at first sight movie script

8/2/2019 at first sight movie script

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ATFIRSTSIGHT

EXT.VALLEY-DUSKGoldlightdapplingacrossavalleythatseemstoreachonforever.Weeaseback,revealingmore-takinginthevisualfeast-finallydiscoveringaseatedfigurefacingoutoverthevalley-aDOGathisfeet.

VIRGILANDERSON,lifeaheadofhim-someoneseeminglyateasewithhimself.Aswewatch.himamoment-SOUNDSbecomeprominent-whistleofthewindthroughthegrass-abird'swingsasittakesflight-atreebranchcreakingunderitsownweight.Andashesitsthere,listening,weseethelastraysofsunlightslipfromtheday.

BLACK-andourTITLEScomeup.

ThenoutofthedarknesscomeapairofHEADLIGHTS.-andwe're:

EXT.NEWYORKTURNPIKE-INTOPINECREST-DUSK

AnoldBMW2002makingitswayuptheTaconicParkway.

INT.BMW-DUSK

Ontheradio:WhitneyHouston's"I'llAlwaysLoveYou".AMYTREMONT,30's,driving,onthephone.

AMYI'mlostBetsy,andyouknowme-Idon'twearlostwell-wait,waitI'mlosingyou...(thecellphoneglitches)I'mpullingoverbeforeyoudisappearforever.

Amypullsoffthesideoftheroad.Wrestleswithamapandthephone.

AMYSign?Iwaslookingforasign?There'sno...

Herattentioniscaughtbysomethingoffcamera.Shestaresoutintothenight..

HERPOV-Asmallicedoverpond-andinthemiddle-movingaboutisVirgil,ICESKATING-hockeystickinhand-movingabouttherinkwithanimaginarypuck.

AMY(O.S.)

(distracted)Yes...Itookthefirst.....no,no,I'mlistening...

Virgilwindsupandtakesaslapattheicewithhisstick-throwshishandsupintheairlikehejustscored.

Amysmiles,peersoffdowntheroad.Asign:BEARMTN.SPAANDRESORT1.4miles.



AMYWait,Igotit-yeah.Nodon'tcallme..right,unlessyouhearfromAtlanta.Andfaxmethedesigns-Iwanttotinkerwiththemabitmore...I'mgoingtorest-bye-I'llseeyouinaweek.

Beepshehangsup.Looksbackouttothepond.It'sempty.Shrugs-abouttopullout-thatlovesongstillblaring.

AMYOhp-lease,Whitney.

CLICK-sheshutsofftheradio-andpullsbackoutontotheroad.

EXT.BEARMTN.HEALTHSPA-NIGHT

Amypullingluggageoutofhercar.Shetakesabreath-clearlyshe'sexhausted-andstartstowardstheentrance.

INT.BEARMTN.HEALTHSPA-RECEPTIONDESK-NIGHT

AmyatthefrontdeskwiththeNightManagerCAROLINE,30'S,

annoyinglyfit.

CAROLINEwehaveafullweightroom,lifecycles,stairmasters,aspa,yoga,aerobics,spinclasses...

AMYI'mreallyjustlookingforaquickfix,here.Doyouhaveanythingthatjustinvolveslyingdown?

CAROLINE

Amassage.

AMYGreat.I'llhaveoneaday.Nottooearly.

INT.BEARMTN.-MASSAGEWAITINGAREA-NEXTDAY

Amyenters,wearingsweats,shechecksherwatch-lookstowardacloseddoor-abouttograbamagazinewhenshehearsfrombehindthedoor:

WOMAN'SVOICEVirgil,OhGod...,rightthere.Yes.

Amy'sinterestpiques-thewoman'smurmurcontinuing-deepecstasy.

WOMAN'SVOICEYesthere-abitmore...(asmallbellDINGS)



--wait-wait,youcan'tstop-onemoreminute-noo!

VIRGIL'SVOICESorry,Susan-time'sup.I'vegotsomeonewaiting.

Andthedooropens-andweseeawoman,60's,SUSAN,BetteMidlertype,backingoutoftheroom.

SUSANVirgil,youhavetocomelivewithme.

VIRGIL'SVOICEAndwhatwouldyourhusbandsay?Amy,yououtthere?-c'monin.

SUSANThat'sit-I'mgettingadivorce.

AmysmilesasshepassesSusanandenters.

INT.VIRGIL'SMASSAGEROOM-DAY

Virgilhashisbacktousashepreparesthetable.Theroomisveryordered-everyvial,bottle,towelhasitsexactspot.

VIRGILHey,Amy,I'mVirgil-whydon'tyougetready-hopuponthetable.

AmyseesVirgil-hisheadturnedslightlyaway-shedropshersweatsandliesonthetable,facedown-pullingthesheettocover

herself.

AMYSoundslikeyou'reageniusatthis.

VIRGIL(laughs)That'sright..Mozart,Einstein,VirgilAnderson,massagetherapist.NowI'mgoingtostartworkingsomewhatdeep-youletmeknowifyouwantanythingdeeper.

AMYDeeperisgood-whereIcomefrom,allyougetisshallow.

VIRGILIlikethat-deepitis.

CLICK-hehitsabuttononaCDplayerandaswehearthesoulful



aria"Mira,0Norma"fromBellini'sNorma.

VIRGILFirsttimeinPinecrest?

AMYCameinlatelastnight..missedthetowncompletely.

VIRGILIfyoucameinbroaddaylight,youcouldstillmissthetowncompletely.

Dissolveto:

SlowmovingcutsofVirgil,workinglongstrokesoverAmy'sbody--hishandsgracefullyLENGTHENINGandSTRETCHINGhermuscles.

VIRGILToomuchcompute?work.

AMYUh-huh.

VIRGILBadchair-youshouldthinkaboutachange.

AMY(quiet)Absolutely.

VirgilreacheshishandsallthewaydownherspineandmakesamovethatcausesAmytoreleaseaverydeepgutturalsound.

VIRGILToodeep?

AMYNo.......justright.

Amyisnowlostinanotherworld-asVirgilshifts-workinggently

-notcaressing-butmolding-likeasculptor.

AmomentandAmy,surprisingly,beginstocry-softly.Virgilstops-takesastepback.

VIRGILI-I'msorry-itwastoodeep...

Shecriesforanotherfewbeats-thentakesabreath.



AMYNo-it..it'snotyou..It'sjustthingshavekindabuiltup,Idon'tknowwhyI'mcrying..look,thisisembarrassing...

VIRGILDon'tbeembarrassed-youobviouslyneededit.Weshouldstopfortoday.

AMYYeah,thanks.Youalwaysmakethegirlscry.

VIRGILNotsincegradeschool.I'mgoingtogonow-unlessyou'dlikemetostay.

AMYCouldyou-justforaminute?

VIRGILOfcourse,whateveryouneed.

Virgilsitsnexttoher-thenreachesout-takesherhandandstartsaslowcomfortingmassage-weseeAmyvisiblyrelax.

AMYYoueverfeellikeaMartian'sinvadedyourentirebody?

VIRGILEveryday.

Amy,closeshereyes-smilingslightlyinthanks.

INT.VIRGIL'SMASSAGEROOM-LATER

CAMERApansslowlyovertoAmyasleep-andontheclickofthedoor-hereyesdreamilyopen.

AMYVirgil?

INT.BEARMTN.HEALTHSPA-LATEDAY

Hallwayoutsidethemassagearea.Amyexitsthechangeroom,nowwearinghersweats-pullingonhersneakers.

VIRGIL(O.S.)(callingout)HeyCaroline,youlookincredibletoday.



CAROLINE(O.S.)(laughing)Quiteacompliment,Virgil.Seeyatomorrow.

VIRGIL(O.S.)Seeya.

Amylooksdownthehall-seesaglimpseofVirgilroundingthecorner.Shechasesafterhimintothereceptionareawheresheseeshimexitingthedoorandmovingoffdownthedriveway.

AMYVirgil-wait...

He'sgone.Hoppingalong,tuggingonherlastsandal-shedecidestogoafterhim-fightingherwaythroughalargetourgroupjustcheckingin.

EXT.BEARMTN.SPA-LATEDAY

Virgilinthedistance,movinghiswaytowardsthemainstreet.Amyexitingthebuilding-tryingnottoslipontheiceasshe,hurriesafterhim-tryingtogetcloseenoughtocallout.

VirgilstopsatamainroadwayasAmycomesupbehindhim.

AMYVirgil,hey.

Virgilturns-sunglasseson-looksdirectlyatAmy.

VIRGILYes.

AMYIt'sAmy-AmyTremont.

VIRGILOfcourse-youweresleeping,didn'twanttowakeyou.

AMYYesthanks-you'retheskater,right-Isawyoulastnight,comingin.Prettymeanslapshot.Youplayonsometeamorsomething?

VIRGILYeah,something.Youahockeyfan?



AMYAlwayslikedit-nevergetaroundtoseeingagame.ButIlovedtoskateasakid-unfortunatelyIhavetwoleftfeet.

VIRGIL(playingwithher)TheylookperfectlyOKwithme.

Amylaughs,startsrelaxing-unconsciouslystartstoflirt.Headcocked,shiftsherweightononefoot,movingslightlycloser.

AMYIlovetheviewyougethere.

VIRGILSamehere-Inevergetusedtoit.

JustthenaYELLOWSCHOOLBUSpullsupinfrontofhimandWHOOSH

thedoorspopopenrevealingCARLKIPLING,black,ahundredyearsold.Virgilturnsasafewkidspileoffthebus..

VIRGILWell,thisismyride.HeyTommy,myman.

Andwithhishandextendedakidhighfivesit.Amylooksup-aBUSfullofyoungschoolkids.Seemsodd.

TOMMYVirge.

Asthekidmovesoff.

AMYWell,Ijustwantedtoapologizeforbackthere-blubberinglikethat-Iwasjustinaweirdplace.

VIRGILAndnow...

AMYNow,I'mfine-soIwantedtothank-you.Forwhatyoudid.

VIRGILFormakingyoucry.

AMY



No,Imademecry-andyouhandleditgreat-didn'tfreakoranything.(beat)Ismymascarasmearedorsomething?

VIRGIL(laughs)No.Why?

AMYYou'rejustlookingatmefunny.

CARLVirgil-letsmoveit.

VIRGILAsIsaidearlier-Ijustnevergetusedtotheview.

Virgilstartstowardsthebus,reachingbehindtohispack.Pulls

somethingout.

VIRGILSeeyoutomorrow.

AndCLICK,CLICK,CLICK-aWHITECANEunfoldsinhishand.Andhetapshiswaytothebus.

AMYSeeyou...ohmyGod.

VIRGILWhat?

AMYYou're,you're--I'msosorry.

VIRGIL(smile)Hey,youalreadyapologizedonce-noneedtooverdoit.Byenow.

Amydoesn'tknowhowtorespond.Andhemovesintothefrontseatofthebus-amongst"HeyVirgil's"fromtheschoolkidsandCa-chunkthedoorsclose-theYellowBussteamingoff-pastAmy,asshestaresatVirgilinthefrontseat-abouttowavetohim-thenrealizinghewouldn'tsee.

Assheturnsandwatchesthebusmoveoffdownthestreet-ahandcomesout-Virgil's-andwavesgood-bye.



EXT.VIRGIL'SHOME.-DUSK

TheBUSstoppinginfrontofVirgil'shome-aside-by-sideDUPLEXattheedgeofsurroundingwoods.

VirgilstepsintothestreetandwithaHONKthebuspullsaway.Heturns,grazeshishandacrossatreeoutfront-andstartstowardshishome.

ATTHEPORCH-hehesitatesatthefirstdoor.Findsitwithhishand-thenrapsonit.

Noanswer.Hemovesovertohisowndoor-andgoesinside.

INT.VIRGIL'SHOME-EVENING

Asheenters,Sophie,anagingLAB,laysonthecouch.

VIRGILGetoffthecouch,Sophie.

Asthedogslidesguiltilyoffthecouch.

VIRGILSomeseeingeyedog-morelikesleepingeyedog.

VirgilbendsdownashepassesthecoffeetabletopickuptheREMOTECONTROLplacedjustso.Click-aGameShowpopson.

VIRGILMetagirltoday-nicevoice-followedmeoutofthebuilding.

Sophiebarks.

VIRGILNoshewasn'tastalker.

CLOSEONVirgil'shandflippingopenalargebookmarked"TVHOCKEYSCHEDULE"-it'scompletelyWHITE-allinBRAILLE.

JENNIE(O.S.)Sophie'sjustworriedaboutyou-shewatchestoomanyhorrormovies.

Inthekitchen,JENNIEANDERSON,olderthanVirgil,simplydressed,puttingajustmadedinnercarefullyontoaplate.

VIRGILHey,you'rehere-sohowarethekidstoday?

Runninghishanddownthepurewhitepage-hefindswhathewants:



BAP-hehitsthechannelchangerandthegamecomeson.

JENNIETheusual-needalotofattention.Sowho'sthegirl?

Movingintothekitchen,VirgilputstheremotetothesideoftherefrigeratorwhereitVELCROstickstoanexactspot.

VIRGILFromthespa.Imadehercry.

JENNIEYouhaven'tdonethatsince--

VIRGIL/JENNIE--gradeschool.

VIRGIL(smile)That'swhatItoldher.Coke?

VirgilmovespastJennieasshegoesintothelivingroom-handup,dooropenandhe'sgotaglass.Backtothefridge,hegrabsacoke.

JENNIEI'mfine.Yourdinner'sready-chicken'sat3o'clock-riceisat...

VIRGIL6o'clock,peasat9o'clockandnewsat11.

JennieplacesVirgil'sdinnerdowninanexactspotonacoffeetable(facingawayfromtheTV).

JENNIE(laughs)OnedayI'mgoingtoswitchthemonyou.

VIRGILAndonedayI'llplayforwardfortheNewYorkRangers.

FourprecisestepsintotheroomandVirgilplopsdownonthesofa-findshisfork.Jenniemovestoacounterwhereapileofschoolbookssit.

JENNIE

Ha-ha.Youneednewjokes.



VIRGILOranewsister.

JENNIEI'dworkonthejokes.

PickingupthebooksshemovespastVirgil-peckshimontheheadandmovestothedoor.

VIRGILYouwanttowatchsomehockey?

JENNIE(atthedoor)Youwanttogradesomespellingtests?(beat)I'llbenextdooryouneedme.

SheleavesandVirgilpatsthecouchandSophiehopsupnexttohim.

VIRGILYouknowthisgirl-foronemoment-sheactuallythoughtIcould(Sophiegrumblesasshesettlesin)I'mnotkidding.(beat)Andshehadthisgreatvoice-relaxing-softlikeabreezethrough(beat)Wonderwhatshethinksabout"blinddates."

INT.AMY'SROOM-EVENING

Amyinbed-justoutoftheshower-theonlylightintheroomcomesfromtheTV.Shehastheremote,mindlesslyswitchingchannels-notstayingononeformorethanasecondortwo.

Click-anOddCouplererun-click-ESPNbowling-click-ThreeStooges-MoepokingCurlyintheeye-click-click-click.

Bored,shestops-noticesasmallscarfonachairnexttothebed.Shepicksitup,holdsitagainsthereyesandtiesittightaroundherhead.

Shestands-handsoutinfrontofher-startstowalkacrosstheroom-notsobad-WHAM-rightintoasidetable.Shitthathurts!

Grabbingherleg,shehops-hitsalamp.

AMYDAMMIT!

Rippingthetoweloffherhead-hoppingaroundononefoot-shehears:

KNOCKKNOCK



AMYComing!

Rubbingherleg-shelimps/halfwalkstothedoor-opensitto:

Virgil:darkglasses,cane,smile

AMYVirgil..?

Shepullsatowelincloser-thenrealizesitdoesn'tmatter

VIRGILMyturntoapologize.IshouldhavetoldyouIwasblinditwasn'tfair.

AMYThat'sOK.Youwanttocomein-Ijustgotoutoftheshower-givemeaminutetogetchanged?

VIRGIL(ashemovesin)Sure,IpromiseIwon'tlook.

AsAmystartstogetchangedinthebathroom.

VIRGILAnyways,Iwasintheneighborhood--actuallythewholetown'smyneighborhood--andsinceyou'veneverbeentoour

illustriousvillage,Ithoughtmaybewecouldgointotown-seewhatwesee.

AMYSeewhatwesee?

VIRGILFigureofspeech.

AMYYoumeanrightnow,tonight?

VIRGILGreat-I'mblindandyou'redeaf-whatapair.

EXT.MAINSTREET-EVENING

Afewstorewindowslitup.Somepeopleeatingdinneratastreetsidecafe.Virgil,holdingAmy'sarmastheywalkdownthe



street.

WITHAMYANDVIRGILWALKING:

VIRGIL...theMechanicatthetopofthestreetisDoug-smokestoomuch-butagoodguy.ThreestepsdownisCarlson'shardware-he'sgotalaughlikeadonkey-wesometimeslistentogamestogether-he'saDevil'sfan.AndjustupaheadshouldbeGrady'sjunkshop-hecallsit"antiques"...Smellslikejunk.I'dhatetoseewhatitlookslike.

Awomanbustlespast,NANCYBENDER,weigheddownwithgroceries.

VIRGIL(intuitively)HeyNancy.

NANCYHeyVirgil-gotthatbookinforyou.

VIRGIL

Nancy'sourlibrarian,bringsinanybraillebookIwant.

NANCY(toAmy)Theguy'snutsaboutthepyramids-anythinghecangethishandson...

VIRGILThank-youNancy-youshouldgetyourgrocerieshome-youricecream'smelting.

Nancylaughs-asshemovesoff.

AMYNiceplace-youseemtoknoweveryonehere.

VIRGILMovedherewhenIwaseight.Myfamilyfigureditwouldbeagoodplaceformetogrowup.Tellmewhatyousee.

AMYWell,there'sagoodstructuretothetown-genuinelines,gooduseofspace.TobehonestI'dfindabetterbalancetoalotofthesebuildings.Butthat'sme.

VIRGIL



What'syou?

AMYThearchitectinme-can'tleavewellenoughalone.Artschoolincollege-ImadethearmsfortheVenusDeMilo.(realizingheprobablydoesn'tunderstand)see,theVenusDeMilohasnoarmsand...

VIRGIL(laughs)IknowtheVenusDeMilohasnoarms,andtheMonaLisahasthiscaptivatingsmileandDaviddoesn'twearafigleaf.

AMYHowdoyou...

VIRGILImaynothavebeenalotofplaces-

butIreadaboutthings,thenmakeanimageuphere--(pointstohishead)--thatworksforme.

Grazinghishandacrossatelephonepole-Virgilstops-turnstoAmy.

VIRGILThisistheendofthestreet.Weshouldturnback.

AMYWhataboutpasttheendofthestreet?What'soutthere?

Heturnsaround.

VIRGIL(shrugs)Nothing.

AMY

No-there'sanoldrundownbuildingofftotheside...

VIRGILMustbetheoldfirehouse.Ithadafiresotheyshutitdown.(Amylaughs)HonesttoGod.(intrigued)Whatelsedoyousee?



AMYAwallofshrubs-afieldwithaninterestingconfigurationoftrees.

Thewindhaspickedupabit.

VIRGILTellmehowyouseeit.

AMY(enjoyingthegame)OK,sure.Let'ssee-longandelegant.Like--likeawomandancingwithtwolovers,tryingtodecidewhichonesheloves.

Virgilstopsamoment-takesintheimage.

AMYWhat?

VIRGILIt'sjust-theimageyoujustgaveme-"Dancingtrees.-Ilikethat.

Virgilstops-hisheadcocksslightly.

VIRGILWeshouldgo-it'sstartingtorain.

AMY(lookingaround)There'sabitofabreezebut--

KABOOM-thunder-andtherainjustdrops.

INT.FIREHOUSE-NIGHT

Theyruninlaughing-AmyclosingthedoorbehindthemasVirgilmoveshiswayintothecenteroftheroom-standswherethemoonlightfromahighwindowhitsthefloor.Waterrunsdowntheoutsideglass,causingthelighttorippleacrosshim.Theroomis

empty-almostsurreal.

AMYIcan'tbelievehowfastithappens...

(sheseesVirgil-hisheadcockedtowardstheceiling)

AMYVirgil?



Virgil'sheadturnstowardher.

VIRGILYoulikerain-Ilovetherain.

AMY(movingtohim)Whatwereyoujustdoingthere?

Virgilslowlymoveshisheadabout,sensingtheroom.

VIRGILListening-therain-itbringsoutthecontoursofeverything,giveslifetoaroomIcan'tsee.

WESEESLOWMOVINGCUTSofthebuildingasVirgildescribeswhathehears.

VIRGIL

Youhearit?...ontheroofdrippingdownthewallsoneveryside.Ontheright,onthedrainpipe,it'sdrummingwithadeeper,steadiersound--likeatimpani-echoingacrosstheroom-tellsmetheroomislarge-open.Youfeelit-inyourchest?Ontheleft,therainsays...(helistens)...afireescape,withit'sownrhythm-ping-ping.Thenlisten-there...(hepoints)--what'sthat-overthere...?

