batman dark masquerade upload

8/9/2019 Batman Dark Masquerade Upload

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BATMAN: DARK MASQUERADE

by

Frank D. Lawrence

---

DISCLAIMER:

This screenplay is entirely fan-fictionand not associated with DC Comics or Warner Bros. in any way!All characters belong to the respectie mentioned companies! o commercial "se allowed or intended.

The story is at its core an e#pansion o$ Do"g %oench&s story p"blished in Batman'()*+ '(), andDetective Comics'(+ all iss"es released in the year /)!

Leaing artists aside 01"st so many greats - most go witho"t saying!2+ my $aorite Batman writers andth"s other so"rces o$ inspiration were the works and 3r"ns4 o$ 5tee 6nglehart+ Denny 7&eil+ Frank

8obbins+ Bill Finger+ Alan 9rant:;ohn Wagner and %ike W. Barr.

5ome parts are obio"sly also taken $rom other stories s"ch as Detective Comics'*/+ some conceptsor hae not written a se


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"BATMAN: DARK MASQUERADE"

FADE IN:

EXT. NIGHTLIFE MILE -- NIGHT

Welcome to GOTHAM CITY, a large behemoth of concrete and

people. The skyline gives a glimpse of his sheer size asthe moon shines bright to illuminate the skyscrapers of thetown. In the distance are dark figure with a cape isstanding, hardly noticeable. Going down from the skylineit's filled with life. Cars and pedestrians, cinemas, nightclubs with a waiting crowd full of barely dressed people...It's a hot and dry summer night!

The drive through Gotham's nightlife continues! In thealley there might be people that remind some of pimps,hookers and drug dealers. There's some trash and crackedbuildings. The dark silhoutte seen before is swinging downon some sort of rope in the distance. Barely visible in the

light emitted by the streetlights that aren't that usefulthat evening because of the strong moonshine.

The walk through the city stops at a building block andit's backyard. Three people are doing something at a steeldoor. As they open it one of the people - who are dressedin dark coats - becomes the eyes of the scenery as theyenter the building and activate their flashlight.

INT. BUILDING STAIRWAY -- CONTINUOUS

A stairway made of ordinary steel is lit by theflashlights. The men take the walk upstairs. Fast. Their

steps make metallic noises.

ROBBER 1(flustering)

Quick. Quick.

After two stages the reach the door of their destination.One of the guys tries to open the door but it is locked.

ROBBER 2Your turn.

One of the guys kneels down and pulls out a tool. Fiveseconds later the door is open and all three enter.

INT. BUILDING STORAGE -- CONTINUOUS

The three men walk forward. In the glimpse of theirflashlight are lots of wooden boxes and other typicalstorage accessoirs. After movements that indicate searchthe light flickers and goes off. The room is filled withdarkness.


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ROBBER 1Great.

ROBBER 2Wait. I know where the lightswitchis.

ROBBER 1I hope HE doesn't see us.

The robber moves away. After a few seconds a CLICK is to beheard and the bright, unpleasing lamps flicker three timeswith a BUZZ noise and then the whole room is lit. Full roomequipment is seen. Just as before. Mainly boxes. But in thedistance there is a large window that is open and givessight to the skyline and the bright moon.

ROBBER 2They left the window open?

ROBBER 1Happens.

ROBBER 2I want to finish this as quick aspossible.

One of the guys walks behind some of the boxes and out ofsight of his comrades.

ROBBER 2 (CONT'D)Got it! I need a hand here. It'spretty heavy!

The other robber goes into the direction. Robber 3 justwatches as they return, carrying a long box.

ROBBER 1Now let's bring this down!

KLING! One of the lamps goes out and the sound of ametallic object hitting the ground occurs! The room becomesdimer! The shocked robbers let the box crash to the ground- exposing its content. Their heads turn around into thedirection of the noise. They take their guns out of theirpockests. But this is of no use now.

Out of the newly-formed shadow a VICIOUS BEAST emerges andjumps directly at the passive robber who only sees a shadowwith white-glowing eyes as he receives a punch whichstrikes him to the ground. From there he watches the sceneunfold!

ROBBER 2Oh no!


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It's fast! His colleagues shoot at the dark apparition butthey can't hit it as he disarms them with sophisticatedmoves! Terrible SCREAMS! Confusion! One of the robbersgraps a crowbar and tries to hit the attacker but nochance! A CLICK is heard and out of the view of the robber.

Then the shadow of the mysterious creature falls into his

face, holding a shining object - handcuff-like, drags himto a near post and ties him to it! In the background POLICESIRENS start. With his eyelids falling down slowly hewatches their attacker running towards the open window,noticing a cape and a bat-like appearance with pointy earsand jumping out the window without hesitation! Theneverything goes DARK!

EXT. STREETS OF GOTHAM -- CONTINUOUS

A dark-painted car is starting up as it leaves the shadowsin the narrow corner between two concrete walls. A shortglimpse of a futuristic, animalistic design as it leaves

for the night and hits the streets. As its drive goes onfor a while, the specific features disappear and even thecolor changes into a glowing red.

At the same time the driver is hardly seen from the frontwindow, finishing his transformation as he throws a darkcowl with a cape into the back of the car. The journeythrough GOTHAM CITY goes on.

What was a nightlife centre before now turns into a morenoble district of the city! Tall buildings made almostentirely of glass, crazy architecture that just breatheluxury and wealth!

On the wall a poster is seen. It says JANUS COSMETICS,featuring a beautiful girl with notale makeup. Next to itanother poster says "VOTE HANEY" and shows a young male.Yet another one shows an elder, more obese man with greyhair, semi-bald. "VOTE THORNE"! But these are just details!

The car comes to an halt and the driver gets out. It'sBRUCE WAYNE. His features are barely visible in the modestlight of the street lamps. Mid-20s. Tall. Dark-Haired.Handsome. Well-Built. Expensive-looking suit. Well-Dressed.He walks towards a skyscraper and presses the button. Thenhe disappears into the building.

INT. JULIE'S APARTMENT -- CONTINUOUS

The door opens. Bruce Wayne enters. The apartment is hardlylit. A sofa with a person lying on it is watching the TV.

TV SCREEN: A heated debate is going on. A young blond girlis the host. It's VICKI VALE. The discussion is mostlyBACKGROUND NOISE at the moment.


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The person on the sofa is standing up. JULIE MADISON is adark-haired lady, the same age as Bruce Wayne.

JULIE MADISONBruce? Bruce? Is it you?

Bruce walks towards her and she walks towards him. Now both

of them are completely visible.

BRUCE WAYNEYes. Hi, Julie. Excuse me if Iscared you. It's a hobby of mine.

He goes forwards hugs her, kisses her. Both go down to thesofa.

JULIE MADISONWant something to drink?

BRUCE WAYNE

No. I'm just tired.

JULIE MADISONOkay, playboy billionaire.

They focus on the TV screen.

TV SCREEN: Next to the host are three other persons. One isa balding man, middle-age, glasses with a very specificheadshape. A mad scientist look. It's HUGO STRANGE.

The next one is apparently a decade older. A guy probablybeen tough-looking in his younger days but no old and with

a grey mustache. POLICE COMMISSIONER JAMES W. GORDON.

Completing the round is a blond and handsome man, end-30s.A face of integrity. Mayor of Gotham City. CHARLES HANEY.

HUGO STRANGEThe fact remains. The Batman is adangerous psychopath! You twobacking him up is irresponsible!Reassign the SWAT teams to catchthis madman!

MAYOR HANEYNot on my watch! The Batman's donemore good than bad to this city!

HUGO STRANGEThat's about to change! He willsnap and become a menace toinnocent people!


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JAMES GORDONAbsolutely ridiculous! In just 14months he brought down the mostimportant criminal empires ofGotham!

VICKI VALE

And I might add, made Gotham City ahip place and attracted lots ofpeople!

HUGO STRANGEYes. Madmen like him becomingtourist attractions! A sign of adecaying society.

VICKI VALEMayor Haney, is there some truth toit that the government signed asecret document that makes the

Batman a semi-legal agent of thelaw?

MAYOR HANEYWell. Cannot comment on that.

REFOCUS AWAY FROM TV SCREEN: Julie is looking at Bruce.

JULIE MADISONSo the city is trying to cooperatewith a self-righteous facist?

BRUCE WAYNE

Hmmpf.

JULIE MADISONAll you can say? The government isturning civil rights to the garbagebin and returns to frontier justice.

BRUCE WAYNEJulie, please. I am sure Batman isa good guy. I am tired.

JULIE MADISONI guess you are right. We need tobe ready for tomorrow.

TV SCREEN:

VICKI VALESo now. What about the idenity ofGotham's new protector? Who couldhe be in real life?


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A light from outside the window falls shortly on Bruce'sface.

JAMES GORDONWe have no clue. He might not evenbe human.

HUGO STRANGEYou know more than you admit.

MAYOR HANEYI don't care. Don't care if he'sreally an anthromorphic duck in abat costume or... Rupert Thorne.

Laughter at the studio. Hugo Strange looks grumpy.

MAYOR HANEY (CONT'D)He's out there doing good. That'sall that counts.

VICKI VALEAnd that's the end of this show.Without a doubt the Batman willremain a highly controversial topicfor months to come. As a fact,crime rates dropped because of him.But is there moral legimitacy tohis methods?

Camera angle changes as she turns her head.

VICKI VALE

We couldn't solve this today.Thanks, Commissioner Gordon, DoctorHugo Strange and of course, MayorHaney. Next week we'll discussanother hot topic: The world's mostimportant politicians are visitingGotham City in a few weeks as thenext UNITED NATIONS summit istaking place here!--

Bruce graps the remote and turns the TV off. He looks tohis left. Julie has fallen asleep.

EXT. CEMETARY - WAYNE'S GRAVE -- DAY

Hundreds of people on an old and moody cemetary. Like thefarewell to a beloved king. Even a TV team led by VickiVale is there. The gravestones are partially hidden in theslight fog and gargoyles can be seen on some of them.

The procession seems over. At the hole the sarcofago whichis labelled "WAYNE" is lowered as a priest is saying thelast words. Next to the whole there is Bruce Wayne with a


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stoic face, watching. Other people in the front are JulieMadison and an elderly black women named LESLIE THOMPKINS.In the background a suspicious man in with a brown-ishsuit glances at Bruce.

