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A Limited Time Only (short)
by Matthew Rosen (pykomoose@yahoo.com)

Rated: R   Genre: Miscellaneous   User Review: ***1/2
A semi-Altman-esque satire on commercialism with deep undertones of sexual tension. I'm not sure whether I agree with the contention made by the closing shots, but it's an interesting point to explore anyway. The plot centers around an enormous mall in Cincinatti, OH. Clay Newman and his friends spend three days shopping for their final college needs. As they grapple, each in his own attempted stoic way, with the concept that wheir time together is coming to a close. This is not an artistic attack on commercialism, but rather a friendly ball-busting. [In response to the discussion in the film, I far prefer the original.]


This screenplay is copyrighted to its author. All rights reserved. This screenplay may not be used or reproduced without the express written permission of the author.



A LIMITED TIME ONLY (SHORT)

FADE IN:

INT. SHOPPING MALL - DAY
                                                            
People from all different walks of life slowly wander
aimlessly through the vast empty space within the
Cincinnatti Mills shopping center. There slow movements are
almost trancelike. The ceiling walls are enormous, capped by
a glass ceiling. The various wings of the mall are massive
and fairly empty. Two young men sit in the food court, one
has a gyro, the other a slice of pizza. Both have soda.
                                                            
                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
It was alright, but to me it's
nowhere near the old one.
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
That's what everybody always says.
"Oh, it could never top the old
one." "It sucks compared to the
original." "I like the book
better."
                                                            
                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
I don't say that.
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
It's all bullshit. Everybody wants
to sound smart, so they deny the
simple truth that movies have
gotten better.
                                                            
                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
Am I hearing this?
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
If you--
                                                            
                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
Name one movie in the past five
years that has the suspense of
Jaws, or the umm...
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
If you take--
                                                            
                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
...the madness of Taxi Driver.
Name one, I dare you!
                                                            

2.

                       CLAY NEWMAN
If you take an objective look at
the two movies, it's obvious the
remake is better.
                                                            
                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
Bullshit.
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
Earth to Don! Did the old one
actually scare you at all.
                                                            
                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
It wasn't scary, at least not with
things jumping out, lotsa people
screaming as if to say "Look how
scared we are!" It was unsettling.
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
It was goofy. The zombies were too
easy to kill. They were so slow.
                                                            
                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
It was satire. The new one is all
just cheap spooks. It didn't even
get the joke.
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
Good. There shouldn't be a joke.
Dawn of the Dead is a gory
disturbing film. The end of the
world is not something to take
lightly.
                                                            
                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
What? Next you're gonna talk about
Fail Safe one-upping Dr.
Strangelove?
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
Well...no. But that's not the
issue. The issue here is the new
Dawn. You honestly didn't like it.
                                                            
                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
Two good things about it: Johnny
Cash and Richard Cheese.
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
I just can't believe I'm hearing
this.
                                                            

3.

                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
Well believe it buddy. Aint no way
your voodoo special effects trash
is gonna draw me in.

Oh, look who it is. Hey, Amelia!
                                                            
A girl sits alone at a able on the other side of the food
court. Looking up from her Italian ice, she waves. She grabs
up her tray and walks over. Clay turns to watch her
approach, taking a sip of his soda.
                                                            
                       AMELIA BLAIR
Hi Don. Hello Newman.
                                                            
Clay releases a phony laugh, all the time looking at her.
                                                            
                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
Maybe you can settle this argument
we've been having. Do you prefer
the new Dawn of the Dead or the
old one.
                                                            
                       AMELIA BLAIR
Haven't really soaked those in
yet. I'm not big on horror.
                                                            
                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
Great.
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
Hey, take it easy. She's got the
right to her own tastes.
                                                            
                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
Yeah, but I don't right?
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
It's one thing to misjudge a
clearly superior film. It's
something else entirely if you're
just not into the genre.
                                                            
Amelia sighs in neglect.
                                                            
                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
You are so full of shit, it's a
wonder you don't pop.
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
What!? At least she's got an
excuse. What've you got?
                                                            

4.

