Graffiti Bridge 1990

As the city of Minneapolis pulsates with energy, the heart of the nightclub scene beats strong in Seven Corners. This vibrant hub is comprised of four iconic venues: the Clinton House, helmed by George (George Clinton); Melody Cool’s (Mavis Staples) eponymous club, where she raises her son Tevin (Tevin Campbell) amidst the rhythms and rhymes; the Glam Slam, masterfully overseen by the Kid (Prince), and Pandemonium, run with a flair for drama by Morris (Morris Day). It is here that Morris gathers his cohorts, including Jerome (Jerome Benton), a trusted sidekick, and the Time, a group of enforcers with their own agenda. With the club scene in flux following the passing of First Avenue’s owner, Morris sets his sights on dominating the Glam Slam, now shared equally between him and the Kid. His game plan, dubbed See How They Run, is designed to monopolize control over all four clubs.

Meanwhile, tensions simmer beneath the surface as Terry (Terry Lewis), a key member of the enforcers, demands a larger share of the profits if Morris is to reap greater rewards. In response, Morris issues a bold challenge: eat an exceptionally spicy chili pepper, one that he has already conquered by biting nearly to its stem. The gauntlet thrown, Terry accepts, but his attempt ends in hasty retreat as he is unable to withstand the intense heat.

As the drama unfolds, the Kid finds himself consumed by his creative passion, struggling to sleep amidst the hum of inspiration below the stage at the club. His obsession with crafting music drives him to rise from bed and escape to his computer, leaving Jill (Jill Jones) to her own devices. Her frustration with their unconventional lifestyle boils over, and she announces her decision to leave the Kid, citing a lucrative offer from Morris’s club as the catalyst.

In the midst of this turmoil, a gentle breeze carries a lone feather, and Aura (Ingrid Chavez), an enigmatic woman, materializes seemingly out of nowhere. Her inner monologue is a whispered prayer, seeking guidance from Heaven on her purpose in arriving at this moment. The enforcers’ subtle manipulation has planted a minor explosive at the Glam Slam, which detonates just as the Kid emerges to survey the damage. Undeterred by the slight destruction, he returns to his creative endeavors, as if fueled by the very chaos that surrounds him.

Morris storms into Seven Corners, his ire palpable as the Glam Slam remains standing, but makes a dramatic entrance with his girlfriend, lead dancer Robin (Robin Power), by his side. The distance between Morris and the curb is bridged by a small puddle, which Jerome cleverly uses to separate him from the curb, leaving his dyed fur cape-covered counterpart to stand amidst the crowd. As Morris approaches, Jerome deftly removes Robin’s cape and sets it on the water, inviting Morris to deliberately step on it as he passes. The Kid then plays a synthesized fanfare to announce Morris’ arrival to the audience, but Morris is less than thrilled with the more spiritual musical themes the Kid has been performing.

The crowd erupts into laughter at the sudden intruders, but Morris and the Time seize the opportunity to turn their banter into a complete song, commandeering the stage from the Kid and his band. The embarrassed band members watch helplessly as the club patrons flock to Pandemonium. Morris’ attention is piqued by a nearby plant, which he declares feels parched; he and Jerome then tease the Kid by singing the alphabet song, only to reach the letter P and urinate on the plant before setting it ablaze. The Kid, meanwhile, takes a ride to Graffiti Bridge, where he catches sight of Aura, but instead of approaching her, he returns to the club lost in thought, haunted by the notion that something is “just around the corner.” He begins to paint lyrics onto a brick wall near the back entrance, but ultimately stops.

The tension between Morris and the Kid simmers as Morris grows increasingly agitated about the Kid’s usurping of power he feels is rightfully his. Robin, meanwhile, is incensed by Morris’ careless destruction of her cape, reminding him that she was instrumental in funding Pandemonium. The enforcers arrive, bearing money collected from other clubs, and inform the Kid that George may be holding out, suggesting a quiet evening with minimal income. As the Kid performs a spiritual pop number, few patrons remain to enjoy it, but those who do are completely absorbed by the message of peace and love.

