This blog hasn't worked out quite like I expected.
This is mostly my fault. I haven't been nearly as productive as I hoped to be and perhaps more crucially I've had a tendency to write and write and then do a dump of the bits I'm happy with on here when it was really meant to be everything on a regular basis.
But I've been hoping for a couple more comments along the way. Queries, suggestions, demands for me to never darken their door with such unadulterated shit ever again. To be fair I've been writing scenes and it is hard to talk too hard about a specific scene without getting into proper micro 'that line doesn't hit' stuff and that's not really helpful stuff.
So I have some questions which I would welcome any thoughts on:
1) Sean and Jules- do you like them?
2) Do they feel consistent as people, do you have a sense of them as definite characters?
3) Does the bike accident feel false?
Next up: Advanced Fun
As you can see there isn't a lot to show for this. And the reason behind this is simple: it really needs a plot and I'm really struggling. But then I realised that's the whole point of the blog. I can write endless conversations, I don't need help with that. Plotting, story arc, character development. That whole story thing. That's where I really need to develop as a writer and need your help.
So here is where we are with Advanced Fun as a plot
Couple take in a lodger. Lodger has never gone out in his life but is now well enough to do so, so asks the couple to show him how to go out and have fun.
The girl thinks this is a brilliant idea but has to persuade the boy. The three of them try and complete a series of different 'out' activities. Girl becomes obsessed with getting the lodger a girlfriend, boy thinks it's a bad idea. The couple start to get on really badly and are also trying to compete for lodger's attention.
Eventually strains become too much and the couple actually split up. Lodger feels terrible and tries to put them back together. He can't help them but both girl and boy agree to (seperately) help him with his own girl troubles. They both go to the same party to see what they think of as solely their own handicraft and discover they're both behind it. They get back together.
There nothing in the second two paragraphs that I hold sacred. It could all go. So basically this is me abrogating my responsibilities. All thoughts will be entertained. In fact, let's make it a deal. Any comment made will be turned into its own post where I play around with it, try and put as many different stories around it. Even if that means it becoming a zombie movie or a porn film. So yeah- all thoughts welcome.
Monday, 29 March 2010
Saturday, 27 March 2010
The rest of the movie
Needs writing obviously but I think I need to be a bit clearer on scenes and beats so would much appreciate it if people have anything they want to add to this.
Basically I see it as the following
On Trawangan, Sean hooks up with some fun loving Australians. He tells them about the guy with his own village and the others think that sounds rather cool and they all agree to go to Bali and check it out.
When they reach Ubud, Sean persuades them to come along to a Balinese monkey dance (a tourist attraction going on at the temple). It's an amazing experience as 50 balinese men makes rhytmic monkey noise while plays and music go on. As it goes on, Sean sees Jules across the other side. At the end she comes up to him and puts money in his hand for the room without saying anymore.
The next day Sean is woken by the Aussies who have found directions to the village and rented bikes so they all bike up there.
The narrator tells the story of the guy and the village as we see them bike up, meet the man and the village, give a donation and get ready to leave.
As they are on the way back, the Aussies suggest they race all the way back (it's mostly downhill). They're all very sporty and soon leave him far behind. He's lost in his own world and doesn't see a minivan coming past him and the van clatters into him knockng him over. The van stops and out of it comes Jules. She picks him up and puts him in the van.
When they get back to town Jules puts Sean to bed. Later after dark she comes round to see how he's doing. He's fine and persuades her to let him take her out for dinner. They find a cute little family run place off the tourist route and have a great final evening talking. They agree that there's no point acting on the attraction. Best to get on with their lives. They walk away without kissing.
The next morning Sean realises how stupid he's been and runs to get her contact details but her taxi to the airport has already left.
Back home in London, Sean is having brunch with some friends in a trendy little place. He looks at the calendar on the table and suddenly something comes back to him. This was the date she comes back to England. He says he has to leave.
Basically I see it as the following
On Trawangan, Sean hooks up with some fun loving Australians. He tells them about the guy with his own village and the others think that sounds rather cool and they all agree to go to Bali and check it out.
When they reach Ubud, Sean persuades them to come along to a Balinese monkey dance (a tourist attraction going on at the temple). It's an amazing experience as 50 balinese men makes rhytmic monkey noise while plays and music go on. As it goes on, Sean sees Jules across the other side. At the end she comes up to him and puts money in his hand for the room without saying anymore.
The next day Sean is woken by the Aussies who have found directions to the village and rented bikes so they all bike up there.
The narrator tells the story of the guy and the village as we see them bike up, meet the man and the village, give a donation and get ready to leave.
As they are on the way back, the Aussies suggest they race all the way back (it's mostly downhill). They're all very sporty and soon leave him far behind. He's lost in his own world and doesn't see a minivan coming past him and the van clatters into him knockng him over. The van stops and out of it comes Jules. She picks him up and puts him in the van.
When they get back to town Jules puts Sean to bed. Later after dark she comes round to see how he's doing. He's fine and persuades her to let him take her out for dinner. They find a cute little family run place off the tourist route and have a great final evening talking. They agree that there's no point acting on the attraction. Best to get on with their lives. They walk away without kissing.
The next morning Sean realises how stupid he's been and runs to get her contact details but her taxi to the airport has already left.
Back home in London, Sean is having brunch with some friends in a trendy little place. He looks at the calendar on the table and suddenly something comes back to him. This was the date she comes back to England. He says he has to leave.
Flashback on Trawangan
We find Sean on Trawangan. He's in an internet cafe and he has in front of him a facebook message from Lucy. We can see her photo and the first bit of the message which says 'Hope you're having an AWEsome time !!!xxx'. He profile pic is of her and two mates, out on the lash. She's pretty and is clearly having a lot of fun.
Sean looks at this, greatly frustrated. It then cuts back to a(nother) scene I'm struggling with in which while Jules and Sean are cooped up in a hovel in Sumbawa they have a conversation about the rules in relationships. It's not a long one but the point is that Jules has a very strong code about these things including four rules:
1) Never cheat
2) Never say 'I love you if you don't mean it'
3) When you know you don't want to be with them forever, end it.
4) Always dump someone to their face
After this he goes back to staring at the screen and there's another flashback. This is the one and only time we see either of their lives back home.
Int. Sean's Flat- Night
Sean has his backpack on the bed in front of him and laid out next to it everything he's taking with him.
He gets a PHONECALL and picks it up. It's from his mate Tom.
Sean: Hey mate
Tom: Hello fella, you all packed?
Sean: Yeah, pretty much.
Tom: Excellent, in which case it's time for a pint I'm just in your area actually so why don't you meet me at the Fox and Grapes?
Sean: Why don't you come here?
Tom: Cos I need a pint. Come on. It'll be your last British pint for three weeks.
Sean: Well if you put it like that.
Int. Fox and Grapes- Night
Sean walks in to the Fox and Grapes and to his surprise discovers Lucy, his girlfriend has put on a surprise party for him. There's a fair old gaggle of his friends and they all cheer as he comes in. He's surprised. Sincerely surprised. And a little embarassed. He's not really up for it.
Lucy comes running up and gives him a kiss.
Sean: I'm guessing this is your doing?
Lucy nods, very pleased with herself. Tom appears with a pint.
Tom: Here you go.
Sean nods and has a sip.
Int. Pub- Later
He's busy talking to people, Lucy is on his arm but he's not showing her a lot of attention.
Int. Pub- Later
He sees Jill, a platinum blonde with crazy dress sense, walking outside for a cigarette.
Sean (to Lucy): I'm just going to pop out for a bit of fresh air.
Lucy: You mean a cigarette?
Sean: Just the one I promise.
Lucy: Well, let me kiss you once before you do it.
She goes in for a big lunge but he's a bit embarassed and only half returns it. He makes his way outside.
Ext. Pub- Night
He comes outside and Jill is waiting for him with an arched experession on her face. She offers him a cigarette. He takes it but is so distracted that he puts it in his mouth without lighting it.
Jill: You don't actually want that do you?
Sean (suddenly snapping out of it): I just needed to step outside.
He hands her back the cigarette uncertainly. She takes it and lights it with the end of her last one.
Jill: Needed to step away?
Sean: I wouldn't have done this. If she's been the one going away. It wouldn't have crossed my mind.
Jill: She's been planning it for weeks.
Sean: I'm a shit boyfriend.
Jill: I seem to remember you being a model boyfriend once upon a time.
Sean: I'm not sure I was a good boyfriend.
Jules: Yo were. I, on the other hand...
Sean: But that's it. I did good things. But it was only because I was so afraid of losing you.
Jill: And you're not afraid of losing Lucy?
Sean doesn't answer.
Sean: I reckon this might be good. 3 weeks away. Probably discover how much I miss her.
Jill doesn't say anthing.
Sean: I should end it.
Jill: It's really not my place to say.
Sean: That didn't stop you with Beth.
Jill says nothing. Sean nods. He understands what he has to do. Decision's been made. Move on.
Sean: You really liked Beth didn't you?
Jill (smiling): I did. You really fucked that one up.
Sean (laughing): Yeah, you didn't see what I saw.
Int. Sean's flat- Night
Sean comes into the flat. With Lucy. She's very drunk and more than a little frisky. Sean is unresponsive, distracted but Lucy barely notices.
