A MILLION MILES AWAY
Written by
Alejandra Marquez
Abella Hernan Jimenez
Bettina Gilois
ii.
BASED ON A TRUE STORY.
Original dialogue in Spanish translated to English on right column.
LAUNCH CONTROL (V.O.)
This is Launch Operations Manager.
The launch team wishes you good
luck and godspeed.
FADE IN:
EXT. LA PIEDAD, MICHOACAN, MEXICO - DAY
TITLE CARD: La Piedad, Michoacan, Mexico ---- 1968
A vast CORNFIELD, topped by the most beautiful sky you've
ever seen. A decrepit DONKEY. Chickens and roosters roaming
free. A mangy dog YAWNS. A beautiful MONARCH BUTTERFLY floats
in the air.
LAUNCH CONTROL (V.O.)
T--minus 15 seconds, second stage
tanks now pressurized... 12, 11,
10, 9...
A 7 year old boy, JOSE, walks through the furrows looking for
something. He comes to an ear of corn, studies it. He grabs
it with a strong grip, but it seems to resist being picked.
He yanks it hard, hard, HARDER!
The cob SPRINGS FREE, making him fall on the ground.
He lays on his back, eyes WIDE, looking up: The sky, a deep
blue. A few perfect cumulus clouds float softly away.
He picks up the cob from the ground and mouths the sounds of
a take-off.
LAUNCH CONTROL (V.O.)
Ignition sequence starts. 5, 4, 3,
2, 1... ZERO... All engines
running! Lift off! We have lift off
on Space Shuttle Discovery!
The cob-rocket is off the ground!
JULIA
Joseeeee!
Jose leaps up in a second. He runs through the fields,
holding the cob high in mock flight.
EXT. FAMILY SHACK, MEXICO - DAY
A RICKETY SHACK on the verge of collapse.
2.
Lively mayhem as Jose comes out of the cornfield and RUNS
towards his mother, JULIA.
The mangy DOG barks incessantly as GENERATIONS OF THE
HERNANDEZ FAMILY say their goodbyes. There are tears and
COUSINS and AUNTS and UNCLES doing Signs of the Cross on the
KIDS, and long hugs happening all over.
SOMEONE takes the cob from his hand. This is SALVADOR (35),
his father.
JOSE JOSE
(re: the cob) (re: the cob)
Un recuerdo. A souvenir.
Salvador just stands there unfazed, smiles and then gives the
cob back.
SALVADOR SALVADOR
No te apures, vamos a Don't worry, we'll come back.
regresar... (to the rest of his
(to the rest of his kids)
kids) Time to say good-bye,
Despídanse, chamacos. chamacos.
Another 7-year-old, his cousin BETO, approaches Jose.
BETO
See you on the other side, primo.
Jose smiles and nods. They exchange an adult-like hug.
Jose eyes Salvador holding on tight to his grandmother, he
notices his eyes are watery: the pain of constant good-byes.
Salvador quickly wipes his tears away and kisses his mother's
cheek.
JOSE JOSE
Estas llorando, papa? Are you crying, Dad?
SALVADOR SALVADOR
Me entró tierra al ojo. Some dirt got into my eye.
Salvador gets into the car. Jose gets caught by Abuelita.
A HONK.
SALVADOR (O.S.) (CONT'D) SALVADOR (O.S.) (CONT'D)
Vamonos! Let's go!
Jose, JULIA (30) and his his teen brothers and sister: CHAVA
(13), GIL (11) and LETY (9) get in the car, an old Chevrolet
Impala 64 PACKED TO THE RAFTERS.
Salvador looks around, melancholic. As he closes the door he
notices a Monarch Butterfly landing on his forearm. He takes
a moment.
3.
SALVADOR (CONT'D) SALVADOR (CONT'D)
Saben que las mariposas You know... Monarch
Monarca vuelan desde el mero butterflies migrate from up
norte, mas lejos que los north to Michoacan. They come
Estados Unidos, hasta aca, looking for a warmer weather;
hasta Michoacan? Vienen when spring comes, they go
buscando mejor clima; cuando back.
llega la primavera se (he turns to his kids)
regresan. It is a journey of more than
(he turns to his kids) 2,000 miles taken by insects
Estos insectos que pesan un that weight one gram. Food
gramo hacen un viaje de 2,000 for thought, huh?
millas... Da que pensar no?
The butterfly flies away. He starts the car and smiles, the
kids and Julia do too.
Everyone waves as the car drives off through a cloud of
flying butterflies and we launch into a...
MONTAGE and CREDITS:
---- Jose looks out the window as he leaves this town behind:
the old colonial CHURCH; the town SQUARE; the soccer field
with the BROKEN GOAL FRAME.
---- They barrel fast through the DESERT.
---- The kids now sleep in the back, tightly packed with
pillows, bags, pots and pans. But Jose, wide awake, FLIES THE
CORN COB out the window, at SUPERSONIC SPEED.
---- A "Welcome to California" sign.
---- Another one: "CHINO, CALIFORNIA: Where everything grows!"
---- Salvador and Julia sit in a CLOUD OF MOVING DUST as they
ride in the back of an old creaky TRUCK, packed like cattle
with PICKERS.
---- A NEW SCHOOL. Jose steps into a classroom. An old and
tired TEACHER gives him a bored look.
---- MASSIVE STRAWBERRY FIELDS; A sea of HUNCHED MEXICAN
WORKERS move like an army of ants, unstoppable.
---- The packed Chevy drives past another sign: "SALINAS: Rich
in Land, Rich in Values"
---- A SEA OF GREEN and the family bent at the waist, filling
box after box of LETTUCE. Beto and his family do the same in
the following furrow.
Jose looks at the sky, then at his mother.
4.
JOSE JOSE
Mama, pa que sirven las Mom, what are stars for?
estrellas?
JULIA JULIA
Esas preguntas se las That's a question for school.
constestan en la escuela.
JOSE JOSE
Por que no se ven de día? Why can't you see them during
the day?
Julia stops and looks at him lovingly, she kisses him and
continues with the tough work.
---- HERNANDEZ TEMPORARY HOME: the family sits around a shabby
table, as Julia styles Jose's hair with lemon juice. His
siblings clear the table and get ready for school.
---- YET ANOTHER NEW SCHOOL: Jose steps into a hostile
classroom. New TEACHER, new CLASSMATES.
---- UTTER FLATNESS. The Chevy bolts past this sign: "STOCKTON:
Someplace Special".
EXT. HERNANDEZ HOME - DUSK
The family UNLOADS the car, finally parked in front of a
humble... HOME in a rough BARRIO. Jose and Lety look at the
place with and air of hope.
CHAVA
Don't get too excited. We won't be
here long.
Lety shrugs and follows her big brother.
---- A child's hand finishes writing a sentence in a school
notebook: A MILLION MILES AWAY.
INT. FILLMORE ELEMENTARY, CLASSROOM - MORNING
Jose steps in, interrupting MISS YOUNG's class. This is his
teacher, a Chinese-American in her 20's.
She looks up, beaming.
MISS YOUNG
Jose! You're back!!
5.
LATER ----
Jose recites with his CLASS.
CLASS
Twelve, thirteen, fourteen...
Miss Young points at Jose.
MISS YOUNG
Now two times seventeen.
JOSE
Treinta y cuatro.
MISS YOUNG
Now in English, please.
He looks around, hesitant.
JOSE
Thirrrr--ty fooor.
The class laughs at his accent.
MISS YOUNG
Oh, you all think that's so funny?
Jose, how about two times thirty
four?
JOSE
Seex-ty eight.
MISS YOUNG
Guys, who can tell me what seven
times sixty is? No. Make it---- seven
times sixty three.
Silence, of course.
MISS YOUNG (CONT'D)
Take it away, Mr. Hernandez.
JOSE
Four hawndred fort-ey one.
MISS YOUNG
Gracias, Jose.
(To the class)
You see, math doesn't care if you
speak English or Spanish, because
math is its own language.
Miss Young winks at Jose. He smiles.
6.
Beto opens the classroom door and comes in, a little dirty.
He seems skinny and worn.
MISS YOUNG (CONT'D)
Well, hello, Beto! It's so nice to
have you back as well.
Jose gives his cousin a big welcoming smile. Beto sits next
to him.
JOSE JOSE
Por que no habías venido a Why didn't you come to school
la escuela? these past days?
BETO
Work.
He shrugs. Jose gets it.
INT. HERNANDEZ HOME, STOCKTON -- NIGHT
An alarm clock shows: SATURDAY, 4:14 AM. Jose's eyes jerk
open and he springs up. He gets dressed in a rush and goes to
the dining room where he finds his whole family ready to
leave for the fields.
JOSE JOSE
Perdón, es que no sonó el Sorry, alarm didn't go off.
despertador.
SALVADOR SALVADOR
Amonos. Let's go.
EXT. FIELDS, STOCKTON -- DAY
THOUSANDS OF GRAPES fill a wooden crate.
And Jose's back at it in the fields with the whole family.
This time, he's struggling: he's tired and worn out. He
admires his father's and mother's skills, even his siblings'.
He can't keep up.
He tries harder, but he steps on a bunch of rotten grapes,
slips and inevitably lands in the mud.
He's FURIOUS. He drops his tools and screams. The meltdown
makes his family, his cousin Beto and several WORKERS, stop
to regard him with confusion.
JOSE JOSE
No puedo! I can't!
Salvador throws him a stern look.
Jose speaks directly to him, with that adult-like bravado
that some Mexican children possess.
7.
JOSE (CONT'D) JOSE (CONT'D)
Estoy lleno de lodo! I'm covered in mud! I stink!
Apesto! Estoy cansado... I'm exhausted... sunburnt! I
todo requemado por el sol! can't take it anymore!
Ya no puedo!
We hear childish laughter. It's Beto.
JOSE (CONT'D) JOSE (CONT'D)
Tú callate, pinche Beto! You shut up, Beto!
Salvador is not amused. He approaches Jose, who wonders if he
has just signed his death sentence. He tones it down.
JOSE (CONT'D) JOSE (CONT'D)
Estoy cansado. I'm tired.
The others get back to work.
SALVADOR SALVADOR
Todos estamos cansados pero We all are. But we have to
hay que seguirle. Síguele. push through. Keep working.
Jose exchanges a look with Julia... then he complies.
Salvador kneels by his side.
SALVADOR (CONT'D) SALVADOR (CONT'D)
A ver, mijo, por que estas Alright, son, why are you
aquí? por que estamos todos here? Why are we all here?
aquí?
The faces of the workers, some exhausted, some smiling.
JOSE JOSE
Para ganar 10 dólares. To make 10 dollars.
SALVADOR SALVADOR
Que crees que pasa si no What do you think will happen
haces tu parte? if you don't do your part?
Jose shrugs.
SALVADOR (CONT'D) SALVADOR (CONT'D)
Sabes en que se va a Do you know what all this ass-
convertir esta chinga? En los busting will turn into? It
ladrillos pa' la casa que will become the bricks for
estamos levantando tu mama y the house your mamma and I
yo alla en Michoacan. Estamos are building back in
trabajando todos juntos para Michoacan. We're working
poder vivir mejor. together so that we can have
a better life.
Jose's eyes become teary.
JOSE JOSE
Tú cómo le haces? Dices que How do you do it? You say
estas cansado pero yo no te you're tired, but you don't
veo cansado. seem tired to me.
Salvador turns him around, making him face the length of the
furrow.
8.
SALVADOR SALVADOR
Lo que pasa es que yo tengo How do I do it? Look, mijo, I
una receta... Mira, mijo, lo have a recipe... First step,
primero es que tienes que you have to set a goal.
ponerte una meta.
---- The FOREMAN pays their day's work. Jose gets his money.
The family puts it in a shared envelope. Julia keeps it.
SALVADOR (CONT'D) SALVADOR (CONT'D)
Luego, tienes que checar que Then you have to find out how
tan lejos estas de esa meta. far you are from the goal.
---- The endless furrow unfolds towards the horizon. Many
bunches of grapes remain unpicked.
SALVADOR (CONT'D) SALVADOR (CONT'D)
Tienes que pensar cómo vas a You have to draw yourself a
llegar. Eso te va a mantener roadmap. That's going to keep
concentrado. you focused.
---- The picking routine: hands, muscles, grapes fall in a
bucket, repeat; rhythmic mechanics.
SALVADOR (CONT'D) SALVADOR (CONT'D)
Cuando no le sabes, hay que If you don't know, you've got
aprender. to learn.
---- Salvador teaches him to use the tools more efficiently.
SALVADOR (CONT'D) SALVADOR (CONT'D)
Y al final, cuando creas que And at the end, when you
ya la libraste, quizas haya think you've made it, you'll
que esforzarse todavía mas. probably have to try even
harder.
---- Jose picks grapes, exhausted. He looks at his fingers...
they're hurting. Then he looks at Salvador, who's still
moving, and gets back to work.
---- Three buckets full of grapes, then four, five. Then six,
seven, eight! Jose, proud, regards his work.
But it unavoidably fades to...
INT. FILLMORE ELEMENTARY, CLASSROOM - DAY
Jose, dark circles under his eyes and mid-yawn, elbows Beto
to wake him up. But Beto NODS OFF.
Miss Young writes several adjectives on the chalkboard as the
rest of the class drills their pronunciation.
MISS YOUNG
Ok, so, for homework you'll have to
write a composition...
(MORE)
9.
MISS YOUNG (CONT'D)
"When I grow up..." I want to see
how you come up with many beautiful
and powerful ADJECTIVES, OK?
LATER ----
Class is dismissed and Jose approaches his teacher's desk.
His accent wrapping up his sentences.
JOSE
Miss Young? I won't be able to do
my homework. We're leaving.
She frowns.
JOSE (CONT'D)
It's pepino season. We're going
back to Salinas.
Miss young makes an inquiring face.
JOSE (CONT'D)
Pepino. Cucumber.
MISS YOUNG
Ah. Huanggua. Cucumber.
Jose smiles, she gets it.
JOSE
Miss... what are stars for?
MISS YOUNG
`What are stars for?' That is one
tough question, sir. It's the type
of question that raises many
others.
She comes near him and puts her hand on his face.
MISS YOUNG (CONT'D)
You know what? I think you're going
to be one of those people who can
actually come up with an answer for
that kind of question.
Jose receives the kind words with the anxiety that comes with
big responsibility.
10.
INT. HERNANDEZ HOME, STOCKTON -- DAY
The house is half-packed. Julia puts sarapes and kitchen
utensils in cardboard boxes.
Jose is on the dining room table trying to work on his
composition. He eyes his corncob, the one he brought from
Mexico. Then he draws a field of corn. His fingers have
bandaids.
Lety comes running and turns on the TV.
LETY
It's about to happen! They just
said it on the radio. Pepito, come!
Chava, Gil and Lety get settled on the couch. Chava makes
room for Julia. Salvador approaches too. The TV has a
magnetic aura.
Jose peeks from the table.
JOSE JOSE
Que? What?
GIL
The man on the moon, Pepe.
Hold the antenna!
Jose takes his position as official makeshift-antenna holder.
The broadcast of the first moon walk starts. Jose watches
from his oblique point of view. The voices of the people at
ground control and the astronauts get into his head. The
televised historic events unfolding are sharply reflected on
his eyeballs.
Salvador stops watching the screen to LOOK AT HIS SON. He
notices something DEEP inside of him. Something stirs within
Jose and Salvador witnesses it.
The 1969 musical hit: "Aquarius" by The 5th Dimension starts
playing.
EXT. HERNANDEZ HOME - NIGHT
Jose lays on the front porch, belly up.
ON THE SKY: stars shine in different ways, different colors.
For a moment, everything is fine.
Jose closes one eye and then the other as he makes his
corncob "ship" fly. Aquarius is still playing.
11.
Julia peeks out of the main door. She sees her son and is
about to say something, but decides to let him be.
INT. HERNANDEZ HOME, STOCKTON - DAY
The family packs their last belongings. Jose gets his corncob
rocket. Chava and Lety babble and complain. Then there's a
KNOCK.
Julia opens the door. Standing there is... Miss. Young!?
INT. HERNANDEZ HOME - MOMENTS LATER
Julia, Salvador, Gil, Lety and Chava sit across from Miss
Young -- reaching hard for her very best Spanish. Jose sits
between both parties, like an arbiter.
MISS YOUNG
Mr. and Mrs. Hernandez. Yo
quisera... respectfully...
(Frustrated)
I'm a bit worried about your
children's education.
JOSE JOSE
Dice que van a arruinar la She says you're ruining your
educación de sus hijos. children's education.
MISS YOUNG
I really think you should
reconsider traveling so much.
JOSE JOSE
Dice que estas tonto por "You're stupid for making us
hacernos viajar tanto. travel so much."
Salvador frowns.
SALVADOR SALVADOR
Dile que tenemos que ir a Tell her we have to go where
donde este el trabajo. No there's work. We don't have
tenemos opción. an option.
Jose looks at his father, fearful.
SALVADOR (CONT'D)
(In his best English)
We need to work to build a house in
Michoacan.
MISS YOUNG
Mr. Hernandez, you work the land.
You work it with your own bare
hands...
(MORE)
12.
MISS YOUNG (CONT'D)
What happens to a tree if you dig
it up year after year? Will it bear
good fruit?
Silence. Salvador thinks about this, still frowning.
EXT. SIDEWALK -- MOMENTS LATER
Miss Young watches the Hernandez's packed car, ready to go
again. She walks down the sidewalk, crestfallen, when Jose
comes running after her, carrying a piece of paper.
