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FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY
BLACK
Barely audible, an organ plays a haunting theme. The title credits appear.
They are simple green lettering on a black background.
1. BLACK
T.V. MONITOR
Point of view from inside a small medicine cabinet. The door is
opened creating a low hum, and throwing light on THX 1138, a man
about thirty-five years old. He has a closely shaved head:
which makes him appear bald. The image is distorted as seen over
a TV monitor.
MALE VOICE
What's wrong?
THX takes a bottle of blue pills out of the cabinet and talks
directly into the camera.
THX
Nothing.....nothing really. I
just feel kind of lousy. I need
something stronger.
MALE VOICE
If you have a problem, don't
hesitate to ask for assistance.
CALL 348-853
THX
Yes.....Thank you, I'll be all
right. I'm all right.
He takes two of the pills and returns the bottle the cabinet.
FEMALE VOICE
For more rapid results use your new
D code on your Mercicontrol card.
Thank you.
THX closes the cabinet.
2. BLACK
T.V. MONITOR
The door to the cabinet begins to open - hesitates - then closes.
MALE VOICE
What's wrong?
The door opens revealing LUH 3417, a 20 year old woman, also with
a closely shaved head. She is nervous and struggle to maintain
her composure.
MALE VOICE
What's wrong?
LUH takes the bottle of pills THX has just consumed and becomes
frightened.
LUH
....never mind. I'll replace
these later.
She slams the door closed.
3. BLACK
HOLOGRAM ROOM
CLOSE ANGLE
A bald man dressed in white, huddles in a bare, dimly lit room,
Two large leather clad policemen beat the man with long chrome
nightsticks, making a dull thudding sound.
4. BATHROOM
LUH also dressed in white stands in the corner of a very small
bathroom. It is very modern, with many fixtures not in an ordinary
bathroom; outstanding of these is a small medicine cabinet with a
small sign on the face which reads: ÒSEDATION SP9, USE WHEN
NECESSARYÓ.
CLOSE ANGLE
She stands facing the wall. She is crying. The thudding sound of
the policemen can be heard in the background.
MED ANGLE
LUH stops crying, drys her eyes and looks into the mirror. She
regains her composure and pores the pills down the toilet. The
camera TRACKS with her as she walks into the mainroom. She
passes by the Hologram room where the thudding sounds of the
policemen are originating.
5. MAINROOM
LUH enters the small, white, plastic looking room. One wall is
filled with small compartments. She opens one of the cabinets
and pushes a series of buttons; which light up.
CLOSE ANGLE
LUH sits for a moment having now regained control of herself. She
takes a cellophane packet of pills out of one of the compartments
and carefully removes the pills and replaces them with pills from
her pocket. She puts the packet back into the compartment. She
becomes aware of the sounds of the policemen in the Hologram room.
6. HOLOGRAM ROOM
FULL ANGLE
The room contains two over-stuffed reclining chairs, with control
panels on the arms. THX is sitting in one of the chairs watching
the policemen beat the huddled man. LUH enters and stands by the
doorway, slightly repulsed by the beating. THX is aware of her
presence, but neither speak.
CLOSE ANGLE
Upon closer inspection, we see the policemen have smooth chrome
faces and are actually robots.
MED ANGLE
THX reaches for the volume knob and twists it up one notch. Another
robot appears beating the man. LUH walks over and sits in the
vacant chair. She fidgets nervously.
LUH
You ought to eat.
THX looks over to her, but does not respond. LUH reaches for the
volume knob, and turns it down, one of the policemen disappears.
LUH
I started your dinner for you.
It's probably ready by now.
THX
I'm not hungry.
LUH
Well it's fixed, so you'll have
to eat it.
LUH becomes angry.
LUH
No, your going to eat it, or it
will go to waste.
THX
What's the matter with you?
LUH turns back to watching the policemen. THX sits quietly, and
after a few moments, he gets up and leaves the room. LUH immediately
flips the switch on the arm of the chair.
An intense flash of light fills the room and gives way to a naked
negro female mannequin, with no genitals, dancing exotically to
driving, sensual afro-electronic music. She flips the switch again,
and the flash fades into a newscaster comfortably seated in a chair
directly across from her. He is dressed in white, and his head is
closely shaven; as are all of the people in this society.
NEWSCASTER
....in the constant striving for
perfection in the AIA.PB848's which
have been built this year. Five
felons have been caught fleeing
rehabilitation center dd2. All five
have been undergoing treatment for
drug offenses, two of the felons were
products of the sex act, the other three....
LUH
What?
NEWSCASTER
Two of the felons are products of the sex
act, the other three are from reproduction
clinic nineteen. The quintet escaped from
compound 545 and were all subsequently
destroyed. Reports indicate....
THX returns to his chair carrying his dinner on a tray. The food looks
like multi-colored foam rubber.
THX
What's this? Why did you change it?
LUH
You've seen enough.
THX
You know I don't feel well.
LUH
Eat your dinner.
LUH flips the switch revealing a drama involving two male negro mannequins
standing next to a low, sleek car with a massive, complicated jet engine
on the back.
MANNEQUIN ONE
....and then my request for new arms
and legs finally came through.
MANNEQUIN TWO
Well that's great then.
MANNEQUIN ONE
No. It's terrible. I ordered two
arms and a new leg, and they sent
me two legs and a new arm.
Raucous canned laughter is inserted as the two mannequin get into
the autojet.
CLOSE ANGLE
THX is expressionless.
THX
That was very funny.
LUH
What?
7. OBSERVATION CELL
We view THX in an OPERATING ROOM via a TV monitor. He is working
at an electronic control panel in a small glass boot. He manipulates
two mechanical hands working on the disassembled body of a chrome
policemen.
The CAMERA PULLS BACK, to reveal several monitors which scan other
operating rooms. In another row are sedation cabinets, mostly black,
because the boxes are closed.
FULL ANGLE
We now see many rows of TV monitors, surrounded by gages, dials,
and switches. Two workers are sitting at the control board facing
the monitors. We recognize LUH as one of the workers. A man, SEN
5241, is the other operator.
MED ANGLE
This is an observation cell, where all phases of life are under
continual surveillance. LUH operates the controls at her panel
and types what she observes into a computer. On one of the
monitors is a man in a bathroom alcove similar to the one we saw in
THX's home.
VOICE
What's wrong?
The man is hysterical and screams at the monitor.
MAN
Help me.....HELP me.....
VOICE
What's wrong?
The man takes the pills out of the cabinet and begins to eat them a
hand full at a time.
CLOSE ANGLE
LUH is tense and pre-occupied. She reacts by pushing a button which
programs a new recording.
VOICE
Take four red capsules, in ten
minutes take two more. Help is on the...
LUH reports the incident into the computer. The image on the monitor
observing one of the operating rooms is shaken, and turns white as
though there has been an explosion. THX continues his work and is
oblivious to what has happened.
MED ANGLE
LUH has slipped into a daydream. SEN notices the accident and
studies LUH for a few moments. Suddenly a voice cackles over the
intercom.
INTERCOM VOICE
Concourse 5.....Cross 3.....Monitor
concourse 5.....3417 are you there?
Relate....relate.....
LUH awakens from her trance, and fumbles, to discover what has
happened. She presses buttons that spread the accident among five
monitors.
CLOSE ANGLE
LUH reaches for a container of yellow pills, she thinks for a moment,
then returns the pills to the container. On the monitors there is much
confusion in the destroyed passageway. People move along the corridor
to get a better look at the accident. LUH pushes a button and a tape
activates.
TAPE VOICE
Do not enter this area without consuming
j23. This is a traumatic area. Do not
enter this area without....
Policemen are seen carrying parts of bodies out of a destroyed
operating room.
INTERCOM VOICE
Radiation suppress. Seal chamber 5G,
seal chamber 5G. Exterminate occupant.
On the monitors, LUH watches a man bang on the door to his work
cell. Slowly he fades, collapses, and dies. As she watches the
disaster scene, tears come to her eyes. She dries them quickly and
glances at SEN to see if he has noticed her. He is busy typing a
report. A voice brings her back to the monitors.
MALE VOICE
What's wrong?
A man from an industrial section is on one of the TV monitors,
screaming hysterically. There are flames and smoke in the back-
ground.
MAN
Fire in sub-station 35k, command
13, we've got 73 men down here...
LUH quickly punches a button on the tape respond panel.
VOICE
You are a true believer, blessings
of State, blessings of the masses
Thou art a subject of....
LUH is taken by surprise, and fumbles for the retract button.
There is a moment before the correct tape is heard, SEN looks
up at LUH, who is unaware she is being watched.
VOICE
Stay calm, correct procedure is
essential. Do not fail to remove
auxiliary command circuit before
evacuation. Vacuum detail and
suppression units for your area have
been notified and are on their Way.
LUH finishes typing her report and becomes aware that SEN is watching
her. She looks up at him, and he quickly goes back to work.
8. PRAYER BOOTH
THX sits in a small cube which features a desk facing a large photograph
of the prophet OMM. The image is similar to a renaissance painting of
Jesus.
VOICE
My time is yours, go ahead.
THX mumbles a short prayer; which is cut short by the recorded
voice.
VOICE
Very good, proceed.
THX is uneasy, and fumbles for the right words.
THX
Well.... I slipped on a T5 transfer
this morning. It's never happened before.
I wasn't concentrating enough. Things
haven't been.....
VOICE
Yes.
THX
....going well. How could I be so
wrong. (pause) SCO 1202 cross
wired a 904. He's been receiving
extra credit. He offered me some.
But you must already know about
that....Why do I bother you with
such.....
VOICE
Yes
THX
I did not accept any. (pause) I...
I wanted... to. But I didn't.
You know I didn't. Don't you?
There is a pause as THX waits for an answer.
VOICE
Yes.
THX
My mate has been acting very strange.
I can't explain it.....but. I haven't
been feeling very well myself. I
don't know, maybe it's me. I needed
an SP9 last night. I feel as if
something odd were happening to me.
Something....
VOICE
Yes.
THX
I can't understand. The sedatives....
THX pauses, and trys to think of what he wants to say.
THX
....I'm taking SP5, but it doesn't seem
strong enough. I have a hard time
concentrating. Please forgive me, I
slipped on....
VOICE
You are a true believer. Blessings of
the state, blessings of the masses. Thou
art a subject of the divine. Created in
the image of man, by the masses, for the
masses. Let us be thankful we have an
occupation to fill. Work hard; increase
production; prevent accidents, and be
happy.
THX slumps, exhausted by the effort of communicating with OMM.
9. SCHEDULING OFFICE
THX is in a large hall, crossing over to a bank of small boxes
along the wall. He attempts to open one of the boxes with a
plastic badge from his lapel, and struggles for a moment
before finally getting it open. He pushes some buttons inside
the box, then closes it. He is very tired; almost unable to
cope with the trivia of daily life.
MED ANGLE
THX turns around to leave and is confronted by LUH, who has
been standing directly behind him. She is holding a punch
card.
THX
What do you want?......
LUH stares at him without answering.
THX
(Glancing at the card)
What did you get?
LUH
I have to see SEN. I've
just been given a shift
change.
THX
When?
LUH
Now.
THX
Now?
LUH
He wants me to come to his
quarters.
THX
(Glancing at the boxes and
pointing)
A shift change should come
through the scheduling office.
Why should he want to see you?
LUH
I don't know.
THX
Don't go.
LUH
I have to... he's a G-34
THX
You don't have to... I
don't trust him. You ought
to file a report.
LUH
No, don't make trouble. It's
nothing.
THX is becoming confused and exasperated.
THX
Then why did you bring it up?
LUH
I didn't. You asked me about
the card. (pause) You're going
to get us into trouble.
LUH starts to move off.
THX
I haven't done anything.
LUH
Don't be so sure.
LUH quickly disappears into the crowd. THX rests against the
wall; the noise and the crowding people are almost too much
for him.
A chrome robot and a man, both dressed in bright yellow, pass
by engaged in conversation. A moment later, a man drops his
computer card and is trampled trying to retrieve it.
THX is seen on a TV monitor. He is unable to withstand the
crowd and moves off screen down the passageway.
10. REST PLAZA
THX moves to a large door with a sign reading ÒREST PLAZAÓ. He
opens the door and enters a small room lined with benches and
filled with old people sitting and staring at one another. As
THX enters, they all turn and stare at him.
CLOSE ANGLE
THX searches for a vacant bench and begins to feel very uncom-
fortable. Finally, he turns and leaves.
11. HOLOGRAM ROOM, THX'S QUARTERS
The faint sound of a heartbeat grows louder as a pulsating,
round, red blurr slowly appears in the center of the room. THX
is sitting alone in the overstuffed chair.
The red ball descends from the ceiling and surrounds THX's
abdomen as he takes two capsules out of a compartment in the
arm of the chair and swallows them.
THX flips a switch on the arm of the chair; an intense flash
of light fills the room and gives way to a naked negro female
mannequin making erotic movements to the beat of a driving
afro-electronic song.
THX undergoes the physical movements of a sexual experience.
After he reaches his climax, he relaxes, breathing deeply,
resting for a moment as the mannequin continues to gyrate and
the red ball fades away.
THX flips the switch several times. A series of images flashes
through the room: a chrome policeman beating a man to death; a
newscaster; a matronly woman discussing drugs; a male mannequin;
and finally two men sitting behind a long table. Only one man
speaks, the other listens attentively, occasionally looking
from THX to the speaker.
MAN
....to stimulate the arithmetical
and logical processes as an extention
of the 5141. Never before have we
been so contented, never before has
life been so satisfying...
there is a jump in the man's movement - a reminder that he is
only a hologram.
MAN
...so satisfying. A referendum of bliss,
a fabrication of gratification sustained
by the benevolence of authority...
THX
What?
The man disappears for a moment, then pops back.
MAN
a referendum of bliss, a fabrication
of gratification sustained by the
benevolence of authority...
THX
That's not what I meant.
MAN
...the inadequacies of the human
personality are rapidly being over-
come by the social processes of
advancing technology. Component
lowness, a sophisticated stimulation
is the answer. The humanity of
authority is proudly contemporary.
Control through companionship,
combined with economic advantages of
the mating structure far surpasses
any disadvantages in increased
perversions. A final...
THX hears something in the other part of the house. He jumps
up, standing in the middle of the silent man.
THX
LUH?
MAN
...an infinite translate in mathematics of
tolerance and charity among artificial
memory devices is ultimately binary.
Stimulating...
THX flips off the hologram and the two men fade away, leaving
the room dark and empty.
THX
LUH? is that you?
THX walks into the main room, then into the bedroom
THX
LUH?
He stands alone, disappointed and puzzled. He ponders the
events of the day, makes a decision, and leaves.
12. SEN'S QUARTERS
A group of men are loading multi-colored boxes containing
personal effects onto a cart. THX stops at the doorway,
hesitant to go inside.
The room is in a state of confusion as the effects are
checked against a master list by an extremely mannish
woman. THX finally moves past them and into the residence,
looking for SEN.
WOMAN
sealed personal effects: 3 styrenes;
an occupational syntax; a red magna
base - old style; a box of neons; a
variation; 23 hunter portapods.
SEN is in his section of the bedroom, noticeably annoyed at the
intrusion. THX enters and stands just inside the entry, staring
at SEN. SEN becomes aware of THX and begins to stare back. THX
becomes more and more uncomfortable.
