Rima and Julia- Act 1

This is the story of two star-crossed lovers, two teenage Russian lesbian girls who must face the prejudice of the government and their own families. Act 2 is on the way, but this does take time.

Rima and Julia

A screenplay/large-scale production

by Nicolas A. Torrelio

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notice: I do not claim ownership of any of the songs suggested in this script. These songs are merely my suggestions for fitting music. 

Characters
President Of Russia (POR) [Prince Escalus]

Dmitry [Paris]

Ivan Ivanovich [Mercutio]
Father Vladimir (Vlad) [Friar Lawrence]

Drug Dealer [Apothecary]

Messenger

Capulich [Capulet]

Capulich
-Lady Capulich
-Tikhon 
-Julia 
-Nana 
-Samarina

-Peter

Montevsky [Montague]

-Montevsky
-Mrs. Montevsky
-Rima 
-Borislava 
-Gregor

Other

Gays

Crowd

Partygoers

Apostles
Child and Teen Tikhon 

Female voice

Crier

Chekov

Baltazár Montoya

Juanito Montoya

Sra. Montoya

 

 

Act 1

Scene 1

EXT. THE CITY SQUARE OF MOSCOW - MORNING

This is an establishing shot: It's the year 2017, when the Presidential and Ministerial inaugurations of Russia will take place. The weather is chilly, and the sky is covered in a white blanket of clouds. The square is flooded with people from all over Russia who have come just to hear the President and Prime Minister's speeches. Propaganda is all over the place; 40% of it is anti-gay propaganda posted by Tikhon's followers.

The Montevsky and Capulich families are looking for places to sit, but Rima Montevsky, the teenage herione with dirty blonde, A-line bobbed hair and a flattish chest, just looks around at the horrid propaganda. Rima's transgender best friend Borislava and Julia Capulich do the same.

VLAD (V.O.)       (In a somber,        foreboding tone        of voice.) Two households, both alike in dignity, In Mother Russia, where we lay our scene, From ancient grudge break to new mutiny, Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean. From forth the fatal loins of these two foes A pair of star-cross'd lovers risk their life, Whose misadventured piteous overthrows Doth with their near death challenge their society's strife. The fearful passage of their death-mark'd love, And the continuance of their parents' rage, Which, but their children's end, naught could remove, Is now the traffic of our stage.

A gay couple holding hands passes by Police Chief Samarina Smirnoff-Capulich.

SAMARINA       (While on patrol,        she sees the gay        couple.) Break up the love fest, you freaks!       (She knocks both        gays to the        ground and gives        them both a        terrible beating.) You're lucky that Tikhon's bill hasn't been signed, or the two of you would be dead already. Now, out of my sight!       (The couple exits.) Disgusting!

Gregor Montevsky, Rima's brother, breaks away from his group and confronts Samarina furiously.

GREGOR What did you just say? I dare you to say it again.

SAMARINA Gay people are vermin. They should be wiped from the earth.

GREGOR Do you quarrel?

SAMARINA Quarrel? No! I despise you all, classless gays! Your filthy, uncivil ideology about "gay awareness" is all blasphemy! Will you never wake up and see the truth about yourselves? Fools! All of you!

GREGOR I'm half straight And half gay, And I'm proud of it No matter what you say!

SAMARINA That's it!

Sam and Gregor fight, and Gregor calls the gay couple to help him, and the gays start winning.

Borislava hurries into the fight and breaks it up.

BORISLAVA Part fools!       (Fire a warning        shot) You know not what you do!

Tikhon Capulich, the Prime Minister-elect, walks in on the fight in an authoritative manner.

TIKHON What, art thou drawn among these…       (Taze gay 1) ...heartless...       (Taze gay 2) ...hinds?       (Taze Gregor, hug        Samarina, and        turn to        Borislava.) Turn thee, Borislava. Look upon thy death!

BORISLAVA I do but keep the peace.

TIKHON What, talk of peace? I hate the word, As I hate hell, all gays, and thee!

POR Rebellious subjects, enemies to the peace, On pain of torture from those bloody hands Throw your mistempered weapons to the ground. Three civil brawls, bred of an airy word By thee, Capulich and Montevsky, Have thrice disturbed the quiet of our streets. If ever you disturb our streets again, Your lives shall pay the forfeit of the peace! Once more, on pain of death, all men desist!

TIKHON       (Protests and        grabs Borislava.) How can you people live with yourselves, you foul-mannered-

VLAD       (cutting Tikhon        off) Stop...all of you!       (Checks his watch.) Oh, it's about time for our inauguration. Tikhon, please try to act professional.       (Walks through the        crowd, with        Tikhon following        behind, up onto a        tall stage        surrounded by        bodyguards.)      (The Russian        National Anthem        plays.) Welcome, welcome, one and all. As your new President, I, Igor Sasha Ivanovich, will work with the Prime Minister to solve all of Russia's issues. Our first is the fight between the two families: Montevskys and Capuliches. It has gone on too long and it will not be tolerated any longer. And… I will, uh, give free healthcare to all, and all puppy-kicking will be outlawed. And remember, farmers are the backbone of our country, and I will try to create world peace, and…       (Sees Tikhon is        acting impatient        and gets annoyed.) Alright Tikhon, give your d-darn speech, but it better be good for that immature display of impatience.

