Queen of the Damned
Writers: Scott Abbott, Michael Petroni
Genres: Horror
QUEEN OF THE DAMNED
Written by
Scott Abbott and Michael Petroni
Based on the novel by
Anne Rice
FADE IN:
1 EXT. LAFAYETTE CEMETERY (NEW ORLEANS) - NIGHT 1
An empty breeze blows across a deserted cemetery. We
hear the sound of FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING, then nineteenth-
century boots ENTER FRAME. We FOLLOW them strolling past
the headstones and mausoleums. The sound of a HORSE and
CARRIAGE ECHOES in the distance.
VOICE (V.O.)
There comes a time for every vampire
when the idea of eternity becomes
momentarily unbearable...
As we REACH an old stone tomb, the boots leap up and OUT
OF FRAME. PAN UP to reveal:
A FIGURE stands steadily atop the roof of the tomb,
silhouetted against the moon like a large, black bird.
VOICE (V.O.)
The wounds suffered from love and
failed friendships don't heal like
a human's, but seem to only gape
larger. The longing to be mortal
returns, a longing for finiteness.
A beat as the indistinct figure gazes out at the night...
CUT TO:
2 OMITTED 2
& &
3 3
4 EXT. TOMB - CONTINUOUS ACTION 4
The figure enters an alabaster tomb and closes the door.
VOICE (V.O.)
In 1883 I suffered such a spell
and decided to cease feeding on
blood. Just lie in the earth and
let time return to its natural
state...
As the WIND PICKS UP, the LEAVES of a fledgling vine
growing up the side of the tomb begin to RATTLE FASTER
and FASTER, until curiously, time seems to speed up.
Night passes to day and back to night. Shadows from the
sun and moon drift across the tomb. As days and months
fly by, the vine winds and grows in circuitous patterns
all around the tomb.
(CONTINUED)
2.
4 CONTINUED: 4
VOICE (V.O.)
I had hoped the sounds of the
passing eras would fade out, and a
kind of death might happen. A
kind of forgetting where I would
be healed from my wounds.
The CLIP-CLOP of HORSES and the SQUEAK of PERAMBULATORS
DISSOLVE INTO the THUMP and SCRAPE of INDUSTRIAL ENGINES.
VOICE (V.O.)
But as I lay there, the sounds
didn't fade but grew with the
world.
The BUZZ of PROP ENGINES MELT INTO the sound of a JET
STREAMING overhead. CARS, MACHINES, RADIO BROADCASTS
MERGE INTO a medley of MUSIC from this century -- JACK
BENNY, MUDDY WATERS, ELVIS, HENDRIX, SEX PISTOLS.
VOICE (V.O.)
And gradually the world didn't
sound like the place I had left,
but something different...
better...
As we DRAW CLOSER TO the now vine-covered tomb, SOUNDS of
the '70s, '80s, '90s PERSIST...
VOICE (V.O.)
A new fearless attitude had
possessed the world, brave and
Godless. I began to wonder if it
was not time to resurrect. But
the thing that eventually brought
me back -- the decisive thing
really -- came like a bolt out of
the blue.
GUITARS STRIKE, DRUMS CRACK and the MUSIC SLAMS OUT, raw
and dark.
5 SERIES OF GLIMPSES 5
Slender hands with long, painted nails, Gothic rings, and
a half-pound of silver bracelets play their instruments.
Long hair, body piercings, Celtic tattoos, and brightly- colored
nylons show a lot of pale, smooth flesh. In the
confusion of glimpses, it's hard to tell who's a boy or
girl, but they're all young and beautiful. Breaking in
on the CACOPHONY of MUSIC COMES ONE GUITAR CLOSER and
LOUDER than the rest.
(CONTINUED)
3.
5 CONTINUED: 5
A SCRAPING ROAR, like a bandsaw being twisted into the
most gorgeous, powerful chords, almost religious in its
emotion.
VOICE (V.O.)
A music so sublime, so deeply
vampiric, I had no doubt it could
be heard in Hades. I had no
choice... it summoned me.
An ULTRA-FAST TECHNO BEAT BEGINS and the FULL-SOUND of a
BAND RUSHES in, creating a sense of vertigo with its
energy.
6 INT. TOMB 6
The BAND'S sounds ECHO about the stone chamber, thrumming
a deep, life-giving pulse. Suddenly, the LID of a
SARCOPHAGUS SCRAPES and slides to one side.
7 EXT. LAFAYETTE CEMETERY (NEW ORLEANS) - NIGHT 7
The Figure re-emerges from the tomb, his cape now in
tatters -- posture bent. He creeps across the cemetery
in unnatural, staccato movements as if hindered by the
physics of distance and time. All the while the SONG
plays, drawing the figure toward it.
8 EXT. FRENCH QUARTER - NIGHT 8
The Figure moves through the shadows avoiding the spill
of yellow light from the street lamps. Stopping in a
darkened alleyway, he gasps for air, exhausted by his movements.
He listens again to the mesmeric TUNE of the
band in the distance, when -- From down the alley, a
voice...
VOICE #2 (O.S.)
(in French; subtitled)
Need a fix?
9 CLOSE ON FIGURE'S EYES 9
staring hungrily at...
10 BACK TO SCENE 10
A MAN proffering a little parcel wrapped in foil.
(CONTINUED)
4.
10 CONTINUED: 10
Pulling deeper into the shadows, the caped Figure beckons
the dealer over. The man approaches when -- With a wild
animal cry, the Figure lunges like a phantom -- A flash of teeth
-- The Dealer is on the ground -- the Figure set
upon him. OVER this scene the BAND'S SONG RUSHES IN LOUD again,
reaching an incredible CRESCENDO as the violent
frenzy continues -- the monster gnawing at the Dealer's
neck.
11 CLOSE ON FIGURE'S HAND 11
Its vein refilling with the flow of warm blood -- skin
regaining a youthful tautness.
12 WIDER 12
Rising from his victim we see for the first time the
revitalized face of this creature, a mane of blond hair
frames the beautiful features of the VAMPIRE LESTAT --
his bulbous lips glistening red.
LESTAT (V.O.)
Whether it was that first meal,
the music, or the 100 years of
rest, I'm not sure, but suddenly I
was feeling better than ever. My
appetite for living was voracious.
My hearing so exact I could locate
precisely the source of the
music...
13 EXT. NEW ORLEANS HOUSE - NIGHT 13
In the street, Lestat emerges from the shadows in the
dealer's snug-fitting leather outfit. He looks up at an
extremely run-down flophouse...
LESTAT (V.O.)
My old house.
High in the attic, a single window glows with dim light.
The source of the MUSIC. The whole house is shaking from
the sound of the BAND playing upstairs.
14 INT. ATTIC - JUST AFTER 14
The room booms with music, speakers stacked high on all
sides, literally shaking the house to its foundations.
(CONTINUED)
5.
14 CONTINUED: 14
REVEAL the band members of Satan's Night Out. JAMES,
ALEX and MAUDY stare at each other as if in some tantric
trance, as they play their music -- Alex's long fingers
climbing up and down his guitar, Maudy's waifish body
sensually curls around her keyboard, the waves of music
flowing through them while James, on drums, drives them
further into it.
LESTAT (V.O.)
It was hard to believe these
beings were mortal -- so confident
in their skin. Everything in my
body wanted to be with them. I
couldn't help myself.
Then, from somewhere in the room, an ANGELIC VOICE begins
to hum the most hypnotic melody over the tune, melding in
exquisite harmony. Arching her neck in some higher
ecstasy, Maudy looks across the makeshift studio and
suddenly stops playing.
ALEX
What the hell, Maudy.
Seeing Maudy's stunned face, Alex and James turn to see
Lestat perched like a raven on top of the stack of
speakers, eyes closed, still humming to the fading reverb
of the guitars. Slowly opening his cool grey eyes --
LESTAT
Please don't stop.
JAMES
What the f-- How did you get in
here?
LESTAT
The door, of course.
James and Alex look at the door on the other side of the
attic -- they should have seen him. Maudy stares at
Lestat, quite taken by the handsome vampire's looks --
Drinking Maudy in with his eyes --
LESTAT
Your music woke me from the
longest sleep. It's sublime. In
two hundred years I've never heard
anything quite like it.
ALEX
Who the hell are you?
(CONTINUED)
6.
14 CONTINUED: (2) 14
LESTAT (V.O.)
The question provoked an
irresistible urge...
LESTAT
You may call me the vampire Lestat.
As we REMAIN ON the stunned looks of the band's faces --
LESTAT (V.O.)
It just rolled out of my mouth.
With one simple sentence I had
betrayed everything about my kind.
Betrayed our code of secrecy.
LESTAT
Your struggles are over.
Suddenly from across the room --
LESTAT
All that you've ever dreamed of
will be yours.
They spin around to see Lestat now right behind them,
smiling.
ALEX
(terrified)
What the hell is this?
LESTAT
Your lucky day.
They all stare at him, faces white. A beat. Then James
breaks into a big smile.
JAMES
Cool. We got our very own vampire.
Maudy and Alex look at each other getting used to it.
They break into smiles, going with it.
MAUDY
Hey, Vampire Lestat, I've always
wondered... about Keith Richards...
CUT TO:
15 EXT. SKIES - NIGHT 15
FLYING ACROSS night skies, as the distinctive dark sound
of SATAN'S NIGHT OUT KICKS IN to join Lestat's soaring
voice.
(CONTINUED)
7.
15 CONTINUED: 15
LESTAT (V.O.)
It was a bold move, I admit. But
from that moment on, they were my
friends, my children, my band.
Together we rode on the wave of my
preternatural ambition to
superstardom, giving the world a
new god... me.
