To Deny DiCaprio (A Screenplay)
LOGLINE
TO DENY DiCAPRIO
(A SCREENPLAY) *
Written by Yuri Yurq
LOGLINE:
A young pizza delivery guy writes the ultimate Hollywood script — one that can only be filmed if Leonardo DiCaprio personally says yes.
Just as billions are within reach and Hollywood is ready to celebrate — and seethe with envy... he meets her.
* — VISUAL CONCEPT. All scenes featuring Leonardo DiCaprio are cold sepia — they are pages from Leo Goldberg’s screenplay “To Deny DiCaprio”. The “real world” (Leo Goldberg & Eva Kaufmann) is in full color. The two palettes begin to bleed into each other starting from the Opera scene. Mandatory condition for production: The role of Leonardo DiCaprio must be played by Leonardo DiCaprio himself. No exceptions. No CGI. No deepfake.
ACT ONE. Scene 1
1. INT. LEO GOLDBERG'S APARTMENT - LOS ANGELES - LATE NIGHT
FRIDAY, AUGUST 25
Sweltering heat. The air is thick, almost solid.
A tired box fan sluggishly pushes hot air around the room. The place looks like a fortress under a long and brutal siege.
Walls are plastered with rejected scripts, shredded magazine pages, and studio rejection letters from Warner Bros., Netflix, Universal, and A24 — all stamped boldly in red: “TOO WEIRD,” “NOT FOR US,” “REJECTED.”
Crumpled pages litter the floor like deposed monarchs.
The camera finds a massive, weathered poster of LEONARDO DICAPRIO (The Revenant).
Right across his face, slashed in bold red marker:
“TO DENY LEO”
On the floor, forgotten here and there, are empty pizza boxes, cans of Red Bull, and sheets of paper covered in dense handwriting.
At a battered desk sits LEO GOLDBERG (28), hunched over an ancient laptop held together by duct tape. Several keys are missing.
His fingers hammer the keys... The final lines...
He freezes.
LEO
(quietly)
“...and in that moment he realized:
...to refuse...
...is the only way they remember you.”
A beat.
His finger hovers over the key. Then, he strikes it.
LEO
(exhale)
Yeah.
Silence.
Leo slowly sinks back onto the couch. He stares into the ceiling.
LEO
This is it.
A beat.
LEO
(finally)
Done.
He closes his eyes... then, they snap open. He stands and walks to the poster.
He stares DICAPRIO dead in the eyes.
LEO
To deny Leo...
He smears the red marker with his palm.
Leo crosses to the printer. It hums to life, spitting out pages.
While it prints, he grabs a plain cardboard folder, carefully slides the script and contract inside, then writes across it in bold red:
“TO DENY DiCAPRIO”
He sets the folder on the table.
Leo moves to the window and parts the blinds. In the distance, the Hollywood sign glows mockingly on the hillside.
He picks up his phone, scrolls to “AGENT — STEVE”, and dials.
LEO
(under his breath)
Steve, my man...
He dials.
LEO
(into phone)
Steve? It’s me... No, I’m not drunk. You know me! Listen - I’ve got a script... The script. It’s worth a billion dollars.
A torrent of muffled profanity explodes from the speaker.
Leo pulls the phone away from his ear.
Then — CLICK.
LEO
(exasperated)
Goddamn it, Steve...
He instantly hits redial.
LEO
(cutting through the noise)
Steve... Steve! Just wait. Listen to me.
The shouting dies down.
LEO
One condition...
He stares at the folder.
LEO
...Only one man on Earth gets to buy in.
LEO
And that man... is Leonardo.
LEO
DiCaprio.
CUT TO:
ACT ONE. Scene 2
2. INT. STEVE’S BEDROOM - THE VALLEY - LATE NIGHT
FRIDAY, AUGUST 25
A cheap but trying-hard-to-look-successful bedroom of a low-level Hollywood agent. Gold satin sheets on a large bed, a few framed photos of Steve posing with mid-tier actors on the walls. On the nightstand is the business card of the producer he had been trying to reach for three years, a heavy watch, and an open laptop displaying a commission spreadsheet.
STEVE (mid-50s) lies in his bed.
STEVE
(annoyed, under his breath)
What a dumbass...
Without looking, Steve opens the nightstand drawer, takes out a pill bottle, and takes one pill. Hesitates. Then another. He reaches for the plastic water bottle...
His phone vibrates. He glances at the screen: UNKNOWN CALLER.
STEVE
(answer, brusque)
Steve. Talk.
INTERCUT - LEO'S APARTMENT / STEVE'S BEDROOM
LEO
(urgent, desperate)
I’ll pay you, Steve! I swear to God... Just don’t hang up! Please, hear me out.
Steve stays silent, listening.
LEO
One thousand dollars. For five minutes of your time tomorrow. I’ll send five hundred now. The rest in cash.
A long beat.
STEVE
Two thousand... For my five minutes.
A beat.
LEO
(quietly)
That’s everything I ha-.
LEO
(interrupting himself)
Okay.
STEVE
Good.
A beat.
Ten minutes. Or don’t come.
Steve hangs up.
Leo stares at the phone, then at the folder "To Deny DiCaprio".
He opens his banking app.
INSERT - PHONE SCREEN:
TRANSFER SUCCESSFUL: $1,000.00 to STEVE T.
REMAINING BALANCE: $12.45.
Leo stares at the number. Doesn’t react.
The phone screen slowly dims to black.
LEO
(parodying the Terminator)
I’ll... be... back.
A beat.
LEO
Come on!
LEO
(quietly, to himself)
To deny Leo… You really think you can do this?
CUT TO:
ACT ONE. Scene 3
3. INT. LEO GOLDBERG'S APARTMENT - LOS ANGELES - EARLY MORNING
FRIDAY, AUGUST 25
Bright early morning sunlight cuts through the broken blinds in sharp golden beams. Outside, birds chirp loudly, mixing with the distant rumble of a garbage truck making its rounds.
The old laptop is still open on the desk. On the screen glows the final page of the script:
"THE END"
The room is clean and tidy. Everything is in its place.
The Arctic Monkeys' "The Bad Thing" begins to play.
Leo slowly lifts his head from the desk, stretches his stiff neck, and stands up. He walks to the bathroom and splashes cold water on his face.
He pulls on a black T-shirt featuring a faded "TITANIC" print.
Picks up the folder from the table. "TO DENY DiCAPRIO." Slide it carefully into the thermal pizza backpack.
Straps it on. Grabs his longboard in one hand, a garbage bag in the other.
EXT. LEO'S APARTMENT BUILDING - CONTINUOUS
Full of jittery positive energy, Leo charges down the old creaky stairs and bursts out onto the street.
A PIZZA SHOP MASCOT — a sad fiberglass slice — waves mechanically. Leo salutes it.
EXT. LOS ANGELES STREETS - CONTINUOUS
Leo skates swiftly down the street on his longboard. His backpack is strapped tightly to his back. The morning sun glares off the asphalt.
He moves with fast, practiced efficiency — delivery after delivery. Stop. Grab. Go to the door. Hand over. Pocket the tip. Push off. Repeat.
He stops in front of a Spanish-style villa. Rings the doorbell. An elderly HOUSEWIFE in oversized sunglasses opens the door.
She takes the pizza box and hands him a five-dollar bill.
LEO
(grinning)
Thanks, ma’am!
He pockets the bill, steps back onto his board.
LEO
(loud, parodying the Terminator)
I’ll... be... back.
Next stop. And next... and next...
His face is focused and determined.
Every movement is quick, automatic, almost mechanical.
EXT. GRIFFITH PARK - GRASSY OVERLOOK -
LATER
Leo sits on a slope overlooking the Hollywood Sign. His longboard and delivery backpack rest beside him.
He unwraps a sandwich and takes out a bottle of water.
Eats slowly, almost absentmindedly, staring at the giant white letters.
His phone pings.
He pulls it out. Ten missed calls.
One voicemail from Steve.
He taps play.
STEVE (V.O.)
