Paperhouse (1988) - full transcript

Put that away.

Well done.

Not as good as last time, but good.

Colleen ...

- Don't forget, those of you who

haven't completed your tally charts.

Moron.

Quiet!

- Anna Madden, out!

- But it wasn't me.

- Out!

- Sharon took my exercise book.

- Liar!

- Out now or you're on detention.

- But it was Sharon.

- Out!

No.

- Right, I'll see you after school.

And wait where I can see you.

Nigel, did I tell you to stand up?

No, so get back in your seat.

Now, we all know how many degress there

are in a circle, don't we Nigel.

Quit! The next person

to laugh joins her.

Right, we're starting something

new today. Another way of showing

basic statistics.

Pie charts.

Now a pie chart is just another way of

showing information.

Take for example the information we

took last week.

Now what was the most common number of

letters in all your surnames?

Seven.

About half of you have seven letters

in your surnames. So ...

what portion of the pie do

those people have?

Half.

180-degree slice of the pie.

Now I'm going to make up

a different pie chart

with a different set of information.

How we spend our day.

I'll do an example for you based

on my average weekday

then I want you to make up a pie chart

based on your average Saturday.

First, I write down my information.

What are the things I do?

Getting dressed and undressed.

Eating.

Travelling.

School.

Meeting friends.

What?

- I feel dizzy.

- She's lying!

- I want to go home.

- She's lying, Miss!

I'm not!

-Well you don't sound ill to me.

If you disturb us again you're going

straight to Mr. Murphy. Understand?

But it's my birthday.

Well you should have thought

of that before.

Quiet.

And you can wipe that look off

your face, Sharon Davis.

Where were we?

Sleeping. Right.

I spend one hour dressing

and undressing.

About two and a half hours eating.

About 8 hours at school.

She passed out.

- Is she gonna die?

- Trisham, go get matron.

Thanks.

Hi.

How are you feeling?

- Terrible, mum.

- That bad, eh?

Worse.

- Oh, but I'm sure it's nothing serious.

- I wish they hadn't called you.

- I could have gone home by myself.

- Don't worry.

Things were so busy at work that it

was really nice to get out of there.

Listen, this'll cheer you up.

It came after you left.

Guess who it's from?

- Dad.

- Yeah.

Happy 11th birthday.

Lots of love, Dad.

Well, that's not all. There's something

very special fixed up for you.

- What?

- No, it's a surprise.

Riding lessons?

Yeah, some surprise.

Where's Mogadishu? -I think it's a

port on the east coast of Africa.

Well they spelled my name wrong.

-Did they?

Oh ... it's just a mistake.

- Maybe I could send a reply.

- That's a nice idea.

- I wish dad was here.

- So do I.

- When's he coming back?

- Soon.

How are you feeling now?

- No worse. When is the riding lesson?

- It was meant to be after school today.

Meant to be?

Let's see what

Dr. Nicols says first.

Do we have to? I'm sure if I just lay

down in front of the telly I'll be OK.

Doctor first.

No arguing, okay?

Stop!

Stop it!

- I was pretending.

- Pretending?

Sharon Davis stole my book.

Then I pushed her off the chair and

Miss Vanstone put me on detention.

I can't be on detention on my

birthday, can I? So I faked it.

You faked it?

So you're not ill?

- Where are we going?

- Back.

- I can't go back.

- Oh, you're going back.

- I'll look stupid.

- Well you do already.

Stupid cow.

Just because it's your birthday don't

think you can talk to me like that.

You should be pleased

there's nothing wrong with me.

You're telling too many lies, Anna,

and it is going to stop.

- What about my riding lesson?

- Oh, don't ask.

We'll see.

- What does that mean?

- It means we'll see.

I hate you.

Karen.

Come here.

- I was wondering where you got to.

- Shh ...

Got the afternoon off.

I'm having a really

miserable birthday.

- You been using the sunlamp again?

- No, my skin just tans very fast ...

naturally.

I don't get brown;

I get sunstroke.

Last year I fell asleep in a

deck chair on my dad's oil rig,

and when I woke up I was

burnt to a frazzle.

