students (6th draft)

7/28/2019 Students (6th Draft)

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STUDENTS

By

Thomas Stelzer and Christopher Clark

SIXTH DRAFTJULY 2013

THOMAS STELZER ANDCHRISTOPHER CLARK, JULY 2013

Thomas Stelzer1 Cavey St, Marrickville,

NSW 2204, AustraliaPh: 0423 114 495


2/34

1 INT. UNIVERSITY STUDENT CENTRE. DAY.

JAMES (18), idealistic and quietly intelligent, waits at thefront of a long queue. He intently reads a book. Behind him,JOHNNY (18), long-haired and stylishly dishevelled, waitsimpatiently.

JOHNNY(to James)

Why are you reading?

JAMES(turning around)

Oh. Its Noam Chomsky.

JOHNNYNo. Like, why?

JAMES

...Its on the reading list.

JOHNNYSo?

James looks at him slightly dumbfounded. A middle-aged ADMINWOMAN wearily calls him over from behind her counter.

ADMIN WOMANName.

JAMESJames.

ADMIN WOMAN-Last name.

JAMESCollins.

ADMIN WOMANSpelling.

JAMESJust the normal way.

She stares blankly at him.

JAMES...C, o, l, l, i, n, s.

She types his name deliberately into the computer.

(CONTINUED)


3/34

CONTINUED: 2.

ADMIN WOMANLook at the camera.

James turns to the web-cam on the counter and smiles.

ADMIN WOMAN

-No smiling.

He stops smiling and looks at the camera patiently for acouple of seconds.

ADMIN WOMAN...Youre done.

She waits impatiently for Jamess student card to print outand then hands it to him.

ADMIN WOMANJoin the line over there... Next!

2 INT. LECTURE HALL. DAY.

James sits by himself towards the back of the hall asstudents stream into the room. Behind him, BEN (18), boyishand genial, and EMMA (18), his incisive girlfriend, talkquietly.

GREG WOLF, a middle-aged lecturer enters and strides down tothe front of the hall. He wears an ill-fitting Matrix-styleleather coat.

GREGQuiet everyone... Ok, good. ImGreg Wolf. Welcome to ContemporaryMedia.

A couple of students realise theyre in the wrong lecture,quietly stand up and shuffle out of the room. Greg,oblivious, pauses a second for dramatic effect.

GREG (CONT)(looking around)

...Im looking around now, and Illtell you what Im seeing - beige.Youre all beige.

He pauses for impact as James and Ben watch him quizzically.

GREG (CONT)And sure, the world needs beige.But you know what else it needs?

(CONTINUED)


4/34

CONTINUED: 3.

BEN(leaning forward, to James)

More leather.

James hears him, smirks and turns around.

GREG (CONT)

Red, green, purple... turquoise.And thats what were here to do -turn you guys into the... coloursof tomorrow.

He pauses for effect again.

GREG (CONT)(surveying the room)

What do you hope to get out ofuniversity?

BEN

(quietly, to James)That jacket.

James smiles. Greg points to a random FEMALE STUDENT.

GREG(to female student)

You.

The female student looks at him startled.

GREG (CONT)What do you hope to get out of

university?

FEMALE STUDENT...A degree?

GREGWrong.

He points to another STUDENT 2.

GREGYou?

STUDENT 2Make new friends.

GREG-Wrong.

He points to another STUDENT 3.

(CONTINUED)


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CONTINUED: 4.

STUDENT 3...A job.

GREG-Wrong... wait, what degree are youstudying?

STUDENT 3Arts.

GREG-Definitely wrong.

He looks around the room.

GREG (CONT)It wasnt that long ago that I satwhere you are, having to answer thesame question... And Ill tell you

what I said... Change. I want tomake a difference. And I have. Youwant to know how?

JAMES(quietly)

You took the red pill?

Ben and James both smirk. Greg notices this time and looksat James.

GREG(to James)

What was that?

James looks around to avert attention then realises hesbeing addressed. Ben watches on, amused.

JAMES(pointing to himself)

Me?

GREGYes, you.

JAMES-Nothing.

GREGNo, come on, tell us what youvegot to say about making adifference.

(CONTINUED)


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CONTINUED: 5.

JAMESI dont-

GREG-Thats right, you dont... Do youhave your student card with you?

