Excerpts from the rough draft of The King of Pop written by D.Nesmith:
INT.LOS ANGELES RESTAURANT-NIGHT(1988)
Tatiana comes into the restaurant,she scans the room,its
completely empty except for two people:Michael and Frank.
She’s annoyed now,smoothing out her dress.
Tatiana takes a seat.
TATIANA THUMBTZEN
Why is he here?
MICHAEL JACKSON
He goes everywhere...
TATIANA THUMBTZEN
....Even on a date?
MICHAEL JACKSON
(quizzical)
Is this date?....
Tatiana smiles.She’s upset.Michael can tell--he leans
forward,whispering into her ear.
MICHAEL JACKSON
(whispering)
I’m sorry...truly I am.
TATIANA THUMBTZEN
I know.
Michael and Tatiana look at their menus.She looks up and
sees Frank,smoking across from them.
TATIANA THUMBTZEN
Frank, can you please not do that?
Frank shrugs;then complies.
FRANK DILEO
Sure.Mike...I’m gonna go outside
for a few and take a call...you two
just enjoy your meal.
Frank leaves.
TATIANA THUMBTZEN
I wanted to be alone with you...
MICHAEL JACKSON
I know...this is as alone I can
get.
She sits her menu aside--
TATIANA THUMBTZEN
Michael,I really like you and I
don’t want to wait on something I
feel is right...
She reaches for his hand across the table.Hesitantly,he puts
his hand into hers.
MICHAEL JACKSON
Can I trust you?
(taking off his glasses)
Trust that you love me?
Tatiana stares into his eyes.
TATIANA THUMBTZEN
Yes.You can trust me.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT.HOTEL SUITE-NIGHT(1988)
MJ AND TATIANA
Making out in the moonlight.She unzips his jacket,slowly,
pushing it off his shoulders.It falls to the floor as he
sinks into her.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT.HOTEL SUITE-MORNING(1988)
Michael looks at the clock--its 10AM.He reaches over
Tatiana,picking up the phone.
MICHAEL JACKSON(ON THE PHONE)
Hold all my calls please...thank
you.
Mike hangs up.
TATIANA THUMBTZEN
Well I know your situation...that
your famous...
A BEAT.
TATIANA THUMBTZEN
...there's people around you...
they’re not good people...and I
just wanna be with you.
MJ stares into her eyes;in bed.He holds her close.
MICHAEL JACKSON
You are with me....your with me
now.
"T" smirks.
TATIANA THUMBTZEN
(silent,then--)
You know,one on one,without the
whole gang being around.I just...
A BEAT.
TATIANA THUMBTZEN
...its important to me to be with
you.I don't care.I just wanna spend
time with you...I've never felt
anything like this before...with
anyone.
MICHAEL JACKSON
What do you want?
TATIANA THUMBTZEN
All of you.
MJ sighs,running his fingers through his hair."T" sits up in
bed;looking at Michael.
TATIANA THUMBTZEN
...I'm afraid
MICHAEL JACKSON
Afraid of what?
TATIANA THUMBTZEN
...afraid I'm not going to see you
again...
INT.SOUND STAGE(LEAVE ME ALONE MUSIC VIDEO SET)-DAY(1988)
Michael and his monkey,BUBBLES,lay on a trampoline.MJ plays
with his pet laying on his stomach,playing peek-a-boo.
Tatiana watches for a few moments,walking up and
interrupting them.
TATIANA THUMBTZEN(O.S)
Is that Bubbles?
MJ rolls over.
MICHAEL JACKSON
What are you doing here?
TATIANA THUMBTZEN
Frank invited me.
MICHAEL JACKSON
Really?
Michael stands up,climbing off the side.
TATIANA THUMBTZEN
Yeah....I miss you
She smiles.
MICHAEL JACKSON
(smiling)
I miss you too.
TATIANA THUMBTZEN
(laughing)
Bubbles?
Tatiana points.
MICHAEL JACKSON
Yeah, that's him.
TATIANA THUMBTZEN
Wow.
MICHAEL JACKSON
Wait,you wanna hold him?
TATIANA THUMBTZEN
(unsure)
I dunno....
MICHAEL JACKSON
Its okay...he's friendly
(to the monkey)
Bubbles, come here.
Bubbles runs over,climbs into Michael's arms.He holds him on
his hip.
MICHAEL JACKSON
C'mon,hold him.
TATIANA THUMBTZEN
I'm not sure...
MICHAEL JACKSON
Its okay.
(laughing)
Here,hold on.
MJ puts Bubbles down.
MICHAEL JACKSON
Take his hand.
Tatiana looks at the chimp for a moment,then--takes his
hand.Michael then leads Bubbles by the hand out the room.
EXT.FILM STUDIO(LEAVE ME ALONE MUSIC VIDEO SET)-1988
MJ and "T" stand off to the side with Bubbles,talking away
from everybody.
TATIANA THUMBTZEN
So when does the tour start?
