COLD LOVE (Screenplay Sample)
Lee Schiller
... What tempts the eye, can torment the soul ... The 'Sin Of Pride' has dire consequences and paltry benefits: When Sam Landau's college cuts his Financial Aid, hubris leads him down the dark tunnel of prostitution, and he barely escapes with his life. Or does he?
- Registered: WGAw No. 1601158
- Austin Film Festival: Winner's Circle Award (Repeat Honor) http://www.austinfilmfestival.com
- Feature Film: 119 pp.
- Genre: Drama
- Legal: Copyrighted ©
- Additional: Creative Artists Agency Story Report, By Darrien Robestan http://www.caa.com
- Status: AVAILABLE - Inquire via 'Contact' page
- Screenplay Sample Reading Time: 13 minutes
- Music: COLD LOVE THEME by Federico Vaona at: http://www.federicovaona.com
- Graphic/Visual Design: by Samantha Perez at: http://www.artbysamanthaperez.com
_________________________________COLD LOVE__________________________________
FADE IN:
CREDITS ROLL:
FLASHBACK:
INT. Shopping Mall - Day (1996)
Throngs of people push through the atrium past storefronts with "Christmas Sale!!" announcements. Bright lights illuminate motorized mannequins of Santa and his Elves. Giant gift boxes hang from the ceiling wrapped in multi-colored metallics, teenaged girls pull treasures from shopping bags and show off purchases to one another. Nearby there is a pet store with barking puppies, jewelry stores with sparkling diamonds on revolving display, CDs in shiny clear plastic, designer shoes, color televisions, hand painted china, imported crystal, embroidered linens, and everyone shopping to holiday music piped in over hidden speakers. Holding onto his mother's hand, a four year-old SAM LANDAU, bundled up in a snow suit, makes his way through the mall. He is overwhelmed by the spectacle of it all, and though silent, awe shows on his face. Passing a pushcart overflowing with salted nuts, candy and dried fruits, SAM stumbles -
CREDITS END:
SAM
Mom! Mommy!!
MRS. LANDAU
(holding tightly to his hand)
Come on, Sam. I want to get out of here
before I see something I can't live without.
SAM
But Mom, my shoe is untied.
MRS. LANDAU
Sit down over here, and I'll fix it.
MRS. LANDAU leads SAM over to a bench directly opposite from the pushcart, and kneels to tie his shoe. SAM swallows hard as he looks at the nuts under the orange heat lamps-
ANOTHER ANGLE:
From SAM'S P.O.V. WE SEE: his mother working on the laces of his scuffed shoe. Her hair is held back with unmatched barrettes, the vinyl handbag she balances on her lap is worn at the straps and has little wisps of thread pulling from the stitching-
CUT TO:
A little GIRL stops at the pushcart, and yanks on her mother's arm-
GIRL
I'm hungry!
MOTHER
We just had lunch.
GIRL
I want those nuts with the red shells.
MOTHER
We'll get them some other time, now let's go.
GIRL
No! I want them now!
MOTHER
There's no time to stop now, honey. I have a million
things to pick up. Maybe on the way back.
GIRL
(low)
I...want...the...nuts...with...the...red...shells.
MOTHER
(beginning to pull the GIRL along)
I said not right now. Let's go!
GIRL
(screaming and dragging her feet)
I hate you! I HATE YOU!! You never buy me anything
I want! I want, I WANT, I WANT!!! You're not my mother!
I hate you!!
MRS. LANDAU turns away from the scene and back to a wide-eyed SAM-
MRS. LANDAU
(quietly)
Do you want nuts?
SAM
(shaking his head)
No, thank you.
MRS. LANDAU
Are you sure?
SAM
Yes.
MRS. LANDAU
Then we'd better get going.
SAM
How about you Mommy?
MRS. LANDAU
(pulling on her old gloves)
Yeah, I want nuts.
SAM
Me too ...
MRS. LANDAU
I know. Let's go home before we see something else
that we can't live without.
