But what's your vision...

--This is a snippet from a larger series I am developing entitled Rawluck --

                                                           -

A young developer from an influential family, Max Argentum attempts to recruit his former mentor, Law Professor and community organizer Steven Jonstone, into supporting his vision for the future.

A conversation around gentrification, community, and validity is underscored by traumatic personal and professional past events and their consequences.

INT. Hallway. University of Toronto, late afternoon

MAX ARGENTUM (White, early 30's), an alumni of the University of Toronto's Law School is walking through the corridors of Osgoode Hall.

INT. Classroom. University of Toronto, late afternoon

PROFESSOR JONSTONE (Mohawk, late 40's), a law professor at the University of Toronto is straightening up his desk getting ready to give a lecture. Max Argentum, a former law student and now the acting CEO of his father's ARGENTUM DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, drops by for a visit.

Max is standing in the doorway to the classroom, he is confident in himself but still hesitant to disturb Professor Jonstone.

Shots of Max against a black backdrop, shirtless with scars from knife wounds. We don't see Max's face, just his scars.

Sensing someone in the room, Jonstone waits for the person to make their presence known. He wants to know how the presence will assert themselves in the room. Finally, Max jovially breaks the silence.

"How are ya?" - Max Argentum.

Professor Jonstone is surprised but regains his composure quickly. He smiles as he turns around and replies - "Max Argentum. How the hell are you???" 

Max Argentum - "I'm good, I'm good! How are you??"

"Good is not an answer I want to hear. Tell me more first, I'm about to spend the next couple of hours speaking." - Jonstone is non-commital but attempts to keep the mood light.

Max responds with growing confidence and enthusiasm. - "Wonderful. That's great. Yes, really great. I've been busy I guess. You've heard obviously about father's new role and so that in turn means a lot more responsibility for me of course but it's exciting and challenging work to be sure."

"Exciting and challenging are two beautiful things. I'm happy for you." - Jonstone replies evenly.

Max Argentum beams for a second. - "And so what about you? How've you been keeping?"

"Keeping? Am I a kept man now? A prisoner of the ivory tower?" - Jonstone can't help but let some sarcasm and bitterness creep into his voice despite himself.

Max ploughs on, unperturbed - "Stop this. How've you been? What've you been working on? I know you. You are never just content to lecture."

Jonstone - "You are kind. But I am retired from the role of provacateur in any other arena then that of the mind."

Max lets off a quick laugh and asks - "Is that such a limiting battlefield then?"

"Depends on who's standing atop it I suppose." - Jonstone replies deadpan to which Max Argentum shoots back...

"A worthy adversary makes for a respectable champion." - Max.

Jonstone nods and slowly replies - "That it does. But in the end it still all comes down to what you were fighting for doesn't it?"