Rusty: An Original Screenplay by Scott Donnelly - HTML preview

 

INT. MIDDLE SCHOOL SCIENCE CLASSROOM - DAY

 

We OPEN TO a shot of a student, RUSTY LAKE, sitting at his desk drawing a picture of a dragon on a piece of paper.  He is not one of the popular kids for sure - its obvious by the way he is dressed and keeps his distance from other students.

 

Students begin filing into the classroom.  Rusty looks up, then behind him, and stares at a cute young girl - SARAH FALLON.  Sarah is sitting near the back of the classroom, close to the science lab.  Sarah appears to be popular in the seventh grade.

 

Rusty shoots Sarah a smile, only for her to ignore it.  Discouraged, Rusty continues his drawing.  Two male students, ADAM CARVER and JUSTIN WILSON walk into the classroom - books and binders in hand.  They are goofing off and laughing, as boys do.  They pinpoint their seats right behind Rusty.

 

   ADAM

Hey Rusty.  What are drawing? More crap?

 

  RUSTY

(quiet) No.

 

Adam steals the image.

 

   ADAM

Funny, cause it looks like crap to me. (shows Justin) Crap?

 

  JUSTIN

Crap.

 

Adam and Justin laugh, and toss the paper onto the floor.  Rusty stays quiet and shuts his eyes tight.  He is obviously bothered by the two boys.  Feeling alone and embarrassed, Rusty glances back at Sarah, who is feeling bad for him.  Then another young girl enters the frame and sits by Sarah.  This is BRITNEY TIMS, and friend of Sarah.  They begin to chat.

 

Rusty’s admiring of Sarah is quickly interrupted by Adam flicking his ear.  Rusty flinches, and turns back around, facing forward.

 

   ADAM

What were you looking at, the girls?

 

  JUSTIN

That's weird; I didn't know you were attracted to girls.

 

The boys laugh again, and Adam continues flicking Rusty's ear.  The bell rings to start class.  The TEACHER enters the room with her books, and shuts the door behind her.

 

  TEACHER

Okay guys, we have labs today. (sees Adam messing with Rusty) Adam Carver, how many times do I have to tell you to keep your hands to yourself?

 

Adam and Justin sit back in their seats.

 

   ADAM

Sorry.

 

  TEACHER

I need everyone to pair up. The solutions have been pre-measured; so don't touch them until I get back there.

 

The Teacher goes to her desk to gather her things.  The students all stand up and grab a partner before heading back to the lab.  Rusty is the last to stand up.  When he arrives he glances around but can't find a partner.

 

The Teacher walks to the back with everyone, and notices Rusty standing alone.

 

 TEACHER

Rusty, who are you pairing up with?

 

 

  RUSTY

(quiet) There's no one.

 

 TEACHER

Then join a group.  Go pair up with Sarah and Britney.

 

Rusty nervously heads toward the two girls.  Sarah gives him a smile, and he returns it.  Britney however, is on a different page.

 

 BRITNEY

I guess we're stuck with you, huh?

 

Rusty's smile disappears, as he stares at Britney.

 

  SARAH

Come on Britney, leave him alone.

 

 BRITNEY

Well, I guess we'll be fine.  You're a nerd, right Rusty?  You could probably get us an A or something.

 

  RUSTY

(defensive) I'm not a nerd.  I get C's and D's.

 

 BRITNEY

Liar.

 

 RUSTY

I don't lie.

 

BRITNEY

That's a lie right there. Everyone lies.

 

 RUSTY

(frustrated) Not me.

 

 SARAH

(changing the subject) Let's just get to work, guys.

 

The three pick up their protective goggles, which were laid out on the table.  They strap them on, just as Adam and Justin are sneaking up behind Rusty in a comedic stealth walk. Sarah doesn't pay attention, but Britney notices the two boys and holds back a smile.  Adam grabs the back of Rusty's goggles strap, pulls it back and lets it slap hard against his head.  Rusty grabs the back of his head and turns around quickly, ripping the goggles off and throwing them across the room.  Rusty, red with anger, stands up to his bullies.  Adam, Justin and Britney are all laughing.

 

 ADAM

What are you going to do about it?

 

Rusty begins to breathe heavily through his nose.

 

 JUSTIN

Probably going to slap us.

