The Plagiarist (excerpt)

Synopsis:

Each of us likes to think that, in some small way, we are unique.  Original.

The world rewards us, however, for being precisely the opposite of this.

William (“Bill”) Randolph Hearst Junior the Sixth (no relation) discovers this fact at a very early age.

Preceded through the birth canal by his identical twin, Billie, he quickly recognises that his lot in life is to follow rather than to lead.

So proficient does he become in the art of following that he is able to reap the richest rewards that the world can offer.

Graduating from the forging of his boss’s signature to the forging of great art to the impersonation of a famous movie star as that star’s screen double, it would appear that there is no limit to his success.

Bored with the ease of his accomplishments, he decides – for the first time in his life – to attempt what has always eluded him:  Originality.

Having led a cloistered existence, during which he has never set foot in a movie house, he decides to write a screenplay.

He works on the script in utter seclusion and, when it is done, presents it to his art dealer, Charlie.

As it turns out, the script is absolutely brilliant.

But there’s one, tiny problem:  It is Citizen Kane.  Word for word.

Being apprised of this fact, Bill remains undaunted, and proceeds with a slavishly imitative remake of the screen classic.  The results of this absurd endeavour defy all prediction.

The Plagiarist explores the nature and questions the very existence of originality.  In so doing, it lays bare all our prejudices on the matter, turning them on their head.  It is an outrageous, bizarre and rollicking journey through one tiny aspect of what it is to be human.

Production History:  Not yet produced.

Running-time: 130 minutes.

Excerpt available for download for free.