LIFE AS A HOUSE
WRITTEN BY MARK ANDRUS
FADE IN:
A clock alarm SOUNDS over TITLES on BLACK. We HEAR someone
clearing congested lungs, coughing up phlegm; a slight crash
STOPS both the cough and the alarm.
EXT. GEORGE'S BEACH SHACK - MORNING
The cottage is a tiny, peeling paint rat-trap set dead center
on a small ocean front cul-de-sac, surrounded by four massive
post-modern mansions.
INT. GEORGE'S BEACH SHACK BEDROOM - MORNING
GEORGE NELSON, 42, squints and shivers as the spotty morning
light and ocean breeze enter through an open window. Bold
waves crash against the cliffs outside the room. A five-foot
wide stack of hand hewed beams are piled pyramid style,
making movement in the room next to impossible. George
stands shirtless in underwear and coughs again. He steps
over a pile of tools and stands at the window, facing the
sea. A happy sounding tune by Guster, "WHAT YOU WISH FOR,"
begins with the lyrics: 'Woke up today, to everything gray
and all that I saw just keeps going on and on...'
EXT. WEBBER'S HOUSE - MORNING
The post-modern house is three-levels of concrete and glass.
INT. SAM WEBBER'S BEDROOM - MORNING
SAM is sixteen with spiky black hair, a nose ring, two
earrings and painted black nails. The song continues with:
'...sweep all the pieces under the bed, close all the
curtains and cover my head.' Sam looks wasted as he climbs
out of bed and rummages through his dresser, retrieving an
empty bottle of prescription drugs; he tosses the bottle. He
walks to a desk where a half-built model of a house sits
unfinished and squeezes glue into a plastic bag and sniffs
it. Sam enters the closet and digs into a pile of dirty
clothes, pulling out the tie to a robe; he knots it around
the closet pole and then twists it once to form a noose. He
slips his neck through the noose and lowers his body; though
we don't see exactly what he's doing below his neck, it's
evident through his jerking arm that he's masturbating.
EXT. BECK'S OCEAN FRONT MANSION - MORNING
COLLEEN BECK, George's next-door neighbor, is a well
maintained blonde in her late thirties. She walks out of the
angular concrete mansion, grabs the paper and walks back in.
INT. BECK'S KITCHEN - MORNING
This is a minimalist kitchen, with pored concrete walls and
stainless steel cabinets.
Colleen drops the paper on the table and walks to the sink to
wash her hands. The SONG CONTINUES: '...If this serenade is
not what you want, it's just how it is...' Colleen appears
distracted for a moment. She walks outside onto the terrace
with wet hands, then bolts back in, breezing through the
kitchen with purpose.
INT. ALYSSA BECK'S BATHROOM - MORNING
ALYSSA is sixteen and perfect with strawberry blonde hair and
white teeth; her head is partially out the bathroom window.
Colleen bursts in, eases Alyssa aside and with effort, sticks
her head out of the same high open window.
COLLEEN
This is ridiculous!
We must not see exactly what they see, but out the window and
almost beyond view, a stream of urine arks out from George
Nelson's beach house bedroom, into the pacific ocean some
twenty-feet below. The piss stops. Colleen bangs her head
trying to get it back inside the house.
INT. WEBBER'S UPSTAIRS HALLWAY - MORNING
ROBIN WEBBER is George's ex-wife, still beautiful at forty.
She herds two boys, RYAN (8) and ADAM (7), down the hall.
ROBIN
Run downstairs and give your dad a hug.
RYAN
Why?
ROBIN
He'll be gone for his birthday.
ADAM
Can we have a party for him while he's
gone?
Robin stops and KNOCKS on a bedroom door.
ROBIN
I hope you're showered and ready for
school!
A loud CRASH stops Ryan and Adam at the top of the stairs.
INT. SAM'S ROOM - MORNING
Robin rushes in and glances around the room for her son.
ROBIN
Sam?!
INT. SAM'S WEBBER'S CLOSET - MORNING
The closet pole and a long line of clothes have been felled
by Sam's dangerous whack-off technique; he's on the floor
with the robe tie still around his neck and a pile of shirts
sprawled over him. The song continues: '...come out come
out, wherever you are, would you do it all over right from
the start, and what you wish for won't come true, you aren't
surprised to love, are you?'
Robin stops at the door, trying to figure out why her son is
sitting in a pile of his own clothes. Ryan and Adam join
her, looking equally perplexed.
EXT. GEORGE NELSON'S CUL-DE-SAC - MORNING
George's dog, GUSTER, is doing his business on the lawn of a
modern day robber baron, DAVID DOKOS, who exits his house
with a briefcase. He hops into his Mercedes and proceeds to
chase Guster straight across his well-manicured grass.
Guster easily escapes death and runs off. George walks out
of his shack as David hops the curb, flips him off and drives
away. George waves goodbye.
GEORGE
Stick it up your ass! Have a nice day.
(glancing around)
Guster!
Guster runs to his side as Colleen rushes out of her house.
COLLEEN
This has got to stop!
GEORGE
He escaped. He's going back in.
COLLEEN
Does it give you some sort of perverse
pleasure to expose your...penis in plain
view of my sixteen year-old daughter?
GEORGE
There are no windows facing
my...exposure.
COLLEEN
George, this is the third time.
GEORGE
The plumber's due out on Friday.
COLLEEN
You'll have to explain that to the
police.
GEORGE
You were the only neighbor I could
tolerate.
COLLEEN
I did warn you.
GEORGE
My life is a warning. I just can't
figure out for what.
Colleen shies away from George's stare; he finally turns and
walks toward the house but stops short as he turns back.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
Colleen, how hard was it for you to get
your head outside that window far enough
to see my dick?
This stops Colleen for a moment; it was difficult. George
walks back to the cottage and locks Guster in before stepping
into an old Ford truck and driving off. Colleen watches him
drive off, then turns to her house and stares.
INT. WEBBER'S DINING ROOM - MORNING
PETER WEBBER, Robin's husband, is a distinguished,
intimidating man with silver hair and an expensive suit.
LOIS, the maid, serves French toast to Ryan and Adam as Robin
sips tea.
ADAM
Sam broke his closet.
Peter glances at Robin, who shrugs.
ROBIN
I don't have a clue anymore. I wish
you'd talk to him. He needs a man.
PETER
His father is a man.
ROBIN
A man he respects.
Sam walks into the room from the hall, outfitted in all black
with kick ass boots.
SAM
Thanks for talking about me behind my
back...useful in court.
PETER
Are you wearing eye shadow?
Adam, Ryan and Robin check out the eye shadow.
SAM
No.
PETER
Take it off.
Sam flutters his eyelids in defiance of his stepfather.
PETER (CONT'D)
Do it now!
SAM
If I walk out the door, who's gonna be
here tonight for the follow through?
Peter hesitates for just a second.
SAM (CONT'D)
Have a nice flight.
Sam's out the door with his eye shadow intact.
RYAN
Queer.
ROBIN
What did you say?
RYAN
Dad said it first.
Robin focuses on Peter, who simply shrugs. Adam stands up,
walks over to his father and gives him a hug.
ADAM
I get chocolate cake for your birthday.
PETER
Are your hands clean?
Adam is quick to back away from his father and lick the
fingers of one hand.
INT. COMMUTER TRAIN - MORNING
George is resting his head against the glass window as he
stares out at the blighted landscape leading to downtown Los
Angeles. A sudden pang tightens his face; he presses his
hand against his stomach and closes his eyes.
EXT. LAGUNA BEACH HIGH SCHOOL - MORNING
Sam is alone at the back of the parking lot, sitting on the
hood of an old Saab, smoking as two boys, JOSH and MAREK,
both seventeen, park a Porsche and pull Alyssa Beck (George's
peeping neighbor) and another girl out of the backseat.
MAREK
Dude, nice look.
Sam simply nods as Marek and the other girl laugh at his all
black garb, earrings and eye shadow.
ALYSSA
I saw your dad this morning.
Sam drops his cigarette and stomps it out as he stands; his
face lightens as Alyssa waves before walking away.
JOSH
Been thinking?
SAM
No.
MAREK
Forget him!
JOSH
Two hours a week for three-hundred cash.
The whole summer. Do the math.
(as a dig)
They consider that a hatchback or a
station wagon? Oh, that isn't yours
anyway, is it?
Josh raises his eyebrows and smiles before walking away. Sam
faces the Saab and kicks the bumper as hard as he can.
Suddenly, a boy (COREY) bolts up from the back seat.
COREY
I was in total REM, man!
INT. DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES HIGHRISE - LATE MORNING
The architectural firm of Benson and Feinsilber occupies the
entire fortieth floor; George Nelson is their sole model
maker. Rather than offices, most of the space is open,
segmented only by portable low walls. Along the outer walls,
below the long line of windows, is a shelf filled with
amazingly intricate models. George is alone in a cubicle of
his own, cutting polystyrene with a hot wire. STEVEN GARDNER
rounds a corner with a velocity that makes George flinch.
STEVEN
Done...close to done?
GEORGE
I'm doing the grass.
STEVEN
Fuck the grass. Who said grass?
Steven exits as quickly as he entered, but as soon as George
goes back to work, Steven pops his head back in.
STEVEN (CONT'D)
Burke bided out the Berlin Plaza. Did he
tell you?
GEORGE
I was going to start Monday.
STEVEN
He likes the look of the computer models,
anyway. You take too long.
(beat)
After you mow the grass, would you mind
bringing the house to my office? I have
a presentation to make.
George simply stares as Steven nods and leaves.