JAMESUm, yeah.

GREGGive it to me.

James fumbles for his wallet, reluctantly removes hisstudent card and hands it to the student in front of him topass forward.

GREG-No, bring it down yourself.

James takes the card back, shuffles awkwardly past a coupleof students, walks down to the front of the class and handsGreg the card. Greg inspects the card as James returns tohis seat.

GREG(reading off the card)

James Collins. Looks like someoneneeds a lesson in humility. You cancollect this off me at the end ofthe day... Well James, we know whoyou are. Do you know who I am?

BEN(quietly, to James)

Morpheus?

Greg catches Bens comment.

GREG(to Ben)

You. Student Card.

James grins and Emma shakes her head.

3 INT. UNIVERSITY FOYER. DAY.

James loiters outside the lecture theatre as students amblepast him. Ben and Emma emerge, notice him, and walk over.

(CONTINUED)


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CONTINUED: 6.

BENWell next week should be fun... ImBen by the way, this is Emma.

EMMA(to James)

Nice to meet you.

JAMESJames-

EMMA(smiling)

-Yeah, we heard.

BENYou Arts as well?

JAMESJournalism.

BENPeople still study that?

JAMESI hope so, its what Ive wanted todo since I was a kid.

EMMAWhat kid wants to be a journalist?

BENI wanted to be a Jedi.

EMMAYou still do.

BENI know, but its a pipe dream nowisnt it.

RACHEL (19), controlling and masterfully passive-agressive,carrying a handful of leaflets, strides purposefully up tothem.

RACHEL(interrupting)

-Hi guys, Im Rachel,(pointing to her name badge) Im onthe student union, and were havingthis totally awesome party forO-week tonight. Are you guys firstyears?

(CONTINUED)


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CONTINUED: 7.

JAMESYeah.

RACHELGreat, and what are you guysstudying?

JAMESIm doing Journalism, hes doingArts, and shes-

RACHEL(interrupting)

-Arts? Youll certainly be freethen.

She looks condescendingly at Ben and turns to Emma.

RACHEL

What about you?

EMMATeaching.

RACHELOh. Thats nice.

(pointing to herself)Business law. As if you needed anymore convincing.(beat) Heresthe flyer, and Im sure Ill seeyou all there. Just show your

student cards at the door.

Ben and James share a look. Rachel hands out flyers to eachof them. She smiles fakely and leaves.

EMMAShe seems lovely.

JAMES(reading the flyer)

Toga Party. Prizes and drinks foranyone who dresses up.

BENYeah, but no one actually dressesup for these things.

JAMESWhat? Of course they do.

(CONTINUED)


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CONTINUED: 8.

BENWere not in primary schoolanymore.

JAMESHow many toga parties did you go to

in primary school?

...Fine, dont dress up. Wellsee whos laughing when youre theonly one not wearing a toga.

4 INT. CLASSROOM. DAY.

James and Ben saunter into the classroom along with a dozenother students and sit down. They are having a livelydiscussion about music.

BENI cant believe you dont like theNine Inch Nails version.

JAMESI do, but the Cash version isbetter.

BENThe video is great, Ill give youthat.

JOHNNY throws his bag on the desk next to them. He drops

into a chair to Bens right and lounges back nonchalantly.He overhears the conversation and leans in.

JOHNNYWhat you guys talking about? Music?

BENYeah, you know that song Hurt?

JOHNNY(dismissively)

Yeah yeah, good song. Im actuallyin a band myself.

JAMESWhat are you called?

JOHNNYJohnny and the Homophonics.

(CONTINUED)


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CONTINUED: 9.

BEN(quickly)

What?

JAMES(taken aback)

Did you say the Homophobics?

JOHNNY(correcting)

Homophonics.

JAMES...Homophobics?

Johnny gestures to James while looking at Ben incredulously.

JOHNNYHomophonics.

BENWhat are you guys like?

JOHNNYWhat are we like? Good question...Id probably describe us aspsychedelic electro garage. Butwith an experimental edge.

James nods slowly as he tries to process the information.

JAMES(offering his hand)

...Im James, by the way.

They shake hands.

JOHNNYJonathon. Call me Johnny.

BENLike Johnny Cash!

JOHNNYWho? Anyway, listen, you guys goingto that party?

JAMESThe toga one?

