Abu Reno
Well-known member
“The Hanging”
By
Hamoody Jaafar
COPYRIGHT © Hamoody Jaafar 2010.
THIS SCREENPLAY MAY NOT BE USED
OR REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE EXPRESS
WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE AUTHOR
Ext. Crop Fields – Evening 6PM
Long Shot of the surrounding area. Followed by a medium shot and finishing with an opening shot of the house.
FADE IN:
We open with a young man, Jack, 24. He is strong willed and very confident in himself. He is Walking down an open road.* Clearly he is tired, stranded, and irritated.* He has no means of communication and he is out in the middle of nowhere.* On his walk he spots a farmhouse.* An older gentleman, Fred, 55, innocent and very kind with a Southern Accent, is outside farming.* He sees the Young man and yells to him.
Fred
Hey there, where ya headed?
Jack
I got a flat tire about*5 miles back; I've been walking ever since. I must be close to the next town. How far away am I?
Fred
Town huh? Well there isn't another town for about another 15 miles son, at that point it'll be pitch dark and no businesses will be open.
Jack takes a deep breath and looks down in frustration.* The Older man then continues to speak to Jack.
Fred
Don't you have a spare son?
Jack
If I had a spare I wouldn't be walking now would I?
Fred
I guess not.
Jack
I'm sorry, I don't mean to sound snobby. I'm just frustrated right now
Fred
That's all right. Where are you from now anyway?
Jack
I live in Detroit.* I was on my down to Southern Ohio to visit some family.
Fred
Detroit ay?* Driving all that way by yourself?
Jack
It’s not that far. And Yeah, I enjoy the alone time believe it or not.*
Fred
You don’t say.* What’s a young man like you not carrying one of them cell phones? Now that's a first for your age I'd say.
Jack
Yeah well I have one obviously.* And out here, just my luck, THIS is a dead zone.
Fred
Well I don’t mind giving ya a ride into town. Got the truck in the barn there. It’s around 5 o clock right now and on Sunday's most businesses close around 6, we just may be able to get there in time.
Jack
Really? Yeah, that'd be great.
Fred
I’m Fred by the way.
Jack
Nice to meet you Fred, I’m Jack.
Fred
Jack ay, well all right then.
Fred and Jack make their way towards the truck and seat themselves. Fred goes to start the Truck, but it doesn’t start.
Fred
Now that’s odd. She’s old but this doesn’t happen too often. Ill have to take a look see under the hood here, why don’t you go on inside have yourself some supper. It’s still warm.
Jack
Supper? No I’ll stay right here with you.
Fred
Now son, why the hostility? I know you are hungry. If I wanted to hurt ya, I wouldn't waste any of my Stu on ya. Its not poisonous, just delicious that’s all. Go on, bowls are in the top cabinet on your right.
Jack
(Hesitates)
Yeah, all right.
Int. Kitchen - Evening
Jack heads inside while Fred works on his truck. He grabs himself a bowl of Beef stu. He notices there are 2 place mats on the table and dishes piled up for more then one person. Fred enters with a towel in his hands wiping away some grease.
Fred
Looks like a gas leak. You want the Good news first or the Bad news?
Jack
Umm the bad news.
Fred
Bad news is there was a leak in the gas tank.
Jack
Ok so what is the good news?
Fred
Good news is I was able to patch it up and I have some Gasoline in the barn.
Jack
Ok great so we can get going then?
Fred
Nope.
Jack
Ok I seem to be missing the point of the good news?
Fred
The point of the good news is the problem can be fixed and you're not going to be spending the night out in the dark by yourself. Luckily for you, I have plenty of room for a guest.
Jack
No I don’t think so, I should keep walking. I appreciate your hospitality.
Fred
Son I’m tellin ya, you won’t get anywhere now. I have plenty of room here for ya and its no problem really. I insist.
Jack hesitates and thinks about it for a moment.* He looks out the window then Looks back at the older man.
Fred
(With a smile)
I don’t bite, I promise.
Jack
Yeah... all right.*
Fred
(Reaches his hand to Jack’s shoulder)
Now that’s the spirit.
Fred begins to do the dishes as Jack finishes up his bowl of Stu.
Jack
So does someone else live here?
Fred
No sir. Just Bruiser and I.
Jack
So then why 2 place mats? And why so many dishes?
Fred is clearly disturbed by the questions and approaches Jack. And reaches for his bowl.
