Big Fish

Unravel the mysteries of a man’s tall tales and discover the true adventure of a lifetime.

Watch the original version of Big Fish

Prologue:

Edward Bloom had always been a man of big appetites, enormous passions and tall tales. His life was one filled with adventure, wonder, and impossible exploits. He had seen and experienced things that most people could only dream of. His son, William, had grown up listening to his father’s stories, but as he got older he began to wonder if they were all just fiction. To get to know the real man behind the myths, Will sets out to piece together the true story of his father’s life. This is the tale of Edward Bloom, a man who lived his life to the fullest and left a legacy of wonder and mystery.

Chapter 1: The Tall Tales of Edward Bloom

William hadn’t seen his father in some time, so he was surprised when Edward showed up unannounced at his doorstep. Edward had always been a larger-than-life character, and this time was no different. He regaled William with stories of his adventures, of giants, mermaids, and witches. William listened with a mixture of awe and skepticism. He had heard these stories before, but now he was older and wiser. He wondered if his father had ever really lived the life he claimed to have lived.

Edward noticed the look on his son’s face and paused. “You don’t believe me, do you?” he asked.

William hesitated. “I believe that you believe them, Dad. But… some of them just seem so far-fetched.”

Edward smiled. “That’s because they are, son. That’s the beauty of it. You can’t have an adventure without a little bit of imagination.”

William nodded, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to his father’s stories than just imagination. He decided to press on.

“Tell me about the Witch of Walla Walla,” he said.

Edward grinned, pleased that his son was still interested. “Ah, the Witch of Walla Walla. That was a good one. You see, I was on a hunting trip with some friends, and we stumbled upon her in the woods. She had a cursed eye that could see the future, and she predicted that one of my friends would die before the end of the trip.”

William leaned forward, intrigued despite himself. “Did he?”

Edward’s grin widened. “No, he didn’t. But we did have to go on a journey to save a small town from destruction. It was quite the adventure.”

As Edward talked, William found himself getting caught up in the story. He could see the images in his mind’s eye, feel the rush of excitement and danger. Maybe there was more to his father’s tales than he had thought.

After a while, Edward seemed to tire of talking about his exploits. “Well, that’s enough about me,” he said. “What about you, son? What adventures have you had?”

William laughed. “Oh, nothing like yours, Dad. Just the usual stuff. School, work… that sort of thing.”

Edward shook his head. “That’s not good enough, son. You need to live life to the fullest. Don’t let it pass you by without doing something great.”

William couldn’t help but feel a pang of guilt. He knew his father was right. He had been playing it safe for too long, and maybe it was time to take a few risks.

As Edward got ready to leave, William hugged him tightly. “Thanks for coming, Dad,” he said. “It’s always an adventure when you’re around.”

Edward smiled. “That’s the spirit, son. Don’t forget to live a little.”

As he drove away, William watched him go, feeling a mix of admiration and confusion. He still wasn’t sure how much of his father’s tales were true, but he couldn’t deny the impact they had on him. He resolved to find out more about his father’s past, to try and separate fact from fiction. Maybe, in doing so, he would discover something about himself as well.

Chapter 2: The Witch of Walla Walla

Edward Bloom’s stories were always larger than life, but William had never heard anything like the tale he was about to tell. It started in a small town in Washington state called Walla Walla, where Edward had been traveling with his friends on a road trip.

They stumbled upon a small house on the outskirts of town, where a woman with a cursed eye lived. The townspeople believed she was a witch who could see the future, and they kept their distance from her.

Edward, always drawn to the mysterious and unusual, was fascinated by the idea of a witch. He approached the house alone, and the woman answered the door. Her eye was indeed cursed – it was blue and seemed to glow with an otherworldly light.

The witch offered to show Edward his future, and he couldn’t resist. She led him to a room filled with smoke and mirrors, and as she gazed into his eye, she began to speak.

“You will travel the world,” she said, her voice low and melodious. “You will meet giants and dwarfs, mermaids and witches. You will have adventures beyond your wildest dreams.”

Edward was spellbound by her words. He knew that he had always been destined for something great, but hearing it from the witch made it feel real.

