The Sunset Rider and The Skeleton Army
by
Harper Lines and James Tolbert
Story by
Harper Lines
Open to:
Mans’ blood covered and beaten face. A massive wall of fire is burning directly behind him. This is SUNSET.
INT. CHURCH, CEREMONY – Day
A beaten and disheveled SUNSET sways back and forth on his knees, trying to maintain balance. The fire surrounding is causing beads of sweat to drip down his bloody face. SUNSET is wearing a tuxedo. A woman’s clenched fist strikes his face.
INT. CHURCH, CEREMONY – Continuous
SUNSET
Is that all you’ve got?
SUNSET spits the blood out of his mouth.
INT. CHURCH, CEREMONY – Continuous
The woman grabs SUNSET by the back of his tuxedo jacket and hurls him into a nearby pew. The impact causes the pew to break, splinter, and scatter pieces around. SUNSET desperately reaches around for a sharp piece.
The woman grabs SUNSET’s neck with her left hand and lifts him up off the ground. SUNSET gasps for air, thrashing his arms around. The woman bends down, picks up a splintered piece of the pew with her right hand, and stares SUNSET in the eyes.
The woman thrusts the piece of wood into SUNSET’s chest
INT. CHURCH, CEREMONY – Continuous
A woman laying on the ground in a wedding dress screams.
WOMAN IN WEDDING DRESS
Sunset!
Clearly in shock, beaten and bloody SUNSET looks down to see the wooden piece lodged just below his ribs.
SUNSET
A..Annette? I’m sorry.
ANNETTE
(wipes her face)
I know baby.
SUNSET VOICEOVER
It wasn’t always like this….
EXT. 1980’s SUBURBAN HOME – BACKYARD – Daylight
An old TREE HOUSE.
SUNSET VOICEOVER
Things were a lot simpler when all I cared about was reading comics and playing with action figures…But the universe has a way of making some days a little more interesting than others.
EXT. 1980’s SUBURBAN HOME — ENTRANCE OF TREE HOUSE –
A ten year-old SUNSET’s back is facing the entrance of the tree house as he plays with action figures.
INT. TREEHOUSE – Day
SUNSET has an action figure in each hand. Hobgoblin in his right and Spider-man, tied up with a shoelace in his left. SUNSET places the tied up Spider-man figure on a grade 5 math book. The math book is balanced on another book like a catapult.
YOUNG SUNSET
(in Hobgoblin voice)
I finally have you Spider-man! This is the last time you will interfere with my plans! I hope you enjoy the taste of my pumpkin bombs! Ah-ha-ha-ha!
YOUNG SUNSET
(in Spider-Man Voice)
We do this all the time, goblin. You NEVER win. Why don’t you just give up now and save yourself the ass-kicking.
YOUNG SUNSET
(In Hobgoblin voice)
Why don’t you eat pumpkin bomb, bitch!
INT. TREEHOUSE – continuous
YOUNG SUNSET makes a throwing motion with the Hobgoblin action figure with the toy pumpkin bomb in hand. He clenches the pumpkin bomb hand to a fist and slams down on the edge of the grade 5 math book. This sends the tied up Spider-Man action figure flying through the air and out of the tree house.
EXT. TREEHOUSE ENTRANCE/SUBURBAN BACKYARD
SUNSET looks out of the tree house entrance to see where Spider-Man landed.
SUNSET’s MOTHER
Sunset!
YOUNG SUNSET
Yeah, Mom?
SUNSET’s MOTHER
Dinner’s ready!
YOUNG SUNSET
What’d you make?
SUNSET’s MOTHER
Your favorite. Casserole.
YOUNG SUNSET
Nice.
EXT. TREEHOUSE ENTRANCE
YOUNG SUNSET scrambles to get down the tree house ladder. On his second step, the rotting wood breaks and shatters. YOUNG SUNSET falls to the ground.
EXT. SUBURBAN BACKYARD
The impact has knocked the wind out of YOUNG SUNSET. Disoriented and in shock, he looks around and notices that his left leg is twisted in an unnatural manner. His shin bone is sticking through his pant leg.
YOUNG SUNSET screams in agony.
FADE TO BLACK:
Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep. The familiar beeping of a pulse oximeter sounds in the distance. Someone is strumming a series of guitar chords, using the tempo created by the pulse oximeter.
OPEN TO:
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM – DAYTIME
YOUNG SUNSET opens his eyes. He looks down the length of his bed to his feet, sees his left leg is in a temporary cast. YOUNG SUNSET looks across the room and sees an older man sitting in a chair in the corner with a guitar on his lap. This is BARRY. BARRY strums his last chord, opens the guitar case and starts to put the guitar away.
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM – CONTINUOUS
YOUNG SUNSET
Hey, why’d you stop?
BARRY
Well, I didn’t know I still had an audience. I’ve been playing for at least an hour, my hands are getting tired.
YOUNG SUNSET
Awh, lame.
BARRY
Well, If you hobble on over here, maybe I can show you a thing or two.
YOUNG SUNSET
Really?!
BARRY
Well sure, give it a try!
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM – CONTINUOUS
YOUNG SUNSET fumbles around anxious to get out of the hospital bed. He makes his way around his bed, toward BARRY who is sitting in the corner. His perspective has changed. YOUNG SUNSET can now see that he is sharing a room with a pretty young girl with dark hair.
YOUNG SUNSET pauses for a second then hobbles over to the seat next to BARRY.
YOUNG SUNSET
Who’s she?
BARRY
Caught your attention did she? That’s my daughter Annette. She’s ten years old son, how old are you?
YOUNG SUNSET
I just turned ten!
BARRY
Well, do you like bees, son?
YOUNG SUNSET
No sir.
BARRY
Good. Neither does Annette, so I think that the two of you will get along just fine.
YOUNG SUNSET
What was that you were playin?
BARRY
It’s called a guitar.
YOUNG SUNSET
No, I meant the song. What’s the name of the song?
BARRY
Oh that, did ya like it? It’s something I’ve been writing for her. Maybe if you could learn to play it, it’d help her wake up like it did with you.
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM – CONTINUOUS
YOUNG SUNSET sits next to BARRY. BARRY hands him the guitar, showing him how to hold and strum it. BARRY shows YOUNG SUNSET the first chord he was playing. YOUNG SUNSET strums the guitar.
YOUNG ANNETTE’s eyes slowly open and she smiles.
CUT TO: EXT. SUBURBAN NEIGHBORHOOD – DAYLIGHT –
A Teenage kid walks along the sidewalk with guitar case in hand. This is TEENAGE SUNSET. He walks down the sidewalk and up the steps of a quaint suburban home with a red door.
SUNSET VOICEOVER
I started taking guitar lessons immediately after my leg healed. Barry and Annette lived in a little house just down the street from my folks, which made their place like a second home to me when my dad got sick.
EXT. SUBURBAN NEIGHBOHOOD – DAYLIGHT — Continuous
TEENAGE SUNSET knocks on the red number 63 door. A beautiful girl answers.
TEENAGE ANNETTE
Hey SUNSET.
TEENAGE SUNSET
Hey pretty girl.
TEENAGE ANNETTE
That’s me. My dad is finishing up with another student right now. You wanna hang out on the sofa until they’re done?
TEENAGE SUNSET
Sure. Whatcha watchin?
INT. BARRY AND ANNETTE’S HOME
TEENAGE ANNETTE walks TEENAGE SUNSET into their home and closes the door behind him.BARRY and ANNETTE’s home has a variety of rock concert posters and framed records covering the walls.
TEENAGE ANNETTE
Ninja turtles, it’s the one with that fly guy.
TEENAGE SUNSET
Baxter Stockman, Lame. He’s just a rip off of the fly movie.
INT. BARRY AND ANNETTE’S HOME – Continuous –
TEENAGE ANNETTE and SUNSET sit down on the floral print sofa in the living room where TEENAGE ANNETTE has been watching the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The two have been here before, many times.
TEENAGE ANNETTE
You want anything to drink?
TEENAGE SUNSET
You still have any quick?
TEENAGE ANNETTE
I saved you the last one, but you OWE me.
INT. SUBURBAN HOME LIVING ROOM
TEENAGE ANNETTE gets up from the sofa and walks into the kitchen. TEENAGE SUNSET hears her rattling around in the fridge as he tries desperately to dry his sweaty palms on his shirt. TEENAGE ANNETTE comes back from the kitchen into the living room, holding a glass full of chocolate milk.
TEENAGE ANNETTE
Here you go.
INT. BARRY AND ANNETTE’S HOME — LIVING ROOM — Continuous
TEENAGE ANNETTE hands TEENAGE SUNSET the glass of cold chocolate milk.
TEENAGE SUNSET
Thanks ANNETTE.
As the teenagers watch their cartoon, BARRY walks a young boy carrying a guitar case to the door.
BARRY
Work on your strumming pattern for next week MICHAEL, we’ll pick up where we left off on Tuesday.
MICHAEL
Okay BARRY, see you then.
INT. SUBURBAN HOME LIVING ROOM
BARRY shuts the door behind MICHAEL and walks into the living room.
BARRY
You ready lefty?
TEENAGE SUNSET
I was born ready.
BARRY
Well son, you’ve certainly never lacked confidence. Let’s start today from that bridge.
TEENAGE SUNSET
(joking)
Watch it old man, I’ve been practicing.
INT. BARRY AND ANNETTE’S HOME — LIVING ROOM –
SUNSET picks up his guitar case and walks out of the living room, following BARRY to the practice room.
CUT TO:
INT. BARRY AND ANNETTE’S HOME — BARRY’S PRACTICE ROOM —
TEENAGE SUNSET and BARRY are in a small spare bedroom with framed ROLLING STONE magazines on the walls. There are electric, bass, and acoustic guitars hanging up. BARRY grabs the hanging acoustic guitar off the wall as SUNSET takes his guitar out of the case.
BARRY sits down on a stool next to TEENAGE SUNSET. They tune their guitars.
BARRY
Alright, now we’re ready. Let’s hit that bridge. You start with the solo and I’ll come in on the second measure with the rhythm.
TEENAGE SUNSET
Let’s do it, see if you can keep up.
INT. BARRY’S PRACTICE ROOM
TEENAGE SUNSET starts playing the bridge section solo of SUBLIMES’ What I Got. In the end of the second measure TEENAGE SUNSET fumbles and plays the wrong note, a result of his showing off.
BARRY puts his hand on the neck of TEENAGE SUNSET’s guitar.
BARRY
Stop.
TEENAGE SUNSET
I just can’t nail this. It’s driving me nuts!
BARRY
It’s alright son. You’re doing really well, you just need to practice more.
TEENAGE SUNSET
Man, I know. I thought I had it this time.
INT. BARRY’S PRACTICE ROOM
Barry puts down his guitar and looks at TEENAGE SUNSET.
BARRY
You’ve got to understand one thing SUNSET, notes are like people.
TEENAGE SUNSET
What do you mean?
BARRY
They all have the ability to sing.
CUT TO:
INT. BARRY AND ANNETTE’S HOME – HALLWAY –
TEENAGE ANNETTE peers into the practice room and overhears BARRY talking to SUNSET.
INT. BARRY AND ANNETTE’S HOME — BARRY’S PRACTICE ROOM –
BARRY
But you SUNSET, you have the power to choose which notes to use —
Continued:
TEENAGE SUNSET catches TEENAGE ANNETTE peeking into the practice room.
BARRY
— And who you’re going to sing them with.
CUT TO:
EXT. THE NILE THEATER – MESA, ARIZONA – Nighttime
The kids are hanging out around the entrance. A RED HEADED KID and his FAT SISTER pay the ten dollar admission to the DOORGUY and walk down the stairs.
CUT TO:
INT. THE NILE THEATER – MESA, ARIZONA – Night time – Continuous
This basement theater is disgusting.
TEENAGE SUNSET is looking through his guitar case. He finds the pick he was looking for and walks up to the stage area. TEENAGE ANNETTE is in the crowd, she blows him a kiss. TEENAGE SUNSET puts the acoustic guitar strap over his neck and adjusts the guitar.
A few people in the crowd are heckling and arguing with each other as TEENAGE SUNSET begins to play the introduction of Screaming infidelities, by Dashboard Confessional. TEENAGE SUNSET struggles through the first verse of the song as TEENAGE ANNETTE makes her way to the front of the stage. TEENAGE SUNSET’s voice cracks when he gets into the chorus and he loses his concentration. His fingers trip over the strings and struggle to find their place. TEENAGE SUNSET pauses for a second. His heart is pounding and he begins to sweat.
TEENAGE ANNETTE starts singing the chorus.
TEENAGE SUNSET collects himself and continues to play the rest of the song with TEENAGE ANNETTE singing along. The crowd cheers. TEENAGE SUNSET puts down the guitar and reaches out to grab TEENAGE ANNETTE’s hand.
TEENAGE SUNSET
Get up here pretty girl. Can’t you hear it?They love you.
TEENAGE ANNETTE
They love me?
TEENAGE SUNSET
Yeah, something like that.
TEENAGE SUNSET pulls TEENAGE ANNETTE on to the stage, next to him.
TEENAGE ANNETTE
What’s your deal SUNSET?
TEENAGE SUNSET
What? What do you mean what’s my deal?
TEENAGE ANNETTE
How long are we gonna keep pretending that you’re not crazy about me?
TEENAGE SUNSET
I kinda thought you always knew. I love you.
TEENAGE ANNETTE
I know, I just wanted to hear you say it.
TEENAGE ANNETTE kisses TEENAGE SUNSET. The crowd goes wild.
