Paperhouse (1988) Movie Script

1
Put that away.
Well done.
Not as good as last time, but good.
Colleen...
Dont forget, those of you
who havent completed your tally charts...
- Know all.
- Moron.
Quiet!
- Anna Madden, out!
- But it wasnt me.
- Out!
- Sharon took my exercise book.
- Liar!
- Out now, or youre on detention.
- But it was Sharon.
- Out!
No.
Right, Ill see you
after school.
And wait where I can see you.
Nigel, did I tell you to stand up? No.
So get back in your seat.
Now, we all know how many degrees
there are in a circle, dont we, Nigel?
Quit! The next person to laugh
joins her.
Right,
were starting
something new today.
Another way of showing
basic statistics.
Pie charts.
Now, a pie chart is just another way
of showing information.
Take, for example,
the information we took last week.
Now, what was the most common number
of letters in all your surnames?
Seven.
About half of you
have seven letters in your surnames.
So, what portion of the pie
do those people have?
Half.
180-degree slice of the pie.
Now Im going to make up a different pie chart
with a different set of information.
How we spend our day.
Ill do an example for you,
based on my average weekday,
then I want you to make up a pie chart
based on your average Saturday.
First, I write down my information.
What are the things I do?
Getting dressed and undressed.
Eating.
Traveling.
School.
Meeting friends.
What?
- I feel dizzy.
- Shes lying!
- I want to go home.
- Shes lying, Miss!
- Im not!
- Well, you dont sound ill to me.
If you disturb us again,
youre going straight to Mr. Murphy.
Understand?
But its my birthday.
Well, you should have
thought of that before.
Quiet.
And you can wipe that look
off your face, Sharon Davis.
Where were we?
Sleeping. Right.
I spend one hour dressing and undressing.
About two and a half hours eating.
About 8 hours at school.
She passed out. She passed out.
- Is she gonna die?
- Trisham, go get matron.
Thanks.
Hi.
- How are you feeling?
- Terrible, Mum.
- That bad, eh?
- Worse.
Oh, but Im sure its nothing serious.
I wish they hadnt called you.
- I could have gone home by myself.
- Dont worry.
Things were so busy at work
that it was really nice to get out of there.
Listen, thisll cheer you up.
It came after you left.
Guess who its from?
- Dad.
- Yeah.
Happy 11th birthday.
Lots of love, Dad.
Well, thats not all. Theres something
very special fixed up for you.
- What?
- No, its a surprise.
Riding lessons?
Yeah,
some surprise.
Wheres Mogadishu?
I think its a port
on the east coast of Africa.
- Well, they spelled my name wrong.
- Did they?
Oh... its just a mistake.
Maybe I could send a reply.
Thats a nice idea.
I wish Dad was here.
So do I.
Whens he coming back?
Soon.
How are you feeling now?
No worse. When is the riding lesson?
It was meant to be after school today.
Meant to be?
Lets see what
Dr. Nicols says first.
Do we have to? Im sure if I just
lay down in front of the telly Ill be okay.
Doctor first. No arguing, okay?
Stop! Stop it!
I was pretending.
Pretending?
Sharon Davis stole my book.
Then I pushed her off the chair
and Miss Vanstone put me on detention.
I cant be on detention
on my birthday, can I? So I faked it.
You faked it?
So, youre not ill?
- Where are we going?
- Back.
- I cant go back.
- Oh, youre going back.
- Ill look stupid.
- Well, you do already.
Stupid cow.
Just because its your birthday
dont think you can talk to me like that.
You should be pleased
theres nothing wrong with me.
Youre telling too many lies, Anna,
and it is going to stop.
- What about my riding lesson?
- Oh, dont ask.
What about my riding lesson?
Well see.
- What does that mean?
- It means well see.
I hate you.
Karen.
Come here.
I was wondering where you got to.
Got the afternoon off.
Im having a really miserable birthday.
- You been using the sunlamp again?
- No, my skin just tans very fast...
naturally.
I dont get brown.
I get sunstroke.
Last year, I fell asleep in a
deck chair on my Dads oil rig,
and when I woke up
I was burnt to a frazzle.
Whys your Mum
so angry with you?
