CUT TO:
INT. HOTEL GROUND FLOOR LOBBY - DAY
Bob gets out of the elevator- the Suntory group is waiting
for him. He ducks behind a wall and sneaks out a side entrance
of the hotel.
EXT. PARK HYATT - DAY
Bob comes out of the hotel into the sunlight. The street is
crowded with MOTORCYCLE GANGS going by, one waves a big flag.
Bob watches the strange scene in the street for a moment,
and then makes his way past.
CUT TO:
EXT. DAKINYAMA - DAY
He walks down a little street in a more old-fashioned
neighborhood. He's wearing new techno sneakers. He makes a
call on his cell phone.
BOB
Miss Kawasaki? It's Bob Harris...
I'm not going to be able to do that
interview today.., yeah... ok....
Yes, I'd love to stay to be on his
talk show... sure.. ok... bye.
A light rain starts as he looks at a fax from Charlotte with
a map she's drawn and tries to figure out where he is - there
are no street signs.
EXT/INT. ICHICAN SUSHI - DAY
Bob finally finds the small restaurant. The automatic door
opens for him, and Charlotte, at the bar with the cute chubby
SUSHI CHEF, turns to Bob happy to see him. He is disheveled
from the rain and adorable.
He sits down next to Charlotte, she pours him a beer and
orders for him.
CHARLOTTE
You made it.
BOB
They really have to work on that
street name thing.
A perky recording voice says "Kornichiwa!" from his pocket.
CHARLOTTE
What's that?
He pulls a pink o Kitty watch from his pocket.
BOB
It's for my daughter.
CHARLOTTE
How old is she?
BOB
Four.
CHARLOTTE
Oh, she'll love it.
The Sushi Chef gives him perfect little pieces of sushi on a
banana leaf.
Charlotte takes a bite of a piece - but it won't break, so
she has to stuff the whole thing in her mouth, embarrassed.
Bob makes fun of her gracelessness.
BOB
Nice one.
CHARLOTTE
(mouth full)
off.
They have lunch, he makes her laugh.
He looks down at her feet in flip flops, her toe is purple.
BOB
What happened to your toe?
CHARLOTTE
I don't know, I think maybe I broke
it? I knocked into something the
other day...
She slips her shoe off and shows it to him- her middle toe
is black and blue.
BOB
That doesn't look good.
She enjoys the sympathy.
CHARLOTTE
It's bad isn't it?
BOB
We should get you to the doctor.
CHARLOTTE
You think so?
BOB
Yeah, look at that thing.
She smiles at him.
CUT TO:
EXT. DAIKANYAMA STREET - DAY
Bob tries to get a taxi, finally one stops and they get in.
He tries to explain "hospital", he does pantomime, draws a
first aid cross, but the DRIVER doesn't understand. Charlotte
is enjoying Bob's effort.
Finally he finds a Park Hyatt matchbook and calls the hotel
number.
BOB
How do you say "hospital" in Japanese?
RECEPTION (O.S.)
Excuse me?
BOB
Hospital?
RECEPTION (O.S.)
One moment, please.
She transfers call, it rings.
CONCIERGE (O.S.)
Concierge desk, may I help you?
BOB
Yes, can you tell me how to say
"hospital" in Japanese?
CONCIERGE
"Hospital" in Japanese? Hosupitari.
BOB
Hosupitari?
He tells the Driver who looks at him funny. Bob says it again-
faster, with a Japanese accent. The driver nods excitedly
and drives off.
CUT TO:
INT.HOSPITAL LOBBY - DAY
Bob and Charlotte walk in, looking around at where to go.
Bob talks to a woman at the desk to explain what they need.
CUT TO:
INT. HOSPITAL 2ND FLOOR - DAY
Bob takes a seat in waiting area as Charlotte goes into a
little room with a number on it.
Bob waits next to a 100 year old lady.
CUT TO:
INT. HOSPITAL - DAY
Charlotte stands alone barefoot on a little box, wearing a
lead apron, as a MAN and ASSISTANT X-ray different angles of
her foot.
