BATMAN
Script created with Final Draft by Final Draft, Inc.
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"BATMAN SAVIOUR"
by
Paul M. Wolford
Based on the Character Created by
Bob Kane
FADE IN:
EXT. SKY - NIGHT
Another blank and starless night. But there is light to
behold and it's shinning towards the sky. We TILT DOWN TO see
EXT. GOTHAM OIL & GAS REFINERY - CONTINUOUS
Huge. Imposing. And flat out ugly. Though just outside Gotham
City you could swear this refinery was in downtown Gotham.
INT. GOTHAM OIL & GAS REFINERY - HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS
A gun shot rings out as a SECURITY GUARD gets shot in the
chest and collapse onto the floor.
HENCHMAN #1 (O.S.)
Joe we got the stuff!
Two HENCHMEN run out from inside the office. HENCHMAN #1
holds a briefcase. Slowly JOE CHILL, mid-thirties and just
plain evil, turns around holding a smoking gun.
CHILL
Good.
Joe shoots HENCHMAN #2 killing him on the spot. Henchman #1
stares on in shock. He stares a little too long as Joe shoots
him as well. Joe walks over and picks up the briefcase.
CUT TO:
INT. GOTHAM OIL & GAS REFINERY - STAIRS - NIGHT
Joe runs down a flight of stairs as fast as he can, always
looking over his shoulder to see if he's being followed.
CUT TO:
EXT. GOTHAM OIL & GAS REFINERY - MOMENTS LATER
Joe bursts through the front door. An OLD SECURITY GUARD
spots him and draws his gun.
OLD GUARD
Freeze Mister!
Joe shoots him and dashes to a car and smashes out the
window. Within seconds the hot wiring is complete.
Joe peels out and heads towards the front gate. Several more
GUARDS show up and take aim and fire at Joe but to no avail
as Joe crashes through the front gate.
I/E. COUNTRY ROAD - MOMENTS LATER
Joe speeds down a rural road. Suddenly a tire blows out.
CHILL
Damn it!
Another tire blows out, wait... SHOT OUT! Joe tries to gain
control but loses it and crashes the car into a ravine. With
briefcase in hand Joe struggles out of the car and heads
straight into the --
INT. WOODS - CONTINUOUS
Joe runs like a mad man through the woods, leaping over
fallen trees and ditches.
Soon Joe sees what looks like to be a clearing up ahead. He
runs past the trees only to find that he is in a clearing...
but it's surrounded by more trees.
A loud NOISE hovering overhead is heard. Joe looks around in
a panic. The sound gets louder and louder. Joe is completely
lost and has no idea where to go. A blinding LIGHT is cast
down upon him. Joe tries to look up into the light above him.
JOE'S P.O.V.
A silhouette of a giant BAT heads straight towards him.
Joe stares up in horror as The SHADOW OF A BAT gets larger.
Larger. LARGER.
Joe aims his gun up to the sky -CLING!- Joe grasps his hand
in pain as the gun is knocked out of his hands by a metal
object. A BATARANG.
Now completely covered by the shadow of the bat Joe foolishly
looks back up only to get KICKED in the mouth by a BLACK
BOOT.
Joe falls back onto the ground holding his mouth in pain and
mumbling swears. Chill gets to his knees. Finally he stands
to his feet and turns around only to see... the saviour of
Gotham. BATMAN: the Dark Knight.
Joe slowly builds what little courage he has then charges the
Batman. Batman side steps Joe to the right then -WHAM!- nails
him in the back of the neck with the palm of his hand. Joe
hits the ground.
INT. BATWING - MOMENTS LATER
Batman sits inside the cockpit of the BATWING setting the
controls.
EXT. WOODS - ARIEL SHOT - CONTINUOUS
ANGLE ON - THE BATWING'S REAR ENGINE, a beat then the
AFTERBURNERS kick on sending the Batwing off at an amazing
speed. As the Batwing flies away barley visible hanging by
the waist is a body. Joe.
EXT. GOTHAM POLICE HEADQUARTERS - ROOFTOP - NIGHT
COMMISSIONER JAMES GORDON is standing next to the BATSIGNAL.
Two others are standing next to him. Gordon's SPECIAL.
ASSISTANT HARVEY BULLOCK, a large and out of shape detective
who's seen one to many Gotham nights. Next to him is DECTIVE
RENEE MONTOYA, a beautiful Latino in her late twenties who's
the perfect partner in looks and skill.
BULLOCK
I don't trust'em, Commish.
GORDON
He gets the job done, Bullock.
Gordon looks over to his right and sees something heading
towards Gotham over the horizon. With a squint Gordon
recognizes it and smiles.
GORDON (CONT'D)
You think this one is awake,
Montoya?
The Batwing flies in over the Police Station then hovers
above the roof -WHOOM!- Joe is dropped unceremoniously onto
the roof in front of the three.
Joe starts to raise his head -WHAM!- the briefcase nails him
in the back of the head knocking him out cold.
MONTOYA
Nope.
The Batwing takes off like -- well, like a bat out of hell.
BULLOCK
I don't trust him, Commish.
GORDON
He gets the job done, Bullock.
INT. BATCAVE - MOMENTS LATER
The Batwing comes roaring into the BATCAVE and lands. God's
gift to butlers, ALFRED THADDEUS CRANE PENNYWORTH, is halfway
down the stairs. In his hands is a trey with a steaming tea
kettle.
Batman hops out of the Batwing and walks towards Alfred who
is now at the Batcomputer pouring a cup of tea for Batman.
ALFRED
Evening, Master Bruce. I made your
favorite. Lapsang souchong tea.
BATMAN
Thanks, Alfred.
Batman strolls to his chair and sits down and beings to
remove his gloves.
ALFRED
Did you have a rough night, sir?
BATMAN
No, it was pretty normal.
Batman begins to drink his tea and begins running some
programs on the Batcomputer.
BATMAN (CONT'D)
Know what I was thinking on the way
home, Alfred?
ALFRED
No, sir what?
BATMAN
We should get a dog.
ALFRED
A dog, sir?
BATMAN
Yeah, I kinda miss having the cat
since Dick took it with him to
Bludhaven. I've always wanted a
dog, you know - name him "Ace".
ALFRED
If I may be so bold, sir but bats,
cats and dogs at Wayne Manor? Tell
me sir what's next a giant T-Rex in
the Batcave.
BATMAN
Well, we got room for one.
Alfred turns to leave.
BATMAN (CONT'D)
Hey, Alfred.
ALFRED
Yes, sir?
BATMAN
Does this look stupid?
Alfred takes a step back and looks at Batman holding a cup of
tea and its soccer.
ALFRED
The Dark Knight drinking a cup of
smoked Chinese tea in the Batcave?
(sarcastically)
Why no, sir. Whatever gave you that
idea?
INT. GOTHAM POLICE HEADQUARTERS - GORDON'S OFFICE - DAY
MAYOR HAMILTON HILL, competent but misguided, sits in front
of Gordon's desk.
HILL
I don't want this city to rely on
the Batman for everything that goes
wrong Commissioner. The tax payers
pay for the Police to protect them
not some freak in a suit.
GORDON
Mr. Mayor, Batman doesn't handle
everything that goes wrong. We only
ask him for help when we need it.
It's great Psychological Warfare
against the crime in this city,
besides he's more then a freak in a
suit to this city.
HILL
That's right he's a vigilante.
GORDON
That vigilante saved this city from
the Joker.
HILL
I don't care what he --
GORDON
And if it wasn't for him Oswald
Cobblepot would be Mayor now, not
you.
HILL
(a beat)
Still, do you think this type of
thing could happen in Metropolis or
in Coast City without someone
complaining?
GORDON
Who's complaining? The citizens of
Gotham? If they have I haven't
heard them.
HILL
And what about our businesses, do
you think someone like Bruce Wayne
wants Batman protecting Wayne
Enterprises? He's worth over eight
hundred million dollars.
(beat)
Do you know how much of that comes
into the city and our charities?
Not to mention the amount of money
he gave the city to repair all the
damages that Batman caused while he
was dealing with the Joker and the
Circus Gang, Mr. Freeze and all the
others.
GORDON
I don't know I haven't spoken to
Mr. Wayne about Batman. But Maybe
you can take some notes for me at
your next cocktail party.
HILL
Look Gordon this is my first term
as mayor and I'm not going to be
over shadowed by a bat!
GORDON
Then you better get out of my
office and find someone who cares!
Hill gets up from his seat and grabs his coat off the hanger.
HILL
I'm watching you Gordon, you better
not slip up while I'm mayor.
Hill slams the door behind him as he leaves the room. Quickly
Montoya and Bullock enter the room.
MONTOYA
Man, what's got him so pissed off?
GORDON
Ahh, he was born with a silver
spoon in his ass instead of his
mouth.
BULLOCK
Was it about the Batman, Commish?
GORDON
Yeah.
BULLOCK
I don't trust 'em, Commish.
GORDON
Yes, Bullock you don't trust
Batman. We know.
BULLOCK
No, I was talking about the
Mayor...I don't trust the Bat
neither.
