“RECKLESS CHILD” by John Edward Miller

Sentenced to a claustrophobic household ruled by a volatile young father, Bill discovers respite in his family's Pentecostal church. Through music, his creative power finds an outlet and through the act of speaking in tongues, Bill has an intense spiritual release. The church congregation’s embrace gave Bill a sense of purpose and an understanding of the power of music.

Based on the true story of the young Axl Rose, the screenplay “Reckless Child” dissects the life long effects of conditional love and the quest for self-discovery.

BRIEF SYNOPSIS

Bill fights to gain his abusive and devoutly religious father’s approbation, but the more he seeks that connection, the harder the punishments fall, finally resulting in shattering eruption leaving them both forever damaged.

Feeling an outcast in his own family, Bill’s only comfort lies in the eyes of an adoring young neighbor, Kathy, for whom he performs songs on the piano.

Upon learning his father is really his stepfather, Bill realizes the outright hijacking his childhood endured. He confronts his mother, accusing her of deceiving him and devoting herself to a monster, which possessed his identity and denied him any chance at a happy childhood.

Bill escapes from his hell to the perceived salvation of Los Angeles in search of his classmate and fellow musician, Jeff. Bill yearns to form a rock n’ roll band with him, but soon learns his friend has already joined a band long before Bill’s journey, Jeff does, however, introduce Bill to heroin.

Homeless and starving, Bill risks a retreat back home to Indiana, where a warrant is out for his arrest. While in Lafayette, Bill meets Gina, a younger girl also aspiring to live in Los Angeles. His talents impresses her. She also has the means to support them both in California. Soon they drive out together in her car

Once in LA, Bill introduces Gina to Jeff, who again, rejects Bill’s proposals for their band.

At Jeff’s suggestion Bill to the famous music club, The Troubadour, where he meets Kevin, a privileged UCLA sophomore, who invites him to join his band Rapidfire.

With Rapidfire, Bill’s uncanny abilities summon his explosive nature, igniting startling musical performances, bringing him widespread attention as well as the interests of his friend Jeff.

With his developing drug use and unpredictable, intense jealousy, Bill's needs blind him to Gina’s visionary encouragement and cause him to clash with Kevin's controlling habits.

Ever the opportunist, Jeff disrupts Bill’s success in Rapidfire, reigniting his interest in creating a band with him; this time with another local wealthy LA teen, Chris.

Sinking into the dark world of drugs and prostitution and compounded by paranoid hallucinations, Bill pushes away everyone, leaving him alone but still with his piano. With it, he realizes his truest sense of self.

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