The Crush | Oscar® Nominated Short Film

Summary

In this dramatic script, a young boy named Ardal develops a deep affection for his teacher, Ms. Purdy, and goes to great lengths to express his feelings. When he learns of her engagement to another man, Ardal's jealousy escalates to a point where he threatens the suitor with a toy gun, leading to a tense confrontation. The incident reveals Ardal's innocence and the complexities of adult relationships, ultimately resulting in a poignant realization about love and maturity.

Takeaways

• 📚 The script revolves around a classroom setting where a teacher is preparing her students for a spelling test and promises a DVD reward if they do well.
• 🎁 A student named Ardal uses a week's pocket money to buy a gift for his teacher, showing his affection and the importance he places on their relationship.
• 💍 Ardal's gesture leads to a conversation about marriage, with the teacher considering the possibility of being engaged to him, although it's hinted that it might be a child's innocent misunderstanding.
• 🗣️ A humorous and tense interaction occurs between Ardal and another adult, who mocks Ardal's height and financial stability, leading to a challenge for a duel.
• 👢 Ardal buys cowboy boots, which are a symbol of his youthful spirit and perhaps a hint at his playful nature, contrasting with the serious undertones of the script.
• 💎 A significant event occurs when the teacher shows off an engagement ring, indicating that she is engaged to another man, which complicates Ardal's feelings.
• 😡 Ardal confronts the teacher's fiancé with a toy gun, escalating the situation into a dramatic and humorous standoff, reflecting his childish yet earnest protectiveness.
• 🚓 The toy gun is mistaken for a real one, causing panic and concern among the adults, highlighting the seriousness of gun-related issues even in a comedic context.
• 🏠 The script ends with Ardal deciding not to marry the teacher, citing financial instability and the desire for her to have everything she wants, showing his self-awareness and maturity.
• 🎶 The script is peppered with music that sets the tone for different scenes, from soulful and soft piano to lighthearted and gentle guitar, enhancing the emotional depth of the narrative.
• 👦 The character of Ardal is central to the script, his actions and emotions driving the plot and revealing themes of love, innocence, and the complexities of adult relationships from a child's perspective.

Q & A

What is the initial task given to the class by the teacher?

The teacher asks the class to look for the words 'reveal,' 'pretend,' and 'love' in their readers and to be able to spell them by Monday.

What is the incentive offered by the teacher if the class does well on their spellings?

The teacher offers to show a DVD next week if everyone does well on their spellings.

What does Ardal do with his week's pocket money, and why?

Ardal uses his week's pocket money to buy something special for the teacher, to show how much he cares about her.

What misunderstanding occurs regarding Ardal and the teacher's engagement?

A misunderstanding occurs when the teacher thinks Ardal is proposing to her, but Ardal only suggests they could get engaged if she wants to.

Why does Ardal confront Pierce with a gun?

Ardal confronts Pierce with a gun because he believes that Pierce should not marry Ms. Purdy, as he, Ardal, loves her and wants to be with her.

What is the nature of the gun Ardal uses in the confrontation with Pierce?

The gun Ardal uses is actually a toy gun, not a real one, despite his claims.

How does the situation with the gun get resolved?

The situation is resolved when Pierce pretends to agree not to marry Ms. Purdy, and Ardal lowers the gun.

What is the reason Ardal gives for not wanting to marry Ms. Purdy at the end of the script?

Ardal decides not to marry Ms. Purdy because he believes he is not financially stable enough to take care of her needs.

What is the role of the school bell in the script?

The school bell serves as a signal for the beginning and end of classes or school activities, providing a backdrop to the events unfolding.

How does the script use music to set the mood?

The script uses soulful, soft piano, lighthearted, and gentle guitar music to set different moods for various scenes, enhancing the emotional tone of the narrative.