"Picture of An Unknown Woman"

ext. garden party - day

It is an open deck with a wooded hill behind it. SEVERAL
PEOPLE 'talk and mix'. The CAMERA is on FRANK,30's, good
looking, casually well dressed, seated, looking earnestly
into the CAMERA. PARTY GOER'S TALK in the B/G.

Frank
Okay, this is the story.

int. office - day(mos)

It is a small, but nice space. Frank sits at his desk,
works at a computer.

Frank(v.o.)
I'm a fairly normal, average guy, got a
decent job that pays well..

ext. street - day(mos)

Frank drives down the street in a new CONVERTABLE SPORTS
CAR.

Frank(v.o.)
..so I can afford some toys.

int. laundry room - day(mos)

Frank sorts and folds his laundry.

Frank(v.o.)
I take care of myself like a grown up.

A WOMAN, 20's, attractive, enters with her laundry. She and
Frank smile at each other.

int. frank's living room - night(mos)

It is a nice little space with funky furniture and lots of
shelves filled with books. Frank and 'Laundry Room' Woman
talk and laugh.

Frank(v.o.)
And I do okay with the ladies..

int. frank's bedroom - night

Frank and 'L.R.' Woman sit in his bed, wrapped in sheets.
She seems happily 'well laid', but the SOUND of HER VOICE
is a STRANGE SQUEAKING/SQUAWKING. Frank smiles and nods
with tolerance.

Frank(v.o.)
..sort of. Well, not really

ext. hilltop overlooking l.a. - night(mos)

Frank sits alone in his Sports Car, top down, looks sadly
at the illuminated city below.

Frank(v.o.)
Truth is, I felt..
(pause)
..emotionally unfulfilled

ext. garden party - day

Frank looks into the CAMERA.

Frank
(laughs ironically)
Sounds like 'chick talk', right?

int. photography studio - day

It is a large, high ceilinged loft space. In a corner space
Frank sits at a table with BOBBY, 40's, heavy set, with a
pony tail and goatee.

Frank(v.o.)
And then, something happened.

Frank drinks coffee, watches Bobby sort thru a LARGE STACK
of B&W PHOTOS: 'SPONTANEOUS' PORTRAITS and STREET SCENES.

Bobby
So, you still banging the 'Squawk Box'?

Frank
(disbelief)
Man, that is really cold.

Bobby
(grins)
Hey, babe, that's what you called her.

Frank
(rueful)
Yeah, I know.

Bobby
So?

Frank
Well, I've kind of..
(sees something)
Hey! Go back to that last one.

Bobby turns over a PHOTO: TWO MEN on a STREET CORNER.

Bobby
This one?

Frank
(agitated)
No. Go back further.

Bobby turns over another PHOTO: a PORTRAIT of BEAUTIFUL
BLOND WOMAN, 20's, leaning against a wall, staring with
poignant melancholy into the distance.

Bobby
(slyly)
This one?

Frank looks entranced.

Frank(v.o.)
And there she was.

Bobby
(smiles with certainty)
Yeah, this one.

Frank
(hushed)
Who is she?

Bobby
I have no idea.

Frank
(upset)
What!?

Bobby
I found her in between two groups of
shots. I snapped her someplace, then..
(shrugs)
..I just forgot about it. The roll sat
around for x number of months before I
even developed it.

C/U of "UNKNOWN WOMAN" PHOTO.

Bobby(o.s.)
She is a beauty, isn't she? Popped right
off the contact sheet.

Frank looks at Bobby with mild despair.

Frank
You can't remember anything?
Bobby
(shakes head)
Sorry, my man. The shots that bookend
her's are weeks apart and on opposite
sides of town.
(smiles)
I take it you'd like a print.

Frank
(sheepish)
Yeah.

Bobby
(grins broadly)
Ah, yes. Love at first sight.

Frank
(smirks)
Piss off!

Bobby laughs heartily.

C/U of "UNKNOWN WOMAN" PHOTO. SOUND of BOBBY'S LAUGHTER
FADES OUT.

Frank(v.o.)
He was right, of course.

The Woman 'comes alive' IN FRAME, turns to CAMERA, smiles
very softly.

Frank(v.o.)
I was falling in love with a picture of
an unknown woman like some dunderheaded
'everyman' out of a Nineteenth Century
romance novel.

int. office - day(mos)

Frank sits at his desk, staring at the now FRAMED "UNKNOWN
WOMAN" PHOTO.

