troy - daily script...achilles walks west, away from both armies. the soldiers watch him go in...

TROYby

David Benioff

February 21, 2003

FADE IN:

1 EXT. THESSALIAN VALLEY - DAY 1

A mangy, bone-thin DOG lopes across the broad valleyfloor, sniffing at the ground. At first the sceneappears bucolic: tall grass, patches of wildflowers, bluesky above.

But as the dog keeps running we see signs of conflict. Aspear, half imbedded in the earth, rises at an angle. Abronze helmet, cracked and bloodied, lies on its side.

The dog pauses to sniff the helmet then continues hissearch. Finally he stops, hackles on his back rising,ears pricked up. He growls, and we see what the dog sees.

Dozens of CROWS have descended into a shallow ravine.They squabble and peck, clustered around something on theground.

The dog growls louder and charges at the crows. The blackbirds flap away to safety, shrieking in protest.

A DEAD SOLDIER lies facedown in the ravine. Whateverarmor he wore was stripped away, leaving his body to theelements.

The dog walks slowly to the dead man, sniffing at thecorpse's hands. The dog whines and licks the man'sfingers.

Something in the air disturbs the dog, who looks up. Andnow we hear it, faintly, in the distance. HOOF BEATS andchariot wheels, marching men, the clank of bronze armorand weaponry.

The dog runs, abandoning his dead master.

1A THE MYCENAEAN ARMY 1A

five thousand strong, storms into the valley from thesouth. Armored with bronze breastplates, helmets andshields, the soldiers glitter in the morning sun.

Riding alongside the infantry are dozens of horse-drawnCHARIOTS, each holding a DRIVER, a SPEARMAN and anOFFICER.

On the opposite side of the valley, three thousandTHESSALONIAN SOLDIERS march into view. The Thessaloniansare less disciplined, their armor and weaponry lessimpressive.

(CONTINUED)

1A CONTINUED: 1A

When each army reaches the battlefield they stop and stareone another down, two hundred yards distant.

1B A MYCENAEAN CHARIOT AND A THESSALONIA CHARIOT 1B

emerge from their respective sides and meet at the centerof the field.

AGAMEMNON, king of the Mycenaeans, rides in his chariotwith a DRIVER and a SPEARMAN. Agamemnon holds a goldSCEPTER, symbol of command. His breast plate is engravedwith an Alpha.

His counterpart in the Thessalonian cart, TRIOPAS (60),does not project equal confidence. He eyes the size ofthe Mycenaean army with evident unease. He holds his ownSCEPTER.

Both kings step down from their chariots and approach eachother. They stare at one another for several seconds.Agamemnon smiles and looks into the sky.

The crows wheel overhead, cawing.

AGAMEMNONIt's a good day for the crows.

TRIOPASI told you yesterday and I'll tellyou again today. Remove your armyfrom my land.

Agamemnon smiles again and turns to examine the valley.

AGAMEMNONI like your land. I think we'llstay.

(beat)I like your soldiers, too. Theyfought bravely yesterday. Notwell, but bravely.

TRIOPASThey'll never fight for you.

AGAMEMNONThat's what the Messenians said,too. And the Arcadians. And theEpeians. They're all fighting forme, now.

(CONTINUED)

2.

1B CONTINUED: 1B

TRIOPASYou can't rule the whole world,Agamemnon. It's too big. Even foryou.

Agamemnon surveys Triopas's army.

AGAMEMNONI don't want to watch anothermassacre. Let's end this war inthe old manner.

(beat)Your best fighter against my best.

For the first time, Triopas looks hopeful.

TRIOPASAnd if my man wins?

AGAMEMNONWe'll leave Thessaly for good.

(beat)I'm a generous man. If mine wins,you keep your throne. But Thessalyfalls under my command, to fightwith me whenever I call.

Triopas considers before nodding. He shouts to his army.

TRIOPASBoagrius!

The Thessalonians murmur and step aside. A giant emergesfrom their midst, BOAGRIUS, a foot taller than the othermen, his face gouged with old knife scars. He marches outto his king.

TRIOPASHere is my champion.

Agamemnon raises his eyebrows as the giant comes closer.

AGAMEMNON(shouting to his army)

Achilles!

The Mycenaeans murmur amongst themselves, looking forAchilles. Nobody emerges. Agamemnon frowns.

TRIOPASBoagrius has this effect on manyheroes.

(CONTINUED)

3.

1B CONTINUED: (2) 1B

AGAMEMNONBe careful whom you insult, oldking.

An OFFICER on horseback gallops from the Mycenaean ranksto the center of the field. He bows his head toAgamemnon.

OFFICERAchilles is not with the army.

Triopas laughs and looks up at Boagrius, who chuckles.

AGAMEMNON(furious)

Where is he?

OFFICERI sent a boy to look for him.

2 EXT. WOODS - DAY 2

A BOY (12) on a roan HORSE gallops through the woods.

3 EXT. MYCENAEAN CAMP - DAY 3

The boy rides into the camp. Scores of tents stand on thebanks of a river. The only men around are COOKS tendingfires and ARMORERS, mending armor and weapons.

The boy dismounts at one large tent in the corner of thecamp. He pulls open the tent flap and steps inside.

4 INT. ACHILLES' TENT - CONTINUOUS 4

The boy pauses for a moment inside the tent, eyesadjusting to the dim light. Evidently last night was awild party. Jugs of wine are everywhere, and the remainsof a large feast.

Sleeping on a fur rug are two NAKED WOMEN and one NAKEDMAN, tanned arms and legs entwined. The boy sidestepsshards of a broken jug. He bends to tap the sleepingman's shoulder.

Before his fingers make contact, a hand shoots out, grabshis wrist, and pulls him to the rug. The boy findshimself flat on his back with a dagger to his throat.

(CONTINUED)

4.

4 CONTINUED: 4

ACHILLESShh.

The boy stares into the eyes of ACHILLES (30), who seemsto have barely moved. Somehow he managed to seize the boyand put a knife to his throat without waking the women.

ACHILLES(whispering)

I was having a good dream.(beat)

A very good dream.

The boy nods, dumb with fear. Achilles has the lean,efficient physique of a boxer. His face and body are darkfrom a summer spent in the sun.

BOYKing Agamemnon sent me. Heneeds --

ACHILLESI'll speak with your king in themorning.

BOYBut my lord -- it is morning.

Achilles frowns. He stands and walks naked to the tentflap, holds it open and stares at the empty encampment.

BOYThey're waiting for you.

5 EXT. MYCENAEAN CAMP 5

Achilles prepares for battle, strapping on hisbreastplate. The boy assists him, fixing the bronzegreaves to his legs.

BOYAre the stories about you true?They say your mother is an immortalgoddess.

Achilles lifts up his shield. He slips his left forearminto the leather straps on the inside of the shield.

BOYThey say you can't be killed.

(CONTINUED)

5.

5 CONTINUED: 5

ACHILLESI wouldn't be bothering with theshield then, would I?

BOYThe Thessalonian you're fighting-- he's the biggest man I've everseen.

Achilles mounts the boy's horse.

BOYI wouldn't want to fight him.

ACHILLESThat's why no one will rememberyour name.

Achilles gallops away, leaving the boy standing alone.

6 EXT. THESSALIAN VALLEY 6

Agamemnon confers with his OFFICERS on the battlefield,including KING NESTOR (65), his trusted advisor.

When Achilles rides into view the Mycenaean soldiersCHEER. Some cry out his name. Agamemnon and his officersturn to watch Achilles dismount and approach them.

AGAMEMNONPerhaps we should have our wartomorrow, when you're betterrested?

Achilles ignores the king and examines the waiting giant.

AGAMEMNONI should have you whipped forimpudence.

Achilles wheels on the king.

ACHILLESWho's giving the whipping?

He walks toward Agamemnon, fingers curling over the hiltof his sword. Nestor slides in between Achilles and theking.

NESTORAchilles.

(CONTINUED)

6.

6 CONTINUED: 6

Achilles, nostrils flared, eyes narrowed, stares atAgamemnon. Neither man is willing to turn away.

ACHILLES(to Agamemnon)

Why don't you fight him yourself?Wouldn't that be a sight, a kingwho fights his own battles?

NESTORAchilles.

Achilles finally turns and looks at him.

NESTORLook at the men's faces.

Achilles surveys the faces of the battle-weary soldiers.

NESTORYou can save hundreds of them. Youcan end this war with a swing ofyour sword.

(beat)Think how many songs they'll singin your honor.

(beat)Let them go home to their wives.

The soldiers, awed in his presence, stare at Achilles. Hefinally turns and walks toward Boagrius.

Agamemnon watches Achilles with undisguised hostility.

AGAMEMNON(to Nestor, under his breath)

Of all the warlords loved by thegods, I hate him most.

NESTORWe need him, my king.

AGAMEMNONFor now.

6A ACHILLES 6A

When Achilles is forty yards from the giant, Boagriusturns to his army and shakes his spear over his head.They cheer, slamming their bronze swords against theirbronze shields.

(CONTINUED)

7.

6A CONTINUED: 6A

Achilles keeps coming. He looks up at the circling crows.

Boagrius turns and throws his spear. The bronze spearheadglitters in the sun, blazing straight for Achilles.

Without breaking stride, Achilles raises the shield. Thespearhead blasts through the bronze skin of the shield,through the thick leather on the underside, stoppinginches from Achilles' face.

Achilles keeps coming.

Boagrius hoists a second spear and hurls it, grunting witheffort. Again Achilles raises his shield, again thespearhead tears through the shield but does not harmAchilles.

Achilles casts aside the shield and keeps coming.Boagrius unsheathes his tremendous bronze sword. He openshis mouth, lets loose a battle cry, and charges atAchilles.

When Boagrius raises his sword, Achilles lunges forwardwith terrifying speed. It does not seem possible that hecould close the gap between them so quickly, but he does,thrusting his sword straight through Boagrius'breastplate.

Achilles pulls his sword from the giant's chest andcontinues walking toward the Thessalonian line, neverlooking back.

Boagrius stares down at the hole in his breastplate.Blood pumps out, pouring down the polished bronze. Hetopples over.

The Mycenaean Army ERUPTS with exultant victory cries.

Achilles now stands in front of the massed Thessaloniantroops. He searches from face to face. None of thesoldiers are willing to make eye contact with him.

Finally Triopas steps out of the ranks.

TRIOPASWho are you, soldier?

ACHILLESAchilles, son of Peleus.

(CONTINUED)

8.

