dream. We hear a child laughing and giggling. Nadine wipes the steam from the mirror and all sounds disappear.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY’S BATHROOM – SHOWER
Nadine washes herself. She uses a loofa sponge and with enough force to create a severe red irritation she rubs the hospital goo away.
NADINE
You are ok. You are going to be ok. You are ok. You can do this.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY’S BATHROOM
Nadine is attempting to get dressed. Because of her tummy she still has sciatica pain and as she puts on her sweat pants she screams in pain.
NADINE
Fuck.
Nadine throws the pants onto the ground and crumbles to the toilet seat to recover. This is not going to be easy.
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Sam Reynolds – Finished Act One
What I learnt was that I do need to let go more and not be as precious especially now that we are into act two. Main plot points are most important right now.
EXT. NADINE AND JOHNNY’S HOME – DAY
It is early morning. In the dawn light we come upon a small yet quaint bungalow in a family friendly neighborhood.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY’S HOME – DAY
Different shots show the cute, immaculate and cozy home.
The kitchen has colorful backsplash and there are flowers on the kitchen table.
The small living area has photos of Nadine and Johnny traveling together, skiing and some of Nadine with her pregnant belly at her recent baby shower.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY’S BEDROOM/HALLWAY – EARLY MORNING
We are in darkness except for two slivers of daylight peeking out from the blinds covering a bedroom window. Two bodies are in the king sized bed. One of the bodies, NADINE, early 40s, is sitting up staring into the semi-darkness. She has been up all night.
She looks onto the beside table to an older looking analogue alarm clock. It reads 6.30 AM.
Nadine reaches over and gently nudges JOHNNY, early 30s.
NADINE
Johnny, baby, get up. It’s time. We are going to be late.
Johnny doesn’t move. Nadine pushes herself out of bed, this is an effort as she is very pregnant, waddles to the window and pulls up the blinds revealing a simple yet immaculate bedroom. Not quite college but not “we’ve made it” yet.
Johnny slowly rustles himself awake.
JOHNNY
Time already?
Johnny searches the bed for his phone.
NADINE
Looking for this?
Nadine playfully throws Johnny’s cel phone to him.
NADINE
Please hurry it up. I don’t want to be late.
Nadine waddles out.
INT. HALLWAY – MORNING
Nadine walks down the hallway. She passes a closed door with a stencil of a small giraffe on it.
INT. BATHROOM – MORNING
Nadine looks at herself in the mirror. Her face is puffy and she has bags under her eyes. She is not thrilled by what she sees.
As quickly as she can, she gets undressed. Nadine turns the water on and gets into the shower.
INT. SHOWER – MORNING
Nadine washes her body and runs her hands over her belly as if she wants to imprint it’s size, weight and how it feels against her right now. She squishes it a bit. This is going to be a life changing day.
Johnny opens the curtain. Nadine smiles.
Johnny gets into the shower though it is a tight fit. The couple smile as they try and fit into the small shower. They hug.
Nadine smiles.
INT. BATHROOM – MORNING
Nadine is drying herself off. She catches herself in the mirror and stops. She takes Johnny’s phone and snaps two photos of herself and her belly.
EXT. HALLWAY – MORNING
Johnny, dressed, races down the stairs. Nadine sees him as she exits the bedroom carrying a sweater.
NADINE
Don’t forget my bag please. It is by the front door.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY’S HOME – CONTINUOUS
Nadine and Johnny are getting their coats and shoes on. Finally ready…
JOHNNY
I’ll go start the car.
Nadine finishes putting her boots on. Not an easy task carrying an extra 40 pounds.
A car horn.
Nadine runs out the door.
A beat.
We hear the car back up and drive off.
A beat.
We hear the car return. The brakes screech to a stop.
Then…Johnny runs back inside and gets the hospital bag.
The door slams shut.
CUT TO:
INT. CAR – MORNING
The car’s empty gas tank signal chimes.
JOHNNY
Got to stop. Only take a minute.
Nadine takes some deep breaths. She doesn’t like to be late.
EXT. GAS STATION – MORNING
Their Toyota pulls into the gas station. Johnny gets out.
INT. TOYOTA – MORNING
Johnny is on the outside pumping gas. Nadine is alone in the car. She looks out the window. Too early on a Sunday for much to be happening. She takes some deep breaths and caresses her belly.
From outside, Johnny motions drinking a cup of coffee. Nadine smiles a “yes.” Johnny runs into the gas station coffee shop.
INT. TOYOTA – LATER
The door opens and Johnny hands Nadine her coffee. Nadine takes a sip. This is not what she expected.
JOHNNY
What?
NADINE
There’s creme in this?
JOHNNY
I asked them for milk. It’s not milk?
NADINE
No. It’s not. I can’t drink this.
JOHNNY
I’ll change it.
NADINE
No it’s ok. A few sips won’t bother me.
JOHNNY
No. I paid for milk and that is what I am going to get you.
NADINE
Really Johnny it’s fine.
JOHNNY
No. I’ll be right back.
NADINE
It’s only 1.50.
JOHNNY
Doesn’t matter. What matters is that I asked for something and didn’t get it. It’s their fault. I am going to change it.
Johnny takes the coffee from Nadine and marches into the store.
From the car, Nadine can see him berating the young person working.
Tears begin forming in Nadine’s eyes though we are not sure why.
EXT. TOYOTA – DAY
Johnny exits the coffee shop and walks to the car. He hands Nadine the coffee.
JOHNNY
At least I feel better now.
Johnny now notices Nadine.
Johnny leans over and brings Nadine into a tight embrace.
After a moment, Johnny wipes away her tears. He understands what is happening.
Johnny holds her hand for a moment.
Nadine settles down.
Johnny starts the car and they exit the gas station.
EXT. TORONTO CITY – MORNING
From an aerial view we see the Toyota weave in and out of traffic and enter the freeway.
EXT. MEDICAL BUILDING – LATER
It has been raining. The hospital is deserted.
Nadine and Johnny hustle through the rain and into the building.
INT. MEDICAL BUILDING – CONTINUOUS
Nadine and Johnny are met by a female NURSE, JAIME, late 30S. Jamie gives Nadine a hug.
JAIME
How are you both? I just wanted to make sure you didn’t have any questions before this morning. We can talk if you would like.
Nadine and Johnny look to eachother.
JOHNNY
No. We are ok.
JAIME
Follow me then.
Jaime leads Nadine and Johnny down a long hallway.
INT. MEDICAL BUILDING HALLYWAY
This medical building attaches to the hospital beside it. The hallway is bright, white, long and deserted. The fluorescent lights buzz loudly.
Jaime leads Nadine and Johnny. They walk in silence.
And walk. And walk. And walk. Silence.
The walk is not easy for Nadine physically and emotionally.
INT. HOSPITAL – MORNING
The hallway turns and Nadine and Johnny find themselves in the hospital.
A custodian is finishing up the polishing of floors and dusting.
Jaime, Nadine and Johnny are met by DR. COOPER, female and in her 40s, and DR. BATES, male and in his 40s.
DR. COOPER
Good morning.
JAIME
Dr. Cooper, Dr. Bates. This is Nadine and Johnny.
DR. COOPER
Yes. Hello. Sorry we have to meet under these circumstances. Dr. Bryant is a good friend of mine. She wanted me to tell you she is thinking of you.
Jaime looks to Nadine and Johnny.
JAIME
Do you have any questions for me?
Nadine defers to Johnny.
JOHNNY
No. Thanks. We are fine.
JAIME
Very well. I will be in touch in a few days.
DR. BATES
Thank you Jaime.
Follow me Nadine and Johnny.
The doctors lead the couple to an exam room off to one side of the corridor.
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM – MORNING
Nadine sits alone behind a green curtain. She takes in her surroundings. Slowly she takes off her blouse and puts on the blue hospital gown. But before doing the gown up she takes one more look at her belly and caresses it. (looks in mirror)?
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM – CONTINUOUS
The green curtain is pulled back and Nadine lies on a hospital bed. Johnny stands behind her. An ultrasound machine and other equipment surround them. A large monitor hangs behind Nadine so she can’t see it. A standard wall clock ticks beside the monitor.
Nadine looks concerned. Johnny squeezes her hand.
Dr. Cooper looks to Dr. Bates who moves to lock the door.
DR. COOPER
Before we begin, I just need to ask you one last time: Is this what both of you want?
Nadine looks at Johnny. They hold hands.
NADINE
(whispering)
Baby?
Johnny nods to Nadine then to Dr. Cooper.
DR. COOPER
Alright. I also want to acknowledge that the two of you are so brave being here today. This is not easy.
Johnny kisses Nadine’s forehead.
In the background Dr. Bates prepares materials on a large metal tray.
DR. COOPER
This will not take long and I will walk you through each step. We will begin with an ultrasound.
Dr. Cooper lifts Nadine’s gown and moves the ultrasound instrument on her belly.
NADINE
(shivers)
It’s cold.
DR. COOPER
(to screen)
Good morning sweety.
The doctors look up to a monitor that is behind Johnny and Nadine. The baby is there, moving.
Johnny looks behind him at his baby. Nadine cranes her neck sideways to also catch a glimpse.
Dr. Bates approaches the bed with a metal tray.
Nadine looks to the tray. She is not terrified. She looks stoic. Curious. In shock?
NADINE
(to Johnny)
This is right, right?
JOHNNY
Yes.
DR.COOPER
(to Johnny)
Hold her hand.
(to Nadine)
This first needle is a strong sedative.
Dr. Bates rubs some numbing solution on Nadine’s belly.
DR. BATES
Take a deep breath and try not to move. You shouldn’t feel a thing.
NADINE
Will she?
DR. BATES
A small prick. Like a pinch.
Drs. Bates and Cooper look to the monitor.
DR.BATES
Left. A little more. Yes. Ok.
Dr. Bates inserts the needle and expunges its contents.
DR. COOPER
You ok?
NADINE
I felt her move a little.
DR. COOPER
Yes. That’s normal.
Dr. Cooper looks to the screen.
DR. COOPER
She is asleep now.
Nadine squirms a little. All of this feels so wrong.
Dr. Bates takes another needle. He looks to the monitor again.
This is not easy for the doctors at all. The stress of the situation is not lost on them.
