The Grand Budapest Hotel Page #4

MR. MOUSTAFA (O.S.)

I said, I know and admire your wonderfulwork.

7.

There is a small splash, and Mr. Moustafa leans intoview from behind a partition where he himself is soakingin a cubicle three tubs over. He wears a bathing cap.

The author sits up straight and says formally:

AUTHOR:

Thank you most kindly, sir.

MR. MOUSTAFA

(teasing slightly)

Did M. Jean have a word or two to share

with you about the aged proprietor ofthis establishment?

AUTHOR:

(reluctantly)

I must confess, sir, I did, myself,

inquire about you.

MR. MOUSTAFA

(resigned)

He’s perfectly capable, of course, M.

Jean -- but we can’t claim he’s a first-

or, in earnest, even second-rateconcierge.

(sadly)

But there it is. Times have changed.

The author nods, attentive. He changes the subject toobserve encouragingly, motioning toward the plungingpool across the hall:

AUTHOR:

The thermal baths are very beautiful.

MR. MOUSTAFA

(gently)

They were, in their first condition. Itcouldn’t be maintained, of course. Toodecadent for current tastes -- but I love

it all, just the same. This enchanting,

old ruin.

Mr. Moustafa looks wistfully around the vaulted space.

The author squints, holds up a finger, and asksgingerly:

AUTHOR:

How did you come to buy it, if I may ask?

The Grand Budapest.

Pause. Mr. Moustafa disappears back behind thepartition. The author looks slightly puzzled. Mr.

Moustafa immediately reappears, but he has turnedhimself around in the tub and is now facing the oppositedirection so he can more comfortably rest in view. He

8.

props his elbow onto the edge of the bath. His eyestwinkle as he says:

MR. MOUSTAFA

I didn’t.

At this moment, one of the matrons of the hammam blaststhe fat, now naked, businessman with a jet of icy water.

He hollers as he is sprayed-down. Silence.

Mr. Moustafa and the author look back to each other.

Each has raised an eyebrow. They both smile slightly.

MR. MOUSTAFA

If you’re not merely being polite (andyou must tell me if that’s the case), butif it genuinely does interest you: may Iinvite you to dine with me tonight, andit will be my pleasure and, indeed, myprivilege to tell you -- “my” story. Suchas it is.

INT. DINING ROOM. NIGHT

The enormous restaurant as before -- but now one of the

tables has been set for two and is occupied by theauthor and Mr. Moustafa. The nine other guests watch,

curious, from their usual spots.

Mr. Moustafa stares at the wine list as he rattles off a

robust order (oysters, soup, rabbit, fowl, lamb). “Boywith Apple” is on the cover of the menu. The waiterdeparts.

MR. MOUSTAFA

That should provide us ample time -- if Icommence promptly.

AUTHOR:

By all means.

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