CUT TO:
n TEN YEARS LATER
INT. THE FRICKIN FROG — LAS VEGAS, NEVADA –Nighttime
THE SUNSET RIDER BAND is on stage, performing the song Good Taste. SUNSET and ANNETE are singing their parts to one another. A hipster with a beard sits drinking at the bar as the band finishes their set.
ANNETTE immediately heads off the stage. SUNSET is placing his guitar in its’ case when he is approached by the bearded hipster from the bar. This is MOOSE.
MOOSE
Hey, great set man!
SUNSET
Thanks, man.
SUNSET puts the guitar in its’ case and snaps the side locks.
MOOSE
C’mon stallion, I’ve got some people you should meet.
SUNSET
But –
SUNSET looks toward the stage and sees that ANNETTE isn’t there.
MOOSE
First drink’s on me.
SUNSET
Ah, alright.
INT. THE FRICKIN FROG — LAS VEGAS, NEVADA –Nighttime — Continuous
SUNSET and MOOSE head over to the main bar where SUNSET gets swarmed with autograph requests and introductions. SUNSET and MOOSE are taking shots and socializing when a chesty young woman wearing a SUNSET RIDER BAND t-shirt approaches.
CHESTY YOUNG WOMAN
You guys sounded great.
SUNSET
Thanks, so did you.
CHESTY YOUNG WOMAN
Would you mind?
INT. THE FRICKIN FROG – LAS VEGAS, NEVADA — Nigthtime
The CHESTY YOUNG WOMAN pulls down on her SUNSET RIDER BAND t-shirt, tightening the fabric around her breasts. She hands SUNSET a Sharpie marker.
CHESTY YOUNG WOMAN
Sign me.
MOOSE turns to SUNSET.
MOOSE
Not such a bad gig, huh?
SUNSET
It can’t rain all the time.
INT. THE FRICKIN FROG – LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – CONTINUOUS
SUNSET grabs the sharpie and turns to the bar to grab his whiskey shot. After taking the shot, he turns around and realizes that the CHESTY YOUNG WOMAN has removed her SUNSET RIDER BAND t-shirt. She hands the shirt to SUNSET and adjusts her bra straps.
CHESTY YOUNG WOMAN
Here you go.
MOOSE
Now it’s a party!
CONTINUED:
The crowd at the bar hoots and hollers.
SUNSET
Uh, Thanks. Who should I make it out to?
CHESTY YOUNG WOMAN
CHELSEA. C-H-E-L-S-E-A.
SUNSET signs the t-shirt for CHELSEA, and hands the shirt and sharpie back to her.
CHELSEA
Thanks baby, but you’re not done yet. Now can you sign me?
CHELSEA looks SUNSET in the eyes and then down at her cleavage.
SUNSET
Oh…
INT. THE FRICKIN FROG – LAS VEGAS, NEVADA — CONTINOUS
Just as SUNSET is signing CHELSEA’S breasts, ANNETTE walks out from the backstage area, suitcase in hand. ANNETTE is walking out the back door when she turns around and sees SUNSET signing CHELSEA’S breasts. SUNSET looks up and sees ANNETTE glaring at him.
SUNSET
Oh shit.
SUNSET drops the sharpie on the ground after signing S-U-N-S on CHELSEA’S rocking cleavage. SUNSET bolts toward the back door, clumsily knocking over a barstool on the way out.
EXT. FRICKIN FROG – LAS VEGAS, NEVADA — BACK ALLEY
SUNSET opens the door and races after ANNETTE as she walks steadily towards a taxi. It begins to rain.
SUNSET
Wait! Baby! Stop!
SUNSET
It wasn’t anything. Whatever you saw, it doesn’t mean anything, they’re just –
EXT. FRICKIN FROG – LAS VEGAS, NEVADA — BACK ALLEY — Continuous
ANNETTE turns around and cuts off SUNSET
ANNETTE
I know! I know SUNSET. I know you. But I can’t do this anymore. I’m so sick of the bullshit, ya know? The tour, the bars, all this shit, it’s too much for me.
SUNSET
I know baby, but this is how it’s got to be for a while. I know it doesn’t seem like it now, but it’ll get better once we get back home. We’ve only got like a week left, can you…
ANNETTE
No baby. I can’t. I love you, but I can’t do this. WE can’t keep this up. I need to go home and figure some stuff out on my own. I can’t be here to watch us self destruct.
SUNSET
But you’re all I’ve got out here.
ANNETTE
We both know that’s not true.
ANNETTE looks towards the bar.
ANNETTE
That shirt looks great on you, baby.
SUNSET
It was my fathers.
ANNETTE
I know. I’ll see you when you get home baby. I’ll see you when you get home.
EXT. THE FRICKIN FROG – LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – BACK ALLEY – Continuous
ANNETTE kisses SUNSET. She turns around and gets into the taxi. SUNSET watches as the taxi drives out of the parking lot and on to the main street. It’s pouring rain.
SUNSET pulls a pack of camel lights from his front pocket, taps out a cigarette, and puts the pack away. He pulls out a lighter from his pocket and lights his cigarette. He paces back and forth, takes one last drag and flicks it into the forming rain puddles on the street.
STRANGE FEMALE
SUNSET?
SUNSET turns around to see an attractive woman walking towards him.
SUNSET
Maybe. Who are you?
The STRANGE FEMALE walks closer to SUNSET. She’s drinking a vodka tonic.
STRANGE FEMALE
My name is DEBORAH, but you can call me DEBBIE.
DEBBIE reaches out to shake hands. SUNSET looks DEBBIE up and down and shakes her hand.
SUNSET
Well how can I help you DEBBIE? You look like you’re on a mission.
DEBBIE
Funny you should say that SUNSET, I am. I am on a mission to make sure that I get to release the next SUNSET RIDER record.
SUNSET lights up a cigarette.
SUNSET
You don’t say. Did you hear any of the new material tonight?
DEBBIE
I loved it. Every second was just, magical.
SUNSET
Really?
DEBBIE
Bet on it. I think that you are really onto something here young man, something undeniable. I would love to help you take it to the next level.
SUNSET
What exactly do you do, DEBBIE?
DEBBIE hands SUNSET her vodka tonic and reaches into her purse. She digs into the purse and hands SUNSET a business card, then takes back her drink.
DEBBIE
Here’s my card. Call me when you’re ready.
Debbie sips her drink, she stares SUNSET down then walks back to the bar.
SUNSET
Ready for what?
SUNSET looks at the card. The card has the name DEBBIE, a phone number, and the title AGENT – THE AGENCY
CUT TO:
INT. THE BELLAGIO HOTEL ROOM – LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – Nighttime
The hotel room door lock beeps. The handle shakes and rattles. The door opens slowly and SUNSET walks in. SUNSET walks to the bed, sets down his guitar case and sits down, exhaling slowly.
SUNSET finds the remote on the bed and turns on the television. The video for BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN’S I’m On Fire starts playing.
INT. BELLLAGIO HOTEL
Directly behind the king size bed where SUNSET is sitting, there is a hotel service cart. There are two covered dishes on the top of the cart. Next to the covered dishes is a chilled bottle of champagne, one dozen roses, and an envelope with the word ANNETTE written inside a heart. Next to the envelope is an engagement ring.
During I’m On Fire, SUNSET begins to break down emotionally. He gets off the bed and grabs the bottle of champagne, taking it out of the ice.
SUNSET examines the champagne, peels away the label, and pops the cork. He pours the champagne into the nearby fluke and drinks it just as fast as he poured it. After finishing the glass of champagne, SUNSET looks at the glass, looks at the bottle, and throws the glass across the room. The glass shatters against the wall. SUNSET sits down on the bed and starts to drink the champagne straight from the bottle.
SUNSET chugs the bottle, finishing it.
INT. BELLAGIO HOTEL
SUNSET is starting to sway back and forth. He gets off the bed, grabs the edges of the hotel service cart and hurls it across the room. The hotel service cart hits the mirrored closet doors, causing them to shatter. The adrenalin is slowly leaving SUNSET’S body as he sits back on the edge of the bed. He lays down, wipes his face, and closes his eyes. SUNSET exhales.
FADE TO:
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM – BEDSIDE
YOUNG SUNSET is sitting in a chair, bending over with his face buried in his hands. YOUNG SUNSET is sitting next to a hospital bed. The man in the bed looks weak, tired, and defeated. He’s staring vacantly at the television while The Price is Right is headed to a commercial break. This is JONAH.
JONAH
SUNSET.
TEENAGE SUNSET
Yeah dad?
JONAH
Come here boy, let me look at you.
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM – Bedside
TEENAGE SUNSET scoots the chair and leans in closer to JONAH.
JONAH
I know that I’ve been hard on you..
TEENAGE SUNSET
Dad, don’t…
JONAH
..I might have been too harsh some of the time, and if I ever hurt you because of it, I’m sorry.
JONAH
But I’ve been hard on you because I know how special you are, son. You’ve always had something, something deep inside of you that..
TEENAGE SUNSET
Dad, I..
JONAH
I love you son. I love you more than you could ever imagine.
TEENAGE SUNSET wipes his tears away with his sleeve.
TEENAGE SUNSET
I love you too dad.
JONAH
Now listen, I need you to promise me something.
TEENAGE SUNSET
Anything..
JONAH
I need you to promise to take care of your mother. I need for you to be there for each other like family should.
JONAH
Can you do that for me son?
TEENAGE SUNSET
Of course I will dad.
JONAH points to his collared dress shirt hanging on the seat.
JONAH
You see that shirt son? My shirt on that seat?
TEENAGE SUNSET
Yes sir, I see your shirt.
JONAH
That’s your shirt now SUNSET. I want you to have it. And I want you to think of me when you’re old enough to fit into it, when you’re old enough to start a family of your own. That way I can, I can still be around…
JONAH struggles to inhale, then deeply exhales.
JONAH
Remember when we went camping up in Sedona?
TEENAGE SUNSET
Ha, of course I do, that was a great trip.
JONAH
Yes it was.. yes it was.
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM – bedside
JONAH has a big smile on his face as he closes his watery eyes and exhales. TEENAGE SUNSET holds JONAH tightly as the pulse oximeter rhythm gets slower and slower. The pulse oximeter starts to flatline. TEENAGE SUNSET holds his father tightly while sobbing.
INT. HOSPITAL HALLWAY
A brunette in her mid-forties is walking down the hallway. This is DEE, SUNSET’s MOTHER. DEE hears the pulse oximeter flat-lining, and runs toward the room.
DEE
JONAH?! NO!
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM – bedside
DEE frantically makes her way into the room.
DEE
NURSE! SOMEONE! HELP! HE’S DYING!
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM – bedside
Two nurses storm into the room as DEE is hugging JONAH and TEENAGE SUNSET.
CUT TO:
INT. HOTEL ROOM
SUNSET is in his bed, SUNSET wakes up to ANNETTE straddling him on the bed.
SUNSET
Annette, what are you doing here? I thought you…
ANNETTE places her index finger over SUNSETS lips.
ANNETTE
Shhh…
As naked ANNETTE straddles SUNSET on the hotel bed, he examines her beautiful body. She places his hands on her breasts, moaning with desire. ANNETTE and SUNSET kiss passionately. As the passion becomes more aggressive, SUNSET begins to pull away after ANNETTE scratches his back. He pushes away from ANNETTE and she sinks her teeth into his lip biting down hard.
SUNSET
AHHHHH! What are you doing? That fucking hurt!
INT. HOTEL ROOM – continuous
SUNSET looks up, and sees a dark haired seductress in ANNETTE’S place, She violently grabs the back of SUNSETS head and pulls him close to her face. The DARK HAIRED SEDUCTRESS licks SUNSET’S face, with her serpentine tongue.
DARK HAIRED SEDUCTRESS
You will write me a song sweet SUNSET.
CUT TO:
INT. SUNSET’S PHOENIX APT.
SUNSET wakes up to, banging on his door. He looks like he hasn’t slept in a week.
EXT. SUNSET’S PHOENIX APT.
Two of the Sunset Rider band members are knocking on SUNSET’S door. They are CHAN and JOHNNY GORE.
JOHNNY GORE
SUNSET! Will you open the God damned door already?!
CHAN
We gotta be there in fifteen fucking minutes man!
INT. SUNSET’S PHOENIX APT — Daytime
SUNSET sits up and looks at the door.
SUNSET
Then I’ll be there in fifteen fuckin’ minutes!
EXT. SUNSET’S PHOENIX APT.
HEWITT and CHAN are standing outside the front door.
JOHNNY GORE
You drivin’?
SUNSET
Yes! I’m driving I’ll meet you there.
CHAN
Fine. Just don’t be fucking late again!
CHAN and JOHNNY GORE get in the tour van and drive away.
INT. SUNSET’S PHOENIX APT.
SUNSET gets out of bed, puts on his bathrobe, and walks into the bathroom.
CUT TO:
INT. SUNSET’S PHOENIX APT. BATHROOM
SUNSET walks to the sink and puts his hand on the counter. He flicks the light switch on, and takes a good look in the mirror.
SUNSET
This week has not been kind to us.
SUNSET opens the medicine cabinet and pulls out a prescription pill case. Sunset takes the lid off the case and takes out two pills. He puts the lid on and places the pill case back in the medicine cabinet. Sunset takes a pint of whiskey of the front pocket of his bathrobe. He takes the pills and chases them down with the whiskey. He looks at his guitar case.
