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THE FACTION
by: James Donnellan
First Draft Storyline 09-2004
Registration: Screen Writers Guild of America (2004)
Copyright by James Donnellan
11. F
a piece of cake to do whatever we wanted to here”... “should we be of a criminal mind of course”...... “Yes, should we be of a criminal mind”.. chimes in John.... as they head out the door trailing light laughter...
Faintly...” no I mean, should we want to be of a criminal mind”... “of course not Frankie”....”we would really need to want to be of criminal mind” and “ I can’t see it...” .... “Me neither”..... Etc.
Close in the coffee shop they talk. “So that’s pretty much it.. Just a big hunch and a pile of pictures right now”.. “OK John, but is this for real? Are you sure it’s not a political set up for the elections? You know those guys will dig up anything, and if they can’t find it... they make it?” “ Yeh, I know.... but considering the sources, I tend to believe this”..”So does Sil... this is why we need you Frankie.”
“OK John lets do talk Silvia.. What lures her away from her “peaceful” life... what’s changing her mind..does she know your asking me in?” “Yes , she knows and she agrees.. Look Frankie, I can’t do anything about the past and I’m sorry you still can’t let go of it.. But let’s move on. Silvia still thinks you’re the best at what you do... she said it... Nobody’s better... period... but don’t blame her anymore for decisions her heart made.. Can I control mine... can you?... nobody can.... it’s just that way.. I’m sorry... we do need you.. But like the song says...get over it, cause it’s not gonna change. She’s happy and that should be the main concern..we both agree there, so what’s the fight?” “We’ve come along way Franco and this could be the big one”... “put it aside for once”...
“ Fill me in as you go, and tell me what you need... I’ll let you know as it develops John...”
“Not this time.. We need to know now. If we don’t have you , we need to regroup and re-think it all....” Long pause... “Damn it John, you guys always have me .. Tell me and I’m there... Good enough?” The last word as Franco leaves the table tossing the tip.
Meanwhile:
Silvia has been making a drive up the coast to Boston Technical Institute.
Finding and observing Crystal in her work space is what Sil needs to see first hand. With visitor pass in hand, she winds the corridors to the correct door... inside is an excited Crystal.. Silvia come here... look..
12. F
Another one... you guys were right. This guy is in with the transportation sector. You know, labor unions... railways , airlines. Here’s the film from the American Airlines merger in 1989 ... see there and here again but younger behind The Teamster rallies in Florida 1975. And I’ve got more! Crystal points to the piles of footage and articles on her desk and right then Silvia sees what she came to see. All of the footage and folders are from well known publications like, time magazine, Wall street Journal, The Washington Post...etc...etc.. A scan of the publications tells her that all is on the up and up. Seeing Silvia’s interest in the sources spawns from Crystal... “ Did you come here to check up on me? Is this the reason for your unexpected visit?” .. “ Crystal.. Look , you were a stranger to me on Christmas and if it weren’t for Jimmy you wouldn’t have even gotten to the door.. What you say may have major implications... my checking up shouldn’t bother you if your honest... Sorry, we needed... no.. I needed to make sure.. John doesn’t even know I’m here.... I’m sorry Crystal”. “ No, I got it... it’s cool.. I understand.” ... in flies Jimmy with the big smile and catches the vibe..”Everyting good here Crystal.. Hey Sil”...the women pause and then move on with earnest. “Ok, .. I just thought you might want to know I’ve ...got the program!... Piece a pie.. Good, fine work too... for sure!”
Sil: outside: “ Good work both of you, this is great ..and.. Thanks Crystal” with good eyes from both women ... “We’ve got real work to do now!... vrooom.
Car Phone Sil: “Hey Baby, how’s my boy...(laugh).. listen, Crystal is on to something and she checks out... Yea, I had to...I’m on my way back now.. How about our mutual friend?
John from the Apartment: “I met with him this morning and all is well.. Looked bored as hell though, ready for some fun... Sends his love...”
“I’ll bet... we need a work night and I’ve arranged Thursday at the Institute... good?... OK see you soon...oh yes, me too...bye.”
