A Short Screenplay that i wrote whilst at University... It is inspired by 'This Is England' and the idea that society wants to conform to one expectation...

Enjoy...

                                                              '83

FADED OUT MUSIC PLAYING IN THE BACKGROUND WHILST FIRST SCENE IS PROGRESSING. TRACK IS: - ‘Tv On The Radio’-DLZ.

SEVERAL SHOTS OF FLAMES MEANDERING UP A LIT CAR. WE SEE THE FLAMES DISAPPEAR INTO A SCENE OF JOHNNI SHAVING HIS HEAD AND THEN SAMMO PUNCHING A WALL. COVERED IN BLOOD. IT RESULTS ON THE SCENE OF JOHNNNI IN BED.

INT.BEDROOM.NIGHT

There is a cramped bedroom, peeling cream wallpaper, a navy carpet, Posters and newspaper cut outs are stuck on the walls. On top of a metal framed bed are a mattress, duvet and yellowing pillows. There is a bedside cabinet next to the bed. A glowing orange from outside illuminates the bedroom through the small window.

JOHNNI lies in the bed, shielding himself with the duvet. It is pulled right over his head. He places his hands over his ears as to block out any noise or distractions. Rocks with agitation.

The sound of smashing bottles and screams are heard from outside. We can also hear absurd swearing. Fireworks are also set off, illuminating the room further. There are several bangs on the wall.

Johnni checks the time on his watch from on the bedside cabinet. It reads 2.03am.

Again, he pulls the covers over his head in a bid to escape the outside world.

CUT TO:

INT.BEDROOM.DAY

Early morning in Johnni’s room.

Johnni looks out of the small window covered by a netted curtain. Just like your mothers. There is a book open on the floor.

Johnni stands looking out at SAMMO who is seen arguing with a neighbour of his. Sammo picks up a Chopper bike from the side of the house and throws it in the direction of the MAN.

Johnni begins to pace back and forth becoming increasingly agitated. He rests his head on his hands on the window pane and continues to stare at SAMMO. Not clichéd though, as you may be imagining.

After some time, Johnni stops staring at Sammo and walks towards the book on the floor, where he picks it up and reads a page or so. He stops then sits on the bed, where he begins to think.

Shouting is heard from outside.

CUT TO:

INT.BATHROOM.NIGHT

A Small, black and white tiled bathroom. A few tiles are broken and paint on the wall has been chipped away. A bath takes up most of the space. There is a sink, a toilet and a rounded mirror fixed onto the wall above the sink. There is a large, red FM radio on the floor next to the bath PLAYING RAP music. The mirror is steamed from the hot water.

Johnni lays in the bath with his body and face submerged in the water. The light is dim.

Johnni rises from the bath, sits up and TURNS the music to REGGAE. He then lays back and proceeds to submerge himself in the water like before. His eyes closed.

All is silent.

INT.JOHNNI’S HEAD:

A distorted black and grey landscape. There is a large crumbling cliff -like structure. Below the cliff is a huge black hole, filled with water. Johnni stands on the edge, looking towards the bottom. We see his reflection in the water. He is wearing a layered polka dot skirt and a men’s black Harrington jacket. He holds a gun to his own head.

The distorted sound of quick panting can be heard. It quickens.

INTERCUT BETWEEN BATHROOM AND JOHNNI’S HEAD:

CUT TO:

INT.BATHROOM.NIGHT

Johnni opens his eyes, quickly sits up and gasps for air.

CUT TO:

INT.KITCHEN.DAY

The kitchen is an average sized room. Again the paint on the wall is chipped and discoloured. There is a plastic coffee table in the middle with four white plastic chairs placed around it. On the table is a newspaper, a book, a stained coffee mug, a packet of cigarettes and several cigarette butts scattered across the table.

Johnni sits at the table, flicking a few cigarette butts. He picks up the book and starts to read aloud. As he does, he gets up, places two pieces of bread in the toaster and switches the kitchen radio on. It plays ‘Come on Eileen’ by DEXYS MIDNIGHT RUNNERS. Johnni starts to SING to the song on the radio.

JOHNNI

Come on Eileen, Oh I swear at this moment

you mean everything, with you in that dress

oh my thoughts I confess…

Johnni hears the front door shutting. As he does he grabs the book and hides it behind a pile of newspapers in the corner of the kitchen cabinet.

Sammo enters the room. He is a skinhead. He wears a black leather jacket, a white short sleeved shirt (button done up to the top) under red braces, black jeans and dark red Doc Martens. He has several hand tattoos covering his knuckles. He is smoking a cigarette.