The phone on Gordon's desk rings Gordon quickly answers it.
GORDON
Gordon. What?
INT. APARTMENT #1 - LIVING ROOM - DAY
Bullock and Montoya enter into a slum apartment which has now
been turned into a crime scene flooded with COPS. Bullock
walks up to an OFFICER
BULLOCK
What do we have officer.
OFFICER #1
You better take a look at this. The
Officer leads them to the --
INT. APARTMENT #1 - KITCHEN - DAY
Before he enters the kitchen Officer #1 pauses.
BULLOCK
What is it?
OFFICER #1
Be careful. It's messy.
Behind the Officer we can make out the heads of four people
sitting down to a nice quite family dinner, MOM, DAD, SARAH
and LITTLE BILLY.
BULLOCK
(aghast)
Oh --
The Officer steps to the side and we see what Bullock does.
Four throats SLIT from ear to ear. The bodies tied to the
chairs to keep them from falling out.
Flies swarming the room as FORENSICS painstakingly work on
the bodies and swatting at the files.
FORENSICS #1
Can someone please do something
about these damn flies!
The Detectives start moving around the room. Montoya looks
about ready to puke. She leans over the kitchen sink turning
her back to everyone in the room.
MONTOYA
Nobody saw or heard anything?
OFFICER #1
Not a thing.
BULLOCK
Nothing?
OFFICER #1
Nothing.
MONTOYA
What about Forensics?
FORENSICS #2
So far we haven't found anything
Detectives. It will be awhile
before we can find out if they were
drugged before they were killed. So
far it doesn't look like it.
MONTOYA
They were murdered, not killed.
There's a difference.
BULLOCK
We'll check back with the
Department and have them check on
any nutcase that might have be
released. Come on, Montoya.
INT. BULLOCK'S CAR - MOMENTS LATER
As we ride down Gotham City a visibly upset Montoya rides
shotgun. Bullock notices. Obviously it's a first.
BULLOCK
What's wrong, Montoya?
MONTOYA
Son of a bitch murdered two kids!
BULLOCK
I know.
MONTOYA
How couldn't somebody hear
something? They had to. You just
doesn't walk in and murder four
people like that without somebody
seeing or hearing something. Those
apartments are overrun with people,
you can't just --
BULLOCK
Come on, Montoya. You've seen that
section of town before. Nobody in
that part of town cares about
anybody. Hell, nobody in this city
cares about anybody. The same thing
goes for the force, too. You, me,
and the Commish are an anomaly.
We're the only people who care
about anything in this stinkin'
city.
MONTOYA
Well, I kinda think Bruce Wayne
cares. I don't think it's an act.
BULLOCK
Wayne? Wayne? That pretty boy only
cares about how much money he has
in the bank and how fresh the
supermodel he has is under the
sheets. He stinks and what the hell
is this?!
Bullock slows down as a ROYALS ROYCE is double parked in
front of the PICTURE NEWS office building. Bullock leans out
the window. Montoya grabs his arm.
MONTOYA
Bullock.
BULLOCK
Hey! Hey move it!
MONTOYA
Bullock get in here. Bullock leans
on the horn.
BULLOCK
Come on get out the way you rich --
ANGLE ON - THE ROYALS, as we see Gotham and America's
showcase bachelor, BRUCE WAYNE, stepping out. He sees
Bullock.
BRUCE
(huge smile)
Oh, hello, Detective Bullock. I
didn't see you.
Bullock gives a fake smile and waves then leans back into the
car.
BULLOCK
(under his breath)
I hate that guy.
The Royals pulls away as Bruce heads towards the Picture
News' front door.
BRUCE
(under his breath)
I hate that guy.
INT. PICTURE NEWS - ENTRANCE - DAY
Bruce goes through the revolving doors and head straight
towards the front desk where a thirty something Female
RECEPTIONIST is reading a magazine without a care in the
world.
BRUCE
Hello, Miss. I'm --
The Reception gives a quick glace at Bruce then does a double
take. The magazine goes flying as the Receptionist hops to
her feet.
RECEPTIONIST
Bruce Wayne! Oh, my God, you are so
hot!
BRUCE
What?
RECEPTIONIST
(embarrassed)
I'm mean... hello, welcome to
Picture News... so sorry.
BRUCE
No, it's alright. I'm here for an
interview with Miss. Julia
Remarque.
RECEPTIONIST
Yeah, she's right upstairs on the
third floor.
BRUCE
Okay, thank you.
RECEPTIONIST
(HUGE smile)
You're welcome.
INT. PICTURE NEWS - THIRD FLOOR - DAY
Bruce exists the elevator and marches onto the third floor.
Immediately everyone stops what they're doing and stares at
Bruce. Bruce takes advantage of the situation.
BRUCE
Hi. Bruce Wayne. I'm looking for
Miss Remarque.
JULIA (O.S.)
Over here, Bruce!
Bruce looks over and sees JULIA REMARQUE, with her head
peeked out the door from a corner office and waving. Bruce
waves back. No eyes leave Bruce as they follow him through
the room.
INT. PICTURE NEWS - JULIA'S OFFICE - DAY
Julia holds the door open to her plush office.
BRUCE
Hello, Julia.
JULIA
Hello, Bruce. Go ahead and have a
seat I'm sure Talia doesn't mind.
BRUCE
Who?
TALIA (O.S.)
Talia.
A stunningly beautiful twenty five year old woman, at least
she looks it, TALIA al Ghul stands up from her chair stopping
Bruce dead in his tracks.
TALIA (CONT'D)
Talia al Ghul.
Talia extends her hand. Bruce stares then finally comes to.
BRUCE
(shaking hands)
Hi. Bruce Wayne.
TALIA
Yes, I know. It's hard for a woman
to come to Gotham City without
knowing who Bruce Wayne is.
BRUCE
Is that so?
TALIA
Yes.
BRUCE
And who is Bruce Wayne might I ask?
TALIA
Someone who isn't running short on
date lists but hopefully could add
one more sometime.
BRUCE
Anytime.
TALIA
I hate to be rude but I must go,
however, I'll will keep free date
in mind if you will.
BRUCE
Oh, it's in my mind all right.
Talia smiles and walks out and shakes hands with Julia.
TALIA
Goodbye, Julia.
JULIA
Bye, Talia.
Talia looks over her shoulder and gives one last smile and
WINK to Bruce before she leaves.
JULIA (CONT'D)
Nothing changes with you does it,
Bruce?
BRUCE
I'm a billionaire playboy. I'm
supposed to act this way. My public
demands it.
Bruce hops down on a couch. Julia closes the door and goes to
her desk.
JULIA
How's my dad doing?
BRUCE
Alfred? Oh, he's great.
JULIA
You know Bruce our interview wasn't
scheduled for another hour.
BRUCE
Yeah, well I was in the
neighborhood so I figured why not?
So what's the deal with Talia?
JULIA
I'm doing a piece on her. She's not
your type.
BRUCE
What makes you say that?
JULIA
She's an environmentalist.
BRUCE
(she's right)
Oh, one of those?
JULIA
Yes. And the Wane Foundation's
history hasn't always been very
environmentally friendly.
BRUCE
We are so. I was the one who
confronted Max Shrek about--
The phone RINGS. Julia gives Bruce the "hold that thought"
signal and answers it.
JULIA
Julia... Uh-huh... Really? Hold on
a moment.
Bruce plays around with the lamp shade next to the couch.
Julia grabs a pen and starts taking notes.
JULIA (CONT'D)
Okay. West Side? Bullock's in
charge?
That got Bruce's attention.
JULIA (CONT'D)
Okay, thanks.
BRUCE
What was that all about?
JULIA
Um... something just came up.
BRUCE
Really?
JULIA
Yeah, uh... look... could we do
this another time?
BRUCE
Sure, No problem.
Julia goes to open the door for Wayne. Bruce jumps up but
takes a quick look at her notes then heads towards the door
before Julia turns around.
JULIA
Sorry.
BRUCE
(smiles)
Don't worry about it. I'll catch
you later.
JULIA
Thanks.
They exchange kisses on the check and Bruce leaves.
INT. ZSASZ'S APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM - DAY
A dark empty apartment. The outside light is blocked out by
aluminum foil on the windows. A small light O.C. shines on a
MAGICIAN'S TOP HAT, JACKET, etc. which is lying on a chair.
ZSASZ (O.S.)
(whispers)
Mommy.
Small DROPS are heard going into a sink.
INT. ZSASZ'S APARTMENT - BATHROOM - DAY
Standing in front of the sink stands MR. ZSASZ, a tall and
well built blonde man in his thirty's. Small scars are spread
across his body. Four scars with one across the middle as if
he's keeping count on his body with a knife... he is.
ZSASZ
(whispers)
Daddy.
More drops are heard going into the sink.
ANGLE ON - THE SINK, as several drops of blood fall.
ZSASZ
(whispers)
Sarah.
We TILT up to see Zsasz cutting his forearm with a knife.
Next to the area he is cutting are three fresh cuts.
