TWITCH (EXCERPT)

Written by
Christian Tizya
ctizya@watsonstreetpictures.com
INT. HOLDING ROOM. DAY
On a table is a legal pad with a dozen or so attempts at a
sketch of a dark haired woman in profile looking down.
LEONARD SIMPSON, aka TWITCH, 30s, in a prisoners jumpsuit
sits with his head down when a loud SLAP on the table in
front of him jars him out of his daydream. He never looks up.
Only the offscreen voice of a DETECTIVE, MALE, addressing him
can be heard.
Twitch has Tourette's Syndrome. He doesn't blurt out
obscenities, but has moments where he blinks repeatedly and
cranks his neck for a spell. When someone is addressing him
he mouths words to himself in silence.
DETECTIVE
Hey goof, stay with me.
Twitch sits up and briefly gives him a dirty look.
DETECTIVE (CONTD)
What did I say? Was it goof?
The Detective sits down as Twitch shakes his head.
DETECTIVE (CONTD)
Usually only criminals take offense
to that word.
TWITCH
Do you know where copper comes
from?
DETECTIVE
Enlighten me.
TWITCH
From a Latin word capere, to
grab. Does Cop a feel ring a
bell?
Twitch raises his hands and wiggles his fingers.
TWITCH (CONT'D)
So Im sure the origins of your
profession were oozing justice and
servitude.
DETECTIVE
Thats really funny. You use big
words for a guy...like you.
TWITCH
Words big enough for your police
training?
DETECTIVE
Why did you crash a stolen car with
a dead body in the trunk?
TWITCH
It wasnt my car. I had no idea.
DETECTIVE
Whyd you steal it?
Twitch looks down at the sketch.
DETECTIVE (CONTD)
Who is she?
TWITCH
A girl.
Detective points to the sketch.
DETECTIVE
You draw pretty good despite whats
wrong with you.
TWITCH
Theres nothing wrong with me.
Theres something wrong with you.
Detective pauses for a beat.
DETECTIVE
You know I am almost kind of
inclined to believe you, because
when I think you did kill this guy,
I gotta ask myself How was he able
to shoot straight with his
condition?.
TWITCH
Why dont you ask your wife.
Detective takes the sketch, crumples it up and throws it into
the corner.
TWITCH (CONTD)
Trust me shes not your type.
2.
DETECTIVE
Why cause I dont twitch?
Twitch tries to keep his cool as the Detective giggles.
TWITCH
I wanna call somebody. I want a
phone call.
Theres a pause.
DETECTIVE
Okay.
Detective gets up
DETECTIVE (CONTD)
Why not.
He walks out.
3.