6A CONTINUED: (2) 6A

TRIOPASAchilles. I won't forget the name.

Triopas offers Achilles the heavy gold SCEPTER.

TRIOPASThe ruler of Thessaly carries thisscepter. Give it to your king.

ACHILLESHe's not my king.

Achilles walks west, away from both armies. The soldierswatch him go in silence.

7 EXT. IONIAN SEA - DUSK 7

We're high above the wine-dark sea, gliding north. Soonthe Peloponnesian coast comes into view. The only breakin the shoreline is the inlet of Laconia, and we follow itinland.

The inlet ends in a natural harbor where several tall-masted warships are beached, sails unfurled, oars lockedand rowing benches empty. Dozens of smaller fishing boatsare scattered about the harbor.

On top of the highest hill, overlooking all Sparta, standsa thick-walled PALACE. Torch-bearing SENTRIES, wearingplumed helmets and carrying long spears, man their posts.

MENELAUS (V.O.)Princes of Troy, on our last nighttogether, Queen Helen and I saluteyou.

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

MENELAUS (40), king of Sparta, stands at the head of amassive table that spans the length of a hall lit bytorches. A battle-scarred warrior, Menelaus is alreadyhalfway drunk.

Beside Menelaus sits his wife, HELEN (25), wearing a whitegown, head bowed, half listening to her husband. Freshflowers are woven into her hair. Her beauty is so extremeshe seems to exist in a separate realm.

(CONTINUED)

9.

8 CONTINUED: 8

The only woman in the room and the only one wearing white,Helen shines amidst the unwashed WARRIORS of Sparta andTroy. All sit at a table laden with platters of roastedgame birds, whole fish, octopi, suckling pigs and bowls offruit.

Menelaus holds his gold wine goblet in the air, toastinghis honored guests, HECTOR (35) and PARIS (25).

Hector is not the best-looking man in the room, nor thelargest, but the intensity of his expression, the regalityof 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 atHelen.

MENELAUSWe've had our conflicts before,it's true. We've fought manybattles, Sparta and Troy. Andfought well!

Menelaus's soldiers cheer drunkenly. For a moment Helenlooks up and meets Paris's gaze.

MENELAUSBut I've always respected yourfather. Priam is a good man, agood king. I respected him as anadversary, and I respect him now asmy ally.

More cheering, this time from the entire assembly.

MENELAUSHector, Paris, young princes, come,stand, drink with me.

Hector stands. Paris does not. He's still staring atHelen. Hector nudges his brother's shoulder. Parisstands.

MENELAUSLet us drink to peace.

Hector nods to Menelaus and raises his cup.

HECTORPeace between Troy and Sparta.

(CONTINUED)

10.

8 CONTINUED: (2) 8

The king and the princes drink deeply and slam their emptycups to the table.

MENELAUSMay the gods keep the wolves in thehills and the women in our beds.

All the men in the hall cheer and rise to their feet.

GUESTSTo Sparta! To Troy!

A band of MUSICIANS strike up their instruments; SERVANTSroam the hall filling goblets with wine.

POLYDORA (20), one of Helen's handmaidens, leads a dozenattractive YOUNG WOMEN into the banquet hall.

The warriors howl at the sight of the women. Soon each ofthe handmaidens is flanked by drunken soldiers.

Menelaus grabs Hector in a bear hug. Hector gamelyaccepts the embrace. When the king releases him, both menspill a few drops of wine from their cups onto the floor.

They drink the rest of their wine. Menelaus gripsHector's upper arm. SERVANTS refill the cups.

MENELAUSA strong arm. Thank the gods wemade peace -- I've seen too many ofmy men struck down with this arm.

HECTORNever again, I hope.

MENELAUSOnly one man works a sword betterthan you. The son of Peleus theArgonaut.

HECTORAchilles.

MENELAUSThat madman would throw a spear atZeus himself if the god insultedhim.

(CONTINUED)

11.

8 CONTINUED: (3) 8

Menelaus indicates Polydora, who stares at Hector openly.

MENELAUSYou see that one over there? Ipicked her just for you. She's alittle lioness.

Menelaus grins at the girl, who lowers her eyes andsmiles. Helen notices this silent exchange but ignoresit, conversing instead with another HANDMAIDEN who sitsbeside her.

HECTORThank you. My wife waits for me inTroy.

MENELAUSMy wife waits for me right there.

He leans forward to whisper conspiratorially in Hector'sear.

MENELAUSWives are for breeding. Youunderstand? For making littleprinces. Come, enjoy yourselftonight.

Helen stands and walks out of the reception hall.Menelaus does not notice. Hector does. He raises his cupto Menelaus.

HECTORYou make excellent wine in Sparta.

Menelaus laughs and drinks with Hector.

Paris excuses himself from the Spartan generals he's beenspeaking with and heads outside -- in the same directionas Helen. Hector watches with mounting agitation.

9 INT. HELEN'S CHAMBER - NIGHT 9

The room is lit by a dozen tall candles. Helen removesthe flowers from her hair and drops them into a bowl ofwater. She hears a sound and looks up. Paris stands inthe doorway.

For several breaths they are silent, staring at eachother.

(CONTINUED)

12.

9 CONTINUED: 9

HELENYou shouldn't be here.

Paris closes the door behind him.

PARISThat's what you said last night.

HELENLast night was a mistake.

PARISAnd the night before?

Helen continues removing the flowers from her hair but shecannot hide a half-smile.

HELENI've made many mistakes this week.

He approaches her.

PARISDo you want me to go?

His hands are on her now, sliding down her bare neck, downher back, resting on her hips. His mouth is very close toher ear. Helen closes her eyes.

HELEN(whispering)

Yes.

Paris kisses her neck, her ears, her closed eyes. Thetightness we saw in her face when she sat by her husband'sside is gone, replaced by ecstasy.

PARIS(whispering)

Where should I go?

She kisses him back now and there's a hunger in herkisses, something close to violence in her desire. Shelifts off his tunic and pulls him nearer.

HELEN(whispering)

Away. Far away.

In a moment the white gown slips to her feet. He staresat her naked body in wonder. He opens his mouth to speakbut she kisses him full on the lips. They sink onto thebed.

13.

10 INT. PALACE - RECEPTION HALL - NIGHT 10

As more and more wine gourds are emptied, the scene growsrowdier. An impromptu choir of Spartan and Trojansoldiers drunkenly sing battle songs.

Polydora sits on Menelaus's lap. She whispers in his earwhile he laughs and drains another cup of wine. Bits ofroasted boar fleck his thick red beard.

Hector sits nearby, half engaged in conversation withseveral Spartan generals. He's clearly not happy that hisbrother's still missing.

11 INT. HELEN'S CHAMBER - NIGHT (LATER) 11

Helen lies naked on her bed. In the candlelight herflanks are mapped with copper trails of sweat. Shewatches Paris, who stands bedside pulling on his clothes.

PARISI have something for you.

From his tunic he pulls a necklace of baby pearls threadedwith silver. He sits beside her in bed.

PARISPearls from the sea of Propontis.

Paris strings the pearls around her neck.

HELENThey're beautiful.

(beat)But I can't wear them. Menelauswould kill us both.

PARISDon't be afraid of him.

HELENI'm not afraid of dying. I'mafraid of tomorrow, watching yousail away and knowing you'll nevercome back.

She runs her fingers across his jaw line.

HELENBefore you came to Sparta I was aghost. I walked and I ate and Iswam in the sea, but I was a ghost.

(CONTINUED)

14.

11 CONTINUED: 11

PARISYou don't have to fear tomorrow.

Helen watches him, unsure what he means.

PARISCome with me.

For a long moment they stare into each other's eyes.

HELENDon't play with me, prince of Troy.Don't play.

The sounds of footsteps and laughter outside the doorstartle them. Paris halfway unsheathes a KNIFE hangingfrom his belt.

Whoever's walking by the door passes without stopping.Paris sheathes his knife, kneels beside the bed and takesher hand.

PARISIf you come we'll never be safe.Men will hunt us and the gods willcurse us. But I'll love you.Until the day they burn my body Iwill love you.

Helen stares into Paris' eyes, contemplating theimpossible.

12 INT. PALACE - COURTYARD - LATER 12

A group of TROJAN SOLDIERS lies on goatskins and fursaround a bonfire built in the middle of the courtyard.Some sleep; some continue to drink and sing old Trojansongs.

Hector stands by the fire, conferring with TECTON (30), abull-necked captain of the elite Apollonian Guard.

HECTORMake the proper offerings toPoseidon before we sail. We don'tneed any more widows in Troy.

TECTONGoat or pig?

HECTORWhich does the Sea God prefer?

(CONTINUED)

15.

12 CONTINUED: 12

TECTON(smiling)

I'll wake the priest and ask him.

Tecton bows and exits the courtyard. Hector sees Parisslinking past the bonfire, sneaking toward his quarters.

HECTORParis!

Paris turns, smiles and waves, acting as if he hadn't seenHector before. He ambles over to join his brother.

HECTORYou should get to bed. We won'tsleep on land again for weeks.

PARISI have no trouble sleeping on theseas. The sea nymphs singlullabies to me.

HECTORAnd who sang lullabies to youtonight?

Paris freezes for a moment but quickly regains his poise.

PARISTonight? Tonight was thefisherman's wife. A lovelycreature.

HECTORI hope you didn't let the fishermancatch you.

PARISHe's more concerned with the fish.

Paris smiles and starts to walk away but Hector holds him.

HECTORYou do understand why we're inSparta?

PARISFor peace.

(CONTINUED)

16.

12 CONTINUED: (2) 12

HECTORAnd you do understand thatMenelaus, King of Sparta, is apowerful man? And that hisbrother, Agamemnon, King ofMycenae, commands all the Greekforces?

PARISWhat does this have to do with thefisherman's wife?

Hector seizes Paris's face between the palms of his hand.Not a violent gesture, exactly, but not gentle, either.

HECTORParis. You're my brother, and Ilove you. But if you do anythingto endanger Troy I'll rip yourpretty face from your pretty skull.

He kisses Paris on the forehead.

HECTORGet some sleep. We sail in themorning.

Paris, a bit shocked by the encounter, stumbles away.

13 EXT. IONIAN SEA - DAY 13

The TROJAN SHIP sails over the waves.

14 EXT. SHIP'S DECK - DAY 14

The winds are strong. Nobody needs to row. SAILORS tendthe sails or play dice.

Hector stands in the bow, leaning against the rail,whittling a WOODEN LION. Paris joins him.