Lucy: I love the way it's your leaving do but I"m the one who's completely wasted while you (grabs him and pulls him close to her) are a model of responsible drinking.
Sean: I've got a flight in the morning.
Lucy nods and leans in for a kiss. Sean backs away.
Sean: Luce, this is going to sound so bad ...
Lucy looks at him with total terror. Sean looks at her but can't hold her gaze.
Sean: It's just the flight really is early tomorrow. Do you mind if we just go to bed?
Lucy would have been upset 30 seconds ago but the thoughts that had crossed her mind as Sean started his sentence were such that she's happy it just means no nookie.
Lucy: Oh no, of course. I understand.
She gives him a peck on the lips.
Lucy: Let's get you to bed.
Int. Bathroom
They're both brushing their teeth. Sean looks at himself in the mirror. Coward.
Back on Trawangan, Sean is still looking at the message.
It reads:
'Just checking that you haven't run under a bus!! It's raining and Polly's feeling down in the dumps so she's coming round for ice cream and chick flicks!
Miss you!!!! xxxx
Sean eventually replies with the following
'Hey,
Internet keeps crashing so can't write long message.
Not dead. Having an awesome time. Great beaches, great sites. Doug well.
Will tell you all when I get back.
Sean'
Sean looks at this, greatly frustrated. It then cuts back to a(nother) scene I'm struggling with in which while Jules and Sean are cooped up in a hovel in Sumbawa they have a conversation about the rules in relationships. It's not a long one but the point is that Jules has a very strong code about these things including four rules:
1) Never cheat
2) Never say 'I love you if you don't mean it'
3) When you know you don't want to be with them forever, end it.
4) Always dump someone to their face
After this he goes back to staring at the screen and there's another flashback. This is the one and only time we see either of their lives back home.
Int. Sean's Flat- Night
Sean has his backpack on the bed in front of him and laid out next to it everything he's taking with him.
He gets a PHONECALL and picks it up. It's from his mate Tom.
Sean: Hey mate
Tom: Hello fella, you all packed?
Sean: Yeah, pretty much.
Tom: Excellent, in which case it's time for a pint I'm just in your area actually so why don't you meet me at the Fox and Grapes?
Sean: Why don't you come here?
Tom: Cos I need a pint. Come on. It'll be your last British pint for three weeks.
Sean: Well if you put it like that.
Int. Fox and Grapes- Night
Sean walks in to the Fox and Grapes and to his surprise discovers Lucy, his girlfriend has put on a surprise party for him. There's a fair old gaggle of his friends and they all cheer as he comes in. He's surprised. Sincerely surprised. And a little embarassed. He's not really up for it.
Lucy comes running up and gives him a kiss.
Sean: I'm guessing this is your doing?
Lucy nods, very pleased with herself. Tom appears with a pint.
Tom: Here you go.
Sean nods and has a sip.
Int. Pub- Later
He's busy talking to people, Lucy is on his arm but he's not showing her a lot of attention.
Int. Pub- Later
He sees Jill, a platinum blonde with crazy dress sense, walking outside for a cigarette.
Sean (to Lucy): I'm just going to pop out for a bit of fresh air.
Lucy: You mean a cigarette?
Sean: Just the one I promise.
Lucy: Well, let me kiss you once before you do it.
She goes in for a big lunge but he's a bit embarassed and only half returns it. He makes his way outside.
Ext. Pub- Night
He comes outside and Jill is waiting for him with an arched experession on her face. She offers him a cigarette. He takes it but is so distracted that he puts it in his mouth without lighting it.
Jill: You don't actually want that do you?
Sean (suddenly snapping out of it): I just needed to step outside.
He hands her back the cigarette uncertainly. She takes it and lights it with the end of her last one.
Jill: Needed to step away?
Sean: I wouldn't have done this. If she's been the one going away. It wouldn't have crossed my mind.
Jill: She's been planning it for weeks.
Sean: I'm a shit boyfriend.
Jill: I seem to remember you being a model boyfriend once upon a time.
Sean: I'm not sure I was a good boyfriend.
Jules: Yo were. I, on the other hand...
Sean: But that's it. I did good things. But it was only because I was so afraid of losing you.
Jill: And you're not afraid of losing Lucy?
Sean doesn't answer.
Sean: I reckon this might be good. 3 weeks away. Probably discover how much I miss her.
Jill doesn't say anthing.
Sean: I should end it.
Jill: It's really not my place to say.
Sean: That didn't stop you with Beth.
Jill says nothing. Sean nods. He understands what he has to do. Decision's been made. Move on.
Sean: You really liked Beth didn't you?
Jill (smiling): I did. You really fucked that one up.
Sean (laughing): Yeah, you didn't see what I saw.
Int. Sean's flat- Night
Sean comes into the flat. With Lucy. She's very drunk and more than a little frisky. Sean is unresponsive, distracted but Lucy barely notices.
Lucy: I love the way it's your leaving do but I"m the one who's completely wasted while you (grabs him and pulls him close to her) are a model of responsible drinking.
Sean: I've got a flight in the morning.
Lucy nods and leans in for a kiss. Sean backs away.
Sean: Luce, this is going to sound so bad ...
Lucy looks at him with total terror. Sean looks at her but can't hold her gaze.
Sean: It's just the flight really is early tomorrow. Do you mind if we just go to bed?
Lucy would have been upset 30 seconds ago but the thoughts that had crossed her mind as Sean started his sentence were such that she's happy it just means no nookie.
Lucy: Oh no, of course. I understand.
She gives him a peck on the lips.
Lucy: Let's get you to bed.
Int. Bathroom
They're both brushing their teeth. Sean looks at himself in the mirror. Coward.
Back on Trawangan, Sean is still looking at the message.
It reads:
'Just checking that you haven't run under a bus!! It's raining and Polly's feeling down in the dumps so she's coming round for ice cream and chick flicks!
Miss you!!!! xxxx
Sean eventually replies with the following
'Hey,
Internet keeps crashing so can't write long message.
Not dead. Having an awesome time. Great beaches, great sites. Doug well.
Will tell you all when I get back.
Sean'
Gili Meno
So onwards. After taking a smart bus they find their way to Lombok and get on a small boat on its way to the Gilis.
Ext. Boat-Day
It's a truly glorious day and the two of them sit on the side of the boat, half in and half out of the shade of the roof. They're so close they're almost touching.
Sean: So, I was thinking...
Jules: Well, I'm glad you're open to new experiences.
Sean: Someone's feeling better.
Jules just leans back and basks in the sun. Her hand trails through the turquoise water and she beams a smile that only someone who's got their energy back could do.
Sean: So, I was thinking THAT... this boat is stopping off at Gili Meno before it gets to Gili Trawangan.
Jules: Trawnagan's the one with the diving right?
Sean: And it's the big party one.
Jules: So what happens on Meno?
Sean: Not a lot I don't think. It just looks like that.
He points to an island fast approaching with white sands surrounded by pristine turquoise sea. His eyebrows raise as if to say 'what do you think?'. Jules nods approval.
Ext. Beach
They get off the boat, they're the only ones that do and they don't say anything for a moment. There's no music, no noise except the sounds of the waves. They look at each other and smile. They're facing each other and for a moment it looks like they'll kiss but the moment's broken by a young boy.
Boy: Hello! What is your name?
Sean is the first to turn and he smiles at the boy.
Sean: Sean. And this is Jules. What's your name?
Boy: Shrinoto. Are you Italian?
Sean (surprised): No. We're English.
This is a good answer and Shrinoto smiles.
Shrinoto: Wayne Rooney!
Sean smiles. This is not the first time his nationality has elicited this reaction.
Sean: Yea. Are you a Manchester United fan?
Shrinoto shakes his head firmly.
Shrinoto: Manchester are a good team but in my heart I have only one team.
Sean: Who's that?
Shrinoto (in a cheer): West Bromwich Albion
With that he scampers off. Sean chuckles, but in a manly way. He turns to Jules and helps her put on her backpack.
Sean: Here. Shall we find ourselves a room.
They walk along the beach and people start to come up to them. They all know their names already and are keen to offer them rooms or food or things to buy. A friendly looking old man comes up to them.
Old man: Hello, Jules. Hello Sean. Would you like to have your own beachhut?
Jules: I think we'd love our own beach hut.
Ext. Beach hut
It's a simple thing but it's got an attached bathroom, a mosquito net and a double bed. And it's clean and truly on the beach without any other house too near.
Sean: How much?
Man: 30,000 Rupiah
Jules: We'll take it.
She's already pretty much inside and dumps her bag and quickly forages in it for a towel and shampoo.
Man: You pay tomorrow.
Sean: Ok thanks very much.
Sean goes inside.
Int. Beach hut
Jules is already in the bathroom. You can see her head and shoulders over the top of the door.
Sean: I don't think there'll be hot water
Jules: I don't care.
She then promptly screams as the cold water covers her body.
Sean: Still don't care?
Jules (defiant): No.
Sean watches her smiling head for a moment as she stubbornly sticks it under the cold water. Then he steps outside. Jules looks up and is a bit disappointed to see he's no longer there.
Ext. Beach hut
Jules comes out looking and feeling fresh as a daisy.