DR.COOPER
This next one will stop the heart.
Dr. Cooper rubs more numbing solution on another part of Nadine’s belly.
Johnny caresses Nadine’s forehead.
Johnny looks up to the monitor. He sees his baby.
DR. COOPER
Try not to move honey.
Dr. Bates takes one more look at the monitor and slowly inserts the second needle BUT just as quickly pulls it out.
Nadine gasps.
JOHNNY
What happened?
DR. BATES
(wiping his brow)
Have to try again. It needs to be precise.
Dr. Cooper moves the ultrasound instrument around a bit more.
Dr. Bates takes a few deep breaths and readies himself once more.
Silence except for the hospital room’s clock. Tick. Tick.
DR. BATES
(this is not easy)
Almost. Ok.
DR. COOPER
(to Nadine)
Medicine is going in now. This will be over very soon.
Dr. Bates expunges the needle.
Nadine shivers. She has felt her baby go.
Dr. Cooper and Dr. Bates share a look.
DR. COOPER
She’s gone honey. I am so sorry.
The monitor behind Johnny goes dark.
CUT TO:
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM – DAY
Nadine opens the green curtain. She is finishing getting dressed.
DR. BATES
Has Dr. Bryant scheduled the birth?
JOHNNY
Yes, we will be back next week.
DR. COOPER
Again, I am so sorry. No matter what, you are parents. Do not let anyone tell you otherwise.
(takes Nadine’s hand)
These abnormalities happen. They are rare but they do happen. I promise we will do our best to find out everything we can.
Nadine and Johnny smile tentatively. The doctors exit down another corridor.
EXT. HOSPITAL – MORNING – DREAM
Nadine is standing at the edge of the hospital’s roof. She is contemplating jumping. She caresses her belly, take a breath and leaps.
EXT. HOSPITAL – DAY
WOMAN
Hi there.
Nadine is startled. A PREGNANT WOMEN is standing next to her.
WOMAN
Looks like we are due about the same time. Your first? It’s mine.
Nadine looks at her like a deer in headlights.
WOMAN
I am so scared of the birth. I don’t like pain.
A NURSE not too far away is smoking a cigarette.
WOMAN
Mine’s a girl. Do you know what yours is yet? It’s so exciting.
Nadine nods. Where is Johnny? He is taking forever.
The nurse, who was smoking, walks by the women and throws her still lit cigarette onto the pavement.
The women wait in silence. Nadine eyes the cigarette.
WOMAN
Have you thought of a name yet?
Nadine is past her breaking point. She bends down, grabs the butt and takes a long drag and blows the smoke at the pregnant lady. Feels so good.
HONK!
The woman can’t believe what Nadine has just done. She walks away in disgust.
HONK!
Johnny is there in the Toyota.
Johnny looks around the car.
JOHNNY
Forgot the bag. Be right back.
He runs inside.
Nadine lifts her head and looks to the roof of the hospital then back to the windshield.
EXT. TOYOTA – MORNING
The rain is coming down. The car’s wipers swish back and forth. Nadine watches the rain run down like tears.
INT. TOYOTA
Johnny takes a parking ticket from the windshield of the car and jumps in. He throws the bag in the back seat.
JOHNNY
Highway robbery. 25 bucks. How long were we in there? 30 minutes?
NADINE
43.
Johnny starts the car.
The Toyota takes off down the street.
EXT. STREETS
We are in a small town. The Toyota weaves and turns through the streets until it makes it way to the highway.
INT./EXT. TOYOTA – HIGHWAY
Nadine and Johnny drive in silence. Each one consumed in their own thoughts. We will stay on the couple as we drive.
The car passes many farms and open country. The fall foliage is in full bloom.
Johnny puts his hand on Nadine’s. No one speaks.
INT. TOYOTA
Johnny is driving and Nadine is laying down in the back seat looking up at the sky going by.
INT. TOYOTA
Johnny is driving and Nadine, her back turned away from Johnny watches the world go by.
INT. TOYOTA
The phone rings. Nadine looks at the caller.
NADINE
Dr. Bryant.
Nadine answers and puts the phone on speaker and holds it so both of them can hear.(Their car doesn’t have bluetooth capabilities).
NADINE
Hello Dr. Bryant.
DR. BRYANT (V.O.)
Hello Nadine. How are you feeling?
NADINE
Ok. I guess. I don’t know.
JOHNNY
Dr. Bryant. You are on speaker phone. We are driving home.
DR. BRYANT
Johnny, how are you?
JOHNNY
Alright. It’s all such a blur.
DR. BRYANT (V.O.)
Be gentle with yourselves. This is going to be a long journey. I just wanted to call and see how you both are. I will see you both Thursday morning but please call or email if you need me beforehand.
JOHNNY
Thanks. We will.
DR. BRYANT (V.O.)
Bye for now. Drive safe.
JOHNNY
Thanks for everything Dr. Bryant.
Nadine hangs up the phone.
The couple drive in silence.
Johnny reaches for the radio and switches it on. Nadine Immediately slams it shut. Silence.
JOHNNY
I’m starving.
NADINE
Aren’t you angry? How can you be hungry?
Johnny shrugs his shoulders.
NADINE
If it weren’t for her sending us to an outside clinic this wouldn’t have happened.
JOHNNY
That’s not entirely true or her fault.
NADINE
Yes, it is. Big difference between 19 weeks and 34.
JOHNNY
The hospital was booked up.
NADINE
So. We take priority. She, who she is as a doctor in that hospital takes priority.
JOHNNY
Everything looked normal Nadine. You are not a doctor.
NADINE
Neither are you. They should never have sent us out. There is a reason we are at one of the top hospitals in the city.
Johnny is quiet.
JOHNNY
We can’t lay all the blame on her. It’s the technicians.
NADINE
She ordered it out Johnny. No one else. The technicians at the hospital would have caught it.
JOHNNY
You don’t know that.
NADINE
Yes, I do. What’s your problem? Why are taking her side?
JOHNNY
I’m not. It’s just that there are…
NADINE
…always two sides. Can’t you leave your lawyer brain aside for even a few minutes. Do you even have emotions in there?
JOHNNY
Don’t get nasty with me. You are just so ready to blame anyone. It’s always someone else’s fault but…
NADINE
…but who Johnny? Me? What did I do?
Johnny sits quietly.
NADINE
Not eat the right meats? Not eat enough? I am too skinny. That’s what you kept saying. “I can see your ribs.”
JOHNNY
I am part of this too. I am the father. I should have a say in how you feed yourself. All this natural hocus pocus stuff. Why don’t you just follow along what the doctors say. There is a reason they are doctors.
NADINE
Yes, to have your best interests in mind which ours didn’t.
What does it matter now.
They drive in silence.
NADINE
It’s over. It’s all over for me.
Nadine is crying now.
They drive in silence.
JOHNNY
I am sorry.
I do love you so much and can’t imagine what you just went through.
I wouldn’t have been so brave.
Johnny takes her hand. Nadine pulls it away.
They drive in silence some more.
The countryside is beautiful.
INT. TOYOTA
Johnny is driving and Nadine is asleep in the passenger seat.
INT. TOYOTA
Nadine wakes slowly.
JOHNNY
I need something to eat. You?
NADINE
Ok.
From the car we see a highway rest area with lots of fast food.
The Toyota makes it way into the rest area.
JOHNNY
Let’s see here. Timmies, Wendy’s, Burger King, McDonald’s. This is five star all the way.
JOHNNY
I feel like Timmies myself. You? C’mon spoil yourself.
NADINE
Diet soda please. Haven’t had one since…since…since…
(she looks to her belly)
JOHNNY
Diet soda it is.
The car weaves its way to the drive thru line and stops.
Nadine realizes that she really needs to pee.
She sees the long line ahead of them and can’t wait.
NADINE
I gotta go now. Can’t hold it.
Johnny look around.
JOHNNY
Over there. I will meet you when I drive through.
Nadine gets out of the car. She crosses the car line and walks to the inside area where the restaurants are.
INT. REST AREA
Nadine looks around and finds the bathroom sign.
As she walks, others, mainly women, smile at her acknowledging her pregnancy.
INT. WOMEN’S BATHROOM
Nadine walks into a stall. Relief.
As Nadine is washing her hands. A small GIRL, (6), approaches her.
GIRL
Is there a baby in there?
She startles Nadine. Nadine recovers and smiles. She really likes kids and they like her.
GIRL
How did it get in there? My mom won’t tell me.
Nadine smiles.
NADINE
Magic?
GIRL
Is it a boy or girl?
NADINE
Girl.
The girl leans into Nadine’s belly and yells.
GIRL
Hi. My name is Olivia. What’s it like in there?
Nadine smiles.
NADINE
(little girl voice)
It’s safe and cozy.
GIRL
Can she hear me?
Nadine takes a pause and looks at the girl in front of her. A little girl she will never have.
NADINE
Not anymore.
GIRL
What’s her name?
NADINE
She…
The girl’s MOM, (30s), runs into the bathroom. She grabs her girl by the arm.
GIRL MOM
I told you to stay close. Don’t ever leave me again.
(to Nadine)
Sorry she bothered you.
The mom and girl walk to the exit.
GIRL MOM
Never talk to strangers. How many times…
The girl turns over her shoulder to Nadine.
GIRL
Maybe I can play with her one day.
The mom and girl exit.
Nadine looks at herself in the mirror.
EXT. REST AREA
Nadine gets into the car. Johnny hands her the drink. Nadine holds it for a moment.
JOHNNY
Are you going to drink it?
Nadine takes a sip. Tastes good.
Johnny starts the car again and off they head towards the freeway.
INT. TOYOTA
The couple drive in silence.
INT. TOYOTA
Johnny is driving again.
JOHNNY
Sunday night. Do you feel like a movie?
Nadine looks at him like he is crazy.
NADINE
Yes, Rosemary’s Baby.
JOHNNY
Sorry.
Johnny is upset with himself.
EXT. TORONTO STREETS
The Toyota drives down neighborhood streets. We are close to Nadine and Johnny’s home.
INT. TOYOTA
Nadine is playing with her hair. Her eyes gaze down to her belly.
NADINE
I can’t breathe. I can’t breathe in.
Nadine begins hyperventilating.
