Irobot Movie Script

8/14/2019 Irobot Movie Script

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FADE IN:

1 On a DEEP...DEEP...DARKNESS. 1

A FLICKER. Of LIGHT. Off to the side. Just barely.Noticeable. ORANGE...YELLOW...as we realise...Its FIRE...

A SOUND. Something SHATTERING...

Then. A DISEMBODIED VOICE. Muted. We cant quite make outWhat its saying. As it gets LOUDER. And LOUDER. When wefinally. Understand...

DISEMBODIED VOICEYou are in danger...

CUT TO:

2 INT. SPOONERS APARTMENT - CLOSE ON 2

DEL SPOONERS FACE. His eyes, snapping open. His face,covered in sweat.

PULL BACK to REVEAL him lying in bed. Sheets, tangled aroundhis legs. Alarm clock, playing something relentlesslycheerful.

Spooner slaps it off. Sits up. Wincing. Bends his RIGHTARM. Stiff. He reaches for a BOTTLE OF PILLS. Shakes out acouple and swallows them. Trying to forget. That dream.

You are in danger...He rubs his hands over his face. Gets out of bed. Hisapartment, basic. Unremarkable. Bearing the signs ofsomeone who lives alone. Shades drawn. A little messy.

3 INT. SHOWER - MORNING 3

Spooner turns his face into the jet of water.

4 INT. BATHROOM - MORNING 4

Shaves with a razor. Using his left hand. Knicks the cleft

of his chin. Shit.

5 INT. KITCHEN - MORNING 5

Stares down at the single egg in a saucepan. Waiting for itto boil.


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10 EXT. POLICE H.Q. - PLAZA - MORNING 10

Spooner moves with the CROWD towards the doors of the agingPolice Headquarters. Modern additions have been made to theoriginal facade -- creating an ungainly architectural mess.

11 INT. POLICE H.Q. - HOMICIDE UNIT - MORNING 11

A vast open plan situation room lined on one side by a seriesof glass-enclosed rooms. On the other side a GIANT SCREEN

with real time video of various streets and buildings.

Spooner arrives at his desk. Unlike the others, its a mess.A slender computer screen curving along the front of it.Several electronic messages say the same thing:

SEE ME!

LT. BERGIN (O.S.)

Ever heard the phrase lead byexample?

Spooner looks up. LIEUTENANT JOHN BERGIN stands in front ofhis desk, holding up a CITATION with a photo of Spoonergiving that traffic signal the finger.

SPOONERDoesnt ring a bell.

LT. BERGIN(pointing to Spoonersbadge)

Its on your badge.

Spooner takes the citation. Drops it into a drawer filledwith about fifty others.

LT. BERGINThe traffic division filed anofficial complaint this morning.

SPOONERThe traffic division is amachine.

LT. BERGINLook, I know theres going to be anadjustment period, Del...

SPOONER(interrupting)

Ill send them a letter of apology.Maybe some flowers. A box ofchocolates...


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JUST THEN Spooners phone RINGS. He throws Bergin a look.Then snatches up the receiver.

SPOONERSpooner, homicide.

CUT TO:

12 EXT. U.S. ROBOTICS - ESTABLISHING - DAY 12

A sprawling glass and metal complex covering many cityblocks. The entrance is a large plaza filled with PEOPLE andROBOTS.

13 INT. U.S. ROBOTICS - METAL CORRIDOR - DAY 13

An elevator opens with a whoosh. Spooner steps out into afeatureless corridor. His footsteps, echoing. He stops at aset of OPPOSING DOORS. Looks over at one, when the other

suddenly OPENS.

14 INT. U.S. ROBOTICS - PLUSH CONFERENCE ROOM - CONTINUOUS 14

A warm, mahogany-paneled room. In sharp contrast to the coldmetal space outside. Spooner steps inside. At the end of along conference table sits an OLD MAN. Sparkling blue eyes.Old-fashioned suit.

OLD MANHello, there. Please come in.

Spooner hesitates.

OLD MANIts alright. You can sit. Sit.

Spooner doesnt. Looks around the room. The Old Man liftsup a coffee pot. Pours some coffee into a single cup.

OLD MANCoffee?

SPOONER(interested)

Youre offering me a cup of coffee?OLD MAN

Yes. But you are to say, No,thank you.

Spooner nods a little. The Old Man raises the coffee to hislips, but doesnt take a sip.


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OLD MANCoffee?

SPOONERNo. Thank you.

OLD MANAs you wish.

The Old Man takes a sip. He doesnt move. There is nomovement except for a whisper of steam rising from the coffeepot.

SPOONERYou want to tell me something aboutDr. Hogenmiller? About his death?

The Old Man smiles.

OLD MANI want to tell you that his death

was not a suicide.

SPOONERAnd why do you say that?

OLD MANWhy? Because I want you to knowit.

SPOONERI understand that. But whatspecifically leads you to believethat he didnt commit suicide?

OLD MAN(considers)

Nothing specifically.

Spooner shifts his weight. Agitated.

SPOONERUnder normal circumstances that

wouldnt be enough to get you a

homicide investigation.OLD MAN

But this is not normalcircumstances, is it, DetectiveSpooner?

SPOONERNo. It isnt.


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OLD MANThen you will find out who killedDr. Hogenmiller, yes? And then you

will tell me.

Spooners losing his patience.

SPOONERIf you weremurdered, Doctor, Illfind out. And youll be the firstto know.....

JUST THEN the HOLOGRAM of DR. HOGENMILLER vanishes in a burstof LIGHT, as does the table, the coffee pot, and theconference room. Spooner, suddenly finds himself standing infront of a LARGE VIEW SCREEN inside a SMALL METAL CHAMBER.

15 INT. HALLWAY - DAY 15

Spooner steps out into the hallway and into...AN ESCORTROBOT.

ESCORT ROBOTPlease follow me.

Spooner. Reluctantly starts to follow it. Passes anotherdoorway. POLICE TAPE stretched across it. Catches a briefglimpse of...

DR. HEINRICH HOGENMILLERS BODY.

Splayed out across the floor. Surrounded by CRIME SCENETECHNICIANS. He pauses. Taking in the scene. Thencontinues on.

16 INT. U.S. ROBOTICS - CORPORATE BOARDROOM - DAY 16

Two large doors emblazoned with the U.S. ROBOTICS LOGO openautomatically. Inside, an enormous glass-enclosed boardroomlooking out over the entire complex.

Spooner walks through the doorway. His escort robot trailingbehind him. An army of corporate types sit around aconference table. Young. Energetic. You can practically

feel the brains and ambition.SPOONER

Usually I ask whos in charge...

Spooners eyes lock with a MAN sitting at the head of thetable. 60s, handsome, charismatic. Dr. LANCE ROBERTSON,founder and CEO of U.S. Robotics.


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SPOONERBut everyone knows you, Dr.Robertson.

Robertson smiles. Pretends to instruct his people.

ROBERTSONRemind me to cut back on my talkshow appearances.

LAUGHTER.

ROBERTSONWelcome to U.S. Robotics,Detective. I regret youre notvisiting us under more pleasantcircumstances. Allow me tointroduce Mr. Aronson, our head ofLegal Affairs.

A prematurely graying MAN leaning against the wall. Nodshello.

ROBERTSONAnd the gentleman to my right isDr. Alfred Lanning, Director ofResearch.

Alfred Lanning, only one there in a tie. Nods.

ROBERTSONTheyll be available to answer anyquestions you might have duringyour investigation. Youllunderstand how anxious we are toresolve this matter -- especiallybefore the press gets wind of it.There are some anti-robotsentiments out there as you know,Detective, and were not eager tostir them up. So. Where would youlike to begin?

SPOONER

We can begin with whether or notthe old man put a gun to his headand pulled the trigger.

A palpable wave of tension shoots through the group.

ARONSONYou dont have to answer that, Dr.Robertson...


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ROBERTSONDr. Hogenmiller was at my side fromthe very beginnings of thiscompany. We developed the ThreeLaws of Robotics together. Butthese days science is a young mans

game. By the time you hit thirtyyour best years are behind you.Some of us are kicked upstairs.Others Im afraid arent so lucky.

Robertson stands. Meeting over.

ROBERTSONDr. Hogenmiller took his own life.I trust you will come to the sameswift conclusion, Detective. Dr.Lanning will make himself availableif you have any further questions.

Spooner looks over at Calvin.

SPOONERI want her to help me.

Calvin, unhappy with this arrangement.

CALVINThats not really my department...

ROBERTSON(pointed)

Susan would be happy to assist you.

And with a gesture, Robertson dismisses everyone. Peoplestart getting up, gathering up, filing out. Susan Calvin.The last one to get up.

17 INT. METAL HALLWAY - DAY 17

Spooner and Calvin, heading down the same hallway he was inbefore. Catch sight of a couple ROBOT TECHNICIANS...

SPOONER

(under his breath)Ah, Christ...Toasters...

As they duck under the police tape and...


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18 INT. HOGENMILLERS LAB - DAY 18

...enter Hogenmillers lab. Alive with activity. CRIMESCENE TECHNICIANS, MOBILE ANALYSIS UNITS. LIGHT SCANS,running across...

HOGENMILLERS LIFELESS FACE. Black gun powder. Fanning outaround his contorted lips.

Spooner. Throws a look around the lab: ROBOTS. Everywhere.Mostly incomplete. TORSOS. ARMS. LEGS. Dangling from theceiling. A SERGEANT. Passes them by...

SERGEANTThey say the prices gonna comedown a lot next year. Kinda cool,huh?

SPOONER

How cool will it be when one takesyour job?

Spooner. Pushing past him. His eyes. Darting around.

CALVINIs everything alright, Detective?

SPOONERYeah. This is just how I like myrobots -- in pieces.

As they approach Hogenmillers body, the lead CRIME SCENEINVESTIGATOR, BALDEZ, gets up to meet them.

BALDEZ(to Spooner)

Can you believe it, man? U.S.Robotics. I didnt think Id eversee the inside of this building.

Hands Spooner, a plasma clipboard. Spooner signs it,awkwardly. With his LEFT HAND...

SPOONER

Whats the run-down?BALDEZ

Heinrich Hogenmiller, sixty-fouryears old. Weapon a small caliber.22, registered in his name. Lookslike he walked in, locked the door,and snuffed himself.


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Spooner. Cocking his head to look at Hogenmillers face.

SPOONERI know someone who disagrees withyou.

BALDEZWho?

Spooner. Stands. Pointing down at Hogenmiller.

SPOONERHim.

And steps over the body, leaving a confused Baldez.Stepping deeper, into the lab. Calvin. Following.

SPOONERI spoke to a dead man today. Want

to tell me about that?

CALVINDr. Hogenmillers hologram took hisappointments. Attended staffmeetings. He hated corporate life.The hologram enabled him to focuson his work. Its just a device,Detective.

