Franco's Amontillado

Black Screen (Scene Location N/A)

- The first shot is nothing but a black screen. Carnival music is playing softly in the background as a weary voice begins to speak.

MONTRESOR
(Voice Over)

They say sticks and stones can break your bones, but words may never hurt you. However, I have dealt with Fortunato's sticks and I have dodged many a stone... This time, his words were the source of my pain. And so came the time to gather sticks and stones of my own. Ones of justice and, more importantly, revenge. After this cruel yet fitting idea stuck in my mind like a rock in mud, Fortunato continued to accept my then misleading smiles. Misleading, for instead of smiling out of content, I was smiling out of malice and joy for what cruel fate my hand would bring Fortunato next. You see, despite the amount of respect and fear he was able to recieve from others, he had a weak spot that I only recongized-his pride for his love of wine.

~Fade In~

EXT. Dusk A "Supremely Mad" Day of the Carnival Season

- It's loud with flashes of bright light filling the air as Montresor fumbles through a crowd of excited Carnival-goers. As he breaks through a large mass of people, he is confronted by his newly realized enemy, Fortunato, who shows signs of excessive celebration and drinking.

Fortunato

(Jovial)

Montresor! My good friend, how are you?

- Montresor feels a rage building inside of him. However, he uses that energy and works it into a somewhat believable smile. 

MONTRESOR
(Over Exaggerated and "Put On")

Oh, Fortunato, Fortunato, Fortunato. What a pleasant surprise! You know, you're just the man I wanted...no...NEEDED to see! You see I have come across a pipe of Amontillado and I just can't tell if it's genuine. And I couldn't pass up such a good bargain.

FORTUNATO
(Slurring) 

A pipe of Amontillado?! A PIPE?! HERE...AT THE CARNIVAL?!? (Laughing) My dear Montresor, that's not possible.

MONTRESOR

Well I had my doubts, and obviously you're much too busy to be able to tell if such a wine is genuine. Maybe I'll go to Luchesi. Surely he will be able to-

- Montresor begins to walk away. As he's leaving he is stopped by the booming voice of Fortunato. A wicked smile dashes across his face as he turns back.

FORTUNATO

LUCHESI?! Nonsense. That man could not tell wine from wine!

MONTRESOR
(Slight Slurring)

I think you mean water from wine, my...good...friend?

FORTUNATO
(Heavy Slurring)

But of course! Water from water. Just like I said!

MONTRESOR
(Almost feeling sorry for Fortunato)((Almost))

And yet somehow people equate his word to yours. Perhaps that may be true...

FORTUNATO

Nonsense. Pure nonsense. Come with me.

- Fortunato grabs Montresor's arm and begins to lead him, stumbling over himself.

MONTRESOR
(Trying hard to conceal a genuine, malicious smile) 

Where?

FORTUNATO
(Filled with Confidence) 

To your vaults. I will show you what it means to have the taste of God.

MONTRESOR

Oh. Please. I could never impose when you're so very busy...

FORTUNATO

I will never be too busy for this, my friend.

MONTRESOR
(Smiling Fiendishly) 

I must warn you. The vaults are incredibly damp. It would be unwise to-

FORTUNATO
(Laughing)

Let us go at once! Oh my dear Montresor...Hahahaha...Luchesi...hahahaha...water from wine...hahaha

- The two walk off-screen as Fortunato leads the way, something Montresor has no problem with as he smiles while keeping an eye on his prey.