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Life as a House poster

Screenplay data

Life as a House script

Terminally ill George Nelson, fired from his job, endeavors to build his dream house on a beach property, hoping to reconnect with his estranged son, Sam, who reluctantly joins the project. Their strained relationship, complicated by Sam's drug use and George's secret illness, slowly mends as the house becomes a community effort involving family and neighbors. Despite George's deteriorating health and a hostile neighbor, the community rallies to complete the house, culminating in George revealing his cancer to Sam and a subsequent bonding confrontation. After George's death, Sam ensures the house's completion and fulfills his father's final wish by delivering the keys to a mysterious woman, symbolizing George's enduring legacy.

Writer
Mark Andrus
IMDb ID (imdb_id)
tt0264796
166Scenes
13Characters
55Pages
1Dialogue samples

Save the Cat beat sheet

Life as a House Save the Cat analysis

Life as a House follows George, a terminally ill architect who reconnects with his estranged son, Sam, by rebuilding his dilapidated beach shack.

Open full beat sheet
62

Key characters

UNKNOWN

UNKNOWN is identified from the parsed character and dialogue data. In the parsed data, UNKNOWN is connected to 79 scenes, 3044 dialogue lines, first appearing around scene 1.

79 scenes / 3044 dialogue lines

George Nelson

George Nelson is listed as Protagonist. 42-year-old model maker, terminally ill with pancreatic cancer, building a house on his property. In the parsed data, George Nelson is connected to 64 scenes, first appearing around scene 1.

64 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Sam Webber

Sam Webber is listed as Supporting. George's 16-year-old son, rebellious, troubled, living with his mother and stepfather. In the parsed data, Sam Webber is connected to 61 scenes, first appearing around scene 1.

61 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Robin Webber

Robin Webber is listed as Supporting. George's ex-wife, mother of Sam, Ryan, and Adam. In the parsed data, Robin Webber is connected to 45 scenes, first appearing around scene 2.

45 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Alyssa Beck

Alyssa Beck is listed as Supporting. Colleen's 16-year-old daughter, neighbor to Sam. In the parsed data, Alyssa Beck is connected to 36 scenes, first appearing around scene 1.

36 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Adam

Adam is listed as Supporting. George and Robin's 7-year-old son. In the parsed data, Adam is connected to 30 scenes, 12 text mentions, first appearing around scene 1.

30 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Ryan

Ryan is listed as Supporting. George and Robin's 8-year-old son. In the parsed data, Ryan is connected to 29 scenes, 12 text mentions, first appearing around scene 1.

29 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Colleen Beck

Colleen Beck is listed as Supporting. George's next-door neighbor, mother of Alyssa. In the parsed data, Colleen Beck is connected to 24 scenes, first appearing around scene 1.

24 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Josh

Josh is listed as Supporting. Sam's classmate and friend, involved in drug activities. In the parsed data, Josh is connected to 15 scenes, 37 text mentions, first appearing around scene 1.

15 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Peter Webber

Peter Webber is listed as Supporting. Robin's husband, Sam's stepfather. In the parsed data, Peter Webber is connected to 14 scenes, 5 text mentions, first appearing around scene 2.

14 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

David Dokos

David Dokos is listed as Supporting. Neighbor, antagonist who files complaints about George's construction. In the parsed data, David Dokos is connected to 7 scenes, first appearing around scene 7.

7 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Kurt Walker

Kurt Walker is listed as Supporting. Police officer and childhood friend of George. In the parsed data, Kurt Walker is connected to 7 scenes, first appearing around scene 8.

7 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Bryan Burke

Bryan Burke is listed as Supporting. George's employer at the architectural firm. In the parsed data, Bryan Burke is connected to 4 scenes, first appearing around scene 28.

4 scenes / 0 dialogue lines

Scene outline

  1. 1. GEORGE'S GARAGE

    Alyssa visits an ailing George in his bed; they discuss Sam and engage in an unexpected intimate moment.

    George Nelson, Alyssa Beck

  2. 1. INT. COLLEEN'S ENTRY

    Alyssa enters her mother's home.

