Screenplay
25-November-2010
(revised 15-November-2013)
Production by
11fifty
HER PERFECT DAY
EXT. DAY
Traffic noises, cars
JANE walks past Wedding Boutique, sees gowned mannequin in the window (we only view the bottom ½ and feet – allows use of a live model) then she enters…
INT. BOUTIQUE - DAY
JANE enters, is immediately drawn to the showcase (or pedestal) where CHLOE (mannequin) stands, still and beautiful. CHLOE is dressed in a beaded wedding gown with deep décolletage exposing the mannequin’s cleavage. JANE is wearing a casual blouse and Capri pants with low heels. Her dark brown hair is tied into a messy ponytail.
JANE looks up to the figure, we hear her thoughts
JANE (voiceover)
You are so wonderful,
I want to be just like you!
MANAGER approaches; she is a thirty-something woman dressed elegantly but businesslike. She sees JANE gazing at CHLOE.
MANAGER
How may I help you?
JANE (jogged from her daydream)
Huh?
MANAGER
Sorry, did I startle you?
JANE (blushing, embarrassed)
No, not really.
I was just admiring your display (showcase)
Manager is encouraging, but a little put-off by Jane saying “display” instead of “dress” – not many customers notice the mannequins instead of the merchandise
MANAGER
Anything in particular that interests you?
JANE
(quickly, without thinking)
Oh, Yes – the mannequin!
MANAGER
(taken aback)
The mannequin?
JANE
(smitten)
I was with her in school!
At 11fifty’s school for visual merchandising…
MANAGER
Ah, they taught you this sort of skill?
JANE nods, blushing. She doesn’t quite say she wants to be a mannequin yet, but the obvious desire is there every time she looks at CHLOE
MANAGER
(cautiously)
You’re interested in window dressing then?
JANE
(shyly, nodding)
Yes, but…
MANAGER
You already have a job in visual merchandising.
JANE
No, not yet.
MANAGER
(trying to draw her out)
Would you like to dress this display?
JANE
(hesitant, swallowing)
Yes, but like… (gazing up at CHLOE) her!
MANAGER
You mean like your schoolmate? As a…
JANE
(not believing what she’s hearing, a dream come true)
Man… ne…
MANAGER (voiceover)
Why are they always so shy, these girls?
MANAGER
Do you want to become a mannequin?
JANE
(happy, smiling, almost bouncing up & down)
Yes! Oh, yes – I do!
MANAGER
(sternly, cautioning)
You know, it’s not just a job, it’s a life-long career! There’s no option to change your mind.
JANE
(still elated)
Yes; I know. That’s why I want to do it!
MANAGER
(smiling, decisive)
Well, then, we’d be happy to have you here.
Welcome to your new engagement!
JANE
(still not believing her good fortune)
When can I start? Right away?
MANAGER
By the day after tomorrow, at least.
You have to complete the preparation diet first.
JANE
(hesitating for a moment)
The flakes diet?
MANAGER
(firmly, with a wry smile)
Yes; that separates the really interested ones from the groupies. You’d be making a final commitment.
JANE
(still unsure)
Is it really that hard to do?
MANAGER
Not really, but you can’t go back afterwards.
JANE
(bravely, rather than eagerly)
I’m ready.
MANAGER
Just a minute then…
MANAGER walks off to the back of the boutique, while JANE looks around her “new home” and up at CHLOE. MANAGER returns with two cereal box-sized packages of “Mannequin Flakes” (relabeled corn flakes), hands them to JANE, who shakes them and hears rustling.
MANAGER
(no nonsense, instructive)
You must eat only these for the next two days,
nothing
else, and drink only water with them.
They’re sugar-coated,
so they taste really good!
JANE
The flakes are necessary to make me into
a mannequin?
MANAGER
Very much so. They stuff your insides with plastic, displacing what’s there, and contain special enzymes that will enrich your blood with proto-plasticizers.
JANE
(assured)
Then it’s going to be really easy to keep to it.
MANAGER
That will take care of your insides; you also have to see to your outside look as well.
JANE
(batting her eyes, unsure)
Meaning?
MANAGER
(grinning with assurance)
Body
cleanse, hair-do, and make-up, of course!
You’re a lovely girl already, so that will be easy.
JANE
Ah, yes!
MANAGER consults her computer, takes a card and scribbles down an address, along with a date & time, then hands it to JANE.
MANAGER
You
go to this salon; give them my card and
let them know you’re getting prepared for visual display work. They’ll give you the full makeover treatment,
top to bottom. Got that?
JANE
(looking at the card)
Yes, ma’am. Three pm, the day after tomorrow.
MANAGER
Exactly! When you’re done at the salon, return straight back here, to me.