Aura departs the club, opting instead to write poetry at Graffiti Bridge, while the Kid mentally crafts a letter to his deceased father, noting his curiosity about Aura and his recent visit to his institutionalized mother.

As Tevin’s crew mesmerizes the crowd with their performance, the Kid can’t help but be drawn in by the infectious energy. With an appreciative audience showering them with tips, including some generous twenty-dollar bills, Melody encourages him to collect his due share. Meanwhile, Jill strolls by, her new gig at Pandemonium a topic of discussion among the band members. When the Kid inquires about her relationship with Morris, she responds with a subtle yet provocative gesture, leaving her panties on the ground as she departs with a hint of disdain.

At Graffiti Bridge, Aura remains lost in thought, pouring her emotions onto paper as she writes poetry. Morris and Jerome arrive, with Morris making a point to position himself in a manner that’s intentionally provocative. Once Jerome has introduced themselves, Aura asks if Morris requires a restroom, and he replies that Morris is posing by the Porsche, though his request seems more an excuse than a genuine need. Despite Morris’s brusque demeanor, Aura agrees to ride back to Pandemonium with him, sensing that there may be something redeeming beneath his rough exterior.

At the club, Jill gets her shot at performing as Morris continues to wine and dine Aura, attempting to win her over with his charms. The band members meanwhile drag the Kid to the club, suggesting that Morris has acquired a new flame who might be better suited for him. As the night wears on, Aura feigns intoxication, her mind racing with strategies to capture Morris’s attention.

As tensions rise, Robin feels displaced and storms out of the club. Later, Morris and Jerome coax Aura into their car, with the Kid following close behind on his motorcycle. Upon arriving at Aura’s home, Morris sets her onto the couch, instructing Jerome that she will awaken and fall in love with the first face she sees. The Kid slips into the room, extinguishing the single lit candle as the space plunges into darkness.

In the ensuing chaos, Morris becomes convinced he wants to touch Aura, only to discover to his horror – along with Jerome’s – that they are actually touching each other, their mistake illuminated by the suddenly bright lights. The unexpected twist leaves both men stunned and embarrassed, their earlier machinations foiled by their own misguided desires.

As The Kid tenderly places Aura back into her quarters at the Glam Slam, his mind begins to wander to a romantic fantasy scenario with her, but he exercises restraint and refrains from physical contact. When morning arrives, he attempts to engage Aura in a game of hangman, scribbling a simple grid on a pad, only to have her effortlessly run through the alphabet, ultimately surrendering to defeat. The Kid’s curiosity gets the better of him as he fills out the answer - a poignant inquiry about their relationship - but Aura’s response is a resolute “no,” accompanied by an upward gesture, indicating that she belongs to someone else. She then surveys the sheet music on his pad, warning him not to get too close, as her stay is transitory.

Meanwhile, Morris’s ire grows exponentially after receiving a call from the mayor regarding a demanded payoff, prompting him to vent his frustrations to Jerome. However, when Jerome challenges his authority, they engage in a high-stakes game of paper money bill-for-bill, each determined to emerge victorious. The contest appears poised for a draw until Morris reveals a hidden compartment in his shoe, producing an extra bill that tips the scales in his favor.

The Kid confides in Aura that he yearns for a sign that everything will be okay, and as they embrace, he declares that nothing matters anymore. They spend the day together, sharing moments of introspection and connection. When The Kid expresses his concerns about nobody appreciating his music, Aura offers words of encouragement, telling him that losing nothing is often the greatest gain. Emboldened by her support and seeking to put an end to the rivalry, The Kid decides to challenge Morris to a battle of the bands at Pandemonium, vying for control of the Glam Slam. After exchanging barbs, Morris agrees to the competition.