JOHNNY
Sweetie, please relax.
NADINE
I can’t relax. How can I relax when I can’t breathe.
The streets are now recognizable to Nadine.
NADINE
I can’t do this. I can’t go home.
JOHNNY
What do you mean?
NADINE
I can’t go on with her inside me like this. This is not normal. It is not real. Why me? Why us?
The car turns down their street. Nadine moves around in her seat ending up curled as small as she can be in the bottom of the seat.
NADINE
I can’t breathe. I want to disappear.
JOHNNY
I know sweetie.
NADINE
No you don’t. You don’t have your dead baby still inside you.
Nadine is still having trouble breathing. The car turns down their street.
NADINE
Turn around. I can’t go home. I just want to hide. I want to disappear. I can’t. Please Johnny no.
Nadine is close to hysteria now.
NADINE
What do I say when people ask me? What do I say. What Johnny?!
JOHNNY
I don’t know.
NADINE
Exactly. I can’t say she died cause then they will ask how and why is she still inside you. It makes no sense. All of this makes no sense. How can she be here and not here. I want to go back in time. I want…I want to just be a mom. I want my baby back. I want her back Johnny.
Johnny has parked the car. He holds Nadine now.
JOHNNY
Oh baby.
They sit together for a while.
JOHNNY
We need to go in baby. Life does need to go on.
NADINE
What? Not like this. Not without my baby. I can’t go in. If I go in that makes all of this real. I don’t want it to be real.
JOHNNY
We have to go in. It’s real Nadine. She is gone baby and for the best.
Nadine shoots him a look.
NADINE
Is it? Is it really baby? Cause it doesn’t feel like it.
Johnny nods yes.
JOHNNY
I am so sorry for what had to happen but the longer we pretend it is not, the more difficult this will be. Come baby. We need to go in. It will take some time but we need to face the reality Nadine. Come.
Johnny unbuckles his seat belt and unlocks the doors. He is about to get out when… Nadine sees a neighbor on her porch and crouches down.
NADINE
Shit. Tell me when she is gone.
Johnny watches the neighbor pick up the newspaper and go back inside.
He is slowly losing a bit of patience.
JOHNNY
Ok. Let’s go.
Johnny gets out and opens Nadine’s car door just as Nadine sees in the rear view mirror sees a woman pushing a stroller towards them.
NADINE
Not now! Just wait and give me a second!
Nadine hides as best as she can in her seat. Johny gently stands by the car door and closes it a bit to let the lady pass.
JOHNNY
Ok baby. Let’s go in now.
Nadine looks around cautiously.
JOHNNY
No one is here.
Nadine gingerly gets out.
NADINE
I can’t answer all of their questions baby. I don’t want to talk about it. I just want to hide and make it all go away.
JOHNNY
I know Nadine. I promise after the birth, we can put this behind us and start again.
Nadine looks at him. Johnny helps her out of the car.
EXT. BUNGALOW FRONT DOOR
Johnny unlocks the door and enters.
Nadine stands outside and scans the neighbors. On almost every porch there is a stroller, toys on the front lawns, and family-sized SUVs in the driveway. This is a kid infested hood.
Johnny puts his arm around Nadine’s waist and guides her inside.
END OF ACT ONE
-
<div>Sam Reynolds – Turning Point and After Scene</div>
Paying attention to the character really not being able to go back at all help me a great deal in upping the stakes.
EXT. MEDICAL BUILDING – LATER
It has been raining. The hospital is deserted.
Nadine and Johnny hustle through the rain and into the building.
INT. MEDICAL BUILDING – CONTINUOUS
Nadine and Johnny are met by a female NURSE, JAIME, late 30S. Jamie gives Nadine a hug.
JAIME
How are you both? I just wanted to make sure you didn’t have any questions before this morning. We can talk if you would like.
Nadine and Johnny look to eachother.
JOHNNY
No. We are ok.
JAIME
Follow me then.
Jaime leads Nadine and Johnny down a long hallway.
INT. MEDICAL BUILDING HALLYWAY
This medical building attaches to the hospital beside it. The hallway is bright, white, long and deserted. The fluorescent lights buzz loudly.
Jaime leads Nadine and Johnny. They walk in silence.
And walk. And walk. And walk. Silence.
The walk is not easy for Nadine physically and emotionally.
INT. HOSPITAL – MORNING
The hallway turns and Nadine and Johnny find themselves in the hospital.
A custodian is finishing up the polishing of floors and dusting.
Jaime, Nadine and Johnny are met by DR. COOPER, female and in her 40s, and DR. BATES, male and in his 40s.
DR. COOPER
Good morning.
JAIME
Dr. Cooper, Dr. Bates. This is Nadine and Johnny.
DR. COOPER
Yes. Hello. Sorry we have to meet under these circumstances. Dr. Bryant is a good friend of mine. She wanted me to tell you she is thinking of you.
Jaime looks to Nadine and Johnny.
JAIME
Do you have any questions for me?
Nadine defers to Johnny.
JOHNNY
No. Thanks. We are fine.
JAIME
Very well. I will be in touch in a few days.
DR. BATES
Thank you Jaime.
Follow me Nadine and Johnny.
The doctors lead the couple to an exam room off to one side of the corridor.
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM – MORNING
Nadine sits alone behind a green curtain. She takes in her surroundings. Slowly she takes off her blouse and puts on the blue hospital gown. But before doing the gown up she takes one more look at her belly and caresses it. (looks in mirror)?
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM – CONTINUOUS
The green curtain is pulled back and Nadine lies on a hospital bed. Johnny stands behind her. An ultrasound machine and other equipment surround them. A large monitor hangs behind Nadine so she can’t see it. A standard wall clock ticks beside the monitor.
Nadine looks concerned. Johnny squeezes her hand.
Dr. Cooper looks to Dr. Bates who moves to lock the door.
DR. COOPER
Before we begin, I just need to ask you one last time: Is this what both of you want?
Nadine looks at Johnny. They hold hands.
NADINE
(whispering)
Baby?
Johnny nods to Nadine then to Dr. Cooper.
DR. COOPER
Alright. I also want to acknowledge that the two of you are so brave being here today. This is not easy.
Johnny kisses Nadine’s forehead.
In the background Dr. Bates prepares materials on a large metal tray.
DR. COOPER
This will not take long and I will walk you through each step. We will begin with an ultrasound.
Dr. Cooper lifts Nadine’s gown and moves the ultrasound instrument on her belly.
NADINE
(shivers)
It’s cold.
DR. COOPER
(to screen)
Good morning sweety.
The doctors look up to a monitor that is behind Johnny and Nadine. The baby is there, moving.
Johnny looks behind him at his baby. Nadine cranes her neck sideways to also catch a glimpse.
Dr. Bates approaches the bed with a metal tray.
Nadine looks to the tray. She is not terrified. She looks stoic. Curious. In shock?
NADINE
(to Johnny)
This is right, right?
JOHNNY
Yes.
DR.COOPER
(to Johnny)
Hold her hand.
(to Nadine)
This first needle is a strong sedative.
Dr. Bates rubs some numbing solution on Nadine’s belly.
DR. BATES
Take a deep breath and try not to move. You shouldn’t feel a thing.
NADINE
Will she?
DR. BATES
A small prick. Like a pinch.
Drs. Bates and Cooper look to the monitor.
DR.BATES
Left. A little more. Yes. Ok.
Dr. Bates inserts the needle and expunges its contents.
DR. COOPER
You ok?
NADINE
I felt her move a little.
DR. COOPER
Yes. That’s normal.
Dr. Cooper looks to the screen.
DR. COOPER
She is asleep now.
Nadine squirms a little. All of this feels so wrong.
Dr. Bates takes another needle. He looks to the monitor again.
This is not easy for the doctors at all. The stress of the situation is not lost on them.
DR.COOPER
This next one will stop the heart.
Dr. Cooper rubs more numbing solution on another part of Nadine’s belly.
Johnny caresses Nadine’s forehead.
Johnny looks up to the monitor. He sees his baby.
DR. COOPER
Try not to move honey.
Dr. Bates takes one more look at the monitor and slowly inserts the second needle BUT just as quickly pulls it out.
Nadine gasps.
JOHNNY
What happened?
DR. BATES
(wiping his brow)
Have to try again. It needs to be precise.
Dr. Cooper moves the ultrasound instrument around a bit more.
Dr. Bates takes a few deep breaths and readies himself once more.
Silence except for the hospital room’s clock. Tick. Tick.
DR. BATES
(this is not easy)
Almost. Ok.
DR. COOPER
(to Nadine)
Medicine is going in now. This will be over very soon.
Dr. Bates expunges the needle.
Nadine shivers. She has felt her baby go.
Dr. Cooper and Dr. Bates share a look.
DR. COOPER
She’s gone honey. I am so sorry.
The monitor behind Johnny goes dark.
CUT TO:
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM – DAY
Nadine opens the green curtain. She is finishing getting dressed.
DR. BATES
Has Dr. Bryant scheduled the birth?
JOHNNY
Yes, we will be back next week.
DR. COOPER
Again, I am so sorry. No matter what, you are parents. Do not let anyone tell you otherwise.
(takes Nadine’s hand)
These abnormalities happen. They are rare but they do happen. I promise we will do our best to find out everything we can.
Nadine and Johnny smile tentatively. The doctors exit down another corridor.
EXT. HOSPITAL – MORNING – DREAM
Nadine is standing at the edge of the hospital’s roof. She is contemplating jumping. She caresses her belly, take a breath and leaps.
EXT. HOSPITAL – DAY
WOMAN
Hi there.
Nadine is startled. A PREGNANT WOMEN is standing next to her.
WOMAN
Looks like we are due about the same time. Your first? It’s mine.
Nadine looks at her like a deer in headlights.
WOMAN
I am so scared of the birth. I don’t like pain.
A NURSE not too far away is smoking a cigarette.
WOMAN
Mine’s a girl. Do you know what yours is yet? It’s so exciting.
Nadine nods. Where is Johnny? He is taking forever.
The nurse, who was smoking, walks by the women and throws her still lit cigarette onto the pavement.
The women wait in silence. Nadine eyes the cigarette.
WOMAN
Have you thought of a name yet?
Nadine is past her breaking point. She bends down, grabs the butt and takes a long drag and blows the smoke at the pregnant lady. Feels so good.
