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THE ART OF DECEPTION
by ANWAAR ZAHIR (ANWAAR.ZAHIR@GMAIL.COM)

Rated: R   Genre: Drama   User Review: *1/2
Based on actual events. It is about a young brother who is mislead by his older brother involving infidelity, friendship, and dishonnor surrounding this young mans life known as Anthony Corbin.


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.



FADE IN:

INT. ANTHONY CORBIN PAINTING A VIVID PICTURE - DAY
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
To some the definition of
deception could mean justice,
revenge, or maybe love but for
one individual it was a rude
awakening to the realities of
life. For one blink of a second
put yourself in my shoes I mean
literally put yourself in my
shoes and you just may come to the
same realization that I did. Later
on you will fully understand why
I've come to this conclusion that
just because a person seems to be
honest, trustworthy, and faithful
nothing and I mean nothing is ever
what it seems…….
                                                            
 
INT. AT HOME SCENE - DAY
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
      (It was one of
       the happiest days
       of my life and I
       remember it just
       as if it happened
       yesterday.
       Everything seemed
       to be going just
       as planned the
       engagement, the
       plans for the
       wedding and the
       honeymoon)
mom, I cant seem to find anything
in this god forsaken place.
                                                            

2.

                                         THE CAMERA IS
SHOWING (ANTHONY)
LOOKING IN THE
MIRROR BRUSHING HIS
HAIR.
                                                            
                       CHARLOTTE
      (AS HIS MOTHER
       STOOD IN THE
       KITCHEN AS IF SHE
       DID'T HEAR
       ANTHONY SHOUTING
       SHE SAID)
patience is a virtue Anthony.
                                                            
                       CHARLOTTE
: what are you looking for?
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
I cant find my car keys or the
original wedding invitations.
                                                            
                       CHARLOTTE
      (AS SHE LOOKED OUT
       THE WINDOW OF HER
       KITCHEN SHE
       REPLIED)
what happened to the old ones?
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
      (FRUSTRATED,
       REPLIED)
I returned them because Angelina
didn't like the way they came out.
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
      (Phone rings AND
       ANTHONY SCRAMBLES
       TO FIND THE
       TELEPHONE)
HELLO?
                                                            
                       ANGELINA
      (SPEAKING SOFTLY
       SAYS)
Hey babe how's your day going?
                                                            

3.

                       ANTHONY
      (REPLIED LIKE HIS
       DAY WAS ANY WORST
       THAN ANYONE
       ELSE'S AND SAY'S)
I thought you would never ask.
                                                            
                       ANGELINA
      (SOUNDING
       CONCERNED SAYS)
what's wrong babe?
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
      (WHILE SHUFFLING
       SOME PAPERS ON
       HIS COMPUTER DESK
       HE SAYS)
nothing really just trying to get
a few things in order before the
engagement party.
                                                            
                       ANGELINA
      (SOUNDING
       DISATISFIED
       REPLIES)
ok, well I guess I'll talk to you
later love u
                                                            
                       ANGELINA
love u too babe.
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
mom I'm leaving out for a while
to run a few errands
                                                            
                       CHARLOTTE
ok don't forget to (front door
slams) get some milk.
                                                            
 
EXT. THE CAR RIDE - DAY
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
      (AS SOON AS
       ANTHONY GETS IN
       THE CAR HIS PHONE
       RINGS.)
            (MORE)

4.

                       ANTHONY (cont'd)
hello?
                                                            
CAMERA IS SHOWING ANTHONY DRIVING INSIDE A 99 MERCEDEZ BENZ
                                                            
                       JAMES
      (AS HE SORTS THRU
       BILLS WHILE AT
       THE WORKSTATION
       IN HIS HOME)
what's going on bro?
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
trying not to loose my mind before
this wedding happens.
                                                            
                       JAMES
      (CONCERNED HE
       ASKED)
how's Angelina?
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
she seems to be handling
everything ok. How are you doing ?
                                                            
                       JAMES
everything is everything man. You
know how it is.
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
      (HURRYING OFF THE
       PHONE SAYS)
yeah I feel you man. Well, I got
to go. talk to you later man.
                                                            
                       JAMES
don't stress yourself out ok.
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
ok I wont goodbye.
                                                            
                                         (ANTHONY CALLS MALIK
WHO IS A CHILDHOOD
FRIEND TO GO HANGOUT
AND SMOKE)
                                                            
 

5.

