QuentinTarantino
07-18-2002, 11:42 AM
Hey,
Thanks for reading. I posted an opening very similar just a few days ago. I've been working on this idea and I don't know if it's worth working on:
It's about KURT OMAR and JOEL LORENSKI, two best friends from a suburban town somewhere in America. They've been going to high school and after it's over they decide that collage is not for them.
Joel's mother wants him to go to collage, but his dad is very supportive and wants him to do what he wants. Joel decides to follow through with his plan which is to go to New York with his friend Kurt, get a job and an apartment and everything will be great.
They go and for a while things are great. It's just like you see in the movies and on TV. Soon enough the money starts to run out. They gets jobs which pay shit. They can't afford much so they get a room in a bad part of town sharing with a drugs dealer, MATTHEW STUCKY. After a while Kurt realizes that things aren't like he'd hoped and decides to go back home and get into collage. He tries to convince Joel to come back too, but he won't. He doesn't want to go back and seem like he's failed in front of his mother, father and town. He's too proud.
Kurt goes, leaving Joel on his own. It isn't long before Joel starts to turn to drugs and working for Matthew in order to get some money. He goes through a lot of shit before realizing that he should return home to Sullivan Street (the name of the movie).
I'm not exactly sure yet, but could you please help me flesh it out a little? I need some help. Thanks!
I've wrote an opening, so If you would please read and reply!
Be cool!
--QT
EXT. STREET - DAY
A suburban town. Trees line the streets. Adults work
in the garden while children play.
CLOSER
Middle-aged man OLIVER LORENSKI steps outside of his
house and walks over to open the garage door.
HARVEY (OS)
Ollie!
Oliver turns to reval HARVEY CANCHOLA, who is around
the same age, walking towards the fence that devides
them. Oliver walks over to meet him.
OLIVER
Hey Harvey. I see you're taking
advantage of the good weather. Doing
a spot of gardening. I should take a
leaf out of your book.
HARVEY
Sometimes I regret buying a house with
such a big lawn.
OLIVER
You gotta keep up appearances.
HARVEY
I was just gonna tell you I got my new
set of wheels parked in the garage.
Wanna come over and take a look?
OLIVER
Uh, I'd love to, Harvey, but I'm in a
bit of a rush. It's Joel's graduation
today and, you know. What kinda dad
would I be if I missed that?
They laugh
HARVEY
Alright. Well how about you come by
later tonight for a few beers. You'll
see it then.
OLIVER
Sounds like a plan. Catch you then,
Harvey.
They start to walk away and get back to their business.
HARVEY
Tell Joel congratulations from me.
OLIVER
I will. Don't work to hard.
HARVEY
(Laughing)
I won't. Trust me.
INT. CAR (IN MOTION) - DAY
Oliver drives. His wife ROSE sits next to him.
ROSE
Did you bring the camera?
OLIVER
It's in your bag in the trunk.
ROSE
Are you sure?
OLIVER
I put it in there myself.
ROSE
What about extra batteries? Did you
bring those?
OLIVER
Sweetie, just relax, alright. I
brought the batteries. They're in
there with the camera.
ROSE
I can't belive Joel's graduating
today.
OLIVER
I know. Seems just like yesterday
when I was taking him to his first day
at kindergarden. What time is it?
ROSE
One-thirty.
EXT. HIGH SCHOOL - DAY
Kids swarm about happy that they've graduated. Proud
parents hugh their kids. Oliver and Rose wait for JOEL
who is walking over to them. They are smiling.
Obviously proud. Joel hugs Rose.
JOEL
Hey Mom, hey Dad.
ROSE
I'm so proud of you.
Oliver extends his hand to shake.
OLIVER
Congratulations, Son. Graduation.
You did it.
JOEL
Thanks, Dad.
ROSE
Stand over there and let me get a
photograph.
OLIVER
Oh, God. You're mother's got her
camera with her.
Oliver and Joel laugh.
ROSE
I just want to get a couple of
pictures.
OLIVER
It's usually a couple of films.
ROSE
Shut up.
Joel stands in position as Rose takes his photograph.
ROSE
(To Oliver)
Let me get one of you two together.
