Wednesday, October 14, 2015
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Productivity [2012]
CHARACTER LIST:
EMPLOYEE H - a male in his early forties
EMPLOYEE P - a female in her late thirties
EMPLOYEE F - a female in her early thirties
FACILITATOR 1 - nondescript, voiceless ass-kicker
FACILITATOR 2 - nondescript, voiceless ass-kicker
FACILITATOR 3 - nondescript, voiceless ass-kicker
✽ ✽ ✽ ✽ ✽
CUT FROM BLACK:
EXT. A NOT-SO-BUSY PARKING LOT - DAY
EMPLOYEE H pulls into a parking spot, gets out of his car
with briefcase in hand, and approaches the front door of
an office building. He has a slightly contemplative look
on his face.
with briefcase in hand, and approaches the front door of
an office building. He has a slightly contemplative look
on his face.
CUT TO BLACK
CUT FROM BLACK:
INT. A NOT-SO-BUSY OFFICE BUILDING - DAY
EMPLOYEE H walks from front door to elevators, where he
presses the "up" button and waits. The door opens and
he enters.
presses the "up" button and waits. The door opens and
he enters.
CUT TO BLACK
CUT FROM BLACK:
INT. A NOT-SO-FULL ELEVATOR - DAY
EMPLOYEE H waits patiently for the elevator to reach his
floor. It does, and he exits.
floor. It does, and he exits.
CUT TO BLACK
CUT FROM BLACK:
INT. ANOTHER FLOOR IN A NOT-SO-BUSY OFFICE BUILDING - DAY
EMPLOYEE H walks from elevator to a nearby door. He opens
said door and walks through it.
said door and walks through it.
CUT TO BLACK
CUT FROM BLACK:
INT. A NONDESCRIPT, WINDOWLESS OFFICE - DAY
EMPLOYEE H walks through the door and closes it behind him.
He takes a seat at the nearest desk. He still looks as if
he's contemplating something. Across from him at an
identical desk is EMPLOYEE P, whose left eye is black and
whose right arm is in a sling. Posted on the back wall
between the two desks is a poster that reads:
He takes a seat at the nearest desk. He still looks as if
he's contemplating something. Across from him at an
identical desk is EMPLOYEE P, whose left eye is black and
whose right arm is in a sling. Posted on the back wall
between the two desks is a poster that reads:
Five elements of
a successful
workplace:
PRO
DUC
TIV
IT
Y
EMPLOYEE P is working diligently at her computer as
EMPLOYEE H takes some paperwork from his briefcase and
places it into a box on the desk. He closes the briefcase
and lowers it to the floor, makes some minor adjustments to
items on the desk, and then sets his eyes on EMPLOYEE P.
He stares at her for a good long while before speaking.
EMPLOYEE H takes some paperwork from his briefcase and
places it into a box on the desk. He closes the briefcase
and lowers it to the floor, makes some minor adjustments to
items on the desk, and then sets his eyes on EMPLOYEE P.
He stares at her for a good long while before speaking.
EMPLOYEE H
You know, Employee J died
on Thursday. What do you think of
that?
EMPLOYEE P
(not looking up)
(not looking up)
I think he was a slug. His
numbers were shit.
EMPLOYEE H
He had a kid, a little boy with
CF. What do you think will
happen to him?
EMPLOYEE P
(still not looking up)
Don't care. Kid can sit and spin
if you ask me.
EMPLOYEE H
(dejected)
Perhaps I shouldn't be asking you.
EMPLOYEE P
(finally looking up)
Perhaps.
EMPLOYEE P quickly returns to work, leaving EMPLOYEE H
staring at the ceiling.
staring at the ceiling.
CUT TO BLACK
CUT FROM BLACK:
INT. THE NONDESCRIPT OFFICE - DAY
EMPLOYEE P is working diligently, while EMPLOYEE H reads
the newspaper. After a few moments, he puts the paper
down, appears to consider something, and then leans
forward to address EMPLOYEE P.
the newspaper. After a few moments, he puts the paper
down, appears to consider something, and then leans
forward to address EMPLOYEE P.
EMPLOYEE H
You know what would be really
awesome?
EMPLOYEE P
(disinterested)
No telling.
EMPLOYEE H
If zombies were real.
(pause)
I mean, I get it that they can't
actually be, like, reanimated
dead, but it could totally be
from some chemical spill or
something like that, right?
EMPLOYEE P
(disinterested)
Mmmm hmmm.
There is a long, awkward silence, during which
EMPLOYEE H again develops a contemplative look on his face.
He stares off for some time before EMPLOYEE P looks up and
catches his eye.
EMPLOYEE H again develops a contemplative look on his face.
He stares off for some time before EMPLOYEE P looks up and
catches his eye.
