6
MARISSA
You're funny. But I'm glad you don 't take all this for real.
OSCO
For many people this is all they get from life. But tell me, how did you get here?
MARISSA
I'm an artist.....
OSCO
An artist! I am also an artist. That's what it is. That's what I found in you, my dear sister.
They laugh.
PAIR OF UNIFORMED POLICE OFFICERS walk through room, looking over girls and their customers to make sure nothing illegal is going on. They pass by Marissa and Osco, barely giving them a glance.
Marissa and Osco clock out at front desk. Long line of couples behind them. It's closing time.
OSCO
Let me walk you home. I'll wait outside.
CUT TO:
EXT. CLUB SERENADE---NIGHT
Most girls leave by themselves or in pairs. Marissa is alone. Osco joins her.
OSCO
Do you have any photographs of your work? I just can't wait to see it.
MARISSA
(reaching into purse)
Well, there should be one slide here somewhere. This painting. I keep it with me all the time. Oh, here, let's see if there is enough light.
They stop by street light. But it's not strong enough to see slide.
OSCO
O.K. I tell you what. You see this entrance? That's my studio. Plenty of light there. I just want to see it.
7
MARISSA
Oh, no, it's late. I'd rather go....
OSCO
Come on. I'm also an artist. You'll see. It's good to share ideas. Don't you agree? And I'll walk you home, as I said, right away. Gentleman's promise.
He opens door with computerized lock.
CUT TO:
INT. LOFT APARTMENT---NIGHT
Light goes on by itself. Enormous space is full of computerized equipment. Movie posters on walls. Some monitors are turned on. Colorful computer-graphics move on screens.
MARISSA
This is really hi-tech stuff.
OSCO
(turning on monitors)
Top of the line. Come on in, please.
He presses button, walls open, more monitors appear, etc.
MARISSA'S FACE appears on video screen.
OSCO
And who is this?
MARISSA
Where is the camera?
OSCO
Never mind. Now watch this.
OUTLINE OF MARISSA'S BODY is simulated by computer on video screen. Her spine has been drawn in. Along it are aligned seven intense spots of light, running from top of her head to base of her spine. Bright beams pulsate from each spot.
MARISSA (O.S.)
What's that?
OSCO
Spirit. Computers. Science. These are psychic energy centers, called chakras......uh.....hm.....Hindu or something. You won't see this kind of set-up anywhere else my dear.
8
MARISSA
Do you do this?
OSCO
Almost. I have some friends who are among the world's top scientists in this field.
MARISSA
It's incredible. I've never seen anything like it before.
OSCO
I'm sure not. You better not tell anyone you've seen it. You'll get us both in trouble. Now wait. Stand back. Yes, don't move.
Marissa takes step back. She looks at Osco, not knowing what to expect. He retreats to kitchen area which she cannot see.
CUT TO:
INT. OSCO'S KITCHEN--NIGHT
He pulls out bottle of wine, packet of white powder.
OSCO
Just a moment. You'll see. This is even more exciting. But I need to fix myself a drink. The best wine I've ever had. Let's celebrate this meeting.
CUT TO:
INT. OSCO'S LOFT--NIGHT
Marissa is still standing motionless.
OSCO(O.S)
I'm sure you'll want some, too.
MARISSA
Oh, no thanks
CUT TO:
INT. OSCO'S KITCHEN--NIGHT
Osco pours white powder into one of wine glasses, fills it with wine.
9
OSCO
Don't move....
Osco quickly opens drawer, pulls out condom. He puts it in his pocket.
MARISSA(O.S.)
Why not?
CUT TO:
INT. OSCO'S LOFT--NIGHT
Osco comes out of kitchen with glasses of wine.
OSCO
The machine is scanning your head now, if you move it will have to start all over. Just try this...
He puts glass in Marissa's hand, starts manipulating remote control, adjusting buttons on bottom of screen.
OSCO
Look right here....
He points to space in fron of screen.
OSCO
Keep your eyes even with the screen...yes.
MARISSA
Ohhhh!
TRANSPARENT IMAGE OF MARISSA'S HEAD appears where Osco has indicated. Marissa stares at holographic image of herself. Mesmerized, she slowly sticks her hand through image.
MARISSA
Oh, my God...
OSCO
Spirit, science, art....chin, chin....
Both Osco and Marissa sip wine. Osco CLICKS remote, and holograph of Marissa's head dissapears. He leads her to sofa. She sits down, sipping wine, still overwhelmed with show.
OSCO
Well, that's my art. Now let's see yours....give me the slide, please.
10
Marissa gives Osco slide.
OSCO
i will be a minute before it shows on the screen. I'll scan it digitally. In the meantime...
He looks at her hands, reaches for one of them.
OSCO
Do you know you have artists hands? (laughing) I bet you do...
He steps toward scanner, inserts slide. Faint image begins to appear on huge monitor built into wall opposite. During next few minutes it will turn into realistically rendered painting of TATOOED MAN AND HEAD OF SHE-WOLF.
MARISSA
It's hard to talk about my paintings. They come from a deep place inside. (looking at screen) I see it coming out.
TATTOOED MAN has dark glasses pushed up on his forehead. He holds them with hand covered with riding glove. He wears black tanktop that exposes several tattooes.
MOUTH of SHE-WOLF is open with teeth bared in anger. Its big round yellow eyes are carefully executed in detail.
Osco glances at screen only for a second. He's not really paying attention to her work. He looks greedily at Marissa.
MARISSA
I feel it all subconsciously...oh, I can't move...why's that?
OSCO
Subconciously. Fascinating, go on.
He puts his arm around her. She seems unable to lift her limbs.
OSCO
Relax, have some more wine.
Marissa's eyes are fixed on image on wall. She looks at EYES of SHE-WOLF.