Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind

"ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND" Screenplay by Charlie Kaufman Based on a story by Charlie Kaufman, Michel Gondry & Pierre Bismuth INT. PUBLISHING HOUSE RECEPTION AREA - DAY It's grand and modern. Random House-Knopf-Taschen is etched on the wall in large gold letters. An old woman enters carrying a tattered manuscript, maybe a thousand pages. She seems haunted, hollow-eyed, sickly. The young receptionist, dressed in a shiny, stretchy one-piece pantsuit, looks up. RECEPTIONIST Oh, hi. OLD WOMAN (apologetically) Hi, I was in the neighborhood and thought I'd see -- RECEPTIONIST I think he's in a conference. Unfortunately. I'm really sorry. OLD WOMAN Would you just try him? You never know. As long as I'm here. You never know. RECEPTIONIST Of course. Please have a seat. The old woman smiles and sits, the bulky manuscript on her lap. She stares politely straight ahead. RECEPTIONIST (quietly into headset) It's her -- I know, but couldn't you just -- Yes, I know, but -- I know, but she's old and it would be a nice -- Yes, sorry. (to old woman) I'm sorry, ma'am, he's not in right now. It's a crazy time of year for us. The receptionist gestures toward a Christmas tree in the corner. Its ornaments are holograms. OLD WOMAN This book -- It's essential that people read it because -- (gravely, patting the manuscript) -- It's the truth. And only I know it. RECEPTIONIST (nodding sympathetically) Maybe after the holidays then. INT.