                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
What d'you mean, "What've I got?"
I just prefer the original, isn't
that enough.
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
No!!!
                                                            
                       AMELIA BLAIR
Welp! I'm gonna get going now it
was nice running into you.
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
Don't leave yet. You're all alone.
Why not join us?
                                                            
                       AMELIA BLAIR
No, I gotta get some shopping
done.
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
That's great. It just so happens
we're in a mall right now. We can
go together.
                                                            
                       AMELIA BLAIR
Where you headed?
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
I dunno. We haven't quite got our
schedule all worked out yet. Steve
and Barry's?
                                                            
                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
Sounds good. I gotta get some
clothes for college, and that's
about as cheap as they come.
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
      (to Amelia)
Es good?
                                                            
                       AMELIA BLAIR
Alright.
                                                            
The three walk across the hall, toward the camera. As they
near it, Amelie becomes centered in the frame. The shot
eventually becomes a close-up until she passes, that same
gentle sadness on her face.
                                                            
A t-shirt hangs from a shelf within the store. It has no
logos, but reads as such, "After sex with me, even the
neighbors will need a cigarette." Don and Amelia stare at

5.

it, their heads lopsided as if interpretting some piece of
modern art. This is only one of an entire wall displaying
shirts like "Nut and bolts," "Talk nerdy to me," "I taught
your girlfriend that thing you like," "I taught your
boyfriend that thing you like," "I like sex," "Good for one
free lap dance." There are literally dozens of them.
                                                            
                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
      (sporting a faux
       British accent)
I'd say it really strives to
convey a sort of metaphysical view
of reality, the cigarette
obviously representing a common
elemental medium by which one's
soul can reach out. Wouldn't you
agree?
                                                            
                       AMELIA BLAIR
I'm just trying to figure out who
would buy such crap.
                                                            
Clay is in the dressing room, trying on a "Pussy has more
calories than you think."
                                                            
                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
Oh I don't know, I think some of
it's really quite profound.
                                                            
CUT TO:
                                                            
                       ANNOUNCER
For a special limited time offer,
everything in the store is only
5.98 or less. That's right
everything is 5.98 or less at
Steve and Barry's University
Sportswear.
                                                            
Amelia looks at some of the more conservative clothes on the
other side os the store. Clay appoaches wearing a University
of Kentucky jacket.
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
What d'you think?
                                                            
                       AMELIA BLAIR
It suits you nicely.
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
Are you excited?
                                                            

6.

                       AMELIA BLAIR
About what?
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
College.
                                                            
                       AMELIA BLAIR
Well...yeah.
                                                            
BEAT
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
Okay.
                                                            
BEAT
                                                            
He walks away.
                                                            
INT. DON'S CAR - DUSK
                                                            
Don drives Clay into the night.
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
So what's in the Media Play bag?
                                                            
                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
Gee I'd love to tell ya, but I'm a
little preoccupied at the moment.
Are your arms broken.
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
Easy, I just don't wanna offend
you by going in there without
permission.
                                                            
                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
Don't worry about that.
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
Of course. You don't hold your
personal space above all else.
                                                            
                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
Not as high as that.
Entertainment's my main priority.
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
      (looking into bag)
Jesus Christ, you've got enough
DVDs in here to make the AFI
jealous. Dark City, Raging Bull,
Apocalypse Now. You're gonna blow
your bank account if your not
            (MORE)

7.

                       CLAY NEWMAN (cont'd)
careful.
                                                            
                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
They were all used or on sale. I
didn't get a single one for more
than twelve dollars.
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
Yeah but you've got like eight
movies in here. Are you starting
your own rental store?
                                                            
                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
Study materials.
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
Is that right?
                                                            
                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
I'm heading to film school this
month; I've gotta stay on edge.
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
Yeah? Well if you stay on edge,
you won't be able to afford film
school.
                                                            
                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
I already told you they were
cheap.
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
Yeah, but you get enough, I don't
care how cheap they are, you spend
a lot of bread. I mean how much
did all these cost?
                                                            
                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
I don't remember exactly, but I'd
say about...
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
How much?
                                                            
                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
Eighty nine.
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
Eighty nine dollars! That's what I
mean. Ninety bucks on DVDs you
could've gotten of Netflix for
ten.
                                                            

8.