We COME ACROSS the city lights of London. Below, police
cars section off a few blocks around a very sleek,
ultramodern office building where a huge crowd has
gathered.
SUPERIMPOSE: LONDON (6 MONTHS LATER)
16 EXT. OFFICE BUILDING - CONTINUOUS ACTION 16
Through the crowd, a very long, black limousine snakes
its way toward the building. Rows of fans dressed as
Goths, ghouls and vampires scream out...
FANS
Lestat! Lestat!
Girls press their breasts and necks up against the
limousine. Thump! Thump! Fan after female fan flings
herself on the car. Groupies scream with pure
excitement.
Confusion of screams as the door to the limo opens. The
crowd's scream reaches a fever pitch as... James, Alex
and Maudy climb out, ogle at the sight. ROGER SMYTHE,
their business manager (40s), gets out next, hustling
them through the crowd.
A wave of hysteria hits the fans. Roger hustles the
band through the crowd and up the stairs into the church,
past the giant billboard with their own images written
huge, Lestat's smiling face above them all and the
announcement --
LESTAT -- LIVE & UNDEAD -- OCTOBER 31, ALL HALLOW'S EVE,
DEATH VALLEY, U.S.A.
17 INT. OFFICE BUILDING - SOON AFTER 17
A high-tech conference room. The band, sitting up front,
is faced by an audience of over fifty journalists and
then another fifty photographers and TV cameras. The
room crackles with anticipation. Roger steps to the
podium.
(CONTINUED)
8.
17 CONTINUED: 17
ROGER
May I present the Vampire Lestat.
He pushes a button and a black curtain slides open to
reveal a huge monitor on the wall.
Every eye is glued to the SCREEN... CRACKLE, CRACKLE.
Nothing. Then suddenly, on the screen, a face in shadow
appears... Lestat. His voice booms out over the crowd.
LESTAT
Good evening. I'm so sorry I'm
late. I was just having my...
breakfast.
18 OMITTED 18
19 BACK TO SCENE 19
Then Lestat leans forward into the light. Hushed
whispers move through the crowd. Lestat's eyes burn
unnaturally bright. His white skin absolutely glows,
luminous. Lestat smiles out at them with a tight smile.
Then grins wider, revealing his fangs.
JOURNALIST
Excellent makeup job. Marilyn
Manson, look out...
A thousand questions suddenly burst out of the
journalists.
ROGER
Hey, hey! We're gonna keep this
short here! One at a time. You!
He points to a PRETTY FRENCH JOURNALIST.
PRETTY FRENCH JOURNALIST
So, Lestat. You say you're a
real vampire. Correct me if I'm
wrong, but what I remember about
vampires is you guys usually keep
your identity secret.
LESTAT
Yes. But why hide it in this day
and age? I've hidden in the
shadows for centuries. It's time
to share myself with the world.
(CONTINUED)
9.
19 CONTINUED: 19
In the corner, Roger gives a big winking smile to the
camera crew. The journalists smile, playing along. A
younger, hipper MUSIC magazine JOURNALIST pipes in...
MUSIC JOURNALIST
And it doesn't hurt the record
sales, huh? Your album just
topped all kinds of sales records.
LESTAT
Our label isn't complaining, no.
PRETTY FRENCH JOURNALIST
Could you prove it? You know give
us a demonstration of your powers?
LESTAT
If you like, I'll give you a
private demonstration in your
hotel room tonight.
The journalists laugh. The French Journalist looks a
little frightened/fascinated by Lestat's leer.
LIFESTYLE JOURNALIST
Why not a demo at your own house?
I mean, what's with all the
secrecy about where you stay? Is
it true you move residences every
few days?
LESTAT
(smiles, giving away
nothing)
After calling one stone tomb home
sweet home for so long, I like to
experience as much diversity as I
can. Wouldn't you?
The Lifestyle Journalist smiles.
MUSIC JOURNALIST
There are a lot of rumors flying
around the internet about the
hidden meaning in your lyrics,
that you're giving away 'vampire
secrets.' Something in all that?
20 SMALL TV SCREEN 20
In a dark room, the interview continues.
(CONTINUED)
10.
20 CONTINUED: 20
LESTAT (V.O.)
Maybe I'm trying to resurrect a
few old friends with my words.
Daring them to come out.
MUSIC JOURNALIST
Of the closet.
LESTAT
(smiles)
The casket...
Laughter. They're enjoying this performance although no
one is taking it very seriously. PULL OUT to reveal we
are --
21 INT. PRIVATE CLUB - SAME TIME 21
A man in a dark suit plays pool. Looking up over his
dark glasses, his strange, luminescent, grey eyes stare
up at Lestat on the TV scornfully.
22 BACK TO PRESS CONFERENCE 22
MUSIC JOURNALIST
Your first and only concert's in
Death Valley, just days away. Why
just the one?
LESTAT
(grins)
I don't like repeating myself.
MUSIC JOURNALIST
But these other vampires, aren't
they going to be pissed that
you're giving away their secrets?
LESTAT
I imagine they are, yes.
LIFESTYLE JOURNALIST
Do you have anything to say to the
other vampires listening out
there?
LESTAT
Yes, as a matter of fact, I do...
Leaning forward, Lestat smiles at the TV camera.
MATCH CUT TO:
11.
23 INT. PRIVATE CLUB - TV 23
LESTAT (V.O.)
Come out, come out, wherever you
are.
CAMERA BOOMS DOWN to reveal...
A group of dangerous-looking vampires dressed in various
styles, staring stony-faced up at the screen, their eyes
glowing strangely in the ultra-violet light. The pool
player is in the b.g. Other vampires, dressed in black, eyes
cold as ice, stare up at the TV.
VAMPIRE #1
Goddamn fool's going to bring back
the Inquisition.
VAMPIRE #2
I say we kill him, before this
gets out of hand. Bleed him dry.
VAMPIRE #1
Gotta find him first. Elusive
bloke. Never know where he's
going to turn up.
VAMPIRE #2
Well we know one place he's
definitely going to be...
Next to him sits a female VAMPIRE, Evian bottle in hand.
VAMPIRE #1
When I was in Manchester, the coven
there was saying exactly the same
thing. That we should nail him at
the concert...
FEMALE VAMPIRE #1
I don't know, if he's as old as
they say, he's gotta be pretty
strong... If you came within a
mile of him, he'd eat you alive.
She brings her Evian bottle to her lips. Drinks heartily.
The liquid inside glistens deep red.
VAMPIRE #1
Yes. Well let's see how he
handles a thousand of us at once.
Crack -- the pool player sinks the last ball on the pool
table. The TV suddenly EXPLODES.
(CONTINUED)
12.
23 CONTINUED: 23
BACK TO LESTAT ON HUGE VIDEO SCREEN
He smiles at the journalists.
LESTAT
See you all in Death Valley.
CLICK. The screen goes black.
24 CLOSE ON LESTAT 24
in the flesh. REVEAL he is...
25 INT. LESTAT'S CHATEAU (LONDON) 25
All alone in his magnificent chateau. He sits in front
of a video camera and monitor set up for the two-way remote
feed. Lestat puts the remote down.
Laughs out loud with the pure pleasure of it all. He stands,
crosses to huge doors. Opens them. Goes out to...
25A EXT. LESTAT'S CHATEAU GROUNDS - CONTINUOUS ACTION 25A
Lestat walks across his lavish grounds, gazes up into the
night.
Staring up at the dark heavens, Lestat inhales like an
emperor taking in his kingdom, stretches his arms out, still
drinking in the adulation.
Slowly, his grin fades...
A melancholy look comes over Lestat.
LESTAT
(quietly, to world)
Come out, come out, whoever you
are.
As he lowers his arms, the CAMERA PULLS UP and OUT FROM
Lestat, whirling into the dark night...
CUT TO:
13.
26 CLOSE ON SET OF HEADPHONES 26
as it plays LESTAT'S SONG.
PULL OUT ON...
A beautiful young woman, JESSE, 22, lays in black satin
sheets. Her long red hair snakes over her slender neck as
she sleeps to Lestat's voice, still as death. Flickering
candles all over the room reveal her lithe, strong body,
pale as the moon. She is surrounded by her work, ancient
language books, her laptop computer. Another book is
clenched in her hand. The Unconscious Vampire. We MOVE
IN ON her fluttering eyes.
CUT TO:
27 DREAM SEQUENCE - EYES 27
opening. Blank. Still. Unsettling. PULL BACK to
reveal these eyes belong to a 19th-century porcelain
doll. We TRACK ACROSS rows and rows of dolls from
different eras, all exquisitely detailed. TRACK PAST the
billowing floor-to-ceiling curtains to reveal a six-year-
old girl lying awake in a large bed, Jesse, green eyes and
long red curls. LAUGHTER wafts in with the breeze.
28 INT. CORRIDOR 28
Jesse's bare feet pad down the endless corridor. The
little girl is dwarfed by the stone pedestals, all lit
with candles. LAUGHTER ECHOES through the halls.
29 INT. GREAT HALL 29
Jesse moves past rough-hewn columns, watching something
with great curiosity. Behind her, we glimpse a giant
mural of names cut into the stone walls. A family tree,
extending up onto the ceiling and down to the floor.
30 JESSE'S POV 30
A grand party is in progress. There are about thirty
vampires, all thin, pale and beautiful. An eclectic
group, elegantly-dressed in Indian silks, Arabic veils,
mixed with a few gaudy Versace outfits. Guests lean into
each other's necks, showing blood-red tongues and fangs.
31 BACK TO SCENE 31
A young VAMPIRE scoops Jesse up and puts her on his knee.
(CONTINUED)
14.
31 CONTINUED: 31
VAMPIRE
Ah, Jesse. You want to come and
play with us, don't you?
She stares at him, nervous, intrigued.
WOMAN (O.S.)
