{"id":2751,"date":"2019-08-14T03:10:29","date_gmt":"2019-08-14T03:10:29","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/leighgrissom.com\/?p=2751"},"modified":"2019-08-14T03:10:29","modified_gmt":"2019-08-14T03:10:29","slug":"screen-test-final-version-for-really-real-this-time","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/leighgrissom.com\/2019\/08\/screen-test-final-version-for-really-real-this-time\/","title":{"rendered":"SCREEN TEST FINAL VERSION for really real this time"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

SCREEN TEST<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a9 2019<\/span><\/span> Leigh Grissom<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u200b\u201cAre we ready<\/span><\/span>, Stefin<\/span><\/span>?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYessir.\u201d The production assistant <\/span><\/span>made a final adjustment on one of the studio lights<\/span><\/span> and gave him a thumbs-up.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSend him in.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRight away.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Stefin<\/span><\/span> ran for the door and called for the first audition of the day.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCutter? <\/span><\/span>Brian<\/span><\/span> Cutter?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

A young man, dark hair, dark eyes, an \u201cold Hollywood\u201d cut to his jaw, with a ready smile and a deep, pleasing voice, walked in.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHello!\u201d the Director called.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The actor held out his hand. <\/span><\/span>\u201cI\u2019m <\/span><\/span>Brian<\/span><\/span> Cutter.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The <\/span><\/span>Director<\/span><\/span> shook his hand and <\/span><\/span>eyed <\/span><\/span>him<\/span><\/span> with appreciation. Perfect<\/span><\/span>, from the well-tailored suit to the shine of his shoes<\/span><\/span>. <\/span><\/span>Even his name would look good in lights. <\/span><\/span>He motioned for <\/span><\/span>Brian<\/span><\/span> to have a seat on the stool across from the camera. He waited for his assistant to line up the shot, and then smiled warmly.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTell us your name for the camera, son.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

