Enter John Malkovich’s head and never look back.
Watch the original version of Being John Malkovich
Prologue:
Craig Schwartz was a man who was always looking for a way to escape his mundane life. He had once dreamed of becoming a successful puppeteer, but now he found himself working in a cramped office, filing papers and answering phones. He longed for something more, something that would make him feel alive.
One day, while working at his desk, Craig noticed a small door hidden behind a filing cabinet. At first, he thought he was imagining things, but as he got closer, he realized that it was real. He opened the door and found a dark tunnel that led to a strange and magical world, a world that would change his life forever.
Chapter 1:
Craig’s Mundane Life
Craig’s life had become a series of disappointments. He had once been a successful puppeteer, but now, at the age of forty, he found himself struggling to make ends meet. His wife Lotte was working as a pet store clerk, and they were barely scraping by.
One day, while driving to his job as a file clerk, Craig spotted a strange billboard. It featured a large, disembodied head with the words “John Malkovich” written underneath it. He couldn’t stop staring at the billboard, wondering what it meant.
At work, Craig was feeling particularly down. He had been passed over for a promotion, and his boss had given him a stern lecture about his lack of work ethic. He felt like a failure, like he was wasting his life.
But then, as he was filing some papers, he noticed a small door hidden behind a filing cabinet. He felt a sudden urge to open it, as if he was being pulled towards it. And when he did, he found himself in a dark tunnel that led to a strange and magical world.
Craig stepped through the tunnel and emerged into a small room. In the center of the room was a small wooden door with a sign that read “Malkovich’s Office.” Craig pushed open the door and found himself staring into the eyes of actor John Malkovich.
Malkovich was sitting at his desk, reading a script. He didn’t seem to notice Craig, who was stunned by what he was seeing. He realized that he was inside John Malkovich’s head, seeing and hearing everything that the actor was experiencing.
Craig couldn’t believe his luck. He had stumbled upon a portal into John Malkovich’s mind, and he knew that this could change his life forever. He began to explore the world inside Malkovich’s head, seeing things that he had never imagined before.
But as Craig soon discovered, there were others who had found the portal as well. They too were exploring the world inside Malkovich’s head, and they were all vying for control over the actor’s body.
Craig knew that he had to be careful. The portal was a dangerous place, and he didn’t want to get caught up in the madness that was starting to consume those who had entered it. But he couldn’t resist the temptation to explore, to see what secrets lay hidden inside John Malkovich’s mind.
And so, Craig became obsessed with the portal, spending every spare moment inside Malkovich’s head. He knew that he was treading on dangerous ground, but he couldn’t stop himself. The portal had become his escape from the mundane world that he had been living in, and he was willing to risk everything to keep it.
Chapter 2: The Portal
Craig couldn’t believe his luck. He had stumbled upon a portal that allowed him to enter the mind of actor John Malkovich. To him, it was like finding a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. Finally, he could escape his mundane life as a struggling puppeteer and live in the mind of someone famous and successful.
At first, Craig kept the portal a secret, afraid that others might discover it and take advantage of it. But one day, he confided in his co-worker, Maxine. To his surprise, she didn’t judge him or laugh at him. Instead, she saw an opportunity to make money.
Maxine was a shrewd businesswoman, and she quickly realized the potential of the portal. She proposed that they charge people to enter the portal and experience what it was like to be John Malkovich for 15 minutes. Craig was hesitant at first, but his financial situation was dire, and he needed to make some money. So, he agreed to Maxine’s plan.
They set up a small business called “Malkovich and Me” and advertised their services online. Surprisingly, the response was overwhelming. People were willing to pay hundreds of dollars for the chance to be someone else, even for a few minutes. Craig and Maxine were making more money than they ever had before.
The portal became a popular attraction among celebrities and ordinary people alike. Some people used it for therapy, while others used it for fun. Craig and Maxine were living the high life, attending parties and rubbing shoulders with famous people.
But with success came a price. Craig and Maxine had to keep the portal a secret, and this meant lying to their loved ones. Craig’s wife, Lotte, became suspicious of his activities and began to investigate. She followed him one day and discovered the portal. She was shocked and hurt by Craig’s deception.
Lotte demanded that Craig shut down the business, but he refused. He was addicted to the power he felt, controlling another person’s body. Maxine too had become obsessed with the portal and began to see it as a means to an end. She wanted to use it to secure her own success, regardless of who got hurt.