                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
First of, I didn't say ninety.
Second--
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
So sorry. My mistake. Eighty nine.
One fucking dollar!!!
                                                            
                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
Second off, Netflix is not free.
There's a monthly fee you
shouldn't overlook. Thirdly, it
takes at least two days between
shippings, not counting weekends.
Sixthly and lastly, you have to
send 'em back.
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
You don't have to.
                                                            
                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
Yeah, but the longer I keep it the
more it costs. So I'd be better
off just buying it to begin with.
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
Well I gotta hand it to you, that
was one of the best
rationalizations I've heard in a
long time.
                                                            
                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
Glad you like my work.
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
Crank up the music, would you?
                                                            
                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
Your fingers broken?
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
You're a terrible host.
                                                            
Clay turns up the music as the car drives off.
                                                            
INT. CLAY'S ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
Clay enters his room, takes off his shirt, yawns, and turns
on the television. He switches to the Home Shopping Channel
where a model displays an affordable but classy dress.
                                                            

9.

                       ANNOUNCER
And for a limited time while
supplies last, you could own this
gorgeous--
                                                            
INT. CLAY'S ROOM - MORNING
                                                            
An alarm clock sounds, the most irritating sound in the
world: sharp, loud, and repetitive. Clay's eyelids start to
give way, then open completely. He reaches over and turns
the alarm off. He rolls over and breathes a breath of fresh
air, the first of the day. He turns his eyes to various
parts of the room to keep them open, but inadvertently
reverts to snoring.
                                                            
INT. CLAY'S ROOM - DAY
                                                            
A phone rings, and he bursts alive to answer it.
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
Hello?
                                                            
                       LAUREN BISHOP
Clay, how's it going?
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
I was asleep. What do you want,
Lauren?
                                                            
                       LAUREN BISHOP
We were heading to the diner for
lunch.
                                                            
Clay turns to his alarm clock. The time is 12:42.
                                                            
                       LAUREN BISHOP
Anyway, in an attempt like such to
alleviate boredom, experience has
shown that better effects stem
from increased participation.
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
Is that right?
                                                            
                       LAUREN BISHOP
Would you care to join us, sir?
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
Who's "us?"
                                                            
                       LAUREN BISHOP
Well there's me, there's Don,
Clive, Amelia. We were think--
                                                            

10.

                       CLAY NEWMAN
How soon can you get here?
                                                            
                       LAUREN BISHOP
We're already out front.
                                                            
EXT. CLAY'S HOUSE - DAY
                                                            
Clay approaches Don's car. He's not wearing a shirt.
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
I haven't showered.
                                                            
                       LAUREN BISHOP
Points will be deducted.
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
Fair enough. You can wait inside
while I get dressed.
                                                            
                       CLIVE PATTON
Can we watch?
                                                            
BEAT
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
      (motioning to
       Lauren and Amelia)
They can.
                                                            
INT. CLAY'S LIVING ROOM - DAY
                                                            
Clay moves some newpapers off the sofa.
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
Make yourselves at home. I
shouldn't be too long.
                                                            
He walks through a door at the back of the room. Clive
stretches out on the couch, pulls out a small flask and
downs a mouthful.
                                                            
                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
Dude that is not cool.
                                                            
                       CLIVE PATTON
Why, did you want some?
                                                            
                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
He never said you could drink in
here.
                                                            

11.

                       LAUREN BISHOP
If he wants to drink, let him.
                                                            
                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
That's not the point. What if his
mom came home?
                                                            
                       CLIVE PATTON
She's at work, she won't be home
for hours. Besides, it's too early
for that anyway. This is just
water so relax.
                                                            
                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
Let me see it.
                                                            
Clive hands him the flask. Don drinks from it. His
expression slowly evolves into a smile, and he laughs.
                                                            
                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
Bullshit, "Just water." Get the
fuck outta here.
                                                            
They burst into laughter. Amelia shyly grins.
                                                            
                       CLIVE PATTON
I almost had you.
                                                            
                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
You duplicitous bastard.
                                                            
Out of the corner of his eye, he catches sight of Lauren who
looks at him as if to say, "Oh you!"
                                                            
                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
      (playfully)
And what are you looking at?
                                                            
She shrugs.
                                                            
                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
Come on, Lauren. Out with it.
                                                            
                       LAUREN BISHOP
Not a goddam thing.
                                                            
                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
Is that right?
                                                            
                       LAUREN BISHOP
That's right.
                                                            

12.