Everyone applauds. The Anthem fades out. Members of Tikhon's cult, the Tikhonists, are shown in the front of the audience wearing flowing purple robes, crucifix necklaces, and catlike masks. They also wield shotguns and decorative fishing spears.

TIKHON Welcome, welcome, welcome to my inauguration. Thank you, Igor, for those kind words of welcome, and how lovely to see all your bright, happy faces smiling up at me. As Prime Minister, I will tackle an issue which the President absolutely fails to mention, for he overlooks it, just like a politician. Mr. Ivanovich, I respect you, and I wish you the best, but I must criticize you constructively by saying that you are not a legitimate leader.

POR       (POR mouths the        word "what?")

TIKHON As Russia's youngest ever Prime Minister, at age 33, I say that your comment about my being "immature" just showed how stupid of a President you are. Don't you see? It is about time the old people step aside; out with those who seem to have never been kids, and in with those who can lead, but also know childhood, know their childhood, perfectly well. And one thing I learned the…       (Shudders) hard way from my childhood is an issue more corrupting than that trivial family feud: Homosexuality, no, every mental disorder shared by the LGBT community. It has gone too far! Are we going to let these gays ruin Russia's reputation? Nyet! From now on, all public displays of homosexuality will be punishable by death most torturous! And furthermore, the mere enjoyment of anything related to that horrible syndrome will be punishable by life in prison, so no more American Idol, no more How I Met Your Mother, no more Ellen DeGeneres, no more Gangnam Style, no more Lord of the Rings, no more Harry Potter, no more Nickelodeon, no more South Park, no more Nintendo, and NO! MORE! UNCENSORED! INTERNET! These things all have a type of relation to that horrid LGBT community. Furthermore, the mere utterance of the word "gay" will be grounds for torture! Did I mention that gay acts are punishable by slow and painful death? BECAUSE I DID! SO GOD HELP YOU IF YOU ARE CAUGHT HAVING SEX WITH SOMEONE UNDERAGE AND THE SAME SEX!!! DON'T EVEN THINK YOU CAN GET AWAY WITH IT, BECAUSE I WILL BE WATCHING YOUR EVERY MOVE AND LISTENING TO EVERY SOUND YOU MAKE!!!! I WILL, I WILL!!!

During the speech, Rima's face goes as pale as fresh snow, as if she's about to have a heart attack induced by how shocked/disgusted she is.

SAMARINA Honey, honey, settle down; you'll give yourself an ulcer.

POR Thank you all for electing us, and we are thrilled to serve Mother Russia.

Scene 2  

INT. THE MONTEVSKY HOUSE - MOMENTS LATER

Rima sprints to her bedroom with tears in her eyes, slams the door shut, shoves her pillow into her face and screams. She then pulls her red, swollen-eyed face out of the pillow and takes 3 deep breaths

RIMA I am no freak! I am a normal human being, just like everybody else! There's nothing wrong with me! Narrow minded fools! What is wrong with these people?!

Enter Borislava

BORISLAVA Good morrow, cousin!

RIMA Is the day so young?

BORISLAVA But new struck nine.

RIMA Ay! me, sad hours seem long.

BORISLAVA What sadness lengthens Rima's hours?

RIMA Did thou see what happened today? The way they punished that couple!? That could have been my fate, Borislava... Dost thou not laugh?

BORISLAVA No coz, I rather weep.

RIMA Good heart! At what?

BORISLAVA At thy good heart's oppression. I told you this before you ever came here. Russia is a different place, very different from Sweden. People are utterly orthodox and conservative, people are...I don't know... afraid.

RIMA       (unimpressed) Really? Afraid? Of what...?

BORISLAVA Yes.. afraid...afraid of what they don't understand. Afraid of change, maybe. But that's what makes it dangerous for you, if you tell them, Rima! Right now, no one else knows you're gay... Why, Rima, art thou mad?

RIMA Not mad, but bound more than a madwoman is, Shut up in prison, kept without my food, Whipped and tormented and...

BORISLAVA Hey, it could be worse. You could have been born in the wrong body like me. That garbage from Dick-hon's mouth is just a bill on Capitol hill, but this entire childhood of having a penis is a hill I'd love to get over as quickly as possible.       (She sighs sadly,        and then perks        up.) You know, the daughter of Capulich is having a masquerade party, and we could go if you want.

RIMA That's a wonderful offer, but how are we going to be allowed in? We're not invited.

BORISLAVA Who says that we have to be invited? You and I are friends with Ivan, the President's nephew, and the party is at the Kremlin Palace, so there's no way we won't be allowed in!

RIMA That's a great idea! But are you sure that will work?

BORISLAVA Have I ever been wrong?

RIMA Well, there was that one time...

