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The Deer
by Michael Raymond

Format Original Screenplay (16 pp.)
Genre Drama
Author Michael Raymond
Logline A young man ruminates over the major milestones in his life that occurred with his father. Through it all, he can't seem to shake the haunting and recurring image of a mysterious and majestic deer.
Synopsis Patrick sits trancelike on an airline flight—bound for an unknown destination. Looking like a man whose thoughts are a million miles away, Patrick seeks solace in the daydreams and reminisces of his childhood and adolescence—not all of them pleasant. Every sight, sound, and smell on the airplane triggers a flood of vivid and poignant memories of Patrick with his father.

Finally, Patrick reaches his destination, where he is found to be rendering a heartfelt and emotional tribute to his enigmatic father. As the tribute segues into a voice-over narration of bittersweet nostalgia and longing, Patrick reveals that all of his memories have now faded except for one—the recurring dream of a mysterious and ethereal deer.

In the denouement, Patrick and his son Casey revisit a small piece of Patrick's childhood, where an unexpected event provides Patrick with a great sense of wonder and closure. It is a moment that illustrates the power of ancestry, family, deja vu, and of course—the deer.
Remarks
  • Originally written as a simple homage to my father.
  • Finalist—Santa Clarita International Film Festival.
  • Elements Odd structure for a short (and for me as a writer), which includes flashback storytelling devices.


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    Michael Raymond
    7719 - 27th Avenue NW
    Seattle, WA 98117
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