Scene 25 INT. GASTER APARTMENT - DAY
A heavy knock resounds through the apartment. LOTTA GASTER, a sturdy woman in her fifties with a strong German accent, approaches the door with caution. The chain lock rattles as she opens the door to a crack, her eyes widening at the sight of the unexpected visitor.
LOTTA GASTER
What are you doing here?
MORTON SMITH stands in the hallway, a middle-aged man with a face bearing the urgency of his mission. His eyes dart past Lotta, seeking the man he came for.
MORTON SMITH
I have to tell Theodor.
Lotta's hand tightens on the door, her voice raising in disbelief and annoyance.
LOTTA GASTER
Are you nuts?
With a swift move, Morton pushes past the door, forcing his way into the sacred space of the apartment. Lotta steps back, giving him a glare filled with disgust.
MORTON SMITH
(calling out)
Theodor! It’s me, Morton. I have to speak with you.
The sound of a door opening echoes from the back of the apartment. THEODOR GASTER, an intellectual-looking man in his late fifties, emerges. His surprise is evident, but his demeanor remains calm.
THEODOR
Morton.
The tension in the air is palpable. Morton nods toward the door, and without a word, Theodor understands. They need privacy.
EXT. GASTER APARTMENT BUILDING - DAY
The neighborhood is alive with the hum of city life, providing a discreet soundtrack to their conversation. Morton and Theodor step outside into the light, their faces serious as they begin to walk.
MORTON SMITH
There’s been a development. It’s urgent, Theodor.
Theodor's eyes search Morton’s, reading the gravity of the situation.
THEODOR
What is it?
Morton and Theodor continue their walk, the city bustling around them. Morton struggles to find the right words, his discomfort palpable in the crisp air.
MORTON SMITH
It occurs to me that there is no good way for me to say this, Theodor... I am having an affair with Lotta.
Theodor stops in his tracks, a laugh escaping him, breaking the tension like a sudden ray of sunlight through clouds.
THEODOR
Oh, that.
Morton, taken aback by the reaction, stands in shock.
MORTON SMITH
You mean you knew?
Theodor smiles, an expression of genuine amusement and a hint of something deeper in his eyes.
THEODOR
You call that an affair? When was the last time you had sex with my wife?
Morton squirms under the weight of the question, the discomfort settling in his stomach like a heavy stone.
Sensing Morton's unease, Theodor places a comforting arm around his shoulder, guiding him to continue walking.
THEODOR
She's just not that way.
Morton looks at him, puzzled by the vague description.
MORTON SMITH
Not that way what?
Theodor takes a deep breath, as if preparing to divulge a long-kept secret.
THEODOR
And neither am I, Morton. I’m gay.
The words hang in the air, a revelation that seems to momentarily stop the world around them.
THEODOR (CONT’D)
I've been in a relationship with a male teaching assistant. We share an apartment.
Morton, still processing, looks at Theodor with newfound understanding and curiosity.
MORTON SMITH
I had no idea...
Theodor nods, his smile softening.
THEODOR
Few do. But it’s the truth, and it’s my life.
The revelation marks a turning point in their conversation, as they continue to walk down the street, their steps lighter, a barrier broken between them. The enter a small cafe.
Morton and Theodor sit at a secluded table, their coffees untouched as they delve into a conversation far removed from the bustle of the city around them.
MORTON SMITH
Theodor, I... I don't know what to say. I just assumed you were as devoted to your work as...
Morton trails off, struggling to find the right words, his gaze fixed on the table, unable to meet Theodor’s eyes.
THEODOR
(softly, with a hint of irony)
You mean like you?
Morton looks up, meeting Theodor's gaze, a mix of guilt and realization in his eyes.
MORTON SMITH
I just assumed.
Theodor sighs, a weariness in his posture that speaks of burdens long carried.
THEODOR
I don’t have many years to live, Morton. And my interest in Lotta... it faded a long time ago.
Morton, puzzled, leans in, trying to understand the man he thought he knew.
MORTON SMITH
But why? Why stay together?
Theodor smiles softly, a glimmer of happiness breaking through his tired facade.
THEODOR
Paul makes me happy. He’s been the light in a life that had become too accustomed to the dark. With him, I've found a peace I never knew with Lotta.
Morton nods, the pieces falling into place, his perspective on Theodor and his own actions shifting.
