The Ice Pick: or The Undisclosed Virtue of the Orbital Lobotomy
FADE IN:
EXT. TRAIN STATION - DAY
FREEMAN, a young, burly man, stands at a station, suitcase in hand, looking over a letter.
Next to him huff two men, carrying one casket after another, stacking them on top of eachother.
An old woman hobbles up to Freeman.
Freeman tips his hat, searching for the train.
The old woman coughs into a handkerchief.
Freeman looks at his watch, sighs, looks ahead.
The old woman coughs again, louder, heavier.
Freeman smiles bitterly.
The old woman coughs again, falters, falls to her knees, can't stop coughing.
Freeman hesitates, looks all around, waves to the two men. The two men ignore him.
The old woman falls flat on the ground, still.
Freeman digs through his pockets, withdraws a bottle of pills, shaking, swallows a few.
Freeman nudges the woman with his foot, tries to speak, can't.
The old woman doesn't respond.
Freeman looks to the two men, approaching, terrifying.
Freeman takes a step back, another. Another. Trips over the dead woman, drops his briefcase, the letter.
The men come closer. Closer.
Freeman tries to scream, can't.
The men pick up the old woman, drop her into a casket, and hammer the lid shut.
A train whistle blows.
The letter lies upon the ground, reads: "We're regret to inform you of the death of Walter Freeman"
INT. BAR - DAY
Freeman gulps down an old fashion in a drunken stupor. He holds up his glass, slurs.
FREEMAN
Another round!
BARTENDER
How bout some water pal?
FREEMAN
What good would that do?
BARTENDER
A whole lot by the looks of it.
FREEMAN
I suppose you're a doctor then, yes? A man of the medical vocation?
BARTENDER
Well I do dabble in
FREEMAN
Let me tell you what I "dabble" in "buddy". The mind, the brain, the soul, the very fabric of reality. You think it and I know it.
BARTENDER
Sure pal.
FREEMAN
Think I'm just another good for nothing drunk?
BARTENDER
You said it pal.
FREEMAN
How old are you?
BARTENDER
Just about 23.
FREEMAN
And me just the same!
BARTENDER
Congratulations.
FREEMAN
And a tenured professor at that.
BARTENDER
Sure buddy.
FREEMAN
A doctor no less.
BARTENDER
Uh huh.
FREEMAN
A surgeon at that!
BARTENDER
Surgeon, huh?
FREEMAN
Well more of an anatomist, if you really must know, but thats not the point.
BARTENDER
Sure pal.
FREEMAN
Don't you see?
BARTENDER
I look blind to you?
FREEMAN
It is not your cornea which concerns me.
BARTENDER
And what is it, exactly, that does?
FREEMAN
You and me, we are much the same. Same build, same class, same age.
BARTENDER
What makes you think
FREEMAN
Hush now. Listen. This is how it is. You and me, we are much the same. But at the same time, we are very different. So whats the difference?
BARTENDER
I'm pouring and you're drinking.
FREEMAN
Beyond that.
The bartender sighs, looks around the empty bar.
BARTENDER
Look, buddy, I got a job to keep, so if you could just
FREEMAN
And not I?
BARTENDER
Not much by the looks of it.
FREEMAN
I'll have you know I'm in the midst of an operation at this very moment between space and time, so often referred to as reality.
BARTENDER
Oh yea? And who's the patient? Buster Keaton?
FREEMAN
Facetious you may be, but the truth is no different.
BARTENDER
So you're telling me you're operating on a patient right here, right now, in this very establishment.
FREEMAN
Don't be preposterous! I'm conducting the procedure over at St. Elizabeth's.
BARTENDER
That whiskey there says otherwise.
FREEMAN
Well, you see, my good friend and fellow surgeon
BARTENDER
I thought you said you weren't a surgeon.
FREEMAN
Pardon the nomenclature. My assistant, the surgeon, just smoked his last cigarette. Now I couldn't have that. What's a man without his nerve? So I ran down to pick up another pack. And on my way back, I passed by this fine establishment, and thought to myself "why, whats the harm in a little hair of the dog?"
BARTENDER
And then a couple hours go by just like that.
FREEMAN
Hours?! Why it's hardly been a quarter!
BARTENDER
It's been two, buddy, working on three, so maybe you should just get back to your
FREEMAN
You don't say! Well I'll be. The brain is an endlessly captivating apparatus.
BARTENDER
So how bout that water pal?
FREEMAN
Yes, well, perhaps, but then again
The phone rings. The bartender growls, steps over to the phone, answers it.
BARTENDER
Hello? Oh yea, sure! You're in on it too, huh? Dead, is she? Well let me tell you what bub, if you think you can just
FREEMAN
Pardon?
BARTENDER
What?!
FREEMAN
I don't suppose thats St. Elizabeths?
BARTENDER
Ya don't say!
FREEMAN
Yes, well, I suppose my presence is a bit overdue. How much?
BARTENDER
You know what? Forget it. Just get, yea? How about that?
FREEMAN
Well a man is no man if not a man of his word.
BARTENDER
And what word is that?
FREEMAN
Will a buck break even?
BARTENDER
Just about.
FREEMAN
Then lets call it two for the trouble.
BARTENDER
Sure thing pal.
FREEMAN
And one last thing.
BARTENDER
What?
FREEMAN
You said she was dead, correct?
BARTENDER
Sure buddy.
FREEMAN
Damn. Thats the third one this week. Well, good day to you sir.
Freeman stands, rifles through his pockets, places two dollars on the counter, tips his hat, and walks out of the establishment.
INT. AUDITORIUM - DAY
Freeman stumbles into an auditorium.
MONIZ, an old, distinguished gentleman, stands before a large crowd, upon a small stage, using a leukotomy to dig through a patient's brain.
MONIZ
...severing the neural connections in the pre-frontal region disrupts detrimental emotional responses which have grown habitual in the patient during the course of the disease. Furthermore, this process spawns novel neural pathways, abandoning faulty patterns for more docile frameworks. In other words, gentlemen, we are reinventing mankind.
Moniz finishes his operation and sets down his tools.
MONIZ
Ah, but you fret. The tension is palpable. The anxiety ridden foolishness of hopeless skeptics. But it was you Americans, not I, who first performed the leukotomy. Know not of the one named Lucy, the once raving monkey? Or is that not proof enough? Well then, gentlemen, let me introduce to you the world's first human leukotomy.
A young woman steps across the stage as the leukotomy patient is wheeled away.
Two chairs are brought to the center of the stage, one sitting in each.
MONIZ
Please.
Meryl obeys.
MONIZ
Now tell me, Ms., how old are you?
MERYL
18.
MONIZ
And why, pray tell, were you sent to me.
MERYL
Sc...sc...schizophrenia.
MONIZ
Thats right Meryl! Very good! And what were the symptoms of this atrocious disease?
MERYL
Symptoms?
MONIZ
Why did you come to me?
MERYL
It was my father, you see, he thought
Moniz laughs courteously.
MONIZ
Yes! Yes! Of course. But why were you brought to me?
MERYL
Oh. Well...I have...well...voices....
MONIZ
Voices?
MERYL
I hear things.
MONIZ
You hear voices?
MERYL
Yes.
MONIZ
Well we all hear voices, Ms. Meryl. That's the beauty of the temporal lobe!
The crowd laughs.
MERYL
(Agitated)
No! No. Like. Bad voices.
MONIZ
Bad voices?
Meryl nods.
MONIZ
Can you elucidate?
MERYL
Sir?
MONIZ
I mean, what kind of bad voices?
MERYL
Voices that say bad things.
MONIZ
Like what?
MERYL
Hurt. Kill. Mutilate. Rape. Murder. Murder. Murder. Murder. M
Moniz taps Meryl on the knee.
MONIZ
Very good, Meryl. And what happened to these voices?
MERYL
Happened?
MONIZ
Post surgery?
MERYL
Surgery?
Moniz turns to the audience.
MONIZ
It must be noted, before we continue, that the leukotomy creates a sort of, how do you say, short term amnesia. She cannot recall the events promptly prior to the operation.
Moniz turns back to Meryl.
MONIZ
Apologies, Ms. Meryl. Tell me more about these voices.
MERYL
More?
MONIZ
Do you still hear them?
MERYL
Oh yes! Very much so!
The crowd mumbles audibly. Moniz laughs uncomfortably.
MONIZ
Yes. Yes. Of course! But do you listen to them?
MERYL
Oh I certainly hear them!
The crowd grows more agitated.
MONIZ
No, no! Not hear, listen.
MERYL
Listen?
MONIZ
Do you do what they say?
MERYL
Why, no. Never.
The crowd goes silent.
MONIZ
Never?
MERYL
Well, I mean, not anymore. Not since...since
MONIZ
Since the surgery.
Meryl nods. Moniz turns back to the crowd.
MONIZ
Voices, unfortunately, are rather inevitable; but her desire to act upon them, her impulse to obey them, that, gentlemen, is entirely eradicated. No longer is she a wild, promiscuous, raving lunatic; but a bright, docile, upright citizen, with a wonderful future ahead of her! Isn't that right Meryl?
MERYL
Why, yes, yes it is. Its as if I'm...I'm
MONIZ
Reinvented?
The crowd hoots and hollers and cheers. Moniz stands, bows, the woman is taken off stage.
MONIZ
And this, gentleman, is just the beginning.
Roars of applause as press agents snap photos.
INT. LECTURE HALL - NIGHT
Upon a paper is a picture of Moniz, above it reads "Our next Nobel Prize Laureate?"
Freeman sets down the paper, his wife, MARJORIE, before him, three boys running around the office.
FREEMAN
So this whole leukotomy thing, how does it work?
MARJORIE
After removing the parietal bone, you
FREEMAN
Don't patronize me Marjorie.
MARJORIE
Don't ask stupid questions Walter.
FREEMAN
Can I do it?
MARJORIE
No.
FREEMAN
What?
MARJORIE
You can't.
FREEMAN
I'm sorry?
MARJORIE
You can't.
FREEMAN
Am I deaf?
MARJORIE
No.
FREEMAN
Am I blind?
MARJORIE
Not that I'm aware of.
FREEMAN
Am I suffering from some sort of mental disease?
MARJORIE
None diagnosed.
FREEMAN
Then what's the goddamn problem?!
MARJORIE
Language!
Freeman sighs.
FREEMAN
Marjorie, please.
MARJORIE
You need a surgeon.
FREEMAN
I'm the greatest anatomist in the world! What would I possibly need with
MARJORIE
Yes, darling, I'm well aware of your glorious status as a world renowned anatomist. You're a real Wilhelm Wundt.
FREEMAN
Then what's the problem?
MARJORIE
Just the minor issue of the American Medical Board.
FREEMAN
That all?
MARJORIE
Be reasonable, darling.
FREEMAN
I operate all the time.
MARJORIE
On cadavers.
FREEMAN
Whats the difference?
MARJORIE
Cadavers rarely die.
FREEMAN
Well I'll
MARJORIE
Perhaps you are unaware, darling, but this is a hospital.
FREEMAN
Thank you for the reminder, Marjorie. But I don't see how
MARJORIE
Death, dear, is not our business.
FREEMAN
Open a morgue then! A mortuary! A funeral parlor! A
MARJORIE
Walter!
Freeman stops.
MARJORIE
We are not in the business of murdering our patients.
FREEMAN
What makes you think
MARJORIE
A surgeon, darling. Thats what you need. No surgeon, no surgery.
INT. LECTURE HALL - DAY
Filled to the brim with students, a young man, Dr. Watts, performs brain surgery.
WATTS
Now remember, gentlemen, it is of upmost importance that the clamps are applied before attempting any lesions.
The class chuckles.
WATTS
Snicker now, for when a patient lies in a pool of their own blood, hemmoraging beyond control, your smiles will linger no longer.
The class chuckles again. A bell rings.
The men pack their belongings and begin to leave.
WATTS
Remember, gentlemen, a good mind and a great mind are alike, except in that a great mind doesn't mind a good mind, while a good mind, well, they mind.
The class disperses. Freeman steps towards the front of the lecture hall.
Watts offers a chair, Freeman shakes his head. Watts shrugs, sits anyways.
WATTS
Well?
FREEMAN
It's about a man named Moniz.
INT. SURGERY ROOM - DAY
Freeman and Watts sit opposite each other, studying a file of papers.
FREEMAN
Alice Hammond. 42. Housewife. Mother of three. Sluggish, lethargic, avowedly unmotivated. Squanders countless hours evading company. Rarely attends to dinner and other wifely obligations.
WATTS
Seems rather dismal.
FREEMAN
Most likely melancholic.
WATTS
Misery connotes no melancholia.
FREEMAN
Lethargic, unwilling, inattentive. What else?
WATTS
Her life is hardly a thrill.
FREEMAN
So neglect should be excused?
WATTS
Oh come now, Dr. Freeman! This is sick! She's just lonely, is all.
FREEMAN
She's got three kids and a husband too.
WATTS
And what of him?
FREEMAN
What of him?
WATTS
We have nothing on him.
FREEMAN
Why would we?
WATTS
Is he not her misery?
FREEMAN
But not our patient.
WATTS
And who's fault is that?
FREEMAN
I didn't realize concern was such a felony.
WATTS
Oh don't give me that concerned husband bullshit. He's just tired of her nagging.
FREEMAN
Watts!
WATTS
Don't play the fool, Dr. Freeman, it's an entirely bad look on you.
