Okay, the time has come to abandon this project for now. I wrote one more page but then my life drifted into babysitting, playing music, being ill and all sorts of things that are incompatible with the singlemindedeness essential to being a writer of anything on a large scale.
I can write small pieces, poetry and the like, that much I know but at least until I retire from my job as a faceless bureaucrat, I am not going to have the space to write the major pieces I need to write. And for the time being, I just don't have the ruthlessness.
I'll leave this up here as a monument to the futility, nay hubris, of my ambition but for now this particular blog is over. I'm sorry if anyone hoped to see it finished.
Friday, 8 April 2011
Wednesday, 2 February 2011
MONGOL GALLERY PAGES 62 TO 68
INT - THE MONGOL GALLERY - DAY
The camera focuses on Daniel's face, his eyes fiercely concentrating, then our view point moves to Anna in close up. She frowns and the camera pans out as she talks to Peter.
ANNA
What do you mean? What is wrong with him?
PETER
He's lost the power of speech, haven't you Daniel.
Daniel nods. He frowns and tries to speak. The effort is too much and instead he draws a rose on his sketchbook. He hands the rose to Anna. Although it is drawn, she sniffs it and smiles. The camera focuses on her hand where blood bubbles to the surface as if she has been pricked by a rose thorn.
ANNA
Ouch
PETER
There are some compensations. I take it he was never much of an
artist before?
ANNA
He was a poet as much as a journalist. His words were wonderful.
He once painted me a marvellous picture with words alone.
FADE TO GREY:
FADE UP FROM GREY TO...
INT. A MONGOL TENT - DAY
The scene is rich with reds and browns and golds. The walls are covered with richly woven rugs and here and there are incense burners producing smoke. Daniel and Anna are there. Daniel is dressed in robes that might not have been out of place on a Mongol Khan, or at the very least, a Mongol Khan imagined by a film maker.
Anna, on the other hand is naked but for a brief and transparent garment of palest, thinnest, sheerest silk and golden chains at her throat, wrists and ankles. There are bells on the chains and she wears jewels in her ears, navel, all of her fingers, in her hair, and in her nose, her nipples, her eyebrows, everywhere. The vision, perhaps of a Victorian orientalist pornographer.
DANIEL
Come to me Naksh.
Anna starts to climb to her feet
DANIEL
On your belly, like a serpent.
ANNA (perhaps a little sarcastically)
As you wish my Lord.
Sarcastically or not, Anna moves sensuously across brocade rugs that cover the floor of the tent before pressing her lips to Daniel's slippers. He reaches down and pulls her to her feet and they kiss.
FADE TO GREY
FADE UP TO...
INT. THE MONGOL GALLERY - DAY
ANNA
He could be a complete asshole, you know, but he spoke so
beautifully that often as not, I found I could not hate him, could not
but go along with whatever game he was playing. You know how
that gets sometimes? Really unhealthy I know, but it's fun for a
while.
PETER
Naksh?
ANNA
He says it's Turkish. Means 'Beautiful'. He got it from a book about
Aimee du Becq de Rivery. Did you ever hear of her?
PETER
I'm afraid not. That sounds more Alaric's thing and sadly, we just had his funeral today.
Peter sniffs before continuing.
PETER
Sorry about that, please, carry on. Who was she?
ANNA
Late eighteenth, early nineteenth century. She was born in Haiti when it was still the French colony of Saint Domingue. She was a
childhood friend of Josephine de Beauharnais, who married Napoleon Bonaparte. They both set out for France around the same time but
while Josephine became Napoleon's lover, Aimee became a slave of
the sultan. She ended up becoming mother of a new Sultan and de
facto ruler of the Ottoman Empire despite having the legal status of
property. Daniel loved the story for some reason.
As she speaks, Daniel is listening, clearly understanding but unable to speak. Could it be that he is crying? His expression is ambiguous.
PETER
Do you know, he sold something very precious after you two split up. I guess he hoped to get you back somehow.
ANNA (reaching up to stroke Daniel's cheek)
That's sweet. What has he said to his precious wife and children back in Des Moines?
PETER
He's married?
ANNA (with a wry half-smile)
And that says it all, don't you think.
Anna turns to look at Daniel.
ANNA
Asshole. You didn't have to go to extremes. I told you. All you had
to do was walk out of your Norman Rockwell life and let me co-star
in the movie of your life. It wasn't too much to ask was it?
Daniel makes no response.
ANNA
Like I said. Fucking asshole.
CUT TO...
INT. ALARIC'S BOOKSHOP - DAY
Boudicca, Liam and Cook are looking through the stock in the shop.
BOUDICCA
Damn, this is just chaos.
COOK
I could run it for you. It would remind me of Alaric.
LIAM
That's not the point is it?
BOUDICCA
No. I have promised to take on Alaric's sword and I don't even know
what he did. Liam, can you call Peter please. I think we need to work at this together, sword and shield.