The pressure to keep the portal a secret began to mount, and Craig and Maxine started to crack under it. They began to turn on each other, each blaming the other for the mess they were in. The tension between them was palpable, and it was only a matter of time before it all came crashing down.
One day, while they were conducting a session with a client, Lotte burst in and exposed the portal to everyone. The news went viral, and Craig and Maxine were exposed as frauds. They lost everything they had worked for, including their friendship.
Craig was left alone and despondent, wondering how he had let things get so out of control. He realized that the portal had become an addiction, and he had lost sight of what was important in life. He had to start over, but he didn’t know where to begin.
In the next chapter, Craig goes on a journey of self-discovery and learns to let go of his obsession with the portal. He finds a new passion in life and begins to work on a puppet show that he hopes will become successful.
Chapter 3: The Obsession Begins
The portal into John Malkovich’s head became more than just a source of income for Craig and his co-worker, Maxine. It was an obsession that engulfed both of them, as well as Craig’s wife, Lotte. The fifteen minutes inside Malkovich’s mind was captivating, allowing its visitors to experience life from the perspective of the famous actor.
Lotte was one of the visitors to the portal and was instantly drawn to Maxine, Craig’s co-worker. Maxine was attracted to Lotte as well, and the two women started a secret relationship inside the portal. Meanwhile, Craig had his own obsession with Malkovich, controlling his actions and living vicariously through him.
As the portal became more popular, people started lining up for hours to experience life inside John Malkovich’s head. Craig started to feel like he was losing control, no longer the only one who knew the secret. He became paranoid that someone might discover the portal’s existence, and his obsession with Malkovich became even more pronounced.
On the other hand, Lotte and Maxine’s relationship inside the portal began to spill over to their lives outside of it. They started to have sex with each other in the real world, which confused Craig even more. He was already in love with Maxine, but now he had to compete with his own wife for her affections.
Things came to a head when Lotte entered the portal again and found Maxine with another woman. Furious, Lotte left the portal and confronted Maxine in the real world. Maxine tried to explain that it didn’t mean anything, but Lotte was hurt and confused. She didn’t understand why Maxine would do that to her, especially after the connection they had inside Malkovich’s head.
Craig was torn. He hated the fact that his wife was in love with another woman, but he was also jealous of Maxine’s affection for Lotte. He wanted to be the one that Maxine loved, but he couldn’t compete with Lotte’s connection to her. In the end, Craig decided to confront Maxine about their relationship.
Maxine was surprised by Craig’s revelation, but she didn’t try to deny it. Instead, she told him that she loved both him and Lotte, and that they could make it work if they tried. Craig was skeptical, but he couldn’t deny that he was still in love with Maxine.
The three of them tried to make the relationship work, but it was complicated. Craig struggled to share Maxine with Lotte, and Lotte struggled to let go of her anger towards Maxine. Meanwhile, the portal continued to attract more visitors, and the pressure to keep its existence a secret became even greater.
One day, Malkovich himself entered the portal, and Craig saw a chance to take over his body for good. Malkovich had no idea what was happening, and Craig saw an opportunity to live the rest of his life as the famous actor. However, his plan was foiled when Malkovich was able to regain control of his body.
Craig’s obsession with Malkovich and the portal had gone too far. While he had started off just trying to make a living, he was now consumed by his desire to take over Malkovich’s life. His marriage was in shambles, and his mental health was suffering. It was time for Craig to let go of his obsession and move on with his life.
Chapter 4: The Rise and Fall
Craig had never felt more alive than when he was inside John Malkovich’s head. He felt powerful, in control, and had the ability to alter Malkovich’s every move. It was intoxicating, and Craig couldn’t get enough.
He started spending more and more time inside Malkovich’s head, to the point where he was neglecting his own life. He stopped taking care of himself, stopped going to work, and even stopped talking to his wife, Lotte.
Maxine, Craig’s love interest, started to notice the changes in him. She could see that he was becoming obsessed with the portal, and urged him to stop before it was too late. But Craig was too far gone. He wanted more power, more control, and he was willing to do whatever it took to get it.
One day, Malkovich caught on to what was happening. He realized that someone was controlling him from inside his own head, and he was furious. He demanded that the portal be shut down immediately.