JOHNNYForget the togas. Im going for thegirls. You guys got girlfriends?

(CONTINUED)


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CONTINUED: 10.

BENI do, yeah.

JOHNNY-Stupid. Stupid. You?

JAMESAh, my girlfriend and I just brokeup actually.

JOHNNY(tapping James on theshoulder, excited)

Yes. Thats what I like to hear.Youre laughing then mate.

JAMESShell probably be there actually.

JOHNNY(suddenly interested)

Really? She any good?-

JAMESWhat? Why?

JOHNNY-You had your chance.

JAMESI think shes already seeingsomeone.

JOHNNY-Wont stop me.

BEN(to James)

You should hook up with someonethen, you know, make her jealous.

JAMESI dont know...

JOHNNY-You gay or something?

JAMESNo.

JOHNNYSo whats the problem?(beat)

(MORE)

(CONTINUED)


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CONTINUED: 11.

JOHNNY (contd)Thats it. Lets make itinteresting. Whoever picks up thehottest chick... wins.(pointing to Ben)He can judge.

JAMESWhat? No.

BEN(chipping in)

Yeah, come on. You gotta get backon the horse. Whatve you got tolose?

Johnny takes out his wallet, pulls out a $20 note, slaps iton the table and looks at James expectantly.

JAMESIm not betting.

JOHNNYToo late. Moneys on the table.

BENHes right.

James stares at Ben, mystified.

JAMESOk, fine. Whatever.

The tutor EURY (45) walks in. She is middle-aged, pleasantand obviously politically liberal with short, styled hair.

EURYWelcome to Society and Cultureeveryone, find a seat. My name isEurydice. Its ok, I dont expectyou to remember that, you can callme Eury.

I know some of you may be a bitnervous, but I want everyone tofeel comfortable. So to start,well do a little activity I liketo call the getting to know yougame.

She looks at James, who is caught off guard.

(CONTINUED)


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CONTINUED: 12.

EURYYou can start. Just say your name,your degree, and a personal hero ofyours.

JILL (45), a mature-age student raises her hand.

JILLJust to clarify something. Does ithave to be only one hero, or canyou have more than one?

EURY(turning back to James)

I suppose it can be more than one,sure.

JILL(interrupting)

-Ok, my name is Jill, JillMatthews, Im studying a Bachelorsdegree in Communications, majoringin Public Communication, although Ihavent really made my mind up yet,Ive still got plenty of time todecide... Not as much as you guys,ha ha ha.

As for my hero, or our hero Ishould probably say... Jesus.

EURY

(puzzled)...And someone else?

JILLNo.

Glen, (18), nerdy and literal, interjects.

GLEN-I thought we were meant to bedoing real people?

JILLWe are.

GLEN(smugly)

-Are we?

(CONTINUED)


14/34

CONTINUED: 13.

JILLThe Bible says Jesus is the trueson of God.

GLENIt also says you shouldnt mix

fabrics or eat shellfish. Have youeven read it?

JILLHell-o. Im a single mother.

James and Ben look at each other strangely.

5 INT. OUTSIDE CLASSROOM. DAY.

James and Ben are walking from class.

BENI dont know if I can take muchmore of that.

JAMESIt was a real meeting of minds.

BENAnd all that Jesus talk. I cantstand God-botherers.

JAMESIm Christian.

BENOh, shit, sorry, I didnt mean...you know.

JAMESNah, Im just joking.

Glen nonchalantly catches up to Ben and James as they walk.

GLENThat was a waste of time then.

JAMES(taken aback)

Sorry?

GLEN(pointing back)

That in there. Talking aboutreligion. If I wanted a course on

(MORE)

(CONTINUED)


15/34

CONTINUED: 14.

GLEN (contd)Biblical Studies I would have takenone.

BENI think shes just trying to get us

settled in, encourage debate.

GLENDidnt say that in the subjectoutline. It said, week one -introduction to cultural types.

JAMESYeah, but it also said wed becovering emergency fire procedures.

GLEN(matter-of-factly)

You wanna joke about fireevacuations. I knew a guy. Didntpay attention during emergencyprocedures.

There was a fire. He took the lift.Cables snapped. Never found hishead.

BENWas it not in the elevator?

GLEN

(shaking his head)Never found it.

JAMESIm sure theyll cover it in otherclasses.