EXT. HIGH SCHOOL CAFETERIA ATRIUM - LUNCHTIME
Sam is by himself, his eyes closed, listening to music
through headphones as Alyssa stops to stare; she visually
scans him head to foot, appearing slightly perplexed as a
friend passes.
FRIEND
I wouldn't make a habit of it.
ALYSSA
Okay.
The friend walks on; after a beat, Alyssa does too.
EXT. TOP OF THE WORLD PARK - EVENING
In the distance, the sun colors the sky a blinding orange as
it sets. A Range Rover with blackened windows is parked
behind a Porsche. 'TINTED WINDOWS,' an up-tempo tune with a
hand clapping by the Pansy Division, begins: 'A bed would be
a treat/But all we've got is this backseat/Tinted windows are
a beautiful thing.'
Through the front windshield, we can see Marek sitting in the
passenger's seat with his eyes closed.
ANOTHER VIEW
Josh, Marek's friend, is sitting on a bench in the park
behind the cars. 'A dark secluded spot/In a deserted parking
lot/Tinted windows are a wonderful thing.'
Suddenly, the passenger door on the Rover opens and Marek
climbs out, brushing his hair with his hands before casually
checking his zipper. He closes the door and the car speeds
away. Josh walks to Marek and wordlessly they climb into the
Porsche and drive off.
EXT. GEORGE NELSON'S BEACH SHACK - DAY
George is shirtless in his front yard, hand hewing a twenty
foot beam. One strong, long pull and a thin shaving flutters
to the ground; Guster nabs it and starts to chew.
GEORGE
You'll crap real logs if you keep eating
wood.
Guster appears unconcerned as he awaits a new shaving.
ALYSSA (O.S.)
Hi, Mr. Nelson.
George glances up, wipes the sweat from his forehead as
Alyssa walks toward him in white shorts and a tee shirt.
ALYSSA (CONT'D)
Sorry I got you into trouble.
GEORGE
I'll survive.
George goes back to works and Guster taste tests shavings as
Alyssa searches for something else to say.
ALYSSA
Does Sam have any friends?
George stops and looks up; he has no idea how to answer.
GEORGE
He must.
ALYSSA
He seems lonely.
GEORGE
Are you his friend?
ALYSSA
No.
GEORGE
Why?
ALYSSA
Marilyn Manson...and I guess he's into
guys. I hate nose rings. And the blue
eye shadow thing really isn't working.
George is totally confused, unsure most of the answer, but
before he can question her, a police car pulls to a stop;
OFFICER KURT WALKER steps out.
KURT
Thought I'd run over the list.
Officer Walker removes a pad from his pocket and flips
through to find his place.
ALYSSA
This is such a street of whiners.
KURT
From Tuesday to yesterday, not including
Monday or today. Okay...Mrs. Dokos is
repeatedly running over her lawn. The
Corliss' have attributed the increase in
rat population in their environs to the
state of your...structure.
ALYSSA
IPO's caused the rat population on this
street.
Officer Walker focuses on Alyssa.
KURT
And of course the Beck's, with the...
ALYSSA
It could have been a squirt gun.
KURT
(to George)
You've been good this week.
GEORGE
You forgot David Dokos and Tom and
Barbara.
Kurt stuffs his pad back into his pocket.
KURT
Mr. Dokos calls animal control for Guster
and I was out here on the other.
(pointing to the plane)
Do you mind?
George hands him the plane and Kurt begins to work the wood.
ALYSSA
Are you guys' friends?
KURT
We've known each other since grade
school.
ALYSSA
I mean, but did you both go camping on
weekends? Listen to music? Masturbate
together? Talk on the phone?
George doesn't answer and Kurt keeps working.
KURT
Hunted rabbit in the hills.
Alyssa stares at George, disappointed.
GEORGE
I aimed high.
KURT
We just weren't very much alike, I guess.
I don't know.
(casually; to George)
I liked your dad more than I liked you.
ALYSSA
I wouldn't want you as a friend.
KURT
George just never really...aimed that
high. Even with not hitting a rabbit. I
knew you were doing that, by the way.
That's why I stopped doing it with you.
You were no fun. It was always like you
were frightened. Quiet and boring.
Kurt is beginning to perspire as he shaves food off the beam
for Guster.
ALYSSA
Funny how he's the architect and you're
just a loud mouth cop.
KURT
He builds models for architects. His
dad, on the other hand, was the real
deal. Designed and built the coolest
houses I've ever seen.
GEORGE
Was bankrupt and dead before I was
twenty.
KURT
Left you this place.
GEORGE
It was in my name so he wouldn't lose it.
He stole it from everyone that deserved
it by putting me on title.
KURT
Do you know what I'd give to have this!
Forget how I got it! I can't afford dirt
in this town. I live in Riverside,
Goddammitt And you get to piss in the
ocean.
Kurt stops working and steps back.
KURT (CONT'D)
Your kid was down around Diver's Cover
again, smoking pot. I didn't write him
up...told him I wouldn't tell you...
GEORGE
Thanks for telling me.
KURT
At least your father tried, George.
Kurt walks to his car and drives off. There's a moment of
awkwardness with Alyssa. George walks into his house leaving
Alyssa with Guster.
INT. WEBBER'S KITCHEN - AFTERNOON
Robin is sitting at the kitchen counter, cutting carrots;
through the French doors, she's able to watch Ryan and Adam,
along with a few friends, play in the pool.
GEORGE (O.S.)
I could be anyone.
Robin jerks with fright as half the carrots roll to the
floor.
ROBIN
Then why do you stay you?
George picks up the carrots and washes them in the sink.
GEORGE
You should lock your doors.
ROBIN
Ring the bell before you try the door.
George bites into a carrot as Robin starts chopping again.
ROBIN (CONT'D)
Did Sam call to tell you he wouldn't be
over this weekend?
GEORGE
You let him pierce his nose?
Robin snatches the carrot from George's hand and chops it up.
ROBIN
Lock the door behind you.
GEORGE
Where is he?
ROBIN
Where he always is.
George takes Robin's hand and removes the knife.
GEORGE
Not that I don't trust you.
As George lets go, Robin holds on; he appears surprised by
her grip of his wrist. Robin's eyes well with tears.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
I should have knocked.
George is clearly not comfortable with his ex-wife's hold of
him, with her tears.
ROBIN
What kind of a mother can't stand her
son?
George jerks his arm away from her grip.
GEORGE
I don't know.
INT. WEBBER'S UPSTAIRS HALL - AFTERNOON
George is tense and he walks to Sam's door and KNOCKS.
GEORGE
Why aren't you coming in for the weekend?
(beat)
Sam?!
Nothing. George tries the door - it's locked. Frustrated,
he walks back down the hall and down the stairs.
INT. WEBBER'S KITCHEN - AFTERNOON
Outside, the boys are engaged in a raucous version of Marco
Polo. Robin is at the sink; she holds her hair back with one
hand and splashes water on her face with the other. George
walks by outside, carrying a ladder.
EXT. WEBBER'S BACKYARD - AFTERNOON
Ryan is the first to notice George.
ADAM
Marco!
RYAN
What are you doing?
ADAM
I'm not cheating! I'm not looking!
Robin wipes her face with a hand towel as she rushes out.
ROBIN
What are you doing?
GEORGE
He doesn't answer.
The boys have stopped playing; Adam opens his eyes.
ROBIN
He never answers.
GEORGE
Why does he have a lock on his door?
ROBIN
Because he put the lock on! Do you think
I told him he could have a nose ring?!
Why do you ask me everything you should
ask him!? I don't know anything,
anymore!
The boys line up against the edge of the pool and watch
George extend the ladder against the house and climb.
ROBIN (CONT'D)
You climb up there and tell him what he
can and can't do. Take him for the
summer, okay? Whip him into shape. Cut
his hair. Make him smile. Let him hate
you for a while!
(sadly)
You're too late for heroics, George.
George lops a leg over the railing and steps onto the bedroom
balcony. He peers into the room through the sliding glass
door and tries to open it (locked) before removing the screen
to the small open window beside it. He climbs in.
INT. SAM'S ROOM - AFTERNOON
Sam is asleep on his bed in his underwear, wearing
headphones. On the floor is an aerosol can of whipping
cream. George picks up the can and tosses it in the trash.
He focuses back on his son with his nose ring, earrings, blue
eyeshadow and thin, pale white body. Sam is soundly asleep.
George gently removes the headphones from his son's head;
drum heavy music surges from the small, padded speakers.
GEORGE
You need every brain cell you've got.
A KNOCK on the door stirs Sam more than his father's voice.
SAM
(half-asleep)
Leave me alone!
Sam's eyes are still closed as he shifts onto his side.
George opens the door; Robin is weak and weepy.
ROBIN
I don't know what to do, anymore. Take
him. You take him.
(hostile)
You're such a good father.
George walks out of the room, around Robin and down the
stairs without a word. Sam stirs at the sound and sits up to
confront his mother.
SAM
What are you doing in my room?
ROBIN
I didn't go in your room.
SAM
I locked the door! Get out! I locked
the door! Get out!
EXT. WEBBER'S UPSTAIRS HALLWAY - AFTERNOON
Robin grabs the door and closes it quickly, but doesn't move.
SAM (O.S.)
Stupid bitch! Liar! I locked the door!
I don't sneak around your room! Liar!
INT. SAM'S ROOM - AFTERNOON
Sam rushes over to the window and stares down at the screen
and ladder. Ryan, Adam and their friends are still in the
pool, holding onto the coping, staring up at Sam. Sam slams
the window shut and searches for the can of whipping cream.
He gets down on his knees to search under the bed. Standing
and making one more pass of the room, he notices the can in
the trash. He instantly focuses all his rage at the closed
door.