AMYLookslikeit's...

VIRGILNo,listenforit-notwhatitlookslike-whatitbecomes.Comehere.

Amymovescloser-Virgilputshishandsoutonhershoulders-turnshertothesound.

VIRGILNowjustlistentoit-shutouteverythingbutthatsound-doyouhearit?

Amystrainstolisten-closeshereyes-herheadinstinctivelyturning-noinunisonwithVirgil's

AMY



Yes-there-it'ssoft-likeashimmer

VIRGILThewindblowingtherainagainstawindow.

AMY(smile)Likeacymbal.It'slikeourownpercussivesymphony,isn'tit?

Amyopenshereyes-looksabouttheroom-listening.

VIRGILTheworldisinvisibletome-withmytouchitcomesalive.Butonlyonethingatatime.Butwhenit'sraining,Ifeeleverythingatonce.Sometimes,Iwishitcouldraininsiderainallaroundus.

AMY(musing)

"Einfuehlung."

VIRGILWhat?

AMYEinfuehlung-it'sanarchitecturalterm.Itmeanstoshareanempathy.BeenalongtimesinceIfeltthat.

Andastheystandlisteningtotherain,playingitsmusic-Amywatcheshim-fascinatedbyhim-thenshiversslightly.

VIRGILYou'recold,weshouldgo.

AMYNo,I'mfine,really.Itwasjustsomethingpassingthroughme-can'texplainit-agoodthing.

Amysmilesathim-thenquietlyrealizes

hecan'tseeit.Shemovesclose,herhandreachingoutandtakinghis.

AMYWhatyoujustshowedmehowIfeel-makesmesmile.

Shetakeshishand-hesitates-thenputsitonthesideofherface.



VIRGILIseeitnow.Thank-you.

Weholdabeat-enjoyingthesymphonyofrain-thencutto:

EXT.BEARMTN.LODGE-MORNING

Thesunwarmingthecoolmorningair.TheschoolbuspullingawaytorevealVirgilmakinghiswayintowork.

VIRGIL(V.O.)Ithoughtafteryesterday,you'dnevergetuponmytableagain.

INT.MASSAGEROOM-NEXTDAY

Amyonthetable.Virgilsquirtingoilinhishand-preparing.

AMYYoukidding?today,I'mlookingforacompletenervousbreakdown.

VIRGILIloveachallenge.

Andasheplaceshispalmscarefullyonherback-workingherbackslowlywehearoperaplayquietlyinthebackground.

DISSOLVETO:Virgil'shandsonthesmallofherback-somethingamazinglysensualabouthowheworkshermuscles.Amyspeakstohiminlowtones-inastateofcompleterelaxation.

AMYCanIaskhowlongyou'vebeenblind?

VIRGILOfcourse,mostpeopleavoidthesubject.Youtellthemyou'reblindandtheyactsurprised."You'reblind?Really?Ididn'tknow-youhideitsowell."Andthentheywavetheirhandinfrontofyourfacejusttomakesure.(beat)ItstartedwhenIwasalittleoverayearold.

Virgil'shandsmovedownAmy'ssides-slow-feelingeachcontour-theoilmakingherskinglisten.Amymovesherheadslightlywithhistouch.Sheletsoutasmallbreathofair.

AMY(quiet)Youseeshadows?

VIRGIL



No.Congenitalcataracts.Andacaseofretinitispigmentosathrowninforgoodmeasure.Thisareaneedstoloosenup.

AMYIthinkyou'redoingit.(beat)Nobrightlights,nothing?

VIRGILI'mblindasabat.Actually,blinder'causetheyemitsonarallthetime.Idon'thaveasixthsense,Ijustdon'thavethefifthone.Ican'thearthingsinVermont,can'tsmellifyou'remadatme,and,no-Idon'tknowHelenKeller,RayCharlesorStevieWonder.

AmymurmursinresponsetoVirgil'stouch.

VIRGILYousaysomething?

AMYNo,Ijust-thisfeelsnice-toonice.

Virgilmoveshishandsdownherback-sensuallykneadingeachmuscle.It'sclearhe'senjoyingthisasmuchassheis.

AMYYou'reverygood..atwhatyoudo.

AnotherbreathexhalesfromherinvoluntarilyasVirgilhitsa

sensitivespot.

VIRGILThank-you.

AMYYouenjoyit.

VIRGILAttimes.Someclientsmakeitmoreenjoyablethanothers.

Virgilnowworksdownherthighs-Amy'sbackarchingslightlywiththemovement-bothofthemheatingtothemoment.Boththeirbreathsquickening.

AMYAndthisclient...



VIRGILIsvery,very...

DING-andthespellisbroken.

AMYWhat?

VIRGILSorry-it'stime.I'vegotMr.Ketchumcominginnext-alltwohundredpounds.Sorry-Ifeltlikewewerejustgettingstarted.

Amysitsuponthetable-thesheetpullingawayslightlyrevealingher.Foramomentshewatcheshim-hisheadturnedtowardsher-butnotseeing.Thensheslowlypullsthesheetupcoveringherself.

AMYThank-you.Forlastnightaswell-lovetodoitagain.

VIRGILHowaboutIcookdinnerthen,tonight.

AMYI'dlikethat.

INT.BEARMIN.-NEXTDAY

Aerobicsstepclass.Amyworkingout.Infrontofhertworatherlargewomeninneonstretchworkoutclothes-Amytriestoavoidthe

view-athought-andsheshutshereyesasshecontinuesherexercise.

INT.BEARMTN.-NEXTDAY

Amy,towelaroundherneck-cominginfromtheworkout.

CAROLINEAmy

INT.VIRGIL'SHOME-NIGHT

Onionsfrying.TiltuptoVirgil-cuttingthelastofitandputtingitinthepan-sizzlingasithits.Vegetablesandaboxofpastaarearrangedonthecountertop.Sophiewatchestheproceedings.

RRRRINNNG-thephone.

Virgilstopscutting-hishandeasilyfindsthephone.

INTERCUTWITH



Amy:onthephoneinhercarontheTaconicParkway.

AMYVirgil-it'sAmy.I-Ican'tmakedinner-I'mreallysorry-anemergencycameup-they'redraggingmebacktoNewYork.

VIRGILOh.Yeah.Anythingserious?

AMYTheprojectwewereworkingonwasrejected-couldgodownthedrain.I'lldealwithitquick-I'dliketocomeback.

VIRGILYeah.Good.Well.I'llbehere.

Virgilhangsupthephone-frustrated,hereachesforthefrying

pan-andpromptlyburnshishand.

VIRGIL-DAMNIT!!!

Droppingthepan-Sophiegoesscurrying,ashekicksatit-sendingitacrosstheroom.Heturns-thrustshishandunderthesink-turningonthecoldwater.

VIRGILShit-thatwasstupid.

EXT.FLATIRONDISTRICT-LATEDAY

EveningrushhourtrafficsurroundingtheFlatironbuilding.

VOICE(ONSPEAKERPHONE)I'mjustsayingthereseemstobesomethingmissing.

INT.ROSWELL-TREMONTDESIGN-DAY

Asmallcardboardmodelofwhatlookslikeasmallmini-mall.Amysitsinfrontofit-drawingonasketchpad.Theofficeissparse,functional.AfewDRAFTSMENcanbeseeninthebackgroundthrougha

glasspartition.

DUNCANAbsolutelyMr.Falk-somethingljmissing-werealizethatnow.Wejustneedsometimetofigureoutwhat.

DUNCANROSWELL,30's,leaningalittletooardentlyintoaspeakerphone.ThevoiceontheotherendisJACKFALK-theirwouldbeemployer.TheirassistantBETSYERNST,early20's,sitsinthe



corner,takingnotes.

FALKFine-butyouallknowwhatkindofschedulewe'reonhere?

DUNCAN(watchingAmy)Andbudget.Yessir.Don'tworry,wewon'tletyoudown.

Shetakesapieceofpaper,hasanidea,startssketching-Duncanhangsup.

DUNCANDon'tsayit,Iknow.Youwereneverhappywiththedesign.

AMYIwasn'tgoingtosaythat.

DUNCANButyou'dhavetinkeredwithittillthejobwentaway.Sonowwe've

gothimhooked,you'vegotyoursecondchance.

AndAmyshovesherroughsketchacrossthetable.

AMYLookatthesesitephotos-seethosetrees-weweregoingtogetridofthem-let'sincorporatethemintothedesignusewhat'snaturalaboutthelocation.(Duncanstaresather)Andbytheway-the53rdSt.lobby-comingbackfromPinecrest,Icameupwithanew

addition-addsomelifetothatplace.

Duncanstaresatthesketch-thenlooksupatAmy

DUNCANOK--what'sgoingonhere?WesentHydrathethreeheadedmonsteroffafewdaysagoandgotbackMaryPoppinsinreturn.

AMYWhat?Ican'thaveacoupleofideas.

(evenBetsystaresather)Fine,youwanttoknow-Imetaguy.

Betsystands.

BETSYToomodernforme.

DUNCAN



Sitdown.Betsy.We'reallfriendshere.So-spillthebeans.

AMYNothingtospill-he'sagoodguy-smart,funny,blind...DUNCANWhoa,whoa-waitaminute-Blind!?Liketap-tap,whitecaneblind?ComeonAmy-Imean,Iknowyoulikechallenges,hellyoumarriedme-but...

AMYIknewyou'dbeunderstanding.

DUNCAN(standing)No,noIam.You'reright,thisisnoneofmybusinessanymore-butablindguy?Ifyou'relonely-inmy.opinion--getapuppy.

BETSYDuncan,don'tbeajerk.

DUNCANYoustillworkhere.

He'sgone.

BETSY

He'sjustjealous.

AMYSomuchforthe"we'reallfriendshere"idea.

INT.ROSWELL-TREMONTOFFICES-NIGHT

CLOSEON-Computerscreen.Acursorblinks-thenthewordsCONGENITALBLINDNESS-aCLICKandawebpagefortheAMERICANBRAILLEINSTITUTEcomesup.

WIDE-weseeAmyhoveringoverhercomputer-varioussketchesoftheproposedbuildingnexttoher-twogiantMagnoliatreeshavebeenincorporatedintothedesign.Aswewatchhersearchonthecomputerwemoveoverhershouldertoseeinthecornerofherplans-asketchoftheintertwined"dancingtrees"andtheFirehouse.

Betsyenterscarryingherjacket.

BETSYEverybody'sgonefortheday.



AMYThanks.Yougoahead-I'mjustfinishingupsomethinghere.

SheturnstolookatBetsywhonowpeersoverhershoulder-seeswhatshe'sdoing.Amylooksupather-seesBetsy'slook.

AMYWhat?Ijustwanttoknowalittlemoreaboutwhat'swrongwithhim.

BETSY(pause)Amy?Friendtofriend?

AMYShoot

BETSYIhatetoadmititbutIagreewithDuncanonthisone.AMY(backtothecomputer)Don'tshoot.BETSYHemakessensesometimes.Myfatherhadaproblemafewyearsbackwithseverecataracts.Doyouhaveanyideawhatyou'regettinginto?

Amyspinsinherchair-lookstoBetsy.

AMYYoueverlistenedtorain-Imeanreallylistened?

BETSYThislikethatsmelltherosesthing?

AMY(turnstoher)

I'vespentthelastfiveyearsofmyadultlifewithamanwhohastheemotionalcontentofasoapdish.TheonlytimeIsawhimcrywasdoingourtaxreturnthreeyearsago.(beat)Ineedmorethanthat,Betsy.Foronceinalong,longtimeIfeellikeIcanbreatheagain.JustthewayhetouchesmeIknowIfoundsomeoneIcanconnectwith.



BETSYAh,herewego.

AMYNo,no.Icantellhe'ssensingeverythingaboutmewithasimpletouch.Helistenstomyeverywordasifit'stheonlysoundontheplanet-Ifeellikeeventhoughhecan'tseeme,heknowseverythingaboutme.Hejustmovesme-doesthatsoundcrazy.

BETSY(beat)Doeshehaveabrother?

EXT:PINECRESTMOUNTAINS-LATEDAY

TheFROZENPOND,nestledagainstastrandofpine.Virgilskatesfastacrosstheiceenjoyingthespeed-thewindusinghishockeystickasaguide-henearstheedgeofpond-feelsitwiththe

stickandslamstoastop.

Heshuffleshisbodyaroundtofaceintheotherdirection-thenstartsskatingagain-passingAMYstandingonthesnowcoveredbank.

ONAMY-smiling,watchingVirgil-enjoyinghisreleaseofenergy.

HERPOV-VIRGIL-skatingwell,alookofrelaxationwe'veneverseenonhisface.HeskatesinanarccomingbackpastAmy.

Finallyshespeaks.

AMYWayneGretzky,lookout.

Virgilslamstoahaltinsurprise-nearlytopplingover.

AMYSorry--sorry.Didn'tmeantoscareyou.

VIRGILAmy?!

AMYIsaidI'dcomeback.

VIRGILHowlong...howlonghaveyoubeen...?



AMYWatchingyou?Justgothere-couldn'tfindyouatthespa-tookachanceyou'dbehere.You'reverygood.

VIRGILSkatedsinceIwasakid.Mydadtaughtme-wantedmetoplayprooneday.Howdoyoulikemypond?AMYIt'sbeautiful.

VIRGILDescribeitforme.AMYOK.Let'ssee.Likecoolbluesilk-youknowblue?

VIRGILIthinkso-keepgoing.

AMYBluesilkstretchedtightacrossabowl-surroundedbywhitejacketedsentriesoftreesonthehorizon,protectingitfromtheoutsideworld.

VIRGILHorizon'satoughone.

AMYWhat?

VIRGILNeverunderstoodhorizon-iftouchit-don'tknowwhatitthat'sOKIlikedtherestofpicture.(hestartsmovingtowardsher)Youwanttoskate?

AMY

Sorry,Ididn'tbringmyskates.

VIRGILDon'tneedthem.Comeonstepholdofmystick.

AMYExcuseme?



VIRGIL(smile)Hockeystick.Here.

Heholdsthestickoutlikeacrossbar.Amymovescautiouslyforwardandtakesholdofit.

VIRGILOK.Nowholdonforbalance.IusedtodothiswithJenniewhenwewerekids.

AndVirgilstartsskatingbackwardspullingAmywithhim.Amyisapprehensiveatfirstthenstartstoenjoythemovement-thesensation-bothofthemlaughingoutloud.

WIDEasweseethemmoveabouttherink-AmyslidingandbeingpulledbyVirgil.AshepicksupspeedwehearAmyscreamindelight.

AMYLookout-we'rerunningoutofice.

Virgilturnsexpertly,arcingaroundtheedgeoftheicebutAmyloseshernerve-andbalance-andletsgoofthestickandgoesflyingintoanembankment.ThemomentumcarriesVirgiloffdowntheice-bothofthemlaughinghysterically.

VIRGILYouOK?

AMYFine.Neverbeendumpedsofastinmylife.

VIRGILMe,dumpyou?Noway.Staywhereyouare-I'llcometoyou-justkeeptalking.

Amysitsuponherelbowsintheembankment.

AMYWhatdoIsay?

VirgilstartsglidingacrosstheicesearchingforAmy.

VIRGIL(hearinghervoice,veeringinherdirection)Anything-how'dyoubecomeanarchitect?

AMYGod-let'ssee-Iwasincollege-artschool-alittleaimless-andImet



thisguy-.anarchitect-openedupanewworldtome.Ilikedthestructurethecontrol-findingproblems,comingupwithsolutions-whenIgraduated-westartedacompanytogether-onimpulsegotmarried-whichwascrazy-divorcedayearago-butwe'restillpartners..whichmustseemevencrazier.

AndVirgil'ssuddenlythere-goingalittletoofar-tumblingoffthepondandintoher.

VIRGILYou'dthinkImeanttodothat.Apatentedmove.

They'reclose-inthesnowtogether-facetoface.

AMY(Amysmiles,realizes)Thisistough.

VIRGILWhat?

AMYIbatmyeyelashes,tossmyheadjustright,andthere'sthisverysexythingIdowithmyeyes-thenrealizenoneofitmatterstoyou.

VIRGIL

Itdoesn'tmatter.Tellmewhatyoulooklike.

AMYI...1don'tknowI'm...

VIRGILWait.Letme.

Heputshishandout,overherface--hesitates,thenslowlyfeels

downthecontoursofhercheek,hereyelids,theshapeofherlips-Amymovingwiththetouch,thesensualityofit-andashecontinues-Amy'shandreachesup-touchinghisface-Virgilsmiles.

VIRGILEyes,mouth,chin,cheek..youareverybeautiful.



AMYThank-you.Soareyou-morethanIcoulddescribe.

Virgil'shandsmovedownherface-closinghereyes-lettingherjustexperiencehistouch-hisexploring.

Andasboththeirhandscontinue,enjoyingthesensationofdiscoveringeachother-Amyleansforward,hereyesstillclosed,findinghismouth-grazinghislipswithherown-softly,gently,thentheyfoldintoeachother'sarmslockedintoawarm,deepkiss.

INT.VIRGIL'SHOUSE-BEDROOM-NIGHT

It'sdark-apalemoonglowhighlightsthetwointertwinednakedbodies.Afireburnsinthebackground.InflowingCUTSweseethemmakelove:

Virgil-hisheadtilteddown-Amy-putsherhandtohischin-liftshishead-thenkisseseachofhisclosedeyelidsinrhythmwithVirgil'smovements.

Amy-nowastrideVirgil-shecloseshereyes-feelsittheway

Virgilwould-movingfasternow-intotalrhythm-shudderinginmutualrelease--andshecollapsesontopofhim-adeepbreathandsherollsover-cuddlesintohisarm.

Alongbeat-outofbreath:

AMYSo--that'swhatablinddateis.

Theybreathe-thenbothstartlaughing-quietly-thenhystericallytogetherasVirgilwrapsherupinhisarms-holdinghertightly.

EXT.PINECREST-DAWN

Thehorizon.Thesuncrestingit-bringinganewlighttotheday.

INT.VIRGIL'SHOME-EARLYMORNINGSoundsofashowerinthebackground.AmyinVirgil'srobe,pullsajuicecontaineroutofthefridge-poursherselfaglass,puttingthejuiceonthecounterasshewalksintothelivingroom-takinginthesparsenessofhissurroundings.

CLOSEON-anopenBrailleBook.Thecompletelywhitepageswithminutebumps.Amypullsupachair,sits-andflipsthroughthe

book,runningherhandacrossthepages-tryingtounderstandhisworld.

Shethenturnstothefrontcovertoseewhatitis.Playboy.

WeheartheshowerstopasAmysmiles,putsthebookdown-pushesthechairasidethenmovestoaseriesofpicturesonthewall:

Virgilasayoungboy-hissisterJennieafewyearsolder-andhismotherandfather.Thenanotherpicturenexttoit-Virgilin



hisskatesandJennieolder-nofather-Sophieattheirfeet.

Andafinalpicture-Virgilasanadult-heandJennieonthefrontporch-hisarmswrappedaroundhissisterlikehe'snevergoingtoletgo.

VOICE(O.S.)Hello?

Amyturnstosee-Jennie,carryingabagunderherarm.

AMYHello.

Jenniemovestowardsthekitchen.

JENNIEI'mJennie,Virgil'ssister.Andyouare..?

Virgilstepsout-bathrobe-dryinghishair.

VIRGILJen,thisisAmyTremont.

Jennienowatthekitchen-staresatthejuicecontainer-placesitbackinthefridge-justso.

JENNIEIwasjustatthemarketVirgil,pickingupafewthingsbeforeschool-andIthoughtyoumightlikesome...

VIRGIL(smells)Applesandbananas.Amyseesthefruitonthecounter-impressed.

JENNIEHe'sbeingashow-off,Amy-Ialwaysbringhimthese.(puttingtheminthefridge)Theapplesareonthebottomshelf...

VIRGIL

Attwoo'clock.Orangesat10.Iknow,thanks.

JENNIEAmy--youintownlong...

AndWHAM-Virgilmovingintotheroom,collidesrightintothechairAmymoved-knockingintoalampsendingittotheground.



Jennieimmediatelyrushesover.

AMYVirgil?

VIRGILI'mfine.

JENNIENoyou'renot-you'rebleeding.(turningtoAmy,sudden)Firstlessonwithablindman,Amy-don'tchangeanything-it'stoodangerous

AMY(movingtoVirgil)I'msorry-Ididn'tknow...

VIRGIL

Itwasmyfault.I'mOK.

Jenniestilldabbingathisleg.

VIRGIL(embarassed,snaps)Goddamit,Jennie-IsaidIwasOK-leavemealone!

Jenniehesitates,thenstandstogo-seesthehockeybookoutofplace.AglancetoAmyandshepicksitup-quietlymovesitback

toit'srightfulspot.

JENNIEI'vegotparentmeetingstonight-there'sdinnerinthefreezer-leftcorner.(turnstoAmy)Nicetohavemetyou,Amy.

AMYMetoo-andagain-I'msorry.

Andshe'sgone-leavingAmyandVirgiltogether-amomentof

awkwardness.