INT. MALIK’S HOUSE THE HANGOUT - DAY
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
      (ANTHONY GETS OUT
       OF THE CAR AND
       WALKS UP THE
       STAIRS BEFORE HE
       COULD GET TO THE
       TOP OF THE STAIRS
       THE DOOR OPENS)
what's good homie?
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
      (FEELING SOME
       SENSE OF RELIEF
       WHILE SITTING
       DOWN HE REPLIES)
this mother fucking wedding . I'm
about to seal the deal for real
man.
                                                            
                       GERMAINE
      (LAUGHING)
I never thought you would settle
down dub.
                                                            
                       KEVIN
yeah, all the bitches you been
banging.
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
      (IN DIS BELIEF)
whatever nigga!
                                                            
                       KEVIN
      (EXPLAINING WHY
       THE ABOVE WAS
       STATED HE SAYS)
lets see Jessica with the fat ass,
Keisha from the salon and lets
not forget Alicia with them 2 bad
ass kids.
                                                            
                       MALIK
      (IMPATIENT he ASK)
did you bring the blunts?
                                                            

6.

                       ANTHONY
yeah, there right here. Where's
the tree's I mean the weed at
nigga?
                                                            
                       MALIK
      (AS HE HANDED THE
       BAG OF WEED TO
       ANTHONY TO
       INSPECT HE SAYS
       LIKE A BOSS)
Kevin roll up a couple blunts to
blow.
                                                            
                       KEVIN
      (AS HE SCROLLS
       THRU THE CHANNELS
       ON THE TELEVISION
       BEFORE STOPING ON
       HBO HE RESPONDS)
aight.
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
      (WITH A SRIOUS
       LOOK)
real talk this is going to be the
last time I smoke my nigga's .
                                                            
                       MALIK
      (IN DISBELEIF SAYS)
you said that last time.
                                                            
                       KEVIN
      (TO AGREE WITH THE
       ABOVE STATEMENT
       HE RE ASSURES HIM)
sure did.
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
      (AS IF CHECKING
       OFF A GROCERY
       CHECKLIST HE
       STATES)
all I need is weed check, blunts
check , and some Hennessey check
lets get high my niggaz
                                                            
 

7.

INT. ANGELINA AND JAMES PHONE CONVERSTION - DAY
                                                            
                       ANGELINA
      (WHILE SKETCHING
       NEW STYLES AND
       DESIGNS FOR HER
       NEW PROJECT HER
       PHONE RINGS)
Hello babe… whatcha doing?
                                                            
                       JAMES
nothing just thinking about you?
                                                            
                       ANGELINA
      (WITH MUCH
       CURIOSITY SHE
       REPLIES)
what r u thinking about honey?
                                                            
                       JAMES
trying to picture you with nothing
but panties and a bra on…
                                                            
                       ANGELINA
      (SHE SMILES WITH
       SATISFACTION)
oh! Really… that's kind a out of
the blue don't u think…
                                                            
                       JAMES
      (IN DISAPPOINTMENT
        REPLIES)
whatever u say… how's your health?
                                                            
                       ANGELINA
      (SARCASTICLLY
       REPLIES WITH)
I'm ok still breathing I guess…
                                                            
                       JAMES
do u need any money for anything?
                                                            
                       ANGELINA
we'll since your asking I been
trying to get this shirt press
that cost around $1,250.
                                                            

8.

