The Price of Appetite

Written by Taylor Sheridan for the dramatic film Sicario, this contemporary piece is a brief, haunting monologue focused on morality, violence, and retribution. Alejandro delivers an internal meditation reflecting on human appetite and the devastating price paid when people pretend they are immune to guilt. Lasting approximately one minute, the scene explores the bleak necessity of forcing brutal figures to confront their own actions through shared suffering.

Alejandro is an intense, gritty anti-hero who embodies the heavy psychological cost of profound violence. Though he is a man in his thirties to forties, his presence reflects an ancient, weathered exhaustion from years of witness and personal loss. He is deeply philosophical, refusing comforting illusions about external evil and instead accepting that cruelty originates within human nature. His drive for retribution is not erratic or manic; it is a cold, calculated commitment to stripping away false illusions of superiority from those who destroy others.

This monologue is an exceptional audition choice because it achieves immense dramatic weight without relying on physical histrionics or shouting. Casting professionals can immediately assess an actor's capacity for stillness, subtext, and vocal command within a concise duration. The dark, contemplative rhythm of the language reveals emotional maturity and deep internal stakes, proving you can hold an audience through thought and presence alone.

This selection is tailored for male performers aged 35 to 45 who naturally align with intense, gritty, or outsider casting types. It provides a sharp showcase piece for dramatic film and television self-tapes, general acting practice, and agent showcases. Actors looking to demonstrate a dangerous edge paired with grounded vulnerability will find this material especially effective.

Ground your delivery in absolute stillness and avoid overplaying the malice. Alejandro views his conclusions as simple, tragic facts of life, so speak with the quiet certainty of someone who has already accepted the worst truths of the world. Pay close attention to your breathing and pacing, letting deliberate silences emphasize the weight of your thoughts. Keep your physical life minimal and your eyeline steady on camera, allowing the underlying pain to surface naturally through your eyes rather than through vocal force.