AMYSheseemed...nice.

VIRGILSheseemedjealous.



AMYYourlegisstillbleeding.

VIRGILIt'llstop-happensallthetime.Welcometomyworld.WeholdonAmy-takingthisin:

INT.BEARMTN.-LATERTHATNIGHT

Japaneselanternscriss-crossacrossanopenarea.Guestsofthespamingleabout-drinksinhand-somedanceonafloorsetupovertheaerobicsarea.Musicplaysinthebackground.

Amy,carryingtwotraysoffood,findsherwaytowhereVirgilsitsatatableofftotheside-puttinghisfoodinfrontofhim.

AMYLet'sseeifIcangetthisright.Chicken'satthree-saladatseven-vegetablesatten.

VIRGIL(pickinguphisfork)Verygood-thank-you.

AMYThisisnice.Theydothiseveryweekend?

VIRGILEveryFriday-fortheguestsleaving.Supposedtomakethemwanttocomeback.

AMY(sits,uneasy)Lovethemusic-Gershwin-makesyouwantto...

Shestops.Virgil,forkpoisedoverhisfood,sensesheruncomfortableness.

VIRGILYoulikedancing?

AMYHmmm?Yeah-don'tdoitmuch.(changingsubject)Chicken'sgood.

Amyresumeseating-Virgil'sforkspearssomethingonhisplate-raisingittohismouth-bothweandAmynowseeit'salargepat



ofbutter.Toolate-it'sinhismouth.

Amywatcheshim-thereactiononhisfaceashetastesit-thensurreptitiouslyswallowsit.ThenrealizesAmysawhim.

VIRGILNothinglikeagoodpatoffat.Whatdoyousaywedance?

AMYNo,really,I'mfine...

Virgilisup-pullingherhand.

VIRGILComeon

ShestandsandVirgilputshishandsonthebackofhershoulders.

VIRGILLeadon.

Andassheushershimtothefloorthemusicchanges-asalsa-lively.Amystops:

AMYDifferentpiece-maybeweshould...

VIRGILYoukidding-takemyhand.

Andasshedoes-Virgilstartsdancingtothemusic-feelingthebeat-inperfectrhythmbuthismovesarehisown,somethingwe'veneverseenbefore-uninhibited,wild-alittlefunny,butalsothere'ssomethingsensualinhisabandonment.

AllAmycandoishangonfortheride-enjoyingVirgilenjoyinghimself.Peopleevenclearbackalittletogivehimsomeroom-howeverhemovesabouttheflooreasily-somehowsensingwheretheothercouplesare.

It'sawhirlwindmoment-amomentwherethetwoofthemgetlostwitheachother-forasecondshuttingouttheworldandit'sjustthem,themusicandtheirmovement.

Thensuddenlythemusicisover.Andtheystop-themomentgone.VirgilturnstoAmyandsheapplaudsVirgil'swildmoves

Hetakesabowwithaflourish.Spinstoanotherangle-anotherbow.Spinsbackagain-astepbackand:

CRASSSH-he'sintothebuffettable-slidingtotheground-foodspillingontopofhim.Amy,can'thelpbutlaugh,rushestohim.



AMYYouhavetoteachmethatmove.

AndAmyreachesdowntohisguacamolecoveredhand-andpullshimupintoanembraceandastheykissamidstsauceandsaladdressing-wesee:

INT.AMY'SHOTELROOM-MORNING

Amy-onthephone-lookingoutherwindow.

AMYBetsy-youweretellingmeaboutyourfather,hiscataracts-yousaidhehadaproblem.Howishenow?(shelistens)Doctor-Dr.Aaron?-doyouhavehisnumber?

INT.BEARMTN.GYM-DAY

Ahandfulofpeopleonvariouspiecesofequipment.Virgil,tanktop,heavysweat,onastationarybicycle-workingout.Amynextto

himonatreadmill-tryingtokeepupasCarolinefromthefrontdeskcomesandhandshersomething.

AmyreadsitbrieflythenhopsoffthetreadmillmovingtoVirgil.

AMYVirgil,Ijustgotsomegreatnews.

VIRGIL(pickingupspeedagain)TheAtlantaproject?

AMYNo,no-Iwastalkingtomyassistantthismorning-herfatherhadtheseseverecataracts...

VIRGIL(slowing)Oh.Really.

AMY

SheputmeintouchwithaDr.RichardAaron-theguy'stheleadingeyesurgeonontheeasternseaboard-he'sbeenworkingwithtechniques-Idon'tknowallthejargon-butIspoketohimearlieronthephoneattheInstitute...

VIRGILYoucalledthisguy?



Virgilstopsriding-startstogetoffthebike.

AMY(excited)Itoldhimallaboutyou-hejustfaxedmeback-he'dlovetogetalookatyoureyes-hethinksmaybe,maybe-theremightbeachanceofreversal.

VirgilfacesAmy,besthecan,whilehepullsonhissweatjacket.

VIRGILIdon'tgetit-amImissingthesignthatsaysit'shelpthehandicappedweek.

Virgilstartstomoveaway.Amystopshim.

AMYIthoughtyou'dbeexcited.What'stheproblem?

Virgilturnsonher.

VIRGILNoproblem.That'sthewholepointhereAmy-thereisnogoddamnedproblem.

AndVirgilturnsandbumpsintoastationarybike,heSHOVESitofftotheside,andmakeshiswayoutofthegym.

INT.LOCKERROOM-DAY

Virgilenters,visiblyupset-passingaCO-WORKERcomingoutoftheshower.

CO-WORKERHeyVirgil.

Virgilsteamsrightpasthim-notanswering-handsfeelingdownthelockers-findinghis-hetugsitopen-pullsoffhisshirtandthrowsitin.Hetakesabreath,settleshimself-thenSLAMSthelockerdoorshut.

EXT.JENNIE'SSCHOOL

PARENTSarepickinguptheirCHILDRENfromJennie'sschool.AsJenniehelpsthelastofthekidsintohermother'scar-shelooksuptoseeAmyacrossthestreet.

JENNIEAmy,right?

Amynods-startstowardsher.



AMYI'dliketotalktoyouifIcould--aboutVirgil.

JENNIESomethingwrong?

AMYSortof.There'ssomethingIdon'tunderstand.YouseeIspoketoadoctorwho'sapparentlydoingbreakthroughworkoncataracts-(JennieturnstoAmy)-butwhenIbroughtituptoVirgilheactedasif...

JENNIEWhatdon'tyouunderstand?

AMY

IfIwasblindalmostallmylife--andtherewasevenaremotepossibilityIcouldsee-I'djumpatit.

JENNIEWhenthere'ssomethingyou'veadaptedto,accepted-you'djustwanttochangeitwithouteventhinkingaboutit?(beat)We'reverycomfortablehere,Amy.Virgilhaseverythingheneeds.

AMYIthoughtjustmaybehe'dliketonotbefallingoverthingsfortherestofhislife.Look,Isee...

JENNIE(cutsheroff)YesyoudoandVirgildoesn't.Hespentthefirsteightyearsofhislifehavinghiseyesprodded,piercedandpokedbydoctors,faithhealers,spiritualists,

shamansandmedicinemen.Myfatherhadthemlinedupoutthedoor.Ithurtanddisappointedusallanditalmostkilledhim.Hedoesn'tneedtogothroughthatagain.Now-maybeyouunderstand.

Andsheturnsonherheelandisgone.

EXT.VIRGIL'SCOTTAGE-LATEDAY



Amymakingherwayuptotheporch-hearingfrominside.

VIRGIL(V.0.)No,no-why-why?!

Shehurriesupthesteps,reachingtheopendoorwheresheseesVirgil,hisheadinhishands.

VIRGIL(V.0)Ican'tbelieveyou'redoingthistome.

AMYWhat-Virgil?

Virgilturnssharply-Sophiejumpsup-startsbarking.

VIRGILSophie-stopit.Amy?C'monin-it'sjusttheRangers.Icouldcheckbetterthantheseguystoday.

AMYTheylost?

VIRGILIprefertothinkofitasnotwinning.Ithoughtyouwouldhavebeenlonggoneafterthatoutburstfrommyeviltwinbrother.We'vehadhimcommittedyouknow.RikersIsland-hardtime.(standing)

CanIgetyousomething--Coke-beer?

AMYNo-I-I'mfine.IjustwantedapologizeforstompingaroundinlifelikeBigfoottoday.

VirgilturnstowardsAmy.

VIRGILAmy,youseethebigtreeoutside?Howfarisitfrommyfrontporch?

AMYGuessing,aboutthirtyfeet.

VIRGILToyou.Buttome,it'sfourteenstepsexactly.FourteenstepsandIarriverightwhereIwanttobe.But--ifIrunorrush,I'lllosecountandslamintoit.



AMYI'msorry.Toldyou-can'tleavewellenoughalone.I-IguessIshouldgetback,starttopack...VIRGILRushingintotreesagain?

OffAmy'ssmileweCUTTO:

EXT.VIRGIL'SHOUSE-NIGHT

OnthePorch-thetwoofthem-sippingglassesofwine-weseetheirdinner-HungryManbeefentree-eachcategoryoffoodinit'sownperfectlittlecompartment.

AMYYouknowthisdinner-thisisreallyquite...

VIRGILOrdinary?(shelaughs)It'sanacquiredtaste-trustme.

Jenniethinksit'stheonlywayI'llknowwheremyfoodis.ButIhaveasecretweapon.(holdsupalittlebottle)Hotsauce!Let'syouknowyou'reeatingsomething-likesome.

HestartstosprinkleliberallyonAmy'sfood.Amy,laughinggrabsthebottle.AMYThat'sOK-I'lldoit.Don'twanttooverdoit.

Sheputsthebottledown-lookstoVirgil-sipsherwine.Timetofaceit.

AMYVirgil-Ihavetogohometomorrow...

VIRGILWait,wait-yousmellthat?

AMYNo-what?

VIRGILThewinterpines-it'ssostrongatnight-driftsonthewind-wait-hearthebreezethen...



AMYThere.

Amycloseshereyes-takesinthescent-andtheybothsitthere-close-takinginthenightair-enjoyingthemoment.

AndonVirgil'sfaceweseehimlostinthought.

INT.VIRGIL'SHOME-NIGHT

CLOSEONVIRGIL-eyesclosed-wehearasound-likenightcrickets.Hiseyesslowlyopen.

Herollsover-hisarmreachingoutforher:

Butthere'snoonethere.Virgilsitsupright.

VIRGILAmy?

Amyissittinginachairbythewindow.

AMYI'mhere-troublesleeping.

VIRGILC'mere.

Andshecrawlsbackintobed,Virgiltakesholdofherandasshesettlesintohisarm,hestrokesherfacegently-ablindman'sversionofwatchinghisloverfalltosleep.

BLACK-thenwehearvoices

INT.VIRGIL'SBEDROOM-MORNING

CLOSEON:Amy'sface-thevoicesawakenher-cuttingintoherdreams.

Shelooksoutthedoorway-seesVirgilandJennyarguingonthefrontporch.Shecan'thearwhattheyaresaying-butit'sclearthere'saproblem.

INT.VIRGIL'SLIVINGROOM-MORNING

Amypullingarobearoundherself-comesintotheroom-asJenny

turnsonherheelandwalksawayfromVirgil.

EXT.PORCH-MORNING

Virgilstandsthereamoment-takinginwhatjusthappened.Amystepsoutontotheporch.

AMYEverythingalright?



VIRGILYeah,yeah.Morning-Look,somethingIwanttosay...

AMYTheleavingthing-Iknow-hateittoo.

VIRGILTheothernight-whenweweredancing-beingwithyou-Ifeltdifferent-special-Idon'tknow-whole.

AMYThatwaswhole?

Virgilputshishandout-shetakesit-heturnstoher.

VIRGIL(smile)

JustforasecondIfeltlikeIcouldseeyou-allofyou.(beat)WhatyousaidaboutthisDoctor,thiseyeguy-Iknowhowimportantitistoyou...

AMY(turnstohim)Areyousureyouwanttodothis?

VIRGIL

We'rejustgoingtotalktotheguy-whatcouldithurt?OffAmy'ssmile:

SMASHTO:

EXT.GEORGEWASHINGTONBRIDGE-MORNING

Asoaringshot.Amy'scar-travellingacrossthebridge-headingtowardsManhattan.

AMY(V.0.)You'regoingtolovethecity

-somanythingstosee.

INT.CAR-MORNING

Virgilinthepassengerseat-windowsopen-takinginallthesounds-newandexciting.Amywatcheshimasshedrives.

VIRGIL(laughing)



Waitwaitwait-hehasn'tsaidhecanevendoanythingyet.

AMYIknowIjustfeelgoodaboutthis.(Amylookstohim-seeshimfeelingthelightagainsthisface)Virgil,beforeyoulostallsight,doyourememberseeinganythingatall?

VIRGILYeah,Ido.Iwasjustababywhenithappened-butthereisonething.(beat)Something...puffy.That'sallIrememberaboutit.Everyonesaysit's"clouds,"butIknowIhaditinmyhands-soitcouldn'tbeclouds.Thispuffything-thatwassomethingspecial-it'sstayedwithmealltheseyears-Idon'tknowwhy.

INT.NEWYORKEYEHOSPITAL-EXAMROOM-DAY

DR.RICHARDAARON,wirerims,short,stylishhaircut-isfinishingahigh-techexaminationofVirgil'seyes.Cupsattachedtowiressitoverhiseyes.Themachine,anELECTRORETINOGRAM,emitsanirritatingstrangeflatlinesound.Theroomisverydimlylit.

Aaronadjustsanintensitydialonthemachine-aseriesofflashinglightshitVirgil'seyes.Thedoctorjotsdownareading-thenwithaflourish,spinsthemachineawayfromVirgil'sfaceandpopsabuttonemittingadetailedcomputerprintout.

Inthecornersitsanoldergentleman-Dr.Goldman-focusedonpapersinhishands.

AARONOK-we'redone.

AaronbumpsupthelightsandwheelshischairbackovertoVirgilasAmymovestojointhem.

AARONSomegoodnews.Youhavegrade4posteriorsubscapularcataracts.

VIRGILAndthisisthegoodnews?

AARONGoodnewsinthatIshouldbeabletoremovethemwithlittleornodamagetoyourcornea.



AMYSo--whatdoesthatmean-they'regone-thenwhat?

AARONThecataractsareactinglikeacurtain-coveringthewindowofsight.IfthediseasetotheretinaisreducedasmuchasIthinkitis-there'saverygoodpossibilitywecangiveyousight.

AmylookstoVirgil-apprehensive.Virgil'sexpressionless-takingthisallin.

VIRGILSoundsexpensive.

AARON(lookstoGoldmanwhonodsimperceptibly)

Wefeelthere'sanopportunityforusallhere-IthinkIcangettheinstitutetopickupthebill.

VIRGILSo.Sayyouremovethecataracts-doyouhaveanyideawhatkindofvisionI'dhave?

AaronlookstoGoldman.

AARONAtthistime-no.Unfortunatelythe

cataractsarenotallowingmetoseetheretinalwall.Ican'ttellhowadvancedtheretinitaspigmentosahasbecome.VIRGILSoyou'resuggestinganoperationthatmayormaynotbesuccessful.

AMYButthereisachancehecouldregainhissight.

AARONTherehavebeenafewcasesofrestoredvisioninadulthoodtoapatientblindsincebirth.(movesnearVirgil)Theoperationisdelicate,I'lladmit-butnothingasinvasiveaswhatyouwentthroughasachild.Ofcoursethereisalwayssomeriskswithanyoperation-infection,swelling-longshotstuff.Iwoulddobotheyesatthesametime



-it'sbasicallyoutpatientsurgery.Virgil-anexhaleofair.Alottotakein.

VIRGILWhatifitdoesn'twork?WhatifIhavetheoperation-withallit'srisks-andyouremovethecataract-anditdoesn'twork.

AaronlookstoAmy.

AARON(somber)Itwouldbeevidentthatyouwillneverbeabletosee.

Virgil'sheadshiftsslightly.Notwhathewantedtohear.Amyreachesouttakeshishand.

AMYWhatdoyouthink?

VIRGILThat'swhatIneed-tothink.

EXT.AMY'SLOFT-SOHO-DAY

VirgilandAmysteppingoutofacab.Virgilusinghiscane-seemsblinderthanwe'veseenhimbefore.Thecitysoundsanassaultonhim.

AMYThisismyplace-there'saparkacrossthestreetand...

Shestops-realizeshewantstowalkinsilence.Theyenterherloftbuilding,anoldconvertedindustrialspace.

INT.LOFTSTAIRWELL-DAY

Thereisanodd,loudsoundwhichechoesthreetimesaftereverybounce.Astheycomeuponthesecondfloorlanding,abasketballcomesflyingdownthehallwhichAmyfumbleswith-thencatches.

AMYEthan!

FromaroundthecornercomesETHANCOLVIN,eight,oversizedKnicksshirt.Amytosseshimhisball.

ETHANSorry-mymomwon'tletmegooutsidetillshegetshomefromwork.



AMYWell,ifthesupercatchesyouplayingballinthehall,he'llhaveacoronary.

ETHANAwhat?

AMYNevermind.Ethan,thisismyfriendVirgil.

VIRGILHey,Ethan

ETHAN(seeinghiscane)Areyoublind?

VIRGIL

Yeah.

ETHANCool.Seeya.

Andheturnsandrunsbackupthestairs.

AMY(apologetic)Virgil...

VIRGILHey,thekidthinksI'mcool-what'ssobad.

INT.AMY'SLOFT-LATEDAY

Amy'sloftisawideopenspace-aKITCHENfacingontoasmalllivingarea-aBEDinthecorneroftheroom-aWORKSPACEwithDRAFTINGBOARDandDRAWINGRACKSfillonesideoftheroom.ByawindowstandsaplasterSCULPTUREstuckinthecornerasifforgotten.

AMYThisiswhereIhangmyhat-it'sabitofamessbut...

Amystops,realizeshecan'tseeit.Virgilputshisovernightbagdown.

VIRGIL



Now,Blind101.Helpmeoutwithamentalmap.Walkmedownastraightlineandshowmeyourplace,alltheobstacles.Rememberonceyou'vetoldme,theycan'tbemoved-otherwise...

AMYGotit-heretakemyarm.(theystartabouttheroom)Couch,chair,TVtotheleft,lowtableat...at4o'clock,hasthephoneonit...

TheycometotheSculpture,Virgil'shandgrazesacrossit.

VIRGILWhat'sthis?

AMYNothing.Asculpture.

VIRGILIt'syours?

AMYMyartschooldays-notverygood.

Virgilcontinuestofeelthesculpturefromtoptobottom,notstoppingduringthedialogue.

VIRGILIt'samother?-holdingherchild-upintheair

-likeshe'sproud?It'sbeautiful.

AMYIt'snotdoneyet-onedayI'llfinishit.

Virgilturns-hishandtothewall-feelsawindow:

VIRGILDoesthiswindowopen?Icouldusesomeair.

AMY(movingtothewindows)Ithinkso.

AsAmythrowsopenthewindow,awindblaststhrough-catchingastackofplansonherdraftingtable-blowingthemacrossthefloor.



AMYDamn!

Virgilturns,concerned,makeshiswaytoher.

VIRGILWhathappened?

AMYThewind-knockedovermyplans.

Amydownonthefloorpickingthemup-Virgilsensesherdownthere-crouchesdownbesideher-triestohelpherpickup.

VIRGILWhatisthis-theseplans?

AmylooksatVirgil--hishandrunningacrossoneofherplans.

AMYJustmywork--someplansfortheAtlantaprojectwe'rebiddingon-drawingsofalobbywe'refinishingup,someothersmallerstuff.It's--it'swhatIdo.

Amyrealizestheymeannothingtohim-hehandsthemback-stands.Shewatcheshim-thenstanding,movestohim.

AMYI'vegottogettowork.Tonightwe'lldosomething-wecouldlistentomusicorgooutfordinner...

VIRGILHowaboutamovie?

AMYAmovie?

VIRGILYeah.Ihaven'tbeeninyears.

AMYAlright.Amovie.Iwon'tbelong.

AndAmygiveshimaquickkissanddodgesforthedoor-abeat-sheforgetsherpurse-stepsbackintosee:

Virgilstandingtherequietly-hishandoutonherplansagain-feelingthepaper-searchingforthedesign-wantingtoknowher-



wantingtounderstandher-findingnothingthere.

Amyfeelsuncomfortable-quietlystepsout-closesthedoor.

INT.REVIVALTHEATER-NIGHT

WIDE-thetheaterhalffullplayingWoodyAllen's"AnnieHall"theveryfunnyscenewhereWoodyandDianeKeatonwrestlewiththelobster.

WemoveinslowlyanddiscoverVirgilandAmyleaninginclosetoeachother-Amyquietlydescribingthescenetohim.

AMYThere'sthesebigpotsandWoody'sgotahugelobsterinhishand...

VIRGILLobster-what'salobster?

AMY(tryingnottouseherhandstodescribe)

It'sa...kindoflike..it'sgot...

ThenshelookstoVirgil-seeshewaskiddingher.

