tom's sides

8/7/2019 Tom's sides

1/22

THE RUBICON

byStephen P. Sherwood

7th Draft1/12/11

Stephen P. [email protected](404) 825-5070

WGA East Registration #I216786


2/22

INT. -DAY - BANK OFFICE1

STEWARD, a paunchy bank manager in his 50s with greying hairand glasses, is talking to Tom and ANGELA HOBSON. Tom is 42,thin and a bit haggard looking in jeans and a flannel shirt.He walks with a slight limp and uses a cane. ANGELA is 38,

blond and tidy wearing an outfit thats worn. Both are angryand frustrated. STEWARD is sympathetic, but unyielding.

TOMSo, thats it?

STEWARDIm afraid so. In a foreclosuresituation like yours, the bestsolution for a fresh start isbankruptcy.

ANGELA

Were not deadbeats! We tried! Wereally, really tried! But you cantmake house payments if nobodysworking!

STEWARDI know, its a story I hear all thetime now. Were going through adozen or so foreclosures a week.

TOMStory? This is just a story to you?This is our lives!

STEWARDIm sorry, I didnt mean it thatway. Ive read your file, I knowyouve both been through a lot.

TOMYeah, well. Its just been bad luckall around.

STEWARDI know, and I sympathize with you.

(Beat) I used to enjoy this job.Id come in every morning thinkingI could make a difference, that Icould help people reach theirdreams, buy a home, start a newbusiness, expand a business. Butlately all Ive been doing istelling good people like you, thattheyre out of options.

THE RUBICON 1

2010-2011 Stephen P. Sherwood - All Rights Reserved


3/22

ANGELAWell you people started all this!

STEWARDWhat?

ANGELAMaybe not you personally, but whenwe got the house they made it seemso easy. Gave us an eighty-twentyloan, no money down, just payclosing. They said not to worryabout it, just sign the papers.

TOMYeah, they made it sound like itwould be no problem. Next thing weknow, we get a letter sayingtheyve gone under and you guys

have our loan. Sub-prime, shouldacalled it sub-merged.

ANGELAYou know the worst part? Hearingpeople tell you that you shouldhave known better! Weve neverbought a house before, we didntknow how this stuff works! How werewe supposed to know better?

STEWARD nods grimly.

ANGELA (CONTD)Im sorry, its not your fault,its just so overwhelming.

TOMAnd that file doesnt tell you thewhole story.

ANGELATom...

TOM

No, I want him to know!STEWARD

Its all right, go ahead.

Tom looks at ANGELA mournfully.

THE RUBICON 2



4/22

TOMLast week, Angie went to one ofthose free clinics to have amammogram and, shes got a tumour! *

ANGELA *

Theres no point in thinking about *it. We dont have the money for *treatments. *

STEWARD takes a deep breath, hangs his head, then looks up.

STEWARDI am so sorry. I wish I could dosomething, anything to help.

STEWARD considers them for a moment, then his eyes wanderback to his desk where he spots a business card off to oneside, he stares at it intently for a moment then picks it up.

The plain white business card reads Denovo, with an addressbelow, no phone number or email. STEWARD looks pensive for amoment, then straightens, fidgeting with the card as hespeaks.

STEWARD (CONTD)This morning, a man came in andwanted to speak with the manager.He said he worked for anorganization that helped people indire situations. He wasnt much ondetail, but he gave me this card.

STEWARD looks at the card a moment, then continues.

STEWARD (CONTD)He said they couldnt helpeveryone, there were just too many.He was going to banks and givingeach just one card. We weresupposed to give it to someonedeserving, and we had to give itaway today. So Im giving my cardto you.

STEWARD hands the card to Tom, who eyes it curiously.TOM

So, what? We call? Wait, theres nophone number on here.

STEWARDNo, you have to go there in person.

THE RUBICON 3



5/22

TOMFor what? What do they do?

STEWARDHe said to tell you that you shouldgo to the address as soon as

possible. They provide relocationto a place where you are guaranteedwork.

ANGELADid he say where?

STEWARDNo, he wouldnt say anything else.

The three of them look at each other uncertainly. STEWARDputs his arms on the desk and leans forward.

STEWARD (CONTD)Look, I need to be clear here. Ivetold you everything he said. I haveno idea if this is a scam or not.He sounded sincere and seemedtrustworthy. But at this point,what do you have to lose?

Tom and ANGELA look at each other, ANGELA nods slightly.