Fred
(In a guilty tone)
I just get a bit lazy with these from time to time that’s all. Finished?
Jack
Um Yes.
Fred grabs the bowl and rinses it out.
Fred
Follow me upstairs, I’ll give ya a brief tour and show you where you’re going to sleep tonight.
Jack
Ok.
Fred shows Jack the open bedroom and a small tour of the upstairs. He does not however show him 1 particular door, which raises an eyebrow to Jack.
Fred
Well that’s the upstairs. Is this bedroom here fine with you?
Jack
Yeah sure, you didn’t show me this room though, what’s in here?
Fred
Oh that is just the Attic.
Jack
An Attic? Really? Could you show it to me? Living in the city, I’ve never really seen an Attic.
Fred
No. I can’t. I’m sorry. It’s nothin, really. Come on let’s go I bet I have something you'd like that isn't too popular in the city.
Fred heads downstairs and Jack pauses to hear what he thinks is whispering coming from the door. He takes a few extra seconds as Fred reaches the bottom of the stairs.
Fred
You comin or what?
Jack
Yeah.
Ext. Backyard - Late evening
Jack approaches Fred in the backyard. He is standing in between 2 metal poles that are set in the yard for a game of 'Horse shoes'.
Fred
Now the game is called 'Horse shoes'. Have you ever heard of it?
Jack
I’m from the city Fred but that doesn’t mean I’ve lived under a rock my whole time there.
Fred laughs as they begin to discuss a few specifics about the game and play. Time goes by as they finish up the game.
Fred
Game.
Jack
Whatever. Do they test for steroids in horseshoes?
Fred
Ha-ha oh don't give me that, you are sore loser son.
Jake
I guess. It’s getting kind of chilly out here.
Fred
Yeah it is. I'll tell you what, why don't you go on inside and grab us a couple sweatshirts and ill get a fire going.
Jack
All right.
Fred
There should be a stack of them in the closet upstairs, down the hall on your left.
Int. Upstairs hallway - Night
Jack heads inside as Fred goes to gather firewood from the Barn. Jack gets upstairs and grabs the sweatshirts. On his way back he begins to hear the same whispers he heard earlier coming from the attic door. This draws his attention as he enters through the attic door and up the stairs. He sees an old light bulb at the top of the stairs and twists it on. He then begins to examine his surroundings and sees an old bed with a desk next to it. On the desk are a few picture frames with photos of a young man. There is a window at the end of the attic beside the bed. He begins to hear an evil whispering sound from outside. Jack tries to make out what it is but can't. It sounds like "He did..." followed by 5 or 6 other words. And the rest is blurred. He approaches the window and sees nothing. Looks back behind himself briefly and again outside. As he looks back inside once more, We then see a shot of an evil, pail young man staring back up at him from outside with a wide open eyed look and a large scar across his throat and bruises all around his face. Jack goes to look outside again but the camera approaches Jack’s back and something reaches his shoulder as he jumps frantically.
Fred
Didn’t I tell you not to come up here!?
Jack
Yeah I know I’m sorry. It’s just. I...
Fred
Get out of here. I don’t want you up here. Do ya understand?
Jack
Yeah, I'm sorry
Fred and Jack exit the attic and head back outside.
Ext. Bonfire pit - Night
Jack
Fred who was the young man in the picture frame in the attic?
Fred avoids the question; looks at Jack then back down into the fire.
Jack
And why is there a bed up there? A little odd no? Was he your son or something?
Fred gets up frantically and grabs Jack by the shirt. He develops an angry look on his face. He gets very defensive and responds.
Fred
He is still my son.
Jack
Fred. What happened?
Fred lets go of Jack and begins to get a little emotional. He sits back down.
Fred
My boy. My baby boy. He took his own life. But I have no idea why. I don’t believe he’s gone, I can still feel him with me.
Jack
Is that why you have 2 place mats and so many dishes?
Fred nods and takes a deep breath to reestablish himself.
Fred
He hung himself in the barn. I found him their one morning. My only boy, gone just like that.
Jack takes a second to take that all in. The audience sees a flashback of ghost with attention to detail on his face (bruises, scars, marking across his throat).
Jack
There had to be a motive. Why would he just hang himself?
Fred gets a bit defensive again. He gives Jack an angry look.
Fred
Ok enough. Look talking about this is NOT going to bring my boy back. Ok?
Jack
Ok. I’m sorry Fred.
Fred wipes his face and tries to change the subject.