(urgent)
Jesse!
VAMPIRE
Soon, soon, little one. I'll make
sure you're with us forever.
WOMAN (O.S.)
(more urgent)
Jesse!
32 INT. JESSE'S BEDROOM (PRESENT) 32
JESSE
No!
Jesse sits up with a start. She stands, heart pounding,
trying to shake the dream off. We see on a bulletin board
behind her, a flyer for Lestat's concert. She takes off
the headphones. Walking over to the mantel above her
fireplace, she picks up a solitary, framed photo -- holds
it tight...
33 CLOSEUP - PHOTO 33
Young Jesse (the girl from the dream) stares straight at
camera. She is held in the arms of a red-haired woman,
her back to camera.
34 BACK TO SCENE 34
Jesse puts the photo down, catches her reflection in a
mirror, lit by flickering candlelight. Her face is
distressed, troubled by the dream. She goes to the
window, stares out into the black night. The dark waters
of the Thames snake through the London cityscape. Jesse
blows out the candles. Darkness.
CUT TO:
15.
35 EXT. TUBE STATION (LONDON) - THAT NIGHT 35
Fluorescence pierces the black night. Jesse comes out
of the tube station in a tight, short skirt, boots. She
looks down the street. In one direction, a busy,
brightly-lit street. Jesse gazes at a group of tourists
coming out of a pub, laughing. Then she turns, looks the
other direction. A dark street. She hesitates a long
moment, stares at the light, then can't help herself,
plunges toward the darkness, the LAUGHTER ECHOING, then
DYING.
36 EXT. ALLEY - JUST AFTER 36
Jesse passes "rent-boys" stepping from the shadows as
cars cruise by. Jesse, unable to look away, gazes as one
gets in a car. He stares back at her, disappears into
the car.
37 EXT. BRIDGE - JUST AFTER 37
Jesse passes couples using the shadows for privacy in the
dark, filthy streets. She strides past a girl leaning
against a brick wall, the man grunting, moving
rhythmically against her.
38 EXT. LONDON STREET - LATER THAT NIGHT 38
Fog floats in the yellow vapor lights. Jesse pauses at
the intersection of a narrow alley. She hesitates,
nervous, then turns down the dark lane, disappearing into
the blackness...
39 EXT. WAVERLY ARMS - NIGHT 39
Jesse, from the shadows, gazes, wide-eyed, at the Soho
private club's entrance, a solitary door with a faded sign
and a dull blue light mounted above.
Jesse hears strange whispering. She sees now figures
moving through the fog. One pushes a buzzer. Jesse stares,
barely breathing, her heart pounding.
The figures have white, luminescent faces, strange, bright,
glowing eyes. Their fingernails are glass-like. A moment
later, a slot in the door opens. The glowing eyes of another
creature stares out at them, scrutinizing them. The door
closes quickly.
Jesse stands there, deliberating. She takes a step closer
to the door. Stops. Takes another nervous step. She hears
something, whirls around.
(CONTINUED)
16.
39 CONTINUED: 39
Another group of the strange figures walk steadily down the
street towards her. Jesse begins backing away. A HISSING
sound slowly fills the alley...
CUT TO:
CLOSE ON LESTAT
smiling, revealing his fangs.
REVEAL we are...
40 INT. LIBRARY - TALAMASCA INNER COUNCIL CHAMBER - NIGHT 40
Lestat's face appears on a video screen in front of a room
lined from floor to ceiling with leather-bound books, ancient
scrolls. Subjects are marked, Werewolves, Poltergeists,
Possession...
SUPERIMPOSE: SECRET ORDER OF THE TALAMASCA: CENTER FOR
PARANORMAL STUDIES: LONDON HEADQUARTERS
Jesse, making a presentation, stands before an impressive
and imposing group of 10 TALAMASCANS, wearing demure
suits.
Jesse is excited, a bit nervous, hoping to impress. She
holds a remote which controls images appearing on the
large video screen. Clips from Lestat's press conference
continue. Jesse gazes out at the Talamascans.
JESSE
I have reason to believe Lestat's
the real thing. A vampire. And
an ancient one.
TALAMASCAN #1
I don't know, Jesse. It looks to
me like the guy's got a good P.R.
man with a flair for the
theatrical.
JESSE
(leans forward,
eagerly)
It would appear that way. But
have you listened to his songs?
Read his lyrics?
The Talamascans glance at each other, surprised. Shake
their heads. A few laugh. They're not Lestat's usual
audience.
(CONTINUED)
17.
40 CONTINUED: 40
JESSE
Well,i have. In one of his songs
he refers to a pub called the
Sailor's Arms. I think it's a
clue...
She pushes a button, the lyrics appear on screen.
JESSE
(reading screen)
'Where are you now? Back in the
sailor's arms, somewhere in the
back streets of Soho?' I tracked
down the old leases in London. It
turns out, in the late 1700's,
there was a pub right in the
backstreets of Soho called the
Sailor's Arms.
The lyrics on screen are replaced now by an old engraving
of a pub with the sign reading "SAILOR'S ARMS."
JESSE
And it had a reputation for
dealing with black magic.
Witches' covens, seances, that
sort of thing.
Quick flashes of gruesome drawings appear -- animal
sacrifices. A corpses floating above a table...
Jesse talks faster and faster with her enthusiasm.
JESSE
And most importantly, reports of
people being lured there and
subsequently attacked by
bloodsucking fiends.
Quick flashes of gruesome period newspaper drawings,
blood pouring from the neck of a screaming woman. A
white-faced ghoul with fangs.
Jesse is smiling wider, excited by her discovery.
On screen, an old map of London appears.
JESSE
Here's where you could find the
Sailor's Arms in old London.
A modern map appears, overlaying the old map.
(CONTINUED)
18.
40 CONTINUED: (2) 40
JESSE
And here is where it would be
today. Of course the Sailor's
Arms is not there anymore. That
part of London is mostly old
warehouses, meat-packing plants.
TALAMASCAN #2
In a few years it will be artists'
lofts and pretentious French
cafes...
Jesse leans forward now as she talks.
JESSE
Yes, but right now there's only
one place to get a drink -- of
sorts. A private club -- in
exactly the same place. The
Waverly Arms.
On screen, a photo of the Waverly Arms.
JESSE
Well, what happens at the Waverly
Arms now makes the Sailor's Arms
look like a Happy Meal at
McDonald's.
She pauses for emphasis, gazing at the faces of the
Talamascans, gauging their reactions.
JESSE
It's a vampire coven. And
Lestat's leading us to it.
Murmurs. Many of definite interest. Some of definite
skepticism. Jesse's face shines bright with her
enthusiasm.
TALAMASCAN #1
(skeptical)
And what makes you think so?
Jesse smiles. Pushes a button. Ready to receive the
Talamascans' approval.
On screen, a new picture appears of several figures,
white faces, dark clothes -- but they're very blurry.
TALAMASCAN #2
Jesse, can you, uh, focus that any
better?
(CONTINUED)
19.
40 CONTINUED: (3) 40
JESSE
(excitement dampened
by embarrassment)
Well... it was taken... while...
(clears throat)
... in motion.
Talamascan #2 smiles at her sympathetically. Jesse gazes
out at the other Talamascans, sees she's losing their
interest.
JESSE
(quickly, trying to
cover)
But listen, if you look closely,
you can see they're vampires. I'm
sure of it. And Lestat's leading
us to them and --
TALAMASCAN #3
(interrupting)
Interesting. Perhaps we should
assign someone to observe --
TALAMASCAN #1
Oh please, based on this so-called
'data'? That's a waste of time.
JESSE
But... uh...
TALAMASCAN #2
(looking up for a
moment, interrupting)
Wait a second. Who took this
picture?
JESSE
(a beat, softly)
I did.
Murmurs bubble through the entire group now. They stare
at Jesse, dismayed.
TALAMASCAN #2
You went there?
JESSE
Yes. Last night.
TALAMASCAN #1
And who gave you this directive?
(CONTINUED)
20.
40 CONTINUED: (4) 40
JESSE
No one. I... just... went.
(quickly)
Look, I know it was breaking
protocol and I'm really sorry,
it's just I think --
TALAMASCAN #1
Jesse! You're just an apprentice
here! You must follow our
rules... Or perhaps we need to
reconsider your position.
She stares at him.
TALAMASCAN #3
For 12 centuries our mission as
Talamascans has been to observe
and record paranormal behavior.
But never get involved. You're
getting far too close.
JESSE
(gesturing to photo,
defending herself)
Hey, does it look like I got
involved? That is not called
involvement. That is called
running.
TALAMASCAN #2
(leaning forward,
trying to help)
But, Jesse, tell us, what did you
see?
Jesse turns to her.
JESSE
Vampires. Gathering. I'm sure of
it.
Jesse steps from the podium, moving through the
Talamascans as she pleads her case. She talks a mile a
minute, her passion rising...
JESSE
You have to listen to Lestat's
lyrics. They're amazing.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
21.
40 CONTINUED: (5) 40
JESSE (CONT'D)
Many of the references could only
be derived from years of research
in the Bibliotech de Paris, which
seems unlikely for a young rock
star in his early twenties. Plus
there are historical details
dating back hundreds of years
Lestat describes that don't exist
anywhere... except in our library.
He refers to Marius, the great
white lord, who ruled over a group
of islands off the Bay of Naples
in the late 18th Century. What
I'm trying to say here, and maybe
I'm not doing the best job of it,
is that Lestat may be the oldest
and most powerful vampire ever
documented!
Jesse sees some of the Talamascans are again listening.
But Talamascan #1 shakes his head...
TALAMASCAN #1
It doesn't make any sense. Why
would he be forecasting this to
the world? He's all but drawn a
map and marked an X. What
vampires hold sacred is keeping
their kind a secret. You never
name other immortals, tell where
their lairs are. They'd be hunted
down.