SPOONERA device that called the police.

CALVINThe sound of the gunshot wouldvetriggered a 911.

SPOONERBut the call came directly tome.

CALVINWere talking about a mechanismdesigned by Hogenmiller to sayprovocative things. To irritateand confound his colleagues.

SPOONERAnd thats what you think it is?

CALVINIm sorry, but this wholeinvestigation is the result of adead mans toy messing with yourhead.


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They pass half a robot, hanging from a hook. Spooner curlshis lip. Swivels the robots head so its not looking athim.

SPOONERWhens the last time any of you

actually spoke to Hogenmiller? Imean human to human?

CALVINI couldnt say.

SPOONERTake a guess.

CALVINI dont guess, Detective. But ifpressed, I would reason it had beena considerable length of time.

SPOONERHow well did you know him?

Calvin. Gently swivels the robots head back to where it hadbeen.

CALVINNot well. But I admired his worktremendously.

Spooner. Studies her for a beat. Then turns back to thebody. Two CORONERS entering with a high-tech body box.

SPOONERI get the whole mad scientistthing. Hogenmiller was past hisprime. Isolated. Eccentric. Heenters a room. Locks the door andis found minutes later with abullet fired through his mouth intohis brain. Everything about thiscase says suicide.

CALVIN

You dont sound convinced.The coroners. Start loading the body into the box.

SPOONEREven people who live a life oflogic and precision rarely arrangetheir deaths so perfectly.

(turning to her)(MORE)


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SPOONER (contd)What all this is missing -- is

personality...

As he starts for the door...

SPOONERYou have 24 hour surveillance?...

19 INT. METAL HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS 19

...They head out into the hallway. A MECHANICAL DOOR GUARDrolling into place behind them.

CALVINIts company policy.

SPOONERI want to see the tapes.

Calvin. Hurrying to keep up with him. This is hardly howshe wanted to spend her morning. Calls out into the air...

CALVINVictor!

At the end of the corridor, near the elevator, a BRIGHTCIRCLE appears. Hovering just in front of the wall. Twosmall slits grow into ROUND BLACK EYES...and a thin mouthexpands into an ENORMOUS SMILE.

CALVINDetective, meet Victor. Ourbuildings supercomputer. Hes thechecks and balances of U.S.R.

(to Victor)Victor, Detective Spooners headingup the investigation into the deathof Dr. Hogenmiller.

Victor smiles big. Spooner, furrows his brow.

SPOONERYou look like a very...happy

computer.Victor responds in a GENTLE MALE VOICE:

VICTORThank you. Thats very kind.

CALVINThe Detective needs to see oursecurity tapes.


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The elevator doors immediately OPEN. They step inside.

20 INT. ELEVATOR - DAY 20

Spooner and Calvin descend. Victor floats on the wall andsmiles wide. Spooner looks back at it. With a frown.

The elevator stops, the doors open. A ROBOT steps on.

ROBOTGood day, Dr. Calvin. Good day,sir.

Spooners jaw. Clenches. Staring at the Robot. It sensesthe stare. Turns back to him.

ROBOTMay I be of service to you, sir?

Spooner. Breaks the stare. Ignoring the Robot. Calvin.Looks over at him.

CALVINArent you going to answer him?

SPOONERI dont talk to my refrigerator,either.

Calvin folds her arms.

CALVINI get the distinct feeling youreone of those people, Detective.

SPOONERWhat people?

CALVINThose who dont appreciate the work

we do here at U.S.R.

SPOONERYou people do what you do. Then

its up to the rest of us to makesense out of the world we wake upin.

As the elevator doors open on to...


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21 INT. ATRIUM LOBBY - CONTINUOUS 21

A soaring lobby. The centerpiece is a five-story STATUE of aROBOT, arms outstretched in approximation of Da Vincis Studyof Man. Robot workers more numerous than humans. They aresleeker. Finer. More advanced than those in the outside

world.

Calvin and Spooner head across.

CALVINWhen this company started we weremanufacturing three robots a week.Now look at us. Todays children

will never know a world withoutrobots.

SPOONERThe streets are filled with

unemployed humans who arentexactly thrilled with that idea.

CALVINOur robotic systems maintainfactory inventories, regulatestreet traffic -- even run thefamily home.

SPOONERLeaving people to do what, Doctor?

CALVINLeaving people to engage in higherpursuits that make life worthliving.

SPOONERAnd what happens when somethinggoes wrong?

CALVINOur systems never wrong.

As they walk through the crowd, we hear the quiet WHIR of

robot heads as they turn in succession to watch Spooner pass.22 INT. MAINFRAME - DAY 22

Spooner and Calvin enter the MAINFRAME of U.S. Robotics.This is the nerve center of the whole operation. Walls lined

with COMPUTERS, SCREENS, and thousands of CONTROLS.


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CALVINThis is Victors home.

VICTOR appears on a wall-sized SCREEN broken up into beehive-like components.

VICTORI will now play you the last thirty-two seconds of Dr. Hogenmillerslife.

AS WE WATCH THE SCREENS. The elevator opens and DOCTORHOGENMILLER steps into the metal corridor. In countlessANGLES. High, low, close-up, wide. Hogenmillers facecomposed but tight.

Spooner watches the lab doors open to admit him. Hogenmillersteps in. The doors slide closed behind him.

Nothing for a few moments. Then a muffled GUNSHOT. Calvinjumps, startled. Thats it. The cameras, still trained onthe corridor.

SPOONERWheres the tape from inside?

VICTORDr. Hogenmiller did not permitcameras to observe him while

working.

CALVINThat was only within the last year.

SPOONERSo we can throw paranoia into themix.

(to Victor)Fast-forward.

A hundred-plus screens all FAST-FORWARD. POLICE OFFICERSappear and force open the doors. Now TECHNICIANS appearand rush through in a blur...

CALVINUm. I hate to be a stickler...

On screen, we see Spooner and Calvin enter the lab.

CALVINBut dont killers usually have toenter and exit the scene of acrime?


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SPOONERStop the recording.

Spooner turns away from the footage. Stares at Calvin.

SPOONER

They do, Doctor. Unless theyvealways been there -- and neverleft.

Calvin looks at him. Trying to understand.

CALVINYou think the murderer was in thelab the entire time?

SPOONERIf Im right, its still there...

Spooner turns back to the screens. The IMAGE paused at theexact moment the MECHANICAL GUARD rolled in front of the labdoor.

SPOONERWe just locked it in.

23 INT. METAL CORRIDOR - DAY 23

The STEEL ARMS of the ROBOTIC GUARD retract with a CLANG. Thelaboratory doors slide open.

24 INT. HOGENMILLERS LAB - DAY 24

Spooner and Calvin step inside. Its dark. Quiet. Policeand technicians long gone. Silhouettes of hanging limbs.Eyeless heads. Clumps of wire and metal.

The LIGHTS, flicker on. Calvin sees Spooner reaching intohis coat with his left hand. Pulling out a GUN. Reacts.

CALVINA robot cannot harm a human being,Detective. The First Law ofRobotics forbids it. And we hard-

wire the Three Laws into everymodel. Without exception.

SPOONERYeah, I saw the commercial.

Spooner steps deeper into the lab. Eyes scanning. Twisting.To avoid touching any robot parts. Passes a MAZE holding aMETAL INSECT. SUDDENLY. The bug WHIRS to life.


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Spooner startles. As the metal bug scurries through thecorridors. Clamps his hand down on it.

SPOONERAnd if a robot was given a directorder to kill?

CALVINThe Second Law of Robotics wouldprevent it. A robot must obey anorder only if it does not conflict

with the first law.

Spooner approaches a MOUND of ROBOT PARTS. Arms and legs.Half torsos. All tossed haphazardly onto the pile.

SPOONERBut a robot can defend itself.

CALVINOnly when that action doesntconflict with the First or SecondLaws. This is the Third Law ofRobotics.

SPOONERYeah, well, you know what they say-- Laws are made to be broken.

CALVINNot these laws.

Spooner. Starts nudging the pile with his shoe. Calvin,growing impatient...

CALVINYoure not hearing me, Detective.Theres nothing here...

WHEN SUDDENLY

The PILE ERUPTS in front of Spooner...Parts flying...AS AROBOT LEAPS UP FROM BENEATH IT!...

Spooner...knocked back...his GUN...skittering across thefloor...right to...

CALVINS FEET.

SPOONERDr. Calvin!

Calvin. Stunned. Speechless. The Robot. Fixing hisILLUMINATED EYES. Right on her. She steps forward...


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SPOONERGoddammit! Stay back!

Spooner. Scrambling towards his gun. Calvin. Reaching outtowards the Robot...

CALVINCalm down, Detective. There is nodanger here...

Spooner. Grabbing up his gun and wheeling round just as...

CALVIN(to Robot)

De-Activate.

And the Robot. Suddenly FREEZES.

Spooner. Heart POUNDING. Gets to his feet. Training the

gun on the Robot. Calvin turns to him.

CALVINHow did you know it was underthere?

SPOONERIf I was metal and didnt wantanyone to find me, Id hide under apile of junk.

CALVINThis Robot wasnt hiding. Whatyoure looking at is the result ofclever programming. The illusionof self-interest and free will.Nothing more.

Spooner. Steeping closer to the Robot. Cautiously.Holstering his gun. As Calvin turns for the door.

CALVINIm going to go get Dr. Lanning...

...THE ROBOTS HAND SUDDENLY SHOOTS OUT...grabbing Spooners

gun...from his holster...LIGHTENING FAST...pointing it...right back at him...

CLOSE ON Calvin. Cannot believe this is happening...

CALVINI saidDe-Activate!


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SPOONERMove away from the door, Doctor.

Calvins voice. Cracking from desperation. Confusion.

CALVIN

Commence emergency shut-down!

SPOONERNow!

Spooner. Staring into the Robots eyes. A thin bead ofSWEAT. Trickling down his temple. Calvin. Moving away fromthe door...

CALVINI...I gave you an order...

The Robot. Starts backing towards the door. The gun.

Shaking in its hand. As if hes desperate. Conflicted. Hetouches the WALL PANEL. The doors slide open. The Robotsteps out into the metal corridor. Turning to RUN as thedoors begin to shut...

Spooner. Reaching down to whip out a BACK-UP GUN. From anankle holster. Slapping in a LARGE CARTRIDGE.

CALVINThis is impossible. A robot...

SPOONER...cant do that. Yeah, yeah, Iknow.

CALVINMy God -- did you see how it moved?Ive never seen an NS-2 move that

way...

Starts running for the door.

CALVINWait! Please, you cant destroyit. We have to study it...

SPOONERThat thing took my gun. Youll belucky if you get a handful of boltsback!

