Oswald's Dictionary

OSWALD (40's, small, plain looking, a loner, rarely makes eye contact) works as a proofreader for a magazine company. He sits at his desk, decorated by a collection of dictionaries and classical academic books. He twists his mouth in concentration as he writes and deletes multiple words in search of the perfectly crafted email. His boss, VIC (60'S), calls him into his office, where he rolls boarding balls in his hands as he tells Oswald that he is fired due to accumulating too many complaints about his use of language. Oswald argues that he is simply using language as it should be used. Still, Vic points out that language evolves, and nowadays the words Oswald uses mean something new and often inappropriate. Oswald offers to write down the 'real' definition of the word onto one of Vic's new notepads designed to look like an old-fashioned book. Vic explains that Oswald can write what he likes; he is no longer getting paid for it. Something breaks within Oswald, and he steals a stack of the old-fashioned notepads as he leaves. Oswald arrives home to his small, open-plan flat with its aged and well-kept interior. A minimalist design is hidden under stacks of books covering every usable shelf. He places the notepad onto the kitchen side and notices the 'word-of-the-day' calendar beside it, insulting him as it displays the word 'meager'. He tears the page away multiple times to reveal just as demeaning words until he lands on the word 'adapt', the word that he was fired for using. The calendar shows the word's definition. Oswald holds his notepad next to it, displaying his identical definition of the word. Oswald takes a pen and writes in his dictionary beneath the official definition of the word, the definition that his boss used. He turns to the notepad's front cover and writes, 'Oswald's Dictionary'. As Oswald walks the streets, he hears snippets of people in conversation around him and their 'vile use' of modern slang. He arrives at a coffee shop and sits at a corner table with a glass of orange juice, writing the words he heard on his journey with their official and unofficial definitions. Two teenage friends sit at the table beside him. He overhears their conversation and winces at their misuse of words. Drawing their attention, he decides to correct them on the issue. Feeling insulted, the teenagers leave Oswald smiling, believing that he has made a difference in the world. He continues his work, watching the conversations of the customers around him, picking up on their misused words and writing them in his dictionary. A couple sits at the table next to him. This time, he is forward with his attempt at correcting their language. The couple feels insulted, and the man verbally threatens Oswald, who scurries away. The next day, Oswald goes to the barbershop, working on his dictionary as he listens to those getting their haircuts. The barber calls Oswald forward for his haircut. The barber fails to make casual conversation with Oswald due to Oswald's pedantic behaviour. The barber tells Oswald a story about his dog. Oswald corrects the barber in a demanding manner. The barber 'accidentally' cuts Oswald's ear with the scissors. A montage shows the passing of time as Oswald obsessively works on his dictionary, observing the world for inspiration. As time passes, Oswald receives multiple letters informing him that his rent is due, something that he cannot afford as he is working on his dictionary instead of getting new employment. He drops the letters into a bin. The montage ends as Oswald receives an eviction notice, which he laughs at due to the letter misusing a word. Oswald works on his dictionary at a cosy pub with a rough edge. Drunken men arrive at the bar next to Oswald as he sips orange juice through a straw. One of the men - LOU (50's) - orders a drink, and Oswald sniggers to himself, drawing Lou's attention. Oswald explains to Lou that Lou has made a mistake with their words, but thanks to his dictionary, there will soon be a tool that people can use to correct such issues, a book that he hopes will be a bestseller. Oswald proceeds to 'correct' Lou on his mistake, only for Lou to explain that he mispronounced the word due to a speech impediment that he has slowly progressed away from, but nonetheless remains in some way. Tension rises, and Lou raises a fist. Lou is calmed down by the bar manager. Oswald leaves the pub. Moments later, Lou and his friends exit. Oswald walks down a dark street where he is jumped by the men who take his briefcase and dictionary along with it. Defeated and alone, Oswald walks the streets. He spots a light in the darkness and turns to investigate its source, where he discovers a library. He enters the building. Oswald slowly enters a room, discovering an open space lined with a seated audience watching a man - RUSSELL (50's, contained, assured, calm) - present a talk. A banner reads, "RUSSELL YARNS IN CONVERSATION". Oswald sits at the back of the audience and watches the man talk about the importance of using words that everyone understands and not alienating those around us. The talk has finished, and Russell packs items away. Oswald remains at the back of the room. He claims that trying to teach people the meaning of the words that they speak is pointless. Russell replies, asking if that is true, then what is the point of learning? The pair has a conversation, debating the meaning of slang, the joy of elegant fancy words, and how best to express their thoughts to those around them. Russell explains that words change and change can be scary, but Oswald can change with them, telling him that it is never too late to write another chapter. Oswald explains that he was writing his own dictionary, and it was stolen from him. As Russell leaves, he gifts Oswald a notepad. Russell's words of wisdom have reached Oswald, changing his view on the world. He writes 'Oswald's Dictionary 2.0' onto the notepad's front cover.