CUT TO:
INT. SUNSET’S 1969 AMX
SUNSET lights a cigarette. He puts the keys in the ignition and starts the engine. SUNSET pulls out of his parking lot and gets on to the main road, turning the radio dial until he hears DAVID BOWIE’S China Girl. Noticing his cigarette is almost finished, he takes his right hand off the wheel and reaches into his shirt pocket for another cigarette. SUNSET proceeds to light the new cigarette with the burning cigarette in his lips.
SUNSET looks up, just in time to realize that the car is headed straight for a light pole.
EXT. TEMPE, ARIZONA STIP MALL PARKING LOT
The 1969 AMX swerves off the main road, onto the sidewalk, and slams into a light pole. The force of the collision causes the light pole to fall over, landing on the 1969 AMX.
INT. SUNSET’S 1969 AMX
The interior of the car has been concaved because of the collision. Smoke and radiator fluid are spewing into the front dash. SUNSET is hunched across the steering wheel, with his face covered in blood.
SUNSET
Cough.
INT. SUNSET’S 1969 AMX
SUNSET looks up and notices the red and blue lights reflecting off of his shattered windshield.
SUNSET
Fuck me.
INT. SUNSET’S 1969 AMX
SUNSET struggles to open the driver side door, which has been crushed in the impact. With one last effort, he forces the door open. SUNSET falls to the ground, spilling out of the wreckage. His body is strewn across the asphalt. His face is bloody; covered in glass, radiator fluid, and gasoline.
FADE TO BLACK:
OPEN TO:
INT. TEMPE, ARIZONA POLICE STATION PROCESSING CENTER
A disheveled and intoxicated SUNSET stands at the pay phone inserting coins. SUNSET puts the receiver to his left ear and waits for someone to pick up.
SUNSET
Moose, it’s me.
MOOSE
Where the fuck are you?! You better have a damn good reason for missing your own fucking show! You better be missing a limb or something, man.
SUNSET takes his ear off the receiver, closes his eyes and sighs.
SUNSET
No. I crashed my car man.
MOOSE
What?! Are you missing a limb?
SUNSET
No. the car crashed, I got arrested, I need you to pick me up.
MOOSE
Sigh. Shit man, you owe me. Big time.
SUNSET
Okay. I owe you, I get it.
MOOSE
Good. Where are you?
SUNSET
Tempe.
MOOSE
I’ll be there in fifteen, but don’t hold your breath.
SUNSET
Right.
INT. TEMPE, ARIZONA POLICE STATION PROCESSING CENTER – CONTINUOUS –
SUNSET hangs the phone up.
CUT TO:
INT. TEMPE, ARIZONA POLICE STATION PROCESSING CENTER –HOLDING CELL –
A Corrections officer opens the holding cell door and calls to SUNSET.
HOLDING CELL CORRECTIONS OFFICER
SUNSET!
INT. TEMPE, ARIZONA POLICE STATION PROCESSING CENTER –HOLDING CELL –CONTINUOUS
SUNSET looks up acknowledging the CORRECTIONS OFFICER’s signal. SUNSET gets off the bench and walks out the door, followed by the CORRECTIONS OFFICER.
INT. TEMPE, ARIZONA POLICE STATION PROCESSING CENTER –HALLWAY
SUNSET walks down the hallway followed by the CORRECTIONS OFFICER . the CORRECTIONS OFFICER escorts SUNSET to the inmate release desk, where MOOSE is signing some paperwork.
MOOSE
Nice to see you sunshine, how’s that hotrod of yours?
SUNSET
You got a cigarette?
CUT TO:
EXT. TEMPE, ARIZONA POLICE STATION – Daytime –
MOOSE and SUNSET walk out of the POLICE STATION, toward the parking lot as MOOSE hands SUNSET a cigarette and lighter. SUNSET lights the cigarette and hands the lighter back to MOOSE
MOOSE
Alright, here’s the fucking deal man.
A disoriented and detached SUNSET nods his head and listens.
MOOSE
We had to pull some strings, but we got you a pretty good deal. I got you four dates in Japan. But first, you’ve got to do two weeks in the tents to make up for tonight’s bullshit.
MOOSE unlocks the doors to his white Honda accord and they get in.
CUT TO:
INT. MOOSE’S WHITE HONDA ACCORD
SUNSET continues to smoke his cigarette as MOOSE explains the situation
MOOSE
Did you talk to ANNETTE yet?
SUNSET
No. Is she alright?
MOOSE
You should call her.
SUNSET
We’re not on the best of terms right now. I don’t want her to see me like this.
MOOSE
Just call her man. She was at the show, you weren’t.
INT. MOOSE’S WHITE HONDA ACCORD –CONTINUOUS –
SUNSET flicks his cigarette out of the window and looks at MOOSE
SUNSET
Can you talk to her for me? Let her know when I’m going in and when I’m coming out?
MOOSE
Sure buddy. About that…
SUNSET
Yeah?
MOOSE
You go in tomorrow.
SUNSET
What?
CUT TO:
EXT. TENT CITY COURTYARD – Daytime –
TENT CITY is a self-contained outdoor jail facility where the prisoners are housed in canvas tents.
INT. TENT CITY PRISONER TENT – Daytime –
SUNSET is sitting with a group of prisoners who are playing poker on a makeshift table. SUNSET looks at his cards and realizes that he has three of kind with sixes.
SUNSET
I’ll see your sixty and raise you ten.
Across the table from SUNSET is a heavily tattooed Mexican, this is SISCO. SISCO looks down at his hand and looks back up at SUNSET.
SISCO
Then I’m all in. what you got rock star?
SUNSET lays his cards out and presents his devils hand, the three sixes.
SUNSET
I’ve got three sixes. Your turn, holmes.
SISCO
Oh, three sixes. That’s nice. That’s real nice man. But it doesn’t beat three kings.
SISCO lays down his three kings and he and his friends laugh like assholes.
SISCO
I told you you couldn’t beat me man, I always win at poker.
SUNSET
Anyone could win with a hand like that.
SISCO reaches across the table to collect his winnings when a five of clubs falls out of his right shirt sleeve. SUNSET reaches over and grabs the card off the table
SUNSET
What the fuck?!
SISCO
I told you I don’t lose.
SISCO punches SUNSET in the face, grabs his winnings from the table, and leaves the tent with his friends. As SISCO and his crew leave the tent, SUNSET recovers from the blow. SUNSET gets off the ground and heads out the tent after SISCO.
SUNSET pushes SISCO from behind
SUNSET
Hey asshole! We’re not done here, you fucking cheated!
SISCO
You don’t want to fuck with me rock star, I don’t lose.
SUNSET
No, you don’t lose. You cheat like a little bitch.
SISCO charges at SUNSET and throws the same wild right hook. SUNSET lunges to his left and grabs SISCO’s right arm, using SISCO’s momentum against him as he thrusts his right knee into SISCO’s throat. SISCO falls to the ground, grabbing his throat as he gasps for air.
EXT. TENT CITY COURTYARD
The TENT CITY CORRECTION OFFICERS rush to the scene and pull SISCO off the ground. SUNSET picks his winnings up as the TENT CITY CORRECTION OFFICERS walk SISCO out of the courtyard. SUNSET turns to SISCO’s buddies.
SUNSET
Remind your pal SISCO that no one wins when you’re playing with someone with nothing to lose.
EXT. TENT CITY COURTYARD –CONTINUOUS –
SISCO’s crew scatters away from the tent as SUNSET finishes collecting his winnings. SUNSET takes a long look around the courtyard and steps into his tent.
CUT TO:
INT. TEMPE, ARIZONA HOME
ANNETTE sits at a kitchen table with a glass of red wine. A pretty blonde walks in with an open bottle of wine. This is ANNETTE’s friend SHANNON.
SHANNON
Well hey there pretty lady. Can I interest you in another glass?
ANNETTE
Thanks SHANNON. At least you know how to treat a girl.
SHANNON pours ANNETTE the remainder of the bottle. ANNETTE examines the over-poured glass and looks back at SHANNON.
ANNETTE
Yep. That should do it.
SHANNON
Have you heard from him?
ANNETTE
Nope.
SHANNON
I don’t know what to say.
ANNETTE
I don’t know what to do. I’ve called all the guys, no one in the band knows where he is. MOOSE’s phone goes straight to voicemail, and he’s not responding to my texts! I can’t handle this shit! I can’t! I can’t sleep. I’m worried to death.
ANNETTE
He better be in the hospital somewhere… I swear to GOD.
FADE TO:
EXT. TENT CITY ENTRANCE GATES
Two TENT CITY CORRECTIONS OFFICERS are walking behind SUNSET as they approach the entrance gates. As SUNSET passes the final gate he notices MOOSE’s white Honda accord in the parking lot. MOOSE gets out the car. SUNSET turns to the CORRECTIONS OFFICERS.
SUNSET
See you next time.
EXT. TENT CITY ENTRANCE GATES –PARKING AREA –
SUNSET pulls out a camel light, lights it, and continues to walk toward MOOSE’s white Honda accord. MOOSE clicks the keychain and unlocks the doors.
MOOSE
How you feeling cowboy? You look like a million bucks.
SUNSET
Ha. You should’ve been a comedian. Too bad you’re just an asshole manager.
MOOSE and SUNSET climb into MOOSE’s white Honda accord.
INT. MOOSE’S WHIT E HOND ACCORD
MOOSE starts the car and begins to drive. SUNSET and MOOSE continue the conversation.
MOOSE
Oh! Well this asshole manager made sure that you only served half the time, you dickhead. And I’m here aren’t I? shit.
SUNSET
You’re right. You’re the best. Did you talk to ANNETTE for me?
MOOSE
No man, I’m not getting in the middle of your mess.
SUNSET
Are you fucking serious? It’s the one thing I asked you to do before I went to the tents!
SUNSET flicks his cigarette out of the window and lights another one. MOOSE takes a second to think about what he’s going to say.
MOOSE
I know man, but I don’t-
SUNSET
You don’t what man?! Shit! She doesn’t even know where I’ve been for the last two weeks?! Is that what you’re telling me?
MOOSE
Listen man, you can’t expect for everyone else to clean up after your crap all the time. You need to take care of this. I’m not getting in the middle of your relationship issues. I’m your manager. I manage your business decisions, not your personal life.
SUNSET
I am so dead.
INT. MOOSE’S WHITE HONDA ACCORD – CONTINUOUS –
The car comes to a stop outside of SUNSET’S PHOENIX APPARTMENT.
MOOSE.
I know. ANNETTE’s a patient woman, she’ll probably forgive you.
INT. MOOSE’S WHITE HONDA ACCORD – CONTINUOUS –
SUNSET gets out of MOOSE’S car and closes the door. He leans into the passenger side window, takes a drag of his cigarette and blows the smoke inside the car. SUNSET glares at MOOSE
SUNSET
She’d better.
MOOSE
You’re flight is at noon. Direct from Phoenix. Don’t miss it.
INT. MOOSE’S WHITE HONDA ACCORD – CONTINUOUS –
MOOSE hands SUNSET his plane tickets. SUNSET looks at the tickets.
SUNSET
We’re really doing this? Japan? Tomorrow?
MOOSE
Someone’s got to pay for your legal expenses.
EXT. SUNSET’S PHOENIX APPARTMENT – CONTINUOUS –
SUNSET holds the tickets as MOOSE drives away. SUNSET walks to his front door, puts the key in the lock, and opens the door slowly.
INT. SUNSET’S PHOENIX APPARTMENT – Daytime – Continuous
SUNSET walks inside the apartment and hangs his keys on the key-rack to the left of the front door. He flips the light switch just below the key-rack and turns around. SUNSET looks around his apartment and notices that all of ANNETTE’S things are gone. Their photo albums aren’t on the coffee table, their record collection is half of what it was, and the magnet letters on the refrigerator spell out WE NEED TO TALK.
INT. SUNSET’S PHOENIX APPARTMENT – CONTINUOUS –
SUNSET turns to the right of the refrigerator and sees his phone charger. SUNSET plugs the charger to the nearby outlet, pulls his phone out of his pocket, and connects the phone to the charger. SUNSET turns the phone on and starts text messaging frantically.
CUT TO:
INT. SHANNON’S HOUSE
SHANNON and ANNETTE are sitting on SHANNON’S couch drinking wine while watching the original Beverly Hills 90210. ANNETTE’S phone vibrates and lights up next to her. ANNETTE picks up the phone. The screen reads, 3 NEW MESSAGES from SUNSET. ANNETTE hits the ignore button and continues watching the show.
CUT TO:
INT. SUNSET’S PHOENIX APPARTMENT – CONTINUOUS –
SUNSET moves throughout his apartment. He paces around the place smoking cigarettes, periodically checking his phone. SUNSET sits on the foot of his bed, struggling to play the guitar. He gives up, walks into the kitchen, and takes a bottle of whiskey out of the cabinet. SUNSET starts drinking straight from the bottle. He takes a big drink, wipes his face off, and stares at the magnet letters on the refrigerator that read, WE NEED TO TALK.
SUNSET
Then answer your phone.
SUNSET leans against the refrigerator. He lifts his right arm and drinks from the bottle.
CUT TO:
INT. SUNSET’S PHOENIX APPARTMENT – BATHROOM – Daylight
SUNSET looks into his reflection in the bathroom mirror as he drinks a from a whiskey tumbler. SUNSET puts the tumbler down on the counter and walks to the kitchen. SUNSET looks down at his suitcase, then looks up to the kitchen counter where his cellular phone is charging. He grabs his phone and disconnects it from the charger, then places the charger in the suitcase. SUNSET scrolls threw his phone and sees that he has no new text messages. He types,” flight 313 connecting to lax. 1030. Love you.”
