Title: Christiana's Violin (Screen Script) |
Name: Daniel Chen |
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Date: 2009-07-19 17:10:36 |
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Registered Item Information:
Material Type : SCREENPLAY
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Item Title : Christian's Violin
Filename : Christian's Violin.fdr
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Registrant ID : 98J0594585
Registrant Last Name : Chen
Registrant First Name : Daniel
-----------------------2-----------------------
Christiana’s Violin
Daniel Chen
EXT. A CITY IN USA - DAY
A sequence of scenes from a city: high skyscrapers, busy traffic,
shops, and pedestrians.
A fairly big house surrounded by trees appears. There is a mural
with old people of all races. The entrance has a sign, which says,
"STATE NURSING HOME."
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. NURSING HOME CORRIDOR - LATE AFTERNOON
CHRISTIAN OLSEN walks through a corridor. She is 60 years old,
blond, slender, medium height, wearing a work uniform and an ID
badge hanging around her neck. She greets some old people kindly.
She talks a little to a nurse and walks into an office.
She sits in front of an office table. She reads a newspaper. On
her table beside the radio, there is a calendar showing thedate,
(C.U.) 23 July 2003. She turns on the radio.
RADIO PROGRAM HOST
...Folks! The famous Chinese
violinist DAVIDCHENwill be playing
at theCentralConcert Halltonight.
The legendary old violin Davidwill
be playing is called...
(paper sound)
Christian is about to turn off the radio.
RADIO PROGRAM HOST (CONT'D)
Called Christian Ficker, which he
played to win the Carl Fresh
International Violin Competition 20
years ago.
Christian pays attention when she hears the word CHRISTIAN FICKER.
Instead of turning off the radio, she turns up the volume.
----------------------- 3-----------------------
RADIO PROGRAM HOST (CONT'D)
To give us the intriguing story behind
it, I present our guest, Mr. DANIEL
SEATHER. All right Daniel, tell us what
you do for living.
CUT TO:
INT. STUDIO & BOOTH, RADIO STATION - SAME TIME ABOVE
The radio program host is a man in his 40's. Daniel is a man in
his 70's.
DANIEL
I run a violin shop. I make my living
by selling and repairing violins.
RADIO PROGRAM HOST
But why lend the violin to David free
of charge? Was it a worthless piece of
wood?
DANIEL
No, no, it's not a million dollar
Stradivarius, but it isavery fine old
violin.
RADIO PROGRAM HOST
How much is it worth?
DANIEL
It's not for sale.
RADIO PROGRAM HOST
Come on, how much is it worth?
DANIEL
Say, around 50 thousand.
CUT TO:
INT. NURSING HOME - CONTINUOUS
Christian makes a phone call.
CHRISTIAN
Something is up. I have to go out.
(beat) )
Yes, it's urgent.
-----------------------4-----------------------
(beat) )
OK, postpone the staff meeting... No
no, nothing is wrong. It's just...
INT. CORRIDOR - CONTINUOUS
Christian walks through the corridor quickly. PER stops her. Per
is in his 60's, tall, half bald but full bearded, and in shabby
clothes. Beside him is agirl, about 15 yearsold. She isplaying
with the chewing gum in her mouth.
PER
Hey-, Christian, I found you!
Christian stops, looks at the man
PER(CONT'D)
It's me, Per. From BoxHill,thelittle
town. Can't you recognize me?
CHRISTIAN
(thrilled)
Per...still with your Swedish
accent. But you look so--updated.
PER
I know I look awful, bald, not the Per
you used to know. But it's been 30years.
(beat) )
How did you end up here? Do you still
play your violin?
Christian avoids those questions.
CHRISTIAN
Your daughter? How lovely.
(to the girl)
Hi, my name is Anne.
The girl looks uninterested and continues to play with her chewing
gum.
PER
What? Your name is Christian.
CHRISTIAN
Not any more. That was a boy's name.
You said that remember? Now I'm ...
----------------------- 5-----------------------
Christian points the badge on her uniform
PER
(looks thrilled)
You changed your name because I said
that?
CHRISTIAN
You haven't changed a bit.
PER
(catch the opportunity)
I told you my feelings for you would
never change.
Christian's face turns red. She laughs.
CHRISTIAN
I meant you are still so good at
flattering, both yourself and others.
By the way, what brought you here?
PER
We- we are here to see you.
GIRL
Liar, we are here to see my grandpa.
PER
Her mother's father, he came here last
week.
CHRISTIAN
Mr. Roberts! I see.
(beat) )
How is her-her mother?
PER
Mary? We divorced a long time ago. How
about you?
Per sees that Christian is reluctant to answer his question.
PER (CONT'D)
I heardyourfather, I mean your husband,
whatever. After that happened, I've
been looking for you everywhere. You
changed your name, that's why...
-----------------------6-----------------------
Christian is cutting Per off by speaking to the girl.
CHRISTIAN
What's your name?
GIRL
Christiana.
Christian points her finger at Per, in a knowingway, and quickly
says.
CHRISTIAN
Oh my God, I got to run to the City
Concert Hall. Will you be here for a
while?
PER
I can come again.
CHRISTIAN
Bye, Per, and see you soon Chris-
Christian could not finish.
PER
I said I would come again, again, and
again.
Per's voice getting louder and louder.
Christian starts to walk away. Per waves his hands. Christian
suddenly stops, turns her face to Per.
CHRISTIAN
I am still Olsen.
PER
(delighted)
You are!
Christian walks as quickly as the surroundings allow. She turns
her face, sees Per still watching her. She waves her hand. A few
steps later, she turns her face again, and waves her hand again.
The girl is looking at her father the whole time. She tugs at
his clothes.
GIRL
I see. That's why after Mom left home
you changed me to Christiana.
----------------------- 7-----------------------
PER
No. I mean yes.
GIRL
(teasing)
Isn't she gorgeous?
PER
Shut up.
GIRL
(ironically)
I wish I had a mother like her.
PER
Is that a request?
GIRL
Is that a promise? So I don't have to
be stuck with you all the time.
PER
Concert? I knew she couldn't get away
from the violin.
(beat)
Oh my God! I need to get a dog!
GIRL
What? You need to get a doctor!
CUT TO:
INT. CHRISTIAN'S ROOM - CONTINUOUS
It is a simple room obviously for a single woman. She quickly
takes all the shoe boxes out. At the very inside, she finds a
pair of red high heel shoes from a shoe box. She takes a good
look at them. And then, she takes a black evening dress. She puts
the dress on the single bed. Beside the pillow, there are a hand-made
baby toy and an oldNorwegian children's book. On thewall, there
is a poster of a cool young man, (somewhat resembling Per when
he was young.)
CUT TO:
EXT. FREEWAY - EVENING
----------------------- 8-----------------------
It's rush hour, and the freeway is not very free for driving.
But, Christian drives as fast as she can. The car radio is on.
The radio broadcasting continues.
CUT TO:
INT. STUDIO & BOOTH, RADIO STATION - SAME TIME ABOVE
DANIEL
It was about 30 years ago when one day,
a beautiful young lady walked into my
shop.
FLASHBACK 30 YEARS AGO, EARLY 1970'S
INT. VIOLIN WORKSHOP - DAY
Violins hangeverywhere. Thereis a work table covered withtools.
Daniel, in his 40's, is repairing a violin. The door is pushed
open, and a young lady walks in with an old wooden violin case.
She places the violin case in front of him. Daniel pretends not
to be interested.
YOUNG LADY (YOUNG CHRISTIAN)
Hi, I heard you are the best in this
state.
Daniel changes his attitude immediately.
DANIEL
How can I help you?
CHRISTIAN
This THING, can you look after it for
me from now on?
Daniel gets a glimpse of the violin. His facial expression changes
suddenly. He holds the violin and exams it carefully. Then,
he looks at the insides through the f hole and reads the label.
DANIEL
Christian Ficker 1764. This is
something.
Daniel pauses, then in a cold tone.
DANIEL (CONT'D)
----------------------- 9-----------------------
I don't think I have the cash for this.
But, it doesn't hurt to know how much
you expect.
Daniel hands the violin back to Christian reluctantly. Christian
does not take it.
CHRISTIAN
It's alright. My old man just died. I
can't use it anymore.
Daniel has an unbelieving and bemused face.
DANIEL
But, this is a good one. I'm a honest
man.
CHRISTIAN
I know the value. And it meant a
tremendous lot to me. It was
everything that happened to me. So
promise me, take good care of it, and
make something great out of it if you
can.
FLASHBACK ENDS
BACK TO STUDIO & BOOTH, RADIO STATION - CONTINUOUS
DANIEL
She did not even tell me her name.
RADIO PROGRAM HOST
Wow, what a mysterious story! So, for
the past 30 years, thisviolinhasbeen
passed from the hands of one talented
junior violinist to the next. David
Chen is one of them. That's why David
wants to play it tonight to show his
appreciation to Daniel. Thanks so much
for being with us Daniel. Now on to Linda.
Linda, what's our weather going to be
like tomorrow?
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. OUTSIDE OF THE CONCERT HALL AREA - SAME TIME ABOVE
----------------------- 10-----------------------
In the concert hall area, all car parking spaces are occupied.
Christian finds a small space. She parks her red Volvo a little
too fast. She checks the Honda next to her car. No damage can
be seen. But she still quickly writes her name and phone number
on a slip of paper and puts it under the wiper of the Honda. And
then, she rushes to the concert hall.
It isquietoutside theconcerthall. Very fewpeople walk around.
INT. THE LOBBY OF THE CONCERT HALL - CONTINUOUS
Christian enters the lobby of the hall. The concert has already
started. There are a few people in the lobby also waiting to get
in.
INT. THE STAGE - CONTINUOUS
The violin soloist David Chen plays with an orchestra. The hall
is full.
INT. THE LOBBY - CONTINUOUS
A doorman gestures to Christian that she is too late for the opening.
She sits in the lobby, watches the concert on TV, and waits to
get in before the next piece starts. The TV shows a full screen
view of the violin.
Now, the title of the movie, "CHRISTIAN'S VIOLIN" appears.
FLASHBACK IN EARLY 50'S
EXT. SMALL TOWN, USA- DAY
Opens with some shots of a small town, a huge stone sign says,
"BOX HILL." Alovelylittle flowershopappears at astreet corner.
INT. THE FLOWER SHOP - CONTINUOUS
A sign saying "Olsen Flowers" hangs above the entrance of aflower
shop. With the sound of violin practice in the background, the
shop owner HESLER OLSEN, the father of the family, 39 years old,
strong body medium height, well shaved and well groomed, in his
apron is chatting nicely with a customer. However, he is obviously
paying more attention to the music upstairs.
HESLER
(to customer)
It cost 95 cents please.
----------------------- 11-----------------------
Hesler speaks imperfect English with an accent. The customer
quickly hands him a dollar.
CUSTOMER
Keep the change.
HESLER
Oh no, I no take tips. Wait please.
Hesler is quickly looking for flowers worth 5 cents. The customer
is annoyed by the violin noise and quickly leaves. Hesler pursues
him and shouts after him.
HESLER
I write it down for you. You have it
back next time.
Hesler quickly writes "Mr. Marks 5 cents too much", and then he
hurries upstairs.
INT. THE FLOWER SHOP SECOND FLOOR ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Christian, a 9-year-old little blond girl isunenthusiastically
practicing the violin. She looks at a small spider moving towards
the window. She talks to it
CHRISTIAN
Hey, you little sweetie, you are lonely
aren't you? I will play with you right
after this.
She makes a mistake in practice. She looks at the music notes.
When she looks for the spideragain, it hasdisappeared. Shemakes
an angry, ugly sound to express her disappointment. The door opens,
and she sees her father come in looking angry.
HESLER
You arenotpractice. Nomorebad sound
you little devil.
Christian happily puts the violin into the case and closes it.
HESLER (CONT'D)
Why you put away the violin? How much
time you practice today? One hour? Two
hour? My father in past, practice more
than 5 hour each day.
CHRISTIAN
----------------------- 12-----------------------
It's not fair! All my friends are
playing outside. Why should I spend so
much time on, on this thing?
HESLER
(Slightly loosing his
temper)
What do you call it? A THING? It's VIOLIN.
My family make violin for many many
generations, my father was a good
violinist. So how dare you call it, A
THING.
INT. KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS
ANNE, the mother of Christian is over 40 years old, small, weak,
with no hope of looking good, rather unpleasant, in no way a match
for the father. She stops cutting food but still holds the knife.
She listens carefully to the argument upstairs.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. MOTHER AND CHRISTIAN'S BEDROOM- LATE NIGHT
Christian is fast asleep in her bed. The mother is cutting an
old blanket to sew a baby toy. She pays close attention to cut
off thepart with embroidered name (C.U.)"Hesler og Anne Olsen".
She puts the name part inside the baby toy. She finishes the toy,
places it on her own single bed, and takes a good look at it with
satisfaction. The toy is not at all pretty, rather ugly but cute
somehow. She quietly walks towards Christian's bed, quietly places
the baby toy besides the pillow. She takes a Norwegian children's
bed book under the bed, starts reading silently. The voice (in
Norwegian) can be heard. The sound isnot fromthemother'smouth,
but from narration.
FADE TO:
INT. MOTHER'S ROOM - DAY (ANOTHER DAY)
The mother is in her room, standing by the window. The mother's
p.o.v
EXT. BACK GARDEN- CONTINUOUS
The father, Hesler is in the back garden. He walks into a storeroom.
He locks the door from inside. Inside the storeroom, there are
some tools, including an electric saw and a huge freezer.
----------------------- 13-----------------------
After the father gets out of the storeroom and walks to the flower
shop, the mother starts cleaning the back garden. She slowly
approaches thestoreroom.She smells something. Shetriestolook
inside through a very dirty window.
INT. THE FLOWER SHOP - CONTINUOUS
The father sees her at his flower shop. He quickly locks the shop
entrance, and rushes to the back garden with fury.
EXT. BACK GARDEN - CONTINUOUS
HESLER
I tell you no come here. I lost a bag
last week. Was you take it out?
The father uses a tree branch with leaves to beat the mother.
The mother looks frightened, uses her hands to cover her face.
She makes some groaning sounds but can manage no words.
INT. CHRISTIAN'S BED ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Christian is watching all that is happening in the back garden
through her window. Her facial expression gives the impression
that she is being entertained. When she sees the father beat the
mother again and againand again, Christian throws a shoeofher's
at the father.
END OF FLASHBACK OF THE 50'S
INT. BACK TO THE LOBBY OF THE CONCERT HALL - NIGHT
As Christian continues to reminisce,thedoormaninforms herthat
it's time to go in. She is slow to react and then quietly walks
into the hall.
INT. THE STAGE - CONTINUOUS
The concert continues as David plays Brahms's violin concerto
in D Major. Christian puts her left hand on her thigh, the fingers
are moving as if she is playing the violin.
FLASHBACK AGAIN TO THE 50'S
EXT. HOME, BACK GARDEN - MORNING
Christian is playing alone in the back garden.
INT. HESLER'S ROOM - CONTINUOUS
----------------------- 14-----------------------
Hesler puts on his suit. He looks very different from when he
is working in the flower shop. He moves to the window, sees Christian
there. He shouts.
HESLER
Hey, you little devil. It's time to go
church.
Christian continues her playing, as if she did not hear anything.
HESLER
Hurry up, this is an order.
Christian unwillingly goes to the living room.
INT. LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
The living room is almost empty. There are only a big wooden
couch and a wooden coffee table. Hesler sits on the chair
for a few seconds and stands up again.
HESLER
Hey, you haven't changed. Go change
yourself quick. Children no go church
so dirty like you.
CHRISTIAN
I hate looking the same as other kids.
I want to be myself.
HESLER
Get changed, this is an order.
Christian wants to argue more, but her mother takes her upstairs.
CUT TO:
INT. CHURCH - DAY
The small church is full of people. Everybody stands, praying.
Christian, in her nice dress, isplaying with her bare feet. Anne
sits a little distance away from them. She watches Christian from
time to time. When the contribution box comes, Hesler puts in
no money and passes it on to the next person. When it comes to
Anne's place, she puts in a few cents.