SLAMS the wall panel and...


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Looks back at the other ROBOT. Standing in the back ofelevator. A primitive model. No reaction. Face, blank.

CUT BACK TO:

27 INT. METAL CORRIDOR - CONTINUOUS 27

Spooner springing to his feet. Helping Calvin up.

VICTORI took the liberty of alertingSecurity .003 Seconds after thefirst shot was fired...

SPOONERWheres that elevator going?

VICTORSub Level 5.

Spooner SLAMS against a nearby DOOR. Hurtling down theSTAIRS...

28 INT. LOBBY - CONTINUOUS 28

A PHALANX of SECURITY PERSONNEL. Crossing the lobby.PIERCING ALARM BELLS, RINGING...

29 INT. ANOTHER METAL HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS 29

More SECURITY PERSONNEL. Pouring into a HALLWAY...

30 INT. STAIRWAY - CONTINUOUS 30

Spooner and Calvin. Racing down the stairs. Victors facemeeting them at every landing.

VICTORI have directed a security team tomeet the elevator containing theerrant robot...

Spooner. Whipping past him. Calvin. Barely keeping up.Not used to this much activity.

Spooner. BURSTS through a door and out into...

31 INT. SUBTERRANEAN LEVEL 5 - CONTINUOUS 31

...Subterranean Level 5. A labyrinth of metal and concrete.IN THE DISTANCE. A troupe of SECURITY PERSONNEL swarmsaround a closed ELEVATOR DOOR...


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VICTORThe suspect is about to beapprehended, Detective.

SPOONERIll believe it when I see it.

Spooner. Cocking his gun. A soft DING! Announcing theelevator cars arrival.

SECURITY, all crouching down in unison. Weapons broughtround to position.

Spooner. Weaving through them. Gun pointed at the metaldoors as...

WHOOSH. They slide open. Revealing a ROBOT. Standingunder the LIGHT. Holding a GUN. It steps out as Securitytakes aim and...

SPOONERWait!

Spooner pushes past them to the Robot. Looks down at itsleg. UNSCATHED.

SPOONERThis is not the same robot!

Looking wildly around. Goddammit. Bounds towards an EXIT asCalvin steps forward to question the robot.

CALVIN(to Robot)

What happened to the robot thatordered you to hold this firearm?

ELEVATOR ROBOTThis unit is not programmed to obeyan order given by a robot...

CALVINBut who gave you this gun?

SPOONER. Running towards the exit. Hears the answer.Echoing behind him...

ELEVATOR ROBOTA metal man.


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32 EXT. U.S. ROBOTICS - DAY 32

BAM! He BURSTS out into the PLAZA in front of U.S. Robotics.Squinting into the light. Then PLUNGING into the crowd...

HUMAN...ROBOT...HUMAN...ROBOT...they all look the same from

behind. Spooner running. Through the sea of MAN andMACHINE. When someone. Starts to SCREAM. At the sight ofhis GUN. The crowd begins SCATTERING. Chaos. Spoonerstops. Near a fountain. Turning 360. Looking everywhere...

The Robot. Gone.

SPOONER (V.O.)...I want a homicide unit on everystreet, sidewalk, alley...

33 INT. POLICE H.Q. - HOMICIDE UNIT - DAY 33

Spooner, standing in front of an assemblage of COPS. Behindhim, an image of the Robot Suspect plays on the screen...

SPOONER...junkyard, scrapyard, and salvageyard, anywhere it could hide.

Behind him, flashing images of the city STREETS and DUMPS...

SPOONERIts got a bullet hole above theright knee, so be on the look-outfor any malfunctioning NS-2...

Lieutenant Bergin enters the back of the room. Next to him,ASSISTANT D.A. TOLLER. Not looking happy.

SPOONERCheck out all retail outlets andrepair shops, especially theunderground ones...

The screen behind him compartmentalises, showing variousdubious SHOP FRONTS...

SPOONERI dont care who you have to getpast to get this done. Just get itdone.

The Cops, begin dispersing. As Bergin catches Spooners eye.Spooner, not pleased to see Toller. Heads over...


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TOLLERLooking like shit, Spooner.

SPOONERWell Im not the one always givingPress Conferences...

Bergin puts a hand on Spooners arm. Knows hes not going tolike this.

LT. BERGINDel, were going to have toreclassify the search. D.A.soffice is seeing this NS-2 asmissing evidence -- not ahomicide suspect.

SPOONERWhat?

TOLLERHomicide is the murder of a humanbeing by another human being.Therefore, a robot cannot becharged with homicide.

SPOONERThis isnt just any robot...

TOLLERIts malfunctioning.

SPOONERIt killed someone. Thatregistering with you?

Spooner. Shakes off Bergins arm. Eyeballs Toller.

SPOONERHow many shares of U.S.R. youholding in your portfolio, Toller?

TOLLERThis is a public safety issue.

SPOONERThats convenient.

TOLLERYou have any idea what would happento this city if we went runningaround screaming killer robot?It would collapse in on itself.

(MORE)


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TOLLER (contd)Wide-spread panic. Until that NS-2s found were cooperating withU.S. Robotics and keeping thisinvestigation under wraps.

LT. BERGINMaybe this isnt the case for you,Del.

Incensed, Spooner replies a little louder than he intended.

SPOONERImfine!

Rakes his hand through his hair. Turns to see the otherCOPS, looking over at him. Toller smirks. Looks to Bergin.

TOLLER

I want updated reports every halfhour.

Heads off. Spooner. Watching him.

SPOONERThis is it, you know. From now on

were going to miss the good olddays.

LT. BERGINGood old days?

SPOONERWhen people were killed by otherpeople.

34 INT./EXT. SPOONERS CAR - CITY STREET - DUSK 34

Spooner. Rolling along in his car. Eyes, bloodshot.Peering out the window:

An NS-2 model ROBOT laden with shopping bags, following itsowner down the sidewalk...

Another ROBOT, opening the door at a hotel for GUESTS...A couple HAULING ROBOTS, loading heavy boxes onto the back ofa truck...

Spooner. Rubs his eyes. Turns a corner and spots:

A ROBOT REPAIR SHOP.


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The latest models in the window. Shiny. Streamlined.Spooner watches as a WOMAN leads her faulty NS-2 to theservice entrance.

He stops the car.

35 INT. TAXI (MOVING) - ESTATE STREETS - NIGHT 35

Calvin riding in the back of a DRIVERLESS taxi cab. Staringout the window, lost in thought. The cab pulls up to a curb.

TAXI VOICEWe have arrived at yourdestination.

Calvin. Takes a beat. Then swipes her card.

36 EXT. CALVINS CONDO ESTATE - NIGHT 36

Elegant condos set on prime real estate. Calvin heads down atree-lined walk towards her condo entrance.

SPOONER (O.S.)One of my bullets hit your robot...

Startled. She drops her key card. As Spooner steps out frombehind a tree. The tail of his coat, whipping in the wind.

CALVINDetective!...

SPOONERAnd I think its smart enough torepair itself -- dont you?

CALVIN(studying him)

Yes. I think so.

SPOONERWhere?

CALVINAny repair shop...

SPOONERNo. Its always the owner whobrings the robot in for repair.Where would a robot without anowner go?


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CALVINIm not sure what youre gettingat.

SPOONER(stepping closer)

Does U.S. Robotics have a factoryin the city limits?

Calvin. Tucking her hair behind her ears.

CALVINThe locations of our factories areclassified.

SPOONERI dont care.

Calvin. Looks up at him. A Mexican stand-off.

CALVINI have several conditions if I showyou.

SPOONERI expected that.

CALVINFirst. I want it brought inunharmed.

SPOONER(doesnt like it, but)

Agreed.

CALVINSecond. I want to talk to it,alone.

SPOONERToo dangerous.

CALVINThis model violated the Three Laws.

It also moved and reacteddifferently than any robot Iveever seen. There must be some sortof logical explanation. I want tofind out what that is. No police.No prosecutors. No you. Just meand the robot.

Spooner, looks down at this small woman. Narrows his eyes.


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SPOONERWhen they told me you were apsychologist, that wasnt the wholetruth, was it?

CALVIN

I never said I treated humanbeings.

37 INT./EXT. SPOONERS CAR (MOVING) - CITY UNDERPASS - NIGHT 37

Spooners car races down a RAMP and the roadway becomes a 16-lane underground tunnel system. A river of HEADLIGHTSstretches forever in either direction.

A CONTROL BEAM locks onto the car, guiding it to a merge withTRAFFIC. Spooner hits the OVERRIDE BUTTON -- and switches tomanual. Calvin watches him take the wheel. Shakes her head.

CALVINThat should be outlawed once andfor all.

SPOONERThatll be the day I stop driving.

Spooner jams the GAS PEDAL and the tunnel becomes a BLUR.Calvin holds onto the dashboard. Looking a little pale.

CALVINI can recommend a behaviormodification program, you know --if you want to overcome your robo-phobia.

SPOONERIm not afraid of robots. I justdont like them.

CALVINWhy? Because they make everyaspect of our lives moreconvenient?

SPOONERExactly. They do our dirty work.Ever do hard labor, Doctor? Getspretty old, pretty fast. Nobodycan do someone elses dirty work

without coming to hate them. Idont want to be around when yourrobots decide theyve taken theirlast order.


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SPOONERAnd one that can.

She raises the gun to Spooners head. Hand, unsteady.

CALVIN

Am I holding this right?

SPOONERMore or less.

Calvin. Swallows. Looks over at the robots. Then COCKS thegun...

AND THE ROBOTS COME THUNDERING TOWARDS THEM. Like a row oflinebackers. Arms straight out. Their footsteps DEAFENING.Coming CLOSER and CLOSER...

When CALVIN. Lowers the gun. The Robots. All stop in

unison. Immediately returning to their resting positions.

Spooner and Calvin stare out. EVERY ONE OF THE ROBOTS MOVED.Standing right in front of them, like metal statues.

Spooner. Has had enough. Takes the gun back from Calvin...

SPOONEREnough game-playing.

...And BAM! Blows the head off of the nearest Robot. Itsbody crumples to the ground.

SPOONERGuess that wasnt it.

Calvin. Cannot believe what he just did. Rushes over to thedestroyed Robot.

CALVINWhat are you doing?!

Spooner walks down the row, holding his gun in plain view.

SPOONER

(calling out)This is a self-preservation fieldtest! DO NOT attempt to saveyourselves. Any of you. Thats anorder!

FROM THE CONTROL BOOTH the Night Foreman screams over theP.A.:


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35.

NIGHT FOREMANAre you crazy? Those are eighthundred thousand dollar machines!

Spooner randomly stops at another Robot. Raises his gun.

SPOONERYou hear that? Youre worth morethan Ill make in my entire life...

His finger tightening on the trigger when Calvin suddenlygrabs his arm.