Jules: You having a shower?
Sean: Will you judge me if I eat something first.
Jules: Yes.
Sean smiles
Jules: I'm not joking, seriously. Shower.
Sean: Do I smell that bad?
Jules (giving a sniff): There's room for improvement and more importantly it's going to be dark soon and you'll get bitten alive in that shower. Go!
Sean, to his surprise, finds himself going inside.
Ext. Beachhut
Now it's Sean's turn to come out looking fresh and respectable.
Sean (in a butler's voice): Will this suffice, ma'am?
Jules (in a mock weary posh voice): Well, I suppose it will have to do.
She swings onto her feet and puts her arm through his.
Ext. Restaurant-Night
They're eating on the beach by candlelight. Jules has a whole grilled fish in front of her. Sean is Nasi Goreng.
Jules: It is weird.
Sean: It's not.
Jules takes another bite of her fish.
Jules (with pleasure): Mmm. Here, take a bite.
Sean (firmly): No thank-you.
Jules: What kind of freak would not like this?
Sean: I can think of 10 people off the top of my head who hate fish. It is in no way weird.
Jules: No. Not liking fish is sadly not an extremely rare phenomenon but that doesn't stop it being a weird one. This is fucking spectacular.
Sean: I'm not having this. You may think I'm wrong but if enough people share my opinion then it is not weird.
Jules: Large numbers of men in this country think that a moustache and mullet combo is attractive. Are you saying that's not weird?
Sean: I don't think it's a very original thought to suggest what makes someone beautiful might vary from culture to culture.
Jules: What do you think of Indonesian girls?
Sean: I'm sorry.
Jules: Do you think they're attractive?
Sean: Well not all of them obviously but yeah some are really pretty.
Jules: You like the way they dress.
Sean: I don't think it's weird if that's what you're asking. But unlike you, clearly, I've got no problems with cultural differences.
Jules: In some cultures women don't shave, anywhere.
Sean shrugs.
Jules: And the men like it.
Sean: Ok, that is weird.
They both laugh.
Jules: Point proven. Now have a bite.
Sean: No! You'll just have to put me in the corner with the hairy women.
Jules: There's a shrimp in your Nasi Goreng.
Sean: Seafood's ok. It's just fish.
Jules: Ok, that is actually weird.
Sean: Yep, I'll give you that one, Miss Food Stasi.
Jules: It's for your own good.
Sean: I appreciate the concern.
There's a pause.
Jules: I'm glad we got off here.
Sean: Me too.
But though he says it with a smile his eyes aren't smiling. Jules doesn't catch it.
Ext. Beach hut
The only light is the one from the porch of their hut. The only sound is the sea.
Jules stands at the top of the porch and turns around to Sean. She's slightly tipsy and very happy. She puts her arms on his shoulders and moves her head closer.
Jules: You really did seem like a dick when we first met.
Sean: And now?
She leans in and kisses him. Sean returns it and they have one long slow kiss until suddenly he breaks off. She's surprised by this and tries to bring him but he resists.
Jules: What?
Sean: I'm sorry, I'm sorry, it's just...
Jules: What did I do?
Sean: Nothing. You're amazing. Utterly amazing. It's me. I'm a shit.
Jules starts to get an inkling of what he's about to say.
Sean: You know I said I was just coming of a relationship.
Jules nods, disappointment has swelled across her body but is about to bubble up into rage.
Sean: Well, I'm still coming out. I mean, it's over. In my head. In my heart. Before I left London I knew it was over.
Jules: But you didn't think you'd do anything as old fashioned as tell her about it.
Sean: It wasn't the right time.
Jules: No, I'm sure. 3 weeks later when she could have been getting on with her life but instead was waiting for you, wondering why you haven't been in contact. That sounds much more like the right time.
Sean: I'm not claiming that I've gone about this the right way.
Jules: Well that's ok then. As long as you know you're in the wrong, you can go on doing it. What's important is that you're honest.
Sean: Jules, I'm sorry. The last thing I wanted to do was hurt you.
Jules: If that were really true, you'd have found a way not to.
She goes to the doorway, turns on the light and sees the double bed. She storms in grabs his backpack and dumps it outside. Sean look at her in disbelief but she shrugs her shoulders and close the door behind her.
Sean sits on the step and looks out into the dark towards the surf.
Ext. Hut- Morning
Jules comes out the hut with her backpack on. There's no sign of Sean. She's simultaneously relieved and worried.
She goes to the house down the beach where the old man who owns the hut lives.
Jules: Morning.
Old Man (surprised): Good morning.
Jules: I'd like to pay for the hut. I'm leaving.
Man: But Sean, he pay already.
Jules: Really? When?
Man: This morning. 7 o'clock.
Jules looks at the clock. It's 9:30.
Ext. Beach- Day
Jules is walking back to the point where the boat dropped them off yesterday. Shrinoto,the boy from yesterday, bounds up to her.
Shrinoto: Hello Jules!
Jules (not remembering his name): Oh, hello.
Shrinoto: You go to Trawangan, yes? Sean go two hours ago.
Jules: Sean went to Trawangan?
Shrinoto: Yes, next boat 10 minutes.
Jules: And next boat to Lombok?
Shrinoto (annoyed he hasn't been understood): Sean went to Trawanagan. Not Lombok.
Jules: I know sweetheart, but I want to go to Lombok.
Shrinoto understands but he's not happy.
Jules: When is the next boat to Lombok?
Shrinoto: Ten minutes.
Jules: From here?
Shrinoto nods. He runs off. Jules drops her backpack and sits on it. She take a deep breath in.
Ext. Boat-Day
It's a truly glorious day and the two of them sit on the side of the boat, half in and half out of the shade of the roof. They're so close they're almost touching.
Sean: So, I was thinking...
Jules: Well, I'm glad you're open to new experiences.
Sean: Someone's feeling better.
Jules just leans back and basks in the sun. Her hand trails through the turquoise water and she beams a smile that only someone who's got their energy back could do.
Sean: So, I was thinking THAT... this boat is stopping off at Gili Meno before it gets to Gili Trawangan.
Jules: Trawnagan's the one with the diving right?
Sean: And it's the big party one.
Jules: So what happens on Meno?
Sean: Not a lot I don't think. It just looks like that.
He points to an island fast approaching with white sands surrounded by pristine turquoise sea. His eyebrows raise as if to say 'what do you think?'. Jules nods approval.
Ext. Beach
They get off the boat, they're the only ones that do and they don't say anything for a moment. There's no music, no noise except the sounds of the waves. They look at each other and smile. They're facing each other and for a moment it looks like they'll kiss but the moment's broken by a young boy.
Boy: Hello! What is your name?
Sean is the first to turn and he smiles at the boy.
Sean: Sean. And this is Jules. What's your name?
Boy: Shrinoto. Are you Italian?
Sean (surprised): No. We're English.
This is a good answer and Shrinoto smiles.
Shrinoto: Wayne Rooney!
Sean smiles. This is not the first time his nationality has elicited this reaction.
Sean: Yea. Are you a Manchester United fan?
Shrinoto shakes his head firmly.
Shrinoto: Manchester are a good team but in my heart I have only one team.
Sean: Who's that?
Shrinoto (in a cheer): West Bromwich Albion
With that he scampers off. Sean chuckles, but in a manly way. He turns to Jules and helps her put on her backpack.
Sean: Here. Shall we find ourselves a room.
They walk along the beach and people start to come up to them. They all know their names already and are keen to offer them rooms or food or things to buy. A friendly looking old man comes up to them.
Old man: Hello, Jules. Hello Sean. Would you like to have your own beachhut?
Jules: I think we'd love our own beach hut.
Ext. Beach hut
It's a simple thing but it's got an attached bathroom, a mosquito net and a double bed. And it's clean and truly on the beach without any other house too near.
Sean: How much?
Man: 30,000 Rupiah
Jules: We'll take it.
She's already pretty much inside and dumps her bag and quickly forages in it for a towel and shampoo.
Man: You pay tomorrow.
Sean: Ok thanks very much.
Sean goes inside.
Int. Beach hut
Jules is already in the bathroom. You can see her head and shoulders over the top of the door.
Sean: I don't think there'll be hot water
Jules: I don't care.
She then promptly screams as the cold water covers her body.
Sean: Still don't care?
Jules (defiant): No.
Sean watches her smiling head for a moment as she stubbornly sticks it under the cold water. Then he steps outside. Jules looks up and is a bit disappointed to see he's no longer there.
Ext. Beach hut
Jules comes out looking and feeling fresh as a daisy.
Jules: You having a shower?
Sean: Will you judge me if I eat something first.
Jules: Yes.
Sean smiles
Jules: I'm not joking, seriously. Shower.
Sean: Do I smell that bad?
Jules (giving a sniff): There's room for improvement and more importantly it's going to be dark soon and you'll get bitten alive in that shower. Go!
Sean, to his surprise, finds himself going inside.
Ext. Beachhut
Now it's Sean's turn to come out looking fresh and respectable.
Sean (in a butler's voice): Will this suffice, ma'am?
Jules (in a mock weary posh voice): Well, I suppose it will have to do.
She swings onto her feet and puts her arm through his.