HONK!
The woman can’t believe what Nadine has just done. She walks away in disgust.
HONK!
Johnny is there in the Toyota.
Johnny looks around the car.
JOHNNY
Forgot the bag. Be right back.
He runs inside.
Nadine lifts her head and looks to the roof of the hospital then back to the windshield.
EXT. TOYOTA – MORNING
The rain is coming down. The car’s wipers swish back and forth. Nadine watches the rain run down like tears.
-
Sam Reynolds – Inciting Incident and Aftermath scene
What I learned is by remembering the characters old and new ways, I could gently infuse this into the scenes, making the characters arc a little more obvious. It was also helpful in writing the dialogue.
INT. HOSPITAL – MORNING
The hallway turns and Nadine and Johnny find themselves in the hospital.
A custodian is finishing up the polishing of floors and dusting.
Jaime, Nadine and Johnny are met by DR. COOPER, female and in her 40s, and DR. BATES, male and in his 40s.
DR. COOPER
Good morning.
JAIME
Dr. Cooper, Dr. Bates. This is Nadine and Johnny.
DR. COOPER
Yes. Hello. Sorry we have to meet under these circumstances. Dr. Bryant is a good friend of mine. She wanted me to tell you she is thinking of you.
Jaime looks to Nadine and Johnny.
JAIME
Do you have any questions for me?
Nadine defers to Johnny.
JOHNNY
No. Thanks. We are fine.
JAIME
Very well. I will be in touch in a few days.
DR. BATES
Thank you Jaime.
Follow me Nadine and Johnny.
The doctors lead the couple to an exam room off to one side of the corridor.
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM – MORNING
Nadine sits alone behind a green curtain. She takes in her surroundings. Slowly she takes off her blouse and puts on the blue hospital gown. But before doing the gown up she takes one more look at her belly and caresses it. (looks in mirror)?
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM – CONTINUOUS
The green curtain is pulled back and Nadine lies on a hospital bed. Johnny stands behind her. An ultrasound machine and other equipment surround them. A large monitor hangs behind Nadine so she can’t see it. A standard wall clock ticks beside the monitor.
Nadine looks concerned. Johnny squeezes her hand.
Dr. Cooper looks to Dr. Bates who moves to lock the door.
DR. COOPER
Before we begin, I just need to ask you one last time: Is this what both of you want?
Nadine looks at Johnny.
NADINE
Can we have a moment?
DR.COOPER
Of course.
Dr. Cooper joins Dr. Bates as he prepares materials on a large metal tray.
NADINE
(whispering)
Are we sure baby?
JOHNNY
Yes. Sweetie, she will have little to no life.
NADINE
It’s just so hard…I don’t…You are right.
JOHNNY
We are her parents. We need to make the choice for her.
Nadine nods.
JOHNNY
Ok. Thank you.
DR. COOPER
Alright? I also want to acknowledge that the two of you are so brave being here today. This is not easy.
Johnny kisses Nadine’s forehead.
In the background Dr. Bates prepares materials on a large metal tray.
DR. COOPER
This will not take long and I will walk you through each step. We will begin with an ultrasound.
Dr. Cooper lifts Nadine’s gown and moves the ultrasound instrument on her belly.
NADINE
(shivers)
It’s cold.
DR. COOPER
(to screen)
Good morning sweety.
The doctors look up to a monitor that is behind Johnny and Nadine. The baby is there, moving.
Johnny looks behind him at his baby. Nadine cranes her neck sideways to also catch a glimpse.
Dr. Bates approaches the bed with a metal tray.
Nadine looks to the tray. She is not terrified. She looks stoic. Curious. In shock?
NADINE
(to Johnny)
This is right, right?
JOHNNY
Yes.
DR.COOPER
(to Johnny)
Hold her hand.
(to Nadine)
This first needle is a strong sedative.
Dr. Bates rubs some numbing solution on Nadine’s belly.
DR. BATES
Take a deep breath and try not to move. You shouldn’t feel a thing.
NADINE
Will she?
DR. BATES
A small prick. Like a pinch.
Drs. Bates and Cooper look to the monitor.
DR.BATES
Left. A little more. Yes. Ok.
Dr. Bates inserts the needle and expunges its contents.
DR. COOPER
You ok?
NADINE
I felt her move a little.
DR. COOPER
Yes. That’s normal.
Dr. Cooper looks to the screen.
DR. COOPER
She is asleep now.
Nadine squirms a little. All of this feels so wrong.
Dr. Bates takes another needle. He looks to the monitor again.
This is not easy for the doctors at all. The stress of the situation is not lost on them.
DR.COOPER
This next one will stop the heart.
Dr. Cooper rubs more numbing solution on another part of Nadine’s belly.
Johnny caresses Nadine’s forehead.
Johnny looks up to the monitor. He sees his baby.
DR. COOPER
Try not to move honey.
Dr. Bates takes one more look at the monitor and slowly inserts the second needle BUT just as quickly pulls it out.
Nadine gasps.
JOHNNY
What happened?
DR. BATES
(wiping his brow)
Have to try again. It needs to be precise.
Dr. Cooper moves the ultrasound instrument around a bit more.
Dr. Bates takes a few deep breaths and readies himself once more.
Silence except for the hospital room’s clock. Tick. Tick.
DR. BATES
(this is not easy)
Almost. Ok.
DR. COOPER
(to Nadine)
Medicine is going in now. This will be over very soon.
Dr. Bates expunges the needle.
Nadine shivers. She has felt her baby go.
Dr. Cooper and Dr. Bates share a look.
DR. COOPER
She’s gone honey. I am so sorry.
The monitor behind Johnny goes dark.
CUT TO:
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM – DAY
Nadine opens the green curtain. She is finishing getting dressed.
DR. BATES
Has Dr. Bryant scheduled the birth?
JOHNNY
Yes, we will be back early next week.
DR. COOPER
No matter what, you are parents. Do not let anyone tell you otherwise.
(takes Nadine’s hand)
These abnoramlities happen. They are rare but they do happen. I promise we will do our best to find out everything we can.
Nadine and Johnny smile tentatively. The doctors exit down another corridor.
EXT. HOSPITAL – MORNING – DREAM
Nadine is standing at the edge of the hospital’s roof. She is contemplating jumping. She caresses her belly, take a breath and leaps.
EXT. HOSPITAL – DAY
WOMAN
Hi there.
Nadine is startled. A PREGNANT WOMEN is standing next to her.
WOMAN
Looks like we are due about the same time. Your first? It’s mine.
Nadine looks at her like a deer in headlights.
WOMAN
I am so scared of the birth. I don’t like pain.
A NURSE not too far away is smoking a cigarette.
WOMAN
Mine’s a girl. Do you know what yours is yet? It’s so exciting.
Nadine nods. Where is Johnny? He is taking forever.
The nurse, who was smoking, walks by the women and throws her still lit cigarette onto the pavement.
The women wait in silence. Nadine eyes the cigarette.
WOMAN
Have you thought of a name yet?
Nadine is past her breaking point. She bends down, grabs the butt and takes a long drag and blows the smoke at the pregnant lady. Feels so good.
HONK!
The woman can’t believe what Nadine has just done. She walks away in disgust.
HONK!
Johnny is there in the Toyota.
Johnny looks around the car.
JOHNNY
Forgot the bag. Be right back.
He runs inside.
Nadine lifts her head and looks to the roof of the hospital then back to the windshield.
EXT. TOYOTA – MORNING
The rain is coming down. The car’s wipers swish back and forth. Nadine watches the rain run down like tears.
-
Sam Reynolds – Opening and Character Scene
I found that breaking down the scenes into beginning, middle and end very helpful. Also great to always be reminded that I can go back and re-work things.
EXT. NADINE AND JOHNNY’S HOME – DAY
It is early morning. In the dawn light we come upon a small yet quaint bungalow in a family friendly neighborhood.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY’S HOME – DAY
Different shots show the quaint, immaculate and cozy home.
The kitchen has colorful backsplash and there are flowers on the kitchen table.
The small living area has photos of Nadine and Johnny traveling together, skiing and some of Nadine with her pregnant belly at her recent baby shower.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY’S BEDROOM/HALLWAY – EARLY MORNING
We are in darkness except for two slivers of daylight peeking out from the blinds covering a bedroom window. Two bodies are in the king sized bed. One of the bodies, NADINE, early 40s, is sitting up staring into the semi-darkness. She has been up all night and looks exhausted.
She looks onto the beside table to an older looking analogue alarm clock. It reads 6.30 AM.
Nadine reaches over and gently nudges JOHNNY, early 30s.
NADINE
Johnny, baby, get up. It’s time. We are going to be late.
Johnny doesn’t move. Nadine pushes herself out of bed, this is an effort as she is very pregnant, waddles to the window and pulls up the blinds revealing a simple yet immaculate and colorful bedroom. Not quite college but not “we’ve made it” yet.
Johnny slowly rustles himself awake.
JOHNNY
Time already?
Johnny searches the bed for his phone.
NADINE
Looking for this?
Nadine playfully throws Johnny’s cel phone to him.
NADINE
Please hurry it up. I don’t want to be late.
Nadine waddles out.
INT. HALLWAY – MORNING
Nadine walks down the hallway. She passes a closed door with a stencil of a small giraffe on it.
EXT. GAS STATION – MORNING
Their Toyota pulls into the gas station. Johnny gets out.
INT. TOYOTA – MORNING
Johnny is on the outside pumping gas. Nadine is alone in the car. She looks out the window. Too early on a Sunday for much to be happening. She takes some deep breaths and caresses her belly.
From outside, Johnny motions drinking a cup of coffee. Nadine smiles a “yes.” Johnny runs into the gas station coffee shop.
INT. TOYOTA – LATER
The door opens and Johnny hands Nadine her coffee. Nadine takes a sip. This is not what she expected.
JOHNNY
What?
NADINE
There’s creme in this?
JOHNNY
I asked them for milk. It’s not milk?
NADINE
No. It’s not. I can’t drink this.
JOHNNY
I’ll change it.
NADINE
No it’s ok. A few sips won’t bother me.
JOHNNY
No. I paid for milk and that is what I am going to get you.
NADINE
Really Johnny it’s fine.
