by Paul Knauer | Script Revolution

House Divided

A couple deals with the consequences of a long-held dispute.

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6pp

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Synopsis/Details: 
Written to be an easy shoot (save for one very LARGE detail), HOUSE DIVIDED uses absurdity to explore a simple aspect of living in a long-term relationship: the ability for couples to construct successful relationships despite sometimes holding onto long-term hurts. Of course, HOUSE DIVIDED takes the thought and runs it out to its extreme. It's a short written to leave you feeling a tad confused emotionally. But, hopefully, given retrospection, a reader/audience will look deeper into the ideas behind the project and maybe even consider how this human tendency might be affecting their own lives. The project is intended to be fun...more dramedy than drama...but, it will require a team/director with just the right touch to pull off the emotional balance required. A quick note about the relationship explored in the short: Richard and Lizzy are in love. Always have been. But, there was that time--that one time--where everything went sideways. And, neither has been able to let it go. Over the last several decades, they've carved a very specific life for themselves--one centered around that singular dispute. In all other areas, they've been able to move on. They love. Laugh. Experience joy together. But, there's a forgiveness they'll never give, a point they'll never concede...a line they'll never cross. I hope you enjoy HOUSE DIVIDED. Best, Paul

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Submitted: March 5, 2024
Last Updated: December 5, 2024

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The Writer: Paul Knauer

I’m an optioned screenwriter working out of the Kansas City area with a thriller feature currently in pre-production. My main focus is feature writing--thrillers and slightly absurdist comedy with heart. But, I believe becoming a better writer requires pushing personal boundaries, so you’ll notice a thorough mix of genres in my portfolio of shorts. Much of my work has global appeal, evidenced by successful productions (multiple festival award winning shorts) in the UK, UAE and US--along with options in Australia, Russia, India, Canada and Thailand. Born and raised in St. Louis, I’ve lived in multiple small towns around Missouri, and now Kansas. My projects often center on life in the... Go to bio

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