| home | biography | all plays | all screenplays | contact |
Page Links: |
Logline: From Opposite Ends Opposite Ends is a dramatic story about three college friends, one man and two women, who reflect on their lives as their fortieth birthday approaches. The close friendships come into jeopardy as the male buddy moves across country to begin a new life after painful setbacks. The consequence of his choice forces each one to reflect on their pasts decisions as they struggle to move forward on their landmark birthdays. Synopsis: From Opposite Ends Edward Kozlowski, a gay man reaching his 40's, is unpacking in Taos, New Mexico. He has left his hometown of Chicago two weeks earlier and the movers have finally arrived. As he unpacks his belonging, Edward pulls out three photos in wrapped carefully in frames. One is his two college friends, Ellen and Randi, the other is of two young boys, which is Edward and his younger brother, Neal. The third, a photo of an attractive man, Mark, who is one of the reasons Edward left the big city. As he looks into the photo of Mark, he becomes enraged and tosses it across the room. As the photo crashes, Richard "Red Dear", an American Native in his early 60's who is also Edward's new landlord enters the room as the photo crashes above his head. Edward apologizes for the near hit and thanks Red Dear for lending him household items until his arrived. Red Dear has figured out why Edward moved from Chicago to Taos, which gives Ed an eerie chill. Red Dear informs Ed that he will recover from his recent job layoff and a long-term relationship breakup from Mark. However, Edward has more "spiritual challenges" ahead of him. But that he will be stronger in his heart and soul and will continue to be the "tie that binds" for all he loves. In Chicago, Randi, the eternally single working woman, is reading the Tribune at her office. She sees an article about a serious car accident on the I-94 highway and sees that Mark was involved in the crash. She phones Ellen, the trophy wife of a successful lawyer, asking her if she has seen the news article. Panicked, Randi wants to call Ed, but Ellen believes that they should have more details before doing so and phones the hospital herself. She finds that Mark is in a coma. As she returns Randi's call, the two women make a pact to support Ed as he has supported them many times over the past years. Ellen phones Ed and informs him about Mark. Edward is torn as what to do as Mark was the one who left him. Ellen talks him into coming back to Chicago so that there will be no regrets if something should happen. Ed gives in and informs Red Dear that he has to go back to Chicago for an emergency. Red Dear tells Ed that he already knows and has arranged his flight for him and will pay his way until he can pay back. Randi and Bob hit it off that night and he asks her out. She is impressed with his clear sense of identity, but is concerned that he may not be "Mr. Right". Meanwhile, Neal is introducing Edward to his circle of friends. Unimpressed with the "artiness" of many of them, he finally meets David, whose normalcy causes him to stand out in the crowd. Several months pass. In that time, Randi's fondness for Bob has grown, but so have the concerns that he may not be the right one. Edward has continued to see David, but worries about entering a relationship so soon after his move. Ellen finds that she can longer avoid the questions of motherhood-she is pregnant. Ellen announces her condition to Karl. Karl is happy about the news, but Ellen doesn't feel that bringing a child into a troubled world of guns in schools and other meanness would be fair to a child. Karl, livid that Ellen might want to terminate the pregnancy throws Karl into a fury. Randi too then makes a decision with her life, as well, deciding not to continue with Bob. Karl and Ellen's fight ends with both venting frustrations that have been too long been held inside. Karl angrily walks out on Ellen. It is then that Edward gets a phone call. His ex, Mark, has been killed in an accident. Devastated with the news and feelings of unfinished business, he decides to attend the funeral. Randi and Ellen support him though the service, which becomes a turning point for each of them. All three realize they must face their personal demons head-on, finding validation of themselves through each other's friendship and love. David surprises Edward by showing up after the funeral. He voices his feelings for Edward, as well as his concern of pushing him too hard. Randi begs forgiveness from Bob and asks for a second chance. Ellen opens up her soul to Karl, reminding both of them of the reasons they fell in love over 15 years ago. We jump forward seven months to San Francisco. Randi and Bob, Ellen and Karl, are all surprising Edward for his 40th birthday. Ellen and Karl are thrilled at the quickly impending delivery date. Randi had grown to be proud of Bob for his unique qualities. Neal and his lover Chip are happily in attendance. David is also there, with his new partner. He and Edward quietly acknowledge their attraction, but understand that the timing was off. As we close on each of them, Edward walks toward the window. There he sees, on the street, the Native American from the diner. He is with his partner, but surprisingly turns and smiles upward to Edward as the ride by on a trolley. As Edward's breathe catches, we see another man, Edward's age, standing alone on a San Francisco bay front. His breath catches, too, and is carried in the wind with Edwards. | |
| home | biography | all plays | all screenplays | contact |