BORISLAVA Ok, ok, ok. Forget it, I'm not entirely perfect! But…

RIMA You know, you're right. I trust you, and I can't stay home. When is this party?

BORISLAVA       (Leaving Rima's        room.) Later tonight. I'll pick you up.

RIMA Sweet! Do svidaniya!

BORISLAVA Ciao!

Scene 3

INT. MONTEVSKY DINING ROOM - AFTERNOON

The parents of Rima dine and drink tea together, alone for a change. Mrs. Montevsky is extremely worried about Rima.

MONTEVSKY       (A bit suspicious.) How are you, my love? Your brow has the look of trouble.

MRS. MONTEVSKY I am concerned… that there be trouble in this house. I worry of late about our daughter, Rima.

MONTEVSKY       (Happy, chuckling        tone of voice.) Rima? But Rima is doing fine, my love. She is doing well with her studies, she has friends, she is not shut up in her room at all hours of the day; she is out in the world, finding her way.

MRS. MONTEVSKY This is my fear; that she has strayed too far from our gaze. And that she now has gotten some terrible, dangerous ideas into her head.

MONTEVSKY       (Growing        concerned, almost        angry.) What kinds of ideas?

MRS. MONTEVSKY Have you not noticed that she shows no interest in the fine young gentlemen who call on her. That she refuses their advances and avoids their company even though she has our full support.

MONTEVSKY Of course I have. But still I miss your purpose. What are you trying to say my dear? Spit it out already!

MRS. MONTEVSKY I have a suspicion; I cannot name its origin….call it a woman's intuition if you must, but I fear that Rima may be…

MONTEVSKY Yes, yes, out with it! But be careful what you say!!!! This is no light matter, I fear.

MRS. MONTEVSKY My love, I knew it would be this way…we must never speak of it again, forgive me.

MONTEVSKY       (Raises his fist        to her        menacingly.) Never…you shall speak woman, da!

MRS. MONTEVSKY       (Raises her voice        and speaks        hurriedly.) I think Rima might be gay. There I've said…

MONTEVSKY Shut your mouth, you wretched woman! You speak of vile sin and depravity.       (Paces off, away        from her,        speaking angrily        in Russian to        himself.) Etogo ne mozhet bytʹ YA ne mogu v eto poverit!!!       (Stomps back to        his wife and        points his finger        at her.) I will not have such language in this house!

MRS. MONTEVSKY But my love, you must hear me; we must talk about…

MONTEVSKY       (Still shouting.) Be gone from my sight…Rima knows better than to pretend such filth in this house. No Montevsky would dare choose such a vile life for themselves….to be damned for all eternity?! This is beneath us, it is beneath Rima…. YA ne pozvolyu etomu sluchitʹsya!

MRS. MONTEVSKY But what if we have no choice, my love….what is she has no choice?

MONTEVSKY Nyet! Shut it... I will not hear another word about this!

Mrs. Montevsky rushes away, sobbing, head in hands.

Montevsky tries to carry on without her but is still fuming…. Finally, he slams down his fork and knife and gets up from the table as well and exits the dining room in the opposite direction. He sees a picture of Rima on the mantle, pauses to look at it, sighs, and prays.

MONTEVSKY Dear Lord, you know I'm no homophobe, but Tikhon's speech today made me not only fear for Russia, but also for Rima's life. If your grace is with us, I ask that you don't let his bill become a law. Your will be done, Amen.

Scene 4

INT. KREMLIN PALACE - DAY

4:00 PM

The POR sits with an outraged, angry expression behind his rectangular granite desk in his perfectly square office. Tikhon and Samarina stand in front of him, shocked to hear that the President disapproves of the bill.

TIKHON What?! How could you disapprove of my lovely bill, the bill I summarized in my inaugural speech?!!!

POR How could I? How could I not? It is unethical, immature, and unconstitutional, as was that bloody inaugural speech of yours!

TIKHON The bill is meant to save Russia from the scourge of the devil.

SAMARINA And all you care about is taxing Russia, you politician.

POR Tikhon, Samarina, I am the President, and I say this bill has been       (Slam veto stamp        down.) vetoed.

TIKHON Joke's on you, Igor. This is the 21st century, so I can just print another copy.

POR       (Annoyed.) Oh, Tikhon, you are so childish.

TIKHON CHILDISH, YOU SAY?! OH, I'M SO SORRY FOR BEING SO GODDAMN CHILDISH. I MEAN, IT'S NOT LIKE I DIDN'T HAVE 18 YEARS TO ACT LIKE A KID! IT'S NOT LIKE I HAD MY VIRGINITY STOLEN AT AGE 9! IT'S NOT LIKE I WAS SEXUALLY HARASSED AND NOW HAVE TO LIVE WITH PTSD!!!

SAMARINA Tikhon, please, be wary of your blood pressure.

POR Tikhon, if you really want this to become a law, then I suggest waiting for another President to take office. (Tikhon gets an idea) Well, this is a good suggestion in theory, but the thing is that we so-called "politicians" actually have morals and respect for the Constitution. Now, please, both of you get out of my sight.

