text / (United States) John August
translation / Zhang Ying
This is a story that takes place in the southern region of the United States, full of lies and fiction, but the connotation is more real.
(Gradually)
1.
We are underwater in a river , watching a fat catfish swimming around. This is
Edward the "Beast" (outside the picture): Some fish people can't catch them, not because they are more agile and stronger than other fish, but because they have different spirits. Whether it is lucky or favor, "the beast" is just such a fish.
The "Beast" swam over a hanging hook with bait on it. When passing by this bait gleaming in the sun, the "beast" didn't care.
Edward (outside the painting, continue): When I was born, he became a legend. In Alabama, he avoided expensive bait more than any other fish. Some people say that this fish is the undead of the thief Henry Walls who drowned in that river sixty years ago. Some people say that he is a small dinosaur that survived the Cretaceous Period.
2. Interior view, Will's bedroom, at night (1973)
Will Bloom (3 years old) with his eyes open and listen to the story of his father Edward Bloom (40 years old). The handsome Edward gestured exaggeratedly, describing every detail with absolute persuasiveness.
Edward: I am neither superstitious nor guessing. I only know that when I was your age, I started trying to catch this fish. (Camera zooms in) On the day you were born, I finally caught him.
3. Location, campfire, night (1977)
A few years later, Will sat with other Boy Scouts dressed as Indian warriors and listened to Edward continuing to tell the story.
Edward: I tried various baits on him: bugs, bait, peanut butter, peanut butter mixed with milk. But there was a flash of light in my mind that day: if that fish is really the undead of a thief, then ordinary bait will not help at all. I have to use what he really desires as bait.
Edward pointed to his wedding ring, which was shining brightly in the light of the fire.
Little Boy Scout (confused): Are your fingers?
Edward took off the ring.
Edward: Gold.
The boys were all focused, only Will showed a tired expression on his face. He has heard this story before.
Edward: I tied the ring to the toughest fishing line—they said the line was strong enough to hold a bridge for a few minutes—and then threw the rod upstream.
4. Interior view, the front hall of Bloom's house, at night (1987)
Edward is talking with Will's beautiful dance partner. She liked this story very much, and Edward's charm also fascinated her.
Edward (continued): "The Beast" jumped out of the water, swallowed it before the ring fell into the water, and snapped the fishing line with a click.
Will (17) is angry and ready to go out. His mother Sandra - he inherited her mother's beauty and hardworking spirit - stood by the door with him.
Edward: You can imagine my dilemma at this time. My wedding ring was swallowed by a fish that could not be caught. That is a symbol of my loyalty to my wife, besides, she is about to be a mother.
Will (softly and eagerly): Let him stop talking.
Mother patted him sympathetically and adjusted the position of the bow tie for him.
Will's dancing partner: What will you do later?
Edward: I chased the fish from the upper reaches to the lower reaches of the river for three days and three nights. Finally, I finally got him desperate.
Will has great contempt for his father.
Edward: I put my hands into the river and caught the fish. I stared straight into his eyes and made a major discovery.
5. Interior view, a small restaurant in Paris, at night (1998)
Will (28 years old) sits up with his glorious bride Josephine. This was their wedding banquet, and friends and family gathered together, but Will looked furious.
Edward congratulated the guests. The room was filled with intoxicating warmth.
Edward: This fish, "the beast", we have always called "he", but it is actually a "she". At that time, her belly was full of fish eggs, and she would give birth at any time.
We found Sandra near Munri. She looked radiant, even if it was her own wedding banquet, she couldn't be so happy.
Edward: I am in trouble now. I can open the belly of the fish and get the wedding ring back, but doing so will kill the smartest catfish in the Ashton River, and she will soon become the mother of hundreds of catfish.
Will couldn't listen anymore. Josephine tried to hold him, but he got up and walked away. Edward didn't even notice that his son had left.
Edward (continued): Am I going to deprive my soon-to-be-born son of the opportunity to catch this fish by himself? Mrs. Fish and I, we have the same destiny.
When Will left, he mumbled softly and said exactly the same words as his father.
Edward and Will: We are two ends of the same equation.
Will walked to the door, and his mother stopped him.
Sandra: Baby, this night still belongs to you.
Will can't complain to his mother. he left.
Edward: You may ask, since this fish lady is not the undead of thieves, why does she have a soft spot for gold? (The camera zooms in, he raises the wedding ring) This is the revelation I got on the day my son was born.
He was talking about Sandra. This story is about her.
Edward: Sometimes, the only way to trap an unpredictable woman is to put a wedding ring on her.
The guests laughed.
Edward motioned to Sandra to come to him. We see that even though they have been married for thirty years, the two are still in love.
They kissed and Edward squeezed her chin in a unique way. The guests applauded.
Edward made a toast to the new couple, and Josephine smiled like a flower, and cleverly concealed her husband's absence.
Edward raised his champagne glass and drank it in one fell swoop.
6. Location, outside the meal, at night
Edward and Will argued fiercely on the side of the road, occasionally attracting the attention of passers-by. Both of them are a little drunk.
Edward: What, I'm not allowed to talk about my son?
Will (suspicious): I was just a footnote in that story. I am the background of your great adventure story, but your great adventure story has never happened before. By the way, on the day I was born, you were making a small business in Wichita.
Edward (shaking his head): Goodness.
Will: Your friend? Have you helped him out of trouble?
Edward: Don't do that, Will, everyone loves this story.
Will: Not really, Dad, people don't like to listen. I don't like to hear it either. I have heard this story thousands of times. I know all the punchlines and can speak as vividly as you. (Camera zooms in) Just one night, even if you set aside one night in your life, let the world not revolve around Edward Bloom, let it revolve around me and my wife. Why don't you know yourself? (Pause)
Edward (whispering): I'm sorry for embarrassing you.
Will interrupted him.
Will: You embarrassed yourself, Dad, but you didn't know it.
Edward waved his hand and walked away. Will was still angry there.
Will (outside the painting, continue): After that night, I haven't spoken to my father for several years.
7. Interior view, Associated Press newsroom (Paris), a
busy day as usual during the day. Will put the phone under his ear and cleared the stack of letters on the table with both hands.
Will (listening to the phone): Will Bloom of the Associated Press, if I can...
he found a letter with a handwritten name and address on the envelope. He tore open the envelope.
Will (outside the picture, continue): I don't have direct contact with my father. The letter and Christmas card are all written by my mother.
8. Interior view, Bloom's kitchen, at the
dining table during the day , Sandra is listening to the phone, Edward is making sandwiches.
Will (outside the picture): When I call home, my mom always says that my dad drove out or was swimming.
Edward sat down at the table and began to eat sandwiches.
Will (outside the painting, continue): On the surface, we never said that we no longer talk.