FREEMAN
I assure you, Watts, I'm altogether at a loss.
WATTS
He's got a gal on the side and the dish is too filling.
FREEMAN
Speculation, only.
WATTS
And what of this?
FREEMAN
I've my evidence. Wheres yours?
WATTS
You describe distress, not melancholia.
FREEMAN
I fail to see the difference.
WATTS
That, Dr. Freeman, is precisely my concern.
FREEMAN
Since the dawn of civilization, humans have searched in vain for the remedy to end all maladies. The solution to this revolting madness. And for the first time in history, we have the tools in our hands to rid this woman of this wretched existence! But you'd rather her squalor in misery, for she's not glum enough for your temperament?
WATTS
This is her life we're talking about!
FREEMAN
And what life is this? Insulin, electroshock, hyperbaric treatment. Why theres hardly reprieve from this wretched existence. But perhaps that's preferred: a life lived only to suffer.
As Freeman speaks, images of patients being treated flash across the screen.
WATTS
Caution, Dr. Freeman, condones no neglect.
FREEMAN
In that you are correct, for neglect implies inexperience, ignorance at best. But this is planned. This is purposeful. This is a man who elects torture for the sake of feasibility.
WATTS
Calling the kettle black, are we?
FREEMAN
I, unlike some, wish only to fulfill my sacred duty as a man of the medical profession. I see a better path and so I take it. Risky, yes, but consider the alternative. Bathing in scalding temperatures. Shivering for endless hours. Shaking and screaming and howling without end. It's this or that, Watts. That or this. And so I fail to see the strength of your position.
Watts sighs, toys with his pen, looks away, nods.
EXT. HOSPITAL - DAY
Freeman and Watts stand with a woman between them, sitting in a wheelchair, posing for dozens of cameras, journalists shoving each other aside.
FREEMAN
That's right ladies and gents. The leukotomy is dead! Dead I say! Dead! Tis the era of the lobotomy, thats right, lobotomy. Let me spell it out for you. L-O-B-O-T-O-M-Y. That spells lobotomy for you, yes, lobotomy. The first of its kind. The first in America, the first in the world. Gone is the era of cutting and breaking and tearing and scraping and in comes the age of modern medicine. Two cuts, thats all it requires, two tiny incisions and look what you have: melancholia cured! Alice, why don't you say something for the good people of the world.
ALICE
Well I suppose I could use a bath.
FREEMAN
Splendid, wonderful, a new T.S. Elliot! What a thrill it will be to see your name in the paper. Now you must excuse us, we really must go, for this young woman is going home! Thats right, home I said, home! I'll say it once, and I'll say it again, this woman is going home! A bonafide cure in under an hour. But this is no act of God, no marvelous miracle. This, I tell you, is an act of modern medicine. But alas, our departure is imminent, and our meeting cut short. Ms. Helen must return to her humble abode.
Freeman and Alice retreat into the building. Watts stands, shy of the camera, and scurries off inside.
EXT. NEWSPAPER MONTAGE - DAY
Watts performs Lobotomies as Freeman barks orders, overlaid with Newspaper headlines reading as followed:
The cure to end all cures?
The end of the insane asylum?
What a woman wants: a husbands guide to the prefrontal lobotomy.
Another year, another lobotomy. Dr. Freeman performs his 100th procedure.
The truth about psychiatric hospitals! Their monumental growth and what that means for you!
Feminist declares lobotomies will be the death of the modern woman!
Dr. Freeman person of the year!
INT. HOUSE - NIGHT
Dozens of people crowd around champagne filled glasses, scurrying off with bubbly enlightenment, filling the house with buzz and chatter.
Watts sits alone in a corner, drinking steadily, as Dr. Freeman schmoozes GWU faculty.
One of the men, a priest, JOHN, continues his academic speech.
JOHN
But what I fail to fathom, Dr. Freeman, is the procedure's rationale.
Freeman cackles.
FREEMAN
I suppose you'd rather they rot in their own filth, comatosed by insulin shock? Or perhaps broken bones from electroshock? Or is hydro therapy more your speed?
JOHN
I do not attest to the atrocities of these alternative procedures. But ones failure hardly connotes another's favor. What evidence have you, besides your own claims?
FREEMAN
Think these journals fools gold? These biographies squandered saplings? I'm afraid you are sorely mistaken, Father. For if it is proof you require, it is evidence I've acquired.
Freeman points to a large collection of journals, all past patients.
JOHN
Testimony, I'm afraid, is merely a fool's errand.
FREEMAN
Then what of scripture?
JOHN
You can hardly equate the word of God to the deranged scribblings of a mad woman.
FREEMAN
And why not?
JOHN
Why because they are mad, of course!
FREEMAN
Perhaps you've forgotten your good friend King Solomon.
JOHN
I would abstain from such blasphemy, Dr. Freeman.
FREEMAN
You have your faith, and I have mine.
JOHN
But what of cessation? That is to say, to start is rather simple, but to end, well, to what end?
FREEMAN
Well its really rather straightforward, you see, we...well we...well, come to think of it, father, I'm not really so sure.
JOHN
So you just flail about blindly, yielding your scalpel like the Excalibur?
FREEMAN
I believe the correct term is faith, father.
JOHN
But is not science a practice of exactitude? Is that not the crux of the scientific method?
FREEMAN
What do you suppose we do, play a round of trivia pursuit?
JOHN
Why I'd hardly suggest
FREEMAN
Say, thats not such a bad idea!
JOHN
Pardon?
FREEMAN
You're a genius, Father! A bonafide saint in the making. Now if you will excuse me, father, history awaits me.
Freeman walks over to Watts, wallowing in a corner.
FREEMAN
Say! You're rather smashed!
WATTS
Yet you're still sober.
FREEMAN
Never touch the stuff, ever since
WATTS
The dead guy in your office.
FREEMAN
A reasonable concern.
WATTS
What do you want?
FREEMAN
Why must you always assume I want something from you?
WATTS
Because you always do.
FREEMAN
Well thats just not true.
Watts gets up to leave.
FREEMAN
Well I...yes, well, perhaps in this particular situation, I do.
Watts gulps down a glass full of liquor, fills another.
FREEMAN
But this concerns you too.
WATTS
It always does.
FREEMAN
Pardon?
WATTS
Everything you do concerns me too.
FREEMAN
Hyperbole is hardly a good look on you.
WATTS
What can you do?
FREEMAN
Why Watts this is hardly the place to
WATTS
What, Dr. Freeman? What? What can you possibly do? Without my expertise? What good are you?
FREEMAN
Watts, please. You're causing a scene.
WATTS
Am I now?! And what of you?!
FREEMAN
I'd hardly consider a friendly gathering of
WATTS
Oh come now, Dr. Surely you are not such an incompetent fool!
FREEMAN
By that you mean?
WATTS
You're an egomaniacal megalomaniac without the slightest idea of what he is doing!
Freeman goes cold.
FREEMAN
I would advise you to abstain from such delirious language.
WATTS
Have I offended thee? My apologies! For you are the world renowned anatomist! And I just a lowly disciple. Oh blessed one. Oh holy one. How I harmed thee! Please, allow me to offer my sincerest apologies! May I beg of forgiveness? May I ask that of thee? Oh please, please, let me fall down on bended knees!
Party goers turn their heads as Watts falls to his knees.
FREEMAN
Pardon us, ladies and gents. Just a lively debate between old friends.
Freeman holds out a hand. Watts swats it away.
WATTS
A slave's master is no friend of mine.
Watts stumbles outside. Freeman follows.
EXT. BACKYARD - NIGHT
The two stand in shadows, looking in on the crowd of party goers.
FREEMAN
Spectacles serve no one Watts.
WATTS
And what of the pictures? The papers? The movies for christ sake? If thats not a spectacle, what exactly is?
FREEMAN
I'd rather discuss the lobotomy.
Watts cackles.
WATTS
I'd rather have a bottle in front of me.
FREEMAN
This is serious.
WATTS
So sayeth the great Dr. Freeman, healer of all maladies, savior of all men, God amongst mere mortals.
FREEMAN
Don't believe everything you read.
WATTS
Just a victim of the times, aye?
FREEMAN
I don't see you doing anything.
WATTS
Just the lobotomies.
FREEMAN
At my direction!
WATTS
But not your hand.
FREEMAN
Why you're just a dancing monkey! A hired hand!
WATTS
Then why don't you hold that scalpel in your hand, sever those nerves with your knife, risk their life for yours? Oh, thats right, because you can't. You're not a surgeon. You're not a doctor. You're a psychologist. A man of the mind. A man of thoughts and ideas and theories and hypotheses. A man who talks and talks and talks and never quite does anything. A monkey I may be, but at least I perform lobotomies.
FREEMAN
Why you'd think if they granted a snail such a license it'd be sainted a surgeon! This is not a question of skill, but politics! Of schmoozing and hobnobbing every board member and congressman and government official. Why the only difference between you and me is a basic sense of morals, ethics, fundamental principles. But I suppose you've transcended such meager obligations.
Watts scoffs.
WATTS
And what happened to Alice when she fell down that hole?
FREEMAN
Why her husband says she's perfectly docile.
WATTS
Careful now, Winston, big brother is watching.
FREEMAN
As you so eloquently put it, Watts, it is you who performs the lobotomies.
Watts scoffs.
WATTS
Then please, Dr. Freeman, enlighten me, what brilliance has your genius stumbled upon today?
Freeman breaks into a smile.
FREEMAN
This, I believe, is one for the ages.
WATTS
Let me guess. You wanna drop the anestigiolist. Anesthesia too. Just keep them awake right on through.
FREEMAN
Why, how'd you guess?
WATTS
In what hell-ridden world would we
FREEMAN
Efficacy, Dr. Watts. Isn't that what you're always on about? The danger of surgery, the blind man's bluff.
WATTS
What good could possibly come from
FREEMAN
I've formulated a set of questions, a selection of quandaries, a series of queries, which we'll pose to the patient between each severed nerve ending.
WATTS
Oh yea? Like what? Hickory dickory dock, which mouse ran up the clock?
FREEMAN
Yes, well, I haven't quite formulated the questions as of yet, but rest assured, once I do
WATTS
Then what Freeman? What then will you do? Your prayers will be answered? Your patients cured? And what of those who withstood a second operation? Or how about a third? I suppose you believe this too will be their cure?
FREEMAN
Don't you see? This may be the solution you so desperately desire. You complain of inaccuracy, of cutting blindly, well, what of it? Is this not the result you so eagerly require? Is this not the answer you so restlessly lust after? Unless you'd rather electroshock therapy? Or insulin maybe? Or how about hydrotherapy? Or isolation, perhaps? Or nothing but eggs, yes, perhaps thats the solution, nothing but eggs!
WATTS
You've made your point.
FREEMAN
So an arrangement can be made?
WATTS
Thats one word for it.
FREEMAN
A wise man, Watts, I truly must admit. I apologize for my cruel behavior, my crass demeanor, but I get a bit agitated when it comes to things of this nature. I take the human life very seriously. Remember, Watts, I too pledged the hippocratic oath, just like you. But merely doing no harm is not nearly enough. We must do more. We must do good. And this is the good we can do. The end of asylums, the end of disease. The end of schizophrenia and anxiety and melancholia too. We are on the brink of a new world, Watts, so let us not abandon our wits now, with greatness so close at hand.
WATTS
And oh what a brave new world it is, aye Dr. Freeman?
Watts stumbles back into the house.
INT. OPERATING ROOM - DAY
Dr. Freeman sits in front of a young woman.
FREEMAN
Who am I?
WOMAN
Dr. Freeman.
FREEMAN
Are you happy?
WOMAN
Yes.
FREEMAN
What's going through your brain?
WOMAN
A knife.
A roar of laughter. Freeman turns, facing a large crowd, not in a lecture hall, but on a stage.
FREEMAN
Humor, gentlemen, is a sign of great significance. It reveals that while anxiety and melancholia have dissipated, due to the severing of neural connections which bind the frontal lobe to the thalamus, her intellect has not fallen prey to these same damages. This original method, known as the prefrontal lobotomy, is the future of psychosurgery. No more slicing and snipping and clipping haphazardly. No more hoping and praying and wishing your life away. This, gentlemen, is the future in the making.
A roar of applause as curtains close. Freeman turns back to Watts, still performing the surgery.
FREEMAN
How is she?
WATTS
You're the world renowned anatomist.
FREEMAN
Ms? Ms? Can you hear me?
The woman absently turns towards Dr. Freeman.
WOMAN
Yes?
FREEMAN
How are you?
WOMAN
Quite well. How are you?
FREEMAN
And those thoughts you've been having? How about those?
WOMAN
You mean the bad ones?
FREEMAN
I do.
WOMAN
Well, I still have them, I do. But I don't really feel much about them. That is to say, well...well...well
The woman begins to convulse uncontrollably.
FREEMAN
Whats happening?
WATTS
WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?! She's hemorrhaging!
FREEMAN
Move!
WATTS
Pardon?
FREEMAN
Move!
WATTS
This is hardly the time for experimentation!
FREEMAN
Well I can hardly save her life prattling!
WATTS
Dr. Freeman...
FREEMAN
I'm a world renowned anatomist, the world's greatest psycho-surgeon, I think I can handle a minor brain hemhorage.
WATTS
I'm not disputing that. I just think
FREEMAN
Life or death?
WATTS
Which do you think?
FREEMAN
And if she dies, whose hands will stain with blood?