Turns up radio again and hears... ‘Tonight’s report from NCNY...”Can terrorists reach us again? And Can we stop them ?... News Central New York .. All the news all the time ...tune in at 7pm for the full story.”
Fades as car zooms away.
13 F
Thursday evening in Boston:
Jimmy from the lab: “ Franco me man...oooo nice wraps... got some monies in da pocket huh.. Long time....Me best woman Crystal....” “Careful now baby.. Frankie’s got da reputation an’ da history”.
“It’s a pleasure Crystal... Don’t worry, I’m Jimmy’s worst nightmare..”
“ Ya right... you watch out baby”..
John has been perusing the growing stack of reference materials....Sil: “ Oh my Crystal you’ve got some work for us here”..
“ True , but tonight we have a special treat.... watch this”... “ Thanks to our brilliant programmer here we can...(as the Video Monitor shows an election speech by George Bush Sr.)... just take him out.” And the monitor shows exactly that.. Leaving only the backgrounds completely in tact and still moving in real time.
“Now Jimmy and I took the liberty of the next demonstration. We compiled Presidential appearances in chronological order and removed the subjects.”
(A visual demonstration is now happening as well.. As one clip appears, the subject quickly disappears.. And so forth through about 11 clips from obviously different time periods... We see the Presidents briefly before they are removed... the last one being the inauguration of John Kennedy)
Crystal: “ When Jimmy started face matching it was amazing..”
Jimmy: “ It took some adjusting to recognize time changes and aging...but it works!... Watch dis now!” (As the monitor shows us the same thing). “The program checked out everybody.. Den settled on possibilities.”
Crystal: “We kept the possible candidates to see who could be recognized by name or position... We got some of those.. sure.. But eventually it boiled down to only one person... and this is our guy!” (Close up.. scanning different ages of the face over and over through 11 time periods)... “ He isn’t there before Kennedy”... “The same for the other guys we’ve found... somewhere around 1962 is when all of them start to show up.” Jimmy:“ So far we’ve looked at Presidents, Religions and Stock market activities mostly like crashes or booms... major splits.. That kind a thing.”
14. F
John: “ Who knows this guy?” Crystal: nobody.
Sil: “What’s his history?” Jimmy: None.
Franco: “ I can find him.” Everyone: only a look back.
Franco: “ When is the next Presidential Broadcast? (Lighting a new cigar)
Fade to New York hustle:
From the Commercial Trust office: Franco’s talking on the speaker phone and pacing. “ I’ve got a plane for Friday morning... right.. L.A. .. It’s some kind of primary fund raiser on Saturday ... big money people... No, I don’t need to get in, just spot and follow.. I’ll call you from there... after I get settled.”
Sunset and palm trees.. ( “I love L.A.” style but in February) Franco pulls his rented Jaguar convertible up to the Century City Plaza Hotel.. In his designer suit and red tie, he walks to check in carrying a small pug dog on a gold leash.. while Bell boys scurry to follow with a dozen black suitcases and wardrobe bags. “I’m sorry Mr. Gabanna, the third floor has been reserved for a private function this Saturday. You will be staying how long?” (Eying the quantity of luggage) “Possibly all month, depending on my business opportunities”... “ at least three weeks.” “In that case we could make room for you in one of our suites on the 12 th or 14 th floors, providing you can put up with all the security checks this weekend.” “ Next week looks calm”..she winks.