CUT TO:
INT. CHRISTIAN AND MOTHER'S ROOM - DAY
----------------------- 15-----------------------
The father opens the door.
HESLER
Get out of bed you little devil. It's
time for violin lesson.
CHRISTIAN
(Covering her face with the
blanket)
But I've got a stomachache.
HESLER
You have a stomachache every time
before your violin lesson. Come on,
it's get late.
The father is about to pick Christian up.
CHRISTIAN
Why is the violin more important than
me? Alright. Waitdownstairs. I'llbe
there on time.
HESLER
Say, "PLEASE."
Christian points her finger strongly to the door as if to say,
"Wait downstairs. This is an order."
CUT TO:
EXT. ON THE ROAD - DAY
The father is riding a transport tricycle with Christian and her
violin in the back. Beside them, there are flowers.
As soonasthetricycledisappears, the mother comesoutandchases
them on a bicycle.
CUT TO:
EXT. IN FRONT OF THE VIOLIN TEACHER'S HOUSE -DAY
Hesler knocks on the teacher's door. THE TEACHER opens. She is
middle aged. The father gives flowers to her.
THE TEACHER
You make me feel bad every time you do
this, you know, Hesler?
----------------------- 16-----------------------
He does not quite understand what the teacher really means.
HESLER
Oh! You no like flowers? But I do this
for make you feel good.
THE TEACHER
It does make me feel good. But I feel
bad about it making me feel good.
Hesler is totally confused.
HESLER
Because good? So you feel bad? Because
bad? So you feel good? Americans!
THE TEACHER
Never mind. Thanks for your flowers.
Come on in.
EXT. BACK OF THE TEACHER'S HOUSE - CONTINUOUS
From outside the teacher's window the mother watches the teacher
walk around the room conducting Christian's playing. Ugly violin
sounds are heard.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. IN FRONT OF THE FLOWER SHOP - DAY
There is a sign, which says, "CLOSED."
INT. HESLER'S BED ROOM - CONTINUOUS
The father sleeps in the bed. A towel covers his forehead.
EXT BACK GARDEN - CONTINUOUS
Christian, in her bare feet, is playing with a squirrel. The
squirrel runs toward the storeroom. Christian follows. The
squirrel gets into the storeroom. Christian looks inside through
a small dirty window.
INT. HESLER'S BED ROOM - CONTINUOUS
The father looks at a clock. He shouts with a hoarse voice.
HESLER
----------------------- 17-----------------------
Christian, it's time to go your violin
lesson. Get ready.
He hears no response. He gets up and goes to her room. He finds
no Christian. Through the window, he sees Christian is looking
inside his storeroom through a window. He quickly rushes
downstairs in his pajamas.
EXT. BACK GARDEN - CONTINUOUS
HESLER
You, little devil! How many time Ihave
to teach you, you no come here.
The father picks up a small tree branch, and breaks an even smaller
one off it. And then, he is about to beat Christian. Christian
is not afraid. She looks straight into her father's eyes.
CHRISTIAN
You are not going to beat me, I bet.
The mother runs out from the kitchen like a wild animal to save
her kid, she uses her head as a weapon, hits the father's stomach.
The father falls to the ground.
Christian is amused. The mother walks away in the distance.
Christian asks the father
CHRISTIAN
(Sarcastically)
Need help? You look terrible.
HESLER
(did not get the sarcasm)
I'm OK. But I warn you little devil,
no come here again.
CHRISTIAN
Are you hiding something?
HESLER
(looks a little nervous)
No, I'm not hiding something.
CHRISTIAN
If you are not hiding anything, why
can't I play here?
HESLER
----------------------- 18-----------------------
Because, because here is many
electrical equipment, tools, it's
danger for children, also for women.
Do you see that, that's an electrical
saw. It cut you in pieces like a little
tree.
The father takesthe saw,turnsonthepower, and cuts a fewpieces
of wood. This scares her, and she quickly runs to her mom. She
opens her arms to protect her mother.
CHRISTIAN
(to the mother)
Don't be afraid, he wouldn't dare to
touch me.
The father stops the saw.
HESLER
Now, you know I mean. It's terrible
danger. Right, it's time to go your
violin lesson.
CHRISTIAN
(pretends to worry aboutthe
father)
But, you are not well. You should take
a good rest.
HESLER
To take you to your lesson won't kill
me.
CHRISTIAN
It will kill me. I haven't practiced
for two days. I hate lessons.
HESLER
"Discipline and persistence," is my
rule. Attention, let's go.
EXT. IN FRONT OF THE FLOWER SHOP - CONTINUOUS
Hesler is about to take Christian to a violin lesson. Mrs.Robinson
comes with some papers in her hands.
MRS. ROBINSON
----------------------- 19-----------------------
Sorry to bother you, I'm doctor
Robinson's widow. My dog hasn't shown
up for 3 days. Would you be so kind as
to let me put this poster on your window
so that--
HESLER
(cutting her off)
Not problem, give me, I will put up for
you later, but we are hurry. Please
excuse us.
MRS. ROBINSON
Thank you so much.
Mrs. Robinson sees them go. She talks to herself
MRS. ROBINSON (CONT'D )
He is such a kind man.
EXT. ON THE ROAD - CONTINUOUS
The father rides the tricycle. When it gets steep, he is too weak
to ride because of his sickness. Christian shows no sympathy.
CHRISTIAN
I didn't want to go, you did.
Hesler pushes the tricycle. He is too tired to push. He has to
pull it off the road. Christian gets off the tricycle and walks
ahead. The father is gasping, running behind.
CHRISTIAN
(deliberately)
Hurry up. Run. You will be late.
The mother's bicycle catches up to them. The father is surprised
to see the mother. But, he asks the mother to take Christian to
the lesson on her bike and he remains on the side of the road.
FADE OUT.
EXT. IN FRONT OF THE FLOWER SHOP - DUSK
Christian and her mother come back from the lesson.
INT. FAMILY DINING TABLE - CONTINUOUS
----------------------- 20-----------------------
The father is cooking at the kitchen. The mother gestures that
she should do the cooking.
HESLER
You just came back. Youtired.You rest.
I cook. I can cook.
Anne looks surprised. Her face expresses a little comfort,which
is a change from its former expression of opposition to Hesler.
She moves to a corner.
Christian watches everything. Her facial expression shows she
is jealous. She takes a bottle of strong alcohol and pours a glass
for herfather.She exaggerates her action to makesurethe father
can see.
CHRISTIAN
You too, should take a rest.
Christian puts the alcohol glass close to the father.
CHRISTIAN (CONT'D)
Mom, I am hungry. If you had stayed at
home, dinner could have been ready by
now. Papa's not well you know.
HESLER
Christian, it's good you call Papa, but
be nice toMama too. If itwasnot Mama,
you was late for your lesson for
certainly...
CHRISTIAN
But why was Mom there? By chance? No
way. I know I'm always being watched.
Why does Mom always follow us like a
stalker?
HESLER
Christian. Be careful your speaking.
CHRISTIAN
Why should WE be nice to Mom when she
isn't nice tous? Shedoesn't eat with
us, doesn't playwithus,andnevergoes
out together with us. Is that nice?
HESLER
-----------------------21-----------------------
Christian, your Mama love you, and you
should love your Mama too.
CHRISTIAN
Why don't YOU love Mom, why don't you
sleep in the same room? I've neverseen
you kiss her. Nobody likes her.
Nobody likes a mute?-
HESLER
Enough enough, you little devil, Go
your room.
Christian stands up with total disappointment.
CHRISTIAN
When will you speak English properly?
You hopeless old man!
Christian stomps and goes upstairs.
INT. CHRISTIAN AND MOTHER'S BED ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Christian walks into her room and throws the baby toy, the one
that her mother had made, on the floor.
INT. OUTSIDE OF CHRISTIAN AND MOTHER'S BED ROOM - CONTINUOUS
As soon as Christian gets into the bedroom, Anne goes upstairs
and sits outside the bedroom.
HESLER (V.O.)
Dinner is ready.
Anne knocks on Christian's door and then lets herself in.
INT. MOTHER AND CHRISTIAN,S BED ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Anne gestures that dinner is ready and then gives Christian
a piece of paper with a message written in Norwegian. English
subtitle "I don't care about that man, but you are my only
love." Christian shakes her head to tell that she does not
understand. The mother uses sign language. She understands
and hugs her mother. They go downstairs.
INT. LIVING ROOM, AFTER DINNER - CONTINUOUS
Hesler is alone, sitting in the only couch drinking.
----------------------- 22-----------------------
INT. MOTHER AND CHRISTIAN'S BEDROOM- CONTINUOUS
The mother is reading a Norwegian children's bed book silently.
A SEQUENCE OF NATURE SCENES TO SHOW THE PASSAGE OF TIME.
INT. MOTHER AND CHRISTIAN'S BED ROOM - DAY
Christian, now about 12 years old, is practicing her violin. But
she constantly looks at two birds outside ofherwindow. Shebreaks
a string.
CHRISTIAN
Hesler.
No answer.
INT. CHRISTIAN'S HOME - CONTINUOUS
Christian goes to the living room, goes to the flower shop.
CHRISTIAN
Hesler.
No answer.
Christian knocks on Hesler's bedroom. No answer. She enters.
EXT. BACK GARDEN - CONTINUOUS
Hesler is doing something outside the storeroom. He finishes.
He takes off his working coat. He walks back to the house.
EXT. MARKET PLACE - SAME DAY SAME TIME.
Anne has just finished shopping. She is on her way back.
INT. HESLER'S BED ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Christian looks around and sees an old wooden violin case on a
high cupboard. Curiously, she stands on a chairandtriestoreach
it, but she can only touch a corner of the case. The case slips
down and is about to hit the floor when Hesler rushes into the
room and catches the violin.
HESLER
(Furious)
What do you do you little devil?
----------------------- 23-----------------------
Christian is in the state of shock.
CHRISTIAN
I-I-I just, the string of my violin is
broken, I just want to...
HESLER
Who gave you permission to touch this
violin? Get out of my room!
Christian runs out of the room, weeping and shouting.
CHRISTIAN
You always treat the violin more
important than me. I hate the violin!
I swear I'll never play it again!
INT. MOTHER AND CHRISTIAN'S BED ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Christian takes her violin and pulls out the strings to break
it. The violin groans, and the father follows into her room.
INT. LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
The mother just gets in. She hears the argument upstairs. She
moves close to the stairs and listens to what's going on.
HESLER (V.O.)
That's enough! Stop it!
Another sound of groaning
HESLER (CONT'D)
This ismy lastwarning. Don't makeme
do it.
Another sound ofgroaning,then the sound of a violin being smashed
followed by the sound of the father beating Christian and
Christian's crying.
CHRISTIAN
Mom!
The mother rushes upstairs like a wild animal. She is about to
reach the second floor when Christian runs out of the room and
throws herself into her mother's arms. The mother stumbles and
tumbles down the stairs.
FADE TO:
----------------------- 24-----------------------
EXT. ON THE ROAD - CONTINUOUS
An ambulance comes to the flower shop,takes themother, and then
goes to the hospital.
CUT TO:
INT. HOSPITAL - DUSK
The father and Christian are waiting anxiously. Some time later,
as Christian is about to play with another child in the waiting
room, a NURSE calls them to go into Anne's room. When they approach
Anne, she gestures that she only wants to seeChristian.Thefather
stops and watches them from a distance. He sees Christian put
her ear near the mother. The mother smiles as if all is well and
then suddenly speaks.
MOTHER
(in Norwegian)
Anne Olsen er ikke mitt naven, det er
din mama's naven, mitt naven er?-
Christian is astonished, looks at her father, stunned for a moment.
She shouts:
CHRISTIAN
Come here, Mom istalking!She cantalk!
She is saying something I don't
understand.
The mother smiles again.
MOTHER
(in English)
My child. I tell you he no your father.
You careful tohim. I'm noyourmother.
Anne Olsen is no my name, but the name
of yourrealmother. YourPapaMamadied
in war.
Christian shows even more astonishing facial expression.
CHRISTIAN
If you are not my mother, who are you?
MOTHER
Your Papa Mama die in war, everybody
in my own family die in war too. My
family name is...
----------------------- 25-----------------------
The "mother" starts coughing and loses consciousness. The nurse
asks Christian to go out for a while. Christian is in a total
state of shock and confusing.
CHRISTIAN
She talks, My Mom, I mean she can talk!
Christian is running towards Hesler. She is almost there, she
suddenly change her course to avoid Him.
HESLER
(Surprised)
She talk? Really? What she say? What
she tell you?
A nurse passes by and tells them to be quiet. Christian quietly
repeats.
CHRISTIAN
She said she's not my mother.
HESLER
(Eager to know)
What more she tell you? Tell me! What
more?
CHRISTIAN
(Starting to cry)
I don't know! That's all she said.
HESLER
She must have tell youotherthing.What
is it? Tell me!
CHRISTIAN
That's all shesaid.Shesaidmymother
died in the war.
HESLER
(Eager with fear)
Was she tell you how they... how your
mother die?
CHRISTIAN
No. She just said my mother died in the
war. That's all.
The father keeps asking her, but she just shakes her head. (No
sound, only action.) The father tries tohold her, but she pushes
----------------------- 26-----------------------
him away. Soon afterwards, a DOCTOR comes out. He put his mouth
close to the father and says something. The father's facial
expression suddenly changes. Christian asks him:
CHRISTIAN
What's going on? Ismymother... is she
dead? Papa...tell me, is she dead?
Two drops of tears come out from Hesler's eyes. Christian dashes
out of the hospital.
CUT TO:
EXT. ON THE ROAD - EVENING (HEAVY RAIN)
Christian runs through the rain, soaked with shock and grief.
Christian's father is running, looking for Christian, shouting
with a crying voice.
(NOTE: FLASHBACK TO WORLD WAR 2)
EXT. ON THE ROAD - DAY
World War 2, in Norway, a man (Hesler when he was young) is in
Norwegian civilian clothes carrying a 2.5-year old child running
away from danger, the crying mother (Anne when she was young)
following behind.
INT. MOUNTAIN ABANDONED WOODEN COTTAGE - CONTINUOUS
The three hide there. They are sleeping. It is cold. The father
and mother have no covers. The child is covered with a coat.
FLASH BACK ENDS, AND BACK TO THE 50'S. THE FATHER IS LOOKING FOR
CHRISTIAN
EXT. NEAR A BRIDGE - EVENING
A wooden bridge over a small river. The father finds Christian
under the bridge.
CHRISTIAN
Why didn't you tell me anything? Why
did you treat me like a child?
HESLER
Because you ARE a child. After you
become not child, more things you will
----------------------- 27-----------------------
know. Now let's go home. Your Mom is
worried about...
(slip of tongue)
Tears comes out from Christian's eyes. Hesler tries to hold her.
She automatically pushes him away. But a second later, she changes
her attitude. She carefully puts herself in Hesler's arms.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. FUNERAL - DAY
A simple funeral with only a few people. ANNE OLSEN 1913-1955
is engraved on a tombstone.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. HOME, DINING TABLE -DINING TIME
The father and daughter sit quietly eating their dinner. Christian
takes the bottle of strong alcohol and pours a glass for the father.
She goes back to her seat. The phone rings and the father picks
it up.
THE OTHER PART
(in Norwegian)
Hallo, det er den norske ambassade i
Washington?-
The father quickly hangs up
CHRISTIAN
Who is it?
HESLER
Wrong number. Eat your food.
The phone rings again.
HESLER
No matter who it is, say "My father is
ill and cannot answer the phone".
CHRISTIAN
Hello, who is this?
THE OTHER PART
This is the Norwegian Embassy in
Washington. I have received the report
----------------------- 28-----------------------
of Anne Olsen's death, could I speak
to Mr. Olsen?
CHRISTIAN
Sorry, my fatherisnotwell andcannot
answer the phone.
THE OTHER PART
I understand your situation. Please
send our regards to your father. And...
Christian hangs up the phone before the other part finishes. She
bites her lips to restrain herself from crying out.