ZSASZ (CONT'D)
(whispers)
Little Billy.
INT. BATCAVE - NIGHT
Bruce sits in front of the Batcomputer watching Anchor SUMMER
GLEESON give a report.
SUMMMER
(filtered)
A grizzly crime was discovered on
the West End of Gotham City today.
An entire family was found
murdered. Two of the victims were
under the age of ten. Early reports
state that all four of the victims'
throats had been slit, though
Gotham City Police Commissioner
James Gordon has not validated that
report.
(beat)
The story was first broke to the
public by journalist Julia Remarque
from the Picture News. Bruce turns
off the feed and sits back in his
chair.
INT. GOTHAM POLICE HEADQUARTERS - GORDON'S OFFICE - NIGHT
Gordon is sitting alone at his desk on the phone.
GORDON
We can't solve a murder like this
in one day Mr. Mayor, it takes time
to... Well maybe if the city would
quit cutting back our department
funds we could hire more... I can't
give you the men if we can't..
That's the stupidest thing I've
ever heard...Yes, Mr. Mayor.
Gordon slams the phone down.
GORDON (CONT'D)
Damn!
BATMAN (O.S.)
Leads?
Gordon jumps. He swings around and sees Batman standing
inside the office next to the window.
GORDON
No... I'm afraid we don't have any
yet. I don't know how the news
media got the information they did
but what they reported was true.
The whole family was murdered. It
looks like professional work. You
wouldn't happen to have anything
would you, Batman?
BATMAN
No.
GORDON
You know, the new Mayor has been
riding me pretty hard about you. He
even asked me if I thought that you
did it. I told him that was the
stupidest thing I've ever heard.
BULLOCK (O.S.)
Hey, Commish!
Gordon's office door quickly opens up.
GORDON
Harvey!
BULLOCK
What? I'm just telling you I'm
heading out. Geese, it's not like
you're talking to anyone in here.
Gordon turns around to see Batman no where in sight.
BULLOCK (CONT'D)
Commish?
GORDON
Yeah, alright Bullock. Take it
easy.
Bullock shuts the door.
GORDON (CONT'D)
Batman?
Gordon gets up and looks out the window only to see a busy
Gotham street. No Batman.
EXT. GOTHAM STREETS - WEST SIDE - NIGHT
A YOUNG GIRL runs down the sidewalk. In her hands is a TEDDY
BEAR that she is clinging onto. She hurries past an alley.
Quickly Zsasz, dressed as a MAGICIAN in coat and tie, steps
out in front of her. The Young Girl jumps back in fright.
ZSASZ
Oh, I'm sorry little one. Did I
frighten you?
She shakes her head: Yes.
ZSASZ (CONT'D)
Why are you running? Are you scared
of someone?
She shakes her head: No.
ZSASZ (CONT'D)
Are you late getting home?
A nod of: Yes.
ZSASZ (CONT'D)
Your parents are going to be mad,
huh? Well, maybe I should take you
home, hmm? And then you can give
these flowers to your mother and
say that's why you where late. You
were getting her some flowers.
LITTLE GIRL
(child pronunciation)
Flowers?
ZSASZ
Yes, the flowers that your friend
is holding.
The Girl looks down and in the arms of the Teddy Bear is a
bouquet of flowers. The Girl smiles.
LITTLE GIRL
Wow.
ZSASZ
So now tell me... where does mommy
and daddy live?
EXT. LITTLE GIRL'S HOUSE - NIGHT
Police cars surround the house. Reporters run around the
scene in a frenzy eating up the ratings they know they're
receiving.
INT. LITTLE GIRL'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - LATER
Once again Police have swarmed the house searching for clues
inch by inch.
Sitting in a lazy boy is the FATHER with his throat slit
still holding the remote control in hand. His head arranged
to look like he's still watching the TV that's still
flickering.
Sitting on the end of the couch is the MOTHER. Throat slit
and still holding her "GOTHAM MONTHLY" magazine.
In the corner of the room is a large white sheet covering up
a BABY'S CRIB.
On the floor next to it is small white sheet. Next to it is
the little girl's Teddy Bear, still holding the flowers.
In the center of the room Gordon is consulting with Montoya
and Bullock.
GORDON
I'm sorry for calling you two in
but I had to.
BULLOCK
Don't worry about it, Commish. Me
and Montoya will find the guy.
Right, Montoya?
(no answer)
Montoya?
Bullock turns to see Montoya staring in space.
GORDON
Montoya what's wrong?
Everyone behind Montoya looks at her then stare to the
direction she is looking.
BULLOCK
What is going --
Bullock and Gordon turn around to see Batman walking into the
living room. All the Police are silent and stare at Batman.
This is the first real Batman sighting for most in the room
and we can tell. Batman doesn't wast any time walking towards
Gordon.
GORDON
Batman? What are you doing here?
BULLOCK
I got a better question. Who the
hell let you past the tape, Bats?
GORDON
Settle down, Bullock. Batman we
haven't found anything new here but
we're trying our best.
Batman looks over at the baby's crib and marches towards it.
BULLOCK
Hey, what are you doing?
GORDON
Quiet, Bullock. He's helping.
BULLOCK
Helping, huh?
Batman slowly leans down and picks up the Teddy Bear and
stares at it. A look of sadness overcomes the Batman that
soon to turns into anger.
BULLOCK (CONT'D)
I tell what he's doing, he's using
this as an alibi.
(pulling his gun on
Batman)
This son of a bitch did it!
Batman looks up at Bullock.
GORDON
Bullock put it down!
BULLOCK
He did it!
GORDON
No, he didn't!
BULLOCK
Yeah, how do you know that? Nobody
knows anything about this freak.
What's the story, Bats, huh? Did
your mommy and daddy neglect you as
a child so you grow up wearing a
rubber suit and murdering babies?!
Batman storms towards Bullock. Bullock jumps back and points
the gun at Batman's face. Batman holds up one of the flowers.
BATMAN
I'm taking this.
Batman shoves the Teddy Bear into Bullocks chest then walks
towards the back of the house.
BULLOCK
Hey, that's evidence you can't take
that!
GORDON
Bullock!
BULLOCK
By God I'm going to shoot'em.
Bullock runs off after Batman.
GORDON
Bullock get back here!
INT. LITTLE GIRL'S HOUSE - BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS
Bullock runs into the bedroom and switches the light on only
to see an open window with the curtains blowing in the wind.
INT. BATCAVE - NIGHT
Batman slides the flower under a large microscope then walks
over to his chair at the Batcomputer and types a few keys.
The flower comes up on the large monitor.
Batman magnifies the image; small unintelligible lettering
can be seen. Batman magnifies several times until we can read
the lettering:
GOTHAM MAGIC SHOP
CUT TO:
INT. GOTHAM MAGIC SHOP - NIGHT
The STORE OWNER cowers back into a corner.
OWNER
(broken English)
What do you want man?! I don't
break no laws. I just working late!
The flower is thrown on him.
OWNER (CONT'D)
What this? I don't know this. I
don't know nothin'.
BATMAN
Names.
OWNER
But --
BATMAN
Now!
INT. GOTHAM POLICE HEADQUARTERS - GORDON'S OFFICE - NIGHT
Gordon walks in and gets ready to take off his jacket. Wait
something's on the desk. Gordon walks over and sees a list of
names with a BATMAN LOGO on the bottom of the page.
CUT TO:
MONTAGE:
Gordon, Bullock, Montoya and many other of Gotham's finest
are going door to door, house to house, day and night
questing people. All races. All ages.
INT. ZSASZ'S APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM - DAY
BAM! The front door is smashed open with Gotham's Special
Unit spilling in. On the floor sits Mr. Zsasz in his
Magician's outfit. Zsasz looks up at the Police not
surprised.
ZSASZ P.O.V. as the butt of a rifle flies towards us -- WHAM!
CUT TO:
INT. TELEVISION STUDIO - DAY
Summer Gleason is giving a special report. Over her shoulder
footage of Zsasz being put into a Police car and taken into
Police Headquarters is being played on a LOOP.
SUMMMER
Gotham City Police have arrested a
man in connection to the series of
murders that have been plaguing
Gotham for the past few days. The
man's name has not yet been
released but what we do know is
that the Batman played a pivotal
role in helping the capture of this
man.
INT. WAYNETECH - BRUCE'S OFFICE - DAY
Summer's report is playing on a large plasma screen on the
wall. Bruce lays asleep on his couch cat napping.
SUMMMER
(filtered)
At this hour the man is still being
interrogated by Gotham City Police.
INT. GOTHAM POLICE HEADQUARTERS - INTERROGATION ROOM - DAY
Zsasz sits at a table twiddling his thumbs. He's not alone.
Montoya, Gordon and Bullock all sit at the table waiting for
their turn with him.
BULLOCK
(slamming his fist on the
table)
Why did you do it you sick
bastard?!
Zsasz looks up at Bullock with one hell of a BLACK EYE.
ZSASZ
Who me? Do you think I did it?
BULLOCK
I ask the questions here not
psychos like you!