JOHNNY
No. I’ll be right back.
NADINE
It’s only 1.50.
JOHNNY
Doesn’t matter. What matters is that I asked for something and didn’t get it. It’s their fault. I am going to change it.
Johnny takes the coffee from Nadine and marches into the store.
From the car, Nadine can see him berating the young person working.
Tears begin forming in Nadine’s eyes though we are not sure why.
EXT. TOYOTA – DAY
Johnny exits the coffee shop and walks to the car. He hands Nadine the coffee.
JOHNNY
At least I feel better now.
Johnny now notices Nadine.
Johnny leans over and brings Nadine into a tight embrace.
After a moment, Johnny wipes away her tears. He understands what is happening.
Johnny holds her hand for a moment.
Nadine settles down.
Johnny starts the car and they exit the gas station.
-
Sam Reynolds – Beats – Assignment #8
<font face=”inherit”>What I learnt this time was that I do see the beats differently when searching for something specific like the antagonist POV or the theme. It </font>makes<font face=”inherit”> it easier to pick it out or add certain scenes if need be to highlight those aspects.</font>
Concept: After having to terminate her baby at 35 weeks due to a brain anomaly, 40-year-old Nadine slowly spirals into a grieving altered reality and chooses to go against all convention and deliver her dead baby at home on her own terms.
Main Conflict: Johnny is under the assumption that Nadine will deliver their dead baby at the hospital in 4 days but Nadine, knowing this is her last chance to ever have a baby due to age and after 3 miscarriages, has plans of her own: she wants to have her baby her way at home.
Old Ways:
Allows doctors to dictate what she should do
Afraid to speak up – follow rules
Didn’t know she could make herself have the baby at home
Timid and wants to stay hidden
Accepting that life happens to her and not taking any control
New Ways:
Confident to say NO and do it her way, its ok to lie
Takes control of her life and how she wants the birth to end
Wants to show herself and her baby
Doesn’t care what people think
Act 1:
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – DAY
Opening: It is the morning of the termination though the audience doesn’t know this. Nadine and Johnny wake, they are late. Nadine wakes Johnny and makes sure the hospital bag is packed.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY BEDROOM – DAY
Nadine has been awake all night. Clock reads 6.30 am. She wakes Johnny.
INT. BATHROOM – DAY
Nadine showers. Johnny joins her in the shower.
EXT. HOME – DAY
Johnny gets car.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – DAY
Nadine looks quickly inside the baby’s room then leaves.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – DAY
Nadine opens the curtains in the living room to reveal a clean and cozy home. Flowers are on the table.
EXT. HOME – DAY
The car drives off then immediately returns as they forgot their hospital bag.
INT. HOSPITAL – DAY
Nadine and Johnny meet JAIME, the geneticist who then introduces them to the doctors who will perform the termination.
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM – DAY
Nadine looks at herself and her pregnant belly in the room’s mirror. She is unsure/regretful/ashamed???
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM – DAY
Inciting Incident: In the hospital room, Nadine and Johnny see their baby alive on the ultrasound. The doctors ask for the last time if this termination is something they both want to do. They both say yes.
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM – DAY
Doctors ask Johnny then Nadine if this is still what they both want. Johnny is for sure. Nadine hesitates a moment and then says yes.
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM – DAY
Doctors freeze Nadine belly. The insert a needle to put the baby to sleep. Nadine asks Johnny again if they are doing the right thing.
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM – DAY
Doctors insert a second needle to stop the baby’s heart.
Turning Point: The termination is complete. The baby is dead. Nadine’s doctor is set to deliver the baby in the hospital in 4 days. There is no going back.
EXT. HOSPITAL – DAY
Nadine and Johnny leave the hospital.
EXT. HOSPITAL – DAY
Johnny goes to get the car. Nadine waits. A pregnant woman approaches and they have a short chat. (here is where we first see Nadine have to lie about the pregnancy and she is not comfortable with it.)
INT. CAR – DAY
Silence. Both Johnny and Nadine are in shock. Dr. Bryant calls to make sure the couple is ok. After they hang up, Nadine questions the fact that they were sent out of hospital for an ultra sound. Nadine is upset but Johnny sides with doctor. Nadine is shut down.
INT. EXT. – FAST FOOD MALL OFF HIGHWAY – DAY
Nadine has to go pee. She enters the mall’s bathroom. Has an encounter with a curious little girl. Nadine has to lie about her baby inside of her.
INT/EXT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – DAY
The couple arrive home and go inside. Nadine makes sure no one sees her arrive. Even waits for a neighbor to go inside. She is ashamed and doesn’t know how to deal with any questions.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – DAY
Johnny asks Nadine if he can do anything for her. Tries to reach out for her but she rebuffs him. He surfs the internet on his phone as a stress relief.
INT. BATHROOM – DAY
Nadine has to wash hospital off of her.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – NIGHT
The couple has dinner in silence. Johnny eats yet Nadine doesn’t. Johnny orders Chinese food.
INT. BEDROOM – NIGHT
Nadine and Johnny in bed. Nadine turns away from Johnny and cries but doesn’t let him see.
Act 2:
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – DAY
Nadine sits in chair in living room and hides from the world. Johnny goes to work.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – NIGHT
Johnny comes home from work to find Nadine still in her chair. She hasn’t left.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – NIGHT
Johnny tries to talk to Nadine but she refuses. She turns over and goes to sleep. OR get up and takes sleep medicine.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME. – DAY
Nadine wakes to hearing Johnny speak to their doctor. Johnny agrees with doctor. She comes down. Doctor urges Nadine to go for a walk. It will be good for the upcoming birth.
INT. HOME – DAY
Maybe need another scene with Nadine at home. Can’t go out. Peeks from behind curtains.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – BATHROOM
Nadine is getting dressed. She examines her body and the bruises on her tummy.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – DAY
Nadine shares with Johnny her fears of if she runs into someone she knows. What will she say. Does she look ok?
EXT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – DAY
Nadine leaves the home hesitantly.
EXT. STREET – DAY
Nadine walks and begins to enjoy the sun on her face and her walk.
EXT. STREETS – DAY
Nadine stops. She sees her three pregnant friends all gathered and talking at the park. What to do? One of the moms surprises her and invites her to the parkette.
EXT. PARKETTE – DAY
Nadine is reacquainted with pregnant moms from the neighborhood. Nadine knows two of them already.
EXT. STREET BABY STORE – DAY
Nadine watches the baby store. She is tempted to go in but can’t. She walks home defeated.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – DAY
Nadine sits by window and watches all the moms and kids outside.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – BABY ROOM
Nadine is in the baby room. She opens some gifts secretly. Allowing herself to dream a little.
INT. BABY ROOM – DAY
Nadine’s sister calls to check in. They have a competitive relationship.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – NIGHT
Nadine makes a delicious dinner. Johnny is pleasantly surprised. Are they back to normal? A little?
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – NIGHT
They try and have sex but no work.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – DAY
Nadine sits by window and watches all the moms and kids outside.
EXT. COFFEE SHOP – DAY
Nadine meets with moms again. Finds out one of them wants a home birth as well but hubby doesn’t (?).
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – NIGHT
Nadine begins some research about home births. The seed has been planted.
INT. BABY ROOM – DAY
Nadine opens some more gifts and puts together the mobile.
INT. HOME – DAY
Johnny leaves for work. Nadine pretends all is better than it is in reality. Johnny is relieved.
EXT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – PORCH
Nadine has tea with her midwife and pumps her for information about home births. Midwife cannot come to the birth.
EXT. PARK – DAY
Nadine meets with the pregnant moms again. Talk about birthing and home birth. Here she discovers Karen also wants a home birth.
EXT. BABY STORE – DAY
Nadine manages to enter store and buy something.
INT. BABY ROOM – DAY
Nadine puts that item in the room. She is marking her move to fulfill her dream.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – DAY
Nadine on phone with sister. Sister asks how she is doing.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – DAY
Nadine sits by window and watches all the moms and kids outside.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – DAY
Johnny sees Nadine setting up baby room – clothes all neatly folded and washed and color coded. He demands she be realistic. She says she will. She just wanted to see how it all would look. Johnny becomes concerned that Nadine is not telling the truth. He is a little worried.
EXT. COFFEE SHOP – DAY
Nadine meets with Karen and tells her she wants to have the baby at home. They discuss.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – DAY
Nadine sits by window and watches all the moms and kids outside.
Her point of view is becoming more distorted.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – DAY
Johnny catches Nadine breast feeding toy doll. They have an argument.
Tells Johnny she want to do it her way. He tells her it is not safe and he won’t allow it. Nadine tells Johnny she felt pressure to terminate.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – NIGHT
Nadine hears Johnny whispering on the phone. She confronts him. He was speaking to her sister behind her back. She wants to be treated as an adult and not a child.
EXT. STREETS – DAY
Nadine is walking. Everywhere she looks she sees pregnant ladies and babies. Her world view is slowly becoming distorted.
EXT. PARK – DAY
Nadine meets with Karen again. Talk more about home births and share information.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – DAY
Sister calls Nadine to check on her. Nadine chews her out for not being honest and upfront. She can take care of herself.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – DAY
Scene with Johnny and Nadine? Bring up sister and no trust issues. No one believes in her etc. It’s her last chance. Her views about being a mom/female revealed here.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME -DAY
Nadine has left a document in the printer about home births or an order she has made. Johnny sees this. They argue. Johnny can’t sit there and let her kill herself, risk her life.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – DAY
Nadine sister arrives on porch to stay and baby sit Nadine. Nadine is livid.
Act 3:
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – DAY/NIGHT
Nadine sitting at her lap top in her bedroom, Nadine researches home births and what she may need.
EXT. STORE – DAY
Nadine is buying new sheets and towels for the delivery.
EXT. OTHER STORE – DAY
Nadine buys more things she may need.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – NIGHT
All three have dinner. Uncomfortable. Little talking. Johnny and sister versus Nadine. They are worried about her but don’t know how to say it or support her. Nadine can’t trust them so stays quiet.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – DAY
Nadine and her sister are baking (?) and she discovers her sister has been lying to her. She is pregnant with twins. Sister already has one kid.