As he left the house, he felt a sense of urgency. He knew that he had to find and defeat whatever was threatening Walla Walla – and he had to do it alone.

He journeyed into the forest, where he soon encountered a group of men who were trying to escape from a giant. The giant was nearly 15 feet tall, with long, tangled hair and a bushy beard. He was carrying a massive club, and his footsteps shook the ground beneath their feet.

Edward, always quick on his feet, devised a plan. He convinced the men to help him lure the giant into a trap. They would dig a deep pit and cover it with branches and leaves, then bait the giant with a pig.

The plan worked, and the giant fell into the pit. But as they were celebrating their victory, they heard a sound coming from the woods. It was the giant’s mother, even bigger and more fearsome than her son. She was calling out for him, and they knew that they had to act fast if they wanted to survive.

Edward climbed up a nearby tree and began to sing a lullaby. The giant’s mother was enchanted by the music, and she began to fall asleep. When she was fully asleep, Edward and his companions made their escape.

They returned to town, where the people of Walla Walla were grateful for their heroism. Edward had saved the town from a giant and had proven that he was capable of great things.

As William listened to his father’s story, he felt a sense of awe. His father had lived a life that was full of adventure and wonder, and he was just getting started. William knew that there were many more stories to come.

Chapter 3: The Giant in the Forest

Edward Bloom was always up for an adventure. So, when he and his friends stumbled upon a giant living in the forest, he couldn’t resist the opportunity to outsmart it. The encounter soon turned into a dangerous game of cat and mouse.

The giant was massive and had a terrifying roar that echoed through the trees. It stood at least 20 feet tall, with skin the color of bark and hair made of thorns. Its eyes were small and beady, but seemed to glow in the dark.

At first, Edward and his friends tried to avoid the giant. They snuck around, hiding behind trees and staying as quiet as possible. But the giant was always one step ahead, always knowing where they were. It seemed impossible to outsmart it.

One night, as they were hunkered down by the fire, Edward had an idea. He remembered a story his father had told him about a man who outsmarted a giant by getting it drunk. Edward suggested they try the same tactic.

His friends were skeptical at first, but Edward was determined to try. They gathered all the alcohol they had and mixed it together in a pot. They then snuck up to the giant’s cave, where they could hear it snoring loudly.

Edward bravely stepped forward and poured the alcohol down the giant’s throat. The giant groggily woke up, confused and disoriented. It stumbled around, crashing into trees and tripping over rocks. Edward and his friends were quick to take advantage of the situation.

They pelted the giant with rocks and sticks, making it angrier and more disoriented. The giant began to chase them through the forest, its massive feet pounding against the ground. Edward and his friends led the giant on a wild goose chase, making it run in circles and fall into traps they had set.

As the sun began to rise, they finally led the giant to a deep pit they had dug earlier. The giant stumbled and fell in, tumbling down to the bottom with a loud crash. Edward and his friends cheered in triumph.

But their victory was short-lived. They soon heard the sound of the giant’s snoring coming from the pit. They had only succeeded in trapping the giant, not killing it. They knew they had to act quickly before the giant woke up.

They gathered as much wood as they could find and piled it at the top of the pit. They then lit the pile on fire, causing a huge blaze to erupt. The flames grew higher and higher, engulfing the pit and the giant inside.

Edward and his friends watched in horror as the giant screamed in agony. They knew what they had done was cruel, but they also knew they had no other choice. The giant posed a threat to anyone who entered the forest, and it was their duty to protect their town and their families.

As the fire finally died down, Edward and his friends made their way back home. They never spoke of the giant again, but the memory of their encounter stayed with them for the rest of their lives.

For Edward, it was just another adventure in a life full of them. But for his friends, it was a reminder of the dangers that lurked in the world around them. And for William, listening to his father’s tales, it was a glimpse into a life of courage, bravery, and the occasional cruelty that came with the pursuit of adventure.

Chapter 4: The Mermaid’s Lagoon

Edward’s fascination with mermaids began when he was just a boy, hearing stories of beautiful creatures with tails that shimmered in the sun. As he grew older, his desire to see them for himself grew more intense, and he began searching for a way to find them.