Cause shes a cow.
What was
Garys party like, then?
Lots of snogging.
Not much else I can remember, really.
You had a nice time, then?
I suppose you could call it that.
First I was upstairs with Nigel,
then on the sofa with Ronnie...
then Vaughn Hancock, pissed out of his head,
got me on the thick pile.
Youre lucky you havent
started that yet.
- Whats snogging like, then?
- Well, like...
kissing a vacuum cleaner.
This looks a real skill place
to play hide-and-seek.
Im too old for that kind of thing.
- Bet you 50p you cant find me.
- A quid.
Youre on.
Close your eyes, count to 100,
and dont peek.
1, 2, 3, 4...
...86, 87, 88...
...99, 100. Im coming!
Is anybody there?
Karen!
Its her.
Anna.
Dont ever do that to me again! Never!
- Mum...
- What has got into you?!
Mum, I dont feel very well.
Now, open wide.
My throat hurts...
like Ive swallowed dust.
Gritty...
and it aches,
but thats all.
You sure thats all?
No fainting fits?
No dizziness?
And this ache,
is it just in your throat?
Youve obviously had
quite an eventful birthday.
I suppose you could call it that.
Sorry to drag you out like this,
but I was worried.
I dont blame you.
Look, Im sure theres
nothing to worry about.
She should have
a couple of days rest.
What I dont understand is,
what happened in the tunnel?
Anna.
Anna!
What happened in the tunnel?
Fell asleep and lost track of time.
You know...
- That doesnt sound like you.
- Ill have that throat swab analyzed.
And youre obviously running
quite a temperature.
- And I think a day or two in bed--
- When it goes down, can I go riding?
You must rest
for a couple of days.
- Im not staying in bed.
- Dont.
Well, think of it this way:
if you rest now, youll get better sooner.
You rush around,
who knows how long it might take.
- How long exactly do I have to stay in bed?
- Ill come see you at the end of the week.
- The end of the week?
- Count yourself lucky.
Ive got a patient, a little bit older
than you, who has been in bed for a year.
Id rather die
than that.
You and he
would get on well.
No we wouldnt: I hate boys.
Ill see you on Friday, then.
Goodnight, Sarah.
Here, Sarah,
Ill show you out.
Is there someone who can come
and look after Anna whilst youre at work?
No.
Ill have to take some time off.
You okay?
Yeah.
- I could do with a break, thats all.
- Tired?
Yeah.
Its always difficult when
Johns away, and I just...
I dont know...
Too sad.
Is anybody there?
Is anybody there?
Can I come in?
I cant hear you.
- I said go away.
- No, you let me in, then Ill go away.
I cant do that.
- Why not?
- Cause there arent any stairs.
How did you get up there, then?
I dont know.
Im just here.
- Cant you tell someone else to let me in?
- There isnt anyone else.
Look, just stop mucking around
and let me in.
Go away. Dont you understand,
its dangerous around here, dangerous.
Its real.
There are stairs.
You were wrong
about the stairs.
Must have come since.
Since I drew them.
You shouldnt be here.
I knew I shouldve
made you more cheerful.
I drew you, this house,
the stairs, everything.
Come and have a look,
come on.
I cant walk.
Of course,
I didnt draw you any legs.
Im not a drawing!
Im sorry,
I just drew someone at the window,
thats all.
Its alright.
My names Mark,
whats yours?
Mark!
Mum?
And one, and two, and three...
Mum?
What?
- Mum?
- Go away, please.
Whats wrong, Mum?
Nothing,
I just dont want you ruining this print.
Feeling better?
No, worse.
What photo are you doing?
The one you took on the beach last summer.
Im having dreams,
Mum,
but theyre real,
I know they are.
Dreams cant be real,
sweetie.
Its Dad!
They might frighten you,
but they can never hurt you.
How do you know?
Because if they could,
they wouldnt be dreams.
- No, leave it, I like the clouds dark.
- Alright, darling.
Oh, thats too much.
Come on,
were gonna get you to bed.
No, Ill be alright
if I stay awake.
No, come on, come on right now.
On the other side of the hill
is the sea.
It shines out for miles and miles
and everyone can see it.