BEN...Was his body in the elevator?

GLEN(ignoring)

Point is, subject outline said;introduction to cultural types-

JAMES(quickly)

-and fire procedures.

(CONTINUED)


16/34

CONTINUED: 15.

GLENRight. And all we talked about inthere was wizards and religion.

JAMESAnd now a mans lost his head.

Glen nods in agreement. They stop walking.

GLENWhat are you doing now?

JAMESAh. nothing.

BEN-Just walking.

GLENWanna see a movie then?

BEN-Now?

JAMES-Today?

GLENYeah. You said you werent doinganything.

JAMESSorry man, we actually gotta head

off.

GLEN...How about tomorrow?

James and Ben share a look.

6 INT. OFFICE. DAY

Ben and James loiter outside Gregs office. Ben knockshestitantly and they enter. Greg recognises them and ushersthem to sit down.

GREG(amused)

Boys. Boys. Boys... Theres alwaysone or two. Im sure youre worrieda man in my position doesnt havetime to deal with young upstarts-

(CONTINUED)


17/34

CONTINUED: 16.

BEN-not rea-

GREG-but not me. I was one myself. Iknow what its like, first day, get

a bit of a reputation, impress thegirls.

He winks at them.

GREG (CONT)And Im going to give you theseback...

He hands over the student cards.

GREG (CONT)...But they come with a word of

warning. You want to make somethingof yourselves, keep your head down.Dont ask questions.

He looks at James.

GREG(to James)

Might be a bit hard for you...Would I be right in saying yourethe son of Andrew and KathrynCollins?

JAMESUh, yeah.

GREGAnd do you think two of thecountrys best journalists wouldwant their son flunking out ofuniversity?

JAMES-Probably not-

GREG-No. No, they wouldnt... Anyway, Iwont keep you. Im sure youreraring to get out there... embracethe university spirit.


18/34

17.

7 INT. NIGHT CLUB QUEUE. NIGHT.

James, wearing an impressive home-made toga waits dejectedlyin a busy queue, surrounded by dozens of students in normalclothing. Ben stands next to him, also dressed normally.

JAMESThis isnt happening.

BENWhat did you expect?

JAMESPeople in togas. Obviously.

BENLook, I know it doesnt feel likeit, and I know your girlfrienddumped you for another guy-

JAMES(annoyed)

-I didnt say it was for anotherguy.

BENYeah, but there is another guy,right?

JAMESYes, but thats not why she leftme.

BENWhy shed leave you then?

JAMESIt just wasnt working...

BEN(quietly)

-too clingy?

JAMES...we wanted different things.

BEN-wasnt attracted to you anymore?

They arrive at the front of the queue and the BOUNCER stopsthem.

(CONTINUED)


19/34

CONTINUED: 18.

BOUNCER(interrupting)

IDs boys.

Ben and James take out their IDs. Ben hands his to thebouncer who scrutinises it closely. He looks up at Ben, whowaits nervously.

BOUNCERDate of birth.

BEN2nd January 1994.

BOUNCERAddress?

BEN16 Wilson St.

BOUNCER(handing back the licence)

How many you had?

BEN(earnestly)

Just the one. Ive lived there mywhole life.

The bouncer looks at Ben incredulously. James stares at Benin slight disbelief and quickly hands the bouncer his ownlicence.

JAMES(quickly)

4 October 1993. 6 Bell Place.

The bouncer looks at James suspiciously.

BOUNCERWhat star sign?

JAMESUm, Libra.

He looks at James impassively for a second and then callsover another bouncer, BILL, who is checking other IDs.

BOUNCER(gesturing to James)

Oi, Bill, what do you think?

Bill slowly looks James up and down.

(CONTINUED)


20/34

CONTINUED: 19.

BILL(to Bouncer)

Aries?

BOUNCERLibra.

BILL(disbelieving)

No.

BOUNCERCould have sworn he was a Leo.

James and Ben react.

8 INT. CLUB ENTRANCE. NIGHT.

James and Ben enter the club and approach the DOOR GIRL.

DOOR GIRL(to James)

Oh, another toga.

James looks at Ben as if to say I told you so.

JAMESSo theres others in there then?

DOOR GIRLYep. There was a guy just a couple

of minutes ago... Went home to getchanged though.