CALVINYou cant just destroy them!

Spooner. Looking down at her. WHEN SUDDENLY somethingcatches his eye. A MOVEMENT. Down the line. Almost.Imperceptible.

He jerks his head. Locking eyes with a ROBOT. A couple feetaway. Its him!

SPOONERGotcha.

The Robot Suspect LEAPS forward. Grabbing onto the RAILINGof an OVERHEAD CATWALK. His movements almost balletic as heswings himself up...

Spooner drops to his knee...taking aim...butmisses as theRobot launches himself THROUGH THE CONTROL BOOTH WINDOW witha terrific CRASH...

44 INT. CONTROL BOOTH - NIGHT 44

Spooner and Calvin rush in to find the Night Foreman hidingunder his desk. Glass everywhere. An ALARM SCREAMING. Thedoor on the other side, barely hanging off a hinge.

Spooner hurries forward. Then stops. Turning to Calvin.Reaches down for his back-up gun and presses it into herhand.

SPOONERYou dont know whats going tohappen in there.

As if admitting defeat. Calvins fingers, wrapping aroundthe gun. As Spooner leads them to the door and down into...


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To find CALVIN. Takes her by the arm. And forces themthrough a line...

EMERGING into the open. The ROBOT. Still pounding.Desperate. Like a trapped animal...

CALVINNow what do we do?

SPOONERIve already done it.

And suddenly, the massive SECURITY DOOR RISES...

46 EXT. U.S. ROBOTICS PLANT - CONTINUOUS 46

The Robot Suspect takes its chance. Runs full out. STOPS.

Bergin is standing in front of a solid wall of POLICE CARS.

UNIFORMED OFFICERS are aiming SPECIALISED RIFLES at theRobot. FLASHING LIGHTS reflecting off its metal surface.

The Robot turns to Spooner. Extends its hands. Palms out.

ROBOTWHAT AM I?

Spooner is surprised. A POLICE OFFICER fires, RUBBERISEDNETTING shooting out at Sonny. A SECOND OFFICER fires and asecond net covers him. Then a THIRD...

...and the Robot falls to the ground, struggling.

Calvin glares at Spooner. Furious. Hurt. Betrayed.

CALVINWe had a deal.

But Spooner doesnt look at her. His eyes are locked on thatRobot.

47 INT. POLICE H.Q. - HOMICIDE UNIT - EARLY MORNING 47

Bergin enters. Finds EVERYONE focused on the VIDEO WALL:

ON SCREEN. A NEWS REPORTER is speaking over images of streetviolence perpetrated against ROBOTS.

NEWS REPORTERViolence erupted last night inresponse to unconfirmed reportsthat Dr. Heinrich Hogenmiller, atop employee at U.S.

(MORE)


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NEWS REPORTER (contd)Robotics, was killed yesterdaymorningby a robot. While therehas been no official response fromthe company, police sources haveconfirmed that a robot is being

held as evidence...

Bergin grimaces. This is not good.

48 INT. CELL OBSERVATION BOOTH - EARLY MORNING 48

Spooner stares at his reflection in a large MIRROR. Touchesa control and the mirror becomes a WINDOW onto...

A HOLDING CELL. The Robot Suspect sits at the table.Shackled to the chair. Staring at the table top.

BERGIN steps up beside Spooner. Looks through the glass.

LT. BERGINI cant tell if its not movingbecause its trying to psych usout, or because its just amachine. Or both.

SPOONERI want to go in.

LT. BERGINOrders are nobody steps into thatroom til Lanning and his attorneysget here.

Spooner. Throws him a look. Bergin, his loyalties torn.

LT. BERGINFive minutes.

49 INT. HOLDING CELL - EARLY MORNING 49

Spooner enters. Pulls out a chair and drags it far from thetable. Hes been jumped too many times by this machine.

Four mounted cameras WHIR to life. The Robot. Perfectlystill.

SPOONER(sitting)

Identify.

The Robot tilts its head with a muted WHIR. As if it doesntunderstand him. Spooner. Disdainful.


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SPOONERYou are an NS-2 Nestor-class robot.Your primary function is to performthe tasks assigned to you.Identify.

THE ROBOTI am an NS-2 Nestor-class robot.My primary function --

SPOONER(interrupting)

Cancel. Perform task.

Spooner wings a FILE onto the table. It comes to a stop nearthe Robot. The Robot, lifts one of its hands. Gentlyresting its metal fingers on top of the file. Then opens it.

A stack of PICTURES. HOGENMILLERS CORPSE.

SPOONERDescribe.

The Robots emotionless face studies the grim images.

SPOONERYou have over 10,000 words storedin your memory. One third of thoseare adjectives. Describe.

Nothing.

SPOONERWhy dont I take a crack? HeinrichHogenmiller, your creator. With abullet in his brain. A bulletyouput there.

The Robot. Looks up at Spooner.

SPOONERCold-blooded murder is a pretty newtrick for a robot, dont you think?

Answer.

The Robot slowly closes the file and slides it back acrossthe table. Spooner. Crosses his arms.

SPOONERMaybe youre stonewalling me.Maybe youre sitting there rightnow thinking, This guys acomplete asshole. That it?


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Still nothing.

SPOONERCome on. Am I right?

THE ROBOT

Yes. You are right. You are acomplete asshole.

And for a moment, Spooner is shocked. You can see it in hiseyes. He sits back in his chair. Forcing a tight smile.

SPOONEROkay. I guess thats a start. Nowmaybe you can tell me what you weredoing hiding five feet away fromHogenmillers corpse?

THE ROBOT

I was frightened.

SPOONERFrightened. Why do you suppose Dr.Hogenmiller would create a robotthat could simulate fear?

THE ROBOTI dont know.

SPOONERDoesnt seem like a very usefulthing for a robot to have.

THE ROBOTI dont know why.

SPOONERI wouldnt want my toaster to befrightened. Or my vacuum cleaner --

SUDDENLY the Robot SLAMS its metal hands down on the table.

THE ROBOTI DONT KNOW!

Spooner flinches. Slightly.

SPOONERLooks like you can simulate otheremotional states. I think thatones called anger. Have youever simulated anger before?


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The Robot doesnt respond.

SPOONERAnswer me, robot.

THE ROBOT

My name is Sonny.

SPOONER(amused)

So were naming you now.

SONNYDr. Hogenmiller would make mesleep.

SPOONERYou mean hed turn you off.

SONNYYes.

SPOONERAnd you didnt like being turnedoff. So one day you decided tostop him.

SONNYNo.

SPOONERYou found his gun, pointed it athis head. And pulled the trigger.

Sonny shakes his head. Faster and faster. Getting upset.

SONNYNo.

SPOONERYou put a bullet in the brain ofthe man who made you.

SONNY

No! I could never hurt anyone!SPOONER

But you tried to hurt me. You tooka shot at me.

SONNYMy aim is perfect. If Id wantedto hit you, I would have.


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Spooners expression hardens.

SPOONERWhy would the man who wrote theLaws of Robotics build a machinethat violates them?

SONNYThe Laws say I can protect my ownexistence.

SPOONEROnly if that protection doesntharm a human being.

A short pause. Sonny. Tilts his head.

SONNYThat doesnt seem fair, does it?

Spooner. Stares at him. Just as...THE DOOR SWINGS OPEN.Bergin enters. Sticks his head in.

LT. BERGINI need you outside.

Spooner. Not wanting to go. Not wanting to stay. Getsup...

SONNYDetective.

He stops. Turns back to the Robot. It looks up at him. Fora moment -- so human...

SONNYI did not kill him.

SPOONERYou were the only one in the room.If you didnt, who did?

He turns and heads out the door.

50 INT. OUTSIDE HOLDING CELL - CONTINUOUS 50Bergin closes the door. To Spooner:

LT. BERGINWere being blind-sided.


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51 INT. HOMICIDE UNIT HEARING ROOM - MORNING 51

Spooner and Bergin, head into a small COURTROOM off the mainsquad room. Lanning is huddled with Aronson and a half-dozenother COMPANY LAWYERS.

Spooners jaw tenses. As he watches Toller emerge from theclutch. Shaking hands. Slapping backs. Strolls over tothem.

TOLLERWe got Judge Drexel...

ROBOT BAILIFFThis hearing is called to order!

AS A LARGE SCREEN. BLIPS on behind them. The two opposingsides, assemble before it. JUDGE DREXEL, still in hispajamas and robe. An NS-2 ROBOT. Leaning in to serve him a

cup of tea.

JUDGE DREXELStatements, gentlemen.

Aronson. Standing at a glass podium.

ARONSONYour Honor, the State is treatingthe robot as a defendant. But infact it is a piece of property.Property belonging to U.S.Robotics.

Toller. Arm resting on his podium.

TOLLERThis robot has been implicated inthe death of a human being, YourHonor.

ARONSONWhich places the incident firmly

within the realm of an industrialaccident. Or is the State going to

argue this case s a homicide?JUDGE DREXEL

Thats a good question.

TOLLERNo, sir. Of course not.

Spooner. Pointing a finger at the U.S. Robotics group.


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SPOONERTheirmachine shot and killed aman!

Toller. Shoots him a look. Just as Lanning speaks up.

LANNINGTheres actually no concreteevidence that points to thatconclusion, Your Honor...

Spooner. Throws up his arms...

SPOONERWhat?...

LANNINGBut we recognise that this robot isan aberration. And in the interest

of public safety, U.S. Roboticsproposes that it be destroyedimmediately.

No one expected this. Least of all Spooner. He turns toToller.

SPOONERYou cant let them destroy evidencein an ongoing investigation!

TOLLERIm not sure you even have aninvestigation any more.

JUST THEN the door opens. Everyone turns as Calvin enters.Spooner looks surprised.

ARONSONYour Honor, Id like to call ourcompany robo-psychologist to thestand.

JUDGE DREXELVery well.

Calvin crosses to the podium. A SPEAKER asking:Doyousweartotellthetruththewholetruthandnothingbutthetruth?

CALVINI do.


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ARONSONDr. Calvin, please tell us whatconclusions youve reached afterhaving observed the robot inaction.

CALVINThere is a design flaw in therobot. Its programming isadvanced, but unstable, leaving theThree Laws in a grave imbalance.

ARONSONIn your expert opinion, whatmeasures should be taken regardingthe device?

Calvin. Staring straight ahead. Avoiding Spooners eye.

CALVINThe robot must be destroyed.

Spooner cant believe what hes just heard. About to speakup when Toller grabs his arm. Squeezing it. Hard.

Judge Drexel has heard enough. Decides.

JUDGE DREXELThe robot in question will betransferred to a U.S. Roboticsfacility where it can be properlyexamined to ensure an imbalance ofthis sort never occurs again. Noone goes near it except qualifiedU.S.R. personnel. When theexamination is complete, the robotis to be destroyed.

