Counting Crows
Cut to the Ruins. Joey sits on the bench, hugging her knees.
DAWSON: Hey?
She looks over her shoulder to see Dawson approaching.
JOEY: How’d you find me?
DAWSON: Oh, the usual way. Just thought to myself ‘I need to talk to Joey’, and let my heart draw me to you.
Joey stares at him, doubtfully.
DAWSON: And, when that didn’t work, I just checked out every one of our old haunts until I found you.
She half-smiled.
JOEY: Typical Dawson. Running around Capeside like a chicken with its head cut off. That’s why we have cell phones, you know?
Chuckling, Dawson sat beside her.
DAWSON: Funny how we always end up here when we want to be alone, huh? No one else would think to look for us here—they would think we’d be too scared that the owner would catch us or something.
JOEY: Yet, despite our straight-laced habits in all else, we trespassed time and again.
DAWSON: Yep.
They turn to each other, smiling.
DAWSON: So, you gonna tell me what I did, or do I have to guess?
Joey rolled her eyes.
JOEY: You don’t know? Typical Dawson—oblivious to the end!
DAWSON: And what about typical Joey? You know—the one that lashes out whenever she disagrees with something?
Joey sighs, looking downwards.
JOEY: Remember when we were younger, and would make those movies in your backyard with that video camera you dad bought you? You were only a kid, and yet you did all this research about the filmmaking process. Me, I had absolutely no idea what we were doing. I know better now, Dawson.
DAWSON: I can’t help how I am, Jo. Filmmaking is so instinctual to me now, even moreso than when I was a kid. If I see something I think can be changed for the better…you think I should have just ignored it?
JOEY: No, I think you should have asked me first!
The two become silent.
After a moment, Dawson buries his head in his hands.
DAWSON: Oh god—this is ironic. I left LA because I didn’t want to compromise my views, and what happens—I become another one of those suits I was trying to get away from.
JOEY: Isn’t that what being in a relationship is about, though? Compromising?
Dawson turns to her, questioning.
JOEY: If we can't work out how to work together on the set, how are we ever supposed to do it in real life, Dawson?
DAWSON: Whatever the case, it’s out of my hands now. I told Pacey he could finish directing the movie.
Joey stares at him in shock.
JOEY: What? Why? Dawson, you’ve wanted this your entire life…
DAWSON: Being a filmmaker’s my dream, Jo. But you—you’re my dream, too.
Joey’s face softens.
DAWSON: I’ve been in love with you for the better part of my life, Joey. Maybe even longer—I don’t know. What I do know, though, is that while failing at making movies would be egotistically devastating for me—losing you would be infinitely worse.
Joey half-smiles.
JOEY: So, given the choice between possibly meeting Steven Spielberg someday and—some boring, mediocre suburban existence with ‘little Joey Potter’…
DAWSON: You’d win out each and every time.
Smiling, Joey leans over and kisses him. The two of them lean their foreheads together, sighing.
JOEY: You actually handed the reins over to Pacey, huh?
DAWSON: Uh-huh.
JOEY: We’re screwed.
Dawson chuckles.
DAWSON: I wouldn’t be so sure. He might surprise us—if he has a good script.
Pulling away, Joey gives him an amused look.
JOEY: Maybe I’m tooting my own horn here, but I personally think he’s got one of the best. Though maybe it could be—I don’t know—more cinematic?
Dawson raises an eyebrow.
DAWSON: What do you have in mind?
*****
Cut to the school. Doug points a gun at the camera, as a flash-bulb goes off.
PACEY: And cut! Beautiful, people!
Doug takes a deep breath and smiles, looking at the fake gun in his hand.
DOUG: This is actually pretty exhilarating, to tell you the truth.
Pacey walks up to him and grins.
PACEY: That’s the beauty of show business, big brother. Getting to pretend to be someone you’re not. A straight-laced lawman like yourself gets to be a not-so-straight-laced lawman.
Doug raises an eyebrow.
PACEY: Seriously, you did great, Dougie! Take five. I owe you!
Pacey pats him on the back, as Andie runs over to him.
ANDIE: Dawson really let you take over?
Pacey nods.
