EXT. SUNSET BLVD. - DAY
James and Anthony stand at a street corner. They wait for the light to turn red so they can cross. Behind them, stands CHRISTINE and ELLIOT (20's; couple). They stare at James and whisper to each other.
ELLIOT - No way... Is it?
Anthony overhears this. He nudges James.
ANTHONY - Look at you mister famous.
JAMES - Huh?
Elliot taps James on his shoulder.
ELLIOT - Uh, excuse me
James is startled as he turns around.
CHRISTINE - I'm sorry, but are you, James Ritter?
JAMES - That's me.
James can't help but smile. He looks to Anthony for guidance.
CHRISTINE - We are such big fans!
ELLIOT - Oh, dude, I think she loves you more than me.
JAMES - Aw, thanks, guys.
Anthony steps in. He knows how to navigate this.
ANTHONY - Hey, you guys want a picture?
CHRISTINE - Yeah! That'd be great.
Christine whips out her phone and hands it to Anthony. She and Elliot quickly pose with James. They all smile... CLICK. She takes back her phone. She and Elliot study the photo.
JAMES - You know you guys are the first people to ever recognize me?
CHRISTINE - No way.
ELLIOT - Really??
JAMES - Yeah.
An awkward beat before Elliot breaks the tension.
ELLIOT - Well hey, listen. She and I were on our way to lunch. Would you --
ANTHONY - Sorry, guys.
Anthony politely takes James away.
ANTHONY (CONT'D) - But we have somewhere to be.
(to James)
C'mon
James and Anthony pace away in the opposite direction.
JAMES (to the couple) - See ya guys!
CHRISTINE - Bye!
As they walk away, James turns to Anthony in shock.
JAMES - Can you believe that?! I got recognized.
ANTHONY - Pretty cool, huh?
JAMES - Feels kinda strange.
ANTHONY - Get used to us. Plenty more of that to come.
RING... Anthony gets a call, and they stop.
ANTHONY (CONT'D) - Hold on a sec.
(into phone)
Linus! What's up?
(beat)
Really? Right now?
Anthony checks his phone for the time. James studies him.
ANTHONY (CONT'D) - Sure, why not?
(beat)
I'm with James, is that okay?
(beat)
Perfect, see you soon.
Anthony hangs up and turns to James with excitement.
ANTHONY (CONT'D) - It's your lucky day. Remember Linus?
James shrugs -- he does not.
ANTHONY (CONT'D) - Well he's throwing a little pre-premier party out in the hills.
JAMES - I can't.
ANTHONY - Can't??
JAMES - Yeah. I have that table read later.
ANTHONY - Funny! As if you're going to miss partying with fucking A-listers for some table read.
James stands impassive, unsure of how to proceed.
ANTHONY (CONT'D) - Just tell em' you're sick and reschedule. Hell... I'll call them if you want.
Anthony playfully reaches for James' phone.
JAMES - No, stop.
ANTHONY - So?? What's it gonna be then?
James tries to hold to his decision but ultimately smiles.
YOU ARE READING
LA Monster (Screenplay)
General FictionAfter visiting Los Angeles for just four days, I knew I had seen enough to write -- what I believe -- is an eerily accurate depiction of what this place means to a lot of people. LA Monster is a screenplay about an aspiring actor that moves to Los...