I’ll be ready for your next steps.
JANE
(beaming)
And then I’ll become a…?
MANAGER
(completing JANE’s sentence)
…a mannequin! YES!
JANE reaches over and hugs the MANAGER, who is clearly not used to this degree of intimacy. She pats JANE on the back and waits for the eager young model to back away. JANE almost skips to the door, she’s so overwhelmingly happy.
JANE
See you in two days! And… thanks!
FADE OUT as she reaches the door to the boutique.
INT. BOUTIQUE – LATE AFTERNOON
JANE enters, but it’s a vastly different-looking Jane than a few days ago. She’s noticeably sexier looking, in a tight short dress and high-heels. Her hair is styled and sprayed in place, looking much more like a wig. Her face is impeccably made up, with dark eye shadow, mascara, and long eyelashes. Her skin is smooth and unblemished, with rosy blusher on her cheeks and dark red lipstick (try to make her make-up match the mannequin she’ll morph into). Although we don’t see the effect yet, her skin has been covered in body makeup that gives her figure a sheen that almost looks painted (can use a light coating of baby oil for this effect). Her self-confidence is greater too, as she strides in with assurance.
MANAGER appears from the back of the boutique, walking past CHLOE in her display to greet the new Jane. She’s got a business pantsuit on today but looks otherwise the same.
MANAGER
Jane! Welcome – you look really gorgeous!
JANE
(beaming, confident)
Thanks; that salon sure knows their stuff.
MANAGER
I see! They had a great subject to start with.
Here, let me take a look. Do a twirl for me?
JANE takes a couple of steps forward, does a model-style pirouette, then returns. No problem in the looks department…
MANAGER
How was the diet?
JANE
(tipping a “Mannequin Flakes” box to show it’s empty)
All gone. At first they were kind of tough to swallow, but I got used to the texture by the second box. Now I feel – so stuffed!
MANAGER
You
look good; your torso is flat.
You’ve lost weight.
JANE
(confiding)
But my belly is full… full of artificiality. Plastic. I already feel sort of mannequin-like.
MANAGER
(smiling)
Soon you won’t just feel mannequin-like, you’ll be a real mannequin.
JANE
(dreamily)
Just like Chloe!
MANAGER
You’ve done extremely well. The flakes diet was an important part of making you into a really perfect mannequin through and through; not just on the surface but deep into your very core.
JANE
Those a nice words – but – can we get started?
MANAGER
Of course, not a moment more. Go ahead and take a bathroom stop, then change into this wedding dress; the cubicle is over there.
JANE
OK, but as a mannequin I don’t need to hide my body while changing any more.
MANAGER
(chucking)
You’re not quite a mannequin yet, so let’s not give the passersby an unexpected treat!
JANE
All right; but this is the last time…
JANE heads over to the changing cubicle (curtained area). Cut scenes of MANAGER preparing a tape player, opening a champagne bottle, filling glasses, adding a colored pill to one of them, unrolling a red carpet (depending on availability) to the edge of the changing cubicle.
INT. BOUTIQUE – EVENING
JANE emerges from the
changing cubicle, radiant in the white tea-length dress. Music starts: Lohengrin’s Wedding March. At the end of the carpet, MANAGER awaits,
holding the champagne flutes.
To the side of her is an empty display platform, glass base, or display case
(depending on availability).
JANE blushes at the scene, then plays her part by walking slowly up the carpet to meet the manager. Joy and satisfaction plays across her face; it’s her Perfect Day! Reaching the end, she solemnly steps up onto the platform and turns around to face the MANAGER, who sort of plays the roles of groom and priest at the same time.
MANAGER (smiling)
Jane Eastbrook, do you wish to become a mannequin?
JANE
I do!
MANAGER
Are you willing to forsake a normal life to be put on display for the rest of your natural life?
JANE
I am!
MANAGER
Now, by drinking from this glass, you will fulfill your total commitment to the visual arts.
MANAGER hands the “mannequinizing” (colored) portion to JANE, who takes it and toasts with the manager, then drains the glass in one long swallow.
MANAGER
Then it is done; prepare to join the sisterhood of display mannequins!
JANE
Is this potion going to turn me into a mannequin?
MANAGER
Yes,
but very slowly, giving you time to pose properly and meet your co-workers on
display.
I can speed up the process, once you’re ready, with my “mannequin ray gun”..
JANE
(eagerly)
Wonderful! But I already know Chloe. Hi, again, I’ll bet you never guessed I’d have a job here too.
JANE (voiceover)
I’ll soon be a real mannequin too; it will be such fun playing dress-up with you, colleague!
Quick shot of CHLOE’s face, looking lovely and frozen, in her display pose.
MANAGER
It’s time for you to mount your pedestal.
