Endless wrong turn (chapter 1)
(Original screenplay)
INT. ARTHUR'S APARTMENT. CANTEEN - DAY
A spacious bright room, a set table is full of beautiful dishes with various snacks, an atmosphere of celebration yet tinged with tension among all present.
At the head of the table sits ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH ALEKSEEV (50) - an authoritative man, the head of the Dreamland Corporation and father of Arthur. ARTHUR (20) - an ambitious young man, stands away from the table near the window, deliberately avoiding being near his father. He is wrapped in an embrace with his girlfriend RITA (20), who doesn't seem too smart, like all too pretty girls, but that's definitely not about her.
Rita and Arthur are being watched by SERYOZHA (20) - a shy and awkward, sitting next to Alexander Andreevich. Seryozha looks like he is enjoying being here, but if someone were to suggest he leave, he would jump out the window without a second thought. Just not to hear Alexander Andreevich's displeasure about his son's chosen one.
A pleasant woman walks into the room, carrying a heavy hot dish. This is ARTHUR'S MOTHER (45) - a kind-hearted woman, delighted to have finally succeeded in bringing father and son together on an ordinary weekday, when neither is in a rush to get to class or work.
Arthur's mother places a large dish of still-warm meat on the table. She sits down opposite her husband, inviting Arthur and Rita to the table by tapping a knife on a glass.
Arthur and Rita take their places at the table - Arthur sits next to Alexander Andreevich, while Rita is next to Arthur's mother.
Rita looks frightened, her eyes downcast, trying to avoid looking at anyone. Arthur's mother gently places her hand over Rita's hand to calm her down. Rita slightly turns her head towards Arthur's mother, offering a little smile to indicate that everything is fine.
Alexander Andreevich gets up from his seat, takes a bottle of expensive wine from the center of the table, pours himself a glass. He reaches for his son's glass. Arthur places his hand over his glass. The tension escalates.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
Mom arranged a celebration for you. Try to be grateful and have a drink to your health.
ARTHUR
For my health, I prefer to exercise rather than drink.
ARTHUR'S MOTHER
Sasha, he doesn't want, pours it for me.
Arthur's mom passes her glass through Rita. Rita passes the glass to Arthur. Arthur places the glass next to his own, but he doesn't remove his hand from his glass.
Alexander Andreyevich fills his wife's glass. Arthur passes the filled glass back to Rita, and Rita asses it to Arthur's Mother. The tension in the room rises again. Now it's not just Rita who sits with her head down, trying to avoid accidentally locking eyes with anyone.
Seryozha takes a relaxed look at the whole situation. Always prepared for the worst, he confidently placed his glass next to Alexander Andreevich.
SERYOZHA
Alexander Andreevich, if you don't mind…
Alexander Andreevich becomes kinder at the sight of such courage.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
So let's drink to the new academic year.
Seryozha takes his glass. Alexander Andreevich and Seryozha knock their glasses together and drink. Arthur's mother, from the other end of the table, raises her glass and takes a sip from her glass.
The sourness of the expensive wine is reflected on the faces of Seryozha and Arthur's mother. Only Alexander Andreevich drank the whole glass, like juice, and sat down in his place.
ARTHUR'S MOTHER
(whispering to Rita)
Tell me what to put on your plate. If you want, I'll cook it for you separately. Arthur said you are on a special diet.
RITA
(also whispering)
No, thanks. I'll try everything. I just want to be fit on the trip.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
(louder to Seryozha)
Spoiled brats. The state apparatus has sunk, and they go to the sea.
Rita hears Alexander Andreevich's discontent and falls silent.
Arthur's mother takes a plate of salad and puts a few spoons for Rita and a few spoons for herself. They are enjoying the seasonal vegetables, showing their admiration by actively crunching.
Alexander Andreevich, who has become kinder from the wine, turns to his son.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH (CONT'D)
Last year at university. What are you plans?
ARTHUR
I was finally accepted for an internship at the Institute of Technology and Development.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
Who is the head there? Why didn't you tell me? I would speed it up.
ARTHUR
It is a state research institute. Your connections there won't help.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
And why would you go to a place where there are no guarantees and special treatment?
SERYOZHA
(With a drunken drawl)
And it is also unpaw… Unremark… they don't pay, yeah.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
Even better. Are you trying to prove something again? You're an adult. When you realize that life is not a movie? There are no second chances and happy endings here. You only have one shot at everything.
ARTHUR
But why can't I become a great inventor? Rita's niece - Masha builds models without instructions and she is three years old.
Rita hears that it's about her family. She decides to join the conversation.