CHRISTIAN
That was your Embassy.
HESLER
I know, I mean Isee.Now, youmust eat.
CHRISTIAN
I can't eat. The pasta is too hard.
Mom's, I mean ANNE's pasta is always
softer.
The father takes Christian's plate and re-cooks it. When it is
ready, he puts the plate back on the table in front of Christian.
CHRISTIAN
It's too soft. Anne's, I mean MOM's
pasta is never so soft.
The father claps on the table.
HESLER
Christian, eat it! This is an order.
Christian bites her lip and tears come out.
HESLER
She don't come back. I mean she can't
come back. Come on my child, you'vegot
to eat something.
Christian looks satisfied. She quietly and quickly eats her food
as if it is very delicious.
CHRISTIAN
Papa, your English is improving.
----------------------- 29-----------------------
Christian finishes her food. Cleaning the table and starts to
wash up. Hesler is watching her with relief. After washing up,
Christian goes upstairs. She stops washing up.
CHRISTIAN
Papa, thanks for calling me MY CHILD.
INT. CHRISTIAN'S BED ROOM- CONTINUOUS
CHRISTIAN
Papa.
HESLER
I thought you are sleeping.
CHRISTIAN
I wanted to, but I couldn't Papa.
HESLER
If youcan'tsleep, get upandpractice
the violin.
CHRISTIAN
I want to but I can't. My violin is
broken. I'm sorry Papa.
Hesler sees the broken violin being put together on Christian's
table. He moves it away, places the wooden violin case on the
table, and carefully opens the case.
HESLER
(Very seriously)
Christian, my little...child, it's
not that I didn't want you to touch
this violin. I just thought you are
too young to have it, because this
is not just a violin. This is
something veryspecialto me. Listen
carefully.
Hesler takes a piece of paper, starts to read.
HESLER
(reads the paper)
My grand-grand-grandfather made this
violin and my father played on it all
his life.
----------------------- 30-----------------------
(NOTE: FLASHBACK 1)
EXT. GERMANY, MID 18TH CENTURY - DAY
A violin workshop, with a small label writes: Ficker Violine
Werkstatt. (ENGLISH SUB Ficker's Violin Workshop)
INT. VIOLIN WORKSHOP - CONTINUOUS
An old violin workshop. Violins hang over a work table. Tools
hang on the wall in front of the work table. A man is making a
violin.
(NOTE: FLASHBACK 2)
INT. GERMANY, STAGE, END OF 20 CENTURY - NIGHT
A man is playing a violin in a saloon. The program says, "Urs
Ficker Violine Recital." The audience is full of high-class
people.
(NOTE: FLASHBACK 3)
INT. FICKER FAMILY HOME, 1920'S - DAY
A little boy is practicing violin. It sounds terrible. His father
counts the beats.
(NOTE: FLASHBACK 4)
EXT. BERLIN, YEAR 1945 - DAY
Air raids. The city is flat.
(NOTE: FLASHBACK ENDS, BACK TO THE PREVIOUS SCENE)
Hesler continues reading his letter.
HESLER
My whole family, nobody survived
through the War, except this violin and
me. Now you understand the importance
of this violin. And you forgiveme for
I did to you theother day. Now, I pass
this violin to you. You will play it.
You will fulfill my family's will on
me to become a professional violinist.
----------------------- 31-----------------------
Hesler puts the paper back to his pocket. He carefully takes the
violin out fromthecaseandlays it in Christian's hands. Christian
touches the violin, and she becomes serious and more mature. The
father pats her on the shoulder twice and then goes out of the
room. Before closing the door, he says
HESLER
And one more thing, take a look inside
the violin you will find out why I named
Christian, and something more you
should know.
The door closes. Christian looks inside the violin at the label,
she reads
CHRISTIAN
Christian Ficker. Ficker! He is Ficker
- Not Olsen!!
Christian tries to open the door but can't.
INT. OUTSIDE OF CHRISTIAN'S BED ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Hesler is holding the door.
HESLER
I am here. If you have a question, you
can ask.
Christian's small crying voice can be heard. Hesler waits for
the crying to stop. He opens the door again.
INT. CHRISTIAN,S BED ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Hesler finds Christian is in bed, completely covered by her blanket.
He uncovers her face.
HESLER
Are you all right?
CHRISTIAN
Anne told me you are not my father. But
I wanted to hear it from you. Thanks
for trusting me.
HESLER
Now you know everything. But this is
our family secret. Promise me keep this
----------------------- 32-----------------------
for the two of us, never tell anybody.
I mean ANYBODY.
Christian covers her head with blanket again. Hesler asks again.
A vague voice can be heard.
HESLER
Louder, I can't hear you.
One of Christian's hands comes out from the blanket. They make
a pinky swear. Hesler says good night and walks out of the room.
Christian suddenly pushes the blanket away and speaks with
unnatural louder voice.
CHRISTIAN
Will you stop calling me little devil?
HESLER
OK, if you learn to be a good violinist.
And remember, practice makes perfect.
Christian saysnothing. She gets up from the bed, takes theviolin
and starts to play.
On the way down stairs, Hesler reminisces on things.
FLASHBACK WORLD WAR 2
EXT. OSLO, YEAR 1943 - DAY
Some people are shot dead. A little baby smiles sweetly in her
dead mother's arm.
FLASHBACK ENDS, BACK TO THE 50'S
INT. THE FLOWER SHOP - DAY IN SPRING
A harsh violin sound is overheard. Hesler chats warmly with a
customer.
HESLER
How are your family?
CUSTOMER 1
They are OK. They are just lazy and don't
want to get out of the car.
Across the street, a lady in a car shouts.
-----------------------33-----------------------
LADY IN THE CAR
Hurry up, honey.
CUSTOMER 1
(shouting back)
Coming.
(turns to Hesler)
Sorry, we're in a bit of a hurry.
Hesler apologizes and hands a flower to the customer.
CUSTOMER 1
Keep the change or write it down,
whatever you like to do.
Customer 1 goes back to his car.
LADY IN THE CAR
I don't know how that flower man
stands all that noise all day.
CUSTOMER 1
The violin noise? That's why you wanted
to stay in the car?
FADE OUT.
INT. CHURCH - DAY
Christian, in her nice dress and nice SHOES, sits quietly beside
Hesler. When the contribution box comes, Hesler passes the box
to Christian. Christian holds thebox,doesnotpasstonext person.
She stares at Hesler. Hesler hesitates, he takes his wallet out,
looking for coins, Christian quickly takes one dollar bill and
puts it into the box and quickly passes it on to the next person.
FADE OUT.
INT. THE FLOWER SHOP - DUSK IN SUMMER
A pleasant violin sound is heard while Hesler is chatting
pleasantly with a customer. Hesler hands flowers to her. After
she pays, she does not walk away.
HESLER
Is there anything else I can do for you
Ma'am?
----------------------- 34-----------------------
CUSTOMER 2 gestures for Hesler to be quiet. She concentrates and
listens to themusic upstairs. Hesler realizes what she's doing,
looking very proud and satisfied. Violin music stops. CUSTOMER
2 turns to Hesler
CUSTOMER 2
That's a very nice tune.
HESLER
And not badly played, ha!
CUSTOMER 2
Not bad at all.
FADE OUT.
EXT. BASEBALL DIAMOND - DAY
A local baseball diamond. Some family members, friends, and
onlookers with nothing to do are watching. Hesler is coaching
one team in a game. He is in uniform, looks very professional
and enthusiastic. He shouts at his players.
STANDS - CONTINUOUS
A group of local women gossip. NANCY, a big lady butcher with
a hat, concentrates on the father, pays noattention to the other
women.
WOMAN 1
(to woman 2)
Did your cat come back yet?
WOMAN 2
No. Just thinking about what happened
to her is scary. She was so adorable.
WOMAN 3
Have you heard that the police found
Mrs. Robinson's dog.
WOMAN 4
Really, that's wonderful news.
WOMAN 2
But the dog was found dead in a bag.
WOMAN 3
----------------------- 35-----------------------
Cut into pieces, they found that the
dog's genitals were tied with a rope.
WOMAN 1
...Isn't that awful, Nancy.
NANCY
Oh yeah. He's awful (beat) awfully
attractive. Don't you agree that his
English is getting better?
WOMAN 1
What? Who are you talking about,
Hesler?
Nancy laughs with shyness. Christian sits not so far away from
them. She overhears everything. She is apparently not pleased
about it. She sees a bird shit on Nancy's hat. She looks satisfied.
FADE OUT.
A pretty good violin sound is overheard while Hesler closes up
his flower shop. He notices that a man has been standing close
to his shop for quite some time. He hesitates, goes up to talk
to him.
HESLER
Need anything? I'm about to close up.
CUSTOMER 3 passes him 2 dollars.
HESLER
What kind offlowerswould you likeSir?
CUSTOMER 3
Anything you like.
Hesler gets a 2 dollar bouquet of flowers, puts in an extra, and
then takes the extra back again. He brings the flowers to the
man.
HESLER
Here you are Sir--Sir?
Customer 3 takes the flowers, says nothing back, but listens
intently to the violin upstairs. Hesler is about to close the
front entrance.
CUSTOMER 3
----------------------- 36-----------------------
Bach's Chaconne. That's a really
beautiful piece ofmusic. Do me a favor
will you? Pass my compliment to your
talented daughter.
Hesler looks thrilled. He doesn't know what to say.
HESLER
That's very kind of you, but...
CUSTOMER 3
By the way, my name is BENJAMIN BERG.
I'm a lawyer on the other side of town.
Hesler is very happy. He is about to take the flowers upstairs.
The old lady, Mrs. Robinson, comes again with another paper in
her hand.
HESLER
Have you lost your dog again, Mrs.
Robinson?
ROBINSON
No, not mydog. Thistime, it's my dear
Linda.
Then, Mrs. Robinson shows a photo of a small ugly cat.
HESLER
I'm sorry for you. Please leave the
poster here. I will put it on for you
later.
INT. CHRISTIAN'S BED ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Christian is playing her violin. Hesler knocks on the door and
goes in.
HESLER
Congratulations my child! You got
yourself a fan.
Christian looks at the flowers.
CHRISTIAN
A bad day again?
HESLER
----------------------- 37-----------------------
Oh no, this is not leftovers. That man
paid me 2 dollars for it. He is a lawyer.
He saysyouareverytalented. Alawyer
says that, isn't that something!
CHRISTIAN
Big deal. But if it makes you happy at
least, it's worth all the effort.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. ON THE ROAD - DAY
Hesler rides his transport bicycle carrying Christian and her
violin in the back alongside some flowers. They are on the way
to the teacher.
FADE OUT.
INT. BENJAMIN BERG'S HOME, THE LIVING ROOM - DUSK
A very nice house. Around the house, some expensive cars have
been parked. The lawyer, Benjamin Berg, is having a house party
with about 50people.They are allformallydressed and look elegant
with wine glasses in their hands. Benjamin rings his glass for
an announcement.
BENJAMIN
Welcome. I'm honored to have you all
here. Now, please allow me to present
our guest, a talented little violinist,
Miss Christian Olsen.
Everyone applauds. Christian stands before everybody and plays
the violin. Christian looks a little nervous, stumbles briefly,
but then continues. After her performance, Christian receives
a round of applause.
EXT. OUTSIDE OF BENJAMIN BERG'S HOUSE - CONTINUOUS
Hesler takes Christian's hand astheyarewalkingout of thehouse.
Just outside Berg's house, one of Benjamin's guests, standing
beside a silver Jaguar, says to them.
GUEST
It would be my pleasure to offer the
princess a ride.
----------------------- 38-----------------------
Hesler looks at Christian as if asking her opinion. Christian
looks at Hesler and looksatthecar.Before Hesler says anything,
she says.
CHRISTIAN
That's very kind of you, Sir, but I'd
rather be with my father.
Hesler hugs her with happiness.
EXT. ON THE ROAD - NIGHT WITH FULL MOON - CONTINUOUS
Hesler is riding his tricycle, carrying Christian on the back
with the violin. (Violin music v.o.) Hesler hums a tune. He looks
very happy and proud.
FADE OUT.
INT. HOME, LIVING ROOM - DAY
Christian is practicing in her room. (Over Sound.) Hesler calls
her to dinner, again and again and again. But she doesn't stop
playing. Hesler goes upstairs to talk to her.
INT. HOME, CHRISTIAN'S ROOM - CONTINUOUS
HESLER
Your teacher says over practicing
do you no good. From now on, you
practice no more than 4hours a day.
Now, let's have dinner.
CHRISTIAN
(stops playing)
I've got to finish this part. I'm
almost 13. I know what I'm doing.
(bear)
Wait downstairs. That's an order.
She looks at him in a commanding way.
HESLER
Alright, but my rule starts
tomorrow.
Hesler shakes his head and walks out of the room.
DISSOLVE TO:
----------------------- 39-----------------------
INT. SCHOOL MUSIC ROOM - DAY
Christian is playing the violin with a school orchestra.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. HOME, CHRISTIAN'S ROOM - DAY
While Christian practices in her room, Hesler comes in with his
alarm clock and lets it ring to show Christian it's time to stop.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. CHURCH - DAY
Christian is playing the violin, accompanied by an organist at
a church. When the contribution box comes, Hesler puts a one-dollar
bill in it. He does it slowly so that Christian can see.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. HOME, LIVING ROOM - DAY
The violin canbe heard as Hesler walks back and forthendlessly.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. CONCERT STAGE - NIGHT
Christian is playing a violin solo with the school orchestra on
stage. The hall is half full. Nancy (the big lady butcher)
intentionally sits next to Hesler. She takes every opportunity
to talk with him. As Christian plays violin, she catches a few
glimpses of Hesler talking with Nancy. Christian doesn't look
pleased.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. HOME, DINING TABLE - DUSK
Hesler and Christian are nicely dressed. The dinner table is nicely
set. They sit at the table waiting for someone.
HESLER
Do me a favor. Be nice to her today.
Christian lowers her head slightly and doesn't bring it up again.
----------------------- 40-----------------------
Nancy comes in with a big cake, and they start eating dinner.
It's uncomfortably quiet. Christian intentionally makes some
noise when she eats and drinks. Hesler glares at her and she stops.
After the meal, Nancy opens the cake box.
NANCY
I made it myself, but I'm a butcher,
no baker. I wonder how it is.
She cuts the cake and at the same time uses her finger to put
a small piece in her mouth.
NANCY
I think it will do.
Hesler uses his fork putting a small piece in his mouth rather
formally, then remarks:
HESLER
It's delicious. You're genius Nancy.
NANCY
(relieved)
Do you really think so? That's Great!
Hesler puts another big piece into his mouth.
HESLER
I love it. It's so-- so--
Nancy smiles sweetly
CHRISTIAN
(to Nancy)
I agree. It's so-so.
HESLER
No. I meant it's good.
CHRISTIAN
Lying.
HESLER
(to Christian)
I never lie.
CHRISTIAN
That's because you are sodamngoodthat
you look honest when youarelying. But
----------------------- 41-----------------------
I can tell you're lying by the way you
bite the cake.
HESLER
(embarrassed and angry)
Christian?-
CHRISTIAN
I am only telling the truth. You never
ate cakes mom made like that.
HESLER
(furious)
Christian!
CHRISTIAN
(to Nancy)
Save your time Nancy, he is not going
to marry you. But if you come again,
bring some pork instead of cake.
HESLER
(enraged)
Christian!-
Christian runs upstairs.
INT. UPSTAIRS - CONTINUOUS
Christian (p.o.v) sees that Hesler and Nancy are talking in good
spirits.
INT. DINING TABLE - CONTINUOUS
Nancy enjoys her time alone with Hesler.
NANCY
You know, Amanda the tailor lost her
dog again.
HESLER
Really, I don't go out often you know.
NANCY
I heard this is the third time in
3 years. Why are so many petsmissing
in our town?
(lower her voice)
----------------------- 42-----------------------
I heard the Chinese eat dogs. Who
knows?
