Chasing Shadows by Joe Eulo 12th Draft 4-9-12

8/2/2019 Chasing Shadows by Joe Eulo 12th Draft 4-9-12

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"chasing shadows"12th Draft 4/9/12

By

Joseph Eulo

loosely based on"The Waif of Ocean City"

by Mark Soifer

(C) 2012 Joey Eulo

NULL&Void Films

Joseph Eulo

[email protected]


2/25

1 INT. APARTMENT - PREDAWN- ESTABLISHING 1

The SOUND OF A unseen CLOCK is Ticking.

A MEDIUM CLOSE UP of a wall of FRAMED PHOTOGRAPHS.

A CLOSE UP of a half eaten bowl of fruit loops on the livingroom coffee table.

A CLOSE UP of a BROKEN TOY TRUCK on the hallway floor.

A CLOSE UP of a Braided Leather Belt hanging over a chair.

2 INT. BEDROOM (1) 2

CAMERA DOLLY RIGHT to Reveal ANTHONY HEAVENS, 9 yearsold, in bed awake, fully dressed in a short sleeved shirt,dirty blue jeans and a pair of faded Chuck Taylor All Star

sneakers.

Anthony clutches a old beatup FLASHLIGHT to his chest. Hiseyes are locked on the bedroom door.

The CLOCK on the night stand behind him reads 4:59AM. ABROKEN TOY TRUCK and a TABLE LAMP occupy the space next tothe clock. The TICKING of the clock fills in the silence.The numbers on the clock slowly turn to 5:00AM.

3 INT. FRONT DOOR 3

GLORIA, mid 30s, unlocks the front door and enters dressedin a wrinkled and soiled waitress uniform complete withapron.

She stumbles inside fumbling with a large bag of groceriesin one hand, and a bottle of whiskey wrapped in a brownpaper bag in the other.

A red leather handbag hangs from her shoulder. Keys danglefrom her fingers.

The grocery bag slips and smashes to the floor. Fruits andvegetables roll out in different directions. The bottle ofwhiskey settles on the floor next to her foot.

GLORIA(putting her keys in her pursedefeated)

Great...just..Great!

(CONTINUED)


3/25

CONTINUED: 2.

She looks at the ripped grocery bag on the floor and SIGHS.She picks up the the bottle of whiskey, removes the cap,leans against the wall, and takes a long satisfying drinkfrom the bottle.

She wipes her face with her hand and kicks the door SHUT

behind her.

SOUND OF DOOR SLAM

CUT TO ON DOOR SLAM


Anthony, jumps out of bed, flashlight in hand. He moves tothe closet, opens the door, kneels and checks the contentson the floor inside:

A rolled up green SLEEPING BAG, a SUPERMAN COMIC BOOK, aCIGAR BOX, a CRUCIFIX, a King James BIBLE with the covertorn off, and a half eaten bag of COOL RANCH DORITOS.

5 INT. KITCHEN 5

Gloria drops the torn grocery bag on the counter. Grabs thebottle of whiskey and takes another drink.

6 INT. LIVING ROOM (1) 6

Gloria walks to the TV, bottle in hand, handbag on hershoulder, and turns the knob on the TV set.

An old Black and white Orson Wells film plays on the TV.Gloria awkwardly drops down on the sofa and takes anotherlong drink from the paper bag.

A half eaten abandoned bowl of fruit loops sits on thecoffee table in front of her.

She removes her purse from her shoulder and tosses it on thetable upending the bowl. Milk and bits of cereal fly intothe air and land on her.

She stands up, sober for a brief moment, shocked. The bottleof whiskey falls to the floor and spills.

GLORIADamn it!

CUT TO ON "DAMN IT"


4/25

3.


Anthony, looks up from the closet and stares at the door.


Gloria picks up the bottle, rips off the paper bag and likea jeweler examining a diamond, scrutinizes its contents.

She curses under her breath and takes another drink.

Gloria slams the bottle down hard on the coffeetable. Glares at the upended bowl of fruit loops. Reachesfor her belt and with one swift movement removes it from herwaist.

GLORIA(Inebriated)

Anthony!,...how many times do Ihave to tell you..


Anthony, startled, quickly looks down into his flashlight.He flips the switch. Nothing. He looks at the door in fear.


Gloria picks up the bottle from the table, curses under her

breath, and steps toward the hallway.

