YOU HAVE
7 DAYS TO LIVE
1. outside country house - ext. / night
An ancient house, standing lonely in the middle of a deserted landscape in Northern Germany; lying there like a sleeping giant under the starry sky.
But something seems strange: All of the windows and doors have been nailed shut.
Text chart:"1976"
The headlights of a car pierce the darkness. A car halts in the yard. Three MEN step out. One of them is wearing a police uniform. The men switch on their flashlights and look around.
man #1
How long has the house already been like this?
KARL LINDNER, a keen police officer in his late thirties, approaches the entrance door. He speaks in a calm, hoarse voice.
lindner
No idea. I haven't seen them in weeks.
Lindner makes himself a picture of the situation.
He rings the doorbell. Nothing stirs inside the house. Then, he tries to get a look inside through one of the nailed-shut windows.
Through the cracks, he can barely make out a faint pulsating light.
lindner
I haven't seen them in weeks.
The three men exchange looks.
With a heavy heart, Lindner makes his decision:
lindner
We're going in.
The third man fetches a crowbar and prepares to open the door with it.
2. entrance area / country house - int. / night
The house door breaks open with a loud crack.
On the floor below the mail slot, there are piles of mail and unread newspapers which the door pushes out of the way as it opens.
The three men cautiously enter. They look around. The hallway is as dark as night. Lindner tries the light switch - nothing. The only light comes from a TV-set running in the living room.
3. living room - int. / night
The three of them enter the living room. Disgusted, the first man holds a handkerchief to his mouth.
man #1
Pooh, what a stench...
There is a massive armchair in the center of the room, in front of the television. - There seems to be someone sitting in it. In the darkness we cannot recognize who it is.
Lindner carefully steps closer.
The second man stops in front of a large, dark stain on the wall. He touches it, draws back his hand and inspects it - blood.
Lindner slowly walks around the armchair.
lindner
My God... Marlene...!
During the next flicker of light from the television, we recognize the corpse of a woman around forty years of age.
Suddenly, Lindner hears something behind him - breathing!
He turns around.
Indeed, hidden in the semi-darkness, there is the shadow of a figure squatting on the floor.
lindner
Frank... Hell, what happened in here?
Lindner carefully approaches the figure.
It is a man, FRANK KOSINSKI. He looks scrawny, all skin and bones, with a pale and hollow face.
He doesn't pay the least attention to Lindner. Mesmerized, he just stares at the dead woman in the armchair.
The "first man" follows the direction the man is looking in and takes a careful look at the dead woman. Something seems to be irritating him.
man #1
Now that's really odd.
man #2
What? What is it?
man #1
I'd say she drowned...
Lindner leans over to the lethargic man in the shadows.
lindner
Frank...!?
He gently touches his shoulder. At the same moment, Kosinski seems to snap out of it.
He begins to scream in wild panic - loud, heartrending!
CUT TO:
4. title sequence
A photo montage of corpses, preserved in the swamps over hundreds and thousands of years: children, old people, warriors, farmers with hair stained red from the humin acid, bony extremities and shriveled faces with skin that resembles an ancient landscape ...
... FADE TO:
5. landscape of swamps in northern germany - ext. / day
The structures of the corpses' skin fade into pictures of a vast landscape of heaths, forests and moors.
An expensive offroad vehicle is leading a sports car along a deserted country road. It's a wonderful late-summer's day. The two cars take a bend...
6. outside country house - ext. / day
... into the driveway of the same old house. It lies peacefully in the afternoon sun. The gravel crunches underneath the tires.
A large moving truck is already parked outside.
Title chart:"23 years later"
7. offroad vehicle - int. / day
Driving the Jeep is ELLEN STRAUB, an attractive, self-assured woman of approx. 30 years.
Asleep on the passenger's seat beside her is her husband MARTIN, who in no way resembles the cliché of the successful author - he has a rather boyish charisma and is a bit too attractive.
Ellen stops the car and takes out some house keys. She holds them right up to her sleeping husband's ear. Then, she shakes them. They tinkle.
ellen
(playful)
Sir, we have arrived at your residence.
Martin blinks and takes the keys.
martin
Thank you, James.
The two of them step out of the car.
8. in front of the house - ext. / day
Also getting out of their sports car are PAUL - a dynamic looking man in his mid-forties - and his wife CLAUDIA. Despite their careful choice of casual dress, they still look like the epitome of snobbish city people.
They take a look around. Time has left it's marks on the old house:Like an enchanted castle, it is camouflaged in waist-high grass and wildly ranking shrubs.
Paul and Claudia exchange skeptic looks.
Paul
Well, look here!
martin
Ladies and gentlemen: The "Straub country-residence".
Claudia
It looks more like the "Straub ruins".
Paul
Welcome to the far end of the world.
Ellen contradicts.
ellen
The lap of nature. Where's your famous optimism?
Two REMOVAL MEN climb out of the truck. One of them is still chewing on his lunch.
He points at his watch as he addresses Martin.
removal man
Lunch break is ‘til one o'clock.
martin
(sarcastic)
Sure, take your time.
(to Ellen)
They get a lunch break before they even start working.
Cool job.
Laughing, the four of them enter the house.
9. entrance area - int. / day
They step into the entrance area. The golden sunlight shines in stripes through the shutters. The house is old, monumental. One senses the centuries.
A staircase leads upstairs, the rooms on the first floor are the kitchen and living room. A heavy wooden door opens to the cellar stairs.
martin
The country residence offers everything the doctor ordered for a stressed author needs: fresh air, clean water and - most of all - absolute peace and quiet.
Paul walks upstairs. The staircase creaks.
Paul
This wood is pretty decayed. Hope I don't land a floor lower.
ellen
Although it would give you a perfect opportunity to visit our new wine cellar.
Claudia
How old is this shack, anyway?
ellen
Four hundred years. Come on, I'll give you a tour of the museum...
(blinking an eye at Martin and Paul)
...while our husbands already get to work.
CUT TO:
10. in front of the house - ext. / day
Martin and Paul are lugging a heavy desk out of the truck. As opposed to the two removal men, they are really working hard.
Paul
Damn, this thing is heavy. Where do you want to have it?
martin
Tenth floor.
Paul
Very funny.
CUT TO:
11. study - int. / day
Sweating, Martin and Paul are trying to push the desk through the narrow door to the study. They are doing a pretty awkward job of it.
Martin's hand brushes the door frame - a splinter.
martin
Shit!
Martin draws back his hand. He's hurt.
Paul
What's the matter?
Martin presses a handkerchief on the wound and has a closer look at the door frame.
It is totally splintered, as if someone had forcefully broken the door open!
martin
Look at this. The lock is totally demolished.
Paul
I guess someone lost their key. You did get your tetanus shots, I hope?
Martin is still looking at the broken lock.
martin
I mean, seriously: It is strange, isn't it?
Paul puts it off. Only now does he have a better look around the room.
Paul
So what if it is. There hasn't been anyone in this house for at least ten years.
The study is covered with dust, the walls are stained and full of cobwebs - blind, high arched windows. Single pieces of furniture that the previous owner left behind in this spacious room.
martin
Twenty-three, to be exact.
Paul
I wonder how you guys figure on renovating this whole place. You can afford to spend some money. If I was you, I'd spare myself all the hard work. Besides, didn't you want to start writing again?
