Youth Without Youth

"YOUTH WITHOUT YOUTH"
Screenplay by
Francis Ford Coppola
From a Novella by
Mircea Eliade
SHOOTING SCRIPT
September 27, 2005
SRG ATELIER, SRL

Str. T. Aman
Nr. 27B Sector 1
Bucuresti, Romania
FADE IN:
A short series of illustrated CARDS play as we HEAR the
Easter bells of the Metropolia Church and the distant SOUND
of THUNDER.
FADE OUT:
FADE IN:
EXT. METROPOLIA CHURCH - DAY
Church domes against sky with racing clouds.

MED. VIEW
Worshippers wait to enter the shrine, lighting candles in
different sections for the living and the dead.
EXT. BUCHAREST CENTER - DAY
It is Bucharest in 1938. There are few people, some cars and

a bus. The sky is ominous; a sense of time racing quickly.
A BOY sells newspapers, holding them out and shouting.
INSERT - NEWSPAPER
'Universul, Bucuresti, Romania -- April 24, 1938.' It turns
to show headline: "WAR CLOUDS OVER EUROPE." Then a sudden
RAIN soaks it.
EXT. R.R. STATION - DAY
People scurry, shielding themselves with cardboard or

newspapers. LIGHTNING arcs through the dark sky. A group
of suspicious STUDENTS are moving some wooden containers
toward the area by the tracks. Military vehicles drive by.
NEW VIEW
The RAIN threatens to become torrential as an old man,
DOMINIC MATEI, is caught in it. He carries no luggage, only
a blue envelope and the umbrella he always travels with.
CLOSE SHOT - HIS TREMBLING HANDS
Holding the blue envelope, trying to protect it from the
rain while opening his umbrella.
MED. VIEW
The rain also catches the students moving the crates by
surprise, getting the attention of the secret service, who
close in on them.
(CONTINUED)
2.
CONTINUED:
NEW VIEW
Dominic makes his way forward hastily, holding his umbrella
close to his chest like a shield. We notice that he is
mumbling to himself.
The traffic signal turns red, and he has to stop, waiting
nervously, standing on tiptoe, hopping from one foot to the
other looking at the growing puddle directly in front of
him. LIGHTNING strikes and THUNDER follows quickly after.
CLOSE ON HIS HANDS
Clutching the wooden umbrella handle hard.
EXTREME CLOSE UP
He blinks with difficulty to unseal his eyelids.
DOMINIC
(mumbling)
... a close strike of lightning.
CLOSE VIEW
The red traffic signal goes out.
MED. CLOSE VIEW
Dominic, his eyes downcast, tries to avoid the rivulets. He
begins to take a step when he is sucked up into illuminated
air as the wetness of his clothes gather into large bubbles
which then explode into steam. The church BELL repeats, and
then a chorus of BELLS.
MED. SHOT
Dominic lies in the rainwater; the fabric of his umbrella is
in flames nearby.
EXTREME CLOSE SHOT ON DOMINIC
His eyes closed; his face lying in the puddle of water,
shivering.
DOMINIC
(gasping)
What a fright...
People gather.
VOICE 1 (O.S.)
I saw the lightning strike him!
(CONTINUED)
3.
CONTINUED:
VOICE 2 (O.S.)
If it hadn't been raining, he'd
be burnt to a crisp.
WOMAN (O.S.)
God only knows what sins he's
committed, to be struck on Easter!
Now Dominic is RAISED UP, as if being carried by others.
It's clear he's alive, trying to open his eyes but unable
to.
VOICE 1 (O.S.)
I don't understand how he can
survive. Normally, he would
have...
(trailing off)
Dominic continues to be moved; his body and thoughts are
being separated as he's carried and turned hurriedly, rushed
into an ambulance as all BELLS and VOICES fade to silence,
with only a young woman's LAUGHTER echoing in his head.
INT. AMBULANCE - DAY
Her IMAGE, LAURA, the young woman he loved and lost forty
years ago, appears in the large bubbles of FOAM emanating
from a leaky cannister in the ambulance. He retreats into
MEMORY, mumbling to himself.
INT. STUDENT'S ATTIC - NIGHT (1894)
Dominic as a young man looks into her eyes.

DOMINIC
I wish you... Oh, you know what I
mean. But I'd like you to know
something else -- that I'll love
you until the day I die.
Kissing her as we HEAR the sound of a DOOR opening and
closing several times, and the WHISPERS of strange voices.
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY (1938)
CLOSE SHOT - THE ELDERLY DOMINIC

He lies still, his face bandaged. He breathes through his
open mouth, his eyes still closed.
CRAITA (O.S.)
Did you give him a shot?
(CONTINUED)
4.
CONTINUED:
ANETA (O.S.)
I gave him one this morning.
thought he groaned.
FADE TO BLACK -- but black with subtle white patterns

moving, as though he's conscious but cannot see.
DR. OPRISOR (O.S.)
Do you know anything about him?
Was anything found beside him?
INTERN DRAGNEA (O.S.)
Just the burnt handle of the
umbrella. The clothes were ashes.
ANETA (O.S.)
He'd be lucky to die now. They
say whoever dies during Easter
goes straight to heaven.
EXTREME CLOSE SHOT
Dominic's bandaged face -- his eyelids flicker.
DOMINIC'S THOUGHTS (V.O.)
... Nice that she wants me go to
heaven, but I hope she doesn't
pull the IV needle out of my vein.
Then the BLACKNESS returns, and all he can do is listen.
WHITE shapes from the pressure of a finger, as if someone is
touching his eyelids.
PROFESSOR S. (O.S.)
The eye seems intact, but I don't
know if he's blind or not. I
don't even know if he's
conscious, if he hears or if he
understands what he hears.
(then, shouted)
If you understand what I say,
squeeze my finger.
CLOSE SHOT
The Professor's finger is placed into Dominic's burnt hand.
Finger? What finger. I can't
feel any finger. I'd like to
squeeze it but I don't know how.
(CONTINUED)
5.
CONTINUED:
PROFESSOR S.
(gravely)
We'll see what happens tonight.
FADE OUT:
FADE IN:
A7
EXT. HOSPITAL - DAY
A7
PROFESSOR STANCIULESCU exits his car and hurries into the

hospital.
B7
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY
B7
Professor S. anxiously joins DR. GAVRILA.

PROFESSOR S.
When were you sure he was
conscious?
DR. GAVRILA
Only a few hours ago. I had tried
several times during the night
with no response.
PROFESSOR S.
Are you sure he squeezed your
finger? Couldn't it have been a
reflex gesture?
DR. GAVRILA
Try it yourself, Professor, to
make sure.
A moment goes by, and then in a loud clear voice:
PROFESSOR S.
If you understand what I say,
squeeze!
CLOSE UP
Dominic's bandaged hand squeezes the doctor's finger.
finger is withdrawn quickly, surprised.
The
PROFESSOR S.
I am Dr. Roman Stanciulescu,
director of the Institul
Psihologic. I'm here to help you.
Will you answer some questions?
Dominic squeezes the finger as hard as before.
(CONTINUED)
6.
CONTINUED:
Good.
PROFESSOR S.
Do you want chloroform?
VIEW ON THE HAND

Not the slightest twitch.
PROFESSOR S.
Are you Jesus Christ? Do you like
to play the piano?
(getting no reaction)
This morning you drank Champagne?
(no reaction)
But you can hear me?
The finger is squeezed.
MED. CLOSE VIEW
PROFESSOR S. moves close to the patient's ear.
PROFESSOR S.
We wish to find out your age. For
every ten years squeeze my finger
once.
CLOSE ON THE HAND
Dominic begins squeezing, slowly.
twenty, thirty..."
The others count, "Ten,
At each count, we SEE IMAGES of the different ages of

Dominic's life; young professor; old professor; declining
absent-minded professor, etc., himself.
CLOSE VIEWS
On Professor S. and his staff, interns, nurses, orderlies,
all counting, surprised at how old he is.
CRAITA
Sixty.
DR. GAVRILA
Sixty years old? I'd have thought
less.
PROFESSOR S.
In this larval state, it's hard to
estimate.
The SCREEN returns to BLACK. A battery of questions are
SEGUED one upon the other, as they begin to communicate with
him over many hours, many questions.
(CONTINUED)
7.
CONTINUED:
PROFESSOR S. (O.S.)
Do you live in Bucuresti?
DR. GAVRILA (O.S.)
You have family?
VIEW ON DOMINIC'S HAND
Squeezing the finger placed in it, as other questions are
posed.
C7
INT. HOSPITAL WAITING AREA - DAY
C7
The doctors have finished sandwiches while discussing what

they can piece together. One doctor takes notes.
PROFESSOR S.
(dictating)
-- He doesn't live in Bucuresti;
has only one relative, a distant
one, and he doesn't want them
informed. He will accept any
test, no matter how painful or
dangerous to verify whether the
optic nerve was damaged.
D7
D7
The nurses are changing the bandages. One attractive one,

ANETA, smiles coyly to the other, CRAITA.
CRAITA
How old did they say he was,
sixty? He's hiding his age.
ANETA
You saw him too, when I washed him
him.
(laughing coyly)
He's a young man in the prime of
his life!
Again Dominic feels as though he's being moved and again he
falls back into his memory. Random IMAGES throughout his
life move through his mind, the faces of old colleagues,
friends, students.
INT. FACULTY OFFICE - DAY (1933)
Dominic, as a professor in his sixties, closes the door to

the faculty office and OVERHEARS:
(CONTINUED)
8.
CONTINUED:
GRAD STUDENT (O.S.)
The old man's getting senile! He
told us the same thing three or
four times during his lecture.
2ND STUDENT (O.S.)
I didn't notice -- I was asleep!
Dominic stands there forlorn as they laugh, then closes the
door. He takes out a pocket watch which has begun to CHIME.
He puts his hand to his head as if to ask, "Is it true, am I
becoming senile?"
Then he HEARS Laura's VOICE again:
LAURA (O.S.)
... and then? What else? Why is
your life such a tragedy?
DOMINIC (O.S.)
Laura, try to imagine...
INT. STUDENT'S ATTIC - NIGHT (1894)
REAR VIEW - YOUNG DOMINIC

As a graduate student, speaking to Laura.
DOMINIC
... imagine conceiving a passion
for something. To have one
desire; to dedicate your life to
one desire, and then failing.
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY (1938)

Dominic gasps, unsure of where or when he is, and in this
delusory state moves further back into his memories when he
was a young man and Laura was the pretty librarian he fell
in love with.
10
INT. ATTIC - NIGHT (1894)
10
DOMINIC
Here I am, Dominic Matei, already
twenty-six years old and I have no
accomplishments, I've made no
discoveries. I am a failure.
LAURA
Failure, success -- such extremes,
Dominic!
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
9.
CONTINUED:
LAURA(cont'd)
You yourself taught me about
Chandrakirti, the concept of
'tetralemma' logic. There are
four possibilities: What you say
is so, or it is not so. It's also
so and not so combined, or it is
neither so nor not so combined.
She laughs at him, and he is charmed.

DOMINIC
... don't use my own Chandrakirti
against me.
(always the teacher)
Anyway, it's Nagarjuna's
tetralemma.
LAURA
I've never met anyone like you.
You have to know absolutely
everything! This is all about
your failure to learn Chinese.
Dominic is silent; hangs his head.
LAURA
Isn't it?
DOMINIC
I never told you, but after that
lecture in Paris of Professor
Chavannes...
11
INT. PROFESSOR CHAVANNES'S OFFICE - DAY
11
VIEW - PROFESSOR CHAVANESS

Imposing, threatening.
Dominic shakes his hand.
DOMINIC (O.S.)
I waited to see him, hoping he'd
accept me as his student.
12
INT. ATTIC - NIGHT
12
VIEW ON DOMINIC AND LAURA

DOMINIC
He told me that if I didn't master
Chinese, Sanskrit, Tibetan, and
Japanese, I'd never become a great
Orientalist.
(CONTINUED)
10.
CONTINUED:
LAURA
But didn't you tell him you wanted
to study only the Chinese
language?
DOMINIC
Yes, but when I told him that I'd
been studying Chinese for six
months, six hours a day, he went
to the blackboard, and wrote some
twenty Chinese characters.
13
INT. PROFESSOR CHAVANNES'S OFFICE - DAY
13
CLOSE VIEW - CHAVANNES'S HAND WRITING CHINESE CHARACTERS

DOMINIC (O.S.)
He asked me to pronounce them one
by one and then translate the
passage.
VIEW ON THE STERN PROFESSOR
Shaking his head, erasing the Chinese characters.
DOMINIC (O.S.)
After I did as he asked, he just
smiled at me and said, 'That's not
bad,' and then he looked at me and
said -- 'My dear sir, in order to
master Chinese you must have the
memory of a Mandarin.'
14
INT. ATTIC - NIGHT
14
VIEW ON DOMINIC
Despondent.
DOMINIC (O.S.)
... 'a photographic memory' he
kept repeating, 'the memory of a
Mandarin...'
LAURA
I'm sure you responded decisively.
DOMINIC
Yes, I said despite his opinion, I
wouldn't give up trying.
She embraces him.
(CONTINUED)
11.
CONTINUED:
LAURA
And so you shouldn't!
15
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - NIGHT
15
Quite late at night. OUR VIEW MOVES closer to Dominic. He

seems agitated, breathing, obviously remembering things.
Involuntarily, he slowly opens his mouth. THE VIEW MOVES
VERY CLOSE, as he HEARS exceptionally LOUD NOISES in his
ears, as if on both sides of him several freight cars loaded
with scrap iron are tumbling down a rocky mountainside.
IMAGES of his old friend, the doctor, with stethoscope in
his ears; fingers thumping on his chest. We HEAR the voice
of the doctor, years ago.
DR. NECULACHE (O.S.)
Once you pass sixty, you begin to
fall apart. I myself am losing my
memory.
16
INT. DOCTOR'S OFFICE - DAY (1933)
16
A sixty-five-year-old Dominic sits during an examination by

his friend, DR. NECULACHE, his scrawny body stripped to his
underwear. He begins to dress.
DOMINIC
I once knew the whole of
'Paradiso,' by heart.
DR. NECULACHE
But don't worry, your eyes are
healthy. You abuse them with your
reading, but they're still good.
DOMINIC
I'm always afraid of repeating the
tragedy of my favorite writer,
Papini; they say no surgeon dared
to operate on his eyes for fear
he'd never read again.
The VIEW becomes BLACK with the moving patterns of his inner
consciousness.
Blindness would be unbearable. To
not read! And yet -- lately, I
mentally recite poems by
Ungaretti, Ion Barbu, Dan Botta.
Sometimes I fall asleep reciting
text I hadn't realized I had ever
memorized.
(CONTINUED)
12.
CONTINUED:
Then suddenly, to himself, suddenly frightened.
Don't think anymore! Think about
something else! Shhh, they're
talking about me.
DR. GAVRILA (O.S.)
Actually, Professor Stanciulescu
didn't explain very much...
17
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - NIGHT (1938)
17
An intern, Dr. Gavrila is young and handsome, he whispers to

the nurse Craita.
DR. GAVRILA (O.S.)
He did mention a few other cases -the priest who was burned by
lightning over his whole body and
who lived many years afterward.
True, he was left blind and mute -as our man is also...
(lowering his voice)
... probably.
CRAITA (O.S.)
(whispering)
Don't talk anymore; maybe he can
hear you.
DR. GAVRILA
I want him to hear me! Let's see
how he'll react. Maybe he isn't
mute at all.
Suddenly, Dominic rises up.
DOMINIC
No... no.
(pause)
Not mute!
No!
He holds his mouth wide open, dares not move his tongue. The
young interns are amazed. Dr. Gavrila approaches the bed.
DOMINIC
(struggling to speak)
...not mute.
He is uncomfortable, his tongue moving by his teeth, which
are rattling, making it very difficult to speak. Dr.
Gavrila steps closer to the patient.
(CONTINUED)
13.
CONTINUED:
DR. GAVRILA
Try to pronounce. Any word,
anything.
With difficulty Dominic speaks:
DOMINIC
(struggling)
Man...pen...blue...envelope?
DR. GAVRILA
What?
Dominic tries to repeat, "Blue envel--" but there is a LOUD
rattling coming from his mouth. Dr. Gavrila examines it.
DR. GAVRILA
That's it. The teeth. They're
barely holding. Call Dr. Filip on
the telephone. Tell them to send
someone immediately!
Then Dominic suddenly turns and expels a mouthful of his
teeth.
INSERT - TEETH
Rattling onto the floor.
18
18
MED. CLOSE VIEW

As DR. FILIP, the dentist, holds an X-ray up to the light.
DR. FILIP
The roots are healthy, but look -they're being pushed out by new
ones. Quite impossible.
FADE TO:
A DREAM, all TINTED in purple:
19
EXT. STREET IN PIATRA NEAMT - DAY (WINTER)
19
Dominic is returning to his home town, Piatra Neamt, coming

from the steps near his home, on the way to the lycee. He
walks down the flights of stone steps, as a group of young
schoolboys are going up the steps, crossing him on the way
down. He looks around them, and sees many of his former
pupils, looking as they did when he last saw them, many
years before.
(CONTINUED)
14.
CONTINUED:
DOMINIC
Where are you all going in this
crowd?
The beautiful BOY stops and gives him a long look, not
recognizing him.
BOY
There's no school today. It's the
centenary of Professor Dominic
Matei. He is one hundred years old!
The VIEW turns to PURPLE with patterns.
I don't know why, but I don't like
that dream very much.
There is one BLUISH WHITE SPOT in the PURPLE. He can HEAR
the nurses whispering, and then the SOUND of the DOOR
CLOSING, and a SILENCE which implies that he is alone.
20
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - NIGHT (1938)
20
CLOSE ON DOMINIC
Very slowly, he begins to half-open his eyes. His heart is
racing fast, and frightened, he closes his eyes. But later,
he sees in the BLACKNESS, the same luminous SPOT.
... don't know what to do -(in fear)
What if I'm blind! What if I'll
never read again! I should count,
that's all I can do.
(he begins to count
mentally)
One - two - three - four - five six...
The bluish spot becomes more defined, then goes out of
focus.
Eighteen - nineteen - twenty twenty-one -The colors and patterns take more shape, the bluish spot
becomes more pronounced.
15.
21
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - MORNING
21
EXTREME CLOSE SHOT

On Dominic, his eyelids fluttering, but closed.
Sixty-seven, sixty-eight, sixtynine, seventy -- (breath) seventyone, seventy-two...
And then suddenly, his eyes open wide.
WHAT HE SEES:
An explosion of LIGHT that he realizes is coming from the
venetian blinds.
DR. GAVRILA
Why haven't you showed us that you
could open your eyes?
Dominic looks at the young man, silhouetted by bright light.
DOMINIC
(slowly)
I don't know why. Maybe I wan'ed
to convin' myself firs' that I
hadn't los' my sigh'.
The intern looks at him, smiling vacantly.
DR. GAVRILA
When Professor Stanciulescu asked
you your age, you answered sixty.
I li'd.
DOMINIC
I'm ten y'rs old'r.
DR. GAVRILA
That's hard to believe. I'm sure
you heard what the nurses said.
Dominic assumes the gesture of a shy schoolboy as the intern
closes the blinds, and leaves the room. Dominic turns his
face into his pillow, and closes his eyes.
BLACKNESS, a ray of light is let into the dark room as some
uniformed intruders crack the door.
SECRET SERVICE
He's asleep, don't wake him.
(CONTINUED)
16.
CONTINUED:
SECRET SERVICE 2
It's not him. The man we're
looking for is a student, not more
than twenty-two, and this man
looks older, closer to forty.
SECRET SERVICE
Still, we'll have to see him
without the beard.
22
22
Prof. Stanciulescu approaches with a smile. He is an

imposing man, not so tall, but he inspires confidence.
PROFESSOR S.
So, we feel you're out of danger.
Only now do you begin to become an
-- 'interesting case.'
He pulls the chair up to the bed.
PROFESSOR S.
You understand why, don't you?
The way the lightning struck you,
you had to have been killed on the
spot, or else to have died of
asphyxiation; at best you'd be
left paralyzed, mute, or blind.
(smiling)
You're lucky, I'll give you that.
DOMINIC
Yes -- (pause) and no.
PROFESSOR S.
We had ordered a set of dentures
to allow you to eat and above all
speak normally. But the X-rays
show that a new set of teeth are
ready to appear.
DOMINIC
Imposs'ble!
PROFESSOR S.
It is simply impossible. And yet
the X-rays are clear, you are
getting new teeth! You are truly
unique, Dominic.
Dominic raises himself in his bed, and the professor leans
forward anxiously.
(CONTINUED)
17.
CONTINUED:
I've got to be careful; can't make
a mistake and give myself away.
He leans back down and the professor continues.
PROFESSOR S.
This is no longer a case of a
'living dead man,' but of
something else. What, exactly; we
still don't know.
What do I have to be afraid of? I
haven't done anything. And no one
knows about the blue envelope...
PROFESSOR S.
Dr. Gavrila mentioned that you
inquired about a -- blue envelope.
Nothing was found in the ambulance
-- but why was this blue envelope
of concern to you?
Good thing, now -- without teeth I
speak with difficulty, it would be
easy to pretend, to mangle the few
words I can pronounce.
DOMINIC
On' s' pap'rs.
PROFESSOR S.
You said?
DOMINIC
Pap'rs.
PROFESSOR S.
Would you like a pad and pencil so
you can write?
Dominic looks at his right arm and right hand closely.
He
tries to move it, and with his fingers feels his biceps.
PROFESSOR S.
Yes, your recovery is amazing.
Dominic pretends exhaustion, slumps his arm down and turns
his head away. It works -- the professor rises and defers
to the interns coming in to do their duties.
PROFESSOR S.
I don't want to tire you out -I'll come back tomorrow.
(CONTINUED)
18.
CONTINUED:
He leaves.
The interns go about their tasks, chatting idly.