But Craig wasn’t ready to give up just yet. He came up with a plan to take over Malkovich’s entire life. He would enter the portal, and never come out. He would become Malkovich, and Malkovich would become him.
It was a risky move, but Craig was willing to take the chance. He entered the portal, and his body was taken over by Malkovich. He could feel the power pulsing through him, and he knew that he had finally won.
But things didn’t go as planned. Malkovich, now inside Craig’s body, demanded that the portal be reopened. He wanted to take control of his life once again. Craig, now trapped inside Malkovich’s head, was powerless to stop him.
Maxine, who had been caught up in the madness of the portal, finally realized what was happening. She saw the destruction that Craig’s obsession had caused, and she knew that it had to end.
With the help of Lotte, Maxine convinced Malkovich that it was time to let go of the portal. It was time to move on and start fresh.
Craig, still trapped inside Malkovich’s head, was devastated. He had lost everything, his wife, his job, and now, even his own body. He realized that his obsession had cost him everything, and he had no one to blame but himself.
Finally, the portal was closed for good. Craig was released from Malkovich’s head, and he had to face the reality of the situation. He was alone, with nothing left but his own thoughts.
For weeks, Craig wandered aimlessly, trying to make sense of what had happened. He had hit rock bottom, and he knew that he needed to make a change.
Slowly but surely, Craig started to rebuild his life. He found a new passion in puppetry, and started working on a new show. He reconnected with his wife, Lotte, and they started to build a new life together.
Craig had finally realized that life was not about controlling others, but rather about finding happiness within yourself. The madness of John Malkovich’s head had taken everything from him, but it had also taught him a valuable lesson. He was finally ready to move on, and start a new chapter in his life.
Chapter 5: A New Beginning
Craig sat in his studio, surrounded by puppets and the remnants of failed performances, feeling lost and directionless. He had lost everything – his wife, his job, and his obsession with controlling John Malkovich. But in the midst of his despair, he realized that he had a new passion, one that he had always loved but had abandoned in his pursuit of the portal – puppetry.
He started sketching out ideas for his new show, drawing inspiration from the chaos and unpredictability of the portal. He had a newfound appreciation for the idea that anything could happen, and he wanted to incorporate that into his performances.
Over the next several months, Craig poured all of his energy into creating his puppet show. He spent countless hours crafting each character, honing their movements and expressions until they were perfect. He sewed costumes, built sets, and rehearsed tirelessly, determined to make the performance of a lifetime.
Finally, opening night arrived. Craig stood backstage, holding his breath as the music started and the curtains rose. The audience was captivated from the first note, and as the show progressed, they laughed, cried, and gasped in amazement.
For the first time in a long time, Craig felt alive. He had found a new purpose, and it was as if the world had opened up for him again. The puppet show was a hit, and word quickly spread throughout the theater community. People came from far and wide to see Craig’s performances, and soon he was being invited to perform at festivals and competitions all over the world.
But as much as his success thrilled him, Craig couldn’t shake the feeling that he still had unfinished business. He knew he needed to make amends for what he had done to Malkovich, to Lotte, and to himself. He decided to take a journey of self-discovery, traveling to different countries to learn about new cultures and to find a deeper understanding of the human condition.
Craig’s travels took him to Japan, where he studied the art of bunraku puppetry, and to India, where he immersed himself in the colorful world of street performance. He even made a pilgrimage to Mecca, hoping to find a sense of peace and clarity.
Finally, after months of wandering, Craig found himself back in New York City, standing on the steps of the Malkovich theater. He felt a sense of catharsis as he looked up at the building, remembering all of the pain and chaos that had taken place there.
He took a deep breath and stepped inside, hoping to finally confront his past. But as he entered the lobby, he was greeted by an unexpected sight. Lotte was standing there, holding a child who looked remarkably like him.
“Craig,” she said softly, tears in her eyes. “I thought I would never see you again.”
They embraced, and for a moment, all of the hurt and regret melted away. They talked for hours, catching up on everything that had happened since they had last seen each other. Craig was amazed to learn that Lotte had forgiven him for what he had done, and that she had even named her child after him.
In that moment, Craig knew that he had truly found a new beginning. He had let go of his obsession with Malkovich, found a new passion in puppetry, and reconciled with the love of his life. The portal was a distant memory, and he was finally at peace with himself and the world.