One day, Edward heard a rumor of a place called Mermaid’s Lagoon, a hidden spot where mermaids were said to gather. He set out on a quest to find it, determined to finally see the creatures he had dreamt of for so long.

The journey was long and treacherous, but Edward was undeterred. He traveled through dense forests, across raging rivers and over treacherous mountains, all in search of the lagoon.

After many weeks of travel, Edward finally reached the spot where the lagoon was said to be located. He saw nothing but dense jungle, but he knew that the mermaids were out there somewhere. He began to explore, pushing aside branches and foliage, looking for any sign of the creatures.

One day, as he was wandering along the edge of a river, he caught sight of something shimmering beneath the surface. Excitedly, he waded in, the water lapping at his knees. As he drew nearer, he could make out the sleek shape of a mermaid, her silver tail flashing in the light.

Edward was entranced. The creature was more beautiful than he could have ever imagined, with long hair the color of pearls and eyes that sparkled like diamonds. She beckoned to him with a wave of her hand, and he could not resist following her deeper into the water.

For hours he swam with her, exploring the underwater world of the lagoon. He saw schools of brightly colored fish, coral reefs that looked like gardens, and other mermaids who moved gracefully through the water.

But as the sun began to set, the mermaid’s mood grew dark. She began to speak of dangers that lurked in the water, predators that could easily overpower a human. Edward began to feel uneasy, but he stayed with her, unable to resist her charm.

As the moon rose into the sky, the mermaid revealed that she was not alone in the lagoon. There were others, she said, who were not so friendly towards humans. She warned Edward to leave before they arrived, urging him to return to the safety of his own world.

Edward reluctantly agreed, making his way back to shore. He felt a sense of loss as he left the lagoon, knowing that he would likely never return.

But as he emerged from the water and turned to leave, he saw a group of menacing figures emerging from the trees. They were the mermaids the first one had warned him about, and they were coming for him.

Edward raced through the jungle, feeling their hot breath on his heels. He knew he was in grave danger, but he was determined to make it back to civilization alive.

Finally, after hours of running, he saw a faint light glowing in the distance. It was a small village, and he knew that he would be safe there. He raced towards it, the sound of the mermaids fading behind him as he entered the safety of the village.

As he caught his breath, he realized that he had escaped a fate worse than death. He knew that he had been foolish to trust the mermaids, but he also knew that he would never forget the experience. The memory of the beautiful creatures of Mermaid’s Lagoon would stay with him forever.

Chapter 5: The Circus of Dreams

Edward Bloom had always been a man of adventure. He loved to explore the unknown and to push himself to the limits of his abilities. So when he heard about a traveling circus that promised to take him on the ride of his life, he knew he had to see it for himself.

The circus was like nothing Edward had ever seen before. It was a magical place filled with incredible acts and performers that seemed to defy the laws of physics. There was a trapeze artist who flew through the air with such grace and beauty that it brought tears to Edward’s eyes. There was a strongman who could lift a car above his head with ease. And there was a clown who could make even the grumpiest person in the audience laugh until their sides hurt.

But it was Sandra who caught Edward’s eye from the very first moment. She was a mystery to him, a beautiful woman with an air of sadness about her. Edward was determined to find out what made her tick, to uncover the secrets of her past and to make her smile again.

It wasn’t long before Edward was right in the thick of things at the circus. He became friends with the performers and spent every waking moment learning the tricks of the trade. He practiced on the trapeze, lifted weights with the strongman, and even tried his hand at comedy with the clown. But no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t seem to impress Sandra.

One day, the circus was threatened by a rival group who wanted to put them out of business. The performers were afraid that they would lose their jobs and that their beloved circus would be no more. Edward could see the fear in their eyes, and he knew that he had to do something to help.

He went to Sandra, hoping that she would be able to give him some advice. But instead of telling him what to do, she simply smiled and said, “You’ll figure it out. You always do.”

With those words ringing in his ears, Edward set out to save the circus. He came up with a plan that involved all of the performers working together to put on the greatest show the world had ever seen. They rehearsed for hours and hours, perfecting their routines and making sure that everything was just right.

