Batman: Death In The Family

[jimthecomicguy]

Hello hypsters.

I have been a member of these boards for years.

Currently I am a senior at the University of Texas in the film department. Focusing on screenwriting, I have fallen in love with directing. I basically shoot a short film every two months, just trying to get better. I have done a documentary, a couple of flicks based on an original comic I wrote and mock-umentary on the adult film industry. I was looking for projects and it hit me...a fan film based on BATMAN. So, thats wht we decided to do. After months of planning and preproductions, we start shooting on the 2nd of October and expect to wrap around the 15th.

Here is a break down of the project:

BUDGET: well, I am student. More to the point, I am broke. IN April I will be shooting my feature film that I intend to submit to festivals and such. So, basically, we spent about a 500 dollars on this film. Not a whole lot, when you consider how fast the money can go.

ACTORS: Well, I am using a buddy of mine in the lead. He is the only choice, because this is all about us having a good time. As good a time you can have when making an extremely dark film. While having a bald Bruce Wayne might draw the ire of some (I don't care) the man is in a great shape (Houston Fire Fighter) and is an expert in three forms of Martial arts. So, the fights will be incredible. For the rest of the cast, I am using professional actors from throughout the Austin area. I auditioned 20 guys for the Joker and found a good one.

STORY: Well, the script is very different from the story printed in the early 90's. I am 30 years old and remember voting to kill Jason Todd. What was lost on me at the time was the cheesy aspects of the story...(Joker in Iran, ect). So the story has been tweaked and updated. I added Batgirl to the story because I prefer my Batman to be like the Batman in the films and the current comics...dark, distant. As a result, I needed a character that will connect the audience to Batman so we could feel the loss that he feels when Jason is killed. I feel like voice over narration is lazy, so i took the route of adding Batgirl to the tale. She has been working her tail off for the last few months in fight training to be able to play the role well. Some of the dialogue is right from the book, as is the shot list. For example, when Jason is beaten, all we will see is a medium shot of Joker, ala the book. We are also going to have cameos of all kinds of heroes, which will be fun.

TECHNICAL STUFF: We are shooting on a Canon XL2 camera. It is a mid grade professional camera. We will be editing on a Mac G5 using Final Cut Pro, THE editing software out there.

COSTUMES: Always the biggest issue. We are going a little off the reservation. The BATGIRL look is an all new design. BATMAN will be in all black with a symbol in a dark grey oval, as opposed to the yellow. My only issue with Batman Begins was that, you cant see the bat. So, this was a compromise. Obviously, the film will be shot dark..think Burton's Batman or the Crow or Begins, and this will help hide the costume deficiencies.

RELEASE: We intend to complete the editing process by December. I intend on a premier in Austin and am willing to send DVD's to those who will pay for shipping and the price of the DVD. Obviously, I can make no money on this and to be honest, I wouldnt want to.

TRAILER and PICS: Well, I made a teaser trailer for my actors. It involves comic art and was just a way of getting the actors pumped up. Also, I had a teaser poster made by a graphc designer.

MY INTENT: For this thread is not to get critiqued about the script or whathave you. Honestly, I have enough friends and professors in the community that do that for me. And I have enough success with what I have written to not have to rely on the internet for that. Rather, I am a Batman geek and I know alot of you are out there. I enjoy fan films, no matter the quality because I love seeing people put thier passions out there. So, i thought others might be interested as well.

SO, enjoy or don't. I am putting linkts to the teaser material down there for you to look at.

Jim

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=4068121935892656883&hl=en

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m294/jamesdziedzic/BATMAN_Death2.jpg

 

[ROBOCOP CPU001]

would have liked to have seen some proper photos in your teaser..but hell i'm in..

look forward to seeing more..i love fanflicks.

because i'm doing one myself..i look forward to seeing your work.

 

[jimthecomicguy]

Yea, of course. But the teaser was created when the idea was first announced.

As I said, it was a way to a) generate curiosity and to pump up the actors. As you can tell, the teaser was created before I had even cast the other roles.

Thanks for your interest. I saw you getting hammered on your thread, which is BS. Just keep on keepin' on.

