Scene in a Church/Scene in a Park

I’ve re-worked the church scene I wrote before and spliced in scenes from Ryan in SLC. See if you like the juxtaposition.

INT. CHURCH – DAY

The church is old, sort of retro looking with high sloping ceilings and wooden support-beams. The service is already underway. A chubby lady with large pearl earrings directs a hymn enthusiastically with a waving of her hands. She sings in a dramatic opera-style, while everyone else in the audience follows along lamely

CUT TO

EXT. PARK DRUM CIRCLE – DAY

The half-hearted drone of the congregation contrasts sharply with the livelihood of the drum circle. What seems like a very eclectic crowd is gathered all around. Those not playing drums are smiling, clapping, or dancing freely. Many people are smoking, and there is a haze about the group.

CUT BACK TO

INT. CHURCH – DAY

Camera follows BETH, KEVIN and JAMES as they slip in the backdoor and try to find somewhere to sit.

BETH looks uncomfortable, with a colorful kerchief on her head that clashes dramatically with her flowery patterned dress. She tugs awkwardly at the bottom of her skirt. They all hesitate for a moment in the back of the aisle, before JAMES spots an empty bench somewhere near the front.

CUT TO

EXT. PARK DRUM CIRCLE – DAY

In the midst of what seemed before like a random group of people, the camera focuses unmistakably on RYAN standing off to the side. Although he blends in with the crowd in appearance, he stands out because of his apparent lack of enthusiasm.

A shirtless MORDECAI plays in the drum circle near him. Every once in a while he will turn and shoot a smile back at RYAN. RYAN attempts to return the smile but seems preoccupied. He is jostled by the crowd around him, some of whom attempt to make him clap or dance along.

CUT BACK TO

INT. CHURCH – DAY

JAMES, BETH and KEVIN take their seat on one of the only available benches near the front. A woman sitting in front of them turns to greet them, flashing a huge smile. As she does this all four of her young sons turn too, craning their necks and staring openly at BETH. BETH stares down at her lap, and then grabs the hymnbook quickly, flipping through the pages.

CUT TO

EXT. PARK DRUM CIRCLE – DAY

A girl holding a cigarette smashed between two fingers and wearing a long flowy hippy skirt and tanktop, saunters up to RYAN. She dances next to him awkwardly, jostling him.

HIPPY GIRL: Hey! (yelling over the noise)

RYAN doesn’t react. She leans up next to him, placing her head near his ear suggestively.

HIPPY GIRL: Heyyyy.

RYAN looks at her.

HIPPY GIRL: I like your hair! (she touches it. Sort of flips it through her fingers.)

RYAN: …thanks

HIPPY GIRL: It’s…all goldeny…it’s just…it’s beautiful! Hey! (she is still touching his hair and RYAN is sort of moving away)

Hey, dance with me! (she grabs for RYAN’S hands but RYAN is already moving away)

(in a pouty tone) Come dance!

RYAN: I’ve gotta go…(he pulls herself from her and leaves the crowd)

***INSERT SCENE WHERE BETH LEAVES CHURCH.***

I will write that in soon.