Finally, the day of the big show arrived. The audience was packed into the tent, and everyone was on the edge of their seats with excitement. As the performers took to the stage, Edward could feel his heart racing with anticipation.

The show was a resounding success. The strongman lifted a car and spun it around his head like it was nothing. The trapeze artist flew through the air, performing twists and turns that left the audience breathless. And the clown had everyone in stitches, with his hilarious jokes and antics.

But it was Edward who stole the show. He donned a costume and became the ringmaster, leading the audience on a journey through a magical world filled with wonder and amazement. He was funny, charming, and utterly captivating.

As the show came to a close, the audience erupted into thunderous applause. Edward could feel tears streaming down his face as he realized that he had saved the circus, and that he had made a difference in the lives of the performers.

But the most important thing of all was that Sandra was smiling. It was a smile that lit up her entire face and brought a warmth to Edward’s heart that he had never felt before. He knew that he had finally won her over, and that he had found the one person who could match his own sense of adventure and wonder.

As the night drew to a close, Edward and Sandra sat together under the stars, holding hands and talking about their dreams for the future. For the first time in a long time, Edward felt truly happy. He had found his place in the world, and he knew that he would never let it go.

Chapter 6: The Return Home

As Edward Bloom returned home after years of adventure, he felt a sense of excitement mixed with anxiety. He was eager to see his old love, Sandra, but also nervous about how much his hometown had changed in his absence.

The streets were unfamiliar, and the buildings had been renovated or replaced. As he walked down the main street, he wondered if he would be able to find his way to Sandra’s house.

Finally, he spotted the familiar white picket fence and the rose garden that surrounded Sandra’s house. As he walked up the front path, he was struck by how beautiful she looked. She had aged gracefully, and her smile was as warm as he remembered.

“Sandra,” he said, his voice filled with emotion. “It’s been so long.”

“Yes, it has,” she replied, her eyes shining with tears. “But you’re here now, and that’s all that matters.”

They spent hours catching up, reminiscing about their past and sharing stories about their separate adventures. Edward was overjoyed to learn that Sandra had never married, and he saw a glimmer of hope for a future together.

But as the night wore on, he began to feel a sense of unease. He couldn’t shake the feeling that he had left something important behind. As he tried to ignore the nagging sensation, Sandra excused herself to make tea.

While she was in the kitchen, Edward wandered around the living room, looking at the photographs on the walls. One caught his eye: a picture of a young woman with a familiar smile. He picked it up and turned it over, revealing a handwritten message on the back.

“Dear Sandra, I hope this photograph finds you well. It was taken on the day we said goodbye, and it remains one of my most treasured possessions.”

Edward’s heart sank as he realized who the woman in the photograph was: Jenny, the love of his life before Sandra. He had left her behind when he set out on his adventures, and he had never been able to forget her.

Sandra returned with a tray of tea and noticed the photograph in Edward’s hand. “Oh, that,” she said, her voice tinged with sadness. “I found it in a box of your things after you left.”

“I’m sorry,” Edward said, his eyes filling with tears. “I should have told you. I loved Jenny before I met you, and I never forgot about her.”

Sandra nodded, her eyes understanding. “I know,” she said. “And I always wondered if you would come back for her.”

They sat in silence for a while, sipping their tea, and Edward could feel the weight of his regret pressing down on him. He had spent his whole life chasing adventure and leaving behind the people he loved. Now he realized that he had lost something precious in the process.

As he left Sandra’s house that night, he knew that he needed to make amends. He walked down the street to Jenny’s house, his heart pounding in his chest. He knocked on the door, and when she answered, he could see the resentment and hurt in her eyes.

“Jenny,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry for everything.”

They talked for hours, sharing their memories and their pain. Edward realized that he had never truly let go of Jenny, and he had carried that longing with him throughout all of his adventures.

As the night wore on, Edward and Jenny sat on her porch, watching the stars. He felt a sense of peace and closure, knowing that he had finally made things right.