Martin suddenly seems lost in thought.
martin
Yeah sure, I will. Give me a little more time.
Paul gives him a downcast look.
Paul
If you throw away your career, that won't change anything either. Now don't get me wrong, but I'm telling you this as your friend:Your last books were awful. The publishing house isn't even sure whether to extend your contract.
Martin takes the handkerchief from his wound and looks at it.
martin
I don't care about my career right now, Paul. Ellen and I need to get our minds on other things, first. After everything we've been through.
12. kitchen - int. / day
Ellen is dragging a moving carton full of dishes into the kitchen. It seems to be very heavy. Claudia hooks up a radio and switches it on. We hear a cheerful oldie (Life could be a Dream).
The song seems to bring back memories to Ellen:She stares at the radio.
(Transformation from radio to:)
13. dining room of city apartment - int. / day
Flashback:
Ellen, Martin and their son THOMAS (8 years old) are joined at the breakfast table. The radio is on - it's playing the same tune.
The little boy is totally absorbed with his Game-boy.
Martin sets a bowl of cornflakes and fresh fruit on the table.
martin
Here, partner:A breakfast for champions.
The little boy rolls his eyes and turns back to his Game-boy.
thomas
I can't right now! I'm about to break the high-score!
Ellen gets into the discussion.
ellen
You do that. But first, eat your breakfast, Tommi.
Now, Thomas reacts. He puts the Game-boy on the table.
He continues the game with one hand, while he obediently shovels the breakfast cereal into his mouth with the other.
martin
Goes to show again who's in command around here.
Martin gives Ellen a playful pat on the behind and kisses her.
ellen
(joking)
Sometimes I get the feeling you only love me for my body.
Martin grins.
martin
Why else?
ellen
Come on, say it. You know...
Martin seems to know exactly what Ellen wants to hear.
martin
Oh no, not again. I just said it for you last week.
For a moment, the two of them stop paying attention to their son. Suddenly, Thomas grabs his throat. He swallowed wrong. He chokes without making a sound.
ellen
Say it anyway. Come on, how much do you love me?
martin
(quotes)
"With you, my life began
and with you shall it end..."
Ellen gives him her most beautiful smile. Martin responds with a short kiss.
At the same time, they hear the Game-boy fall to the floor. It immediately draws their attention to Thomas.
The little boy is desperately gasping for air. His face is already starting to turn blue.
Martin runs to him.
martin
Tommi, what's the matter?
He pats Thomas on the back, attempting to clear his throat.
ellen
What is it? What's wrong with him?
Thomas coughs, choking, but he can't get his throat clear. Martin recognizes the situation.
martin
(yells)
This is serious! Quick, call emergency!
Ellen hurries to the phone.
Martin realizes that hitting Thomas' back is not doing any good. He uses his finger to try to get the swallowed piece out of his son's throat.
For Thomas, it is a battle against death.
Ellen has gotten through to the emergency line. She speaks into the phone with distress.
ellen
This is Straub. You have to come, fast! My son, he swallowed something... Quick, he's choking to death...
Martin's attempts at helping his son remain futile. Thomas is beginning to lose conscience.
Martin sweeps the table free of dishes in a single move and lays the little boy down flat. He reaches for a sharp fruit knife.
Ellen comes running.
ellen
What are you doing?
Martin holds the tip of the knife to the boy's throat. It's not easy, since his son is wildly kicking around himself.
martin
I have to cut his windpipe...
ellen
(horrified)
You're not a doctor, you'll hurt him!
martin
(screams)
What else should I do, damn it, he's dying!
Again, Martin prepares to cut - he holds the knife to the larynx. The boy's movements grow weaker.
ellen
Too high, you're way too far up... you have to cut here...
She points at the spot below the larynx while holding her little son tight.
martin
Ellen, move aside...
ellen
Oh God, Tommi...
Martin prepares to cut, but he can't - his trembling hand refuses to move. Endless seconds pass. The voices blur, like in a dream. The music playing on the radio seems to become louder and louder (Life could be a Dream).
ellen
What's the matter? Come on, cut...
Martin looks up at his wife. He can't do it.
claudia (o.s.)
Ellen!
14. kitchen - int. / day
Ellen starts.
Claudia
Ellen, are you alright?
Claudia has already started unpacking the carton.
Ellen quickly switches the radio off. She tries to act as if nothing happened.
ellen
I'm fine. I was just distracted for a moment.
Claudia notices how upset her friend is and wants to put her arm around Ellen's shoulder.
But just then, the removal men push their way past them with a cupboard.
Claudia drops the issue with a look of sympathy.
CUT TO:
15. in front of the house - ext. / dusk
The old house is resting peacefully in the sunset. The last rays of sunlight paint the horizon orange. Warm light shines out through the windows of the house.
16. kitchen - int. / night
The four friends are joined at the dinner table, surrounded by packing cartons. Their shadows are silhouetted outside the large window. Behind them lie the vast, lonely moors.
Martin opens himself a beer, raises it for a toast.
martin
To our hard-working wives.
Claudia
Don't rejoice too soon. The bill is already on it's way.
They toast with their bottles. Ellen takes herself a cigarette. Martin notices it with disapproval.
Claudia
I still can't picture it: The two of you as country folk. I'm telling you, in six weeks you'll be back in the city.
Paul
Hold it right there! I hate to play the big boss, but as Martin's publisher I can only say:Make the best of the peace and quiet, the fresh air and all that - and write a new masterpiece!
Ellen gives Martin a skeptical look - the moment of silence is almost too long.
martin
First things first. Now it's our turn - just the two of us.
Martin's hand wanders over to Ellen's. She reacts a bit hesitantly at first, but then they hold each other tight.
CUT TO:
17. bathroom - int. / night
Ellen is taking a shower, washing off the dirt from a hard day's work.
The bathroom fills with steam.
Ellen turns off the water faucet and steps out of the shower cabin. She reaches for a towel and wraps it around herself.
Something catches her eye in the fogged-up mirror.
There is a number, as if someone had used a finger to write it into the moisture:"7".
She wipes the mirror clean and looks at it.
FADE TO:
18. in front of the house - ext. / day
The following day:
A warm late-summer's morning. The house stands lonely in the rays of the rising sun. Occasional dew drops glitter in the grass.
19. bedroom - int. / day
Ellen is asleep in her bed, despite the sun shining right in her face.
Martin enters the room with a tray loaded with breakfast delicacies. He holds it under Ellen's nose.
martin
(acting gallant)
"Wake up, wake up, it's break of day." Paul and Claudia have already left, you sleepyhead.
Ellen hides under her blanket. Martin sets down the tray.
martin
You're right. Forget about getting up. We'll have breakfast in bed.
Ellen resurfaces with a grin. She is still sleepy.
Martin jumps into bed and crawls under the blanket.
ellen
How romantic!
He playfully burrows around under the blanket, making silly grunting sounds.
Ellen giggles. Suddenly, Martin sticks his head out.
ellen
(laughing)
Stop that!
martin
(with a grunting voice)
You'll never get away from me!
He grabs her and pulls her under the blanket. Ellen screams, and laughs.
20. study - int. / day
Martin is working at his computer. Everything is still set up a bit provisionally. Only Martin's novels have already been sorted into a shelf, with 10 copies of "Cherry-red Tears" in front.