                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
Am I gonna have to make you tell
me?
                                                            
They kiss: open-mouthed but no tongue. Clive sighs and
shakes his head. Amelia, in return, shrugs. Clive gets up
and tiptoes over to the couple. He pulls back his hand
slowly, savoring every moment of suspense. He glances one
last time at Amelia, then brings his hand flat across Don's
asscheek before immediately jumping back onto the couch.
                                                            
                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
Hey... "Dude, that is not cool."
                                                            
                       CLIVE PATTON
      (pointing to
       Amelia)
It was her.
                                                            
                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
I'll bet.
                                                            
Clay emerges from his room.
                                                            
                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
Are we gonna have to discipline
you?
                                                            
                       CLIVE PATTON
Would you?
                                                            
Clay looks at Amelia, then retreats to his room again.
                                                            
                       AMELIA BLAIR
I think we just offended our host.
                                                            
INT. JOHNNY ROCKETS - DAY
                                                            
The five friends sit and converse at a table in the middle
of a 50s themed diner. The camera slowly rotates around the
table.
                                                            
                       LAUREN BISHOP
But you could've just smelled the
lid, you didn't have to actually
take a drink.
                                                            
                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
What do I say to that? I don't
know what to say to that.
                                                            
                       CLIVE PATTON
What do you say to that?
                                                            

13.

                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
I don't know. Were you fucking
listening? I just said that.
                                                            
                       LAUREN BISHOP
I know what to say to that.
                                                            
                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
Praytell, what's that?
                                                            
                       LAUREN BISHOP
You wanted it.
                                                            
Clive nods. The camera rotates to face the the window to
show the entrance to the biggs department store across the
hall inside the Cincinnatti Mills shopping center.
                                                            
                       LAUREN BISHOP
You wanted that taste on your
lips.
                                                            
                       WAITRESS
What can I get you guys to drink?
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
Coffee and water. With lots of
creamers.
                                                            
                       LAUREN BISHOP
      (to Don)
You couldn't resist.
                                                            
                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
Later, doll.
                                                            
                       WAITRESS
You want a lemon in your water?
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
Yes to the lemon, but no ice.
                                                            
Clive lights a cigarette.
                                                            
                       WAITRESS
      (to Amelia)
And you?
                                                            
                       AMELIA BLAIR
Well, I think I'd like a Cola.
                                                            
                       WAITRESS
Okay, and a Coke for the lady. Who
else?
                                                            

14.

                       CLIVE PATTON
Whiskey?
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
      (to Amelia)
Cola? Who calls it Cola anymore?
                                                            
                       WAITRESS
Nice try kid.
                                                            
                       CLIVE PATTON
Mountain Dew.
                                                            
                       WAITRESS
Sprite or MelloYellow. Take your
pick.
                                                            
                       LAUREN BISHOP
      (to Don)
I'm not being anal, I just don't
like being called "Doll." What's
so anal about that?
                                                            
                       CLIVE PATTON
Shit. Sprite, I guess.
                                                            
                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
      (to Lauren)
I mean, I don't see what the big
deal is. It's just a nickname.
Other couples have nicknames.
                                                            
                       WAITRESS
And how about you two?
                                                            
                       LAUREN BISHOP
Good for them. Just don't--
                                                            
                       WAITRESS
Excuse me.
                                                            
                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
Wait, what? Oh. Um...do you have
egg creams?
                                                            
CUT TO LATER
                                                            
Food and drinks are on the table, but the girls are gone.
                                                            
                       CLIVE PATTON
No, I'm gonna have to side with
Clay on this one.
                                                            

15.