SAM eases off the bench and takes his mother's hand again, following her through the crowd-
ANOTHER ANGLE:
From SAM'S P.O.V. WE SEE: the grown-ups jostling past him as if he wasn't even there, his mother's gloved hand holding on to his mitten, and as he looks back ... The pushcart full of nuts warming under the orange lights-
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. Vallton College - Day (2012)
MUSIC is everywhere and the air is electric. On a field surrounded by Georgian dormitories stands a huge orange and white lawn tent. A banner declaring "Finals Are Over!!" flaps in the breeze. Under the tent, kids dance, laugh and bear hug one another as they arrive at the party. Large kegs of beer cool on ice, and everyone has a plastic cup. Several girls in a shell-red Jaguar convertible drive over the grass towards the crowd. They are greeted by other carefully sun-streaked Debutantes. The prettiest and blondest of them is GALE WALDEN-
GALE
Hi!! It's about time you got here!!
GIRL
(climbing out of the Jaguar)
Where's that nut, Sam? Oooo. I Want Him!!
GALE
Over there getting a tan.
ANOTHER GIRL
He's too special to leave alone.
GALE
(shrugging)
You know Sam.
GIRL
Where's the beer?!?
GALE
Come on, I'll show you where they set it up.
The GIRLS press into the tent, exchanging hellos, and waving to people inside-
ANOTHER ANGLE:
Farther back in the field, kids play old-school frisbee and hackey sack while others cheer them on. Dozens of of students amble across the grass towards the tent in the distance. CAMERA PANS at ground level. WE SEE: A bare foot, hairy legs, a taut stomach and well-muscled chest all glistening with baby oil and sweat. A very tanned, black-haired SAM LANDAU lies on a towel wearing a pair of Vuarnets to shield his blue eyes. He's oblivious to the party going on in the background. Behind SAM, a small, flat-chested girl, JANET GOREY, walks her bicycle across the field. She steals a glance in SAM'S direction and her breath catches as he lazily scratches the inside of his thigh. A stray frisbee lands near him, and he looks up. It's too late for JANET to turn away, he's already returned the frisbee and seen her-
SAM
Hey, Janet!
He runs over to her in his swimsuit. She watches his every move-
SAM
How come you're not over there at the party?
JANET
Why aren't you?
SAM
I feel lost in crowds. Want to stick around and keep
me company?
JANET
Are you alone?
SAM
Gale went to get me a beer.
JANET
No, thanks.
SAM
Aw, come on ... Just a couple of minutes.
JANET
I have a meeting with Mr. Marshall in a little while.
SAM
Yeah? He called me in, too. So what?!? Nothing we
can't handle.
JANET looks over SAM'S shoulder and sees GALE approaching with a beer in each hand-
JANET
Gotta run. They posted campus jobs for next year.
I want to see what I got.
SAM
Hope it's a good one.
JANET
Do you even know what's offered?
SAM
I wouldn't admit it, if I did.
JANET
Why not? I remember the Freshman Mixer when
neither one of us knew which fork to use.
SAM
I bet you still don't.
JANET
You might be surprised.
SAM
So, you see, there's nothing wrong with changing.
JANET
Into what?
JANET swings on to her bicycle and looks back before pedalling off-
JANET
See ya.
SAM
Bye!
SAM walks back to the towel and GALE hands him a beer-
GALE
What did she want?
SAM
She's a good friend, Gale.
GALE
And what am I?
SAM
(kissing her)
Something else.
GALE
Janet's a drudge.
SAM
You hardly know her.
GALE
And I don't want to.
SAM
Because she has no Jaguar, right?
GALE
Don't be so gross. That has nothing to do with anything.
SAM
No?
GALE
I'm with you, aren't I?
SAM
(stung)
Me and Janet both got called in to Mr. Marshall's office
this afternoon.
GALE
(bored)
Mr. Finacial Aid himself. It's nothing you can't handle.
SAM
That's exactly what I told Janet.