Fred
That's all right. Say how about I get us a couple pieces of corn on the cob. You hungry?
Jack
Yeah.. sure.
Fred heads inside to prepare a couple. At this point, it is pitch dark outside. Jack sits and thinks for a minute soaking in everything he just heard. He then begins to hear the whispers again and begins to examine his surroundings. The whispers come from all over. He is trying really hard to make out what it is saying "He did this to...." but they come from all over, The crop fields, the barn, just beyond the fire, the street, etc. Jack is circling and overcome with a strange eerie sound in his ears. The camera approaches him as if something has attacked him. He falls to his knees and grabs onto his ears as they begin to bleed. He screams as Fred hears him and runs outside.
Fred
Jack! What happened!? Jack!
Int. Kitchen/Bedroom - Night
Jack is unresponsive. Fred brings him inside and cleans him up. Gives him some water and puts him to bed. Fred is very confused by the situation, he shakes his head as enters his bedroom.
Int. Bedroom – 3 AM
Jack wakes from a nightmare. He begins to hear the whispers coming from the hallway. He grabs a small flashlight from his backpack and enters out into the hallway where he then begins to hear the whispers coming from the attic door. He opens and goes up the stairs. Once he reaches the bed the whispers go away. Again he seats himself on the bed, reaches for a picture and lies down. He begins to view the picture frames. The whispers come back this time much louder and slower. Jack removes the picture frame from his eye view and finds the Ghost a few feet away from the end of the bed. At this point, Jack's body is completely paralyzed. He goes to shout for help but nothing comes out. He goes to move his body, but can’t. It’s coming closer and closer. He seems to be brainwashed and overcome mentally. The whispers begin to come in very loudly. Finally the audience can make out what it is "He did this to me, KILL HIM". Jack is possessed and begins to follow the ghost downstairs. Fred is sleeping in his room. We see Jack enter in his possessed stage and inches toward Fred with eyes wide open. He places his hands around Fred's throat and begins to strangle him. Fred's legs go limp as he struggles and dies. The camera follows Jack as he inches near the barn and enters. We follow him into the barn a few seconds later and finish with a 360 degree shot of Jack hung from the rope in the barn.
Title appears and fades into the credits rolling.
Final DRAFT
3rd August 2010
By
Hamoody Jaafar
COPYRIGHT © Hamoody Jaafar 2010.
THIS SCREENPLAY MAY NOT BE USED
OR REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE EXPRESS
WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE AUTHOR
Ext. Crop Fields – Evening 6PM
Long Shot of the surrounding area. Followed by a medium shot and finishing with an opening shot of the house.
FADE IN:
We open with a young man, Jack, 24. He is strong willed and very confident in himself. He is Walking down an open road.* Clearly he is tired, stranded, and irritated.* He has no means of communication and he is out in the middle of nowhere.* On his walk he spots a farmhouse.* An older gentleman, Fred, 55, innocent and very kind with a Southern Accent, is outside farming.* He sees the Young man and yells to him.
Fred
Hey there, where ya headed?
Jack
I got a flat tire about*5 miles back; I've been walking ever since. I must be close to the next town. How far away am I?
Fred
Town huh? Well there isn't another town for about another 15 miles son, at that point it'll be pitch dark and no businesses will be open.
Jack takes a deep breath and looks down in frustration.* The Older man then continues to speak to Jack.
Fred
Don't you have a spare son?
Jack
If I had a spare I wouldn't be walking now would I?
Fred
I guess not.
Jack
I'm sorry, I don't mean to sound snobby. I'm just frustrated right now
Fred
That's all right. Where are you from now anyway?
Jack
I live in Detroit.* I was on my down to Southern Ohio to visit some family.
Fred
Detroit ay?* Driving all that way by yourself?
Jack
It’s not that far. And Yeah, I enjoy the alone time believe it or not.*
Fred
You don’t say.* What’s a young man like you not carrying one of them cell phones? Now that's a first for your age I'd say.
Jack
Yeah well I have one obviously.* And out here, just my luck, THIS is a dead zone.
Fred
Well I don’t mind giving ya a ride into town. Got the truck in the barn there. It’s around 5 o clock right now and on Sunday's most businesses close around 6, we just may be able to get there in time.
Jack
Really? Yeah, that'd be great.
Fred
I’m Fred by the way.
Jack
Nice to meet you Fred, I’m Jack.
Fred
Jack ay, well all right then.