A view at the gravestone reveals the name "PHILIPP WAYNE(1954 - 2014)" But above them Bruce gains focus on another

set of names: "MARTHA WAYNE (1958 - 1993)" and "THOMASWAYNE (1957 - 1993)". As the sarcofago hits the groundBruce blinks. Everything becomes blurry and Philip Wayne'sname seems to disappear.

BACKFLASH - SAME PLACE - 20 YEARS EARLIER

In the place of Bruce Wayne is now a 6 year old boy with aface of grief. No Julie, but a younger Leslie holding thearm on his shoulders. Another person is also there, portlyand stoic. PHILIPP WAYNE.

END FLASHBACK

Our trio walks away from the grave. Standing there a mancomes to them an shakes Bruce's hand.

CEMETARY GUESTI'm sorry, Bruce. Your uncle was agreat man.

Bruce only nods as his mind returns again to the past.

BACKFLASH

Same scene as above but different time and one person

exchanged. Leslie hugs the young Bruce Wayne and turns toPhilipp.

LESLIE THOMKINSTake good care of the boy.

PHILIPP WAYNEI'll do what I can.

YOUNG BRUCECan't I live with you instead,Leslie?

LESLIE THOMKINSI'll always be there for you.

END BACKFLASH

EXT. CEMETARY - THE EXIT -- CONTINUOUS

People pass through the ancient door and in the distancecars leave. Leslie, Bruce and Julie are standing together.


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BRUCE WAYNEI need some time alone. Julie, Iguess Leslie can take you to WayneManor.

JULIE MADISONOkay.

Bruce returns to the cemetary to disappear into the shadowsand fog.

LESLIE THOMKINSThe death of his uncle hits himharder than I thought.

JULIE MADISONI guess it's the feeling that ispast is dying.

LESLIE THOMKINS

Well, I would like that.

JULIE MADISONWhat do you mean.

LESLIE THOMKINSNevermind. Let's go.

EXT. CEMETARY - WAYNE'S GRAVE -- CONTINUOUS

Bruce returns and kneels down. A tear crawls down his face.The fog is getting stronger. After a short moment he getsup and again and notices someone to his right! A man is

coming out of the darkness while to Bruce the shape of thefog is turning into concrete to create the image of hisbackflash.

BACKFLASH - EXT. DARK ALLEY - NIGHT

From a lower view, a young Bruce Wayne's eyes focus on thedarkness in a narrow alley somewhere in Gotham City. Heturns to the right to see his mother, MARTHA WAYNE and thento the left to look at his father, THOMAS WAYNE. He'sholding there hands.

Suddenly out of the darkness a shape becomes noticeable asit turns out to be a full-grown man with an old, worn hat -and a gun! The face is obscured. THE SHAPE.

Hesitation and shock on all of them. The man approachesthem.

THE SHAPEMoney.


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Thomas Wayne reaches into his pocket and gives it to him.But the man doesn't stop and takes a look at Martha,pointing his gun at her.

THE SHAPE (CONT'D)Well, well. What about a littleextra?

He tries to take Martha's pearl necklace but a furious,adrenaline-driven Thomas Wayne graps his hand. MarthaSCREAMS. Some sort of blurry tangle between the two menoccurs and a SHOT is released. Thomas Wayne falls to theground. Martha is screaming even LOUDER.

THE SHAPE (CONT'D)Shut up! This one'll shut you up!

Another gunshot. Martha goes down. The Man looks at Brucewith his gun. But then something happens. His face showsfear and regret and he starts to run away. The concrete

walls become fog again and everything turns back into thepresent!

END FLASHBACK

The man comes nearer. Bruce tensens. But then everythingrelaxes. It's the man in the brown suit. A clear look intohis face reveals ROMAN SIONIS, same age as Bruce, butfacially a lot softer.

ROMAN SIONISBruce Wayne.

BRUCE WAYNERoman! Roman Sionis!

ROMAN SIONISIt's been a long time!

BRUCE WAYNEWhat are you doing here?

ROMAN SIONISWell, I knew your uncle!

BRUCE WAYNEI guess so. What were you doing thelast years?

ROMAN SIONISEurope. Studying. I am overtakingmy parents old company.

BRUCE WAYNEHeard about their death. My pity.


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ROMAN SIONISI am grown man now, Bruce. I canhandle it. You could do it and youwere just a small kid.

BRUCE WAYNEI guess everything has to change.

ROMAN SIONISDon't take this wrong but I am notwithout selfish reasons to approachyou here.

BRUCE WAYNEYeah?

ROMAN SIONISI'd wanted you to ask if I couldvisit the funeral feast.

BRUCE WAYNEWhy that?

ROMAN SIONISWell, Philipp Wayne was awell-known philanthropist. I'llcould make some good contacts. I'vebeen away from Gotham for a longtime.

BRUCE WAYNEDo what you want.

ROMAN SIONISGood to have friends, Bruce!

BRUCE WAYNEShould I take you with me?

ROMAN SIONISNo. My fiancee is waiting in thecar already.

BRUCE WAYNECongratulations.

ROMAN SIONISYou'll like her.

BRUCE WAYNEOkay. Excuse me. My guests arewaiting.

ROMAN SIONISUntil later. I have some businessto attend to.


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Bruce nods and leaves. Roman takes a final look at him andthen departs into another direction.

EXT. CEMETARY - SIONIS CRYPT -- CONTINUOUS

Roman passes the graves. Then he stands still and takes alook at this large monument. The Sionis Crypt. Family name

large above the wooden door. It's like a Greek temple,twiners grown upwards, some fissures here and there as itis surrounded by cold, rising steam. Roman takes a deeplook at it as his face turns colder and colder. Finally hegraps a rock and throws it onto the crypt wall.

EXT. WAYNE MANOR -- NIGHT

Like a remnant of an aristocratic civilization Wayne Manorrises at a cliff in front of a large river. Windows areglowing bright, lots of people can be seen behind them. Infront there are lots of cars.

INT. WAYNE MANOR - FRONT HALL -- CONTINUOUS

The architecture seems like a logical conclusion of theoutside but it has been transformed. There are hundreds ofparty guests, drinking and laughing. A large banner

celebrating Philipp Wayne's life hangs over them. Many ofthe crowd members of the funeral are present. Two policeofficers are there to protect the crowd.

AT THE STAIRS:

At a good distance from the people hot spots, overweight,

mid-30s, unshaven detective HARVEY BULLOCK and his partner,ELLEN YIN, 20-something apparently with heritage from theorient.

HARVEY BULLOCKWhat kind of job is it? Protectingthose worthless rich snobs? Weshould be out there hunting theBatman! What is the old manthinking?

Bullock musters Ellen Yin in her form-fitting uniform.

ELLEN YINAnd what is the fat man thinkingwhen he looks at me, Bullock? Notthat I disagree with you. Gordondoes this because we disagree withhim on his weird friend.

AT THE DINNER PLATE


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Various famous person gathered and standing. Mayor Haney ishidden in the ground arguing with Hugo Strange again. Alsowith them Bruce Wayne, Julie Madison and Leslie Thomkins.

HUGO STRANGEI tell you all... the Batman...

MAYOR HANEYDidn't we have this yesterday, Dr.Strange? Enough already. What aboutyour latest research.

HUGO STRANGELike you would care. You are just ashallow politician.

MAYOR HANEYBruce. Did you ever have sessionwith Gotham City's private highsociety psychologist?

BRUCE WAYNENo. I don't think I need one.

LESLIE THOMKINSSure?

HUGO STRANGEWell, Mr Wayne. Sooner or later Iget them all.

MAYOR HANEYExcuse me. I have to talk to my

wife, I guess.

Haney leaves the round. Just at this moment Vicki Vale in ablue-green dress approaches the round.

VICKI VALEBruce Wayne. The main attraction ofGotham City. At least for the women.

JULIE MADISONToo bad he is taken.

Hugo Strange just shakes his head and turns towards otherpeople.

VICKI VALEWhat a pity. The stud and thefrigid wanna-be actress.

JULIE MADISONAt least I haven't slept my way uplike some person in this round.


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VICKI VALEDating Bruce Wayne might count aswell.

BRUCE WAYNELadies. Please. The funeral of myuncle isn't really the place for

that.

VICKI VALEWell. Brucie. You can call meanytime.

She turns around and disappears into the crowd.

HUGO STRANGEHow does it feel to lose a fatherfigure again, Mr. Wayne?

BRUCE WAYNE

My uncle and I weren't exactly thatclose, Doctor. Leslie became mymother in the years after myparents death.

Suddenly the discussion is interrupted. The main entrancedoor of Wayne Manor opens and entering is Roman Sionis butalso someone else. A beauty dressed in exotic wardrobe thatcomulates the focus of every men in the room with the timeas she and her Roman walk toward the crowd. Her flawlessfacebears the shine of some minor tribalfake tattoos yetshe appears somewhat cold. Roman directs them towards BruceWayne.

ROMAN SIONISBruce. I'm back.

BRUCE WAYNEI assume this beatiful girl is yourfiancee we talked about?

ROMAN SIONISYes. Let me introduce you to CIRCE.

BRUCE WAYNECirce?

CIRCEJust Circe. My model name. I likeit. But you can call me like youwant.

ROMAN SIONISIt fits. She's truly a witch.


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BRUCE WAYNEI understand. Well. Roman, this ismy fiancee Julie Madison.

JULIE MADISONNice to meet you.

ROMAN SIONISAnd... Leslie! Nice to see youagain.

LESLIE THOMKINSMr Sionis.

ROMAN SIONISWe know us for so long. Just callme Roman.

BRUCE WAYNESo. Roman. Circe. Where have you

met?

ROMAN SIONISWhen I was studying in Europe aboutfive years ago. Actually she is thenew face of the big JANUS CosmeticsMarketing Campaign.

BRUCE WAYNEThe new make-up. I have seen thepictures. I guess with a girl likeyou it must be a success.

ROMAN SIONISWe'll see tomorrow when the marketintroduction starts. Tell yousomething, Bruce, a lot of theSionis private assets went into therestauration of Janus.

Circe and Bruce Wayne make deep eye contact. Roman noticesand becomes jealous.

ROMAN SIONIS (CONT'D)And you and Mrs. Madison? Wherehave you met?

JULIE MADISONThe theatre. I work there.