INT. UPSTAIRS - CONTINUOUS
Christian can't hear what they are talking about. She takes out
her violin and starts to play the wedding song.
INT. DINING TABLE - CONTINUOUS
The two adults are embarrassed.
NANCY
I really don't want to go home.
HESLER
You can come again any time. Please,
wait.
Hesler walks out, and walks in again. He gives Nancy a bunch of
flowers.
NANCY
(moved)
Oh, how sweet of you!
HESLER
(smiles charmingly)
It's nothing. I'm a flower shop.
Nancy is about to hug Hesler good-bye when Christian shouts from
the second floor
CHRISTIAN
This time he is honest, very honest.
That really is nothing. They're just
leftovers he couldn't sell. They will
be wilted by the time you get home.
Hesler apologizes to Nancy. And she says it's all right. Nancy
says good-bye and gets out of the house.
EXT. OUTSIDE OF THE FLOWER SHOP - CONTINUOUS
Nancy walks out from Hesler's flower shop. As soon as she turns
at a corner, she angrily hits the flowers on a tree several times
until only one remains. She carefully takes the last flower and
goes home.
----------------------- 43-----------------------
INT. HOME - CONTINUOUS
Hesler angrily goes upstairs. He stops outside of Christian's
room, hears the violin sound. His facial expression changes to
one of happiness. When the music stops, he knocks on the door
twice before he lets himself in.
INT. CHRISTIAN'S BED ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Hesler asks Christian to sleep well as if nothing has happened.
CHRISTIAN
I'm sorry Papa, but you deserve someone
better.
HESLER
Don't worry. That piece of cake is
so-so.
Christian laughs. She covers her face with the blanket.
FADE OUT.
EXT. RIVERSIDE (THE SAME RIVER AS IN ACT 1) -DAY (NICE DAY)
Now Christian is about 14. Hesler and Christian are in swimming
suits. They swim near the bridge. They're having fun with other
families. When Hesler holds her, by accident Christian sees
Hesler's private parts. She is shocked and ashamed. When Hesler
comes to hold her again, she refuses and runs away.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. CHURCH - DAY
Hesler and Christian are outside the church. They are about to
go in. Hesler is greeting others. He refers to Christian as "MY
DAUGHTER" proudly. When they get to the entrance, Hesler wants
to hold Christian's hand, but she pushes him away.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. SHOPPING AREA - DUSK
Hesler talks to a clothes stand owner. He introduces "MY DAUGHTER"
and takes some clothes for her to try on. When he holds a dress
up to her to see if it will fit, she backs up, backs up, and walks
away.
----------------------- 44-----------------------
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. BACK GARDEN OF THEIR HOUSE - DAY
Hesler is using an electric saw to cut down some small tree branches
while Christian tends the garden. They take a rest and Hesler
takes off his shirt.
CHRISTIAN
Hey, put that back on. There's a young
lady present.
HESLER
(serious)
Where?
(He looks at Christian)
Oh, I see.
CHRISTIAN
I'm serious. I'm not your little baby
anymore, so we need some rules. From
now on, no holding hands, no touching,
no taking off your shirt in front of
me.
Hesler looks at Christian and nods his head with amusement and
proud.
A SEQUENCE OF NATURAL SCENES TO SHOW THE PASSAGE OF TIME
EXT. ON ROAD - DAY
(Now, Christian is about 19.) Christian rides a bicycle heading
home. In front of her home, she meets a postman and receives a
letter from a university. She opens and reads it very quickly.
She runs into the flower shop to see Hesler.
CHRISTIAN
I got accepted by the state university.
HESLER
That's nice dear, but you're not going
there.
CHRISTIAN
Why not?
HESLER
Because you're going to university DC.
----------------------- 45-----------------------
CHRISTIAN
(Surprise)
That's private.
HESLER
I know it costs more. But, have you heard
Wenk-Wolf is teaching at university
DC?
CHRISTIAN
So?
HESLER
The way he plays violin always reminds
me of my father.
CHRISTIAN
But...
HESLER
I have been saving a little by little
all these years.
CHRISTIAN
I thought you wanted to buy a small truck.
You're getting old.
HESLER
I'm old? I'm not old. I stick to my
transport tricycle. Besides, it keeps
me fit.
CHRISTIAN
(In a touched tone)
But, I simply can't accept your doing
all this just for me.
HESLER
Just for you? Oh no no no. I do it for
my family. Everybody in my family
wanted me to be a professional
violinist. So we work as a team. You
do your part, the study. I do mine,
making the money.
CHRISTIAN
(Change tone)
----------------------- 46-----------------------
I see...Hesler, suppose the violin and
I are drowning in water. Which do you
rescue?
HESLER
Both. The violinismy only family. And,
you are the only one who can take care
of my family.
Christian looks sad, but she hides her feelings.
CHRISTIAN
At least, it's good to know I can re-pay
you by simply playing the violin. Will
you excuse me?
Christian walks away.
FADE OUT.
INT. VIOLIN LESSON CLASSROOM - DAY
A music-teaching classroom with a grand piano on one side. The
violin teacher, Wenk-Wolf, in his early 50's, sits on a chair.
Christian stands facing him.
WENK-WOLF
I'm your new teacher Wenk-wolf.
CHRISTIAN
I know who you are.
WENK-WOLF
Good. I also know you are Lucy.
CHRISTIAN
Christian.
WENK-WOLF
Everybody is.
CHRISTIAN
No, I mean my name is Christian, not
Lucy.
WENK-WOLF
Oh, of course. Alright, I assume you
like the violin very much.
----------------------- 页面 47-----------------------
CHRISTIAN
My partner does. I mean Hesler, my
father.
WENK-WOLF
Oh.
Wenk-Wolf stands up, looks like he is leaving the room.
WENK-WOLF (CONT'D)
I guess you need another teacher.
CHRISTIAN
No, please.
WENK-WOLF
But you didn't tell me you like the
violin.
CHRISTIAN
I'm crazy about the violin.
WENK-WOLF
Oh, never beat around the bush with
Germans.
Wenk-Wolf sits down again.
WENK-WOLF
Now, show me what you got.
Christian starts to play the violin. She plays only a few lines.
WENK-WOLF
Stop. Feelings, passion, they are not
in the notes, but they must be in your
sound.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. OUTSIDE THE UNIVERSITY - DAY
Christian rides a bike on her way to the University. She meets
two fellow female students. She stops to say hi.
STUDENT A
Hi, are you free tonight?
CHRISTIAN
----------------------- 48-----------------------
What's up?
STUDENT B
Ashley, the horn player you know. Her
parents are on vacation.
STUDENT A
So she is having a party at her place
tonight. Some boys will show up too.
STUDENT B
Yes, some boys you know.
CHRISTIAN
Thanks for the invitation.
Christian quickly rides her bike and goes away.
STUDENT A
Was that a "yes" or "no?"
STUDENT B
I guess it was a "no." Have you ever
seen Christian at any parties?
CUT TO:
INT. MUSIC CLASS ROOM - DAY
Christian is having a lesson with Wenk-Wolf. She plays very well
with feelings and passion. Wenk-Wolf's face shows satisfaction.
WENK-WOLF
More feelings. More--more--yes!
CUT TO:
INT. CORRIDOR OF THE UNIVERSITY - DAY
Two male students are talking in the corridor. Christian is passing
by. She says "hello" to them as a boy would. The two boys eyes
follow her.
STUDENT C
God, Blonde Swede.
STUDENT D
I heard she is Norwegian.
----------------------- 49-----------------------
STUDENT C
Norway is the capital of Sweden.
STUDENT D
Absolutely. I will bet you 1000 dollars
that you cannot get a date with her.
STUDENT C
Have you ever seen her with a guy for
the last three years?
STUDENT D
That's why I offer you 1000 bucks.
Student D shakes his head. They laugh and go away.
CUT TO:
INT. HALL OF THE UNIVERSITY - DAY
It is a graduation ceremony. The hall is full of students and
parents. Hesler, formally dressed sits at the very back of the
hall. When Christian receives her diploma, Hesler stands up and
walks out of the hall. He takes out a handkerchief to cover his
eyes.
CUT TO:
INT. LIVING ROOM - AFTERNOON
Christian looks very happy and excited. She has her diploma in
her hand. She hands her diploma to Hesler.
CHRISTIAN
I did it, I got it for you. Now you can
have it.
Again, Hesler has tears in his eyes.
HESLER
Thanks, my baby. I mean my child. Or,
should I say, "My young lady?" On
behalf of my whole family, I thank you.
Thank you so much.
Hesler hugs Christian, but Christian looks sad.ShepushesHesler
away and asks very seriously.
CHRISTIAN
----------------------- 50-----------------------
Am I still not your family?
This question takes Hesler by surprise. He pauses a little, answers
seriously.
HESLER
Of course, you are. In fact, you are
my only living family. You are all I
got in this world.
Christian suddenly burst into tears.
HESLER
Did I say something wrong?
Hesler gets closer to hold her. Christian grabs him and cries
out.
CHRISTIAN
I've been waiting, waiting, waiting
for over 20 years for you to say this
to me!
HESLER
I'm sorry, I should have said to you
earlier.
CHRISTIAN
It's not too late.
Christian changes the subject.
CHRISTIAN (CONT'D)
What's for dinner?
HESLER
Celebration! We go to theDragonKing.
I heard It's quiet there.
CHRISTIAN
But I heard the waiters there are
very rude.
HESLER
That's why it's always quiet there.
CUT TO:
INT. RESTAURANT - NIGHT
----------------------- 51-----------------------
Not the best but a good restaurant. Hesler is in his suit, and
Christian is in her dress and a pair of nice new low heel black
shoes. When they walk into the restaurant, Christian stumbles
a little. Hesler catches her. Awaiter shows themto their table.
In agentlemanly fashion, Heslerpulls out Christian's chair fir
her. She sits. Then, Hesler takes his seat. The waiter gives them
their menus.
WAITER
May I start you off with something to
drink, Sir?
Hesler orders a bottle of wine.
WAITER
Will that be all? Ma'am?
CHRISTIAN
Yes, thank you.
By watching the waiter, Hesler and Christian have realized that
the waiters are trying to determine the pair's relationship as
father and daughter or a couple. Hesler gathers fromChristian's
facial expression she would like totoywiththewaiters bykeeping
them on tenterhooks. The waiter returns with wine. He uncorks
it and pours glasses for both Hesler and Christian.
WAITER
If Imay, Sir, Iwould like to say that
your wife is very beautiful.
HESLER
Thanks, but we're not married.
WAITER
(delighted)
My mistake, Sir. I meant, your daughter
is very beautiful.
CHRISTIAN
I'm not exactly his daughter. We've
just been living together, for a long
time.
HESLER
Yes, for over 20 years.
Waiter goes away, puzzled.
----------------------- 52-----------------------
CUT TO:
INT. A SMALL STAGE - DAY
A young woman is playing cello on the stage. A sleepy jury
member drops a letter with the printed heading (C.U.) "City
Symphony Orchestra".
INT. WAITING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
A few musicians are waiting for an audition, among them Christian.
The woman we saw on the stage enters with her cello. A young man
holding a violin, apparently her boyfriend asks her eagerly.
VIOLIN MAN
How did it go?
CELLO GIRL
I don't really fancy this orchestra
anyway. (beat) I'm sorry.
VIOLIN MAN
(trying to comfort her)
You did your best.
CELLO GIRL
No, it was my worst...terrible!
(She looks like she is going
to cry.)
Soon will be your turn. You are going
to make it. Now, I have to go to the
lady's room.
VIOLIN MAN
Wherever you go, I'll go with you.
Besides, I don't fancy this orchestra
so very much either.
The violin man quickly puts his violin into a violin case and
slings it onto his back. He takes the cello in one hand, and the
girl's hand in the other. The girl hugs him and they walk away.
Christian's name is called. She walks onto the stage. She has
a little trouble tuning her violin. One lady in the jury looks
at her watch. Another man constantly moves his leg. They look
impatient. Christian finishes her tuning, and she plays Paganini.
She plays it beautifully. But, the jury hardly response.
CUT TO:
----------------------- 53-----------------------
INT. HOME. KITCHEN - DUSK
Hesler is cooking when Christian rushes in.
CHRISTIAN
Papa, I got the job! I got the job!
They hug each other, and Hesler turns off the stove, food half
cooked.
HESLER
Let's go out to celebrate!
CHRISTIAN
The Dragon King gain? That's twice in
two weeks!
HESLER
Good things are never too many.
FADE TO:
INT. CONCERT HALL, STAGE - DAY
Christian rehearses with a local semi-professional orchestra.
INT. CONCERT HALL, IN A ROOM AT BACKSTAGE - CONTINUOUS
After the rehearsal, Christian and her female colleague MARY (dark
hair, nice looking with glasses) in a room discuss different ways
of playing the Gypsy violin piece Chardas. Christian plays one
phrase of the prologue and then Mary plays another phrase. The
sound of Mary's is sweet and soft. But the sound of Christian
is strong, wild andpassionate. After a couple ofphrases, a nice
cello sound joins in. They are amused and stop playing.
INT. ANOTHER ROOM - CONTINUOUS
A young male cellist is there. His name is PER NILSON, 28 years
old, blond, charming, well dressed, Swedish. He hears no
responding sounds from the other room. He quickly stands up,
carries his cello to the door. He gets half way out and then comes
in again. He stands in front of the mirror. He fixes his hair.
Then, he quickly runs out again. He realizes that he forgot his
cello. He comes back, takes his cello, takes a look in the mirror,
and takes a look again. And then, he runs out of the room.
INT. CHRISTIAN AND MARY'S ROOM - CONTINUOUS
----------------------- 54-----------------------
Per knocks on the door. He comes in before he hears an answer.
He quickly takes a look in the mirror. Then, he looks at the two
girls.
PER
Hi, I'm Per. P-E-R.I am new to the
orchestra. Mind if I join you? I love
Gypsy music.
CHRISTIAN
You may come in.
The two girls laugh. Mary looks at Per with a charming smile.
MARY
Hi, I'm Mary.
PER
Nice to meet you Mary.
Per looks at Christian waiting for her name.
CHRISTIAN
I'm not important.
(beat)
I'm sorry, my name is Christian.
PER
That's a boy's name. In Scandinavia,
you should be called Christiana.
CHRISTIAN
I'm an American. Americans don't care.
MARY
Maybe she is a boy, a boy in a girl's
body.
CHRISTIAN
(to Mary)
Thanks.
The girls laugh. Mary looks at Per with bright eyes. Christian
looks a littleuneasy. Christian looks for an excuse to get away.
But Per keeps her attention. Mary realizes that she has no role
in the conversation. She makes an excuse and walks out. Per and
Christian are alone in the room. Christian looks nervous. Per
pays no attention to her feelings. He is in a good mood.
----------------------- 55-----------------------
PER
You know why I said what I said? When
I saw you this morning, I immediately
thought you were different. "Sexy,
blonde" Scandinavians as some people
often say...
CHRISTIAN
Alright, I confess I'm Norwegian. So
what?
Per is obviously excited to hear that. He proudly speaks Swedish.
PER
Bra, vi kan prater pa swensk, eller
norsk.
CHRISTIAN
Sorry, I grew up here, in this town.
There is an awkward silence.
PER
Shall we play Chardas together?
They play violin and cello as if they are having a conversation.
Beautiful music comes out.
INT. OUTSIDE THE ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Mary looks very upset. She slowly walks away. She sees an empty
coda can. She stomps on it hard. The can groans and is flattened.
Meanwhile, another female colleague passes by. Mary quickly
adjusts her facial expression. She smiles and chats with the
colleague as if nothing has happened.
FADE OUT.
EXT. PARK - DAY
The violin cello music continues
At a smallparkwith a fewpeople, Per is inwaitingwith a shoebox.
He keeps looking at hiswatch.Hequicklygoes towards the restroom.
INT. REST ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Per is in the restroom. He does not use the urinal. He lockshimself
in a stall. He flushes the toilet before he finishes peeing. He
----------------------- 56-----------------------
has to wait until the water is full to flush it again. He washes
his hands, checks his hair, and washes his hands again. Then,
he gets out of the rest room. He realizes that he forgot theshoebox.