9. Interior view, the master bedroom of Bloom’s house, at night
Sandra is standing by the window, watching...
10. Exterior view, Bloom’s backyard, at night (in the foreground)
Edward is swimming in the pool, as if he is Born for water.
Will (outside the painting): Actually, I can't see my shadow in my father, and I don't think he can see his shadow in me either. The two of us are like the most familiar strangers.
11. Location, a river, during the day
Edward stared at the water intently, like a lion about to hunt.
Will (outside the painting): To tell the story of my father's life, it is impossible to completely separate facts from fiction, people and myths. The best way is to repeat what he said as it is.
We looked down at the water, and Edward's shadow was reflected on the dark water. As the ripples on the water rippled away in circles, things changed.
When we looked up, we saw the young Edward Bloom (20 years old), who was staring at the river. He is not only handsome, but not only charming, he is simply a masterpiece completed by the Creator with all his best.
Will (outside the painting, continue): These stories are not all reasonable and most of them never happened.
Edward suddenly plunged his hands into the water and grabbed the "beast". He raised the big catfish to the front and looked directly into the fish's eyes. (Pause) "The Beast" spit out Edward's gold ring. Edward got the ring with a smile, and then threw the "beast" into the water, splashing waves on the water.
(Playing the title) Big Fish
12. Interior view, hospital ward. During the day, the
young Dr. Bennett was delivering a baby for Mrs. Bloom. She was nervous and sweaty, and Dr. Bennett kept comforting her beside her.
Dr. Bennett: Mrs. Bloom, just work harder...
Suddenly, we heard a "poof", and a little man who was as slippery as a fish was launched like a rocket. Before Dr. Bennett could hold him tightly, he was launched into the air.
The nurses and Mr. Bloom tried to catch the child, but no one could. This newly born little guy flew towards the camera, and we could see the smile on his face.
The little guy landed, he knocked over a pallet and then slid out the door, everyone chasing him behind.
13. Interior view, hospital corridor,
Dr. Bennett during the day : Grab the kid!
A nurse finally hugged him, and everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
Will (outside the picture): My father's birth set the tone for his legendary life. Although his life is not longer than others, it is more abundant. The weird stories he has experienced always end unexpectedly.
14. Interior view, a public building in Paris, during the day (now)
with the sound of rain in Zheli, the phone rang. Judging by the tone of the ringtone—the kind of continuous sound peculiar to Europe—we know that we are not in the United States.
The phone continued to ring, and looking around the room, we saw that the room was almost empty, with only a few unpacked boxes. A newly purchased cradle has not been opened yet.
There was laughter in the hallway outside the house, the door was opened, Will (29) came in with four bags of groceries all wet and his wife Josephine (28) ran into the house to answer the phone.
Josephine: Hello!
While taking off his drenched clothes, Will watched Josephine answer the phone, seeming to care about his wife's reaction.
Josephine (continue, listening to the phone): Yes, he is at home.
She handed the handset to Will, looking concerned.
Josephine (continued): Your mother.
Will answered the phone, anticipating that there would be no good news.
Will (listening to the phone): Yes, um, um.
Josephine took off her wet coat, and we saw that she had been pregnant for several months. She listened carefully to Will talking on the phone, trying to judge how serious the matter was.
Will (continued): What did Dr. Bennett say? OK. Of course, let me talk to him. I am waiting.
He covered the receiver and looked at Josephine.
Josephine: Is it bad?
Will: It's worse than they thought. They plan to abandon chemotherapy.
Josephine: You have to go back.
Will: Maybe I will leave tonight.
Josephine (pause): I will go with you.
Will: No way.
Josephine (with firm tone): I will go back with you.
15. Interior view, Air France Flight 747, the
passengers boarded the plane one after another at night , and the flight attendant gave a welcome speech in French. Will's seat is by the window, Josephine sits next to him and wipes the hand cream, and rubs the excess hand cream on his hands. There is a natural sense of intimacy between them, and Josephine can accurately describe the feeling that even Will himself can't tell.
16. Interior view, Air France Flight 747/flight,
after a few hours at night , the lights in the cabin were dim. Most of the passengers were asleep, and Josephine was also asleep. Her head rested on Will's shoulder. Will looked at her sleeping soundly and gently stroked her hair.
Later, a little boy sitting next to him caught Will's attention. Perhaps it was too boring, the little boy changed different gestures, and the light cast his shadow on the back of the chair. The hand shadow he made was really wonderful, at first it was a flying bird, then it became a monkey, and finally a dog.
Will (outside the painting): What will it become? Monkey in the barn? Dog on the road?
The camera is aimed at the last hand shadow, we...
(match cut to)
17. Interior, Bloom's house, at night
... We found Edward making a hand shadow. Will (6 years old) sits on the floor in his pajamas, the lamp on the coffee table is between them, and the light casts a huge hand shadow on the wall.
Will: Tell a story about witches.
Edward: Your mother won't let me tell you this kind of story. You will have nightmares.
Will: I'm not afraid.
Edward looked around to see if his wife could hear them. Then he leaned over to Will.
Edward: I'm not afraid.
Will smiled, and he was very excited to hear this kind of story.
Edward (continued): All this happened in a swamp outside Ashton. The adults would not let the children go to the swamp, because there are poisonous snakes, giant spiders, and quicksand. Before you can scream, they will swallow you in one bite. But that night, the five of us went to the swamp: me, Ruty, and Wilbur. Freely, Don Price and Zaki Price brothers.
Edward shook his fingers and counted the names.
Edward (continued): None of us knows what will happen.
His hand moved past the lamp.
(Cut to)
A bunch of flashlight lights swept across, we...
18. Location, the edge of the swamp, at night
this is a very lively night, the moon seems to be very close to us. Five children lined up in a column, walking forward one by one. The four children in the front all turned on their flashlights, but the last one kept staggering and almost knocked Edward (10) over.
Edward: Zaki, turn on your flashlight!
Zaki: I don't have a battery!
Zaki Price is 10 years old with red hair, and his brother Don Price is 12 years old, much bigger than the other kids.
Don Price: What are you doing with a flashlight?
Zaki: I don't want to be without a flashlight when I come to the swamp with witches.
Wilbur Freely (10 years old) is the son of a tenant farmer and suffers from asthma. The red-haired Ruty McLean (8 years old) is very happy to be here.
Edward: Does she really have a glass eyeball?
Wilbur Freely: I heard it was given to her by a Gypsy.
Edward: What is a gypsy?
Zaki: Your mother is a gypsy.
Don Price: Your mother is a bitch.
Ruty: Don't swear, there is a lady present.
Don Price, Zaki and Wilbur Freely each cursed again.
Edward (whispering): Turn off the flashlight! She will see us.