SEN
Well?
THX says nothing. SEN suddenly recognizes him and stands up.
SEN
It's you, come in, come in...you know,
this is really odd. I was just
thinking about you. What in the world
are you doing here?
THX does not answer. SEN studies him for a moment.
SEN
(pointing to the other room)
For the moment, I thought you were one
of the others. You look much...
different - in person.
SEN sits down. THX remains standing, staring expressionless at
SEN. There is another pause.
SEN
Sit down, why don't you?....(THX does
not sit) Anyway... I must apologize
for all this chaos. They materialized
this morning and it's been going on
all day. Well, it's cross I have to
bear - the roommate was destroyed, you
know.
SEN looks at THX, but sees no reaction.
SEN
No...I guess you wouldn't.
Terrible inconvenience. I
could never understand why
it all must be created and
filed if it's going to be
destroyed anyway. When I
pass on, I certainly don't
want anyone going through
my things.... It's a strange
life.
(Pause)
I really cannot understand
why you don't sit down.
SEN goes into the bathroom alcove and takes a pill. THX sits
on the edge of the bed.
SEN
(off-screen)
You never answered my question.
SEN returns to the bed and sits down on the other end from THX.
SEN
Well, at least you're sitting down...
You must excuse my going on like
that.... with ONA gone I feel as if
I have no one to talk to. You're
perspiring, aren't you? My
goodness, it's not very hot in here.
Are you sick?
SEN backs off a bit.
SEN
I'm sure it's warmer in her than
outside, though. I haven't been
out yet, but it usually is...the
control is fouled...
(Pause)
THX
Where is LUH?
SEN
What?
The woman taking the inventory interrupts their conversation.
WOMAN
Count concluded.
SEN hands her the plastic badge on his lapel. She slips it into
a small box and returns it, with a slip of paper.
WOMAN
You must keep this.
SEN
(taking the slip)
Yes, of course.
The woman leaves.
SEN
They really smell. It's
disgusting. Did you
notice it?
THX glares silently at SEN.
THX
Why did you have LUH come here?
SEN
Why are you so concerned?
THX
What's going on?
SEN
I want you for my roommate.
THX
Where's LUH?
SEN
It will be good for both of
us. I've got it all arranged.
THX is having difficulty dealing with this turn of events.
THX
I don't understand. Living....selection
is computed. You can't... What have you
done to LUH? She was here..
SEN
We had a long talk and she agreed that
it would be a good idea for you to
switch. She felt that you had not
been accurately mated to her in the
first place... You're upsetting
yourself. Would you like something?
THX
You're in violation.
SEN
Don't say that. You look...
You're not well.
THX is confused and preoccupied.
SEN (Cont.)
I know what you're thinking...
Program shifting isn't that
major a crime is it?
(pause)
LUH is a problem for you. I've
watched her during work. She's
been acting very strange.
THX stands up and starts for the door.
SEN
I won't have another mate like
ONA. You rate very high in
sanitation. I've checked. In
fact, I am surprised that you
were ever matched with LUH.
Her ratings are very erratic -
you know what I mean. We'll
be happy.
THX
I don't feel well.
THX leaves.
13. PRAYER BOOTH
THX is in a city plaza prayer booth. The face of Jesus stares
down at him.
THX
....with me? What am I to
her or she to me? Nothing.
She's an ordinary roommate.
I..I share...
VOICE
Yes...
THX
...rooms with her. Our relation-
ship is normal, conforming. We
share nothing but space. What is
she doing to...
VOICE
Yes...
THX
...to me. I think I'm dying.
THX is experiencing extreme stomach cramps.
VOICE
You are a true believer. Blessings
of the state. Blessings of the
masses. Thou art a subject of the
divine. Created in the image of
man, by man, for man. Let us be
thankful we have commerce. Buy
more. Buy more now. Buy more and
be happy.
THX throws up on the floor of the booth and seems to feel better
for it. The Mercicontrol card appears, and the concluding voice
is heard as THX feebly gets up and leaves the booth, allowing
another man to enter.
14. COMMERCIAL PLAZA
THX is in a store. He buys a bright colored three-dimensional
hexagon, pays for it with his legal badge placed in a machine.
In the next stall man is banging on the credit card machine.
THX pays no attention.
MAN
Idiot machine! Someone ought
to fix this machine!
A chrome policemen comes and takes the man away. THX is suddenly
hit by another wave of nausea, and leaves the plaza quickly.
15. THX'S QUARTERS
THX enters, holding the hexagon in one hand. The rooms are dark
THX
LUH?
He turns on the lights and pauses, waiting for an answer, then
continues in and places the box on the kitchen table.
THX enters the bathroom and closes himself inside a rectangular
glass box. Air rushes in through a series of nozzles, and he
is dry-cleaned, clothing and all.
MED ANGLE
THX enters the kitchen, notices the hexagon, and places it
inside the product consumer - small, oven-like appliance
that destroys it instantly. He moves slowly, trying to
keep from becoming sicker. He opens one of the kitchen
cabinets, presses some buttons inside, and sits down at
the table. He is shivering uncontrollably and breathing
hard.
THX
(to himself)
I need help.
He stumbles out of his chair and feebly makes his way into the
bathroom alcove. As he passes the hologram room, we see a
figure standing in the shadows.
THX is extremely ill and on the verge of losing consciousness.
He reaches for the sedation cabinet, but collapses just as he
opens it.
TV IMAGE
The bathroom alcove appears empty.
VOICE
What's wrong?
LUH appears on the screen
LUH
Nothing. I was looking for my
tenser. I'm sorry.
VOICE
If you have a problem....
CLOSE ANGLE
LUH closes the sedation cabinet and drags the unconscious THX
into the bedroom and puts him on the bed.
She sits, quietly, looking at him. Cautiously, she brings his
hand to her cheek. A slight smile crosses her face.
16. MAIN ROOM, THX'S QUARTERS
THX is laughing hysterically. As soon as he starts to gain
control of himself, he breaks out laughing again.
LUH has taken a spherical piece of food from her tray and is
bouncing it on the table. She is laughing, herself, but still
trying to keep control of the ball.
THX
(laughing very hard)
Violation...violation...You're
bouncing in...violation..
This makes them laugh even harder and LUH loses the ball. They
both dive for it and wind up face to face under the table.
Eventually, they stop laughing.
THX
I've never been under the table
before.
LUH
(pointing at the underside of the
table)
Look,dirt!
THX
(mocking)
That's not dirt...Can't be dirt..
Dirt is a violation
LUH
Looks like dirt
THX picks up the red food ball and holds it up at LUH.
THX
Look, food!
LUH
That's not food. Can't be
food.
THX
Looks like food.
THX takes a bite out of it and grimaces.
THX
Tastes like food.
He scrambles out from underneath the table and tosses it in the
product consumer. It disappears instantly.
THX
Produced to be consumed!
LUH goes over to the table and scoops up the rest of the food.
She begins tossing it into the product consumer.
THX
Hey! Wait a minute. Not all
of it. I'm hungry.
She begins to break out laughing, throwing the food into the
consumer as fast as she can. THX starts for her and she begins
throwing the food at him.
THX catches her by the foot and pulls her to the floor. They
roll around playfully, laughing hysterically all the time.
Slowly and subtly, their play becomes more violent and
sadistic, although they keep on laughing.
LUH
(laughing)
The pain, no...the pain, I can't
stand it.
LUH turns on THX, pinning him to the floor. She sits astride
him, holding his arms.
They are both out of breath and panting heavily, confused by a
slowly increasing awareness of each others sexuality. LUH
slowly releases THX's arms and sits up. She gives a last, em-
barrassed giggle and then falls silent. They stare at each
other.
THX
Why?
LUH sits silently, showing no response.
THX
Why did you do it? It's wrong....
we're wrong. We're felons now.
You know it can't last very long;
they will discover us, and they
will destroy us.
LUH is hurt and begins to cry.
THX
Now...now, I'm sorry...don't -
don't....please. It's just...
I was happy. Why get me involved?
You told SEN that you weren't
satisfied with me.
LUH
What?...Oh, no, THX. That's not
true.
(she embraces him)
Not satisfied? THX, I need you so
much.
THX attempts to comfort her. He is awkward and uncomfortable.
LUH
I was so scared...I didn't know
what would happen with you...once
I started. I almost let you go
on so many times. It will be
worth it, together. When I was
alone, I knew.
THX
But it's so hopeless...you're so
beautiful.
LUH smiles and sniffles. They kiss: an awkward first kiss.
THX
What time is it?
LUH
What?
THX
I said what time is it? How
long was I out?
LUH
It's 3+27 hundred
THX
Three! I'm going to be late
for my shift.
LUH
(holding him)
No! Don't go.
THX
(getting up)
They'll come for me right away
if I'm not there. I have to
go.
LUH
Don't take anything.
THX
I'll try.
LUH
Promise...please don't
THX leaves the room.
17. PASSAGEWAY
LUH is frightened as she hurries down the endless white
hallways. When she reaches the corridor exit for THX's operating
room, she stops. She feels conspicuous waiting in the hallway.
A group of men, carrying little white boxes, are leaving the
operating room. THX is in the group. He sees LUH and goes over
to her.
THX
What are you doing here? Is
anything wrong?
LUH
No....I though (pause)
I'm afraid.
THX
You're not cleared for this
precinct. Let's cross over
first.
THX motions her down the hallway, and he falls in step a few
paces behind her. LUH speaks to her without turning around.
LUH
You slipped on a T297 transfer just
before lunch, didn't you?
THX
(not wanting to talk)
What?
LUH
On the cervix transfer, you almost
lost the T297.
Some men in colored uniforms pass them walking in the other
direction. THX is silent until they are gone. THX and LUH pass
through a series of doors and into another precinct. THX
is angry.
THX
What do you think you're doing?
You're going to get us arrested.
LUH
But...you...
She falls silent as they walk through the empty cold hallways.
THX
I can't work this way. I need
something. I'm losing control.
LUH struggles to remain calm.
THX
I can't go on like this. I can't....
I don't just sit around and watch
people. If I make a mistake, it's
all over. You see it every day.
(Pause) Do you want to see me taken
away in pieces?
LUH
I don't want to lose you.
BLACK
18. CATHEDRAL
A yellow eight burns through the blackness. A low voice is
heard performing a ritual.
VOICE
....and it all happened so slowly
that most men failed to realize
that anything had happened at all.
The interior of a cathedral is slowly revealed. Many people
are kneeling before the eight, and a monk in white robes is
performing a rite.
VOICE (cont.)
They had never known what all know
within, that to know is not to
know, not to know is to be known.
To change is to circle without end.
THX and LUH are kneeling, solemnly involved in the service.
VOICE (cont.)
To remain still is to flow with
the will of OMM. The breath of OMM
is infinitely slow, yet he breathes.
Avail thyselves! OMM moves! OMM
flows!....Let us pray.
CLOSE ANGLE
The voice recites a chant, and the congregation repeats it.
THX watches LUH as she repeats the chant. He is moved.
VOICE/CONGREGATION
Before OMM was OMM, after OMM will
be OMM, within OMM is OMM, without
OMM is OMM. OMM is one. We are
one, Mass is one, All are one....
THX leans over and whispers in LUH'S ear.
THX
I don't want to lose you.
LUH turns and smiles, taking his hand. There are tears in her
eyes. He smiles back, and she cannot stifle a rather loud
giggle. They are both embarrassed.
FULL ANGLE
No one in the cathedral seems to notice.
VOICE
Unity of minds, unity of thought,
unity of occupations, unity of OMM
A man. Blessings of the state.
Blessings of the masses, Thou art
subjects of the divine.
When the ceremony is over, THX goes over to a chair in the
corner and flips a switch on it's arm. The cathedral, monks,
and congregation all fade away, leaving LUH kneeling in the
empty HOLOGRAM ROOM.
THX
What are you doing?
LUH
I don't know.
She rises, walks over and sits in the second hologram chair.
They are both strangely contemplative, and sit quietly in the
darkened room for a long while.
THX
What am I going to do?
There is a long pause.
LUH
(quietly)
If you....if you go back on
sedation, you won't feel the
same way about me. You'll
report me for drug evasion.
THX
I've got a slip movement to
install on my next shift. I'll
never make it the way I am now.
There have been three explosions
already this....
His argument is more to himself then to LUH. He looks to LUH,
who is on the verge of tears. He realizes his logic is of no
help, and he goes over to her.
THX
I couldn't turn you in, not now.
I....I know I wouldn't!
LUH
You don't know. You don't....
THX
If I take something, you suffer.
If I don't, I stuff....
LUH
(with growing excitement)
I know you can do it without sedation,
You can, I know you can.
THX
Then what? It can't go on forever.
You know it can't.
LUH
We could leave, and live in the
superstructure....
There is a pause as THX ponders this.
LUH
....My series is over, you only
have one shift left, don't you?
We could be gone before our
next series started.
THX is sitting on the floor, holding his head in his hands.
LUH goes over to him, and begins to caress his neck. She
is crying.
THX
It's allright now, shhhh it's
all right.
LUH
Don't let them separate us.
Their loveplay slowly becomes more and more passionate. They
are awkward and unsure as they begin to disrobe one another.
LUH is embarrassed, and she begins to giggle, then laugh
uncontrolably.
CLOSE ANGLE
They are like children experimenting for the first time..There
is something lyrical and new as they make love. There is a
moment of fear for THX as LUH achieves orgasm; something
neither has experienced with another person before.
THX
Are you allright?
LUH
AH UGH.
She smiles at him and they embrace, and rest. THX is asleep
when LUH wakes him with a start.
LUH
They know. They've been watching
us. I can feel it.
THX
They don't know.
LUH
They're watching us now.
THX
No one can see us now we're alone.
THX momentary glances into the camera, seemingly at the theatre
audience.
19. PREOPERATING CHAMBER
THX enters a preoperating chamber. He nervous, but trys to
appear matter of fact. He is cleansed, and follows a religious
preoperating ritual. An intercom voice is heard softly in the
background.
VOICE
.....This is a reminder of the
precision which must be taken at
this stage. Three operating
cells have already been destroyed
in this shift. Mercicontrol is
supervising all operations during
this phase. Prevent accidents,
and be happy.....This is a
reminder of.....
A door to the chamber opens, and SEN enters. THX is somewhat
shaken by this.
THX
What are you doing here? You're not
cleared for this area!
SEN
You know I have a way with the
computers. I can clear myself for
any area.....almost.
THX
I'll report you. It's....
SEN
Listen to me....You have no need to
distrust me. We're going....
THX
Get out of here, Leave me alone.
THX starts for the operating room.
SEN
I've taken care of LUH.....
THX stops short in fear.
SEN
....I've programmed her to level
5450. Her transfer should go
through by the next series. You're
going to need a new roommate.
Everything.....
A buzzer sounds. THX is forced to leave the preoperating
chamber. SEN stands alone.
20. OPERATING CELL CORRIDOR
As THX walks to his operating cell, He stops at a small red box
on the wall. Over the box is a sign which reads: ÒPERSONAL
VIOLATION REPORTSÓ
CLOSE ANGLE
THX takes a small card from the box and punches holes in the
marked areas which read: S,E,N,5,2,4,1.
He runs down a list of violations and finally punches:
ÒIllegal programming.Ó He puts the card into a slot in the
box, and continues to his operating cell.