GALE
So why even bring it up?
SAM
I thought you might be interested.
GALE
Well, I'm not.
GALE looks across the field as her friends pile back into the convertible and drive towards them-
GALE
Roll over, you need more oil.
SAM
No, I don't.
GALE
Hurry up!
The car rolls by, and the everyone waves. The GIRL honks the horn-
GIRL
Am I jealous!
GALE
(waving an oily hand)
You should be!
INT. Vallton College Bookstore - Day
A line for the cashiers winds through the store. Everywhere people are picking up last minute items with fervor. Conversation has reached a roar as friends exchange plans for the summer on the lake, at the yacht club, up in the country or away along the beach. SAM and GALE move up to the CASHIER at the register. GALE puts down a pile of shirts, shorts and sweaters with the Vallton insignia; SAM holds on to his one T-shirt-
CASHIER
Are you two separate, or together?
SAM
Separate.
GALE
Is that all you're getting? Let me pay for it.
The CASHIER looks away-
SAM
(softly)
No, that's OK.
GALE
(grabbing the T-shirt)
Ugh! It'll be faster. Besides, I like buying you presents.
GALE takes out a charge card and throws it at the counter towards the CASHIER-
GALE
We're in a hurry. Thanks.
INT. Vallton Main Building - Day
SAM walks slowly through the lobby, watching a STUDENT on the Maintenance Crew polish the beautiful antique furniture. There is a shriek of laughter and SAM turns around. A football ATHLETE wearing an expensive suede jacket, now ruined with grass marks and mud stains, walks in with his buddies-
ATHLETE
Hey, watch this lay-up shot!
The ATHLETE takes the plastic cup of beer he's holding and aims it for a wastebasket across the room; it bounces on the rim of the can. Beer splatters all over the wall and a mahogany table. The STUDENT watches silently as the wallpaper darkens, then wipes beads of golden liquid from the wood, never even looking up. SAM turns away-
INT. Vallton Student Services Office - Day
Several kids sit in the waiting room. One reads a Kindle and another listens to an iPod, while the rest try nervously not to recognize each other. A sweet-faced old SECRETARY works at her desk in the far corner of the room. The intercom buzzes and she looks up-
SECRETARY
Sam Landau ...
SAM gets up and walks over to her-
SAM
I'm Landau.
SECRETARY
Mr. Marshall will see you now. Go right in.
SAM opens the door to the inner office and enters-
INT. Mr. Marshall's Office - Day
The late Spring sunshine beams through the french doors. A balding MR. MARSHALL, leans over his desk to shake SAM'S hand-
SAM
Hi. You wanted to see me?
MR. MARSHALL
Have a seat.
SAM sits in an armchair facing the desk-
SAM
This isn't about grades?
MR. MARSHALL
No, your GPA is still right up there.
SAM
(smiling)
Checked up on me, huh?
MR. MARSHALL
As a matter of fact, I did. You've fulfilled our scholarship
very well.
SAM
Thanks.
MR. MARSHALL
(looking out the window)
Unfortunately, that's no longer enough.
SAM
What?
MR. MARSHALL
(reciting his speech)
Financial contributions to the college have been
drastically reduced. It's the way of the
world. Our Trustees thought they could raise more
money to offset rising costs than came through. Fifty
percent of the pledges from Alumni and Sponsors were
ultimately rescinded.
SAM
Well, I don't need a Book Loan for Senior Year.
MR. MARSHALL
Good. They've been axed from the budget.
SAM
Huh?
MR. MARSHALL
Sam, this department's funding is the first to go in an
austerity crunch. Book Loans are the least of it. I'm
afraid your Finacial Aid has been cut by half, in keeping
with the reduction in revenue.
SAM
You're dropping me?!!
MR. MARSHALL
No ...
SAM
That's the same as expulsion! I can't pick up all that
tuition!
MR. MARSHALL
How about a campus job? I'll offer you one again.
SAM
You mean like tutoring, or something?