JOSE
Miss Young?! I did my homework.
He hands her his composition. The title on the cover:
ASTRONAUT, then a drawing ---- the cornfield, a boy, a corn
shaped spaceship and the stars.
She looks at it. Then she kneels and smiles.
MISS YOUNG
You are a force of nature. Nothing
will stop you. Remember that.
...and walks away, pursing her lips.
Jose stands there, looking tiny and defeated on the sidewalk.
I/E. SALVADOR'S CAR/FIELDS, STOCKTON -- DAY
A dirty, sweating Jose, watches his father from the
overpacked car where he waits with his mother and siblings:
Salvador seems very upset, he's in the line waiting for their
pay, he counts the money, it's short. He moves his arms
around and complains to the foreman who just shakes his head.
Salvador approaches, gets in the car, puts the keys in the
ignition ---- but the car won't start. He tries again. Nothing.
And again. Nothing. Then he HITS THE STEERING WHEEL HARD!
JULIA
Salvador!
Jose sits very still. Worried.
Salvador sees his children through the rear-view mirror.
Their exhausted and muddied faces.
SALVADOR SALVADOR
Ya vieron, no? Do you see now?
13.
JULIA
Salvador...
SALVADOR SALVADOR
Pa nosotros no hay chances, We don't get chances, no
ni atajos... No podemos shortcuts... We can't rely on
confiar en la suerte o en la luck or anyone's good will.
buena voluntad de nadie.
They all look down. Julia does too.
SALVADOR (CONT'D)
Actually, you're already very
lucky. You know why?
The kids shake their heads.
SALVADOR (CONT'D)
You get to see your future.
(a beat)
Look, over there.
He gestures at the muddy field. A terrible image.
SALVADOR (CONT'D)
That's your future.
Julia looks at Salvador with sadness. He lowers his head,
wishing his words weren't so full of truth. The vibe feels
heavy.
A very long beat.
SALVADOR (CONT'D)
She's right.
Salvador turns to his children.
SALVADOR (CONT'D) SALVADOR (CONT'D)
La maestra. The teacher.
They sit there... His beautiful and dirty children. We slowly
pan to Jose, looking straight at us with those soulful eyes.
SALVADOR (CONT'D) SALVADOR (CONT'D)
Que es eso, Pepe? What's that, Pepe?
JOSE
Un field?
SALVADOR
What else?
JOSE
People working.
14.
SALVADOR
People working hard. Because they
need to.
A beat.
He sees a WORKER in the distance, an older man, bent over the
fields, mindlessly picking like a tired machine.
SALVADOR (CONT'D)
I didn't mean what I said. This may
not be your future, but this will
always be your past. You understand
that?
(beat)
Show me your hands.
Jose shows him his palms.
SALVADOR (CONT'D) SALVADOR (CONT'D)
Nosotros sabemos cosechar There's dignity in knowing
nuestra comida, a mucha how to harvest your own food.
honra. Entiendes? You understand that?
Salvador looks at his own hands... He turns to Julia she nods
lightly.
JOSE JOSE
Sí, papa. Yes, dad.
The Chevy just sits there... in the profoundly quiet
emptiness of the surrounding fields as a now more relaxed
Salvador hits the ignition and it finally works.
He makes a U-turn... and drives back.
SALVADOR (O.S.)
The teacher is going to be happy.
INT. SALVADOR'S CAR, MOVING -- CONTINUOUS
CLOSE ON Jose, happy, as he rolls down the window, feeling
the breeze on his face, breathing this triumph, and smiling
as this moment sears itself into his mind.
---- CLOSE ON THE CHEVY'S FRONT WHEEL, spinning and spinning...
EXT. UNIVERSITY OF THE PACIFIC - DAY
THE SPINNING WHEEL comes to a full stop. But now it's a
SILVER RIM, parking.
Chyron: 1985
15.
As we pull back: Is that Salvador's old Chevrolet Impala 64!?
It's been turned into a LOWRIDER: BRIGHT GREEN paint job,
CHROME moldings... a few dents here and there and some rust
on the door -- a work in progress but, wow. Jose Alfredo
Jimenez's `El hijo del pueblo' playing LOUD.
That's when the door opens, and 25 YEAR OLD JOSE steps out
wearing a GRADUATION GOWN. He puts on his cap, and walks
towards campus.
--A bunch of caps in the air.
We hear the graduates EXPLODE IN CHEERS and APPLAUSE.
EXT. UNIVERSITY OF THE PACIFIC - DAY
CLOSE ON JOSE and an older SALVADOR and JULIA, beaming with
pride taking a picture at the University's entrance.
Jose pulls his cap off, and shows the top of it. There's a
sign. It reads: "HI MOM".
Julia walks a few steps, breaks into joyful tears... Salvador
goes to her and holds her. She looks into his eyes.
INT. HERNANDEZ HOME, JOSE'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Jose sits at his tiny desk, in his childhood room, his old
cob rocket in front of him.
Jose opens a drawer revealing a precious secret: A NASA
APPLICATION FORM. He examines it. The NASA logo. "Astronaut
Selection Program", followed by a million questions.
JULIA (O.S.) JULIA (O.S.)
Quieres cenar? Dinner?
JOSE
No, mama. I'm going out!
Julia opens the door. He tosses the application.
JULIA
Who's the girl? Do I know her?
JOSE
La muchacha no existe, se llama
Beto and since we're cousins I
guess neither you nor Tía Berta
would approve.
16.
EXT. STOCKTON, FIELDS -- LATER
Jose and his cousin BETO (26), skin hardened by the sun, walk
towards Jose's car. Beto's shift has just ended. The sun is
setting.
BETO
Liver what?
JOSE
Lawrence Livermore Labs.
BETO
What the hell is that?
JOSE
It's a... A federal research
facility. National security...
they're running the world's most
sophisticated X-ray laser,
potentially the single-most
important breakthrough for ICBM
defense in decades.
BETO
So... guns.
JOSE
Defense lasers that we're going to
put up in orbit. We'll save
millions of lives if the Russians
were to attack.
Beto just chuckles.
BETO
Wow, That's pretty crazy!
A beat.
BETO (CONT'D)
Remember that homework in school...
we had to draw or write what we
wanted to be when we grew up. I
remember yours. The teacher hanged
it in class.
Jose smiles with nostalgia.
JOSE
I remember.
17.
BETO
I said I wanted to be a ranchera
singer.
Jose laughs.
BETO (CONT'D)
Dreams are heavy, right? Yo... This
Liverthing... It's not being an
astronaut but, still, you get to
throw stuff into space, right?
Jose is bothered. Isn't THIS enough?
JOSE
That... was just stupid.
BETO
Say we get a couple of cheves and
toast for lasers in space, dude.
The slight tension is relieved. They get into the car, but a
FOREMAN's voice stops them.
FOREMAN
Hey, Beto! You missed a couple of
rows!
BETO
I didn't.
FOREMAN
Finish it, man.
Beto is instantly irritated.
BETO
I guess I'll go back...
(a beat)
I just think it's great that I can
be so freaking proud, and still
have no idea what you're talking
about, cousin. I'm gonna miss you.
JOSE
It's not like I'm moving, I'm
staying right here.
BETO
That's not the point. You're moving
farther, don't you get it? You're
out of here. You moving to a place
with a job and a title and respect.
(MORE)
18.
BETO (CONT'D)
And we're all gonna watch you from
here.
(A solemn beat)
Ingeniero. Unbelievable.
Jose takes that in. The foreman screams again.
JOSE
Why don't you go back to school,
man? Ditch the fields.
BETO
Ain't that easy.
JOSE
Ain't easy but it's possible.
BETO
Pepe, my mom is so sick she hasn't
gotten out of bed since Christmas.
My Dad, unlike yours, has not been
around in 17 years. You got a
scholarship, I didn't... I got two
brothers, an ex-wife and one
daughter to feed. There's no time
to dream. Just time to pick...
A silent beat.
JOSE
C'mon, I'll help you with that
couple of rows and we'll go for
those cheves.
They both go into the field.
Jose notices a young Mexican woman in the fields, ADELA (25),
she's carrying a basket filled with lettuce, a sweated
paliacate, they eye each other. He blushes a little bit.
Jose Alfredo Jimenez's `El hijo del pueblo' starts playing.
EXT. LAWRENCE LIVEREMORE LABS, PARKING LOT - MOMENTS LATER
The song exploding massively from his extra powerful
speakers.
Jose sings his lungs out as he parks his lowrider right next
to a Mercedes... CLINT LOGAN's. Who is stepping out in that
very moment and turns to see what the hell is the deal.
19.
ON JOSE as he notices the impact of his big entrance, feeling
Logan's eyes on him. Sweating as he tries to turn the music
down. His nervous smile until finally...
SILENCE.
Logan eyes a NASA sticker on Jose's lowrider. He chuckles.
LOGAN
Right. We've all been there.
Jose fake smiles again, waits for him to be gone to get out.
INT. LAWRENCE LIVEREMORE LABS, CONFERENCE ROOM - LATER
Jose walks quietly into a conference/screening room packed
with SCIENTISTS and ENGINEERS --about 25 people-- facing the
director, none other than THE MERCEDES GUY, who lectures them
from the blackboard.
Jose stands quietly by the door. Everyone seems so different
from him, almost everyone is white and/or has a buzz cut.
Their clothes are different. He's a total fish out of water.
LOGAN
Who can tell me what this is?
He draws a large circle on one side of the board.
LOGAN (CONT'D)
Wild guess, anyone?
SCIENTIST 1
A circle?
LOGAN
Of course not, you numb nut. It's
the Soviet Union.
He draws another circle on the opposite side of the board.
LOGAN (CONT'D)
Anyone wanna guess what this is?
SCIENTIST 2
The United States?
LOGAN
The United States of America. Now,
who wants to tell me what this is?
He begins drawing a line from circle to circle, slowly.
20.
WEISSBERG
A rocket?
LOGAN
Be more specific.
WEISSBERG
A hostile rocket?
LOGAN
Be more specific, Weissberg!
WEISSBERG breaks a sweat.
LOGAN (CONT'D)
Time is ticking, Weissberg, it's a
matter of seconds now!
WEISSBERG
A hostile rocket... mid-flight?
Everyone CHUCKLES. Logan abandons the line mid flight.
LOGAN
"Mid-flight"? Wrong. This is a
godddamn missile at a speed of 5
miles per second. It carries a
nuclear warhead capable of
destroying Manhattan. -- Now,
multiply that by two hundred, aimed
towards sixty cities - all at the
same time. Who is there to protect
these 300 million people from such
an attack?
Silence. Jose watches, fascinated and scared.
LOGAN (CONT'D)
It's not a rhetorical question!!
JOSE
We are.
LOGAN
What did you say?
JOSE
Um... I just said ah... That---- we
are the ones who can...
hopefully... protect the...
Sir.
LOGAN
Who the hell are you?
21.
JOSE
I'm Jose Hernandez. It's my first
day here.
LOGAN
In what capacity?
JOSE
Lab engineer, sir.
LOGAN
Wanna know what a great
contribution to the Defense Program
would be? Be here on time.
The crowd CHUCKLES.
JOSE
I got lost.
LOGAN
Oh, you think that's funny? As far
as I know nobody else had an
answer. And yesterday's was the
third X-ray laser test we've
failed, spectacularly. If you
people can't give me a successful
test, you can kiss the Strategic
Defense Initiative and your jobs
good bye...
As he heads out:
LOGAN (CONT'D)
(Re: Jose)
Weissberg! Get this guy an office
and get him to work now.
INT. LAWRENCE LIVEREMORE LABS - LATER
Jose walks a step behind Weissberg -- not the nicest guy in
the world -- as they head down a long hallway.
He opens the door to a tiny, dark, windowless room. There is
an old desk that barely fits, a chair and a lamp. That's it.
WEISSBERG
Here you go.
Jose tries the overhead lights. They're not working.
Jose walks in and tries the desk lamp. It's unplugged. He
looks for an outlet. There's none.
22.
INT. LAWRENCE LIVEREMORE LABS, RECEPTION - MOMENTS LATER
Jose at the reception desk. STACEY, the receptionist, types
furiously.
JOSE
Excuse me... Hi, Jose Hernandez. Do
you know where I could find an
extension cord?
STACEY
(Still typing...)
You're the new guy, right? Come,
let me show you the supply room.
She opens up a drawer and grabs a HUGE SET OF 50 KEYS.
INT. LAWRENCE LIVEREMORE LABS, SUPPLY ROOM - MOMENTS LATER
Stacey moves like a squirrel and talks FAST. She opens the
door to a storage room packed with cleaning supplies.
STACEY
Here's everything you might need,
bleach, mops, brooms, rags, Windex
-- there's another supply closet on
the 6th floor, right next to the
ladies room. Take the keys.
JOSE
Hey. I think you're confus----
STACEY
Also... The third floor men's room
needs toilet paper.
(A beat)
When you get a chance. Welcome!
JOSE WOMAN
I'm not the---- Stacey! Mrs. Logan's on the
line for you!
STACEY
Coming!
(To Jose)
Let me know if you need anything
else!
Jose watches her go, holding the biggest KEY RING imaginable.
He walks into the supply room and whaddayaknow: There's an
EXTENSION CORD right there on the shelf -- HE GRABS IT.
23.
INT. LAWRENCE LIVEREMORE LABS, VARIOUS - NIGHT
A HALLWAY ---- CLOSE ON a POWER OUTLET WITH AN EXTENSION CORD
PLUGGED INTO IT. We track down the CORD, past several doors,
then around a corner, and into...
INT. LAWRENCE LIVEREMORE LABS, JOSE'S OFFICE - NIGHT
Jose's tiny little office. It's way more welcoming than
before -- his desk lamp now working; he types on a Compaq.
Weissberg comes in and drops a stack of papers on his desk.
WEISSBERG
Read these.
On Jose, frustrated. He looks at his dark reflection on the
computer.
INT. HERNANDEZ HOME, KITCHEN - MOMENTS LATER
Jose fishes around the kitchen for snacks while his mother
chops some onions.
JULIA
What's with the long face?
JOSE
Nothing. Every day feels like the
first day of school.
JULIA
Do you want to take some tacos to
work tomorrow?
JOSE
No, gracias, mami.
JULIA
Your sister told me she met a nice
girl for you.
JOSE
Here you go again.
JULIA
We're not gonna be around forever,
eh! And then what are you gonna do?
Grow old by yourself like some kind
of mad scientist?
24.
JOSE
Please, mami, not tonight. Today
was... overwhelming.
JULIA
You try spending a day with that
man en esta casa, y luego me dices
que es `overwhelming'.
They hear a thump outside.
JULIA (CONT'D)
I can't believe it! He's back there
again!
Jose grabs two cold MODELOS from the fridge.
JULIA (CONT'D) JULIA (CONT'D)
Y le llevas su cheve de And you reward him with a
premio. beer.
Another THUMP ---- Jose laughs; gives her a big kiss.
JOSE
They're both for me.
EXT. HERNANDEZ HOME, GARDEN - MOMENTS LATER
Jose emerges from the side of the house and into the garden.
JOSE JOSE
Ya metase, le va a dar un You should go in. You're
aire. gonna get sick.
Salvador is on his knees working on his own orchard. Some
fruit trees are starting to grow. He stands and starts
digging with a shovel.
SALVADOR
There's a storm coming. I don't
want my trees to get ruined. See
how well they are doing?
Jose joins him and helps pull old roots.
JOSE
You spend all day driving that
truck, coming and going from the
fields to the `canerías', and you
come home to work some more.
SALVADOR
You can take the farmer out of the
fields, but not the fields out of
the farmer.
(MORE)
25.
SALVADOR (CONT'D)
(beat)
Press the earth there for me...
Jose follows his dad's instruction.
SALVADOR (CONT'D)
So? How is it going?
Jose answers by cracking his beer open. Then they sit side by
side, taking in the night.
JOSE
I don't know. I just want... Things
could be easier.
SALVADOR
You know, it's hard work or
nothing.
JOSE
You could be proud of me. I mean,
I'm an engineer, not a janitor or
something.
SALVADOR
What if you were? What's wrong with
being a janitor?
Jose looks up to the sky.
JOSE
Nothing... It's not rocket science
though.
Salvador shakes his head.
SALVADOR
You have a long way to go, Pepito.
Jose fashions a bittersweet smile.
SALVADOR (CONT'D)
You know everything your mother and
me did for...
JOSE
I know! I know everything! I know
you lost the house in Michoacan
because of me. You don't have to
bring that up every single time I'm
trying to have a nice, quiet beer
with you.
Salvador looks at him a bit disappointed.
26.
JOSE (CONT'D)
It gets heavy, you know.
Beat.
Salvador gets up off the ground and heads to the house.
SALVADOR SALVADOR
Pues ponte fuerte. Well, get stronger.
INT. LAWRENCE LIVEREMORE LABS, CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY
Jose is seated among the other engineers. Logan gives his
daily angry briefing. Everyone takes notes. Jose seems
behind, off pace.
LOGAN
We're about to detonate a nuclear
goddamn bomb and hope that X-ray
laser shoots off rays at the right
energies, correct amount and... in
the precise direction that we want.
If that sounds insane to the press
it's because it is. So I want this
test to run flawlessly. Prove the
skeptics wrong... And keep our
funding while we're at it.
CLOSE ON JOSE as he listens...
