STUDENTS

By
Thomas Stelzer and Christopher Clark
SIXTH DRAFT
JULY 2013
THOMAS STELZER AND
CHRISTOPHER CLARK, JULY 2013
Thomas Stelzer
1 Cavey St, Marrickville,
NSW 2204, Australia
Ph: 0423 114 495
1 INT. UNIVERSITY STUDENT CENTRE. DAY.
JAMES (18), idealistic and quietly intelligent, waits at the
front of a long queue. He intently reads a book. Behind him,
JOHNNY (18), long-haired and stylishly disheveled, waits
impatiently.
JOHNNY
(to James)
Why are you reading?
JAMES
(turning around)
Oh. Its Steven Pinker.
JOHNNY
No. Like, why?
JAMES
...Its on the reading list.
JOHNNY
So?
James looks at him slightly dumbfounded. A middle-aged ADMIN
WOMAN wearily calls him over from behind her counter.
ADMIN WOMAN
Name.
JAMES
James.
ADMIN WOMAN
-Last name.
JAMES
Collins.
ADMIN WOMAN
Spelling.
JAMES
Just the normal way.
She stares blankly at him.
JAMES
...C-O-L-L-I-N-S.
She types his name deliberately into the computer.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 2.
ADMIN WOMAN
Look at the camera.
James turns to the web-cam on the counter and smiles.
ADMIN WOMAN
No smiling.
He stops smiling and looks at the camera patiently for a
couple of seconds.
ADMIN WOMAN
...Youre done.
She waits impatiently for Jamess student card to print out
and then hands it to him.
ADMIN WOMAN
Join the line over there... Next!
2 INT. LECTURE HALL. DAY.
James sits by himself towards the back of the large hall as
students stream into the room. Behind him, BEN (18), boyish
and genial, and EMMA (18), his incisive girlfriend, talk
quietly.
GREG WOLF (42), a middle-aged lecturer enters and strides
down to the front of the hall. He wears an ill-fitting
Matrix-style leather coat.
GREG
Quiet everyone... Ok, good. Im
Greg Wolf. Welcome to Contemporary
Media.
A couple of students realise theyre in the wrong lecture,
quietly stand up and shuffle out of the room. Greg,
oblivious, pauses a second for dramatic effect.
GREG (CONT)
(looking around)
Im looking around now, and Ill
tell you what Im seeing - beige.
Youre all beige.
He pauses for impact as James and Ben watch him quizzically.
GREG (CONT)
And sure, the world needs beige.
But you know what else it needs?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 3.
BEN
(leaning forward, to James)
More leather.
James hears him, smirks and turns around.
GREG (CONT)
Red, green, purple... turquoise.
And thats what were here to do -
turn you guys into the... colours
of tomorrow.
He pauses for effect again.
GREG (CONT)
(surveying the room)
What do you hope to get out of
university?
BEN
(quietly, to James)
That jacket.
James smiles. Greg points to a random STUDENT.
GREG
You.
Student looks at him startled.
GREG (CONT)
What do you hope to get out of
university?
STUDENT
A degree?
GREG
Wrong.
He points to another STUDENT 2.
GREG
You?
STUDENT 2
Make new friends.
GREG
Wrong.
He points to another STUDENT 3.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 4.
STUDENT 3
A job.
GREG
Wrong... wait, what degree are you
studying?
STUDENT 3
Arts.
GREG
Definitely wrong.
He looks around the room.
GREG (CONT)
It wasnt that long ago that I sat
where you are, having to answer the
same question... And Ill tell you
what I said... Change. I want to
make a difference. And I have. You
want to know how?
JAMES
(quietly)
You took the red pill?
Ben and James both smirk. Greg notices this time and looks
at James.
GREG
(to James)
What was that?
James looks around to divert attention then realises hes
being addressed. Ben watches on, amused.
JAMES
(pointing to himself)
Me?
GREG
Yes, you.
JAMES
Nothing.
GREG
No, come on, tell us what youve
got to say about making a
difference.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 5.
JAMES
I dont-
GREG
-Thats right, you dont... Do you
have your student card with you?
JAMES
Um, yeah.
GREG
Give it to me.
James fumbles for his wallet, reluctantly removes his
student card and hands it to the student in front of him to
pass forward.
GREG
No, bring it down yourself.
James takes the card back, shuffles awkwardly past a couple
of students, walks down to the front of the class and hands
Greg the card. Greg inspects the card as James returns to
his seat.
