hog charisma draft 12-12-09 cl

HAND OF GREED

by

Chuck Loch

14314 SUmmertime LaneCulver City, CA 90230(310) [email protected]

REGISTERED WGAw No. 1391222

TEASER

BEGIN OMAR'S DREAM SEQUENCE 1

IN BLACK:

The VOICE of an ANGEL speaks.

VOICE OF AN ANGEL (O.S.)"Omar Muhammad al-Mahdi, namesake ofone of Allah's most beloved, I amHis angel and I bring you a messagefrom Him."

FADE IN:

INT. OMAR'S HOUSE - NIGHT

BEDROOM

IMAM OMAR MUHAMMAD AL-MAHDI, 65, lies in bed, clad in bedclothes, fidgeting, eyes closed - twitching under their lids.

Everything in Omar's house reveals he's a very poor man.

VOICE OF CONSCIOUSNESS (V.O.)Some people sense their fate fromthe beginning of their lives. Toothers, it comes in dreams, eitherwhile asleep or while awake. It canbe based on divine inspiration. Or,on greed.

Omar's eyes SNAP open.

The night is quiet, still. Yet he

trembles in his bed.

He falls to his knees and then to his face in prayer.

He jerks as if struck by lightning and falls prostrate, still.

VOICE OF CONSCIOUSNESS (V.O.)Some people embrace their fate easily. Others, often the greedy, often thedreamers, would change it, if theyhad the means.

Slowly Omar rises, almost trance-like in his movements, ashe glides through the door to his

LIVING ROOM

past decrepit furniture to the

2.

KITCHEN

and then through the door to the street

EXT. OMAR'S HOUSE - NIGHT

to stare at a crumbling old mosque across the street. Adilapidated building, leaning a little too far to one sidefor comfort. It shimmers and morphs into The Blue Mosque ofIstanbul. Glowing in the moonlight. Winking at him from areflection pool. Waving its minarets.

VOICE OF CONSCIOUSNESSThe poor would choose riches - outof need, or out of greed. The richwould choose more riches out of moregreed. Is that not the way ofmankind?

Omar's so happy he can barely stand. Tremors shake his body.

VOICE OF AN ANGEL (O.S.)"Build me a mosque, a mosque so fairit will inspire my people to worshipHim. Do what you must."

OMARYes. Yes. I will build a new mosque,a mosque more beautiful than TheBlue Mosque. If you will help yourservant, I will do this.

He looks to the heavens for help.

As if he hears an answer, he bows his head. When he liftsit again, his face is lit with inner peace and triumph.

He kneels for his morning prayers.

OVER HIS PRAYERS

VOICE OF CONSCIOUSNESS (V.O.)We are all uniquely motivated fordifferent reasons. What is behindour hopes and wishes, our prayersand desires? How do we know thedifference between reality anddelusion? Between faith andsuperstition? Between need and greed? Can we change our fates? Or, doesonly Allah have that power?

END OMAR'S DREAM SEQUENCE 1

FADE TO BLACK

END OF TEASER

3.

ACT ONE

FADE IN:

EXT. SALIBA'S HOUSE - NIGHT

A two-story hovel on a mountainside above Beirut, part of acluster of other hovels and, standing apart, a rich man'shouse.

Smoke billowing from chimneys testifies to the coldness ofthe night.

SMALL LIVING ROOM/PARLOUR

A hearth fire burns brightly. The room is, as all rooms inthe hovel are, plainly but abundantly furnished with aneclectic collection of old furniture and knick-knacks.

At a small table, AMIR SALIBA, 65, an ex-teacher who planshis life far into the future, but gives way to small boutsof recklessness such as during the CHESS GAME in progressbetween himself and his bright 30-year-old son, AZAR SALIBA.

Amir moves his king into obvious checkmate.

A CLAP OF THUNDER punctuates the move on the board.

Amir gestures toward the window.

AMIRI don't think we'll see Khalidtonight.

Azar pays no attention to his father, only to his move.

AZARCheck.

Azar plucks his father's doomed chess piece off the board.

AZARAnd mate.

Amir explodes in mis-placed anger.

AMIRThis is the worst of living on thismountain, the road washes out in adrizzle. We're all stuck in themud.

NADIA SALIBA, Amir's wife, 60, quiet, naive, usuallysubservient to her husband until her emotions overcome her,reacts.

4.

NADIAPerhaps we should live in Beirutlike your greedy gambling brother,Bashir. In the city, there is lessmud in which to become stuck.

AMIRWhatever mud there is, Bashir hasfound it. At least he does not playchess.

NADIA(winking at Azar butspeaking to Amir)

Never mind, dear. Perhaps you'llwin the next time you play your son.

The lights from the head lamps of a bus outside flash on thehearth wall. AIRBRAKES HISS. The GATE BANGS and HEAVYFOOTSTEPS approach the door.

AMIRThere's Khalid.

SMALL LIVING ROOM/PARLOUR - LATER

KHALID DAHER, 59, dripping wet, stands before the family.

AMIR(introducing him)

Cousin Khalid, it's been too long.

KHALIDThank you for your hospitality, Amir. It's not been so long.

AMIRThe last I saw you, you could walkonly on crutches. Now look at you.

KHALIDI thought I was condemned to a lifeon those hated sticks. But, I waswrong. Very wrong.

Off everyone's expectant looks.

KHALIDI need your help.

DISSOLVE TO:


Khalid sits, a half-full tea cup beside him.

5.

KHALIDSo after I buried my family, I triedto destroy the cursed charm, butcould not. Every time I tried,something stopped my hand. I don'twant it to bring more heartache, butI can't destroy it on my own. Idecided to bring it here, to you,the most logical clear-thinking personin the family.

Amir, sitting opposite, looks doubtful.

AMIRYou would have me believe that thecharm supposedly grants its ownerwishes?

KHALIDBut it brings bad luck to anyone whouses it out of greed.

AMIRDon't tempt your fate?

(chuckles)

KHALIDI do not know what is true.

AMIRYour good-fortune could have beennothing but coincidence.

KHALIDAnd what about my ill-fortune?

AMIRNothing more than the evil that weall endure. I am sorry for yourmisfortunes, but do not let themdrive you to irrationality.

KHALIDI am not irrational.

AMIRThen throw the thing into the fire.

KHALIDThat is irrational!

AMIRExactly my point, dear cousin. Youare not thinking straight. Let mesee it.

Khalid pulls the trinket out of a pocket.

6.

KHALIDTo look at it, it's just a smallpiece of carved wood. A hand and aforearm.

AMIRThat is all it is. Throw it in thefire-by morning, it will be consumed.

Azar, from his seat off to the side, takes it from Khalidand casually examines it.

AZARTell us more about this charm.

KHALIDA holy man in another land, a veryholy man, blessed it - and it hasspecial powers. It is said to grantthree wishes.

AMIRAnd how much did you pay for thosespecial powers?

Khalid hangs his head.

KHALIDIt is supposed to bring luck.

AMIRSeems it brings good luck best tothose who sell it, not to those whoown it.

KHALIDBut I walk, cousin, you see I walk!

Amir Snatches the charm from Azar and closely inspects it.

AMIRAnd all you had to do was touch itand wish?

Nadia, walks into the room with more tea.

NADIACould you wish for an extra pair ofhands for me?

They all laugh, except Khalid.

KHALIDNadia! Don't even think that way!

Khalid catches Amir by the arm.

7.

KHALIDI beg you, destroy the charm! Ihave tried and failed.

AMIRDon't worry, I have no intention offeeding your - or an old woman's -foolishness.

Amir throws it into the fire.

Khalid SCREAMS IN ALARM, reaches into the fire. Amir pullshim back.

AMIRBetter to let it burn.

KHALIDNo, don't! Let me have it! PerhapsI was wrong and can sell it to someonewho would use it for good!

AMIRLeave it in the fire like a sensibleman.

Khalid trembles but settles down. Amir places his hands onKhalid's shoulders.

AMIRKhalid, maybe it was your own beliefthat the charm could work that madeit so. Maybe you healed yourself.

KHALIDAnd my family?

AMIRA senseless tragedy. Nothing more.

Amir looks at the longing in Khalid's eyes.

Light from the head lamps of a bus creeping up the roadreflects on the wall through the window.

KHALIDI must go. I cannot miss the bus.

AMIRAre you strong enough to ride ithome? Now?

With one last desperate look at the fire, Khalid nods hishead yes, tries but is unable to stand.

AMIRAzar?

8.

Azar leaps up to help and between them they lift Khalid andcarry him like an invalid through the door and out into thenight.

EXT. ROADSIDE - NIGHT

Amir and Azar help Khalid onto the bus.

INT. SALIBA'S HOUSE - DAY


Nadia shovels ashes out of the fireplace. Stops. Picksthrough the rubble in her shovel. Pulls out the amulet.