PACEY: Yeah, it surprised me too.
ANDIE: It did?
PACEY: I just—I didn’t think he had that kind of faith in me, you know? I mean, he said he trusted me and all, but you know how he is? Actions speak louder than words, so this—you and Dawson and everyone keep telling me I’m not that loser I was in high school anymore, I think I’m starting to finally believe it myself.
Andie looks at him adoringly.
PACEY: Speaking of Dawson, where is he? God, I hope he managed to…
At that moment, the two of them notice Dawson and Joey wander back onto the set. Under Joey’s arm is a copy of the script.
PACEY: Whew—looks like he calmed her down?
ANDIE: Yeah, I heard—hey guys!
Andie waves them over.
PACEY: You know, I was almost ready to panic. We’ve got a tight schedule, D, and it’s kinda hard to film without your stars.
Joey placed the script in his hands.
ANDIE: What’s that?
DAWSON: Just a few last-minute revisions.
Pacey’s face falls.
PACEY: Does nothing I say register with you, Dawson?
JOEY: Actually—I did the rewrites.
Pacey and Andie stare at her in disbelief.
JOEY: With some coaching from a seasoned professional, of course.
DAWSON: I’d hardly call myself seasoned…
Joey half-smiles at him.
ANDIE: Are you sure you’re ok with that? I mean—changing your story…?
JOEY: The way I see it, it gives people who already read the book a bit of a surprise. As long as it keeps the feel of it alive.
Pacey nods, impressed. He flips through it.
PACEY: All right—let’s see what we’ve got…
His jaw hangs open.
JOEY: Let me guess…your mouth drops?
PACEY: No way! I ain’t filming this!
JOEY: Aww—what’s the matter, Witter? Getting cold feet already?
Pacey points at her accusingly.
PACEY: You did this solely because I’m director now—admit it!
DAWSON: What’d you write?
Joey smiles at him mischievously.
JOEY: Wouldn’t you like to know?
With that, Joey strutted away. Pacey groaned in frustration.
PACEY: This is not happening to me. But as the man says…the show must go on!
Andie looks over his shoulder and gasps.
ANDIE: Oh my stars!
DAWSON: What? What’d she write?
ANDIE: What did you suggest to her?
DAWSON: Just to try and make things more cinematic.
The couple rolls their eyes at him.
*****
Sometime later, a banner marked ‘closed set’ marks the Capeside High library. Taking a deep breath, Pacey wanders inside.
PACEY: Agh!
He covers his eyes in protest.
PACEY: Warn me next time, will ya?
Lying in a makeshift bed, Joey gives him an annoyed look. A somewhat uncomfortable Dawson looks over the script, trying desperately not to meet anyone’s eyes.
JOEY: Relax, will you Pace? We’re wearing clothes underneath this. The magic of Hollywood!
PACEY: You call those clothes? Maybe for a beach excursion or a really, really hot day—but no, I’d definitely not classify those as clothes suitable for the lawful pursuit of ne’r do wells.
DAWSON: This wasn’t my idea.
PACEY: Well duh, Dawson! Forgive me for saying, but you really don’t got the nerve to suggest something like this.
Dawson gives him the evil eye.
JOEY: Can we get on with it? I’m getting cold.
PACEY: I’m still protesting. Why does the movie have to have a sex scene, anyway? Even an implied one?
Dawson sighs.
DAWSON: It sells. I hate to admit it, but it does. Look at it this way—the sooner this is over, the sooner we can get to the chase.
JOEY: You wanted the job, remember?
Pacey groans.
PACEY: I’m being punished, right? This is revenge.
JOEY: Oh for—
DAWSON: Look, maybe he’s right? We could always rework the dialogue a bit, and—
Pacey points at him, triumphantly.
PACEY: See? He’s getting performance anxiety…
Joey’s eyes become saucers. Andie tries in vain to suppress her giggles. Dawson’s eyes, however, speak of Pacey’s untimely demise.
DAWSON: (muttering) Gonna have to drag the creek to find your body…
JOEY: Can you keep the innuendos to a minimum, Witter?
PACEY: That one wasn’t intentional—
Joey sighs in frustration.
