Beginners Page #2

HAL (CONT’D)

...I want to do something about it.

INT/EXT. VARIOUS - DAY

A live action “portrait” of Hal, looking into camera, first

in old clothes, then jump cut to new all black outfit.

OLIVER (V.O.)

He changed all his clothes.

EXT. PARK - DAY

The camera moves through a large group of men and streamers

gathered for Los Angeles Pride event.

OLIVER V.O. (CONT’D)

He got a boyfriend, Andy, a

physical trainer who was also

studying for his professional

pyrotechnic license.

Camera lands on Hal beaming with pride, his arm around Andy

who looks into camera and says.

(CONTINUED)

10/29/07 6.

CONTINUED:

ANDY:

Since I came out to my father, he

never speaks to me. That's why

I’ve been always attracted to older

men.

Hal and friends laugh warmly at Andy. We cut to live action

“portraits” of a priest, a therapist, the Primetimers, his

movie-night club, and the large L.A. Pride group, all looking

into camera.

OLIVER V.O.

He found an out gay priest to guide

him spiritually. He saw a therapist

for the first time. He joined the

Primetimers. Movie night.

Los Angeles Pride, and then...

INT. HAL’S LIVING ROOM

We see Hal’s living room, empty of furniture in the morning

light.

OLIVER V.O.

Four years after he came out, he

died in this room...

CUT TO PRESENT:

INT. OLIVER'S KITCHEN - MORNING

Oliver enters, followed closely by Arthur. Oliver walks

through the kitchen - Arthur follows him. Oliver walks

through the living room - Arthur follows. Oliver makes a

circle through the house - Arthur follows.

Oliver sits, looking down at Arthur.

OLIVER:

Look, its lonely out here, so you’d

better learn how to talk with me.

Arthur’s face looks up at him filled with a dog’s love and no

words.

ARTHUR SUBTITLE:

While I understand up to 150 words -

I don’t talk.

Oliver leans down, pushing his head into Arthur’s.

OLIVER:

I know. I know.

(CONTINUED)

10/29/07 7.

CONTINUED:

CUT TO PAST:

A SERIES OF QUICK MEMORIES...

INT. HOSPITAL HALLWAY

Camera follow’s Oliver down a long corridor.

INT. ICU ROOM - NIGHT

Oliver sits as HAL lays in a coma on a ventilator. The room

is dark, Oliver uses a flashlight to quietly read to his

father.

INT. ICU ROOM - DAY

QUICK CUTS. A nurse opens the shades. A DOCTOR and two nurses

stand over Hal, everyone's nervous. Hal is struggling with

all the tubes down his throat. Oliver is trying to help him

breathe, talking into his ear.

Oliver is ushered out of the room. The nurse draws the

curtain.

MOMENTS LATER:
Oliver sits with Hal, now off the ventilator

but still very weak and disoriented. Oliver coaches his

breathing.

OLIVER:

Calm. Calm, calm breaths.

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