LIAM (walking to the top of the stairs and taking out his cellphone)
Yeah, will do.
LIAM (offscreen)
Peter? Liam. Yeah journalist Liam. Look, Boudicca's asked me to
call. She thinks you need to get together and talk about what you
agreed at the funeral. ...Can't you leave him with Ms Kern?... Okay,
see you soon.
LIAM (reappearing down the stairs)
He's on the way. Maybe Cook and I should make ourselves scarce for a while.
BOUDICCA
Nah... you two carry on here. I'll go meet him on the way.
Boudicca goes up the stairs and we CUT TO...
INT - THE ROSE AND CROWN - DAY
The pub is almost empty with small tables scattered about as if it were an overstocked showroom. There is a group playing dominoes at one table while Boudicca and Peter sit at another but many more are empty. They each have a pint of Guinness.
BOUDICCA
I'm conscious that when we spoke about being sword and shield, it
felt like an oath but I haven't a clue what Alaric did.
PETER
Maybe we should ask Father Demetrios?
BOUDICCA
I've a feeling he's an interested party.
PETER
I'm sure he's on our side.
BOUDICCA
And I'm sure he's on his own side, or that of the Greek Orthodox
Church which may or may not be ours.
PETER
Well we know de Musca's the enemy.
BOUDICCA
The enemy of my enemy is my friend? I don't buy that. I reckon de
Musca has enemies all around the world and some of those enemies
may even be on his side. The question has to be what side was Alaric
on? Who can we trust?
PETER
Can we trust one another.
BOUDICCA
We are sword and shield. We're going to have to
PETER
I'm not even sure I can trust myself. We know how seductive de
Musca can be.
BOUDICCA
What? What do you think he can offer you?
The camera focuses on Daniel's face, his eyes fiercely concentrating, then our view point moves to Anna in close up. She frowns and the camera pans out as she talks to Peter.
ANNA
What do you mean? What is wrong with him?
PETER
He's lost the power of speech, haven't you Daniel.
Daniel nods. He frowns and tries to speak. The effort is too much and instead he draws a rose on his sketchbook. He hands the rose to Anna. Although it is drawn, she sniffs it and smiles. The camera focuses on her hand where blood bubbles to the surface as if she has been pricked by a rose thorn.
ANNA
Ouch
PETER
There are some compensations. I take it he was never much of an
artist before?
ANNA
He was a poet as much as a journalist. His words were wonderful.
He once painted me a marvellous picture with words alone.
FADE TO GREY:
FADE UP FROM GREY TO...
INT. A MONGOL TENT - DAY
The scene is rich with reds and browns and golds. The walls are covered with richly woven rugs and here and there are incense burners producing smoke. Daniel and Anna are there. Daniel is dressed in robes that might not have been out of place on a Mongol Khan, or at the very least, a Mongol Khan imagined by a film maker.
Anna, on the other hand is naked but for a brief and transparent garment of palest, thinnest, sheerest silk and golden chains at her throat, wrists and ankles. There are bells on the chains and she wears jewels in her ears, navel, all of her fingers, in her hair, and in her nose, her nipples, her eyebrows, everywhere. The vision, perhaps of a Victorian orientalist pornographer.
DANIEL
Come to me Naksh.
Anna starts to climb to her feet
DANIEL
On your belly, like a serpent.
ANNA (perhaps a little sarcastically)
As you wish my Lord.
Sarcastically or not, Anna moves sensuously across brocade rugs that cover the floor of the tent before pressing her lips to Daniel's slippers. He reaches down and pulls her to her feet and they kiss.
FADE TO GREY
FADE UP TO...
INT. THE MONGOL GALLERY - DAY
ANNA
He could be a complete asshole, you know, but he spoke so
beautifully that often as not, I found I could not hate him, could not
but go along with whatever game he was playing. You know how
that gets sometimes? Really unhealthy I know, but it's fun for a
while.
PETER
Naksh?
ANNA
He says it's Turkish. Means 'Beautiful'. He got it from a book about
Aimee du Becq de Rivery. Did you ever hear of her?
PETER
I'm afraid not. That sounds more Alaric's thing and sadly, we just had his funeral today.
Peter sniffs before continuing.
PETER
Sorry about that, please, carry on. Who was she?
ANNA
Late eighteenth, early nineteenth century. She was born in Haiti when it was still the French colony of Saint Domingue. She was a
childhood friend of Josephine de Beauharnais, who married Napoleon Bonaparte. They both set out for France around the same time but
while Josephine became Napoleon's lover, Aimee became a slave of
the sultan. She ended up becoming mother of a new Sultan and de
facto ruler of the Ottoman Empire despite having the legal status of
property. Daniel loved the story for some reason.
As she speaks, Daniel is listening, clearly understanding but unable to speak. Could it be that he is crying? His expression is ambiguous.
PETER
Do you know, he sold something very precious after you two split up. I guess he hoped to get you back somehow.