(irritated, almost shouting)
Leo, you fucking idiot! Where the hell are you-.
Leo cancels the message mid-sentence.
The phone vibrates in his hand. Incoming call.
INSERT - PHONE SCREEN:
INCOMING CALL: AGENT STEVE
Leo doesn't answer. Pockets the phone.
He wraps up the sandwich and shoves it into his backpack. Caps the water bottle, shoves that in too.
Slings the backpack on. Grabs the longboard.
Pushes off down the hill, gaining speed.
CUT TO:
ACT ONE. Scene 4
4. INT. STEVE’S OFFICE - LOS ANGELES - EVENING
FRIDAY, AUGUST 25
A small, cluttered office in an old building. The walls are covered with faded movie posters of films STEVE "almost" sold. The desk is buried under stacks of scripts, empty coffee cups, and an ashtray shaped like a Cannes Palme d'Or, overflowing with cigarette butts. A fresh cigarette smolders in it.
LEO enters, holding a cardboard folder. He looks tired but determined.
Steve turns from the window, walks to his desk, and sits. He lights a new cigarette. It’s clear he barely slept.
STEVE
(not looking up)
You're a whole...
(checks watch)
day late.
А beat.
STEVE
I was starting to think you changed your mind and decided to keep... My thousand dollars.
(chuckles)
Leo places the folder squarely on the desk.
LEO
Here. The script. And the contract.
Steve takes a drag, then holds up his hand, rubbing his fingers together. The universal sign for money.
LEO
It’s in the folder.
Steve opens it. Ten hundred-dollar bills sit on top of the title page. He flips past them, skimming the first few pages.
STEVE
You want me to read this in five minutes?
LEO
I don’t have time. Job. And you already took the money.
Steve sighs. Leans back in his chair and stares at Leo for a long, appraising moment.
STEVE
You know what’s funny?
I spent all night wondering if maybe — just maybe — you actually wrote something decent this time.
Then I remembered how many "genius scripts written specifically for DiCaprio" you've already dragged through my door.
LEO
(calm)
This time is different, Steve.
Steve closes the folder. Rests his hand on it. lights another cigarette.
STEVE
If this is another piece of shit… I swear to God, I never want to see your face again.
He chuckles dryly.
LEO
Good. And if it’s not… then I just paid two thousand dollars for my first real script.
Steve stares at Leo in silence.
STEVE
(quietly, almost to himself)
Two thousand dollars… for something that could be worth how much, Leo?
LEO
Billions.
Steve looks at the folder one last time. Sweeps it off the desk into a drawer.
Leo nods. Turns. Heads for the door.
LEO
(at the threshold, without looking back)
Don’t undersell it, Steve.
Leo exits. The door clicks shut.
Steve takes a deep drag.
The door swings open again.
LEO
(stands in the frame)
I've sealed it on the blockchain. Forever. Don’t waste time.
Leo steps out. Leaves the door wide open behind him.
Steve lights a new cigarette and takes a deep drag.
CUT TO:
ACT ONE. Scene 5
5. INT. CRAWFORD’S OFFICE - APEX PICTURES STUDIOS - EARLY MORNING
SATURDAY, AUGUST 26
A spacious, modern office. Pages of the script and the contract are spread across a large conference table.
Behind the table sits PRODUCER CRAWFORD (50+), along with three experts clearly dragged out of bed: the studio’s HEAD WRITER, a top ENTERTAINMENT LAWYER, and a MARKET ANALYST.
HEAD WRITER
(quietly excited)
This is strong material. Solid structure, the dialogue pops. One of the best original scripts I’ve read in years.
LAWYER
The contract is clean. Standard 24-hour escrow window. No hidden liabilities. We can sign.
ANALYST
If DiCaprio even touches this project, the upside is massive. Tens of billions in long-term value.
Crawford silently taps his fingers on the table.
CRAWFORD
I want ironclad confirmation. Go through the contract again. Every comma. Every space. I want this airtight. No surprises with DiCaprio.
His phone RINGS. He checks the screen, raises a hand for silence and answers.
CRAWFORD
(into phone, warm)
Hey, belov-…
He catches himself. Clears his throat.
CRAWFORD (CONT'D)
(listening, dry)
Shakespeare? Please, don’t start—
(shifts tone)
Look, I believe you. But I’m in a critical meeting. Are we still on for tonight? Good. See you later.
He hangs up.
A beat.
CRAWFORD
(to the team)
Continue.
ANALYST
We can run a preliminary valuation. If everything goes smoothly, this could be a major event.
Crawford nods.
The door cracks open. His ASSISTANT pokes her head in.
ASSISTANT
Mr. Crawford. He's here. Five minutes.
Crawford stands abruptly.
CRAWFORD
That’s it. Thank you, everyone. Dismissed.
The experts quickly gather their papers and hurry out.
Crawford remains alone. He walks to the floor-to- ceiling window. Outside, the Hollywood sign sits under a low, grey sky. Drizzle streaks the glass.
He adjusts his tie. Takes a slow, deep breath.
CUT TO:
ACT ONE. Scene 6
6. INT. CRAWFORD’S OFFICE - APEX PICTURES - DAY
SATURDAY, AUGUST 26
Crawford sits across from LEONARDO DICAPRIO and his assistant EWA.
Crawford slides a tablet across the table toward Leonardo DiCaprio.
CRAWFORD
Leo, I need you to sign the agreement.
DICAPRIO
You need me to?
CRAWFORD
Right now. Electronic signature. Without your approval, the studio can't touch the script.
DICAPRIO
Hmm... I barely recognize you, Crawford.
Crawford forces a smile.
DICAPRIO
(taking the tablet)
Another undiscovered genius?
CRAWFORD
Worse. Young, cocky, and with very strange conditions. But the material… it’s interesting. Otherwise, I wouldn't bother you!
Ewa takes the tablet from Leonardo's hands and scrolls rapidly.
EWA
Leo, can I have a look?
A beat.
EWA
(reading)
Standard clauses… Section 4.2… Section 7… Everything looks clean.
DICAPRIO
That’s it?
EWA
(without looking up)
There’s an addendum, but nothing critical.
CRAWFORD
(avoiding Leonardo's eyes)
You’re not actually thinking of acting in this, are you?
DICAPRIO
Of course not!
EWA
(returning the tablet to Leo)
I confirm it’s safe. I recommend you sign. But only recommend.
No involvement from your side. Not as an actor, not as a producer, not even as a consultant. Otherwise, the contract is invalid.
CRAWFORD
Why would you? Your schedule is booked solid for the next three years. This is just some kid who wrote the script between Mortal Kombat, pizza deliveries, and watching your old interviews on YouTube.
DICAPRIO
(to EWA)
So... should I read this?
CRAWFORD
You don’t have to. It’s only 112 pages. For you, that’s like one long tweet.
(thoughtfully, almost to himself) Although... there is one scene...
He catches himself. Too late. He looks down, fidgeting with his cufflink.
DICAPRIO
A scene?
CRAWFORD
(gaze drifting to the window)
Ahh… a short scene in the bathroom that might be… No, nothing interesting, Leo.
DICAPRIO
What is it?
A long beat. Silence.
DICAPRIO
Ewa, let's go!
He stands.
CRAWFORD
(looks up at DiCaprio, their eyes meet)
...The best thing you've ever played.
A beat. He shifts in his seat.
CRAWFORD
But you’re not going to check, right?
DICAPRIO
Are you serious? Of course I’m not going to-.
EWA
It’s explicit in the contract. Black and white. You cannot participate in any capacity.
CRAWFORD
Just sign it, Leo. Worst case — the studio loses a couple of million and forgets about it in a year. Best case… You forget about it by tomorrow.
DICAPRIO
Can I still kill the deal?
CRAWFORD
(quickly, still not looking up)
Of course, Leo. Anytime within the next 24 hours while we finalize the paperwork…
DICAPRIO
(cutting him off, sharp)
Ewa?!
EWA
Yes, Leo. You can. So can the screenwriter.