WATTS
I don't have time to debate the futility of
FREEMAN
What then? What? If you want to save her life, let me do my goddamn job!
Watts sighs, obliges, steps back.
FREEMAN
Now where are those clamps?
WATTS
There are no clamps.
FREEMAN
What do you mean there are no clamps?
WATTS
Precisely what I said.
FREEMAN
Why the hell are there no clamps?!
WATTS
You claimed they caused a glare.
FREEMAN
Well obviously I...
WATTS
Go on, Dr. Freeman. What do we do now?
FREEMAN
Well we...I mean...
WATTS
Go on then. You're the surgeon. You're the world renowned anatomist. So pray tell, Dr. Freeman, what do we do now?
FREEMAN
Why you...well I...I mean...
The woman goes limp. Watts sighs, looks at his watch
WATTS
10:42.
FREEMAN
Pardon?
WATTS
TOD. They'll ask.
FREEMAN
Who will?
Watts chuckles
WATTS
Legal.
FREEMAN
What do you mean?
WATTS
Its your problem now.
Watts takes off his gloves, his surgical mask, his apron.
FREEMAN
Wait, Watts, where are you going?
WATTS
Home.
FREEMAN
But the girl, the surgery, the lobotomy.
WATTS
All the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand.
Watts walks away.
Freeman digs through his pockets, hands shaking, withdraws a bottle of pills, opens the bottle, drops it. Pills scatter across the floor.
Freeman drops to his hands and knees, grabbing at the pills with dire urgency, hands shaking as he gathers them.
A man, GUSTAV, withdraws from the shadows.
GUSTAV
(German accent)
Dr. Freeman, I presume.
Freeman jumps to his feet, dropping the pills.
FREEMAN
(Clearing his throat)
Why, yes. Affirmative. This is he.
GUSTAV
An honor.
FREEMAN
Yes, well, uh, I don't mean to intrude, but, this stage is strictly for personnel only. Not that I object to your presence; in fact, I quite enjoy the inquisitive intellect, but procedures, you see. Rules and regulations. That sort of thing. Watts here can be a bit of a stickler when given the chance.
GUSTAV
Ah yes, the famed Dr. Watts. His reputation precedes him.
FREEMAN
Well he's really more of an assistant if you really must know. More of the brawn of the operation. A day laborer, if you will.
GUSTAV
My confederates and I are more than well aware of your credentials, Dr. Freeman.
FREEMAN
Confederates?
GUSTAV
Ah yes. Quite right! My name is Gustav Von Burin, head party member of the third reich.
Freeman cackles.
FREEMAN
And what about that whole hail hitler thing?
Gustav smiles.
GUSTAV
A fascinating thing, the American idiot.
FREEMAN
Yes, well, this American idiot must bid you ado.
Freeman gathers his belongings.
GUSTAV
I mean no offense. Surely the term does not apply to you. In fact, Dr. Freeman, we have been looking for a man like you.
Freeman stops stage left.
FREEMAN
Ahh. I see.
GUSTAV
Do you? I fear I've blundered.
FREEMAN
You uh, Nazis, as you call it. Party members. Men of the third reich. Heck of a military you got there. And that Hitler fella, he's really something. Really rally's up those crowds. But what you got yourself into is quite the pr problem. Sure sure, rid the land of the useless and all that. Eugenics, isn't it? Problem is, rest of the world isn't too much into it. Sends a bad message, when you do it out in the open. So you need someone like me, an American, a doctor, to vouch for this final solution.
Gustav shakes his head, nothing but smiles.
GUSTAV
You Americans and your pride. You smear our name, yet supply our war. In the press we are your villains, but in your pockets we are your proprietors.
FREEMAN
Well as far as Americans go I cannot say, but as for me, well, I'm no man's monkey.
Freeman walks off stage.
GUSTAV
But a surgeon, perhaps?
Freeman stops dead in his tracks.
FREEMAN
I am a surgeon.
Gustav cackles.
GUSTAV
You may fool these lesser men, Dr. Freeman, but you do not fool me. I've spoken to your colleagues, your contemporaries, your University. They disdain your presence in the operating room. A supposed case of legality. Man of the year? You can't even touch a leukotomy.
Freeman rushes Gustav, grabs the leukotomy, and grabs Gustav by the collar.
FREEMAN
How about we test that theory of yours out, huh?
GUSTAV
Perhaps your talents are best utilized elsewhere.
FREEMAN
You might be unaware, my good Nazi friend, but here in America, we don't bow down to tyrants.
Gustav frowns.
GUSTAV
My apologies, Dr. Freeman. I was clearly misinformed. I was told you were a man of miracles. God if there ever was. But clearly you are just a small, self conceited, fool, with a pride which precedes his each and every action.
Freeman tosses Gustav aside.
FREEMAN
And you're just a pathetic, good for nothing Nazi spouting nonsense as Eugenics and calling it science.
Gustav climbs to his feet, dusts himself off.
GUSTAV
Perhaps, Dr. Freeman. Perhaps I am the fool. Perhaps I and the rest of the world too. But don't you ever tire of being this man's fool?
A long pause.
GUSTAV
We eagerly await your reply.
Gustav drops a card on the stage and disappears into the shadows. Freeman waits a long beat, picks up the card.
Watts steps back onto the stage, followed by a pair of paramedics.
Freeman smiles sadly. The men carry the dead woman away.
Watts steps away, stops, sighs.
WATTS
I know this isn't ideal. I know this isn't what you wanted. But it's how it is. It's how it goes. It's the law. This isn't about you or me or anyone else for that matter. You doing this, attempting that, puts more than a dead girl's life at risk. Liability, Dr. Freeman, is hardly a toy soldier. There are consequences to your actions. Reprimands for death far beyond this young woman's family. You're pride does more than murder the mad, Dr. Freeman, it bewilders the innocent. One wrong move and we're done for. No more lobotomies. No more patients. No more cures to end all cures. You're the face of this operation, Dr. Freeman. A world renowned anatomist, and the best partner a man could ever ask for. But you are not God, Dr. Freeman. You are not Krishna in the making. You are a man, just like any other, despite what you may wish. And men have limits, Dr. Freeman, and this is yours. So please, I beg of you, do not interfere anymore.
Freeman swallows a handful of pills.
INT. OPERATING THEATER - DAY
Freeman Sets down the bottle of pills, sitting before a cadaver
Gustav steps into the room, followed by two massive men.
FREEMAN
Dr. Gustav! I must be confused. The name upon the door, I believe, is my own, but there hasn't been a sign of a soul in well over an hour.
GUSTAV
Are you not pleased with your patient?
FREEMAN
I've yet to meet mine.
GUSTAV
Is that not her there?
FREEMAN
Dr. Gustav. You must be confused. That woman is dead.
GUSTAV
Have you no cadavers in America?
FREEMAN
Yes. Of course we do.
GUSTAV
Then I fail to see the reason for your confusion.
Freeman smiles through frustration.
FREEMAN
My confusion, Dr. Gustav, lies between what I was assured and what lies before me.
GUSTAV
Wish you not to operate?
FREEMAN
Of course I do.
GUSTAV
Then you shall.
Freeman guffaws.
FREEMAN
Why Dr. Gustav! You had me worried! Now then, where is the lucky lady?
GUSTAV
Now I am the one who is confused, for the patient lies before you.
FREEMAN
This patient is dead.
GUSTAV
A cadaver. Yes. We've been over this.
FREEMAN
I'm not operating on a cadaver.
GUSTAV
You don't in America?
FREEMAN
Yes! Yes! Of course we do!
GUSTAV
Are you not a world renowned anatomist? Is that not so?
Freeman grows disconcerted.
FREEMAN
Competence is not the issue at hand here!
GUSTAV
Then what is?
FREEMAN
I accepted this position based upon the prerequisite that I would be operating as a surgeon.
GUSTAV
And you will.
FREEMAN
When?
GUSTAV
Once everyone is seated.
A large group of german soldiers shuffle into the theater.
Freeman briskly pulls Gustav aside, the two burly men stepping forward, held back by Gustav's wave of the hand.
FREEMAN
(In a whisper)
If it were cadavers I wanted I would have stayed in America!
Gustav brushes Freeman off, turns to the audience.
GUSTAV
(In german)
And now, gentleman, the famed Dr. Freeman will perform his titular surgery, the lobotomy.
A roar of applause.
FREEMAN
(In a furious whisper)
Dr. Gustav!
Gustav tips his hat, steps out of the theater, leaving Freeman alone with the cadaver.
Dr. Freeman turns towards the group of soldiers, feigns a smile.
FREEMAN
That Dr. Gustav guy, he's uh, well, ummm, he's really something.
The men stare at him blankly.
FREEMAN
Right. Yes. Well. I don't suppose any of you speak english?
They all stare at him blankly. Freeman sighs.
FREEMAN
Yes, well then, gentlemen, the lobotomy.
A roar of applause as Freeman grabs his surgical tools.
Freeman approaches the cadaver, knuckles white around his silver tools, and stabs one of the knifes into the woman's head.
Freeman drags the knife in and out of her skull, working less like a surgeon and more like a mechanic, furious in his efforts.
Faster. Harder. Blood spurting everywhere. Freeman begins to cackle.
The skull sufficiently cut, Freeman pulls furiously. The skull won't break.
Freeman pushes, pulls, harder. Harder. Still the skull won't break.
Freeman reaches for another tool, a mallet, and begins to hammer away at the skull. A grey goo spurts everywhere.
Freeman smashes without inhibition, pummeling the skull.
Freeman grows tired, tosses the mallet onto the floor, and turns to the soldiers.
The crowd roars. Freeman stomps out of the room.
INT. HALL - DAY
Freeman slams the door behind him and finds Gustav walking away, two men beside hime. Freeman races after him.
FREEMAN
Dr. Gustav! A word!
Gustav turns, all smiles, his two men menacing. Gustav whispers to them, and they sulk off.
GUSTAV
Ah, Dr. Freeman! All went well, yes?
FREEMAN
You lying, good for nothing, hitler loving, swatsiska wearing, nazi federated fool!
Freeman grabs Gustav furiously by the collar.
Gustav frowns, points to the men standing guard at each end of the hall, Freeman glares, lets go.
GUSTAV
I was under the impression you had operated on cadavers before. Clearly I was misinformed.
FREEMAN
Let me tell you something you sniveling, rotten scoundrel, I've operated on thousands of cadavers before!
GUSTAV
Then whats the concern?
FREEMAN
The concern, Dr. Gustav, is that I did not travel 4,000 miles so I could yet again operate on another decaying corpse!
GUSTAV
What then? The beer? The schnitzel? The pretty German girls?
FREEMAN
Don't you toy with me you nazi rat.
GUSTAV
I'm afraid it is you who is toying with me. I was assured a world renowned anatomist, the world's greatest psycho-surgeon, and what did I get? A loathsome, prideful, ignorant fool.
FREEMAN
Oh and I suppose you're the patron saint of Germany, huh? Hitler's right hand man? Ruler of the world! Conquerer of all! Butcher of Jews!
Gustav grows serious for the first time. The men standing guard approach.
GUSTAV
I would advise you to abstain from such language.
FREEMAN
Why? What for? Is little hitler afraid? A coward? A Jew?
Freeman is grabbed roughly by the arms. Another man punches him in the stomach. He struggles. Strains. No use.
Freeman coughs blood.
GUSTAV
Do not confuse generosity with ignorance, Dr. Freeman.
FREEMAN
Is that a threat?
GUSTAV
No, Dr. Freeman. Unlike our great leader, I do not assume the power of violence.
Freeman spits blood.
FREEMAN
Well you fooled me.
GUSTAV
A necessary precaution.
Gustav searches the room, paranoid. Freeman scoffs.
GUSTAV
Justice is no laughing matter to the people of Germany.
FREEMAN
What justice is this?
GUSTAV
I, like you, work only for the betterment of mankind.
FREEMAN
The holy war, is it?
Gustav shakes his head.
GUSTAV
Only a fool jests of God.
FREEMAN
Rather I you?
GUSTAV
If you did not wish to operate, why then did you travel all this way?
FREEMAN
As I've already mentioned, repeatedly, I'd prefer my patients breathing.
GUSTAV
You're surgery is experimental, is it not?
FREEMAN
I'd hardly consider 500 procedures experimental.
GUSTAV
But you are one of few practitioners, yes?
FREEMAN
For the time being.
GUSTAV
And why do you suppose that is?
FREEMAN
Well the operation has many moving parts, hundreds of factors, one cannot simply
GUSTAV
But are there not other psychosurgeons in America?
FREEMAN
Why there are plenty, but
GUSTAV
But what Dr. Freeman?
FREEMAN
The surgery has many risks and
GUSTAV
A high mortality rate.
FREEMAN
Well when you consider
GUSTAV
There is no need to consider, Dr. Freeman. Death has only one interpretation. One in five. Is that not correct?
FREEMAN
Well when you adjust for
GUSTAV
Is that not so?
FREEMAN
More or less. But as I was saying
GUSTAV
Dr. Freeman. Do not mistake goodwill for irrationality. Your American colleagues may be blasé about the procedure, but here in Germany, we have much more stringent policies.
FREEMAN
I suppose those camps of yours are exempt from such policies?
GUSTAV
Those are none of your concern. Your concern is the human subject, and to risk
FREEMAN
And what is it you barter with at Auschwitz.