JESSE
Right. That's the best part.
Lestat's not afraid to piss them
off. He wants mortals and
immortals to know he's there, to
know he exists. I don't know
why...
(glancing at skeptical
Talamascan #1)
But this has never happened
before. Don't you see? He's a
one man revolution.
All the Talamascans gaze at her a moment. Jesse holds
her breath. Has she gotten them back?
(CONTINUED)
22.
40 CONTINUED: (6) 40
TALAMASCAN #1
And this photo is your evidence?
It's hardly conclusive.
(snorts)
C'mon. It looks like the Blair
witch!
The Talamascans burst out laughing, even Talamascan #2.
Jesse gazes at them, her face burning red. She's lost
them, blown it. Made a fool of herself.
Her frustration rises, she can no longer contain it. It
bursts out of her.
JESSE
Fine. Well then, I guess I'll
just have to go back and get
better, more conclusive evidence!
Maybe you just can't unravel all
the mysteries of the world out
there, by sitting around all day
in a dusty old library in here!
As they gaze at her, astonished, she gathers her
materials, starts out. Several start shouting back at
her. Amidst the uproar, a voice booms across the room.
TALBOT (O.S.)
Jesse.
Everyone turns. Quiets down. DAVID TALBOT stands in the
back of the room. He's clearly the superior Talamascan,
though younger than some, very charismatic.
TALBOT
My office. Now.
He turns, walks out. All the Talamascans look at Jesse.
It doesn't look good. Her face burning red, Jesse turns,
leaves.
CUT TO:
41 EXT. METROPOLITAN BAR (LONDON) - NIGHT (SAME TIME) 41
A line of hopefuls wanting to enter the exclusive club
wait for the judgement of two BOUNCERS, one buff, one
SLEEK.
(CONTINUED)
23.
41 CONTINUED: 41
SLEEK BOUNCER
Okay, you, in. You. No...
(smiles at a sexy
girl)
You in...
(to UNATTRACTIVE GUY)
You, no.
UNATTRACTIVE GUY
C'mon, man, she's waiting for me
in there. She said she was
putting me on the list. My name's
Norman --
BOUNCER #1
Yeah, yeah, right. Hey, get a
life, alright?
(to another sexy
girl)
You, in.
Across the street, a figure in the shadows watches.
42 EXT. AROUND CORNER - JUST AFTERWARDS 42
Bouncer #1 is now making out with one of the young sexy
girls he let in, trying to get a hand up her dress.
A cold WIND suddenly blows, fluttering her skirt. He
looks up. A dark figure stands in the shadows.
BOUNCER #1
Hey, perv, get the hell out of
here.
The figure steps from the shadows. The Bouncer's face
turns white.
It's Lestat...
The Bouncer starts to back way. The girl starts to
scream. Lestat clamps his hand over the girl's mouth.
To the girl...
LESTAT
You. In...
He gestures to the club. The girl turns and runs for her
life. As the Bouncer backs away, terrified, Lestat turns
to him.
(CONTINUED)
24.
42 CONTINUED: 42
LESTAT
(softly)
You. No.
Lestat lunges like a phantom -- a flash of teeth -- as
they FALL FROM FRAME, the distinct sound of BONE
CRUSHING. Over this scene the BAND'S SONG rushes in.
CUT TO:
42A INT. LESTAT'S LONDON HOUSE - THAT NIGHT 42A
Lestat enters. Dabs his mouth politely with a white
handkerchief, the sound of the BAND practicing from
below.
43 INT. LESTAT'S HOUSE (LONDON) - SOUND STUDIO - JUST AFTER 43
Lestat and his band rehearse one of their numbers, music
and voice melding into a grand, almost operatic harmony.
44 INT. CONTROL BOOTH 44
Two SOUND ENGINEERS work the board.
SOUND ENGINEER #1
When's the concert?
SOUND ENGINEER #2
Four days.
SOUND ENGINEER #1
These guys are gonna kill.
Behind them, Roger sits pensively watching.
Surreptitiously, he glances down at a book on his lap --
its title Vampires -- The Occult Truth. He talks on a
phone.
ROGER
Yeah, Phil. We'll need a limo
from the airport. I don't know
which airfield yet... I don't know
the arrival time either.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
25.
44 CONTINUED: 44
ROGER (CONT'D)
(sighs)
Yeah... I'll call you from the
plane... Nope, I'll tell the
driver where he's taking us... Hey
I don't even know myself... pick
up address in London?... Forget
it... you'd never find this place.
Christ we'll probably have changed
houses again by then... What can I
say, the guy's just...
Shaking his head, Phil glances down at his vampire book.
Looking back up he see Lestat now staring at him
intensely while he sings.
ROGER
(softly)
-- just uh... shy... that's it...
shy.
45 INT. STUDIO 45
Lestat slides into a high "C" leaning into the
microphone, catching his own reflection in the booth's
window, and --
CRACK -- GLASS SPLINTERS.
Roger jumps out of his skin, stifling a cry.
46 INT. CONTROL BOOTH 46
SOUND ENGINEER #1
(dumbfounded)
Shit.
47 INT. STUDIO 47
James, Alex, and Maudy "whoop" with excitement.
JAMES
We rock.
LESTAT
Yes, I'd say I'm down with that.
They all laugh.
JAMES
I'm ready for Los Angeles...
(CONTINUED)
26.
47 CONTINUED: 47
MAUDY
I'm ready for Death Valley.
(jazzed)
Two days till we go...
THROUGH the broken glass we see Roger slump into a chair,
his nerves totally frayed.
ALEX
Think we can call that a night.
Unhooking their instruments, Alex and James start to pack
up as Maudy slowly approaches Lestat and nuzzles his
neck.
He shivers with temptation. Her hand moves down the
front of his pants. Lestat pulls her into his arms.
Leaning into her neck he breathes in her scent, closes
his eyes and... Suddenly opens them right at Roger who
looks on, extremely perturbed. Smiling like the devil...
LESTAT
Oh, the sweet song of her blood.
Roger stares on, terrified.
LESTAT
I'll hear it in my head all night.
Gently letting Maudy go...
LESTAT
Roger...
He goes directly to Roger, reaches into his open shirt,
pulls out the crucifix around his neck.
LESTAT
I didn't know you were religious.
Roger tries to laugh it off. Lestat sniffs the air. As
Roger backs away, he turns to open the door, stumbles,
cutting his hand on a fallen shard of glass. Blood
trickles from the cut. Roger looks up at Lestat whose
dark eyes stare intensely at Roger's blood. Roger
quickly sticks his hand in his mouth. With a horrified
expression, he realizes he's sucking his blood. He
quickly heads out. But Lestat is faster and reaches
into Roger's shirt pocket. Pulls out a clove of garlic. Lestat
shakes his head with a smile.
LESTAT
Roger...
(CONTINUED)
27.
47 CONTINUED: (2) 47
Roger tries to laugh. Reaches for the garlic to put it
back in his pocket. But Lestat grabs Roger's hand, blood
trickling down his wrist. Lestat speaks intensely.
LESTAT
Be careful, Roger. Very careful.
Lestat walks away. Roger exhales with relief.
CUT TO:
48 INT. TALBOT'S CHAMBER - SAME TIME 48
A wood-lined room -- walls covered with books, artifacts,
paintings. Jesse stands before Talbot. He fixes his
eyes on her, pours her some coffee.
TALBOT
How's everything? You alright?
You sleeping okay?
JESSE
Yeah, I'm great. I just found a
vampire.
TALBOT
(considers her)
Jesse... you're taking this Lestat
stuff pretty seriously... why?
JESSE
Cause I think I'm on to something
pretty big. The most important
sighting Talamasca's had in
years...
(beat, sighs)
Jesus, I don't know, David... I
thought I was onto something...
Maybe I didn't see anything...
Talbot takes in the dark circles around her eyes, how
quickly she's emptied her coffee cup. He pours her
more, smiles gently.
TALBOT
You know we work in a really
strange field? The supernatural
is beguiling at times. It doesn't
like to just be observed, it is
only satisfied when it has drawn
us in completely. I know cause
I've felt these things myself.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
28.
48 CONTINUED: 48
TALBOT (CONT'D)
That's what we have to resist, as
Talamascans...
(as a shadow crosses
his face)
It's not always easy.
JESSE
(leaning forward)
Talbot. C'mon. You know me. I'm
not freaking out on you. I'm just
onto what looks -- alright looked
-- like a good lead. You're the
one who taught me how to do all
this. You're the one who taught
me to keep pushing and pushing...
He still looks at her with a penetrating glance. She
looks back at him.
JESSE
David. There's nothing else.
Nothing is 'beguiling' me,
alright? Nothing. C'mon.
He gazes at her as she downs her whole coffee,
registering her strong denial. He smiles at her,
forcefully changes the mood.
TALBOT
Alright. Just checking...
Jesse starts out. Looking down at papers on his desk,
Talbot calls out, almost casually...
TALBOT
Well, all I can say is you're
really lucky you're not lying
dead in a gutter with two holes
on your neck.
JESSE
I'd be even luckier if that damn
picture came out...
(stops in her tracks,
turns back, gazes at
him, amazed)
Wait a second. So you do believe
me? You do think it's a vampire
coven.
(CONTINUED)
29.
48 CONTINUED: (2) 48
TALBOT
(looks up, eyes
sparkling)
Yes. But not exactly for the
reasons you think. Though your
research is top-notch of course...
(smiles)
Come back here. I'm gonna show
you something.
He goes to the paintings hanging on a wall in the back of
his office, covered with black velvet. Jesse follows.
He unveils them.