RITA
Yes, she's a talented girl. My older sister Olya is going through hard times with her husband, but I'm sure they both can handle it.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
For God's sake, you can't even bring order to your own families. What do you want to bring the whole country to…
Rita goes quiet again and goes back to eating her salad.
ARTHUR
I want to try it. Maybe I'll like it. Now is the best time. Classes are in the morning, and the rest of the day is free. Isn't that why you hired Seryozha?
Seryozha has long since lost the thread of the conversation. He sits silently and eats the sprat sandwiches closest to him. He didn't even react to the fact that everyone at the table are looking at him, and the conversation is obviously going to be about him, too.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
He's a great employee. Besides, he was not looking for a way to pass the time, but was looking for a job. He was willing to lay out his soul in exchange for money..
ARTHUR
So you took him because he loves money. Isn't greed going to ruin everything in the future?
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
I didn't say he was greedy. He looked more hungry than greedy. Just like now.
Everyone at the table is looking at Seryozha again. Seryozha is still happily eating sandwiches from the nearest plate.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH (CONT'D)
He wanted to earn a better life, and I gave him the opportunity. Why won't my own son let me give him the same gift?
ARTHUR
Because I want more. It goes beyond the material world. You can't buy it. Rita supports me in this.
Rita hugs Arthur's arm. Alexander Andreevich could have been angry, but the wine had an even stronger effect.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
It's called recognition, and it can be bought. Matter of cost.
ARTHUR
Why is it all about money? Is it possible to buy love, friendship, trust?
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
You're making it all about money. I just said that everything has a price. Your mother paid with her career to raise you, Seryozha pays with sleep and food to give herself a better future. I paid with mine to lead a Corporation. And mind you, no currencies or numbers. Isn't that the way you two are?
Alexander Andreevich glances at Rita, while she is laying on Arthur's shoulder. She looks off to the side. She lifts her head when realizing that attention has been paid to her. Rita turns to Alexander Andreevich with little smile. She sees no point in saying anything without angering the head of the family. Rita gives Arthur a quick kiss on the cheek and rests her head back on his shoulder.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH (CONT'D)
But you're right about greed. Learn to distinguish it. The lust for power, recognition and a better life is great, it's fuel for you. But if you want to surround yourself with golden mountains for everyone's jealous, then nothing good will come of it. Even for golden mountains, you have to give something in return.
Seryozha finishes the last sandwich and looks for a place to put the empty plate and stay unnoticed. He places the serving plates in front of him in a pyramid, putting the sandwich plate at the bottom.
Arthur thinks about his father's words, looking at Sergei's awkward movements.
Alexander Andreevich pours himself another glass of wine. Arthur puts his glass next to him and Alexander Andreevich pours it too. Seryozha tries to push his glass towards him, which makes Alexander Andreevich laugh.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH (CONT'D)
(to Seryozha)
I think you've had enough. Stay here today, and tomorrow I'll take you to the university.
ARTHUR
I'll be at Rita's, if you don't mind.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH
I'm against. But you're going to do it anyway, aren't you? I don't want my son to jump out the window because he wanted to take the girl home.
Arthur and Alexander Andreevich get up from their seats. They hug warmly, which makes Arthur's Mom happy with tears in her eyes. Then they both raise their glasses.
ALEXANDER ANDREEVICH (CONT'D)
For new beginnings!
Arthur and Alexander Andreevich drink their glasses. Alexander Andreevich sits down contentedly in his seat, and Arthur winces at the sourness of the wine. Arthur kicks his legs under the table so as not to lose his manhood in his father's eyes.
INT. UNIVERSITY. CORRIDOR - DAY
There are no majestic high ceilings or paintings on the walls, just unevenly painted walls and leaky linoleum. But poor repairs do not prevent classmates from joyfully meeting each other after the summer holidays.
Seryozha stays away from everyone, waiting for his company - Arthur and Rita.
Rita appears first in the hallway. Her classmates immediately run to her. Rita hugs them and kisses them on the cheeks.
Arthur comes in behind Rita. He carefully bypasses the girls, squeezing through to the male group of classmates. Arthur shakes hands with everyone and nods. Seryozha watches them both.
Arthur doesn't look at Seryozha and doesn't seem to notice him. But after hands shaking he goes right to the windowsill where Seryozha is sitting.
SERYOZHA
Look tired.
ARTHUR
Didn't sleep all night.
SERYOZHA
I gotcha.
ARTHUR
No. Not that. There is the first day.
SERYOZHA
Come on, this is the fourth year we've been coming here. They didn't even ask me for my card. Janitor bitch, I knew she remembers me.
ARTHUR
I'm about the internship. Do you think they'll hire me?
SERYOZHA
Maybe your father is right? I am not aware of all this hostility things between the government and corporations, but at least some guarantees.