LOGAN (O.S.) (CONT'D)
Today I want you to comb through
every last piece of data we have.
Look for errors. The
miscalculations we don't spot
today... will blow up our chances
tomorrow. So get... to work.
The crowd gets up and exits room.
LOGAN (CONT'D)
Weissberg, are you keeping
Hernandez busy?
Weissberg nods -- annoyed.
Everyone gets up and knows what to do, but Jose seems lost,
clumsy.
He follows Weissberg and a couple of colleagues through one
aisle but his attention is drawn to the melody coming out of
a small radio in one of the desktops. It's The 5th
Dimension's "Aquarious", bringing back memories.
27.
INT. HERNANDEZ HOME, BEDROOM - NIGHT
Jose, in his pajamas, at his desk, the NASA application in
front of him again, but this time every single question has
been answered.
Jose sets it on his desk, grabs a pen, and proceeds to fill --
NAME AND LAST NAME: JOSE HERNANDEZ. He folds it and puts in
an envelope.
Lety opens the door.
LETY
Mom wants to know if you want tacos
for work tomorrow.
JOSE
I don't. Thank you.
LETY
What's that?
JOSE
Nothing.
Lety shrugs. Jose puts the application away, gets in bed. He
has barely closed his eyes when...
INT. LAWRENCE LIVEREMORE LABS, CONFERENCE ROOM - NIGHT
Jose eats the saddest baloney sandwich. Just like everyone
else. His hair and fashion have changed, his style now
emulates the rest.
WEISSBERG
I believe the X-rays are being
diffused at the interfaces causing
a lower energy output and an out of
focus output beam.
SCIENTIST 1
We're aware of these small losses,
which is why we pump more energy
into the reaction, what's your
point?
Jose interrupts.
28.
JOSE
Yes, they are small losses, but
when you cascade your parts, these
losses propagate over many
interfaces and they become
significant. What if we look at the
man-made pad material, study their
density homogeneity and select pads
that have the best match at each
interface thus minimizing
disruption at the interfaces?
Weissberg shares a look with the scientist.
WEISSBERG
Sorry, I have to make a call.
He leaves, the scientist follows.
Jose takes a last bite wondering what being taken seriously
would feel like.
EXT. CAR DEALERSHIP, MAIN LOT - DAY
Jose stands by his beloved Chevy lowrider as a SALESMAN
inspects it, taking detailed notes -- Beto looks on.
BETO
Don't do this!
JOSE
It's a 30 year old car, Beto.
BETO
But it's El Impala! Think of the
adventures we've lived together in
this car. You know, I think you're
trying to FORGET who you are!
JOSE
This is not who I am, it's a gas
guzzler with more miles on it than
The Enterprise.
BETO
I don't know. It feels like a
betrayal, this hurts.
Just then, Jose sees Adela, the Mexican young woman he saw
that time at the fields. She's walking by, holding a
clipboard as she heads into the main office. Jose and Adela
exchange quick glances. Something happened there! Did she
remember him?
29.
SALESMAN
It's in pretty good shape all
things considered. Let me take this
to my manager and see what she
says. I think you can walk out of
here with a really good deal.
JOSE
Inside?
SALESMAN
There's plenty of coffee and
snacks.
BETO
That's how they get you, yo. You
give up your soul for a bag of
pinches Doritos.
INT. CAR DEALERSHIP, MAIN OFFICE - MOMENTS LATER
We see Beto in the distance, helping himself to snacks like
it's an All You Can Eat Buffet.
Meanwhile, Adela, THE MANAGER! tries to close a deal with
Jose, but our guy is too nervous.
ADELA
I think you're gonna be really
happy with this vehicle. Great
mileage, nice sporty ride... I
think it's a good investment on
every level.
JOSE
Thank you, yeah, let's do it, sure.
ADELA
Great!! I'll get working on this
right away!... Sir?
JOSE
What? O.K. Hey, did I see you in
the fields a while ago?
An awkward beat.
ADELA
Yeah, probably. I sometimes help my
father.
JOSE
I do too!
30.
He smiles, she's perfect.
JOSE (CONT'D)
Wow. I just... bought a car.
ADELA
Congratulations.
JOSE
Sorry. I don't... My name is Jose.
ADELA
I'm Adela.
JOSE
What car did I get, again? I am...
Confused. Distracted. Sorry.
ADELA
(Amused, smiling)
So you don't know what kind of car
you just got?
JOSE
No idea. Could be a delivery truck
for all I know.
She laughs.
ADELA
Well, it's actually an old UPS
truck.
And she's funny? He's floored.
JOSE
Look, I know this is awkward, and
you're in the middle of work and
all, but... Uh... Would you---- At
some point, maybe---- It doesn't----
You know---- Um... Forget it.
ADELA
Yeah, well, I wouldn't mind going
on a date on a UPS truck. But I
don't think it's gonna happen.
JOSE
Why not?
ADELA
Well... Because you'd have to meet
my father first.
31.
JOSE
I'm really good with dads.
ADELA
Okay, then. At your own risk.
There's one more requirement,
though.
JOSE
Shoot.
ADELA
You have to get your friend off my
snack bar before I call the cops.
Beto's indeed on his third serving now.
Jose laughs -- Adela smiles: It's on.
EXT. LAWRENCE LIVEREMORE LABS, PARKING LOT - DAY
A new, "americanized" Jose drives into the parking lot.
American music blasting from his speakers, looking sharp and
ready for work in his -maybe too in your face- American
style.
He steps out of his car -- BEEP-BEEP. Proud. Happy. A sporty
MAZDA RX-7 parks next to Logan's Mercedes.
INT. LAWRENCE LIVEREMORE LABS, JOSE'S OFFICE - LATER
Jose sits at his desk. Weissberg walks in carrying a large
box filled with documents and a thin ENVELOPE.
WEISSBERG
You got mail.
He drops the envelope on his desk. A NASA logo on it.
WEISSBERG (CONT'D)
It's a waste of time. Even with
graduate studies, you know that,
right?
(beat)
I want you to Xerox these -- two
copies of each page, then archive
them in the basement.
JOSE
That's... thousands of pages.
32.
WEISSBERG
Yep.
JOSE
I mean, I thought---- I think there
might be a better way to use my
time?
WEISSBERG
This is a good way to use your
time.
And leaves. What a jerk.
Jose looks at the envelope, his heart racing, fearful,
elated, all the feelings all at once. He reaches for it...
opens it... and pulls out a single page:
"Dear Applicant. We regret to inform you..."
Jose stops reading right there. He would look out the window,
disappointed, but there are none. He's CRUSHED. Jose looks at
the box of documents.
INT. HERNANDEZ SHACK , STOCKTON -- NIGHT
Jose comes out of his bedroom. Salvador is watching a noisy
image on TV, Ricardo Montealban as Khan on Startrek.
SALVADOR
Mira, Starrtrek, would you mind
holding the antenna for me?
JOSE
I'm going out.
Salvador takes a good look at his son, he has changed.
SALVADOR
Look at you. Vas con Beto?
JOSE
Nope. I've got a date.
Salvador grins surprised.
SALVADOR
Ah pues, mira, good luck. I'll tell
your mom as soon as she gets back
from Berta's. She's going to be
happy.
33.
Salvador turns back to the TV. Jose looks at his reflection
in a mirror in his way out. Then he looks at his dad.
JOSE
Papa.
SALVADOR
Yes?
JOSE JOSE
Te quiero. I love you.
EXT. ADELA'S FAMILY HOME - NIGHT
Adela opens the door. She speaks fast.
ADELA
I'm so sorry for what's about to
happen. Please don't run.
JOSE
What?
INT. ADELA'S FAMILY HOME, LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
TWO OLD MEN stare directly at us -- gravely. They got craggy
Mexican faces, leathered from years and years in the fields.
Jose sweats.
Adela enters with her MOM, all smiles, they bring a couple of
glasses of water. Jose sips his right away.
MOM MOM
De que parte de Michoacan Where in Michoacan are you
eres pues? from?
JOSE
De la piedad.
A long judgmental beat. Then Adela's mother starts mumbling a
song: "El perro negro".
MOM
"Al otro lado del puente de La
Piedad, Michoacan..."
The uncles stand still.
MOM (CONT'D) MOM (CONT'D)
Y que cultivaban en What did you grow in
Michoacan? Michoacan?
JOSE JOSE
Maíz. Alfalfa. Corn. Alfalfa.
34.
The Uncles nod. Jose has no idea if this was the right or
wrong answer.
MOM
My husband will be home soon. He
had a long shift today.
JOSE
No problem, I'm glad I get to meet
the rest of the family.
MOM
Are you hungry?
We hear the front door. We reveal a burly MAN covered in dirt
after hours spent working the fields. In a way, he is a
version of Salvador.
ADELA
Papi! So good you're here. Este es
Jose. Jose - mi papa.
They exchange a blunt handshake. Jose is worried again.
PAPA DAD
Mucho gusto. Veo que ya estan Nice to meet you. I see
muy instalados. you've got settled.
JOSE
Yeah, we were just starting to...
PAPA DAD
(lo interumpe) (interrupts)
Me supongo que no han hablado I guess you haven't talked
de cuales son tus intenciones about your intentions with my
con mi hija. daughter.
Adela wants to die.
ADELA ADELA
Papa... Dad...
PAPA DAD
Adela no tiene permiso de Adela is not allowed to go
salir en citas. Ya le out on dates. Have you told
contaron eso? him?
Jose opens his mouth, but can't speak.
ADELA ADELA
Papa! Dad!
PAPA DAD
Si quiere venir a visitarla If you want to come visit her
aquí es bienvenido. Eso sí, here, you're very welcome. I
siempre y cuando este yo, así have to be here, of course,
que ojala que ya no se le so I trust you won't be early
vuelva a hacer temprano. again.
35.
ADELA
Oh, my god!
EXT. ADELA'S FAMILY HOME - LATER
Adela comes out to say goodbye.
ADELA
I'm so sorry. Really. I didn't mean
to put you through the Spanish
inquisition.
JOSE
It's fine. It was... fun?
ADELA
They're actually nice deep down.
You probably just intimidate them.
JOSE
I intimidate them? Together they
have the body mass of a large bull.
ADELA
I don't mean it like that... It's
just... You're an engineer and
stuff.
JOSE
I thought nerds didn't intimidate
anybody.
PAPA (O.S.) PAPA (O.S.)
Ya metete, Adela! Get back in here, Adela!
ADELA ADELA
Ya vooooy. Coming!
Adela rolls her eyes.
ADELA (CONT'D)
I'm sorry.
JOSE
Don't worry. I'll come back.
The physics of their bodies resists movement. They could
stretch this moment out forever. It's obvious for both of
them, and it's not a problem. Love happening in silence.
36.
INT. LAWRENCE LIVEREMORE LABS, SUPPLY ROOM - LATER
Page... after page... after page... Jose diligently does the
work, standing by the Xerox machine as it spits out
documents, charts, calculations and reports.
He's bored out of his mind. Suddenly, though, one particular
GRAPH catches his eye. He picks up the copy and studies it.
His wheels are turning... He stops the machine. And looks
more carefully at the paper.
Then he searches in the newly copied pile for the next page.
And the next and the next, collecting them like a puzzle.
AN EPIPHANY of sorts -- he mentally grinds the numbers, the
pictures, the explosions and THEN----
INT. LAWRENCE LIVEREMORE LABS, RECEPTION - MOMENTS LATER
Jose darts through the hallways until he bumps into Logan and
his ENTOURAGE OF GEEKS, marching out of the building.
JOSE
Sir. I think I may have found----
LOGAN
Not now, Hernandez, not now.
They PLOW PAST HIM, and leave. Then, from the speakers:
STACEY (O.S.)
2-2-1 Jose Hernandez, Room 542
needs cleaning. Just when you get a
chance.
We PUSH IN ON JOSE, furious: He's had enough.
INT. LAWRENCE LIVEREMORE LABS, JOSE'S OFFICE - MOMENTS LATER
CLOSE ON THE MASSIVE KEYCHAIN as Jose GRABS it...
INT. LAWRENCE LIVEREMORE LABS, MAIN LAB - MOMENTS LATER
Jose peeks through the lab glass door. It's empty. Inside the
WORKSTATION OF A SUPERCOMPUTER.
Then he starts trying the keys. One by one. Till he hits the
jackpot: A KEY OPENS THE DOOR.
INSIDE THE LAB----
37.
And walks in.
JOSE
Let's do this.
And he SWITCHES HER ON. He gleams, his instincts come alive.
Jose spreads his papers across a desk. He enters information.
He checks the results on the screen. He takes notes -- erases
previous ones, comes up with new ones.
On the screen: "SIMULATION COMPLETE" ---- A printer spews out
results.
Jose is now in a GROOVE. And the space around him has grown
MESSIER: PAPER and PRINT-OUTS, CHARTS, DIAGRAMS. And then:
LOGAN (O.S.)
What the hell are you doing?
BUSTED! Logan and his entourage -- including Weissberg --
circle him like a squad.
JOSE
Sorry, sir, I was uh...
LOGAN
How did you get in here?
JOSE
I have... I have keys.
LOGAN
You have keys? How the hell do you
have keys to the lab?
JOSE
I have keys to every room in the
building, sir.
A beat.
JOSE (CONT'D)
The receptionist thinks I'm the
janitor.
LOGAN
This is very delicate equipment,
you can't just----
(Re: the mess)
What's all this?
38.
WEISSBERG
He's supposed to be making copies,
sir.
LOGAN
He's supposed to be making copies?
And instead you're...
He reads one of his heavily annotated print outs.
LOGAN (CONT'D)
What the hell are you even doing?
JOSE
I just wanted to put a concern
through some tests.
LOGAN
A concern?
JOSE
Yes, sir. My concern is the
instrument you're currently using
to measure the laser output is
subject to interactions with the
explosion itself.
Total skepticism; but he barrels on.
JOSE (CONT'D)
You can see it here. And here. See,
the system works by measuring the
brightness of beryllium detectors
when they're lit up by lasers. But
the problem is these reflectors are
being heated by the explosion. So
unless they are separately
calibrated, there's no way to know
if the signal they're producing
comes from the laser or the bomb.
(A beat)
As shown by the tests I just ran.
The team looks on with distrust. Logan checks some more of
the papers... It all slowly starts to make sense.
LOGAN
You mean to tell me no one's caught
this before?
WEISSBERG
That is highly unlikely, sir----
39.
LOGAN
Highly unlikely? I'm not in the
business of likelihood, Weissberg.
I'm into certainty. Scientific
goddamn certainty. I want you all
to stay here and confirm these
numbers for me, is that clear?
WEISSBERG
Sir, I ----
But he's speechless.
LOGAN
Is that clear?
WEISSBERG
Yes, sir.
LOGAN
Be here all night if that's what it
takes.
INT. LAWRENCE LIVEREMORE LABS, RECEPTION - MOMENTS LATER
BOOM -- The massive KEYCHAIN LANDS HARSHLY ON STACEY'S DESK.
She looks up, Jose in front of her.
JOSE
Hey. So, I'm not the new guy. I
mean, I am, but I'm not the new
janitor. I'm an engineer...
(as he leaves)
Not that there's anything wrong
with being the janitor.
Stacey just sits there, she nods.
INT. ADELA'S HOUSE/ KITCHEN - LATER
Jose and Adela sit at the table, drinking a glass of Coke.
Her mother comes in.
MOM
Are you enjoying your chat?
JOSE
Yes, ma'am, thank you.
40.
MOM
Well, you better say everything you
want to say to each other because
Ezequiel will be home in thirty.
She leaves, Jose toasts with the class of coke.
JOSE
Your mom is so cool.
ADELA
She likes you. I can tell...
JOSE
She likes the nerd.
ADELA
You're a different kind of nerd.
JOSE
Yeah? Well, you strike me as...
Hmmm... I don't know, you're eager.
ADELA
Eager? As a matter of fact I am.
JOSE
So? What's your big dream? Goal?
ADELA
Goal?
JOSE
My dad says you have to focus on
something, a goal. Then you have to
work see how far you are, draw a
path...
Interrupting, direct.
ADELA
I want to have my own restaurant.
JOSE
Ok, no hesitation there.
ADELA
A real restaurant, comida
Michoacana, not your next burrito
joint.
JOSE
I would definitely go.
41.
ADELA
I know you would.
JOSE
I'd put money on it too.
They smile.
ADELA
What's yours? Your big goal, dream,
whatever.
JOSE
Well...
(beat)
When I was a kid... Nah... It's
stupid.
He thinks about it. Decides against it.
ADELA
Oh, you can't do that! You
absolutely cannot do that!
JOSE
Do what?!
ADELA
You were about to say something!
Tell me, what's your big dream?
JOSE
Marry Salma Hayek.
ADELA
Ha!
(beat)
Tell me, I want to get to know you.
He wants to but it feels silly. He hesitates. And then:
JOSE
I think I wanna be an astronaut.
She laughs, hard this time. When she stops...
ADELA
Oh, my god, you're serious.
A beat. And then it lands...
ADELA (CONT'D)
Wow. You mean to---- Like----
42.
JOSE
It's stupid.
ADELA
No! No, I just---- I wasn't expecting
it to... be that. I don't think
it's stupid at all. It's the exact
opposite of stupid. It's amazing. I
feel really unambitious, now.
She laughs.
JOSE
Hey, a dream is a dream.
ADELA
Well, you know, stop by my joint
for unos tamales on your way back
from Mars.