SUNSET sends the text message and puts the phone in his pocket. He picks up his suitcase, turns out the lights, and walks out the front door.
CUT TO:
EXT. PHOENIX SKY HARBOR AIRPORT – DEPARTURES CURB – Daytime
SUNET gets out of the taxi with his suitcase and guitar case in hand. He walks up to the baggage counter and signals the attendant.
BAGGAGE ATTENDANT
What’s up cowboy?
SUNSET
You’re looking at it man.
BAGGAGE ATTENDANT
One of those, huh? Where are we headed today?
SUNSET hands the BAGGAGE ATTENDANT his flight ticket.
SUNSET
I don’t know. Japan sounds good.
BAGGAGE ATTENDANT
Oh shit! Japan? You famous or something?
SUNSET
Yeah. Or something.
The BAGGAGE ATTENDANT hands SUNSET back his ticket after he’s checked his baggage.
BAGGAGE ATTENDANT
You know where you’re going from here man?
SUNSET
I’ve been here before. I know where the bar is.
SUNSET picks up his guitar and suitcase and heads towards the airports ground level entrance.
INT. PHOENIX SKY HARBOR AIRPORT – CANTINA BAR — Daytime
SUNSET finishes off his whiskey and slams the tumbler on the bar. He stands up, pays for the drink, and leaves the bar. SUNSET walks past the airport vendors and shops until he reaches the moving sidewalk. SUNSET stops walking, and sets down his suitcase as THE POLLYPHONIC SPREE’S, Follow the Sun plays in the background.
CUT TO:
INT. PHOENIX SKY HARBOR AIRPORT – JETWAY—Daytime
SUNSET walks through the Jetway, hands the FLIGHT ATTENDANT his ticket, and boards the plane.
INT. BOEING 747 PASSENGER PLANE – FUSELAGE – Daytime
SUNSET walks through the plane while glancing at his ticket, trying to locate his seat. SUNSET finds his seat and sits down.
CUT TO:
INT. BOEING 747 PASSENGER PLANE –FUSELAGE– Nighttime
SUNSET sits in the same seat in what appears to be a different airplane. He’s sunken into his seat with his eyes closed when he hears a familiar voice humming in the background. SUNSET recognizes the tune as NEUTRAL MILK HOTEL’S, Aeroplane Over the Sea. SUNSET instinctively starts humming along. SUNSET turns around to find out who’s humming the song and sees ANNETTE. She is seated three rows behind him in her polka dot dress.
SUNSET and ANNETTE unbuckle their seatbelts, stand up, and meet in the aisle with tears in their eyes.
ANNETTE
You think I’d let you go to Japan without me?
SUNSET and ANNETTE throw their arms around one another and kiss passionately. SUNSET holds ANNETTE’s hand and pulls her toward his seat. ANNETTE sits in the empty seat next to SUNSET and buckles her seatbelt. SUNSET sits down and does the same. SUNSET wipes the tears off ANNETTE’s face with the back of his hand.
ANNETTE
I’m tired baby.
SUNSET
Me too, baby. It’s been a long month.
ANNETTE
I’m so tired, I don’t even want to think about it.
SUNSET kisses ANNETTE’s forehead and holds her tight.
SUNSET
It’s okay baby. Everything’s going to be okay.
ANNETTE
Promise?
SUNSET
Of course I do. Let’s get some sleep, we’ve got a lot of catching up to do.
ANNETTE snuggles in closer to SUNSET
ANNETTE
Okay baby. It’s good to be home.
SUNSET holds ANNETTE closer and kisses her forehead as they both drift off to sleep.
CUT TO:
EXT. FUNERAL HOME SAFFORD, ARIZONA – DAYTIME (DREAM SEQUENCE) –
TEENAGE SUNSET’S MOTHER and extended family are seated at the gravesite in a memorial service, all dressed in their Sunday best.
CUT TO:
EXT. TEENAGE SUNSET’S HOME –DAYTIME –
Two women walk towards the front door. The chubby woman with the mole is carrying a Tupperware container full of casserole, this is BARB. The woman to her left is carrying a bundt cake with chocolate frosting, this is LISA.
BARB and LISA scuttle to the front door and ring the doorbell.
BARB
She must be a wreck. I can’t imagine.
LISA
I can’t imagine
EXT. TEENAGE SUNSET’S HOME –DAYTIME –
The door opens to TEENAGE SUNSET, wearing his fathers’ shirt from the hospital.
TEENAGE SUNSET
Hi. Thanks for coming. My mom’s in the kitchen.
BARB
Thanks dear
INT. TEENAGE SUNSET’S HOME – DAYTIME – Continuous
TEENAGE SUNSET moves out of the way to let BARB and LISA through and closes the door behind them.
LISA
If you or your mother need anything darling, you pick up the phone. You hear me?
TEENAGE SUNSET
Yes Ms. KNUDSON.
TEENAGE SUNSET walks the ladies to the kitchen where his mother DEE greets them.
DEE
Oh you’re early, give me a moment to put myself together.
INT. TEENAGE SUNSET’S HOME – KITCHEN –
TEENAGE SUNSET and DEE leave the kitchen. DEE walks down the hallway toward the master bedroom, and TEENAGE SUNSET walks into the LIVING ROOM, where TEENAGE ANNETTE is watching television on the couch.
INT. TEENAGE SUNSET’S HOME – LIVING ROOM –continuous
TEENAGE SUNSET and ANNETE sit on the sofa watching The Price Is Right when they start to accidently overhear BARB and LISA’S conversation in the KITCHEN.
BARB
I can’t imagine having to raise a boy like him on my own.
LISA
The poor thing.
BARB
I hear he’s been getting into all sorts of trouble at school.
LISA
And why’s he wearing that shirt?
BARB
Don’t you think it’s strange that he’s still wearing it? Wearing his dead father’s clothes like that. It’s unsettling.
LISA
The poor thing.
INT. TEENAGE SUNSET’S HOME – LIVING ROOM – Continuous
TEENAGE ANNETTE looks at TEENAGE SUNSET and sees his glossy eyes. TEENAGE SUNSET storms off the couch and walks down the hallway toward his room.
TEENAGE ANNETTE
SUNSET!
TEENAGE ANNETTE gets off of the sofa and walks down the hallway toward TEENAGE SUNSET’S room.
INT. TEENAGE SUNSET’S HOME – TEENAGE SUNSET’S BEDROOM –
TEENAGE ANNETTE sits on the bed next to TEENAGE SUNSET and rests her head on his shoulder. TEENAGE SUNSET kisses her forehead.
TEENAGE ANNETTE
Thanks. I needed that.
TEENAGE SUNSET
Do you think I’m weird?
TEENAGE ANNETTE
Absolutely.
TEENAGE SUNSET closes his eyes and leans in to kiss TEENAGE ANNETTE. When he opens his eyes, TEENAGE ANNETTE has changed into the DARK HAIRED SIDUCTRESS.
CUT TO:
INT. BOEING 747 PASSENGER PLANE – FUSELAGE – night time
SUNSET wakes up violently as the interior of the FUSELAGE is being shaken. The luggage from the overhead compartments is spilling out to the cabin, falling on passengers as the oxygen masks deploy. The emergency lights are flickering and the alarm begins to sound. ANNETTE opens her eyes and looks at SUNSET.
SUNSET looks behind ANNETTE and out the cabin window. SUNSET sees a pocket of thick black smoke billowing out of the wing, then flames. ANNETTE looks out the window.
ANNETTE
Oh my god.
SUNSET
Hold on.
SUNSET AND ANNETTE hold one another crouching in their seats. The passengers in the cabin are screaming and pleading for god all around. The plane shakes violently. Passengers are flailing and flying throughout the cabin.
SUNSET
What was that?! Jesus, is that an engine?
ANNETTE
I don’t know baby. I love you. I’m scared.
SUNSET
I love you too.
CUT TO:
EXT. PACIFIC OCEAN – Nighttime –
The BOEING 747 PASSENGER PLANE crashes into the water. The initial impact causes the FUSELAGE to breach and flood.
CUT TO:
INT. BOEING 747 PASSENGER PLANE – Nighttime –
The passenger cabin is flooded with ocean water. Dead passengers and luggage are floating on the surface of the ocean water as it continues to fill the FUSELAGE. The emergency lights are flashing and the exposed wiring is sparking. SUNSET is underwater, struggling to swim towards the surface light. SUNSET pushes a floating passenger out of the way and emerges from the water, gasping for air. The right side of SUNSET’S face has a large laceration from the initial collision. SUNSET wades through the FUCILAGE, pushing bodies out of the way as he searches for an exit.
SUNSET
ANNETTE!
SUNSET swims through the area and makes his way toward the original section he and ANNETTE were seated in. As he treads water looking for ANNETTE, he bumps into bodies and debris. SUNSET recognizes ANNETTE’S polka dot dress and discovers her lifeless body.
SUNSET
ANNETTE!
SUNSET
Oh God! Oh God!
SUNSET
NO! ANNETTE!
SUNSET checks ANNETTE’S pulse frantically and presses his face against hers to feel for life.
SUNSET
I’m here. I’m here.
SUNSET begins to weep, coughing intermittently as their bodies bob up and down in the water. Having grown weaker and fatigued from the crash, SUNSET looks at ANNETTE, kisses her forehead, and stops struggling to stay afloat.
SUNSET slowly sinks below the wreckage.
STRANGE VOICE
SUNSET.
SUNSET opens his eyes and looks around to find the source of the strange voice. A woman’s hand appears from behind SUNSET. The woman’s hand grabs SUNSET by the scalp, and violently jerks his head backwards. SUNSET looks up and sees the DARK HAIRED SEDUCTRESS from his earlier dreams.
DARK HAIRED SEDUCTRESS
Listen carefully SUNSET. I need for you to write me a song. In return, I will give you and ANNETTE eternal life. Can you do that for me SUNSET? Will you write me a song?
SUNSET flails and thrashes in the water as the DARK HAIRED SEDUCTRESS holds her grip to his scalp. SUNSET uses the last of the oxygen left in his lungs to scream.
SUNSET
YES!
FADE TO BLACK:
Heavy breathing. The sound of dripping water; approaching footsteps.
OPEN TO:
SUNSET’s eyes open as he lays dripping wet on a glistening black tile floor. He hears the footsteps come closer.
DARK HAIRED SEDUCTRESS
Hello there. I’m very excited to finally get to meet you in the flesh, so to speak.
SUNSET looks up and sees the DARK HAIRED SEDUCTRESS standing above him. She is the most beautifully destructive creature he has ever seen. Her features are all sharp. Her eyes are both illuminating and empty, and her hair is a tangled mass that seems to have a life of its’ own.
SUNSET looks around. He is surrounded by black emptiness.
SUNSET
Where’s Annette? Where am I?
DARK HAIRED SEDUCTRESS
She’s safe. And you’re here with me.
THE DARK HAIRED SEDUCTRESS reaches down and extends her hand to SUNSET. SUNSET grabs her hand and she lifts him off the ground and to his feet.
SUNSET
And who are you?
DARK HAIRED SEDUCTRESS
Well that all depends on who you ask. I’ve been called a lot of things..
SUNSET
Am I dead?
DARK HAIRED SEDUCTRESS
No, not yet.
SUNSET grabs the DARK HAIRED SEDUCTRESSES forearm and jerks her towards him.
SUNSET
Listen lady, I’m tired of this passive aggressive dream bullshit. Let’s cut to the chase already. Why don’t you start by telling me who you are, then we can get to what’s been happening to me?
The DARK HAIRED SEDUCTRESS jerks SUNSET’s hand off of her arm.
DARK HAIRED SEDUCTRESS
You know who and what I am clever boy. You’re much smarter than you let on.
SUNSET
Okay. So what does THE DEVIL want with me?
THE DEVIL
I want to cash in on my investment.
THE DEVIL turns away from SUNSET. As she moves, smoke seems to follow her body.
THE DEVIL
You’re one of my last puzzle pieces, my dark and mysterious star, my pan.
The smoke surrounding her body wafts through the darkness toward SUNSET. SUNSET seems to be hypnotized by the smoke as it delicately glides around him. The smoke materializes into images of violence spanning the time of man. The dark ages, guillotines, Napoleon, public hangings, the k.k.k., War, public stoning, nuclear explosions.
SUNSET
What does any of this have to do with me?
THE DEVIL
You are my pan. My minstral. My messenger.
The smoke materializes into an old tarot card, the Capricorn, the devil.
THE DEVIL
You were born under my sign SUNSET. At a time where my star; Saturn, was particularly bright.
SUNSET
Sorry, I don’t read my horoscope.
The smoke materializes into images of Nostradamus, Isaac Newton, Howard Hughes, and Elvis.
THE DEVIL
You are just a one last link at the end of a long chain SUNSET. I have been orchestrating this meeting of ours for a very long time.
The smoke materializes into images of SUNSET’s father JONAH on his hospital bed, into SUNSET’s mother DEE’s car accident. The smoke materializes into images of TEENAGE SUNSET practicing guitar, an image of TEENAGE SUNSET and TEENAGE ANNETTE kissing. The smoke materializes into images of SUNSET’s crashed 1969 AMX, serving in TENT CITY, and boarding the airplane to Japan.
THE DEVIL
I always hated this part. Watching you tear up as you realize that your life can be summed up in thirty seconds. You should’ve seen some of the others, nothing but waterworks.
SUNSET
I’ve seen enough. What do you want?
THE DEVIL
I want a song SUNSET. I want you to write and record for me, the best song you have ever written. And I want it soon.