As he walked back to Sandra’s house, he knew that he had a difficult choice ahead of him. He loved both women, and he couldn’t bear to hurt either of them. But he also knew that he needed to be honest with himself and with them.

When he arrived at Sandra’s house, he sat her down and told her the truth. He loved her, but he also loved Jenny. He didn’t know how to choose between them.

Sandra listened to him with a heavy heart, but she knew that he needed to follow his own path. In the end, she gave him her blessing, telling him that she would always love him and support him, no matter where his adventures took him.

Edward felt a sense of relief and gratitude wash over him. He knew that he had been given a second chance, and he promised himself that he would make the most of it.

As he fell asleep that night, he felt a sense of contentment and peace. He had finally confronted his past and made amends. He knew that there would be more adventures and challenges ahead, but he also knew that he had the strength and the love he needed to face them.

Chapter 7: The Final Adventure

As Edward settled into old age, he knew that his time was coming to an end. But he wanted to leave his son with one final tale, one that would show him the true depth of his love for William.

The story began with Edward returning home after years of adventure, only to find that his wife had moved on and started a new life with another man. Edward was heartbroken and lost, unsure of where he belonged in the world.

It was then that he heard rumors of a great adventure, one that would take him to the ends of the earth and beyond. The adventure promised to be the greatest and most dangerous one yet, and Edward knew that he had to take part.

He set out on the journey with a group of fellow adventurers, each one as bold and fearless as Edward himself. They faced countless trials and tribulations along the way, from fierce storms at sea to treacherous mountain passes.

But it was the final challenge that would prove to be the most difficult of all. They were tasked with outrunning Death himself, who was chasing them relentlessly through a series of dangerous obstacles.

As they neared the end of the challenge, Edward knew that he had only one chance to save himself and his friends. He used all of his wit and cunning to outsmart Death, and succeeded in escaping his grasp.

But it came at a great cost. In order to save his friends, Edward had to sacrifice himself and remain trapped in a place between life and death, forever.

As the story came to a close, William was left feeling bewildered and confused. He couldn’t believe that his father had sacrificed himself for the sake of a group of adventurers he barely knew.

But as he looked into his father’s eyes, he saw a depth of love and devotion that he had never known before. He realized that his father had always been a man of great heart and courage, and that his wild tales had been a way of expressing that love and courage to his family and friends.

William was filled with a sense of awe and wonder as he realized just how much his father had truly lived. He knew that he would never be able to match Edward’s courage and adventure, but he was inspired to live his own life with the same spirit of adventure and passion.

As Edward closed his eyes for the final time, William knew that he had been given a priceless gift. The gift of a father who had lived life to the fullest, and who had shown him that anything was possible if you dared to dream big.

And with that, the story of Edward Bloom came to an end, leaving William with a legacy that would last a lifetime.


Some scenes from the movie Big Fish written by A.I.

Scene 1

Opening shot: A wide shot of a small town in Alabama. The camera pans down to reveal a large house on a hill overlooking the town.

FADE IN:

INT. EDWARD BLOOM’S HOUSE – DAY

William, a young journalist, is sitting in the living room with his father, Edward Bloom, an old man with a twinkle in his eye.

WILLIAM

Dad, you’ve always told me these crazy stories about your adventures. I don’t know what to believe anymore.

EDWARD

(smiling)

Believe what you will, son. But I promise you, every word is true.

William sighs, looking at his father with a mixture of frustration and curiosity.

WILLIAM

Alright, I’ll bite. Tell me one of your stories.

EDWARD

(grinning)

Ah, where to start? How about the time I defeated the giant in the forest?

WILLIAM

(skeptical)

The giant in the forest?

EDWARD

(nodding)

Yes, sir. A creature of epic proportions. At least 20 feet tall.

William leans forward, intrigued.

WILLIAM

Alright, I’m listening.

EDWARD

(voiceover)

And so Edward Bloom begins his tale, a fantastical adventure filled with danger and wonder.

CUT TO:

EXT. THE FOREST – DAY

A young Edward, full of confidence, is out hunting with his friends.

EDWARD

(to his friends)

I bet there’s something out here we’ve never seen before.

