Juliette - Screenplay
JULIET
By Madison Sanford
7/15/22
Moral/Reason: This could be in any era/time, and it could convey a message about women in the industry and the lasting effects parental relationships have on children.
ACT 1
Scene 1
NARRATOR
Is it better to live or to die? To love or to be loved.
REPORTER
(The reporter is on TV)
Today marks the 7th week since beloved starlet Juliet Brown has been reported missing. Seemingly vanishing out of thin air, many adoring fans of Brown are assuming the worst. Some suspect accidental drowning, suicide, and even murder. Brown has a worldwide fanbase, which makes it unlikely she’s still alive and unrecognized. In addition to that, Brown never showed any signs of depression or unhappiness with the job. Always known for coming to work with a smile on her face, the loss of someone so prominent is devastating.
(END OF SCENE)
ACT 1
Scene 2
(City streets)
GIGI
Everyone will be at this party! You’ll love it! Who knows? Maybe you’ll meet someone!
JULIET
I’m going for you! I’m not part of that world anymore. I don’t know how to talk to these people.
GIGI
It’s easy to talk to them! There’ll be actors, producers, everyone! They all have a charm. And besides…you never go out.
JULIET
Gigi!
GIGI
I’m kidding! You sometimes go out.
JULIET
(Pause) Well I never said I don’t want to…I’ve just been trying to find a new job, you know that.
GIGI
That’s precisely why we’re here tonight, to have some fun!
JULIET
(Laughing) Oh my god.
GIGI
What?
JULIET
It’s Max.
GIGI
What? Where?
JULIET
(Points) Over there, look.
GIGI
Oh my god.
JULIET
He cut his hair.
GIGI
No, why is he here?
JULIET
Isn’t he a director? You said everyone would be here.
GIGI
No, no, no. We’re going inside! (Pulls Juliet inside)
JULIET
(Laughs)
JULIET
(Inside the party)
Wow, it’s so fancy here. I was expecting some kind of rager.
GIGI
(Putting on lipstick) Film people are classy people.
JULIET
Then why are you running from Max?
GIGI
He’s crazy, don't even start. He’s still totally in love with me.
JULIET
(Laughs, looking around) This all just reminds me of my mother; she would’ve loved this place.
GIGI
Yeah, but you’re here, and she’s not! Let’s get a drink.
GIGI
(At the bar)
Now he’s dancing with another girl.
JULIET
You guys broke up ages ago. It doesn’t matter.
GIGI
But he’s supposed to still be in love with me.
JULIET
Then go, tell him that.
GIGI
He keeps looking over here.
JULIET
Go! Talk to him, I won’t mind.
GIGI
You sure?
JULIET
Yes! Go!
GIGI
(Sighs) God, this is so stupid; wish me luck!
JULIET
(Laughs) Good luck!
(GIGI exits)
ACT 1
Scene 2 contd.
JULIET
Juliet. What’s yours?
VICTOR
Victor.
JULIET
So you’re a movie producer?
VICTOR
You could say that.
JULIET
My mother was an actress. She died last year. I used to act too, when I was younger; commercials and stuff.
VICTOR
I’m so sorry for your loss.
JULIET
(Nods) It was hard. We weren’t very close, but she was-- my mother. And she- she always wanted me to act more; I just never really got a chance to say goodbye.
VICTOR
I understand. We take so much for granted that we don’t realize it until they’re gone.
JULIET
Yeah. (Pause) Sorry, I don’t know why I’m telling you all this.
VICTOR
Don’t be, I get it. My father died when I was 9.
JULIET
(Nods) Well, thank you. The party’s great, and you should probably get back to your friends.
VICTOR
No, I want to know more about you. What’d you do after acting?
JULIET
I quit acting for poetry and moved here, to the city.
VICTOR
You write poetry?
JULIET
I did. It made no money. I could barely hold onto my apartment. But it’s all I’ve ever wanted to do. Poetry is something I know I’m good at, and I don’t know. I need to write it; it’s like my second language.
VICTOR
You have a beautiful smile.
JULIET
Thank you.
VICTOR
Have you written anything I might know?