MANAGER leads JANE over to where the glass base/pedestal sits. There is already a pair of backless pumps attached to the base (depending on props, these are actually glued there or just double-stick taped so they don’t fall over).
MANAGER
Slip out of your heels and into these sandals, which will hold you in place once you’re fully stiffened into a mannequin. Once the ankle straps are closed, you cannot go away!
JANE
(imaging)
They’ll
bond me to my base plate, forever!
Why would I ever want to go away?
She slowly changes shoes, first one foot, then the other, as MANAGER affixes the ankle straps (shown in close-up). The base sandals have higher heels than the other shoes, so Jane afterward feels like she’s standing on tip-toe.
MANAGER
(solemnly but not entirely seriously)
With this base, I take you Jane as my lawful display
mannequin.
JANE
(giddy)
I can’t move my feet – this feels so fantastic!
MANAGER
Glad you’re enjoying your transformation, Jane.
That’s just the beginning!
JANE (voiceover)
I’m joined to my pedestal like a real mannequin,
never
again to leave it…
JANE
What’s next, my magical owner?
MANAGER
We’ll start on parts of your body now, then
proceed
into
the final pose and your display expression.
With this…
MANAGER steps away for a moment, returning with the “Mannequin Ray” (this is a prop hair dryer or similar gun-like device, clearly labeled with “MNQ-RAY” on the side. She shows it to Jane.
JANE (bemused)
Ah! The fabled mannequinizing ray! This will be
faster
than the champagne I hope; my legs so far are
only
a little stiff but my toes are tingling.
MANAGER
Much faster – after only ten seconds you can touch
your new mannequin part.
JANE
(curious)
It only does one piece of me at a time?
MANAGER
Yes, that gives me total control of your
transformation, my little mannequin beauty!
JANE
Where are you going to start?
MANAGER
(putting her hands on Jane’s chest, fondling)
Here!
Such
pliable breasts aren’t very mannequin-like.
JANE
Oh! Yes, I could use a solid rack…
MANAGER
Take a deep breath, and hold it.
MANAGER takes a step back and starts irradiating Jane’s bosoms with the mannequinizing ray (special effect sound). This cut-away allows Jane to put on the hard bra under the dress, giving her a much more defined pair of breasts.
JANE
That feels – strange; my skin is turning solid!
MANAGER
See; that’s where the plastination is happening.
MANAGER raps on Jane’s new plastic breasts (sound effect, fingers rapping on plastic).
MANAGER
You’ll never have to worry about sagging ever again!
JANE feels herself up, groping her new breasts. There shouldn’t be any visible movement.
JANE
(moaning, slightly aroused by the sensation)
Ahhh, fantastic; they feel amazing!
JANE clicks her own nails on her hardened cleavage, close-up. (sound effect, clicking)
JANE
You’re giving me a real hardbody now… Don’t stop!
MANAGER
We’re just getting started. Pose your right hand.
JANE holds her arm away from her body and positions the hand in a typical mannequin’s open-fingered arc. Medium-close-up as MANAGER waves the mannequinizing ray over the hand. We see the plastic transformation as a change in the glossiness of her skin and the tone of the fingernails, which become paler as the arm is changed.
JANE
Oooh, cool and tingly. That’s so fast!
MANAGER
That’s why I like to use the ray. Your hand should
be
finished by now; try moving it.
JANE touches her mannequin hand with her normal one; the “plastic” one is stiff and paler in color. A joint line forms around the wrist. Close-up may even use the mannequin hand.
JANE
I can’t; God – this is SO great…
MANAGER
I’m glad you’re liking the effect this much;
Soon every part of your body will be that way.
JANE
I can’t wait!
MANAGER
Take your pose now, I’ll do the rest of your arm.
JANE takes a display pose, positioning herself in much the same way as the special effect mannequin she’ll morph into. The following may be done in close-up to allow cross-cutting between the two.
JANE
How’s this? It’s one I saw in another bridal shop.
MANAGER
Perfect! It’s a favorite of mine, too. 4711.
Now hold still for only a little longer.
MANAGER waves the MNQ-Ray over JANE’s arm and we see the same sort of transformation (and special effect sound). JANE feels her new plastic arm with her normal one. She taps (clicks) on mannequin arm, squeezes it.
JANE
(almost sexually aroused)
Wow! Plastic is fantastic!
MANAGER
Then you’re really going to like this next one.
Hold
that pose, mannequin!
MANAGER steps back and waves the mannequinizing ray over JANE’s legs, hips, and torso. We see her visibly freeze into place. If a morph is being done with the mannequin, there is less and less of the actress being shown with every passing moment. By now, only her left arm and neck/head remains flexible.