SAMMO

Why didn’t answer the door?

Stop dancing you sissy.

What you listening to that shit for eh Johnni Boy?

Change the channel mate.

Sammo walks over to Johnni, slaps him around the head, laughs and then proceeds to switch the radio over. ‘Funky Kingston’ by Toots & The Maytals is now playing.

 

SAMMO

That’s more like it.

JOHNNI

          Put that out mate.

          You know it’s bad for ya.

SAMMO

Alright don’t get your knickers

in a twist! Tetchy, tetchy...

Anyways, did ya get the tat like we had agreed?

It’s a part of us... ain’t it?

Part of the big boys now.

Ere have a look at mine, look at that.

What a beauty!

Sammo pulls his arm from his jacket, pulls up his shirt sleeve to reveal a swastika tattoo. He smiles on at Johnni.

Johnni nervously laughs at Sammo.

  

JOHNNI

          It’s nice mate.

Johnni looks towards his left wrist. It is covered by a red bandana.

SAMMO

          Nice? Nice?! Its top class that.

          Come on then, let’s see yours

JOHNNI

          Nah, it’s okay, it’s just healing,

          you know what they’re like.

          I’ll show ya when it’s better.

SAMMO

Mate, just let me see.

Sammo attempts to untie the bandana from Johnni’s wrist, but Johnni moves away in defence. As he does, Johnni knocks over the pile of newspapers that are hiding his book.

Sammo picks up the book. It reads ‘SENSE AND SENSIBILITY’.

SAMMO (CONT)

          What is this?

JOHNNI (flustered)

          It’s nothing, I think its Janis’.

          She’s been reading a lot lately.

          Waste of time if you ask me.

SAMMO (laughing)

          It is mate! More to life than that load

          of bull!

Sammo puts the book on the newspaper pile. Johnni proceeds to pick it up and put it behind the toaster.

SAMMO (CONT)

Did you hear about the riots last night?

Why weren’t you there mate?

we took everything from the local boozer,

got everything we could!

Money, booze, cigs even the fruit machine!

Might aswell I spose, taken everything England got, ‘avent they!

JOHNNI

You reckon that’s a good idea? I mean

what with all this other shit happening at the   moment.

Everyone up in arms about everything?

SAMMO

Johnni boy what has happened to you mate?

This life ain’t easy you know, gotta fight for your rights and all that shit.

Anyways I gotta be going now, but I WILL

see you later on; meet ya at the café about 10 yea,

gotta make a plan for Roge’s, seeing as we will be paying him a little visit very soon…

Sammo EXITS the kitchen

SAMMO (O.S CONT)

And I don’t want any excuses! Don’t be late.

Johnni gets up from the table and walks over to the browning, netted curtains. He pulls the curtains and watches Sammo walking down the pathway. He stares for a few seconds then turns away from the window.

Johnni unties the bandana from his wrist and looks at the tattoo on his wrist. It is not a Swastika, but a bird. A bird to represent freedom.

He ties the bandana back around his wrist.

JOHNNI (to himself)

I won’t be late.

CUT TO:

EXT.RUBIK’S CAFÉ.NIGHT

A LARGE late night café. The outside is decorated in colourful squares. There are several table and chair set-ups, a counter, a TV, a small leather sofa in the corner, a fridge and a till. The TV is PLAYING the news, which reports about the recent riots. Behind the counter hangs a large St Georges Flag.

RUBIK slouches on the counter WATCHING the TV He is a 40 year old, patriot. He wears a black polo shirt and a pair of blue flares.

Sammo, CHARLIE, CHOPPER, LIZZIE AND MARL all sit around the table talking.

Rubik walks over to the table and takes their orders

RUBIK

You all alright? What can I get ya kids?

ALL

          Not bad, not bad, alright thanks.

LIZZIE

I’m alright thanks Rub.

CHOPPER

Mate, I’ll have a beer if ya got anythink?

RUBIK

I’ll see what a can do for ya Chop…

Sam?

SAMMO

          I’m just dandy thanks mate.

ROGE

          Sound.

Rubik goes over to the TV and turns the volume up.

TV REPORTER

Now, we bring you an exclusive news report

from Shaun Huskins, who is live from the

carnage of last night’s riots. Shaun?

SHAUN

Thank you Sandra.

As you can see everything is in absolute

destruction after the attacks last night.

The remainders of fireworks, arson attacks

and cars is all that we can see for the

stretch of the entire street.

