Published Feb 23, 2006
380 Pages
Genre: FICTION / Literary
THE ZEN COOKBOOK is a collection of three screenplays that are off the beaten path. These screenplays examine human nature from a more spiritual perspective. From a female performer who psychologically breaks down choosing an extreme gender-bending form of justice to a man reflecting on the mystical and unexplainable events of his life THE ZEN COOKBOOK examines the choices people make when confronted with overwhelming circumstances. There is an almost metaphysical parody examining God and the flawed human interpretations of powers greater than themselves in each script. In the end, each script is an exercise in breaking the constraints that bind modern screenwriting.
INT. COSMIC GARDEN
The camera spins 180 degrees to a round cast iron table and
two ornate cast iron chairs. In the chair to the left sits a
person who is the MIRROR IMAGE OF DARIUS. The only difference
is that this Darius has one blue and one red eye.
MIRROR IMAGE OF DARIUS
Welcome have a seat.
Before them on the table is a chess board.
MIRROR IMAGE OF DARIUS
I know that when you or should I
say "we" were a child that "we"
never thought that those chess
lessons "we" took would have
universal ramifications.
DARIUS
So you and I are one.
MIRROR IMAGE OF DARIUS
"We" are one and the same. It is
very rare in life when you get a
chance to talk to yourself.
DARIUS
I understand.
MIRROR IMAGE OF DARIUS
The amazing thing is that you do.
That in itself is rare. And that is
why I am here.
DARIUS
You are here to present me with the
choice. To give me a chance to
literally look myself in the eyes.
MIRROR IMAGE OF DARIUS
And to understand the gravity of
this situation. You are a modern
day Job. Your humanity, integrity
and resolve lie in your own hands. Most
people stumble through life never
realizing that every decision,
every choice shapes the future and
their destiny.