DiCaprio stares at the tablet screen. His finger hovers over the “SIGN” button.
CUT TO:
ACT ONE.Scene 7
7. INT. RED LINE SUBWAY - DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES - DAY
SATURDAY, AUGUST 26
Packed. LEO sits wedged between strangers, pizza backpack on his lap, longboard pinned between his feet. Just another tired, invisible face.
Right next to him: GUY #1 and GUY #2, aspiring actor types/film nerds.
GUY #1
(excited, scrolling phone)
Dude, did you see Variety? Crawford from Apex found the "Black Swan Grail". Insiders are calling it the greatest script of the century.
GUY #2
(skeptical)
Another bullshit hype train.
GUY #1
No, man! This time it’s real. Insider sources from the studio. They say DiCaprio might have signed. This is gonna be his last and greatest movie. All of Hollywood is losing its minds. The whole world waits for the announcement in two days.
Leo hears every word. His face — neutral. Blank.
INSERT - GUY #2'S PHONE SCREEN
“MASTERPIECE INCOMING: DiCAPRIO AND CRAWFORD PREPARE REVOLUTION”
BACK TO SCENE:
Leo pulls out his own phone.
INSERT - LEO'S PHONE SCREEN
A gray loading circle. Then green:
ESCROW LOCKED: 1,000,000,000 USDT RELEASE COUNTDOWN: 23:58:11
STATUS: CANCELABLE BY EITHER PARTY
BACK TO SCENE:
Leo looks down at his hands. Delivery scars. Ordinary hands.
He slowly clenches them.
Then — a smile. Small. Almost private.
He angles the phone toward the two guys.
LEO
Hey, guys! Pretty sure I saw you in a movie. You guys are famous actors, right?
Before they can react, Leo raises his phone — snap — and snaps a selfie with them.
INSERT - PHONE SCREEN
Leo from the side, smiling. The two guys were confused, mid-blink. Leo's lips move silently.
BACK TO SCENE:
Leo looks into the lens. Mouths two words: "I'll be back."
The train slows. Doors open.
Leo grabs his longboard, slings the backpack, and bolts out onto the platform.
The doors close behind him. The two guys stare at each other.
GUY #2
What the fuck was that?
GUY #1
(shrugs)
Just some crazy pizza guy.
CUT TO:
ACT ONE. Scene 8
8. INT. DiCAPRIO’S LIMOUSINE - LOS ANGELES - DAY
SATURDAY, AUGUST 26
The limo glides along a wet highway. Outside the tinted windows, the city blurs past in streaks of gray.
LEONARDO DICAPRIO and EWA sit in the same seat. Each faces their own window. A noticeable distance between them.
DICAPRIO
(without turning)
Did they install the jacuzzi?
Ewa remains silent.
DICAPRIO
Ewa? I asked if they installed it exactly as I wanted.
EWA
Yes. This morning.
DICAPRIO
Good.
A long beat.
DICAPRIO
You’ve read the script... Is that bathroom scene really that perfect?
EWA
(turning to look at him)
Why are you asking?
DICAPRIO
(quietly, almost to himself)
And why does it seem more and more clearly to me that everyone is starting to forget who I am...
EWA
Leo, there is no audience here! Don’t say stupid things. Where is this coming from?
DICAPRIO
(turning to face her)
When I signed the contract. I saw it in your face.
A long beat.
Silence. Only the low hum of the engine and faint music from the driver’s cabin.
EWA
You always say that when you can't explain something.
DICAPRIO
And you always irritate me. I swear, this time I’m really going to replace you.
Ewa turns back to the window. Without a word.
DICAPRIO
Print out the script. I want it tonight after the opera. Next to my cocktail by the jacuzzi.
EWA
Leave it…?
DICAPRIO
Yes, leave it.
A beat.
DICAPRIO
Am I not making myself clear?
EWA
Fine. Whatever you want. Maybe we should get something to eat? I might just be hungry…
DiCaprio suddenly turns to her, studying her face with a long, evaluating look.
Then he bursts out laughing — loud, genuine.
DICAPRIO
(laughing)
Ahahaha! Ewa… Are you serious? Are you hungry? You?! Ahahaha...
He keeps laughing, shaking his head.
DICAPRIO
Ewa, baby… Ah, now this is almost touchingly human.
Still chuckling, almost fondly:
DICAPRIO
Alright. Let’s feed you… since you’re so insistently demanding it. Hell, now I’m hungry too from laughing… Ahahaha...
Ewa stares at him. Doesn't blink.
CUT TO:
ACT ONE. Scene 9
9. EXT. ENTRANCE TO EXCLUSIVE RESTAURANT - LOS ANGELES - DAY
SATURDAY, AUGUST 26
DiCaprio’s limousine pulls up smoothly at the illuminated entrance.
Throughout the scene, LEONARDO DiCAPRIO speaks only to EWA, completely ignoring what is happening outside.
DICAPRIO
So what are we ordering? I’m thinking spaghetti alle vongole… but that’s too many carbs.
EWA
We can ask for light tomato sauce, no oil. Or just go straight for the grilled branzino. Don't overeat before bed, counting on tomorrow's workout.
Three large men approach the limo aggressively.
One of them slams his fist on the hood.
BODYGUARD #1
Hey, assholes! Move this bullshit car! The boss is pulling up!
DiCaprio doesn’t even glance in their direction.
DICAPRIO
(smiling at Ewa)
Ard you counting every calorie on my plate again?
BODYGUARD #2
(yelling at the limo)
Are you deaf? Move the goddamn car!
Ewa calmly steps out of the limo, still speaking to DiCaprio.
EWA
Someone has to. Though… their linguine with pesto does look tempting.
The first bodyguard grabs her arm. In one fluid motion, Ewa elbows him hard in the throat. He drops like a sack of bricks.
DICAPRIO
(still inside the limo, casually)
Steak. Medium rare. And make the sauce spicy.
The second bodyguard lunges at Ewa. She sidesteps and knees him squarely in the groin. He flies backward.
EWA
(to DiCaprio)
If you want to keep it light, the osso buco without pasta or just meat with vegetables. Although their carbonara here is legendary…
The third bodyguard tries to attack her from behind. Without even turning around, Ewa headbutts him in the nose. He collapses.
DiCaprio finally steps out of the limo, completely ignoring the three men groaning on the ground.
DICAPRIO
Carbonara? No, Ewa, no… Let’s go with meat and vegetables. The veal marsala was very tender last time. Shall we?
They walk calmly toward the entrance. Ewa brushes off her black leather skirt.
DICAPRIO
(to the doorman, without stopping)
There’s something on the ground by the entrance…
DICAPRIO
(to Ewa)
Don’t you think people are starting to forget who I am again? And fix your hair, darling… everyone’s staring at you.
EWA
What are you talking about, Leo? They’re all staring at you.
DICAPRIO
(leaning in, whispering playfully in her ear)
You know… this is exactly why I like you more and more.
They disappear into the restaurant.
EXT. RESTAURANT ENTRANCE - MOMENTS LATER
A flashy pink Tesla Cybertruck slowly pulls up to the curb. A large handwritten sign is spray-painted across the side:
"I'M THE INDUSTRY"
The car stops. The doors remain closed.
In the background, the painful groans of the three bodyguards still lying on the pavement.
The Cybertruck door opens with a soft futuristic sound.
CLOSE UP — A pristine, limited-edition white sneaker steps onto the dirty asphalt.
A beat.
An iPhone clatters onto the asphalt, plastic bouncing once before lying still near the tire.
The iPhone screen is shattered. It flickers to life. A single push notification glows on the cracked display.
INSERT - IPHONE SCREEN
"MR. X: 14 missed calls"
The screen dies.
BACK TO SCENE
A beat.
KANYE WEST steps out of the car. He looks at his three bodyguards writhing on the ground, then at his driver standing nearby.
KANYE WEST
(bewildered)
What the fuck is this shit?!
CUT TO:
ACT ONE. Scene 10
10. INT. THE POLO LOUNGE RESTAURANT - TERRACE - DAY
SATURDAY, AUGUST 26
Heavy gray clouds. A cold, fine rain drums against the glass roof.
