Unplugged

UNPLUGGED
by
Jared Ingram & Brian Sharp
Kathy Muraviov
The Muraviov Company
323.375.9400/818.425.5165
Kathy@TheMuraviovCo.com
SPACE. Endless stars. The Milky Way.
NARRATOR
From the beginning of time...
A huge hand points - a massive explosion - The earth appears

from the dust. ZOOM into it.
NARRATOR
Humans have been inventing things.
A Caveman peers down at a stick and starts shaving the end

into a point.
NARRATOR
Helpful little gizmos --
He touches the point of the spear, tosses it through the air.
NARRATOR
To improve our quality of life.
Right into the stomach of a nearby Caveman! A Cavewoman

SCREAMS! The man falls to the ground and grunts.
NARRATOR
The application of scientific
knowledge to practical problems.
A kite with a dangling key sails high amidst a torrential

storm. Gets zapped with a bolt of lightning!
The surge of electricity speeds down the length of the kite

string and leads us down a dusty street that transforms
before our eyes into the electrified world of the present.
Horses become cars, street candles become stoplights, houses

become bright with light.
NARRATOR
Otherwise known as technology.
FLASHES: An atomic bomb explodes. Millions of “1”s and “0”s

race each other. Computers. A rocket takes off.
NARRATOR
On a Universal level, technology is
used --
Christopher Columbus gazes down at a compass.
NARRATOR
To bridge the gaps separating
cultures.
2.
Columbus motions for a line of muskets to fire.
NARRATOR
Bringing the world together one
gadget at a time.
Confused Native Americans drop like flies. The rest flee.
NARRATOR
Allowing us to get more out of our
day --
A sweaty farmer pulls a metal plow through a sunny field.
NARRATOR
-- than our ancestors did.
The same farmer sits on a couch, fat and lazy, clicking

through the channels on his TV.
NARRATOR
From the beginning of our lives --
QUICK: Through a baby’s eyes -- Out a dark cave. Harsh

fluorescent lights. Electric thermometer flashes. Heart
monitor beeps. Electronic suction pumps milk from a nip.
NARRATOR
To the end.
An old man in a hospital bed pulls the plug of his own

breathing apparatus.
NARRATOR
It continues to play a beautiful
and vital role --
PULL AWAY from the slowly spinning earth. Millions of multi-

colored lines dissect the globe, connected by ringing cell
phones, internet connection signals, and glowing ichat faces.
NARRATOR
In our everyday lives...
ZOOM quickly back into earth. The center of all the hubbub --
NEW YORK CITY
And into a window of a towering skyscraper near Times Square.

3.
INT. BEDROOM - DAY
Two people kiss passionately in a luxurious bed. The man

pulls away as the woman continues kissing him down his neck.
NARRATOR
Our relationships...
The man reaches under a pillow, and pulls out...
A Blackberry.
NARRATOR
And our individual happiness.
Blackberry BEEPS. Message: “Done deal. Way to go Andy!”
This is ANDY MITCHELL, 36, the most technologically reliant

stockbroker in New York and a consummate multi-tasker.
His wife MICHELLE, 35, stops kissing, flashes an angry look.
Andy smiles obliviously past her at his Blackberry.
MATCH CUT TO:
INT. ANDY’S OFFICE - DAY
Andy’s eyes are glued to the Blackberry in his hand. A

BLUETOOTH device wraps around his ear. He paces the modern
office -- CNBC on a flat screen TV, digital stock ticker.
His office phone is RINGING. A KNOCK on the door.
ANDY
(into phone)
I’m on it. I’m on it!
(to door)
Come in!
Andy’s eager intern BUDDY, 22, pokes his head in.
Andy pulls another cell phone from his pocket, lifts it to

his other ear.
ANDY
Hey buddy.
BUDDY
Hey Andy!
4.
ANDY
No, not you.
BUDDY
Not me?
ANDY
(into phone)
Yes, you. Sorry, my intern’s name
is Buddy.
(into Bluetooth)
Oh, you don’t think we can land
Hongwei? I’ve been keeping an eye
on ‘em ever since Hoffman folded.
Andy grabs a dart off his desk and hurls it against a board
across the room. Bull’s-eye!
ANDY
You hear about the deal I closed
last night? No, a business deal!
Buddy’s phone beeps. He turns to look down at it.
MESSAGE: “Check Hongwei’s schedule”
Buddy spins around, points at his Blackberry.
BUDDY
You just sent me a text?
Andy nods, smiles. Buddy mouths “Wow”.
ANDY
I’ve got to go pal.
Andy clicks off his cell phone, then touches his Bluetooth.
ANDY
And you -- I told you I’m on it!
Get off my ass! Okay...
(beat)
Love you too, Mom.
He clicks off his Bluetooth, rounds the desk grabbing various

gadgets and tossing them into his pockets.
BUDDY
Michelle’s book club starts in 20.
ANDY
Oh right!
5.
BUDDY
And you’ve got a client here.
ANDY
Patch him through to my cell.
Buddy darts out.
INT. CRAIG INVESTMENTS, MAIN FLOOR - DAY
Our first look at the actual company, a huge array of

cubicles in the middle with offices lining the walls. It’s a
flurry of activity, even at this late hour.
Buddy hands a cell phone to a CLIENT, 52, male.
BUDDY
I have Andy Mitchell for you.
CLIENT
Um. Hello?
Andy pops out of his office with his hand to his ear.
ANDY
I’m so sorry I couldn’t see you
today, sir.
CLIENT
(points)
Aren’t you walking past me?
ANDY
It’s been a very busy day.
Andy continues down the hall.
ANDY
And it just didn’t work out.
CLIENT
You just -- I saw you!
ANDY
Say again?
CLIENT
I need some help with my portfolio.
Buddy chases Andy, passing a Kindle as if it’s a baton.

6.
ANDY
Of course. Talk to me, we’ll
figure this out over the phone.
CLIENT
Okaaay.
Andy waits for the elevator to open. He lifts the Kindle,

stares down at the title of Jane Eyre on the screen.
MATCH CUT TO:
EXT. BORDERS BOOKSTORE - NIGHT
Andy looks up from his Kindle at the large Borders sign.
He takes a deep breath and enters the building.
INT. BORDERS BOOKSTORE - NIGHT
In a back area, a small group of women gather in a circle

like an AA meeting.
A pretentious looking woman with glasses leads the group.

This is ALICE, 42, Andy’s sister-in-law.
ALICE
In these early chapters, who do we
suspect is the main antagonist?
Andy, the lone man in the group, surreptitiously checks his

email on his phone.
ALICE
Andy? Jane’s antagonist is...
ANDY
I’d say uh, hmmm... I think I
marked it somewhere.
Andy scrolls through the Kindle’s electronic pages.
ANDY
Of course, yes. Her mother.
ALICE
She’s an orphan.
ANDY
Oh.
7.
ALICE
Anyone else that actually read the
book have an answer?
Some women snicker. Others roll their eyes. Michelle,

across from Andy, shakes her head like a disappointed parent.
Andy looks down at the wedding ring on his finger and kisses
it as he gazes across at Michelle.
This makes her smile.
Andy’s pocket BEEPS and he pulls out his Blackberry, looks up

at Michelle. Her smile fades.
Then his other pocket BUZZES. He grabs it, and steps away
from the group quickly. More BUZZES. A loud BEEP.
INT. KITCHEN - NIGHT
Light switches on. Air conditioner set. Refrigerator door

opens. Andy grabs a beer.
ANDY
Why does your sister give me such a
hard time?
MICHELLE (O.S.)
She knows you just go because I
make you. I bet you didn’t even
read the book.
ANDY
Digital versions count!
MICHELLE (O.S.)
You probably downloaded it ten
minutes before the meeting!
Andy peers out of the corner of his eye as he uses an

electronic bottle opener that pops open the beer for him.
MICHELLE (O.S.)
Then the rest of the time you’re
just answering texts and emails --
beeping all over the place. Beep
Beep de-beepity beep beep.
Andy laughs, grabs a remote control.

8.
MICHELLE
It’s not funny. You’re like a
walking gadget.
ANDY
I’ve answered three emails since
you started talking.
Andy spins the remote control in his hand like a six-shooter,

and fires at a number of electronics around the room -- mood
lighting, music, and the basketball game (on mute).
ANDY
Didn’t I teach you how to use this?
MICHELLE
You told me to download the manual.
ANDY
And you didn’t?
MICHELLE
What if I said I never wanted to
“download” anything ever again?
ANDY
Don’t talk crazy talk.
Michelle settles into a bartender stool.
MICHELLE
Ah...
ANDY
You can’t sit down yet. Follow me.
Andy takes her hand and leads her down a hallway.
INT. DINING ROOM - NIGHT
The door opens to reveal a candle-lit dinner for two.
MICHELLE
(gasps)
You remembered?
ANDY
Of course I remembered.
(pause)
I get a reminder from my calendar,
my intern, and my Facebook account.
9.
MICHELLE
That kinda ruins it.
ANDY
Oh come on.
Andy slides into a seat, but keeps one side of his face away
from Michelle. He grabs the wine and begins opening it.
MICHELLE
Nice to finally have you to myself.
ANDY
(distracted)
Yep. Feel the same way.
MICHELLE
What’s wrong with your neck?
ANDY
What do you mean?
MICHELLE
You’re kind of -- Your face --
ANDY
I just love you.
She grabs his cheek and moves it over, to reveal a Bluetooth

headset around his ear.
MICHELLE
Are you on the phone?
ANDY
I’ll be honest with you.
(into her eyes)
I’m a go on this.
MICHELLE
A go? That wasn’t to me, was it?
Andy is concentrating very hard.
ANDY
Yes.
MICHELLE
Yes, you were talking to me? Or
yes, it wasn’t to me?
ANDY
Yes... Let’s do it.
10.
MICHELLE
You ARE on the phone!
Michelle grabs the headpiece off his ear.
ANDY
Whoa! I forgot I even had that in.
She stands up, throws down her napkin.
MICHELLE
This is ridiculous!
ANDY
(stops her)
Wait! I’m sorry. I didn’t tell
you I was on a call because I
wanted you to know that our
relationship is more important than
work.
MICHELLE
That doesn’t even make sense.
ANDY
I’d rather just multi-task here than
be at work. Because this way --
Andy grabs her cheek.
ANDY
I’m with you where I belong.
MICHELLE
But you’re not really HERE.
Andy lifts a small wrapped present.
ANDY
Then what’s this?
Difficult for Michelle not to smile. She opens it carefully,

then stares.
ANDY
Happy Anniversary honey.
It’s a BLACKBERRY BOLD. Best gift ever right?
Michelle is, shall we say, less than ecstatic.

11.
ANDY
Now we can stay in contact all the
time. You know how you’re always
complaining that I’m twittering too
much? Well, now you can tweet too!
MICHELLE
I was hoping your gift would be the
trip.
ANDY
What trip?
MICHELLE
THE trip. Nepal? You said we’d go
back for our tenth anniversary.
ANDY
I was probably trying to get in
your pants.
MICHELLE
Well, that may never happen again.
ANDY
Whoa! Wait - don’t say that. How
can I make that not never happen --
hey, how about tomorrow night, I
take you out? Just you and me - no
gadgets, no electronics.
MICHELLE
You mean that? No electronics of
any sort?
ANDY
Absolutely. Yes.
She kisses him gently on the cheek.
MICHELLE
Thank you.
She sets the phone down carefully and leaves the room.
ANDY
Does that mean you don’t like it?
And Andy is all ALONE.
ANDY
She wanted an iPhone. I knew it.
Chicks like iPhones. Damn.
12.
A long pause.
ANDY
Yeah, okay Buddy -- You told me so.
I’ll talk to you tomorrow.
He touches his other ear. Another smaller headset BEEPS off.
INT. BEDROOM - MORNING
The alarm clock is RINGING. Andy slaps it off. He slides to

the edge of the bed, glances across the room at
Michelle, just outside the sliding glass doors, practicing

her yoga in front of a glowing sunrise.
Andy tries to mimic one of her moves, but tweaks his neck and
quits. Claps his hands together -- LIGHTS turn on.
MONTAGE - MORNING ROUTINE
Electric coffee maker buzzes to life.
News plays on an old school TV in kitchen.
Toast pops out of toaster.
Electric juicer squeezes OJ.
A machine ties Andy’s tie before he pulls it over his neck.
News on TV in closet!
Electric shoe polisher across Andy’s patent leather.
Electric toothbrush. Water pick. Nose/ear hair cutter. The