He is trying to write, but by the look on his face and his hesitant typing, we can tell that it's obviously not going so well.
Ellen carefully approaches him from behind, hugs him and gives him a kiss on the cheek.
ellen
So, how does it feel to be kissed by two women?
martin
They say it's fantastic. At least that's what I read in a men's magazine. So who are the two lucky ones?
ellen
Me and the muse, of course. How is your book coming along?
He grins and takes her in his arms.
martin
Oh, the muse... we're still having our differences. You know how it is with women.
ellen
Well then, I guess I'd better leave the two of you alone. But don't forget...
Martin finishes her thought.
martin
... we wanted to take some time out for ourselves. I know. And I'll only work a little while, I promise.
Just as Ellen prepares to leave, she catches sight of an old photograph lying on top of one of the cartons. She picks it up and takes the dust off of it.
Under the dust, she finds an old black and white picture of a couple with very earnest looks. The retouched, pitch-black eyes give the photo a somewhat eerie touch.
All of a sudden, unexpectedly, the man on the photo turns his head.
His dead eyes look straight at Ellen!
Startled, she drops the picture to the floor.
Martin spins around.
martin
What's the matter?
Ellen hesitantly picks up the picture and looks at it again. It was only her imagination. It is a normal, old black and white photo.
ellen
(irritated)
Oh, nothing. Where did this picture come from?
Martin turns back to his work.
martin
I found it here. It's kind of creepy, don't you think?
Ellen makes a face.
ellen
Yeah. It is, kind of.
She puts the picture back and leaves.
21. living room - int. / night
Ellen comes out of the kitchen and walks into the dark living room. She is carrying some sandwiches on a tray.
The room is only lit by the flickering of the television set. A spooky atmosphere.
In front of the TV is a large, old armchair (the same one from the opening sequence!). Ellen frowns. She slowly walks closer to it.
ellen
Martin?
Suddenly, Martin's voice comes from behind the armchair.
martin
Damn!
Martin pounds his flat hand against the television. The screen shows no image, only snow.
Ellen sets down the tray.
ellen
What kind of a horrible thing is that?
martin
It still worked in town.
ellen
I mean the armchair!
martin
Oh, that was upstairs. A real antiquity! I think it's great.
Ellen instinctively feels appalled by the old piece of furniture.
ellen
I don't know.
Martin is still fighting with the TV-set, trying to find a channel.
ellen
Maybe the antenna's broken.
martin
We're probably lucky that we even have running water and electricity! Damned box!
He hits the TV with his fist.
Suddenly, everything is dark!
ellen
Hey... the fuse.
martin
Oh, damnit!
He looks for a flashlight and switches it on.
ellen
Do you know where fuse box is?
martin
In the cellar, I think.
Wait, I'll take care of it.
He leaves the room.
22. cellar - int. / night
Martin opens the fuse box and shines inside with his flashlight:A moldy mess of half-corroded wires leading into various ancient switches. The entire construction makes a dangerous impression.
martin
(talking to himself)
God, look at that...
The cellar seems even older than the house. It is a large, cold sandstone catacomb. Several pillars support the ceiling. The walls are clammy and cold.
Martin is standing in the darkness. Something approaches him from behind - slowly, threateningly.
Martin is looking for the blown fuse.
The thing comes closer. Finally, it grabs him.
ellen
Boo!
Martin spins around, startled.
martin
Jesus Christ!
Ellen laughs.
ellen
I wanted to know what's taking you so long. You've been down here forever.
(looks around, shivering)
It sure is cold down here. We certainly won't be needing a freezer.
She catches sight of an old shelf loaded with all kinds of strange old junk. The shelf looks old and rickety. Ellen shakes at it, testing its stability.
ellen
We'll sure be sorting a bunch of this stuff out.
Martin points to the fuse box.
martin
Look at this! We'll have to fix the whole wiring. This stuff is dangerous as hell.
ellen
We'll call for someone from town first thing in the morning.
martin
Are you crazy? That costs a fortune!
ellen
Do you have a better idea?
martin
I'll do it myself.
ellen
You?
martin
My father was an electrician. Already forgot that?
ellen
My father was a pilot. And do I know how to fly?
There's a lot more Ellen would like to say about this, but she contends herself with a meaningful look.
ellen
Just do me a favor and don't get yourself roasted!
Martin fumbles with one of the bigger switches, finally flips it to the other side. Click! The catacomb is lit: A lonely 40-Watt lamp dangling from the ceiling casts a dim light.
Martin gives Ellen a triumphant smile.
CUT TO:
23. outside of the house door - ext. / night
Ellen is leaning against the door frame, dreamily gazing into the night. She is smoking a joint.
Martin steps up from behind and takes the hand-rolled "cigarette" out of her hand with a swift move. He tosses it away.
martin
Hey, flower child, the sixties are over. And this stuff is hazardous to your health.
ellen
Yes, daddy.
She gives him a hasty kiss and walks to the car.
martin
Where are you going?
ellen
Well, if you won't let me smoke grass, then at least I'll go get myself some cigarettes.
Ellen gets in the car and takes off.
Martin contemplatively watches her go.
martin
That stuff is gonna end up killing you.
CUT TO:
24. country road / inside car - ext. / night
Ellen is behind the steering wheel. She lights up a cigarette as she drives down a lonely road. There is a small bridge in the distance.
Ellen slows down. She glances at a road sign.
Suddenly, her eyes widen. She takes a second look.
The road sign clearly reads:
"You have 6 days to live"
The shock hits her like a fist.
It takes her a moment to react. Then, she slams her foot on the brake pedal.
The car halts with screeching tires. Ellen shifts into reverse gear and drives back. She stops by the sign.
She reads:"Max. 6 t. Agricultural vehicles pass" - a perfectly normal sign.
Ellen is confused. How creepy. She continues on her way, feeling a bit sick to the stomach.
25. in front of the house - ext. / night
Ellen parks in front of the house and steps out of the car. She looks worn-out.
Martin has piled up all of the old furniture from the house. Ellen walks over to him.
ellen
What are you doing?
martin
Making our very own solstice fire.
A match lights up. The stacked furniture quickly catches fire.
Only now does Martin notice the state his wife is in.
martin
Is everything alright? Aren't you feeling well?
ellen
I just had a really strange experience.
Martin gives her a questioning look.
ellen
On an ordinary traffic sign, I read...
Ellen interrupts her sentence. She's just too embarrassed to say it.
ellen
Oh, nothing. I guess I just still haven't recovered as well as I try to make everyone believe.
Martin puts his arm around her and holds her close.
ellen
Maybe I should talk to Dr. Roth about it.
martin
Hey, take your time. You know time heals better than any shrink ever can.
Arm in arm, Ellen and Martin stand by the burning pile of furniture, staring into the fire.
ellen
I have a funny feeling. Do you think we'll get over all that's happened?
martin
We just have to make a new beginning.
ellen
Cherry-red Tears.
martin
What?
ellen
Cherry-red Tears, your first book. I read it at least nine times. And then I found out you were going to attend some kind of book fair.
martin
Not a book fair. I was signing autographs in a department store.
ellen
I was so excited about meeting you. Again and again, I kept getting in the back of the line so I could be the last to talk to you.
martin
And two months later, we got married. And all because of one sentence:
(quotes)
"With you, my life began
and with you shall it end..."
