Batman: Death of the Family

By
Alejandro Santana & Isaiah Henderson
Batman character created by Bob Kane
INT. INTERROGATION ROOM. MIDNIGHT.
Commissioner James Gordon and Batman are interrogating one
of Hamills men. Hamill released a video directly to Batman
showing Damian Wayne get beaten down in visceral detail.
Fueled with anger, Batman is in no mood to take jokes from
Hamill or his men anymore. Batman snaps. He throws the man
onto the wall and begins beating him down with ferocious
punches.
BATMAN
(infuriated)
Where are they?!
The man is resilient, not giving in to Batmans demands. He
remains quiet. Batman throws a vicious punch across his
face. Blood spewing out. The Commissioner stands next to
him, appalled by how low Batman has gone.
BATMAN (CONTD)
WHERE ARE THEY?!
Another hit.
GORDON
(afraid)
Batman, hes not going to talk.
BATMAN
Ill make him talk.
GORDON
He hasnt said a single word this
whole hour.
BATMAN
He will break! Tell me where they
are!
Another fierce hit upon the mans face. Puddles of blood fall
from his mouth. Pieces of broken teeth soon follow. Batman
stops beating him and takes a knee. He is winded and tired.
BATMAN (CONTD)
Just tell us where they are.
(looks down at the man
bleeding profusely)
Why wont you tell me? Huh? Why
dont you just fucking tell us?
Gordon stands by horrified. Almost ready to break down by
what he is witnessing. Batman soon looks up at Gordon.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 2.
BATMAN (CONTD)
He knows, he knows. I can see it in
his eyes. He fucking knows.
(looking back down at the man)
I know you know! Why arent you
fucking telling me? WHY?!
The man still does not say a word. Fed up, Batman thinks of
one last thing to make him break.
BATMAN (CONTD)
Fine.
Batman walks off to the table and opens up his belt. He
pulls out custom built knuckles energized by an electric
current running through them. He puts them on and walks back
to the man.
BATMAN (CONTD)
(to Gordon)
Get him up.
GORDON
That, thatll kill him!
BATMAN
Im counting on it. Get him up!
Gordon picks up the man. Batman comes and slams him to the
class wall. He turns on his knuckles and the sound of it
being energized is heard. The man begins to shake
uncontrollably trying to get away. But Batman keeps slamming
him to the wall. Batman begins to breath heavily.
BATMAN
Are you going to make me use this?
You know what this is? Tell me and
I wont have to use this.
But the man still doesnt break. Instead he continues to
remain quiet. Testing Batman.
BATMAN (CONTD)
Fine.
Batman fuels his knuckles up even more. The electric
knuckles become louder. Scaring the man. Batman places his
hand on the mans face, stopping him from moving. He reels
his other hand back, preparing to strike at any moment.
BATMAN (CONTD)
Youre doing this to yourself. Just
tell us. Tell me.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 3.
(break)
TELL ME!
Batman punches the glass inches away from the mans face. The
glass cracks, showing Batmans raw power. As he continues to
yell at the man to tell him where Damian is, Batman strikes
the glass more and more.
BATMAN (CONTD)
WHERE IS ROBIN? WHERE, IS, ROBIN?!
He strikes the glass once more. The glass gives in. Batman
punches straight to the glass causing his fist to go
through. He pulls his hand out and drops the man. Gordon
falls to his knees and Batman walks back to the table taking
off his equipment. Out of frustration, he slams the table.
INT. WAYNE MANOR. NIGHT
WAYNE MANOR is now golfed in flames. The BATCAVE has been
destroyed and HAMILL is now making his way to settle the
score with BRUCE. Hamill is dragging his blade across the
walls while knocking down pictures, vases, and portraits of
the WAYNE FAMILY.
HAMILL
(yelling out)
You hear that, Bruce? Thats the
sound of me coming for you!
Bruce is running from THE JOKER and finds himself
entering...
INT. WAYNE MANOR. DARK ROOM. NIGHT
...a room that has not been touched in any way. His parents
room. Hamill yells in the distance.
HAMILL (CONTD)
I will find you! I will hunt you
down!