CUT TO:
INT. HOSPITAL GIFT SHOP - DAY
Bob looks around at all the Japanese gift stuff, and buys a
little stuffed bunny. His phone rings as he's paying for it.
BOB
o?
ELAINE (O.S.)
Bob, it's me.
BOB
Oh, hi, Elaine.
ELAINE (O.S.)
So, we got you on an earlier flight,
but I really think you should think
about staying for that talk show.
BOB
Ok.
ELAINE (O.S.)
You'll do it?
BOB
Yeah, I'll stay.
CUT TO:
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY
Charlotte's foot X-rays are displayed on a big light box. An
older DOCTOR talks about them in Japanese to his younger
ASSISTANT as he wraps Charlotte's toes together. She doesn't
know what they're talking about.
INT. HOSPITAL WAITING ROOM - DAY
Charlotte comes out where Bob waits with the little stuffed
bunny.
CHARLOTTE
Is that for me?
CUT TO:
EXT. PARK HYATT - LATE AFTERNOON
Bob and Charlotte arrive back at the massive hotel, they
stroll in casually, she is carrying the stuffed rabbit in
her arm.
CUT TO:
INT. HOTEL SPA BATH - EVENING
Bob reclines in the big Japanese wooden tub, steam rises as
he is turning red. His phone rings. He dries his hands quickly
to reach it before it stops ringing.
BOB
o?
LYDIA (O.S.)
Bob?
BOB
Hi, Lydia.
LYDIA (O.S.)
Is this a bad time?
BOB
Uh, no.
LYDIA (O.S.)
(O.S.) It's really hard to reach
you... Did you get the carpet samples?
I like the burgundy.
BOB
Ok, whatever you think... I'm lost.
LYDIA (O.S.)
It's just carpet.
BOB
That's not what I'm talking about.
LYDIA (O.S.)
What are you talking about?
BOB
I don't know.
LYDIA (O.S.)
Is there anything I can do?
BOB
I don't know... I want to be more
healthy. I want to eat better.
LYDIA (O.S.)
What?
BOB
You know, eat healthier.
LYDIA (O.S.)
Alright?
BOB
Not all that pasta.
LYDIA (O.S.)
Fine.
BOB
Like Japanese food.
LYDIA (O.S.)
(sarcastic)
Why don't you just stay there, and
you can have it everyday.
BOB
Oh, come on.
LYDIA (O.S.)
I have to go, Adam's tormenting Zoe,
I'll talk to you later. Are you going
to be Ok?
BOB
Yeah, I'll be fine. Bye.
CUT TO:
INT. CAR - NIGHT
Bob rides in the back of a cab.
CHARLOTTE (V.O.)
(voice-mail message)
Hi Bob, it's Charlotte... how are
you doing today?... I'm going to
meet Charlie and those guys at this
place called Orange around ten...
come meet us if you get this...
CUT TO:
EXT. OFFICE BUILDING - NIGHT
Bob's cab pulls up at an empty office building.
INT. OFFICE BUILDING - NIGHT
Bob looks at a fax from Charlotte with a map, wondering if
he's in the right place. It's quiet and looks like a generic
office building.
He goes in the little metal elevator, and the door opens on
the 8th floor onto a little nightclub you would have never
thought was there.
CUT TO:
INT. ORANGE NIGHTCLUB - NIGHT
Lights strobe and Peaches' seedy " the Pain Away" booms
through the speakers.
Tan JAPANESE STRIPPERS with platinum hair dance and hang
from a pole on a little platform.
Bob sits alone on a brown ultra suede couch feeling out of
place and empty.
He looks over at a table of young AMERICAN INVESTMENT BROKERS.
He wishes he wasn't there, but tries to seem comfortable.
Charlotte shows up with Charlie and the other guys. She sits
down next to him, and gives him an 'are you going to kill
me?' look.
CHARLOTTE
How long have you been here?
He looks at her like it's been forever. She smiles for
forgiveness.