PARISA beautiful morning. Poseidon hasblessed our voyage.

Hector looks at the blue sky for a moment.

(CONTINUED)

17.

14 CONTINUED: 14

HECTORSometimes the gods bless you in themorning and curse you in theafternoon.

Paris watches his brother work the wood. When Parisspeaks again his tone is more sober than we've heard itbefore.

PARISDo you love me, brother?

Hector rests his knife on the deck and smiles.

HECTORWhat have you done now?

PARISI need to show you something.

Paris walks toward the staircase leading inside the ship.Hector watches him for a few seconds and then follows.

15 INT. TROJAN SHIP 15

Paris pauses in front of his cabin door.

PARISBefore you get angry with me --

HECTOROpen the door.

Paris opens the door. Helen, wearing a hooded robe, sitson the edge of a hammock, swinging slightly. She stands.Hector stares at her in disbelief. He turns and glares atParis.

HECTORIf you weren't my brother I'd killyou where you stand.

PARISHector --

Hector is already out the door. Helen looks at Paris.

HELENWe'll never have peace.

PARISI don't want peace. I want you.

(CONTINUED)

18.

15 CONTINUED: 15

He kisses her -- a desperate, hungry kiss, the two of themagainst the world -- then turns and follows his brother.

16 INT. PALACE OF SPARTA - HELEN'S BEDCHAMBER - DAY 16

Menelaus, followed by ten SOLDIERS, storms into Helen'sroom.

17 INT. HELEN'S BEDCHAMBER 17

He finds Polydora polishing the queen's jewelry. Menelausgrabs her arm roughly. She's terrified.

MENELAUSWhere is she?

POLYDORAWho, my king?

Menelaus draws his sword.

MENELAUSI swear by the father of the godsI'll gut you here if you don't tellme.

The handmaiden tries to speak but no words come out.Fortunately for her, HIPPASUS, (50), a royal advisor,enters the room at that moment followed by an oldFISHERMAN (65).

HIPPASUSShe left with the Trojans, my king.

Menelaus stares at Hippasus, who swallows and gestures atthe fisherman. The fisherman looks as if he'd rather befishing.

HIPPASUSThe old man saw her board theirship.

Menelaus releases the handmaiden and stares at thefisherman.

MENELAUSThe Trojans?

(CONTINUED)

19.

17 CONTINUED: 17

FISHERMANWith the young prince. Paris.She --

Menelaus holds up his hand. The fisherman shuts up.Everyone watches the king, waiting for an explosion, butthe news -- strangely -- seems to focus him.

MENELAUSGet my ship ready.

18 EXT. TROJAN SHIP 18

Hector walks quickly toward the stern, Paris right behindhim. The PILOT mans the rudder.

HECTOR(to pilot)

Turn us around. Back to Sparta.

PARISWait, wait.

Hector spins on his brother.

HECTORYou fool.

PARISListen to me --

Hector shoves his brother backwards. The older brother'sphysical power is obvious. SAILORS watch in awed silence.

HECTORDo you know what you've done? Doyou know how many years our fatherworked for peace? How manybrothers and cousins he lost on thebattlefield?

PARISI love her.

The muscles in Hector's jaw bulge against his cheeks.

HECTORSay another word and I'll breakyour arm. This is all a game foryou, isn't it?

(MORE)(CONTINUED)

20.

18 CONTINUED: 18

HECTOR (CONT'D)You roam from town to town, beddingmerchants' wives and temple maids -- you think you know somethingabout love? What about yourfather's love? You spat on himwhen you brought her on this ship.What about love of your country?You'd let Troy burn for this woman.

Paris starts to speak but Hector raises a warning finger.

HECTORI won't let you start a war forher.

PARISMay I speak?

(beat)What you say is true. I've wrongedyou. I've wronged our father. Ifyou want to bring Helen back toSparta, so be it. But I go withher.

HECTORTo Sparta? They'll kill you.

PARISThen I'll die fighting.

Hector laughs bitterly. He grabs the collar of Paris'stunic.

HECTORThat sounds heroic to you, doesn'tit? To die fighting. Tell me,little brother, have you everkilled a man?

PARISNo.

HECTORHave you ever even seen a man diein combat?

PARISNo.

Hector's face is flushed with anger. Paris tries to lookaway but Hector won't let him.

(CONTINUED)

21.


HECTORI've killed men, brother. I'vewatched them dying, I've heard themdying, I've smelled them dying.

(beat)There's nothing glorious about it,nothing poetic. You think you wantto die for love, but you knownothing about dying. You knownothing about love.

PARISAll the same, I go with her.

Hector releases his brother. He stares at the sea.

PARISI won't ask you to fight my war.

Hector shakes his head, still staring into the waves.

HECTORYou already have.

For a long time Hector is silent. Finally he turns to thepilot, who awaits the prince's command.

HECTORTo Troy.

Hector walks away from his brother.

19 EXT. MYCENAE HARBOR - DAY 19

Three WARSHIPS are anchored in the harbor.

Menelaus, followed by Hippasus and a retinue of SOLDIERS,climbs the long stone staircase that leads to the walledcity of Mycenae, a citadel hewn from the hilltop rock.

20 INT. MYCENAE CITADEL - THRONE ROOM - DAY 20

Menelaus and his followers enter the throne room.Treasures from various conquests fill the room: statuaryand urns and intricate gold work. Armed GUARDS stand attheir posts.

(CONTINUED)

22.

20 CONTINUED: 20

Only Agamemnon is seated, on a beautiful throne carvedfrom solid oak. Two robed NOBLES are addressing him whenMenelaus enters -- they move away as the Spartansapproach.

Agamemnon stands. The two kings embrace.

AGAMEMNONYour messenger came two days ago.I know what happened.

Menelaus's face darkens, his rage barely submerged.

MENELAUSI want her back.

AGAMEMNONOf course you do. She's abeautiful woman.

MENELAUSI want her back so I can kill herwith my own two hands. I won'trest until I've burned Troy to theground.

AGAMEMNON(smiling)

I thought you wanted peace withTroy.

MENELAUSI should have listened to you.

AGAMEMNONPeace is for the women and theweak. Empires are forged by war.

MENELAUSAll my life I've stood by yourside, fought your enemies. You'rethe eldest, you reap the glory --this is the way of the world. Buthave I ever complained, brother?Have I ever asked you for anything?

AGAMEMNONNever. You're a man of honor.Everyone in Greece knows this.

(CONTINUED)

23.


MENELAUSThe Trojans spat on my honor. Aninsult to me is an insult to you.

AGAMEMNONAnd an insult to me is an insult toall Greeks.

MENELAUSWill you go to war with me,brother?

Menelaus reaches out his hand. Agamemnon looks into hiseyes. Finally he nods and clasps hands with his brother.

21 INT. MYCENAE CITADEL - THRONE ROOM - NIGHT 21

Agamemnon paces the vast, torch-lit room. Nestor sits ata wooden table. Spread out on the table before him is arough map of Greece and environs, painted on a tanned goatskin.

AGAMEMNONI always thought my brother's wifewas a foolish woman. But she'sproven to be very useful. Nothingunifies a people like a commonenemy.

NESTORThe Trojans have never beenconquered. Some say they can't beconquered.

AGAMEMNONI haven't tried yet.

(beat)Old King Priam thinks he'suntouchable behind his high walls.He thinks the Sun God will protecthim. But the gods only protect thestrong.

(points at map)If Troy falls, I control theAegean.

NESTORHector commands the finest army inthe east. And Troy is built towithstand a ten-year siege.

(CONTINUED)

24.

21 CONTINUED: 21

AGAMEMNONThere won't be a ten-year siege.I'll attack them with the greatestforce the world has ever seen. Iwant all the kings of Greece andall their armies.

(beat)Send emissaries in the morning.

Nestor stands and prepares to leave.

NESTOROne last thing.

(beat)We need Achilles and his Myrmidons.

Agamemnon shakes his head.

AGAMEMNONAchilles can't be controlled. He'sas likely to fight us as theTrojans.

NESTORWe don't need to control him. Weneed to unleash him. The man wasborn to end lives.

AGAMEMNONYes, he's a gifted killer, but hefollows no king. He threatenseverything I've built.

(beat)Before me Greece was nothing, aprovince of warlords and cattleraiders. I've brought all theGreek kingdoms together -- with thesword when necessary, with a treatywhen possible. I've created anation out of fire-worshippers andsnake-eaters.

(beat)I build the future, Nestor.Achilles is the past, a man whofights for no flag, a man loyal tono country.

Nestor waits a respectful moment before replying.

(CONTINUED)

25.


NESTORYour words are true. But how manybattles have we won off the edge ofhis sword?

(beat)This will be the greatest war theworld has ever seen. We need thegreatest warrior.

Agamemnon thinks about it, pacing the room. Finally --

AGAMEMNONThere's only one man he'll listento.

NESTORI'll send a ship in the morning.

22 EXT. ITHACA - DAY 22

A lean, bearded SHEPHERD (40) sits on a hillside lookingover the Ionian sea.

Beside him sits his faithful hunting dog, ARGOS. Theywatch a troop of EMISSARIES climb the steep hill. Theemissaries are panting for breath by the time they reachthe hilltop.

EMISSARY #1Greetings, brother. We were toldKing Odysseus is here in the hills.

SHEPHERDOdysseus? That old bastard drinksmy wine and never pays.

EMISSARY #2You ought to respect your king,friend.

SHEPHERDRespect him? I'd like to punch himin the nose. He's always pawing atmy wife, trying to tear her clothesoff.

The emissaries, embarrassed, begin walking away. Theshepherd watches them go.

(CONTINUED)

26.

22 CONTINUED: 22

SHEPHERD(to Argos the dog)

I hope Agamemnon's generals aresmarter than his emissaries.

Emissary #1 turns to look at the shepherd.

EMISSARY #1What did you say?

The shepherd scratches behind Argos's ears. The dog wagshis tail happily.

SHEPHERDYou want me to help you fight theTrojans.

EMISSARY #1You're --

Emissary #1 exchanges glances with his compatriots.They're confused. Finally the chastened emissaries bow.

EMISSARY #1Forgive us, King Odysseus.

Odysseus stands and looks down at his dog.

ODYSSEUSWell, I'm going to miss my dog.

EMISSARY #2King Agamemnon has a favor to askof you.

Odysseus smiles and rubs his dog's head.

ODYSSEUSOf course he does.

23 EXT. SEASIDE CLIFF - LATE AFTERNOON 23

Achilles stands in the ruins of an ivy-covered temple on acliff above the sea, sparring with his cousin Patroclus(17). Both men wield wooden practice swords.