He goes back again. He picks up the shoebox and runs out of the
restroom.
EXT. PARK, MEETING SPOT - CONTINUOUS
Per quickly walks back tothemeeting spot. Thereis adark-haired
girl standing there. Per pays no attention to her and looks at
his watch instead. The dark haired girl looks at him, seems to
be amused.
CHRISTIAN (DARK HAIRED GIRL)
Waiting for somebody?
Per takes a glance at her, then gawks at her, his mouth half open
in astonishment.
PER
What have you done to your beautiful
hair?
CHRISTIAN
You mean the "sexy, blonde"? I hate
having people look at me as a sex object.
PER
But...
CHRISTIAN
(cutting him off)
Shut up.
Per holds his palms up as if to say he gives up.
PER
Sorry I'm late.
CHRISTIAN
No no no, today you're on time. I was
a little early.
Per hands her the shoebox.
PER
This is for you. Open it.
CHRISTIAN
----------------------- 57-----------------------
What is it?
Before Christian opens it, Per takes it back and opens it for
her. It is a pair of red high-heeled shoes.
CHRISTIAN
Oh God, do you expect me to wear these?
Not until I'm 60.
They take a walk. Per takes the shoebox. An old lady with a small
dog (white SHIH TZU) passes by. The dog runs into Per. Per tries
to avoid having the dog get slobber on his trousers.
OLD LADY
Don't be afraid. It won't bite.
PER
I'm notworriedabout that. It's, Ijust
had it dry-cleaned yesterday.
Christian looks at the dog with an adoring facial expression.
CHRISTIAN
Come here you little ...what's her
name?
OLD LADY
It's Rose.
CHRISTIAN
Hi, Rose, you little cute baby.
(to the lady)
May I?
(to Per)
I love dogs. I always wanted a dog, but
my father wouldn't allow me.
PER
I understand that. I mean, I'm sorry
about that.
Christian holds the dog in her arms, starts to play with it. In
order to please Christian, Per makes gestures as ifhe istouching
the dog, but he does not really touch it. After the dog is gone,
they continue their walk. Christian sees another couple coming
towards them from the opposite direction. She draws Per aside.
Per quickly avoids her hand.
PER
----------------------- 58-----------------------
(jokingly)
Hey, don't touch me with your
dirty-dirty claw. You just played with
that dog.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. CONCERT HALL, BACKSTAGE - DAY
Christian and Per play HALVORSEN, arranged violin and celloduet,
"PASSAKAGLIA", by HANDEL.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. RESTAURANT - NIGHT
Christian and Per have dinner.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. ROAD - DAY
Christian and Per ride bicycles chasing one another.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. CONCERT HALL, STAGE - DAY
Christian and Per play a violin and cello duet.
FADE OUT.
EXT. PARK - NIGHT
They sit on a wooden bench. Per tries to kiss Christian, but she
turns away.
CHRISTIAN
I haven't told Hesler yet. I mean,
my father. Actually he is
not...sorry I can't tell you. It's
my family secret.
PER
I'll be your family soon.
CHRISTIAN
But...
----------------------- 59-----------------------
PER
I won't tell anyone. I promise.
CHRISTIAN
OK. You'll lose me at the verymoment
when you break your promise.
(beat)
Hesler is not my real father. But he
is more than my father.
PER
What do you mean by he is not your father,
he is more than your father...
CHRISTIAN
You see, my real parents both died
during the war. My mom also died when
I was 12. Her name was Anne. But that
wasn't her real name. "Anne" was my
real mother's name...
Per looks at Christian totally confused.
Christian starts to sob. Per apologizes. He tries to comfort her
by holding her. She rejects him, and starts to cry out.
CHRISTIAN (CONT.D)
If you can't understand me, who can?
Everyone has a family. Idon't. Ihave
no one. No brother. No sister. Only
Hesler. But even he doesn't think of
me as family.
Per tries to hold Christian again. Christian rejects him again.
PER
We two will make a great family. We
will have a lot of kids. As long as I
am alive, I swear to God, you will never
be alone. You will always have afamily.
I promise you.
Christian throws herself into Per and kisses Per, smearing her
tears and snot. Christian cleans Per's face with her hands. That
makes things even worse.
CHRISTIAN
I know you hate it.
----------------------- 60-----------------------
PER
Never mind.
Per cleans his facewith tissue and looks athis watch. Christian
talks again.
CHRISTIAN
Can I tell Hesler about you?
PER
Maybe, I should go see him myself.
CHRISTIAN
Would you really! Per, I-I-I...
(Kiss, kiss, kiss).)
PER
Wait wait...
Per cleans Christian with tissue. Christian is overwhelmed with
happiness. She puts her hand on Per's shoulder and imagines her
approaching future. Per takes a look at his watch.
PER
Sweetie, I got to go home.
CHRISTIAN
Yes, home...What?
PER
I said my mom is waiting for me.
CHRISTIAN
Haven't you ever thought about living
alone?
PER
Many times. But my mom won't let me.
Christian laughs, and louder. She teases him by touching his head
imitating his mother.
PER (CONT'D)
What's so funny? You live with your
father.
Christian turns serious immediately.
CHRISTIAN
----------------------- 61-----------------------
That's a totally different story.
(beat)
Let's go.
FADE TO:
INT. HOME, DINING ROOM - DUSK
Christian is cooking. Hesler comes to the kitchen.
HESLER
Hey, the kitchen is exclusively my
battlefield. If you are not tired,
play your violin. Don't waste your time
here.
Hesler is about to take over. Christian goes on cooking.
CHRISTIAN
If I don't learn how to cook, I will
never be a good wife.
Hesler's facial expression changes, as if he just lost something
significant in his life.
HESLER
What do you mean? I mean you...
CHRISTIAN
There is a guy. I'm sure you are going
to like him, too.
No response for a few seconds.
HESLER
I see.
Hesler's eyes turn red.
CHRISTIAN
I see? As simple as that! Aren't you
happy for me? You were young once. You
know what is like to be in love.
HESLER
I never got a chance to be in love.
Hesler rubs his eyes, and then, he spreads his arms wide open
----------------------- 62-----------------------
HESLER (CONT'D)
Christian, my baby, my child, my young
lady, I am happy for you.
CHRISTIAN
Papa!
Christian throws herself into Hesler's arms. They hug tightly.
Then Hesler sniffs.
HESLER
What's all the smell?
CHRISTIAN
Oh my God!
The food is burnt.
FADE TO:
INT. CONCERT HALL, BACKSTAGE - DAY
Christian is busy looking for Per. She sees Per stand at a corner
talking to someone. She rushes toward him. She stops because she
hears Per talking to Mary. (She does not see Mary. Because it
is a corner, Mary is out of sight.) Mary has bleached her hair
and is wearing contact lenses. She looks much prettier than before.
MARY
It was wonderful. All the kids loved
your performance. Thanks so much for
helping me out. I couldn't have done
that by myself.
PER
Any time Mary. I enjoyed myself very
much too. I love kids, you know. Any
time you need me, just yell.
MARY
How sweet of you!
Mary lunges toward Per, hugs him and tries to kiss him. Per turns
his face to avoid Mary kissing his mouth. Then he seesChristian.
Christian quickly turns and runs away. Per chases her.
PER
----------------------- 63-----------------------
Stop, Christian, it's not what you
think. It was just a small charity
concert we did together.
He catches Christian.
CHRISTIAN
Oh yeah? How about that kiss?
PER
It was just a friendly...
Christian sees a stage WORKER pass by. She grabs him.
CHRISTIAN
How about a friendly kiss?
WORKER
(has noideawhat's goingon)
What? I don't care.
Christian starts to kiss the worker. Per stops her. Christian
runs away again.
INT. STAGE - CONTINUOUS
The orchestra is about to start rehearsal. The manager gives a
few words. The CONDUCTOR takes the lead.
CONDUCTOR
If there are no questions, let's start.
Page...
Per suddenly stands up.
PER
I have a question.
The whole orchestra looks at him. Per speaks very fast with a
big voice.
PER
Actually, it is not a question, because
there is no question about it.
CONDUCTOR
(conducting)
Adagio adagio. Slow down young man.
----------------------- 64-----------------------
PER
Thank you Sir. I have an announcement
to make. I, Per Nilson and Christian
Olsen the lovely lady over there are
terribly in love. We are going to get
married as soon as she chooses.
The whole orchestra bursts into applause. The trumpet player
starts to play the wedding song, and the whole orchestra joins
in. Theconductortries to stop it, but can't. Another celloplayer
pushes Per towards Christian. Thetwostandupinfrontof everybody.
The conductor says
CONDUCTOR
Now you may kiss the bride.
Per kisses Christian. But, something comes out from her throat.
PER
Pizza?
CHRISTIAN
Sorry, I got to go to the lady's room.
She runs away. The orchestra goes crazy. The manager and conductor
try to calm everybody down.
CONDUCTOR
That's really nice. It reminds me of
my...
The conductor turns the page of his notes. He continues.
CONDUCTOR (CONT.D)
I'm wondering if we should stay here
half an hour longer to rehearse, or
leave half an hour earlier to drink.
EVERYBODY
Leave to drink.
Big Applause.
Christian hides and looks at the stage. She is embarrassed and
full of happiness. Mary looks sour. The manager is very angry.
MANAGER
(to himself)
Crazy, totally crazy!
----------------------- 65-----------------------
The rehearsal starts. The music continues.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. BAR - NIGHT
Many orchestra members are drinking. Christian and Per thank
everybody and walk out of the bar.
EXT. PARK - CONTINUOUS
Christian and Per sit on abench inthepark. They both look drunk.
It starts torain.But theyhave no intention of leaving.Neither
does another old couple not far away from them. The other couple
starts kissing. Per kisses Christian.
PER
Today I'm thehappiestman in the world.
She starts to take off Per's clothes.
PER
What?
CHRISTIAN
Yes!
PER
Here?
CHRISTIAN
Yes!
PER
People might watch us.
CHRISTIAN
Let them watch me make you the happiest
man in the world.
It rains hard. Waves continuously crashagainst a dam. Christian
sits on Per making love. The flood gets worse. Christian and Per
reach high climax. The dam breaks, and the flood pours out.
FADE OUT.
INT. HOME, HESLER'S BEDROOM - NIGHT, THE SAME TIME ABOVE.
----------------------- 66-----------------------
Hesler is writing. His voice is narrating. There is background
music.
HESLER
(narration)
Christian, This is the day I havebeen
living for, the day you become a
professional violinist, which my
family wanted me to be. I have
accomplished my life task and
responsibility. Now, my life is
useless and meaningless. Plus, there
is a thing that cuts my heart into pieces
day by day. It is more painful go on
living than to die at once. That thing
is...
Hesler hears Christian's voice downstairs. He quickly crumples
the paper and throws it into the trash. The paper misses the trash
and rolls underthebed.Heslerdoes notnotice.Hegoesdownstairs.
INT. HOME, LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
HESLER
I heat the food for you. You must be
very hungry.
CHRISTIAN
No. We went to a bar, and...
HESLER
Oh my God, you are drunk. You can't drink.
You never drank.
CHRISTIAN
I'm all right. I'm so happy. Papa...
Christian loses control and starts crying like a little girl.
Hesler holds her and comforts her.
HESLER
Oh, you are stinking. Go wash yourself.
Christian goes to the shower. Hesler sits in the couch for a while.
He hears the water begin to run. He stands up and goes upstairs.
He hears a loud crash. He pauses, calls Christian. No response.
He quickly runsdownstairs.He goes to thebathroomdoor. Heshouts
----------------------- 67-----------------------
her name without hearing an answer. He enters, findingChristian
lying down with blood all over.
EXT. OUTSIDE OF THE FLOWER SHOP - CONTINUOUS
An ambulance comes to the flower shop. Christian is loaded into
the ambulance. The ambulance goes away.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. HOSPITAL - NIGHT
Christian is lying in a bed with a bandage on her head. Beside
her, sits Hesler. A nurse comes.
NURSE
Your husband is here to see you.
CHRISTIAN
It's him. God I don't want him to see
me like this.
Hesler stands up to leave.
CHRISTIAN
Don't go. I want you to meet him.
Hesler pats the bed twice, mouthing: I will be back.
Per rushes into the room as if the world has fallen. He stumbles,
falling on the nurse. They both fall down.
PER
(rubbing his leg)
Jesus! Ow!
CHRISTIAN
(to the nurse)
Are you all right?
PER
Don't worry about me. I have everything
under control.
CHRISTIAN
Not you. Help the nurse.
Per notices the nurse is still on the floor.
----------------------- 68-----------------------
PER
Oh, Are you hurt?
FADE OUT.
INT. CHRISTIAN'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Christian is lying in her bed. On the right side of her pillow,
is the Norwegian children's book Anne used to read silently. On
the left is the baby toy made from the blanket by Anne. Her head
is still bandaged. Christian's hears a cat sound. She quickly
gets up and opens the window. She sees Per is there.
PER
(outside the house, withlow
voice)
Come down, I havesomeflowers foryou.
Christian points to the next room, with very low voice.
CHRISTIAN
Are youcrazy?I'm theflowershop girl.
PER
But these, I picked them myself.
Per shows the flowers to Christian. Christian sees a bandage on
his wrist.
CHRISTIAN
What happened to your hand?
Per quickly hides his hand, and he uses the other hand to hold
the flowers.
PER
It's nothing. Come down to get your
flowers.
CHRISTIAN
(points next door again)
But...
PER
OK. I'll throw them up to you.
Per tries to throw the flowers to her, but fails because the flowers
are too light. He finds a small stone. He binds them together.
He throws them again. The stone hits the house and makes a big
----------------------- 69-----------------------
sound. Hesler's window opens. Christian's window closes. A little
crippled Per runs away.
Hesler rushes to the door of Christian's bed room with a wooden
stick in his hand as a weapon.
HESLER
(in a anxious tone)
Is someone trying toharm you?Are you
hurt?
He does notwait forthe answer. He rushes into her room.He finds
her in bed with her head covered by the blanket. He gently uncovers
her face. Christian is laughing.
CHRISTIAN
It's him, stupid. He wastryingto throw
his heart to me.
HESLER
His heart? How?
Christian laughs even louder. Hesler realizes her meaning.
HESLER
All right, my young lady, I warn you,
and your friend boy. Nomore games. If
he wants you, whatever his name is,come
to me face to face. I don't like fool
around boys. (beat) Also remember, you
are not fully recovered yet.
CHRISTIAN
He is a bit naive, but he is nice guy.
Funny isn't it?
HESLER
My only girl is going to leave home.
Is it funny?
Hesler's eyes show some affection. That touches Christian.
CHRISTIAN
Don't worry, old man. I'm not going to
leave you. This house will always be
my home. You will always be my old man.
HESLER
----------------------- 70-----------------------
It makes me think more seriously of
starting a small HOME FOR HOMELESS PETS,
so that I will never bealone.Besides,
I need to do it.
Christian does not know what to say. Hesler covers her face, and
walks out the door. Christian removes the blanket from her face,
speaks with a deep and touching tone.
CHRISTIAN
Papa, your idea of a home for homeless
pets is beautiful. And thanks, for the
second time you saved my life.
FADE TO:
INT. DRAGON KING RESTAURANT - DUSK
Per is in his suit sitting at a table restlessly. A waiter comes.
WAITER
Are you ready to order? Sir?
PER
I'm expecting two friends.
Per looks at his watch, and walks to the telephone.
CUT TO:
INT. CHRISTIAN'S HOME, LIVING ROOM - THE SAME TIME PER IS AT THE
RESTAURANT.
Christian is in a very nice black evening dress and the red high
heel shoes she got from Per earlier. She answers the phone.
PER
Are youstillthere? I have been waiting
here for half an hour now.
CHRISTIAN
What time were we supposed to meet?
PER
At 7.
CHRISTIAN
----------------------- 71-----------------------
It's 6:30 now. Thatmakes you one hour
too early. We will be there by 7. My
old man is never late for anything.
Christian hangs up the phone, and shouts to upstairs.