 

[Kevin Roegele]

While having a bald Bruce Wayne might draw the ire of some (I don't care) the man is in a great shape (Houston Fire Fighter) and is an expert in three forms of Martial arts. So, the fights will be incredible.

Just because you have martial artist involve does not make the fight scenes great. All movies have trained martial artists and stuntmen. Batman & Robin had a small army of world class martial artists involved, and look what happened.

 

[jimthecomicguy]

Of course. What I also have is skill as a filmmaker and a stunt/fight coordinator to make them look realistic. And no nipples.

 

[ROBOCOP CPU001]

Yea, of course. But the teaser was created when the idea was first announced.

As I said, it was a way to a) generate curiosity and to pump up the actors. As you can tell, the teaser was created before I had even cast the other roles.

Thanks for your interest. I saw you getting hammered on your thread, which is BS. Just keep on keepin' on.

I intend to..i'm not doing it for the fans..i'm doing it for me.

 

[Julez]

I just dont get why you people making "films" dont wait till it's finished and then release it, hate it or love it, on the net. What are we supposed to in this thread right now? Espiciallly if you dont want it to be critiqued....I mean this isn't Spider-Man 3...

Anyways, the teaser was pretty basic, although that's expected, I think you (or whoever edited it) could have put some more work in...Some of the pictures didn't fit the entire screen, and it felt more like watching a msn slideshow then a teaser.

 

[jimthecomicguy]

you dont have to do anything in this thread.

 

[jimthecomicguy]

As for the trailer, you're right.

We did the trailer while waiting for the DVD's to burn on another film. We decided to do it on a whim.

If I had the time, I would obviously go back and make it more of a narrative and less than a slideshow.

 

[The Shape]

Can't wait.

 

[jimthecomicguy]

Can't wait.

Shape....do to your quote, being the best on these boards, I will send you a copy of the DVD when it is done.

 

[enterthemadness]

As a future screenwriter, I hope your film turns out great (which could be hard with a tiny budget). Have you thought of putting the movie on youtube or making a website for the movie?

 

[jimthecomicguy]

Good luck on the screenwriting. Just a tip, don't call your self a future screenwriter...just call yourself a screenwriter.

The film will go on google video. as for a website, I am just going to use my myspace for info and such.

 

[jimthecomicguy]

We start shooting in 6 days.

here is the script. Sorry it appears out of format, but it didn't paste right from FINAL DRAFT.

DEATH IN THE FAMILY

FADE IN.

EXT. GOTHAM CITY THEATER - NIGHT

THOMAS and MARTHA WAYNE walk home with their son, Bruce.
A man, JOE CHILL (31), weak and desperate, appears from the shadows. He pulls a pistol and shoots Thomas and Martha in the chest.
Bruce collapses on his parents as they bleed out onto the street.

EXT. GRAVEYARD - MORNING

BRUCE WAYNE stands in front of a gravestone. He holds a rose in his hand.
BATMAN (V.O.)
When I was 9 years old, my child hood ended. Innocence was replaced by fear, which gave me motivation. Parents teach their children a myriad of lessons; love, life, values. My parents taught me a different lesson. Lying on the street,shaking with deep shock, they showed me that the world only makes sense when you force it to.

INT. ABANDONED WAREHOUSE - NIGHT
BATGIRL and ROBIN have found TWO-FACE and his gang. Two-Face holds two MODELS hostage.
Batgirl and Robin hide on opposite ends of the warehouse.
They communicate by radio.

ROBIN
We need to go, Babs.
BATGIRL
Codenames only, ROBIN. And no. We wait until Batman gets here.
ROBIN
But they are going to kill them.
BATGIRL
We wait.

Two-face addresses his gang.
TWO - FACE
I know what you are thinking ladies. ‘Where is Batman.’ Your fate isn’t up to the Bat. It’s not up to me. It is up to blind chance.

MODEL 1
Please, don’t do this....I will do anything.

DEUCE
Boss, we need to shut them up.

GOTH
Yea, let me do it.

DEUCE
Face, if the Batman....

TWO - FACE
Batman is part of the equation. He always is.

GOTH
Shouldn’t you flip for it, Face?

TWO - FACE
You know me too well.

Two Face flips his coin into the air. He catches it, revealing the scarred side.