                       JAMES
I have a couple of connections.
I'll see what I can do.
                                                            
                       JAMES
how's your mother?
                                                            
                       ANGELINA
she's ok I guess.
                                                            
                       JAMES
what is that supposed to mean? u
should know your mother babe…
                                                            
                       ANGELINA
she's normally at the school
teaching and I'll be at the mall
or hanging with one of my
girlfriends…
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
so are u going to call me once
you get to the airport…
                                                            
                       ANGELINA
yeah! of course who else is going
to pick me up…
                                                            
                       JAMES
you know I love you right….
                                                            
                       ANGELINA
ok…I love u too babe.
                                                            
                       JAMES
I cant wait to see u…
                                                            
                       ANGELINA
      (AS SHE PUTS THE
       FINISHING TOUCHES
       ON HER NEW DESIGN
       HER MOTHER CALLS
       HER FROM
       DOWNSTAIRS)
my moms is calling me I have to go
bye bye…
                                                            

9.

                       JAMES
      (IN A SAD TONE AS
       NOT TO HEAR HER
       LEAVE SO SOON HE
       REPLIES)
Bye…
                                                            
 
INT. PICKING UP INVITATIONS TO THE ENGAGEMENT PARTY - DAY
                                                            
                       AMANDA
      (AS ANTHONY ENTERS
       THE STORE A YOUNG
       ATTRACTIVE BLONDE
       IN NEED OF
       ATTENTION ASK)
How may I help u today sir?
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
      (DISSATISFIED
       REPLIES)
yeah, I'm here to pick up some
engagement invitations and
balloons…
                                                            
                       AMANDA
who's name is it under sir?
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
      (SMILES AND
       REPLIES)
try Corbin, Anthony Corbin.
                                                            
                       AMANDA
      (HER CLEVICH LOOKS
       AS IF IT IS ABOUT
       TO FALL OUT OF
       HER TOP)
one moment please?
                                                            
                       AMANDA
      (EXCITED FOR
       ANTHONY SHE
       GRACEFULLY WALKS
       TO THE COUNTER)
Ok, here are your invitations. I
do believe it was 1,000
            (MORE)

10.

                       AMANDA (cont'd)
invitations correct.
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
Yes.
                                                            
                       AMANDA
and 250 assorted white , red, and
black balloons?
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
yes that's correct…
                                                            
                       AMANDA
cash, check, or credit?
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
Cash.
                                                            
                       AMANDA
the total for that is… $256.38.
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
here u go exactly $256.38..
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
      (IN A HURRY)
thank you and have a good day…
                                                            
                       AMANDA
      (WITH A SEDUCTIVE
       SMILE RETURNS THE
       FAVOR)
you have a good day as well sir.
                                                            
 
EXT. ANTHONY GET’S STOPPED FOR SPEEDING BY A STATE T - DAY
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
      (As I was
       pondering
       everything that
       was happening
       around me I
       didn't notice
       that I was
       speeding thru
            (MORE)

11.

                       ANTHONY (cont'd)
       traffic trying to
       rush to make it
       back home
       forgetting my mom
       was cooking.
       Wait… what was it
       that I forgot?
       Think? Think?
       Think? That's
       what it was
       milk. Got milk?
       Oh shit! Here we
       go again fucking
       cops. Damn! Damn!
       Damn!)
                                                            
                       OFFICER WILLIAMS
      (AS THE STATE
       TROOPER
       APPROACHED THE
       VEHICLE HE SPIT
       TOBACCO BEFORE
       STATING)
Excuse me sir ! Did u realize you
were speeding thru traffic doing
65 to 70 miles per hour in 55
zone?
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
      (AS IF NOTHING
       EVER HAPPENED
       WHILE TRYING TO
       READ THE TROOPERS
       BADGE HE REPLIES)
Officerrr… Williams.. I am so
sorry for speeding.. I didn't even
notice how fast I was going I mean
this is a Mercedes.
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
      (IN AN IRRITATED
       MANNER)
I don't mean to rush you officer
but I'm really late for a meeting
sir.
                                                            

12.

