UN/DIVIDED ATTENTION
Short Film
Email: [email protected]
Un/divided Attention
Written ByGregory A. Gould
DECEMBER 2006
 GREGORY A. GOULD 2006
[email protected]
INT. BATHROOM NIGHTAn open medicine cabinet. Cotton buds, polish remover, tampons, prescription MEDICATION BOTTLES . . .
The mirror door closes. DEB, a confident young woman, purses her lips in the reflection. She applies some lipstick, prettying her self up, preparing for a hot date.
She . . . fixes her hair . . . powders her cheeks . . . lengthens her lashes . . . draws on some eye liner . . .
JUMPCUT:
She’s done, flicks her hair, smiles. Perfect. She blows a kiss to her reflection - gonna have a killer of a night.
INT. HALL NIGHT
Keys, a purse and a yellow notepad next to a phone. Scrawled across the notepad: GEORGIO’s FRIDAY 7:00 DON’T BE LATE!!
DEB snatches up the keys and purse, heads for the door. She stops, fixes the back of her heels, nearly stumbles.
She’s out the door.
EXT. BACKYARD NIGHT
DEB scampers down back the steps, heads past the SHED DOOR, pauses. We see a LIGHT shining from within.
DEB hesitates, takes a step closer, stops. Suddenly she turns, hurries out the back gate.
INT. RESTAURANT NIGHT
A cosy restaurant. Rustic. Candles. Romantic.
DEB sips a glass of wine. She sits alone at an intimate table. She checks her watch, frowns, looks to:
The door. No one but a MATRE'DE waiting for customers.
DEB fidgets nervously, checks her make up in the reflection of a silver spoon.
INSERT: DEB’s distorted reflection bends across the back of the spoon.
A WAITER arrives.
WAITER
Would you like to order?DEB
No. I’m waiting for someone.The WAITER nods, leaves.
DEB takes another nervous sip of wine. When she looks back a figure is standing over her - the well-dressed and enigmatic JEREMY.
JEREMY
Really, Deb. A blind date? A
little tacky isn’t it?DEB scowls.
DEB
What are you doing here?JEREMY
(indignant)
Why, you invited me of course.JEREMY produces the yellow reminder note, throws it on the table - GEORGIO’s FRIDAY 7:00 DON’T BE LATE!!
JEREMY (CONT’D)
Really. Why else would I come to
such a . . .
(snobby)
. . . cosy establishment.DEB picks up the reminder note, crumples it in her fist.
DEB
This wasn’t meant for you.JEREMY takes up a vacant seat, starts perusing a menu.
DEB (CONT’D)
(alarmed)
What are you doing?
JEREMY
What?DEB
You can’t stay.JEREMY
(off menu)
Hmm, maybe I was little hasty in
judging this place.DEB looks nervously to the door.
DEB
Jeremy, I don’t have time for games.JEREMY
Nice appetisers . . .DEB
I’m on a date!JEREMY
Good wine selection . . .DEB
Are you listening to me?JEREMY
Always, dear. Oooh, caviar!DEB’s hand snakes out and - BAM! - swats the menu out of JEREMY’s hand. The cutlery on the tables JANGLES from the bump.
A tense beat as DEB glares at JEREMY. JEREMY looks at her, unperturbed.
The WAITER returns. He regards DEB quizzically.
WAITER
Everything ok, ma’am?DEB turns. Every set of eyes in the place is squarely on her. She forces a smile, swallows.
DEB
No. Er, yes. Everything’s fine.The WAITER looks from DEB to JEREMY and back again, bemused. He lingers for a beat, then leaves shaking his head.
JEREMY
You’ve really got to relax, Deb.
You’re so up tight.DEB
(mumbles)
I wonder why?JEREMY
What?DEB
Nothing.DEB takes a more than polite gulp of wine. JEREMY shakes his head, disapproving.
JEREMY
See that’s what I’m talking about.
No wonder you have to resort to these
measures to find a man. Look at yourself.
