[Quick Summary: After a crooked lawyer convinced his brother-in-law to fake an injury, the latter has qualms.]
Though this isn't the strongest Wilder-Diamond script, I did like the crooked lawyer, Willie, who is the quintessential example of an ironic character.
Let's see how his actions and words are the opposite of what he means:
INT. GINGRICH OFFICE - DAY
Willie has the phone to his ear, but is covering the mouthpiece with his hand.
WILLIE (to tailor): I'd like to have a matching tie and handkerchief - nothing flashy - maybe something like this.
He opens his coat to reveal the lining - blue polka dots on a white ground. [He actually wants something flashy.]
WILLIE (into phone): Sorry, You were saying?
INT. O'BRIEN'S OFFICE - DAY
O'BRIEN (into phone): In return for a release from all future claims, we are willing to compensate your client with a lump sum - say, two thousand dollars. Fair enough?
INT. GINGRICH OFFICE - DAY
WILLIE (into phone): It may be fair - but it's not enough. I had a slightly different figure in mind - say, five hundred thousand? [He knows $500k is not fair for a fake injury.]
INT. O'BRIEN'S OFFICE - DAY
O'BRIEN (into phone): Five hundred thousand? (a reaction from the other partners) You're being grotesque! (boiling over) Let me tell you something, Gingrich - as one member of the Bar to another - if indeed you are a member of the Bar -
INT. GINGRICH OFFICE - DAY
The tailor is removing Willie's coat, and as he talks, Willie switches the phone from one hand to the other, to accommodate him. [He's showing that he's more interested in his suit than the negotiation.]
WILLIE: Look, Mr. O'Brien, I don't want to be unreasonable. You say two thousand - I say five hundred thousand - tell you what - let's split it down the middle. [His reasonable 'split down the middle' IS unreasonable because it greatly favors his side.]
WHAT I'VE LEARNED: This character is shameless and swings for the fences with gusto. It reminds me to let all the flaws hang out.
Don't be so subtle the reader can't see how the actions and meaning are opposite each other.
The Fortune Cookie (1966)
by Billy Wilder & I.A.L. Diamond
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