19. Exterior scene, a gloomy old house,
adult Edward at night (outside the painting): Now everyone knows that most towns with a certain size have a witch who eats naughty children and breaks into them by mistake Puppy in the yard. The witches cast spells with leftover bones to make the land barren.
Pulling behind the camera, we see the full picture of this Gothic building: cracked windows, climbing vines, and monster-shaped dripping nozzles half buried in the soil. Even the bats dare not fly over.
In the moonlight, this house looked extremely scary. Who knows what lurks in the shadows.
Adult Edward (outside the painting, continue): Among all the witches in Alabama, one is the most terrifying, because she has a glass eyeball, which is said to be magical.
The children looked inside from the door of the house.
Wilbur Freely: I heard that if you look directly at the glass eyes, you will see how you died.
Edward: Nonsense. She is not even a real witch.
Don Price: You're so sure, why don't you go in and get your eyeballs out? I heard that she put it in a box on the bedside table.
Edward looked back at the gloomy house.
Don Price (continued): Are you too scared?
Edward: I immediately went in and took out my eyes.
Don Price: Then go in quickly.
Edward: Well, I will.
Don Price: Go in.
Edward: Here we go.
He handed his flashlight to Zaki, ready to open the door.
Ruty: Edward, don't go!
Wilbur Freely: She will make you soap! (To Ruty) She would do that, and make people into soap.
Edward stepped through the door. To be honest, he was really scared, but he bit the bullet and walked forward.
Wilbur looked at Ruty, the two had a good understanding, and ran away. Zaki wanted to slip too, but Don Price grabbed him by the collar.
20. Exterior scene, slowly approaching the house. At night
Edward walked through the tall bushes to the front door of the house, as if something would jump out of the bushes at any time.
He stepped onto the porch, creaking under his feet, but he continued on. A cat screamed and jumped out from under a broken wicker chair. Edward walked to the front door holding his breath.
The door handle is made of brass and looks like a horn. Edward stretched his hand forward a little bit, and finally rang the doorbell. The door opened quickly, and an old woman stood in front of the door, her left eye covered by a blindfold. She was like a zombie, so stiff that she couldn't lie down.
Edward (calm and straightforward): Madam, my name is Edward Bloom. Someone wants to see your eyes.
21. Exterior scene, outside the gate, at night
Zaki and Don Price waited for Edward outside the gate, and every minute they waited, they became more convinced that he was dead. But Edward suddenly appeared behind the gate.
Don Price: Did you get your eyeballs?
Edward: I brought it.
Don Price (doubt): Let's see.
The old woman walked out of the shadow behind Edward and took off the blindfold. When the flashlight beam hit her left eye, her eyes glowed like hell.
The camera was aimed at Zaki, who was frightened by the sight he saw.
(Cut to)
22. Exterior scene, in the foyer of the house. During the day,
an old man — Zaki — stood on a rickety stepladder to change light bulbs. Suddenly, he fell off the step stool and died.
23. Exterior, by the gate, at night
The camera is aimed at Don Price.
(Cut to)
24. Interior view, in the bathroom of the university dormitory
. Don Price , 20, fell face down during the day and fell to the ground. He has been dead for a long time.
25.
Outside , by the gate, at night Zaki and Don Price were trembling like chaff, terrified. Zaki was so frightened that tears were almost streaming out.
Zaki: I saw how I died. I am old and fell to death.
Don Price: I was young when I died.
The two brothers suddenly ran away. Only Edward was still standing beside the old woman, smiling.
26. Outside, in front of the old woman's house, at night
Edward helped the old woman back to the house. He could have left here now, but he couldn't restrain his curiosity.
Edward: I now think about the issue of death and want to see how people die.
The old woman turned to him slightly, but still did not face him.
Edward (continued): I mean, on the one hand, if all you think about is death, it will drive you crazy. But on the other hand, this can help you, isn't it? Because you know that you will not die under other circumstances.
The old woman grinned slightly, showing her incomplete teeth.
Edward (continued): I want to know.
The old woman turned her face to face him. Edward counted three silently in his heart, then looked at the glass eyes.
This time, the lens did not switch. We saw Edward staring at the glass eyes intently, watching how he died, focused, confused, and full of interest. No matter what he saw, it would never be as tragic and terrible as his companion saw. His future is peculiar.
Edward (continued): Hey, how did I go?
The old woman nodded. Edward was still a little slow, but he turned and left.
Adult Edward (outside the picture): From that moment on, I no longer fear death. Therefore, my mental state is like a fairy.
When Edward left, the door closed automatically.
(Cut to match)
27. Interior/exterior view, Bloom's house, the
front door is open during the day (now) , Will and Josephine are standing on the porch, carrying bags in their hands. The camera shot back at Will's mother, Sandra (53 years old), who was surprised and a little annoyed.
Sandra: How did you come here?
Will: Swim here. The Atlantic Ocean is not that big.
Sandra: Ruth McSheeburn is also going to pick you up at the airport.
Edward: We rented a car.
Sandra: You don't need to do this, you don't need to.
(Pause) Return to the subject...
Will: Hi, mom.
He leaned in and hugged her. She surrendered, hugging her son tightly. Will and his mother were cut out of the same cloth---willed and pragmatic. They have always been so close.
Sandra: Your coming back makes me so happy.
The two separated, Sandra pushed her son away and saw her daughter-in-law's belly.
Sandra: You should not come by plane. But...
they hug.
Josephine: Nice to meet you, you look very beautiful.
This is not a compliment, it is a fact.
Sandra: Thank you. I bet you want to—
Josephine: Yes.
Sandra: On the right side of the aisle. The door is stuck, you have to push it open slightly.
Josephine smiled at her husband and went into the house. Will turned back to the taxi to pick up his luggage. Sandra followed him.
Looking over from the driveway, we saw this house for the first time: this is an old house on the outskirts of the city. It has three bedrooms. It is larger than the neighboring house and is well designed. The children are playing in the street.
Will: Is that Dr. Bennett's car?
Sandra: He is with your dad upstairs.
The two returned to the house...
Will: How was he?
Sandra: Nothing can be done. Not eating, the body is very weak. Because of my weakness, I don't want to eat even more.
Will: How long can he live?
Sandra: Don't talk about these things now, it's not yet time.
28. Interior, kitchen, during the day
Sandra pours ice tea for Will and Josephine.
Dr. Julius Bennett (85 years old) came in from the foyer and was still panting as he had just descended the stairs. He was the first black doctor in town, and he is still the best doctor in town.
Doctor Bennett: Will.
Will: Doctor Bennett, nice to meet you. (They shake hands) This is my wife Josephine.
Doctor Bennett: Hello.
He judged that she was pregnant for a few months.
Dr. Bennett (continued): It's been seven months.
Josephine (deeply admired): Exactly seven months to this day.
He approached her and whispered to her...
Doctor Bennett: It's a boy.