Patroclus is a talented, lean, flashy young fighter. Hissword whirls in the air like a thing alive.

Achilles, by contrast, is the apotheosis of the efficientcombatant, wasting no energy, waiting for weakness.

(CONTINUED)

27.

23 CONTINUED: 23

Patroclus presses in on the attack. Achilles tilts hishead to avoid one thrust, side-steps to avoid another.Spying a momentary opening he lunges forward and tapsPatroclus' belly with the tip of his wood sword.

ACHILLESYou're getting fat, cousin.

Patroclus grins and relaunches his attack, sword spinningwith blazing speed. Achilles ducks beneath an arcingswing and sword-taps Patroclus on the back.

ACHILLESFancy swordplay. The girls must beimpressed.

Patroclus grunts and charges in again. This time agenuine duel develops, featuring splendid repartee andparrying.

PATROCLUSA little nervous, aren't you?

ACHILLESTerrified.

Achilles raises his right hand and Patroclus lifts hissword to parry the blow -- but Achilles no longer holdshis sword in his right hand.

Sword in hisleft hand, Achilles taps Patroclus on thechest. Patroclus stares down at the wood blade.

PATROCLUSYou told me never to switch swordhands.

Achilles rolls his head to loosen his neck.

ACHILLESBy the time you know how to do it,you won't be following my ordersanymore.

Achilles tosses aside the sparring sword. He cocks hishead as if listening to some distant sound. Patroclus,oblivious to the noise, practices his swordplay.

Achilles' foot curls around the wood shaft of one of thespears lying on the ground. In one impossibly fastmotion, he flips the spear into the air with his foot,catches it, and throws in the opposite direction fromwhere he was looking.

(CONTINUED)

28.


The bronze warhead blazes between the temple's walls anddrives into the trunk of an old fir.

Only now do we see Odysseus, leading a black horse,standing inches from the quivering shaft of the spearblocking his path. He stares at the spear for a momentbefore ducking his head under the shaft and walkingforward.

ODYSSEUS(smiling)

Your reputation for hospitality isfast becoming legend.

ACHILLESI don't like that smile, my friend.It's the smile you smile when youwant me to fight in another war.

(beat)Patroclus, my cousin -- Odysseus,king of Ithaca.

ODYSSEUSPatroclus, son of Menoetius?

The boy nods. Odysseus grips Patroclus's shoulder.

ODYSSEUSI knew your parents well. I missthem.

Patroclus nods again, looking at his feet.

ODYSSEUSNow you have this one watching overyou, eh? Learning from Achilleshimself -- every boy in Greece mustbe jealous.

(to Achilles)We need to talk.

ACHILLESTell me you're not here atAgamemnon's bidding.

Odysseus hesitates. Achilles shakes his head.

ACHILLESHow many times have I done thesavage work for the King of Kings?And when has he ever shown me therespect I've earned?

(CONTINUED)

29.


ODYSSEUSI'm not asking you to fight forhim. I'm asking you to fight forthe Greeks.

ACHILLESWhy? Are the Greeks tired offighting each other?

ODYSSEUSFor now.

ACHILLESThe Trojans never did anything tome.

ODYSSEUSThey insulted Greece.

ACHILLESThey insulted one Greek, a man whocouldn't hold on to his wife. Whatbusiness is that of mine?

ODYSSEUSYour business is war, my friend.

ACHILLES(angry)

Is it? Am I the whore of thebattlefield? Can my sword bebought and sold?

(beat; calmer)I don't want to be remembered as atyrant's mercenary.

ODYSSEUSForget Agamemnon. Fight for me.My wife will feel much better ifshe knows you're by my side. I'llfeel much better.

PATROCLUSIs Ajax going to fight in Troy?

ODYSSEUSOf course. You've heard of Ajax,eh?

PATROCLUSThey say he can fell an oak treewith one swing of the axe.

(CONTINUED)

30.


ACHILLESTrees don't swing back.

Odysseus chuckles, but he's alert to the boy's enthusiasm.

ODYSSEUSWe're sending the largest fleetthat ever sailed -- a thousandships.

PATROCLUSA thousand ships! Prince Hector,is he as good a warrior as theysay?

ODYSSEUSThe best of all the Trojans. Somesay he's better than all theGreeks, too.

(beat)Even if your cousin doesn't come,Patroclus, I hope you'll join us.We could use a strong arm likeyours.

Patroclus beams with pride and looks at his cousin.

Achilles wraps his arm around Odysseus's shoulders andleans closer to the Ithacan. The embrace is friendly, butthere's no mistaking the power in Achilles' grip.

ACHILLESPlay your tricks on me, if you'dlike. But leave my cousin out ofit.

ODYSSEUSYou have your sword, I have mytricks. We play with the toys thegods give us.

Odysseus goes back to his horse and mounts.

ODYSSEUSWe sail for Troy in three days.

(beat)This war will never be forgotten.Nor will the heroes who fight init.

Patroclus, eager but frustrated, watches him ride away.

31.

24 EXT. BEACH - SUNSET 24

Achilles makes his away across the sandy hillocks. Hespies a woman in the distance.

25 EXT. SEASHORE - SUNSET 25

Achilles finds his mother, THETIS (45), standing in thesurf. Her long black hair is streaked with gray. Shesees a shell that she likes and stoops down to pick it up.

ACHILLESMother.

Thetis turns and smiles at Achilles.

THETISI thought I'd make you anotherseashell necklace.

ACHILLESI haven't worn a seashell necklacesince I was a boy.

Thetis looks at Achilles' bare neck.

THETISDon't you like them anymore?

Achilles spots a good shell. He hands it to his mother.

THETISOh, that's a pretty one.

She surveys the beach for more pretty shells.

ACHILLESThey want me for another war.

Thetis bends down and scoops up a silvery shell.

ACHILLESAre you listening?

THETISYes, my sweet. Another war.

ACHILLESPatroclus wants to go.

THETISPatroclus has never seen war.

(CONTINUED)

32.

25 CONTINUED: 25

Thetis examines the shells in the palm of her hand.Finally she stands and looks at her son.

THETISIf you stay here, with me, withyour family, you'll have a long,peaceful life. You'll marry,you'll have children, and yourchildren will have children.They'll love you, and when you'regone they'll remember you. Butwhen your children are dead, andtheir children after them, yourname will be lost.

Thetis reaches up to touch her son's cheek. Her eyes areclear, her voice steady. She speaks these lines with nohesitation, no doubt.

THETISIf you go to Troy, no one will earnmore glory than you. Men will tellstories of your victories forthousands of years. The world willremember your name.

Achilles stares at her, his eyes burning. These are wordshe's wanted to hear since the day he was born. His motherwaits a moment before speaking again. The words hurt her.

THETISBut if you go to Troy, you'll nevercome home. You'll die there.

ACHILLESAnd you know this, mother?

THETISI know it.

Achilles looks out to the sea. Thetis, tears in her eyes,smiles bravely.

THETISWhenever your father came home fromwar, he'd stare at the sea, justlike that.

(beat)He never stayed for long.

In the distance Achilles sees a white sail. He fixates onthe lonely spot of white on the endless expanse of darkwater.

33.

26 EXT. AEGEAN SEA - DAY 26

We soar above the greatest armada the world has ever seen.ONE THOUSAND SHIPS sail east, crowding the sea, churningthe waves with their keels.

The white sails are painted with the signs and emblems ofthe various nationalities represented in this alliance.One ship sails slightly out of formation. Alone amongstthe entire fleet, this ship's sail is black.

27 EXT. ACHILLES' WARSHIP - DAY 27

Achilles stands in the prow of his boat, staring east.Patroclus stands behind him, wearing a new SHELL NECKLACE.

28 EXT. TROY - DAY 28

Hector, Paris, Helen, and an entourage of SOLDIERS walkthrough the gates of Troy.The city is magnificent, a wonder of white-washed walls,lush gardens, and towering STATUES of the gods. ZEUS,APOLLO, APHRODITE, and POSEIDON stand eighty feet high inthe four corners of the main square.

The princes' return is a holiday for the Trojans.Thousands of ONLOOKERS line the road, cheering. Otherwell-wishers, standing on the roofs of houses, throwflower petals.

Paris holds Helen's hand and occasionally whispers in herear, pointing out various sights, but Helen looks nervous.

People in the crowd, mystified by her appearance, point ather and whisper amongst themselves.

Helen holds her head high and pretends to ignore themurmurs and stares. Hector looks at her. She carriesherself like a queen -- but she's gripping Paris's handwith white knuckles.

29 EXT. PALACE OF TROY 29

At the bottom of a long staircase leading into the palace,four APOLLONIAN GUARDS, wearing horsehair-plumed helmets,are mounted on beautiful WHITE HORSES.

(CONTINUED)

34.

29 CONTINUED: 29

Hector reunites with his wife, ANDROMACHE (30), paleskinned and dark eyed. He holds her to his chest; shecloses her eyes, and they stand like that for a long time.

A NURSE standing nearby holds Hector's ten-month-old son,SCAMANDRIUS. Now Andromache takes the baby from thenurse. Hector stares into the boy's wondering eyes andputs his finger in the boy's hand.

HECTORHe has a good grip.

ANDROMACHEHe's just like his father. He evenhates peas.

While this reunion is going on, Paris embraces his father,PRIAM (70), king of Troy. Priam is a regal-looking manwith a shock of white hair and sharp blue eyes. He adoresParis.

PARISFather, this -- is Helen.

Helen bows her head, paying respect.

PRIAMHelen? Helen of Sparta?

Both Helen and Priam now look at Paris.

PARISHelen of Troy.

If Priam is disturbed by this revelation, his face doesn'tbetray it. He leans forward and kisses the former queenon both cheeks. Helen didn't know what to expect -- she'sflustered and gratified at the same time.

PRIAMI've heard rumors of your beauty.For once, the gossips were right.Welcome.

HELENThank you, good king.

PRIAMCome, you must be tired.

He leads them up the stairs and into the palace.

35.

29A INT. ENTRANCE HALL (PALACE OF TROY) 29A

BRISEIS, a seventeen-year-old girl with an aristocraticdemeanor, wearing the white robes of a temple acolyte,approaches the royal family. Paris smiles when he seesher.

PARISBriseis! Beloved cousin, yourbeauty grows with each new moon.

Briseis, cheeks flushing, dips her knees in deference.Hector approaches her now, arms open. Briseis's facelights up. She hugs the eldest prince. Hector kisses thetop of her head.

