“From Eden to Understanding”
Screenplay
By
Alan L. Foote
FYI - Standard Script Formatting didn't hold when transferred to this site.
FADE IN
MUSIC UP
1 EXT/PRISTINE GARDEN/EARLY MORNING
The morning sun reflects golden from the sparkling dew on the thick, colorful foliage. CAMERA CRANES DOWN – VARIOUS SHOTS through the misty,
colorful garden.
NARRATOR (VO)
But there went up a mist from the earth,
and watered the whole face of the earth. And
the Lord God formed man of the dust of the
ground . . .
DISSOLVE TO:
2 EXT/GARDEN/DAY
CAMERA CRANES over a flowery bush and looks down on the newly created ADAM, lying asleep in a soft blanket of mist.
NARRATOR (CONT)
. . . and breathed into his nostrils the breath
of life; and the man became a living soul.
ADAM opens his eyes. He rises. MONTAGE/MUSIC as ADAM explores the garden. It is more than obvious that Adam is quite satisfied being by himself.
NARRATOR (CONT)
And the Lord God said,, It is not good that
the man should be alone. I will make an
help-meet for him.
CUT TO:
3 EXT/GARDEN/LATEAFTERNOON
Adam is asleep beneath a shade tree.
3 EXT/GARDEN/CONT
NARRATOR (CONT)
And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall
upon Adam . And he took one of his ribs . . .
And the rib, which the Lord God had taken from
the man, made he a woman, and brought her
unto the man.
ADAM awakes as EVE walks into frame, standing over him., she smiles anticipating his acceptance – Instead Adam looks confused. He stands and walks away, looking over his shoulder – uncertain. Eve is crestfallen.
DISSOLVE TO:
4 EXT/GARDEN/MONTAGE
Adam is about his business – continuing his exploration of the garden. Eve follows him – continually getting in the way.
ADAM (VO)
This new creature is so annoying. And, quite
frankly, is just in my way. I honestly wish
she would stay with the other animals.
Adam looks to an over-cast sky.
ADAM (CONT)
Looks like we might have some rain . . (Beat)
We? Where did that come from? I remember, she
uses it.
CUT TO:
5 EXT/GARDEN/MONTAGE VARIOUS MOODS OF THE DAY
Eve turns away from Adam. She walks through the garden alone.
5 EXT/GARDEN/CONT
EVE (VO)
He acts as if I’m not even here. This is not
at all what I expected. Is there something
wrong with me?
SONG – EVE
AS SIMPLE AS A TOUCH
DISSOLVE TO:
6 EXT/GARDEN/LATE AFTERNOON
Adam is building a shelter against the falling rain. Eve, looking like a wet puppy, makes her way under the shelter. Adam is not happy as he shows obvious frustration. Even begins to pout – wiping her eyes with the back of her hand. Adam gives in and lets her stay. She begins to talk – and talk --- and talk – Adam turns his back on her. Eve continues her chatter . . .
ADAM (VO)
I built a shelter against the rain, but could not
have it to myself in peace. She just came
right in. When I tried to put her out, she made
those whimpering sounds such as some of
the animals make when they are in pain or
distress . . . and she is never quite. I wish she
would be quite . . . she doesn’t stop talking . . .
she is always talking . . .
CUT TO:
7 EXT/GARDEN/NIGHT
Adam is building a fire. Eve is very close and continues her talking.
ADAM
The new creature says her name is Eve. (Beat)
Eve? That’s all right with me. Says that’s what I am
to call her when I want her to come . . . why would
I want her to do that?
7 EXT/GARDEN/NIGHT/CONT
Eve recognizes she is getting nowhere. She moves to sit alone, watching as Adam continues with the fire . . .
ADAM (VO)
I keep her warm – I give her shelter – I
listen to her advice all day – doesn’t she
understand that I’m doing the best I can!
SONG-ADAM
DOIN’ THE BEST I CAN
MONTAGE/ADAM/VARIOUS CHORES ABOUT THE GARDEN
DISSOLVE TO:
8 EXT/AFTERNOON
Adam is running through the trees – he stops occasionally to cover his tracks. Feeling he has gone far enough he builds a shelter in a very secluded spot. Comfortable that he is all alone, Adam is very surprised as Eve comes out of the brush, crying. Feeling sorry, Adam takes her by the hand and they both return to the Garden.
ADAM (VO)
I escaped last night and traveled for
two days. I covered my tracks as best
I could . . . built a shelter – but, she
tracked me down, making those pitiful noises again.