SUNSET
Why can’t you write your own damn song?
THE DEVIL
It’s not an option. I need you. I need your gift of persuasion and your free will. I need your song to help persuade those sitting on the edge, to make it easier for them to hear my message and join my army.
SUNSET
What if I say no?
THE DEVIL
You won’t.
The smoke materializes to the image of ANNETTE floating in the ocean water.
THE DEVIL
You can have her back, you can have your life back SUNSET. You have three days.
FADE TO BLACK:
INT. SUNSET’S PHOENIX APT. – BEDROOM – Daytime
SUNSET opens his left eye and looks at the clock on the dresser next to the bed. The clock’s display reads –:–:–. SUNSET rolls over and sees the back of ANNETTE’S head as she sleeps. He runs his fingers through her hair and rests his hand on her shoulder. SUNSET sits up and puts his feet on the ground as he rubs his eyes, a regular part of his morning routine. A morning news show plays softly on the television.
INT. SUNSET’S PHOENIX APT. – KITCHEN – Continuous
SUNSET stands up and walks into the kitchen, he opens the refrigerator door and takes out a gallon of water. SUNSET takes his skeleton mug off of the hanger and pours the water into the mug, then places the gallon of water back into the refrigerator.
INT. SUNSET’S PHOENIX APT. – BEDROOM — Continuous
The sound of the refrigerator door shutting wakes ANNETTE. She moans slightly and smiles as she opens her eyes. ANNETTE sits up, puts her feet on the ground, and stretches her arms. From her viewpoint, she can see SUNSET with his back to her in the KITCHEN, as he drinks from his skeleton mug.
ANNETTE
Hey baby. I had the strangest dream
SUNSET
Weird, me too. ANNETTE?
SUNSET turns around and faces ANNETTE. She sees the wounds on his face and gasps in horror.
ANNETTE
SUNSET! Your face! What happened to your face?
SUNSET
What? What’s wrong?
SUNSET touches his face in panic. He feels the wound on the right side of his face. SUNSET looks at the television in the bedroom, which is showing SUNSET’S mug shot and ANNETTE’S press photo side by side. Images of plane wreckage and debris in the ocean are playing on the screen. SUNSET points to the television.
SUNSET
Look! Did you dream about dying on an airplane with me last night?
ANNETTE looks at the television.
SUNSET
Because that was our flight.
SUNSET walks into the BEDROOM and grabs the television remote off of the nightstand. He turns the volume up.
ANNETTE
Oh my God.
CUT TO:
TELEVISION – CHANNEL 5 ACTION NEWS –
The gentleman behind the desk with the microphone is BRETT DEAN, CHANNEL 5’S ACTION NEWSCASTER. Footage of the wreckage and rescue effort are being broadcasted in the window to the left of BRETT DEAN.
BRETT DEAN
Late last night, Flight 313 from LA to Japan experienced engine failure and crashed into the Pacific Ocean. Rescue efforts continue, but as of now there are no known survivors. Rescue workers have been able to identify all but two of the passengers listed on the passenger log, SUNSET JONES and ANNETTE HEARST. The search continues.
TELEVISION – CHANNEL 5 ACTION NEWS – Continuous
The two photos of SUNSET and ANNETTE are plastered across the screen
CUT TO:
INT. SUNSET’S PHOENIX APT. –BEDROOM – Continuous
SUNSET uses the remote to turn off the television.
ANNETTE
Jesus SUNSET, what are we going to do? What are we going to tell everyone? How did we get here? How are we alive?
SUNSET
One thing at a time baby. We’re here because she wants us here.
SUNSET reaches to the nightstand and grabs his pack of cigarettes.
ANNETTE
Who?
SUNSET
The devil.
SUNSET taps out a Camel light and puts the cigarette to his mouth. ANNETTE grabs the lighter on the nightstand and lights the cigarette for SUNSET.
SUNSET
It started about two weeks ago, when she first came to me in my dreams.
SUNSET breathes in the smoke and exhales.
SUNSET
I kept having these dreams about my dad, you know the way he died, the funeral, all of it. She was always there, she was in every one. Then last night, just before the crash, I dreamed of her again. I woke up seconds before the crash, and when I came to, everyone was dead.
ANNETTE starts to cry.
SUNSET
I found you, but it was too late. I couldn’t do anything to save you, so I gave up, I stopped fighting. I closed my eyes and let myself sink, but she grabbed me. She told me that she would bring you back and give us eternal life if I wrote her a song.
ANNETTE
Who is she?
SUNSET
I told you baby. She’s the devil. She took that plane down, and now she wants her song.
SUNSET pulls his cellular phone out of his pocket and dials a number. The phone rings.
SUNSET
JOHNNY.
JOHNNY GORE
SUNSET?! Are you alive, you son of a –
SUNSET
Let’s talk about it at the STUDIO.
SUNSET hangs up and puts the phone back in his pants pocket. He takes a long look at ANNETTE.
CUT TO:
EXT. SUNSET’S PHOENIX APT. – PARKING AREA – Daytime –
SUNSET and ANNETTE open the gate and arrive in their back alley PARKING AREA, backpacks in hand. SUNSET gets on his 1980 Harley Davidson sportster and puts the keys in the ignition.
HE pulls his pack of Camel lights out of his pocket, taps out two cigarettes, and puts the pack back in his pocket. SUNSET hands ANNETTE the cigarette. ANNETTE takes the cigarette and puts it to her lips. SUNSET puts his cigarette to his lips and takes the lighter out of his pocket. He lights ANNETTE’s cigarette and then his own.
SUNSET kick starts the motor and rides out of the PARKING AREA with ANNETTE, who is casually holding to SUNSET’s stomach with her free hand.
EXT. 7th STREET – PHOENIX, ARIZONA – Daytime –
SUNSET and ANNETTE leave SUNSET’S PHOENIX APT. and ride to the STUDIO.
SUNSET VOICEOVER
It took a minute, but we made sense of everything. I can’t say that ANNETTE was happy with me, but she knew deep down that she’d have done the same thing.
We knew that everyone would be looking for us so we headed for our one sanctuary. The one place we could change our fate, the STUDIO. the SUNSET RIDER BAND were the only people who knew its’ location.
EXT. THE SUNSET RIDER STUDIO – PHOENIX, ARIZONA – Daylight –
SUNSET and ANNETTE pull into the SUNSET RIDER STUDIO parking garage on the motorcycle and park. They get off of the bike and walk to the metal roller door. SUNSET grabs his keys and unlocks the metal roller door padlock. SUNSET pulls the metal roller door up, revealing the entryway of the SUNSET RIDER STUDIO.
SUNSET and ANNETTE walk past the metal roller door and pull it down behind them, leaving it unlocked for JOHNNY GORE. They arrive at the front door to the SUNSET RIDER STUDIO and SUNSET puts the key in to unlock the door.
SUNSET
I think I’ve got it figured out baby.
ANNETTE
I think that you’ve doomed us.
EXT. THE SUNSET RIDER STUDIO – PARKING AREA – Continuous –
SUNSET unlocks and opens the door for ANNETTE. ANNETTE walks into THE SUNSET RIDER STUDIO and SUNSET follows her, closing the door behind them.
SUNSET
You might be right.
CUT TO:
INT. THE SUNSET RIDER STUDIO – DAYTIIME –
SUNSET and ANNETTE are sitting on the black leather sofa. SUNSET is strumming his acoustic guitar and smoking a cigarette. They both look exhausted. The front door opens and JOHNNY GORE walks in.
JOHNNY GORE
You three legged son of a bitch! You got more lives than a cat or something?
SUNSET and ANNETTE
JOHNNY!
SUNSET puts the guitar down and he and ANNETTE get up from the sofa to greet JOHNNY GORE. When SUNSET steps closer towards JOHNNY and into the light, JOHNNY sees the gashes across the right side of SUNSET’S face.
JOHNNY GORE
Yeesh. You had a doctor check that thing out yet?
SUNSET
Oh this, this is nothing. You should see the other guy.
JOHNNY GORE
It’s good to see you brother.
JOHNNY and SUNSET throw their arms around one another like lost brothers in war. JOHNNY starts to tear up. After having their moment, JOHNNY notices ANNETTE.
JOHNNY GORE
How are you holding up sunshine?
ANNETTE
I’m hanging in there, JOHNNY.
JOHNNY GORE
Well, the both of you have certainly seen some better days. ANNETTE darlin’, you can’t let this alley cat drag you into all his trouble.
SUNSET
Hey!
ANNETTE
I’m afraid we’re in it deep this time JOHNNY, neck deep.
SUNSET
And we’re gonna need some help on this one.
JOHNNY GORE
Well why don’t you start off by telling me how you two survived this plane crash, and just what kind of trouble you’ve got yourselves into.
SUNSET pulls out his pack of cigarettes from his pocket. He taps out a cigarette, puts it to his lips and lights it. He inhales the smoke, and puts the pack back in his pocket.
SUNSET exhales.
SUNSET
I made a deal with the devil.
JOHNNY GORE
What? You’re full of shit. You’ve lost your god damn mind.
ANNETTE
No. He’s not. We died, and he made a deal with the devil to bring us back.
JOHNNY GORE
Why? What’s the devil want with you?
SUNSET
A song, the devil wants me to write a song for her.
JOHNNY GORE
She told you that?
SUNSET
You bet.
JOHNNY GORE
Why does the devil need for you to write her a song? What about Black Sabbath or Robert Johnson? What about Judas fucking Priest?
SUNSET
I don’t know why, JOHNNY! I just know that we died, she brought us back, and now she wants her song.
JOHNNY GORE
So are you going to give it to her?
SUNSET flicks the ash off of his cigarette and takes another drag.
SUNSET
One way or another we have too, but I’ve got a plan.
ANNETTE
Let’s hear it.
SUNSET exhales, blowing smoke across the room.
SUNSET
She told me that she needs a song right?
ANNETTE
I don’t know. I was dead, remember?
SUNSET
Yes. I remember. Do you remember the story of Faust?
ANNETTE
I think so, but it was a long time ago.
JOHNNY GORE
Oh my God. You’re Faust. You’re Faust, SUNSET.
SUNSET
That’s right, I’m Faust.
ANNETTE
Who’s Faust?
JOHNNY GORE
Faust was a man who was on a quest to discover the true essence of life. He was unsatisfied with the limitations of his knowledge and power, right?. So, this lustful heart of his soon attracted the devil. She gave him knowledge and power in exchange for his soul.
ANNETTE
You are Faust.
SUNSET
Yeah, but Faust got knowledge and power for his soul. I got nothing.
ANNETTE
What about the dreams?
JOHNNY GORE
What dreams?
SUNSET
She comes to me in my dreams JOHNNY. She’s been doing it for weeks now. I always try to fight it, but I wake up with a melody, a riff, or words. I wake up with a song, JOHNNY. I wake up with her song.
JOHNNY GORE
That’s great, you can finally write some hit songs, make us rich.
SUNSET
No, it’s not great. The longer I live with this thing, the faster it changes me. The devil is slowly eating away at my soul JOHNNY, I’ll be gone in three days.
ANNETTE
So how is Faust going to help us?
SUNSET
He’s not baby, He’s dead. But he found a way to save his own tail.
JOHNNY GORE
That’s right. He accepted that GOD could never forgive him for his sins, so he lived the rest of his life trying to help others. But he did get to keep his soul, because he was forgiven.
ANNETTE
Wait, does that mean that he dies?
ANNETTE grips tight to SUNSET’S arm.
SUNSET
Yes. And I’m going to die too darlin’, It’s the only way. But first, we’ve got take care of some business.
INT. THE SUNSET RIDER STUDIO – DAYTIME – Continuous
JOHNNY GORE
What do you need from me?
SUNSET
I need for you to get the band here in an hour.
JOHNNY GORE
Why so soon?
SUNSET
Cuz we’ve got to make this record and play it for the people. And we’ve got two days to do it.
ANNETTE
Two days?
SUNSET
Two days.
JOHNNY GORE
When are we supposed to sleep?
SUNSET
You’ll figure it out.
ANNETTE
When are you going to sleep?
SUNSET
I’m not. I know what I need to do to make this work. She comes to me in my dreams, and I can’t afford to let her in here.
SUNSET points to his head.
JOHNNY GORE
God Damn! How do I always let you get us into this shit? You’re telling me that we’re going to be stuck in here for the next two days with your zombie ass?
SUNSET
Not a zombie JOHNNY. Faust, remember?
ANNETTE
We’re not dead, we just don’t have souls. Kind of like a stripper.
JOHNNY GORE
Alright, I’ve got it. Is there anything else that you need from me before I get the boys?
SUNSET leans in close to JOHNNY and whispers something in his ear. JOHNNY smiles and shakes SUNSET’S hand, grinning ear to ear. JOHNNY opens the door behind him and waves goodbye to SUNSET and ANNETTE.
JOHNNY
I’m glad that you’re alive, you son of a bitch.
SUNSET
Thanks chief, me too.
INT. THE SUNSET RIDER STUDIO – DAYTIME – Continuous
JOHNNY walks out and closes the door behind him. SUNSET walks into the main control room and turns the lights on. Once he can see everything, SUNSET starts turning the computer and all of the equipment on.
ANNETTE
What are you doing?
SUNSET
Getting ready baby, I’ve got a song I need you to hear.
SUNSET turns on the computer monitor and opens the studio’s recording software. ANNETTE walks into the main control room.
INT. THE SUNSET RIDER STUDIO – MAIN CONTROL ROOM — Continuous
ANNETTE
Well it better be good. The anticipation, it’s killing me.
