Setting: A swanky, high-rise apartment in Los Angeles, overlooking the glittering Hollywood sign.
Characters:
* George Milton: A struggling screenwriter, constantly pitching his "gritty, realistic" story about a mentally disabled man and his best friend.
* Lennie Small: A charming, yet slightly dim-witted influencer known for his adorable animal videos.
* Curly: A narcissistic, Instagram-famous fitness guru obsessed with his perfect physique.
* Candy: A jaded, cynical, but surprisingly successful "life coach" specializing in "finding your inner peace."
* Crooks: A brilliant but jaded rapper struggling to break into the mainstream.
* Slim: A laid-back, zen-like tech billionaire who owns the building and occasionally throws lavish parties.
Synopsis:
George, desperate for a break, convinces Lennie to "play the role of a lifetime" in his new script. Lennie, initially hesitant (he prefers his cute puppy videos), is swayed by the prospect of fame and fortune.
As they navigate the treacherous world of Hollywood, George encounters a string of bizarre characters:
* Curly: Obsessed with his "perfect" image, Curly constantly belittles Lennie's "imperfections" and sabotages his influencer career.
* Candy: Trying to sell George her "inner peace" seminar, she offers Lennie a spot in her "life coach" program, promising to "unlock his potential."
* Crooks: Locked in his studio apartment, Crooks observes the drama unfold, offering George cynical advice and rapping insightful verses about the fickle nature of fame.
* Slim: The ultimate "influencer" Slim throws parties that George and Lennie can only dream of attending. He offers George a deal: he can fund his script, but only if he promises to give Slim credit as the "inspiration."
The Climax:
George, desperate for success, pushes Lennie too far. He manipulates Lennie's "influencer" persona, making him say and do things he wouldn't normally do, all to get attention. Lennie, increasingly overwhelmed, finally snaps, leaving George heartbroken and disillusioned.
The Resolution:
George finally realizes that chasing fame and fortune is a fool's game. He ditches his Hollywood dreams and moves back to his hometown, vowing to create something real, something meaningful, something that doesn't involve exploiting his "friend" for profit. Lennie, free from George's manipulation, finds his own path, becoming a viral sensation for his heartwarming animal videos.
The Satire:
The satirical elements in this retelling poke fun at:
* The shallowness of Hollywood: The story exposes the superficiality of the entertainment industry and the lengths people will go to for fame.
* The exploitation of influencers: It criticizes the exploitation of vulnerable personalities for profit, turning dreams into marketing campaigns.
* The pursuit of "inner peace" as a commodity: Candy's character mocks the idea of "inner peace" as a product to be bought and sold, revealing its superficiality.
* The disconnect between the wealthy and the struggling: Slim's character highlights the vast chasm between the privileged and the everyday person, demonstrating the unattainable nature of their dreams.
The Ending:
While the story doesn't end with a traditional "happy ending," it offers a hopeful message: authenticity and genuine connection are more valuable than fleeting fame and fortune. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of sacrificing integrity for the sake of success, and a reminder that sometimes, the most important things in life are the connections we make, not the followers we gain.