JOEY: Maybe you’re right, Pacey. Maybe this is too much to ask of you.
PACEY: Thank you.
She puts her arms around Dawson’s neck, winking at him.
Getting the message Dawson leans closer.
DAWSON: Of course, if we’re not going to be acting, there’s no reason not to take advantage of the position we’re in.
JOEY: You’re reading my mind, darling.
Pacey lets out a high-pitched squeak, and quickly gets behind the camera.
PACEY: Okay…we’re rolling in 5, 4, 3…
*****
Time lapse. The same scene is being filmed.
DAWSON: You know, maybe we’re going about this the wrong way…?
JOEY: I know—this is completely unprofessional. I mean, you work for me, and we’re supposed to have a professional relationship. Just a few reassuring words and I’m throwing myself at you like some wimpy schoolgirl and I can’t help it. This is so wrong on so many levels…
Dawson looks at her.
DAWSON: I meant the case. Your dad—we’ve been looking for ways of proving he’s innocent, but maybe what we should be doing is finding out who’s really guilty. Who’s got the motive, you know.
Her face turns red.
JOEY: Oh…right!
He sighs.
DAWSON: Look Amber…
JOEY: Abigail.
Dawson looks at her in surprise.
JOEY: My name’s Abigail.
DAWSON: You never told me that before.
JOEY: Ya never asked. Don’t much like being called that, anyways. Always seemed so girly—not me, you know? Ma always called me Amber cause I was—like her ray of sunshine.
DAWSON: Well, I think it’s a beautiful name.
She manages a small smile.
JOEY: Promise you won’t squeal?
DAWSON: It’ll be our secret.
She hugs him. Looking over her shoulder, she notices something on the upside-down newspaper resting on the desk.
JOEY: Hold up a sec!
She grabs it.
DAWSON: What?
JOEY: Look at this—on the ground. The reflection in the water.
Dawson looks over her shoulder.
DAWSON: His eyes are open. We were there, though. Officer Bodine closed the corpse’s eyes before the picture was taken.
JOEY: They’re not even glassy. Look…he’s staring at the water. He wasn’t even dead! I feel like the biggest fool!
DAWSON: But we saw the body at the coroner, which means someone must have killed him for real! Someone who didn’t want him to talk. Probably the same someone who found the ‘body’ in the first place.
Joey’s eyes narrow.
JOEY: Get dressed!
PACEY: And cut!
*****
A montage of scenes start, showing the final stages of filming taking place.
So she said
What's the problem baby
Dawson and Joey attempt to enter a ‘club’, only to find a Kenny sans glasses barring their way. Giving each other a look, they both punch him in unison.
What's the problem
I don't know
Well maybe I'm in love
Love
Think about it
Pacey stops the camera, and helps Kenny to his feet, patting him on the back.
Every time I think about it
Can't stop thinking 'bout it
KENNY: Didn’t even hurt.
PACEY: That’s because they didn’t really hit you, Ken!.
How much longer
Will it take to cure this
*****
Just to cure it
Cause I can't ignore it
Dawson sneaks inside the police station, ducking to avoid Doug seeing him. He makes his way inside the evidence room.
If it's love
Love
Makes me wanna
Turn around and face me but I
Don't know nothing 'bout love
Another scene of Joey running down the docks. Pacey, riding backwards on an old wheelchair with a steady-cam attached to his, keeps only a short distance ahead.
Come on, come on
Turn a little faster
Come on, come on
The world will follow after
Come on, come on
Cause everybody's after love
Suddenly, several firecrackers go off right beside her. Joey dives behind a trio of barrels, peering overtop at an unseen assailant.
So I said I'm a snowball running
Running down into the spring
That's coming all this love
Melting under blue skies
Belting out sunlight
Shimmering love
*****
Another scene is finished. Joey runs up to a waiting Dawson, throwing her arms around him. She gives him a toothy grin before kissing him.
Well baby I surrender
To the strawberry ice cream
Never ever end of all this love
Well I didn't mean to do it
But there's no escaping your love
Shaking his head, Pacey keeps his mind on the job at hand. He takes Chris to the side and hands him some charts, explaining every detail carefully.