- Why's your mum so angry with you?

- 'Cause she's a cow.

What was Gary's

party like then?

Lots of snogging. Not much

else I can remember, really.

- You had a nice time then?

- I suppose you could call it that.

First I was upstairs with Nigel,

then on the sofa with Ronnie ...

then Vaughn Hancock, pissed out of

his head, got me on the thick pile.

You're lucky you haven't

started that yet.

What's snogging like then?

Well, like kissing a vacuum cleaner.

This looks a real skill

place to play hide-and-seek.

- I'm too old for that kind of thing.

- Bet you 50p you can't find me.

- A quid.

- You're on.

Close your eyes, count to 100,

and don't peek.

1, 2, 3, 4 ...

86, 87, 88 ...

99, 100. I'm coming!

Is anybody there?

Karen!

It's her.

Anna.

Don't ever do that to me again.

Never! What has got into you?

Mum, I don't feel very well.

Now open wide.

My throat hurts ...

like I've swallowed dust.

Gritty ... and it aches,

but that's all.

You sure that's all?

No fainting fits?

No dizziness?

And this ache,

is it just in your throat?

You've obviously had quite

an eventful birthday.

- I suppose you could call it that.

- Sorry to drag you out like this ...

but I was worried.

I don't blame you.

Look, I'm sure there's

nothing to worry about.

She should have a

couple of days rest.

What I don't understand is

what happened in the tunnel?

Anna.

What happened

in the tunnel?

Fell asleep and lost track

of time. You know....

- That doesn't sound like you.

- I'll have that throat swab analyzed.

And you're obviously running

quite a temperature.

- And I think a day or two in bed ...

- When it goes down can I go riding?

- You must rest for a couple of days.

- I'm not staying in bed.

Don't.

Well, think of it this way:

if you rest now you'll get better

sooner. You rush around, who

knows how long it might take.

How long exactly do

I have to stay in bed?

I'll come and see you again

at the end of the week.

- The end of the week?

- Count yourself lucky.

I've got a patient a little bit older

than you whose been in bed for a year.

I'd rather die than that.

You and he would get on well.

No we wouldn't: I hate boys.

- I'll see you on Friday then.

- Goodnight Sarah

Here Sarah, I'll show you out.

Is there someone who can come and look

after Anna whilst you're at work?

No.

- I'll have to take some time off.

- You okay?

Yeah. I could do with

a break, that's all.

Tired?

Yeah.

It's always difficult when

John's away, and I just ...

I don't know....

Too sad.

Is anybody there?

Is anybody there?

Can I come in?

I can't hear you.

- I said go away.

- No, you let me in, then I'll go away.

- I can't do that.

- Why not?

'Cause there aren't

any stairs.

- How did you get up there then?

- I don't know. I'm just here.

Can't you tell someone else to let

me in? -There isn't anyone else.

Look, just stop mucking

around and let me in.

Go away, don't you understand,

it's dangerous around here, dangerous.

It's real.

There are stairs.

- You were wrong about the stairs.

- Must have come since.

Since I drew them.

You shouldn't be here.

I knew I should've

made you more cheerful.

I drew you, this house,

the stairs, everything.

Come and have a look, come on.

I can't walk.

Of course, I didn't draw you any legs.

I'm not a drawing!

I'm sorry, I just drew someone

at the window, that's all.

It's alright.

My name's Mark, what's yours?

Mark!

Mum?

And one, and two, and three...

- Mum?

- What?

- Mum?

- Go away please.

- What's wrong mum?

Nothing, I just don't

want you ruining this print.

- Feeling better?

- No, worse.

What photo are you doing?

The one you took on

the beach last summer.

I'm having dreams mum, but

they're real, I know they are.

Dreams can't be real sweetie.

It's dad!

They might frighten you

but they can never hurt you.

- How do you know? - Because if

they could they wouldn't be dreams.

- No, leave it, I like the

clouds dark. - Alright, darling.

Oh that's too much.

Come on, we're gonna get you to bed.

- No, i'll be alright if I stay awake.

- No, come on, come on right now.

On the other side of

the hill is the sea.