ANNA (reaching up to stroke Daniel's cheek)
That's sweet. What has he said to his precious wife and children back in Des Moines?
PETER
He's married?
ANNA (with a wry half-smile)
And that says it all, don't you think.
Anna turns to look at Daniel.
ANNA
Asshole. You didn't have to go to extremes. I told you. All you had
to do was walk out of your Norman Rockwell life and let me co-star
in the movie of your life. It wasn't too much to ask was it?
Daniel makes no response.
ANNA
Like I said. Fucking asshole.
CUT TO...
INT. ALARIC'S BOOKSHOP - DAY
Boudicca, Liam and Cook are looking through the stock in the shop.
BOUDICCA
Damn, this is just chaos.
COOK
I could run it for you. It would remind me of Alaric.
LIAM
That's not the point is it?
BOUDICCA
No. I have promised to take on Alaric's sword and I don't even know
what he did. Liam, can you call Peter please. I think we need to work at this together, sword and shield.
LIAM (walking to the top of the stairs and taking out his cellphone)
Yeah, will do.
LIAM (offscreen)
Peter? Liam. Yeah journalist Liam. Look, Boudicca's asked me to
call. She thinks you need to get together and talk about what you
agreed at the funeral. ...Can't you leave him with Ms Kern?... Okay,
see you soon.
LIAM (reappearing down the stairs)
He's on the way. Maybe Cook and I should make ourselves scarce for a while.
BOUDICCA
Nah... you two carry on here. I'll go meet him on the way.
Boudicca goes up the stairs and we CUT TO...
INT - THE ROSE AND CROWN - DAY
The pub is almost empty with small tables scattered about as if it were an overstocked showroom. There is a group playing dominoes at one table while Boudicca and Peter sit at another but many more are empty. They each have a pint of Guinness.
BOUDICCA
I'm conscious that when we spoke about being sword and shield, it
felt like an oath but I haven't a clue what Alaric did.
PETER
Maybe we should ask Father Demetrios?
BOUDICCA
I've a feeling he's an interested party.
PETER
I'm sure he's on our side.
BOUDICCA
And I'm sure he's on his own side, or that of the Greek Orthodox
Church which may or may not be ours.
PETER
Well we know de Musca's the enemy.
BOUDICCA
The enemy of my enemy is my friend? I don't buy that. I reckon de
Musca has enemies all around the world and some of those enemies
may even be on his side. The question has to be what side was Alaric
on? Who can we trust?
PETER
Can we trust one another.
BOUDICCA
We are sword and shield. We're going to have to
PETER
I'm not even sure I can trust myself. We know how seductive de
Musca can be.
BOUDICCA
What? What do you think he can offer you?
Mongol Gallery Day Five
I know, I left it too long and the momentum sank down into the sand until I have to start again from a standing start. It happens unfortunately. Life intervenes and my good intentions become another broken promise to myself.
The spur is, someone made a comment on 43 things, asking if I'd written the novel I said I was going to write, and sadly, I had not, so here I am, fully repentant and starting again. All those who have encouraged me, this is for you.
Today according to Viki King I should be reaching page 75. If you recall from earlier, that is the point where Daniel (and Peter too for that matter) realises that he doesn't even get what he dealt with the devil for.
I have the distraction of three year old and cat being in the house and needing to be separated. Let's hope that doesn't interfere.
The spur is, someone made a comment on 43 things, asking if I'd written the novel I said I was going to write, and sadly, I had not, so here I am, fully repentant and starting again. All those who have encouraged me, this is for you.
Today according to Viki King I should be reaching page 75. If you recall from earlier, that is the point where Daniel (and Peter too for that matter) realises that he doesn't even get what he dealt with the devil for.
I have the distraction of three year old and cat being in the house and needing to be separated. Let's hope that doesn't interfere.
Saturday, 22 January 2011
MONGOL GALLERY PAGES 55 TO 61
INT. THE MONGOL GALLERY - DAY
The place has been transformed, the paintings withdrawn from the space, and instead, tables and chairs designed in such a way that intimate conversations can form and all can discuss the Alaric they knew and loved.
PETER
Thanks for coming everybody. I have to say, I don't think Alaric
would have wanted long faces so let's drink, eat and celebrate his life. He died fighting for what he believed in so, in the words of Joe Hill,
'Don't mourn! Organise!"
BOUDICCA
Peter's right and of course, thanks to Alaric, Peter and I have a lot of
organising to do in order to make Alaric's shop work in the way he
would have wished.
PETER
So let's begin with a toast. To Alaric. Long may his light shine.
ALL
Alaric.
FADE TO:
INT - NUMBER 76 BUS - DAY
Anna sits on the upper deck of the bus, gazing out of the window while Fleet Street moves slowly past. We see an open topped tourist bus overtaking the bus Anna is in. Anna takes out her cellphone.
ANNA
Hello? Hello? Damn! Yes, sorry, you're speaking with Anna Kern.