This sentence strikes a chord within Ellen. It hardens her heart.
ellen
Don't say that. Please.
A short moment of silence. Ellen's eyes well up with tears.
ellen
I miss Tommi so much.
martin
So do I, believe me.
ellen
Do you really think anything can ever be like it was before?
martin
Maybe different. I don't know, Ellen.
ellen
If we stand a chance at all, it's only by sticking together.
Martin gives her a tender kiss. The fire casts a warming shine on the two of them and the old house - in the loneliness of the moors.
CUT TO:
26. kitchen - int. / day
Ellen is wearing a paint-stained flannel shirt. She is busy painting the kitchen walls.
The RADIO is playing in the background.
radiobroadcaster
"... a very special day today. Exceptionally hot, even for this time of year. And all the windows in my studio are already wide open..."
Ellen isn't paying much attention to the radio. Suddenly, the tone of the radiobroadcaster's voice gets a more penetrating touch.
radiobroadcaster
By the way, Ellen:
You have five days left to live.
Ellen freezes. She turns pale.
Then suddenly, a noise - someone is knocking on the window.
Ellen spins around and, startled, tips over a bowl. It smashes on the floor.
Standing by the open window is Karl Lindner, a total stranger to Ellen.
Obviously, he is much older now. His face is caved in, his hair gray. However, his pleasant demeanor has stayed the same.
He realizes that he's startled her.
lindner
Oh, sorry. I didn't mean to scare you.
For a moment, Ellen is at a loss for words. She looks back to the radio, where the normal program is being continued.
radiobroadcaster
"... and matching today's weather it's time for some more of the hottest music of the North..."
Ellen turns the radio off.
ellen
Hello. Can I help you?
lindner
Does this dog here belong to you?
Sitting next to him is a large mixed-breed with friendly eyes.
ellen
No, I've never seen him before.
lindner
You know, I saw him sitting outside your gate... Oh, I'm sorry, I'm forgetting my manners again! I haven't even introduced myself yet. Hi, my name's Lindner.
Karl Lindner.
He offers her his hand through the window.
ellen
Ellen Straub.
lindner
It's a pleasure. You're from the city, right?
ellen
Do I look like it that much?
lindner
Village gossip. You're a real attraction here.
Ellen is still shook up by the radio announcement, but nevertheless tries to hold up a conversation.
ellen
You're from around here, aren't you? There's something I've been wondering about the whole time:This house, why has it been empty all these years? I mean, I doubt if it was the price.
Lindner suddenly turns evasive and cool.
lindner
I guess it's too lonely for most folks.
(glances at his watch)
It's time for me to get going. It's been a pleasure meeting you.
ellen
Wait, won't you join me for a cup of coffee?
He turns down the offer, a touch too vehemently.
lindner
No, thank you. I need to get back home. My wife is waiting.
He leaves. Ellen contemplatively watches him go.
Martin enters the kitchen and puts his arms around her.
martin
Who was that?
ellen
Someone from the village.
She turns around to face him.
ellen
Martin, there's something I... uh... need to tell you about.
CUT TO:
27. living room - int. / day
Martin is seated in the old armchair. Ellen across from him. He is grinning.
martin
Okay, now let me see if I've got this straight. First you get warnings from a road sign and then from the weather forecast. Which one of us two was the author again?
Ellen feels disappointed and misunderstood.
ellen
Martin, it's not funny!
martin
You know, it's not always easy for me, either. But at least I try not to give in to each and every neurosis.
Now he's got her angry.
ellen
Well, apparently it was a big mistake to try talking to you. Don't you remember what we promised to each other? Honesty - trust!
martin
Come on, this isn't about honesty. You just need a good night's sleep. The way you toss and turn all night, even I hardly get any sleep.
Ellen realizes there is no use in discussing this any further.
ellen
Well, excuse me for having bothered you with my problems.
She leaves the living room and walks out on Martin.
28. hallway - int. / day
Ellen is using a spatula to scratch the old-fashioned, yellowed wallpaper off of the walls. She is still upset, and really taking it out on the wallpaper.
Martin comes walking up the steps. He is carrying a plate full of small, deformed cakes.
martin
For you.
He holds out the plate to her. Ellen throws a skeptical look at the mishap pastry. She won't be bribed this easily.
ellen
Now, what did I do to deserve this?
martin
Come on, at least try one. It took me two hours to make these.
Ellen goes back to scratching off the wallpaper. Martin changes his tactic.
martin
What I really meant to say was: I'm sorry. I'm a real bonehead sometimes. But it's just that I'm worried about you. I'm afraid you might get carried away with something like that.
Ellen interrupts her work and takes one of the cakes. She tastes it.
ellen
Tastes awful.
She grins. Martin returns a smile.
martin
But baked with lots of love.
Martin helps himself to a small cake, too. He bites off a piece, and makes a sour face. Then, he takes Ellen's piece out of her hand.
martin
I think I'd better get rid of this. After all, I don't want to kill you.
He turns to leave.
ellen
Martin...
Martin stops at the bottom of the staircase.
ellen
...Maybe you're right and I just need to get some sleep. Don't worry. I'll get settled in sooner or later.
CUT TO:
29. in front of the house - ext. / night
The farmhouse lies in the loneliness of a starless night. Silhouettes of gnarled trees reach for the sky like black claws.
30. entrance area - int. / night
It's dark. An eerie silence fills the house.
Suddenly, there is a CHILD'S VOICE calling in the distance.
child's voice
Mommy...
31. bedroom - int. / night
Martin and Ellen are asleep in their bed.
child's voice
Mommy!
Ellen wakes up out of her light slumber. She opens her eyes and looks around, searching.
ellen
Tommi...?
The voice clearly echoes through the house. (It sounds like Thomas' call before the accident.)
child's voice
Mommy...
Ellen silently sits up. She is wide awake. She tries to wake up Martin.
ellen
(whispering)
Martin... did you hear that?
No chance - Martin only mumbles a few unintelligible words and continues to sleep.
Ellen gets out of bed.
CUT TO:
32. entrance area - int. / night
Almost mechanically, the child's calling repeats itself.
child's voice
Mommy...
Ellen carefully heads down the stairs, toward the entrance door. The voice seems to be coming from outside.
Ellen opens the door, frightened.
33. in front of the house - ext. / night
The pale moonlight dips the landscape into a ghostly atmosphere.
Ellen's eyes search through the darkness.
There! There is something in the distance. A child! The child is standing in the tall grass, looking toward Ellen.
ellen
Tommi?
She cannot believe her eyes.
It really is her little Thomas! He smiles. There is something about the way he moves that makes it look as if he's floating.
ellen
(louder)
Tommi!
The little boy laughs. He turns around and runs away in the grass; as if in play.
Ellen snaps out of her stiffness and chases after him.
The small figure slowly disappears in the increasingly tall grass.
34. forest in the moors - ext. / night
Ellen is running farther and farther away from the house. She stops.
ellen
Tommi, wait!
But the little boy keeps running further.
Ellen follows him, but her path grows increasingly toilsome. Her feet sink deeper and deeper into the moor.
Now, the child is out of sight.
Ellen is devastated. She trips and falls to the ground. The swamp encloses her. Ellen fights against the marsh that she is sinking into deeper and deeper.
Suddenly, the little boy steps back out of the darkness. He stays a few feet away from Ellen. He smiles as he watches Ellen sink into the deadly swamp.