MR. MARSHALL
No, those are priority placements, reserved for students
who have worked before. You know how the system
operates.
MR. MARSHALL turns to a heavily dog-eared list on his desk top-
MR. MARSHALL
The introductory jobs we have left are Landscape Crew,
Facilities Maintenance and Book Store Duty.
SAM
Everyone sees who does those jobs.
MR. MARSHALL
It's no disgrace to have a job. Any job. Actually,
I think it's something of a disgrace not to have one.
Frankly, I'm surprised that you've gone so long
without working ... Or that you'd feel good about
that. Most kids are proud to support their education.
SAM
Yeah, while people talk behind their backs. You've
heard the names.
MR. MARSHALL
The ones that come to mind are ... Independent ...
Determined ... Industrious ...
SAM
Try ... Student Sponge ... Vallton Vagabond ...
MR. MARSHALL
Look, you need this job to make it to Graduation,
although you'd like to pretend otherwise.
SAM
I don't pretend anything!!
MR. MARSHALL
You think you're better than the next guy? That breaking
a sweat is beneath your dignity? It'll do you good to endure
some heavy lifting for a change.
SAM
(low)
You're trying to teach me a lesson ...
MR. MARSHALL
I'm trying to keep you here until diplomas are given.
Think whatever you want. The bottom line is money.
And you haven't got it. There's a chance right now,
on this list, for you to earn a salary.
SAM
There are other ways.
MR. MARSHALL
I can't think of any.
SAM
Then I'll have to.
MR. MARSHALL
Well, I really hope you come up with something.
No doubt you'll be very good at whatever you choose
to do. But I won't hold a job open for you, Sam.
If you walk away now, that's it.
SAM
(getting up)
See you in the Fall.
INT. Vallton Main Building - Day
SAM closes the Student Services door, and starts down the deserted hallway. He slows at a bank of leaded glass windows and looks out over the campus-
ANOTHER ANGLE:
Through the windows WE SEE: Vallton students meandering along the paths that cross the lush grounds. Their bright clothing forms a kaleidoscope of activity as they leisurely laugh and joke with one another or gently cruise the satin sidewalks on mountain bikes built for Kilimanjaro. On the lawn, kids lug their Heineken supply from one group of picnicking friends to the next-
DISSOLVE TO:
FLASHBACK:
INT. Sam's House - Night (1996)
SAM stands on tip toes looking through a leaded window at the top of the stairs, enthralled by a raggedy troupe of neighborhood children, dressed up in home-made felt and construction paper Halloween costumes. He watches them pass by in the shadows below, then tears off to his room and slams the door-
INT. Sam's House - Night (1996)
Sam runs into the living room in a 'cape' made from a pinned together Hefty bag, and an aluminum foil 'crown'. MR. LANDAU is reading a magazine, while WE SEE: MRS. LANDAU preparing dinner in the kitchen-
SAM
(excited)
Daddy!! Look at me!!
MR. LANDAU
What's all that?
SAM
I'm a Prince! Outside, there's a bunch of Knights and
Wizards that are gonna take me to my castle!
MR. LANDAU
(turning back to his reading)
Take that stuff off, and smooth out the tin foil before
putting it back where you found it. Don't cut any
more pieces off the roll, either. It's not a toy.
SAM
But I wanna Trick or Treat ...
MR. LANDAU
I said, take it off! The other kids'll see and call you
a freak.
SAM
(softly)
No, they're in my Kingdom ...
MRS. LANDAU walks in from the kitchen wiping her hands on her apron-
MRS. LANDAU
It's Halloween. He's just pretending.
MR. LANDAU
There's nothing wrong with what he is. You stop
putting ideas into his head!
MRS. LANDAU
He needs a costume! The ones at the Five and Dime ...
MR. LANDAU
... Are a waste of money, like I told you. Besides, no
son of mine is gonna go door to door for handouts!
SAM
But, Daddy ...
MR. LANDAU
I said, TAKE THAT STUPID STUFF OFF, or I'll do it for you!!
