MAKING OF THE KING PART 15

Hey Everyone,

I just saw Flashdance last night(and yes that's nothing to be proud of)but in watching that movie I realized how much of a classic it is,from its imagery to its soundtrack.I think in making my film I want to retain the 80s sensibility that is in films like Flashdance and Footloose.Yesterday I starting think about preproduction and the usage of the color palette in film.Your suppose to reference a wide variety of things like color,music,photos,books,art....just about anything to anything to give you the look.Soul Train was one.Music videos were mine particular Lily Allen's The Fear for the 80s soft focus and Sensual Seduction by Snoop Dogg while the late 70s can be referenced in David LaChapelle's I'm Glad and This Train don't stop here Anymore.

RARE PHOTO: MICHAEL JACKSON FIRST TOUR 1970

MAKING OF THE KING PART 14

INT.JACKSON FIVE HOTEL ROOM-NIGHT(1974)

....Hours pass in the hotel room in the MGM Grand.Diana has
left.Childlike sketches of Tito, Marlon, Jackie,Randy,
Mother and Latoya named "Moon Face" lay on the floor.

The TV blares loudly, Michael and Janet are transfix to the
TV screen-- their watching an old Mae West movie, "I'm No
Angel".

Mae West saunters into the room and utters that immortal
line--

MAE WEST
(on the TV)
Come up and see me sometime....



Michael roars loudly with laughter at Mae West's
performance. He loves the old classics: a stack of video
tapes sit on the floor next to them. Everything from Anchors
Aweigh, On the Town and Butterfield 8.

JANET JACKSON
(pointing to the TV)
What's she doin'?

MICHAEL JACKSON
(looking at Mae West)
She's workin it' ...man is she
funky...I like that..here like this
Janet--

Michael quickly gets to his feet and re-enacts Mae West's
part from the movie.Shaking his hips, Janet follows his
lead.

MICHAEL JACKSON
(moving like Mae West)
More like this Janet, shake it,
shake it...

Janet wiggles her little hips side to side like the famous
screen legend. Michael is her director, monitoring her every
move for perfection.

MICHAEL JACKSON
(laughing sweetly)
Yeah you got it.

STAGE

Michael goes on the stage to introduce the next act of their
family show.Standing in front of the crowd, Michael has
grown up. His white tuxedo glistens in the footlights of the
stage--

MICHAEL JACKSON
(walking with the microphone)
Now I would like to welcome a very
special guest,she's a small lil'
thing but she's a funky mama... my
sister Janet Jackson.

Janet switches down the steps in her ruffled pink Mae West
costume with hat and everything.Sauntering over to Michael,
he can't stop laughing at his sister's spot on imitation.

MICHAEL JACKSON
(clapping)
Janet Jackson, everyone.

The rest of the brothers join Michael on stage as they break
into "The Life of the Party".Michael resumes his role from
host to lead singer in a matter of seconds.

Randy, now apart of the act, plays the congas with
precision.Hitting the canvas with a smooth rhythmic beat
unlike anything this audience has ever seen.

DISSOLVE TO:

OVER BLACK, TITLE CARD: "1975"

The Jackson Five "I Am Love" plays

INT.HAYVENHURST-NIGHT(1975)

A Sunday night dinner at Hayvenhurst.The TV blares on in the
other room as the Jackson kids sit around the table.A huge
spread of soul food lines the table,the aroma of good home
cooking simmers over the various dishes.

Inseparable as always, Michael and Janet whisper among
themselves while Tito helps Dee Dee feed their son.Its a
typical night at the Jackson home.

Amongst the happy canter,Joe breaks the mood.

JOE JACKSON
(deep in thought)
Vegas...we had a good turn
out..better than what Motown
expected but...we're runnin' out of
options ever since that Abernathy
kat has taken over...I can't get
nothin' to Gordy.

MICHAEL JACKSON
(playing with his food)
Berry's workin' on another film
right now....

JOE JACKSON
Regardless...its time to look to
the future...the albums haven't
been good for awhile.

MARLON JACKSON
(passing a plate)
Concerts too...I mean were doin'
theater in rounds.

TITO JACKSON
(adamant)
We need to leave.

RANDY JACKSON
(upset)
In Milwaukee, it was only 2/3
full...