    Alyssa Beck

  3. 1. INT. ALYSSA'S BEDROOM

    Alyssa looks for Sam in her room and bathroom but finds he is gone.

    Alyssa Beck

  4. 1. EXT. GEORGE NELSON'S CUL-DE-SAC

    David Dokos harasses George's dog, Guster, leading to a confrontation where Colleen complains to George about his behavior.

    George Nelson, Colleen Beck

  5. 1. EXT. GEORGE'S HOUSE

    Adam, Ryan, Alyssa, and Sam work on George's house construction while Josh arrives and tries to get Alyssa's attention.

    Ryan, Adam, Alyssa Beck, Sam Webber, Josh, George Nelson

  6. 1. EXT. GEORGE'S BEACH SHACK

    Introduction to George Nelson's dilapidated beach shack situated between modern mansions.

  7. 2. INT. ROBIN'S FAMILY ROOM

    Peter returns to the family home and interacts with his sons.

    Ryan, Adam, Peter Webber

  8. 2. INT. GEORGE'S BEACH SHACK BEDROOM

    George wakes up in his cluttered bedroom as waves crash outside.

    George Nelson

  9. 2. BEDROOM

    Colleen is seen making love to Josh while voiceovers of George and Alyssa play.

    Colleen Beck, Josh

  10. 2. INT. COLLEEN'S BEDROOM

    Alyssa finds the bedroom empty and goes to the bathroom.

    Alyssa Beck, Colleen Beck

  11. 2. INT. WEBBER'S DINING ROOM

    Tensions rise at the breakfast table regarding Sam's appearance and his rebellious nature.

    Robin Webber, Sam Webber, Peter Webber, Ryan, Adam

  12. 2. INT. COLLEEN'S BEDROOM

    Colleen is frustrated and changing clothes.

    Colleen Beck

  13. 3. INT. COMMUTER TRAIN

    George experiences a sudden physical pain while riding the train.

    George Nelson

  14. 3. EXT. WEBBER'S HOUSE

    Exterior view of the Webber residence.

  15. 3. ROBIN'S BEDROOM

    Peter sits on the bed staring at the door.

    Peter Webber

  16. 3. INT. HOSPITAL ROOM

    George is asleep in the hospital room.

    George Nelson

  17. 3. INT. COLLEEN'S BATHROOM

    Alyssa finds Josh fixing a toilet and Colleen acting anxiously.

    Alyssa Beck, Colleen Beck, Josh

  18. 3. EXT. GEORGE'S STREET

    Josh approaches Alyssa at the house.

    Josh, Alyssa Beck, Sam Webber, George Nelson

  19. 4. ROBIN'S LIVING ROOM

    Robin sits alone in the living room.

    Robin Webber

  20. 4. INT. SAM WEBBER'S BEDROOM

    Sam Webber wakes up, sniffs glue, and engages in a dangerous act inside his closet.

    Sam Webber

  21. 4. EXT. LAGUNA BEACH HIGH SCHOOL

    Sam is ridiculed by classmates and warned about his father by Alyssa.

    Sam Webber, Alyssa Beck, Josh

  22. 4. EXT. GEORGE'S HOUSE

    Sam strings lights on the house in the fading light.

    Sam Webber

  23. 4. INT. COLLEEN'S KITCHEN

    Colleen paces while waiting for a call.

    Colleen Beck

  24. 4. INT. ROBIN'S KITCHEN

    Robin's kids arrive home followed by Sam. Peter is missing.

    Robin Webber, Ryan, Adam, Sam Webber

  25. 5. EXT. BECK'S OCEAN FRONT MANSION

    Colleen Beck retrieves her morning newspaper.

    Colleen Beck

  26. 5. INT. GEORGE'S GARAGE

    George and Sam are sleeping.

    George Nelson, Sam Webber

  27. 5. EXT. GEORGE'S HOUSE

    George accidentally answers a phone call from Colleen.

    George Nelson, Sam Webber, Josh, Alyssa Beck

  28. 5. INT. DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES HIGHRISE

    George's supervisor, Steven, pressures him about project timelines.

    George Nelson

  29. 5. INT. ROBIN'S FAMILY ROOM

    Robin encounters Peter in the family room.