Frank(v.o.)
In truth, however, it seemed as if a door
had opened to..somewhere.

ext. street - day(mos)

Frank stops at a Stop Sign. A CLASSIC CONVERTIBLE pulls up
next to him. Frank looks over. The Unknown Woman is the
driver. She smiles at him. He blinks in shock, then sees
she is a DIFFERENT WOMAN of a similar type. He is visibly
disappointed. The Different Woman's smile turns into an
annoyed pout and she pulls away.

int. frank's bathroom - day(mos)

Frank gets a razor out of his medicine cabinet, closes it.
He sees The Unknown Woman in the mirror smiling at him. He
spins around. The bathroom is empty.

cut to:

C/U of "UNKNOWN WOMAN" PHOTO: The Woman 'comes alive' IN
FRAME, starts to laugh provocatively.

ext. hilltop overlooking l.a. - night(mos)

SOUND of UNKNOWN WOMAN'S LAUGHTER ECHOES. Frank sits in his
Car, looks forlornly at the night sky.

Frank(v.o.)
And I felt like I was coming undone from
myself.

The CAMERA PANS UP INTO the NIGHT SKY.

dissolve to:

int. "shadow room" - night(?)

It is a darkened room with a wide POOL of LIGHT in its
center. Frank sits in a Green Leather Chair on one side of
the Pool of Light. After a beat, The Unknown Woman emerges
from the darkness, wrapped in a Black Shroud.

Frank
(fearful)
Who are you?

unknown woman
I am who you want me to be.

She lets the Shroud fall away revealing her wearing a Sexy
Halter Top, super short 'Cut Offs', and High Heels.

unknown woman
(smiles coyly)
This is what you are thinking of, yes?

Frank
(embarrassed)
No..I..Um..
(swallows hard)
I mean..

The Pool of Light is empty. SOUND of UNKNOWN WOMAN'S LAUGH-
TER. After a beat, she re-emerges from the darkness wearing
a Big Sweater and a Long Skirt. She looks like a Mormon
school teacher.

unknown woman
(shyly)
Is this okay?

Frank looks slightly horrified.

frank
Ah..No..It's..sort of..

unknown woman
(small grin)
Too much in the other direction?

Frank
(nods distractedly)
Yeah. A bit.

The Pool of Light is empty. After a beat, she re-emerges
wearing Fashionable Little Glasses and an Elegant Black
Pants Suit.

unknown woman
(businesslike)
So, what do you think?

Frank looks overwhelmed.

unknown woman
(annoyed)
Look, is really so hard for you to make
up your mind?

Frank takes a deep breath, blows it out.

Frank
You know what? Why don't you just be who
you want to be?

Suddenly, she is standing right in front of him wearing a
Pretty Sundress and Sandals. She smiles with satisfaction.

unknown woman
(mild Southern drawl)
Now that's what every woman needs to hear.

Frank looks up at her, likes what he sees.

Frank
(soft)
What do I call you?

unknown woman/Laura
You can call me..
(thinks, smiles)
..Laura. You can call me Laura.

Frank
(smiles softly)
Laura.

She extends her hand to him.

Laura
Come on.

He takes her hand. She 'pulls him up', leads him into the
darkness.

int. corridor - day

It is a dark passageway. Laura leads Frank as though she
can see, but he can't. They come to a door, which Laura
opens. Bright daylight floods in.

go to white:

ext. forest - day

It is midday. SOUND of BIRDS SINGING. Laura (now wearing a
Different Sundress) leads Frank by the hand. He blinks and
squints as if adjusting to the light. Soon, they come upon
a clearing. In its center is an Elaborate Picnic laid out
upon a Bright Blanket.

cut to:

Laura and Frank sit on the Blanket. Some food has already
been served. Laura pours him some white wine. He takes a
sip, is impressed.

Frank
This is very good.

Laura
You seem surprized.

Frank
In a way. I guess..
(looks around, smiles)
..It's all somewhat surprizing.

Laura
(warm)
I'm glad you like it.

They sit and eat quietly, watching each other. To one side
on the Blanket is the "UNKNOWN WOMAN" PHOTO in a beautiful
SILVER FRAME.