11 INT. HALLWAY (1) 11

She trips over a broken toy truck on the floor and stumblesinto a FRAMED FAMILY PHOTOGRAPH hung on the hallway wall.

Gloria gazes into the tilted FRAMED FAMILY PHOTOGRAPH.It captures her attention.

She stares, first with a look of confusion then withrecognition.

BEAT

A slight smile fills her face. Her eyes moisten.


5/25

4.


Anthony unscrews the flashlight, two dead "D" batteries fallto the hardwood floor.

THUMP.

Anthony looks up in regret at the door.

THUMP.

CUT TO ON SECOND THUMP


The sound from Anthonys room brings Gloria back to thepresent.

Her smile fades.

GLORIA(Angry, yelling)

Anthony!...Anthony!....Get...

CUT TO ON "GET"


GLORIA (CONTD O.S.)...Your Ass Out Here!...Now!

Anthony rushes to the dresser and opens the drawer. Heurgently searches through socks, underwear, and flashlightparts.


Gloria, reaches up to touch the faces in the FRAMED PHOTO.

The bottle of whiskey slips through her fingers and shatterson the hardwood floor.


SOUND OF GLASS SHATTERING (O.S.)

GLORIA (O.S.)Damn it!


6/25


7/25

6.

In one quick movement he turns, throws the flashlight intothe closet, flips off the light, and dives into bed.


Gloria SLAMS open the door.

Anthony lands on the bed facing the wall, his backside tothe Gloria, his eyes closed tightly.

Gloria stands in the doorway in silhouette for a longmoment.

She raises her hand, like a graceful ballerina, and flips onthe lights. She steps slowly toward Anthony.

Anthony turns to face his mother. She glares at him.

BEAT

Anthony stares back, searching his mothers eyes.

SILENCE

Gloria raises her belt.

Anthony defiantly shakes his head No.

BEAT

Suddenly, like a lion pouncing on her prey, Gloria grabsAnthony by the arm, drags him out of bed, across the roomand throws him into the closet.

She SLAMS the door shut with her back. She slides to thefloor, photograph in hand crying.

22 INT. CLOSET 22

Darkness.

A beam of light illuminates Anthonys face Halloween style.It turns and shines on the cigar box on Anthonys lap.

He opens the box and scans its contents with the light. Thebeam stops on a old metal dog tag and photo of a man in a USarmy uniform.

Anthony gently picks up the dog tag then the photo.

He stares into the photograph and traces the mans face withhis thumb.

(CONTINUED)


8/25


9/25

8.


Gloria is passed out on the sofa. Her red handbag lies openon the coffee table.

Anthony places his blanket over his mother and tucks in the

edges.

He reaches for the handbag on the table and removes thechange purse. .

He opens the clasps. He finds a dime, a piece of gum, andpurple prayer card inside.

Anthony removes the card and reads it:

ON CARD

TRIALS ARE NOT ENEMIES OF FAITH

BUT ARE OPPORTUNITIESTO PROVE GODS FAITHFULNESS.

ON ANTHONY

Gloria stirs in her sleep and mumbles, Anthony startled,takes the dime, returns the change purse, and stuffs theprayer card in his back pocket.

He steps softly toward the front door and exits theapartment. Dog tag, around his neck flashlight in his backpocket.

26 EXT. 5TH STREET JETTY - SUNRISE 26

Anthony sits on Indian style on the large rocks close to theedge of the jetty. The dog tag hangs from his neck. Flashlight in his grasp.

Seagulls are flying around him. Calling out to him and eachother.

The sun is rising over the ocean.

Anthony looks toward the horizon, reaches for the prayercard and reads it once more.

He looks up toward the horizon, beams of sunshine warm hisface.


10/25


11/25

CONTINUED: 10.

That will be a buck fifty-two?

The uniformed man hands the store clerk two bills andpockets the smokes.

UNIFORMED MAN

(handing the boy the candybar.)dont tell your mother...here

The boy looks up...smiles.

YOUNG BOYI wont.....Thanks pop!.

Anthony, looks down at his sneakers.

The store clerk hands the man his change.

BEAT

Anthony looks around to see if anyone is looking. He stuffsa pack of "D" batteries in his pocket.

The bell over the door RINGS as the uniformed man and boyexit.

The store clerk turns to Anthony.

STORE CLERKTimes up Kid! find what yourlooking for?

