While in Venice, I had dinner with several journalists, buyers, and [Gabriele Veneziano](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gabriele_Veneziano), who is the father of our international sales rep.
Veneziano, a physicist, is one of the pioneers of string theory — which is ironic, considering some of the related issues in The Nines. In fact, there used to be a scene about it in the movie, which got cut for time.
This is from Part Two, which is structured as an episode of the reality TV show “Behind the Screen.”
INT. MODERN HOUSE IN THE HILLS – DAY
Gavin talks with HOWARD RODMAN in the living room of Rodman’s mid-century modern Lautner house. They both have iced tea.
HOWARD
How’s the writing going?
Howard Rodman
Screenwriter/Mentor
GAVIN
Good. It’s really easy, actually. Effortless.
HOWARD
There’s poison in your drink.
GAVIN
What I mean is, I don’t feel like I’m doing anything. I’m just an observer, documenting what happens. I can tell you what every character is wearing, the color of the leaves. It feels more real than sitting here talking to you.
HOWARD
Maybe it is real. Multiple dimensions, string theory...
GAVIN
Explain string theory.
HOWARD
Ah! Well. In the end, it all gets tangled. And the more you try to untangle it...
GAVIN
The worse it gets?
HOWARD
...the more you appreciate why God made scissors.
GAVIN
You’re saying I should cut my losses?
Howard’s not willing to say that.
HOWARD
In life’s great drama there are Actors, and there are Creators. In this reality, you are a Creator. You know that if your show doesn’t get picked up...
GAVIN
...that whole universe goes away. Boom.
HOWARD
Tough call. Who do you save, your friend, or the universe?