SUNSET
You’re hilarious. Trust me though, it’s good. Can you set up a new session for me while I set up the piano?
ANNETTE
Sure baby.
SUNSET walks into the isolation room and turns on the lights. He pulls the electronic keyboard from the corner and sets it up on the stand. He plugs the keyboard in, and sets up a room microphone in front of the piano. SUNSET sits down at the piano and places the headphones over his ears, looking at ANNETTE through the control room glass.
ANNETTE speaks to SUNSET through the control room microphone, SUNSET hears ANNETTE through his headphones in the isolation room.
ANNETTE
What are we calling this?
SUNSET
The Heartache.
ANNETTE
You ready?
SUNSET nods and begins to play the song. As the song plays, the lyrics affect ANNETTE and she breaks down and cries. SUNSET finishes the song and looks up to the control room, but does not see ANNETTE.
He takes the headphones off and places them on the keyboard. He walks out of the isolation room and towards the front door. SUNSET opens the door and looks deep into the parking garage, ANNETTE is nowhere to be found. SUNSET sighs.
CUT TO:
INT. SHANNON’S 1954 FORD 2 DOOR PICK UP – DAYTIME –
SHANNON is smoking a cigarette as ANNETTE gets in the truck.
ANNETTE
Got one for me?
SHANNON
Sure thing, they’re in my purse.
SHANNON points to her purse on the floor and then shifts into gear.
ANNETTE
Thanks SHANNON.
SHANNON
No problem doll, that’s what they’re there for.
ANNETTE opens SHANNON’S cigarette case and takes out a cigarette.
SHANNON
Where exactly did you want to go?
ANNETTE
Anywhere but here right now. I need a drink.
SHANNON
Let’s go to the yucca.
ANNETTE lights her cigarette.
OPEN TO:
EXT. YUCCA TAP ROOM PARKING LOT – Afternoon
SHANNON and ANNETTE park, get out of SHANNON’S truck, and walk towards the entrance.
CUT TO:
INT. YUCCA TAP ROOM – BAR AREA – Afternoon
SHANNON and ANNETTE walk through the door and take a seat at the BAR. SHANNON waves to the REDHEAD behind the bar.
SHANNON
Two brandy sours please.
REDHEAD BARTENDER
You got it ladies.
The REDHEAD BARTENDER starts making the drinks.
CUT TO:
EXT. SUNSET’S PHOENIX APPARTMENT – Daytime –
JOHNNY GORE pulls into the gas station across the street and parks his black 1969 El Camino SS. JOHHNY looks across the street at the apartment and sees the action 5 news van and two police cruisers parked out front. He walks past a teenage Hispanic kid and into the gas station. JOHNNY browses the aisles. He picks up a small cap gun and a lollipop and pays the cashier. Johnny walks outside of the gas station and the REVEREND HORTON HEAT song, Psychobilly Freakout plays. JOHNNY puts the lollipop in his mouth and takes the cap gun out of its wrapping.
JOHNNY turns to the teenage Hispanic kid.
JOHNNY GORE
Hey kid, you wanna’ make fifty bucks?
CUT TO:
EXT. SUNSET’S PHOENIX APPARTMENT – Daytime – Continuous
The TEENAGE HISPANIC kid walks to the front of the apartment where the police and reporters are and starts shooting the cap gun at the PHOENIX POLICE OFFICERS.
TEENAGE HISPANIC KID
La Migra! La Migra! Puntas!
The PHOENIX POLICE OFFICERS get annoyed and chase after him.
Just around the corner, JOHNNY GORE breaks the back bathroom window with a brick. JOHNNY clears the glass, unlocks the window, and pushes it up. JOHHNY squirms through the bathroom window and clumsily falls into the shower, knocking the shower curtain down with him.
JOHNNY gets out of the shower and back to his feet. He walks into the bedroom and starts going through SUNSETS dresser.
CUT TO:
INT. THE YUCCA TAP ROOM – BAR AREA – Dusk
SHANNON and ANNETTE continue their conversation.
SHANNON
So, are you going to tell me what’s going on? How you’re alive? Anything?
ANNETTE
Small talk, huh? Okay. Here it goes. The plane crashed, we died, SUNSET sold our souls to the devil, and now she wants a song.
The REDHEAD BARTENDER returns with their brandy sours.
REDHEAD BARTENDER
Here you go ladies, that’ll be ten bucks.
SHANNON slides fifteen dollars with her hand toward the REDHEAD BARTENDER.
SHANNON
Thanks babe, keep it.
Both of the girls take a sip of their drink.
SHANNON
So you’re like, a zombie?
ANNETTE
No. We died, we’re not the un-dead.
SHANNON
And SUNSET made a deal with the devil?
ANNETTE
He sure did.
SHANNON
So that’s why you look like hell.
ANNETTE
SHANNON!
The girls start to laugh.
FADE TO:
INT. THE SUNSET RIDER STUDIO – ISOLATION ROOM – Night time –
SUNSET is recording guitar tracks in the ISOLATION ROOM when JOHNNY and CHAN walk through the front door. The boys set their keys down and JOHNNY walks back to the CONTROL ROOM. JOHNNY sits down at the computer and watches SUNSET through the glass divider as he finishes the song.
JOHNNY waits for SUNSET to put his guitar down before he enters the ISOLATION ROOM.
JOHNNY GORE
Dude, I don’t even know what you’re playing, but you’ve got it.
SUNSET
Thanks JOHNNY. I laid down the basic rhythm for six of the tracks. You boys can take it from here.
JOHNNY GORE
You kidding me?
SUNSET
No sir, nothing but the best for my boys.
JOHNNY GORE
Sounds like your deal with the devil must’ve paid off.
SUNSET
Yeah, something like that.
JOHNNY GORE
Oh yeah, I gotcha something.
SUNSET
You got it?
JOHNNY GORE
Sure did pal, it’s perfect for her. She’s gonna love lt.
JOHNNY pulls out a black engagement ring box and hands it to SUNSET
SUNSET
Thanks buddy, I just hope that she comes back so I can give it to her.
JOHNNY GORE
She’ll be back. She just needs time to get it off her chest, you know? If I know ANNETTE, she’s probably sitting at some dive bar next to SHANNON right now.
SUNSET
Yeah, you’re probably right. Thanks JOHNNY. Hey man, I’m gonna walk around the parking area for a bit to clear my head. You boys good with finishing up what we’ve got here?
JOHNNY GORE
You got it.
CUT TO:
INT. YUCCA TAP ROOM – BAR AREA – Night time
SHANNON and ANNETTE are still perched at the bar, and they look like they’ve had a few rounds. The girls toast each other with their shot glasses full of whiskey.
SHANNON
Okay, this one’s for SUNSET. The man that loved you so much, he couldn’t watch you die.
ANNETTE
He did watch me die.
SHANNON
I wasn’t finished! He loved you so much, that he couldn’t watch you die without cursing you both for eternity. That’s love.
ANNETTE
To SUNSET.
SHANNON and ANNETTE touch glasses and take their shots.
SHANNON
But he loves you babe. He can’t live without you. You know that, right?
ANNETTE
I know SHANNON, I just wish I had some sort of say in the matter. I wish you could know what this feels like, you know?
SHANNON
What does it feel like?
ANNETTE
Empty. It feels like I’m alone in a big, white, empty room. It feels like my skin is crawling on my bones, trying to leave my body.
SHANNON
Ouch.
ANNETTE
Yeah. It feels like withdrawals, but it’s not like my body’s hurting to feel something, it’s like I’m hurting to feel anything.
SHANNON
Well ANNETTE, there’s one thing I know for sure.
ANNETTE
What’s that?
SHANNON
Your man is feeling the same thing.
ANNETTE closes her eyes and takes a deep breath. She exhales.
ANNETTE
I should go back to studio.
SHANNON
You should go back to him.
CUT TO:
INT. THE SUNSET RIDER STUDIO – MAIN ROOM – Night time –
The lighting has been dimmed and candles are lit. SUNSET is sitting on the black leather sofa strumming his guitar. ANNETTE walks through the front door.
ANNETTE
SUNSET?
SUNSET
Hey babe.
ANNETTE
Where’d everyone go?
SUNSET
Well, the boys and I finished most of the record today, so I gave them the rest of the night off.
ANNETTE
Really? What about my parts?
SUNSET
You can do it all tomorrow before the show. Besides, we need a night off.
SUNSET puts the guitar down and walks toward ANNETTE.
SUNSET
Baby, I know that you’re mad at me and what I’m doing doesn’t make much sense, but you need to know that I’m nothing without you. What we’re feeling right now, this painful isolation, it’s just what she’s using to push us apart.
ANNETTE
What do you mean baby?
SUNSET
Love baby. Love isn’t something that anyone can take away. She’s just trying to push us apart by confusing us and making us feel empty inside. But our love is stronger than that, isn’t it?
ANNETTE
Of course it is.
SUNSET
I’m not writing these god damn songs for her, and I’m certainly not letting her think that she can take away something that was never hers to begin with. Do you believe in me baby?
ANNETTE
You know I do.
SUNSET
Do you believe in us?
ANNETTE and SUNSET begin to tear up, ANNETTE wipes tears from her cheek.
ANNETTE
With all of my heart.
SUNSET gently wipes a tear away from her eye
SUNSET
See baby? She can’t win, not with a love like ours.
SUNSET gets down on bended knee and pulls out the engagement ring.
SUNSET
ANNETTE HEARST, you are the love of my life. I’ve loved you since the first time I saw you in that hospital bed when we were just kids, and I knew that one day I’d get the courage to ask you this question. ANNETTE HEARST, will you marry me?
ANNETTE
Yes! Of course I will.
SUNSET gently slides the engagement ring on ANNETTE’S ring finger. They kiss passionately as they pull each other’s bodies closer. ANNETTE peels off his shirt between their heated kisses, and SUNSET kicks off his shoes and unbuttons ANNETTE’s pants.
ANNETTE pushes SUNSET down on the sofa and straddles him as she takes off her shirt.
ANNETTE
You had to wait until we died before I got a ring out of you?
SUNSET
I tried to give it to you at the Bellagio.
ANNETTE
Well I’m not going anywhere tonight.
SUNSET and ANNETTE continue to make out as SUNSET unhooks ANNETTE’S bra. ANNETTE slides her bra straps off her shoulders and pushes her chest into SUNSET’S face. SUNSET kisses her chest and makes his way up her collar bone, then to her neck. ANNETTE moans with desire and slips her hand into SUNSET’S unzipped fly.
CUT TO:
INT. THE SUNSET RIDER STUDIO – Night time – SUNSET’S DREAM SEQUENCE
SUNSET and ANNETTE are in the nude, sleeping on the black leather sofa. SUNSET wakes up, smokes a cigarette, and walks into the ISOLATION ROOM. SUNSET sits down with his guitar and begins to strum. As SUNSET strums the guitar, two female hands start to rub his shoulders and caress his chest. SUNSET moans with desire and keeps strumming.
SUNSET
I didn’t know you were up, I hope I didn’t wake you.
THE DEVIL
You didn’t darling, I’m just here to check on my investment.
Startled, SUNSET jumps up and knocks the guitar to the ground. SUNSET turns around to see THE DEVIL standing naked in front of him. SUNSET tries to cover himself with his hands
THE DEVIL
OH, don’t be embarrassed, I’ve seen it all.
SUNSET
I bet you have.
THE DEVIL
You’re not too impressive, but nothing to laugh at either.
SUNSET
I want you out of my head. I’m doing what you asked of me, you’ll have your song.
THE DEVIL
Are you? Will I? Don’t fool with me SUNSET. I’m not someone you want to have on your bad side for all of eternity. I hope you plan on playing my song tomorrow night at your little concert.
SUNSET
I’ll play it, but you can’t have the record yet. I need two days.
THE DEVIL
Don’t fuck me SUNSET, I will have that song one way or another.
SUNSET
Why do you need for me to write it anyway? Can’t you just write your own fucking song?
THE DEVIL
Don’t be juvenile, we’ve gone over this. I could write orchestras around your four chord arrangements. That’s not why I chose you.
SUNSET
Why did you choose me?
THE DEVIL
Because SUNSET, I need something that you have. A message is meaningless unless it comes from someone who has everything to lose. You can’t fake that.
SUNSET looks through the ISOLATION ROOM window at ANNETTE, who is sleeping peacefully on the black leather sofa.
THE DEVIL
You have your two days. But don’t cross me SUNSET, I will have my song. And you and ANNETTE will have your overrated mortality again.
CUT TO:
INT. THE SUNSET RIDER STUDIO – MAIN ROOM – Continuous
SUNSET and ANNETTE are in the nude, sleeping on the black leather sofa. SUNSET opens his eyes and exhales violently. SUNSET gets off the bed, picks up his acoustic guitar, and walks to the CONTROL ROOM.
OPEN TO:
INT. THE SUNSET RIDER STUDIO – CONTROL ROOM – Continuous
SUNSET turns on the computer and the rest of the recording equipment. He opens the recording software and steps away from the computer, toward the CONTROL ROOM door.
OPEN TO:
INT. THE SUNSET RIDER STUDIO – ISOLATION ROOM —
SUNSET walks into the isolation room, and sets up the microphone next to the drum kit. He plugs in the headphones and quickly tunes his guitar. After setting down his guitar, SUNSET leaves the ISOLATION ROOM and walks back into the CONTROL ROOM.
CUT TO:
INT. THE SUNSET RIDER STUDIO – CONTROL ROOM –
SUNSET walks to the computer and clicks the mouse on the record button, then leaves the room.
