Queen of the Oddballs
Page 15
PULL BACK TO REVEAL THE SINGER ONSTAGE. It’s teen pop sensation DEBBIE GIBSON, singing her hit song, “ONLY IN MY DREAMS.”
HILLARY
(under her breath, to Paul)
Only in my dreams…. Ain’t that the fuckin’ truth.
LYNDA OBST, another producer, sits with Hillary and Paul. She stands up along with teens in the audience, dancing and clapping. An intense woman in her forties, Lynda seems like she’s always buzzed on coke, even when she’s not.
LYNDA
(shouting over to Paul)
Look at how everybody loves Debbie Gibson! And she’s all ours!
FLASHBACK: One year earlier. Hillary is sitting in the living room of her 1910 Craftsman house with KATIE, her live-in girlfriend of two years. A brilliant writer, Katie leaves herself wide open to access that deep creativity which not only lets her humor and insight shine, it also often lets out her fear and darkness. The two are collaborating on a screenplay.
HILLARY
I don’t think Betty would have a problem approaching the Flames once she sees them dancing. She doesn’t know yet that they’re a gang.
KATIE
Yeah, but it’s 1964, she’s just moved to the Bronx, and the Flames are black girls. Do you think she ever knew any black girls in the suburbs of Scarsdale?
HILLARY
Her maid’s daughter?
KATIE
Exactly.
The two, entwined on the couch like a scene out of the movie Love Story, minus the fatal illness, continue writing.
MONTAGE: BELINDA CARLISLE’S “HEAVEN IS A PLACE ON EARTH” PLAYS as we see:
—Hillary and Katie hug each other and jump and shout as they finish their screenplay. Their big, brown hound dog, MONSTER, joins in, jumping and barking in celebration.
—CLOSE ON SCRIPT COVER, we see the title of the film, SKIRTS. We also see that it’s the “SEVENTH DRAFT.” Hillary rips the cover off and replaces it with one that says “FIRST DRAFT.”
—Hillary and Katie meet with producer Paul Aaron at his office. He’s going over the script with them and is clearly enthusiastic about it.
—At the door of Paul’s office, Hillary greets old friend KENNY ORTEGA, choreographer of Xanadu and Dirty Dancing, and now a director. She introduces him to Paul and Katie. They all talk excitedly and laugh--clearly a partnership is forming.
—Hillary, Katie, Paul, and Kenny walk into CAA, Creative Artists Agency, in Beverly Hills. They shake hands with several agents, who are all gushing over the script.
—We see various QUICK CUTS of STUDIO EXECUTIVES reading the script, then immediately picking up the phone to call CAA with offers.
—QUICK CUTS of Hillary and Katie at home receiving gifts: A muffin basket. Flowers. Caps, shot glasses, sweatshirts, T-shirts, mugs, and key chains--all with different studio logos on them.
—See the cover of Daily Variety spin into frame, its headlines shouting “BIDDING WAR FOR SKIRTS. TYRO SCRIBES SELL SPEC FOR BIG BUCKS.”
—MONTAGE ENDS as Hillary and Katie hug triumphantly.
INT. COLUMBIA STUDIOS–DAWN STEEL’S OFFICE–DAY
Hillary and Katie sit close to each other, along with Paul and Kenny, as they meet with the infamous DAWN STEEL, the first female ever to head a movie studio. She’s imposing but effusive, wearing, in her power suit jacket pocket, an auburn-colored scarf that matches the color of her hair exactly.
AMY PASCAL, the sharp yet warm VICE PRESIDENT, and other male EXECUTIVES sit around the conference table, all part of the meeting.
DAWN
We know you had several other offers, and we’re thrilled you chose to work with us.
AMY
We’re all so excited about Skirts, and we’ll do everything we can to see that the film gets made.
EXECUTIVE #1
Absolutely.
EXECUTIVE #2
It’s a priority.
DAWN
I want to introduce you girls to the Executive Producer we’re attaching to the project. We think she’s perfect for Skirts and I’m sure you’ll agree. Lynda Obst.
Lynda enters, clicking in on high heels. Though she comes off sweet and accessible, there’s a look in her eye that explains why people have said she’s got “killer instincts.” She shakes hands with everyone then gives Dawn and Amy each an air kiss.
LYNDA
(to Hillary and Katie)
So great to meet you girls. I fell in love with your script. I could totally relate to Betty and the fish-out-of-water aspect.
