Movie Treatment: “The Spark of the Universe”
Written by: Nelly Furtado and Joe Jukic
Genre: Biographical Drama / Historical Fiction
Logline: The life of Nikola Tesla, the brilliant inventor whose vision for a world powered by clean, limitless energy was stifled by greed and betrayal. With the support of his friend Mark Twain and the opposition of enemies like J.P. Morgan and Thomas Edison, Tesla’s journey explores the power of the human spirit to harness the wheelworks of the universe and the cost of pursuing a higher calling.
ACT 1:
The film opens with a young Nikola Tesla (played by a young actor with a magnetic, intellectual presence) in his native Serbia, staring at the night sky, captivated by the vastness of the stars. The voice of his mother echoes in his mind, urging him to seek knowledge and find a way to harness the forces of nature. His fascination with electricity is sparked early, and it’s clear that Tesla is destined for greatness.
We see Tesla’s journey to America, where he meets Thomas Edison (played by a charismatic actor with a mix of charm and ruthlessness) and begins working for him. Tesla’s early optimism quickly turns to disillusionment as he realizes Edison’s commitment to the direct current (DC) system is driven more by personal gain than by the pursuit of true progress. Edison’s attitude towards Tesla is dismissive and controlling, a foil to Tesla’s idealism.
Tesla’s breakthrough moment comes when he envisions the alternating current (AC) system, a more efficient and scalable way to transmit electricity over long distances. The film delves into Tesla’s internal struggles—his relentless pursuit of innovation at the expense of his personal life, his battles with loneliness, and his unwavering belief that his inventions could change the world for the better.
ACT 2:
Tesla’s fortunes take a turn when he meets Mark Twain (played by a witty and supportive actor) in New York. Twain, who is both a fan of Tesla’s genius and a believer in his vision, becomes Tesla’s closest friend and confidant. The two bond over their shared sense of humor, intellectual curiosity, and mutual respect for each other’s work. Twain encourages Tesla to continue his experiments, even as Tesla’s finances dwindle and his ideas face mounting opposition.
The film explores the rise of Tesla’s public profile as he demonstrates his inventions—wireless electricity, the Tesla coil, and the potential for a world powered by renewable energy. However, his success is tempered by the growing influence of J.P. Morgan (played by a wealthy, calculating actor), who becomes Tesla’s primary financier. Morgan’s interest in Tesla’s work is not driven by a desire to revolutionize the world, but rather by a desire to control the flow of energy and amass further wealth.
As Tesla’s inventions begin to threaten Morgan’s financial empire, the tension between them intensifies. Morgan, threatened by Tesla’s ideas, withdraws his funding for the Wardenclyffe Tower project, which was meant to be the world’s first wireless transmission station. The betrayal by Morgan is a pivotal moment in Tesla’s life, setting him on a path of financial ruin and isolation.
ACT 3:
Tesla’s rivalry with Edison reaches its peak as Edison launches a smear campaign against Tesla’s AC system, claiming that it is dangerous and impractical. Edison’s influence and wealth give him the power to spread misinformation, leading to public fear and distrust of Tesla’s vision. Tesla’s idealism and refusal to compromise on his principles make him an outcast in the world of corporate greed and power.
In a powerful scene, Tesla is seen standing before a massive machine, the Wardenclyffe Tower, as it begins to hum with energy. He quotes Psalm 1:
“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.”
The verse symbolizes Tesla’s unwavering commitment to harnessing the natural forces of the universe, not for personal gain, but for the betterment of humanity. Tesla believes that true happiness and fulfillment come from aligning oneself with the laws of nature and the cosmos, not from seeking fame or fortune.
The film culminates in a tragic yet inspiring finale. Tesla’s final years are marked by poverty and neglect, but his legacy lives on. As he dies alone in his New York apartment, the camera lingers on the image of a glowing lightbulb—Tesla’s symbol of the energy he believed could illuminate the world. The closing scene shows the world in the present day, where Tesla’s ideas have finally been recognized and are being used to power cities with renewable energy, a testament to his vision.
Themes:
- Vision and Idealism: Tesla’s unwavering belief in the potential of science and technology to improve the world, despite the personal and professional sacrifices he made along the way. His pursuit of a higher calling is contrasted with the greed and corruption of his enemies.
- Friendship and Loyalty: The relationship between Tesla and Mark Twain serves as a beacon of hope in Tesla’s otherwise lonely and challenging life. Twain’s support is a reminder of the importance of having allies who believe in your vision.
- Greed vs. Altruism: The film explores the tension between Tesla’s altruistic desire to benefit humanity and the greed of figures like J.P. Morgan and Thomas Edison, who seek to control and profit from Tesla’s ideas.
- Psalm 1 and True Happiness: Tesla’s belief that true happiness comes from aligning oneself with the laws of the universe, not from personal wealth or fame, is reflected in the themes of Psalm 1. His legacy is ultimately about the pursuit of knowledge and the betterment of mankind, not personal glory.
Final Notes:
Nelly Furtado and Joe Jukic’s treatment for The Spark of the Universe offers a fresh, emotionally charged take on the life of Nikola Tesla. By blending historical events with philosophical reflections, the film highlights Tesla’s genius, the obstacles he faced, and the profound impact his work continues to have on the world today. The film’s exploration of Psalm 1 serves as a powerful thematic thread, showing how Tesla’s quest for knowledge was guided by a higher sense of purpose.