MORTON SMITH
I had no idea. The life you’ve been leading, the sacrifices...
Theodor reaches across the table, placing a reassuring hand on Morton’s.
THEODOR
We all wear our masks, Morton. Some just become more comfortable than others. But in the end, finding happiness, real happiness, means shedding those masks.
Morton looks at Theodor, a newfound respect and understanding forming. The conversation shifts away from confessions and revelations, moving towards deeper, more philosophical discussions about life, happiness, and the masks they wear.
FADE OUT.
Scene 26 INT. JACOB NEUSNER'S OFFICE - DAY
The atmosphere in the room is tense. Books line the walls, and papers clutter the desk. Neusner sits behind the desk, calm but firm. Morton stands across from him, visibly upset.
MORTON SMITH
(angrily)
You're denying Theodor's grant application? On what grounds?
JACOB NEUSNER
(uneasily)
Morton, it’s complicated. The decision isn't solely mine. We have to consider the committee's perspective and the public's reception.
MORTON SMITH
(frustrated)
But his research is groundbreaking! It’s about the quality of the work, not his personal life.
JACOB NEUSNER
(sympathetically but firm)
I understand your frustration, Morton. But there are...other considerations.
MORTON SMITH
(getting angrier)
Other considerations? You mean his being gay? Since when does the NEA discriminate based on sexuality?
JACOB NEUSNER
(trying to maintain calm)
It’s not just about sexuality, Morton. We have to think about the image and the messages we support.
MORTON SMITH
(disgusted)
The image? The message? The message should be about supporting excellence in research, Jacob, not perpetuating prejudice!
JACOB NEUSNER
(resolute)
Morton, I’m sorry, but my hands are tied. The decision has been made.
MORTON SMITH
(fuming)
Then you should untie them, Jacob! What’s the point of having power if you don’t use it to fight for what’s right?
Neusner looks away, uncomfortable, unable to meet Morton's gaze. Morton shakes his head in disbelief, his respect for Neusner visibly shaken.
MORTON SMITH
(voice softer, but filled with disappointment)
I thought better of you, Jacob. I really did.
Morton turns and walks out of the office, leaving Neusner sitting in silence, the weight of the conversation heavy in the air.
A heavy knock resounds through the apartment. LOTTA GASTER, a sturdy woman in her fifties with a strong German accent, approaches the door with caution. The chain lock rattles as she opens the door to a crack, her eyes widening at the sight of the unexpected visitor.
LOTTA GASTER
What are you doing here?
MORTON SMITH stands in the hallway, a middle-aged man with a face bearing the urgency of his mission. His eyes dart past Lotta, seeking the man he came for.
MORTON SMITH
I have to tell Theodor.
Lotta's hand tightens on the door, her voice raising in disbelief and annoyance.
LOTTA GASTER
Are you nuts?
With a swift move, Morton pushes past the door, forcing his way into the sacred space of the apartment. Lotta steps back, giving him a glare filled with disgust.
MORTON SMITH
(calling out)
Theodor! It’s me, Morton. I have to speak with you.
The sound of a door opening echoes from the back of the apartment. THEODOR GASTER, an intellectual-looking man in his late fifties, emerges. His surprise is evident, but his demeanor remains calm.
THEODOR
Morton.
The tension in the air is palpable. Morton nods toward the door, and without a word, Theodor understands. They need privacy.
EXT. GASTER APARTMENT BUILDING - DAY
The neighborhood is alive with the hum of city life, providing a discreet soundtrack to their conversation. Morton and Theodor step outside into the light, their faces serious as they begin to walk.
MORTON SMITH
There’s been a development. It’s urgent, Theodor.
Theodor's eyes search Morton’s, reading the gravity of the situation.
THEODOR
What is it?
Morton and Theodor continue their walk, the city bustling around them. Morton struggles to find the right words, his discomfort palpable in the crisp air.
MORTON SMITH
It occurs to me that there is no good way for me to say this, Theodor... I am having an affair with Lotta.
Theodor stops in his tracks, a laugh escaping him, breaking the tension like a sudden ray of sunlight through clouds.
THEODOR
Oh, that.
Morton, taken aback by the reaction, stands in shock.
MORTON SMITH
You mean you knew?
Theodor smiles, an expression of genuine amusement and a hint of something deeper in his eyes.
THEODOR
You call that an affair? When was the last time you had sex with my wife?