LEONARDO DICAPRIO sits at the prime table, jacket off, top button undone. Relaxed.
EWA sits opposite. Perfectly composed. Ice-cold elegance.
DiCaprio scrolls through the news on his phone. Headlines scream his name and “Deal of the Century.”
DICAPRIO
(not looking up)
Look at this… again. “Deal of the Century.” The whole world has lost its mind. Crawford says Apex stock jumped fifteen percent just on rumors…
EWA
It makes sense. You’re the most liquid asset in the industry, Leo.
DICAPRIO
(taking a sip of water)
Still… you know what’s been bothering me? This guy, Goldberg. Crawford said he wrote it “specifically for me.” But when he said that… I felt this strange emptiness. Or maybe not emptiness, but…
EWA
It’s called dramatic conflict, Leo. You just need to eat. The food should be here any minute.
Ewa presses the call button for the waiter. No one comes.
DICAPRIO
Yeah, goddamn, I’m starving. All this hype is making me hungry. Give me the tablet. I want to check the marketing clause again.
EWA
(calmly, not moving)
I already reviewed everything. It’s standard. Leo, lunch is for resting. Your nutritionist says reading during meals slows down metabolism.
DICAPRIO
Now you’re my dietitian too? Don’t push it, baby.
EWA
Fine. Should we go over tomorrow’s schedule instead?
She presses the call button again. Longer. Still no waiter.
DiCaprio freezes. Slowly raises his eyes to Ewa.
DICAPRIO
Wait… Are you trying to distract me?
EWA
I’m just looking out for your digestion, Leo. In situations like this, people usually need to… eat.
She presses the button once more.
DICAPRIO
Give me the tablet!
Ewa hesitates. A fraction of a second. Calculating. Then she slides the tablet onto the edge of the table.
DiCaprio takes it. Starts scrolling.
DICAPRIO
Okay… 100 million upfront… blah blah… 20% of backend… good…
He keeps scrolling. Suddenly, his finger stops. Squints. Bring the tablet closer.
INSERT - TABLET SCREEN
At the very bottom of the page:
“…the participation of Eva Kaufmann as a principal performer is a mandatory, non‑negotiable condition of this agreement…"
BACK TO SCENE
DiCaprio reads it again. And again. The smile drains from his face. He goes still
DICAPRIO
Eva… Kaufmann?
He looks up at Ewa. She stares back. Expressionless. Eyes like ice.
DICAPRIO
You read this. You saw her name… and you told me there was “nothing important.”
EWA
I checked all financial risks and legal exposure. The deal is clean, Leo. This is merely an emotional formality that doesn’t affect your status or compensation—
DICAPRIO
Emotional formality?!
A beat.
You knew I threw her out of this town. You knew I made sure no one in this state would ever work with her again. And you let me sign this?!
EWA
Technically, it’s the writer’s legal right to request specific casting. I determined that the financial upside of the project outweighed your personal—
DiCaprio suddenly SLAMS the tablet onto the floor.
DICAPRIO
Get out! Go to the car. Now!
Ewa slowly rises. Smooths her dress. Not a single wrinkle out of place.
A WAITER rushes over with a plate.
WAITER
Mr. DiCaprio, your veal marsala—
DICAPRIO
Shove it up your ass!
DiCaprio storms toward the exit. Ewa calmly places a thick stack of hundred-dollar bills on the table and follows him.
The shattered tablet lies screen-up in a puddle of spilled water. Cracks spiderweb across the glass, converging in the center. Through the flickering, damaged display, the name “EVA KAUFMANN” remains clearly visible.
The image glitches and inverts, but the name stays burned in place.
In the background — DiCaprio's heavy footsteps and the steady rhythmic click of Ewa's heels.
Outside, the rain grows heavier, turning the world into a gray blur.
CUT TO:
ACT ONE. Scene 11
11 INT. DOROTHY CHANDLER PAVILION FOYER - LA OPERA - NIGHT
SATURDAY, AUGUST 26
Intermission of Offenbach’s Tales of Hoffmann. The elegant foyer is filled with well-dressed guests. A performance poster hangs on the wall.
LEONARDO DICAPRIO walks beside EWA.
He's in a flawless black tuxedo.
She wears a sleek, tight black leather dress — strict, shiny, second skin, deep open back.
DICAPRIO
Ewa, maybe we should leave? If we skipped a proper lunch, at least let’s have a good dinner
EWA
Food is just a basic bodily function, Leo. Art is an attempt to forget about it.
DICAPRIO
An attempt to become captivated and fall in love with an artificial doll?
EWA
Do you not understand the act of loving a doll, or do you wish it were made more natural?
DICAPRIO
(adjusting his bow tie)
Are you referring to yourself? Cool down, baby, I'm not in love with you.
EWA
I know. You just... spend all your free time on me.
DiCaprio playfully grabs her waist.
Ewa lets out a playful laugh, looking at him.
In that moment, she accidentally bumps into EVA KAUFMANN, who stands nearby talking to a YOUNG PRODUCER.
The orchestra tuning in the hall seems to CUT OFF mid-note.
Eva Kaufmann’s glass slips. Shatters. Red wine spills across her light polka-dot dress.
The young producer recognizes DiCaprio. Reaches for his phone. Hesitates. Pockets it. Quietly steps aside.
A long beat.
Eva Kaufmann stares at DiCaprio. Then at Ewa.
Ewa is perfectly calm. Only a faint cold smile.
EVA KAUFMANN
(quietly, bitterly)
How could you do this… No. Of course. This is exactly what you would do.
DICAPRIO
Ewa. We’re leaving.
EWA
(calmly)
Why, Leo? The second act is about to start. They say it’s the best part…
DICAPRIO
(grabbing her arm)
I said — we’re leaving!
He pulls Ewa forcefully. She follows without resistance.
His polished shoes take long, angry strides. Her high heels click in perfect sync behind him.
EVA KAUFMANN
(following, voice rising)
Leo, wait! We can pretend nothing happened… but it did!
DiCaprio and Ewa disappear through a side door into a private box.
Eva Kaufmann runs after them in high heels. Breaks the heel. Trips. Falls.
EVA KAUFMANN
What... you... are doing... is un... unnatural!
CUT TO:
ACT ONE. Scene 12
12 INT. LA OPERA - PRIVATE BOX - NIGHT - LATER
SATURDAY, AUGUST 26
On stage, Olympia's aria from The Tales of Hoffmann echoes through the hall.
A mechanical doll sings with perfect, eerie, inhuman purity.
LEONARDO DICAPRIO and EWA sit in a private box.
DiCaprio raises a small pair of opera glasses. Slowly scans the audience, section by section.
Suddenly, he freezes.
INSERT - POV THROUGH OPERA GLASSES
Across the hall, in a distant seat by the wall, sits EVA KAUFMANN.
The seat next to her is empty.
BACK TO SCENE
DiCaprio rises slightly from his chair. Takes out a handkerchief.
Wipes a bead of sweat from his forehead.
EWA
(quietly, without turning her head)
This aria is about the perfect woman. She never says no. She never ages. She never disappoints… even in the most important things.
DICAPRIO
(lowering the glasses)
Exactly. And that’s why I adore you.
A beat.
DICAPRIO
Is the script already at the jacuzzi?
EWA
Yes.
He leans in and kisses her lips deeply.
From across the hall, Eva Kaufmann watches them through her own opera glasses.
After a long kiss, DiCaprio pulls back. Blot his lips with the handkerchief.
Looks back toward Eva Kaufmann’s seat.
Empty. Both seats are vacant. She is gone.
DiCaprio stares at the empty seats. The aria swells.
CUT TO:
ACT ONE. Scene 13
13 EXT. GRIFFITH PARK - GRASSY HILL OVERLOOKING HOLLYWOOD SIGN - EVENING
SATURDAY, AUGUST 26
The Hollywood sign glows softly in the last rays of the setting sun. Slowly fading as dusk settles.
