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The Movies
Cast: Bradley Johnny Swiss/Agent Swiss Clair/Eternity Jeremy/Orpheus Tony/Agent 2
Setting: Bradley’s office consisting of a single desk with scattered papers on top and a glass of water. A chair sits behind the desk. Scene opens as Bradley and Jeremy enter office. Bradley: … If we just go with the second shot of scene 4 and do a retake of scene 5 we should be able to make it come together somewhat. Jeremy: Or we could just retake both scenes. I really do think I scene four could be a lot better. Bradley: Yah, me too. But Johnny said not to waste any more film on scene four. Jeremy: You’re kidding me right! Bradley: That’s what he said. Jeremy: Bradley, come on, he never even looked at the shots. Bradley: I know. But, he’s the Director and I’m just the assistant director. What he says takes priority. Jeremy: Come on, Bradley. You’re not just assistant director. You’re also the editor, the screenwriter, and set designer. Johnny only comes by the studio when he feels like it and even then he only comes by to make your job harder. He’s only the director in name and only because he keeps taking credit for your work. If you would just quit sucking up to the man you might start earning some of the credit you deserve. Clair enters with script in hand Clair: Hey, Bradley, I’ve been going over this line in scene 6 where the wizard says to my character “Surely you do not doubt me, Jasmine?” and then I’m supposed to say ‘How can I trust you when you keep showing up at every crime scene.” I just don’t get it. It sounds a little off to me. Bradley: Yah, that was one of the scene’s I read to Johnny…um…well it originally had Jasmine answering, ‘how can I trust you when you show up every time there’s a death… Clair: That sounds so much better. Why’d you change it? Bradley: Well…um… Johnny said Jeremy: Oh great! Here we go with Johnny again. Bradley: Johnny said he wanted Jasmine to say “crime scene” so that the audience could follow the dialogue better. Clair: What the heck are you talking about? They’re in the 14th century. It sound very out of character and I don’t think it makes the dialogue any clearer. Bradley: I’m sorry but, I can’t do anything I’m- Jeremy: Yah we know, you’re just the assistant director. Good night Clair. Good night Bradley. I’m going to go check up on my camera crew and then head home if that’s alright. Bradley: Sure, Jeremy, see you tomorrow. Clair: Goodnight. Jeremy exits Clair: Bradley you need to stand up to Johnny for once. You do practically everything around here and all he does is take credit for your work and blame you for his messes. It’s not right that you let that creep boss you around. Bradley; Yah I know. It’s just…well. I don’t want to lose my job. I like being a movie director. Clair: Trust me, Bradley there’s no way Johnny would risk losing you. Without you, he’s nothing. Bradley: I just can’t risk it. Clair: Fine, but I’m telling you I wouldn’t stand for it. Take it easy and try to get some sleep tonight. Bradley: I would but, I have…something…I need to work on tonight. Clare: Well alright then, I’ll see you tomorrow. Bradley: Alright. Clair: bye! Clair exits. Bradley sits down at the desk and starts writing. Johnny enters. Tony follows with appointment book and cell phone. Tony: I’m sorry sir but Mr. Swiss is in a meeting you’ll have to call back another time, goodbye. Tony hangs up the phone. Johnny: Hey, Andy! Bradley jumps up, surprised. Bradley: Oh, hey, Johnny. It’s Bradley not Andy. Andy was your old Assistant director that you fired last year. I took over for him, remember. Johnny frown and looks at Tony. Tony looks through the book. Tony: He’s right, sir. It says, ‘June 7th : Fired Andy. June 8th Bradley assigned to assistant directing.’ Johnny: Oh…right. Well, anyway, I Just came by to make sure everything is running smoothly. It’s good to see the movie is coming along so well. Although, I think the stage set up could have been a bit more colorful, Tom. Bradley: Um…it’s Bradley, sir. Johnny: What’s that? Tony: Um…Sir…Tom was your old set designer. You fired him just three months ago. It right here sir. Johnny: Oh… Tony: It says ‘March 23rd: Fired Tom. Set design given to Bradley.’ Johnny: Oh yes. Well…I just came by to read the new ending you came up with for the Eyes of Green script. Bradley: Right…well…um…well, you see… Johnny: You did finish the new ending, right? Bradley: Well…actually, I thought the original ending was… Johnny: Now, David… Bradley: It’s Bradley sir. Tony steps forward with appointment book Tony: May 13th: David fired, Editing position given to…(turns page) Bradley. Johnny: Brad, as I was saying, it’s very simple. Either you change the ending or I fire you and find another editor. Bradley: I’m also assistant director. Johnny: …and a new assistant director. Bradley: And I’m stage designer. Johnny: …and a new stage designer. Bradley: I’m also screenwriter Johnny: Well I think the editor aught to be able to handle that. Bradley: Well…I… Johnny: You what? Bradley: I’ll get it done tonight, sir. Johnny: Good! That’s what I like to hear. Now, Tony, what’s next on my schedule? Tony: Today 9:30: See Assistant director. 