Chapter 6: The Show Must Go On
Craig sat nervously in the dressing room, staring at his reflection in the mirror. He was about to perform his puppet show in front of a sold-out audience, but his mind was elsewhere. He couldn’t stop thinking about the portal, and the mistakes he had made because of it. He knew that he needed to make things right, but he didn’t know where to start.
The stage manager knocked on the door. “Five minutes, Craig,” he said. “It’s time to get ready.”
Craig took a deep breath and stood up. He put on his puppeteer’s jacket and walked out onto the stage. The spotlight shone down on him, and the audience erupted in applause. Craig smiled nervously and introduced himself.
“Welcome, everyone,” he said. “My name is Craig, and I’m a puppeteer. Today, I’m going to tell you a story.”
Craig started to manipulate the puppets on the stage. The story was about a young boy who goes on an adventure to find his missing father. The audience was captivated by the puppets’ movements and the story’s twists and turns.
As Craig continued his performance, he began to feel a sense of peace. For the first time in a long time, he wasn’t thinking about the portal or his past mistakes. He was fully present in the moment, enjoying the art of puppetry.
After the show, Craig went backstage and took off his puppeteer’s jacket. He was greeted by a standing ovation from the audience. Tears welled up in his eyes as he realized that his passion for puppetry was what had saved him from the madness of the portal.
Suddenly, Craig’s phone rang. It was Lotte, his ex-wife.
“Craig, I need to talk to you,” she said.
Craig hesitated for a moment, but then he realized that he had nothing to lose. He agreed to meet her at a café nearby.
When Craig arrived at the café, Lotte was already there, sitting at a table by the window. She looked nervous and apprehensive.
“Craig, I’m sorry,” she said. “I was wrong to enter the portal. I was wrong to fall in love with Maxine. I just…I don’t know what came over me.”
Craig nodded, understandingly. “It’s okay, Lotte. I forgive you.”
They sat in silence for a moment, then Lotte spoke again.
“Craig, I never stopped loving you,” she said. “I want to be with you again.”
Craig was taken aback. He had never expected this from Lotte. But as he looked into her eyes, he realized that he still loved her too.
“I…I would like that,” he said, finally.
Over the next few months, Craig and Lotte started to rebuild their relationship. It wasn’t easy, but they were both willing to put in the work. They went on dates, talked about their feelings, and tried to move past their mistakes.
One day, on a walk through the park, Lotte brought up the portal.
“Craig, do you ever think about it?” she asked. “About what might have been?”
Craig thought about it for a moment, then shook his head. “No, Lotte. I don’t. The portal was a mistake, and I’m grateful that it’s over. I’m happy with my life now.”
Lotte smiled, relieved. “I am too, Craig. I’m so glad we’re back together.”
Craig put his arm around her, and they continued their walk through the park. For the first time in a long time, he felt content. He knew that he had made mistakes, but he had learned from them. He had found a new passion in life, and he had rediscovered his love for Lotte. The show, as they say, must go on.
Chapter 7: The Final Act
Craig stood on the stage, basking in the applause that his puppet show had garnered. He had come a long way since his obsession with the portal to John Malkovich’s head. He had learned the hard way that life was not about controlling others but finding happiness within oneself. He was finally content with who he was and where he was in life.
As the audience filed out, Craig’s wife Lotte approached him with tears in her eyes. She had been hesitant to come to the show, but she knew how much it meant to Craig. She had never seen him so happy, and it made her heart swell with love for him.
“I’m so proud of you,” she whispered, wrapping her arms around him.
Craig hugged her back, feeling a warmth spread through his body. He had missed her so much, and now that she was back in his life, he felt complete again.
They walked out of the theater, hand in hand, into the chilly night air. Craig took a deep breath and smiled, feeling as though a weight had been lifted off his shoulders.
“Lotte, I’m sorry for everything I put you through,” he said, looking at her with remorse.
She squeezed his hand, “I forgive you, Craig. It wasn’t easy, but I understand that you were lost and needed to find your way.”
Craig leaned in and kissed her, feeling the passion between them reignite. They walked on, discussing their future plans, and how they could work together to build a better life.