Tikhon and Samarina walk out of the office and down the hall. Tikhon has an evil smirk on his face as he talks to his wife.

The walls turn black, the floor turns a dark shade of gray, the windows disappear, and the two villains look like a red spotlight is shining down upon them

TIKHON So, he says that I have to wait for another President to sign the bill, but, the way I see it, the future Presidents are too stupid to do so. Hmm, but what if       (Emphasis.) I became President?

SAMARINA But how are you going to do that? No offense Tikhya, but you may have turned most of your voters away from you with your speech.

TIKHON In the event of the President's sudden passing, the Prime Minister must take his place for three months, until the next President takes office.       (Chuckle.) Igor Ivanovich gets slain tonight.

Scene 5  

INT. KREMLIN PALACE - CONTINUOUS

Nana enters and frantically shoves the evil couple as she runs past, thus getting rid of the dark special effects in a comedic fashion.

LADY CAPULICH (O.S.) Nana! Nana!!!       (Lady C. is now        onscreen.) NANA!!!!

Nana enters the room where Lady Capulich is. It is a large powder room with numerous mirrors, vanities, and cases overloaded with makeup. The smells of roses and potpourri fill the air

Lady Capulich is sitting back in a chair with her brunette hair filled with curlers and face covered in a greenish-blue facial mask.

NANA       (Frantic.) Yes, Madam?

LADY CAPULICH Where's my daughter?

NANA I bade her come. God forbid, where is this girl? Julia!

JULIA (O.S.) I'm coming!

Julia enters the room, fully prepped for her party. She is a brunette just like her mother, but way more beautiful. Her wavy hair cascades down her back like a waterfall, her complexion is acne-free and pale, but not too pale, and her body one of the sexiest in Russia.

JULIA Yes, mother, what is your will?

LADY CAPULICH 'Marry' is the theme I came to talk of. Tell me, daughter Julia, How stands your disposition to be married?

JULIA It is an honor I dream not of.

LADY CAPULICH Well, think of marriage now; younger than you, Here in Russia, ladies of esteem, Are made already mothers: by my count, I was your mother much upon these years That you are now a maid. Thus then in brief: The honorable Dmitry seeks you for his love.

NANA A man, young lady! Lady, such a man As all the world--why, he's a man of wax.

JULIA       (Shocked.) D-Dmitry?

LADY CAPULICH Yes, the President's son, Dmitry Ivanovich.

JULIA You know, mother. Um, you see, you know how some people are different from others?

LADY CAPULICH What? What are you talking about?

JULIA Well, um, uh, I do not know how to say this any other way than to just say it...       (Deep breath.) Mother, I don't want to marry a man.

LADY CAPULICH       (So angry that she        can't even yell.) What?! Daughter, I do not have time for your rambling! You must marry Dmitry! You'll learn to love him.

JULIA Mother! If you would please let me speak... I do not wish to marry him! I... I don't want Dmitry Ivanovich! It does not matter if he is the finest man in Russia! I do NOT love him! I refuse to marry unless I marry someone whom I love, and that is--

LADY CAPULICH       (Slaps Julia.) How dare you talk like that! Since the days of our ancestors, we Capuliches have married into the finest families in Russia. We are a family of pride and elegance, and Dmitry Ivanovich is a great young man. You will not ruin the family name!       (Shoos Julia out        of the room.) Until you belong to Dmitry instead of me, you are grounded!

JULIA But mom, my 18th birthday party is tonight!

LADY CAPULICH Fine, as of tomorrow then, you're grounded!       (Slam door.)

LADY CAPULICH Fine, as of tomorrow then, you're grounded!       (Slam door.)

JULIA       (Bursts into tears        and runs to the        nearest bathroom        to bawl.) I... I don't understand. This is ridiculous! I don't want to be what others want or expect me to be. I want to be myself, but I also want to be loved by my family. Oh! What do I do? I want people to understand, but how can I tell this family, my family... that I'm gay?       (Cries some more.)

Scene 6

EXT. THE CITY SQUARE OF MOSCOW - EVENING

The city square is full of life, there are grand fireworks rocketing from Kremlin's property, and many invitees wearing creative, gaudy costumes are thrilled to get to Julia's party.

Rima is dressed as Rihanna, with a lovely bright red wig, a sparkling night-blue gown, and some makeup over her right eye to make it look like a black eye.

RIMA Ha ha! I say, this is going to be quite a grand, old time, right Borislava- I mean Borislav?

Borislava is dressed as Chris Brown, with a false moustache and a bald cap.

BORISLAVA Why do I have to be a guy and wear a moustache? And why do I have to be Chris Brown?! This is NOT fair!

RIMA       (Smiling.) Because I called dibs on the girl costume already. Now, where is Ivan?

IVAN (O.S.)       (In Nicki Minaj's        accent.) You a stupid hoe, you a, you a stupid hoe!