After speaking to a few local residents here,

it was confirmed that the attacks started

approx. 6.30pm, and were carried out by

mostly young adults, who were destroying

and taking everything in their way.

It is in complete ruins, Bernadette will you

explain exactly what you saw from your…

There is uproar from the whole gang who shout and protest in the direction of the TV.

RUBIK

          Bollocks!

SAMMO

          What the fuck can they expect,

          they put her in charge and expect us to

          be happy about it!

          We’re only looking out for ourselves!

RUBIK

That’s right son, gotta look after yourself and only yourself.

Sit down, just relax, anyways where’s Johnni boy?

SAMMO

Should be here soon, he was a bit strange earlier.

I popped round quick to make sure he was alrite,

          Ya know, he didn’t show up yestaday at

          The George.

          Starting to think he ain’t bothered about us.

MARL

          Give him a break Sam.

It’s tough for him at the moment what

with the family and all.

His mother isn’t doing too well…

Sammo sniggers across the table at Marl who is smoking a cigarette. Marl is wearing a pair of large glasses.

SAMMO (LAUGHING)

          Shut it, goggles.

Johnni enters the Café.

Lizzie, Chopper and Charlie greet Johnni. Johnni sits next to Sammo.

SAMMO

          About time…

JOHNNI (looking at SAMMO)

          I got held up, something came up

SAMMO

It’s alright you’re here now,

suppose that’s summthink.

                  

Johnni stops looking at Sammo, turns away to look at Rubik who is now bringing over Chopper’s beer.

RUBIK

          Chop is that beer alright for ya?

Rubik hands Chopper a bottle of beer. Chopper begins to drink it.

CHOPPER

          Top, mate.

SAMMO

          Johnni, you up for a little visit to Roge’s?

think it’s about time we have a little chat with him.

          I got ya back so don’t worry about that.

Johnni looks towards the others in the group. Lizzie and Marl have their heads towards the floor. Charlie and Chopper are talking about ROGE. Sammo sits staring at Johnni for an answer.

JOHNNI

I dunno man, I’m not too sure it’s a good idea if I’m honest.

Roge is a bit handy, remember what happened

last time?

SAMMO

No no no, I’m fed up of you not being part of this gang, you’re supposed to do stuff wiv ya mates, ain’t ya Chop?

Besides, Roge owes us, regardless of what happened before.

Chopper turns from his conversation with Charlie and looks towards Sammo.

CHOPPER

          Mate, he’s right. You’re either in or out.

SAMMO

          Which is why you’ll be coming with us then.

Lizzie will hold your hand if ya want

Won’t ya liz?

Lizzie laughs then stops and glares towards Sammo.

Sammo stands up from his seat.

SAMMO (CONT)

Come on then, let’s go, gotta sort that mop of yours out before we go see Roge.

Make sure you look like one of us.

JOHNNI

          There’s nothing wrong with it.

SAMMO

          Don’t be so daft son, come on.

Sammo grabs Chopper’s beer. He drinks the rest of it and then places the empty bottle back with Chopper who is oblivious to Sammo’s actions.

Johnni stands up from his chair and begins to walk over to where Sammo is standing. Sammo and Johnni say goodbye to the rest of the group and leave the Café.

Charlie, Marl, Chopper and Lizzie all remain in their seat.

CUT TO:

INT.JOHNNI’S BATHROOM.DAY

A Small, black and white tiled bathroom. A few tiles are broken; paint on the wall has been chipped away. A bath takes up most of the space. There is a sink, a toilet and a rounded mirror fixed onto the wall above the sink. Johnni sits on an old wooden chair, he looks into the mirror. Sammo stands behind him with an electric razor, shaving off all of Johnni’s hair.

JOHNNI

          Ouch! Sam be careful I want a head left!

SAMMO

Alright! Stop being such a big girl, hold still.

Sammo shaves the front of Johnni’s hair, as he does he cuts the top of his forehead.

JOHNNI

          Fuck! Mate that hurt!

Johnni pushes Sammo away from his head, stands up and observes his cut in the mirror. He looks at Sammo through the reflection of the mirror.

JOHNNI (CONT)

What’s this for anyways?

What’s the whole point of looking the same?

Aren’t ya tired of being like everyone else?

SAMMO

What ya mean? What’s up wiv ya?

You’ve been acting strange for the past few weeks now.

What ya hiding eh?

JOHNNI

Nothing, It’s nothing.

I’m just fed up of tryna be part of something I don’t belong to.

I want more from life Sam.

Don’t you?