DR. GAVRILA
The curious thing about it, was
that it was raining only in that
one place where he was walking,
between Gara de Nord and
Bulevardul Elisabeta.
INTERN DRAGNEA
I heard there was an attempt at a
bombing. But the rain caught them
by surprise.
DR. GAVRILA
The Secret Service probably
invented that story to justify
arresting students.
INTERN DRAGNEA
He's sleeping.
CLOSE ON DOMINIC REFLECTED IN MIRROR

I must be very careful. They
might confuse me with one of the
students those agents were looking
for. I'll have to tell them who I
am and... (anxiously) and then -calm yourself.
(he recites poetry)
Sei la donna che passa
Come una foglia
E lasci agli alberi
un fuoco d'autunno....
The VIEW goes BLACK, and then Laura's face haunts him.
23
23
Professor S. is holding some periodicals.

PROFESSOR S.
(irritated)
News stories and feature articles
are starting to appear in
different papers -- the majority
of them absurd, ridiculous.
He leans over Dominic, looking.
PROFESSOR S.
What are you doing?
(CONTINUED)
19.
CONTINUED:
Dominic lays there probing his mouth with his fingers.
DOMINIC
Look.
Showing his mouth.
his fingers.
The professor feels around the gums with
PROFESSOR S.
New teeth! Amazing.
(exasperated)
But you must help us understand
this -- We have to know more about
you: who you are, what your
profession is. Please cooperate a
little more. Were you so stubborn
when you were young?
DOMINIC
Always.
24
EXT. LYCEE AT PIATRA NEAMT - DAY (1894)
24
Descending the flights of stone steps following their

PROFESSOR.
PROFESSOR
What is this you insist on
writing, Colleague?
DOMINIC
I've almost finished writing
'Antiquity, the Middle Ages, and
the modern Epoch.' But the first
part, you understand, the most
exciting part: the origin -- the
origins of language...
PROFESSOR
But when will you finish it, Domnule?
His fellow graduate students goad him.
COLLEAGUE
You'll need ten lifetimes to do it
all!
CLOSE ON DOMINIC
Passionate about this subject.
(CONTINUED)
20.
CONTINUED:
DOMINIC
... origins of society, of the
family, of all the other
institutions -- this calls for
years and years of research, and
with the condition of our country
libraries, and inexperienced lib...
He suddenly remembers a missed appointment.
DOMINIC
Excuse me please, Domnule
professor.
He dashes away to the laughter of his colleagues.
PROFESSOR
He is brilliant, but...
25
INT. ATTIC - DAY

Dominic rushes to Laura. She's been waiting for him and
forces a smile, though her eyes are moist.
DOMINIC
I'm so sorry Laura, I completely
forgot...
LAURA
We have to talk, Dominic. It's
very important for both of us, and
I can't hide it any longer.
DOMINIC
All right, then.
He tries to kiss her, but she turns away.
LAURA
Please don't interrupt. It's not
what you think. I sense that you
aren't mine, that you aren't here
with me, that you live in another
time. I'm not thinking of your
research, which, in spite of what
you believe, does interest me. But
I sense you're living in an alien
world, one I can't enter. So for
my sake and for yours I think it
would be wiser for us to separate.
We're still young, we both love
life... you'll see later...
She pauses and then suddenly leaves the room.
25
21.
26
INT. DOMINIC'S MODEST ROOM - NIGHT (1937)
26
Dominic can't sleep, wakes up from dreaming about Laura. He

wakes with the taste of ashes in his mouth, sits up in bed -a doddering older man.
... sometimes, I admit to myself
that it's possible that I will
never be able to finish my one and
only book, my life's work. That
in the end, there will be nothing
and I will be alone.
VIEW ON DOMINIC'S BACK
Sitting on his bed. He drinks from a glass of water by his
bedside, but then begins to weep uncontrollably, before
turning off the light. We HEAR his sobs in the darkness.
27
EXT. CAFE SELECT - NIGHT
27
Dominic walks shuffling to the holiday-decorated cafe

wearing his pajamas. A younger friend, VAIAN, sees him.
VAIAN
What are you doing here, Domnu'
Matei?
DOMINIC
A migraine hit me again, and so
I'm taking a walk.
VAIAN
But in your pajamas, on Christmas
Eve? Don't catch cold! Look.
VIEW DOWN
Dominic's old slippers in the snow.
CLOSE ON DOMINIC
Very embarrassed, mumbling.
DOMINIC
At the first opportunity!
first opportunity!
At the
VAIAN
What will you do at the first
opportunity?
(CONTINUED)
22.
CONTINUED:
Dominic frowns, trying to remember.
for home, mumbling to himself.
28
He shrugs and sets off
EXT. DOMINIC'S HOME - NIGHT
28
Not until he puts his hand on the door knob does he

remember.
DOMINIC
... at the first opportunity I
will open the blue envelope. But
not here, where everyone knows me.
Far away, in another city. In
Bucuresti, perhaps.
FADE OUT.
FADE IN:
29
EXT. HOSPITAL GROUNDS - MORNING
29
Professor S. steps out of an automobile, and then is

approached and speaks to a number of OFFICIALS, one in a
uniform; they are nervously huddled around some newspapers.
We can see the date on the news story: "HITLER MEETS WITH
MUSSOLINI" JUNE 21, 1938. One of the hospital STAFF tells
him something as he enters.
30
30

The professor steps in, then turns and locks the door.
Dominic has been waiting for him, lying on the bed. There
is an upside-down chair in which is a pitcher of water.
PROFESSOR S.
I understand you're willing to
speak to me candidly. You don't
have to make a great effort. The
words you can't pronounce you can
write.
He puts a pad and paper on the bed.
obviously tense.
Dominic begins,
DOMINIC
The truth is this: my name is
Dominic Matei. On January 8 I
reached the age of seventy. I was
instructor in Latin and Italian at
Lycee Alexandru Ion Cuza in Piatra
Neamt, where I now live. I live
on Strada Episcopiei at No. 18.
(CONTINUED)
23.
CONTINUED:
The Professor sits down next to Dominic.
DOMINIC
It is my own house and it contains
a library of nearly 8,000 volumes,
which I have willed to the lycee.
PROFESSOR S.
(taking a deep breath)
You're seventy years old?
Extraordinary.
DOMINIC
I implore you, be very, very
discreet! The whole city knows
me. If you wish additional proof,
I can tell you what books are on
the desk and any other detail you
ask me for.
PROFESSOR S.
Strada Episcopiei 18 -- the house
is of course, closed?
DOMINIC
Yes. An old woman, Veta, my
housekeeper, keeps the keys.
PROFESSOR S.
Probably there is an album of
photographs somewhere, more
precisely with pictures of you
when you were young? And some
clothes?
Professor S. rises, walks back to table with his briefcase
on it.
DOMINIC
Don't tell Veta anything. If it
gets out that I've been
hospitalized, I'd have no peace.
Of course.
PROFESSOR S.
We'll be very careful.
DOMINIC
Agents from the Secret Service
have been here already, they'll
never believe I'm past seventy.
Therefore, they won't believe I am
who I am, and I'll be interrogated
-- and anything can happen if you
are interrogated by them.
(CONTINUED)
24.
CONTINUED:
PROFESSOR S.
(protectively)
I won't let that happen, don't be
alarmed. It's true though, these
are difficult times in Romania.
DOMINIC
Please find me a fictitious
identity.
Professor picks up his hat and briefcase and walks to the
bed.
PROFESSOR S.
That's not a problem. When your
beard comes off, you'll look like - a man of thirty-five or forty at
most.
He turns and leaves.
Then turns back.
PROFESSOR S.
So do you exercise when you're
alone at night?
Dominic walks to the upside down table and picks it up.
DOMINIC
Yes, I sensed my muscles were like
they were years ago, strong,
robust. After months of total
immobility, it would have to be,
how to say it? A sort of...
They are caught looking at each other, not understanding.
PROFESSOR S.
Yes, it would have to be that.
He seeks Dominic's eyes.
PROFESSOR S.
You didn't give me an address in
Bucuresti.
Dominic drops the table.
Goes and sits on bed.
DOMINIC
I only... Just arrived at the
station, so I had no address.
truth -(lowers his head)
I came with the intention of
committing suicide.
(MORE)
In
(CONTINUED)
25.
CONTINUED:
DOMINIC(cont'd)
I saw no other solution, only the
blue envelope. I had been keeping
there, for a long time, a few
milligrams of strychnine.
PROFESSOR S.
Well, that explains why you
brought no baggage.
He turns and leaves.

FADE OUT:
FADE IN:
The SCREEN turns to a PURPLE TINT, as we proceed into
another of Dominic's DREAMS.
31
EXT. BOULEVARD - DAY
31
A car reaches the end of the boulevard, past the old houses.
Ah, the smell of the lindens in
flower...
32
INT. CITROEN - DAY
32
CLOSE SHOT ON DOMINIC

Sitting in the car.
33
He knows he's dreaming.
EXT. AVENUE OF TALL TREES - DAY
33
The 1937 Citroen moves by an avenue lined with tall trees.
34
EXT. CLINIC COURTYARD - DAY
34
A gate opens and the car moves slowly over a gravel drive,
coming to a halt in front of stone steps. Dominic gets out.
Looking around in surprise, he sees no one; but a door above
mysteriously swings open.
I am expected.
CUT TO:
A35
A35
The night nurse, Craita, trims and then shaves off Dominic's
beard, as she hums a tune to herself. She kisses him.
(CONTINUED)
26.
CONTINUED:
CRAITA
You're handsome without the beard.
35
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - MORNING
35
A bright light from outside blinds him as he gets dressed,

buttoning his vest. It's almost 6:00. Aneta, the nurse,
hurries in, carrying his jacket.
ANETA
I have your jacket.
She helps him put it on, fussing with the buttons.
ANETA
Maybe you'll take me to the movies
some time.
Dr. Dragnea enters and sits on the bed. Dominic can see
from her look that the jacket doesn't fit very well.
ANETA
The sleeves are too short. And
the tie is wrong. They look like
an old man's clothes.
Aneta walks behind him and pops her knees into his playfully
as she exits. Dragnea indicates to Dominic that they leave.
36
EXT. HOSPITAL SHRINE - DAY
36
A religious holiday. Old WOMEN visit the shrine as Dominic,

accompanied by a new, more severe doctor with the bearing of
a government agent, DR. CHIRILA, walks in the hospital
courtyard. Then Dominic stops, surprised.
DOMINIC
(whispers)
I've seen that car before!
it last night in my dream.
I saw
WHAT HE SEES:
The 1937 Citroen, the same as in his dream.
DOMINIC
Some would say that's a bad omen,
that we might have an accident.
(opens the car door)
DR. CHIRILA
I'm not superstitious. Anyway,
they're waiting for us.
27.
37
INT. CITROEN - DAY
37
The auto heads out for the boulevard, and Dominic leans
back, feeling a strange peace. Almost a sense of happiness.
Dr. Chirila sits next to him.
VIEW OUT THE WINDOW
Grand boulevard heading toward the small "Arc de Triomphe."
DOMINIC
Now we're approaching Sosea.
(enjoying the view)
Look at that beautiful building
with the tall trees, and that neat
drive with gravel, and the stairs
of bluish stone.
38
EXT. CLINIC COURTYARD - DAY
38
The car stops in front of the steps. Hurried FOOTSTEPS are

HEARD on the gravel, and from behind the car there appears a
bespectacled GUARD, with a face pinched by age and hair
close-cropped, military style.
Dr. Chirila opens the door -- the proceedings have an aura
of mystery about them.
DR. CHIRILA
This is the person you're
responsible for.
GUARD
I understand. Don't worry.
DR. CHIRILA
What he does inside or in the
garden doesn't concern you. You
just guard the gate.
GUARD
Don't worry.
39
INT. CLINIC HALLWAY - DAY
39
MOVING VIEW following the footsteps moving down the hall.

Then a door is opened, and the VIEW TILTS UP, revealing the
room. It is spacious, with windows opening on the park, and
has a wooden table and on the walls, shelves for books.
28.
40
INT. DOMINIC'S ROOM - DAY
40
Dominic steps to the open windows and breathes deeply.

DOMINIC
Wild roses somewhere.
VIEW ON PROFESSOR S.
Despite his authoritarian bearing, he is quite warm.
PROFESSOR S.
I want you to note down all that
passes through your mind...
VIEW ON DOMINIC
Sits in his odd-fitting clothes at the wooden table, a pad
before him.
CLOSE VIEW ON THE PAD
Blank.
A pencil lying nearby.

PROFESSOR S.
... If you aren't in the mood to
write, or if you have too much to
say, use this device -- German I'm
sorry to say...
The professor indicates a wire recorder.

CLOSE ON THE WIRE RECORDER
Dominic glances at this wonder. He takes the microphone
with its long wire. He pushes a button.
DOMINIC
How do I operate this?
The machine rewinds, babbling.
from laughing.
Dominic can't keep himself
DOMINIC'S VOICE (O.S.)

How do I operate this?
41
INT. DOMINIC'S ROOM - NIGHT
41
CLOSE VIEW ON THE PAD
(CONTINUED)
29.
CONTINUED:
Filled with Dominic's writing: 'PUBLICATIONS I'VE READ' and
the names of countless volumes complete with the edition,
the year of publication, and the year he had read it for the
first time.
My memory -- my memory
...is...unbelievable!
CLOSER ON HIS PEN
Lists of dates, particulars, names.
CLOSE ON DOMINIC
Reciting for the wire recorder: poetry in Sanskrit, in
Latin, in Italian, Armenian, and in classical Persian.
In Sanskrit:
DOMINIC
(Sanskrit)
om saha nav avatu
saha nau bhunatku
saha virnam karavavahai
tejasvinav adhitam astu ma
vidvisavahai
om shantih shantih santih.
DOMINIC
Om ! May He protect us both
together (by illumining the
nature of knowledge). May He
sustain us both (by ensuring
the fruits of knowledge).
May we attain the vigour (of
knowledge) together. Let
what we learn enlighten us.
Let us not hate each other.
Om ! Peace ! Peace ! Peace !
In Latin:
DOMINIC
(Latin)
'animae, quibus altera fato
corpora debentur,
Lethaei ad fluminis undam
securos latices et longa
obliuia potant.
DOMINIC
The souls that throng the
flood
Are those to whom, by fate,
are other bodies ow'd:
In Lethe's lake they long
oblivion taste.
In Italian:
(CONTINUED)
30.
CONTINUED:
DOMINIC
(Italian)
Come sbito lampo
che discetti li spiriti
visivi,
s che priva da l'atto
l'occhio
di pi forti obietti,
cos mi circunfulse luce
viva.
In Armenian:
DOMINIC
(Armenian)
Yete dzhkuyn mahu hreshdag
Anhun zhbdov michne im tem
Shokiyanan tsavks u hokis
Kidtsek vor ter gentani yem.
DOMINIC
As when the lightning, in a
sudden spleen
Unfolded, dashes from the
blinding eyes
The visive spirits dazzled
and bedimm'd;
DOMINIC
When Death's pale angel
stands before my face,
With smile unfathomable,
stern and chill,
And when my sorrows with my
soul exhale,
Know yet, my friends, that I
am living still.
VIEW ON THE PAD

Algebraic exercises. Entire sections from Paradiso,
Shakespeare, the Aeneid. Then his pen writes out: 'Recent
Discoveries.' And it abruptly stops. He puts the pen down.
CLOSE ON DOMINIC
He doesn't wish to write further.
42
42
Professor S. enters carrying a briefcase and two photo

albums. Dominic is sitting at his desk, working.
PROFESSOR S.
In a few days we'll have a
surprise for you: you'll receive
all the grammars and dictionaries
from your library.
DOMINIC
Thank you.
(suddenly)
And what do people at Piatra Neamt
think about my disappearance?
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
31.
CONTINUED:
DOMINIC(cont'd)
I'm not too curious, but I'd be
interested to know what my chances
are now.
He gets up, walks to chair.

PROFESSOR S.
Chances for what?
DOMINIC
(smiles, embarrassed)
My chances for continuing this new
life.
PROFESSOR S.
Your friends in Piatra believe you
are in a hospital in Moldova,
suffering from amnesia.
DOMINIC
(whispered)
So, the old Dominic has just...
vanished.
PROFESSOR S.
Yes. The police staged a search
at your house. They pretended
that one of the wanted students
might have hidden in your library.
Dominic stands by the open windows, looking to the garden.
The professor takes an album out of the briefcase, also a
silver pocket watch which he gives to Dominic.
DOMINIC
My watch.
He presses the button and it chimes.
PROFESSOR S.
I've brought your family album.
The one with your pictures from
lycee, the university, Italy.
He holds it out, Dominic turns away.
PROFESSOR S.
Aren't you curious to see it?
DOMINIC
To tell you the absolute truth, no.
PROFESSOR S.
But why?
(CONTINUED)
32.
CONTINUED:
DOMINIC
I don't know why. I'm becoming
detached from my past. It's as
though I weren't the same person.
PROFESSOR S.
If you help, we'll try to discover
the reasons.
Rather than do that, Dominic rises and moves over to take
the photographic albums and moves one to the desk. The
professor sits down beside the bed, watching him closely.
Dominic turns a few pages and looks through his past.
INSERT - A FEW PAGES
Photos of his home, his parents, etc.
MED. VIEW
The professor is incapable of concealing his curiosity.
PROFESSOR S.
What are you thinking?
No answer.
Dominic continues turning pages.