MICHAEL JACKSON
(holding Bubbles)
In a few weeks.
She nods.
TATIANA THUMBTZEN
That's good...you start here first
or overseas?
MICHAEL JACKSON
Overseas then Here.But I'll be in
LA for a few weeks.
TATIANA THUMBTZEN
Well least you get to be home for a
little while before leaving...
MJ smiles at her.
MICHAEL JACKSON
Yeah, that's true in one way.
TATIANA THUMBTZEN
I can't wait to see it.
Michael looks at her--
MICHAEL JACKSON
That's what I wanted to ask ya...
TATIANA THUMBTZEN
What?
MICHAEL JACKSON
I get lonely on the road.... its
hard for me..because I hate touring
but the label wants me to go....I'm
still not ready...but we're leaving
soon...and I want you there...on
tour with me....
TATIANA THUMBTZEN
Michael,I..I don't know what to
say...
MICHAEL JACKSON
Say yes...yes, you'll come with me.
She smiles.
TATIANA THUMBTZEN
Yes, I will come with you.
MJ hugs her tightly.
EXT.LOS ANGELES STREET-NIGHT(1988)
A MERCEDES pulls UP to the curb.MUSIC BLARES from the slick
sound system inside.Black leather jacket,high heel boots and
hot orange lipstick--Janet Jackson gets out and heads inside
the restaurant.
INT.THAI RESTAURANT-NIGHT(1988)
Janet ENTERS.She scans the room,the place is fairly empty.
Looking in the back she see Michael,seated at the table near
the window.
She seats herself.
JANET JACKSON
I love this place.
MICHAEL JACKSON
That's why I picked it.
Janet picks up a menu.
JANET JACKSON
Did you order?
MICHAEL JACKSON
No...I was waiting on you.
JANET JACKSON
I'm hungry.
MICHAEL JACKSON
(laughing)
Your always hungry....
Janet puts down the menu,then--
JANET JACKSON
(waving her finger)
You betta' watch it now!
MICHAEL JACKSON
(laughing)
I'm sorry.
She sits the menu aside,when a WAITER brings Michael tea.
JANET JACKSON
(RE: Waiter)
Can I have the same?
Waiter nods,then leaves.
JANET JACKSON
So,are you excited?I know you
are...about the tour.
MICHAEL JACKSON
Well...
JANET JACKSON
What’s wrong?
MICHAEL JACKSON
I’ve never toured on my own...
JANET JACKSON
...I’ll sure it’ll be great.
MJ plays with the soy sauce.
MICHAEL JACKSON
You do?
JANET JACKSON
Yes, Mike.
MICHAEL JACKSON
I mean every since we we’re kids,
its been me with the brothers...
I’ve never been on the road
alone...I’m scared.
JANET JACKSON
You’ve been doing it for so long,
I’m surprised...
MICHAEL JACKSON
...Never by myself.
Waiter sits down Janet's tea.
JANET JACKSON
...Well what’s bothering you
particularly?
MICHAEL JACKSON
The time...I feel like I don’t have
enough time.
JANET JACKSON
(laughing)
How much more do you need?
Michael covers his face,rolls his eyes--
JANET JACKSON
You’re such a perfectionist...
MICHAEL JACKSON
...So are you
BEAT.A moment between brother and sister.
MICHAEL JACKSON
...I’m mean really Dunk,I need more
time...this is solo...when your out
there with a group,you have that
balance of other people to help you
out... without them I feel naked on
stage ..I’ve never been without the
Jackson 5...its uncomfortable for
me....when your out there...all
alone you have to remember one
thing, you listening?
Janet listens,intently--
JANET JACKSON
Yes Mike...
MICHAEL JACKSON
Its all riding on you.No one else,
there is no one to blame but
yourself...I mean Frank thinks I’m
crazy but I got a sound stage,I
just practice,practice, I never
stop working,these people onstage
their the difference between a
great show and a good show.
INT.LOS ANGELES HOTEL LOBBY-MORNING(1988)
Franks stands at the front desk counter,checking out the
entire crew.He turns in the keys,settling the bill.
INT.HOTEL HALLWAY-DAY
Tour Manager walks down the hallway,knocking on doors.Till
he gets to the end of the hall.He KNOCKS on a door,its a
Suite.ROADIE walks past the Tour Manager,carrying tons of
luggage.
TOUR MANAGER
(knocking,then--)
Bill? You up?
INT.MJ'S SUITE-MORNING(1988)
BILL BRAY(V.O)
We're up.
Bill goes around the bed and wakes MJ up.He goes over to the
nightstand and turns on a lamp.
BILL BRAY
Joker,time to get up.
Bill sits on the bed;Michael goes into the bathroom.
BATHROOM:
MJ stands in the shower,letting the water hit his face.
BILL BRAY(V.O)
'Eh, I don't hear no washin' goin'
on in there.Michael,you better not
be sleep.
AFTER SHOWER:
Michael does his hair.He picks up the the rubber band and
pulls his hair back.