GREG
(reading off the card)
James Collins. Looks like someone
needs a lesson in humility. You can
collect this off me at the end of
the day... Well James, we know who
you are. Do you know who I am?
BEN
(quietly, to James)
Morpheus?
Greg catches Bens comment.
GREG
(to Ben)
You! Student Card!
James grins and Emma shakes her head.
3 INT. UNIVERSITY FOYER. DAY.
James loiters outside the lecture theatre as students amble
past him. Ben and Emma emerge, notice him, and walk over.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 6.
BEN
Well next week should be fun... Im
Ben by the way, this is Emma.
EMMA
Nice to meet you.
JAMES
James-
EMMA
-Yeah, we heard.
BEN
You Arts as well?
JAMES
Journalism.
BEN
People still study that?
JAMES
I hope so, its what Ive wanted to
do since I was a kid.
EMMA
What kid wants to be a journalist?
BEN
I wanted to be a Jedi.
EMMA
You still do.
BEN
I know, but its a pipe dream now
isnt it.
Across the foyer, RACHEL (19), controlling and masterfully
passive-aggressive, carrying a handful of leaflets, calls
out to the crowd.
RACHEL
-Hi everyone, Im Rachel. If you
could all just come over here. Come
on.
She tries to usher the crowd over. James, Ben and Emma amble
over with the rest of the students. James notices ISOBEL
(18), pretty and poised, in the crowd. He looks at her for
too long and she catches his glance. She smiles at him and
he smiles sheepishly back.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 7.
RACHEL
(pointing to her name badge)
Good. As you can see, Im on the
student union. Are you guys first
years?
The crowd mumbles in response.
RACHEL
What was that? Come on guys. This
is unviersity, youre big kids now.
Are you first years?
The crowd mumble louder.
RACHEL
Good. That wasnt too hard. Anyway,
were having a totally awesome
party tonight for O-Week.
She hands out flyers to the crowd.
RACHEL
Heres the flyer and Id love to
see you all there.
James waits to get flyers for the three of them. As James
goes to grab one, Isobel also reaches for one and they bump
hands.
JAMES
Sorry. You go.
ISOBEL
Thanks.
She takes the flyer.
ISOBEL
You thinking of going?
JAMES
Looks a bit lame.
ISOBEL
I think itll be fun.
JAMES
-Yeah, thats what I meant. Looks
fun. Its, um, James, by the way.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 8.
ISOBEL
Isobel. Nice to meet you.
JAMES
You too.
ISOBEL
So I might see you there tonight?
JAMES
Yeah, definitely.
James walks over to Ben and Emma, pleased with himself.
EMMA
Who was that?
JAMES
What? Oh, that was Isobel.
BEN
Whos Isobel?
JAMES
Dunno. Just met her. Told her Id
meet her at this party.
He reads the flyer.
JAMES (CONT)
It says here its a toga party.
Prizes for best dressed.
BEN
Yeah, but no one actually dresses
up for these things.
JAMES
What? Yeah they do.
BEN
Were not in primary school
anymore.
JAMES
How many toga parties did you go to
in primary school? Fine, dont
dress up. Well see whos laughing
when youre the only one not
wearing a toga.
9.
4 INT. CLASSROOM. DAY.
James and Ben saunter into the classroom along with a dozen
other students and sit down. They are having a lively
discussion about music.
BEN
I cant believe you dont like the
Nine Inch Nails version.
JAMES
I do, but the Cash version is
better.
BEN
The video is great, Ill give you
that.
Johnny throws his bag on the desk next to them. He drops
into a chair to Bens right and lounges back nonchalantly.
He overhears the conversation and leans in.
JOHNNY
What you guys talking about? Music?
BEN
Yeah, you know that song Hurt?
JOHNNY
(dismissively)
Yeah yeah, good song. Im actually
in a band myself.
JAMES
What are you called?
JOHNNY
Johnny and the Homophonics.
BEN
What?
JAMES
(taken aback)
Did you say the Homophobics?
JOHNNY
(correcting)
Homophonics.
JAMES
...Homophobics?
Johnny gestures to James while looking at Ben incredulously.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 10.
JOHNNY
Homophonics.
BEN
What are you guys like?
JOHNNY
What are we like? Good question...
Id probably describe us as
psychedelic electro garage. But
with an experimental edge.
James nods slowly as he tries to process the information. He
offers Johnny his hand.