EXT. PARK – DAY
Nadine confides in Karen about sister and her sister’s plans to botch Nadine’s plans for a home birth. Karen agrees to help her.
INT. CAR WASH – DAY
Nadine tells Johnny she felt like he forced her to terminate the baby. (maybe not here) he disagrees and is hurt. He loves her and only wants the best but he never asked her what her idea od “best” is.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – DAY
Nadine receives a delivery of items she needs for the birth – midwife materials. Found by sister or Johnny and Nadine lies and says they are for the midwife; she forgot to cancel the order.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – DAY
Nadine and Johnny are on a Zoom call with the doctor. She tells them that an opening has come up with the appropriate nurses and the date to come into the hospital has changed to tomorrow at 6 PM. Nadine lies to Johnny and tells him she is all set.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – DAY
Panicked, Nadine tries to come up with a plan to get both J and sister out of house to have her baby before the 4 pm deadline.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – DAY
Nadine getting everything ready for her birth at home. She has to hide this from her sister and Johnny.
INT. RESTAURANT– NIGHT
At dinner, Johnny and Nadine are out at a fancy restaurant. Nadine finds out Johnny’s plans for the next day.
Act 4:
EXT. NADINE AND JOHNNY’S HOUSE – DAY
Johnny leaves for work promising to be home by 5 to go to hospital.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – DAY
Nadine and sister are playing a board game. Nadine makes an excuse to leave the house.
EXT. HOME – DAY
Nadine gets some last-minute things.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – DAY
Nadine needs to get sister out of home.
INT./EXT NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – DAY
Need scene when sister realizes what Nadine is doing. She rushes home.
INT. NADINE’S BATHROOM – DAY
With time running out, Nadine using her materials, breaks her water and has her baby on the bathroom floor.
INT. NADINE’S BATHROOM – DAY
Nadine cleans up the bathroom and wraps her baby up in the receiving blanket she received as a shower gift.
INT. NADINE’S BEDROOM – DAY
Nadine dresses in her new maternity outfit. Looks at herself in the mirror. She is thrilled.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY’S HOME – DAY
Nadine sister arrives home earlier than planned. Nadine stuffs pillow in her shirt and hides baby. They leave house to see moms in park. (moms want to buy her stroller)
EXT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – DAY
Nadine takes baby out of baby bag and puts baby in the stroller. The begin walking. (meet moms)
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY’S HOME – BABY ROOM
Nadine is sitting on her nursing chair, nursing her baby when Johnny arrives home to pick her up to take her to the hospital.
.
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Sam Reynolds – Beats – Assignment #7
What I learned is that you don’t have to have all the pieces to truly begin. It is easy to believe you need every scene laid out to begin but this can also box you in.
Concept: After having to terminate her baby at 35 weeks due to a brain anomaly, 40-year-old Nadine slowly spirals into a grieving altered reality and chooses to go against all convention and deliver her dead baby at home on her own terms.
Main Conflict: Johnny is under the assumption that Nadine will deliver their dead baby at the hospital in 4 days but Nadine, knowing this is her last chance to ever have a baby due to age and after 3 miscarriages, has plans of her own: she wants to have her baby her way at home.
Old Ways:
Allows doctors to dictate what she should do
Afraid to speak up – follow rules
Didn’t know she could make herself have the baby at home
Timid and wants to stay hidden
Accepting that life happens to her and not taking any control
New Ways:
Confident to say NO and do it her way, its ok to lie
Takes control of her life and how she wants the birth to end
Wants to show herself and her baby
Doesn’t care what people think
Act 1:
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – DAY
Opening: It is the morning of the termination though the audience doesn’t know this. Nadine and Johnny wake, they are late. Nadine wakes Johnny and makes sure the hospital bag is packed.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – DAY
Nadine looks quickly inside the baby’s room then leaves.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – DAY
Nadine opens the curtains in the living room to reveal a clean and cozy home. Flowers are on the table.
EXT. HOME – DAY
The car drives off then immediately returns as they forgot their hospital bag.
INT. HOSPITAL – DAY
Nadine and Johnny meet JAIME, the geneticist who then introduces them to the doctors who will perform the termination.
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM – DAY
Nadine looks at herself and her pregnant belly in the room’s mirror.
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM – DAY
Inciting Incident: In the hospital room, Nadine and Johnny see their baby alive on the ultrasound. The doctors ask for the last time if this termination is something they both want to do. They both say yes.
TE: When asked if this is what they want, Johnny answers for both. Docs ask Nadine as well. She answers but we see a hesitation.
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM – DAY
Doctors freeze Nadine belly. The insert a needle to put the baby to sleep.
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM – DAY
Doctors insert a second needle to stop the baby’s heart.
Turning Point: The termination is complete. The baby is dead. Nadine’s doctor is set to deliver the baby in the hospital in 4 days. There is no going back.
EXT. HOSPITAL – DAY
Nadine and Johnny leave the hospital.
EXT. HOSPITAL – DAY
Johnny goes to get the car. Nadine waits. A pregnant woman approaches and they have a short chat. (here is where we first see Nadine have to lie about the pregnancy and she is not comfortable with it.)
INT. CAR – DAY
Silence. Dr. Bryant calls to make sure the couple is ok. After they hang up, Nadine questions the fact that they were sent out of hospital for an ultra sound. Nadine is upset but Johnny sides with doctor. Nadine is shut down.
INT. EXT. – FAST FOOD MALL OFF HIGHWAY – DAY
Nadine has to go pee. She enters the mall’s bathroom. Has an encounter with a curious little girl. Nadine has to lie about her baby inside of her.
INT/EXT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – DAY
The couple arrive home and go inside. Nadine makes sure no one sees her arrive.
TE: Arrive home. Nadine closes blinds and sits in chair (chair she has trouble leaving).
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – DAY
Johnny surfs the internet on his phone.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – NIGHT
The couple has dinner in silence. Johnny eats yet Nadine doesn’t. Johnny orders Chinese food.
Act 2:
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – DAY
Nadine sits in chair in living room and hides from the world. Johnny goes to work.
TE: Nadine peeks around blinds. No want to go out. No eat.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – NIGHT
Johnny comes home from work to find Nadine still in her chair. She hasn’t left.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – NIGHT
Johnny tries to talk to Nadine but she refuses. She turns over and goes to sleep.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME. – DAY
Nadine wakes to hearing Johnny speak to their doctor. She comes down. Doctor urges Nadine to go for a walk. It will be good for the upcoming birth.
TE: Sister calls to see how she is doing.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – BATHROOM
Nadine is getting dressed. She examines her body and the bruises on her tummy.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – DAY
Nadine shares with Johnny her fears of if she runs into someone she knows. What will she say. Does she look ok?
The Plan: Nadine stays home and looks out living room window watching kids and pregnant moms with babies play. She accepts her reality – she will never be a mom to a live baby. She and Johnny barely speak at all. She becomes more and more depressed. Sister visits and tries to cheer her up.
EXT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – DAY
Nadine leaves the home hesitantly.
EXT. STREET – DAY
Nadine walks and begins to enjoy the sun on her face and her walk.
EXT. STREETS – DAY
Nadine stops. She sees her three pregnant friends all gathered and talking at the park. What to do?
TE: Nadine is surprised by a pregnant mom friend and invite to say hi to other moms at the park.
EXT. STREET BABY STORE – DAY
Nadine watches the baby store. She is tempted to go in but can’t. She walks home defeated.
TE: Nadine watches baby store.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – DAY
Nadine sits by window and watches all the moms and kids outside.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – BABY ROOM
Nadine is in the baby room. She opens some gifts secretly.
TE: Nadine opens some of the baby shower gifts she never opened.
INT. BABY ROOM – DAY
Nadine’s sister calls to check in. They have a competitive relationship.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – NIGHT
TE: Nadine makes a good dinner. She is happy after meeting with pregnant ladies.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – NIGHT
They try and have sex but no work.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – NIGHT
Nadine begins some research about home births.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – DAY
Nadine sits by window and watches all the moms and kids outside.
INT. BABY ROOM – DAY
Nadine opens some more gifts and puts together the mobile.
EXT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – PORCH
Nadine has tea with her midwife and pumps her for information about home births. Midwife cannot come to the birth.
EXT. PARK – DAY
Nadine meets with the pregnant moms again. Talk about birthing and home birth. Here she discovers Karen also wants a home birth.
EXT. BABY STORE – DAY
Nadine manages to enter store and buy something.
INT. BABY ROOM – DAY
Nadine puts that item in the room.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – DAY
Nadine on phone with sister. Sister asks how she is doing.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – DAY
Nadine sits by window and watches all the moms and kids outside.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – DAY
Johnny sees Nadine setting up baby room – clothes all neatly folded and washed and color coded. He demands she be realistic. She says she will. She just wanted to see how it all would look.
EXT. COFFEE SHOP – DAY
Nadine meets with Karen and tells her she wants to have the baby at home. They discuss.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – DAY
Nadine sits by window and watches all the moms and kids outside.
Her point of view is becoming more distorted.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – DAY
Johnny catches Nadine breast feeding toy doll. They have an argument.
Tells Johnny she want to do it her way. He tells her it is not safe and he won’t allow it. Nadine tells Johnny she felt pressure to terminate.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – NIGHT
Nadine hears Johnny whispering on the phone. She confronts him. He was speaking to her sister.
EXT. STREETS – DAY
Nadine is walking. Everywhere she looks she sees pregnant ladies and babies. Her world view is slowly becoming distorted.
EXT. PARK – DAY
Nadine meets with Karen again. Talk more about home births and share information.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – DAY
Sister calls Nadine again. Based on the call Nadine suspects Johnny has been sharing info with her.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – DAY
Scene with Johnny and Nadine? Bring up sister and no trust issues. No one believes in her etc. It’s her last chance. Her views about being a mom/female revealed here.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME -DAY
Johnny catches Nadine doing research. They argue. Johnny can’t sit there and let her kill herself, risk her life.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – DAY
Nadine sister arrives on porch to stay and baby sit Nadine. Nadine is livid.
Act 3:
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – DAY/NIGHT
Nadine sitting at her lap top in her bedroom, Nadine researches home births and what she may need.
EXT. STORE – DAY
Nadine is buying new sheets and towels for the delivery.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – DAY
Nadine and her sister are baking (?) and she discovers her sister has been lying to her. She is pregnant with twins. Sister already has one kid.