You're my son, and better do what I tell you!!
MRS. LANDAU
He's mine too! I say, it's alright for him to dream, even
if you've stopped!!
MR. LANDAU
(moving towards SAM)
I'm telling you for the last time ...
SAM slowly takes off his 'crown' and climbs back up the stairs. From the living room WE HEAR: voices rising-
MR. LANDAU (V.O)
Why the hell can't you keep your mouth shut in front
of the boy?! I know what's best, and all you do is
coddle and spoil him!!
MRS. LANDAU (V.O.)
You just don't want him to go out because there's
nothing here to give the other kids!! We have to keep
the shades down and porch light out, on Halloween,
for God's sake! How does it feel to take your shame
out on a little boy?!?
There is a loud CRASH as MR. LANDAU slams out of the house-
INT. Sam's House, Bedroom - Night (1996)
The door opens slowly and MRS. LANDAU crosses to SAM'S bed and sits right near him-
MRS. LANDAU
(reaching out to SAM)
You're going to have everything someday. Everything
you want. And I'll be so proud and happy for you when
you get it ...
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. Vallton Field House Locker Room - Day
SAM sits on a bench in his swimsuit, staring idly at the blank wall. Another BOY sits right near him, and gives SAM a nudge-
BOY
Hey, you alright?
SAM
Me? Oh ... Yeah. Fine.
INT. Vallton Field House - Day
SAM pushes through the locker room doors and walks out onto the pool area. From the upper level observation deck, GALE peers over the balcony at him. CAMERA PULLS BACK and WE SEE: GALE is sitting in tennis clothes with an elegant red-headed friend, PATTY-
GALE
Hey, look! There's Sam!
PATTY
He's hot enough to die for! Must be hard to hold on to him.
GALE
Nah, you just have to know where to grab.
SAM throws his towel at the bleachers and pulls on a pair of goggles. A fast, hard dive and he's in the water-
PATTY
I do. And if I got started, I wouldn't stop.
GALE
Want a broken neck, Patty?
PATTY
It'd be worth it.
The two girls see that SAM easily swims the length of the pool, then doubles back for another lap. A young COACH observes from the sidelines, tugging at the faculty ID on a lanyard around his neck, gazing all the while at SAM-
INT. Vallton Field House Locker Room Showers - Day
Steam clouds the tiled room as SAM washes up with several other BOYS. The COACH passes the open door and calls in-
COACH
Landau ... I want to see you in my office.
SAM
(over his shoulder)
Be right there.
INT. Vallton Field House Coaching Office - DAY
SAM
What's up, Coach?
COACH
Why don't you tell me, Sam? What was going on out
there today?
SAM
Just doing my laps ...
COACH
You were killing the water with every stroke.
SAM
This wasn't a Meet.
COACH
Is something bugging you?
SAM
(turning to go)
Nope.
COACH
Hey, you can talk to me. I've been here for you all
year. Come on.
SAM
Well ... I don't know.
COACH
Give me a try.
SAM
... I found out today ... That my Financial Aid was cut.
COACH
You're on Aid? I never would have guessed that you
needed it.
SAM
Yeah, but I do need it.
COACH
I did too, when I was in school. They're trimming off
a lot, I hear.
SAM
Mine was cut in half. I was counting on that money.
Now I have to find a way to raise a lotta cash.
COACH
I think you know I've been watching you all semester.
You've got a great ... form.
SAM
(edgy)
Maybe we ought to just drop that. It's not really ...
COACH
Of course, I'm just talking about your performance in
the pool, so don't get the wrong idea. But Sam, some
friends I made a long time ago, own a resort on The
East End. They're always looking for guys like you to
be ... Fitness Instructors.
The COACH reaches into the top drawer of his desk, and hands SAM a sheaf of papers-
SAM
(taking the application)
Meaning?
COACH
That if you send this in, along with my recommendation ...
You've got yourself a very sweet summer job.