They stand before an Eighteenth-Century painting. The
interior of an enormous Italian villa. There's a man in
his forties with long white hair, back to us, but his
face is reflected in a standing mirror.
TALBOT
What do you see?
JESSE
They're all nightscapes. The
detail is amazing. Mid-1500s.
Florence.
TALBOT
Right. And what do you see in
this one?
Jesse moves to the next painting. Another nightscape, a
giant medieval tableaux, circa Bruegel.
TALBOT
And I know it's a Dutch pastoral.
Jesse runs her finger across the faces, then stops on the
face of a gentleman with long white hair watching the
bloodshed of gory battles and the sacrifices of saints
burned at the stake.
JESSE
This man is in both.
TALBOT
Right. He's in all of them.
Jesse moves to the next painting, then the next and the
next, all nightscapes set and painted in the style of
different eras, all featuring a portrait of the same
white-maned man.
(CONTINUED)
30.
48 CONTINUED: (3) 48
JESSE
Have you --
TALBOT
Carbon tested? Yes. The
different paint samples are all
authentic. All painted at the
time of that particular style.
Jesse stops at a contemporary self-portrait.
TALBOT
It's Marius, Jesse.
JESSE
(whirling around)
Marius?! From Lestat's lyrics.
I knew I was right.
TALBOT
Yes, you were. Good work.
She smiles at him, victorious.
TALBOT
I've been personally tracing
him for decades. My little
obsession. The oldest vampire
ever documented. The closest
we've come to the original
vampire.
JESSE
What do you mean the original
vampire?
Pointing to a larger depiction of a beautiful woman in
Egyptian garb --
TALBOT
There's a Mesopotamian legend that
there once was a queen of Egypt,
Akasha, long before Tutankhamen or
Nefertiti. She was believed to be
the original vampire... Marius
himself dates back to 400 B.C...
Jesse gazes at all the paintings, shaking her head in
wonder, then speaks softly.
(CONTINUED)
31.
48 CONTINUED: (4) 48
JESSE
David, you've been tracking Marius
your whole life. Maybe he's out
there waiting for you right now.
(without looking
at him)
Don't you ever want to just go and
find him and --
Talbot crosses to her.
TALBOT
No. Jesus, we are not talking
about having a drink at the
Dorchester, Jesse. You know that.
Especially with the ancient
vampires -- the older they are,
the more powerful, the more
dangerous...
He takes her by the arm, smiles down at her.
TALBOT
Anyway, you don't need to go and
stake out some club. Your time is
too valuable. I have something
far better for you...
JESSE
(surprised)
You do?
He steers her over to a locked cabinet.
TALBOT
Yes. And I'll tell you something.
I've never shown this to anyone.
No one else has proved themself
in the way you have.
JESSE
(touched)
Thanks. What is it?
As he unlocks the cabinet...
TALBOT
Oh you're gonna love this.
(glancing at her)
Although I'm sure it will keep you
up nights to come with nightmares...
He takes out an old leather-bound journal. Turns to
Jesse.
(CONTINUED)
32.
48 CONTINUED: (5) 48
TALBOT
Lestat's diary. I found it some
years ago. This is where you'll
find the answers you need.
Jesse stares up at him in absolute awe, taking it in.
Talbot gestures in the direction of the Talamascans in
the library.
TALBOT
They don't need to know
everything, right?
She smiles at him. He gives her the diary.
JESSE
Thank you for this.
TALBOT
My pleasure. When I took you on
as an apprentice, I knew it was
the smartest thing I'd ever done.
Now you and I'll meet when you're
done... This will be our project...
As Jesse goes out, holding the journal, Talbot smiles
after her.
But after the door closes, his gaze turns again to
concern. He crosses back to the paintings, pauses a
moment, staring up into Marius's eyes. Then Talbot
covers each with the black velvet.
CUT TO:
49 INT. JESSE'S APARTMENT - NIGHT 49
Jesse sits on the floor, curtains drawn, the room lit
with candles. A LESTAT SONG plays in the b.g. She
opens the journal.
JESSE
Je suis le vampire Lestat...
(a beat)
I am the vampire Lestat.
50 FLASHBACK - EXT. MEDITERRANEAN ISLAND - FULL SHOT 50
A solitary paradise in a rough, nighttime sea.
(CONTINUED)
33.
50 CONTINUED: 50
LESTAT (V.O.)
It was the winter of 1788 and I
was brought to a Mediterranean
Island by the man who made me...
A lightning flash illuminates a sprawling 18th-Century
sea-front villa.
LESTAT (V.O.)
... if a man is what you'd call
him.
51 INT. VILLA BEDROOM - NIGHT 51
A great round room encircled with candles, their
reflections flickering in the great glass windows braving
back the outside STORM. A huge antique bed sits in the
room's center, and on it... Lestat lays feverish and
fitful, dressed in a soft linen nightshirt. His neck
wears a swollen bite. Another flash of lightning
suddenly jolts him awake. His hands feel the inflamed
wound as he sees...
An indistinct shape of a man dressed in draping red
velvet, sitting asleep in a chair across the room. An
easel stands before him, holding an unseen painting.
Lestat rises out of the bed and grabs his clothes from a
nearby Louis IV chair. He makes for a door when...
Lestat suddenly stops. He looks back to see the painting
that stands on the easel. It's a portrait of himself in
ancient Roman garb, like the god Mars, complete with his
blond hair and fiery blue eyes. Unable to help himself,
he approaches the painting, completely fascinated by his
own image, when suddenly...
The sleeping man leaps up, grabs Lestat unmercifully and
again plunges his teeth into the young man's neck.
Lestat fights as best he can but his strength is no match
as he's slowly drawn down to the floor. Finally...
The strange man lifts himself up from Lestat's neck to
reveal the face of the vampire MARIUS, the mysterious
figure. Wiping his blooded mouth on his painter's
cloth --
MARIUS
Lestat. Welcome.
Weakened and helpless, Lestat drags himself back across
the floor in terror.
(CONTINUED)
34.
51 CONTINUED: 51
LESTAT
Who are you? Do I know you?
MARIUS
I'm unknowable by nature.
Marius advances again on the young man...
MARIUS
But you may call me Marius.
As Lestat keeps weakly dragging himself away.
LESTAT
I'm the lord of a great manor.
They'll send an army of men to
look for me.
MARIUS
I doubt they'll find you,
Lord De Lioncourt. You're a long
way from home...
His strength leaving him, Lestat slumps flat on the
floor.
MARIUS
You're weak... near passing. I
can barely hear your heartbeat.
LESTAT
I'll kill you!
Marius smiles, impressed.
MARIUS
You really do fear nothing. It is
why I chose you. Because you
think things are possible which
aren't possible...
Lestat stares at him, his eyes wide.
LESTAT
Chose me? For what?
MARIUS
My companion. Someone to share my
burden.
Bending down, he gazes at Lestat.
MARIUS
You've lost a great deal of blood.
(CONTINUED)
35.
51 CONTINUED: (2) 51
LESTAT
(near tears)
I'm dying.
Suddenly Marius draws a knife from a Roman sheath on his
belt. With the last of his strength, Lestat grabs his
attacker's wrist.
MARIUS
Then drink.
Guiding Lestat's hand with the knife, Marius smiles and
cuts his own arm, opening his veins. Lestat stares in
true terror as Marius lets his blood drip onto Lestat's
lip. Lestat pulls away as the blood slides into his
mouth...
MARIUS
Good, is it not?
And indeed... it does taste good. That's the new terror
that's gripping him. He crosses himself and stares up
into Marius's gentle eyes. Marius bends down, cups
Lestat's chin.
MARIUS
Drink and live. You've been brave
enough for one night, my son.
Marius brings his open vein to Lestat's lips. Lestat
hesitates, but then suddenly... Feeds hungrily as
Marius's face fills with the bond. He slowly sinks
down to his knees as Lestat feeds and feeds. As
Lestat drinks, a barrage of IMAGES flood into him...
52 IMAGES 52
of Marius's life through the ages... Impressionistic,
subliminal burst of IMAGES, color... the glory days of
the Roman Empire to this very moment flash by...
53 BACK TO LESTAT 53
He keeps drinking from the vampire Marius who gasps with
the creation of his child.
MARIUS
Drink... drink and learn.
Lestat's body grows stronger, his back arching up as he
draws the "life" into him with full force, as... Marius
begins to weaken, himself.
(CONTINUED)
36.
53 CONTINUED: 53
MARIUS
There... there... that will do.
But Lestat keeps on feeding hungrily.
MARIUS
No... no more. Lestat, no more!
With one great move, Marius pulls Lestat off his arm and
tosses him across the floor twenty feet away. Marius
reels back, clamping his open vein with his hand as
Lestat curls on the ground, gasping ecstatically from the
rush.
Slowly, Lestat starts to feel something. Pain begins
travelling through his body, consuming him until he
screams. Marius crosses to Lestat convulsing on the
floor. He kneels and gently wipes his brow. Lestat's
body thrashes as he grabs at his own limbs...
MARIUS
Don't be afraid, it's only your
body that dies...
Wiping his brow as he dies...
Then, Lestat's face still buried in his arms, he begins
to laugh almost drunkenly. Raising his head, his
metamorphosis is clear as his face pales and his eyes
fill with a new kind of power.
LESTAT
More!
Lestat smiles with red glistening lips. A beat on Marius
as he slowly smiles, too.
54 EXT. BEACH - NIGHT 54
A million stars...
LESTAT (V.O.)
I impressed my maker with my
thirst for things. He set out to
educate me in the unknown. Taught
me all about the world, its hidden
history... and about myself.
TILT DOWN to reveal an old fisherman who cries out as
Lestat bites into his throat. Marius watches as the
fisherman's body relaxes. He pulls Lestat away.
(CONTINUED)
37.