SAM
This is my room! You have no right in
here! This is mine!
INT. WEBBER'S UPSTAIRS HALLWAY - AFTERNOON
Robin is sitting on the floor at the top of the stairs,
staring blankly down at the foyer of this modernist mansion.
SAM (O.S.)
Why can't you all just die and leave me
alone!
EXT. DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES - MORNING
The traffic is thick and loud and the sky is a blanket of
brown as George makes his way down a sidewalk mixed with
professionals and panhandlers. Suddenly sick, George rushes
to the side of a building and vomits.
INT. BENSON, KIDDLER, FEINSILBER AND ASSOICATES - MORNING
George wipes a clump of wet paper towel against the vomit
stain on his cuff as he walks through the pockets of cubicles
to a large enclosed office. A SECRETARY smiles as she stands
up from her desk and opens the door.
SECRETARY
Good morning.
GEORGE
Is there a...
He holds out the wad of wet paper towels, but before he can
say trashcan, BRYAN BURKE stands up from behind his desk.
BRYAN
George, have a seat! I've got juice.
INT. BRYAN BURKE'S OFFICE - MORNING
George steps in and the secretary closes the door to the
office. Bryan approaches with his arm outstretched, but
George can only raise the paper towels.
GEORGE
A bird caught me.
Bryan grabs a trashcan and holds it up; George tosses the
ball into the trash and sits down.
BRYAN
Orange juice...croissant?
Bryan motions with his hand as he sits.
GEORGE
I'm good, thanks.
BRYAN
What are you on?
GEORGE
Pardon me?
BRYAN
how much weight have you lost?
GEORGE
Oh...nothing. Thirty pounds. I just
haven't been very hungry.
BRYAN
How's your wife?
GEORGE
When we divorce a decade ago, she was
very, very angry.
(beat)
Now she's just hostile.
Bryan nods and laughs as he takes a chunk of croissant and
chews as he talks.
BRYAN
Right...she married...what was he?
GEORGE
He buys and sells the world.
BRYAN
Peter Webber! Right. Quite the
spotlight on that guy.
GEORGE
I did tell you, didn't I? That I'd be
ready to start the Berlin model today?
BRYAN
Well, that's sort of...you're sure you're
not hungry?
Bryan is anxious as he holds up the rest of the croissant.
George shakes his head "no". Bryan tosses his croissant into
the trash can and leans forward.
BRYAN (CONT'D)
This isn't me.
(beat)
We can show clients endless options,
change anything in a matter of hours on
the computer. But you won't change.
GEORGE
Typing and clicking myself to renderings
isn't why I started building models.
BRYAN
All of us are typing and clicking,
George. Whether we want to, or not.
GEORGE
I'm not.
BRYAN
Which is why we bid out a quarter of our
projects. It doesn't make a lot of sense
anymore to want what we don't have and
don't want what we do.
George glances around the office, angered by the thought he's
being fired.
GEORGE
I've been here twenty years.
BRYAN
Maybe that's too long.
GEORGE
(hopeful)
Maybe...?
BRYAN
That's too long.
George nods as he stares at Bryan.
BRYAN (CONT'D)
Listen, they decided on a week a year
severance, but I got them to twenty-six.
That's six months salary, George.
Medical and everything for six months.
You can learn all you need to on the
computer long before that. Maybe find a
job closer to home.
Bryan is rattled by George's blank stare. He takes his glass
of orange juice and sits back in his chair, taking a sip, all
the while keeping an eye on George.
GEORGE
My wife left me because I wasn't...very
emotional. I kept trying to explain that
my father sucked all the emotion from me.
Drunks do that, sometimes. Make their
kids afraid. Make them unwilling to
express themselves.
Bryan knows he's supposed to say something, he just can't
seem to figure out what.
BRYAN
Oh.
GEORGE
How old are you?
BRYAN
Forty.
GEORGE
We were probably in school together. You
went to Berkley?
Bryan lights up at the sound of his Alma matter.
BRYAN
Class of eighty-six! I didn't know you
were there.
GEORGE
I was a sophomore when I got the call my
parents were dead.
This is not the direction Bryan had hoped the conversation
was headed.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
My dad had a blood alcohol level of .18.
A little high. Drove right into oncoming
traffic. Killed my mother with him. A
lady in another car. Hurt her daughter.
A five-year old girl. I think about her
still.
Bryan wants this to end. He leans forward with a whisper.
BRYAN
Listen...maybe I can get you a year.
GEORGE
I hate this job.
BRYAN
What are you talking about? You love
your job.
GEORGE
From the day I started...to today. Can't
stand it.
Bryan is perplexed as George stands.
BRYAN
Then it sounds like I'm doing you a
favor.
GEORGE
It may sound that way, but I react out of
fear. My life has nothing to do with
what I like or don't like. You haven't
been listening, have you?
BRYAN
I didn't know there would be a quiz,
George.
GEORGE
For everything.
BRYAN
Well, I feel better about this now.
GEORGE
Good. I was hoping for that.
Relieved and not understanding anything about irony, Bryan
stands and extends his hand. George shakes Bryan's hand
without malice.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
I've got one favor to ask.
BRYAN
What can I do for you, George?
GEORGE
I built my first model here when I was
twenty. There are hundreds of them on
shelves around the office. Twenty years
of my life. I was wondering if I might
be able to pick a few to keep, to take
home? Only the ones that really mean
something to me.
Bryan recoils slightly from the request.
BRYAN
Oh, well...those are...I mean, we don't
get to keep our work. I could maybe ask
them if you could choose one. But, you
know, frankly George, you were the best.
Computer models can't begin to match the
beauty you gave yours. They're a part of
this firm. They inspire me. I go out
there and sometimes just stare at
something I've designed. It amazes me.
I would miss that too much.
(beat)
Look, I may be going out on a limb, but
you go out there and look them over,
every single one of them and pick the one
you like the best and take it with you.
Just run it by me first, just in case,
you know...but I'm sure it'll be okay.
GEORGE
Thank you.
BRYAN
Well, it's the least I can do.
GEORGE
Yes, it is.
George nods and leaves. Bryan looks lost and guilty again.
INT. BENSON, KIDDLER, FEINSILBER AND ASSOICATES - MORNING
George walks around the maze of cubicles back to his own. He
finds an empty box and starts to pack. Against a wall, a
large rack is filled with spools of architectural plans.
George pulls one of the plans down, rolls it out and detaches
the wooden spool. Without warning and with a fury hard to
fathom, he proceeds to bat and smash a shelf of beautifully
rendered models. Heads pop up in other cubicles as George
walks out of his own and armed with a frightening rage,
methodically attacks model after model resting on shelves
just below massive plate glass windows that frame downtown
Los Angeles. Steven Gardner, who asked for his model without
grass, rushes to within feet of George as he witness his
creation deconstruct into shards of cardboard and plastic.
STEVEN
Mother of God! Not my house!
George stops for a second to focus on Steven, but Steven is
smart enough to run. George continues on with the business
of disassembling his work.
VOICE
Oh, please, please, no!
The plea is instantly followed by a pathetic low whine.
George works up a sweat as he whacks model after model;
portions of plastic walls or window splatter the office as
though bombed in war. Bryan Burke's secretary inches as
close as she dares.
SECRETARY
Uh...Mr. Burke would like a word with
you, George.
George lowers his stick as he faces her.
GEORGE
Oh...okay.
SECRETARY
In his office. When you're able.
GEORGE
Thank you.
With that, George finishes what he began only minutes prior:
the complete and utter destruction of every model displayed
on every shelf in the office, save one. Workers huddle
together, collectively moaning and moving en mass from the
mayhem. George picks up the sole surviving model in his arms
and cradles it carefully as he walks into Bryan Burke's
office.
INT. BRYAN BURKE'S OFFICE - MORNING
Bryan cowers behind his desk as George enters with his model
in one hand and the long wooden stick in the other.
GEORGE
I'll take this one, if that's okay?
It takes Bryan a few aborted attempts to answer before he
simply nods.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
Thank you for going out on a limb and
allowing me one.
Bryan nods again, then quivers as George steps forward, leans
the stick against the desk and extends his hand.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
You're a great architect and a miserable
human being.
Bryan winces as he extends his hand. They shake hands and
George grabs hold of the stick again.
BRYAN
Thank you.
George walks around the desk and bashes in a model hidden on
the floor, one that Bryan had obviously wanted to save.
BRYAN (CONT'D)
Oh, fuck!
George drops the wooden spool and walks out of the office as
Bryan garners the courage to stand.
BRYAN (CONT'D)
You're not even an architect and you're a
miserable human being.
George turns around only long enough to answer.
GEORGE
You're right. You win.
George closes the door behind him. Bryan stares down at the
remains of the model; he gets down on his knees and carefully
gathers up the pieces.
EXT. DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES - MORNING
George is sweating as he walks with his box of personal items
under one arm and the model under the other. Dizzy, he stops
for a moment and tires to orient himself, glancing one way,
then the other before staggering back and pressing himself
against the building for support. Sweat beads and drops from
his nose and chin as the song, 'ACROSS THE UNIVERSE' begins
by The Beatles. George sets the box down but clings tightly
to the model as he closes his eyes.
'Pools of sorrow, waves of joy are drifting through my open
mind, possessing them, caressing me...'
George drops face first to the cement, crushing the model
beneath him.
MONTAGE AS THE SONG CONTINUES
George is probed and poked by doctor after doctor. An
ultrasound test followed by a CT scan, followed by a MRI
results in more tests.
A flexible tube is slid down George's throat as dye is shot
into his body. 'Sounds of laughter, shades of life are
ringing through my open view, inciting them, inviting me...'