Julie isn't very appalled by Sionis which he notices.

BRUCE WAYNEAnd a great one she is.


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Julie looks a Bruce. A look of love. Circe eyes Julieaggressively. Roman notices again.

ROMAN SIONISCirce. Why don't you use your magicand promote our new product to therich and famous?

CIRCEAs you wish.

Circe nods and starts to talk to various people.

BRUCE WAYNEYou are using my uncle's funeral topromote your products?

ROMAN SIONISC'mon.

BRUCE WAYNEWhat?

ROMAN SIONISIt's not that your uncle was a niceperson. I know it. You know it. Hedidn't care for you. Leslie did.Not him.

BRUCE WAYNEWell. He did a lot of good forGotham.

ROMAN SIONISA fake philanthropist. In fact hewas an egomanic. And an alcoholic.

BRUCE WAYNERoman. This isn't appropriate.

ROMAN SIONISYou are right. Excuse me. I am justtrying to turn my campaign into abig success.

BRUCE WAYNEAlright. Let's cool down. If youexcuse me. I need to relax. It'sbeen a little bit too much today.

Bruce's face saddens and he rushes to the stairs todisappear in the upper etages of Wayne Manor.

JULIE MADISONWhat is it with him?


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LESLIE THOMKINSDon't worry. Enjoy yourself. I'lllook after him.

Leslie lays her hand on Julie's shoulder just to followBruce. Roman Sionis opens his mouth to talk to Julie butshe just makes a rejecting gesture.

INT. WAYNE MANOR - PRIVATE ROOM -- CONTINUOUS

A simple room. Some old furniture. Old remnants of a tornposter featuring a clown are at the wall. Bruce sits on abed. In front of him there's a box with some toys. He grapsand action figure as his mind goes back to his childhood.

FLASHBACK - SAME PLACE - 20 YEARS EARLIER

Young Bruce Wayne is holding the same action figure butit's in a much better condition. Next to him there'sanother boy. A young Roman Sionis. The door is slightly

open. VOICES of adults can be heard.

ROMAN SIONISYou know what. My parents are liar.

BRUCE WAYNEWhat do you mean?

ROMAN SIONISMy parents are so nice to yours.But I heard them talk. They arefriends with your parents becausethey think they gain some use out

it. They hate your parents.

BRUCE WAYNEWell...

ROMAN SIONIS

And I hate my parents! They aren'tas friendly to me. Just to otherpeople. It's like they wear masks!You know what, Bruce, you are myonly friend. The only one who likesme.

BRUCE WAYNEThanks, Roman.

ROMAN SIONISAnd that's why you give me thatfigure now!

Roman grabs Bruce's hand and tries to pull the figure outof it. Bruce struggles.


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BRUCE WAYNENo. It's mine.

Fight intensifies. Roman Sionis starts to raise the leveland starts to punch him in the face. Furious rage in hisface as Bruce is about to cry.

BRUCE WAYNE (CONT'D)Take the figure. Stop!

But Roman just gets angrier. Then a shadow appears on thedoor.

LESLIE THOMKINS (V.O.)Boys? What is going on.

Both combatants shiver as Leslie enters the room.

BRUCE WAYNENothing.

LESLIE THOMKINSOld rascals.

Leslie leaves again but a close look at Bruce reveals thathe is bleeding from his nose.

END FLASHBACK

The older Leslie Thomkins is standing on the door andenters. She sits down next to him and lays his hands aroundhis shoulder. As she wants to start to speak something isBEEPING. Bruce pulls a cellphone out of his pocket.

The display says AUNT HARRIET. Bruce is pushing a numbercombination into the touchscreen and a BATMAN logo appears.A short text is under it: MEET ME AT THE POLICE MORGUE.

Without words Bruce gets up.

BRUCE WAYNETell my guests I fell asleep.

He vanishes.


AT THE STAIRS:

Circe and Roman stand on the stairs and watch the crowd.

ROMAN SIONISDisgusting. Look at them. Shallowpeople trying to pretend they aresomeone else. Just like my parentsdid.


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CUT TO:

INT. WAYNE MANOR - UPPER ETAGE HALLWAY -- CONTINUOUS

A clinical looking long floor with a tall grandfather clockin the middle. Bruce Wayne stands in front of it, doessomething with the pointers and an OPENING NOISE is heard.

He opens the clock which reveals a downward stair.

CUT TO:


CIRCEAnd we are different?

ROMAN SIONISNot sure.

CIRCE

Aren't you sure about me?

Roman hugs her, kisses her on the forehead.

CIRCE (CONT'D)What about Bruce Wayne?

ROMAN SIONISDo you think I didn't notice yourreaction to him?

CIRCEWhat do you mean?

ROMAN SIONISWell. He is kinda handsome. Butlike everything in his life hislooks have been given to him forfree.

CUT TO:

INT. WAYNE MANOR - BATCAVE -- CONTINUOUS

A quick view of a underground liar of boyish childhooddreams. A cave with a giant computer system. Bats areflying at the distance. Ravines and cliffs. Then out of theshadows comes an almost mythological figure - THE BATMAN.Grey costume with a large cape. As he walks to an formerlyunseen place where his dark car stands.

CUT TO:


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CIRCEAnd yours?

ROMAN SIONISI am about to create something

bigger than my parents ever could.I am turning an almost-bankruptcompany into a global player. Withyou.

Leslie passes them by as she goes down the stairs. Sheapproaches the crowd.

AT THE DINNER PLATE

Leslie walks towards Julie.

JULIE MADISON

What's up with Bruce?

LESLIE THOMKINSTired. Sick. Felt asleep.

CUT TO:

EXT. LANDROAD BY WAYNE MANOR -- CONTINUOUS

A narrow alley that features some sickly, almost decayingtrees to its sides. In the distance WAYNE MANOR can beseen, brightly lit. The full moon shines at the OWLS at thetrees as the BATMOBILE bursts through some plant life from

the side to hit the street and scares them away.

CUT TO:


JULIE MADISONShould I look after him?

LESLIE THOMKINSNo. He told me that you shouldsleep at home today. He has to getup early tomorrow?

JULIE MADISONAgain? This is the third time inthe last few days? What is he doing?

LESLIE THOMKINSBusiness, I guess.


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INT. POLICE MORGUE -- NIGHT

A typical room for a fit for dissection. Cold tables.Tools. Barely lit. In front of a table where a body iscovered by a white blanket Gordon stands, just lighting uphis pipe. He turns his head to the right and spots twowhite-glowing eyes in a shadow. He drops his pipe and

Batman comes to reveal himself.

JAMES GORDONGoddamn. One day I'll die from astroke because of you.

BATMANThat. Or cancer.

JAMES GORDONOh well.

BATMAN

What do we have, Jim?

JAMES GORDONBest to see it with your own eyes.

Gordon turns around to reveal the body beyond the blanketto reveal the upper part. It's a shocking sight! A humanwith large, almost bursted eyes.

BATMANSome new drug on the street?

JAMES GORDON

Something was in his blood. But ourchemists couldn't work it out. Butthat isn't everything.

BATMANWhat is it?

JAMES GORDONWe found a human finger in hisstomache.

BATMANThat ugly and not a vegeterian. Iam impressed.

JAMES GORDONAnd...

Gordon fully reveals it. The hands of the corpse are oddlyshaped, like claws. On his chest are four bullet wounds.

BATMANWhat the hell?


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JAMES GORDONWhat we thought, too.

BATMANAny identification on this man?

JAMES GORDON

No.

BATMANWho killed him?

JAMES GORDONDon't know. Some pedestrians foundhis body in Robbins Alley.

Batman takes the hand of the man and a CLICK is heard.

BATMANAnything else you got?

JAMES GORDONNo. We are standing---

Gordon looks around. His friend is gone.

JAMES GORDON (CONT'D)---in the dark.

EXT. ROBBINS ALLEY -- NIGHT

The Batmobile drives along a very ugly part of Gotham City.Bums and trash. It stops. Two thugs eye the expensive car

as something they want. Then the shadowy figure that is theBatman comes out it. The thugs instinctively walk a stepbackwards. Then they freeze in fear. Batman walks by them.A little smile, barely noticeable, might be noticeable.

The Caped Crusader approaches a bar called BURLAN BAR. Ahuge, red-haired bouncer is at the door. As Batman wants toenter he walks into his way.

BOUNCERNo. This is not a costume party.

INT. BURLAN BAR -- CONTINUOUS

The Burlan Bar is a shaddy place full of suspiciousaudience. Passed jailtime in the air, alcohol and smoke.But then everyone looks at the entrance as the head of thebouncer crashes through the glass window of the bar's door.The door opens and Batman enters to walk down some stairsto the main bar. He talks to the barman, an overweight baldguy.


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BATMANO'Neil. Is Rhonda here tonight?

In a distant corner a guest of the house graps a bar stooland runs at Batman.

O'NEIL

Yes. Basement. But she's got--

The man with the stool tries to smash Batman but is knockedout by him. The Batman isn't even looking as he puts hisfist up to smash his face.

O'NEIL (CONT'D)--a costumer. Dude. You know thatyou make people aggressive.

Batman just passes by and walks down a circular stair.

INT. BURLAN BAR - BASEMENT -- CONTINUOUS

Same furntiture style as in the etage above but it's empty.Except for two people. A saucily-dressed woman with somejewelry and a man in a suit who just stars at the chest ofthe woman. As he notices Batman as the stairs are creaking.With a surprised look he gets up and walks upstairs.

BATMANSenator Robbins. Greetings to yourwife.

Batman completes his descent and takes the stool next tothe woman.

BATMAN (CONT'D)Rhonda. I need information.

RHONDAThat's boring. A man like you wouldbe a nice costumer.

BATMANDo you know something about a newdrug?

RHONDAWhat do I get for it?

BATMANSame as always. A kiss.

RHONDAYou know that I don't do the nastystuff.


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Batman pulls out a hundred dollar bill and lies it to thetable.

RHONDA (CONT'D)You know where to put it.

Batman takes it and puts it into her clevage.

BATMANTalk.

RHONDAYes. There is something new on thestreets.

BATMANWhat's the deal with it?

RHONDASome of my clients told me about

it. Highly hallucinogenical. Noside effects.

BATMANWell. Apparently it raises theappetite... Is there something youknow about cannibals running aroundin these streets?