JAMES
...Im James, by the way.
They shake hands.
JOHNNY
Jonathon. Call me Johnny.
BEN
Like Johnny Cash!
JOHNNY
Who? Anyway, listen, you guys going
to that party?
JAMES
The toga one?
JOHNNY
Forget the togas. Im going for the
girls. You guys got girlfriends?
BEN
I do, yeah.
JOHNNY
Stupid. Stupid. You?
JAMES
Ah, my girlfriend and I just broke
up actually.
JOHNNY
(tapping James on the
shoulder)
Yes. Thats what I like to hear.
Youre laughing then mate.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 11.
JAMES
Shell probably be there actually.
JOHNNY
(suddenly interested)
Really? She any good?-
JAMES
What? Why?
JOHNNY
-You had your chance.
JAMES
I think shes already seeing
someone.
JOHNNY
-Wont stop me.
BEN
(to James)
You should hook up with Isobel
then, make her jealous
JAMES
I dont know...
JOHNNY
-You gay or something?
JAMES
No.
JOHNNY
So whats the problem? Look.
(making air quotes)
Forget this "Isobel", come with me
and Ill show you how the pros do
it.
JAMES
The pros? What are you, an escort?
JOHNNY
They should be paying me mate, I
can tell you that much. The way I
do it.
The tutor EURY (50) walks in. She is pleasantly encouraging
with short, styled hair.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 12.
EURY
Welcome to Society and Culture
everyone, find a seat. My name is
Eurydice. Its ok, I dont expect
you to remember that, you can call
me Eury.
I know some of you may be a bit
nervous, but I want everyone to
feel comfortable. So to start,
well do a little activity I like
to call the getting to know you
game.
She looks at James, who is caught off guard.
EURY
You can start. Just say your name,
your degree, and a personal hero of
yours.
JILL (45), a mature-age student raises her hand.
JILL
Just to clarify something. Does it
have to be only one hero, or can
you have more than one?
EURY
I suppose it can be more than one,
sure.
She turns back to James.
JILL
(interrupting)
-Ok, my name is Jill, Jill
Matthews, Im studying a Bachelors
degree in Communications, majoring
in Public Communication, although I
havent really made my mind up yet,
Still got plenty of time to
decide... Not as much as you guys,
ha ha ha.
As for my hero, or our hero I
should probably say... Jesus.
EURY
(puzzled)
...And someone else?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 13.
JILL
No.
Glen, (18), nerdy and literal, interjects.
GLEN
-I thought we were meant to be
doing real people?
JILL
We are.
GLEN
(smugly)
-Are we?
JILL
The Bible says Jesus is the true
son of God.
GLEN
It also says you shouldnt mix
fabrics or eat shellfish. Have you
even read it?
JILL
Hell-o. Im a single mother.
James and Ben watch on, taken aback.
5 INT. OUTSIDE CLASSROOM. DAY.
James and Ben are walking from class.
BEN
I dont know if I can take much
more of that.
JAMES
It was a real meeting of minds.
BEN
And all that Jesus talk. I cant
stand God-botherers.
JAMES
Im Christian.
BEN
Oh, shit, sorry, I didnt mean...
you know.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 14.
JAMES
Nah, Im just joking.
Glen nonchalantly catches up to Ben and James as they walk.
GLEN
That was a waste of time then.
JAMES
(taken aback)
Sorry?
GLEN
(pointing back)
That in there. Talking about
religion. If I wanted a course on
Biblical Studies I would have taken
one.
BEN
I think shes just trying to get us
settled in. Encourage debate.
GLEN
Didnt say that in the subject
outline. It said, week one -
introduction to cultural types.
JAMES
Yeah, but it also said wed be
covering emergency fire procedures.
GLEN
(matter-of-factly)
You wanna joke about fire
evacuations. I knew a guy, didnt
pay attention during emergency
procedures.
There was a fire. He took the lift.
Cables snapped. Never found his
head.
BEN
Was it not in the elevator?
GLEN
(shaking his head)
Never found it.
JAMES
Im sure theyll cover it in other
classes.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 15.
BEN
...Was his body in the elevator?
GLEN
(ignoring)
Point is, subject outline said;
introduction to cultural types-
JAMES
-and fire procedures.
GLEN
Right. And all we talked about in
there was mothers and religion.
JAMES
And now a mans lost his head.
Glen nods in agreement. They stop walking.
GLEN
What are you doing now?
