TRYING (2021) | ADHD Short Film | Sam Labrecque

Summary

The script follows a lighthearted, emotional journey of a character reflecting on their life and career, specifically their struggle with finding the right job and overcoming personal hardships. Through a series of conversations, including one with a former teacher, they explore themes of self-doubt, ADHD, and the challenges of being misunderstood. The protagonist’s love for painting and desire to work with children shine through, as they emphasize the importance of seeing the world through a creative, empathetic lens. The script ultimately highlights the tension between societal expectations and personal passion.

Takeaways

• 😀 The script opens with a light-hearted moment about driving, gas, and the gas light turning on, which sets the tone for a casual conversation.
• 😀 A discussion about a painting reveals the artist's uncertainty about the subject, with confusion between a goose and a swan, sparking an exchange about their differences.
• 😀 The artist reflects on the inspiration behind the swan painting, which is linked to a personal childhood memory involving a goldfish and the loss of a family pet.
• 😀 There’s a humorous moment where the artist, seemingly overwhelmed by their current situation, questions their own abilities and resume gaps.
• 😀 The script explores the artist’s personal challenges, including generational economic struggles, and the impact of these on their career trajectory.
• 😀 A moment of self-reflection and humor arises when discussing the artist’s professional identity, with mention of their time in a sorority and a lighthearted take on being ‘most likely Banksy’.
• 😀 The artist’s job search is central, with the focus on finding a teaching position that aligns with their artistic passion rather than desk or administrative work.
• 😀 The script introduces a key character, Mrs. Hazel, who has a history with the artist, serving as a reminder of their shared past as a student and teacher.
• 😀 The artist shares their struggles with ADHD, which plays a role in their personal and professional life, adding depth to their character’s challenges and perspective.
• 😀 The artist makes a strong case for their ability to help students with ADHD, suggesting they would be able to support and understand students who struggle in ways others might dismiss.
• 😀 The artist’s letter of recommendation is mentioned, which reflects their ability to notice details others might overlook, emphasizing their creativity and artistic skills.

Q & A

What is the significance of the swan painting in the script?

The swan painting represents the main character's emotional expression, particularly tied to a personal memory about the loss of their pet goldfish. It also symbolizes coming to terms with grief.

What does the main character's conversation about gas and driving reveal about them?

The conversation about gas and driving reflects the main character's somewhat absent-minded nature. They are focused on other things, which leads to a sense of underpreparedness, as shown by the missed interview and the gas situation.

How does the interaction between the character and their mother highlight their relationship?

The interaction suggests a close but imperfect relationship, marked by some humor and understanding. The mother is concerned but also supportive, while the character shows signs of being more independent yet prone to distractions.

What does the reference to the goldfish and the lake reveal about the character's emotional state?

The mention of the goldfish and the lake illustrates the character's internal struggle with loss and the difficulty of moving on. The episode symbolizes a painful yet formative experience in their life.

What is the significance of the character's struggle with the job interview?

The character's struggle with the job interview demonstrates their uncertainty and self-doubt. It reflects a sense of confusion and difficulty in transitioning to adult responsibilities, especially in the face of economic challenges.

Why does the character mention their experience with ADHD?

The character mentions their ADHD to explain past struggles, particularly their difficulty in staying focused in class. It also highlights how their personal experience with ADHD has shaped their approach to work and teaching.

What role does humor play in the script's dynamics?

Humor is used to cope with serious topics, such as loss and the pressure of adulthood. It helps to lighten the mood, especially in interactions between the character and their mother, as well as during the interview.

How does the character perceive their own abilities as a painter?

The character has confidence in their abilities as a painter, as shown by their claim of being 'most likely Banksy' in their sorority. They also express that painting is a key part of their identity, despite the external pressures of finding a stable job.

What is the significance of the mention of 'capitalism' in the character's drawing?

The mention of 'capitalism' in the character's drawing symbolizes their critical view of societal structures and reflects their inner conflict with the economic system. It may also represent a form of protest or self-expression through art.

What does the interviewer's reaction to the character's resume gap reveal?

The interviewer's reaction suggests that they are understanding of the character's background, acknowledging the challenges of living through economic hardships. It also indicates that the character’s personal qualities and potential are valued over a traditional career trajectory.