NO REGRETS by Michael M. McGuire
(page 1)
Note: The weather conditions mentioned in this script can be created, altered, or ignored if necessary.
EXT. QUEENSTOWN, NEW ZEALAND - DAY
A puddle ripples under the assault of RAINDROPS. The low RUMBLE of a bus engine and COMMOTION are heard as a man’s foot in a leather shoe plops into the puddle.
ROLAND (27), grimaces at his wet foot, yanks his suitcase out from under the bus, moves aside, and lights a cigarette.
Roland’s fatigue, unkempt appearance and dark coat contrast with the group of brightly-dressed, cheerful SENIORS chatting and collecting their bags nearby.
INT. CAFE - DAY
Roland lays money on the counter, and lights a new cigarette. The BARISTA turns to serve him coffee.
BARISTA: Can’t smoke in here, mate.
Roland glares back, then grabs his things and walks outside.
EXT. CAFE - DAY - MOMENTS LATER
Roland stands in the rain, smoking. He takes a drink of his coffee. It burns his mouth so he SPITS it out.
SHELBY (O.S.) You alright?
Roland turns to see SHELBY (20, a local, athletic), reading the book FIT SOUL, FIT BODY under an awning near the cafe.
SHELBY (CONT’D): Sit down if you want.
ROLAND: I’m fine.
He takes another drag from his cigarette, but the rain has put it out. Shelby CHUCKLES. Roland gives up, and steps under the awning to re-light it.
(page 2)
SHELBY: What brings a Yank to Queenstown?
ROLAND It’s stupid. Supposed to go hang
gliding. I’m meeting someone.
SHELBY You must be Roland.
He nods.
SHELBY (CONT’D): I’m Shelby. But there’s supposed to be two of you, right?
ROLAND: It’s my brother’s idea.
SHELBY: Is he coming or no?
Roland slowly reaches into his satchel and procures an engraved metal canister. Roland is silent. Shelby understands.
SHELBY (CONT’D): Oh my God. I’m sorry.
ROLAND: It’s okay. If we go up there...can
we...take him?
Shelby nods gently, then, seeing off in the distance, points.
SHELBY: Look.
Roland turns. The rain has stopped, and a break in the mist reveals the MOUNTAINS looming majestically over the town. The cigarette hangs from his gaping mouth.
SHELBY (CONT’D): Excited?
Roland, mesmerized by the view, shakes his head “no.”
SHELBY (CONT’D): Why not?
ROLAND: Heights.
EXT. CORONET PEAK - DAY
Roland stands barefoot against a parked van, wringing out his wet socks, still in his pea coat.
(page 3)
He looks at Shelby near the edge of the mountain, preparing the glider. A wave of VERTIGO hits him, skewing his perception. He sinks to his knees. Shelby runs over to him.
SHELBY: You okay?
Roland VOMITS, splashing some gut juice on her feet.
SHELBY (CONT’D): Oh, man!
ROLAND: Sorry.
Roland climbs into the front seat of the van, grabs a water bottle and washes his mouth out, spitting out the window.
INT./EXT. VAN/CORONET PEAK - DAY - CONTINUOUS
Shelby approaches the van, where Roland sits, clutching his sweaty head.
ROLAND: Take me back down.
SHELBY: Roland...
ROLAND: I’m serious. I can’t. I’m done.
Shelby lingers a moment at the door.
SHELBY Look, it’s probably none of my
business. But I have a sister, and...Well, I can’t help thinking that if you don’t do this, you’ll really regret it.
Roland looks away, ashamed.
SHELBY (CONT’D): Besides, you’re too cute to be scared.
Shelby returns to the glider. Roland is about to light a cigarette when a ray of SUNSHINE hits his face. He observes the vibrant landscape. Stuffs the cigarette in the ashtray.
(page 4)
EXT. CORONET PEAK - DAY - MOMENTS LATER
Shelby sits by the glider. Roland opens the van door. He steps out, holding the canister. They exchange a look, and he discards his dark coat. She smiles.
I/E. HANG GLIDER - CORONET PEAK - MOMENTS LATER
Shelby joins Roland, side by side in the harness, and prepares to launch. Roland, sweating, breathes heavily.
SHELBY: You sure about this?
ROLAND: What if we crash?
A beat.
SHELBY Then try to enjoy the ride while it
lasts.
Roland looks out over the valley, then at the canister in his hands. He takes a deep breath and looks back at Shelby.
ROLAND No regrets.
Shelby smiles, then starts the forward momentum, and the glider rolls toward the edge!
ROLAND watches the ground disappear from beneath them. They SAIL into the valley, SHOUTING.
WIDE as the glider soars into the air!
IN THE GLIDER - For the first time since we’ve met him, Roland smiles, gasping and laughing. Shelby giggles and steers. She looks to Roland and gives him a nod.
Roland unlatches the canister and tips out the ashes.
WIDE as the ashes blow into the valley, leaving a cloudy trail that dissipates as Shelby and Roland sail away.
The glider disappears out of view, but their LAUGHTER and gleeful SHOUTS echo over the awesome view of the mountains and Lake Wakatipu.
CUT TO BLACK. THE END.
Clips of my recent work can be seen here:
"Liberty Lane"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Imw4mDu1pvI
"In the Dark"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RTElDNqoMY
Outreach Program Short Doc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qF3m04T_MMs
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