BATMAN: IN COLD BLOOD
SCREEN STORY BY:
JEDD JONG YUE with
ALASDAIR CHI
ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY BY:
JEDD JONG YUE
STARTED: 15/6/10
COMPLETED: 27/7/10
Contact at: jeddjong@hotmail.com
BATMAN and related characters and elements are the property of DC Comics.
This screenplay in itself is copyrighted to its author. All rights reserved. This screenplay may not be used or reproduced without the express written permission of the author.
EXT. HALEY’S CIRCUS – NIGHT – ESTABLISHING
Standing in an empty field is Haley’s Circus, an old-fashioned big top covered in red and white pinstripes. Spotlights shine upwards at the big top and floodlights cover the adjacent parking lot. A large banner over the entrance reads “Gotham Welcomes Haley’s Circus”.
INT. HALEY’s CIRCUS – NIGHT
The crowd is silent. In the center of the ring is a nasty-looking contraption: a gigantic industrial buzz-saw is being lowered above a struggling man bound to a table. The man is masked and tries to break out of his handcuffs. The buzz saw slices the man in two. A shred of his shirt gets caught in the buzz saw. Once the buzz saw stops, beautiful assistants arrive to divide the table in two, showing that the man has really been cut in half. However, his hands and feet are still moving. The two halves and the contraption are wheeled away. The audience applauds.
RINGMASTER:
Ladies and Gentleman, the
incredible Death Man!
INT. HALEY’s CIRCUS – VIP BOX
BRUCE WAYNE is seated in a VIP box with JULIE MADISON, his beautiful blonde companion. Dressed in a semi-formal dinner jacket and long black necktie, Wayne appears unimpressed.
BRUCE WAYNE:
You do know how that’s
done, don’t you?
JULIE MADISON:
Bruce, shh.
INT. HALEY’s CIRCUS - RING
RINGMASTER:
And now, introducing the
most daring family in the world:
the Flying Graysons!
RINGMASTER:
(cont.)
Residents of the Haley’s Circus
for five years now,
performing astounding aerial
acrobatics-without the safety
of a net!
INT. HALEY’s CIRCUS –TRAPEZE PLATFORM
The Flying Graysons prepare for their act. The youngest, Dick
Grayson, a boy of about 14, powders his hands with chalk.
DICK GRAYSON:
Here we go!
JOHN GRAYSON:
Remember to smile Dick!
MARY GRAYSON:
Let’s fly, my little Robin!
They leap off the trapeze one after the other, perform several somersaults and catch the trapeze at the other end at different times. Applause is audible in the background. The Graysons then perform another trick.
INT. HALEY’S CIRCUS - SPECTATOR’S STANDS
The silhouette of an audience member is visible. He is holding what looks like a lighter. He flips open the cap and pushes down hard on a button.
A close-up of the wires which hold the aerialists up.
INT. HALEY’S CIRCUS – TRAPEZE PLATFORM
Two small but powerful squibs explode. The high-tensile support cables that hold up the aerialists snap loudly, filaments unwinding. John and Mary Grayson, having just performed a catch, are suddenly taken aback as they begin to fall. Safe on the platform, Dick Grayson is shocked and reaches out his arm to his falling parents though he knows he cannot save them.
DICK GRAYSON:
No! Mum! Dad!
MARY GRAYSON:
Robin!
Dick looks on in horror as his parents continue to fall. He looks away at the last moment, right before they hit the ground. Dick fights back tears and quickly climbs down rungs on the support column, returning to the ring floor.
The managers go into a frenzy as the Ringmaster hurries onstage.
RINGMASTER:
Ladies and gentlemen, please do
not panic! We have the
situation completely
under control! Please stay in your
seats!
Despite the instruction, many spectators throw down their popcorn and rush to the exit.
INT. HALEY’S CIRCUS – VIP BOX
Bruce Wayne looks on in shock as Julie Madison begins to break down, sobbing.