Frank
Do you know where that was taken?
Laura
No. I don't recognize the place. But it
looks like it was in public somewhere.
I know that expression. I'm out in the
world, trying to be private.
(smiles)
Probably thinking about poetry.

Frank
You like poetry?

Laura
I write poetry.

Grank
Ah. A poetess.

Laura
(mock stern)
No. Not a poetess. I am a poet.

Frank
(chagrinned)
Sorry.

Laura
(sweet smile)
You are forgiven.

Frank
(bows his head)
I thank you, my mistress.

Laura
(laughs lightly)
Yes, you do show great promise.

They smile warmly at each other.

Frank
May I hear some of your poetry?

Laura
(brightens)
Yes, great promise indeed.

She reaches into one of the Picnic Baskets, pulls out a
BOOK COVERED with BRIGHT RED EMBROIDERED SILK. She holds
it up to the sky ritualistically. DISTANT SOUND of THUNDER
RUMBLES. Frank looks mildly alarmed.

Laura
(laughs)
Not to worry. As you already know, I like
dramatic effects.
Frank laughs with some relief.

Laura
Now, poetry is a Sacred Art, so, we need
a Sacred Space.

int. "candle room" - night(?)

It is a small room, lit only by (apx.) DOZEN CANDLES. Frank
and Laura (wearing a Sheer Black Body Stocking) sit among
many Pillows spread on a Plush Carpet. Laura looks into the
CAMERA.
laura
(almost whispered)
Sometimes, it is best to close your
eyes and just listen to the words.

She opens the RED SILK BOOK reverently. It's White Pages
glow in the candle light. (NOTE: As Laura reads the poem,
every few seconds, one of the Candles flickers out)

Laura
(reads)
Once, when I was in New York,
I went to the Empire State Building.
Going up in the elevator,
I said a prayer for
those who died when
a B-24 bomber crashed
into it like a lost pigeon.
They were so touched,
they gave me a wish.
So, I leapt off the top
and slowly, gently,
spiraled down,
like a large feather,
drifting into the front seat
of a red 60's Cadillac with white upholstery,
driven by a fat, rhinestone Elvis.
But, he had no face,
just a pompadour.
So, I guided him to Graceland
to see if he left an extra one
laying around.

The last Candle goes out.
go to black:

int. frank's bedroom - night

C/U FRANK'S FACE: His eyes pop open. He is covered with
sweat. He takes a deep breath, blows it out.

Frank
Oh, mercy.

int. frank's bathroom - night

He splashes water on his face, looks at himself in the
mirror. He sees Laura (in the Black Body Stocking) standing
behind him, smiling. He spins around. She is still standing
there. They look at each other intensely, then embrace
and kiss passionately.

ext. garden party - day

Frank looks into the CAMERA.

Frank
(earnestly)
I couldn't tell anyone about this. I mean
literally could not get the words out of
my mouth. It was totally weird, but I was
drawn in deeper and deeper.

int. corridor - day

Frank goes down the dark passageway to the door, opens it.
Bright daylight floods in.
go to white:

ext. beach - day

It's a beautiful day. Frank walks on the sand by the waters
edge. He looks around with some urgency, then smiles. Seve-
ral yards down the Beach, Laura (wearing a 3rd Sundress)
plays with the incoming surf, laughing and jumping.

Frank
Laura!

She turns and waves happily. Frank waves back. Suddenly, he
is only a few feet from her.

Laura
Come and get your feet wet.

Frank
(hesitates)
I'll ruin my shoes.

She laughs at him, looks down. He follows her look. He is
barefoot with his pants legs rolled up.

Frank
(chagrinned)
Oh.

Laura
('little girl happy')
See? Everything's perfect!
Frank laughs like a kid, joins her in the 'surf game'. They
both laugh and jump.

dissolve to:

Frank and Laura walk along the Beach, holding hands, swing-
ing them back and forth like kids. They seem very happy.

Laura
To feel like this..

Frank
..like kids do..

Laura
..just once a day..

Frank
..that would make..

Laura
..everything bearable.

She grabs hold of his arm, kisses his cheek.

Laura
It's a beautiful day.

Frank
Yes, it is.

ext. cliff overlooking the ocean - day

They walk along a cliff with a view of the Beach and the
Ocean.

Frank
That was amazing.

Laura
The adult perception of innocence.

Frank looks at Laura strangely. Laura laughs at him.