Bruce is holding on to his midsection. There is a GAPING
wound where Hamill inserted the knife. He looks up GASPING
for air. His eyes turn to a PORTRAIT of young Bruce standing
with his family.
4.
INT. WAYNE MANOR. LIVING ROOM. NIGHT.
Hamill is walks and looks around at all of the expensive
luxuries Bruce has been living with.
HAMILL
(jokingly)
You know Brucie, I expected more of
a fight from you. Instead you cower
away.
Hamill picks up a photograph from a coffee table. A picture
of Bruce with his dad.
EXT. WAYNE MANOR. NIGHT.
Bruce is outside the living room looking at Joker from the
window. He crouches, preparing for a strike.
INT. WAYNE MANOR. LIVING ROOM. NIGHT.
HAMILL (CONTD)
Youre nothing without your little
costume. Youre afraid, you always
have been afraid. Now I have seen
your true face, the face of a
little boy who lost his daddy.
Hamill slowly wraps his hand around an umbrella that lays
next to the couch.
HAMILL (CONTD)
A boy who likes to dress up and
pretend hes the good guy.
Bruce busts through the window attempting to tackle Joker.
Fails. Hamill picks up an umbrella that laid next to the
couch. He smacks Bruce just under the arm in midair. Bruce
falls.
HAMILL (CONTD)
(walking over to Bruce)
Oh, poor Brucie you are getting too
predictable! You know, when all of
this is over Ive been thinking; I
should take over for you!
(Hamill gives off a dark
menacing laugh. He slams his
foot on Bruces neck)
I mean come on. I can put on the
suit, well first I have to gain a
few pounds cause really Brucie, you
have gotten pretty fat. But besides
that, I think I can do
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 5.
(kicks Bruce in the face)
a splendid good job!
Hamill walks off to the side while Bruce lays on the ground
nearly unconscious. Hamill stands in front of the burning
long painting of Bruce and his family.
Blood drips off of Bruces mouth. His eyes barely able to
focus on what is really going on. Hamill stands looking at
everything burning down.
Hamill looks at a small picture frame of Bruce with his
father, Thomas Wayne. He picks it up and looks back at the
burning family portrait.
HAMILL
Memories can be vile.
Repulsive little brutes like
children I suppose.
Hamill gives a malevolent laugh. He turns around and looks
at Bruce in agonizing pain.
HAMILL (CONTD)
But can we live without them?
Memories are what reason is based
upon! If we cant face them then we
deny reason itself. Although why
not?! We arent contractually tied
down to rationality! There is no
sanity clause.
Hamill places a knee onto Bruces chest, bending over and
looking at him dead in his eyes.
HAMILL (CONTD)
(quietly)
So when you find yourself in an
unwanted train of thought heading
for the places where the screaming
is unbearable, remember; theres
always madness. You can just step
outside and close the door and all
those dreadful things that
happened, you can lock them away.
Madness, is the emergency exit.
Hamill gives off a loud maniacal laugh. A laugh that Bruce
has heard many years ago. And in that moment, Waynes eyes
shoot open. He now realizes who this mysterious man really
is. The darkness is Hamills eyes, the menacing grin, he
movement, all rushing back to Bruce. He realizes that Hamill
is the Joker.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 6.
The Joker gets up and walks towards the main door. Before
leaving, his eyes turn toward a coat rack. He notices a
womans jacket with a fur collar. Grabs it and puts it on.
Bruce, while still on the ground, painfully turns his
wounded body towards The Joker. He sees Joker putting on his
mothers favorite jacket. The Joker turns toward Bruce, and
smiles.
BRUCE
(gasping for words)
Joke-- Joker-- Joker! JOKER!
EXT. WAYNE MANOR. NIGHT.
The Joker leaves Wayne Manor laughing at Bruce. Bruce
continues to scream for the Joker to return.
INT. WAYNE MANOR. LIVING ROOM. NIGHT.
Bruce lays unconscious while the house continues to burn
down. Commissioner Gordon rushes inside and yells out for
Bruce. He sees Bruce laying on the ground.
GORDON
Bruce!
Gordon rushes towards Bruce and turns him over on his back.
He sees a wound the Joker left from the blade. Petrified he
tries to help Bruce out of the building.