JAMES
Ah. nothing.
BEN
-Just walking.
GLEN
Wanna see a movie then?
BEN
-Now?
JAMES
-Today?
GLEN
Yeah. You said you werent doing
anything.
JAMES
Sorry man, we actually gotta head
off.
GLEN
...How about tomorrow?
16.
6 INT. OFFICE. DAY
Ben and James loiter outside Gregs office. Ben knocks
hesitantly and they enter. Greg recognises them and ushers
them to sit down.
GREG
(amused)
Boys. Boys. Boys... Theres always
one or two. Im sure youre worried
a man in my position doesnt have
time to deal with young upstarts-
BEN
-not rea-
GREG
-but not me. I was one myself. I
know what its like, first day, get
a bit of a reputation, impress the
girls.
He winks at them.
GREG (CONT)
And Im going to give you these
back...
He hands over the student cards.
GREG (CONT)
...But they come with a word of
warning. You want to make something
of yourselves, keep your head down.
Dont ask questions.
He looks at James.
GREG
(to James)
Might be a bit hard for you...
Would I be right in saying youre
the son of Andrew and Kathryn
Collins?
JAMES
Uh, yeah.
GREG
And do you think two of the
countrys best journalists would
want their son flunking out of
university?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 17.
JAMES
-Probably not-
GREG
-No. No, they wouldnt... Anyway, I
wont keep you. Im sure youre
raring to get out there... Embrace
the university spirit.
7 INT. NIGHT CLUB QUEUE. NIGHT.
James, wearing an impressive home-made toga, waits
dejectedly in a busy queue surrounded by dozens of students
in normal clothing. Ben stands next to him, also dressed
normally.
JAMES
This isnt happening.
BEN
What did you expect?
JAMES
People in togas. Obviously.
BEN
Look, I know it doesnt feel like
it, and I know your girlfriend
dumped you for another guy-
JAMES
-I didnt say it was for another
guy.
BEN
Yeah, but there is another guy,
right?
JAMES
Yes, but thats not why she left
me.
BEN
Whyd she leave you then?
JAMES
It just wasnt working...
BEN
(quietly)
-too clingy?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 18.
JAMES
...we wanted different things.
BEN
-wasnt attracted to you anymore?
They arrive at the front of the queue and the BOUNCER stops
them.
BOUNCER
IDs boys.
Ben and James take out their IDs. Ben hands his to the
bouncer who scrutinises it closely. He looks up at Ben, who
waits nervously.
BOUNCER
Date of birth.
BEN
2nd January 1996.
BOUNCER
Address?
BEN
16 Wilson St.
BOUNCER
(handing back the licence)
How many you had?
BEN
(earnestly)
Just the one. Ive lived there my
whole life.
The bouncer looks at Ben incredulously. James stares at Ben
in slight disbelief and quickly hands the bouncer his own
licence.
JAMES
(quickly)
4 October 1995. 6 Bell Place.
The bouncer looks at James suspiciously.
BOUNCER
What star sign?
JAMES
Um, Libra.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 19.
He looks at James impassively for a second and then calls
over another bouncer, BILL, who is checking other IDs.
BOUNCER
(gesturing to James)
Oi, Bill, what do you think?
Bill slowly looks James up and down.
BILL
(to Bouncer)
Aries?
BOUNCER
Libra.
BILL
(disbelieving)
No.
BOUNCER
I know. Could have sworn he was a
Leo.
8 INT. CLUB ENTRANCE. NIGHT.
James and Ben enter the club and approach the DOOR GIRL.
DOOR GIRL
(to James)
Oh, another toga.
James looks at Ben as if to say I told you so.
JAMES
So theres others in there then?
DOOR GIRL
Yep. There was a guy just a couple
of minutes ago... Went home to get
changed though.
She stamps their wrists and they walk inside. They notice
Emma and Rachel talking and walk over.
RACHEL
Hello! Im so glad you guys made
it!
She notices Jamess outfit and smirks.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 20.
JAMES
Why arent you dressed up?
RACHEL
I was busy organising everything.
Make sure youre around later,
well be judging the best dressed.
JAMES
What, for all two of us?
RACHEL
You can win a prize.
BEN
(amused)
Yeah James, come on. You can win a
prize.
JAMES
Thats it, Im going home.
EMMA
Not by chariot I hope.
JAMES
Shut up.
They stand around awkwardly for a moment. Rachel turns and
swans off to the next group of people.