ZSASZ
And even though I'm just a magician
I know that I don't have to speak
to you unless I have a lawyer.
MONTOYA
Ahh, I knew he'd pull this crap.
ZSASZ
On the contrary I'm not. Instead I
won't speak until the Batman is
present.
MONTOYA
What?
ZSASZ
Batman. You can call him right? Oh,
that's right, he doesn't come out
until night since he can't see the
BATSIGNAL during the day. Maybe you
should invest in a big red phone
that way you can call him during
the day, Jim.
GORDON
Commissioner Gordon.
ZSASZ
Oh, sorry.
(beat)
So are you going to get the bat or
not? If you have to wait until
night I suggest you take me to a
holding cell. You can't leave me
cuffed in here until nightfall can
you? Then again if fat boy can pass
the physical then you could
probably get away with anything.
BULLOCK
You son of a --
Zsasz laughs his ass off as Gordon and Montoya hold Bullock
back.
GORDON
(to Zsasz)
You want Batman? He'll be here.
Zsasz smiles.
EXT. GOTHAM POLICE HEADQUARTERS - NIGHT
The BATSIGNAL shines brightly overtop of the Station.
INT. GOTHAM POLICE HEADQUARTERS - INTERROGATION ROOM - NIGHT
Zsasz sits at the table. Pleased with the outcome. Montoya,
Gordon and Bullock once again are in the room. Most
importantly standing in the darkest corner of the room is the
Batman.
ZSASZ
Well, now we can talk.
GORDON
Alright. What is your name?
ZSASZ
Mr. Zsasz.
GORDON
Your first name?
ZSASZ
Mr. Zsasz.
GORDON
Fine. Did you murder those people?
ZSASZ
Let's ask the bat. Did I do it?
BATMAN
Roll up his sleeves.
BULLOCK
What?
GORDON
Do it, Bullock.
Bullock walks over to Zsasz and rolls up his left sleeve and
sees the OLD scars. Bullock looks up at Zsasz with a
questioned look. Bullock rolls up the other sleeve. Eight
fresh scares.
BULLOCK
Well, well, well.
MONTOYA
What is it?
BULLOCK
Eight slashes on his forearm.
ZSASZ
What does that mean?
BULLOCK
Eight victims, eight slashes.
ZSASZ
Maybe I have a volatile cat.
BULLOCK
What you're gonna have is my foot
stuck up your --
GORDON
Harvey!
ZSASZ
Is Batman always this quiet?
GORDON
Where were you two nights ago?
ZSASZ
Home. Praying. Do you pray Batman?
Does the saviour of Gotham pray to
the Saviour of the world? Are your
sins still bottled up inside Batman
or did you lose them on a cross? I
know my sins are cleansed.
No answer.
ZSASZ (CONT'D)
I guess not, huh, Batman? You know
as well as I do that no God exist
and that no Son died on a cross.
Why would someone who so, "loved
the world" allow a man to slit the
neck of a sleeping baby, which I am
accused of. Tell me how could a God
of love allow a child to watch
their parents die in front of them?
To be taken from them. To never see
them again at that tender age. If
He's all powerful He could stop it
couldn't He? But He doesn't does
He? No, he let's it happen over and
over again and nothing ever
happens. Is that it Batman? Have
you taken on the form of vengeance
because there is no God of one so
you think you must become it? Do
you actually think you can do the
work of a god like Superman can?
BATMAN
You have no idea what I can do.
A knock on the door breaks the tension. Montoya answers it
and doesn't like who's behind it.
MONTOYA
Oh, great.
DELIA (O.S.)
You can't do this.
Montoya steps back as DELIA MAXWELL, a beautiful and ticked
off attorney, enters the room.
DELIA (CONT'D)
You can not hold this man and
interrogate him without proper
representation.
GORDON
Delia --
DELIA
That's Miss. Maxwell, Commissioner.
GORDON
Miss. Maxwell this man has waved
his right to an attorney.
DELIA
This man could also be mentally
challenged and does not understand
how serious the matter is.
BULLOCK
Look lady, this guy is a nut job
and he --
DELIA
So, you admit that he isn't of
sound mind and yet you continue to
interrogate him for hours on end?
And don't you know that --
(spotting Batman)
Ahh!
Montoya, Bullock and Gordon hide their smiles.
GORDON
Oh, I forgot to mention that Batman
was here Miss. Maxwell.
DELIA
I can see that. What is that man
doing here? He has no authority to
be here.
GORDON
Batman can --
DELIA
Batman can not. He is the true
villain here. He's a vigilante. The
last time I checked those types
were illegal.
(beat)
Gordon neither you nor the DA can
keep this man here. I have already
spoken to Mayor Hill about this and
a medical professional is outside
the door and we'll see if this man
goes to Arkham or stays here.
MONTOYA
You're a real pain in the ass you
know that?
DELIA
I'm defending the Constitution
Detective Montoya. Maybe you should
start defending it as well?
BATMAN
Arkham isn't the answer.
DELIA
You don't believe in rehabilitating
people for the outside world?
BATMAN
I do.
DELIA
Then what's the problem.
BATMAN
Arkham will let him out.
DELIA
If he goes and that's a big "if",
then when he is released he would
be fully rehabilitated.
BATMAN
Doubtful.
DELIA
Whither or not you believe that
Jeremiah Arkham is capable of
running his Uncle's Asylum does not
change that fact that you have no
say in this Batman and neither do
you Gordon.
ZSASZ
Ma'am?
DELIA
Yes?
ZSASZ
I would appreciate it very much so
if you would be my attorney.
CUT TO:
INT. TELEVISION STUDIO - DAY
Summer is giving a report. Clips of Zsasz being taken to
ARKHAM ASYLUM is playing behind her.
SUMMMER
The man who is now being held
responsible for the string of
murders in Gotham city was moved to
Arkham Asylum today. The only name
that the man has given to
authorities is Mr. Zsasz. No birth
records from his finger prints have
been found yet but the Gotham
Police are working on it and have
sent all available information to
INTERPOL. But by far the most
bizarre fact to come out is the
markings on Mr. Zsasz's body. After
examination by Arkham Doctors they
have found over one hundred and
fifty cuts on Mr. Zsasz's body. The
Police at this time are lead to
believe that with eight fresh cuts
on his person, the same number of
murder victims in Gotham, that
Zsasz marks each of his kills by
cutting a slash mark on his body.
Of course we will have more news on
this as it develops.
(beat)
In other news Gotham's favorite son
Bruce Wayne will be meeting with
environmentalist Talia Head today.
When asked what the meeting would
be about Chief Executive Officer of
the Wayne Foundation Lucius Fox had
this to say.
LUCIUS FOX is stands outside the Wayne Foundation in front of
a circle of reporters.
LUCIUS
WayneTech, regardless of what
S.T.A.R. Labs, LexCorp and others
may say, has always had the public
and environment in mind. By meeting
with environmentalists and their
foundations WayneTech can open a
dialogue and both sides can be
heard. If technology can make the
world a better place then working
with the environmentalists can only
make it twice as better.
INT. WAYNE MANOR - BALLROOM - DAY
Bruce and Talia are slow dancing in the middle of the Ball
Room while a STRING QUARTET serenades them.
TALIA
Is this how all your meetings go?
BRUCE
Only the good ones.
TALIA
And do you think that this meeting
is going good?
BRUCE
(huge smile)
Very good.
TALIA
So uh... who's the quartet?
BRUCE
They're students from Gotham
University. I give out grants every
year to local schools, each one for
a different field. There's just
happened to be music. Soon they'll
be moving on to the Gotham City
Orchestra.
TALIA
So deep down there's more to you
then just a rich playboy.
BRUCE
That's right. I'm a real superhero.
TALIA
Well, for the ladies sake I hope
you're not the Flash when it comes
to the bedroom.
BRUCE
No, I think I got that part under
control.
TALIA
So... how long have you lived here,
Bruce?
BRUCE
Bruce? Oh, I'm on a first name
basis now?
Talia smiles ear to ear.
BRUCE (CONT'D)
I've lived here all my life. As a
matter of fact aside from the
Penthouse at the Wayne Foundation
this is the only house I've ever
spent the night in while in Gotham.
TALIA
Really? No sleep overs during grade
school or anything?
BRUCE
No, my childhood was... less then
normal. So what about you, Talia?
Talia smiles at her name.
TALIA
Um, you could say the same with me.
My father didn't spend much time in
one area so we moved around a lot
so I didn't have very many friends.
And my father loved helping the
environment so I guess since I
lacked in friends I just kinda
threw myself into his cause and
made up for it there.
BRUCE
So would you say that you and your
father are close?
TALIA
Yes, I like to think so.
Talia begins to speak but she holds back. Bruce notices it.
BRUCE
What is it?
TALIA
Nothing.
BRUCE
No, what is it?
TALIA
I was going to ask you something
but never mind.
BRUCE
No, it's okay. You can ask me
anything.
TALIA
Well, I heard what happened to your
parents when you were younger and I
was going to ask you if you
remembered what relationship you
had with them. It just seems so
long ago I can't even remember my
father when I was that age.