That smile again, classy, but with a touch of mischief. \u201c<\/span><\/span>Brian<\/span><\/span> Cutter, sir. Thank you so much for this opportunity.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs this your first time reading for a<\/span><\/span>n indie<\/span><\/span> film?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Brian<\/span><\/span> looked a little sheepish and gave the <\/span><\/span>Director<\/span><\/span> a tentative grin. \u201cI<\/span><\/span>t shows?<\/span><\/span>\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt shows you\u2019re ready to take the next leap in your career. You should be proud of that.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, sir.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The <\/span><\/span>Director<\/span><\/span> looked him ove<\/span><\/span>r, picturing him on a movie poster<\/span><\/span>. \u201cYou\u2019ve got a classic look, <\/span><\/span>Brian<\/span><\/span>. In the day, you could have stolen roles from <\/span><\/span>Gable<\/span><\/span>.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Brian<\/span><\/span>\u2019s eyes went wide. \u201cYou think so? <\/span><\/span>Thank you. That means a lot.<\/span><\/span>\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Stefin signaled he was ready to begin recording.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The Director asked <\/span><\/span>Brian<\/span><\/span>, \u201cWhat part will you be reading?<\/span><\/span>\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was hoping for the part of James Killian?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The <\/span><\/span>Director<\/span><\/span> shrugged uncertainly. \u201cYou can, but I think you\u2019d be better for the part of the Senator.\u201d He waved a reassuring hand when he saw <\/span><\/span>Brian<\/span><\/span>\u2019s worried look. \u201cIt\u2019s all right, <\/span><\/span>Brian<\/span><\/span>. You read Killian\u2019s lines for the test, and then we might try some of the Senator\u2019s at the end. Your energy is much too good to be wasted on a part that would force you to hide in a fat suit.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSounds great! I\u2019m ready when you are.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Stefin brought out the slate. \u201cScreen test. Cutter, <\/span><\/span>Brian<\/span><\/span>.<\/span><\/span> Part of James Killian.\u201d The <\/span><\/span>clack<\/span><\/span> echoed around them. He hustled back to the camera and signaled he was ready.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve never seen a slate at an audition.\u201d Brian said.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c<\/span><\/span>I\u2019m an old man, Brian. It helps me keep track of all of you.\u201d The Director held up a hand and signaled for quiet. \u201cW<\/span><\/span>e\u2019ve got a lot of ground to cover. First, why don\u2019t you <\/span><\/span>give us an official introduction<\/span><\/span>?<\/span><\/span> This will all be edited into your reel.<\/span><\/span>\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The actor straightened his collar and smiled at the camera lens. \u201c<\/span><\/span>Hi! <\/span><\/span>I\u2019m <\/span><\/span>Brian<\/span><\/span> Cutter. I\u2019m originally from Washington, DC.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow old are you, <\/span><\/span>Brian<\/span><\/span>?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTwenty-nine plus shipping and handling.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The <\/span><\/span>Director<\/span><\/span> laughed out loud. \u201cI may have to write that into a script! Now, tell us why you were drawn to the acting world.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Brian<\/span><\/span> thoughtfully rubbed the scar on his chin. \u201cI\u2019ve seen \u2026 a lot in my life. Acting provides an escape for me. If I play my role to the fullest, I might help someone else escape, too.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cExcellent, Mr. Cutter. I can tell you have a heart for the silver screen.\u201d The <\/span><\/span>Director<\/span><\/span> sat down in his chair and lit a cigarette. \u201c<\/span><\/span>T<\/span><\/span>he part you\u2019re reading for is a difficult one. His time in this movie is limited, but he runs an intense gamut of emotions. He\u2019s an overpaid, over-fed corporate jackass who believes he\u2019s above the law until it all crashes down around him. He\u2019s very intense, and steals every scene he\u2019s involved in, even if it\u2019s just on the phone. If you end up in that fat suit, it\u2019ll be tough to use body language or expression to get your point across, so bring your voice to the forefront. Understood?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir!\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPerfect. We\u2019ll begin with Killian\u2019s first meeting with Isaiah Blake. Let\u2019s hear your interpretation.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Brian<\/span><\/span> cleared his throat and leaned back, folding his arms out in front of him as if over a large belly. He glared at the camera with cool disdain. His voice was hoarse, and he sounded slightly out of breath.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis is all the information on the acquisition I want you to make. Double your fee; paid up front.\u201d <\/span><\/span>Brian<\/span><\/span> scratched his chin nervously. \u201cThis is the most important job you\u2019ll do for me, Isaiah. You were chosen for that reason.\u201d He held up a hand. \u201cNo questions, Blake. Bring it to me before it remembers what it is.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The <\/span><\/span>Director<\/span><\/span> smiled. \u201cImpressive! That was very sinister, <\/span><\/span>Brian<\/span><\/span>! Show me the phone call between Killian and Isaiah Blake.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Brian<\/span><\/span> picked up an invisible phone. \u201cHe\u2019s one who would prefer a landline over a cell phone. He\u2019s one of a handful who still has one.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The <\/span><\/span>Director<\/span><\/span> raised an eyebrow. \u201cWell, well, you have done your homework. That\u2019s <\/span><\/span>exactly <\/span><\/span>what the writer intended to convey. Show us.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Brian<\/span><\/span> set his jaw and snarled into the invisible receiver. \u201cBlake! Status reports are submitted online and all calls\u2026\u201d He stopped, and his <\/span><\/span>laughter<\/span><\/span> held a tinge of fear. \u201cOh, my young friend, I\u2019m afraid that isn\u2019t possible. You are the only Tracker for this job. And let\u2019s just say that failing this mission will cut both our careers short.\u201d He paused, and then added, \u201cYou\u2019re in this until this end, Blake. It\u2019s the only way we\u2019ll both get out alive. Please trust me on this and bring that little girl in.\u201d He mimicked hanging up the phone.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWonderful! Now, go forward to the scene where Mr. Killian makes his exit.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Brian<\/span><\/span> took a few deep breaths. When he looked up, fear clouded his features. \u201cSenator \u2026 what is this? What\u2019s going on?\u201d He paused, and mimicked reaching for a gun<\/span><\/span> against his will<\/span><\/span>. \u201cPlease, don\u2019t do this\u2026\u201d He checked the invisible weapon, and mimed pointing it under his chin.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The <\/span><\/span>Director<\/span><\/span> gave him a standing ovation. \u201cBravo! Such <\/span><\/span>power<\/span><\/span>! Mr. Cutter, if you\u2019re this good as Killian, you\u2019ll be perfect for the Senator. I personally would rather see those good looks on camera. You\u2019ll have a harem of female fans who love the villain.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, sir.\u201d <\/span><\/span>Brian<\/span><\/span> noticed the production assistant rolling out a swath of red carpet about one hundred feet in length. \u201cWhat is this?