21. OPERATING CELL
THX slides into his control panel as the operation begins. A
component is picked up by the mechanical hands. THX strains
as the hands begin to move toward the half assembled chrome man.
FULL ANGLE
In another cell of the operation chamber is a supervisor. He
sits in front of a computer readout, TV monitors, and many
electronic graphs and gages.
SUPERVISOR
1138 retract. SB4 talmod contract,
retract to 220.
Buttons are clicking, lights flashing, and gages near their
warning marks as THX struggles to manipulate the mechanical hands.
Sweat forms on his forehead. THX moves the hands back and makes
another attempt at placing the component.
22. CONTROL CENTER
A control officer, dressed in yellow, sits in a large room filled
with ten men, various radar scopes, TV monitors, and large clear
plastic maps. The control officer is receiving all forms of
reports as two observers, below and in front of him watch TV
monitors. An observer reports to the control officer.
OBSERVER
We are receiving an extreme
respiratory count from a
Magnum Manipulator in operating
cell 94107. Erratic visual
behavior.
CONTROL OFFICER
Transfer control information.
Instantly, information on THX is flashed on a large screen in
front of the control officer. Photos flash on and off the screen.
They are taken from all possible angles, including various types
of X-rays, etc.
OBSERVER
1138 files a violation report on
SEN 5241 immediately prior to.....
CONTROL OFFICER
Violation type?
OBSERVER
Illegal programming.
CONTROL OFFICER
Check into it. (pause) Current brain
wave confirmation on 1138. Adrenal
off point 74 or minus 6. No doubt of
severe sedation depletion......Inform
Magnum supervisor 9410 of procedure
to mindlock and arrest. (pause)
Request MINDLOCK for operating cell
94107; subject 1138 prefix THX.
One of the observers releases a special safety lock on his control
panel. The switch under the lock reads: MINDLOCK, danger:
PRIORITY 3AA.
23. OPERATING CELL
THX successfully survives several minor crisis. The
stress and effort show on his face. The Supervisor receives
a report.
CONTROL VOICE
Magnum Manipulator 1138 prefix THX,
operating cell 94107, suffering
severe drug violation. Extent
pending. 1138 subject to
immediate arrest. MINDLOCK pending.
MINDLOCK pending.
The supervisor is greatly alarmed by this information.
SUPERVISOR
Priority shift, repeat, priority
shift. The situation here is
critical. 1138 involved in
critical mass maneuver. DELAY
MINDLOCK, DELAY MINDLOCK,
situation white, repeat, situation
white. HOLD...HOLD.....
A high whining Anthem-like piece of music is heard in THX's
operating cell. The sound staggers him , and he freezes at the
controls of his panel. The component THX was guiding, continues
to creep slowly closer to the chrome man.
CLOSE ANGLE
The supervisor slams s series of relays in disgust, and reports
into the computer.
SUPERVISOR
Who permitted this priority??? This
shouldn't happen. (pause) Immediate
transfer of disaster responsibility
to control officer 626, as of time
mark: 12/32/581. Repeat; official
obligation of responsibility.....
He reaches for more sedatives in a bottle near his panel.
MED ANGLE
The critical mass component enters the open skull of the chrome
man. Sparks fly, and the gages are now in the danger zone.
The intercom voice is alive with panicked dialogue.
VOICE
Clear....Clear....4444,4445,
4446....EJECT...EJECT...EJECT....
All of the men in the operating room evacuate; leaving THX alone,
frozen at the controls. THX is aware of the situation, and
struggles to break the power of the mindlock and stop the com-
ponent.
VOICE
Near destruct....Near destruct.
24. CONTROL CENTER
The observers are switching relays as the control officer trues
to get the situation under control.
CONTROL OFFICER
.....MINDLOCK! release MINDLOCK!
relapse to command monitor. Release
MINDLOCK. Transfer obligation for
responsibility to central monitor
898. This center received no
evaluation of stasis. Control center
626 holds no responsibility.....
The MINDLOCK Anthem is replaced by the voice of OMM.
25. OPERATING ROOM
The component is at the point of destruction as THX is released
from the mindlock.
OMM
Everything is going to be all right.
You are in my hands. I will protect
you. Everything is going to be all
right. Cooperate, stay calm, I am
here to help you. (pause) Everything
is going to be......
THX carefully operates the controls, and returns the critical
mass to it's container.
CONTROL VOICE
Relax your controls. Relax your con-
trols. Report to Con 5 immediately.
Relax your controls.....
The voice of OMM and controller blend in an hypnotic double
talk. THX sits quietly in shock as the voices on the intercom
die off.
26. CITY PASSAGEWAY
The supervisor, and all the other workers from THX's unit are
standing around in the passageway. A door opens and THX
emerges accompanied by a Chrome policeman. They pass silently
through the crowd of workers, who watch them disappear down
the corridor. The workers start to file back into the
operating cell.
27. INTERIOR TRAM
The interior of the tram looks much like the interior of a very
modern jet liner. There are about 50 people sitting in high
backed seats. A few are talking to themselves. THX is seated
next to the policeman, still in shock.
CLOSE ANGLE
Slowly THX begins to tremble and then suddenly stops.
THX
LUH!
He looks wildly around the tram, and at the policeman. No one
is paying any attention to him. He jumps up and runs for the
emergency door at the end of the aisle. The policeman slowly
get ups and walks down the aisle to THX trapping him against the
door.
FULL ANGLE
THX suddenly slams open the escape hatch. The tram is moving at
supersonic speeds through a vacuum tube. THX is sucked out into
the tube. The open escape hatch seals itself immediately.
CLOSE ANGLE
THX is caught in a loud rush of sound and air as he floats in
free fall through the vacuum gravity-free tube. He begins to
slow down. As he does, amber lights on the side of the tube
become more visible. Suddenly THX is sucked into a smaller
tube.
28. OBSERVATION CELL
A control observer is monitoring the interior of the tram. People
are confused, hysterical. A chrome-policeman tries to calm them.
The policeman reports the situation, which is typed by a
computer. More information appears on the readout, and is
relayed by the observer.
OBSERVER
1138 prefix THX on warrant. Drug
evasion. Fled tram in transit.
Surmise destroyed.
29. DEBRIS RECEPTACLE 444
TV monitors light up rooms filled with scrap metal and other
waste product from the tram tube. The monitor scans room
444, then moves on, leaving the room lit only by a few blue
guide lights.
CLOSE ANGLE
THX lies unconscious under a pile of scrap waste. He slowly
picks himself up, makes his way toward the wall. A low hum is
heard and THX drops into the waste as the monitors light
up the room.
FULL ANGLE
When it is dark again, THX follows the wall until he sees a
hatchway high up the wall. He jumps for the hatch..but misses
it and falls to the floor. He groans, rolls over, revealing a
bleeding back. Again there is a low hum and the room lights
up.
30. OBSERVATION CELL
Debris receptacle 444 is seen on a monitor. The screen goes
black, then another room appears, 562. A control observer
watches the monitor.
CLOSE ANGLE
As the observer makes adjustments on the control panel, he
sees something, flips on another monitor for a closer view.
He switches over to heat transmission.
FULL ANGLE
The observer sees a moving hot spot on the screen, marks it,
blasts it with a laser beam. A loud screech is heard.
MED ANGLE
The control observer switches back to light transmission, sees
a dead animal the size of a large dog. He continues his
scanning. Another room lights up, goes dark.
31. DEBRIS RECEPTACLE 4444
THX gets up from the rubble, begins building a pile of scrap
metal up to the hatch. Waste continues to be sucked into the
room with a great rush of noise.
CLOSE ANGLE
As THX dislodges a large piece of twisted metal, a trapped animal,
like the one killed by the observer, is released and attacks THX.
They fight rolling through the debris.
MED ANGLE
THX strangles the beast. The hum of the monitor is heard as THX
tightens his grip on the animals neck. The light goes on. THX
freezes, clutching the now quiet beast.
32. OBSERVATION CELL
The observer scans the room, thinks he sees something..switches
to a closer shot, then to heat transmission. But he spots
nothing moving.
33. DEBRIS RECEPTACLE 444
The light goes out. THX relaxes, releases the dead animal. He
places a final piece of junk on the pile and attempts to climb
to the hatch.
CLOSE ANGLE
THX is exhausted. He can't turn the wheel on the hatch. He
climbs down and finds a long bar in the rubble. The TV light
goes on. THX freezes. The light goes out and he climbs up the
hatch, putting the bar between the spokes of the wheel.
FULL ANGLE
THX hangs on the bar, rotating the wheel as the hatch slowly opens
A muffled buzz is heard as THX climbs out and closes the hatch.
The TV light monitor goes on.
34. OBSERVATION CELL
Debris receptacle 444 is seen on the TV monitor and the buzz
becomes louder. The observer flips to a closeup monitor and scans
the room. The buzz is now very loud, becoming an alarm system.
OBSERVER
Seal break. VAC debris receptacle 444.
Entrance on con 65. Investigation in
process.
35. CITY SUPERSTRUCTURE
THX stumbles through the concrete superstructure, obviously in pain.
He reaches a door, opens it, revealing an individual modual express
tube. Low, sleek, auto-jets whiz by at incredible speeds. They
appear out of the blackness, shoot past THX and disappear.
FULL ANGLE
THX rests in the express tube doorway. He is seen on a TV monitor
as faint intercom conversations are heard. He waits, trying to
get the courage to cross the tube as the auto-jets flash past him.
CLOSE ANGLE
THX takes a breath, sees his chance, races across the roadway. He
is on the verge of unconsciousness. An auto-jet can be heard
approaching. He barely makes the other side as the jet rushes
by. He drops into unconsciousness at the side of the roadway.
36. OBSERVATION CELL
A control observer is monitoring the expressway.
OBSERVER
Maintained visual contact with THX 1138
until 5.34. Lost contact at express tube
929. Surmised destroyed.
The observer continues to scan he area with no results.
37. KITCHEN - THX'S QUARTERS
The kitchen table is covered with a large pile of food. LUH is
operating several of the food cabinets, pushing buttons in some,
taking food out of the others. Some of the colored food spheres
fall off the table, and bounce across the floor. She picks them
up, humming tunelessly to herself.
CLOSE ANGLE
She hears something in one of the other rooms, but continues
piling up the food.
LUH
I'm in the kitchen, come and see!
There is no answer, and after a moment, she stops and listens.
LUH
THX?
She steps into the MAINROOM and sees that the front door is open.
She is immediately frightened.
LUH
THX, Please.....
Very timidly, she steps over to the bedroom and looks in.
LUH
....answer.
A figure steps out of the shadow in the foreground. LUH turns
around and sees him. She screams and becomes hysterical. It is
THX, clothes torn, bleeding, and so distorted he resembles a
wild beast.
THX
No...no...LUH, help me....help....
LUH faints. THX is barely able to stand, but he goes to her.
THX
LUH!...Help us..OMM, OMM help us.
He pulls her into his arms and rocks her. He is crying.
THX
OMM forgive us for our sins. Save
us. We are one, mass is one, OMM
is one. OMM Help us.....
FULL ANGLE
The front door opens, and two chrome policemen enter the room.
POLICEMAN
(voice of OMM)
I am here to help you. Relax. You
have nothing to fear. I am here.
The policeman pull them apart. THX's hands are taped behind his
back. (Fade out)
CUT IN:
38. PRISON CHAMBER
SILENCE
A small black dot appears on a white background. It is THX huddled
in a white limbo prison chamber. He is fresh and clean. All of
his cuts and sores are gone.
CLOSE ANGLE
THX is in a state of extreme terror. Suddenly he flinches, shrinks
further into a ball, and peers out into the white void. Slowly he
relaxes, then tenses again as he thinks he sees something.
CLOSER ANGLE
THX has not slept in a great while; which shows in his eyes..He
slowly drifts into a light sleep.
FULL ANGLE
THX wakes with a start as he hears footsteps. Panicked, he looks
in all directions trying to discover where the sound is coming
from. The footsteps become louder, and louder. THX rises in
trembling horror.
OVERHEAD ANGLE
THX runs around in circles. He stops short as a chrome policeman
appears holding a long electronic pole. THX continues to run in
circles as two more policemen appear with poles, and surround him.
They slowly close in on him, occasionally prodding him with the
long poles; which make an electronic sound, causing THX extreme
pain.
MED ANGLE
The policemen close on THX until he is again a huddled, quivering
ball. They stand over him, prodding him every few moments, until
he begins to weep in desperation.
FULL ANGLE
Momentarily the prison chamber goes blue, and the policemen
return into the white void. THX sits alone, cowering in fear.
39. T.V. IMAGE
The screen is filled with a TV monitors long shot of THX in the
white limbo prison. He is sitting with his feet spread out in
front of him. We hear an off screen voice speaking quietly with
clinical authority and disinterest.
OS VOICE
Increase.
The image changes instantly to an extreme long shot. THX is merely
a dot in the center of the screen.
OS VOICE
No... here... hold this down.
The image changes instantly to a close shot of THX. He is in
shock staring into the white limbo. He is talking quietly to
himself. We cannot hear what he is saying.
OS VOICE.
Audio...
2ND VOICE
Audio is already on.
THX continues to speak soundlessly.
2ND VOICE
I can't hear him.
1ST VOICE
Cortex bonding....possible temporary.
Before you report a possible equipment
malfunction, you check the subjects....?
2ND VOICE
Stress category.
1ST VOICE
Correct. (pause) Origin?
2ND VOICE
Birth born....UMMM...Sexact.
1ST VOICE
Violation?
The numbers 3278-927. 333tjj appear on the bottom of the screen.
2ND VOICE
Drug evasion with....
1ST VOICE
triple three, triple three! easy.....
2ND VOICE
Drug evasion with assorted perversions
1ST VOICE
Correct. Now secure a sinex drop
reading.
We hear a low throbbing sound, but THX shows no reaction. The word
psynix -4675 appears on the bottom of the screen.
1ST VOICE
A sinex drop reading of less then
2000 degrees with an accompanying
loss of greater then 350 degrees
since admission may indicate....?
2ND VOICE
Permant cortex bond.
1ST VOICE
Correct.
THX is still talking silently to himself.
1ST VOICE
This really isn't a very good
subject because with a cortex
bond, we're restricted to about
a quarter of the boards potential.
.....All this over here is wasted
on him. See, we could run a
system H.....Watch.
A pause, and then a high frequency sound is heard. THX begins to
twitch uncontrollably, becoming more and more violent, slamming
up and down against the floor. He looks terrified, but there is
nothing he can do about it.
1ST VOICE
Normally, there would be no
visual evidence of a system
H. We're not even getting a
reading.
The numbers on the bottom of the screen read 0000. The sound
changes pitch, and THX immediately huddles up in a ball.
1ST VOICE
HUMMMM.....
2ND VOICE
What happened?
1ST VOICE
See if you can get a reading on
tactal retention. Try to estimate
it without a meter reading.
The numbers disappear from the screen, and we switch to a closer
shot of THX. There is a pause.
1ST VOICE
Be careful, now.....
THX immediately slams to the floor, paralyzed. His face turns
bright red, and he appears to be in extreme pain.
2ND VOICE
UMMM..Let me see.....
THX opens his mouth to scream, but makes no sound.
1ST VOICE
Hurry up.
2ND VOICE
4732...?