BRUCE
No, it's okay. I still remember
them... not a day goes by that I
don't. I remember my father was
strict but he was fair and that my
mother would always protect me if I
did something wrong and was going
to be punished for it.
(beat)
We spent most of our time playing
cards or board games and every
weekend my father would take me and
my mother to the theater. No matter
what he always made time for us, my
mother did aswell.
TALIA
Sounds like you really love them.
BRUCE
I do. I built my whole life around
them.
TALIA
Well, I'm sure they still love you
where they're at. I'm sure a lot of
people love you.
BRUCE
Not many.
Talia stands as close as she can to him.
TALIA
Well... maybe it's time for one
more.
Talia and Bruce stare deeply into each others eyes. Talia
lays her head on Bruce's chest as he wraps his arms around
her and holds her.
EXT. ARKHAM ASYLUM - DAY
Two Police cars pull into the gates of ARKHAM ASYLUM. After
driving up the long hill leading to the Asylum the cars
finally park. Gordon steps out of one of the cars while
Bullock and Montoya get out of the other.
GORDON
Man, I hate this place.
BULLOCK
The dregs of Gotham, Commish.
MONTOYA
Well, put a tie on them and we'd
have the Politicians of Gotham.
GORDON
(whispers)
Shhh, not out loud, Montoya.
MONTOYA
(whispers)
Sorry.
INT. ARKHAM ASYLUM - ENTRANCE - DAY
JEREMIAH ARKHAM greets the Police at the door.
JEREMIAH
Ahh, I've been expecting you. How
has your day been officers?
GORDON
It's been better, Dr. Arkham.
JEREMIAH
Oh, I see. No new leads into your
case?
GORDON
Not yet I'm afraid. How is the
patient doing?
JEREMIAH
Mr. Zsasz is doing quite well I
must say.
BULLOCK
So what's the verdict doc is Zsasz
a freakin' whack job or not?
JEREMIAH
Officer, we stress not to use terms
like that. Mentally ill, is the
acceptable term.
BULLOCK
The guy's a murderer, it's all the
same.
JEREMIAH
No, I'm afraid it's not. If he was
just plain evil doing it of his own
free will then he would be, but if
a person is mentally ill then it's
not their fault, they can't control
their actions. Now please follow
me.
INT. ARKHAM ASYLUM - FIRST FLOOR - DAY
As the four walk down a hallway that's filled with NURSES
helping PATIENTS. The longer they walk down the hall the fact
that Arkham was originally a Victorian Mansion which was
converted to a Asylum can easily be made out.
JEREMIAH
Don't worry, I assure you that
theses floors, in fact all our
floors are perfectly safe.
We have twenty-four hour surveyance
on all floors and ten security
guards per floor. We keep our most
dangerous patients on the lower
levels so please this way.
INT. ARKHAM ASYLUM - BOTTOM FLOOR - DAY
Jeremiah leads the Police down a large and well lite floor.
Giant doors with huge locks as far as the eye can see on both
sides fill the hallway. As Jeremiah talks Montoya spots a
QUESTION MARK LOGO on one of the doors. On the other side of
the room Bullock sees a ROSE LOGO on another door.
JEREMIAH
In order to help some of our newer
talent along the way along with the
obvious cell numbers we put logo's
on the cell doors as well. This
tends to keep everyone walking in
the middle of the hallway.
INT. ARKHAM ASYLUM - ZSASZ'S ROOM - DAY
Jeremiah opens a door that leads to a small room cut off from
the rest with a large glass frame with four guards watching
over Zsasz who is asleep on a cot.
JEREMIAH
It seems that several patients felt
threatened by the fact that he
holds a higher kill count then
others. Also their were some who
abhor Mr. Zsasz for what he did to
the children so we have to keep him
sperate from the others.
Jeremiah walks over to a intercom on the wall and presses the
speak button on it.
JEREMIAH (CONT'D)
Mr. Zsasz please wake up, you have
visitors.
BULLOCK
What's the deal with the intercom
is the room soundproof?
JEREMIAH
Yes, very.
(into the intercom)
Mr. Zsasz, visitors.
Zsasz rolls over from his cot and raises his head and looks
at the Police. Zsasz, now dressed like all the other
patients, gets out of the cot and walks over to his intercom.
ZSASZ
Hello, Dr. Arkham.
JEREMIAH
Hello, Mr. Zsasz. How are you
feeling today?
ZSASZ
I'm feeling lovely.
JEREMIAH
The Police have a few questions for
you, Mr. Zsasz.
ZSASZ
Oh, is that so? Well, I'm always
willing to help the Police.
Gordon walks over to the intercom.
GORDON
Zsasz.
ZSASZ
Commissioner.
GORDON
How have you been treated?
ZSASZ
Excellent, Commissioner.
GORDON
Look, we need more information from
you.
ZSASZ
Like what?
GORDON
The scars on your body, are they
from other people you have
murdered?
ZSASZ
Zombies, Mr. Commissioner, they
were mindless zombies caught in a
world of the never ending pointless
trivial stuff.
The same old, same old as you would
say. There lives, what little they
were, were never going to change.
They did what society told them to
do. Living in Gotham and every
other city on this planet will
destroy your life and turn it into
shit. They were lost and were never
to return. I helped them escape.
But I do realize they were human as
I am and that is why I mark myself.
To remind myself that I am human
also.
GORDON
So you admit your murdered them.
ZSASZ
No. I exterminated them,
Commissioner.
GORDON
You do realize that is not how the
courts will see it.
ZSASZ
The court system is in its very
nature corrupt Gordon. Instead of
cases being judged by the law it's
judged on precedence. The judges
care more about what some other
judge says then what the law says.
They are also mindless drones
Commissioner. It's sad that a man
like you puts so much faith into
it. Maybe that is why you allow
Batman to run amok since he goes
against the rules that are so
venal.
GORDON
You're going to be locked up for a
long time, Zsasz.
ZSASZ
With this court system? I doubt it.
With good behavior I'll be out in
six months.
INT. ARKHAM ASYLUM - OUTSIDE ZSASZ'S ROOM - DAY
The door opens with Montoya, Bullock, and Gordon walking out
the door with Jeremiah following behind them.
JEREMIAH
Well, I hope you're happy with your
interview, Commissioner Gordon.
GORDON
He just admitted that he murdered
all those people. Of course I'm
happy, we got him.
JEREMIAH
Just because you have him doesn't
mean you'll get him.
MONTOYA
What are you saying?
JEREMIAH
Remember if he is mentally ill then
we take care of him. You don't get
the luxury of frying him.
BULLOCK
You dirty --
GORDON
You have no idea the danger this
man possess. You can't hold him
here.
JEREMIAH
No Commissioner I told you we are
fully capable of handing the
situation and only we can give him
the help that he needs. Like the
sign says on the Gate says "Arkham
Asylum: Home for the Criminally
Insane".
MONTOYA
If that monster gets loose --
JEREMIAH
I assure you he won't.
(motioning security)
Now please, I think you may have
upset my patient. I'll have
security will escort you out.
BULLOCK
We don't need your security.
Jeremiah watches the Police then turns back into Zsasz's
room.
INT. ARKHAM ASYLUM - ZSASZ'S ROOM - DAY
Jeremiah walks up to the intercom as Zsasz goes to his.
JEREMIAH
I'm sorry for the actions of the
police.
ZSASZ
That's alright. Do you wish to
begin another session now?
JEREMIAH
Yes. Now please Mr. Zsasz... tell
me about your mother.
EXT. ARKHAM ASYLUM - DAY
The Police head towards their respective cars.
BULLOCK
This stinks, Commish. You better
have a talk with the mayor about
this one.
GORDON
I'll talk to him Bullock but I
doubt he'll see the light.
BULLOCK
Well, we're going to be seeing
whole lot of dead Gothamites if
that nut job isn't taken care of.
He belongs in San Quentin not in
Arkham.
GORDON
I know Bullock but if the Mayor
doesn't agree then we're --
MONTOYA
Screwed.
GORDON
Big time.
EXT. WAYNE MANOR - BACKYARD - DAY
Bruce walks along side Talia down a path. Talia is astonished
at the size and beauty of Bruce's backyard. This is a sight
you would never see in a Gotham Travel Brochure.
TALIA
It must take a fortune to care for
this place.
BRUCE
It does and the only time nobody is
working on it is the winter.
TALIA
I don't see anyone out here today.
BRUCE
Well, I that's 'cause I gave them
the day off. That or they finished
early I can't really remember.
TALIA
Yeah, right. You just wanted to get
me back here alone didn't you?
BRUCE
Well--
TALIA
Oh, look at the flowers!
Talia races up to a large garden leaving Bruce standing by
himself.
BRUCE
(finishing)
Yeah, actually I did.
Bruce strolls over to Talia who has immersed herself inside
the garden.
TALIA
These are so beautiful.
BRUCE
Yeah, Alfred picks them out every
year.
TALIA
Really?
BRUCE
Yeah -- no, no, no, I mean I pick
them out every year.