TWO - FACE (CONT’D)
Fate has spoken ladies.

Robin reacts to the coin flip.

ROBIN
I’m going.

Robin dives into the fray, taking on Two-Face’s thugs.
Batgirl calls BATMAN over their head radio pieces.

BATGIRL
Batman, Robin has engaged.

BATMAN (V.O.)
Damnit. I told him to hold off. I am five minutes away.

BATGIRL
I am gonna get in there, help him out.

BATMAN
OK. Batman, out.

Batgirl fights to the middle of the room. She stands back to back with Robin.

ROBIN
See, Babs. This isn’t so bad. We will get pats on the back.

BATGIRL
Robin, you have a lot to learn. Divide them up. We don’t want to let them mass on us.

ROBIN
Have fun!

Robin and Batgirl separate and fight throughout the warehouse.
Robin comes face to face with Deuce.

DEUCE
How did I get stuck with the second team?

ROBIN
I was just thinking the same thing.

Deuce punches at Robin wildly before Robin crouches down and springs upward with a round house kick, falling the enemy.
Robin is then piled on by some of Two-Face’s goons.
Batgirl dives into rescue him. She is knocked to the ground and a boot pins her neck to the ground.
Two-Face places a gun barrel to her temple.

TWO-FACE
Well, Batgirl. What does fate hold for you today?

BATGIRL
Go to hell.

TWO-FACE
My fate is not in question today, my dear.

Two-Face tosses his coin. The scarred side comes up.

TWO-FACE (CONT’D)
Sorry, my dear. Looks like the fates are not smiling on you.

A loud thud is heard as Batman hits the ground.

BATMAN
That will be enough, Harvey.

Two-Face tightens his grip on the trigger.

TWO-FACE
Batman, chaos is the only way to...

Batman tosses two Batarangs, one knocking the coin from Two-Face’s hand, the other his gun.

BATMAN
Batgirl, are you OK?

Batgirl throws an elbow into Two-Face.

BATGIRL
I’m fine.

Robin fights his way to the other two. Two-Face charges Batman who spins around, catching him in his cape. The cape drapes over him. When it is pulled away, Two-Face’s hands are bound in flex cuffs.

BATMAN
Batgirl, call the Commissioner. Tell him the bust went down. Tell him we wanted to wait, but couldn’t. Give him the address.

Batman walks over to Robin, standing nose to nose.

ROBIN
We got’em Bats.

BATMAN
The cave. Now.

INT. ARKHAM ASYLUM - DAY
The JOKER is wheeled into an interview room. Dr. HARLEEN QUINZEL is waiting for you.

JOKER
Ahh deary, another one?

HARLEY
Mr. Napier, my name is...

JOKER
No one has called me that in a long time. I prefer my official title, “The Clown Prince of Crime” or my nom de plurs..my traveling name. The name for which I am most famous. The Joker.

HARLEY
Sure thing, Mr. Joker. So, how did you end up in this place?

JOKER
I am sure you have heard of the Batman.

HARLEY
I have. But I heard that this time, it was Robin.

JOKER
The brat. Well, he got the jump on ol’ Uncle Joker. But no matter. I will get him.

HARLEY
I know that you will. You can’t be beaten, can you?

JOKER
No. The Bat and I do our dance, but I will be here long after he is gone. Besides he needs me.

HARLEY
Needs you?

JOKER
Yes. Needs me. All these heroes need their villains, don’t they? Other wise, they are just weirdos in long underwear. We give them purpose. I am just a bit more vicious than the others. I like to have a bit more fun. Old’ baldy in Metropolis? No fun. And don’t get me started on the others....

HARLEY
I know that about you. You do have fun. Hundreds killed...maimed. You are sick, twisted and so very...sexy.

JOKER
What exactly are you doing here?

HARLEY
I want to play....with Uncle Joker.

Harley kisses him.

JOKER
Well, I think that can be arranged. But first, you need to get me out of here.

HARLEY
Done. And second?

JOKER
And second, we need to update your look. Keep you in step with my sense of style.

HARLEY
No problem. No problem, Mr. J.

Harley reaches for a pencil, slamming into an orderlies throat. She then pulls a tazer from her purse and turns up the juice on the other one.