Fred and Jack make their way towards the truck and seat themselves. Fred goes to start the Truck, but it doesn’t start.
Fred
Now that’s odd. She’s old but this doesn’t happen too often. Ill have to take a look see under the hood here, why don’t you go on inside have yourself some supper. It’s still warm.
Jack
Supper? No I’ll stay right here with you.
Fred
Now son, why the hostility? I know you are hungry. If I wanted to hurt ya, I wouldn't waste any of my Stu on ya. Its not poisonous, just delicious that’s all. Go on, bowls are in the top cabinet on your right.
Jack
(Hesitates)
Yeah, all right.
Int. Kitchen - Evening
Jack heads inside while Fred works on his truck. He grabs himself a bowl of Beef stu. He notices there are 2 place mats on the table and dishes piled up for more then one person. Fred enters with a towel in his hands wiping away some grease.
Fred
Looks like a gas leak. You want the Good news first or the Bad news?
Jack
Umm the bad news.
Fred
Bad news is there was a leak in the gas tank.
Jack
Ok so what is the good news?
Fred
Good news is I was able to patch it up and I have some Gasoline in the barn.
Jack
Ok great so we can get going then?
Fred
Nope.
Jack
Ok I seem to be missing the point of the good news?
Fred
The point of the good news is the problem can be fixed and you're not going to be spending the night out in the dark by yourself. Luckily for you, I have plenty of room for a guest.
Jack
No I don’t think so, I should keep walking. I appreciate your hospitality.
Fred
Son I’m tellin ya, you won’t get anywhere now. I have plenty of room here for ya and its no problem really. I insist.
Jack hesitates and thinks about it for a moment.* He looks out the window then Looks back at the older man.
Fred
(With a smile)
I don’t bite, I promise.
Jack
Yeah... all right.*
Fred
(Reaches his hand to Jack’s shoulder)
Now that’s the spirit.
Fred begins to do the dishes as Jack finishes up his bowl of Stu.
Jack
So does someone else live here?
Fred
No sir. Just Bruiser and I.
Jack
So then why 2 place mats? And why so many dishes?
Fred is clearly disturbed by the questions and approaches Jack. And reaches for his bowl.
Fred
(In a guilty tone)
I just get a bit lazy with these from time to time that’s all. Finished?
Jack
Um Yes.
Fred grabs the bowl and rinses it out.
Fred
Follow me upstairs, I’ll give ya a brief tour and show you where you’re going to sleep tonight.
Jack
Ok.
Fred shows Jack the open bedroom and a small tour of the upstairs. He does not however show him 1 particular door, which raises an eyebrow to Jack.
Fred
Well that’s the upstairs. Is this bedroom here fine with you?
Jack
Yeah sure, you didn’t show me this room though, what’s in here?
Fred
Oh that is just the Attic.
Jack
An Attic? Really? Could you show it to me? Living in the city, I’ve never really seen an Attic.
Fred
No. I can’t. I’m sorry. It’s nothin, really. Come on let’s go I bet I have something you'd like that isn't too popular in the city.
Fred heads downstairs and Jack pauses to hear what he thinks is whispering coming from the door. He takes a few extra seconds as Fred reaches the bottom of the stairs.
Fred
You comin or what?
Jack
Yeah.
Ext. Backyard - Late evening
Jack approaches Fred in the backyard. He is standing in between 2 metal poles that are set in the yard for a game of 'Horse shoes'.
Fred
Now the game is called 'Horse shoes'. Have you ever heard of it?
Jack
I’m from the city Fred but that doesn’t mean I’ve lived under a rock my whole time there.
Fred laughs as they begin to discuss a few specifics about the game and play. Time goes by as they finish up the game.
Fred
Game.
Jack
Whatever. Do they test for steroids in horseshoes?
Fred
Ha-ha oh don't give me that, you are sore loser son.
Jake
I guess. It’s getting kind of chilly out here.
Fred
Yeah it is. I'll tell you what, why don't you go on inside and grab us a couple sweatshirts and ill get a fire going.
Jack
All right.
Fred
There should be a stack of them in the closet upstairs, down the hall on your left.