1ST VOICE
Too low.
The number 6949 appears on the screen.
2ND VOICE
Control ON.
1ST VOICE
No, evidently you reversed the
polarity on his lobal travel.
Secure another sinex drop.
THX collapses into a heap, and starts to quiver. The word psynix
appears, but the degree rating is rapidly climbing upward,
approaching 4000.
1ST VOICE
4000 degrees is usually the point of....?
2ND VOICE
Vocasity
1ST VOICE
No, Tetanty.
THX begins to scream soon after the numbers pass 4000. The
numbers keep moving steadily until they stop; oscillating
between 7980 and 8040.
1ST VOICE
It's very rare to see a nurl bond
dissolve like that.
The numbers stabilize at 8020. THX is contorted into a very odd
position on the floor. He is released, and he crumples into a
heap..(trembling, and screaming.)
1ST VOICE
He's back to normal now.
40. ORGANALYSIS THEATRE
THX is strapped and clamped to an analysis table, mounted on gimbles,
similar to an operating table. He looks dazed, but fearful, and is
extremely clean and well scrubbed; almost raw. His head has been
freshly shaved.
What we can see of the room around him is full of mechanical and
medical apparatus - chrome and white enamel. We are in the midst
of an examination, although no other people are seen.
MED ANGLE
A mechanical arm tipped with a cotton pad is rubbed in THX's
armpit. It retracts, and another arm descends, injecting a
needle into his armpit. Simultaneously, blood samples are being
obtained from the finger tips, and forearm. The armpit needle
has obtained a sample of clear limph fluid, and is retracted into
the ceiling.
All these movements are accompanied by the small, whirring,
mosquito-like sound of tiny torque motors.
CLOSE ANGLE
The arms descend again and fasten two strips of cellophane to THX's
biceps. Then a clear plastic tube is inserted into one of his
nostrils, and his mouth is sealed shut with a large black plastic
clamp. THX's breathing becomes very difficult and he tries to
resist, but is powerless. We hear the sound of a pump and a
pink fluid is pumped through the tube and into THX.
CLOSER ANGLE
Tiny clamps are placed around THXÓs eyes and his eyelids are
retracted. Two cups on long stems of colored wires are lowered
and placed on his eyeballs. There is a slight pause and then
the cups begin to vibrate. They stop then vibrate again.
STILL CLOSER ANGLE
The pump stops, and THX's other nostril is sealed. We hear the
pump again, only this time air is sent through the tube. THXÓs
chest begins to distend, and keeps distending until it seems his
lungs can hold no more.
The pump stops, and THX exhales with one huge sigh. The cups on
his eyes also stop vibrating, and retract into the ceiling. The
pump starts up again filling his lungs with air. This time the
pump passes the where it stopped before, and begins to
strain.
Finally it stops and lets THX exhale. The tube is retracted
and his mouth is unclamped. His lips are quivering.
EXTREMELY CLOSE SHOT
Two wires are placed deep into THX's chest, and his heart begins
to beat very fast. An arm with an extremely sharp stylus starts
to scrape a strange pattern on the inside of THX's forearm. Little
beads of blood appear where the line was traced. A long flat
needle descends and penetrates THX's solar plexus. When fully in,
it rotates in eccentric circles for a few moments, and then retracts,
leaving only a small drop of blood where it has been.
CLOSE SHOT
Another arm with a razor-sharp scalpel moves to THX's forearm and
delicately incises an almond shaped pattern on the skin. His
heart, which has been beating rapidly, suddenly slows to almost
nothing.
The scalpel moves beneath the skin and frees the almond shaped
section, lifting it into a small vile, and lifting it away. The
two wires in THXÓs chest retract and his heartbeat returns to
normal.
MED ANGLE
The entire process has been continually typed into a computer.
At this point, a read out activates; which reads: 1138thx
Diognosis-compatable. Rate: Excellent. Exceptions: Left
kidney. (See detailed index 24-921)
42. PRISON CHAMBER
THX lies sleeping. The sound of footsteps wakes him, and he jumps
up, crouching, staring into the white limbo.
As THX stares, a figure slowly appears out of the whiteness. It
is LUH. When she sees THX, she stops walking and stares at him.
They watch one another for a long while; finally THX stands.
THX
Are you...are you real?
LUH?...LUH?
She rushes into his arms and they spin in an embrace. They kiss.
THX
Are you all right?
LUH looks at him, frightened and unable to answer.
THX
What did they do to you?
There is a long pause.
LUH
I'm going to have a child.
THX is alarmed.
THX
no...no, no.
LUH
Oh, THX... hold me, hold me,
THX holds her tightly, tears in his eyes. They kiss, and LUH
hides her head in THX's chest.
THX
It's the end.
LUH
I'm not afraid...I'm not
afraid.
THX
It's wrong; so wrong, what
we've done....
He drops to the floor, clinging to her legs. He is crying.
THX
I didn't want this. How did
it happen? Don't leave me...
stay here with me.
She goes down to him, embracing and comforting him.
LUH
You have to be strong.
(pause)
(softly)
You're going to have a son.
They both sit silently. She is rocking him in her arms.
EXTREME LONG SHOT
They lie huddled together in the vastness of the white limbo.
LONG SHOT
They kiss
MED ANGLE
They become passionate and begin to take off each others clothes.
CLOSE ANGLE
They begin to make love.
CLOSER ANGLE
They make love.
The same image appears over a TV monitor.
VOICE
Neron activity has risen to +942
Carbon rating +22.3. Tri-base
off .732. Contrast.....
The image returns to the white limbo.
THX and LUH are sleeping, cuddled next to one another. Faint
footsteps are heard, slowly getting louder. LUH wakes with a
start. Muffled voices are heard. LUH shakes THX awake.
A man dressed in yellow appears with two chrome policemen. THX
and LUH freeze in terror, still half asleep. The robot grab
them and pull them to their feet.
MAN
No person held to service in
one section under the laws
thereof, escaping into another,
shall, in consequence of any
law or regulation therein, be
discharged from such service,
but shall be delivered up on
claim of the party to whom such
service may be due.
LUH is held as THX is taken away.
LUH
(crying out)
THX!
THX
(screaming)
No!...No!...
He is struggling as he disappears into the whiteness.
43. COURTROOM
THX is escorted by two chrome policemen down a hallway and into
a courtroom. It is rather dim and small - the twenty or so
people in the room are lit with narrow beams of light.
THX is seated in a large, highbacked chair. The Proctor reads
the charge in a ritualistic, sing-song voice which is only
occasionally understandable.
PROCTOR
1138 prefix THX charged with
violation index 3278.927, appendix
445 to 613. Drug evasion, malicious
sexual perversion, unconditional
response and transgression. Justice
proceed. Pontifex 606 presiding.
The Pontifex is sitting behind a high dais, with a large portrait
of OMM in the background. He makes a ritualistic gesture.
PROCTOR
Begin.
PROSECUTOR
Mercicontrol respectfully places
its evidence before you.
He places four rolls of computer tape before the Pontifex.
PROSECUTOR
9198,5116, and 1447. These
negative documents are certified
by A.N.-O,T.O. and registered at
files, tomb 34.
The Defense, sitting in front of THX, jumps up and blurts out a
quick sentence of partially inaudible phrases.
DEFENSE
....nondrug, nondrug total excuse.
1138 is unstable condition...not
responsible for acts. Nondrug,
asylum....asylum.
THX sits quietly, with his head hung low.
PROSECUTOR
Mercicontrol respectfully submits a
5254, immediate destruction, on the
basis of an ECO TR-X 314; totally
incurable chemical imbalance with
socially deteriorating consequences.
DEFENSE
Reject, reject. Inefficient unwarranted
destruction. Must be saved...mass is one...
can be productive. Name of economics; cure
this soul...malignant cure. There is a
heritage of good and economic efficiency....
net gain.
PROSECUTOR
Insane.
PONTIFEX
Granted.
PROSECUTOR
Immediate destruction is the only
efficiency. The crimes are of
secondary importance. The issue is
one of genetic inferiority. This
man is of womb.
There is slight pause as a murmur goes through the courtroom.
PROSECUTOR
He is the product of an illegal
sexual perversion and should have
been destroyed at the moment of
conception. What is in question
here is a concept in economic
efficiency and procedure that has
allowed these erotics to exist and
dilute this great society.
DEFENSE
Inane...inane...
PONTIFEX
Rejected.
PROSECUTOR
The services performed by these
erotics must be automated. If
sexual perversion is to be stamped
out, the products of this perversion
must...
DEFENSE
Reject...reject...reject... What is
the prosecution doing? This is not
a race issue....not here. Remember
sanctity of the individual regardless
of race. A nonresponsible act...simple case.
Birthborn citizens are physically
compatible with clinic types and must
be consumed, not destroyed. Econ equilibrium
status 542 through 691 apply to case.
Defendant used, not destroyed. Case rest.
He takes three computer cards and places them before the Pontifex.
PROSECUTOR
The perversions committed by this
obsolete race have a definite corrosive
effect on our society. If he is not
destroyed, his deviate characteristics
will be transmitted to others. We must
not continue to consume these erotics.
We must exterminate the source of sin.
Economics must not dictate situations
which are obviously religious.
PONTIFEX
Conclude.
PROSECUTOR
If 1138 is consumed and not destroyed,
this perversion will spread. He must
be destroyed. It is the only logical,
efficient, and righteous verdict which
can be reached.
The defense says nothing, only shakes his head in dissent. The
Pontifex scans the room, then gives the Proctor a nod.
PROCTOR
Concluded.
PONTIFEX
Proceed.
The Proctor types the last bit of information into the computer.
Moments later, the computer readout activates. The Proctor
tears off the sheet and hands it to the Pontifex. The Pontifex
silently reads the verdict and then stands.
PONTIFEX
(solemnly)
OMM be praised. All are One.
Praise be to the masses.
The Pontifex hands the verdict to the Proctor as two chrome
policemen drag THX before the Pontifex. He makes a sign over
THX and mumbles a prayer, then looks at the Proctor, who reads
the verdict.
PROCTOR
1138 prefix THX stands convicted of
index 3278.927 appendix 445 through 613.
Drug evasion 321, 399, and malicious
sexual perversion.
Everyone in the courtroom is unmoved and unconcerned. THX sits
in a trance-like shock.
PROCTOR
...1138-THX is pronounced invaluable.
The subject shall be consumed as
economics dictate.
The defense gives the prosecutor a triumphant glance. Two
chrome policemen take THX out of the courtroom.. As he
leaves, LUH is escorted into the room by another door. They
do not see one another.
44. PRISON CHAMBER
THX is escorted through a white limbo area by a chrome policeman
with a long electronic pole. Shortly, they reach a group of nine
other felons. The area is defined by ten blue beds - each bed
is actually a rectangular box equipped to provide all the
necessities for human existence. Some felons are asleep, others
are sitting on their bed modules, and a few are grouped
together in a discussion.
The policeman take THX to an empty bed module and pounds his
long pole on the floor three times. A few of the prisoners turn
and look.
POLICEMAN
THX 1138.
The policeman turns and walks into the whiteness, leaving THX
sitting on his bed. The other nine men are: SEN 5241, PTO
0340; NIN 1969; TWA 7070; DWY 1519; NCH 0066; IMM 9472; JOT
1288; and TRG 3442.
PTO - a withered old man - walks over to THX and puts his hand on
THX's shoulder.
PTO
It's all right...you're safe now.
THX is totally depressed and completely ignores PTO, who goes
back to his bed after a moment. THX watches the other felons.
NCH is doing exercises on his bed module. IMM, a retarded woman,
sits huddled in a trance, mumbling incoherent phrases. Her
clothes are torn to shreds and she is almost naked. A thin,
delicate-looking man is slightly removed from the group, painting
large, red designs on the floor; he is JOT. TRG, an imbecile, sits
on his bed module and every few moments breaks out with a hysterical,
ear-piercing laugh.
As THX scans the group, he notices SEN asleep on one of the
modules. THX turns in disgust and tries to sleep.
DISSOLVE TO:
45. PTO is involved in a discussion with two of the other prisoners.
One is NIN, a middle-aged man who is trying to organize the rest
of the felons in an escape. The other man in DWY - sad,
nervous, and about the same age as NIN.
PTO
Then why are they holding us here?
Why don't they destroy us right
away? Economically, it's not
sound at all. Very much unlike....
NIN
I've said many times before, and
I guess I'll have to repeat it
again for your...
DWY
They're mad...mad...
PTO
It is incalculably more destructive
for you to believe you are about
to be destroyed then if you actually
were destroyed. We've got many
residents on the verge of hysteria!
It's got to stop....your unpleasant....
DWY
We're just waiting to die!
NIN
Calm down! Nothing can be accomplished
in an...
Suddenly, a scream is heard, and the group turns to see NCH
huddled over IMM. TRG and DWY both start over to rescue IMM, but\
TRG reaches her first. NCH backs off a short distance, making
huffing noises. TRG is laughing triumphantly at DWY, who goes
back to his bed and sits down. TRG takes IMM in his arms and
tries to calm her.
PTO
You always manage to avoid the
issue: What's wrong with our
present condition? We're
COMFORTABLE and we have plenty
of food...I feel absolutely no
threat because there is no threat.
Why incite trouble? You should
examine your emotions. It is
senseless...
NIN
What are you talking about?
When did you sleep last? Do
you know what your trouble is?
You're blind. You've been here
so long you can't see what is
happening. We must unite. We
need unity. We need action.
(pause) We have come to a time
when we must....
TWA, a rather fat man in his thirties, is pacing around the area,
measuring the distance between the bed modules. With no warning
noise a policeman appears out of the whiteness, walks over to
TRG, picks him up by the scruff of the neck and takes him away.
TRG is laughing as he disappears into the distant white.
THX has fallen asleep; DWY goes over and attempts to comfort
IMM. NIN and PTO are still engaged in their argument.
DISSOLVE TO:
46. JOT is on his hands and knees, pushing a red, doughy lump around
the floor. It leaves a smeary trail behind it, and JOT has
worked theses red smears into a baroque design. The ball
occasionally sticks to the floor, and JOT is having a difficult
time with all the effort involved.
Suddenly, someone walks into frame and stands on the design,
close enough to JOT so that he has to stop working. All we can
see are this person's feet and legs. JOT is exasperated and
angry.
JOT
Please...
There is a pause.
VOICE
Hi, buddy.
JOT
Look, will you please get off.
You're standing on my work.
Another pause. The person nudges JOT with his knees.
VOICE
Hi, buddy.
JOT sighs, resigned and disgruntled.
JOT
Hello....
VOICE
......buddy?
JOT
Buddy.
The person gets down on one knee and puts his arm around JOT.
squeezing him hard. It is NCH.
NCH
I want to learn about what you're
doing, huh? Tell me something nice
about what you're doing.
JOT winces and struggles, but is caught even tighter in NCH's grasp.
He begins to be afraid.
JOT
.....doing?
NCH
Yeah, what you're doing, you know.
The thing about you perverts is,
you're always running around doing
things. I want to hear something
really nice.
JOT
I'm doing....working....a space...
viable....
NCH bends JOT's arm behind him and gives it a twist.
NCH
Naa...that's not nice. You know
that's not nice.
He slams JOT against the floor and falls on top of him, whispering
harshly in his ear.