The boys look at Joseph--

JACKIE JACKSON
(talking in between bites)
So Joseph, what do you wanna do?

Joseph folds his hands--

JOE JACKSON
Its time to move on.

Michael looks up from his plate,Joe's words pierce him.

JOE JACKSON
For years, we've been thinkin' the
money is in the records....but its
publishing....publishing, writing
and producing that brings in the
big dollars. I got a vision for
this family...

MARLON JACKSON
What are you sayin?

JOE JACKSON
Jackie has been study the business
and I've been learning a thing or
two, its time we seek out a new
label...someone who sees the talent
we got here...someone who's gonna
let us write and produce...the
Jacksons as a sole music
company.Then we can get the
royalties and publishing like
Smokey and Stevie do.

Michael taps his fork against his plate,he doesn't like
Joseph's idea at all--

MICHAEL JACKSON
Berry taught us the business...
Motown is family....what are we
gonna do if we leave, if we ask
Berry mayb--

JOE JACKSON
I'm done askin' Gordy for
handouts...we'll do this on our
own.

TITO JACKSON
What about Jermaine...he's already
sided with Berry. He ain't gonna go
with this.

Time DISSOLVES since dinner,the girls and Katherine clear
the table.Heading into the kitchen with plates and glasses,
Joseph and the boys continue their discussion.

JOE JACKSON(O.S)
(pointing into the den)
Turn that off for a minute, this is
serious we need to finish...

Randy(14)gets up and turns off the record player.Its the
brother's latest single for Motown--

TITO JACKSON
We've been at Motown for almost 6
years now...we asked him about
writing our own music....he said
no...we're not happy, its time to
go some place where we are.

JACKIE JACKSON
We're not little kids anymore...and
the bubblegum sound is over...music
is changing... and Motown ain't
changing with it...so I agree..we
should leave.

MARLON JACKSON
I'm tired of singing the same ole
stuff...not to mention..they use
back up singers for our parts.They
don't need us...and we don't need
them...we can make the big bucks..

Michael is silent.

MICHAEL JACKSON
(unsure)
Look...leaving is a big step
....Motown taught us everything we
know...that's all I'm sayin'...I
feel the same way you do but I
don't want to just leave...Loyalty
that's whats important...we can
talk to Berry , like Stevie and
Marvin did....he'll listen..but we
got to try first instead of just
jumpin' the gun.

Joe looks at Michael--

JOE JACKSON
It doesn't matter Michael...your a
minor anyway.

Michael looks at Joseph, he doesn't understand--

MICHAEL JACKSON
What do you mean?

JOE JACKSON
I control your contract...not Berry
Gordy.

Michael looks at Joseph,a feeling of helplessness fills him.
Looking at Joe, Michael gets up from the table and leaves.

INT.MICHAEL AND RANDY'S BEDROOM-NIGHT(1975)

Michael sits on the side of his bed, he is still thinking
about last night.Michael shakes his head at the thought,
trying to make it go away.

MICHAEL

looking at his nightstand,Michael stares at the phone
sitting there.He has to make the call--he needs to speak to
Berry himself.

Michael gets to his feet.

Looking down at the rotary phone, he takes a deep breath
reaching for it.Michael's long fingers slip into the holes,
dialing around and around.He holds the phone to his ear,
waiting anxiously.

The phone rings...when finally there's an answer--

BERRY GORDY(ON THE PHONE)
Hello?

MICHAEL JACKSON(ON THE PHONE)
(confident,then--)
Mr Gordy...we need to talk

CUT TO:

MAKING OF THE KING PART 13

July 3

I've been really frustrated on trying to get this film made.It seems like Hollywood has this gilded cage that sometimes seem impenetrable.The key word is seems,I've written to Mark Romanek in an attempt to find a mentor in showing how to achieve this project.For those of you who don't know Romanek is a great director(MICHAEL AND JANET-SCREAM,JANET-GOT TIL ITS GONE,NIN-CLOSER)

July 4-
Mark contacted me.He said he couldn't mentor in the regular terms but would be happy to answer any of my questions via mail about his style,technique or anything on film making when he could find the time.He's a cool guy and a great talent.