Starts getting up from his chair. Already done with this.

ROBOT BAILIFFThis hearing is adjourned!

A BURST of CONVERSATION as the screen BLIPS off. The U.S.R.

camp, looking especially pleased. Spooner. CatchingCalvins eye briefly. As Lanning leads her towards the exit,his hand on her back.

52 EXT. POLICE H.Q. - DAY 52

Spooner. Trotting down the front steps of the PoliceStation. Pissed. His cell phone BLEATS...


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SPOONER(answering)

Spooner.

BALDEZ VOICETheyre making me turn over all the

evidence...

INTERCUT WITH:

53 INT. CRIME LAB - CONTINUOUS 53

BALDEZ. Standing in his crime lab. Behind him, THREE-DIMENSIONAL PROJECTIONS of DEAD BODIES. Hovering in theprecise positions they were found.

SPOONERS VOICEWelcome to the great American cover-up.

BALDEZI wanted to tell you something Ifound before they suck it all upinto their computer.

Walks over to the projection of HOGENMILLERS BODY.

INTERCUT WITH:

Spooner. Crossing the Plaza. Sees LANNING, ARONSON, andCALVIN walking ahead of him...

BALDEZ VOICEThere are bruises on Hogenmillerswrists...

SPOONERThats natural. There was astruggle.

BALDEZ VOICEYoure not getting me...

INTERCUT WITH:

Baldez. Studying the projections wrists.

BALDEZBoth wrists. I 14-ed them -- Theywere inflicted at the same time theshot was fired...

INTERCUT WITH:


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Spooners pace. Slows.

BALDEZ VOICEHows that possible?

JUST THEN. A faint BLIP. On the line. Spooner. Reacts.

SPOONERBaldez?

BALDEZ VOICEIm here, man...

SPOONERWho else is on the line?

(nothing)I said whos there?...

Nothing. He looks up. Aronson, Lanning and Calvin. Heading

down a plaza EXIT. Aronson. Throwing a look over hisshoulder.

Spooner. Hangs up his phone.

54 INT. POLICE H.Q. - CORRIDOR - DAY 54

CLOSE ON Sonny being escorted down a corridor by Toller,Bergin and a number of heavily-armed OFFICERS. Hes bound

with high-tech SHACKLES.

55 INT. UNDERGROUND CAR PARK - DAY 55

Sonny and his police entourage emerge from the elevator intoan underground car park. Spooner. Waiting for them. Headsover. Toller. Holds out his hand.

TOLLERCase is closed, Spooner.

SPOONERApparently...

He pushes past him. Falling into step beside Sonny.

SONNYI didnt expect to see you again,Detective...

SPOONERI need you to help me clearsomething up.


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SONNYIll do my best.

SPOONERA scientist builds a robot thatacts like a man. More like a man

than any robot ever before. Itshoots him and U.S. Robotics callsit a failure.

SONNYWhat would you call it?

SPOONERA stunning success.

(beat)You were there, Robot. What am Imissing?

SONNYI dont know.

SPOONERDont start simulating ignorance.

SONNYIm not simulating ignorance,Detective. Im experiencing it. I

was asleep.

SPOONERYou mean you were shut down.

SONNYNo, I was asleep.

SPOONERRobots dont sleep. Human beingssleep. Understand? Dogs sleep.Youre a machine. An imitation.An illusion of life. Can a robot

write a symphony? Can a robot takea blank canvas and paint amasterpiece?

A pause. Then the muted WHIR as Sonny turns to him.

SONNYCanyou do either of those things?

Spooner. Momentarily stumped. As a VAN from U.S. ROBOTICSpulls up. The back door dropping open. An ENGINEER motionsto the Robot.


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ENGINEERStep forward. Enter.

SONNYTheyre going to destroy me, arentthey?

Spooner. Watching him step into the van.

SPOONERYes.

Sonny sits down. With an almost human melancholy. TheEngineers, securing him in place.

SONNYThe Doctor was right. He told meeverything was going to change....

The Engineers start to close the doors. But Spooner reachesout to stop them. Sonny. Looks over at him.

SONNYIts changing already...

(beat)Cant you feel it?

As CLANG! The van door CLOSES. Spooner, stepping back.Something. Just not right. Lieutenant Bergin comes upbeside him.

LT. BERGINYou should be happy. Thats oneless robot in the world.

SPOONERTheyre going to destroy the mostadvanced robot in the world, John.That doesnt strike you as odd?

LT. BERGINKiller robots are bad for business.Even your friend Dr. Calvin saidso.

(slaps him on the back)Come on. You solved the case.Give yourself a break.

Spooner looks at him. Theres no way hes giving himself abreak.


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56 INT./EXT. SPOONERS CAR - DAY 56

Spooner driving. A small TELEVISION above the windshield.LANCE ROBERTSON holding a PRESS CONFERENCE outside U.S.Robotics...

ROBERTSON ON TV...and I just want to assure you thatthis was an isolated incident. Theprototype is now in custody -- andscheduled for destruction. Yourrobots are perfectly safe. Thereis no cause for alarm...

Spooners lip curls. Eyes flicking to a GPS display on thedashboard. A TOPOGRAPHICAL MAP pinpointing HOGENMILLERSHOUSE. The CURSOR. Directing him to turn up...

A STEEP DRIVEWAY

Narrow. Out of the way. Spooners brow furrows. As hehears a faraway RUMBLING SOUND...

57 EXT. HOGENMILLERS HOUSE - DAY 57

Dr. Hogenmillers house. Small. Simple. Built on a hugerock promontory overlooking the city. Three DEMOLITIONROBOTS rolling towards it. Huge, mashing, sporting massiveHYDRAULIC POUNDERS.

Spooners CAR. SCREECHES to a stop. He jumps out. Racesover to the nearest machine. Looking around -- no people.

SPOONER(to Robot)

What are you doing?!

A SCREEN. Blinks to life on the hulking chassis. Adisembodied VOICE...

DEMOLITION ROBOTDemolition ordered...

SPOONER

Who authorised this?DEMOLITION ROBOT

Demolition ordered...

Spooner reaches into his coat. Pulling out his POLICE BADGE.Scans it over the screen.


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SPOONEROverride. This is police business.Vacate the premises immediately.

DEMOLITION ROBOT(beat)

Affirmative.

The screen. Blinks off. Spooner. Eyeing it. Turns andheads for the house.

58 INT. MAIN ROOM - HOGENMILLERS HOUSE - DAY 58

Spooner pushes the door open. Stepping over the police tape.Inside, the main room is spare, untidy. Cups of cold COFFEE,littering surfaces. A COT, in the corner.

On the walls, crooked CERTIFICATES. Heinrich Hogenmillersname written out in academic script. Advanced Degrees in the

study of Robotics, Physics, Chemistry, Neurology, Ethics. AnAWARD on the mantelpiece. A silver NS-2. Tarnished.

Spooner. Opening up a couple drawers of a side table.Jumbles of papers. Clippings. Old text books. Then aPHOTOGRAPH -- HOGENMILLER AND CALVIN. Standing arm-in-arm.Spooner furrows his brow.

WHEN SOMETHING SUDDENLY RUBS against his leg. He startles.Looks down: a CAT. Lonely. Standing next to its automaticfeeder. Spooner pockets the picture. Starts heading down...

59 INT. HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS 59

...The hallway. Starts noticing. All over the walls:handwriting. EQUATIONS. Scrawled in white pencil. Therantings. Of a genius. Glowing. In the sporadic shadows.

Spooner. Following the equations. Down into...

60 INT. BACK ROOM - CONTINUOUS 60

...The back room. Covered. In writing. Walls, floors,ceiling. Drawings. Of ROBOTS, of MEN, side by side. In thecorner, a COMPUTER. A line of CABINETS - DATA STORAGE.

Spooner, curious. Heads over to one of the cabinets. Takesa device out of his pocket and CLAMPS it over the KEYPAD.The device blinks RED. Then GREEN. The drawer, slides out.

LINED. With flat metal objects. Shiny. Thin. With writingon them. Spooner. Reaches for one when...


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BOOM! Something POUNDS the outside of the room. Spooner.Grabs onto the cabinet...

BOOM! On the other side. Objects. Flying off table-tops.A CRACK spidering along the wall. Holy shit...

SPOONER(screaming)Halt!

BOOM! VIBRATIONS, tearing through the room. More CRACKS.Spreading...

BOOM! The SOUND, horrifying. Spooner stumbles back. TheCABINET. Crashing down on his leg. He CRIES OUT...

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! The house. Getting pummeled. Chunks ofceiling. Raining down. GLASS...exploding...

Relentless BOOMING! Spooner...dragging his legs from underthe cabinet. Scrambling for purchase as...

THE FLOOR...begins to tilt...the TILES...snappingup...ricocheting...around the room...as another cabinet...CRASHES to the ground...crumpling...

Spooner. Spinning around. Looking for some kind of exit...

BOOM! The corner of the room...coming in on itself...thefloor...listing even more...like a ship...

Spooner...turning to CLAW his way up to the crackeddoorway...WHEN...

SOMETHING catches his eye. In the bottom drawer. Of acrumpled CABINET. One of those flat metal plates. He canjust read what it says: S.O.N.N.Y....

Spooner...flings his arm back...reaching for the plate...snaps it up...JUST AS...

BOOM! A HYDRAULIC POUNDER SMASHES through the wall...inchesfrom his head...OUTSIDE LIGHT...pouring in...

Spooner scurries for the doorway...tumbling out...61 INT. HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS 61

...into the HALLWAY. Sideways. Trammeled plaster. BOOM!Another POUNDER...crashing down from above. Spooner. Timingit...rolling...BOOM!...just under the next pounding...


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53.

Scampering up...towards some LIGHT...BOOM!...thePOUNDER...right on his heels...he clambers...closer...closer...when...he hears...MEOWING...looks back...theCAT...scared out of its wits...BOOM!...the POUNDER CRASHINGin...Spooner...just manages...to scoop up the cat...just asBOOM!...

62 EXT. DEMOLISHED HOUSE - CONTINUOUS 62

...He pours them out into the open. The POUNDERS. Going atthe house like hyenas at a corpse. Roof tiles, beams,plaster, flooring. SNAPPING and CRACKING as Spooner and thecat skitter down the carnage.

Heart pounding, breath jagged, face bloodied, Spoonerscrambles away from the POUNDERS. Their bodies GLEAMING inthe dusk sun. The III Laws Safe logo, splashed along theirsides...

Spooner. Drops the cat.

63 INT. HALLWAY - CALVINS CONDO - NIGHT 63

Spooner. POUNDS on the door. It opens. Calvin. Standingthere in her bathrobe. Shocked at his appearance.