I'm on my way. I hope you're there.
Anna closes her phone and sighs.
ANNA
Verdommte Ansaphone.
She gazes fiercely out at the empty offices moving past the window as the bus crawls through London.
CUT TO:
INT. MONGOL GALLERY - DAY
Liam taps a spoon on the side of his glass.
LIAM
A moment's attention please. Alaric was a bookseller. I've known
him maybe two weeks but in that time, he introduced me to a few
concepts in philosophy and particularly to this book.
Liam holds up a copy of Orson Scott Card's "Speaker for the Dead".
LIAM
It is fitting that a bookseller's legacy to me should be the knowledge
of a book, and of course, the knowledge that he would wish me to
return the favour. The book talks of a way of celebrating the dead,
not by lying about how good they were or cursing all the bad in their
life, but by speaking what people might have said themselves if they
were still alive, and painfully honest.
Daniel smiles and begins making a sketch of Liam.
LIAM
So. Who was Alaric Hanworth? A bookseller? Yes we know. A
supportive, loving big brother? Would you not agree Boudicca? A
wizard. How many of you knew that about him. He was a skilled
conjuror, but also he looked at the universe with eyes tinged with
magic. He lived in a cartoon world of absolutes and of shades of
grey. A modern gay man, although anyone who knew him would
CONTINUED
CONTINUED
LIAM
know Alaric hated the term and referred to himself as 'queer' or 'an old
poof'. But more than that. Alaric was our shield and defender. We
never knew it, but he held the line, there in his shop against dark
forces that sought to come into our world. I know what you're
thinking. Hard nosed journalist finally lost it? Or maybe not. Maybe you're nodding your head. Either way, it's true. There is evil in the
world, and every day and with every breath, Alaric stood against that
evil. Let us hope someone takes up his sword and shield.
BOUDICCA
I will take up his sword
`PETER
And I will take up his shield.
LIAM
All of us must, as a community.
The doors burst open. Nick de Musca is there.
de MUSCA
Never take a sword to a gunfight.
de Musca pulls a knife and lunges at Boudicca but pulls his stroke as Daniel moves quickly between them.
FATHER DEMETRIOS
In the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, begone from this place.
de Musca snarls and runs out into the street.
FADE TO:
INT. NUMBER 76 BUS - DAY
The bus is now at a standstill. Passengers are becoming more and more agitated. Cellphone conversations are growing louder and we hear frantic arguments in Polish and Portuguese.
ANNA
Where are we?
PASSENGER
Moorgate, just past London Wall.
DRIVER
Ladies and Gentleman, I'm sorry to have to say, this bus will
terminate at the next stop because of a fault. Your tickets will be
good on other modes of transport.
The bus pulls to a stop and we follow Anna as she steps out into.
EXT. MOORGATE - DAY
Anna speaks to a newspaper seller.
ANNA
What's the best way to get to Stoke Newington.
NEWSPAPER SELLER
That way, Finsbury Circus, Liverpool Street, British Rail to Stokey.
Be there in half an hour tops.
The Newspaper's words become voiceover as Anna begins running through Finsbury Circus and makes her way to Liverpool Street Station.
CUT TO:
EXT. CHURCH STREET DAY
Cook has pulled a knife and is moving menacingly toward Nick de Musca.
COOK
Makes the world go round, schmuck
de MUSCA (laughs)
Batty boy, don't you know who I am?
They fight. Of course, Cook does not stand a chance and yet, somehow, when de Musca cuts him, it is only an arm and then de Musca is gone in the confusion. Cook winces and holds his arm as his white sleeve goes red and drips blood.
CUT TO:
INT. NATIONAL EXPRESS TRAIN - DAY
Anna is looking nervously out of the window as the train moves North from Liverpool Street. Nick de Musca sits down beside her.
de MUSCA
Last chance to back down slut.
ANNA (glaring)
Get you gone.
de MUSCA
Your funeral. Or maybe it'll be your toy boy's.
ANNA
Stop your games, I'm not susceptible.
Anna gets up and leaves the carriage. We see that she's got off at Hackney Downs station. She dashes out of the station and flags down a black cab. We follow her to....
INT. BLACK CAB - DAY
ANNA
Church Street, Stoke Newington. The Mongol Gallery.
CABBIE
On the way Missus. You okay love?
ANNA
No idea. I hope so.
The Cabbie makes conversation as the cab moves through Hackney and we follow Anna to.
EXT. CHURCH STREET - DAY
The cab pulls up outside the Mongol Gallery. Liam is attempting to bandage Cook's wound while Daniel looks on and Peter and Boudicca try to restrain Father Demetrios from running after de Musca, who is nowhere to be seen in any case. Father Demetrios is readfaced and breathless.
ANNA
Keep the Change
Anna leaves the cab and immediately throws her arms around Daniel who returns the gesture.
ANNA
Daniel, you're okay. I thought...
PETER
He isn't Ms Kern, he really isn't.