Talia looks back at Bruce knowing it's a lie.
BRUCE
Yeah, WayneTech and the
environment, I love the
environment. First thing I think of
in the morning 'cause I have to
breath and if I can't breath then I
say, "Hey, something's wrong with
the environment but it's not
WayneTech's fault because we love
the environment."
Talia smiles at Bruce. Bruce smiles back and extends his
hand. Talia softly takes his hand. Bruce starts leading her
through the garden and she happily follows.
As they walk Talia slowly tightens her hand around Bruce's.
He does that same to her's and are soon walking hand in hand.
Talia wraps her other arm around Bruce's then gently lays her
head on his shoulder.
INT. MAYOR'S OFFICE - DAY
The Mayor sits behind his desk not caring what Gordon has to
say to him.
HILL
No.
GORDON
Mayor, you don't see the --
HILL
I don't care, Gordon. Zsasz is in
Arkham. He can't escape and the
courts are going to handle his
case. That's all I can do.
GORDON
Hamilton, you know as well as I do
that Arkham isn't inescapable and
Zsasz is going to attempt it the
first chance he gets.
HILL
I don't know that.
GORDON
What?!
HILL
I don't know that he won't escape,
hell he might like it in there.
GORDON
What kind of crap is this?
HILL
This crap is --
GORDON
Politics! It's damn politics! It
never changes with you people!
HILL
Gordon I've had enough of you. Get
out my office.
GORDON
Mark my word Mr. Mayor when Zsasz
gets out I putting the blood on
your hands not my department.
HILL
Get out!
Gordon slams the door shut as he leaves the room. After a
beat a familiar voice is heard.
BULLOCK
(through the door)
He stinks!
INT. ARKHAM ASYLUM - ZSASZ ROOM - NIGHT
Zsasz sits quietly inside his room while the guards sit
around in a circle playing cards.
Nobody notices Zsasz's smile.
INT. ARKHAM ASYLUM - SECURITY ROOM - NIGHT
TWO SECURITY GUARDS sit in front of the monitors each one
slowly dozing off. One guard catches himself from falling
asleep and smacks the other guard on the shoulder waking him
up.
INT. ARKHAM ASYLUM - JEREMIAH'S OFFICE - NIGHT
Jeremiah sits at his desk looking over inmate files. EDWARD
NIGMA, VICTOR FRIES and PAMELA ISLEY are the recognizable
names that we see.
Jeremiah opens his file on Zsasz... completely empty.
He reaches inside his coat pocket and takes out a key and
unlocks his desk drawer and pulls out another file. An
overflowing file marked... THE BATMAN.
A KNOCK on the door. Jeremiah quickly stashes the Batman
files.
JEREMIAH
Come in.
AHMS LABARBA, Jeremiah's assistant walks in.
JEREMIAH (CONT'D)
Ahms, come on in.
AHMS
Mr. Arkham you wanted to see me?
JEREMIAH
Yes, come in, come in. I wanted to
talk to you about Mr. Zsasz.
Ahms takes a sit next to Jeremiah desk.
AHMS
What did you have in mind?
JEREMIAH
Ah, mind, that's exactly it. I
believe that Mr. Zsasz can help us
achieve some great success in the
field.
AHMS
Yes, Mr. Zsasz is in need of some
serious --
JEREMIAH
No, no, no. That's not what I'm
talking about. It's a given that
Mr. Zsasz would be a great study
but in this city who would be the
greatest study?
AHMS
I don't quite follow.
JEREMIAH
Batman.
AHMS
Batman?
JEREMIAH
Nobody knows anything about him,
only the people he picks up. Look
at this file.
(handing the file to Ahms)
This file if full of story's about
the Batman. Who knows which ones
are true and which ones aren't. The
thing that is almost a given is
that the Batman never does anything
in the day.
AHMS
(coming around)
Wait a minute. Do you want to use
Zsasz to study Batman?
JEREMIAH
Yes.
AHMS
How?
JEREMIAH
How do you think the Batman would
react if Zsasz got loose?
AHMS
Wait -- are you going to let Zsasz
go free?
JEREMIAH
No of course not. He's going to
break out.
AHMS
But what about the people of
Gotham?
JEREMIAH
Sacrifices are made everyday. It's
time that the greedy Gothamites
sacrifice something too. We have
the chance to not only study the
Batman, but also a criminal mind
and the entire city of Gotham.
AHMS
You're mad. Everyone was right.
Your family was and now you are
too.
JEREMIAH
Don't you dare back out on me,
Ahms. Not after all we've been
through.
AHMS
No. No, I won't stand for this! NO!
Ahms starts heading for the door Jeremiah stands up to block
him.
JEREMIAH
You're not leaving until you go
through with this.
AHMS
You're crazy! Ahms tries to go
around.
Jeremiah grabs Ahms. A struggle ensues. Ahms overpowers
Jeremiah and throws him onto a couch and heads for the door.
Ahms swings it open only to get his throat slashed.
Ahms falls dead to the floor.
Jeremiah looks down at his fallen assistant. Two bare feet
stand next to him. Jeremiah looks up to see Zsasz.
ZSASZ
Plans changed.
JEREMIAH
You -- you weren't suppose to kill
anybody here.
ZSASZ
I've only killed one. It's the
others that I'm worried about.
JEREMIAH
What others?
Zsasz walks over and grabs Jeremiah and drags him to the door
way.
ZSASZ
Those others.
Jeremiah looks on in horror as the inmates are literary
running the asylum.
JEREMIAH
Damn you, you released them.
ZSASZ
Perceptive.
JEREMIAH
You were the only one who was
suppose to --
ZSASZ
I said the plans changed. Look on
the bright side. If no one here
kills you you're going to have a
lot of paper work to keep you busy
for the next several years.
Zsasz starts to walk off then stops.
JEREMIAH
But --
ZSASZ
Oh, by the way, where did you put
my clothes at? I can't seem to find
them.
JEREMIAH
Uh... third floor?
ZSASZ
Thanks, you're a real pal.
Zsasz takes off. Jeremiah bolts behind the door and locks it.
Quickly the room fills with light. Jeremiah looks out the
window and sees the BATSIGNAL shinning brightly over the
city.
EXT. GOTHAM POLICE HEADQUARTERS - ROOFTOP - NIGHT
Gordon stands beside the BATSIGNAL smoking his pipe. Waiting.
Watching. Hoping.
INT. GOTHAM HOTEL - HALLWAY - NIGHT
Bruce is walking hand in hand with Talia down the Hallway.
Both being very "friendly" with each other, we know what's
coming next. Behind them is a large window with the BATSIGNAL
shinning over the city. Amazingly Bruce misses it.
TALIA
Here's my room.
Bruce walks with Talia to the door.
BRUCE
It's a shame we didn't get to speak
more about business.
TALIA
Yes, I guess we'll have to do this
again.
Talia begins to unlock the door.
BRUCE
I have no problem with --
(noticing the signal)
-- that.
Talia turns back and catches Bruce's glance and then looks
out the window.
TALIA
Oh, wow, so that's what it looks
like?
BRUCE
(hurrying along)
Yeah, it -- it's just Batman.
TALIA
Is he going to fight someone?
BRUCE
I don't know. I don't really pay
attention to that Batman crap.
TALIA
Jealous?
BRUCE
No. Just no interest in him but hey
look, um, it's getting kinda late
so I'm going to leave. I don't want
to wear my welcome out.
TALIA
But I was just going to ask you if
you wanted to come in for awhile?
BRUCE
No, that's okay, I don't want you
to think I was trying to get you in
the sack or anything so I'll see
you tomorrow. Okay?
TALIA
Um... you sure?
BRUCE
Yeah.
Talia leaps forward and hugs Bruce tightly and gives him a
big KISS on the cheek leaving a LIPSTICK print.
TALIA
Tomorrow, love.
Bruce gives a quick "I've-got-to-get-out-of-here" hug.
BRUCE
Okay, bye.
TALIA
Bye-bye.
Bruce turns and walks away.
TALIA (CONT'D)
Say, "Hi" to Batman for me.
Wayne quickly turns back around.
BRUCE
What?
TALIA
In case you see him on the way
home. You know in that Bat-car
thing.
BRUCE
You mean the Batmobile?
TALIA
Is that what they call it?
BRUCE
I don't know. Some reporter Knox
said something like that.
TALIA
Okay. Well, Nightie-night.
Talia blows a kiss then closes the door. Bruce turns and runs
down the hallway.
EXT. GOTHAM HOTEL - MOMENTS LATER
Bruce runs out of the front door and straight to the waiting
Royals with Alfred driving. Bruce hops in.
BRUCE
Quickly, Alfred.
ALFRED
Yes, sir.
Alfred hurries quickly gets in the car and takes off.
INT. ROYALS ROYCE - NIGHT
Bruce starts undoing his tie.
ALFRED
Shall we pull into a deserted ally
and give the coordinates to the
Batmobile and you can change while
waiting for it there?
BRUCE
No. Just send it to Police
Headquarters.
ALFRED
Yes, sir.
(beat)
Sir?