JOSE
Will do.
He sees her hand on the table, close to his. He has the
impulse to touch it... Adela smiles. It's so on. He reaches
for her hand.
JOSE (CONT'D)
Can I ask you something?
ADELA
Shoot.
We hear the door. It's Dad. They pull back their hands.
JOSE
What does a nerd have to do to be
alone with you someday?
ADELA
(Big, big smile)
Well for starters you have to dump
Salma. Then...
EXT. LARGE PATIO, WEDDING - DAY
CLOSE ON A KISS. It's an outdoor WEDDING.
A CANOPY OF LIGHTS, Juan Gabriel's `Querida', colorful
BANNERS, and a small army of GUESTS.
Jose's family CHEERS and APPLAUDS.
43.
Adela's family just sits there. Her mom has a big smile on
her face, her dad seems rather grumpy. Further back, Beto
POPS THE TEQUILA.
We travel over a MEXICAN FEAST spread across a long table as
FAMILY MEMBERS help themselves to the food, till we land on
Jose and Adela, posing, happy. Someone snaps a photo of them:
FLASH!
CUT TO:
-- A Hi8 home video of their every day:
-The birth of baby Julio crying.
-The first bath.
-Julia and Salvador carry him during the christening.
-- Archival - NEWSCLIP: The dissolution of the Soviet Union.
-- More Hi8 footage of a Adela and Jose holding a NEW BABY
GIRL.
-- Archival - NEWSCLIP: The Berlin wall falling.
-- On the NEWS: "The U.S. ends its X-ray Laser Program"
-- Archival newsclip: U.S.-Russian Nuclear Conversion Program
1990 announcement.
-- A headshot of Jose, a Livermore top engineer.
-- Livemore Labs footage.
ANCHOR O.S.
Engineers at Lawrence Livermore
Laboratory have commenced a new
implementation for X-Ray
technology. A digital wide spectrum
mammogram for early cancer
detection in affected women. This
after their "Star Wars" program was
ended after the dissolution of the
Soviet Union.
-- Jose interviewed.
JOSE
We're so proud of this project. We
didn't only have the chance but the
responsibility of using our
technology and knowledge to save
women's lives.
44.
INT. JOSE AND ADELA'S HOME - DAY
Chyron: 1994
THE WEDDING PHOTO, now FRAMED. We PULL BACK as...
Little JULIO (3) grabs the frame and BANGS it on a table.
ADELA (O.S.)
Julio, put it back. Put it back
now!
MORNING CHAOS in Jose and a VERY PREGNANT Adela's domestic
war zone. Jose CHASES Julio down the hallway, making menacing
noises as the kid LAUGHS HYSTERICALLY ----
ADELA (O.S.) (CONT'D)
It's not funny, guys. Jose, I want
that frame back in one piece!
BABY KARINA (1) cries on her lap. She feeds her.
ADELA (CONT'D)
Are you getting home on time? I
have an appointment to go see an
old shop for the restaurant.
JOSE
Old shop?
ADELA
It could work.
JOSE
Have you decided on a name?
ADELA
I'm thinking my mother's name.
JOSE
That's nice.
Jose RUNS up the stairs and finally CATCHES Julio, lifting
him up and "flying" him through the air. The kid LOVES this.
ADELA
Don't forget the diapers on your
way back.
JOSE JULIO
Space Shuttle Julio now (Laughing)
entering the atmosphere, oh, No, papa, no, no, no!!
wait, what's that? Some
turbulence?!
45.
He shakes him up and the kid drops the frame, which BREAKS.
They freeze in place, QUIET. They're in trouble.
ADELA (O.S.)
What did I just hear???
EXT. JOSE AND ADELA'S HOME, DRIVEWAY - MORNING
TIGHT CLOSE on Jose and Adela's KISS.
He checks the mail on his way out. It's empty.
Then Adela, Baby Karina and Julio wave goodbye to Jose as he
backs out of the driveway and heads off to work. It's still
chaotic, but heartfelt and beautiful.
INT. LAWRENCE LIVEREMORE LABS, CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY
Jose leads a TEAM OF ENGINEERS, Weissberg among them.
Logan enters the room. He's proud. The engineers disperse and
Logan approaches Jose.
JOSE
After many months of adjustments
and trials we got approved by the
FDA.
Everyone cheers and claps.
JOSE (CONT'D)
I have enjoyed every second of
running this team.
(re: Weissberg)
Thank you for all of your work.
Weissberg nods.
WEISSBERG
Thank you.
JOSE
And of course, let's give a big
round of applause to our captain,
Clint Logan.
The two men share a kind look. The assembly breaks off.
LOGAN
Hey, I have something for you...
Jose nods, intrigued.
46.
LOGAN (CONT'D)
The Highly Enriched Uranium
Program. In a shell: The US is
buying the Russians's nuclear
material and bringing it to
America's power plants. They're
sending the very best, from all
national labs...
JOSE
Where is that happening again?
LOGAN
Siberia. Do you have a suitcase and
a good jacket?
Jose smiles, proud. But he's not sure.
LOGAN (CONT'D)
This project is... You would have a
piece of history in your hands.
JOSE
I... I'm speechless. I just don't
know. My wife, my kids...
Logan walks to the entrance and turns.
LOGAN
You know... A job like this would
look pretty damn good in an
application for the space program.
Jose sighs.
EXT. JOSE AND ADELA'S HOME -- DUSK
We see Jose and Adela's modest but beautiful home as Jose
steps out of his car and checks the mail, NOTHING.
INT. JOSE AND ADELA'S HOME, VARIOUS - NIGHT
Jose walks into the house. It's dark.
In the kids' bedroom, he pulls up the children's covers and
kisses Julio's forehead.
We follow him into the bedroom.
47.
JOSE
Adelita? I'm sorry I'm late. I
promise I'll take you see that
shop... Tomorrow.
...but it's empty.
The kitchen: Dark and empty. There's light coming from his
studio.
INT. JOSE AND ADELA'S HOME, JOSE'S STUDIO - MOMENTS LATER
Jose walks in and finds...
Adela sitting by his desk, looking down. Then he notices his
desk: His six NASA REJECTION LETTERS, spread before her like
forensic evidence.
She just turns and looks at him.
ADELA
What are these?
But he can't come up with a response.
ADELA (CONT'D)
Say something.
JOSE
I was going to tell you.
ADELA
I just want to make sure I'm
getting this straight: You have
actually applied six times to the
Space Program... and you never once
thought I'd like to know?
JOSE
It's---- I thought I'd give it a
shot.
ADELA
A shot? These are six shots -- Six
shots, Jose, over the course of six
years.
JOSE
It's just a stupid dream.
ADELA
A stupid dream?! You wanna know
what I think of as a stupid dream?
(MORE)
48.
ADELA (CONT'D)
The dream of trusting your partner
if you're planning to go to space.
JOSE
I did tell you.
ADELA
You mentioned it once over a date.
Years ago. AND I thought you were
joking.
JOSE
Nobody's going anywhere, Adela, I
got rejected six times.
ADELA
And what if you hadn't?
JOSE
But I did! I was gonna tell you.
ADELA
When? Collect call from the moon!?
JOSE
Adela---- I just want you to be proud
of me.
Beat.
ADELA
You were late.
(beat)
Did you bring the diapers?
JOSE
Let's not----
ADELA
Did you remember to bring the
diapers I asked you for three times
today?
JOSE
The FDA thing came out today.
Silence.
ADELA
(sad)
Congrats. Nice work. I'm actually
pretty proud of you.
49.
She collects the letters, stands up, and shoves them in his
hands. She leaves Jose holding his stack of rejection.
He looks at his old corn cob, still there in the shelf, a bit
mummified, like an old memory...
EXT. STOCKTON -- NIGHT
Laying on the hood of the car, Jose and Beto drink beer under
the stars. Jose has a pack of diapers in his lap.
BETO
You know they put the diapers by
the beer stall because it's
depressed dads who go buy them in
the middle of the night... Damn,
you stupid.
JOSE
She's been so stressed out with the
restaurant thing.
BETO
Maybe she just wants to be in the
loop if you're planning to go to
space?
JOSE
Well, not happening. I've been
rejected six times.
Jose drinks up, feeling sorry for himself. Beto chuckles. A
long silence. Then...
BETO
Gotta bolt, cousin.
JOSE
What's up?
BETO
What do you think is up? C'mon
you're the smart one, no? A 5am
shift, of course.
Beto gets ready to go... but then:
BETO (CONT'D)
Look at me, man. Look at you. You
know, I never bought that bullshit
about the American Dream.
A beat.
50.
BETO (CONT'D)
But I see you. You've had love,
you've had chances. People have
believed in you. You got a
beautiful family who loves you and
puts up with your crap. What more
do you want?! You made it. And
that's not because you ditched El
Impala...
JOSE
Oh my God, El Impala all over
again...
BETO
What's the deal with space?
Jose shrugs.
JOSE
I don't know man.
(a heartfelt beat)
Maybe I just want to take my hands
off the ground, you know?
Beto shakes his head. Jose lowers his sight.
BETO
Hey, tell me something, who would
be better than a migrant, someone
who knows what is like to dive into
the unknown... who better than that
to dare leave this planet?
(beat)
Be thankful. Go home.
Beto walks off as Jose sits on the hood of his car, thinking.
But he turns.
BETO (CONT'D)
Promise me something. When you're
up there. Because you ARE going to
be up there. Have a nice look down
on earth.
INT. JOSE AND ADELA'S HOME - DAWN
Jose walks into the dark kitchen at dawn. Jose puts the
diapers on the kitchen table... And just stands there, idly
staring at it.
51.
INT. JOSE AND ADELA'S HOME -- NIGHT
A tense family dinner is over. Jose remains sitting at the
head of the table, alone. Adela just stares at him.
JOSE
I'm so, so sorry, Adelita. I...
A beat. They're both tired. She offers her hand. He takes it,
relieved. Weirdly, though, her tone is all business:
ADELA
How big is this... Space idea?
JOSE
What? No. No, it's just a silly----
ADELA
Jose. How big is it?
It takes him a second to come clean.
JOSE
I think about it every single hour
of every single day. Always been
there. Can't make it go away.
A long pause.
ADELA
I refuse to be the oblivious...
permanently annoyed, whining wife,
so don't put me there... I need you
to trust me. I take you seriously.
And if we're going to do this we're
going to do this right.
A beat.
ADELA (CONT'D)
I'm gonna ask you a question. And I
want you to give me an honest
answer, okay?
He nods.
ADELA (CONT'D)
The people that got into the
Program the last six years... What
do they have that you don't?
JOSE
Well, there's a lot of training,
and it's money...
52.
ADELA
Forget about that. We have savings.
What do they have that you don't?
PUSH IN on JOSE as a flame is suddenly IGNNITED----
EXT. AIR ACADEMY, RUNWAY - DAY
Jose steps into a sketchy air academy airstrip.
JOSE (V.O.)
The last batch of candidates were
chosen from two thousand nine
hundred sixty two applicants.
AN OLD CESSNA threatening to fall apart and a weird looking
FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR welcome him. He hands him some cash.
JOSE (V.O.)
Some are military, some hold PhDs.
There's engineers and scientists,
there's even some teachers... and
pilots.
INT. CESSNA, ON THE GROUND- LATER
INSTRUMENTS. AIRSPEED. HORIZON. Jose sits next to the
instructor. He takes the yoke.
JOSE (V.O.)
Lots of pilots. Really good ones,
too.
INSTRUCTOR
So... This is up, this is down...
JOSE (V.O.)
They also have extensive success in
high performance hobbies.
EXT. JOSE AND ADELA'S HOME, DRIVEWAY - DAWN
SNEAKERS. SHOE LACES -- TIGHT! Jose, in running gear,
stretches on the driveway.
JOSE (V.O.)
Running, swimming, triathlons,
fishing, tennis, weight-lifting...
I mean some of these guys are
outright athletes.
53.
EXT. STREET - LATER
Jose RUNS, determined. About to cross a street, so focused he
misses the CAR THAT ALMOST HITS HIM -- DRIVER HONKS. Sorry!
JOSE (V.O.)
One of them is a professional deep
sea diver who has logged over 700
dives. Diving is key.
INT. POOL - DAY
MASK. TANK. REGULATOR. Jose, dips backwards into a pool.
UNDERWATER----
He adjusts the mouthpiece, but it loosens and falls out. He
rises, panicking!
EXT. JOSE AND ADELA'S HOME -- DAY
Jose takes an envelope from the mail box. He opens it, and
reads the letter: It's from NASA, and it says:
"Dear Applicant -- We regret to inform you..."
He stops reading, pissed.
INT. LAWRENCE LIVEREMORE LABS, PARKING LOT - DAWN
Early morning. Logan parks his Mercedes. He grabs his things,
looks out:
Jose SPRINTS down the parking lot.
LOGAN
Talk about a mid-life crisis.
JOSE (V.O.)
Oh, and of course there's the
language thing. These guys speak
Chinese, French, German... But the
most important one is, of course...
-- Jose stops and looks at Logan.
JOSE
Hey about that Highly Enriched
Uranium Program...
54.
INT. JOSE AND ADELA'S HOME, JOSE'S STUDIO - NIGHT
Jose holds a crying 12-MONTH-old BABY GIRL as he enters his
studio, sits by his desk, and tries to OPEN an ENVELOPE with
one hand. He pulls out a LETTER and reads:
"Dear Applicant. We regret to inform you...
CUT TO:
-- Jose at a meeting with the all the engineers at Livermore.
-- Once again, a very PREGNANT Adela serves dinner with
Jose's help. Their big family growing around them.
-- Jose runs a Marathon. Julio offers a cup of water as he
passes in-front of their yard, Jose grabs it without
stopping.
-- Adela GIVES BIRTH!
-- Another letter: "WE REGRET TO INFORM YOU..."
-- And another: "IT IS WITH UTMOST REGRET..."
-- And another: "UNFORTUNATELY..."
-- "JOSE HERNANDEZ" on a brand new NASA application form.
FOLDED. ENVELOPE. SEALED.
INT. JOSE AND ADELA'S HOME, KITCHEN - DAWN
Early morning breakfast. Kids are loud and they all ask:
KIDS
Where's papa???
EXT. STREET - NIGHT
Jose RUNS down the street, looks both ways, BOLTS PAST THE
STREET CROSSING, and drops the application in a MAILBOX.
JOSE (V.O.)
It's probably taken them all years
to get to where they are.
EXT. POOL - DAY
FINS. PRESSURE GAUGE UP! A SPLASH UNDERWATER. Jose scuba
dives in the pool.
55.
JOSE (V.O.)
And still, even if you get good at
all these things, there's no
guarantee.
INT. CESSNA, ON THE GROUND - DAY
Jose holds the control yoke once more.
INSTRUCTOR
Turn right to course three one zero
and descend to 5,000 feet.
Jose complies, he looks at the guy who seems on a trance...
Is he ok?
JOSE
You know we're on the ground,
right?
INSTRUCTOR
You'll be up when you're ready.
JOSE (V.O.)
I could get good. And then get
better... And then even better...
INT. JOSE AND ADELA'S HOME, JOSE'S STUDIO - NIGHT
Jose enters his studio, sits by his desk, and OPENS an
ENVELOPE. NASA LETTERHEAD, then:
"Dear Applicant. We regret to inform you...
He stops reading and folds it back up. Then he opens up a
desk drawer, pulls a stack of ten other NASA rejections, adds
the new one to the pile... and closes the drawer. His cob
rocket seems to be staring back at him with disappointment.
JOSE (V.O.)
All upcoming space travel will be
to the International Space Station.
Russian is a must.
INT. JOSE AND ADELA'S HOME -- EVENING
Jose and Adela clear the table post-dinner. Jose takes one
last stack of plates out of her hands... and DANCES WITH HER.
ADELA
Everything okay?
56.
JOSE
Yeah.
(A beat - sad)
All good.
ADELA
Sure?
Adela makes a face, kisses him. LOOKS at him.
ADELA (CONT'D)
You need to go to Russia.
He looks at her. Is she for real?
JOSE
I'm sorry.
ADELA
About what? Don't be silly.
JOSE
Por el restaurante.
ADELA
Are you saying that in Spanish to
make it easier?
JOSE
We're spending the restaurant
money.
ADELA
We're going to be fine... Please
let me go, I feel like a drifting
zeppelin.
Jose stops at her lack of romanticism. She laughs.
ADELA (CONT'D)
What? That is exactly how I feel.
She smiles and kisses him.
JOSE
I'm really sorry.
ADELA
Well now you have to do what you
have to do to get this, right?
57.
JOSE
I'd be traveling nonstop. I'd miss
all of you so much... the new
baby...
He kisses her enormous belly.
ADELA
We grew up watching our people make
sacrifices. Your parents, my
parents... Look at us, I mean. It's
on us now.
She's going to say something more but one of the kids starts
CRYING. Adela gets up. Jose stays there, eyes open...
Salvador, working on a field, touching the earth, looks back
at him from one of the family photos framed on the wall.
INT. AIRPORT - DAY
-- An airplane flying through the sky.
-- A Russian stamp on Jose's American passport.
EXT. MOVING CAR, SIBERIA - DAY
Jose looks out a car window. SIBERIA -- white nothingness.
RUSSIAN ENGINEER (V.O.)
(In Russian)
As the High Enriched Uranium
Transparency Program gets underway,
we welcome American volunteer Jose
Hernandez.