PROFESSOR S.
What kind of memories? What kind
of associations?
DOMINIC
(hesitates, then sadly)
I can remember the smell peculiar
to that place and that day... See
Laura, for instance, where I am
with her, at Tivoli. When I look
at that snapshot, I sense...
INSERT - PHOTOGRAPH
Of young Dominic and Laura at Tivoli.
DOMINIC (O.S.)
... the heat of that morning and
the fragrance of the oleander
flowers. But I sensed also a
strong odor of crude oil, and I
recall...
VIEW ON DOMINIC
His senses sharp and vivid.
(CONTINUED)
33.
CONTINUED:
DOMINIC
... that some twenty meters from
the spot where we were
photographed there were two pails
of hot crude oil.
PROFESSOR S.
It's a kind of hypermnesia with
lateral effects.
DOMINIC
It's awful. It's too much, and
it's useless.
PROFESSOR S.
It seems useless because we don't
know yet what to do with it, with
this fantastic recovery of memory.
DOMINIC
Useless.
Professor S. holds him encouragingly on the shoulder.
PROFESSOR S.
Soon it will be learned at Piatra
Neamt what all Bucuresti knows.
That someone, an old man of
unknown origin, was struck by
lightning and after ten weeks
appeared perfectly healthy and
young again. Let's hope the rest
will not be found out.
There is the CRACK of THUNDER and a FLASH of LIGHTNING.
CUT TO BLACK:
FADE IN:
43
INT. LECTURE ROOM - DAY
43
HIGH ANGLE -- In a lecture room, Dominic is spread out on an

examining table, naked, surrounded by an international
consultation of foreign doctors and scholars. They examine
him in every detail, making measurements and diagrams.
44
EXT. CLINIC COURTYARD - EVENING
44
Beautiful courtyard, trees and gardens. Dominic sits on the

steps as the Citroen pulls up in the driveway. Professor S.
steps out, and takes some papers out of his briefcase.
(CONTINUED)
34.
CONTINUED:
PROFESSOR S.
I've read the latest report.
You'll enjoy some of these
diagrams.
(showing him)
DOMINIC
Good evening -- no thanks.
PROFESSOR S.
No analysis is complete without an
index of the sexual capacity. You
remember the personal questions
the doctors asked?
This makes Dominic want to laugh; but he only nods and
smiles.
DOMINIC
Do I remember? I almost died of
embarrassment!
He walks away, up the steps of the clinic, shaking his head.
45
45
INT. CLINIC ROOM - EVENING

Dominic enters his room, followed by the professor.
PROFESSOR S.
I warned you that there would be a
sort of international
consultation. They had to see
firsthand. They couldn't believe
the reports I published in La
Presse Medicale.
DOMINIC
I wasn't expecting such questions.
Especially since I was still in
the hospital and didn't have any
way to confirm or rule out
'sexual' possibilities.
The professor smiles, shrugging.
Sits down in an armchair.
PROFESSOR S.
Don't bother denying it. In any
other circumstance, the patient
and the nurse involved, dear
Aneta... would have been
penalized. But in your case, we
not only shut our eyes, we valued
the information.
(CONTINUED)
35.
CONTINUED:
DOMINIC
Thanks.
PROFESSOR S.
... but in the case of the young
lady in Room 6 -- that woman has
been imposed on us by the Secret
Service.
DOMINIC
(fearful)
What young lady in Room 6?
PROFESSOR S.
The government has become very
interested in your case.
DOMINIC
Do they believe what you told them
about me?
PROFESSOR S.
The situation here in Romania is
becoming very dangerous. You are
familiar with the 'legionnaires'
of course.
DOMINIC
I don't involve myself in
politics.
PROFESSOR S.
But you know?
DOMINIC
Yes, of course, the
'Legionnaires,' the 'Iron
Guardists,' our own Romanian
Nazis.
PROFESSOR S.
Our government is convinced your
story is an invention of the
Legionaries to enable one of their
student leaders to escape across
the border to Germany. That you
are nothing more than an Iron
Guard radical.
Dominic listens, surprised and indignant.
DOMINIC
I am not an Iron Guardist!
(CONTINUED)
36.
CONTINUED:
PROFESSOR S.
I must tell you that you have been
from the beginning, under the
supervision of the Secret Service.
Even I don't know how many members
of the clinic staff are informers
for them.
The professor looks at him a long time, studying him.
PROFESSOR S.
Are you sure that, in your memory,
all of your sexual experiences are
just erotic dreams?
DOMINIC
(pensively)
I don't know. Up to this evening,
I was convinced they were only
dreams.
PROFESSOR S.
I ask, because in your notebook,
you recorded all kinds of dreams,
but none with any manifestly
erotic elements.
DOMINIC
Maybe I should have noted the
other dreams too, but I didn't
think they were significant.
PROFESSOR S.
If it's sexual, it's significant.
DOMINIC
Anyway, if I've confused real
experiences with erotic dreams, my
life is more interesting than I
imagined.
He puts his hand to his temple in a childish attempt to show
he's concentrating.
PROFESSOR S.
In what sense?
Dominic raises his head and makes a puzzled smile.
DOMINIC
For some time I've had the
impression -- how do I say it?
I've had the impression that I'm
learning during the time I'm
asleep; more precisely, I dream
that I'm studying.
(CONTINUED)
37.
CONTINUED:
PROFESSOR S.
You haven't recorded these things
with precision and clarity in the
notebook I read, have you?
DOMINIC
They were a series of dreams that
seem to be continuations of
readings done during the day. I
even thought I was dreaming
grammatical rules, vocabulary, and
etymologies.
PROFESSOR S.
You don't look tired, and no one
has noticed a lamp burning late in
your room.
He rises from the armchair.
PROFESSOR S.
Dreams and waking states have
combined senses and memory, like
what you said to me then about the
smell of oleanders and crude oil
that you sensed while looking at a
picture taken forty years ago...
DOMINIC
I'm not sure what I think any more - it's all so, but it isn't so; its
also so plus not so combined and
neither so nor not so... and so on.
PROFESSOR S.
Ah yes, the tetralemma logic of
Chandrakirti. I never understood
it.
46
EXT. GARDENS - NIGHT
46
Dominic looks at the stone steps descending from his balcony

to the garden below. He steps down into the moonlight, when
he comes face to face with a YOUNG WOMAN of strange beauty.
A beauty that for reasons hard to grasp, she accentuates by
deliberate vulgarity, applying makeup in an exaggerated and
clumsy manner. She smiles at him, making him think he knows
her. She wears a striking kimono.
DOMINIC
Haven't we met somewhere before?
WOMAN IN ROOM 6
(laughs)
Of course we've met before;
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
38.
CONTINUED:
WOMAN IN ROOM 6(cont'd)

several times, in fact. I'm
impressed, you're very discreet.
Where?
DOMINIC
When?
WOMAN IN ROOM 6
(frowning)
Most recently, last night, in Room
6. Your room is next door, number
4.
And then she walks away, leaving him dumbfounded.
47
INT. CLINIC CORRIDOR - DAY
47
Dominic walks down the corridor, hesitates by Room 6.

enters to his own, Room 4, next to it.
Then
CLOSE SHOT
He stands next to the door.
It was a good thing that you said,
'I'm not sure about anything
anymore.' You can answer anytime,
'I dreamed it!' But watch out!
Don't ever tell the WHOLE truth!
He turns his head and looks around in surprise. A moment
later he whispers as if he were addressing someone present,
yet invisible.
DOMINIC
(lowering his head)
Certain things are impossible for
me to say.
48

The room is dark.
48
Dominic is in bed, unable to sleep.

My memory. More extensive and
more precise than it has ever
been. The memory of a Mandarin!
He falls asleep and recites Chinese characters.
HIS DREAM:
Tinted in PURPLE -- He studies and recites the Chinese
characters, able to recite them perfectly.
(CONTINUED)
39.
CONTINUED:
INSERT - THE CHINESE CHARACTERS
As he recites.
49
INT. CORRIDOR - NIGHT

Dominic finds himself before Room 6.
woman is there in a clinic cassock.
50
49
It opens, and the
INT. ROOM 6 - NIGHT
50
But when he approaches, she lets it fall and she's wearing

beautiful lingerie, arching her back and extending her arms
to him. He slides onto the bed with her, kissing her waist
and belly and her garter belt and lingerie. As he does, he
notices the fine embroidery on her garter belt, exquisite
lacy swastikas. He moves her so she's hanging over the bed,
her hair touching the floor.
He reaches down and kisses her hair, and sees under the bed,
a book. He pulls it out, and there is a swastika on its
cover. It is 'Mein Kampf.'
51
51
Waking. It's a warm night and the window facing the park is
open, and the moon is gleaming, stained with primrose and
the purple of the surrounding sky. Dominic HEARS FOOTSTEPS
and gets out of bed and creeps to the window. He looks out.
WHAT HE SEES:
In the garden is the guard, who also sees him.
DOMINIC
Don't you ever sleep?
The guard shrugs and then moves off, becoming lost in the
darkness.
CLOSE ON DOMINIC
If I ask him about this tomorrow,
probably he'll tell me I was
dreaming. And I'm certain this
time that I'm not dreaming.
He goes back to his bed.
DOMINIC
In three minutes, I'll be asleep.
(CONTINUED)
40.
CONTINUED:
You must go to sleep, because in
sleep you learn best of all.
DOMINIC
(whispered to himself)
If you don't go to sleep by the
count of ten, I'll go down and
take a walk in the park! Ten nine - eight - seven He falls asleep.
FADE OUT.
FADE IN:
52
52
He's sitting at his desk; Professor S. is in the armchair,

reading from the second book of notes. He raises his eyes.
PROFESSOR S.
Do you remember that one night you
climbed out the window and walked
to the back of the garden where
the rose beds are located?
53
53
Dominic climbing out of his window in his robe, and walking

to the back of the garden in the moonlight.
DOMINIC (O.S.)
No. I do remember that I couldn't
go to sleep, and I said to myself,
'If you don't go to sleep by the
count of ten, I'll go down and
take a walk in the park!
54
54
DOMINIC
After that I remember nothing.
Probably I fell asleep
immediately.
The professor smiles at him enigmatically.
PROFESSOR S.
You didn't fall asleep
immediately.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
41.
CONTINUED:
PROFESSOR S.(cont'd)
Because you spent a period of time
in the vicinity of the roses.
You're not telling me all, dear
Dominic.
DOMINIC
Then for the first time in my life
I've had an attack of
somnambulism!
The Professor gets up and walks to the window and stands

staring straight ahead.
PROFESSOR S.
That's what I thought, too.
things are not so simple.
55
But
55
Staff members running to search the street.

PROFESSOR S. (O.S.)
Two staff members, probably Secret
Service agents -- ran to search
the street, not knowing the guard
had discovered you already.
They come upon a mysterious parked Mercedes, its headlights
off, with some sinister men in it. Discovered, the car
starts up and disappears.
PROFESSOR S. (O.S.)
Of course, the Mercedes
disappeared before they could get
the license number.
56
56
Dominic is staring at the professor.

PROFESSOR S.
It was there with its headlights
off, in front of the rose bed
where they found you. There were
three witnesses, I assure you.
DOMINIC
And what did they do with me?
they take me back to my room?
Did
PROFESSOR S.
The guard says that as soon as you
caught sight of them, you climbed
into your room through the window,
the way you had left.
(CONTINUED)
42.
CONTINUED:
DOMINIC
I can't remember.
PROFESSOR S.
I had to intercede for you in high
places to prevent your being
arrested.
DOMINIC
(wiping his forehead)
I'm grateful, Professor.
PROFESSOR S.
If I didn't know you from your
family picture albums, I'd accept
that you are the fascist Secret
Service thinks you are. Then I
wouldn't... regrettably, be able
to protect you any more.
The professor makes a worried nod and leaves the room.
57
57
Guards have been posted at various points around the clinic.

They are dressed like doctors and interns, but are
unmistakably intelligence officers and government agents,
including vehicles patrolling the streets.
A58
INT. HALLWAY - NIGHT
A58
The burly male guard sleeps on a cot outside Dominic's room.
58
58

The room is in total DARKNESS -- with some indistinct
patterns.
Why are you so agitated? It had
to happen like this, for you to be
confused with others, to have
people think you can't distinguish
dream from reality.
We SEE a glimpse of Dominic's startled face.
DOMINIC
Who is taking care of me?
Then after a moment, he finds himself asking in a NEW VOICE:
(CONTINUED)
43.
CONTINUED:
THE 'DOUBLE' (V.O.)
Do you think that all you've gone
through is due to chance?
Then he interrupts himself crossly.
DOMINIC
Who is that watching over me?
He waits, in fear.
THE 'DOUBLE' (V.O.)
You'll find out later. That
doesn't matter now. Besides,
you've guessed some of it.
Otherwise, why don't you ever say
anything to the professor about
CERTAIN THOUGHTS and why don't you
mention them in your notebook?
DOMINIC
Stop.
THE 'DOUBLE' (V.O.)
IF you know SOMEONE ELSE EXISTS,
why haven't you referred to it?
Dominic struggles, trying to interrupt his thought.
waits and then falls asleep.
He
The VIEW turns PURPLE:
59
59
INT. ROOM 6 - NIGHT
Dominic dreams he is fondling and kissing the breast of the

young woman in Room 6, as she tantalizes him. HE HEARS:
THE 'DOUBLE' (V.O.)
Yes, it's better we talk in
dreams. While you are sleeping,
you understand more quickly and
more profoundly.
60
60

Dominic watches, all the while listening to 'the double'.
THE 'DOUBLE' (V.O.)
You told the Professor that in
sleep you continue the studies of
the daytime.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
44.
CONTINUED:
THE 'DOUBLE'(cont'd)
Little by little you discovered
you had mastered Chinese, just as
you discovered later you had
mastered other languages that
interested you.
He turns on the LIGHT.

DOMINIC
I did purchase an Albanian grammar
years ago, but I never read more
than the preface.
He steps out of the bed quickly and moves to the things that
have been brought from his home in Piatra Neamt. He opens
the package and produces the exact Albanian grammar.
THE 'DOUBLE' (V.O.)
You never studied it, you say.
Read.
He opens the book randomly and
fluently.
DOMINIC
(Albanian)
Mbereti is i diseruare per
te ngrene ne ftua nga ata,
tek I a kis zapetuare lamia,
e isine fort te mire.
He is astonished.
begins to read a paragraph -DOMINIC

The king wanted very much to
taste that fruit but he
never could.
He understands it perfectly.
THE 'DOUBLE' (V.O.)

But aren't you sleeping?
He returns to bed, shuts his eyes with fury and repeats:
DOMINIC
I must not think! I must not
think! I mustn't think of
anything!
THE 'DOUBLE' (V.O.)
I said that to you on the first
night at the hospital.
I understand. I'm beginning to
understand what has happened.
THE 'DOUBLE' (V.O.)
Yes.
Good.
(CONTINUED)
45.
CONTINUED:
DOMINIC
The enormous concentration of
electricity that, by exploding
directly above me, regenerated me
and amplified fabulously all my
mental faculties. But this
electrical discharge has made
possibly likewise the appearance
of a new personality, a sort of
'double.'
THE 'DOUBLE' (V.O.)
Quite correct.
DOMINIC'S THOUGHTS
A person whom I hear speaking to
me, especially during my sleep,
with whom I sometimes have
friendly conversations and
sometimes disagree.
THE 'DOUBLE' (V.O.)
Yes, the formula of the 'double'
is correct and useful.
DOMINIC
It is probable that this new
personality had been built up
gradually, from the deepest strata
of my unconscious.
THE 'DOUBLE' (V.O.)
Quite correct! But don't be in a
hurry to inform the Professor!
Dominic lays there in the darkness, his mouth open.
FADE OUT.
FADE IN:
61
61

Dominic stands at the open window overlooking the garden
while Professor S. sits at his desk.
PROFESSOR S.
With the new possibilities you
have at your disposal, you could
finish these manuscripts off in a
few months.
Dominic raises his arms high in a gesture of protest.
DOMINIC
They don't interest me any more.
(CONTINUED)
46.
CONTINUED:
PROFESSOR S.
(surprised)
But Dominic, it's your life's
work!
DOMINIC
I would have to rewrite it from
the first to the last page, and I
don't think it's worth it.
(looking up)
What's been happening to me in the
past week? What have the orderly
and all the others reported?
PROFESSOR S.
They haven't reported anything
sensational: just that you turn on
the light several times at night,
then switch it off again quickly a
few minutes later.
(lowering his voice)
But I suspect they haven't told me
everything. I think they've found
out something rather important, or
they are on the road to
discovering something.
DOMINIC
(frightened)
With regard to me?
The professor hesitates a few moments, and then rises
suddenly.
PROFESSOR S.
I don't know. It could be that
it's not only with regard to you.
62
EXT. R.R. STATION - DAY
62
HIGH MEDIUM ANGLE

German SS OFFICERS watch over a team of TECHNICIANS and
OFFICIALS who survey the area. They take notes and
photographs as they stretch measuring tape, determining the
precise spot Dominic was standing, and mark on the street
the area where the rain was falling.
An SS OFFICER sitting at a makeshift desk interviews
witnesses with questions.
SS OFFICER
SS OFFICER
Wieviele von denen, die in
How many of those who were
der Kirche warteten, sahen
waiting in the church
wirklich den Blitz?
actually saw the lightning?
(CONTINUED)
47.
CONTINUED:
With them, supervising each and every measurement and
interview, are unmistakable GESTAPO AGENTS, as well as
representatives of the Romanian SECRET SERVICE.
63
INSERT - TYPEWRITER
63
OFFICIAL DOCUMENT, the date is being typed: 3rd, September

1938. Then the page is pulled out and replaced by an
American magazine cover, with the heading 'INTERVIEW,' then,
'REJUVENATION BY LIGHTNING.'
PROFESSOR S. (O.S.)
Obviously apocryphal, but it's
creating a sensation and being
reprinted and translated
everywhere.
64
EXT. GARDENS - DAY

Dominic is eating lunch.
magazine.
64
The professor puts down the
PROFESSOR S.
The young lady from Room 6
disappeared ten days ago. Secret
Service suspected long ago that
she was a double agent, but they
did not suspect the truth -- she
was in the service of the Gestapo!
DOMINIC
How did you find out so fast?
PROFESSOR S.
Because three agents were
arrested, the men in the car
waiting for you.
DOMINIC
Nazis?
PROFESSOR S.
You were about to be abducted and
passed across the border into
Germany. It was not a matter of a
student leader, however, but you.
DOMINIC
I've never seen you so nervous,
Roman.
(CONTINUED)
48.
CONTINUED:
PROFESSOR S.
They found out everything -- about
your phenomenal memory and the fact
that you've recovered all the
languages you studied in your youth.
DOMINIC
(smiling)
And others I never studied.
PROFESSOR S. (O.S.)
You have become the most valuable
human specimen existing today on
the face of the earth. All the
medical schools in the world would
like to study you.
DOMINIC
As a sort of guinea pig?
PROFESSOR S.
In certain cases, yes: a guinea pig.
He stands pensive for a moment, and then suddenly his face
brightens in a big smile. He takes out of a folder a
PHOTOGRAPH of the young lady in Room 6 in Nazi regalia.
PROFESSOR S.
Your companion of a night, or
several...
INSERT - THE PHOTOGRAPH
Very sexy.
DOMINIC
I'm afraid it was several.
A65
INT. ROOM 6 - EVENING
A65
A DREAM: The young woman kisses Dominic, luring him to her

lovely mouth, then without warning, in Russian:
WOMAN ROOM 6
WOMAN ROOM 6
T minia liubish?
Do you love me?
Without thinking, he answers in Russian:
DOMINIC
DOMINIC
Da, bolishe ciemia pried
Yes, more than I could have
palagal
imagined.
Then as he fondles and undresses her, in German:
(CONTINUED)
49.
CONTINUED:
WOMAN ROOM 6
Sag mir wie Du mich
begehrst, wie du nach mir
verlangst?
WOMAN ROOM 6
Tell me how you desire me,
how you long for me?
DOMINIC
Du bist mein Traum und meine
Gttin, ich wrde alles fr
Dich tun.
DOMINIC
(hopelessly excited by
her)
You are my dream and my
goddess, I would do anything
for you.
WOMAN ROOM 6
Gut.
B65
WOMAN ROOM 6
(smiles)
Good.
EXT. GARDENS - DAY
B65
The Professor continues.

PROFESSOR S.
She recorded on a miniscule device
all your conversations, and
transmitted them to the Gestapo.
But she noticed something else,
too: for example, that you recited
poems in a great many languages,
and when she asked you questions in
German and then in Russian, you
replied without difficulty in those
languages. It is probable that
after listening to the recordings
someone high up in the Reich
decided to kidnap you.
DOMINIC
(frightened)
Kidnap me?
PROFESSOR S.
We're doing all we can; many of the
neighboring rooms are occupied by
our agents, but even so, the sooner
you can be moved from the clinic the
better.
DOMINIC
I was just beginning to feel at
home here.
PROFESSOR S.
Try to change your hair; grow a
mustache so you'll no longer resemble
the photographs that have been taken
in recent weeks.
(CONTINUED)
50.
CONTINUED:
Dr. Chirila approaches with a worried expression.
DR. CHIRILA
Professor -- in your office, you
must come.
Professor S. follows him.
65
INT. PROFESSOR S. OFFICE - DAY
65
MED. CLOSE VIEW

On Professor S. having entered, extremely uncomfortable.
NAZI SS OFFICER (O.S.)
We are disturbed over your level
of cooperation, Herr Professor.
Three NAZI OFFICERS have come to the clinic.
gives him a document.
The SS officer
NAZI SS OFFICER
As you see, your government has
instructed you to relinquish all
relevant files to our custody.
Some of the clinic PERSONNEL cooperate, handing over batches
of documents. Professor S. hands back the document.
PROFESSOR S.
I'm sorry, I cannot comply with
this one.
NAZI SS OFFICER
Cannot comply?
PROFESSOR S.
The patient himself. As his
doctor, I cannot agree to his
transfer at this time.
The SS officer is calm; takes the document back and puts it
into his briefcase. He turns and directs his men to take
the files, and then turns to leave.
NAZI SS OFFICER
I'll return with a German doctor.
66
EXT. GARDENS - DAY

VIEW OF THE SUN
A sweltering day.
66
51.
67
67
VIEW INSIDE TO HIS ROOM

His windows open.
Dominic is almost naked, stretched out on the bed.
SEE his image reflected in the mirror.
We can
THE 'DOUBLE' (V.O.)