Batman pulls out another bill and puts in the place.

RHONDAWell. Charlie told me about

something. Some sort of madmenattacked him when he and a friendwere leaving for home one night.

BATMANAnd one of the lost an arm?

RHONDAAnd his life. Charlie killed thatguy he told me. And run away.

BATMANWhere is this Charlie?

Third bill.

RHONDAHe's a honest guy on parole. Heknows nothing about this thing.He's trying to raise his family.Don't scare the poor guy anyfurther.


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BATMANI see. And carrying a gun in thisarea is hardly surprising. Then doyou know where this drug is comingfrom? Or someone who used it?

Fourth bill.

RHONDAIt isn't widespread yet. I have todisappoint you.

Batman gets up and turns around. He turns his head towardsRhonda one last time and raises his left finger.

BATMANKeep your ears open. And...

RHONDAWhat?

BATMANStay out of trouble!

Up the Batman goes and disappears.

INT. BURLAN BAR -- CONTINUOUS

As Batman returns at a bar stool the bouncer is beingnursed back to health by a woman. Instead four well-builtman have gathered with knives. They race towards Batman butthe Dark Knight disarms all of them ina short brawl. Batmangets to the door and enters the darkness of the outside

world.

O'NEILGuys. Just give up. Three tries areenough.

EXT. WAYNE ENTERPRISES -- DAY

The sun sets and shines on the Wayne Enterprises Building.The name large on this unusal architecture. Several hundredmetres high with the part in the middle missing, justconnecting in the last fifty metres. In the free place alarge tree is growing.

Through the windows busy office workers are seen. Next tobuilding there are other skyscrapers. Certainly a wealthydistrict.

INT. WAYNE ENTERPRISES WAYNE OFFICE -- CONTINUOUS

A large office but remarkeable spartan in a Bauhaus way. Atthe desk Bruce Wayne is sitting in front of a computer. Hisface is tired and grumpy as he hacks something into the


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keyboard. The door opens and Leslie comes in and takes thevisitor stool in front of Bruce's desk. She looks him intothe eyes but Bruce barely responds.

LESLIE THOMKINSLong night?

BRUCE WAYNEHmmm.

LESLIE THOMKINSHow on Earth can you run yourfamily's multibillion dollarenterprise when you never getenough sleep?

BRUCE WAYNEI have my people for that.

LESLIE THOMKINS

Then what are you doing right now?

BRUCE WAYNEA case.

LESLIE THOMKINSI should have guessed.

Bruce shortly turns his head into Leslie's direction justto revert it back seconds later.

BRUCE WAYNEYou know something about a new

drug? Any patients in your clinic?

LESLIE THOMKINSOnly the usual Crime Alley stuff.What is it this time?

BRUCE WAYNEI don't know. I've taken a bloodprobe and given it to our leadingchemist, Dr. Langstrom. If anyonefinds out what it's made of it'shim. And then I'll have my lead.

LESLIE THOMKINSGood luck. By the way. Julie wantedto know what kind of business youare attending all the time. Youhaven't called her in six days.

BRUCE WAYNEHmmmm.


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LESLIE THOMKINSHmmmm. Really, Bruce. When is thisgoing to end? Do you really thinkyour parents wanted this?

BRUCE WAYNEI don't know.

LESLIE THOMKINSDon't you love, Julie? Do you thinkthis is fair?

BRUCE WAYNEYes, I do. But what do you mean?

LESLIE THOMKINSThat she loves a man who could endup dead every night. Either youstop or you tell her and have herdecide by herself.

Bruce finally faces her eyes.

BRUCE WAYNEIs that what's good for me or justwhat you want from me?

LESLIE THOMKINSI care for the boy you once were.He should live a happy life. Wifeand kids. Bruce Wayne and hisfamily.

BRUCE WAYNE(angrily)

But... Bruce Wayne is dead! He diedwhen that man killed his family.That night.

LESLIE THOMKINSThen if you think that way why areyou running this company?

BRUCE WAYNEIt supports being Batman. And I canimprove the streets with thecharity work of my foundations. Mylife is Batman!

LESLIE THOMKINSAnd Julie? Why did you fall in lovewith her then?

Bruce's face grows uncomfortable. He gets up and heads forthe room's exit.


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BRUCE WAYNEI... I don't know. I have work todo.

LESLIE THOMKINSBruce. Where are you going to?

Bruce leaves.

EXT. JANUS BUILDING -- DAY

The neighbourhood is that of an old, decaying industricaldistrict. Smoke and dirt. The building is a lot smallerthan the Wayne Building but wider. Fences, production millsand a moderately tall administration tower. A large signwith a mask logo: JANUS CORPORATION. At the highest windowof the tower a man is standing. It's Roman Sionis.

INT. JANUS BUILDING - SIONIS OFFICE -- CONTINUOUS

The man watches over his empire. He turns around to see hisoffice. Pompous. Large pictures of CIRCE at the wall, somesmall masks, luxurary furniture. His desk almost lookinglike porcelein. Circe is laying on the ground, almost nude,but wrapped in a blanket. Expensive opened Champagnebottles on the ground, next to two glasses.

Roman walks towards on of them picks it up and drinks. Helooks at Circe.

ROMAN SIONISSuccess! Success! What a marketentrance. Thanks to you, my witch.

CIRCEWell. And the style was your idea.

ROMAN SIONISDoesn't matter.

Roman runs and slips under the blanket to kiss Circepassionately.

ROMAN SIONIS (CONT'D)Before I met you my life seemedso... blank. I love you.

CIRCEI love you, too.

ROMAN SIONISEver thought what would havehappened to you if I didn't get youout of that small Ukrainian village?


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He kissed her again. Everything intensifies. But then.Interruption. Door KNOCKING. Roman looks annoyed and getsup. Circe dresses up under the blanket. He opens the doorand a blond guy is standing there. It's his assistantHEINRICH. Tall and handsome.

HEINRICH

Packet for you, Roman.

ROMAN SIONISThanks, Heinrich.

Circe has come next to Roman, just fixing the last piecesof her dress. Heinrich takes a deep look at her and sheanswers it the same way. Roman notices with an envious lookon his face.

CIRCEHello, Heinrich.

HEINRICHNice to see you, Circe.

ROMAN SIONISWell. Is that all?

HEINRICHYes.

ROMAN SIONISThen... goodbye.

Roman SLAMS the door. Both walk away from the door.

ROMAN SIONIS (CONT'D)Good old Heinrich. Without me hewould be nothing.

CIRCEWell, he is certainly a greatassistant to you.

ROMAN SIONISHe just lacks this leadershipcharisma I have. Anyway...

Roman walks towards another door in his office. Meanwhilehe starts to open the packet. As he enters the new room heswitches on the light to reveal the content of the room.

MASKS. Literally a hundred of him. In the packet - anotherone. The room just oozes creepiness.

CIRCEYou and your masks.


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Roman walks deeper into the room and takes a look at hisprecious collection as he puts the new one in its place.Gruesome masks. Funny masks. Everything for every taste.

EXT. OFFICE OF DOCTOR STRANGE -- NIGHT

An ordinary psychiatrist office. Nothing that isn't

ordinary. A coach is in the middle where an elderly womanis lying. Eyes closed. Clothing looks very first-class. Alarge diamond necklace. Next to her, Hugo Strange issitting in a white tailcoat.

WOMANMy houseband didn't buy me theAllegro diamond.

HUGO STRANGEWhat a pity.

WOMAN

Something is wrong. I feeldifferent.

HUGO STRANGEWait.

Hugo Strange puts out a small spray, moves it close to hispatient's nose and uses it.

HUGO STRANGE (CONT'D)Better?

WOMAN

Oh yes. I can open my mind moreeasily again.

HUGO STRANGEThen go on.

WOMANLast time we were in Moscow, youknow, me and my husband... By theway have you heard about that newmake-up from that Janus Corporation.

HUGO STRANGE(annoyed)

Yes.

WOMANI think I should buy it two.Although it also widely used by theblue-collar people. Do you thinkthat's appropriate for a woman likeme.


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HUGO STRANGENow. Back to your childhood.

Strange takes out his spray again. Higher dosis. Womanstarts to BABBLING without control. Hugo Strange gets up,looks out of the window, into the night.

HUGO STRANGE (CONT'D)(to himself)Only 20 minutes left. Well, I guesssomething more exciting is going onout there.

EXT. GOTHAM CITY CENTRAL PLACE -- NIGHT

A man with spikes on his neck is running. A shadow isfollowing him, first coming down from the sky. He runs buthe is to low. A kick takes him to the ground as the shadowgraps him. A close look reveals the identity of theattacker: The white-glowing eyes of the Batman.

BATMANWhere did you get that stuff from?

DEALERDon't know.

Batman strokes him.

DEALER (CONT'D)Stop... stop... I can't breathe...

BATMAN

That's because you are constantlytrying to say something that is ofno interest to me! WHERE?

DEALERPlease.

BATMANWHERE?

DEALEROkay. Release. I'll tell you.

Batman lowers his force.

BATMANWell?

DEALERIt's---

His voice stops. He SQUAWKS a few times.


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BATMANAre you trying to---?

SQUAWKS become stronger and stronger. The man falls into aepileptic shock. Batman lets him fall to the ground wherehe continues to ragdoll around.

BATMAN (CONT'D)What the--?

The man passes out. Even through the Batman's mask it isnotable that he is shocked.

EXT. GOTHAM CITY MEDICAL CENTER -- NIGHT

A small skyscraper with the name MEDICAL CENTER on it.Signs of many different doctors. Hugo Strange comes out ofthe revolving door. A limosine with blackened windows iswaiting.

HUGO STRANGEFinally.

Hugo Strange gets in.

INT. LIMOSINE CAR -- CONTINUOUS

Hugo Strange takes a seat. He looks at his driver, a manwith a typical Indian look.

HUGO STRANGETell me, SANJAY, ever heard of thatnew make-up?

SANJAYWhat do you mean?

HUGO STRANGENevermind. Bring me to our factory.

SANJAYYes, boss. And now that I thinkabout it I have heard of it.

Hugo Strange SIGHS.

HUGO STRANGEYou and everyone in my praxis thelast weeks.

