The following is a 26 line script that I wrote whilst hospitalised in a mental health unit, during lockdown in 2020. To keep myself occupied, I signed up to another FutureLearn course, Explore Filmmaking, this time with the National Film and Television school and the British Film Institute. This was a writing exercise for the course.
It was an extremely difficult time for patients and staff; patients weren’t allowed visitor’s rights, and staff were trying to cope their very best, under a horrendous strain. This particular piece deals with my own experience of having to sit on the naughty step, as I like to call it, in a seclusion room, for hours on end.
Warning: Contains bad language/deals with mental health. Please do not read on if you have been affected in any way.
Vall: Argh! I can’t believe the headache I’ve got. Paracetamol won’t shift this.
Animal: Bloody b@st@rd. I’m surprised they didn’t smack her in the gob.
Tilda: C*nt – that’s what she said. Did you hear her?
Vall: Don’t talk. It will just rile her up again.
Animal: Ejitt.
Tilda: For Christ’s sake, throw her into seclusion.
Vall: Get’s my goat. Anytime now she will be.
Animal: Hurry the f**k up with the orderlies.
Tilda: I know. It’s hard to be around her right now.
Vall: Jesus. I wish she would shut up.
Animal: Kindness. Kill her with that?
Tilda: Love? Wouldn’t that be better instead?
Vall: Might be.
Animal: No. I don’t think that will be the answer.
Tilda: Or, what would be?
Vall: Prayers?
Animal: Quite. Say them silently though.
Tilda: Right now?
Vall: Sally, you say them for her.
Animal: Try and find the bibles!
Tilda: Under which beanbag are they hidden?
Vall: Jay’s room?
Animal: Will go get them now.
Tilda: X-Men. Call them too.
Vall: Yay. Superheroes – always save the day.
Animal: Zebedee’s on shift. At least we will be able to sleep tonight.