HOG Charisma draft 12-12-09 CL

HAND OF GREED
by
Chuck Loch
14314 SUmmertime Lane
Culver City, CA 90230
(310) 559-2331
chuck9@sbcglobal.net
REGISTERED WGAw No. 1391222

TEASER
BEGIN OMAR'S DREAM SEQUENCE 1
IN BLACK:
The VOICE of an ANGEL speaks.
VOICE OF AN ANGEL (O.S.)
"Omar Muhammad al-Mahdi, namesake of
one of Allah's most beloved, I am
His angel and I bring you a message
from Him."
FADE IN:
INT. OMAR'S HOUSE - NIGHT
BEDROOM
IMAM OMAR MUHAMMAD AL-MAHDI, 65, lies in bed, clad in bed
clothes, fidgeting, eyes closed - twitching under their lids.
Everything in Omar's house reveals he's a very poor man.
VOICE OF CONSCIOUSNESS (V.O.)
Some people sense their fate from
the beginning of their lives. To
others, it comes in dreams, either
while asleep or while awake. It can
be based on divine inspiration. Or,
on greed.
Omar's eyes SNAP open.
The night is quiet, still. Yet he
trembles in his bed.
He falls to his knees and then to his face in prayer.
He jerks as if struck by lightning and falls prostrate, still.
Some people embrace their fate easily.
Others, often the greedy, often the
dreamers, would change it, if they
had the means.
Slowly Omar rises, almost trance-like in his movements, as
he glides through the door to his
LIVING ROOM
past decrepit furniture to the

2.
KITCHEN
and then through the door to the street
EXT. OMAR'S HOUSE - NIGHT
to stare at a crumbling old mosque across the street. A
dilapidated building, leaning a little too far to one side
for comfort. It shimmers and morphs into The Blue Mosque of
Istanbul. Glowing in the moonlight. Winking at him from a
reflection pool. Waving its minarets.
VOICE OF CONSCIOUSNESS
The poor would choose riches - out
of need, or out of greed. The rich
would choose more riches out of more
greed. Is that not the way of
mankind?
Omar's so happy he can barely stand. Tremors shake his body.
VOICE OF AN ANGEL (O.S.)
"Build me a mosque, a mosque so fair
it will inspire my people to worship
Him. Do what you must."
OMAR
Yes. Yes. I will build a new mosque,
a mosque more beautiful than The
Blue Mosque. If you will help your
servant, I will do this.
He looks to the heavens for help.
As if he hears an answer, he bows his head. When he lifts
it again, his face is lit with inner peace and triumph.
He kneels for his morning prayers.
OVER HIS PRAYERS
We are all uniquely motivated for
different reasons. What is behind
our hopes and wishes, our prayers
and desires? How do we know the
difference between reality and
delusion? Between faith and
superstition? Between need and greed?
Can we change our fates? Or, does
only Allah have that power?
END OMAR'S DREAM SEQUENCE 1
FADE TO BLACK
END OF TEASER

3.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
EXT. SALIBA'S HOUSE - NIGHT
A two-story hovel on a mountainside above Beirut, part of a
cluster of other hovels and, standing apart, a rich man's
house.
Smoke billowing from chimneys testifies to the coldness of
the night.
SMALL LIVING ROOM/PARLOUR
A hearth fire burns brightly. The room is, as all rooms in
the hovel are, plainly but abundantly furnished with an
eclectic collection of old furniture and knick-knacks.
At a small table, AMIR SALIBA, 65, an ex-teacher who plans
his life far into the future, but gives way to small bouts
of recklessness such as during the CHESS GAME in progress
between himself and his bright 30-year-old son, AZAR SALIBA.
Amir moves his king into obvious checkmate.
A CLAP OF THUNDER punctuates the move on the board.
Amir gestures toward the window.
AMIR
I don't think we'll see Khalid
tonight.
Azar pays no attention to his father, only to his move.
AZAR
Check.
Azar plucks his father's doomed chess piece off the board.
AZAR
And mate.
Amir explodes in mis-placed anger.
AMIR
This is the worst of living on this
mountain, the road washes out in a
drizzle. We're all stuck in the
mud.
NADIA SALIBA, Amir's wife, 60, quiet, naive, usually
subservient to her husband until her emotions overcome her,
reacts.

4.
NADIA
Perhaps we should live in Beirut
like your greedy gambling brother,
Bashir. In the city, there is less
mud in which to become stuck.
AMIR
Whatever mud there is, Bashir has
found it. At least he does not play
chess.
NADIA
(winking at Azar but
speaking to Amir)
Never mind, dear. Perhaps you'll
win the next time you play your son.
The lights from the head lamps of a bus outside flash on the
hearth wall. AIRBRAKES HISS. The GATE BANGS and HEAVY
FOOTSTEPS approach the door.
AMIR
There's Khalid.
SMALL LIVING ROOM/PARLOUR - LATER
KHALID DAHER, 59, dripping wet, stands before the family.
AMIR
(introducing him)
Cousin Khalid, it's been too long.
KHALID
Thank you for your hospitality, Amir.
It's not been so long.
AMIR
The last I saw you, you could walk
only on crutches. Now look at you.
KHALID
I thought I was condemned to a life
on those hated sticks. But, I was
wrong. Very wrong.
Off everyone's expectant looks.
KHALID
I need your help.
DISSOLVE TO:
Khalid sits, a half-full tea cup beside him.

5.
KHALID
So after I buried my family, I tried
to destroy the cursed charm, but
could not. Every time I tried,
something stopped my hand. I don't
want it to bring more heartache, but
I can't destroy it on my own. I
decided to bring it here, to you,
the most logical clear-thinking person
in the family.
Amir, sitting opposite, looks doubtful.
AMIR
You would have me believe that the
charm supposedly grants its owner
wishes?
KHALID
But it brings bad luck to anyone who
uses it out of greed.
AMIR
Don't tempt your fate?
(chuckles)
KHALID
I do not know what is true.
AMIR
Your good-fortune could have been
nothing but coincidence.
KHALID
And what about my ill-fortune?
AMIR
Nothing more than the evil that we
all endure. I am sorry for your
misfortunes, but do not let them
drive you to irrationality.
KHALID
I am not irrational.
AMIR
Then throw the thing into the fire.
KHALID
That is irrational!
AMIR
Exactly my point, dear cousin. You
are not thinking straight. Let me
see it.
Khalid pulls the trinket out of a pocket.

6.
KHALID
To look at it, it's just a small
piece of carved wood. A hand and a
forearm.
AMIR
That is all it is. Throw it in the
fire-by morning, it will be consumed.
Azar, from his seat off to the side, takes it from Khalid
and casually examines it.
AZAR
Tell us more about this charm.
KHALID
A holy man in another land, a very
holy man, blessed it - and it has
special powers. It is said to grant
three wishes.
AMIR
And how much did you pay for those
special powers?
Khalid hangs his head.
KHALID
It is supposed to bring luck.
AMIR
Seems it brings good luck best to
those who sell it, not to those who
own it.
KHALID
But I walk, cousin, you see I walk!
Amir Snatches the charm from Azar and closely inspects it.
AMIR
And all you had to do was touch it
and wish?
Nadia, walks into the room with more tea.
NADIA
Could you wish for an extra pair of
hands for me?
They all laugh, except Khalid.
KHALID
Nadia! Don't even think that way!
Khalid catches Amir by the arm.

7.
KHALID
I beg you, destroy the charm! I
have tried and failed.
AMIR
Don't worry, I have no intention of
feeding your - or an old woman's -
foolishness.
Amir throws it into the fire.
Khalid SCREAMS IN ALARM, reaches into the fire. Amir pulls
him back.
AMIR
Better to let it burn.
KHALID
No, don't! Let me have it! Perhaps
I was wrong and can sell it to someone
who would use it for good!
AMIR
Leave it in the fire like a sensible
man.
Khalid trembles but settles down. Amir places his hands on
Khalid's shoulders.
AMIR
Khalid, maybe it was your own belief
that the charm could work that made
it so. Maybe you healed yourself.
KHALID
And my family?
AMIR
A senseless tragedy. Nothing more.
Amir looks at the longing in Khalid's eyes.
Light from the head lamps of a bus creeping up the road
reflects on the wall through the window.
KHALID
I must go. I cannot miss the bus.
AMIR
Are you strong enough to ride it
home? Now?
With one last desperate look at the fire, Khalid nods his
head yes, tries but is unable to stand.
AMIR
Azar?