Laura
Real children are monsters of
innocence.

Frank
(shocked)
How can you say that?

Laura
Because it's true.

ext. top of Mulholland Drive - day

They walk along a ridge overlooking the Valley.

Frank
But, we are born innocent.

She kisses him, puts her arm through his.

Laura
You are a very sweet man. Naive, but
very sweet.

He starts to open his mouth to protest.

Laura
('cuts him off')
Children are total narcissists. Only 'I'
exists for them. Adults have a sense
of others. Mature adults, at least.

Frank
(sighs)
Yeah. Your right.

Laura
It's a trade off. Innocence and anarchy,
for compassion and shame.

ext. rustic street in Laurel Canyon - day

The Steep Street winds up through Trees and Funky Houses.
They walk up the incline.

Frank
Come on, it's not that bad!

Laura
(laughs lightly)
Hey, poetic licence.

Frank
So, where does one get a poetic licence?

Laura
Where ever one can. They're issued
rather haphazardly.

Frank
Where did you get yours?

Laura
In dreams.


ext. garden path - day

It is late afternoon. They walk along a Brick Path through
a Garden.

Frank
In dreams?

Laura
Yes. I keep my book..

Frank
The red silk book?

Laura
Yes. I keep it next to me when I'm
sleeping and write the poems when
I wake up. Sometimes, I find poems
I wrote in my sleep.

ext. balcony overlooking skyline - night

It is an open Balcony with a spectacular view of Century
City. Frank and Laura (wearing an Evening Dress) sit at a
Table with food, wine, and Candles.

Frank
I did notice your poems have a dream-
like quality.

Laura
That's what I like about living in L.A.
It often has a dream-like quality itself.

Frank
Are you from here?

Laura
No. New York.

Frank
(surprized)
But, you sound so..

Laura
(smiles, 'drawls')
Southern?

Frank
Yes, actually.

Laura
('breathy')
I just dream like a Southern girl.

Frank
And how do Southern girls dream?

int. "white room" - day

TIGHT C/U LAURA'S FACE: She smiles mysteriously.

Laura
Like this.

The Room is REVEALED as the CAMERA PULLS BACK from LAURA'S
FACE when she begins to read. The Room has White Walls, a
Stone Tile Floor, and a High Wooden Ceiling. It is totally
empty. Laura (wearing a Diaphanous White Gown) reads from
the RED SILK BOOK. She circles the Room, TRACKED by the
CAMERA. Sunshine comes in through the Windows, BACK LIGHT-
ING her as she passes by.

Laura
Flying,
in a glowing white gown,
high above
the City of My Birth,
its endless vista's
swathed in a fine mist
of blood and rust,
the Sun's All Encompassing Light,
penetrating reds and oranges,
all vision suffused by
their rich, pastel Grace.
I fly and fly,
my heart light and full
simultaneously.
On The Street Where I Grew Up,
the hot, broken concrete
is decorated with blackened gum,
shattered glass, and dried dog shit.
My feet are beautiful, luminescent,
their tender flesh torn
by the shards of Muscatel bottles,
my bloody foot prints,
joyful.
Is this what the Gentle Rabbi felt
as He walked the Dolorosa?

She smiles softly at the CAMERA.

ext. swimming pool - day

C/U FRANK'S FACE: He looks slightly stunned.

Frank
(hushed)
Wow.

PULL BACK TO REVEAL: Frank sits in the Green Leather Chair
in front of an Ivy Trellis. In front of him is a Medium
Sized Oval Swimming Pool surrounded by Greenery. There are
leaves scattered about. Laura is in the pool, swimming
towards him.

Laura
You liked it?

Frank
Yes.
(thinks a moment)
Um..Are you, like, into Jesus?

Laura reaches the Pool Ladder in front of Frank.

Laura
He's okay.

She climbs out of the Pool wearing a Very Sexy Bikini.

Laura
But, basically, I'm a witch.

She stands there, all wet and beautiful.

Frank
(shakes head ruefully)
Oh, man.

Laura
(slight smile, raised eyebrow)
Yes?

Frank
I've had all these physical relationships
with no spiritual dimension. Now, I'm
having a spiritual relationship with no
physical dimension.

int. "shadow room" - night(?)

Frank sits in the Green Leather Chair on the edge of the
Pool of Light. Laura (wearing the outfit from the "Unknown
Woman" Photo) stands in the center of the Pool of Light.

