Post by Tyler Malcolm on Dec 6, 2011 22:51:20 GMT -5
THE NIGHT BEFORE
Our scene is set in a large ballroom. A large dance floor remains unoccupied in the center. It's a beautiful sight. Surrounding the floor is a good number of men and women, all dressed sharp, socializing with one another. One interaction catches our attention, particularly. A man, somewhere between 50 and 60, engages in conversation with a woman, looking not a day older than 40. The man certainly fills out his suit with his large mass. His weight and the added combination of his circular glasses and thinning hair don't lend to his attractiveness. The woman, on the contrary, is a sight to behold with flaming locks of auburn hair, ivory skin and eyes of emerald green. She seems uneasy, or uninterested, in whatever it is the man is telling her, which we begin to pick up on.
Man:
I'm telling you, Jo, the novel is an absolute masterpiece. Some of my finest work, if I do say so myself. It's expected to outsell my previous bestseller, which if I may remind you, sold over one million copies world wide.
Woman:
Yes, you said that.
Man:
Remind me again, did you ever get the chance to read the book?
The woman's eyes grow and drift away from his, she doesn't want to answer the question. In the back we see a familiar face - Tyler Malcolm. The savoir slowly reaches out and taps the woman on the shoulder.
TYLER:
'Scuse me, ma'am. Care to grace me with a dance?
The woman turns as a look of relief washes over the worry.
Woman:
Oh, yeah, I'd love to!
Tyler slightly kneels and motions his arms toward the dance floor, the woman gives him a flirtatious smile and walks past him as Tyler watches her go. He turns to the author and smiles. The two are wearing the same suit; white all around with a rich blue tie. The suit also matches Tyler's hat, which is white with blue writing. Tyler reaches out and straightens out the man's jacket.
TYLER:
Nice suit.
Tyler gives the man a playful nod and bragging wink before heading to the dance floor. The woman waits for him just as a new song kicks in. The song is soothing enough to set a romantic mood, yet upbeat enough to really make you want to dance. Tyler and the woman begin dancing, talking as they do so.
Woman:
Thanks for that save.
Tyler doesn't answer. He focuses on his dancing.
Woman:
Whoa, you're good.
He bends her over backwards and leans in, bringing their faces close. He smirks and spins her back up to her feet where they continue to dance.
Woman:
But say, I don't think I've ever seen you around here before. Are you new here?
TYLER:
Pretty new.
Woman:
What's your name?
TYLER:
Tyler.
Woman:
Well, Tyler, you certainly know how to make a good impression on a lady. Where are you from, dear?
TYLER:
Canada.
Woman:
Really? I have family up there, which part?
TYLER:
Montreal.
Tyler twirls the woman around, probably to distract her from the lie he just told.
Woman:
Oh. Yeah, you see, they come from Toronto. Big Leafs fans, as I'm sure you can imagine. Is it much different in Montreal than it is Toronto?
TYLER:
Not much. Enough with the questions, all right?
Woman:
I'm just trying to make small talk.
TYLER:
Just let our bodies do the talking.
Tyler must be familiar with the song, because as he prepares for his big finale, and completes it flawlessly as the last note rings through the ballroom. A voice comes over the speakers now, but it's tuned out by the two's conversation.
Woman:
Wow! How'd you learn to dance like that?
TYLER:
My mother taught me.
Tyler lets out a strange laugh. Hearty, childish and a dash of crazy all at the same time. It obviously takes the woman by surprise, but she lets it go.
Woman:
You must lead a fascinating life.
TYLER:
I could tell you a little bit about it over drinks.
Woman:
I'd love to hear it.
The two head off to get drinks.
We rejoin them at the end of the night. They sit at a high table on high stools. They're both laughing and enjoying themselves, she with an empty martini glass in front of her and he with a tall, nearly finished glass of beer.
Woman:
You didn't drink much, sweetie.
TYLER:
I'm not much of a drinker, or partier, never have been.
Woman:
That's surprising. I mean, you're so funny and outgoing.
TYLER:
Haha. Yeah, and plus, I gotta big day tomorrow.
Woman:
Yeah? What?
TYLER:
Business.
Tyler checks his watch.
Tyler:
It's damn near 2 AM!
Woman:
Oh, shit! And I'm in no condition to drive!
TYLER:
I'd offer you a lift, but uhh, I don't got a license. The hotel I rented is right down the street though, you could come, stay the night, drive home in the morning.
Woman:
Dear, do you always try and pick up woman twice your age?
TYLER:
Aha, I mean, uhh... hahaha.
Woman:
I'm kidding you, dear. I know a standup gentleman like you wouldn't try anything tricky, but a hotel room?
TYLER:
Yeah, a hotel. I said I'm here on business. Why else would I be in Alabama?
The woman looks slightly offended, but shrugs it off and the two head off.
They walk up to the tall glass doors of the hotel. Tyler pulls a key out of his jacket pocket and unlocks the heavy doors.
Woman:
That's odd, they give you a key to the front like that?
TYLER:
Uhh, yeah. Haha. I said I rented a hotel, not a hotel room.