INT. BATCAVE - NIGHT
Batgirl and Batman are sitting in the cave, talking about Robin’s behavior.

BATGIRL
What are you going to do, Bruce?

BATMAN
He needs more training. It’s too soon. He has to control his emotions to do this work.

BATGIRL
He isn’t Dick.

BATMAN
No he isn’t. He needs to be better than Dick. He needs to be better than me.

BATGIRL
You are trying to judge him by an immeasurable standard.

BATMAN
No I am not. You could have been killed. We don’t have room for error. And we don’t have room for people who can’t follow orders.

BATGIRL
He can follow...

BATMAN
Then where is he?

BATGIRL
He is afraid of you.

BATMAN
Why would he be?

BATGIRL
Dick was..afraid of disappointing you. That’s why he gave up being Robin

BATMAN
It was time for him to go...be his own man. Be Nightwing. But that isn’t what we are talking about here.

BATGIRL
No it isn’t. Jason?

BATMAN
I am suspending him for now. Off of active duty until he can get his mind right.

Robin enters the cave.

ROBIN
When were you going to tell me?

BATMAN
Now. Jason, you are being too reckless. We had a plan.

ROBIN
They were going to kill them...

BATMAN
No he wasn’t.

BATGIRL
Jason, he is right. Two-Face wasn’t doing anything until 2:00 am. It was in the brief.

BATMAN
You jumped in because you wanted a rush. Well, did you get it? I hope so. Because two innocent girls almost died because of it. You almost cost Barbara her life because of your need for a rush.

BATGIRL
Bruce, that’s not fair.

ROBIN
Babs, I am sorry.

BATGIRL
Its a dangerous job, Jason. We don’t do this alone. We need to work together.

BATMAN
Jason, you are not to go out on patrol tomorrow night. And not again until you figure out why you wear the mask.

ROBIN
But...

BATMAN
No buts.

Robin exits the cave.

Batgirl hands Batman a phone.

BATGIRL
It’s Gordon. He needs to see us.

BATMAN
Yes Jim.

INT. JASON’S ROOM - NIGHT.
Jason sits on the bed. He has been sobbing. He holds a bat symbol in his hands, running over the wings and the ears.
Alfred enters the room.

ALFRED
Master Jason? I thought I might prepare a little suppa? Anything?

ROBIN
He thinks I failed him.

ALFRED
No. Master Bruce just needs you to be safe.

ROBIN
I blew it.

ALFRED
Master Jason, being a creature of the night is not the only reason you’re here.

ROBIN
But I want to be as good as he is. I want to be him.

ALFRED
I don’t want you to.

ROBIN
You don’t?

ALFRED
No sir. I want you to have a life. I want you to go to school, have a wife. I don’t want you to lose yourself in this creation like Master Wayne.

ROBIN
He hates me. He thinks I can’t handle it.

ALFRED
No, no. Not at all.

ROBIN
I can handle it, Alfred. I can be as good as him.

ALFRED
Jason, you don’t need to be chasing anyone. Instead, you need to be the best Jason Todd needs to be. It won’t always be easy, and there will be bumps in the road, but you can get through it.

ROBIN
Thanks Alfred.

ALFRED
So, suppa?

ROBIN
Sure, I will come help.

ALFRED
Oh, and get that back down to the cave. Master Bruce doesn’t like leaving evidence of the “other” life laying around.

 

[jimthecomicguy]

EXT. GOTHAM POLICE HEADQUARTERS - NIGHT

Batgirl and Batman meet with JAMES GORDON and MICHAEL ATKINS, the Gotham police commissioner and one of his detectives. Batgirl stays more in the Shadows than Batman.

GORDON
Batman, Batgirl. Thanks for coming so quickly

BATMAN
What is it, Jim?


GORDON
Its the Joker. He killed 3 guards and 16 inmates. He is out of Arkham. He apparently kidnapped his therapist, Dr. Harleen Quinzel.

BATGIRL
Is there a revolving door on that place?

GORDON
Seems that way, Miss. We have an APB out on him. We will find him.

BATMAN
Unfortunately, finding the Joker usually comes with finding corpses.