TOMYeah, ain't that the truth. Well,whatever happens, we appreciate you

at least tryin to help.

ANGELAYes, thank you Mister Steward.

They all stand and shake hands. Tom uses a cane.

TOMSo we gotta be out of the house intwo weeks, right?

STEWARD

Im afraid so. Good luck, I hopethat card works out for you.

TOMYeah, well...anything beats beinhomeless.

Tom and ANGELA leave the office.

THE RUBICON 4



6/22

EXT. - DAY - BUS STOP2

As Tom and ANGELA sit at the bus stop, they look at the card.

TOMWhaddya think?

ANGELAI dont know. Relocation? Could beanywhere.

Tom laughs mirthlessly.

TOMYeah, well what are our optionshere? Oh thats right, zero andnone. (Beat) So?

ANGELA shrugs her shoulders.

ANGELALike the man said, what have we gotto lose?

TOMAll right, we need to go to adifferent stop though. We have togo downtown.

Tom and ANGELA get up and walk off-screen.

INT. - DAY - OFFICE BUILDING HALLWAY3

Tom and ANGELA get off of an elevator, look at the signs,then head down a hallway, stopping at a door.

INT. - DAY - DENOVO OFFICE4

Tom and ANGELA enter the office and talk to the receptionist.

RECEPTIONISTMay I help you?

Tom holds up the card.

TOMA banker gave us this.

RECEPTIONISTYour last name?

THE RUBICON 5



7/22

TOMHobson.

RECEPTIONISTPlease wait. You will be called.

Tom and ANGELA go to the waiting room. There is only oneother person there, Frank, a grizzled-looking older man. Theynod at each other.

FRANKYou get the card?

TOMYeah.

FRANKYou catch some bad breaks too?

TOMForeclosure, now bankruptcyand...some other stuff.

FRANKSame here. Pretty mysterious,whatever this is.

TOMHow long you been here?

FRANKTwenty, maybe thirty minutes.

Another couple just left.

There are two office doors visible from the waiting room, oneof them opens and a woman comes out, looking at them.

INTERVIEWERMister Walker?

FRANKThats me.

INTERVIEWER

Please enter.INTERVIEWER disappears back into the office, leaving the dooropen.

FRANKGood luck, to all of us.

Frank enters the office, closing the door behind him.

THE RUBICON 6



8/22

CUT to shot of a wall clock showing a few minutes elapsing.

CUT to waiting room. The second door opens and DORRAN comesout, he looks at Tom and ANGELA. DORRAN is 30ish, with shortcropped blond hair and wearing a suit.

DORRANHobson?

Tom and ANGELA stand and walk over to him.

TOMYes, Im Tom and this is Angela.

DORRANDorran. Please enter.

DORRAN goes into the office and they follow.

INT. - DAY - DORRANS OFFICE5

Tom and ANGELA sit in the two chairs facing DORRAN. Theoffice is completely bare, just three chairs and a desk.

DORRANThe card.

DORRAN holds out his hand, Tom gives him the card. DORRANputs it in a drawer.

DORRAN (CONTD)

Tell me your exact situation asbriefly as possible.

Tom and ANGELA look at each other, surprised.

TOMStraight to the point huh? OK then.No jobs for either of us, wevelost our house and our car, she hasa lump in her breast and I have aninjured hip. Short enough for ya?

ANGELA shoots Tom a look that says tone it down.DORRAN

What skills do you possess?

TOMIm a carpenter by trade, but thisbum hip slows me down a bit. I cando everything from framing to trimwork.

THE RUBICON 7



9/22

DORRAN looks at ANGELA.

DORRANAnd you?

ANGELA

Waitress mostly. I studied to be agraphic artist, but that was awhile ago.

DORRANDo you have any children?

ANGELANo.

DORRAN regards them with a blank expression.

DORRAN

You are suitable. Are you willingto leave this evening?

Tom and ANGELA are caught off guard.

TOMTonight? Thats kinda quick. Whatsthis all about anyway?

DORRANDenovo offers certain individualsan opportunity to start their livesanew in a place where work is

assured, and your needs are met.

TOMReally? So where is this place?

DORRANI cannot say specifically. If thelocation were known, too many wouldwish to go. We must maintainbalance.

ANGELA

Youre being awfully vague. Are yousaying that there would be jobs forus?

DORRANNot simply jobs. You will beprovided with a home, your owntransportation, and completemedical care.

THE RUBICON 8



10/22

Tom and ANGELA look at him in disbelief.