power strip near the sink is completely overloaded.
TV News in the bathroom!!
Andy checks himself in the mirror -- the picture of

perfection. He clips the Bluetooth to his ear.
ANDY
Honey -- I’ll see you tonight!
He glances over at Michelle -- still doing yoga. Wow!
MICHELLE
No gadgets!
13.
ANDY
Au nat-ur-al!
He glides out the door and we MATCH CUT to:
INT. OFFICE BUILDING, LOBBY - DAY
Andy looks up from his Blackberry as he rushes inside. The

elevator is about to shut.
ANDY
Hold the door!
A hand pops out to open the door.
INT. ELEVATOR - DAY
VALERIE CHESTERWOOD, 32, sweet, Southern belle with a

comforting smile, stands holding some files.
Andy walks in and pushes a button.
ANDY
Good morning Valerie. How is
everything on the top floor?
VALERIE
Didn’t you hear? We just signed a
billion-dollar client.
ANDY
What? Who?
VALERIE
Mr. Zhang Hongwei.
ANDY
Really? I didn’t know he’d made
any decisions.
Andy’s disappointed -- a little too obviously.
VALERIE
Oh, how cute! You thought you had
a chance at him?
Andy sighs. She steps closer and helps straighten his tie.
VALERIE
Now Andy --
14.
ANDY
(grimaces)
Ouch. That’s a little tight.
VALERIE
It’s a big girl’s game and your
measly little company hasn’t even
got a training bra.
Suddenly Andy finds himself up against the wall.
ANDY
I’m kind of -- there’s a personal
space issue here maybe.
VALERIE
Oh this little elevator is so
cramped. There just doesn’t seem
to be room in here --
She cinches his tie so tight he gags.
VALERIE
For both of us.
DING! Elevator opens. She gives him a gently aggressive

slap.
VALERIE
Have a good day, sweetie!
She struts out of the elevator. Andy stands there stunned.
ANDY
You uh... passed my floor.
The doors shut.
Elevator opens. Andy exits and is met by Buddy.
BUDDY
You look upset. Was it Valerie?
ANDY
It’s nothing.
BUDDY
Did she hurt your feelings again?
Andy stops.
15.
ANDY
Buddy? You know - It’s - Don’t
make it - Yes - Yes she did.
BUDDY
Don’t stress out. I don’t want you
to have another, you know...
ANDY
Shh! It was a mild heart attack
okay? I had too much coffee that
day or something.
BUDDY
I worry about you.
ANDY
Well don’t. That’s what the
pacemaker is for, so no one has to
worry. Geez. You and my wife.
Andy starts walking again. Buddy hurries after him.
ANDY
Any messages?
BUDDY
Just one from Valerie, but she
doesn’t say anything. Just laughs.
ANDY
Check the message boards, Twitter,
everything. Find out why I didn’t
know Hongwei signed with UBS.
Andy turns the corner into a crowd of co-workers applauding

him. In the middle is BLITZ CRAIG, 62, grey hair, well-
dressed, Gordon Gekko twenty years later.
MR. CRAIG
There’s the man.
ANDY
What’s this about?
MR. CRAIG
We’re all looking forward to seeing
our company represented on MSNBC
tomorrow afternoon!
ANDY
Oh that? Psht. No biggie.
16.
MR. CRAIG
It is a biggie. A big biggie.
ANDY
Nah... It’s --
MR. CRAIG
Yes. It is.
ANDY
Um. Yes. Yes it is.
MR. CRAIG
Good boy.
(walking away)
Don’t screw it up.
The crowd disperses awkwardly.
Buddy breaks away to his desk. Andy into his office. Just
as a FEMALE CO-WORKER calls for Andy.
CO-WORKER
Excuse me, Mr. Mitchell. Could you
look at my computer really quick?
It’s giving me problems.
Andy pops out of his office and slides in front of her PC.
ANDY
Sure, what’s going on?
CO-WORKER
It just froze on this screen.
Andy sits down and starts working.
VOICE (O.S.)
What? You again?
RAJEEV BHASKAR, 35, thin, awkward, slightly nerdy Indian man

stands behind them both.
RAJEEV
You call me all the way up here,
but Andy fixes the problem.
CO-WORKER
He was just right here, so...
17.
ANDY
Don’t worry about it man, you can
still fix her password or
something.
RAJEEV
Ha ha ha, funny. You want to do my
job? How about I do yours?
Rajeev grabs a three-hole punch, puts it to his ear and leans

on the desk trying to look casual.
RAJEEV
Up the share, 30 ticks down. Take
it, take that!
ANDY
(amused)
Is that really how I talk?
RAJEEV
No time to talk. Short change the
DOW 52...er, 22...
He trails off. The bottom of the three-hole punch pops off

and thousands of little holes flutter to the ground.
Buddy rushes up just as it gets awkward.
BUDDY
Very strange activity on the
message boards concerning Hongwei.
Andy and Buddy step away and rush back toward his office.
ANDY
Any twitter messages from the UBS
brokers we’re following?
BUDDY
Nothing.
ANDY
Then Valerie’s lying. I doubt
they’ve actually signed him.
BUDDY
There’s a bunch of stuff about
Hongwei positioning his son Li as
his number two.
ANDY
He’s the one we need to find.
18.
Andy stops walking.
ANDY
Where is Li right now?
BUDDY
According to his “Linked In”
account, he’s in London.
Andy looks at his watch, cringes.
INT. FANCY RESTAURANT - NIGHT
A crowded restaurant. There is a general MURMUR of noise and

activity. Michelle follows a MAITRE’D past tables of couples
enjoying themselves to finally arrive at --
An empty table. Across from her chair is an open laptop

stacked on books with a webcam attached. On the screen is a
live image of Andy, big fake smile.
She sits down, stunned.
ANDY
Hey, you made it. Wow! You look
fantastic. Slight problem. Can’t
be there in person, but look --
(he motions to his head)
No cell phone. No Bluetooth. I’m
all yours tonight.
Michelle doesn’t respond. The silence is uncomfortable.
ANDY
I know, I know, this isn’t what we
planned, but it’s the best I can
do. It’s like I’m right there. I
can even look around.
Suddenly Buddy appears, picks up the webcam and slowly

rotates it across the room and back.
ANDY
Nice spot, huh? Crowded.
(leans in and whispers)
I think that couple over there is
breaking up.
Michelle remains quiet. Her eyes are welling up. Andy leans
back, nervous.
19.
ANDY
This could work. It’s not --
MICHELLE
Where are you?
ANDY
Okay, I can explain. Don’t get
mad, but I’m in London.
Andy picks up the laptop and shows her around the room.
ANDY
It’s an internet cafe. And that
right there is Li Hongwei, my new
best buddy.
LI HONGWEI, 23, an eager looking young man looks up from a

video game, pulls aside a headset and waves.
LI
This guy knows his shit!
ANDY
Li’s going to have his father meet
with us before they sign with UBS.
Andy turns the camera back to himself.
ANDY
Is that awesome or what?
MICHELLE
Andy... Everyone has a breaking
point. I think this one is mine.
She gets up and leaves.
ANDY
Wait! This is for us. I’m getting
a promotion. Buddy, follow her!
Buddy grabs the laptop and tries to weave through the tables
after her, lifting the computer above his head. People turn
their heads to watch the commotion.
ANDY
Wait! We can talk about this!
Buddy trips and the computer hits the ground hard.

20.
INT. INTERNET CAFE, LONDON - NIGHT
The monitor on Andy’s computer abruptly goes dark. He looks

around at the gamers all around him.
ANDY
Shit...
INT. LONDON HEATHROW AIRPORT - DAY
Cab Fare machine DINGS. Sliding doors OPEN. Phone RINGS.

Answering machine BEEPS.
MICHELLE (V.O.)
Andy’s probably on the phone, so
leave us a message and we’ll get
back to you! Thanks!
BEEP. Huge electrical grid of arrivals and departures

FLASHES. People MOVER.
ANDY (V.O.)
Michelle. Baby. Why won’t you
answer the phone? I’m sorry,
okay?!
He hangs up and immediately dials again, tosses his bag onto

the conveyor belt, flips off his shoes like a pro.
MICHELLE (V.O.)
(clicks on)
Andy.
ANDY
Michelle! You answered your new
Blackberry! How come you aren’t
answering the home phone?
MICHELLE (V.O.)
I’m not at home.
ANDY
Listen, I am so sorry.
MICHELLE (V.O.)
Save it, Andy.
ANDY
I am. I’m really sorry. I just --
This meeting -- It went --
21.
A FAT MAN in front of Andy pulls off his belt and his pants
fall to the ground, exposing some atrocious tightie-whities.
ANDY
Wait, you’re not home? Shouldn’t
you still be doing yoga?
Andy grimaces at the fat man bending over.
MICHELLE (V.O.)
I’m at my sister’s.
ANDY
You know what, I really can’t talk
right now. I’m at the airport.
MICHELLE (V.O.)
You called me!
Andy whips off his belt and empties his pockets into a white
plastic container.
ANDY
I’m putting you on Speaker.
MICHELLE
(on speaker)
Don’t put me on speaker!
Andy sets the phone on the conveyor belt as he continues

emptying his pockets.
ANDY
(yelling at phone)
I’m next in line! I have to!
The electronic contents of Andy’s pockets just keep going and

going. Blackberry. iPhone. Headsets. Remote modems.
Andy shuffles forward with the phone.
ANDY
Just stay on the line okay? I’ll
be right back.
The Fat Man shuffles awkwardly through the metal detector

holding up his pants.
MICHELLE
(on speaker)
Andy, I’m moving out.
22.
The Fat Man suddenly trips and crashes right into the metal
detector, knocking it halfway over.
ANDY
Oh my god!
MICHELLE
Don’t over-react.
Andy grabs the phone.
ANDY
Move out? Wait, what?
The SECURITY TEAM pushes the metal detector back into place
forcefully -- wires exposed.
MICHELLE
You probably won’t even notice that
I’m gone.
ANDY
What is that supposed to mean?
The people in line behind Andy are getting pissed. SECURITY

GUARD waves Andy through adamantly.
SECURITY
Let’s go, sir.
Andy looks up at the SECURITY LADY running the conveyor belt.

She’s an odd one - baggy eyes, smoker’s teeth, funny hat.
ANDY
Can I keep this phone on?
(sets phone down)
It’s very important.
She shrugs. The phone rolls away.
Andy steps up to the metal detector. Peers through at the

Security Guard.
SLOW MOTION: Security Guard angrily waves him through.
DEEP INSIDE the metal detector, past a chrome shell, rubber

insulation, and various wires -- a strange spark FIRES and
PULSES through the whole structure just as Andy passes.
He rushes over to the conveyor belt.

23.
ANDY
Come on, phone... Come on...
(into the machine)
Michelle. I’m right here. I’m
still here. Just wait another
second.
Behind him, the security guard inspects the machine

carefully, looks over at Andy, then kicks the machine. A
loud BEEP and suddenly the machine whirs back on.
Andy’s phone appears and he grabs it.
ANDY
Michelle? Michelle? Damn.
He looks at the phone, then up at the Security Lady.
ANDY
You said -- I told you -- This --
He hits the power button as he puts on his belt.
ANDY
It’s not turning on. Great...
The lady has moved on with her job, ignoring Andy.
ANDY
You broke my phone!
She peers up at him, scary look. Don’t mess with me.
ANDY
It wasn’t broken before it went
through there. What did you do?
Bump it? Slam it? Zap it?
Pause.
SECURITY LADY
I zapped it.
They both stare each other down awkwardly. Until --
Nearby, the Fat Man, practically naked, getting a full

frisking, speaks up.
FAT MAN
Maybe it ran out of power?
Andy glances down at the phone. Sighs.

24.
He motions back at the Security Lady with two fingers that

he’s watching her. She blows a kiss back at him.
He turns and scans the airport. Then rushes forward as we

HEAR the whir of a JET ENGINE.
EXT. AIRBUS - DAY
Establishing - Andy’s jetliner swoops past.
INT. AIRBUS, BUSINESS CLASS - DAY
CLICK. CLICK. Andy presses the overhead light again and

again, but gets nothing. He looks around the cabin and
everyone else’s light is working.
PULL BACK TO REVEAL the Fat Man from the security line
snoring on Andy’s shoulder.
Andy deftly maneuvers the man’s face off his shoulder,

treating it like a life sized bobble head for a moment,
trying to keep him from waking up, only to slip a pillow
between his face and the window just in the nick of time.
Out of his seat and down the aisle, lights are switching off
just as Andy arrives, then turn back after he passes.
He senses something. Turns around and looks back a moment.
Starts again down the aisle. We see the lights switching off
and on, but Andy doesn’t. He spins around again and looks
suspicious. But notices nothing strange.
He turns back around and sees a FLIGHT ATTENDANT up ahead.
ANDY
Miss? My light is uh...
He approaches her right outside the cockpit. But just as he

arrives, the plane suddenly shakes and jerks.
FLIGHT ATTENDANT
Sir, you should find your seat.
Andy jumps back into his seat.
The plane immediately steadies itself.
Andy stands up again and approaches the flight attendant.