Fascinated she rubs it with a cloth, and forgetting her taskat hand, contemplates the design, the shape. Smiles dreamily.

AMIR (O.S.)Nadia? Nadia?

Amir wanders through the door, nose in a book.

AMIRIs my tea ready? What's wrong? Areyou okay?

Amir rushes to Nadia as Nadia snaps out of her trance, dropsthe amulet. It CLATTERS on the floor.

NADIAIt didn't burn.

AMIRYou scared me, woman. Well, thefire was not hot enough. We'll burnit in the kitchen stove.

Amir scoops up the amulet and strides into the

KITCHEN

to the hot wood stove and opens the firebox

NADIAWait!

(beat)Do we have to?

At Amir's raised eyebrow.

NADIAI mean, there's so much good we coulddo. For others.

9.

AMIRYou believe the old wives' tale?

NADIAMaybe. A little.

AMIRAll the more reason it should burn.

He drops the amulet inside the firebox, and stuffs in severalsticks of wood, bringing the fire to a roar. Then, he liftsthe madly boiling tea pot off the stove and turns to Nadia.

AMIRNow can we have our tea?

TIME CUT TO:

Nadia washes the tea things, a mournful eye on the wood stove. Amir, wearing a coat, kisses the back of her neck before heleaves.

AMIRCheer up, Habibti, maybe I'll find ahamsa on my way to town.

Nadia watches Amir through the window as he walks out of thegarden and down the street. The gate BANGS at his heels. Very carefully she dries her hands and sits in front of thestove, with the firebox open, watching the flames.

Azar strolls through the kitchen dressed in his work clothes.

AZARAnything you want Jamila to bringyou from Damascus?

(beat)Mother?

Nadia shakes her head distracted. Azar looks at hercuriously, before opening the door.

EXT. JABER HOUSE - DAY

JAMILA JABER, 20, naturally beautiful, stands at the doorwith Azar.

AZARJamila, don't go.

JAMILAOnly a short visit. I will missyou.

AZARAnd I you.

10.

SALIM JABER, 50, Jamila's father and a cranky widower, callsout from the depths of the house.

SALIMIs that the worthless boy from nextdoor?

JAMILAFather, you know his name.

SALIMI know he's a beggar without twocoins to rub together let alone abride price. You're worthy of aprince!

JAMILAOh father, you know it's only Azarthat I love.

SALIMAs Allah wills it.

AZAR(smiles)

As Allah wills it.

He seals their tryst with a kiss.

As Jamila closes the door, Azar detects movement from behinda tree out of the corner of his eye. Azar marches over tothe expensively dressed MANSOOR NASSIF, 28 - loaded withmoney, but light in experience.

AZARWho is this small child, MansoorNassif, who is always spying on myfiancée? Why don't you go play withthe village boys?

MANSOORI'm older and smarter than you.

AZARDo tell.

MANSOORI know the heart that needs to bewon is not the girl's, but thefather's. And we both know the wayto his heart.

AZARYou place value in the wrong heart.

11.

MANSOORWe will see.

AZARYes, you will see.

As Azar strides down the street, Mansoor waits in the gardenuntil Salim backs out the door, looks around, and we knowit's an arranged meeting.

SALIMThe market tomorrow at noon?

MANSOORYes, Mr. Jaber, my father is eagerto meet her.

As Mansoor leaves, Salim smiles in satisfaction.


KITCHEN

Amir hurries in, stamps his feet and blows on chilled fingers, as he takes off his coat.

AMIRIt's cold as ice out there today! Why is the stove not lit?

Amir's face falls when he turns to see Nadia, who sits bythe cold stove, ashes staining her face and hands. She holdsthe amulet.

AMIRWhat have you done?

NADIAIt didn't burn. I waited. I waiteduntil the coals were cold. Just tobe sure. And it didn't burn.

He snatches the charm, shakes it at her.

AMIRWe decided to destroy this. Why didyou save it from the fire?

NADIAI didn't save it. It did not burn.

Amir grows angrier by the moment as he paces the room.

NADIAIt must be powerful! We should useit - to do good. We could help others.

12.

Amir explodes.

He stuffs the charm into his pocket. Then, a stern fingerin her face.

AMIRYou are letting your imaginationweave silliness in your head. Thisis nothing but a piece of wood.

NADIAThen why didn't it burn?

Amir jerks on his coat, and to punctuate his intent, he jamson his cap onto his head.

AMIRI'm taking it to the Imam. He'llknow what to do.

EXT. FRONT DOOR - DAY

Amir walks to the gate. Stops.

He pulls the charm from his pocket. Stares at it in hishand. Realizes what he's doing and stuffs it back in.

Off he goes.

He lets go of the GATE. It BANGS shut.

STREET

A bit further, he stops again.

He stares at the charm, then walks on.

EXT. MOSQUE - DAY

The tumbledown mosque stands where The Blue Mosque stood inOmar's dream.

Amir stands in the street outside the mosque looking at thecharm.

ACROSS THE STREET - OMAR'S HOUSE

Omar Muhammad walks out of his door and across the street tothe mosque, engrossed in a magazine bearing a picture of TheBlue Mosque. He bumps into Amir.

OMARAmir! What are you doing? Standingin the way to trip up old men asthey walk about?

13.

Amir nods in apology, steps back.

AMIRSorry Imam, I was lost in thought.

OMARBetter use some of that thought towatch where you're going!

Omar watches Amir hurry away.

AMIRImam, wait, I...uh ---

---A pigeon lands on the roof of the mosque and a TILE FALLS,just missing Omar's head.

OMARAnd spare a little time in all thosethoughts to ask Allah to fix theroof!

INT. SALIBA'S HOUSE - NIGHT


Amir stands in his own doorway, cap on his head, staringonce more at the charm in his hand.

Nadia and Azar stare back at Amir in surprise.

NADIAYou've come back - and with the charm?

Amir looks up.

AMIRMaybe it's a waste to give it away. I...uh...I...it seemed a reasonablething to do - to make sure first,that is.

AZARPerhaps some part of you wants totest the charm?

Amir grits his teeth.

AMIRI need time to think.

NADIAWhy don't you sleep on it instead?

Nadia smiles, beckons Amir to follow her up the stairs. Ashe reluctantly follows, she turns out the light.

14.

BEDROOM

Amir and Nadia are in bed having pillow talk.

NADIASo tonight you will not touch me?

AMIRWe must think about this. All mylife I've yearned to have my greatestwishes and fondest desires come true. Here is our chance, dear Nadia, tohave that happen. It is even strongerthan the pleasures of man and wifecoming together.

NADIAWe could have anything? Oh, I dowant many things. But I fear Allah. It does not seem right that we fulfill our hearts' desires withjust a charm without the help ofAllah.

AMIRDo we ask Allah and thank himafterwards for every bit of food weeat? For every piece of clothing webuy? For every appliance and pieceof machinery that lightens our work?

NADIAWe do not, but we should. Are wenot Muslim?

AMIRAnd are we not free to want what wewant and to go after getting it?

NADIASo it comes down to feeling free toget what we want? I will have tothink about that. Can we talk morein the morning?

AMIRSleep well, habibti. I will thinkmore on this while you sleep.

FADE TO BLACK

EXT. MARKET - DAY

Azar scowls as he hurries past Mansoor and his father, theirfine attire making his simple clothes seem that much morehumble. He pushes past

15.

Omar, who stands in the middle of the WELL-DRESSED GROUP OFSHOPPERS, waving the picture of The Blue Mosque.

OMARHelp me, friends and neighbors, forI do Allah's work.

BEHIND OMAR

Azar avoids Omar's calls and ducks into a jewelry store.

THROUGH THE SHOP WINDOW

Azar hesitates at the opulence around him, before movingwith purpose to the display window, pointing to a ring.

MARKET

OMARAllah asks you to do his work too. To give generously.


The SALESMAN reluctantly lifts it out, already having assessedAzar's inability to purchase such a gem.

MARKET

OMARTo invest your earthly riches for aheavenly cause.


The Salesman whispers to Azar, Azar's face falls to reflectwhat the salesman already knew - that the ring is out of hisleague.

MARKET

Azar slumps out of the shop and stops to stare at the ring,back in its place in the window.

In the b.g., Salim and Jamila enter the market place from aside street.

OMARHelp build a great mosque, here.

Salim spies Mansoor across the open space at the same timeJamila sees Azar. Her look calls to Azar. He looks up tofind her face. Their smiles gleam like the sun.

16.

Omar waves the picture of The Blue Mosque.

OMARWhoever helps build a Mosque for thelove of Allah, Allah will build amansion in paradise for him.

Azar slides next to Jamila's side much to Salim's chagrin,Salim can't keep the two lovers from their internal magneticdraw. Azar leads Jamila to the shop window.

