text / (US) Woody Allen
translation / Tang Fenglou, Gu Daxi
editor foreword
Woody Allen is a famous American comedian. He integrates editing, directing, acting and writing articles. He has made remarkable achievements in art and is a superstar that Hollywood has high hopes for.
In 1978, Woody Allen wrote and directed Inner World. Immediately after its release, the film aroused great attention from Western critics and American film circles, and was generally well received. The critics put "Inner World" and Woody's other two films "Manhattan" and "Annie Hall" (which won the Oscar for Best Picture in 1977) as Woody's three masterpieces.
"Inner World" is a family ethics film with a subtle and elegant style. Through the different understandings of art, life and life of the Arthur family, as well as the contradictions, differences and conflicts between them, the film makes a multi-level and incisive analysis of the rich inner activities of the characters. Interestingly, it is a tragedy written by a comedic genius that reflects the mental distress of the American middle class.
After the cast and crew in black on a white background is shown, it cuts to a set of shots that are almost all still lifes. The shot begins in the elegant, sun-filled living room of a beach house, with French doors and double-height windows, looking out to the sea^ all around is silent and empty.
Cut to five vases on the white mantelpiece in the house, then pan to the beach house dining room and its porch. It was also silent here, and there was no one around. Outside the French gate, you can see the sea and the undergrowth.
A painting on the wall with Joey's face reflected in the framed glass. She was walking into the room, which was quiet. She paced up and down the living room of the beach house. Inside, Joey was in the dark; outside, the light was bright. Joey walked out of the room and up the stairs. There was still no sound all around. Joey looked gloomy and seemed to be full of worries. She went upstairs to a window and gazed at the waves of the sea and the undergrowth.
Flashback: Young Joey and her two younger sisters play ball on the sand behind the villa. Although there was no sound, it looked like they were both laughing and shouting.
Joy, who is still staring out the window, remembering something.
Lenata looked out the window, equally somber. She raised her hand and pressed her fingers against the glass on the door and window.
An interior view of an office in New York - daytime.
With his back to the camera, Arthur looks out the outline of New York City through a large window.
Arthur: I had left law school when I met Eve. She was very beautiful at the time, dressed in black, pale and calm...no decoration except for a string of pearls. She seemed indifferent, always so poised.
The film dissolves into a flashback of the young three sisters playing in the sand behind the beach house. Arthur continued.
Arthur (voice-over): Before these three girls were born...life was so good, everything was so orderly. Of course, in retrospect, life was pretty settled.
The camera cuts back to Joey as she peers out of the villa window.
Arthur (voice-over): In fact...she has created a world around us in which we live...a world where everything is well organized and there is an atmosphere of harmony.
The camera cuts back to Lenata, who is still looking out the window, her fingers pressed against the glass.
Arthur (voice-over): Huh...a noble character. I should say...that world is like an ice palace.
Cut into Arthur's office. He still has his back to the camera, in the same pose as before.
Arthur: Later, one day, I don't know where it started... A huge abyss appeared under our feet. I felt like I was facing someone I didn't know.
Interior view of Joey and Mike's Manhattan apartment - daytime.
Spacious modern apartment with pastel and white furniture; a long counter palladium kitchen and dining room are separated. Mike sat at the large white dining table, dictating something into the recording microphone of the tape recorder. There are many notes piled beside him. Mike mused.
Mike (looking down at the notes, speaking into the recording microphone): Well... what we want to do is to make two examples. One was "The hardest job is to practice consistently and meticulously throughout your life. What does that even mean? And what's even harder—"
the doorbell rang. Mike stood up and sighed, looking impatient for the interruption; he went to open the door and stepped out of the camera.
Mike (voice-over): Eve, I didn't think it was you.
Eve (voice over): I hope it doesn't bother you.
Mike (voice-over): No, I just can't think of who it might be.
Eve (voice-over): Is Joey there? Where has she gone?
Mike (voice-over): She's taking a shower.
Eve wore a light blue undershirt and walked in with a shopping bag. Then, Mike steps into the camera and into the restaurant.
Mike: Want something to eat?
Eve: Oh, just have some coffee...if it doesn't bother you.
Mike: No, no, no trouble at all.
Eve put the bag on the table while Mike went to the kitchen to make coffee.
Eve: I found a vase that would be ideal for a porch.
Mike (listens absently, putting together things for making coffee): Uh, hey.
