Neon Cactus

Walter Freeman is a business man from Los Angeles driving to Phoenix not expecting to encounter koyannisqatsi -- a transformation in his life, intending to heal his glibly denied war-induced PTSD. He decides to pull off the beaten path for a rest and encounters a glowing saguaro cactus with whom he establishes a telepathic relationship. The cactus forewarns Walter of his impending relationship with Eliza, a mysterious shamaness, and encourages Walter to return for more discussion.

Walter does indeed meet the enigmatic Eliza, with whom he promptly establishes an intimate relationship in the desert. Much to his surprise, Walter continues to encounter Eliza in the desert and during his normal mundane activities. Oddly, Eliza is only cognizant of him in the desert environment. She explains that until Walter finishes his koyannisqatsi she cannot be with him fully.

Using the information given by the cactus, Walter's business improves to the point where he becomes a hot ticket phenom. With more flexibility of time, he heads back to Los Angeles to heal his primary relationship with Andrea, a wannabe actress whose behavior borders on the redline of codependence.

Walter's cactus lessons continue and he has a series of unusual experiences in life including a nasty encounter with a redneck in Quartzsite, Arizona. Using telepathic guidance from the cactus, Walter emerges unharmed.

One fine day, Walter returns to the cactus with a strong uneasy feeling. The cactus begins to lead Walter through his final healing, a flashback to Iraq where Walter was in charge of a "friendly fire" artillery mission while in the first Gulf War. Upon completion of this catharsis, Eliza appears out of thin air, but in the flesh, to join Walter in a full blown relationship and moves with him to LA. Only one test remains.

Walter returns to the cactus to encounter its destruction by a shooter, the redneck from Quartzsite, in the desert. Walter attacks the redneck in a vain attempt to save his cactus messenger. The attacker is finally subdued by the forces of nature, but the cactus is dead. Walter now discovers the source of the voice he has been hearing throughout lies within.

Again, he is then joined by Eliza in the desert to consummate their soul sealing bond - conception of a child.

This script was originally written for a Vietnam era veteran. Presently, this would be a lead in his 60's. The current version has been updated for a veteran from Iraq, allowing for more potential flexibility in casting.

 

"Offbeat & Inspiring" - Nicholl Fellowship
1990 Quarterfinalist.