The lady looks quite impressed as she follows Tyler into the hotel room. We cut to them walking down the hallways. A lot of the room doors are held open by heavy objects, while others a closed, the woman asks Tyler about it.
TYLER:
People are behind the closed doors.
Woman:
Who?
TYLER:
People who need it.
Tyler seems a bit embarrassed, but continues walking down the hall.
TYLER:
Just pick a room, make sure you lock the door though. Lord knows who's in here.
The woman stops walking, but Tyler continues. She looks around for a while, before following Tyler.
THE MORNING AFTER
Tyler tiptoes around the apartment, grabbing his belongings. On the tablet he's set up a vase of roses with a piece of paper, folded in half, labeled "Jolene." He grabs his jacket off a chair and walks out the door. In the hallway, we see people, drugged up, staggering down the halls. It's a hideous sight. Yet, somehow, Tyler's presence gives it warmth. He walks down a few flights of stairs before stopping in the stairway and taking a seat. He looks into the camera, ready to speak. Though he speaks to us, he speaks to one man in particular.
TYLER:
Hey, Charlie. Man, I sure hope you had as good a night as I did. Because tonight, for one of us, will be a bad one. And you want to know who it's going to be, Charlie? You. Ever since joining SNME I don't remember ever being pinned, or tapping out. I don't even remember being disqualified or counted out! And here's the thing, Charlie. I like it that way. I like being undefeated. I like the fact that of the handful of men who've stepped into that ring with me, have woken up with painful memories of the night before, dozens of thoughts racing threw their head but above them all... 'I can't believe I let that skinny ass black kid beat me.' That'll be you, Charlie, and I like that.
What do you like, Charlie? I'm a big betting man, and I'd be willing to bet your an athlete. Ya know. The kid who gets all riled up during gym class, takes himself too seriously. That's who I see you as. We all knew that kid. Could always show up all the "unathletic" kids up in gym class, but never made the actual team. You're competitive in nature. Which is good. You'll be fierce. Intense. You'll have a desire to win, to beat me, which will only make it sweeter when you don't.
But above all things, Charlie, I see you as a dreamer. A man with big expectations of himself. Am I close? Am I hitting the mark here, Char?
Tyler smirks.
TYLER:
Of all those dreams you have, Charlie, they'll come tumbling down. Because seeing the disappointment on my opponent's face, knowing the mental anguish their going threw... that's what gets me off, that's what gets me all fired up. I'm so excited I can hardly stand it. I'm not a bad man, Charlie, but I reckon it's the way my opponents see me. And I suppose it's how you will too, but that's okay... I like it that way.
Tyler gives a warm, boyish smile and nods. He pulls his hat on a little more and stands up, continuing his walk down the stairs.
Our scene is set in a large ballroom. A large dance floor remains unoccupied in the center. It's a beautiful sight. Surrounding the floor is a good number of men and women, all dressed sharp, socializing with one another. One interaction catches our attention, particularly. A man, somewhere between 50 and 60, engages in conversation with a woman, looking not a day older than 40. The man certainly fills out his suit with his large mass. His weight and the added combination of his circular glasses and thinning hair don't lend to his attractiveness. The woman, on the contrary, is a sight to behold with flaming locks of auburn hair, ivory skin and eyes of emerald green. She seems uneasy, or uninterested, in whatever it is the man is telling her, which we begin to pick up on.
Man:
I'm telling you, Jo, the novel is an absolute masterpiece. Some of my finest work, if I do say so myself. It's expected to outsell my previous bestseller, which if I may remind you, sold over one million copies world wide.
Woman:
Yes, you said that.
Man:
Remind me again, did you ever get the chance to read the book?
The woman's eyes grow and drift away from his, she doesn't want to answer the question. In the back we see a familiar face - Tyler Malcolm. The savoir slowly reaches out and taps the woman on the shoulder.
TYLER:
'Scuse me, ma'am. Care to grace me with a dance?
The woman turns as a look of relief washes over the worry.
Woman:
Oh, yeah, I'd love to!
Tyler slightly kneels and motions his arms toward the dance floor, the woman gives him a flirtatious smile and walks past him as Tyler watches her go. He turns to the author and smiles. The two are wearing the same suit; white all around with a rich blue tie. The suit also matches Tyler's hat, which is white with blue writing. Tyler reaches out and straightens out the man's jacket.
TYLER:
Nice suit.
Tyler gives the man a playful nod and bragging wink before heading to the dance floor. The woman waits for him just as a new song kicks in. The song is soothing enough to set a romantic mood, yet upbeat enough to really make you want to dance. Tyler and the woman begin dancing, talking as they do so.
Woman:
Thanks for that save.
Tyler doesn't answer. He focuses on his dancing.
Woman:
Whoa, you're good.
He bends her over backwards and leans in, bringing their faces close. He smirks and spins her back up to her feet where they continue to dance.
Woman:
But say, I don't think I've ever seen you around here before. Are you new here?
TYLER:
Pretty new.
Woman:
What's your name?
TYLER:
Tyler.
Woman:
Well, Tyler, you certainly know how to make a good impression on a lady. Where are you from, dear?
TYLER:
Canada.
Woman:
Really? I have family up there, which part?