    Robin Webber, Peter Webber, Ryan, Adam

  30. 5. GEORGE'S GARAGE

    Alyssa finishes her encounter with George and departs.

    George Nelson, Alyssa Beck

  31. 6. INT. COLLEEN'S KITCHEN

    Colleen reacts to George answering the phone.

    Colleen Beck

  32. 6. INT. BECK'S KITCHEN

    Colleen exhibits distracted behavior while in her kitchen.

    Colleen Beck

  33. 6. EXT. HIGH SCHOOL CAFETERIA ATRIUM

    Alyssa observes Sam as he sits alone listening to music.

    Sam Webber, Alyssa Beck

  34. 6. COLLEEN'S BEDROOM

    An alarm interrupts Colleen and Josh.

    Colleen Beck, Josh

  35. 6. EXT. GEORGE'S HOUSE

    Sam jumps off the cliff edge.

    Sam Webber

  36. 6. INT. COLLEEN'S KITCHEN

    Colleen confesses to taking advantage of Josh.

    Colleen Beck, Alyssa Beck

  37. 7. COLLEEN'S KITCHEN

    Alyssa returns home as the alarm sounds.

    Alyssa Beck

  38. 7. INT. ALYSSA BECK'S BATHROOM

    Colleen discovers George urinating from his window.

    Colleen Beck, Alyssa Beck

  39. 7. EXT. TOP OF THE WORLD PARK

    Marek engages in suspicious behavior in a car at the park.

  40. 7. EXT. DOKOS HOUSE

    David Dokos acts aggressively toward George's dog.

    David Dokos

  41. 7. INT. ALYSSA'S ROOM

    Colleen comforts Alyssa.

    Colleen Beck, Alyssa Beck

  42. 8. INT. WEBBER'S UPSTAIRS HALLWAY

    Robin herds her sons while preparing for school.

    Robin Webber, Ryan, Adam

  43. 8. INT. RESTAURANT

    The family shares dinner and discusses the construction project.

    Robin Webber, Peter Webber, Ryan, Adam

  44. 8. COLLEEN'S BEDROOM

    Colleen and Josh scramble to get dressed.

    Colleen Beck, Josh

  45. 8. EXT. PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY

    Josh cycles quickly toward the Beck house.

    Josh

  46. 8. EXT. GEORGE NELSON'S BEACH SHACK

    George is visited by Alyssa and later by Officer Kurt Walker, who discuss George's life and his son.

    George Nelson, Alyssa Beck, Kurt Walker

  47. 9. EXT. GEORGE'S HOUSE

    Robin visits. The electrician works as the kids play.

    Robin Webber, Ryan, Adam, Sam Webber, Alyssa Beck

  48. 9. COLLEEN'S KITCHEN

    Alyssa turns off the alarm and calls for her mother.

    Alyssa Beck

  49. 9. INT. SAM'S ROOM

    Robin finds Sam's room empty and rushes to the closet.

    Robin Webber

  50. 9. INT. WEBBER'S KITCHEN

    George surprises Robin in her kitchen to discuss Sam's whereabouts.

    George Nelson, Robin Webber

  51. 9. INT. HOSPITAL CORRIDOR

    Sam walks through the hospital hallway.

    Sam Webber

  52. 10. INT. WEBBER'S UPSTAIRS HALL

    George attempts to speak with Sam, but finds the door locked.

    George Nelson

  53. 10. INT. GEORGE'S GARAGE

    Robin and George have an intimate moment interrupted by Sam.

    George Nelson, Robin Webber, Sam Webber

  54. 10. COLLEEN'S BEDROOM

    Josh struggles to get dressed.

    Josh

  55. 10. INT. SAM'S WEBBER'S CLOSET

    Robin discovers Sam in his closet under a pile of fallen clothes.

    Sam Webber, Robin Webber, Ryan, Adam

  56. 10. INT. GEORGE'S HOSPITAL ROOM

    Sam visits George and shows him the finished house lights.

    George Nelson, Sam Webber

  57. 21. INT. WEBBER'S KITCHEN

    Robin is in the kitchen while children play Marco Polo outside; George appears with a ladder.