INT. NUCLEAR CONTROL ROOM - DAY
CLOSE ON JOSE as a small crowd of ENGINEERS applauds. Reveal
a CONTROL ROOM with wall to wall screens and NUCLEAR GAUGES.
RUSSIAN ENGINEER
He'll be with us for the next
months, let's make him feel right
at home.
People laugh.
JOSE
(Struggles in Russian)
I... thank... you... very... much.
58.
ON JOSE'S look, lost, jet-lagged and confused.
EXT. SIBERIA - DAY
Dead silence. A vast, snow-covered Siberian field. Jose RUNS
THROUGH it.
ADELA (ON THE PHONE)
I really like `Yesenia'. My mother
insists on `Dolores'.
JOSE (V.O.)
I'm so sorry. I should have been
there. I feel... I...
ADELA (ON THE PHONE)
I know. This sucks... But we agreed
on this. Remember.
We just see Jose traversing the white, endless frame like a
tiny little ant.
INT. NUCLEAR CONTROL ROOM, BACK ROOM - DAY
A telephone booth in a back room, depressing, greenish -- Jose
on the phone.
JOSE
I know, but it feels...
ADELA (V.O.)
It was quick. I started having
contractions and called mom, I
nearly didn't make it to the
hospital.
JOSE
I feel horrible for not being
there.
ADELA (V.O.)
Children are born when they are
born. That's how it is.
Jose sighs.
ADELA (V.O.)
Hold on, Julio wants to talk to
you.
JULIO (V.O.)
Papa?
59.
Jose looks overwhelmed by the sound of his voice. He takes a
second to compose himself...
JOSE
Julito... Que pasa, buddy? How's
your new baby sister?
JULIO (V.O.)
She's OK. But Karina wouldn't eat
her dinner, papa.
We can hear a sweet family quarrel in the background. Jose
listens to it like it's a gorgeous chant.
JOSE
Tell her she has to.
JULIO
I'm going to put the baby on.
Jose holds a tear back.
JOSE
Put her on.
Baby gagging on the other side of the line. Jose is crushed.
-- AN AMERICAN STAMP ON A PASSPORT.
INT. JOSE AND ADELA'S HOME, KITCHEN - DAY
Jose holds the baby - he shows her a set of MATRYOSHKA DOLLS,
while Julia corrals the rest of the kids around the kitchen.
Adela is sitting on the table.
Salvador admires the small creature, his youngest
granddaughter.
SALVADOR
Did you know Monarch butterflies
weigh 1 gram?
JOSE
I did not, papa.
Of course he does, this is a recurrent tale.
SALVADOR
They fly 2,000 miles every year and
they weigh 1 gram.
On Jose, a bit lost, noticing a wet diaper.
60.
SALVADOR (CONT'D)
They travel together, that's how
they do it. That's how they can
face danger, the cold, a los
depredadores, that's how they
survive and succeed.
Jose smiles looks at his father, he gets it. They share a
moment. Then turns to Adela and his mother. It's been true
all the time; he has it all. He sighs.
INT. HERNANDEZ HOME, BEDROOM - NIGHT
Adela is breastfeeding the new baby. Jose by her side fills
in a new application, licks the envelope. He looks at her
with tenderness, sadness even.
ADELA
I think you shouldn't mail this one
in.
JOSE
What do you mean?
-- The NATIONAL MALL. WASHINGTON DC.
INT. NASA HEADQUARTERS, HALLWAY - LATER
BUREUCRACY. Fluorescents. Jose rolls a rickety carry-on bag
down a hallway.
INT. NASA HEADQUARTERS, PROGRAM SELECTION LOBBY - CONTINUOUS
CJ STURCKOW - head of the program, stern, busy, no-nonsense -
talks to the RECEPTIONIST. There's a small army of STAFF
behind him.
Jose walks into the lobby. No one looks up. He comes close
and stands in front of Sturckow. Then he unzips one of the
compartments on his suitcase, and pulls out his application.
JOSE
Excuse me, Sir, CJ Sturckow, head
of the Astronaut Candidates
Selection Program. I'm Jose
Hernandez.
That does the trick. Sturckow looks up, surprised.
STURCKOW
Jose Hernandez from...
61.
JOSE
Yes, sir.
STURCKOW
What are you doing here?
JOSE
I decided to personally bring in my
application this year.
STURCKOW
Where did you fly from?
JOSE
Stockton, California, sir.
STURCKOW
You could have just mailed it.
JOSE
I know. But I wanted to meet you
and hand it to you personally.
A beat.
STURCKOW
Why do you keep trying after all
this time?
JOSE
Sir, I'm determined to get into
your program. And I believe this is
my strongest application yet.
STURCKOW
Listen, Hernandez, this would be
your eleventh attempt. I admire
your persistence and I thank you
for coming all the way out here. I
wish you'd saved the airfare----
JOSE
SIR.
The STAFF looks on -- intrigued.
JOSE (CONT'D)
This is my strongest application
yet. And it's my twelfth attempt,
not my eleventh.
It's a bit of a stand off.
62.
STURCKOW
Let's hear it, then. What's
changed?
Sturckow leans back and crosses his arms. This has changed:
JOSE
Sir, over the course of the last 10
years every single academic,
professional and personal decision
I've made, I've made with the Space
Program in mind. I got a Masters in
Electrical Engineering from Pacific
University. I am now a pilot with
over 100 hours under my belt. I got
my scuba diving certificate. I am
in the best shape of my life, I ran
the San Francisco marathon not that
long ago and I speak Russian. In
fact, I volunteered to travel to
Siberia as part of the Transparency
Program of the US Department of
Energy. I am the father of five
perfect little children and the
husband of the most incredible
wife, who threatened to leave me if
I didn't come see you.
(Beat)
I have applied twelve times and I
have been on the verge of giving up
after each rejection. But here I
am. So you can turn me down again.
But rest assured I will be standing
here again in a year.
The staff want to applaud -- they can't.
He sets the application on the receptionist's desk, zips up
his suitcase, and moves toward the door.
Jose nods, and walks out.
EXT. JOSE AND ADELA'S HOME, BACKYARD - DAY
An ASTRONAUT SHAPED PIÑATA gets RIPPED APART by VICIOUS HITS.
It's a kid's party, and Julio -- turning 8 -- is giving it his
all.
The family has gathered around the piñata. Loud CHEERING from
Jose, Adela, Salvador, Julia, Lety, Chava, Beto, FAMILY
FRIENDS and KIDS. The astronaut's head POPS RIGHT OFF, CANDY
RAINS ON THE KIDS.
63.
LATER ----
A BUNCH of Kids play soccer with Beto -- the goalie. Julio
SCORES! Kids CHEER. Beto gets unreasonably upset!
BETO
No mames! I got my eye on you,
Julito! You keep playing off side,
that's not cool, man, NOT COOL!
ADELA (O.S.)
Oye! Beto! No digas groserías!
Your daughter is here!
Adela comes near MARISA (15), Beto's Daughter, and kisses her
on the cheek.
ADELA (CONT'D)
Jose! Mail!
Salvador and Julia bicker as Jose makes eye contact with
Adela, who was inside the house and now stands by the back
door. She looks directly at Jose, a NASA envelope in her
hand.
INT. JOSE AND ADELA'S HOME, JOSE'S STUDIO - MOMENTS LATER
Quiet. Jose sits by his desk. The letter displayed in front
of him -- Adela stands by the door. Expectant. Jose looks
straight at her... Then he looks down at the floor, trying
to... understand?
She comes closer. Then, after a long beat, barely audible, he
whispers...
JOSE
I got in.
Adela doesn't understand. Still very quietly:
ADELA
What?
Adela comes closer.
-- On the letter: "Dear Mr. Hernandez".
A beat.
JOSE
I got in.
CLOSE ON ADELA as the news sinks in. Silence. She smiles.
64.
ADELA
That's... That's not bad, right?
Jose bursts in laughter. She joins in.
And then they stay silent, looking into each other's eyes.
EXT. JOSE AND ADELA'S HOME, BACKYARD - DAY
Jose hugs his father. Then his mother.
Beto stands by a smiling Marisa at the goal. Watching
everything from afar.
Jose notices him, he grins. Beto does too.
Everyone is in tears, unbelieving.
INT. LAWRENCE LIVEREMORE LABS, RECEPTION - DAY
Jose carries a box with his belongings, nostalgic, walks into
the reception area to find the entire Lab has gathered to bid
him adieu. He stops, confused. Then ENGINEERS, Logan, Stacey
and STAFF, even Weissberg, break into APPLAUSE.
And it doesn't stop. Jose stands there... overwhelmed.
EXT. SALVADOR AND JULIA'S HOUSE, DRIVEWAY - DAY
Typical Hernandez family MAYHEM as Julia says goodbye to the
kids. She helps Adela corral them into the car -- which is now
a MINIVAN! -- PACKED TO THE RAFTERS.
Jose and Beto, argue.
BETO
I can't accept it.
JOSE
C'mon, take her for a spin. Y dame
un abrazo, cabrón.
They hug like its a final goodbye. It's a bit sour but
heartfelt. Then Jose walks away, down the poor barrio street.
BETO
Hey cousin! Que Dios te acompañe.
Jose smiles... and keeps walking. Beto just stands there.
Then he looks at a SET OF KEYS in his hand, we PAN, and
REVEAL JOSE'S MAZDA, shinier than ever, now Beto's.
65.
Jose starts the minivan.
HONKING, YELLING, ANARCHY coming from the car.
Salvador and Julia wave them goodbye as the van drives off.
-- A sign: "ENTERING HOUSTON".
EXT. JOHNSON SPACE CENTER - DAY
The CAMPUS OF JOHNSON SPACE CENTER. Hundreds of buildings
over sixteen hundred acres. Clear Lake beyond. And a SIGN:
"National Aeronautics & Space Administration" -- NASA logo by
its side.
STURCKOW (V.O.)
You should know the program will be
especially taxing on your family.
The sacrifices you're about to put
them through are beyond anything
you -- or they -- can imagine.
INT. MINIVAN, MOVING - DAY
Jose drives and looks out the window, in total AWE.
LAUNCHPADS, HANGARS, RUNWAYS... This place is amazing and it
feels exciting and alive and POWERFUL.
STURCKOW (V.O.)
It's important you understand this
does NOT in any way guarantee
you'll be selected for a Space
Mission. It's still a long shot and
most candidates don't even make it
through the full training.
EXT. HOUSTON HOME, DRIVEWAY - DAY
Adela supervises the MOVERS lugging their furniture into
their new house, a two-story brick home with hedges and
trees. A peaceful neighborhood. The kids run around and play.
INT. HOUSTON HOME, KITCHEN - DAY
Adela opens the boxes marked "kitchen". Opens the faucet. No
water comes out.
66.
INT. JOHNSON SPACE CENTER - DAY
Jose puts on the blue uniform. He looks at himself on the
mirror, he smiles in disbelief.
STURCKOW (V.O.)
But at the same time, you can't
lose sight of the fact that you
have been chosen among tens of
thousands who share your dream.
INT. JOHNSON SPACE CENTER, CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY
Twelve ASTRONAUT CANDIDATES (ASCANS), including Jose, gather
in this room. In front of the class is CJ STURCKOW himself.
STURCKOW
If we want you here it is because
you are one of the very few, highly
skilled, extraordinary people on
the planet that we deem capable of
flying to space in a rocket.
Today begins a journey that will
change you forever in ways you
didn't even think possible.
It won't be easy. You will push
yourselves past your own limits.
You will work as a team, and you
will struggle alone. And these are
your new brothers and sisters.
Kalpana?
KALPANA CHAWLA, Indian American astronaut and instructor,
takes over.
KALPANA
Hi guys. My name is Kalpana Chawla.
I've been around here for a while
and I'll be in charge of your
mockup training. I say let's quit
talking and get started!
INT. JOHNSON SPACE CENTER, MOTION BASE SIMULATOR - DAY
Jose is strapped into a simulator that PITCHES, ROLLS, YAWS
and VIBRATES like a shuttle orbiter. He looks dizzy.
KALPANA (V.O.)
Keep'er steady, Hernandez.
67.
Jose moves the control stick with precision but it's no use.
The ship seems to be out of control. AN ALARM SOUNDS -- Jose
SHAKES and ROCKS.
JOSE
It's not responding.
KALPANA (V.O.)
You're not responding -- you control
her, she doesn't control you.
The SIM jerks and pitches further, jostling Jose in his seat,
now PULLING WITH BOTH HANDS! ANOTHER ALARM GOES OFF.
KALPANA (V.O.)
Level Three, Hernandez -- Go level
three!!
ON THE SCREEN: The shuttle CRASHES. "FAIL" blinks. It stops
moving. Jose just sits there, drenched in sweat.
OUTSIDE THE SIMULATOR ----
From the outside the thing looks like, well, a high tech
space machine. The candidates all stand around it, with
Kalpana -- wearing a headset. Sturckow observes.
The hatch opens and Jose steps out, embarrassed.
KALPANA
It's important to remember the
shuttle is designed to a `fail-
ops/fail-safe' philosophy so----
Noticing a queasy Jose rejoining the group.
KALPANA (CONT'D)
Hernandez, you okay?
JOSE
Yep.
KALPANA
The loss of one component can be
tolerated without compromising the
whole mission.
Jose BARFS. The group takes a step back.
KALPANA (CONT'D)
Yep, that happens. Who's next?
No one. They look terrified.
68.
INT. JOHNSON SPACE CENTER, BREAK ROOM - LATER
Jose sees THE ASCANS drink coffee and joke around -- teasing
about training, Sturckow and their upcoming quantum physics
test.
Jose, tormented in a corner, makes a phone call.
ADELA (V.O.)
Some kids were mean to him.
JOSE
I'll talk to him once I get home.
ADELA (V.O.)
I'm just letting you know...
JOSE
I'm sorry I'll be late again.
(A beat)
Did the plumber go?
ADELA
What do you think?
Jose sighs.
INT. NASA - DAY
---- RUNNING FEET. Jose is STRAPPED with CHAINS to a TREADMILL,
barely moving. He TRIPS and FALLS.
---- Jose STRUGGLES to swim laps in full ASTRONAUT GEAR.
STURCKOW stands poolside:
STURCKOW
Is that moon rocks in your pockets?
---- Jose STUDIES at home amid morning chaos. Adela makes
breakfast; seven BINDERS spread out on the table. Next to
Jose, Julio builds something with LEGOS.
---- ASCANS take a test. ON JOSE's desk: GRAPHS and SCHEMATICS
and an IMPOSSIBLE EQUATION. Jose, SWEATING, hesitates between
answers A, B and C. And D. And F.
---- Jose SHAKES and ROCKS in the MOTION BASE SIM; ALARMS
BLARING, on his monitor: FAIL.
THE ROAR OF A JET ENGINE!
69.
EXT. DESERT SKY - DAY
A wide and deep blue sky gets SPLIT IN HALF by a T-38
SUPERSONIC PLANE. Closer to the plane, we see it make a SHARP
RIGHT TURN and DESCEND like a rock. Now the plane flies LOW
NEAR THE DESERT FLOOR like a torpedo. Then it PITCHES and
SHOOTS BACK UP INTO THE SKY.
INT. T-38 JET, FLYING - MOMENTS LATER
Jose in the co-pilot seat -- queasy. Sturckow is up front.
STURCKOW
What are we gonna do about you,
Hernandez?
JOSE
What do you mean, sir.
STURCKOW
You know exactly what I mean. We
need to step up your game!
He PULLS the SIDE STICK HARD -- The plane goes UPSIDE DOWN.
STURCKOW (CONT'D)
Do you know where we are?
Jose looks on his screen -- NUMBERS and more NUMBERS.
JOSE
Ah... currently 35 miles north of
Houston... ah, 23,000 feet on
course two one zero, except... up
is down. And down is up.
STURCKOW
Good! Now show me what you got.
JOSE
What do you mean, sir?
STURCKOW
Tell me how to land this thing!
JOSE
Ah, okay.
Looking carefully into his navigational instruments.
JOSE (CONT'D)
Houston clearance, this is NASA-
959, ready to copy IFR Richmond.
70.
GROUND CONTROL (V.O.)
NASA 959, cleared to Richmond via
radar vectors to Houston, fly
runway heading, descend and
maintain six thousand feet; expect
one five thousand, approach 120.9.
He didn't get ANY of that.
JOSE
Houston clearance, I didn't
quite... copy, could you please
come again?
STURCKOW
C'mon, Hernandez!!
GROUND CONTROL (V.O.)
NASA-959, thought you said ready to
copy? Descend and maintain six
thousand feet, expect one five
thousand - approach one, two, zero
point nine. I can always email that
to you.
Sturckow laughs. Jose writes all of this frantically. He
grabs the side stick again and presses the radio button.
JOSE
Cleared Richmond via vectors to
Houston, fly runway heading, down
six thousand feet, approach 120.9.
Thank you.
We continue to hear Jose's MICROPHONE -- his BREATHING.
STURCKOW
Release your mic, Hernandez. Your
mic is hot.
Jose looks at his side stick. The button is STUCK.
STURCKOW (CONT'D)
Hernandez, turn off the mic!
JOSE
It's stuck.
STURCKOW
What do you mean it's stuck, let it
go, you're tying up the tower!
71.
GROUND CONTROL (V.O.)
NASA-959 clear the line
immediately.
JOSE GROUND CONTROL (V.O.)
I can't---- the button is NASA-959 you got traffic on
stuck! your right, you're holding up
the frequency, we need to
clear them NOW.