The camera shows Ivan wearing a green wig, brown suit coat, pink leggings, a corset, and a women's girdle.

Borislava looks at Rima like "Really?"

IVAN       (Joins the group.) Did someone say "Ivan?" Nice 'stache, Borislava!       (Borislava        giggles.) And how are you, Rima?

RIMA I'm doing well, and I'm ready to meet the woman of my dreams, whoever she might be.

IVAN Good girl! Following your dreams instead of just dreaming them. It's obvious that Queen Mab hath been with you!

RIMA       (puzzled) Queen Mab?

IVAN She is the fairies' friend, and she comes In shape no bigger than a diamond ring On the fore-finger of a coffee shop barista, Drawn by a tiny team in flamboyant-dress Across women's noses as they lie asleep; Her wagon-spokes made of lady bugs' legs, with traces of the moonshine's watery beams, Sometimes she driveth o'er a lover's neck, And then dreams she of kissing foreign throats Of love five-fathom deep; and then anon Drums in her ear, at which she starts and wakes, And being thus aroused swears a prayer or two And sleeps again. This is she....

RIMA Peace, peace, Ivan, peace! Thou talk'st of nothing.

IVAN Supper is done, and we shall come too late. Let us be gone!

RIMA I fear, too early: for my mind misgives. Some consequence yet hanging in the stars shall bitterly begin her fearful date. With this night's revels and expire the term. But she, that hath the steerage of my course, Direct my sail! On, my dear friends.

Rima, Borislava, and Ivan leave the shot, and the camera now focuses on Tikhon and Samarina.

Both antagonists look diabolical and attractive. Tikhon's blond hair is tied back in a ponytail, and he is wearing an expensive Armani tuxedo with a red tie. Samarina wears a fiery red floor-lenghth dress; matching earrings, lipstick, and tiara; and her bleach-blonde hair in a bun.

They search for a drug dealer and find him.

TIKHON What ho, drug dealer!

DRUG DEALER Who calls so loud?

TIKHON It's the Prime Minister, you donkey!

DRUG DEALER I have a name, you know. Mikhail Drogovitch is the name, selling the drugs is my game. What do you want?

TIKHON Let us talk about the President, shall we?

DRUG DEALER President Ivanovich? That fascist who's messing up the economy and making it impossible for me to get a real job?

TIKHON       (Smirk.) Precisely.       (Speaks as if he        is singing.) Igor is an oppressive man, He crushes your dreams if he can, We both want him to breathe his last, So please, do listen to my plan: Sell us a pow'rful potion, fast, That creates madness that will last, Said wondrous potion I then will Pour straight into this crystal glass. Then my cousin Peter shall fill That glass with vodka, little pill, Then Gregor M. will down the drink, Now he's a machine that can kill!!! He'll kill the Pres'dent, that ratfink. We'll frame and kill him, and if all's in sync, The LGBT's go extinct, The LGBT's go extinct.

DRUG DEALER       (clapping) Bravo! Mazel tov!!!       (Stops) Um, hehe, here's your potion.

TIKHON       (Chuckling.) Thank you, Mr. Drogovitch. You just played a big role in the saving of Russia and in the second coming of the Messiah.

Scene 7

INT. BALLROOM - MOMENTS LATER

Rima, Ivan, Borislava, Tikhon, and Samarina enter the massive ballroom whose marble floors, walls and columns have traces of gold and platinum, whose crystal chandeliers sparkle in the warm light, and whose atmosphere is as festive as can be. Everyone is eating rich hors d'oeuvres, dancing to happy music, taking duckface pictures for facebook, and drinking expensive vodka.

CAPULICH DJ, can you please turn the music off?       (The music turns        off.) Welcome, gentlemen! Ah ha, my mistresses! Which of you all will now deny to dance? Welcome, gentlemen, to my daughter's Coming of Age! According to tradition, the first dance is reserved for my beautiful daughter. Without further ado, everyone give Julia a round of applause!

Julia appears wearing a pink, pastry-shaped strapless dress and a Mardi Gras mask of the same color. A Russian waltz song comes on, and Capulich and his daughter dance. Julia catches a glimpse of Rima and gives a loving look to her without Capulich knowing. Rima and Borislava talk while those two are dancing.

BORISLAVA Rima, have you seen a lady that you fancy yet?

RIMA No...not really...       (Aside.) Forswear it, sight, For I ne'er saw true beauty till this night.

The waltz stops, and everyone claps. Gangnam Style plays, and everyone dances to it except Tikhon, who pulls Capulich.

TIKHON What, dare those gay-loving freaks come hither, To fleer and scorn at our solemnity? Now, by the stock and honor of my kin, To strike them dead, I hold it not a sin!

CAPULICH How now, nephew. Wherefore storm you so?

TIKHON Uncle, these people are gay activists, and enemies to our way of life! Villains that are hither come in spite To scorn at our solemnity this night!

CAPULICH Young Rima is it?

TIKHON T'is she!

CAPULICH Content thee, let her alone. Even though she is a liberal, Someone who shames us with their views, I would not for the wealth of all the town Here in my house do her disparagement.