It shines out for miles and

miles and everyone can see it.

It looks like glandular fever.

I lied to you about the fainting,

it's happened several times.

I guessed you weren't

telling the truth.

That's all though,

you didn't need to come.

- I'm getting much better.

- Your mother was right to call me.

- Is it bad? - Well, it'll

knock you out for a few weeks.

Your pulse is right up.

So are these glands.

- What have you been upto in here?

- Nothing.

- When did you last faint.

- After I saw you, yesterday.

I see.

Sarah?

- You know this boy you see?

- Yes.

When's he going to be able to get up?

Well, he can get up, he just doesn't

want to most of the time, that's all.

He's getting better though?

You're really interested

in my other patients Anna?

- Doesn't he want to get better?

- Well of course he does.

Then why doesn't he get out of bed?

As long as he gets enough books to

read he's content to stay in bed.

That's terrible, I

can't stand staying in bed.

If you told me I could

get up tomorrow i'd be up.

Well it isn't just a question

of getting up, it's just that...

Exercise is too much

bother and pain for Mark.

- Mark, can't walk?

- No.

What wrong Anna?

We're just opposites

me and him, aren't we?

He's got to do exercise

and doesn't want to...

and i've got to stay in

bed and I don't want to.

It's a pity you

can't mix us up a bit.

Well I dare say you two are

each better off as you are.

I'll have a word with

Kate on my way out.

Bye Anna.

Now he'll walk.

Mark!

Mark!

Mark?

Oh, no cones.

Hi.

Whoever left this

should've left some instructions.

It seems to be based on the

Apple design, it's a bit crude.

I'll fix that tomorrow.

I suppose you'll tell me you drew it,

that would explain why it's so mental.

You've been moving things around.

My name's Anna.

- I drew you walking but it went wrong.

- I don't undertstand you.

- You like reading don't you?

- Yeah.

- Then you are Mark?

- Well i'm not a drawing, I know that.

I've got the same doctor

as you, Dr Nichols.

Not me.

- I mean... when you're not here.

- Look, i'm always here.

- They left me here.

- Who left you here?

It's great, isn't it?

Do you want some fruit?

It's really good for you.

Ok.

Behind you!

Very funny.

Very funny, I could've broken

my leg, you're so stupid.

There was this boy...

about my age...

he had a bike, a blue one...

it was in perfect nick.

Although he loved this bike,

he couldn't ride it.

He'd just watch it every day and having

it there made all the difference.

But one day he'd ride it and that

was all that ever mattered to him.

Why are you here Mark?

I did something wrong,

I expect that's why you're here too.

- I haven't done anything wrong.

- Oh I bet!

But I haven't done anything wrong.

Maybe all this stuff's here for you

and you're to stay here like me.

No chance, this is a dream.

That's what I thought.

Do you think whoever brought you

here will come back again?

I hope not.

If my dad was here

he could carry you...

and you could run away

with us, then you'd be safe.

And you wouldn't be afraid any more.

He looks like a madman.

Hello darling.

- What's that?

- A radio.

- It doesn't look like a radio,

it's too big. - It's a radio.

Who's that?

That's dad, that's good.

I think he looks drunk,

I hate it when he's drunk.

He stopped drinking years ago.

He was drunk when

I took that picture.

- Why don't you have your soup.

- He was, wasn't he?

Let me see.

Well, a bit, maybe.

You could rub it out and try again.

- I can't.

- It's almost right, it's just...

His head's a bit too big

and he looks sort of angry.

What is it?

Why don't you go back to work, I

don't like you hanging around here.

- I'll be alright. - Listen,

it's good, it's really good.

- It's total rubbish!

- It's only a drawing Anna, come on.

That's right, it's only a drawing.

I think it's good, I really do.

It's just that i'm

having those dreams again...

and i'm frightened dad's going to come

into those dreams looking like that.

Listen, if dad came into your

dreams that would be nice.

And no drawing is going

to make any difference.

- Have I done anything wrong?

- Do you ever do anything right?

I must've done something really bad.

It's nothing you've done,

that's silly, don't think that.