54 CONTINUED: 54
MARIUS
That's enough, my son... When you
feed, you must hold back from the
moment of death. You must never
take the last drop, or it will
draw you in and you will die...
The fisherman is moaning. Looking down at the suffering
victim, Marius swiftly snaps his neck and dumps him into
a boat. He picks up an oar, and with vampire strength,
drives it like a stake through the bottom of the boat.
Water starts bubbling in.
MARIUS
Remember, there is wisdom in the
flesh, Lestat. A man wears his
history on his skin...
Marius feels Lestat's gaze, turns to him.
MARIUS
I'm talking about humanity.
As Lestat watches the water begin to fill the bottom
of the boat...
LESTAT
Humanity?
(snort)
We're murderers.
MARIUS
We're more than that. Their blood
that we take into us carries with
it life... their life, their
knowledge, their complexity.
Appreciate your prey, Lestat.
Marius gazes at the fisherman, then, with vampire
strength, shoves the boat far out into the ocean.
55 EXT. BEACH - NIGHT 55
Below the brightest of summer night skies, Lestat and
Marius walk along, talking intensely. The ocean appears
to shimmer in the faint light of stars. In the distance,
several bonfires burn on the sand, dancing figures
gathered around.
(CONTINUED)
38.
55 CONTINUED: 55
LESTAT (V.O.)
My senses run amok, like a newborn
child. And as for my new powers,
I was beside myself with the
pleasure of it all...
MARIUS
The trick is to find the way to
face eternity head on. The
spirit can be annihilated by
boredom just as the body can be
destroyed by sun or fire. My
solace, my delight, is witnessing
the unfolding of human destiny...
Lestat gazes at Marius's eyes dancing with intellectual
fervor. As they walk, they pass a group of teenagers,
just younger than Lestat, at a bonfire, dancing, laughing.
Lestat gazes over at them as he and Marius pass, hidden
in shadow.
MARIUS
... From Christ to the Dark Ages
to the enlightenment, I've never
been able to divine what was coming.
That's what keeps me going -- I
can't wait to see what human
beings are going to do next...
Lestat nods, taking it in. They pass another bonfire.
MUSIC floats through the night. An OLDER MAN, 50, plays
balalaika while his daughter, 18, plays violin with great
passion.
MARIUS
Who could've predicted the
Enlightenment? Or Hannibal and his
elephants?
Marius stops talking, turns. Lestat is no longer beside
him. Marius turns back and sees Lestat standing in the
shadows, listening to the music. The young woman, sensing
something, turns towards Lestat in the shadows as she
plays. Marius goes to Lestat, pulls him farther into the
shadows.
MARIUS
Careful.
(CONTINUED)
39.
55 CONTINUED: (2) 55
LESTAT
But why must we hide, Marius? We
are the powerful, we are the
immortal. We should walk fearless
in the open!
MARIUS
Shhh. The life of a vampire is a
life of discretion. We must sleep
during the day, when we are
vulnerable to the sun. Mortals
must never know about us. It is
forbidden, for the sake of all our
kind.
LESTAT
(gazing at violin
player as it sinks in)
So I could never know her?
MARIUS
Not unless you wanted to kill her.
LESTAT
(beat, quietly,
intensely)
So I can never be known?
MARIUS
You're known by me. I granted you
that. There are others of our
kind... though most are solitary
creatures.
Lestat's eyes fill with some existential realization.
LESTAT
My God...
MARIUS
Forget God. You're no longer in
his realm. Now we must leave.
Relenting, Lestat starts to follow. But the music
quickens. Lestat pauses, turns back. As if the music is
calling to him.
The girl still faces into the shadows towards him, and
plays fast and wild, her fingers flying. Lestat stands
there frozen to the spot. The music pulses through
him. He gazes at her fingers, studying their intricate
movements intensely...
(CONTINUED)
40.
55 CONTINUED: (3) 55
Impulsively, Lestat goes back to them, hovers, his face
still somewhat obscured by the darkness. Lestat starts
clapping along to the music, exuberantly.
The girl and Father smile, nod to him as they play.
Marius, in the shadows, is fuming. Lestat's eyes fill
with the moment, the girl's vitality. He notices that
sitting on the ground by the girl are several
instruments. Impulsively, he reaches over, picks up a
violin. He studies the girl's playing again, then with
his new powers, as if by osmosis...
Begins to play with exactly her skill, exactly her
movements.
The girl and her Father laugh, delighted with this new
musician. Lestat plays along with them, joyful,
exhilarated. The girl's fingers fly. Lestat's fingers
pick up speed. Faster. Faster. A glittering torrent of
notes fly out of his violin as if made of gold.
Unconsciously, Lestat steps closer to the music, into
firelight. The Father and his daughter become less
certain, as they gaze at Lestat's strange, pale, glowing
skin, the luminous shine of eyes. But Lestat is
completely taken by the music, the moment. The Father
and the daughter, sensing something strange, stop
playing. Lestat looks up. Sees terror in their eyes.
The Father is slowly backing away, pointing in
horror at Lestat.
FATHER
Fantasma!! Teras!!
Lightning fast, out of the shadows, steps Marius. He
grabs the Father. The girl drops her violin, turns, starts
running down the beach to a bonfire in the distance.
MARIUS
Stop her, Lestat!
Lestat turns to Marius, shaking his head no in horror.
MARIUS
You must!
Lestat hesitates, then runs after the girl. She turns
back, sees him getting closer, starts to scream...
Lestat is suddenly in front of her with his hand over her
mouth, covering her muffled scream. Her struggle is no
use against his strength. Reaching up to her neck, he
touches it. He looks into her terrified eyes...
CUT TO:
41.
56 EXT. ISLAND'S SOUTH SHORE - NIGHT 56
Marius kneels over the body of the Father on the island's
deserted shoreline. Tosses him in a boat. Lestat gazes
at the lifeless body of the girl. Marius turns to
Lestat, furious.
MARIUS
I will not have you put everything
at risk! You will mind our laws!
Picking up Lestat's victim, Marius tosses her into the
boat as well.
MARIUS
We remain in the shadows. To do
otherwise is a road to
destruction...
Marius turns to Lestat, who stands in silence, gazing at
the girl and her Father.
MARIUS
(quietly)
I see you still have a few
lingering mortal emotions. They
will serve you no good, Lestat.
Lestat turns to Marius, shaking his head, speaks in a
horrified whisper...
LESTAT
My God, what have you done to me?
Lestat turns again toward the bodies of the dead girl and
her Father, his face filled with pain, enormous sadness.
LESTAT
(whisper)
She's just a child... forgive me.
57 EXTREME CLOSEUP - LESTAT 57
closes his eyes. A violent VIOLIN STRAIN as we PULL BACK
to see...
Lestat standing alone in the bedroom, in a deep reverie,
playing the girl's violin with incredible passion. His
playing picks up speed as he works himself into a Pagnani
furor...
(CONTINUED)
42.
57 CONTINUED: 57
LESTAT (V.O.)
The faces of my victims haunted
me, rising behind my eyes,
reminding me of my fate... I
played for days trying to expel
the last bit of my human
feelings... and face the cold,
dark wasteland of eternity...
The violin dissolves into Lestat's ROCK MUSIC.
58 BACK TO JESSE (PRESENT) 58
Reading the journal, listening to LESTAT'S MUSIC. She
hears the lyrics... "Mine eyes dazzle, she died so
young..." She looks up, her eyes fill with tears, moved
by Lestat's loneliness. She gazes into the dark night...
then turns, sees her camera...
59 EXT. STREET (LONDON) - LATER THAT NIGHT 59
Jesse moves steadily along the street past darkened
warehouses. Several bonfires line the lane, illuminating
rows of prone bodies, cardboard shelters, empty bottles.
The drunks look up at her with dead eyes.
60 EXT. ALLEY - LATER 60
Jesse goes deeper into a labyrinth of alleys, the street
becoming darker with every step. In the distance she
sees the blue light. Figures moving through the fog.
Jesse moves slowly along a wall in the shadows trying to
get a better look... Suddenly, out of the shadows, a
BOTTLE SMASHES... She starts, quickens her pace...
Runs straight into a bulky figure. A primal scream rises
from her stomach. The figure is a homeless drunk, more
scared than she is, who scuttles off quickly into the
night. Jesse presses her back against the wall.
Breathes. She inches around the corner...
61 EXT. WAVERLY ARMS - CONTINUOUS ACTION 61
... and from the shadows, gazes at figures knocking on
the solitary door in the wall up ahead, with the dull
blue light mounted above. The slot in the door slides
open. A moment later, the figures vanish inside.
A moment later, two couples approach, dressed in black.
Jesse takes a deep breath, then...
(CONTINUED)
43.
61 CONTINUED: 61
... falls into step behind them. One knocks on the door.
A face peers out at the group. Steps back. The door
opens. Jesse follows the couples in. The door shuts
behind her.
62 INT. CLUB - NIGHT 62
The music is part blues, part Kurt Weil, part Gothic,
dark and ominous as if the pianist knew exactly the sort
of trouble Jesse was in. The bar is comprised of
elaborately-carved Chinese dragons, a TV mounted
incongruously in the corner showing a silent Vampire
Lestat video.
Couples dance cheek to cheek, rotating like figures on a
music box. Another couple is necking hot and heavy in
the corner. Jesse stares at the patrons of this vampire
coven. Many of the faces are unnaturally pale, gaunt.
Their eyes shine with a strange, reflective light. Jesse
moves through the tables, passing a mortal YUPPIE-TYPE
sitting with a VAMPIRE GIRL he's obviously just met that
night.
YUPPIE
Wow. This is the coolest after
hours club ever. You sure you
don't want a drink?
VAMPIRE GIRL
Soon.
