INT. MALIBU - NOBU RESTAURANT - DAY
James, Anthony, Edith, Perry, and Kevin sit outside, overlooking the beach.
They're nearly done with their meal. Edith looks around, soaking in the surreal scenery.
EDITH - Still can't believe this place -- these views.
KEVIN - So this is how a movie start lives?
ANTHONY - Only when you have such a great agent.
They all share a laugh, when...
JAMES - Where are you guys staying?
EDITH (to Perry) - Honey do you remember what --
PERRY - Uh, it's in Little...?
Perry looks to Kevin for help, but he shrugs his shoulders.
ANTHONY - I put them in Little Armenia.
JAMES - That's what you think of my family?
Although he uses a joking tone, there's some truth to this.
JAMES (CONT'D) - I'll put you guys in WeHo, a lot nicer area.
ANTHONY - I'll have Stephanie get on it.
KEVIN (facetious) - Who's Stephanie? Your LA assistant who does everything for you?
JAMES - I wouldn't say everything, but she does enough.
Edith, Perry, and Kevin look at James as if he has three heads -- shocked that he's serious.
EDITH - Really?? That's amazing.
JAMES - Yeah, I mean it's not that big of a deal.
KEVIN - But kind of, right?
James doesn't know how to proceed.
ANTHONY - My James here earned it.
Although Kevin has joy for James' success, there's something about James and Anthony's relationship that makes him jealous,
PERRY - Speaking of success, Obsidian Light ---
EDITH - We loved it! You have to tell us all about it.
KEVIN - What was the script like?
James has no interest in carrying this topic.
JAMES - I'm sorry guys, but can we talk about anything besides this? All I've done for the last month is talk about this damn movie on press tour.
An awkward beat. They've never seen James like this before.
EDITH - If you had to pick, what's one thing you miss about back home?
JAMES - Hell -- I dunno... I guess --
TIMID FAN - James Ritter?
They all turn to find a TIMID FAN (20's) standing at their table.
TIMID FAN (CONT'D) - That is you! Sorry if I'm interrupting...
ANTHONY (muttering) Too late for that.
James appears impassive. Edith, Perry, and Kevin can't help but gaze at James and admire his level of fame.
TIMID DAN - ... But Obsidian Light was crazy! I'm such a huge fan.
JAMES - Thank you.
He lends a habitual smile and goes back to his meal.
TIMID FAN - Mind if I get a picture?
James takes a moment to not become annoyed. He sets his utensils down and rises to pose with Timid Fan.
EDITH - My son's a star!
Timid Fan gives Anthony his phone. He smiles and James musters up a neutral grin... CLICK.
ANTHONY - There ya go.
Timid Fan takes his phone and rushes away in awe.
TIMID FAN - Thanks again!
James sits back down. He tries to avoid everyone's stare.
JAMES (to Kevin) - What're you doing after this?
KEVIN - Nothing. Nothing at all.
Anthony calls out to a passing WAITRESS.
ANTHONY - Miss! Check please?
She nods and walks off.
JAMES - Cool. Well, I have an interview at...?
ANTHONY - In an hour.
JAMES - Perfect. I'll see if there's something we can do tonight.
KEVIN (sarcastic) Like what? A Hollywood party?
JAMES - I'll see what's around.
Kevin is surprised by this response, as he nearly chokes.
WAITRESS - Feel free to pay whenever.
She places the check down. Before she can walk away, James pulls out his wallet and hands her a credit card.
JAMES - Here you go.
EDITH - We got it.
KEVIN - Yeah, it's your birthday.
Edith, Perry, and Kevin all take out their wallets.
JAMES - Thanks guys, but this place is slightly out of your guy's budget.
James gives his card to the Waitress.
WAITRESS - Be right back.
She paces off. James continues, unaware of how deflated Edith, Perry, and Kevin appear.
EXT. DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES - DAY
James stops outside of a corporate building (on the phone).
JAMES - Real quick. Do you mind if I bring an outsider tonight? My friend from home is visiting.
ISIAH (V.O) - Of course! As long they're cool. I don't need any of that --
JAMES - He's fine, don't worry.
ISIAH (V.O) - Sounds good my friend. See ya tonight.
James hangs up and enters the building.
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...