Josephine smiled, surprised, but didn't doubt it. Will looked over—what did he say? Josephine shook his head.
Sandra: You think his situation has not deteriorated.
Doctor Bennett: Yes. It's still like that.
Everything is silent. This is not the good news Sandra was expecting.
Will: Can I see him?
Dr. Bennett: Of course. Have a good talk with him.
The atmosphere is embarrassing—everyone present knows that their father and son have not spoken for several years.
Sandra handed Will a can of nutritious drink.
Sandra: Let him drink this. Tell him he must drink.
29. Interior view, entrance hall. During the day,
Will came out of the kitchen and slowly climbed the stairs. The stairs creaked.
The walls by the stairs are covered with family photos, and those happy times are permanently frozen. Most of the photos are of Will, recording the period from his birth to his marriage. When he climbed the stairs, we also witnessed his growth process from the photos.
30. Interior view, the aisle upstairs,
at the end of the aisle during the day , sunlight shoots out from a half-open door. Will walked towards the door, moving one hand along the wallpaper.
When approaching the door, he stopped, took a breath, and walked in.
31. Interior view, guest room,
Edward Bloom (61 years old) fell asleep in bed during the day . Although he is no longer as full of life as before, he is not as bad as we thought. There is no hanging bottle by the bed, no monitor, nothing at all.
Will walked to the bed —
Will: Dad?
Edward opened one eye slightly, and it took a while to concentrate. He wanted to speak, but couldn't.
He looked at the kettle on the bedside table. Will poured him a glass of water and handed it to his dry lips.
After drinking the water, Edward put down the water glass by himself. After a long pause, the air seemed to freeze. Will wanted to speak to break the silence. Finally...
Edward: You—(he points to his son)—coming surprised me a little.
Will: Really?
Edward: Things are different with children. Changing diapers, coaxing the baby to sleep, breastfeeding in the middle of the night...
Will: Have you done those things?
Edward: I haven't done it, but I heard it's annoying. Then, you have to spend many years instilling all kinds of jumbled thoughts into his mind. However, in the end he will still be very clever.
Will: Do you think I am competent?
Edward: The person who teaches you is the best.
Will did not refute. (Pause) He thought of the nutritious drink and brought it over. Edward didn't want to drink it.
Will: Just drink half of it. I told mom you drank all of it. It's good for everyone.
(Pause) Edward's eyes rolled sharply. Ok. Will opened the drink can and found a straw on the bedside table.
Edward: Don't worry about that. My time has not come, I don't go like this.
Will: Really?
Edward: Really, I saw it in the glass eyes.
Will: The old woman in the swamp.
Edward: She is a witch.
Will: She is not a witch. She is just getting old and may still be confused, maybe she still suffers from schizophrenia.
Edward: I saw my way of death in that eyeball. It's not what it is now.
Will: So what is it like?
Edward: The ending is unexpected. I don't want to spoil this ending.
Edward tried to take as much drink as he could, then removed the jar and swallowed hard.
Edward (continued): There used to be a beggar who asked me for money every morning when I came out of the cafe next to the office.
Will: Yes.
Edward: I give him a twenty-five cent coin every day, every day. Then I fell ill and left for two weeks. When I come back and meet him again, guess what he said?
Will: How to say?
Edward: He said you owe me three dollars.
Will: Really?
Edward: It's true.
Will (pause): When did you work in the office?
Edward: There are so many things you don't know about me.
Will: Indeed.
Edward: Your mother is worried that we won't talk anymore. Look now, aren't we talking very well? Both of us can tell stories. I tell my story, you write your story, one thing.
Will did not comment on Edward's evaluation.
Will: Dad, I hope we can talk about something while I'm still here.
Edward: You mean, while I'm still here.
Will: I just want to know the truth. Which are true, and which are just stories you make up.
Edward smiled slightly, and immediately coughed and had to drink water to stop his cough. I don't know what kept him from speaking.
Edward: Your mother has never cleaned the swimming pool. If you are willing to clean up...
Will: I will clean up.
Edward: Do you know where the cleaner is?
Will: I used to do this kind of work when you went out, remember? Much work.
Will didn't want to be so harsh. He picked up the leftover half of the drink, got up and walked away. By the door...
Edward: I don't want to stay at home all the time, Will, the house is too cramped. Now I am tied to the bed. Coming to a dead end is the worst thing I have ever experienced.
Edward was amused by his own joke.
Will: You will not die.
Edward: I said I didn't go like this. The final outcome is extraordinary. Believe me.
32. Interior view, upstairs aisle,
Will closed the door during the day and drank the rest of the drink. No wonder Edward didn't like it, it was terrible.
When Will walked up the stairs, we passed an open door and we looked inside...
33. Interior view, Will’s bedroom, during the day (flashback)
8-year-old Will was lying on the bed with chickenpox all over his face And the potion applied. He asked Edward to see how many bags were on his arm.
Will Jr.: Doctor Bennett said, I have to stay at home for a week.
Edward: It's not a big deal. I used to lie in bed for three years.
Will: Have you had chickenpox too?
Edward: I still figured it out.
(Cut to)
34. Interior, small church, daytime
Little Edward (about 10 years old) wears a white shirt and a bow tie, and sings hymns with the church congregation. He tried to sing out of his voice, high and thin.
Suddenly, his voice thickened, dropped by half an octave, and then by half an octave. His friends Wilbur Ftulli and Ruty both looked at him, trying to see what was going on. Edward felt embarrassed and continued singing, trying to keep up with the baritone voice.
He pulled the collar hard, then pulled it again, his face flushed. Panicked, he loosened his bow tie, and then tried to unbutton it again. Suddenly, the collar button was broken, and two shirt buttons were also broken. One of the buttons just hit a fat woman's neck.
The camera is aimed at Edward's shoes.
We saw Edward's trouser legs rise inch by inch—he grew so fast.
Edward (outside the picture): In fact, no one knows what happened. Most people grow up gradually, and I find myself too anxious.
35. Interior view, Little Edward's bedroom.
Little Edward is lying on the bed during the day . His limbs are connected to various pulleys and levers to support his weight. There are a dozen encyclopedias around him, and a dozen books scattered on the ground.
Edward (outside the painting): My muscles can't keep up with the growth rate of bones, and the growth rate of bones can't keep up with the growing ambitions of my body. Therefore, I spent three years of good time in this narrow space in bed, and reading encyclopedias became my only way of adventure. I have been reading the entry at the beginning of "G", trying to find an explanation about "giantism". As a result, I found an article about ordinary goldfish.
Insert: An article with pictures in the encyclopedia.
Little Edward (read aloud): Raise the goldfish in a small bowl, it will always be so small. But if the goldfish's living space becomes larger, it will grow to twice, three times, or even four times its original size.
Little Edward thought about this passage.