8.
Azar leaps up to help and between them they lift Khalid and
carry him like an invalid through the door and out into the
night.
EXT. ROADSIDE - NIGHT
Amir and Azar help Khalid onto the bus.
INT. SALIBA'S HOUSE - DAY
Nadia shovels ashes out of the fireplace. Stops. Picks
through the rubble in her shovel. Pulls out the amulet.
Fascinated she rubs it with a cloth, and forgetting her task
at hand, contemplates the design, the shape. Smiles dreamily.
AMIR (O.S.)
Nadia? Nadia?
Amir wanders through the door, nose in a book.
AMIR
Is my tea ready? What's wrong? Are
you okay?
Amir rushes to Nadia as Nadia snaps out of her trance, drops
the amulet. It CLATTERS on the floor.
NADIA
It didn't burn.
AMIR
You scared me, woman. Well, the
fire was not hot enough. We'll burn
it in the kitchen stove.
Amir scoops up the amulet and strides into the
KITCHEN
to the hot wood stove and opens the firebox
NADIA
Wait!
(beat)
Do we have to?
At Amir's raised eyebrow.
NADIA
I mean, there's so much good we could
do. For others.

9.
AMIR
You believe the old wives' tale?
NADIA
Maybe. A little.
AMIR
All the more reason it should burn.
He drops the amulet inside the firebox, and stuffs in several
sticks of wood, bringing the fire to a roar. Then, he lifts
the madly boiling tea pot off the stove and turns to Nadia.
AMIR
Now can we have our tea?
TIME CUT TO:
Nadia washes the tea things, a mournful eye on the wood stove.
Amir, wearing a coat, kisses the back of her neck before he
leaves.
AMIR
Cheer up, Habibti, maybe I'll find a
hamsa on my way to town.
Nadia watches Amir through the window as he walks out of the
garden and down the street. The gate BANGS at his heels.
Very carefully she dries her hands and sits in front of the
stove, with the firebox open, watching the flames.
Azar strolls through the kitchen dressed in his work clothes.
AZAR
Anything you want Jamila to bring
you from Damascus?
(beat)
Mother?
Nadia shakes her head distracted. Azar looks at her
curiously, before opening the door.
EXT. JABER HOUSE - DAY
JAMILA JABER, 20, naturally beautiful, stands at the door
with Azar.
AZAR
Jamila, don't go.
JAMILA
Only a short visit. I will miss
you.
AZAR
And I you.

10.
SALIM JABER, 50, Jamila's father and a cranky widower, calls
out from the depths of the house.
SALIM
Is that the worthless boy from next
door?
JAMILA
Father, you know his name.
SALIM
I know he's a beggar without two
coins to rub together let alone a
bride price. You're worthy of a
prince!
JAMILA
Oh father, you know it's only Azar
that I love.
SALIM
As Allah wills it.
AZAR
(smiles)
As Allah wills it.
He seals their tryst with a kiss.
As Jamila closes the door, Azar detects movement from behind
a tree out of the corner of his eye. Azar marches over to
the expensively dressed MANSOOR NASSIF, 28 - loaded with
money, but light in experience.
AZAR
Who is this small child, Mansoor
Nassif, who is always spying on my
fiancée? Why don't you go play with
the village boys?
MANSOOR
I'm older and smarter than you.
AZAR
Do tell.
MANSOOR
I know the heart that needs to be
won is not the girl's, but the
father's. And we both know the way
to his heart.
AZAR
You place value in the wrong heart.

11.
MANSOOR
We will see.
AZAR
Yes, you will see.
As Azar strides down the street, Mansoor waits in the garden
until Salim backs out the door, looks around, and we know
it's an arranged meeting.
SALIM
The market tomorrow at noon?
MANSOOR
Yes, Mr. Jaber, my father is eager
to meet her.
As Mansoor leaves, Salim smiles in satisfaction.
KITCHEN
Amir hurries in, stamps his feet and blows on chilled fingers,
as he takes off his coat.
AMIR
It's cold as ice out there today!
Why is the stove not lit?
Amir's face falls when he turns to see Nadia, who sits by
the cold stove, ashes staining her face and hands. She holds
the amulet.
AMIR
What have you done?
NADIA
It didn't burn. I waited. I waited
until the coals were cold. Just to
be sure. And it didn't burn.
He snatches the charm, shakes it at her.
AMIR
We decided to destroy this. Why did
you save it from the fire?
NADIA
I didn't save it. It did not burn.
Amir grows angrier by the moment as he paces the room.
NADIA
It must be powerful! We should use
it - to do good. We could help others.

12.
Amir explodes.
He stuffs the charm into his pocket. Then, a stern finger
in her face.
AMIR
You are letting your imagination
weave silliness in your head. This
is nothing but a piece of wood.
NADIA
Then why didn't it burn?
Amir jerks on his coat, and to punctuate his intent, he jams
on his cap onto his head.
AMIR
I'm taking it to the Imam. He'll
know what to do.
EXT. FRONT DOOR - DAY
Amir walks to the gate. Stops.
He pulls the charm from his pocket. Stares at it in his
hand. Realizes what he's doing and stuffs it back in.
Off he goes.
He lets go of the GATE. It BANGS shut.
STREET
A bit further, he stops again.
He stares at the charm, then walks on.
EXT. MOSQUE - DAY
The tumbledown mosque stands where The Blue Mosque stood in
Omar's dream.
Amir stands in the street outside the mosque looking at the
charm.
ACROSS THE STREET - OMAR'S HOUSE
Omar Muhammad walks out of his door and across the street to
the mosque, engrossed in a magazine bearing a picture of The
Blue Mosque. He bumps into Amir.
OMAR
Amir! What are you doing? Standing
in the way to trip up old men as
they walk about?

13.
Amir nods in apology, steps back.
AMIR
Sorry Imam, I was lost in thought.
OMAR
Better use some of that thought to
watch where you're going!
Omar watches Amir hurry away.
AMIR
Imam, wait, I...uh ---
---A pigeon lands on the roof of the mosque and a TILE FALLS,
just missing Omar's head.
OMAR
And spare a little time in all those
thoughts to ask Allah to fix the
roof!
INT. SALIBA'S HOUSE - NIGHT
Amir stands in his own doorway, cap on his head, staring
once more at the charm in his hand.
Nadia and Azar stare back at Amir in surprise.
NADIA
You've come back - and with the charm?
Amir looks up.
AMIR
Maybe it's a waste to give it away.
I...uh...I...it seemed a reasonable
thing to do - to make sure first,
that is.
AZAR
Perhaps some part of you wants to
test the charm?
Amir grits his teeth.
AMIR
I need time to think.
NADIA
Why don't you sleep on it instead?
Nadia smiles, beckons Amir to follow her up the stairs. As
he reluctantly follows, she turns out the light.

14.
BEDROOM
Amir and Nadia are in bed having pillow talk.
NADIA
So tonight you will not touch me?
AMIR
We must think about this. All my
life I've yearned to have my greatest
wishes and fondest desires come true.
Here is our chance, dear Nadia, to
have that happen. It is even stronger
than the pleasures of man and wife
coming together.
NADIA
We could have anything? Oh, I do
want many things. But I fear Allah.
It does not seem right that we
fulfill our hearts' desires with
just a charm without the help of
Allah.
AMIR
Do we ask Allah and thank him
afterwards for every bit of food we
eat? For every piece of clothing we
buy? For every appliance and piece
of machinery that lightens our work?
NADIA
We do not, but we should. Are we
not Muslim?
AMIR
And are we not free to want what we
want and to go after getting it?
NADIA
So it comes down to feeling free to
get what we want? I will have to
think about that. Can we talk more
in the morning?
AMIR
Sleep well, habibti. I will think
more on this while you sleep.
FADE TO BLACK
EXT. MARKET - DAY
Azar scowls as he hurries past Mansoor and his father, their
fine attire making his simple clothes seem that much more
humble. He pushes past

15.
Omar, who stands in the middle of the WELL-DRESSED GROUP OF
SHOPPERS, waving the picture of The Blue Mosque.
OMAR
Help me, friends and neighbors, for
I do Allah's work.
BEHIND OMAR
Azar avoids Omar's calls and ducks into a jewelry store.
THROUGH THE SHOP WINDOW
Azar hesitates at the opulence around him, before moving
with purpose to the display window, pointing to a ring.
MARKET
OMAR
Allah asks you to do his work too.
To give generously.
The SALESMAN reluctantly lifts it out, already having assessed
Azar's inability to purchase such a gem.
MARKET
OMAR
To invest your earthly riches for a
heavenly cause.
The Salesman whispers to Azar, Azar's face falls to reflect
what the salesman already knew - that the ring is out of his
league.
MARKET
Azar slumps out of the shop and stops to stare at the ring,
back in its place in the window.
In the b.g., Salim and Jamila enter the market place from a
side street.
OMAR
Help build a great mosque, here.
Salim spies Mansoor across the open space at the same time
Jamila sees Azar. Her look calls to Azar. He looks up to
find her face. Their smiles gleam like the sun.