                       OFFICER WILLIAMS
      (FED UP WITH HIS
       SARCASIM)
well I tell you what I'm going to
do. I'm going to write you a
ticket for speeding and wreck less
driving.
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
sure or whatever.
                                                            
                       OFFICER WILLIAMS
sign here please?
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
      (unaware)
what is this?
                                                            
                       OFFICER WILLIAMS
This is basically stating that you
fully understand the citation
that's being given to you.
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
ok, can I go now?
                                                            
                       OFFICER WILLIAMS
alright! your free to go just Slow
down a bit on these roads boy.
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
okay will do.
                                                            
 
INT. ROOM SCENE AFTER RETURNING HOME - NIGHT
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
I know what ya'll must be
thinking. How can I make sixty
thousand dollars per year drive a
Mercedes Benz and a Sport utility
vehicle on rims and live with my
mother. Well to further explain
it's kind of simple. My mother
needed my help and I was trying to
save for this wedding so one hand
helped out the other if you know
            (MORE)

13.

                       ANTHONY (cont'd)
what I mean. For a person that
never graduated from high school
or got a college degree I'd say
damn! That's really good).
( I really regret not listening to
my mother for all those years I
was running the street life I
could've graduated from high
school or went to college but no.
I had to hustle with my nigga's
rob with my nigga's and smoke weed
with my nigga's. it was like a
ritual .like we were under some
kind of trance. shit was crazy.
                                                            
 
INT. KEVIN , GERMAINE , AND MALIK PLAN A ROBBERY - NIGHT
                                                            
                       GERMAINE
      (In a manner as to
       discredit himself
       and others he)
pulls on a blunt. Niggaz is
getting married, niggaz is getting
money, and niggaz is bullshitting.
                                                            
                       MALIK
      (to exclude
       himself replies)
Who's bullshitting?
                                                            
                       GERMAINE
you , me , and Kevin.
                                                            
                       KEVIN
      (With a look of
       confidence)
whatchu mean nigga. I'm getting
money ..whether it be stock,
robbing niggas, gambling, and
hustling drugs. I'm a get it.
Shit! I got to get it.
                                                            

14.

                       MALIK
Nigga! that's what we need to do.
Hit a lick.
                                                            
                       GERMAINE
Hit a lick where?
                                                            
                       MALIK
either a club or a gas station.
                                                            
                       KEVIN
      (like he found the
       right answer he
       states)
A gas station. I smell money, mo
money & mo money.
                                                            
                       MALIK
I got a hammer and I got a couple
of bandannas.
                                                            
                       MALIK
I'll be the driver. I got a old
school Cadillac 4 door .
                                                            
                       KEVIN
Lets call Anthony.
                                                            
                       MALIK
no! nah, nigga keep dub out of
this. The dude trying to get
married. we got this man.
                                                            
                       KEVIN
I just want to ask 1 question.
What happened to the blunt and the
movie?
                                                            
                       MALIK
we was just talking bout some real
shit nigga. Here's the blunt dude.
                                                            
                       KEVIN
thank you! Turn the television up.
                                                            

15.

                       MALIK
Is that better. Damn nigga! Hah!
                                                            
 
INT. THE SECRET VACATION - DAY
                                                            
                       ANGELINA
      (while sitting
       waiting to board
       her plane stares
       at her cell phone
       as if becoming
       impatient on a
       phone call or
       text that she is
       waiting on.)
Hello! babe are you there?
                                                            
                       JAMES
      (answers the phone
       in a calm voice.)
Hey! Babe. Did u get my message?
                                                            
                       ANGELINA
      (pauses then
       answers as if it
       wasn't possible
       she could've
       missed a call.)
what message?
                                                            
                       JAMES
      (QUICKLY THE
       CONVERSTION IS
       CHANGED)
umm… please! don't tell my
brother about us
                                                            
                       ANGELINA
okay. I won't.
                                                            
                       JAMES
      (speaks in a real
       romantic tone)
I got you some bra and panties to
try on for me..
                                                            

16.