They look over and see a WEIRD GUY in the corner getting a
lap dance, they look at each other, sharing the joke of the
place, but both uncomfortable about the sexuality of it.
Through a beaded curtain, Charlie and Bambi get lap dances
in a dark corner of pillows.
Charlotte looks at Bob.
CHARLOTTE
C'mon, let's go.
CUT TO:
EXT. TOKYO STREETS - NIGHT
Bob and Charlotte go up to a cab, but the driver refuses
them. They don't know why, but just make their way down an
empty side street. Little plastic cherry blossom decorations
hang above them.
BOB
Where's your husband?
CHARLOTTE
(like she's said it a
million times)
Working.
BOB
Do you ever see him?
CHARLOTTE
(sorta)
Yeah.
BOB
Do you know where we are?
CHARLOTTE
No.
She puts a coin in a vending machine and takes a cold sake
"one-cup". A tiny brad Pitt head smiles at her next to an
iced coffee.
CHARLOTTE
Isn't it weird there are no street
names in Tokyo... you'd think a city
like this would have street names...
you need a map to get anywhere...
look, there are no signs...
They keep walking, small figures on a little empty street.
FADE OUT:
INT. PARK HYATT LOBBY - NIGHT
As they make their way back, they pass a lounge off the lobby.
It's late, it's pretty empty, a housekeeper vacuums and
just a SLEEPING MAN sits in the back of the lounge, and a
snuggled up romantic JAPANESE COUPLE sit close to: Kelly,
the blonde actress, singing to them.
She stands facing them with a karaoke mic singing "Nobody
Does It Better" with all her heart.
Bob and Charlotte look at each other and keep walking (trying
to be invisible).
FADE IN:
INT.CHARLOTTE'S HOTEL ROOM - MORNING
Charlotte lies in bed. She picks up a photo next to the bed
as she dials the phone.-
The picture is of her and John on their honeymoon. The phone
answers - it's a weird Japanese recording.
CHARLOTTE
Um..Hi, John, if this is your phone?
I'm not sure...I'm going to go to
Kyoto for the day...I'11 try you
when I get back. Hope it's going
good... I love you, bye.
INT. TRAIN - DAY
Charlotte watches the Japanese countryside go by out her
window.
EXT. KYOTO - DAY
Charlotte walks through a beautiful garden. She's a small
figure in the landscape.
She approaches a temple where she stops to watch a wedding
procession. A young bride and groom in traditional kimono
walk under a parasol with their family.
Charlotte looks as- the nervous, young bride clutches her
mother's hand. The young groom walks along with them.
Charlotte is moved by the whole scene, the beauty of the
temple and the wedding party. Her eyes well up.
CUT TO:
She walks up a narrow path, surrounded by red maple leaves.
At the top of a little hill, she comes up to a shrine.
At its entrance she sees a tree covered in little white pieces
of paper tied to its branches. She sees Japanese people
writing on the paper and tying them to the tree. Charlotte
writes her wish on a paper and ties it to a branch.
CUT TO:
INT. T.V. STUDIO - DAY
Exciting music plays as the talk/game show starts.
Bob, in an elegant suit, goes out to meet the HOST.
TV HOST
(in Japanese)
We hear you're quite a golfer.
A TRANSLATOR translates.
BOB
(nodding)
I enjoy the sport.
The Translator translates - four sentences longer and with
added enthusiasm.
After a few questions the Host excitedly announces something
to the AUDIENCE in Japanese. They scream, the lights flash,
Bob has no idea what's going on.
A cloud of smoke reveals the IRON CHEF, with feathered hair,
wearing an 18th century waistcoat. A large red chef hat is
placed on Bob's head.
TRANSLATOR
They now have the compe ion for
you with the Iron Chef.
Bob looks around as a counter is pulled up to him and now
Bob and the Iron Chef are at dueling counters. The Host barks
instructions in Japanese, an apron with a stuffed animal
lobster on it is tied around Bob, the crowd cheers - there's
no way out.