TIKHON I'll not endure her!

CAPULICH She shall be endured! I say, she shall! Go to! you'll not endure her? God shall mend my soul! You'll make a mutiny among my guests?

TIKHON Why uncle, t'is a shame!

CAPULICH Endure her and be quiet, or for shame, I'll make you quiet!

Samarina pulls Tikhon aside angrily, not knowing he was putting on an act.

SAMARINA       (Whispers) Darling, please don't do that.

TIKHON It's just an act. If look too calm under these circumstances, what with "Gang-gang Style" or whatever playing and those activists at the party, it will look suspicious, and my plan may be uncovered.

Capulich talks into a mic.

CAPULICH Anyhow, as of now, my daughter is no longer a Capulich, for she will very soon be handed off to the strong, brave, intelligent, chivalrous son of our President, Lord Dmitry Igor Sasha Ivanovich!

Dmitry, dressed as PSY, slowly and romantically approaches Julia.

DMITRY My lady, Julia       (Julia blushes        because she        doesn't know what        to say.) Oh, your flower-like face; your silky, soft hair. Is your name Pepsi, 'cause I gotta have it.

Everyone groans, Capulich glares at everyone, and the groaning stops.

DMITRY If you were a booger, I would pick you first.

Capulich himself groans.

CAPULICH Turn the music back on!

DJ turns on a romantic song and everyone becomes too distracted to notice what else is going on besides slow dancing. All the couples dance, even Tikhon and Samarina, and Ivan and Borislava.

DMITRY May I have this dance, My Lady?

JULIA Lord Dmitry, I am extremely flattered, but you must excuse me for a brief moment. I am very sorry.

DMITRY Whatever you desire, my Julia.

He kisses her hand, and she walks away to go cry in the bathroom about having to marry him, but then she bumps into Rima who just finished peeing.

JULIA       (Avoiding gaze.) Excuse me. I can get clumsy sometimes.

RIMA       (Also looking        down.) I'm sorry.

Both look up at the same time. Cue happy, romantic music as they first see each other.

RIMA       (Touches Julia.) What's your name?

JULIA Does it matter?

RIMA       (Rolls her eyes        flirtatiously) Yes, let us forgo that formality.       (Touch Julia's        bum.) I know only that you are enchanting.

JULIA As are you. Is no one about?       (Glances around        somewhat        nervously.) Then I must admit that you are beautiful.

RIMA       (Smiles, tries to        kiss Julia.) If I profane with my unworthy hand this holy shrine, the gentle sin is this: My lips, two blushing pilgrims, ready stand, to smooth that rough touch with a tender kiss?

JULIA       (Hold Rima's hands) Good pilgrim, you do wrong your hand too much, Which mannerly devotion shows in this; For saints have hands that pilgrims' hands do touch, And palm to palm is holy palmers' kiss.

RIMA Have not saints lips, and holy palmers too?

JULIA Ay, pilgrim, lips that they must use in prayer.

RIMA O, then, dear saint, let lips do what hands do; They pray: Grant thou, lest faith turn to despair.

JULIA Saints do not move, though grant for prayers' sake.

RIMA Then move not while my prayer's effect I take.       (Kiss Julia.) Thus from my lips, by thine, my sin is purged.

JULIA Then have my lips the sin that they have took.

RIMA Sin from my lips? O, trespass sweetly urged! Give me my sin again.       (Kiss Julia again.)

JULIA You kiss by th' book.

Rima pulls Julia in for a long kiss, and the two girls stroke each other's waists and hug.

Nana walks toward the couple.

NANA Miss Julia, Mister Dmitry is waiting for you on the dance floor!       (Catches them        kissing.) WHAT IN SATAN'S NAME IS GOING ON?

JULIA Nana, you must not say anything at all! Understand? If not, my family would kill me!

NANA Oh, child! Just because I love you so, this will be a secret between us. But hurry! If not they will start to suspect something!

Rima and Julia separate and blow air kisses at each other.

JULIA What should I do Nana? I can't love another girl....in this place. But, I must know, I can't bear this.... what is her name?!

NANA Her name is Rima, the enemy of your brother.

JULIA My only love sprung from my only hate!

NANA Whatever happens now, I suspect it will not end well...

JULIA I have always known this day would come, that one day I would have to face my sexuality....but now, is it not enough that we are gay? But I must also love a loathed enemy?

NANA Poyekhali!

Scene 8

EXT. PALACE GARDEN - NIGHT

BALCONY SCENE.

The air is cool, the sky is clear, the stars are out, and the moon is full. Julia's balcony overlooks the garden. A perfect romantic setting.

Rima sneaks into the garden and sees Julia sitting on her balcony with her brown hair down and a guitar by her side.

RIMA       (As she's sneaking        in.) She jests at scars that never felt a wound.       (stops.) But, soft! What light through yonder window breaks? It is the east, and Julia is the sun. Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon, Who is already sick and pale with grief, That thou her maid art far more fair than she: Be not her maid, since she is envious; It is my lady, O, it is my love! O, that she knew she were!