HECTORDid you miss me, little swan?

Briseis nods. Hector pinches the sleeve of her robe.

HECTORA servant of Apollo now?

PRIAMThe young men of Troy weredevastated when she chose thevirgin robes.

Briseis' cheeks turn bright red.

BRISEISUncle.

Priam laughs and kisses the girl's forehead. He takesthree goblets of wine from a SERVANT holding a silverplatter and hands them to Hector and Paris, keeping onefor himself.

PRIAMI thank the gods for your safereturn.

The king and the princes spill a few drops of wine.

PRIAM, HECTOR AND PARISFor the gods!

They drain their goblets.

30 INT. PRIAM'S MEETING HALL - DAY 30

The camera glides down the long hall, past tall columnsand marmoreal depictions of the Olympians.

(CONTINUED)

36.

30 CONTINUED: 30

At the far end of the hall, Priam stands by an openarchway looking over the city. Hector sits at a tablethat could seat fifty men.

PRIAMIt's the will of the gods.Everything is in their hands.

(beat)But I'm surprised you let him bringher.

HECTORIf I'd let him fight Menelaus forher, you'd be burning a son's bodyinstead of welcoming a daughter.

Priam closes his eyes at these words.

PRIAMWe could send peace envoys toMenelaus.

HECTORYou know Menelaus. He'd spear yourenvoys' heads to his gate.

PRIAMWhat would you have me do?

HECTORPut her on a ship and send herhome.

Priam thinks for a moment, staring out at his city.

PRIAMWomen have always loved Paris andhe's loved them back.

(beat)But this is different. Somethinghas changed in him. If we send herback to Menelaus, he'll follow.

Hector stands and joins his father in the archway. Hegestures outside. The city of Troy teems with life, theCITIZENS going about their business.

HECTORThis is my country. These are mycountrymen. I don't want to seethem suffer so my brother can havehis prize.

(MORE)(CONTINUED)

37.


HECTOR (CONT'D)(beat)

It's not just the Spartans comingafter her. By now Menelaus hasgone to Agamemnon, and Agamemnon'swanted to destroy us for years.Once we're out of the way hecontrols the seas.

PRIAMEnemies have been attacking us forcenturies. Our walls still stand.

HECTORFather.

(beat)We can't win this war.

PRIAMApollo watches over us. EvenAgamemnon is no match for the gods.

HECTORHow many battalions does the SunGod command?

PRIAMDon't mock the gods.

Hector opens his mouth to argue but holds his tongue.

PRIAMWhen you were very young you camedown with scarlet fever.

Hector nods impatiently. He's heard this story before.

PRIAMYour little hands were so hot. Thehealer said you wouldn't last thenight. I went down to Apollo'stemple and I prayed until the suncame up.

(beat)That walk back to the palace wasthe longest of my life. But I wentinto your mother's room and youwere sleeping in her arms. Thefever had broken.

(beat)I promised that day to dedicate mylife to the gods. I will not breakmy promise.

(CONTINUED)

38.


Hector takes a deep breath. He knows Priam has decided.

PRIAMFor thirty years I've worked forpeace. Thirty years.

(beat)Paris is a fool sometimes. I knowthat. But I'll fight a thousandwars before letting him die.

Hector looks past the city to the sea. The waters areempty now, but he knows what's coming.

HECTORForgive me, father. But you won'tbe the one fighting.

He bows and leaves the old king alone in the great hall.

32 INT. PARIS'S BEDCHAMBER - NIGHT 32

Paris paces about the room. Helen stands in the archwaylooking out to the dark sea. The wind blows through herhair.

HELENThey're coming for me.

(beat)The wind is bringing them closer.

Paris stops pacing and stares at her.

PARISWhat if we left? Tonight, rightnow, what if we went down to thestables, took two horses and left.Ride east, keep riding --

HELENAnd go where?

PARISAway from here. I could hunt deer,rabbit. I could feed us.

HELENThis is your home --

PARISYou left your home for me.

(CONTINUED)

39.

32 CONTINUED: 32

HELENSparta was never my home. Myparents sent me there when I wassixteen to marry Menelaus, but itwas never my home.

Paris, excited with his new-hatched plan, barely listens.

PARISWe'll live off the land. No morepalaces for us, no more servants.We don't need any of that.

HELENAnd your family?

PARISWe'd be protecting my family! Ifwe're not here there's no need fora war.

HELENMenelaus won't give up. He'lltrack us to the end of the world.

PARISHe doesn't know these lands. I do.We can lose ourselves in a day.

Helen stands and kisses him on the lips.

HELENYou don't know Menelaus. You don'tknow his brother. They'll burnevery house in Troy to find us.They'll never believe we've left --and even if they do, they'll burnTroy for spite.

Paris considers her words and finally nods.

PARISThen I'll make it easy for him tofind me. I'll walk right up to himand tell him you're mine.

Helen wraps her arms around Paris and rests her chin onhis shoulder.

HELENYou're very young, my love.

(CONTINUED)

40.


PARISWe're the same age!

HELENYou're younger than I ever was.

33 EXT. TROY - DAWN 33

The sun rises above Troy and the Trojan countryside.

33A IN THE MAIN SQUARE 33A

dozens of SUPPLICANTS kneel before the statue of Poseidonand lay down their offerings: bundles of flowers; smallcarvings; goatskins filled with wine.

33B SOLDIERS 33B

prepare a series of fortifications at the beach. Mencarrying torches ignite giant pumice urns filled withburning pitch. Others hammer long spikes deep into thesand to hinder enemies rushing up from the beach.

There is little conversation and the men look tense.Everything is touched with an air of extreme urgency.

33C A TEMPLE OF APOLLO 33C

overlooks the beach.

33D INSIDE THE TEMPLE 33D

two PRIESTS carve strips of fat from a roasted PIG and laythem on the god's altar, muttering chants as they performthe ritual.

Briseis, the temple acolyte, stands beside the priests,pouring ceremonial wine on the stone floor.

33E MERCHANTS 33E

in the marketplace set up their stalls and display theirgoods: wine, olive oil, dates, figs, nuts and spices.

The BRONZESMITH hammers a bronze sword into shape.

41.

33F A SHEPHERD 33F

watches over his herd of SHEEP.

33G A FARMER AND HIS SON 33G

lead a team of yoked OXEN to the fields.

33H FOUR FISHERMEN 33H

in a small boat, a mile from shore, spread their nets inthe water.

34 EXT. GUARD TOWER - DAWN 34

Two SENTRIES stand in a guard tower on a corner of Troy'scity walls, sipping hot broth from bowls. A large flag,emblazoned with Troy's HORSE EMBLEM, flies above thetower.

Sentry #1 blows steam off his soup. He raises his eyes,blinks and squints into the distance. He bolts upright.

Sentry #2 stands and follows his partner's gaze out to thesea. Both of them stand slack-jawed.

34A A THOUSAND GREEK WARSHIPS 34A

clog the horizon, sailing straight for Troy.

34B SENTRY #2 34B

grabs a gong tapper and begins hammering the brass gonghanging from the tower's lintel. Sentry #1 still staresat the swarm of ships. No Trojan has ever seen such aforce.

34C SENTRIES 34C

in other guard towers hammer their warning gongs.

35 INT. HECTOR'S CHAMBER - CONTINUOUS 35

Hector sits on a rug by his bed, beside his wifeAndromache, watching his son.The boy plays with the WOOD LION Hector carved on thejourney back from Sparta.

(CONTINUED)

42.

35 CONTINUED: 35

The city bells begin to ring.

Hector looks at his wife and walks to the balcony, wherehe can see over the city walls to the Aegean.

He sees a thousand enemy sails. For a moment he stares atthe armada before hurrying back into the palace.

36 INT. PRIAM'S MEETING HALL - DAY 36

Priam kneels before a grand statue of Zeus in the greathall. The Thunder God, his stone face a mask of rage,thunderbolts clutched in his stone hands, stares down atthe old king.

Listening to the bells, Priam takes a deep breath and Looks upinto Zeus's eyes. The father of the gods stares back.

37 EXT. TROY - DAY 37

Panic in the streets of Troy. Merchants quickly pack awaytheir goods; mothers run into the streets looking fortheir children; young men hurry to the armory.

38 EXT. COUNTRYSIDE - DAY 38

A mad rush to get inside the safety of the city walls.

38A THE FARMER AND HIS SON 38A

hastily load provisions onto a wagon.

38B THE SHEPHERD 38B

hurries his herd toward the Trojan gates. He's joined byhundreds of COUNTRY DWELLERS racing for sanctuary.

38C THE FISHERMEN 38C

row desperately for shore.

39 EXT. AEGEAN SEA - DAY 39

The armada draws closer to shore. One ship sails farahead of the rest. Its sail is black.

43.

40 EXT. ACHILLES' WARSHIP 40

Achilles' OARSMEN holler encouragement to their shipmatesand check to see that their boat is safely in the lead.

Achilles stands in the prow, scanning the Trojan shore.Patroclus stands beside him. EUDORUS (40), a Myrmidonlieutenant, approaches Achilles.

EUDORUSShould we wait for the others?

Achilles marks the progress of the other ships. Thenearest is a quarter-mile back.

Those MYRMIDONS (Achilles' countrymen and comrades) notrowing are suiting up for battle.

ACHILLESThey brought us here for a war,didn't they?

EUDORUSYes, my lord. But Agamemnon --

Achilles stares at his officer until the man bows hishead.

ACHILLESDo you fight for me, Eudorus? OrAgamemnon?

EUDORUSFor you, my lord.

ACHILLESThen fight for me. And let theservants of Agamemnon fight forhim.

41 EXT. AGAMEMNON'S WARSHIP 41

Agamemnon, Nestor and Menelaus stand in the ship's prow.

MENELAUSWhose ship is that?

Nestor shields his eyes from the sun and looks.

NestorBlack sail. Achilles.

They watch Achilles' ship approach the beach.

(CONTINUED)

44.

41 CONTINUED: 41

AGAMEMNONWhat is that fool doing? He'sgoing to take the beach of Troywith fifty men?

42 EXT. TROJAN BEACH FORTIFICATIONS - DAY 42

The TROJAN ARCHERS check their catgut strings one lasttime.

43 EXT. TROJAN ARMORY - DAY 43

Tecton dismounts at the door of the armory and runsinside.

44 INT. TROJAN ARMORY - DAY 44

The cavernous building is crowded with armaments: racksand racks of spears, swords, breastplates, and shields.