Oliver does as told. He puts his arm around Joel.
OLIVER
See. What did I tell ya?
Rose takes the photograph.
ROSE
Now you take one with me.
OLIVER
The guy wants to get away and have
fun. Not stand around here for a
photo shoot.
ROSE
Just one more.
Oliver takes the photo.
OLIVER
There. Photo shoot over. So where
are you off to now?
JOEL
I'm going to get lunch with Kurt and
just hang out.
OLIVER
Oh, Kurt. I haven't seen him. Where
is he?
JOEL
Uh, he's around somewhere.
ROSE
Will you be home for dinner?
JOEL
Yeah, I should be. I'll call if I'm
not gonna make it.
OLIVER
Have fun.
INT. CAFE - DAY
Joel and KURT OMAR walk into the cafe which is pretty
full. Thet scan around looking for a table. They spy
a couple leaving and hurry down to take it. They are
quickly followed by a tired looking waitress who is
chewing gum and holding a notepad.
WAITRESS
What can I get you?
KURT
I'll have todays special with a diet
coke and no mayo on the burger.
She makes a note.
WAITRESS
(To Joel)
And what will you have?
JOEL
Uh. I'll take the same with plenty of
mayo and a regular coke.
WAITRESS
That'll just be a few minutes.
JOEL/KURT
Thanks.
KURT
High school's over at last, man. What
we've been waiting for since we
started.
JOEL
It's weird. The feeling of freedom
hasn't actually hit me yet.
KURT
It will soon enough when you're doing
nothing but relaxing twenty-four-
seven.
JOEL
You've got a point there.
KURT
So what about New York? Are we still
going?
JOEL
Yeah.
KURT
I can feel a big "but" coming. You
getting cold feet?
JOEL
No. No, nothing like that. It's just
my Mom has this whole big fantasy in
her head that I'm gonna go to collage
and become a lawyer or something. But
it's not what I want.
KURT
What do you want?
JOEL
Well. I'm not exactly sure but I know
what I don't want and I'm not one
hundred precent on what I do want.
But everything I don't want points me
in the direction of New York, which is
what I want.
KURT
Okay. Now you've confused me. What
is the stuff you don't wanna do?
JOEL
I don't wanna go to collage and train
to be a doctor, come out get a job and
start a family.
KURT
Isn't that what most people do?
JOEL
See. That's it. That's exactly what
I want to avoid. Being Like Most
People. Most people go to collage,
get a job and earn enough money to
support a family. That's fine. I
ain't knocking it, but it's just not
for me. I just don't want to be here
my entire life like my parents.
KURT
So what you're saying is you don't
want to end up like your parents.
JOEL
What I'm saying is I don't want to
follow the map that I'm expected to
follow.
KURT
I understand. You wanna do a
Christoper Columbus and check things
out for yourself.
JOEL
Exactly.
KURT
So all fingers are pointing to New
York, which is what you do want?
JOEL
Exactly. You're right on the money.
KURT
So biggest problem is not wanting to
disapoint you Mom?
JOEL
Yeah.
KURT
Have you talked to her?
JOEL
No. I'm gonna talk to my dad first.
Get his advice.
KURT
You can go to collage next year. I'm
set to go. You just say the words New
York and I'm there.
JOEL
You wanna do somethin' later?
KURT
Sure. Amy and Angela are talking
about catching a flick. We can hang
with them.
JOEL
Cool.
INT. LIVING ROOM - EVENING
Oliver, Rose and Joel sit watching TV.
OLIVER
I bet you're glad to be outta school,
huh, buddy?
JOEL
It'll be pretty weird, but I ain't
gonna complain, Dad.
ROSE
You're gonna have to start thinking
about what collages you're going to
apply to.
OLIVER
He hasn't even decided if he's going
to collage.
ROSE
Of course he is.
OLIVER
The guy just finished high school a
few hours ago and you're talking to
him about collage already?
ROSE
You can't leave it forever or you'll
not get a place.
OLIVER
Where are you going, Son?
JOEL
Gonna catch a movie with a few guys
from school.
OLIVER
Don't be too late. You're helping me
tomorrow. There's a big yellow hat
with your name written all over it.