CHRISTIAN
Are you ready to go?
HESLER
I can't find my sock, one of the two
socks.
Christian hurries upstairs, enters Hesler's room. She looks at
Hesler, saying
CHRISTIAN
You go shave. I'll find your sock for
you.
HESLER
I shaved this morning. I shave every
morning.
CHRISTIAN
Shave again. Today is not every day.
Today is today.
Hesler touches his face, hesitating.
CHRISTIAN
Go, go, go. We are running out of time.
It's my big day today.
Hesler goes downstairs. Christian looks for the sock. She finds
the sock under a dirty magazine. She picks up the sock, and throws
the magazine into the trash. Andthen, sheseesthecrumpledpaper
Hesler wrote the other day. She quickly reads the first of a few
words. She has no time formore. Sheputs thepaper intoher small
handbag.
INT. RESTAURANT - CONTINUOUS
Per is still sitting in the restaurant. The waiter comes again.
WAITER
Are you ready to order now? Sir.
PER
----------------------- 72-----------------------
No, I said I'm expecting two friends.
WAITER
I see. But, would you like something
to drink while you are waiting?
PER
No, please wait.
WAITER
What else can I do for you expect
waiting?
PER
(starting to lose his
temper)
I said wait. What are you? You are a
waiter. You are here to wait. I'm
waiting for my future father in law.
Don't you understand!
WAITER
I see. Good luck to you.
EXT/INT. RESTAURANT - CONTINUOUS
Christian and Hesler rush into the restaurant. Hesler takes a
look at his watch. (C.U.) It's 2 to 7.
CHRISTIAN
(looking for Per)
I'm sure you are going to like Per.
HESLER
What did you say his name is, was?
CHRISTIAN
Per, Per Nilson. Oh, stupid me. Iforgot
to tell you. He is Swedish. He says he
understands Norwegian. You can speak
Norwegian to him, Men's talk. Wouldn't
that be nice?
Hesler looks shocked. He stops. And then he says
HESLER
You go ahead. Ineed to go to the man's
room.
----------------------- 73-----------------------
Hesler walks towards the men's room direction. When Christian
is out of sight, he suddenly turns back and quickly walks out
of the restaurant.
Per is very happy to see Christian. Christian hugs and kisses
Per. Per looks a little embarrassed. Per shouts to the waiter.
PER
I told you they would come. Now you can
bring something to drink. Right, honey,
what would you like?
CHRISTIAN
Why do you always have to be in such
a hurry? Shouldn't we wait for my...
I mean for our...
PER
You are absolutely right. But where is
my father... in-law.
CHRISTIAN
He is coming...
Christian points a finger, and Per understands.
WAITER
Yes, Sir. What would you...
PER
(cutting him off)
Wait!
WAITER
But you called me...
PER
(cutting him off again and
shouts loudly)
Wait! I said wait. I meant wait.
That surprises not only Christian, but also the people around.
5 minutes pasts, 10 minutes. Per gives waiter a 1-dollar tip.
Immediately, waiter goes to the men's room and soon comes back.
He shakes his head to Per telling him that Hesler is not there.
Per stands up with anger. He quickly goes to the men's room.
Christian follows closely. In frontof themen's room, Christian
stops Per.
----------------------- 74-----------------------
CHRISTIAN
Haven't you heard of "Ladies first" my
gentleman? Let me talk to him.
Christian walks in, realizes this is a place strictly for men.
She stops.
CHRISTIAN
I guess you have your privilege.
Per walks in, and walks out.
PER
Nobody. Nobody is in there.
CHRISTIAN
That's impossible. I saw him walk in.
PER
Check it yourself.
Christian walks in.
PER (CONT'D)
Don't forget the toilet. Make sure he
didn't fall in.
On her way out, Christian meets a man who is entering. He looks
surprised.
Per starts to walk back. When Per is half way to his table, the
waiter comes again.
WAITER
Are you ready to...
Per takes a pitcher of water from the waiter and appears to be
seriously fighting theurge topour it onhim. Instead, Perpours
the water onto his own head. Then, he puts 5 dollars on the table
and walks out of the restaurant.
PER
Nobody insults me like this. Nobody!
Meanwhile, a waiter tells Christian that she has a phone call.
CHRISTIAN
(to the phone angrily)
----------------------- 75-----------------------
How canyoudothisto usyouold man...
You are what... You pissed your pants?
I don't believe it.
Christian goes back to the table and finds Per is no longer there.
She orders food for three. She makes a toast and clinks the three
glasses. She drinks thethreeglasses ofwine.Sheopensher handbag
to get her purse. She sees the crumpled paper she picked up from
under Hesler's bed. She starts to read it. As she reads, her facial
expression changes. Suddenly she stands up and rushes out of the
restaurant. She realizes she forgot to pay the bill. She rushes
in, pays the bill, and exits again.
CUT TO:
INT. HOME, HESLER'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Hesler finishes writing something. He ties a rope around a ceiling
beam, and he stands on a chair putting his head into the noose.
He kicks the chair. The chair falls. Hesler's face turns red and
then brown. He suddenly grips and pulls an the rope in order to
breathe.
CUT TO:
EXT. ON OUTSIDE OF THE RESTAURANT -SAME TIME ABOVE
Christian leaves the restaurant. A taxi comes. She gets in, but
after she takes a look at her purse, shegets out again. She walks
quickly. She removes her red high heel shoes. She starts to run.
INT. HOME, HESLER'S BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS
Hesler is struggling for survival. He is running out of strength.
He is getting worse and worse. He is about to give up.
EXT. ON ROAD - CONTINUOUS
She starts to run, faster and faster. She gets home. She stops,
gasps, pauses.
INT. HOME - CONTINUOUS
She rushes into the house and shouts Hesler's name. No response.
She looks forHeslerin the living room, thekitchen,thewashroom.
She is about to go to the back garden when she stops.
CHRISTIAN
Come out, or you are a dead man.
----------------------- 76-----------------------
She goes upstairs.
INT. UPSTAIRS - CONTINUOUS
She puts her ear against the door of Hesler's room. She hears
groaning sounds. She walks away a fewsteps. She walks backagain.
She knocks on the door. No response. She pushes the door. It won't
open. She hits the door and shouts Hesler's name, still noresponse.
She puts her ear against the door again. She hears more groaning
sounds.
INT. HESLER'S BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS
Hesler uses the last of his strength as he calls
HESLER
Ch...ai...r
INT. OUTSIDE HESLER'S BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS
Christian tries to kick the door open
CHRISTIAN
You are looking at your dirty magazines
aren't you? We have more important
things to talk about. Open up.
She kicks the door again, again, and again. Finally
CHRISTIAN
You dirty old man. I'll count to 5.
1,2,3,4,5.
She uses her whole body to beak open the door, one time, twice,
and three times. The door opens.
INT. HESLER'S BED ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Christian is shocked by what she is seeing. She quickly grabs
Hesler and lifts him up a little. She hears Hesler's vague voice
HESLER
Ch..ch..chair.
CHRISTIAN
Right. The chair. Hang on.
CUT TO:
----------------------- 77-----------------------
INT. LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Christian is angry and heart-broken.
CHRISTIAN
How can you do this to me?
HESLER
I'm sorry. I thought I'm no use to you
anymore.
CHRISTIAN
"YOU ARE MY ONLYFAMILY,"you said. Now
I will reciprocate the sentiment. Why
have I worked so hard to master the
violin? You knew I didn't like it. All
I wanted is to please you. Understand?
Now that you have what you want, you
throw me away, like trash. You, selfish,
cruel...
Christian starts to beat Hesler on the shoulder with a slipper.
Hesler turns his back to her.
HESLER
It just, there is something...
CHRISTIAN
I don't care. And I don't want to know.
I just can't afford to lose another
father.
(beat) )
What thing? Tell me.
Christian stopsbeating Hesler. He offers his back to Christian.
HESLER
Beat me. Beat me more.
CHRISTIAN
Tell me.
Hesler picks up the slipper, starts to beat himself.
CHRISTIAN
Stop it. Tell me.
HESLER
(shout)
----------------------- 78-----------------------
I can't. I'm too ashamed...
Hesler beats himself harder and harder. He starts to make some
kind of groan, which sounds somewhat as if he were having an orgasm.
Christian walks out.
INT. KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS
Hesler is cooking. Christian sits waiting.
HESLER
Do you want to cook?
CHRISTIAN
No, (suddenly she looks lightened) I
thought it over. If you try to do such
a stupid thing again, I promise you,
I will stopplaying the violin. Iwill
chop your violin into pieces and use
them to bake a sweet potato.
Hesler stops cooking. He faces Christian.
HESLER
You won't do that.
CHRISTIAN
If you keep cooking for a long, long
time...
He continues cooking.
They finish eating. Christian washes up. Hesler is about to go
to the living room. Christian asks
CHRISTIAN
You will have to answer two questions
for me. One, why did you walk away from
the restaurant tonight? Per is very
upset about it.
HESLER
What is the second?
CHRISTIAN
What is that "that thing" you were
talking about, what you wrote about in
your letter?
----------------------- 79-----------------------
HESLER
What letter?
Christian takes her handbag, takes out the letter.
CHRISTIAN
Here it is. You wrote "Christian, my
baby, my child," blah blah blah. At the
end, you wrote: "But before I die, I
must tell you that thing, so that my
soul can rest inpeace.That thing is...
" You stopped here like a radio show
hook. Now tell me, what was that
"thing"?
HESLER
I walked away from the restaurant,
because when I saw your friendboy, or
is it your boy friend? I suddenly
realize I can't see you marry him.
CHRISTIAN
Why?
HESLER
Because your marriage with him will
kill me.
CHRISTIAN
But why?
HESLER
All your questions are related. You
will find out one you find out all. But
I can'ttellyounow.It's tooshameful.
If you want to keep me alive, don't ask
me more questions. And today, nothing
happened in this house.
CHRISTIAN
But I'm Per's woman. He loves me.
HESLER
(shout)
All right. If he is the man you want,
move out with him and never come back.
Hesler wants to walk away.
----------------------- 80-----------------------
CHRISTIAN
Hey, are you jealous?
HESLER
What! I'm supposed to be your father.
How can you say something like that?
CHRISTIAN
Is that the THING of which you are
ashamed about?
Hesler pauses.
HESLER
There are manythingsintheworldthat
you are still too young to understand.
Hesler walks out of the kitchen.
Christian remains in the kitchen making coffee.
CHRISTIAN
(to herself)
"LOVE AND DEATH." I'mnot too young to
understand that!
Her hands are shaking. After the coffee is ready, she takes two
cups out of the kitchen.
INT. LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
She puts one cup on the table for herself, then, hands the other
cup to Hesler. She shakes too much and breaks his coffee cup.
She quickly picks up cup debris. She wants to go back to thekitchen.
Hesler asks her to stay. He takes the debris to the kitchen. He
comes back with a bottle of alcohol.
CHRISTIAN
Can I ask you something else?
HESLER
No more questions.
CHRISTIAN
Did you ever love mom?
HESLER
Anne? This is something else I should
have told you earlier. We are not a real
----------------------- 81-----------------------
couple. It was in the war, we had you,
so we had to stick together in order
to survive.
CHRISTIAN
How about Nancy, the butcher woman?
HESLER
Do I like Nancy? Oh No, I just try to
be nice to her, not only her, to
everybody. I feel I owepeopletoo much.
CHRISTIAN
Aren't you going to look for some one?
HESLER
Me? No. Ihave youmy lady.My life has
no room for anyone else. Besides, I'm
too old for that sort of thing.
Hesler drinks. Christian thinks deeply.
HESLER
OK. I think we have had a long day.
Tomorrow, make whatever excuse you can
to your friend. Tell him you got a
terrible father who he should never
meet. Now, sleep well my child.
Hesler goes to upstairs.
CHRISTIAN
(to herself)
I got your message.
(beat)
Oh, poor old man! Now what? Besides
you kill yourself, I'll have towatch
you not to get killed by Per.
FADE TO:
INT. CONCERT HALL, BACK STAGE - DAY
Per iswaiting for Christian. When he seesher coming,he quickly
calls Mary. (As mentioned earlier, Mary made a drastic change
in her appearance. She bleached her hair blonde. She now wears
contact lenses.) Per starts to talk to Mary as if he did not know
that Christian was coming.
----------------------- 82-----------------------
PER
(Intentionally)
Mary, your hair looks great today.
MARY
(looks unexpected)
Really? But I had it done a long time
ago.
PER
(Intentionally)
Oh-- what happened to your glasses?
Christian walks towards Per. She tugs Per by the ear and draws
him away.
PER
Hey, I was talking to someone.
CHRISTIAN
No, you were not talking. You were
flirting.
PER
Stop. It hurts.
CHRISTIAN
You hurt me first.
They arrive at a room. They enter.
INT. ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Christian quickly locks the door. Per looks a little scared.
CHRISTIAN
Now, sit. We have a problem.
Per sits down, like a child.
PER
What's the problem?
CHRISTIAN
There is a THING, the THING, I can't
explain to you easily. He is vital to
me. He is my only family.
PER
----------------------- 83-----------------------
I don'tknowwhat you aretalkingabout.
CHRISTIAN
(she changes her tone with
tears in her eyes)
I'm sorry Per. It is not that I don't
love you. But I'm afraid we can't get
married very easily.
PER
What?
CHRISTIAN
I said I might not beable tomarry you
very soon.
PER
I heard that.
CHRISTIAN
Aren't you going to kill me? Or
yourself?
PER
Don't flatter yourself. I have my Mom
and Dad. Don't think you are the only
one in my life.
CHRISTIAN
But in his life, I'm the only one. I
mean my old man, my father.
PER
(cutting off)
Don't ever mention your father to me
again! He insulted me in a way that no
one ever has.
CHRISTIAN
How can we avoidmentioning him? He is
my father, my only family.
PER
Your only family! What about me? Am I
not your family?
CHRISTIAN
----------------------- 84-----------------------
It's not the same. I-I-, I just can't
afford to lose another father. You know
I am adopted. He loves me, more than
anything else. I'm all he has.
PER
He is your father.
CHRISTIAN
He is a man, too!
PER
(shocked)
Oh. That's the problem. That's why he
humiliated me on purpose. Now I
understand. He is jealous.
Christian stares daggers at him.
PER (CON'D)
You and your father havebeen... Oh my
God, that's disgusting!
CHRISTIAN
Stop it. It's not what you think.
Their voices get louder and louder. Mary is outside the door.
She presses her ear against it listening. More and more people
gather outside.
PER
Maybe, maybe we should just call the
whole thing off.
CHRISTIAN
You have just made a historic decision.
You are going to regret it.
PER
Oh ya, maybe, maybe, you should marry
your father instead.
CHRISTIAN
Thank you. Thank you. Again, you have
just generously given me a
tremendously brave idea.
(tears come out) )
Now my gentleman, would you mind?
----------------------- 85-----------------------
Christian walks to the door. Per blocks the way.
PER
Christian, I'm sorry. You know I always
speak faster than I think. Please.
CHRISTIAN
Not now.
(cleans her face)
Meet me after the rehearsal.
Christian pushes Per away. She opens the door. She pushes Mary
and other onlookers aside. She walks away.
Per sees everybody and suddenly realizes he has just lost face.
He rushes to thedoor,shouts atChristian'sback sothateverybody
can hear his attempt to save face.
PER
What do you think you are, the only
girl in the world?
INT. STAGE - CONTINUOUS
The orchestra is about to start rehearsal. The manager says a
few words. The CONDUCTOR asks.
CONDUCTOR
If there are no questions, let's start.
Page...
Per suddenly stands up.
PER
(speak very fast)
I have a very important announcement
to make.
CONDUCTOR
You what, speak more slowly.
PER
(speak very slowly)
I said I had a very important
announcement to make.
CONDUCTOR
Again? We have notimeforyourromantic
nonsense.
----------------------- 86-----------------------
PER
Sorry Sir. I hereby announce that, I,
Per Nilson, and Christian Olsen, the
lady over there...
MANAGER
Stop. No personal affairs are allowed.
