The following script is for a short film entered into the Barcelona edition of the 24-Hour Film Project competition in 2012. It won the prize for best script in its selection.
The film can be viewed on YouTube.
OBJECTUM OF DESIRE
INT. MAN’S LIVING ROOM
A MAN is standing before a WOMAN who has her back to us. The WOMAN is animated, clearly having a lot to say about him. The MAN stands there, looking uncomprehending, like this sort of social interaction is beyond his understanding.
INT. MAN’S LIVING ROOM
LATER
The Man sits alone on his sofa, looking glum.
MAN
Always the same… every time… they always leave.
(Quoting to himself)
You’re too distant; you’re here but you’re not here; we don’t connect.
(Back to talking simply)
They always leave…
The MAN falls into introspective silence before lifting his head, a sad smile on his face, searching out for something (the OBJECT). He finds it.
MAN
Not you though. You never leave.
He picks up the OBJ.
MAN
You’re always here when I need you.
He strokes the OBJ.
MAN
Faithful… true…
He presses the OBJ against his face.
MAN
You never reject me. You’re always ready to listen. You… accept me.
He holds the OBJ close to his face and stares at it intently.
MAN
The one true constant in my life…
A look of realization creeps across his face.
MAN
My god, it’s you, isn’t it? It’s always been you…
Looking almost scared by the enormity of what he’s feeling, the MAN brings the OBJ slowly towards his trembling lips.
MAN (hoarsely, unbelieving)
I… I love you.
Tenderly, the Man kisses the OBJ.
INT. SISTER’S HOUSE
The Man is at the dinner table with the OBJ, his SISTER and her HUSBAND.
SIS
Marry it? Have you lost your mind> what am I saying? Of course you’ve lost it…
MAN
Isn’t that one of the signs of true love?
SIS
Oh my god!
HUS
He’s got a point.
SIS
Don’t encourage him.
MAN
Look, sis, I’m happy… Annabel and I…
SIS
Annabel? You’ve given it a name?
MAN
It IS her name.
SIS
Annabel? ANNABEL?
HUS
It’s a nice name. How did you guys meet?
SIS
Dan, stop it!
(PAUSE)
(Holding her head)
Christ! This is going to kill mum and dad.
MAN
They didn’t approve of your choice either, remember…
HUS
Yeah… and I’m an animate human being. Tough crowd, your folks…
SIS
Jesus. I can’t deal with this. It’s… it’s…
MAN (picking up OBJ)
Come on Annabel, let’s go… my sister needs space to process…
SIS
Christ!
EXT. OUTSIDE SISTER’S HOUSE
MAN (to OBJ)
She’ll come round.
ROMANTIC MONTAGE SEQUENCE OF MAN AND OBJ IN DIFFERENT SETTINGS
WATCHING A FILM TOGETHER ON THE SOFA
PICNIC
DINNER
BEACH/LOOKING OUT OVER CITY
IN BED
INT. MAN’S LIVING ROOM
The MAN comes home from work.
MAN (VO)
Hey Bel… it’s me.
He walks into the room and looks to where the OBJ ought to be… but it isn’t there.
MAN
Bel!
He starts searching frantically.
MAN
Bel! Annabel!
Having no luck finding the OBJ, distraught, the Man picks up the phone.
SPLIT SCREEN
MAN AT MAN’S PLACE
HUSBAND AT SISTER’S PLACE
Hello?
Annabel. She’s gone!
Say again…
I’ve looked everywhere bit I can’t find her!
Calm down, mate…
I must have done something, said something, I don’t know… but she’s left me!
Ah, I’m not sure that’s possible mate. I mean, you know…
What else could it be?
Well I…
(PAUSE)
Oh!
What?
Your sister… she should’ve been back over an hour ago. She said she had some errands to run…
What are you saying?
I don’t know for sure, mate, but you know how she felt about your… er… relationship.
She’s taken her!
She could have. I…
I have to go!
INT. MAN’S LIVING ROOM
The Man hangs up the phone and runs from the house.
EXT. STREET
MAN runs in slo-mo.
EXT. BEACH
The SIS is holding the OBJ and looking out to sea.
EXT. STREET
MAN runs in slo-mo.
EXT. BEACH
The SIS looks at the OBJ, weighing it in her hand.
EXT. STREET
MAN runs in slo-mo.
EXT. BEACH
The SIS shakes her head and breathes in decidedly. Slo-mo, she throws her arm back, ready to throw OBJ into the sea.
EXT. INDISCRIMINATE BLUE SKY
MAN runs in slo-mo.
EXT. BEACH
SIS slo-mo throwing OBJ.
EXT. INDISCRIMINATE BLUE SKY
MAN leaps in slo-mo, arms outstretched.
MAN (in slo-mo)
Nooooooooooooooooooooooooo…
EXT. BEACH
Slo-mo look of shock and surprise on SISTER’S face.
MAN slo-mo catches OBJ and crashes into the water.
The SIS stands there looking dumbfounded and upset as the MAN emerges from the water, cradling the OBJECT.
SIS
My god. I’m sorry… I’m so sorry…
The SIS turns and runs away.
The MAN drops to the sand with the OBJ.
MAN (to the sound of the sea)
I have you my darling. You’re safe now. I have you… I have you… and I’ll never let you go.
FADE
WHITE TEXT ON A BLACK SCREEN
Objectum sexuality – a pronounced emotional and often romantic desire towards developing significant relationships with particular inanimate objects… strong feelings of attraction, love and commitment to certain items…
END.