FRIEND 1

(skeptical)

Like what?

EDWARD

(smiling)

Like a giant.

FRIEND 2

(laughing)

You don’t really believe in that stuff, do you?

Edward shrugs, grinning.

EDWARD

(mischievously)

There’s only one way to find out.

CUT TO:

INT. EDWARD’S LIVING ROOM – DAY

William is on the edge of his seat, absorbed in his father’s story.

EDWARD

And that’s when we saw him. The giant.

WILLIAM

(enthralled)

What did you do?

EDWARD

(voiceover)

And so Edward tells the story of how he and his friends outsmarted the giant, using their wit and bravery to save themselves from certain death.

FADE TO BLACK:

Title card: Big Fish: The Legend of Edward Bloom

END SCENE.

Scene 2

Genre: Adventure/Fantasy/Drama

Logline: William Bloom tries to uncover the truth behind his father’s tall tales of adventure and discovers a world of wonder, danger, and love.

Characters:

William Bloom – A young journalist trying to understand his father’s life.

Edward Bloom – William’s father, a man of great stories and adventures.

The Witch of Walla Walla – A mysterious woman with a cursed eye who can see the future.

FADE IN:

EXT. A DREARY TOWN – DAY

Edward walks down the main street of a dingy town. The sky is gray and rain is falling steadily. He stops in front of a rundown house, takes a deep breath, and knocks on the door.

INT. THE WITCH’S HOUSE – DAY

The door creaks open and a witch with a white eye and blackened teeth greets him.

WITCH

Welcome, Edward Bloom. I’ve been expecting you.

EDWARD

How did you know I was coming?

WITCH

I see things, Mr. Bloom. Things that others cannot.

EDWARD

I’ve heard you can tell the future. Is that true?

WITCH

Yes, but it comes at a price.

EDWARD

What kind of price?

WITCH

A trade. I tell you your future, and you tell me a story.

EDWARD

What kind of story?

WITCH

A story of adventure, of course. Something to entertain an old woman like myself.

Edward thinks for a moment.

EDWARD

Alright. I’ll tell you the story of how I defeated a giant in the forest.

The witch nods and they sit down across from each other. Edward begins his story, and as he speaks, the witch’s eye glows brighter and brighter.

EXT. THE FOREST – DAY

Flashback to Edward and two of his friends, Don and Karl, walking through the forest.

EDWARD (V.O.)

I was young then, and foolish. Don and Karl and I were on a hunting trip when we stumbled upon a giant in the woods.

The giant comes out from behind a tree and roars.

GIANT

Who dares enter my forest?

EDWARD (V.O.)

We tried to run, but the giant was too fast. We thought we were done for.

The giant picks up a tree and begins to chase after them.

EDWARD (V.O.)

But then I remembered something my father had taught be about the power of words. So I turned to the giant and said…

Edward turns to the witch.

EDWARD

…And that’s when I realized that words could be just as powerful as any weapon.

The witch nods, satisfied.

WITCH

Very good, Mr. Bloom. Now, would you like to know your future?

EDWARD

I suppose I would.

The witch leans in close to Edward’s face.

WITCH

You will have a son, who will embark on a journey to uncover the truth about your life.

Edward looks taken aback.

EDWARD

How could you possibly know that?

WITCH

As I said, Mr. Bloom. I see things.

FADE OUT.

Scene 3

Logline: A son tries to uncover the truth about his father’s adventurous life by piecing together the tall tales he’s always heard.

Characters:

– Edward Bloom, a larger-than-life man with a passion for storytelling and adventure.

– William Bloom, Edward’s estranged son who is trying to understand his father’s past.

– Karl, a giant living in the forest.

– Don Price, a greedy hunter who is after Karl.

Setting: A dense forest with a hidden giant living within.

INT. WILLIAM’S LIVING ROOM – NIGHT

William sits across from his father, Edward, as he recounts the tale of the giant in the forest.

EDWARD:

And there he was, towering over us like a mountain. His eyes like fire and his breath like thunder.

WILLIAM:

Dad, come on. A giant in the forest?