You know very well it wasn't
somnambulism. You've behaved as
you ought, in order to create the
necessary confusion.
DOMINIC
(whispered)
The double. He always answers the
questions I'm ready to ask him.
Like a true guardian angel..
THE 'DOUBLE' (V.O.)
And that's a correct and useful
formula.
DOMINIC
Are there others?
THE 'DOUBLE' (V.O.)
Many.
DOMINIC
(amused)
For example?
THE 'DOUBLE' (V.O.)
Along with angels and guardian
angels, there are Powers,
Archangels, Seraphim, and Cherubim.
Intermediary beings par excellence.
DOMINIC
Intermediary between consciousness
and unconsciousness?
THE 'DOUBLE' (V.O.)
Exactly.
Realizing he is dreaming, he comes to, and sits upright,
looking at his reflection.
DOMINIC
(whispered)
So, I've come back to my old
passion, philosophy of religion.
(CONTINUED)
52.
CONTINUED:
THE 'DOUBLE' (V.O.)
Yes, for you it always comes to that.
DOMINIC
Very true. But I can't believe in
the objective reality of the
"person" with whom I'm conversing;
I consider him my "double."
In a sense, that's what he is. But
that doesn't mean he doesn't exist
in an objective way independently.
DOMINIC
I'd like to be convinced, but...
THE 'DOUBLE' (V.O.)
I know, in metaphysical
controversies empirical proofs
have no value. But wouldn't you
enjoy receiving, right now, in a
moment or two, a few fresh roses
picked from the garden?
Roses!
DOMINIC
I've always liked roses.
THE 'DOUBLE' (V.O.)

Where would you like me to put them?
Not in the glass, at any rate...
DOMINIC
No. Not in the glass. But a rose
in my right hand, as I'm holding
it now, open, and another on my
knee. And a third, let's say...
At that moment he suddenly finds himself holding a beautiful
rose the color of fresh blood between his fingers. He looks
down; there is another one balanced on his knee, rocking.
THE 'DOUBLE' (V.O.)
And the third? Where do you want
me to put the third rose?
This is interrupted by the voice of Professor S. as he
hurries in.
PROFESSOR S. (O.S.)
Things are more serious than we
thought.
Suddenly Professor S. is right there in front of him, in the
easy chair, with the briefcase on his lap.
(CONTINUED)
53.
CONTINUED:
PROFESSOR S.
We know now why the Gestapo will
try anything -- anything, in order
to get their hands on you.
Dominic wipes the rose slowly across his forehead and, with
an effort, manages to smile.
DOMINIC
But why?
PROFESSOR S.
Among the intimates of Goebbels
there is an enigmatic and
ambiguous person, a certain Dr.
Josef Rudolf...
INSERT - PHOTOGRAPH
DR. JOSEF RUDOLF in the uniform of a Waffen SS
Haupsturmfuhrer. He admires a Matisse painting he's adding
to his collection.
68
INT. NAZI LABORATORY IN CAVE - DAY
68
Suddenly, there is a high voltage electrical discharge, in a

laboratory put at the disposal of Dr. Rudolf, who has been
performing experiments with high voltages. SS OFFICERS
provide security, as the notorious Doctor, in lab coat, seen
only from the rear, is performing experiments involving high
voltage. A whimpering DOG is dragged into the lab.
PROFESSOR S. (O.S.)
Dr. Rudolf believes that
electrocution by a current of at
least a million volts could
produce a radical mutation of the
human species.
69
69
PROFESSOR S.
You understand now why your case
is so interesting to them. They
want us to 'lend' you to them for
a period of time.
DOMINIC
God help me.
PROFESSOR S.
And because we are reluctant, the
Gestapo has been given a free hand
to use their own methods.
(CONTINUED)
54.
CONTINUED:
The Professor stops, as though he's suddenly lost his
breath. For the first time he seems tired, aged.
PROFESSOR S.
Time, Dominic -- time is
overtaking us!
CUT TO:
70
EXT. AUSTRIA, BREGENZ STATION - NIGHT
70
A train ROARS into a station on the Austrian-Swiss border.
71
INT. TRAIN - NIGHT
71
The CONDUCTORS come through, as passengers prepare to leave

for the border check. Dominic hesitates, his hair and
demeanor different from before, and then follows the others.
72
EXT. BREGENZ STATION - NIGHT
72
There is one man in civilian dress, obviously a German

GESTAPO AGENT, supervising the work of the Austrian
OFFICIALS and the GRENZSCHUTZ, the border police.
CLOSE ON DOMINIC
Reaches him, hands his passport over and waits a few
excruciating moments as the agent looks it over.
VIEW ON GESTAPO AGENT
Takes out a notebook, and carefully puts down some details
of the passport, and returns it. The police wave all the
passengers back onto the train, but stop Dominic.
GRENZSCHUTZ
GRENZSCHUTZ
Aus Wien ist gerade ein
An order has just been
Befehl eingegangen, da
received from Vienna that
Angehrige bestimmter
certain nationals will be
Nationalitaeten
detained.
zurueckgehalten werden
sollen.
DOMINIC
Aber warum? Ich habe einen
gltigen Pa und ein Visum.
Es gibt keine Rechtfertigung
mich festhalten.
DOMINIC
But why? I have a valid
passport and visa. Theres
no justification to hold me.
The train is making sounds indicating it is ready to leave.

Dominic is desperate and holds some identification in his
wallet open in such a way as to reveal cash.
(CONTINUED)
55.
CONTINUED:
DOMINIC
Hier, schauen Sie.
DOMINIC
Here, look.
GRENZSCHUTZ
Tut mir leid, mein Herr.
GRENZSCHUTZ
I am sorry, sir.
He walks away leaving Dominic stranded on the platform with

his bags. The Gestapo agent moves from his place, clearly
about to take a break with a woman. After he disappears,
the Grenzschutz returns, and hurriedly motions for Dominic
to get on the train, whispering:
GRENZSCHUTZ
GRENZSCHUTZ
Gehen Sie schon.
Go ahead. Austria's
sterreichs Kooperation mit
cooperation with the Nazis
den Nazis ist nur
is only symbolic.
symbolisch.
Dominic gasps in gratitude, picks up his bag and hurries
back onto the train just as it's about to go.
73
EXT. TRAIN TRACKS - NIGHT
73
The train speeds across the border into Switzerland.
74
INT. TRAIN - NIGHT
74
CLOSE ON DOMINIC
Being rocked in his seat, dreaming.
75
EXT. CLINIC COURTYARD (TINTED PURPLE) - NIGHT
75
Some men accompany Dominic and enter the Citroen.

VIEW BY THE WINDOW
Dominic watches as the man dressed to resemble him steps
into the car.
VIEW ON THE CITROEN
Speeds off.
VIEW ON DOMINIC
The REFLECTION in the window shows the Citroen starting off,
and then exploding into FLAMES, as if Iron Guard bombers had
struck. Dominic steps back, disappearing from the window.
56.
76
INT. TRAIN - NIGHT
76
CLOSE ON DOMINIC
Waking, relieved to look out at the Swiss terrain.
77
EXT. SWISS TRAIN STATION - MORNING
77
Dominic steps out onto the empty platform, looking left and
right. There's no one. Then he HEARS footsteps.
WHAT HE SEES:
A strange man approaching him.
his hands warmly.
PROFESSOR S.
Bonsoir, monsieur, j'ai
amen une voiture. Laissezmoi vous dbarrassez de
votre valise. Comment s'est
pass le voyage?
The man embraces him, shakes

PROFESSOR S.
(in French)
Good evening, sir, I am here
with a car. Let me take
your bag. How was the
journey?
Closer, Dominic is startled to see it is Professor S.

dressed more as a working man, who takes his bag and leads
him to a waiting car.
PROFESSOR S.
I barely got out with my skin.
I'm Swiss now, complete with a
history they've created for me!
They drive away.
78
EXT. COTTAGE NEAR LUCERNE - NIGHT

The car arrives at a small cottage.
is there to help with the bags.
79
78
A young woman, ANALISE,
INT. COTTAGE - NIGHT

Dominic stands in the modest room.
hands together.
79
Professor S. slaps his
PROFESSOR S.
Well. It will do. Are you
hungry? I am.
Professor S. and Dominic sit at the table and have a simple
meal brought to them by a smiling Analise. Professor S.
(CONTINUED)
57.
CONTINUED:
looks at her admiringly, but Dominic is preoccupied.
eat and drink by candlelight.
They
PROFESSOR S.
The Nazis don't accept the
'official' version of your death.
Their informers must have
explained the 'accident'...
DOMINIC
Do they know what I look like now?
PROFESSOR S.
No. There are no recent
photographs and your name is not
known. You can rest. Tomorrow,
we'll begin.
DOMINIC
Begin what?
PROFESSOR S.
We must document everything for
the Rockefeller Institute in
America.
DOMINIC
But for what reason?
PROFESSOR S.
They're agreed to underwrite this
entire project, financially.
(changing subject))
You know, I have not been able to
get your manuscript out of my
mind. It is something -- well,
magnificent!
He takes out Dominic's manuscript which he's managed to
bring along with him.
DOMINIC
I can't concentrate on philosophy
while I'm fleeing for my life.
PROFESSOR S.
Documenting the extraordinary
events of your life will include
helping you to finish your great
work, Dominic.
DOMINIC
You want me to document my life.
How can I when absolutely nothing
in my life is explainable?
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
58.
CONTINUED:
DOMINIC(cont'd)
The mere asking of a question
causes it to disappear or merge
into something else.
He holds back tears, and then tries to continue eating.

PROFESSOR S.
The missing part of your work will
explain just that.
80
EXT. GARDEN - DAY
80
MONTAGE: Professor S. working with Dominic on documents,

recordings; editing photographs.
Professor S. and Dominic walking in the garden, past the
cows to a great OAK TREE, where Analise has prepared a lunch
for them.
PROFESSOR S.
Look. This tree... there. It was
hit by lightning too. Twice in
fact, over the years. That's what
the old man told me.
An OLD MAN sits quietly, smoking a pipe.
PROFESSOR S.
(in French)
How old are you, friend?
(in German)
How old are you?
The old man just shrugs and continues smoking.
touches the old, burnt branch of the tree.
Dominic
DOMINIC
(studying it)
This tree is like the tree of
language and as it was hit by
lightning every so often, it
caused leaps and bounds in human
language...
PROFESSOR S.
And therefore in human
consciousness...
A81
INT. THE KITCHEN - NIGHT
A81
Analise approaches wearing a dress that accentuates her

figure, preparing two bowls of soup. The professor notices
that she's given the best one to Dominic.
(CONTINUED)
59.
CONTINUED:
PROFESSOR S.
(jealously)
We are almost the same age, yet
she only notices you.
DOMINIC
Who?
PROFESSOR S.
That girl -- pretty, isn't she?
DOMINIC
I think so.
PROFESSOR S.
(switching the bowls)
She likes you, that's why she gave
you the bowl with more meat. The
species advances through female
selection.
(in French)
Ah, les jeunes ne savant pas
profiter de la jeunesse, meme
quand ils sont vieux.
Analise settles down to some household chore like polishing
the silver, where she can be near Dominic.
DOMINIC
... The mutation of language
enabled a super consciousness
burst forward and that led to
invention of concepts such as
past, or future.
(becoming interested)
My manuscript -- what did you
was the missing element? You
think I could finish it?
to
the
the
feel
PROFESSOR S.
You've already finished it, what
is missing is the beginning.
DOMINIC
Yes -- I've always known that.
(remembering)
The origins of language, and with
it, consciousness and then,
inevitably, time.
PROFESSOR S.
Have you noticed, of course you
have... but how young women are
drawn to you?
(CONTINUED)
60.
CONTINUED:
Yes.
DOMINIC
It makes me uncomfortable.
PROFESSOR S.
They sense something about the
future in you, I think -- and it
excites them.
He glances toward her.
PROFESSOR S.
She wants to be alone with you.
He rises, and then walks out of the room.
DOMINIC
Professor...
He looks at Analise, who says something in French to him, as
she moves around the cottage closing curtains. Then she
moves closer to Dominic and eventually sits on his lap.
ANALISE
Analise -DOMINIC
Oui, je' connais -She kisses his neck, and she reaches over to unbutton her
blouse. Dominic is rocked by the exquisite perfume of her
hair and her breasts. She stands and then raises her skirt
above her legs. Confused, he rises. She smiles, turns
around, backs up to him, and moves her bottom against him
provocatively. Feeling ecstasy and almost a surge in the
need to procreate, Dominic clasps his hands on her breasts.
DOMINIC
Analise.
FADE OUT:
FADE IN:
81
INT. COTTAGE - DAY
81
The room is in disarray from the night before, cushions

thrown about, the sofa turned over. Professor S. enters
carrying Dominic's manuscript and looks at the mess.
PROFESSSOR S.
And where is Analise this morning?
Dominic sheepishly peeks up from a corner where he's
writing.
(CONTINUED)
61.
CONTINUED:
DOMINIC
At her grandmother's -- she left
rather early this morning. Sends
you a hug.
PROFESSOR S.
Ah.
I see.
The Professor continues organizing his 'materials' -- tapes,

photographs, and documents made over the last few months.
He begins packing them into several suitcases.
PROFESSOR S.
Well, Dominic, ever think your
entire life would fit into five
suitcases?
DOMINIC
I am capable of believing
anything.
PROFESSOR S.
Including what it's all adding up
to?
DOMINIC
Adding up to what?
PROFESSOR S.
That is the question, dear
Dominic.
(pauses, sighs)
But certainly it adds up to the
end of the world as we know it.
82
EXT. AIRPORT - NIGHT
82
A cargo airplane is waiting. Assistants are loading files

into the aircraft. Professor S. embraces Dominic.
PROFESSOR S.
Good luck -- maybe. To better
times.
DOMINIC
Yes, good luck.
PROFESSOR S.
(sadly)
You know, Dominic -- I have many
more things I would have liked to
discuss with you, many more.
(sadly)
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
62.
CONTINUED:
PROFESSOR S.(cont'd)
Have you read "Finnegan's Wake?"
I would love to talk to you about
it some day.
WHAT DOMINIC SEES:

The right engine of the waiting DC-3 turns over, shaking and
with a gust of black smoke.
VIEW ON DOMINIC AND PROFESSOR S.
Dominic has noticed but can't quite interpret it.
DOMINIC
I look forward to it, Roman.
find a copy right away --
I'll
The files have been loaded, and the cargo door is closed,
leaving the passenger entrance, which the Professor boards,
and then looks back sadly.
PROFESSOR S.
I wish it were me. Made young.
(shaking his head)
I'd fall in love, one last time.
They look at each other a long time, then he gets on the
plane after the final suitcases are loaded, and the doors
are shut.
CLOSE SHOT ON DOMINIC
Waving goodbye as the plane takes off -- but then one engine
begins to SMOKE and some FLAMES are seen as it flies out of
frame.
VIEW ON DOMINIC
Horrified to realize that what he had sensed was about to
happen. He hears an EXPLOSION as flames are reflected on
his face, when SUDDENLY the FLAMING ENGINE drops down to
earth in front of him, and he backs away in horror and grief
as he HEARS the plane CRASH.
FADE OUT:
FADE IN:
83
EXT. GENEVA - DAY (WINTER 1942)
83
LONG SHOT - OLD TOWN

It is winter.
of the lake.
Dominic takes a stroll along the misty shore
*
*
63.
84
INT. CINEMA - DAY
84
MOVIE SCREEN - MAP OF EUROPE

Nazi Germany's progress in 1939, 1940, 1941, moving into
Poland, then Belgium, Netherlands, France, Russia. Air
raids on London, Rommel's battles with the British in North
Africa, Romania a German ally. The date flashes on -- 1942.
VIEW ON AUDIENCE
Sparse in the daytime. Dominic sits alone. One young woman
sits in the back row, where Dominic cannot see her.
CLOSE SHOT - THE WOMAN
Flickering light from the newsreel falls on her face. It is
the woman from Room 6, in a fur wrap. She wears a stylish
hat, more mature than we remember her, but as sexy as ever.
85
EXT. CAFE ALBERT - DAY
85
A newspaper vendor appears with the new Journal de Geneve

and people crowd around him to get a copy. One LADY looks
at Dominic, dressed unlike what we have seen previously.
SWISS LADY
SWISS LADY
Avez vous entendu les
Have you heard the news?
nouvelles? L'armee
The American army has
Americaine est arrivee en
arrived in England!
Angleterre!
86
Dominic buys a paper, and continues away from the excitement

at the cafe. He has perfected the art of being anonymous,
walking home -- but he senses that he is being followed.
*
*
CLOSE ON DOMINIC
Looking, the SHADOWS on the street are clear that two MEN in
trenchcoats have ducked into an alley and are waiting.
*
*
INT. HERRENGASSE HOTEL ROOM - DAY
86
CLOSE UP - RECORDER
The wire spool turns, and we HEAR Dominic carefully mark the
recording:
DOMINIC (O.S.)
Geneva. February 2, 1942, 8:15
P.M., dictation Dominic Matei...
(CONTINUED)
64.
CONTINUED:
MED. VIEW - DOMINIC
Alone in the modest room, dictating.
DOMINIC
The documents in the Geneva safety
deposit box summarize my life, which
began in the spring of 1938. My
first experiences were described and
analyzed by Professor Roman
Stanciulescu and his consulting staff
in the reports which were confiscated
by the Germans. The other documents
were destroyed rather than have them
arrive at the Rockefeller Institute.
87
EXT. SWISS BANK - DAY
87
The sun breaks over the bank building; traffic is ongoing.