Clay sticks his tongue out at Donald.
                                                            
                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
Oh come on. Of all people, I'd
think you'd appreciate the
anticommercialist commentary in
the original. Your a rebel, aren't
you?
                                                            
                       CLIVE PATTON
Watch it. It's dangerous to
stereotype.
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
Yeah.
                                                            
                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
Quiet, you. But the old one is so
subtle in its behavior. The ideas
are unsettling.
                                                            
                       CLIVE PATTON
Well, that's the problem. The
original is subtle commentary, but
it's just not that scary. The
remake is absolutely horrifying.
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
My sentiments exactly.
                                                            
                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
Yeah, the new one's scarier, but
it's just self-indulgent when the
old one made you reconsider the
nature of self-indulgence. You
follow?
                                                            
                       CLIVE PATTON
Yeah I follow, and I agree with
what you're saying, but the
remake, in all its
self-indulgence, got a deeper gut
reaction from me than the original
ever did.
                                                            
                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
Either you guys have no taste, or
I'm gonna have to rethink my life.
                                                            

16.

BEAT
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
Boy what a drought we've been
having?
                                                            
                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
Tell me about it.
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
What is there to tell?
                                                            
                       CLIVE PATTON
      (dragging his
       cigarette)
You know what it is?
                                                            
                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
What?
                                                            
                       CLIVE PATTON
It's all this air pollution.
                                                            
                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
He said through a chemical smoke
cloud of nicotine and ammonia.
                                                            
He sticks his cig in his mouth, makes a contorted goofy
face, and puffs rapidly. The other two laugh.
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
Can I bum a drag?
                                                            
His face stays contorted as he hands it to Clay.
                                                            
                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
So Clay, tell me honestly, are you
a smoker or aren't you?
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
I'm not.
                                                            
He takes a drag and hands it back to Clive.
                                                            
                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
Really?
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
Yeah, I limit myself to a couple
drags a week so I can enjoy the
buzz without getting hooked.
                                                            

17.

                       CLIVE PATTON
      (lightly)
Bullshit.
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
I know.
                                                            
Thay laugh.
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
But I will say this. In the three
years I've been working my little
system, I've never bought a single
pack of smokes.
                                                            
Lauren and Amelia approach the table.
                                                            
                       CLIVE PATTON
You bought me packs.
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
Yeah, but that doesn't count.
                                                            
                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
      (to Lauren)
You alright?
                                                            
                       LAUREN BISHOP
Yeah.
                                                            
                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
Sorry about earlier.
                                                            
                       LAUREN BISHOP
It's alright.
                                                            
She whispers something in his ear.
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
      (whispering to
       Amelia)
See, now I pretend to whisper
something in your ear, so it looks
like I have something I don't want
them to hear.
                                                            
Donald's eyes shoot to Amelia.
                                                            
                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
Really?
                                                            

18.

                       CLAY NEWMAN
      (faking excitement)
Yeah what was it!?
                                                            
                       CLIVE PATTON
If she wanted you to hear, she
would've said it out loud stupid.
                                                            
He takes one final drag and puts out his cigarette.
                                                            
                       CLIVE PATTON
Show some fucking decency.
                                                            
EXT. LAUREN'S HOUSE - DAY
                                                            
Lauren, Donald, and Clay exit the car. Clay reenters the
front passenger side of the vehicle, while Donald escorts
Lauren to the door.
                                                            
                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
I'll be back to pick you up after
dinner.
                                                            
                       LAUREN BISHOP
Alright.
                                                            
BEAT
                                                            
                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
Look I'm really sorry about
earlier.
                                                            
                       LAUREN BISHOP
It's okay. Just...well, I'm touchy
about that sort of thing. I don't
want to be your doll or anybody
elses.
                                                            
                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
      (chuckling)
You should be free to be your own
doll.
                                                            
Seeing the hostility in her eyes, he catches himself one
moment too late.
                                                            
                       LAUREN BISHOP
Fuck you!
                                                            
                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
No wait I--
                                                            

19.