It looks like glandular fever.
I lied to you about the fainting,
its happened several times.
I guessed
you werent telling the truth.
Thats all, though,
you didnt need to come.
- Im getting much better.
- Your mother was right to call me.
Is it bad?
Well, itll knock you out for a few weeks.
Your pulse is right up.
So are these glands.
What have you been up to in here?
Nothing.
When did you last faint?
After I saw you, yesterday.
I see.
Sarah?
You know this boy you see?
Yes.
Whens he going to
be able to get up?
Well, he can get up, he just doesnt
want to most of the time, thats all.
Hes getting better,
though?
Youre really interested
in my other patients, Anna?
Doesnt he want to get better?
Well, of course he does.
Then why doesnt he
get out of bed?
As long as he gets enough books to read
hes content to stay in bed.
Thats terrible,
I cant stand staying in bed.
If you told me
I could get up tomorrow, Id be up.
Well, it isnt just a question
of getting up, its just that...
exercise is too much
bother and pain for Mark.
Mark cant walk?
No.
What wrong, Anna?
Were just opposites,
me and him, arent we?
Hes got to do exercise,
and doesnt want to...
and Ive got to stay in bed,
and I dont want to.
Its a pity
you cant mix us up a bit.
Well, I dare say
you two are each better off as you are.
Ill have a word with Kate
on my way out.
Bye, Anna.
Now hell walk.
Mark!
Mark!
Mark?
Oh, no cones.
Hi.
Whoever left this
shouldve left some instructions.
It seems to be based on the Apple design,
its a bit crude.
Ill fix that tomorrow.
I suppose youll tell me you drew it,
that would explain why its so mental.
Youve been moving things around.
My names Anna.
I drew you walking, but it went wrong.
I dont understand you.
You like reading, dont you?
Yeah.
Then,
you are Mark?
- Well, Im not a drawing, I know that.
- Ive got the same doctor as you, Dr. Nichols.
Not me.
I mean... when youre not here.
Look, Im always here.
They left me here.
Who left you here?
Its great, isnt it?
Do you want some fruit?
Its really good for you.
Okay.
Behind you!
Very funny.
Very funny,
I couldve broken my leg.
Youre so stupid.
There was this boy...
about my age...
he had a bike,
a blue one...
it was in perfect nick.
Although he loved this bike...
he couldnt ride it.
Hed just watch it every day...
and having it there
made all the difference.
But one day, hed ride it...
and that was all that ever mattered to him.
Why are you here, Mark?
I did something wrong,
I expect
thats why youre here, too.
- I havent done anything wrong.
- Oh, I bet!
But I havent done
anything wrong.
Maybe all this stuff
is here for you
and youre to stay here like me.
No chance,
this is a dream.
Thats what I thought.
Do you think whoever brought you here
will come back again?
I hope not.
If my Dad was here...
he could carry you...
and you could run away with us,
then youd be safe.
And you wouldnt be afraid any more.
He looks like a madman.
Hello, darling.
Whats that?
A radio.
It doesnt look like a radio,
its too big.
Its a radio.
Whos that?
Thats Dad, thats good.
I think he looks drunk.
- I hate it when hes drunk.
- He stopped drinking years ago.
He was drunk
when I took that picture.
- Why dont you have your soup.
- He was, wasnt he?
Let me see.
Well...
a bit, maybe.
You could rub it out
and try again.
- I cant.
- Its almost right, its just-- His head is...
a bit too big
and he looks sort of angry.
What is it?
Why dont you go back to work,
I dont like you hanging around here.
Ill be alright.
Listen, its good, its really good.
Its total rubbish!
Its only a drawing, Anna, come on.
Thats right...
its only a drawing.
I think its good, I really do.
Its just that
Im having those dreams again...
and Im frightened Dads going to come
into those dreams looking like that.
Listen, if Dad came into your dreams,
that would be nice.
And no drawing is
going to make any difference.
Have I done anything wrong?
Do you ever do anything right?
I mustve done something really bad.
Its nothing youve done,
thats silly, dont think that.
- Then why dont you believe me?
- Believe what?
- That my dreams are frightening me.
- I do believe you.