25.
ANDY
Miss, if I could --
He’s cut off by the plane’s sudden TURBULANCE.
He steps back and the turbulence stops -- smooth sailing.
He looks around oddly. Then cautiously steps forward.
All hell breaks loose. The plane nosedives and Andy is

thrown forward against the cockpit door. He hears SHOUTS
from inside. SCREAMS behind him.
PILOTS (O.S.)
Oh Good Lord! What the hell is
happening?!
Andy pulls himself back to his seat amongst the panic. As he

snaps his seat belt on, the plane slowly steadies itself and
takes a collective breath.
Andy, wide-eyed, turns to the Fat Man beside him -- still

sleeping soundly.
DING! The seat belt lights all across the plane turn off.
Except Andy’s -- it was never on... He stares straight

ahead.
INT. JFK AIRPORT, NEW YORK CITY - DAY
Andy hustles past a herd of fellow travelers. Up ahead, he

sees Fat Man from the plane, chatting away on a cell phone.
Andy catches up to him.
ANDY
Hey buddy, do you think I could
borrow your cell? I have a --
The Fat Man looks at his cell oddly.
FAT MAN
Hello? Can you hear me? Oh
fiddle. I lost him. What were you
saying?
ANDY
I just need a phone to get a hold
of my wife.
26.
FAT MAN
Well, it looks like I just ran out
of power on mine.
ANDY
Thanks anyway.
Andy rushes forward, approaches another MAN with a cell.
ANDY
Excuse me --
MAN WITH CELL

I’m losing you. Hello? Huh...
Man looks down at his phone.
ANDY
Did your phone just die?
MAN WITH CELL

Yeah. Weird. I just charged it.
Andy looks back at the confused Fat Man, suddenly concerned.
ANDY
Oh my god. We’ve been hit.
FAT MAN
What do you mean?
ANDY
Terrorist attack.
Andy turns to a growing crowd.
ANDY
Everyone pull out your cell phones!
He starts rushing around to each person.
ANDY
Does it work?
Each person responds negatively.
RANDOM CELL USERS

It’s not working. He’s right!
Mine’s not working! It’s broken!
My new iPhone! Damn-it!
27.
ANDY
People, we’ve been hit by a
terrorist attack!
A WOMAN SCREAMS. A SECURITY GUARD appears on the scene.
SECURITY
What’s going on here?
ANDY
Good sir, we’ve been hit by a
terrorist attack on all of our
electronics.
SECURITY
What are you talking about? We’ve
had no --
ANDY
Some form of electromagnetic blast!
The security guard lifts his walkie-talkie.
SECURITY
This is AC-130 to base, have you
noticed any --
He looks at his walkie -- turns the knob. Shakes it.
SECURITY
Holy hell.
ANDY
I knew it!
SECURITY
People, we have an emergency!
The woman SCREAMS again.
SECURITY
Make your way calmly -- wait!
The security guard points at a man across the room talking

into his cell phone.
SECURITY
What about that guy?
And suddenly there are people everywhere using their cells.
SECURITY
And that guy?
28.
ANDY
Huh.
The Fat Man, a good distance from Andy, chimes in.
FAT MAN
Oh hey! Look, mine works now.
The random cell users all start checking their phones again.
FAT MAN
America wins! Huh guys?
Andy straightens his tie and tries to act cool.
ANDY
Okay. Sorry everybody. False
alarm!
The security guard walks away shaking his head.
SECURITY
I gotta change the batteries on
this thing.
INT. CAB - DAY
Andy leans back in his seat and takes a deep breath.
CAB DRIVER
Where we headed?
Andy leans forward in his seat and the whole car starts
shaking, the cab meter blinks.
CAB DRIVER
Whoa!!! What’s happening?
Andy leans back and everything settles down.
CAB DRIVER
Sorry man. Never happened before.
Andy feels strange -- almost scared to move. Gulps.
ANDY
Times Square please.
EXT. NEW YORK CITY - DAY
The cab races off toward the city skyline in the distance.
29.
EXT. TIMES SQUARE - DAY
It’s Times Square as usual -- Blinking lights, video, music,

honking, screaming, street performers.
Andy exits his cab then cautiously starts walking down the
sidewalk. He’s suspicious of everything.
CRASH! A huge car accident happens right in front of him.
TWO ENRAGED DRIVERS exit their cars and begin yelling.
DRIVER #1
Hey moron! It was my turn! The
lights are out.
DRIVER #2
Lights out? Mine was green!
Andy looks up at the light he’s under. It’s not working. He

looks around at the other lights and they are all on.
ANDY
What the hell?
He backs away from the light and up against the wall of a

building, right under the window of a Barber Shop.
Through the window, the BARBER stares at his electric

clippers. He starts shaking them.
Andy walks to the next window and pauses. A KINKOS EMPLOYEE

in the window behind him starts hitting a copy machine, then
kicking it, until he’s tackled by another EMPLOYEE.
Andy sees a group of CITY WORKERS fixing an electrical grid

nearby, hunched over the sidewalk.
ANDY
(approaches)
Hey fellas, have you noticed
anything strange today? Maybe --
As soon as he is close.
WORKER
This panel just shut off!
WORKER #2
If we lose power here, the whole --
All electronics in Times Square shut down!

30.
WORKER
-- block goes out.
Andy, officially freaked out, sprints in the other direction.
EXT. OFFICE BUILDING - DAY
Andy rounds a corner, approaches the front door like a ninja.
Andy makes a B-line for the elevator, past a SECURITY GUARD.
SECURITY
Hi Mr. Mitchell.
ANDY
(clearly uncomfortable)
Hi. Um... Anything new? Any
news? Of any sort at all?
SECURITY
Nope. Everything’s good. Thanks.
Andy presses the elevator button, gets no light.
ANDY
Anything wrong with this elevator?
SECURITY
Should be okay.
ANDY
Hm. Well, it’s broken now.
Andy heads for the stairway.
Andy busts through the stairway door, huffing, puffing, and

sweating all over the place.
Buddy meets him right away.
BUDDY
Are you alright sir?
ANDY
Somebody has GOT to get that
elevator fixed right away.
31.
DING! Elevator opens behind Andy. A crowd of PEOPLE file

out.
Andy puts his arm around Buddy and leads him down the hall.
ANDY
Something weird is going on Buddy.
Tell me, have you had any problems
with electronics today?
BUDDY
Did I mess up?
ANDY
No, it’s --
BUDDY
I’ll get better, I promise!
ANDY
Just -- Never mind.
Andy pushes past him and rushes down the hallway. He keeps
an eye on the monitors in the cubicles beside him as he
passes. Each one buzzes and shuts off as he walks by. Andy
cringes.
Buddy is right on his tail.
BUDDY
Sir stop!
ANDY
What?
BUDDY
Look.
Buddy points at the ceiling. The light directly above Andy’s

head is out. Andy smiles awkwardly, now genuinely scared.
ANDY
That’s just -- That light’s out.
BUDDY
But sir...
Buddy stares at Andy like the little girl in Poltergeist.
BUDDY
It’s following you.
32.
Andy slowly steps forward. The next light goes out and the
previous one turns back on. Andy steps back, switching them
back again -- a scary version of Michael Jackson’s Billie
Jean music video.
Andy peers around the expansive floor of cubicles and

offices. He sees Mr. Craig staring oddly back at him.
He ducks. Stands to check for Mr. Craig. He’s gone.
He begins running down the hall, lights flashing on and off

above him. He turns and darts into...
Andy slams the door behind him, pulls the drapes closed, then
huddles in the corner like a madman.
Andy suddenly sits up, crosses to the desk, and pulls out a
paperclip. He twists it open, unbending it, a wild look in
his eyes. He spins around and spots -- across the room --
An ELECTRICAL OUTLET.
He holds the paperclip out in front of him as he slowly

approaches. Crouches like a tiger about to pounce.
The point of the clip gets closer and closer to the outlet.
Andy’s FACE -- almost maniacal.
His office door swings open! It’s Buddy.
BUDDY
Sir, what are you doing?!
Andy’s face spins around, a crazy look in his eyes.
BUDDY
Oh no!
Andy turns back. And stabs the paperclip into the socket.
He braces himself, grabs his chest.
But there’s nothing. No surge. No electricity. Nothing.
Andy collapses backwards, exhausted. Buddy rushes over.
BUDDY
Oh God no! Are you okay?
33.
ANDY
I’m fine! That’s the problem!
BUDDY
What can I do?
ANDY
Go get him.
BUDDY
Get who sir?
Andy doesn’t look away from the outlet.
ANDY
You know who.
Buddy sprints down the halls, maneuvering around people,

jumping over obstacles. He’s on a mission. He slides
into...
INT. IT OFFICE - DAY
Rajeev looks up from his game of World of Warcraft.
Buddy looks at him like he’s about to save the world.
BUDDY
We need you.
Rajeev and Buddy round a corner in a SLOW MOTION sprint

through the building. The heros! About to save --
Buddy eats it, falls out of frame completely.
Rajeev stops, shakes his head at Buddy.
Rajeev stares at the MAC computer.
Andy stares at Rajeev.
Rajeev peers at Andy suspiciously.

34.
RAJEEV
What’d you do to it?
ANDY
Nothing.
RAJEEV
There’s nothing wrong with this
computer.
ANDY
Are you sure?
RAJEEV
Is this some MAC/PC thing? Are you
trying to trick me?
ANDY
No, what are you talking about?
RAJEEV
You called me “PC” for a whole year
after those commercials came out.
ANDY
Was it that long?
RAJEEV
You MAC people think you’re SO
cool. And then this...
(points at Mac)
Is it even plugged in?
ANDY
I assure you it is.
RAJEEV
So why doesn’t it turn on?
ANDY
You’re the IT guy, not me!
RAJEEV
Oh! I’m a MAC! Look at me! I
have cool clothes. You just open
up the box and plug me in! La-Ti-
Da!
ANDY
Alright, get it all out Raheeb.
RAJEEV
It’s Rajeev. Rajeev!
35.
Rajeev heads for the door.
ANDY
I knew that. I was just messing
around! Hey wait!
Andy blocks the door.
ANDY
I need your help! I really do.
RAJEEV
You?
Rajeev starts forward, backing Andy against the door.
RAJEEV
What’s going on here? You trying
to get me fired or something?
ANDY
No. Listen man --
RAJEEV
That’s it!
RAJEEV
You want my job! You think you can
do the IT guy’s job?
ANDY
Not at all.
RAJEEV
Well, the IT guy has another thing
to say about that! IT guy doesn’t
go down without a fight.
ANDY
Just stop, will you?
Rajeev is pounding a finger into Andy’s sternum, forcing him

into a corner.
RAJEEV
IT guy is all powerful. Just like
that --
(snaps fingers)
No more email for you. No more
internet. No texting. No sexting.
The computer behind them suddenly springs to life -- the loud

reverberating CHIME of a MAC computer.
36.
Rajeev spins around.
RAJEEV
What did you do?
ANDY
I’m allergic to electricity, okay!?
RAJEEV
You what?
ANDY
I’m surprised that computer is even
working. It must have to do with
how close I am to it.
Andy steps closer and the computer makes some strange DYING
NOISES as it drones to a stop.
RAJEEV
Whoa.
ANDY
I bet your cell phone is dead.
Rajeev pulls out an old clunker of a cell phone.
RAJEEV
It’s dead.
He races across the room, flips on the flat screen TV above

Andy’s desk. CNBC turns on.
RAJEEV
Okay, come closer.
Andy takes two steps closer and the TV shuts off!
RAJEEV
Oh. My. God!
Rajeev is genuinely scared. He backs away from Andy, up

against the window. He wants out!
RAJEEV
What’s wrong with you?
Andy steps forward.
ANDY
I don’t know, see --
37.
RAJEEV
Stay away from me!
Rajeev scoots around the room, trying to make it to the door.
RAJEEV
I need to tell the other guys.
ANDY
No, you can’t tell anyone!
RAJEEV
I have to go. Let me out.
ANDY
(calling out)
Buddy!
Buddy appears at the door and holds it shut.
RAJEEV
Hey!
ANDY
He’s surprisingly strong.
Rajeev spins around to face a concerned Andy.
RAJEEV
(sighs)
Hey listen, I don’t know what to
do. Do you feel any different?
ANDY
Not really.
Rajeev approaches Andy cautiously, lifts his hands trying to

feel the pulse. He stares deep into Andy’s eyes.
RAJEEV
Fascinating.
ANDY
What? What is it?
RAJEEV
I thought you had blue eyes, but
they’re more hazel.
ANDY
Come on, man. How do we figure
this thing out?
38.
A phone RINGS across the room.
ANDY
Hey! That’s my cell phone!
They both just stare across the room as it RINGS again.
ANDY
(points)
See who it is!
RAJEEV
Me?
ANDY
I can’t do it. It’ll turn off.
Rajeev grumbles as he crosses to the desk.
RAJEEV
I’m not a secretary.
Rajeev picks up the Blackberry.
RAJEEV
It says “Honey Baby”.
ANDY
My wife!
RAJEEV
That’s what you call --
ANDY
I can’t believe I forgot about her!
RING!!!!
RAJEEV
Send to Voicemail?
ANDY
No! Answer it.
RAJEEV
Me? I can’t --
ANDY
Do it!
Rajeev clicks on the phone and raises it to his ear.