AMY(laughing)That'sit-you'reonyourown.

OffVirgil'slaugh:

INT.SUBWAYLINE-NIGHT

BWAM-asubwaytrainexplodespastus.INT.SUBWAYCAR-NIGHT

Acollectionoftypicalnightriders-everyonekeepingtothemselves.Twokidssitinthecorner-blastingtheirboomboxVirgilstandsinthemiddleofthetrain-enjoyingthevibrations.Amysitsonaseatwatchinghim.

VIRGILAndtheylivedhappilyeverafter.

AMYWoodyandDiane...

VIRGILAndthelobster?AMYStopwiththelobster.

Asongcomesontheradio-Virgil'sheadturns.



VIRGILHey-youherethat?

Allshehearsistheclatterofthesubway.

AMYWhat?

Virgilturnstowardsthemusic-BAPPINGhishandsrhythmicallyonthesubwaycarwall.

VIRGILHey-canyouturnthatup?

TheKIDshrugs-CRAKKSitup.It'sGershwin's"Can'ttakethatAwayfromMe."VirgilturnstoAmy-picksuponthesong-handsRAPPING-hestartssinging:

VIRGIL"Thewayyoucombyourhair,

Thewayyousipyourtea..."

HefindsAmy,pullsherupandintoanembraceashesauntersthemdowntheaisle.

AMYVirgil?!

VIRGIL(loudly)"Can'ttakethatawayfrommeee"-what?

AMYPeoplearewatching.

VIRGILWatching?Watchingwhat?

AMYYou.Me.Everyoneisstaringatus.

VIRGILAnd?

AMYWell-itcanbeembarrassing.

VIRGIL



(kidding)Oh-Isee.

AMYNo-youdon't.

VIRGILTouche."Thewayyoumakemesee..."

AMY(turnstohim)Whatdoyoumean?!(Virgilgivesheralook-Iwanttheoperation)Youmeanit.ImeanIonlywantyoutohavetheoperation...

VIRGILAmy.Iwantthechancetosee.ThechancetoseeCentralPark,

theBrooklynBridge,apples,raisins,abuffalo,acarbueratorandthemaninthemoon.(beat)ButIwouldgiveallthatup-justtoseethisface.

AndAmyfoldsherselfintoVirgil-amoment-theyholdeachother-then-Amystartstosingalongwiththesong-Virgiljoiningin-andtheydance-together-inlove.

SMASHCUTTO:

EXT.SUBWAYCAR-NIGHT

AMY/VIRGIL(V.0.)"Youcan'ttakethatawayfromme."

Andthecarexplodespastagain-andasthemusicdieswecutto:

INT.NEWYORKEYEHOSPITAL-OPERATINGROOM

CLOSEON:aplatterofsilverutensils-fine,exactingscalpels.AglovedHANDcomesintoframe-picksupaclamp-andwefollowit

to:

VIRGIL'SEYES-theclampbeingusedtoholditopen.Theworkweareseeingisgrueling-difficulttowatch-butatthesametimesofascinatingitishardtotakeoureyesoff.

Dr.AaronfollowedbyDr.Goldman-handsintheair-maskon-leansoverVirgil-lookstotheANESTHESIOLOGISTwhonods-thentonooneinparticular.



AARONOKVirgil-let'sgettoit.

AndasheishandedaSCALPEL,wewatchasitmovesdowntocutopenthewhitesectionoftheeye-andjustasitfeelsalmostunbearabletowatch--

INT.NEWYORKEYEHOSPITAL-WAITINGROOM-DAY

WeseeAmy,coffeecupinhand,grabasecondjustpouredcupoutofavendingmachine.ShemakesherwayovertorevealJenniewhositsquietlyreadingabook.

AMYCoffee?It'sreallybad.

Jennielooksup-smilestakesthecup.Amysitsdownnexttoher.Theybothsipforamoment.

AMYVirgilnevermentionshisparents-dotheyknow?

JENNIEOurmotherdiedwhenIwas20-Virgilwasn'tevenateenager.Andourfather-he'sbeengoneforquiteawhile.

AMYI'msorry.Ididn'tknow.

Jennielooksintohercoffee-takesanothersip.

JENNIE(smile)You'rerightthisisbad.

AMYItmusthavebeenverytoughonyou-takingcareofVirgilaloneafteryourmotherdied.

JENNIEHe'smybrother.

Simple.

AMYYoudon'tlikeVirgildoingthis-doyou?

JENNIEIdon'tlikeVirgilgettinghurt.Hopeislikefire,itcankeepyouwarm--oritcanburnyou.



INT.NEWYORKEYEHOSPITAL-OPERATINGROOM-DAY

Dr.Aaron:-focusedonhisexactingwork.Hishandsmovedeftly.

CLOSEON:Virgil'seye.Cutopen.Aaron'sprobeworkingrightinthemiddleofit.

DR.AARONThereyouare.

AndAaronpullsoutthecloudycataracttissue-holdingitupforalltosee-beforehePLOPSitonatray.Switchinginstruments-hegingerlypicksupaplasticimplant-movingbacktowardstheeye-heglancesatthenurseassistinghim:

DR.AARONYouknowwhattheysay,Virgil?Theeyesarethewindowstothesoul.

Virgilcan'tmove-listensintentlyashecarefullyplacesthe

implantintoVirgil'seye.

DR.AARON(withawink)ThatmakesustheWindextothesoul.(hefocuses)OK,botheyesdone.Let'spatchhimup.

OnalargemonitorweseeanEXTREMECLOSE-UPofVirgil'seye-waiting.

INT.NEWYORKHOSPITAL-LATER

Virgilbeingwheeleddownahall-headwrappedinbandages.

INT.EXAMINATIONROOM-DAY

Asheenters:

VIRGILHello?

Jennie'sthere-takeshishand.

VIRGILJennie?

JENNIEHow'reyoufeeling?

VIRGILOK-alittlepain,



likeatequilahangover-isAmyhere?

AMYRighthere-Dr.Aaronsaidyoudidgreat

VIRGILSohow'smyhair-I'dhatethefirsttimeIseemyselftobeabadhairday.(Virgilreactstoasound)What'sthat?AMYThere'scameraguysheretoo.

WIDE-wenowseetheroomhasasmallVIDEOCREWinitpreparingtodocumenttheevent.

VIRGILCameraguys?

AARON(entering)Forposterity.We'regoingtomakeyoufamous.We'realsosendingthisclosedcircuittooneofourconferencerooms-there'salotofpeopleinterestedinourresultstoday.SohowyoufeelVirgil?

VIRGILGood.Great.Fine.(alaugh)Nervous.

Aaronmovesabouttheroomclosingblindstoletinjustafewslatsoflight.AARONNothingtobenervousabout.NowJennieandAmy,ifyouwouldstandofftomyright--IwantVirgiltogetjustaslightbounceoflight.(returningtoVirgil)ReadyVirgil.

VIRGILLet'sgo.

BothAmyandJenniesubconsciouslyadjusttheirhairasAaronstartstounravelthebandages.

Whenthebandagesarecompletelyoff-allthatisleftaretwogauzepatchesonbotheyes.



AARONOkay-lastphase-weremovethesepatchesand...

VIRGIL(suddenlyapprehensive,handup)Okay-wait.So-so-whatdoIdo?Imean,whatwillIseefirst?

AARONWell-we'reallhere-Amy,yoursister.Thisisnewforusall.Whydon'twefindout?

Aaronreachesupandplucksthetwopatchesfromhiseyes-andeveryonewaits.

Virgilslowlyopenshiseyes-hejustseemstobestaringblankly,bewildered-notfocusingatAaronwhostandsbeforehim,stillholdingthebandages.

AmylookstoJennie-toAaron-what'shappening?Thenfinally:

AARONWell?

AndVirgilreacts-astartlinglookofrecognitionmixedwithfearcrossinghisface.

AMYWhatisitVirgil?

VIRGILIt's-it's-Idon'tknow.

AndnowforthefirsttimeweseeVirgil'sPOV:

Thereislight,movement,color,shadow-butsomehowitisforeigntous.Thereisnoperceptionofdepth-.nosenseofdefinitionofshapeorshadow-itisasconfoundingtousasitistoVirgil-likeanexplosionofPicasso,DaliandMonetonscreen.

Suddenlyinthemidstofthischaosofimages-thereismovement-

andavoiceemitsoutofwhatwenowforthefirsttimerecognizeasamouth.Dr.Aaronspeaksagain-leaningintoVirgil,whoreactsback.

AARONVirgil-whatdoyousee?

VIRGILSomething'swrong.



Jennie'sreactioncomespouringoutofhereyesintears,firstslowly,thenadambreak.

AMYVirgilwhat'swrong?What'shappening?

AARONEverything'sfine-it'sgoingtotake...

JENNIEIt'snotfine-don'tsayit'sfine.

AARONTellmewhatyou'reseeingVirgil.

Virgilsuddenlypullingback-hiseyesdancingaroundinhishead-tryingtotakeitallin-tryingtofocus.

VIRGIL(overeveryone)Idon'tknow-it'sallscrewedup-thiscan'tbeseeing-something'swrong-tooconfusing-whatthehell'shappening??!

HISPOV-thecameracrewcomingtowardhimforaclosershot-it'slikeagiantmonsterviolentlymovingtowardsus!

VIRGILWhatisit-Stop!

Virgil'shandlashesouttowardsthecameracrew-eventhoughtheyare15feetaway.

AARONWhat?Thecamera?

JENNIE(tothecrew)

Stopmoving!

AMYVirgil,it'sjustthecamera.

Theroomhasheightenedintochaos-Virgilreactingtoeverythinghesees,anyquickmovement-Amymovesnexttohim-Aarontryingtoremaincalm-JennieassuringVirgileverything'sOK.



AARONAlright-alright-they'vestopped.OK.Let'severybodyjustcalmdown-we'lltakeitslowly.

Everyonesettles-takesabreath.

AMYVirgil.Whatcanwedo?

TheyalllooktoVirgil-breathingheavy-hiseyesswingingbackandforth.

VIRGILIgottafocus-gottathink-gimmeasecond-OK,OK-getmeacoke.Somebody?

JENNIEHe'sthirsty-someonegethimadrink!!

VIRGILNo-justacan-abottle--putsomethinginmyhands!

Amyreachesover-grabsanemptycokecan.

AMYHere-how'sthis?

Virgiltakesitinhishands-closeshiseyes-feelsit.Thenslowlyopenshiseyes-tryingtofocusonwhatisinhishand-Aaroncatchingon.

AARONGood,Virgil-that'sit-useyourtouch-associate-now,tellme-whatdoyouseeinyourhand?

Longmoment.Virgilholdsitup-stareshard.

VIRGIL

Acan.Isitacan?

JENNIEWhat'sgoingon?

TheyalllookatVirgilturningthecanoverandoverinhishand-staringintentlyatit-learningit.



AARON(beams)He'sassociating-onesensetotheother.Hisfingerstellhisbrain-thenhisbraintellshiseyesandherecognizestheimageinfrontofhim.(realizing)He'sseeing!

AaronlookstoAmyandJennie-they'restilldoubtful-hemotionstothemtomeethimoutside.

AARONVirgil-let'srestyoureyesfortodayandwe'llcheckthemagaintomorrow.Weshouldallbehappy-we'vegotsomething.

Virgil:nothappy,justveryconfused.AsAaronleaves,JennietakesVirgil'shandwhileAmystandsthereupset-watchinghimjuststaringataSodaCan.

INT.NEWYORKEYEHOSPITAL-DAY

Inthecorridor,Dr.AaronshakinghandswithDr.Goldman-peopleexitingthenear-byconferenceroomallcongratulatingthetwodoctors.AsAmyexitstheroom-Aaronmovestoher.

AMYWhatjusthappenedinthere?

AARONYousawit.Success.

AMY

Success-waitaminute-thenwhycan'theseeme,hissister,anything.

AARONHeseesyou.Hejustdoesn'tunderstandthatheseesyou.

AMYButhe'llovercomeit-Imean-thisistemporaryright?

AARONThere'saveryrealpossibilitythepartofhisbrainareaallocatedtovisionisatrophied-givenit'slackofuse,Virgilhasprobablyuseditforsomeotherfunction.

Jenniehassteppedintothewaitingarea-hasjustheardAaron.



JENNIEYoudidn'tthinkofthis?

ThisisasmuchanaccusationofAmyasofAaron.

AARONWehadnowayofknowingwhathisfacultieswereuntilwegavehimtheoperation.Ifyouremember-wedidn'tknowwhattoexpect-thoughit'sclearhisretinaldiseasemustbeinremission.

AMYSowhatarewesupposedtodonow-yousawhim-it'slikehe'sanotherpersoninthere.

AARONHewon'tneedtostayhere-takehimhome-lethimrest.ButIwillneedtoseehim

everycoupleofdaysforthenextmonth.

AMYIsn'ttheresomekindoftherapyheshouldbedoing-someonetohelphim.

Aaronstaresather-hadn'tthoughtofthis.AARONOK,thereisavisualtherapist-RayWebster-alittleunorthodox-that'swhyhe'sprobablyyourbestbet,especiallyconsideringtheunique

aspectsofVirgil'scondition.I'llcontacthimforyou-butthere'snoguaranteehecanhelp.

JENNIE(can'tbelievethis)Noguarantees.AARONJennie,ItoldAmyherewhenwefirsttalked-thisiswholenewground-forallofus.

AndJenniequietlyturnsandgoesbackintoVirgil'sroom.Amyjust

staresatDr.Aaron-alittleoverwhelmed.

INT.HOSPITALROOM-CHANGEAREA-DAY

Virgil-startingtodress.Hestaresathisclothesonahangar-notcomprehendingwhatitis.Hecloseshiseyes-hishandgoingouttofeelit-thenopeninghiseyes-hetakestheshirtturns-andnoticessomeonewatchinghim.

VIRGIL



Hello?

HISPOV-it'shisownreflectioninamirrornexttohisclothes.Virgilstaresathimselfstandingstockstill-waitingforaresponsefromthepersonstaringathim.VIRGILIsthere...?

Slowlyrealizingthatwhatheseesishimself.Hestartsmovingtowardsthemirrorfascinated.

Virgil'sPOV-Focusingontheimageasitslowlytakesshape-becomesclearertohim.Hishandgoinguptohisnose-movingitbackandforth-laughsatit'sabsurdity-thenistakenwithhisownsmile.Hetriesasmile-comesoffawkwardashestartstostareathisteeth.Touchingeachpartofhisfaceheinvestigateshischin,earsandfinallyhishair.

Thenhestops-andjuststares-andstaresatafacethatishisown-butsoincrediblyforeigntohim.Whoisthisperson?

INT.VIRGIL'SROOM-DAY

JennystartingtopackupVirgil'sthings.Suddenlythereisaburstoflaughterfromtheotherroom.Shelooksupquizzically

INT.HOSPITALCHECK-OUT-DAY

Amyinthecheck-inarea-pacing-onacellphone.

AMYDuncan-Iknowtheadditionstothemallwillcostmore..look,Ican'tdothisonthephone-I'llbeintomorrow..yes,Irememberedthey'reputtingthefixturesinthelobby-I'llget

thereaswell-I'mjustaskingforonemoreday.

INT.WAITINGAREA-DAY

Jenny-finishingpackingupVirgil'sthings.

VIRGIL(V.O.)Amy?

Jennylooksup-Virgilstandinginthedoorway,dressed.

JENNIENo-it'sJennie.

Shemovestowardhim-Virgilpullsback-handsoutinfrontofhim.

JENNIEI'msorry-I'llmoveslower-Ijust...



AndVirgil'shandsareonherface-eyesclosed-feeling.Heopenshiseyes-staringblankly-tryingtofigurethisout.

VIRGILThisisyou.

JENNIEThisisme.

INT.HOSPITALHALLWAY-DAY

AngleonAmymovingdownthehall-hearingthevoices.

INT.HOSPITALROOM-DAY

JENNIEEverything'sgoingtobealright-wejustneedtogetyouhome.

VIRGIL

No,no-Ican'tgohome.Ineedtobehere-seethetherapist-doctor's.Iwanttobehere.

JENNIEButIcan'tstayhere-andyoucan'tdothisalone--who'sgoingtotakecare...?

Shestops.Realizing.

ANGLEOnAmy-outsidethedoor-notwantingtogoin.

JENNIEAmy?She'sgoingtolookafteryou?Shedoesn'tknowanythingabouttheblind.

VIRGILI'mnotblindanymore-andI'mnotgoingtoletsomeoneIcareaboutwalkoutofmylifeagain.

JENNIE

(movestohim)It'snotyourfaultheleft.Youcan'tkeepblamingyourself.

VIRGIL(beat)I'mstayinghere.



Apause-andJenniemovesherhandouttohim-toucheshisarm.

INT.HALLWAY-DAY

Amyfeelinguncomfortable-startstostepaway.

JENNIE(O.S.)Amy?

Amyturns-Jennieinthedoorway.

JENNIEVirgil'sfinishinggettingready.Couldyouwalkmetomycar?

Amynods-seesanelementofdefeatinJennie'seyes.

EXT.HOSPITAL-LATEDAY

JennieandAmystandonthecurbnearJennie'scar.Amomentofuncomfortableness-then:

AMYYoualright?

JENNIEI'mscaredtodeath.I'vespentmywholelifelookingforanyholeshemightfallin.I'drunupaheadandcoverthem.EverywhereIlookhere,Iseeholes.

AMYPleasebelieveme-Idon'twanthimtogethurtanymorethanyoudo.

JENNIEAmy-whenVirgilwasveryyoung,hecouldn'tseethoseclosetohim-soheneverlearnedtoreachout.(turnstoher)Don'texpecthimtoreachoutwhenhe'sinpain,orconfused,orunhappy.Ifyoureallycareabouthimyouhavetojustbethereforhim.

AndbeforeAmycananswer,shegetsintohercar-startsitupanddrivesoff.

EXT/INTAMY'S.LOFT-DUSK

Virgilslowlygetsoutofthecab,looksupatthebuildings-immediatelygetsdizzyandnearlyfallsover.Amylungestohelphim.Virgilislaughinginspiteofhimself.

VIRGILThisisjustgreat-Idon'tbelievethis.What'sthatsaying-stoptheworldIwannagetoff.



ETHAN(O.S.)HeyVirgil,it'sEthan.

Virgilturnstothefamiliarvoice.Ethan,basketballunderhisarm,comingoutofthebuildingwithhisMom,KARENCOLVIN.Virgilscans,triestofocusonthem.

VIRGILThatyouEthan?

ETHANIt'sme-andthisismymom.

AMYVirgil-Karen.

KARENHi,Virgil-heardalotaboutyou.

ETHANYoulookfunny.

VIRGILYoushouldseehowIlookfromthisside.

AMYLet'sjustgetyouinside-thenyoucanrest.We'llseeyoulaterEthan.Karen.

AndshegivesKarenasmallglanceasshetakesVirgil'sarmastheystarttowardsthestairsleadingintothebuilding-Virgilsuddenlyslammingtoahalt.

VIRGILWait,wait,whatarewedoing-WE'REWALKINGINTOAWALL!!

Virgil'sPOV-thestaircase.Aflatimage-asolidwallwithhorizontallines.Ethan,surprised,what'suphere?

AMYIt'sOK-it'snotawall-it'sjustastaircase.You'regoingtohavetotrustmeonthesethings.

VIRGILGod,Ifeellike...likesuchachild-



Ijustthoughtseeingwouldbedifferent.

AMYWe'llgetaholdofthisRayWebsterguy-we'llgethishelp.

Virgilstepsslowlyforward-giantbabysteps-eachfootreachingouttofeelthestepbeforemakingthecommitment.

HISPOV-the'wall'ofstairschangingperspectivewitheachstep.Likeanaccordionspreadingitselfouttous.Thisisallaverybadacidtrip.

INT.AMY'SAPARTMENT-DUSK

VIRGIL'SPOV-multi-coloredballoons,dozensofassortedflowers,bowlsofcolorfulfruitandstreamersintertwinedacrosstheroom.Acandylandofseeing.

VIRGILMan.Somethingexplodedinyourapartment.

Amylaughs-pullshimintotheroom.Virgiltryingtotakeitallin-notunderstandinganything.

AMYIwantedtodosomethingspecialforyou.

VIRGILIt'smakingmealittlebitdizzy-butitisspecial.

Virgil'shandsgoout-Amymovestohim-heholdshershoulders.Hestaresather.

Assheturnsherheadslightly,Virgilisabletofocusonher-hereyes-hersmile.

VIRGILOkay-so-thisiswhatbeautifullookslike.

AMYThank-you.Youwanttoseetherest.Focusingonher,Virgilsmiles,takesherfaceinhishands-leansinandkissesher.Shepullsbackalittle.AMYIcan'tbelievethis-hownervousIam.



Shekisseshimthentakesastepback.

AMYWhatifyoudon'tlikewhatyousee?

VIRGILDoyouwantmetoturnoffthelights?

AMYNo-no.Thisisyourfirstseeingday.(shestartstounbuttonherdress)Iwantyoutoseeeverything.