EMPLOYEE H
You think Employee J had an ex-wife
or something? Someone who could
take care of the boy?
(pause) (no answer)
(as if telling a secret)
I once saw this movie about this
artist dude who wiped his ass with
stuffed animals and nailed his
dick to a board. He was, like, the
oldest person with CF, ever.
EMPLOYEE P
(slightly intrigued)
Bob Flanagan.
EMPLOYEE H
What?
EMPLOYEE P
Bob Flanagan. The guy in the movie;
his name was Bob Flanagan.
EMPLOYEE H
No. I think it was Steve or something.
EMPLOYEE P
(losing interest again)
Mmmm hmmm.
CUT TO BLACK
CUT FROM BLACK:
INT. THE NONDESCRIPT OFFICE - DAY
EMPLOYEE H is cutting some paper with a pair of scissors.
He is clearly putting forth some considerable effort.
EMPLOYEE P is paying him no mind. After a few moments,
EMPLOYEE F enters the room and approaches EMPLOYEE P at
her desk.
He is clearly putting forth some considerable effort.
EMPLOYEE P is paying him no mind. After a few moments,
EMPLOYEE F enters the room and approaches EMPLOYEE P at
her desk.
EMPLOYEE F
(addressing EMPLOYEE P)
Do you have the Sheldrake file
prepared?
EMPLOYEE P
(suddenly quite friendly)
I do. Give me just one moment.
EMPLOYEE P opens a drawer in her desk, with some difficulty
due to the sling, and removes a folder. She places the
folder on her desk and closes the drawer. She then opens
another drawer and produces a manilla envelope. EMPLOYEE F
looks clearly annoyed by these developments. EMPLOYEE P
then places the folder into the manilla envelope and seals
it in a practiced manner. Just as it is sealed, EMPLOYEE F
snatches it from her hand violently. He then turns to
EMPLOYEE H, who has finished his cutting and is assembling
the scraps of paper. After a moment, he holds up the
results: a sign that simply says:
due to the sling, and removes a folder. She places the
folder on her desk and closes the drawer. She then opens
another drawer and produces a manilla envelope. EMPLOYEE F
looks clearly annoyed by these developments. EMPLOYEE P
then places the folder into the manilla envelope and seals
it in a practiced manner. Just as it is sealed, EMPLOYEE F
snatches it from her hand violently. He then turns to
EMPLOYEE H, who has finished his cutting and is assembling
the scraps of paper. After a moment, he holds up the
results: a sign that simply says:
MUSCLE
EMPLOYEE F
That's exactly what I was looking
for. Thank you. Might you put it
in an envelope for me?
EMPLOYEE H
Sure!
EMPLOYEE H produces his own manilla envelope from one of
his desk drawers, places the sign into it, seals it with a
lick, and hands it to EMPLOYEE F. Meanwhile, EMPLOYEE P
looks incredibly perturbed. EMPLOYEE F then exits the room
pleased, and EMPLOYEE H suddenly looks contemplative again.
his desk drawers, places the sign into it, seals it with a
lick, and hands it to EMPLOYEE F. Meanwhile, EMPLOYEE P
looks incredibly perturbed. EMPLOYEE F then exits the room
pleased, and EMPLOYEE H suddenly looks contemplative again.
EMPLOYEE H
Flanagan.
EMPLOYEE P
(exasperated)
What?!!
EMPLOYEE H
I think the guy's last name was
Flanagan.
CUT TO BLACK
CUT FROM BLACK:
INT. THE NONDESCRIPT OFFICE - DAY
EMPLOYEE P is working diligently at her computer, while
EMPLOYEE H is nowhere to be seen. After a few moments, he
rises from beneath/behind his desk holding a fire
extinguisher and stands there quietly feigning play. He
eventually opens a desk drawer and places the fire
extinguisher into it. He closes the drawer, sits back down
in his chair, and sighs a discontented sigh. EMPLOYEE P is unaffected.
EMPLOYEE H is nowhere to be seen. After a few moments, he
rises from beneath/behind his desk holding a fire
extinguisher and stands there quietly feigning play. He
eventually opens a desk drawer and places the fire
extinguisher into it. He closes the drawer, sits back down
in his chair, and sighs a discontented sigh. EMPLOYEE P is unaffected.
CUT TO BLACK
CUT FROM BLACK:
INT. THE NONDESCRIPT OFFICE - DAY
EMPLOYEE P is, as is regularly the case, hard at work on
her computer. Noticing this, EMPLOYEE H fiddles with his
computer for a few moments, then shuffles some papers and
staples them, and then rummages through his desk drawers
searching for something. Eventually, he pulls out a small
trophy and places it at the front of his desk, facing
EMPLOYEE P. When she fails to take notice, he lifts the
trophy slightly and begins tapping the base of it on the
desk. When she finally looks up, she is clearly irritated. EMPLOYEE H, however, is undaunted, holding the trophy.
her computer. Noticing this, EMPLOYEE H fiddles with his
computer for a few moments, then shuffles some papers and
staples them, and then rummages through his desk drawers
searching for something. Eventually, he pulls out a small
trophy and places it at the front of his desk, facing
EMPLOYEE P. When she fails to take notice, he lifts the
trophy slightly and begins tapping the base of it on the
desk. When she finally looks up, she is clearly irritated. EMPLOYEE H, however, is undaunted, holding the trophy.
