Joker Page #4

The other kids turn back and walk up to Joker down on the

ground.

Joker reaches out, still trying to save the sign--

THE KIDS START KICKING AND BEATING THE SH*T out of Joker.

It's brutal and vicious. Nobody on the street stops to help.

CLOSE ON JOKER'S HOBO CLOWN FACE, down on the ground. Sweat

running down his face, smearing his make-up. He doesn't even

look like he's in pain. He just takes the beating.

That stupid frown painted on his face.

4 INT. CITY BUS (PULLING OUT) - HEADING DOWNTOWN - DUSK 4

Joker, makes his way toward the back of the crowded bus, now

walking with a slight limp, but keeping his head held high.

His make-up's washed off, costume and props all shoved into a

big shopping bag slung over his shoulder. Some white grease-

paint still smudged on the sides of his face.

He finds an empty seat in the back of the bus. Sees a sad-

eyed FOUR-YEAR-OLD GIRL, face puffy from crying, sitting on

her knees looking back at him. Her mother's facing forward,

but even from behind you can tell she's angry.

Joker sees the sad-eyed girl staring straight back at him. He

doesn't know where to look, feeling self-conscious and small.

He gets back into "character" smiling like a clown and covers

his face with his hands-- Starts playing the peek-a-boo game

with her.

The girl stares back at him for a moment then giggles--

WOMAN ON BUS:

(turns back to Joker;

already annoyed)

Can you please stop bothering my

kid?

JOKER:

I wasn't bothering her, I was--

WOMAN ON BUS:

(interrupts)

Just stop.

AND SUDDENLY JOKER STARTS TO LAUGH. LOUD. He covers his mouth

trying to hide it-- Shakes his head, laughter pausing for a

moment, but then it comes on stronger. His eyes are sad. It

actually looks like the laughter causes him pain.

8.

People on the bus are staring. The girl looks like she's

going to cry again.

WOMAN ON BUS:

You think that's funny?

Joker shakes his head no, but he can't stop laughing. He

reaches in his pocket and pulls out a small card. Hands it to

the woman.

CLOSE ON THE CARD, it reads: "Forgive my laughter. I have a

condition (more on back)"

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