39.
RAJEEV
Hello?
(beat)
No, this is Rajeev. No. No. You
have the right number. It’s Andy’s
phone. He just wanted me to
answer.
ANDY
No!
(MORE)
RAJEEV
No, see. It’s not that he “wanted”
me to answer it. It’s just...
Andy gestures an “I” and a “T” like he’s playing charades.
RAJEEV
Time out? He took a time out.
Andy shakes his head in agony.
RAJEEV
No. I meant, he’s out of time.
Out of minutes! He’s out of
minutes on his phone.
Andy whispers loudly from across the room.
ANDY
I-T!
RAJEEV
And I’m the IT guy and I’m here
working on his phone. I apologize
for the inconvenience. But you
have a good day, okay?
ANDY
Wait -- no!
RAJEEV
Oh, just a sec -- Um, yes that IS
him. No, I don’t know why he’s
whispering. He uh... He wants to
say something to you.
ANDY
Yes!
RAJEEV
Oh, well, see... I have the phone
all taken apart. And the uh...
40.
RAJEEV(cont'd)
Bluetooth wireless THX1080 is --
(beat)
Okay.
(to Andy)
She says, you suck.
ANDY
Listen, tell her I love her.
RAJEEV
I love you.
(cough)
He loves you.
(to Andy)
So what?
ANDY
So doesn’t that count for anything?
RAJEEV
Did you hear that? Yeah?
(beat)
She says you have to show it, not
just say it. I agree with her.
ANDY
Hey, save the commentary.
RAJEEV
(into phone)
He says he worships the ground you
walk on. You are his breath. You
are his life. You are the reason
he gets up in the morning.
Andy looks impressed. Rajeev smiles and makes an “okay”

sign.
RAJEEV
What? That doesn’t sound like him?
(beat)
He did what?
Rajeev looks up angrily at Andy.
RAJEEV
A teleconference dinner?
ANDY
Hey!
Rajeev holds up a finger to silent Andy.

41.
RAJEEV
And he had told you “No Electronics
for one night”? No, I don’t think
that was too much to ask!
Rajeev slides into Andy’s chair.
RAJEEV
Of course not. Every woman
deserves a man who thinks about her
needs.
Andy’s pissed, paces the other side of the room.
RAJEEV
He should be thinking about her all
the time! Oh, I don’t know...
Rajeev giggles and swings his feet up onto the desk.
ANDY
Hey! Come on!
Rajeev jumps up again and gets serious.
RAJEEV
The point is that --
ANDY
I’m very sorry.
RAJEEV
He’s extremely sorry.
ANDY
And I love her very much.
RAJEEV
And he really loves you.
ANDY
And I want her to come home.
RAJEEV
And you had better come home.
ANDY
No! That sounds wrong!
RAJEEV
I mean --
Andy steps forward without thinking.

42.
ANDY
I said that --
RAJEEV
Hello? Oh no...
Rajeev pulls the phone away from his ear and looks at it.
ANDY
You hung up on her?
RAJEEV
YOU hung up on her.
ANDY
No! No! No! This is bad.
Andy paces around the room.
RAJEEV
You’re the one who treats your wife
like a girlfriend.
ANDY
Hey, save it PC!
RAJEEV
Oh, okay Mr. MAC! You -- You --
Freak. Have fun Freak!
ANDY
I will!
RAJEEV
Fine!
ANDY
Fine!
Rajeev crosses to the door. Andy reaches out and stops him.
ANDY
Sorry. I didn’t mean that.
RAJEEV
Well it still hurts.
ANDY
Yeah, I’m sorry. I just don’t know
what to do. This thing is going to
ruin my life.
They both sigh.

43.
RAJEEV
How did it start?
ANDY
It’s just been all day long. Maybe
I woke up with it?
They both slide down the door and sit and think.
ANDY
It’s probably cancerous.
Rajeev suddenly looks at his watch.
ANDY
(smiles)
Oh, now you’re out of here!
RAJEEV
No, no! What does your watch say?
Andy glances down at his watch.
ANDY
7:32. Why?
RAJEEV
Well, where were you?
ANDY
What do you mean?
RAJEEV
At 7:32! Where were you when your
watch stopped?
ANDY
Oh! Of course! You’re a genius!
I was uh...
FLASHBACK: Andy steps through the metal detector. A spark.

A flash. The Security Guard kicks it.
ANDY
I’ve got to get to an airport.
Andy and Rajeev peek their faces out from the office door.
44.
ANDY
Buddy, you’re me today. Do your
best to cover.
Buddy gulps and wipes his brow.
Rajeev hands Andy his cell phone.
RAJEEV
Take this.
ANDY
Rajeev, you know I can’t use this!
RAJEEV
Nobody else knows that.
Andy nods, places it to his ear and walks down the hall
acting like he’s talking.
ANDY
(into phone)
Right. Uh-huh. Nope. Not that.
Rajeev is right next to him like his personal bodyguard.
MR. CRAIG (O.S.)

Mitchell! Did you see this?
Andy cringes, turns around as Mr. Craig approaches.
ANDY
(into phone)
Could you excuse me?
(to Mr. Craig)
I’m on the phone right now with
Hongwei’s son.
(into phone)
Mei-Chong-Huey-Mooey-Gooey.
MR. CRAIG
You know Chinese?
ANDY
(covers phone)
How do you think I got the meeting?
Mr. Craig smiles and gives him the thumbs-up. Andy turns and
jets down the hall. Rajeev follows.
ANDY
Shoo-shoo-minny-minny.
45.
Andy smiles.
MATCH CUT TO:
INT. AIRPORT SCREENING LINE - DAY
Andy frowns. He’s next in line. Shoes off and anxious.
SECURITY
Next.
Andy turns and nods to Rajeev, who waits across the room.
Andy walks through the metal detector slowly, then stops in

the middle, shuts his eyes. Nothing.
SECURITY
Keep going, sir.
Andy walks on through and looks at his watch. Still frozen.
SECURITY
Next.
ANDY
No wait!
He walks back through and pushes back an OLD LADY.
OLD LADY
Hey!
ANDY
I think I heard a beep.
SECURITY
You cannot walk back, sir.
He’s now standing directly underneath it.
ANDY
I can’t feel anything.
SECURITY
You’re not supposed to. It’s
perfectly safe. Now -
ANDY
(looks at watch)
Why isn’t this working?
46.
SECURITY
You’re holding up the line!
ANDY
Nothing?! NOTHING??!!
He begins to shake the machine.
SECURITY
(into radio)
We need backup at Station 3.
Andy scans the room in a rage! Pushes through lines of

people to another metal detector. Various TRAVELERS raise
disputes.
VARIOUS TRAVELERS
You can’t do that! He’s cutting!
ANDY
There’s got to be a way!
POLICE OFFICERS are slowly appearing around him.
OFFICER
Sir, stop where you are!
Andy gets to another machine, stands underneath it.
He’s now entirely encircled by cops.
OFFICER
Step away from the machine!
ANDY
(to the machine)
What did you do to me?!
The security guards look at each other. This guy’s crazy.

They pull out their tasers.
ANDY
Undo it! Make me normal again!
Two tasers attached to wires hit his chest!
Andy looks down. No shock.
ANDY
Ow.
He grabs them and pulls them out, like Hulk unfazed by measly
little arrows.
47.
OFFICER
Ah man -- These things don’t work!
Officer turns to his PARTNER and shoots him with the taser.
The partner SCREAMS in pain and drops to the ground.
PARTNER
Oh, it hurts! It hurts so bad!
The officer turns back to Andy and draws his gun.
RAJEEV
(from a distance)
Andy! Don’t resist!
Andy’s hands dart up.
ANDY
Okay! Okay!
OFFICER
(to Rajeev)
Are you with him?
RAJEEV
Nope. No. Not at all...
Rajeev grimaces and melds into the crowd.
INT. JAIL CELL - DAY
Andy sits alone on a bed staring at the lone light. He leans

forward. Light goes off. He leans slightly back. It turns
on.
A GUARD approaches to unlock the door.
GUARD
You reached bail.
ANDY
Thank God!
He darts up and walks out.
ANDY
It’s about time, Rajeev. Where
have you been?
He turns the corner to see --

48.
Michelle. Arms crossed. Looking both concerned and angry.
ANDY
Michelle! Oh!
(nonchalant)
Hi. How are you?
She huffs, then turns and walks away.
EXT. SIDEWALK - DAY
Andy chases Michelle.
ANDY
Let me explain!
She stops and turns.
MICHELLE
Rajeev already told me the whole
story. But I’m right next to you.
And look --
(she points)
Lights, cars, glowing signs --
ANDY
There’s a limit. Maybe 5 feet.
MICHELLE
Oh, so you’re saying somehow it
just stops?
ANDY
You don’t believe me? Give me your
cell phone.
MICHELLE
I don’t have it.
ANDY
Blackberry? Watch? Anything
electronic?
She shakes her head.
ANDY
How do you even function?!
MICHELLE
Apparently the same way you do.
49.
ANDY
Touché.
Andy scans the area. Smiles. Turns back to her.
ANDY
Here, watch this.
Through a nearby window, a row of people run on treadmills.
As Andy walks along the window, one-by-one, runners smack

into the treadmill consoles as their machines suddenly shut
off.
Michelle gasps and pulls him away.
MICHELLE
Okay okay, I believe you.
She’s suddenly concerned, putting it all together.
MICHELLE
If everything’s shutting off around
you, what does that mean for your
pacemaker?
Andy’s suddenly concerned. Grabs his chest.
ANDY
Oh my God.
MICHELLE
We should get you to a doctor.
INT. DOCTOR’S OFFICE, LOBBY - DAY
Andy’s head in his hands. Michelle reads a magazine.
Next to them, an ANNOYING GUY chats away on his cell phone.
ANNOYING GUY
Hahahahaha! No way. No WAY! You
do it! Hahahahaha.
Andy slowly looks up at him, then at the ANNOYED PEOPLE

sitting around him.
ANDY
You realize how annoying that is?
50.
ANNOYING GUY
(looks over)
Are you talking to me?
ANDY
Yeah. And you know you don’t have
to yell into your phone. They can
hear you. I promise. The
technology is pretty good nowadays.
The Annoying Guy simply flips him off and keeps talking.
ANNOYING GUY
Hahahaha, no man! It’s some guy.
Andy stands and walks across the room.
MICHELLE
Just leave it, Andy.
Andy stops right in front of him. Stands quietly.
The man looks down at his phone curiously.
ANDY
Lost your call?
ANNOYING GUY
What’d you do?
SECRETARY (O.S.)
Andy Mitchell?
ANDY
Yeah, that’s me.
Andy keeps staring down the guy as he backs away.
INT. DOCTOR’S OFFICE - DAY
A huge distorted eyeball pulls away and stares. This is

DOCTOR COPERNICUS, 68, glasses and a super thin gray
mustache. He’s got a handheld light that isn’t working.
DOCTOR
You look fine. It’s my light that
isn’t working.
ANDY
Did you even listen to my symptoms?
Doctor shakes his light. Michelle paces behind him.

