Wednesday, March 10, 2010

STEVE AND BILL

STEVE AND BILL

INT:            COFFEE SHOP            NORTH VANCOUVER            DAY

STEVE and BILL sit opposite each other in this overly busy meeting place. Both are mid to late sixties.

CLARA, a middle-aged waitress, approaches their table and places two coffees down in front of them.

BILL

Thank you, my darling.

CLARA

Always my pleasure, gentlemen. You take your time now.

Smiling, she wipes their table and leaves.

STEVE

I’ve been thinking, Bill.

BILL

Well, that’s a change.

STEVE

Funny - as always.

Bill thanks him with a smile.

STEVE (CONT’D)

But seriously. Art, isn’t it all just subjective?

BILL

(Shrugging his shoulders)

I don’t know, is it, Steve?

STEVE

Can it be viewed any other way? I mean, ultimately, isn’t any liking or disliking biased and one-sided to the individual?

Bill considers for a moment.

BILL

Maybe.

STEVE

Be careful, Bill, don’t task those brain cells too much.

(laughing)

The ones left, that is.

Bill now offers Steve a not so thankful smile.

BILL

Is this going to be another one of your daily rants?

STEVE

Just an opinion, Bill - nothing more.

BILL

Then carry on.

(whispers to himself)

You normally do.

STEVE

I just think it’s wrong to place two or more pieces of art into an arena and reward one above another.

Bill moves his head a little, offering some small acknowledgement.

STEVE (CONT’D)

Personally, you can say you prefer this one above this one and of course, give reasons for that statement, but why should anyone be able to declare that one piece of art sits higher than another? Who has that right?

Steve tilts his head at Bill, awaiting an answer.

BILL

Okay, good rant. And I know where you’re going with this - it’s The Oscars, isn’t it?

Steve holds his hands out in appreciation.

STEVE

Thank you, Bill. It had to be said and I’m very pleased you see the simplicity of it.

BILL

Great minds and all that, Steve.

STEVE

Let’s be honest, it’s not about art and an appreciation of it – it’s merely about making money. One great big advertising campaign.

(then with passion)

It can’t be right!

Clara briefly looks over at them, gently shaking her head and smiling.

BILL

Easy, Steve, remember the old ticker.

Steve puts a hand to his chest and nods fearfully.

STEVE

Thanks, Bill. I can get a little passionate at times, can’t I? 

BILL

(to himself)

So I’ve heard.

STEVE

(cupping an ear)

What?

BILL

Nothing, Steve, nothing.

Clara arrives and begins wiping the table.

CLARA

They’re not all bad, you know?

Steve and Bill both look at her, a little puzzled.

STEVE

What aren’t?

CLARA

Oscars.

STEVE

                                                 No? How’s that then?

CLARA

Well, we do have The Picture of Dorian Gray, don’t we? Now that’s what I call a classic.

They consider the comment for a moment.

CLARA (CONT’D)

And I’m all in favor of a classic work of gothic horror fiction - with a strong Faustian theme thrown in, of course.

They both smile at each other, feigning understanding.

STEVE

She’s not wrong you know, Bill.

BILL

Nope. Never is.

CLARA

Always my pleasure, gentlemen. You take your time now.

She gathers their cups and leaves them both nodding at each other.

FADE OUT:

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