NCH
Tell me something nice.
JOT is terrified now, and he is finding it difficult to breath.
JOT
......doing......
NCH
Pervert!
He pronounces this sweetly, with a great deal of pleasure, but also
a certain amount of menace. He becomes increasingly excited.
NCH
Damn insidious malicious pervert!
JOT barely manages a gasp:
JOT
Help!
NCH
Pervert. Pervert. Pervert.
NCH starts tearing off JOT's clothes.
DWY is sharpening a small spoon with loving and tender care.
He is trying to conceal it from everyone else. NCH and JOT can
be seen struggling in the background and we can still hear NCH
mumbling.
NCH
Pervert! Pervert! Pervert!
Suddenly JOT screams, and DWY looks up. A chrome policeman appears,
leading a well-built, intelligent-looking youth of 14. He stops,
strikes his pole on the ground three times and announces:
POLICEMAN
CAM 5424.
He turns and leaves. CAM looks around. Everyone is silent except
for JOT and NCH who are still fighting.
DISSOLVE TO:
47. THX is awakened by a figure standing over him; it is SEN.
SEN
You're real! Where did you come
from?
There is a pause and THX doesn't answer.
SEN
I know you turned me in.
THX is sitting, expressionless.
SEN
I'm doing quite well here anyway.
(pause)
What's wrong with you?...Don't be
like that.
(pause)
You're a stupid man!
THX is sullen and annoyed at SEN's presence. They sit silently
for a long while. Finally, SEN returns to his bed module.
NIN and the new arrival, CAM are engaged in conversation. NIN
is trying to get CAM to sign a petition. IMM is sitting slapping
her hands on the floor. NCH is asleep and snoring very loudly.
DWY has been watching JOT paint chases away. DWY
goes over to comfort IMM.
TWA has constructed a crude sextant, and is looking with it into
the vast whiteness. SEN sits on his bed counting stacks of foam
rubber food and multi-colored capsules. THX goes back to sleep.
DISSOLVE TO:
48 PTO, TWA, and CAM are engaged in discussion. PTO and TWA look
the same as before, but CAM has begun to grow a stubble of hair.
THX is sitting on his bed module not far away, listening. He is
also still completely bald. JOT is working off in one corner -
his design has begun to encircle the group of bed modules, and he
quickly works his way off screen.
CAM is speaking excitedly, as if he were making a series of demands.
CAM
.....without pity!
There is a pause, and TWA shrugs his shoulders and looks away.
PTO rubs his head.
PTO
But.....
CAM
Without pity!
He lies on his bed, as if to conclude the discussion.
Suddenly, TWA notices something off screen and whips up the sextant
that had been lying beside him. He holds it out and tries to get
a fix. Everyone turns to see except PTO.
TWA
Too fast! If only I could
see a fixed point.
He puts the sextant down and exchanges a disgruntled glance with
PTO.
A chrome policeman walks into the area and goes off screen.
There is a pause and then the policeman returns, leading JOT
away. JOT is silent, but turns a number of times and looks back
as he is taken into the distance. TWA has taken up the sextant
again and is following them as they disappear. NCH has woken up.
PTO
Umm.....
He waves, trying to catch CAM's attention.
PTO
....my friend?
Your point of view....
CAM is still looking out after JOT and PTO finally leans forward
and tugs his sleeve. He turns to PTO.
PTO
(remembering CAM's name)
Yes, CAM. That's it....Your point
is well taken...CAM, but it lacks
the balance that a broader and a deeper
range of experience can lend it. When
I first arrived here, I saw things as
you do now. I was confused and anxious
about my predicament. I longed to thrash
out, to tear down, to destroy and annihilate;
to ravage, wreak havoc, and plunder. Being
basically level-headed, however, I realized
that my first goal should be to study this
place, where what seemed blind circumstance
had placed me. To follow the train of
events and the ever-changing display of
characters that I saw before me - of which
I am of course a part - and to try to discern
a pattern within the confusion.
TWA puts down his sextant and listens, although it seems he has
heard this speech many times before. CAM is gradually fascinated
by the old man - more by his air if calm assurance and the rhythm
of his language than by anything he is actually saying.
In the background, THX has begun to shave his head. DWY goes over
and tries to help but THX turns him away.
NCH has moved over to the sleeping IMM and, without waking her,
removes her last piece of clothing and lays her down on the floor.
He quietly lies down beside her and starts moving rhythmically.
PTO (Cont'd)
I set forth on a program of study which
continues up to this very day and which has
afforded me a few glimpses - if not actual
insights - into the nature of the world
around us. I never regretted my youthful
passion - quite the contrary, it provided
me with the original spark which has
since settled down to a comforting and
enduring glow. But I would caution you
that spark - if uncontrolled - may
leap into flames of senseless and disastrous
action and consume what you are endeavoring
to conserve.
He has addressed this last bit of advice to NIN as well as CAM.
PTO (Cont'd)
Listen to the mumblings of an old
man and bank those flames with earnest
inquiry and honest observation.
NIN suddenly breaks in.
NIN
Mumblings is right!
He turns to CAM.
NIN (Cont'd)
Do you know how many times we've
had to listen to that speech?
He jumps up, excited and at a loss for words.
NIN (Cont'd)
Do you know how many times? ....We've
had to listen to that speech? He
thinks everyone's as stupid as he is.
(turning to PTO)
You know what you are? You make me
sick. If we all thought like you
they could come in here and...and...
do whatever they wanted!
PTO smiles and shakes his head. NIN stomps off in a rage, turning
and yelling at PTO.
NIN
Sooner or later, you'll be taken
away and destroyed just like the
others.
He sits down on his bed and sulks. PTO continues with his speech,
completely ignoring NIN's interruption.
PTO
In the years to come you will be
grateful for what may now seem like
senseless sacrifices. With a passion
such as yours, I don't think it would
be foolish to say that you might see
further and deeper than any of us, right to
the heart of Truth herself!
PTO emphasizes his point by placing his hand on CAM's knee..
There is a loud screech, and everybody turns to see IMM sitting
on the floor howling like a two-year old. NCH, who had been lying
beside her, is slightly embarrassed and tries to cover this up
with bluster. He gives IMM a shove and struts over to his bed;
he begins his exercises. DWY gets up from his bed and goes over
to comfort IMM>
DISSOLVE TO:
49. IMM, still completely naked, walks out into the whiteness accompanied
by a chrome policeman.
The prison chamber momentarily goes blue, and food trays appear
at the base of the bed modules. The men go to their food and
begin to eat. SEN goes over to TWA, and DWY goes over and sits
next to THX. THX is not eating his food.
DWY
You're frightened. You're frightened
that at any moment you'll be taken away.
I know, I've felt that way. I couldn't
eat. I still have trouble. It goes
right through, all the time. I know
all right, but I'm better now. I can
more or less regulate it.
(pause)
I don't think you can understand.
.....Terrible, terrible, terrible....
I've been thinking about you.
DWY waits for a reaction, but THX continues to pick at his food,
paying no attention to him.
DWY (Cont'd)
You seem alone. I know. I've felt
that way. At work...they told me I
was a first class transport regulator.
Yes, a tram pilot. What do you think?
Between level 3472 and level 3500,
module center 55 - the big one. A
toilet: it's a toilet. Still, bad air
is better than no air. And the time-
tables. Shall I tell you?
TWA has given SEN part of his meal, and SEN returns to his bed
with it. DWY watches him as he passes them, then turns back to THX.
DWY (Cont'd)
What?
(referring to SEN)
He's not very friendly, is he? He
said you were roommates. Was he
always so...strange? All he does is
save his food. He eats a little....
very little. He may die.
(pause)
Of course, he may change. Things do
change. I'm the same...
(DWY offers THX some
of his food)
Have my plycron...what do you want
me to say?
(He sits, watching THX eat)
Could we be friends?
(whispering)
We could leave together. I have a
plan. See this?
(He takes a spoon out of
his shoe)
I'm making it sharp. We'll dig..
A chrome policeman arrives with another felon and DWY hastily
hides the spoon in his pants. He seems to feel that THX had
something to do with the appearance of the policeman and he watches
THX suspiciously.
POLICEMAN
OUE 6662.
The policeman leaves OUE standing with a totally blank expression
on his face, saliva dribbing from his mouth. He is in a deep
catatonic trance. THX lies on his bed and turns his back to DWY.
DWY
I should have known...You're with
them. You want....
DWY gets up and goes over to OUE, who is still standing where the
policeman left him. He sits him on a bed and begins to talk to
him. Most of the other felons are asleep.
DISSOLVE TO:
50. THX is sitting on his bed, looking as if he just awoke from a
deep sleep. PTO and CAM are in the middle of a history lesson
and CAM is reciting from memory with a certain amount of difficulty.
His hair is now moderately long.
CAM
Then SLE and RNH, who came between
PRT and MNH, but not before ALF, FRG,
and MLK. ALF, FRG, and MLK went
before SAM, RNG, NUR, and KLM. Then
RRG, STK, OUN, and FLT. And after
them came....came....
PTO
Four quick felons prepare the bed
modules to be cleaned.
CAM is perplexed by what PTO has just said.
CAM
Huh?
PTO repeats, emphasizing each word carefully and separately.
PTO
Four quick felons prepare the bed
modules to be cleaned. Four: F;
Quick: Q; Felons: F.....
He looks delightedly at CAM, who repeats the sentence to himself.
CAM
Four....quick....felons prepare.
(understanding)
FRK, QUM, FLN, PSK, and TEL;
BGL, MLT, TRN, BRK, and CLS.
THX looks up and watches NIN, who has begun to stride around.
PTO
Yes, fine! You see, history is
not only important, it can be fun as
well.
NIN suddenly bursts in.
NIN
I can't believe it!
(mocking)
MRK CRK TRK SRK BRK.....
What do you think happened to
MRK and CRK and TRK? Where
are they now? I'll tell you
where....no where.
NCH wakes up.
NIN (Cont'd)
You know what I want? Ideas....
One idea, One idea could get
us out of here if it was the right
idea. You know what I mean?
Not a bunch of facts. Who even
knows if they're facts? He probably
makes them up in his sleep. The
time has come to act.
THX gets up and starts to wander aimlessly about. No one notices him.
NIN (Cont'd)
We've just got to be sure it's the
right idea. But we'll find it. We'll
know it when we see it. I'll know it
when I see it. Clear and straight
forward and plain as the nose on your
face.
NCH walks over and punches NIN in the face. NIN falls down,
holding his nose in pain. NCH returns to his bed module and
uses the toilet.
THX is slowly moving further away from the group.
PTO
(to CAM)
Of course it is true that no one
has ever returned once they were
taken away, history tells us that,
but it is idle to speculate about
the reasons why and absurd to torture
oneself over an idle speculation as
NIN is doing. NIN has in fact destroyed
himself many times over with worry.
LOO 3122, who has taken away not long
before you arrived, believed that he was
going to a wonderful place where he would
be happy, and in so believing he created
a veritable paradise for himself right
here. Unfortunately, not all of us
can have the positive conviction of LOO,
but thankfully not all of us are burdened
with the ominous forebodings of NIN. I
myself have found that concentrating...
PTO stops speaking as a chrome policeman appears out of the white.
The policeman walks past THX, who has wandered quite a distance
away, and heads for the group. He stops at NCH's bed module and
takes NCH by the arm.
NCH suddenly gives the policeman a crumpling blow and knocks him
to the floor. He then jumps gleefully on his head, partially caving
it in. When he finishes, he returns to his bed and watches the
immobile body. Another policeman appears almost instantly and takes
NCH by the arm, leading him quietly away. NCH grins triumphantly
as he passes THX.
NIN
That's what I mean by the wrong
idea.
PTO and CAM resume the discussion, unconcerned by the presence
of the policeman's body. THX listens for a while.
PTO
I am not going to try to prove the
usefulness of history, it is genuinely
too obvious to need proof. We see before us
innumerable scenes, like what we just
witnessed, that succeed each other in
endless repetition. Where we see the
same faults followed regularly by the same
misfortunes, we may reasonably....
He pauses and points at CAM's long head of hair.
PTO (Cont'd)
Don't you think you could do something
about that? It's very distracting.
CAM is a little embarrassed and runs his hand through his hair.
PTO (Cont'd)
...we may reasonably think that if
we could have known the first we could
have avoided the second. The past should
enlighten us on the future, knowledge of
history is no more than an anticipated
experience.
SEN, with great effort, has dragged the body of the policeman out
to the edge of the beds and left it there.
THX has ventured further and further away from the group. The
voices have been becoming less and less audible until we hear only
fragments:
NIN
(shouting)
You're wrong! They're going
to destroy him!
And then we hear nothing at all.
A chrome policeman enters the group of beds from the opposite side
and takes the body of the first policeman away.
THX is puzzled that there is no device stopping him from going
further. He becomes increasingly frightened but decides to continue.
The group of beds is only a small dot in the distance.
DISSOLVE TO:
51. NIN and TWA are standing looking off into the distance.
NIN
I can just barely see him. I think
he's leaving.
TWA
Impossible!
PTO comes over and peers into the whiteness.
PTO
I don't see anything.
DWY and CAM join the gathering at the edge of the group of beds.
PTO
I can't see him at all. He's been
destroyed.
TWA
No, look! Three degrees from the
central azimuth.
NIN
He's free! Can't you see:
he's free!
CAM
I can see him. He's coming back.
PTO
Where? Oh...there he is. He must
have been stopped.
(to NIN, sarcastically)
Don't you think?
DWY
He was stopped. He was stopped.
Now what are we going to do?
NIN
He's coming back for the rest of
us. He can't make it alone.
TWA
I wonder how far he went. He's
gathered invaluable information out
there.
PTO
The reckless fool. I'm not
responsible.
THX approaches the group.
NIN
What happened?
DWY
What stopped you?
TWA
How far did you go? Was it cold?
PTO
You have nothing to fear. You're safe
again.
THX walks past the group, ignoring them, and lies down on his bed.
They all start for him.
NIN
Wait! I'll talk to him.
TWA
Ask him about the air. He looks
out of breath.
NIN goes over and sits on the edge of THX's bed. THX does not
acknowledge his presence. The other felons return to their beds.
NIN
Can you speak? Can you hear me?
THX lies quietly, trying to sleep.
NIN (Cont'd)
I want to help you. You can
help us. Here, take a biscuit.
THX gives him an annoyed look.
NIN (Cont'd)
You understand me, can you speak?
DWY comes up to the bed.
DWY
I think he's deficient.
NIN
I don't think so. Why don't you
go find something else to do?
DWY
Then why doesn't he speak? Can't
he hear? I don't think he knows.
Loud yelling is heard and DWY and NIN turn to see SEN and CAM
struggling on the floor. They roll against OUE's bed, knocking
him on the floor, where he lies motionless. TWA pulls CAM away
and SEN scrambles back to his bed.
CAM
He took my food. He stole it.
TWA
Now, now.
DWY goes over and lifts OUE back onto his bed. NIN turns back
to THX.
SEN
(yelling at CAM)
I thought you were through with
it!
NIN
We cannot stay here and allow ourselves
to be destroyed. You can work with us.
An organized plan of escape must be
devised first. Could you see anything?
(pause)
You want to leave. You're not like
them. You must have left something,
or someone.
THX winces at the question.