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The <\/span><\/span>Director<\/span><\/span> indicated the carpet. \u201cThis is the second part of your screen test. This part moves quickly, and I want it all, understand? Whatever emotion I ask for, whatever I need you to say or do \u2013 do it. Don\u2019t over-think it; hell, don\u2019t think at all. Live the part of the most beloved actor in the world. Got it?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGot it!\u201d <\/span><\/span>Brian<\/span><\/span> sat on the edge of the stool, poised and ready.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The <\/span><\/span>Director<\/span><\/span> walked back to his chair and sat down heavily. \u201cThis is where you become a star, <\/span><\/span>Brian<\/span><\/span> Cutter \u2013 now let me see<\/span><\/span> your acceptance speech for the Oscars<\/span><\/span>!\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Brian<\/span><\/span> stood up, his expression a testament to stunned elation. \u201cOh, my God \u2026 I can\u2019t believe this! I want to thank the Academy, my wife, my kids, my co-stars \u2013 I \u2026 I couldn\u2019t have done this without you!\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBeautiful! Do it again for the Golden Globe<\/span><\/span>s<\/span><\/span>!\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Brian<\/span><\/span> obeyed, altering his acceptance speech slightly to fit the <\/span><\/span>award<\/span><\/span>.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The <\/span><\/span>Director<\/span><\/span> nodded, pleased. \u201c<\/span><\/span>I can see this happening for you, <\/span><\/span>Brian<\/span><\/span>. And y<\/span><\/span>ou\u2019ll look great in Armani; we should <\/span><\/span>ask about<\/span><\/span> a spokesperson contract. Now, laugh for me.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Brian<\/span><\/span> ran through several rounds of laughter, from a cynical chuckle to a full-on belly-laugh, even to a \u201cdrunk giggle.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s that?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAmazing, Mr. Cutter! Let me see annoyed anger \u2013 you were just accused of making a sex tape with a well-known porn star \u2013\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhich one?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAn ugly one!\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Brian<\/span><\/span> rolled his eyes. \u201cOh, come on, turn the camera off \u2013 I don\u2019t even know her! She\u2019s lying; that tape is a fake!\u201d He raised a hand as if to block someone from taking his photo.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPerfect! You are attending a movie premiere, Mr. Cutter; <\/span><\/span>it\u2019s time to <\/span><\/span>give us <\/span><\/span>your<\/span><\/span> red-carpet walk. \u00a0Be sure and pause to speak with media personalities of your choice.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHuh? Okay, sure.\u201d <\/span><\/span>Brian<\/span><\/span> walked back and forth several times, pausing to answer a reporter\u2019s question, side-eyeing and pointedly ignoring another.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c<\/span><\/span>You are perfect, my boy! Walk and talk with a reporter who wants to know about your next feature.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Brian<\/span><\/span> obeyed, moving easily, talking with his hands, telling the invisible reporter all about a movie that didn\u2019t exist yet.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s good.\u201d <\/span><\/span>Stefin<\/span><\/span> whispered.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou are so right.\u201d He called out to the actor, \u201cAll right, you can have a seat.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Brian<\/span><\/span> sat back down on the stool. He looked a little pale. \u201cHow am I doing?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou are poised to become the next superstar. I need one more \u2013 loss. Painful, soul-wrenching loss. A loved one, a beloved pet, your very way of life \u2013 you\u2019ve lost it all. Let me see.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Brian<\/span><\/span>\u2019s <\/span><\/span>dark eyes watered almost instantly, and tears slipped down his cheeks<\/span><\/span>. He wept quietly, staring off into nothing.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOhhhhhh \u2026 the strong, silent hero in pain \u2026 you are magnificent! Look at the camera, Mr. Cutter. Give us your best Hollywood head shot.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Brian<\/span><\/span> looked back at the camera. Sweat beaded on his forehead, and he shivered. \u201cHey, uh, I don\u2019t feel well\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all right, son, just a few moments more. You will reign in the cinema for years to come, <\/span><\/span>Brian<\/span><\/span> Cutter. You\u2019ve got the part. You<\/span><\/span> will dominate the silver screen for years<\/span><\/span>.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Stefin applauded<\/span><\/span>. \u201cCongratulations, Mr. Cutter!\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Brian<\/span><\/span> blinked, confusion clouding his features. \u201cI \u2026 what\u2019s going on?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSit up straight, my boy. Look at the camera.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t \u2026 help\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all right, <\/span><\/span>Brian<\/span><\/span>. Just be still. Welcome to Hollywood. May your box office returns be record-breaking.\u201d He turned to his assistant. \u201cDid we get it all?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir, it\u2019s all here.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you. How close are we to filming the final zombie fight in Attack of the Brain Eaters?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt begins today, sir. Are we adding Mr. Cutter to the credits?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The <\/span><\/span>Director<\/span><\/span> looked lovingly at the pale ghost still sitting on the stool, his eyes vacant, soulless. \u201cYes. Be sure to say, \u2018Introducing <\/span><\/span>Brian<\/span><\/span> Cutter\u2019.<\/span><\/span> W<\/span><\/span>e\u2019ll <\/span><\/span>work him in throughout the movie, then <\/span><\/span>film his death so memorably that his career will last longer than he did.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Stefin<\/span><\/span> turned up the playback on the video he\u2019d recorded. Cutter\u2019s terrified pleas to be set free echoed through the room.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo they always scream like that when you bleed them?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The <\/span><\/span>Director<\/span><\/span> nodded. \u201cFor a while. Once the body is dead, they realize there\u2019s nowhere left to go, so I\u2019m able to mold them into whatever role I need them to play.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The assistant handed over the flash drive containing the fire and emotion that was <\/span><\/span>Brian<\/span><\/span> Cutter. \u201cHow many souls do you have?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The <\/span><\/span>Director<\/span><\/span> threw his head back and laughed. \u201cThousands, my boy. Thousands.\u201d He slipped the flash drive into his shirt pocket and patted it thoughtfully. \u201c<\/span><\/span>Modern technology has made my job so much easier. All right, Stefin \u2013 r<\/span><\/span>emove Mr. Cutter and send in the next audition. Make it a woman this time. He needs a love interest both on- and off-camera.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSir, didn\u2019t he say he has a wife and kids?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGet on his IMDB and verify that. If he does, call our lawyer and set up that sex tape. He\u2019ll be divorced and looking for love in a matter of months.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRight away, sir.\u201d <\/span><\/span>Stefin ran to the door and pointed. \u201cMa\u2019am? You\u2019re next.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