16.
Omar waves the picture of The Blue Mosque.
OMAR
Whoever helps build a Mosque for the
love of Allah, Allah will build a
mansion in paradise for him.
Azar slides next to Jamila's side much to Salim's chagrin,
Salim can't keep the two lovers from their internal magnetic
draw. Azar leads Jamila to the shop window.
Salim gestures to Mansoor to intercept the couple, but as
Mansoor and his father, FAIZAL NASSIF, 60, a man with
aristocratic bearing, try to cross to Salim
Omar points his finger at Faizal.
OMAR
Then, you! You, who love Allah should
be able to show that love with your
purse.
Omar stops Mansoor and Faizal. Salim fumes at the
interruption. Omar continues on
OMAR (V.O.)
You there! Look at your rich clothes,
your fine jewelry, your soft hands.
Allah has been good to you.
Azar nods ever-so-slightly at the ring in the window. Jamila
gasps under her breath as Azar asks a question with a look
of his eyes. With the look of her eyes, she gives her answer.
In the very moment while Salim hopes for a rich husband, he
fails to notice that his daughter nods her promise to marry
Azar.
Mansoor sees it all, and in his anger pushes past Omar, who
stops him with a fierce look.
OMAR (V.O.)
Forget your desires here on earth!
Give your riches to the One who
deserves your worship and your oaths.
Faizal comes to Mansoor's rescue by opening his pocketbook
and pressing a large wad of money into Omar's hands.
FAIZAL
And I will make a larger contribution
when my son becomes engaged.
OMAR
Bless you.

17.
Mansoor springs from Omar to Jamila in a flash, but he's too
late, even as he turns to introduce his father
MANSOOR
Mr. Jaber, meet my father---
Azar draws Jamila away. They disappear into the crowd.
Faizal considers his son's crestfallen face.
Salim interprets Faizal's frown as panic.
SALIM
That one is only a childhood friend.
FAIZAL
Then we should settle the particulars
quickly, before the boy grows into a
man.
Relief floods Salim's face.
EXT. JAMILA'S GARDEN - NIGHT
Jamila is in tears. Azar is in shock.
The door to the house opens and light streams into the garden,
shining on the two lovers, but Salim's shadow blacks out
Azar.
SALIM
Jamila?
Jamila holds on to Azar's hand for as long as possible before
the bond breaks as she walks toward Salim's dark silhouette.
The door SLAMS shut and Azar is left in darkness.
KITCHEN
Azar in his work clothes sits at a table laden with food.
Nadia gives Amir a look of despair, then pushes the plates
toward Azar.
NADIA
Eat!
AZAR
I'm not hungry.
NADIA
Starving will not help.

18.
AZAR
Neither will eating.
NADIA
You must keep your strength.
Azar pushes away from the table.
AZAR
Until the world prefers a good man
to a rich man what is the good of
working hard?
Amir lays a quiet hand on Azar's shoulder who hears the
message of his father's hand. He turns to his mother to
apologize.
AZAR
Thank you, habibti, for trying to
feed my sorrows. Tonight. Tonight.
I promise to eat. Give me the day.
A kiss on the top of her head and Azar hurries out the door.
Outside, the gate BANGS.
Nadia fusses with the dishes, chewing her lip, trying to
build up the courage to ask:
NADIA
We could use the charm to help our
son.
AMIR
Why not use it to help him and
ourselves?
NADIA
Would that hurt us? It's not like
we're using it to fulfill our hearts'
desires.
Amir does not reply. Looks at Nadia in a strange way.
NADIA
Please? If you love me?
Amir's face softens.
AMIR
It could be a test. If we use the
charm to help others ... like Azar
... and the wrath of Allah does not
strike, then we could use the charm
for other things?
Nadia nods expectantly.

19.
NADIA
Things that we want.
AMIR
I guess that makes sense. But, Nadia,
it's probably just an old man's
superstition.
NADIA
It could save Azar's chance for
happiness with Jamila. Happiness,
for both of them.
Amir ponders this.
NADIA
What can it hurt? You said it's
only an old wives' tale.
AMIR
Since it's not for us ... I guess
the only way to find out is to do
it. We will not wish for our own
benefit.
NADIA
Yes, yes, do it.
He considers again, before he holds up the charm.
AMIR
I wish ten thousand dollars for Azar.
A huge CRASH OF THUNDER echoes through the house, rattling
the cupboards and their contents.
Amir SCREAMS, drops the charm onto the floor.
AMIR
It moved! At the moment I made the
wish, it twisted in my hands like a
snake.
NADIA
You must have imagined it.
Amir shakes his head and stares in distrust at the charm on
the floor. He takes his surprise and shock out on Nadia.
AMIR
That is exactly what I am - an old
fool with an overactive imagination.
A fool who listens to old wives -
and their tales.
Insulted, Nadia glares at Amir, then snaps up the charm and
slaps it on the table.

20.
NADIA
(with heavy sarcasm)
Please excuse this old wife, she has
many foolish things to attend to,
like tending to an old fool.
And Nadia stomps out of the room.
END OF ACT ONE

21.
ACT TWO
Amir, Nadia, and Azar sit silently, staring into the fire.
The SOUND OF THE WIND outside, blowing fearsomely, rises and
falls.
A DOOR BANGS in another part of the house. Amir startles.
Azar rises.
AZAR
If you two are just going to sit and
glare at each other, I'm going to
bed.
(pauses)
Makes me wonder if I want to get
married after all.
(pause)
But, then, with Faisal's money, Jamila
and I may never have the chance to
find out.
Nadia kisses Azar good night, watches him go up the stairs.
NADIA
I said the same exact words to my
parents ... or thought them at least
... how time has proved me wrong.
Nadia crosses to put a hand on Amir's shoulder, affection in
her touch and sorrow in her face for their argument.
NADIA
Good night, you old fool.
Amir hugs her hip to his head.
AMIR
Forgive me, please. I was surprised -
it gave me such a shock, that I was
cruel ... Nadia? Tell you what -
get the camera.
Appeased, Nadia fishes a small Polaroid camera out of a
drawer.
AMIR
This could be the talisman that
changes Azar's life. I want us to
have good memories.

22.
Amir takes the charm, holds it up next to his meekly smiling
face.
CLICK! A bight FLASH illuminates the charm and Amir's face.
A developing print shoots out of the Polaroid.
CLICK! CLICK! CLICK! She takes several more shots from
different angles. More prints shoot out. On the last one -
straight on.
FREEZE FRAME.
LATER
Amir sits alone in the darkness, gazing into the dying fire,
seeing horrible faces in it, burning.
The last face is Khalid's.
It is so vivid, that he reaches for a glass of water on a
small table beside him.
Instead, his hand grasps the charm.
He STARTLES and yanks his hand away.
CUT TO BLACK:
KITCHEN - MORNING
Nadia talks on the phone while she pastes the new photos
into a photo scrapbook.
NADIA
Surraya, hi! How is my favorite
sister? ... Me? You wouldn't believe!
The strangest thing! We may be coming
into some money soon...yes, yes,
you'll be the first to know!
Hangs up the phone. Dials again.
NADIA
Tamira, hello. How is my favorite
sister?
EXT. SALIBA'S HOUSE - DAY
Outside the kitchen door, Amir waves Azar off to work. The
gate BANGS as Azar passes through it.

23.
KITCHEN
Amir slumps into a chair.
Nadia is still on the phone.
NADIA
Yes, yes. You'll be the first to
know.
She hangs up, serves Amir ice-water and cold tann.
AMIR
So everything is the same this
morning. We have received no money;
and most importantly, no bad luck.
NADIA
The day has just begun. It is not
too late for good luck to strike us.
Amir stops his glass midway to his mouth.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. KITCHEN - LATER
Amir paces back and forth. Nadia watches in half amusement,
half fear.
AMIR
I've got to talk to my brother. He
does not play cards during the day
and may know if such things are
possible.
DISSOLVE TO:
KITCHEN - LATER
Nadia stands over the stove, cooking dinner, she keeps looking
out the window for Azar.
Amir sits at the table, drinking coffee with BASHIR SALIBA,
40, his younger brother from Beirut, the two share a family
resemblance and the trait of stubbornness. They are in the
midst of an argument.
AMIR
But, I tell you, the thing moved in
my hand. I'll swear to that.

24.
BASHIR
You only thought it did.
AMIR
I say it did, brother. There was no
thought about it. Or else I'm losing
my mind.
BASHIR
What good is it to me if you should
lose your mind? On the other hand
if it did move when you made your
wish, it could be very useful to me.
Nadia looks out the window again.
NADIA
Azar should be home soon. He'll be
glad to see his favorite uncle.
AMIR
I'm beginning to see why Khalid wanted
to get rid of it.
BASHIR
(joking)
I'll be glad to take it off your
hands. As I said, I could use a new
good luck charm.
Amir shrinks from such a suggestion.
AMIR
I will not let it be used for such a
thing.
BASHIR
This is all superstition and I'm
surprised you fell for it. Next
thing I know you'll be consulting
fortune-tellers. You might as well
throw the charm away.
(as an after thought)
I'll be glad to do it for you.
Consulting fortune-tellers - this hits Amir where it hurts,
his pride. He sinks into deep thought.
Outside, the GATE BANGS.
NADIA
Here's Azar!
OMAR (O.S.)
Hallooo!

