Memo

A screenplay by: Ben Southwood

(Scene2: Int)

Shot fades in over black

A cochophony of call-centre chit chat grows in volume

An out-of-focus figure can be seen in the background. The camera ever so slowly pans in and focus becomes clear as we reach a Medium Close-Up of a dishevelled man in his early 20’s. He is looking above the camera. He is sat at a desk in a well equipped, modern call-centre with computer etc. in the foreground.

STEPHEN NARRATES

(Depressed)

Another day, another dollar.

Colleagues can be seen meandering behind Stephen, but his eyes stay fixed on the same spot.

The minute hand of Stephen’s office-clock is seen as it clatters onto the 12.

With that Stephen puts down his on his headset and begins typing.

STEPHEN

Hello. My name is Stephen. I wonder if you could spare 2 minutes to discuss your stationery needs?

He re-dials.

STEPHEN NARRATES

This was it….my life….telephone begging, expanding the pockets of those further up the ladder than myself. I was pretty content at the time….before I knew.

STEPHEN

Hello. My name is Stephen. I wonder if you could spare 2 minutes to…

He pauses for a moment, sighs, then re-dials.

STEPHEN

Hello Sir. My name is Stephen. I wonder if you could spare 2 minutes to discuss….

He listens intently and starts looking rather nervous.

STEPHEN

OK. Sorry to bother you sir. Goodbye.

He hurriedly stabs his phone-pad to end the call and peals off his headset in anger. He then takes a deep breath and leans back in his chair.

Stephen’s E-mail beeps on his computer. Over his shoulder we see that it is an internal Memo. Stephen leans forward. The cochophony of call centre chit-chat grows again and a narrative starts:

The Camera slowly zooms in-to Stephens right-eye as it closes.

STEPHEN NARRATES

To all members of staff.. I am sure you are now all aware that David York is leaving us as he retires at the end of the week. The position of Managing Director is being interviewed for at present. Simon has been assigned to….

As Stephen opens his eyes, he realises that he is the last one left in the office.

He quickly switches off his computer and walks out of shot, darting back to grab his coat.

He then walks out through the office’s double doors.

Fargo

Fargo – Script Analysis Exercise

Main Body of Script

After comparing the final edit of Fargo’s introduction with the written script, I have discovered that some key changes have taken place. Most notably of these is the deletion of an entire scene in which Jerry checks into a motel. There are other minor alterations also; such as a change of name for the bar where the three men meet, the deletion of the roadsign for Fargo, and minor alterations to the script (which generally helps the dialogue flow better). I personally think that the final cut of Fargo stays true to the script, remaining as tense and dark-humoured as it was written by the Coen Brothers.

Characters

Jerry appears to be a shameless loser, who desperately needs a large sum of money to pay someone back. I assumed that Jerry had a gambling problem (or something of the like). Jerry is over-confident in a very naïve way. He assumes that getting his wife kidnapped by gangsters for $40,000 is a great idea. Jerry is a Protagonist in a sense, as we are inclined to feel a little sorry for him. He is however also an Antagonist as he arranging for something innocently horrific to take place.

Carl is one of two “Heavies” which have been sent to meet Jerry by the mysterious Shep. He seems to be the smarter of the two, and as such does most of the talking. He seems very cocky and suspicious / shifty. Carl is an Antagonist as he has agreed to kidnap Jerry’s wife for money.

Grimsrud is the second of the “Heavies” to be sent to meet Jerry by the mysterious Shep. He is a man of few words, whose main purpose is to sit with Carl and look menacing / intimidating. Grimsrud is also an Antagonist as he has agreed to kidnap Jerry’s wife for money.