Eve (takes a box out of her bag and opens it): You might think it's a waste, but if you think about it, it won't be a waste. Such vases are getting more and more expensive. (holds up a delicate blue vase) Pretty? (Mike is pouring water into the jug by the sink. He looks up at Eve, who walks towards the porch.) I hope you like this vase because it matches exactly what I envisioned for the porch.
Mike (puts the kettle on the stove): We've got—a vase on the porch, Eve.
EVE (on the porch): Yes, there is one, but when the floor is reworked, this vase won't fit on the porch.
Mike (holding a plate with a bottle of coffee essence and a sugar bowl on it): I just don't understand why this floor needs to be redone.
Eve was busy sorting out the wilted flower baskets on the porch ledge. The flowers she bought were placed beside the basket; she then picked up the vase there.
Eve: Why, haven't we all discussed it? Mike, don't you remember? At the time, you agreed.
Mike (bringing the plate to the table): You know, it's a waste of money to do floors like this over and over again.
Eve (goes to the dining area): But the ground is very wide, so everyone thinks it would be better if you use a lighter tone. Light-colored wood is very suitable.
Mike: I never agree to anything, I always do what I'm told!
Eve: Well, I won't put it there.
Mike: So what are you going to do, Eve? I mean, at first I said that I was going to do the living room first, but I didn't do it well. I'm going to do the bedroom again in the future, and now I'm going to strip the floor again. Let's talk about the sofa, you picked it, but you hate it again.
Eve: This sofa is really good, just the wrong size, nothing else, and decorating a room is not an exact science. (waving the corners of his clothes) Sometimes, you just have to look...and you have a feeling. (Looks at a light on the dining ledge) You don't like having this light in the bedroom?
Mike (looking at the lamp): I know what you're going to say. This lamp is here, I can make better use of it.
Eve (goes to the lamp): Well, it's good that you can make better use of it here. Lamps are bought to be used. We decorate the room, this light is also a factor to consider. (points to the lampshade) I think the lampshade and the bedspread look harmonious.
Mike: How much is this vase?
Eve (looking down): Hmm...they're asking for four hundred yuan.
Mike: Yo, let me take a break, Eve!
Eve (feels her forehead and hair with one hand, and holds the small vase from the porch with the other): Well, Mike, then I'll give it back. Could you close the window, please? The noise in the street is really disturbing.
Joey walked into the dining room wearing a white bathrobe.
Joey: I hope the two of you aren't arguing again.
Eve (sits down at the table): Nothing.
Joey: Oh, I love this outfit of yours, the color is gorgeous!
Eve: Lenata calls this color "ice gray."
Joey: Anyway, this color makes you look very pretty. Isn't she pretty, Mike?
Mike: Very cute.
Eve: Oh, I don't find it cute, I just feel exhausted. I have to run around 2nd Street all day.
Joey (goes to the porch and sees the new vase): Oh, is this for us? So delicate!
Eve: No, I just showed it to Mike.
Mike: Too expensive, Joey.
Joey: Is it? Oh, that's a shame.
Joey walked into the room with the new vase.
Mike: Eve, leave this vase.
Eve: No, no.
Mike: Okay, let's keep it, this vase...is really pretty. Let's be frugal in other areas to make up for it.
Eve (touching Joey's vase on the table): Don't buy it. I was just fascinated by this vase at first and didn't know why. I guess it's unique, but it's too expensive. I would like to buy a new one that looks similar to this vase but is cheaper. It must be pointed out, however, that (looking at the lamp on the ledge) this lamp is better in the bedroom than in the dining room. The lampshade doesn't quite match the walls here.
Eve walked over to the lamp and pulled out the power plug.
Mike: I put the light back.
Eve: No, I'll let it go. I want to take it to the bedroom and put it somewhere else. I'll arrange it for you, well, buy something cheaper, I've seen some silverware that I should have bought. Also, if you like, I'd like to get some smooth wool fabric for the lampshade.
Eve took the lamp and walked into the bedroom. Joey and Mike are still standing at the table.
EVE (Voiceover): But, we should do it with the serge I advocate, with earthy colors.
Mike (repeating in a low voice): "We should do it with the squeak I advocate, with earth tones."
Joey (inserts): Hey, don't blame her like that.
Mike (takes a deep breath): No one complained about her.
Joey: She's a sick person.
Cutting into Joey and Mike's bedroom, Eve turns on the light she'd brought from another room, then steps back to see the effect.
JOE (goes into the bedroom with a cup of coffee in hand, sees the light): Very good.
Eve (turning around): Yes, it's really good.
Eve took a deep breath and tugged at the coat that was draped over her body. She sat on a bench and leaned back.
