CMW 2001 (Screenwriting) - Assessment I, Part II

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The second of my short film proposals.
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Sour Ron: Social Worker

Sauron, the former Lord of the Rings, is now a social worker. He battles disinterested, unambitious unemployed people, trying to find them work, but becomes ever more disillusioned with his task.

A non-descript job centre. Sauron, dressed in full battle armour, is in an appointment with a Jim, a job seeker. Sauron questions Jim on his areas of expertise and in what areas he’d be interested in working. Jim is highly disinterested, responding without enthusiasm. Sauron attempts to level with him, but Jim responds only by asking him when he’ll get his dole money.

Later, Sauron’s manager, David, comes by Sauron’s desk. David threatens Sauron not to embarrass or upstage David at the board meeting that afternoon, and that he should know his place.

The board meeting. The boss asks David if he has any ideas how to improve success rates for job seekers. He does not. Sauron cuts in and says that he does. The board is more than willing to hear them. A montage – Sauron presenting his ideas to the board on a flip chart – a series of ambiguous pie charts and diagrams – using his enormous mace as a pointer.

After the meeting, Sauron is cornered by David, who asks him why he insists on trying to steal his job. Sauron grip on his mace tightens. A flashback – Sauron’s therapist tells him he needs to keep his violent urges in check. Back in the corridor, Sauron informs David that if he did his job properly then he’d have nothing to worry about.

At home, Sauron sits at the kitchen table whilst his wife makes dinner. He explains his problem to her whilst she bustles around him. He says that he doesn’t know what to do. She kisses the cheek of his helmet and tells him that if he’s unhappy he should try and follow his dream again - she’ll support him no matter what.

Sauron sits in a comfy armchair, thinking. He picks up the receiver of the phone next to him and dials a number.

Saruman, dressed in a white robe and fluorescent jacket, is being shouted at by a man for writing him a parking ticket. His phone rings; it is Sauron. After deliberating Sauron’s proposal, Saruman says he’s in.

Sour Ron comically satirises one of the most evil characters in book and film history. Placed him in a mundane situation with his prospects barred at every turn by those with more power, we learn what might have motivated him to once again pursue his dream to try to conquer the world.