BILL BRAY(V.O)
Michael,10 minutes.
Eyeliner.Michael emerges,fixing his belt in his jeans.He
slips his feet into his Bass Weejuns.MJ goes and sits on the
bed,adjusting his clothes.
Room service.Mike and Bill have breakfast.MJ eats oatmeal,
drinking Orange Juice.He laughs at the cartoons,clapping his
hands.Mike checks the room.
BILL BRAY
Got everything,Joker?
MICHAEL JACKSON
Yeah,Bill.Ready?
BILL BRAY
Ready when you are?
MICHAEL JACKSON
Let's go.
MJ turns off the lights.
EXT.HOTEL-MORNING(1988)
Michael walks out,BODYGUARDS circling him.FANS run up,
handing him things.PAPARAZZI rush up to him.MJ hands them
back quickly,cutting inside the limousine.
INT.PLANE-EVENING(1988)
Michael,sitting by the window,stares out at the flight
pad.He looks at his watch.Its 5:00p.m.He turns to his side
and sees Frank across the aisle.
MICHAEL JACKSON
What time do we get there?
FRANK DILEO
5:15,tomorrow.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT.HALLWAY-HOTEL(BAD TOUR)-MIDNIGHT(1988)
Tatiana walks with MJ.
TATIANA THUMBTZEN
Your brothers they got married so
young...why? I never heard of
getting married so young?
MICHAEL JACKSON
They wanted out of the house...that
was the only way for us at the
time...we were so young that’s all
we could do...that's why I'm not
married.
"T" laughs.
MICHAEL JACKSON
Nope.I've always been the hold out.
TATIANA THUMBTZEN
Your mom told me the story about
when Marlon got married...he didn't
tell anyone.
MICHAEL JACKSON
No.Not even me.He was afraid we
would talk him out of it...that's
how it is...everyone wanted to get
out of that house...
A BEAT.
TATIANA THUMBTZEN
Get out of the house...can I ask
why?
MICHAEL JACKSON
At home...it wasn’t always nice,
(interrupts himself)
What does your family do?
TATIANA THUMBTZEN
My father is a school teacher...
MICHAEL JACKSON
Really?
TATIANA THUMBTZEN
Yes...
MICHAEL JACKSON
Did you always want to dance?
"T" thinks.
TATIANA THUMBTZEN
At first I didn’t...but dancing
came natural to me...ever since I
was little...I’ve been dancing...
ballet at first...then I moved to
contemporary...but you’re the thing
everyone in dance is talking about.
MICHAEL JACKSON
I haven’t done anything.
TATIANA THUMBTZEN
What do you mean? You’ve done a
lot.
MICHAEL JACKSON
I taught myself to dance from off a
TV just watching people like James
Brown and Jackie Wilson.I picked up
a step here and there...that’s all
TATIANA THUMBTZEN
(surprise)
That’s all.
She slowly sips the bottle of Perrier water.
MICHAEL JACKSON
I mean I don’t like limiting myself
...there’s so much more I want to
do...don’t ever limit yourself...
something can always be done.
TATIANA THUMBTZEN
I like that,believing in things...
dreams and making them come true.
MICHAEL JACKSON
I feel the same way...I miss things
that are simple...being a child
...that’s what’s important mostly.
TATIANA THUMBTZEN
I agree...sometimes I just need to
laugh to feel my spirit.
MJ stares at her.He reaches for her hand and takes it--
TATIANA THUMBTZEN
You seem so sad all the time,can I
ask why?
MICHAEL JACKSON
I’m just a lonely person...I’m the
loneliest person in the world...
TATIANA THUMBTZEN
I can see that...
MICHAEL JACKSON
People think I’m weird...but that’s
the thing about money...you’re not
weird...now you’re eccentric...
TATIANA THUMBTZEN
I don’t think your weird...you seem
normal to me.
MICHAEL JACKSON
Me too.
A BEAT.
TATIANA THUMBTZEN
Why is it this barrier between you
and people, I feel like you put it
up to protect yourself...sometimes
when you look at me,it’s like...I
feel you can trust me...talk to me
...but other times...I don’t know
what your thinking...and it drives
me crazy...the not knowing...where
you are...and what you’re feeling
right at that moment...I don’t want
it to be that way...
MICHAEL JACKSON
What’s it like where you’re from?
TATIANA THUMBTZEN
Ocala...its small and quiet...no
one would bother you there,it’s
away from everything.
MICHAEL JACKSON
I like that...away...I wanted to
live away from it all...my sister--
TATIANA THUMBTZEN
Which one?
MICHAEL JACKSON
My oldest sister...her name is
Rebbie...she lives in the south in
Tennessee....its beautiful down
there...the houses and the way the
people talk....I just love it...
y'know...I could just eat it....
"T" smiles.
TATIANA THUMBTZEN
Everyone knows everyone,great
family place...
MICHAEL JACKSON
I like to start a family...after
this...I just want to live my
life...
They embrace.
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