GUSTAV
As you know, Dr. Freeman, the german position on the Jew problem is
FREEMAN
So I've heard. But what's stopping me from jumping on the next boat home and confessing to my American compatriots all about this little scientific experiment?
Gustav frowns, shakes his head.
GUSTAV
I thought you were a better man, Dr. Freeman. Clearly I was mistaken.
FREEMAN
Is that a threat?
Gustav smiles sadly.
GUSTAV
It is merely a reminder that you are operating upon the finest minds in history.
FREEMAN
A dead man's dead, no matter his rank.
GUSTAV
I refer not to the cadavers, Dr. Freeman, but the students. They wish to learn from you, imitate you, emulate you, be you. They wish to do what you do. Not just here in Germany, but around the world too. Your disciples, Dr. Freeman, practicing not the leukotomy, not the lobotomy, but the Freeman method. Is that not something to strive for, Dr. Freeman?
Freeman hesitates, baffled.
GUSTAV
I eagerly await your reply.
Gustav tips his hat and steps away.
INT. LECTURE HALL - DAY
Freeman stands in the middle of an operating theater, dozens of soldiers listening closely.
FREEMAN
And that, gentleman, is the Freeman method.
A roar of applause. Freeman bows.
A bell rings. The crowd disperses.
Marjorie sits in a chair, only her and Freeman left in the room.
FREEMAN
I hope you enjoyed the exhibition.
MARJORIE
You always were an exhibitionist.
FREEMAN
A magician must have his flair.
MARJORIE
And a surgeon?
FREEMAN
Merely a difference of perception.
MARJORIE
But now the show must fold.
FREEMAN
Why we've hardly just begun!
MARJORIE
School already has.
FREEMAN
I'll take a sabbatical.
MARJORIE
The children, darling.
FREEMAN
Is this not the world's greatest classroom?
MARJORIE
It is not a question of academics, dear.
FREEMAN
Are they not fed satisfactorily, clothed magnificently, housed spectacularly.
MARJORIE
But their friends, dear. Their family, their lives.
FREEMAN
Life goes on living wherever you go, Marjorie.
MARJORIE
And what about Watts? Did you forget about him?
Freeman looks away, hurt. Marjorie sighs, reaches into a bag, withdraws a thick stack of letters.
MARJORIE
For a man as smart as you, you always were rather dim witted. Drop this stubborn demeanor, darling.
FREEMAN
He made me look like a fool.
MARJORIE
He merely did his job.
FREEMAN
His job got people killed.
MARJORIE
But not you?
FREEMAN
I wasn't the one wielding the weapon.
MARJORIE
When will you stop blaming him?
FREEMAN
When its no longer his fault.
MARJORIE
And yours?
FREEMAN
What could I do?
MARJORIE
Cured and they're yours. Dead and they're his. A curious thing, that brain of yours.
FREEMAN
You blame me?
Marjorie shakes her head.
MARJORIE
Thats the difference between you and me, darling. I don't blame anyone.
Freeman shakes his head, begins to erase a chalkboard.
FREEMAN
I have to work.
MARJORIE
You always do.
FREEMAN
Well its not as if I'm screwing lightbulbs all day!
MARJORIE
Just Freuleins.
FREEMAN
Thats a filthy lie!
MARJORIE
Don't treat me like one of your whores, darling. At least have the decency to feign respect.
FREEMAN
I'm under a lot of pressure.
MARJORIE
Well I'm glad you found somebody.
FREEMAN
Don't be hysterical.
Marjorie scoffs.
MARJORIE
I'm going home.
FREEMAN
We can talk about this later.
MARJORIE
No darling. You don't understand. I'm going home. As in America. As in the United States. As in the U S of A. As in home.
FREEMAN
Marjorie...
MARJORIE
Our boat leaves at eight.
FREEMAN
Darling, I can't just pick up everything and leave.
MARJORIE
Then don't.
FREEMAN
So you'll stay?
Marjorie cackles.
MARJORIE
No, darling. You may be the worlds greatest anatomist, but you're a terrible psychologist. I'm going home. The boys too. If you wish to join us, that would be wonderful. If not, well, there will be no home to go to.
Marjorie steps out of the room.
Freeman sighs, withdraws a bottle of pills, swallows a few, studies the pile of letters, falls into a chair, and begins to read.
Another. Another. Another.
Hours pass by in this manner. Gustav steps into the room.
GUSTAV
Business or pleasure?
FREEMAN
Whats the difference?
GUSTAV
Never one for holiday, aye?
FREEMAN
Who's fault is that?
Gustav chuckles.
GUSTAV
And what of these letters, if I may so inquire?
Freeman shrugs.
FREEMAN
Just chit chat.
GUSTAV
And this Dr. Watts, how is he, without your guidance?
Freeman shrugs.
FREEMAN
Not a surgery since my departure.
GUSTAV
You seem to act as if this is unordinary.
Freeman shrugs.
FREEMAN
I don't know. Maybe.
GUSTAV
Is it not your surgery?
FREEMAN
I once thought so.
GUSTAV
But not anymore?
FREEMAN
How can it be if I cannot perform the surgery?
GUSTAV
But does he not await your presence, your mind, your intellect?
FREEMAN
Only for blames sake.
GUSTAV
But who is he to blame? Is he not the man with the knife? The Dr. With the blade. The surgeon with the scalpal. You certainly cannot be held accountable.
FREEMAN
Dr. Gustav, I've been spouting that same line for years.
GUSTAV
And yet?
FREEMAN
The press is unconcerned with reality, unfortunately.
GUSTAV
The American beast is a brutal animal indeed.
FREEMAN
You're telling me.
GUSTAV
But these letters, do they not persuade? Do they not convince?
FREEMAN
You sound as if you wish me off.
GUSTAV
We work only in your self interest.
FREEMAN
And what interest is that?
GUSTAV
I've heard rumors. Whispers. Nothing confirmed. But something about a Mr. Kennedy?
FREEMAN
That's little more than fantasy. Nothing but a false reality.
GUSTAV
So Dr. Watts mentions nothing of this?
Freeman goes cold.
FREEMAN
If he did, Dr. Gustav, that would certainly be none of your concern.
GUSTAV
Apologies, Dr. Freeman. I wish only to assist.
FREEMAN
You are a lot of things, Dr. Gustav, but helpful is not one of them.
GUSTAV
And for that I am truly ashamed. But perhaps in this I can change.
FREEMAN
You will forgive my skepticism.
GUSTAV
A fair and noble judgement. But this Kennedy man is an old friend of mine, an admirer of my work.
FREEMAN
You don't say.
GUSTAV
Indeed. And with the right recommendation, you could be the man who saved Kennedy.
FREEMAN
I hope I do not offend with my doubt.
GUSTAV
Why you'd be a God amongst men!
FREEMAN
Dr. Gustav, you flatter.
GUSTAV
Imagine what the press would say.
FREEMAN
What do you get out of all of this?
GUSTAV
Is a good deed not reward enough?
FREEMAN
Little is for you Germans.
GUSTAV
Tread lightly, Dr. Freeman, for those are my countrymen you speak of.
FREEMAN
And what of them? What of you? What do you expect out of all this? Out of me? Out of the lobotomy?
GUSTAV
That, I'm afraid, is strictly confidential.
Freeman scoffs, shakes his head.
FREEMAN
You can really get a meeting with this Kennedy fella?
GUSTAV
Merely a moment away.
Freeman sighs, nods, holds out his hand.
FREEMAN
Till we meet again.
Gutavs tips his hat.
GUSTAV
If only I may be so lucky.
Freeman steps out of the room.
A long pause. A german soldier walks into the room.
GUSTAV
Ensure his safe passage, yes?
SOLDIER
Yes Dr. Gustav.
GUSTAV
Better a grateful man than a bitter one, yes?
SOLDIER
Yes Dr. Gustav.
GUSTAV
And about those letters.
SOLDIER
Yes, Dr. Gustav?
GUSTAV
Burn them.
INT. OFFICE - NIGHT
A fire burns a harsh glow as Freeman sits before it, smoking a cigar,.
KENNEDY bursts in through a door.
KENNEDY
Why if it isn't the great Freeman himself! How are you old chap? Those nazis didn't wash that brain too clean, I hope.
FREEMAN
Why I...no! Certainly not! But how did you
KENNEDY
Tell me, Freeman. Can I call you that? Freeman? I'm gonna call you Freeman. Now riddle me this, Freeman. That actress lady. The one over at RKO. What's her name? Frances something. Big time actor. Worked right along Bogart himself. What a star she was, is, of course. But you know her, don't you? Frances uhh, umm, what was it?
FREEMAN
Farmer.
KENNEDY
Thats right! That's the one! Frances Farmer! You do know her, don't you?
FREEMAN
I've seen a few of her pictures.
KENNEDY
Certainly not the one with the children, I hope!
FREEMAN
Uhh, no, I believe it was
KENNEDY
Excellent! Fantastic! Now tell me, Freeman, this Frances gal, whats she like? Pretty as she looks? Course I've had a few run ins myself, but thats all dolled up, dressed to the nines! Oh but I've heard about you! A real cad! An alley cat! Isn't that true?
FREEMAN
Well, Mr. Kennedy, I don't know about that, but
KENNEDY
Nonsense! Hogwash! Balderdash! A good looking man like yourself?
FREEMAN
Well, Mr. Kennedy, unfortunately
KENNEDY
How is she, under all those sheets?
FREEMAN
Mr. Kennedy, I'm a happily married
KENNEDY
You and me both buddy. But lets talk numbers, figures. How long before you, well, you know
FREEMAN
Mr. Kennedy, I'm afraid
KENNEDY
Alright, alright. Lets not get into it. But that brain of hers, that was your doing, yes?
FREEMAN
Surely you of all people are more than well aware of the legality of
KENNEDY
Sure. Sure. Sure. No need to tell me twice. You got your sources and I got mine. But riddle me this, buddy: could you do it again?
FREEMAN
Why I've practiced on
KENNEDY
But is it replicable?
FREEMAN
Well the procedure is still rather novel and there is a great deal of research to
KENNEDY
But given the right tools, the proper equipment, you could do it again, yes?
FREEMAN
I don't know if I follow, Mr Kennedy, for I
KENNEDY
Money. Moola. Bread. Dough. Those little green things that make the world go round! How much is it gonna cost me for one of these uhh, umm, what do you call it?
FREEMAN
Lobotomies.
KENNEDY
Alright then! How much?
FREEMAN
My concern isn't the price.
Kennedy cackles.
KENNEDY
Don't be coy, my good friend Freeman. Money is always of concern. Now go ahead, spit it out, how much will one of these little procedures put me back?
FREEMAN
Well to asses the validity of the procedure one must first
KENNEDY
Now don't go backing out on me now! If this is a deal this is a deal. Leave the details to me. All I need is a yes or no.
FREEMAN
Well I
KENNEDY
Yes or no Freeman?
FREEMAN
I mean
KENNEDY
Yes or no?
Freeman hesitates. Kennedy sighs.
KENNEDY
Look, buddy, pal. I get it. I got it. You have your morals, your ethics, your basic sort of values, that sort of thing; but this is my daughter we're talking about. Poor little Rosemary. Surely you wouldn't want her growing up a hussy! Why, at this rate, she'll end up a protestant!
Kennedy cackles heartily, slamming Freeman on the back.
KENNEDY
Now what do you say? We gotta deal?
Freeman nods absent mindedly.
Kennedy grins wildly, shakes his hand violently.
KENNEDY
Perfect! My people will be in touch.
Kennedy moves to leave, stops at the door.
KENNEDY
Oh, and one last thing. We Kennedy's, we're a proud people. A well oiled machine. Eugenics as God meant it to be. But Rosemary, well, theres been speculation, you see. A Kennedy, yes, of course, but, well, theres been rumors.
A long pause.
KENNEDY
But that's neither here nor there. Speculation, only. But rumors, well, they have a way of, infecting, yes? So when it comes to the lobotomy, perhaps we lay low, yes?
Freeman nods, still in a daze.
KENNEDY
Perfect! Until tomorrow, then!
Kennedy bursts out the door, Watts standing in his place.
INT. LECTURE HALL - DAY
Freeman paces across the room as Watts studies papers.
FREEMAN
This is absurd! This is ridiculous! What does he take us for?
Watts moves to speak.
FREEMAN
Don't answer that. But how could we? How can we? Have we no morals, no ethics, no scruples to think of?
WATTS
You astonish me, Dr. Freeman, for you and I are of the same mind.
FREEMAN
Could we be of any other?
WATTS
You're unusually cautious, if you'll permit my saying.
FREEMAN
Reason hardly connotes caution, Watts.
WATTS
Precisely. Beyond some minor mental impediments, Rosemary is of entirely good health.
FREEMAN
But then again, lets look at it this way. Have we ever considered posterity? Or lets talk politics, shall we? Imagine a force like that behind a thing like this! Why we'd
WATTS
Pardon me, but are we still discussing Rosemary?
FREEMAN
We have the most remarkable opportunity, the greatest of chances, a gift if there ever was, and we simply guffaw, thinking ourselves better than God? Why, what fools are we, to scoff at fate and history?
WATTS
But as we agreed, Dr. Freeman, Rosemary is of entirely good health. She garners no symptoms, no signs, no manifestations. Beyond some minor promiscuity, I do not see how
FREEMAN
Oh don't be so god damn naive!
WATTS
By refusing mutilation?
FREEMAN
Shes hardly healthy.
WATTS
Only if you ignore her entire medical history!
FREEMAN
What of it?
