Tell the Judge I Love My Wife

Written by Jeff Nichols for the film Loving, this two-minute dramatic duologue takes place on a front porch between lawyer Bernie Cohen and his client, Richard. As they discuss their upcoming Supreme Court hearing, Bernie must share the harsh legal defense the state of Virginia plans to use against Richard and his family. While Bernie tries to convince Richard to attend the historic proceeding in person, Richard chooses to stay away, offering his attorney one simple, profoundly moving message for the justices.

Bernie Cohen is a dedicated attorney caught between the formal grandeur of the legal system and the raw humanity of his clients. He wants Richard to appreciate the monumental scale of the Supreme Court, yet he struggles with the discomfort of explaining the state's cruel arguments. Richard is an understated everyman who values privacy and family above legal prestige. He speaks sparingly, but every word carries immense weight, showing a man whose quiet resolve is rooted in deep personal devotion rather than political ambition.

This piece provides an exceptional showcase for two distinct casting types: the articulate professional and the grounded, emotionally vulnerable working man. Casting directors love scenes that highlight active listening and subtext, and this exchange relies heavily on the charged pauses between spoken lines. Both performers have clear objectives and significant stakes without ever needing to shout or manufacture unearned melodrama.

This duologue is ideal for male actors aged twenty-five to thirty-five preparing for self-tapes, agent showcases, or general scene study practice. It serves performers seeking dramatic material that calls for authenticity, subtlety, and emotional gravity. Actors looking to demonstrate their range in lawyer, professional, or grounded blue-collar casting types will find this scene particularly effective.

Resist the urge to overplay the emotion or rush through the pregnant pauses that define this exchange. For the actor playing Richard, let the quiet dignity of your character ground your posture, keeping your physical presence steady and your vocal delivery completely unadorned. If you are playing Bernie, lean into the awkward balance of professional duty and genuine empathy, allowing yourself to be genuinely disarmed by your client's absolute clarity.