PAUL (3-page short drama screenplay) by STEVEN CLARK
Sometimes, the best gift you can give is to just listen…
The world can be a very cruel and lonely place sometimes. As someone who lives in New York City, I see homeless people every single day, whether they’re on the subway begging for change or making their money as street performers. Either way, they spend most of their days alone, being ignored, neglected… and often mocked.
In writer Steven Clark’s heartfelt, slice of life dramatic piece, our title character knows this type of life all too well – he is a homeless street performer who spends his days strumming the guitar for passersby with hopes of collecting a little change. At night, he takes shelter in the basement of a local church. When he wakes up, it’s back to the street corner with his guitar. That’s pretty much every day for Paul.
Paul is a pleasant man, just trying to survive. Strumming the guitar seems like somewhat of a peaceful outlet for him, helping him forget about his hardships every time he picks up the guitar. Unfortunately, it seems like the guitar is his only friend.
But he has his fans. A passerby named Rory, for instance, seems to enjoy Paul’s guitar playing. Most people, however, ignore him. Or, like a pair of obnoxious teenagers at the story’s opening, make fun of him.
There’s a sadness in the tone of “Paul” and how he’s treated. He just seems like such a nice guy, we really do feel for him and empathize with his lonely existence. But, by story’s end, we see just how important making a connection with someone really is and how something as small as saying “hi” can make someone’s day. Kindness can really go a long way. It’s a shame there isn’t more of it the world.
SPOILER ALERT: You may shed a tear or two before FADE OUT.
BUDGET: Low. Minimal cast, minimal locations.
ABOUT THE WRITER: Based in upstate, NY, Steven Clark is the writer of over 30 short scripts, several of which are under option, in pre-production, or have already been made into films. On A Clear Night, a family Christmas feature aimed at a Hallmark Channel-type audience, is currently in the works. Steven can be reached at his website.
Read: PAUL (3-page short drama screenplay)
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*This screenplay may not be used or reproduced for any purpose including educational purposes without the expressed written permission of the author.
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About the Reviewer: Michael J. Kospiah is the award-winning screenwriter of critically acclaimed indie-thriller, The Suicide Theory (79% Rotten Tomatoes – available on Amazon Prime, Itunes, Google Play, etc) and 2020’s upcoming Aussie thriller, Rage. His horror feature, They Never Left is currently in development.
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