Troy Page #4

7 EXT. IONIAN SEA - DUSK 7

We're high above the wine-dark sea, gliding north. Soon

the Peloponnesian coast comes into view. The only break

in the shoreline is the inlet of Laconia, and we follow it

inland.

The inlet ends in a natural harbor where several tall-

masted warships are beached, sails unfurled, oars locked

and rowing benches empty. Dozens of smaller fishing boats

are scattered about the harbor.

On top of the highest hill, overlooking all Sparta, stands

a thick-walled PALACE. Torch-bearing SENTRIES, wearing

plumed helmets and carrying long spears, man their posts.

MENELAUS (V.O.)

Princes of Troy, on our last night

together, Queen Helen and I salute

you.

8 INT. PALACE OF SPARTA - RECEPTION HALL - CONTINUOUS 8

MENELAUS (40), king of Sparta, stands at the head of a

massive table that spans the length of a hall lit by

torches. A battle-scarred warrior, Menelaus is already

halfway drunk.

Beside Menelaus sits his wife, HELEN (25), wearing a white

gown, head bowed, half listening to her husband. Fresh

flowers are woven into her hair. Her beauty is so extreme

she seems to exist in a separate realm.

(CONTINUED)

10.

8 CONTINUED:
8

The only woman in the room and the only one wearing white,

Helen shines amidst the unwashed WARRIORS of Sparta and

Troy. All sit at a table laden with platters of roasted

game birds, whole fish, octopi, suckling pigs and bowls of

fruit.

Menelaus holds his gold wine goblet in the air, toasting

his honored guests, HECTOR (35) and PARIS (25).

Hector is not the best-looking man in the room, nor the

largest, but the intensity of his expression, the regality

of his bearing, confirms that he is a born leader.

Paris is the best-looking man in the room, by a long shot.

He's not paying attention to Menelaus. He's staring at

Helen.

MENELAUS:

We've had our conflicts before,

it's true. We've fought many

battles, Sparta and Troy. And

fought well!

Menelaus's soldiers cheer drunkenly. For a moment Helen

looks up and meets Paris's gaze.

MENELAUS:

But I've always respected your

father. Priam is a good man, a

good king. I respected him as an

adversary, and I respect him now as

my ally.

More cheering, this time from the entire assembly.

MENELAUS:

Hector, Paris, young princes, come,

stand, drink with me.

Hector stands. Paris does not. He's still staring at

Helen. Hector nudges his brother's shoulder. Paris

stands.

MENELAUS:

Let us drink to peace.

Hector nods to Menelaus and raises his cup.

HECTOR:

Peace between Troy and Sparta.

(CONTINUED)

11.

8 CONTINUED:
(2) 8

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