Ext. Restaurant-Night
They're eating on the beach by candlelight. Jules has a whole grilled fish in front of her. Sean is Nasi Goreng.
Jules: It is weird.
Sean: It's not.
Jules takes another bite of her fish.
Jules (with pleasure): Mmm. Here, take a bite.
Sean (firmly): No thank-you.
Jules: What kind of freak would not like this?
Sean: I can think of 10 people off the top of my head who hate fish. It is in no way weird.
Jules: No. Not liking fish is sadly not an extremely rare phenomenon but that doesn't stop it being a weird one. This is fucking spectacular.
Sean: I'm not having this. You may think I'm wrong but if enough people share my opinion then it is not weird.
Jules: Large numbers of men in this country think that a moustache and mullet combo is attractive. Are you saying that's not weird?
Sean: I don't think it's a very original thought to suggest what makes someone beautiful might vary from culture to culture.
Jules: What do you think of Indonesian girls?
Sean: I'm sorry.
Jules: Do you think they're attractive?
Sean: Well not all of them obviously but yeah some are really pretty.
Jules: You like the way they dress.
Sean: I don't think it's weird if that's what you're asking. But unlike you, clearly, I've got no problems with cultural differences.
Jules: In some cultures women don't shave, anywhere.
Sean shrugs.
Jules: And the men like it.
Sean: Ok, that is weird.
They both laugh.
Jules: Point proven. Now have a bite.
Sean: No! You'll just have to put me in the corner with the hairy women.
Jules: There's a shrimp in your Nasi Goreng.
Sean: Seafood's ok. It's just fish.
Jules: Ok, that is actually weird.
Sean: Yep, I'll give you that one, Miss Food Stasi.
Jules: It's for your own good.
Sean: I appreciate the concern.
There's a pause.
Jules: I'm glad we got off here.
Sean: Me too.
But though he says it with a smile his eyes aren't smiling. Jules doesn't catch it.
Ext. Beach hut
The only light is the one from the porch of their hut. The only sound is the sea.
Jules stands at the top of the porch and turns around to Sean. She's slightly tipsy and very happy. She puts her arms on his shoulders and moves her head closer.
Jules: You really did seem like a dick when we first met.
Sean: And now?
She leans in and kisses him. Sean returns it and they have one long slow kiss until suddenly he breaks off. She's surprised by this and tries to bring him but he resists.
Jules: What?
Sean: I'm sorry, I'm sorry, it's just...
Jules: What did I do?
Sean: Nothing. You're amazing. Utterly amazing. It's me. I'm a shit.
Jules starts to get an inkling of what he's about to say.
Sean: You know I said I was just coming of a relationship.
Jules nods, disappointment has swelled across her body but is about to bubble up into rage.
Sean: Well, I'm still coming out. I mean, it's over. In my head. In my heart. Before I left London I knew it was over.
Jules: But you didn't think you'd do anything as old fashioned as tell her about it.
Sean: It wasn't the right time.
Jules: No, I'm sure. 3 weeks later when she could have been getting on with her life but instead was waiting for you, wondering why you haven't been in contact. That sounds much more like the right time.
Sean: I'm not claiming that I've gone about this the right way.
Jules: Well that's ok then. As long as you know you're in the wrong, you can go on doing it. What's important is that you're honest.
Sean: Jules, I'm sorry. The last thing I wanted to do was hurt you.
Jules: If that were really true, you'd have found a way not to.
She goes to the doorway, turns on the light and sees the double bed. She storms in grabs his backpack and dumps it outside. Sean look at her in disbelief but she shrugs her shoulders and close the door behind her.
Sean sits on the step and looks out into the dark towards the surf.
Ext. Hut- Morning
Jules comes out the hut with her backpack on. There's no sign of Sean. She's simultaneously relieved and worried.
She goes to the house down the beach where the old man who owns the hut lives.
Jules: Morning.
Old Man (surprised): Good morning.
Jules: I'd like to pay for the hut. I'm leaving.
Man: But Sean, he pay already.
Jules: Really? When?
Man: This morning. 7 o'clock.
Jules looks at the clock. It's 9:30.
Ext. Beach- Day
Jules is walking back to the point where the boat dropped them off yesterday. Shrinoto,the boy from yesterday, bounds up to her.
Shrinoto: Hello Jules!
Jules (not remembering his name): Oh, hello.
Shrinoto: You go to Trawangan, yes? Sean go two hours ago.
Jules: Sean went to Trawangan?
Shrinoto: Yes, next boat 10 minutes.
Jules: And next boat to Lombok?
Shrinoto (annoyed he hasn't been understood): Sean went to Trawanagan. Not Lombok.
Jules: I know sweetheart, but I want to go to Lombok.
Shrinoto understands but he's not happy.
Jules: When is the next boat to Lombok?
Shrinoto: Ten minutes.
Jules: From here?
Shrinoto nods. He runs off. Jules drops her backpack and sits on it. She take a deep breath in.
Stop gap
After the boat Jules and Sean get on a bus but Jules has eaten something they shouldn't have and she has to get off the bus and puke her guts out. She's in no fit state to travel on so they have to get their bags off the bus and stay there. The only hotel is horrible. Fly infested, smelly, dirty. And she's really not feeling great. But Sean takes care of her and after a day she's good enough to carry on. They get a posh bus to Lombok because she needs to treat herself.
I am struggling to dramatise what I want to happen. I don't want to spend too long here but I need one scene in the hotel to show how good Sean is to her. I am also planning to put in a story similar to the boatman story about a boy who helps them get towels and water.
I don't have an idea for this and will have to do some research. It's probably going to be about corruption. The final one will be on Bali and will be about the Bali bomb.
I am struggling to dramatise what I want to happen. I don't want to spend too long here but I need one scene in the hotel to show how good Sean is to her. I am also planning to put in a story similar to the boatman story about a boy who helps them get towels and water.
I don't have an idea for this and will have to do some research. It's probably going to be about corruption. The final one will be on Bali and will be about the Bali bomb.
Step back a second (Dinner in Flores)
I'm rather unhelpfully skipping back to dinner before they get on the boat. This is a scene I'm not very happy with- on one level it's easy because all I want is for them to just get on but there is information and ideas I want to slip in so some of it clunks quite badly so comments much appreciated.
Ext. Restaurant-Night
Sean meets Jules outside her hotel restaurant. It's a pretty little courtyard, nicely lit and decorated with hanging baskets. There are a couple other groups of foreigners about. They sit down at a table and the waiter gives them menu. They examine them. There's a slight silence as they think what to say and so they read the menu instead.
Sean: See, why is it that everywhere in the world restaurants that want to appeal to backpackers serve banana pancakes?
Jules: You not a fan?
Sean: No, I love them. I'm probably going to have two. But they're clearly served with the western pallette on the mind and I have never seen one in the west. So how does every part of the world know, you see smelly hairy white people- get them a banana pancake.
Jules: It's not served everywhere.
Sean: Everywhere I've been.
Jules: Which is where?
Sean: Sri Lanka, Egypt, South America obviously.
Jules: That's a lot of banana pancakes.
Sean: They're always good. Where've you been apart from Chile?
Jules: Nowhere really. I mean, Europe. But yeah that's what this trip is about, seeing the world.
Sean: How long you've got?
Jules: Six months. I was offered six months unpaid leave while they try and sort out their books.
Sean: Nice. You doing the whole thing on your own?
Jules: I've just been in Australia for my friend's wedding so spent some time with my friends then but otherwise, nope no one interested.
Sean: It's not easy to get the holiday.
Jules: Well actually they did get it. But they'd rather go on holiday with boyfriends.
Sean: Couples, I swear they're tearing our communities apart.
Jules laughs
Sean: No, really. Everyone used to do things in groups and so people were always included. It was actually true that more the merrier was. Bring people in, it will be great. But then everyone starts to find an opposite half and suddenly, oh 'Do we have to do things as group?' 'Do we have to meet new people?'. I tell you it breaks down social cohesion.
Jules: So people should split up for the good of the community?
Sean: Pretty much. I do seriously think being in a couple encourages people to become insular. They make people think they've met enough people, they've been social enough- now they get to be boring bastards who sit at home on a Friday night and leave a party to get home for midnight.
Jules: You really don't like couples, do you?
Sean: I'm just coming out of a relationship.
Jules: Ah, so you're revelling your freedom.
Sean: Actually I felt pretty free at the time- that was the problem. I didn't feel any obligation to her.
Jules: Being in a relationship isn't about being obligated.
Sean: No but... I booked this holiday without ever once thinking 'oh, maybe I should go on holiday with Lucy instead.'
Jules: How long were you together?
Sean: We started going out in August. So it's not... it's long enough to know it's not working but not like I've wasted years of her life.
Jules: Or of yours.
Sean: Well that was the point- it wasn't a waste of mine. I was doing what I wanted.
Jules: You're not coming across as a very nice guy in this.
Sean: I haven't been.
The waiter comes up to them.
Waiter: Are you ready to order?
Jules: Nasi Goreng please.
Sean (in Indonesian): Can I get the grilled fish (to Jules) Do you want to share a Big bottle of Bintang (beer).
Jules. No (beat) I want my own.
Sean smiles (to the waiter, in Indonesian): Two big Bintangs, please.