51.
DOCTOR
That’s the darned-est thing.
ANDY
It’s like a bubble -- or a radius
of energy...
The Doctor sits down next to Andy.
DOCTOR
You think that’s what it is?
ANDY
I don’t know! You’re the doctor!
MICHELLE
We’re worried about his pacemaker.
DOCTOR
You want a new one?
ANDY
Do I need one?
DOCTOR
Probably.
ANDY
Probably?
DOCTOR
Medicine is an imprecise science.
MICHELLE
Could you test it?
DOCTOR
How do you figure I’d do that?
ANDY
Is this like bizarro world or what?
DOCTOR
You said yourself that I can’t use
electronics around you.
ANDY
Oh yeah.
The Doctor flips open a folder.
DOCTOR
Oh my... Oh goodness...
52.
MICHELLE
That doesn’t sound good.
DOCTOR
It says here you got called last
year because we had a recall on
your pacemaker.
The Doctor chuckles uncontrollably.
ANDY
What’s so funny?
DOCTOR
It’s just, it says here that when
this run of pacemakers would come
in contact with a magnetic field,
they’d reverse charge. Hence...
MICHELLE
Knocking out electronics.
DOCTOR
Your hunch was quite precise. It’s
your pacemaker causing this little
kerfuffle of yours.
ANDY
I don’t remember getting any call.
DOCTOR
(looks at folder)
Says here your response was, “Got a
lot on plate. Working fine. Will
take care of it later.”
Andy places his face in his hands.
MICHELLE
So he needs surgery?
DOCTOR
Definitely.
MICHELLE
Is it a pretty serious procedure?
DOCTOR
Hard to say.
MICHELLE
Who would know?
53.
DOCTOR
Me.
MICHELLE
So...
DOCTOR
I don’t know what you mean by
serious. Every surgery is serious.
ANDY
How long would it take?
DOCTOR
A couple hours.
ANDY
Let’s do it.
DOCTOR
A couple days to recover.
ANDY
Can’t do it.
MICHELLE
Andy!
ANDY
I’ve got the biggest meeting of my
life tomorrow.
MICHELLE
Is it worth dying for?
ANDY
Don’t be dramatic. I feel fine.
MICHELLE
Tell him Doctor. He could die from
this.
DOCTOR
You could die from this.
The Doctor crosses to a phone and dials.
DOCTOR
I’ll call the O.R. to get them
ready for surgery.
MICHELLE
Thank you.
54.
ANDY
Okay, let’s put something on the
schedule for Friday.
Michelle looks sadly at him.
ANDY
I can do this.
MICHELLE
You think you can do everything at
once.
Andy forces a chuckle.
MICHELLE
Well, count me out.
She rushes for the door.
ANDY
I just -- Michelle...
Andy races after her.
The doctor hangs up the phone, then his face lights up.
DOCTOR
Hey, my computer works!
EXT. DOCTOR’S OFFICE - DAY
Andy flies out the door, looks both ways, but
She’s gone.
Across the street -- a pay phone.
Andy wades through slow traffic, cars turning off around him.
He grabs the receiver of the pay phone, no dial tone.
He glances around, notices a dry cleaning place next door.
CUT TO:
55.
EXT. DRY CLEANING STORE - DAY
Andy bounds from the steps with a wire hanger in his hands.
He untwists it as he approaches the phone.
CUT TO:
EXT. PAY PHONE - DAY
A tip of a wire dangles across a phone keypad. It hits one!

Down the wire and into the face of our sweating hero. He
elicits a slight smile.
ANDY
One more...
He hits it.
ANDY
Yes!
He drops the wire hanger and leans forward to listen.
ANDY
Rajeev! Rajeev!
RAJEEV
(very faintly)
Andy? Is that you?
Andy cups his hands around his mouth and yells.
ANDY
Rajeev! Can you hear me?!
An OLD BUSINESSMAN stops and stares at the strange sight of a

man on his knees yelling at a pay phone.
Andy looks up at him.
The man pulls out some change and tosses it. Shuffles away.
ANDY
I need your help with my
presentation after work.
RAJEEV
I can’t do it.
ANDY
Why?
56.
RAJEEV
I have plans.
ANDY
I will guarantee you a promotion!
Head of the IT department.
Silence.
ANDY
Are you still there?
RAJEEV
Will I be finished before my son’s
violin concert at eight?
ANDY
Uh...
(cringes)
Yes! Yes! Of course you will!
RAJEEV
Okay. I’ll help.
ANDY
Yes! Thank you --
MR. CRAIG (O.S.)

Mitchell?!
Andy peers at the phone.
ANDY
Mr. Craig? Is that you?
MR. CRAIG (O.S.)

What the hell are you doing?
Andy spins around to see Mr. Craig’s face in the back window
of a stretch limousine. Andy jumps up, looks casual.
ANDY
Oh, hey. What’s happenin’? How
did you, uh... ‘Cuz this here, I
was --
MR. CRAIG
Get in.
ANDY
Yes sir.
Andy steps into the

57.
INT. LIMO - DAY
Andy pushes past Mr. Craig to get as far from the engine as
possible. Mr. Craig sneers.
MR. CRAIG
Now I can understand you being
nervous. It’s cable television --
ANDY
Oh! The interview! I uh... I
can’t do it today.
MR. CRAIG
I’m taking you there now.
ANDY
Sir. I’m not feeling well.
Andy yanks the door handle but it doesn’t open.
MR. CRAIG
You’re the best at your job, Andy.
Let’s see some confidence.
ANDY
It’s not that. It’s just --
MR. CRAIG
Suck it up, Mitchell!
ANDY
I’ve got cancer.
MR. CRAIG
Is that true?
ANDY
No. It’s not. But I’m cancerous.
I might be cancerous. Today. Just
today. I can fix it, but I just
can’t today.
MR. CRAIG
We’re here. Showtime!
INT. MSNBC STUDIOS - DAY
Andy’s face. He’s sweating profusely. He’s on stage,

staring out at a nightmare -- a studio full of electronic
equipment. A sea of lights above him.
58.
Computer screens, cameras, teleprompters...he’s surrounded by

his newfound enemy.
A MAKEUP LADY approaches and powders Andy’s face.
MAKEUP LADY
No need to be nervous.
ANDY
What makes you think I’m nervous?
Andy looks down at sweat stains on his shirt. He quickly

closes his arms.
A SOUND GUY approaches with a wireless microphone.
SOUND GUY
I’m going to hook this up on your --
ANDY
Is that elec--
SOUND GUY
You won’t even notice it.
Sound Guy is already clipping it to his shirt.
ANDY
It’s just that --
A DIRECTOR with a headset jets over to him.
DIRECTOR
Andy? You all set?
ANDY
Well, actually --
DIRECTOR
Good! You look great! There’s a
monitor right here so you can see
what the viewer sees.
Andy looks down and sees a blank screen.
ANDY
Um, sir, the uh --
The director rushes away, right past Mr. Craig, who is

watching by the monitors. He gives Andy a thumbs-up.
DAVID SHUSTER, 42, actual anchor of the “Big Picture” on

MSNBC, settles into his seat and spins his chair to Andy.
59.
DAVID
First time on TV? Don’t worry
about it. We’re just two guys
talking.
ANDY
Okay.
DAVID
No cameras. Just sitting at a bar
chatting finances, the market...
ANDY
Great.
DAVID
How much ass we got in college.
The Director exaggeratedly points at David.
ANDY
I’m sorry, what was that?
David smiles big and cheesy into the camera.
DAVID
Welcome back to Big Picture. I’m
here with financial analyst Andy
Mitchell of Craig Investments.
Mr. Craig pumps his fist in the background.
DAVID
He’s here to give us some insight
on current market trends.
Andy gives an awkward wave. He looks awful.
DAVID
First of all, the DOW took a
surprising turn today. Looking at
this graph, how do you make sense
of this?
David turns to Andy. Andy looks at his blank monitor, then

back up to David.
ANDY
(quietly)
Well I think, uh, any turn, is
never expected --
60.
DIRECTOR
(into his headset)
His mic isn’t working David.
David touches his ear.
DAVID
Whoops, I guess we’ve got some
microphone issues.
DIRECTOR
(into headset)
Go to the graph.
A series of monitors switch to a bar graph with various

multicolored rectangles reaching upward.
Sound Guy appears, hands Andy a large microphone.
ANDY
What I was saying...
This mic doesn’t work either. The Director makes hand

motions to speak louder.
ANDY
(oddly loud)
Is that these graphs can sometimes
be confusing. Various lines...
Going up and down. And all over.
David looks at his graph, then shoots Andy a confused look.
ANDY
Or just down?
He tries to peek at David’s screen.
ANDY
Or up?
DAVID
Okaaay. I guess that’s helpful.
One of the cameras slowly moves across the room drawing

closer to Andy.
DAVID
So what are your thoughts on --
A monitor showing Andy suddenly cuts to static fuzz.

61.
DIRECTOR
WHAT JUST HAPPENED??!!
The CAMERA OPERATOR lowers the camera.
CAMERA OPERATOR
It just died!
DIRECTOR
Cut to camera two!
On the monitor the image comes back on and both Andy and
David change their gaze. That camera begins to come closer.
DAVID
There we are. So we were --
The monitor shows fuzz again.
DIRECTOR
DAMNIT!!
(into headset)
David? We’re cutting to
commercial.
A “Commercial” Sign appears on the Director’s monitor.
The Director slams down his headset.
DIRECTOR
What the hell is going on?!
David stands up and points to the Director.
DAVID
I’ll tell you what’s going on,
you’re fired! Get off my set!
Andy sets down his mic and slowly scoots away.
RAJEEV (V.O.)
Could have been worse.
INT. IT OFFICE - DAY
Andy paces across the room from Rajeev.
ANDY
I made a fool of myself on national
television. What could be worse?
62.
RAJEEV
Well, you looked like you were
gonna puke the whole time but then
you know, you never did. So good
job. Alright, focus...
Rajeev works on a computer situated on a large table. On an

empty chair at the far end of the table is a sign that reads,
“Mr. Hongwei”. Andy stands to the side.
RAJEEV
It’s on. Go ahead.
ANDY
Okay here goes. Efficiency!
Andy steps back, crossing a duct tape line on the ground.
WHOOSH! Instantly the room is filled with images, words, and

numbers projected onto the wall, circling the room.
ANDY
We live in a world of efficiency.
Blah blah blah. It worked!
Rajeev looks at his watch and starts packing his briefcase.
RAJEEV
Oh lookey, Rajeev’s good at his
job! Now if I were you I’d
practice that timing.
He shuts his briefcase and starts to walk away.
RAJEEV
Good luck with that.
Andy slides in front of him.
ANDY
Wait, where are you going?
RAJEEV
I told you, I have to leave.
Rajeev pushes past him towards the elevator. Andy follows.
ANDY
But we’re not done. What if they
ask for specifics? We need to find
a way to bring up stats on command.
63.
RAJEEV
It’s almost eight. I’ve gotta go.
He hits the elevator button.
RAJEEV
Don’t you have any friends who can
help you?
ANDY
Friends? I’ve got 552 actually,
so -
RAJEEV
REAL friends. Not Facebook
friends.
ANDY
Listen, you’re just the IT guy.
It’s your job to help me.
RAJEEV
(turns around)
Just the IT guy?
ANDY
(angry now)
Yes. A job you’re failing at. If
I lose this client, I’m blaming
you!
He walks back to Andy, getting riled up now.
RAJEEV
JUST -- an IT guy??!! Without us,
this whole company would crumble.
ANDY
Our jobs will crumble if we don’t
wow Hongwei at this meeting! Is
that hard to understand, IT Guy?!
DING, the elevator doors open.
RAJEEV
You know what, prick?
They are both heading quickly to the elevator.
RAJEEV
I don’t care if you get me fired.
Some things are more important.
64.
Rajeev marches into the elevator.
ANDY
Hey! Don’t walk away from me!
Andy runs and slips in between the closing doors.
INT. ELEVATOR - DAY
The elevator SHAKES and DROPS a few feet until the emergency
brakes catch. The guys brace themselves!
It’s suddenly quiet. The doors are open about 6 inches.
RAJEEV
What is wrong with you?!!
He starts hitting the buttons. Nothing.
ANDY
Oh crap.
RAJEEV
Step away from the buttons.
ANDY
I can’t get far enough away. It’s
an elevator!
Andy tries to pry the door open. Nothing.
ANDY
Great.
RAJEEV
There’s got to be somebody still in
the building.
Andy bangs on the elevator door, yells through the crack.
ANDY
Hey! Somebody! Help!
RAJEEV
Yes, somebody help me! I’m trapped
in an elevator with a rude,
incompetent, arrogant man!
Andy stops banging the elevator and pushes Rajeev.