Edward (outside the painting): At that time, I thought that the reason for my rapid growth was probably because of my ambitions. After all, it is impossible for a giant to have an ordinary life.
36. Location, baseball field, daytime
The batter completed the home run to win the game with a beautiful blow, and the audience cheered. This batsman is Edward as an adult, and we will see his story between the ages of 18 and 30.
Edward (outside the painting): After my bones were developed and finalized, I became an adult and started planning to create more space for myself in Ashton.
37. Location, school sports field, day
-by-frame shooting: the hero Edward on the rugby field leads his team to victory. Outside the court, a beautiful little girl called out the name of the boy she had a crush on for a long time.
Girl: Edward Bloom!
The other girls also screamed his name loudly. Don Price looked at them sullenly.
38. Location, community,
shooting frame by frame during the day : a mower blasted along the lawn to mow. We look up to see who is driving the machine. Not Edward, but one of his employees.
Edward was standing behind the truck with "Bloom Gardening Design" written on it. There are his workers on every lawn.
He appraised the title of the book "Praise the Boy Scouts".
39. Interior view, basketball court, during the day
Edward made a beautiful long-range shot for the team to win the game. The audience was crazy for him, and his teammates surrounded him to congratulate him. Only Don Price was watching him coldly.
40. Location, town, during the day
Edward rushed out of a burning house holding a dog.
41. Interior view, science and technology exhibition,
Edward's technological invention in the daytime — perpetual motion machine — won the first prize. He took a photo with the judges, flashing flashes.
Don Price threw his worthless Lima pod seedlings into the trash can.
42. Interior scene, middle school drama stage. During the day, the
handsome Edward led a group of actors and actresses. He is the star of this stage play. We saw Don Price standing on the side of the stage in a costume. He played a horse.
Edward was intoxicated by the thunderous applause and greeted the audience with a smile.
43. Location, graduation ceremony,
Edward received his graduation certificate during the day , and the principal hugged him tightly.
Edward (outside the painting): I was the most famous person in Ashton's history, until one day, a stranger came here.
44. Location, farm. During the day,
two farmers shook their heads. We saw through the reverse lens that a huge hole was knocked out on the side of the barn, which looked like a human being, but whose figure would be that big.
45. Location, sheep pen,
a figure slowly approached two fat sheep during the day , scaring them to bleat. The stranger grabbed them with his huge hands, clamped them between his arms, and took them away. We still haven't seen the complete appearance of the stranger.
46. Outside scene, outside the city government building, during the day
about fifty people gather together, many of them holding shotguns. We saw Don Price in the crowd.
Tenant: He eats corn from a whole cornfield!
Little girl: He ate my dog!
Quick-tempered man with a shotgun: Mayor, if you don't stop him, let's go!
Mayor: I don't allow riots in this town. Now, who would like to talk to him?
Farmer: You can’t make sense with him!
Sheep: He is a beast!
There was a echo from the crowd. Then...
a voice (outside the picture): I'll go.
Everyone turned to see who was talking. The crowd stepped aside, and the person who had just spoken stepped forward. It was not someone else but Edward Bloom. Don Price glared.
Edward: I'll talk to him and see if I can persuade him to leave here.
Mayor: My boy, that monster can crush you to pieces without much effort.
Edward: Believe me, it takes a little effort to beat me.
47. Location, a hill outside Ashton, during the day
Edward climbed the last steep slope and came to a cave. Outside the cave entrance, several red-headed American herons scrambled to eat the remains of giant animals.
Edward yelled in his most solemn voice.
Edward: Hello!
no answer.
Edward (continued): This is Edward Bloom! I want to talk to you!
There was a roar from the depths of the cave.
Roar (outside the picture): Get out!
The power of the giant's voice was so powerful that it blew Edward's hair behind his head.
Edward: I won't leave unless you come out.
(Pause) Then we heard the rumble sound like a train passing by. Edward set up his posture and prepared to fight.
The rumble became louder and louder, and the ground began to tremble. Even Edward couldn't help worrying: How old is this guy?
Edward (outside the painting, continue): Since I know how to die beforehand, I am sure that giants can't kill me. However, I hope he doesn't break my bones.
Edward picked up a stone and prepared to stage a new play of "David vs. Goliath".
Then, the giant suddenly appeared. He arched his body and pushed Edward halfway up the mountain with a palm.
The giant Carl is taller than anyone you have ever seen. Not only tall, but also strong. He was completely a savage, his beard grew to his elbow, his skin was scarred and blistered. His clothes were dirty and torn. Who knows what is hidden in his tousled hair.
Carl leaned over to face Edward, his huge body covering the sun. Edward threw a stone at him, and the stone bounced up, without even attracting his attention at all.
Carl: Why are you here?
Edward thought about the best answer...
Edward: You can eat me. The people in our town decided to offer a living sacrifice, so I volunteered to come.
Carl squinted, puzzled. Edward stood up.
Edward (continued): My arms are a bit thin, but the meat on my legs is delicious. I mean, even I want to eat it myself. (Pause) But you have to eat faster, because I am more afraid of pain.
Edward closed his eyes and dropped his hands beside him, waiting to be eaten. Carl stared at him, not knowing what to do.
After a while, Edward opened his eyes slightly, wanting to see what the giant was doing. Seeing that the giant didn't intend to eat him, he was relieved.
Edward (continued): I can't go back, I am a sacrifice. If I go back, everyone will laugh at me as a coward. I would rather be your dinner than be a coward.
Carl sat down with a "bang", dejected.
Edward (continued): Here, I will eat my hand first to help you appetite.
Edward put a hand into Carl's mouth, but the giant vomited it out again.
Carl: I don't want to eat you, I don't want to eat anyone. I'm just very hungry. I am too tall.
This is a sad truth. Carl is not a beast, but a deformity - a giant, but he is still a man after all.
Edward sat beside him.
Edward: Have you ever thought about it? Maybe you are not too big, maybe this town is too small. You see—
behind them, we look down at Ashton—a small town in a small valley.
Edward (continued): I heard that in real cities, the tall buildings they build make you invisible to the roof.
Carl: Really?
Edward: Don't lie to you. They have a buffet, you can eat as much as you want. Don’t you eat a lot?
Carl: Yes.
Edward: So why are you wasting time in a small town? You are so tall, you should go to a big city.
Carl smiled, but his smile disappeared quickly, showing a skeptical expression, and a little sad —
Carl: You just want me to leave, right? This is why they sent you here.
Edward: What's your name, giant?
Carl: Carl.
Edward: My name is Edward. Seriously, I do want you to leave, Carl, but I want to go with you. (Camera zooms in) This town is too small for you, and too small for an ambitious person like me. I can't stay here for one more day.
Carl: You don't like it here?
Edward: I like every inch of the land here, but I am trapped in this small space, how much room can I grow up. (Pause) How about, come with me?