Salim gestures to Mansoor to intercept the couple, but asMansoor and his father, FAIZAL NASSIF, 60, a man witharistocratic bearing, try to cross to Salim

Omar points his finger at Faizal.

OMARThen, you! You, who love Allah shouldbe able to show that love with yourpurse.

Omar stops Mansoor and Faizal. Salim fumes at theinterruption. Omar continues on

OMAR (V.O.)You there! Look at your rich clothes,your fine jewelry, your soft hands. Allah has been good to you.

Azar nods ever-so-slightly at the ring in the window. Jamilagasps under her breath as Azar asks a question with a lookof his eyes. With the look of her eyes, she gives her answer.

In the very moment while Salim hopes for a rich husband, hefails to notice that his daughter nods her promise to marryAzar.

Mansoor sees it all, and in his anger pushes past Omar, whostops him with a fierce look.

OMAR (V.O.)Forget your desires here on earth! Give your riches to the One whodeserves your worship and your oaths.

Faizal comes to Mansoor's rescue by opening his pocketbookand pressing a large wad of money into Omar's hands.

FAIZALAnd I will make a larger contributionwhen my son becomes engaged.

OMARBless you.

17.

Mansoor springs from Omar to Jamila in a flash, but he's toolate, even as he turns to introduce his father

MANSOORMr. Jaber, meet my father---

Azar draws Jamila away. They disappear into the crowd. Faizal considers his son's crestfallen face.

Salim interprets Faizal's frown as panic.

SALIMThat one is only a childhood friend.

FAIZALThen we should settle the particularsquickly, before the boy grows into aman.

Relief floods Salim's face.

EXT. JAMILA'S GARDEN - NIGHT

Jamila is in tears. Azar is in shock.

The door to the house opens and light streams into the garden,shining on the two lovers, but Salim's shadow blacks outAzar.

SALIMJamila?

Jamila holds on to Azar's hand for as long as possible beforethe bond breaks as she walks toward Salim's dark silhouette.

The door SLAMS shut and Azar is left in darkness.


KITCHEN

Azar in his work clothes sits at a table laden with food. Nadia gives Amir a look of despair, then pushes the platestoward Azar.

NADIAEat!

AZARI'm not hungry.

NADIAStarving will not help.

18.

AZARNeither will eating.

NADIAYou must keep your strength.

Azar pushes away from the table.

AZARUntil the world prefers a good manto a rich man what is the good ofworking hard?

Amir lays a quiet hand on Azar's shoulder who hears themessage of his father's hand. He turns to his mother toapologize.

AZARThank you, habibti, for trying tofeed my sorrows. Tonight. Tonight. I promise to eat. Give me the day.

A kiss on the top of her head and Azar hurries out the door.

Outside, the gate BANGS.

Nadia fusses with the dishes, chewing her lip, trying tobuild up the courage to ask:

NADIAWe could use the charm to help ourson.

AMIRWhy not use it to help him andourselves?

NADIAWould that hurt us? It's not likewe're using it to fulfill our hearts'desires.

Amir does not reply. Looks at Nadia in a strange way.

NADIAPlease? If you love me?

Amir's face softens.

AMIRIt could be a test. If we use thecharm to help others ... like Azar... and the wrath of Allah does notstrike, then we could use the charmfor other things?

Nadia nods expectantly.

19.

NADIAThings that we want.

AMIRI guess that makes sense. But, Nadia,it's probably just an old man'ssuperstition.

NADIAIt could save Azar's chance for happiness with Jamila. Happiness,for both of them.

Amir ponders this.

NADIAWhat can it hurt? You said it'sonly an old wives' tale.

AMIRSince it's not for us ... I guessthe only way to find out is to doit. We will not wish for our ownbenefit.

NADIAYes, yes, do it.

He considers again, before he holds up the charm.

AMIRI wish ten thousand dollars for Azar.

A huge CRASH OF THUNDER echoes through the house, rattling the cupboards and their contents.

Amir SCREAMS, drops the charm onto the floor.

AMIRIt moved! At the moment I made thewish, it twisted in my hands like asnake.

NADIAYou must have imagined it.

Amir shakes his head and stares in distrust at the charm onthe floor. He takes his surprise and shock out on Nadia.

AMIRThat is exactly what I am - an oldfool with an overactive imagination. A fool who listens to old wives -and their tales.

Insulted, Nadia glares at Amir, then snaps up the charm andslaps it on the table.

20.

NADIA(with heavy sarcasm)

Please excuse this old wife, she hasmany foolish things to attend to,like tending to an old fool.

And Nadia stomps out of the room.

END OF ACT ONE

21.

ACT TWO



Amir, Nadia, and Azar sit silently, staring into the fire.

The SOUND OF THE WIND outside, blowing fearsomely, rises andfalls.

A DOOR BANGS in another part of the house. Amir startles.

Azar rises.

AZARIf you two are just going to sit andglare at each other, I'm going tobed.

(pauses)Makes me wonder if I want to getmarried after all.

(pause)But, then, with Faisal's money, Jamilaand I may never have the chance tofind out.

Nadia kisses Azar good night, watches him go up the stairs.

NADIAI said the same exact words to myparents ... or thought them at least... how time has proved me wrong.

Nadia crosses to put a hand on Amir's shoulder, affection inher touch and sorrow in her face for their argument.

NADIAGood night, you old fool.

Amir hugs her hip to his head.

AMIRForgive me, please. I was surprised -it gave me such a shock, that I wascruel ... Nadia? Tell you what -get the camera.

Appeased, Nadia fishes a small Polaroid camera out of adrawer.

AMIRThis could be the talisman thatchanges Azar's life. I want us tohave good memories.

22.

Amir takes the charm, holds it up next to his meekly smilingface.

CLICK! A bight FLASH illuminates the charm and Amir's face. A developing print shoots out of the Polaroid.

CLICK! CLICK! CLICK! She takes several more shots fromdifferent angles. More prints shoot out. On the last one -straight on.

FREEZE FRAME.

LATER

Amir sits alone in the darkness, gazing into the dying fire,seeing horrible faces in it, burning.

The last face is Khalid's.

It is so vivid, that he reaches for a glass of water on asmall table beside him.

Instead, his hand grasps the charm.

He STARTLES and yanks his hand away.

CUT TO BLACK:


KITCHEN - MORNING

Nadia talks on the phone while she pastes the new photosinto a photo scrapbook.

NADIASurraya, hi! How is my favoritesister? ... Me? You wouldn't believe! The strangest thing! We may be cominginto some money soon...yes, yes,you'll be the first to know!

Hangs up the phone. Dials again.

NADIATamira, hello. How is my favoritesister?

EXT. SALIBA'S HOUSE - DAY

Outside the kitchen door, Amir waves Azar off to work. Thegate BANGS as Azar passes through it.

23.


KITCHEN

Amir slumps into a chair.

Nadia is still on the phone.

NADIAYes, yes. You'll be the first toknow.

She hangs up, serves Amir ice-water and cold tann.

AMIRSo everything is the same thismorning. We have received no money;and most importantly, no bad luck.

NADIAThe day has just begun. It is nottoo late for good luck to strike us.

Amir stops his glass midway to his mouth.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. KITCHEN - LATER

Amir paces back and forth. Nadia watches in half amusement,half fear.

AMIRI've got to talk to my brother. Hedoes not play cards during the dayand may know if such things arepossible.

DISSOLVE TO:

KITCHEN - LATER

Nadia stands over the stove, cooking dinner, she keeps lookingout the window for Azar.

Amir sits at the table, drinking coffee with BASHIR SALIBA,40, his younger brother from Beirut, the two share a familyresemblance and the trait of stubbornness. They are in themidst of an argument.

AMIRBut, I tell you, the thing moved inmy hand. I'll swear to that.

24.

BASHIRYou only thought it did.

AMIRI say it did, brother. There was nothought about it. Or else I'm losingmy mind.

BASHIRWhat good is it to me if you shouldlose your mind? On the other handif it did move when you made yourwish, it could be very useful to me.

Nadia looks out the window again.

NADIAAzar should be home soon. He'll beglad to see his favorite uncle.

AMIRI'm beginning to see why Khalid wantedto get rid of it.

BASHIR(joking)

I'll be glad to take it off yourhands. As I said, I could use a newgood luck charm.

Amir shrinks from such a suggestion.

AMIRI will not let it be used for such athing.

BASHIRThis is all superstition and I'msurprised you fell for it. Nextthing I know you'll be consultingfortune-tellers. You might as wellthrow the charm away.

(as an after thought)I'll be glad to do it for you.

Consulting fortune-tellers - this hits Amir where it hurts, his pride. He sinks into deep thought.

Outside, the GATE BANGS.

NADIAHere's Azar!

OMAR (O.S.)Hallooo!

25.

NADIAOh, it's Omar.

BASHIRIs that old man still alive?

As Bashir jumps to his feet, Amir does too, stopping Bashirbefore he runs out to greet Omar.

