I’m going to do a screen test of me reading Atreyu’s lines in the following scene from THE NEVERENDING STORY. I’ll intercut the shots of me with scenery shots from the film. I’ll almost certainly mix in the music of said game, and mabye also a collage of me playing it, with readings of memorable lines from the film.

Of course, I didn’t write the following.

CUT TO: Swamps of Sadness

BASTIAN
Atreyu and Artax had searched the Silver Mountains, the Desert of Shattered Hopes, and the Crystal Towers without success. And so, there was only one chance left. To find Morla, the ancient one, the wisest being in Fantasia who’s home was the Shell Mountain somewhere in the deadly Swamps of Sadness.

Atreyu jumps off Artax and pulls him along through the swamp.

BASTIAN
Everyone knew that whoever let the sadness overtake him would sink into the swamp.

Atreyu pulls his horse along saying reassuring things the whole time.

ATREYU
That’s it. You’re doing fine Artax.

Suddenly Artax stops and Atreyu pulls on the reigns. Artax doesn’t budge.

ATREYU
Come on Artax, what’s the matter? What’s wrong? Come on boy! I understand, it’s too difficult for you.

He tries pulling him in a different direction and steps into a puddle up to his waist. Suddenly he notices that Artax is sinking.

ATREYU
Artax you’re sinking! Come on turn around, you have to! Now! Come on! Artax!

He goes closer to him and hugs him.

ATREYU
Fight against the sadness Artax. Artax, please. You’re letting the sadness of the swamps get to you. You have to try, you have to care. For me, I’m your friend, I love you.
(Artax doesn’t move and Atreyu slaps the puddle sending water flying toward the horse. He yells at him again.)
Artax, you’re sinking! Come on, turn around, you have to, now! Come on! Artax! Fight against the sadness, Artax. Artax, please,
you’re letting the sadness of the swamps get to you. You have
to try. You have to care, for me, you’re my friend, and I love you.
Artax! Stupid horse! You’ve gotta move or you’ll die! Move, please!
I won’t give up! Don’t quit! Artax! Please!
(then he pleads with him.)
Move please. I won’t give up! Jump quick! Artax please!

FADE OUT:
FADE IN:
SPLIT VIEW: of Atreyu sitting on a log crying as he looks at the spot where Artax had once been, and of Bastian looking up from the book. Both have tears streaming down their face, Bastian blows his nose on his handkerchief. Bastian turns the page.
VIEW: of Atreyu walking through the swamps crying. He stops suddenly and we see a mountain.

ATREYU
The Shell Mountain.

VIEW: of Bastian as he looks up from the book.

BASTIAN
Morla the ancient one.