NEW VIEW
The young woman from Room 6 takes note of the bank's
address.
88
INT. SWISS BANK VAULT - DAY
88
CLOSE ON HANDS filling a deposit box with carefully

identified portfolios of documents, 'Portfolio A,'
'Portfolio B.'
DOMINIC (V.O.)
... I mention them because if
found, they validate in a highly
scientific way some of the things
contained in the other documents
deposited in the bank vault.
These documents are safely locked away in the box, and the
vault doors are closed.
89
EXT. HOTEL - MORNING (SUMMER)

The sun breaks over the lake; traffic is ongoing.
DOMINIC (V.O.)
For reasons explained in Portfolio
B, I became a fugitive in
Switzerland...
89
65.
90
INT. HOTEL ROOM - DAY
90
Dominic sits by the recorder, a tray of breakfast at his

elbow. He is at work, cutting some photos of himself in his
present appearance, and skillfully applying them to
documents and a new passport, identifying himself as a
Argentine national named 'William Pederson.'
DOMINIC (V.O. CONT'D)
... and disguised in September
1938. That up to today, I have not
been identified and eventually
captured, might seem
incomprehensible.
His skill and knowledge in these preparations are uncanny,
heating the glue in an improvised device, providing the
official stamp, forging the signature.
The future listener will wonder
how I could have passed unobserved
during these years, even though I
constituted an exceptional case:
91
EXT. GENEVA - DAY
91
Dominic passes through the arcaded and cobblestoned streets,

a completely unexceptional man, entering a library.
I was a 'mutant' and had access to
means of knowledge still
inaccessible to mankind. But I
tried to act as an ordinary
intellectual.
92
INT. LIBRARY - DAY
*
*
*
92
Dominic goes on a regular routine to the library, and asks

the CLERK for many books and collections of old periodicals.
After signing for some books, and about to leave, the
LIBRARIAN speaks to him in a whisper, while apparently
checking her work.
*
*
*
*
LIBRARIAN
My brother-in-law works for the
Bureaus of Aliens. He says you've
been mistaken for a secret agent.
Here.
*
*
*
*
*
She passes him a piece of paper.
*
(CONTINUED)
66.
CONTINUED:
LIBRARIAN
It's a phone number you could call
in case of need.
*
*
*
He sits at the table, leafing through the materials

attentively, taking notes and writing bibliographic cards.
But all my apparent work was
camouflage. I had discovered that
with any text I had before me, if I
wanted to know the content, I
immediately knew it.
He holds his hand to his forehead and the other on a book.
With his eyes in a vacant stare, as a LIGHT on the book moves
up into his MIND, he is able to digest all the knowledge.
93
VIEW IN LIBRARY STACKS
Dominic passes the librarian in the close quarters of the

stacks. She blocks his way, takes off her glasses and
kisses him passionately, taking his hands and moving them
over her body.
*
*
*
*
EXT. COURTYARD AT UNIVERSITY - EVENING
93
A cocktail party of academics and stranded employees of the

sadly dying League of Nations. Dominic fits in and is
totally unexceptional as he chats with some professors and
their wives, as they line up at a buffet table. Some men in
trenchcoats suspiciously watch him.
I was afraid I would give myself
away conversing with professors
and colleagues at the university.
Dominic has a GLOW on him, he helps a child come into the
line, and gives her a plate with food.
I knew more than any of them and I
understood things they never
suspected existed. But to my
great relief, I could not show
myself as I was, just as when
talking to a child an adult only
communicates what the child will
understand.
He returns to the group chatting and is appropriately
invisible, even though there is a GLOW about him.
(CONTINUED)
*
*
67.
CONTINUED:
If someone were to tell me that
there exist among us saints or
authentic magicians or
Bodhisattvas, or any kind of
person endowed with miraculous
powers, I would believe him.
CLOSE ON DOMINIC
Then a sight disturbs him. He shies away from the crowd,
looking down. Then takes a quick glance.
WHAT HE SEES:
The very attractive young woman mingling with the others.
She surely is the young Nazi woman from Room 6. She glances
over to him, then takes a small steel camera from her purse
and snaps a photo of him.
VIEW ON DOMINIC
His eyes down, he passes out of the crowd. She has put her
handkerchief onto his arm; its perfume arouses him.
DISSOLVE TO:
94
INT. SMALL APT. - NIGHT
94
Dominic 'reading,' which is to say, passing various books by

his forehead. Then he turns off the light, and turns over
in his bed. A moment later, he turns the light back on and
stares at his ceiling.
DOMINIC
(blurting out)
In short. I anticipate the posthistoric existence of man. I'm a
mutant.
(chuckling to himself)
Like in a science-fiction novel, a
man with -- 'powers'.
THE 'DOUBLE' (V.O.)
In a certain sense, what you say is
true. But you have retained the
freedom to accept or, reject this
new condition. Have you decided?
Dominic looks blankly, and then shuts off the light and goes
to sleep.
HIS DREAM - PURPLE TINT:
68.
95
EXT. FIELD - DAY
95
DOMINIC AS AN OLD MAN

He MOVES past blowing reeds. He seems to be searching for
something. Then fatigued, he lies down in the reeds. He
turns and there is the face of the young woman in Room 6.
She smiles and reaches out for him -- leading him to her
mouth, whispering endearments to him in German. He is
unable to resist her.
96
EXT. SWISS STREETS - DAY
96
MONTAGE SEQUENCE:
REAR VIEW - DOMINIC
Moving through the city, the streets. The VIEW in front of
him DISSOLVES: to streets covered in SNOW, streets in RAIN.
Then new NEWSPAPERS showing headlines, 'GERMANS RETREATING
ON ALL FRONTS.'
CLOSE ON DOMINIC
A fugitive, different disguises, mustaches and hats, going
from place to place. Behind him, the VIEWS DISSOLVING, to
different seasons, places. The SWISS FLAG, other images.
CLOSE SHOT
His shoes walking on cobblestone streets, fields, etc.
VIEW FROM BEHIND HIM
Unknown streets, the dates of the CALENDAR -- 1944, "ALLIES
LAND AT NORMANDY," 1945, more dark alleyways, and newspapers
reading "GERMAN FORCES SURRENDER," "V-E DAY!"
MED CLOSE ON DOMINIC
Walking, always young, always a fugitive, always feeling as
though he is being followed.
DISSOLVE TO:
97
97
EXT/INT. SWISS BANK - DAY (1946)

Dominic enters the bank as is his routine, and approaches
the young woman TELLER, with his customary check for the
week's expenses. Women are instinctively drawn to him.
She turns, and then her face darkens.
(CONTINUED)
*
*
69.
CONTINUED:
TELLER
But, Mr. Pederson...
(blushing)
... your reserves at the bank are
exhausted.
DOMINIC
There was no new deposit from the
Rockefeller Institute?
TELLER
I'm so sorry, this notice states
that there will be no further
wires of deposit.
DOMINIC
But... the balance?
The sympathetic young woman takes out a small purse and
gives him five francs.
TELLER
(flirtatiously)
You can return it to me sometime,
personally, when you get the
chance.
98
EXT. STREETS IN GENEVA - DAY
*
*
*
98
TRUCKING SHOT
Worried and confused, Dominic walks along the street passing
a lunch place. He hesitates, has only the few francs in his
hand. He continues and gazes into the window of a stamp
dealer's shop. Without understanding why, he looks at the
stamps displayed there. He begins to leave, but he finds he
can't. He sees his REFLECTION in the window with the stamp
collections.
Wait.
THE 'DOUBLE' (V.O.)

Look again.
His eyes focus on one old and modest-appearing stamp album.

He finds himself drawn inside.
99
INT. STAMP SHOP - DAY
99
Dominic stands before the DEALER.

DEALER
Are you a collector?
(CONTINUED)
*
*
70.
CONTINUED:
DOMINIC
No -- never had an interest in
philately... but..
He points to the album.
The dealer retrieves it.
DEALER
Yes, suitable -- a beginner's
album, perhaps a student. Would
three francs be all right?
DOMINIC
Yes, certainly -He counts out the last of his money on the counter and makes
the purchase.
100
INT. RESTAURANT - DAY
100
Dominic sits at a table with a simple lunch of bread and

butter, cheese and beer. Gazing at the stamp album. He
suddenly takes a knife and begins cutting open the cardboard
binding.
INSERT - THE CARDBOARD BINDER
His hands deftly remove several cellophane envelopes,
spilling out some old stamps...
DOMINIC
(muttering)
Easy to understand: someone
persecuted by the Nazis -- hid
these.
CLOSE ON DOMINIC
In awe at his own talents.
101
INT. STAMP SHOP - DAY
101
Dominic shows the dealer the old stamps.

DEALER
You could sell these for at least
100,000 francs, or at an
international auction, as much as
250,000.
(CONTINUED)
71.
CONTINUED:
DOMINIC
But since I bought them from you
for virtually nothing, it's only
fair I divide the money half and
half with you... if I could have an
advance?
He writes his bank information for the startled dealer, who
happily complies.
DOMINIC
(to himself)
How such events would have
thrilled Leibniz!
DEALER
E Voltaire aussi, Monsieur
Candide.
102
INT. SWISS HOME - NIGHT
102
A small literary party is in progress; various intellectuals

and academics stand chatting. Dominic, appearing as a young
professor, stands alone glancing over books in a bookcase.
Then he feels the stare of the young woman of Room 6.
MED. CLOSE - YOUNG WOMAN IN ROOM 6.
Approaching him directly.
MED. CLOSE - DOMINIC
Wanting to ignore her.
WOMAN IN ROOM 6
I know you were a good friend of
the Romanian Professor
Stanciulescu. Did you know -(inhales from her
cigarette)
the plane crash wasn't an
accident? I can tell you so. It
burned so those files would never
fall into American hands. But you
must talk about this when my
friend gets here. I told him to
come at 9:00, you don't mind, do
you?
(looks at her watch)
DOMINIC
A friend -- what friend?
(CONTINUED)
72.
CONTINUED:
WOMAN IN ROOM 6
Dr. Monroe. The director of an
important gerontology foundation.
He's Swiss -- like me.
DOMINIC
Yes, I've received letters from
that foundation.
The woman is focused on him.
WOMAN IN ROOM 6
I do have a name. Would you like
to know it?
DOMINIC
No, I would not.
She looks back at him, and says no more.
VIEW INTO THE CROWD
A man is looking for someone, sees them and approaches.

extends his hand to Dominic.
He
*
*
DR. MONROE
Hello, I'm Dr. Monroe. I'm the
one investigating the materials of
Dr. Stanciulescu, for my
institute.
*
*
*
*
*
DOMINIC
I can't imagine what you're
referring to.
*
*
*
DR. MONROE
... for example, the belief that
youth and life can be prolonged in
any way other than by the means we
use today, that is, purely
biochemical ones. You do know
what I'm referring to.
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
DOMINIC
No.
*
*
DR. MONROE
Methods proposed by that Nazi, Dr.
Rudolf: electrocution by means of
a million or more volts. Insane!
*
*
*
*
Dominic sees that Roxy is staring at him and is very

interested in his response.
(CONTINUED)
*
*
73.
CONTINUED:
DOMINIC
Fortunately, I believe this method
was never tried.
*
*
*
The doctor begins to turn his whiskey glass around absently

between his fingers, focusing an icy stare at Dominic.
*
*
DR. MONROE
Correct. But legend circulated
that Dr. Stanciulescu had worked
with a somewhat analogous case of
rejuvenation induced by the
electrical charge from a bolt of
lightning.
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Dominic is very uncomfortable.
He backs away.
DOMINIC
Yes, I've heard that story. But
excuse me -- Ive just remembered
an engagement. I must run, I'm so
sorry.
*
*
*
*
*
DR. MONROE
Perhaps we could have dinner.
Sometime soon, later tonight?
*
*
*
Dominic tries to leave, but finds himself face to face with

Roxy.
*
*
DOMINIC
Are you a double-agent?
WOMNAN IN ROOM 6
*
*
Triple.
Dominic is perspiring.
*
*
He sees Dr. Monroe looking at him.
WOMAN IN ROOM 6
I first met him because of your
case, in fact.
*
*
*
*
CLOSE ON DR. MONROE
Watching them.
VIEW ON DOMINIC AND WOMAN IN ROOM 6
WOMAN IN ROOM 6
Yes, that's right. You never
actually met him.
*
*
*
DOMINIC
Met who?
*
*
Met him?
(CONTINUED)
74.
CONTINUED:
He sees her glance toward the man rapidly approaching them,
perhaps a flash of fear in her eyes.
WOMAN IN ROOM 6
His name, before --
*
*
*
*
WHAT HE SEES:
Dr. Monroe briskly walks toward them.

way out of the crowd.
Dominic pushes his
*
*
EXT. GENEVA STREET - NIGHT
Dominic running. He HEARS FOOTSTEPS coming after him, and

turns into an alley. Standing alone, breathing. He looks:
*
*
VIEW IN DOORWAY
A DOG is tearing up a blanket.
CLOSE ON DOMINIC
He HEARS something, turns.
VIEW ON THE STREET
A shadow moves past, then the footsteps stop, and the shadow
comes back.
*
*
Mr. Matei.
time?
DR. RUDOLF
What do we do with
*
*
*
DOMINIC
(backing off)
What?
*
*
*
DR. RUDOLF
That question, 'What do we do with
time' expresses the supreme
ambiguity of the human condition.
*
*
*
*
DOMINIC
I think you're confusing me with
someone else.
*
*
*
DR. RUDOLF
After all, do you know of any
other examples of living
centenarians who have lived the
beatitudes that are prophesied?
...I mean aside from the Taoist
masters, or Yogis or certain
Christian monks?
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
(CONTINUED)
75.
CONTINUED:
DOMINIC
I have no idea what you're really
talking about.
*
*
*
DR. RUDOLF
An opportunity has been given to
us. We, the human race.
*
*
*
DOMINIC
*
*
We?
No.
Dr. Rudolf steps into a ray of light.
DR. RUDOLF
We are both fugitives. This can
be our life's work. As everyone,
I know what is coming; hydrogen,
cobalt and all the rest. But
unlike the others, I'm trying to
find a meaning to this impending
catastrophe. Think of me as the
last European optimist.
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
The SHADOW moving closer to Dominic.
DR. RUDOLF
(urgently)
There are a few of us who since
1938 have known that you exist.
The fact that you appeared all of
a sudden means that you have a
special mission, and that you
possess means of knowledge much
superior to those available to us.
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
DOMINIC
You are gravely mistaken!
*
*
DR. RUDOLF
(dismissive)
The Second World War was in
reality an occult conflict between
two secret societies, the Templars
and the Teutonic Knights. You
don't need to explain or confirm
what I say. But, the Ark! With
your enhanced intelligence, do you
know how the Ark will be
organized? It's only a metaphor
that's become a cliche... I refer
to the passing of the tradition.
(MORE)
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
(CONTINUED)
76.
CONTINUED:
DR. RUDOLF(cont'd)
What is indispensable to a truly
human existence: for instance,
the Occidental artistic treasury,
music and poetry, but also a part
of classic philosophy and above
all... science.
*
*
*
*
*
*
DOMINIC
The post-historic man will be
allergic to science for one or two
hundred years.
*
*
*
*
DR. RUDOLF
No, always science. Science above
all! I'm surprised at you.
*
*
*
CLOSE ON DOMINIC
Beginning to understand.
*
Then a VOICE:
ROXY (O.S.)
*
*
Dominic.
CLOSE ON MONROE
He turns, glares.
WHAT HE SEES:
In the shadows, Roxy has followed them. Her face is white,

perfect, with fear in her eyes for Dominic.
*
*
ROXY
No Dominic, don't believe anything
he says. Don't you see who he
is... Dr...
*
*
*
*
DR. RUDOLF
Halt die Klappe!
Shut up!
DR. RUDOLF
ROXY
Ich werde ihm die Varheit
sagen.
ROXY
I will tell him the truth.
Slowly, Rudolf takes out a Luger pistol.
CLOSE VIEW ON DOMINIC
Huddled against the wall.
WHAT HE SEES:
The shadow and its unmistakable shape of the pistol.
(CONTINUED)
77.
CONTINUED:
DR. RUDOLF
Come Dominic, join me in this
work. My institute has arranged
everything.
*
*
*
*
ROXY
He is Dr. Josef Rudolf.
*
*
He's mad.
DOMINIC
Hitler's doctors! Nuremberg
shamed you all --
*
*
*
CLOSE ON DR. RUDOLF
Reflecting on that name.
DR. RUDOLF
Adolf Hitler? If you actually
knew him; if you had ever been
with him, in his presence, if I
could describe it to you -- ah
well, then you'd think I was a
Nazi.
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
VIEW ON ROXY
Stepping out of the shadows, moving between Rudolf and where

Dominic is hidden.
*
*
*
*
ROXY
Forgive me, Dominic -- forgive...
The shot rings out. Blood trickles down from her perfect
red mouth. Roxy reaches out to him, in German she whispers:
ROXY
Du warst wie Honig in meinem
Traum vergangene Nacht.
*
*
ROXY
You were honey in my dream
last night.
She falls to the cobblestones, the water of the gutter

washing away her blood.
*
*
CLOSE ON DOMINIC
Concentrating.
DR. RUDOLF (O.S.)

You have no choice in the matter.
*
*
THE 'DOUBLE' (V.O.)

It's true, you really have no
choice.
*
*
*
Dominic closes his eyes in concentration.
*
(CONTINUED)
78.
CONTINUED:
VIEW ON THE SHADOW
Slowly, the shadow of the Luger turns and is pointed toward

the holder. Then there is a SHOT, and blood is splattered
on the wet street not far from the corpse of the woman from
Room 6.
*
*
*
*
VIEW ON DOMINIC
Hangs his head down in exhaustion and despair.
*
FADE OUT:
FADE IN
104
INT. DOMINIC'S ROOM - MORNING (1955)
104
INSERT - A MAGNETIC TAPE RECORDER

Spinning reel of magnetic tape.
DOMINIC (O.S.)
Geneva 1955, April 22nd, 10:31
A.M., Dominic Matei.
VIEW ON DOMINIC DICTATING
DOMINIC
(desperate)
I've come to the decision to cease
writing notes in English, and
instead use an artificial language
of my own invention.
INSERT - HIS NOTEBOOKS
Written in longhand in a language previously unseen. Next
to him is a blackboard on which he works. 'Language' as a
study, a passion and obsession. Words and phrases, phonemes
and derivations of all types. Then he begins to speak in a
totally unknown and unknowable LANGUAGE, for which subtitles
are provided.
DOMINIC
DOMINIC
La ninloseTla hwegaltse ninI've introduced a system of
hwesetsegal-le shwagalla
purely etymological
ksukogaltse-so gwegal. In
proliferation, a corrective
ninhuhwetse-kwa se-tse nyoborrowed from the theory of
la ninhose Tgalla hwekwas-ho- aggregates. Now I can
hwekogale-nyo.
describe situations that are
paradoxical, apparently
contradictory, impossible to
express in any existing
language.
(CONTINUED)
79.
CONTINUED:
CLOSE ON DOMINIC
Uttering phrases in a language
DOMINIC
Nyo ksukokwa pogalle hu-hweninchiseTlas kogala. La
hwekogal yuyu-ko-galtse
ksukokowa-nyo-Ta, Nyo-tse
yuyugallas kwa-kwa sue-mbuekue-ta-le ninyusetla.
never heard before.