A long blunt needle is shoved into George's side for a biopsy
of his pancreas. X-rays are lit and highlighted as doctors
ponder the specks, the disease.
Finally, George is opened up; nearly bloodless slice through
skin, muscle and fat reveals death. 'Limitless undying love,
which shines around me like a million suns, which calls me on
and on across the universe...'
George is wheeled down a long hall to the critical care unit.
'Nothing's going to change my world, nothing's gonna change
my world...'
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - EVENING
George tries to sit up, but falls back as he closes his eyes,
opens his eyes, closes his eyes.
FEMALE VOICE (O.S.)
That took care of the pain?
George opens his eyes again as an attractive NURSE enters
with a tray of food.
GEORGE
I could kiss you.
The nurse smiles as she lifts the cover off the dinner.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
No food. I'm painless.
She raises George's bed.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
What would you do if you had three or
four months to live?
The nurse glances over at the other patient in the room,
who's sleeping, before answering in a soft voice.
NURSE
I'd eat a lot of red meat.
GEORGE
Good for you.
The nurse smiles as she sits down beside the bed. She fills
a spoon with corn and aims it for George's mouth; he accepts
the good will, chews and swallows.
NURSE
What would you do?
GEORGE
I'd build a house.
George takes another spoonful of food.
NURSE
What kind of house?
GEORGE
You know what mortise and tenon is?
The nurse shakes her head "no".
GEORGE (CONT'D)
I've got every part of it ready. It's
like a jig saw puzzle...all in pieces
now, just waiting to make sense. I've
been through design and review...the
planning commission, city council.
She feeds George another small spoonful of food.
NURSE
No one's really said four months is all
you have, have they?
GEORGE
Stage four pancreatic cancer. They
haven't even pretended to offer
treatment. You tell me, when would you
start eating red meat?
NURSE
Can you build a house in four months?
GEORGE
I can die trying.
The nurse rests her hand for a moment on George's cheek.
NURSE
Good for you.
GEORGE
I haven't been touched in years.
Suddenly alarmed by her emotion, the nurse removes her hand
and stands back away from George.
NURSE
I'm sorry, I don't know what that was.
GEORGE
A handshake, or you know, someone pats
you on your back through clothes.
Doctors, people who have to touch you.
But not by people who want to.
NURSE
No. A friend... your mother? Everybody
gets touched by someone they love.
GEORGE
Isn't that weird? I mean, I dated a
little bit after my divorce, for four or
five years. Six years. I know when my
son was younger...maybe when he was ten
or eleven even, he'd run up and wrap his
arms around me.
George suddenly stops to catch his emotion. The nurse checks
the door before walking back to George; she brushes back his
hair with both hands, then fingers the curves of his ears,
finally resting her thumbs on his lips.
NURSE
Oh God, I'm married.
Feeling guilty, she flees the room, waking the other PATIENT.
PATIENT
I'm hungry.
GEORGE
I'm touched.
EXT. SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO TRAIN STATION - AFTERNOON
George is resting, eyes closed, sitting on a bench with his
box and the remnants of the model beside him. A black Range
Rover pulls to a stop with a HONK. George stands to gather
his things as Robin steps out of the car, yelling.
ROBIN
I called everyone, everywhere! You just
vanished! You could be dead!
GEORGE
Thanks for waking me up. Picking me up.
You're loud today.
ROBIN
You're inconsiderate and absolutely
devoid of emotion!
GEORGE
You're the most beautiful woman I have
ever known in my life.
Robin is stumped for a second, confused by the words.
ROBIN
What?
GEORGE
I'm not talking just physically. Even
your anger is perfect.
Robin climbs back in the car and slams her door shut.
INT. ROBIN'S RANGE ROVER - AFTERNOON
George sets his box in back and climbs into the front seat as
Robin takes off. He closes his door as she runs a stoplight.
GEORGE
I didn't think you'd know I went missing.
ROBIN
You didn't think someone from your office
would call and tell me you wrecked the
entire building and threatened people
with a baseball bat?!
GEORGE
A blueprint spool.
ROBIN
Where have you been for a week?!
GEORGE
Four days. I left to think.
ROBIN
What did you do with your dog?
GEORGE
Kurt's been feeding him.
ROBIN
But you can't call me while you think?
GEORGE
I wasn't thinking. Look, I'm sorry I
didn't think to call you while I
thought...I think.
George raises his eyebrows, wanting just the slightest give
from Robin. She glances at him, but won't yield.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
I need to talk to you.
ROBIN
Why would they tow your truck?
GEORGE
I was parked in day parking.
ROBIN
Why call me?
GEORGE
I'm going to tear down the shack and
build my house.
ROBIN
You've been saying that for twenty years.
While we were dating, you said it.
GEORGE
There's nothing anymore to stop me.
ROBIN
Money?
GEORGE
Severance pay. And I'm going to cash in
my life insurance policy.
ROBIN
How many years did I live with your beams
and boards? First in the garage, then in
the living room. We're going to do it,
Robin. Next year. Next year. Salvaged
floorboards from a house in Pasadena.
Doors from a church in New Hampshire...
GEORGE
I love those doors.
ROBIN
Where will you live?
GEORGE
The garage.
ROBIN
Look, I wasn't serious about you taking
Sam, so you don't have to get into any
actual construction to get out of it.
GEORGE
When's school over?
ROBIN
Friday...God, I hate the thought of him
home all day.
GEORGE
I'll be by Saturday to pick him up.
ROBIN
He doesn't want to spend the weekends
with you anymore.
GEORGE
Not for the weekend. For the summer.
Robin scoffs.
ROBIN
You and Sam are going to live in a garage
without plumbing for the summer?
GEORGE
The garage is plumbed. I'll put in a
toilet. We'll survive.
ROBIN
Thank you for at least sounding sincere.
GEORGE
Sounding? I need help. He's cheap
labor.
ROBIN
One of you would end up dead.
GEORGE
At least we'll have a house to show for
it.
ROBIN
Forget it, really. I'll survive.
GEORGE
I want him with me.
ROBIN
No, you don't. Trust me.
George rests a hand on the back of her neck.
GEORGE
I want Sam for the summer.
Robin furrows her brow for a moment and glances at George.
It takes a while for her to answer.
ROBIN
Okay.
George rests his hand on Robin's cheek for a moment, as the
nurse had done with him. Robin turns her head and bites his
finger.
GEORGE
Hey, hey!
ROBIN
I'm married.
George nods as he mock nurses his finger.
INT. HIGH SCHOOL HALL - AFTERNOON
Sam is walking with Corey, who's wiry and wan with a red
nose.
COREY
The whole summer, man. Party in Tahoe.
SAM
I don't know.
COREY
It'll just be my brother the dweeb on
weekends. All we gotta do is sand and
paint the cabin, dude.
(boasting)
My dad's gonna let me use the boat and my
charm is gonna let me use my rod. Income
village is the place to hook up with
hump.
SAM
I'll ask.
COREY
Hey, it beats letting town folk go down
on you for the summer.
Sam stops which stops Corey. Sam glances around to make sure
no one's listening.
SAM
I never said anything. I haven't done
anything.
COREY
I know what the deal is. Josh is a pimp.
I'm not stupid.
SAM
You don't know what the deal is. There
is no fucking deal.
Sam walks away pissed that Corey knows what the deal is.
EXT. GEORGE'S SHACK - MORNING
George is shirtless, the stitches still fresh on his side; he
carries/drags his mattress into the garage. Alyssa walks
from her house to the garage and peeks in.
INT. GEORGE'S GARAGE - MORNING
George is making his bed, which is not easy because Guster is
curled up on it. The one car garage is not dry-walled and
the cement floor is clean but stained.
ALYSSA
Hi, Mr. Nelson.
George steps away from the bed, slightly rattled by Alyssa.
GEORGE
Alyssa.
ALYSSA
Why have you put a toilet and a bed in
your garage?
GEORGE
I'm living here while I build another
house.
ALYSSA
Is that legal?
Alyssa sits down on the bed beside Guster and starts to
bounce up and down. George takes another step back.
GEORGE
Don't you have school?
ALYSSA
Nope.
Alyssa lies down on the bed, lifting the sheet to her nose.
ALYSSA (CONT'D)
Are these clean?
George is alarmed. Guster licks Alyssa's ear.
GEORGE
What's today?
ALYSSA
Monday.
George bangs his head with his hand and starts to search the
room.
GEORGE
My keys.
ALYSSA
What's that?
Alyssa reaches out and slides a finger down his scar.
GEORGE
Nothing. I cut myself.
George pats down his pockets.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
I had them in my pocket.
ALYSSA
I'm not shaving my legs or pits this
summer, I've decided.
George opens the drawers of a small desk and a chest, not
paying attention to Alyssa as she raises her leg and runs her
hands down the stubby skin.
ALYSSA (CONT'D)
Paula Cole isn't a vertical kisser.
George dabs his keys from the floor beside the chest.
GEORGE
Make the bed for me, would you? I gotta
run.
George turns around to Alyssa's leg up and a great view of
her underwear.
COLLEEN (O.S.)
What are you, forty?
George whirls around to face Colleen as Alyssa lowers her
leg.
GEORGE
I forgot where I put my keys.
COLLEEN
And you thought they might be under her
dress?
ALYSSA
I was just showing him my hair.
Alyssa miffed as she stands.
ALYSSA (CONT'D)
I think you need to rethink what you
think of me.
Alyssa walks around her mother and out of the garage.
Colleen stares at George.
GEORGE
Her leg hair.
Colleen turns and walks out.