Julia, madly in love with Rima and also angry at how gays are treated in Russia, covers a Kim Petras song that relates to how she's feeling.

JULIA There is no easy way, 'cause every way is hard There is no imitation of everybody's heart There are no limits, and no boundaries, So why you want to tell me my love is a disease?       (Hums the rest of        the verse.)

RIMA She speaks! O, speak again, bright angel!

JULIA O Rima, Rima, wherefore art thou Rima? Deny thy father and refuse thy name Or if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love and I'll no longer be a Capulich. 'Tis but our sexuality that is their enemy. We art ourselves, not straight. What's "lesbian"? It is not hand, nor foot, nor arm nor face, nor any other part belonging to a woman. We are still the same people. "Lesbian" is just a label, a name. What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet. So Rima would, were she not Rima called, And so are all people no matter their sexuality, forget society, Rima, and take all myself.

RIMA       (Emerging.) I take thee at thy word Call me but love and I'll be forever yours; Why must we hide? As long as we live, I want you by my side!

JULIA Rima! What are you doing here!? If they do see thee, they will murder thee.

RIMA I have night's cloak to hide me from their eyes; And but thou love me, let them find me here.

JULIA How did you know where to come?

RIMA By Love, that first did prompt me to inquire. He lent me council, and I lent him eyes.

JULIA Thou knowest the mask of night is on my face; Else would a maiden blush bepaint my cheek For that which thou hast heard me speak tonight. Fain would I dwell on form -fain, fain deny What I have spoke; but farewell compliment! Dost thou love me?

RIMA Lady...

JULIA       (Interrupts) I know thou wilt say "Ay;" And I will take thy word. Yet, if thou swear'st, Thou mayst prove false. O gentle Rima, If thou dost love, pronounce it faithfully.

RIMA By yonder blessed moon I swear-

JULIA O, swear not by the moon, the inconstant moon, That monthly changes in her circled orb, Lest that thy love prove likewise variable.

RIMA What shall I swear by?

JULIA Do not swear at all; Or if thou wilt, swear by thy gracious self, Which is the goddess of my idolatry, And I'll believe thee.

RIMA If my heart's dear love--

JULIA Well, do not swear. Although I joy in thee, I have no joy of this contract tonight. It is too rash, too unadvised, too sudden; Too like the lightning, which doth cease to be Ere one can say it lightens. Sweet, good night! This bud of love, by summer's ripening breath, May prove a beauteous flow'r when next we meet. Good night, good night! As sweet repose and rest Come to thy heart as that within my breast!

RIMA O, wilt thou leave me so unsatisfied?

JULIA What satisfaction canst thou have to-night?

RIMA The exchange of thy love's faithful vow for mine.

JULIA I gave thee mine before thou didst request it: and yet I would it were to give again.       (Looks around,        making sure        nobody is there,        hugs Rima) Three words, dear Rima, and good night indeed. If that thy bent of love be honorable, Thy purpose marriage, send me word ASAP.

RIMA So thrive my soul--

Nana calls to Julia from offscreen.

JULIA A thousand times good night!

RIMA A thousand times the worse, to want thy light! Love goes toward love as schoolgirls from their books But love from love, toward school with heavy looks

Nana calls again, louder and more insistent.

JULIA Good night, good night! Parting is such sweet sorrow That I shall say good night till it be morrow. Goodnight.       (Kisses Rima)

Rima walks away smiling and thrilled to be in a relationship.

 

Scene 9

EXT. OUTSIDE KREMLIN - MOMENTS LATER

Borislava and Ivan walk off the palace grounds completely wasted. They are singing quite loudly while Ivan holds Borislava like a princess.

IVAN       (Singing with        BORISLAVA in        unison.) 99 bottles of vodka on the wall, 99 bottles of vodka, take one down, pass it around, you've got… ninety… EIGHT bottles of vodka on the wall!!!

The two drunks laugh, and Gregor pulls up to them in his car.

GREGOR Hello Ivan, hello coz. I'm here to pick y'all up.       (Sees how drunk        they are.) Wow, you guys are wasted!

BORISLAVA I know, right?

GREGOR Oh, Cousin, that canNOT be good for you.

TIKHON (O.S.)       (In a sneering,        snakelike tone.) Oh, come on, they're just having a good time.

Tikhon enters the shot.

GREGOR Hey, I know you. You're Prime Minister Capulich, the knave that tazed me earlier!

TIKHON       (To Gregor, lying.) I am, and I most sincerely apologize for my despicable behavior.       (To the drunk        people.) Um, can you both please get out of here? This is a private matter.

IVAN Y-y-yes, sire.       (Sings in unison        with BORISLAVA        again.) 98 bottles of vodka on the wall… Borislava and Ivan: 98 bottles of vodka! Take one down, pass it around, you've got… 97 bottles of vodka on the wall!

