Deleted Scene from romcom
Every film has its deleted scenes. Sometimes, it's due to time constraints. Other times, it's due to pacing. In the case of romcom, it's because the sound quality was so poor that I just couldn't put it in the final cut. Which was a shame, because the scene (or three-part scene, to be more precise) was one that I really liked, and contained some of my favorite lines.
Below is the section of script that was cut. The scene itself may eventually appear here, warts and all...
Note: This scene fits in between the James/Simon conversation in the park and James running after Sam and confronting her outside her house
11a. INT. LIVING ROOM. PAULA & SIMON'S HOUSE - EARLY EVENING (STILL LIGHT)
It is a student's living room, but one that is tidy and trendy. The occupants' obsession with film is obvious. Simon is sitting on a chair and James on the couch. They are both drinking beer from the bottle. A camcorder is sitting on a coffee table. Four or five candles are lit around the mantelpiece, but they are not the only source of light.
JAMES: What's with the candles? It's still light outside.
SIMON: It's Paula's attempt at humour. She figures we're here to talk about romance, so we might as well create a romantic mood.
JAMES: I thought Paula was a cynic like you.
SIMON: Believe me, she is. She hates all that crap. Give her a good science fiction or horror movie any day. Of course, then she bitches about those as well. They're a 'product of the patriarchy', or some such nonsense.
JAMES: Is it me, or has she become a lot more militant recently?
SIMON: (Very seriously) Ever since she got her hands on a copy of 'The Female Eunuch'.
A beat. Then they dissolve into laughter. Paula enters, carrying a bottle of red wine and two glasses.
PAULA: What's so funny?
SIMON: Nothing.
The doorbell rings. James suddenly looks uncomfortable.
PAULA: That'll be Sam.
She exits. Simon looks at James.
SIMON: You ready for this?
JAMES: Is 'no' an acceptable answer?
Sound of voices in the hallway. A door closes. Paula and Sam enter. Sam sees James, and her smile vanishes.
SIMON: Hiya Sam.
SAM: Hey.
PAULA: Well, I've got some brain-food for us in the kitchen, and then we can get started. Simon, can you help me?
Simon hesitates. He glances at James and Sam. Then gets to his feet.
SIMON: Uh, yeah, sure.
They leave. A very awkward silence. Sam is still lingering near the door. She glances at James. He meets her eye. She looks away.
JAMES: How are you?
SAM: Fine.
Silence. Sam shifts position.
JAMES: Are you going to sit down?
SAM: I suppose. Probably.
JAMES: Have you any idea how ridiculous you're being?
Sam rounds on him, infuriated.
SAM: How ridiculous I'm being? What about...
Paula enters. She knows she has just walked in on something.
PAULA: Sorry. I just wanted to see if you wanted another beer, James, or a glass of wine?
JAMES: (still looking at Sam) Wine would be great, Paula. Thanks.
Paula exits. Sam sits down on a chair.
JAMES: (Softer) Sam...
SAM: (Quietly. Not looking at him) I don't want to talk about it, James. Can we just leave it?
Simon enters with a tray of snacks.
SIMON: Grub's up.
Paula enters with two more wine glasses. She sets them with the others. Begins to pour the wine.
PAULA: Time to get to work, I guess.
CROSS-FADE TO:
11b. INT. LIVING ROOM. PAULA & SIMON'S HOUSE - A SHORT TIME LATER
Paula, Simon, James and Sam are still present. Each has a glass of wine in their hand or near them. They are in the heat of an intense discussion.
SIMON: God, Paula, get off the soap box, would you?
PAULA: Well, it's true. We're having patriarchal conventions rammed down our throats every time we watch a romantic comedy. They're telling us 'you must find a man', 'you must get married'.
JAMES: I don't think that's true. They're not telling us we have to. They're saying that's the way life is for most people. Most people have struggled with love and relationships at one time or another. Our central preoccupation in life, with the exception of our careers, is with romance. That's where the humour comes from.
SIMON: And you can't really say that only rom-coms re-enforce patriarchal conventions. What about horror? The helpless woman. The predatory male.
PAULA: Yes, but most modern horror films play with those conventions, and then turn them on their head with the 'final girl'.
SIMON: Ah yes, the large-chested girl who kicks the bad guys ass and saves the day. Cuz that doesn't feed into every straight man's fantasy world. You're just defending the horror genre 'cuz your DVD collection reads like an homage to Wes Craven.
PAULA: (Dry) Funny. Sam, you've been very quiet. What do you think?
SAM: (Startled out of her dream world) Sorry?
SIMON: Rom-coms? Big academic discussion. Any of this ringing a bell?
SAM: Sorry. Yeah. So, what are we going to put on the video?
PAULA: Good point. It can't just be us arguing. We need something eye-catching. Something no one else will think of doing.
JAMES: How about going really post-modern, like 'Scream'. (Imitating Jamie Kennedy) There are certain rules that one must abide by in order to successfully survive a romantic comedy! For instance, number one: you must have sex.
SIMON: It depresses me that that's the best idea we've had all night.
CROSS-FADE TO:
11c. INT. LIVING ROOM. PAULA & SIMON'S HOUSE - AN HOUR LATER
Paula, Simon, James and Sam all sit mentally exhausted. Several empty wine bottles are on the table. Glasses are half full or less. Paula reviews their list of notes.
PAULA: Well, we should be ashamed of ourselves. For a group of film students, we know practically nothing.
JAMES: Not true. We only know practically nothing about this.
PAULA: Yeah, well, we need to get our skates on if we're going to get this assignment handed in on time. Everybody needs to come up with at least one idea for something to go into the video.
SAM: We'll be fine, Paula.
SIMON: Yeah. I'm sure I'll find inspiration tonight.
JAMES: Hot date?
SIMON: Just a little something I picked up last night. Definite 'romantic' potential. So if you crazy kids don't mind, I'm going to go start getting ready.
PAULA: Well, by all means, don't let us keep you.
SIMON: Don't worry, pet. You won't.
He gets up. So does Sam.
SAM: Actually, I'd better get going as well.
JAMES: I'll walk you home.
James drains his glass and gets to his feet.
SAM: No, it's okay.
JAMES: Sam, it's on my way. I'd like to.
SAM: Really. I'll be fine. See you all later.
PAULA: Sam...?
SAM: (To Paula) I'll call you tomorrow.
Sam leaves. Sound of front door opening and shutting. Simon rolls his eyes.
SIMON: And that, ladies and gentlemen, is why I'm gay.
Simon exits.
PAULA: Go after her, James.
JAMES: Yeah, I suppose I'd better.
He exits.
PAULA: (Calling after him) See you later.
Paula begins picking glasses up. Sees the camera. Picks it up. Has an idea.
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