EXT. PARK – DAY
Nadine confides in Karen about sister and her sister’s plans to botch Nadine’s plans for a home birth. Karen agrees to help her.
INT. CAR WASH – DAY
Nadine tells Johnny she felt like he forced her to terminate the baby. (maybe not here)
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – DAY
Nadine receives a delivery of items she needs for the birth – midwife materials. Found by sister or Johnny and Nadine lies and says they are for the midwife; she forgot to cancel the order.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – DAY
Nadine and Johnny are on a Zoom call with the doctor. She tells them that an opening has come up with the appropriate nurses and the date to come into the hospital has changed to tomorrow at 6 PM. Nadine lies to Johnny and tells him she is all set.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – DAY
Panicked, Nadine tries to come up with a plan to get both J and sister out of house to have her baby before the 4 pm deadline.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – DAY
Nadine getting everything ready for her birth at home. She has to hide this from her sister and Johnny.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – NIGHT
At dinner, Nadine finds out Johnny’s plans for the next day.
Act 4:
EXT. NADINE AND JOHNNY’S HOUSE – DAY
Johnny leaves for work promising to be home by 5 to go to hospital.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – DAY
Nadine and sister are playing a board game. Nadine makes an excuse to leave the house.
EXT. HOME – DAY
Nadine gets some last-minute things.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – DAY
Nadine needs to get sister out of home.
INT./EXT NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – DAY
Need scene when sister realizes what Nadine is doing. She rushes home.
INT. NADINE’S BATHROOM – DAY
With time running out, Nadine using her materials, breaks her water and has her baby on the bathroom floor.
INT. NADINE’S BATHROOM – DAY
Nadine cleans up the bathroom and wraps her baby up in the receiving blanket she received as a shower gift.
INT. NADINE’S BEDROOM – DAY
Nadine dresses in her new maternity outfit. Looks at herself in the mirror. She is thrilled.
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY’S HOME – DAY
Nadine sister arrives home earlier than planned. Nadine stuffs pillow in her shirt and hides baby. They leave house to see moms in park. (moms want to buy her stroller)
EXT. NADINE AND JOHNNY HOME – DAY
Nadine takes baby out of baby bag and puts baby in the stroller. The begin walking. (meet moms)
INT. NADINE AND JOHNNY’S HOME – BABY ROOM
Nadine is sitting on her nursing chair, nursing her baby when Johnny arrives home to pick her up to take her to the hospital.
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Thank you Dimitri. I am a little confused as this assignment said we had 48 hours and that there would be no lesson today but I see a new lesson posted.
Would you please clarify. I want to keep up but am now confused. Was in 24 hours and it posted 48??
Sam
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Sam Reynolds – Assig. 5
What I learnt: Ordering some of the ways my main character can change slowly over time, has allowed me to see more fully how the story will play out.
I have put the events into my last assignment. Here are some of the changes ordered.
Old Ways:
Allows doctors to dictate what she should do
Afraid to speak up – follow rules
Didn’t know she could make herself have the baby at home
Timid and wants to stay hidden
Accepting that life happens to her and not taking any control
New Ways:
Confident to say NO and do it her way, its ok to lie
Takes control of her life and how she wants the birth to end
Wants to show herself and her baby
Doesn’t care what people think
1. Opening the curtains of the living room and looking out instead of hiding and full of shame.
2. Nadine needs to force herself to get outside of the house and go for a walk.
3. Nadine meets with pregnant ladies, first time and other times on a regular basis. Hides the fact that her baby is dead.
4. Nadine buys a new baby item from the baby store.
5. Nadine tells Johnny she is going to do it her way.
6. Nadine invites one pregnant mom over on porch for tea. Or they meet somewhere. Or see each other at grocery store.
7. Dilemma: after Johnny confronts her, does she go along with what he wants or choose to stick to her path.
8. Nadine tells Johnny that she feels he forced her to terminate the baby. She was on the fence.
9. Researches how and what she needs to have a baby at home and does it. – takes action
10. Nadine hides her plans with Johnny and her sister – really becomes a liar and pretends she is going along but is not.
11. After birth Nadine hides her non-existent belly from everyone.
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Sam Reynolds – 4 Act Transformational Structure
Concept: After having to terminate her baby at 35 weeks due to a brain anomaly, 40-year-old Nadine slowly spirals into a grieving altered reality and chooses to go against all convention and deliver her dead baby at home on her own terms.
Main Conflict: Johnny is under the assumption that Nadine will deliver their dead baby at the hospital in 4 days but Nadine, knowing this is her last chance to ever have a baby due to age and after 3 miscarriages, has plans of her own: she wants to have her baby her way at home.
Old Ways:
Allows doctors to dictate what she should do
Afraid to speak up – follow rules
Didn’t know she could make herself have the baby at home
Timid and wants to stay hidden
Accepting that life happens to her and not taking any control
New Ways:
Confident to say NO and do it her way, its ok to lie
Takes control of her life and how she wants the birth to end
Wants to show herself and her baby
Doesn’t care what people think
Act 1:
Opening: It is the morning of the termination though the audience doesn’t know this. Nadine and Johnny wake, they are late. Nadine wakes Johnny and makes sure the hospital bag is packed. Nadine lingers by her baby’s room door before being rushed out by Johnny.
Inciting Incident: In the hospital room, Nadine and Johnny see their baby alive on the ultrasound. The doctors ask for the last time if this termination is something they both want to do. They both say yes.
Turning Point: The termination is complete. The baby is dead. Nadine’s doctor is set to deliver the baby in the hospital in 4 days. There is no going back.
Act 2:
Nadine doesn’t want to accept her reality: dead baby, never being a mom, going to hospital to give birth, resting at home and watches all the kids and moms from her window; so, she prepares her baby’s room and buys some new items for the baby and washes all the baby’s clothes they received from the baby shower. Johnny catches her and tells her she needs to be realistic.
The Plan: Nadine stays home and looks out living room window watching kids and pregnant moms with babies play. She accepts her reality – she will never be a mom to a live baby. She and Johnny barely speak at all. She becomes more and more depressed. Sister visits and tries to cheer her up.
New plan: After an unplanned meeting with pregnant moms in the neighborhood, Nadine’s eyes are opened to the reality that she may be able to give birth at home and that she wants desperately to be a part of the “mom” group. Nadine begins to gather information and items to help this a reality, all in secret. She knows well that Johnny, her sister, and the doctors will not be supportive at all.
Plan in action: Nadine leaves the comfort of her home and regularly meets with pregnant moms in the neighborhood, visits baby store, does internet research and prepares the baby’s room.
Midpoint Turning Point: 2 days before birth. She is caught by Johnny preparing room etc. who reminds her that she is going to the hospital, she needs to be realistic and practical. Johnny threatens to send Nadine to be with her sister so she can look over her. Nadine now is sure if she wants the birth to be her own, she will have to hide it from Johnny and everyone else. Nadine decides that she now needs to take matters into her own hands if she wants her dreams to become a reality. She needs to rely on herself and not worry about what others think.
Act 3:
Rethink everything:
Nadine’s reality begins to change. Slowly her tunnel vision of her own birth takes precedence over anything else. She sees more and more pregnant women and kids on the streets and everywhere she looks. In time, her world becomes an altered reality.
New plan: Nadine is set on preparing everything for her delivery. She buys materials, packs them up, hides them, makes sure Johnny will be out of the house at the time, seeks more information from the pregnant moms and her mid-wife. Nadine is set on her reality.
Turning Point: Huge failure / Major shift: The doctor has shifted the hospital birth up a day. Johnny finds some of her materials and confronts her. Johnny makes sister (reveals she is expecting twins) live in their home to watch Nadine. Johnny threatens to work from home. Now Nadine has to make something happen so Johnny is out of the house and sister is not watching. She also has to scramble to get all of her materials ready.
Act 4:
Climax/Ultimate expression of the conflict: Nadine gives birth to her dead baby at home. She hides baby and masks her tummy from Johnny who leaves for work and sister. Nadine then goes out into the neighborhood on a walk. Nadine pretends her baby is alive.
Resolution: Nadine is last seen breast feeding her dead baby as Johnny arrives to pick her up to go to the hospital.
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Sam Reynolds – this was a wonderful way to stretch myself in terms of thinking about character. I loved it.
Protagonist
Tell me about yourself.
I am a 40-year-old kindergarten teacher. I am married to Johnny and have been for 3 years. Johnny is younger than I am by 9 years. I have always loved children and babies and know that I would be a great mom. The only reason I can come up with for why I want kids is that I have a deep connection with them. They speak to me, open up to me and are attracted to me. Also, I do feel as a woman that I need to have one baby to feel like I have done my duty as a woman. We live in Canada in a small but nice house and have a wonderful marriage. I know time is ticking re having a baby. My cycles have already stopped being regular and my mom’s cycles ended when she was early 40s. I really feel like this is my last chance. We have had 3 miscarriages already and I need this one to work.
I used to play lots of sports and am in good shape for my age. I love the outdoors and spending time there. I also love animals, especially dogs and when our baby is older I plan on buying one for the family.
Why do you think you were called to this journey? Why you?
Because I am strong willed when I need to be. I do not give up easily. When I do make up my mind to do something it is hard to convince me otherwise. I am also a survivor. My parents had a nasty divorce when I was a child, moved many times and had to adjust. My need is so strong to make this baby and to be a mom. After my miscarriages, I will not take this baby for granted.
You are up against. What is it about them that makes this journey even more difficult for you?
Johnny is someone who is very pragmatic. He is more risk averse than I am. He is also younger than I am and in an ideal world would have liked to wait longer to have a baby. I had to convince him a bit to try again. He also really wants to focus on his law carer right now so I will be in charge of baby duties mostly on my own. I trust Johnny implicitly and do allow him to persuade me in making decisions I may not always want to do on my own. Johnny is much smarter than I am, book smart that it. Johnny has an image of what his life should be like and his vision and mine conflict sometimes. He wants to travel a lot, believes couples shouldn’t argue and always be happy and has not had to deal with a lot of struggle or sadness in his life so we fight about all of this sometimes. His life growing up was more stable than mine.