Jules: You speak Indonesian?
Sean: I know how to order a beer. I picked up some basics while I was in the village the bus picked me up at.
Jules: What were you doing there?
Sean: Getting in the way of my mate's work. Yeah, there wasn't really anything for me to do. So I played a lot of football with the kids. But it was cool. Got to see Indonesian village life.
Jules: And what was it like?
Sean: Like villages the world over, pretty boring.
Jules: Ah, a city snob.
Sean: I've got nothing against towns. I'm sure Harrogate's a great place to live.
Jules: Yeah, my parents really enjoy it.
Sean: You?
Jules: Moved to East London.
They both smile. The waiter arrives with the two large bottle of Bintang.
Sean (in Indonesian): Thank-you
Jules: How do you say thank-you?
Sean: Kam-sam-me-da. I'm not sure the accent is perfect but they seem to know what I'm saying.
Bob Marley comes on the radio. Sean makes a slightly embarassing laugh. Jules can't help laughing at this laugh.
Jules: What was that?
Sean: It was a manly and highly dignified laugh. I'm not sure what you find so funny.
Jules: But to what do we owe the pleasure of this deeply manly and highly dignified squeal.
Sean doesn't know how to respond.
Sean (eventually); I'd rather not say. It's been built up too much.
Jules: Well don't blame me for that, blame your voicebox.
Sean smiles, hoping to quietly drop it but Jules isn't going anywhere.
Jules: I'm waiting.
Sean: It's an in joke between me and some friends. It won't be funny.
Jules: See, that's the glory of it. Now you've gone all coy I'm in a win-win situation. If it is funny, then that's great. I get to laugh. If it's not that's even better because I still get to laugh, but at you.
Sean: I'm not sure we know each other well enough for you to take such delight in mocking me.
Jules: Think of it as the quick intimacy of two strangers spending a night together. (quickly) I mean evening.
Jules blushes in a way that glows through her suburn. Sean smiles at this reversal of fortunes.
Sean (mock serious): Look, I'm really flattered but I'm afraid I don't hook up with anyone who I suspect of not remembering my name.
Jules (offended he would think she's forgotten): Sean!
As she says it, she realises she's fallen for his trap.
Jules: Not that I'm in anyway making a proposition- ok?
Sean: Glad to hear it, because to be honest, you've really got to work on your seduction technique. I mean the plying me with booze is a good first step, but the mocking someone's deeply manly laugh... you're meant to be massaging my ego.
Jules: I think your ego's big enough to cope.
Sean: Again with the insults. And, anyway, you don't massage something to make it bigger. Unless... ah... I hadn't realised the male ego was like another part of the male anatomy.
Jules: Yes, although sadly this one has no problem staying large. Got it backwards there I think.
Sean: What can I say? The male: fundamentally a bit crap.
Jules: I'll drink to that.
Sean: Um, I have my own proposition. It's not as exciting as yours but, where are you headed next?
Jules: I was thinking of going to these island off Lombok.
Sean (smiling): The Gilis
Jules: Yeah.
Sean: What would you say to a travelling companion?
Jules: I"m not against the idea. Why do you know someone who's headed that way?
Sean looks disappointed for a moment until he realises she's teasing him. He smiles and she cackles in triumph.
Sean: So, I think there's a ferry tomorrow morning to Sumbawa and we can get a bus from there.
Jules: Sounds like a plan.
Ext. Restaurant-Night
Sean meets Jules outside her hotel restaurant. It's a pretty little courtyard, nicely lit and decorated with hanging baskets. There are a couple other groups of foreigners about. They sit down at a table and the waiter gives them menu. They examine them. There's a slight silence as they think what to say and so they read the menu instead.
Sean: See, why is it that everywhere in the world restaurants that want to appeal to backpackers serve banana pancakes?
Jules: You not a fan?
Sean: No, I love them. I'm probably going to have two. But they're clearly served with the western pallette on the mind and I have never seen one in the west. So how does every part of the world know, you see smelly hairy white people- get them a banana pancake.
Jules: It's not served everywhere.
Sean: Everywhere I've been.
Jules: Which is where?
Sean: Sri Lanka, Egypt, South America obviously.
Jules: That's a lot of banana pancakes.
Sean: They're always good. Where've you been apart from Chile?
Jules: Nowhere really. I mean, Europe. But yeah that's what this trip is about, seeing the world.
Sean: How long you've got?
Jules: Six months. I was offered six months unpaid leave while they try and sort out their books.
Sean: Nice. You doing the whole thing on your own?
Jules: I've just been in Australia for my friend's wedding so spent some time with my friends then but otherwise, nope no one interested.
Sean: It's not easy to get the holiday.
Jules: Well actually they did get it. But they'd rather go on holiday with boyfriends.
Sean: Couples, I swear they're tearing our communities apart.
Jules laughs
Sean: No, really. Everyone used to do things in groups and so people were always included. It was actually true that more the merrier was. Bring people in, it will be great. But then everyone starts to find an opposite half and suddenly, oh 'Do we have to do things as group?' 'Do we have to meet new people?'. I tell you it breaks down social cohesion.
Jules: So people should split up for the good of the community?
Sean: Pretty much. I do seriously think being in a couple encourages people to become insular. They make people think they've met enough people, they've been social enough- now they get to be boring bastards who sit at home on a Friday night and leave a party to get home for midnight.
Jules: You really don't like couples, do you?
Sean: I'm just coming out of a relationship.
Jules: Ah, so you're revelling your freedom.
Sean: Actually I felt pretty free at the time- that was the problem. I didn't feel any obligation to her.
Jules: Being in a relationship isn't about being obligated.
Sean: No but... I booked this holiday without ever once thinking 'oh, maybe I should go on holiday with Lucy instead.'
Jules: How long were you together?
Sean: We started going out in August. So it's not... it's long enough to know it's not working but not like I've wasted years of her life.
Jules: Or of yours.
Sean: Well that was the point- it wasn't a waste of mine. I was doing what I wanted.
Jules: You're not coming across as a very nice guy in this.
Sean: I haven't been.
The waiter comes up to them.
Waiter: Are you ready to order?
Jules: Nasi Goreng please.
Sean (in Indonesian): Can I get the grilled fish (to Jules) Do you want to share a Big bottle of Bintang (beer).
Jules. No (beat) I want my own.
Sean smiles (to the waiter, in Indonesian): Two big Bintangs, please.
Jules: You speak Indonesian?
Sean: I know how to order a beer. I picked up some basics while I was in the village the bus picked me up at.
Jules: What were you doing there?
Sean: Getting in the way of my mate's work. Yeah, there wasn't really anything for me to do. So I played a lot of football with the kids. But it was cool. Got to see Indonesian village life.
Jules: And what was it like?
Sean: Like villages the world over, pretty boring.
Jules: Ah, a city snob.
Sean: I've got nothing against towns. I'm sure Harrogate's a great place to live.
Jules: Yeah, my parents really enjoy it.
Sean: You?
Jules: Moved to East London.
They both smile. The waiter arrives with the two large bottle of Bintang.
Sean (in Indonesian): Thank-you
Jules: How do you say thank-you?
Sean: Kam-sam-me-da. I'm not sure the accent is perfect but they seem to know what I'm saying.
Bob Marley comes on the radio. Sean makes a slightly embarassing laugh. Jules can't help laughing at this laugh.
Jules: What was that?
Sean: It was a manly and highly dignified laugh. I'm not sure what you find so funny.
Jules: But to what do we owe the pleasure of this deeply manly and highly dignified squeal.
Sean doesn't know how to respond.
Sean (eventually); I'd rather not say. It's been built up too much.
Jules: Well don't blame me for that, blame your voicebox.
Sean smiles, hoping to quietly drop it but Jules isn't going anywhere.
Jules: I'm waiting.
Sean: It's an in joke between me and some friends. It won't be funny.
Jules: See, that's the glory of it. Now you've gone all coy I'm in a win-win situation. If it is funny, then that's great. I get to laugh. If it's not that's even better because I still get to laugh, but at you.
Sean: I'm not sure we know each other well enough for you to take such delight in mocking me.
Jules: Think of it as the quick intimacy of two strangers spending a night together. (quickly) I mean evening.
Jules blushes in a way that glows through her suburn. Sean smiles at this reversal of fortunes.
Sean (mock serious): Look, I'm really flattered but I'm afraid I don't hook up with anyone who I suspect of not remembering my name.
Jules (offended he would think she's forgotten): Sean!
As she says it, she realises she's fallen for his trap.
Jules: Not that I'm in anyway making a proposition- ok?
Sean: Glad to hear it, because to be honest, you've really got to work on your seduction technique. I mean the plying me with booze is a good first step, but the mocking someone's deeply manly laugh... you're meant to be massaging my ego.
Jules: I think your ego's big enough to cope.
Sean: Again with the insults. And, anyway, you don't massage something to make it bigger. Unless... ah... I hadn't realised the male ego was like another part of the male anatomy.
Jules: Yes, although sadly this one has no problem staying large. Got it backwards there I think.
Sean: What can I say? The male: fundamentally a bit crap.
Jules: I'll drink to that.
Sean: Um, I have my own proposition. It's not as exciting as yours but, where are you headed next?