Andshedropsthedressfromhershoulders-ithitstheground-abeat-andshestandstherenaked.

AMYOK?

VIRGIL

Yes,veryOK.

Andshetakesasteptowardshimandfoldsintohisarmsandastheykissweslowlyfadetoblack.

INT.AMY'SLOFT-NIGHT

ThesoundofheavyNewYorkrain.Amyawakening,andseesVirgilisgone,hissideofthebedempty.Shelooksacrosstheroom-wheresheseessilhouettedagainstthemoonlitwindow--VirgilstandingnexttoAmy'ssculpture,hisfaceandbodypressedupagainstthepaneofglass.

AMY(wrappingahousecoataroundher)Virgil?

Virgilturnsaround-halffacesher-therainonthewindowsdecoratinghisface.

VIRGILIcan'tsleep-I'mafraidifIclosemyeyes...

AMYIt'llbeblackwhenyouopenthemagain.

Virgilnods.Amomentandhishandgoesouttohersculpture.

VIRGILYouenjoysculpting?



AMYAtfirst.Ilikedtheideaofmolding-takingthewayIsawthingsuphere--(touchingherhead)-andmakingittakeshapewithmyhands.

VIRGILButyouneverfinishthem.

AMYPiecesnevercomeoutthewayIwanted-thewayIsawthem.Iendupworkingonthemforever-likethisone-nevergettingthemright.

Virgilstaresoutthewindowattherain.

VIRGILThisiswhatrainlookslike?

AMYYeah.

VIRGILItlookslonely.NotwhatIexpected.ButIlikeit.

Amysmiles-movesintohimashepullsherincloseandtheylookoutatthenightrain.

INT.ROSWELL-TREMONT-DAY

AmyworkingoveraCADcomputerwith&draftsman.

AMYYou'vegottoaltereachofthewindowsbyfivefeet...

DRAFTSMANThesearethespecsyougaveme.

AMY

Iknow-I'mchangingthem-thisisbetter.(callingout)Betsy!

Betsypokesherheadin.

AMYCanyougetmesomeresearchon



thoseMapletreeswe'releavingin.They'retoobig-Iwanttochangethemsotheyfitinwiththedesignbetter.Getridofthedeadweight.

BETSYDon'tyouhaveanappointment?

Amylookstoherwatch.Startsforherjacketandthedoor.

AMYYes,yes.Thank-you.Evanherewillprintoutthenewspecs-givethemtoDuncan-tellhimI'llbebackintwohours.

DUNCAN(O.S.)Amy?

Duncanstepsoutofhisoffice.Sheturns-virtuallyoutthedoor.

AMYJustgivemetwohours.

Andshe'sgone.

EXT.NYUCAMPUS-NEXTDAY

AfewKIDSsmokingonthesteps.Othersentering,ladendownwithbooks-asmallseapartingtoallowAmyhelpingVirgilupthestepsandinside.

INT.NYUHALLWAY-DAY

Theymaketheirwaydownthehall-pasta-roomwhereagroupofBLINDCHILDRENlearntoreadBraille.Amycan'thelpbutstareattheseyoungfacesstrugglingtolearn.It'sawholedifferentworld.

INT.RAYWEBSTER'SOFFICE-DAY

Astrangespace,dark,asallthewindowsarecovered.Inajaronthedesk-twopickledeyeballsstarebackatVirgilandAmywaitingpatiently.Therearebookseverywhere-periodicalsstackedandoverflowingonshelves.Adeadplantinthecorner.

RAYWEBSTER-60's,almostcompletelybald,wearingawornNYUsweatshirt,sitsatthedeskinfrontofthem-flippingthroughafileinfrontofhim.

WEBSTERRight-OK,Virgil-sayshereyouwentblindatone-beforeyoudevelopedavisualvocabulary.(Websterstands-movestowardsabookshelf)Youhavenosenseofdepthoffield,



noknowledgeofspace,shape,sizeordistance.Basicallyyoureyesworkbutyourbrainhasn'tlearnedtoprocesstheinformation.(beat)Youarementallvblind.Neurologistscallthis"visualagnosia".

VIRGILIcallitprettyscrewedup.

WEBSTERBetterterm.I'llmakeanoteofthat.

Websterplopsdownalargebook-flipsthroughsomepages,thensearchinghispockets:

WEBSTERDammit

AMYWhat?

WEBSTERGlasses,canneverfind'em.(callingout)Mrs.Fenster.

Mrs.Fensterpopsherheadinthedoor-thismustbearitualtheyhaveassheinstantlypullsherGLASSESoffandhandsthemtoWebsterwhodropsthemoverhisnose.Theyareclearlywoman's

glasses-pointedintheends-littlejewels.AsMrs.Fensterleaves.

WEBSTER(referringtothebook)OK.AlbertoValvo"SightRestorationafterLongTermBlindness"-blah-blah-blah.-ahhere...(reading)"Onemustdieasablindpersontobebornagainasasightedperson.Howeveritistheinterim,thelimbo--betweentwoworlds,onedead/theotherpowerlesstobeborn-

thatissoterrible."(slammingthebookshut)There.You'reinlimbo.

AMYWhatdoyoumean-there-he'sinlimbo.That'sallyouhavetooffer?



WEBSTERWhat?-I'mAnneBancroftallofasudden?I'maprofessor-Iteachpeople,howtoteachtheblindhowtobecomeindependent.(beat)There'snobookonwhatyou'regoingthrough-I'dliketohelp-butliketherestofthingsinlife-it'suptoyou.

VIRGILWaitaminute-uptome?Ithoughtyouweregoingtohelpmehere.

Websterrummagesinhisdesk-pullsoutamagazinephoto-thendigginginabrownpaperbag-hepullsoutanapple.

WEBSTERYouwantalesson?Right-here.What'sthis?

HeholdsouttheappleforVirgil-whoreluctantlytakesit-holds

itinhishand,eyesclosed,feelsit-thenopeninghiseyesheholdsitoutinfrontofhim,tryingtofocusonit.

HISPOV-astheappleslowlytakesondimensionandshape.

VIRGILIt'sanapple.

WEBSTERGood.Good.(holdingupthephoto)OK.What'sthisnow?

Virgilstaresatthephoto.HISPOV-aphotoof--anAPPLE.Notthatdifferentfromtherealappleheholdsinhishand-heholdstherealappleuptocompare-usinghiseyes.

VIRGILIt'sanapple.

WEBSTER(holdingthepaperouttoVirgil)Good.Good.Butisitanappleor

justapictureofanapple?

AndVirgilfeelsthepaperandsuddenlyrealizes-it'snotanapple-justarepresentationofone.Virgilisvisiblydisappointed.

VIRGILSothisisajoke?Isthatwhatyou'resaying-youreyeslietoyou?Great-lookingforwardtothis.



WEBSTERYoureyesightcanandwillplaytricksonyouVirgil.Rememberthat.NomatterwhatIcouldteachyou-nomatterwhatexercisesIcouldgiveyou-they'llstillplaytricksonyou.

VIRGILThat'sallitisrightnow-onebigtrick.Nothingmakesanysense.Ican'tfunctionlikethis.

WEBSTER(hemovestohischair)Virgil-look-youhavetolearntosee-justlikeyoulearnedtospeak.Onlythisisnotlikelearninganewlanguage-it'slikelearninglanguageforthefirsttime.(heleansforward)Perception-sight-life,isaboutexperience-aboutreachingoutandexploringtheworldforyourself.It'snotenoughtojustseeVirgil--

(hepointstwofingersintohiseyes)--we'vegottolookaswell.

AndWebsterturnsthefingersfromhiseyesoutward-totheworld.

AMY(woundup)Well,thank-youObiWanKenobi-butthatdoesn'ttellusanything.Whatweneedissomeassistancehere-somekindofprogram-asetofexercises-we'rekindofadriftand...

WEBSTERAmy-lastIchecked-thisisn'tagameofParcheesi,itdoesn'tcomewithasetofrules.

AMYIcan'tbelieveyou'rejust...

VIRGILAmy.Let'sgo.

AMYNo,wait,Virgil...

VIRGILLet'sgo.(standing)Thank-youDr.Webster.



WEBSTERYouwantme-I'malwayshere.

AndVirgilturnsandhalfsteps-halfshufflestowardsthedoor.WeholdonAmy'sbefuddledface-then:

EXT.NYU-DAY

Virgilfeelshiswaydownthesteps-Amyrushingoutafterhim.

AMYI'mgoingtocallAaron-gethimtorecommendsomeoneelse.

VIRGILHe'sright,Amy.I'vegottodothisonmyown.Noonetaughtyouhowtosee.

Virgilstartswalkingstifflytowardsthestreet.Amyhurriesafter

him-grabshimjustashewasabouttostepintotraffic.

AMYIwasababythen-Ihadyearstolearn-youdon't-youneedto...(anxious)--wedon'tevenknowwhattodo-wheretostart..

Virgil'shandgoesout-brushesamailbox.

VIRGILWhat'sthis-thisthing?

Amylooksover.

AMY(shrugs)What-it'samailbox.

VIRGILWhatcolorisit?

AMYBlue.

Virgilstaresatit-triestotakeitin.

VIRGILBlue.OK,good-that'samailbox-it'sblue.There-we'vestarted.



Shesaysnothing.Virgilsensesherapprehension.

AMYLet'sjustgetacab,getyouhome-andtonightwecanworkonit.(handout)Cab!

Acabveersacrosstraffic-pullsuptothem.

VIRGILIwanttowalk.Iwanttoseewhat'soutthere.

AMYFine.Let'swalk.

VIRGILDon'tyouhaveajob?

AMY

I'mgoingtomaketimeforthis.Ipromise.

VIRGILGotowork.IfIneedyou-Ihaveyournumber.

Abeat,shelookstoVirgilthenclimbsintothecabanditpullsaway.

Virgillooksleft,right-tryingtodecidewheretostarthisjourneywhenweseethecabbackupinfrontofhimandAmyclimbs

out.

AMYScrewwork-let'sgotrythoseeyes.

INT.LECTURERALL-DAY

Aaronatapodium.Theroomfilledwithcolleagues.ANEWSCREWrecordsthelecturefromthebackofthehall.

AARONNowjusttwoweeksaftersurgery--thepatientis

stillhavingdifficultyunderstandingimages,shapes,contours-

EXT.NYCITYSTREET-NEWDAY

Virgil-determinedtosee-makinghiswaydownastreet-tryingtododgepeoplecomingathimfromallangles.Amywalksashortdistancebehindhim-coaxinghimalong.

HISPOV-peopleseemtoexplodeoutoftwodimensionsintothree.



Thisisclearlyexhausting.

AARON(CONT.)-andhisprogresswithdepthoffieldhasbeenespeciallyslow...

WHAM-Virgilcollideswithakidonaskateboard-Amywincesashequicklyregainshisbalance-shakesitoff-startshisjourneyagain-determined.

EXT.BROADWAY-STREETVNNDORS-DAY

AmytryingtohelpVirgiltakeintheconfusionofimages-explainingtohimitemshangingaboutthestalls.It'sclearhe'salittleoverwhelmed-whensomethingfamiliarcatcheshiseye.Hemovestowardit:

HISPOV-focusing-tryingtogiveitshape-it'saYELLOWCAB-justliketheoneAmydroveoffin-againhefocuses-reachesout-surprisinglywrappinghishandaroundthecar.

AARON(CONT.)Virgilisstillveryreliantonhistouchtointerpretobjectsinhissurroundings-

Hethenrealizesit'saporcelaintoyfromasouvenirshop.Amywatcheshimexamineitlikeachildaswehear:

EXT.STREETCORNER-DAY

AARON(CONT.)-andhisunderstandingofthreedimensionalityisextremelylimitedandconfoundingtohim...

Virgil-hishandsalloverasmalllonghairedTERRIER.Helooksto

Amyashestands.

VIRGILIt'sadog.

Amyonhercellphone-tryingtogetworkdone-nods-yesthat'sadog.Virgillooksbackatthepup-whichhasnowturnedaroundbackwards.

VIRGILNowwhat'sthat?

OnAmy-disturbedbyhisslowprogress.

EXT.GARDENMARKET-ANOTHERDAY

AmyandVirgilbeingledthroughaseriesofplantsandtreesbyaEARTHYSALESWOMAN.

SALESWOMANIbelievewehavejustthetreeyou're



lookingforyourlobby.Needsverylittlelight-slowgrowing-ahhereweare...

AmyandVirgilstopatalargeFicusTree.

AMYNice.Good.WhatdoyouthinkVirgil?

AARON(CONT)Heisalsostillhavinggreatdifficulty"scanning",basicallyputtingawholepicturetogether.

Virgilstaresatthelargetree.Up-down-up-down-up-down-up-down-AmyandtheSaleswomanwatchhim,Amywantstohelpbutcan'tcomprehendwhathe'sgoingthrough.

AARON(CONT.)Ifhelooksatthetopofatree-thenscanstothebottom-he'sforgottenthetopbythetimehereachesthetrunk.

INT.AMY'SWORK-DAY

ANGLEONVirgilinAmy'soffice-staringataconstructionsign-FUTUREHOMEOFetc...Usinghisfingertooutlinethelettersofthesign-hetriestoreadthewordFUTURE.Hemouthstheletters-triestoformtheword.

AARON(CONT)Thisincludestheabilitytoread.Inreadingaword-heforgetsthefirstletterbythetimehegetstothelast.

Amyworkingwithadraftsman-glancesuptoseeVirgilstrugglingwithreading.

INT.NEWYORKEYEHOSPITAL-LECTUREROOM-DAY

Bathedinabankoflights,Aaronatthepodiumcontinuing.Virgilquiet-isseatedbehindhim.

AARON(CONT)--meaning...hehasatotallackofvisualmemory.Thisisanunexpectedphysiologicalflaw.WearehopefulVirgilcanovercomethis.

(beat)Thank-you-that'sallfortoday.

INT.NEWYORKEYEHOSPITALHALLWAY-DAY

VirgilandAmyexitthehall,areimmediatelysurroundedbyREPORTERSandPHOTOGRAPHERS.There'sasuddenFLASH.Virgilreacts,pullingaway.



VIRGILWhat'sthat?

AMYAcamera-it'sOK-takingyour-picture.

VIRGILWhat,byflashingmeintheface?

FLASH-there'sanother-Amytriestoblockthelight.

AMYPlease!!-It'snotgoodforhim.

Suddenly-there'samikeinhisface,asCHRISTIEEVANSreporterfromChannel2newsstepsforwardwithCAMERACREWintow.

CHRISTIEEVANSMr.Anderson.ChristieEvansEyewitnessnews.

WeheardtheDoctorspeakaboutyourprogress-andwe'rewonderingwhatyourexpectationsare.

AsVirgilstops-stunnedbythelightsinhisface.AshelookstoAmywecutto:

INT.HOME-LATEDAY

TVMONITOR-Virgilturnstocamera-startstalkingtothereporter.Aswepullbackwehearlessandlessaswerevealamodestlivingroom.ATEENAGERdoinghomeworkonatableinthecornerandaMAN-early60's,rugged-sittingonacouchwatching

thenews.

MANOhmyGod.

Heleansforward-hisinterestpiquedandhepicksupthephone.

MANInformation.Pinecrest.ForaJennieAnderson..

INT.RESTAURANT-LITTTEITALY-LATERTHATNIGHT

Asilverforkheldupinfrontofus.

AMYWhat'sthis?

VirgilandAmysitonthepatioofLaMela.Virgil'shandgoesoutforthefork.Amypullsitaway.



AMYUhuhuh.Seeitfirst.Nocheating.Concentrate.

Virgilstareshardatit.

VIRGIL(guessing)Apen.Idon'tknow-letmetouchit.

Shehandsittohim.

VIRGILAfork.

AMYRight..Nowputitdowninfrontofyou.Howfarisitfrom.

VIRGILTwentyfeet

AMYYou'renotlooking.

VIRGILDammit,Amy,Amy,Ispentalldayinfrontofthatpanelfeelinglikeaguineapig.EverytimeIopenmyeyesIhavetolook.Canwejustsitandhavedinnerforonce?

Amyjuststares.It'sclearthey'rebothtired.AMYI'mjusttryingtohelpyousee.

VIRGILIknow.Butthat'sallitseemswe'reabout.Howwasyourday-whatgoesonatwork-howaboutthoseRangers-didthestockmarketholdtoday-isthereanythingelsegoingoninour

worldbesidesmyeyes?

AMY(beat)OK,we'vebeeninvitedtoaparty-Duncan'sbirthday.

AnITALIANWAITERappears-puttingalargeplateofspaghettiin



frontofVirgilandAmy.Virgilisalittlerepulsedbywhathesees.

VIRGILWhat'sthis-lookslikeworms.

AMYIt'sspaghetti-it'sfine.

AsVirgiltriestomaneuverhisfork-Amyreachesbehindher.

AMYIbroughtyouapresent-goodforhandeyecoordination.

ShehandshimaTOYSRUSbag.Hepeersinside.

VIRGILGreat-yougotoworkbuildingbuildings-Igohomewithbuildingblocks.

INT.ROSWELL-TREMONT-LATEDAY

Amy-lookingalittleworn-staringblanklyathercomputer.Athreedimensionalrenditionofthemallrotatesonthescreen.Duncanpokeshisheadin.

DUNCANI'mhereforyoutowishmehappybirthday.How'sitgoing?

AMY

(distracted)OK.He'sprogressing,slowly-doingthebesthecan.

DUNCANIwasactuallywonderingaboutthemalldesigns.We'reexpectedinAtlantatomorrow-withtheseplans.

AMYIcan'tgotoAtlantatomorrow

-notwithVirgil'sproblems,..

DUNCANOk,ok(Duncanmovesinbehindher)I'msorry.Thingsaren'tgoingsowell?

AMY



(staresatherwork)Heseemsblindernowthanheeverwas.

Duncanputshishandsonhershoulders-startstokneadthem.Amystartstorelax.

AMYDoyoueverwonderwhyyoudothethingsyoudo?

DUNCANDidn'tgetwhatyouexpecteddidyou?

AMYSometimesIthinkhe'snotgoingtomakeit-thathe'snevergoingtobeabletosee.

DUNCANAmy-listentome.Youlikedthisguy-Isawthat.Youwantedtohelphim-itdidn'tworkoutsohot.Youcan't

punishyourself..Sometimesthingsjustdon'tworkoutthewaywewantthemto-lookatus.

Amysmileswarmly.

AMYYeah.ThanksDuncan.

DUNCANAnytime.

(beat,ajoke)Nowbacktowork.

Ashestartsoutoftheroom,Amyturnsstopshim.AMYHey,HappyBirthday.

INT.AMY'SLOFT-DAY

Virgilsitsatthekitchentablestaringateverydaykitchenutensils-beingheldbyEthan.

VIRGILMeasuringcup?

Ethanshakeshishead-no-it'sacheesegrater.Virgilstaresagain.Ethanmimesgratingcheese.

VIRGILCheesegrater.



ETHANYes-myman.

Ethanholdsupsomethingnew-oneofthosestrangespaghettistrainers.Nowtheyarebothstaringatsomethingtheydon'tunderstand.VirgillookstoEthan.

ETHANGotme.

VIRGIL(laughing)You'renohelp.HowamIsupposedtodomyhomeworkif...

ETHANHomework-dude-Iain'tdoin'homework.

VirgilcontinuestolookatthestrainerasEthangravitatestowardshiscanefoldeduponthetable.

ETHAN(beat)You'reluckyyougotacane.

Virgillooksover-seeshisfascination.

VIRGILYouwantit.I'vebeenthinking

aboutthrowingitout.

Ethan'supinaflash.

ETHANMan-really-Icanhaveit?Cool.(pickingitup)IcouldbeaNinjaDarthVaderfighterwithoneofthese-protectmymomfromtheevilsuper.

Virgilisup-withthespaghettistrainerinhishand.

VIRGILButfirstyou'llhavetofightofftheevil---whateverthisis.

Astheyjoustabout-Virgilenjoyinghimself-there'saknockatthedoor.



VIRGILCouldbethesuper-goforcover.

AsEthanducksbehindthecouch,Virgilmakeshiswaytothedoor,fumblingwiththehandle-heopensitto:

JENNIE.Virgilstaresather.Wesoonrealizehehasnoideawhothisis.

VIRGILYes?

Jennylooksathim,hereyeswelling.

JENNIEVirgil-it'sme.

AndsuddenlyEthanisthere-canedrawnlikeasword.

ETHANEngarde.

Jenniestartled-lookstoEthanthenVirgil.What'sgoingon?

VIRGILJennie?!Jennie..God,I'msorry-c'monin-thisismyfriendEthan-whatareyoudoinghere?

OffJennie'slook:

EXT.CONSTRUCTIONSITE-DAY

VirgilandJenniestandingacrossthestreetfromabuildingbeingtorndown.HardhattedWORKERShoveraboutthelargetrucksatwork.

VIRGILYouwanttotellmewhatwe'redoinghere?

Jenniepoints.

JENNIEThat'shim.That'sourFather.

Virgillooksinthedirectionshe'spointing-triestofocusonafiguremovingacrossthelot.TheMANwesawwatchingTV.