JULIE MADISON:
They just...they just fell!
That boy, their son...what’s...
BRUCE WAYNE:
It’s okay Julie, I’m sure it was
just an accident...I’ll take care
Of it...
JULIE MADISON:
You?! You’ll take care of it?!
Just because you’re some billionaire
doesn’t mean you can...
BRUCE WAYNE:
Julie, please calm down...I’ll be right
back...
Bruce gets up and leaves, running down to the ring.
JULIE MADISON:
They just died and you’re going
to leave me here?!
INT. HALEY’S CIRCUS – RING
Police have now gathered around the ring. Crime scene investigators are all over the scene, snapping photographs, placing evidence markers and gathering evidence. Bruce Wayne elbows through the crowd.
BRUCE WAYNE:
Excuse me please...coming through...
Bruce reaches the scene. John and Mary Grayson have been covered with sheets. Wayne has been witness to many crime scenes in the past, but somehow this one affects him deeply.
Bruce approaches a police officer.
BRUCE WAYNE:
Excuse me officer, I’m Bruce...
OFFICER:
...Wayne. I know. We’re kinda busy
now so...
BRUCE WAYNE:
Is Commissioner Gordon here?
OFFICER:
No, but Montoya is.
BRUCE WAYNE:
Yes, I know her.
OFFICER:
Over there, with the kid.
Bruce walks over to Officer Renee Montoya, who is talking to Dick Grayson.
BRUCE WAYNE:
Montoya, could I have a moment?
RENEE MONTOYA:
Go ahead Mr Wayne.
BRUCE WAYNE:
Thanks Officer.
Bruce Wayne walks to a corner and talks to Montoya
BRUCE WAYNE:
It must be very difficult for the boy.
I would know.
RENEE MONTOYA:
That’s true.
BRUCE WAYNE:
I think I may be able to help.
RENEE MONTOYA:
Don’t mind me asking, how?
BRUCE WAYNE:
I’ll need to speak with the
Commissioner first.
RENEE MONTOYA:
Well, you still haven’t answered
my question.
BRUCE WAYNE:
Question, right. Well, when my
parents were killed, I had Alfred.
Who does this boy have?
RENEE MONTOYA:
As far as we know, nobody.
As circus performers, The
Graysons were travellers, nomads.
BRUCE WAYNE:
That’s where I may be able to help.
EXT. ICEBERG LOUNGE - NIGHT
The Iceberg Lounge is in an upmarket part of Gotham City. The exterior is dressed like an old-fashioned Hollywood cinema with a marquee that reads “Iceberg Lounge” There is a neon sign of a cartoon penguin and the words “Iceberg Lounge”. There is a line of patrons waiting to enter and a burly bouncer guarding the entrance. A man in a trench coat is ushered through.
INT. ICEBERG LOUNGE - NIGHT
The Iceberg Lounge is as swanky as a nightspot can get. Heavily themed, the colour scheme is white and light blue. In the centre of the lounge is an ornamental lagoon with iceberg-like structures and real seals and penguins. Hostesses in bustiers, bowties and fishnet stockings serve drinks to the patrons.
The man in the trench coat makes his way to a door marked “authorised personnel only”. A security guard in shades blocks the way.
TRENCHCOAT MAN:
I’m here to see Mr Cobblepot.
GUARD:
You Zucco?
The man nods.
GUARD:
He’s expecting you. Right this way.
ZUCCO:
Thanks.
Zucco enters and makes his way up the stairs. Two hostesses usher him through ornate double doors.
INT. PENGUIN’S OFFICE – NIGHT
Zucco enters the office of criminal businessman OSWALD COBBLEPOT, THE PENGUUIN. The office has all the trappings one could ask for. To one side of the office is a rack stocked with dozens of umbrellas. There is a swivelling chair behind a large oak desk. A hostess is seated on it, holding a plate of sushi and sashimi.