In order to survive or accomplish this, you are going to have to step way outside of your box. What changes do you expect to make and which of them will be the most difficult?
The most difficult change will be to have to stand up for my convictions and risk not being likes or a people pleaser. I will have to end up in some conflicts which makes me so nervous. Because of my parents fighting so much I am afraid of arguments and will try and stop them even if I do not agree 100 percent. I will risk being make fun and/or being called crazy. I will need to be brave enough to stand on my own. In order to do this and to gain some bravery, I may need to hide what I want to do in the beginning. Johnny won’t agree but I don’t think he understands my need to have this baby. He is a young man whose need to have a child is not there yet or like mine is right now.
What habits or ways of thinking do you think will be the most difficult to let go of?
Thinking everyone else’s opinions are ore valid than mine. To put all of my trust in others and forgo myself. The habit of wanting to be liked all the time.
What fears, insecurities and wounds have held you back?
The fear that this may be my last chance to have my own biological baby. The fear that this one may end up in another miscarriage. The fear that I may be all alone in the end.
I also have the insecurity that I am the only woman who cannot carry a baby. What is wrong with my body. Why me? Why is it so hard for me to do this and others can have 3 or 4 healthy kids?
What skills, background or expertise makes you well-suited to face this conflict or antagonist?
I have such resilience that I mask in a people pleasing body. Having moved so much as a kid and taking care of myself as my mom worked and then taking care of her emotional needs as she went through her men, has equipped me to live and survive. My background gave me the skills to adapt quickly. I can go from one environment and situation quickly – I recover easily from bad news, arguments etc. I also rarely hold a grudge which allows me to move on. Also, as someone who is a bit naïve and acts this way to have people like me, others assume I have no ill intention and I can use this to gain information from others or have others do me favors.
What are you hiding from the other characters? What don’t you want them to know?
I don’t want them to know that I have had 3 miscarriages and my fear of not being able to have another baby. I am also hiding my strong desire to be a mom. I don’t think I knew about this desire or the strength of it until after my 2<sup>nd</sup> miscarriage. This is my last chance.
What do you think of?
Being a mom and I am obsessed with researching the newest baby clothes, gadgets and strollers. I have already chosen what stroller I want. I also research everything and anything to ensure I can carry a baby to term – foods, prenatal vitamins, exercise etc. I know it all. Being a family and only being a mom. No more traditional work for me.
Tell me your side of this whole conflict / story.
Why shouldn’t I have a baby. I have the right to experience this joy too and no one has the right to take that away from me. Yes, it is risky delivering my own baby but people for thoudnads of years have done it and people now who live in remote locations do it all the time. Johnny wants us to be in the hospital but if we do it there then we will have so little time with her. At home, I can have her with me for longer and live my dream of being a mom even for a short while. I know I will always be a mom even if she is dead but this way I am in control of what happens and how long I have. She is with me where she should be.
What does it do for your life is you succeed here?
It brings a closure. I can die knowing I gave birth to a fill term baby. I will be a mom for sure and no one can say it otherwise. I will also be a person who can trust herself and stand up for what she wants and needs. I will no longer care as much about what people think about me and my decisions.
Antagonist
Tell me about yourself.
My name is Johnny. I am 31 and a junior lawyer in a large firm downtown. I grew up in Europe and move to NA when I was 18. First for university then worked for a bit then law school in Toronto. Nadine and I met in Toronto when we were both studying at the university – me law and her teaching.
Having to do with this journey, what are your strengths and weaknesses?
My strengths are that I have good instincts about the future, mine and Nadine’s. I have an ability to see what may happen next and can plan accordingly. I am practical and a researcher. I love to do my research about anything. Sometimes, my wanting to be practical can keep me from being a bit adventurous. I like to have a plan and stick to it. I like to feel safe. Nadine, listens and trusts me – she does look up to me. I think because I am a man and she grew up being afraid of men, I have some pull with her. She will almost always do what I want.
Why are you committed to making the Protagonist fail? Or for a relationship movie, why are you committed to making them change?
I don’t want to see Nadine struggle so much. I want her to be happy and I want to take away her sadness. I am afraid that if she has this baby her way, she may die or seriously hurt herself. I want her to go to a hospital because she will be safe there. There really is no way to have a baby at home safely on your own. I also want her to see that a baby is not the end of the world. There’s so much more to life. Without a baby she and I can do so much more – think of all the money we will save for one. I just want her to be happy whether that is with or without a baby.
What do you get out of winning this fight / succeeding in your plan / taking down your competition?
I get to have my wife being healthy and hopefully happy. I also get to worry less about her. I take it upon myself sometimes that I need to make sure she is happy. That is from my past. I don’t like to see her sad or for us to be arguing and in conflict. I want life to flow smoothly – as smoothly as possible
What drives you toward your mission / agenda, even in the face of danger, ruin, or death?
Happiness, control, no misery. I have put Nadine’s and mine happiness and relationship as my responsibility.
What secrets must you keep to succeed? What other secrets do you keep out of fear / insecurity?
I do not communicate my fears. Communicating about my day or my inner life is a constant struggle and a work in progress for me. My fear is that we will never have our own baby and Nadine will be miserable. I can’t bear to have her miserable. I want to make everything right.
Compared to other people like you, what makes you special?
My world knowledge and love of research. Also, my world travelling. I am also someone who is a swift arguer. I am smarter than most and use my words effectively.
What do you think of?
My career and Nadine. I want to make more money as a lawyer so we can travel and live a life we both will enjoy.
Tell me your side of this whole conflict / story.
Listen, hospitals are safe and sterile. They know how to deal with birthing a dead baby. They know how to take care of it and what to do. And if there are complications, Nadine will be taken care of.
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Lesson Three – Sam Reynolds
This exercise has allowed me to delve deeper into who my main character is. Thinking of her flaws and values and secrets was an eye-opener.
What draws us to this character?
We have empathy for her as she has had to terminate her baby yet the baby is still inside her until she can deliver. The situation she is in is not her fault. Her very real need to want a baby and not being able to have one. She is in a completely new situation and is trying to navigate it the best she can. The audience learns with her.
Traits: People pleaser, vulnerable, ends up being a risk taker even to risk her own life, brave
Subtext: She hides her need to have this baby her way by being silent and agrees with someone even when she believes differently. She also chooses to change the subject. Sometimes also uses humor. (scene with Johnny where we learn he was the one who initiated the termination.)
Flaw: People pleaser, too trusting, wants to be accepted and included, not listening to her wants and needs
Values: Life, honesty, taking responsibility for one’s actions, truthfulness.
Irony: She has to forgo her need to be liked and accepted and do what feels right to her to get what she wants. She has never given birth before and she ends up learning and doing it herself. She shows herself that she is stronger than she once believed.
What makes this the right character for this role? She is an older woman who desperately wants a baby. She wants the chance to parent a child differently than she was parented. To her having a baby means she is a woman. (scene with ladies or her mom where they say at least…, you can always try again you are young…. Etc.)
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Sam Reynolds Character Profiles Part 1
The toughest part of me about this assignment was answering some of the questions for my main character. What these questions do begin to point out to me is my character’s arc and how I can best support it.
Assignment Two
Protagonist: Explorer/Dreamer: After the termination of her baby, Nadine slowly spirals into a grieving altered reality and chooses to go against all convention and deliver her dead baby at home on her own terms. A wall flower who has little self-confidence turns into a woman who follows her own path no matter what the cost.
Antagonist: Authority: Johnny, Nadine’s husband, is a cautious and follow the rules kind of guy who finds comfort in being conventional.
Minor Roles:
Dr. Cooper and Dr. Bates – obstetricians who terminated the pregnancy
Dr. Bryant – the couple’s obstetrician
Kyla – Nadine’s mid-wife
Karen, Annie and Leslie – pregnant moms in the neighborhood
Genre: Drama
Protagonist:
Role in the story: Explorer/Dreamer: This is Nadine’s story. She desperately wants a life that lives in her imagination and after her baby is terminated, she slowly descends into an altered and exaggerated reality, choosing to deliver her dead baby at home on her own terms. A wall flower who has little self-confidence turns into a woman who follows her own path no matter what.
Age range and Description: late 30s to early 40s. Very pregnant, lives a simple life, has had 3 miscarriages before this pregnancy. Desperately wants a child.
Internal Journey: From a woman who has lived her life to please others to a woman who discovers the strength to control her own destiny.
External Journey: From the termination of her baby to then giving birth to her dead baby in her home as she always wanted, to pretending to the outside world that this baby is alive.
Motivation: to have a baby
Wound: unable to carry a baby up until now. Seems like every other woman can.
Mission/Agenda: to give birth one time her way.
Secret: Chronological time has run out – she knows this was her last shot of being a biological mother to a child. Her belief that you are not a woman if you cannot procreate.
What makes her special: her resourcefulness and determination despite those around her telling her no.
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Sam Reynolds Transformational Journey
What I learned from this assignment: this will be a useful line of thinking when it comes to thinking about conflict and mapping out the story. I haven’t thought quite like this before.
Who is your Hero and what is their Character Arc that represents a transformation?
My story’s hero is Nadine, a 30-year-old woman who, with her husband’s urging, has decided to terminate her 35 weeks in utero baby due to a brain anomaly. Nadine goes from a grieving, timid, and helpless woman to one who takes control of her life path by not listening to doctors and having her baby her way.
Internal Journey: From feeling insecure and scared to someone who doesn’t take NO for an answer. <div>
External Journey: From ending a life inside her to living a life on the outside that is all her.
What are the Old Ways and New Ways?
Old Ways:
Allows doctors to dictate what she should do
Afraid to speak up – follow rules
Didn’t know she could make herself have the baby at home
Timid and wants to stay hidden
Conventional thinking about parenting
New Ways:
Confident to say NO and do it her way
Takes control of her life and how she wants the birth to end
Wants to show herself and her baby
Doesn’t care what people think
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Hi Everyone!
My name is Sam and I live in Toronto. I have only written one feature script but a few short ones. I am excited to learn some writing techniques, especially as it pertains to character. One thing that is unique to me is that I was the best badminton doubles player in Canada as a teen.
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Hi Janeen
My formatting when I pasted into the course doc works alright. I wrote in Final Draft and then copied and pasted. It’s not great but not too bad.
Sam