AMY
I personally loved how the girl gangs used dancing to establish their hierarchy.
EXECUTIVE #1
What I thought was so brilliant was setting it all against the backdrop of the New York World’s Fair--especially with their motto that year: “Peace Through Understanding.”
DAWN
Basically we’re saying we absolutely loved every word of your script.
HILLARY
Cool.
KATIE
Great.
PAUL
So that must mean there won’t be anything really for the girls to rewrite.
LYNDA
Well, we do have a few notes.
ANGLE ON Lynda passing out copies of notes to everyone in the room.
CLOSE ON THE PAPERS in Hillary’s hands as she leafs through twenty pages of single-spaced typed notes.
LYNDA (CONT’D)
And since the film’s on a fast track, we’d like you to get the rewrite in to us within a month.
AMY
We know you girls can do it.
CUT TO:
INT. HILLARY AND KATIE’S HOUSE–DAY
The girls are working at a desk in an upstairs office. Out the window we can see the Hollywood sign looming in the background. We come in on the tail end of an argument.
HILLARY
Okay…this isn’t even about the script, is it? What’s with you? This should be the happiest time of our lives!
KATIE
I don’t know…it’s just…
HILLARY
You’re so depressed lately. What’s going on?
KATIE
I guess I feel pressured--with work on the show…
(pan to a framed photo of the Family Ties logo featuring Katie’s “written by” credit)
…and our deadline. I’m only twenty-three, and I have all these huge responsibilities.
HILLARY
Can I do anything to help?
KATIE
No, no.
Hillary takes a sip of coffee, giving silence in hopes that Katie will take advantage of it and say more. She finally does.
KATIE (CONT’D)
It’s not just that…. I love you so much, but I feel like I’ve lost my independence.
Hillary almost does a spit take with her beverage. She’s definitely felt some distance from Katie over the past few months, but she just thought they were going through a temporary rough patch.
HILLARY
So what are you saying?
KATIE
I need some time alone. Need to go find myself.
HILLARY
Wouldn’t it be easier if you had someone helping you look?
KATIE
I’m serious. I think I should get my own place.
PUSH IN CLOSE ON HILLARY, disbelief on her face.
FADE TO BLACK.
FADE UP ON Hillary helping Katie find an apartment.
QUICK CUTS of several completely wrong places--roaches in the bathtub, noisy neighbors downstairs, a view of the neighbors’ bedroom directly outside the window.
END ON Katie finding a beautiful place and signing a lease. Hillary excuses herself, goes into Katie’s new bathroom, sits on the edge of the bathtub, and weeps.
INT. COLUMBIA STUDIOS OFFICE–A MONTH LATER–DAY
Paul sits between Hillary and Katie. We can tell things are strained between the girls. Lynda, Amy, and one of the Executives are going over notes.
AMY<
br />
You guys did a great job with the rewrite.
LYNDA
Dawn’s maid read the script, you know, to give a black perspective….
The girls can’t help but look at each other.
EXECUTIVE #1
Her only problem was one of the Flames’ names--Cloretta. She felt that character’s name needs to be changed.
HILLARY
That’s it? She didn’t like the name Cloretta?
PAUL
Look, if that’s the only note she had, then we’re thrilled.
LYNDA
Yes, that’s it from her. But the studio has a few more notes for you.
She passes them around to all.
CLOSE ON THE PAPERS in Hillary’s hands as she leafs through ten pages of single-spaced typed notes.
Paul, the girls’ champion and protector, speaks out.
PAUL
The script keeps getting further and further away from what it was you all loved about it to begin with.
KATIE
(chiming in)
It feels like it’s losing its essence.
HILLARY
It’s no longer our vision.
LYNDA
You know how few movies in development get made. Do you want to get Skirts green-lit or what?
AMY
Why don’t you girls dive in and we’ll reconvene a week from tomorrow.
CUT TO:
EXT. COLUMBIA STUDIOS PARKING LOT–MOMENTS LATER
Hillary and Katie are leaning against a car.
HILLARY
This is so bizarre. Going home to separate places.
KATIE
But we have a date tomorrow night.
HILLARY
Somehow that’s not very comforting. I don’t know if I can do this--go from living together for two years to dating.
KATIE
Can we at least try?
HILLARY
Fine. So I guess I’ll just see you tomorrow night.
KATIE
I’ll call you in the morning, and we’ll figure out a work schedule for this week.