These lines of lightning
Mean we're never alone,
Never alone,
No, no
*****
Sunset.
Dawson and Joey stand by the talk, involved in an intense conversation.
Come on, Come on
Move a little closer
Come on, Come on
I want to hear you whisper
Come on, Come on
Settle down inside my love
Suddenly, Dawson reaches over and pulls off her hat. He runs his fingers through her hair, before leaning over and kissing her. The camera pans around them 180 degrees, before panning out towards the creek.
Come on, come on
Jump a little higher
Come on, come on
If you feel a little lighter
Come on, come on
We were once upon a time in love
We're accidentally in love
Accidentally in love
Accidentally in love
Accidentally in love
*****
The same place, later that night. A searchlight shines on the creek.
On the shore, the camera crew is in place. Dawson and Pacey survey the area.
DAWSON: I’m not sure I trust Chris Wolfe around explosives…
PACEY: Just let me worry about it, will you? Look at me…I’m relaxed.
DAWSON: You’re not the one with the girlfriend jumping from an exploding boat.
PACEY: It’s a radio-controlled charge. We’re not gonna activate it until Joey’s made the jump. You sure you’re up for this, Potter?
Joey walks up to the two of them, dressed in costume.
JOEY: Yeah, sure. I mean, if you and Dawson can do if for real during a storm, I can do it when they’re tied together. No sweat. Not like you can afford a stunt double, right?
DAWSON: He can put a wig on Audrey.
JOEY: Relax, will you Dawson? I’ll be fine.
Dawson takes a deep breath.
DAWSON: How about this: I’ll relax when you’re safe on the shore.
Joey half-smiles, and heads towards the dock. Dawson stands there nervously as she meets up with Doug. Pacey taps him on the shoulder.
PACEY: Yo, Dawson?
DAWSON: Hmm?
Pacey points to the left.
PACEY: Could you maybe wait over there for your cue? You kinda have to be in this scene.
Snapping out of his daze, Dawson goes in the direction Pacey’s pointing.
DAWSON: Oh, yeah—right!
Pacey chuckles, picking up his megaphone again.
PACEY: All right, this one’s the climax, and you know what that means, right? Time for the big boom! Now, we’ve only got one boat, so we’re only going to get one shot at this.
Behind the cameras, Chris and Audrey watch patiently. In his hand, Chris holds a radio-detonator.
AUDREY: You know how to work that thing?
CHRIS: Sure, I’ve got it.
AUDREY: Good. Cause if you blow up my roommate—
She leans over, whispering in his ear.
AUDREY: --I’ll murder you in your sleep.
She gives him a coy smile.
PACEY: ACTION!
*****
DOUG: You’re still alive?
Joey walks out of the shadows, a tape recorder in her hand.
JOEY: Yep, and your boys are lousy shots! Why’d you do it, Bodine?
DOUG: It would have cost me my badge! Faking a murder like that…but that idiot would have told. Kept griping about how he didn’t want your old man to fry for something he didn’t do!
JOEY: Why even bother? Pops never did a thing to you!
DOUG: He’s a crook!
JOEY: And so are you—I’m taking you in!
Doug smiles.
DOUG: Sorry it had to come to this…boys?
They hear footsteps, as someone approaches. However, as they round the corner, Doug’s face falls.
DAWSON: Sorry…your hired goons are a little tied up at the moment.
In a fit of panic, Doug makes a run for it. He hops in one of the boats and takes off down the creek.
Joey hops in the second one.
DAWSON: Amber, wait!
JOEY: He makes it out of the city and he’ll get away!
Dawson tries to get in the boat himself, but she’s already taken off. Desperately, he races along the edge of the water, trying to keep them in view.
Joey’s boat catches up to Doug. She attaches a rope to keep the motor running, and leaps to the other one.
DOUG: You don’t know when to quit, do you little girl?
With that, he pulls the gun on her. Joey grabs his arm, causing it to go off.
The bullet ricochets off the motor, causing a gas leak.
Joey punches him in the face twice. Then, grabbing him by the collar, hangs him over the side of the boat.
DOUG: Why couldn’t you just leave well enough alone? You could have been rid of that bastard for good!