Anthony, grabs a pack of candy from the rack and approachesthe counter. He holds up the pack of candy.

STORE CLERKseven cents kid.

Anthony, looks out the window and watches the man and boycross the street.

Anthony digs into his pocket and hurriedly slaps a dime onthe counter then rushes toward the door.

STORE CLERKHey Kid, your change!

Anthony, walks through the door, looks over his shoulderwaves to the clerk to "just keep it".


12/25


13/25

CONTINUED: 12.

KIDS(as a group chanting)

FIGHT.... FIGHT.... FIGHT

Jonathan rubs his knuckle into his scalp.

KID 1(shaking her head)He should of taken the deal.

KIDS (CONTD)(as a group)

FIGHT.... FIGHT....

Anthony struggles to get free. A little girl covers hereyes.

The store clerk emerges from the store.

STORE CLERK(to the bully)

Break it up...I SAID! (louder toJonathan) Break it up...

Jonathan lets go. He pushes Anthony to the ground.

STORE CLERK(to the kids)

Now you better get going!..theschool bells is about to ring.

The kids run off. Jonathan gets on his bike.

JONATHAN(as he peddles off)

Well finish this atRecess..Heavens!

School kids hurry past. Anthony rubs his knee.

BEAT

STORE CLERK(offering his hand to Anthonysitting on the sidewalk)

Hey kid... didnt your pop teachyou how to fight?

Anthony gives him a hard look, refuses his hand, and gets upby himself.

(CONTINUED)


14/25

CONTINUED: 13.

STORE CLERK (CONTD)(raising his hand in the air)

Ok..have it your way kid!

The store clerk, bends to pick up Anthonys flashlight fromthe ground.

STORE CLERK (CONTD)(as he reaches for theflashlight)

Want some advice Kid?

Anthony wipes his face with his hand.

STORE CLERK (CONTD)(not waiting for an answer)

Your smaller then he is...so Nexttime, kick him as hard as youcan...right.. square.. in the

balls.

The store clerk smiles, stands chuckling. HoldingAnthonys flashlight.

STORE CLERK (CONTD)(turning to Anthony)I promise you he will never...

Store clerk notices the Purple bruises on Anthonys back ashe kneels to tie his shoe.

STORE CLERK (CONTD)

(smile gone, voice trailing).... bully you again.

They lock eyes, a quiet moment ensues between them.

The store clerk holds out the flashlight. Anthony, grabs itand wipes his tears away with his hand.

BEAT

The store clerk uncomfortably looks away, and notices thestolen pack of batteries on the sidewalk.

STORE CLERK (CONTD)Hey!

He steps past Anthony and reaches to pick up the pack ofbatteries.

(CONTINUED)


15/25

CONTINUED: 14.

STORE CLERK (CONTD)(incredulous)

whats this?!

SCHOOL BELL BEGINS TO RING

Anthony, runs off toward the boardwalk in the oppositedirection of the school, Jonathan, and the store clerk.

END SCHOOL BELL

The store clerk holds up the pack of batteries and wavesthem in the air at Anthony as he Runs toward the boardwalk.

STORE CLERK(pissed)

Hey Kid!

30 MONTAGE - AROUND OCEAN CITY 30

A) Anthony watching salt water taffy being made.

B) Anthony helping little old ladies at the grocery store.

C) Anthony ducking behind a trash can to avoid the TRUANTOFFICER.

E) Anthony leaning into the wishing well grabbing change.

F) Anthony stealing a stack of newspaper from vendingmachine.

G) Anthony putting a grocery bag into the trunk of a car.

H) Anthony selling newspapers on the Boardwalk

I) CU of change being put in Anthonys hand.

I) The truant officer looking for Anthony at the mini golf.

J) Anthony running to St. Augustine church on 13th Street.

K) putting money into the collection box. Making a cross onhis chest.

L) Anthony back at SHRIVERS pointing to a piece of candy.

L) Anthony sitting on a bench at the music pier eatingtaffy.


16/25

15.

31 INT. BOARDWALK - JILLYS ARCADE - DAY 31

Anthony checks the coin return on a row of pinball machines.On the last one he finds a quarter.

Anthony darts over to the change booth, stands on histiptoes, reaches up, and places the quarter on counter in

front of the ATTENDANT.

The Attendant takes the quarter and replaces it with twodimes and a nickle. He slides the change close to the edge.