No, you dont.
Listen...
I know its hard for you,
with Dad away all the time, but...
Its hard for me, too,
weve got to try to get on better.
- Will you promise me something?
- What?
Youve got to be honest with me...
about...
when you pass out
and when you...
see things that...
that maybe I dont see, you understand?
Its really important, Anna,
you have to promise.
I always tell you the truth.
A nice hot bath...
and then to bed.
Mum!
Mum!
- I dont feel well.
- I know, I know,
you try and get some sleep, okay?
- My head hurts.
- I know, but I have to dry your hair.
There,
just a bit more.
Okay.
Will you set my alarm for me?
Why, are you going
somewhere special tomorrow?
Set it for 7.
Okay.
Ill just get your teddy.
Stay with me...
until I get to sleep,
I dont wanna be on my own.
Sure.
Ill just be a second, okay?
I just have to get something from my room.
No dreams.
That was quick.
Im late.
Is something the matter?
Im very busy this morning,
I should be at the hospital.
Well, perhaps I shouldve
got worse yesterday.
Is anything wrong?
No.
Youre miserable today.
Well, even doctors
get miserable sometimes, Anna.
Is it something I did?
Dont think so.
- Bye.
- Bye.
Ive given you some mild
sleeping pills.
Keep a very close eye on her temperature and
let me know immediately if she seems delirious.
Its not very likely,
she seems stable now.
Sarah...
are you sure youre alright?
You look worried.
Its just... A young boy I thought was okay
had a relapse yesterday.
Whats wrong with him?
He has muscular dystrophy,
hes got a chest infection.
- Oh, no.
- Its dangerous, but...
Anna,
what are you doing?
Mum, last night
you cleared up my bedroom...
I threw something away,
wheres the rubbish? Ive got to find it.
I leave you alone for 5 minutes
and you work yourself up into a frenzy.
But I threw something away
and Ive got to find it.
- What is it.
- A drawing.
A drawing?
Cant you do another one?
No!
Alright,
Ill go and look,
but only if you promise
to take two of these pills.
Yeah!
- Yes, yes, just find it.
- Okay, okay, here, stop it, stop, here, Anna!
God, well, if its not there,
theres nothing I can do, okay?
- No thats not okay.
- Well, Ill find it alright.
Anna!
Wait!
Dont!
Anna!
Anna!
Come back!
Anna!
Wait!
Anna!
Wait!
Come on, love, out of the way.
No, I have to find something,
I threw it away by mistake.
- To bed, now, come on!
- No!
Youre going to be sick, really sick,
unless you calm down.
Youve gotta help me
find it, Mum, please.
- Can you help?
- What type of bag was it?
Black!
Okay, boys,
were looking for a black bag!
Please, let me check them.
Open them, Mum,
open them.
- You missed one.
- Im doing my best.
It could be any of these.
Look, youve lost the drawing,
Anna, just accept it.
No!
- Thats your lot.
- You didnt check that one.
If we checked every one,
wed be here all day.
Its no good, Anna,
stop it now.
There!
Youre going to be alright now, darling,
you must sleep.
Mark?
Mark?
Fooled you!
Your face.
Sorry, Anna.
- How you feeling?
- Fine.
You did all this, then, eh?
I dont understand you.
Mark, do you remember anything
about the real world?
But this is the real world.
I suppose so.
When Im not here
I know where I am...
and youre there, too.
Whats wrong with me?
Youre in hospital.
I wish you werent,
sorry.
Well, youre right about one thing...
I am ill.
Im tired...
Like Ive just run a marathon,
but all the time.
And the big joke is, I have to crawl
to move from this lump of wood.
- That must be really uncomfortable.
- And cold.
Instead of making a mess
out of this place...
Why dont you help me?
I think
I should wake up now.
I cant wake up.
I told you so.
Theyve come for us.
Who?
Its Dad!
No, dont let him in.
- Rubbish, Ill go and fetch him.
- No!
Dad!
Dad!
Dad, come in, its getting dark.
Anna,
is that you?
Yes.
Im blind!
No locks.
Anna, hes moving,
hes got a hammer.
Anna!
Go away!
Anna.
Are you okay?
