Summer and Jonathan are in love, but love isn’t enough for some people. Their relationship can only be described as pure bliss. Unfortunately, the world is uncomfortable with the pair and a series of events start to hint at Jonathan’s mental stability.
My new film About That… is a sensitive love story about a fragile reality constructed by Jonathan, who needs his world to stay in tact. But he feels that he’s under siege by friends who are trying to pull him back to reality. It also takes a look into mental health and acceptance in society.
FADE IN:
Summer and Johnathan walk up stairs to an apartment, chatting. Johnathan knocks on the door.
SUMMER
If you have super mind reading powers, it’s sitting in on conferences and knowing what leaders are thinking?
JOHNATHAN
Um, Yeah
SUMMER
That is so lame!
JOHNATHAN (LAUGHING)
How you gonna call someone corny with all that lipstick on your teeth?
SUMMER
Really? I got lipstick?
Summer rubs her teeth with her finger.
SUMMER
I don’t have lipstick on my teeth.
A woman opens the door.
WOMAN (KAREN)
Hi…um..
JOHNATHAN
Oh hey!
Karen looks at Johnathan and Summer
KAREN
Um…come on in.
The woman leads Johnathan and Summer into the dining room where others are sitting and chatting.
KAREN(CONT’D)
I have placeholders here, please find your name. Have a seat, enjoy yourself.
JOHNATHAN
Thank you!
The other friends at the table look at Johnathan strangely.
WOMAN 2
So guys, vacation this year? We should! Aspen! The usual.
WIFE
Oh, Aspen. You know, I’m all for Aspen but –
HUSBAND
It’s so cliché.
Summer and Johnathan sit down and admire the table settings.
SUMMER
Oh, this is so cute, look at our names! They put Summer on there.
Later, Johnathan whispers to Summer.
JOHNATHAN
Why don’t you say something?
SUMMER
No, no I don’t want to say it.
JOHNATHAN
You want to say it? Ok, I’ll say it. Ok, listen, listen. What Summer’s saying is that while the real issue is the bigotry and how it’s interwoven into American society. And you know, that’s what we all need to really focus on is the real problem.
Johnathan looks at Summer for confirmation.
JOHNATHAN
Right?
Summer laughs.
KAREN
Yeah, uh, that’s a good point. That’s a very good point.
A child at the table taps on her mom’s shoulder.
CHILD
Mom, why is that guy talking to –
WIFE
We’ll talk about that when we get home, ok honey?
CHILD (POINTING)
But he’s playing-
The wife grabs her child’s hand and pulls it back.
HUSBAND
Don’t do that. You’ll confuse her. He’s talking to a doll.
Across the table, Johnathan speaks to a mannequin.
WIFE (SPEAKING TO HER HUSBAND)
Honey really, at the dinner party?
The room goes quiet.
CUT TO:Johnathan’s apartment
JOHNATHAN
You really think I can do it?
SUMMER
Yes! We can do it together!
Summer runs over and jumps on Johnathan’s lap. Music is playing in the background.
JOHNATHAN
Oh yeah? Just you and me, huh.
SUMMER
Me and you.
And, to get you started, I made you these.
Summer pulls business cards out of her bra and hands one to Johnathan.
SUMMER
I picked out a name for your company and everything.
JOHNATHAN
Oh wow, so you are going to be my whole entire rapid parts department?
SUMMER
Yeah! I like it.
JOHNATHAN
Do you even know your primary colours?
SUMMER
Yeah!
JOHNATHAN
Oh! So, what are they?
SUMMER
Well, I know the order very well.
JOHNATHAN
Oh do you.
SUMMER
And I’m sure he’ll put in a good word for me. Besides, who cares what colours are secondary or primary, or thirdinary…
JOHNATHAN
Or fifthiary?
Johnathan tickles Summer.
CUT TO:Kitchen, where Summer is making pancakes
JOHNATHAN
Um, hey, you wanna surprise Karen for lunch? I mean, she wants to talk to me first, probably something about Mark but after that I was thinking we could go to that place across the street and have some lunch. That place she likes.
SUMMER
Ok, cool!
CUT TO:Johnathan and Summer are in a restaurant, Summer has a seat at a table while Johnathan goes to speak with Karen.
Karen walks up to the table where Johnathan is and kisses him on the cheek.
KAREN
Johnathan!
JOHNATHAN
Hey, Karen!
So, what’s up?
KAREN
Everything’s good. Just a little hectic, with the new exhibit coming into the gallery, but a good hectic.
JOHNATHAN
Nice
KAREN
I just wanted to check in on you and see how everything’s going.
JOHNATHAN
It’s been going pretty good for me, you know? We um – Summer and I – we’re thinking about venturing off and starting my own business.
KAREN
Yeah…you and Summer have been spending a lot of time together. And, I’m just a little concerned that you’re doing everything you’re supposed to be doing?
JOHNATHAN
Yeah, I mean, she’s been real busy and she’s like, just pushing me! You know, to be like a better person and just get –
KAREN (INTERRUPTING JOHNATHAN)
Okay, Johnathan. I’m just gonna say it. I’m scared.
CUT TO: Johnathan goes to his car, sits down and looks at his passenger seat where a mannequin is sitting. He has flashbacks to the mannequin at the dinner party, and driving in his car. He begins to scream until Summer’s hand comforts the back of his neck.
Discuss