EMPLOYEE H
Had a .317 batting average, and 37
home runs.
EMPLOYEE P
(sarcastically)
Fascinating. You win a Golden
Glove, too?
EMPLOYEE H
Nah. I wasn't really all that
good in the--
(pause)
You play any sports?
Suddenly, there is an abrupt and unexpected silence in the
room, and EMPLOYEE P has developed her own contemplative
look.
room, and EMPLOYEE P has developed her own contemplative
look.
EMPLOYEE P
(with wistful candor)
I was pregnant before I ever had
the chance. Never so much as
owned a pair of sneakers.
(pause)
A lot of work.
EMPLOYEE H
(mildly excited at his
breakthrough)
Sucks. How many did you give them?
EMPLOYEE P
Seven. Last one about 6 months
ago. Little girl with beautiful
blue eyes.
(pause)
I think I'm done now, though.
(pause)
I heard my oldest is training to be
a facilitator.
EMPLOYEE H
That's pretty cool.
EMPLOYEE P
(slipping back into her work)
Mmmm hmmm.
CUT TO BLACK
CUT FROM BLACK:
INT. THE NONDESCRIPT OFFICE - DAY
EMPLOYEE P enters the room with a folder in her hand, walks
across to her desk, and takes a seat. EMPLOYEE H watches
her all the way, and after she is situated he initiates conversation.
across to her desk, and takes a seat. EMPLOYEE H watches
her all the way, and after she is situated he initiates conversation.
EMPLOYEE H
When I was in college, I used to do
a little protesting now and then.
My dad was at Kent State, you know,
when the shit went down. He
actually knew some guy who got shot
in the ass.
(pause)
Anyway, I sort of got into it to
impress him, but he died before I
could ever enact any change.
EMPLOYEE P
(somewhat touched)
Yeah? I'm sorry to hear that.
Were you involved with the Occupy
movement?
EMPLOYEE H
(overjoyed)
Yes! I was in Oakland.
EMPLOYEE P
(excited)
At Oscar Grant? Me too. I--
Suddenly a bell rings and both employees snap to attention.
They sit in stunned silence for a few seconds, then,
displaying a slight sense of relief, quickly begin working
at their computers.
They sit in stunned silence for a few seconds, then,
displaying a slight sense of relief, quickly begin working
at their computers.
CUT TO BLACK
CUT FROM BLACK:
INT. THE NONDESCRIPT OFFICE - DAY
EMPLOYEE H and EMPLOYEE P are both working diligently at
their computers. After a few seconds, EMPLOYEE H breaks
with a question.
their computers. After a few seconds, EMPLOYEE H breaks
with a question.
EMPLOYEE H
You want a coffee?
EMPLOYEE P
Sure. Feel like I might be about
to nod off.
EMPLOYEE H stands.
EMPLOYEE H
Cool. Two creams, two sugars?
EMPLOYEE P
That'll do it.
EMPLOYEE H turns and exits the room. After approximately
15 seconds, the bell rings again. EMPLOYEE P doesn't seem
quite as alarmed as before, but she definitely takes notice. Suddenly, three figures dressed in black, FACILITATORS 1-3,
enter the room and attack EMPLOYEE P. They beat her
mercilessly but methodically, with no spoken communication
between them. After approximately 60 seconds, with
EMPLOYEE P unconscious on the floor behind her desk and not
visible to the camera, the FACILITATORs leave the room just
as quickly as they came in. After approximately 15 more
seconds, EMPLOYEE H reenters the room with two coffees in
his hands. Seeing as EMPLOYEE P is not there, he walks over
and places the cup on her desk WITHOUT noticing her
unconscious body behind it. EMPLOYEE H then returns to his
desk, puts his coffee down, lifts his briefcase from the
floor, and draws from it a brown paper lunch bag. He then
places the briefcase back on the floor and sits down.
EMPLOYEE H removes a sandwich from the brown paper lunch
bag, unwraps it, and begins eating it, staring off at the
ceiling in a careless manner.