A brunette, her blue eyes dancing with delight after being chosen, walked to the door.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s your name?\u201d <\/span><\/span>Stefin<\/span><\/span> asked.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJenna. Jenna Nelson.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet me introduce you to our <\/span><\/span>Director<\/span><\/span>, Ms. Nelson.\u201d<\/span><\/span> He offered his arm.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you!\u201d She took his arm, blushing so beautifully the camera turned itself on.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The <\/span><\/span>Director<\/span><\/span> opened his arms in welcome<\/span><\/span>. \u201cYou are quite lovely, Ms. Nelson. We\u2019ll begin our screen test in just a moment. Will you be reading for the lead?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir. I think I can bring her to life, and I\u2019m willing to color my hair.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWonderful! I think you\u2019ll do just \u2026 what is it, Ms. Nelson?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

She pointed to the production assistant, leading a very pale, almost catatonic man toward the opposite door.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUm \u2026 is he \u2026 okay?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The <\/span><\/span>Director<\/span><\/span> lightly patted her arm. \u201cHe\u2019s fine. This was his first reading for a<\/span><\/span>n indie <\/span><\/span>film. I don\u2019t think he was expecting to get the part. Now, why don\u2019t you have a seat?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

*+*<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

This isn\u2019t happening \u2026 what the hell is going on?<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Brian<\/span><\/span> knew his throat should be raw from shouting, but he felt nothing at all. The darkness around him was impenetrable; he was afraid to move around for fear of running into something, or off something into \u2026 more darkness.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere am I?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Soft lights flickered at the edges of his vision. He looked around, not knowing what to expect, and was shocked to see they were illuminating a stone path, like \u2013<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