MAKING OF THE KING PART 12

I have two scripts: one on The J5 and the other on MJ.Excerpts below are from The J5ive written by D.Nesmith:
EXT.AIRPORT-DAY(1971)

Music continues.Michael stares at the plane in front of
him.Approaching,he freezes in his tracks--

MICHAEL JACKSON
(whispering to himself)
I can't do this...

Swallowing hard,Michael grips the "MAD" magazine underneath
his arm.His brothers go on without him.Turning around,Marlon
sees Michael.

MARLON JACKSON
C'mon Mike!

Michael SIGHS.

A gentle hand falls on Michael's shoulder as Suzanne walks
up behind him.She tries to comfort Michael,Suzanne knows
he's afraid of flying--

SUZANNE DE PASSE
It'll be alright Michael...come
on...we have to go now or we'll be
late.

MICHAEL JACKSON
(nervous)
I'm afraid...

Holding hands.

SUZANNE DE PASSE
Don't be....come on...you can hold
my hand...I promise nothing is
gonna happen to you...you don't
want us to have to carry you on
here again, do you?

MICHAEL JACKSON
No...

Michael holds Suzanne's hand tightly.She leads him to the
airplane,up the stairs.The two disappear inside the cabin,
waiting for the plane to take off.

EXT.STREET-NIGHT(1971)

Music continues.A sleek black limo turns the corner and
pulls up outside a clothier.Joseph and the boys get out
quickly,cutting inside.

INT.CLOTHIER-NIGHT(1971)

A SALESWOMAN leads Joe,Suzanne and the boys through the shop
to the counter.

SALES WOMAN
Anything in particular?

Looking at itinerary.

SUZANNE DE PASSE
They just wanna look around
(RE:The brothers)
Get anything you need guys.

Tito and Jackie go to a wall of hats.Tito pulls aside a
TROCADERO hanging on the wall.Jermaine goes to a rack of
jeans with Marlon.The boys pick out clothes.

JOE JACKSON
Get coats.Y'all can't get sick.

MARLON JACKSON
Joseph? Can we get jeans?

JOE JACKSON
'Eh,listen to me.Git what you need
now because we not stopping again.
You don't have socks,or anything
else.You'll be without 'em.

JERMAINE JACKSON
(holding a shirt)
I don't have enough.

The boys look at their money,complaining.

TITO JACKSON
I can't buy this.

JACKIE JACKSON
Joseph?...Joseph?

JOE JACKSON
Hold on.

Joe pulls out a check and pays for everything.

INT.LIMO-NIGHT(1971)

The brothers gaze out the windows,sitting in the backseat.
Tito looks out to see where they are.Michael reads comic
books.

TITO JACKSON
Can we take some pictures?

INT.HOTEL ROOM-NIGHT(1971)

The boys,still in their clothes,watch TV.Steak,salad and
french fries on five plates lay on the floor.Jermaine,bare
foot,walks around.Drinking Coke.Jackie gets up;sits on the
bed and picks up the phone.

Punches in numbers.

JACKIE JACKSON
Suzanne?

INT.BATHROOM-HOTEL ROOM-NIGHT(1971)

Jermaine and Michael,in stage costumes,brush their teeth.
Jermaine does his hair while Michael watches.

INT.LIMO-CONTINUOUS

The brothers sit in the backseat.Drinking.They each have a
cup of tea with honey for their voices.They down it.

INT.DRESSING ROOM-NIGHT

The J5 sit backstage,waiting to go on.They talk to various
MOTOWN PRESS and other CELEBRITIES.Tito sits in the corner
strumming a BB King riff.The boys kill time;joking,eating
and laughing.

INT.BACK STAGE-NIGHT-LATER

They come to the stage-area.Musicians stand around in the
background.Anxious.Michael peers from behind the curtain,
looking out at the crowd.

MICHAEL JACKSON
How many people are out there?

JOHNNY JACKSON
I dunno..too many to count.

Michael's stomach turns.

JACKIE JACKSON
Ready Mike?

MICHAEL JACKSON
(a deep breath)
I'm ready Jack.

The curtain rises--Showtime.

INT.MADISON SQUARE GARDEN-NIGHT(1971)

The J5 onstage performing "MAMA'S PEARL".Singing and
Dancing.Michael moves to the beat with Jackie and Marlon.
Jackie shakes the tambourine.