With a sudden jerk, an unknown force pulls her down into the moor. She is swallowed by the earth.
35. bedroom - int. / day
Ellen abruptly wakes up from her NIGHTMARE!
She looks around herself. She is in her comfortable bedroom flooded with the warm rays of the morning sun. Martin's side of the bed is already empty.
Then, she hesitates. Something feels wrong. Ellen throws back her sheets. Horror - her bed is full of mud.
Ellen wants to scream. She barely manages to suppress it.
CUT TO:
36. study / hallway - int. / day
Martin is sitting at his computer, busily typing. He seems to be making progress on his book.
In the background, Ellen hurries past the study. She is carrying the dirty sheets under her arm. Without looking up from the monitor, Martin calls through the open door:
martin
So, did you sleep good?
37. kitchen - int. / day
ellen
(calling to Martin)
Yeah... I have to go to town.
Ellen enters the kitchen. She hastily stuffs the bed-sheets into the washing machine.
ellen
Is there anything you need?
She turns the washing machine on and heads for the door.
38. entrance area - int. / day
Ellen is about to leave the house. The door is already open. In the entrance area, she finds the dog (that Lindner had previously discovered in their garden) sitting in front of the cellar door.
Ellen pets him in passing.
ellen
(to the dog)
Hey, you're still here. I suppose you like it here with us.
martin (o.s.)
(calling from the study)
No, thanks. I have everything I need. Drive safely, you hear?
Ellen is already out the door. She pulls it shut behind her.
CUT TO:
39. consulting room of prof. roth - int. / day
A pleasantly decorated consulting room. Standing by a window is PROF. ULRICH ROTH (Professor of Psychiatry), a distinguished man around 50 years of age.
prof. roth
You see, there are various approaches to an explanation for what you are currently going through.
Ellen is hunched in a chair opposite of him.
Prof. Roth turns around to face her and takes a seat behind his desk. The leather chair creaks.
prof. roth
One of the latest theories claim that at certain frequencies, air conditioners create an oscillation that can, in fact, cause hallucinations. They may also be due to the interior pressure of your eyes and so on and so forth. Personally I believe that all of this is nonsense. The loss of a child is a traumatic experience. Subconsciously, you may still be blaming yourself for it, and maybe now believe that your son should punish you...
Ellen impatiently cuts him short.
ellen
Listen, it's one thing to have a guilt complex. But I know the difference between when I'm overstrung and when I'm seeing things that are simply not there! Besides, it only began after we moved!
prof. roth
(hesitantly)
There is, of course, another possible explanation which I dearly hope is not the case.
Lost in thought, Prof. Roth taps his pen on his desktop.
ellen
And that is?
prof. roth
A tumor - which could cause pressure on certain parts of the brain and, thus, influence your perception.
Ellen stares at him, shocked.
prof. roth
Just to be on the safe side, I would like to have a few tests done.
CUT TO:
40. computer tomograph - int. / day
Ellen is lying on a stretcher, slowly being moved into the opening of the computer tomograph. She is wearing a pale-green hospital garment.
The penetrating sound of the machines - technical coldness.
41. doctor's office - int. / day
Blood is filled into a cannula.
Ellen is sitting on a stretcher. The NURSE pulls the needle out of her arm.
DR. SCHLETH, a man who makes a somewhat lethargic impression, enters the room and fastens the tomograph shots in front of an illuminated surface on the wall.
dr. schleth
Congratulations. You are definitely the healthiest person I've had in CT for years.
Ellen heaves a sigh of relief.
dr. schleth
Dr. Roth gave me these for you. Three times a day, after meals.
He hands her a box of tablets.
ellen
What is this?
dr. schleth
Fluctin. A pretty strong antidepressive... If you asked me, I'd try to do without them first.
He takes a look into her health records.
dr. schleth
You come from Goldmoor?
Ellen answers absent-mindedly.
ellen
We just moved there.
dr. schleth
(by-the-way)
One time, when I was in college, we examined a swamp corpse in pathology. They had excavated it there.
Now he has Ellen's attention.
dr. schleth
Three or four thousand years old. But I didn't deal with the subject any more than necessary. You know, I never liked pathology. Somehow, I always felt it reduced humans to something they are not.
Suddenly, Dr. Schleth's beeper goes off. He takes a quick glance at it and turns to leave.
ellen
Dr. Schleth.
The doctor stops at the door.
ellen
What do you believe happens to a human after he dies?
The otherwise reserved Dr. Schleth suddenly seems very human.
dr. schleth
You mean, do I believe in something like a soul?
He smiles mischievously.
dr. schleth
I haven't seen one on any of my x-ray pictures, yet. But then again, what would x-rays know?
He turns around and walks out. Lost in thought, Ellen watches him leave.
42. in front of the house - ext. / night
Ellen steers the car into the driveway and climbs out. The dog runs to greet her, wagging its tail. Ellen kneels down in front of the dog and pets it.
ellen
Hey, girl! Here, I brought you something.
She takes a collar with a little bell on it out of her purse and puts it around the dog's neck.
ellen
Now all we need is a name for you. How about Clara - okay, then: Clara.
She walks to the house door. The dog follows her inside as if it were the most natural thing to do. The bell jingles.
43. entrance area - int. / night
Ellen enters the hallway. At the same time, Martin comes upstairs from the cellar.
ellen
Hi, love. Trouble with the fuses again?
Martin locks the door behind him.
martin
It's a real mess. I think it'd be better for you not to go down there for a while. It's just too dangerous.
He drops the key for the cellar into his pocket. Ellen watches this with irritation. Martin's entire behavior seems odd.
Behind Ellen, the dog trots into the corridor.
martin
Don't tell me you've made friends with that wandering flea circus?
ellen
Why not? She can guard the house. By the way, I gave her a name: Clara.
She pets the dog, not noticing the frown on Martin's face.
martin
Where have you been all day?
ellen
I went to see Prof. Roth! You know, I had another one of those dreams last night. I saw Tommi!
Suddenly, the look on Martin's face softens again. He takes Ellen into his arms to comfort her.
martin
Ellen... our Tommi is dead. And there's nothing we can do about it.
Ellen rests her head against his shoulder.
ellen
You know, Martin, since we moved to this house... sometimes I just get the feeling that the past is catching up to us again...
Martin interrupts her with unexpected ill temper and frees himself from the hug.
martin
Oh! Now we're getting to the point! So all of a sudden, it's the house. Yesterday, it was a road sign. And the first thing you do is go and run to "Dr. Freud"!
He heads for the study, leaving Ellen behind. Ellen calls after him:
ellen
But that's not the point!
What if all these things are somehow connected?
martin
Oh, baloney. You should just hear yourself talk!
He treads up the staircase.
martin
I'll be in the study, just in case you decide to get reasonable, after all.
Ellen watches him with consternation. She goes into the kitchen, worried.
44. kitchen - int. / night
Lost in thought, Ellen takes out a cup and pours herself a cup of coffee from a thermos.
She takes the pills that she got from Dr. Schleth out of her purse and studies them.
She looks out through the window, at the dreamlike landscape of the moors. There is a warm evening breeze.
Suddenly, Ellen's eyes focus on the reflection of her face in the window. She faintly discerns something strange on her forehead:"4"!
Startled, she touches her forehead. There is nothing on it.