Jose tries frantically to dislodge the button!
STURCKOW
Turn it off, Hernandez, what the
hell is wrong with you!?
JOSE
I'm trying!
Suddenly Jose SEES another T-38 approaching beneath them:
JOSE (CONT'D)
On your right, ON YOUR RIGHT, 3
O'CLOCK, TRAFFIC NOW!!!
Sturckow PULLS UP and avoids a collision -- the other NASA T-
38 FLIES PAST THEM LIKE A MISSILE!
Jose breathes... Examines the radio button: Realizes he's
activated a LOCK POSITION by mistake. He disengages it.
JOSE (CONT'D)
Houston, this is NASA-959, the line
is clear. Sorry about that.
EXT. JOSE AND ADELA'S HOME, DRIVEWAY - DAY
A very silent street. Adela drags two large garbage bags
across the driveway. As she dumps them in the bins, one of
them BREAKS. She just stares at the mess, furious. She can
hear the kids break into a fight inside the house.
She just sits on the curb.
EXT. JOHNSON SPACE CENTER, TARMAC - LATER
The plane has landed. Sturckow strides ahead of Jose. Kalpana
meets them mid-tarmac with her TEAM.
72.
JOSE
I'm sorry, sir, it won't happen
again.
STURCKOW
You're goddamn right it won't. This
isn't flight school anymore,
Hernandez. You're lightyears behind
the pack -- get with it or step
aside.
He walks away, angry. Jose and Kalpana exchange a look.
EXT. HOUSTON HOME, DRIVEWAY - NIGHT
A depleted Jose parks on the driveway.
He notices the pile of TRASH just sitting on the sidewalk.
INT. HOUSTON HOME, KIDS' BEDROOM - NIGHT
Jose enters the kids' bedroom. They sleep like angels. Except
for one, who whispers:
JULIO
Papa?
JOSE
Hey, son. Go back to sleep.
JULIO
Can I show you my Earth?
JOSE
Sure, let's see it.
Julio sneaks out of bed, and plugs a cord into an outlet.
Then flips on a switch... and his Earth Layer project LIGHTS
UP... It's a large box painted black, featuring glowing
stars, a big round GLOWING EARTH cut in half, all its layers
in different warm colors.
Jose sits on the floor next to his son, admiring it.
JOSE (CONT'D)
You made this yourself?
JULIO
Yeah. I used a 13 watt lightbulb
and wired it from behind. Mama
helped. She's a good electrician.
73.
JOSE
I think... I think it's beautiful.
JULIO
See, we are right here.
JOSE
Yes, we are, son. We sure are.
(A warm beat)
Now go back to sleep.
Julio jumps back into bed, Jose pulls up his covers.
JOSE (CONT'D)
Hey son. I'm sorry that I missed
the whole thing.
JULIO
That's okay.
Jose kisses him.
JULIO (CONT'D)
Hey, papa, why do you want to go to
space so bad?
Jose stays there without an answer. until finally...
JOSE
I don't know, buddy.
Then he goes back to the Earth, takes one last look, moved:
maybe it is not so bad to stay grounded... and he turns it
off.
INT. JOSE AND ADELA'S HOME, BEDROOM - MOMENTS LATER
Jose gets in bed, and kisses Adela -- who pretends to be
asleep. We can see her eyes wide open, though.
JOSE
Everything ok?
Nothing.
JOSE (CONT'D)
Look. I know this is hard for
everyone. But I'm the one busting
my ass, my body hurts, I can't
sleep. And I know I can make it
work, I just have to be my best.
I'm lightyears behind the...
74.
ADELA
I, I, I, I. Yo, yo, yo. Everything
is always about...
She stops.
JOSE
About me?
ADELA
I thought we were a team.
JOSE
We are a team.
She shrugs.
THE PHONE RINGS.
Jose reaches for it.
JOSE (CONT'D)
Hello?
ON JOSE -- something terrible has just happened.
JOSE (CONT'D)
What?
INT. HERNANDEZ HOME, STOCKTON - DAY
A picture of Beto on a mantel piece surrounded by candles.
FAMILY and FRIENDS have gathered for this wake. The low
murmur of people paying respects, making sense of things.
Jose and Adela sit quietly in a corner between Salvador and
Julia. Jose is depleted and worried.
JULIA
He was coming home from a late
shift. There was a shootout...
SALVADOR
Wrong place, wrong time.
JULIA
He was such a good boy.
JOSE
It's about time you leave.
75.
SALVADOR
And go where?
JOSE
Somewhere safer.
SALVADOR
It was an accident.
Jose's heart aches.
JOSE
Too many accidents around here.
JULIA
This is our home. There are good
people here too.
Jose looks around, the faces of his people, his mother is
right.
INT. HERNANDEZ HOME, BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS
Jose ambles slowly down a hallway, in a haze.
He walks into his old room. It's quiet.
He eyes a photo pinned on a board above his desk, it's of
young Jose and Beto. The two of them laughing.
Jose sits on the bed...
Marisa, Beto's daughter stands by the door.
Jose wipes a tear, straightens himself up. Neither knows what
to say.
JOSE
I should get back out there. If
there's anything you need. Anything
at all. Just---- yeah. I'm so sorry.
MARISA
When are you going to space?
JOSE
Uhm... I'm not sure.
MARISA
He always told me, he was sure you
were going.
(beat)
(MORE)
76.
MARISA (CONT'D)
He knew you felt bad for him,
because he didn't get what you got.
JOSE
That's not true...
MARISA
It's ok. Don't feel bad. But now
you have to honor him.
Jose's eyes fill with tears.
JOSE JOSE
Yo quería mucho a tu papa. I loved your dad very much.
She smiles.
JOSE (CONT'D)
Very, very much.
PRELAP: A SOFT RANCHERA, Jose Alfredo Jimenez's `Deja que
salga la luna' sang by the Marisa's beautiful voice.
INT. HERNANDEZ HOME, STOCKTON - LATER
Marisa sings and plays the guitar. It is a beautiful, deep,
sad melody. The song's high notes transform into a collective
cry that hurts and heals at the same time.
CLOSE ON JOSE, deeply moved as he sees each of the humble
faces in front of him, grieving with dignity and resilience.
Adela takes his hand.
INT. PENSACOLA NAVAL AIR BASE - HELO DUNKER - DAY
A massive HYDRAULIC ARM lowers a HELICOPTER CARCASS into a
huge pool. The previous song continues until it fades.
INSIDE THE CARCASS, LATER----
Three ASCANS and Jose get strapped in.
Safety DIVERS await in the water as the hydraulic arm begins
to lower the helo. Sturckow and Kalpana watch.
We stay CLOSE TO JOSE as they enter the pool and the carcass
begins to FLOOD. He sees water pouring in from every window,
every door, every crease...
77.
He holds on TIGHT to his chair, fighting every instinct to
escape NOW. The carcass continues its descent. The water
reaches Jose's chest...
The water reaches Jose's neck... and creeps further up,
touching his chin -- he tilts his head, and soon it's just
INCHES FROM HIS MOUTH... then he takes the BIGGEST BREATH OF
HIS LIFE... and holds it.
Sturckow, emergency divers, and Kalpana: ON HIGH ALERT.
BACK TO JOSE as the water covers his nose, his eyes...
The helo keeps sinking, very slowly... Still about 5 feet
from the bottom.
ON JOSE---- PETRIFIED. His hand GRIPS the strap buckle like a
cowboy in a duel, ready to shoot.
POOLSIDE---- Sturckow gives the hydraulic arm OPERATOR a slight
NOD -- the arm lets go.
UNDERWATER---- The helo sinks all the way to the bottom...
The candidates unbuckle and release themselves, including
Jose, who swims as fast as he can towards one of the doors.
But just then, he notices one of his mates, struggling to get
out of his seatbelt!
Jose lingers by the door -- running out of oxygen.
The ASCAN struggles and struggles -- he's STUCK!
POOLSIDE---- Cassidy and Kimbraugh EMERGE -- staff fish them
out.
UNDERWATER---- Jose swims back inside the carcass to help him,
who's now panicking. Together, they struggle to undo the
buckle, but it's completely stuck.
Jose looks around. He sees a loose METAL BAR - part of the
carcass. He RIPS IT OFF and inserts the end on one of the
holding plates of the strapping system.
POOLSIDE----
DIVER
Sir?
Sturckow signals the divers to stand by.
UNDERWATER---- Jose uses the metal bar as a lever and PULLS
WITH ALL HIS MIGHT. The holding plate gives, he rips it off
the seat, and FREES the ASCAN.
78.
Jose pulls him to a door and DESPERATELY TRIES TO FIT PAST
THE DOOR -- it's hard with someone else in his arms.
POOLSIDE---- The diver tries again.
DIVER (CONT'D)
Sir, we think it's time.
Sturckow hesitates.
KALPANA
Yes, go!
All divers SUBMERGE... and just as they disappear...
JOSE and his companion EMERGE! JOSE GASPS FOR AIR
Kalpana helps Jose out and he sits on the ground, exhausted.
STURCKOW
Okay. Everyone good? We're gonna
try that again... with a blindfold.
The helo emerges like a dripping nightmare.
EXT. NASA HEADQUARTERS, KALPANA'S OFFICE - NIGHT
Jose is carrying a pack of diapers. He could go to sleep NOW.
He walks by Kalpana's office, he leans on her door, they
share a silent look.
KALPANA
(Re: the diapers)
How are they doing?
JOSE
I'd be lying if I told you I knew.
KALPANA
Yeah, that happens. You okay? You
look like you just killed somebody.
JOSE
No, someone just tried to kill me.
KALPANA
You know we would never let
anything happen to you, right?.
It's an exercise in trust.
79.
JOSE
I would trust you more if you just
gave me milk and cookies.
KALPANA
Well, yeah. What we're trying to
accomplish here is... scary
stuff... On a good day I'm afraid
we're all aiming to hop on a rocket
with 2 million pounds of highly
flammable fuel onboard.
JOSE
What about a bad day?
She sighs.
KALPANA
On a bad day I think about how we
think we control everything. Our
lives, our dreams. We get
exhausted, we make sacrifices, and
we think it is about wanting it
hard enough. But life is
mysterious, you know?
A charged beat.
KALPANA (CONT'D)
Here's the thing, though. Once that
ignition sequence starts... We only
have each other. That matters. I
saw what you did today, as a member
of this division... knowing that
someone like you has my back is the
most I can hope for.
Jose nods. He'll take that. She is about to go, but then:
Kalpana gets up, gets her stuff. Prepares to leave.
She nods, he smiles. A silent pact.
KALPANA (CONT'D)
(Re: diapers)
I saw those on sale at Costco. FYI.
And she walks away.
80.
INT. HOUSTON HOME - DAY
"Tu carcel" by Los Bukis. SMOKING HOT COMAL. WARM TORTILLAS.
FRIJOLES ON A PAN. TOMATO GETS CHOPPED. Adela cooks up a
storm! Jose assists her.
LATER----
A lively celebration over a delicious meal. Around the table:
Jose, Adela, Kalpana, her husband JEAN-PIERRE, THREE ASCANS
(one blond woman and two men). The banter is loud and
friendly and messy.
KALPANA
He's meaner than he means to be.
FEMALE ASCAN
No way, Sturckow's a mean person
all around.
KALPANA
Trust me, it takes time, you'll
warm up to him.
JOSE
Not if you're his co-pilot.
EVERYONE ASCAN 1
Ooooooooohhhhhhh!!!!! Still messing with those comm
buttons, Hernandez!?
They all laugh.
JOSE
I'm telling you the thing was
stuck!
ASCAN 2 ASCAN 1
You made it stuck! You locked it into getting
"stuck"
KALPANA
Has he always been this stubborn?
Adela nods, smiles and rolls her eyes.
ADELA
I think you guys are all stubborn,
by the way.
Jose grabs and raises a beer. He clinks his fork on the glass
to call for a toast.
81.
JOSE
Here's to Kalpana, who broke all
the molds, opened a path, and is
the most stubborn of us all.
KALPANA
Well, I guess there will be no
better time than this...
Kalpana gets up and spills it out.
KALPANA (CONT'D)
You're looking at a Mission
Specialist on the upcoming STS-107
flight.
The ASCANS clap and whoo.
Jose looks at her with all his admiration.
KALPANA (CONT'D)
Yeah, just... Thanks!
ADELA
Congratulations!
KALPANA
Whoa. WHOA! I don't---- I don't know
what to say!
JOSE
How are you feeling?
KALPANA
Ah, let's see... Exhilarated?
Ecstatic? Absolutely, positively
terrified?
JOSE
Never thought I'd even have a beer
with an astronaut. Ever.
KALPANA
How about you don't say anything
and give me one.
JOSE
You can have all of them! Salud!
He BEAMS. They drink.
A beat.
82.
KALPANA
(re: Adela)
What about YOU?
ADELA
What do you mean?
KALPANA
I don't know.... Like in the few
moments in life you're not helping
this guy with his own obsessive
career choice, what do you dream
of... for you?
Adela has an audience now... she's not used to this. She
looks at Jose.
ADELA
Well I always dreamed of having a
restaurant.
A beat.
KALPANA
That explains it! I'm not joking,
this is one of the best meals I've
had in my life.
ADELA
This? Nah! This is nothing. I'm
guessing you've never tasted an
uchepo.
Kalpana shakes her head.
ADELA (CONT'D)
Un uchepo is a soft tamal, from
where our families are from,
Michoacan. It's my childhood
wrapped in a corn husk. It can be
salty, but it can also be sweet. It
can be a main course or a dessert.
It is full of possibilities---- It's
soft, tender, perfectly heated corn
that melts in your mouth...
(she stops)
I know it's not space travel but----
FEMALE ASCAN
That sounds like it beats the hell
out of space travel!
Banter as they all agree and compliment her.
83.
Jose looks at her, feeling a little selfish.
EXT. STREET - DAY
Jose RUNS down a street. He STOPS in front of an empty store
and gets fixated on a sign that says: FOR LEASE.
INT. HOUSTON HOME, KIDS' BEDROOM - NIGHT
Kids are asleep. Jose kisses them one by one. When he gets to
Julio's bed, he lays beside him, face up, and sees:
His lighted Earth project.
Then he looks at Julio, peacefully sleeping beside him.
EXT. OUTER SPACE - NIGHT
The backdrop is PLANET EARTH, looking gorgeous and blue and
cloudy. A perfect ball containing all of humanity. Orbiting
around it is the International Space Station. We approach it
slowly and precisely.
CHATTER is heard over the radio, offering coordinates, flight
paths, speeds and instructions... Then we land on...
JOSE, in full astronaut gear, FOCUSED in the cockpit.
JOSE
Houston, ISS in sight, initiating
docking protocol.
He flips switches, he turns knobs, and he holds the tiny side
stick with utter delicacy -- two fingers -- adding little bits
of THRUST here and there.
The SOUNDS are otherworldly, high-tech, ominous and exciting.
The ISS comes closer and closer. And closer.
GROUND CONTROL
Jose, you're coming in too hot,
reduce speed or abort docking if
necessary.
JOSE
Negative, Houston, no need to
abort.
GROUND CONTROL
Jose, your speed----
84.
JOSE
I got it, Houston. Please trust
that I got it.
More thrust, less thrust, adjustments. The docking radar
RETRACTS. He's close now. He slows down to a riveting crawl.
JOSE'S EYES WIDEN as the Space Station floats right in front
of him... It looks like it's made of shiny gold.
He sweats. He pushes the shuttle in a little closer, INCHES
AWAY... ALARMS GO OFF. BEEPING. WARNINGS. AND HE DOCKS. All
lights turn GREEN. And he LOCKS IT.
Silence.
JOSE (CONT'D)
Houston. We are now docked and
locked. Thank you for your
patience.
INT. JOHNSON SPACE CENTER, SIMULATOR - MOMENTS LATER
A HATCH opens on a huge SIMULATOR sitting in NASA's Alpha
Dome. Everyone was watching on screens. Jose emerges.
JOSE
Sir, I am happy to report that I am
not dead.
Sturckow walks to the bottom of the stairs and meets him
privately.
STURCKOW
Great job, Hernandez.
They shake hands.
EXT. STREET - LATER
Jose leads a BLINDFOLDED Adela down the sidewalk. The entire
family -- JULIO, KIDS, follow right behind.
JOSE
Not yet, Julito.
ADELA
Where are you taking me???
They all make a formation around her.
85.
JOSE
Okay. Ready?
ADELA
Yes, I'm ready! You're making me
nervous!
JOSE
Okay, kids, give me a countdown.
Ten, nine, eight, seven, six,
five...
The kids take over: four, three, two, one -- Jose takes the
blindfold off!
The EMPTY STORE Jose saw earlier.
ADELA
I don't understand.
JOSE
Do you like it? Should we...?
Jose then walks to the door, takes the "For lease" sign down
and replaces it with one -- made by the kids -- that reads
"TIERRA LUNA RESTAURANT".
Adela is stunned.
TV FOOTAGE----
The launch site at Kennedy Space Center. PRESS has gathered
to watch a major event. The SPACE SHUTTLE COLUMBIA CREW
-- including KALPANA -- walks out of a building, waving to the
cameras.
NEWSCASTER (V.O.)
And here is the crew, coming out of
their quarters and boarding the
vehicle that will take them to the
Space Shuttle. All of the
astronauts are suited up. A day
they will remember, that's for
certain.