The ROOM is packed!Girls against the stage;scream,yell,and
clap to the music.Michael struts across the stage singing.
The brothers bring the song to its end.Suddenly the stage
plunges into darkness.

MICHAEL JACKSON(V.O)
Thank You.

The KIDS go WILD!

EXT.MADISON SQUARE GARDEN-NIGHT

CHAOS! The STREETS is heavy with TRAFFIC.Dripping in sweat.
The boys;wrapped in towels,blankets and coats,hop back in
their limo.Pulling off.

EXT.STREET-MANHATTAN-NIGHT-CONTINUOUS

The limo turns a corner.FANS line the streets as the J5's
tour caravan approaches.Fans hit,kick and pound on the
windows.The DRIVER goes 25 MPH through the melee of fans
outside.

INT.AIRPLANE-NIGHT

The boys change their clothes in the aisle,just shirts,
taking their seats respectively.STEWARDESSES serves
sandwiches and Cokes as the plane takes off.Michael is
nervous.He shuts his eyes to get rid of the thought of the
plane crashing.

EXT.HOTEL-LOS ANGELES-DAY(1971)

A luxury hotel in down-town Los Angeles.Doormen stand
outside the entrance.Limousines wait outside the door.Luxury
cars are parked nearby.

INT.HOTEL-HALLWAY-DAY(1971)

Jackie and Jermaine take some girls back to their rooms.
Bringing them past the security guards,the brothers are
starting to indulge in the temptations of the road.

One of the guards shakes his head and smiles...

After everyone is inside,Jermaine checks the hall.He makes
sure that it's clear.No one around,he shuts the door after
placing something on the knob.

DOORKNOB

a "Do Not Disturb" sign dangles from around it.

SECURITY GUARD
Damn. They ain't even be here 24
hours.

Bill Bray LAUGHS.

DISSOLVE TO:

MAKING OF THE KING PART 11

Excerpts from the rough draft of The King of Pop written by D.Nesmith:
INT.NEW YORK ART GALLERY-DAY

Michael and Andy Warhol stroll through a gallery in New York
looking at his recent work.COLLECTORS and BUYERS stand
around as Warhol and Michael stand arm and arm looking at
his recent canvas of "Elizabeth Taylor".

ANDY WARHOL
(silent,then--)
Like it?

Michael studies the painting.

MICHAEL JACKSON
I do.

ANDY WARHOL
I wanna paint you sometime...

MICHAEL JACKSON
No, I'm too embarrassed.

Michael laughs--

ANDY WARHOL
I think that's interesting.

MICHAEL JACKSON
You know I always wanted to ask you
something?

Warhol looks at Michael.

MICHAEL JACKSON
You know who I always see you with?
Alfred Hitchcock?...I thought you
were brothers or something.Did you
interview him? He talks funny,
doesn't he?

Andy lets out a laugh, people look at them--

ANDY WARHOL
Liza was right about you.

MICHAEL JACKSON
(confused)
What do you mean?

ANDY WARHOL
Nothing.No,he's not my brother but
this reminds me when you ask about
my mother.

Michael smiles.

ANDY WARHOL
There's this place called Regine's,
the good people go there,I was
going to go tonight.Did you want to
come?

MICHAEL JACKSON
Sure.But can I bring someone?

ANDY WARHOL
Who?

MICHAEL JACKSON
A girl.

INT.STEPHANIE'S HOTEL-NIGHT(1977)

Stephanie sits at her vanity,doing her makeup,looking at
herself in the mirror.She looks at the clock,its 8:30pm.She
gets up,goes over to the closet and pulls out a DRESS--its a
soft pink.

She puts her metallic platform shoes underneath it.Stephanie
puts it on,adjusting the plunging neckline, grabbing her
purse off the bed.She switches off the light and closes the
door.

EXT.NEW YORK CITY STREET-CONTINUOUS

Michael waits on the sidewalk,a little nervous yet excited
when Stephanie steps outside looking stunning.She approaches
him.Stephanie smiles,placing her hand on his shoulder.

STEPHANIE MILLS
Michael?

He looks her over,gazing at her under the street lights.

MICHAEL JACKSON
You look so beautiful...

STEPHANIE MILLS
Thank You.

They get into the Cadillac,driving off into the night.