You’re an absolute mess. And those worry
lines can’t help either.DEB’s hand strays protectively to her forehead.
DEB
What lines?JEREMY
(rolls eyes)
Please, denial is the fool’s
indulgence.
(conspiritorily)
So, what do we know about tonight’s
Mr Mystery?DEB
That’s none of your business.JEREMY
Hmmm. Must be a dud then. What’s
he old? Ugly?DEB scowls, won’t look at him.
JEREMY (CONT’D)
Broke?DEB
Look, what do you want?JEREMY
Hey, don’t get snippy. I’m here to help.DEB
How? By berating me with criticism?
Good job.JEREMY
It’s called honesty, Deb. And Believe
me, it’s more than you’ll ever get
from any Mystery Date. You watch,
this guy’ll walk in here, look you in
the eye and say, ‘My, that’s a lovely
dress,’ and ‘Yes, I love Italian food.’
(scoffs)
He’ll be lying his arse off.
DEB
Yeah, well, I’ll take my chances.JEREMY
(smirks)
You’ll take whatever you can get.
Come on, how long has it been now?
Five? Six months? Not since that cop
right? And the mechanic before that?
What was his name? Steve? Stan?DEB struggles to hold in her anger.
DEB
You have to go.JEREMY (CONT’D)
I’m just saying … this guy won’t be any
different.DEB
(simmering)
Now.A tense beat. JEREMY sighs, rolls his eyes.
JEREMY
Fine.
(stands up)
But you know where I’ll be when you
need me to clean up another Deb
induced mess.JEREMY walks away. DEB scowls, watching him glide through the restaurant. He disappears out the door just as KEVIN, a clean cut, handsome man, enters.
KEVIN speaks to the MATRE’DE and is pointed towards DEB’s table. He looks up, sees her, smiles. He starts on his way over.
Relief washes over DEB. Jeremy melts from her mind.
EXT. FRONT DOOR NIGHT
Keys jangle in the lock. DEB pushes the door open, turns to KEVIN.
DEB
Thanks for a great night.KEVIN
Thank you. I had a great time.DEB shifts shyly in the doorway.
DEB
Do you wanna . . . come in? Have a
drink?KEVIN
Sure.INT. LOUNGE NIGHT
DEB flicks the lights on, guides KEVIN onto the couch.
DEB
Beer ok?KEVIN
Sounds good.DEB sways into the kitchen. KEVIN gives his breath a quick test, checks his underarm odour. He eases back on the couch, feeling confident of a long night ahead.
INT. KITCHEN NIGHT
A dark kitchen. DEB goes to the fridge, opens it, frowns into the glaring light. Behind her we see JEREMY sitting nonchalantly on the kitchen bench, a beer in hand.
DEB
Sorry. Must be out of beer. Wine ok?KEVIN (O.O.V)
Sure. No probs.DEB pulls out a bottle of wine, closes the fridge. She turns, almost has a heart attack when she sees JEREMY smiling at her.
DEB
Jesus!
(hissed whisper)
What the hell are you doing here?JEREMY taps his temple, grins.
JEREMY
I live here, remember?DEB goes to the sink, snatches up a pair of wineglasses. She starts pouring.
DEB
No tonight you don’t. I’ve got company.JEREMY
(winks mischievously)
I know.DEB turns on him, serious.
DEB
I mean it, Jeremy. Not tonight! I
actually like this guy.
(beat)
And I think he likes me.
JEREMY
Really?
(jumps off the bench)
Then perhaps I should introduce --DEB grabs his arm, alarmed.
DEB
No!JEREMY looks down at DEB’s hand. His face hardens, his cool demeanour lost for a moment.
KEVIN (O.O.V)
Everything alright?DEB
Yeah . . .
(eyes JEREMY defiantly)
everything’s fine.DEB lets JEREMY’s arm go.
DEB
(to JEREMY)
I don’t want to see you tonight. Ok?
