End of page 1 to end of page 2 (when he dials his mother)

Scene Synopsis

This excerpt mainly depicts how James (main protagonist), deals with a confusing and strange situation that interrupts his daily regime.

I chose this scene as the scene requires a lot of major underlying transition of emotions and realizations that are somewhat tricky to portray through the simple actions required.  

Here is a breakdown of the scene’s activities and emotional state:

1. The scene starts with the James taking a break from a high intensity computer game session, opening a packet drink. His mind is still in the game that just ended, thinking how the hell he just lost.
   • Anger and frustration must be seen from the way he opens the drink packet and retrieves the straw. 
2. He hears thumps from the wall and gets agitated. Coupled with the adrenaline from the game, the anger from the loss and the loud Japanese pop music in the background, he flares up at the neighbour, taking it out on the wall between them.
   • Anger has to be a sudden burst from the surface of a calm exterior, taking it out on the spacebar to mute the music first, before ramming the wall. 
3. He expects a thumping competition to go on between them, but hears a weak cry for help instead, calming his nerves instantly. A sudden compassion and concern grip him.
   • The strange response makes him put aside his anger momentarily but it is still reflected on his face.
4. Thinking that it might be a prank though, he lets go of the feelings of compassion  and decides to screw it, going back to his daily activities.
   • The idea of “screw it, this is a scam, i’m retarded to actually believe for a moment” must be prevalent in the way he goes back to his computer activities 
5. After some thought though, the idea that it might actually not be a prank grips him and he decides to give the neighbour a second chance, ready to cash in on the revenge if his feelings are cheated.
   • Still apprehensive, eager to release the kraken if his feelings are cheated, an excuse to release his pent up rage from the various sources (Game and annoying thumps) he gives does a double take and gives the neighbour a benefit of a doubt, hoping to ensnare him. 
6. However, the weak voice calls out for him a second time and James gets more drawn into the situation out of his frustration, curiosity eggs him forward.
   • Forgets his previous ulterior motives and genuinely wants to understand the situation
7. After acquiring the vague and strange realization that the neighbour might actually be dying, his first reaction is to pull in his dear mother’s help as always.
   • Confusion and lost, first instinct: mother

The scene only requires a table, a chair (gaming station) and a wall. Packet drinks, computer keyboard and phone can be simulated. Blocking only involves travelling to the wall approx 2 meters away, back to the station, ending back at the wall again.