Short Film Script 'Misplacement'

EXT. STREET - NIGHT

DETECTIVE MATTHEWS, a man wearing a dark long coat and hat, is walking down the street, performing a monologue in his head.

MATTHEWS (v.o)

If you were to ask me, I'd say this city is full of scum. Crime around every corner, citizens in distress...makes me sick.

MATHEWS continues walking towards his destination, coat trailing behind him.

MATTHEWS (V.O)

Of course, everyone else keeps telling me I'm talking bullshit. They say this is actually one of the safest cities out there. Not the way I see it.

MATHEWS stops and rummages around in his coat pocket. His voice over sighs.

MATTHEWS (V.O)

Look, I'll be honest with you. I'm not that good at the whole monologue thing. I'm just doing it because all those films do it. I'm don't even know what to say.

He pulls out a pack of cigarettes and pulls one out like he's about to smoke it.

MATTHEWS (V.O)

I don't even smoke! Look at this schmuck!

He throws it down to the ground and looks up.

MATTHEWS (V.O)

Ah well...I guess the sky looks nice.

He goes back to walking.

EXT. HOUSE - NIGHT

MATHEWS walks up the path and barges into the house.

INT. HOUSE - NIGHT

He enters the lounge where three other people are.

MATTHEWS

Alright, I'm here thank to that murder call. I've already been filled in, so...whose gonna own up?

The three people look at each other in confusion.

MATTHEWS

Come on, it makes my job easier if you just own up

.

MARTHA

Er, there wAs no murder

MATHEWS scoffs

MATTHEWS

I have on record that someone was murdered on this property.

MARTHA

...do you mean the fish?

MATHEWS pauses

MATTHEWS

...what?

HAROLD

Yeah, you see I just overfed the fish, bless his little soul.

MATHEWS continues to be in deep thought and then snaps his fingers and points at HAROLD.

MATTHEWS

So you admit that you killed the victim.

HAROLD

I..I suppose...technically

MATHEWS walks by and grabs HAROLD by the shoulder, pulling him out of the house with him

MATHEWS

Right! Good enough!

EXT. HOUSE - NIGHT

MATHEWS walks out the house grasping HAROLD's shoulder while the others gather at the door.

HAROLD

Don't worry! I'll be fine!

MATTHEWS begins to monologue in his head again. As he does, HAROLD kicks him and begins to run off with MATTHEWS in pursuit.

MATTHEWS (V.O)

I'll be damned. Crime...disgusting. This little punk thinks he can get away with murder. Absolutely disgraceful. As long as I'm in around, these streets will be scoured clean of filth like this.

CUT TO BLACK

MATTHEWS (V.O)

Hey, I'm getting the hang of this monologue thing.

THE END