The place has been transformed, the paintings withdrawn from the space, and instead, tables and chairs designed in such a way that intimate conversations can form and all can discuss the Alaric they knew and loved.
PETER
Thanks for coming everybody. I have to say, I don't think Alaric
would have wanted long faces so let's drink, eat and celebrate his life. He died fighting for what he believed in so, in the words of Joe Hill,
'Don't mourn! Organise!"
BOUDICCA
Peter's right and of course, thanks to Alaric, Peter and I have a lot of
organising to do in order to make Alaric's shop work in the way he
would have wished.
PETER
So let's begin with a toast. To Alaric. Long may his light shine.
ALL
Alaric.
FADE TO:
INT - NUMBER 76 BUS - DAY
Anna sits on the upper deck of the bus, gazing out of the window while Fleet Street moves slowly past. We see an open topped tourist bus overtaking the bus Anna is in. Anna takes out her cellphone.
ANNA
Hello? Hello? Damn! Yes, sorry, you're speaking with Anna Kern.
I'm on my way. I hope you're there.
Anna closes her phone and sighs.
ANNA
Verdommte Ansaphone.
She gazes fiercely out at the empty offices moving past the window as the bus crawls through London.
CUT TO:
INT. MONGOL GALLERY - DAY
Liam taps a spoon on the side of his glass.
LIAM
A moment's attention please. Alaric was a bookseller. I've known
him maybe two weeks but in that time, he introduced me to a few
concepts in philosophy and particularly to this book.
Liam holds up a copy of Orson Scott Card's "Speaker for the Dead".
LIAM
It is fitting that a bookseller's legacy to me should be the knowledge
of a book, and of course, the knowledge that he would wish me to
return the favour. The book talks of a way of celebrating the dead,
not by lying about how good they were or cursing all the bad in their
life, but by speaking what people might have said themselves if they
were still alive, and painfully honest.
Daniel smiles and begins making a sketch of Liam.
LIAM
So. Who was Alaric Hanworth? A bookseller? Yes we know. A
supportive, loving big brother? Would you not agree Boudicca? A
wizard. How many of you knew that about him. He was a skilled
conjuror, but also he looked at the universe with eyes tinged with
magic. He lived in a cartoon world of absolutes and of shades of
grey. A modern gay man, although anyone who knew him would
CONTINUED
CONTINUED
LIAM
know Alaric hated the term and referred to himself as 'queer' or 'an old
poof'. But more than that. Alaric was our shield and defender. We
never knew it, but he held the line, there in his shop against dark
forces that sought to come into our world. I know what you're
thinking. Hard nosed journalist finally lost it? Or maybe not. Maybe you're nodding your head. Either way, it's true. There is evil in the
world, and every day and with every breath, Alaric stood against that
evil. Let us hope someone takes up his sword and shield.
BOUDICCA
I will take up his sword
`PETER
And I will take up his shield.
LIAM
All of us must, as a community.
The doors burst open. Nick de Musca is there.
de MUSCA
Never take a sword to a gunfight.
de Musca pulls a knife and lunges at Boudicca but pulls his stroke as Daniel moves quickly between them.
FATHER DEMETRIOS
In the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, begone from this place.
de Musca snarls and runs out into the street.
FADE TO:
INT. NUMBER 76 BUS - DAY
The bus is now at a standstill. Passengers are becoming more and more agitated. Cellphone conversations are growing louder and we hear frantic arguments in Polish and Portuguese.
ANNA
Where are we?
PASSENGER
Moorgate, just past London Wall.
DRIVER
Ladies and Gentleman, I'm sorry to have to say, this bus will
terminate at the next stop because of a fault. Your tickets will be
good on other modes of transport.
The bus pulls to a stop and we follow Anna as she steps out into.
EXT. MOORGATE - DAY
Anna speaks to a newspaper seller.
ANNA
What's the best way to get to Stoke Newington.
NEWSPAPER SELLER
That way, Finsbury Circus, Liverpool Street, British Rail to Stokey.
Be there in half an hour tops.
The Newspaper's words become voiceover as Anna begins running through Finsbury Circus and makes her way to Liverpool Street Station.
CUT TO:
EXT. CHURCH STREET DAY
Cook has pulled a knife and is moving menacingly toward Nick de Musca.
COOK
Makes the world go round, schmuck
de MUSCA (laughs)
Batty boy, don't you know who I am?
They fight. Of course, Cook does not stand a chance and yet, somehow, when de Musca cuts him, it is only an arm and then de Musca is gone in the confusion. Cook winces and holds his arm as his white sleeve goes red and drips blood.
CUT TO:
INT. NATIONAL EXPRESS TRAIN - DAY
Anna is looking nervously out of the window as the train moves North from Liverpool Street. Nick de Musca sits down beside her.
de MUSCA
Last chance to back down slut.
ANNA (glaring)
Get you gone.
de MUSCA
Your funeral. Or maybe it'll be your toy boy's.
