EXT. KEENAN'S MANSION - NIGHT
James paces down the street. Anthony finally gets to James.
ANTHONY - James!
James whips around. His eyes filled with emotion.
JAMES - Why the fuck did you take his side back there?
ANTHONY - James, I didn't. I just apologized.
JAMES - For what?! Did you not see what he was doing?
Anthony considers this. He treads carefully.
ANTHONY - It doesn't matter what he did. You gotta understand how that made you look.
JAMES - And how is that, huh? How I looked like I didn't want to grind on that fucking guy?
Anthony glances around, making sure no one is listening.
ANTHONY - No one's saying that. But you have to know that you're a rising fucking star.
This slightly resonated with James. His hanger subsides.
ANTHONY (CONT'D) - You have gotta learn how to act like one, or you're gonna be blacklisted so goddamn quick in this town, it'll make your head spin.
James' anger turns to frustration, as he fights back tears.
ANTHONY (CONT'D) - This is LA. Play the fucking game.
JAMES - The fuck is that supposed to mean?
ANTHONY - It means "that guy" was Ata Lily -- award nominated producer. You know what he could do for you?
James scoffs -- he hates that Anthony's right.
JAMES - Great. So now I have to be some coked-out, closeted gay to make it?
A COUPLE walking by lends James a judgemental glare.
ANTHONY - No. What I'm saying is that small-town mentality of yours has to go... Keep an open mind, fucking scrape by, and enjoy the fucking ride.
Anthony gestures out to the glowing light of LA, framed by enormous palm trees, and mountain ranges.
ANTHONY (CONT'D) - I mean this is what it's all about.
A sentimental beat. James takes in Anthony's lecture. Through their silence, there's an understanding between them.
James smiles and scoffs, laughing everything off. He takes out his phone and looks through a RIDESHARE APP. Anthony exhales and composes himself.
ANTHONY (CONT'D) - Are you going to say something, or is this just a monologue?
JAMES - I dunno... It-it's just so new, and a lot to handle.
ANTHONY - Look...
Anthony massages James' shoulders (purely platonic).
ANTHONY (CONT'D) - Since my little James is all coked out, and filled with testosterone and rage... How about I call over some whores for you?
James laughs -- you can't be serious.
ANTHONY (CONT'D) - I'll clear you up a bit.
A car pulls up to James. Anthony stops his massage.
JAMES - Thanks, but I don't need your pity pussy.
ANTHONY - Oh really?? I'm your agent, and I know damn well it's been way too long since anyone has fiddled down there.
James fights the urge to crack a smile but ultimately does. The driver impatiently HONKS. James enters the backseat.
ANTHONY (CONT'D) - They'll be at your place in an hour.
JAMES - We'll see.
He grins, unsure if Anthony is serious. James shuts the door.
Right before the driver rides off, Anthony knocks on the window. James rolls it down.
ANTHONY - A fight, coke, and whores... Your first true night in LA.
James dismissively laughs -- this guy is crazy.
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...