NIN (Cont'd)
A plan.....an organization. I will
see to it that we all get out of here
safely. As soon as you give us a
detailed description of the barrier,
we can begin. Information is the key.
We must concentrate on gaining information.
You're with us, I know. I have a contract..
He takes a piece of paper out of his shirt. THX lies silently,
apparently asleep.
NIN (Cont'd)
All it says is: you're with us.
We can only make it together. We
must convince the others.
(pause)
Well, later, then.
NIN leaves. THX opens his eyes and ponders the incident.
DISSOLVE TO:
52. SEN is busy cleaning his bed area. CAM is helping TWA build a
crude telescope on the edge of the bed area. DWY is sharpening
his spoon. THX is sitting on his bed with his head in his hands..
NIN and PTO are involved in discussion. PTO's mind is wandering
as he trys to follow NIN's train of thought.
NIN
Without most of us realizing it, a
"new alignment" has been formed...
and it is an exciting, healthy development..
this alignment is already a new majority;
it will effect the future of us all for
generations to come. We need a new unity,
but not a unity which discourages dissent.
We Need dissent.
He touches PTO to emphasize the point. There is a pause.
NIN (Cont'd)
But we need a creative dissent. Our
voices are not joined in any harmonious
chorus, but the differences are differences
of emphasis, not of fundamentals. Now, the
new alignment's greatest need is to
communicate with all its elements,
rather than march along in parallel
line that never converge. Tomorrow
as we focus the new movement more
clearly, we will gain a new unity.
PTO
What?
A policeman appears out of the white with a three foot high, hunch
backed, long-haired freak. The policeman pounds his staff three
times. All the felons are dumb-founded at the sight of the freak.
POLICEMAN
A nondescript: 364-1399284
The policeman exits; the freak stands helpless and frightened.
SEN
What is it?
NIN
Good Lord!
PTO
(proud of his knowledge)
A shelldweller. They live in the
outer shell of the city. Quite unique,
there have been two here before. They
smell.
TWA
Interesting....
TWA cautiously goes over to it to get a closer look. When he gets
close enough he pokes it. The freak lets out a shrill screech and
hobbles as fast as it can away from TWA. It jumps up and lands on
DWY's lap. DWY is paralyzed with fear as the freak clutches to
him with all his strength.
The freak looks at DWY with sad, helpless eyes. DWY comes out of
his shock and throws the freak onto the floor.
DWY
Get....get away, get, get, get,
get away....
The freak hobbles off to an empty bed and huddles in a ball at its
base, quaking with fear. TWA starts for it again.
CAM
Leave it....for a while.
CAM and TWA go back to the telescope. NIN and PTO return to
their conversation. THX lies quietly on his bed. SEN continues
to clean his area. DWY sits on his bed. He is crying.
DISSOLVE TO:
53. CAM is at the telescope, aiming it into the whiteness, in an
apparently futile search for some concrete object. TWA is at
his side.
TWA
There!
TWA points and CAM moves the telescope in that direction.
CAM
No, nothing.
TWA points again.
TWA
There!
CAM
Nothing.
THX is also standing at the edge of the limbo, not far sway, staring
out at nothing. TWA and CAM conclude their search after a few more
fruitless attempts at sighting something.
NIN and PTO are having another discussion.
NIN
I think that a leader must, whenever
he possibly can, make the decision for more
knowledge rather than less, but he must
also have the wisdom to limit freedom so
as to insure freedom. That is what will
keep us strong and give us direction.
TWA and CAM come over and sit down.
PTO
Well?
TWA
Out of a random selection of 150 locations
with 150 possible sightings, there were
146 absolute negatives and four conditionals,
most of which occurred in the early
familiarization stages of the experiment
and can be largely discounted.
PTO
Not very encouraging.
TWA
On the contrary! It absolutely
proves what I have always felt. We
are located in an apparently uniform space
with no visible limits. We are just now
beginning to push back the clouds of
ignorance and perceive the truth. We must
continue the search.
NIN
I have always tended to believe that
this kind of knowledge is all well and
good in its place, but anything can be
taken too far, and when you've got every-
one looking off into telescopes and not
tending to business right here, then, I
believe, we have gone too far.
THX has noticed a policeman approaching the group. He turns and
goes back to his bed module.
TWA
The sighting of a fixed point beyond
our confines is fundamental to all
other problems and issues. It would
instantly determine whether we are,
whether this world is, in fact, moving
or standing still.
The policeman enters the area and walks over to DWY, who has
been sitting quietly on his bed. TWA leans over and whispers to
CAM, and as the policeman leads DWY quietly away, they return to
the telescope.
NIN
I have been thinking seriously recently
about the role we are expected to play
as individuals and as a unit within the
broader outlines of society.
He addresses himself to the whole group.
NIN (Cont'd)
Each of us, of course, feels very
strongly as an individual, but I
think we could all agree that there
is something here that binds us all
together. In this way, we are a whole
made up of different parts. But in the
way that each of us relates to all
of us together, all of us together are
but a part of society as a whole.
No one is really listening to him.
NIN (Cont'd)
Now I come to my point: each one of us
can be in unity with the rest only if there
is a leader who can the unifying. When
Posterity judges our actions here it will
perhaps see us not as unwilling prisoners,
but as men who, when faced with the choice,
preferred, for whatever reason, to remain
as non-contributing individuals on the
fringe of society. We must not let this
happen, gentlemen. The choice is there, make
no mistake about it!
NIN looks around, trying to elicit a response.
NIN (Cont'd)
We must first choose a leader to unite
us together, and then venture out and
return once more as contributing and
vital members of the greater organism of
society.
NIN's speech has been increasingly passionate, and ends on a note
of triumphant exhortation. The freak begins to cry; everyone else
is silent.
TWA, who has not been listening to the speech, is still sighting
through the telescope.
TWA
Aha!
DISSOLVE TO:
54. CAM is shaving his head while PTO is giving him a history lesson.
The Freak is crouched in the background.
PTO
......because of the great pressure
and bad air, they never attain a height
greater than four feet although some of
them are ferocious fighters and show
great courage and skill. Whether they
are descendants of those who lost them-
selves in the superstructure, or whether
they are actually a separate race, no one
can tell. They depend on their strange
appearance and peculiar smell to fend
off any intruders, and they make the
city shell a most unpleasant place in
which to be lost. The authorities
tolerate a moderate amount of them at
any one time, but they must be kept
under control with occasional sweep
campaigns, which is probably where
this one came from.
CAM
(repeating the lesson)
Because of the great pressure and bad
air, they never attain...
TWA, who has been busy making calculations, suddenly bursts in:
TWA
I've got it! Astounding!
PTO
What?
TWA
No one could have imagined anything
one-thousandth as fantastic as the
sober facts uncovered by patient
inquiry. This world is in a state of
static-mobility: we are at the same
time moving and standing still.
NIN
That's the most ridiculous thing I've
ever heard.
TWA
It may seem ridiculous to the untrained
mind, but if you were able to interpret
the calculations you would see that an
apparent paradox is actually a perfect
and elegant system in concept and design.
A policeman approaches the group.
TWA (Cont'd)
However, for myself there is a great
deal more that I would like to know.
Why is this world as it is and not
something else. Why is this world here
at all. It is true that at present I
have no clue to the answers to questions
such as these, but....
The policeman enters the group and walks over to CAM, leads him
away without a word.
NIN
(to PTO)
There goes another of your disciples.
PTO
It seems I am destined to endure many
frustrations....but at the same time
I am secure in the knowledge that the
thrust of my studies has been in the
right direction, and that even if it remains
incomplete, my search has not been in vain.
PTO watches CAM being led off by the policeman.
PTO
Our life is brief and powerless. On all
of us, the slow, sure doom falls pitiless
and dark. Blind to good and evil, reckless
of destruction, omnipotent authority rolls
on its relentless way. Condemned today
to lose our friends, tomorrow ourselves
to pass through the gate of darkness, it
remains only for us to cherish, before the
blow falls, the lofty thoughts that ennoble
this little day; disdaining the coward
terrors of the slave of fate, to worship at
the shrine that our own hands have built;
undismayed by the empire of chance, to
preserve a mind free from the wanton
tyranny that rules our outward life;
proudly defiant of the irresistible forces
that tolerate, for a moment, out knowledge
and our condemnation, to sustain alone,
weary but unyielding, the world that our
own ideals have fashioned despite the
trampling march of unconscious power.
THX looks into the void. There are tears in his eyes.
DISSOLVE TO:
55. The blue meal buzzer goes off and the men eat. DWY tries without
any results to get OUE to eat something. The Freak is very pro-
tective of his food, and is very sloppy when he eats. SEN eats
only a small portion of his food, and puts the rest in his bed
module. He then goes over and sits with THX.
SEN
What is the Freak doing? He chews,
but he doesn't seem to eat. The longer it
stays, the greater the mess. Nobody lifts
a finger. Isn't anybody going to get rid
of the damn thing?
(pause)
All of its leavings are piling up.
THX is eating, unconcerned with SEN's problems.
SEN (Cont'd)
I can't do a good job. As soon as I
get things cleaned up....it's hopeless,
a hopeless task.
(pointing to the others)
I'm going to tell them I've had it.
They don't know any better. Countless
diversions. Deciding where we are.
Arguing about leaving. Trying to
determine the future. Ridiculous.
What about keeping things livable here?
Now?
(pause)
I can't hide anything. I can't put any-
thing aside. Nothing can be saved,
nothing....can be hidden. They're beginning
to go into my corner and look for things.
Their things. They're my things.....
They're going to take it all. I know
what they're planning. After all my saving,
Starving...there must be something else.
Don't you agree? You're calculating...
SEN is stopped by the banging of a policeman's staff.
POLICEMAN
LUH 9998
THX is startled by the felon's prefix.
THX
(quietly, almost involuntarily)
LUH! .......
He turns to see an older, quiet-looking man. The policeman leaves
and THX slumps in depression.
SEN
(casually interested)
What happened to her? Do you
know where she is? Why isn't
she here...
(pause)
What are you thinking?
THX is obviously thinking about something important. He seems
to have made a decision.
NIN is sitting with OUE, trying o get him to sign his petition.
THX
I'm leaving.
SEN
What?
THX turns to SEN with a very determined look.
THX
I'm leaving.
SEN
When?.....How?
THX
Right now.
SEN
But you can't...you.
THX starts to walk out of the area and into the whiteness.
SEN
Wait, I'm coming too.
SEN runs over to his bed and starts stuffing surplus food into
his shirt. NIN comes over to him, pointing out at THX.
NIN
(agitated)
What's going on....what are you
doing?
SEN
We're leaving.
NIN
What?
SEN
We're leaving.
NIN
Who? Who's leaving?
SEN
THX and me.
NIN
But you can't. We must escape.
The new alignment. The plan.
The organization.
SEN's shirt is bulging with food. He has wrapped more food up
in a piece of cloth. As he starts to go after THX, NIN grabs his
arm and tries to restrain him.
NIN
Wait....sit down, let's talk
about it. You can't just do this
on your own. We must present a
united front...gather more pertinent
information... plans have to be made.
SEN breaks away from him, and some of the food spills out of his
shirt, bouncing across the floor. He runs after THX.
NIN
Think of the new alignment. What
are you doing?
(yelling)
You can't do this!
PTO, TWA, and LUH join NIN on the edge of the white limbo. They
watch SEN and THX walking off.
NIN
We must escape. We have plans. We
can leave. We must wait until...
TWA
Incredible!
NIN's yelling fades as SEN and THX venture further from the group
of modules. Eventually, the beds disappear completely. THX and
SEN are alone in the white.
56. WHITE LIMBO
EXTREME LONG SHOT
THX walks briskly through the white. SEN follows a short
distance behind, occasionally dropping a cube of food.
LONG SHOT
THX and SEN are sitting, resting in the vast void. SEN
is eating. THX is thinking.
MED SHOT
They are walking. SEN seems to be having a difficult time.
SEN
The air is getting thinner.
(pause)
Or the pressure is getting
greater. It's the pressure.
How do you feel?
THX is not listening to SEN
SEN (Cont'd)
My ears feel funny....are you sure
this is the right direction?
They walk until SEN drops on the floor, out of breath.
SEN
It's the air. It's closing in.
I can't stand it any longer. There's
no room. No air.
THX goes over to him.
THX
I haven't got time. You can stay
here if you like.
THX starts off into the white.
SEN
No!
SEN gets up and follows after THX.
SEN
It shouldn't be this far.
They walk on. Suddenly THX stops short.
SEN
What?
THX
Look!
He points to a black dot in the distance.
SEN
Oh No!
They stand for a moment, watching the dot.
THX
It doesn't seem to be moving.
They start walking in the direction of the dot.
SEN
Look, he's waving...It's a
man. He's waving.
Soon, they are close enough to see the man is a negro mannequin,
SRT 5555. He begins to walk toward THX and SEN. They are
frightened, and stop walking. SRT approaches them.
SRT
Hello...hello. Where did you come from?
Both THX and SEN are speechless.
SRT
Well, it doesn't make any difference,
I guess.
He notices SEN's food.
SRT
What's that? Food? Good,
I'm starving. Do you mind?
He takes a piece of food from SEN's shirt. SEN is frozen with
fear. SRT begins to eat.
THX
What are you doing here?
SRT
I was lost.
THX
...and you're not lost now?
SRT
(mouth full)
No, I...
SEN
You know the way out?!
SRT
(chewing)
Um hmm...
THX
Which way?
SRT
(swallowing)
That way.
He points in the direction from which THX and SRT have just come.
SEN
That's where we were.
SRT
Maybe you were traveling in
circles. That's the way out.
THX
How do you know?
SRT
Look more closely.
Out of the whiteness a row of faint beacons flash. The men
start off in that direction.
As the beacons become more distinct, the men break into a trot,
then into a run. SEN trips and falls, sending food bouncing in
all directions.
SEN
Wait, help.
SRT stops to help him up. THX waits until they catch up. The
three of them run out of the white limbo into a dark side area.
They stop to catch their breath.
SEN
There was nothing there.
SRT looks at THX and smiles. They walk along the edge of the white
until they reach a door.
SRT
It could lead anywhere...
THX puts his ear to the door. He hears nothing.
SEN
No...Let's not...
SRT opens the door, revealing an extremely crowded hallway. The
roar is deafening.
57. CITY MAINWAY
The men stand looking into the river of people. THX points to a
red door on the opposite side.
THX
(shouting)
Let's head for that door.
The three men are engulfed by the moving people. Fearful of
being noticed, they are tense as TV cameras scan the crowd.
They struggle to fight the swift current. SEN begins to panic
as he becomes separated from THX and SRT. The shuffle of feet
is so loud that SEN's crys are not heard.
THX sees SEN drifting further and further away, but he is
helpless to do anything. THX yells at SRT who is directly
ahead of him in the stream of people.
THX
We've lost SEN!
SRT
What?
THX
Lost SEN! He'll never find us.
SRT
Too late....stay close.
THX and SRT make it to the opposite side of the hallway. They move
along the wall until they reach the door which reads: "Reproduction
Center 35 No Entrance" SEN helplessly disappears in the distance.
He screams, but cannot be heard as he floats through the hallways.
THX and SRT enter the reproduction center.
58. CONTROL CENTER
A row of observers sit at their monitors, as a control officer,
ELC 3433 (dressed in yellow), enters the room. He walks over to
one of the observers and is handed a stack of report tapes. He
take the reports to his desk and begins to listen to them. The
control center seems relatively calm.
