The Yoke of the Youth (Opening Scene)

An opening scene to a neo-western/adventure film idea that I had.

EXT. MAPLE STREET - EARLY AFTERNOON

A convertible is driving down the middle of a typical suburban street. It can't be going more than 5 miles per hour.

SKULL, a 17 year old boy, is driving while smoking a cigarette. KNIFE, a 16 year old boy, is scanning the area around them, with a beer can in his hand.

KNIFE

What day is it today?

SKULL

Umm, it's Tuesday--oh no wait, it's Wednesday, I think. Why do you ask?

KNIFE

I challenged Bullet to a pool rematch on Wednesday--err…today.

SKULL

Dude, you're a s****y pool player. Just admit it.

KNIFE

I had one bad game.

SKULL

If one actually meant "dozens," than yes, you've had one bad game.

Knife pulls out a dagger, and begins scraping his teeth with it.

KNIFE

I'm just going through a slump right now.

SKULL

You haven't been good since you got in that fight with Scalp.

Knife carelessly tosses his dagger aside.

KNIFE

Damn him for cutting me.

Knife takes a swig of beer.

SKULL

You're the one who�"

Knife spots something. He drops his beer can.

KNIFE

Oh wait, stop! I see one!

The car screeches to a halt.

Knife climbs out of the car and makes his way up to a porch.

There's a package just sitting on the welcome mat, just waiting for him to take.

Knife starts approaching the package.

The sound of a shotgun being cocked stops Knife dead in his tracks.

MAN (O.S.)

If you value your life, I'd suggest you stop walking.

Knife turns his head to the sound of the voice.

There sits DANIEL JI, a middle aged Korean-American, sitting on the porch swing, shotgun aimed carefully at Knife.

Knife subtly raises his hands. He tries unsuccessfully to hide his anger.

KNIFE

Do you have any idea who I am, Jackie Chan?

JI

Yeah. You're the son of a b***h that's been stealing my packages.

KNIFE

I work with Francis Kidd, you asshat!

JI

(sarcastically)

Wow! Francis Kidd. Oh, I am so scared by one of his lackeys.

KNIFE

I'm warning you, if you don't let us take what's rightfully ours, we will unleash a storm down upon you.

JI

Mighty big talk from a kid whose on the barrel end of a shotgun.

KNIFE

You don't have the guts to pull the trigger.

JI

Well there's only one way to find out, isn't there? Just take one more step.

Ji re-steadies his aim.

Knife puts his foot out, as if he's going to take the step.

JI

(whispers)

Go on. Just one more step.

Knife's leg starts to tremble.

Ji puts his finger on the trigger.

Knife, after careful consideration, pulls his foot back.

Ji gestures for him to get off his porch.

Knife starts to comply.

KNIFE

You're gonna regret this, old man!

JI

I wouldn't bet money on that if I were you.

Knife scrambles off the porch and climbs into the car.

KNIFE

Drive!

SKULL

What the hell happ�"

KNIFE

Dude's crazy! Just drive!

The car speeds off.

Ji sets his shotgun off to the side, and walks over to the package. He picks it up, and cuts it open with his pocket knife. Inside the over-sized package is a single package of bubble gum. Ji laughs.

Author's Note

This is just the opening scene. I guess just let me know if this is compelling, or if the dialogue sounds okay, or if any exposition sounds too awkward, or anything like that.