25.
NADIA
Oh, it's Omar.
BASHIR
Is that old man still alive?
As Bashir jumps to his feet, Amir does too, stopping Bashir
before he runs out to greet Omar.
AMIR
You are right, brother. Khalid's
tales were no more than tales. My
imagination has been overactive.
Let's keep this in the family.
INT. SMALL LIVING ROOM/PARLOUR DAY
Bashir and Amir greets Omar at the door, there's an obvious
affection between Omar and Bashir, but it's also tinged with
colliding religious philosophies.
BASHIR
It's been a long time, Omar.
OMAR
I hope it's not so long again. How
have your fortunes fared in Beirut?
BASHIR
Better than I could have fared in
this town.
AMIR
Meaning he's had a lucky streak.
OMAR
Such a waste. Better you should
give the money you lose to a worthy
cause. If Allah smiles on a man,
should that man not give back to
Allah?
BASHIR
And I bet you would be glad to take
my cash in His name?
OMAR
I am but His servant.
BASHIR
And I bet you know where Allah would
like it to go.
OMAR
His angel told me the old mosque
needs to be rebuilt.

26.
Bashir laughs out loud.
BASHIR
When I win a million, Old Man, I'll
give you half. So pray for me to
win if you want to build your mosque.
The slow, CHUGGING SOUND of a bus engine slides into the
room from down the road.
Bashir looks at his watch.
BASHIR
That's my bus. I've got to get back
tonight. It may be my night.
OMAR
I will pray that it be so.
BASHIR
Come, walk with me.
(turns to Amir)
Give that worthless son of yours, my
hello.
DISSOLVE TO:
KITCHEN
Nadia stares out the window, bowls by her side. The table
is only half set.
Amir walks in from the hallway.
Outside, the gate BANGS.
AMIR
What's wrong now?
Amir joins her and they watch a WELL-DRESSED AYOUB through
the window as he walks to the door, hesitates, and returns
to the gate.
A second time, Ayoub walks to the door, hesitates, and returns
to the gate.
The third time he walks to the door---
---Amir opens it before Ayoub can knock, surprising him.
Nadia crowds behind Amir.
AMIR
Are you looking for someone?
Nadia smiles at Ayoub.
Ayoub hesitates.

27.
AYOUB
My name is Ayoub. I'm from the
Houkim Glass Works. Are you Azar
Saliba's parents?
AMIR
Yes, please come in.
With another hesitation, Ayoub forces himself to step inside
THE KITCHEN.
Nadia GASPS.
NADIA
Is anything wrong. What's happened
to Azar? What is it?
AMIR
There, there. Sit down and don't
jump to conclusions. He's not brought
bad news. Have you?
Amir stares at Ayoub.
AYOUB
I'm sorry...
NADIA
Is he hurt?
Ayoub nods his head and averts his eyes.
AYOUB
Badly hurt...but he's not in any
pain.
NADIA
Thank Allah! Oh, thank Allah for
that! Thank...
Realizing the true meaning of Ayoub's reassurance, she catches
her breath and lays her trembling hand on Amir's.
AYOUB
(in a low voice)
He was caught in the crushing
machinery.
AMIR
(dazed)
Caught in the machinery. Yes.
Amir pulls Nadia gently down beside him and takes her hand
between his own, pressing it as he surely did in their old
courting days forty years ago.

28.
AMIR
(still in the daze)
My fault!
Amir recovers a moment of clarity.
AMIR
(to Ayoub)
He was the only one left to us and
soon to be married. It is hard.
Ayoub walks slowly to the window.
AYOUB
The company wishes me to convey their
sincere sympathy in your great loss.
(beat)
I beg you to understand I am only
their servant and merely obeying
orders.
Nadia stares straight ahead, scarcely breathing.
AMIR
My fault!!
He punches his open hand.
AYOUB
I was to tell you that the company
declaims all responsibility. They
admit no liability at all. But,
there was insurance.
Amir drops his wife's hand and rises to his feet. He gazes
with a look of horror at Ayoub.
AMIR
Insurance?
AYOUB
Ten thousand dollars.
Nadia SHRIEKS and drops in a senseless heap to the floor.
AMIR
It is my fault!!!
END OF ACT TWO

29.
ACT THREE
EXT. SALIBA'S HOUSE - DAY
A tearful Jamila and poker-faced Salim rush to Amir and Nadia.
JAMILA
(crying)
We came as soon as we heard the news.
SALIM
I'm sorry we didn't get back in time
for the funeral.
Tears wash down Jamila's cheeks as she turns to face Nadia.
Nadia bursts into tears.
JAMILA
Oh, Nadia. I'm so sorry.
NADIA
I'm sorry for you, child. He did
not suffer.
SALIM
It is the will of Allah. May God
bless his soul.
JAMILA
No...No...No.
Nadia sits beside Jamila, sobbing.
NADIA
My son...My son...has been taken
from me.
JAMILA
I will never know our love in all
its fullness.
Nadia throws her arms around Jamila with flourish.
NADIA
It was all my fault. Please forgive
me.
JAMILA
No, it was mine. I should never
have left to travel to Damascus. I
sensed there was something wrong.
If I had been here I would have begged
him to stay with me that day.
They hug and cry and wail.

30.
SUDDENLY
Nadia SCREAMS.
NADIA
Merciful Allah, give me back my son!
Jamila SCREAMS louder.
JAMILA
Can you not see our pain and hear
our cries? Give me back my husband
to be!
Helplessly, from a distance, Amir watches the two compete
for the greater sadness. Tears roll down his cheeks.
Nadia and Jamila walk off together, uncomfortably leaning on
each other for support.
EXT. JAMILA'S HOUSE - DAY
Nadia and Jamila sit under the pomegranate tree, weeping
together.
Amir quietly walks up to take Nadia's hand and lead her home.
Mansoor rushes past them on his way to Jamila.
MANSOOR
I am so very sorry for your loss. I
could never replace Azar in your
heart, but is there anything I can
do to help relieve your pain?
Jamila looks at Mansoor with disdain.
JAMILA
You? Mansoor Nassif? You could
never replace Azar. Neither can you
take the pain from my heart. Leave
me alone!
And she turns her back to sob again.
EXT. MARKET - DAY
In anger and frustration, Mansoor kicks an empty soft drink
can.
It lands at the feet of Omar.
OMAR
Young Nassif, it looks as if you
have lost something very dear.

31.
MANSOOR
I lost what I never had.
OMAR
Give her time.
(off Mansoor's look)
Yes, I mean Jamila. Let her grieve.
(off Mansoor's second look)
I see things, young man, I see many
things.
MANSOOR
She is so beautiful ...
OMAR
Almost as beautiful as my mosque.
(off Mansoor's last look)
I think one day we will both have
our heart's desire. Remind your
father of his promise when you get
yours.
KITCHEN
Nadia sits whimpering at the table with her head in her hands.
Amir stands behind her, rubbing her shoulders.
AMIR
Woman, as Jamila's cries grew louder,
so did yours.
She stops whimpering, peeks at him.
AMIR
And as her tears came faster, yours
followed.
NADIA
I wanted our son to hear me above
her.
AMIR
So, it was a contest?
Nadia gazes full on him, shocked by his words.
NADIA
How dare you accuse me of false tears!
She squirms away from his touch.
AMIR
I accuse you of nothing.

32.
AMIR
I feel great sadness but no more
tears for our son. Yours continue
on and on. Perhaps you miss him
more than his father does?
(beat)
Perhaps you miss him more than his
beloved?
(beat)
Or, perhaps we all miss him equally?
But Nadia refuses to be comforted. She fidgets in her chair,
leaking tears.
EXT. CAFE - DAY
Amir sits drinking coffee with Bashir.
BASHIR
I am sorry fate has been so cruel to
you. I loved Azar too.
AMIR
It seems to me to be more than fate.
A curse killed my son.
BASHIR
Are you still talking that nonsense?
AMIR
I speak what is in my heart.
BASHIR
Surely it is coincidence that the
insurance money was in the same amount
wished for. This is the fate. The
bad luck.
AMIR
But why now? Why in this horrible
way? Why crushed to death? It is
my fault. I never should have wished
for the money. I don't even want
it.
BASHIR
Then give the money to me.
He smiles, shrugs, suggesting the request is a joke.
BASHIR
You must keep in mind it was Azar's
fate to die when and in the manner
he did. Just as it is mine if I win
or if I lose.

33.
BASHIR
So far, fate - or Allah - if you
prefer - has allowed me enough to
keep a roof over my head and food on
my table. Though all gifts are also
welcome.
AMIR
You cannot fool me, Bashir, you are
addicted.
BASHIR
I can stop whenever I want, but why
should I?
AMIR
Your luck is only your greed in
disguise. I know you regularly lose
your salary to the cards. In the
end, it is greed that will do us all
in.
Amir scrapes his chair backwards.
AMIR
I must go and comfort Nadia.
BASHIR
Good luck.
A frozen second as the ill-timed wish bounces off Amir. He
gives Bashir a weak grin.
AMIR
Do not curse me, brother.
Nadia paces back and forth restlessly as she listens to the
end of Amir's explanation.
AMIR
So, you can see, I wished for it.
It was all my fault.
NADIA
No, it was my fault. I would not
let you rest until you made the wish.
(bowing her head)
And that is what fills my heart with
sorrow. I did this.
AMIR
I should have known better.