As they walked, Craig noticed a familiar figure standing in the shadows, watching them. It was Maxine, the woman who had caused so much trouble in their lives. At first, Craig felt a sense of anger and resentment towards her, but then he realized that he had moved on. He no longer needed to cling onto the past and the hurt it had caused.
“Maxine,” he said, approaching her slowly.
She looked at him with surprise, “Craig, I didn’t expect to see you here.”
“I just wanted to say goodbye,” he said, holding out his hand.
Maxine hesitated for a moment before shaking his hand, “Goodbye, Craig. I’m sorry for everything I did.”
Craig smiled, feeling a sense of closure. He had finally let go of the pain and anger that had consumed him for so long.
As he walked away, Craig felt a sense of peace. He had finally found happiness in his life, and it felt good. He turned to Lotte, knowing that she was the one who had helped him get through the darkest times.
“I love you,” he said, pulling her close.
“I love you too,” she replied, kissing him gently.
Together, they walked away, leaving behind the madness of the portal to John Malkovich’s head. They had found their own portal to happiness, and they were determined to make the most of it.
Some scenes from the movie Being John Malkovich written by A.I.
Scene 1
Opening Scene:
FADE IN:
EXT. NEW YORK CITY – DAY
The sound of a busy city with people rushing through the streets. Craig, a charming yet unsuccessful puppeteer, is seen sitting on a sidewalk on the side of the road, trying to sell his puppet show to passers-by. He looks upset as people just ignored him.
CRAIG (v.o)
I’m Craig. And my life is mundane. I’ve always wanted to entertain people with my puppet show, but it seems like no one is interested. I’m just another failure in a city full of them.
A woman walks towards Craig, passing him by without stopping for a show. Craig looks down, feeling discouraged.
CRAIG (v.o)
Until one day, everything changed.
Suddenly, Craig notices something strange on the side of the road. It’s an old, run-down door that seems to have appeared out of nowhere.
CRAIG (v.o)
It was a door to an unknown world that would change my life forever.
Craig gets up and approaches the door. He tries to open it, but it’s locked. Craig looks around, making sure no one is watching, and then the door opens by itself. Startled, he enters.
INT. THE PORTAL – DAY
Inside the portal, it’s an entirely different world. A long, dark tunnel with strange carvings on the walls surrounds it. Craig looks bewildered as he walks further in, and suddenly he sees a light at the end of the tunnel.
CRAIG (v.o)
The portal was the gateway to the mind of John Malkovich.
Craig steps into the light and walks out into a cramped office occupied by Maxine, his co-worker.
MAXINE
What took you so long? You don’t have a watch?
CRAIG
What is this place?
MAXINE
This is the mind of John Malkovich.
CRAIG
Wait, John Malkovich? The actor?
MAXINE
Yes, he’s our golden ticket.
Craig looks around, taking in the bizarre surroundings.
CRAIG
What do we do here?
MAXINE
We sell tickets, Craig. Fifteen minutes in the mind of John Malkovich. No one knows what it’s like to be Malkovich, but after fifteen minutes, they’ll have a good idea.
Craig smiles, unable to believe his luck.
FADE TO BLACK.
Scene 2
CHARACTERS:
– CRAIG
– MAXINE
– DERRICK
– LOTTIE
SETTING:
Gentsch Marketing Worldwide Office
SCENE 2:
INT. GENTSCH MARKETING WORLDWIDE OFFICE – DAY
Craig and Maxine are at their desks, bored and uninterested.
CRAIG:
I just can’t get motivated anymore. I’m tired of this job. I’m not going anywhere.
MAXINE:
Me too, Craig. But what can we do?
DERRICK enters the office, looking disheveled.
DERRICK:
Hey, you guys. You won’t believe what I found.
CRAIG:
What is it, Derrick?
DERRICK:
I found a small door in the back of the filing room. I went through it and it led to a small room. And in the room, there’s a hole in the wall.
MAXINE:
What kind of hole?
DERRICK:
A hole big enough for a person to crawl through.
CRAIG:
What’s on the other side?
DERRICK:
I don’t know for sure. But I think… it might be some kind of portal.
MAXINE:
A portal?
DERRICK:
Yeah, a portal. And get this, every time someone goes through it, they end up inside the head of John Malkovich.
CRAIG:
What?! Are you serious?
MAXINE:
That’s insane.