10:00 catch the 10:15 showing of The Hurricane Johnny: Ah, That’s right. Well, I’ll be back tomorrow at 7:30 sharp. Goodnight, Andy. Bradley: it’s Bradley, sir. Johnny exits. Bradley takes his seat and begins writing once again. Bradley: I’ve got to get this done…but the original ending was perfect…no I have to do it his way…I can’t risk getting fired… Bradley begins to nod and then falls asleep on his desk. Tony as Agent 2 enters and surveys the room. He touches his earpiece. Agent 2: I found him. He’s in the office. Agent Swiss enters and approaches the desk. He smacks the desk. Startled Bradley jerks awake. Bradley: Wha...where am I? Who…who are you? Agent Swiss: Mr. Anderson. Bradley: Johnny? Johnny Swiss, is that you? Agent Swiss: As of recently your work has not been satisfactory Mr. Anderson. Bradley: Uh…Johnny. My name’s not Anderson its Brad… Agent Swiss smacks the table. Bradley jumps. Agent Swiss: You may address me as Agent Swiss. Bradley: Uh…sure anything you say. I was just finishing up the revised ending…uh…what’s with the sunglasses? Agent Swiss smacks the desk again. Agent Swiss: Lately you have been attempting to infiltrate the Movie with ideas, ideas that are not part of the system. Bradley: Well…I just… Agent Swiss: Mr. Anderson, we have a system. Our system is based on rules. You follow the rules and you get to stay in the system. You don’t follow the rules and you are thrown out with the garbage. (leaning close to Bradley) Do you understand what I’m saying Mr. Anderson? Bradley: Y…yah…right. I got you Johnny. Agent Swiss: Agent Swiss Bradley: Right, Agent Swiss, anything you say. Agent Swiss straightens up and straightens his tie. Tony steps forward hand on his ear piece. Tony: Some one is attempting to break away from the system. Agent Swiss: Proceed to location. Both agents exit. Bradley sighs in relief and relaxes. Bradley: That sure was strange. Clair, dressed as Eternity, enters and looks around. Bradley rises. Bradley: Hey Diana, what are you doing here? Eternity nods at entrance point. Jeremy, dressed as Orpheus, enters. Bradley: Jeremy? Orpheus: Bradley, it is an honor to finally meet you. Bradley: What going on guys? Orpheus: My apologies, I am Orpheus; I have been searching for you my entire life. This(gesturing to Eternity) is Eternity. Bradley: Um…I don’t get it. Orpheus: You are the one, Bradley. Bradley: Wait a minuet! I saw this Movie. You guys are going to unplug me, right? Eternity: You’re living in a dream world, Bradley, known only as the Movies. A world controlled by machines. You are one of the millions of human batteries that keep them running. Without you they could not survive. Bradley: What can I do about it? Orpheus: You must free your mind. Let go of the rules that are holding you back. You have to stand up to Agent Swiss. Bradley: But I’ve seen Good men stand up to him. They were all fired and became forgotten nobodies. There are rules… Orpheus: But you are the one. You have the power the bend those rules. Bradley: You think I could get Johnny to see thing my way? Orpheus: When you’re truly ready, you won’t need to. Bradley: Great! How do I get ready? Orpheus: I can only show you the door, Bradley. The rest is up to you. Bradley: I think I’m beginning to understand. Orpheus: Then it’s time to make a choice. Eternity: A bit of advice, Bradley. Be honest. Orpheus: You take the blue pill;(holds out a hand) you wake up and forget all about this dream. You take the red pill;(holds out the other hand) You find the door. Bradley: Wow, hard decision. Possibly happy or definitely miserable. The One or just a name at the end of the credits. Eternity moves closer to Bradley. Eternity: I believe in you Bradley. I know you are the one because, I love you. You hear me? I love you. Bradley: O.K. Now you’re just creeping me out. Eternity: (moving away) Sorry. Bradley: Alright here goes… Bradley pops the red pill and takes a drink of the water on the desk. Bradley: Alrighty then, what now? Do you guys have to hook me up to a tracing machine or something. Orpheus looks at his watch. Orpheus: Just wait a minuet. Bradley: I don’t feel any… Bradley drops to the floor in a slumber. Orpheus and Eternity exit. Bradley wakes and sits up. Bradley: Ow! My head. What time is it? (looking at watch) Oh no! it’s 7:30. I fell asleep before finishing the Revised ending Johnny wanted. He’ll be here any minuet. Bradley jumps up and heads for the desk then stops. Bradley: But wait, I don’t have to let him control me. I have the Power… Johnny enters. Bradley: I am the One. I can break free of the system… Johnny: Did you finish that ending, Andy? Bradley: Oh…h…hey Agent Swiss…I mean …Johnny. Um…Well I decided that the Original ending is fine. I don’t think I should change it. Johnny: Andy, Andy, Andy…do I need to remind you that… Bradley raises a hand and Johnny freezes. Bradley: No, Johnny, From now on things are going to be different. I’m not your brainless battery anymore. From now on, if you don’t like the way I do things, I’ll quit. Then, you can just go ahead and find a new Editor/screenwriter, a new set designer, and a new assistant director. Bradley drops his hand and Johnny unfreezes. Johnny: Now wait just a minuet. Let’s not do anything hasty. Bradley: Eternity…I mean Clair was right. You’re nothing without me. I’ll call the shots from now on. By the way, my name is Bradley. Bradley exits. Johnny: hey, Bradley, old pal, wait up! Johnny exits. The End |
