sample of the script from the movie
Barcelona by Whit Stillman. It is published, together
with the script from Metropolitan by Faber and Faber, ISBN 0-571-17365-9, price
UKP9.99, USD14.95.
[Barcelona, Spain - The last decade of the Cold War.
Ted is an American marketing man posted abroad.]
EXT. PALAU DE LA MUSICA - NIGHT
That night Ted waiting outside the "Palau," Barcelona's art nouveau concert hall. Many attractive people, including women, pass by Ted as they enter for the jazz concert.
Montage: Aurora - the camera looks into her eyes.
TED(v.o.)
I'd really looked forward to seeing Aurora that night. I had this image stuck in my mind of looking into her
eyes and maybe seeing her soul. But she was late, which was actually not that common in Barcelona.
Ted stares around. In the background a poster announces that night's concert artist as "Vinyl Hampton - the latest in progressive jazz from Canada" (in Catalan).
MONTSERRAT
Oh, it's you.
Ted looks at her, puzzled.
MONTSERRAT
Aurora can't come. Please excuse my retard.
Montserrat gives Ted his ticket.
INT. PALAU DE LA MUSICA CATALANA - NIGHT
Montserrat talking very quickly to Ted as they sit in their seats before the concert. Conversation in progress.
MONTSERRAT
Two weeks ago Aurora had a flechazo - (she indicates hands grasping an arrow in the heart) - and
-
TED
- What's a - (makes similar gesture) - "flechazo"?
MONTSERRAT
It means suddenly dropping crazily in love with someone - as if an arrow had entered your heart, shot by
one of those little-boy angels. Aurora had a crazy adventure with this very handsome man. But he got too
serious. She was about to begin an adventure with you -
TED
- An "adventure"?
Montserrat shakes her head "yes" and continues
MONTSERRAT
- But her boyfriend got angry and pressured her.
TED
Aurora has a boyfriend?
MONTSERRAT
Yes.
Ted, surprised and pensive, turns and looks down at the simple jazz concert program with, in large letters, the name of the performer - "Vinyl Hampton."
TED
(Looking at program) I was sure Aurora said Lionel Hampton would be playing tonight. I
never heard of Vinyl Hampton.
EXT. PALAU - NIGHT
Ted and Montserrat leaving the Palau as the concert ends.
TED
How could you tell I felt that way?
MONTSERRAT
During the whole concert your expression was like this:
She makes a face imitating Ted with the intensest frown possible. It's a bit exaggerated.
TED
You're very perceptive
Montserrat laughs
MONTSERRAT
What?
TED
You're very perceptive
MONTSERRAT
What?
This time Ted repeats the words very slowly, pointing to her to indicate "you" and pointing to his eyes to indicate "perceptive":
TED
You-Are-Very-Perceptive.
MONTSERRAT
- Oh - Thank you.
TED
I don't really like perceptiveness of that kind.
(1/2) More...