GORDON
I know.

ATKINS
We are covering the area around Arkham. And we are also looking into some of his old hideouts.

BATMAN
He will go somewhere new. Joker is not going to make it to easy.

ATKINS
Word on the street is that he is broke. He will need some place to set up shop and a way to get some funds. Unlike Penguin or the Riddler, he is not connected. The other Rogues don’t really like him.

BATMAN
That makes him desperate and more dangerous. All we can do is bring him in.

GORDON
I know. You would think the politicians would learn, and quit putting him in a hospital.

BATMAN
You and me both Jim. Just keep in touch. I will do the same. We will get him.

GORDON
I will. Detective Atkins is running the JOKER task force. Heis trustworthy.

BATMAN
I know. He helped bring down Mr. Zsaz.
Gordon turns to face the city. As he speaks Batgirl and Batman disappear.

GORDON
This city owes you a great debt. And I do too. A city this corrupt, I feel like you’re my only friend.....

He turns to see them gone.

GORDON (CONT’D)
Another time perhaps.

EXT. GOTHAM CITY - NIGHT
Batgirl and Batman talk on a roof top.

BATMAN
We are gonna have to find him. One hand short.

BATGIRL
You want to call Superman? Nightwing? Robin?

BATMAN
Superman has other priorities and this is my town. Nightwing is in NY with the Titans. And Robin. I don’t want him tangling with the Joker. He is not ready for him. Sometimes, I think I am not ready for him.

BATGIRL
I hate meeting with you and commissioner. What if he figures out its me? Dad would kill me.

BATMAN
He would respect what you’re doing.

BATGIRL
Maybe. But I am still his little girl. You know how protective fathers can get.

BATMAN
I wouldn’t. You keep in touch with Atkins. We have other angles to work.

Batman exits the roof top.

BATGIRL
Sorry....

INT. JOKER’S LAIR - NIGHT
Harley and Joker arrive at the hang out of Two-Face’s gang.
Harley bounds into the room as circus music plays.

HARLEY
And now, for your entertainment pleasure, the cutest clown on the planet...his highness, the Joker!

Joker enters.

JOKER
Hello boyo’s! Thanks for house sitting. Now, if you don’t mind. My girl and I would like a night alone. Harley?

HARLEY
You heard Mr. J! Now, we will relieve you, the lil’ people, of your rotten lives.

Harley pulls out an UZI and machine guns all the mafia goons to death.

JOKER
Well done, Harl.

HARLEY
Thanks puddin’. Like what I have done with the place?

JOKER
It’s OK Harl. I would love to mount something on the wall. A bat perhaps? I would even settle for a little red bird...but you my dear look wonderful. Your face, your lips, your ass, your hips. Simply wonderful.

HARLEY
I need a name, though, puddin’

JOKER
How about Harley Quinn....you always bring a smile to my face.

Joker and Harley begin to waltz.

HARLEY
We are dancing like in a movie, Mr. J.

JOKER
Like Beauty and the Beast. Of course, anyone else ever calls you Beast, I will rip their lungs out.

EXT. GOTHAM
MONTAGE
Batman and Batgirl looking for the Joker.
Joker piling up his body count.
END MONTAGE

INT. MALL - DAY
Jason is walking through an arcade. He bumps into a pretty brunette named SASHA.

ROBIN
I am sorry.

SASHA
No problem. You look lost.

ROBIN
I am. I have...bo--father issues.

SASHA
Don’t we all.

ROBIN
I guess.

SASHA
What does he do?

ROBIN
He is...like a cop or something.

SASHA
That can be hard, I imagine. My dad is a business man. Always working.

ROBIN
So we are like peas in a pod, then?

The two teenagers end up spending the day together. They laugh, joke and battle between trying to hold hands and not sure if they want to be touching each other.
Near the entrance to the mall, Sasha sees a big black SUV pull up to the front.

SASHA
I have to go Jason. Call me?

Sasha hands Jason her phone number.

She kisses him on the cheek and darts into the back of the car.

SASHA (CONT’D)
Carlo, I had such a wonderful day.....

The car doors lock. Harley Quinn adjusts the rearview mirror.