The Vampire Girl smiles, glances up at Jesse as she
passes. Jesse looks away quickly, moves on... The
pianist watches as she passes by. The couple necking in
the corner begins to get even more aroused. A mortal
girl sips on her drink while her lover, a vampire, kisses
her shoulder, her throat...
63 UNKNOWN POV 63
Unaware that she is being watched, Jesse continues her
circuit.
64 BACK TO SCENE 64
as Jesse approaches the bar where three PUNK VAMPIRES
slouch, looking up at Lestat on the video.
44.
65 UNKNOWN POV 65
We watch the Punk Vampires and hear every word they say
as the other SOUNDS FADE AWAY.
PUNK VAMPIRE #1
Every coven's going...
66 REVERSE ANGLE 66
REVEAL unknown POV. A vampire, face hidden behind a
hood, seems extremely interested in what the Punk
Vampires are saying.
67 BACK TO PUNK VAMPIRES 67
A young girl dressed in Goth gear sits down at the bar.
Punk Vampire #1 turns and smiles insincerely at her as
she stares up at Lestat on the TV. Getting a sudden
chill, the Goth girl takes her drink and moves back into
the crowd as the vampire looks after her with murderous
eyes.
68 JESSE 68
reaches the Punk Vampires. They fall silent as she
pauses at the bar. She turns, stares at the necking
couple...
69 JESSE'S POV 69
... a brief glimpse of the tiny trickle of blood on the
mortal girl's neck as she swoons... an even briefer flash
as her vampire lover comes up for air, his lips and teeth
shiny with blood...
70 JESSE 70
stares, horrified.
71 BACK TO SCENE 71
PUNK VAMPIRE #1 (O.S.)
Come here often?
Jesse turns to see Punk Vampire #1 leaning towards her.
JESSE
Sure, all the time.
(CONTINUED)
45.
71 CONTINUED: 71
The Punk Vampire pulls down her collar.
PUNK VAMPIRE #1
Don't see any marks.
JESSE
You haven't seen the rest of my
body.
PUNK VAMPIRE #2
Is that an invitation?
Jesse finds herself surrounded by the three Vampires.
She shakes her head, too frightened to get out a
response.
PUNK VAMPIRE #3
So, where's your host?
JESSE
My host... oh he's here somewhere.
She peers into the darkness, starts moving towards the
door...
Finds herself blocked by Punk Vampire #2.
PUNK VAMPIRE #2
Your host. What's his name?
Jesse looks around, trying not to panic. Pale faces,
pale eyes stare at her. A long, terrible pause...
Suddenly --
JESSE
Marius...
72 HOODED FIGURE 72
leans forward, surprised, studies this strange mortal,
fascinated.
73 BACK TO SCENE 73
PUNK VAMPIRE #1
Sorry. Don't know the guy.
The Punk Vampires laugh. Jesse desperately tries to
cover her terror.
(CONTINUED)
46.
73 CONTINUED: 73
JESSE
Marius has the blood of the
ancients flowing in his veins.
PUNK VAMPIRE #2
There aren't any ancients left.
They all turned to dust...
JESSE
That's a myth. Marius is around
here somewhere...
Jesse again heads for the door. But Punk Vampire #1 has
appeared in front of her. She stares at him, terrified.
JESSE
You... you really should meet him.
PUNK VAMPIRE #1
And why is that?
Jesse watches the other Punk Vampires slowly begin to
close in on her. As she speaks, she slowly edges to the
door...
JESSE
Because... because... he's wise, a
philosopher... he asks the big
questions. Like how are you going
to get through eternity? It's
easier for us mortals. Life is
brief, but for you...
She inches toward the door, desperately stalling. Their
white faces gleam menacingly as they close in. She
struggles to get the words out...
JESSE
I mean... what can you really do
with immortality besides just slip
from one day to the next, trapped
in a void of meaninglessness,
relieved only by your next victim?
How do you not give in to despair
and just wither away from boredom,
hopelessness?
The Punk Vampires pause, staring at her, as her words
sink in. The hooded figure leans forward revealing his
face...
It is Lestat. He stares at Jesse, amazed. Jesse glances
desperately at the door. It's just a few feet away now.
(CONTINUED)
47.
73 CONTINUED: (2) 73
JESSE
You know, it's like they say --
the more things change, the more
they stay the same. For you
that's forever, right?
All around her, vampires are turning to look. The Punk
Vampires stare at her, eyes narrowing. Jesse is now
inches from the door. She can barely breathe. Punk
Vampire #1 gazes at her, his confusion suddenly turning
to anger.
PUNK VAMPIRE #1
You know, you're really a
downer...
He bares his fangs. Jesse bolts out the door... PAN
ACROSS vampire faces staring after Jesse TO Lestat
who gazes at her, absolutely entranced. He watches the
Punk Vampires head after Jesse.
CUT TO:
74 EXT. ALLEY - NIGHT 74
Jesse hurries up the alley. Breaks into a run. But the
three Punk Vampires from the bar have somehow gotten
outside. They land in front of her, beside her, behind
her. Heart racing, she shakes with fear. They close in,
smiling.
PUNK VAMPIRE #3
Now this isn't gonna hurt. You
might even enjoy it...
He runs his hand up and down her body. Jesse starts to
shake. She breaks out in a cold sweat. The others grin.
He picks her up by the throat. Her legs flail in the
air...
Suddenly, the two vampires turn and hiss like cats. Jesse
hits the flagstones hard with a grunt. She gasps for
air, looks up as the vampires are hurled out of the alley
by an invisible force. Jesse alone, turns, still woozy.
Finds herself staring at...
Lestat...
Jesse's eyes open wide, entirely stunned.
He drinks her in with his eyes, marking the soft paleness
of her skin, her long, red hair, the flush on her cheeks,
her pulsing jugular.
(CONTINUED)
48.
74 CONTINUED: 74
Jesse stares into his entrancing grey eyes, tries to
gather herself together, half fearful, half titillated.
They gaze at each other, the air suddenly electric.
JESSE
You saved me.
LESTAT
Perhaps... So you know Marius...
Jesse notices her rucksack cast aside by the Punk
Vampires -- Lestat's journal sticks out. She glances at
Lestat. He mustn't see it. She steps away, tries to
distract him.
JESSE
I know a lot of things.
He gazes at her. Moves closer, breathing her in, making
her flustered. He smiles.
LESTAT
Not how to stay alive apparently.
JESSE
Well I guess we've got that in
common. Although I think I'm a
little ahead in the race here.
LESTAT
(a beat, surprised
at her brazenness)
Well, I can fix that.
He circles her. Jesse is shaking, terrified. Enjoying
the game, Lestat smiles, moves closer. But Jesse suddenly
blurts out.
JESSE
'Mine eyes dazzle, she died so
young.' It's about the girl with
the violin, isn't it?
That stops Lestat. He gazes at Jesse, surprised.
Recovers his composure. Stares at her intensely,
regarding her anew.
LESTAT
Is it? And what else do you think
you know?
(CONTINUED)
49.
74 CONTINUED: (2) 74
JESSE
(desperate,
stalling)
I... I think you're a lot like
Marius, Lestat.
LESTAT
(staring into her
eyes, probing)
Am I? Tell me all about it.
JESSE
You're... you're both artists. He's
a painter. You're a singer...
As she speaks, Lestat guides Jesse over to a pile of
crates. She stares at some beer bottles shattered on
the top of one. He guides her hand downward, closer to
the shattered glass.
LESTAT
Is that so? What I do is art, is
it?
JESSE
Yes... From nothing... you try to
create... something beautiful...
(shaking now as her
hand gets closer
and closer)
... out of the... the cold, dark
wasteland of eternity...
He stares at her, the words oddly familiar, then scrapes
her finger along the bits of broken glass, gravel. She
gasps with pain...
Lestat gazes at the drops of blood that appear,
glistening on Jesse's finger...
LESTAT
(softly)
Something beautiful...
JESSE
(quickly)
But... but Marius isn't a rebel.
You're different in that way. You
don't want to hide, follow the
laws, concealed in the shadows
like some insect. You... you
still want to walk with the
living, don't you, Lestat?
(CONTINUED)
50.
74 CONTINUED: (3) 74
He stares into her eyes, slowly brings her bleeding
finger toward his mouth.
LESTAT
Well, I'm not hiding now, am I?
As her bleeding thumb gets closer and closer to his
mouth...
JESSE
No, but the only time you're not
really alone is when you kill...
But, Lestat, you can't help it...
it's not your fault... He made
you this way...
LESTAT
(with her blood on
his lips, shakes
his head)
Ah. Poor, poor me...
As he brings her finger closer and closer to his mouth.
Their eyes bore into each other, he stares at her rosy
cheeks, the cold sweat on her forehead, taking in her
remarkable, if foolhardy daring. Her eyes gazing
straight into his...
He brings her bleeding finger into his mouth. She may
swoon.
Lestat's eyes burn as he tastes her for mortality, her
fragility a brief second, listening to her blood.
there's something there that surprises him as he gazes
at this mortal girl. He feels something. Desire...
Then her blood speaks to him as Lestat's eyes fall on her
rucksack. He sees the journal. It all falls into place.
Lestat's lip curls in anger. He shoves Jesse away.
Wipes his mouth. The mood suddenly changes.
LESTAT
Well, Talamascan, you're certainly
a very clever librarian, aren't
you?
She stares at him, found out. He turns from her,
laughing, but not the kind of laugh to make Jesse
think all's well.
(CONTINUED)
51.
74 CONTINUED: (4) 74
LESTAT
(shaking his head)
How sad, you people always trying
to know the unknowable... So, was
it a good read? My diary.
Jesse slowly nods, admitting to all. He shakes his head.
