La Vie en Rose
- Peter K F Cheung SBS
- Apr 9
- 3 min read
FADE IN
Act 1
INT. LIVING ROOM - 10:30
With his smartphone in hand, PETER is learning French using Duolingo.
PETER (V.O.): My daily routines include three main activities: learning foreign languages, swimming, and screenwriting.
Peter notices that his WIFE seems to be giviing instructions to the MAID before the maid leaves.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Yesterday, I overheard my wife mention that today would be the last day McDonald's serves McGriddles.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I like McGriddles too.
When the maid returns, Peter discovers that she has brought back only one portion of the breakfast.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Since our return from Busan, its clear that my wife hasn't taken me in her heart.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Moreover, she uses her silence as an emotional tool; but this time I refuse to empower her.
Act 2
INT. LIVING ROOM - 12:00
Peter sits at the piano bench, determined.
PETER (V.O.): I'm dedicated to learning how to play "La Vie en Rose" on the piano.
Recalling.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Last night, my wife and I had a melodic evening that was fixed weeks before. The setlist included the song "La Vie en Rose".
Tapping YouTube on his smartphone, Peter types on the search bar: How to play La Vie en Rose on piano?
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): Let me select the jazz style.
Peter starts learning, his fingers slowly moving across the keys.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): The melody is simple yet expressive, allowing for emotional delivery.
Peter plays the verses.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): The melody in the verses is quite repetitive; while it can be catchy, I'm not sure if it enhances its memorability.
Practising.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): However, when I consider the jazz chord progression, it becomes clear why the verses are structured this way.
As Peter looks out of the window, he notices the warm sunlight streaming in.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): My wife has already headed to the gym, and I'd go for a swim in the sea.
INT. SILVERSTRAND BAY - 14:30
A wet-haired Peter lies flat on a circular floating platform in the swimming area.
PETER (V.O.): This is heaven on earth for me.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): But my wife has never joined me.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): We used to play golf and dance, but not anymore.
Peter glances the other platform about 100 meters away.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): In the past, I thought she was under professional pressure, but she has retired for over a year. Instead of getting closer, we're drifting farther apart.
INT. STUDIO - 17:00
Peter practises the song "La Vie en Rose" on the old Clavinova, making mistakes but persevering.
PETER (V.O.): Being able to play a little is better than not being able to play at all.
INT. LIVING ROOM 18:30
Quiet. Appearing, Peter can't find Kaji, the family pet.
PETER (V.O.): My wife must have taken her for a walk alone.
Peter takes the piano bench and practises the song "La Vie en Rose" again.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): The English title of the song is "Take Me To Your Heart Again".
Playing better and better.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I don't think my wife would ever aware that she has been influenced by a narcissist, affecting our relationship.
When his wife returns with the family pet, Peter is still playing the song.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd): I don't think my wife knows the English title of the song.
Act 3
INT. LIVING ROOM - 22:30
Peter inserts an AI drawing titled: "La Vie en Rose..." to a draft on his laptop.
PETER (V.O): Melody might mend what words have torn apart.
Thinking.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): Perhaps love or vulnerability is the key that unlocks the door to better connections.
Reflecting.
PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): The strength of love should be measured by how it withstands the tests of time and silence.
FADE OUT
END
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