GORDON
(struggling to pick Bruce up)
Come on Bruce, we have to go! I
need to get you to a hospital now.
Goddammit Bruce will you get up?!
With all of his remaining strength, Bruce manages to get up
to his feet and walk with Gordon outside of Wayne Manor.
EXT. WAYNE MANOR. NIGHT.
Gordon carries Bruce over to his car. He lays Bruce down on
the back seat. Gordon searches to glove box and takes out a
piece of cloth. Scared, he helps Bruce put pressure onto the
wound. Gordon gets in the drivers seat and takes off. From
the rear view window, Gordon sees Wayne Manor collapse to
the ground. Turning into nothing but ashes.
BRUCE
(with gasping breath)
Its the... Hes the Joke...
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 7.
GORDON
What?
BRUCE
Joker... Joker... Joker...
GORDON
I cant hear you Bruce. Just relax.
Ill get you to a hospital. Just,
please relax and breath.
Bruce passes out.
EXT. GOTHAM FAIR. NIGHT.
Bruce and Damian are looking around at the flashing bright
vibrant lights hanging around the Gotham Fair. Damian is 12
years old. He points to a group of people impersonating
Batman and The Joker. Both laugh being amused.
From a distance comes Talia. She is holding popcorn in her
hands. Smiling. Bruce is holding Damian into his arms and
reaches out for Talia. She goes and holds Bruce. All smile.
Damian is laughing being entertained by the performers.
Bruce and Talia share an intimate kiss. They lock eyes and
smile to one another. They join Damian at looking at the
performers and laugh.
TALIA
Oh Bruce, I wish this night would
never end.
INT. GOTHAM GENERAL HOSPITAL. MORNING
Bruce snaps awake. Unsure of where he is. Bruce then feels a
sense of pain in his midsection. He reaches down and sees
his wounds bandaged up. Looking around, he realizes he is in
the hospital. Gordon walks in to check up on Bruce.
GORDON
Youre awake.
BRUCE
How long was I out?
GORDON
Two days. You lost a lot of blood
and doctors were unsure if youd
make it.
Bruce lays back down.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 8.
GORDON (CONTD)
While you were in the car, you kept
talking but I couldnt understand
what you were saying.
Bruce flashes back to Joker kneeling over him and laughing.
The flames consuming all the he cares for. Bruce remembers
the laugh Joker gave before leaving.
BRUCE
It was him.
GORDON
Who? Hamill?
BRUCE
No.
(wishing it wasnt true)
It was The Joker.
GORDON
(stunned)
What? Are you sure?
BRUCE
I remember that laugh. I cant
forget that laugh.
GORDON
But I thought he-
BRUCE
So did I. But hes back.
GORDON
Are you, sure it was him?
BRUCE
Jesus Christ, Gordon? You think Im
making this up?
GORDON
No, no. I just hop--
BRUCE
(furious)
What did I just say? What did I
just FUCKING say? It was HIM!
GORDON
I heard you Bruce I just thi-
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 9.
BRUCE
Then why do you think Im making
this up? I--
GORDON
Im not saying youre making it up.
I get what youre saying. Its just
theres no way to know for sure!
Bruce lays on the bed not looking at Gordon. Beginning to
get pissed off. And shakes his head baffled that Gordon
believes hes making it up.
GORDON (CONTD)
All I am saying Bruce is that
theres no way to prove for sure
that its him.
BRUCE
(turning to Gordon with
watered eyes)
He took Talia, he took Alfred and
he took Damian. All from me. ME
Gordon.
GORDON
(looking down)
I know, Bruce. I lost someone too.
BRUCE
Then why are you letting this
happen? I have nothing left. He
took all the things that mean the
most to me.
GORDON
(yelling)
I know Bruce, I KNOW! He took
Barbara from me too! She would
still be alive right now if she
didnt join your stupid "cops &
robbers" gang! You think you are
the only one who has lost
everything?!
Bruce is at a loss for words. Almost believing that
Barbaras death was his fault too. Gordon falls to the
ground almost beginning to weep.
GORDON (CONTD)
Im sorry. I shouldnt have said
that. I just... I miss her so much.
