The great note for this scene is: friction and attraction mixed. The characters in this scene have a past; they share common ground and fond memories. However they parted under a cloud of misunderstanding and hurt. This chance meeting may be an opportunity for them to reunite, and in that sense the actors exploring the scene will need to find the balance between friction and attraction. Jessica says plainly that Mathew was the love of her life. She attempts to explain the circumstances that led to the break up. But Mathew still finds it difficult to accept. Beneath the surface there is deep regret and hurt. Mathew rationalises this away by telling Jessica that it's all in the past and they're older now. Old hurts run deep but perhaps this is an opportunity to heal the wounds from the past. The acting challenge is to create a believable relationship that is informed by a mix of; the regret of the past with the attraction of the present. Emotionally each character probably thought they had moved on. But a surprise meeting throws it all up in an instant. |