No, Ms Getty, it is we that are sorryto keep you waiting. Prego.
INT. APPRAISER'S OFFICE -- DAY
GAIL:
This piece came from my former fatherin- law's personal collection. It was a gift to his grandson. By hisown estimate it was worth $1.2 million, and that was years ago.
The Appraiser opens the box... and the statue is unveiled.
GAIL (CONT'D) My situation is urgent. Please, ifyou can give me any idea as to itstrue value - The Appraiser's expression is one of surprise and confusion.
84.
APPRAISER:
Signora, if we may have a momentalone to consult among ourselves.
Gail nods and exits. Through the glass, we see him arguesotto voce with his associate. They call her back inside.
APPRAISER (CONT'D) Seven or eight, at most.
GAIL:
(euphoric, relieved) Seven million -- !
APPRAISER:
No, Signora. Seven dollars. This is un gingillo, a trinket of the type sold to tourists.
Gail's eyes narrow.
GAIL:
J Paul Getty is the foremost collectorin the world. Do you really imaginethat you know more than he does?
APPRAISER:
No, Signora, I do not. But I know what my eyes see.
GAIL:
(trembling) We're a joke to you. All of you.
Me and my kids. We were never goodenough.
(gathering her things) I'll get another appraisal. Thank you for your time.
APPRAISER:
Signora. You might start at theNational Museum.
INT. NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ROME -- DAY Gail walks through the Museum gallery clutching her shoebox, showing the Minotaur to anyone who will listen. She finallycorners a DOCENT, who points her down the hallway.
DOCENT:
Dritto, poi a sinistra.
Gail hurries down the corridor, then turns into 85.
INT. MUSEUM GIFT SHOP -- DAY
At first it seems a cruel joke. But then she sees it, beneaththe cash register:
AN ENTIRE BASKET OF MINOTAURS, dozens ofthem, and every one is identical to hers. She kneels down before the wicker basket and reaches into it, touching them, hearing the chalky clink of the littleidols as the other customers try not to stare. She quicklygathers up her shoebox and walks out.
EXT. NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ROME -- PLAZA -- DAY She walks out into the plaza, exhausted and overcome. As she reaches the center of the Plaza, she becomes dizzy. Her steps falter, she hesitates... and then she collapses.
INT. BARN -- NIGHT A WOODEN STUMP is placed before us. It is dark with dried blood. The doctor's instruments are laid out upon it.