There’s an awkward moment before they move to hug each other. They kiss good-bye and head their separate ways.
CUT TO:
INT. HILLARY’S BEDROOM–NIGHT
Hillary lies on the bed with Monster watching the American Music Awards on TV.
As the Favorite Pop/Rock album is announced--the soundtrack to Dirty Dancing--she picks up the phone and dials. We HEAR A RING and KATIE ANSWERS.
KATIE
(on the phone)
Hello?
HILLARY
Hey. You watching the American Music Awards? Kenny’s movie just won Best Album.
KATIE
Uh…yeah. I saw.
Hillary senses something’s up.
HILLARY
Are you okay? Why do you sound so weird?
KATIE
Do I?
(a little too enthusiastic)
I’m fine!
HILLARY
What’s going on?
KATIE
Nothing. I’m just in the middle of something. Can I call you later?
A look washes over Hillary’s face. She sits up.
HILLARY
Someone’s totally there with you. Who’s there?
KATIE
No one. I’ll call you a bit later. Okay?
HILLARY
Oh my God. You’re totally seeing someone, aren’t you?
Silence on the other end of the phone.
HILLARY (CONT’D)
(stands up--she can’t hold back)
How dare you! You need to be independent and you’re seeing someone else like five seconds after you move out?! You need space MY ASS! I can’t fucking believe you!
She slams down the phone. Sits back down on the bed in shock. The phone rings. She picks the receiver up and hangs it up immediately. This happens two more times. Finally…
HILLARY (CONT’D)
WHAT?!?!?
INT. KATIE’S APARTMENT LIVING ROOM–SAME TIME
Katie is crying. ANOTHER WOMAN tiptoes away into the other room.
KATIE
I’m so sorry. I swear this just happened in the last few days. I never cheated on you.
(barely stopping for a breath)
I still love you. I just can’t be tied down right now. Please forgive me.
CUT TO:
MONTAGE:
—We see Hillary on a plane. She sits with headphones on, trying to block out any thoughts with her music.
—Now in a taxi, Hillary is driving through snow. Hard to tell which is darker--the storming winter sky or Hillary’s mood as they pull up to a loft in Soho.
—Hillary is greeted by her artist friend LENI who hugs her and welcomes her into her bright, colorful loft.
EXT. WORLD’S FAIR SITE–QUEENS–DAY
Hillary and Leni, both bundled up in scarves, hats, and mittens, tread through the snow at the old World’s Fair site, taking in the few remaining structures and relics of the 1964 World’s Fair.
LENI
I’m really glad you came to visit, though I’m so sorry about the circumstances.
HILLARY
Thanks. It’s good to get out of L.A.
They walk into what was the New York State Pavilion. Covering the ground is a huge map of New York inlaid in gorgeous terrazzo—colored marble. They look at it in awe.
LENI
So how are you and Katie gonna keep working together? You’re still not finished with rewrites, are you?
HILLARY
No. In fact, the minute I get back I have to see her--at a meeting at Columbia. I don’t know how I’m gonna hold it together.
Leni puts her arm around Hillary as they continue walking. They arrive at the Unisphere, the famous enormous steel globe which once greeted all visitors to the Fair.
HILLARY (CONT’D)
Wow.
LENI
It’s so amazing that it’s still here.
Hillary looks at the plaque below the Unisphere and reads the motto of the fair written on it, the theme of the film she and Katie have been working on for two years now.
CLOSE ON PLAQUE: “Peace Through Understanding.”
Hillary rolls her eyes.
CUT TO:
INT. COLUMBIA STUDIOS–DAY
Katie is already at the table when Hillary walks in. Hillary says a general hello to all, then sits as far away from Katie as possible, never once looking at her.
Paul, Lynda, Amy, and the Executives are all in attendance.
LYNDA
WE LOVE THIS SCRIPT!!
HILLARY
Let me guess…you have a few notes.
SMASH CUT:
CLOSE ON PAPERS in Hillary’s hands as she leafs through eight pages of single-spaced typed notes.
MONTAGE:
Hillary and Katie do rewrites--with Paul always there, acting as a buffer. The girls barely speak. Hillary looks like she’s still pissed off and just trying to keep it all together. Katie alternates between looking totally sad and numb.
INT. HILLARY’S HOUSE–OFFICE–A MONTH LATER–DAY
Hillary is sitting at her desk writing when the phone rings.
HILLARY
Hello?