Let me in, Anna.
Behind the hills is a sea,
we have to go there.
You go.
Listen, we can ride the bike.
How can I ride a bike, be realistic.
You ride
and Ill push.
- Youre mad.
- Anna!
Please, Mark,
you have to try.
Anna,
Im not going away,
so you might as well let me in.
Let me in, Anna!
Open this door now!
Youll never get me up on this.
Try.
Anna.
Dont leave me.
- Of course I wont.
- Dont leave me.
Of course
I wont leave you.
- Im scared.
- Dont be scared.
There.
Youve had a really bad fever, darling,
but I think this is the worst of it.
When youre better,
well go to the seaside.
You like the sea.
Well go there, all 3 of us,
and well have a big, long rest, okay?
To the sea, to the sea,
to the beautiful sea.
Let me see, let me see it.
Youre temperatures
going down, its normal,
youre getting better.
- Dont.
- What?
- Who are you?
- Anna?
I dont talk to strangers, go away.
- Go away. Go away!
- Its Mummy, youre alright now.
Anna!
What are you doing?
Darling?
Anna!
Anna!
Look at me, look at me!
Anna,
please, dont!
Dont!
Anna, please, dont!
Anna!
Mark?
Mark?
Mark?
He mustve taken him.
Mark?
Mark?
Mark?
Anna?
Anna?
Youre going to be alright.
Just stay where you are.
Daddys here.
Anna!
Alright...
If you want to play games...
One,
two,
three...
...thirteen,
fourteen, fifteen...
Its you hes after, not me,
you shouldve never come back.
I thought that
hed taken you.
Listen. It wont take
him long to find us.
Youve gotta wake up and change
your stupid drawing, get rid of him.
Ive tried.
No. Rip him out of the paper,
its the only way.
I drew a lighthouse,
we can go there, then well be safe.
Okay, okay. Look, just wake up, were
not going to get anywhere with him around.
I cant.
- Wake up!
- I cant.
...thirty-one,
thirty-two,
thirty-three...
Thirty-four,
thirty-five,
thirty-six...
Ive got an idea.
Lie down like youre in bed...
Do it!
Reach out to where the drawing is.
Pick up the drawing, Anna.
Careful!
Dads on the left, by the rocks.
Put your finger on him.
...eighty-seven,
eighty-eight, eighty-nine...
Now rip him out!
Theyre under the stairs!
Theyre under the stairs!
...ninety-nine,
one hundred.
Im coming.
Run, Anna!
Leave me!
Anna!
Mark, Mark!
Mark!
Get off me!
Who are you?!
What is your name?!
Please, Dad, please.
Do you know me?!
Do you recognize me?!
The sea.
Anna?
- Anna.
- Its alright, love, its just the tube.
Theres a brave girl.
Itll be alright,
youll be alright.
Anna?
It hurts when I breathe.
Thats just your ribs,
theyre a bit bruised.
The ambulance man
had to give you a heart massage.
He saved your life.
I know, but it still hurts.
Youll be out of here
in a few days.
Ive been here long enough.
Hows Mark?
- Hows Mark?
- Hes okay.
Dont lie to me.
We sent him home,
hell be more comfortable there.
Hes dying, isnt he?
Theyve stopped.
Whats stopped?
My dreams.
If I tell you something,
will you keep it a secret?
I know Mark,
I know him from my dreams.
Anna...
I drew a house on paper,
Marks there, too.
It was me who made Mark ill...
and me who helped him get better again.
Then we had to escape,
and we did,
but now
I cant even dream.
You have to believe me.
When youre ill,
the mind plays funny tricks.
Its not a trick...
Marks eyes are blue...
His left leg is
stronger than his right...
Hes got a bicycle,
a blue one.
He just looks at it.
- How do you know all this?
- Its true isnt it?
You have to get me my pencils
and drawings.
You have to.
But...
Just do it!
...and as soon
as youre better...
Im going to take us all down to Devon
for a little holiday.
Hey, are you listening to me?
Look at me, darling.
Thats better.
I was beginning to think I was invisible.
You dont have to be invisible
to disappear, Dad.
Anna, you said you wanted
to go to the seaside, no?