Hector watches as hundreds of male CITIZENS rush into thearmory and are issued weapons by TROJAN SOLDIERS. Thefaces of the men reflect fear, excitement, and resolve.

Tecton approaches the prince and bows.

HECTORThe Apollonian Guard?

TECTONWaiting at the city gates.

HECTORGood.

Hector grabs the captain, LYSANDER, overseeing armsdistribution.

HECTORHow long before the army is ready?

LSYANDERHalf our men are still coming infrom the countryside. We have toarm them, we have to match themwith the right officers --

HECTORHow long?

(CONTINUED)

45.

44 CONTINUED: 44

LSYANDER(taking a deep breath)

Noon?

HECTORMake it sooner.

We've never seen the prince in martial mode before. Helooks different: eyes harder, mouth set and unsmiling.

HECTORI want patrols to scour thecountryside. Check every home,every pasture. I want every Trojanbrought inside the walls. If theycan't walk, carry them.

Lysander bows his head. Hector walks swiftly away,followed by Tecton. Lysander and the other Trojans watchtheir prince with silent respect. There is no doubt wholeads the city.

45 EXT. ACHILLES' WARSHIP 45

Though the oarsmen continue to pull, everyone is nowarmored. Achilles sees Patroclus, armed and ready tofight.

ACHILLESWhere are you going?

PATROCLUSTo fight the Trojans.

Achilles shakes his head and takes Patroclus' spear.

ACHILLESYou're not ready.

PATROCLUSI am ready. You taught me how tofight.

Achilles rests his hand on the back of the boy's head.

ACHILLESAnd you're a good student. Butyou're not a Myrmidon yet.

He gestures to the Myrmidons around them.

(CONTINUED)

46.

45 CONTINUED: 45

ACHILLESThese are the fiercest soldiers inGreece. Each of them has bled forme before.

(beat)I can't fight the Trojans if I'mworrying about you, cousin. Guardthe ship.

Patroclus looks about the deck. The only unarmored manaboard is an old, ONE-LEGGED COOK, mending spears.Patroclus angrily strips off his breastplate and drops itto the deck.

46 EXT. GATES OF TROY - DAY 46

Hector and Tecton gallop through the gate. They rein intheir horses and look over the elite Apollonian Guard,eighty of Troy's finest soldiers, riding well-groomed,snorting mounts.

When Hector speaks his voice is clear and steady.

HECTORAll my life I've lived by a code,and the code is simple.

(beat)Honor the gods.

(beat)Love your woman.

(beat)And defend your country.

The men roar.

HECTORTroy is mother to us all. Fightfor her!

The men roar and thrust their spears into the air. Hectorleads the charge to the beach.

47 EXT. ACHILLES' WARSHIP - DAY 47

Achilles stands in his ship's bow, scanning the Trojandunes. He turns to face his men. He smiles.

ACHILLESMyrmidons, we are brothers of thesword. I'd rather fight alongsideyou than any army of thousands.

(CONTINUED)

47.

47 CONTINUED: 47

The Myrmidons cheer. Achilles points his sword towardTroy.

ACHILLESDo you know what's waiting beyondthat beach?

(beat)Immortality.

The Myrmidons raise their swords and cry out with onevoice.

The oarsmen give one last mighty pull on their oars andbeach the tar-caulked keel of the warship on Trojan sand.

Achilles puts on his helmet, grabs a coiled rope anchoredto a bronze cleat, and rappels down to the beach. TheMyrmidons follow him, tossing the ropes off the deck andshimmying down to the beach.

48 EXT. TROJAN BEACH FORTIFICATIONS - CONTINUOUS 48

The archers behind the fortifications watch the Myrmidonsclimb down from their ship.

Their CAPTAIN raises his hand: wait... wait...

CAPTAIN of archersNow!

The archers rise and release their arrows.

49 EXT. TROJAN BEACH - CONTINUOUS 49

Hundreds of arrows whistle through the air. Four of theMyrmidons climbing down cry out as arrows hit them; theytumble into the sea. Other arrows rip into the packedsand or zip harmlessly into the water.

The Myrmidons, clustered together and holding theirshields above their heads, look to Achilles. Achillesmakes a hand signal. Half his men split off and run tothe fortifications on their left, howling like wolves asarrows rain down.

50 EXT. ACHILLES' WARSHIP - CONTINUOUS 50

Patroclus huddles under the railing beside the cook asarrow after arrow screams by. A flaming arrow hits one ofthe sails, and then another. The sails begin to burn.

(CONTINUED)

48.

50 CONTINUED: 50

ONE-LEGGED COOKHelp me get the sails down!

The cook limps over to the sails, ignoring the arrows thatrain around him. Patroclus takes a deep breath and runsin a crouch to the cook. Together they lower the burningsails.

51 EXT. TROJAN BEACH - DAY 51

Achilles sprints toward the archers, half his men behindhim. The archers let off another volley. More Myrmidonsfall.

52 EXT. AGAMEMNON'S SHIP - DAY 52

Agamemnon, Menelaus, and Nestor watch the battle from theprow of their ship. They're still half a mile away.

AGAMEMNON(in awe despite himself)

The man wants to die.

We hear SHOUTS of "Achilles!" from the other ships, agreat clamor as men bash the flats of their swords againsttheir shields and cheer their hero on.

Agamemnon hears the cheering. He grits his teeth andglares at the distant Achilles. Nestor noticesAgamemnon's barely concealed fury. He speaks quietly, sono one else can hear.

NESTORGive him his battle. You'll takethe war.

AGAMEMNONGive him too many battles and themen will forget who's king.

53 EXT. TROJAN PLAIN - DAY 53

Hector and his men near the high dunes, galloping atbreakneck speed.


Achilles, three arrows in his shield, sprints across thesands. Arrows tear through the air about him. No manalive can run with Achilles.

(CONTINUED)

49.

54 CONTINUED: 54

He leaps over the fortification, sword flashing before hisfeet ever touch the ground. The archers crumple to theground as Achilles' sword cuts through them.

In a moment the Myrmidons catch up to Achilles and layinto the archers. Within seconds they massacre them.Achilles turns and nods to the temple: the next target.Eudorus gasps for air. Achilles regards him withamusement.

ACHILLESBreathe, my friend.

Eudorus takes two deep breaths. Achilles dashes for thetemple. His Myrmidons follow behind.

54A EXT. TEMPLE OF GOLD 54A

The archers at the temple unleash a fusillade of arrows.Every few yards another Myrmidon falls. Several of themare wounded, but if they're not dead they keep movingforward.

55 EXT. AJAX'S SHIP - CONTINUOUS 55

Ajax's ship is one hundred yards from shore. LegendaryAJAX (30) -- a huge man, brutally muscled, head shaved,face and body scarred -- stands in the prow, watchingAchilles.

AJAXLook at him, hogging all the glory.

He walks over to his rowers, grabs an oarsmen on the frontbench under the armpits and tosses him away. Ajax sits,grabs the oar handle, and begins rowing maniacally, theveins in his massive arms bulging through the skin.

AJAXRow, you lazy whores, row! Greeksare dying!

The oarsmen redouble their efforts and the ship leaps overthe waves toward the shore.

56 EXT. TROJAN BEACH DUNES - DAY 56

Hector and the Apollonian Guards rein in their horses atopthe dunes. Hector sees Ajax's ship plowing into thebeach. Hundreds of other ships are close behind.

50.

56A EXT. BEACH DEFENCES 56A

The Trojan archers rain arrows down on Ajax's ship.Several flaming arrows catch in the hull and begin toburn.

56B EXT. TROJAN BEACH DUNES - DAY 56B

TECTONWe can't hold the beach, my prince.

Hector sees where Achilles and the Myrmidons are heading.

HECTORThey're trying to take the temple.

TECTONNo believer would spill blood inApollo's temple.

Hector, increasingly uneasy, watches Achilles dodgearrows. He turns and points to the spot where Ajax's shiphas landed.

HECTOR(to an Apollonian officer)

The archers need help. Burn asmany ships as you can, but don'tsacrifice yourself. Bring the menback to the city.

The OFFICER bows and leads 60 Guards to thefortifications.

HECTOR(to Tecton)

Follow me.

He gallops toward the temple, Tecton and his men behindhim.

57 EXT. TEMPLE OF APOLLO - DAY 57

Achilles, his shield now quilled with arrows, hurls hisspear. It catches the closest archer just above thebreastplate, tearing through the man's throat.

The archers near by throw down their bows and take up thespears racked behind them.

(CONTINUED)

51.

57 CONTINUED: 57

But Achilles is already upon them, cutting them down withruthless precision. Every time his bronze sword flashesthrough the air another Trojan falls, and Achilles keepssweeping through them, his face painted with Trojan blood.

The other Myrmidons are fighting beside their leader now,and the Trojan archers are no match for the Myrmidons inhand to hand combat. Soon the temple area belongs to theGreeks.

58 EXT. AJAX'S SHIP - CONTINUOUS 58

Ajax and his men rappel down the ship's hull while arrowsrip into wood and flesh.Ajax carries a giant battle-axe and a shield twice thesize of most men's.

When he reaches the surf he doesn't wait for his men; heroars and charges at the archers in the dunes.

59 EXT. TEMPLE OF APOLLO - CONTINUOUS 59

Achilles, not even breathing hard after the slaughter,removes his helmet and rests it on the wall. Thesurviving Myrmidons search the grounds, dispatching anydying Trojans.

Eudorus hurries over to Achilles' side.

EUDORUSThe temple is secure.

ACHILLESThe Sun God is the patron of Troy,our enemy. Take whatever treasureyou can find.

The Myrmidons cheer and rush the temple.

EUDORUSWith your permission, my lord --

ACHILLESSpeak.

Eudorus gestures to the sun above them.

EUDORUSApollo sees everything. Perhapsit's not wise to offend him.

(CONTINUED)

52.

59 CONTINUED: 59

Achilles nods and walks over to the towering statue ofApollo in front of the temple.

Eudorus watches in horror as Achilles climbs atop thestatue and beheads Apollo with a swing of his sword.


Hector and Tecton rein in their horses.

TECTONHe dares attack Apollo?

Hector spurs his horse and races toward the invaders,followed by his twenty men.

The other sixty Apollonians gallop to Ajax's landing spot.


Achilles gazes at the sky as if waiting for the sun toblast him for blasphemy. Nothing happens.

Hearing hoofbeats, Achilles turns and spots Hector and hismen, two hundred yards away.