65.
ANDY
Hey! It’s your fault we’re in
here.
RAJEEV
Don’t even think about blaming me.
Rajeev pushes Andy back.
RAJEEV
This is all you hotshot!
ANDY
Oh yeah?
Another push.
RAJEEV
Yes sir!
And boom! They are on top of each other, wrestling,

swinging, like a couple of kids on the schoolyard.
RAJEEV
I’m going to miss my son’s recital
because of you!
ANDY
Your son can kiss my ass!
RAJEEV
Leave his sexual orientation out of
this!
They clang against the walls, slam onto the ground, then find
themselves in a mutual headlock of sorts.
ANDY
I hate you!
RAJEEV
You don’t even know me!
They strain in an awkward embrace. Then... suddenly they

are stifling a smile.
Andy loses it first, busts out laughing.
They break out of their stranglehold as Rajeev starts

laughing as well.
ANDY
What is that?
66.
RAJEEV
I don’t know.
ANDY
(mimics Rajeev)
You don’t even know me!
RAJEEV
Stupid thing to say.
ANDY
I don’t remember the last time I
actually fought someone.
RAJEEV
Wasn’t really much of a fight. I
kicked your ass.
ANDY
Yeah, right.
They both heave a big sigh and a chuckle just as the lights
outside of the elevator all SHUT DOWN. All that’s left is a
sliver of dull light filtering through the crack in the door.
ANDY
I guess that’s it.
RAJEEV
That was probably the last person
leaving for the night.
ANDY
Somebody will find us though,
right? I mean... Buddy’s probably
looking for me right now.
Buddy grabs the phone.
BUDDY
Hello, I’m Andy.
He replaces the phone, then picks it up again.
BUDDY
Andy Mitchell here. Hi. Hello?
He replaces it, then picks it up again.

67.
BUDDY
Yes Buddy, I COULD use a massage
right now.
INT. ELEVATOR - DAY
Boredom has officially set in. Andy and Rajeev sit across
from each other. Rajeev is banging a quarter against the
ground over and over again.
ANDY
Would you stop that?
RAJEEV
No.
ANDY
Come on, man.
RAJEEV
You’re not the boss of me.
ANDY
Do you know how childish that
sounds? Grow up.
RAJEEV
You grow up.
They both sit in silence.
ANDY
Hey.
RAJEEV
What?
ANDY
I’m bored.
RAJEEV
Big surprise.
ANDY
I bet you can’t land that quarter
on this ledge right here.
There’s a two-inch ledge encircling the whole elevator.
Rajeev eyes the ledge, then bounces the quarter towards it.
Just misses!
68.
RAJEEV
Oh!
ANDY
Not bad.
Andy grabs the quarter and bounces it towards the ledge on

Rajeev’s side. It misses badly.
RAJEEV
Oh man, you suck!
Rajeev gives it another shot.
BOTH GUYS
Ah!!!
EXT. NEW YORK CITY - NIGHT
The SOUNDS of the city! Cars, subways, cell phones, sirens!
The bustling center of the universe descends into night. The

Brooklyn Bridge lights up. Electricity illuminates the whole
of the island in beautiful multicolored magnificence.
The conference room door opens slowly. Valerie peeks out,

then exits -- buttoning her blouse suggestively.
Mr. Craig peeks out of the room, then zips his pants.
MR. CRAIG
Wait -- Where are you going?
VALERIE
This relationship is not reaping
the rewards I thought it would.
MR. CRAIG
Rewards? Like love?
VALERIE
No. Like --
Valerie looks up at the SCHEDULE next to the door. She scans

down to “Hongwei Meeting.”
VALERIE
Hey...
69.
MONTAGE - ELEVATOR GAMES
RAPID SHOTS: The most creative ways to use a quarter. On

ledges. Into a paper cup. They play basketball with it.
They play RoShamBo, Tic-Tac-Toe on the wall, arm wrestling,

Indian leg wrestling, handstand contest.
They sit across from each other again. Bored.
INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT
A heap of clothes into a suitcase. It zips closed.
It’s Michelle -- she’s moving out. She flips open her laptop
and scans to a travel page. Clicks on “FLIGHTS”.
ANDY (V.O.)
Okay, I’ve got one.
INT. ELEVATOR - NIGHT
Andy jumps to his feet.
ANDY
Would you rather have a tail...
or... feet that were like hands?
RAJEEV
Easy -- tail.
ANDY
Tail? What can you do with a tail?
RAJEEV
Hang from stuff. Swing around.
ANDY
Hands on your feet man! You can do
four things at once. A tail would
just get in the way.
RAJEEV
Women would be down for the tail.
ANDY
Women would run away from the tail!
RAJEEV
Depends on the tail.
70.
They stare each other down.
RAJEEV
Okay, I have another one --
REVELERS stumble from a late-night club. Lights turn off all

over the city. Little pubs. Huge buildings.
The city that never sleeps is heading to bed.
INT. ELEVATOR - NIGHT
Rajeev and Andy both maneuver for good sleeping positions,

ending up next to each other on their backs.
ANDY
The floor’s so cold.
Andy reaches for his pocket as if to answer the phone, then

pulls away.
RAJEEV
You keep doing that.
ANDY
My muscle keeps twitching like my
phone’s still there.
RAJEEV
I think your body’s going through
withdrawals... addict.
They stare up at the ceiling for a while.
ANDY
What if we died in here?
RAJEEV
We’re not gonna die in here.
ANDY
Do you think there’s an after-life?
RAJEEV
Yes.
ANDY
How can you be sure?
71.
RAJEEV
I can’t. It just seems like it.
ANDY
Kind of a half-assed answer.
Rajeev takes a moment.
RAJEEV
I’ve lost a lot of loved ones
actually. And the thought of never
seeing them again is just too
depressing to not believe in
something else.
Andy turns to him.
ANDY
I didn’t know you lost loved ones.
RAJEEV
Why would you? We’ve never spoken
for more than five minutes.
ANDY
No more than 140 characters at a
time.
EXT. NEW YORK CITY - MORNING
The sun slowly rises over the Statue of Liberty.
ANDY (V.O.)
How long have you been married?
RAJEEV (V.O.)
Ten years.
INT. ELEVATOR - DAY
Andy is on his side, his head propped up by an elbow.
ANDY
No way. That’s how long I’ve been
married. Crazy.
Pause.
ANDY
You’re probably a good dad.
72.
RAJEEV
I think so.
ANDY
And a good husband.
RAJEEV
I hope so.
ANDY
So, what’s the trick?
RAJEEV
You know what I do every morning?
ANDY
Get up?
RAJEEV
Yes. And I ask myself -- Rajeev,
what is truly important today?
ANDY
And?
RAJEEV
I always get the same answer.
Andy drops his elbow and stares up at the ceiling.
A lot to think about.
The CUSTODIAN stops at the elevator, peers up curiously.
The light above the elevator is shifting back and forth

between “B” and “1”.
INT. STAIRWAY - DAY
The Custodian skips two steps at a time as he rushes down.
INT. BASEMENT - DAY
The Custodian busts out of the stairway and turns to the

“almost” closed elevator. He immediately hears voices.
RAJEEV (O.S.)
Ha! I got you.
73.
ANDY (O.S.)
Doesn’t count.
INT. ELEVATOR - DAY
Rajeev and Andy are standing across from each other, playing
a hand slapping game.
RAJEEV
It totally counts!
ANDY
You barely touched me!
Light suddenly fills the elevator as the Custodian pries open

the door with a crowbar. Andy turns to him --
And right as Andy is turning, Rajeev slaps his hand hard.
RAJEEV
Ha! Yes! Was THAT a slap biatch?!
Andy shakes his hand out.
ANDY
That was a cheap shot.
CUSTODIAN
Sorry about that guys. The service
man is on his way.
They climb out and the doors suddenly close. The elevator
begins to rise.
ANDY
Would you look at that? Problem
solved.
(to Rajeev)
Go ahead and take the next one.
RAJEEV
Nah, I’ll walk up with you.
Andy hides his smile as he gestures to the stairs.
ANDY
After you my friend.
RAJEEV
What are you gonna do?
74.
ANDY
First -- seal this deal, then take
my wife to Nepal. Oh yeah, and get
a new pacemaker.
RAJEEV
Cool.
Rajeev and Andy head up the stairs, leaving a very confused

Custodian behind.
RAJEEV (O.S.)
I’m just going to take a shower.
INT. ANDY AND MICHELLE’S APARTMENT - DAY
Door opens slowly. Andy peeks his head in.
ANDY
Hello?
The ALARM is going nuts. Andy raises his hand and steps
toward the security system. The alarm immediately stops.
INT. BEDROOM - DAY
Andy steps into the room, sees that Michelle’s wardrobe has
been emptied out. A lone package sits on the bed -- a
wrapped present that reads “Happy Anniversary”.
Andy opens it. It’s a scrapbook of pictures from throughout

their relationship.
He takes a big breath, stands up, and unknots his tie.
MONTAGE - GETTING READY
Andy steps out of the shower in a towel, glances at the hair-

dryer, then dries his hair with his towel.
He grabs his electronic toothbrush, flips the switch on.

Nothing happens, so he slowly moves the brush against his
teeth. It’s been a while since he had to do this manually.
He is almost fully dressed, grabs a tie, then looks across at

the necktie machine.
In mirror: The tie is WAY too short.
In mirror: The tie is WAY too long.

75.
In mirror: No tie. He smiles. Opens another button. Sexy!
Andy opens the coffee maker, stares at the “ON” button.
Pours coffee grounds into a mug, turns the hot water on in

the sink, and fills the mug. He smells it. Grimaces.
Mangled oranges line the counter. Coffee grounds everywhere.

Demolished pieces of bread with a butter knife nearby.
It’s quiet in the house. Nobody around. No electronics on.
Andy is outside where Michelle does her yoga, his legs

crossed, eyes closed, enjoying the still, peaceful morning.
EXT. 5TH AVE - DAY
Andy rounds a corner and stops when he sees...
Through the window of a bookstore: Jane Eyre. Not the

girl... The book. Printed on actual paper.
Behind Andy, a NERD on a SEGWAY approaches, then eats it hard

as he gets within five feet of Andy.
NERD
(groaning)
What the hell?
Andy turns around nonchalantly, then turns his gaze back to

the book in the window.
Behind him, a FAMILY OF SEGWAY RIDERS suffer the same fate.
Andy’s office is quiet, a stark contrast from the first time

we saw it. The blinds, rarely open, cast the mid-morning sun
into the room, making it abnormally bright.
Andy slips in and shuts the door.
Buddy, asleep at the desk, head in his arms, quickly snaps

awake. He is unkempt, wearing a headset.
BUDDY
Andy! You’re back. You’re alive!
Buddy bolts up and runs over to Andy and embraces him.

76.
BUDDY
Thank God.
ANDY
I’ve been gone less than a day.
BUDDY
You’ve never been out of touch for
more than five minutes. And that’s
only for sex or bathroom breaks.
Buddy hits Andy’s universal remote that quickly shuts the

blinds and turns on all the electronics in the room.
Suddenly there is noise and energy.
BUDDY
Okay, first of all...
(he points down)
Stay out of the dead zone.
Andy looks down and notices duct tape around the desk.
BUDDY
I’ve got it all figured out. I’ve
arranged everything so that you can
walk around the room and avoid
shutting anything off. Here --
Buddy hands him a stack of papers.
BUDDY
All your emails, phone messages,
memos, etc... all in paper form.
ANDY
Impressive.
BUDDY
Well, thank you. But now, onto
important matters, we --
Andy walks up behind Buddy, turning off everything.
BUDDY
The zone! The zone!
ANDY
Buddy... calm down. You’ve done
great work here, but I have a new
task for you.
He bounces up like a puppy, eager to catch a ball.