ANNA
Stop your games, I'm not susceptible.
Anna gets up and leaves the carriage. We see that she's got off at Hackney Downs station. She dashes out of the station and flags down a black cab. We follow her to....
INT. BLACK CAB - DAY
ANNA
Church Street, Stoke Newington. The Mongol Gallery.
CABBIE
On the way Missus. You okay love?
ANNA
No idea. I hope so.
The Cabbie makes conversation as the cab moves through Hackney and we follow Anna to.
EXT. CHURCH STREET - DAY
The cab pulls up outside the Mongol Gallery. Liam is attempting to bandage Cook's wound while Daniel looks on and Peter and Boudicca try to restrain Father Demetrios from running after de Musca, who is nowhere to be seen in any case. Father Demetrios is readfaced and breathless.
ANNA
Keep the Change
Anna leaves the cab and immediately throws her arms around Daniel who returns the gesture.
ANNA
Daniel, you're okay. I thought...
PETER
He isn't Ms Kern, he really isn't.
Mongol Gallery day four and a half
Six more pages to go to reach the sixty page deadline. I have to confess, I'm exhausted and only hope I can do this. I may drink some soup before or after but either way, after a day of babysitting a three-year-old, I'm not sure I have the energy but I have to try because tomorrow, we (Vaccination) will be recording what I hope will be the rest of our album so it's tonight necessarily and for certain.
Wish me Luck
Wish me Luck
Wednesday, 19 January 2011
MONGOL GALLERY PAGES 48 to 54
INT. EUROSTAR - DAY
Nick de Musca is still taunting Anna
de MUSCA
You don't think you can do anything when you get to England, do
you? Your boyfriend's lost his mind, the demon slayer's lost in
dreams of greed and the wizard is dead. You don't think you can do
anything to stop me, do you?
ANNA
I don't have a clue what you are talking about so why don't you just go away?
de MUSCA
I think I will, but I'll leave you something to think about.
de Musca stands and, in full view of the other passengers, tears open Anna's blouse. He does not touch her more than this but, slowly, she begins to bleed.
ANNA (more enraged than afraid)
Godverdomme! Just fuck off!
de MUSCA
Temper temper...
de Musca disappears in a puff of smoke.
FADE TO GREY
FADE UP TO
EXT. CHURCH STREET - DAY
A Hearse pulls up outside Alaric's bookshop, after passing the Mongol Gallery, which is still boarded after the window was broken. JANET KIRK climbs out of the car and knocks on the door. Peter opens it.
JANET KIRK
Good morning. I'm Janet Kirk from Kirk McCauley. I realise that
you have dealt with Mr McCauley before this and I hope that this
change will not cause you distress on this saddest of days.
PETER
Of course not.
Peter introduces the others who nod when their names are called. It is COOK's first appearance. He is a thin, tall man, much younger than Alaric, and clearly distressed by his death. It is also the first appearance of Alaric's sister, BOUDICCA.
PETER
These are Daniel, Tia, Liam, Cook, Alaric's sister Boudicca and of
course you know Father Demetrios.
Peter, Daniel, Liam and Cook take their places, along with two BEARERS provided by the undertakers and carry the coffin to the hearse. Father Demetrios speaks over the coffin before beginning its journey to the church.
FATHER DEMETRIOS
Of course, the funeral will be at The Church of Saint John the
Theologian in Mare Street. I can show you the way if you don't know
it. In fact, I would prefer to walk in front of the car if that is
permitted.
JANET KIRK
Certainly I know it. It's a couple of miles though and the roads are
busy. If you feel it's essential to walk, then of course but I feel I must
let you know that.
FATHER DEMETRIOS
Thank you. I appreciate your concern but Mr Hanworth died a hero
and I wish to mark my respect for that.
JANET KIRK
As you wish, Father.
Alaric's coffin is loaded into the hearse. Cook and Boudicca climb into the Hearse itself while the others get into Liam's car, apart from Father Demetrios who walks in front of the procession that begins its journey to the church. We follow the procession for a while before we.
CUT TO:
INT. EUROSTAR DAY
Anna has repaired her blouse. Having no safety pin, she has instead used a button bearing the legend "Ik Houd Mijn Eigen Fatsoen!" There are spots of blood on her clothes and her expression is fierce.
ANNA
What do you think you are looking at? Didn't care when I was being
attacked did you? That's why society falls apart. Assholes!
Nobody reacts and Anna gazes angrily at the Kent countryside. The train slows down and comes to a stop.
ANNA
Now what?
ANNOUNCEMENT
Ladies and Gentlemen. There will be some delay in reaching London
due to a cow on the line. We will keep you informed.
The announcement is repeated in Dutch, French and German.
ANNA
Godverdomme!
Anna is drumming her fingers with one hand, while the other, white-knuckled, grips the armrest on her seat.
CUT TO:
INT. THE CHURCH - DAY
In the middle of Alaric's funeral. Father Demetrios called for people to speak about their memories of Alaric. The first to speak is Cook.