    Robin Webber, Ryan, Adam, George Nelson

  58. 22. EXT. WEBBER'S BACKYARD

    George confronts Robin about Sam while the boys watch him climb to the bedroom.

    Ryan, Adam, Robin Webber, George Nelson

  59. 23. INT. SAM'S ROOM

    George enters Sam's room, removes his headphones, and is confronted by Robin regarding her request to take him.

    George Nelson, Sam Webber, Robin Webber

  60. 24. EXT. WEBBER'S UPSTAIRS HALLWAY

    Robin shuts Sam's door while Sam continues to yell.

    Robin Webber, Sam Webber

  61. 25. INT. SAM'S ROOM

    Sam discovers George's entry point and vents his rage.

    Sam Webber, Ryan, Adam

  62. 26. INT. WEBBER'S UPSTAIRS HALLWAY

    Robin remains outside Sam's room.

    Robin Webber, Sam Webber

  63. 27. EXT. DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES

    George vomits on the sidewalk while walking to work.

    George Nelson

  64. 28. INT. BENSON, KIDDLER, FEINSILBER AND ASSOICATES

    George arrives at work and is greeted by his boss.

    George Nelson, Bryan Burke

  65. 29. INT. BRYAN BURKE'S OFFICE

    Bryan fires George; George discusses his life, his parents, and his desire to take his models home.

    George Nelson, Bryan Burke

  66. 30. INT. BENSON, KIDDLER, FEINSILBER AND ASSOICATES

    George destroys all the architectural models in the office.

    George Nelson, Bryan Burke

  67. 31. INT. BRYAN BURKE'S OFFICE

    George threatens Bryan with a wooden stick and destroys a model before leaving.

    George Nelson, Bryan Burke

  68. 32. EXT. DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES

    George collapses on the street, leading to a medical montage.

    George Nelson

  69. 33. INT. HOSPITAL ROOM

    George discusses his terminal illness with a nurse.

    George Nelson

  70. 34. EXT. SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO TRAIN STATION

    Robin finds George at the station.

    George Nelson, Robin Webber

  71. 35. INT. ROBIN'S RANGE ROVER

    George convinces Robin to let Sam stay with him for the summer.

    George Nelson, Robin Webber

  72. 36. INT. HIGH SCHOOL HALL

    Sam and Corey discuss summer plans.

    Sam Webber, Josh

  73. 37. EXT. GEORGE'S SHACK

    George moves into his garage; Alyssa visits.

    George Nelson, Colleen Beck, Alyssa Beck

  74. 38. INT. GEORGE'S TRUCK

    George drives to Robin's house.

    George Nelson

  75. 39. EXT. WEBBER'S HOME

    George arrives to pick up Sam.

    George Nelson

  76. 41. SAM'S ROOM

    George attempts to get Sam to prepare for his stay, resulting in an argument over music and plans.

    George Nelson, Sam Webber

  77. 42. WEBBER'S BACKYARD

    Sam throws his suitcase into the pool and an intense confrontation ensues between George, Robin, and Sam.

    George Nelson, Sam Webber, Robin Webber, Ryan, Adam

  78. 43. GEORGE'S TRUCK

    Sam and George prepare to depart in the truck.

    George Nelson, Sam Webber

  79. 44. GEORGE'S SHACK

    George attempts to work on his house while trying to engage a reluctant Sam.

    George Nelson, Sam Webber

  80. 45. BEACH SHACK ENTRY

    George makes a comment about neutering, alarming Sam.

    George Nelson, Sam Webber

Dialogue examples

Oh, well...those are...I mean, we don't get to keep our work. I could maybe ask them if you could choose one. But, you know, frankly George, you were the best. Computer models can't begin to match the beauty you gave yours. They're a part of this firm. They inspire me. I go out there and sometimes just stare at something I've designed. It amazes me. I would miss that too much. Look, I may be going out on a limb, but you go out there and look them over, every single one of them and pick the one you like the best and take it with you. Just run it by me first, just in case, you know...but I'm sure it'll be okay.

UNKNOWN / Scene 41

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