Anthonys hand reaches up and grabs the coins.

Anthony dashes over to the skeeball machines at the back ofthe arcade.

He pockets one dime and a nickel and inserts the other dimeinto the coin slot.

NINE baseball-sized wooden balls roll into place.

Anthony rubs his hands together and with the concentrationof a professional ball player, grabs the first ball, windsup and rolls a 50-pointer. He smiles.

The truant officer passes by the entrance and spots Anthonyin the arcade.

He quietly enters and creeps behind him.

Anthony winds up and rolls again.

The truant officer raises his clipboard and flips the page.

He finds Anthonys name adds red X next to it.

ON CLIPBOARD

OCNJ TRUANCY REPORT MAY-JUNE 1981

TRUANT OFFICER: MR. ROONEY

HEAVENS, Anthony 4th grade X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

ON TRUANT OFFICER

Anthony grabs another ball and rolls a 100 pointer.

He Jumps up and down in celebration laughing and smiling.

The truant officer taps him on the shoulder.

Anthony, turns around. His smile drops from his face.

(CONTINUED)


17/25

CONTINUED: 16.

TRUANT OFFICERCome on Anthony...Lets go..

Anthony mockingly thrust his arms out to him to behandcuffed.

TRUANT OFFICER (CONTD)...No Funny Business.

32 INT. PRIMARY SCHOOL - VICE PRINCIPALS OFFICE 32

Anthony, stands in front of an old metal gray desk. His headdown.

Ms. Stevens, an overworked, underpaid, vice principal sitsbehind the desk reading Anthonys attendance record.

ON ATTENDANCE RECORD

STUDENT: Anthony Heavens, Jr.GRADE: 4thTRUANT: 15/60

ABSENT: 10/30LATE: 12/30

ON VICE PRINCIPAL

Ms. Stevens leans back and looks at Anthony in disbelief.

MS. STEVENS(incredulously)

Anthony this is the 16th time youhave been caught on the boardwalkthis spring.

SILENCE.

Ms. Stevens leans forward and flips the page on Anthonysattendance report.

MS. STEVENS (CONTD)(looking down flipping throughattendance record)

you somehow eluded Mr. Rooney sixtimes by hiding out under theboardwalk....What do you have tosay for yourself?

BEAT.

(CONTINUED)


18/25

CONTINUED: 17.

MS. STEVENS (CONTD)(with concern)

...Anthony whats going on? iseverything Ok at home?

Anthony, looks up, locks eye with her, opens his mouth to

speak THEN the SECRETARY enters and Interrupts a typed INDEXCARD in hand.

SECRETARYHere is...

MS. STEVENS(motioning to the secretary tostop)

What is it Anthony?

Anthony drops his head and stares at the floor.

MS. STEVENS (CONTD)Anthony, is your mother home?

BEAT.

Anthony shakes his head.

MS. STEVENS (CONTD)is she at work?

he shrugs.

MS. STEVENS (CONTD)

Anthony I cant help you if youdont talk to me....

Silence.

MS. STEVENS (CONTD)Are you going to talk to me?

he shakes his head.

MS. STEVENS (CONTD)(signals secretary toapproach)

Then...you leave me with no otherchoice.

The secretary steps closer hands Ms. Stevens the typed indexcard.

(CONTINUED)


19/25

CONTINUED: 18.

MS. STEVENS (CONTD)Im going to have to call yourfather.

Anthonys head snaps up.

SECRETARY

(to the vice principal)his (nodding to Anthony) fathershome address and phone number.

Anthony stares at the index card.

MS. STEVENS(looking at Anthony with phonein hand ready to dial)

Last Chance...!

Anthony is frozen. He stares at the index card. Ms. Stevensbegins to punch in the numbers.

Loud VOICES OF KIDS arguing in hallway, stops Ms. Stevens inmid dial. The secretary exits, Ms. Stevens places the phonedown and follows.

MS. STEVENS (CONTD)(to Anthony as he walks out)

Dont go anywhere.

Anthony watches them leave. He darts over to the desk andpicks up the index card:

ON INDEX CARD:

ANTHONY HEAVENS, 4TH GRADE

PARENTS DIVORCED

FATHER: RON M. HEAVENS.MOTHER: GLORIA HEAVENS

FATHERS Phone # (609) 555-1212

3206 ASBURY AVENUE,APT 4C

OCEAN CITY, NJ 08244

ON ANTHONY:

Anthony, looks over his shoulder then stuffs the index cardin his pocket.

