Thank you Interstellar (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)

So, here's my full disclaimer that I am not a screenwriter and have no intention to ever be a screenwriter. But, someone's gotta write a script so I locked in today, put the Interstellar soundtrack on repeat, and started to write.

The basic structure of the script goes:
- Introduction of main character and situation (through voiceover), minor introduction of engineer character

- Introduction of routine of character and experiences, etc.

- First important encounter with engineer, still impersonal

- SOMETHING THAT I STILL HAVENT FIGURED OUT

- Discussion with engineer discussing humanity

- Realization (climax)

- "Death" and revelation

That's the main points of the plot. I had originally gotten rid of the implemented memories because I didn't love the direction is was taking the narrative in, but I decided to tweak it a little to keep it in because I feel like it adds in another layer of conflict. 

Collective Unconscious

Instead of implementing a specific person's memories, I thought it would be better if the researchers/scientists implement general "memories". I basically got this idea from psychologist Carl Jung, who believed that there is an unconscious part of the brain that is shared by all humans. This unconscious part holds universal shared human experiences that transcend cultures, like memories, symbols, and emotions that eventually shape human behavior. I like how this theory matches the idea that he won't be able to experience "humanity" without the addition of this collective unconscious to his database thing. This also introduces another conflict, which is the character being basically inserted a deeper idea of emotions without actually being able to experience them (this would lead to him becoming overwhelmed, a metaphorical crashout session but mechanical, and the final discussion with the engineer). In the script, I actually wrote that the audience will also be able to see these images (they come like dreams to him). which I'm excited about because it'll add visual contrast to the monotony of the room. I think it'll be cool if we shot those scenes similar to the style in The Tree of Life.

Still from The Tree of Life

So yeah, the script's not completely finished yet but I feel good about what we have for now. My main fear is that it'll be too boring, but there's honestly nothing else I can add sooo.

Script (halfway done)

THE DIVINE SYNTHETIC

Screenplay by

Daniela Saffon and Megan Kelly

INT -  Experiment Room

A woman sits in a messy room. She’s surrounded by drawings scattered across the walls. The room itself is dark, like no one has been there in a while. She holds a voice recording device in her hand. Takes a breath and presses play.

Fade to black

We open back up in the same room. This time, however, the room isn't dark or messy. A man, wearing white clothes that perfectly fit his body, faces his back to the camera, a woman tinkers with the back of his neck. The cold lights that shine on his body gives the impression of a sterilized hospital room. From the back, he resembles a human enough. The camera pans to reveal his face. His features all resemble those of humans apart from the metallic contraption protruding from his neck. 

THE SUBJECT (V.O.)

Day Seven. Symptoms are much the same. Yesterday, I received the second implant of memories, building a sort of psych archive in my mind bank, like a bed of human experiences.

The V.O. continues as the woman deftly works.

THE SUBJECT (V.O.)

I get the fragments mostly during my dormant phases. The closest I experience to what your kind call dreams. I do believe that the memory enhancements are speeding up the process.

EXT. PARK

Inserts of the scene he is explaining

THE SUBJECT (V.O. cont.)

This set came with images of two adults and a child. A family. Laughter echoed in the scene, and the sun shone on the horizon. 

We cut back to the room.

INT - EXPERIMENT ROOM

Now, the android is alone. He holds the recording device in his hand. He sighs and ends the recording. 

The android stands up and walks over to the nearby desk. A plant sits on the surface. The vibrant green pops out amongst the grays and whites and blacks. He goes over to water it.

FADE TO BLACK

We see the android go through his daily routine as a new voiceover starts. He watches movies, cares for the plant, cleans the room.

THE SUBJECT (V.O.)

Day 18. The artificial memories come more frequently now. I’ve been fed a myriad of human experiences by now. Food, childhood, traveling, isolation, learning, loss, routine…death. Abstract ideas to me that make up the everyday life of you. I’ve also begun to consume human art. From the classics to the modern age. It really is fascinating how you have been able to reflect ……

The android sits down, going into its dormant phase. 

EXT.

We see some more artificial memories, this time a montage of couples.

INT. EXPERIMENT ROOM

THE SUBJECT

The images come too quickly now. Everything that accompanies them is so…overwhelming. The sensations. It’s like nothing I ever thought I could experience.

ENGINEER

(while writing on notepad)

As you know, you're a first generation prototype. There's still a lot of kinks we have to work out. [BEAT] I can look into your [insert techy terminology that I don't know] to make sure everything is running smoothly. 

The engineer performs an operation similar to the last time they met. This time is different though. The andriod is more perceptive, watching her intently as she works.

ENGINEER 

(finishing)

Alright that should help with the overwhelming data. Let me know if anything else comes up.

BEAT

THE SUBJECT

(genuine)

Thank you