Morton squirms under the weight of the question, the discomfort settling in his stomach like a heavy stone.
Sensing Morton's unease, Theodor places a comforting arm around his shoulder, guiding him to continue walking.
THEODOR
She's just not that way.
Morton looks at him, puzzled by the vague description.
MORTON SMITH
Not that way what?
Theodor takes a deep breath, as if preparing to divulge a long-kept secret.
THEODOR
And neither am I, Morton. I’m gay.
The words hang in the air, a revelation that seems to momentarily stop the world around them.
THEODOR (CONT’D)
I've been in a relationship with a male teaching assistant. We share an apartment.
Morton, still processing, looks at Theodor with newfound understanding and curiosity.
MORTON SMITH
I had no idea...
Theodor nods, his smile softening.
THEODOR
Few do. But it’s the truth, and it’s my life.
The revelation marks a turning point in their conversation, as they continue to walk down the street, their steps lighter, a barrier broken between them. The enter a small cafe.
Morton and Theodor sit at a secluded table, their coffees untouched as they delve into a conversation far removed from the bustle of the city around them.
MORTON SMITH
Theodor, I... I don't know what to say. I just assumed you were as devoted to your work as...
Morton trails off, struggling to find the right words, his gaze fixed on the table, unable to meet Theodor’s eyes.
THEODOR
(softly, with a hint of irony)
You mean like you?
Morton looks up, meeting Theodor's gaze, a mix of guilt and realization in his eyes.
MORTON SMITH
I just assumed.
Theodor sighs, a weariness in his posture that speaks of burdens long carried.
THEODOR
I don’t have many years to live, Morton. And my interest in Lotta... it faded a long time ago.
Morton, puzzled, leans in, trying to understand the man he thought he knew.
MORTON SMITH
But why? Why stay together?
Theodor smiles softly, a glimmer of happiness breaking through his tired facade.
THEODOR
Paul makes me happy. He’s been the light in a life that had become too accustomed to the dark. With him, I've found a peace I never knew with Lotta.
Morton nods, the pieces falling into place, his perspective on Theodor and his own actions shifting.
MORTON SMITH
I had no idea. The life you’ve been leading, the sacrifices...
Theodor reaches across the table, placing a reassuring hand on Morton’s.
THEODOR
We all wear our masks, Morton. Some just become more comfortable than others. But in the end, finding happiness, real happiness, means shedding those masks.
Morton looks at Theodor, a newfound respect and understanding forming. The conversation shifts away from confessions and revelations, moving towards deeper, more philosophical discussions about life, happiness, and the masks they wear.
FADE OUT.
Scene 26 INT. JACOB NEUSNER'S OFFICE - DAY
The atmosphere in the room is tense. Books line the walls, and papers clutter the desk. Neusner sits behind the desk, calm but firm. Morton stands across from him, visibly upset.
MORTON SMITH
(angrily)
You're denying Theodor's grant application? On what grounds?
JACOB NEUSNER
(uneasily)
Morton, it’s complicated. The decision isn't solely mine. We have to consider the committee's perspective and the public's reception.
MORTON SMITH
(frustrated)
But his research is groundbreaking! It’s about the quality of the work, not his personal life.
JACOB NEUSNER
(sympathetically but firm)
I understand your frustration, Morton. But there are...other considerations.
MORTON SMITH
(getting angrier)
Other considerations? You mean his being gay? Since when does the NEA discriminate based on sexuality?
JACOB NEUSNER
(trying to maintain calm)
It’s not just about sexuality, Morton. We have to think about the image and the messages we support.
MORTON SMITH
(disgusted)
The image? The message? The message should be about supporting excellence in research, Jacob, not perpetuating prejudice!
JACOB NEUSNER
(resolute)
Morton, I’m sorry, but my hands are tied. The decision has been made.
MORTON SMITH
(fuming)
Then you should untie them, Jacob! What’s the point of having power if you don’t use it to fight for what’s right?
Neusner looks away, uncomfortable, unable to meet Morton's gaze. Morton shakes his head in disbelief, his respect for Neusner visibly shaken.
MORTON SMITH
(voice softer, but filled with disappointment)
I thought better of you, Jacob. I really did.
Morton turns and walks out of the office, leaving Neusner sitting in silence, the weight of the conversation heavy in the air.
Statistics: Posted by Secret Alias — Tue Apr 09, 2024 9:09 pm