He creeps past the vice principle and secretary in thehallway. BEAT.

(CONTINUED)


20/25


21/25


22/25

CONTINUED: 21.

BEAT

RON M. HEAVENSSo what do you want?

Anthony stares at his father. Dog tag around his neck, Index

card in his hand, flashlight in his back pocket.

RON M. HEAVENS (CONTD)(pointing to the chair)

Go on take a seat...

Anthony defiantly shakes his head NO.

Ron reaches for the metal case removes a cigar and puts itin his mouth.

RON M. HEAVENS (CONTD)So what do you want?

Anthony stands silent.

RON M. HEAVENS (CONTD)(grabs zippo off of the table)

Your looking for me .. you foundme....now what?

Anthony just stands there eyes fixed on his father. Ronflicks the Zippo repeatedly...it doesnt light.

RON M. HEAVENS (CONTD)(frustrated he slams the Zippo

on the table)What Now?

Silence.

RON M. HEAVENS (CONTD)You didnt think about the fact thatI wasnt looking for you....and(pointing) there was a reason forthat...

Anthony stares, eyes locked on his father.

RON M. HEAVENS (CONTD)Arent you going to say something?

Silence.

RON M. HEAVENS (CONTD)Like...what you expected from thismeeting?

(CONTINUED)


23/25

CONTINUED: 22.

Anthony shakes his head NO.

Ron picks up the lighter and attempts to light the cigaragain. It dosent light. He calmly places the lighter down onthe table.

RON M. HEAVENS (CONTD)(leaning forward in chair)Now listen I...cant be your fatherok?!

Anthony glares at him.

RON M. HEAVENS (CONTD)There are two types of people inthis world...those who love..andthose who kill......and I cantlove..

Beat.

RON M. HEAVENS (CONTD)(Angrily)

Say something Damn it!

Anthony stands defiantly silent.

RON M. HEAVENS (CONTD)Something...Say one damnword....what do you want from me?

Silence.

RON M. HEAVENS (CONTD)I cant be your father.

Anthony removes the dog tag from around his neck.

RON M. HEAVENS (CONTD)(leans back in chair)

Maybe in a few years...you willunderstand.

Ron grabs the .45 pistol from the table and slams inthe magazine and cocks it.

RON M. HEAVENS (CONTD)(holding the .45 up in theair)

Have you ever seen one of these?

Anthony shakes his head No.

(CONTINUED)


24/25

CONTINUED: 23.

RON M. HEAVENS (CONTD)(sliding the .45 across thetable)

Here take a look.

Anthony reaches for the pistol.

RON M. HEAVENS (CONTD)(Ron snatches the .45 backbefore he can touch it.)

maybe not..

Ron ejects the round chambered in the barrel and slams thepistol on the table.

He stands, pushes the chair away from the table, and gets abreath away from anythony.

RON M. HEAVENS (CONTD)Now you have two choices...you can

say something...or get the hell outof here.

Anthony removes the dog tag from around his neck. He holdsit by the chain and offers it to his father.

Ron looks down at the dog tag dangling from Anthonys fist.

BEAT.

Anthony dosent wait for his father, he lets go. Ron catchesit.

Anthony exits the apartment.

38 EXT. 59TH STREET APARTMENT BUILDING - 38

The organge glow of the sun fill the sky. Anthony walks pastthe blue beach cruiser lying on the sidewalk.

A GUN SHOT rings out.

39 EXT. BOARDWALK - SUN SETTING 39

Anthony stops in the middle of the boardwalk pulls outthe prayer card from his pocket and reads the words:

CU ON CARD

TRIALS ARE NOT ENEMIES OF FAITHBUT ARE OPPORTUNITIESTO PROVE GODS FAITHFULNESS.

(CONTINUED)


25/25

CONTINUED: 24.

ON ANTHONY

Anthoy contiues to walk down the boardwalk, flashlight inhis hip pocket.

The orange glow of the setting sun lights up his path as the

seagulls cry out and fly around him.

FADE OUT

THE END

Chasing Shadows by Joe Eulo 12th Draft 4-9-12

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Transcript of Chasing Shadows by Joe Eulo 12th Draft 4-9-12