INT. ACCESS TUNNEL, SPACE SHUTTLE - DAY
A TEAM of MISSION SUPERVISORS waits for the crew to board the
Space Shuttle. Among them is JOSE. It's a solemn and quiet
moment of protocols and safety.
86.
NEWSCASTER (V.O.)
Anticipation is high at Kennedy
Space Center this morning, as Space
Shuttle Columbia prepares for its
journey to the ISS.
INT. SPACE SHUTTLE - MOMENTS LATER
The crew takes their respective seats. It is Jose's job to
secure their seat belts. RADIO COMM is heard in the
background as final CHECKLISTS are corroborated.
Kalpana's turn to be STRAPPED IN. Jose secures her. He stares
at his friend -- and HOLDS HER HAND.
KALPANA
It took me nine tries to get in.
(beat)
My skin was also an odd color for
many. You know how important it is
that someone like us jumps into
this ride?
(she smiles)
We come from tenacious people.
Tenacity IS a superpower.
He smiles and nods.
JOSE
Tenacity is a superpower.
INT. ACCESS TUNNEL, SPACE SHUTTLE - MOMENTS LATER
Jose, aided by members of his team, SHUTS THE HATCH. It feels
and sounds so... FINAL.
INT. TIERRA LUNA RESTAURANT, MAIN FLOOR - DAY
An out-of-this-world sauce boils inside a clay pot.
Adela teaches a COOK how to make tortillas, she comes out the
kitchen:
The main floor has been TRANSFORMED into a REAL RESTAURANT
now, with CUSTOMERS and EVEN A WAITRESS, there's MUSIC and
CHATTER.
TWO ICE COLD MODELOS are served on a customer's table by Jose
who is completely glued to the TV screen on the wall.
87.
CUSTOMER
Hey Jose, when will it be you?
JOSE
As soon as I'm done with the onion
back there!
Jose grabs the remote, and TURNS THE VOLUME UP.
The customers look up and listen in. It's KALPANA -- floating
inside the Space Station.
ON JOSE, watching with a yearning look.
NEWSCASTER (V.O.)
Astronaut Kalpana Chawla just a few
days ago broadcasting from the ISS
-- As you know this is a hugely
important day for NASA and the
Space Shuttle Columbia as they
prepare to make their re-entry into
the atmosphere 16 days after
departure.
The TV just shows an EMPTY SKY.
NEWSCASTER (V.O.)
Launch and re-entry are the two
points we worry about most, as you
know.
ON THE TV: A map of the US and the expected trajectory over
Texas.
Julio barges into the restaurant.
JULIO
I don't see anything, Dad!
JOSE
Keep looking, son, you might just
catch it.
NEWSCASTER (V.O.)
If you happen to hear a BOOM today,
you may have gotten lucky and heard
the space shuttle as it re-enters.
ON THE TV: Shots of HOUSTON MISSION CONTROL.
Again, the sky, empty.
Jose frowns and sits down.
88.
JULIO
What's the matter, dad?
NEWSCASTER (V.O.)
Fourteen minutes to touchdown.
Flight controllers continue to
stand by to regain communication.
TECHNICIAN (V.O.)
Columbia Houston Comm Check...
Columbia Houston Comm Check...
CLOSE ON Jose, worried.
TECHNICIAN (V.O.)
Columbia Houston Comm Check, over.
JOSE
They should have communication by
now.
TECHNICIAN (V.O.)
Columbia Houston UHF Comm Check,
over.
NEWSCASTER (V.O.)
What we're hearing, as I'm told is
the flight controllers in Houston
as they seek tracking or
communication with Columbia. Last
contact was at 1pm Central Time...
Flight director Leroy Cain is now
instructing controllers to get out
their contingency procedures.
ON JOSE -- total dread.
ON THE TV: A METEOR LIKE SHUTTLE STREAKS ACROSS THE SKY.
NEWSCASTER (V.O.)
And there it is! Let's look at this
picture from one of our affiliates
in Dallas, Texas, it looks like----
I see multiple trails coming down.
I see multiple---- Let's hope to
God... We're waiting for a official
word...
Jose, white as a ghost, grabs the remote, and TURNS IT OFF.
JULIO
Dad?
89.
ADELA
What's the matter?!
JOSE
I have to go.
JULIO
But I wanna see the landing!
JOSE
IT'S NOT GONNA LAND NOW!
Everyone in the restaurant is startled, confused.
JOSE (CONT'D)
Keep that TV off!
And he RUNS out the door.
INT. CAR, MOVING - LATER
Jose drives FAST -- His hands are shaking as he TURNS ON THE
RADIO -- music, he switches stations and lands on the NEWS:
NEWSCASTER (V.O.)
Debris now covering an area of over
300 miles across Texas, search and
rescue operation is currently
underway. Based on eyewitness
accounts and sources at NASA, we
can now confirm there are
unfortunately... no survivors.
Jose pulls over, distraught. He turns off the radio.
He sits there, trying to breathe. He looks disoriented,
agitated. He steps out of the car.
CLOSE ON JOSE---- He looks out at the space around him. In
front of him: a big field, a few WORKERS in it.
TV FOOTAGE
-- SEARCH AND RESCUE WORKERS comb through fields, forests and
lakes, identifying and marking pieces of fuselage.
STURCKOW (V.O.)
Through countless hours of research
we have concluded that during the
launch of STS-107...
-- POLICE CARS parked on the side of the road, cordoned off
with YELLOW TAPE.
90.
STURCKOW (V.O.)
... A piece of foam insulation
broke off from the external tank
and struck the left wing of the
orbiter.
-- A MEMORIAL SERVICE. FLAG flies at half mast. MOURNERS wipe
tears. PICTURES OF THE COLUMBIA CREW are featured on the
stage.
STURCKOW (V.O.)
When Columbia re-entered the
atmosphere, the damage allowed hot
gases to penetrate the heat shield
and destroy internal wing
structure...
INT. NASA HANGAR - DAY
A HUGE HANGAR where shuttle pieces are arranged into an
outline of the Columbia.
Jose confused, in obvious pain, and other ENGINEERS sift
through the debris.
STURCKOW (V.O.)
This caused the spacecraft to
become unstable... and break apart.
I want to thank you all for your
tireless work and contributions to
the Investigation Board.
INT. JOHNSON SPACE CENTER, CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY
A very serious Sturckow, wrapping up this presentation for
NASA.
STURCKOW
I think it's safe to assume these
results will bring added scrutiny
from DC. I for one won't argue
against them. If we can't make
space flight safe, we shouldn't be
doing it at all.
Sturckow looks around the group. He locks eyes with Jose.
STURCKOW (CONT'D)
I'm sorry, guys.
91.
A somber mood as he exits the room.
EXT. NASA HEADQUARTERS, KALPANA'S OFFICE - NIGHT
Jose stands in the door frame, remembering, observing the
empty room. Kalpana's soul still there.
He walks out.
Jose walks the corridor, looking small.
INT. TIERRA LUNA RESTAURANT, MAIN FLOOR - NIGHT
Jose sits by himself, lost in thought. His father, Salvador,
in front of him.
Adela looks at them, empathetic.
She lights a candle in a small and heartwarmingly arranged
altar: Kalpana's picture, flowers and a Virgen de Guadalupe.
JOSE
She told me life was mysterious and
I didn't quite understood what she
was saying. This is when it gets
scary, dad.
A long beat.
SALVADOR
The thing is, though... it's not
just a stupid dream anymore, Jose.
It's your life. This is the path
you chose.
He looks at him, deeply. Jose looks at Adela a few feet away.
JOSE
I already won.
(beat)
I don't think I need anything else.
I got you and mom. I got Adela. I
won, right here. And I won five
more times with the most beautiful
children.
Salvador just stays quiet, looks at his son.
JOSE (CONT'D)
You don't think this all means I
should quit?
92.
Salvador's watery eyes fixed on him.
He softly shakes his head.
EXT. HOUSTON HOME, DRIVEWAY - NIGHT
Jose looks at the stars playing with his corn rocket in his
hands.
He takes a big breath and heads to the door, but when he's
about to go in he comes back and throws the thing away, with
all of his strength.
The improvised toy flies through the dark street until it
gets lost.
Chyron: 2008
EXT. STREET - DAY
Jose runs fast. Concentrated.
INT. NASA HANGAR - DAY
Jose in a Nasa uniform, examines some turbine samples.
INT. TIERRA LUNA RESTAURANT, STOREFRONT - NIGHT
Jose carries a couple of bags out to the trash bins. He looks
back. Adela smiles at him from inside.
INT. HOUSTON HOME, LIVING ROOM - DAY
CLOSE ON A SLICED BIRTHDAY CAKE -- and a burned candle # 13
laying on the plate. A "Feliz cumpleaños, Julio" sign half-
hanging.
THE PHONE RINGS in the distance. Jose sits and watches the
party's aftermath... his sons unwrapped birthday presents. A
TELESCOPE among them.
ADELA O.S.
Jose. Phone for you.
INT. JOHNSON SPACE CENTER, HALLWAY - DAY
Jose, in a tie and suit, sits in a hallway next to four other
MEN, and one WOMAN -- all equally nervous.
93.
JOSE
What time did you get the call?
ASCAN 1
Almost midnight.
OLIVAS
You think they're dismantling the
program?
ASCAN 2
So kind of them to make us dress up
for it. Fancy final good bye.
JOSE
Sturckow sounded concerned...
Sturckow himself opens an office door and pops his head out.
STURCKOW
Hernandez.
Jose takes a deep breath, stands up... and walks in.
INT. JOHNSON SPACE CENTER, MEETING ROOM - MOMENTS LATER
Jose sits on one side of a long conference table, alone. On
the other side, like a death squad, are Sturckow, Program
Director Robert D. CABANA, and four more high ranking
OFFICIALS. Tons of paperwork before them.
CABANA
Mr. Hernandez, I don't believe
we've met. I am Flight Crew
Operations Director Colonel Cabana.
Took you a while to get here,
didn't it? You're a rare kind of
bird.
Jose remains quiet.
CABANA (CONT'D)
You're here today because against
our expectations, NASA has cleared
a new shuttle launch, and we want
to get things moving before
Washington changes their mind.
(A beat)
After reviewing your file... I
would like you to join the Space
Shuttle Mission Discovery.
Jose is speechless. A blank face.
94.
CABANA (CONT'D)
Hernandez. We understand that the
Columbia crew were your friends.
Following a tragedy like that with
further space flight is no small
burden. So we need to know: Are you
up for the task?
They look at him. He looks at them. What can he possibly say?
His mind is racing at the speed of light.
CABANA (CONT'D)
Hernandez?
STURCKOW
Hernandez. We need to hear----
INT. JOHNSON SPACE CENTER, RESTROOM - MOMENTS LATER
Jose washes his face. He looks at the mirror, breathing
deeply. About to faint.
He looks down to his sweaty hands.
He takes a moment.
INT. JOHNSON SPACE CENTER, MEETING ROOM - MOMENTS LATER
Jose re-enters the room. His head up. Sturckow, Cabana and
the rest of officials raise their gazes.
STURCKOW
Well?
JOSE
I'm sorry I kept you waiting, Sir.
I had to take a moment. I've been
waiting for this for almost 30
years.
Cabana clears his throat.
STURCKOW
And your answer?
JOSE
My answer, is...
(beat)
Yes. Of course is yes, but still...
I'll have to ask my wife.
He laughs as a tear comes out from one of his eyes.
95.
STURCKOW
I'm assigning you Mission
Specialist Two. I want you right up
front between me and the pilot.
Congratulations.
They shake hands. Sturckow slides a clear plastic bag
containing Jose's very own BLUE FLIGHT SUIT on the table. He
looks at it.
Sturckow and Cabana share a look, Jose smiles.
INT. TIERRA LUNA RESTAURANT, MAIN FLOOR - DAY
Busy lunch at Tierra Luna. Adela emerges from the kitchen,
carrying two plates of their hit Uchepos dish. She places the
plates on a CUSTOMER'S table. She turns and moves toward the
table, but SUDDENLY------ SHE SEES SOMETHING OUT THE WINDOW AND
FREEZES MID WALK:
JOSE, SMILING, STANDS ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE GLASS DOOR.
WEARING HIS FULL BODY BLUE FLIGHT SUIT. Flag on his shoulder,
NASA logo on his upper chest, and below it, his name sewn on:
"JOSE M. HERNANDEZ"
Adela DROPS THE PITCHER. It BREAKS, water SPILLS. Place is
now SILENT. Customers mumble -- what's going on?
Adela BOLTS out of the restaurant, and JUMPS into Jose's
arms. Then she grabs his face, looks right into this eyes:
ADELA
How do you---- Do you---- I don't----
What? What are you doing dressed
like that? Is this a joke?
JOSE
What do you think? Should we do
this? I still can call the whole
thing off.
ADELA
Oh my god!
Adela starts crying.
JOSE
What's the matter?
A beat.
96.
ADELA
The dishwasher didn't show.
They both burst into laughter in a fit of mixed and
immeasurable emotion.
Their daughter Karina walks out the door and stares at him:
ADELA (CONT'D)
How do you like papi's new uniform,
honey?
KARINA
He looks like PAPA SMURF.
INT. TIERRA LUNA RESTAURANT, KITCHEN - MOMENTS LATER
Jose works the dishwashing station like nobody's business, in
full NASA flight uniform!
INT. JOHNSON SPACE CENTER, CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY
Jose sits at a press conference with the other ASTRONAUTS as
Program Director Cabana reads out their names.
CABANA
It's my honor to present to you the
Space Shuttle Mission Discovery's
crew: Commander Frederick Sturckow,
Pilot Kevin Ford. Mission
Specialists Patrick Forrester.
Christer Fuglesang. John Olivas.
Nicole Stott. And Jose Hernandez.
CAMERAS FLASH!! It's intense. A room full of REPORTERS
screaming over each other.
CABANA (CONT'D)
One at a time, please.
INT. HERNANDEZ HOME - DAY
PUSH INTO Julia and Salvador watching. Lety and Chava try to
connect the antenna cord, but no luck. The image looks
somewhat distorted, but that doesn't take Salvador's and
Julia's attention off the screen. They are utterly proud.
JULIA JULIA
Me dijo que lo van a dejar He said they're letting him
llevarse tortillas al bring tortillas to space.
espacio.
97.
A REPORTER on the TV:
REPORTER
Is it true that you grew up as a
migrant farmworker in California?
JOSE
Yes, I did. And who better than a
migrant to leave this planet, and
dive into the unknown, right?
REPORTER # 2
Is it true you applied 12 times
before you were accepted into the
program?
REPORTER # 3 REPORTER # 4
Do you have a message for the Did you always dream of this
Mexican people? moment? Was this a childhood
dream?
PRESS MAYHEM continues. The other astronauts look over and
smile, as the spotlight seems to fall exclusively on Jose.
EXT. HOUSTON HOME, BACKYARD - SAME
PEACE. Out here it's just crickets... Jose watches his son
looking through the telescope. He knows what he's doing now --
focusing, shifting, panning. He's almost a teenager.
JULIO
Dad? Did you know that Halley's
Comet will orbit past Earth again
in 2061?
JOSE
I didn't.
(A beat)
How do you know?
JULIO
I researched it.
Ha. Crickets.
JULIO (CONT'D)
I need to ask you something.
Julio disengages from the telescope and sits next to his dad.
His face worried.
JOSE
What?
98.
JULIO
You know what.
Beat. He knows what.
JOSE
I'm gonna be in the hands of the
most capable, most brilliant
scientists and engineers in the
world...
JULIO
But---- there's still a chance...
Jose just stares out into the sky.
JOSE
Space travel is... It's very, very
unlikely. But yes, it is extremely
dangerous.
JULIO
I... Should anything happen, I
promise I'll take care of mom, and
my sisters... and my brother.
Jose pulls him in very close and holds him tight.
JOSE
Should anything happen, if you
don't keep your promise I'll come
back to pull your legs in your
sleep!
They laugh.
JOSE (CONT'D)
Now, tell me more about Halley's
comet's return.
JULIO (O.S.)
It's gonna happen in July 2061.
That means I'll be 74 years old.
JOSE (O.S.)
Oh, well, I will come back a
jalarte las patas in your sleep by
then, for sure!
99.
INT. HOUSTON HOME, BEDROOM - DAWN
Barely dusk. We see two silhouettes against a window: Jose
and Adela cuddle together. They say nothing as the sun slowly
comes up.
JOSE
I want your ring with me.
A beat.
JOSE (CONT'D)
I want your ring next to mine. Our
rings should be together.
She nods, trying her best not to cry but it's no use... He
slides the wedding band off her finger, and holds it. They
hold on to each other tight, as if they would never, ever let
go. For a long time. Finally, she gives him the ring.
ADELA
If you lose that ring I'll kill
you. I mean it. I will kill you
with my bare hands.
She holds his face as they look deep into each other's eyes.
EXT. HOUSTON HOME, DRIVEWAY - MORNING
A BLACK, unmarked NASA GOVERNMENT SUV awaits with the door
open. A DRIVER closes the door behind him.
Jose hugs Adela, then comes close to his kids.
JOSE
Hey, kids. Did you know Monarch
butterflies' journey is so long, it
takes them several generations to
get there? The butterfly that
starts the journey in Canada won't
be the one enjoying Mexico's
warmth... but its descendants. You
know who taught me that?
Salvador smiles.
Jose goes to his mother and father and gives them a big
loving hug ----
JOSE (CONT'D)
(to Salvador)
Are you crying, Dad?