CUT TO:
INT. CAR - NIGHT
Bob rides in the back of the presidential, looking out the
window at the city.
He pulls a polaroid out of his pocket and looks at it. It's
Charlotte, peering over her shoulder with a little smile,
from their sake-drenched night at Nobu's compound.
INT. PARK HYATT BAR - NIGHT
Melodramatic '70s Japanese music plays. Bob sits alone, hating
himself, at the bar. The redheaded Jazz Singer takes a break,
and a seat next to him.
CUT TO:
INT. BOB'S ROOM - MORNING
In the harsh-morning light, Bob wakes up in his bed.
He hears the Jazz Singer singing in the shower "Midnight at
the Oasis".
Her red mane of hair passes frame as she ushers in room
service. She seems to have taken over the whole room. He
wants it all to go away. She walks off to the bathroom and
there's a knock at the door. Bob rushes to get it before she
can.
He opens the door a crack, Charlotte looking sweet, is
standing there. Her hair is back in a pony-tail. Bob's just
wearing a towel around his waist, and his hair is sticking
up.
CHARLOTTE
Rough night?
He's not in the mood, he looks at her like he already hates
himself, doesn't need more help.
CHARLOTTE
I'm going to Daikanyama, do you want
to come walk around?
BOB
Yes, but no, I can't right now.
The singer starts singing again in the background.
Charlotte gives Bob a look.
CHARLOTTE
Oh, I guess you're busy, huh.
BOB
I don't want to be.
He watches Charlotte walk away down the beige hall.
CUT TO:
EXT. TOKYO STREETS - DAY
Bob is walking down the crowded street looking for Charlotte,
when his cell phone rings.
BOB
o?
LYDIA (O.S.)
o, Bob, it's me.
BOB
(can't hear)
o?
LYDIA (O.S.)
It's Lydia, your wife.
BOB
I couldn't hear you. How are you?
LYDIA
(sighs)
Fine. Is it going ok?
BOB
It's ok.
LYDIA (O.S.)
Do you want to-
(garbled)
BOB
What?
LYDIA (O.S.)
Do you want to talk to Zoe?
BOB
Yeah.
LYDIA (O.S.)
(calls in background)
Zoe, come say o to your father...
A little girl's voice shouts "No!" in the background.
LYDIA (O.S.)
I guess she's busy.
BOB
That's ok.
LYDIA (O.S.)
When are you coming home?
BOB
Tomorrow.
LYDIA (O.S.)
Her ballet recital is Saturday, don't
forget.
BOB
Ok.
In the background the daughter calls for her Mommy over and
over and a dog starts barking.
LYDIA (O.S.)
Ok, well, travel safely. See you
soon.
BOB
Bye.
CUT TO:
EXT. ICHICAN SUSHI RESTAURANT - DAY
Charlotte, with sunglasses on, leans against the wall as Bob
approaches.
CHARLOTTE
You can't get sushi anywhere in Japan
after 2 o'clock. Did you know that?
BOB
No, we'll find something around here.
She goes with him.
CUT TO:
INT. SHABU SHABU RESTAURANT - DAY
Bob and Charlotte are seated at a big booth in a corny Shabu
Shabu restaurant.
CHARLOTTE
The Jazz singer? The red-head?
Bob looks at her like- don't make it worse.
CHARLOTTE
Well, I guess she's more around your
age... You guys could talk about
things in common, like growing up in
the fifties.
BOB
You're a brat, wasn't there anyone
else around to lavish you with
attention?
She scowls at him.
The waitress brings them drinks- she pours beer slowly, and
turns on a pot on the table to cook their food.
Charlotte looks at the menu - it is filled with photos of
different trays of meat. The waitress doesn't speak English.
CHARLOTTE
I can't tell the difference?
They have trouble ordering, but point to a picture on the
menu.
BOB
We'll have two of these.
He makes some small talk, she is bugged.
BOB
What do you want to drink?
CHARLOTTE
A coke.
