[Quick Summary: After he made a mistake that severely affected a homeless man, a fired radio DJ tries to absolve his guilt by befriending the man.]
TWO THOUGHTS:
1) EXCELLENCE AIN'T CHEAP. This is an excellent script, but it didn't come easy. (See here for an in-depth interview with the writer Richard LaGravanese).
2) CHARACTERS WHO CARE. For me, the script rises above others because we feel the characters care about others, even if they're seemingly rude or abrupt.
For example:
- Jack, the DJ, befriends a homeless man, Parry.
- Parry is in love with an office worker, Lydia, but from afar.
- Jack is living with Anne. She has issues with his lack of commitment.
- Jack asks Anne to help him set up Parry and Lydia.
- Jack and Anne get Lydia to come to Anne's video store under false pretenses.
- Lydia admires Anne's nails.
- Anne offers to do Lydia's nails so that Parry and Jack can "casually drop by."
- Anne is a brusque and isn't exactly excited about this farce, but she is kind.
- I really liked how the writer used this brusque kindness (Anne) to get past a defensive shell (Lydia).
- The key to the breakthrough is Anne's empathy with Lydia's situation.
INT. ANNE'S APARTMENT - A LITTLE LATER
ANNE works the other hand, as LYDIA sips her tequila from a straw.
ANNE: ...SO...anybody special in your life?
LYDIA (defensive): Do I look like I have someone special?
SHE moves to picks up her tequila with the manicured hand but ANNE eyes her down.
ANNE: Well, don't say it like that. It's not so...ya know, crazy an idea. You are a healthy woman...You hold a steady job. Ya not crossed eyed or anything... [Here, Anne seems rude, but she is actually complimenting Lydia.]
LYDIA: Well, there's nobody special! [Lydia is defensive.]
ANNE: Fine.
LYDIA (pause, then:): I mean it's not easy in this day and age. [However, the empathy makes Lydia feel seen.]
ANNE: What?
LYDIA: Meeting...people.
ANNE: Tell me about it. I've been dating longer than I've been driving. I can't believe that. [Anne identifies how being rejected feels, i.e., again saying "I understand."]
LYDIA: I never really...went through a ...dating period.
ANNE: It's a disgusting process. You haven't missed anything.
LYDIA nods in agreement, but her face tells us she feels she has missed a great deal. [Some nitpickers may say, "hey, that's 'telling' rather than 'showing'!" but I'd challenge you to do better. How would you explain what an abstract concept like "breakthrough" looks like?!]
WHAT I'VE LEARNED: Don't be afraid of characters with rough edges. Don't berate yourself if you can't perfectly abide by "show, not tell."
The Fisher King (1991)(revised 6/30/90)
by Richard LaGravanese
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