PER
(says again very slowly)
I, Per Nilson and Christian Olsen, the
lady over there...
MANAGER
(shouting)
That's enough Per.
Per continues shouting.
PER
I loved her, with all my soul and all
my heart. But we can't marry. Do you
know why? Because, ladies and
gentlemen, my beloved girl Christian
Olsen is doing it with her father.
The whole orchestra begins talking all at once. They are shocked
by the news.
Christian stands up and walks off the stage. Per follows her and
continues.
PER
Christian, my beloved girl is going to
marry her father. Yes she canmarry her
father. They are not blood related.
Christian, you have ruined my life...
Christian suddenly turns back. Per stops. They look at each other
for a second. Christian grabs Per and gives him a quick kiss.
CHRISTIAN
You just lost me by breaking your
promise. Bye, Per, period.
Christian wipes her nose with her hand, cleans her hand on
Per's clothes, and walks away.
PER
----------------------- 87-----------------------
Oh my God. She ruined my clothes too.
Two men take Per off the stage. Another man helps with the cello.
Mary looks happy to see what is happening.
MANAGER
(to everybody)
I'm extremely sorry to announce we have
just lost a cellist, maybe a violinist,
too. Therefore I advise you all, from
now on, no personal affairs. I don't
care whether it is a wedding or a
funeral...
FADE OUT.
INT. HESLER'S BED ROOM - NIGHT
Hesler is writing something.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. SMALL TOWN BOX HILL - WINTER
It shows a sequence of scenes from the small town in winter.
HESLER (VOICE V.O. WITH MUSIC)
Parents of Christian: I have raised
your child to a respectable lady. Now
I have to accept her wish of changing
my role from father to husband. Your
daughter is in love with me. Yes, I
confess I love you daughter too, more
and more with each day that goes by.
But my love forher is aboveparental,
above sex. It is a love for life. It
is love that reforms me. She lost you
both during the war. Being a survivor,
I should make use of my life to meet
younger victim's needs, even take a
role as a husband. I pray that when I
meet you in heaven, you will forgive
me and accept me as your family.
After Hesler finishes the letter, he burns the letter and prays.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. OSLO, YEAR 1943 - DAY
----------------------- 88-----------------------
Overlap with the image of Christian's parents being shot dead.
FADE OUT.
INT. CHRISTIAN'S BED ROOM - NIGHT
When the narration goes on, Christian can't get sleep inher bed.
She knocks on the wall to see if there will be a response from
Hesler.
INT. HESLER'S BED ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Hesler hears the knocking sound. He quickly puts out the fire
and goes to bed, pretending to be asleep.
CUT TO:
INT MARKET PLACE - DAY
At Nancy's meat shop, a few people are gossiping.
CUT TO:
IN FRONT OF THE FLOWER SHOP - DAY
A couple of people pass by the flower shop. They talk amongst
themselves secretively.
A man buys flowers. He pays. Hesler is chatting with him very
warmly. A woman comes in and takes the man away. While they are
on the way to their car, Hesler sees the woman taking the flowers
from the man and throwing them away. The flowers lie in dirty
water.
CUT TO:
INT. CHURCH - DAY
Hesler and Christian walk into the church. They find seats in
the middle. The people beside them slowly move away from them.
When the service starts, there is nobody close to them. When the
contribution box comes, Hesler puts in a 10-dollar bill. Then,
he hands it to Christian. Christian quickly takes the 10-dollar
bill out of the box, replaces it with a 1-dollar bill. She passes
the box to the person in the back. The person behind her refuses
to take it from her. She puts the box on the bench, stands up,
and walks out of the church. Her footsteps can be heard. Hesler
stays for a while, then walks out quietly too.
----------------------- 89-----------------------
CUT TO:
INT. MARKET PLACE - DAY
Hesler and Christian walk in the market. People stare at them
as if they are foreigners. Christian challenges them by holding
Hesler's arm. They are atNancy'smeat shop. Theyorder somemeat.
Nancy chops a big piece, throws it in front of them.
NANCY
One dollar.
HESLER
You are always too kind to us, but this,
one dollar? It's too cheap.
NANCY
It's cheap, very cheap. But it is not
as cheap as the lady beside you.
Onlookers laugh.
HESLER
I understand your feelings Nancy.
But...
Christian pushes Hesler behind her.
CHRISTIAN
Thanks Nancy. As you are so kind to us,
we might as well take the whole pig.
I mean PIG! You hear that: PI...G!
Hesler apologizes to Nancy, and quickly runs away. Christian
follows after him.
CUT TO:
EXT. UNDER THE BRIDGE - CONTINUOUS
CHRISTIAN
Why are you running away?
HESLER
This is not going to work. The only way
out is to leave this town. I have had
that in my mind since the whole thing
got started.
----------------------- 90-----------------------
CHRISTIAN
Why are you always running away from
your problems?
HESLER
In order to survive, we have to run away.
CHRISTIAN
But, this is Box Hill we are talking
about. It's my hometown, the place I
grew up.
HESLER
To me, everywhere is the same. It
doesn't matter how much my homeland
means to me. When it leaves no room for
me to go onliving. I havetomove away.
CHRISTIAN
I don't want to move away, at least not
so easily as that. I want to challenge
every body that against us, challenge
the whole town if I have to.
HESLER
OK, do what you like. After that, we
move away.
FADE OUT.
EXT. UNDER THE BRIDGE - DAY
Christian is in a wedding dress. She has flowers in her hair.
Hesler takes her hand and leads her to the transport tricycle.
Instead of sitting on the back, Christian wants to pedal. Hesler
lets her do it. He sits the back. The tricycle is now very old,
and it noisily tows some empty cans. They go through the whole
town. Various responses can be seen. Someone throws an egg at
them. Then more eggs, vegetables, milk...
They come home very dirty. Christian is laughing. She is apparently
satisfied. She is about to sit on the couch.
HESLER
Go washyourselfbefore you sit mylady.
I'm not going to clean it.
----------------------- 91-----------------------
Christian throws herself into Hesler, and starts to kiss him.
Hesler tries to avoid it.
HESLER
Go wash yourself before...
Christian uses her mouth to cover Hesler's mouth. For a while,
Hesler pushes Christian away a little bit. Says
HESLER
Beat me.
CHRISTIAN
What?
HESLER
Beat me. The way you did the other day.
Music, beautiful nature scenes go from spring to summer.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. HOME. BACK GARDEN - SUMMER LATE AFTERNOON
Hesler is doing exercise.
INT. HOME, KITCHEN - SAME TIME ABOVE
Christian is alone in the kitchen cooking.
INT. DINING TABLE - CONTINUOUS
Hesler takes a bottle of strong alcohol and pours a full glass
as usual.
CHRISTIAN
(hesitate, but speak out)
What's the use of working out? The
bottles wear you out faster.
HESLER
The bottle is my life. I can't...
(he drinks)
CHRISTIAN
You have no life. It now belongs to me.
It is my responsibility to make your
life last.
----------------------- 92-----------------------
Christian walks to Hesler, takes the bottle, and pours the alcohol
down the drain.
HESLER
(Sounds very angry)
Stop!
He quickly finishes the glass, and stands up, grabs the bottle
from Christian's hand.
HESLER
(in a tone of begging)
The last glass please.
Christian lets him pour a glass. Then, Hesler gives the bottle
back to Christian. She does not take it.
CHRISTIAN
Do it yourself.
HESLER
What!
(beat) )
OK.
Music. Beautiful nature scenes go from summer to winter.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. LIVING ROOM - WINTER LATE AFTERNOON
CHRISTIAN
It's freezing.
HESLER
Eating potatoes every day, soon we
won't even be able to support our own
heat.
CHRISTIAN
But we can't spend all our savings.
HESLER
No. I mean we got to get out of here.
CHRISTIAN
You want to moveoutnow;you'llfreeze
to be one of those statues. And the whole
town will smell you when spring comes.
----------------------- 93-----------------------
HESLER
What do yousuggest? Do you havebetter
ideas?
CHRISTIAN
All we need to do is survive the winter.
When the spring comes, I'll start my
violin school, and I'll help you with
your flower shop as well. Now, You go
to get 1 dollar meat. I'll start the
fire.
HESLER
Don't burn more flowers. That's my
business.
CHRISTIAN
No body buys from us at the moment anyway.
Might as well make a good use of them.
HESLER
Yes, Ma'am.
EXT. MARKET PLACE - CONTINUOUS
Hesler comes to Nancy's meat store.
HESLER
How are you lately Nancy? Mind giveme
1 dollar meat?
NANCY
Hey look who's here. So you're eating
meat again?
HESLER
It's for my little lady.
NANCY
How nice. Now, watch me.
Nancy cuts all the good parts away, and gives Hesler the worst
parts.
HESLER
Thank you, for- for being so special
to me.
----------------------- 94-----------------------
Nancy takes the money. She looks at Hesler affectionately. She
picks up a nice piece of meat and gives to Hesler.
NANCY
Here have this. It's for you, not your
lady.
HESLER
No, I can't accept that.
NANCY
Come on, you need it. Youlookterrible.
That woman is killing you.
HESLER
Alright. Thanks Nancy.
Hesler takes it and then gives her another dollar.
NANCY
No.
(beat) )
OK, 10cents.Come moreoften.Youneed
meat.
Nancy trembles. She cuts another piece, adds it to the package
and gives it to Hesler.
FADE OUT.
INT. POLICE STATION - SPRING DAY
The old lady, Mrs. Robinson, is talking to a police receptionist.
RECEPTIONIST
What can I do for you?
OLD LADY
I lost my dog.
RECEPTIONIST
Again?
(she is checking a file)
Hold on, is it a white SHIH TZU?
OLD LADY
You know my Lucy?
RECEPTIONIST
----------------------- 95-----------------------
No, but someone found it.
She shows a photo to Mrs. Robinson.
OLD LADY
Thank God! And thank you.
RECEPTIONIST
With our efforts, there have been no
pets missing inthepastcoupleof years.
I thinkwecanproudlyannounce ourtown
as a pet's safe zone.
FADE IN:
EXT. FLOWER SHOP - DAY IN SPRING
On the second floor, there is new sign printed CHRISTIAN'S VIOLIN
SCHOOL.
INT. CHRISTIAN'S FORMER BEDROOM NOW A VIOLIN LESSON ROOM
- CONTINUOUS
The phone rings. Christian pick up the phone
CHRISTIAN
Olsen Flower Shop, how can I help you?
CALLER
Hello, is this Christian's Violin
school?
Christian looks delighted.
CHRISTIAN
Yes, this is Christian's Violin School.
Christian Olsen speaking. May I ask who
is calling?
CALLER
My name is John. I am just wondering
if your school has an age limit.
CHRISTIAN
No. We accept students of any age. How
old is your child?
JOHN
----------------------- 96-----------------------
Child? No, we have no child. I'm a
retired man. Iusedto pass yourflower
shop. I always heard wonderful violin.
I always thought when IretiredIwould
learn to play the violin.
CHRISTIAN
You aremostwelcome, Mr..? I meanJohn.
I like old people you know.
JOHN
Yeah, I heard about that. But I don't
care. I just want to play the violin.
(he hums a tune)
CHRISTIAN
(feels hurt, but she
continues)
That's very niceofyouJohn.When would
you like to get started?
CUT TO:
EXT. FLOWER SHOP - DAY
Hesler stands in front of the flower shop expecting customers.
Barely any come. Very ugly violin sounds can be heard upstairs.
Hesler uses a piece of tissue to make two small balls with which
to plug his ears.
INT. CHRISTIAN'S VIOLIN LESSON ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Christian is giving John a lesson. She can't stand thebad sound.
She makes a gesture as if to kill him. But she realizes that John
sees her. She instantly pretends to be helping him hold the bow.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. CHRISTIAN'S VIOLIN LESSON ROOM ANOTHER DAY - DAY
Christian is teaching two retired men. They aremaking progress.
After the lesson, each of them buys a bunch of flowers.
PAUL (RETIRED MAN)
Could I...
Hesler has tissue balls in his ears, he can't hear.
HESLER
----------------------- 97-----------------------
What did you say? Will you speak up?
JOHN
(to paul)
I thinkhe has a bad ear Paul.You will
have to speak up.
Hesler realizes his ear is filled with tissue balls. He takes
them out quickly so that the customers will not see them. Paul
makes a gesture asking Hesler to put his ear closer to his mouth,
and then he shouts with huge voice.
PAUL
Could I have some flowers please?
From the window, Christian seeswhat's happening. She is amused.
John also makes a gesture asking Hesler to put his ear closer
to his mouth.
HESLER
(with friendly smile and
sense of humor)
I got it, my ears are no good, but I
read your mind. You would like to have
a bunch too.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. CHRISTIAN'S VIOLIN LESSON ROOM ANOTHER DAY - DAY
The violin class has 3 retired men, and one retired lady.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. CHRISTIAN'S VIOLIN LESSON ROOM ANOTHER DAY - DAY
The class grows. There are housewives and children. After the
lessons, they all get a flower discount ticket.
HESLER
You folks play very well.
Congratulations!
PAUL
How would you know? You don't hear
properly.
JOHN
----------------------- 98-----------------------
He hears by heart you know.
Everybody laughs. Hesler is very friendly towards everybody
HESLER
You are absolutely right. I read your
heart. You guys are beautiful.
NOT BEAUTIFUL LADY
Am I beautiful too?
HESLER
Sure you are. You are among the most
beautiful ladies I have ever seen.
NOT BEAUTIFUL LADY
Oh, that's nice. Doing anything
tonight?
HESLER
I'm not a free man, Too bad.
Hesler shows his wedding ring to the lady.
NOT BEAUTIFUL LADY
Just kidding. You know how to enjoy
your life with your young lady. I
understand that. We all live only
once.
Hesler smiles to her to say thanks, but soon he turns his face
away. His facial expression reveals that he was affected by the
old lady's words.
FADE OUT.
INT. HOME, DINING TABLE - NIGHT
Hesler is making calculations. Christian is cooking. Christian
asks.
CHRISTIAN
How much have we got this month?
HESLER
After taxes, wehave234dollar53 cents
from flowers, plus from your lessons,
all together should be (he is
calculating)
----------------------- 99-----------------------
CHRISTIAN
(cutting in)
If it goes on like this, we'll make
enough to cover our expenses.
HESLER
Good!
CHRISTIAN
We won't have to move out of town. We've
won the battle!
Hesler looks excited. He walks to Christian, and hugs her. Then,
his facial expression changes to be serious and heavy. Christian
notices that.
CHRISTIAN
What's wrong?
HESLER
Remember, I said I wish I could start
a home for the homeless.
CHRISTIAN
For pets?
HESLER
For pets too.
Christian looks touched. She holds his hand.
FADE OUT.
EXT. CHURCH - DAY
Christian and Hesler walk into the church. People have gotten
use to seeing them together. Someone greets them, and others do
as well.
INT. CHURCH - CONTINUOUS
Inside the church, they sit normally amongst others. When the
contribution box comes, Hesler puts 1 dollar in, and then passes
the box to Christian. Christian takes a quarter and shows it to
Hesler telling him to put in coins not paper money. She puts no
coin into the box and passes it to the next person, who takes
it.
CUT TO:
----------------------- 100-----------------------
INT. HOSPITAL - DAY
A DOCTOR talks to Christian.
DOCTOR
It is still too early to tell.
(in a humorous way)
But, you have 50% chance. Come back in
two weeks.
CUT TO:
EXT. ON ROAD - CONTINUOUS
Christian is very excited. She rides her bike as quickly aspossible
to get home.
CUT TO:
INT. HOME - CONTINUOUS
Hesler is working in the garden with an electric saw. The saw
is a bit jammed and the switch of the saw is suddenly out of order.
Hesler puts the saw down and walks to the cable main switch. He
turn the main switch off. Then, he walks back and tries to fix
the saw.
Christian comes home with great excitement.
CHRISTIAN
The doctor is funny. He said I was 50%
pregnant!
She looks forHeslerin the living room, thekitchen,thewashroom,
and upstairs.