The swivelling chair rotates to face Zucco. Seated in it is Oswald, a diminutive, portly man dressed in coat and tails and a top hat. There is a silver monocle in his right eye. He seems to have come straight out of a period film. The hostess pops a piece of sushi into The Penguin’s mouth. The Penguin finishes the morsel and dabs at his mouth with a handkerchief.
PENGUIN:
Thank you Holly, that was delicious.
Ah, Tony. How nice of you to
drop by. Is it done?
ZUCCO:
Yeah boss.
Zucco puts the detonator on the table. The Penguin passes it back to him.
PENGUIN:
No no no, keep the little trinket.
A souvenir, eh?
ZUCCO:
You don’t want any of this to lead
back to you.
PENGUIN:
Of course not, I’m a legitimate
businessman now. Please Tony, take
a seat. Hand Rachel your coat.
ZUCCO:
Er, thanks.
A hostess helps Zucco out of his coat.
PENGUIN:
Everything go smoothly?
ZUCCO:
Without a hitch. Took out the Flying
Graysons, just as you said.
PENGUIN:
Only the parents?
ZUCCO:
Yes, I waited till the kid was safe.
PENGUIN:
You’ll see I’m not that heartless.
He turns to the hostess seated on his table and strokes her cheek with a gloved hand. She tries her hardest to mask her disgust.
PENGUIN:
Isn’t that right, Holly?
ZUCCO:
Tell me, boss.
PENGUIN:
Yes?
ZUCCO:
Does anyone call you “Penguin”
to your face?
The Penguin laughs. Zucco shifts in his chair, awkward.
PENGUIN:
Well, it’s a title I dislike, but
one that I guess I have grown to accept.
still, it would be best not to tempt me.
isn’t that right, Rachel?
Rachel turns around to leave. Zucco catches a glimpse of her severely scarred back.
PENGUIN:
Now, you’ve wasted enough of my time.
ZUCCO:
Aren’t you forgetting one more thing?
The Penguin scowls, reaches for a stack of $100 dollar bills and passes it to Zucco. Zucco smiles for the first time during their meeting.
ZUCCO:
Thanks boss.
PENGUIN:
Yeah, knock yourself out.
Zucco exits and the Penguin eats a slice of sashimi.
PENGUIN:
Mmm, yellowtail.
INT. BRUCE WAYNE’S CAR
ALFRED PENNYWORTH, Bruce Wayne’s loyal valet, is dressed in a chauffer’s uniform at the wheel of a Bentley Flying Spur. Julie Madison, visibly upset, is seated in the back with Bruce Wayne.
BRUCE WAYNE:
You’ve had a rough night, Julie.
JULIE MADISON:
It was supposed to have been fun.
EXT. OUTSIDE JULIE’S APARTMENT
Alfred gets out and opens the passenger door. Bruce helps Julie out of the car.
JULIE MADISON:
Thank you Alfred.
ALFRED:
Always a pleasure, Ms Madison.
BRUCE WAYNE:
Goodnight and take care, Julie.
Julie nods and enters the apartment building. Bruce and Alfred return to the car.
ALFRED:
What now, Sir?
BRUCE WAYNE:
The case, Alfred.
Alfred nods and pulls out an attaché case. He passes it back to Bruce who places it on his lap and clicks it open. In it are the components of the Batsuit, neatly folded. Alfred smiles.
EXT. ABANDONED OFFICE BUILDING – NIGHT
The Bentley pulls up outside the building. It is tall, imposing and features neo-gothic architecture. However, it has long fallen into disrepair. Bruce Wayne exits the car holding the case and goes into the building. The camera slowly pans up the building, following a lift on the inside and when it reaches the rooftop, Batman is perched on a gargoyle, cape fluttering in the wind. He takes a moment, and then leaps. The cape stiffens into a glider, and Batman flies away.