He orders the drinks.
BOB
So, where'd you go today.
CHARLOTTE
Around.
"This is the End" by The Doors starts playing on the stereo.
The waitress brings two huge trays of sliced raw beef. Steam
rises from the pot on the table.
The song ends, and another Doors song comes on.
CHARLOTTE
They're not going to play the whole
album, are they?
They look across the table, over the steam and meat, at each
other- the whole thing is awful.
FADE OUT:
INT.CHARLOTTE'S HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT
In the darkness, under covers, Charlotte is woken up by a
loud fire alarm.
CUT TO:
EXT. PARK HYATT - NIGHT
The fire alarm booms as the hotel guests and staff hurry out
of the hotel.
Amidst the crowd of Hotel guests in their pajamas, Charlotte
finds Bob- he's wearing a kimono and slippers. She's in boxer
shorts and an undershirt and slippers.
BOB
I'm sorry.
CHARLOTTE
That lunch was the worst, huh.
He laughs.
She looks down at his feet stuffed into the little hotel
slippers.
CHARLOTTE
When are you leaving?
BOB
Tomorrow.
CHARLOTTE
(friendly)
I'm going to miss you.
BOB
That's what you said the other night.
CHARLOTTE
Well, I mean it more now.
CUT TO:
INT. PARK HYATT BAR - NIGHT
and Charlotte, still in their pajamas, sit at their usual
spot at the bar, with the bartender, drinking cold sake. She
lights two cigarettes and passes one to him.
A NEW JAZZ BAND is now playing. The SINGER is full of
enthusiasm as they start their stint at the Park Hyatt.
NEW SINGER
Good Evening. I'm Carl West, and
we're thrilled to be joining you
this week, here at the NY bar in
Shinjuku.
He sings "Where or When" with all his heart.
Now, old-timers there, Bob and Charlotte look at each other
and chuckle.
SINGER
Jt seems we stood and talked like
this before, we looked at each
other in the same way thenr but
I cant remember where or when...
Bob and Charlotte sit there together.
BOB
I don't want to go back tomorrow.
CHARLOTTE
I know. But, it doesn't last, you
have to go back sometime.
BOB
Why can't it last?
CHARLOTTE
I don't know, it just doesn't, reality
changes things....we can't stay here
forever, unless maybe we started a
Jazz band.
(alt Charlotte dialog: I don't know it just doesn't, reality
changes things...and we can't stay here forever)
He looks over at her.
The singer continues Where or When, as they sit there
together, the view sparkling.
SINGER (O.C.)
Somethings that happen for the first
time, seem to be happening again
and so it seems we have met before,
and laughed before, and loved
before, but who knows where or
when...
CUT TO:
INT. ELEVATOR - NIGHT
Bob and Charlotte, drunk in the elevator.
CHARLOTTE
54?
He nods, she pushes 54 for him and 56 for herself.
They look at each other across the empty elevator, both
leaning against the walls.
The elevator stops at 54, he leans in to kiss her good-night.
They kiss like you would on the cheek- but it's closer to
their mouths. The door shuts- he missed his floor.
The elevator continues up, and stops on her floor. They kiss
good-night again and she gets out before the door closes.
He watches the door close on her as she makes her way down
the long beige hall.
FADE OUT:
INT. CHARLOTTE'S ROOM - DAY
A fax comes through the machine in the empty room.
IT'S A NOTE AND CUTE DRAWING FROM JOHN -
SEE YOU ON SATURDAY, I MISS YOU..."
CUT TO:
INT. PARK HYATT LOBBY LOUNGE - DAY
A sexy EXECUTIVE WOMAN asks Bob for a light. He looks at her
great legs as he lights her cigarette. He looks around,
keeping an eye out for Charlotte. The group of commercial
people arrive to see him off.
He excuses himself for a moment and goes to a phone on a
little table in the corner.
Bob picks up the house phone.
RECEPTION (O.S.)
o? Yes?
BOB
o, can I have room 5601.