WATTS
Pardon?
FREEMAN
What? Of? It? She's a Kennedy, isn't she? A millionaire. Practically royalty. Royalty built upon the once illegal trade of alcohol, I might add. So again, I must ask, what of it?
WATTS
You can't possibly suggest
FREEMAN
Millions, Watts. And thats just the beginning.
WATTS
I will not operate on some innocent little girl just so you can
FREEMAN
Sacrifice? Yes? Is not that what He said? Every man and his sacrifice? And what of yours, Watts? What is yours? Is this not a time of war?
WATTS
And who's side are you fighting for?
FREEMAN
Be practical, Watts, for once in your life. If you think we had trouble before, there'll be plenty more.
WATTS
To this tune this monkey will not dance.
FREEMAN
And then what Watts? What happens next? He's been refused before. A dozen times or more.
WATTS
I do not see how
FREEMAN
The lobotomy is inevitable, that much is assured. The only question is, are you willing to let that blood drip through your hands? A botched lobotomy? Another dead little girl? All to appease some trivial morals?
WATTS
You can't possibly believe
FREEMAN
Does Kennedy strike you as a dull man?
WATTS
No, but
FREEMAN
Does he strike you as dim witted, simple, stupid even?
WATTS
Thats hardly a concern of
FREEMAN
A man of ill persistence then? A lazy man? A man who gives in?
WATTS
But to practice a lobotomy after
FREEMAN
And suppose we refuse. What happens next? A thief, a fraud, a scoundrel, a hobo with a cutting blade? Think Watts. Think. Whose hands is she safer in? Yours, or the drunk on skid row?
Watts glares at Freeman, looks away, nods, defeated.
Freeman smiles slyly.
INT. SURGERY ROOM - DAY
The soft lull of a woman careening the ballad "Smile".
A white room. White furniture. White walls.
Next to the woman sits Freeman, holding a clipboard in hand.
Above the woman stands Watts, in surgical attire, running a leukotomy, through the woman's brain.
FREEMAN
Who am I?
PATIENT
Dr. Walter Kalman.
FREEMAN
What about that relative that was troubling you?
PATIENT
He was after me.
FREEMAN
Are you happy?
PATIENT
Yes.
FREEMAN
What is a widow?
PATIENT
She is related to a man and he went with another woman and he picked up the other woman and that is all.
FREEMAN
What is the difference between a dwarf and a child?
PATIENT
It wouldn't hurt a dwarf and it would a child.
Freeman frowns, nods.
Watts removes the wire and steps away, washing his equipment.
FREEMAN
Rosemary?
PATIENT
Parsley, sage, thyme.
FREEMAN
The fact of the matter is
PATIENT
All facts have matter, Doctor, tis the very fabric which binds the universe.
FREEMAN
But what I'm trying to get at is
PATIENT
Haven't you got it?
FREEMAN
Pardon?
PATIENT
My brain, over there, on that silver platter.
FREEMAN
I'm afraid your senses have briefly forsaken you.
PATIENT
Where did they go?
FREEMAN
That I do not know.
PATIENT
Shame, I rather liked them.
FREEMAN
Well I do hope that with this surgery
PATIENT
Surgery?!?
FREEMAN
My partner James and I
PATIENT
Jimmy is here?
FREEMAN
Yes, James is just
PATIENT
Whats a star like that doing in a place like this?
FREEMAN
Watts, Rosemary, not Stewart.
PATIENT
Oh...Well who's he?
FREEMAN
My assistant.
PATIENT
The surgeon?
FREEMAN
Yes, the surgeon.
PATIENT
Well then who are you?
FREEMAN
Dr. Freeman.
PATIENT
His assistant?
FREEMAN
No, Miss Kennedy, I'm
PATIENT
But he's the surgeon.
FREEMAN
Yes, but
PATIENT
So who are you?
FREEMAN
If you would just
PATIENT
This doesn't make any sense.
FREEMAN
Miss Kennedy.
PATIENT
I mean you're telling me he's you're assistant and yet
FREEMAN
Miss Kennedy.
PATIENT
Of course every surgeon needs an assistant but an assistant needing a surgeon why thats just
FREEMAN
Miss Kennedy!
Rosemary quiets. Freeman digs through his pockets, withdraws a bottle of pills, swallows a small handful.
FREEMAN
Dr. Watts is a good man, a fine man, a dandy man. But he is just a man. A man like any other man. A surgeon, yes, but a surgeon under my direction. He merely acts on my behalf. He is my eyes, my ears, my appendages, but not, Ms. Kennedy, my intellect.
PATIENT
But why then do you need a man like him?
FREEMAN
Because the law dictates
PATIENT
What law?
FREEMAN
Only a surgeon may
PATIENT
But I thought you said
A slam on the door. Watts rushes over.
KENNEDY
Now when I say I wanna see my daughter I wanna see my daughter!
WATTS
I assure you, Mr. Kennedy, we are doing everything in our power to
FREEMAN
Let him in.
Watts turns, stunned.
WATTS
While I appreciate the sentiment, Dr. Freeman, surely you are not suggesting
FREEMAN
Let him in.
WATTS
Dr. Freeman, this is highly unusual. Standard procedure calls for
FREEMAN
Let him in!
Watts sighs, unlocks the door. Kennedy barges in.
INT. WAITING ROOM - DAY
Marjorie and Julia sit next to each other, staring at the door to the operating room.
JULIA
Does it always take this long?
Marjorie shrugs.
MARJORIE
Not always.
JULIA
But sometimes?
MARJORIE
Sometimes.
JULIA
What if something went wrong?
MARJORIE
Then it wouldn't take so long.
JULIA
It wouldn't?
MARJORIE
Time is a sign of caution, Julia, that is all.
JULIA
Oh I do hope thats true.
MARJORIE
(In a deep voice)
Hope, Marjorie, is a fools errand.
JULIA
Oh surely you don't believe a thing like that.
Marjorie shrugs.
MARJORIE
I used to just laugh, you know? Brush it off. Tease Walter about it. But lately, well...
Doors burst open.
Kennedy, all smiles, struts into the room followed by Freeman followed by Watts pushing Rosemary in a wheelchair.
KENNEDY
Why if that isn't the damndest thing I ever did see! Excuse me, ladies. But by God all mighty thats a miracle if there ever was!
JULIA
All went well then?
KENNEDY
Well?! Why it's a God Damn marvel! These are not men you see before you, ladies, but, dare I say it? Why, yes I do! These are Gods, ladies, Gods amongst men! Strike me down oh lord all mighty, for I have indeed blasphemied, but at what cost but the appraisal of your most loyal of servants! By God all mighty I am speechless I say, absolutely speechless!
FREEMAN
Your too kind, Mr. Kennedy.
KENNEDY
Ah yes, the great Dr. Freeman! Always a man of science! But that, my good man, is where you are mistaken. For there is no kindness in my words, no goodwill in my speech. What I speak of is truth, and truth alone. And what shame is there in this?
Watts pulls Freeman close.
WATTS
(In a whisper)
May I speak with you a moment.
FREEMAN
(To the group)
A moment, Mr. Kennedy.
KENNEDY
Oh sure, don't mind me! I'll just take little ole Rosemary on over to the gardens, eh? Oh, and about Mrs. Kennedy.
FREEMAN
Yes?
KENNEDY
Tell her, won't you?
FREEMAN
It would be my honor.
KENNEDY
Fantastic! I'd do it myself, but, well, she never was one for lobotomies. A brilliant woman, indeed, but when it comes to risk, well...
WATTS
Pardon me, Mr. Kennedy, but surely you're not insinuating Mrs. Kennedy knows nothing of this procedure.
Kennedy leans in close, looks at the two women, back to the men, winks.
KENNEDY
(Whisper)
Oh come now, Dr. Watts, surely you of all people are more than well aware of the feminine mystique.
Kennedy cackles, slaps Watts on the back, and wheels Rosemary out of the room.
WATTS
Surely you don't believe such utter nonsense.
FREEMAN
Rather I you? The man who refused?
MARJORIE
Walter!
FREEMAN
Stay out of this Marjorie.
WATTS
Surely your ego isn't quite so bloated.
FREEMAN
All I see is a patient cured.
WATTS
She's practically a vegetable!
JULIA
Oh is that true Jimmy?
WATTS
Julia, not now.
FREEMAN
I didn't realize that hand of yours was attached to my nerves! Truly, Watts, my sincerest apologies.
MARJORIE
Now Walter don't be like that, you know
WATTS
Oh so it was botched then? Why you almost had me worried! But certainly no fault of yours! Why you're the great Walter Freeman! The world renowned anatomist! History's greatest surgeon! Now let me ask you, Dr. Freeman, how many lobotomies have you performed?
JULIA
Jimmy.
WATTS
Julia I swear to God I will leave you now if you do not shut the hell up!
FREEMAN
Is that how you treat your wife?
WATTS
Screw you Freeman. Screw you and Sheila and Mary and Marsha and every other god damn student your screwing too!
JULIA
Jimmy!
WATTS
Oh don't act so goddamn naive! You know just as well as I do that this man will screw anything that moves.
FREEMAN
Watts, I would strongly advise
WATTS
Dr. Watts! Dr! D-O-C-T-O-R. Dr. Watts. Ten years and not once have you gotten that through your thick skull.
FREEMAN
Titles, Watts, are hardly toys, why
WATTS
Jesus Christ Freeman, we get it, you're the son of God, our lord and savior, Jesus Christ himself, hallelujah! But let me ask you something Freeman, pardon me, Dr. Freeman. Better yet, let me ask Mrs. Freeman.
FREEMAN
Leave her out of this.
WATTS
Marjorie, indulge me, won't you? When was the last time your husband performed a lobotomy?
JULIA
Jimmy stop.
WATTS
As in held a knife in his hand and severed a nerve.
JULIA
Jimmy, you know Walter can't.
WATTS
And why not, Marjorie?
JULIA
Jimmy!
FREEMAN
Watts!
WATTS
Marjorie?
Marjorie looks to her husband, a deep hatred in her eyes.
MARJORIE
You promised.
Marjorie walks away.
FREEMAN
Marjorie.
Freeman stares at Marjorie. Watts smirks.
WATTS
Julia, lets go.
Julia slaps Watts in the face.
JULIA
If you ever dare talk to me like that again, I'll be flying out to Reno. Understood?
Watts looks away, embarrassed.
JULIA
Jimmy!
WATTS
Yes ma'am.
Julia drags Watts away. Freeman swallows a handful of pills.
Kennedy enters the room.
KENNEDY
Why old chap, you look rather blue!
FREEMAN
Not now, Mr. Kennedy.
KENNEDY
Oh don't be absurd! Why this calls for celebration. Why Rosemary is
FREEMAN
Mr. Kennedy! Please!
Kennedy falters, taken aback.
KENNEDY
Why Freeman, I didn't know you had it in you.
FREEMAN
I'm a doctor, Mr. Kennedy, not just some floundering harlet you bummed off the street. So if you wouldn't so mind, please, leave me the hell alone.
KENNEDY
My apologies, Dr. Freeman. I wish to do no harm. But, well, you seem rather agitated.
FREEMAN
Do I now?
KENNEDY
Indeed.
FREEMAN
What could have possibly given you that idea?
KENNEDY
Why I...well...no matter. What you need is a stiff drink.
FREEMAN
I don't drink.
Kennedy flashes a mischievous smile.
KENNEDY
Don't flatter yourself Freeman. Every man drinks with me. Even the famed Dr. himself.
INT. BAR - NIGHT
Freeman hangs drunkenly onto Kennedy, Kennedy drunk but collected.
FREEMAN
I tell you what, Mr. Kennedy, if it wasn't for that lobotomy of that daughter of yours, why I'd...I'd
KENNEDY
So was the lobotomy's necessity.
FREEMAN
May I confess something, Mr. Kennedy, for my soul weeps bitterly.
KENNEDY
Please do.
FREEMAN
But you can't tell a soul! Not a single one, dead or breathing.
KENNEDY
My lips are sealed, Dr. Freeman.
Freeman leans in far too close.
FREEMAN
That whole lobotomy scam, it's really no good.
KENNEDY
Pardon?
FREEMAN
Oh sure, it rids the patient of psychotic tendencies, whatever the hell that means, but when it really comes down to it, really, its no good.
KENNEDY
Oh? And why not?
FREEMAN
Politics, Mr. Kennedy! You of all men must understand!
KENNEDY
How so?
FREEMAN
Oh its this ape of a man I'm working with! That Watts fellow. You've met the man!
KENNEDY
I have.
FREEMAN
He's a good man, he is, but as far as a surgeon goes, well...
KENNEDY
I see. And who do you propose in his stead?
FREEMAN
Why me, of course!
KENNEDY
You?
FREEMAN
I'm a world renowned anatomist!
KENNEDY
Why not?
FREEMAN
Thats where the politics come to play. Won't let me, you see. Unqualified, apparently.
KENNEDY
I'm afraid I don't quite understand.
FREEMAN
License, Mr. Kennedy! It's all about the license! You get one lousy piece of paper and suddenly you're a God to these people!
KENNEDY
I see. And have you tried obtaining this licensure?
FREEMAN
Tried? Why I damn near have!
KENNEDY
I'm afraid I'm at a loss.
FREEMAN
Politics, Mr. Kennedy, its with the politics! They just won't give me the damn thing! Think I'm some sort of Frankenstein with his monster.
KENNEDY
But if not the lobotomy, what then?