34.
AMIR
You did not make the wish.
Amir extends his hands to her, grasps hers.
AMIR
Perhaps we should find Omar. He may
know how to release our hearts from
this pain.
NADIA
Yes. Let us find Omar.
EXT. MARKET - DAY
Hand in hand, Amir and Nadia move through the crowd.
SUDDENLY
They bump into a knot of SHOPPERS and stop in their tracks.
The Shoppers watch Omar wave his magazine.
OMAR
Come talk to me and I will tell you
how Allah will bestow blessings on
you.
Amir pushes past a scrappy-bearded VENDOR and his tub of ice
and soda.
Omar walks over, steps in front of the soft drink VENDOR.
OMAR
(to Vendor)
You have money to spare, my friend.
Allah needs your help.
VENDOR
I have none to spare. Every day I
pray to Allah that he provide me
enough to feed my family.
Nadia and Amir exchange a look of hope. A look of possible
release from all their shared guilt.
They follow Omar as he walks to the mosque. At the door,
Omar turns to recognize them with a raised eyebrow.
NADIA
We need Allah's blessing, Imam.
AMIR
You know how our son died.

35.
OMAR
May Allah release you from your
sorrows.
AMIR
We have his insurance money. We
want to give it for the mosque.
OMAR
That money is for your old age since
you have no son. Let those who have
plenty give.
AMIR
It feels like blood money. Our son
is dead and we are to blame.
NADIA
We wished it. We wished for the
money!
Omar considers the two forlorn people in front of him and
beckons them to a bench.
OMAR
Tell me the story that lies on your
heart.
DISSOLVE TO:
MOSQUE BENCH - MOMENTS LATER
OMAR
My heart goes out to you for your
loss. But you know you did the
unthinkable. You tried to wrest
your fate from the hands of Allah.
You did not trust Him to provide for
your and Azar's needs. Only harm
has come from this greed.
NADIA
Is there nothing you can do to help
us?
OMAR
The charm is evil. You must destroy
it.
NADIA
Yes, yes, we will do this.
AMIR
And will you take the money?
Omar smiles.

36.
OMAR
I will relieve you of the burden.
Every time you see the roof of the
new mosque you will know Allah smiles
on you.
Both Amir and Nadia smile at each other in the sweet release
of guilt.
Amir and Nadia walk home much easier than hey walked before.
Nadia's face softens into a smile.
NADIA
I am thinking of your suggestion and
perhaps you are right. We all miss
Azar equally.
She turns direction and back tracks from where they came.
NADIA
I must seek forgiveness from Jamila.
INT. JABER HOUSE - NIGHT
FRONT DOOR
Jamila opens the door.
Nadia, in MOS, says something to her.
Jamila steps out toward Nadia.
They fall into each other's arms and weep.
Salim watches from across the room.
He shakes his head, as if he still does not understand what
all the fuss is about.
Amir hold Nadia's hand as they mount the stairs for a long
needed rest. Nadia is half asleep and exhausted from the
long days of emotion.
NADIA
Tomorrow, we must destroy ... the
charm.

37.
Amir's face reflects his distaste and rebellion at such an
idea, but he says nothing.
A harsh POUNDING on the front door stops them. Amir motions
for Nadia to go on to bed. Dazed, she looks at the door,
and tries to get around him.
NADIA
(still half asleep)
The door.
AMIR
(gently)
Go on. You need the sleep.
NADIA
It might be Azar.
AMIR
You're dreaming, he's gone.
NADIA
He came back.
Amir sadly shakes his head as she grows hysterical.
AMIR
Oh, Nadia.
In haste, she stumbles to the door and unlatches it.
SURRAYA and TAMIRA ABDALLAH, Nadia's spinster sisters, both
middle-aged, dressed for mourning, push past her, ULULATING.
NADIA
My sisters.
SURRAYA
We have come---
TAMIRA
---to help you mourn.
Nadia wakes and realizes she was half-dreaming and her son
is truly dead. Her sisters catch her and wail with Nadia.
AMIR
You mean you have come to make noise.
You have torn her heart open again!
TAMIRA
Cry, my sister---
SURRAYA
---and we will cry with you.

38.
AMIR
Can't you leave her to mourn in peace?
The women ignore Amir. Surraya dismisses him with a wave of
her hand.
DISSOLVE TO:
Nadia and her sisters sit on the sofa examining a photo album.
Surraya crowds Nadia.
They look at Amir and Nadia's wedding photos.
SURRAYA
You two look so happy. Don't they
Tamira?
TAMIRA
Back then, before the...before the...
Both start to cry and wail.
Nadia joins in.
They turn the page to a baby photo of Azar.
Between sobs
SURRAYA
He looks like a little angel.
TAMIRA
Soooo cute.
More wails.
Surraya flips to the middle of the book and a photo of Azar,
age five, wearing cowboy clothes.
NADIA
Little Azar right before civil war
broke out. He liked to dress up.
Nadia's lower lip trembles.
She and her sisters whimper.
Surraya flips the book to the last page and the Polaroid
photos of Amir with the charm.
Nadia SCREAMS and SCREAMS again, repeatedly.
The Sisters join in and wail.

39.
Surraya SCREAMS so that
EXT. KITCHEN GARDEN - DAY
Amir can hear her. He drops his book and rushes into the
house.
INT. SMALL LIVING ROOM/PARLOUR - DAY
Tamira, in a rocking chair, holds and rocks Nadia.
SURRAYA
It's all Amir's fault. You know
this.
(in a normal voice)
Tamira and I have been talking. She
nods at Tamira.
TAMIRA
(voice raising)
It's his greed, asking for money.
NADIA
But it was me who---
SURRAYA
(almost screaming)
---now he's given away the money and
you have no one to take care of you
in old age.
TAMIRA
(SCREAMING)
He's made you a pauper!
Amir rushes into the room, fingers in his ears, tears in his
eyes, anger in his hands. He beats himself with his fists.
AMIR
I can no longer listen to your shrieks
of grief. You are too cruel. Nadia,
come with me. Come walk.
But the sisters are overwhelming and Amir leaves alone.
EXT. ROADSIDE - DAY
Children dance around an object on the side of the road. A
dead dog lies rotting. Its carcass mangled by passing cars.
Amir shuffles around a bend in the road and almost stumbles
on this scramble of guts and gore. He teeters to a stop,
blinks back tears, steps over it, and hurries on.

40.
SMALL LIVING ROOM/PARLOUR.
Nadia, still sniffling, takes a glass of ice-water from a
her sister.
SURRAYA
You need to rid yourself of the evil
charm.
TAMIRA
Get it out of the house.
SURRAYA
We will help. Ask Amir to give it
to us. You'll never see it again.
TAMIRA
We'll take care of it.
NADIA
(shocked and agitated)
You don't know what you're asking
for. What would you do with it
anyway?
TAMIRA
We only want to help.
NADIA
We were told to destroy it.
SURRAYA
And has Amir done that?
(off Nadia's look)
Then we will take it away.
NADIA
What good can come from keeping it?
No. It must be destroyed.
Before the sisters can apply more pressure, Jamila walks in,
with very red eyes and Nadia changes the subject with
finality.
NADIA
(to her sisters)
This is Jamila. She was to marry
Azar.
SURRAYA
We are sorry, child.
TAMIRA
Very sorry for your loss.

41.
TAMIRA
Sit with us while we mourn Azar.
JAMILA
I am grateful for your words of
comfort. I have no sisters to help
me mourn.
Jamila pulls up a chair.
Nadia serves her the last glass of ice-water from the pitcher.
NADIA
I will make us some more.
She disappears into the kitchen.
Surraya and Tamira share a thoughtful look at Jamila, seeing
another way to get to the charm.
The sisters buzz around Jamila like flies, WHISPERING staccato-
like in her ears.
SURRAYA
It is a wonder you are still friends
with Nadia.
TAMIRA
Did you know Azar died because of
her greed?
SURRAYA
Such a worthless wish. It cost Azar
his life. They could have wished
for better houses for all of us.
TAMIRA
Or better health.
Tamira pulls up her skirt to scratch a rash of ugly-looking
boils on her legs.
JAMILA
What wish? What---
SURRAYA
---she hounded Amir to wish for ten
thousand dollars on a magic charm so
they would have enough money for
your wedding and bride price.
TAMIRA
HE wished for the money on a magic
charm---

42.
SURRAYA
---and when Azar was killed, the
glass works paid Amir ten thousand
in insurance money for Azar's life.
She nudges Tamira.
TAMIRA
Maybe you could ask Nadia to ask
Amir for the charm?
SURRAYA
And then give it to us, so we can
rid this household of its evil.
Jamilla sits in shock. Nadia returns with a fresh pitcher
of ice-water on a tray.
JAMILA
(to Nadia)
Is it true? Did you think so little
of my love for Azar? Did you think
I would only marry a rich man?
Nadia stands in confusion.
JAMILA
You resorted to charms!
Nadia GASPS and drops the pitcher.
NADIA
NO!!!
She drops to her knees, sops up the water with her skirt,
picks up pieces of the pitcher and piles them on the tray.
Jamila stands over her.
JAMILA
You did not trust my love for your
son, in spite of how many, many times
I confessed it. Even now you still
don't believe that I loved your son
as much as you loved him. You even
made a game of my grief---
NADIA
---but---
JAMILA
---and because you never believed I
loved Azar, you have brought a curse
down on your own house and robbed me
of my husband. Azar would be ashamed
to call you his mother!