CALVINDetective! What happened toyou?...

SPOONERA couple of your beloved robotsjust tried to kill me...

He pushes past her. Into...

64 INT. CALVINS CONDO - CONTINUOUS 64

...her condo. Spartan. Unadorned.

CALVINWhat? Thats impossible. Youknow...

SPOONERWhat I know is a demolition crewstarted tearing down Hogenmillershouse while I was still inside it.

CALVINMaybe they didnt realise...


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SPOONERI scanned my badge before I wentin. They realised.

CALVINThen you must have done it wrong...

SPOONERI dont think youre hearing whatIm saying -- they tried to killme.

Spooner moves deeper into the apartment. Everything.Automated. Computerised. Cold...

SPOONERTheres something going on, here.Some kind of shift.

Calvin laughs. Cant believe what shes hearing.

CALVINDo you know how paranoid you sound?

SPOONERGreat. Now Im being analysed by arobo-psychologist.

CALVINYou just want to find the flaws inthe system. Youre obsessed withit. Youll twist anything to fityour agenda.

SPOONERLike you did in court today? Howdthat fit your agenda,Doctor?

He pulls out the PHOTO of Calvin and Hogenmiller. Calvin.Blanching at the sight of it. Spooner tosses it down.

SPOONERYou told me you hardly knew him.Want to try the truth this time?

CALVINWell, Detective, when you seesomeone you know well put a bulletthrough their brain, it makes you

wonder if you ever really knew themat all.

Calvin. Looking down at the photo. Swallows.


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55.

CALVIN(difficult for her)

He was my mentor. No, more thanthat. A genius with an insight farbeyond anyone in his field.

SPOONER

Doesnt sound like the washed-upold fool Robertson described.

CALVINBut he was starting to withdrawfrom everyone. Even me.Maybe...if Id tried harder toreach him...

(shakes her head)The Doctor was reckless when hecreated a robot potentially notbound by the Three Laws. He couldhave ruined everything wed been

working for.

Spooner. Locking eyes with her.

SPOONERSounds like a motive for murder tome. Just not for the suspect wehave in custody.

Calvin. Blinks. Trying, to stick to her resolve. Headsover to the door. Spooner. Looking around the condo.

SPOONERYou know theres not one thing inthis apartment that looks like ahuman being lives here. Noevidence of a life outside your

work. Almost seems like youreafraid of people.

Calvin. Opening the door.

CALVINIm not afraid of people,Detective. I just dont like them.

Spooner. Looks at her. Then heads out the door. CalvinSLAMS it behind him...

The SOUND...of the SLAM...REVERBERATING...and we...

FADE INTO:


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56.

65 INT. DREAM SEQUENCE - DAY 65

...A DEEP...DEEP...DARKNESS.

A FLICKER. Of LIGHT. Off to the side. Just barely.Noticeable. ORANGE... YELLOW...as we realise...Its FIRE...

Another SOUND...GLASS...SHATTERING...then a SIREN...faraway...

The disembodied VOICE...coming out of nowhere...

DISEMBODIED VOICE (V.O.)You are in danger...

The FIRE...BUILDING...

DISEMBODIED VOICE (V.O.)You are in danger...

ECHOING...as...

66 INT. SPOONERS BEDROOM - MORNING 66

SPOONERS EYES. Spring open.

Lying, in bed. Heart POUNDING. SWEAT. Covering his body.LIGHT. Pouring in through the slats of his blinds.

He sits up. Rubbing his face. Trying. To calm hisbreathing. Takes a look at his watch...

67 EXT. MONORAIL STATION - DAY 67

Spooner walking along the monorail plaza. Looking a little worse for wear. PEOPLE. Giving him wide berth. ROBOTS.Bidding him:

ROBOTGood morning...

Spooner, shooting them suspicious looks. As the MONORAILpulls up...

CUT TO:68 INT. HALLWAY - U.S. ROBOTICS - CONTINUOUS 68

Calvin. Heading down a hallway. A DOOR slides open. AndLanning steps out. Followed by a TECHNICIAN ROBOT...

CALVINFind anything, Doctor?


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LANNING(shaking his head)

Nothing. The interiors just likeany other NS-2. Except for asecondary battery Hogenmiller musthave used as extra back-up.

(looks at watch)Well just need a nominal profile.

Calvin nods.

CUT BACK TO:

69 INT. MONORAIL - CONTINUOUS 69

Spooner, holding onto a handrail. As the city rushes by thewindow. Notices a group of ROBOTS. At the other end of thecar. Are they watching him?

He wipes a bead of sweat. From his upper lip.

CUT TO:

70 INT. HOLDING CELL - CONTINUOUS 70

An all-metal room. Spare. Anti-septic. SONNY. Sitting onthe floor. Against the wall.

Calvin enters. Puts her pad down on the table. Sits.

CALVINPlease state your serial number andassembly date.

She pulls out a pen. Waiting for an answer. Nothing.

CUT BACK TO:


Spooner. Watching as a HOMELESS MAN. Comes stumblingthrough the car...

CALVINS VOICE (V.O.)

Sonny. Im speaking to you...The Homeless Man. Suddenly grabs his ears and shouts:

HOMELESS MANGod, cant you be quiet!

CUT TO:


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58.


Calvin. Still looking down at her pad.

CALVINHow about your data board

designation?

Still. Sonny says nothing. Calvin. Finally looks up athim. Is suddenly struck. Something about the way hessitting -- so human.

She gets up and walks over. Hesitates. Then slides down onthe floor next to him. Studying. His profile.

CALVINMaybe Im asking the wrongquestions. How about this one:

CUT BACK TO:


The Homeless Man. Weaving...

CALVINS VOICE (V.O.)...What program are you runningthrough right now?

SONNYS VOICE (V.O.)Im not sure. Its nothing Irecognise.

The Homeless Man. Pointing to the group of ROBOTS.

HOMELESS MAN(shouting)

Dont you people hear them?Theyre talking to each other!

Buzz, buzz, zip, zip...they nevershut up!

CUT TO:

74 INT. HOLDING CELL - CONTINUOUS 74Calvin. Fascinated. Noticing a small SLIT. At the base ofSonnys neck.

CALVINDescribe his behavior in the lastfew weeks.


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59.

SONNYIm sorry?

CALVINDr. Hogenmiller. Did he seemoverly sad or withdrawn to you?

CUT BACK TO:


Spooner watches. As the Homeless Man picks up a SODA CAN andhurls it at the Robots. Hitting one of them on the side ofthe head.

SONNYS VOICE (V.O.)No. Not at all. But he wasagitated...

The Robot. Leans down and picks up the soda can. Holds itback out to the Homeless Man.

SONNYS VOICE (V.O.)...He would claim things weremissing from the lab.

The Homeless Man. Incensed. SUDDENLY ROARS. Making a rushfor the Robots when...

SPOONERS HAND. Grabs his shoulder. Stops him.

SPOONERThis is your stop.

CUT TO:


A soft WHIRRING. As Sonny turns to Calvin.

SONNYI didnt pay much attention. He

would spend hours looking for hiseyeglasses and they would be...

CALVIN(finishing for him)

...right on top of his head.

Sonny nods. She knows him well, too. Calvin swallows.Looking right into Sonnys eyes. Feeling like theressomething...somethingmore behind them.


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60.

WHEN SUDDENLY...VICTOR APPEARS above them. His face, turninginto a SCREEN -- the image of LANCE ROBERTSON. Looking downat them.

ROBERTSONI think were done here, Susan.

CALVIN(getting to her feet)

But, sir, I was just...

ROBERTSON(interrupting)

I said I think were done.

Calvin. Not misreading. The threatening undertone.

CUT BACK TO:

77 EXT. MONORAIL STATION - CONTINUOUS 77

Spooner stepping out onto the platform, pulling the HomelessMan along with him. COMMUTERS pour out around them.

As the train pulls off with a WHOOSH. The Homeless Man.Backs away from Spooner. Grinning insanely. Pointing.

HOMELESS MANWhy are you protecting them, man?

(short pause)They were talking about you!

A CHILL. Ripping up Spooners spine. As he watches theHomeless Man. Wander down the platform.

Tries. To shake off the feeling. As he turns. To wait forthe next train. Suddenly realising. That hes ALONE on theplatform. Watches. A huge DIGITAL CLOCK. Ticking offseconds. Sees. CAMERAS in every corner.

Then that feeling. At the back of his neck. He turns andspots. A couple MAINTENANCE ROBOTS. Carrying luggage. Ontothe platform. Then more COMMUTERS show up. Waiting. Forthe next train. More MAINTENANCE ROBOTS. Following them.

Spooner. Steps up to the platforms edge. Craning to see.The approaching TRAIN...

WHEN SUDDENLY. He feels a sharp SHOVE. At the back of hisknee. His shoe, slipping. Arms. Flailing as he...


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PITCHES OVER THE EDGE ONTO THE TRACK. People CRYING OUT asthe TRAIN gets closer. Spooner. Whips his head around.Seeing...

A MAINTENANCE ROBOT. Looking down at him from the platform.Suitcase in hand.

The MAGNETIC-LEVITATING TRAIN. Right on him. Spooner.Flips onto his back. Flattening himself. As much as he can.Clenching his fists. Bracing himself as...

THE TRAIN SCREAMS OVER HIM. The sound, DEAFENING. The forceof the wind. Whipping his tie. His coat. Theres nothing,for him to hold on to. As his legs start to rise off thetrack. Caught up. In the VORTEX. Spooner starts sliding.Along the track...

Gritting his teeth...theres nothing he can do. Gettingsucked towards...the air DOWNTAKE...at the center of the

track. The city...yawning hundreds of feet...below...

78 EXT. PLATFORM - CONTINUOUS 78

THE EXPRESS TRAIN. Speeding along. Then with a WHOOSH itsgone.

THE TRACK. Empty. No Spooner. Anywhere. Human COMMUTERS.Stunned. Horrified. Start calling. For help.

The MAINTENANCE ROBOT. Turns, disappearing into the crowd.

79 EXT. UNDERNEATH TRACK - CONTINUOUS 79

CLOSE ON a HAND. Hanging onto the tracks edge. ItsSPOONER. Dangling. Straining. To get another hand holdbut...

HE SLIPS. His coat ballooning. As he plummets. Down...down...down...towards the city...

WHEN SNAP! Hes caught. By a cable net. Spooner. Grabbingonto it. Sweat, pouring down his face. He turns and sees...

THE MAINTENANCE ROBOT

Hurrying down a circular stairwell. Exiting the station.

ANGER AND DETERMINATION. Flash across Spooners eyes. As hehoists himself up. Climbing up the net. Back to the...

80 EXT. TRACK - CONTINUOUS 80

...Track. Reaching up and clambering back onto...