AMIRYou are right, brother. Khalid'stales were no more than tales. Myimagination has been overactive.Let's keep this in the family.

INT. SMALL LIVING ROOM/PARLOUR DAY

Bashir and Amir greets Omar at the door, there's an obviousaffection between Omar and Bashir, but it's also tinged withcolliding religious philosophies.

BASHIRIt's been a long time, Omar.

OMARI hope it's not so long again. Howhave your fortunes fared in Beirut?

BASHIRBetter than I could have fared inthis town.

AMIRMeaning he's had a lucky streak.

OMARSuch a waste. Better you shouldgive the money you lose to a worthycause. If Allah smiles on a man,should that man not give back toAllah?

BASHIRAnd I bet you would be glad to takemy cash in His name?

OMARI am but His servant.

BASHIRAnd I bet you know where Allah wouldlike it to go.

OMARHis angel told me the old mosqueneeds to be rebuilt.

26.

Bashir laughs out loud.

BASHIRWhen I win a million, Old Man, I'llgive you half. So pray for me towin if you want to build your mosque.

The slow, CHUGGING SOUND of a bus engine slides into theroom from down the road.

Bashir looks at his watch.

BASHIRThat's my bus. I've got to get backtonight. It may be my night.

OMARI will pray that it be so.

BASHIRCome, walk with me.

(turns to Amir)Give that worthless son of yours, myhello.

DISSOLVE TO:

KITCHEN

Nadia stares out the window, bowls by her side. The tableis only half set.

Amir walks in from the hallway.

Outside, the gate BANGS.

AMIRWhat's wrong now?

Amir joins her and they watch a WELL-DRESSED AYOUB throughthe window as he walks to the door, hesitates, and returnsto the gate.

A second time, Ayoub walks to the door, hesitates, and returnsto the gate.

The third time he walks to the door---

---Amir opens it before Ayoub can knock, surprising him. Nadia crowds behind Amir.

AMIRAre you looking for someone?

Nadia smiles at Ayoub.

Ayoub hesitates.

27.

AYOUBMy name is Ayoub. I'm from the Houkim Glass Works. Are you AzarSaliba's parents?

AMIRYes, please come in.

With another hesitation, Ayoub forces himself to step inside

THE KITCHEN.

Nadia GASPS.

NADIAIs anything wrong. What's happenedto Azar? What is it?

AMIRThere, there. Sit down and don'tjump to conclusions. He's not broughtbad news. Have you?

Amir stares at Ayoub.

AYOUBI'm sorry...

NADIAIs he hurt?

Ayoub nods his head and averts his eyes.

AYOUBBadly hurt...but he's not in anypain.

NADIAThank Allah! Oh, thank Allah forthat! Thank...

Realizing the true meaning of Ayoub's reassurance, she catchesher breath and lays her trembling hand on Amir's.

AYOUB(in a low voice)

He was caught in the crushingmachinery.

AMIR(dazed)

Caught in the machinery. Yes.

Amir pulls Nadia gently down beside him and takes her handbetween his own, pressing it as he surely did in their oldcourting days forty years ago.

28.

AMIR(still in the daze)

My fault!

Amir recovers a moment of clarity.

AMIR(to Ayoub)

He was the only one left to us andsoon to be married. It is hard.

Ayoub walks slowly to the window.

AYOUBThe company wishes me to convey theirsincere sympathy in your great loss.

(beat)I beg you to understand I am onlytheir servant and merely obeyingorders.

Nadia stares straight ahead, scarcely breathing.

AMIRMy fault!!

He punches his open hand.

AYOUBI was to tell you that the companydeclaims all responsibility. Theyadmit no liability at all. But,there was insurance.

Amir drops his wife's hand and rises to his feet. He gazeswith a look of horror at Ayoub.

AMIRInsurance?

AYOUBTen thousand dollars.

Nadia SHRIEKS and drops in a senseless heap to the floor.

AMIRIt is my fault!!!

END OF ACT TWO

29.

ACT THREE

EXT. SALIBA'S HOUSE - DAY

A tearful Jamila and poker-faced Salim rush to Amir and Nadia.

JAMILA(crying)

We came as soon as we heard the news.

SALIMI'm sorry we didn't get back in timefor the funeral.

Tears wash down Jamila's cheeks as she turns to face Nadia.

Nadia bursts into tears.

JAMILAOh, Nadia. I'm so sorry.

NADIAI'm sorry for you, child. He didnot suffer.

SALIMIt is the will of Allah. May Godbless his soul.

JAMILANo...No...No.

Nadia sits beside Jamila, sobbing.

NADIAMy son...My son...has been takenfrom me.

JAMILAI will never know our love in allits fullness.

Nadia throws her arms around Jamila with flourish.

NADIAIt was all my fault. Please forgiveme.

JAMILANo, it was mine. I should neverhave left to travel to Damascus. Isensed there was something wrong. If I had been here I would have beggedhim to stay with me that day.

They hug and cry and wail.

30.

SUDDENLY

Nadia SCREAMS.

NADIAMerciful Allah, give me back my son!

Jamila SCREAMS louder.

JAMILACan you not see our pain and hearour cries? Give me back my husbandto be!

Helplessly, from a distance, Amir watches the two competefor the greater sadness. Tears roll down his cheeks.

Nadia and Jamila walk off together, uncomfortably leaning oneach other for support.

EXT. JAMILA'S HOUSE - DAY

Nadia and Jamila sit under the pomegranate tree, weepingtogether.

Amir quietly walks up to take Nadia's hand and lead her home.

Mansoor rushes past them on his way to Jamila.

MANSOORI am so very sorry for your loss. Icould never replace Azar in yourheart, but is there anything I cando to help relieve your pain?

Jamila looks at Mansoor with disdain.

JAMILAYou? Mansoor Nassif? You couldnever replace Azar. Neither can youtake the pain from my heart. Leaveme alone!

And she turns her back to sob again.

EXT. MARKET - DAY

In anger and frustration, Mansoor kicks an empty soft drinkcan.

It lands at the feet of Omar.

OMARYoung Nassif, it looks as if youhave lost something very dear.

31.

MANSOORI lost what I never had.

OMARGive her time.

(off Mansoor's look)Yes, I mean Jamila. Let her grieve.

(off Mansoor's second look)I see things, young man, I see manythings.

MANSOORShe is so beautiful ...

OMARAlmost as beautiful as my mosque.

(off Mansoor's last look)I think one day we will both haveour heart's desire. Remind yourfather of his promise when you getyours.


KITCHEN

Nadia sits whimpering at the table with her head in her hands.

Amir stands behind her, rubbing her shoulders.

AMIRWoman, as Jamila's cries grew louder,so did yours.

She stops whimpering, peeks at him.

AMIRAnd as her tears came faster, yoursfollowed.

NADIAI wanted our son to hear me aboveher.

AMIRSo, it was a contest?

Nadia gazes full on him, shocked by his words.

NADIAHow dare you accuse me of false tears!

She squirms away from his touch.

AMIRI accuse you of nothing.

32.

AMIRI feel great sadness but no moretears for our son. Yours continueon and on. Perhaps you miss himmore than his father does?

(beat)Perhaps you miss him more than hisbeloved?

(beat)Or, perhaps we all miss him equally?

But Nadia refuses to be comforted. She fidgets in her chair,leaking tears.

EXT. CAFE - DAY

Amir sits drinking coffee with Bashir.

BASHIRI am sorry fate has been so cruel toyou. I loved Azar too.

AMIRIt seems to me to be more than fate. A curse killed my son.

BASHIRAre you still talking that nonsense?

AMIRI speak what is in my heart.

BASHIRSurely it is coincidence that theinsurance money was in the same amountwished for. This is the fate. Thebad luck.

AMIRBut why now? Why in this horribleway? Why crushed to death? It ismy fault. I never should have wishedfor the money. I don't even wantit.

BASHIRThen give the money to me.

He smiles, shrugs, suggesting the request is a joke.

BASHIRYou must keep in mind it was Azar'sfate to die when and in the mannerhe did. Just as it is mine if I winor if I lose.

33.

BASHIRSo far, fate - or Allah - if youprefer - has allowed me enough tokeep a roof over my head and food onmy table. Though all gifts are alsowelcome.

AMIRYou cannot fool me, Bashir, you areaddicted.

BASHIRI can stop whenever I want, but whyshould I?

AMIRYour luck is only your greed indisguise. I know you regularly loseyour salary to the cards. In theend, it is greed that will do us allin.

Amir scrapes his chair backwards.

AMIRI must go and comfort Nadia.

BASHIRGood luck.

A frozen second as the ill-timed wish bounces off Amir. Hegives Bashir a weak grin.

AMIRDo not curse me, brother.



Nadia paces back and forth restlessly as she listens to theend of Amir's explanation.

