THE EMPIRE CLASSIC SCENE

Say anything, Chosen By Jon Watts

JON Watts: “this scene from Cameron Crowe’s Say Anything is so awkward and it feels so real. John Cusack’s performance is so funny. It’s something I kept in the back of my mind when we were shooting the high school stuff for Spider-man: Homecoming.”

INT. LOUNGE/BEDROOM — DAY

We intercut between Lloyd Dobler (John Cusack), pacing around his front room, and Diane Court (Ione Skye), sitting on her bed, as they have a conversation.

LLOYD: Quick question. Do you know who I am?

DIANE: Yeah. We sat together at Bell Square.

LLOYD: Yeah, yeah, yeah, you remember.

DIANE: No, I read it on the message.

LLOYD: So it’s Lloyd and, uh, let’s go out. You wanna go out?

DIANE: Oh, thanks. But I’m busy.

LLOYD: Busy.

DIANE: Yes. Things are pretty hectic right now, but thanks.

LLOYD: You busy on Friday?

DIANE: Yeah. I have to help my father.

LLOYD: Are you busy on Saturday?

DIANE: Saturday I’ve some things to do around the house.

LLOYD: So, so you’re monumentally busy?

DIANE: Well… not monumentally.

LLOYD: What about tonight, then? Can you go to that party at Vahlere’s?

DIANE: Hmm…

LLOYD: Look, Diane, I can’t allow you to leave the country without attending Vahlere’s graduation. The gentleman is 22 and comes out of hiding once a year for this occasion. He dresses up as the Lakeside Rooster and he makes us drink all the Purple Passion —

DIANE: Actually, I think that, uh —

LLOYD: You know, you’re not in England yet. You know that, of course. And by the way I wanted to just tell you that I lived in England for three months and my parents are in the Army and we

moved to Germany and England and I can give you an enormous amount of tips. English tips.

DIANE: Well…

LLOYD: No tips. No tips of any kind.

DIANE: I’ll go.

LLOYD: Pardon me?

DIANE: I’ll go.

LLOYD: You will?

He slams the phone on the table in celebration.

LLOYD: Excellent! Alright, this is great. You will? Really?

DIANE: I’ll go.

LLOYD: Alright, this is really great. Alright, we’re going out. It’s a date. It’s a scam. Whatever, whatever, whatever. Alright, I’ll pick you up at what… eight o’clock?

DIANE: Eight.

LLOYD: [Punching the air in triumph] Eight. Eight o’clock.