                       ANGELINA
      (laughs as to say
       ( yeah right
       )then replies)
is that so?
                                                            
                       ANGELINA
I have a suprise for you. wanna
know what it is?
                                                            
                       JAMES
      (sounding not so
       suprised)
yeah, what is it?
                                                            
                       ANGELINA
check your piture messages.
                                                            
                       JAMES
wow! this is what you sent me. you
look beautiful naked. send me some
more.
                                                            
                       JAMES
      (THE SOUND OF THE
       PLANES BREAKS)
MY PLANE JUST LANDED SO I GUESS
JUST CALL ME AS SOON AS YOU GET
HERE. I LOVE U BABE. YA MY HEART.
                                                            
                       ANGELINA
      (SHE LAUGHS)
OKAY LOVE YOU TOO.
                                                            
 
INT. MALIK , GERMAINE, AND KEVIN ( ROBING SPREE) - NIGHT
                                                            
                       MALIK
      (THERE IN THE
       GORAGE PLOTTING
       ON HOW THERE
       GOING TO ROB GAS
       STATIONS)
everybody be quite. this is what
we bout to do right here... i'm
staying in the car i'm the
lookout. germaine you and kevin go
            (MORE)

17.

                       MALIK (cont'd)
in there and demand for the money
and if they dont give THAT
cash....then just take that shit!
                                                            
                       GERMAINE
      (germaine walks to
       the opposite side
       passenger door.
       with a smirk on
       his face)
really i'm hungry right now, not
like literally but like i need
this cash really bad nigga. let's
do this man.
                                                            
                       KEVIN
      (camera changes
       direction as he
       looked like he
       was really ready
       to go to war. all
       black army
       fatigues on.)
let's rock and roll nigga! you
hear that.... .that's the sound of
my bank account cha-ching.
                                                            
                                         VOICE OVER IS DONE
BY THE MAIN
CHARACTER(ANTHONY)
                                                            
                       ANTHONY (V.O.)
Really i tried to call my cousin
before he made one on the biggest
mistakes of his life but he never
answered the phone.Damn!
                                                            
                       ANTHONY (V.O)
Hold on stop the movie. See this
goes all the way back before
niggaz even new how to rob this
was like 1998 to 2001.Me and my
cousins ran this city inside out
i'm talking about from dope deals
in hotels to coke deals in the
suburbs with rich ass redneck
            (MORE)

18.

                       ANTHONY (cont'd)
republicans daughters believe me
we was some crazy ass niggaz.
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
      (ok! lets get back
       to the movie...)
                                                            
                       MALIK
      (as he starts the
       engine his facial
       expressions
       change from happy
       to sad.)
We gotta do this?
                                                            
                       KEVIN
      (he opens the door
       as if to get out
       of the car)
Come on man. this is some bullshit
man. we really need to just get
this money man. my daughters
diapers is depending on this shit.
                                                            
                       GERMAINE
      (reaching over he
       shoves the
       driver. pushing
       his body towards
       the steering
       wheel.)
Lets Go nigga! I AINT TRYING TO
HEAR NOTHING RIGHT NOW HOMIE. YO
KEVIN CLOSE THE DOOR LETS GO. DAMN
NIGGA!
                                                            
                       MALIK
      (TAKING A DEEP
       BREATH HE LEENS
       FORWARD TO SHIFT
       GEARS)
aight! lets go.
                                                            

19.

                                         MUSIC PLAYS IN THE
BACKGROUND...2PAC
AMBITIONZ AZ A
RIDER.
                                                            
                       MALIK
      (The car pulls up
       slowly along side
       the road. In the
       distance you can
       see a apco
       sign.the camera
       glares in and
       out.)
yo! look aint nobody in there
right nowbut some stupid ass
lookin dickhead.see look for
yourself.
                                                            
                       KEVIN
      (he snatches the
       binaculars from
       the other person.)
let me see! yeah, he's right. come
on germaine lets go!
                                                            
                       GERMAINE
      (all you can hear
       is faint
       breathing here
       and there. one
       after the other.
       a few cars pass
       in the distance
       going opposite
       ways. the two
       people go
       unoticed.
       germaine enters
       the store raising
       out of his dickie
       khaki's a p 89
       ruger.)
DONT FUCKING MOVE! PUT YAH HANDS
UP STUPID MUTHAFUCKA! PUT'EM UP.
                                                            

20.