INT. THEIR BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS
Christian sees Hesler through the bedroom window. She shouts to
him.
CHRISTIAN
I maybe pregnant.
Christian sees Hesler didn't hear. She rushes out of the room.
EXT. BACK GARDEN - CONTINUOUS
----------------------- 101-----------------------
Christian runs into the garden. She steps on the switchand turns
the electricity on. The electrical saw cuts Hesler's right arm
off. The blood erupts like fountain.
CUT TO:
EXT ON ROAD - DAY
An ambulance on the road.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. HOSPITAL - DAY
Christian sits anxiously in a room. A doctor comes to her
DOCTOR
I'm sorry. We did everything we could.
Christian pushes the doctor away,dashesinto theoperationroom.
She goes crazy, holds Hesler's body crying. No matter how doctors
and nurses try to persuade her, she does not let go of his body
DOCTOR
(speaks to a nurse)
Try to contact other members of her
family.
CHRISTIAN
(over hears)
He is my only family. I killed my only
family.
The clock shows the pass age of several hours.
EXT. OUTSIDE OF THE HOSPITAL - CONTINUOUS
Nancy standing outside the hospital, she sees Benjamin Berg and
quickly approaches him. She stops him and asks. Berg makes a
gesture indicating Hesler is dead. Nancy bursts into tears.
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - CONTINEOUS
Benjamin Berg comes into the room.
BENJAMIN
Christian, I have something for you.
Your father entrusted it to me, Imean,
before he got married.
----------------------- 102-----------------------
Benjamin hands a hard envelop to her. She slowly takes it. She
opens it. There is another soft envelope. She opens it. It is
a letter.
NARRATION HESLER'S VOICE
NARRATION (V.O.)
Dear Christian, my child, my
everything and only thing. Now that I
am dead, in order for my soul to rest
in peace, I tell you the truth. I am
your family, but at the same time, I
am the enemy of your family. Yes it was
I, Hans Ficker a Nazi officer, who
killed your parents. (Narration fades)
FLASHBACK
EXT. A SEQUENCE OF SCENES FROM OSLO 1943
INT. NAZI OFFICE - DAY
1943, A German Nazi officer calls a younger Nazi officer.
GERMAN OFFICER
(in German)
HANS FICKER. This is an order from
headquarters. All the names in this
list have proved to be Norwegian
anti-German guerrillas. Therefore
they must disappear immediately.
Hans Ficker (Hesler when he was young) receives the paper.
HANS/HESLER
Heil Hitler.
He walks out.
EXT BACKYARD - CONTINUOUS
A soldier is calling all the names
SOLDIER
Olaf Berckman, Harod Peterson, Kari
Nordmann, Hesler Olsen...
----------------------- 103-----------------------
People walk out fromthebuilding, among them a young couple with
a 9-month baby. Hans Ficker looks at the couple. He checks the
name again. He reads quietly
HANS/HESLER
Hesler Olsen...
The group of Norwegians line up. Hans Ficker uses his pistol to
shoot them one by one. When he shoots the father holding the baby,
the mother tries to cover them. He shoots the mother instead,
and then the father. They both fall. The baby starts to cry. He
points the pistol at thebaby. Thebaby suddenly smiles. Thesmile
is so sweet that he can't pull his trigger. He walks away. He
sees an ugly Norwegian CLEANING LADY (the mother who died in act
1). He talks to the lady. The lady is so scared that she cannot
talk. Hans asks
HANS/HESLER
Can you talk? Are you mute?
The cleaning lady does not answer. Hans points at the baby and
says
HANS/HESLER (CONT'D)
Take the baby away. This is an order.
The cleaning lady quickly goes to the mother and takes the baby
wrapped with a blanket.
FADE TO:
EXT. OSLO STREET - DAY
1945, Hans Ficker is in civilian clothes. He carries a violin
and is running away from Norwegian guerrillas. He finds the
Norwegian cleaning lady's home and sees the 2.5-year child. He
makes a gesture to the cleaning lady asking for help, but she
shakes her head. He grabs the child trying to take her.
HANS/HESLER
I need her to cover my escape.
Understand you?
Cleaning lady holds the child so tightly that it is not possible
to get her away. Hans picks up a wooden stick.
HANS/HESLER
Give her to me, or I kill you both.
----------------------- 104-----------------------
Now Norwegian guerrillas' voices can beheard.Hansquicklytakes
the child. Two guerrillas come in.
GUERRILLA 1
Er du i familie? (are you family?)
The cleaning lady does not answer. The lady looks at Hans. She
sees Hans holds the sleeping child tightly in one hand, and a
wooden stick in the other hand. She nods her head to the guerrillas.
GUERRILLA 2
Vent litt, er du den dama som jobbede
hos Tyskerne??? (Wait, are you the
woman who works for the Germans?)
Some one outside is calling them. They quickly go to the door.
GUERRILLA 2 (CON'D)
Vi skal komme tilbake. (We will be
back.)
After the guerrillas is gone. Hans hands the child back to the
lady. He says.
HANS/HESLER
I must run. You too. You work for us.
If they catch me, I tell them you spy
for us. You cannot talk. They won't
believe you. Now we are in the same boat.
We must escape. If not for you, you do
for the child.
The lady holds the child, without response.
HANS/HESLER(CONT'D)
We must go. We go to Sweden first. Now
think. I'm father, you are mother, and
she, our child. Our names are...
The cleaning lady takes a small blanket covers the child. Two
names "Hesler og Anne Olsen" have been embroidered on the blanket.
Hans carries the violin and takes the child running out of the
house. The lady cries and follows him.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT/INT ABANDON WOODEN COTTAGE, MOUNTAIN - NIGHT
----------------------- 105-----------------------
They get into an abandon cottage. The three hide there. They are
very cold. Hans/Hesler covers himself with a heavy coat. The child
is covered with the blanket, which has her parent's names on it.
When the Hans/Hesler falls sleep. Anne takes the coat, doubles
it and covers the child. (MATCH THE FLASHBACK AT THE ACT 1)
FADE OUT.
FLASHBACK ENDS.BACKTOTHEEND OFTHE60'SAFTERCHRISTIANRECEIVES
THE LETTER FROM BERG
EXT. OUTSIDE, THE WAY TO THE RIVER BRIDGE - DUSK
Violin music goes on. Christian takes her violin walking. She
walks to the river under thebridge where she went inACT 1.Scenes
of the river and the violin indicate her intention to throw the
violin into the river. It shows a sequence of flashbacks from
Christian's childhood with Hesler to her adulthood. (in the script
Hans continues to be called Hesler)
At the same time, the narration of Hesler's voice with violin
solo music.
HESLER'S VOICE
NARRATION (V.O)
Christian, I expect that by the time
you know the whole truth youwill want
me dead. You must not feel too much pain
for having lost me, which is my wish.
Another thing I want to tell you is that
by raising you, I have learned to be
a human. Family life taught me the
significance of being alive, the value
of life, and above all, love.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. HOME LIVING ROOM - DAY
Christian calls Hesler's lawyer Benjamin Berg.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. BERG LAWYER'S OFFICE - DAY
Christian signs a paper. The paper says that all proceeds from
the sale of Hesler's property will go to the Home for the Homeless
Fund. (No sound, only music and narration)
----------------------- 106-----------------------
HESLER'S VOICE
NARRATION (V.O)
The more I understand love, the more
I feel hiding from the truth is a prison.
For what I did to your parents and others,
I know that only death can set me free.
But, I am a coward. I am never brave
enough to kill myself. For all those
long years, I could only vent all my
feelings on small animals.
FADE OUT.
EXT. HOME, BACK GARDEN - DAY
Two real estate agents with the lawyer Benjamin Berg are checking
the house. They find a huge freezer in the storeroom at the back
garden. Inside, some animal remains, some big ones were cut into
pieces with electrical saw. They call the police.
The police come. They take the animals out of the freezer. They
find that all male animals have their genitals tied with rope,
and the female animals have had their vaginas plugged with wooden
sticks.
INT. SOME OFFICES - CONTINUOUS
Christian is in a government building. She is going through the
formal legal procedure of changing her name. She changes her name
from Christian Olsen to ANNE Olsen. (in the script, we continue
to call her Christian.)
NARRATION (V.O)
(HESLER'S VOICE)
Your mom Anne spent all her life
protecting you. The saddest thing is:
after having been family for all those
years, we don'tevenknowherreal name.
Sometimes I think, we could have been
a real and happy family if the war had
not happened. War is a very bad thing.
It destroys everybody's life and
humanity itself.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. OUTSIDE OF GOVERNMENT OFFICE BUILDING - DAY
----------------------- 107-----------------------
Christian walks out from the government building. She meets Per
and Mary. They lookvery happy together. Mary iswearing the same
kind of red high heels shoes Per gave to Christian years ago.
She avoids saying hello to them.
CUT TO:
EXT. GRAVEYARD - DAY
Christian is at a graveyard. She puts a bunch of flowers in front
of Anne Olsen's grave. On the way back, she passes a new grave
with HANS FICKER engraved on the tombstone. She pauses, sees Nancy
crying in front of Han's grave, her tears coming out. Christian
walks away.
HESLER'S VOICE
(NARRATION)
I begyou to bury me withmy real name.
Farewell Christian.
FADE OUT.
EXT. LONG DISTANCE BUS STATION - DAY
Christian with a smallbag, holding the baby toy that her "mother"
made (from the material of the blanket that had wrapped her when
she was a baby) and her violin. She gets on a long distance bus
leaving town.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. SOME SCENES FROM A CITY
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. IN FRONT OF A VIOLIN SHOP - DAY
A sign printed "Daniel Violins" hang above the entrance. (Still
with music and narration) Christian carrying her violin walks
into a violin shop. A moment later she walks out of the shopwithout
the violin. The shop owner holds the violin and follows her out
with a mixed facial expression of gratefulness and bemused.
NARRATION (V.O.)
(HESLER'S VOICE)
Christian, the violin is the only thing
left from the Ficker family. Just like
your parents, all my family members are
----------------------- 108-----------------------
dead. They were also victims of the
war. I am pleased that theviolintakes
my role tobe your life companion. You
two together, life goes on.
BACK TO THE CONCERT HALL ACT 1
EXT. OUTSIDE OF THE CONCERT HALL - NIGHT
Per shaved, and very nicely dressed, is waiting outside of the
concert hall with a little dog. (white SHIH TZU) The way he treats
the dog shows he got the dog only an hour ago, and the dog is
not friendly to him. He looks at his watch, again, and again.
He talks to the doorman.
PER
What time will the concert end?
DOORMAN
The second half just started. We're
looking at an hour or so.
INT. CONCERT HALL, THE STAGE THE SAME TIME ABOVE
David Chen is playing the violin. Camera changes from David to
Christian, and from Christian to David, and to other audience
members. Christian's left hand is still tapping on her thigh.
Her fingers are moving as fast as David's as he plays the violin.
EXT. OUTSIDE OF THE CONCERT HALL - CONTINUOUS
Per walks back and forth, endlessly. He goes up to the doorman
again.
PER
What time will it finish?
DOORMAN
Sorry Sir, I have already told you.
PER
Tell me again.
The dog barking reminds Per not to lose his temper. He stops talking,
apologizes, and walks away. He buys an ice cream, and takes big
bit too quickly. He chokes. He sits down on a street bench and
starts to fantasize.
(NOTE: PER'S FANTASY)
----------------------- 109-----------------------
EXT. OUTSIDE OF THE CONCERT HALL - NIGHT
Christian walks out from the concert hall. Per walks up to her.
She is very happy with the dog. They walk together.
INT. A COFFEE SHOP - CONTINUOUS
They sit down, having coffee.
PER
Honestly, Mary is a good woman. Our
marriage wasn't bad except...This is
our secret and should be kept from
Christiana forever, because I don't
want her to grow up to be like you.
PER'S FLASHBACK IN THE 70'S
INT. PER'S HOME - DAY IN THE 70'S
Per is reading a newspaper. Mary walks in.
PER
What did the doctor say?
MARY
The same. Not pregnant.
(beat) )
Per, what shall we do?
Marry starts crying. Per holds her to comfort her.
On the table, a news article saying "Nancy Miller's Home for
Homeless. "
PER
Don't give up... Or we can always get
our child from Nancy.
END OF PER'S FLASHBACK. BACK TO THE COFFEE SHOP
INT. COFFEE SHOP - CONTINUOUS
CHRISTIAN
How is Nancy?
PER
Oh, Nancy. She never got married. After
you left, Nancytooka loan boughtyour
----------------------- 110-----------------------
house. But the newspaper said a
children's fund paid the loan back to
the bank as soon as she started her Home
for the Homeless. She had 13 children
living there.
The coffee shop is empty. The owner politely asks them to leave.
EXT. STREET WITH FULL MOON - NIGHT
They walk again on the street. The dog looks tired. They sit down
on a bench.
PER
When we got Christiana from Nancy, she
was called Ingrid.
PER'S FLASHBACK TO THE 70'S
EXT. PER'S HOME - DAY
Per brings a 3-year girl into a small house.
GIRL
Mom, Mom, we are back.
There is no answer. Per sees a letter on the living room table.
He reads it.
GIRL
Where is mom?
PER
Mom will come back soon.
Per hugs the little girl.
(NOTE: PER'S FLASHBACK ENDS, BACK TO THE BENCH)
EXT. STREET, BENCH - CONTINUOUS
PER
Two years later Ireceiveda letterfrom
Mary saying she is happily married
again to a Danish man and is expecting
a child.
CHRISTIAN
Box Hill!-
----------------------- 111-----------------------
PER
After you left, many things happened
in Box Hill. You remember Mrs. Robinson,
the old lady. She died and left quite
a few pets
PER'S FLASHBACK IN THE 70'S
EXT. FORMERLY THE FLOWER SHOP. NOW NANCY'S HOME FOR HOMELESS -
DAY
A few police cars come with dogs and cats and other pets. Nancy
walks out of the house with a few children.
NANCY
Hesler Jr, watch your brothers and
sisters.
The biggest young boy spreadshis arms to prevent other kids from
getting close to the police cars.
EXT. BACK GARDEN - CONTINUOUS
Nancy and her children are playing with the pets.
CUT TO:
EXT. GRAVE YARD - DAY
PER (V.O.)
Nancy died three years ago. In
accordance with her will, she was
buried beside Hans Ficker.
Nancy Miller's grave is seen beside Han Ficker's.
CUT TO:
EXT/INT. BACK GARDEN. 2003 - DAY
A young man with a small dog in his hand is talking to a couple.
PER (V.O.)
The storeroom in your back yard is no
longer there. Hesler Jr. Miller,
Nancy's eldest son, built a pet
adoption meeting room.
----------------------- 112-----------------------
(NOTE: PER'S FANTASY ENDS. BACK TO OUTSIDE OF THE CONCERT HALL
PER IS WAITING FOR CHRISTIAN)
EXT. OUTSIDE OF THE CONCERT HALL - CONTINUOUS
Per's ice cream melts and drops on the head of the dog. The dog
shakes it's head. The resulting ice cream splatters mess up Per's
nice suit. When he is busy dealing with his disaster (cleaning
up his mess), the dog runs away.
INT. CONCERT HALL, THE STAGE - CONTINUOUS
The concert ends. Christian stands up, with tears in her eyes.
Roaring applause fills the whole concert hall.
END
About the author:
Daniel Chen
He took a screen writing class at USC in 2003.
He is a Norwegian citizen with Chinese background who has spent
some years in Australia and now permanently living in Japan. He
has been to 34 countries and has taken studies at 19universities
all over the world.
He used to be a professional violinist. Now he works as a
professional violinmaker and a violin shop owner. He has won a
diploma form International Violin Making Competition.
The script "Christian's Violin" is his first work in English.
It is done within 8 weeks. It is adopted from his novel under
the same title, which was published in Taiwan 2002.
He thanks Sandi Berg, Chris Kachel, Wynee Hu, for their
professional and friendly assistance.
Daniel Chen will continue writing his new scripts about his life
stories "Father Son & Violin".
danielviolins@hotmail.com
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