I like the development but I got
really confused. At one point, John is fiddling with the photo, then it seems like Jake.
Jake notices the photograph while he fixes the drink.
JAKE
That your grandkid or somethin’?--If you don’t mind me askin’.
....
John lets the photograph drop to the bar as Jake pushes the whiskey to his waiting claw. He downs half.
...
Jake’s index finger makes circles over the photograph.
Part of that is due to dialogue that continues after an action statement that doesn't have the character listed.
JAKE
I’ll be happy when we get back to normal, you know...
John doesn’t try to humor Jake. His gaze is fixed to the
mirror.
...Time was this stuff wasn’t happenin’. Seems like forever since, though.
Check for formating so that you have:
JOHN ... dialogue.... action ... JOHN (Cont'd.) ... dialogue
JAKE
I’ll be happy when we get back to normal, you know...
John doesn’t try to humor Jake. His gaze is fixed to the
mirror.
JAKE (Cont'd.)
...Time was this stuff wasn’t happenin’. Seems like forever since, though.
For this piece, I would make the names a bit more distinct JAKE and BRIAN. I know for me, if names are too close, I accidentally crossover dialogues. I hear it and see it in my head, but it gets jumbled when it hits the keyboard.
It has good visuals and character development. You want to know the backstory. In this case I think you could have John be a bit more open. While you visually develop the character as a viewer, all I see is an old guy sitting at a bar with activity going on around him. What you could do is while Jake is over talking with the other guys, have John talking to himself mentally (voice over). Not extensive, just a line or two to explain to the viewer what is not sharing with Jake.