RACHEL
(in background)
Hello! Im so glad you guys made
it!
9 EXT. COURTYARD BAR. NIGHT.
Ben and James mill around in a crowded outside bar. Emma
walks out and hands Ben a drink.
JAMES
I thought uni was going to be
different, you know. A new start.
EMMA
Dont worry, people will have
forgotten about it by tomorrow.
BEN
(looking around)
-You havent seen Johnny around,
have you?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 21.
JAMES
Hopefully he doesnt come.
BEN
(joking)
Why? You dont want to put your
seduction skills to the test?
JAMES
No. I just dont want to spend the
night embarrassing myself.
A GUY walks passed and sees James.
GUY
(laughing)
Nice dress bro.
James looks sardonically at Ben and Emma.
EMMA
What if Isobel shows up and sees
you in that?
JAMES
Thats the only thing thatd make
it worse.
BEN
Maybe she has a thing for togas?
10 INT. BAR. NIGHT.
James waits at the bar to be served. He looks around
hopefully for Isobel, but cant see her.
11 EXT. COURTYARD BAR. NIGHT.
Ben and Emma are talking casually. Johnny recognizes Ben and
swaggers over with a drink in each hand. Johnny extends his
hand to shake Bens, realizes he has his hands full, so
skulls a drink and tosses the cup away to shake Bens hand.
BEN
Hey man. This is Emma.
Johnny looks at Emma and does a slight double-take.
JOHNNY
Emma?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 22.
BEN
Emma my girlfriend.
JOHNNY
(impressed)
...Her?
Johnny looks back and forth between Ben and Emma in slight
disbelief, before throwing up his hand eagerly to high five
Ben, who does not share the same enthusiasm.
EMMA
Who are you?
JOHNNY
(pointing to Ben)
He hasnt told you? Im Johnny...
the one in the band.
EMMA
What band?
JOHNNY
The Homophonics.
EMMA
Pardon?
12 INT. BAR. NIGHT.
James is still waiting at the bar. JESS (18), Jamess
pleasant ex-girlfriend, and her new boyfriend ADAM (20) wait
nearby to be served. Jess notices James and tries to get his
attention.
JESS
James! Hey!
James hears her and looks around.
JESS (CONT)
How are you?
JAMES
Hey, yeah, Im alright. You?
JESS
Great. Im great... Oh, this is
Adam. Adam, this is James.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 23.
ADAM
Nice to meet you man.
JAMES
Yeah. You too.
Jess looks expectantly at James.
JESS
So what have you been up to? You
with anyone?
JAMES
Um. Im meant to be meeting someone
here actually.
JESS
Thats good to hear. Im happy for
you.
Glen sidles up from behind James, pats him on the shoulder
and addresses him while looking off into the distance.
GLEN
There you are. Looks like were the
only ones that can read. Invite
clearly said Toga Party.
He exhales loudly and sips his beer. James looks at him
blankly.
GLEN (CONT)
...and the beers shit.
Jess and Adam are stunned.
13 EXT. COURTYARD BAR. NIGHT.
Ben and Emma are talking. Nearby, a GIRL slaps Johnny.
GIRL
I told you to leave me alone.
Johnny stumbles over to Ben and Emma, who watch on in shock.
He spots an ATTRACTIVE GIRL across the crowd and holds up a
silencing finger.
JOHNNY
(interrupting)
-Whoa whoa whoa.
Ben looks confused.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 24.
JOHNNY
(beckoning to Ben)
Oi Ben, Im gonna need you on this
one.
BEN
What one?
JOHNNY
That girl over there. Youre gonna
tell her, lets say... we were at
the beach the other day, drowning
kid, Ive spotted him, you say
Ill go get help, I say, theres
no time, paddle out, rescue him,
mum crying.
Ben looks at him blankly.
JOHNNY (CONT)
Then just say youre going to get a
drink and leave me alone with her.
Right? Easy.
Johnny walks off, pulling a reluctant Ben along by the
shoulder.
BEN
How are we going to bring it up?
JOHNNY
Just play it cool.
Ben looks slightly panicked. They reach the girl.
JOHNNY
Hows it going?
ATTRACTIVE GIRL
Im good, how are you?
JOHNNY
Good, good. Youre a first-year as
wel-
BEN
(interrupting)
Do you like the beach?
Johnny and the girl look at him strangely.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 25.
ATTRACTIVE GIRL
Um, I guess, yeah.