INT. GEORGE'S TRUCK - LATE MORNING
George drives the four miles North to Robin's house listening
to Paula Cole. He turns into Emerald Bay, a guard-gated
community and a Guard waves him in.
EXT. WEBBER'S HOME - LATE MORNING
George rushes from his car and tries the front door, but it's
locked. He rings the bell and LOIS, the maid, answers.
LOIS
Mrs. Webber is in the backyard.
GEORGE
And Sam?
LOIS
In his room, packing.
GEORGE
Oh...Good.
INT. SAM'S ROOM - LATE MORNING
Sam has a CD by MARYLIN MANSON on loud as he packs a suitcase
on his bed. The KNOCK on the door is barely heard. ANOTHER
KNOCK draws his disapproval.
GEORGE (O.S.)
Sam!
Sam's face turns sour as he yanks the door open.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
Ready?
Sam shrugs and returns to finish his packing.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
I think you'll have fun this summer.
It's nearly impossible to hear George over the music.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
Don't forget your headphones.
The music is quickly driving George crazy.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
Would you mind turning it down?
This doesn't register with Sam.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
It won't all be work, you know?
George is once again, seemingly unheard. He walks to within
inches of Sam and grabs his head and yells into Sam's ear.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
It won't be all work, you know!
Sam pulls away from the touch and turns the music off.
SAM
I heard you already!
George walks to the sliding glass door and stares down at the
boys and Robin in the pool.
GEORGE
Your mom and the boys can drop by
anytime.
SAM
To check up on me?
GEORGE
I'll be around to check up on you.
SAM
Why would you be there?
GEORGE
Because I live there.
SAM
You live in Cory's parents' cabin?
EXT. WEBBER'S BACKYARD - LATE MORNING
Ryan and Adam are on their backs on rafts as Robin swims laps
between them. Suddenly, like a UFO crashing to Earth, Sam's
suitcase spirals downward straight into the pool, barely
missing both Adam and Ryan.
SAM
No fucking way!!!
The boys are knocked off their rafts as Robin takes off her
goggles and focuses on Sam up on his balcony.
SAM (CONT'D)
You liar! You stupid liar! I hate you!
George bursts out of the kitchen, onto the patio.
GEORGE
Did you tell him he's spending the summer
with me?
SAM (O.S.)
No I'm not!
Sam storms off the balcony, back into his room.
ROBIN
What was I supposed to do? When you
didn't show up Saturday, I tried to call.
Your phone isn't working.
GEORGE
I don't have a phone.
ROBIN
I drove over and you were gone.
GEORGE
I can't leave the house?
ROBIN
Last time you were gone for a week!
GEORGE
Did you tell him he was spending the
summer with me?
ROBIN
No. I was going to let you do that.
GEORGE
He's not spending the summer in Tahoe.
Sam walks out of the kitchen to confront his father.
SAM
Who are you, anyway? I don't even know
you.
GEORGE
You'll know me by the time we're through.
SAM
I'm not going!
GEORGE
I'll get your bag.
George walks to the edge of the pool and scoops up the
suitcase, holding it out as it drains.
SAM
Mom, tell him I'm not going. You already
promised me!
GEORGE
You have everything?
Robin is in an uncomfortable position as she glances at Sam
before focusing on George.
ROBIN
I did say he could go.
GEORGE
Let's go.
SAM
I'm not going!
GEORGE
You don't have a choice.
SAM
Mom...please.
Sam's eyes well with tears as his voice cracks. Robin is
ready to concede.
ROBIN
George --
GEORGE
(adamant)
He's not spending the entire summer with
another kid in Tahoe. If he leaves, I
will follow him up there and I will drag
him home by his nose ring. He can hate
me. You can hate me. He can try to kill
me while I sleep. You can call the
police. You can call your husband or
your attorney, but Sam is spending the
summer with me. He's my son. He's
sixteen. That's it.
Sam is crying now -- snot's running down his nose. Robin is
shocked by George's forcefulness.
ADAM
Can we hate you?
GEORGE
You can do anything you want.
George walks to Sam and touches his arm.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
Go get in the truck, Sam.
Sam jerks away from his dad as dramatically as he can manage.
SAM
Go fuck yourself!
George drops the suitcase and grabs Sam by the arms. As much
as Sam tries to resist, he's clearly no match for his father.
GEORGE
Your nose ring comes out of your nose.
If you've got them in your nipples, they
come out, too. And there's no make-up at
my house. No glue sniffing. Huffing.
No pills, no grass.
SAM
If you hit me, I'll call the police.
GEORGE
You've worn out your welcome at this
house, Sam. I won't ever hit you.
(beat)
This may well be the worst three months
of your life, but you've earned it. So,
pick up your suitcase and go get in the
truck. Now.
SAM
I'll hate you forever.
GEORGE
You can't even begins to know how much I
hate my father.
(upbeat)
Think of it as a family tradition.
Sam glares at his mother before grabbing his soggy suitcase
and stomping out of the backyard. Robin is stunned silent by
George's decisiveness.
INT. GEORGE'S TRUCK - LATE MORNING
Sam is pressed against the passenger side door. George walks
from the backyard and opens the truck door to climb in but is
stopped by Sam's suitcase. He lifts it out and sets it in
the bed, then slides into the cab, sitting on the soaked
seat. George rises up and turns to Sam, who is sullen and
silent.
EXT. GEORGE'S SHACK - AFTERNOON
Sam is shirtless on his back on the roof of the shack,
sunning himself as George struggles to extricate a sofa from
a doorjamb. Guster is asleep on the grass, under a tree.
GEORGE
Sam? I'm...for like three minutes?
After another bout of trying, George drops the sofa and steps
back to glance up at Sam.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
That's okay. If I break my back, daddy's
gonna buy you a naval ring.
No reaction from Sam.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
And if that naval ring don't fit, daddy's
gonna rub you down with the sun screen.
Sam glances down at his father, puzzled by the verse.
GEORGE (O.S.) (CONT'D)
I want you wearing sun block. And I want
you down here to help me. Now.
Sam dismisses his father without a word - he simply adjusts
his face back to the sun. George walks away. A sudden spray
of water drenches Sam, forcing him to his feet in a cold
panic. George stops the hose water pelting.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
It works on Guster.
MOMENTS LATER
George is still struggling with the sofa stuck in the door.
Frustrated, he steps away from the sofa.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
You're in there not helping at all,
aren't you?
INT. BEACH SHACK ENTRY - CONTINUOUS
Sam is leaning against a wall with his arms folded across his
chest.
GEORGE (O.S.)
You know what else helped Guster?
Neutering.
The slightest alarm crosses Sam's face.
INT. GEORGE'S GARAGE - EVENING
George is shirtless in shorts, boiling pasta on a portable
stove as he heats a sauce in the microwave. A dresser topped
with plyboard serves as a countertop; other than a sink being
across the garage near the toilet, this is a fairly well
equipped makeshift kitchen.
GEORGE
Do you want garlic bread?!
George waits a bit to make sure no response is no response.
Then stuffs a hunk of garlic bread into the toaster oven.
EXT. GEORGE'S GARAGE - EVENING
Sam is sitting on the edge of a cliff that drops twenty feet
to the ocean; Guster is whining for attention behind Sam.
SAM
Well, get over here, then, stupid.
Guster inches forward on his belly, which makes Sam smile.
SAM (CONT'D)
Are you afraid of heights, Guster?
Sam drops to his belly and stretches out to pet Guster.
SAM (CONT'D)
The fall probably wouldn't kill me,
anyway.
Guster inches closer and licks Sam's face. George walks out
with a tray filled with spaghetti, garlic bread and a Coke.
GEORGE
Thinking of jumping?
George sets the tray on the ground beside Sam.
SAM
Pushing.
George walks to the edge of the cliff.
GEORGE
Only jump after you hear the wave crash
against the rock. The water will take
you out. Let it. Swim a little North
and you'll see the sand.
Sam sits up and faces his father with a trace of alarm.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
First time I did it, younger than you, I
thought I'd break my neck and just sort
of float to Catalina.
(beat)
You don't always get what you wish for,
Sam.
George suddenly leaps forward and disappears into the sea as
a wave crashes against the rocks below.
SAM
Oh, shit!
Sam scurries to his feet and scans the ocean for his father;
the only thing visible is darkness.
SAM (CONT'D)
Hello?
Guster is lapping up the dinner, bread and all as Sam calls
out again. In a bit of a panic, Sam runs from the cliff.
EXT. PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY - EVENING
The traffic is heavy as Sam runs against it. Without a
sidewalk and with parked cars blocking a reasonable path,
this is a dangerous trek North.
EXT. ALISO CREEK BEACH - EVENING
Sam runs to the edge of the water and anxiously waits for his
father to emerge from the sea. A jogger startles Sam - he
steps into a wave that soaks his shoes. George floats on a
wave into view and stands in waist high water, only to be
knocked way back down. He rises and falls and rises before
making his way to the sand and Sam.
SAM
Are you totally insane?!
GEORGE
I almost saw Catalina.
George coughs and drops onto the sand exhausted. Sam storms
off, angry that he cared enough to get angry.
EXT. GEORGE'S SHACK - EVENING
Sam is winded as he walks off the street to the middle of the
yard. He glances around for Guster.
SAM
Guster!
Guster bounces out of the garage with spaghetti sauce
covering his muzzle.
SAM (CONT'D)
You're so busted, dude.
Sam sits down on the grass and plays with Guster, who yaps
with joy as he breaks away and closes the distance with the
abandon of a puppy.
SAM (CONT'D)
Where's my dinner, huh?
Sam manages to pin Guster on his back. He looms over the dog
as he kisses him on the nose.