JULIET
(Laughs) It doesn’t matter; I don’t want to talk about me anymore. What about you? What’s it like being a big, fancy producer?
VICTOR
I’m nowhere near fancy; I found this watch in a dumpster (Holds up wrist).
JULIET
(Laughs)
VICTOR
But you, you have something. I see it in you, like a-- spark.
JULIET
A spark of what?
VICTOR
Of ambition.
JULIET
(Laughs) You’re crazy, Victor.
VICTOR
I’m serious. (Pause) You know, I could help you. If you'd give it a chance, you could be walking red carpets like that- (snaps fingers).
JULIET
I know my mother would’ve loved that. But I’d be happy just sitting on a beach, somewhere in the South of France, if I had the money. I could sell my poetry and pick some strawberries.
VICTOR
Poetry will get you nowhere. You’re too young to have your potential wasted so quickly.
JULIET
And you’re too old to be offering me anything.
VICTOR
I have a friend. He’s working on a new movie with some famous guy, it’s a big deal. He said they’re looking for a young female lead. I could get you an audition.
JULIET
Why are you being so nice to me?
VICTOR
I told you. There's a spark. And besides, as you said before, you’ve already had past experience. It’s not like you’re going into it blind. You could be famous. Isn’t that every girl’s dream?
JULIET
I guess…
VICTOR
Well then, do we have a deal?
JULIET
A deal?
VICTOR
Do the audition, and see where it takes you. It’s only one movie. You film it, get the money, and next thing you know, you’re living your dream. A beach in France, writing poetry. I can be your agent get you roles. And you give me 40%. Everybody wins.
JULIET
(Laughs) You’re getting way ahead of yourself.
VICTOR
Shake on it?
JULIET
(Hesitates, then shakes his hand).
(BLACKOUT)
(END OF SCENE)
ACT 1
Scene 3
(Juliet enters) (She is in her apartment)
JULIET (ON PHONE)
Victor! I did it! I got the part! I didn’t realize this would be so exciting!
VICTOR (ON PHONE)
That’s amazing, Juliet! I knew you were perfect for it! I’ll get your contract ready!
JULIET (ON PHONE)
What contract?
VICTOR (ON PHONE)
For the movie! And for me to be your agent! I know you’ll do great!
JULIET (ON PHONE)
Wait, Victor-
VICTOR (ON PHONE)
I have to go, see you soon!
JULIET
(Looks at phone skeptically and walks out).
(BLACKOUT)
(END OF SCENE)
ACT 2
Scene 1
NARRATOR
Victor came to every film shoot with Juliet. He helped her memorize every line. He stayed up late at night; he made her breakfast. Money started flowing regularly, but there was something wrong.
NARRATOR cont.
FIVE MONTHS LATER
(Juliet is walking down the street, and multiple fans are crowding around her, she’s visibly uncomfortable)
FAN #1
Juliet! Juliet!
FAN #2
Is it true you and your mother are estranged?!
FAN #3
Juliet! Have you heard the news!?
FAN #1
Are you going to the red carpet show tonight?!
FAN #2
Any new men in your life!?
FAN #3
Give me an autograph!!!
JULIET
(Head down) I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I really have to be getting somewhere.
FAN #1
Is your hair real?!
FAN #2
Are the rumors true?!
FAN #3
(Grabs at Juliet’s hair and cuts a lock off)
JULIET
(Turns around and touches hair) Are you out of your mind?! Please, please, just leave me alone!
FAN #1
(Grabs at Juliet’s clothing)
JULIET
(Steps back) Did you not comprehend what I just said? You people, you’re ruthless; it’s every day!
FAN #2
I thought you’d be nicer in real life.
FAN #3
Yeah, for someone so lucky, you’re a bitch.
FAN #1
Seriously. Try to be more civilized next time.
(BLACKOUT)
(END OF SCENE)
ACT 2
Scene 2
NARRATOR
*LATER THAT NIGHT*
(JULIET enters, and REPORTER follows close behind) (JULIET is on the red carpet)
REPORTER
Juliet Brown! The red carpet, a big achievement. How does it feel to know you're one of the most famous women in America?
