“Old Flames” is a short film following an elderly couple who find solace in one another; or, rather, in who they remind one another of.
Below is an excerpt, or you can download the full script here: “Old Flames.”
FADE IN:
INT. NURSING HOME – RICHARD’S ROOM – NIGHT
RICHARD (late seventies), a man with close-cropped hair and distant, clouded eyes, sits in an armchair between his beed and the window. It’s a nice chair, for a nursing home; the window is ajar and the curtains waft gently as he stares at nothing in particular; he’s blind.
RICHARD (V.O.)
I’ve always said that I wouldn’t change a thing about my life. Of course, that’s just a thing people say–it’s easier than admitting the truth, isn’t it?
THROUGH THE WINDOW
LIGHTS FLICK ON in the window of a room across the courtyard.
RICHARD (V.O.)
There are far too many things we would change, if we could. Places we wouldn’t go. Things we would force ourselves to say.
BY THE CUPBOARD
Richard’s WALKING CANE leans; it’s for vision, not stability. A MILITARY MEDAL sits on the table.
RICHARD (V.O.)
There’s nothing much for it. Easier to just say you have no regrets.
BY THE WINDOW
Richard’s eyes flutter shut.
RICHARD (V.O.)
Especially when all you have is time to look back on them.
THE DOOR
A quick rapping. Richard jumps.
RICHARD
Come in?
A NURSE bursts in, completely frazzled.
NURSE
The new patient–she’s having a meltdown.
Richard’s face sets with understanding.
CUT TO:
INT. NURSING HOME – HALLWAY – CONTINUOUS
The nurse stops outside of Angie’s door and begins pulling out keys to unlock it.
NURSE
We’re here.
NAMEPLATE BY THE DOOR
It reads “Angeline LaBouf.” Below it, a series of dots–Braille. Richard absently reaches up and runs his fingertips over it.
RICHARD
Yes.
(beat)
You’re certain this is a good idea? I mean, I’ve never met the woman, there’s no way of knowing how she’s going to…
The nurse finishes unlocking the door, but her hands still.
NURSE
(beat)
Well–no. But at this point, she’s worked herself into such a fit, we’re worried that…well, you always seem to be a very calming presence.
RICHARD
I certainly hope so.