SAM (CONT'D)
I'm hungry! Where's my dinner? Who ate
my dinner? Huh? Who's in trouble now?
ALYSSA (O.S.)
Hi.
Sam rolls over Guster and stands, nearly stumbling in the
process - way uncool.
SAM
Hey.
ALYSSA
What are you doing here?
Guster bumps against Alyssa for her attention; she kneels
down to pet him.
SAM
They're trying to make me spend the
summer here. I'm leaving in the morning.
ALYSSA
Where to?
SAM
I'm supposed to be in Tahoe.
ALYSSA
Your dad's really gonna build his house?
SAM
I don't know.
ALYSSA
Well, if you don't go, I guess I'll see
you.
Alyssa stands. Sam is clearly shy around her.
ALYSSA (CONT'D)
You should stay.
SAM
I don't know.
ALYSSA
Where's your dad?
SAM
He jumped into the ocean.
ALYSSA
Tell him I said "hi".
Alyssa pets Guster again before walking away. Sam is
smitten.
INT. GEORGE'S GARAGE - NIGHT
Sam's curled up in a tattered lazy-boy near the toilet,
watching television as George sits on the bed, brushing his
teeth. Suddenly, Sam turns to face his dad.
SAM
I'm not taking a dump with you in here.
George nods as he continues brushing.
SAM (CONT'D)
My brothers say it's the worst smell
they've ever smelled.
George nods again, which appears only to irritate Sam.
SAM (CONT'D)
I think you have to have a door between
where you cook and where you crap. Like
even in the bush, tribal people and like
that have a place for both. It's like a
law.
George walks around Sam to the sink and spits, rinses and
wipes his mouth with a towel. He faces Sam.
GEORGE
Which side of the bed do you want?
Sam's jaw drops as he glances at the double-bed.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
Just kidding. The sofa's a pullout.
George smiles and pats Sam on the shoulder before walking to
the sofa and pulling it out to make a bed.
SAM
Probably in the bible.
GEORGE
Goodnight.
George drops his pants and climbs into bed. He pulls the
sheet up and fluffs the pillow before resting his head.
SAM
I have to take a dump.
George twists around in bed to face Sam. After a beat, he
tosses the sheet back, climbs out of bed, pulls back on his
pants, slips on his shoes and walks out of the garage.
EXT. GEORGE'S SHACK - MORNING
George is up on the roof, hacking through the shingles and
beams with a chain saw. A huge dumpster set on the lawn
receives only about half the throws George makes. Sam is
near the ocean in a chaise lounge, listening to music through
his portable CD player.
GEORGE
Have you got sunscreen on?
There's no chance he's been heard. TOM and BARBARA, two
older neighbors of George's nearing home from a walk, stop on
the driveway - both look pleased.
BARBARA
It's about time this shack is torn down.
Barbara appears surprised as George turns to face them - she
obviously didn't realize he was the one up on the roof doing
the demolition.
TOM
Oh, hello George.
GEORGE
Guess how many low-income apartments the
city approved for this lot?
Tom and Barbara react by trying not to react.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
Come on...ballpark figure.
Tom and Barbara step back and walk away. George heads to the
ladder and climbs down.
ANOTHER VIEW
Sam is grooving to the music with his eyes closed as George's
hand, filled with a gob of sunscreen, plops onto Sam's
stomach. Sam bolts up from the chaise lounge in a rage.
SAM
What are you doing?!
GEORGE
I warned you yesterday.
SAM
Don't touch me! You can't touch me!
ALYSSA (O.S.)
Hey, you stayed.
Alyssa walks across her lawn to the feuding family. George
holds out the bottle of sun lotion to Alyssa.
GEORGE
Rub him down, please.
George walks back to the ladder and up onto the roof as
Alyssa and Sam stare at one another.
SAM
He's a freak.
ALYSSA
You look better without make-up.
SAM
I can't even take a shower here.
ALYSSA
Come over to my house whenever you want.
I'll tell my mom.
SAM
I might not stay, anyway.
ALYSSA
I'll get your back.
SAM
No. That's okay.
Sam reaches out for the lotion, but Alyssa hides the bottle.
ALYSSA
Have you ever had anyone but your mom or
dad put it on for you?
Sam thinks about it for a second before shaking his head no.
ALYSSA (CONT'D)
It's weird how different it is. Lay
down.
George is back with the chain saw, hacking away at the roof.
Sam is hesitant as he lies down on his stomach. Alyssa
kneels and squeezes lotion on his back. She works it in,
starting at his neck, working her way down to his pants. She
squirts Sam's arm and as she rubs close to his pit, he
squirms.
ALYSSA (CONT'D)
Do you remember me from when you lived
here?
SAM
Yeah.
ALYSSA
Your dad dated my mom after her divorce.
SAM
Really?
ALYSSA
I wanted him to marry her.
SAM
Why?
ALYSSA
Turn over.
Alyssa grabs under his armpits and tickles him. Sam yelps
and rises onto his elbows as Josh roars by the shack in his
Porsche.
ALYSSA (CONT'D)
Josh and I are going to South Coast.
Wanna ride? Maybe see a movie?
SAM
No thanks.
Sam is disappointed as Alyssa stands to leave.
ALYSSA
Don't forget your front.
Alyssa walks to the shack and waves goodbye to George.
George waves her off. Sam curls onto his side as he watches
Alyssa run across the lawn to Josh.
GEORGE
She's pretty...for a girl.
Sam appears irritated as he stands and walks into the garage.
INT. GEORGE'S GARAGE - MORNING
Sam glances out the window to check on his father, then
quickly rummages through every drawer and cabinet looking for
what he finds: a prescription bottle. It's Vicodin. He
checks on his dad through the window again, then opens the
bottle and takes out five pills. He fills a glass with water
and swallows two, saving three for later. He sets the bottle
back where he found it before he drops on the bed with a
grin.
EXT. GEORGE'S GARAGE - AFTERNOON
Guster is in a full out run for a rubber ball. Sam is
shirted, sitting at the patio table. With the ball gladly
returned, Sam tosses it again. George walks out juggling two
plates of sandwiches and two Cokes and sits down.
GEORGE
Do you ever get like the slightest
inkling that you might want to help me
instead of doing absolutely nothing?
SAM
No.
GEORGE
Get the inkling, Sam. I'm getting tired
of your attitude.
Sam picks up the sandwich, examines it and sets it back down
on the plate.
SAM
I hate turkey.
GEORGE
No you don't.
George takes a bite of his sandwich before responding.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
I want you to take out your nose ring and
leave it out.
SAM
Why?
GEORGE
It bugs me.
SAM
You snore at night. That bugs me. Can I
take you out?
GEORGE
Your brothers are right. It was the most
god-awful smell I've ever had my nose
around.
George tightens his face and waves his hand in front of his
nose. Sam stares at his father. A black Range Rover pulls
to a stop and Robin steps out with a pizza box in her hands.
ROBIN
Thought you guys might be hungry.
As Robin walks up the drive, Sam picks up the turkey sandwich
and starts eating. George glances at Sam as Robin sets the
box on the table and sits down.
GEORGE
We're fine. Turkey sandwiches.
ROBIN
Well, for later then.
Robin focuses on the nearly roofless shack. Guster walks to
the table and sits down by Robin, ready to beg.
ROBIN (CONT'D)
It makes me sad.
GEORGE
What?
ROBIN
I used to live here.
GEORGE
But you hated four out of the five you
did.
ROBIN
I was here six years. And I only hated
two.
GEORGE
Which?
ROBIN
The first and the last.
George sets his sandwich down.
GEORGE
I don't even like turkey sandwiches.
What kind of pizza?
ROBIN
Sam's favorite.
George opens the box and pulls out a slice. Sam appears
disinterested as George starts in on the slice of pizza.
ROBIN (CONT'D)
(to Sam)
Sure you don't want any?
Sam shrugs off his mother, looking away. Robin nods and
grabs a piece for herself.
ROBIN (CONT'D)
You're too thin, George. From what you
used to be, anyway.
George responds with a pleasant face; he's not going to
explain his weight loss right now.
GEORGE
Why the first and the last?
Robin sets her slice of pizza down as she studies George.
ROBIN
The first because I wasn't sure you
really loved me...the last because I
wasn't sure I really loved you.
George nods. Though it may appear that Sam isn't interested
in the conversation, his ears are perked.
GEORGE
I was up on the roof this morning,
tearing it down and it struck me as
strong as anything ever has. That I'm
happy today.
ROBIN
What have you been before today?
GEORGE
It was just that, maybe the way the sun
struck the ocean, the sound of the waves.
It was simple, whatever it was. Then I
started thinking about the last time I
felt this good.
(beat)
It's been a long time.
ROBIN
Do you remember?
GEORGE
The only time I can think of for sure, I
was holding onto Sam in the ocean, saving
him from the waves.
George turns to Sam, who's caught staring at his father.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
You head was pressed against my chest. I
could feel your heart racing. And I
remember I kissed your hair.
ROBIN
We have it on video! Was that when? My
parents were down for his sixth birthday!
I remember that.
Robin inexplicably starts to cry. She instantly tries to
take it back, pressing her hand to her mouth, wiping her
eyes, but whatever emotion has her, has her good. Both
George and Sam are confused and concerned.
SAM
I have to go.
She stands and backs away from the table.
GEORGE
What is it?
ROBIN
I'm fine. Nothing.
(beat)
I'll drop by your lunch tomorrow.
Robin wipes her eyes again as she climbs into her car and
drives off. Sam and George face one another.
GEORGE
I don't know.
SAM
I'm gonna take a walk. I need some
money.