A park?<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

He stumbled down the path and fell face-first. It took him a few seconds to realize the pain he expected <\/span><\/span>from hitting his face on the ground never came<\/span><\/span>. He scratched at the stone underneath him.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

He couldn\u2019t feel it.<\/span><\/span> He wasn\u2019t sure what wasn\u2019t there; the stone, or his fingers.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat the hell is this?\u201d Moving carefully, he <\/span><\/span>drew himself upright<\/span><\/span>, then understood why he fell. He had no feeling in his feet, either.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did you do to me?\u201d he cried out, but the <\/span><\/span>night<\/span><\/span> only echoed his question back to him. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Focusing on the ground, he walked slowly, only looking up when he would pause to lower his risk of falling again. He could barely make out gnarled trees hidden in fog on either side of the path. There was no sound to indicate anything<\/span><\/span> (or anyone) <\/span><\/span>else was there with him.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Brian<\/span><\/span> stumbled, almost falling again, and stopped, staring at the ground until he regained what balance he had left. Without thinking, he placed his hand on his chest.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

No heartbeat.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAm I dead?\u201d he shouted, but there was no answer. He walked for what he guessed was almost a <\/span><\/span>quarter of a <\/span><\/span>mile before he saw the shadow of a park bench on the side of the path.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Brian<\/span><\/span> stunned himself by laughing. \u201cWhat, no pigeons to feed?\u201d He looked around again, not wanting to <\/span><\/span>stray from the stone underneath him<\/span><\/span>, but desperate to figure out where he was, why he couldn\u2019t feel any sensation, and why the hell he wasn\u2019t breathing.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c<\/span><\/span>What is this place?<\/span><\/span>\u201d <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Tired, alone, afraid \u2026 he sat on the park bench in the middle of Otherwhere, terrified to <\/span><\/span>keep calling <\/span><\/span>out, but too angry to wait in silence.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs anyone here? <\/span><\/span>Hello<\/span><\/span>?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Brian<\/span><\/span> listened.<\/span><\/span> He didn\u2019t <\/span><\/span>hear<\/span><\/span> the sound approaching, but he sensed it somehow.<\/span><\/span> Footsteps?<\/span><\/span> He lowered his head and clasped his hands between his knees.<\/span><\/span> Whatever was coming, he hoped it had answers.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHello, handsome. I guess you\u2019re new here.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Brian<\/span><\/span> looked up, <\/span><\/span>startled, <\/span><\/span>and words left him completely. <\/span><\/span>It can\u2019t be\u2026<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Blonde, beautiful, her smile forever frozen in time. The same white dress that <\/span><\/span>billowed<\/span><\/span> so perfectly over the sidewalk grate<\/span><\/span>, catapulting her to worldwide stardom<\/span><\/span>. She looked at him with <\/span><\/span>a deep <\/span><\/span>compassion that brought tears to his eyes.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

At least I can still cry<\/span><\/span>, he thought crazily. \u201cI \u2026 yes, I\u2019m new. What is this place?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

She laughed. It was a magnificent sound. \u201cYou thought of it as Otherwhere. I like that. <\/span><\/span>Y<\/span><\/span>ou\u2019re in Otherwhere, <\/span><\/span>Brian<\/span><\/span>.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou know me?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you know me.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

He laughed out loud. \u201cEveryone on earth knows you! But\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

She held up a slender, delicate hand. \u201cI know. Come on, the others will be along soon and we need to go with them.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOthers?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUh-huh. <\/span><\/span>There are thousands of us here<\/span><\/span>. I want to show you how to walk around here without falling before they arrive.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOkay.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

She took his hands and guided him to his feet. \u201cYour muscle memory isn\u2019t gone, <\/span><\/span>Brian<\/span><\/span>. Just your body. Let your soul do what it\u2019s supposed to do. Don\u2019t think about it.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

It took him a few minutes to realize he was walking with her, no<\/span><\/span> longer worried about watching his fee<\/span><\/span>t.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t understand.\u201d He turned to look <\/span><\/span>at her, still unable to fully grasp he was talking to a screen legend<\/span><\/span>. \u201cAm I dead?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