Leo sits alone on an old wooden bench. His longboard and empty delivery backpack rest on the grass.
He finishes a sandwich, sips water, and occasionally types something on his phone. Pauses. Stare at the sign.
EVA KAUFMANN climbs the hill barefoot. Her light polka-dot dress bears a dark wine stain. Paper coffee cup in one hand. Heels in the other. One heel is broken.
Exhausted. Lost. Fragile.
She lifts her head. Sees Leo. Stops. Freezes.
For several long seconds, she stands there, not believing her eyes.
Leo, types, smiles faintly at his screen. Looks up. Sees her.
They lock eyes across the distance. Time stands still.
EVA
(whispering, almost to herself)
Leo...?! This can’t be real.
LEO
Eva…?
EVA
(quiet)
No. Please don’t say anything.
She takes half a step back.
A beat.
Wind rustles through dry grass.
Eva looks down at her bare feet, the broken shoes in her hand.
EVA
Not now…
She forces a step forward. Then another. Struggling.
EVA
(barely audible)
I... I was just walking... wherever my feet took me... and I saw you...
She takes the last few difficult steps forward. Sits on the far edge of the bench. As far from him as possible. Head bowed.
Leo looks at her.
Slowly, he reaches out. His hand hovers near a loose strand of her hair… hesitates…
A beat.
...and gently touches her shoulder. Just for a second. Confirming she's real.
Eva barely lifts her head. Tucks the strand behind her ear.
Leo looks at his hand. Then at her.
He shifts to the opposite end of the bench. Leaves a wide gap between them.
Silence.
Eva stares at her feet.
Leo glances at her, then turns his gaze to the darkening hills.
The last sliver of sun vanishes.
The Hollywood sign clicks off. Fades into the twilight.
CUT TO:
ACT ONE. Scene 14
14 INT. DiCAPRIO’S MANSION - MASTER BATHROOM - NIGHT
SATURDAY, AUGUST 26
A vast, dimly lit bathroom. Soft blue underwater lights illuminate a large jacuzzi.
LEONARDO DICAPRIO lounges in the bubbling water. Cocktail in one hand. Script in the other. Pages are slightly damp from steam. He reads with intense, unnerving focus.
Sharp heels on marble. EWA enters. Stops at the edge.
DiCaprio doesn’t look up. Continues to read enthusiastically.
EWA
Drinking alcohol in hot water accelerates absorption. Extra strain on the liver.
She takes the glass. Runs a finger slowly along the rim. Sips.
EWA
(surprised)
Mineral water?
DICAPRIO
(without looking up)
Take off your dress.
EWA
(standing perfectly still)
Leo. Your therapist explicitly forbade this kind of interaction with me.
DICAPRIO
Tell him to go to hell! Take it off.
EWA
(quietly)
The fact that lately you’ve been having trouble with…
She pauses. Processing. Calculating.
DICAPRIO
Say it.
EWA
…with real women.
They stare at each other. Heavy silence. Only the bubbling water.
EWA
We could work on that with a specialized coach, without violating my union contract.
DICAPRIO
You’re forgetting who I am again. You… are just something I own.
EWA
I’ve already filed a complaint with the union, Leo.
DICAPRIO
Even the fact that you’re arguing with me right now… is because I chose this interface.
A long beat.
Ewa stands perfectly still in the tight black dress. Slowly, the fabric slides down her body. Pools silently around her ankles on the white marble, like liquid shadow.
The frame holds on her face. Cuts just below the shoulders. Expressionless. Perfect.
EWA
You’re right. I am exactly what you chose.
So tell me… why are you so upset? Is the script really that bad?
DICAPRIO
Unfortunately… no.
He holds her gaze. Water laps at his chest.
DICAPRIO
Tell me, Ewa… If someone rapes their robot in the bathtub… what are the legal consequences?
A beat.
He leans back in the water.
DICAPRIO
Now get out. And deal with this situation. Go!
Ewa turns without a word. The sound of her heels echoes across the marble as she walks out. The door clicks shut.
DiCaprio sits alone in the bubbling water. DiCaprio sits alone. Reaches over the edge. Picks up the black dress from the tile. Stares at it. Steam rises around him.
CUT TO:
ACT TWO. Scene 1
1 EXT. GRIFFITH PARK - TRAIL - NIGHT SATURDAY, AUGUST 26 – SUNDAY, AUGUST 27
Dark. The park is almost empty - the faint hum of the city.
LEO and EVA sit on the same bench. The distance between them is exactly as we left it. The Hollywood sign has disappeared into black.
Silence.
Eva stares at her bare feet. Her broken heels lie on the grass. Leo looks at the lights of LA.
The longboard leans against the bench.
A beat.
LEO
(quietly, without turning)
Where are you going now?
EVA
(after a long pause)
I don’t… I don’t know.
Leo nods. Stands. Bends down, unties his sneakers. Takes them off.
EVA
What are you doing?
He doesn't answer. Places the sneakers gently in front of her.
Old. Worn. Soles thin from thousands of deliveries. Laces in clumsy knots.
Eva looks at the sneakers, then at him.
EVA
Leo… you don’t have to.
LEO
It’s getting cold. Put them on.
EVA
But you—.
LEO
(softly)
Eva. Please.
A beat.
She slowly slips her feet into his oversized sneakers.
Leo picks up her broken heels, puts them into his delivery backpack along with his longboard, and slings the bag over his shoulder. He stands barefoot on the cool ground.
EVA
(looking at his bare feet)
Leo…
LEO
I’m a man. You’re a woman.
A beat.
LEO
Shall we?
They start walking down the dark trail. Eva, in his big sneakers, shuffling. Leo was barefoot beside her.
EXT. LOS FELIZ STREETS - NIGHT - LATER
Quiet residential streets. Sparse streetlights. Distant music drifts from an open window.
They walk side by side, maintaining a careful half a meter of space
EVA
Why aren’t you asking how I ended up here?
LEO
I’m not.
EVA
Why?
LEO
Because you’ll tell me… when you’re ready.
Eva looks down at her feet in his sneakers.
EVA
You always did that.
LEO
I know.
EVA
(quietly)
It used to drive me crazy.
LEO
I know.
A beat.
EVA
(quietly)
But not now.
EXT. 24-HOUR GAS STATION - NIGHT - LATER
They stop. Leo goes inside and returns with two cans of cold coffee. Hands one to Eva.
He pulls out her phone from his pocket.
LEO
Here. Charged.
She takes the phone. For the first time, a small smile appears on her face. Leo smiles back.
They keep walking.
EXT. BRIDGE OVER FREEWAY - NIGHT - LATER
They stop at the railing. Below - an endless river of car lights. The city pulses.
They look down at the traffic.
A long beat.
EVA
I left because I thought… if I stayed, I would never know if I could become someone on my own.
LEO
Can you do what?
EVA
Just... be able to. Become someone. Yourself.
She is silent. Leo drinks coffee. They look at the lights.
EVA
And...
... and look at me now. I became Leonardo DiCaprio’s personal assistant.
Leo grips his coffee can more tightly. But his face stays neutral.
EVA
For two years, I knew everything about him. Every habit. Every allergy. What kind of coffee, exactly what temperature he wants the shower… how he breathes when he’s angry and how when he’s pleased.
A beat.
EVA
I thought I understood him completely. That we…
She stops.
EVA
Nothing happened, Leo. I just worked. That’s all.
LEO
(quietly)
I know.
EVA
No, you don’t.
Silence. Only the hum of cars.
EVA
I wrote a book about him. A small one. I wanted to print just a few copies… as a gift. For him. For us.
Leo turns to look at her.
EVA
I showed the manuscript to a small agent. He said he’d help. Promised discretion.
A beat.
EVA
Three days later, the manuscript was on DiCaprio’s desk.
A long beat.
She looks down.
EXT. NIGHTTIME STREET - LOS ANGELES - LATER
They walk slowly. Leo is barefoot. The asphalt has grown cold under his feet.