Why I felt a strange feeling in my heart I’ll
never know – I felt obliged to return (Beat)
I will escape again as soon as the occasion
permits.
9 EXT/MORNING
Adam sits underneath a tree, off by himself – Eve is having a conversation with someone – we can’t really see who because whoever it is, is hidden behind a large rock.
ADAM (VO)
She has taken up with a snake now. I’m
really glad because the snake talks – imagine
that. But, (Beat) better him than me; I needed the rest.
Seems funny though, seeing her talking with
a snake. (Grinning to himself) Poor creature . . .
CUT TO:
10 EXT/EVENING
Adam and Eve walk together through the garden. Eve runs to keep up. It is obvious that Eve is trying very hard to convince Adam of something. Adam is not giving in or slowing down.
ADAM (VO)
Eve says the snake advises her to eat the fruit
‘of that tree.’ She is convinced the result will
be a great and noble thing. I told her that there
would be serious consequences brought into
the world . . . I advised her to keep away from
‘that tree.’ But, she is convinced that the snake
knows what’s it’s talking about. (Beat) I for see
trouble. (Beat) I better relocate.
CUT TO:
We see Adam riding a horse into the night as fast as he can.
ADAM (VO)
I fled and rode a horse all night.
DISSOLVE TO:
11 EXT/SUNRISE
The air is fresh and the scenery/color is spectacular. Adam is astride his horse looking from atop a bluff over a pristine valley.
ADAM (VO)
About an hour after sunup, I stopped to gaze
out over a flowery plain where thousands of
animals were grazing . . . Suddenly they broke
into a tempest of frightful noises and in one
moment the entire plain was a frantic commotion
as the beasts began destroying one another.
Adam stares bewildered over the vast expanse of the valley. We hear EFX of animals. Suddenly the EFX are violent – the expression on Adam’s face changes
from peace to ultimate horror and disbelief.
ADAM (VO)
I knew that Eve had eaten the fruit of that
tree and indeed, death had come into the world.
DISSOLVE TO:
12 EXT/LATE AFTERNOON/DESERT
Adam is setting up a dwelling in a very barren area. He is distracted and turns to see Eve standing a short distance away. There is a look of fondness now in his eyes as he motions her to come. She offers him apples – Adam eats hesitantly. As she straightens up the area, Adam looks after her longingly.
ADAM (VO)
I found a place outside the garden and was fairly
comfortable for a few days. But, I should have known –
She found me. But, I’m not really sorry she came this time,
for there are meager pickings here and she brought me
apples. I was obliged to eat them – I was so hungry.
It was against my principles, but I found that principles
have no real force unless one is well fed. (Beat) She is
turning out to be a pretty good companion. I see that I would be lonesome and depressed without her. Eve says it is ordered
that we work for our living from now on. She will be useful -
I will supervise.
CUT TO:
13 EXT/EVENING/YEARS LATER
A beautiful sunset adorns the evening sky. A much older Adam and Eve sit next to a warm fire. Eve is combing her hair unaware that Adam is watching her lovingly.
ADAM (VO)
After all these years, now looking back, I realize
I was mistaken about Eve. My heart has learned
that it is better to have lived outside the garden
with her than to have lived inside the garden without
her. In the beginning I thought she talked to
much, but now I would really be sorry to have
that voice fall silent and pass out of my life. Blessed
be the fruit that brought us together and taught me
to feel the goodness of her heart and the sweetness
of her spirit.
SONG – ADAM/EVE
AFTER ALL THESE YEARS
VISUAL MONTAGE OF ADAM AND EVE OVER THE YEARS.
14 EXT/LATE AFTERNOON/RIM DEAD HORSE POINT / GRAND CANYON
Old Adam stands with his back to the CAMERA. CAMERA CRANE over him as he kneels next to a headstone and finishes carving . . .
WHEREEVER SHE WAS, THERE WAS EDEN
MUSIC SWELLS – CAMERA CRANES UP as if into the clouds revealing Adam next to the grave – the vista of the location. Adam pauses at the grave for a moment – rises – begins to walk along the rim.
SONG-ADAM
WHERE-SO-EVER SHE WAS THERE WAS EDEN
13 EXT/CONT
Adam walks along the rim of the canyon as he sings – VISUAL MONTAGE / MEMORIES OF ADAM AND EVE SUPERED in the blazing sunset.
As Music fade, Adam walks alone away from Eve’s grave – CAMERA RISES HIGHER AND HIGHER
FADE TO BLACK – MUSIC OUT