COOK
Umm. Hi. I feel a bit of a fraud standing here. Most people think
Alaric and I were lovers and it is true that I loved him. I still do.
Love doesn't stop just because those we love go away, does it? But
our relationship was never like that. I believe Alaric was celibate for
most of my life. I hated that, but I respected it. I respect you Alaric, I
always will... and our love can't be murdered as easily as you were.
BOUDICCA
He was my brother. He was a bookseller. He was a shield against the horrors to come. I hope there is someone to fill his shoes but I know
that in my life, there will be an Alaric shaped hole. I miss you big
brother. I don't want you to go. I wish... I WISH I was going with
you but that is not my fate. I wish you well, my big brother. Go with
love.
LIAM
I've only known Alaric a short time. It was not long enough. I found
he had an integrity so rare these days. He was a good man.
TIA
I don't have anything to say but Daniel does and Daniel can't speak.
He drew this sketch while the service was going on.
Tia holds up a drawing of Alaric. In the picture, of course, Alaric is alive.
INT. THE PICTURE - DAY
ALARIC
Yeah. I'm dead. I know this. And thanks all for coming to my
funeral but you know how I died. You know why I died. You know
what you need to do... if you don't want me to come back and haunt
you.
INT. THE CHURCH - DAY
PETER
There's little I can say on top of what's been said. I was too stupid to
understand what Alaric was saying. Nothing is free and sometimes
the price is more than the prize is worth. A part of me would do
anything to have Alaric back, but we all know that the world doesn't
work that way. I hope. I need to believe that Alaric has gone on to a
better place. Thank you Father. Thank you all for coming. I hope
you can all come to the reception at the Mongol Gallery after the
reading of the will.
CUT TO:
INT. EUROSTAR - DAY
ANNOUNCER
Ladies and Gentlemen, I regret to have to tell you that this train will
be diverted to the old Eurostar terminal at London Waterloo. Your
tickets will be valid on reasonable bus and London Underground
routes. Eurostar apologises for any inconvenience caused.
Anna glares around her, eyes fierce.
ANNA
Are they messing with me? Am I going paranoid.
FADE TO:
INT. WATERLOO FORMER EUROSTAR TERMINAL- DAY
Passengers are disembarking through a terminal that has clearly not been used for years. Customs, police and Eurostar officials clearly have little more clue than the passengers where they are supposed to be or go.
EUROSTAR OFFICIAL
Welcome to England. Do you know where you need to go.
ANNA
Stoke Newington?
EUROSTAR OFFICIAL
You could try Waterloo and City Line, change for the Central Line
and then change for a train from Liverpool Street. It's probably
quickest, but the simplest is probably to take a 76 or 341 bus.
Anna nods her thanks and walks toward the exit.
Nick de Musca is still taunting Anna
de MUSCA
You don't think you can do anything when you get to England, do
you? Your boyfriend's lost his mind, the demon slayer's lost in
dreams of greed and the wizard is dead. You don't think you can do
anything to stop me, do you?
ANNA
I don't have a clue what you are talking about so why don't you just go away?
de MUSCA
I think I will, but I'll leave you something to think about.
de Musca stands and, in full view of the other passengers, tears open Anna's blouse. He does not touch her more than this but, slowly, she begins to bleed.
ANNA (more enraged than afraid)
Godverdomme! Just fuck off!
de MUSCA
Temper temper...
de Musca disappears in a puff of smoke.
FADE TO GREY
FADE UP TO
EXT. CHURCH STREET - DAY
A Hearse pulls up outside Alaric's bookshop, after passing the Mongol Gallery, which is still boarded after the window was broken. JANET KIRK climbs out of the car and knocks on the door. Peter opens it.
JANET KIRK
Good morning. I'm Janet Kirk from Kirk McCauley. I realise that
you have dealt with Mr McCauley before this and I hope that this
change will not cause you distress on this saddest of days.
PETER
Of course not.
Peter introduces the others who nod when their names are called. It is COOK's first appearance. He is a thin, tall man, much younger than Alaric, and clearly distressed by his death. It is also the first appearance of Alaric's sister, BOUDICCA.
PETER
These are Daniel, Tia, Liam, Cook, Alaric's sister Boudicca and of
course you know Father Demetrios.
Peter, Daniel, Liam and Cook take their places, along with two BEARERS provided by the undertakers and carry the coffin to the hearse. Father Demetrios speaks over the coffin before beginning its journey to the church.
FATHER DEMETRIOS
Of course, the funeral will be at The Church of Saint John the
Theologian in Mare Street. I can show you the way if you don't know
it. In fact, I would prefer to walk in front of the car if that is
permitted.
JANET KIRK
Certainly I know it. It's a couple of miles though and the roads are
busy. If you feel it's essential to walk, then of course but I feel I must
let you know that.