JULIET
(Smiles tightly) It's wonderful. (Pause) I couldn’t be happier.
REPORTER
You have it all. Men, beauty, everything. Everyone adores you-
JULIET
Well, that’s not exactly true.
REPORTER
Can you elaborate on that?
JULIET
(Shakes head) Thank you, have a nice night.
(VICTOR enters)
VICTOR
(Links arms with Juliet) Walk with me. (Cameras flash)
JULIET
That’s a new watch. (Pause) Designer.
VICTOR
You’re doing great. They love you. I was right; you’re perfect for them.
JULIET
You told me 60%. I know how much I’m making, Victor; I’m not an idiot.
VICTOR
(Camera flashes, Victor smiles) Calm down; you don’t want to ruin your makeup. I’ve got directors lining up for you.
JULIET
You’re making more money than me, from me.
VICTOR
You signed a contract.
JULIET
(Breaks smile. Pulls away from his arm) You’re not listening to me, Victor. What happened to you? I deserve more. Especially with the publicity I’m getting you and everyone else. (Pause) It isn’t easy. I trusted you! I thought we were friends! You’re just like the rest of them.
VICTOR
Smile. You should be grateful you're even standing here. Instead of that ugly apartment back in the city, with your boring poetry and dirty windows. I gave you the opportunity of a lifetime. I gave you everything. You'd be nothing without me.
JULIET
Don’t you dare speak to me like that! (Slaps Victor)
VICTOR
(Puts hand up to cheek)
ALL FANS
Juliet! Juliet! What happened? (Cameras flash repeatedly)
(JULIET gives VICTOR a long stare and walks back out the way she entered.)
(BLACKOUT)
(END OF SCENE)
ACT 3
Scene 1
(JULIET sits down on a curbside and smokes a cigarette.)
(MOM enters the stage)
MOM
They say those are bad for your lungs.
JULIET
I’m trying something new. (Looks up) Mom?
MOM
Juliet.
JULIET
But you’re-- dead. Am I imagining this? Are you really here?
MOM
Maybe. (Pause) Was this all for me?
JULIET
(Takes a drag of her cigarette) Maybe.
MOM
They’re looking for you at the premiere. I’m surprised they haven’t found you yet.
JULIET
Let them.
MOM
Was it worth it?
JULIET
Are you proud yet?
MOM
Would that change anything?
JULIET
Of course, it would. You know it would. I’d be satisfied. You know I never really wanted any of this.
MOM
Juliet, darling, you’re never satisfied.
JULIET
You were the one who was never satisfied! I was never enough for you. (Stands up) Everything I did was for you! (Throws cigarette on the ground and stomps on it)
MOM
(Pause) But you’re loved by them all now.
JULIET
I don’t care! (Pause) (More quietly) I only ever wanted to be loved by you.
MOM
You’ve spent your whole life wanting. What will you do now, Juliet?
JULIET
(Long pause) (Looks straight at audience) Live my life for myself.
(BLACKOUT)
(END OF SCENE)
ACT 3
Scene 2
(Reporter enters, holding microphone, looking directly at audience)
REPORTER
Juliet Brown was a beautiful, talented, misunderstood woman. There have been no sightings of her since the night she left the red carpet premiere. With some people still optimistic and others fearing the worst, we may never know where she went. Victor Smith, Juliet’s producer, has begun working with other directors and filmmakers on a movie adaptation of her life. It is set to come out in December of next year. (Pause) Juliet radiated in the spotlight for her small yet significant moment of fame. All we can hope is that she is still out there-- somewhere.
NARRATOR
So you ask, is it better to speak or to die? To love or to be loved? That may just be the tragedy of living.
NARRATOR (cont.)
A woman walks down a cobblestone street. Her hair is dark brown, and her eyes are green. The smell of saltwater drifts through the air. As she walks, she passes a wooden stand. She sees a man selling art, hats, and books of all sorts. One book is displayed higher than the rest, with a sign in French marked “Poetry: Best Sellers” over the top. The woman smiles as she recognizes the familiar credit, “Anonymous.”
BLACKOUT END OF PLAY
