July 14, 2007

Awful Screenwriting 101

The worst Act 3, Scene 2 ever written, probably.

Act 3, Scene 2: At the climax of Act 2, the HERO had just lost everyone he thought he loved or cared about (except the CYNICAL SIDEKICK); they think he's a fool, or have allied themselves with his ENEMY, the man who killed his MENTOR. Then in Scene 1, HERO unlocked the last of MENTOR's teaching and became a Second Stage Kung Fu Green Lantern Master or whatever. Fired up from the rush of discovery, he and CYNICAL SIDEKICK burst into a DESERTED ALLEYWAY.

CYNICAL SIDEKICK

OK, we can still run. I'm thinking the Bahamas, maybe Barbados. Can you sing calypso? We hide out for ten, maybe twenty years, tops.

HERO

No! Now we go on the offensive!

CYNICAL SIDEKICK

Are you crazy? Sure, whatever happened in there was, I'll admit, pretty cool, but, seriously? Now you've paid the price, you're all Mr. Wisdom or something? I don't think so!

HERO

Yes, I am wise, but it's wisdom full of pain! (beat) Yes, I've paid the price, but look how much I've gained! If I have to, I can do anything! I am strong! I am invincible--

CYNICAL SIDEKICK

You are woman?

HERO

What?

CYNICAL SIDEKICK

Dude, you can't go quoting Helen Reddy lyrics at me and not expect to get called on it.

HERO

I forgot how gay you are.

CYNICAL SIDEKICK

Hey, you were the one about to break into song! Anyway, liking early 70s painfully naive feminist anthems does not make me gay.

HERO

Sucking cocks for fun makes you gay.

CYNICAL SIDEKICK

This is certainly true.

HERO

Regardless, even though I totally didn't realize I was quoting Helen Reddy, what I said is right. I can take on ENEMY and his MARTIAL ARTS GANG OF QWARDIAN ZWILNICKS, I know it! And I'm doing it, with or without you!

CYNICAL SIDEKICK

OK. (beat) I've got your back.

Posted by Greg at July 14, 2007 3:00 PM

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