SAM
Just like that?
COACH
Guaranteed. Every year I send them a guy or two.
If it works out, I get a little bonus. There's plenty
of money in it for everyone involved.
SAM
Money in fitness, huh?
COACH
If you play your cards right, the summer should take
care of your tuition and the some. Send in the forms.
You'll see what I mean. You're just the type they're
looking for.
SAM
Thanks.
COACH
Have fun. I know you will.
SAM turns and walks back to the Locker Room-
INT. Vallton Field House Corridor - Day
GALE sits alone on the steps across from the Men's Locker Room. A couple stop at the water fountain, then move down the hall. SAM comes out, stuffing the application forms into an envelope-
SAM
Hi. What are you doing here?
GALE
After tennis practice, I saw you at the pool. Just thought
I'd wait around.
SAM
How come?
GALE
Duh. So we can walk back to your room together.
SAM
Actually, I was heading over to The Post Office.
GALE
(kissing him, and taking his arm)
Besides, I want to shower off.
SAM
I already showered.
GALE
But I haven't.
SAM
They close at three o'clock today, Gale.
GALE
Then you'll have to go tomorrow.
INT. Mellner Hall Bathroom - Day
The shower is going full blast. Thrown over the stall door are GALE'S tennis clothes and a big fluffy monogrammed bath sheet-
ANOTHER ANGLE:
Int. Mellner Hall Shower - Day
GALE tilts her head back as SAM shoves her up against the wet wall under the shower nozzle. The curl of her blonde hair goes straight, as hot water cascades over her face and shoulders. SAM envelops her in his arms and she buries her face in his chest-
CUT TO:
GALE is slowly soaping SAM'S back. She runs her hands along his neck and down the thick rope of muscles in his arms-
CUT TO:
CLOSE UP: of SAM as GALE'S hands come from behind to soap his chest, gently rubbing, then twisting his nipples-
CUT TO:
SAM turns around, kissing and biting at GALE'S neck. She searches for his lips while running the bar of soap along the back of his hairy thighs-
CUT TO:
SAM takes the soap and slips it between GALE's breasts, gently massaging them together as the lather foams up and out of her cleavage-
INT. Sam's Dorm Room - Day
SAM lies sprawled in bed on his back. An old quilt covers everything but his feet. He moans softly and throws his head back against the pillow, the veins in his neck throbbing. GALE emerges from between his ankles, and he closes his eyes. She kisses his ear, his forehead and finally his mouth-
INT. Vallton Commons Cafeteria - Night
The cafeteria is jammed with people caught in the dinnertime rush. SAM stands on the service line alone. PATTY and her friend BRONWYN, a delicate girl with a pixie-cut and pearls, watch SAM from the salad bar-
PATTY
I don't see Gale anywhere. Should we invite him to
have dinner with us?
BRONWYN
Patty, I hardly think so.
PATTY
Oh, she wouldn't mind.
BRONWYN
But I would. If Gale Walden had half a brain, she'd
stop slumming around with him.
PATTY
Why should she? Her parents won't find out, and
he's sex-in-sneakers.
BRONWYN
Yeah, with the laces untied. Will you pass the
Roquefort, please?
INT. Vallton Commons Dining Room - Night
SAM leaves the service area with his tray and wanders into the dining room looking for a table. Kids sit with coffee or a cigarette, angling to see or be seen. The social butterflies table-hop, hoping that their conspicuous chatter will attract attention from those talking on iPhones or sending text messages. JANET sits at a table for two. Her friend, MARTHA, is a plump brunette with a hole in the elbow of her Fair Isle crew neck and eyes that dart around the room while she talks-
JANET
Oh, there's Sam!
MARTHA
Will you get a load of the monogram on his shirt? If
that social-climber truly forgets who he is, at least he can
look at his laundry and figure out his name.
JANET
Martha!! It looks like he's flying solo. Let's make some
room.