59. REPRODUCTION CENTER
SRT and THX are sitting in a large room illuminated by blue lights
and filled with large jars. The jars contain human embryos.
SRT
...it doesn't matter. The
rest of it just didn't happen.
THX
What are you talking about.
How do you know? I need her!
(to himself)
I need her. She needs me. I've
got to get to her.
SRT
Maternity ward, huhh!
THX
We'll never make it through that
mainway...I wonder what happened
to SEN.
(pause)
I'm crazy! This whole thing is
crazy...What am I doing? My
mind is full of so many things
I can't think of anything,
anymore.
(annoyed, to SRT)
Who are you?
SRT
Who? Me?...I don't know.
THX
What kind of answer is that?
SRT
I don't know.
THX (very fast)
You have to!....I'm 1138 THX
Magnum manipulator 347 cell 94107
Precinct 3 Residence: Level 6421
Complex 12 Ramp 5. Roommate
3417 LU...H.
SRT
Oh, That! I'm 5555 SRT Entron..
THX
(angry)
I don't care..
SRT gets up and looks around the embryo room. He takes one of the
jars and removes it from the shelf.
THX
It's all her fault!...She
put orinase in my sedation.
SRT looks at THX and puts the jar back in its niche.
THX
How can I love her?
SRT goes over to a control panel and begins to inspect it. He
discovers a maintenance entrance to the computer. A small sign
on the door reads" "Reproduction control computer maintenance.
No entrance. Use no electrodevices beyond this point."
SRT
Look!
THX goes over to the computer. SRT pulls the door open.
THX
No!
An alarm goes off, and a recorded voice is heard.
VOICE
You are engaged in an unauthorized
procedure. Check cybernetic manual
F-45. If you do no have an F-45,
you are in violation. This is a
double A restricted precinct. Remain
where you are. Authorities will
arrive shortly.
THX
You should know better than that!
THX looks up at a TV camera. The two felons are seen on a TV monitor.
60. CATHEDRAL
The Cathedral is a vast, dark, and empty hall. Dimly perceivable
are strange-looking cameras on large dollies; cables are strewn
across the floor. At one end is the portrait of OMM and the
huge figure eight.
A door open slowly at the far end of the hall and lets in a
shaft of light. The air is filled with dust.
SEN enters through the door, marked "SAG - 68Y Personnel only."
His bag of food hangs limply and he is exhausted. Slowly and
cautiously he moves down the rows of strange shadowy devices.
From the dark background there is occasionally a glint of
polished metal or glass. Amber safety lights are spaced evenly
along the unseen walls. Every sound he makes echoes throughout
the empty space.
He stands for a long while in front of the portrait of OMM. In
the background, only dimly seen, are huge cards reading: "Before
OMM was OMM, After OMM will be OMM, Within OMM" etc.. He tosses
the bag of food on the floor; one red sphere rolls out and comes
to a stop. He looks at it and smiles wryly.
SEN
They took everything...and then
they were going to take my food.
He says this as a matter of fact, not trying to excuse anything.
SEN (cont.)
My food....I was afraid and I
ran away.
The portrait of OMM looks down silently.
SEN (cont.)
I know it was wrong, OMM. I want
to go back...I want to do the
right thing. I want to go back.
The sound of footsteps is heard, and SEN turns in panic to see
who it is.
61. COMPUTER INTERIOR
THX and SRT run through the labyrinth of electronic circuit
panels. THX begins to show signs of exhaustion as they run
through the rows of electrodes.
CLOSE ANGLE
THX stops to catch his breath. SRT disappears around a corner.
THX runs to catch up, but when he reaches the corner, he
discovers SRT has disappeared. He goes alone.
62. CONTROL CENTER
In the control center ELC receives a report.
VOICE
.....and two inmates have fled
detention block R, habot 92.
They have been missing for
approximately 3:32.16 hours.
The report is simultaneously typed into a computer.
VOICE (cont.)
1138 THX and 5241 SEN. Relay
current position.
ELC appears calm and unconcerned as he speaks over the intercom.
ELC
We have a U65 on a K8. Transfer
all unauthorized contacts in
precient 688 CON-G to this center.
Mode 7.
Instantly, the computer readout activates. ELC reports into an
intercom.
ELC
Request two PB848's: officers 1999
and 2187. Proceed with recovery
operation of felons 1138thx and
5241sen. Current position
reproduction center 35, precient
688, CON-G. Report when felons are
in custody, revised position: HOLD....
Felons have entered maintance area of
reproduction control computer 35-B4.
Transfer.
ELC turns to watch an assembly accident on one of the monitors.
63. CATHEDRAL
SEN is peering into the shadows. Just barely visible, standing
on the other side of the cathedral, is a white robed figure.
VOICE
(echoing through the hall)
This is not the place for prayer.
SEN shows no surprise and says nothing.
VOICE (cont.)
If you want to speak with OMM you
must go to a UNICHURCH, you know
that.
SEN
(to himself)
Yes....
VOICE
What?....Are you in any trouble?
SEN
No...No...I'm all right. I'm
going now.
SEN picks up his bag and starts for the door. The white robed
figure, which we can now see is a monk, stops him.
MONK
Are you SAG?....What is your
number and prefix? I'm going
to have to put this in your
record.
SEN
No...I'll just leave.
MONK
(holding him)
I'm sorry, I have to report all
intruders.....Where is your
identification badge?
SEN
(looking at his lepel)
I lost it.
MONK
You're in violation. I'm going
to notify the authorities. This
is beyond my jurisdiction.
The monk turns to leave, and SEN grabs him, knocking him to the
floor.
SEN
No! Give....Give me time.
SEN begins to beat the unconscious body of the monk. Slowly,
he stops and then slumps, holding his face in his hands.
SEN
OMM...OMM What have I done?
He takes the body in his arms, and then goes through the monks
pockets. He finds some pills and takes them.
64. COMPUTER INTERIOR
THX is standing at the intersection of three computer hallways:
puzzled. He turns to see a chrome policeman come around the
corner at the other end of the hallway.
MED ANGLE
THX runs down a corridor away from the policeman. Exhausted
and trapped, he discovers an opening between two electronic
panels, and squeezes into the cramped hiding place.
FULL SHOT
The robots stop a short distance from where THX is hiding.
Another policeman joins him.
POLICEMAN
We need assistance. Electroscan
impossible. Must rely on visual
sighting. Request three
additional officers.
ELC
Assistance priority request filed.
Continue with operation.
The policeman move off down the hallway. When their footsteps fade,
THX pokes his head out of his cubbyhole.
MED ANGLE
THX runs through the electronic hallways. He stops at an exit; a
hole high in the ceiling with a ladder in it. Suddenly he hears
someone coming. He jumps for the ladder and misses, landing on
a heap on the floor.
CLOSE ANGLE
He is about to make another leap when someone grabs him from the
rear. THX faints and collapses on the floor.
65. CONTROL CENTER
Photos and file histories of THX and SEN are projected on the large
screen. ELC is speaking into a dictaphone, and his request is
instantaneously typed into the computer and onto the screen.
ELC
....and both felons were located
in reproduction center 34.
Apprehension pending. Priority
shift for 3 additional officers
delayed. Subjects will be
returned to.....
He breaks off his dictating as a report comes through on his
headset.
VOICE
Priority shift granted. Officers
5254, 9696 and 1970 dispatched to
Con G.
ELC
It's about time (into intercom).
Three additional officers enroute
to assist in operation. Advise
at time of apprehension.
66. TRAM STATION
SEN is riding in an almost empty tram. There is only one other
passenger - a man asleep about four rows behind him. The tram
comes to a stop and an announcement is made over the PA system.
ANNOUNCER
Termination of exurban link-DD NECK 08.
This tram will return to central web
in five minutes.
There is a soft hiss and then silence. The man in back of SEN
wakes up, looks around, then falls asleep again. SEN gets up
and cautiously leaves the tram.
FULL SHOT
Outside, the tram station is deserted and only partially completed.
There are corridors leading from the station, but these too, are
unfinished. The station is lit only by dim work lights. The
sound of running water is heard.
CLOSE SHOT
SEN very timidly begins to explore one of the corridors. The walls
are solid, uneven rock, covered with plastic sheeting. Many tubes
and wires are lying on the floor, leading off into the distance.
Occasionally there is a strange-looking tool dropped against the wall.
MED SHOT
SEN comes to a section of rock that is steaming. There is a
strong draft blowing past him toward the tram station. As he
rounds a corner a strange volcanic sound comes from the depths
of the unfinished corridor. Suddenly a large rat scampers
past him and into the uncompleted shaft.
CLOSE SHOT
SEN is terrified and at the same time intrigued by what he is
seeing. He stops and listens. He hears the sound of the trams
pressure valves closing up.
FULL SHOT
He looks back, he cannot see the tram and he is instantly
overcome with fear. He runs madly around the corner and down
the corridor. The tram is till there. He reaches the tram
just as the door begins to close.
67. CONTROL CENTER
One of the observers reports to ELC. On his TV monitor two
chrome policeman fuss over the body of the slain monk.
OBSERVER
I have an unusual report - a
nonaccidental death. Are
there any felons reported in
section 692 CON F?
ELC
No, the closest thing I have
is in CON G, they couldn't
have done it. Relay to
analysis.
He thinks to himself for a minute.
ELC
(to the observer)...Let me recheck
....(he typed into computer)...
Backlog on case 6178821150.
The computer readout activates.
ELC
I have an unexplained discrepancy.
A description of one of the felons
trapped in reproduction center 35
doesn't match his Harris profile.
Transfer any unauthorized contact
for a radius of 30 sections. Relay.
The computer readout activates.
68. NARROW PASSAGEWAY
THX lies unconscious on the floor of a hallway, filled with pipes
and tubes. SRT is looking down through the ladder hole watching
a policeman pass under him.
THX begins to regain consciousness.
SRT
I'm sorry...I didn't mean to
frighten you.
THX looks around and realizes he has been moved out of the
computer.
THX
How did you get me up here?...
It is very hot and sweat forms on THX's forehead. There is a
large rumble and the entire passageway vibrates.
SRT
What was that....
THX
Must be an expressway....
You don't have to stay
here, you know....
SRT
What have you done, Cut your hand?
THX
I'm all right
THX rises and they begin to walk along the passageway. At the
end of the hall is a small metal door, a sign read "Level
842CON G, Division of Plastic, Vendable manufacturing stations"
the door is jammed and it is difficult to open. Finally the
latch snaps and the door swings open.
69. SCHOOL PLAZA
SEN is sitting with his head in his hands. Along one wall is a
school with windows facing the plaza. Children are playing
various games in the center of the plaza. One group forms a
human labyrinth and tow children play tag in it. Two children
are standing apart from the others, one is adjusting a strange
device of the other's arm. After a few moments one child
approached SEN.
CHILD
My inducer fell off.
SEN
(Looks up)
What...?
The child holds out his arm to SEN. A small blue plastic
pouch has detached from the underside of his arm. He points at
the other child standing in the background.
CHILD
3114 knocked it off.
SEN
(Confused)
Oh?....
CHILD
He didn't mean to.
SEN takes the pouch. Printed on it are the words "Advanced
primary economics 5867H" It is filled with a creamy fluid
which is dripping slowly out of the plastic tube.
CHILD
Look out!
He grabs the pouch from SEN and pinches the tube shut.
CHILD
(Angry)
What's the matter with you?
The other child has come over and is watching.
SEN
I'm sorry...let me see it again.
The child reluctantly gives him the pouch and SEN is careful to
keep it upright. Sticking out of the child's arm is a small
plastic receptor tube. SEN fits the pouch's tube into it. The
child looks at SEN.
CHILD
What are you doing here? Where's
your badge?
SEN
(Busy with the pouch)
I'm an escaped felon.
The two children look at each other wide-eyed. The second backs
off a little.
FIRST CHILD
You are not! Why aren't you
arrested?
SEN looks up and smiles and motions the other child closer
again.
SEN
I'm waiting to be picked up.
Here, hold this...
He hands the second child the first's pouch and tears a strip
of cloth from his shirt. He ties it around the arm holding
the pouch secure.
SEN
There!
The two children are fascinated, knowing whether to
believe SEN or not.
SECOND CHILD
What's your name?
SEN
SEN 5241
SECOND CHILD
I'm 3114 and he's 1112
SEN
Hello....(looking at the pouch)
How is that? Any good....
FIRST CHILD
(Shrugs) O K
SEN
When I was in school it was all
different. We had to lie in bed
all the time. ADVANCED PRIMARY
ECONOMICS was a bottle about
this big.... (he indicates a
football sized object) It took
a week.
CHILDREN
Wow!
70. PLASTIC FACTORY
THX and SRT pass by large stacks of the three dimensional hexagons
that are sold in the commercial plazas. Eventually, they enter a
cold, blue-lit room filled with dead bodies lying on metal slabs.
The eyes and torsos of many of the bodies are covered with a
blue plastic film.
MED ANGLE
THX sits quietly on one of the empty slabs. SRT wanders through
the dead bodies, occasionally lifting the covers and looking
underneath. THX takes a cube of food out of his shirt. He
considers the possibility of not offering any to SRT.
THX
Would you like part of this?
....It's not much.
SRT
(referring to the bodies)
All the insides are gone!
THX Begins to eat.
SRT
Did you know all the insides are
gone from these people?
THX continues to eat, not responding to SRT.
CLOSE ANGLE
On one of the slabs is a body with a particulary large head.
SRT
This one must have been a
genius!
SRT inspects the head.
SRT
...Yes, definitely smarter then
the rest.
He moves along to another body which we recognize as DWY. He
has no cloth over his eyes.
SRT
This one has eyes. (sardonic) Why
did they leave your eyes? Could
you ever....
THX
(recognizing DWY)
No!....
THX goes over to DWY.
THX
(Saddened)
I knew him.
SRT
Soon he'll be a plastic cube.
THX
(angry)
Shut up.
SRT goes over and lies down on one of the slabs. THX remains
with DWY's body, pondering his fate.
SRT
Your a fool.....If you continue
after LUH, you'll end up here.
Forget her. You can't go back.
THX wearly climbs onto a slab, just as a door opens and a figure
enters. Both THX and SRT freeze in terror.
MED ANGLE
The figure begins to staple plastic tags on the ears of the
bodies, checking a list as he goes. As he works, two more
figures enter with a cart and lift the tagged bodies into it.
71. CONTROL CENTER
A TV monitor focuses on SEN sitting in the school plaza.
ELC
We've lost contact with 1138.
An unidentified felon is traveling
with him. Will transfer further
information when available.
OBSERVER
Visual contact with 5241SEN.
....Habot 25 CON-H, PS947.
ELC switches to another intercom.
ELC
Request PB848: officer 1088
proceed with recovery of felon
5241SEN. Current position
Habot 25, CON-H, PS947.
OBSERVER
Negative sweep of CON-J, section
H.
ELC
Try closer to the reproduction
center.
72. SCHOOL PLAZA
SEN is still sitting with the two children. He listens to them
attentively.
2ND CHILD
(correcting)
No...impresses on each of us.
1ST CHILD
That's not how it goes.
2ND CHILD
Yes it is....
SEN
Go on.