She stamps their wrists and they walk inside. They noticeEmma and Rachel talking and walk over.

RACHELHello! Im so glad you guys madeit!

She notices Jamess outfit and smirks.

JAMESWhy arent you dressed up?

RACHELI was busy organising everything.Make sure youre around later,well be judging the best dressed.

(CONTINUED)


21/34

CONTINUED: 20.

JAMESWhat, for all five of us?

RACHELYou can win a prize.

BEN(amused)Yeah James, come on. You can win aprize.

JAMESIm going home.

EMMANot by chariot I hope.

JAMESFuck off.

They stand around awkwardly for a moment. Rachel turns andswans off to the next group of people.

RACHEL(in background)

Hello! Im so glad you guys madeit!

9 EXT. OUTSIDE AREA. NIGHT.

Ben and James are milling around in a crowded outside area.

Emma walks out and hands Ben a drink.

JAMESI thought uni was going to bedifferent, you know. A new start.

EMMADont worry, people will haveforgotten about it by tomorrow.

BEN(looking around)

You havent seen Johnny around,have you?

JAMESId forgotten about his bet.Hopefully he doesnt come.

(CONTINUED)


22/34

CONTINUED: 21.

BENWhy? You dont think you can win?

JAMESNo. I just dont want to spend thenight embarrassing myself.

A GUY walks passed and sees James.

GUY(laughing)

Nice dress bro.

James looks despairingly at Ben and Emma.

10 INT. DANCEFLOOR. NIGHT.

Rachel stands on the stage with a microphone as people millaround. Emma waits at the back of the dance floor and Ben

and James join her.

RACHELCan I get everyones attention?Thanks. First of all, Id like tothank all those who helped me puton such a great event. I couldnthave done it without you.

She pauses for applause, but only a handful of people clap.

RACHELIf we could get all those whodressed up to come up here with me.

The few people wearing togas, including glen, push throughthe crowd and climb onto the stage. James stands at the backand tries unsuccessfully to avoid attention as those aroundhim look at him expectantly.

EMMA(to James)

What are you waiting for?

JAMES

Not happening.

BEN(pushing James)

Come on, get up there.

James resists Bens pushes. Rachel notices James in thecrowd.

(CONTINUED)


23/34

CONTINUED: 22.

RACHEL(to James)

Looks like someones a bit shy.Come on, dont be embarrassed.

The crowd turn to look at James.

JAMES(under his breath)

Why would I be embarrassed?

RACHELWhat do you think guys, should weget him up?

The crowd mumbles in approval. A couple of girls, GIRL 3 ANDGIRL 4, watch on.

GIRL 3Yeah, go on.

GIRL 4Get up there.

James relents and trudges up to the stage. He lines up nextto the three other guys in togas.

RACHELOk, this is how well do it. Illpoint at each of them and you cheerfor the one you think is the bestdressed. Lets practise.

She points at herself. No one cheers.

RACHEL (CONT)(flustered)

Ok, lets start.

She points at the first guy in line. The crowd cheerswarmly. She moves to the second guy. He plays up to theaudience and they cheer loudly.

Rachel moves onto Glen, who stands stiffly. The crowd,losing interest, cheer distractedly. Rachel points to Jamesand the crowd barely cheers.

RACHELLooks like weve got our winners.

She walks back over to the second guy and crowns him with afake leaf laurel. She does the same to Glen and the otherguy as James waits awkwardly.

(CONTINUED)


24/34

CONTINUED: 23.

RACHELCan we get a round of applause forall our winners.

The crowd clap halfheartedly and disperse. James leaves thestage, defeated.

11 INT. BAR. NIGHT.

James has ordered a couple of drinks and quickly finishesone. A pretty girl, NATALIE (18), notices him and walksover.

NATALIEWhoa, slow down Caligula.

JAMESVery good.

NATALIENice shoes, are they period?

JAMES(feigning disappointment)

Ooh, the first one was better.

NATALIEIm joking, you look nice. Or atleast you would, if it was 41 AD-

JAMES

-Theyre getting worse.

NATALIEWhats wrong?(beat)Trouble with the Gauls again?

James shakes his head in slight amusement.


Ben and Emma are talking casually. Johnny recognizes Ben andswaggers over with a drink in each hand. Johnny extends hishand to shake Bens, realizes he has his hands full, soskulls a drink and tosses it away to shake Bens hand.