SAMMO

Don’t be so stupid. What’s going on? Where’s the kid I used to know?

Look, if ya don’t wanna be in the gang then that’s fine wiv me… but don’t come running back when it all gets shit.

Of course Chop will be gutted, he really looks up to ya, you’re like a big brother for him.

          But fine if you don’t wanna be around us then                       go, I ain’t bothered.

JOHNNNI

Don’t do that Sam. Don’t make me feel like the bad guy.

Just I’m fed up of living here.

I want something new.

I wanna grow up, have a family.

SAMMO (Laughing)

          You gotta find a girl first mate that would be

          a start.

Johnni looks away from the mirror and towards SAMMO.

JOHNNI

          You finished?

SAMMO

          Quite, Quite Johnni boy.

Johnni opens a tin on the side of the sink. Inside is a selection of plasters, a small pair of scissors and a bandage. He takes a plaster from the tin and begins to apply it to his head. He can’t quite apply it, so asks Sammo to help him.

JOHNNI

          Would you help please?

SAMMO

Alright, but I’m not touching it for long,

ya know people might get ideas.

Sammo applies the plaster to Johnni’s head. As he does Johnni flinches. He steps closer towards Sammo, but Sammo slyly backs away from him. Johnni stares towards him. After a few moments Sammo completely steps away from Johnni, standing in the doorway of the bathroom.

SAMMO

          Right, I best be going.

JOHNNI

          Ok… Ta

Johnni puts his head down towards the floor.

Sammo has left.

CUT TO:

INT.ROGE’S HOUSE.NIGHT

There is a small semi-detached house. In front of the house is a dry lawn covered in broken flower pots, metal road signs and a few broken chopper bikes. Parts of the bikes are scattered across the lawn, a few wheels are propped against the front door. The house is secured with a rusty fencing and an English bull terrier is chained to one of the railings. It barks ferociously.

Johnni, Sammo, Chopper, Marl and Lizzie stand at the bottom of the pathway leading up to Roge’s house.

Sammo holds a broken glass bottle whilst Chopper is holding a knuckle duster.

ROGE looks out from the front window at the group who are now making their way up the pathway.

Charlie kicks the bicycle wheel that is propped up against the front door. Johnni keeps behind Sammo.

Roge opens the door to confront the pack. Roge is a 34 year old man. He wears a pair of blue jeans and a white shirt just like Sammo’s he also wears a black Harrington jacket and his socks are pulled over his jeans. He wears a pair of brown brogues on his feet.

ROGE

What a surprise to see you little lot here again…

          Woulda thought you wud have learnt ya lesson

          after the last time you tried it?

SAMMO

Mate, we want our money, give it to us kindly and we’ll be gone, no hassle.

MARL

          That’s all we want, quicker we get it, the                better.

Johnni stands behind Sammo, standing close to him as not to be seen.

ROGE (Laughing)

          Well, you’ll be waiting a good old time then.

          Don’t look like you’ll be getting that anytime            soon.

SAMMO

Don’t you test me Roge; you owe it us, besides

It’s been two years now, don’t make me

get friendly with my fists.

Sammo edges closer to ROGE with a face full of rage.

ROGE

          Alright Sammo no need to get violent, I’m sure

your mother will be worried… It’s past your bedtime.

          Run along now little children.

Chopper edges closer to Roge.

ROGE (CONT)

Sam take your friends with you too and shut the door on our way out!

SAMMO

We’re going nowhere until you get that money Roger.

Roge walks towards Sammo and punches him hard in the stomach. He responds with a punch to Roge’s face. They start violently attacking each other. Chopper, Marl, Charlie and Lizzie all get involved with the fight.

ROGE

          I said, you ain’t getting anything.

          What part of that do you not understand?

Roge kicks Sammo in the head

Johnni stands away from the brawl, instead looks on at Sammo as he is being attacked by Roge, who is now covered in a large amount of blood.

SAMMO (struggling to breathe)

          JOHNNI MATE HELP ME… I CAN’T BREATHE…

Johnni continues to stand in awe at Sammo and the rest.

ROGE

          You brave enough now are ya?

Still want ya money, do ya?

See this is what happens when the little boys play with the men.

Roge spits on Sammo, who is lying on the floor.

JOHNNI

          Get away from him, don’t touch him.

ROGE

          Why would I listen to you huh?

          I don’t think you know who you are                             dealing with.

JOHNNI

          I swear if you take one more step

          towards him…

ROGE

          You’ll what huh?