JOEY: That ‘bastard’ is my father, you murderer! And I couldn’t—because then I’d be like you! I’ll never be like you!
It’s then that she notices sparks coming from the motor. She only has a split second to react, as she pulls Doug into the water.
Then—it explodes.
*****
While on shore—
DAWSON: AMBER!!!
Dawson stares, horrified, as the embers of the boat drift on the water.
However, his fear is short-lived. A moment later someone rises from the water and swims towards shore.
It’s Joey, dragging an unconscious Doug with her. Dawson helps her to climb out.
DAWSON: You ok? When that boat blew—
JOEY: Lost my hat—wasn’t about to loose this creep. The tape…
DAWSON: The chief’s got it.
He looks down at Doug.
DAWSON: I don’t get it—why’d you save him? After everything he did?
JOEY: Like I told Bodine, it’d make me as bad as him. I—I don’t wanna be a killer, no matter how much he might deserve it. It ain’t my choice to make.
She moves in close and rests her head on Dawson’s shoulder. In turn, he wraps his arms around her.
DAWSON: That’s it, then—it’s finally over?
JOEY: Maybe for now. You ask me, though—I can’t wait to see what comes next.
The sun begins to rise, as the two lean in to kiss.
*****
PACEY: And cut!
Everyone cheers and begins to applaud. Dawson and Joey, on the other hand, continue to kiss.
ANDIE: Yoo-hoo, guys? Dawson, I expect an experienced director like you to know that ‘cut’ means ‘stop acting’!
They break off the kiss.
DAWSON: Sorry. I was a bit caught up in the moment.
Pacey shakes his head in amazement.
PACEY: All right, that’s a wrap. Dougie, you can get up now.
No answer. Gasping, Pacey runs over to the three of them.
PACEY: Oh god…
DOUG: Didn’t know you cared, little brother?
Doug’s eyes open as he smirks at Pacey. Pacey isn’t amused.
PACEY: That wasn’t funny!
*****
The next night, Dawson and Joey are sitting in his old room, watching the footage from the day.
JOEY: So that’s it? We’re done?
DAWSON: Still a lot of post-production to do. You know…editing, sound. It’ll probably be a month or so until we try to sell this thing.
JOEY: I swear, Dawson—you missed your true calling. Watching this, I’m almost convinced you really were worried.
DAWSON: Well…maybe a little.
Joey half-smiles.
DAWSON: Maybe you’re right, though. There are some people out there who both act and direct.
JOEY: Sorry, Mel Gibson, but I think they were actors first!
He smirks at her.
DAWSON: You feeling better?
She sighs.
JOEY: A little. I gotta tell you though, Dawson, that I sort of feel bad about making you have to step back. This whole thing was about us working together…
DAWSON: Which we still did. Ok, so maybe it was more in the writer’s room than the set, but you and me still managed to pool our resources in time. Let’s just consider ‘Dawson and
JOEY: Phase Three’ a work in progress.
Joey raises an eyebrow.
JOEY: Phase three? More like six, Dawson.
DAWSON: No, it’s three: best friends, couple, business partners…
JOEY: So we’re just skipping ‘exes’, ‘recovering friendship’ and ‘lovers’ from the equation?
Dawson looks at her.
DAWSON: Speaking of which…why on earth did you add a love scene?
JOEY: I thought it needed it. Ok…maybe some small insignificant part of me wanted to torture you.
DAWSON: Torture me? I was almost certain Pacey was the intended victim.
Joey grabs a pillow and starts to hit him over the head with him.
DAWSON: I give…I give…
They grin at each other.
Accidentally…
I'm In Love,
I'm in Love,
I'm in Love,
I'm in Love,
I'm in Love,
I'm in Love,
Accidentally…
DAWSON: So…any plans for our next joint project?
Come on, come on
Spin a little tighter
She bites her lip.
Come on, come on
And the world's a little brighter
JOEY: Let’s just see how this one turns out first, ok?
They lie back on the bed, as the movie begins.
Come on, come on
Just get yourself inside her...
Love ...
I'm in love
Fade to black
End credits
Counting Crows