100.
SALVADOR
No, mijo, it's just some dirt got
into my eye.
Jose smiles and gets in the car.
EXT. KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, LAUNCH GROUNDS - DAY
Like an OTHERWORLDLY GIANT making an entrance, Space Shuttle
Discovery and its ROCKETS roll out of a hangar on a mobile
launch platform. This is Jose's ride.
INT. KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, OPERATIONS BUILDING - MOMENTS
LATER
The astronauts are led by STAFF down a long hallway.
Jose can't help but notice the huge POSTERS of space travel
LEGENDS: JOHN GLENN. NEIL ARMSTRONG. SALLY RIDE. FRANKLIN
CHANG. ELLEN OCHOA. JOHN OLIVAS. SIDNEY GUTIERREZ. GEORGE
ZAMKA. KALPANA CHAWLA.
ON JOSE ---- moved...
EXT. KENNEDY SPACE CENTER - DAY
Adela, the kids, Salvador and Julia arrive. They step out of
a large van, and boy is it a LOUD MESS as usual. Adela
wrestles with the kids.
Salvador and Julio share a look. They walk away from the
pack, take a few steps towards the gardens... and take in the
view: The Space Shuttle.
INT. KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, ASTRONAUT QUARTERS - DAY
Jose enters his bedroom. It's bland and simple: bare walls, a
single bed, a wardrobe, a TV set and a tiny bathroom. He puts
his duffle bag down... and sits on his bed.
A member of the STAFF knocks.
STAFF
Mr. Hernandez, your wife is
waiting.
101.
INT. KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, VISITOR'S LOUNGE - DAY
A big room divided by a GLASS WALL. Jose enters and sees
Adela sitting on the other side. He comes close. Their voices
are amplified for each other through loudspeakers.
ADELA
How are you feeling?
JOSE
Good.
Silence. He smiles.
ADELA
Your parents brought you a
surprise.
JOSE
Oh yeah?
Adela stands and walks towards the door. Jose sits patiently,
watching through the glass.
Adela opens the door and exits the room for a moment. Then
she peeks again.
ADELA
Ready?
Adela enters the room, followed by the most unexpected guest:
MISS YOUNG! -- Jose's school teacher, now in her 60's.
JOSE IS ABSOLUTELY STUNNED.
MISS YOUNG
Well, hello there, young man.
JOSE
I don't---- I don't know what to say.
MISS YOUNG
Nice to see you, Miss Young. We
could start there.
JOSE
How---- How did you find me?
MISS YOUNG
I don't know, The New York Times?
You're not exactly hard to find
these days. But it was actually
your parents who found me.
102.
JOSE
Thank you. Thank you for being
here.
Jose looks down.
MISS YOUNG
I've been waiting for this moment
for more than 30 years. And I have
proof.
Miss Young's shaky hands rummage through her purse... and she
produces a piece of paper... and she unfolds it.
IT'S THE COMPOSITION JOSE ONCE GAVE HER OUTSIDE HIS HOME. A
corn rocket standing upright. And inside it, at the very top,
a little boy.
MISS YOUNG (CONT'D)
One of my most prized possessions.
She smiles. He's fighting back tears.
INT. KENNEDY SPACE CENTER - SAME
Past open doors with FAMILIES watching the SAME NEWSCAST -- a
NAME ON EACH DOOR:
"STURCKOW" -- Polite midwestern family quietly listens.
"FORD" -- A gentle buzz in this CROWD, soft music playing.
"STOTT" -- A MAN opens a bottle of champagne.
We begin the hear the HERNANDEZ RUMBLE as we approach the
last door of the hallway, and we move INSIDE THE ROOM: LIVELY
COMMOTION. The room is PACKED with FRIENDS and FAMILY - Kids
jump on the beds.
We land on Salvador and Adela, TERRIFIED, watching the
NEWSCAST.
NEWSCASTER (V.O.)
Another historic day for NASA and
the Nation, as Space Shuttle
Discovery prepares for launch in a
journey towards the ISS, currently
orbiting 320 miles above Earth.
103.
INT. KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, MEDICAL ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Jose sits in an undershirt as the STAFF DOCTOR checks his
blood pressure.
INT. JOHNSON SPACE CENTER, CONTROL CENTER - CONTINUOUS
A million SCREENS, RADARS and STAFF in last minute prep mode
for imminent launch.
INT. KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, HERNANDEZ FAMILY ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Salvador gives Julia a shot of tequila; she DOWNS it
immediately. Adela is still glued to the screen.
SALVADOR SALVADOR
Te sirvo uno a ti tambien, Can I pour one for you, dear?
mija?
Adela nods, unable to speak. She downs the tequila.
The kids are at the back. Marisa sits by Adela, they half
hug.
Salvador looks at his hands.
INT. KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, CHECKOUT BUILDING - LATER
Jose's hands covered by gloves.
SUIT TECHNICIANS finish dressing Jose in his orange launch
suit.
EXT. KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, CHECKOUT BUILDING - MOMENTS LATER
The astronauts enter an ASTRONAUT TRANSFER VAN one by one.
INT. ASTROVAN, MOVING - MOMENTS LATER
Jose sits by a window, looking out. He sees a series of
tarmacs, hangars and NASA STAFF.
EXT. KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, LAUNCH GROUNDS - CONTINUOUS
TV FOOTAGE of the Astrovan moving as the NEWSCAST continues.
104.
INT. KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, HERNANDEZ FAMILY ROOM - SAME
EVERYONE huddled around the TV.
Adela stands up to loud PROTESTS. But she won't budge. She
stands by the window. What she sees scares her even more:
A FLASH OF LIGHTNING in the distance -- THUNDERSTORMS.
INT. ASTROVAN, MOVING - MOMENTS LATER
Jose, still looking out the window, when all of a sudden, the
van stops. The launch pad is not even in sight.
The astronauts exchange looks of concern.
INT. KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, HERNANDEZ FAMILY ROOM - CONTINUOUS
A LOUD DISCUSSION -- why did they stop? Salvador joins Adela
by the window.
INT. ASTROVAN - MOMENTS LATER
The astronauts sit patiently. Over their loudspeakers:
FLIGHT DIRECTOR (V.O.)
Discovery Crew, Flight Director
here, Houston has detected
unforeseen, unfavorable weather
conditions. We have determined that
the current launch sequence is a no
go. Repeat, launch is a no go until
further notice. You will return to
base -- your quarantine is back in
effect.
On Jose's look of DISAPPOINTMENT.
INT. KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, ASTRONAUT QUARTERS - LATER
Jose and the astronauts play cards. Others kick a hacky-sack.
Sturckow comes into the room, he sits down, everyone gets
close to him as he makes an announcement:
STURCKOW
Guys. Launch is pushed back till
Friday now. The defective fuel
control valve is being replaced as
we speak.
105.
Silence. Wow.
JOSE
Main or back up?
STURCKOW
Main.
Glances are exchanged...
JOSE
Wow... What if we'd gone up like
that?
A beat.
STURCKOW
Well... we didn't.
Sturckow leaves. They all share concerned looks.
INT. KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, JOSE'S ROOM - NIGHT
Jose tosses and turns -- can't sleep. Looks out the window.
JOSE (V.O.)
They detected it. We're safe.
ADELA (V.O.)
But it shouldn't have happened in
the first place.
JOSE (V.O.)
You have to trust them.
ADELA (V.O.)
I know. And I do. But...
JOSE (V.O.)
But what?
INT. HOTEL BATHROOM - NIGHT
Adela sitting in the bathroom floor, talking to her cell.
Locked in.
ADELA
I'm so scared.
JOSE (V.O.)
Don't be. You know I'm in the best
hands.
106.
ADELA
I know... I know... Just---- What are
you doing right now?
JOSE (V.O.)
I'm staring at a picture of...
Salma Hayek.
ADELA
What?!
INT. KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, JOSE'S ROOM - NIGHT
Jose, laughing on the phone, sits on the floor against his
bed. He is staring at a picture of Salma.
JOSE
The guys slipped it under my door.
They fake signed it and all. It
says: "Thank you for going to
space, my hero"... So dumb...
ADELA (V.O.)
That's stupid.
JOSE
You think she would want to meet an
Astronaut?
ADELA (V.O.)
Salma? Totally.
A long beat.
ADELA (V.O.)
You go and come back to her safely,
please.
He smiles.
JOSE
I want to ask for a favor.
ADELA
Anything, baby.
JOSE
Tell my dad I'm sorry they lost the
house in Michoacan.
Adela wipes tears and snot. This is so hard.
Jose closes his eyes.
107.
I/E. SALVADOR'S CAR -- SUNSET
Jose and his brothers and sister dirty, tired. Salvador
looking at them through the rearview.
INT. ADELA'S - NIGHT
Their first date. Her TWO UNCLES. Jose and Adela look into
each other's eyes -- their HANDS TOUCH.
EXT. STOCKTON -- NIGHT
Jose and Beto share a beer on the hood of the lowrider.
Jose's bare childhood hands deep into the earth.
They pick a cob of corn. They feel its texture.
INT. HOUSTON HOME, KIDS' BEDROOM - NIGHT
Jose walks into the kids' room, and watches them sleep.
He sees Julio's GEOLOGICAL SYSTEM.
INT. HOUSTON HOME, BEDROOM - DAWN
Jose and Adela, cuddling in that armchair, after taking
Adela's ring. Adela's eyes.
INT. KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, JOSE'S ROOM - NIGHT
Back to Jose's quarters... CLUTCHING that ring in his hand.
ADELA
Please come home.
JOSE
I will.
He lays on the floor, still on the phone... and tries to go
to sleep.
EXT. FIELDS, STOCKTON NIGHT
CLOSE ON JOSE as he opens his eyes. He still lays on the
ground, but he notices it's DIRT. He looks up and sees:
108.
Under a strange starry sky, the fields are brightly
illuminated by the moonlight. SALVADOR, picking strawberries,
his rugged hands moving swiftly like firing pistons. Jose
turns and sees his mother, doing the same. He hears someone
behind him and he discovers Adela, picking strawberries too.
But then he sees someone else: Right beside her... his son
JULIO, face dirty, is picking berry after berry. Then he sees
his baby girls helping out too. And Beto. And his aunts and
uncles. And his grandparents. And his great grandparents...
And as we GLIDE UP above him, we discover an endless field
covered with Mexican workers -- past, present and future.
Monarch butterflies fly all around them.
Back on the horizon, a rocket is being prepared. The engines
turn on, the fire propels it, and it shoots up into the
starry sky.
THERE'S A KNOCK.
INT. KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, JOSE'S ROOM - MORNING
Jose WAKES UP on the floor. The staff member speaks from the
other side of the door.
STAFF (O.S.)
Mr. Hernandez. It's time.
EXT. KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, LAUNCH GROUNDS - DAY
A caravan of vehicles with the Astrovan - moving closer to
the launchpad.
EXT. KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, LAUNCH PAD - DAY
A slow, seemingly endless tilt from the bottom of the Space
Shuttle Discovery and its huge steaming boosters, all the way
to its imposing top, as it sits on the launchpad, waiting for
Jose.
NEWSCASTER (V.O.)
After several delays, it's only one
hour and seven minutes until NASA
begins its next adventure. If all
goes well, Discovery astronauts are
to lift off from pad 28 at Kennedy
Space Center, on the voyage mankind
cannot cease to dream about.
109.
INT. KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, LAUNCH PAD, ELEVATOR - DAY
Jose stands in the elevator with the rest of the astronauts --
in full gear - as they make their way to the shuttle.
REPORTERA MEXICANA (V.O.) MEXICAN NEWSCASTER (V.O.)
Es ahora, antes de que Jose So it is now, before Jose
parta hacia el espacio, que flies into the sky in his
les invitamos a pensar en la gleaming vehicle, that we
responsabilidad y esperanza invite you to think of the
que nuestro compatriota carga burdens and the hopes that
sobre sus hombros en nombre our compatriot carries on
de todos los mexicanos, e behalf of all Mexicans.
incluso de todas las personas Indeed, of all Latinos in
latinas en este país. Y de this country. Of all mankind.
toda la humanidad.
EXT. KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, ASSEMBLY HANGAR, ROOFTOP - DAY
Jose's family, the kids, Marisa, Salvador, Julia and Adela,
stand together, watching in anxious anticipation. Adela is
not feeling well, she's pale, about to faint.
INT. WHITE ROOM - DAY
Jose is helped into his GLOVES and HELMET by the SUIT
TECHNICIANS. Jose's helmet fits nice and snug.
CLICK.
EXT. KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, ASSEMBLY HANGAR, ROOFTOP - DAY
Salvador and Julia are holding each other in silence.
Julio steps away from the crowd... he gazes over the
launchpad, then to his mom.
JULIO
Mom, are you ok?
Adela shakes her head.
INT. KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, JOSE'S ROOM - DAY
A NASA OFFICER takes Adela to Jose's room. She looks
terrible. She sits on the bed.
ADELA
I'll be fine.
She breathes deeply.
110.
INT. SPACE SHUTTLE - DAY
The astronauts take their places. RADIO CHATTER is intense.
Status checks on boosters, flight dynamics, etc, etc.
ON JOSE -- as he pins THREE PICTURES on the side of his
control panel: Salvador and Julia... Adela and the kids...
Beto and himself.
The CLOSE-OUT CHIEF buckles Jose. He gives Jose a thumbs up.
Jose nods.
LAUNCH CONTROL (V.O.)
Discovery, this is Launch
Operations Manager. The launch team
wishes you good luck and godspeed.
INT. KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, JOSE'S ROOM - DAY
Adela continues breathing, her shaking eases a bit. She turns
to see Jose's board: the picture of Salma and her fake
autograph hanging there. She laughs a little.
Stands up and goes to the window. She can see the enormous
shuttle from there.
INT. SPACE SHUTTLE - DAY
Jose's eyes. The MAIN HATCH is CLOSED... And LOCKED. The
astronauts look at each other.
LAUNCH CONTROL (V.O.)
We have completed power transfer,
we are still a go, 35 seconds and
counting. Astronauts report it
feels good, T--minus 25 seconds.
-- A room full of NASA techs and engineers sit nervously at
Control Center.
-- CLOSE ON... ADELA. SALVADOR. JULIA. JULIO.
-- And... JOSE, inside the shuttle. Ready for take off.
LAUNCH CONTROL (V.O.)
T--minus 15 seconds, second stage
tanks now pressurized... 12, 11,
10, 9... Ignition sequence starts.
BOOM! A BALL OF FIRE is spat into the camera as the engines
IGNITE.
111.
LAUNCH CONTROL (V.O.)
5, 4, 3...
The base of the launch pad LIGHTS UP like a bomb, the rocket
ROARS, FURIOUS!
LAUNCH CONTROL (V.O.)
2, 1, ZERO... All engines running!
JOSE's eyes WIDEN.
The ARMS of the platform LET GO, disengaging as the rocket
RATTLES like a moving high-rise.
LAUNCH CONTROL (V.O.)
Lift off! We have lift off on Space
Shuttle Discovery!
INSIDE---- the shuttle RUMBLES, Jose and the astronauts SHAKE
in their seats.
THEY RISE INTO THE SKY.
INT. KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, JOSE'S ROOM - DAY
Adela covers her mouth in awe, as she admires the take off.
VARIOUS
The shuttle FLIES on a HUGE TV SCREEN. THOUSANDS IN MEXICO
CHEER! We see WONDER on these faces: LOGAN. WEISSBERG.
STACEY. MISS YOUNG. ADELA. SALVADOR. JULIA. JULIO.
INT. SPACE SHUTTLE - SAME
LOUD. The shuttle RATTLES as the G-forces kick in.
ON JOSE -- his eyes wide, shaking as the roaring shuttle hurls
into space. He looks out the window -- the view suddenly dark
and filled with STARS.
The shaking stops... They've made it past the atmosphere...
It's QUIET. Jose sees an IMAGE:
A corn cob floats behind him and lingers before his face.
Jose stares in amazement and, suddenly, YOUNG JOSE sits
beside him, his beautiful face filled with AWE. And then...
YOUNG JOSE gently floats towards the window.
FROM OUTSIDE THE SHUTTLE----
112.
We see YOUNG JOSE'S FACE as the kid glues himself to the
glass... and takes in the majestic view.
Jose's eyes look down on Earth. It's beautiful.
`El hijo del pueblo' starts playing.
FADE TO BLACK.
THE END.
A MONTAGE WITH THESE IMAGES UNDER TITLES:
Real footage of Jose floating in space, Jose eating a taco,
Jose being interviewed from the orbiting shuttle. The shuttle
landing in California. Jose's ACTUAL FAMILY celebrating.
Footage of MEXICAN PEOPLE celebrating in Mexico City. Footage
of Jose as HE AND THE CREW deplane and salute. A BEAUTIFUL
PORTRAIT OF JOSE, ADELA AND THEIR KIDS...
Space Shuttle Discovery landed safely in California on
September 11, 2009.
He also played Jose Alfredo Jimenez's ranchera: "El hijo del
pueblo" up there.
After leaving NASA in 2011, Jose started his own aerospace
engineering consulting firm: Tierra Luna Engineering.
Jose helped Mexico launch three Boeing communications
satellites into space, opening internet access to remote
parts of the country.
His son, Julio Hernandez, is working on his PhD in aerospace
engineering at Purdue. He wants to become an astronaut.
Jose still picks grapes with his father. Only this time they
own the vineyard.
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