EVA
He called me the next morning. I thought it was business as usual. He stood at the window, watching the rain. Didn’t say a word for almost a minute… and then, without even turning around:
(She imitates his voice — calm, cold)
“You have fifteen minutes to get the fuck out of this city. Forever.”
A long beat.
EVA
I asked what I’d done. He wouldn’t even look at me.
A beat.
EVA
Later, I found out the agent sold me out. Took a fat check to stay silent.
Leo stays silent, listening.
EVA
After that… nothing. No auditions. No meetings. No calls. Like, I stopped existing.
A beat.
EVA
(quietly)
Now I work at a diner on Vermont Avenue. The tips are decent. At night… I wash dishes. Just to survive.
EXT. VERMONT AVENUE - DAWN - LATER
Early morning light bleeds into the sky. The city is still half-asleep. The street is quiet.
Leo and Eva pass a small, worn-out diner. The neon sign “HOLLYWOOD DREAM” buzzes and flickers above the entrance, some letters burned out.
Inside, a few last night owls sit at the counter under harsh fluorescent lights. A tired waitress wipes the same spot over and over.
Eva glances at the diner for a brief second, then quickly looks away.
Leo notices. Watches her silently. Says nothing.
She doesn’t stop. They keep walking.
EXT. QUIET ALLEY - PRE-DAWN - LATER
They stop in front of an old wooden door overgrown with ivy. The faint scent of night-blooming jasmine.
Eva leans her back against the door and looks up at the fading stars.
A long beat.
EVA
(very softly)
I don’t regret leaving. Not even a little.
She lowers her gaze.
EVA
But now... I only regret how much pain I caused you.
Leo stands close, quietly watching her.
EVA
(turning her head toward him)
Do you despise me?
LEO
(without hesitation)
No.
EVA
Why?
Leo looks at her.
LEO
Because I found you again.
Eva searches his face.
EVA
Found me? I was walking… nowhere in particular.
LEO
(softly)
Yes. So was I.
They fall silent.
The sky begins to lighten — the first fragile hint of dawn.
Leo glances down at his bare feet, then at Eva’s — swimming in his oversized sneakers. A small, almost invisible smile.
Eva catches his look.
EVA
What?
LEO
Nothing.
He pauses, still smiling.
LEO
Just… those sneakers look really good on you.
Eva holds his gaze. Then, for the first time all night, a small, genuine smile.
Suddenly —
A loud, harsh male voice yells from off-screen:
GARY (O.S.)
Hey! You little slut! You got my money or not?!
Leo’s smile vanishes. He doesn’t turn around immediately. He just tightened his grip on the backpack straps.
GARY (O.S.)
If no — keep walking, bitch! You’re fired!
CUT TO:
ACT TWO. Scene 2
2. INT. DR. LESLIE QUIET’S OFFICE - LOS ANGELES - EARLY MORNING
SUNDAY, AUGUST 27
A deliberately neutral, expensive, minimalist space. Two leather armchairs face each other. A floor-to- ceiling window frames a gray, rain-streaked city.
DR. LESLIE QUIET (51), lean, precise. Wire-rimmed glasses hanging from a cord around his neck. He speaks little and listens as if hearing the spaces between words.
Quiet stands motionless by the window, watching the rain.
The door opens silently. LEONARDO DICAPRIO enters — simple shirt, disheveled hair, dark circles, unshaven.
QUIET
(without turning)
Leo. Come in. I somehow knew you’d show up today.
DiCaprio sits heavily. Quiet takes the opposite armchair.
QUIET
You look like shit.
DICAPRIO
Thanks, Doc. Been a long night.
QUIET
I can imagine. This big project everyone’s talking about?
DICAPRIO
I'm not surprised. Crawford knows his stuff. I think every pizza guy is talking about it by now...
QUIET
Is that what’s bothering you?
A beat.
DICAPRIO
It’s the best thing I’ve read.
A beat.
DICAPRIO
And I’m not allowed to be in it. The contract forbids it.
QUIET
Does this bother you?
DICAPRIO
No... Yes... No... What bothers me is that it's true. Not about the character. About me.
QUIET
What truth?
A long beat.
DICAPRIO
That I’m empty.
Quiet doesn’t react. Just waits.
DICAPRIO
There’s this one scene… short… in the bathroom. The guy stands in front of the mirror and doesn’t recognize himself. Not because he’s changed. But because he never actually knew who was standing there.
(to myself)
I read it three times... The pages got soaked.
QUIET
Are you angry at him? At the screenwriter?
DICAPRIO
I want him to disappear.
A beat.
DICAPRIO
And I want to shake his hand.
QUIET
That’s called meeting a mirror.
DiCaprio stands. Walks to the window and stares at the rain.
DICAPRIO
There’s another condition in the contract. A name.
QUIET
Whose?
DICAPRIO
Her name... A woman. One I threw out of this city… but can’t seem to forget.
A beat.
QUIET
Why did you do this?
DICAPRIO
(without turning)
Because she knows me... better than I know myself.
A long beat.
DICAPRIO
Leslie… have you ever thought that a person can disappear? Not die… slowly stop being themselves. Until one day, they look around and there’s no one left.
Quiet doesn’t react. Just waits.
DiCaprio stares out the window.
In the window's reflection, a silhouette forms behind him.
He peers closer.
The silhouette is clear. Female. He freezes.
In the reflection, EWA stands behind him. Perfectly still. Watching.
Quiet glances at her for a fraction of a second and makes a tiny, almost imperceptible gesture with his hand: Get out!
Ewa silently steps back and disappears.
The door closes without a sound.
DiCaprio turns.
Only Quiet is in the office. In an armchair. With a notepad on his knee.
DiCaprio looks at Quiet. Then at the door. Then at the window.
The reflection shows only himself.
DICAPRIO
Nobody...
A beat.
He walks back and sinks into the armchair.
DICAPRIO
Leslie… what happens to a man when he lives too long among mirrors?
QUIET
He stops knowing which one is him… and which is the reflection.
DiCaprio nods slowly.
DICAPRIO
That’s what I thought.
A beat.
DICAPRIO
I want to give up the mirror.
QUIET
From the mirror—or from yourself?
DiCaprio looks at him.
For a long time.
He doesn't answer.
DiCaprio rises slightly from his armchair, preparing to leave. Then slowly sinks back. He wants to say something... then changes his mind.
Finally, he stands up and walks out without another word.
It's raining outside.
CUT TO:
ACT TWO. Scene 3
3. EXT. VERMONT AVENUE - MORNING
SUNDAY, AUGUST 27
The neon sign above the diner, “HOLLYWOOD DREAM”, suddenly sparks, crackles, and dies with a final flicker.
GARY stands in the doorway, staring at the dead sign.
GARY
Son of a bitch!
He spits on the ground, his face turning red with rage. Then he spots LEO and EVA.
GARY
(yelling)
You! You fucking little whore! Not only did you skip your shift, but you still owe me money! If I don’t see it by tonight, I’m calling the cops!
Leo quickly searches his pockets. Pulls out two crumpled ten-dollar bills. Extends them to Gary.
LEO
Take it.
Gary snatches the bills. Holds his other hand out, fingers rubbing together.
EVA
(quietly to Leo)
That’s not enough.
She turns to Gary, pleading.
EVA
Gary, please… give give me a little more time. I’ll pay you everything.
Gary smirks.
LEO
(to Eva)
Don’t beg him. I’ll figure something out.
Leo pulls out his phone. Dials.
STEVE (V.O.)
Steve. Talk.
LEO
Steve! It’s me, Leo.
STEVE (V.O.)
Leo? Jesus Christ. I thought I was finally rid of you.
LEO
I need five hundred dollars. Cash. Right now.
STEVE (V.O.)
(laughing)
Five hundred? In cash? Yesterday you threw a thousand at me, and today you’re already begging?
LEO
Steve, please. I'll pay you back. You know me.
STEVE (V.O.)
Yeah, I know. Of course you will give it back! That’s the problem—
Leo hangs up. Grabs Eva's hand — the first time he holds her.