DOMINIC
...this will permit me to
reveal facts that until now
I have not dared to confess
in writing. My new language
can only be deciphered by a
means of a perfected
computer, therefore, I
estimate, not for many years
-- perhaps in 1984 or so.
DOMINIC
P.S. I am a fan of Orwell's book.
CUT TO:
105
INT. BUS STATION IN CAMPIONE - DAY
105
The Italian enclave on the lake of Lugano. Dominic carries

a small valise and umbrella, stepping off the bus.
106
EXT. LAKEVIEW - NIGHT
106
The one casino in Switzerland; for tourists.
107
INT. CASINO - NIGHT
107
Dominic at the roulette table. Casually he places a 100franc note on the number which has a faint GLOW to him. The
wheel is spun, and he waits and then instinctively turns at
the sound of someone calling out in Romanian:
VOICE (O.S.)
Domnul Matei! Domnul Matei!
He turns his head suddenly, before understanding he's giving
himself away. Then the ball falls, and a large amount of
chips are moved toward him. A young man, TED JONES, with a
pipe, hurries toward him, trying at the same time to open a
briefcase.
TED JONES
I've learned a little Romanian,
but I don't dare speak it.
He rummages nervously in the briefcase and brings out
several photographs, frontal views and profiles, from
various angles.
(CONTINUED)
80.
CONTINUED:
TED JONES
These were taken in the fall of
1938 by the surgeon who succeeded
in modifying your facial features
so radically.
CROUPIER
Bets, please.
Dominic is surprised and apprehensive at being confronted
with this material so casually.
TED JONES
You can't imagine how excited I
was when I saw you a little while
ago! I was afraid that when you
heard me call 'Domnul Matei' you
wouldn't turn around.
DOMINIC
I caught myself too late.
Dominic looks and sees a GLOW on the number '22.' He
conservatively puts several chips on it. The wheel is spun.
The young man stares at him in fascination and disbelief.
TED JONES
(whispering)
Imagine, a few months ago, on
January 8, 1955 you were eightyseven years old! You don't look
more than thirty or thirty-two.
And you're trying to look older!
DOMINIC
I still don't know with whom I
have the pleasure to be speaking.
TED JONES
As bettors at a race track say, I
put everything on one horse -- and
I won! I'm Ted Jones, Jr.,
correspondent for Life Magazine.
He shakes Dominic's hand with American enthusiasm.
TED JONES
It all began years ago when I read
your interview, 'Rejuvenation By
Lightning.' But then the War came
and very few people still remember
it. Does my pipe annoy you?
DOMINIC
That's all right.
(CONTINUED)
81.
CONTINUED:
The ball falls into Dominic's number, and once again a stack
of chips are moved toward him.
TED JONES
When the famous secret archive of
Dr. Rudolf was discovered, what
did you think? Do you know the
fate of Dr. Rudolf?
DOMINIC
Yes, he committed suicide.
Geneva, I think.
In
TED JONES
You knew! Can you imagine, those
experiments!? The electrocution
of animals, of mammals in
particular. Beginning with
1,200,000 volts, up to two
million. The hypothesis of
regeneration through electricity.
DOMINIC
With what results?
TED JONES
Some apparent mutations.
Ted refills his glass with beer.
TED JONES
You were the only argument, and
you still are!
CROUPIER
(to Dominic)
Bet, Signore?
TED JONES
You're not going to stop now,
you're winning!
Distracted, Dominic moves some chips to the board.
wheel spins.
The
DOMINIC
Why are you doing this?
TED JONES
What a great article could be
published! 'Man rejuvenated by
Lightning!' With photos,
documents, the interview I'm
having now...
(CONTINUED)
82.
CONTINUED:
The ball finds a number; Dominic loses and they sweep away
his bets. He is anxious to leave, and gathers up his
winnings awkwardly.
DOMINIC
I'm sorry about your work and the
time you've lost, but I believe
it's preferable to let biochemists
continue their research. One day,
sooner or later, they'll arrive at
the same results.
TED JONES
We're prepared to protect your
identity totally and pay very well.
Dominic takes his chips.
DOMINIC
How did it happen that you
discovered me so easily? All the
others in Romania believe I died
long ago, killed in an auto
accident.
TED JONES
(smiling
enigmatically)
But this no longer matters.
Why?
VIEW - PULLING BACK

Dominic doesn't ponder this any further. Goes to cash in
his chips leaving Jones smiling after him.
108
108
INSERT - DOCUMENTS
Portfolios 'A', 'B' and 'C' "Materials collected and
annotated by Professor Stanciulescu..."
INSERT - TAPE RECORDER
Spools spinning.
DOMINIC (O.S.)
My testimony is addressed to a
reader in the near future, let us
say in the year 2010.
The VIEW MOVES CLOSE to Dominic, he turns and looks directly
into the CAMERA, speaking in his secret new language with
subtitles:
(CONTINUED)
83.
CONTINUED:
DOMINIC
But to whom? In the aftermath of
nuclear wars, many civilizations
will be destroyed. Undoubtedly,
the catastrophe will unleash a
wave of pessimism heretofore
unknown in the history of mankind,
a general despondency.
(he breathes deeply)
This testimony, discovered and
deciphered in the future, could
counterbalance the despair and
universal wish for extinction
because it exemplifies the mental
potential of humanity, a species
superior to homo sapiens, that
will come to birth in a far-off
future.
109
INT. SWISS BANK - DAY
109
Dominic enters a corridor carrying a briefcase bulging with

material. He is met and escorted by a bank attendant.
DOMINIC (V.O.)
... This hypothesis presupposes
the preservation of all the
material placed today in the safedeposit box.
CLOSE VIEW -- the double keys are inserted, and the tray
pulled out. Portfolios 'A', 'B' and 'C' are placed in, as
well as boxes of recording wire and tapes.
I am ignorant as to how this
safeguarding will be assured. But
I do not doubt that the material
will be preserved...
The tray is inserted; the safety deposit box locked.
... otherwise my life would have
no meaning.
FADE OUT:
FADE IN:
110
EXT. TICINO - DAY
110
The Italian-speaking canton of Switzerland. The summer sky

is dark, and thunderstorms bring torrential RAIN.
(CONTINUED)
84.
CONTINUED:
A series of lightning bolts fall in rapid succession, as if
there were one endless explosion.
111
INT. POLICE STATION - DAY
111
INSERT - TYPEWRITER
"DATE: 1955, 10 November.
Ticino."
112
EXT. MOUNTAIN ROAD

Dominic
stops.
version
a woman
TIME: 16:15.
SWISS CANTON:
- DAY
112
is hiking. A roadster drives by with two women and

The youngest one, very pretty, VERONICA, is a modern
of Laura, but a city girl out for an adventure with
who's a little older, the chaperone.
YOUNG WOMAN
I'm not afraid of curvy roads, but
she is. I love curves.
DOMINIC (O.S.)
A little before noon, two women
started out, intending to drive to
Trento.
113
113

INSERT - TYPEWRITER
"COUNTRY: Switzerland.
Police Report #722417"
The police OFFICER typing it looks up. Dominic continues in

a neutral, purely informational tone as the policeman types.
DOMINIC
... The younger one... Veronica,
asked me if I knew a road that was
not too winding.
We HEAR a young woman calling, "Hey --- Hey there!"
114
EXT. MOUNTAIN ROAD - MORNING
114
Veronica takes out an umbrella to protect herself as a

drizzle starts. She calls out to Dominic, while her friend
GERTRUDE tries to pull up the car's roof which isnt working
easily. Dominic helps them get it closed.
DOMINIC
You really shouldnt go on in this
weather.
(CONTINUED)
85.
CONTINUED:
VERONICA
(laughing)
Im an excellent vagabond! Were
used to mountain storms and
anyway, we can't wait!
GERTRUDE
(driving off)
Our vacation will be all used up
in a few days!
VERONICA
(calling out the
window))
What's your name -- Im Veronica!
DOMINIC
(calling out)
Dominic.
(to himself)
... is my real name.
115
115
They listen to him politely, but without much interest.

DOMINIC
I can guess what happened. When
the big storm broke out, they were
probably on the road that runs
under the walls of the mountain,
at Vallino, right where most of
the lightning struck.
The officers are looking at him with curiosity.
DOMINIC
I'm afraid they were buried by the
rock slide or... even hit. A
close strike of lighting can cause
heart attack.
The officer glances up, then adds some more to the report.
POLICEMAN
Your name?
DOMINIC
Martin Audricourt.
POLICEMAN
Passport?
Dominic is about to hand over his passport, now Honduran;
then he takes it back and quickly puts it away.
(CONTINUED)
86.
CONTINUED:
DOMINIC
I can go by myself in a taxi and
look for them.
Silence from the officers.
Dominic quickly backs out.
DOMINIC
Well then, I'll do just that. If
I need help I'll telephone from
the first service station...
116
INT. TAXI - DAY
116
VIEW THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD

Moving along the mountain road. The sky has cleared but
there are rocks scattered on the highway.
VIEW ON DOMINIC
Sitting forward, looking out the window.
DOMINIC
I don't think they had time to
reach the shelter. They could
have taken refuge in one of the
crevices in the walls.
DRIVER
Yes, there are many big ones.
117
EXT. MOUNTAIN ROAD - DAY
117
The taxi makes its way up the highway.
118
INT. TAXI - DAY
118
CLOSE VIEW - DOMINIC & DRIVER

See something at the same moment.
119
EXT. MOUNTAIN ROAD - DAY
119
The taxi stops by the older woman lying on the ground,

apparently dead. There are many rocks, including a boulder
resting beside her. Veronicas umbrella is in FLAMES.
Dominic rushes out of the taxi to see better. We HEAR A
MOAN and he turns and begins to search among the rocks.
Hello!
DOMINIC
Veronica? Veronica!
(CONTINUED)
87.
CONTINUED:
He HEARS a faint moan, and several short cries, followed by
strange words, like an incantation.
VERONICA
VERONICA
om purnam adah purnam idam
Om. That is full; this is
purnat purnam udacyate/
full. This fullness has been
purnasya purnam adaya purnam
projected from that
evavasisyate
fullness. When this fullness
merges in that fullness, all
that remains is fullness.
Om. Peace! Peace! Peace!
The falling rocks are piled up in front of the niche where
she had taken shelter, almost entirely blocking it. Dominic
looks up and sees a fissure opening to a cave. He scrambles
up with difficulty.
120
120
EXT. CAVE - DAY

Dominic looks in.
WHAT HE SEES:
A figure of a young woman; awake, crying.
DOMINIC (O.S.)
Veronica.
She looks up, startled.
place is too cramped.
She tries to stand upright, but the
DOMINIC
Don't worry, the police will be
here soon.
She seems as though she doesn't understand. He repeats
himself in French and then German. She wipes her hand
across her cheek several times and begins speaking in a
strange language.
CLOSE ON DOMINIC
He gradually recognizes what seems to be an Indian language
and moves closer.
DOMINIC
Sanskrit? How can it be?
(bending closer to
calm her)
Shanti! Shanti!
And begins several Sanskrit benedictions.
(CONTINUED)
88.
CONTINUED:
DOMINIC
om bhadram karnebhih
srnuyama deva bhadram
pasyemaksibhir
yajatrah om santih santih
santih/
DOMINIC
Om. May we, O gods, hear
with our ears what is
auspicious!
Om. Peace! Peace! Peace!
The girl smiles, holds up a hand to him, indicating that she

wants to show him something. He stays there, listening to
her, trying to calm and encourage her with familiar Sanskrit
expressions.
121
EXT. MOUNTAIN ROAD - DAY - LATER
121
The police manage to move the rocks by digging underneath

the edge of the slide nearest the road. They lower a rope
ladder in and succeed in getting the girl out, when she sees
the police and the truck and begins to scream in fright.
She reaches for Dominic's hand and draws very close to him.
DOMINIC
She's had a shock. I think she's
suffering from amnesia.
DRIVER
What is she speaking?
DOMINIC
I'd guess an Indian language.
Another policeman is examining her papers.
122
INT. HOSPITAL CORRIDOR - NIGHT
122
The police have studied the identification papers.

is returning with some books and other packages.
Dominic
POLICEMAN
Her papers identify her as
Veronica Buehler, age twenty-five.
Occupation school teacher living
in Liestal, in the Canton BaleCampagne. Her companion was
Gertrude Frank, a German National,
resident of Freiburg.
(amazed)
The autopsy confirms your
original, should I say ...
premonition? Death caused by
cardiac arrest.
Some hospital personnel come from her room and speak quietly
to Dominic.
(CONTINUED)
89.
CONTINUED:
HOSPITAL OFFICIAL
You're the only one who can calm
her -- and speak her language,
Mr...?
DOMINIC
Audricourt. Yes, I am a student
of linguistics.
HOSPITAL OFFICIAL
Can you stay until we can contact
some family?
DOMINIC
I've brought some books to help me
understand her. May I see her?
HOSPITAL OFFICIAL
Go ahead.
123
123
Dominic steps in; Veronica seems comforted to see him. He

turns, and discreetly closes the door. Then he unwraps a
tape recorder and sets it by her.
VIEW ON VERONICA
She is comforted by his presence and the few words he is
able to speak to her. Then she begins to speak, and he
discreetly turns on the recorder.
DOMINIC
DOMINIC
(Sanskrit)
Greetings.
Nam aste.
VERONICA
124
VERONICA
Nam aste.
Greetings.
DOMINIC
Kin avasthasi caccit tvam
susthitasi?
DOMINIC
How do you feel? Are you
all right?
124
INT. HOSPITAL CONFERENCE ROOM - MORNING

Dominic returns the next morning to find a small group of
DOCTORS waiting to interview him.
DOMINIC
Good morning.
DOCTOR
What can you tell us, Mr.
Audricourt?
(CONTINUED)
90.
CONTINUED:
Dominic sits down and weighs what he's about to say
carefully.
DOMINIC
The young woman believes she was
living in Northeast India fourteen
centuries ago and has insisted she
was a Buddhist anchorite.
The doctors exchange puzzled glances between themselves.
DOMINIC
She feels that she spent several
months in a cave, meditating while
copying the works of her master.
A125
INT. CAVE - DAY
A125
We SEE what is described, with Veronica now the Buddhist nun

RUPINI.
DOMINIC (V.O.)
That was where she was when a
storm had broken out and she saw
lightning strike above her on the
mountain. Then many large rocks
were dislodged and blocked the
mouth of her cave.
Rupini at the mouth of the cave, some light still coming
through, trying to open it.
B125
B125
They all stare at Dominic.

DOCTOR
Is that -- all?
DOMINIC
There's more but I'm not sure I
understood everything.
He takes out his small notebook.
Go on.
DOCTOR
Please.
DOMINIC
She asserts her name is Rupini,
daughter of Nagabhatta of the
Brahmin class, descended from one
of the first families of Magadha to
have been converted to Buddhism.
(CONTINUED)
91.
CONTINUED:
The doctors don't know how to react, but see Dominic hasn't
quite finished.
DOCTOR
There's more?
DOMINIC
Yes. Before her twelfth birthday
she had decided, with her parents'
consent, to consecrate her life to
the study of the Abhidharma and
had been accepted into a community
of bhikshuni...
DOCTOR
What is -- bhikshuni...?
DOMINIC
Female ascetics, Buddhist nuns.
She studied Sanskrit grammar,
logic and Mahayana metaphysics.
At the age of forty she became a
disciple of the famous philosopher
Chandrakirti -- this is why she
was in the, uh, cave copying his
works...
DOCTOR
I see. Would you mind if I
discuss this a moment with my
colleagues?
The doctors move to a circle in the opposite corner of the
room, and then after a moment, return to him.
DOCTOR
We will invite some doctors and
psychologists from Zurich, Basel,
and Geneva to come to see her.
DOMINIC
If I might suggest...
DOCTOR
Yes.
DOMINIC
Perhaps also some experts from the
Oriental Institute in Rome might
be necessary.
DOCTOR
Necessary -- for what?
(CONTINUED)
92.
CONTINUED:
DOMINIC
Well, to confirm if what she is
telling us -- is fact.
125
EXT. HOSPITAL - DAY
125
An automobile pulls up at the clinic and the door is opened

to allow several DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMEN to get out.
Dominic and several of the doctors from Zurich greet them.
PROFESSOR TUCCI
Good afternoon. I am Professor
Tucci from the Oriental Institute
in Rome. This is Signor Blasi, my
associate.
They greet him, and lead him inside.
126
INT. CORRIDOR - DAY
126
They pause for a moment before entering Veronica's room.

PROFESSOR TUCCI
Before we begin -- which of you
wrote the telegram that included
some of the particulars?
DOMINIC
I did, Professor.
PROFESSOR TUCCI
You are a Sanskritist?
DOMINIC
Not exactly, but I do have an
interest in Oriental studies.
PROFESSOR TUCCI
I came only because of your
report.
(continuing on, then
turning)
Magnifico!
He indicates that the door be opened. They do so, and the
opening door reveals Rupini/Veronica sitting up in her bed.
127
127
Professor Tucci enters and begins speaking to Veronica in

Sanskrit, to which she responds fluently. An assistant sets
up a recorder and the discussion proceeds.
(CONTINUED)
93.
CONTINUED:
128
PROFESSOR TUCCI
(Sanskrit)
Swasti bhavaty.
PROFESSOR TUCCI
Well being, your ladyship.
BLASI
Swasti bhavati.
Good day.
VERONICA
Bhavadbhyam svagatam. Kvo
svid asmi. Kuto nu prayv na
kasevna mam vijanati.
VERONICA
Welcome. Where am I? Why
doesn't anybody understand
me?
PROFESSOR TUCCI
Yatha svapne dvayabhasam
spandate mayaya manaha tatha
jagrad dvayabhasam spandate
mayaya manah.
PROFESSOR TUCCI
As in dreams, the mind acts
through maya, presenting the
appearance of duality, so
also in the waking state the
mind acts through maya,
presenting the appearance of
duality.
BLASI
INT. HOSPITAL COMMISSARY - EVENING
128
The professor is clearly astounded. He sits with the group

of doctors, psychologists, and Dominic to take some coffee.
His assistant passes out some documents.
PROFESSOR TUCCI
We've had some of her remarks
translated into English.
They sit in a circle, holding the pages on their laps,
reading as Tucci continues.
PROFESSOR TUCCI
Her knowledge of Madhyamika
philosophy and her master,
Chandrakirti is convincing. The
discussion only became delicate
whenever Rupini asked what had
happened to her, where she was and
why no one understood her even
though she had tried speaking in
several Indian languages in
addition to Sanskrit.
DOMINIC
What did you tell her?
PROFESSOR TUCCI
I always begin by reminding of
Maya, the great witch, the cosmic
illusion.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
94.
CONTINUED:
PROFESSOR TUCCI(cont'd)
Actually it is not a dream, I told
her, but it takes part in the
illusory nature of dreaming
because it is the future,
therefore of time; now, time is
par excellence unreal... I don't
believe I've convinced her. But
fortunately she's enthusiastic,
about logic and dialectics and
that's mainly what we discussed.
DOCTOR
Could all this-- possibly be -how shall I say, Professor? Fact?
PROFESSOR TUCCI
Fact? (he smiles) I would suggest
a journey to India, more precisely
to the province of Uttar Pradesh,
and the cave in which Rupini had
meditated. I should think the
Oriental Institute would sponsor
the expedition -(to Dominic)
And young man -- I think it will
be good that you accompany us.
VIEW ON DOMINIC
He looks at them in an unassuming manner, and then nods.
DOMINIC
I'd be delighted. If I could be
of comfort to her...
PROFESSOR TUCCI (O.S.)
It should be understood,
naturally, that she will be put
into a deep sleep before leaving
the clinic and will continue to
sleep until we reach the vicinity
of the cave.
CUT TO:
129
EXT. BOMBAY - DUSK
129
AERIAL VIEW
Two military airplanes fly from Bombay to Gorakhpur.
130
INT. AIRPLANE - NIGHT
130
The inside of the aircraft is bare. Veronica is in a deep

sleep. Dominic and the Italians are strapped into side
benches, playing cards.
95.
131
EXT. AIRFIELD IN INDIA - NIGHT
131
The plane lands to a group of waiting reporters and

technicians, along with an Indian television crew in a large
van. The dark figures of the group hasten out of the
aircraft, and the sleeping figure of Rupini/Veronica is
carried to one of the trucks.
A132
EXT. ROAD IN INDIA - DAY
A132
The trucks drive along the road.
132
INT. TRUCK - DAY
132
As the truck proceeds, Dominic and Tucci sit protectively by

the sleeping young woman.
PROFESSOR TUCCI
According to Rupini's account, at
the region by the frontier of
Nepal, we'll find the cave where
she meditated.
133
EXT. MOUNTAIN - DAWN
133
There are vestiges of poles and colored cloth blowing in the

wind. The group silently removes the sleeping Veronica to
the place she had described.
An older INDIAN man steps forward from the animal that
brought him. Tucci introduces him.
PROFESSOR TUCCI
We're very fortunate in having a
'pandit' from Uttar Pradesh
familiar with the Madhyamika
philosophy. He'll be at her side
when she awakens. All the others
are to hide themselves along the
trees.
The group disperses into hiding, leaving the sleeping woman
alone with the pandit, who gently addresses her in Sanskrit.
PANDIT
PANDIT
Na rupam na vedana na samjna
No form no feeling no
na samskara na vijnana.
thought no choice no
Gate gate paragate
consciousness. Gone gone
parasamgate bodhi svaha.
totally gone completely gone
enlightened so be it.
Veronica wakens.
(CONTINUED)
96.
CONTINUED:
Welcome.
PANDIT
PANDIT
Svagatam te.
VERONICA
Why did it take you so long?
VERONICA
Kim phavan vilambenagatah?
PANDIT
I was already here.
PANDIT
Prag evehopatishan abhavam.
VERONICA
I know this place.
VERONICA
Etat schalam maya jnatam.
She sets off quickly up one of the paths, looking straight

ahead.
CLOSE ON DOMINIC
Stepping from behind his tree moving toward her.
VIEW ON PROFESSOR TUCCI
Steps forward, waving and indicating to Dominic not to
intervene.
VIEW ON VERONICA
Followed by the pandit, climbing and then beginning to run,
panting. With her arm outstretched, she points to the crest
of a large rock resting against the face of the mountain.
VERONICA
VERONICA
Iyam eva! Tatraiva!
That's it! Over there!
Then, using both hands, she begins to scramble up the cliff
with surprising ability. When she reaches the spot, she
clears the area of dead branches and uncovers an opening.
Trembling, she puts her face to the rock and looks inside.
Then remains motionless.
VIEW BELOW
Dominic and Tucci scramble up after her.
PROFESSOR TUCCI
She's fainted.
Dominic reaches her, lifting her head gently.
He lifts her in his arms and helps put her onto a stretcher.
The technicians are working at the site she cleared. Then
they scramble away, and as the cars are moving, there is an
explosion.
97.
A134
EXT. CAVE - DAY
A134
A rope ladder is dropped to a large cave below and the men

climb down.
134
INT. CAVE - DAY
134
TRACKING SHOT
With the help of searchlights they move deeper into the cave
until finally they come upon a clay pot, two wooden platters
and several manuscripts. When they touch the manuscripts
they realize that they had turned to dust long ago. They
look up and see a skeleton with the remnants of Rupini's
clothes, sitting upright in a posture of yogic meditation.
135
EXT. HOTEL TAJ MAHAL IN BOMBAY - DAY
135
The impressive grand hotel of India, made available by the