She slams the door in his face. Donald grabs his forehead in
frustration. In the car, Clay hums to the music on the
stereo.
                                                            
                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
      (shouting into the
       house)
Lauren? Laur? I'm sorry. I don't
know what else to say. I'm gonna
drop Clay home now. I'll be back
later...I'm really sorry!
                                                            
He stomps back to the car, takes the driver's seat, closes
the door, and sits. He breathes heavily and grabs the wheel.
The music plays, undisturbed by his entrance.
                                                            
                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
FUCK!!!
                                                            
The music stops.
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
Don, are you alright?
                                                            
                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
No.
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
What is it?
                                                            
Donald takes several more deep breaths, then calms down.
                                                            
                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
Oh, it's Lauren. Look don't worry
about it. I'll drive you home.
                                                            
Clay looks at his friend with concern.
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
You sure?
                                                            
                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
Yeah, we'll work it out...or not.
It's alright. Don't worry about
it.
                                                            
The car pulls away as someone peeks through the blind in the
upstairs window.
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
Alright, but you know that if you
need anything from me, you don't
hesitate.
                                                            

20.

                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
Thanks.
                                                            
 
INT. DONALD'S CAR - DAY
                                                            
Donald drives Clay home as they both sit in awkward silence.
The corner of Donald's mouth inches up to almost a grin.
                                                            
                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
Umm, what do you think about
Amelia?
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
How do you mean?
                                                            
                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
Well you like her, don't you?
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
Sure.
                                                            
                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
How much?
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
What are you getting at?
                                                            
                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
You ever think of asking her out?
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
She's dating Colin, isn't she?
                                                            
                       DONALD ALBRIGHT
They broke up.
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
Really.
                                                            
Donald nods, looking pretty pleased with himself.
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
Hmm.
                                                            

21.

INT. LAUREN'S ROOM - DAY
                                                            
A cell phone lies on a messy desk. It starts to ring a midi
version of the theme from The Third Man. The shot slowly
pulls back to show Lauren flipping channels with her remote
control. Her eyes are slightly damp, but she manages not to
look at the phone except for one brief glance. She continues
to change channels, more and more rapidly, as the music
eases itself louder and louder. She throws the remote down
on the bed, lunges to her phone, and shuts it off.
                                                            
INT. CLAY'S ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
The television bursts into life, playing some action
thriller bursting with special effects. In blue appears the
number 28 at the upper right half of the screen. A man
displays a grill.
                                                            
                       ANNOUNCER
You know what else? If you call in
the next two minutes, I'll even
throw in all these cooking
utensils free of charge.
                                                            
Clay sighs at the screen.
                                                            
                       ANNOUNCER
You heard me right, friends. Not
only do you get this--
                                                            
Clay switches off the television, causing a quick cut to
black.
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
Schmuck.
                                                            
INT. CLAY'S ROOM - MORNING
                                                            
Clay's alarm sounds. He sits up on the bed, and breathes in
the first breath of the day.
                                                            
INT. BATHROOM - MORNING
                                                            
He showers, brushes teeth, flosses, shaves.
                                                            
INT. KITCHEN - MORNING
                                                            
Cereal, milk, bowl, coffee, spoon = breakfast. He yawns and
starts to eat.
                                                            

22.

CUT TO
                                                            
Upon finishing his coffee, he smells the morning air and
sighs in eager anticiptation of the day ahead.
                                                            
INT. MACDONALD'S - DAY
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
May I take your order sir?
                                                            
Clay stands behind the counter in a pine green and navy blue
collared shirt with the arches across the chest pocket. His
hat also displays the MacDonalds emblem. He looks
expectantly at the man standing before the counter with his
young daughter.
                                                            
                       CUSTOMER
Yeah, I'll have--
                                                            
                       DAUGHTER
Daddyyyyy!
                                                            
                       CUSTOMER
Not now, I'm trying to order. I'll
get the--
                                                            
                       DAUGHTER
But Daaaddyyy!
                                                            
                       CUSTOMER
Not now! There, Mommy's waiting at
the table. Go tell her about it.
                                                            
The girl runs off to the table.
                                                            
                       CUSTOMER
Kids, they're a crazy mess but you
gotta love 'em.
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
Yup...Can I take your order?
                                                            
                       CUSTOMER
Alright, let us see...mmm lotsa
good shit on that menu.
Hmmm...Okay, I'll have a Big Mac:
no sauce, onions, or lettuce,
and...make it just one patty.
                                                            
EXT. MACDONALDS - DUSK
                                                            
A phone rings repeatedly. Clay walks into frame, holding his
cell, and waiting for someone to pick up.
                                                            

23.