- Then why don't you believe me?

- Believe what?

That my dreams are frightening me.

- I do believe you.

- No you don't.

Listen...

I know it's hard for you with

dad away all the time but...

It's hard for me too, we've

got to try to get on better.

- Will you promise me something?

- What?

You've got to be honest with me about

when you pass out and when you...

see things that maybe

I don't see, you understand?

It's really important

Anna, you have to promise.

I always tell you the truth.

A nice hot bath and then to bed.

Mum!

Mum!

- I don't feel well. - I know, I know,

you try and get some sleep, ok?

- My head hurts. - I know

but I have to dry your hair.

There, just a bit more.

Ok.

- Will you set my alarm for me? - Why,

are you going somewhere special tomorrow?

- Set it for 7.

- Ok.

I'll just get your teddy.

Stay with me until I get to sleep,

I don't wanna be on my own.

Sure.

I'll just be a second, I just have

to get something from my room.

No dreams.

- That was quick.

- I'm late.

Is something the matter?

I'm very busy this morning,

I should be at the hospital.

Well perhaps I should've

got worse yesterday.

- Is anything wrong?

- No.

- You're miserable today. - Well even

doctors get miserable sometimes Anna.

- Is it something I did?

- Don't think so.

- Bye.

- Bye.

I've given you some

mild sleeping pills...

keep a very close eye

on her temperature...

and let me know immediately

if she seems delirious.

It's not very likely,

she seems stable now.

Sarah, are you sure you're

alright, you look worried.

It's just a young boy I thought

was ok had a relapse yesterday.

What's wrong with him?

He has muscular dystrophy,

he's got a chest infection.

- Oh no.

- It's dangerous.

Anna, what are you doing?

Mum, last night you

cleared up my bedroom...

I threw something away,

where's the rubbish?

I've got to find it.

I leave you alone for 5 minutes and

you work yourself up into a frenzy.

But I threw something away

and i've got to find it.

- What is it.

- A drawing.

- A drawing? Can't you do another one?

- No!

Alright, i'll go and look, but only if

you promise to take 2 of these pills.

Yeah!

- Yes, yes, just find it. - Ok, ok,

here, stop it, stop, here, Anna!

God, well if it's not there

there's nothing I can do, ok?

- No that's not ok.

- Well, i'll find it alright.

Anna!

Wait! Don't!

Anna! Anna!

Come back! Anna!

Wait! Anna!

Wait!

Come on love, out of the way.

No, I have to find something,

I threw it away by mistake.

- To bed now, come on!

- No!

You're going to be sick,

really sick unless you calm down.

You've gotta help me

find it mum, please.

Can you help?

- What type of bag was it?

Black!

Ok boys, we're looking for a black bag!

Please, let me check them.

Open them mum, open them.

- You missed one.

- I'm doing my best.

It could be any of these.

- Look, you've lost the drawing

Anna, just accept it. - No!

- That's your lot.

- You didn't check that one.

If we checked every one

we'd be here all day.

It's no good Anna, stop it now.

There!

You're going to be alright

now darling, you must sleep.

Mark?

Mark?

Fooled you!

Your face.

Sorry Anna.

- How you feeling?

- Fine.

You did all this then, eh?

I don't understand you.

Mark, do you remember

anything about the real world?

But this is the real world.

I suppose so.

When i'm not here I know where

I am... and you're there too.

- What's wrong with me?

- You're in hospital.

I wish you weren't, sorry.

Well you're right about

one thing... I am ill.

I'm tired, like i've just run

a marathon but all the time.

And the big joke is I have to crawl

to move from this lump of wood.

- That must be really uncomfortable.

- And cold.

Instead of making a mess out of

this place... why don't you help me?

I think I should wake up now.

- I can't wake up.

- I told you so.

- They've come for us.

- Who?

- It's dad!

- No, don't let him in.

- Rubbish, i'll go and fetch him.

- No!

Dad!

Dad!

Dad, come in, it's getting dark.

- Anna, is that you?

- Yes.

I'm blind!

No locks.

Anna, he's moving,

he's got a hammer.

- Anna!