77.
BUDDY
I’m on it!
ANDY
I need you to find my wife and give
her this.
He hands him a card.
BUDDY
A card? That’s not like you.
ANDY
Exactly.
Andy walks around and opens the blinds again. He takes in

the view for the first time.
BUDDY
I can try to call her, send her an
email, whatever.
ANDY
Just give her the card.
BUDDY
Okay, if that’s you want.
Buddy heads for the door, but there’s a smiling Asian man
blocking his path. It’s Li!
BUDDY
Mr. Hongwei?
ANDY
Li!
LI
Andy!
Andy is suddenly nervous. Li bows. Buddy skirts away.
LI
My father sent me to inspect your
company before the meeting tonight.
ANDY
That’s so... efficient!
LI
Is that not okay? Are you busy?
78.
ANDY
No! Don’t be silly! Let me...
(nervous laughter)
Show you around then.
Andy leads Li out of the office and into...
Andy waves his hand at the myriad of cubicles.
ANDY
Okay, well... We have 35 brokers
here on the floor. Senior brokers
have offices.
Lights flicker. Monitors pop on and off as Andy rushes past.
WORKER #1
Hey!
WORKER #2
(hitting the monitor)
What’s going on here?!
They stop next to the fax machine. A WORKER #3 next to it

starts tugging at the paper.
WORKER #3
Stupid piece of junk!!!
A WORKER #4’S head pops over the cubicle behind them.
WORKER #4
Hey, did the power just go out?
There’s a MURMUR of voices talking about their machines

turning off. Andy tries to ignore the escalating chaos.
ANDY
Believe it or not, power has been
going out all over the city today.
LI
I haven’t noticed any --
ANDY
Oh, it’s everywhere. Hey, you know
what - let’s get outta here. I’m
sure you don’t wanna spend all your
time in a stuffy office!
79.
LI
Well, actually there was a --
Li pulls out his Blackberry.
LI
Hey, my Blackberry isn’t working.
Andy notices Rajeev helping out the co-worker. He smiles and

gestures to Rajeev, who comes over.
ANDY
Here, our IT guy Rajeev is the best
in the business.
He hands it over and then steps away. Rajeev pretends to hit

some buttons.
RAJEEV
(hands it back)
There you go. Good as new.
Li looks at it, impressed.
LI
Wow! That was fast!
ANDY
See, that’s how our company works!
Now, let’s blow this joint!
Andy leads Li off screen, leaving a smiling Rajeev.
INT. NYC INTERNET GAMING ROOM - DAY
Rows and rows of computers with young ASIAN ADULTS competing

against each other in first person shooter video games. A
claustrophobic electronic chaos.
Li sits at one of the computers, engrossed. He jumps up!
LI
Yes!
(looks back)
Come on, Andy! Jump in here!
Andy is nestled away in a corner of the room, staying as far

away from the computers as possible.
ANDY
Nah. I’m good.
80.
Li shrugs and turns back to the game.
Andy peers to the side, trying to get a better look - but he

knocks out the power of a nearby gamer. A CHORUS OF ASIAN
PROFANITY jolts Andy back down into his chair. He reaches
down into his computer bag and pulls out his new book.
CAMERA PULLS BACK to take in the whole room. Andy is

isolated in the corner, standing out in a sea of screens and
electronics. He opens Jane Eyre and begins to read.
INT. BORDERS BOOKSTORE - NIGHT
Michelle, coffee in hand, hustles into the back area.
MICHELLE
Sorry, I’m late. Busy day.
She sits down, pulls out her book, looks up and sees --
MICHELLE
Andy?!
Andy is sitting across from her, completely engaged in

conversation with a shocked Alice. He glances at her.
ANDY
Oh, hey honey.
(back to Alice)
What I mean is, I’m not sure I like
how emotionally suppressed Jane is.
ALICE
Did you look this up on the
internet or something?
ANDY
No. Here, turn to page 36. Third
paragraph down.
Andy flips through the pages and everyone else follows along.
Michelle can see the various pages of his book filled with
markings, notes, and highlighted passages.
ANDY
See here. She has just as much
passion as any woman, but she has
to suppress it.
ALICE
You’re right... And I kinda hate
that you’re right.
81.
Michelle’s a mix of surprise and pride. She smiles. Andy

doesn’t notice, he’s fixated on the discussion.
INT. BORDERS BOOKSTORE, COFFEE STATION - NIGHT
Andy stands across from a CASHIER at a coffee station and

stares down at his empty wallet. He grabs a credit card.
CASHIER
That’ll be $3.25.
Andy steps away from the cashier as he holds the credit card
out. The Cashier reaches for the card, but can’t get there.
CASHIER
Sir, I uh...
ANDY
I have to be over here, so --
An awkward dance between the two men and the credit card.
CASHIER
I can’t reach. It’s --
Andy finally flings the card over to him and steps away.
He looks up and makes eye contact with Michelle, smiles.
She walks over to him... then past him to a shelf. She

flips through some books, acting casual.
MICHELLE
Got your note. I haven’t seen your
actual handwriting in years.
ANDY
On paper even. With real ink.
MICHELLE
It was very romantic. I’m
impressed. You’re obviously
trying.
ANDY
I’ve had an interesting 48 hours.
And you know, I feel different.
MICHELLE
You seem different.
82.
ANDY
Can we just sit down and talk? How
about a nice long breakfast before
my surgery tomorrow?
MICHELLE
Tomorrow?
(pause)
I could talk right now.
ANDY
Now? I can’t. I’ve got that huge
meeting tonight.
MICHELLE
Of course you do. Nothing’s
changed has it, Andy?
ANDY
It has. You have to believe me.
But my whole career rides on this.
I’m doing this for us, for our
future.
MICHELLE
Then go.
ANDY
I promise. I’ll meet you at your
sister’s. I’m all yours tomorrow.
They stand there in brief silence, the gulf between them

growing once again.
ANDY
I’ll see you in the morning.
Andy smiles at her, kisses her forehead and walks away.
Michelle shakes her head. She puts on her jacket, then

removes an airline ticket to Nepal from her pocket. She
stares at it for a moment, sighs, then puts it back.
EXT. OFFICE BUILDING - DAY
A black Town Car pulls up to the curb. Li steps out of the

backseat and immediately turns around to meet a LIMO pulling
up behind him. He opens up the back door and out steps
ZHANG HONGWEI. The man. The legend. Well, he’s rich.
Both of them gaze up at Andy’s Building.

83.
Andy glances down from the window.
ANDY
Okay, they’re here.
Rajeev grabs a computer. Buddy grabs a projector.
ANDY
Let’s go. Let’s go!
They all rush out of the room.
INT. OFFICE BUILDING - DAY
Follow Hongwei as he struts through the building like a

prizefighter heading to the ring, his entourage following.
Up the elevator -- Down the hall -- And into --
INT. CRAIG INVESTMENTS, CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY
Hongwei strides into the room with quiet confidence. Li

walks behind him texting on his phone and smiling.
They both take a seat at the conference table. Mr. Craig

stands and takes an awkward bow. Rajeev, in the back corner,
nods to Andy.
It’s quiet. Dark. Andy is standing in the middle of the

room. The theme MUSIC from 2001 slowly builds.
ANDY
Efficiency.
Suddenly, at the musical climax, Andy steps away and the room
lights up just like in practice. Images of clocks showing
various times appear along the walls. They slowly rotate
around the room.
ANDY
We live in a world of efficiency.
Andy peers over at Hongwei. He’s in rapt attention, but Li

isn’t even watching. He’s looking at his phone.
84.
Valerie steps out from behind a cubicle, leans against the

boardroom door trying to listen.
INT. CRAIG INVESTMENTS, CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY
Andy points across the room at an image of a clock.
ANDY
Here are the main hours that UBS,
Goldman Sachs, and Morgan Stanley
made their transactions.
Half of the clocks light up.
ANDY
And then OUR transactions?
Every clock image in the room lights up and flashes.
A BEEPING. Everyone turns.
Li grabs his phone and stands up, walks straight into the
corner and answers his call.
Andy tries to focus. Turns back to the presentation.
A video version of Andy appears on the wall behind him.
VIDEO ANDY
But aren’t all these companies
making similar decisions?
REAL ANDY
Sure, but look at this --
Andy points at an animated chart appearing on the wall.
REAL ANDY
As you can see, our decisions have
been similar to other company’s...
VIDEO ANDY
We just make them earlier and
quicker.
REAL ANDY
I couldn’t have said it any better
myself.
85.
Both Andys shoot imaginary guns at each other.
Andy glances over at Hongwei, who isn’t even watching. He’s

focused on his son, who has just returned to his seat, but is
totally distracted by checking his phone.
Buddy swivels a tiny spotlight around to focus on Andy.
ANDY
Our company is integrated, we’re
connected. We’re in tune with
economic trends across the world.
A photo appears on the wall of Craig Investments’ main floor.
ANDY
This is our office. Over 80
workers crunching numbers for you
24 hours a day, checking modern
forms of communication to adjust to
the --
Li CHUCKLES at something he’s just read on his phone.
ANDY
Adjust to the uh -- The --
Andy takes a deep breath.
ANDY
You know what? No. Buddy, turn on
the lights!
Buddy hits the lights, stands at attention.
ANDY
Put it away.
Andy points across the room at Li.
ANDY
Put the phone away!
Mr. Craig stands up and raises his hands.
MR. CRAIG
Andy, that’s Hongwei’s son. Let’s --
ANDY
No Mr. Craig, this is not right.
He’s being a complete distraction.
86.
MR. CRAIG
Who cares?
ANDY
I care. And you know what? Last
week, I wouldn’t care. But I’ve
realized something... We’re all
distracted. Our company would be
distracted! We would!
The room waits, breathlessly.
ANDY
You know, we abuse these things.
This technology... We do.
Andy walks across the line of duct tape and the projector
shuts off.
ANDY
I bet UBS told you the same thing I
just did, that they would have a
room full of people working for
you, crunching numbers, right?
Hongwei nods.
ANDY
But money is NOT just numbers.
It’s your first house. It’s your
kid’s education. It’s a wedding
ring. UBS, all the other companies
you’ve spoken with...
Andy approaches Hongwei, sits on the table in front of him.
ANDY
None of those people are really
focused on you. They’re
distracted. But with us, you don’t
just get a business partnership,
you get a personal relationship.
We will NOT be distracted. You ARE
our focus.
Hongwei turns to Li and speaks a phrase IN CHINESE.
LI
He says he wants “YOUR focus.”
Andy turns to Hongwei.

87.
ANDY
You will have it. In fact, I’ll
hand off all my other clients to my
assistants. You will be my only
focus.
HONGWEI
(broken English)
My English is poor, so please
forgive me.
Andy nods and smiles.
HONGWEI
I grew up a peasant. Technology is
new to me. This...
He points to his son’s iphone.
HONGWEI
Is new to me. But I know -- how do
you say -- “[Chinese Phrase]”?
LI
Relationships.
HONGWEI
Relationships. And uh... Focus.
These things have always worked.
ANDY
And they always will.
HONGWEI
Where do I sign?
Andy smiles big.
Andy bursts victoriously from the door next to Mr. Craig,

followed by Hongwei. He holds a pen above his head.
ANDY
I’m keeping this pen!
Mr. Craig laughs and slaps him on the back.
MR. CRAIG
It’s yours son. Along with the
promotion, Mr. VP!
88.
ANDY
You won’t be disappointed.
MR. CRAIG
I know I won’t. When we plug in
Hongwei’s assets, we’re going to
make a killing.
ANDY
No, no. No plugging. I’m making
every investment decision for
Hongwei personally.
MR. CRAIG
It was a cute speech Mitchell, but
let’s be realistic. You don’t make
money from warm and fuzzies.
Andy stops Mr. Craig in his tracks.
ANDY
Whoa! Were you not in there just
now? This is why Hongwei signed.
MR. CRAIG
I’m not allocating one employee to
one client. That’s ridiculous.
And it misses the point of our
whole strategy.
Andy glances over at Hongwei, then back at Mr. Craig. Then

down at the contract in Mr. Craig’s hand.
He suddenly grabs the contract and turns to Hongwei.
ANDY
Mr. Hongwei, there’s been a
mistake.
HONGWEI
What... is going on?
ANDY
They’re lying to you.
Andy holds up the contract and starts to tear it.
MR. CRAIG
Are you looking to lose a job?
ANDY
(to Hongwei)
He won’t deliver what I promised.
89.
MR. CRAIG
Don’t do it!
Andy rips through the contract and tosses it on the ground.
MR. CRAIG
(points)
YOU -- are fired.
Valerie appears from behind a cubicle and approaches Hongwei.
VALERIE
Mr. Hongwei, it’s so nice to see
you again.
MR. CRAIG
Valerie?
VALERIE
(to Hongwei)
Perhaps you should come upstairs
where you’ll get all the personal
attention you need.
Hongwei looks at Andy.
ANDY
I’m sorry.
Hongwei respectfully nods at Andy, then follows Valerie to

the elevators with Li.
MR. CRAIG
Get out of my sight, Mitchell!
Mr. Craig storms off to his office.
Andy is suddenly unsure of his decision. He stares down at