Sounds wonderful, Mum.
Hey, and dont forget
your riding lessons.
Ive taken time off,
we can go together if you like.
And then youll
go away again.
I dont know what you
want these for, but here they are.
She shouldnt have told you,
I told Sarah to keep it a secret.
- Can I see?
- No.
I wouldnt want to live
if he died.
Now, if theres anything we need,
well be alright.
Mark, Mark!
Anna!
Wait there!
Hows that, then? I thought you werent ever
coming back. Come on, theres lots to show you.
Youve really kitted out
the place good this time.
Hey, whats the matter?
Nothing,
just pleased to see you.
Come on,
lets walk along the cliffs.
Here, I want to show you something.
- Can you do rollovers?
- Yeah.
Well, you havent done them properly
until youve done them here, my way.
What do you mean,
your way?
Sit in front of me...
Keep your head well in
and imagine youre half of a wheel.
Now pull me.
Again!
How am I getting on in your world?
Youre recovering,
but not as fast as here.
So, Im different here?
Dont know.
I dont care what happens to me there,
so long as I can be here with you.
You see, your world doesnt matter any more,
we can live here.
Have you ever kissed anyone?
Me neither.
Is this snogging?
Ive walked as far as I can
along these cliffs,
but theres no way down.
We should draw a ladder, then.
Theres not one
long enough...
And even if there was,
I wouldnt go down there, would you?
I know Im getting better,
but thats just stupidity.
You suggest something, then?
Helicopter?
I dont think I can draw that.
I can.
I brought it with me this time.
You draw the helicopter.
- Are you sure?
- Positive.
- Do you think itll work for me?
- Dont know.
- Where are you going?
- Im going back to draw.
Wait.
You cant go yet.
Well, you wait down here
and keep a look out for it.
I can see better from up there.
To be honest,
Id rather draw by myself,
I dont like
people watching me.
And I never saw you draw, did I?
I suppose not.
- You wait down here, then.
- Okay.
Dont go without me!
Please dont go without me.
Ive got some good news...
Theyve given me a job at head office,
so I dont have to go away anymore.
Thats good, isnt it?
We can all be together
like a proper family.
Things arent the same between you and me
since I got back, are they?
I missed you when I was away,
but now I feel as if Im missing you even more.
Im worried.
I went to see your doctor.
Why?
Mum said you were having
bad dreams about me. Is that true?
Do you want to see
someone about the dreams?
I dont have them anymore.
Maybe because Im back.
No, its nothing to do with you.
What did Dr. Nichols say?
She said you knew a patient of hers
who died.
Whats the matter?
Marks dead.
Didnt you know?
Im sorry.
No, dont be sorry...
I knew, its just...
when I last saw him,
I sort of hoped that hed get better.
Was he a close friend?
Dr. Nichols didnt
tell me the whole story.
Obviously.
Mark would hate
anybody being sorry.
Come on, Anna.
Did you see
those boats there?
- Good morning.
- Good morning. Mr. Madden.
Hello, is everything okay?
Thats good.
After lunch, well go for a walk, yeah?
Down to the front.
Here.
Thanks.
Dont lose it.
Dad.
Im sorry.
What on earth for?
Being so miserable.
Dont be stupid.
It was the illness,
when I was ill,
I thought I saw funny things.
I want to go to the pier...
to get Karen some rock.
Well, well go
after weve eaten.
Good.
Shall I open your curtains?
Whatever you like.
Be careful you dont get sunstroke.
Mark, Im back.
Mark.
Mark, let me in.
Mark.
Mark.
Mark, let me in.
Let me in!
I dont want to go
without you,
but the helicopters been hovering all day.
I think Im meant to go.
Wait for me here,
Ill come back for you.
Love, Mark.
Mark, Mark, Mark!
Anna!
Move back from the edge,
its dangerous!
I cant reach.
Move back from the edge, Anna,
its dangerous!
- Anna, move away!
- I cant reach.
Mark, I cant reach, dont leave me.
- Anna, its dangerous!
- I cant reach.
- Move away from the edge!
- Dont leave me.
- Bye, Anna.
- No!
Hes alright now, Mum,
I know he is.