Laura
(frustrated)
What kind of a man are you!?

She 'brandishes' the "UNKNOWN WOMAN" PHOTO at Frank. He
flinches slightly.


Laura
This is a photograph! It's not a painting!
I'm out there somewhere! Go and find me!

go to black:

Frank(v.o.)
A few days later..

ext. garden party - day

It is an open deck with a wooded hill behind it. SEVERAL
PEOPLE 'talk and mix'. Frank enters.

Frank(v.o.)
..I went to a party.

SOUND of WOMEN'S RAUCOUS LAUGHTER.

Frank(v.o.)
And there she was.

'Laura' and TWO WOMEN (all wearing "Punk Rock/White Trash"
Chic) sit together, smoking cigarettes, drinking beer from
the bottle, and laughing loudly. They're 'Tough Cookies'.
Frank approaches, 'vaguely regards' the Two Women, then
focuses on 'Laura'.

Lrank
Hi, I'm Frank.

'Laura' looks at him cynically, smirks slightly.

'Laura'
And..?

He takes a deep breath, blows it out.

Frank
Could I talk to you for a moment? I mean
alone.
(smiles sheepishly)
I'm not dangerous.

'Laura' looks at the Two Women, who roll their eyes and
'excuse themselves'. Frank sits down.

Frank
Okay, this going to sound weird.

She just looks at him.

Frank
Oh..um, what's your name?

'Laura'/Bianca
(monotone)
Bianca.

Frank
(seems slightly nonplussed)
Wow. Bianca.

Bianca
(impatient)
Well?

Frank
(earnestly)
Okay, this is the story.

C/U BIANCA'S FACE: She shifts from cynicism, to disbelief,
to "Oh, my God!!".

Frank(v.o.)
So..I told her the story.

Bianca looks 'freaked'.

Bianca
This is totally creeping me out.

Frank gets all "Woody Allen".

Frank
I'm really sorry..
(starts to stand)
I just..It's something that..
(starts backing away)
Please, just forget I ever..

Bianca
No, wait. You don't understand.
(gets up)
Look, just follow me.

ext. street - day

It is a Narrow Tree Lined Street. Frank and Bianca stand
behind an EXPENSIVE ROADSTER. She is going through a key
ring.

Bianca
I've been in back in New York for the
last six months.

Frank
(uneasy)
You're from New York?

Bianca
(smirks)
That's right. Just got back today.

She finds the key, opens the Car Trunk. It's crammed full
of luggage. She bends into the Trunk, starts going through
the Bags. Frank sees she has an Elaborate Tattoo across her
lower back. He gets this "I don't think I can handle this"
expression.

Bianca
Ah! Here it is.

She stands up holding the RED SILK BOOK. Frank's jaw drops.

Frank
Holy shit!

Bianca
Yeah. Holy shit. And I write poetry in
my sleep, and I've been dreaming about
candles, and flying, and sundresses,
and playing in the surf, you know?

Frank
(stutters)
I..I..I..

Bianca
Oh, it gets better.

She shows him the BOOK'S TITLE PAGE: beautiful calligraphy
reads; "Resting Under Laurel" by Bianca Kernvaf.

Bianca
Laurel? Laura?

Frank
Are the poems-

She snaps the BOOK shut with a "SMACK"!

Bianca
Let's not even go there!

He takes a deep breath, blows it out.

Frank
(quiet)
I don't know what to say.

She looks him up and down, smiles.

Bianca
Well, you are kinda cute.

He just blushes. Bianca thinks a moment, then 'decides'.
She puts the BOOK back in the Trunk, shuts it. She gives
Frank a 'customer service' smile, sticks out her hand.

Bianca
Hi. I'm Bianca.

Frank
(smiles)
I'm Frank.

They shake hands.

Frank
Could I..um..buy you a drink, or
something?

Bianca
That would be very nice.

They turn, start to walk up the Street, as we slowly...

slow dissolve to black:

Frank(o.s.)
So, what kind of name is Kernvaf?

Bianca(o.s.)
I made it up. My real name's Tuttle.

Frank(o.s.)
Okay. But, what kind of name is it?

Bianca(o.s.)
It's German.
(pause)
It means 'nuclear weapon'.

After a beat, SOUND of FRANK and BIANCA LAUGHING.

FADE TO BLACK