Int. Upstairs hallway - Night
Jack heads inside as Fred goes to gather firewood from the Barn. Jack gets upstairs and grabs the sweatshirts. On his way back he begins to hear the same whispers he heard earlier coming from the attic door. This draws his attention as he enters through the attic door and up the stairs. He sees an old light bulb at the top of the stairs and twists it on. He then begins to examine his surroundings and sees an old bed with a desk next to it. On the desk are a few picture frames with photos of a young man. There is a window at the end of the attic beside the bed. He begins to hear an evil whispering sound from outside. Jack tries to make out what it is but can't. It sounds like "He did..." followed by 5 or 6 other words. And the rest is blurred. He approaches the window and sees nothing. Looks back behind himself briefly and again outside. As he looks back inside once more, We then see a shot of an evil, pail young man staring back up at him from outside with a wide open eyed look and a large scar across his throat and bruises all around his face. Jack goes to look outside again but the camera approaches Jack’s back and something reaches his shoulder as he jumps frantically.
Fred
Didn’t I tell you not to come up here!?
Jack
Yeah I know I’m sorry. It’s just. I...
Fred
Get out of here. I don’t want you up here. Do ya understand?
Jack
Yeah, I'm sorry
Fred and Jack exit the attic and head back outside.
Ext. Bonfire pit - Night
Jack
Fred who was the young man in the picture frame in the attic?
Fred avoids the question; looks at Jack then back down into the fire.
Jack
And why is there a bed up there? A little odd no? Was he your son or something?
Fred gets up frantically and grabs Jack by the shirt. He develops an angry look on his face. He gets very defensive and responds.
Fred
He is still my son.
Jack
Fred. What happened?
Fred lets go of Jack and begins to get a little emotional. He sits back down.
Fred
My boy. My baby boy. He took his own life. But I have no idea why. I don’t believe he’s gone, I can still feel him with me.
Jack
Is that why you have 2 place mats and so many dishes?
Fred nods and takes a deep breath to reestablish himself.
Fred
He hung himself in the barn. I found him their one morning. My only boy, gone just like that.
Jack takes a second to take that all in. The audience sees a flashback of ghost with attention to detail on his face (bruises, scars, marking across his throat).
Jack
There had to be a motive. Why would he just hang himself?
Fred gets a bit defensive again. He gives Jack an angry look.
Fred
Ok enough. Look talking about this is NOT going to bring my boy back. Ok?
Jack
Ok. I’m sorry Fred.
Fred wipes his face and tries to change the subject.
Fred
That's all right. Say how about I get us a couple pieces of corn on the cob. You hungry?
Jack
Yeah.. sure.
Fred heads inside to prepare a couple. At this point, it is pitch dark outside. Jack sits and thinks for a minute soaking in everything he just heard. He then begins to hear the whispers again and begins to examine his surroundings. The whispers come from all over. He is trying really hard to make out what it is saying "He did this to...." but they come from all over, The crop fields, the barn, just beyond the fire, the street, etc. Jack is circling and overcome with a strange eerie sound in his ears. The camera approaches him as if something has attacked him. He falls to his knees and grabs onto his ears as they begin to bleed. He screams as Fred hears him and runs outside.
Fred
Jack! What happened!? Jack!
Int. Kitchen/Bedroom - Night
Jack is unresponsive. Fred brings him inside and cleans him up. Gives him some water and puts him to bed. Fred is very confused by the situation, he shakes his head as enters his bedroom.
Int. Bedroom – 3 AM
Jack wakes from a nightmare. He begins to hear the whispers coming from the hallway. He grabs a small flashlight from his backpack and enters out into the hallway where he then begins to hear the whispers coming from the attic door. He opens and goes up the stairs. Once he reaches the bed the whispers go away. Again he seats himself on the bed, reaches for a picture and lies down. He begins to view the picture frames. The whispers come back this time much louder and slower. Jack removes the picture frame from his eye view and finds the Ghost a few feet away from the end of the bed. At this point, Jack's body is completely paralyzed. He goes to shout for help but nothing comes out. He goes to move his body, but can’t. It’s coming closer and closer. He seems to be brainwashed and overcome mentally. The whispers begin to come in very loudly. Finally the audience can make out what it is "He did this to me, KILL HIM". Jack is possessed and begins to follow the ghost downstairs. Fred is sleeping in his room. We see Jack enter in his possessed stage and inches toward Fred with eyes wide open. He places his hands around Fred's throat and begins to strangle him. Fred's legs go limp as he struggles and dies. The camera follows Jack as he inches near the barn and enters. We follow him into the barn a few seconds later and finish with a 360 degree shot of Jack hung from the rope in the barn.
Title appears and fades into the credits rolling.
Final DRAFT
3rd August 2010