 

Rusty breathes even heavier.

 

 SARAH

Guys, leave him alone.

 

 ADAM

Oh, what Sarah.  Is Rusty your boyfriend now?

 

 SARAH

No.

 

Rusty continues to steam.

 

 

 ADAM

Ladies, did you know Rusty's dad was killed? (keeps eye contact with Rusty)

 

Rusty's eyes open wider with rage.

 

 ADAM

That would make him a bastard. (to Rusty) You're a dumb BASTARD.

 

Rusty loses it.  He screams and forcefully shoves Adam in the chest.  Adam stumbles backwards, but keeps his balance.  Jumping to his buddies aid, Justin pushes Rusty right back.  Adam then charges Rusty, tackling him to the floor.

 

 ADAM

(to Justin) HOLD THE FREAK DOWN!

 

Justin falls onto Rusty, and pushes his knee down hard on Rusty's neck.  Rusty can't breathe.  He begins to choke, and grab onto Justin's knee, trying to shove it off.  Adam then slams Rusty in the stomach a few times, before punching him square in the face.

 

The classroom is now is a state of panic.  Students swarm the brawl, and the teacher rushes in.

 

TEACHER

ADAM! JUSTIN! LET HIM GO!

 

Adam continues punching Rusty in the gut and the face as Justin leans harder on his neck.  Rusty glances up at Sarah and Britney while getting pummeled.  They are both in shock, yet do nothing.  Britney still snickers slightly.

 

 

 RUSTY

(to Sarah)...help.

 

Sarah stands in shock.  Rusty's hope is gone. Justin puts more pressure on his throat, as we hear a CRUNCHING sound.  Blood then pours from Rusty mouth, as he coughs and panics.

 

Justin, realizing what happened, stands up fast.  Adam sees the blood, and stands up too.  The Teacher breaks through the crowd.

 

TEACHER

Everyone BACK AWAY NOW!!

 

Adam is in shock, and moves to the side bumping the science equipment on the lab table. A beaker full of a clear liquid knocks over and spills off the table, and splashes Rusty's face.  Students begin screaming in terror and running away as the liquid begins to burn right through Rusty's face. He does all he can to scream, but can't.  Rusty begins to violently thrash around on the floor, as the teacher tries to help him.  Panic plagues the classroom.

 

FADE TO BLACK

 

 

 

 

 

OPEN TO:

 

INT.  HOSPITAL HALLWAY - DAY

 

A woman, SANDRA LAKE, sits in the hallway with her son, RANDY.  Sandra - Rusty's mother - is horrified, and her face is wet from crying.  Randy - two years younger than Rusty - sits in silence, close to his mother.

 

Down the hall, a door opens, and a doctor comes out.  He walks down the hall, and stands before the Lake family.  Sandra stands up and wipes the tears from her face.

 

  DOCTOR

Ms. Lake, Rusty has suffered severe facial and throat damage.  His vocal chords have been almost completely crushed.  His face can be repaired with extensive plastic surgery. (check his notes)  Your current insurance plan does not cover such an operation, but if you talk to my secretary, we can see if there is something that can be worked out.

 

  SANDRA

He'll live then?

 

  DOCTOR

He will live.  But he will need 24/7 care.  No more public school.  His life is going to be a lot different now.

 

Sandra begins to cry.  Randy stands up and holds on tightly to his mother.

 

  DOCTOR

You may see him now.  He wont be able to see or hear you though.  We have him under heavy medication, and his face is completely wrapped right now.

 

The Doctor motions with his hands where to go.  Sandra grabs Randy by the hand, and they walk to the door.

 

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY

 

A horrific sight blinds Sandra and Randy.  Rusty is laying on the hospital bed, under the covers.  His face is completely wrapped in gauze.  A couple bloodstains are visible on his facial area.  Sandra begins to cry more and Randy sheds a tear.  Randy walks up to the bed and kneels down beside his brother.  Sandra walks up behind him and looks down at her son.

 

 SANDRA

What the heck is wrong with people?

 

The continuous beeping sounds form the machines echo.

 

FADE TO BLACK

 

CAPTION: 15 YEARS LATER...