INT. HALEY’S CIRCUS BIG TOP – NIGHT
The circus ring is now a full-blown crime scene. Police officers and crime scene investigators are all over the floor. In the middle of it all is a figure in a trench coat and glasses – police Commissioner JIM GORDON. Wearing surgical gloves, he is fiddling with something in a plastic evidence bag. The Commissioner wanders into a corner. He spots a rope hanging from the dark rafters and tugs on it. Batman descends down the rope.
COMMISSIONER GORDON:
Now it’s a whole other kind of circus.
BATMAN:
Indeed.
COMMISSIONER GORDON:
I’m surprised you weren’t here earlier.
BATMAN:
Maybe I was, and you don’t know it.
COMMISSIONER GORDON:
One thing about you is you have to one-up
everybody.
BATMAN:
Is that the explosive device?
COMMISSIONER GORDON:
Yeah. What’s left of it anyway.
BATMAN:
Those wires are high-tensile steel.
COMMISSIONER GORDON:
They were all them Flying Graysons had.
BATMAN:
I’ve seen these before.
COMMISSIONER GORDON:
Know who makes them?
BATMAN:
No. But for starters, this was activated
via radio frequency.
COMMISSIONER GORDON:
So someone in the audience must’ve
activated it.
BATMAN:
Compile a list of all the audience
Members tonight. You can pull names attached to credit card bookings.
COMMISSIONER GORDON:
What about those who bought tickets at the door?
BATMAN:
The sweepstakes coupons. Win a car.
COMMISSIONER GORDON:
Right.
INT. GOTHCORP LABS - NIGHT
Scientist Dr VICTOR FRIES is working alone in his laboratory. A beautiful woman lies on a gurney in a coma, hooked up to a life support system. Dr Fries walks over to the woman, bends down and kisses her lightly on the forehead.
VICTOR FRIES:
Soon, Nora. Soon.
Victor heads over to a computer terminal. On the monitor is a diagram of a diseased red blood cell. It is labelled “Wood-Moldoff Syndrome – affected Red Blood Cell”. Fries presses “play” on a computer simulation. A counter at the bottom of the screen shows the number of days, and in accelerated fashion the red blood cell on the screen begins to disintegrate. Fries stops the simulation before the cell breaks down altogether. He glances over to his wife, then back at the screen. He takes off his spectacles and wipes his brow.
VICTOR FRIES:
If I could retard or at least slow down the
process...
Victor absently picks up a canister on his desk, marked “Creon”.
VICTOR FRIES:
A supercoolant...of course.
Victor types a few figures into a program and comes up with the final sum “$340 564.00”. He sighs again. It is too much money. He crunches the numbers again but achieves the same final amount. Fries sighs. He reaches into his pocket and takes out his wallet. In the wallet is a name card that reads “Oswald Cobblepot”.
VICTOR FRIES:
One way or another, I will see this through
Nora. For you. For us.
EXT. GOTHAM POLICE DEPARTMENT HQ – DAY
Bruce Wayne, in a tan suit, exits his Bentley and proceeds into the police headquarters.
INT. GOTHAM POLICE DEPARTMENT HQ – COMMISSIONER GORDON’S OFFICE - DAY
Bruce Wayne walks into Commissioner Gordon’s office.
BRUCE WAYNE:
Thanks for agreeing to meet me,
Commissioner.
COMMISSIONER GORDON:
Not at all Bruce, you’re a friend,
and it’s my job to help out when I can.
BRUCE WAYNE:
I was there that night, at the circus. I
saw Dick Grayson’s parents die. I know what
it’s like to lose someone before your very
eyes. I’ve been giving it some thought, and
I’d like to take Dick Grayson in. As a ward.
COMMISSIONER GORDON:
So the swinging bachelor wants to become a
Daddy?
BRUCE WAYNE:
He’s a kindred spirit, that’s all.
COMMISSIONER GORDON:
I suppose. It’s been a very busy two
days for the boy. He’s been holding
out at the police dorms.
BRUCE WAYNE:
When can he be taken home?