FATHER DEMETRIOS
Thank you. I appreciate your concern but Mr Hanworth died a hero
and I wish to mark my respect for that.
JANET KIRK
As you wish, Father.
Alaric's coffin is loaded into the hearse. Cook and Boudicca climb into the Hearse itself while the others get into Liam's car, apart from Father Demetrios who walks in front of the procession that begins its journey to the church. We follow the procession for a while before we.
CUT TO:
INT. EUROSTAR DAY
Anna has repaired her blouse. Having no safety pin, she has instead used a button bearing the legend "Ik Houd Mijn Eigen Fatsoen!" There are spots of blood on her clothes and her expression is fierce.
ANNA
What do you think you are looking at? Didn't care when I was being
attacked did you? That's why society falls apart. Assholes!
Nobody reacts and Anna gazes angrily at the Kent countryside. The train slows down and comes to a stop.
ANNA
Now what?
ANNOUNCEMENT
Ladies and Gentlemen. There will be some delay in reaching London
due to a cow on the line. We will keep you informed.
The announcement is repeated in Dutch, French and German.
ANNA
Godverdomme!
Anna is drumming her fingers with one hand, while the other, white-knuckled, grips the armrest on her seat.
CUT TO:
INT. THE CHURCH - DAY
In the middle of Alaric's funeral. Father Demetrios called for people to speak about their memories of Alaric. The first to speak is Cook.
COOK
Umm. Hi. I feel a bit of a fraud standing here. Most people think
Alaric and I were lovers and it is true that I loved him. I still do.
Love doesn't stop just because those we love go away, does it? But
our relationship was never like that. I believe Alaric was celibate for
most of my life. I hated that, but I respected it. I respect you Alaric, I
always will... and our love can't be murdered as easily as you were.
BOUDICCA
He was my brother. He was a bookseller. He was a shield against the horrors to come. I hope there is someone to fill his shoes but I know
that in my life, there will be an Alaric shaped hole. I miss you big
brother. I don't want you to go. I wish... I WISH I was going with
you but that is not my fate. I wish you well, my big brother. Go with
love.
LIAM
I've only known Alaric a short time. It was not long enough. I found
he had an integrity so rare these days. He was a good man.
TIA
I don't have anything to say but Daniel does and Daniel can't speak.
He drew this sketch while the service was going on.
Tia holds up a drawing of Alaric. In the picture, of course, Alaric is alive.
INT. THE PICTURE - DAY
ALARIC
Yeah. I'm dead. I know this. And thanks all for coming to my
funeral but you know how I died. You know why I died. You know
what you need to do... if you don't want me to come back and haunt
you.
INT. THE CHURCH - DAY
PETER
There's little I can say on top of what's been said. I was too stupid to
understand what Alaric was saying. Nothing is free and sometimes
the price is more than the prize is worth. A part of me would do
anything to have Alaric back, but we all know that the world doesn't
work that way. I hope. I need to believe that Alaric has gone on to a
better place. Thank you Father. Thank you all for coming. I hope
you can all come to the reception at the Mongol Gallery after the
reading of the will.
CUT TO:
INT. EUROSTAR - DAY
ANNOUNCER
Ladies and Gentlemen, I regret to have to tell you that this train will
be diverted to the old Eurostar terminal at London Waterloo. Your
tickets will be valid on reasonable bus and London Underground
routes. Eurostar apologises for any inconvenience caused.
Anna glares around her, eyes fierce.
ANNA
Are they messing with me? Am I going paranoid.
FADE TO:
INT. WATERLOO FORMER EUROSTAR TERMINAL- DAY
Passengers are disembarking through a terminal that has clearly not been used for years. Customs, police and Eurostar officials clearly have little more clue than the passengers where they are supposed to be or go.
EUROSTAR OFFICIAL
Welcome to England. Do you know where you need to go.
ANNA
Stoke Newington?
EUROSTAR OFFICIAL
You could try Waterloo and City Line, change for the Central Line
and then change for a train from Liverpool Street. It's probably
quickest, but the simplest is probably to take a 76 or 341 bus.
Anna nods her thanks and walks toward the exit.
Mongol Gallery Day 4
I know it's not the fourth day but I need structure from somewhere. I'm waiting in today while a man comes to destroy our bedbugs so, I have time for a crack at day four.
On day four, Viki King's book recommends that I write up to page 60. If you remember from earlier on this blog, page sixty is when Anna Kern arrives at the Mongol Gallery. Given that she's already on Eurostar, that could be pretty quick, but I need to take twelve to fifteen pages. Of course, Alaric's condition might slow things down a little so I should be okay.
Wish me luck!
On day four, Viki King's book recommends that I write up to page 60. If you remember from earlier on this blog, page sixty is when Anna Kern arrives at the Mongol Gallery. Given that she's already on Eurostar, that could be pretty quick, but I need to take twelve to fifteen pages. Of course, Alaric's condition might slow things down a little so I should be okay.
Wish me luck!
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