EXT. MOVIE THEATER - NIGHT
Joel walks along talking to ANGELA GIFFEN. Kurt walks
with AMY SHADWICK a few steps behind.
ANGELA
God, I haven't been to the movies in
ages. I feel like I should be in
studying for a test or something.
JOEL
That'll pass very quickly, I'm sure.
ANGELA
Yeah.
JOEL
So what'd you think of the movie?
ANGELA
It was great. I know the main guys
face, though.
JOEL
Buscemi?
ANGELA
I dunno. The main guy.
JOEL
He was in "Fargo."
ANGELA
No, it's not that. I've never seen
that movie.
JOEL
You've never seen "Fargo."?
ANGELA
Never.
JOEL
You cinematic idiot.
ANGELA
Gee, thanks. How sweet.
JOEL
You have not seen a movie until you've
seen "Fargo."
ANGELA
Is it violent? I don't like violent
movies.
JOEL
Why do girls never dig violent movies?
ANGELA
Because you just have to turn on the
news to see violence. Movies are
about getting away from reality for a
while. Why would you want to pay
money to see violence? Girls prefer
to see romantic movies. At least in
moves we get to experience what it
would be like to have a guy who brings
you flowers and writes you poems, but
in reality it doesn't happen because
most guys are more interested in
watching violent movies and playing
video games.
JOEL
That's a pretty bad stereotype of guys
you got there. I didn't know you
thought of me like that.
ANGELA
Not you. And not all guys either. I
said most guys. I don't really think
you fall under the category of most
guys.
JOEL
Ahh, but I've seen plenty of violent
movies and while I can say they're not
my favorite type of movie I can also
say that I don't completely dislike
them.
ANGELA
Well you're a guy so that's fine.
JOEL
But I'm sure there are plenty of girls
out there that like violent movies,
too.
ANGELA
Sure. I'm just talking from a girls
point of view. Though I think most
girls prefer romantic movies over
violent movies - or at least all the
girls I've talked to.
JOEL
Me too. And I've never talked to a
guy who has said he dislikes violent
movies.
ANGELA
What about Ruben Jackson, he ran out
on "Saving Private Ryan" when we
watched it in history class.
JOEL
Doesn't count.
ANGELA
Why not?
JOEL
I said guys, so therefore I don't
think his opinion counts because he's
not completely a guy. He's
homosexual.
ANGELA
Ahh, but he's still a guy nonetheless,
but he's just not your stereotypical
guy. That doesn't mean he's not a
guy.
JOEL
Okay, you've got me. Well maybe I'll
just keep "Fargo" in the archives.
ANGELA
No, no, I'll watch it. I'll watch it
and not play into the stereotypical
girl cliche. But you have to watch
"Pretty In Pink."
JOEL
I've never heard of it but I can guess
by the title that it's a chick-flick.
ANGELA
Correct. So if I watch.... what's the
name of it again?
JOEL
"Fargo"
ANGELA
Right. So If I watch "Fargo" and you
watch "Pretty In Pink" then we will
cease to fall under the stereotype
that most people perceive that girls
don't watch violent movies and guys
don't watch romantic movies. Deal?
JOEL
Deal.
KURT
I'm sure whatever you guys are talking
about is all very interesting, it's
not nearly as interesting as I find
pizza right now.
EXT. CONSTRUCTION SITE - DAY
Joel is sweeping the debris. Oliver is at the other
side of the yard walks a few steps in the direction of
Joel.
OLIVER
Joel! Time to take fifteen!
EXT. CONSTRUCTION SITE - DAY
Joel and Oliver sit beside a TRUCK. Oliver eats from a
lunch box and they both hold a can.
JOEL
Mom really wants me to go to collage,
doesn't she?
OLIVER
She just wants the best for you, Joel.
JOEL
Collage isn't what I want to do right
now, but I don't want to be a
disappointment to you or Mom.
OLIVER
Joel, you could never be a
disappointment to me or your mother.
But at the end of the day you've got
to make this descision. You can't
live the life someone else wants to
you live. What you want and what your
mother wants for you are going to be
different things.
JOEL
I know what I'm gonna do now.
OLIVER
What's that?