Carl thought for a while, and then ---
Carl: Okay.
Edward: Okay.
They shake hands.
Edward (continued): Now I will clean up for you.
48. Location, river, day
-by-frame shooting: Karl cut his hair with hedge trimmers, and Edward made him a coat from a leftover military tent.
49. Location, Main Street in
Ashton . During the day, the Ashton Middle School Pipe Band played on the street, mobilizing everyone's emotions. All the good citizens of Ashton gathered together to see Edward and Carl off. Several people we know shed tears.
Mayor (speaking loudly to the crowd): Edward Bloom, Ashton's darling, we are very sad when we see you leave. Please bring this "key to open the city", remember, anytime you want to come back, all our doors will be open for you.
Edward lowered his head slightly, and the mayor hung the key around his neck. Edward and Carl set off amidst cheers, and waved goodbye to everyone as they walked.
Don Price hides in the corner and smokes, Edward is gone, he doesn't feel sad. He stepped on the cigarette butt, hoping to trample Edward to death.
Many citizens took to the street to hug Edward or shook hands with him.
Edward (outside the picture): The afternoon I left Ashton, it seemed that everyone had to give me advice.
Different people: find yourself a good girl! Don't trust the people of Kentucky! Don't be too arrogant, Edward Bloom!
Edward (outside the picture): But there is one person's advice that I value most.
The crowd parted, and he found the old woman in the swamp standing in front of him.
The crowd gradually calmed down as if they had been spelled. The old woman motioned to Edward to lean over, whispering something in his ear. Although we were very close to them, we still couldn't hear her.
Edward (outside the painting, continue): She said that the biggest fish in the river grew so big because it had never been caught.
This advice confused Edward.
Edward (continue, to the old woman): Okay. thanks.
Edward and Carl continued on. The old woman shuffled away, knowing that her advice would be ignored.
Carl: What did she say?
Edward: I don't understand.
50. Location, highway,
shooting up from the highway during the day , Edward and Carl walked out of Ashton. The two each carried a luggage bag.
Edward (outside the painting): There are two roads outside Ashton, one is a newly built asphalt road, and the other is a dirt road. People no longer take that old dirt road, it is said to be haunted there.
Edward and Carl came to the fork in the road. The new road was on the left and the dirt road went straight ahead. Warning signs are inserted at the intersection of dirt roads to remind pedestrians to pay attention to danger and not to take this road.
Edward (outside the painting, continue): Since I don't plan to return to Ashton, I want to take this opportunity to see what is on the dirt road.
Carl looked at the dirt road warily.
Carl: Do you know who walked this way?
Edward: That poet Norther Winslow walked by. He is going to Paris, France. He must have fallen in love with Paris, because there is no news of him since. (Pause) You take that new road. I'll go from here. Let's meet at the other end of the road.
Carl (a bit suspicious): Are you going to run away?
Edward: Don't worry, you take my luggage bag.
Carl cheered up, even though he wanted to take an extra bag.
51. Location, dirt road, daytime
Vegetation overgrown on the dirt road, but it didn't make people feel astonished. The sun is still shining, and the birds are still singing.
Edward fiddled with the "key to open the city" and whistled. It should be whistled on such days.
52. Location, continue to move forward, the rugged path
gradually narrows and becomes more and more rugged. Scattered rays of sunlight come in through the thick canopy, and particles in the air can be seen dancing in the sunlight. Edward was still whistling.
Turning the intersection, Edward's voice lowered, and he saw thick, thorny vines growing over the path. He stopped and realized that the bird had stopped singing. Deathly silence in the forest.
He looked back at the way he came, and it was easy to go back. It was Edward who resisted the temptation and moved on.
He stepped carefully over the thorns, but his trousers were torn apart by the spikes.
53. Moving on,
Edward was sweating, and his body was marked with scars. He kept driving away all kinds of mosquitoes, and finally had to pat them with his hat. At this moment, a croaking bird swooped down and snatched the hat from Edward.
Edward: It's a son of a bitch...
He picked up a stone and threw it at the crow. The crow didn't hit it, but hit a beehive. Swarms of bees flew out buzzingly.
Edward ran hurriedly, still full of danger at every step.
54. Location, gloomy forest, during the day (later)
Edward was bruised, bruised, bitten, and he was bluish and purple.
A tattered warning sign fell on the ground. He picked it up and read the text:
Warning! Jumping spider ahead!
Of course, he had seen the road ahead full of cobwebs, thick enough to keep out the rain.
Edward (outside the picture): Sometimes a sane man will suppress his self-esteem and admit that he has made a serious mistake. However, I have never been a sane person.
Edward threw away the warning sign and headed towards the spider web.
Edward (continued): I recall what I learned at church Sunday school: the harder things are, the more rewarding they are.
55. Location, clearing/highway,
Edward walked out of the forest during the day and wiped off the cobwebs and spiders on his body. A spider stuck to his sleeve, and he had to jump a few times to shake it off. There was always a tingling sensation on his body, and he always felt that there were spiders sticking to him.
A smooth gravel road appeared under his feet. There is a small town smaller than Ashton with only one main street ahead, and electric wires from the woods have been pulled there. Dozens of pairs of shoes were hung on wires, and the laces of each pair of shoes were tied together.
He passed a road sign that said: "Welcome to Ghost Town!"
56. Exterior, Ghost Town,
this is a main street during the day, and there are many shops on both sides of the street: Cole's pharmacy, Talbot's bargain shop, Al's grocery store. Although everything here is very old, there are no ghosts. Twenty or so small town residents ran to the street and watched Edward walk over. Many people were laughing, and some even shed tears of joy.
In addition, these people are all barefoot.
A man’s voice: Friend!
A 40-year-old man walked out of the seed shop to greet Edward, with a friendly attitude, but a little drunk. His name is Biman, equivalent to the mayor. He is holding a binder.
Biman: Welcome. What's your name?
Edward: Edward Bloom.
Biman looked at the binder and did not find Edward's name. He turned a few more pages and continued to look for...
Beman: Does "Bloom" mean blooming?
Edward: Yes.
Biman: Oh, here it is! Right here, Edward Bloom. However, we did not expect you to come so early.
Edward (still perplexed): Do you know I will come?
Beeman: I didn't expect it to be so early.
A woman named Mildred interjected to help out.
Mildred: You must have taken a shortcut.
Edward: Yeah, almost died.
Biman: Well, life is like that. A long way is easy, but a long way.
Mildred: Very long.
Beeman: But what matters is that you are already here.
Biman's daughter, Jenny (8 years old), hides behind her father and secretly looks at the handsome stranger.
Edward: What is this place?
Biman: Ghost Town, the most secret place in Alabama. You are from Ashton, right? The last person from Ashton was Norther Winslow.