FREEMAN
Well thats where I'm stuck. It's clear, you see, that the brain is the source of all malfunction, and with just a little rewiring, why, one could do just about anything! But this method with the surgeon and the drugs and all these other variables, why its just far too risky, when it really comes down to it.
KENNEDY
I do hope, Dr. Freeman, that you do not feel this way about my daughter.
FREEMAN
Who? Rosemary? Course not! You said so yourself! A bonafide success!
KENNEDY
So it seems.
FREEMAN
Say, do you suppose we could get a few more of these?
Freeman holds up his empty glass.
KENNEDY
Barkeep?
The bartender nods, grabs two glasses, pours liquid, reaches under the table.
BARTENDER
Damn. I don't suppose you boys like your liquor warm, do ya?
KENNEDY
Apologies, my good man, but this here is a night of celebration, and we wouldn't dare relinquish it for a lick of lousy liquor.
BARTENDER
No. Course not. Well I gotta go on back and chip some ice. Watch the place, will ya?
Kennedy nods. The bartender searches a drawer, withdraws an ice pick, steps towards the back.
FREEMAN
Pardon me, good sir. What is that there you have in your hand?
BARTENDER
What do you think, buddy?
FREEMAN
I must admit I cannot say.
BARTENDER
Its an ice pick, Einstein.
FREEMAN
An ice pick you say?
BARTENDER
Yea, any other dumb questions?
FREEMAN
Just one: May I borrow it?
The bartender looks to Kennedy. Kennedy shrugs.
BARTENDER
Sure buddy, have at it.
The bartender sets down the ice pick in front of Freeman.
Freeman picks it up, studies it.
FREEMAN
Whats the weight bearing of this device?
BARTENDER
Pardon?
FREEMAN
How much force may I apply before it fractures?
BARTENDER
Hey buddy, we speak english here. Good old American english. So if you gotta question you just come out and spit it.
FREEMAN
Yes, well, how hard is it to break?
BARTENDER
Don't know. Pretty hard. Goes through ice pretty quick.
FREEMAN
And what else do you suppose this could go through?
BARTENDER
Don't know. Most things if you try.
FREEMAN
Bone?
BARTENDER
Pardon?
FREEMAN
Can this puncture bone? This ice pick of yours.
BARTENDER
(To Kennedy)
Hey buddy, I don't know what this is, but if this is some sort of funny way of joking, it ain't very funny.
FREEMAN
I kid you not, my good man. So again I must query, can this puncture bone.
BARTENDER
I think you should go.
EXT. MORGUE - NIGHT
Freeman slams upon a door, swaying with the decaying effect of alcohol.
No answer.
Freeman knocks again. Again.
FREEMAN
Hello? Anybody home? Tis I! Dr. Freeman! The world renowned anatomist!
No answer.
FREEMAN
I don't mean to intrude, but I believe I've just stumbled upon the Nobel prize, as it were. So if you would be so kind...
Nothing.
FREEMAN
Alright then. Have it your way.
Freeman stumbles around the yard, picks up a rock, and throws it through the window.
Glass shatters.
Freeman smirks, clears the glass, and climbs through the window.
INT. MORGUE - NIGHT
FREEMAN
I wish to reiterate that this is merely an empirical query. I am not, I repeat, not, breaking and entering. Well, I am splintering, and, well, also inviltrating, but I am hardly a hardened criminal. On that you have my word. I merely require a cadaver or two, but nothing more. Well maybe some tools. But just a few. But I promise you
A crash. Freeman jumps. Looks around. A fallen tool.
Freeman shrugs, stumbles through the morgue and to a freezer.
Freeman opens a small metal door and withdraws a body from inside the freezer.
Freeman smiles giddily, withdraws an ice pick from his back pocket, and places it just below the eye socket.
Freeman turns the head, adjusts the pick, and jabs it in.
Freeman cackles, ecstatic. A light flashes through the window. Freeman drops to the ground.
A pair of security guards study the broken window.
SECURITY GUARD
Alright now, sicko, you've had your fun. Come on out.
Freeman crawls across the floor, towards a door.
The security guard sighs.
SECURITY GUARD
Playing games, are we? Alright then. Archie, if you would be so kind.
Archie withdraws an obnoxiously large set of keys, and slowly studies each of them.
Freeman gets to the door, grabs the handle, pushes the door open, a breath of relief.
Freeman looks back to the cadaver. The cadaver still has the ice pick lodged in its skull.
Freeman curses under his breath, crawls back to the cadaver. Still the security guard searches for the correct key.
Freeman reaches the cadaver, and puts his hand on the table, searching for the ice pick with his hand.
Closer. Closer. Closer.
The door opens. A light flicks on. Freeman, on his knees, ice pick in hand, still lodged in the skull of a dead man, staring at the two body guards.
SECURITY GUARD
What the hell?
Freeman makes a break for it, falls at the precipice of the door.
The two men loom over him.
INT. OFFICE - DAY
Freeman sits in an office, opposite a man sitting in another chair.
A man's skull rests on the table before him.
FREEMAN
May I borrow your pick?
MAN
Pardon?
FREEMAN
Your pick. Your ice pick. That thing you chip ice with.
MAN
Perhaps you don't quite grasp the severity of your situation.
FREEMAN
In what way?
MAN
You were found piercing a man's skull.
FREEMAN
He was dead!
MAN
Thats not the point.
FREEMAN
What is?
MAN
I'd rather not hand you a sharpened weapon, if it's all the same to you.
FREEMAN
Well it's really rather not!
MAN
You're welcome to depart.
FREEMAN
Maybe I will!
MAN
By all means.
The man stands, gesturing towards the door. Freeman turns towards the door, back towards the man.
FREEMAN
Dr. Watts. You wouldn't.
WATTS
So I'm a doctor now, aye?
FREEMAN
Please.
Watts sighs, walks out of the room.
Freeman hesitates, confused.
Watts returns with an ice pick, places it on the table.
Freeman picks up the ice pick, the skull, smiles.
FREEMAN
The orbital lobe, you see, is hardly the spartacus of the skull.
WATTS
By that you mean?
FREEMAN
Fairly fragile, for the most part.
WATTS
So? What of it?
FREEMAN
So perhaps the fatal flaw in our operation is not the operation, but the procedure. Perhaps the use of the leukotomy, by piercing the sides of the skull, with its sturdy walls and half dozen bones, is our only error. Perhaps, with the help of this makeshift weapon, we can puncture the orbital lobe.
WATTS
And then what, Dr. Freeman? We jiggle it around like some sort of gelatin concoction?
FREEMAN
Well, in essence, yes.
WATTS
And you call that science?
FREEMAN
No, Dr. Watts, I call that progress.
Watts cackles.
WATTS
And who, pray tell, will perform this novel procedure?
FREEMAN
Why, any psychologist with a steady hand and an ice pick could
WATTS
So the truth comes out!
FREEMAN
Pardon?
WATTS
Oh come now, Dr. Freeman. Surely even a fool like you can see what I'm getting at.
FREEMAN
I'm afraid you are unfortunately mistaken.
WATTS
You, Dr. Freeman, are a selfish, narcissistic, egotistical megalomaniac. You are so consumed with your own self image that you fail to realize the sheer idiocy of your entire theology. You are willing to look over anything, everything, merely for the sake of fame, fortune, and posterity. You are a coward Dr. Freeman. A hollow, worthless, useless fellow. And when you're dead and gone, when that dust finally settles, no one will remember you, what you did, or what you do. You're greatest accomplishment is a botched lobotomy on a forgotten Kennedy. You are nothing Dr. Freeman. That is all.
Freeman sets down the ice pick.
FREEMAN
I'm sorry you feel that way.
WATTS
Yea. Me too.
Watts moves to leave, held back by Freeman.
FREEMAN
And the orbital lobotomy?
Watts shakes his head.
WATTS
What does it matter?
FREEMAN
I value your opinion.
WATTS
Then don't do it.
FREEMAN
Don't be foolish.
Watts scoffs.
WATTS
You don't value my opinion, Dr. Freeman. You value my support.
FREEMAN
I do not require your permission.
Watts turns.
WATTS
Is that a threat?
FREEMAN
It's a fact.
WATTS
You're playing with life here!
FREEMAN
The future is now, Watts, whether you believe it or not.
WATTS
And oh what a brave new world it is, aye, Dr. Freeman?
FREEMAN
I see your mind is set.
WATTS
Do you now?
Freeman stands.
FREEMAN
If you will excuse me, I have patients to attend to.
WATTS
Pardon?
FREEMAN
Patients, Watts. For the orbital lobotomy. Surely you haven't forgotten already.
WATTS
You couldn't possibly
FREEMAN
Yet I do.
WATTS
The university would never
FREEMAN
Private practice, Dr. Watts. Isn't that our profession?
WATTS
We don't have an operating room.
FREEMAN
We don't need an operating room.
WATTS
I'm sorry?
FREEMAN
The procedure necessitates only a short spout of electro shock therapy, an icepick, and a pair of sun glasses.
WATTS
You're joking.
FREEMAN
I do not joke about the lobotomy, Watts.
WATTS
Are you insane?
FREEMAN
Many men are.
WATTS
This office is in no way equipped to
FREEMAN
As I previously menitoned
WATTS
What if she convulses? What if she ceases? Or what, pray tell, do you plan on doing when you rupture an artery?
FREEMAN
I won't.
WATTS
Oh well thank God! You just won't! Why didn't I think of that!
FREEMAN
This is not your decision.
WATTS
No, Dr. Freeman, you're right, it's not. But if you perform any sort of medical procedure of any kind in this office, I will personally ensure the suit of this medical practice on behalf of both myself and the university. And as for your position at the university, I will guarantee its termination.
FREEMAN
You seem upset.
WATTS
What an astute observation from the world's greatest psychologist! Really, Dr. Freeman, how do you do it?
FREEMAN
If you do not approve of the orbital lobotomy that is your prerogative. But I cannot merely abandon my labor because you have a delusional hangup based solely upon your own incompetence.
WATTS
One in five dies on your watch, Dr. Freeman, not mine.
FREEMAN
Never blame the conductor for the musician's error.
WATTS
Oh thats right! My apologies! A cured patient is the work of pure genius, but their death is the cause of my own imbecility.
FREEMAN
Your words, not mine.
WATTS
How can you possibly
A knock on the door. A woman,LUCY, enters the room.
LUCY
Pardon me, Dr. Freeman, I don't mean to intrude. But we do have an appointment today? Yes? At noon?
FREEMAN
Why of course! Of course! My colleague and I were just having a lively discussion. Think nothing of it! Truly! Now about the lobotomy.
Watts glares at Freeman. Freeman ignores him.
LUCY
Yes?
FREEMAN
Well, it seems our operating room is a bit, occupied, at the moment.
LUCY
Oh dear! I hope no one is hurt!
FREEMAN
Tis only a flesh wound, my dear! But I'm afraid we will have to reschedule.
LUCY
Why of course, Dr. Freeman.
Freeman opens the door.
FREEMAN
Our secretary will see to it.
LUCY
Well, yes, thank you again. And to you too, Dr...Dr...
WATTS
Dr. Watts
LUCY
Oh yes! Of course! Dr. Knots.
Lucy is pushed out of the room.
FREEMAN
I hope that patches any harsh feelings, aye ole chap?
Watts shakes his head.
WATTS
I am not your chap. I am not your friend. I am not your confidante. We are merely two people with two names on a wall. That is all.
FREEMAN
Now Watts, don't be
Watts steps out of the room.
EXT. HOUSE - NIGHT
Marjorie approaches the door, arms crossed.
MARJORIE
What do you want?
FREEMAN
I want to come home.
MARJORIE
Forget it.
FREEMAN
I made a mistake.
MARJORIE
Again and again.
FREEMAN
So I've made a few.
MARJORIE
You've slept with every woman this side of the Mississippi.
FREEMAN
Now Marjorie you know thats not true.
MARJORIE
You're right Walter. My mistake. I'm sure you've slept with many women on the other side too.
FREEMAN
There is no love in such a carnal act. Merely a biological behavior. No different than shaking hands.
MARJORIE
Well you'll excuse me if I don't shake yours.
FREEMAN
Just skin and bone. Nerves and organs. Nothing real. Nothing like this.
Marjorie sighs.
MARJORIE
Infidelity is not my concern, Walter.
FREEMAN
Then what is?
MARJORIE
This. You. All of it. Everything. The work. The University. The god damn lobotomy. Jesus Christ Walter. When will you ever learn there is more to this world than just the lobotomy.
FREEMAN
I've been distracted, I admit, but
MARJORIE
Jesus Christ Walter, I see Jimmy Stewart more than you!
FREEMAN
Why if this is in reference to Watts I'll
MARJORIE
What? Give him a lobotomy too? Oh, thats right, you can't. You're not a surgeon.
FREEMAN
Now Marjorie you know that's not fair. A man must have his pride, his honor, hist self-esteem. Why a man can hardly
MARJORIE
I want a divorce.
FREEMAN
Marjorie.
MARJORIE
Julia will watch the boys.
FREEMAN
You don't have to do this.
MARJORIE
I'll be back in six weeks.
FREEMAN
Marjorie be reasonable.
MARJORIE
My train leaves Monday.
FREEMAN
You can't do this to me!
MARJORIE
You already did.
Freeman sighs.
FREEMAN
I'll take the boys.
MARJORIE
No.
FREEMAN
We'll go to Yellowstone.