EDWARD:

It’s true, son. We stumbled upon him while on a hunting trip. He was living deep in the woods, hidden away from the world.

FLASHBACK – INT. FOREST – DAY

Edward and his friends, including Karl, are on a hunting trip in the forest. Suddenly, they hear a loud roar.

EDWARD (V.O.):

We followed the sound until we came upon a clearing.

In the clearing, they see Karl, the giant, standing tall and proud.

EDWARD (V.O.):

He was unlike anything we’d ever seen. And we knew we had to capture him.

Karl and Edward engage in a game of cat and mouse as Edward tries to outsmart the giant and capture him. Meanwhile, Don Price and his team of hunters are also after Karl, but for a different reason.

DON PRICE:

That giant could make us rich, boys. We just need to capture him alive.

Edward manages to capture Karl, and they all head back to town. However, Don Price and his men aren’t far behind.

INT. TOWN SQUARE – DAY

Edward and Karl are in the town square, surrounded by curious townspeople. Don Price and his men arrive, guns at the ready.

DON PRICE:

That giant is mine, Bloom. You best hand him over.

EDWARD:

I didn’t capture him for your benefit, Price. I did it to save him from people like you.

A tense standoff ensues, with the townspeople caught in the middle. Just as it seems like a battle is about to break out, Karl speaks up.

KARL:

I will go with Edward. He has shown me kindness and respect. I will not be a captive for anyone.

Don Price and his men begrudgingly leave, and Karl goes off with Edward on another adventure.

FADE TO BLACK.

Scene 4

Genre: Adventure, Drama, Fantasy

Logline: A son goes on a journey to uncover the truth behind his father’s tall tales, discovering a world of myth and magic along the way.

INT. EDWARD’S HOME – DAY

William sits across his father, Edward, who’s spinning another one of his tall tales. William looks skeptical and rolls his eyes as Edward starts the story.

EDWARD

…And that’s how I found the Mermaid’s Lagoon.

WILLIAM

(still skeptical)

And you expect me to believe that you went on an adventure to find a lagoon filled with mermaids?

EDWARD

(smiling)

Believe what you want, son. But it’s true. And let me tell you, those mermaids were more beautiful than you could ever imagine.

William rolls his eyes again and stands up to leave.

WILLIAM

(sighing)

I guess I’ll never understand you, dad.

Edward watches as William leaves, his expression turning bittersweet.

CUT TO:

EXT. A LUSH FOREST – DAY

Edward, a young man, and his friend, Karl, trek through the forest with an air of adventure. They hear a haunting melody and follow the sound to a clearing where they find a pool of water. As they approach the water’s edge, they see mermaids swimming beneath the surface.

EDWARD

(amazed)

It’s the Mermaid’s Lagoon!

KARL

(unconvinced)

Looks like a regular old pond to me.

Suddenly, a beautiful mermaid appears from the water, her long hair floating around her. Edward is mesmerized.

MERMAID

(singing)

Welcome to our lagoon. What brings you here?

EDWARD

(stammering)

You’re…you’re real. I’ve been searching for you my entire life.

The mermaid smiles and extends her hand towards Edward.

MERMAID

(calling)

Come with me.

Edward takes her hand and she pulls him into the water. Karl watches from the shore, stunned.

CUT TO:

INT. UNDERWATER CAVE – DAY

Edward swims through a series of underwater caves with the mermaid. They finally arrive at a large room filled with treasures.

EDWARD

(amazed)

This is incredible. I’ve never seen anything like this.

MERMAID

(sadly)

We’re not always safe here. There are dangers that lurk in the shadows.

Suddenly, a group of evil sea creatures emerges from the shadows. Edward grabs a nearby sword and fights them off with the help of the mermaid.

CUT TO:

EXT. THE LAGOON – DAY

Edward and Karl leave the lagoon, victorious. Karl looks shaken but impressed.

KARL

(stuttering)

I…I can’t believe what just happened.

EDWARD

(smiling)

You don’t have to believe it, Karl. But I’ll never forget this adventure.

Edward and Karl walk off into the sunset, leaving the mermaids behind.

FADE TO BLACK.