She laughed again<\/span><\/span>, a musical sound that eased his fear<\/span><\/span>. \u201cNot as long as you\u2019re still selling tickets. Or merchandise. Or both.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, my God.\u201d <\/span><\/span>Brian<\/span><\/span> stared at her in wonder. \u201cWhat he did to me? Did he do that to you?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

She nodded. \u201cAbout a year before my body died.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m so sorry.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all right.\u201d She rose to her tiptoes and kissed his cheek. He was genuinely pleased to feel the touch of her lips. \u201cMy death was <\/span><\/span>too <\/span><\/span>public, so I\u2019m only still here because of merchandise sales. I offered to welcome the new people<\/span><\/span> since my acting days are long gone<\/span><\/span>. It <\/span><\/span>helps the others who can still work<\/span><\/span>.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

He didn\u2019t want to ask it, but he couldn\u2019t stop himself.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happens if your merchandise stops selling?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Her smile was wistful, and very, very sad.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019ll <\/span><\/span>burn the film<\/span><\/span>.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Brian<\/span><\/span> didn\u2019t know what to say. He drew her into his arms and held her, this goddess who\u2019d last graced Hollywood in 1961, wishing he could find a way to get them both out of this Otherwhere. Her body was long dead, and his didn\u2019t have long \u2013<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

She pulled away and looked up at him with tear-filled eyes.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI have to go.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

A woman\u2019s terrified screams echoed in the darkness.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s done it again.\u201d She kissed his cheek one more time, and vanished.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWait!\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

But she didn\u2019t. <\/span><\/span>Brian<\/span><\/span> was alone again. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Waiting.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

For the others.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

ATTACK OF THE BRAIN EATERS A SURPRISE ZOMBIE THRILL-RIDE<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

by Kingston Nero<\/span><\/span>, Movie Geek<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Yes, yes, I know. Most moviegoers have long-since gotten sick to un-death of the Zombie movie<\/span><\/span>. (Don\u2019t scoff at the pun; you bought the newspaper.)<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

I will be the first to admit I had low expectations. <\/span><\/span>The last thing I wanted to waste my time watching was another cookie-cutter zombie movie or a cinematic rip-off of \u201cThe Walking Dead.\u201d I mean, I saw <\/span><\/span>that sparkling vampire flick<\/span><\/span><\/a> after so many people told me it was the latest and greatest in vampire\/werewolf sagas.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

To the people who convinced me that was true \u2013 I hate you all.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Back to the task at hand. <\/span><\/span>I was wrong, friends and neighbors. The zombie movie with the idiot title (don\u2019t look at me like that, you know it\u2019s stupid) is a delightful thrill-ride from beginning to end. <\/span><\/span>The dialogue is tight and sharp, and the actors actually talk instead of reading from badly-printed cue cards. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

I want more than anything to tell you the huge twist that even your resident movie geek didn\u2019t see coming, but I\u2019m gluten- and spoiler-free. Sorry. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Instead, let\u2019s hit the high points:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 <\/span>Set design and location. <\/span><\/span>I don\u2019t know who the crew paid off to turn the river red, but well done.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
\u2022 <\/span>The screenplay. \u201cTwilight\u201d hacks, take note. Scripts like this are why you don\u2019t work anymore.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
\u2022 <\/span>Brian<\/span><\/span> Cutter. You don\u2019t know who he is? That\u2019s okay. You will. <\/span><\/span>This movie geek has never witnessed a breakout performance like this. The depth of his fear, his pain, his agony \u2013 his screams to be set free are worthy of a Golden Globe alone. <\/span><\/span>Even though his part was a small one, he owned every scene right up to the last. <\/span><\/span>I can\u2019t wait to see what character he\u2019ll bring to life next. Mr. Cutter is the breakout star <\/span><\/span>the established Hollywood studs need to worry about. You heard it here first!<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n

Go see \u201cAttack of the Brain Eaters,\u201d kids. I give it five shiny gold stars for <\/span><\/span>Brian<\/span><\/span> Cutter alone. You online ticket buyers can use CUTTER4EVR to receive a coupon for a free large popcorn at any AMC theater!<\/span><\/span> Tell them the Geek sent you!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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