JANE
(fully aroused)
Oh, God – Oohh, GOD! Keep going…
MANAGER
Just a little longer. Can you feel your crotch?
JANE
(touching herself with her left hand)
Oh! Oh! I think so, but it’s hard, smooth…
My hips are stiff, too. I’m stuck in position.
MANAGER
That’s to be expected. Now pose your left arm.
JANE
(complying)
OK, ready.
MANAGER waves the MNQ-ray across JANE’s remaining arm, which stiffens into place, a joint line forming at the wrist and shoulder. Her neck also gets more rigid, but her head remains that of the actress.
MANAGER
You’re almost fully transformed. How do you feel?
JANE
Like the luckiest mannequin in the world!
What’s next?
MANAGER
The support rod. Even being attached by your feet,
there’s
a chance you could topple over.
The MANAGER steps away for a few moments, returning with a chrome rod tipped with a rubber dildo-looking apparatus. This isn’t going to be shown in detail, and the insertion will be hidden by the dress.
JANE
(whimsically, at seeing the rod’s tip)
You should have introduced us earlier…
MANAGER
That might have been too much for you. As it is…
Cut-away of the rod being pushed up under the dress. Everyone knows where it’s going to socket into.
JANE
(voice and facial reaction only)
Oooh! Ah-ah-aah! Unnnnhhhh.. . YES!
MANAGER
Congratulations, Jane. You’re now almost done.
JANE
(a little surprised)
But, my face is still movable. Aren’t you going
to
use your magical mannequin ray there to finish
me
completely? I’m ready now.
MANAGER
I could, however my best results have come from
letting
the slow-acting champagne do the last bit
of
your transformation. That’s how Chloe was
prepared;
you’re going to be joining her tonight.
JANE
I am?
MANAGER
Yes, Jane. It’s
almost closing time.
I’m going to lock you in
standing next to your
friend
Chloe on one side of you and a new friend
on
the other. Think about how beautiful
you’ll
be
with them as a mannequin and let the champagne
do
its magic as well. Enjoy your first
night in
the
display.
JANE
I will, every last moment.
MANAGER
Then,
in the morning, I’ll open up the boutique and
there will be a new perfect mannequin there: You!
JANE
Me…
MANAGER
Goodnight, Jane, and good-bye!
MANAGER walks away, after a final wave. Camera stays on Jane as the lights go out, leaving only a dim security light (enough to show her face). We hear the sound effect of a key turning in the lock, then muffled silence.
Close-up on Jane’s face. She’s happy, blinking slowly with a cute smile on her lips.
JANE (voiceover)
It’s finally happening. I can’t move my face;
at
last I’m going to become a mannequin.
A
perfect, lovely, mannequin. Man…ne…quin…
The final morph occurs in this half-light; JANE’s features freeze in place, her final expression matching the mannequin she’s become.
FADE OUT
INT. BOUTIQUE – MORNING
FADE IN at the sound of a key in the lock. MANAGER opens the door, walks in, and turns on the lights. Her first stop is the display pedestals, where three motionless mannequins stand, with Jane in the center.
MANAGER
(cheery)
Good morning, ladies! Pleasant night, I trust?
(after a beat)
Wonderful; I see you’ve already got your faces on.
MANAGER moves the mannequins from the tableau to different spots in the store, placing one in the window. JANE (mannequin) stands on the floor, nearby CHLOE.
We hear the sound of the bell at the door. A CUSTOMER (the actress Jane, in a different style of clothing and hairstyle) enters and looks around for a moment, before approaching JANE (mannequin).
CUSTOMER
(pointing to the dress)
I
saw this through your window last night.
I’m getting married next month and I absolutely have to have it! Can I try it on, real quick?
MANAGER
(hesitating)
That’s an original, the only one of its kind.
I’ve got to take it off the mannequin.
CUSTOMER
That’s OK, I’m sure she won’t mind!
MANAGER
You’re probably right…
MANAGER starts to disassemble JANE (mannequin), taking off both her arms, then unfastening the dress to slip it over the mannequin’s shoulders and head. Her once-impeccable hairstyle gets mussed up. We see her smooth, featureless breasts and crotch, the pair of pantyhose pulled up over her hips, and the joint lines at her waist. Pan over with the MANAGER as she hands over the dress.
MANAGER
The changing room is over there; let me know
if
you need any help.
CUSTOMER
(over her shoulder, walking away)
OK, thanks!
Pan back to JANE (mannequin), zooming in on her topless torso and face.
JANE (voiceover)
Ooh, this is so sexy!
Everybody can see me being naughty.
But, I’m just a plastic dummy now, and can’t
change
my situation one bit, even if I wanted to.
I
love being a real mannequin!
FADE OUT on JANE’s smiling face.
- THE END -