After checking into a lovely suite and tipping the boys, he looks kind of quizzical as he unzips one suitcase full of bunched up newspaper and towels.. Looking and feeling around for his toiletry bag which he removes while placing the dog in the suitcase... pulling a doggy bone from his toiletry kit he throws it in. The dog now is playing madly in the towels and newspaper.. “Ok ...take it easy killer”. Franco moves to the shower and reappears in a wild change of clothes. Leaving the room and entering the elevator, he pushes floor 3. The door opens and out he steps flamboyantly... “Killer” is now walking on his leash. Spotting security, he walks up directly and asks where the doggy run is... “sir, your on the wrong floor.. This is now a secure location and will remain so until midnight tomorrow.. I will ask you to leave now.” ‘Yes, but do you
15. F
know where the dog run is located or must I search every floor”... “I suggest you talk to management”. “ You have been so kind , thank you.. What is your name officer?..” Putting up with this intrusion he smirks and says.. “Paul... my name is Paul.” “ Well thank you Paul, you are doing a fantastic job ... see you around.” a little wave and in the elevator. A few more pranks like this to gain favor and get the security staff to begin to see him as harmless. Then to the main desk, “ what time is the big party tomorrow?”.. “it’s scheduled for 3pm, but security will be controlling all areas from the early morning”...”Oh poo, I have my first meetings tomorrow. I wish I’d known that when I checked in... Can’t I ask your staff to bring my car up early and park it outside the secure zone for me...please” with a good tip in hand and a little wink.. The deal is settled.
The sunrise comes in strong. The wake up call is right on time although Franco has beat them to it.. He’s already exercising and shaving at the same time. Killer is waiting patiently for his walk. Quickly a call to John.... “I see we have a live broadcast on CNN so lets talk at 3:15pm my time and see if we can spot him... Fill in jimmy and see if he can help with his toy.”
John: “I’ll see if we can get a conference call going from Boston.... good luck there, I still don’t know what to think about all this, but lets find out.. Ciao buddy..”
Back out the door for another dog walk.. This time to the lobby.. “Hello Paul, hi Ed, Good morning Anna (receptionist)...
Paul and Ed: “ Frankie, today’s the big deal.. It’s going to be hard to let you move around so freely”.. “ I understand guys, I’ll limit myself to Killers needs... when he’s gotta go... he’s gotta go.... but that’s it... and I promise not to embarrass anybody by calling there name... Oh Hi Ronnie!” Embarrassment all around.. “Well, we will be back soon I hope... I’ll stay out of everyone’s way... promise.”
Back in the room 3:15pm with the TV on. The phone rings... “ Hi it’s both of us... he’s there.. Do you see your TV.. OK, he’s five to the left with glasses”.. Franco: “I’ve got him.... I saw him earlier in the lobby...funny little guy ... looks like an accountant.... OK, thanks... talk to you later.”
16. F
As the closing statements start on the TV... “ come on Killer... we’re on”
and out the door they go. At the lobby, Paul gives him the wave off , get out of here sign. Franco motions to the dog and walks briskly out the front lobby to the street. A quick look up and down spots the Jaguar parked on a small street a block away , facing the hotel... “perfect.. Thanks Anna.”
Once in the car he starts the wait and soon guests start filing out from the meeting. The first motorcade is obviously the president and high officials... once done, the other guests follow. Binoculars from under the seat focus in at the right time and catch our man getting into a limo. Franco gets the license number and starts the car.
After quite a drive through Hollywood traffic the limo unexpectedly stops at the Grumman’s Chinese Theater and our man goes for a movie. Shit.. This is an unexpected wait. Half asleep and 2 1/2 hours later the movie files out. Franco spots his man and off they go.. This time to the other end of Beverly Hills to a posh restaurant and our guy heads in for a meal. Franco follows him in and Killer waits patiently in the car. From the other end of the room, Franco observes our man sitting alone and slowly going through a multi course meal.. “ Jesus, this guy needs a life” mutters Frankie. Slowly, slowly... coffee then desert then an aperitif.... finally the check almost 3 hours later.. “Who the fuck is this boring guy?”
Another slow follow to a seedier end of Hollywood and a big purple sign reading MASSAGE 24HRS...“ Oh Christ Almighty... it must be this guys birthday.. Doesn’t he have friends ”.... As his complaining continues, a blond, big breasted, lady of the night wiggles past the Jag.. Franco checks her out casually in the rear view and she stops to ask if needs company... upon seeing her face, he lights up.. “Maxine is that you under there “... “Frankie?, wow I didn’t expect this.. How the fuck are you baby... it’s been a long time.” “Small miracles Max.. I need a favor”.... pulling out some cash..”There’s a little guy with glasses that just went into the all nighter there... I need you to take him home... not your place...to his place... that’s important .. I need to know where he lives but he can’t know and you can’t ask any questions... OK?” “ Sure, but times have changed.. That pocket change will get you a half hour,(Motioning her chest) these babies are financed!” “Look Max you owe me a couple and let’s split the difference with say $300.oo?” “ For you and you only Frankie” ... “ lets get him out of there fast.. I’m tired and my dog has to pee... Get him to take you home in his limo there.”