AMIRSo, you can see, I wished for it. It was all my fault.

NADIANo, it was my fault. I would notlet you rest until you made the wish.

(bowing her head)And that is what fills my heart withsorrow. I did this.

AMIRI should have known better.

34.

AMIRYou did not make the wish.

Amir extends his hands to her, grasps hers.

AMIRPerhaps we should find Omar. He mayknow how to release our hearts fromthis pain.

NADIAYes. Let us find Omar.

EXT. MARKET - DAY

Hand in hand, Amir and Nadia move through the crowd.

SUDDENLY

They bump into a knot of SHOPPERS and stop in their tracks.

The Shoppers watch Omar wave his magazine.

OMARCome talk to me and I will tell youhow Allah will bestow blessings onyou.

Amir pushes past a scrappy-bearded VENDOR and his tub of iceand soda.

Omar walks over, steps in front of the soft drink VENDOR.

OMAR(to Vendor)

You have money to spare, my friend. Allah needs your help.

VENDORI have none to spare. Every day Ipray to Allah that he provide meenough to feed my family.

Nadia and Amir exchange a look of hope. A look of possiblerelease from all their shared guilt.

They follow Omar as he walks to the mosque. At the door,Omar turns to recognize them with a raised eyebrow.

NADIAWe need Allah's blessing, Imam.

AMIRYou know how our son died.

35.

OMARMay Allah release you from yoursorrows.

AMIRWe have his insurance money. Wewant to give it for the mosque.

OMARThat money is for your old age sinceyou have no son. Let those who haveplenty give.

AMIRIt feels like blood money. Our sonis dead and we are to blame.

NADIAWe wished it. We wished for themoney!

Omar considers the two forlorn people in front of him andbeckons them to a bench.

OMARTell me the story that lies on yourheart.

DISSOLVE TO:

MOSQUE BENCH - MOMENTS LATER

OMARMy heart goes out to you for yourloss. But you know you did theunthinkable. You tried to wrestyour fate from the hands of Allah. You did not trust Him to provide foryour and Azar's needs. Only harmhas come from this greed.

NADIAIs there nothing you can do to helpus?

OMARThe charm is evil. You must destroyit.

NADIAYes, yes, we will do this.

AMIRAnd will you take the money?

Omar smiles.

36.

OMARI will relieve you of the burden. Every time you see the roof of thenew mosque you will know Allah smileson you.

Both Amir and Nadia smile at each other in the sweet releaseof guilt.


Amir and Nadia walk home much easier than hey walked before.

Nadia's face softens into a smile.

NADIAI am thinking of your suggestion andperhaps you are right. We all missAzar equally.

She turns direction and back tracks from where they came.

NADIAI must seek forgiveness from Jamila.

INT. JABER HOUSE - NIGHT

FRONT DOOR

Jamila opens the door.

Nadia, in MOS, says something to her.

Jamila steps out toward Nadia.

They fall into each other's arms and weep.

Salim watches from across the room.

He shakes his head, as if he still does not understand whatall the fuss is about.



Amir hold Nadia's hand as they mount the stairs for a longneeded rest. Nadia is half asleep and exhausted from thelong days of emotion.

NADIATomorrow, we must destroy ... thecharm.

37.

Amir's face reflects his distaste and rebellion at such anidea, but he says nothing.

A harsh POUNDING on the front door stops them. Amir motionsfor Nadia to go on to bed. Dazed, she looks at the door,and tries to get around him.

NADIA(still half asleep)

The door.

AMIR(gently)

Go on. You need the sleep.

NADIAIt might be Azar.

AMIRYou're dreaming, he's gone.

NADIAHe came back.

Amir sadly shakes his head as she grows hysterical.

AMIROh, Nadia.

In haste, she stumbles to the door and unlatches it.

SURRAYA and TAMIRA ABDALLAH, Nadia's spinster sisters, bothmiddle-aged, dressed for mourning, push past her, ULULATING.

NADIAMy sisters.

SURRAYAWe have come---

TAMIRA---to help you mourn.

Nadia wakes and realizes she was half-dreaming and her sonis truly dead. Her sisters catch her and wail with Nadia.

AMIRYou mean you have come to make noise. You have torn her heart open again!

TAMIRACry, my sister---

SURRAYA---and we will cry with you.

38.

AMIRCan't you leave her to mourn in peace?

The women ignore Amir. Surraya dismisses him with a wave ofher hand.

DISSOLVE TO:


Nadia and her sisters sit on the sofa examining a photo album. Surraya crowds Nadia.

They look at Amir and Nadia's wedding photos.

SURRAYAYou two look so happy. Don't theyTamira?

TAMIRABack then, before the...before the...

Both start to cry and wail.

Nadia joins in.

They turn the page to a baby photo of Azar.

Between sobs

SURRAYAHe looks like a little angel.

TAMIRASoooo cute.

More wails.

Surraya flips to the middle of the book and a photo of Azar,age five, wearing cowboy clothes.

NADIALittle Azar right before civil warbroke out. He liked to dress up.

Nadia's lower lip trembles.

She and her sisters whimper.

Surraya flips the book to the last page and the Polaroidphotos of Amir with the charm.

Nadia SCREAMS and SCREAMS again, repeatedly.

The Sisters join in and wail.

39.

Surraya SCREAMS so that

EXT. KITCHEN GARDEN - DAY

Amir can hear her. He drops his book and rushes into thehouse.

INT. SMALL LIVING ROOM/PARLOUR - DAY

Tamira, in a rocking chair, holds and rocks Nadia.

SURRAYAIt's all Amir's fault. You knowthis.

(in a normal voice)Tamira and I have been talking. Shenods at Tamira.

TAMIRA(voice raising)

It's his greed, asking for money.

NADIABut it was me who---

SURRAYA(almost screaming)

---now he's given away the money andyou have no one to take care of youin old age.

TAMIRA(SCREAMING)

He's made you a pauper!

Amir rushes into the room, fingers in his ears, tears in hiseyes, anger in his hands. He beats himself with his fists.

AMIRI can no longer listen to your shrieksof grief. You are too cruel. Nadia,come with me. Come walk.

But the sisters are overwhelming and Amir leaves alone.

EXT. ROADSIDE - DAY

Children dance around an object on the side of the road. Adead dog lies rotting. Its carcass mangled by passing cars.

Amir shuffles around a bend in the road and almost stumbleson this scramble of guts and gore. He teeters to a stop,blinks back tears, steps over it, and hurries on.

40.


SMALL LIVING ROOM/PARLOUR.

Nadia, still sniffling, takes a glass of ice-water from aher sister.

SURRAYAYou need to rid yourself of the evilcharm.

TAMIRAGet it out of the house.

SURRAYAWe will help. Ask Amir to give itto us. You'll never see it again.

TAMIRAWe'll take care of it.

NADIA(shocked and agitated)

You don't know what you're askingfor. What would you do with itanyway?

TAMIRAWe only want to help.

NADIAWe were told to destroy it.

SURRAYAAnd has Amir done that?

(off Nadia's look)Then we will take it away.

NADIAWhat good can come from keeping it?No. It must be destroyed.

Before the sisters can apply more pressure, Jamila walks in,with very red eyes and Nadia changes the subject withfinality.

NADIA(to her sisters)

This is Jamila. She was to marryAzar.

SURRAYAWe are sorry, child.

TAMIRAVery sorry for your loss.

41.

TAMIRASit with us while we mourn Azar.

JAMILAI am grateful for your words ofcomfort. I have no sisters to helpme mourn.

Jamila pulls up a chair.

Nadia serves her the last glass of ice-water from the pitcher.

NADIAI will make us some more.

She disappears into the kitchen.

Surraya and Tamira share a thoughtful look at Jamila, seeinganother way to get to the charm.

The sisters buzz around Jamila like flies, WHISPERING staccato-like in her ears.

SURRAYAIt is a wonder you are still friendswith Nadia.

TAMIRADid you know Azar died because ofher greed?

SURRAYASuch a worthless wish. It cost Azarhis life. They could have wishedfor better houses for all of us.

TAMIRAOr better health.

Tamira pulls up her skirt to scratch a rash of ugly-lookingboils on her legs.

JAMILAWhat wish? What---

SURRAYA---she hounded Amir to wish for tenthousand dollars on a magic charm sothey would have enough money foryour wedding and bride price.

TAMIRAHE wished for the money on a magiccharm---

42.

SURRAYA---and when Azar was killed, theglass works paid Amir ten thousandin insurance money for Azar's life.

She nudges Tamira.

TAMIRAMaybe you could ask Nadia to askAmir for the charm?

SURRAYAAnd then give it to us, so we canrid this household of its evil.

Jamilla sits in shock. Nadia returns with a fresh pitcherof ice-water on a tray.

JAMILA(to Nadia)

Is it true? Did you think so littleof my love for Azar? Did you thinkI would only marry a rich man?