43.
Jamila SLAMS her way out the door, leaving Nadia bewildered
and crushed, sitting on the floor with a pile of pieces from
the pitcher on the tray and a very wet skirt.
The gate SLAMS twice.
FOOTSTEPS outside.
The front door swings open.
Amir walks in, calls out.
AMIR
Nadia, I am here.
Nadia on the floor and her sisters on the furniture WAIL and
SCREAM.
AMIR
(mumbles to himself)
I should have taken a longer walk.
He creeps up the stairs to avoid the women.
INT. JABER HOUSE - DAY
Jamila, dabbing her eyes, closes the front door behind her.
Salim and Mansoor greet her.
SALIM
Where have you been? I worried about
you.
Mansoor nods to her in greeting.
MANSOOR
Jamila.
She ignores them and heads for her bedroom door.
SALIM
I worry you grieve too much. Azar
is dead. Why not consider Mansoor's
offer? It will help you forget.
Jamila SLAMS her bedroom door behind her.
BEDROOM
In their double bed, Amir half-awakens from slumber, stretches
out his hand.
His hand falls on the empty bedside where Nadia should be.

44.
He raises himself on his elbows, listens.
The sound of SUBDUED WEEPING outside floats in through the
open window.
AMIR
(loudly)
Come back to bed. You will be cold.
UNDER THEIR BEDROOM WINDOW
Nadia sits on the ground in her bedclothes.
NADIA
It is colder for my son.
Nadia WEEPS again.
CUT BACK TO:
BEDROOM
Amir falls back down. The sounds of Nadia's SOBS fade away.
His eyes grow heavy with sleep.
JAMILA'S BEDROOM
Jamila tosses, turns, rants and raves in her sleep.
JAMILA
Azar ... come back ... Azar ... I
wish ... wish ... you'd never died.
She snaps up into a sitting position.
JAMILA
Yes!
BEDROOM
Amir dozes fitfully. A KNOCK at the front door sounds far
away. It does not wake him.

45.
FRONT DOOR
Jamila BANGS on the door. Nadia opens it, stares at a wild-
eyed Jamila.
JAMILA
If you love your son as much as I
do, you will use the charm to restore
him to life again.
NADIA
Use the charm?
JAMILA
We can bring him back to life!
BEDROOM
A WILD CRY from his wife awakens Amir with a start.
STAIRS
Nadia runs up them into the
BEDROOM
NADIA
THE CHARM!
AMIR
Where? What is it? What's the
matter?
In the moonlight through the window, she stumbles across the
room toward him, speaks quietly.
NADIA
I want it. You've not destroyed it?
AMIR
It is well-hidden.
She cries and laughs, bends over and kisses his cheek.
NADIA
Why didn't I think of it before?
Why didn't you think of it?
AMIR
Think of what?

46.
NADIA
The other two wishes. We've only
used one.
AMIR
Was not that one enough?
NADIA
No! We'll have one more. Get it
quickly and wish our son alive again.
AMIR
By Allah's mercy, you're mad.
NADIA
Get it. Get it quickly and wish -
Oh my son! My boy!
AMIR
Get back to bed. You don't know
what you're saying.
NADIA
We had the first wish granted, why
not a second?
AMIR
A coincidence.
She quivers with excitement.
NADIA
Go get it and wish!
Amir's eyes widen-
SMASH CUT TO:
The broken and rotting corpse of the dead animal that Amir
saw.
SMASH CUT BAC
TO:
BEDROOM
Amir shuts his eyes in pain.
Nadia shakes him.
NADIA
Where is the charm?

47.
AMIR
He has been dead ten days...and
besides he...I would not lie to you,
but you know we had to hire someone
to wash his body. Neither you nor I
could do it...I could only recognize
him by his clothes. If he was too
terrible for you to see then, how
could you look upon him now?
NADIA
Do you think I could fear the child
I have nursed? Bring him back!
AMIR
I'm sorry. I cannot.
NADIA
You cannot?
He shakes his head no.
She turns, stumbles out of the room.
FOOTSTEPS ECHO on the stairs.
INT. SMALL LIVING ROOM/PARLOUR - NIGHT
Surraya sleeps on the sofa, Tamira in the comfortable chair.
Jamila stands by, eyes searching the room.
Nadia shakes the shoulder of one, then the other.
Both stare groggily at Nadia.
NADIA
Wake up! Wake up! We must find the
charm!
Surraya and Tamira jump up.
SURRAYA
At last!
TAMIRA
Quickly!
Under her nightgown, Tamira once again scratches the hideous
boils on her legs.
NADIA
We'll begin here.
Nadia pulls the pillows and blankets out from under her
sisters. Then, the underlying cushions. She shakes them
out to begin the search.

48.
Nadia wanders around the room looking for possible hiding
places. Her eyes fixate first on the fireplace mantle crowded
with knick-knacks. Then on to a trunk that serves as an end
table. She throws open the lid.
Her sisters and Jamila, wearing their night clothes, follow
Nadia around, tearing apart the places on which her eyes
linger.
Amir YELLS down the stairs.
AMIR (O.S.)
What are you doing? What is this
racket?
Amir descends the stairs.
AMIR (O.S.)
Surraya, Tamira do not encourage
your poor sister to waste her time
and heart looking for the charm.
SURRAYA
She would put it to good use.
AMIR
You want to use the grief of a
mourning mother for your own ends.
Jamila, go home.
TAMIRA
Go back to bed, old man.
Books, coverings, knick-knacks fly through the air as the
women destroy the home looking for the charm.
KITCHEN
The women ransack the kitchen cabinets and the contents of
kitchen appliances.
Amir clasps his ears with his hands.
AMIR
Stop! Stop it! Stop it! Out! All
of you! Surraya, Tamira. Go home!
I don't want you here.
The sisters pause their frenzied activity. One look at Amir
stops them cold, they back away.
AMIR
Out. Go home.
The women grab their things and leave.

49.
Amir turns to stare at Jamila who continues to search like
one possessed. He gently tries to stop her.
AMIR
Jamila. You have to stop. Please.
This won't help.
Jamila pushes past Amir and heads for the stairs to the
bedrooms.
Amir grabs her by the arms. She struggles. He won't let go
and Jamila collapses in his arms.
AMIR
(to Nadia)
Woman, go to her house and bring
Salim here to take her home.
NADIA
No!
AMIR
Then I will take her home.
KITCHEN - LATER
Nadia sits at the table amid the torn-apart mess, head in
her hands.
A furious Amir stomps in.
NADIA
I hope you are satisfied. You have
left me without help to find the
charm.
AMIR
Give it up, woman.
NADIA
No, you give it up.
(beat)
Either wish Azar back from the dead
or I leave you forever!
END OF ACT THREE

50.
ACT FOUR
EXT. JABER HOUSE - NIGHT
Mansoor watches Amir carry Jamila through her front door.
INSIDE THE FRONT DOOR
Salim holds a crying Jamila in his arms, unsure what to do.
SALIM
Jamila, stop now. You can't go on
grieving like this.
JAMILA
I need the charm.
SALIM
What charm?
JAMILA
The charm to bring Azar back.
SALIM
That is crazy talk.
JAMILA
It is NOT crazy to me. I love Azar
like no woman has ever loved a man
before.
SALIM
Love? Azar is DEAD. Stop your
foolishness.
JAMILA
It's not foolishness as long as
there's a chance he can be brought
back to life.
Salim softens, holds her close, rocks her.
SALIM
No, Habibti, no. There is no chance.
Jamila struggles.
JAMILA
I've got to go back.
SALIM
Jamila, you've got to move on. You're
still young.