17. F
.... “ His limo? Well things are looking up tonight.. See you in a couple minutes....” Soon she is leaving arm and arm with our guy and snuggling up to him as they get in the limo, she passes Franco a high sign...
fade to hotel and Sunday Morning.....
“ Room service right there please and I’ll need another pot of coffee pronto...” as he shields the phone receiver and lays out a tip.
Phone: “ Well, it took forever and I wasn’t sure it would work.. But he finally took my friend Maxine home.. Yea?..that’s a long story... I know.. But he was all over town after the meeting.... Movie, dinner, massage... that’s where I hooked him up with Max... it was like he never gets out. Anyway, I got you an address to check out... Very, very snazzy...Beverly Hills Primo ...
438 Beverly Glen, Just off of Sunset.. In with the big houses. By the way, his name I never got. Maxine says it was Grover or Roger...” I’m going to grab some photos today and check the Hall or Records here on Monday.. Then I’m flying back in late. See you guys Tuesday”
Screen has faded during the phone call to the late evening in L.A. and we watch Maxine and Roger walk from the limo toward the front door of an incredibly ridiculous Mansion. Still snuggling up, they turn the key and disappear inside.
Wednesday night: Everyone at the Boston institute... “ His name is still missing, but Grover (or Roger?).. Seems to live there alright”.....(showing pics on the computer.. Next morning Maxine leaving by cab.. Grover checking the mail box.. Picking up the paper...Still in his robe.. etc.).. “The Hall of records show ownership by a Mr. Horacio C. Carpenter.. But!.. this is one of six homes he owns in The States... Looks like maybe this is one of the smaller ones”.
Crystal: “ Let me run that name... it’s familiar from somewhere”.. (now busy with the computers.)
Sil: “ Maybe we should assume all these guys are watch dogs for a higher source like Horace here”. “ Invisible guys with a press pass or passport into the inner circles.”
18 F.
John: “ Right..Maybe they are only the keys to the bigger picture.. Basically the public eyes for the real guys.”
Franco: “ But they would need to be incredibly loyal to show up for all those years”.
Sil: “ Or.. their lives are bought and paid for.. No worries.. Who wouldn’t want to live that way with every desire taken care of? I could go for that”....
Franco: “ Ah, finally the truth rears it’s pretty head”...
“It’s your choice to take me seriously or not Frankie... What do you think from experience?”...
“ I think it’s time for a list.. A lot of guys to follow... we don’t even know how many... we have three.. One for sure.” “ We need to assume that Grover here has something to do with American Presidents.. Or maybe Politics in general...”
John: “Assuming our original idea is correct, lets think bigger.. How about Government as a category?
Crystal from the computer screen: “ I think we can go bigger, how about GOVERNMENTS! Listen to this : Horacio C. Carpenter.. In 1955 was Foreign advisor to President Eisenhower. CEO of Metro 1 oil.. (your friends with the heavy artillery)... On the board of directors for Advanced Defense Designs inc. a private weapons manufacturer.. Retired in 1962 but still owns Majority shares of Kinghauser Lumber products and Oasis Bottled Waters, Owns three or four smaller oil companies in Texas and Florida, a commercial fishing fleet out of Washington State that just filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy... and still works actively for the Republican Strategic Advisory Committee as he has for the last 10 presidents. I show pictures of him here with.. Four, five ... no six Presidents.. Many European Leaders and our Mid Eastern first Family.. Where he goes each year for the Arabian Horse racing and about three weeks of continuous partying.” “ He seems to have his hands in everything.. Many of his stock and bank accounts are classified. I can only see for sure that they are world wide. Many in Switzerland, The Caman Islands and Bermuda. This home in sunny California is nothing when you compare the French and Italian Villas, Wineries , and then, least we forget, just a small island in Greece. Probably was friends with Onasis.”