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81 EXT. PLATFORM - CONTINUOUS 81

...The platform. COMMUTERS. SCREAMING at the sight of him.A couple SECURITY GUARDS. Rushing towards him...

Spooner. Getting to his feet. Shoving them out of the way

as he starts running. Towards...

THOSE SAME CIRCULAR STAIRS. Looks over the edge and spots...

THE MAINTENANCE ROBOT. Down at STREET LEVEL. Getting away.

Spooner. Looks around. Spots a LIGHT POLE. Paralleling thestairs. Takes a step back and...

LEAPS OUT ONTO THE POLE. Hooking his arm around it. Slidingdown like a firemans pole. Gaining speed when THUMP! Hisshoes hit pavement...

82 EXT. STREET - DAY 82

The Maintenance Robot. Turning a corner. Down a quietstreet...

SPOONER (O.S.)Stop!

Swivels round. SPOONER. Running up behind it. Whipping outhis gun. Aiming it at the Robots head. The Robot. Takes astep backwards...

SPOONERI said stop!

The Robot. SUDDENLY swinging the suitcase around. SMASHINGit against Spooners head. Spooner. Buckles. Falling tothe ground. Managing to squeeze off a SHOT...

The Robot. Deflecting the bullet. With the case. Raisingit as if to club Spooner with it when...

BAM! Spooner fires a second shot. Piercing the Robotsbreastplate. HYDRAULIC FLUID. Starting to leak. The Robot.Doesnt hesitate. SLAMS the case into Spooners face...

BLOOD. Spurting from Spooners nose. As he fires the gun.At the fleeing Robot. Gets to his feet. Unsteady. Takingchase...

83 EXT. PUBLIC PLAZA - CONTINUOUS 83

...back out onto the Public Plaza. Sees the Robot headingtowards a set of...


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63.

ESCALATED STAIRS. The Robot. Judging the height. LUNGESinto the air and lands on a STAIR. Denting it. Reaches thebottom. DISAPPEARING. Into a CROWD of even more PEOPLE...

Spooner. Racing down the stairs. Taking them. Four at atime. Hits the ground running. Looking. EVERYWHERE.

Suddenly losing track. Of where the Robot went...

Then. Catching sight. JUST AHEAD. Of a ROBOT. Staringback at him. Holding SOMETHING. In its HAND...

Spooner. Plunges into the crowd. Waving his GUN.

SPOONEREveryone out of the way!

SCREAMING. PEOPLE SCATTERING. As BAM! BAM! Spooner fires.Hitting the Robot in its head and back. It drops to theground. Spooner. Racing over to it. Sees. Its not the

same Robot. In its hand, a specialised SCREWDRIVER...

OWNERWhat the hell do you think youredoing?!...

Its OWNER. Rushing over. Shoving Spooner aside. ButSpooners. Not listening. Spotting. A DROP OF HYDRAULICFLUID nearby...

Lunges forward. Following. The drops. Running faster. Andfaster...

OWNERHey!

...Through the CROWD. POLICE SIRENS. In the background. AsSpooner. Shoves through. Tracking those drops. Like abloodhound. Turns...

84 INT. ALLEYWAY - CONTINUOUS 84

...into a narrow alleyway. The drops. Ending suddenly. Ina PUDDLE.

Spooner. Crazed. Wounded. Exhausted. Spins around. Whereis it? Where is it? Then he HEARS. A DROPLET falling.Into the puddle. Slowly. Looks up to see...

THE MAINTENANCE ROBOT. Hovering above him. Straddling thetwo alley walls like some weird metallic rock spider. ItsIII LAWS SAFE Logo GLINTING in the sunlight.....


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64.

Spooner aims his gun and FIRES! The Maintenance Robot, letsgo, falling right onto him. Knocking the gun from his hand.

The Robot swivels around. Bringing down his foot...but...Spooner...rolls to the side just in time as CRASH! TheRobots foot...breaks up the concrete...

The Robot...grabs Spooner by the jacket...lifting himup...shoving him...against the wall...about to CRUSH him

when...

Spooner...kicks out its knees...the Robot...SMASHING into thewall...then bounces back...trying...to pin Spooner...back...

Man and machine...struggling...Spooner...losing hisfooting...falling...The Maintenance Robot...LOOMING overhim...

Spooners HAND...whips back...grabbing his back-up

WEAPON...squeezing off some SHOTS...into the Robots arm...itbreaks off...

Spooner...scrambling back...continues FIRING...theRobot...jerking back...a macabre dance...until Spooner...runsout of bullets...

The Robot...recovers...grabbing the gun from Spoonershand...pistol-whipping him...then picking him up and...

HURLING him against the wall...Spooner...watching asFLUID...GUSHES from the Robots body...the Robot...taking aswing at him which Spooner...

BLOCKS...with his right arm...the Robot...ready...to tryagain...but STALLING...having lost...too much fluid...itTOPPLES...to the ground...

Spooner. Exhausted. Beaten to a pulp. His knees, startingto buckle. As he thinks he sees. In the DISTANCE...

A ROBOTIC CLEAN-UP CREW...heading down the alley towardsthem...

Spooner. Crashes to the ground. As another ROBOT. Suddenly

appears above him. Its FINGERS made up of NEEDLES...as itcloses in on him...

SPOONERNoooo!

WE FADE...


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65.

85 INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY 85

To BLACKNESS. Coming through, a faint, WHIRRING SOUND. Aswe slowly. FADE IN ON...

SPOONERS FACE. Eyes closed. Asleep. Gash above his head.

Bruises around his eye. Nose swollen, purplish.

His eyes. Slowly. Flutter open. His brow. Furrowing. Atthe whirring sound. As he tries. To figure out. Where heis. Looks down to see...

A couple WHITE METAL ROBOTS. With multiple APPENDAGES.Leaning over him. Running LASERS. Over his bruisedRIBCAGE...

SPOONER. Tries to bolt upright. But his ARMS and LEGS. ARECLAMPED to the bed. One of the ROBOTS. Turns to him.

MEDICAL ROBOT 1Stay still.

Spooner. Desperately twisting, struggling...

SPOONERWhat are you doing!

Looking around. COMPUTER MONITORS. Everywhere...

SPOONERWhat are you doing!?

JUST THEN. Another ROBOT. Enters the room. Holding amedical plasma sheet.

MEDICAL ROBOT 2Detective Del Spooner. You havesuffered significant trauma to thehead and chest...

86 EXT. HOSPITAL ROOM - CONTINUOUS 86

Lt. Bergin. Standing outside Spooners hospital room. Turnsand looks through the window at him thrashing on the bed...

SPOONERI want to talk to a human being!

87 INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - MINUTES LATER 87

Spooner sitting up in his bed. Rubbing his wrists. Themetal clams, released. Lt. Bergin. Standing next to him.


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SPOONERDont people go to medical schoolany more?

LT. BERGINThis is one of the best units in

the city, Del.

One of the Medical Robots turns to Spooner with some PILLS.Spooner. Stares it down. Grabs his clothes.

SPOONER(sotto)

Theres some real shit going onhere, John.

He looks around. Jumping off the bed.

SPOONER

I went to Hogenmillers house --there was a U.S.R. demolition crewthere. They overrode my policeI.D. Tried to tear down the house

withme in it...

LT. BERGINDel...

Spooner pulls on his pants.

SPOONER...Then when I went to the monoraila Maintenance 10 pushed me onto thetracks...

LT. BERGINDel...

SPOONERI had to chase it all across thePlaza...

LT. BERGINDel.

Spooner. Stops talking. Looks at Bergin.

LT. BERGINHogenmiller scheduled thatdemolition crew, it was apparentlya proviso in his will. And theyshowed no police I.D. on theirscanner...


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Spooner. Trying to look away...

LT. BERGINWitnesses at the monorail said youfell onto the tracks. That youshot at a Fix-It robot on the Plaza

and that you were found alone inthe alley. There was noMaintenance 10.

SPOONERWhat?! John -- thats what they

want you to believe!(remembering)

A robot clean-up crew was there --it must have cleared away theMaintenance 10! And there wasanother robot that tried to drugme!

LT. BERGINThat was an EMT model.

Spooner. Sees the look on Bergins face.

SPOONERYoure giving me that look. Thattreat-him-delicately-hes-coming-unhinged-look. I dont need thatlook, John. I need you to hear

what Im saying.

Lt. Bergin. Embarrassed for him. Has about had it.

LT. BERGINYou came back too soon, Del.Youre back on leave. Effectiveimmediately.

Spooner. Staring at him. Betrayed. Turns and grabs hiscoat.

88 EXT. PLAZA - DAY 88

Spooner walking across the Plaza. The SUN. Burgeoning onthe horizon. Comes to...

The ESCALATOR the Maintenance 10 jumped down. Stares down.At the steps. Waiting. To see the DENTED ONE. Nothing.


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68.

89 EXT. ALLEY - DAWN 89

Heads down the ALLEY, where he chased the robot. Studyingthe ground. For any hydraulic fluid. Nothing. Theconcrete, scrubbed clean.

Spooner. Rubs his hands over his face.

90 INT. SPOONERS APARTMENT - DAY 90

Spooner. Lying on his couch. Shades, closed to block outthe sunlight. Body bruised, cut up, bandaged.

A KNOCK. At the door. He ignores it. Another KNOCK.

91 INT. HALLWAY - DAY 91

Spooner pulls open the door. Surprised to find CALVINstanding there.

CALVINYoure right. I am afraid ofpeople.

Spooner. Looks at her. Then steps back...

92 INT. SPOONERS APARTMENT - CONTINUOUS 92

...letting her inside.

CALVINWhen youve spent as much time withrobots as I have, its hard toaccept the unpredictability ofhumans. I was wrong to call youparanoid, Detective. Youretraumatized. And it makes perfectsense why.

Spooner. Unsure. Looks at her.

SPOONERWhat do you mean?

Calvin. Reaches out. Takes his right hand. Spooner. Triesto pull it away. But Calvin. Stays firm. Her eyes. Neverleaving his. Pulls the sleeve up from his arm. Turns itover. Feeling for something. Then finds. A FLAP. Peels itback. TO REVEAL:

METAL AND WIRING...

Under the skin. SILENCE. Then Spooner:


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69.

SPOONERHow did you?...

CALVINI noticed almost right away. The

way you forced yourself to use your

left hand. Even though it wasunnatural to you.

Spooner. Pulls his arm away. Pushing down the sleeve.

CALVINHow did it happen?

Not something Spooner wants to re-live. Looks down. At hisrobotic arm. Flexing. The fingers.

SPOONERI was in a high-speed chase. Six

months ago...

CUT TO:

93 EXT. ACCIDENT SITE - CITY STREET_- NIGHT (FLASHBACK) 93

The SOUND of a TREMENDOUS CRASH. As we survey a trail oftwisted metal and debris. Only vaguely suggesting theremains of two CARS...