When she takes a second look at her reflection, everything is normal again.
The dog trots up to Ellen, whining balefully.
ellen
(to the dog)
Either Martin is right or I am really starting to lose my mind...
For a moment, she considers taking one of the tablets. But then, she determinedly throws the whole package in the trash can.
CUT TO:
45. in the village - ext. / day
Ellen parks her car in the center of the nearby village. The small township is smothering in a humid summer's heat.
Ellen heads for a bookstore with Clara trotting in behind.
46. at the bookstore - int. / day
Ellen enters the shop. It is unusually dark and quiet in here. She runs her fingers across the shelves, searching.
She passes by a stand with pocket books, also including several copies of "Cherry-red Tears" next to Stephen King's "Shining". She stops for a moment. Smiles.
Then, she finds the department for books on psychology. She pulls out a book titled "The Inner Child - The Ghosts of the Past". Leafs through it. She stops at a certain page:
ellen
(quietly reads to herself)
"...certain places arouse recollections and links within us..."
Suddenly, Ellen hears a voice behind her.
sales lady (o.s.)
First buy it, then read it!
Ellen looks up. The sales lady is standing in front of her:a skinny woman with small eyes suspiciously beaming at Ellen.
ellen
Yes, of course... I'll take it.
She places the book on the counter. All of a sudden, the sales lady has turned into the world's most friendly person. Ellen follows her to the cash register and gives her the book.
The sales lady skeptically eyes the psychology book while she notes the price.
Ellen puts the money on the counter and turns to leave the store, when the sales lady speaks up again.
sales lady
You're the wife of that author, aren't you?
Ellen turns back to face her.
ellen
Martin Straub, yes.
sales lady
Used to write some nice books, your husband. But that last one was awful. A terrible book. Didn't sell, either.
Ellen really can't think of an answer to that.
sales lady
I read it - violent trash. My husband said so, too.
ellen
Well, I've got to get going... ‘bye.
Ellen walks out of the shop. The sales lady keeps talking. Her eyes are cold.
sales lady
(loud)
It's bad and it's violent. I don't like that kind of stuff. Tell that to your husband.
47. outside bookstore - ext. / day
Clara is still waiting in front of the bookstore when Ellen comes back outside.
ellen
Come on, Clara. Let's get out of here.
Just as she sets out for her car, she discovers Karl Lindner and his wife. He seems to want to pass by her without saying hello.
ellen
Mr. Lindner!
Lindner realizes he has no way out of this situation.
lindner
Oh, Mrs. Straub. May I introduce you to my wife?
mrs. lindner
Just call me Elisabeth.
She seems like a truly honest person and very awake, despite her advanced age. Ellen shakes hands with her.
ellen
Ellen.
mrs. lindner
You're doing fine, aren't you? I mean... the two of you alone in that house, so far out in the moor.
Lindner nudges his wife with his elbow.
ellen
In the moor? What do you mean by that?
Mrs. Lindner wants to answer something, but her husband heads her off.
lindner
Stop scaring people. Let's go.
We need to be on our way.
mrs. lindner
Excuse us. But do stop by for a visit sometime! You are welcome anytime.
Lindner manages a smile and leads his wife away by the arm.
lindner
Have a nice day.
As soon as they are out of hearing distance, Mrs. Lindner tells her husband with obvious anger:
mrs. lindner
(quiet, reproachfully)
You didn't tell her!
lindner
We should leave the past alone.
mrs. lindner
Well, it will never leave us alone as long as you ignore it.
Back to Ellen:She watches the two of them go for a moment. Then, she gets into her car and drives off.
CUT TO:
48. study - int. / dusk
Martin is in the study, working at his computer. He is in a writing frenzy, typing in the words like a madman. Ellen comes through the door. She is carrying the book about Goldmoor in her hand. At first, Martin does not react to her. He keeps on typing.
ellen
It seems to be going well for you.
Martin continues to type as he speaks.
martin
Where have you been?
ellen
In the village. Look what I found.
She opens the book to a certain page and holds it under his nose.
Martin is annoyed for having to interrupt his work.
martin
Psychology, huh? So, what side of the rainbow are we on today?
Ellen points out a certain passage in the book.
ellen
(reads out loud)
"Events commonly interpreted as haunting apparitions often result from psychic disharmonies or undigested traumatic ordeals..."
martin
(impatient)
Ellen, what are you trying to prove, anyway? That we've created ourselves a ghost? Come on!
Ellen persistently tries to get through to him.
ellen
It's just a feeling. Don't you sense it, too?
martin
What? What am I supposed to sense?
ellen
The house - Tommi - something just doesn't jive here...
Suddenly, Martin's voice gets disproportionately loud.
martin
Now you go starting that again.
We decided together, to build up something new here. I, for my part, am working on it very hard. But oddly, you seem to have changed your mind.
Ellen wants to reply something but just then, the doorbell RINGS.
martin
Who's that?
ellen
I haven't the slightest idea.
When she sees that Martin does not intend to answer the door, Ellen goes downstairs herself.
49. entrance area - int. / night
Ellen opens the door. Standing in the doorway are Paul and Claudia, both in the best of moods.
Paul and Claudia
Surprise!
Ellen hugs them, her mind still halfway on Martin.
ellen
Well, this really is a surprise! Come on in!
Martin comes downstairs. He seems anything but pleased by the company.
Paul gives him a jovial pat on the shoulder.
Paul
Hey, my man! How's the masterpiece coming along?
martin
Not so bad, if I could get some peace and quiet around here.
Paul understands the side-swipe.
Paul
Hey, hey, hey! Say no more until you've seen what we brought:
He puts a wide grin on his face. Ellen and Martin exchange quick looks. Paul pulls something out from behind his back.
Paul
Scrabble!
CUT TO:
50. living room - int. / night
Martin looks annoyed. The four friends are comfortably seated around the living room table. Each of them has a glass of wine.
While they play Scrabble, Paul tells a dirty story.
Paul
God, you should've seen him! Elke Schneider enters the room and storms up to him. She is tremendous. Her breasts are so big that just recently, there was a discussion about whether they should be given country names of their own.
Laughter all around the table. Martin is the only one who is not delighted. But Ellen is clearly relieved by this moment of normality in the house.
ellen
Paul, you and your stories... I've really missed you!
Claudia looks around the living room. Apparently, she likes what she's seeing.
Claudia
I'm impressed! You two have really gotten quite a bit done, already.
The sack with the Scrabble-letters is passed on to Ellen. She reaches inside.
ellen
What do you think? We worked our fingers to the bone and now, we're both about to have a nervous breakdown.
Ellen places the letters on the table in front of her and begins to shuffle them back and forth.
Claudia
I really wouldn't have thought you two could stand it out here for this long. To tell the truth, we even have some bets going with a couple of people...
But Ellen isn't paying attention to Claudia's words any more. Terrified, she stares at her Scrabble-stones, which she has already put together. The letters form the words:
T-H-R-E-E--D-A-Y-S
Everyone is waiting for her to make her turn. Paul starts nagging.
Paul
Well? Are you going to play?
Ellen feverishly gathers up her letter stones and throws them back into the sack. She shakes it with special thoroughness and draws anew.
ellen
I pass.
Paul is pleased. He puts down his word.
Paul
Triple word score, that makes 72 points. Now what do you say to that, honey-bunny?