COMMISSIONER GORDON:
Once all the papers are signed and
the foster parent database is sorted
out, we’re good to go.
BRUCE WAYNE:
That’s great.
COMMISSIONER GORDON:
However, do prepare to deal with a
lot of media attention, especially
since you’re that high up the social
ladder. They’ll want to get the scoop
on why you’ve adopted an orphaned aerialist.
there’ll be lots of nasty rumours flying
around, not to mention the unearthing
of your past.
BRUCE WAYNE:
Don’t worry Commissioner, I’ve handled
worse. Much worse.
COMMISSIONER GORDON:
Oh, there’s also the funeral arrangements.
Nobody is handling that at the moment.
BRUCE WAYNE:
I’ll take care of it.
EXT. WAYNE MANOR GROUNDS – DAY
The funeral of John and Mary is being held. A Catholic priest presides. It is a cloudy day and chairs have been set up on the Wayne Manor lawn. Dressed in a black suit and tie, Bruce Wayne stands at the back, accompanying a solemn Dick Grayson. They stand together, quiet. Suddenly, Dick begins to break down. Bruce gives him a reassuring hug.
DICK GRAYSON:
I miss them so much, Mr Wayne.
BRUCE WAYNE:
It’s okay Dick, I know how you feel.
DICK GRAYSON:
Can we go inside? Please?
BRUCE WAYNE:
Sure, let’s go.
INT. WAYNE MANOR MAIN HALL – DAY
BRUCE WAYNE:
Alfred has put your things in your room.
Wanna check it out?
DICK GRAYSON:
Er...yeah, this is a lot to take in.
Bruce and Dick ascend the grand staircase. Alfred is at the top of the stairs, ready to greet them.
ALFRED:
Ready to see your room, Master Richard?
Master Bruce has taken great pride
In preparing it.
DICK GRAYSON:
Sure Mr Alfred.
ALFRED:
Oh, just “Alfred” will do, Master Richard.
DICK GRAYSON:
How about “Uncle Alfred”?
ALFRED:
It’s a new one, but it does have a ring
to it.
BRUCE WAYNE:
“Uncle Alfred” it is, then.
INT. DICK GRAYSON’S ROOM – DAY
Dick Grayson’s room is a cosy but spacious private area, fashioned in much the same way as most of the stately manor. The main differences are several posters of pop bands and recent movies, as well as colourful bed sheets.
DICK GRAYSON:
Wow, this is really cool! I never really
Got my own room, travelling with the circus-
Not that I minded anyway.
BRUCE WAYNE:
I’m glad you like it Dick. Alfred, we
Could show him around the garage later.
I heard you like motorcycles.
DICK GRAYSON:
That’d be great, but I need to take a
short break.
ALFRED:
Later, then.
INT. WAYNE MANOR GARAGE – DAY
The subterranean garage and workshop is cavernous and impressive, housing a large number of automobiles.
BRUCE WAYNE:
How do you like it?
DICK GRAYSON:
Wow...how many are there?
ALFRED:
42, when I last checked.
BRUCE WAYNE:
Cars are one of my...hobbies. I get
To drive around prototypes nobody
will get to buy in the market.
INT. WAYNE MANOR HALLWAY – DAY
Dick Grayson is back in his room. Alfred and Bruce are walking.
ALFRED:
Pardon me sir, but have you
Considered the...unique consequences
of adopting a child that would affect
someone such as yourself?
BRUCE WAYNE:
He will have to know sooner or later.
ALFRED:
But is that up to you to decide?
BRUCE WAYNE:
Until then, I will need your assistance
and discretion more than ever.
sALFRED:
Very well, Master Bruce.
EXT. GOTHAM HARBOUR - NIGHT
Victor Fries walks up to a luxury yacht berthed at Gotham Harbour. The Yacht is named “Yellowtail”. He proceeds into the yacht as two guards look on.