 

OPEN TO:

 

INT. DARK ROOM - NIGHT

 

We OPEN TO a CLOSE UP on a woman's eye.  It opens. We PULL OUT to reveal a woman in her late twenties laying in the middle of the floor of a very dark and cold room.  The only light comes from the moonlight shining through a window with bars across it, high on the back wall.

 

The woman takes a deep breath, then glances around with her eyes only.  Knowing something is not right, she sits up fast, and pushes herself to her knees.  She looks around the dark room, not able to see much.  This is BRITNEY TIMS - now 27 years old.  Another woman's voice slices through the darkness.

 

   FEMALE VOICE

It's about time you woke up.

 

BRITNEY

Who is that? (pause) Where am I?

 

   FEMALE VOICE

I don't know where we are, and why would I tell you who I am?

 

 BRITNEY

Because, obviously, you know something I don't.  Where are you, I can't see.

 

Through the dull moonlight, Britney can see another woman around the same age walking closer to her. Defensive, Britney stands up and back away.

 

BRITNEY

Stay back.

 

The other woman stops and throws her arms up.

 

BRITNEY

Tell me how I got here.

 

 WOMAN

I don't know how WE got here. I woke up here, just like you, about an hour ago.

 

BRITNEY

An hour ago?  Why didn't you wake me up?

 

 WOMAN

I tried.  You were out cold.  I tried waking all of you up.

 

Confused, Britney turns around and is able to make out two other people laying face down on the ground.

 

BRITNEY

Who are they?

 

 WOMAN

How many times do I have to tell you? I have no idea what is going on, where we are, or who you all are.  I want answers too.

 

BRITNEY

(giving in) My name is Britney.  The last thing I remember was....(pause)..opening my front door.  Someone was knocking on it.  Then, nothing.

 

 WOMAN

Yeah.  I was locking up my office.  I was the last one there.  Then I felt a prick in my neck.  I woke up here.

 

BRITNEY

What's your name?

 

Silence.

 

               BRITNEY

Come on, I told you mine.

 

 WOMAN

(hesitant) Sarah.

 

BRITNEY

Well then, Sarah, what are we going to do?  Are there any lights in here?

 

 SARAH

I don't know.  I couldn't find a switch.  It's too dark.

 

Britney looks up at the window.  The moonlight is blanketed by snowfall.

 

 BRITNEY

Is it snowing?

 

 SARAH

Yeah.

 

BRITNEY

It's freezing in here. (looks at the floor)  The floor is made out of stone.

 

 SARAH

The walls too.  Almost like a cellar.

 

One of the other people on the floor begins to moan.  Britney and Sarah stand by each other cautiously and look down.  It's a man.  He slowly comes to, and gets to his knees.  He looks over and can see the two woman in the dark.  He holds his head.

 

 MAN

What the heck is going on here?  Who the heck are you?

 

SARAH

We were going to ask you the same thing.

 

 MAN

Seriously, what's going on?

 

SARAH

We both woke up here, just like you.

 

The man stands up and faces the women.

 

 MAN

Where is 'here'?

 

SARAH

That question is getting very old.

 

 MAN

(getting mad) We'll, I'm sorry, ladies, for joining this program already in progress.  Tell me what's going on!

 

 

BRITNEY

She just did you jerk.  We don't know why we're here, or where here is.

 

The man looks down at the other person on the floor.

 

 MAN

Who's this guy?

 

Neither of the girls says anything.

 

 MAN

Jesus, somebody's got to know something!

 

The man bends down and begins to shake the other body.

 

 MAN

Wake up buddy! (pause) It's time to wake up!

 

The person slowly comes too.

 

 MAN 2

Stop it.

 

The man backs away and the second man stands to his feet.

 

 

MAN 2

What's going on here?

 

MAN

Don't ask any questions because none of us have answers.

 

Man 2 rubs his head.

 

MAN 2

Man, my head freaking hurts.

 

MAN

I bet it would.

 

   BRITNEY

What's your name?

 

MAN

Don't tell her.  I don't trust them.

 

    MAN 2

(ignoring Man 1) Justin.

 

The man gets pissed that Justin didn't listen to him.

 

 

 

 

     BRITNEY

(to the man) Well, you are the only one who hasn't told us your name.  Want to join the crowd?

 

 MAN

No I don't, but thanks for asking.

 

SARAH

His name is Adam.