As tensions escalate back at the Glam Slam, The Kid takes a moment to reflect on his struggles and writes an imaginary letter to his father, questioning how much more he can endure from Morris before seeking solace in solitude. However, just as he begins to gather his thoughts, the enforcers burst into the club, wreaking havoc on the instruments and sound equipment, effectively crippling the band’s ability to perform.

As the tumultuous night wears on, Aura confides in Jerome that she’s willing to do whatever it takes to put an end to Morris’ destructive reign. Meanwhile, The Time takes center stage for a rousing performance, their infectious rhythms drawing in patrons from Pandemonium and beyond. However, their act is soon overshadowed by the Kid’s raw energy as he sets up outside with his makeshift band, complete with pyrotechnics that threaten to engulf the entire scene. His music, laced with suggestive undertones, fails to match the edgy style of Morris and his cohorts. Aura’s concerns for the Kid’s well-being prove prophetic as he shatters a guitar against the window of his club before riding off into the night, heading toward the bridge.

As Aura catches up with him, she finds her friend consumed by despair. She shares her poetry with him, urging him not to give up hope, and for a moment, it seems like The Kid might heed her words. However, Morris is busy concocting his plan to take control of all the clubs, intent on bending the owners to his will through underhanded means.

Just as he’s about to put pen to paper, Robin intervenes, asserting herself as his number one woman and stripping down to reveal a physique honed for seduction. With strobe lights flashing like a strobe, she appears poised to unleash her wrath upon Morris, who momentarily breaks the fourth wall to announce a commercial break before the screen fades to black.

As tensions simmer just below the surface, Aura’s enforcers begin plotting their takeover of all the clubs, seeking to extract promises from the owners. But Melody Cool and her allies - including the Kid and Aura herself - refuse to back down, determined to resist Morris’ machinations. Amidst the chaos, a sudden gust lifts the feather that has long hovered above Aura’s head, and she responds as if entranced, offering words of encouragement to the Kid.

In the ensuing melee, George’s bouncer makes off with the deed for his club, speeding away in a jeep just as Aura walks into its path. The vehicle plows into the front of the Glam Slam, leaving Aura lifeless on the ground. As an ambulance rushes her away, Morris turns to the Kid, his eyes glinting with malevolent intent: “How do you want to die?”

As the Kid stands at the precipice of despair, his sense of loss and desperation reaching a crescendo, he finds himself drawn to Graffiti Bridge with a handgun clutched in his hand. The weight of his sorrow threatens to consume him whole, but it’s as if Aura’s gentle presence whispers in his ear, reminding him that the battle is far from lost. The firearm slips from his grasp, and the Kid’s gaze refocuses on the horizon, his resolve reinvigorated by the memory of their time together. With renewed determination, he turns back towards Seven Corners, leaving his suicidal impulses behind.

Meanwhile, a vibrant celebration unfolds as The Time takes to the streets with a rousing concert on a float outside Pandemonium. However, instead of revelry and merriment, the atmosphere is heavy with anticipation, for everyone has abandoned their usual revels to join the Kid in an impassioned performance of a spiritual ballad that speaks directly to his soul. The lyrics, which had been echoing through his mind during Aura’s arrival (“It’s just around the corner”), now become a rallying cry as he’s joined by a chorus of voices in perfect harmony.

As the Kid finally yields to Morris’ pleas and steps into the Glam Slam, the space is bathed in an air of reconciliation. The two men share a heartfelt embrace, marking a turning point in their tumultuous relationship. As they begin the arduous task of restoring the club to its former glory, Morris’ gaze falls upon his trusty skillet, now adorned with a vibrant coat of paint – a subtle reminder that even amidst chaos, beauty can flourish. With her own brand of comfort and support, Robin ushers Morris back into Pandemonium’s warm embrace, offering solace in the face of adversity.

And so, on the very wall outside the club where their journey began, the Kid leaves behind a poignant reminder of his odyssey: the title lyrics from the song that had become an anthem for his search – a testament to the transformative power of music and the human spirit.