GEORGE
You'll have money when you work.
SAM
You're so predictable.
Sam sets his sandwich down and grabs a slice of pizza as he
stands. He walks for a few feet, stops and turns around.
SAM (CONT'D)
You haven't been happy in ten years?
He doesn't wait for an answer; as he walks away, Guster
follows. George takes Robin's slice of pizza and drops it on
the cement; that's all it takes to turn Guster around.
INT. ROBIN'S KITCHEN - EVENING
Robin is sitting alone at the table, doing nothing. The TV
is on loud in another room. Adam walks into the room in his
pajamas. He sits down across from his mother at the table.
Robin smiles at him. He smiles back as he scoots his chair
closer to the table and extends his arms straight out across
the top. Robin extends her arms and they lock hands near the
middle. Without a word, they hold hands. Adam lets go and
climbs on top of the table, scoots across it with a kiss for
his mother before he's gone, sliding off the table on his
rear and running back to the TV.
EXT. GEORGE'S GARAGE - EVENING
George is on the patio, bending a thin piece of copper
tubing. Sam storms out of the garage, fuming.
SAM
No one would blame me if I left!
GEORGE
I'd blame you. I want you here.
SAM
I'm not doing it!
GEORGE
It'll be fine.
SAM
Why don't you just beg some money off my
dad and move into something decent with a
real kitchen and a real bathroom?
GEORGE
I'd rather sell my nuts to a castrati.
Sam screws his face down - huh?
GEORGE (CONT'D)
I don't beg.
SAM
And I don't take a shower in the middle
of the yard.
GEORGE
I can promise you complete privacy.
SAM
You can't promise me anything! You don't
have anything to promise! You live in a
garage! You don't have cable! You're
not hooked up to the internet because you
don't even own a computer! You don't
have a job!
George finishes bending the copper into a circle. He stands
and holds the copper circle out for proof of privacy.
GEORGE
This will save you from prying eyes.
Sam dismisses his father with a shake of his head. He heads
back into the garage.
INT. GEORGE'S GARAGE - EVENING
Sam quickly heads to where George's prescription bottle was
hidden under a pile of underwear. He steals two more pills
and swallows them before grabbing a towel and walking out.
EXT. GEORGE'S GARAGE - EVENING
SAM
If you had a stupid phone or I could use
your truck, mom would give me some money.
GEORGE
You'll have money when you work for it.
Sam stomps down the driveway and across the grass to Alyssa's
house. George walks around to the back of his garage with
the rounded copper tubing.
EXT. ALYSSA'S HOUSE - EVENING
Sam is standing on the porch with his towel and clean
clothes. Colleen answers the door.
SAM
Is Alyssa home?
COLLEEN
She's out with a friend.
SAM
Oh...do you know when she'll be home?
COLLEEN
She didn't really say.
SAM
Oh...okay.
Sam nods and steps back as he prepares to leave.
COLLEEN
Sam?
SAM
Uh huh.
COLLEEN
I didn't recognize you!
SAM
I'm sorry.
COLLEEN
Alyssa said you don't even have plumbing
over there.
SAM
Not a shower.
Colleen takes Sam by the arm and nudges him into the house.
INT. ALYSSA'S ROOM - EVENING
Sam is slowly making his way around the room, taking note of
everything: some dried flowers; a yearbook; a cabinet full of
CD's; dirty clothes stuffed in a hamper. He walks into the
bathroom before walking back out and making one more round.
INT. ROBIN'S FAMILY ROOM - EVENING
Robin is sitting between her sons on the sofa, watching a
movie. Peter enters the room, carrying his jacket.
PETER
The goddamn traffic. Were we going out
to dinner?
Robin focuses on her husband, but the boys are riveted to the
television.
ROBIN
We've eaten.
PETER
Is Lois still here? I'm starved.
ROBIN
I'll make you something.
Robin stands as Adam and Ryan try to hold her down.
PETER
Did someone call to tell you I'd be late?
Robin walks into the kitchen without responding.
INT. ALYSSA'S BATHROOM - EVENING
Sam's in the shower, obscured by the sandblasted glass.
JOSH (O.S.)
Bro, I need you tonight.
Sam bumps an elbow against the glass as he opens the shower
door enough to look out. Josh is sitting up on the marble
countertop.
SAM
I locked the door.
Josh holds up a tiny screwdriver.
JOSH
It'll take you like twenty, thirty
minutes.
SAM
Does Alyssa know?
JOSH
Nothing.
SAM
You got any weed?
JOSH
You got the money?
Sam waits a beat before closing the shower door.
JOSH (CONT'D)
Alyssa sent me up to see if you wanted to
hang around and watch a movie with her
and her mom.
EXT. GEORGE'S GARAGE - EVENING
The round copper tube is braced and nailed to the side of the
garage; on it hangs a shower curtain. George is making
noises inside the curtain as he showers.
GEORGE
Ah! Oh....
KURT (O.S.)
I know there's an explanation.
George pulls back the shower curtains just enough to see Kurt
standing by in his police uniform.
GEORGE
No hot water.
George is shivering as he closes the curtain back up.
KURT
Mr. Dokos called to complain that you and
a boy are squatting illegally in the
garage of your house.
GEORGE
Check the permits. It was built as a
guesthouse. It's a legally rentable unit
grandfathered when South Laguna was
incorporated.
Without warning, the copper tubing holding the hanging
curtain falls to the ground. George turns the water off and
grabs a towel. Unfortunately, his ass is not what the towel
covers.
KURT
Now that should be illegal.
INT. ALYSSA'S FAMILY ROOM - EVENING
Alyssa and Colleen are curled up on the sofa as Josh and Sam
stick their heads in to say goodbye.
SAM
Thanks for the shower.
COLLEEN
I want you both to stay.
ALYSSA
And candy too.
Alyssa holds up a huge bowl of popcorn and the DVD case.
JOSH
I'm gonna give him a ride in my car.
ALYSSA
I'll see you tomorrow.
COLLEEN
Come over anytime you need to, Sam.
SAM
Thanks, I'd like that. Thank you.
The only thing keeping Sam from staying is Josh, who jerks
him out by the shirt.
INT. GEORGE'S GARAGE - EVENING
With Kurt in the only chair, George hands him a cup of coffee
and sits down on the pullout sofa, which is pulled out.
KURT
I'm surprised he hasn't left.
GEORGE
I haven't forced him to work. I only wet
him down once. Why would he leave?
Sam rushes in and grabs a sweater before starting out.
SAM
I'm leaving.
GEORGE
Hey...hey!
Sam stops at the door and waits impatiently.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
Where are you going?
SAM
I don't know.
GEORGE
When are you going to be back?
SAM
I don't know.
GEORGE
Well, until you know, you can't go.
SAM
Oh, okay.
Sam is gone in a flash. Kurt studies George for a second.
GEORGE
I'm not very good at it. Parenting.
Kurt nods; agreed, he's not.
INT. ROBIN'S KITCHEN - EVENING
Robin arranges an attractive plate of food, which she sticks
in the microwave. Peter walks in wearing different clothes
but the same personality.
PETER
I hope your ex-husband is equipped for
the havoc of Sam, because it seems
absolutely blissful here tonight.
He sits down at the table, opening up a newspaper as Robin
stares at him.
ROBIN
Do you think it's odd your kids don't hug
you?
PETER
Should I?
ROBIN
It would worry me.
Peter glances up from the paper, focusing on Robin.
PETER
If I let everything that should worry me,
worry me, I'd be dead from worry.
ROBIN
What would you be if you asked Adam and
Ryan to run in now and hug you?
PETER
I'd be you.
The answer bothers Robin enough that Peter can't concentrate
back on the paper.
PETER (CONT'D)
I'll do it if that's what you want.
Robin walks out of the kitchen. Peter folds the paper and
shoves it across the granite counter.
INT. JOSH'S PORSCHE - NIGHT
Sam and Josh are parked on a street that overlooks the Valley
East of Laguna Beach. They share a joint as Josh explains
the specifics of the job.
JOSH
You don't have to do a thing. Just get
in and get out. As quick as you can.
Close your eyes and think of whatever.
Sam hands the joint to Josh.
SAM
What's your deal with Alyssa?
JOSH
Don't even...I'm there.
SAM
I wasn't sure.
JOSH
She wouldn't even fucking go out with
until she was sixteen. I mean, that's
not even a rule, just her own thing. She
like figures things out on her own and
then that's it.
A black Mercedes Benz pulls to a stop a ways down the street.
Josh hands Sam a cell phone.
JOSH (CONT'D)
If this rings, run.
Sam is scared and it shows.
JOSH (CONT'D)
He already knows everything about what he
can't do. You can tell him not to even
look at you, if you want.
SAM
I'm thinking it's too weird now.
Josh pulls a baggie of grass and holds it out for Sam, who
takes it and stuffs it in his pants pocket.
JOSH
It beats working.
Josh hands Sam the joint.
JOSH (CONT'D)
Inhale and get out.
Sam is quick to inhale, but slow to get out. Josh takes the
joint and Sam steps out. He walks slowly to the Mercedes,
opens the door and climbs in. Josh turns the CD on to
Guster's "ALL THE WAY UP TO HEAVEN." Sam closes the door to
the Mercedes. 'He said to only look up, he said to never
look down, down is where we came from...' It's an odd song
sung in a happy tempo; a whistling refrain overtakes the
lyrics as Josh inhales. 'He said to hope for the best and
take a load off my chest. Soon, I could be happy, and go all
the way up to heaven and go all the way back home.'