JOEL
I'm going to New York.
Thanks for reading. I posted an opening very similar just a few days ago. I've been working on this idea and I don't know if it's worth working on:
It's about KURT OMAR and JOEL LORENSKI, two best friends from a suburban town somewhere in America. They've been going to high school and after it's over they decide that collage is not for them.
Joel's mother wants him to go to collage, but his dad is very supportive and wants him to do what he wants. Joel decides to follow through with his plan which is to go to New York with his friend Kurt, get a job and an apartment and everything will be great.
They go and for a while things are great. It's just like you see in the movies and on TV. Soon enough the money starts to run out. They gets jobs which pay shit. They can't afford much so they get a room in a bad part of town sharing with a drugs dealer, MATTHEW STUCKY. After a while Kurt realizes that things aren't like he'd hoped and decides to go back home and get into collage. He tries to convince Joel to come back too, but he won't. He doesn't want to go back and seem like he's failed in front of his mother, father and town. He's too proud.
Kurt goes, leaving Joel on his own. It isn't long before Joel starts to turn to drugs and working for Matthew in order to get some money. He goes through a lot of shit before realizing that he should return home to Sullivan Street (the name of the movie).
I'm not exactly sure yet, but could you please help me flesh it out a little? I need some help. Thanks!
I've wrote an opening, so If you would please read and reply!
Be cool!
--QT
EXT. STREET - DAY
A suburban town. Trees line the streets. Adults work
in the garden while children play.
CLOSER
Middle-aged man OLIVER LORENSKI steps outside of his
house and walks over to open the garage door.
HARVEY (OS)
Ollie!
Oliver turns to reval HARVEY CANCHOLA, who is around
the same age, walking towards the fence that devides
them. Oliver walks over to meet him.
OLIVER
Hey Harvey. I see you're taking
advantage of the good weather. Doing
a spot of gardening. I should take a
leaf out of your book.
HARVEY
Sometimes I regret buying a house with
such a big lawn.
OLIVER
You gotta keep up appearances.
HARVEY
I was just gonna tell you I got my new
set of wheels parked in the garage.
Wanna come over and take a look?
OLIVER
Uh, I'd love to, Harvey, but I'm in a
bit of a rush. It's Joel's graduation
today and, you know. What kinda dad
would I be if I missed that?
They laugh
HARVEY
Alright. Well how about you come by
later tonight for a few beers. You'll
see it then.
OLIVER
Sounds like a plan. Catch you then,
Harvey.
They start to walk away and get back to their business.
HARVEY
Tell Joel congratulations from me.
OLIVER
I will. Don't work to hard.
HARVEY
(Laughing)
I won't. Trust me.
INT. CAR (IN MOTION) - DAY
Oliver drives. His wife ROSE sits next to him.
ROSE
Did you bring the camera?
OLIVER
It's in your bag in the trunk.
ROSE
Are you sure?
OLIVER
I put it in there myself.
ROSE
What about extra batteries? Did you
bring those?
OLIVER
Sweetie, just relax, alright. I
brought the batteries. They're in
there with the camera.
ROSE
I can't belive Joel's graduating
today.
OLIVER
I know. Seems just like yesterday
when I was taking him to his first day
at kindergarden. What time is it?
ROSE
One-thirty.
EXT. HIGH SCHOOL - DAY
Kids swarm about happy that they've graduated. Proud
parents hugh their kids. Oliver and Rose wait for JOEL
who is walking over to them. They are smiling.
Obviously proud. Joel hugs Rose.
JOEL
Hey Mom, hey Dad.
ROSE
I'm so proud of you.
Oliver extends his hand to shake.
OLIVER
Congratulations, Son. Graduation.
You did it.
JOEL
Thanks, Dad.
ROSE
Stand over there and let me get a
photograph.
OLIVER
Oh, God. You're mother's got her
camera with her.
Oliver and Joel laugh.
ROSE
I just want to get a couple of
pictures.
OLIVER
It's usually a couple of films.
ROSE
Shut up.
Joel stands in position as Rose takes his photograph.
ROSE
(To Oliver)
Let me get one of you two together.
Oliver does as told. He puts his arm around Joel.