Jules: I was thinking of going to these island off Lombok.
Sean (smiling): The Gilis
Jules: Yeah.
Sean: What would you say to a travelling companion?
Jules: I"m not against the idea. Why do you know someone who's headed that way?
Sean looks disappointed for a moment until he realises she's teasing him. He smiles and she cackles in triumph.
Sean: So, I think there's a ferry tomorrow morning to Sumbawa and we can get a bus from there.
Jules: Sounds like a plan.
Trip to Sumbawa
After the sun sets on the boat, Jules and Sean agree to a game of Shithead with this Ginger german (whose name they never catch).
Ginger has a torch which turns into a light and they gather round it, sitting on the floor as he deals the cards. Sean and Ginger play with the automatic air of people who've played this too many times to have to consider what their next move is. Jules, by contrast, is needing to concentrate and so is not able to participate in the conversation as much.
Sean: So is there 3 months worth of stuff to see in Indonesia?
Ginger: Oh shit, there's 3 years worth of stuff. I mean from one end of Indonesia to the other is the same as from Ireland to Iran. This place is huge.
Sean: And yet everyone thinks it's an island somewhere near Bali
Ginger: But Bali, yeah that's the best. I'm going back there now.
Sean: To do what?
Ginger (leaning over conspiratorially): Well, I'm going to see a man.
Sean: An Indonesian?
Ginger: No, he's British. Scottish.
Jules: Where did you meet him?
Ginger: I've never met him.
Jules and Sean look confused.
Ginger: But I've heard of him. Yeah, sure, he is famous. No, there is another word. Unfamous?
Jules: Infamous.
Ginger: Yeah, right. Infamous. This Scottish guy, he went searching for the poorest village in Indonesia.
Sean: There's a competition you don't want to win.
Ginger: No, but you do. Because the winner- he goes up to them and says 'I will stop you being poor but, but you have to do what I say. And he finds this village at the top of the mountain in Bali, which is a rich island, but they are the poorest people in Indonesia. So he goes to them and they say yes. So he is like a king there. But a good king. They have a school and sanitation and better agriculture.
Jules: He's a benign dictator.
Ginger: Dictator? No. He's very good for the village.
Jules: No, that's what I'm saying. He's benign- he's a kind dictator.
Ginger: Exactly so. But I think he is a crazy man, you know. So I am going to visit the village and see for myself.
Sean: Do they allow visitors?
Ginger: Yeah, I think so. The guys who told me about it, they had visited. I think you have to make a donation- for the school. I don't know how much I can give though you know? I'm very poor right now.
Sean looks at Jules and tries to hide a smirk. Jules is biting her lip and looks at Sean. Ginger picks up a lot of cards.
Ginger: Oh, I think I am going to be the shithead.
Sean: So where is it on Bali?
Ginger: I don't know exactly. Apparently if you go to Ubud you can find people who can take you there. It is at the top of the mountain where the land is very bad for growing. And you know before he came along no one in the village could do arithmetic. So they would go to market and all the people would steal from them because they did not know how much it should be.
Ginger has a torch which turns into a light and they gather round it, sitting on the floor as he deals the cards. Sean and Ginger play with the automatic air of people who've played this too many times to have to consider what their next move is. Jules, by contrast, is needing to concentrate and so is not able to participate in the conversation as much.
Sean: So is there 3 months worth of stuff to see in Indonesia?
Ginger: Oh shit, there's 3 years worth of stuff. I mean from one end of Indonesia to the other is the same as from Ireland to Iran. This place is huge.
Sean: And yet everyone thinks it's an island somewhere near Bali
Ginger: But Bali, yeah that's the best. I'm going back there now.
Sean: To do what?
Ginger (leaning over conspiratorially): Well, I'm going to see a man.
Sean: An Indonesian?
Ginger: No, he's British. Scottish.
Jules: Where did you meet him?
Ginger: I've never met him.
Jules and Sean look confused.
Ginger: But I've heard of him. Yeah, sure, he is famous. No, there is another word. Unfamous?
Jules: Infamous.
Ginger: Yeah, right. Infamous. This Scottish guy, he went searching for the poorest village in Indonesia.
Sean: There's a competition you don't want to win.
Ginger: No, but you do. Because the winner- he goes up to them and says 'I will stop you being poor but, but you have to do what I say. And he finds this village at the top of the mountain in Bali, which is a rich island, but they are the poorest people in Indonesia. So he goes to them and they say yes. So he is like a king there. But a good king. They have a school and sanitation and better agriculture.
Jules: He's a benign dictator.
Ginger: Dictator? No. He's very good for the village.
Jules: No, that's what I'm saying. He's benign- he's a kind dictator.
Ginger: Exactly so. But I think he is a crazy man, you know. So I am going to visit the village and see for myself.
Sean: Do they allow visitors?
Ginger: Yeah, I think so. The guys who told me about it, they had visited. I think you have to make a donation- for the school. I don't know how much I can give though you know? I'm very poor right now.
Sean looks at Jules and tries to hide a smirk. Jules is biting her lip and looks at Sean. Ginger picks up a lot of cards.
Ginger: Oh, I think I am going to be the shithead.
Sean: So where is it on Bali?
Ginger: I don't know exactly. Apparently if you go to Ubud you can find people who can take you there. It is at the top of the mountain where the land is very bad for growing. And you know before he came along no one in the village could do arithmetic. So they would go to market and all the people would steal from them because they did not know how much it should be.
Sunday, 7 March 2010
Trip to Sumbawa
After bonding on the boat back from Komodo and a boozy dinner where they had actually opened up to each other, Jules and Sean agree to travel together on to the Gilis.
They board a large ferry taking people across to Sumbawa, and having waited six hours, it's finally arrived. Having got onboard and let it take off, they get bored and decide to explore the boat.
At the far end of the boat, there's a little balcony. On it are a young Indonesia couple, quietly holding hands and a Westerner, with a very full head of gingery curls taking pictures of the sunset with a massive camera.
It really is a beautiful sunset, there's no denying it. But there's something discordinately frenetic about how this westerner is constantly snapping. A huge amount of energy is being wasted trying to capture the serene beauty of the fire red reflections of the sun on the water.
Eventually it's too much for Jules.
Jules: Hi, would you like me to take a picture with you in it?
The westerner looks genuinely surprised at this offer: as if it had never occurred to him.
Ginger (with a thick german accent): Yeah, sure. Why not?
He poses in a rather forthright manner as Jules takes one. She shows it to him.
Ginger: Oh, cool. Do you want me to take one of you guys.
This is the first time the two of them have released people must think they're a couple. They look at each other hesitatingly but quite keen.
Together: Sure, why not?
They both hand over cameras.
Ginger: Oh, you have two cameras?
They stand on the back of the boat. At the last moment Sean put his arm around Jules. The German takes the picture and show it to them. It's pretty good. They don't look like two people who met less than two days ago.
The German now starts clicking away again with his own camera.
Jules: You take a lot of photos.
Ginger: I can't get the photo that, um, steals? the beauty.
Jules: Captures. I don't reckon you can. I reckon you take one to remind you that it existed and then you just soak it up. Use your eyes and your senses.
The sun's nearly gone but they just lean over the edge staring out at the darkening sky. Sean casts a glance at Jules and looks away when she moves her head towards him. Now it's her turn to to look at him.
They board a large ferry taking people across to Sumbawa, and having waited six hours, it's finally arrived. Having got onboard and let it take off, they get bored and decide to explore the boat.
At the far end of the boat, there's a little balcony. On it are a young Indonesia couple, quietly holding hands and a Westerner, with a very full head of gingery curls taking pictures of the sunset with a massive camera.
It really is a beautiful sunset, there's no denying it. But there's something discordinately frenetic about how this westerner is constantly snapping. A huge amount of energy is being wasted trying to capture the serene beauty of the fire red reflections of the sun on the water.
Eventually it's too much for Jules.
Jules: Hi, would you like me to take a picture with you in it?
The westerner looks genuinely surprised at this offer: as if it had never occurred to him.
Ginger (with a thick german accent): Yeah, sure. Why not?
He poses in a rather forthright manner as Jules takes one. She shows it to him.
Ginger: Oh, cool. Do you want me to take one of you guys.
This is the first time the two of them have released people must think they're a couple. They look at each other hesitatingly but quite keen.
Together: Sure, why not?
They both hand over cameras.
Ginger: Oh, you have two cameras?
They stand on the back of the boat. At the last moment Sean put his arm around Jules. The German takes the picture and show it to them. It's pretty good. They don't look like two people who met less than two days ago.
The German now starts clicking away again with his own camera.
Jules: You take a lot of photos.
Ginger: I can't get the photo that, um, steals? the beauty.
Jules: Captures. I don't reckon you can. I reckon you take one to remind you that it existed and then you just soak it up. Use your eyes and your senses.
The sun's nearly gone but they just lean over the edge staring out at the darkening sky. Sean casts a glance at Jules and looks away when she moves her head towards him. Now it's her turn to to look at him.
Boat back
After the narration and the trip to the dragons all the tourists are sitting in silence looking at the gorgeous sunset. Jules comes up to Sean and whispers quietly in English.
Jules: How much did you give him?