                       AMELIA BLAIR
Hello?
                                                            
Her voice, though heard over the phone sounds as clear as if
she were actually there physically.
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
Hey...Amelia. What are you up to?
                                                            
                       AMELIA BLAIR
Not much. Why, what's up?
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
I was thinking of catching a movie
later. You in?
                                                            
                       AMELIA BLAIR
Well, I guess. Who else is going?
                                                            
BEAT
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
Well, I haven't exactly gotten
around to calling anybody else
yet.
                                                            
                       AMELIA BLAIR
Oh.
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
Cuz I just got off work, you see.
                                                            
                       AMELIA BLAIR
Ah. Well, what did you have in
mind?
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
Pardon?
                                                            
                       AMELIA BLAIR
What movie?
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
Oh. I hadn't really given it much
thought. I figured after we got
everybody together, we'd talk it
over.
                                                            
                       AMELIA BLAIR
I dunno. Call me when you've
decided. Okay?
                                                            

24.

                       CLAY NEWMAN
      (his face
       uncertain)
Sure.
                                                            
                       AMELIA BLAIR
Okay. Bye.
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
See ya.
                                                            
Hanging up the phone, Clay takes several moments of
reflective hesitation before he egins to walk away.
                                                            
FADE OUT
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
Hey, Amelia?
                                                            
                       AMELIA BLAIR
Oh. Hello Newman.
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
Yeah I called some people, but
they're all busy, or they're not
home. Oh and Don's busy sulking.
                                                            
                       AMELIA BLAIR
That's too bad.
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
So? What do you think?
                                                            
                       AMELIA BLAIR
What's playing?
                                                            
FADE IN
                                                            
INT. THEATER - NIGHT
                                                            
The theater is almost empty, just a family, a few couples,
and even fewer singles. Amelia and Clay sit at the middle
and watch. Amelia watches the film as Clay sneaks glances at
Amelia. They rest their elbows at different points on the
thin armrest. Clay subtly moves his arm to a point where it
barely manages contact with hers. He bats his eyelids once
as he breahtes in, moving his foot slightly to meet
Amelia's. The music swells. Clay turns back toward the
screen, joining Amelia in her semi-interested expression.
                                                            

25.

EXT. SIDEWALK - NIGHT
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
Yeah, I've got to agree with you
on that. But look at it this way,
it wasn't a prequel or a TV
retread.
                                                            
                       AMELIA BLAIR
It really says a lot when that's
it's great advantage.
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
Too true, but you did enjoy
yourself?
                                                            
                       AMELIA BLAIR
Yeah, I guess. Of course, I've got
to go to the bank now. That movie
broke me like you wouldn't
believe.
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
And people still wonder why movies
are in such a slump nowadays.
                                                            
                       AMELIA BLAIR
Tell me about it.
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
Alright then, I will.
                                                            
                       AMELIA BLAIR
      (giggling)
Shut up.
                                                            
BEAT
                                                            
                       AMELIA BLAIR
Look, Clay, I wanna thank
you...for tonight. I've been
wrapping my head around a lot of
shit lately, and this really
helped to calm me down.
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
That means a lot to me.
                                                            
He stares at her. She stops to investigate his expression.
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
Is everything alright?
                                                            

26.

                       AMELIA BLAIR
The answer's no, Clay.
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
It's not okay?
                                                            
                       AMELIA BLAIR
No! I mean--
                                                            
She turns around to gather her thoughts.
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
Amelia, what is it?
                                                            
He reaches out and touches her shoulder, but she recoils.
                                                            
                       AMELIA BLAIR
Look, what did you think this was?
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
Think what was?
                                                            
                       AMELIA BLAIR
Tonight!
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
Just a movie! Honestly.
                                                            
                       AMELIA BLAIR
Did you hear about me and Colin?
                                                            
BEAT
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
That you broke up?
                                                            
                       AMELIA BLAIR
Fuck!
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
Amelia what's wrong?
                                                            
                       AMELIA BLAIR
We broke up three days ago! Three
days ago, Clay. What did you
think, that you could just waltz
in and pick up where Colin left
off?
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
No!
                                                            

27.