                       KEVIN
      (his partner in
       crime leens over
       the counter
       reaching for the
       cash register.)
HURRY UP AND OPEN THE DAMN
REGISTER.
                                                            
                       STORE CLERK
      (you can hear. the
       woman behind the
       counter on the
       floor crying
       screaming...)
please dont kill me take the
money. just take the money please
dont kill me. please
                                                            
 
INT. ANTHONY GETS A CALL WHILE LYING IN BED - NIGHT
                                                            
                       MALIK
      (The phone rings.
       the other person
       is very un easy.
       looking left then
       looking right
       over his
       shoulder.)
HELLO! HELLO!
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
      (Just waking up.
       his voice barely
       there sounds like
       it's cracking)
yeahhhh! i'm up whats up man.
                                                            
                       MALIK
come have a drink with us and
celebrate nigga. get yo ass up
man.
                                                            

21.

                       ANTHONY
      (The clock on the
       counter reads
       2:30 am. the t.v.
       is on showing the
       history channel.
       the room is lit
       up dim.)
I cant dude i have to work in the
morning. anyway , why are you so
hype and shit?
                                                            
                       MALIK
      (parked behind a
       hotel hanging
       over the banaster
       of the hotel
       stair case.)
don't worry about all that. It's a
good thing because if i'm happy
then guess what?everyone else is
happy. (he laughs)
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
what?
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
Only you would say some grimey
shit like that man. where's
germaine and kevin because i know
there with you. I can hear them in
the background.
                                                            
                       MALIK
      (he turns and
       looks in the half
       opened hotel
       door. There two
       men are counting
       the robery money.)
yeah, there chillin over here were
you should be right now.
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
      (his phone beeps
       notifying him of
       another caller.
            (MORE)

22.

                       ANTHONY (cont'd)
       The Caller id
       reads Angelina.
       he stands staring
       at the phone
       phone a few
       seconds.)
This party ya'll having sounds
good and all that but i have a lot
to do in the morning. i'm a holla
atchu tomorrow. Holla!
                                                            
                       MALIK
aight nigga! Holla back.
                                                            
                       ANTHONY
      (The phone
       vibrates and a
       text message
       appears on the
       phone from
       Angelina)
the text reads why arent you
answering the phone babe?
                                                            
                                         TO BE CONTINUED...
                                                            


FADE OUT.


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From Jeremy Goodlander Date 8/7/2008 *1/2
I hate to leave any score like this, but I have to. Your structure is something to be worked on. I would suggest picking up the "Screenwriter's Bible", I have it and it works. Also you need to tighten up your dialogue, I feel as if we have heard this all before somewhere. I know this is only twenty pages but I'm having a hard time figuring out where your going with this. Keep working man, it'll come to you.

From Chad Hansen Date 8/6/2008 *1/2
I agree with the feedback before me. You need to learn screenplay structure before you do anything else. Once you reformat the structure you can pay attention to how the story is set up and decide where you're going with it and what you want to accomplish, then it can be a good screenplay.

From Kevin Mitchell Date 8/6/2008 **
OK first off you need to read a book on structure. VO is meant to go in beside the name (transition) is strictly for camera angles such as CU (close up) and so on and should be used sparingly. Parenthasis are not done in capitals and they do not include action, simply how the line is delivered such as; sarcasticly, frowning, etc... Also the dialogue is bland, Please go over it again before doing more. Honestly if an agent was to read the first 2 lines he or she would have tossed it in the garbage. There are some great books on format such as Screenplay writing for dummies (not sarcasim, I have this and I think it's awesome)and I hear the Scriptwriters bible is good. Pick them both up and keep working on it, you'll get it no problem.


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