ACHILLES(to Eudorus)

Get inside the temple, warn themen.

Eudorus hurries to warn his comrades.

ACHILLESEudorus! Wait, wait a moment.

The Myrmidon captain stops. Achilles hefts a spear,judges the distance, and throws.

One hundred yards from Achilles, the spearhead finds itsmark: Tecton's breastplate. Tecton is knocked from hishorse and skewered to the ground. He clutches at thewooden shaft, not comprehending his fate.

Hector reins in his horse and stares at his fallencaptain. The man is finished. Hector turns to look atAchilles.

Eudorus's eyes are wide. No other man alive could havethrown a spear that far or that accurately.

(CONTINUED)

53.

61 CONTINUED: 61

ACHILLESNow you can go.

Eudorus runs inside the temple.

Hector kicks his horse and gallops toward Achilles. Hismen cry out and follow him. Achilles waits. Hectorraises his own spear. When he is fifty yards away, hethrows.

At the very last moment, Achilles bends his head to oneside, an almost lackadaisical movement. The spear ripsthrough the air occupied by Achilles' head half a momentbefore.

Achilles smiles.

Hector draws his sword and charges, his men right behindhim. Achilles walks, with insulting insouciance, into thetemple.

A series of high steps lead inside the temple. Hector andthe Trojans dismount and proceed cautiously to the temple.


An arrow sticks out of Ajax's leg but he doesn't seem tonotice it. He bulls forward, giant shield held in front,and slams into the Trojan ranks.

Where Achilles is all grace and speed, Ajax is bruteforce. Parrying his blows is useless: his battle axesplits bronze shields, bronze swords, bronze helmets.

The sound of his axe carving through a breastplate and theman beneath the breastplate is like nothing else on earth.

As Ajax drops another Trojan, he lifts his ax to theheavens.

AJAXI am Ajax, breaker of stones,widow-maker of Salamis! Look uponme, Trojans, and despair!

The Apollonians join the fight against the Greeks. TheGuards are far better than the archers at hand-to-handcombat.

54.

63 INT. TEMPLE OF APOLLO - DAY 63

Hector and his men enter the temple. Eyes adjusting tothe gloomy light, they gingerly advance. All is quiet.Evidence of looting is everywhere.

At the back of the temple, stairs lead up to the altarroom. Hector walks toward the stairs. Blood tricklesdown the steps. Hector raises his eyes.

Achilles stands atop the staircase, both hands wrappedaround the hilt of his sword, the sword point resting onthe top step. He stares down at Hector.

WAR CRIES explode through the temple. The Myrmidons burstfrom their hiding places and rush the Trojans.

Hector is an obvious target. Two Myrmidons charge him,their spears leveled.

If Achilles is the apotheosis of martial grace, Hector issomething altogether different -- a man of ordinary giftswho has become an extraordinary warrior by dint ofexperience, endless training, and powerful intelligence.

As the Myrmidons charge he waits. At the last moment heswings his sword, slicing both spearheads from theirshafts. The Myrmidons stare at their decapitated spears.

Hector doesn't give them a chance to recover. He pounces,sword flashing, and both men fall to the temple floor.

Achilles watches from the top step. Hector begins runningup the stairs. Achilles disappears inside the altar room.

Another Myrmidon bounds up the stairs after Hector. Theprince wheels about and kicks the Myrmidon in thebreastplate. The soldier tumbles down the steps. Hectorcontinues up the stairs.


As more Greek ships make landfall, the Apollonian officersees that their position is no longer defensible.

APOLLONIAN OFFICERBack to the city! Back to thecity!

The Trojans begin to retreat. The archers still turn tofire whenever there's time. Mounted Guards haul fleeingarchers onto their horses.

55.

65 INT. ALTAR ROOM - DAY 65

Hector finds the bodies of two PRIESTS. They lie on thestone floor, limbs splayed, throats slit.

Sitting atop the altar, half-hidden by the shadows, isAchilles. He's a terrible sight to behold, splatteredwith blood, his bronze sword still dripping.

ACHILLESYou must be very brave or verystupid, to come after me alone.

(beat)You must be Hector.

Hector stares at Achilles a moment before kneeling by thedead priests' bodies.

ACHILLESA private audience with the princeof Troy. I'm flattered. Do youknow who I am?

HECTORThese priests weren't armed.

Hector closes the eyes of the murdered priests. Achillesjumps down from the altar and looks at the bodies.

ACHILLESI didn't kill them. Cutting oldmen's throats -- there's no honorin that.

HECTORHonor?

(spits)Children and fools fight for honor.I fight for my country.

Hector charges. Achilles dances back, staying just out ofreach. Achilles looks relaxed, almost playful.

HECTORFight me.

ACHILLESWhy kill you, prince of Troy, withno one here to see you fall?

Achilles backs out of an archway opening onto the brightday outside. Hector follows.

56.


Down at the beach, scores of Greek ships are on the sand.

HECTORWhy did you come here?

Achilles gestures at the invading flotilla.

ACHILLESThey'll be talking about this warfor a thousand years.

HECTORIn a thousand years even the dustfrom our bones will be gone.

ACHILLESYes, prince. But our names willremain.

A band of bloodied Myrmidons, led by Eudorus, emerges fromthe temple. Hector, surrounded by enemies, warily backsoff.

EUDORUS(to Achilles)

The Trojans are dead.

ACHILLESGo home, prince. Drink some wine.Make love to your wife. Tomorrowwe'll have our war.

HECTORYou speak of war as if it's a game.But how many wives wait at Troy'sgate for husbands they'll never seeagain?

ACHILLESPerhaps your brother can comfortthem. I hear he's good at charmingother men's wives.

Hector stares at Achilles and the Myrmidons for anothermoment before walking away.

EUDORUSWhy did you let him go?

ACHILLESIt's too early in the day forkilling princes.

57.


Thousands of Greek soldiers on the beach watch as theTrojans retreat, many of the archers riding behind theirApollonian saviors.

Hector mounts his horse and rides back toward the city.

When the Greeks see Achilles climbing onto the temple'sroof they stare in awe, silent.

Achilles raises his bloodied bronze sword toward the sun.

The CLAMOR that erupts from the beach is deafening.Thousands of men cheering and yelling his name: Achilles!Achilles!

68 EXT. AGAMEMNON'S SHIP - DAY 68

Agamemnon, still aboard his ship, waits for the gangplankto be lowered. His dark eyes are cold and hateful as helistens to the men cheering.

69 EXT. BEACH ENCAMPMENT - LATER 69

Soldiers tug more and more ships onto the sand. From thelanded ships, primitive cranes are already beginning tolower boxes of provisions, military materiel, and horses.

Achilles walks across the beach, carrying his helmet,accepting the congratulations of the troops. Ajax,shirtless, strides over.

AJAXAchilles!

Achilles halts. For a moment there seems to be tension inthe air. Everyone watches. Ajax gives Achilles a bearhug.

AJAXYou're as fearless as a god.

ACHILLESThe gods are immortal. What dothey have to fear?

Ajax laughs and releases Achilles.

AJAXI'm honored to go to war with you.

Achilles nods and grips the big man's thick arm.

(CONTINUED)

58.

69 CONTINUED: 69

ACHILLESI don't have to worry about my backwith you behind me.

Achilles continues walking. He sees Odysseus walking downa gangplank from his ship to the beach.

ACHILLES(calling out)

If you sailed any slower, the warwould be over.

ODYSSEUSI don't mind missing the beginningof the war -- as long as I'm hereat the end.

Achilles smiles and keeps walking. He arrives at theMyrmidon's newly established base. Patroclus, Eudorus,and the other surviving Myrmidons greet Achilles.

EUDORUSWe have something to show you.

Achilles follows Eudorus and the grinning Myrmidons to alarge tent twenty yards inland from their beached ship. Afew Myrmidons hammer the last tent pegs deep into thesand.

Eudorus holds open the tent flap. Achilles looks at hiscaptain for a moment before entering the tent.

70 INT. ACHILLES' TENT - CONTINUOUS 70

No rugs have been laid down yet, so loot from the templehas been stacked on the sand: gold chalices, blackamphorae, woven tapestries, goatskins filled with sacredwine.

But Achilles does not look at this plunder. Bound by thewrists to the center pole of the tent is Briseis, dressedin her white robes.

Terrified but trying to retain her composure, she returnsAchilles' stare. Robes torn, hair disheveled, bleedingfrom the lip: she still possesses her innate dignity andstrength. Something changes in Achilles' eyes when helooks at her.

(CONTINUED)

59.

70 CONTINUED: 70

EUDORUSThe men found her hiding in thetemple. They thought she'd...please you.

ACHILLESLeave us.

Eudorus bows and exits.

Achilles pulls a small, sharp knife from his belt.Briseis stares at the blade.

Achilles walks over to her and cuts the ropes that bindher. She sits back, rubbing the chafed skin of herwrists, still watching Achilles. He sheathes his knife.

ACHILLESWhat's your name?

Briseis stares at him but doesn't answer. Achillesbecomes aware, for the first time, that he's covered inblood. He wipes a hand across his face. Briseis looksabout the tent, as if searching for a way out.

ACHILLESYou're safer in this tent than outthere. Believe me.

BRISEISYou killed Apollo's priests.

ACHILLESI've killed men in five countries.But never a priest.

BRISEISThen your men did.

(beat)The Sun God will have hisvengeance.

Achilles removes his bronze grieves.

ACHILLESWhat's he waiting for?

Briseis is stunned by such blunt blasphemy but she can'ttake her eyes off him, because Achilles, after all, isAchilles.

BRISEISThe right time to strike.

(CONTINUED)

60.


Achilles removes his breastplate.

ACHILLESHis priests are dead and hisacolyte's a captive.

(beat)I think your god is afraid of me.

Briseis laughs bitterly.

BRISEISAfraid? Apollo is master of thesun. He fears nothing.

Achilles nods and looks around the dark tent.

ACHILLESThen where is he?

Briseis has no answer. Achilles smiles and she looksaway.

A bucket of hot water sits beside a washcloth. Achilleswets the cloth and begins to scrub the blood from hisbody.

BRISEISYou're nothing but a killer. Youdon't know anything about the gods.

ACHILLESYou haven't seen twenty summers andyou think you know my heart? Iknow more about the gods thanpriests could ever teach you.

(beat)You're royalty, aren't you?

Briseis says nothing. Achilles smiles again.

ACHILLESYou've spent years talking down tomen, you must be royalty. What'syour name?

(beat)Even the servants of Apollo havenames.