BRUCE
Yeah, Alfred?
ALFRED
You have lipstick on your face.
Bruce quickly beings wiping it off. Alfred reaches underneath
the front seat and pulls out a small laptop then punches in a
few keys.
CUT TO:
INT. BATCAVE - THAT MOMENT
The cave is pitch black. Suddenly a loud ROAR deafens us. A
FIRE starts in the middle of the screen then takes off at
break neck speed.
EXT. COUNTRY ROAD - NIGHT
Headlights blind us winding around the a rural road. Leaves
are blowing up to the sky. Birds fly from their nest in
panic. The roar gets louder by the second.
The headlights go down a hill and we see nothing but the
street.
WHOOM! The BATMOBILE races over top of the hill in front of
us in it's full glory.
EXT. GOTHAM POLICE HEADQUARTERS - ROOFTOP - NIGHT
Gordon continues his wait on the Batman.
BAM!
Gordon turns to his side in time to see a the hook of a
BATGRAPPLE wrap around one of the satellites on the rooftop.
Within seconds the Batman whips upward by the spring-action
reel from the BATGRAPPLE landing on the ledge of the
building.
GORDON
We have serious problems, Batman.
I've spoken with Mayor Hill and he
doesn't see eye to eye with
Montoya, Bullock and myself.
BATMAN
What is it?
GORDON
Zsasz. We believe that he will try
to escape Arkham whenever he gets
the chance. We need him moved to a
maximum security area but the mayor
won't budge and Arkham needs a
complete rehaul on his security and
we both know that Jeremiah Arkham
will never do that.
BATMAN
What about the D.A.?
GORDON
He's useless. We haven't had a good
one since Harvey Dent.
BATMAN
What do you want me to do?
GORDON
I want you at Arkham but if the
Mayor even has hint that you're
there then we're both out of
Gotham. So I guess I just want you
to be ready... for anything.
BATMAN
Always.
A ROAR is heard coming from the streets. Batman reaches into
his UTILITY BELT and pulls out a RADIO TRANSMITTER.
BATMAN (CONT'D)
(into the transmitter)
Stop.
The roaring stops. Bullock and Montoya run out onto the roof.
MONTOYA
Batman! Thank, God.
GORDON
What is it?
BULLOCK
All hell just broke loose at
Arkham. The inmates running loose
everywhere.
GORDON
Zsasz must have escaped and
released all the inmates. Batman
you --
WHOOSH! Before Gordon can finish his sentence the Batman
leaps off the ledge. Gordon, Montoya and Bullock run to the
ledge only to see the BATMOBILE starting up again and
blasting down the streets of Gotham.
BULLOCK
Alright I'll admit it. That's cool
as hell. But I still don't
trust'em.
Gordon turns and around and heads towards the stairs.
GORDON
Okay, I want all units on the
streets now and headed to Arkham.
Call the S.W.A.T. team, the
National Guard and alert all the
news agencies to tell --
INT. TELEVISION STUDIO - NIGHT
Summer sits at the anchor desk once again.
SUMMMER
-- all citizens of Gotham to stay
calm. All police units are being
mobilized and sent out as we speak.
We have even been informed by
Police Commissioner Gordon.
(beat)
It is unknown at this point in time
the whereabouts of the current
proprietor of Arkham, Jeremiah
Arkham. Police fear that a hostage
situation could develop.
SMASH CUT:
INT. ARKHAM ASYLUM - JEREMIAH'S OFFICE - NIGHT
CLOSE UP
Jeremiah's face.
INMATE #1 (O.S.)
Say it!
JEREMIAH
(weakly)
I --
INMATE #1 (O.S.)
Say it!
JEREMIAH
(weakly)
I like peanut butter.
Standing in front of Jeremiah is an inmate with shirt pulled
over his face and a SPATULA in his hand. A CHEER goes out
from the group of inmates sitting around a circle with
Jeremiah being in the center of it on a swivel chair.
The group swings Jeremiah around in the chair. The inmates
stop Jeremiah right in front of the screaming Inmate.
INMATE #1
Say it again!
JEREMIAH
I like --
INMATE #1
Say it like you mean it!
JEREMIAH
I like peanut butter!
Another CHEER goes out. Jeremiah gets swung around again and
stopped in front the Screaming Inmate.
INMATE #1
Say it again!
CUT TO:
I/E. BATMOBILE - THAT MOMENT
Batman races through the city getting closer and closer to
Arkham.
ALFRED (O.S.)
(filtered)
Sir?
Batman looks down and sees Alfred on a small monitor.
BATMAN
What is it, Alfred?
ALFRED
(filtered)
That lovely young lady, Talia is on
the phone.
BATMAN
Great.
ALFRED
(filtered)
She is worried about your safety
because of the break out.
BATMAN
Can't your tell her I'm on a
private plane going to an emergency
meeting?
ALFRED
(filtered)
I don't think she is going to take
that for an answer, sir but I will
bail you out... again.
BATMAN
Thanks, Alfred. I owe you one.
ALFRED
(filtered)
Two if you count, Miss. Kyle.
I/E. POLICE CAR - NIGHT
Gordon rides in the back of Bullock and Montoya's car. Behind
them the majority of Gotham's finest follow.
BULLOCK
Man, oh man, the mayor is going to
love this!
GORDON
I know. We just better hope that
the Batman gets there in time
before anything bad really happens.
EXT. ARKHAM ASYLUM - NIGHT
Too late. INMATES are running around the front of Arkham
going... insane.
The rest are breaking into cars while others have the keys
and are in the process of driving off.
The Asylum itself has seen better days. One side is
completely covered in ICE. The other in VINES.
The inmates who haven't fled yet and are just hanging around
outside stop as they hear something... the BATMOBILE.
As soon as the BATMOBILE drives up the hill the inmates flip
out and start throwing rocks at it or beating themselves or
each other up. Quickly NETS are shot out from the sides of
the BATMOBILE capturing several inmates in each.
The GUNS from the hood of the BATMOBILE pop open, the inmates
scream in horror. Batman flips a switch. The guns FIRE. But
instead of bullets streams of DARTS shoot out. The inmates
grab the body parts they were shot at then slowly slip into
unconsciousness.
Batman stops and hops out of the BATMOBILE.
EXT. ARKHAM ASYLUM - CONTINUOUS
The Gotham Police finally arrive on the scene as the Batman
walks into the Asylum.
INT. ARKHAM ASYLUM - ENTRANCE - NIGHT
The Batman walks into the Asylum and gets met by two inmates.
The one is CHALLENGING Batman and the other is FROTHING at
the mouth and keeps running into a wall.
The Challenger charges Batman. Batman quickly side steps him
causing the Challenger to run out the front door.
POLICEMAN (O.S.)
Freeze!
The Challenger does an about face only to have Batman -WHAM!-
SLAM the door in his face knocking him out cold.
Batman turns back around. The Frothing Man is still running
into the wall. Batman sees no danger and walks past him into
the Asylum.
EXT. ARKHAM ASYLUM - NIGHT
Gordon, Montoya and Bullock lead the charge into the Asylum.
GORDON
Remember don't shoot unless you
have to, now let's go!
INT. ARKHAM ASYLUM - ENTRANCE - NIGHT
Batman walks into to an insane nightmare. FROZEN Asylum
workers, DEAD MEN with ROSES placed on their chest, RIDDLES
written in graffiti and members of the RED TRIANGLE CIRCUS
GANG drawing RED TRIANGLES under their right eyes with RED
magic markers and ink pens.
The LEADER of the group turns and sees Batman.
LEADER
You! You killed the Penguin! You
killed Oswald!
The Triangle Gang ATTACKS Batman with a furry and with
whatever makeshift weapon they can find. Batman quickly
starts laying them out one by one but Batman becomes
surrounded by them. The Dark Knight reaches into his UTILITY
BELT and pulls out a BATARANG with a LED Screen on it, much
like the "homing BATARANG" from Batman Returns.
LEADER (CONT'D)
Oh no. We've seen that toy before,
Batman. You're not going to fool us
with that one.
Batman tosses the BATARANG into the air. The Triangle Gang
watches it hurl into the air. Batman kneels down and covers
himself in his cape.
WHOOM! A blinding light shoots out from the BATARANG
revealing that it was actually a FLASH BOMB.
Batman walks out of the circle of the Triangle Gang while
they stumble around in blindness swinging wildly.
Gordon and the Police rush in.
GORDON
Freeze! Everybody get your hands
up!
A Triangle member takes a wild swing and knocks out the
LEADER.
INT. ARKHAM ASYLUM - JEREMIAH'S OFFICE - NIGHT
Batman kicks open the door. Jeremiah is still in the same
predicament he was last time.
JEREMIAH
Batman, please help!
Batman back up and walks away.
JEREMIAH
Batman!
INMATE #1
Say it again!
INT. ARKHAM ASYLUM - FIRST FLOOR - NIGHT
The police begin handcuffing the Triangle Gang. Gordon,
Montoya and Bullock head off in the same direction as Batman
and run across --
INT. ARKHAM ASYLUM - JEREMIAH'S OFFICE - NIGHT
Gordon looks inside.