Scene 5

FADE IN:

EXT. CIRCUS TENT – DAY

EDWARD BLOOM (40s), a charming and adventurous man, walks through the bustling circus tent with his young son, WILLIAM (10). They pass by performers juggling, tightrope walking, and clowning around.

WILLIAM

Dad, can we see the mermaid?

EDWARD

(chuckling)

I’m afraid the mermaid’s not real, son.

WILLIAM

(pouting)

But you said you saw her!

EDWARD

(perking up)

Ah, but I did. And I’ll tell you what, let’s go see if we can’t find her.

INT. MERMAID’S TANK – LATER

Edward and William stand in front of a large tank, watching a beautiful MERMAID (30s) swim gracefully inside.

MERMAID

(voice echoing)

Hello, Edward. It’s been a while.

EDWARD

(smiling)

Hello, my dear. I’ve brought my son to meet you.

MERMAID

(smiling)

Hello, William. My name is Delilah.

WILLIAM

(stunned)

Hello, Delilah.

Edward and Delilah start to catch up on old times, while William watches the mermaid in awe.

EDWARD

(to Delilah)

Listen, I hate to ask this of you, but I need a favor.

DELILAH

(interested)

Go on.

EDWARD

There’s a man who’s been causing trouble for the circus, and I need your help to get rid of him.

DELILAH

(smiling)

Anything for you, Edward.

INT. CIRCUS TENT – NIGHT

The circus performers are putting on a show for the audience, while Edward watches from backstage.

EDWARD

(to Delilah)

Now’s our chance. Are you ready?

DELILAH

(nodding)

Let’s go.

Edward and Delilah slip out of the tent and sneak towards a trailer on the outskirts of the circus.

INT. TRAILER – CONTINUOUS

They enter the trailer quietly, where they find the trouble-making man, CARL (40s), counting his stolen loot.

EDWARD

(sneaking up behind Carl)

Hello, Carl.

CARL

(startled)

What are you doing here?

Delilah emerges from behind a curtain, revealing her mermaid tail.

DELILAH

(smiling)

Just passing through.

Carl tries to run, but Edward and Delilah catch him and turn him in to the authorities.

INT. CIRCUS TENT – LATER

The show has ended and the performers are packing up. Delilah approaches Edward.

DELILAH

(smiling)

That was exciting.

EDWARD

(smiling back)

That’s life in the circus.

William runs up to them.

WILLIAM

(excited)

Dad, did you really catch a thief with a mermaid?

EDWARD

(winking)

That’s our little secret, champ.

FADE OUT.

Scene 6

FADE IN:

EXT. BLOOM FAMILY HOME – DAY

Edward Bloom stands outside his family home, staring up at it with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. It’s been years since he’s been back, and he’s not sure what to expect.

As he approaches the door, it swings open, revealing Sandra, his old love.

SANDRA

(smiling)

Edward. It’s good to see you.

EDWARD

(surprised)

Sandra. You look as beautiful as ever.

Sandra steps aside to let him in, and they enter the house.

INT. BLOOM FAMILY HOME – DAY

Inside, Edward is greeted by his son, William, and his wife, Josephine.

WILLIAM

(hesitant)

Dad. It’s good to see you.

EDWARD

(smiling)

William. It’s good to be back.

They sit down to catch up on old times, but there’s an awkward tension in the air.

JOSEPHINE

(sympathetically)

Edward, we know you’ve had a colorful life, but we’re worried about your health.

EDWARD

(defensive)

I feel fine. I’ve still got a lot of adventure left in me.

WILLIAM

(skeptical)

Dad, you can’t do this forever. You need to think about your future.

Edward looks down, hearing the disappointment in his son’s voice.

EDWARD

(softly)

I know. And I’m sorry. I just wanted to live my life to the fullest, while I still could.

There’s a moment of silence as they all think about the past, and the choices that were made.

SANDRA

(attempting to break the tension)

Well, why don’t we all go out to dinner tonight? Celebrate your homecoming, Edward.

Edward smiles, grateful for the opportunity to spend time with his family.

FADE OUT.

Author: AI