TOMYou yankin my chain here? Whooffers all that?

ANGELAYeah, it sounds great, but whatsthe catch?

DORRANThe catch. Yes. You mean the cost,what is required of you. We requirethat you leave tonight, preciselyat seven oclock. You are to tellno one, bring nothing but theclothes you wear and one bag ofpersonal belongings. You will notreturn.

TOMNot return?! Seriously??

ANGELAI dont like the sound of this.

DORRANYes. I understand these are unusualrequests. I will help you to acceptour offer by providing you aid now.

DORRAN stands and walks around the desk stopping next to Tom.

TOMHey! Whatre you doin'?

DORRANPlease stand.

Tom looks at ANGELA, then uses one hand to push himself upand face DORRAN.

DORRAN (CONTD)How is your hip injured?

TOMI was doin a framin job, I felland broke it. They fixed it bestthey could, but said Id need anexpensive operation to make itright.

DORRANMay I to touch you?

THE RUBICON 9



11/22

TOMThat depends, where?

DORRANYour hip.

TOMJust watch yourself, all right?

DORRAN places one hand on Toms hip, looking blank. He closeshis eyes and after a beat, Tom lets out a GASP and DORRANmoves back, regarding him calmly.

DORRANPlease walk.

TOMWhat was that?!

DORRAN holds an arm out, gesturing for him to walk. Tomgingerly starts to walk, his limp is gone. His eyes go wide.

TOM (CONTD)My hip! It doesnt hurt anymore!What did you do? How did you dothat? Is this temporary or...

DORRAN(interrupting)

It is permanent, if accept our *offer. This is to prove our good *will.

TOMAngela! Youve got to help Angela!My hip is nothing, she has a lumpin her breast!

DORRANYour body has been returned to anoptimal state. If you come, Iassure you that we will do the samefor your wife.

DORRAN reaches into his pocket and takes out a card. This oneonly has an address and time on it.

DORRAN (CONTD)Be at this address by six forty-five this evening. We shall leaveat precisely seven oclock. If youare late, there will be no secondchance. We will be gone. I can tellyou nothing further.

THE RUBICON 10


(MORE)


12/22

We have proven ourselves with agift of healing. It is now up toyou.

DORRAN gestures at the door, indicating they should go. Tomopens the door and they exit the room, DORRAN following.

INT. - DAY - OFFICE WAITING ROOM6

Tom, ANGELA and DORRAN exit the office.

DORRANMake certain that you are there ontime.

TOMUmm, OK, sure. Thanks!

DORRAN re-enters his office and closes the door. Tom andANGELA look at the card and each other questioningly.

INT - BEDROOM - AFTERNOON *

ANGELA is filling one of two suitcases which lie on the bed. *Both suitcases have some basic clothing and shoes along with *pictures and other personal effects. ANGELA seems emotionally *unsettled. She is talking to Tom, who is off-screen. *

ANGELA *I dont know what clothes to bring. *

He didnt say anything about the *weather. *

Tom enters carrying a black plastic box and an old hammer. It *has a wooden handle and a rusty steel head. *

ANGELA (CONTD) *Why are you bringing that old *hammer? Im sure theyll have tools *Tom. *

TOM

Its the hammer I bought for my *first job. *

ANGELA *Youre sentimental about a hammer? *

TOM *No. Its just, I guess its my *lucky hammer. *

THE RUBICON 11


DORRAN (CONTD)


13/22

She gives him an Oh really? Look. *

TOM (CONTD)Dont start. *

He begins to put it in the suitcase. *

ANGELA *Well at least wrap it in something *so that it doesnt dirty up *everything else. *

He grabs a small towel and wraps the hammer, putting it in *the suitcase. He then puts the black box in. *

ANGELA (CONTD) *Whats in the box? *

TOM

A micrometer. *

She looks at him with raised eyebrows. *

TOM (CONTD)Its my favorite. *

She shakes her head and rearranges something in her suitcase. *

ANGELA *Dont forget to look in the closet. *Theres a bag with some of your old *stuff in it. *

Tom goes to the closet and looks in the bag, then returns to *the bed and starts to put something small in the suitcase. *

ANGELA (CONTD) *Whats that? *

She holds out her hand and Tom sheepishly hands her an old, *worn baseball. *

ANGELA (CONTD) *A baseball? Ive never seen you *

play. *She looks it over carefully. *

ANGELA (CONTD) *Is it signed or something? *

He takes the ball back. *

THE RUBICON 12



14/22

TOMNo. Its the last thing dad gave me *before... well its the last thing *he gave me. *

