Script1 Flashcards
We’re good? Okay, great.
The group settles in. The air is tense, uncomfortable.
Thanks for being here today. We’re
rolling, but it’s not live. Start
over whenever you need to.
Mom: We’re excited.
DOCTOR smiles. DALE’s expression remains unknowable.
Mom, let’s start with you. What
was Dale like before the accident?
MOM
He was like a lot of teenage boys.
Boys that age don’t share much
with their mother.
Tell me about the day everything
changed for you. His gun went off
by accident?
Yes. It all happened so fast. I’m
hollering, asking for help.
Dale, do you remember that day?
DALE
It’s pretty foggy, I–
DOCTOR
Rather than dwell on past events,
we focus on Dale’s recovery.
And it happened here?
Mom: Yes, this is the room where he
had– where he was shot.
SNAP BACK to the interview, DOCTOR is mid-monologue.
DOCTOR
Well, it’s a philosophical
question really. If you talk to
these patients, they’ll tell you
the rewards are worth the risk.
(pause)
I believe everyone deserves a
second chance. And that’s what
Dale’s been given here– a chance
to live a normal life.
DALE’s POV: CLOSE-UP on DOCTOR’s grotesque white veneers as he
speaks. DALE looks at his MOM softly sweating, mouth agape.
DALE blinks slowly, anxious. His breathing overtakes the
dialogue. SNAP BACK TO INTERVIEW–
And what was Dale’s response when
you proposed a surgery that had
never been done before?
DOCTOR
Dale never thought about himself
in all of this. He said, “I want
to help the wounded warriors.”
(MORE)
Sides by Breakdown Services - Actors Access
DOCTOR (CONT’D)
We owe much of our success to
generous funding from the
Department of Defense. This
research helps advance treatment
of injured US military personnel
returning from the Middle East.
He selflessly risked his life for
our troops.
We couldn’t have asked for a more
perfect patient.
Is that right, Dale?
(canned answer)
We hope my story inspires others
facing severe facial injuries to
have hope, as I was inspired by
those who came before me.
It’s just so apparent that he’s
genuinely happy to be alive.
Mom: Oh my gosh, yes. He is so
thankful. It worked out great!
(beat)
God & Jesus are the ultimate
physicians. And moms are the
ultimate nurses.
Dale, you must be very grateful.
DALE
I’m eternally grateful, to… uh–
DALE trails off. He can’t remember what he’s supposed to say.
MOM
(whispers to Dale)
To your doctor?
That’s okay. Do you want to try it
again?
He takes a drink of water from the bottle he’s holding.
DALE
I’m eternally grateful to my
doctor and his team for this once-
in-a-lifetime opportunity.
DOCTOR
We are amazed by Dale’s results,
which far exceed our expectations.
(to Dale)
Is it okay if I touch it?
DOCTOR
Yes. Go ahead.
MOM
He’s used to people poking and
prodding.
DALE nods. She touches his face.
Amazing
DALE pulls back.
I’m sorry, did that hurt–
DOCTOR
He is in no pain at this point.
DALE sighs. A long, quiet beat. The INTERVIEWER shuffles
through notes. The water bottle crinkles in DALE’s hands.
Let’s move on. Dale, is it true
you were a recluse before the
surgery?
DALE
I don’t know if I’d say–
DOCTOR
He was alive,
but not living. He had no hope.
DALE
(frustrated)
No.
MOM
Dale!
Did he say no?
DOCTOR
No.
Why don’t we take a minute– Dale?
MOM
(insistent)
He’s fine.
DALE
I thought life couldn’t get any
worse– looking down the barrel of
the gun, pulling the trigger, no
second thoughts. I sure fucked my
life up. Without a face you’re
nothing.
(pause)
I’m smiling now. Can you tell?
They say I’m getting better
everyday.
Sides by Breakdown Services - Actors Access
19.
MOM
Dale’s got a real temper on him.
He’s just like his daddy.
(shrugs)
You know how families are.
DALE stares at her. He crushes the water bottle violently and
screams. He puts his head in his hands, embarrassed.
DALE
Fuck you.
MOM
(embarrassed)
Dale makes extremes out of some
situations.
DALE
I’d say this is a pretty fucking
extreme situation, don’t you? Or
maybe you think–
MOM
(interrupting)
You tell me what I think!
DOCTOR
Let’s just take a moment–
DALE
(to Mom)
Living with you is hell.
MOM
You’ll have to answer to God for
that one day.
DALE
Can you shut the fuck up?
(quietly crying)
Shit, I just want to be a regular
person. To fucking live in peace,
not crushed by a pile of bricks.
.
Silence. INTERVIEWER thinks of what to say next
(vacant, chipper)
Is that what you want? To be a
regular person? Just a face in the
crowd?
DALE clears his throat, an awkward beat. He squeezes the water
bottle.
MOM
He’s fine.
DOCTOR
This is a patient who’s come a
remarkably long way. He’s feeling
better everyday.
DALE
The fuck do you know?
INTERVIEWER
Dale, are you okay?