INT. YELLOWTAIL – NIGHT
Victor Fries looks uneasy surrounded by the plush furnishings of the luxury yacht. A guard guides him into the Penguin’s stateroom.
INT. YELLOWTAIL – PENGUIN’S STATEROOM – NIGHT
The Penguin’s stateroom looks somewhat like his office at the Iceberg Lounge, except smaller and with a bed to one side. The Penguin is again seated at an oak desk. He is smoking a cigarillo in a long cigarette holder. He takes a long drag.
PENGUIN:
Ah, the eminent scientist Dr Victor Fries.
How nice of you to visit. Please, take a seat!
Victor Fries nods and sits down.
VICTOR FRIES:
Thanks for agreeing to meet me, Mr Cobblepot.
PENGUIN:
As a matter of fact, I feel indebted to
you, Victor.
VICTOR FRIES:
How so?
PENGUIN:
Well, I love my sushi and sashimi.
VICTOR FRIES:
Uh-huh...
PENGUIN:
Ever since those Japanese fishermen
Have started using Creon as a supercoolant,
Their fish has been as fresh as ever.
VICTOR FRIES:
I’m...glad you can tell the difference.
PENGUIN:
As such, I’d be happy to oblige any favour
you will ask of me. I am after all, a
legitimate businessman.
VICTOR FRIES:
I will need to borrow $340 000.
PENGUIN:
Now, what would a scientist want with
that much moolah?
The Penguin takes another long drag.
VICTOR FRIES:
It’s research money.
PENGUIN:
And Gothcorp doesn’t fund your research?
VICTOR FRIES:
You see, my wife is dying.
PENGUIN:
Now this is getting interesting.
VICTOR FRIES:
It’s not interesting, Cobblepot. It’s
tragic. It’s a very rare blood disease and
I need time and money to engineer a cure.
PENGUIN:
Time, I cannot give you. But money, I have
In excess and will willingly supply.
VICTOR FRIES:
Just like that? No strings attached?
PENGUIN:
No strings attached.
The Penguin takes out a cheque from his chequebook and signs it, making it out to “Dr Victor Fries”. He politely hands the cheque over to Victor.
VICTOR FRIES:
Thank you Mr Cobblepot. How can I
repay you?
PENGUIN:
I trust you’ll come up with the money
sooner or later. If not, I’m sure we’ll
think of...something.
INT. BATCAVE – NIGHT
The Batcave is a natural cave under Wayne Manor which has been modified and outfitted as a base of operations for Batman. Bruce Wayne, in full Batman attire except for the cowl, is seated in front of a large bank of computers, known collectively as the “Batcomputer”. On the main monitor of the Batcomputer is a slowly-rotating 3D diagram of the explosive device. Alfred comes walking in carrying a tray of soup.
ALFRED:
Minestrone, sir?
BRUCE WAYNE:
Perhaps later, Alfred.
Alfred looks closely at the image on the screen.
ALFRED:
The device that killed young Master
Richard’s parents?
BRUCE WAYNE:
Yes. It’s a small remotely-triggered explosive
device.
Bruce brings up a video player and begins playing a video simulation. The explosive device detonates, and causes the high-tensile wire to unravel and snap.
ALFRED:
Oh my.
BRUCE WAYNE:
These are manufactured via a shell
company, it is almost impossible
BRUCE WAYNE (CONT.):
...to track the actual source.
ALFRED:
Almost.
BRUCE WAYNE:
Yes. I’ve traced it back to this
character.
A newspaper photograph of Oswald Cobblepot at the opening of the Iceberg Lounge appears on the monitor.
ALFRED:
“Character” is exactly the word
I’d use.
BRUCE WAYNE:
Oswald Cobblepot.
Owner of the Iceberg Lounge and responsible
for some very shady business dealings.
once you owe him money, you can never escape.
ALFRED:
No strings attached.
BRUCE WAYNE:
That’s what they always say. The problem is,
Oswald is incredibly good at covering his
Share with your friends: |