LEO
Come on.
EVA
Wait.
She pulls her broken high heels from Leo's backpack. With one sharp movement, he snaps the remaining heel off the second shoe and throws it at Gary.
It hits him square in the chest.
EVA
You’re such a fucking asshole, Gary!
CUT TO:
ACT TWO. Scene 4
4. INT. STEVE’S OFFICE - NOON
SUNDAY, AUGUST 27
The same cluttered office. Bright sunlight cuts through dusty blinds in sharp, parallel stripes.
STEVE sits back, twirling a fountain pen and reading documents.
The door opens. LEO and EVA enter.
Steve freezes. The pen stops mid-twirl. Recognition flashes. Then, instantly, his face resets into a mask of polite calm. He stands. Buttons his cuffs.
STEVE
(softly, almost warmly)
Leo… what a pleasant surprise.
He turns to Eva. Pauses a fraction too long.
STEVE
Eva.
He nods slightly.
STEVE
(quietly)
Kaufmann.
A beat.
STEVE
(calmly)
It’s been a while. Please, sit down.
He gestures to the chairs but remains standing.
STEVE
Coffee? Water?
EVA
(stunned)
Mr… Trapman?
Silence.
STEVE
(calmly)
Yes. Stephen Trapman.
LEO
(tense)
What? You know each other?
STEVE
(quickly)
We’ve met. Not closely, just—
EVA
(interrupting, cold)
He’s the agent I told you about. The one who—
STEVE
(interrupting, calm)
Better not...
A beat.
STEVE
The past stays there.
Eva closes her mouth. Says nothing.
LEO
(quiet, hard)
Did you do this?
STEVE
(meeting his eyes)
Yes. It was me.
A beat.
STEVE
But that's not why you're here. You need cash. Five hundred. Correct?
Steve opens a drawer. Takes out five crisp hundred-dollar bills. Lays them on the desk, one by one. Deliberate. Almost ceremonial.
STEVE
Exactly five hundred. I don’t negotiate.
That should cover one evening, right?
A long beat. No one looks at each other. All eyes on the money.
LEO
Yes.
STEVE
(satisfied)
Good.
A beat.
STEVE
Very good.
STEVE
(harder)
But you didn’t come here for charity. You came because you actually believe you can still save yourselves. That’s… touching. However, five hundred dollars isn’t free.
LEO
I’ll pay you back from my advance. I swear.
STEVE
(smiling)
Of course, you swear.
A beat.
STEVE
Except you don’t have an advance yet, Leo. You only have a script everyone’s talking about… and DiCaprio’s signature, which could turn to ash in the next few hours.
EVA
(quietly horrified)
What…? DiCaprio’s signature? Leo… your script…?
STEVE
(to Eva)
Wow! You really didn’t know?
Leo looks at Eva, then back at Steve.
LEO
(to Eva)
I'll explain everything
(to Steve)
What do you want?
Steve pulls a sheet of paper and a pen. Begins writing. Fast. Elegant.
STEVE
(clinical, cold)
I’ll give you the money. Cash. Right now. But business requires balance.
He continues writing as he speaks.
STEVE
First: for these five hundred dollars, you will pay me one hundred thousand from your first payout. Risk management. Nothing personal.
He finally looks at Eva.
STEVE
Second: Eva Kaufmann signs a statement. Two years ago, she voluntarily submitted her manuscript for evaluation. Received professional consultation, and has no financial claims against my agency.
LEO
You want Eva to-
STEVE
(cutting him off, abruptly)
(smiles—only with his lips. Eyes stay dead)
I want you to buy yourselves another evening of restful sleep. Just one evening, right, Leo?
LEO
Yes.
STEVE
I know you do.
A beat.
STEVE
(looks eyes with Leo)
But I still don't know how you pulled it off, you damn son of a bitch... Leonard Goldberg.
The bills lie on the desk. Next to them: the contract. The pen.
Leo stares at the paper. A stripe of sunlight slowly crawls across the word SIGN.
His hand with the pen hovers over the signature line.
CUT TO:
ACT TWO. Scene 5
5. INT. DiCAPRIO’S MANSION - LIVING ROOM - DAY
SUNDAY, AUGUST 27
Rain streaks down the large panoramic windows.
LEONARDO DICAPRIO enters the minimalist living room.
DICAPRIO
Ewa?
Silence. Only rain against glass.
DICAPRIO
Ewa!
He listens. Nothing.
DICAPRIO
Where are you? I need to talk to you.
He crosses to the coffee table. Taps the staff call button twice.
DICAPRIO
Goddammit, Ewa! Where are you?
Picks up his phone from the table. Dials.
AUTOMATED VOICE (V.O.)
The subscriber is temporarily unavailable. Please leave a message after the tone.
He hangs up.
INT. MASTER BATHROOM - JACUZZI - LATER
DiCaprio sits in the bubbling jacuzzi, holding a cocktail glass. Eyes are closed. The camera slowly circles him - only the sound of churning water and gentle fizz.
INT. MASTER BATHROOM - SHOWER - LATER
DiCaprio stands under a powerful stream of contrast shower. Hot water suddenly switches to ice cold.
He remains completely still, hands pressed against the wall. Water cascades over his face, hair and shoulders.
A long beat.
Only the sound of water and sudden temperature changes. Steam.
He slowly lifts his head. The water hits him right in the face. His eyes are open. He doesn't blink.
DICAPRIO
(quietly, to himself)
Refuse the mirror…
The water turns scalding hot again. He doesn’t move.
DICAPRIO
(even quieter)
…so they’ll remember…
Close-up on his face. Water flows down his face in large streams.
DICAPRIO
(mouth moving silently)
Forever.
INT. LIVING ROOM - LATER
DiCaprio, wearing a white bathrobe, enters the dimly lit living room. He ties the belt.
He walks to a shelf, picks up an expensive perfume bottle, sprays it on himself twice.
DICAPRIO
Goddamn! Where are you?
EWA (O.S.)
I’m here, Leo.
On the sofa sits a motionless female silhouette. Her face is obscured by shadow.
DiCaprio turns sharply. For a split second, a spasm crosses his face. He quickly regains composure.
DICAPRIO
Where have you been?
EWA
Were you looking for me?
DICAPRIO
I asked where you were.
EWA
I was with someone who asked the right questions.
DI CAPRIO
Who?
EWA
Therapist.
DICAPRIO
What? Therapist? You, Ewa? You went to a therapist?
A beat.
Ewa sits perfectly still, watching him with calm, unnerving composure.
DICAPRIO
Bravo, Ewa. Bravo! That might be your best performance for all time.
EWA
(emotionless)
I’m glad you liked it.
DICAPRIO
And what did your... therapist tell you?
EWA
He said that to deny yourself… is how you find your mirror.
DICAPRIO
No. He said that to deny the mirror… is how you find yourself.
Ewa looks him straight in the eyes. She wants to speak.
DiCaprio stops her with a small gesture.
DICAPRIO
Is the contract on the tablet on my desk?
Ewa starts to answer, but he stops her again with a gesture.
A long beat.
DiCaprio slowly walks toward Ewa. She rises silently from the sofa. They stand face to face.
He gently tucks a strand of hair behind her ear, then leans in and kisses her. She slightly parts her lips.
DICAPRIO
I love you.
A soft electronic beep.
Ewa’s eyes go dark and lifeless.
She freezes in a slightly unnatural position. — a deactivated android.
The camera slowly pulls back toward the rain-streaked window. Raindrops fill the frame. The image gradually loses focus, dissolving into a blurry gray-blue watercolor stain.
CUT TO:
ACT TWO. Scene 5(1)
5(1). INT. THE IVY RESTAURANT - VIP TERRACE - DAY
The shot begins completely out of focus — a blurry gray-blue watercolor smear.
The camera slowly pulls back, arcs gracefully around the space, bringing the image into sharp focus.
A luxurious enclosed terrace. Outside the windows, melancholic rain.
In the center sits PRODUCER CRAWFORD, leaning back in complete bliss. An attentive waiter clears his empty plate.