GORDON
What the...
JEREMIAH
Gordon, help!
Gordon considers it. Then heads off after Batman.
GORDON
Let's go!
JEREMIAH
Gordon!
INMATE #1
Say it again!
INT. ARKHAM ASYLUM - BOTTOM FLOOR - NIGHT
Batman walks along the floor noticing every cell is empty. He
gets to the end of the hallway to Zsasz room and opens the
door.
INT. ARKHAM ASYLUM - ZSASZ'S ROOM - NIGHT
Inside the four Security Guards are still sitting on the
floor with cards in front of them. Throats SLIT. Batman heads
back into the hallway.
INT. ARKHAM ASYLUM - OUTSIDE ZSASZ'S ROOM - NIGHT
Gordon and Montoya run up to Batman.
GORDON
Okay who's our biggest problem
right now?
MONTOYA
Ivy, Riddler, Bane, Freeze, Croc,
Man-Bat, Clayface, Deadshot and
Zsasz.
GORDON
Is that all?
MONTOYA
Off the top of my head.
GORDON
Any ideas on how to handle this,
Batman?
BATMAN
Take who you can get.
Batman walks heads off with Gordon and Montoya following.
Bullock runs in panting as Batman exits with Gordon and
Montoya.
GORDON
Come on, Bullock.
BULLOCK
(winded)
I just got down here.
INT. ARKHAM ASYLUM - FIRST FLOOR - NIGHT
Batman and the rest walk through the First Floor with some
inmates still running loose but are being caught easily by
the Police.
GORDON
How's it going in here?
COP
It's under control so far.
GORDON
After all these inmates are locked
up I want all available officers on
the streets looking for every
inmate that escaped from here.
Gordon, Montoya and Bullock follow Batman out the door.
INT. ARKHAM ASYLUM - ENTRANCE - NIGHT
As Batman walks passed the entrance Frothing Man is still
running into the same wall. Without losing his stride Batman
grabs him by the shoulder and turns him around sending the
Frothing Man BACK into the Asylum.
EXT. ARKHAM ASYLUM - CONTINUOUS
Batman heads towards the BATMOBILE. Outside the remaining
inmates are being cuffed and taken back inside.
GORDON
You know Batman, this is a real
crisis. Maybe we should call and
Metropolis and see if they can find
Super --
Batman turns around PISSED.
GORDON (CONT'D)
Okay my mistake, bad idea.
Batman heads into the BATMOBILE and takes off.
MONTOYA
Ready to go, Commissioner?
I/E. BATMOBILE - NIGHT
Batman turns on his monitor.
BATMAN
Alfred.
ALFRED
(filtered)
A report has just come across that
a big green lizard is destroying
west end.
BATMAN
Killer Croc.
EXT. GOTHAM STREETS - WEST SIDE - NIGHT
People run for their lives as a large reptilian like man is
destroying everything in sight. Vehicles, light poles, cars,
etc. KILLER CROC is his name.
Two brave but STUPID CITIZEN'S grab some rocks and throw it
at Croc. Only getting his attention.
CROC
That was stupid.
The Two try and make a break for it but Croc catches them in
the middle of the street then slams both against a wall on
the OTHER side of the road.
Croc sees a mail box and rips it up from the ground and walks
over to the two who are knocked out cold. Croc lifts the mail
box over his head then gets blinded by headlights. He drops
the mail box behind him and sees a NET shot out from the
BATMOBILE.
The net wraps around him but only annoys Croc as he rips the
net to shreds. Batman hops out of the BATMOBILE and marches
toward Croc.
CROC (CONT'D)
I'm not going back to Arkham,
Batman. I didn't do anything wrong!
BATMAN
You need help, Waylon.
CROC
Look at me! You think anyone can
help this!
Croc charges Batman and swings wildly at him. Batman ducks
and dodges every shot and tries to sweep Croc. Croc doesn't
budge.
Croc pulls Batman out then throws him through a PLATE GLASS
WINDOW right into--
INT. DANCE CLUB - CONTINUOUS
A loaded dance club. The people in the club all stand around
as they look at Batman. As Batman starts to stand up blood
flows from a gash on Batman's right cheek. As soon as he does
-WHAM!- the mail box nails Batman in the back dropping him
back down.
Croc jumps through the window. Everyone in the club freaks
out and runs. Croc gets to Batman but Batman kips up and
starts laying rights and lefts to Croc. Croc smiles then POW!-
backhands Batman sending him through the air several feet.
Killer Croc continues his wish of onslaught and goes right
back after Batman.
CLUB GOER (O.S.)
Kick that Ninja Turtles' ass,
Batman!
CROC
Who said that?!
Batman sees his break and reaches into his UTILITY BELT and
grabs a BATARANG then throws it a Croc's head. THUNNG! Direct
hit Croc goes light on his feet. Batman charges Croc and lets
out a furious combo of several martial art styles backing
Croc up the window. One devastating BACK SPIN KICK sends Croc
back out onto the street.
EXT. GOTHAM STREETS - WEST SIDE - NIGHT
Batman reaches into his UTILITY BELT and grabs a VIAL. Croc
manages to stand up. As soon as he turns around Batman throws
the vial straight at Croc's face -- PHEWW!
Croc yells in pain and gasps for breath as smoke surrounds
his face. POW! A side kicks sends Croc back over top of the
car that he rammed Batman's face into. Batman slides over the
hood of the car and grabs another VIAL from his UTILITY BELT
and throws it into the car that EXPLODES into more SMOKE.
Batman grabs Croc and sticks his head into the car and holds
him face down into the smoke. Croc gags and fights violently.
The smoke is too much and Croc finally goes out cold.
Batman backs away from the car and heads towards the
BATMOBILE and hops in.
BATMAN
I got, Croc.
ALFRED
(filtered)
Yes, sir. We have another
disturbance.
BATMAN
Where?
The BATMOBILE fires up and burns down the street while the on
lookers cheer the Batman.
EXT. WAYNETECH - MOMENTS LATER
WayneTech employees' are running out of the building.
INT. WAYNETECH, FIRST FLOOR - NIGHT
DEADSHOT holds the employee's hostage making each one stand
in place.
DEADSHOT
I said don't move now where is he?!
Where is Wayne?!
Lucius Fox desperately tries to hold things together.
LUCIUS
Sir, I implore you to please stop
this.
DEADSHOT
I was hired to kill Wayne and I'm
going to do it! Just because they
throw me in that hellhole Arkham
doesn't mean I don't fulfill my
contracts. Now where is he?!
LUCIUS
Sir --
BANG! Deadshot shoots the glasses off Lucius' face.
DEADSHOT
I'm not going to ask you again!
LUCIUS
Please, I swear, Mr. Wayne is not
here.
DEADSHOT
I told you.
Deadshot aims at Lucius' face. Lucius closes his eyes tightly
and says a quick prayer to himself.
CLINK!
DEADSHOT (O.S.)
Ahh!
Lucius opens his eyes and sees Deadshot holding his arm.
Lucius looks down on the floor and sees a BATARANG.
DEADSHOT
You bastard where are you?!
All the hostages take the chance and drop to the floor.
Deadshot carefully moves around the room.
DEADSHOT
I'll find you, Batman. You can't
hide forever.
PHEW! All the power goes out in the building. The hostages
scream.
DEADSHOT (CONT'D)
Shut up! Everyone shut up!
(beat)
Mind games don't work with me,
Batman.
As Deadshot walks around he ends up in front of a large
window with the Gotham streets lights allowing us to make out
his silhouette.
DEADSHOT (CONT'D)
Come on Batman show your --
BAM! The ventilation shaft opens up with Batman arms reaching
down and pulling up Deadshot. GUNSHOTS ring out, hostages
scream, a body falls and dangles in front of us. The lights
come back on.
Deadshot is tied up hanging upside down.
DEADSHOT (CONT'D)
Damn you! Get me out of here!
The hostages run over to Deadshot and start KICKING him.
I/E. BATMOBILE - MOMENTS LATER
Batman hurries down Gotham, eyeing every alley.
BATMAN
Anything yet?
ALFRED
(filtered)
No, sir. I take it you captured
Deadshot?
BATMAN
He was trying to kill Bruce
Wayne... again.
(beat)
I wonder how Gordon is doing.
EXT. GOTHAM STREETS - THAT MOMENT
Gordon and Bullock are taking cover behind a car.
BULLOCK
This is crazy, Commish!
GORDON
You don't think I know that?!
Quickly the car starts to FREEZE. Gordon and Bullock bail.
GORDON (CONT'D)
How the hell did he get that gun so
quick!
BULLOCK
Stinkin' eBay!
Gordon and Bullock run behind a building. Gordon grabs the
radio.
GORDON
Where the hell is that copper?!
MAN ON RADIO
(filtered)
It's on its way, sir.
Gordon looks up to the sky and sees a police chopper flying
above carrying a huge crate with smoke pouring from the top
of it.
GORDON
Now! Drop it now!
MAN ON RADIO
(filtered)