DALE: You wanted to see --
[He looks up to find Julia sitting at her desk in nothing but an unbuttoned white lab coat]
DALE: Oh, God.
JULIA: Have a seat, Dale.
DALE: Do I have to?
Julia's Proposition — Horrible Bosses
Julia, a sexually aggressive dentist, attempts to manipulate and harass her engaged dental assistant, Dale, while wearing only a lab coat. Dale tries to set professional boundaries while Julia uses blackmail and intimidation to coerce him into a sexual relationship before his wedding.
Format: Duologue · Genre: Dark Comedy · Source: Horrible Bosses · Author: Michael Markowitz · Characters: Julia, Dale
About This Scene
This compelling duologue, "Julia's Proposition," originates from the film Horrible Bosses and plunges into a darkly comedic yet aggressive workplace encounter. The scene features Julia, a sexually predatory dentist, as she aggressively attempts to coerce her engaged dental assistant, Dale, into a sexual relationship. Through a combination of intimate exposure, verbal manipulation, and outright blackmail, Julia brazenly disregards professional boundaries while Dale desperately tries to maintain them.
Character Analysis
Julia is a formidable and unapologetic "Femme Fatale" with an aggressive and threatening presence. She exhibits a complete lack of ethical boundaries, leveraging her position of power and Dale's past indiscretions to manipulate him. Dale, in contrast, is the "Everyman" trapped in an incredibly uncomfortable and threatening situation, attempting to assert his boundaries and maintain his integrity against an "Authority Figure" who is actively harassing him. Both characters operate within a heightened, intense tone, navigating the dark comedy of the situation.
Why This Works for Auditions
This scene is a fantastic choice for auditions because it demands a wide range of intense emotions and quick comedic timing from both actors. It provides ample opportunity to showcase an actor's ability to navigate complex power dynamics, build palpable tension, and deliver sharp, impactful dialogue within a limited timeframe. The high stakes and clear objective for each character make it an engaging and memorable piece for casting directors.
Best Suited For
"Julia's Proposition" is particularly well-suited for actors in their 30s who excel in "Comedic" and "Intense" roles. It's an excellent vehicle for those looking to portray a "Femme Fatale" or an "Authority Figure" with a dark edge, as well as an "Everyman" grappling with extreme pressure. This scene would be highly effective for agent showcases, self-tapes, or general practice, demonstrating versatility in handling challenging and taboo subject matter.
Performance Tips
When approaching Julia, focus on her absolute conviction and lack of shame; her aggressive nature isn't just external but deeply ingrained, making her actions deliberate and unsettling. For Dale, emphasize his mounting discomfort and the internal struggle to maintain his composure and boundaries in the face of escalating harassment. Pay close attention to the shifts in power and vulnerability within the scene, playing the comedic beats not for laughs, but for the uncomfortable absurdity they highlight.