In this scene, FRANK CELLO is trying to convince a teenage boy, SEAN, who has just been outed as gay, not to commit suicide. This happens shortly after Sean takes the rap for his macho father, a hero fireman, who was in reality an arsonist.
The setting is New York in the summer of 1981.
EXT. PIER OVERLOOKING THE HUDSON RIVER - DUSK
The sunset over the Hudson is stunning in its blend of orange and purple colors. Off in various locations, we can see PAIRS OF MEN communing intimately on the long pier. At the far end is a lone figure, standing at the edge, looking down into the water.
Moving to CLOSE-UP, we see that it is Sean, contemplating the strong current of the river.
FRANK (O.S.)
I know you didn’t do it, Sean.
Sean doesn’t turn around.
SEAN
Some people just don’t know how to shut their mouths.
FRANK
Gene really cares about you.
SEAN
Yeah, well that’s too bad, ‘cause we can’t be together.
FRANK
Why not?
SEAN
Because we’re freaks! Fucking freaks, okay?! No one wants to drink out of the same fucking water fountain as me anymore! Or use the bathroom after me! Get it?! That’s why we can’t be together... and because I’m not going to be here anymore anyway.
FRANK
Where are you gonna be?
SEAN
Well, I’m not going to no fucking funny farm, or detention home, so I guess I’m going to hell, where perverts like me belong.
He moves right to the edge of the last plank on the pier and almost slips off. Frank moves to help him, but Sean reacts strongly.
SEAN (CONT’D)
NO! Back off!
Frank does.
FRANK
Sean... who set the fire?
Sean swallows hard, and his eyes fill up.
FRANK (CONT’D)
Why are you protecting someone like that? Someone that dangerous? Who is it that you would be willing to take the rap or die for?
Frank is suddenly silent, having a revelation, making the deduction.
FRANK (CONT’D)
Your... father? Sean?
For the first time in the encounter, Sean turns around and looks at Frank.
SEAN
(tears flowing)
No! He was a hero. I’m the loser. That’s the way it has to stay. I can’t do that to my mother.
FRANK
(stern)
No! No, Sean! You’re wrong! You’re willing to take the rap and give up your life to save your father’s image and not break your mother’s heart. You’re no loser, Sean, not at all... and you’re no freak.
Sean looks at Frank, searching his face.
FRANK (CONT’D)
(lowering his voice)
Listen to me. It’s gonna take a lot of courage in the years to come. People are going to suffer the pain of loss and ostracism just for loving who they love. But you’re up to it, Sean. I know you are. You’re up to it... because you are a real hero. There is nothing braver, nothing that takes more courage... than loving who you truly love. No matter what.
Sean takes just a step back from the edge of the pier.
FRANK (CONT'D)
Don’t die, Sean. A lot of people are dying as it is. Don’t throw yourself away. We need someone like you, you know? Someone who will say it doesn’t matter who you love, but that you love.
SEAN
I don’t want anyone to know about my father.
FRANK
(beat)
I understand.
Frank puts his arm around the young man and they walk off together.
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