Unreasonable
 by Jan Wilson
Meet your idols at your own risk!


This story was first written as a two-act play.  It was then re-envisioned as a feature film script.  Both versions are available for download if you scroll to the bottom of this page.

LOGLINE
An aspiring music journalist tracks down her idol, a reclusive rock star from the ‘80s, to his secluded mountain home determined to get an interview.  But the past-his-prime rocker harbors a decades-old secret and he's anything but welcoming.

SYNOPSIS
They say “you should never meet your idols.”  Aspiring journalist and idol-worshipper Janelle refuses to believe this applies to her idol, ex-rock star Danny Ballantyne.  She has tracked down her favorite singer from the ‘70s and ‘80s and visits him at his remote home in Washington State.  She wants to write a piece on him and his landmark 1976 album Jupiter Dancing, but Danny has since left the music business and is quite reluctant to attract any more publicity.  As the rainy location traps her there with him for the evening, Janelle realizes Danny isn’t quite the charming guy she dreamt he’d be, and Danny learns that there might be more to this fawning fan than he first thought.


CHARACTERS

  • DANNY BALLANTYNE:  Late 50s.  In the ‘70s and ‘80s he was a rock star; he still retains the longish hair, beard and laid-back demeanor. 
  • JANELLE WALKER:  Mid-thirties.   Casual-but-edgy style.  Eager aspiring journalist.
  • LEIGH:  50ish.  She's outdoorsy in manner and dress.  Runs a horse farm.


SETTING
Danny’s house in the mountains in Washington State.  Living room and adjoining kitchen area reflect a bit of a hippie/new age influence.  Rustic, tasteful, expensive, but cozy.  He’s spent his rock star money well. 

And one scene on Janelle's porch in Albuquerque, New Mexico.


TIME
Present day.   One week in spring or fall, rainy season. 


[Danny's song lyrics and song titles courtesy of Richard Fogarty, used with special permission.]