 

The man, Adam, stares at her, confused and pissed.

 

ADAM

How the hell do you know my name?

 

SARAH

(chuckles in realization) It's simple math.  My name is Sarah.  This is Britney. (points) Justin. That only leaves Adam.

 

Adam, Justin and Britney all ponder Sarah’s statement.

 

JUSTIN

(realizes) Oh crap…

 

ADAM

What the heck are you talking about?

 

SARAH

Let those four names sink into your skull for a second, Adam.

 

Adam looks around at everyone else.

 

ADAM

Seventh grade.

 

SARAH

Yup.

 

BRITNEY

(to Sarah) Crap! Sarah?  Sarah Fallon?

 

SARAH

In the flesh.

 

               JUSTIN

This is not happening.

 

BRITNEY

(still remembering) That boy Rusty.  Rusty...

 

SARAH

Rusty Lake.

 

 

 

  ADAM

Bull.  It was an accident.  You don't really think were all here because of that, do you?

 

 BRITNEY

Yeah, I didn't even do anything. (to Sarah) Neither did you.

 

  ADAM

Okay, we get it.  Justin and I beat the crap out of the kid, you two are innocent.  Boo-hoo.

 

 JUSTIN

(to Adam) No, YOU beat the crap out him.

 

  ADAM

Well, YOU crushed his throat.  Drop it, or I'll beat the crap out of YOU!

 

 SARAH

Still a jerk I see.

 

Adam looks towards Sarah, angered.

 

 ADAM

This is twisted.

 

He turns and walks away.  Justin stands there and ponders the situation.  Britney stands still, frightened. Sarah glances around.

 

BRITNEY

So what do we do?

 

No one answers.  Then, out of nowhere, lights pop on in the room.  All four of them look around frantically.  The room illuminates, revealing a large room - almost like a lobby.  The floors and walls are all made of stone.  There are three doors.  A large metal one sits under the window on the wall.  This appears to be a front door.  The other two doors are wooden.  They are on either side of the room.  Everyone’s attention is drawn to the large metal door though.  Written on the door in red paint are the words: I WILL NOT FORGIVE.

 

 ADAM

Are you kidding me??

 

JUSTIN

(looking around) Looks like a castle.

 

Adam pounds on the metal door, and frantically looks for a latch, or something to open it.  There is nothing.

 

 ADAM

We're sealed in here.  It's locked from the outside.

 

BRITNEY

Guys!

 

Everyone turns to Britney, who is standing at one of the wooden doors.  There are four envelopes nailed to it.  Britney grabs one, and opens it.  She pulls out a picture of a little boy.

 

BRITNEY

It's some kid.

 

The three others flock to Britney and look at the picture.

 

 ADAM

That's my son! (grabs the picture) Give me that.

 

BRITNEY

Why is there a picture of your son in here?

 

Adam stares at the picture, and then flips it over.  In black marker, it reads: Tonight, YOUR son becomes a Bastard.

 

 ADAM

This isn’t right.  This has to be a joke.

 

He shows the rest of them the note.  Sarah tears another envelope off the door.  She opens it and pulls out a folded piece of paper that reads: Justin.  Sarah hands the paper to Justin.  He opens it and reads it out loud.

 

 JUSTIN

You took my voice.  I take yours.

 

Sarah and Britney look at each other, then back to the door.  Sarah rips another one down and opens it.  It is her seventh grade photo, with a red heart drawn around it.  She flips it over and reads it.

 

 SARAH

You were my only hope.  My only love.  Yet you did nothing.

 

  ADAM

This guy is sick.  I thought he died anyway.

 

 JUSTIN

He didn't die.  He was messed up real bad.  I think his family moved to California or some shit.

 

     SARAH

Montana actually.

 

They all look at Sarah.

 

 SARAH

I kept in touch with the family because I felt so bad.  They moved and I never heard from them again.  Any of them.

 

 ADAM

I think it’s your turn Britney.

 

Britney looks nervous and her hand shakes as she rips down the last envelope.   She opens it and pulls out two pieces of a torn picture.  She flips them over and together they form her seventh grade picture - torn in half at her neck.  On the backs of one of the pieces it reads: WHORE.

 

BRITNEY

Oh my God.

