Day 14 Assignments

[Eric Humble]

Eric Humble Delivers Irony!

What I learned doing this assignment is: that juxtaposing opposites in a scene can really give a sense of depth and power to what is otherwise an ordinary moment in the script. I really enjoyed brainstorming ways to make these scenes ironic in the way that the insight comes across to the transformable character. With each skill we learn, the process is rounding out my script more and more. I can’t wait to see what the next few lessons have in store!

New Way/Insight: Stand up for your beliefs

Irony: The Russian President goads Raf into calling security, because he’s not supposed to be in the kitchen area, but Raf believes that it wouldn’t do any good. The Russian President beats his aide to death. Turns out security was willing to stop him.

New Way/Insight: You have to take a side

Irony: Raf won’t take sides in an argument between Leiber and the Head of NATO Security in an effort to remain neutral and not rock the boat. His neutrality causes everyone to be locked down, even the cooks assigned to leave to obtain fresh ingredients. He would have been able to get fresh food instead of the potentially tainted food had he picked a side.

New Way/Insight: Success is empty if it only benefits yourself

Irony: Leiber pays him off – his huge paycheck plus a meeting with one of the NATO heavy-hitters to talk about bringing his restaurants into their country, as promised… but Raf now sees the paycheck as blood money, a pay off. He can’t accept it, has to see this through even if it ruins his career.

New Way/Insight: Anyone can change the world—even you

Irony: Raf sets up the ordinary cook to take the blame for Victor’s death and remove Raf from the situation… only to discover that the man is a hero when the President of Moldova stops down to shake his hand. Raf has been assuming the man was just a cook, and a low-rated one at that – in fact, he’s the highest-profile member of the kitchen, including Raf!

New Way/Insight: Commit to his fiancée

Irony: He gets his cell and manages to call his fiancee, needing to ask her for help – but she’s so angry at him for their fight and his unwillingness to commit that she won’t speak to him. His only method of escape is a dead end.