September 26, 2004
STRANGER THAN FICTION
Screenplay by Zach Helm
Synopsis by Brian Aldrich
Obsessive compulsive HAROLD CRICK leads a life focused on the minutiae of his existence. He counts each of his toothbrush strokes as well as his steps and seconds to the bus stop every morning. His reality is all about numbers. No wonder he works as an IRS auditor. According to the NARRATOR, Harold’s WRISTWATCH is going to change his life. One morning, Harold starts hearing the voice of the Narrator as it describes Harold’s life as it is happening. Harold can’t concentrate on his work. He goes to audit bakery owner ANA PASCAL, a strong, attractive young woman with tattoos. Ana only paid 73% of her taxes due as an “anarchist” protest against the government’s military spending, corporate loan outs and campaign discretionary funds. She’s indignant at Harold’s intent to audit her. The Narrator’s erotic comments about Ana serve to stimulate and confuse Harold who excuses himself quickly. Meanwhile, distracted writer KAY hires a new assistant PENNY to help her keep organized. She is having problems trying to devise a manner to kill off the main character in her new book: HAROLD CRICK. Kay is Harold’s Narrator. At work, stressed out Harold is politely advised to take a vacation. On the way home, his watch suddenly stops and he hears the Narrator mention his death. Then, the Narrator goes quiet. Harold can’t get a word out of it.
Harold’s therapist, DR. MITTAG-LEFFLER, gives him a prescription and advises him to talk to someone who knows about Literature. Professor HILBERT becomes intrigued and begins to analyze Harold’s Narrator’s words to try to predict what is going to happen to cause Harold’s death. He requests Harold keep track of the Narrator’s further comments. As the Narrator predicts, Harold runs into Ana on the bus home. They flirt. Kay keeps debating which way to kill off Harold. Hilbert encourages Harold to learn the guitar and date Ana. Treating the audit humorously, Harold and Ana develop a friendly relationship. Concerned Harold might be perpetuating the plotline, Hilbert advises him to do nothing for one day. Harold tries staying home, but a wrecking crew demolishes his apartment building and he is forced to move in with co-worker DAVE. Hilbert advises Harold to live the life he really wants to live. Harold buys and learns to play the guitar. He stops wasting time counting and started living. He dates and has sex with Ana. Harold and Hilbert track down Kay (Karen Eiffel.) Evidently, Harold once audited her and both she and Hilbert are fans of each other’s work. He begs her not to kill him. She lets him read her outline. Hilbert convinces Harold he must die to preserve the beauty of Kay’s novel. Harold prepares to meet his fate. Kay writes a new ending. Harold has a near fatal accident, but a shard of glass from his wristwatch keeps him alive long enough to be saved in the hospital. Kay and Hilbert meet face to face. Harold and Ana live happily ever after. Dave gets to go to Space Camp, his dream, thanks to Harold.
Summary Criticism: At first glance, this script may appear silly and contrived, but there is a sincere attempt here at making a postmodern statement (like “Pleasantville” perhaps.) Well-crafted and compelling.
Stranger Than Fiction - imdb
Zach Helm - imdb
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