Nadia stands in confusion.

JAMILAYou resorted to charms!

Nadia GASPS and drops the pitcher.

NADIANO!!!

She drops to her knees, sops up the water with her skirt,picks up pieces of the pitcher and piles them on the tray. Jamila stands over her.

JAMILAYou did not trust my love for yourson, in spite of how many, many timesI confessed it. Even now you stilldon't believe that I loved your sonas much as you loved him. You evenmade a game of my grief---

NADIA---but---

JAMILA---and because you never believed Iloved Azar, you have brought a cursedown on your own house and robbed meof my husband. Azar would be ashamedto call you his mother!

43.

Jamila SLAMS her way out the door, leaving Nadia bewilderedand crushed, sitting on the floor with a pile of pieces fromthe pitcher on the tray and a very wet skirt.

The gate SLAMS twice.

FOOTSTEPS outside.

The front door swings open.

Amir walks in, calls out.

AMIRNadia, I am here.

Nadia on the floor and her sisters on the furniture WAIL andSCREAM.

AMIR(mumbles to himself)

I should have taken a longer walk.

He creeps up the stairs to avoid the women.

INT. JABER HOUSE - DAY

Jamila, dabbing her eyes, closes the front door behind her. Salim and Mansoor greet her.

SALIMWhere have you been? I worried aboutyou.

Mansoor nods to her in greeting.

MANSOORJamila.

She ignores them and heads for her bedroom door.

SALIMI worry you grieve too much. Azaris dead. Why not consider Mansoor'soffer? It will help you forget.

Jamila SLAMS her bedroom door behind her.


BEDROOM

In their double bed, Amir half-awakens from slumber, stretchesout his hand.

His hand falls on the empty bedside where Nadia should be.

44.

He raises himself on his elbows, listens.

The sound of SUBDUED WEEPING outside floats in through theopen window.

AMIR(loudly)

Come back to bed. You will be cold.


UNDER THEIR BEDROOM WINDOW

Nadia sits on the ground in her bedclothes.

NADIAIt is colder for my son.

Nadia WEEPS again.

CUT BACK TO:

BEDROOM

Amir falls back down. The sounds of Nadia's SOBS fade away. His eyes grow heavy with sleep.


JAMILA'S BEDROOM

Jamila tosses, turns, rants and raves in her sleep.

JAMILAAzar ... come back ... Azar ... Iwish ... wish ... you'd never died.

She snaps up into a sitting position.

JAMILAYes!


BEDROOM

Amir dozes fitfully. A KNOCK at the front door sounds faraway. It does not wake him.

45.


FRONT DOOR

Jamila BANGS on the door. Nadia opens it, stares at a wild-eyed Jamila.

JAMILAIf you love your son as much as Ido, you will use the charm to restorehim to life again.

NADIAUse the charm?

JAMILAWe can bring him back to life!


BEDROOM

A WILD CRY from his wife awakens Amir with a start.

STAIRS

Nadia runs up them into the

BEDROOM

NADIATHE CHARM!

AMIRWhere? What is it? What's thematter?

In the moonlight through the window, she stumbles across theroom toward him, speaks quietly.

NADIAI want it. You've not destroyed it?

AMIRIt is well-hidden.

She cries and laughs, bends over and kisses his cheek.

NADIAWhy didn't I think of it before? Why didn't you think of it?

AMIRThink of what?

46.

NADIAThe other two wishes. We've onlyused one.

AMIRWas not that one enough?

NADIANo! We'll have one more. Get itquickly and wish our son alive again.

AMIRBy Allah's mercy, you're mad.

NADIAGet it. Get it quickly and wish -Oh my son! My boy!

AMIRGet back to bed. You don't knowwhat you're saying.

NADIAWe had the first wish granted, whynot a second?

AMIRA coincidence.

She quivers with excitement.

NADIAGo get it and wish!

Amir's eyes widen-

SMASH CUT TO:


The broken and rotting corpse of the dead animal that Amirsaw.

SMASH CUT BACKTO:

BEDROOM

Amir shuts his eyes in pain.

Nadia shakes him.

NADIAWhere is the charm?

47.

AMIRHe has been dead ten days...andbesides he...I would not lie to you,but you know we had to hire someoneto wash his body. Neither you nor Icould do it...I could only recognizehim by his clothes. If he was tooterrible for you to see then, howcould you look upon him now?

NADIADo you think I could fear the childI have nursed? Bring him back!

AMIRI'm sorry. I cannot.

NADIAYou cannot?

He shakes his head no.

She turns, stumbles out of the room.

FOOTSTEPS ECHO on the stairs.

INT. SMALL LIVING ROOM/PARLOUR - NIGHT

Surraya sleeps on the sofa, Tamira in the comfortable chair. Jamila stands by, eyes searching the room.

Nadia shakes the shoulder of one, then the other.

Both stare groggily at Nadia.

NADIAWake up! Wake up! We must find thecharm!

Surraya and Tamira jump up.

SURRAYAAt last!

TAMIRAQuickly!

Under her nightgown, Tamira once again scratches the hideousboils on her legs.

NADIAWe'll begin here.

Nadia pulls the pillows and blankets out from under hersisters. Then, the underlying cushions. She shakes themout to begin the search.

48.

Nadia wanders around the room looking for possible hidingplaces. Her eyes fixate first on the fireplace mantle crowdedwith knick-knacks. Then on to a trunk that serves as an endtable. She throws open the lid.

Her sisters and Jamila, wearing their night clothes, followNadia around, tearing apart the places on which her eyeslinger.

Amir YELLS down the stairs.

AMIR (O.S.)What are you doing? What is thisracket?

Amir descends the stairs.

AMIR (O.S.)Surraya, Tamira do not encourageyour poor sister to waste her timeand heart looking for the charm.

SURRAYAShe would put it to good use.

AMIRYou want to use the grief of amourning mother for your own ends.Jamila, go home.

TAMIRAGo back to bed, old man.

Books, coverings, knick-knacks fly through the air as thewomen destroy the home looking for the charm.

KITCHEN

The women ransack the kitchen cabinets and the contents ofkitchen appliances.

Amir clasps his ears with his hands.

AMIRStop! Stop it! Stop it! Out! Allof you! Surraya, Tamira. Go home! I don't want you here.

The sisters pause their frenzied activity. One look at Amirstops them cold, they back away.

AMIROut. Go home.

The women grab their things and leave.

49.

Amir turns to stare at Jamila who continues to search likeone possessed. He gently tries to stop her.

AMIRJamila. You have to stop. Please. This won't help.

Jamila pushes past Amir and heads for the stairs to thebedrooms.

Amir grabs her by the arms. She struggles. He won't let goand Jamila collapses in his arms.

AMIR(to Nadia)

Woman, go to her house and bringSalim here to take her home.

NADIANo!

AMIRThen I will take her home.

KITCHEN - LATER

Nadia sits at the table amid the torn-apart mess, head inher hands.

A furious Amir stomps in.

NADIAI hope you are satisfied. You haveleft me without help to find thecharm.

AMIRGive it up, woman.

NADIANo, you give it up.

(beat)Either wish Azar back from the deador I leave you forever!

END OF ACT THREE

50.

ACT FOUR

EXT. JABER HOUSE - NIGHT

Mansoor watches Amir carry Jamila through her front door.


INSIDE THE FRONT DOOR

Salim holds a crying Jamila in his arms, unsure what to do.

SALIMJamila, stop now. You can't go ongrieving like this.

JAMILAI need the charm.

SALIMWhat charm?

JAMILAThe charm to bring Azar back.

SALIMThat is crazy talk.

JAMILAIt is NOT crazy to me. I love Azarlike no woman has ever loved a manbefore.

SALIMLove? Azar is DEAD. Stop yourfoolishness.

JAMILAIt's not foolishness as long asthere's a chance he can be broughtback to life.

Salim softens, holds her close, rocks her.

SALIMNo, Habibti, no. There is no chance.

Jamila struggles.

JAMILAI've got to go back.

SALIMJamila, you've got to move on. You'restill young.

51.

SALIMYou need a husband and babies tohelp you forget.

Jamila breaks down into tears.

JAMILAI only want Azar's babies. Let mego.

SALIMThis has gone far enough.

He grabs her by the wrist, drags her to her bedroom, shovesher in, CLICK, locks the door from the outside.

SALIMYou're not going anywhere. I FORBIDIT!


KITCHEN

Amir reacts with astonishment.

AMIRNot only have I lost a son. I standto lose the only other person I lovedearly, my wife, unless I allow youto cause more havoc in the world.

NADIAIt is not easy. I will lose youtoo. Just do it. Save us all thegrief.

AMIRMore grief will be the result.

Nadia does not answer him, but stares into his eyes.

Amir stares back.

NADIAMore grief? Here is all the griefin the world....in me...