Edward: That poet? How is he?
Biman: He is still here. I'll buy you something to drink and tell you everything later. Damn it, let him tell you.
Edward: Nope. I still have to meet someone else, I'm already late.
This is not a joke, but somehow everyone laughed.
Beeman: My boy, I said earlier that you came early.
57. Interior view, Biman's house,
Edward sits at a long table during the day , picking up the second apple pie. Norther Winslow (30 years old) was also sitting at the long table. He imagined himself as a well-trained artist, even though he never left Alabama.
Biman: Is this the best pie you have ever eaten?
Edward: Absolutely.
Under the table, Jenny secretly untied Edward's shoelaces.
Norther Winslow: Everything here is delicious, even the water is sweet. The weather is neither cold nor hot nor humid. At night, the breeze blows the treetops, as if playing a symphony for you.
Suddenly, Jenny tore off Edward's shoes and ran towards the door holding them.
Edward: Hey!
He ran out to chase her.
58. Exterior view, town/main street, daytime
Jenny tied the laces of Edward's shoes as she ran. When she reached the edge of the town, she threw the shoes up onto the wires—the technique of tossing shoes was impeccable. It seemed that Edward couldn't take them off.
The onlookers cheered for Edward, who was confused and at a loss. The women embraced him, and the men shook hands with him.
Edward (still looking at his shoes): Wait! I want my shoes!
Nother Winslow: There is no softer land than Ghost Town.
Mildred: What a beautiful verse!
Biman: He is our poet laureate.
The townspeople continue to congratulate Edward...
Edward (outside the picture): Sometimes you will dream of some places, you seem to have known each other, and there are friends you have never met everywhere.
59. Exterior scene, under the tree, at dusk
Edward and North Winslow are sitting together. There are thousands of fireflies flying around.
Edward (outside the painting): It may be difficult for a person to find such an attractive place in his life. My journey has just begun, and I have come to such a place.
Noser passed his notebook to Edward.
Norther Winslow: I wrote this poem for twelve years.
Edward: Really?
Norther Winslow: Everyone's expectations are high, and I don't want to disappoint my poetry fans.
Edward (pause): Only three lines.
Noser grabbed the notebook over.
Nother Winslow: So, don't show unfinished works.
Edward: Nother, do you regret not going to Paris?
Norther Winslow: I can't think of a better place than here.
Edward: You are a poet and should travel everywhere. You can only write good poems if you see too much.
Noser looked at the notebook, but did not answer.
60. Location, riverside, night
In the moonlight of the full moon, Edward immersed his feet in the river water, trying to figure out what had happened suddenly. The "key to unlock the city" swayed on his chest.
Seeing his reflection in the water, he smiled.
At this moment, far away, on the other side of the river, a figure of a woman appeared. It's hard to tell where she came from — it must have come from the lower reaches of the water. We can't see her face.
The woman stood in the water with her back to Edward. She only squeezed the water out of her blonde hair without realizing the existence of Edward. Edward couldn't breathe anymore. This was the first time he saw a woman's carcass. He didn't dare to move, lest he scared her away.
Later, he saw a snake.
This should be a water bellied snake, it is swimming towards the woman. There was no time to think before and after, Edward jumped into the water completely out of instinct and swam desperately. The moment the snake was about to attack, he caught it.
The woman also jumped into the water and disappeared. She was afraid of men approaching herself.
Edward: Don't go, it's okay! I caught it, I caught the snake.
The turbulent water gradually calmed down, and Edward looked at what he was holding in his hand. It was a snake, but it was just an ordinary branch, without any danger at all.
Edward looked around, but unfortunately he had nowhere to find him. He didn't even see the woman's face.
Edward (continued): Wait! Sorry. Hello? !
Edward waited, expecting her to surface again, but hope was lost. Standing alone in the water, he wondered what tricks his eyes had changed, and he regarded the branches as snakes.
61. Location, by the river, at night (in the foreground)
a little girl's voice (outside the picture): There are leeches in the water!
Edward looked ashore, and it turned out to be Jenny.
Edward: Did you see that woman?
Jenny: What does she look like?
Edward: Uh, she...hmm...
Jenny: Isn't she naked?
Edward (ashamed): Yes.
Jenny (on the matter): That's not a woman, it's a fish. No one can catch her.
Edward didn't want to think about the strange things that happened today. He was going to wade onto the shore.
Jenny (continued): Different people look at that fish differently. My dad said that he watched it when he was a child, just like the huntan bear dog he used to raise from the dead.
Edward climbed ashore, drenched all over. He rolled up his trouser legs and found three translucent water frogs tightly attached to his skin.
Edward: Damn it.
He tried to get rid of them.
62. Location, the road back to town,
Edward and Jenny return to town at night .
Jenny: How old are you?
Edward: 18 years old.
Jenny: I am 8 years old. In other words, I am 18 years old and you are 28 years old. You were 38 when I was 28.
Edward (carefully): Your arithmetic is good.
Jenny: When I reach 38 years old, you will be 48 years old. The age gap is nothing at all.
Edward (eager to end this topic): But it's much worse now, eh?
63. Location, Main Street. At night, when
Edward and Jenny were approaching the Main Street, they found lanterns and streamers hung in the middle of the street. A small stage was built at one end of the road and the violinist was playing.
The whole town is celebrating Edward Bloom as the new resident of the town. Before Edward could raise an objection, the two women grabbed him by the arm and pulled him to dance. From the farmer to the baker's wife, everyone wanted to dance with Edward. He felt like a small wooden stick in a whirlpool, turning around.
Jenny grabbed his two hands and they spun wildly.
Biman took her daughter and danced with her. Then Mildred stepped in to dance with Edward. Everyone laughed loudly, almost drowning out the sound of music.
Mildred: Jenny thinks you are a sweet one. We all think so.
Edward (inaudible): What?
Mildred: I said you are a sweet one!
Edward's dance steps stopped. (Pause) He walks to Biman, Jenny is sitting on Dad's shoulders.
Edward: I have to go, and I will leave tonight.
Biman: Why?
Edward: There is everything a man wants in this town. Moreover, if I am here forever, I will consider it a kind of luck. But for now, I don't plan to stay somewhere for a long time.
Biman: No one left here.
Jenny: How can I go without shoes?
Edward: I think my feet hurt very much.
After saying this, Edward left. Everyone's dance steps stopped, and they felt it was incredible. Some people shook their heads.
Poor Edward Bloom must be crazy.
Biman (calling behind Edward): You will not find a better place than here!
Jenny (running to Edward): Promise me that you will come back.
Edward: I promise, the day I should be back, I will definitely be back.
Edward moved on.
64. The location, the gloomy forest, at night
Edward walked barefoot through the thorns, it was too terrible, almost unbearable.
Then, the situation got worse.