51.
SALIM
You need a husband and babies to
help you forget.
Jamila breaks down into tears.
JAMILA
I only want Azar's babies. Let me
go.
SALIM
This has gone far enough.
He grabs her by the wrist, drags her to her bedroom, shoves
her in, CLICK, locks the door from the outside.
SALIM
You're not going anywhere. I FORBID
IT!
KITCHEN
Amir reacts with astonishment.
AMIR
Not only have I lost a son. I stand
to lose the only other person I love
dearly, my wife, unless I allow you
to cause more havoc in the world.
NADIA
It is not easy. I will lose you
too. Just do it. Save us all the
grief.
AMIR
More grief will be the result.
Nadia does not answer him, but stares into his eyes.
Amir stares back.
NADIA
More grief? Here is all the grief
in the world....in me...
Nadia lowers her eyes, sobs.
NADIA
...and in you.
Amir hesitates. Tears form in his eyes. He reaches under
the table, breaks the charm free from where he had taped it.

52.
Nadia's face turns white, expectant, and unnatural.
Amir shudders with fear.
NADIA
WISH!
AMIR
It's foolish and wicked.
NADIA
WISH!!
AMIR
He may not return whole.
NADIA
He will still be my son ... wish.
He stands and holds up the charm.
AMIR
I wish my son were alive again!
The charm falls to the floor.
Amir backs fearfully away from it; then, sinks trembling
into his chair, closes his eyes.
INT. KITCHEN - NIGHT
Nadia carries the charm into the living room/parlour, returns
without it.
She opens a window, stares out at an approaching fog.
Salim runs past the rotting animal corpse.
FRONT DOOR
Salim knocks frantically.
OMAR (O.S.)
Who is disturbing me?
SALIM
Something is wrong with Jamila.

53.
LIVING AREA
Omar stops counting a table full of money, and gives Salim
his full attention.
He listens MOS to Salim for a moment.
Then Omar rises from his seat, shovels the cash into a
cashbox, and they rush out into the night.
Omar and Salim run DOWN the road.
OMAR
I warned Amir that charm was evil!
JAMILA'S ROOM
Jamila tries to jimmy the door lock with a hair pin -
unsuccessfully. She turns her attention to the high window
and stacks furniture to reach the sill and struggles to open
the window.
EXT. JABER HOUSE - NIGHT
Mansoor hears Jamila and rushes to the
BACK OF THE HOUSE
But all he finds is an open window. He hears a GATE SLAM
and rushes
TO THE STREET
where he meets Omar and Salim. He points across the street
to the Saliba's house.
KITCHEN
Amir sits very still, glancing occasionally at Nadia staring
out the window with burning eyes.
SUDDENLY

54.
The GATE BANGS and is followed by a LOUD POUNDING on the
front door.
Amir takes Nadia's hand, leads her into the living
room/parlour.
POUNDING again.
Shaking, Amir opens the door.
Jamilla rushes in, wild eyed and disheveled.
Salim, Omar, Mansoor barge in on her heels.
SALIM
Jamila, come back with me.
Salim grabs Jamila by the wrist and pulls her out the door.
JAMILA
Let me go. I want to see Azar.
SALIM
Don't you understand? You cannot
see him ever again. He's gone.
JAMILA
(to Nadia)
But Azar's here. He's here.
But Nadia shakes her head 'no.'
Jamila breaks at that and Salim catches her.
SALIM
(to Nadia)
You have killed my daughter. Your
lies have made her mad.
OMAR
(to Amir)
This may be your last chance to turn
away from darkness.
Amir cannot believe what he hears.
AMIR
(soto)
All of you: get out of my house.
(yelling)
Get out of my house!
Omar shakes the dust off his feet as he leaves the house.
OMAR
May the responsibility lie in your
own hand. I've done what I could.

55.
Nadia and Amir, alone and lost, settle down; he on the sofa
and she staring out the window. Both motionless. Waiting.
A CANDLE END BURNS low throwing PULSATING SHADOWS on the
ceiling and walls---
SUDDENLY
---With a giant flicker and a giant jump of shadows, the
flame expires.
Amir slowly rises, pulls Nadia gently to her feet.
AMIR
Look at us, two old fools believing
in magic.
BEDROOM
Amir creeps into bed.
He pulls the covers up around him to his chin.
A moment later, Nadia creeps into bed beside him.
Silently, they lay awake, listening to the TICK OF A CLOCK.
BEDROOM - LATER
Husband and wife doze.
Amir awakens when a STAIR CREAKS, a RAT SQUEAKS and SCURRIES
NOISILY up a wall.
He gets out of bed, takes a box of matches from the table
beside the bed, lights one, and walks out of the room.
HALLWAY - FOOT OF THE STAIRS
The match goes out. Amir pauses to strike another.
SUDDENLY
Amir hears the GATE BANG and FOOTSTEPS DRAG toward the door.
A KNOCK on the front door comes so quietly and stealthily as
to be scarcely audible.
He drops the box of matches on the floor, where they scatter.
Amir stands motionless, not even breathing.
The KNOCK repeats.
He turns and runs swiftly up the stairs in the dark.

56.
BEDROOM
Amir closes the door behind him.
A third KNOCK sounds throughout the house.
Nadia startles awake.
NADIA
WHAT'S THAT?
Amir jumps.
AMIR
(voice shaking)
A rat. Passed me on the stairs.
Nadia sits up. Listens.
Another KNOCK resounds through the house again.
NADIA
It's Azar.
Nadia runs down the stairs and into the room. Amir's quicker.
He's there first.
He catches her by the arm, holds her tight, whispers hoarsely.
AMIR
What are you going to do?
NADIA
(struggling frantically)
It's my boy, it's Azar. I forgot
it's two miles to the cemetery.
Just enough time. Why are you holding
me? Let go. I must open the door.
AMIR
(trembling)
For Allah's sake, don't let it in.
NADIA
You're afraid of your own son. Let
me go.
(to whatever's on the other
side of the door)
I'm coming, Azar. I'm coming.
Another KNOCK, and then ANOTHER.
Nadia frantically struggles with Amir to reach the door.

57.
Amir holds her back.
AMIR
The charm! Where's the charm?
NADIA
I hid it where you'll not find it.
Without losing his grip on Nadia, Amir tosses furniture
cushions to the floor, searching under them.
AMIR
We're fools, in our grief we've done
a great wrong! Even if it's him,
he'll be in tremendous pain.
He drags her to the floor while he feels beneath furniture.
What is it about unexplained sounds
that lead the mind to expect the
best...or, the worst?
The thunderous KNOCKING continues. The house shakes.
People believe what they want to
believe. Don't they?
INSERT - NADIA'S HALLUCINATION
Azar, smiling, stands in the doorway.
Sometimes, if they are greedy and
want something they can't have badly
enough, their mind will override all
logic and expect miracles.
Azar's smiling face disappears into the fog.
END HALLUCINATION
DISSOLVE TO:
Nadia's face contorts revealing the effort of her struggle.
Is it the wished-for knock of their
dead son?...Or, is it imagination?
Nadia reaches for, almost touches, the door latch.

58.
Will Nadia break free and open the
door before Amir finds the charm and
wishes Azar dead again?
SMASH CUT TO:
EXT. ROADSIDE - DAY
The broken and rotting corpse of the dead animal that Amir
saw fills the screen and raises its head.
It utters an unearthy cry of unbearable pain.
SMASH CUT TO:
Nadia breaks free.
Amir sweeps books off a shelf.
ON SCREEN: To vote that Nadia will open the door first before
Amir finds the charm and uses the third wish to send Azar
back to the grave:
VOICE OF CONSCIOUSNESS (O.S.)
Should Nadia's desire to see her son
alive again rule the moment? Is it
Azar, healthy and whole, waiting on
the other side of the door? Or is
he a broken version of himself? Is
it better to have a broken son than
no son at all? If you want something
badly enough are you willing to take
whatever you get? Is this greed?
She reaches the door, fumbles with the latch and key while a
fusillade of KNOCKS reverberate through the house.
Amir picks up the charm from the bookshelf. Holds it up.
ON SCREEN: To vote that Amir uses the third wish to wish
Azar dead again before Nadia opens the door call:
Or should Amir's fear win out? Should
his fear of what lies beyond the
door prevent a mother's chance to
hold her son in her arms again?
Even if that son is mangled and
horrible to see? Just because you
fear something, does that make it
true? Or is his fear based on
experience and what lies behind that
door is too horrible to comprehend?
Nadia turns the key, swings the door open.
CUT TO:
AUDIENCE VOTING COMMERCIAL

59.
ALTERNATIVE ENDING #1 - NADIA FULLY OPENS THE DOOR BEFORE
AMIR COMPLETES THE THIRD WISH.
Nadia opens the door wide.
EXT. THROUGH THE FRONT DOOR LOOKING IN - NIGHT
Nadia SCREAMS.
Amir holds up the charm.
AMIR
Merciful Allah - send him back to
his grave!
Amir runs to the door, pulls Nadia away from danger, but
INT. THROUGH THE FRONT DOOR LOOKING OUT - NIGHT
NO ONE IS THERE - ONLY THE FOG.
But Nadia continues to scream backing away from the fog in
terror as the fog advances toward her.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. MENTAL HOSPITAL -- DAY
PATIENT ROOM
A catatonic Nadia sits curled in a fetal position on a bed.
Amir stands beside her holding her hand.
A DOCTOR, 50, distinguished-looking in a white coat, mentions
to Amir.
DOCTOR
We keep her sedated. Her mental
shock is much like Post Traumatic
Disorder and has led to extreme
hallucinations.
Amir nods sadly, knowingly.
DISSOLVE TO:

60.
INT. SURRAYA'S AND TAMIRA'S HOUSE -- DAY
LIVING ROOM
The place is a real dump, worse than Omar's.
Surraya hangs up the phone.
SURRAYA
(to Tamira)
Nadia has grown worse.
TAMIRA
You were right. The charm has been
nothing but a curse.
DISSOLVE TO:
Bashir and Amir sit and talk.
BASHIR
Brother, how can I help?
AMIR
I have promised the charm to Omar.
Will you take it to him?
Amir hands it to Bashir.
BASHIR
You know that I want the charm for
myself, but I will do this for you
because I am your brother. I promise.
INT. CASINO - NIGHT
CARD ROOM
Bashir sits at a card table with a huge pot - thousands of
dollars - the charm sits beside him.
He holds his cards tightly, as the LAST OTHER PLAYER lays
down a hand of two pair, deuces and treys.
Bashir smiles slightly as he lays down his own hand: a full
house, aces over eights.
He smiles broadly as he rakes in all the money in the huge
pot.