BEN(shaking hands, gesturing to Emma)Hey man. This is Emma.

(CONTINUED)


25/34

CONTINUED: 24.

Johnny looks at Emma and does a slight double-take.

JOHNNYEmma?

BEN

Emma my girlfriend.

JOHNNY(impressed)

...Her?

Johnny looks back and forth between Ben and Emma in slightdisbelief, before throwing up his hand eagerly to high fiveBen, who does not share the same enthusiasm.

EMMAWho are you?

JOHNNY(pointing to Ben)

He hasnt told you? Im Johnny...the one in the band.

EMMAWhat band?

JOHNNYThe Homophonics.

EMMAPardon?

13 INT. BAR. NIGHT.

Johnny surveys the crowd as he struts towards the bar. Henotices James and Natalie flirt as they wait for a drink.Johnny realises what is happening and pushes his way throughthe queue and between James and Natalie.

JOHNNY(facing Natalie)

You want a drink?

NATALIEIm fine. Thanks.

JOHNNYCome on, whats the problem? Icant just buy someone a drink?

(CONTINUED)


26/34

CONTINUED: 25.

NATALIEIm fine.

JAMES(beat)

Ill have a drink.

JOHNNY...What. Are you trying to come onto me?

JAMESNo. But if youre offering.

JOHNNYYeah, not for you but.

JAMESBit sexist.

Natalie laughs. Johnny turns and leaves.

JESS (18), Jamess ex-girlfriend, and her new boyfriend ADAM(20) wait nearby to be served. Jess notices James and triesto get his attention.

JESSJames! Hey!

James hears her and looks around.

JESS (CONT)

I thought I recognised you up onstage. How are you?

JAMESHey, yeah, Im alright. You?

JESSGreat. Im great... Oh, this isAdam. Adam, this is James.

ADAMNice to meet you man.

JAMESYeah. You too.

Jess looks expectantly at James. He catches on and lookspanicked.

(CONTINUED)


27/34

CONTINUED: 26.

JAMES(stalling)

This is... ah...ah...

NATALIE(saving James)

-Natalie.

JESSSo how long have you two been...

JAMES(pretending to count)

Well, its almost...

NATALIE-We just met.

JAMES

-Yep.

Theres an awkward silence.

NATALIEThis is weird. Im gonna... Imgonna go to the bar.

ADAMWere at the bar.

NATALIE(quickly)

Im going to go to the bathroom.

She leaves. Glen sidles up from behind James, and addresseshim while looking off into the distance. Hes still wearinghis crown.

GLENLooks like were the only ones thatcan read. Invite clearly said -Toga Party.

He exhales loudly and sips his beer. James looks at himblankly.

GLEN (CONT)(beat)

...and the beers shit.

James reacts.


28/34

27.


Ben and Emma are talking. Nearby, GIRL 5 slaps Johnny.

GIRL 5I told you to leave me alone.

Johnny stumbles over to Ben and Emma, who watch in shock. Hespots an attractive girl across the crowd and holds up asilencing finger.

JOHNNY(interrupting)

-Whoa whoa whoa.

Ben looks confused.

JOHNNY(beckoning to Ben)

Oi Ben, Im gonna need you on thisone.

BENWhat one?

JOHNNYThat girl over there. Youre gonnatell her, lets say... we were atthe beach the other day, drowningkid, Ive spotted him, you sayIll go get help, I say, theresno time, paddle out, rescue him,

mum crying.

Ben looks at him blankly.

JOHNNY (CONT)Then just say youre going to get adrink and leave me alone with her.Right? Easy.

Johnny walks off, pulling a reluctant Ben along by theshoulder.

BEN(breaking free)

How are we going to bring it up?

JOHNNYJust play it cool.

Ben looks slightly panicked. They reach the GIRL.

(CONTINUED)


29/34

CONTINUED: 28.

JOHNNY(to girl)

Hows it going?

GIRLIm good, how are you?

JOHNNYGood, good. Youre a first-year aswel-

BEN(interrupting)

-Do you like the beach?

Johnny and the girl looked at him strangely.

GIRLUm, I guess, yeah.

BENWell we were there the other day,and Johnnys spotted a kiddrowning, and before I could evendo anything, Johnnys said...

JOHNNY-Ill go get help!