VIRGILIcan't-Ican'tseehim.

Jennielookstohim.



JENNIEIthoughtyoureyeswerebetter.

VIRGILNo.I-Idon'twanttoseehim.Myeyesaren'tgoodenough-notyet-hewon'tunderstand.Itwon'tbeenough.

Virgiltakesastepback.

JENNIEHe'sourfather.Heheardabouttheoperationandhe'saskedtoseeyou.Lookherehecomes.

VIRGILGODDAMITJennie-Idon'twanttoseehim-Idon'tevenknowwhyyoubroughtmehere.

AndVirgiltakesanotherstepbackthenturnsandstartsoffdownthestreetleavingJennyalone.

INT.AMY'SBUILDING-NIGHT

Amymakingherwayupthestairs-rollofplansunderherarm.Openingherdoorto:

INT.AMY'SLOFT-NIGHT

Atotallydarkroom.Shedropsherthings.

AMYVirgil?...Virgil?!

Sheflicksonthelight-torevealVirgilhasbeensittinginthedark.Shelooksover-seesthescatteredblocksonthefloor.

VIRGILI'mhere.Iforgetaboutthelightssometimes.

AMYLook-aboutthispartytonight

-it'snobigdeal-maybeweshouldjust...

VIRGILIt'syourpartner'sbirthday.Weshouldgo-besidesyouwantedmetomeetyourfriends,right?

AMYYeah.Right.



INT.LOFT-NIGHT

Noisy,crowded-PEOPLEmillaboutcarryingdrinks-blackandsilverballoonsfloatabouttheceiling.Movingthroughthecrowd-musicblasting-AmyintroducingpeopletoVirgiloverthenoise.

AWAITERwalksuptothemholdingatrayofwine.

WAITERGlassofwine?Red-white?

Amyreachesout-takesone.

VIRGILWhichisthered?

Amylooksatthewaiter-thenpointstoone.Virgil'shandreachesoutslowly-hovering-it'sclearit'sconfusing-tryingtoseparateoutoneglass.TheWaiterlookstoAmylike"isheOK?"

AMYVirgil-hereletme.

Herhanddartsinfrontofhis.

VIRGIL(quick)No!Sorry-Imean-I'malmostthere-IthinkIgotit.

Andshebacksoffashishandwrapsaroundaglass-pullingit

back.Atthelastsecondknockingovertwootherglasses.

VIRGILDammit.Sorry.

TheWaiter-tryingnottospillonhimself.

WAITERTrustme-you'renotthefirst-orprobablythelast.Letmegetacloth.

VIRGILThanks

TheWaitersmiles-andashewalksoff.Virgilnervouslytakesalargedrinkofwine.

WAITERIhopeyou'redriving.



Suddenlyfromthefrontoftheroom-MARSHALL,thehostcallsout:

MARSHALLOK.He'scomingupthestairs.Everybodygetready-killthelights.

Excitement-abuzz-VirgillooksaroundthenCLICK-allthelightsgoout.Virgilpanicsmomentarily.

VIRGILWhat-what'shappening?

Amymovestohimintheneardarkroom.

AMYIt'sforthesurprise-theyturnedoffthelights.

VIRGILSurprise-yeah.

Andsuddenlythelightsfloodbackon,everyonescreams:SURPRISE!!

Duncan-atthedoorwithBetsy-genuinelysurprised-catcheshisbreath-thenfakesaquickheartattackanddropstothefloor.

Theroomexplodesinlaughter-Amyincluded.ThisactionisevenmoreconfusingtoVirgil.

VIRGILIsheOK?

Hearingthis-everyonebreaksintobiggerlaughter-Virgilnowthefocusofattention-goodnaturedlylaughs-Amysmiles,embarrassed.Virgiltakesagulpofhiswine,finishingitoff.

LATER:

TheMusiciscranked!Manycouplesdance.Virgilexitsthebathroom-glancesbackinthemirroragain,athishair-notsurehelikesitsstyle.Hetriesbrushingittotheotherside-it'sOK.Howabouttheotherway-notsobad-maybe.It'sclearhe'salittletipsyashekeepsplayingwithhishair.

WAITER(O.S.)HereyagoVirgil.

Virgilturns-theWaiterstandsthereholdingaglassofwine-placingitcarefullyintoVirgil'shand:

VIRGILCheers,Kevin.



AMY(0.S.)(overthenoise)Virgil!!

Virgilembarrassed,turns-canfaintlyhearAmy'svoiceoverthemusic.Searchestheroom-boppingbodies-balloonsbeingbashedround-lightsdim.Thenumberofdrinkshe'shadisn'thelping.

AMYVirgil--overhere!!

Amy,standingwithDuncanandBetsy.DUNCANMaybehe'sblindagain.

AMYDon'teventhinkit.C'mon-Iwantthebothofyoutomeethim-he'llneverfindushere.

WithVIRGIL-smilingasheseesAmy,DuncanandBetsymovetowardshim.

AMYVirgil-I'msorry-IwenttogetDuncan.Duncan-Virgil.AndthisisBetsy.

DUNCANHeyVirgilgoodtomeetyou.

BETSYHeardalotaboutyou.

VIRGILHeyyy!Yeah.Goodtomeetyou.

Virgilthrustshishandout-collidingitintoDuncan's.

VIRGILSorry-thingsstillgeta

littlecockeyedsometimes.

DUNCAN(holdinguphisdrink)FewmoreoftheseandI'llbethesame.

VIRGILLemmegetKevin-myman-



he'lltopyouup.KE-VIN!!!

AMYVirgil!

VIRGILWhat?

Uncomfortable-everyonestops.

AMYNothing.It'sok.

DUNCANAmy,inAtlantatomorrow...

AMYDuncan-Itoldyou...

DUNCANIspoketoFalkandhe...

AMY(can'thear)What?

DuncanpullsAmyinclosetotalk-shuttingVirgilandBetsyout.

BETSY

Amysaidyouhadgreathands.

VIRGIL(laughs)Shedid,didshe.

Virgilholdsthemupinfrontofhisface-triestoseethem.ThenlookspastthemandwatchesAmyandDuncan-moreimportantlylooksatDuncan'shair,hisclothes.It'sclearhe'sbecomingawareofappearances.Hisownespecially.

Astheybreaktheirteteatete.

BETSYYouknowmyfatherwasblindforseveralyears,hehadcataractsaswell.

Somehowthiscomesoutpatronizing.

VIRGIL



Really.I'msurprisedIdon'tknowhim.It'saclubyouknow.

Kevin,theAfricanAmericanwaitercomesup.

KEVINYes.

VirgilthrowshisarmaroundKevin.

VIRGILKevin-Duncanherethebirthdayman-couldusehimselfadrink.Kevinheretellsmehe'sblack-didyouknowthat-Imeanlookathim-lookatme-isn'tthatthedamnedestthing.He'sblack.

Amyismortified,Kevinlaughs.

KEVINI'llgetyouadrink.

VirgillookstoAmy.

VIRGILWhat'sthatlook?

AMYWhatlook?

VIRGIL

I'veneverseenyourfacethatwaybefore.It's...weird.Whatdoesitmean?

Beforeshecananswer-adancesongbreaksout-BetsywrapsherarmaroundDuncan's.

BETSYComeonDuncan-let'sdance-movethoseoldbones.

DuncanonlyacknowledgesBetsy'scontactwitharaisedeyebrowto

Amy.

DUNCANWhatthehellit'smybirthday--nicetomeetyouVirgil-seeyouattheopening.

Andthey'regoneontothefloor.Virgilwatcheshim-seestheeasewithwhichDuncanmoves,handlesthings.



VIRGILOpening?

AMYThelobbywedesigned.Virgil-youcan't...

VIRGILLet'sdance.

Virgiltakesherarmandpullsheroutonthefloor.Amy-readyforoneofVirgil'swilddancestakesholdofhishand.Themusicblaring,Virgilstartstogetintoit-Amystartingtorelax-thenVirgilslowlynoticeshoweveryoneelseisdancing-moreconservative.

He'sevengettingsomelooksfrompeople.Slowlyhewindsdown-triestomimicwhateveryoneelseisdoing-endsupinjustaslowshuffle.

Amywatcheshim-seeshe'suncomfortable-movestohim-butVirgilturnsonhisheelandstridesaway.Amyfollowsafterhim.

INT.LOFT-CORNER-NIGHT

Virgilstandsneartheglassdoorsleadingtoanoutdoorbalcony.Amycomesuptohim-findsVirgilfacingawall-eyesshut.

AMYWhatareyoudoing?

Virgil'sheadcocksslightlytowardsher-justlikewhenhewasblind.

VIRGILIfeellikeRipVanWinkle.I'vewokenupfromathirtyyearsleep-andtheworld'spassedmeby.

AMYIt'sjustdancing.Whocares?

Virgilwhirlsonher-hishandonhershouldertosteadyhislookather.

VIRGILNo-no-no-no.It'snottheGoddamndancing.Iwantedtocomeheretonight-showyouIcould"fit"in.Likethebigboysdo.Bigseeingboys.Yes.Well,Idon't.Don't.

AMYIt'sjustgoingtotaketime.Youweren'tready.Weshouldn'thavecome.



VIRGILNo-I-me,shouldn'thavecome.Youwantmetosee-butyouknowwhat-youknowwhat-shit-Idon'tbelonginthewonderfulworldofseeing.

Amyreachesouttohim.

AMYVirgillook.

Amyrealizeswhatshejustsaid-Virgilpullshisarmaway.

VIRGILNo,Iwon't.I'mtiredoflooking.Fucklookingandthehorseitcameinon.

Andhespinstogetawayfromherandtakesastepcrashingrightintotheslidingglassdoorwhichexplodesinashoweroflittle

crystals.

Thepartyslamstoahalt-Amystandsstunned.Virgilshaken-tinycutsonhisface.

AMYOhmyGod,areyoualright?

Virgilslamshiseyesshut.

VIRGILYeah,I'mjustfine.Takemehome.

INT.AMY'SLOFT-NEXTMORNING

Virgil,smallnicksonhisface,wakesup-rollsover-feelstheemptybedbesidehim.LooksuptoseeAmypullinghercoaton-suitcaseatherside.

AMYDidn'twanttowakeyou.

VIRGIL

You'regoing.

AMYI'llonlybeacoupleofdays.

VIRGILThisisn'tworking.



AMYWhat-we'renotworking-youreyes-what'snotworking?

VIRGILIgetupeverymorning-Ilookinthemirror-andIstareatatotalstranger.IstareandIstare-andnomatterhowhardIlook-Idon'tseeVirgilthereanywhere.AndthemoreIlookatyou...

AMYWhat?Youdon'tseeme?

VIRGILIsawyoubetterwhenIwasblind.

AMYWell,you'renotblindanymore.

I'msorryifthatdisappointsyou.(beat)I'vegotaplanetocatch.I'mgoingtogobeforewesaythingswedon'tmean.

Andshegrabsherbagandisoutthedoor.AsweholdonVirgil'sface.

ATTHEWINDOW-Virgillookingout-watchingAmygetinthecab.

AsshedrivesawayweseeVirgilwatchthecarrecede-thenhishandgoesout.

HISPOV-hishandgraspingatthetinydisappearingcab-tryingtoholdontoitlikeinTimesSquare-tryingnottoletitgo.

INT.FALKBOARDROOM-DAY

CLOSEON-Amy'ssketches.TheMallhasbeenintegratedintothetwolargetrees-givingitshelterandshape.

FALK(O.S.)Iloveit.

AmyandDuncansitacrossfromFalk,amaninhis40's-earnedeverythinghe'sgot-nobullshitkindaguy.

FALKButwealreadycutthosetreesdown.

EXT.NYUCAMPUS-DAY

Kidsmillingabout.Ayoungcoupleneckunabashedlyagainstawall.



WeseethisisVirgil'sPOV-he'swatching-peopletogether.

INT.NYUHALLWAY-DAY

Virgilmakeshiswaydownthehall.Stopsatanopendoorway-asignnexttoitwithraisedlettersinBraille.Ashishandfeelsacrossit-healsoreadsthevisualletters-Dr.RayWebster.

Peeringinside-heseesaLab-fulloftheNEWLYBLIND-someTEENAGERS-acoupleofADULTS-ahandfulofSEEINGIMPAIRED-alllearningtouseacane.Therapidtappingoftheircanelikearoomfulloftypewriters.

Virgilwatches-theBlindworkingtheirwayaroundasmallobstaclecourse-manyofthemrunningintodesks,tables-it'stough,frustratingwork.

SuddenlyVirgilfeelssomeonenexttohim.Webster.

WEBSTERYouwanttojoinus.

Virgilwatchestheblind.

VIRGILNo-no-I'llwaitforyououthere-whenyou'redone.

AsVirgilmovesofftoahallwaybench:

WEBSTERVirgil

VirgilturnsasWebstertosseshissomething.Virgilmissesit-ithitstheground-hereachesdown-findingit,hepicksitup-it'sanapple.HelookstoWebsterwhosmilesbackathim.

WEBSTERI'llbedoneinaminute.

INT.HOTELLOBBY-ATLANTA-DUSK

AmyandDuncanwalkthroughthelobbytotheirrooms.Alittlecomboplaysmusicintheadjacentbar-afewpeopleonthetinydancefloor.

AMYYou'dthinkhewouldhavetoldus.Imeanthosetreeswereinthephotos.

DUNCANWe'lljusthavetowinhimovertomorrow.Letmebuyyouadrink-getthosecreativejuicesgoing.



AMY(looksatherwatch)Aw-no-Ireally...

ButDuncanhasherbythearm-andinonespinhasherinadanceembrace.Thismoveseemscomfortable,familiartothemboth.

DUNCANC'mon-listen,they'replayingoursong.

AMY(laughs)MacktheKnifewasoursong?

INT.WEBSTER'SLAB-LATER

Websteriscleaningupafterclass.VirgilwatchingsomeoftheTeenagekidsandAdultsfindtheirwayoutoftheroom.Asthelastofthemleaves.

WEBSTEROK-I'mjustaboutdonehere-Igotaplaceforyou-relaxthoseeyesabit.

INT.STRIPCLUB-NIGHT

Atablefrontandcenter.Someemptybeerglassesinfrontofthem.Twofullonesintheirhands-they'rebothalittleintheircups.ASTRIPPERgrindsandweavesherwayaboutthesmalldancefloortothesoundsofTalkingHeads"BurningdowntheHouse".

VIRGIL(eyeingthegirl)Youwanttoknowthetruth--God'shonesttruth?Seeing'sbeentheshits.

WEBSTERYougottobekiddingmeson.Youcansaythat-sittinghereintheseprimeviewingseats.Forgetfixingyoureyes-we'regoingtogetyourheadexamined.

VIRGILI'mserious.Iwasbetteroffblind.Peopledon'thavetheseexpectationsofyouyoucan'tliveupto.You'reblind-fine-theydealwithit.

WEBSTERDidn'tgetwhatyouexpecteddidyou?



VIRGILWhenIwasblind-Ihadanimageofwhateverythingwas,uphere...(pointstohishead)now-it'salldifferent-notatallwhatI'dexpected-notwhatI'dhopedfor.

WEBSTERVirgil,letmeexplainsomethinghere.Whenyouwereblind-youdealtwiththingsoneatatime-sequentiallyright?Awallledtoadoortoatreetoacar.That'showyougottowhatyouwanted-right.(beat)Seeingpeople-forbetterorworse-dealwitheverythingallatonce-takinginthewholepicture-whichsometimesconfusesthehelloutofwhattheywant.(beat)Virgil,myadviceafterthreebeers-don'tbeafraidtotakeinthewholepicture-justdon'tlosesightofwhatyouwant.

VIRGILWhatIwantistomakeitworkwithAmy.

WEBSTERAndwhatdoesshehavetosay

VIRGILShejustwantsmetosee.

WEBSTERIt'sthatimportantisit?

VIRGILYouknowwhatIlearnedalongtimeago.Seeinggirlslikeseeingguys.(beat)I'mnotgoingtoletherdown.

INT.HOTELBAR-NIGHT102

AmyandDuncanaredancing-theyseemgoodtogether.Nothingfancy-buttheymoveasoneaboutthefloor.

DUNCANSee-notsobad.

AMYNotsobad.



DUNCANIt'snicetodancetogetheragain.

AMYYeah.

DUNCANYouremember...?

AMYFirsttimewedanced-Connecticut.Wewatchedtheleavesturn-somuchtosee-I'dlovetogoback.

DUNCANSowouldI.(beat)WhathappenedtousAmy?You'resointentonfixingeverything-why'dyougiveuponus?

AMYIlearnedsomethingscan'tbefixed.Wegotmarriedforallthewrongreasons.Idon'tthinkIfellinlovewithyouasmuchasIfellinlovewitharchitecture.

DUNCAN(serious)Ineverfellinlovewitharchitecture-butIknowIfellinlovewithyou.

AMYNow-that'sbullshit.

DUNCANItusedtowork.

Theysmileateachother-everything'seasyrightnow-pause-theydance-AmylooksupatDuncan-whohesitates-thenleansinandkissesher.

AmomentandAmypullsawayslightly-looksdownforasecond-thensheleansbackinandtheykissagain.Weholdonthiskiss,thencutto:

INT.HOTELROOM-NIGHT

BLACK-wehearmovement-thenalightcomesoninthebathroom.Amystandsthereclutchingherclothes-staringintothemirror.InthebackgroundweseeDuncancurledupasleepinbed.



Amystaresatherselflongandhard.

AMY(whisper)Oh,God.

Andshestartstodress:

DUNCANAmy?-what'sgoingon-whattimeisit?

Click-heflicksthebedsidelampon-squinting-findsAmy.Shedoesn'ttalk-keepsdressing.

DUNCANWhat'swrong?

AMYWhat'swrong?Thiswas'amistake-abigmistake.Gobacktosleep-

you'vegotanimportantmeetingtomorrow.

DUNCANI'vegot?-holdonhere-you'renotbailingoutonme-Ineedyou.

AMY(flat)Forthemeeting.

DUNCANOfcourseforthemeeting.

Dressed,shemovestowardthedoorway-Duncansitsupinbed.

AMYI'mgoinghome.

DUNCANTobeababysitter.

Shestopsatthedoor.

AMYCan'tweforoncebeadults-facethefactthatwe'vejustmadeacolossalerror?

DUNCANFine-thiswasstupid,there-happy?-



butgoddamitAmy-Istillcareaboutyou.Wheredoyouactuallvthinkanyofthisisgoingtoleadwiththisguy?

AMYIdon'tknow-buttheonegoodthingtocomeofthismesstonight-IknowIwanttofindout.

Andshe'sgone-WHAM.

EXT.AMY'SLOFT-DUSK

Acabpullsup-Amygetsout-looksupatherloft-it'sdark.

INT.AMY'SLOFT-DUSK

Kitchenlighton-apileofEthan'sblocksonthetable.Amymakesherwayovertoseeitreads:

ONTHEROOF

EXT.AMY'SROOF-DUSK

AmyopensthedoorandseesVirgilleaningagainsttheparapetwall,staringoutatthenightManhattanskyline.Afteramoment,hewalksbacktotheotherendoftheroof,turnsandslowlywalk-towardtheparapetwallagain-allthetimestaringattheskyline-withasmileandlookofamazementonhisface.

AMYHi

Virgilturns-findsher.

VIRGILHey.

AmystartstowardVirgil.

AMYWhatchadoing?

VIRGILIt'sthecraziestthing.Youstartbackoverthere-focusonabuilding.Andwhenyouwalk

towardsit-itchanges-eachstepmakesitlookdifferent.Istartedoutjustlookingforthehorizon.

AMYYoucan'tseeitfromhere-toomanybuildings.



VIRGILButit'sstillthere-eventhoughyoucan'tseeit-right?Yougottahavefaithit'sthere.ThingsexistbeyondwhatIcansee-Ijusthavetotakeitonfaith.

Shecomesupnexttohim-Virgil,lookingoutoverthewallturnstoher-studiesherface:

VIRGILYouhavesomanylooks?

AMYThere'ssomethingIhavetotellyou.Iwasgettingconfused-whichisnoexcuseforhowI'veacted,but...

VIRGILWait-no-thisisn'tyourfault-I'mtheone'sbeenashit.You'retoohardonyourself-expecttoomuchofyourself.

AMYVirgil

VIRGIL(stoppingher)Letmesaythis.Everydayofmylife-I'vewishedforjustonething.

AMY

Tosee.

VIRGILTobewhole.Forjustonemonth.Forjustonedayoroneminute.Foronegoddamnedhalfasecond.Andnotjusttobeabletorun,orrideabike,ordriveacar.(beat)Butforoncenottohaveabruisefrombumpingintosomethingortostandinaroomandhavetoask"isanyonehere"andherethatdeadsilence,knowingsomeoneisthere.

Nottohavefoodonmysweater,orhavetoputmyfingerinmyglasstoknowwhenit'sfull.Ijustwanttobewhole.(beat)Iwenttoseemyfathertheotherday.

Amymovestowardhim.