MARJORIE
No.
FREEMAN
Marjorie, please.
Freeman reaches for Marjorie. Marjorie reels back.
MARJORIE
The boys will be packed by 7. I expect you gone by 8, and back by the 9th. By then, the papers will be ready to sign.
Marjorie closes the door.
Freeman sighs, steps away, pauses turns back, stops, turns again. Another step. Another.
Freeman turns again, steps back to the door, leans his ear against the door, hears her breathing.
FREEMAN
Marjorie I...I don't know how to say this...but...I know I haven't been much of a husband, or a father at that, but with our work and the university and the lobotomy...Marjorie I...I can't do this without you. I'd give up anything for you. Everything if I could. If I had to choose between the world and you, I'd choose you. Please, Marjorie. I can't do this without you.
Marjorie closes her eyes, holds back tears.
Freeman waits for a response. Silence.
Freeman steps off the porch, pauses, turns back at the sound of the door.
An illusion.
Freeman wipes away tears, gathers his breath, and walks away.
EXT. FOREST - NIGHT
Freeman hunches over a transistor radio, greasy fingers staining the speaker.
NEWS CASTER
In other news, Portugal's own Egas Moniz won the Nobel prize last night for his inventive discovery of the Frontal Lobotomy. This makes Moniz the first man in Portugal's history to win the prestigious award. Furthermore...
FREEMAN
That greasy, slimy, worthless weasel!
Freeman kicks the radio. The boys gasp.
Freeman turns on his son, nothing but rage.
FREEMAN
Do I look like an imbecile to you?!
The boys stare quietly at him.
FREEMAN
Go to bed.
The two boys hesitate.
FREEMAN
Go.
The boys don't move.
FREEMAN
Go!
The two sulk off.
FREEMAN
Keen. you too.
Keen stares at Freeman, doesn't move.
FREEMAN
What?! What?! What could possibly be so goddamn important?
Keen shakes his head.
Keen follows the boys out of the room.
Freeman turns back to the radio, turns it up.
NEWS CASTER
In other news, the once beloved Frances Farmer has once again been hospitalized with what doctors are calling a rare mood disorder which affects
Freeman kicks the radio. The sound dissipates. Freeman stares at his disfigured reflection in the chrome, digs through his pockets, and swallows a handful of pills.
EXT. FOREST - NIGHT
The wail of a crow. The flash of lightening. Rain. A river. Wailing. Screaming. An arm. A leg. An icepick. A canteen. Pills spilling upon the forest floor. Sharp rocks. Waterfall. A shoe floating in the river.
EXT. SHED - NIGHT
Freeman slams on a door.
The creak of wood as RANGER approaches the door.
RANGER
Alright. Alright. I'm coming, I'm coming. Don't get your knickers in a knot.
The Ranger opens the door
RANGER
Alright now, what's this all about? Waking me up in the middle of the night like I'm some sort of
The ranger stops at the sight of Freeman's disheveled appearance.
FREEMAN
I...I mean Keen...he went to fill up his canteen...and he...well
RANGER
C'mon man, spit it out!
FREEMAN
The problem is...I mean...you see...well
RANGER
Is this some sort of practical joke?
FREEMAN
No sir, I don't believe it is.
RANGER
What then?
Freeman stares past the ranger.
FREEMAN
It's my son, you see...he has this canteen...and it was empty, I believe...so he went to fill the thing...in the river, I think...and he...well he...
The Ranger sighs.
RANGER
The river, huh?
Freeman nods.
RANGER
You better come on in.
INT. SHED - NIGHT
The boys race over to a couch as Freeman searches the room, unable to sit.
RANGER
Can I get you something? Coffee? Cola? Whiskey?
FREEMAN
I'm fine. Thank you.
RANGER
You might wanna reconsider.
FREEMAN
Coffee is fine.
RANGER
I'll pour you some Whiskey. Ice?
FREEMAN
No, thats alright.
RANGER
I'll get you some ice.
The ranger opens a freezer, curses under his breath, search a drawer, another, another.
RANGER
Now where did I put that damn pick.
FREEMAN
Its alright. Really. I don't mind.
RANGER
No. No. As a guest in my home the least I can do is
FREEMAN
Really, I don't mind.
RANGER
I insist!
FREEMAN
It's no trouble.
RANGER
It's no good without.
FREEMAN
I'll be alright.
RANGER
You oughta have ice.
FREEMAN
I'd really rather not.
RANGER
I won't hear another word.
FREEMAN
Please, if you could just
RANGER
Aha!
The ranger pulls an ice pick from a drawer.
RANGER
There we have it. Now if I could just
The ranger mumbles to himself as he stumbles to the freezer and chops ice from an ice block.
FREEMAN
Would you forget about the damn ice!
The ranger stops, shakes his head, pours a glass, with ice, and hands it to Freeman.
RANGER
How old was your boy?
FREEMAN
13.
RANGER
Uh huh...and this boy of yours, you got a description.
FREEMAN
I have photo if that would help.
RANGER
If you wouldn't so mind.
Freeman hands over the photo.
The ranger studies it, releases a long, slow breath.
RANGER
Now what I'm about to say, it's a little off putting. It's drastic, you see. I mean, tragic, that is. Doesn't play well with the kids, you see. Not much for parents neither. But the last thing I need is for you to go and get hysterical. So I need you to promise me you won't get hysterical.
FREEMAN
And what exactly
RANGER
Your word.
Freeman hesitates.
FREEMAN
You have it.
Ranger takes another deep sigh.
RANGER
Not too long ago, a boy fell into the river.
FREEMAN
A boy, why
RANGER
Sir, please.
Freeman nods, terrified.
RANGER
Now this boy, apparently, wasn't much of a swimmer, so this military sort of fella went in after em. Problem was, there were these falls, you see, and, well...
A long pause. The ranger sighs.
RANGER
As of now, neither have been found.
FREEMAN
Why, why, why that could be anybody!
RANGER
Yes. It could. It very well might be. But I want to prepare you for the possibility that it may not be.
FREEMAN
Why this is absurd! This is ridiculous! My boy?! A Freeman?! Drown! This couldn't possibly be!
RANGER
Have any of you heard from this, this,
FREEMAN
Keen.
RANGER
Yes. This young Mr. Keen.
FREEMAN
Well suppose that we haven't? Suppose that we didn't? Why that by no sense means
RANGER
Sir. Your word.
FREEMAN
Screw your goddamn word! You're gonna get off your lazy hillbilly ass and find my boy!
RANGER
Language, sir.
FREEMAN
Fuck your goddamn language!
RANGER
Sir, if you continue in this manner, I'm going to have to ask you to remove yourself from the premises.
FREEMAN
Like hell I am!
RANGER
Sir, I know this may be difficult
FREEMAN
Why I just about have it in me to
RANGER
Sir, please
FREEMAN
Please yourself you asshole! You won't find my boy? Fine. We'll do it ourselves! Boys. Lets go.
Neither boy moves.
FREEMAN
Now!
Still the boys don't move.
Freeman takes a threatening step forward, stopped by the Ranger.
RANGER
I think you just might need to cool off.
FREEMAN
Like hell I do!
RANGER
The boys are safe with me.
FREEMAN
Just like Keen?
RANGER
We're doing everything we can.
FREEMAN
Well its a little too late now!
RANGER
Sir, if you would please just
Freeman storms out of the cabin.
EXT. SHED - NIGHT
Limbs swinging wildly, Freeman throws himself out of the cabin, all in a fury.
Freeman breathes heavily, slows, tries to catch his breath, can't.
Freeman falls to his knees, frantically searches his pockets, withdraws an orange pill bottle, struggles, opens the bottle.
Empty.
Freeman falls to the ground, gasping.
The ranger steps out of the building, the two boys behind. Upon seeing Freeman, the ranger rushes the boys back inside.
The ranger rushes back out of the cabin and to Freeman's side, whiskey in hand.
RANGER
Alright now. Alright. You're alright. Just a little scare. That is all. Nothing more. Have a swig of this. It'll give you a lot more than hair on that chest of yours.
Freeman obliges, sips from the bottle.
FREEMAN
I...
RANGER
Apology accepted. These are trying times, God knows it more than any of us. We will find your son, Mr. I assure you.
FREEMAN
Dr.
The ranger cackles.
INT. SHED - DAY
The boys whisper to each other conspiratorially on the floor, Freeman lies on a couch.
The Ranger walks in, hands the receiver of a phone, nods to Freeman.
Freeman gathers his strength, stands, and steps out of the cabin with the ranger, the cable to the phone pulled out the door.
The boys look to each other, rush over to the window, search for their father, find him off in the distance.
Freeman holds the phone in hand, nodding and mumbling and pacing.
Freeman stops.
The Ranger wraps a hand around his shoulder.
Freeman stuffs the phone into the Ranger's hand and walks back into the cabin.
FREEMAN
We're going home.
INT. HOME - DAY
A phone rings. Marjorie picks up the phone.
MARJORIE
Hello? This is she.
Marjorie listens for a long time.
MARJORIE
Yes. Thank you.
Marjorie walks into the living room, sitting in a chair across from Julia.
JULIA
Who was that dear?
MARJORIE
Oh just another one of Walter's friends.
JULIA
Are you and him still...
MARJORIE
I don't know. Maybe. Was I being too hard on him?
JULIA
All I know is Jimmy and him are two of a kind.
A knock on the door. Both turn.
MARJORIE
Now I wonder who that could be.
Marjorie stands. Julia too.
JULIA
Now Marjorie you just sit right back on down.
MARJORIE
Julia, don't be absurd.
JULIA
The doctor said rest and I haven't seen one bit of it.
MARJORIE
The last thing I need is more of
JULIA
Now Marjorie, I don't know much of anything about anything but one thing I do know is a doctor when I see one and when she says you need rest thats just what you'll get.
MARJORIE
Julia I
JULIA
Do I need to call Jimmy?
Marjorie sighs, obliges. The bell rings again, Julia rushes to it, answers the door.
Marjorie cannot see them, but she can hear them.
Joyful phrases grow hushed. Marjorie leans forward, as if in an attempt to hear them.
Nothing.
Julia steps back into the room, eyes vacant.
MARJORIE
Why Julia! You act as if you've seen a ghost.
JULIA
Eleanore was just reading the paper and she...she
MARJORIE
What dear?
JULIA
She read about this boy. At Yellowstone.
MARJORIE
And? What of it?
Julia sighs.
JULIA
He drowned.
MARJORIE
Oh thats awful!
JULIA
Marjorie I...
MARJORIE
Oh what now Julia?
JULIA
The paper said it was him.
MARJORIE
Who?
JULIA
The boy.
MARJORIE
What boy?
JULIA
Keen.
Marjorie stares at Julia, silent.
Julia, shaking, hands Marjorie a newspaper.
Marjorie reads the paper. Again. Again. Again.
Marjorie breaks down, broken.
INT. OFFICE - DAY
Watts slams on the door of an office.
WATTS
Come on now Freeman, open up.
Silence.
WATTS
We only want what's best for you.
Silence still.
WATTS
We need you.
A lock turns. The door opens.
Freeman, unshaven, disheveled, drunk, stumbles back to a chair.
Watts steps into the room.
Freeman cackles.
Freeman points to a wall of photos, all pictures of him performing orbital lobotomies.
FREEMAN
Third from the right, second column down. Picture took too long.
WATTS
You must be confused.
FREEMAN
Second drawer, on your left.
WATTS
Pardon?
FREEMAN
The file. Check it.
WATTS
Freeman I'm not
FREEMAN
Scared?
WATTS
Should I be?
FREEMAN
You tell me.
Watts sighs, sets down his hat, searches the cabinet, finds the folder. On the file is stamped the word "deceased".
WATTS
Jesus Freeman, if this is true
FREEMAN
What will you do?
Watts stares at the picture, shakes his head, sets down the file.
WATTS
Thats not why I'm here.
FREEMAN
No?
WATTS
You still have a life out there. A wife, a family, kids. I know this may be hard, but
FREEMAN
How do you know?
WATTS
I'm trying to help.
FREEMAN
How's that going?
WATTS
There is more to life than just
FREEMAN
What?
WATTS
Pardon?
FREEMAN
Other than life, what is there?
WATTS
I'm not here to parley theology.
FREEMAN
Why are you?
WATTS
You're still a husband. A father. A doctor. None of that has changed.
FREEMAN
The world just keeps on turning, huh?
WATTS
Reveling in guilt won't do anybody any good.
FREEMAN
Good died with Keen.
WATTS
He was a fine young man, it's true, but
FREEMAN
Get out.
WATTS
Pardon?
FREEMAN
Get out!
WATTS
You're drunk!
FREEMAN
You're leaving!
WATTS
Over my dead body!
FREEMAN
That can be arranged!
WATTS
Is that a threat?
FREEMAN
It's certainly not an invitation!
WATTS
I'll have you know
A door opens. A woman, the woman who previously seek out a lobotomy, steps into the room.
WOMAN
You fellas sure do bicker a bunch.
FREEMAN
A professional dispute.
WATTS
I'm sorry, miss, but I'm afraid
FREEMAN
Dr. Watts will not be joining us.
WOMAN
Thats too bad.
Watts pulls Freeman aside.
WATTS
If you think you are
FREEMAN
Electroshock therapy.
WATTS
I want your word.
FREEMAN
Stay, if so concerned.
WATTS
You know I can't stand that stuff.
FREEMAN
Very well then.