Tikhon discreetly calls PETER to pour a glass of vodka. Tikhon holds the glass behind his back, Peter pours, and Tikhon spikes it with the potion.

TIKHON Here, have some drink.

GREGOR No, thanks, I'm their designated driver.

TIKHON Come on, we're Russians! That small glass can't intoxicate you.

Gregor drinks the vodka and gets high off the potion in the drink.

GREGOR Hey, this is so amazing. I�"I feel like I'm getting lighter, like I can fly, like I can do anything. Hey, I think I'm a superhero!

TIKHON       (Playing along.) Oh, a superhero? What's your name?

GREGOR CAPTAIN VODKA, THE HERO OF MOSCOW!!!

TIKHON Look, a crime!

Samarina drags POR into the shot with little luck, but enough to make the scheme work.

POR Samarina Capulich, where the devil are you taking me?

SAMARINA       (Gives POR her        purse) Help! He stole my purse!

GREGOR Have no fear! Captain Vodka is here!       (Takes out a        pocketknife) Vodka dagger, activate!

Gregor runs at POR with the knife. POR tries to run away, but Samarina knocks him over; Gregor stabs POR and kills him. Tikhon's face lights up because his plan worked; he high-fives Samarina and kisses her.

FADE TO BLACK.

 

Scene 10

EXT. THE CITY SQUARE OF MOSCOW - MORNING

At POR's large funeral, almost 5:00 a.m. The Capuliches, Dmitry, and the crowd are in black; Tikhon is in his usual outfit, and Samarina is wearing a black, furry coat over her red dress.

The weather is chilly, and it is about to rain.

TIKHON We are gathered here early this morning to celebrate the life and mourn the passing of our great former President, Igor Ivanovich. Although he hath governed us for not even a full day, he will always be in our hearts. Dmitry, son of Igor, you have my condolences, and you are more than welcome to live at the Kremlin Palace with us Capuliches, and your lover, Julia. However, like I said in my inaugural speech, out with the old, in with the new. Russian law states that when the President passes away, a new President will be elected three months later, and in the meantime, the Prime Minister must take on the Presidential role. Wait, Prime Minster… that would be… me!

The people in cat masks and purple robes march onto the stage on which Tikhon stands. Samarina dons a ruby-encrusted cat mask.

TIKHON Anyway, you all deserve to know how the President died: he was murdered by that drunken gay wad Gregor Montevsky!!! See what I mean? Gays are evil; they are the children of Beelzebub himself, and I have the duty of sending them back to the fiery pit! People of Russia, hear my command. As long as I'm in power, you must address my wife and me as "Your Divinity." You must no longer call the policemen "cops" or "policemen;" you must call them "Apostles" and the police chief a "Prophetess." Apostles, as soon as you receive your new uniforms, don them. After that, you will no longer fish for regular criminals; you will be fishing for gays You must go out there and kill every LGBT person you SUSPECT!

Tikhon shoots Gregor. Rima then rushes to her dead brother's side and bawls. Julia consoles her new girlfriend and gives her a look of "We really need a good way of hiding our relationship."

Montage: Apostles don their new uniforms which resemble those that Tikhon's followers wore onstage. They then roam the streets killing gays, lesbians, transgendered people, bisexuals, and even people falsely accused of being these things.

The mood is scary, tragic and hopeless.

Tikhon and Samarina return to the black, red-spotlit environment from scene 4. But this time, Tikhon sits behind the President's desk.

TIKHON My Dear, what time is it?

SAMARINA It is 5:15.

TIKHON Great Scot! So far, 827 freaks, and counting, have died by my hand in 15 minutes. At this rate, all of Rusky's LGBT community will have gone extinct when my Presidency is over!       (Sigh of        contentment.) Christ resurrected himself in three days, and I, Tikhon Leviticus Capulich, will resurrect Russia in three months. I am justice, I am the law, I… am the Second Messiah.

FADE OUT.

Author's Note

I am an aspiring actor/scriptwriter. This is my first time showing my work to the world, so please give me constructive feedback, reviews, and suggestions; emphasis on "constructive". Please keep it classy, ok?
[EDIT] I just tweaked my script based on the first review I got. What do you think?

Reviews

[ScottTheScreenwriter]

The dialogue is great, you're a talented writer! I do have a few notes of constructive criticism:

-There's very little direction, don't be afraid to describe the environment/character actions more. Paint a more vivid picture in the reader's mind.
-The formatting could be a bit clearer. Here's a good site that shows how a screenplay should generally be formatted: http://www.scriptfrenzy.org/howtoformatascreenplay

Good work!

[Natalia Torrelio]

Thanks for your review. Though I find the rules of the margins to be quite tedious to format/re-format, the tips about spacing and font would make it more professional-looking. I'll improve it based on your advice now, and I will add some more direction.

[ScottTheScreenwriter]

Scriptbuddy.com helped me big-time in creating my first screenplay (http://www.writerscafe.org/writing/scott225/1125188/) in terms of formatting and differentiating between direction and dialogue . It's free to get started, I'd definitely recommend it.