And we let that fucking psychopath
continue to run around.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 10.
Bruce sits up and tries to comfort Gordon.
BRUCE
Gordon, I... Im sorry. I know how
much she meant to you. It kills me
to know I wasnt able to... You
know.
GORDON
Yeah. We werent fast enough.
Theres nothing any of us could
have done to save her.
BRUCE
I should have ended him all of
those years ago.
GORDON
I understand why you didnt. A part
of me even wanted you to. But then
what?
BRUCE
Everyone would still be alive if it
wasnt for me, Gordon. Thats what.
Gordon looks up at Bruce. Bruce reaches out for Gordons
hand. He pulls him up.
BRUCE (CONTD)
Its time to end him, Gordon.
INT. HOSPITAL LOBBY. MORNING
Bruce and Gordon walk side by side towards the hospital
exit. They walk through a long corridor and its just them
two walking through it.
GORDON
I had to come up with a reason as
to why you were bleeding.
BRUCE
Oh yeah? Whatd you tell them.
GORDON
Uhm... Hiking accident.
Bruce stops walking and turns towards Gordon.
BRUCE
Hiking accident?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 11.
GORDON
I had to tell them something.
BRUCE
Bruce Wayne doesnt hike, Gordon.
GORDON
He does now.
They continue to walk towards the exit.
GORDON (CONTD)
So Wayne Manor is gone. Have any
idea on where youll go?
BRUCE
(sarcastic laugh)
I think youre starting to forget
who I am, Jim. Of course I do.
INT. BRUCES PENTHOUSE. MORNING.
Bruce gets out of the elevator that led him to the
penthouse. He walks inside and pauses. Looking around he
starts to remember Alfred, Talia and Damian coming to the
penthouse and throwing parties for various occasions.
SNAP TO- PENTHOUSE PARTY. NIGHT.
Guests flourish in the penthouse living room. It is Damians
birthday, he is eight years old. He and a group of friends
run around playing games.
BRUCE
(laughing)
Hey Damian, be careful! We know
its your birthday but you still
have to watch out not to bump into
anybody!
DAMIAN
(running off with friends)
Okay dad!
Bruce laughs and turns to grab a glass of wine. Alfred
approaches.
ALFRED
(holding a tray of drinks)
Do you need anything Master Bruce?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 12.
BRUCE
(smiling)
No Alfred, thank you. Hey, do you
know where Talia is?
ALFRED
Yes, she is off over there
(pointing at the food table)
talking to some of your guests.
BRUCE
(finishing his drink)
Mmm. Thanks.
Bruce sets his empty glass on Alfreds tray and walks
towards Talia. She finished talking to the guests and they
walk off. She turns toward the table and eats a walnut.
Bruce approaches Talia from behind and holds her around her
waist. She is surprised but happy.
TALIA
(laughing)
You have an act for surprises!
BRUCE
I thought youd be used to it by
now.
TALIA
You always find a way to surprise
me, Bruce.
BRUCE
Thought you said I was getting
predictable.
TALIA
Mmm... Depends on the
circumstances.
Bruce turns Talia around, facing him.
BRUCE
Oh yeah? Like what?
TALIA
Well, I know you cant cook for
shit.
BRUCE
Well I never had to make food
before. Alfred always took care of
that for me. But Im not that bad!
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 13.
TALIA
Oh please! You almost burned down
the house just to make pancakes for
Damian before!
Bruce leans in and kisses Talia.
BRUCE
I dont know what youre talking
about.
TALIA
(returning a kiss)
Of course you dont.
SNAP BACK TO- BRUCE IN PENTHOUSE. MORNING.
After revisiting a memory, Bruce walks through...
INT. PENTHOUSE LIVING ROOM. MORNING.
... the living room. Seeing pictures of him and his family.
After glancing through the pictures, he slides his finger
across the table seeing how dusty everything has become.
Bruce walks to the glass window and looks out. Wayne
Enterprise stands in the horizon. An emotionless face is
present on Bruce.
Bruce moves his hands down to his midsection. Lifting up his
shirt, he sees his bandaged wound.
Theres a knock on the door. Bruce walks over to answer the
door. Its Commissioner Gordon.