I write screenplays which are not the most fun to read, but sometimes if you just limit yourself to read the dialogues they can be as interesting as a novel or a poem.
I’ve always wanted to post a short screenplay and see what could happen with this little experiment, finally I have found the time and the right material to show you.
Today I will be publishing the first part of the screenplay and tomorrow the last part, therefore leaving you some time to think about all the possible endings for this story.
INT. CAFE DES ARTISTES – NIGHT
It’s a small coffee place with seven tables, illuminated by the candlelight in each table. The walls are filled with paintings by local artists. There are ten people at the place. Some are writing, others are reading, friends talking, etc.
At the last table in the back of the coffee house, GABRIEL (20s) wearing a black suit, with a white shirt and tie has a folder with some papers at the table and an empty cup. He looks at his watch, waiting for someone to show up. He begins to talk to the empty chair on his left, like he had an imaginary friend.
VICTORIA (20s) sits alone at the table next to Gabriel’s, she is writing something on her moleskine.
GABRIEL
Twenty minutes and she still
hasn’t shown up. I don’t
understand why you can’t talk
to her alone.
PEDRO the waiter shows up and picks the empty cup at Gabriel’s table.
PEDRO
Anything else?
GABRIEL
Just a bottle of water
for me.
Gabriel looks at his imaginary friend.
GABRIEL
For my friend a glass
of your finest red wine.
PEDRO
The only booze we have
here is beer.
Gabriel looks at his friend.
GABRIEL
Then we’ll manage with
the bottle of water.
Pedro leaves the table. Gabriel’s actions are noticed by all those around him, who begin to look at him, discretely and make some comments.
GABRIEL
(to his imaginary friend)
You are right, it is better
to stay sober when we talk
with Clara.
Gabriel looks at the entrance of the café, he rises from his chair, Clara (the imaginary girlfriend) has arrived. He kisses her in the imaginary cheek, moves out the chair to his right so she can sit down. Gabriel returns to his chair in the middle.
GABRIEL
(to his right)
You are not going to say
hi to Joaquina… Don’t
be mean, I asked her to
come along. I can’t even
be alone with you any more
I don’t feel safe… You
don’t have to yell, please
respect the privacy of
others.
Gabriel begins to look at the chair on his left, then to the one on his right, as if he is listening to the words of the imaginary friend and girlfriend.
Pedro approaches a table nearby with two women to remove the empty bottles.
PEDRO
Another round ladies?
WOMEN 1
Yeah
Pedro removes the empty bottles.
WOMEN 2
(to Pedro)
Is that guy crazy
or something?
PEDRO
I’m not sure but if it’s
disturbing you I could
kick him out.
WOMEN 2
Don’t worry, he’s not
bothering us.
Pedro leaves the table.
Gabriel keeps on moving his head from one chair to the other, until he finally slams the table.
GABRIEL
That’s it. I had enough
Both of you shut up. You
just can’t keep on screaming
at the same time.
Gabriel rises from his chair and approaches Victoria’s table.
GABRIEL
(whispering)
Are you enjoying the play?
Victoria smiles very faintly and then shows her angry face.
VICTORIA
Just because I’m a woman
you can’t ask my opinion
to solve the conflict
between your two girls?
Victoria looks at Gabriel’s table
VICTORIA
I don’t see anyone sitting
at your table. Please just
leave me alone.
Gabriel returns to his table, takes out his wallet, leaves a bill at the table and exits the café.
LA PRIMERA TORTILLA 