HARLEY
Carlo took the rest of his life off, kiddo.

INT. WAYNE MANOR - NIGHT
Batman is watching a news report. Jason is passing through the room. The report comes over the air that a young woman, Sasha, has been kidnapped.

ROBIN
I know that girl.

BATMAN
You do? Since when.

ROBIN
I met her a few days ago. Why?

BATMAN
Jason, she is Carmine Falcone’s Grand daughter.

ROBIN
The Mob boss?

BATMAN
Yea.

ROBIN
What are we going to do?

BATMAN
The news just broke. We are working on it.

ROBIN
What took so long for the news to break.

BATMAN
They are the mob, Jason. They tend not to call the police for help.

ROBIN
They do it themselves...

BATMAN
Which is what scares me. A gang war is brewing and we need to stop it. This is about more than a little girl.

ROBIN
I want in.

BATMAN
Absolutely not. You are still suspended.

ROBIN
Don’t do this to me.

BATMAN
Jason. We WILL get her back.

EXT. POLICE STATION - NIGHT
Batgirl is talking with her informant, Officer Renee Atkins.

BATGIRL
Any information on Joker?

ATKINS
I expected Batman to be working on the Joker lead.

BATGIRL
He is working on getting Falcon’s daughter back.

ATKINS
Why that and not the Joker?

BATGIRL
Can you help me, or not?

ATKINS
Yea. Joker and his partner have the girl. Our man inside Falcone’s family just found out. He is
holding her. But he hasn’t made any ransom demands.

BATGIRL
Nothing?

ATKINS
No. And no time limit set.

BATGIRL
I see. Thanks Detective. Again.

Batgirl disappears.

ATKINS
You know. You would make a great cop. Ever think about joining....I hate it when they do that.

INT. BATCAVE - NIGHT
Batgirl and Batman are pouring over evidence.

BATGIRL
I think he is here, in the warehouse district.

BATMAN
We’ll check it out. First, we have to meet Gordon.

Robin has been eaves dropping on the conversation. He waits for Batman and Batgirl to leave before looking at the evidence.

ROBIN
Sasha, here I come. And you sick Clown, it is time for round two.

EXT. WAREHOUSE DISTRCIT - NIGHT
Robin is lurking through the shadows. He crawls through a window, looking for Sasha.
He feels a hammer fall hard against his back.
HARLEY QUINN has hit him with a mallet.

HARLEY
Look what I got, Mr. J!

JOKER
I was hoping for a Bat, but I guess a Bird will do. How long has it been since you have seen your Uncle Joker? Now lets see who he is...

Joker removes Robin’s mask.

JOKER (CONT’D)
Hmm. Rather unremarkable.

EXT. WAREHOUSE DISTRCIT - NIGHT.
Atkins makes his way to an old Joker hideout. A sentry stands guard. He draws his gun.

ATKINS
Freeze, Gotham P.D.

The goon draws a gun and fires. Atkins shoots first, killing the man.

On the ground, he finds a box with a bit symbol on it. In the box is a card and Robin’s mask.

ATKINS (CONT’D)
****.
he pulls out her phone and calls Gordon.

ATKINS (CONT’D)
Commissioner, get the signal up. Now.

EXT. GOTHAM POLICE HEADQUARTERS - NIGHT
Commissioner Gordon hands Batman the package..

GORDON
It’s from the Joker.

BATMAN
It’s a dinner invitation. “Do you feel like Robin tonight?”

ATKINS
I found it about an hour ago. At one of his old hide-outs.

BATGIRL
That address is at the wharf. It’s Two Face’s old hang.

BATMAN
Jim, we’re going.

GORDON
I will get some cars down there.

INT. JOKER’S LAIR - NIGHT
Robin lay on the concrete floor. Joker and Harley are standing over him.

JOKER
C’mon Bird Boy, wake up. It’s time to Par-tay!

Robin comes to, punching Joker in the jaw.

ROBIN
Then let’s boogy.

Harley kicks Robin to the ground.

HARLEY
You are being a bad boy. Almost as bad as Sasha was being. Before I cut her throat. Don’t look at me like that! She was putting the moves on my Puddin.’

Joker picks up a crow bar.