VIRGIL



Icouldn'tfacehim.IfeltlikeIwaslettinghimdown.IfeellikeI'mlettingyoudown.

AMYNo

VIRGILNo,listen.Igaveupyearsago-I'mnotgoingtogiveupnow.Amy-thatdayImetyou-forthefirsttimeinmylifeIfeltsomeoneneededmeasmuchasIneededthem.Idon'twantyoutogiveuponme.

Amyoutofbreath-feelsasurgeofloveforthisman-movesinkissinghim.Alongkiss-then:

VIRGILBesidesIcouldn'tleaveyou-Iowetoomuchinbackrent.

AndasAmypullshimintoembrace-weholdonherface-then:

INT.LECTUREHALL-DAY

CLOSEON-Dr.Aaron-harshlightswashinghimout.

AARONUpuntiltheoperationfiveweeksago-Virgilhadbeenatouchperson-someonewho'svocabulary,wholesensibility,hispictureoftheworldwasbasedon

tactile--non-visualterms.

INT.DOWNTOWNATELETICCLUB-DAY

AHEALTHINSTRUCTOR-50'sJackLaLainetype-isgivingVirgilthetourofthefacilities.Theyentertheweight/workoutroom.Variousshapesandsizesofpeopleworkoutonvariousshapesandsizesofworkoutmachines.

Aaron'svoice-overcontinuesasJackmotionstoVirgiltofollowhim..Virgilhesitates.

HISPOV-chrome,iron,plastic-butsomehowit'smoredefinedthanwe'veseenbefore.

Determined-Virgilstartshiswayintothegym-hand'outbrushingbywhatheseesinfrontofhim.

AARON(CONT)But-now-asasightedperson-byfocusingsinglemindedlyonhisgoal,Virgilhasanewfoundabilityto



understandhisownphysicalrelationshiptoobjectsinhislifearoundhim...

Virgilnowdropshishand-startsmovingthroughthemazeofpeopleandequipment-actually"seeing"hisway.

AARON(CONT.)Distance,size,shape-perspective-nowallhaveprofoundmeaningtohim...

EXT.HEALTHCLUB-DAY

Virgilnegotiatingaglassdoor-exitingthebuilding.

AARON(CONT)

andthoughtherearestillmilestogoinhislearningprocess-forallmedicalintentsandpurposes-heisbecomingaseeingperson.

Virgilwalkingdownthestreet-deftlydodgingakidona

skateboard-throwingouthishandtohailacab.AARON(CONT.)ThisisanextraordinaryachievementandadvancementformedicalscienceandatributetoVirgil'sdeterminationtosee.

INT.LECTUREHALL-DAY

AARON(CONT)LadiesandGentlemen-VirgilAnderson.

ApplauseandVirgillookingtoAmyintheaudience,stands-aseeingman-andeasilymakeshiswaytothepodium.Standinginthelightshereadjuststhemicrophone-movingitupfromthemuchshorterAaron.

VIRGIL(clearshisthroat)Sincethismaybeoneofourlastsessions-arethereanyquestions?

VOICEINTHEDARKMr.Anderson-istheresomethingyou

weresurprisedtoseeforthefirsttime-somethingthatlookedquitedifferentthanyouthought?

VIRGILBreasts.(laughter)No,really.Don'tgetmewrong-Ilovethem-theyjustweren'twhatIexpected.



VOICEWhataboutyourgirlfriend?

VIRGILWhosedidyouthinkIwastalkingabout?

Laughs.

ANOTHERVOICEINTHEDARKNowthatyou'refullyseeing-whatareyoulookingforwardtomost?

VIRGILNothavingtodothesesessions.(laugh)No-actually-beingindependent.

VOICE

Canyoureadyet?

VIRGILNo,but...

VOICEWillyoueverbeableto?

VIRGILIdon'tknow.

VOICEIfyoucan'tread-willyoueverbeabletodrive?

VIRGIL(suddenlysomber)Idon'tknow.

VOICEWellhowcanyousay...

FAMILIARVOICE(interrupting)Virgil.Aftersomanyyearsofdarkness-describewhatitistoactuallysee.

AngleontheVoiceinthedark.Webster.



CLOSEON-Virgil-ashethinksaboutthequestion.

INT.ROSWELL-TREMONT-AMY'SOFFICE-LATEDAY

CLOSEON-theAtlantaproject.Miniaturesize.AndasetofplanslaidoutacrossAmy'sdesk.Virgil'shandcomesintoframe-touchesthemodel-movestotheplans-touchesthem.

ONVIRGIL-aloneinAmy'soffice-lookingatherwork.Wegotohisface-hiseyes-weseethatheisseeingAmy'swork.

AMY(O.S.)You'rehere.

Virgillooksup-Amyatthedoorway.

VIRGILTheAtlantaproject-Ithoughtitwentaway.

AMYDuncandidsomesonganddance-Falk'scomingtothelobbyopeningtomorrow-seeourwork.

VIRGILIseeitAmy.

AMYWhat'sthat?

VIRGILYourworld.Whatyoudo.Theplans-theworktheideas.Themolding.

ForthefirsttimeIreallyseewhatyoudo-andnotjustuphere...(hepointstohishead)butinhere.

Virgil'shandgoesouttoherchest-placesitonherheart.

AMY(movesinclose,sexy)TonightisyournightsomethingspecialIwanttoshowyouVIRGILWhatisit?

SMASHTO.

EXT.BUILDING-LATEDAY

AMY(V.0.)Everything.



TOPOFTHEWORLDTRADECENTER

Thesunstartingtoset-thewholeofthefiveburroughsofNewYorklaidoutinfrontofus.Virgilmovestotheedge-looksoutoverthisamazingpanorama.

AmymovesupnexttoVirgil-theytakeitinamoment.

AMYThat'stheBrooklynBridge,EmpireStateBuilding,Chryslerbuildingjustoverthere...

VIRGILAmy,lookatme.

AMYWhat?

VIRGILThisface-thisiseverything.It'sallI'veeverwantedtosee.

(hewatchesher)Youhavesomanylooks.Whatdoallthoselooksmean?

AMYWell.Let'ssee.This...(makescorrespondingface)...issad.This...isfrustrated.This...istired.This..isconfused.This..ishappy.Andthis...(herfacesoftens)...iswhatinlovelookslike.

Virgilputshishandonherface-looksatitcarefully.

VIRGILThislook-thislookIlove.

Amyleansforwardandkisseshim-andhesoonforgetsitevenhappened.Astheykisswepullslowlybackandawayasthesungoesdeepgoldandwestarttohearwhatsoundslikerain:

Wecutto:

INT.AMY'SLOFT-NIGHT

Andtheyarestillkissing-andwerealizetheyareintheshower-together-kissing-exploring-verysensual.AsVirgilmovestokissherneck-herbreasts-Amy'sheadtiltsbackintothespray.

AMYVirgil-it'sraining.



Andhemovesupagain-looksherintheeyes-andforamomenthiseyesightshudderseversoslight1y-itgoesawayandtheykissagain.

EXT.AMY'SLOFT-MORNING

AmyandVirgilonthestreet-eachhailingseparatecabs.

AMYSo-eighto'clocktonight.

VIRGILEighto'clock-buildingopening-Ihaven'tforgotten.

Sheblowshimakissandshe'sgone.Virgilwatcheshercabpullaway-clearsomethingisbotheringhim.

HISPOV-hisvisiongoinginandout.Thenclear,thencloudedagain.

INT.DOWNTOWNATHLETICCLUB-DAY

Virgil'smassageroom.NotasorganizedashehadatBearMtn..VirgilisworkingonanOVERWEIGHTMAN-hisbackissplotchyfromtoomuchsun.

Virgilmassaging-becomespreoccupiedwithhisskin'simperfections-losinghisconcentration.

OVERWEIGHTMANHey,Virgil-I'mtheonesupposedtofallasleephere.

VIRGILYes-sorry.

Hecloseshiseyes-getsbackintohisrhythm.

INT.ATHLETICCLUB-LATER

Virgil,packoverhisshoulderleavingfortheday-abouttocutthroughtheweightroom-whenitsuddenlycomestoahalt.

HisPOV-hisvisionfadinginandout-andthensuddenlyquickflashesofblack.OnthefinalBLACK:

Wesmashto:

INT.NEWYORKHOSPITAL-DAY

Virgilatthedesk.TheNurselooksup.

VIRGILDaphne-IneedtoseeDr.Aaron-rightaway.It'sanemergency.



INT.NEWYORKHOSPITAL-EXAMROOM-DAY

Dr.AaronisagainexaminingVirgilontheElectroretinogram.Done,Aaronpullsthemachineoutoftheway.LooksatVirgil-rubshishandacrosshisface.

VIRGILWhatdoesthatmean?

AARONWhat?

VIRGILWhatyoujustdid?

Virgilimitateshim.

AARONItmeans-themachineisonlyregistering

sparksofactivity-retinalsparks-followedbynothing.Howlonghasthisbeengoingon?

VIRGILIdon'tknow-firstIthoughtIwastired-someblurs-occasionalcloudinessbutit'sbeengettingworse.TodayI'mgettingcompleteblackouts.

AARON

Yourretinalfunctionisdowntenpercent.I'mafraid-yourretinaldiseaseseemstohavereturned.

VIRGILYou'reafraid.Whatdoesthatmean-Ithoughtyoucorrectedit.YoutoldmeIwasa'seeingperson'.

AARONNow,you'veeveryrighttobeupset.

Maybeyoudidn'thavethebloodvesselstosupplyenoughoxygentotheretinas.-Possiblysometrauma-therearesomanyvariables...(beat)tobehonest,Idon'tknow.IwishtoGodIdid.

Virgilstands,anxious-startspacing.

VIRGIL



OK.You'retheexpert.Tellme-whatdowedonow-howdowerepairthis?

AARONVirgil.I--Iwishtherewasanicewaytosaythis.

Virgilbacksaway-doesn'twanttohearit.

VIRGILNo-thereisnonicewaytosayitisthere.Nonicewaytoletthemanknowit'sallover-that..he'sgoingblindagain!

AARONVirgil,Iunderstandwhat...

VIRGILNoyoudon't!Don'teversaythat.You'llneverunderstand.Ever!

Aaronstandsthere-saysnothing-triestoletVirgil'sangerdissipate.Alongmoment.

VIRGILHowlong?

AARONHardtosay.Month-fewweeks-(beat)

Days.

Virgilstandstherestunned-thenlookingtoAaron.

VIRGILGod,whatdoItellAmy?WhatdoItellher?

OnVirgil'sface.

INT.EYEINSTITUTEHALLWAY-DAY

Virgilstepsintothehall-Sees:

AFIVEYEAROLDBOY-blind-eyeshalfshut-handsreachingout,ploddingit'ahalfcircleovertowherehismotherwaitsforhim.

AndweseetherealizationonVirgil'sfaceofseeinghispast-andwhathewillreturnto:

EXT.STREETS-DAY



VirgilRUNNING,RUNNING,besthecan-throughthecrowdedstreet-handsout-bumpingintopeople-desperate-scared-tryingtorunfromhimself-fromhisfate.

WHAM-hecomestoastop-outofbreath-helooksleft-right-wheredoyougo-thenseessomethingoffscreen.Hisfacetornwithfear-hemovesforward-handout-reachingtoawindow-tohisownREFLECTION.

Andwepushslowlyinonthereflectionashetouchesthewindow-hishandonhisface-afacehemayneverseeagain-andacloudpassesoverheadandhisreflectionisgone.

EXT.CONSTRUCTIONSITE-DAY

Virgilstandsatthesite-amidsttherubbleandmud.HisFatherwalksslowlyovertohim-raisinghisarmstoembracehim.

Virgiltakesastepback-not,ready-hisfatherstops,understands-lookshissonupanddown.

FATHERYoulookgood.Hey-howdoIlook?

VIRGILIneedsomeanswers.Why'dyouleave?BecauseI'mblind-orbecauseIquittryingtosee?

FATHERTothepoint-Ilikethat-somethingyougotfromme.

VIRGIL

Cutthebullshit-"dad".Idon'thearfromyouforovertwentyyears-thenyoufindoutIcanseeandallofasuddenyoushowup?

FATHER(looksaround)Hey.Virge-canwetalkaboutthislater,huh...

VIRGILNo,notlater.Now!Wasmyblindnesssowrongthatmadeyoutearourfamilyapart.

Virgil'sriledhisfather.HestepstowardsVirgiltriestospeakunderhisbreath.

FATHEREverymorningIwokeupandlookedatyouandsawmyownfailures.IfIcouldn'tgetmyownsontoseethen...Whatdifferencedoesanyofthismake-youcanseenow



-hell,Iknewyoucould.

Virgilwatcheshisfather-thisstranger.Hiseyesstarttowell.

VIRGILI'mgoingblindagain.

HisFatherlooksathim-stunned.Hereelsfromthenews-takesastepback.

FATHERNo...

VIRGILThedoctortoldmetoday.You'rethefirstpersonI'vetold.Iwantedtocomeseeyoubeforeitwascompletelygone.

FATHER(speechless)

AbeatandVirgil'sfathertakesanotherstepback,thenturnsandwalksaway-forever.

EXT.NEWBUILDING-LATEDAY

Virgilstandingacrossthestreet.Tryingtotakeinthebuilding

EXT.NEWBUILDING-LATEDAY

Standingatthefrontasasecurityguardopensthedoor.

GUARD

Sorrythebuildingdoesn'topenuntiltonight.

VIRGILIknow.I'mVirgilAnderson...withRoswellTremont.Wedidthelobby.I'mheretochecksomedetailsfortonight.

GUARDOh,okay,sureMr.Anderson.

INT.LOBBY-LATEDAY

Thelobbyispretty,straightforward.Open-afewplants-alargecentralcheckindesk.Simple-unobtrusive-nothingexceptionalorunique.

Virgilmoveshiswayaboutthelobby-lookingatitcarefullyfromeverypossibleangle-hishandgrazingacrosswalls,entranceways-desperatelycommittingasmuchashecantomemory-finallyendingupinthemiddleoftheroominafinalattempttoabsorbasmuchas



hecan.

GUARD(O.S.)Youwanttoseethatthethingwork?

VIRGILThing?Whatthing?

GUARDThisthing

TheGuardreachesover-hitsaswitch-andagainstonesectionofwindowsawallofwatercomesdrippingdown-causingashowerofindoorrain-thesoundinstantlyechoingoffofthewalls.

Virgilsmiles-movestowardit-closinghiseyes-listeningtotheindoorrain-reallytakingintheroomhavingtotalempathywithwhatAmyhascreated.

INT.AMY'SLOFT-BATHROOM

Virgil,wrappedinatowel,isshaving.Buthehashiseyesclosed.Amycomesin,dressedbeautifully-usingthemirrortoputherearringsin.Virgilquicklyopenshiseyes.

VIRGILYounervous?

AMYNo-notabit.Whatdoyouthink?

Shepivotsforhim.

VIRGILYoulookgreat.

AMYReally.Nottooflashy?(shelooksinthemirror,sheisnervous)I'mgoingtochange.

Virgilletshergo-callstoher.

VIRGILThisisanimportantnightforyou.

AMYButyouknowwhat'smostimportant...(shepokesherheadin)Thatyou'regoingtobetheretoseeit.



Virgilturnstothemirror,staresathimself-contemplatingwhathe'supagainst.

INT.NEWBUILDING-NIGHT

Thelobbyisfilledwithbusinesstypes,waiterscirculatingwithchampagne,tinyhors-d'oeuvres.VirgilandAmyenter-standingatthetopofthestairsleadingtotheparty.VirgilimmediatelygoingintoaperformanceforAmy.

AMYSo.

VIRGILAmy,it'sgood-verygood.I'mproudofyou.Ilovethedetail-plantedpotsinthecorners,themoldings...(beat)It'sgotgenuinelines.

AMY(excited)Lookaround-doyouseeit?

VIRGILWhat?

Helooksabouttheroom-thenturnstowardstheindoorrain.

HISPOV-clear-thenslighthaziness-amomentaryflashofblack-thenbackinfocus.

HeturnstoAmy.Putshisarmaroundher.

VIRGILOurrain.

AMYYourrain.

DUNCANHeyVirgil.

Heextendshishand.Virgil,obligedslowlyextendshis-havingtroublefocusing-butDuncanhelpshim-takingholdofitandshakingit.

DUNCANStillworkingonthathandshakeyou'llgetitdon'tworry.



VIRGILCongratulations-theplacelooksgreat.

DUNCANThanks-here'sthegeniusthough-Ijustgetthegigs.CanIstealherawayFalks'overthereandIcan'ttellifhe'simpressedwithourworkorjusthasgasfromthepate.

VIRGILGo-doyourthing.

AMYI'llberightback.There'sfoodanddrinksdownonthefloor.

DuncanandAmystartdownthestairsasVirgiltriestofindasafeplacetostand.Hiseyesightfadinginandout-helooksaround-

decidestonegotiatethesteps:

Hetakesonesteponthestairs-looksdown-isabletoseeAmywithFalkandDuncan,lookingupathim-shesmiles-hedoeshisbest-smilesback-letsgoofthehandrail-takesanotherstep-finallyreachingthebottomfloor.

Hestandsthereforalongmoment-lostastowheretomove.Aglimpsetowardstherainsculptureandhestartstowardsitusingthesoundtohelpguidehim.

Amylooksover-seesVirgilmovingacrossthefloor-giveshimalittlewave-hedoesn'tnoticeher.

AttherainVirgilstandstakinginthesound.AFIGUREcomesupnexttohim.

VIRGILQuiteaparty.Lovethedetailofthebuilding.

WEBSTERSometimesthedetaildoesn'tmatter.

Virgilstops-turnstoWebster.

VIRGILRay.Whatareyoudoinghere?

WEBSTERAaroncalledme.Hewasworried.I'vebeentryingtofindyou-Amy'sofficetoldmeyouwerehere.It'sbad?



VIRGILIt'salmostgone.Lastfewdayshavebeenprettybad.

WEBSTERObviouslyAmydoesn'tknow.

VIRGILIt'sgoingtobreakherheart.Thisisherbignight-Ididn'twanttoruinit.ThoughtIcouldpullitoff.

WEBSTER(beat)Youcan'tavoidthisforever.

Virgilturnsbacktowardstherain.

VIRGILIknow(beat)SoRay?Isitbettertohaveseenandlostthannevertohaveseenatall?

WEBSTERIthoughtitwaslovedandlost.

Amycomesuptothem.

AMYDr.Webster-thisisasurprise.

WEBSTERVirgilinvitedme-wantedtoshowyouoffIthink.Theplaceisterrific-he'sgoteveryrighttobeproud.

AMYThank-you.IneedVirgilfora

moment-schmoozingtime.

WEBSTERShmoozeaway.

VIRGIL(ashe'sledaway)ThanksRay.I'llcallyou.



ANGLEON-DuncanstandinganxiouslywithFalkandhiswifeDonnaastheyarrive.

AMYVirgil-I'dlikeyoutomeetJackFalkandhiswifeDonnaupfromAtlanta.

VIRGILPleasedtomeetyou.

DONNAAmytellsusyouwereblind.

Amyspurtsoutaglassofwine.Virgildeflectsthecomment.

VIRGILThat'sOK-nicetoseesomeonesohonest.

FALKAmytellsusyou'reherinspiration.Anyhelpyoucangiveuswithourproject?

VIRGILI'malittlebiasedbutIkindoflikedAmy'soriginaldesign.

FALKButcouldwedobetter.

Amyjumpsinwith.

AMYWecoulddobetter,Mr.Falk-alotbetter.

FALKGood,Ilikethatattitude.Let'skeeptryingforperfection.

Everyonesmiles-AmywrapsherarmaroundVirgil.

AMYThat'sright-that'swhyI'vegotVirgil.

Pleasantlaughterallaround-andasAmyandtheotherscontinue-wepushinonVirgilashetakesinthisthought.

EXT.NEWBUILDING-NIGHT



VirgilandAmyoutfront.Peopleleaving-DuncangettingintoatowncarwithFalkandhiswife-helooksback-givesthethumbsupandclimbsinafterthem.Thecarpullsawayintothenight.

VIRGILYouwannawalk-Ifeellikesomeair.

AMYSeewhatwesee?Sure.

VIRGILCanItakeyourarm-eyesalittletired.

Astheywalk.

VIRGILYoureallymadetheplacecomealivewiththatfountain.

AMYThank-you.(beat)YouknowI'vebeenthinking-you'redoingsogreatnow-andifwegetthisnewdesignjobwe'dhavesomeextramoney-Ithinkweshouldgoonabigseeingcelebration.

VIRGIL(takenaback)Aseeingcelebration?

AMYYeah,maybeinacoupleofmonths.IlookedintoEgypt-wecouldseethepyramids-wecouldseeittogetherforthefirsttime.Whatdoyousay?

VIRGILYouknow-thereissomethingI'dliketosee.

AMYOfcourse,anything.

VIRGILTheRangersplaytomorrow.Season'llbeoverbeforeweknowit-couldbeourlastchance.



AMYTheRangers.Sure,whynot?