Claudia
My hero.
They kiss.
Ellen lines up her newly drawn stones in front of herself again. Martin watches her.
Ellen cannot believe her eyes. Again, her letter combination spells out:
T-H-R-E-E--D-A-Y-S
This time, the others notice the look on Ellen's face, too.
Claudia
Ellen, what's wrong?
It takes Ellen a moment to answer.
ellen
I just got exactly the same letters for the second time.
She gives Martin a significant look and shows him her letter-board. This time, she has proof!
martin
(sarcastically)
Oh, "three days". A new message!
He turns to Paul and Claudia.
martin
Because - you know - Ellen is receiving messages from road signs, radio broadcasters and now from Scrabble game stones.
He turns Ellen's letter-board around for the others to see.
Martin's reaction hits Ellen like a fist. She feels humiliated. She is at a loss for words.
martin
And the best part is:She thinks the messages are meant to announce her death.
(makes a "spooky" noise)
Hooooo...
Claudia looks back and forth between Martin and Ellen. She realizes how serious the situation is. As opposed to Paul, who pulls out a news ARTICLE.
Paul
Talk about spooky. Martin, do you remember that splintered door to the study? I guess there was more to it than just a lost key.
The headline of the article reads:"Murder in Goldmoor - Many questions remain unanswered".
ellen
Let me see that!
Ellen takes the article. The picture underneath shows Karl Lindner in police uniform, 23 years younger.
Before she even has a chance to read the article, Martin grabs the newspaper out of her hands.
He crumples up the paper and angrily turns to Paul.
martin
Just perfect, Paul! Well done! Can't you tell that my wife is upset enough already? And then you come up with this kind of a story?!
Ellen has regained her composure. She is still outraged.
ellen
What do you think you're doing, anyway? Now give me back that article!
Martin shows no sign of reaction.
martin
Ellen, I just don't want you to get upset for no reason.
He tries to conciliate by putting his arm on her shoulder. But Ellen shakes him off.
ellen
(sarcastic)
How thoughtful of you!
An unpleasant moment of silence. Ellen looks at Claudia and Paul - she doesn't want to make a fool of herself.
ellen
Excuse me for a moment.
She storms out of the room.
Paul and Claudia both look a bit sheepish.
Martin holds the article to a candle and burns it in an ashtray.
martin
She shouldn't be worrying about this stuff. Lately, she's been acting strange enough already.
51. in front of the house - ext. / night
Ellen is standing in front of the house. Lost in thought, she takes a drag from her cigarette.
Claudia comes out of the house and joins her.
Claudia
What's this going on between you two?
ellen
Oh, I don't know. I was hoping things would get better once we moved.
Claudia
But nothing got any better?
Ellen's eyes wander over the vast landscape of moors which the darkness of the night has transformed into a surreal shadow painting.
ellen
Lately, Martin hasn't been his normal self. The work, the relocation...
Claudia
You have to give him some time, Ellen. He's under enormous pressure right now. He hasn't written a single decent sentence since the accident.
Ellen takes a last long drag from her cigarette, throws it on the ground and puts it out with her foot.
ellen
Yes, I know. I try my best. It's just that... sometimes I wonder if we made a mistake by moving here.
52. living room - int. / night
Martin and Paul are still seated opposite each other. A strange atmosphere. Paul is trying hard to keep up a conversation.
Paul
So, work is going well, you say?
Martin makes a very calm impression. In the background, the dog is barking at the cellar door.
martin
(calmly)
Yes. Splendid. I finally found a story that's both:thrilling and true to life.
Now, Clara starts to bark at the cellar door.
Paul
I'm glad to hear that. You know...
Martin has a sudden outburst and yells:
martin
(to the dog)
NOW SHUT UP, YOU STUPID BITCH !
Paul is all confused now. He throws a helpless look toward the entrance door.
Paul
You know, I think I have to get up early in the morning. We ought to get going.
53. entrance area - int. / night
Clara is still barking at the cellar door. Then, she starts to claw at the crack below the door, as if she had discovered something behind it.
CUT TO:
54. in front of the house - ext. / day
The next morning:
The house is enclosed in a light curtain of early morning fog. Everything seems oddly quiet. Not a single bird is chirping.
The calm before the storm.
55. bedroom - int. / day
Ellen wakes up out of her light sleep. She looks around. Martin's side of the bed is empty and unused. Martin did not spend the night by her side.
CUT TO:
56. kitchen - int. / day
Ellen enters the kitchen in her bathrobe. She puts on a pot of coffee. Martin comes in.
martin
Hi, darling.
Ellen turns around to face him. She is terror-stricken.
His hands are covered with blood. He seems to be oblivious to it. In the best of moods, he walks to the kitchen sink while he continues to speak.
martin
At last, I'm back on top! Seventy pages in one night! I'd say that just about breaks the record...
He starts washing his hands with meticulous care. The red-stained water runs into the drain.
Ellen closes her eyes and fights the panic welling up inside of her.
martin
Ellen? Is everything alright?
She opens her eyes again. She takes a second look and sees that what she thought to be blood is only wall paint. She discovers a bucket with a paintbrush beside the kitchen door.
She tries to conceal her thoughts.
ellen
Oh, sure. I'm just a little... dizzy.
She hastily grabs the dog's food dish and fills it. - Simply to be doing something; anything.
ellen
I ought to give Clara something to eat.
Ellen goes outside.
57. in front of the house - ext. / day
Ellen carries the dish outside and starts searching for Clara.
ellen
Clara!
Nothing stirs.
ellen
Come here, Clara! I've got something yummy for you.
Then, she catches sight of something dark lying a bit away in the grass.
Ellen puts down the dog food and runs toward the spot.
There, lying in the tall grass she finds the dog. It's dead! It looks as if a wild animal had attacked Clara.
ellen
Oh, no!
(loud)
Martin!
She kneels down beside the animal's dead body.
ellen
(screams)
Martin!
Martin comes out of the house and stops at the door. He is calm - too calm.
martin
What?
ellen
Look at this! The dog! She's dead!
Martin shows no reaction. He doesn't even seem to find it worth the trouble to go over to Ellen who is still kneeling in the grass.
martin
She was old.
ellen
Old?! Come look at this! She has wounds. Wounds on her head. Like thrashes. Or bites.
martin
Maybe an animal.
ellen
(furious)
An animal? What kind of animal?
A goddamned T-Rex, or what?
Martin is still apathetically standing in the doorway.
martin
She spent a couple of pleasant days with us, and now she's dead. That's the way it is. I'm sorry. I have work to do.
He goes back inside.
Ellen watches him.
This very instant, she realizes that this is not the man she once married. She knows that the time has come to take up action.
CUT TO:
58. moor - ext. / day
A short distance away from the house, Ellen has buried the dog. She sticks a small, self-built wooden crucifix into the soft earth.
She stands there for a moment. She looks over at the house. Silence. Loneliness.
Then, she hangs Clara's collar over the cross. The little bell jingles.
CUT TO:
59. country road - ext. / day
Ellen speeds down the country road in her car. She passes the town sign of Goldmoor. She has a tense look on her face.
CUT TO:
60. in front of lindner's house - ext. / day
Ellen rings the doorbell.
She is standing in front of Lindner's house. While she waits, she looks up and down the street. There is no one in sight. The entire village seems deserted.