JOKER
She’s right you know. I have to discipline you. Mommy will be so mad at me if I don’t. But let me tell you, honestly. This is going to hurt you alot more than it hurts me.

Joker begins beating Jason with the crow bar.
After Jason is nearly dead, Joker and Harley escape out the door.

JOKER (CONT’D)
I love a good house warming.

HARLEY
You know how to through a party hun.

Harley and Joker exit.

Batman comes bursting through the door.
He cradles Robin in his arms.

FLASHBACK:
EXT. ALLEYWAY
Bruce catches Jason Todd trying to his wallet.
Batman showing Jason the Batcave.
Jason in the Robin suit for the first time.
END FLASHBACK

INT. JOKER’S LAIR - NIGHT
Batman holds Jason.

BATMAN
Batgirl, for god’s sakes. Call Dr. Thomkins. Tell her we are coming in with a man down.

BATGIRL
Done.

BATMAN
Jason, stay with me.

ROBIN
You were supposed to be here. You were supposed to...

Robin dies in Batman’s arms.
Batman scoops him up and walks out of the lair.

INT. BATCAVE - NIGHT
Batgirl has placed Robin’s costume in a glass case. Under the case reads the words “JASON TODD: A GOOD SOLDIER”

Several heroes pay their respects. As they leave...

Batman enters, angry.

BATMAN
What are they doing here?

BATGIRL
Paying their respects.

BATMAN
We don’t have the luxury of that.

BATGIRL
You need to.

BATMAN
No. What I need to do is hunt down the clown.

BATGIRL
Jason was not just one of your tools. He was your goddamn partner.

BATMAN
I know exactly who he was. And I know exactly why he is dead. Is there anything else you want to lecture me on, Barbara.

BATGIRL
No. Just one more thing. If I am the next to go, I hope you at least feel the loss.

Batgirl exits.
Batman looks at an oil painting of his parents.

BATMAN
Of course I feel his loss. As I feel theirs. It is what is keeping me going.

Batman puts on his gear.

EXT. GOTHAM ALLEY WAY - NIGHT.
Batman stops a thief. He begins beating the suspect mercilessly until his radio inside his cowl crackles to life.

BATGIRL (V.O.)
Batman, the signal is up. Where are you?

BATMAN
Tell Gordon.

Batman looks at the bleeding hulk on the ground.

BATGIRL (V.O.)
Batman?

BATMAN
I’m on my way.

Batman disappears into the night.

INT. BATCAVE - NIGHT
Barbara enters the cave.

BATGIRL
Where the hell is my gear?

BATMAN
You are done. No more sidekicks.

BATGIRL
First, I was never your sidekick. I do this because I want to. I am not looking for a father like Dick or Jason.

BATMAN
And second?

BATGIRL
An extension of the first. You didn’t hire me. You can’t fire me.

BATMAN
I cannot have another death...

BATGIRL
You might. Or it might be you. But if your mission is so damned important, then you would do all that is needed to pick yourself up when you fall. You are walking a thin line between being a hero and becoming another of Gotham’s psychotic freaks.

BATMAN
Are you done?

BATGIRL
Yes. I think so.

BATMAN
Put your gear is in the locker, next to mine. And we need to figure out the future...some way of coordinating the fight using communication and up to date intel.

BATGIRL
One thing at a time, Bruce. And another thing. Some kid named...Tim Drake has been leaving messages for you. Don’t know what it is about.

BATMAN
Thanks.

Batgirl exits.

Bruce walks up to Jason’s uniform.

BATMAN (CONT’D)
I wish you hadn’t died. I wish I could have protected you. But I will do it better. Never doubt I was proud of you, Jason. You were always a good soldier.

Batman is sitting in the cave when he hears a loud WHOOSH. SUPERMAN lands in the cave.

SUPERMAN
Bruce, how are you holding up?

BATMAN
As can be expected.

SUPERMAN
I understand what you are going through.

BATMAN
Do you? Have you had to pick up your protege's body after it had been beaten to a pulp by Lex Luther? I didn’t think so.

SUPERMAN
Fair enough.

BATMAN
What do you want?

SUPERMAN
I have the whereabouts of the Joker. I am going to give them to you, but there is a catch.