the ripped-up contract, then around at the empty cubicles.
RAJEEV
Hey --
Rajeev places a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
RAJEEV
What’s truly important today?
Andy smiles.
ANDY
She’s staying at her sister’s.
90.
RAJEEV
Go.
Andy begins walking, then starts jogging.
EXT. NEW YORK CITY - DAY
Day is turning to night as Andy runs down NYC sidewalks. He

stops and massages his heart for a moment, grimaces. Then
continues his trek.
EXT. ALICE’S APARTMENT - NIGHT
Andy skids to a stop, rings the bell.
ALICE (O.S.)
Hey moron!
Andy looks up to see --
Alice yelling from a third story window.
ALICE
Ha! You looked!
ANDY
Hey, come on. Is Michelle there?
ALICE
I yelled “Moron” and you looked!
ANDY
Where is Michelle?
ALICE
Oh, all of a sudden you care?
ANDY
I always cared! I just wasn’t
asking myself “What’s truly
important today”!
ALICE
Gay.
Andy grabs the front door and shakes it.
ANDY
Just tell me where she is!
91.
ALICE
Nepal.
ANDY
I just saw her like two hours ago.
ALICE
Well, if you saw her ten minutes
ago, you could have helped carry
her bags to the subway. Maybe if
she married richer she’d have
cabbed it, huh Andy? Andy?
Alice looks down from her window. Andy’s gone.
EXT. CENTRAL PARK - NIGHT
Andy sprints, rounds a corner and cars zip by. He scans for
a cab, hails one down, but it zooms by, already in service.
He whistles, tries another one, but it’s taken as well.
ANDY
Damn it!
Looks left. Looks right. Then -- across the street...
A horse and carriage moseys by carrying a couple of star-

crossed lovers.
CUT TO:
Andy on the horse, galloping through Central Park!
He jumps a hedge and crosses a bridge.
Passes some tourists. They turn and snap pictures of him.
EXT. 5TH AVENUE - NIGHT
Andy rounds a corner on the horse and finds himself in the

middle of 5th Avenue.
He and the horse dangerously make a beeline right down the

middle of the street, cars on both sides.
People turn and stare. Horns BLARE.
He sees the SUBWAY sign up ahead and races for it.
Onto the SIDEWALK. Knocks over a FALAFEL stand.

92.
ANDY
Sorry!
PEOPLE jump out of the way.
ANDY
Coming through!
Andy stops the horse at the entrance to the Subway...
Then takes a breath and kicks the horse, which barrels down
the steps.
INT. SUBWAY STATION - NIGHT
Andy peers up at a sign, then heads down a tunnel. Crowds of

people scatter as the horse jumps the turnstile.
An opening up ahead...
There it is, the train! People everywhere, crowding into it.
Andy is above everyone, checking each person.
ANDY
Michelle!
The sea of people part as he slowly pushes through.
ANDY
Michelle!
And then... There she is!
She’s just gotten onto the train with her bags.
ANDY
Michelle -- wait!
Andy hops off the horse and races toward the train, but just
as he gets to it, the doors close.
Their eyes meet just as the train departs. It moves slowly

away, then faster and faster into the blackness.
And suddenly the station is empty. Just like Andy’s heart.
Speaking of, Andy touches it carefully, massages his chest,

takes a deep breath as he turns around and looks back at the
horse, who is now --
93.
Surrounded by TWO COPS! They are interviewing witnesses and

looking around the station.
Andy tries his best to act casual as he turns his back to

them and slinks away towards the nearest exit.
EXT. 5TH AVENUE - NIGHT
Andy pops out of the subway entrance. He looks down at his

left arm and grabs it. Pain!
ANDY
Taxi!
He waves his arms as taxis speed by. He looks up ahead, sees

one with the “Service” light off.
He chases it!
One block. He coughs.
ANDY
(waving)
Hey wait!
Two blocks. He holds his chest.
Three blocks and he has to stop. Bent over in exhaustion.
He looks up.
Another SUBWAY STATION SIGN is a block away.
It BLURS. Then focuses. BLURS again.
And the whole world shifts SIDEWAYS.
Andy hits the ground with a thud. Cardiac arrest.
Andy’s POV: The Subway entrance up ahead.
A woman -- making her way up the steps...
She turns -- drops her bags and runs toward Andy.
DISSOLVE TO BLACK.
The sound of SIRENS. Ambulance DOORS. EMT workers.
EMT (V.O.)
Clear!
94.
THWI-ZAP of a defibrillator!
MICHELLE (V.O.)
Andy...
THWI-ZAP!
INT. AMBULANCE - NIGHT
Andy’s eyes open!
We’re moving. Jostling. Andy on a gurney. Michelle beside

him.
EMT
There he is.
EMT removes an oxygen mask from Andy’s face.
ANDY
(groggy)
Michelle...
MICHELLE
You idiot.
EMT looks up, surprised.
ANDY
I’m so sorry. I’m sorry for
everything. I WAS an idiot. I AM
an idiot. If I live through this --
EMT
You’re going to live through --
ANDY
IF I live through this --
Andy shoots a dirty look at the EMT.
ANDY
You will always be the top priority
in my life. I will change. I’ll
even quit my job if that’s what you
want me to do.
MICHELLE
You got fired, didn’t you?
ANDY
Yes. But I still mean it!
95.
He grabs her hand.
ANDY
I love you, Michelle. I love you
so much. And I’ve let my obsession
with technology get in the way of
that. These things... They’re
supposed to make our life better...
EMT
One just saved your life.
ANDY
Dude?!
EMT
Sorry.
ANDY
These things... They’re supposed
to bring us together -- but most of
the time, they just end up keeping
us from REALLY truly connecting
with one another.
MICHELLE
That’s just... It’s all talk,
Andy.
ANDY
I’ll never use another electronic
gadget in my life if it means I get
to keep you.
MICHELLE
Really?
ANDY
I mean it.
EMT
Other than a pacemaker.
ANDY
Other than a pacemaker.
Andy and Michelle look deeply into each other’s eyes.

Michelle takes a deep breath.
MICHELLE
Go to Nepal with me.
96.
ANDY
Gladly.
A phone is RINGING. They look around.
MICHELLE
Is that you?
ANDY
It can’t be.
RINGS again.
MICHELLE
I think it is.
Andy reaches into his pocket.
ANDY
You’re right! It’s me! Oh wow.
MICHELLE
When the power ran out of the
pacemaker --
ANDY
Everything went back to normal.
Andy looks down at the RINGING phone.
ANDY
Thank God!
Then...
He suddenly turns and tosses the phone out the window.
Michelle smiles, then pulls out her own phone and tosses it
out the window as well.
They both smile at each other. Then kiss.
The ambulance pulls away.
ANDY (V.O.)
That wasn’t that new Blackberry I
bought you, was it?
MICHELLE (V.O.)
Um...
97.
ANDY (V.O.)
Never mind.
And off into the night. DISSOLVE TO BLACK.
FADE IN:
INT. HIGH-RISE OFFICE - DAY
Pictures: Andy and Michelle on vacation in Nepal. Hiking.

Yoga. Smiling pics. Adventure pics.
ANDY (V.O.)
It was absolutely amazing.
PULL BACK TO REVEAL Andy and Hongwei on a video conference.

Andy is flipping through an album in front of the camera.
HONGWEI
Life is a balance, yes?
ANDY
Indeed it is, sir.
Li sticks his head into view.
LI
Now go balance our portfolio!
They all laugh.
ANDY
I’m on it!
Andy clicks the monitor off.
INT. OFFICE WAITING AREA - DAY
Andy closes his office door behind him, then passes Rajeev,
who is setting up a PC next to Buddy.
ANDY
Fellas.
RAJEEV
Hey Andy.
Andy’s on the move, exits the waiting area.

98.
INT. HALLWAY - DAY
Andy crosses to the elevator as Rajeev and Buddy follow.
BUDDY
That’s it for the day?
ANDY
I think so.
Andy steps into the elevator. Rajeev and Buddy join him.
RAJEEV
(looks at watch)
It’s like 5 pm.
ANDY
I know. Gettin’ late!
Doors shut as a calm CHIMING emits from Andy’s pocket.
INT. ELEVATOR - DAY
Andy flips open the phone.
ANDY
Hey baby!
INT. ANDY AND MICHELLE’S APARTMENT - DAY
Michelle is relaxing on the balcony.
MICHELLE
Hey, sweetie. Coming home soon?
PULL BACK TO REVEAL that Michelle is preggers.
EXT. HIGH-RISE LOBBY - DAY
The three guys pop out from the elevator and into the lobby.
ANDY
(smiles)
I’m on my way!
He flips the phone shut and hands it to Buddy, then walks

away as he tosses a Bluetooth device over his shoulder.
Buddy hustles to catch it.

99.
EXT. HIGH-RISE - DAY
They bust out of the swinging doors together.
RAJEEV
You want a ride?
BUDDY
I’ll get the car.
Andy stops, looks around.
ANDY
You know, I think I’m gonna walk.
Rajeev and Buddy glance at each other.
Andy whisks off his jacket and tosses it over his shoulder,
smiles as he walks away.
PULL UP and away... Farther and farther above the city.

Serene Central Park in the distance. The Empire State
Building -- tall and strong. This amazing cement island...
And all the little ants racing around inside it.
FADE OUT.

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UNPLUGGED

A huge hand points - a massive explosion - The earth appears

A Caveman peers down at a stick and starts shaving the end

He touches the point of the spear, tosses it through the air.

Right into the stomach of a nearby Caveman! A Cavewoman

A kite with a dangling key sails high amidst a torrential

The surge of electricity speeds down the length of the kite

Horses become cars, street candles become stoplights, houses

FLASHES: An atomic bomb explodes. Millions of “1”s and “0”s

Christopher Columbus gazes down at a compass.

Columbus motions for a line of muskets to fire.

Confused Native Americans drop like flies. The rest flee.

A sweaty farmer pulls a metal plow through a sunny field.

The same farmer sits on a couch, fat and lazy, clicking

QUICK: Through a baby’s eyes -- Out a dark cave. Harsh

An old man in a hospital bed pulls the plug of his own

PULL AWAY from the slowly spinning earth. Millions of multi-

NEW YORK CITY

And into a window of a towering skyscraper near Times Square.

INT. BEDROOM - DAY

Two people kiss passionately in a luxurious bed. The man

The man reaches under a pillow, and pulls out...

Blackberry BEEPS. Message: “Done deal. Way to go Andy!”

This is ANDY MITCHELL, 36, the most technologically reliant

His wife MICHELLE, 35, stops kissing, flashes an angry look.

Andy smiles obliviously past her at his Blackberry.

MATCH CUT TO:

INT. ANDY’S OFFICE - DAY

Andy’s eyes are glued to the Blackberry in his hand. A

His office phone is RINGING. A KNOCK on the door.

Andy’s eager intern BUDDY, 22, pokes his head in.

Andy pulls another cell phone from his pocket, lifts it to

Buddy’s phone beeps. He turns to look down at it.

MESSAGE: “Check Hongwei’s schedule”

Buddy spins around, points at his Blackberry.

Andy nods, smiles. Buddy mouths “Wow”.

He clicks off his Bluetooth, rounds the desk grabbing various

Buddy darts out.

INT. CRAIG INVESTMENTS, MAIN FLOOR - DAY

Our first look at the actual company, a huge array of

Buddy hands a cell phone to a CLIENT, 52, male.

Andy continues down the hall.

Buddy chases Andy, passing a Kindle as if it’s a baton.

Andy waits for the elevator to open. He lifts the Kindle,

MATCH CUT TO:

EXT. BORDERS BOOKSTORE - NIGHT

Andy looks up from his Kindle at the large Borders sign.

He takes a deep breath and enters the building.

INT. BORDERS BOOKSTORE - NIGHT

In a back area, a small group of women gather in a circle

A pretentious looking woman with glasses leads the group.

Andy, the lone man in the group, surreptitiously checks his

Andy scrolls through the Kindle’s electronic pages.

Some women snicker. Others roll their eyes. Michelle,

This makes her smile.

Andy’s pocket BEEPS and he pulls out his Blackberry, looks up

INT. KITCHEN - NIGHT

Light switches on. Air conditioner set. Refrigerator door

Andy peers out of the corner of his eye as he uses an

Andy laughs, grabs a remote control.

Andy spins the remote control in his hand like a six-shooter,

Michelle settles into a bartender stool.

Andy takes her hand and leads her down a hallway.

INT. DINING ROOM - NIGHT