ARTHUR
You can't change my mind. I want to give something to this world. Not necessarily a working prototype. An idea. An opportunity.
SERYOZHA
I'm on your side. Everything will be fine. Plans for the evening?
ARTHUR
Celebrate the first day. Come to hang out at my place!
SERYOZHA
I almost live at your place..
ARTHUR
It's OK, mi casa es tu casa.
SERYOZHA
Yeah. The motto of my dorm.
ARTHUR
Come on, you live in a separate room, you're picky.
SERYOZHA
I don't see anything wrong with wanting a little more personal space.
ARTHUR
So, agreed for the evening. Rita will come after yoga. Let's sit on neutral territory.
SERYOZHA
Am i definitely not going to bother you two?
ARTHUR
Don't be jealous. Sometimes you can't do something to boys you do to girls.
SERYOZHA
(sarcastically)
I'm intrigued. Like what?
ARTHUR
(thoughtfully)
Maybe you're right about it.
SERYOZHA
Of course I'm right about it. We agreed for the evening, but everyone sleeps in their own bed.
ARTHUR
We'll cross paths after the classes, will agree about the time.
Arthur goes back to Rita, who is exchanging the latest gossip with her classmates. Arthur gently tugs on Rita's arm to make her follow him. Rita says goodbye to her classmates with a lot of air kisses and goes after Arthur.
Rita catches up with Arthur. They stroll through the university corridors before classes start.
RITA
Plans for the evening?
ARTHUR
I want to celebrate the first day of the internship with you and Seryozha.
RITA
I thought it would be just the two of us. You saw him yesterday.
ARTHUR
He is my best friend.
RITA
And i am you girlfriend.
ARTHUR
Today is an important day and I want to share it with those closest to me.
RITA
Okay, I agree. Pick me up from yoga. Are you driving today?
ARTHUR
We came here together. Where's the car from?
RITA
Do you want me to go somewhere with a heavy bag?
ARTHUR
I'll go home and get a car.
RITA
Then I'm waiting for you. Pick me up at eight.
ARTHUR
We're meeting with Seryozha after class. I'll tell him what, when, and what time.
RITA
Do I have to be present?
ARTHUR
I thought you want to wish me luck in my beginnings?
Rita kisses Arthur on the cheek, too passionately for such a simple gesture.
NAT. UNIVERSITY. PORCH - DAY
The first day of autumn does not match its calendar value. It's as hot as July outside. All the students took off their jackets and hoodies.
Seryozha stays away from a large crowd of people. He's definitely a lover of silence and solitude.
Arthur and Rita come out of the university building hugging each other. Arthur again, without looking around, unmistakably finds Seryozha.
ARTHUR
It's half past one. Come to my place by six o'clock. We'll pick up Rita at eight and then celebrate.
SERYOZHA
Agreed. Message for your father?
ARTHUR
I have nothing to tell him.
SERYOZHA
Catch you later.
Seryozha slowly makes his way through the crowd to the exit from the territory. He's trying not to touch anyone.
Arthur and Rita stay on the porch away from the crowd.
RITA
Girls tell strange stories. No beach vacation in beautiful swimsuits, only endless trips to banks and shopping. Nina used her pocket money to pay for the excess baggage when she left Italy. She says her parents spent every penny.
ARTHUR
Don't listen to her, she likes to blabs about everything. Did Lisa complain about this? By the way, I haven't seen her at all today.
RITA
She's not back yet, will be by next week.
ARTHUR
See. Everything is fine with. You're leaving soon, too.
RITA
I'm worried now. I don't want to spend vacation in a bank.
ARTHUR
Nina's dad is muddy. Even my father has nothing to do with him. But both run their own corporations. And Lisa's parents give us state quotas for vacations at the sanatorium. Isn't it cool?
RITA
(sadly)
It is. But soon I will spend six nights in a country house by the sea in a distant but hot country.
ARTHUR
What about a hot night with me.
Arthur hugs Rita in a more depraved way than he did at the university. Rita pulls away from him, looks around, and kisses Arthur on the cheek.
RITA
Catch me at eight.
Rita, with her most feminine gait, goes to a group of classmates to discuss gossip. She turns to Arthur, but he's already gone.
INT. INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY AND DEVELOPMENT - DAY
There is an ordinary government institution. It could be an administration, a hospital or primary school. The difference is in the sign at the entrance.
Arthur is waiting in the hall next to the guard's little office. The guard fell asleep while doing crosswords and is now snoring contentedly.
The HEAD of the LABORATORY (40), who is also the head of the development department, comes to Arthur in a white coat. He is overweight, with a dull look and unkempt hair from his head and beard at shoulder level.
The head of the laboratory holds out both unkempt hands to shake Arthur's hand.