Indian government to the members of the expedition.
136
INT. HOTEL CORRIDOR - DAY
136
Dominic proceeds down a corridor, is about to enter a room

when a NURSE stops him outside the door.
NURSE
She's awake. But she hasn't
opened her eyes.
137
INT. HOTEL ROOM - DAY
137
Dominic moves to Veronica's bed and lays his hand gently on

her forehead.
DOMINIC
(whispered)
Veronica.
CLOSE ON VERONICA
She opens her eyes suddenly and, recognizing him, her face
brightens. She takes his hand and tries to sit up.
VERONICA
Who are you? Didn't we ask
directions of you today -- but
where's Gertrude? Where is she?
(CONTINUED)
98.
CONTINUED:
DOMINIC
I'm very sorry... Gertrude -- is
dead. I'm sorry.
Veronica is confused and shaken over the loss of her friend,
but at the same time, looks at Dominic with fascination.
138
INT. HOTEL LOBBY - DAY
138
A number of the entourage waiting in the lobby sit around

several TVs that have been set up by Indian television to
show the most dramatic scenes of the expedition.
VIEW ON THE SCREEN:
A139
EXT. MOUNTAIN - DAY (ON TV)
A139
Scenes from the expedition.
139
INT. ROOM - INTERVIEW (ON TV) - DAY
139
Veronica is being interviewed. Professor Tucci asks

questions of her in Sanskrit and then in English, asking her
to identify herself.
PROFESSOR TUCCI
What's your name?
VERONICA
My name is Veronica Buehler and I
speak three languages, German and
French, and pretty good English.
PROFESSOR TUCCI
And have you ever tried to learn
any Oriental language?
VERONICA
No.
Never.
PROFESSOR TUCCI
Or have you ever read anything
about India or Indian culture?
VERONICA
Some popular books.
PROFESSOR TUCCI
Such as?
(CONTINUED)
99.
CONTINUED:
VERONICA
Rudyard Kipling, I think.
Jungle Book?
The
PROFESSOR TUCCI
Have you ever heard the name -Rupini?
VERONICA
No.
140
INT. LECTURE ROOM - SEMINAR (ON TV) - DAY
140
Professor Tucci with a group of intellectuals, including

Dominic, who are in a seminar. On the screen is a SPLITSCREEN DISPLAY of a drawing of Rupini, what she might have
looked like in her time, and on the other side, a photo of
Veronica.
PROFESSOR TUCCI
In an earlier existence, Veronica
Buehler had been Rupini. I would
say, that for the vast majority of
Orientalists, certainly of Indian
intellectuals, a clear example of
the transmigration of the soul.
And your opinion, young man?
They look toward Dominic. He has carefully preserved his
anonymity with his hair combed back and wearing glasses.
THE 'DOUBLE' (V.O.)
Preserve your anonymity at all
costs.
DOMINIC
As a neophyte Orientalist I'm only
able to cite some classical Indian
conceptions, from the Upanishads
to Gautama Buddha, and of course
the contemporary interpretations,
notably of Professor Tucci -- I
feel unqualified to pose anything
further.
141
141
EXT. HOTEL GARDEN - EVENING

Veronica is walking with Dominic.
takes his hand.
She is frightened, and
VERONICA
... but I don't believe I ever
existed before! How did you say?
(CONTINUED)
100.
CONTINUED:
DOMINIC
'Metempsychosis'...
VERONICA
That absolutely doesn't make sense
to me.
(then, an idea)
Maybe...
DOMINIC
What?
VERONICA
(childlike)
I was possessed by an evil spirit?
He smiles at her, and helplessly, she looks into his eyes,
hoping for an explanation. He doesn't know what to say;
hesitates, holding her hand. She hangs her head wearily.
VERONICA
I'm afraid I'll go crazy.
Then she glances up, and sees that they are never out of
sight of some of the official party.
VERONICA
(whispered)
They never leave us alone.
DOMINIC
Let's try.
He leads her past them, and toward the lobby.
142
INT. HOTEL LOBBY - EVENING
142
As they step into the lobby, the throng of journalists,

officials and spectators rise, expecting something. Dominic
quickly leads her outside.
143
EXT. HOTEL ENTRANCE - EVENING

DOMINIC
(to the doorman)
Taxi.
One pulls up and they quickly step in and drive off.
143
101.
144
INT. TAXI - EVENING
144
Having escaped so easily, they break into relieved laughter.

Then they drive silently for awhile.
DOMINIC
I met this reporter from Life
Magazine; he said they'd do
anything for an exclusive interview
and some photos, and I thought...
VERONICA
Yes?
DOMINIC
Well, I thought I could promise him a
long interview if he could arrange
for us to be transported, incognito -to a Mediterranean island -somewhere we could live in seclusion
for several months... together.
VERONICA
Would that be possible?
DOMINIC
I could try.
VERONICA
Oh, Dominic, that would make me
very very happy.
When they are far from the hotel, Dominic leans forward.
DOMINIC
This is fine, Driver.
The taxi stops.
145
EXT. BOMBAY STREET - NIGHT
145
They step out, but are surprised to find that a great throng
is waiting for them. She's frightened, and Dominic turns
her back into the taxi. Flashbulbs go off and they move
closer together.
VERONICA
Yes, I am going crazy.
(CONTINUED)
102.
CONTINUED:
She looks at him as if to say, "What would I do without
you?" And the taxi roars off, some of the waiting crowd
getting into cars and taxis to follow.
DISSOLVE TO:
146
EXT. HARBOR AT MALTA - EVENING
146
FULL VIEW of the sea a few kilometers from Valletta.
147
EXT. VILLA - EVENING
147
An taxi arrives at the private villa that has been provided,

and they are helped out, along with baggage.
148
INT. VILLA COURTYARD - EVENING
148
They step into a beautiful Malta courtyard, by a botanical

garden by the sea.
VERONICA
Right on the sea!
There is SONG of a bird.
She rushes to look.
VERONICA
Look -- that bird. What kind of
birds do they have in Malta?
DOMINIC
Its some kind of thrusher -black-eared thusher I think.
VERONICA
Oh no, it doesnt have black ears,
it has red bars on its wings.
DOMINIC
If I were to know it, and name it-it would cease to exist.
VERONICA
Then never name it.
He holds her in his arms, kisses her.
bird continues.
A149
Then the song of the
INT. THE VILLA - EVENING
A149
The HOUSEKEEPER, her husband the GARDENER and their

daughter, the MAID, are standing to greet them.
(CONTINUED)
103.
CONTINUED:
HOUSEKEEPER
(Benvenuto)
Welcome.
DOMINIC
Thank you.
They bow and smile.
VERONICA
Will we ever be alone?
Dominic looks at the staff and nods graciously.
DOMINIC
That will be fine. Its all
beautiful. Thank you.
They stand there smiling, bow again.
DOMINIC
You may leave now. Please.
Again they bow.
VERONICA
(leans to Dominic)
...we've talked so much and about
so many things, yet I can't
understand it, and I want to. The
essential thing: the
transmigration of the soul (and I
want to know).
DOMINIC
I'll do my best to explain it when
we're alone.
The driver enters with their luggage, and the staff take the
bags and finally leave.
DOMINIC
Finally.
Veronic walks to the window.
Dominic follows.
VERONICA
It's beautiful here.
DOMINIC
Yes, it is.
She sits down.
sea.
He stands next to her, they look out to the
(CONTINUED)
104.
CONTINUED:
VERONICA
When I first opened my eyes, and
saw you -- and when you told me
about Gertrude, I thought without
her I was an orphan. But at the
same time, the very same time I
confess I was thinking: if I were
three or four years older, and if
he were to ask me to marry him, I
would say... Yes.
DOMINIC
(smiling, in jest)
I'm eighty-seven years old.
VERONICA
Eighty-seven?
DOMINIC
In my heart I'm eighty-seven.
VERONICA
If I added up all the years Rupini
lived Id be older than you. But
I don't believe in any of that, I
can't believe it.
DOMINIC
In a sense, you're right.
(he gets up)
But only in a sense.
He sits on the couch. She moves to be close to him, sitting
down on the floor at his knee.
VERONICA
So now explain it all to me. But
above all, explain how you knew.
How you understood.
DOMINIC
I have to start very far back.
THE 'DOUBLE' (V.O.)
Yes, quite far. (laughs)
DOMINIC
How can I begin? My life changed
dramatically in the Spring of
1938...
DISSOLVE TO:
105.
149
EXT. MOON OVER THE SEA - NIGHT
149
The moon has a firefly's gleam.

FULL VIEW
The lights of the port are just above the railing of the
terrace. A familiar SONG plays, one they both love.
DOMINIC (O.S.)
You want to say something, but you
don't dare. What is it?
150
INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT
150
Moonlight fills the room.

VERONICA
I was thinking: seeing us together
all the time and living in the
same house, people could believe
we are in love
CLOSE VIEW - HIS HAND
It seeks hers, and holds it gently.
DOMINIC (O.S.)
But Veronica. We are in love. We
sleep in the same room, the same
bed...
VERONICA
Is it true?
She sighs, lays her head on his shoulder and closes her
eyes.
DOMINIC
(whispered)
I've always loved you.
Then slowly, she changes before his eyes; raises her head
and looks at him as though she doesn't recognize him. She
begins speaking in an ancient language (Babylonian).
(CONTINUED)
106.
CONTINUED:
VERONICA
Shar-ri qad-mi nar-ru ba-nuu a-pa-a-tum shar-khu zu-lumma-ru ka-ri-is thi-ith-thashi-na shar-ra-tum pa-ti-iqta-shi-na shu-e-tu ma-mi
shar-ku ana a-me-lut it-guru da-ba-da sar-ra-a-tu u la
ki-na-tu ish-ru-ku-shu sa-antak-ku. Askud kur-ud-ma a-na
ba-lath a-dan-na i-te-eq
VERONICA
Narru, king of the gods, who
created mankind, And
majestic Zulummar, who dug
out their clay, and mistress
Mami, the queen who
fashioned them, gave
perverse speech to the human
race, with lies, and no
truth, they endowed them
forever. I survived to the
next year, the appointed
time passed.
Dominic rises.
THE 'DOUBLE' (V.O.)
Do you understand?
DOMINIC
I never heard this language. Its
ancient beyond...
THE 'DOUBLE' (V.O.)
Why else did you have to know her?
She's on her knees, almost like an animal, and is making
sounds not heard on the earth for thousands of years.
Dominic slides out of the bed without disturbing her, and
moves to get the tape recorder.
CLOSE ON VERONICA
Speaking more and more rapidly, her face in a sweat, looking
at her hands. Then she notices something.
HER POV:
The wristwatch on her hand. She lifts the oddity to her
face, then to her ear and listens, surprised and happy at
the same time.
VIEW ON DOMINIC
Setting up the recorder, looks at her in adoration.
VIEW ON VERONICA
Her face lights up, as if she were about to laugh. Then all
of a sudden she comes to her senses. Startled, she blinks
and begins to rub her eyes. Then she climbs out of the bed
and staggers sleepily, dizzily toward the couch. When
Dominic sees her swaying, he catches her in his arms. Then
carries her back to the bed, lays her down and covers her
with a shawl. He falls asleep with her in his arms.
107.
A151
EXT. THE VILLA STEPS - DAY
A151
Veronica sits at the top of the stone steps; Dominic

opposite her. They dont speak for a while, cannot do
anything but look at each other.
VERONICA
What's black and red all over?
DOMINIC
A newspaper.
VERONICA
A husband & wife are found and
they don't have belly buttons.
Who are they?
He doesn't know.
VERONICA
Adam and Eve.
B151
B151
EXT. VILLA WALL - DAY

Dominic and Veronic sit on stone chairs near the wall
overlooking the sea. They sit in silence for a while.
VERONICA
Ho long can we stay?
He takes her on his lap, kisses her.
her away.
C151
INT. THE VILLA
DAY
Then gets up and leads
C151
MEDIUM VIEW
Veronica is nestled in the window seat, looking out sadly at
the sea. We HEAR her voice, speaking one of the exotic
languages he had recorded.
VIEW ON DOMINIC
At the desk, working furious on his manuscript. He is
playing back some of the recordings. He looks up -- sees
her watching so lonely and frightened in the window.
151
EXT. HARBOR - NIGHT

The moon moves across the sky.
151
108.
152
INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT
152
INSERT - clock
The moving MOONLIGHT falls across it.
There is a banging NOISE repeating.
It is after midnight.
VIEW ON THE BED

Dominic wakens. He turns to the side, but she is not there.
DOMINIC
(softly))
Veronica.
No answer. He rises, looks across the room -- the door has
been left open, and it is hitting the jamb.
He moves to it, looks out.
A153
But there is no sign of her.
EXT. THE VILLA - NIGHT
A153
FULL SHOT - DOMINIC

Rushes out, across toward the sea. He calls out.
DOMINIC
Veronica!
(trying in Sanskrit)
Where are you? Rupini!
But there is no answer.
B153
EXT. BEACHFRONT - NIGHT
B153
TRUCKING SHOT
He runs along the beach, searching. Then he thinks he can
make out something or someone in the moonlight.
WHAT HE SEES:
A figure sitting on the rocks -- the sea is rough.
VIEW ON THE ROCKS
He moves quickly and finds her, sitting on the rocks.
MEDIUM SHOT
She is weeping.
her shoulders.
He moves to her, takes his coat and covers
(CONTINUED)
109.
CONTINUED:
What is it?
DOMINIC
I was so worried.
VERONICA
(whispers)
A dream. A bad dream.
DOMINIC
What was it?
VERONICA
I don't want to remember it!
will just scare me again.
It
He holds her, sheltering her against the angry sea.

Please.
DOMINIC
Tell me, darling.
VERONICA
I was somewhere beside a river,
and someone, a stranger, with a
head like a dog mask, was coming
toward me. In his hand...
(reaches to him)
Explain it to me! Sometimes I'm
unhappy that I don't remember
anything of what Rupini knows. I
want to know what Rupini knows!
DOMINIC
She knows things we don't yet
understand. The dog mask of your
dream is probably Shiva and in his
hand could be a skull, for Shiva
is creator and destroyer -combined.
CLOSE ON VERONICA
She doesn't look well, seems haggard as though it's all
taking a great toll on her. He leans down to kiss her
forehead. The SONG plays, hauntingly as he helps her back
to their villa.
FADE OUT.
FADE IN:
110.
153
EXT. VILLA GARDEN - DAY
153
LONG SHOT
Returning from a walk, they move down the steps into the
villa garden. He cannot help but notice how fatigued she
is, while he is ever more youthful, vigorous.
VERONICA'S POV:
Some MEN in dark suits by the stone wall.
VERONICA
Who are they? Isnt it strange
they wait for us by the the wall?
What do they want?
DOMINIC
I didn't notice anyone.
were they?
Where
VERONICA
By the gate, spying on us.
men, dressed oddly.
Two
DOMINIC'S POV:
No one there.
DOMINIC
I didn't see them.
VERONICA
(hesitantly)
Maybe I was mistaken.
wasn't anyone there.
Maybe there
He takes her arm and draws her slowly along with him.
DOMINIC
You've spent too much time in the
sun. We should go inside.
They enter the villa.
154
EXT. TERRACE
- DAY
154
Dominic is on the terrace, dictating quietly into the tape

recorder. She is in their bedroom, in a deep sleep.
DOMINIC
(dictating)
A week has passed, so this must be
the rhythm, hebdomadal.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
111.
CONTINUED:
DOMINIC(cont'd)
Which means the whole thing could
last a month.
(pauses, frightened)
But what will happen to us then?
He tiptoes into the bedroom, bringing the recorder with him.
155
INT. BEDROOM - DAY
155
There is only the SOUND of the birds outside against

Veronica's agitated breathing. Then her face is illuminated
by a smile. Softly she pronounces a few words (ancient
Egyptian), and then follows a concentrated, anxious silence
as if she were waiting for a response that is delayed or she
can't hear.
She begins to speak, softly as if she were talking to
herself, repeating certain words several times, with
different intonations, but all pervaded by a great sadness.
In Babylonian:
VERONICA
Shar-ri qad-mi nar-ru ba-nuu a-pa-a-tum shar-khu zu-lumma-ru ka-ri-is thi-ith-thashi-na shar-ra-tum pa-ti-iqta-shi-na shu-e-tu ma-mi
shar-ku ana a-me-lut it-guru da-ba-da sar-ra-a-tu u la
ki-na-tu ish-ru-ku-shu sa-antak-ku. Askud kur-ud-ma a-na
ba-lath a-dan-na i-te-eq
VERONICA
Narru, king of the gods, who
created mankind, And
majestic Zulummar, who dug
out their clay, and mistress
Mami, the queen who
fashioned them, gave
perverse speech to the human
race, with lies, and no
truth, they endowed them
forever. I survived to the
next year, the appointed
time passed.
CLOSE ON DOMINIC
Moved, he shuts off the recorder, putting it under the bed.
Then leaning forward, he sees:
VIEW ON VERONICA
Tears on her cheeks. His hand wipes them away.
his hand and squeezes it tightly.
She grasps
VERONICA
The dreams wont stop. Its awful.
There were two young people like
us, who loved each other and yet
couldn't remain together. I
didn't understand why, but they
weren't allowed to stay together.
(CONTINUED)
112.
CONTINUED:
CLOSE ON DOMINIC
Looking down at her, very moved by by her heartbreaking
realization.
156
INT. VILLA STUDY - NIGHT
156
Dominic dictates into the recorder.