INT. GORDON'S OFFICE -- NIGHT

A rusty looking small room. A window is open. Everythingscreams wood. Files over files on desk. Gordon is sittingat it, Batman is walking up and down in front of him. A manlies in a corner. Seems dead.


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BATMANThis must be some kind ofprogramming.

JAMES GORDONYes. But who is able to dosomething like that?

Gordon takes a cigar out of a drawer.

BATMANPeople dropping dead when asked fortheir employer. Or any otherconnection. I don't know. I justdon't know.

JAMES GORDONMeanwhile we have new... bitings.Six citizens dead. Killed rampagingjunkies.

BATMANWe still have a clue. In the nextdays my personal analysis of thedrug might be reveal a new lead.

Gordon rotates his chair slightly left to light on thecigar.

JAMES GORDONHope so. And can you please stopharrassing the dealers?

BATMANYou don't like it when I drop themin your office?

JAMES GORDONNo

BATMANNeither do I. Every death on thisworld is too much.

JAMES GORDONGood you have that attidute.

Gordon returns his chair to the old position. His friend -gone again. Gordon doesn't even react. His office dooropens and Bullock and Yin enter.

BULLOCKThe freak again!


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JAMES GORDONShut up, Bullock. Go and take thisguy with you.

Points towards the dead dealer.

INT. WAYNE MANOR - BATCAVE -- NIGHT

In his dark lair Batman is sitting with his cowl pulledback so Bruce Wayne's head is visible. He is working on hiscomputer. Then a short BUZZ is heard. On the computerscreen a mail appears. Bruce studies it. Suddenly his eyesopen wide. He starts to use the keyboard franticallyopening and closing multiple windows in the next fewseconds.

Without a warning a person appears next to him. It's Leslie.

LESLIE THOMKINSJulie is here. She wants to see you.

BRUCE WAYNETell her I'll be there in fiveminutes. I've found something.

LESLIE THOMKINSWhat is it?

BRUCE WAYNEDoctor Langstrom send me hisreport.Hewas able to run a fullchemical analysis. Kirk is a genius.

LESLIE THOMKINSAnd that means?

Bruce gets out of the majesic chair. And walks arund in thecave.

BRUCE WAYNEThere's one ingredient, Volkoxid,that is only in a plant in SouthAmerica. Just one company theredistributed it.

LESLIE THOMKINSBut you still don't know to whomthey sell it. And where the stuffis acutally manufactured.

BRUCE WAYNEWrong. I've hacked into theircompany network.

LESLIE THOMKINSYou and your skills.


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BRUCE WAYNEThey ship it to Gotham. Cannot be acoincidene.I know when the nextpacket is arriving.

LESLIE THOMKINSWell. Congratulation. Know will you

greet Julie?

BRUCE WAYNEI suppose so.

Bruce and Leslie walk up the stairs leading upwards.

LESLIE THOMKINSYou should change your clothes.

INT. WAYNE MANOR - LIVING ROOM -- CONTINUOUS

Fitting with the typical Wayne Manor style the living room

is decorated. Julie leans at the refrigator as Bruce comesto here.

BRUCE WAYNEHi.

JULIE MADISONAll you got to say? You disappearfor days. Not a word.

BRUCE WAYNESorry. You know.

JULIE MADISONBusiness! Yeah! Bruce Wayne needshis billions to grow!

BRUCE WAYNEI can understand why you are mad.

JULIE MADISONYes? I don't know.

Bruce Wayne comes closer to here and takes her in her arms

BRUCE WAYNEI promise that when I have thisfixed up I'll spend more time withyou again.

JULIE MADISONReally?

Bruce takes her head with two hands and looks her deep inher eyes. But then his face show signs of a shock.


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JULIE MADISON (CONT'D)Something wrong with me?

BRUCE WAYNEYour... your face?

Julie's face looks infectious. Small pink stains

everywhere, some skin is about to fall away at the cheeks.

INT. WAYNE MANOR - LIVING ROOM -- MOMENTS LATER

Julie sits on the coach. She is crying. Leslie is workingon her face with some medical instruments.

LESLIE THOMKINSDon't worry. It will heal. But weneed to know what causes thisallergic reaction.

BRUCE WAYNE

Anything new you used?

JULIE MADISONNo idea. Well. Actually. Yes. Yourfriend's make-up?

BRUCE WAYNERomans? Well, for his sake I hopeit's only you who can't stand it.

INT. JANUS BUILDING - SIONIS OFFICE -- DAY

Roman Sionis and Circe on the left of his table, Heinrich

and two other men in suits facing them.

HEINRICHIt's a disaster!

The table is full of pictures of women who were disfiguredby Sionis' make-up. Some just slightly, other massively.Also some newspapers covering the phenomenon.

MAN IN SUIT 1Some are damaged beyond repair. Itis all over the news and the socialnetworks.

MAN IN SUIT 2Damage suit are coming. Probablyeven from those without anyproblems. Our products have beentotally recalled. We are fu-


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HEINRICH(interrupting loudly)

-Roman. I told you that we shouldhave two other months of tests!

Roman looks like an ashamed child. Circe looks at him withdisgust.

MAN IN SUIT 1The company is ruined.

CIRCERoman, don't you have some moneyleft to fix the company?

ROMAN SIONISEverything is in the company. Mywhole family's fortune.

MAN IN SUIT 1

We will need investors to save thecompany. I will start to look rightnow.

ROMAN SIONISNo. I will not lose control of mycompany!

HEINRICHThink about the workers! They willall get unemployed if you stay thatstubborn.

ROMAN SIONISI don't care... Leave me alone. Ineed fresh air.

Roman leaves. His shoulders are hanging.

EXT. GOTHAM CITY DOCKS -- NIGHT

The moon reflects on a greenish sea. Some old ships. Lotsof typical boxes everywhere. The pier looks frail, itsfoundations are covered with shells. A few metres from itthere's a large warehouse. Barely visible in the darkstands the Batmobile. Its door opens. The Batman gets out.

He looks at the roof of the warehouse. He reaches into hisutility belt and pulls out a gun. He aims and fires at. Ahook comes out. He uses it to climb up. He opens a windowand slips in.

INT. GOTHAM CITY DOCKS - WAREHOUSE -- CONTINUOUS

The hall is highly lit. Batman is the eyes of that scene ashe smoothly lands on some containers, stacked up almost to


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the ceiling. There he watches the scenery. It's a nauticalatmosphere.

Three dock workers lift a wooden box down and walk with itforward to the warehouse's open exit gate. The Batmanfollows like an unnoted shadow.

At the gate there are three man. One appears shorter, twoare remarkeable tall. All have hats and trenchcoats. Facesaren't to be made out. The warehouse workers put the boxdown and open it with a crowbar.

The Batman pulls out some binoculars and zooms in. Thecontent: Volkoxid, professionally packed into tight plasticbags. Eureka!

The warehouse workers leave the group and walk out ofsight. The eyes change as the Batman is no longer thefocus. The man are talking.

SHORT MANLoad it in the car.

Then in the shadows to the right of him, above, somethingmoves. He looks into that direction.

SHORT MAN (CONT'D)It can't be.

He looks up to his two accomplices.

SHORT MAN (CONT'D)Well. A stalker in our midst.

He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a gun to shoot atBatman. But the Batman is already prepared and throws abat-shaped boomerang at the gun. He hits it and it falls tothe ground!

Batman leaps down and makes in imposing move with his cape.He focuses his eyes on the three man.

BATMANCongratulations for noticing me.You are one of the few. But thisdoesn't save you now!

SHORT MANPerhaps not.

The short man takes some of the Volkoxid bags and attemptsto walk out of the warehouse!

BATMANNot so fast!


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Batman tries to jump at him but one of the tall man reachesout for him, revealing a giant prank of a hand under histrenchcoat.

The Batman is hit and crashes on a box that breaks apartunder the pressure. The short man laughs!

SHORT MANGet ready for something you havenever faced before! Man! Attack!

The two men take off their trenchcoats and hats. They throwit to the ground to reveal their true appearance.Hideous-deformed heads with extremely large bodies. Theymust surely exceed 2 metres and 260 pounds. They walktowards the smashed Dark Knight. Batman's face is filledwith fear for a short moment.

But they are slow. Batman gets up, shakingly and regainshis confidence. He throws two other boomerangs at each of

the attacker but they don't even care.

One of them tries to hit him again but Batman's agilitysaves him with a roll. He pulls out a rope, throws itaround the feet of one of the monstrosities and pulls. Noreaction. He takes a short run-up and jumps with his twolegs at his chest. The monster tumbles.

The short man is watching the Batman fight and looksenchanted. His face is still hidden by his hat and shadows.

SHORT MAN (CONT'D)Impressive.

The other one graps a container and throws him as Batmanwho can evade it. The Caped Crusader grabs a brokencontainer board and smashed it at the head. Meanwhile theother guy manages to rip the rope at his legs apart andgets up.

The two warehouse workers return to place being alarmed bythe noise. Scared of what they see they simply run away!

Cat and mouse fight continues but then Batman is hit by aguy again. In pain he lies at the ground. One of themonster stands above him, preparing a fatal blow. QuicklyBatman uses his rope gun, aims for the window and in thelast moment he managesto let himself pulled out ofsituation by the gun's automatic wrap-up function. As hestands near the window he walks out of it, hobblingly.

The small man whistles. His two big friends turn around.

SHORT MAN (CONT'D)Take the box and then we are out ofhere.


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EXT. GOTHAM CITY DOCKS -- CONTINUOUS

A beaten Batman is climbing down the wall. In the last fewmetres his strength leaves him and he crashes to theground. He picks out some sort of remote out his belt.Suddenly the lights of the hidden batmobile turn on and itdrives towards him. It automatically opens the door With

his last breath he gets in and pulls some buttons.

BATMAN(exhausted)

Home.

The door closes. The car starts to drive away backwards.

THE CORNER AROUND

At the other side of the warehouse, in front of the maingate, the two big guys are loading the box into a smallpick-up truck. The small guy moves his head around to see

if the Batman is still out there to stop them. Then all ofthem get up into the car.

INT./EXT. PICK UP TRUCK -- CONTINUOUS

The short man is driving the car and the two big guys arein the backseat. Hopelessly disproportioned. The car leavesthe docks for a road. The short man does it hat away andthe street lights reveal his true identity: HUGO STRANGE.