Let it go.DEB grabs the wineglasses, heads into lounge. JEREMY watches her go, not happy.
INT. LOUNGE NIGHT
DEB hands KEVIN a wine, plops down on the couch.
DEB
Sorry. Thought I had some beer around
somewhere.KEVIN
It’s no trouble.They both take a sip. KEVIN puts his glass on a coffee table, slides a little closer.
KEVIN
You know, I wasn’t quite sure about
this whole blind date thing.DEB
Yeah?
KEVIN
Yeah. I was worried I wouldn’t find
the kind of girl I was looking for.
You know?DEB
(smiles)
And what about now? Still worried?KEVIN’s hand moves to DEB’s leg.
KEVIN
Now I’m starting to think this aint’
too bad at all.KEVIN leans in to make a move.
SFX: A RATTLE of cutlery JANGLES in the kitchen.
DEB turns toward the noise. KEVIN pulls up short.
KEVIN
What’s up?DEB listens. Nothing. She shakes the noise off, forces a smile.
DEB
Nothing.KEVIN leans in again. They KISS.
SFX: another RATTLE.
DEB pulls back.
KEVIN
What?
DEB
I though I heard something.KEVIN listens. Nothing.
KEVIN
I don’t hear a thing.He moves in to resume the action. DEB springs to her feet, agitated.
DEB
Hang on a sec. I’ll … er … I’ll
be right back.She ducks into the kitchen. KEVIN watches her go, bemused. He gives his under arm another whiff, shrugs.
INT. KITCHEN NIGHT
JEREMY stands over the open cutlery drawer, hand inside, rattling away. DEB storms in.
DEB
(piercing whisper)
What are you doing!JERMEY
I can’t seem to find a knife.DEB
What for?!JEREMY ignores her, rattles around some more. DEB steps forward, grabs the drawer handle and tries to close it. JEREMY’s grip is too strong though. He won’t let her.
JEREMY
Bit nervous, Deb? Don’t worry. It’s
like riding a bike. You never really
forget.DEB
Stop it.She tries to shove the drawer again. JEREMY’s hand doesn’t budge.
DEB (CONT’D)
Don’t.JEREMY
(amused)
Don’t what?
DEB
Let it go.BOTH HANDS ON THE DRAWER HANDLE. DEB struggles hard, pushing hard. JEREMY appears almost passive, easily resistant.
DEB (CONT’D)
Stop it.JEREMY
You know he’s no different from the
others, Deb. Why are you even bothering?JEREMY won’t let up. DEB gets more desperate with each passing second. Tense.
DEB (CONT’D)
Let it go!JEREMY
You know I’m right. But you want to
be used, don’t you. You want to be
wanted, even if it’s just for a night.DEB
Stop! It!The cutlery drawer shakes and rattles. DEB blinks – like she can’t see straight. Like she’s starting to unravel.
JEREMY
(chuckles)
Why?DEB
Jeremy, please!JEREMY smiles wickedly, delighting in his torment.
JEREMY
You can’t fight it, Deb. You’re a lady.
They can’t treat you this way. You can’t
let them. You have to show them.DEB – desperate, verging on frantic. Cutlery rattles.
DEB
Stop it! Let it go!JEREMY
Let go of what?DEB shakes her head. Confused.
DEB
Let it go! Let it go!JEREMY
(chuckles)
I’m not doing anything, Deb. It’s all
you.JEREMY nods to the drawer. DEB shakes her head – he’s lying. Has to be!
She looks down at the DRAWER HANDLE - HERS IS THE ONLY HAND ON IT – SHE’S STRUGGLING AGAINST HERSELF!!
She turns to JEREMY. He’s gone. Vanished.
DEB jumps back in fright, pulling the drawer out. A SHOWER OF CUTLERY – knives, forks, spoons – rain down on the floor. The CLATTER is deafening.Then silence . . .
DEB closes her eyes, breathes hard, tries to regain control, concentrating – in … out … in … out.
Beat.
