22. Fixing What Is Wrong
23 April 2025
Alison Rocket Ross
Taking a closer look at AARON (35) LANDSCAPER.
Alright, kids. Insomnia struck me again last night. Something was eating at me about Aaron and the story as a whole.
I was reminded that if there’s a problem with Act Three, it’s really a problem with Act One.
So I pulled away from the screen and did a little old fashioned notebook scribbling. I don’t think I cracked the case, but I did get a couple hints.
The best part of writing is being able to edit. To change your mind. To learn and grow as you go. I think part of me rushed the outline, rushed the story, because I simply wanted to write. So when we were writing, it felt off.
Here’s what I did last night (early this morning).
Our problem is with the opening scene and I am devastated. I love that opening scene. I thought the ants idea was cool and fun, but the issue is that is doesn’t accurately portray what the movie is going to be about. It doesn’t set the tone. It’s just… something that happens.
And all of that leads us into a boring first act. We gotta set this up better. I wouldn’t stick around for this movie the way it’s set up right now.
That’s ok. Really. We just have to do better.
So… Aaron doesn’t want to change. He doesn’t want anything to change. He doesn’t know that he needs to change. He’s somewhat of an oblivious protagonist — if you can even call him a protagonist.
I was thinking, perhaps the real story we’re telling here is with Brooke. She has more of an emotional journey. Aaron starts the plot, Brooke has the feelings.
Instead of this awkward friends-to-maybe-lovers tension, let’s put them together right away. Brooke pursued Aaron until he finally agreed. They’re in a relationship more of convenience, I’d say. Brooke really loves him, but he’s just kind of there. Not absent or cold, he just doesn’t know how to love her.
If we pair them right away, it’s going to hurt more when she leaves. That kind of “didn’t know what he had until he lost it” thing.
So let’s go back to the opening scene with Brooke and Aaron as a pair. And instead of doing a “through the window” glimpse of their lives, let’s give them each a decision that will show their character.
THE DOZENS
They find a stray dog. Aaron doesn’t want to keep it, but Brooke does.
They chase a bug in the house. Brooke wants Aaron to kill it, but Aaron wants to put it outside.
Aaron keeps breaking electronics around the house so Brooke can fix them. He thinks of it as a little present for her, but she sees it as tedious work and Aaron’s carelessness.
They’re gathering items for donation and Aaron tries to donate Brooke’s favorite dress. The one she wore on their first date. Aaron doesn’t understand why she gets pissed.
Brooke gets hurt on a hike. Breaks her ankle. This causes her to spend days and days on the computer and she turns into an internet true crime sleuth. (This is too “Rear Window”. We can’t do that.)
At trivia night, Brooke and Aaron debate an answer. Aaron doesn’t listen to her and ends up getting the question wrong. The fight got personal though…
Brooke gets a wedding invitation from her friends in Minneapolis. She wants to go, but Aaron dismisses it right away. Too far.
They cook dinner together. In sync, but in silence. To show how this is a comfortable arrangement, but maybe isn’t giving either of them what they need out of the relationship.
Brooke is woken up in the middle of the night by gunshots outside their window. Aaron sleeps right through it. Brooke can’t get it out of her head. She knows there’s danger in the city that Aaron seems to be oblivious to.
Salooning one night, Aaron plays a song on the Jukebox. Not a romantic song, the exact opposite. Brooke takes it personally. Aaron doesn’t know what he did wrong. He doesn’t understand how he hurt her.
Brooke meets Aaron for lunch while he’s working. They eat sandwiches on the curb and Brooke asks about his day, but Aaron has nothing to say. He keeps her at a distance.
A member of Aaron’s landscaping crew asks him for Brooke’s number — he didn’t realize they were dating. This makes Aaron think, then he goes out to buy a ring for her. Not out of love or wanting to get married, just to keep what he has.
Well…
Alright…
I kind of like the last one. We can use the ring throughout the script as a physical cue. I’m going to let these sit and decide next time.
Main take away here — Don’t force it. If it isn’t working, there’s a reason. I still feel underwater with this one. We just need to put in more work. That is ok. Somethings come fast, others take time. We’re not on a deadline with this one. We’re just going through the process.
That’s all for now.
-Rocket