A man, Mr. Kirkeby, tries to rush his mistress, Sylvia, out of an apartment they've borrowed for their rendezvous. Sylvia, however, is in no hurry and wants another drink, leading to a tense exchange about their arrangement and the apartment's owner.
KIRKEBY (calling off) Come on, Sylvia. It's getting late.
SYLVIA What's the panic? I'm going to have another martooni.
KIRKEBY Please, Sylvia! It's a quarter to nine!
SYLVIA (dropping slivers of ice into the pitcher) First you can't wait to get me up here, and now -- rush, rush, rush! Makes a person feel cheap.
Format: Duologue · Genre: Comedy-Drama · Source: The Apartment · Author: Billy Wilder · Characters: KIRKEBY, SYLVIA
This comedic duologue, "Kirkeby and Sylvia's Argument" from the film The Apartment, presents a dynamic interaction between two characters entangled in a clandestine affair. Mr. Kirkeby, clearly anxious and on a tight schedule, attempts to extricate himself and his mistress, Sylvia, from a borrowed apartment. Sylvia, however, is enjoying herself and resists his efforts, creating a humorous power struggle and revealing the underlying tensions of their secret arrangement.
Kirkeby is a man driven by a blend of self-preservation and a desperate need to maintain appearances. He is probably feeling the pressure of an impending deadline or a promise he's made, which fuels his urgency and exasperation with Sylvia. Sylvia, on the other hand, embodies a more carefree and perhaps deliberately provocative energy; she is not easily rushed and enjoys exerting a subtle control over Kirkeby, relishing in the moment despite the clandestine nature of their encounter.
This scene is an excellent choice for auditions due to its clear comedic tone and well-defined character objectives. The escalating tension and contrasting motivations of Kirkeby and Sylvia provide ample opportunity for actors to showcase their ability to deliver witty dialogue and navigate a complex emotional arc in a short timeframe. It allows for strong character choices and an engaging give-and-take dynamic that casting directors will appreciate.
This duologue is best suited for actors in the 35-45 age range who excel in comedic-drama and can portray nuanced characters. It's particularly effective for those looking to demonstrate qualities associated with a "character actor" or "comedic" type, as both roles offer rich opportunities for distinctive choices. The scene works exceptionally well for self-tapes, allowing actors to control their environment and focus on the intricate interplay between the characters.
When performing this scene, actors should focus on the underlying power dynamics and the unspoken subtext of the affair. For Kirkeby, lean into his growing desperation and the internal conflict between his desire for Sylvia and his urgent need to leave. For Sylvia, embrace her playful resistance and the subtle ways she asserts her presence and desires, perhaps even deriving a little amusement from Kirkeby's predicament. Pay close attention to the rhythm of the dialogue, letting the quick back-and-forth build the comedic tension effectively.