Visions

Bandar: Visions (fourth draft)
Written by Anthony Adinolfi, 7/12/03

 
Abstract

"Visions" is a short film depicting a sequence of dream imagery seen through the mind's eye of Aranik Kayem. The voice of Kayem provides narrative for his vision as he struggles to communicate this largely-intangible experience.

 
Background

By the Bandarin calendar, the year is 2009. Kayem is, at this time, a former Kida'rin Guardian. He is relating his impressions of a recurring dream to his former master, Majala Estika. Not yet an elder member of the Noawa'Sjae Council, Estika is nonetheless a wise and influential Guardian. Though it has been several years since she and Kayem last spoke with one another, Estika still considers him to be a welcomed member of the Kida'rin Order (and a dear friend).

It has been over 5 years since last Kayem stood in these halls of the Kida'rin Temple. This space, still familiar to him in physical substance. Yet never before has his former life as a Kida'rin Guardian felt more foreign from his heart. The memories evoked, conflicted... and coupled with the weight of why he has come here, lay a heavy burden upon him. A warm, kind welcome from Estika has just stirred him from this spiral of thoughts, yet his voice is still strained as he begins to speak.

 
Screenplay

The title "Visions" fades in over blackness. A gentle rustling of leaves emerges from the stillness, the sound of wind passing through the trees. Title fades out. Moments later, Kayem's words begin, still over blackness.

Kayem: I cannot know with certainty how long it has been... since the visions first began.

Kayem pauses, and we begin to see an image fade in and out, as if struggling for clarity. It is a close-up of Kayem's profile against a bright, sunlit background. He stares intensely, straight ahead. The length of his breath hints at the slowness of time, gentle clouds of vapor touching the cold, crisp air. As he continues to speak, the image comes more and more into focus.

Kayem: They occurred only infrequently at first. Looking back now, I begin to see earlier manifestations, reaching back several months. Over that time, the visions have become clearer and more constant, until now... now, the dream occurs every night without fail.

Estika: Can you describe for me what you see?

Kayem (uncertain of his words): It is difficult to bring to words... the sensations I experience.

Cut to a far-away shot from the same profile angle. We can now see Kayem's full form, in combat stance, standing in a brightly-lit forest at the top of a small rise in the earth. An intense beam of sunlight pierces through the backdrop of trees and foliage, illuminating parts of the forest bed and shining brightly off Kayem's blade. The air is alive with leaves, a slow, sparkling shower from the ceiling of trees above. The light passes behind Kayem's silhouette where the shape of his Kida'rin robes and tunic can be made out.

Kayem (more sure of himself, as he begins to relate clearer imagery): I stand among the trees, weapon drawn... though I never remember having drawn it. Leaves are falling, gently across streaks of sunlight, piercing through the forest wall. I see through my own eyes, and yet... I can also sense my body, as if from the outside. (Cut back to close-up profile) I see myself... turning.... to face the others. (pauses)

Estika: What others?

We see Kayem turning toward the camera, slowly.... slowly.... the background warps subtly - is he turning at all? The image zooms slowly as the camera angle turns with Kayem.

Kayem: I can sense the presences of two others - one friend, one foe. Sometimes, I think I can feel one more presence - weaker... only barely tangible. (the image of Kayem is blended with a full-screen shot of the falling leaves. It forms a field of abstract light and movement) I don't know who they are.

Estika (reassuringly): Please... continue.

The field of leaves fades into an extreme close-up - we see the reflection in his eye - the movement of the sparkling leaves against a bright light. The camera zooms in slowly.

Kayem: I turn to face them... but the moment is infinite. I cannot face them... or perhaps my eyes just cannot see.

His clarity is waning. From the field of leaves, a single visage begins to emerge.

Kayem: I... I fear that words cannot describe... the actions are only the surface. So much... so much more.

The image fades completely and the visage is clearer - it is Estika - we have left the dream. Cut to a medium 3/4 rear shot of Kayem kneeling across from his former mentor. The room is only softly lit by small lanterns, but what can be seen of the walls and furniture is simple and monastic, decorated only by scrolls of ancient text and simple paintings of balance and unity. On a short, wooden table between them, sits a pot of warm tea and two empty cups atop a small, circular cloth.

Kayem: I'm not sure what to make of this.

Cut to a closer 3/4 shot of Estika. Her face is calm and warm-natured as she considers Kayem's recent words. After a brief moment and without a word, she smiles slightly, reaching down to begin pouring their tea. Cut to a reverse angle of Kayem. Over the sound of the liquid pouring, we see his serious face fade slightly to allow a hint of a smile. Cut back to Estika as she replaces the pot and returns her focus on Kayem.

Estika (taking her first sip): A blend of my own. Something to promote peacefulness and introspection. (She pauses for a moment, and then regarding Kayem with a slight sigh). You seem so very troubled, Kayem...

Cut back to Kayem. His demeanor is once again solemn, staring down at the tea cup he has yet to touch. He looks up in response to Estika's observation.

Estika: What is it about this vision that causes you unrest?

Kayem (After considering the question for a moment): I fear that something lies ahead of me... something I cannot be prepared for. Dark... and timeless. Something beyond me.

Cut back to Estika as she finishes another sip of tea.

Estika: We all have things ahead of us for which we are ill-prepared... but I've always known you to be agile of mind and body... and spirit. Cut back to Kayem, smiling slightly at the compliment. Though you are no longer One of the Kida'rin Order, bonded to the Natural world, your heart remains well-attuned to its rhythms. (then, delicately) Perhaps there is... still some duty that lies before you.

Kayem: But why would I be moved in such a way? As you said, I am no longer a Guardian.

Estika (finishing another sip): Some answers must be allowed to reveal themselves. Just as they speak to you, the rhythms will also move you as they desire. You must simply be patient... and at peace, and... for the moment, (with a smile) enjoy your tea while it is still warm.

Kayem (in agreement, and with a healthy smile): Of course. (reaches down for his cup)

Cut to a medium shot, slowly pulling back. Kayem and Estika sit together, framed by shadows from the dimly-lit room. As the camera pulls away, they continue to drink their tea and we leave them to continue their conversation. As they fade farther away, so too do their voices.

Estika: We will speak more of this after I've conferred with the Council on your behalf.

Kayem: Thank you.

 
After a few moments, fade to black. Credits role.