INT. WAYNE MANOR - BRUCE WAYNE'S BEDROOM -- DAY

Through the windows the energy of a rising sun shines at a

sleeping Bruce Wayne's face. Restlessly he turns multipletimes. KNOCKING at the wall. Bruce's eyes open. Slightly.Sleepily he answers.

BRUCE WAYNEWhat... what is it?

Leslie enters his room.

LESLIE THOMKINSYou know that you have an importantappointment today?

BRUCE WAYNEYes... I have overslept, haven't I?

LESLIE THOMKINSWorking day and night can have thatresult. But no, you still got a onehour. I just wanted to be sure youare still alive.


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BRUCE WAYNESeems like I am.

Bruce gets up. Since his upper body is exposed a largebruise on his left arm is exposed.

LESLIE THOMKINS

Bruce. Who did that to you?

BRUCE WAYNELong story. It's just a minorinjury.

LESLIE THOMKINSOne day you won't return.

BRUCE WAYNELeslie, please! You truly are abroken record!

Bruce gets up and smiles.

BRUCE WAYNE (CONT'D)Could you suggest what I shouldwear today?

EXT. JANUS BUILDING -- DAY

The sun is burning brightly. A car is holding directlybefore the entrance of the administration building. Twopeople get up.

INT. JANUS BUILDING - FRONTHALL -- CONTINUOUS

Roman Sionis and Circe enter the hall. Circe smiles at thereceptionist. They walk towards an elevator. There are somepassing workers. Everyone of them takes a look at Romanwhose face is sunken in. Circe and Roman call the elevatorat the end.

INT. JANUS BUILDING - ELEVATOR -- CONTINUOUS

An ordinary elevator of a commercial building. Nothing toofancy here. Circe pushes a button.

CIRCERoman, please listen to their offer?

ROMAN SIONISI will. But I'll refuse it.

CIRCEYou don't even know who it is whowants to help you.


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ROMAN SIONISI don't care.

CIRCEWhat about the people?

ROMAN SIONIS

I know. They are my men. But Ican't. I do not want to be a loseragain.

BING. Elevator stops.

INT. JANUS BUILDING - OPEN SPACE OFFICE -- CONTINUOUS

As the elevator opens and the pair gets out everyone in theoffice looks at them. Some even stop working to do it. Someglance over the cardboard walls separting the certainworkplaces. Circe and Roman walk ahead. Roman looksuncomfortable. As he looks into their faces he can't stand

it and looks to the ground.

CIRCELook. They are afraid of theirfuture.

ROMAN SIONISThey probably think that I am afailure. And you, too.

They reach the end of the walk. A large door lies ahead.Circe opens it and the two enter the next room.

INT. JANUS BUILDING - CONFERENCE ROOM -- CONTINUOUS

A large table is there. Almost every seat is taken.Heinrich is there and some other managers. Almost all ofthem in red suits. Heinrich gets up to Roman and shakes hishand. Then he leads him to the table.

HEINRICHGentlemen. This is Roman Sionis,owner of Janus.

ROMAN SIONISNice to meet you.

HEINRICHI am sure we will reach aconclusion that will pleaseeveryone.

ROMAN SIONIS(flustering toHeinrich)

And which company is this, anyway?


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Just before he can answer Roman hears an all-too-familiarvoice.

BRUCE WAYNE (V.O.)Hello, Roman!

Roman turns around. He is visibly shocked.

ROMAN SIONISBruce... I don't know what to say...

BRUCE WAYNEI am always there to help a friend.

Roman appears small. Like a little fish in a large sea.These people in the room just dwarf him.

ROMAN SIONISHow... how nice of you!

BRUCE WAYNEMay I introduce you to my bestemployee?

Bruce turns to one of the guys on the table. A black maleis getting up and shakes Roman's hand.

BRUCE WAYNE (CONT'D)Roman, meet Lucious Fox! He's theone who handles most of thesefinanical deals.

LUCIOUS FOX

I can give you good news, Mr.Sionis! We have already made a dealthat is good for Wayne Enterprisesand your families company.

HEINRICHYou just need to sign!

ROMAN SIONISAnd how does it look?

LUCIOUS FOXYou keep your majority and WayneEnterprises only buys 20%. Togetherwe will restructure your company tosupply low price make-up.

ROMAN SIONISThis has never been my vision ofwhat Janus should be.

Roman looks at Circe. Helpless expression.


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BRUCE WAYNEI know that you always dreamt ofthe high society.

HEINRICHListen, Roman! Janus is the perfectcompany for a strategy like that.

Heinrich puts on an insidious smile as Roman's bodylanguage goes worse and worse.

ROMAN SIONISI suppose I have no other choicethen.

LUCIOUS FOXBut there's another detail.

BRUCE WAYNEDon't take this the wrong way.

ROMAN SIONISWhat should that be?

Bruce attempts to disguise this as friendly as possible.

BRUCE WAYNEYou will get an observer role inthe management board.

ROMAN SIONISThanks. But why should I want that?I am already the CEO.

LUCIOUS FOXYou don't seem to understand. WayneEnterprises doesn't think you areseeing clearly right now and thatyou need some rest from all thatresponsibility.

ROMAN SIONISLiar! So you just want to get ridof me? Then be honest here!

BRUCE WAYNEIt isn't like that!

Roman stamps on the ground like a little kid.

ROMAN SIONISApparently it is! You take myfamilies legacy away from me!


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LUCIOUS FOXYou still own it and you are stillinvolved.

ROMAN SIONISThen who will become the new CEO?

Heinrich steps forward.

HEINRICHThat. Would be me.

ROMAN SIONISWhat?

LUCIOUS FOXHe is qualified and he's convincedus of his abilities.

Roman's face turns into a mixture of sadness and anger. The

face of a man betrayed.

ROMAN SIONISHeinrich, you little--

BRUCE WAYNETake it like a man, Roman. There'sno other way. I am sorry.

LUCIOUS FOXShall we sign the papers right now?

ROMAN SIONIS

I... I won't...

Roman takes a deep look into the eyes of Circe. Her eyessparkle.

ROMAN SIONIS (CONT'D)Whatever. I'll do it. I'll do it.

INT. JANUS BUILDING - OPEN SPACE OFFICE -- DAY

The door to the conference room opens and Roman Sionis andCirce walk out.

ROMAN SIONISHeinrich! The rat!

CIRCECalm down. He's a good man.

ROMAN SIONISI made him who he is! And then hebackstabs me!


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CIRCEI'm sure your company will be ingood hands.

ROMAN SIONISI need a vacation. Let's leaveGotham City for a few weeks.

CIRCEI am afraid I can't.

ROMAN SIONISWhy?

CIRCEModelling job.

ROMAN SIONISI see. Then does it bother you if Igo alone.

CIRCENo.

ROMAN SIONISThen. I'll go home and back mybacks.

Sionis hugs Circe the last time. He turns around and walksdown the path. Left and right his employers. But not reallyhis anymore. They look at him and to him they look at himwith mockery and digust.

EXT. SIONIS FAMILY ESTATE -- NIGHT

Next to a green hill the Sionis Family Estate lies. Not asbig as Wayne Manor but still an imposing structure. Next toit there's a small lake near the entrance stairs and aforest begins close to it. Yet it looks like the lastrenovation was more than 40 years ago.

There is no sign of urban madness here. The neighborhoodlooks a like a typical clean and safe American suburb. Awhite car rides along the street and stops next to theSionis estate. A man gets out - Roman.

INT. SIONIS FAMILY ESTATE - ENTRANCE AREA -- CONTINUOUS

A hard stone floor with a slightly reflecting surface throwback the masks that are hanging at walls. Also some largepictures of Circe. Roman walks around and looks.

ROMAN SIONIS(screaming)

Circe? Are you here?


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He continues his search through the house. He passescertain etages. He gazes in various room. One is also fullof masks, another one appears to have been the home of achild with various toys - Roman's room. But he just passesit. Then he hears some noises out of another room. Heapproaches it.

ROMAN SIONIS (CONT'D)(while walking)Here you are. Tired eh? Well, Icould't stand being without you soI returned--

He goes speechless as he enters the bedroom.

INT. SIONIS FAMILY ESTATE - BEDROOM -- CONTINUOUS

Roman takes a deep look. The bed features two persons,apparently kissing and more. It's Circe and Heinrich. Theydo not even notice him. As if life left him he stand there

and watches for several seconds.

ROMAN SIONISCirce, what--?

The two lovers turn towards him. Surprise.

CIRCEWell, Roman, it isn't like itlooks--

ROMAN SIONIS(calmly)

At the home of my family. You. Andthe rat.

Circe answers. More polite than ashamed.

CIRCEI am sorry but--

ROMAN SIONISNow I see. All those years. Youhave just used me.

CIRCENo, it isn't like that.

ROMAN SIONISYou aren't even overly shocked. Youjust took the chance now and leftthe loser to take the winner.

ROMAN SIONIS (CONT'D)You truly are a witch. An evil one.

(MORE)


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ROMAN SIONIS (CONT'D)This has been going on a lotlonger, right?

CIRCENow stop it! Okay, you want thetruth? I am sick of you. Your

complexes. Your stupid masks.

ROMAN SIONIS(apathetically)

Don't lie! You just don't need meanymore!

HEINRICHRoman, please stop!

ROMAN SIONISYou dare to command me, rat?

HEINRICHYes.

Heinrich gets up and goes face to face with Roman. Heinrichpunches Roman in the face. He goes to the ground. Like awhipped dog he lies on the floor.

CIRCELook at you, Roman. You are even toweak to defend yourself.

A frightened Roman rises from the ground.

ROMAN SIONISNo. No.

HEINRICHGo, you creep.

Slowly and with a lowered head Roman runs out of the room!

HEINRICH (CONT'D)Glad he's gone.

CIRCESo... where did we stop?

INT. SIONIS FAMILY ESTATE - ENTRANCE AREA -- CONTINIOUS

A broken Roman runs down the stairs heading for the exit.Faster and faster. UNCOMPREHENSIBLE WORDS come from hismouth.


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EXT. SIONIS FAMILY ESTATE -- CONTINUOUS

Roman speeds into his car. Getting in. He tries to startthe car. He needs three tries. He hits the road, drivingshakenly.

INT./EXT. SIONIS CAR / OUTSIDE ROAD -- CONTINUOUS

Roman's fateful ride begins. Without control he is drivingdown the road. He races full speed. No lights on in thispitchblack night. He is delusional, moving like beingpossessed by a demon.