Nadia lowers her eyes, sobs.

NADIA...and in you.

Amir hesitates. Tears form in his eyes. He reaches underthe table, breaks the charm free from where he had taped it.

52.

Nadia's face turns white, expectant, and unnatural.

Amir shudders with fear.

NADIAWISH!

AMIRIt's foolish and wicked.

NADIAWISH!!

AMIRHe may not return whole.

NADIAHe will still be my son ... wish.

He stands and holds up the charm.

AMIRI wish my son were alive again!

The charm falls to the floor.

Amir backs fearfully away from it; then, sinks tremblinginto his chair, closes his eyes.

INT. KITCHEN - NIGHT

Nadia carries the charm into the living room/parlour, returnswithout it.

She opens a window, stares out at an approaching fog.


Salim runs past the rotting animal corpse.


FRONT DOOR

Salim knocks frantically.

OMAR (O.S.)Who is disturbing me?

SALIMSomething is wrong with Jamila.

53.


LIVING AREA

Omar stops counting a table full of money, and gives Salimhis full attention.

He listens MOS to Salim for a moment.

Then Omar rises from his seat, shovels the cash into acashbox, and they rush out into the night.


Omar and Salim run DOWN the road.

OMARI warned Amir that charm was evil!


JAMILA'S ROOM

Jamila tries to jimmy the door lock with a hair pin -unsuccessfully. She turns her attention to the high windowand stacks furniture to reach the sill and struggles to openthe window.

EXT. JABER HOUSE - NIGHT

Mansoor hears Jamila and rushes to the

BACK OF THE HOUSE

But all he finds is an open window. He hears a GATE SLAMand rushes

TO THE STREET

where he meets Omar and Salim. He points across the streetto the Saliba's house.


KITCHEN

Amir sits very still, glancing occasionally at Nadia staringout the window with burning eyes.

SUDDENLY

54.

The GATE BANGS and is followed by a LOUD POUNDING on thefront door.

Amir takes Nadia's hand, leads her into the livingroom/parlour.

POUNDING again.

Shaking, Amir opens the door.

Jamilla rushes in, wild eyed and disheveled.

Salim, Omar, Mansoor barge in on her heels.

SALIMJamila, come back with me.

Salim grabs Jamila by the wrist and pulls her out the door.

JAMILALet me go. I want to see Azar.

SALIMDon't you understand? You cannotsee him ever again. He's gone.

JAMILA(to Nadia)

But Azar's here. He's here.

But Nadia shakes her head 'no.'

Jamila breaks at that and Salim catches her.

SALIM(to Nadia)

You have killed my daughter. Yourlies have made her mad.

OMAR(to Amir)

This may be your last chance to turnaway from darkness.

Amir cannot believe what he hears.

AMIR(soto)

All of you: get out of my house.(yelling)

Get out of my house!

Omar shakes the dust off his feet as he leaves the house.

OMARMay the responsibility lie in yourown hand. I've done what I could.

55.

Nadia and Amir, alone and lost, settle down; he on the sofaand she staring out the window. Both motionless. Waiting.

A CANDLE END BURNS low throwing PULSATING SHADOWS on theceiling and walls---

SUDDENLY

---With a giant flicker and a giant jump of shadows, theflame expires.

Amir slowly rises, pulls Nadia gently to her feet.

AMIRLook at us, two old fools believingin magic.

BEDROOM

Amir creeps into bed.

He pulls the covers up around him to his chin.

A moment later, Nadia creeps into bed beside him.

Silently, they lay awake, listening to the TICK OF A CLOCK.

BEDROOM - LATER

Husband and wife doze.

Amir awakens when a STAIR CREAKS, a RAT SQUEAKS and SCURRIESNOISILY up a wall.

He gets out of bed, takes a box of matches from the tablebeside the bed, lights one, and walks out of the room.

HALLWAY - FOOT OF THE STAIRS

The match goes out. Amir pauses to strike another.

SUDDENLY

Amir hears the GATE BANG and FOOTSTEPS DRAG toward the door.

A KNOCK on the front door comes so quietly and stealthily asto be scarcely audible.

He drops the box of matches on the floor, where they scatter.

Amir stands motionless, not even breathing.

The KNOCK repeats.

He turns and runs swiftly up the stairs in the dark.

56.

BEDROOM

Amir closes the door behind him.

A third KNOCK sounds throughout the house.

Nadia startles awake.

NADIAWHAT'S THAT?

Amir jumps.

AMIR(voice shaking)

A rat. Passed me on the stairs.

Nadia sits up. Listens.

Another KNOCK resounds through the house again.

NADIAIt's Azar.


Nadia runs down the stairs and into the room. Amir's quicker. He's there first.

He catches her by the arm, holds her tight, whispers hoarsely.

AMIRWhat are you going to do?

NADIA(struggling frantically)

It's my boy, it's Azar. I forgotit's two miles to the cemetery. Just enough time. Why are you holdingme? Let go. I must open the door.

AMIR(trembling)

For Allah's sake, don't let it in.

NADIAYou're afraid of your own son. Letme go.

(to whatever's on the otherside of the door)

I'm coming, Azar. I'm coming.

Another KNOCK, and then ANOTHER.

Nadia frantically struggles with Amir to reach the door.

57.

Amir holds her back.

AMIRThe charm! Where's the charm?

NADIAI hid it where you'll not find it.

Without losing his grip on Nadia, Amir tosses furniturecushions to the floor, searching under them.

AMIRWe're fools, in our grief we've donea great wrong! Even if it's him,he'll be in tremendous pain.

He drags her to the floor while he feels beneath furniture.

VOICE OF CONSCIOUSNESS (V.O.)What is it about unexplained soundsthat lead the mind to expect thebest...or, the worst?

The thunderous KNOCKING continues. The house shakes.

VOICE OF CONSCIOUSNESS (V.O.)People believe what they want tobelieve. Don't they?

INSERT - NADIA'S HALLUCINATION

Azar, smiling, stands in the doorway.

VOICE OF CONSCIOUSNESS (V.O.)Sometimes, if they are greedy andwant something they can't have badlyenough, their mind will override alllogic and expect miracles.

Azar's smiling face disappears into the fog.

END HALLUCINATION

DISSOLVE TO:

Nadia's face contorts revealing the effort of her struggle.

VOICE OF CONSCIOUSNESS (V.O.)Is it the wished-for knock of theirdead son?...Or, is it imagination?

Nadia reaches for, almost touches, the door latch.

58.

VOICE OF CONSCIOUSNESS (V.O.)Will Nadia break free and open thedoor before Amir finds the charm andwishes Azar dead again?

SMASH CUT TO:

EXT. ROADSIDE - DAY

The broken and rotting corpse of the dead animal that Amirsaw fills the screen and raises its head.

It utters an unearthy cry of unbearable pain.

SMASH CUT TO:


Nadia breaks free.

Amir sweeps books off a shelf.

ON SCREEN: To vote that Nadia will open the door first beforeAmir finds the charm and uses the third wish to send Azarback to the grave:

VOICE OF CONSCIOUSNESS (O.S.)Should Nadia's desire to see her sonalive again rule the moment? Is itAzar, healthy and whole, waiting onthe other side of the door? Or ishe a broken version of himself? Isit better to have a broken son thanno son at all? If you want somethingbadly enough are you willing to takewhatever you get? Is this greed?

She reaches the door, fumbles with the latch and key while afusillade of KNOCKS reverberate through the house.

Amir picks up the charm from the bookshelf. Holds it up.

ON SCREEN: To vote that Amir uses the third wish to wishAzar dead again before Nadia opens the door call:

VOICE OF CONSCIOUSNESS (V.O.)Or should Amir's fear win out? Shouldhis fear of what lies beyond thedoor prevent a mother's chance tohold her son in her arms again? Even if that son is mangled andhorrible to see? Just because youfear something, does that make ittrue? Or is his fear based onexperience and what lies behind thatdoor is too horrible to comprehend?

Nadia turns the key, swings the door open.

CUT TO:

AUDIENCE VOTING COMMERCIAL

59.

ALTERNATIVE ENDING #1 - NADIA FULLY OPENS THE DOOR BEFOREAMIR COMPLETES THE THIRD WISH.



Nadia opens the door wide.

EXT. THROUGH THE FRONT DOOR LOOKING IN - NIGHT

Nadia SCREAMS.

Amir holds up the charm.

AMIRMerciful Allah - send him back tohis grave!

Amir runs to the door, pulls Nadia away from danger, but

INT. THROUGH THE FRONT DOOR LOOKING OUT - NIGHT

NO ONE IS THERE - ONLY THE FOG.

But Nadia continues to scream backing away from the fog interror as the fog advances toward her.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. MENTAL HOSPITAL -- DAY

PATIENT ROOM

A catatonic Nadia sits curled in a fetal position on a bed. Amir stands beside her holding her hand.