JANET watches as SAM glides slowly past a table of Preps, hoping they'll ask him to sit down in one of the empty chairs. They barely look up from their meal. Finally, SAM settles by himself, and begins to take the food off of his tray, limiting his field of vision to the table top-
MARTHA
Serves him right.
JANET
What did he ever do to you?! Nothing.
MARTHA looks down and begins to speak, then stops. She starts to play with the salad left in her bowl, spearing a tomato wedge. JANET looks right past her and gets up from the table-
JANET
(lifting her tray)
You're using the wrong fork.
JANET walks across the Commons and puts her tray down on SAM'S table. He looks up, surprised, and flashes a brilliant smile-
JANET
Why didn't you come sit with us?
SAM
You were with Martha.
JANET
So?
SAM
You don't like Gale, I don't like Martha.
JANET
She says you're a social-climber. Is that why?
SAM
(the devil in his eyes)
... And I'm kicking out the rungs as I go up the ladder ...
In for a big fall when I have to retreat and there's no
way down ...
JANET
There's always a way down.
SAM
"The Voice of Doom".
JANET
Doesn't it bother you?
SAM
That Martha has a big mouth?
JANET
That there's truth to what she says!!
SAM
Nah. It would piss me off if she lied about me, though.
JANET
(amazed)
Your head is as big as all outdoors. Your confidence
is really just arrogance ... You're taking on an eight-
figure Debutante with a double-digit bank balance, and ...
SAM
There's more?
JANET
And, you're too handsome for your own good.
SAM
So, why hang out with such a monster?
JANET
Because underneath all that phoney baloney, there's
a fighter who wants more than he's got.
SAM
Is greed an admirable trait?
JANET
Ambition is.
SAM
Aren't they one in the same?
JANET
No, they're not. Sam, why don't you take the job
Marshall has? It's not too late.
SAM
(directly)
It would be failure. For you, it's a victory to stand up
in front of everyone ... But I won't do it.
JANET
Are you being proud, or a jerk?
SAM
Maybe both. But I'm getting what I want.
Thought you might be proud and happy for
me.
JANET
You must be joking! Gale's got you right where
she wants you. But a closet full of fancy shirts
aren't worth your self-respect.
SAM
Come off it!! Everyone compromises! Every day! Every
minute! Every way! What do you think your precious
campus job is, for instance? Are you gonna tell me
you love it?
JANET
I'm going to tell you, and anyone else who asks,
that I need it. That's the truth. And there's no shame
in it.
SAM
For you.
JANET
For anyone! Why won't you just see it that way too?
SAM
I don't have to.
JANET
I think you do.
SAM
Look, I belong here. I've never felt like that anywhere
before. You think it's just about monogrammed
shirts and knowing what to order when I go out
with Gale?
JANET
Along with a shit-load of other pretentious garbage!
SAM
Then you don't get it. It's about being someone else.
Maybe I faked my way. But I'm not going backwards.
And I'm sure as hell not going to be some pathetic
chartity case getting hand-outs that everyone gawks
at.
JANET
Is that what you think I am?
SAM
That's how I think I would feel. Now, I fit in
with the best of them. And yeah, it's better for me,
Janet. If you don't like it, or it rubs that jealous
bitch Martha, the wrong way ... TOUGH SHIT!!
JANET
(standing)
I'm going to get coffee. Will you still be mad when
I get back?
SAM
Only if you don't bring me back one too, with milk
and sugar.
JANET
Coming up. But, Sam ...
SAM
What?
JANET
I think your priorities are all wrong.
SAM
(shrugging)
We disagree ... But I still like you.
JANET
Oh, sure. Who else talks to you the way I do?
SAM
Nobody.
JANET
See you in a minute.
--- Scene
--- Scene
--- Etc.