BLACK

Thenatinypinpointoflightahead-onethatgrowsincreasinglylargeraswemovetowardsaSOUND.AhumthatgrowsinintensityuntilthelightfillstheframeandBAM-weexitthetunnelandweare:

INT.MADISONSQUAREGARDEN-NIGHT

Thatgloriousfirstview-people-thewhiteiceshiningbelowlikeagiantjewel-andtheplayers-inbrightcolorsscurryingabouttheplayingsurfacebelow.

AMYThisisamazing-isn'tit?

ShelookstoVirgilwhoisawedbywhatheisseeing.Thensuddenly

onhisface-aflash-oneofthosemomentsofdarkness.

AMYShouldwefindourseats.Lookslikethegame'salreadystarted.

VIRGILYeah-I-I'llfollowyou.

INT.GARDEN-SEATS-LATER

VirgilandAmyinthelogeseats-ontheaisle-upbehindthegoal.AmylookingatthestadiumwhileVirgilnexttoher,watchesthegamebesthecan.

AMYIlovethestadiumthewayit'sstructure...

VIRGILAmy-thegame...

AMYRight-thegame.

SMASH-ahardcheckintotheboardsdeepintheRangersendoftheice.ThepucksquirtsoutGretzkypicksitup-firesitacrossice-one,twoit'sbacktohimandhehasawideopenbreakfromcenterice-thecrowdisoutoftheirseats-Virgilincluded-Amyquicklygettingcaughtupintheenthusiasm.



OnVirgil'sface-watchingGretzkyskatetowardshim-excited-thenlosinghim-anotherflashofblackness-likeablowtothehead-andwehearthecrowdsuddenlyexplode-andasVirgil'svisionregainsweseetheplayersmobbingWayneafterhisgoal-thelittleredlightbehindthenettheonlyevidenceofithappening.

WeseethefrustrationasVirgilrealizeshe'llneverseeit.

AMYHescored,hescored-youseethat-itwasamazing.

Astheplayersmaketheirwaytocenterice-thecrowdsitsandAmyseestheexpressionagainonhisface.

AMYWhat?Thatwasgoodright?

VIRGILYeah-itwasgreat-Iwasjust...

SuddenlyVirgilbecomestransfixed.Walkingdowntheaisle,awayfromhim:

AVENDOR-carryingatrayofPINKCOTTONCANDY.

Virgilstaresatitamoment-transfixed-thenlikeinatrance-hestands-steppingoutintotheaisle-amanonamission.

AMYVirgil,whereareyougoing?

Andhe'sonthestairs-carefullymovingdownthestairstowardthe

vendor.

ThensheseestheVendor-handingVirgilalargecottoncandy-roundandpuffylikeacloud-butsomethinghecanholdinhishand.Amycan'tbelieveit-watchingVirgil-hisfascinationatfindingthislonglostmemory.

AMYThepuffything.

AngleonVirgilturning-admiringhisprize-thenlookingup,tryingtofindAmy-whowavestohimexcited.

HISPOV-scanningthecrowd-it'shazy-thenflashesofdark.

Amy'sface-suddenlydrops-it'sclear,eventhoughsheisonlyfourrowsup-hedoesn'tseeher.

INT.MADISONSQUAREGARDEN-NIGHT

Gameisover-Virgilispackinguphisstuff-Amystaring.athim.



AMYVirgil,what'shappening?

VIRGILJusthavingabadeyeday.Alottotakein.

AMYTellme.What'sgoingon?

VIRGILNothing.Iseealmostnothing.

Amy:shefeelslikeshe'sabouttoexplode.

AMYOhGod.

VIRGIL

It'sOK.

AMYOK?!!

VIRGILIt'sOKforyoutocry.

AMY(recovering)

No,no-I'mnotgoingtocry.Solvetheproblem.Wemadeitthroughoneoperation-we'llmakeitthroughanother.Wewon'tgiveup.We'llgetthisright-wejustneedto...

VIRGILIsawDr.Aaron.There'snothingtheycando.

AMYThenwe'llfindanotherDoctor.There'sgottobesomeoneelse.We'llfindsomethingthatworks.

VIRGILDon'tyougetit-Ican'tgothroughthisagain.



AMYSojustlikethat-wejustforgetit-giveup?Whythehellhaven'tyoutoldmewhatwasgoingon?

VIRGIL(whirlsonher)Becauseofthis!!

AMYWhatthis?

VIRGILYou!Notlettingitgo-thinkingthere'sasolution.Goddamit,I'mnotdesignflawinyourfuckingworkthatyoucanjustchangetomakeworkOrthrowawaybecauseitdoesn'tmeetyourexpectations.(beat)

Let'sfaceit-it'sover!!

AMYVirgil,giveittime,you'llsee.

VIRGILNo!Iwon't!Thisconversationisended!!

INT.AMY'SAPARTNENT-NIGHT

Thedoorswingsopen-AmyandVirgilenter-Virgilmovestowardsthebed-pullsouthisduffelbag.

AMYWhatareyoudoing?

VIRGILI'mleaving.

AMYWhatdoyoumeanleaving-you're

leavingthisapartment-you'releavingNewYork-you'releavingme?

Virgilturns-theystandacrosstheroomfromeachother-milesapart.

VIRGILI'mgoinghome.



Amywalkstowardhim,pickingabattle,rejection.

AMYSoyou'rebigsistercantakecareofyou-feedyouTVdinnersforofyourlife.

Virgiltriestosidestepher.

VIRGILI'mnotgoingtogothroughthisbullshitagain.

Amymovesinfront-confrontinghim

AMYIsthatwhatthishasallbeentoyou-bullshit?

VIRGILYes!!Whothehellwerewefooling?I'mblind-I'mnotmeanttosee

-Idon'tbelonghere.

AMYGoddamnrightyou'reblind.Youwanttoliveinyourownlittleworld-thisperfectworldthatyoursisterbuiltforyou-wherenoonecantouchyou...wherenoonecanreachyou.

VIRGILDoyouknowthereasonwhyIrememberedthe

cottoncandyallthoseyears?BecauseIwenttothegamewithmyfather.Andit'stheonlygoodthingIcanrememberabouthim.TherestishimpushingmetobesomethingI'mnot-thenturninghisbackonmetheminutehisplansfail.

AMYIamnotturningmybackonyou.Youwantmetogiveuponyou-youlovetheselfpity.

VIRGILIdon'twantyoutogiveuponME.Butyouwon'tgiveuponmeseeing.

AMYBecausetheremustbeotheroptions.



VIRGILNotanymore.

Virgil,avoidingher,sidestepsquicklypasther-straightintothelamp,whichcrashestothegroundandbreaks.

DARKNESS.

VIRGILDammit.

Ashortfewstepsthenamuchlargercrash-thesoundofalargeheavierthingbreaking.

AMYVirgil!!

Amyfeelsherwaytothelights-andturnsthemon.WeseethatVirgilhascollidedwithAmy'ssculptureofthewoman.Hesitsamongthepiecesonthefloor.

Virgil-feelingthedamage.

AMY(goingtohim)Isanythingbroken?

VIRGILNo-nobonesarebroken.

Virgilusesthewalltostand-then-withhishandsoutinfrontofhimhefindshiswaytothebed.

VIRGILIt'sfinished-can'tyouseethat!Webothdidn'tgetwhatwewanted.

AMY(quietly)Inevermeanttohurtyou.

VIRGILWhenyouaskedmetocomehere-

didyoueverthinkthiswasn'tgoingtowork-thatforoneminuteImaynotbeabletosee.(beat)DidyoueverthinkitwouldbeOKtohavearelationshipwithablindman?

Amy-apause..Toolong.



VIRGILThere'smyanswer.

Andhegrabshisduffelandpack-throwsthelastfewthingsin-andmovingtothedoor-leaves.

INT.BUS-NIGHT-RAINING

Virgilriding-crossingtheGeorgeWashingtonBridge-goinghome.Helooksoutthewindow-seestherecedingcity-andhecloseshiseyes-listenstotherain.

EXT.PINECREST-MAINSTREET-NIGHT

TheBuscomesdownthemainstreetofPinecrest.Stopping-thebusdooropensandVirgilgetsout-andturnstofaceupthestreet-thestreetheknewsowellthatissoforeigntohimrightnow.

EXT.VIRGILANDJENNIE'S-NIGHT

Thedooropens.Jenniesmileswarmly,reachesouttohim.

JENNIE

Welcomehome.

INT.HOME-NIGHT

VirgilandJennieenteringhisplace-tobegreetedimmediatelyby:

SOPHIEboundingacrossthefloortowardsthem-tailwagging-tonguehangingout.

VIRGILSophie!?

Andhebendsdowntohugher.Sophielapsathisface.Virgilholdsherbacktogetagoodlookather.

VIRGILLetmelookatyou.You'resobeautiful..yes.

Jenniewatchesherbrother-happytohavehimhome.Hopingtogethimbackto'normal'.

INT.VIRGIL'SHOME-LATER

Virgilwalksaround,touchingthings,seeingthesimplicityofhislife.Nothingonthewalls-nodecorations-noplants.Everythingfunctional.Herealizesthisisahomedesignedbyhissister.

Hemovesovertothephotoofthefamily.Heonhisdad'sshoulders.Staresatit-athisfatherandmotherforthefirsttime.

JENNIEMomanddad.



Virgiljuststares.

JENNIEEverything'sasyouleftit.Nothing'schanged.

VIRGILJen-I'mprettytired-I'dliketobealone.

ThePHONErings.Ringsagain.Virgildoesn'tmove-hisapprehensionisclear-heknowswhoitis.Jennieseesthisandmovestowardthephone.

Virgilturnsandwalksoutontothefrontporch-followedbySophie,ashissisterpicksupthephoneinthebackground.

EXT.VIRGIL'SPORCH-NIGHT

Hesitsdown-looksintothenightaswehearJenniefaintlyonthephone.Abeatandshehangsup.WeholdonVirgil:

EXT.PINECRESTSTREET-DAY

VirgilwalksdownMainstreet.Seeinghistown-atownhegrewupinbutnowseemssoforeign.Virgilseemsoddlydisturbedbywhathesees.

Theyellowbusdrivesby-fullofkids-Carlatthehelm.Somehowit'snotwhatheexpected.

INT.ROSWELL-TRRMONTDESIGNFIRM-DAY

AmyorganizingallherworkontheAtlantaproject--theoriginal

designs-thenewdesignwiththetrees-thenshesees:

Thesketchshemadeofthe"dancingtrees".Hereyeshold-andsheslowlyshutsthem-andwiththemtightlyclosed-herhandreachesoutandrunsalongthedrawings.

EXT.PINECREST-ENDOFMAINSTREET-DAY

WefindVirgilstanding-lookingoutattheendofthestreetwherehestoodwithAmy.Infrontofhimhesees:

The"dancingtrees".

VIRGIL'SPOV-aretinalspark-aquickglimpseoftheintertwinedtrees-oneloverchoosingbetweentwoothers.

INT.FIREHOUSE-LATEDAY

Virgil-standsinthemiddleoftheroom.Looksaboutatwhatwasatonetimesospecialtohim.Nowitjustseemsoldanddingy-themagicisgone.

Hecloseshiseyesforamoment-listens-cockshisheadtothe



left-theright-butthereisnothingthere.

EXT.TOWNLIBRARY-LATEDAY

Virgilstandingoutside-staringatabuildinghe'sneverseen-neverbeeninside.

HISPOV:flickeringamoment.

INT.LIBRARY-SUNSET

Virgilnowsitsatatable.StacksandstacksofLIFEmagazinesplayedoutinfrontofhim.Heisflippingthroughthematarapidrate-likeadrowningmansearchingforair.

IMAGES-cars,JFK,thepyramids,MartinLutherKing,houses,flowers,MarilynMonroe,thatNapalmburnedlittlegirlinVietNam,Africanmasks,Dachauprisoners,Nixon,Warholpaintings,theMonaLisa,thatvulturewatchingoverthelittlebaby,theEiffeltower,FirstManonthemoon,theVenusDeMilo,thatguyinfrontofthetankinTianamansquare..andthePyramids.

Thepicturesgobyfastandfurious-Virgilsoakingthemuplikeasponge-life,beauty,horror,greatpeople,greatevents...

Andwemoveinonhisface-absorbingtheseimagesforthelasttime-afacefilledwithanguishataworlddisappearing.Andwecutto:

EXT.AMY'SROOF-SUNSET

Goldenraysofthelateafternoonsun.Amyontheroof-leaningontheparapet-watchingthehorizon.

Thenathoughtcomestoher.AndmimickingwhatVirgilhaddone-shewalksbacktotheotherendoftheroof,turnsandlooksouttowardstheskylineagain...thenstartsslowlywalkingtowardsthe

parapettillshereachesthewallagain.

Thereactiononherface-shedoesn't"see"it-notlikeVirgildid.

INT.VIRGIL'SHOME-DAY

Virgilisshiftingfurnitureinhishouse.Atable-movesittothewindow-movesachairtojoinit-standsbacktohavealookatit.

HISPOV-amomentofclear-thenhaze-thendark-thenhaze.

Virgilrubshishead-theselastdaysofsighthavebeenpainfulandexhaustingforhim.

JENNIE(O.S.)Hello!

She'satthedoor.Virgilcockshisheadinherdirection.

JENNIEIpickedupsomethingsatthestore-



T-shirts,I'msureyou'reout,somesocks...

VIRGILJennie,what'sattheendofMainStreet?

JENNIEWell-Ithinkit'sVivian'slittlestationery...

VIRGILBeyondallthestores-pastfirehouse.WhathappenswhenthisisnomoreMainStreet?

JENNIEWell-there'snothingreally-youknowthat.~

VIRGILNo!Youtoldmethat'salltherewas.That'swrong.There'sahelluvalotoutthere.

Jenniesurprisedatwherethisisgoing.

JENNIEItoldyouwhatyouneededtoknow.

VIRGILWhatwaswithinmyreach.

JENNIEWhatmoredovouwant?

VIRGILIsn'tthereanythingmorethatvouwant?

JENNIEIsthisaboutourfather-hecalledtoldme...

VIRGILNo.Thisisn'tabouthim.Jennie-

you'vespentyourwholelifeasblindasIwas.Theworlddoesn'tstopwithinourreach.

JENNIEVirgil,please.Thisisyourhome.Stopthinkingaboutwhat'soutthere-thingsthatwillnevermattertoyou.You'resafeherewhereeveryone...



VIRGILWhereeveryonewhat!?

JENNIEKnowsyou.

VIRGILCanprotectme?!(beat)Jennie,thisplacewasawonderfulsafehavenformegrowingup.Iknowthat.(lookingaround)AndIcanonlyimaginewhatyougaveuptokeepthisworldforme.Ithankyouandloveyoufromthebottomofmysoul.ButnowIwanttogiveyouyourlifeback.

JENNIEVirgil,I-Ican't...

VIRGILYoucan

Virgilreachesouthisarmsforhertojoinhim.

VIRGILI'mreachingout,Jennie.

ThisgetsJennieandshegoestohim,reallyhugginghimforthefirsttimeastearsflowfromhereyes.

INT.AMY'SLOFT-LATEDAY

Amy,dressedinsweatpantsandteeshirtsittingontheground,tryingtopiecethesculpturebacktogether.It'sadifficultfix.

KNOCKKNOCK

DUNCANAmy-youinthere.

AMY

Goaway.

Shescrapessomeplasterintoadustpan.Wehearentersakeyinthedoor-andthedooropens.Duncan

DUNCANIknewkeepingthiskeywouldcomeinhandyoneday.Whatamess-whathappened?



AMYItbroke-I'mtryingtofixit.

DUNCANSo-guesswhat?

AMYI'mnotinthemoodforgames.

DUNCANWegotit.ThegoddamnedAtlantamall-wegotit!!Now-pullyourselfoutofthisslump-Iwantyoutoflydownthisweekto...

Continuingtoworkonthesculpture.

AMYI'mnotgoing.

DUNCANWhatareyouta1kingabout?What'stheproblemhere?

AMYTheproblem?!Everything.Nothingisrightthank-youverymuch.

DUNCANYouknowwhattheproblemis-you're

theproblem-youmetablindguyyouthoughtwascoolandspentthefirsttwomonthstryingtochangehim.

AMYAreyoufinished?

DUNCANNotevenclose.Letmetellyousomething-youcan'tchangepeopletosolveyou.Youtriedtodoitwithme-youtried

todoitwithVirgil.Youeverthinksomeofthethingsyoutrytofix-ain'tbroke.

Andhe'sgone-asAmyslumpsintoachair-confused,tired-thenslowlyshestartstohear:

TAP-TAP-TAP...TAPTAP-TAP



TheSOUNDofaCANEinthestairwell!Amy'sheartstartsracing-shetakesabreath-jumpsupquicklyandmovesherwayovertothedoor-unlockingitandswingingitopen:

AMY(excitedly)Virg.......

TheCANE-beingheldbyEthan-ashetapshiswaydownthestairs.

ETHANHeyAmy.

AMYHi,Ethan.Sorry-Ithought...

ETHANHe'snotcomingbackishe?

AMY

No-he'snot.

Ethanseesshe'scoveredindust-lookspastherintotheloft.

ETHANWhatchadoin'?

Helookspastheratthesculpturehalfrepaired.

AMYCleaningupamess-goingtostartover.

EXT.PINECREST-SUNSET

Virgilwalksthepath,Sophiefollowingclosebehind.Bythewayhewalks,countingsteps,touchinglandmarks,werealizeheisusingsightverylittle.

EXT.HIDDENVALLEY-SUNSET

Comingthroughtheclearing,totheplateauwherehetookAmy,theleavesnowstartingtoturngoldencolors-hestops-standsovertopofthepond.

VIRGIL'SPOV-Aretinalspark.Theviewacrossthevalley,withwhitecloudsagainstthebluestsky.

Hishandreachesout-totouchtheedgeoftheworld-totouchthehorizon.

Andashedropshishand,weseethecloudsstarttoraceby-whiletheblueskygoesgoldenthendriftsintodarkness.Virgildoesn'tmovefromthespot.Thescreengoesalmostblack-thenslowlythe



sunstartstoriseintheeast.

Virgilmakesnomovement.Alongbeat-then-asthesunmovesacrosshim-herealizesit'sday.Hestandsandunfoldshiscane.It'sclearhehasreturnedtobeingcompletelyblind.

Asheturnsandstartshiswaydownthehillwehear:

VIRGIL(V.O.)Growingupblind-Ihadtwodreams.Onewastosee.Theother-toplayfortheNewYorkRangers.

INT.LECTUREHALL-N.Y.EYEINSTITUTE-DAY

Virgilstandsatthepodiumspeaking-darkglasseson,caneinhand.

VIRGILAfterthe'miracle'ofmyshortperiodofsight-Irealize-I'dratherplayfortheRangers.(laughsfromthedark)It'snotthatitwassoawful-Isawmany

things-somegood,somebacksomethatI'malreadyforgetting.

INT.WEBSTER'SLAB-NYU

VIRGIL(V.O.)ButIrealizedthatoureyesaren'twhatmakeussee.Weonlyliveindarknesswhenwedon'tlook-lookatwhatisgenuineaboutourselves-genuineaboutothers-youdon'tneedeyesforthat.

Virgilsittingwiththreeyoungblindchildren-workingthroughBraillewiththem.Websterwatchesfromthecorneroftheroom.

EXT.NYU-DAY

Virgil-smallbrownbaginonehand-caneintheother-exitsthebuildingandmakeshiswayacrossthestreettoWashingtonSquare.

EXT.WASHINGTONSQUARE-DAY

Virgil-takinginthesun-finishingoffthelastofhissandwich.Ballinguphispaperbag-hetapshiscaneout-findsthegarbage

cannearby-andtossesthebag-rimshot-itmisses,hitstheground.Ahandreachesintoframeandputsthebaginthegarbage.Virgillooksup-sensesthepresence.

VIRGILDidImiss?

VOICE(O.S)Byamile.



VIRGILAmy?

ANGLEONAmy:watchingVirgil-realizinghissightisgone.

AMYRaytoldmeyouwerelivingintown-saidIcouldfindyouhere.(beat)Irushed,didn'tI?FourteenstepstothetreeandImadeussmashrightintoit.

VIRGILWetried.

Amysitsnexttohim.

AMY

Ifinishedthesculpture.I'dloveyoutoseeit.

VIRGILFigureofspeech.

AMYFigureofspeech.Virgil-whenIfirstmetyou-yousawmorethananysightedpersonI'veeverknown.Ididn'tmeantotakethatawayfromyou.

VIRGILAmy.Isaw...Iactuallysawthehorizon.Youdidthatforme.It'soutthere.Youshowedmeyoujusthavetoreachforit..

Amysmiles-herhandgoesout-hesitates-thenlandslightlyonhis.

AMY

Youwanttowalk?

VIRGILSeewhatwesee?

AMYYeah.Justseewhatwesee.



Virgilsmiles,nods.Ashestands-hetakesherarm-andastheywalkoffintothepark,weslowlyFADEtoBLACKandjustLISTEN,listentotheSOUNDSoftheday-thepercussionofthecity.

THEEND

at first sight movie script

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