Simone Page #15

VIKTOR:

Thank you.

(turning to his daughter)

What did you think, Lainey?

LAINEY:

One thing bothered me.

VIKTOR:

I know, Hal is as stiff as always.

LAINEY:

No, not that. I was just wondering

-- in the bedroom scene in reel two

why did Simone have no reflection

when she walked in front of that

mirror?

Viktor is shocked, busted. He covers it with a laugh.

VIKTOR:

(ashen-faced)

I wondered if you'd spot that.

You've got a good eye, Lainey. I'm

proud of you.

Elaine looks at Viktor for an explanation.

VIKTOR:

I got them to remove the

reflection. The mirror's metaphor

-- to show how her character's

inwardly dead.

ELAINE:

That's genius, Viktor. Was that

Simone's idea?

VIKTOR:

(sarcastic, annoyed at the

suggestion)

Who else? It's always Simone's

idea.

LAINEY:

(not quite convinced)

So that accounts for the lack of a

shadow in reel six?

VIKTOR:

Precisely.

EXT. STUDIO LOT - NIGHT

VIKTOR escorts ELAINE and LAINEY to Elaine's car parked

outside the theater.

LAINEY:

(as she gets into the car)

Good-night, Daddy.

VIKTOR:

(kissing Lainey good-bye)

Night, Lainey.

Elaine and Viktor linger a moment outside the car.

VIKTOR:

(drawing Elaine aside)

Elaine, I don't know if it's a good

idea for Lainey to come to the

screenings -- mature content and

all that.

Both look to Lainey. From inside the car Lainey watches her

parents.

ELAINE:

(impressed by his

responsible attitude)

Maybe you're right.

(gently teasing)

Twelve years after your daughter's

born you decide to become a father.

VIKTOR:

Better late than never.

ELAINE:

(softening)

I should fire you more often. The

film's looking wonderful.

VIKTOR:

You really think so?

ELAINE:

Yes. To be honest I never quite

saw this film before -- maybe it's

the way Simone is playing it -- but

what it's saying about the illusion

of permanence in everyday life, how

that's the only way we can love --

I think it's really going to mean

something.

VIKTOR:

Thank you. I'll tell Simone you

liked it.

ELAINE:

I'd love to tell her myself.

(cajoling)

When are you going to let me meet

her?

VIKTOR:

Soon. Soon.

ELAINE:

Everyone I know has met her,

Viktor.

VIKTOR:

Everyone you know is lying.

ELAINE:

(amused)

That's true.

They instinctively kiss, more affectionate than before.

However, their embrace is interrupted by a click of a camera

shutter from a nearby bush.

VIKTOR:

Damnit!

The PHOTOGRAPHER has gone but so has the mood.

ELAINE:

You know how you can stop that.

She has to get out more.

(climbing into the car)

See you at the premiere.

Elaine climbs into her car and drives away.

EXT. PREMIERE - DUSK

The premiere for "ETERNITY FOREVER" is everything VIKTOR had

hoped for "SUNRISE, SUNSET". Red carpet, klieg lights

searching the sky, screaming FANS and PAPARAZZI.

A limousine pulls up, door opens and VIKTOR steps out. The

crowd screams with excitement.

Viktor waves. Am expectancy in the crowd -- people crane

their necks, waiting for someone else to step out of the open

car door... but nothing. The door shuts. A disappointed

murmer. The limo drives off.

VIKTOR walks down the carpet to little fanfare.

PREMIERE REPORTER 1

(talking to camera)

-- What a night! Anyone who's

anyone is here at the premiere of

"Eternity Forever," but waiting for

Simone to show may take even

longer. We do have her director,

Viktor Taransky.

(ushering him over)

Viktor, Viktor, is Simone coming?

VIKTOR:

(slightly irritated by the

focus on the star)

You know Simone.

Other reporters force their way into the interview.

PREMIERE REPORTER 2

I hope she does show up. Some of

her fans got here at dawn. We

don't want to disappoint them.

VIKTOR:

(through a pained smile)

Well, I'm sure they're going to

love the movie. I got the

inspiration --

However, the reporter's attention has strayed.

PREMIERE REPORTER 2

HARRY EPSON!

The CAMERAS pivot away from Viktor. Screen idol, HARRY

EPSON, is walking up the carpet.

PREMIERE REPORTER 2

Harry! Harry! Can we have a

minute? What brings you here

tonight?

HARRY:

(waving to the fans)

I just came out to support my good

friend, Simone.

PREMIERE REPORTER 2

There's a rumor that you're more

than just "good friends"?

HARRY:

(slightly irritated by the

invasion)

We've been seeing each other, sure,

but we'd rather keep our

relationship private.

PREMIERE REPORTER 2

(believing she has a

scoop)

Do I hear the sound of... wedding

bells?

HARRY:

(suddenly losing it)

I can't believe you people! No

wonder she never comes to these

things!

Harry angrily pushes the camera away and strides up the

carpet.

VIKTOR watches him go, flabbergasted.

EXT. PREMIERE PARTY - NIGHT

A packed, glitzy party. VIKTOR enters without an escort.

Despite his recent rise to prominence he appears strangely

alone.

He observes ELAINE, champagne in hand, and the younger KENT,

schmoozing with a group of industry MOVERS and SHAKERS.

MOVER/SHAKER

Elaine! The picture is a

revelation!

ELAINE:

Thank you. I mean, it was a team

effort --

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