BATMAN
Where is he?

SUPERMAN
Wait.

BATMAN
Where is he, damnit

Batman punches Superman, who rolls with it.

SUPERMAN
He is in the Witness Protection Program. He is turning state’s evidence on the Falcone family.

BATMAN
Damn. I think I broke my hand.

SUPERMAN
No. Just bruised. You’re lucky I rolled with the punch. You could have crippled yourself.

BATMAN
No small favor. Where is he?

SUPERMAN
A small neighborhood. Outside of Metropolis.

BATMAN
You can leave now.

SUPERMAN
All right, I concede we don't all have your kind of practice at
ignoring pain.

BATMAN
You don’t ignore pain. You use it.

SUPERMAN
For what?

BATMAN
Motivation. You can leave.

Superman leaves.

EXT. METROPOLIS SUBURB - EVENING
Joker is watering the grass.
Around him lay dead neighbors, victims of Smilex gas.
Harley walks out of the house in an apron carrying some lemonade.

HARLEY
Look, Puddin’. Visitors.

The Batmobile pulls into the front of the house.

JOKER
Why Batsy, not your most dramatic entrance. I give it a four.

Batman walks to Joker and punches him to the ground.

JOKER (CONT’D)
What, no hello?

BATMAN
No. Only a good bye.

BATGIRL
Take it easy on him, Batman.

Harley pulls out her mallet and swings it at Batgirl.

HARLEY
Someone should watch out for you toots. My puddin’ can take care of himself.

Harley and Batgirl fight while Joker tries to avoid Batman.
Joker pulls a revolver and fires into Batman’s shoulder. unphased, he continues to move toward Joker.

JOKER
Is this how you pay me back? I baby sit for ya, give you and the missus some time off and you punch me in the face? Never again. Next time you and

Batman kicks the Joker.

JOKER (CONT’D)
Have a bat-brat, you can just stay in and watch Honeymooners like all the other breeders.

Joker punches him in the face. Batman is undeterred. He grabs Joker by the shirt, pulls him to his face.

JOKER (CONT’D)
What are you gonna do Batsy? Kill me.

BATMAN
Yes.

JOKER
You can’t. Who would you have to play with.

Batman begins to punch Joker repeatedly. Batgirl, having defeated Harley, pulls him aside.

BATGIRL
Don’t do it. You can never come back, if you don’t do it.

JOKER
Yea, don’t do it Batsy.

BATGIRL
Listen to me, Batman. You cannot kill him. Then you become worse than he is.

Batman stops punching Joker. He looks at Batgirl. For a brief second, emotion wears on his face. It is quickly replaced by Batman’s cool visage.

BATMAN
I am calling Gordon. He is going back to Arkham.

JOKER
Thank you Batgirl. I imagine, you and I will be seeing each other soon. You like my joke? Its a killer!

Batgirl roundhouse kicks the Joker, knocking him out.


EXT. GOTHAM CITY - NIGHT
Deuce skulks about Gotham’s nightlife looking for his next victim.
VIKI VALE walks out of a club, down an alleyway. Deuce follows her.
As he follows her, he becomes aware of footsteps behind him.
Batman is stalking him.
He turns.
No one is there.
He turns again and is greeted with a kick to the stomach that sends him flying.

BATMAN
Thought I forgot about you? I never forget.

Deuce pulls a pistol and begins firing, seemingly hitting Batman in the chest, but the Bat never slows.

BATMAN (CONT’D)
Why don’t you *******s ever aim for the face?

Batman scoops up Deuce so that they are nose to nose.

DEUCE
What the **** are you?

BATMAN
I’m the knight. I’M BATMAN.

Batman tosses Deuce aside and disappears into the night.

EXT. GRAVEYARD - MORNING
Bruce Wayne stands in front of the gravestone. A flash and Bruce Wayne becomes Batman, before becoming Bruce Wayne again.

BATMAN (V.O.)
Death has pursued me. Pushed me. Pain motivates me to keep fighting when I want to quit. It keeps me fighting a war that I know I can never win.
FADE OUT.

 

[jimthecomicguy]

Here is the final trailer...editing should wrap in DEC.


http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=186593128010666052&hl=en