15 seconds, the bell rings again. EMPLOYEE P doesn't seem
quite as alarmed as before, but she definitely takes notice. Suddenly, three figures dressed in black, FACILITATORS 1-3,
enter the room and attack EMPLOYEE P. They beat her
mercilessly but methodically, with no spoken communication
between them. After approximately 60 seconds, with
EMPLOYEE P unconscious on the floor behind her desk and not
visible to the camera, the FACILITATORs leave the room just
as quickly as they came in. After approximately 15 more
seconds, EMPLOYEE H reenters the room with two coffees in
his hands. Seeing as EMPLOYEE P is not there, he walks over
and places the cup on her desk WITHOUT noticing her
unconscious body behind it. EMPLOYEE H then returns to his
desk, puts his coffee down, lifts his briefcase from the
floor, and draws from it a brown paper lunch bag. He then
places the briefcase back on the floor and sits down.
EMPLOYEE H removes a sandwich from the brown paper lunch
bag, unwraps it, and begins eating it, staring off at the
ceiling in a careless manner.
CUT TO BLACK
Monday, October 12, 2015
cycling [2010]
for my wife
"The responsibility of the artist consists
in perfecting his work so that it may
become attractively disinteresting."
-- John Cage
[A dozen snotty relationships have suffered similar sinus troubles, and have arrived at the same swollen conclusion: Sometimes smelling isn't everything that it is.]
But, what is...
(1) Reproaching a slotted stink, the master cheerleader emptied the evening into a sad canteen, and then took to hammering her tropic chimes with the necessary fervor. The echoes of this particular paradise could be heard throughout the cavity, and they entertained the steady ears, as well. Soon, flies began to gather around the warmth of this performance, as if it were stuffed fruit, and a significant squirrel, broken from the elusive mind of a poem, sprawled outside the resonating nostrils. This was the time for all of the devoted to hear.
...nonsense, and what is...
(2) The principal speaker entered and immediately raised the question: How long will the other endowment be kept alive? And, in a blizzard of keen indication, the successfully betrayed sniffer responded: Occasionally.
...a love poem?
(3) I looked first to the poem which was my dearest; second to the music of the conductor's trumpeter; and, finally, to the finely polished metronome. Then, after blowing my nose, a cadence was assumed.
This is called Cycling.
Sunday, October 11, 2015
home [2010]
down the bed at dusk
my concrete hand is alone
pulling along disappearing light
light softened as a baby
a baby gently turning from the window
as into everyone
from the bed-words falls silence
a secret that will see the old
a sleeping time sliding back
(before beams of deafness
(before beams of deafness
this creased the continuum)
and it is an even silent without me
my spinning earth
my naked continent
my concrete hand
but what if instead
my blue-white vocabulary
leaks a smoke signal
as if through a father's need
to see the day darkened flattened
and the clouded seams stretch
like the moonlight to her
passing across her sleep
down a favorite world
rewinding the day to dusk
she is alone except for me
a baby gently turning from the window
as into everyone
I am asking of you
a favor:
let your light hit
the November and December holidays
differently this year
Saturday, October 10, 2015
(in order to have it be misconstrued) [2011]
(this is a stage and it should be perceived as one)
the instruments are being tuned
to the key of H-sharp minor
from the lighting rig
a laborer brought to attention
certain inconsistencies of shadow
by saying: "Get the fuck out of my light!"
then it blushed
as it realized it was eating its lunch
off the mark
it identified the details
of its estrangement
it placed a circumscribed metaphysics
in close relation to its actions and applied pressure
it observed several rings of purple smoke
ascending to the smiling exhaust fan
it developed concrete physical behavior
in order to avoid the rubber stamp
and all the while fetishized behavior machines manufactured countless
epic forms of contradictory pollution
epic forms of contradictory pollution
[INSERT PAID ADVERTISEMENT HERE]
"what is dangling before you now
is a temptation not unlike that experienced
by your mothers and fathers
it is your patriotic duty
to indulge"
the following is the characterization of a certainty:
⎡ ⎤
⎣ ⎦
it is not in a sundress smoking Chesterfield Kings dancing and perspiring
to free jazz alone beside a filthy litter box...
to free jazz alone beside a filthy litter box...
actualization
in order to be vital
a silliness unopened
its brown bag of fool
and displaced it
amongst calorie counters
in the truth to be kitchen
[INSERT PAID ADVERTISEMENT HERE]
the machine muzzled all the animals so that they might not speak contradictions or
recite poetry
it drew cartoons in a small sketch pad
to best illustrate the incorrect angles of charity
it smoked a purple cigarette
dragging the secrets of its exhausted society
it dealt the tightly packed philosophy
another sparkling distracting defeat
it grew increasingly alienated
and began to draw with crayons
from the footlights
in an as-yet-undetermined dialect
it addressed the audience directly
and said: "It's all about being fat, and wanting more."
then it collapsed
into a multi-colored pile of empty
fast food containers
the orchestra is playing
and the exits are incorporating its strains
Friday, October 9, 2015
Thursday, October 8, 2015
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