TYLER:
Montreal.
Tyler twirls the woman around, probably to distract her from the lie he just told.
Woman:
Oh. Yeah, you see, they come from Toronto. Big Leafs fans, as I'm sure you can imagine. Is it much different in Montreal than it is Toronto?
TYLER:
Not much. Enough with the questions, all right?
Woman:
I'm just trying to make small talk.
TYLER:
Just let our bodies do the talking.
Tyler must be familiar with the song, because as he prepares for his big finale, and completes it flawlessly as the last note rings through the ballroom. A voice comes over the speakers now, but it's tuned out by the two's conversation.
Woman:
Wow! How'd you learn to dance like that?
TYLER:
My mother taught me.
Tyler lets out a strange laugh. Hearty, childish and a dash of crazy all at the same time. It obviously takes the woman by surprise, but she lets it go.
Woman:
You must lead a fascinating life.
TYLER:
I could tell you a little bit about it over drinks.
Woman:
I'd love to hear it.
The two head off to get drinks.
We rejoin them at the end of the night. They sit at a high table on high stools. They're both laughing and enjoying themselves, she with an empty martini glass in front of her and he with a tall, nearly finished glass of beer.
Woman:
You didn't drink much, sweetie.
TYLER:
I'm not much of a drinker, or partier, never have been.
Woman:
That's surprising. I mean, you're so funny and outgoing.
TYLER:
Haha. Yeah, and plus, I gotta big day tomorrow.
Woman:
Yeah? What?
TYLER:
Business.
Tyler checks his watch.
Tyler:
It's damn near 2 AM!
Woman:
Oh, shit! And I'm in no condition to drive!
TYLER:
I'd offer you a lift, but uhh, I don't got a license. The hotel I rented is right down the street though, you could come, stay the night, drive home in the morning.
Woman:
Dear, do you always try and pick up woman twice your age?
TYLER:
Aha, I mean, uhh... hahaha.
Woman:
I'm kidding you, dear. I know a standup gentleman like you wouldn't try anything tricky, but a hotel room?
TYLER:
Yeah, a hotel. I said I'm here on business. Why else would I be in Alabama?
The woman looks slightly offended, but shrugs it off and the two head off.
They walk up to the tall glass doors of the hotel. Tyler pulls a key out of his jacket pocket and unlocks the heavy doors.
Woman:
That's odd, they give you a key to the front like that?
TYLER:
Uhh, yeah. Haha. I said I rented a hotel, not a hotel room.
The lady looks quite impressed as she follows Tyler into the hotel room. We cut to them walking down the hallways. A lot of the room doors are held open by heavy objects, while others a closed, the woman asks Tyler about it.
TYLER:
People are behind the closed doors.
Woman:
Who?
TYLER:
People who need it.
Tyler seems a bit embarrassed, but continues walking down the hall.
TYLER:
Just pick a room, make sure you lock the door though. Lord knows who's in here.
The woman stops walking, but Tyler continues. She looks around for a while, before following Tyler.
THE MORNING AFTER
Tyler tiptoes around the apartment, grabbing his belongings. On the tablet he's set up a vase of roses with a piece of paper, folded in half, labeled "Jolene." He grabs his jacket off a chair and walks out the door. In the hallway, we see people, drugged up, staggering down the halls. It's a hideous sight. Yet, somehow, Tyler's presence gives it warmth. He walks down a few flights of stairs before stopping in the stairway and taking a seat. He looks into the camera, ready to speak. Though he speaks to us, he speaks to one man in particular.
TYLER:
Hey, Charlie. Man, I sure hope you had as good a night as I did. Because tonight, for one of us, will be a bad one. And you want to know who it's going to be, Charlie? You. Ever since joining SNME I don't remember ever being pinned, or tapping out. I don't even remember being disqualified or counted out! And here's the thing, Charlie. I like it that way. I like being undefeated. I like the fact that of the handful of men who've stepped into that ring with me, have woken up with painful memories of the night before, dozens of thoughts racing threw their head but above them all... 'I can't believe I let that skinny ass black kid beat me.' That'll be you, Charlie, and I like that.
What do you like, Charlie? I'm a big betting man, and I'd be willing to bet your an athlete. Ya know. The kid who gets all riled up during gym class, takes himself too seriously. That's who I see you as. We all knew that kid. Could always show up all the "unathletic" kids up in gym class, but never made the actual team. You're competitive in nature. Which is good. You'll be fierce. Intense. You'll have a desire to win, to beat me, which will only make it sweeter when you don't.
But above all things, Charlie, I see you as a dreamer. A man with big expectations of himself. Am I close? Am I hitting the mark here, Char?
Tyler smirks.
TYLER:
Of all those dreams you have, Charlie, they'll come tumbling down. Because seeing the disappointment on my opponent's face, knowing the mental anguish their going threw... that's what gets me off, that's what gets me all fired up. I'm so excited I can hardly stand it. I'm not a bad man, Charlie, but I reckon it's the way my opponents see me. And I suppose it's how you will too, but that's okay... I like it that way.
Tyler gives a warm, boyish smile and nods. He pulls his hat on a little more and stands up, continuing his walk down the stairs.