He puts it in the suitcase. *

TOM (CONTD)I thought maybe someday, Id be *able to hand it down. *

They share an uncomfortable moment, then Tom heads back to *the closet. *

TOM (CONTD)Guess I should bring a suit. *

ANGELA looks around the room and goes to an old armoire. She *opens a drawer and sorts through some jewelry, pulling *

selected pieces out. She turns away, then turns back looking *at the armoire. She runs her hand along its length. Tom *returns with a suit in a plastic bag. He puts it in the *suitcase and notices her. *

TOM (CONTD)Angie? *

ANGELA *Its not fair. This old armoire was *handed down to me from my grandma. *And now... *

She tears up and sags onto the bed, Tom tries to comfort her. *

TOMIts just a piece of wood Angie. *Ill make you a new one. *

ANGELA *You cant make an heirloom. *

TOMIts just a thing! Our lives is *what this is all about. You saw *

what he did. Life is all we have, *things dont matter. *

ANGELA takes a breath and gets up, putting the jewelry into a *bag, then into the suitcase. She continues to stare at the *suitcase. *

ANGELA *Tom? *

THE RUBICON 13



15/22

TOMUh huh? *

ANGELA *What if hes lying? *

TOMAbout what? *

ANGELA *About the work, or the housing, or *any of it? *

TOMAngie... what do you want me to *say? You heard everything I did. I *dont understand it either. But the *fact is, he did heal my hip. *

ANGELA *The clinic said there were some *places which had programs for... *people like us. *

TOMThey also said there was a long *waiting list, and no guarantees. *How much more... do we have to put *into hope? If we stay here, thats *just one more thing we have to hope *for. A job, a place to live, food, *a car, a decent life. *

ANGELA holds him close. *

TOM (CONTD)I swear, sometimes I think the most *dangerous thing in life is hope. *

ANGELA *Dont say that. Arent we hoping *that this Denovo will deliver what *they promise? *

TOMYeah, I guess so. But when its the *only offer on the table, its *foolish to turn it down. *

ANGELA *I hope youre right. *

She tries to smile and he returns a half-hearted chuckle. *

THE RUBICON 14



16/22

ANGELA (CONTD) *Should we tell someone were *leaving? *

Tom thinks a moment, then snorts a short laugh. *

TOMWhod we tell? Your parents are *gone. Dads gone and mom doesnt *recognize me anymore. You havent *talked to your sister in years. *

ANGELA *What about the neighbors? Mike and *Christy? *

TOMWe had dinner with them once years *ago, and we barely know any of the *

neighbors. When youre not doing *well, nobody wants to know you. *

ANGELA *I guess we really dont have *anything to hold us here. *

TOMYeah. Well. Wed better finish and *go. This is one time we cant be *late. *

EXT. - EVENING - WAREHOUSE7

Tom and ANGELA walk up to the door of the old warehousebuilding and enter. They are each carrying one bag.

INT. - EVENING - WAREHOUSE8

Tom and ANGELA enter the empty warehouse and see a smallgroup of people seated in folding chairs. DORRAN and hisassociates are talking to each other nearby. Tom sees Frankand heads over to sit down next to him.

FRANKDecided to give it a go, eh?

TOMWere still not sure about this.

THE RUBICON 15



17/22


18/22

TOMThats the main reason were here.But its still...a tough choice.

FRANKHmmm. (Beat)Rubicon...

TOMWhat?

FRANKI guess you could say this is yourRubicon.

Tom and ANGELA look at him quizzically.

FRANK (CONTD)Ancient history. Caesar defied theRoman council when he marched his

army over the Rubicon river. Socrossing the Rubicon means youremaking an irrevocable choice.

TOMYeah...I guess we are.

Tom turns to a distracted Angela. *

ANGELA *I dont see how were going *anywhere. Have you seen a bus, alimo, anything?

FRANKNo. Its probably on its way.

Angela is troubled.

ANGELATom. Something just doesnt feelright here.

DORRAN walks toward them carrying several necklaces in onehand. A pendant with a glowing light hangs from each

necklace.DORRAN

It is six fifty-five. Please wearone of these in order for us toidentify you.

DORRAN sorts through them as he hands them out. He knows whogets which pendant, even though there are no names on them.

THE RUBICON 17



19/22

DORRAN (CONTD)Angela, Tom, Frank.