ROMAN SIONISCirce. Why?

Almost crashes into another car. He takes over. His ridepasses a cliff next to a river. Still MUMBLING he reaches

over to co-driver seat. Hardly caring for the street beforehe reaches into the drawer there and pulls out a gun. Heholds it to his head while racing full speed.

ROMAN SIONIS (CONT'D)Roman, you deserve to die!

Then as he reaches the curve of a cliff he doesn't turn thewheel. He races directly towards it. He destroys themetallic street boundary and flies down towards the river.During the flight he puts the gun to his head. He closeshis eyes but before he can shoot the car crashes onto arock in the river. Blackout.

EXT. RIVER SHORE -- CONTINUOUS

The Reawakening. Roman's point of view begins under water.He rises slowly and walks down the shore. His movements areuncoordinated. Sloppy. Without control. He looks to theright and shortly sees the broken street boundary, at theother side of the river. He doesn't care.

Faster and faster does he run to the street. He reaches theother side of it after almost being run over by a car. Hewalks into scrubs, walking upwards the slight hill. Hestumbles multiple times. He still carries the gun in hisright hand.

ROMAN SIONISMother. Father.

His walk through the green dungeon continues. Suddenly hismind starts to disfunction.

SERIES OF FLASHBACKS


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Seeing the scared faces of a doctor and nurses from theground as something falls to the ground.

A giant racoon attacking.

Young Bruce Wayne looking at him.

Circe smiling at him.

His father striking out at him

END OF FLASHBACKS

As he walks on they repeat. Sometimes only one. Sometimesmore. They get faster and faster. The world around himcollapses until the darkness as him again and he blacks outagain.

EXT. CEMETARY - SIONIS CRYPT -- DAY

Roman's eyes are closed. In his right hand still the gun.He wakes up, hit by the first lightbolts of the day. Stilllying. His eyes open slowly and he sees the charmingmorning heavan. He takes the gun. To his head again. Wantsto pull.

But then it starts to rain. Slightly. Drops reach his face.He starts to smile. He pulls the gun in his pocket andraises his upper body. His grin gets bigger as he realizedwhere he is. In front of him, the large behemoth that isthe Sionis Crypt, from his positioning kinda intimidating.

He stands up. His face has a small wound but nothing mayor.

The rain is getting stronger. As is the wind, blowing hishair up and down. He walks towards the crypt door, rattlingit. He picks up a large stone that lies there and smashesthe door. At the same time a large lightning bolt comesdown.

His descent into madness continues as he enters the crypt.

INT. SIONIS CRYPT -- CONTINUOUS

The crypt is very bleak and bare but very spacey. In themiddle there are two coffins, lying on a podest. In thebackground some flames are burning. An elevated stoneplatform is in the back of the crypt. At the left side sometools are hanging.

Slowly does Roman approach the coffins.

ROMAN SIONIS(whispering)

Mother. Father. You are dead.

Roman picks up the big stone again.


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ROMAN SIONIS (CONT'D)And your son, Roman, died today,too! But he has been--

Roman throws the stone at one of the coffins. It breaksapart.

ROMAN SIONIS (CONT'D)(shouting)Reborn!

He walks towards the remains. He talks a close look at thecontent. A rotten corpse.

ROMAN SIONIS (CONT'D)Is this your true face finallyrevealed, father? Is it?

He raises his hands.

ROMAN SIONIS (CONT'D)Now what? Your son is becomingsomething bigger! Bigger than youever were! Everyone of you! RomanSionis' enemies will perish!

He takes a look at the tools. Then he looks at a largepiece of wood of the destroyed coffin. Takes a new look atthe tools. Walks to them. Takes the sharp knife. As hereturns to the coffins he picks up the wooden plank.

ROMAN SIONIS (CONT'D)(calmly)

Yes, father. Your true legacy shows.

He sits down. Then his work begins. He starts to carve itwith the knife. Meanwhile the flickering of lightnings canstill be noticed even in the crypt.

EXT. CEMETARY - SIONIS CRYPT -- NIGHT

Two hoodlums walk between the graves, passing the deadtrees, in a good distance to the crypt which can be seenfrom far away. One of them is a large bodybuilder. Africanancestry and at least 6'6''. The other one is averageheight, Caucasian, but looks very atheltic. As they walkaround without any sign of orientation he takes a new lookat it.

BODYBUILDERSo where does this crazy guy liveagain?

ATHLETIC GUYA crypt.


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BODYBUILDERPretty weird.

ATHLETIC GUYBut he offers good money foreveryone who decides to follow him.

BODYBUILDERI could need it. Good he talked tous at our gym.

ATHLETIC GUYLooked pretty harmless, the guy.

They reach the right place. The crypt is covered by fog.Ravens sit on it.

BODYBUILDERScary sight.

ATHLETIC GUYHow can a guy like you be afraid ofsomething. Let's go in.


The Sionis Crypt has been refitted. In the left corner somesort of prison area with steel bars has been reinstated.And a large ebon mask hangs at the wall, just behind thetwo coffins. Black and carved like a grotesque face.

ATHLETIC GUYHoly.

BODYBUILDERWhere is the guy?

ATHLETIC GUYWell. It's still two minutes leftto midnight.

BODYBUILDERAre we the only one?

Their conversation is interrupted by a new, gravely voice.But somewhat captivating.

BLACK MASK (V.O.)Come near and face the death ofyour identities!

The cap of the undamaged coffin opens and dark figurerises. A brown suit with some stripes and wearing a mask -a small version of the large mask hanging the wall. And hecarries a gun which he points at them.


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BLACK MASKGo to the other coffin!

BODYBUILDERI think... I think we should obey!

The two walk to the shattered coffin. The corpse is gone -

instead there are two masks in it. One a pretty basic flatdesign, the other one is a ghastly monsterous face withattached artifical hair.

BLACK MASKPick it up! Put it on!

Hesistantely they follow the orders as Black Mask'snarration continues! The big guy takes the monster mask,the other one goes to the athletic guy.

BLACK MASK (CONT'D)Become the first members of the

False Face Society of Gotham City!

They complete there transformation.

BLACK MASK (CONT'D)Experience the feel of the end ofyour previous existence!

The two guys looks uncomfortable!

BLACK MASK (CONT'D)Feel the end of all yourinhibations instructed by society!

Obey me! You won't regret it!

BODYBUILDERYou... you offered us money?

BLACK MASKYes! Serving me will pay you well!But try to understand my ideas! Theideas of Black Mask!

Black Mask walks to them and lays his hand on thebodybuilder.

BLACK MASK (CONT'D)Your old names are obsolete. Fromnow on you are Tupeng!

He turns to the other one.

BLACK MASK (CONT'D)And yours will be Thepsis!


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THEPSISAnd what... do we have to do?

BLACK MASKFirst I'll show the headquarter ofthe Society. Then we will recruitnew members! And we will have to

skin the witch! Are you with me?

TUPENGWhat's the pay?

BLACK MASK500 dollars a day for you, my twolieutenants!

THEPSISDeal.

INT. DRESS-UP ROOM -- NIGHT

Circe sits at the dress-up room just wearing a very smallevening dress. Looking at the mirror she seems tired aftera hard job. She's working on her make-up.

With a loud sound the door crashes in. Frightened she turnsaround. And SCREAMS. Two man, Thepsis and Tupeng, completewith masks storm into the room and grab her. She fights.Then BLACK MASK comes in and looks at her. It looks likehis eyes are focused on her and even through the mask anaura of sadness is emitted. A gives a sign with hisfingeres to take her out.

INT. SIONIS CRYPT -- NIGHT

The prison cell in the Crypt has two inhabitants! It'sHeinrich and Circe. Heinrich awakes. Apparently he's beenhit at the hit, visible by the big bruise.

HEINRICHCirce... where are we... There werethese masked men--

The conversation is interrupted by Black Mask coming out ofthe shadows, walking towards the prison cell

BLACK MASKThey never left. Now little ratwe'll get even!

CIRCERoman... is this you?

BLACK MASKNo. Roman is dead.


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CIRCERoman... what happened to you, wasit the accident?

BLACK MASKNo. It was you. You made me loseface! You used me! You thought you

are too beautiful for a man likeme. But that is about to change.

CIRCEWe can talk this out!

BLACK MASKToo late for that.

Black Mask WHISTLES. Tupeng and Thepsis appear. One has amask in his hand. The other one a small bottle. They go andopen the prison door. Tupeng grabs Heinrich and fixates hishead. Black Mask walks in to, takes the bottle out of

Thepsis' hand and pours its content into the mask. Thepsisaway from the group.

HEINRICHRoman. What are you doing to me?

BLACK MASKWell. It's the Janus make-up. Youknow. The one so good for the skin!Just 1,000 times more concentrated!

Black Mask takes the mask and moves it towards Heinrich'sscared faced.

HEINRICHPlease... Please!

No remorse is given. Black Mask pushes it into his face.

BLACK MASKHold him tight, Tupeng!

He applies more preasure. Heinrich MOANS in pain. CirceSCREAMS.

BLACK MASK (CONT'D)I guess that is enough!

Black Mask pulls the mask away. A horrifiying sight. Theskin has totally melted away.

BLACK MASK (CONT'D)Release him.

Thepsis obeys and what was once Heinrich falls to theground!


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BLACK MASK (CONT'D)Like I thought! Full-facialtreatment equals death!

Menacingly he turns to Circe.

CIRCE

Are you doing the same to me?

BLACK MASKNo. For you there's a fate worsethan death.

Thepsis has returned. In his there is another face. Coldand plastic but still beatiful. He hands it to Circe.

CIRCEWhat... what shall I do with that?

BLACK MASK

You have two choices! Put on themask and you will live as my queen!Or you don't and you will followthe rat in facing the full-facialtreatment!

Circe shudders.

CIRCEWhat has become of you?

BLACK MASKChoose!

INT. FALSE FACE SOCIETY SEWER HIDEOUT -- NIGHT

Pipes of the sewers and some rats. A formerly abandonedplace in the sewer network has become refitted. A largestage made of wood has been installed, gruesome masks hangeverywhere. On the stage BLACK MASK stands with Tupeng andThepsis in the background. And next to him, Circe, now witha mask!