Elisabeth Lindner opens the door. She doesn't seem very surprised to see Ellen.
mrs. lindner
Oh, Ellen! I've been wondering when you'd come. Why don't you step in.
ellen
Thank you.
Ellen enters the house.
61. hallway in lindner's house - int. / day
The hallway is dark. The wood-paneled walls are decorated with pictures and certificates from Karl Lindner's years as a police officer.
mrs. lindner
My husband is in his study in the back.
Mrs. Lindner leads Ellen through the corridor.
ellen
I really hate to bother him, but...
mrs. lindner
Oh no, no. You're not bothering him.
(she winks an eye)
He has lots of time since he's been retired.
CUT TO:
62. lindner's study - int. / day
Ellen enters the spacious study. Lindner is seated in front of an easel, dexterously painting lines onto a canvas. He is working on a still life of flowers.
Without turning around to Ellen, he says:
lindner
Come in.
Ellen takes a look around the room. It is also furnished in dark colors, and there are dozens of oil paintings standing around the room. Every single one a still life of flowers.
ellen
You only draw flowers? A little unusual for a former policeman.
Lindner obstinately continues to work on his painting.
lindner
You know, after doing that job for so many years, you learn to appreciate the simple things in life. Flowers incorporate a beauty that I always missed in life. But certainly, you're not here to chat about my hobbies.
ellen
1976. What happened back then?
With a heavy heart, he puts down his paintbrush and turns to face Ellen.
lindner
Do yourself a favor:Don't ask.
ellen
I appreciate your concern, but we live in that house. I need to know what happened in there.
Lindner turns back to his painting and continues to draw. He seems introverted, as if he were talking to himself.
lindner
We found the wife about a week after she had died, hunched in her TV-chair. Her husband was sitting in front of her; the whole time, he sat in front of her dead body. A whole damn week. Her death certificate says that she drowned, and her husband was convicted, but God alone knows what really happened back then.
Ellen is shocked. Still, she persists.
ellen
What made him do it?
Lindner doesn't answer.
ellen
That man, is he still alive? Where is he? Can I talk to him?
Lindner turns around to her again. This time, he looks determined.
lindner
Why don't you just leave the past alone and now go - please.
Ellen sees that it's no use. She turns to leave. But she stops at the door and turns back once more.
ellen
If there's one thing I've learned lately, it's that you can not run away from the past. Believe me.
She leaves the old policeman behind. Once alone, he lowers his eyes.
CUT TO:
63. in front of lindner's house - ext. / day
Ellen leaves the house, reflective. Just as she heads through the gate, Mrs. Lindner catches up with her.
mrs. lindner
Ellen! Wait!
She hands Ellen a small note.
mrs. lindner
Frank Kosinski. Here's the address. Go see him. Ask him.
ellen
Thank you. Elisabeth, I didn't mean to...
Mrs. Lindner puts it off with a smile.
mrs. lindner
That's alright. Don't misunderstand my husband. It's only that he's already had enough problems with this case.
And who would believe him if he told the truth?
ellen
But what is the truth?
mrs. lindner
I don't know all about what happened back then. But it always stood between me and my husband.
Ellen nods and leaves.
CUT TO:
64. psychiatry - ext. / day
Ellen parks her car in front of the large, old building. She opens the heavy double doors of the entrance.
65. psychiatry - int. / day
A long, wood-paneled hallway with small resting areas. Some of the elderly people are sitting around, others are playing cards or staring at a television - a strange atmosphere.
Ellen approaches a SOCIAL WORKER, who is pushing an OLD LADY through the hallway in a wheelchair.
The old lady giggles, as if she were mentally disoriented.
ellen
Excuse me, I'm looking for Frank Kosinski.
The young man is of the silly, bored type.
social worker
Kosinski...
(thinks for a moment)
Oh - you mean K.K.!
ellen
Sorry?
The social worker grins. He seems to think he's very funny.
social worker
Killer-Kosinski, that's what they call him around here. He did away with his wife.
Now, the old lady joins in on the conversation.
old lady
I'm so glad you finally came. We've all been waiting for you.
She gently touches Ellen's hand. - The old lady seems to be taking Ellen for someone else.
ellen
(softly, to the old lady)
You must be mistaking me.
(to the young man)
Where can I find the man?
social worker
He's in the closed psychiatry. This here's the open section. Go down the hall, third door to the left.
ellen
Thank you.
The old lady keeps on persisting.
old lady
Are you doing better yet?
Ellen is too preoccupied to worry about the old lady. She leaves them with a quick nod and hurries on.
The social worker starts pushing the wheelchair forward again. Walking away, Ellen still hears the old lady's voice.
old lady
(to social worker)
Poor girl. She only has two more days to live, you know.
Ellen stops. She turns on her heels and runs back.
She excitedly stops the wheelchair and leans over to the old lady.
ellen
What was that? What did you say?
The old lady doesn't seem to recognize her any more.
old lady
What do you want from me?
ellen
What you just said, about the two days...
old lady
I didn't say anything!
Ellen looks at the social worker, hoping that he might help.
social worker
I didn't hear anything. Sorry.
Ellen doubtfully looks back and forth between the two of them.
ellen
I'm sorry... I guess I was mistaken.
She quickly turns her back to this embarrassing situation and leaves.
66. hallway outside of kosinski's cell - int. / day
The MALE NURSE turns the key. Before opening the heavy door, he gives Ellen a questioning look.
nurse
He has his clear moments every now and then. But I wouldn't get my hopes up high.
They both enter the cell.
67. kosinski's cell - int. / day
Frank Kosinski (approx. 70 years old now) is sitting at a desk. He is busy putting newspaper articles into clear plastic folders and carefully sorting them away.
Ellen enters the room. The nurse closes the door from inside and stays standing next to it.
The room looks more like an office archive than the cell of a closed psychiatric clinic. There are several shelves filled with neatly lined up files.
ellen
Mr. Kosinski?
The old man takes no notice of her. Ellen steps up to him, obviously feeling very uncomfortable about it.
ellen
Mr. Kosinski, my name is Ellen Straub. I live in your house out in Goldmoor... I mean, the house where you used to live. There are a few questions I would like to ask you.
Kosinski does not react. He seems so lost in his own world that he hasn't even registered her presence. He stubbornly continues sorting his papers.
ellen
Mr. Kosinski! Can you hear me?
She waves her hand in front of his face. No reaction.
Ellen realizes that she'll have to come up with something else.
She walks to one of the shelves and pulls out a file titled "1976". Leafs through it. She finds the article that Paul had brought the other night.
She lays it on the desk, right in front of Kosinski's nose.
ellen
1976 - What happened back then? You...
Now, she has his attention. As if she had pushed the button of a tape recorder, Kosinski immediately begins to recite the article. He seems to know it by heart.
kosinski
"October 4, 1976. To this day, the cold-blooded murder at the remote homestead continues to bring up questions. Investigations have shown no satisfactory results. As was announced by a police spokesman ..."
Ellen gives the nurse a questioning look.
nurse
Never mind, it's his usual number.
ellen
Yes. That's right. What happened back then?
Although Kosinski has the news article right in front of him, he seems to be staring at the air. Ellen tests him by taking away the news report. Kosinski continues to recite.
Kosinski
"... another unsolved mystery is the question, why doors and windows had been nailed |