Everyone inspects their pendant before putting it on, andmost continue to scrutinize it after putting it around theirnecks. ANGELA becomes more agitated looking at the pendant.

TOMAngie?

ANGELAI cant do this!

ANGELA bolts for the door, Tom runs after her. DORRAN glancesat them impassively.

EXT. - EVENING - WAREHOUSE9

Tom reaches ANGELA who has stopped just outside the door.

ANGELALook! Look around you! Do you see abus? I dont know what theyre upto but I cant do it! They wonttell us where were going, and theysaid we cant come back!

TOMAngie! I know its really strange,but he fixed my hip, and we dontknow if you have cancer! Please,

Im not one hundred per cent onthis either, but I dont want tolose you! This is our only shot,you heard what he said.

The door opens and DORRAN looks at them, emotionless.

DORRANYou have one minute.

He closes the door. Tom and ANGELA search each others eyes.

ANGELAIts too much to ask Tom. What kindof job says you cant come back?Thats not even legal!

TOMAngie, if we dont go, you coulddie! I dont know how he healed myhip, but it feels like nothing everhappened.

THE RUBICON 18


(MORE)


20/22

If he can do that Im sure he cancure anything you have! If we stayhere, we cant afford treatment,and even if we could theres noguarantee they can cure it.

A low throbbing sound builds from within the warehouse.

ANGELA *Were not thinking clearly! If we *werent in this situation would we *even consider this? *

Tom looks thoughtful. *

TOM *No. No, we wouldnt. But desperate *times call for desperate measures. *

ANGELA *Like disappearing? *

TOMIf its to a better life, then yes! *

ANGELA *We dont know that! Who else offers *work, housing and free health care? *

Tom thinks a moment then has an epiphany. He looks horrified. *

ANGELA (CONTD) *

Tom? *

TOMIll tell you who... prisons! *

Tom and ANGELA look at each other for a moment, then at the *doorway as the sound continues to get louder. *

TOM (CONTD)I dont know whats going on in *there, but I think Id rather stay *here and live on my own terms. *

Tom takes off his necklace and throws it away. *

ANGELA *Thats what Ive been trying to *say. (Beat) But Ive gotta see *whats going on in there. *

Tom and ANGELA run to the door as the sound crescendoes. They *open the door to a shocking sight. *

THE RUBICON 19


TOM (CONT'D)


21/22

INT - WAREHOUSE - NIGHT *

Dorran stands next to a huge swirling vortex into which the *people are disappearing. They walk in with a serene *expression. *

CUT TO a smash zoom into Dorrans face and we see his eyes *are glowing. CUT back to Tom and Angela. Tom is staring at *the spectacle, then notices the serene look on Angelas face *as she starts toward the vortex. *

TOMAngie! *

Tom reaches out and grabs her arm, stopping her, but she *continues to stare at the vortex. *

DORRAN *It is the necklace. Do you no *

longer wish to go? *

TOMNo! Were staying! *

DORRAN *Are you certain? We are offering *you a new life. *

TOMYeah, well well keep the one we *have thank you. *

DORRAN *As you wish. *

Dorran raises his hand and the bracelet flies off of her neck *and into his hands. Angela immediately snaps out of her daze. *

ANGELA *Whats happening? *

TOMIts OK. *

DORRAN *Goodbye. *

There is a great flash of light and Dorran, the vortex and *all of the people have disappeared. Tom suddenly grunts in *pain. *

ANGELA *What is it? *

THE RUBICON 20



22/22

TOMAaaah! My hip! *

ANGELA quickly helps support him from falling. *

TOM (CONTD)

I forgot. *

Helping him regain his footing, she looks at him curiously *for a moment, then remembers. *

ANGELA *So we turn down their offer... *

TOMAnd they take back their gift. The *devils in the details. *

Tom looks around and sees their bags. *

TOM (CONTD) *At least our bags are still here. *

Tom steadies himself, then hobbles over to grab his bag, *ANGELA takes hers. They walk outside. *

EXT - WAREHOUSE - NIGHT *

TOM *Nobodys ever gonna believe us. *

ANGELAIt doesnt matter. Besides, whosto say theyre any better off? Idrather deal with the real worldthan trust that some vague promises *are true. *

Tom looks back at the doorway. *

TOM *In some ways I envy them. But Id *rather drive the bus than just be *

on it. Lets go home. *As they walk away, we see Toms pendant on the ground, its *still glowing. *

FADE TO BLACK.

THE RUBICON 21

tom's sides

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