OPEN TO:
INT. THE SUNSET RIDER STUDIO – ISOLATION ROOM –
SUNSET picks up his acoustic guitar and takes a seat next to the microphone stand. He begins to strum the guitar.
DISOLVE:
OPEN TO:
INT. THE SUNSET RIDER STUDIO – MAIN ROOM –
ANNETTE wakes up, gets dressed, and begins making coffee. While ANNETTE makes coffee, JOHNNY GORE and CHAN walk through the door. The boys set down their bags and guitar cases and hang their keys on the key rack.
CUT TO:
EXT. THE SUNSET RIDER STUDIO – MAIN ENTRANCE – Daytime
SUNSET smokes a cigarette and thinks while the band is working inside the studio.
SUNSET VOICEOVER
It all came together so fast. I mean, after ANNETTE made coffee, the boys came in and we finished the entire record in about eight hours.
CUT TO:
INT. THE SUNSET RIDER STUDIO – CONTROL ROOM –
JOHNNY GORE is sitting at the computer while SUNSET stares at the screen behind him.
SUNSET
There. Start it right
JOHNNY GORE
That’s only about a minute, SUNSET. Are you sure about this?
SUNSET
One hundred percent. That’s her part, that’s all I’m giving her.
JOHNNY GORE
But is it enough, man? Is that going to be long enough?
SUNSET
I know what you meant JOHNNY, it’ll be long enough for one of us.
JOHNNY GORE
Alright brother, I was just hoping you’d say something else. Let’s do it.
JOHNNY clicks the mouse on the send button. A file transfer screen pops up, indicating that the transfer will be complete in 24 hours.
CUT TO:
EXT. MILL AVE – TEMPE, ARIZONA – Dusk
The SUNSET RIDER VAN Is following SUNSET and ANNETTE on their motorcycle as they make their way to the MARQUEE THEATER. ANNETTE holds tight to SUNSET’S stomach and rests her head on his back.
EXT. MARQUEE THEATER PARKING LOT – Continuous
SUNSET and ANNETTE arrive at the ENTERTAINMENT PARKING AREA entrance with the SUNSET RIDER VAN directly behind them. The security guard approaches their vehicles.
SECURITY GUARD
Holy shit! It really is you. I had to be here tonight man, I thought you were dead.
SUNSET
Not yet, John.
JOHN THE SECURITY GUARD
It’s a good thing too man, the phone’s been ringing off the hook about this show! I hope you’re ready to give it to em’ tonight.
ANNETTE
He is. We are.
JOHN THE SECURITY GUARD
Well, alright. You guys make it around to the back and I’ll make sure no one sees you.
SUNSET
Thanks John, I’d appreciate that.
JOHN THE SECURITY GUARD
You got it son. Give ‘em Hell.
SUNSET
I plan on it.
EXT. MARQUEE THEATER PARKING LOT – ENTERTAINEMENT PARKING AREA – Continuous
SUNSET pulls into their parking spot and the SUNSET RIDER VAN pull in next to them. SUNSET and ANNETTE get off the motorcycle and SUNSET lights up a cigarette. JOHNNY and the boys get out the van and start unloading the equipment.
JOHNNY GORE
MOOSE has been calling me non-stop SUNSET, you going to talk to him?
SUNSET
I don’t have much to say to him, JOHNNY. I’m sure we’ll see him around.
JOHNNY GORE
Oh, you can bet we will. He’s been scratching at me like a god-damned badger.
SUNSET
I’ll settle up with him, but now aint the time. I’ve got a lot on my mind and he’s the last on my list. I’ll see you boys inside.
JOHNNY GORE
Alright.
SUNSET
Hey CHAN?
CHAN
Yeah?
SUNSET
Does your cousin still work at that church? The one we used to play at?
CHAN
Yeah.
SUNSET
Good, we’re gonna need it tomorrow night.
CHAN
What? Why?
SUNSET
There’s gonna be a wedding.
CHAN
Sweet, it’s about time. I was wondering when you were gonna start treating her right.
ANNETTE
Thanks, CHAN.
SUNSET
Tomorrow night? Can you make it happen?
CHAN
I can try, what time?
ANNETTE
SUNSET.
SUNSET and ANNETTE walk through the BACKSTAGE ENTRANCE, and into the MARQUEE THEATER.
CUT TO:
INT. MARQUEE THEATER – BACKSTAGE AREA – Continuous
SUNSET and ANNETTE walk through the BACKSTAGE AREA and into the SUNSET RIDER BAND greenroom.
INT. MARQUEE THEATER – BACKSTAGE AREA – SUNSET RIDER BAND GREENROOM – Continuous
SUNSET walks behind the bar and pulls out two tumbler glasses, a bottle of whiskey, and a can of coca-cola. SUNSET mixes the drinks, walks to ANNETTE and hands her the jack and coke.
ANNETTE
Thanks baby.
After handing her the glass, SUNSET begins to shake noticeably.
ANNETTE
Babe, you alright?
SUNSET
No.
SUNSET closes his eyes tightly and bites down on his lip as tears fall down his cheeks, and into his wound. ANNETTE wipes the tears from his face and holds him tightly, resting her head on his shoulders.
SUNSET
I’m not ready, I’m not ready to leave yet. I’m not ready to leave you.
ANNETTE
You’ll never leave me baby, I’m not letting you go anywhere.
INT. MARQUEE THEATER – BACKSTAGE AREA –SUNSET RIDER GREENROOM – Continuous
CHAN and JOHNNY GORE walk into the SUNSET RIDER GREENROOM with their guitar cases in hand.
CHAN
Oh, sorry guys.
ANNETTE
No problem CHAN, we were just getting ready to celebrate.
ANNETTE kisses SUNSET’S cheek and walks to the BAR. She takes out three more glasses, and one coca-cola, and mixes the drinks for the boys.
JOHNNY GORE
You okay, boss?
SUNSET
No, but it’d be real strange if I was.
ANNETTE grabs the glasses from the BAR and passes them off to CHAN and JOHNNY GORE.
SUNSET
Listen boys, tonight’s going to be my last show with you fellas, so I’d like to make this short and sweet. I’ve been fortunate in my life, I’ve had the opportunity to share this music that is so important to me with some of the best people I know, and I’ve been lucky enough to call those people my friends.
Tomorrow night I’m going to marry the love of my life, but I don’t know if I’m going to be able to protect her much longer. I know I can count on you guys to look after her if I don’t make it. So let’s make tonight one for the history books. Now let’s raise our glasses.
ANNETTE and the boys fight the tears as they raise their glasses for a toast.
SUNSET
Here’s to the lovers.
EVERYONE
To the lovers!
Everyone clicks their glasses.
CUT TO:
EXT. MARQUEE THEATER – MAIN ENTRANCE – Night time
ACTION 5 NEWSCASTER BRETT DEAN is reporting outside the entrance of the MARQUEE THEATER with his camera man and producer. BRETT DEAN is reporting to the camera.
BRETT DEAN
I’m here in TEMPE, ARIZONA just outside of the MARQUEE THEATER. In just a few moments the SUNSET RIDER BAND is scheduled to perform at this sold out concert. Just three days ago, SUNSET JONES and ANNETTE HEARST, the founding members of the band, were reported missing in the tragic crash of flight 313 from Los Angeles to Tokyo.
This concert was announced just yesterday on the SUNSET RIDER BAND website, amidst rumors and speculation that these local artists did in fact survive the accident. Authorities have not been able to locate their bodies in the wreckage, and neither SUNSET or ANNETTE have any surviving relatives. THE SUNSET RIDER BAND’S MANAGER, who goes by the name MOOSE, had this to say earlier.
CUT TO:
MOOSE is being interviewed by BRETT DEAN in a previously recorded video clip.
MOOSE
I didn’t book this concert. I don’t know what’s happening. I have had absolutely no contact with the band since I heard the tragic news three days ago BRETT, I –
BRETT
The SUNSET RIDER BAND is streaming tonight’s live performance for free on their website at www.thesunsetriderlives.com . Both fans and non-believers will surely be glued to their screens in the next few minutes if only to see if these two local musicians did in fact, survive that plane crash.
CUT TO:
INT. MARQUEE THEATER – TEMPE, ARIZONA – night time
A large crowd is gathered in front of the stage. Dark red stage lights cover the main stage, the SUNSET RIDER theme music plays softly and the crowd quiets down.
The main spotlight comes on revealing SUNSET standing center stage with his head bowed. The crowd goes wild. SUNSET’S black fedora casts a shadow on over his scarred face.
SUNSET
Ah shucks, did you miss me?
The crowd cheers as SUNSET lifts his head, revealing his scarred face.
It’s been a long week ladies and gentlemen, but I’m glad we made it out alive.
CHAN begins to strum the opening chords for the SUNSET RIDER song, “Sometimes I feel like an animal.” As the band plays the song, the crowd becomes hypnotized by the music. Their eyes light up in the darkness of the theater as they rock back and forth like zombies. THE SUNSET RIDER BAND continues to play their set.
The band finishes their set with a triumphant performance of “These monsters.” As the SUNSET RIDER BAND walks off of the stage, the hypnotic affect on the crowd seems to disappear. The crowd cheers uncontrollably.
SUNSET returns to the stage and walks to the center microphone.
SUNSET
Thank you.
SUNSET turns to his right and walks off the stage.
CUT TO:
INT. THE MARQUEE THEATER, TEMPE, ARIZONA — THE SUNSET RIDER BAND GREENROOM –
Door opens.
MOOSE
I had to see it to believe it.
SUNSET enters the room.
SUNSET
MOOSE.
MOOSE
Don’t MOOSE me God-damn it! I thought you were both dead! I’ve been calling both of you and no one’s told me a fucking thing! Why did you do this? Why are you boxing me out and keeping me in the dark? What did I do?
SUNSET
Nothing MOOSE, you didn’t do anything! You didn’t talk to ANNETTE or the boys when I was in the tents, you didn’t give a shit about my sanity, and when I needed a break you threw us on that fucking plane!
MOOSE
I’m your manager damn it! I did what I had to do to keep this operation afloat and to keep you alive!
SUNSET
Well, you failed. And you’re not my manager, not anymore.
MOOSE
We have a contract, asshole!
ANNETTE
You had a contract, MOOSE. With THE SUNET RIDER BAND.
MOOSE
What do you mean, had?
SUNSET
We changed our name, you’re looking at THE SUNSET RIDER and THE SKELETON ARMY now.
MOOSE laughs.
MOOSE
That’s a stupid name.
SUNSET
Maybe, but we’re releasing our record online, tomorrow night for free. And you won’t see a penny, man.
MOOSE
You are such an arrogant prick.
SUNSET
That might be true, but I don’t have to answer to you anymore. None of us do.
CHAN
So get the fuck out of our dressing room!
MOOSE
Fine.
As MOOSE walks out, he turns to SUNSET and ANNETTE.
MOOSE
You know what? I’m glad I put you on that plane, both of you.
SUNSET punches MOOSE in the face. MOOSE hits the bar and falls to the ground.
SUNSET
Watch your fucking mouth.
SUNSET looks at CHAN
SUNSET
CHAN, did you talk to your cousin yet?
CHAN
Sure did boss, we’re good to go.
SUNSET
Right on, it’s going to be one hell of a wedding.
EXT. THE MARQUEE THEATER—GUEST PARKING LOT – Nighttime – Continuous
As SUNSET and ANNETTE walk out of the back ext, JOHN THE SECURITY GUARD approaches.
JOHN THE SECURITY GUARD
Hey guys, there are cops all over here. I don’t know if they’re going to let you leave.
SUNSET pulls his keys out o his pocket and tosses them to JOHN THE SECURITY GUARD.
SUNSET
Can you do me one last favor JOHN?
CUT TO:
EXT. THE MARQUEE THEATER—GUEST PARKING LOT – Nighttime – Continuous
JOHN leaves the parking lot on SUNSETS motorcycle, followed by three police cruisers. THE SUNSET RIDER VAN leaves the parking lot with SUNSET and ANNETTE hiding under a blanket in the back with the equipment.
The SUNSET RIDER VAN pulls in to the back parking area of the SUNSET RIDER STUDIO. SUNSET and ANNETTE get out of the van and wave goodbye to the boys. SUNSET unlocks and opens the back door, and they walk in.
SUNSET turns on the STUDIO lights.
SUNSET
Baby, I –
ANNETTE
No baby, no more words. Not tonight.
ANNETTE turns the STUDIO lights off.
ANNETTE starts to kiss SUNSET passionately. He wraps his arms around her and she can feel his body shaking. ANNETTE holds him tight to her body and eases him onto the couch. ANNETTE kisses the curve of his neck and down to his collarbone, SUNSET brushes the hair out of her face and delicately kisses her lips.
SUNSET
I’m afraid I’m not gonna be much good to you tonight darling, I just don’t-
ANNETTE
Stop that. You’ve been nothing but good to me baby. I just want to hold you.
ANNETTE rests her head on SUNSETS chest and listens to his heartbeat. SUNSET smiles as a tear falls down his cheek.
FADE TO:
INT. THE SUNSET RIDER STUDIO- Daytime-
SUNSET opens his eyes. He gently maneuvers his body out from under ANNETTE and rests her head on the couch. SUNSET picks his cellular phone off the table and sends a text message to DEBBIE that says, “I’m ready. Harlow’s at noon.”
SUNSET sits down and writes a letter. SUNSET places the letter in an envelope and writes My Love on the envelope. He places the envelope on the coffee table next to the couch, looks at ANNETTE and walks out the door.