61.
CASHIER'S CAGE
The CASHIER counts out the last of Bashir's win.
CASHIER
Nine hundred ninety thousand... nine
hundred ninety five thousand...You've
won one million total.
BASHIR
Wrong, Cashier. Only five hundred
thousand is mine. The rest is
Allah's.
Bashir stuffs the packs of bills into a large sports bag.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. CASINO - NIGHT
The Last Other Player holds a tire iron and waits for Bashir
until he exits the building. He follows Bashir into the
parking lot.
PARKING LOT
As Bashir walks between two cars The Last Other Player rushes
up to him from behind and smashes him over the head with the
tire iron.
He hits him again and again until Bashir crumples to the
ground.
The Last Other Player snatches the sports bag and runs off
with it.
EXT. OMAR'S HOUSE - DAY
FRONT DOOR
Bashir, head bandaged and carrying the charm, KNOCKS.
Omar opens the door.
BASHIR
Dear friend. Please help me destroy
this evil object. My brother has no
further use for it.
OMAR
(taking the charm)
But your head? How did you...?
Bashir waves off his questions.

62.
BASHIR
Not now. My head hurts.
OMAR
I will do you this service in the
name of Allah. From this moment on,
I wish good will and Allah's blessings
on you and your family.
Omar closes the door. Bashir turns and walks away.
INT. OMAR'S HOUSE - DAY
Omar holds the charm up, fascinated. Walks outside
EXT. MOSQUE - DAY
to look at the old crumbling mosque. He looks at the charm
in his hand, grips it so tight his hand trembles.
BACKYARD
Omar builds a bonfire.
DISSOLVE TO:
A ROARING bonfire.
Omar throws the charm into the fire, watches a moment, walks
away.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. OMAR'S HOUSE - LATER
The bonfire is almost out.
Jamila searches through the ashes, finds the charm.
DISSOLVE TO:
FRONT DOOR
A LOUD KNOCK rings through the house. It awakens Jamila
from a sleep on the sofa, just inside the door. She hears
the same dragging footsteps Amir heard outside his door.

63.
EXT. THROUGH THE FRONT DOOR LOOKING INSIDE - NIGHT
A light fills Jamila's face as the fog seeps in around her.
A look of horror spreads across her face.
DISSOLVE TO:
In a photo portrait on the mantle, Amir, Nadia, and Azar
smile during a happier time.
So where is the line drawn between
want and greed? Is it in the mind?
Or, in the deed? Everyone wants.
Everyone wishes. Why are we so
obsessed with getting what we do not
have and what we cannot have? Is it
in the nature of mankind? Is everyone
greedy?
THE END OF ALTERNATE ENDING #1

64.
ALTERNATIVE ENDING #2 - AMIR COMPLETES THE THIRD WISH BEFORE
NADIA FULLY OPENS THE DOOR.
Amir holds up the charm.
AMIR
Please take away my son's pain and
bring him peace.
Nadia opens the door wide.
INT. THROUGH THE FRONT DOOR LOOKING OUTSIDE - NIGHT
NO ONE IS THERE - ONLY THE FOG.
Nadia falls sadly to the floor as Amir comes to hold her and
they cling to each other as the fog slowly fades away.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. JABER HOUSE - DAY
FRONT DOOR
Nadia hugs Jamila and whispers something MOS to her.
Jamila steps out, hugs Nadia.
Jamila's eyes fill with tears.
INT. JABER HOUSE - DAY
Jamila closes the front door, weeps softly.
Salim addresses her from across the room.
SALIM
Who was that, and why are you crying
again?
JAMILA
Azar is truly gone.
She falls to her knees.
JAMILA
(praying)
Please watch over his soul.

65.
Salim shakes his head.
SALIM
I'll never understand what this
craziness was about. What is dead
stays dead. I am only glad you have
realized this.
As Salim sees Mansoor coming through the gate outside,
SALIM
Now you have your life to live.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. CASINO - NIGHT
CARD ROOM
Bashir sits at a card table with one OTHER PLAYER and a huge
pot - thousands of dollars.
He holds his cards tightly, as the OTHER PLAYER lays down a
hand of two pair, kings and queens. He holds on to one card.
Bashir smiles slightly as he lays down his own hand: a full
house, treys over deuces.
He smiles broadly as he starts to rake in all the money in
the huge pot.
The Other Player drops a third king on his two pair - full
house - king high! The Other Player wins. It's his turn to
LAUGH.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. MARKET PLACE - NIGHT
Omar stands outside, busking.
OMAR
Please friends help me help Allah
help you. I wish to build a
magnificent mosque to honor Him.
Bashir in scruffy clothes, obviously down and out, spots
Omar, tries to avoid eye contact, but can't slip away quick
enough.
OMAR
I take it you didn't win the million.
Omar smiles kindly.

66.
OMAR
(off Bashir's silence)
The hard route is better, my friend.
BASHIR
Better than what?
OMAR
Better than selling your soul.
Omar goes back to collecting the change that comes his way
as mosque donations. Bashir watches, then approaches him
again.
BASHIR
I was once a builder.
OMAR
And a fine architect, as I recall.
BASHIR
If you collect the money, I will
dedicate my life to building your
mosque.
Omar smiles again.
OMAR
Start drawing, my friend. Start
drawing.
DISSOLVE TO:
FRONT DOOR
Amir, carrying the charm, KNOCKS.
Omar opens the door.
AMIR
Dear friend. I hope you will help
me destroy this evil object. I have
no wishes left.
OMAR
(taking the charm)
I wish you and your wife good will
and Allah's blessings from this moment
on.

67.
BACK YARD
Omar builds a huge bonfire. He casts the charm into the
heart of the red-hot coals.
BEDROOM - EVENING
BEGIN OMAR'S DREAM SEQUENCE 2
Omar lies in bed, clad in bed clothes, eyes closed.
Omar's eyes SNAP open. He drifts out of bed and through the
LIVING ROOM
past the furniture to the
KITCHEN
and out the door
to gaze at The Blue Mosque across the street.
BACKYARD
He steps across the yard and on the remains of the bonfire
and the charm.
In wonder, Omar picks up the charm. It's unscathed. He
smiles.
OMAR
I wish for enough money to build
your mosque.
END OMAR's DREAM SEQUENCE 2
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. OMAR'S HOUSE - DAY
BEDROOM
A loud KNOCK.
OMAR'S EYES POP OPEN.

68.
FRONT DOOR
Omar opens it to greet a joyful Faisal.
FAISAL
As I promised. My son is engaged
today.
He thrusts a very large wad of bills into Omar's hands.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. SURRAYA'S AND TAMIRA'S HOUSE - DAY
LIVING ROOM
The place is a real dump, worse than Omar's.
Surraya hangs up the phone. Shakes her head.
SURRAYA
(to Tamira)
Nothing. Azar did not appear.
TAMIRA
I never believed all that talk of
magic and wishes coming true in the
first place.
SURRAYA
I only went along with it for the
sake of Nadia's grief.
TAMIRA
Well, now it is over.
SURRAYA
It would have been nice to have a
new house though.
TAMIRA
(scratching her leg)
One can only dream.
DISSOLVE TO:
In a photo portrait on the mantle, Amir, Nadia, and Azar
smile during a happier time.

69.
So where is the line drawn between
want and greed? Is it in the mind?
Or, in the deed? Everyone wants.
Everyone wishes. Why are we so
obsessed with getting what we do not
have and what we cannot have? Is it
in the nature of mankind? Is everyone
greedy?
THE END OF ALTERNATE ENDING #2

HOG Charisma draft 12-12-09 CL

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HOG Charisma draft 12-12-09 CL