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NOOSEWORTHY (Second half)
By The Host
Here's the second half of my short film, produced a few months back. Enjoy!
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NOOSEWORTHY
by
Matt Boudreau
CUT TO:
INT. HARRY’S OFFICE -- DAY
Harry Bacon sits behind his desk, being interviewed. A placard on the desk clearly states his name.
HARRY BACON (CONT’D)
And it can be hard to carry on some times. I have to rise above it all, you know? I really set . . . I set the standard for professionalism here. And I have to do that. That’s my responsibility to the American people: professionalism. And when the American people think Harry Bacon, they think ‘professionalism’.
(Long pause, as he listens to the reporter’s question)
Well, that’s true, that’s true. Image has a lot to do with it. And that’s why I insist on impeccable make-up and lighting, and I have to be positioned so that you see more of this side of my face—
(Patting left cheek)
–because this side, look at that—
(Turning to reveal his right cheek)
–it just isn’t my strong side.
(Another long pause; he nods)
I know. Yes, some people have accused me of that. That it’s just looks, just ratings. They say I’m not as smart as the others here. But I really think I am. I think I’m just as smart as someone like Walter Rather. I really think I am.
NEW ANGLE from behind reveals that Harry is addressing an empty room. After a moment of silence there comes a knock at the door. Harry takes a bottle of Scotch, now revealed beside him, and stows it underneath his desk. He stands and wipes his brow.
HARRY BACON (CONT’D)
Come in.
Christa tentatively peeks in.
CHRISTA
William, uh, William says it’s time for our next production meeting, and you have to come.
HARRY BACON
(Covered in sweat)
Yeah, okay.
CHRISTA
It’s a nice day. We’re going outside.
A pause. Harry breathes in, then out.
HARRY BACON
Yeah. Okay.
Christa withdraws from the room, slowly closing the door behind her.
INT. HALL -- CONTINUOUS
Herb passes Christa in the hall, carrying a cup of coffee.
HERB
See you outside, babe.
Christa moves away from the room, ignoring Herb. Walter emerges from a nearby office as Herb disappears around the corner.
WALTER
He’s an idiot. Don’t let him bother you. Don’t let any of them bother you.
Christa nods.
WALTER (CONT’D)
They’re all idiots.
(Beat)
Come on, let’s go.
They walk off together quietly, Walter slipping into his jacket.
FADE OUT.
FADE IN. . .
EXT. COURTHOUSE -- DAY
A dry fountain stands majestically before the columned courthouse. At its base sit William and Harry and Herb and Christa and Walter.
WILLIAM
The story airs in twelve hours. As far as we know, we’re still the only ones with it. This will be big. I’m happy with the way the story is coming along, but the execs want us to work in some synergistic marketing. Our company, as you know, is about to merge with Viacom, which owns Paramount Pictures. The new Star Trek movie comes out in a month. So we’ve gotta add some references to it.
HARRY BACON
Aren’t I going to do a setpiece interview? With the aliens?
WILLIAM
No, you’re not.
HARRY
Why not? It’d be great.
WILLIAM
There are several light years preventing you.
HERB
(Caustic)
Besides – the aliens can’t speak English.
WILLIAM
(Beat)
Right. Anybody else have any questions?
CHRISTA
I, um, have a bit of a problem with the story, actually.
HERB
Oh, really?
Walter smiles.
CHRISTA
Yes. As a matter of fact, your segment, Herb: it seems to presume the aliens are going to be hostile.
HERB
Aren’t they?
HARRY
I hope to hell they are. Think of the ratings.
CHRISTA
I can’t believe you just said that.
HARRY
My job is to serve the American people. That’s what the American people want: action.
CHRISTA
Death?
HARRY
Excitement. That’s what I give them.
Walter can no longer contain himself.
WALTER
You indescribable moron! That’s what you give them. What right? What right? What about the truth?
HARRY
I serve the truth.
WALTER
You serve yourself.
HARRY
I am a reporter, not some – not some washed up old fart, like you.
WALTER
You’re not a reporter, you’re an image. You’re an idiot.
HARRY
I know you think—
WALTER
You only got to where you are because of—
HARRY
I know you think—
WALTER
–Your looks.
HARRY
(At turns earnest, then scathing)
I know I’m not as smart as you are. But at least my segment’s making it to air.
There’s a moment of silence.
WALTER
What?
WILLIAM
I’m sorry, Walter—
WALTER
What?
WILLIAM
Look, the execs thought your segment was . . . a little dry.
Walter sputters with rage.
WALTER
The execs? You bloody sycophant! Can’t you take responsibility for anything yourself?
HERB
Walter—
WALTER
(Turning)
And you – you’re – you’re just a big bully!
There’s a moment of stunned silence. Walter shakes his head.
WALTER
Goddamn it, I’m mad as hell and I’m not gonna take this anymore. I quit.
He spins and strides away, placing his hand briefly on Christa’s shoulder as he goes. William opens his mouth to speak, thinks better of it, and just stares after him.
FADE OUT. . .
FADE IN. . .
INT. BOARDROOM -- NIGHT
William sits alone at the table this time, staring again at the floor. Sid pours himself a cup of water at the table’s head, then sits down across from William. He sighs before speaking.
SID
They’re canceling the story, William.
WILLIAM
(Still looking down)
Why?
SID
It looks like they might impeach Clinton, and we’ve heard rumors of another sex scandal involving a Republican Senator and a porn starlet. Look, I know you’ve put a lot into this. But that’s the way it goes in this business of ours.
(Beat; William slowly looks up)
That’s just the way it goes.
CUT TO BLACK.
THE END
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Please comment! I'd love to know what you think.
-The Host
COPYRIGHT (C) Matt Boudreau and Khan Filmworks 2002. All rights reserved.
8/29/2002 1:39:33 AM
Comment on this fan fiction!
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