OLIVER
See. What did I tell ya?
Rose takes the photograph.
ROSE
Now you take one with me.
OLIVER
The guy wants to get away and have
fun. Not stand around here for a
photo shoot.
ROSE
Just one more.
Oliver takes the photo.
OLIVER
There. Photo shoot over. So where
are you off to now?
JOEL
I'm going to get lunch with Kurt and
just hang out.
OLIVER
Oh, Kurt. I haven't seen him. Where
is he?
JOEL
Uh, he's around somewhere.
ROSE
Will you be home for dinner?
JOEL
Yeah, I should be. I'll call if I'm
not gonna make it.
OLIVER
Have fun.
INT. CAFE - DAY
Joel and KURT OMAR walk into the cafe which is pretty
full. Thet scan around looking for a table. They spy
a couple leaving and hurry down to take it. They are
quickly followed by a tired looking waitress who is
chewing gum and holding a notepad.
WAITRESS
What can I get you?
KURT
I'll have todays special with a diet
coke and no mayo on the burger.
She makes a note.
WAITRESS
(To Joel)
And what will you have?
JOEL
Uh. I'll take the same with plenty of
mayo and a regular coke.
WAITRESS
That'll just be a few minutes.
JOEL/KURT
Thanks.
KURT
High school's over at last, man. What
we've been waiting for since we
started.
JOEL
It's weird. The feeling of freedom
hasn't actually hit me yet.
KURT
It will soon enough when you're doing
nothing but relaxing twenty-four-
seven.
JOEL
You've got a point there.
KURT
So what about New York? Are we still
going?
JOEL
Yeah.
KURT
I can feel a big "but" coming. You
getting cold feet?
JOEL
No. No, nothing like that. It's just
my Mom has this whole big fantasy in
her head that I'm gonna go to collage
and become a lawyer or something. But
it's not what I want.
KURT
What do you want?
JOEL
Well. I'm not exactly sure but I know
what I don't want and I'm not one
hundred precent on what I do want.
But everything I don't want points me
in the direction of New York, which is
what I want.
KURT
Okay. Now you've confused me. What
is the stuff you don't wanna do?
JOEL
I don't wanna go to collage and train
to be a doctor, come out get a job and
start a family.
KURT
Isn't that what most people do?
JOEL
See. That's it. That's exactly what
I want to avoid. Being Like Most
People. Most people go to collage,
get a job and earn enough money to
support a family. That's fine. I
ain't knocking it, but it's just not
for me. I just don't want to be here
my entire life like my parents.
KURT
So what you're saying is you don't
want to end up like your parents.
JOEL
What I'm saying is I don't want to
follow the map that I'm expected to
follow.
KURT
I understand. You wanna do a
Christoper Columbus and check things
out for yourself.
JOEL
Exactly.
KURT
So all fingers are pointing to New
York, which is what you do want?
JOEL
Exactly. You're right on the money.
KURT
So biggest problem is not wanting to
disapoint you Mom?
JOEL
Yeah.
KURT
Have you talked to her?
JOEL
No. I'm gonna talk to my dad first.
Get his advice.
KURT
You can go to collage next year. I'm
set to go. You just say the words New
York and I'm there.
JOEL
You wanna do somethin' later?
KURT
Sure. Amy and Angela are talking
about catching a flick. We can hang
with them.
JOEL
Cool.
INT. LIVING ROOM - EVENING
Oliver, Rose and Joel sit watching TV.
OLIVER
I bet you're glad to be outta school,
huh, buddy?
JOEL
It'll be pretty weird, but I ain't
gonna complain, Dad.
ROSE
You're gonna have to start thinking
about what collages you're going to
apply to.
OLIVER
He hasn't even decided if he's going
to collage.
ROSE
Of course he is.
OLIVER
The guy just finished high school a
few hours ago and you're talking to
him about collage already?
ROSE
You can't leave it forever or you'll
not get a place.
OLIVER
Where are you going, Son?
JOEL
Gonna catch a movie with a few guys
from school.
OLIVER
Don't be too late. You're helping me
tomorrow. There's a big yellow hat
with your name written all over it.