At the ground some dozens of men are standing, aged betweentwenty and fifty, apparently from the lower and criminalmileus of the city!

BLACK MASKBe welcomed to the False FaceSociety of Gotham City! Together wewill celebrate the death of youridentities! Your initaton startsnow!

Tupeng opens a large box. Its content: Masks. And masks.Thepsis and Tupeng throw them at the audience!


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BLACK MASK (CONT'D)The power of the masks! The powerto destroy the idenity of thewearer! Put them on! Do it!

The audience reaches for the masks and starts to put themon. Some fast. Some with some hesitation!

BLACK MASK (CONT'D)Through the sublimation of your oldself your deeper drives, yourprimal instincts will drive to thesurface! This will be yourliberation!

Now everyone wears the mask!

BLACK MASK (CONT'D)Reject what a cruel society made ofyou! Elevate yourself! Take the

personality of the mask and we, theshunned souls, will have ourrevenge!

Black Mask's voice keeps getting more intense and intense!

BLACK MASK (CONT'D)Here in this poor district ofGotham we will start to rise! Nopoliticians cares but we will startto comulate wealth! And in time wewill show the world that we exist!Believe me!

Black Mask rises his hands far above his head!

BLACK MASK (CONT'D)I am Black Mask! Your undisputedmaster! And I will make you RICH!

The crowd CHEERS.

EXT. SIONIS CRYPT -- NIGHT

Tupeng and Thepsis return to the Crypt.

TUPENGYou know. At first it was the money.

THEPSISI know what you mean. Black Maskhas a point!

TUPENGI've heard this of many Societymembers, too!


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THEPSISWell. Many still do it just for themoney.

TUPENGThe Society grows and grows withevery day. The Master does

something right.

They reach the entrance. They open the door and get in.


Black Mask is standing while Circe is sitting at theplatform. Thepsis and Tupeng stand there and watch BlackMask going up and down musing.

THEPSISMaster, you wanted to see us!

BLACK MASKYes! We have to take three stepsfor our total victory!

TUPENGThat would be?

BLACK MASKFirst of all, we will have tofinish off Roman Sionis' enemiesonce and for all! The ones thatmade his life miserable!

THEPSISShould be not all to hard.

BLACK MASKThen we will overtake the local mobof this district to raise ourfinancial level!

CIRCEI don't understand! You still ownJanus. It's still worth something!

BLACK MASKI don't care! I don't want thewealth given to me anymore! I willbuild an empire by my own hand! Andluckily, to my loyal servants, Igot the information that will boostthe Society in ways we could havenever dreamt of!

THEPSISAnd the last step?


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BLACK MASKYou'll know in time! Just now thatin the end we will be feared.Respected. Rich. We will begintomorrow!

TUPENG

And the police? Or the Bat-Man?Won't they hunt us down?

BLACK MASKThe police is the arm of thecorrupt politicians. They don'tcare for Park Row! It's a breedingground for poverty! This is wherewe will raise our army!

TUPENGAnd... the Batman?

BLACK MASKGotham City is big. Sooner or laterwe will engage him. But he willonly stop my servants. He will notfind me!

EXT. PARKING LOT -- NIGHT

A businessmen is getting into a car as three grotesquelymasked men appear out of the darkness. The businessmenshudders. The men attack, beat him down and take his wallet.

EXT. DARK ALLEY -- NIGHT

A man in a trenchcoat is talking to three girls. The girlsare apparently hookers from the way they are dressed. A carstops by. The car window goes down. A masked man. He takesa gun and shoots the man in the trenchcoat into the rightleft. He falls. The masked man gets out and grabs the maninto the air!

MASKED MANTell your boss that these streetsnow belong to the False FaceSociety of Gotham City!

Turns to the women.

MASKED MAN (CONT'D)From now on your money goes to us!

EXT. STORE -- NIGHT

A small ordinary store with electronic stuff. Truck passesby. Windows smashed with a brick. Electronic stuff getsloaded up by four masked men getting out.


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EXT. LARGE HOUSE -- NIGHT

A rich man's home. Rich neighborhood. Moderately in sizeand a small garden.

INT. DORIAN'S SLEEPING ROOM -- CONTINIOUS

A couple is sleeping. One is Dorian Gendhis, the other oneis his wife. Silent as the night two False Facers enter theroom. In a creepy movement they pull out a mask and pressthem onto Dorian's face.

MASKED MAN 2Die, pig, for humiliting the master!

INT./EXT. TAXI -- NIGHT

At a busy street a businessman is entering a taxi. As heenters it everything gets locked!

BUSINESSMANWhat does that mean?

The driver turns around. A man in an unsettling catmask.Then the businessmen notices that Black Mask is sittingleft of him, slightly hidden in the shadows.

BLACK MASKYou've made me lose face! Nowyou'll experience the same.

BUSINESSMANWhat... What... Who are you?

Black Mask reveals a mask in his hand. He hands it to himand then pulls out a gun.

BLACK MASKPut this on.

EXT. ABANDONED FACTORY -- NIGHT

Distant from the inhabited parts of Gotham and partly in aforest area lies this building. Nothing special. One etage,very long, next to a small river. A bird flies, watchingthe scenary as easily two dozen of mysterious men walk outof the wood. At close men with scary masks come out thewood and approach the factory.

EXT. ABANDONED FACTORY -- CONTINUOUS

The factory is not so abandoned! Old assembly lines arerunning and six men are preparing some sort of chemicals.In the middle of them - Hugo Strange and his chaffeurSanjay watch the work as they are surprised by the doorcracked in. The men with the masks, carrying various


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weaponry storm in a take various positions to encircle themall.

HUGO STRANGEWhat has that supposed to mean?What kind of clowns are you?

SANJAYFor sure they are not the police.

HUGO STRANGEAnd no mob dressed as retarded.

BLACK MASK (V.O.)Things change, Hugo!

Hugo Strange turns around. Behind him, on a metal laddarBlack Mask is sitting calmly.

HUGO STRANGE

Who are you, freak?

Black Mask gets up and stands as straight as possible.

BLACK MASKI am the New Order. Call me BlackMask.

HUGO STRANGEOkay. So how the hell could youfind me here? Neither the policedid. Nor the Batman!

BLACK MASKThe False Face Society has earseverywhere! I was surprised to knowthat a famous high-society memberis in fact nothing else than a merecriminal! Talk about a mask!

HUGO STRANGEYou wouldn't get it! I need themoney for my experiments!

BLACK MASKI suppose so! And I am thankful forthat because I am going to overtakeyour business! This product'smarket share is growing! And I needmoney!

HUGO STRANGEWhy should I do that?

BLACK MASKWell. We might kill you.


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HUGO STRANGEHugo Strange is not afraid ofdeath! And without me no one canreplicate my sweet candy!

BLACK MASKMaybe we can cut a deal? I am a

generous man.

HUGO STRANGEWhat could you offer me?

BLACK MASKBatman.

Hugo Strange starts to laugh.

HUGO STRANGEHow could a freak like you takedownone of the world's finest specimen?

BLACK MASKBecause I have the skills. And theorganization.

HUGO STRANGEWell. I have studied the Batman fora long time.

BLACK MASKI know.

HUGO STRANGE

How?

BLACK MASKI've watched you on TV. And ofcourse, my intelligence iseverywhere.

Black Mask pulls out pictures. Walks to Strange to givethem to him. They show Strange during the day. Also in hisappartment. Files of Batman, pictures he has drawn of him,etc. Hugo Strange having a man tied up and spraying somesort of gas on him in this factory. Hugo Strange and somebig monster guys throwing a man into a pool of concrete.

HUGO STRANGEYou...

BLACK MASKI am Black Mask. Destined to revealthe true face of the world hiddenbehind the farce we callcivilization!


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HUGO STRANGEOk. What is your proposal?

BLACK MASK90% for us. Or no, make that 80%.And we will give you Batman withintwo months!

HUGO STRANGEDeal.

BLACK MASKSo tell me what is your littlesubstance? Why are some men sohorribly mutated?

HUGO STRANGEIt depends on the dosis. Smalldosis you are open to mindmanipulation. Medium dosis means

hallucinations. And a large dosis,which means, very very much willcose an atavismic DNA shock.

BLACK MASKI guess some didn't follow doctor'sorders.

HUGO STRANGEManiacs everywhere.

BLACK MASKAnd how do you make your men...

die? Sadly, some of them were askedsome questions that did damage totheir health when we tried to findyou?

HUGO STRANGEIt's a mixture of the substance andhypnosis which triggers a deadlyspasm.

Black Mask starts to laugh scarily

BLACK MASKWe make your profits up to 15%! Youhave to fix some of my servants!

Hugo Strange SIGHS.

HUGO STRANGEHow many?


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BLACK MASKAbout 45 members right now. Numbersrising.

HUGO STRANGEOkay.

BLACK MASKHow long does this take?

HUGO STRANGEAbout 5 days if I hurry up.

BLACK MASKDo so. Meanwhile I'll catch thebat.

He turns around and makes a gesture to his men to come withthem.

BLACK MASK (CONT'D)Nice doing business with you. I'llleave some guys here... for yourprotection!

INT. WAYNE ENTERPRISES WAYNE OFFICE -- DAY

It's a hectic atmosphere. Bruce Wayne, Lucious Fox,Commissioner Gordon and other guys are standing there. Theflat screen at the wall runs showing a shocking headline:"7 Wayne Enterprises executives sadistically mutilated andkilled!

BRUCE WAYNEThis is just horrible. Still can'tbelieve it.

JAMES GORDONMr Wayne, any idea who would targetyour company?

BRUCE WAYNEI have no idea. Wayne Enterprisestries to be social and ecologicalmodern company. Don't know whowould hold a grudge against us.

JAMES GORDONProbably some fanatic.

LUCIOUS FOXBruce. I am scared. You, me, manyother high-ranking men here couldbe next on the list.


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BRUCE WAYNELucious, you are a brave man, Iknow that.

LUCIOUS FOXYes. But my family. My wife. Theycould suffer to.

JAMES GORDONMake a list of your executivestuff. We will offer total policeprojection.

BRUCE WAYNEThat would be the best. But ignoreme. I can take care of myself.

JAMES GORDONNo way. Too dangerous. But don'tworry, you won't notice us.

BRUCE WAYNENo other choice

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