LESTAT
Talamasca's been following me for
years. I've never known one to be
so brave. Or is it just foolish?
JESSE
I... I'm only an apprentice.
He waves her off, dismissive.
LESTAT
Go. I'm through with you. Your
kind never satisfies my thirst.
He turns, walks away. Jesse lets out a sigh of relief,
then stares after him. She hesitates, then suddenly
calls out:
JESSE
Does anything, Lestat?
A pause in his gait. But he keeps walking away. Jesse
hesitates again, but still calls out.
JESSE
I mean, what's the point of coming
into the light if not to have
someone really know you?
But he keeps going. She takes one last chance --
JESSE
You want the world to see you're
real, don't you, Lestat? Don't
you? Well, here I am!
Suddenly Lestat spins. Stares at the fragile mortal girl
risking everything. Flash. Jesse gasps.
He now stands right before her. He grabs her, pulls her
to him close, tight, hard. He could just snap her neck
and be done with it.
(CONTINUED)
52.
74 CONTINUED: (5) 74
LESTAT
You better just stick to your
books, Talamascan. 'Cause you
have it all wrong. I love all
this. I delight in it. The
dark, dreary world I went to
sleep in has burnt itself out and
been replaced by the 20th Century
-- can you imagine my joy at
waking up to discover such a
world? It has outdistanced my
wildest dreams of it. I scream of
good and evil, and mortals stand
and cheer. I adore being back in
action... every moment, every
single drop of it! Now consider
yourself exceedingly lucky and go!
He pushes her away. She gasps, humbled by his physical
power.
She retrieves her rucksack. Starts away. As she
reaches the end of the alley, she pauses, takes a breath,
turns back, daring everything.
JESSE
Lestat!
He turns back, stares at her, astonished.
JESSE
There's something you left out of
your diary.
LESTAT
(amazed)
What?
JESSE
(stares right into
his eyes)
You kept her violin, didn't you?
A beat, then Lestat shakes his head, laughs at the
absurdity of what she's saying. But Jesse is undaunted.
JESSE
Hey, it's okay. I understand...
(softly)
After all, it's only human.
(CONTINUED)
53.
74 CONTINUED: (6) 74
That stops him. Their eyes bore into each other again.
Electric. Then Lestat hisses at her, the inhuman sound
filling the alley. Lestat lunges, fangs bared. Jesse
screams. Turns. Runs. Finds herself --
EXT. BUSY STREET - CONTINUOUS ACTION
In the midst of traffic on a busy street. People walking
by.
JESSE
Jesus Christ.
She stands there a moment, happy, amazed to be alive.
Then it sinks in. She realizes -- Lestat let her go.
She glances back at the alley, but Lestat is gone.
She brings her finger to her mouth, slowly sticks it in,
tastes her own blood, shivers with fear -- and something
else -- desire.
What she doesn't see is...
Lestat in the shadows, silently watching her. He gazes
at her youth, her bright eyes, her daring, her mortal
passion. She has affected him.
He watches as she turns and runs away.
CUT TO:
75 INT. LESTAT'S HOUSE (LONDON) - NIGHT 75
The CAMERA TRACKS WITH two young GROUPIES as they walk
through the lavish palace.
GROUPIE #2
I heard that Lestat keeps all
these girls in all his wine
cellars, and it's really nice,
and they give you food and
cable and weed.
GROUPIE #1
Oh, please...
GROUPIE #2
That's what I heard. But you have
to let him suck you on your neck
whenever he wants. Doesn't sound
too bad.
(CONTINUED)
54.
75 CONTINUED: 75
GROUPIE #1
(grins)
We've done worse.
GROUPIE #2
(giggling)
Damn straight... Hey, do you
remember that cute guy's name at
the Kid Rock concert? The one
behind the bathroom.
GROUPIE #1
Oh yeah. Let me think... his
first name was Blow. And his
second name was Me, I think.
They crack up.
76 INT. LESTAT'S BEDROOM - NIGHT 76
Lestat enters the bedroom. Behind him, Lestat's dressing
room stretches off into the distance, rows of beautiful
suits made from the finest wools and silks. The
gradation of colors is spectacular. Peering out at the
near-dawn light, a look of loneliness clouds his face.
He crosses to the closet. Opens a panel to reveal a
safe. Stares at it a moment. Punches in the code. It
swings open to reveal something wrapped carefully in
black velvet. Lestat unwraps it delicately. It's the
ancient violin.
LESTAT
(softly)
Clever, clever librarian.
He quickly puts the violin back, closes the safe door.
He shakes his head, tries to laugh it off. But a shadow
remains on his face. Lestat hears a gasp. Turns. Roger
has just entered.
ROGER
I didn't see you come in.
LESTAT
No, Roger, you wouldn't have.
ROGER
So this house is fine I assume.
To your liking?
LESTAT
Yes. For the moment.
(CONTINUED)
55.
76 CONTINUED: 76
ROGER
We'll be here for what? A week
you think?
LESTAT
Well... I wouldn't unpack if I
were you.
ROGER
(sighs)
Right... the... girls you asked
for. They're in the guest wing.
LESTAT
Ah. Yes.
Lestat gazes at the door, pensive.
ROGER
Do you want me to take them home
later?
Lestat smiles at the clumsy attempt to protect the girls.
LESTAT
No, thank you, Roger. I'll make
sure they're taken care of.
Roger nods, trying to hide his nervousness. Lestat
smiles...
77 INT. LESTAT'S GUEST WING - SOON AFTER 77
CAMERA MOVES OUT INTO the lavish room TOWARD the two
girls who are now dreamy, floating with the effect of the
joint they are smoking. REVEAL Lestat as he approaches
the girls. Looking up, they smile childishly at their
host, then fall about laughing.
LESTAT
I don't think we've met.
GROUPIE #1
Oh my God... It's really you,
isn't it?
GROUPIE #2
We want to be your slaves.
LESTAT
Of course you do.
He smiles. She offers a joint.
(CONTINUED)
56.
77 CONTINUED: 77
GROUPIE #1
Want some?
Lestat calmly shakes his head.
GROUPIE #1
Want me?
Circling the couches, he just smiles.
GROUPIE #1
You hungry?
LESTAT
I'm always hungry.
GROUPIE #1
We've got the munchies? You got
any food?
LESTAT
Vampires don't eat... food.
The girls laugh nervously. Lestat laughs dangerously...
GROUPIE #1
You hungry for something else?
She opens her legs provocatively. Pacing across the
room, he stands before the girls. He curls his finger
around the first groupie's hair when a shadow crosses
his face.
LESTAT
Mine eyes dazzle, she died so
young.
GROUPIE #1
Huh?
LESTAT
It's a very old poem of mine.
Losing enthusiasm, Lestat walks away and drops himself
onto a couch. With a clap of his hands, the TV switches
ON. He silently watches one of his video clips.
The girls glance at each other, then, giggling, crawl
over toward Lestat. Groupie #1 slides her hand slowly
up his leg.
GROUPIE #1
C'mon, don't you want to have
some fun?
(CONTINUED)
57.
77 CONTINUED: (2) 77
She reaches for his belt. But he recoils at the touch
and slides off the couch onto the floor with grace.
LESTAT
Don't do that.
GROUPIE #1
(giggling)
Are you ticklish?
LESTAT
(deadpan)
I'm very ticklish.
The Second Groupie giggles as well...
GROUPIE #2
Hey, you ever been tickled by four
hands at once? Hey, can you take
both us, Lestat? What'd'ya think?
And at once they both start after Lestat on all fours
to tickle him. He gazes at them, torn, then laughs at the
sight and gets down on...
All fours as well as he leads them around the room in a
childish game.
LESTAT
I don't know. Let's see.
They try to tickle him but he stays just a few feet ahead of
them the whole time. The girls giggle as they pursue...
Lestat crawling just ahead of them across the floor
and... Up the wall. The teenagers keep giggling as they
watch him ascend the wall like a spider. They can't
believe what they're seeing as...
Lestat reaches the wall's top and now crawls upside-down
across the ceiling. The girls begin to giggle and half-cry...
as they arch their necks all the way back to see...
Lestat crawling down the opposite wall. The girls sit
open-mouthed with terror as Lestat reaches the ground --
He heads straight for them.
The girls begin to scream... SCREAMS CONTINUE OVER...
BLACKNESS.
58.
78 INT. CORRIDOR - SAME TIME 78
CLOSE ON Jesse, her face bright, walking quietly, talking
intensely on a cell phone.
JESSE
You're right, David. The journal
has everything in it.
TALBOT (V.O.)
I knew you'd appreciate its
scientific significance.
JESSE
David, listen...
(struggles a moment)
I'm going to Los Angeles for the
concert.
TALBOT (V.O.)
What? You are not! I forbid it.
JESSE
David, I... I talked to him...
Look I'm sorry. But I... I have
to see what's out there with my
own eyes. I'm onto something. I
just don't know what yet... I have
to find out...
79 INT. STUDY - ON TALBOT 79
Holding the phone, stunned. He leans forward, speaks
intensely, his face grave.
TALBOT
Jesse, you listen to me very, very
carefully now. You are no longer
seeing things clearly. Your
emotions are clouding things.
80 BACK TO JESSE 80
JESSE
It's not emotion. It's
instinct... I'll return when I
have my findings. Good-bye.
TALBOT (V.O.)
(angry)
Jesse, wait!
She hangs up. Can't quite believe what she's doing.
REVEAL Jesse is heading for a boarding gate at Heathrow
airport. She hands over the ticket, boards the plane.
59.
81 DAVID TALBOT 81
in his inner sanctum. He looks at all the paintings.
His neat, protected world. It's as if Marius is taunting
him. He slams his fist down in fury. Stares at the
rising dust.
82 INT. PLANE - NIGHT 82
Jesse