EXT. MOVIE THEATER - NIGHT
Joel walks along talking to ANGELA GIFFEN. Kurt walks
with AMY SHADWICK a few steps behind.
ANGELA
God, I haven't been to the movies in
ages. I feel like I should be in
studying for a test or something.
JOEL
That'll pass very quickly, I'm sure.
ANGELA
Yeah.
JOEL
So what'd you think of the movie?
ANGELA
It was great. I know the main guys
face, though.
JOEL
Buscemi?
ANGELA
I dunno. The main guy.
JOEL
He was in "Fargo."
ANGELA
No, it's not that. I've never seen
that movie.
JOEL
You've never seen "Fargo."?
ANGELA
Never.
JOEL
You cinematic idiot.
ANGELA
Gee, thanks. How sweet.
JOEL
You have not seen a movie until you've
seen "Fargo."
ANGELA
Is it violent? I don't like violent
movies.
JOEL
Why do girls never dig violent movies?
ANGELA
Because you just have to turn on the
news to see violence. Movies are
about getting away from reality for a
while. Why would you want to pay
money to see violence? Girls prefer
to see romantic movies. At least in
moves we get to experience what it
would be like to have a guy who brings
you flowers and writes you poems, but
in reality it doesn't happen because
most guys are more interested in
watching violent movies and playing
video games.
JOEL
That's a pretty bad stereotype of guys
you got there. I didn't know you
thought of me like that.
ANGELA
Not you. And not all guys either. I
said most guys. I don't really think
you fall under the category of most
guys.
JOEL
Ahh, but I've seen plenty of violent
movies and while I can say they're not
my favorite type of movie I can also
say that I don't completely dislike
them.
ANGELA
Well you're a guy so that's fine.
JOEL
But I'm sure there are plenty of girls
out there that like violent movies,
too.
ANGELA
Sure. I'm just talking from a girls
point of view. Though I think most
girls prefer romantic movies over
violent movies - or at least all the
girls I've talked to.
JOEL
Me too. And I've never talked to a
guy who has said he dislikes violent
movies.
ANGELA
What about Ruben Jackson, he ran out
on "Saving Private Ryan" when we
watched it in history class.
JOEL
Doesn't count.
ANGELA
Why not?
JOEL
I said guys, so therefore I don't
think his opinion counts because he's
not completely a guy. He's
homosexual.
ANGELA
Ahh, but he's still a guy nonetheless,
but he's just not your stereotypical
guy. That doesn't mean he's not a
guy.
JOEL
Okay, you've got me. Well maybe I'll
just keep "Fargo" in the archives.
ANGELA
No, no, I'll watch it. I'll watch it
and not play into the stereotypical
girl cliche. But you have to watch
"Pretty In Pink."
JOEL
I've never heard of it but I can guess
by the title that it's a chick-flick.
ANGELA
Correct. So if I watch.... what's the
name of it again?
JOEL
"Fargo"
ANGELA
Right. So If I watch "Fargo" and you
watch "Pretty In Pink" then we will
cease to fall under the stereotype
that most people perceive that girls
don't watch violent movies and guys
don't watch romantic movies. Deal?
JOEL
Deal.
KURT
I'm sure whatever you guys are talking
about is all very interesting, it's
not nearly as interesting as I find
pizza right now.
EXT. CONSTRUCTION SITE - DAY
Joel is sweeping the debris. Oliver is at the other
side of the yard walks a few steps in the direction of
Joel.
OLIVER
Joel! Time to take fifteen!
EXT. CONSTRUCTION SITE - DAY
Joel and Oliver sit beside a TRUCK. Oliver eats from a
lunch box and they both hold a can.
JOEL
Mom really wants me to go to collage,
doesn't she?
OLIVER
She just wants the best for you, Joel.
JOEL
Collage isn't what I want to do right
now, but I don't want to be a
disappointment to you or Mom.
OLIVER
Joel, you could never be a
disappointment to me or your mother.
But at the end of the day you've got
to make this descision. You can't
live the life someone else wants to
you live. What you want and what your
mother wants for you are going to be
different things.
JOEL
I know what I'm gonna do now.
OLIVER
What's that?
JOEL
I'm going to New York.