DERRICK:
I’m serious, you guys. I went through it and I was inside John Malkovich’s head. I was him for 15 minutes.
CRAIG:
What did you see?
DERRICK:
I saw everything he saw. I felt everything he felt. It was like I was him.
MAXINE:
This is crazy. We have to see this for ourselves.
CRAIG:
I agree. Let’s go check it out.
The three of them head towards the filing room, excited and nervous.
LOTTIE enters the office and sees them leaving.
LOTTIE:
Where are you guys going?
MAXINE:
We found a portal that leads to John Malkovich’s head.
LOTTIE:
What?! I want to come too!
They all run towards the filing room, eager to see what lies on the other side of the portal.
Scene 3
INT. OFFICE – DAY
Craig and his co-worker, Lotte, are sitting at their desks, staring at the portal in silence.
LOTTE:
(whispering)
Craig, do you ever wonder what it would be like to be inside Malkovich’s head?
CRAIG:
(smiling)
All the time. That’s why we built this portal.
LOTTE:
(tentatively)
Can I try it out?
CRAIG:
(nodding)
Sure. It’s $50 for 15 minutes.
Lotte hands Craig the money and steps into the portal. A look of pure bliss overcomes her face as she experiences the sensation of being John Malkovich.
CUT TO:
INT. MALKOVICH’S MIND – DAY
Lotte explores John Malkovich’s mind, marveling at the chaos and beauty that exists within it. Suddenly, she spots Maxine, Craig’s crush, across the room.
LOTTE:
(excitedly)
Maxine, is that you?
MAXINE:
(smirking)
You must be one of the customers.
LOTTE:
(enamored)
What is this place? It’s amazing!
MAXINE:
(leaning in)
It’s our little secret. But I can show you around if you want.
Lotte nods, and Maxine takes her by the hand, leading her deeper into Malkovich’s mind.
CUT TO:
INT. OFFICE – DAY
Craig watches nervously as Lotte steps out of the portal, a dazed look on her face.
CRAIG:
(concerned)
Lotte, are you okay?
LOTTE:
(dreamily)
I’m more than okay. That was incredible.
CRAIG:
(suspiciously)
Did you see Maxine in there?
Lotte nods, and Craig’s heart sinks. He knows that the portal has the power to ruin everything he holds dear.
FADE OUT.
Scene 4
FADE IN:
EXT. THE STREET OUTSIDE CRAIG’S OFFICE – DAY
Craig walks down the street with a crazed expression on his face. He seems to be moving with purpose, but his movements are erratic, reflecting the turmoil inside him. He stops and looks back at the building he just left.
CRAIG
(to himself)
It’s not over. It’s not over.
Suddenly, Lotte appears from behind him.
LOTTE
Craig, what’s going on?
CRAIG
(angrily)
Get away from me, Lotte! You don’t understand.
LOTTE
(calmly)
Please, just talk to me. We can work this out.
CRAIG
(frustrated)
How? How can we work this out? I’ve lost everything because of that damn portal.
Lotte reaches out to him, but Craig pulls away.
CRAIG (CONT’D)
I need to find a way to get back in there. I need to take control of Malkovich’s body.
LOTTE
(frightened)
Craig, you’re not thinking clearly. You need to let this go.
CRAIG
(intensely)
No! I won’t let it go. I won’t let that damn portal beat me.
Suddenly, Maxine appears from across the street.
MAXINE
(sarcastically)
Well look who it is. The man who wanted to be John Malkovich.
Craig glares at Maxine.
CRAIG
(angrily)
This is your fault, Maxine. You made me do this.
MAXINE
(amused)
I made you do this? You’re the one who’s been obsessed with that portal since day one.
Lotte steps in between the two of them.
LOTTE
(urgently)
Stop it, both of you! Can’t you see what this is doing to Craig?
MAXINE
(smirking)
Oh, I see it perfectly. I see a man who’s lost everything because of his own obsession.
Craig looks at Maxine with rage in his eyes.
CRAIG
(resolutely)
I’ll show you. I’ll show all of you. I’ll get back in there and take control of John Malkovich’s body. And then you’ll see who’s really in charge.
Craig storms off, leaving Lotte and Maxine behind him.
LOTTE
(tearfully)
What are we going to do?
MAXINE
(wryly)
We’re going to stay out of his way, that’s what we’re going to do.