RECEPTION
One moment.
Traditional Japanese music plays on hold.
RECEPTION
I will connect you.
Bob gets the room voice-mail.
BOB
Uh...Hi, Charlotte... it's me, Bob...
ok, I guess you're not there... wanted
to say good-bye...
He hangs up, feeling lame.
CUT TO:
INT. HOTEL RECEPTION -DAY
Bob with his bags tries to call again. The commercial people
and hotel staff crowd around to help him, asking about his
stay.
BOB
Charlotte?
CHARLOTTE
Hi, Bob.
BOB
I'm just leaving.... do you have my
jacket?
CHARLOTTE
Uh, yeah... I'll bring it down.
BOB
That'd be great.
CHARLOTT
E Ok, see you in a second.
A member of the hotel staff brings him an envelope on a little
silver tray.
Miss Kawasaki gives him some gifts from their company in
traditional Japanese wrapping, he doesn't know what to do
with them and has to carry them.
The Executive Woman from the bar walks up to him. He hangs
up the phone.
BOB
0hr hi.
EXEC WOMAN
You're leaving?
She looks at him like, we could have had some fun.
BOB
Yeah, yeah, I'm going.
He sees Charlotte come out of the elevator.
BOB
I have to go, thanks, bye.
He rushes over to Charlotte. She looks at his bag.
CHARLOTTE
Just saying good-bye to everyone
before you leave?
BOB
Yes, no.
She hands him his jacket.
BOB
Thanks.
She waits for him to say something more. He wants to tell
her he loves her, that she should come with him.
CHARLOTTE
That's it?
The concierge tells him his car is here.
CHARLOTTE
You're leaving right now?
BOB
Yes.
CHARLOTTE
Well... have a good flight.
BOB
Thanks.
CHARLOTTE
(hurt)
Ok, bye.
She walks away.
A hotel manager asks Bob about his luggage, another asks if
he had a pleasant stay. Charlotte gets in the elevator to go
out, the doors close on her back.
CUT TO:
EXT. PARK HYATT - DAY
It's bright outside the main entrance. A presidential pulls
up and the automatic door opens. Bob squints as the Bellboy
in white gloves slowly loads his luggage into the trunk.
INT. CAR - DAY
In the backseat, Bob leans back on the little doily.
The car pulls away.
Around the corner, he looks down a crowded alley and sees
Charlotte's blonde hair.
BOB
Can you pull over a second?
The DRIVER, wearing white cloth gloves, pulls the car over
slowly. Bob tries to open the door'99 it won't open, he has
to wait for the automatic doors to open for him (slowly).
EXT. TOKYO STREETS - DAY
Bob gets out and rushes down the street to where he saw
Charlotte. The street is crowded with JAPANESE PEOPLE, and
different colored umbrellas, (it's sunny out with a light
rain).
Music blasts from speakers on the street, and there is some
promo going on with GIRLS handing out little cologne samples.
Bob looks around for her, but only sees dark hair, umbrellas,
and super tan JAPANESE KIDS.
In the distance an umbrella moves to reveal Charlotte.
BOB
CHARLOTTE!
But she can't hear him over the loudspeaker. He rushes to
her.
C.U. she turns and we see she is crying.
The music swells. He embraces her, holding her close to him
in the crowd.
BOB
Why are you crying?
CHARLOTTE
(sincere)
I'll miss you.
He kisses her, hugs her good-bye.
BOB
I know, I'm going to miss you, too.
He holds her close.
CUT TO:
Charlotte watches Bob as he reaches his car, he turns and
looks at her.
She smiles at him, and is lost in the crowd.
Bob gets into his car.
CUT TO:
Charlotte walks with the crowd as they go on their way.
CUT TO:
INT. CAR - DAY
Back in the Presidential, alone, Bob leans against the little
doily. They drive off.
He looks out the window, Bob's happy he's going home, he's
happy he came to Tokyo.
Bob's P.O.V.- Tokyo goes past his window.
FADE TO BLACK:
THE END