Sean: Enough
Jules: How much, I'll go halves.
Sean: You don't have to do that.
Jules: I do. If I can't convince those boneheads that students or not, they're a hell of a lot richer than the people they're refusing to tip then I can at least pay part.
Sean: Your part isn't half.
Jules: And your part isn't whole. Stop being such a martyr just because of those brats.
Sean: Hey, we've all been there.
Jules: Really?
Sean: Sure, I remember travelling around South America with two friends. And we'd always been able to get a room for three until we came to this one place where could only find doubles. And the thing was, we had to get up at 3 o'clock or something stupid to go on this hike. So we were like fuck it, we're not paying for two rooms so we persuaded them to let us all share one double bed. So we had 3 blokes, of which I was the smallest, rammed into this double bed. My face is up against the wall and Liam's knees are digging into my back and I do some quick sums. We'd saved £1.20 each by not getting another room.
Jules: Well, you know, you look after the pennies
Sean: And the pounds get spent on Chiropractors
Jules: Where in South America did you go?
Sean: Flew into Buenos Aires then up the Andes, Bolivia, Peru, then out to the Galapagos and home from Ecuador.
Jules: How long did it take you?
Sean: Seven weeks.
Jules: Seven weeks? To do the length of South America.
Sean: We went quite hard.
Jules: Did you fly everywhere
Sean: No, just took an awful lot of buses.
Jules: You must have spent half your time on a bus.
Sean (shrugs): The views were good. And my knowledge of Jean-Claude Van Damme movies went up exponentially. You ever been to South America?
Jules: Lived in Chile for a year.
Sean: Hence the conversation. You get to see anywhere else.
Jules: I went to Macchu Picchu but I flew.
Sean: Well I guess some people don't worry about their carbon footprint.
Jules: So how did you get to Indonesia, row boat?
Sean: Pedalo. I was only meant to go to the Isle of Wight. Overshot slightly.
It's a crap joke but Juels still smiles.
Jules: No, but you're right, it's ridiculous. I've spent the last two years working on ways for Britain to cut its footpriny and then what do I do? Fly all over the fucking world for six months. It's quite spectacular hypocrisy. No wonder we're fucked. I'm meant to be one of the ones who gets it, who cares, who's willing to make sacrifices. But still I went and left on a jet plane. About ten times.
Sean: It sucks doesn't it. Generally I'm pretty cool with the sacrifices that need to be made. I'll slip on a big thick jumper rather than put the heating on, bike arond the place, eat less meat. I'm good with all that. But stop flying? Actually say, it's good, I don't want to see the rest of the world, I'll go on holiday to Southwold. I have no interest in seeing what else the world has to offer. I just don't know that I'm willing to do that, even to save manknd.
Jules: And then who are we are to say to those who go, you know what I don't want to fly. I'm quite happy where I am in comfort and with people I know. If you say I can't travel the world, that's not a problem. As long as you let me drive my car, I'll happily sacrifice any chance to see what Indonesia is like. What do you say to those people?
Sean is silent for a second and looks out again at the sun dipping below the horizon.
Sean: I'd say, you should see what I'm seeing.
Jules smiles and relaxes, letting the view take the spotlight.
Jules: How much did you give him?
Sean: Enough
Jules: How much, I'll go halves.
Sean: You don't have to do that.
Jules: I do. If I can't convince those boneheads that students or not, they're a hell of a lot richer than the people they're refusing to tip then I can at least pay part.
Sean: Your part isn't half.
Jules: And your part isn't whole. Stop being such a martyr just because of those brats.
Sean: Hey, we've all been there.
Jules: Really?
Sean: Sure, I remember travelling around South America with two friends. And we'd always been able to get a room for three until we came to this one place where could only find doubles. And the thing was, we had to get up at 3 o'clock or something stupid to go on this hike. So we were like fuck it, we're not paying for two rooms so we persuaded them to let us all share one double bed. So we had 3 blokes, of which I was the smallest, rammed into this double bed. My face is up against the wall and Liam's knees are digging into my back and I do some quick sums. We'd saved £1.20 each by not getting another room.
Jules: Well, you know, you look after the pennies
Sean: And the pounds get spent on Chiropractors
Jules: Where in South America did you go?
Sean: Flew into Buenos Aires then up the Andes, Bolivia, Peru, then out to the Galapagos and home from Ecuador.
Jules: How long did it take you?
Sean: Seven weeks.
Jules: Seven weeks? To do the length of South America.
Sean: We went quite hard.
Jules: Did you fly everywhere
Sean: No, just took an awful lot of buses.
Jules: You must have spent half your time on a bus.
Sean (shrugs): The views were good. And my knowledge of Jean-Claude Van Damme movies went up exponentially. You ever been to South America?
Jules: Lived in Chile for a year.
Sean: Hence the conversation. You get to see anywhere else.
Jules: I went to Macchu Picchu but I flew.
Sean: Well I guess some people don't worry about their carbon footprint.
Jules: So how did you get to Indonesia, row boat?
Sean: Pedalo. I was only meant to go to the Isle of Wight. Overshot slightly.
It's a crap joke but Juels still smiles.
Jules: No, but you're right, it's ridiculous. I've spent the last two years working on ways for Britain to cut its footpriny and then what do I do? Fly all over the fucking world for six months. It's quite spectacular hypocrisy. No wonder we're fucked. I'm meant to be one of the ones who gets it, who cares, who's willing to make sacrifices. But still I went and left on a jet plane. About ten times.
Sean: It sucks doesn't it. Generally I'm pretty cool with the sacrifices that need to be made. I'll slip on a big thick jumper rather than put the heating on, bike arond the place, eat less meat. I'm good with all that. But stop flying? Actually say, it's good, I don't want to see the rest of the world, I'll go on holiday to Southwold. I have no interest in seeing what else the world has to offer. I just don't know that I'm willing to do that, even to save manknd.
Jules: And then who are we are to say to those who go, you know what I don't want to fly. I'm quite happy where I am in comfort and with people I know. If you say I can't travel the world, that's not a problem. As long as you let me drive my car, I'll happily sacrifice any chance to see what Indonesia is like. What do you say to those people?
Sean is silent for a second and looks out again at the sun dipping below the horizon.
Sean: I'd say, you should see what I'm seeing.
Jules smiles and relaxes, letting the view take the spotlight.
First Narration
One of the things I want to add to this script is a series of vignettes where stories about Indonesia, the country the characters travel through without ever really scratching the surface of, get an airing. They'll be about some character who is helping them, who they're not really paying any attention to.
It's very much following a model used by the Cuaron brothers in Y Tu Mama Tambien. Like them I want an impersonal narrator and visuals that highlight what the characters are doing rather than the subjects of the stories.
Anyway this is the first one about the boat pilot taking the guys to the island to see Komodo dragons. As the story unfolds we see the tourists leave the boat, step onto the island, see the dragons, admire the view, take photos, come back, fail to give the guide a tip and then Sean runs back and gives them something, and then get back on the boat and sail back under a setting sun as the story ends.
And this is what it sounds like, first draft anyway:
Muhammed was glad that the white man with the coloured eyes was playing with the boy. He often took the boy to and from the island where his mother worked as a guide but they never talked. They never really interacted except to say hello and goodbye. Muhammed didn't feel comfortable talking to children.
He'd been the youngest of six so wasn't used to having to take care of anyone younger than himself and when he'd gone off to find work it was in the forest, away from families and children.
But when he'd come back to the fishing villae, children were suddenly important. Latipah, the most beuatiful woman in the village, who he'd gawped at in school and at festivals, was a widow with three young children. Muhammed had money now and could be a husband. He started visiting her and soon they were married.
Now he was a father and although he was nervous at first he soon learnt to love his new children and would take them swimming in the morning in the Indian Ocean off Aceh.
Then one morning, the day after a holiday for Christians, the waves started to pull away, back into the sea. He wasn't sure why at first but then he saw it start to swell. He grabbed the youngest in one arm and the middle in another but he did not have space for the eldest.
'Run' he told him. He was a quick boy. Maybe he could make it himself. They started to run but thye boy was too small. He couldn't keep up. Muhammed couldn't stop for him. He'd lose all the children if he did. He ran and he ran. He got to higher ground, left the other two and sprinted back.
But the waves had come. For six days he searched for the boy. But he was gone.
Latipah would not speak to him. Would not look at him except once but all he could see in those eyes were anger, fury. He had let her sone die. If it had been his own son, he would not have let this happen.
Muhammed did not believe this but he could persuade her. Eventually he realised he had to leave.
He came to Flores and settled among the Catholics, who drank beer. He drank beer too now. And didn't pray. Not even on Fridays. He had a job. He'd even made some friends. He had, not a whole life again, but he did have a bit of one. But he couldn't talk to children.
It's very much following a model used by the Cuaron brothers in Y Tu Mama Tambien. Like them I want an impersonal narrator and visuals that highlight what the characters are doing rather than the subjects of the stories.
Anyway this is the first one about the boat pilot taking the guys to the island to see Komodo dragons. As the story unfolds we see the tourists leave the boat, step onto the island, see the dragons, admire the view, take photos, come back, fail to give the guide a tip and then Sean runs back and gives them something, and then get back on the boat and sail back under a setting sun as the story ends.