EXT.REGINE'S-NIGHT-LATER

TRAFFIC HORNS blare in front of REGINE'S,a hip Park Avenue
NIGHTCLUB in New York City.A trendy nightspot for socialites
and the rich and famous,its run by a flamboyant Brazilian
chanteuse known for her prolific parties and high-profile
clientele.

The Cadillac pulls up to the curb,Michael gets out with
Stephanie and cut inside quickly.

INT.REGINE'S-CONTINUOUS

MICHAEL JACKSON
Do you live alone?

ANDY WARHOL
With my dogs.

Michael,Warhol and Stephanie laugh and talk,heading for
their table.Sitting there,they look over the menu.Andy
orders first,Michael whispers in Stephanie's ear.

MICHAEL JACKSON
(whispering)
Order for me.

STEPHANIE MILLS
(whispering)
Okay.

Stephanie orders for them both,handing the waiter the menu
politely.

ANDY WARHOL
Liza told me your real famous.

STEPHANIE MILLS
Michael is a very famous singer and
dancer,him and his family have been
in the music business for long
time, I was discovered by his
brother.

ANDY WARHOL
But you still do Broadway.

STEPHANIE MILLS
Yes.

ANDY WARHOL
(RE:Michael)
So, your a big star.

MICHAEL JACKSON
Not really...not like Liza or
Truman.

STEPHANIE MILLS
Don’t be modest,he’s so sweet
...Its’ quite impressive,I'm always
telling him that.

ANDY WARHOL
Really?

STEPHANIE MILLS
He’s shy, Michael’s shy.

MICHAEL JACKSON
I dunno, I guess so.All my life
I've been famous and all I ever
wanted was to be normal really

Stephanie listens intently.

ANDY WARHOL
What is that like...to be famous so
young?

MICHAEL JACKSON
I dunno...strange,I feel odd around
normal people.

Stephanie grabs his hand underneath the table,holding it.
His long hands are interlaced with hers.

ANDY WARHOL
Normal? How so?

MICHAEL JACKSON
I guess people that are not
famous...I feel like a freak when
their staring at me like that.

Warhol is intrigued.

STEPHANIE MILLS
I never knew you felt that way.

MICHAEL JACKSON
Its just something I had to deal
with.

ANDY WARHOL
Gosh, your voice is high.

MICHAEL JACKSON
I know,I hate it.

ANDY WARHOL
No,No,No...I love it..its neat.

Stephanie smiles.Michael is quiet.Suddenly she brushes her
hand against his,underneath the table,Michael's knees
weaken.

MICHAEL JACKSON
Do you have any kids?

ANDY WARHOL
Me? I don't believe in getting
married.

MICHAEL JACKSON
Really? Why not?

STEPHANIE MILLS
You don't ever want to get married?

ANDY WARHOL
I don't believe in love.

Michael and Stephanie look at one another--

STEPHANIE MILLS
I love Michael, very much.

Stephanie kisses Michael.

ANDY WARHOL
Have you slept together yet?

STEPHANIE MILLS
No...we haven't.

ANDY WARHOL
You haven't slept together?

Warhol looks at Stephanie and Michael.

ANDY WARHOL
Are you...are you virgins?

Michael locks eyes with her,his mouth opens into a gasp,
nothing comes out.

ANDY WARHOL
(silent,then--)
Your virgins?

Silence.Neither one says anything,Stephanie just smiles at
Warhol's question.

ANDY WARHOL
You are,aren't you...Gee.

STEPHANIE MILLS
We haven't slept together but we
want to.

Stephanie bumps Michael's knees underneath the table,
wrapping his arm around hers.Andy smiles.The dinner
continues.

MICHAEL JACKSON
Why? everyone believes in love?
Really?you don't? you just date
people?

ANDY WARHOL
Yes, I love to date.

MICHAEL JACKSON
Really? I've never really been on a
date outside of the Dating Game...

STEPHANIE MILLS
(laughing;eating)
Michael.

ANDY WARHOL
What's that?

STEPHANIE MILLS
A TV show.

ANDY WARHOL
So you've never been on a date?

MICHAEL JACKSON
no,never...except for that,and it
was work...and the one were on now.

Stephanie and Warhol smiles.

ANDY WARHOL
I just haven't found the right one.