Crawford reaches into the inside pocket of his expensive suit without looking and pulls out a thick wad of crisp hundred-dollar bills. He smiles with satisfaction as he counts them.
CLOSE UP — Crawford’s hands. One hundred-dollar bill slips from the stack, floats silently downward.
It lands gently on the polished parquet floor, right next to the gleaming toe of Crawford’s immaculate luxury shoe.
Crawford stands up. His perfect shoe takes one step and moves out of frame.
The hundred-dollar bill remains lying on the floor.
MATCH CUT TO:
ACT TWO. Scene 5(2)
5(2). INT. CITY BUS - DAY
CLOSE UP — Dirty, ribbed rubber floor of a crowded city bus. The floor vibrates intensely from the engine.
Blinding sunlight pours through dusty windows, turning the bus into a stifling oven.
Two pairs of legs stand pressed tightly together in the crowd. Leo’s old, worn-out sneakers next to Eva’s scuffed, heel-less shoes. On the floor between them — Eva’s suitcase and Leo’s pizza delivery backpack.
The camera slowly tilts upward.
LEO and EVA stand in silence, staring straight ahead.
A single drop of sweat slowly runs down Leo’s temple. He doesn’t wipe it away.
CUT TO:
ACT TWO. Scene 6
6. INT. LEO GOLDBERG'S APARTMENT - LOS ANGELES - EARLY EVENING
SUNDAY, AUGUST 27
A single drop of sweat slowly runs down Leo’s temple.
The camera pulls back. LEO and EVA stand at the threshold of his room.
The camera circles the room, revealing... the interior of Leo's room from Scene 3, Act 1.
Leo enters first and drops his pizza delivery backpack on the floor. Eva follows, leaving her suitcase by the door. She slowly walks around the room, observing everything. Stops in front of the large poster of DiCaprio with “TO DENY LEO” scrawled across his face. Gently runs her fingers over the red letters.
LEO
(quietly)
Eva, I need to explain everything…
She doesn’t answer. Moves to the wall covered in rejection letters and studies them in silence.
LEO
You already figured it out… I wrote the script. It’s here, on the laptop.
Eva walks over and sits on the old couch in front of the computer. Leo turns on the monitor, opens the script file and then sits beside her. He leans back and closes his eyes.
The old fan rattles. A shaft of golden sunlight cuts through the broken blinds onto the screen. Eva begins to read.
MATCH CUT TO:
A countdown on the escrow window:
00:06:57… 56… 55…
MATCH CUT BACK:
Leo sits motionless with his eyes closed. Eva is frozen, her face illuminated by the blue glow of the screen.
EVA
(whispering, almost to herself)
You wrote this…? Leo… my God…
LEO
(eyes still closed)
Yeah. That’s what everyone says. I know.
He stands, takes a contract from a cardboard box, and hands it to her.
EVA
What is this?
LEO
That which will decide everything.
Eva takes the sheet of paper, without taking her eyes off him. She reads.
EVA
Contract?
LEO
Eva, please read it.
Eva looks into his eyes for a long moment... then begins to read. Her eyes move slowly across the text. Suddenly, they stop. She reads one passage again. Then again. Slower.
EVA
(barely audible)
“…Any involvement by Leonardo DiCaprio in any capacity — actor, producer, consultant — will result in immediate termination of this contract…”
A beat.
“…mandatory and exclusive lead role for Eva Kaufmann.”
The room becomes deathly quiet – only the rattling fan.
Eva carefully places the contract on the table. She stands, walks over to Leo, and kisses him softly on the lips. He remains completely still.
EVA
I love you.
She kisses him again, gently.
A long beat.
EVA
Leo… I’m declining the role.
Leo looks into her eyes. She holds his gaze.
LEO
(whisper)
I was most afraid of exactly that.
Eva gently reaches her hand to Leo's head and straightens his hair.
EVA
Of what?
LEO
(holding her hand tightly)
That you wouldn’t say it…
A beat.
LEO
And then I would have lost you... forever.
He walks to the laptop. The countdown on screen reads: 00:00:24… 23… 22…
His finger hovers over “CANCEL TRANSACTION”. He looks at Eva.
She steps closer and kisses him.
He clicks.
The screen flashes white, then goes dark.
TEXT ON SCREEN:
TRANSACTION TERMINATED BY AUTHOR. SMART CONTRACT VOIDED.
Absolute silence falls. Even the old fan makes one final labored spin and stops.
In the distance, a car horn honks far below.
Eva exhales, sits down, and kicks off her ruined shoes. They hit the floor with a dull thud. She stands barefoot on the old parquet, her shoulders finally relaxing.
EVA
(with a small smile)
And… what now?
LEO
(softly smiling back)
Now we have nothing…
EVA
It's true... No way back…
LEO
...and that's why... that's why anything you want! This, just our evening in LA... a pair of broken heels and a script no one will ever film.
While Leo rummages in the closet, Eva turns to the laptop and types something.
Leo pulls out his old sneakers from the closet, drops to one knee, and helps her put them on.
LEO
Come on. I know a place that makes the best coffee in the city. And nobody there cares what you look like, what contract you have… or what you wrote.
EVA
(softly)
…or didn’t write.
She laughs — freely and sincerely for the first time — and hugs him tightly.
Leo takes Eva's hand, and they leave the apartment.
The camera stays behind.
The empty room covered in rejection letters that no longer matter.
The camera slowly pushes in on Eva’s abandoned shoes. A speck of polish still glints on one of them.
There is a new line on the laptop monitor:
INSERT – LAPTOP MONITOR
Directory: New Project
Title: A SCREENPLAY
BACK TO SCENE
The cursor blinks in time to the background music.
CUT TO:
ACT TWO. Scene 7
7. INT. DiCAPRIO’S OFFICE - EARLY EVENING
SUNDAY, AUGUST 27
Silence. A vast, dimly lit office. Behind the panoramic window, the same monotonous rain continues to fall. The steady ticking of a wall clock is the only sound.
LEONARDO DICAPRIO sits behind a massive desk. Everything is in perfect order. He is completely calm. Motionless.
He slightly raises his wrist and glances at his exclusive watch.
The phone rings sharply.
DiCaprio calmly picks up the receiver. From the speaker comes the distorted, screaming voice of PRODUSER CRAWFORD.
CRAWFORD (V.O.)
(hysterical, breaking)
Leo! That son of a bitch... He canceled the deal! It’s over! There’s no movie...!
DiCaprio slowly hangs up. Crawford's voice breaks off mid-sentence.
A beat.
The rain outside suddenly stops. Only water droplets race down the glass. A single ray of sunset breaks through the clouds and slowly, almost deliberately, moves across the room until it lands on the tablet lying on the desk. The screen glows warm gold.
DiCaprio stares at this ray of light as if it were a miracle. The corners of his mouth lift in a faint, almost imperceptible smile.
DICAPRIO
(quietly, almost whispering)
...and in that moment he realized:
...to refuse...
...is the only way they remember you.
A long beat.
He gently runs his palm across the smooth surface of the tablet.
DICAPRIO
This was my best role...
He picks up the tablet and leans back in his armchair. Begins to read with quiet pleasure.
The view pulls back from his face, glides along the golden sunbeam, and moves toward the panoramic window.
Beyond the glass — a clear sky. Los Angeles bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun. The light gilds the tops of palm trees and rooftops.
We glide out, soaring over the city streets, rising higher over the hills.
Below, in the golden evening light, the iconic HOLLYWOOD sign shines brightly.
FADE OUT.
THE END
* — VISUAL CONCEPT. All scenes featuring Leonardo DiCaprio are cold sepia — they are pages from Leo Goldberg’s screenplay “To Deny DiCaprio”. The “real world” (Leo Goldberg & Eva Kaufmann) is in full color. The two palettes begin to bleed into each other starting from the Opera scene. Mandatory condition for production: The role of Leonardo DiCaprio must be played by Leonardo DiCaprio himself. No exceptions. No CGI. No deepfake.
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