The Toilet

In the new series, “Shameless” the characters multiple flaws, secrets and dysfunction are exposed in a raw, uncensored and honest way. In this opening title concept, we introduce the show and the characters the same way. Our first experience of the characters is in the most normal, private and taboo of places; on the toilet. We expose the normal morning of the Gallagher family household with a locked off, time-lapse shot of the toilet, the most private and coveted place in their home. We never show the character’s face however we introduce aspects of their personality or struggle by what they are doing or wearing. Showing them share the bathroom gives insight into how they live and provides a platform for interactions between the characters to happen. These subtle interactions can show how they love and watch out for each other despite their struggles. Overall, “The Toilet” will give the viewer a visceral reaction and set up the show and the characters with 100% shamelessness.

We open on an ordinary bathroom. It’s a lock down shot, framed so our focus is the lip of the toilet bowl, covering the tile floor up to just above the tank of toilet. You also see some of the wood vanity on the left and part of the tub to the right. The composition and overall styling makes the viewer feel as though they are watching a living diorama at the history museum, only this is of the Gallagher family bathroom.
 
The bathroom has all the expected accoutrements: soapy shower curtain, shag bath mat, stack of magazines, used towels, little plastic trash bin with a grocery bag liner, plunger, shampoo and other bottles on the tub edge.

Amongst the typical bathroom clutter, Frank is passed out on floor with beer in his hand resting on toilet seat. He is fully dressed in jeans and a soiled jacket.

Fiona walks in wearing an old oversize T-shirt partially covering her bare legs. She takes the beer from Frank’s hand, puts it on the top of the toilet, and then drags him out. She walks back in and sits on the toilet. Her very sexy underwear settles around her ankles. After a bit, she gets up, flushes and leaves.

Lip walks in immediately after and stands in front of the toilet. As he pees, we see the back of his jeans. With his free hand, he scratches his ass while holding a cigarette. Without flushing, he leaves, but just before which he drops the cig in the toilet.

After a bit of time passes, Ian comes in and sits down on the toilet. His knees are in foreground and he is holding a gay porn magazine, flipping through the pages. He stands up, sprays some air-freshener (possibly some Aqua-Net instead of the air freshener) and walks out, taking the magazine with him.

Carl walks in and dramatically wafts the polluted air. He discovers the half full beer that was left on the toilet tank and begins drinking it while sitting down. His feet barely touch the floor as he sneaks the last drops of beer. He flushes, tosses the can in the garbage and walks out.

Debbie & Liam come toddling in and start playing around the toilet. Debbie unrolls the toilet paper, wrapping the baby like a mummy. In the flurry of activity, a toothbrush falls in the toilet. In a loving way, Fiona comes in frees the baby and tosses the mangled toilet paper into the toilet (a bit is hanging out). All three exit.

Fiona & Steve crash into the bathroom. Chaos ensues… Fiona is lifted, her legs wrap around his waist, his pants drop, ass cheeks fill the frame and the lights go out.