BRISEISBriseis.

(CONTINUED)

61.


ACHILLESAre you afraid, Briseis?

Briseis is quiet for a moment. She watches Achilles witha mixture of fear and curiosity.

BRISEISShould I be?

EUDORUS (O.S.)(calling from outside the tent)

My lord --

ACHILLESWhat is it?

Eudorus sticks his head inside the tent.

EUDORUSKing Agamemnon requests yourpresence.

ACHILLESWhy would I want to look at himwhen I can look at her?

EUDORUSAll the kings are there,celebrating the victory.

Achilles stands.

ACHILLESGive me a moment.

Eudorus withdraws. A long beat while Achilles studiesher.

ACHILLESYou don't need to fear me, girl.You're the only Trojan who can saythat.

71 EXT. AGAMEMNON'S TENT - LATER 71

Two muscular GUARDS stand by the opening to Agamemnon'stent. Achilles, wearing clean clothes, doesn't botherwaiting for the guards' permission to enter; he brushespast them and through the tent flap.

62.

72 INT. AGAMEMNON'S TENT - CONTINUOUS 72

The largest tent on the beach, Agamemnon's commandquarters are a lush affair, decorated with the spoils of adozen wars. Several AIDES-DE-CAMP bustle in and out onvarious errands. The Greek kings are here: Odysseus,Ajax, Menelaus, etc.

Agamemnon sits on a heavy wood throne, garishly inlaidwith gold, mother-of-pearl, and precious stones.

Triopas, king of Thessaly, kneels before Agamemnon.

TRIOPASYou've won a great victory, King ofKings. No one thought the Trojanbeach could be captured so easily.

He hands Agamemnon a ceremonial dagger with a gold hilt.

AGAMEMNONA beautiful gift, Triopas. Youwill be among the first to walk thestreets of Troy tomorrow.

Triopas stands and bows. Achilles has watched thisexchange with disbelief. He glances at Odysseus, whoshrugs. Now Nestor, king of the Pylians, kneels beforeAgamemnon and hands him an urn decorated with paintedwarriors.

NESTORMy father Neleus had this urn madeto commemorate his victory atCyparisseis. I present it to youin honor of an even more memorablevictory.

AGAMEMNONThank you, old friend. Tomorrowwe'll eat supper in the gardens ofTroy.

Nestor stands and bows. Agamemnon places the dagger andurn beside a pile of other luxurious gifts. As the kingsfile out of the tent, Odysseus clasps Achilles' shoulderand speaks to him out of the others' earshot.

ODYSSEUSWar is young men dying and old mentalking. You know this. Ignorethe politics.

(CONTINUED)

63.

72 CONTINUED: 72

Odysseus exits the tent. Agamemnon deigns to noticeAchilles waiting for him.

AGAMEMNON(to his aides)

Leave us.

The aides exit, leaving Achilles and Agamemnon alone.Achilles eyes the pile of gifts.

ACHILLESApparently you've won some greatvictory.

AGAMEMNONAh, perhaps you didn't notice. TheTrojan beach belonged to Priam inthe morning. It belongs toAgamemnon in the afternoon.

ACHILLESYou can have the beach. I didn'tcome here for sand.

AGAMEMNONNo, you came because you want yourname to last through the ages.

(beat)A great victory was won today --but the victory is not yours.Kings did not kneel to Achilles.Kings did not bring homage toAchilles.

ACHILLESThe battle was won by soldiers.The soldiers know who fought.

AGAMEMNONHistory remembers the kings, notthe soldiers.

(beat)Tomorrow we'll batter down thegates of Troy. I'll buildmonuments to victory on everyisland of Greece, and carveAgamemnon in the stone. My namewill last forever. Your name iswritten in the sand, for the wavesto wash away.

ACHILLESFirst you need the victory.

(CONTINUED)

64.


Achilles turns to leave.

AGAMEMNONOne more thing, son of Peleus.

Achilles stops.

ACHILLESI don't want to hear my father'sname from your mouth.

AGAMEMNONThe first pick of the battle'sspoils always goes to thecommander. Your men sacked thetemple of Apollo, yes?

ACHILLESYou want gold? Take it, it's mygift, to honor your courage. Takewhat you want.

AGAMEMNONI already have. Aphareus! Haemon!

Two battle-scarred soldiers, APHAREUS and HAEMON, dragBriseis into the tent. Her face is bruised -- clearlyshe's been slapped around.

AGAMEMNONThe spoils of war. Tonight I'llhave her give me a bath. And then -- who knows?

Achilles draws his sword.

ACHILLES(to the soldiers)

I have no quarrel with you,brothers. But you'll never seehome again if you don't let her go.

The soldiers hesitate, then draw their own swords.Achilles advances on them.

AGAMEMNONGuards!

The two sentries rush into the tent, swords drawn.Achilles is surrounded. He raises his sword.

(CONTINUED)

65.


BRISEISStop!

Everyone stops and looks at the girl. Despite her tornrobes, her noble bearing and authoritative tone commandrespect.

BRISEISToo many people have died today.

She looks at the various men in the room and finallyaddresses Achilles.

BRISEISIf killing is your only talent,that's your curse. But I don'twant anyone dying for me.

Everyone is quiet until Agamemnon laughs.

AGAMEMNONMighty Achilles, silenced by aslave girl.

ACHILLESShe's not a slave.

AGAMEMNONShe is now.

Achilles' eyes are flat and merciless.

ACHILLESBefore my time is done, King ofKings, I will look down on yourcorpse and smile.

Achilles turns and leaves the tent.

73 EXT. BEACH ENCAMPMENT - DAY 73

Most of the ships have been hauled onto the beach.Hundreds of soldiers finish digging a long trench in thesand. Pikes are anchored and other fortificationsconstructed to protect the tents and ships from attack.

74 EXT. CITY OF TROY - DUSK 74

In the dying light, the Trojans prepare their city forsiege. Gray-bearded OFFICERS oversee the reinforcement ofthe main gates. SOLDIERS haul thousands of arrows atopthe city walls.

66.

74A EXT. TEMPLE OF ZEUS 74A

A massive CONGREGATION at the Temple of Zeus kneels beforethe Thunder God's statue while PRIESTS burn the BODIES offallen Trojan soldiers on tall PYRES. The WIDOWS keen.

75 EXT. BEACH ENCAMPMENT - NIGHT 75

The beach is lit by thousands of torches. The Greeks havetransformed the serene beach into a well-fortified camp.

76 INT. PRIAM'S MEETING HALL - NIGHT 76

Priam stands by the room's open archway. Beyond the cityhe sees his beach occupied by the tremendous Greek force.

Hector, Paris, and several of Troy's leading GENERALS,ARISTOCRATS and PRIESTS sit around the long table. One ofthe generals, GLAUCUS (60), pounds the table with hisfist.

GLAUCUSIf they want a war, we'll give thema war. I'd match the best of Troyagainst the best of Greece any day.

VELIOR (40), a big-bellied nobleman, shakes his head.

VELIORThe best of Greece outnumber thebest of Troy, two to one.

GLAUCUSSo what do you suggest, wesurrender the city, let the Greeksslaughter our men and rape ourwives?

Velior looks at Paris until the prince returns his gaze.

VELIORI suggest diplomacy. The Greekscame here for one thing. Let's behonest, my friends. Trojans areburning on the pyre right nowbecause of one youthfulindiscretion.

Paris looks away from Velior.

(CONTINUED)

67.

76 CONTINUED: 76

PRIAMGlaucus, you've fought with me forforty years. Can we win this war?

GLAUCUSOur walls have never been breached.Our archers are the best in theworld. And we have Hector. Hismen would fight the shades ofTartarus if he commanded. We canwin.

ARCHEPTOLEMUS (65), High Priest of Troy, wearing a longwhite robe embroidered with gold thread, now raises hisvoice.

ARCHEPTOLEMUSI spoke with two farmers today.They saw an eagle flying with aserpent clutched in its talons.

(beat)This is a sign from Apollo. Wewill win a great victory tomorrow.Troy is the eagle. The Greeks --

HECTORBird signs! You want to plan ourstrategy based on bird signs?

PRIAMHector. Show respect. WhenArcheptolemus prophesied four yearsof drought, we dug deeper wells.The drought came and we had waterto drink. The high priest is aservant of the gods.

HECTORAnd I'm a servant of Troy.

(beat)I've always honored the gods,father. You know that. But todayI fought with a Greek whodesecrated the statue of Apollo.Apollo didn't strike the man down.

(beat)The gods won't fight this war forus.

(CONTINUED)

68.


PARISThere won't be a war.

(he stands)This is not a conflict of nations.It's a dispute between two men.And I don't want to see anotherTrojan die because of me.

PRIAMParis --

PARISTomorrow morning I will challengeMenelaus for the right to Helen.The winner will take her home. Theloser will burn before nightfall.

Paris leaves the room. The others sit in stunned silence.

GLAUCUSDoes he have a chance?

Everyone looks at Hector, who meditates before answering.

HECTORI want our army outside the gate inthe morning. Agamemnon won't letthis war end with a duel.

77 EXT. PALACE GARDEN - NIGHT 77

Priam's gardens are wondrous: palm trees grow in thecourtyard; flowered vines climb the walls; Aeolian harpschime in the breeze.

Priam and Paris sitting on a bench, facing a statue ofAphrodite. The king holds a cloth-wrapped bundle in hislap.

PARISFather, I... I'm sorry for the painI've caused you. I --

PRIAMDo you love her?

Paris looks up at the statue of Aphrodite.

(CONTINUED)

69.

77 CONTINUED: 77

PARISYou're a great king because youlove your country so much. Everyblade of grass, every grain ofsand, every rock in the river --you love all of Troy.

(beat)That's the way I love Helen.

Priam nods and contemplates the goddess of beauty.

PRIAMI've fought many wars in my time.Some were fought for land, some forpower, some for glory.

(beat)I suppose fighting for love makesmore sense than all the rest.

Paris says nothing, but his father's words seem to relievea great burden from his shoulders.

PRIAMBut I won't be the one fighting.

He hands Paris the bundle. Paris, curious, beginsunwrapping the cloth. Finally the object is uncovered: ashining sword, expertly forged, inscribed with the seal ofTroy.

PARISThe Sword of Troy.

PRIAMMy father carried this sword, andhis father before him, all the wayback to the founding of Troy. Thehistory of our people was writtenwith this sword.

(beat)Carry it with you

troy - daily script...achilles walks west, away from both armies. the soldiers watch him go in...

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