- Go away.

Anna.

Are you ok?

Let me in Anna.

- Behind the hills is a sea,

we have to go there. - You go.

- Listen, we can ride the bike.

- How can I ride a bike, be realistic.

You ride and i'll push.

- You're mad.

- Anna!

Please Mark, you have to try.

Anna, i'm not going away so

you might aswell let me in.

Let me in Anna!

Open this door now!

- You'll never get

me up on this. - Try.

Anna.

- Don't leave me.

- Of course I won't.

- Don't leave me.

- Of course I won't leave you.

- I'm scared.

- Don't be scared.

There.

You've had a really bad fever darling

but I think this is the worst of it.

When you're better

we'll go to the seaside.

You like the sea.

We'll go there, all 3 of us, and

we'll have a big, long rest, ok.

To the sea, to the sea,

to the beautiful sea.

Let me see, let me see it.

You're temperature's going down,

it's normal, you're getting better.

- Don't.

- What.

- Who are you?

- Anna?

I don't talk to strangers, go away.

- Go away.

- It's mummy, you're alright now.

Go away!

Anna!

What are you doing? Darling?

Anna! Look at me, look at me!

Anna, please, don't!

Anna, please, don't!

Anna!

Mark?

Mark?

Mark?

He must've taken him.

Mark?

Mark?

Mark?

Anna?

Anna?

You're going to be alright.

Just stay where you are.

Daddy's here.

Anna!

Alright...

if you want to play games...

One, two, three...

four, five, six...

seven, eight, twelve,

thirteen, fourteen, fifteen...

It's you he's after not me,

you should've never come back.

I thought that he'd taken you.

Listen. it won't take

him long to find us...

You've gotta wake up and change

your stupid drawing, get rid of him.

I've tried.

No, rip him out of the

paper, it's the only way.

- I drew a lighthouse, we can go

there then we'll be safe. - Ok.

Look, just wake up, we're not going

to get anywhere with him around.

I can't.

- Wake up! - I can't.

Thirty-one, thirty-two, thirty-three...

Thirty-four, thirty-five, thirty-six...

I've got an idea.

Lie down like you're in bed... do it!

Reach out to where the drawing is.

Pick up the drawing Anna.

Careful!

- Dad's on the left, by the rocks.

- Put your finger on him.

Eighty-seven, eighty-eight, eighty-nine...

Now rip him out!

Ninety-nine, one hundred.

I'm coming.

Run Anna, leave me.

Anna!

Mark, Mark!

Mark!

Get off me!

Who are you?

- What is your name?

- Please, dad, please.

Do you know me?

Do you recognise me?

The sea.

Anna?

- Anna.

- It's alright love, it's just the tube.

There's a brave girl.

You'll be alright, you'll be alright.

Anna?

It hurts when I breathe.

That's just your ribs,

they're a bit bruised.

The ambulance man had

to give you a heart massage.

- He saved your life.

- I know but it still hurts.

You'll be out of here in a few days.

I've been here long enough.

How's Mark?

- How's Mark?

- He's ok.

Don't lie to me.

We sent him home, he'll

be more comfortable there.

He's dying isn't he?

- They've stopped.

- What's stopped.

My dreams.

If I tell you something,

will you keep it a secret?

- I know Mark, I know him

from my dreams. - Anna...

I drew a house on paper,

Mark's there too.

It was me who made Mark ill and

me who helped him get better again.

Then we had to escape and we

did but now I can't even dream.

You have to believe me.

When you're ill the

mind plays funny tricks.

It's not a trick...

Mark's eyes are blue...

His left leg is

stronger than his right...

He's got a bicycle,

a blue one, he just looks at it.

- How do you know all this?

- It's true isn't it?

You have to get me my pencils

and drawings, you have to.

- But...

- Just do it!

And as soon as you're better...

I'm going to take us all down

to Devon for a little holiday.

Hey, are you listening to me?

Look at me darling.

That's better, I was beginning

to think I was invisible.

You don't have to be

invisible to disappear, dad.

Anna, you said you wanted

to go to the seaside, no?

Sounds wonderful mum.