With the music loud, Josh misses the police car as it stops
behind him without the lights. Too late for a getaway, he
fumbles for his cell phone and tosses the joint out the open
window. The OFFICER approaches the Porsche with his hand on
his gun.
OFFICER
What did you toss into the brush?
Josh furtively presses send on his cell phone as he faces the
officer with a guilty face.
JOSH
Nothing.
'He said I might need his help, no one gets high on
themselves. I just seem so lonely; he's just trying to be
nice and spread around his advice. I could be happy...'
OFFICER
Turn off the music!
As the music stops, the door to the Mercedes opens and Sam
hops out with his pants around his ankles. The officer
notices and walks towards the Mercedes. The parking lights
flash red as the car starts and flees the scene. Sam yanks
up his pants and leaps down the hillside, falling and rolling
in the brush as the officer yells for him to stop. Josh
starts his car, but the officer dissuades him from leaving by
removing his gun. Josh turns off the engine.
JOSH
Oh, it's working now.
OFFICER
What did you toss into the brush?
Before Josh can feign innocence again, the brush starts to
smolder. Busted.
EXT. HILLSIDE - NIGHT
Sam is spotted with weeds and dirt as he continues his way
down the steep hillside holding up his pants. After he's
sure he's safe, he sits down and rests his head in his hands.
He starts to shake, frightened by his actions. He drops onto
his back, buttons and zips his pants as he starts to cry.
Slowly, he stops crying, but keeps staring up at the sky,
which is loaded with stars and a full moon. Mesmerized by
the brilliant night, Sam can't stop staring.
EXT. GEORGE'S SHACK - MORNING
George is removing the last of the windows, carefully prying
it out of the casement as Robin pulls up in her Range Rover.
She steps out dressed in Levi's, boots and a t-shirt,
carrying a large bag.
ROBIN
Lunch.
She smiles and walks toward George, dropping the food sack on
the patio table.
GEORGE
It's not breakfast yet.
ROBIN
I dreamed about your house last night.
GEORGE
Finished or unfinished?
ROBIN
It was perfect, George. Amazing. It was
so real.
GEORGE
Didn't you once dream you could lick
people well, though?
ROBIN
That wasn't a dream. That was Sam.
GEORGE
Oh...with his ear infection!
ROBIN
My tongue around the edge of his ear is
what cured him.
George isn't quite sure how to take her comment. Finally, he
points to the Garage.
GEORGE
Go in there and lick his attitude.
ROBIN
The antibiotics weren't working.
(beat)
It's what I believe, George.
George stares at Robin for a second before he nods.
GEORGE
You were wrong about the first year, you
know?
It takes Robin a second to understand he's saying he loved
her when they married.
ROBIN
I've been wrong a lot in my life.
GEORGE
Hindsight. It's like foresight without a
future.
Robin almost smiles; George confessing love ten years dead.
ROBIN
I have three hours before I pick up Adam
and Ryan.
(beat)
Where will I be most useful?
Robin glances around, assessing the best use of her time.
GEORGE
With your hands or your tongue?
ROBIN
You're not well.
Robin picks up a pile of splintered board and tosses them in
the garbage bin. George nods...he's not.
LATER
Robin and George carry a twelve-foot beam from inside the
shack and set it down on cinder blocks. Both look exhausted
as they head back in for another beam. Sam saunters out of
the garage in shorts, sits down on the patio chair and opens
the sack his mother had packed for lunch. He pulls out a
peanut butter and jelly sandwich and starts eating as George
and Robin emerge from the shack with another beam.
GEORGE
Good morning.
Robin and George set the beam down and turn to Sam as they
both wipe sweat off their faces. Sam chews his sandwich,
ignoring them both.
ROBIN
I'm late.
Robin walks close to Sam, trying to capture his attention.
ROBIN (CONT'D)
Ryan has a game later. He asked if you'd
come and watch.
Sam glances up at his mother, just long enough to let her
know he hates her, then drops the sandwich and walks back
into the garage. A city inspector's car pulls to a stop on
the street and BOB LARSON steps out with a clipboard. Robin
passes him as she walks back to her Range Rover.
BOB
Mr. Stevens?
GEORGE
I've been dreading you.
Bob and George shake hands as Robin drives off.
BOB
Bob Larson. Do you happen to have an
unenclosed toilet in close proximity to a
kitchen?
GEORGE
A violation?
BOB
Oh, yes.
GEORGE
And if I enclosed it?
BOB
An exhaust system or a window is code.
GEORGE
A sink?
BOB
Allowed outside the enclosed area.
Sam walks out of the garage in long pants and a shirt.
SAM
Where is it?
GEORGE
A friend of yours is here.
SAM
Did you got through my pants?
GEORGE
I might have a solution.
George grabs his chain saw and walks to the garage with Sam
and Bob in tow.
SAM
Where'd you put it?!
INT. GARAGE - AFTERNOON
George walks to an armoire and empties it. He grabs a hammer
and bangs, pries and pulls the back off, then dumps the
cabinet onto the floor.
SAM
I know you took it. I want it now!
George yanks the chain saw to a roar and fashions an oval cut
a few feet deep on the cabinet base. He kills the saw, lifts
the armoire and scoots it in front of the toilet.
GEORGE
Doors.
Bob grimaces as George opens the armoire, revealing the
toilet inside.
BOB
I hate to ask about a window.
GEORGE
(to Sam)
I flushed it down the toilet.
SAM
No! Oh my God!
George jerk starts the chain saw again and fashions a small
opening above the toilet, ripping through the studs, wire
mesh, tar paper and stucco - fine dust invades the space like
a storm. Bob coughs as he writes in his book. George kills
the chain saw and sets it down as he surveys his work.
SAM (CONT'D)
If I had a gun, I'd kill you.
Bob seems fairly anxious to conclude his business.
BOB
I assume you'll fill the...uh, window,
with glass?
GEORGE
If that's what it takes.
SAM
What's in my pants is none of your
fucking business!
BOB
(a little rattled)
I would say you're in compliance.
GEORGE
I hope that makes the pain in the ass
that called you happy.
George is staring at Sam. Bob backs out of the garage.
BOB
You and me both.
With Bob gone, George walks to Sam and gets in his face.
GEORGE
Everything about you is my business.
What you smoke, what you swallow, what
you sniff, it's all my business.
Sam slams his fists against his own chest, maddened.
SAM
I've been using since I was twelve!
You're all so unbelievably stupid. You
didn't give a shit about anything I did
until now!
GEORGE
I'll apologize for everything but
today...Today I give a shit.
SAM
You're too fucking late.
GEORGE
The gloves on the table are for you.
SAM
You can't make me do a thing.
GEORGE
Sit down for a second.
SAM
No.
George gently guides Sam back onto the bed. Sam hops up mad.
SAM (CONT'D)
I'll call the cops if you touch me again!
George sets Sam back onto the bed, not so gently this time.
Sam is less eager to hop up in defiance.
SAM (CONT'D)
Oh, so you're in the big shit now! Child
abuse. People go to prison for what you
just did to me.
GEORGE
My dad used to play a game. I never
really understood what it was until after
he was gone.
Sam appears immensely disinterested.
SAM
I was holding for someone. That wasn't
even mine.
GEORGE
The game was to make me smaller than he
was. No matter what. He could be almost
invisible as a human being, but I had to
be smaller. So if I got good grades, I
was a pussy for not playing football. If
I cut my hair for him, it wasn't short
enough. If I shaved it, I looked like a
psycho. I never won the game. Not once.
And if he couldn't make me smaller with
words...
Tears well in George's eyes. Sam is caught up enough in what
his father has to say that he has to feign his lack of
interest.
SAM
I'll have to pay him back.
GEORGE
I won't ever hit you.
(beat)
I don't want you smaller. I want you to
be happy. You're not. Not here with me.
Not home with your mother. Not up in
Tahoe. Not alone. Not anywhere.
(beat)
You're what I was most of my life, Sam.
I see it in your eyes. In your sleep.
In your answer to everything. You're
barely alive.
SAM
I'm not even listening.
GEORGE
You know that great thing, though? Is
that change can be so constant you don't
even feel the difference until there is
one. It can be so slow that you don't
even notice that your life is better or
worse, until it is.
(beat)
Or it can just blow you away. Make you
something different in an instant. It
happened to me.
George walks to the garage door as he wipes his eyes. He
stops and turns back around to face Sam.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
Build this house with me.
George walks out leaving Sam on the bed to think.
EXT. GEORGE'S BEACH SHACK - AFTERNOON
George gathers a pile of splintered boards and tosses them
into the dumpster. He works while Guster sleeps.
LATER
The sun is fierce, low on the horizon with a heat that
distorts the distance. George is sweating and shirtless as
Sam walks out of the garage with the gloves on and stands
staring at his father. After a beat, George notices him.
SAM
I have to pay back what you flushed down
the toilet.
(beat)
I want ten dollars an hour...then I'm
done.
George nods. He points out the roofless shell of a shack.
GEORGE
It all has to come down before we can
start again.
(beat)
Knock it down.
George picks up a sledghammer and hands it to Sam. Sam
hoists the hefty hammer and with some true effort, slams it
on a sideboard. He slams again and again as George picks up
a slightly smaller sledgehammer.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
I hated this house from the second my
father cheated everyone and put it in my
name.
George takes a good hard whack at the wall, knocking a huge
hunk of it down. Sam stops to watch.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
Twenty years of hating what you live
in...what you are. This is the end of
it, Sam. I'm gonna build something of me
here that I can be proud to give to you.
SAM
Don't. I don't want it.
George YELLS as he lands the hammer into the wall again. Sam
is alarmed by his father's blatant rage.
GEORGE
Do whatever you want with it. I don't
care. All I want from y