--- Please feel free to leave any and all comments in the box below. "Anonymous" as well as "Attributed" feedback is appreciated for the "COLD LOVE" sample, just as it is for the presentation of "I WANT YOU TO BE MY BABY: THE LILLIAN BRIGGS STORY", also on this web site. Inquiries via the 'Contact Page' (accessed by clicking on the menu bar) or to lee@leeschiller.com will be personally answered and/or forwarded to my Talent Representative accordingly. LJS ---
Reader Comments (15)
Oh my, how tantalizing! I like the evolving complexity of the characters, and although Sam is not very likable, he sure LOOKS GOOD on paper. I look forward to reading more, and to finding out if Sam lives or dies.
Lee!! I found myself wanting more!! I'm intrigued and it was not nearly enough! I'm loving the character development and looking forward to getting to know them...and looking forward to knowing what this "job" is going to be! Keep it coming! Loving it so far!!
The character of Sam came alive, and I can't decide if I like him or want to lecture him! Got my attention anyway. Good work.
G'Day "Yank", (clues #1 & #2)
Even though we've talked about this project (clue #3) I saw your post on Facebook about COLD LOVE (clue #4). The script sample is great. Good Luck with getting this movie made!! Tiger Lil was right about you (clue #5). You're such a gifted writer, as I commented on the BABY sample (clue #6). This time, I was also impressed with the music by Federico Vaona and the art by Samantha Perez. A good team of talent is always so important!!
You wrote that 'anonymous' was OK. So put the clues together and you'll know who wishes you every success in the world.
Cheers! (clue #7 ... which is a LUCKY number!!)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
'Loo: Your clues were way too easy! Thank you for the ongoing support, it means more than I can say. That you've found merit in the COLD LOVE sample, followed the links to Fede's COLD LOVE THEME, then Samantha's artwork and finally ... left your comment ... is all icing on the cake. I look forward to seeing you again when you're back in LA. Have a great Labor Day weekend.
Very BEST,
LJS 8/31/12
Liked the dialogue very much. You have a knack for capturing discourse in a natural way. The scene descrptions here are crisp and visual. The characters introduced here come alive. And the story that has been set-up in this short post? I wonder where you will go with it, and hope you post more. B. Posner
I found it quite interesting and intriguing. The story pulled me in and I want to hear more. Where does it go from here?
Very well written sample. All the characters breathe. From the beginning, there was a sense of honesty and truth. Like you as the author understood some essentials about living in the life. As Sam's story continues, my guess is that "Cold Love" will accurately depict a world I know well. Prove me right and please post more.
Thank-you. For the link on your Facebook page that leads here and for writing about Cold Love. Thank-you.
Lee, what can I say...I absolutely loved it! The only problem is that I now must see the rest of it...immediately! Very clear and well defined characters, many layers. Very sexy. Utterly visual as well. Can't wait to see this done.
Thanks!
Mr. Schiller: I just wanted to say that I liked what a read. This script so far looks really interesting. Your writing is very good and while I might not agree with what Sam Landau is on his way to doing for Senior Year tuition, the thing to do is reserve judgement until the whole story is told.
Jarod Reynolds
wow! i can see this on a movie screen already. these characters all seem like people i know! makes me wonder what my friends are doing on their summer vacations?! hahaha!
Two thumbs up. One for writing. One for bravely doing so.
Lee:
Honestly, when I read your tag line at the top of this screenplay sample there was a negative bias toward the subject matter. That was also true about Sam Landau. My frankness comes as no surprise. We know each other. Why not be honest? There are others who are of the same opinion.
But then I began reading, and finding the story reveal itself and the characters come to life. I felt like I knew what was likely to happen, just not how or when. I felt like I was getting to care about these people. I felt like the revelance of this social problem among college kids needed to be addressed. But the main thing is: I felt.
Now, someone who can write words in black and white and make a reader "feel" in their heart, has got talent.
We need to talk more about this project, and we will.
Marva
Lee, Once again you have brought me into a story and have me wanting more.
Angela Osborne
Lee,
I thoroughly enjoyed what I've read so far and am intrigued and waiting to read the rest. Great job and how do I get to finish reading the rest of it? Please don't leave me hanging here... Excellent job!
Linda Steele :)