Hey and don't forget

your riding lessons.

I've taken time off,

we can go together if you like.

And then you'll go away again.

I don't know what you want

these for but here they are.

She shouldn't have told you,

I told Sarah to keep it a secret.

- Can I see?

- No.

I wouldn't want to live if he died.

Now if there's anything

we need we'll be alright.

Mark, Mark.

Anna.

Wait there.

How's that then eh?

I thought you weren't ever coming back.

Come on, there's lots to show you...

You've really kitted out

the place good this time.

- Hey, what's the matter?

- Nothing, just pleased to see you.

Come on,

let's walk along the cliffs.

Here, I want to show you something.

- Can you do rollovers?

- Yeah.

You haven't done them properly

until you've done them here, my way.

What do you mean "your way"?

Sit in front of me.

Keep your head well in and

imagine you're half of a wheel.

Now pull me.

Again!

How am I getting on

in your world?

You're recovering

but not as fast as here.

- So i'm different here?

- Don't know.

I don't care what happens to me there,

as long as I can be here with you.

You see, your world doesn't

matter any more, we can live here.

Have you ever kissed anyone?

Me neither.

Is this snogging?

I've walked as far as I can along

these cliffs but there's no way down.

- We should draw a ladder then.

- There's not one long enough...

And even if there was I wouldn't

go down there, would you?

I know i'm getting better

but that's just stupidity.

- You suggest something then?

- Helicopter?

- I don't think I can draw that.

- I can.

I brought it with me this time.

You draw the helicopter.

- Are you sure?

- Positive.

- Do you think it'll work for me?

- Don't know.

- Where are you going?

- I'm going back to draw.

Wait.

You can't go yet.

Well you wait down here

and keep a look out for it.

I can see better from up there.

To be honest i'd rather draw by myself,

I don't like people watching me.

- And I never saw you draw did I?

- I suppose not.

- You wait down here then.

- Ok.

Don't go without me.

Please don't go without me.

I've got some good news...

They've given me a job at head office

so I don't have to go away anymore.

That's good isn't it?

We can all be together

like a proper family.

Things aren't the same between you

and me since I got back, are they?

I missed you when I was away but now

I feel as if i'm missing you even more.

I'm worried.

- I went to see your doctor.

- Why?

Mum said you were having bad

dreams about me, is that true?

Do you want to see

someone about the dreams?

- I don't have them anymore.

- Maybe because i'm back.

No, it's nothing to do with you.

What did Dr Nichols say?

She said you knew a

patient of hers who died.

What's the matter?

Mark's dead.

Didn't you know?

- I'm sorry.

- No, don't be sorry...

I knew, it's just when I last saw

him I sort of hoped he'd get better.

Was he a close friend?

- Dr Nichols didn't tell me

the whole story. - Obviously.

Mark would hate

anybody being sorry.

Come on Anna.

Did you seen those boats there?

- Good morning.

- Good morning, Mr Madden.

Hello, is everything ok?

That's good.

After lunch we'll go for

a walk down to the front.

- Here.

- Thanks.

Don't lose it.

Dad.

I'm sorry.

- What on earth for?

- Being so miserable.

Don't be stupid.

It was the illness, when I was

ill I thought I saw funny things.

I want to go to the pier...

to get Karen some rock.

- Well we'll go after we've eaten.

- Good.

- Shall I open your curtains.

- Whatever you like.

Be careful you don't

get sunstroke.

Mark, i'm back.

Mark.

Mark, let me in.

Mark.

Mark.

Mark, let me in.

Let me in.

I don't want to go without you but the

helicopter's been hovering all day.

I think i'm meant to go.

Wait for me here, i'll come

back for you, love Mark.

Mark, Mark, Mark!

Anna!

Move back from the

edge, it's dangerous.

- I can't reach.

Move back from the

edge Anna, it's dangerous.

- Anna, move away!

- I can't reach.

Mark, I can't reach,

don't leave me.

- Anna, it's dangerous.

- I can't reach.

- Move away from the edge.

- Don't leave me.

- Bye Anna.

- No!

He's alright now mum,

I know he is.