The tree in front is moving. At first, it looked like the wind was blowing the branches, but when we heard the creak and crackling of the wood, we were convinced: they were trying to block Edward's path.
Snake-like rhizomes shot out from the ground and wrapped around his ankles. Edward jumped up and grabbed the branch. He swings over like a swing, and rolls on the ground. Now, all the trees moved over to block him, and they stood like towers in the electric light of lightning.
Edward (outside the picture): Getting out of Ghost Town is as difficult as going there, but I am destined to go there. After all, no one can escape the fate of death.
When he was hiding under the branch, the branch hooked his key chain, and he was almost strangled to death. But the chain finally broke, and the silver key fell into the mud and disappeared.
Edward crawled forward, trying to find an exit, but it was a pity that the trees surrounded him. Their pointed branches bent down, trying to crush him to death.
He screamed desperately in the dark until he couldn't breathe.
Edward (outside the painting, continue): Later I realized that this is not the end of my life.
Edward (continue, loudly and calmly): I didn't die like this.
Another lightning. Suddenly, the trees stepped back and returned to their original positions. Edward lay barefoot in the mud puddle, laughing in the rain.
65. Location, highway,
Edward stepped barefoot on the asphalt road during the day .
A deep voice: Friend!
Edward turned to see Carl on his right, walking over the wide highway.
Carl: Where are your shoes?
Edward looked down at his bloodstained feet.
Edward: They walked ahead of me.
After saying this, the two men began to walk on a wider road.
(Dissolve)
66. Interior, dining room, at night
Edward and Will sit face to face at both ends of the table, and Sandra and Josephine sit in the middle. Although Edward had only a small plate of food in front of him, he didn't eat it. Walking down the stairs made him exhausted, but he decided to maintain the old rules of family dinners.
The other three clinked their knives and forks while eating, and the atmosphere was embarrassing. Will finally broke the silence.
Will: I don’t know if you have seen it. There are a few photos of Josephine in the latest issue of Newsweek.
Sandra: Really? marvelous!
Josephine: For this report, I stayed in Morocco for a week. It's incredible there.
Sandra: We have to buy a copy.
(Pause) Edward spoke suddenly while Will was scooping the potatoes.
Edward: Josephine, I don't know if you know, African parrots only speak French in their hometown of Congo.
Josephine (amused): Really.
Edward: I was lucky to hear them say four English words. But if you go deep in the forest, you will hear them speak the most elegant French. Except religion, those geese talk about everything: politics, movies, fashion, etc.
Will (joking): Why don't they talk about religion, Dad?
Edward: That's very impolite, I don't know who will offend it.
Will (pause): Josephine did go to Congo last year.
Edward: Oh, then you should know.
67. Interior view, grocery store,
Will pushes the shopping cart at night , and his mother checks the shopping list. Next to the fruit and vegetable shelf, Sandra puts the beans in the bag.
Will: Mom, do you think you know dad?
Sandra: Of course.
Will: I mean, do you really know what he is thinking?
Sandra: Yeah.
Will: How is that possible? You ask him a question, and it suddenly becomes another story for him. (Solidly) To be honest, you can't say you know him.
Sandra: No, Will, I do understand. Don't make arbitrary conclusions about things you don't know.
She wasn't very angry, she just felt ridiculous, but Will was breaking into the danger zone.
Sandra (continued): Do you think you know Josephine?
Will: Yes. But these are two different things...
Sandra: No, they are one thing. exactly the same. Your father and I met, got acquainted, and got married. We choose each other because at some fundamental level, we understand each other. Just like you and Josephine.
She continued to pick carrots.
Will: Josephine and I have a lot in common.
Sandra: Yeah, you all think Will Bloom is a very smart person. (Pause) The problem is that you only consider me your mother, not someone else's wife. I have been his wife longer than I have been your mother, and you can’t deny that.
Will: Exactly. But I have known him since I was born, and I still feel that I don't know him at all.
Sandra: I know it's not easy. Remember, he did not choose to be your father, and you did not choose to be his son. You just got together naturally. If you ask me, I would say that it is a miracle that parents and children can tolerate each other.
Will: But I know you, mother. I have always known you.
Sandra: Obviously you don't know enough. However, I am not the mystery you want to solve now.
68. Interior view, grocery store checkout counter,
Sandra handed her shopping voucher to the cashier in the evening . Will walked over with a copy of Newsweek.
At another checkout desk, a charming blond woman in her 50s was getting her change back. Although she and Sandra are the same age, they look much younger, wearing jeans and sneakers.
She occasionally looked at him when Will passed by, and then kept watching him walk to Sandra. It's hard to read her expression: Does she know him, or just think he is charming?
Will noticed someone staring at him. The woman turned her face.
Will racked his brains thinking—Does he know this woman?
Sandra: I almost forgot. There are some documents of your father in the basement. Go and see. I don't know which ones are important.
Will (distracted): Mom, do you know that blonde woman?
Sandra looked over. After a while, the woman turned her face consciously or unconsciously, and found that Will and Sandra were both looking at her. She smiled, then pushed the shopping cart away.
Sandra (confused): Is she your teacher?
Will: No. But it was strange, she seemed to know me.
Sandra (to the cashier): Do you know who she is?
The cashier turned to look, but only saw her in profile as she left.
Cashier: I have never seen it before, very beautiful.
69. Interior view, guest room, at night,
a portable fan sits whirling around in the corner. The volume of the radio on the bedside table is turned down very low, and an FM AM sports program is playing. Edward lay on his back on the bed, eyes closed.
Josephine lowered the curtain gently. She turned off the radio and alerted Edward—he was not completely asleep.
Edward (teasingly): Hello.
Josephine (laughs): Hello, how do you feel?
Edward: I was dreaming just now.
Josephine: What did you dream about?
He tried to remember, but couldn't remember. Josephine motioned: Can she sit on the bed? He nodded.
Edward: I always can't remember a dream unless it has a bad omen. Do you know what "bad omen" means?
Josephine shook his head.
Edward (continued): It means that the things you dream about will happen. (Pause) For example, one night, I dreamt of a crow flying over and telling me: "Your aunt is about to die." I was terrified, and quickly woke up my parents. They comforted me and said that it was just a dream and put me to bed. But the next morning, my aunt Stacey died.
Josephine: It's too unfortunate.
Edward: Unfortunately it is my aunt. But think about me, I have that kind of superpower at a young age. Within three weeks, the crow ran into his dream again and told me, "Your grandpa is dying." Oh, I rushed to my parents. My father said, it's impossible, grandpa is okay. However, I can feel my father's fear. Sure enough, my grandpa died the next morning.
He sat up slightly, cheering up.
Edward (continued): In the next few weeks, I didn't dream. Until one night, the crow came back and told me, "Your father is dying." (Pause) I didn't know what to do. But in the end I told
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