Jimmy: “ Definitely a player, for sure.. What does somebody do with dat much money?”
19. F
John: Ok List time.. We’ve got GOVERNMENTS (OR POLITICS), we’ve got TRANSPORTATION and RELIGION...Everybody chimes in:
MEDICINE SCIENCE INTELLIGENCE
EDUCATION COMMUNICATIONS POPULATION
NATURAL RESOURCES MILITARY ENTERTAINMENT/ NEWS
FUELS FOOD MONETARY TRADE
John: “ Wait, hold on. Let’s think obvious... these are big, simple categories we’re looking for ... STOCK MARKETS maybe..” Sil: “That’s under MONETARY I reckon.. But COMMUNICATIONS could go will ENTERTAINMENT and NEWS...” Jimmy: “How bout about FUELS and TRANSPORTATION... dis works... Franco: We know it can’t be MILITARY and INTELLIGENCE “... Sil “A master of the obvious.” “ SCIENCE AND MEDICINE?”... John: “ No they’re at ends too much of the time.... let’s just start seeing how many of these little yes men we find... then we’ll know the rest...
This whole thing cross-fades into a collage of separate scenes ( over one or two months) with each person doing their job.. Lots of telephone and sharing info.. Lot’s of flashes to face matching on the computers and travel to God knows where.. Sil and John enjoying the French Riviera, Franco in Saudi Arabia...etc..... compiling and finding.. Searching Records , Crystal and Jimmy working the computers from Boston......FAXes of Business Statements and Photo Articles... etc.
(Possibly insert a love and talk scene with Jimmy and Crystal depending.) Maybe in the lab ... can’t work all the time, you know) (Chinese food and Pizza boxes....)
Later in Boston:
Franco, has a rough beard and his clothes are basic. Sil looks tired..
John: “ Well it looks like these folks own about everything.. So what now... we’ve got 12 men and one women... a bad luck thirteen. They all appear legal... but they certainly used the loopholes... All together I bet our Faction has the top 3 % tax bracket covered. .. So What... so fucking what... what!... I know there’s something we can’t see. We have.. what Crystal, one more week here?” “ More like 10 nights but that’s it.. My real work is completed... I keep stalling but I feel stupid..”
20. F
Jimmy: “ I still got some game programing to finish, so maybe a little longer.”
Sil: “ But we still need to put these guys together.. connect these dots”
Crystal: “Maybe I can go through my archives and do a search for all these names together....” ( She’s moving now at her computer )
“Well, we’ve got three of them here in France and four of them in a Long Island restaurant in 1978.. But that’s it...”
Jimmy: “ Let’s punch it out to the internet and the News Services too.”
John: “Just a hunch... but search the Society pages too.. From anywhere.. everywhere.. I don’t care... try it all.”
Hit Enter....Nothing but silence.
John: “Ok.. Lighten the search criteria .. Try for 75% of the names.”
Hit Enter...and there it is! A page from High Society .. July, 2000. The picture shows many, and the text reads.. “ Large turnout for Bosnia fund raiser.”... Crystal: “ Holy shit it’s all of them”... Name after name after name......
Soon the FAX goes and there is headline from a similar function for a different non- profit cause from June 1996.. And then again from July, 1992... 1988.. Etc. Back to summer of 1964. Washington Post, L.A. Times, People Magazine...etc.
Jimmy: “ A couple of names have changed along the way... but one here looks like the brother or son of the original guy...same last name anyway..”
Sil: “ Of course , not everybody is going to survive for this long a time.. There has to have been some replacements..” “ Are these the most philanthropic people on the planet or what? They’re helping everybody... look at all of this stuff.. I feel really bad John”...
Franco: : “How were you feeling when Metro 1 was stuffing a rocket launcher up your ass.. Were they just mis-directed do-gooders with the wrong intentions?.... Silence... “ OK, got the point..enjoy your
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