The lights flicks on. KEVIN is at the door.
KEVIN
Are you ok?DEB’s eyes crack open, dart around, find only KEVIN in the room with her.
DEB
Yeah. I . . . er . . .KEVIN
What’s going on?DEB tries to re-focus.
DEB
There was a … a … spider … in
the drawer.
(forced chuckle)
Scared the shit out of me.KEVIN, not quite sure.
KEVIN
Here, let me help.He bends down, starts gathering up the loose cutlery. DEB’s eyes search the room, worried.
KEVIN
Must have been one hell of a spider.DEB
What?KEVIN
For you to need that thing.DEB looks down. In her hand is a large KNIFE. She’s shocked. How did that get there!
JEREMY melts out from behind the kitchen door, right behind KEVIN. He smiles, pure evil.
JEREMY
Do it, Deb. Show him.DEB’s eyes widen: alarm/fear. KEVIN hasn’t heard a thing. He stands up, puts the drawer back in place.
KEVIN
You’re sure you’re ok?DEB forces a smile, obviously not o.k. KEVIN steps forward, puts a hand on DEB’s side. DEB looks at the hand.
KEVIN (CONT’D)
You look a little rattled.DEB
I’m fine. Really.KEVIN smiles. He puts a hand on DEB’s cheek.
KEVIN
Good. Cause I’ve got big plans for tonight.He leans in, kisses DEB’s neck. DEB stiffens.
JEREMY
(haunting)
What are you waiting for, Deb. Do it.DEB
(to JEREMY)
No.KEVIN
What?DEB blinks, confused, divided.
DEB
Don’t.KEVIN
Don’t what?JEREMY
(mocking)
Like he doesn’t know.DEB steps away.
DEB
Just don’t.KEVIN
But I -DEB
No.KEVIN
I thought . . . I thought this was what
you wanted.KEVIN goes to touch DEB but she pulls away, fast. KEVIN scowls, annoyed.
KEVIN
Look, you invited me back here. You
made it quite clear . . .JEREMY
Told you. No different from the rest.DEB
I think you’d better go.KEVIN
Go?DEB
Yeah. Just go.KEVIN’s cool façade drops.
KEVIN
And what if I don’t want to?DEB frowns. She doesn’t need this just now.
DEB
Look, I’m sorry but-KEVIN
What? You think you can just lead a
guy on like? Like some sick little
tease?KEVIN grabs DEB arm. She looks down at his hand. Her face hardens.
DEB
Let. Go.KEVIN
(threatening)
No. I don’t think so. No more games.JEREMY smiles expectantly.
DEB
Let go.KEVIN pulls DEB in close, rough.
KEVIN
Not before we have a little fun tonight.A change sweeps over DEB’s face. She’s suddenly cool, calm.
DEB
So, you want to have some fun?DEB leans in, gives KEVIN a vicious kiss. KEVIN’s stunned.
KEVIN
What are you some sort of freak?JEREMY and DEB share a wicked smile over KEVIN’s shoulder.
DEB
Not a freak. A lady.DEB’s grasp tightens around the knife’s handle. She moves on KEVIN.
KEVIN’s eyes – wide open with fear.
Blackness.
EXT. BACKYARD NIGHT
DEB and JEREMY carry KEVIN’s BODY out the back door, down the steps, to the SHED DOOR . . .
INT. SHED NIGHT
A small room filled with boxes and junk. A sheet hangs over the window.
DEB and JEREMY slump KEVIN down between TWO OTHER BODIES (one dressed like a cop, the other in mechanics overalls). They regard the bodies for a beat.
JEREMY
It’s been a long night. How ‘bout I
run you a bath?DEB
You’ve read my mind.JEREMY puts an arm around her, guides her out the door.
EXT. BACKYARD NIGHTDEB exits the shed ALONE. She locks the door behind her, heads into the house.
The porch light switches off.
We’re left with only the LIGHT shining under the SHED DOOR.
ENDS.
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