Daily Dialogue — November 15, 2014
It’s 2:32am, and Mike decides to call Nikki, a girl he met just a few hours ago.
Nikki’s machine picks up: Hi, this is Nikki. Leave a message.
Mike: Hi, uh, Nikki, this is Mike. I met you at the, um, at the Dresden tonight. I just called to say that I had a great time… and you should call me tomorrow, or in two days, whatever. Anyway, my number is 213–555–4679 -
The machine beeps.
Mike: [Mike calls back, the machine picks up] Hi, Nikki, this is Mike again. I just called cuz it sounded like your machine might’ve cut me off when I, before I finished leaving my number. Anyway, uh, and, y’know, and also, sorry to call so late, but you were still at the Dresden when I left so I knew I’d get your machine. Anyhow, uh, my number’s 21 -
The machine beeps.
Mike: [Mike calls back; the machine picks up again] 213–555–4679. That’s it. I just wanna leave my number. I didn’t want you to think I was weird or desperate, or… we should just hang out and see where it goes cuz it’s nice and, y’know, no expectations. Ok? Thanks a lot. Bye bye.
Hangs up.
Mike: [Mike walks away from the phone… then walks back and calls again; once again, the machine picks up] I just got out of a 6-year relationship, Ok? That should help explain why I’m acting so weird. I just wanted you to know that. It’s not you, it’s me. I’m sorry… This is Mike.
Hangs up.
Mike: [Mike calls back, the machine picks up again] Hi, Nikki, this is Mike. Could you just call me when you get in? I’m gonna be up for awhile and I’d just rather speak to you in person instead of trying to fit it all into -
The machine beeps.
Mike: Fuck!
Mike calls back, gets the machine again.
Mike: Uh, Nikki? Mike. It’s uh, uh, it’s just, uh, this just isn’t working out. I think you’re great, but maybe we should just take some time off from each other. It’s not you, it’s me. It’s what I’m going through, alright? It’s uh… it’s only been 6 months …
Nikki: [picks up] Mike?
Mike: [very cheerful] Nikki? Great! Did you just walk in or were you listening all along?
Nikki: Don’t ever call me again.
She hangs up.
Mike: Wow. I guess you’re home.
— Swingers (1996), written by Jon Favreau
The Daily Dialogue theme for the week: Embarrassing Moment.
Trivia: The movie is loosely based on the experiences writer Jon Favreau had when he first moved to LA. He had just broken up with a long term girlfriend and counted on his friends Vince Vaughn and Ron Livingston to cheer him up. The characters they play in the film are based on themselves.
Dialogue On Dialogue: Such a great scene where Mike cycles through an entire potential relationship with Nikki without talking to her… and when he finally does, she blows him off. Embarrassing, yes. Insightful into his character as well.
If you have any suggestions for this theme, please post in comments.