I found, online, the original script to the movie Kafka, one of my all time favorites. The script varies considerably from the movie in places, and makes for great reading, especially if you remember the movie. Oh, perhaps I'm the only one who remembers the movie.
The movie's dialogue, the terseness, the layers of meaning, is what makes me watch it again and again.
_________________________________________________________________
CHIEF CLERK
Have you never wondered -- and I
mention this only in passing --
(as he paces past and
Kafka turns his head)
why other clerks have advanced to
more responsible positions while you,
who have been here longer, have not?
KAFKA
No, sir.
CHIEF CLERK
Attitude, Kafka. It doesn't matter
how well you do your work -- you
still see it as something to be
gotten on with rather than something
to take an active interest in.
KAFKA
(leans forward in
rebuttal)
Well, I --
CHIEF CLERK
(keeps pacing)
Oh, I know you got along with that
poor fellow -- what was his name?
KAFKA
-- Eduard --
CHIEF CLERK
-- Yes -- Raban -- but he was too
much like you -- even more so
perhaps. He wasn't here as long as
you, so I didn't know him as well --
but I could see the influence he was
having. I simply want you to be
aware of this because you'll be
happier for it.
Kafka merely nods, starts to get up.
CHIEF CLERK
In any case -- don't ask me why --
the word has come down you're to
be promoted.
Kafka sits back down in the chair.
CHIEF CLERK
Your colleague's death has helped
precipitate the need, though I can
tell you it's been under
consideration for some time. You're
to be given two assistants and a
commensurate rise in salary.
(sits back behind
desk)
That's all.
Kafka nods once, starts to go again.
CHIEF CLERK
Kafka.
Kafka turns.
CHIEF CLERK
I understand you fancy yourself an
author.
KAFKA
(almost visibly
cringes)
In a small way.
CHIEF CLERK
You might find a more athletic
hobby -- put some color in your
cheeks.
________________________________________________________________
If, by rarest of chance, you are a fan of the movie you must read the script. The ending is quite different from the one you see on film.