MICHAEL JACKSON
I sure she's out there.

Andy smirks.Finishing their food,Stephanie rests her head on
his shoulder.She turns to Michael and taps him on the
shoulder.

STEPHANIE MILLS
Excuse me.

Fixing her dress,Stephanie gets up and goes to the ladies
room.Michael and Warhol are left alone,both silent,then--

MICHAEL JACKSON
What are truffles?I like meat and
potatoes,I drink lots and lots of
water...I guess that's why I'm
skinny.
(pointing to Andy's plate)
Is that caviar?

ANDY WARHOL
Would you like to try it?

MICHAEL JACKSON
I'm not to anxious to try some,
maybe just a little.

Michael tastes it.

MICHAEL JACKSON
Do you honestly like this stuff? I
can't understand that.How can you
eat this stuff!?

Warhol laughs as Stephanie returns.

STEPHANIE MILLS
What are you laughing about?

MICHAEL JACKSON
(offering a spoon)
Try this.

Stephanie frowns.

STEPHANIE MILLS
What is it?

MICHAEL JACKSON
Caviar.

STEPHANIE MILLS
Alright.

Stephanie tries it.

STEPHANIE MILLS
I DON'T like that.

EXT.REGINE'S-NIGHT-LATER

Michael and Stephanie hug Andy before cutting outside to
their car.Saying there goodbyes,Stephanie quickly cuts
inside the Cadillac.

CAR

Stephanie looks out the window,watching Michael and Andy
Warhol talk about Star Wars.Michael waves once more,cuts
around the car and hops inside.

From behind his sunglasses,Andy watches it disappear into
the night.

DRIVER
Where to?

MICHAEL JACKSON
Central Park West.

INT.MICHAEL AND LATOYA'S APARTMENT-LATER

Michael turns on the lights,the luxury suite glows.Stephanie
looks around in amazement.Stephanie follows Michael to the
first bedroom door.

Drawings line the wall,small objects sit on a small desk:a
FIGURINE,PHOTOGRAPHS,an old NEWSPAPER,PENS,MARKERS,PENCILS.A
STEREO with a cassette player sits in the corner,with
speakers adjacent.But something catches her eyes:Albums.
Finally she finds one she likes,placing it on the player
--The Commodores "ZOOM".

Suddenly,Michael grabs her by shoulder--Stephanie turns and
faces him.They smile,locking eyes.A passion passes between
them...She unbuttons his shirt,touching Michael's chest
delicately.

STEPHANIE MILLS
(silent,then--)
Michael...

A Beat.

MICHAEL JACKSON
...I don't wanna sleep alone...

They both hesitate,Stephanie pushes the shirt off his
shoulders to the floor--

STEPHANIE MILLS
...you don't have too....

Their lips find each other,timidly thus progressing to
something more.Falling into the bed...

DISSOLVE TO:

INT.MICHAEL'S BEDROOM-CONTINUOUS

Music continues.Michael lays in bed with Stephanie beside
him.They kiss one another passionately and slowly,a sensuous
display of rhythm.

Stephanie places her hand on his chest, moving her hand
along his body,she lets her fingertips rest at the top of
his jeans.In a simple motion,she begins to unbutton them
when--he stops her.

MICHAEL JACKSON
(sigh,then--)
...No...

STEPHANIE MILLS
Why not?

MICHAEL JACKSON
I can't...

She kisses him,then--

STEPHANIE MILLS
C'mon.

MICHAEL JACKSON
Not until I'm married...I don't
believe in that.

He takes her hand away and holds it gently.Stephanie moves
closer to him,resting her head on his chest,falling quickly
asleep.

INT.MICHAEL'S BEDROOM-DAWN

Michael is asleep.He sleeps on his side,his arms carefully
supporting his face.Stephanie lies in front of him,watching
him.Suddenly a pair of HEELS echo....STOVE TURNS ON,DOOR
KNOB TURNS.Stephanie wakes up.

Waiting.She sits up,turns over to look at Michael--he's
still sleeping.Stephanie slides out of bed,wearing only one
of Michael's old t-shirts,creeping to the door.She turns the
knob,looks in and sees Latoya(on the couch)watching TV while
sipping hot chocolate.

MAKING OF THE KING PART 10

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.