1ST CHILD
.....There are no other rational
alternatives in this way. We
eliminate the economic function
generated by the contrast of
separate but compatible energies.
2ND CHILD
Elements! Compatible elements.
1ST CHILD
Energies.
As the children argue, SEN notices a policeman approaching them.
He stands up, and the children stop arguing and look on in
wonderment.
CLOSE ANGLE
The policeman tapes SEN's hands behind his back. SEN looks at
the first child....
SEN
You're right.
1ST CHILD
(to second child)
See!
2ND CHILD
He doesn't know.
The policeman tapes SEN's mouth and eyes and leads him off. The
children continue to argue about the word.
73. PLASTIC FACTORY
CLOSE ANGLE
The figure with the staple gun approaches the slab on which SRT
is lying.
A death tag is stapled to his ear. He doesn't even flinch.
The figure continues along the row of bodies, nearing THX.
FULL ANGLE
The figure staples a tag on THX's ear. His body jerks with
pain, the figure jumps back with a yelp.
FIGURE WITH CART
What's wrong?
THX and SRT jump up and run to a side door making a quick exit...
The figures stand in shock..
MED ANGLE
THX and SRT run furiously down a long hallway; there are two doors
at the end, one of which is locked.
CLOSE ANGLE
Four or five men enter from the end of the hallway, THX tries the
second door, which opens and they rush inside, closing and locking
the door behind them.
74. OBSERVATION CELL
They are in a small cramped observation cell.
THX
We're trapped.
SRT takes a tool from one of the control panels and smashes a
TV monitoring eye which has been observing them.
CLOSE ANGLE
THX is fumbling desperately at the controls of the master
board.
A series of images flash rapidly across the TV screen: trams
in transit, people eating, factories, hallways.
FULL SHOT
SRT is feeling along the walls for a removable panel.
SRT
That's a waste of time.
THX continues pushing buttons, and a medical operation appears on
the screen.
THX
(To himself)
That's not it.
SRT
(Unconcerned)
No?
THX adjusts some dials and more images appear on screen.
THX
There!......There!
He locks in a wide angle view of a maternity ward and starts
switching close shots to close shot, searching.
SRT
Come here and help me, we have
no time.....
SRT is unscrewing one of the small panels. He manages to get it
off and looks inside, (a mass of wires and circuit boards.)
obviously not an escape route. Staring back from the circuiting
is a pair of small red eyes. A hiss and scuffling sound is heard
as the eyes disappear. SRT turns to THX, but THX is completely
absorbed in the monitors.
SRT gets up and continues to prowl about the small room,
examining things, pushing an occasional button,
unscrewing various controls.
SRT
The only way out seems to be the
way we came in.
SRT pushes another button and the voice of OMM is heard.
OMM
This is OMM. Everything is fine.
You are in my hands. I will
protect you. Co-operate with
Mercicontrol. They only want to
help you. Everything is going to
be all right.
SRT manages half a smile and shakes his head. THX finishes
his examination and slumps back in his chair, dazed.
THX
She's not there
SRT
No...... (Long pause)
She's dead THX........
THX
(shouting)
You don't know that!
SRT
All right...
SRT goes over to panel and looks at the controls.
SRT
Get up for a second....
THX gets up, not knowing what SRT is up to. SRT pushes some
buttons and dials in an image.
SRT
There...
The image on the screen is a bottled human embryo about three
months old. It is alive moving slightly. THX is speechless.
SRT
Remember this...?
THX
Where's LUH?
SRT
Look more closely.
On the bottle we can see printed: 8888 Sexact. Maternal:
LUH 3417. Paternal: (surmised) THX 1138.
SRT
That's all that's left of
her besides something like
what's in the next room.
There's a long pause. The embryo turns its head..
THX
(Quiet but intense)
No...no you're wrong.
SRT
I'm only trying to help you.
THX jumps up, pushing SRT across the room and into a panel of
monitors. There are tears in THX's eyes....
THX
(shouts)
You're wrong.
THX slumps into his chair. SRT get sup and goes over to him.
The embryo is still on the monitor.
SRT
I'm sorry.
THX
What do you want?
SRT
Save yourself....
SRT retracts the monitor to a full wide angle view of the
reproduction center. THX's son is lost among thousands of embryo
bottles.
SRT
...life seems very natural, once
you have been born, but, for the
unborn it is a frightening
mystery. It is not easy to choose
life if you have never lived.
75. CONTROL CENTER
ELC receives a report over the intercom...
VOICE
Observation booth 649, Division
of plastic, CON H
He flips to another channel.
ELC
Request 2 PB848's: Officers
4242 and....
He checks his computer readout.....
...2284. Proceed with recovery
of felon 1138 Prefix THX and
unidentified companion. Current
position: Vendable manufacturing
Center 92. Observation booth 694.
Precinct 331. CON H. Report
when felons are in custody.....
OBSERVER
No visual contact in OB 649.
ELC
That's allright. They're not going
anywhere.
He speaks into his dictating machine...
...research into advanced relay
systems must be given more attention
if any.......
76. OBSERVATION CELL
Various human dramas play themselves out over the TV monitors.
On one of the screens, and operation is in process.
VOICE
Heart 6G, lungs 35OR, liver
defective, kidney-right-641A...
On another monitor we see a small crowd of people standing in the
morgue.
SRT
Just look at all those people.
THX
I thought of something.....
They are interrupted by an intercom voice.
POLICEMAN VOICE
Gentlemen, you have nothing
to fear, everything will be
all right....
FULL ANGLE
We see two policemen outside the observation cell talking into
a small intercom on the door. A group of about five or six
people are gathering at the end of the hallway to observe the
scene.
POLICEMAN
Stay calm, the door seems to be
jammed or locked; please check the
lock on your side. We are not
going to hurt you. Everything
will be all right.
The policemen try the door again, but it does not open. One
policeman takes a pen-sized tool and begins to burn a hole
around the latch.
POLICEMAN
Stay calm........
CLOSE ANGLE
THX madly typing into the computer, he speaks into an
intercom....
THX
repeat..fire in observation
649 ..... all systems....
He turns to SRT; they smile at each other.
THX
Get ready...
SRT goes over to the door and grabs the lock. Over the intercom
a recorded voice is heard.
VOICE
Discontinue all operations....
The robots stops and look at one another puzzled.
VOICE
Repeat..discontinue all operations.
Correct procedure is essential...
Stay clam..evacuate this complex...
The onlookers begin to panic. SRT yanks the door open and one
of the policemen tumbles into the booth SRT and THX run head-long
into the other policeman, pinning him against the wall; he
falls to the floor, dazed from the jolt.
77. CONTROL CENTER
A row of lights on ELC's panel light up.
ELC
Report!
POLICEMAN'S VOICE
Felons now fleeing section..
ELC
Hold....(to an observer) mindlock
Precinct 331 CON H general area...
MINDLOCK.....
78. PLASTIC FACTORY
As THX and SRT run toward the onlookers, the crowd starts to
disperse, panicked.
The high whinning score is heard and suddenly everyone freezes in
motion, THX and SRT continue running, slowing slightly, but they
are not affected by the mindlock.
FULL SHOT
One of the policemen is helping the other to his feet and
reporting to ELC ....
POLICEMAN
Mindlock stabilized, felons
unaffected. Pursuit instructions.
We have been informed to discontinue
operations, is this correct..confirm..
79. CONTROL ROOM
A man places more reports on ELC's desk.
ELC
(to policeman)
Continue pursuit, disregard
previous instructions, proceed.
ELC flips to another channel.
ELC
Mindlock impossible. Subjects
suffering...total chemical
imbalance. Mindlock completely
disrupted. Request destruction
clearance. Stand by.
The computer readout activates.
ELC
(to policeman)
Proceed to dispersal center 21.
Projected route of flight will
be transferred.
80. MODUAL DISPERSAL CENTER
THX and SRT make their way into a large, cavernous room. It is
a transport center at peak hour, and many people are pouring
into the area.
CLOSE ANGLE
THX and SRT thread through the crowded dispersing center as
the policemen struggle to locate them. The felons are swept
toward the tram system. SRT signals to THX.
SRT
This way!
They fight their way through the crowd, away from the tram and
toward the individual autojets. TV monitors scan the center.
CLOSE ANGLE
THX and SRT become separated in the pushing crowd. Individually,
they reach a row of the massive jet-powered vehicles. A
policeman begins to move toward the autojet area.
FULL ANGLE
THX gets into an Autojet. SRT is at the other end of the parking
area and a policeman is between him and THX. SRT climbs into
an autojet, careful not to be noticed by the policeman.
MED ANGLE
THX starts his car with an ear-deafing roar. He turns the car
out of its parking space and begins to coast out of the center,
past SRT's car.
CLOSE ANGLE
SRT is having difficulty starting his car. On the dashboard,
a red light flashes: ENGAGED. He is slightly comic as he
tries to deal with the incredible array of switches and
buttons.
FULL ANGLE
The policeman is approaching as SRT continues his struggle to
start the car. Suddenly, the powerful jets star and the
car uncontrollably lurches forward at great speed, crashing
head-on into a wall. The car begins to smoke.
CLOSE ANGLE
THX has been watching in his rear view mirror. He put on
his breaks and turns to look back.
FULL ANGLE
SRT cannot be seen in the smoking car. The car lights go on
and then off. The car explodes into a ball of flames.
CLOSE ANGLE
THX buries his head in his hands.
81. EXPRESS TUNNEL
THX's autojet roars through an express tunnel. Two policemen
on sleek, exotic jetbikes round a corner with beautiful
precision. Calmly, relentlessly, they pursue THX.
MED ANGLE
Over his headset, THX listens for police reports. The
messages on the channel are routine. THX must constantly
fight to maintain control of his car. He can see the two policemen
following on his radar scope.
CLOSE ANGLE
THX hears a strange noise coming from his car. He tries to
find the source of the sound, and momentarily loses control
of the car.
FULL ANGLE
The car swerves and scrapes the wall of the tunnel.
CLOSE ANGLE
THX sees the policemen gaining on his radar scope and pushes
his car even faster, making it even more difficult to control.
The policemen momentarily drop back. The loud noise in his
car begins to get worse, and he checks his gauges. The
policemen slowly begin to gain on THX.
FULL ANGLE
The car bobbles as THX has more and more difficulty keeping
it under control. A part flies off, causing one of the jet-
bikes to swerve. The policeman lose control of his bike,
tumbles across the roadway and bounces off the wall, parts
flying in all directions.
CLOSE ANGLE
As THX's speed increases, the engine heats up, moving the
indicator into the danger zone. THX looks for a switch to
cool the engine. He is now experiencing serious mechanical
trouble. One of the engines is making a very loud screeching
sound. Finally THX flips the right switch, and the
temperature needle moves out of the danger zone.
The struggle for THX to maintain control of the machine almost
becomes more terrifying and important then the pursuing
policeman.
FULL ANGLE
Tension builds as the jet car and the jet bikes race at incredible
speeds through the maze of tunnels. As the car passes level
markers, we realize THX is rising up through the city. Finally
he reaches level 10.
CLOSE ANGLE
THX picks up a new object on his radar scope coming from the
opposite direction, heading directly toward him. Suddenly a
control voice breaks in over radio head set.
VOICE
Stop your vehicle. Officers are
approaching from both directions.
Stop your vehicle. You have
nothing to fear.
OMM
Everything will be all right, you
are in my hands. You have nowhere
to go. I am here to protect you.
You have nowhere to go. You have
nowhere....
THX continues ahead, as the dots on the radar scope begin to
close.
FULL ANGLE
THX rounds a corner and sees a faint light ahead of him. His
autojet continues to blast along the tunnel roadway.
CLOSE ANGLE
THX begins to panic as he watches the dots ahead of him and
behind him close on the scope.
82. CONTROL CENTER
ELC watches his radar scope as the dots converge.
ELC
I don't understand. He's not
stopping.
(into another intercom)
Is scope 621 giving an accurate
reading?....fine. Just checking.
Officer 3333, Abort....Abort....Abort...
83. EXPRESS TUNNEL
The policeman gets his new orders too late and THX's autojet
collides with the on coming bike. The jet bike is thrown over
the top of the car. THX loses control of his car and skids to a
stop against one of the walls of the tunnel.
CLOSE ANGLE
THX is shaken, but no hurt.
FULL ANGLE
The jet bike which was following THX hits the wreckage of the
first bike and tumbles end over end through the tunnel.
CLOSE ANGLE
THX gets out of the car and runs down the roadway. Lights
appear in the distance. THX presses against the wall as an autojet
rockets past him. He begins to run again as a crash is heard in
the distance.
FULL ANGLE
Two policemen pass the wreckage on their jet bikes. THX finds
a door on the side of the tunnel and enters.
84. CITY SUPERSTRUCTURE
THX runs through the concrete superstructure. One of the
policemen stops at the entrance of the superstructure and the
other one continues through the express tunnel. The policeman enters
the superstructure and begins to search for THX.
CLOSE ANGLE
THX is becoming weary as the policeman methodically searches for
him using a thermoviewer heat detector. THX stops to rest for
a moment. He is cold, shaking. He hears something.
FULL ANGLE
Out of no where, something jumps on THX's back and knocks him
to the pavement. It is a long-haired dwarf freak, similar to the
one in the prison chamber.
MED ANGLE
They fight violently and THX eventually gets the freak by the
neck and begins beating his head on the concrete until it is dead.
THX is exhausted, and lies on the pavement trying to catch his
breath.
CLOSE ANGLE
THX is lying next to the carcass of the freak. He hears a sound
and looks up to see more freaks approaching, staring at him through
the darkness with firey eyes. THX scrambles to his feet and runs
as fast as he can. The freaks attack the carcass he has killed.
FULL ANGLE
The policeman is joined by another and they methodically search
through the superstructure. THX runs until he reaches a metal
ladder which works its way up into the city shell. He begins
to climb, each footstep echoing as his foot hits the metal rungs.
CLOSE ANGLE
The policemen hear THX and immediately get a fix on him. They
head for the ladder. THX reaches the top of the ladder and is
stopped by a large metal hatchway. He struggles to get it open.
FULL ANGLE
The policemen begin to climb the ladder, their feet resounding
throughout the superstructure.
85. CONTROL CENTER
ELC reads a computer readout.
ELC
Officers 9641 and 2242 discontinue
operation. Report to Thermal
station 62. Present operation
computed to be economically unfeasible.
It is predicted that 1138 THX will self-
destroy. Repeat: Abandon present
operation. Dispatch to Level 56 CON-R
thermal station 62, investigate toxic
chemical leak.
One of the monitors shows an industrial accident.
ELC becomes involved in another case.
86. CITY SHELL
The policemen are stopped at the head of the ladder. They look
at THX, who has opened the hatch, and they acknowledge the message.
He watches them disappear, their footsteps echoing in the distance.
CLOSE ANGLE
THX goes through the open hatch and continues on until he reaches
a small chamber with a circular door, slightly ajar. An unnaturally
bright light floods through the crack in the door.
MED ANGLE
THX is obviously afraid of what lies beyond the door. There is
a moment when it looks as if he may turn back. Eventually, he
makes a decision and throws the hatch open.
FULL ANGLE
He stands bewildered, virtually buried in sunlight.
THX climbs out of the hatchway and stands shielding his
eyes from the sun.
END CREDITS
FADE OUT.