DOMINIC
I was not mistaken: the rhythm is
indeed hebdomadal, although the
paramediumistic ecstasies occur at
various hours.
THE 'DOUBLE' (V.O.)
Materials for the documentary
history of language -- she has
given you all.
DOMINIC
After Egyptian and Ugaritic, there
followed, probably, a sample of
Protoelamite and one of Sumerian.
THE 'DOUBLE' (V.O.)
What you longed for: we are
descending deeper and deeper into
the past. Your lifes work will
finally have what was missing.
DOMINIC
(understanding)
Documents for the Ark. What
wouldn't linguists give if they
could study them now? But how far
back will she go?
THE 'DOUBLE' (V.O.)
...to the inarticulate protolanguage? And then....
157
EXT. SEA - DAY
157
Wind blows, as waves sweep onto the beaches. Fishermen have

secured their boats against the coming storm, and there is
the SOUND of THUNDER and occasional bolts of LIGHTNING.
158
INT. BEDROOM - DAY
158
(CONTINUED)
113.
CONTINUED:
Veronica is on her haunches on the bed, like a wolf. She
bursts into a series of guttural, pre-human cries that at
the same time exasperate and embarrass Dominic, as though
such a regression into animality ought be attempted only
with volunteers, not with an unconscious subject.
VIEW ON DOMINIC
Watching in awe, profound understanding of what he is
witnessing (and recording).
VIEW ON VERONICA
After several moments, there follows groups of clear
phonemes with vowels, of an infinite variety, interspersed
with short, labial explosions such as he would not have
believed possible for a European to reproduce.
VIEW ON THE RECORDER
The reels spinning, and the meter registering the first
recordings of the human proto-language.
After exhausting herself, she falls asleep, sighing.
THE 'DOUBLE' (V.O.)
Farther than this, you cannot go.
It is the beginning.
He switches off the recorder.
FADE OUT:
FADE IN:
159
EXT. CASINO - NIGHT
(FEBRUARY 12, 1956)
159
It is Carnival -- celebrants enjoying the city. A famous

restaurant. As Dominic and Veronica, in costumes, move up
the steps, children throw confetti at them.
160
INT. RESTAURANT - NIGHT
160
Costumed crowds enjoying the festivities here -- Dominic and

Veronica approach the MAITRE D' in costumes, confetti on
their shoulders.
MAITRE 'D
Ah yes -- Signor and Signora
Gerald Verneuil.
(CONTINUED)
114.
CONTINUED:
VERONICA
(whispered)
I don't think we'll be recognized,
even if our pictures appeared last
fall all over the magazines.
MAITRE 'D
This way, Signore and Signora.
He leads them to their table and seats them.
DOMINIC
And you can be sure they did
appear. And perhaps they're still
appearing.
VERONICA
Does this mask hide me?
DOMINIC
Id know you anywhere.
VERONICA
(laughing)
I want to see the magazines with
our photos, I mean. I want to
have one as a souvenir.
DOMINIC
I have one -- bought it for you as
a surprise.
He produces an Italian magazine, with three pictures of
Veronica, all taken in India. She looks at herself in the
photos, playfully hiding it from view of the other tables.
VERONICA
I guess I was younger and betterlooking then, four months ago.
VIEW ON DOMINIC
Smiling at her, then dropping his eyes.
DOMINIC
Not at all.
VERONICA
You don't lie well.
THE 'DOUBLE' (V.O.)
You don't lie well. The
paramediumistic ecstasies have
exhausted her.
(CONTINUED)
115.
CONTINUED:
VERONICA
I feel tired all the time. And I
don't understand why. I do
absolutely nothing and yet I feel
tired.
The waiter arrives with menus and she quickly hides the
magazine. Dominic smiles and takes the menu.
DOMINIC
Well now it's time to celebrate!
But his eyes are filled with sadness.
He leads her to the floor to dance.
161
INT. VILLA - DAY

Dominic accompanies a DOCTOR to the door.
DOCTOR
The tests, and they were numerous,
show little. Madam is not
suffering from anything, anything
at all.
DOMINIC
Are you sure, Doctor?
DOCTOR
I have, however, prescribed a
series of shots with vitamins and
minerals... perhaps it's the
nervous condition that precedes
the menopause in certain women.
DOMINIC
(hesitates, then:)
What age do you take her to be?
DOCTOR
(blushing)
Mid-forty, more or less.
DOMINIC
She's twenty-six, Doctor.
DOCTOR
I don't know what to say, sir.
Good day.
He goes out the door, leaving Dominic in a pensive mood.
161
116.
162
INT. BEDROOM - DAY
162
CLOSE VIEW
Dominic administers her vitamin shot.
VIEW ON VERONICA
Seems exhausted, old and tired.
She looks up at him, sadly.
VERONICA
Where have all the mirrors gone?
He doesn't want to say that he removed them.
VERONICA
Bring one to me.
DOMINIC
You're not well right now -VERONICA
Bring a mirror to me.
Dominic. That one.
Please,
WHAT SHE SEES:

The reflected sunlight from a mirror Dominic has hidden.
He takes it and gives it her. She takes its handle and
turns it around to see her face. Then she begins to cry.
163
INT. VILLA STAIRS - DAY

Dominic carries her tray downstairs.
him and whispers in fright.
163
The COOK approaches
COOK
Professore, la signora ha il
malocchio!
Dominic gives him the tray and continues outside.
164
EXT. GARDEN - DAY
164
Dominic leans against the wall, crestfallen.

DOMINIC
I should have understood from the
beginning.
(CONTINUED)
117.
CONTINUED:
THE 'DOUBLE' (V.O.)
You have both done your duty and
now you must separate. This way
was chosen for her. Rapid
senescence.
165
EXT. TERRACE - MORNING
165
Dominic is on the terrace preparing his notes.

VERONICA (O.S.)
Look -He turns, and she is standing there, looking frail and weak.
Suddenly, she turns and shows her hair to him. It has
turned gray overnight. She is weeping, her face buried in
her hands.
There is a KNOCKING on the door downstairs.
at their room.
Then, quietly
COOK (O.S.)
Signore?
A166
INT. STAIRS TO DOORWAY - MORNING
A166
Dominic is led down the stairs to the front door which he

opens: Ted Jones, Jr. waits.
TED JONES
It's me. Can't say that I was
just passing by, but -- I'm here.
DOMINIC
We were to be left alone.
you the interview!
I gave
TED JONES
I just need fifteen minutes follow
up and some photos. You agreed.
No.
DOMINIC
It's not possible.
TED JONES
(handing him a book)
Ive brought you my novel -Rejuvenation by Lightning. All
the names and nationalities of the
characters are changed, but its
based on facts. The lightning
strike in the center of the
cranial cap.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
118.
CONTINUED:
TED JONES(cont'd)
An eighty-year- old man who does
not look more than thirty!
DOMINIC
You shouldnt have come.
TED JONES
I thought youd want to have a
copy.
Now a man steps behind Jones, with a professional camera.

TED JONES
I have a photographer here -- some
follow up pictures for the Rupini
story. We've already shot the
villa. Just need the two of you.
The photographer takes some flash pictures.
DOMINIC
No!
Dominic slams the door on him.
B166
B166
EXT. TERRACE - MORNING

Dominic rushes to Veronica.
Veronica.
this...
DOMINIC
I'm to blame for
VERONICA
No -- I...
DOMINIC
Listen to me and don't interrupt.
If I continue to live with you, by
autumn you will have perished. I
can't tell you more. But I assure
you that, in reality, you haven't
aged! Once I disappear from your
life, your youth and beauty will
return.
We HEAR the KNOCKING from below. Veronica moves down to him
and seeks his hand in fear, clasps it between hers and
begins to kiss it.
VERONICA
Don't leave me, Dominic.
Just tell me that.
Please.
(CONTINUED)
119.
CONTINUED:
DOMINIC
Please listen to me, I was doomed
to lose everything that I love.
But I prefer to lose you young and
beautiful, the way you were -- and
will be again, without me -- than
to see you perishing in my arms.
I'm going to leave, and if in a
few months you don't find yourself
as you were last autumn, I'll come
back. The minute I receive your
telegram, I'll come back. I ask
just this much: wait three or four
months, somewhere far away from
me.
KNOCKING continues.
She looks at him, disbelieving.
He takes a long last kiss, rises and steps back into the
shadows until he is gone.
FADE OUT:
FADE IN:
166
INSERT - TELEGRAM
Being printed.
The date is 22 MAY 1956.
"You were right.

Veronica."
167
166
I will love you until the day I die,
INT. ROOM - DAY
167
CLOSE ON DOMINIC
Reading, whispering.
DOMINIC
You will be happy, Veronica.
bye.
GoodFADE OUT.
FADE IN:
168
EXT. RAILROAD STATION AT PIATRA NEAMT - EVENING (1969)
168
It has been snowing for hours.

INSERT - STATION SIGN
(CONTINUED)
120.
CONTINUED:
Announcing the train from Bucharest -- also, the date: '20
December 1969, Piatra Neamt.'
NEW VIEW
The train enters the station just as the snow is ceasing,
and in the clear blue sky rise the first stars above the
snowy mountains.
Dominic steps back, recognizing the main square of his home
town, Piatra Neamt. There are some Christmas decorations
and a few people bundled against the cold.
The train passes on and he stands a long while holding his
valise, looking with deep emotion at the boulevards that
stretch before him. He turns up the fur collar of his coat,
quickly crosses the square and sets off down the boulevard.
169
EXT. FLIGHT OF STONE STEPS - EVENING
169
MED. VIEW
The figure of Dominic carrying his bag, moving down the
steps. Suddenly there is the sound of LAUGHTER, as a group
of schoolboys rush up the steps past him.
CLOSE ON DOMINIC
The boys on every side, throwing snow, rushing past him.
170
170
EXT. SMALL HOTEL - EVENING

Arriving at a small hotel, Dominic finds his arm is sore
from carrying the valise all this way. He rubs his
shoulder, and enters.
171
INT. HOTEL - EVENING
171
At the reception desk, a WOMAN with gray hair and eyeglasses

without rims examines his passport.
DOMINIC
By the way, does the Cafe Select
still exist?
WOMAN
How could it not exist! It's an
historic monument. Calistrat
Hogas frequented it -- probably
you've heard of him.
(CONTINUED)
121.
CONTINUED:
DOMINIC
Of course!
WOMAN
He frequented it from 1869 to
1886, the whole time he was
professor here at Piatra Neamt.
You're on the second floor, the
stairs are right over there.
172
INT. HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT
172
Dominic sits on the bed, a little tired.

see a radio, and turns it on.
He is pleased to
DOMINIC
Only music... for a cold night
like this.
MUSIC plays, music of his youth.
takes out some papers, notes.
He opens his valise, and
INSERT - THE PAPERS

One with the title that he has written: "The Eschatology of
Electricity."
THE 'DOUBLE' (V.O.)
... you must interpret the
psychological in the light of
Indian and Chinese philosophy.
For Vedanta as well as for Tao,
opposites are annulled if they are
viewed from a certain perspective.
INSERT - A MANDALA SAND PAINTING
Wind blowing the image away.
DOMINIC
Yes, good and evil lose their
meaning, and in the absolute,
being coincides with non-being.
THE 'DOUBLE' (V.O.)
But, what no one dares to say, is
that, in the horizon of these
philosophies, atomic wars must be,
if not justified, at least
accepted!
No, never.
DOMINIC
I reject that.
(CONTINUED)
122.
CONTINUED:
THE 'DOUBLE' (V.O.)
The true meaning of the nuclear
catastrophe can only be this: the
mutation of the human species, the
appearance of the new man.
DOMINIC
(anguished)
But atomic wars will destroy
populations and civilizations and
will reduce a part of the planet
to a desert.
THE 'DOUBLE' (V.O.)
That is the price to be paid.
No.
DOMINIC
How can you even say that?
THE 'DOUBLE' (V.O.)

The reconstruction of civilization
could be achieved in record time,
given the unlimited potential of
post-historic man.
DOMINIC
But it could go the other way;
provoke a regression of the
species?
THE 'DOUBLE' (V.O.)
But then, neither the life nor
history of man would have any
meaning.
CLOSE ON DOMINIC'S HAND
It trembles as he reaches into the valise and takes out a
PHOTOGRAPH.
DOMINIC (O.S.)
Fortunately, she did not see me.
I watched them at the Railroad
station at Montreaux.
A173
EXT. RR STATION AT MONTREAUX - DAY
A173
A young woman steps from a train, lifts down two CHILDREN

and turns. It is Veronica, beautiful and young as he had
said she be.
She steps off and we realize that Dominic has been watching.
123.
B173
INT. HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT
B173
INSERT - PHOTOGRAPH
He turns the picture over: it is of a young and radiant
Veronica with two beautiful children by her side. He adds
this to the last page of his old family album.
DOMINIC (O.S.)
She looked her age and very happy,
the only thing that matters to me
now...
He flips through the pages of his album:
years ago.
Dominic Matei 80
DOMINIC
... Only that -- and music.
THE 'DOUBLE' (V.O.)
And the third rose? Where do you
want me to put it? Lay the album
down, and show me where you want
the rose put. The third rose.
EXTREME CLOSE ON DOMINIC
He looks down at the album.
VIEW ON THE ALBUM
He opens it. A freshly picked rose, there in the middle of
the album. He picks it up. Trembling, he brings it to his
nose and takes a deep breath.
DOMINIC
I could never believe a single
rose could perfume a whole room.
173
INT. HOTEL LOBBY - NIGHT
173
Dominic goes out the door, as the woman looks after him.
WOMAN
Don't catch cold. There's more
snow coming.
174
174
Dominic stands before the sign; lights come through the

windows from inside. He stops to catch his breath. Then he
enters.
124.
175
OMITTED
175
176
INT. CAFE SELECT - NIGHT
176
Dominic moves through the clouds of cigarette smoke, heading

for the back room where years ago he used to gather with his
friends.
The room is almost empty; some MEN at a table finishing
their beer. Dominic sits down on a couch next to the wall
and stares vacantly. The men rise noisily from their
chairs, preparing to leave. One wraps a woolen shawl around
his neck.
Dominic remains sitting alone. Someone approaches him
timidly, looking at him curiously. Only when the man stops
in front of him does he recognize his old friend Vaian.
VAIAN
Is it you, Cucoane Dominic?
Praise God, you've returned!
You've returned!
(turns, calling out)
Doctor Neculache! Come quickly,
He's back, Cuconul Dominic!
He stands there squeezing Dominic's hand as the whole group
returns to the room. Neculache is holding a bottle of
Cotnar in his left hand and a glass in his right. They look
at him closely, repeating his name, exclaiming. Dominic
holds his hand to his face, wiping away the tears.
DOMINIC
In other words, the story begins
all over again. I'm dreaming and
when I wake up, it will seem I've
just started to dream indeed!
Like that story of Chuang-tze and
the butterfly.
VAIAN
Chuang-tze, the story of Chuangtze and the butterfly?
DOMINIC
Yes, the king who dreamed he was a
butterfly, who was dreaming it was
a king, who dreamed...
DAVIDOGLU
Send someone to tell Veta!
(CONTINUED)
125.
CONTINUED:
DOMINIC
Leave Veta in peace! I'll believe
you without Veta. I realize very
well I'm dreaming, and that in a
minute or two I'll wake up.
DR. NECULACHE
Don't tire yourself, Cucoane
Dominic. You've been through a
great deal. Don't tire yourself.
DOMINIC
(laughing)
I know. I know that all this, our
meeting here and all that will
follow -- all this could have
really happened in December 1938.
VAIAN
But that is when it is happening,
Cucoane Dominic -- this is
December 20th, 1938.
DOMINIC
I don't dare tell you what year we
are living in, we who are outside
this dream. If I were to make the
effort I'd wake up.
DR. NECULACHE
You are awake, Cucoane Dominic.
But you are tired. In fact, you
look very tired.
DOMINIC
(losing his temper)
All right! Between December 20th,
1938 and this evening, many things
have happened. The Second World
War, for example. Have you heard
of Hiroshima? Of Buchenwald?
DR. NECULACHE
The Second World War? It's
coming, all right; coming fast!
NICODIM
Many things have happened since
you disappeared.
DOMINIC
I know, I know!
(CONTINUED)
126.
CONTINUED:
VAIAN
We looked all over for you. The
doctor looked for you in several
hospitals.
DR. NECULACHE
We heard that you'd gone to
Bucuresti, and that you were
mistaken for someone else there.
DOMINIC
That's what happened. I was taken
for someone else because I was
rejuvenated.
(triumphantly)
Now I can tell you the truth.
After the lightning struck me -struck me right on the top of my
head -- I was rejuvenated. I
looked twenty-five to thirty, and
after that I didn't change. For
thirty years I've looked the same
age.
The others are staring at him until he becomes exasperated.
DOMINIC
I know you can't believe it. But
if I were to tell you how many
other things happened, all on
account of the lighting, how many
Oriental languages I've learned -that is, I didn't even have to
learn them, because it occurred to
me all of a sudden that I knew
them. That I'm telling you now,
it's because I'm dreaming and no
one will know.
NICODIM
(gently)
You're not dreaming, Cucoane
Dominic. You're here with us,
your friends; you're at the Cafe
Select. This is what we imagined
would happen. When Cuconul
Dominic comes to his senses, when
he recovers, you'll see -- he'll
go straight to the Cafe Select!
(CONTINUED)
127.
CONTINUED:
DOMINIC
But if I'm not dreaming, then
you'd know about Hiroshima and the
hydrogen bomb and Neil Armstrong,
the astronaut who landed and
walked on the moon last summer, in
July.
They are all silent, not daring to look at one another.
ARAM
(after a moment)
So, that's what it was. You were
mistaken for someone else.
Dominic is becoming very tired.
DOMINIC
It's like the story of... that
Chinese philosopher. You know
which one; I've told you several
times...
VAIAN
Which Chinese philosopher, Cucoane
Dominic?
DOMINIC
(irritably)
I told you a little while ago.
The name escapes me now. That
story with the butterfly...
Anyway, it's too long to repeat.
DAVIDOGLU
I've called for a sleigh to take
you home, Domnu Matei. Veta will
have a fire lit on the stove.
DOMINIC
I don't need a sleigh.
(rising)
I'm going on foot. The next time
the problem is raised, I'll know
how to answer.
ARAM
What problem, Domnu Matei?
DOMINIC
... the problem which worries all
of us!
Suddenly, he feels all his teeth rattling, and embarrassed,
furious, he clamps his jaws together tightly. Then he takes
several steps toward the exit.
(CONTINUED)
128.
CONTINUED:
The others move aside and allow him to leave. He wants to
salute them, but every movement exhausts him. Hesitantly,
breathing heavily through his nostrils because he is holding
his mouth tightly shut, he heads out.
177
177
He comes out, and when sure that no one will see, spits out
all his teeth into the snow.
178
178
The doorman is waiting for the return of the guest in Room

19. It's snowing heavily.
DOORMAN
We shouldn't lock up until the
guest in Room 19 returns.
WOMAN
(picking up telephone)
He went to the Cafe Select.
179
INT. BAR AT CAFE SELECT - NIGHT
179
The BARTENDER at the cafe is speaking on the telephone.

BARTENDER
He went into the back room. But
because it was empty, he stayed
only a few minutes and left
without saying good night, holding
his hand to his mouth.
180
180
The woman puts down the phone and shrugs to the doorman.
181
EXT. PIATRA NEAMT - MORNING
181
The sun rises over Strada Episcopiei. On the snow-covered

steps leading to house No. 18 some passersby find something.
CLOSER VIEW
It is a stranger, frozen dead, very old, in an expensive furlined overcoat far too large for him. They reach into the
jacket pocket, and take out a billfold. Then open it, find
some foreign currency and a Honduran passport.
(CONTINUED)
129.
CONTINUED:
INSERT - THE PASSPORT
Dominic's picture bearing the name Martin Audricourt, born
in Honduras, April 24, 1938. On another page he had pressed
the spectacularly beautiful wings of a BUTTERFLY.
CLOSE SHOT - DOMINIC'S FROZEN STARE.
LOW ANGLE
The flights of rising stone steps, covered in ICE.
FADE OUT.
FIN

Youth Without Youth

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"YOUTH WITHOUT YOUTH"

SRG ATELIER, SRL

EXT. METROPOLIA CHURCH - DAY

Church domes against sky with racing clouds.

EXT. BUCHAREST CENTER - DAY

It is Bucharest in 1938. There are few people, some cars and

EXT. R.R. STATION - DAY

People scurry, shielding themselves with cardboard or

INT. AMBULANCE - DAY

INT. STUDENT'S ATTIC - NIGHT (1894)

Dominic as a young man looks into her eyes.

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY (1938)

CLOSE SHOT - THE ELDERLY DOMINIC

FADE TO BLACK -- but black with subtle white patterns

EXT. HOSPITAL - DAY

PROFESSOR STANCIULESCU exits his car and hurries into the

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY

Professor S. anxiously joins DR. GAVRILA.

VIEW ON THE HAND

The others count, "Ten,

At each count, we SEE IMAGES of the different ages of

INT. HOSPITAL WAITING AREA - DAY

The doctors have finished sandwiches while discussing what

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY

The nurses are changing the bandages. One attractive one,

INT. FACULTY OFFICE - DAY (1933)

Dominic, as a professor in his sixties, closes the door to

INT. STUDENT'S ATTIC - NIGHT (1894)

REAR VIEW - YOUNG DOMINIC

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY (1938)

INT. ATTIC - NIGHT (1894)

She laughs at him, and he is charmed.

INT. PROFESSOR CHAVANNES'S OFFICE - DAY

VIEW - PROFESSOR CHAVANESS

Dominic shakes his hand.

INT. ATTIC - NIGHT

VIEW ON DOMINIC AND LAURA

INT. PROFESSOR CHAVANNES'S OFFICE - DAY

CLOSE VIEW - CHAVANNES'S HAND WRITING CHINESE CHARACTERS

INT. ATTIC - NIGHT

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - NIGHT

Quite late at night. OUR VIEW MOVES closer to Dominic. He

INT. DOCTOR'S OFFICE - DAY (1933)

A sixty-five-year-old Dominic sits during an examination by

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - NIGHT (1938)

An intern, Dr. Gavrila is young and handsome, he whispers to

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - NIGHT

MED. CLOSE VIEW

EXT. STREET IN PIATRA NEAMT - DAY (WINTER)

Dominic is returning to his home town, Piatra Neamt, coming

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - NIGHT (1938)

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - MORNING

EXTREME CLOSE SHOT

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY

Prof. Stanciulescu approaches with a smile. He is an

The interns go about their tasks, chatting idly.

CLOSE ON DOMINIC REFLECTED IN MIRROR

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY

Professor S. is holding some periodicals.

The professor feels around the gums with

EXT. LYCEE AT PIATRA NEAMT - DAY (1894)

Descending the flights of stone steps following their

INT. ATTIC - DAY

INT. DOMINIC'S MODEST ROOM - NIGHT (1937)