WATTS
Your family needs you.
FREEMAN
What use am I?
WATTS
Surely you don't believe
FREEMAN
Good day, Dr. Watts.
WATTS
Freeman you must understand
FREEMAN
I said good day!
Watts hesitates, sighs, steps out of the room.
EXT. OFFICE - DAY
Watts steps out of the building and onto the street, stops, reaches for his hat, finds it gone and turns back into the building.
INT. OFFICE - DAY
Watts walks into the room.
Freeman looks up from his patient, an ice pick in hand.
Watts stares at Freeman, his ice pick, the patient.
WATTS
I had your word.
FREEMAN
And so did God.
WATTS
Freeman...
FREEMAN
Where is Keen?
EXT. GRAVEYARD - NIGHT
Marjorie falls in front of a gravestone, bottle in hand, drunk as can be, too drunk even for tears.
Freeman, hesitant, approaches.
FREEMAN
I've spoken to Watts.
MARJORIE
I've spoken to God.
FREEMAN
I've been offered an early retirement.
MARJORIE
Is that what they're calling it?
FREEMAN
That's what it is.
MARJORIE
Guess Watts finally had enough of you.
FREEMAN
This has nothing to do with
MARJORIE
What special kind of imbecile are you?
FREEMAN
The students adore me!
MARJORIE
Only the ones you screw.
FREEMAN
Marjorie!
MARJORIE
Yes darling dearest?
FREEMAN
Your son lies before you.
MARJORIE
And where do you?
FREEMAN
California.
MARJORIE
Excuse me?
FREEMAN
San Francisco, more specifically.
MARJORIE
Go to hell.
FREEMAN
Rents unaffordable.
MARJORIE
Only when you're unemployed.
FREEMAN
Come now, Marjorie, what good will pouting do?
MARJORIE
So it's decided then?
FREEMAN
It is.
MARJORIE
Then why bother asking?
FREEMAN
Your opinion matters.
MARJORIE
It shows.
FREEMAN
What good will staying do?
Marjorie sips from her bottle, looks at the gravestone.
FREEMAN
Oh come now, Marjorie. Thats just dust and bones.
MARJORIE
Thats all he ever was to you. Thats all anyone ever is. Dust, bones, and a frontal lobe.
FREEMAN
What more do you want from me Marjorie? I've given you everything. Everything I have. Everything I own. Everything thats mine is yours. I have nothing left to give.
Marjorie cackles.
FREEMAN
You're drunk.
MARJORIE
Whats your excuse?
Freeman sighs, looks at his watch.
FREEMAN
Our train leaves at 8.
Freeman walks away, swallows pills. Marjorie breaks down into tears.
The wail of a train.
Smoke.
INT. OFFICE - DAY
Smoke clears. Freeman stands at a window, watching a train go by.
A woman, HELEN, steps into the room.
Freeman feigns a smile and holds out his hand.
FREEMAN
Well, Ms. Helen, how are you now?
HELEN
Oh I've been better. Those voices, you know, they come and go.
FREEMAN
Well, as they say, third time's a charm!
HELEN
May I ask you, Dr. Freeman, a rather queer question.
FREEMAN
Questions are the source of the soul, Ms. Helen. Please, ask away.
HELEN
Well if it didn't work the first time. Nor the second time neither. Why do you suppose the third time will differ?
FREEMAN
Well, Ms. Helen, thats a rather admirable quandary. The frontal lobe, you see, houses hundreds of millions of infinitesimal neurons. And while my surgery attempts to sever those which have faltered, unfortunately, occasionally, a few can be missed.
HELEN
But why did you miss them, Dr Freeman.
FREEMAN
Well thats the thing about the brain, Ms. Helen, it's all rather complicated.
HELEN
But Dr. Freeman, I thought you knew what you were doing.
FREEMAN
When it comes to the brain, I'm afraid, no one quite knows what they're doing.
HELEN
I see.
FREEMAN
Now shall we proceed?
Helen hesitates.
HELEN
One final question, Dr. Freeman, if I may.
FREEMAN
Don't faun coyness with me Ms. Helen.
HELEN
Has anyone ever died from this surgery?
FREEMAN
What nonsense Ms. Helen! Now what could possibly make you think of a thing like that?
HELEN
Theres this boy I once knew, a Howard Dully, I believe.
FREEMAN
A fine young man.
HELEN
Well, he said sometimes the surgeries don't go so right, that sometimes they go wrong. Is that true?
Freeman smiles kindly.
FREEMAN
Why Ms. Helen, Howard is but a boy. A bright young lad, its true. But a child, nonetheless. And what do children know of lobotomies?
HELEN
I just worry, you know.
FREEMAN
I assure you, Ms. Helen, everything will be just fine.
Helen sighs, nods.
Freeman stands, steps over to a closet, in, out. In his hands is an old, dilapidated electroshock machine.
Freeman sets it on his desk, plugs it in, and attaches the wires to Helen's skull.
Freeman turns a knob. The knob snaps off. Freeman looks at it, puzzled, steps out of the room.
A long moment passes.
Freeman returns with a set of pliers, grips the pliers to where the knob once was, and turns.
Helen convulses. Stops. Unconscious.
Freeman steps back into the closet, finds a camera, and snaps a few pictures of the woman.
Freeman scribbles a few notes, and then searches a drawer. Within the drawer is an ice pick.
Freeman withdraws the ice pick, sets a chair across from Helen, and begins the orbital lobotomy.
Finished, Freeman sets the ice pick aside, looks at his watch, and steps out of the room.
Another long moment passes.
Freeman returns with a bottle of champagne, stops at the door, confused.
Freeman checks his watch again, shakes his head, sets down the bottle of champagne, and lightly taps Helen.
FREEMAN
Ms. Helen. Your return is overdue.
No response.
FREEMAN
Ms. Helen? I do wish you would respond. I have champagne, you know.
No response.
FREEMAN
Ms. Helen, I am no longer amused. Now please. If you would.
No response.
Freeman sighs, checks her pulse, shakes his head.
Freeman steps into the closet, and returns with a large box of files.
Freeman locates the file of Helen.
Freeman opens the file, searches his pockets, steps over to the drawer, and withdraws a red pen.
Freeman scribbles the word deceased on the file.
The phone rings.
FREEMAN
Hello...this is he...I see...yes, very well, thank you.
Freeman hangs up the phone, dials another number.
FREEMAN
Marjorie. Now don't start now, this is urgent...I know I know but...will you just...its about our son.
A long pause.
FREEMAN
Marjorie?...they found a tumor, in his brain, they want to operate...I don't think they should...surgeries like that, they're far too perilous...I don't care what the surgeon says! I'm a surgeon goddamn't!
Freeman massages his temporal lobe.
FREEMAN
Well if his mind is made, his mind is made...but know I strongly advise against it...very well then...I won't be home for dinner...I have a meeting with the board.
Freeman hangs up the phone.
INT. DINER - NIGHT
Freeman, hunched over in old age sits across from a young woman, easily a third of his age.
WOMAN
So you're really him, huh, the guy from the magazine?
FREEMAN
One and the same.
WOMAN
Oh gosh golly, thats really awful swell. Why just the other day I thought to myself
WAITER
Mr. Freeman?
FREEMAN
(To the waiter)
Dr. Freeman.
WAITER
Theres a call for you.
FREEMAN
Not now.
WAITER
A Mrs. Freeman, I believe.
The young woman blushes, Freeman sighs.
FREEMAN
Excuse me a moment.
Freeman steps away. The young woman plays with her fries.
Freeman returns, eyes dead, staring blankly at the world.
FREEMAN
He's dead.
WOMAN
Who?
FREEMAN
My son.
WOMAN
Oh I...well I'm really awful sorry...perhaps it'd be best if I
The young woman stands, gathering her belongings.
FREEMAN
Sit down!
The young woman stares at him, shakes her head, and leaves.
The waiter approaches.
WAITER
Anything else?
Freeman shakes his head.
FREEMAN
No.
Across from him sits not the young woman, but Marjorie.
MARJORIE
Excuse me?
FREEMAN
I have to work.
MARJORIE
You have to come.
FREEMAN
It's the APA.
MARJORIE
It's his funeral.
FREEMAN
I'm sorry.
MARJORIE
Don't waste your breath.
FREEMAN
Now Marjorie you know thats not fair.
MARJORIE
When has anything in this world ever been fair?
FREEMAN
You're being hysterical.
MARJORIE
What about you?
FREEMAN
Marjorie you can't blame me for
MARJORIE
And why is that, Walter? Please, enlighten me?
FREEMAN
Do you think me God? Lucifer? Satan? Beelzebub? I am just a man, Marjorie! Do you truly believe I can induce brain tumors by
MARJORIE
You are the worlds foremost expert on the brain, history's greatest intellect, the architect of the orbital lobotomy. How could you possibly
FREEMAN
Marjorie, don't be
MARJORIE
But when your own son, your own flesh and blood, needs a life saving surgery, what do you do?
FREEMAN
I did what I had to.
MARJORIE
And look where that got you.
FREEMAN
What could I do?
MARJORIE
Why didn't you operate?
FREEMAN
Now Marjorie you know that I can't just
MARJORIE
Because you're not a surgeon or because you're just coward? Or is it just both?
FREEMAN
I don't know what you want from me.
MARJORIE
You, Walter. I just want you. To be there for John, for Jr, for Keen, for me. Why is that so much to ask for?
Freeman looks at his watch.
FREEMAN
My train leaves at 8.
Marjorie sighs, nods, looks away.
Freeman hesitates, steps out of the room.
INT. AUDITORIUM - DAY
Walter stands upon a stage, ten women behind him, holding the arm of one, twisting it around, a large box behind him. The room is half filled and emptying with a startling regularity.
FREEMAN
And so, gentleman, as you can see, by merely gauging the flexibility of the patient's flexor ulnas, one can not only determine the necessity of the orbital lobotomy, but also
AUDIENCE MEMBER
Murderer!
AUDIENCE MEMBER
Butcher!
AUDIENCE MEMBER
Killer!
FREEMAN
Please, gentlemen, I beg of you, refrain from such arbitrary commentary until after you've
AUDIENCE MEMBER
Executioner!
Freeman forces a false smile, irritated.
FREEMAN
This is not, my good men, an open dialogue. This is solely an empirical presentation. If it is a debate you desire, then perhaps you should concern yourself with
AUDIENCE MEMBER
This is genocide!
FREEMAN
I'd hardly consider a miracle saving procedure
AUDIENCE MEMBER
You're a hired hitman for 30 bucks a pop.
FREEMAN
I'm afraid you do not quite grasp the complexities of
AUDIENCE MEMBER
Flexibility?
FREEMAN
Flexibility is just one of many factors which
AUDIENCE MEMBER
I thought the lobotomy was a last resort?
FREEMAN
In certain cases it may be beneficial to
AUDIENCE MEMBER
Your colleague Dr. Watts claims
FREEMAN
Dr. Watts is not a member of this practice.
AUDIENCE MEMBER
But he says
FREEMAN
It does not matter what he says.
AUDIENCE MEMBER
But as your colleague you must admit he
FREEMAN
Dr. Watts is a blundering, billowing, bumbling fool! And as for the orbital lobotomy, if you think I'm just some lousy, good for nothing hired hand, why you've never had a damn thought in your entire wretched, miserable little life!
AUDIENCE MEMBER
While we do not wish to dispute such marvelous claims, Dr. Freeman, we of the psychiatric board are rather concerned with the rather haphazard standards by which
FREEMAN
YOU WANT EVIDENCE?!
Audience members go silent at Freeman's sudden rage.
Freeman dumps hundreds of papers onto the floor.
FREEMAN
Here's your god damn evidence! Years of correspondence! Thousands of successful orbital lobotomies! Christmas cards, birthday cards, twenty page letters, theses, essays, novellas for Christ sake! World renowned chefs, artisans, professors, violinists: human beings cured of their retched disease.
What few men are left step away.
Freeman kicks the dropped box, letters flying. Freeman grabs at letters, ripping them apart. One after another after another.
FREEMAN
YOU FOOLS! YOU IMBECILES! YOU MISERABLE, DISMAL CRETINS! LOOK AT YOU BASKING IN DELUSIONAL SELF IDIOCY! I GIVE YOU GOD AND YOU CONCERN YOURSELF WITH BEST PRACTICES? HAVE YOU NO COURAGE? NO DECENCY? NO HUMANITY TO THINK OF? ARE YOU NOT MEN OF REASON, LOGIC, BASIC RATIONALITY? OR ARE YOU JUST BRUTES, ROTTING LIKE THE RANCID SAVAGES YOU FLEE FROM?!
Freeman grows tired, reaches into his pocket, and withdraws a box of matches.
Freeman sets the papers on fire.
EXT. TRAIN STATION - NIGHT
A light. A cigarette. Freeman pulls, blows smoke.
Freeman looks at his watch, looks down the tracks, sighs.
Freeman studies a letter in his hand, looks up.
Across the tracks stands Watts, Marjorie, Rosemary, Helen.
Freeman takes a step forward. A train whistle blows. Freeman hesitates, a train barrels towards him.
The wind blows. The letter flies out of his hand. Freeman chases after it. Trips, falls. The letter blows away.
Freeman tries to climb to his feet, falls, struggles, strains, can't get up.
Freeman opens his mouth, tries to yell, no sound.
A train pulls into the station.
The train puffs, departs.
No one.
Nothing.
All is lost.
FADE OUT