BEN
Well we were there the other day,
and Johnnys spotted a kid
drowning, and before I could even
do anything, Johnnys said...
JOHNNY
-Ill go get help!
Johnny realises his mistake. Ben looks on speechless.
ATTRACTIVE GIRL
(to Ben)
So what did you do?
Ben looks at Johnny helplessly.
BEN
(beat)
Um...I said, theres no time for
help...
ATTRACTIVE GIRL
What happened? Did you save him?
BEN
...Yep.
The girl looks at him in admiration.
BEN
Anyway, Im going to get a drink.
ATTRACTIVE GIRL
Ill come.
BEN
(taken aback)
...Alright.
He glances at Johnny who looks at him darkly. The girl leads
Ben to the bar and Johnny walks back to Emma. Ben turns back
and looks helplessly at Emma.
EMMA
(to Johnny)
What happened? Wheres he going?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 26.
JOHNNY
Your boyfriend fucked it up.
He looks at Emma thoughtfully for a second.
JOHNNY (CONT)
So you and Ben, you guys serious
or...
Emma stares at him and he trails off.
14 INT. CLUB BAR. NIGHT.
James and Glen are at the bar. James spots Ben with the
other girl waiting at the other end of the bar. James looks
at him confused and Ben looks back at him helplessly.
15 EXT. OUTSIDE AREA. NIGHT.
Ben walks sheepishly over to Johnny and Emma who wait in
awkward silence.
EMMA
Wheres your new girlfriend?
BEN
(sheepish)
I came clean. Told her the truth.
EMMA
Really?
BEN
Yep. Told her I had a girlfriend
and it was all a misunderstanding.
The girl breezes over and touches Ben on the arm.
ATTRACTIVE GIRL
(to Ben)
So youll call me?
BEN
...Yep.
The girl saunters away. Emma looks at Ben scornfully.
EMMA
Youre not calling her.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 27.
BEN
No, of course Im not.
EMMA
So youre just going to lead her on
and never talk to her again?
BEN
What? No... Wait.
Emma storms off and Ben goes to chase after her.
JOHNNY
(to Ben)
Oi. Wait... If youre not using
that phone number, can I have it?
16 INT. DANCE FLOOR. NIGHT.
Rachel stands on the stage with a microphone as people mill
around. Emma waits at the back of the dance floor and Ben
and James join her.
RACHEL
Can I get everyones attention?
Thanks. First of all, Id like to
thank all those who helped me put
on such a great event. I couldnt
have done it without you.
She pauses for applause, but only a handful of people clap.
RACHEL
If we could get all those who
dressed up to come up here with me.
The few people wearing togas, including Glen, push through
the crowd and climb onto the stage. James stands at the back
and tries unsuccessfully to avoid attention as those around
him look at him expectantly.
EMMA
(to James)
What are you waiting for?
JAMES
Not happening.
BEN
(pushing James)
Come on, get up there.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 28.
James resists Bens pushes. Rachel notices James in the
crowd.
RACHEL
(to James)
Looks like someones a bit shy.
Come on, dont be embarrassed.
The crowd turn to look at James.
JAMES
(sarcastic)
Why would I be embarrassed?
RACHEL
What do you think guys, should we
get him up?
The crowd mumbles in approval. A couple of GIRLS, watch on.
GIRL 3
Yeah, go on.
GIRL 4
Get up there.
James relents and trudges up to the stage. He lines up next
to the three other guys in togas. He looks out and notices
Isobel at the back of the crowd. She smiles and he looks
away, sheepishly.
RACHEL
Ok, this is how well do it. Ill
point at each of them and you cheer
for the one you think is the best
dressed. Lets practise.
She points at herself. No one cheers.
RACHEL (CONT)
(flustered)
Ok, lets start.
She points at the first guy in line. The crowd cheers
warmly. She moves to the second guy. He plays up to the
audience and they cheer loudly.
Rachel moves onto Glen, who stands stiffly. The crowd,
losing interest, cheer distractedly. Rachel points to James
and the crowd barely cheers.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 29.
RACHEL
Looks like weve got our winners.
She walks back over to the second guy and crowns him with a
fake leaf laurel. She does the same to Glen and the other
guy as James waits awkwardly.
RACHEL
Can we get a round of applause for
all our winners.
The crowd clap halfheartedly and disperse. James leaves the
stage, defeated. He walks over to where he saw Isobel but
she isnt there. He sighs dejectedly.