And this is what it sounds like, first draft anyway:
Muhammed was glad that the white man with the coloured eyes was playing with the boy. He often took the boy to and from the island where his mother worked as a guide but they never talked. They never really interacted except to say hello and goodbye. Muhammed didn't feel comfortable talking to children.
He'd been the youngest of six so wasn't used to having to take care of anyone younger than himself and when he'd gone off to find work it was in the forest, away from families and children.
But when he'd come back to the fishing villae, children were suddenly important. Latipah, the most beuatiful woman in the village, who he'd gawped at in school and at festivals, was a widow with three young children. Muhammed had money now and could be a husband. He started visiting her and soon they were married.
Now he was a father and although he was nervous at first he soon learnt to love his new children and would take them swimming in the morning in the Indian Ocean off Aceh.
Then one morning, the day after a holiday for Christians, the waves started to pull away, back into the sea. He wasn't sure why at first but then he saw it start to swell. He grabbed the youngest in one arm and the middle in another but he did not have space for the eldest.
'Run' he told him. He was a quick boy. Maybe he could make it himself. They started to run but thye boy was too small. He couldn't keep up. Muhammed couldn't stop for him. He'd lose all the children if he did. He ran and he ran. He got to higher ground, left the other two and sprinted back.
But the waves had come. For six days he searched for the boy. But he was gone.
Latipah would not speak to him. Would not look at him except once but all he could see in those eyes were anger, fury. He had let her sone die. If it had been his own son, he would not have let this happen.
Muhammed did not believe this but he could persuade her. Eventually he realised he had to leave.
He came to Flores and settled among the Catholics, who drank beer. He drank beer too now. And didn't pray. Not even on Fridays. He had a job. He'd even made some friends. He had, not a whole life again, but he did have a bit of one. But he couldn't talk to children.
Trip to Komodo
Context:
After meeting on the bus and not exactly getting on famously, Sean went to a different hotel then Jules and said goodbye. If they'd thought about it they'd probably have guessed they were doing the same thing in the morning but they say goodbye as if they're never going to see each other again. In her case, good riddance. In his case, he's already decided there's something about her, but he can't figure out what.
Int. Tourist Agency
As far as makeshift backpacker 'travel agencies' go, this one's quite smart. There's a computer that seems to work, a glass door and a ceiling fan that actually cools the room to a pleasant degree.
As Sean walks in, two men- one slight slick and one considerably more dim looking- stand up immediately.
Slick man: Hello! You go see Komodo Dragons?
Sean: Yes. Is it possible today?
Slick Man: Today? Yes, very quick. But leave in 5 minutes. Come
Sean: How much?
Slick Man: 100,000 Rupiah
Sean laughs and shakes his head and makes to leave.
Slick Man: It's a good price.
Sean: Well I go to the next one and see what he says.
Slick man: Ok. You miss the boat.
Sean walks out the door and is called back.
Slick Man: Ok, ok. 80,000.
Sean turns back triumphant. He consider further haggling but then coughs up.
Ext. Jetty.
The other man rushes him to the boat. To Sean's surprise, they really weren't joking about missing the boat. They get to the Jetty just as the ropes are about to be untied and he jumps in.
As he sits down, he see who he is with. There's the pilot, a gruff haggard and lean man with a strong mullet and moustache combo going on. A young boy who's carrying groceries. Three spanish students about 21, looking the epitome of backpacker chic. And with them is Jules. The four of them had been happily in conversation in Spanish before his arrival.
Sean (to all): Hi there.
He has a special smile and nod for Jules.
Sean: You sleep alright?
Jules nods and then introduces the Spainards.
Jules: This is Paco, Jorge and Ignacio.
Sean: Hola.
Ignacio: You speak Spanish?
The rest of the conversation is in Spanish with English subtitles. But the subtitles do no translate perfectly. They are only as good as Sean's understanding which is not brilliant. When Sean is speaking they highlight his imperfect grasp.
Sean: A little. But I understand well, so please continue your conversation.
Jorge: Are you sure?
Sean: Of course.
As he says this, the boat starts its engine and makes it way out to sea. Sean notices the little boy looking at him shyly. Sean smiles at him and the boy smiles back.
Jules(to Sean): We were talking about Chile.
Sean: Oh, are you guys from Chile?
Jorge(mock offended): No! We're Madrid people.
Sean: From Madrid?
Jorge: Yes.
Jules: It's obvious because of their ___ accents
As she says this she pushes up her nose.
Jorge: _____ English ___
Jules: Me no. I'm from Yorkshire. It's not (pico)
Sean: What is pico?
Jules(in English): Posh
Sean(back in Spanish): You say you're not posh?
Jules: Yes
Sean: Where you from?
Jules: Harrogate
Sean (to the Spaniards): Harrogate is very posh
He does the nose thing. The Spaniards laugh.
Jules: Well, where are you from?
Sean(smiling): Kent
Jules: He's from the south, he's posher than me.
Ignacio: English, always talking about class.
Jules: It's interesting.
Ignacio: Yes, but ___
Jorge: ___
Paco: ____
Ignacio: No
Paco: Yes _____ South
Jorge: ______ Gays_____
Jules: But it's true, when____ cities___
Paco: _____
Jorge: _____
The all laugh.
Sean is bored at this poin and turns to the boy. He offers him a peanut. The boy says yes and Sean throws it at him. The boy nearly misses it and it begins a game where he throws them and the boy has to catch them or at least stop them going overboard.
The pilot watches this and the smalles trace of a smile begins to cross his mouth.
And now begins the narration, see next post
After meeting on the bus and not exactly getting on famously, Sean went to a different hotel then Jules and said goodbye. If they'd thought about it they'd probably have guessed they were doing the same thing in the morning but they say goodbye as if they're never going to see each other again. In her case, good riddance. In his case, he's already decided there's something about her, but he can't figure out what.
Int. Tourist Agency
As far as makeshift backpacker 'travel agencies' go, this one's quite smart. There's a computer that seems to work, a glass door and a ceiling fan that actually cools the room to a pleasant degree.
As Sean walks in, two men- one slight slick and one considerably more dim looking- stand up immediately.
Slick man: Hello! You go see Komodo Dragons?
Sean: Yes. Is it possible today?
Slick Man: Today? Yes, very quick. But leave in 5 minutes. Come
Sean: How much?
Slick Man: 100,000 Rupiah
Sean laughs and shakes his head and makes to leave.
Slick Man: It's a good price.
Sean: Well I go to the next one and see what he says.
Slick man: Ok. You miss the boat.
Sean walks out the door and is called back.
Slick Man: Ok, ok. 80,000.
Sean turns back triumphant. He consider further haggling but then coughs up.
Ext. Jetty.
The other man rushes him to the boat. To Sean's surprise, they really weren't joking about missing the boat. They get to the Jetty just as the ropes are about to be untied and he jumps in.
As he sits down, he see who he is with. There's the pilot, a gruff haggard and lean man with a strong mullet and moustache combo going on. A young boy who's carrying groceries. Three spanish students about 21, looking the epitome of backpacker chic. And with them is Jules. The four of them had been happily in conversation in Spanish before his arrival.
Sean (to all): Hi there.
He has a special smile and nod for Jules.
Sean: You sleep alright?
Jules nods and then introduces the Spainards.
Jules: This is Paco, Jorge and Ignacio.
Sean: Hola.
Ignacio: You speak Spanish?
The rest of the conversation is in Spanish with English subtitles. But the subtitles do no translate perfectly. They are only as good as Sean's understanding which is not brilliant. When Sean is speaking they highlight his imperfect grasp.
Sean: A little. But I understand well, so please continue your conversation.
Jorge: Are you sure?
Sean: Of course.
As he says this, the boat starts its engine and makes it way out to sea. Sean notices the little boy looking at him shyly. Sean smiles at him and the boy smiles back.
Jules(to Sean): We were talking about Chile.
Sean: Oh, are you guys from Chile?
Jorge(mock offended): No! We're Madrid people.
Sean: From Madrid?
Jorge: Yes.
Jules: It's obvious because of their ___ accents
As she says this she pushes up her nose.
Jorge: _____ English ___
Jules: Me no. I'm from Yorkshire. It's not (pico)
Sean: What is pico?
Jules(in English): Posh
Sean(back in Spanish): You say you're not posh?
Jules: Yes
Sean: Where you from?
Jules: Harrogate
Sean (to the Spaniards): Harrogate is very posh
He does the nose thing. The Spaniards laugh.
Jules: Well, where are you from?
Sean(smiling): Kent
Jules: He's from the south, he's posher than me.
Ignacio: English, always talking about class.
Jules: It's interesting.
Ignacio: Yes, but ___
Jorge: ___
Paco: ____
Ignacio: No
Paco: Yes _____ South
Jorge: ______ Gays_____
Jules: But it's true, when____ cities___
Paco: _____
Jorge: _____
The all laugh.
Sean is bored at this poin and turns to the boy. He offers him a peanut. The boy says yes and Sean throws it at him. The boy nearly misses it and it begins a game where he throws them and the boy has to catch them or at least stop them going overboard.
The pilot watches this and the smalles trace of a smile begins to cross his mouth.
And now begins the narration, see next post
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