HEAD OF THE LABORATORY
Good afternoon, Arthur Alexandrovich. I'm glad to finally meet you. I really liked your application. So many achievements. Why didn't you come to us earlier?
Arthur gets up from his seat. The head of the laboratory leads him through the corridors.
ARTHUR
Call me Arthur. I am glad that you liked my application. In fact, I've tried to get here many times. It finally worked out.
HEAD OF THE LABORATORY
It's my first year here. What an oversight on the part of my colleagues. It's probably better this way. You have become more experienced in your field and will be of great benefit to us.
ARTHUR
I'm studying economics. To be honest, I'm loaf about past two semesters. Therefore, I will be happy to help you with the development.
HEAD OF THE LABORATORY
We are currently working with Dreamland Corporation. Your father personally requested from us a prototype of the most powerful computer for data storage.
ARTHUR
Why did he need it?
HEAD OF THE LABORATORY
I think to store the data. Didn't you talk to him about it?
ARTHUR
Until yesterday, he was generally against my internship here.
HEAD OF THE LABORATORY
I don't hide it. It was strange even for us. Your father's reputation goes before him. There are various rumors around his Corporation. Do you know how wars were conducted in this century?
ARTHUR
I know. I had historical classes.
HEAD OF THE LABORATORY
And you know about the Roman, Ottoman, and British empires?
ARTHUR
I do know.
HEAD OF THE LABORATORY
Do you know what feature unites them?
ARTHUR
They were great empires, I guess.
HEAD OF THE LABORATORY
These empires were at war. Cruel and bloody.
ARTHUR
Are we preparing for war? To the Third World War or something?
HEAD OF THE LABORATORY
What do you think the recent Cold War was?
ARTHUR
It was this war?
HEAD OF THE LABORATORY
Partly, but you understand how it distinguished itself from all the wars of the great empires in an exceptional way?
ARTHUR
It was a conflict between two superpowers…
HEAD OF THE LABORATORY
There were no active military operations. People lived, were born and died, but not a single drop of blood was shed.
ARTHUR
Isn't that great?
HEAD OF THE LABORATORY
War has never been a great idea to resolve conflicts. If they're not fighting with spears or guns, it means they've found something more interesting. Perhaps it has something to do with managing people.
ARTHUR
What about nuclear weapons? Isn't this the next step in the field of armaments? The whole world going to be destroyed after someone hits the start button?
HEAD OF THE LABORATORY
So many official nuclear tests have already been conducted in the world. And so many unofficial, mmm. Now it's a regular firecracker.
ARTHUR
What kind of weapon are we talking about then?
HEAD OF THE LABORATORY
Time will tell. I don't know anything about specific ideas or developments.
ARTHUR
Who are we fighting against? No one is attacking.
HEAD OF THE LABORATORY
No one cares who's attacking whom. They're interested in guns.
ARTHUR
Then why are we developing powerful computers for Dreamland?
HEAD OF THE LABORATORY
Your father is more aware of what's going on. I'm just the head of a development lab and nothing more.
(MORE)
HEAD OF THE LABORATORY (cont'd)
My job is to meet interns, help them with advice, and fill out financial reports. There is Nothing secret or meaningful. If you find out something and want to share it…
ARTHUR
So you took me to contact my father? You are not the first with this idea.
HEAD OF THE LABORATORY
Your father is a good man. He is the founder of the Dreamland Corporation. He started with a small research group, and now he employs hundreds of people.
ARTHUR
And would you like to be one of them?
HEAD OF THE LABORATORY
No, social research is not my thing. I like computer noise more than conversations. And what is this "human relations"? Two people talking about what they're like or interested in. That's the whole research. Maybe I don't understand this.
ARTHUR
Okay, I get it. You don't want to mess with my dad.
HEAD OF THE LABORATORY
You refer to him too often. It's more like I don't know something.
ARTHUR
Sorry, all this talk about my father's connection to a hypothetical war…
HEAD OF THE LABORATORY
It is only hypothetical. And even if it's real, you'll realize what is going wrong, and you'll protect yourself and your loved ones. Right?
ARTHUR
Right.
HEAD OF THE LABORATORY
Your internship assignment is to present on paper a prototype of a powerful computer for Dreamland. If you get a working sample, you'll take my place.
ARTHUR
I'm still studying at the university.
HEAD OF THE LABORATORY
Then I'll have time to pack my things. My dad brought me here back in my freshman year. And two weeks after graduation, I took his place.
ARTHUR
I can't do this. I want to inspire, explore and discover new things.
HEAD OF THE LABORATORY
Then you're definitely here. We do this every day here.
The head of the laboratory opens the door to another empty corridor for Arthur.