deartraveller

Dear Sara,

Can you believe how long has it been since we last wrote to each other? It feels like ages!

Well, I have to admit I’m moved by your attempt to re-write the end of such an awesome movie! I mean, the 50’s were inspiring times! What about James Dean? “Hottie” alert over here!

The truth is that our letter’s timing couldn’t have been more perfect. I’ve actually been involved in a re-make of “Rebel without a Cause”! Last week, when I arrived to Boston, I met my old friend Rubén who is studying cinema at the Boston Arts University. We went to have some coffee one afternoon and he told me that his mid-term assignment was to produce a short film of one of the biggest blockbusters of the 50’s and he chose “Rebel Without a Cause”. The challenge was to come up with an all new ending to the movie. At this point Robert started going on about how I love to write to you, and Rubén asked me if I would like to write the new ending. And, you know me… My answer was (of course): Hell Yeah!

Here is my script:

(At the planetarium)

Jim: Plato, there’s no need to hide in here and there’s certainly no need to hold on to that gun. It only brings trouble. Why do you need it anyway?

Plato: To protect myself.

Jim: From what? Me and Judy are the only ones in here. We would never arm you.

Plato: You left me alone. That’s just as bad!

Jim: You feel asleep. We were coming back. We would never leave you. We’re best friends: the three mosquetiers!

Plato: Don’t lie to me. You were leaving, just like my parents did!

Jim: That’s not true.

Plato: Promise?

Jim: I do. Now come on, let’s go outside before those cops think we are robbing the planetarium.

(Jim holds his arm around Plato. Judy approaches them.)

Judy: What’s in here worth robbing anyway?

(Laughing.)

Plato: Jim’s necklace.

(Plato takes Jim’s necklace and puts it on. It was a medal of some hard material.)

Judy: I never understood why you always wear that thing around your neck. Does it have any sort of special meaning?

Jim: Not much. It was given to me by my father, back when we had the same address for some years, and we wasn’t a complete… (hesitates) Well, it’s yours now Plato. I’m giving it to you.

Plato: Really? Thank you so much!

(The two boys from earlier appear)

Boy 1: You idiot! You shot our friend! I’m going to kill you.

Jim (steps in front of Plato): You will die trying.

Plato: No, I won’t be a coward anymore. I won’t run away again. If you want me, come and get me!

Jim: What are you doing?

(Jim and Plato get distracted discussing)

Boy 2: Enough! Two of our friends died tonight. Now it’s time to get even!

(At this point Jim is in front of Plato. The boy shoots. Plato jumps to the front and takes the shot.)

Jim (holding Plato in his arms): What have you done?

(After hearing another shot, the police enter the planetarium and finds Plato lying on the ground and the other boy with the gun on his hands. There’s a moment of silence.)

Judy: No, this can’t be happening. No! No! No! Plato, please wake up!

(Suddenly, Plato opens his eyes.)

Jim: Thank god, Plato! Are you ok?

Plato: I’m fine. I don’t think I’m even hurt.

(Jim notices his necklace around Plato’s neck. The bullet had landed right in it, stopping the shot.)

Judy: It’s a miracle.

Jim: I told you we would always have your back.

(Plato smiles)

Policeman (to the two boys): You boys are under arrest.

Jim’s mom: Jim are you insane? I can not believe this! How could you do it?

Jim’s dad: Do you really think this is the time for a lecture? For once in your life, hold your tongue!

(Seeing his dad finally stood up to his mom, Jim is happier than ever.)

Jim: Let’s go get something to eat guys!

Plato: Yeah… This near death experience really opened my appetite!

(The three laugh)

THE END

Well, what do you think? Please write me back your honest opinion. The best part is that as a reward for my script he let me play Judy’s part.

Save these letters! When I’m famous, everything I wrote may be worth a fortune!

I miss you a lot.

Love,

Érica.

P.s. The tacos are on their way, as well as the recipe!