                       AMELIA BLAIR
Is that your happy ending!?
                                                            
BEAT
                                                            
                       AMELIA BLAIR
You know why we broke up? Because
with the two of us going to
college, it'd be too hard on me to
try to maintain the facade of a
long term relationship, and I
wouldn't want him to go through
that either. We'd instantly drift
apart until one of us loses our
grit.
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
Amelia, believe me when I say
this. I didn't know anything about
why you broke up, and I didn't
know it was only three days ago.
                                                            
BEAT
                                                            
                       AMELIA BLAIR
I understand, Clay. But we're only
here for a limited time. It
wouldn't be real. I'm going to go
home now. I suggest you do the
same.
                                                            
She starts to walk away.
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
I only wanted to make you happy.
                                                            
With a light sigh, she turns back to him.
                                                            
                       AMELIA BLAIR
Does that really change things?
I'm sorry, Clay.
                                                            
                       CLAY NEWMAN
      (lightly)
Good-bye.
                                                            
                       AMELIA BLAIR
See you. Good-bye comes later.
                                                            
She walks away. Clay watches every step as she drifts
farther and farther out of his reach. She passes under a
streetlight and disappears.
                                                            

28.

                       CLAY NEWMAN
      (coldly)
See you...
                                                            
INT. CLAY'S ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
The shopping channel is on again. A woman looks straight at
ahead into the camera, showing off a glimmering ring on her
finger by holding her cupped hand next to her perfect face.
On her neck are more jewels, glittering in the careful
lighting of the studio.
                                                            
                       ANNOUNCER
And would you just look at this
beautiful display here. Hand
crafted zirconiu--
                                                            
The screen goes mute as the bitter sillhouette of a darkened
figure passes the set,his body hairs barely showing against
the light from the screen. There is a shuffle of bed sheets.
                                                            
Several tissues are pulled from their box.
                                                            
Close up on the television, the woman smiles with seduction
as the breathing begins. Long, deep breaths that drag on as
if each was the last. Slowly, the breaths pick up pace,
growing shallower and shallower. More desperate for air, the
breathing continues to quicken to support the strain of his
physical exertion. The model on the television continues to
smile and display her jewelry as small grunts begin to
emerge beneath the intitial breaths.
                                                            
A grunt stretches out in a climactic peak, rapidly lowering
in pitch. Another follows.
                                                            
The screen goes blank.
                                                            
The final grunt shrinks to nothing more than a passive sigh.
                                                            


THE END


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From Larry Boodry Date 9/29/2005 ***1/2
I agree with Xach's points, very strong characters, and I especially liked the interaction between Clay and Amelia, the fact that they don't hook up for a tacked-on 'happy ending'... Good job!

From Xach Bednar Date 9/27/2005 ***1/2
'See you. Good Bye Comes Later' What I like about this script is the unsettling representation of the human thought process once conflicted with an all too real situation. Every one of these fine characters are perfectly crafted by the writer and show change or arc in a very subtle form of ignorance. It seems as if these characters are infatuated with everything but the pressing issue at hand. Instead of concentrating on one thing, the only important ordeal to be thought over, the characters become lost in second hand aquaintances, insightful discussions which are based around mindless pop culture and sexual tension one can't help but stumble into. That's the WAY life is actually like. If a problem comes up too vast for our minds we become distracted by foolish things we use to blow off steam. When the time comes for the most interesting character Clay Newman to part with former lover Amelia Blair, the climax is shattering in an array of emotional value. Clay can't choose any significant words to recite to Amelia, he is a ball of nerves. That's the WAY life is. I'm not quite sure if I recieved the same illustration that the writer intended me to see. I found this much more meaningful and significant than an assailing triumph of satire. Instead, what I got out of this was human activity shown in its natural light.


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