WRITING ON SCREEN
From 1939 to 1945 the US engaged in a secret project to develop a bomb that would be so devastating and the results so absolute, that American enemies would fold under the pressure of its use.
It wasn’t the only project.
The NSA, penned by President Truman himself, without witness, was born. This newly developed agency was working on its own.
FADE IN:
Repetitive haunting violins play louder and louder over a misty yellow screen that becomes a hazy yellow desert.
TOTAL ORCHESTRAL DOWNBEAT CRASHES
Approaching sandstorm. Wind. Two figures appear, but you cannot make them out. One points straight down to the sand as you get closer to them. The other one takes a long stake and pounds it straight into the ground. They are trying to hurry up and get the stake into the ground. The storm engulfs them and on the fourth pound…
CUT TO:
WRITING ON SCREEN
1939 Chicago University Laboratories
HEAR single Cello music playing while writing is on screen
FULL SHOT EXT. UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO — DAY
FADE into front door entrance.
Cello music ends
V.O.. “Is the subject ready?”
CAMERA CONTINUES TO ROLL UP CLOSER AND CLOSER TO THE DOOR.
V.o… “Is the subject ready?”
CAMERA PANS INTO THE HALLWAY, INTO THE LABS.
Laboratory is filled with old test tubes and primitive looki experiments.
Camera rolls up
v.o… “She’s only thirteen.”
2.
v.o… “She’s only thirteen.”
V.O… “Peter, she’s thirteen.” V.O.. “I won’t ask again. Is the subject ready?”
V.O. (female) “She’s ready.”
THE CAMERA IS AT THE FOOT OF A STEEL ALUMINUM BED. CAMERA PANS OVER THE 13 YR. OLD SUBJECT WHO’S LEGS AND HANDS ARE STRAPPED TO THE BED. A LEATHER CHIN STRAP IS HOLDING DOWN HER HEAD.
CAMERA STOPS OVER THE GIRLS FACE. YOU HEAR A HUMMING NOISE.
Humming noise grows louder, louder and louder until her eye lids twitch, her lips twitch and humming noise becomes full blown vibration. Face twitching at an incredible speed at this point. Eyes start to tear. Saliva starts to come out of this girl’s mouth as the vibration grows louder and louder
CUT TO:
INT. CHICAGO UNIVERSITY LAB CAFETERIA – – MORNING
(ROSE, PETER)
PETER GATES, a 60 year old neurosurgeon with expertise in psychosis, is huddled at a cafeteria table talking to his assistant ROSE CARPENTER. ROSE, a 38 year old linguistics professor who specializes in language disorders.
ROSE
A hundred children. Peter, a thousand more they’re interviewing. When will this going to stop? We’ve been at this for two years. At this point, I feel we’re done. There’s nothing to do. We should bury, and forget, this entire project. IF I –
PETER
What do you expect me to do? They’re watching my every move. They financed everything. Maybe it won’t matter hear they’re close at Oakridge.
ROSE
What does that mean?