Johnni lunges towards ROGE; he pushes him into the cushions and begins continuously punching him in the ribs.

Roge escapes from under Johnni and also begins kicking him in the back.

Johnni and Roge continue fighting until Johnni breaks free from ROGE.

Johnni stands looking at his knuckles, they are bloody and red.

ROGE (shouting)

          You little shit, you’ll pay for that.

          I would watch your back and that’s a promise.

                  

The faint sounds of sirens are heard in the background. Within about 20 seconds the police arrive, across the road. Johnni helps Sammo stumble to his feet. Sammo, Johnni, Chopper, Marl, Charlie and Lizzie all run through the back door

 SAMMO (struggling to breathe)

          I’ll be back for you Roge, you can count on it

          Stupid fuckin piece of shit!

          Johnni, come on lets go

The police enter ROGE’S house and arrest him.

ROGE

          GET OFF ME YOU PIGS, DON’T YOU TOUCH ME,

          FUCKING FILTH.

The police escort ROGE out of the house and across the road. He is covered in blood.

CUT TO:

INT.JOHNNI’S KITCHEN.DAY

Johnni and Sammo sit at the kitchen table. Sammo is wearing the same clothes as the night before, he is covered in blood. Johnni is wearing a plan grey t shirt with black skinny jeans.

Johnni holds a tea towel under Sammo’s hand, which is slightly swollen and bloody.

SAMMO

          What was the fuck was last night all about?

          You lemon, I told ya I had ya back.

JOHNNI

          Well good morning to you too…

I’m sorry; I panicked… You weren’t moving!

You needed me, he was battering you!

          Look, you asked for it, you provoked Roge.

Sammo gets to his feet and squares up to Johnni who is now panicking.

SAMMO

          You want me to start on you? We were

          claiming what was rightfully ours.

          I don’t need your help, ever.

Roge just struggles when it comes to being nice, I was putting him in his place.

          See mate, I’ve got a problem with you now.

          And when I’ve got problems with people I  

          like to sort them out…

JOHNNI

          Look Sam, I said I’m sorry, there’s no

          problems here.

We’ve been friends for years…    

Sammo looks over towards the window pane. There is a photo of him and Johnni. There is a photo of Johnni’s older brother, SETH.

JOHNNI (CONT)

          You helped me through when my brother died.

          Let’s not fight. It’s not worth it.

          What about when I helped you when you were

          in a dark place huh?

Sammo backs off from Johnni and sits back down on the chair.

SAMMO

          You wanna get on with this bandage then?

JOHNNI

It’s okay to be scared you know?

You don’t have to put on a big show for anyone.

          That’s your problem Sam, you care too much.

Sammo ignores Johnni, who is now bandaging his hand up.

JOHNNI

          Everyone is scared of something…

SAMMO

          Look, just stop with the soppy bullshit                   Johnni.

                  

JOHNNI

          I’m scared of things too…

          Not just Roge or the fucking riots that are

          Going on at the moment.

          Everything, believe me.

Johnni finishes bandaging Sammo’s hand. He walks over the sink and rinses out the tea towel.

Sammo walks over to where Johnni is standing.

SAMMO

          Well, I told ya, I’ve got your back.

          No need to be scared.

          Let’s see this tattoo then, you’ve made

          me wait long enough now!

          Thought you would be proud of it!

Johnni attempts to hide his wrist from Sammo. However, Sammo pushes his hand away and unties the bandana, to reveal a tattoo of a bird.

They both sit in silence for a few moments

JOHNNI

          Look Sam, I’m sorry, I just couldn’t.

          It didn’t look good on me, wasn’t me really.

SAMMO

          You’re supposed to be doing it for me

and the gang.

          It doesn’t matter if you don’t like it,

          what about us, what about what we stand for?

             

Sammo edges closer in to Johnni, as to square up to him.

JOHNNI

          This is me Sam, take it or leave it.

          I can’t do this anymore, I can’t pretend

          I want this life, when I don’t.

          I can’t pretend to you anymore, I just can’t.

SAMMO

          What are you talking about?

Johnni begins to break down in hysterical tears; Sammo holds his head in his arms as to comfort him.

Johnni starts to punch SAMMO in the chest through upset, Sammo tries to restrain Johnni.

They stand in front of each other; Sammo leans in to kiss Johnni, who responds to his advances.

They embrace for a few seconds.

In confusion, Sammo breaks away from Johnni, picks up his jacket and leaves, slamming the door behind.

Johnni sits in the corner of the kitchen, cross legged. He cries.

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