Johnny realises his mistake. Ben looks on speechless.

GIRL

(to Ben)So what did you do?

Ben looks at Johnny helplessly.

BEN(beat)

Um...I said, theres no time forhelp...

GIRLWhat happened? Did you save him?

BEN...Yep.

The girl looks at him in admiration.

BENAnyway, Im going to get a drink.

(CONTINUED)


30/34

CONTINUED: 29.

GIRLIll come!

BEN(taken aback)

...Alright.

He glances at Johnny who looks at him darkly. The girl leadsBen to the bar and Johnny walks back to Emma. Ben turns backand looks helplessly at Emma.

EMMA(to Johnny)

What happened? Wheres he going?

JOHNNYYour boyfriend fucked it up.

He looks at Emma thoughtfully for a second.

JOHNNY (CONT)So you and Ben, you guys seriousor...

Emma stares at him and he trails off.

15 INT. CLUB BAR. NIGHT.

James and Natalie are talking at the bar. James spots Benwith the other girl waiting at the other end of the bar.James looks at him confused and Ben looks back at him

helplessly.


Ben walks sheepishly over to Johnny and Emma who wait inawkward silence.

EMMAWheres your new girlfriend?

BEN(sheepish)

I came clean. Told her the truth.

EMMAReally?

BENYep. Told her I had a girlfriendand it was all a misunderstanding.

(CONTINUED)


31/34

CONTINUED: 30.

The girl breezes over and touches Ben on the arm.

GIRL(to Ben)

So youll call me?

BEN

...Yep.

The girl saunters away. Emma looks at Ben scornfully.

EMMAYoure not calling her.

BENNo, of course Im not.

EMMASo youre just going to lead her onand never talk to her again?

BEN(confused)

What? No... Wait.

Emma storms off and Ben goes to chase after her.

JOHNNY(to Ben)

Oi. Wait... If youre not usingthat phone number, can I have it?

17 INT. CLUB. NIGHT.

Natalie is leading James to the disabled bathroom. Theyreach the door, open it, and enter. Johnny walks past,notices them and grabs the door as its closing.

JAMESWhat are you doing?

JOHNNYNothing mate, just checkingeverythings ok in here.

JAMES(closing the door)

Yeah, were fine.

JOHNNY(blocking the door)

Its just, its a disabled toilet.

(CONTINUED)


32/34

CONTINUED: 31.

JAMESDo you need to use it?

JOHNNYNah mate, but someone else might.

NATALIE(to James)Do you know this guy?

JAMESNot reall-


-Yeah, yeah, we know each other.Anyway mate, I dont think thatcounts as a disability.

Johnny gestures suggestively at James crutch.

JAMESWait. What?

NATALIE(to James)

What is he talking about?

JOHNNY(mock surprise)

He hasnt told you? Hes got a bitof trouble south of the border.

Natalie looks at James in slight disgust.

JAMESHes just making it up.

JOHNNYAm I? Prove it then mate.

JAMESIm not going to prov-

Natalie pushes past James and storms out.

JAMES (CONT)Natalie, wait. Hes just-

He trails off and stares angrily at Johnny.

(CONTINUED)


33/34

CONTINUED: 32.

JOHNNY(smugly)

Just trying to do the right thing.

He lets go of the door and leaves. James, annoyed, sits downon the toilet seat. His toga drops off his shoulder and he

sighs in resignation.

18 INT. CLASSROOM. DAY.

James and Ben talk casually at their desk as other studentsenter and take their seats. Johnny swaggers up and tosseshis bag loudly onto the desk next to Ben and drops into thenearby seat.


Morning, fellas.

JAMESIts 1:30.

JOHNNYMaybe for you. I only got home anhour ago.

JAMES(sarcastically)

Did you get lost?

JOHNNY

(hitting Ben on the shoulder)You could say that... Honestlythough, found if anything. Talkingto some girl, got her number, nextthing you know, were at it in thedisabled bathroom.

He winks at James.

JOHNNY (CONT)Should have seen her.(pointing to Ben)Hell tell you. He was winging forme.

Ben looks apologetically at James.

JOHNNY (CONT)(to James)

So if you want to cough up thattwenty.


34/34

33.

James grumpily takes out his wallet and shoves a note intoJohnnys outstretched hand.

students (6th draft)

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