 

JUSTIN

This is just great. This guy is getting his revenge on us.  I already did my time in Juvie.  I've moved on.  I've got a family.

 

 ADAM

(holds up the picture of his son) So do I! I intend to see them again, so lets find a way out of here.

 

Adam breaks through the women and grabs the doorknob.  He shakes it, but it’s locked.  He kicks it really hard, but it doesn’t budge.

 

 ADAM

Dang it.

 

He turns to the other door, and head towards it.  Britney puts her torn picture in her pocket and he eyes widen.

 

BRITNEY

Oh my God! I have my cell phone!

 

She pulls out her cell phone which makes everyone else check their pockets.  Sarah also pulls out hers.  As does Justin.  Adam stops on his way to the other door, and searches his pockets. They all have them.   Britney opens hers and sees the screen is dead.  She tries to turn it on, but it wont.

 

BRITNEY

It's not working.

 

 SARAH

Mine either.

 

JUSTIN

Same.

 

Adam flips his over and opens the back of it.  The battery is gone.

 

 ADAM

No batteries, that's why.

 

They all check.  No batteries.

 

SARAH

We were stupid to think he'd let us keep our phones in tact.

 

Adam throws his phone to the corner of the room, and continues towards the door.  He reaches for the doorknob, and turns it. To his surprise, it opens.  He turns to everyone else.

 

 ADAM

Anyone coming?

 

Justin jogs over to Adam and walks through the door and into a dark hallway.

 

 ADAM

Anyone else?

 

Britney shakes her head.

 

 SARAH

I think we're going to stay here.  Let us know if you find a way out.

 

Adam doesn't hesitate to ignore her, then follows Justin down the hallway, closing the door behind him.  Britney collapses, crying.  Sarah bends down to comfort her.

 

BRITNEY

(crying) I didn't do anything! It was those guys!  We're innocent, Sarah!

 

SARAH

Obviously, Rusty thinks we all played a part in it.

 

BRITNEY

(crying) What are we going to do?

 

SARAH

I don't know.

 

CUT TO:

 

INT. DARK HALLWAY - FIRST FLOOR - NIGHT

 

Justin and Adam are walking through the hall cautiously, side by side.

 

JUSTIN

What's your sons name?

 

Adam doesn't answer.  He is committed to finding a way out.

 

 

JUSTIN

Are you married?

 

Adam stops and turns to Justin, grabbing him by the shoulder.

 

ADAM

Listen.  When we find a way out of here, I don't want anything to do with you, or the other two, ever again. Mind your own business.

 

Adam lets go of Justin, who is startled by Adams actions.  Adam turns and continues walking.  Justin shrugs it off, and follows.  Up ahead, they spot a door on the wall with light shining from underneath it.

 

ADAM

Here!

 

Adam darts towards the door and Justin quickly follows.  Adam reaches for the knob, turns it and pushes it open to reveal a brightly lit room.

 

INT. BALLROOM - FIRST FLOOR - NIGHT

 

The room is very large.  It has fancy red carpet and a dance floor.  Old tables are set up around the dance floor.  A few more windows sit high on the walls - also secured with metal bars.  Adam trucks it through the ballroom.

 

JUSTIN

Do you even know where you are going?

 

 ADAM

I'm trying to find a way out of here.  I suggest you follow me, because by the sound of those notes I bet we don't have much time.

 

Justin follows Adam, looking in all directions.

 

JUSTIN

Do you think he's here?  In this place?

 

 ADAM

I don't really care where the heck that little psycho is.  If he comes near me, I'll beat the living crap out of him again.

 

JUSTIN

You haven't changed.

 

 

 ADAM

(stops) What?

 

 

 

 

JUSTIN

I followed you in middle school to share the popularity.  That doesn't mean I agreed with everything you said or did to people.  You were a total jerk.  You still are.

 

 ADAM

Look, man, you're just as guilty as I am.  We both mangled that kid.

 

JUSTIN

I did my time.  I started a life.  I moved on.  Did you?

 

      ADAM

I have a life too.  I have a son.  A son who I intend to see again.

 

JUSTIN

Wife?

 

Adam hesitates.

 

JUSTIN

Look.  I want out of here too.  But were going to have to work together and be honest here.

 

ADAM

(hesitant) My wife left me. My son is all I have.

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