@Phil From script to screen - Updated
I have taken your feedback into account and updated the story! What if it begins with the astronaut (in current time) sitting on the ground and collecting said samples, then stops and takes out a pair of scissors he has as a necklace around his neck. He looks longingly at it, then we cut to a flashback of him cutting and styling a doll. His dad walks in and we can see the disappointment in his eyes. He jank the doll from the boys hands, and points from the boy to a poster of an astronaut, as if telling him that that is what he is supposed to become. Then he slams the door. The boy clutches his scissors and cry. Match-cut to the astronaut wiping a tear while holding the same scissors, then tucking it away and continuing his task. I think this could be done while not spending too much time, and would get the point across. I would like to avoid speech though, and believe hand gestures and facial expressions could be enough. What do you think? I worry that the queue would hinder us ...