FADE OUT.
Scene 5
FADE IN:
INT. CRAIG’S PUPPET WORKSHOP – DAY
Craig is hard at work in his puppet workshop, surrounded by marionettes of all shapes and sizes. He is putting the finishing touches on a new puppet when his phone rings. He answers it.
CRAIG
(into phone)
Hello?
LOTTE (O.S.)
(on the phone)
Hey, Craig. It’s Lotte.
CRAIG
(smiling)
Hey, Lotte. How are you?
LOTTE (O.S.)
(on the phone)
I’m good. Listen, I was wondering if you wanted to grab lunch today. Catch up?
CRAIG
(thinking)
Yeah, sure. That sounds great.
LOTTE (O.S.)
(on the phone)
Great. I’ll meet you at that little cafe on 7th Street in half an hour?
CRAIG
(nodding)
Yeah, I know the place. See you there.
Craig hangs up the phone and looks around his workshop. He takes a deep breath and smiles.
CRAIG
(to himself)
This is it. This is what I was meant to do.
INT. CAFE – DAY
Craig and Lotte are sitting at a table, sipping coffee and chatting.
LOTTE
(smiling)
I’m really glad you’re doing better, Craig. You seem so much happier now.
CRAIG
(nodding)
Yeah, I feel like I finally found my calling. It’s funny, it took losing everything to figure it out.
Lotte nods in agreement.
LOTTE
(sipping coffee)
So, how’s the show coming along?
CRAIG
(excitedly)
It’s going great. I have some new ideas for puppets and the script is really coming together.
Lotte looks at Craig with admiration.
LOTTE
(smiling)
I knew you could do it, Craig. You always had a talent for storytelling.
CRAIG
(grinning)
Thanks, Lotte. That means a lot coming from you.
They continue chatting and catching up, enjoying each other’s company.
FADE OUT.
Scene 6
FADE IN:
INT. THEATER – DAY
A packed theater is watching Craig’s puppet show. Craig, holding a puppet of John Malkovich, is controlling every movement with precision as his audience watches in awe.
CRAIG
(triumphantly)
And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how you take over someone’s body!
The audience erupts in laughter and applause.
CUT TO:
INT. BACKSTAGE – MOMENTS LATER
Craig is surrounded by his team, all congratulating him on the success of his show. But Craig’s mind is elsewhere.
CRAIG
(nervously)
Did you see out there? Did you see the way they were laughing?
DIRECTOR
(smiling)
It was a hit, Craig. You’ve really outdone yourself this time.
CRAIG
(exhaling)
I’m glad, I’m really glad. But there’s still so much left to do. So many people I hurt along the way.
Craig’s thoughts drift off to his troubled past with the portal.
CUT TO:
INT. CRAIG’S APARTMENT – NIGHT
Craig sits alone in his dimly lit apartment, staring at a photograph of him and Lotte. There’s a knock at the door.
CRAIG
(startled)
Who is it?
LOTTIE (O.S.)
It’s me, Craig. Can we talk?
Craig hesitates before answering the door. He opens it to see Lotte, looking worn out and tired.
CRAIG
(hesitantly)
What do you want, Lotte?
LOTTIE
(sighing)
I came to talk to you. To try and make things right.
CRAIG
(skeptical)
Make things right? After everything that’s happened?
LOTTIE
(taking his hand)
I miss you, Craig. I want us to start fresh.
CRAIG
(softening)
I miss you too.
They embrace in a heartfelt hug.
CUT TO:
INT. THEATER – DAY
Craig and Lotte walk hand in hand into the theater. Craig is beaming with joy and pride as he leads Lotte to their seats.
CRAIG
(excitedly)
I’ve got something special planned for you.
The lights dim and Craig takes the stage once again, this time with Lotte by his side.
CRAIG
(introducing)
Ladies and gentlemen, I’d like to introduce you to someone very special. This is Lotte, my wife.
The audience erupts in applause.
CRAIG (CONT’D)
And now, for the grand finale.
Craig pulls out a puppet of himself and one of Lotte. He begins to manipulate the puppets in a beautiful and emotional performance that tells the story of their love.
The audience is captivated by the power and beauty of the show. Craig and Lotte look at each other, knowing that they’ve finally found peace.
FADE OUT.