A DOCTOR, 50, distinguished-looking in a white coat, mentionsto Amir.

DOCTORWe keep her sedated. Her mentalshock is much like Post TraumaticDisorder and has led to extremehallucinations.

Amir nods sadly, knowingly.

DISSOLVE TO:

60.

INT. SURRAYA'S AND TAMIRA'S HOUSE -- DAY

LIVING ROOM

The place is a real dump, worse than Omar's.

Surraya hangs up the phone.

SURRAYA(to Tamira)

Nadia has grown worse.

TAMIRAYou were right. The charm has beennothing but a curse.

DISSOLVE TO:



Bashir and Amir sit and talk.

BASHIRBrother, how can I help?

AMIRI have promised the charm to Omar. Will you take it to him?

Amir hands it to Bashir.

BASHIRYou know that I want the charm formyself, but I will do this for youbecause I am your brother. I promise.

INT. CASINO - NIGHT

CARD ROOM

Bashir sits at a card table with a huge pot - thousands ofdollars - the charm sits beside him.

He holds his cards tightly, as the LAST OTHER PLAYER laysdown a hand of two pair, deuces and treys.

Bashir smiles slightly as he lays down his own hand: a fullhouse, aces over eights.

He smiles broadly as he rakes in all the money in the hugepot.

61.

CASHIER'S CAGE

The CASHIER counts out the last of Bashir's win.

CASHIERNine hundred ninety thousand... ninehundred ninety five thousand...You'vewon one million total.

BASHIRWrong, Cashier. Only five hundredthousand is mine. The rest isAllah's.

Bashir stuffs the packs of bills into a large sports bag.

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. CASINO - NIGHT

The Last Other Player holds a tire iron and waits for Bashiruntil he exits the building. He follows Bashir into theparking lot.

PARKING LOT

As Bashir walks between two cars The Last Other Player rushesup to him from behind and smashes him over the head with thetire iron.

He hits him again and again until Bashir crumples to theground.

The Last Other Player snatches the sports bag and runs offwith it.

EXT. OMAR'S HOUSE - DAY

FRONT DOOR

Bashir, head bandaged and carrying the charm, KNOCKS.

Omar opens the door.

BASHIRDear friend. Please help me destroythis evil object. My brother has nofurther use for it.

OMAR(taking the charm)

But your head? How did you...?

Bashir waves off his questions.

62.

BASHIRNot now. My head hurts.

OMARI will do you this service in thename of Allah. From this moment on,I wish good will and Allah's blessingson you and your family.

Omar closes the door. Bashir turns and walks away.

INT. OMAR'S HOUSE - DAY

Omar holds the charm up, fascinated. Walks outside

EXT. MOSQUE - DAY

to look at the old crumbling mosque. He looks at the charmin his hand, grips it so tight his hand trembles.


BACKYARD

Omar builds a bonfire.

DISSOLVE TO:

A ROARING bonfire.

Omar throws the charm into the fire, watches a moment, walksaway.

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. OMAR'S HOUSE - LATER

The bonfire is almost out.

Jamila searches through the ashes, finds the charm.

DISSOLVE TO:


FRONT DOOR

A LOUD KNOCK rings through the house. It awakens Jamilafrom a sleep on the sofa, just inside the door. She hearsthe same dragging footsteps Amir heard outside his door.


63.

EXT. THROUGH THE FRONT DOOR LOOKING INSIDE - NIGHT

A light fills Jamila's face as the fog seeps in around her.

A look of horror spreads across her face.

DISSOLVE TO:



In a photo portrait on the mantle, Amir, Nadia, and Azarsmile during a happier time.

VOICE OF CONSCIOUSNESS (V.O.)So where is the line drawn betweenwant and greed? Is it in the mind? Or, in the deed? Everyone wants. Everyone wishes. Why are we soobsessed with getting what we do nothave and what we cannot have? Is itin the nature of mankind? Is everyonegreedy?

THE END OF ALTERNATE ENDING #1

64.

ALTERNATIVE ENDING #2 - AMIR COMPLETES THE THIRD WISH BEFORENADIA FULLY OPENS THE DOOR.



Amir holds up the charm.

AMIRPlease take away my son's pain andbring him peace.

Nadia opens the door wide.

INT. THROUGH THE FRONT DOOR LOOKING OUTSIDE - NIGHT

NO ONE IS THERE - ONLY THE FOG.

Nadia falls sadly to the floor as Amir comes to hold her andthey cling to each other as the fog slowly fades away.

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. JABER HOUSE - DAY

FRONT DOOR


Nadia hugs Jamila and whispers something MOS to her.

Jamila steps out, hugs Nadia.

Jamila's eyes fill with tears.

INT. JABER HOUSE - DAY

Jamila closes the front door, weeps softly.

Salim addresses her from across the room.

SALIMWho was that, and why are you cryingagain?

JAMILAAzar is truly gone.

She falls to her knees.

JAMILA(praying)

Please watch over his soul.

65.

Salim shakes his head.

SALIMI'll never understand what thiscraziness was about. What is deadstays dead. I am only glad you haverealized this.

As Salim sees Mansoor coming through the gate outside,

SALIMNow you have your life to live.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. CASINO - NIGHT

CARD ROOM

Bashir sits at a card table with one OTHER PLAYER and a hugepot - thousands of dollars.

He holds his cards tightly, as the OTHER PLAYER lays down ahand of two pair, kings and queens. He holds on to one card.

Bashir smiles slightly as he lays down his own hand: a fullhouse, treys over deuces.

He smiles broadly as he starts to rake in all the money inthe huge pot.

The Other Player drops a third king on his two pair - fullhouse - king high! The Other Player wins. It's his turn toLAUGH.

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. MARKET PLACE - NIGHT

Omar stands outside, busking.

OMARPlease friends help me help Allahhelp you. I wish to build amagnificent mosque to honor Him.

Bashir in scruffy clothes, obviously down and out, spotsOmar, tries to avoid eye contact, but can't slip away quickenough.

OMARI take it you didn't win the million.

Omar smiles kindly.

66.

OMAR(off Bashir's silence)

The hard route is better, my friend.

BASHIRBetter than what?

OMARBetter than selling your soul.

Omar goes back to collecting the change that comes his wayas mosque donations. Bashir watches, then approaches himagain.

BASHIRI was once a builder.

OMARAnd a fine architect, as I recall.

BASHIRIf you collect the money, I willdedicate my life to building yourmosque.

Omar smiles again.

OMARStart drawing, my friend. Startdrawing.

DISSOLVE TO:


FRONT DOOR

Amir, carrying the charm, KNOCKS.

Omar opens the door.

AMIRDear friend. I hope you will helpme destroy this evil object. I haveno wishes left.

OMAR(taking the charm)

I wish you and your wife good willand Allah's blessings from this momenton.

67.

BACK YARD

Omar builds a huge bonfire. He casts the charm into theheart of the red-hot coals.


BEDROOM - EVENING

BEGIN OMAR'S DREAM SEQUENCE 2

Omar lies in bed, clad in bed clothes, eyes closed.

Omar's eyes SNAP open. He drifts out of bed and through the

LIVING ROOM

past the furniture to the

KITCHEN

and out the door


to gaze at The Blue Mosque across the street.

BACKYARD

He steps across the yard and on the remains of the bonfireand the charm.

In wonder, Omar picks up the charm. It's unscathed. Hesmiles.

OMARI wish for enough money to buildyour mosque.

END OMAR's DREAM SEQUENCE 2

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. OMAR'S HOUSE - DAY

BEDROOM

A loud KNOCK.

OMAR'S EYES POP OPEN.

68.

FRONT DOOR

Omar opens it to greet a joyful Faisal.

FAISALAs I promised. My son is engagedtoday.

He thrusts a very large wad of bills into Omar's hands.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. SURRAYA'S AND TAMIRA'S HOUSE - DAY

LIVING ROOM

The place is a real dump, worse than Omar's.

Surraya hangs up the phone. Shakes her head.

SURRAYA(to Tamira)

Nothing. Azar did not appear.

TAMIRAI never believed all that talk ofmagic and wishes coming true in thefirst place.

SURRAYAI only went along with it for thesake of Nadia's grief.

TAMIRAWell, now it is over.

SURRAYAIt would have been nice to have anew house though.

TAMIRA(scratching her leg)

One can only dream.

DISSOLVE TO:



In a photo portrait on the mantle, Amir, Nadia, and Azarsmile during a happier time.

69.

VOICE OF CONSCIOUSNESS (V.O.)So where is the line drawn betweenwant and greed? Is it in the mind? Or, in the deed? Everyone wants. Everyone wishes. Why are we soobsessed with getting what we do nothave and what we cannot have? Is itin the nature of mankind? Is everyonegreedy?

THE END OF ALTERNATE ENDING #2

hog charisma draft 12-12-09 cl

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