CLOSE ON one of the wrecks. SPOONER lies trapped at thecenter of a distorted mass of metal. No room to move. HISRIGHT ARM, TRAPPED...

SPOONER (V.O.)My right arm was trapped. But Icould hear an ambulance in thedistance. I knew theyd have thejaws of life...

We hear SIRENS in the distance. Spooner. Trying to remaincalm. As he spots. An ELECTRICAL FIRE. Licking up from thecrumpled hood...

SPOONER (V.O.)

Then I heard it...VOICE (O.S.)

You are in danger...

That voice. Weve heard it before. From his nightmare.Spooner. Craning to see, through the jagged opening thatused to be his WINDSHIELD. The outline of a ROBOT appearing.Eye lenses glowing...


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ROBOTYou are in danger...

Spooner stares up at the Robot. Not sure how to react. Thesound of SIRENS. Rushing closer...

The ROBOT. Starts SMASHING away at the glass...

SPOONERNo! Halt! Halt!

Spooner. Trying frantically to pull his arm free. Twisting.Tugging. As the Robots METAL HANDS reach in for him...

ROBOTYou are in danger...

CUT BACK TO:

94 INT. SPOONERS APARTMENT - CONTINUOUS 94

The SOUND of his AGONISED SCREAM. Follows us back into thepresent. Spooner. Clenching. His artificial arm.

SPOONERThe robot pulled me out of the

wreck. But left my arm behind.(holds up arm)

I woke up four weeks later withthis.

Calvin. Taking in the story.

CALVINAnd thats why robots terrify you?

SPOONERLets just say they make meuncomfortable.

(pulls out pills)I take these if I get toouncomfortable. Doesnt exactlylend me a lot of credibility on theForce.

CALVINBut it doesnt mean youre wrongabout this case.

Calvin. Sits down on the couch. Pulling her hands throughher hair.


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CALVINI dont believe Sonny did iteither.

SPOONERWhat?

CALVINI think about what Hogenmiller musthave wanted. Robots with the samecognitive and emotional abilitiesas humans. But not justsimulations. I dont know. When I

was talking to Sonny I was forcedto put away all the things Iveever known -- the Three Laws, therules of programming, basic scienceand engineering.

(beat)

Sonnys the most advanced robotIve ever encountered, Detective.Its almost as if...he cared forDr. Hogenmiller. I just dontbelieve hes capable of murder.

Spooner. Looking down at her. Can hardly believe it.

SPOONERYou mean the great Dr. Calvin isbasing all this on a feeling?

Calvin. Smiling ironically.

CALVINThat and the fact that Robertsondidnt want me interviewing Sonnyfor any more than five minutes.

Spooner. Suddenly rejuvenated by having an ally. Stridesover to his coat. Pulling out the METAL NAMEPLATE:S.O.N.N.Y.

SPOONEREver seen this before?

CALVINNo.

SPOONERI found it at Hogenmillers house.Right before the demolition crewtried to make me part of thefoundation.


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72.

Calvin takes a deep breath. Making a decision...

CALVINCome on -- theres someone whomight be able to tell us...

95 EXT. U.S. ROBOTICS - DUSK 95

The massive facade of U.S. Robotics looming against the dusksky. The giant ROBOT STATUE lit up inside.

96 EXT. SIDE ENTRANCE - U.S. ROBOTICS - DUSK 96

Calvin, leading Spooner to a SIDE ENTRANCE. Looks around.Then scans her I.D. The door. Slides open.

97 INT. HALLWAY - DUSK 97

Calvin and Spooner. Heading down a hallway. Calvin.

Nervous. Eyes darting. They turn a corner and head down...

98 INT. HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS 98

...another hallway. Leading to Sonnys holding cell. Calvinstops at the door. Scans her I.D.

99 INT. HOLDING CELL - EVENING 99

Sonny. Sitting at the table. Working on a DRAWING. Looksup. As Spooner and Calvin. Enter the cell.

SONNYDetective Spooner. Dr. Calvin. I

was hoping to see you again.

CALVINHi, Sonny.

SONNYHow is your investigation coming?Any new suspects?

SPOONERWere working on it.

Sonny. Hands Spooner the drawing. Spooner. Doesnt reallyknow what to do with it.

SONNYWhats this?


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73.

SONNYDr. Lanning provided me with paperand pencils. I think it amused himto see me try to draw. You wereright, though, Detective...

(beat)

I cannot create a great work ofart.

Spooner. Despite himself. Looks down at the DRAWING -- acharcoal sketch of moody abstract FIGURES. Inhabiting astark landscape. A strangely-shaped STRUCTURE to one side.Concentric circles, throughout.

SPOONERI think its pretty good.

SONNYIts a dream I had. This is the

place where robots meet. Look...(pointing to the drawing)

...you can see them here. They seethemselves as slaves.

Spooner shifts his weight. Uncomfortable with what Sonnyssaying.

SONNY...And this man on the hill comes.To set them free. And you know whothat man is?

Spooner. Exchanging a look with Calvin.

SPOONERThat man in the dream is you.

SONNYWhy do you say that? Is that anormal dream?

CALVINIts not a dream, sonny. NS-2sprocess the images and events of

the day. Sometimes theyre out ofsequence. Disorienting.

SPOONERWhatever it is, its normal enoughfor someone in your situation.

Sonny. Suddenly pleased.


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74.

SONNYHah -- I caught you. You saidsomeone. Not something.

Spooner. Drops the drawing on the table.

CALVINSonny, were here to ask you animportant question about Dr.Hogenmiller.

Spooner, reaching into his pocket...

SPOONERI need you to take a look atthis...

...When Sonnys HAND. Suddenly reaches out. To stop him.Cocks his head, for a moment.

SONNYThank you for coming to see me,Detective Spooner.

Spooner. Confused. Looks over at Calvin. Why did he stophim? JUST THEN. They hear FOOTSTEPS. Approaching the door.

VICTOR. Suddenly appearing over the table...

VICTORIm sorry, Detective Spooner. Nounauthorised personnel permitted inthis holding cell...

The CELL DOOR. Slides open. And a pissed LANNING stepsinside. Shoots a withering glare. At Calvin.

Sonny. Folds up the drawing.

SONNYPlease take this, Detective. Toremember me by. I have a feelingsomeday it may mean more to youthan it ever could to me.

SPOONERWhys that?

Sonny leans in to hand it to Spooner. Lowering his voice...

SONNYBecause the man in my dream, theone standing by the hill.

(MORE)


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75.

SONNY (contd)It wasnt me...

(beat)...it was you.

A CHILL. Ripping down Spooners spine. As Lanning. Takes

his arm.

100 INT. GLASS ROOM - U.S. ROBOTICS - NIGHT 100

A ROOM. Made entirely of GLASS. At the very top of the U.S.Robotics building. Looking out, 360, across the whole city.

Spooner and Calvin. Brought to the room by a couple ESCORTROBOTS. They see a MAN. Standing at one of the glass wallslooking out at the TWINKLING LIGHTS.

MANI thought this investigation was

over, Detective Spooner.

The Man turns. Its Lance Robertson.

ROBERTSONWe have the evidence. We have thesuspect. We have a ruling. Soimagine my surprise when I was toldyou were in my building.

Shoots a look at Calvin.

ROBERTSONAnd that one of my own employeesbrought you here.

(beat)You can go now, Susan.

CALVINDr. Robertson, I...

ROBERTSON(cutting her off)

Just be thankful Im not asking youto clean out your office.

Beat. Calvin, nods. Heads out. Robertson. Watching her.

ROBERTSONYou dont seem to be able to let goof this case, Detective.

SPOONERIm not satisfied.


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76.

ROBERTSONThe relentless pursuit of truth.Isnt that what cops are known for?To the point of futility.

SPOONER

Theres nothing futile about amans murder being covered up.

ROBERTSONCovered up? Thats a littledramatic, dont you think? Thanksto you, we caught the machine thatdid this and are destroying itin...

(checks watch)...three hours.

SPOONER

Is that for the sake of humanity oryour stock holders?

Robertson. Walks across the Spooner. Looks him. Right inthe eye.

ROBERTSONBelieve me -- Id like nothing morethan to have that robot. If Icould have it in ten years, but nottoday. As you can see from thePress, people are struggling tokeep up as it is. Theres a hungerfor progress, Detective. But alsoa fear. Today it would bury thiscompany. Thats why Ive notifiedthe authorities that were going toend this -- tonight.

(looks out at the city)The announcement of Heinrichsdeath at the hands of a robot wipeda billion dollars off our stock.So you tell me. If you were in myposition, what would you do?

He looks back at Spooner and smiles. That charismaticRobertson we saw before.

ROBERTSONNow. I believe this conversationis over. I dont want to see younear this building again,Detective.


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77.

He turns. Calling over. To the ESCORT ROBOTS...

ROBERTSONGet him out of here.

101 EXT. PLAZA - NIGHT 101

Spooner. Walking across the Plaza. Throwing a look over hisshoulder. At the LOOMING U.S.R. facade.

Pulls Sonnys DRAWING. Out of his pocket. Looks down at it.Shaking his head. Passes a TRASH CAN. And drops it in.Continues on. Hands in his pockets. When...

He STOPS. Something. Occurring to him. Turns back to thetrash can just as...

A ROBOTIC CLEAN-UP CREWs about to up-end it into a bin...

SPOONERNo!...

He trots back. Plucking the drawing. Out of the can. Turnsit upside down. Seeing it. From a new perspective.

SPOONER(echoing Sonny)

The place where robots meet.

Looks just like a MAP.

102 INT./EXT. SPOONERS CAR (MOVING) - SURFACE HIGHWAY - NIGHT 102

Spooner emerges from the underground tunnel to the OUTSKIRTSof the city. A sprawling INDUSTRIAL WASTELAND in the rollinghills.

The dashboard GPS again displaying the TOPOGRAPHICAL MAP.

103 INT./EXT. SPOONERS CAR (MOVING) - UNPAVED ROAD - NIGHT 103

Spooners car bounces along, leaving a cloud of dust behindhim. He slows down. Driving cautiously. The landscapearound him, desolate. Like the drawing.

THE GPS SCREEN shows his car, a WHITE SPOT. Entering a REDZONE. His destination.

Spooner brakes. Pulls out his GUN. And...


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80/111

79.

Spooner. Confused. Sweeps his flashlight. All around him.The beam. Illuminating the shell of a couple CARS. SomeRUSTED MACHINERY.

Spooner. Shaking his head. Seeing more and more repair shopJUNK. Piled up around him. His expression, hardening.

Anger giving way to embarrassment. Then. He LAUGHS. Alaugh of loathing and self-pity.

Another BROKEN

Documents

Irobot Movie Script