CUT TO:
EXT. HARLOWS RESTARUANT — TEMPE, ARIZONA – Noon
SUNSET gets out of a yellow taxi, flicks his cigarette, and walks into HARLOWS.
INT. HARLOWS RESTATUANT – TEMPE, ARIZONA – Continuous
SUNSET walks through the front door and looks around the restaurant. SUNSET spots DEBBIE and meets her at the booth.
SUNSET
Nice to see you again sweetheart, you ready to make a deal?
DEBBIE
I came prepared SUNSET, I always do. Please, Sit. You look awful.
SUNSET
I wonder why.
SUNSET sits down in the booth across from DEBBIE. The waitress approaches the table.
HARLOWS WAITRESS
Why hello there, welcome to HARLOWS. What can I get you today?
SUNSET
Coffee please. And two eggs, over-easy.
HARLOWS WAITRESS
And for you ma’am?
DEBBIE
I’m fine with the water, thank you.
The HARLOWS WAITRESS leaves the table.
DEBBIE
You’re not going to beat her SUNSET. You understand that right?
SUNSET
I’m not trying to beat her.
DEBBIE
Good, she’ll win. She always does. You had a terrific show last night SUNSET, over a million views on the SUNSET RIDER website. That’s a million new fans that are just itchin’ to get their hands on this single you’ve brought me.
SUNSET
A million?
DEBBIE
And some change.
DEBBIE reaches underneath the table and pulls out a few papers. DEBBIE puts the papers on the table in front of SUNSET. The HARLOWS WAITRESS is back at their table.
HARLOWS WAITRESS
Here’s your coffee, and your eggs will be up shortly. Cream is to the left.
SUNSET
Thanks doll.
The HARLOWS WAITRESS leaves again. SUNSET sips his coffee and skims over the papers.
SUNSET
Okay. I’ll sign over the single to you. Just one thing though-
DEBBIE
What’s that handsome?
SUNSET
We keep the record. We’re going to put it up on the website, for donations only. And the band gets to keep all of the profit.
DEBBIE
Fine. I don’t care about the record and neither does she. We just want These Monsters, that’s the single, that’s the kicker, and that’s the missing puzzle piece. You’ve seen what it can do. Keep your record. Deal.
SUNSET
Do you have a pen.
DEBBIE
Oh, we don’t need a pen.
DEBBIE pricks SUNSETS index finger with a needle. SUNSETS finger bleeds.
SUNSET
Ouch.
DEBBIE
That’ll do, now just press your finger on the dotted line.
SUNSET presses his bloody finger on the signature line of the paper and his signature materializes in blood. SUNSET presses the other two forms and hands the papers back to DEBBIE. SUNSET wipes his finger on his napkin.
SUNSET
Are we done here?
DEBBIE
Not quite, where’s the single?
SUNSET pulls a plastic compact disc case out of his jacket and hands it to DEBBIE.
DEBBIE
Fantastic. We are very pleased. I’ll listen to it on the drive back to the office.
SUNSET
You can’t. It’s time-coded. You’ll be able to hear it at 6pm tonight. The password is on the disc.
DEBBIE
I sure hope that you’re not up to anything SUNSET. We have very big plans for you.
SUNSET
I promise I won’t disappoint.
The HARLOWS WAITRESS returns to their table with SUNSETS eggs.
HARLOWS WAITRESS
Alright, two eggs overeasy.
THE HARLOWS WAITRESS puts the plate on the table as SUNSET gets out of the booth.
SUNSET
Thanks doll, she’s got the tab.
HARLOWS WAITRESS
What?
SUNSET
Thanks for believing DEBBIE, it’s been real.
DEBBIE
Where are you going SUNSET?
SUNSET
I’ve got to get to church on time.
SUNSET smirks at DEBBIE and leaves the restaurant. The David Bowie song ,Church On Time is plays in the background.
CUT TO:
INT. SHANNON’S HOUSE – Daytime
ANNETTE is sitting in a chair as SHANNON is curling her hair and helping her with her makeup. The girls are laughing and drinking wine.
CUT TO:
INT. THE SUNSET RIDER STUDIO – Daytime
CHAN and SUNSET are getting dressed in their Sunday finest and drinking beer. JOHNNY GORE is standing in the entryway smoking a cigarette. SUNSETS hands are shaking as he adjusts his tie.
CUT TO:
INT. SHANNONS HOUSE – Daytime
ANNETTE is helping SHANNON zip into her dress. ANNETTE puts on her stockings. SHANNON and ANNETE put on their fake eyelashes and eyeliner. ANNETTE blots her lipstick carefully.
CUT TO:
EXT. THE SUNSET RIDER STUDIO – Dusk
CHAN, JOHNNY GORE and SUNSET walk out of the SUNSET RIDER STUDIO and lock the door behind them. SUNSET takes some pills and chases them down with whatever is in JOHNNY GORE’S flask.
CUT TO:
INT. SHANNON’S HOUSE – Daytime
SHANNON and ANNETTE walk out of the house and lock the door behind them. ANNETTE is wearing her wedding dress. The girls look beautiful as they climb into SHANNON’S 1954 Ford 2-door pickup.
CUT TO:
INT. HISTORIC FIRST PRESPRETERIAN CHURCH – PHOENIX, ARIZONA – SUNSET
The church pews are full of close friends dressed in their Sunday best. SUNSET stands next to the preacher. JOHNNY GORE and CHAN are standing next to SUNSET as RYAN ADAMS’S acoustic version of the song, “It takes two” plays.
JOHNNY nudges SUNSET at gives him a smile as the song plays. The music stops and the church organist begins playing the wedding march.
CUT TO:
INT- HISTORIC FIRST PRESPRETERIAN CHURCH – PHOENIX, ARIZONA – SUNSET
The doors open and SHANNON walks down the aisle followed by the other bridesmaids. SUNSET raises his head and looks up to see ANNETTE walking through the doors, wearing her mother’s wedding dress. SUNSET smiles, then sighs quietly.
ANNETTE and the BRIDESMAIDS find their places in the procession and the wedding march stops.
The PREACHER clears his throat.
PREACHER
Friends, we are gathered here today to acknowledge and confirm the eternal bond between these two blessed souls. We are here to share in this moment the miracle of love and its’ ability to bring even the deepest darkness to light. Through our journey in this life we often come to a crossroad, a moment where must make a choice to see the path before us as an obstacle or as an opportunity. In my life I was given the opportunity to share my journey with both SUNSET and ANNETTE’S parents, and I know that they are here with us today, watching these two as they begin their journey together.
And I know that they’re smiling.
SUNSET and ANNETTE tear up.
PREACHER
SUNSET, I know how deep your love for this woman is.
SUNSET
Yes sir.
PREACHER
ANNETTE, I’ve seen the heartache that this boy has given you over the years.
ANNETTE
Yes he has.
PREACHER
So I’m not going to waste our time today with a sentimental exchange of vows, when you’ve already written and recorded records as a testament to your love.
SUNSET
Okay.
PREACHER
Besides, you’ve been hogging the spotlight for too long.
The guests laugh.
PREACHER
May I have the rings?
JOHNNY GORE and SHANNON hand the wedding bands to SUNSET and ANNETTE
PREACHER
SUNSET, do you promise to take ANNETTE HEARST to be your lawful wedded bride, to love and to honor, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?
SUNSET
I do.
ANNETTE slides the wedding band on SUNSET’S ring finger
PREACHER
ANNETTE, do you promise to take SUNSETJONES to be your lawful wedded husband, to love and to honor, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?
ANNETTE
I do.
SUNSET slides the wedding band on ANNETTE’s ring finger as tears fall down her cheek.
A thick black cloud of smoke creeps in from the back of the church and wafts its way to the front of the front of the aisle where the ceremony has just taken place.
The PREACHER coughs.
PREACHER
Then I now pronounce you man and wife.
The thick black cloud forms to the shape of a woman. The DARK HAIRED SEDUCTRESS; THE DEVIL. THE DEVIL looks around quickly and turns to face SUNSET.
THE DEVIL
NO!
THE DEVIL raiser her arms and fire comes from the ground, encircling the wedding party.
THE DEVIL
We had a deal, SUNSET! You can’t give yourself to her, you still belong to me! Both of you do!
The wedding party scatters towards the edge of the flaming circle, but can’t escape.
JOHNNY GORE
Holy shit, he was right.
THE DEVIL grabs SUNSET’S throat with her left hand and lifts him off the ground. SUNSET gasps for air and struggles to get free. ANNETTE screams.
THE DEVIL
Where is my song!
ANNETTE
Just give her the song, SUNSET!
THE DEVIL glares menacingly at ANNETTE, then back at SUNSET.
THE DEVIL
You have my song?
SUNSET struggles to get free
SUNSET
Yes. I have your song.
THE DEVIL
Where is it?
SUNSET
You have to let me down first.
THE DEVIL releases SUNSET’S neck and he falls to the ground. SUNSET tries desperately to catch his breath.
THE DEVIL
Where is it!?
SUNSET reaches into his tuxedo jacket and pulls out a compact disc with the words, “THE CURSE” written on the label.
THE DEVIL
Give it to me, now.
SUNSET
You listen here you dirty old bitch, I’m not giving you a damn thing until you let her go.
THE DEVIL breathes in heavily then exhales. SUNSET glares at her with the disc in his hand. THE DEVIL grabs the compact disc with her right hand and kicks SUNSET down.
THE DEVIL
Okay. I’ll let her go.
THE DEVIL points to ANNETTE. ANNETTE’S skin color comes back and her sunken eyes return to their natural state. ANNETTE inhales.
THE DEVIL looks across the room and located the stereo system. THE DEVIL quickly makes her way to the stereo system as smoke trails behind her. The wedding party watches from the circle of flames.
THE DEVIL turns on the stereo system and puts the compact disc in. She turns around to face SUNSET and ANNETTE.
THE DEVIL
Am I going to like it?
SUNSET
Why don’t we find out.
THE DEVIL presses play and moves toward SUNSET and ANNETTE. The song plays over the house speakers. The guests eyes light up as they become hypnotized by the sound.
THE DEVIL
I think I like it.
SUNSET looks down and checks his wristwatch. The timer is counting down from 59 seconds.
THE DEVIL
I don’t know why I should be surprised. After all, I do have an excellent taste for talent.
SUNSET
This has nothing to do with you.
SUNSET pulls out a bottle of amphetamines, pops the lid, and pours out the pills. He wipes makeup off of the left side of his face to reveal his weathered skin. The affects of sleep deprivation on the body is evident in SUNSET’S appearance.
SUNSET’S wristwatch beeps. The song becomes silent. The guests regain their consciousness and become coherent again as the songs hypnotic affects seem to dissipate. THE DEVIL screams.
SUNSET
I didn’t write your fucking songs, I’m not going to write your fucking songs! I got what I want.
SUNSET looks at ANNETTE
THE DEVIL
You arrogant little shit! You disrespectful, insolent boy!
The encompassing circle of fire seems to intensify as THE DEVIL’S gets angrier.
THE DEVIL
Now you will spend eternity writing songs for me in HELL!
THE DEVIL kicks SUNSET, he flies across the room and falls violently to the ground. SUNSET crawls back up to his knees and coughs up some blood.
A beaten and disheveled SUNSET sways back and forth on his knees, trying to maintain balance. The fire all around is causing beads of sweat to drip down his bloody face. THE DEVIL’S clenched fist strikes his face.
INT. HISTORIC FIRST PRESPRETERIAN CHURCH – PHOENIX, ARIZONA – CONTINUOUS
SUNSET
Is that the best you’ve got?
THE DEVIL grabs SUNSET by the back of his jacket and hurls him into a nearby pew. The pew breaks and splintered pieces scatter around. SUNSET reaches for a sharp piece. THE DEVIL grabs SUNSET by the neck and lifts him off the ground. SUNSET gasps for air and thrashes his arms. THE DEVIL bends down and picks up a sharp piece of the pew.
THE DEVIL glares deep into SUNSET’S eyes and grins.
THE DEVIL thrusts the piece of wood into SUNSET’S chest.
ANNETTE screams.
ANNETTE
SUNSET!
SUNSET looks down to see the wooden piece lodged just below his ribs. Blood is everywhere.
SUNSET
A.. ANNETTE. I’m sorry.
ANNETTE wipes away tears
ANNETTE
I know baby.
THE DEVIL drops SUNSET to the ground and turns to face ANNETTE
THE DEVIL
You got a good man, darling.
ANNETTE
I know I do.
THE DEVIL
But all good things come to an end.
THE DEVIL disappears in her black cloud of smoke, ANNETTE rushes to SUNSET. ANNETTE kneels down and wraps her arms around him.
SUNSET
I did good, right baby?
ANNETTE
Yeah baby, you did good.
The guests and wedding party rush around the two lovers. SUNSET slowly moves his hand over ANNETTE’S stomach.
SUNSET
I don’t have much longer in this beautiful world baby, but I’m glad you’re the last thing that I’m gonna see.
ANNETTE
You’re not going anywhere baby, you’re faust, remember?
SUNSET
Sure baby, I’m faust. Listen gorgeous, I may not have left you with much but some great memories…
ANNETTE
SUNSET, don’t.
SUNSET moves his hand directly on ANNETTE’S abdomen and presses down.
SUNSET
But I left you something to remember me by.
ANNETTE’S eyes light up as she feels the child growing inside of her.
Heartbeat.
DISOLVE TO SUNSET RIDER LOGO:
ROLL CREDITS. END.
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