Joey: Um...how is your body?
Eve: I'm fine, just a little tired, nothing else.
Joey (hands the cup to Eve): Your coffee.
Eve (takes the cup): Oh, thank you.
JOE (sits down beside Eve): We're glad you're here.
Eve (takes a sip of coffee): Uh, um, setting up the room is so exhausting and exhausting.
Joey: Yeah, I know, I don't—I can't help but think about what's on your mind when you come here all of a sudden to set up the room?
Eve: Oh, I just like it. I like to be busy. Also, I think until now, I can't tell that I'm here because I've just been through a crisis phase. What are your thoughts?
Joey: Yes, I think so too. I think, in fact, you are better now than ever.
Eve: That's how you see it.
Joey: Yes.
Eve: Also, I have to admit, I've had some... special greetings lately.
Joey: Oh, is it?
Eve: Of course Luo, I'm in a good mood now...I have confidence in myself, so I can't say I suffered...an accidental setback. However, I have never been as confident as I am now.
Joey: I can see that. I mean, you seem more spirited than someone your age.
Eve: Oh, have you talked to your dad recently?
Joey: No, he's still in Greece.
Eve: No. I hope that when he comes back, he can confirm that I am in good health.
Eve absently tore a thread off Joey's bathrobe.
Joey: Of course it will.
Eve: I'm back...I'm back to normal in ways he couldn't imagine.
Joey: Well, yes, I find you attractive.
Eve (smiling solemnly): Oh, okay, maybe we can talk about reconciliation after all. Do you think so too?
Joey: Well...I feel like this won't last long. Oh, really - I really don't know.
Eve: Why are you always not so sure about this question?
Joey (looking down): I don't think that's inconclusive.
Eve: You're always reluctant to encourage me, I don't know why?
Joey (leaning forward): Mom, I think you're too optimistic. It is also important for you to be realistic.
Eve: Oh, is there something you know but don't tell me?
Joey: Nothing like that.
Eve: Know that Dr. Lobel doesn't think I want to reconcile with your father, that's unrealistic. This is just a goal.
Joey: That's fine. I didn't say... anything that would be detrimental to reconciliation.
Nonf: But you always talk about reconciliation as if it were impossible.
JOE (raises his voice): Mom, I didn't say your reconciliation with your father was impossible!
Eve: You said it, and your implication was that reconciliation was impossible. And Lenata doesn't think so.
Joey: I'm sure she doesn't see things that way.
Eve: Yes, that's how she sees it, that's what she said.
Joey: I see, you read her on your own terms.
Eve: No, not really! She is an optimistic person.
Joey: Oh, amazing!
Joey stood up and walked out of the camera. Eve sat alone on the bench, and the two continued their conversation.
Joey (voice-over): That's amazing. I don't think you can fool yourself anymore.
Eve: Oh, do you think your father doesn't want to live with me anymore?
Joey (voiceover): I didn't say that! I believe-
Eve (interrupting Joey): Okay, Lenata thinks there's still a great chance.
JOE (Voiceover): Then wait and see.
Eve: You just don't want to encourage me, do you?
JOE (Voiceover): Then why don't you go to Lenata to discuss it? !
Eve (wraps her coat tighter): I will, thank you. I will go find her.
Interior of a taxi - daytime.
A street in Manhattan. Looking out the taxi window, the street was bustling with people coming and going. Loud traffic can be heard as the camera pans from the street to the interior of a moving car. Eve sat in the back seat and stared out the window silently.
Interior of Eve's Apartment - Evening.
Eve walked into the apartment and turned on the light on the porch. She went into a rather fancy restaurant. In the middle of the dining room there was a large table, facing a classic pastel fresco on the wall, and the only ornament on the table was a silver saucer. Eve turned on the dining room lights and put the bag on the table. She dropped her gloves and began to touch her purse.
Psychiatrist's Office Interior - Day.
Lenata sat in a chair, her face illuminated by a lamp on the coffee table. She is talking to the doctor. She lit a cigarette and took a puff.
Lenata: Mom keeps walking around. She... (sighs, then chokes) Hmm,... she has insomnia. You can always hear...well...she's walking upstairs in the middle of the night. But...every time she comes back from the hospital...it gets worse. (crying) The first day they brought her back from the hospital...I went to see her. Hmmm...she had electroconvulsive therapy...her hair turned grey...I couldn't believe it...she was like a stranger.
A flashback cut to the beach house while Lenata speaks. daytime. When she was young, Eve seemed to be a dark silhouette, set off by the bright light in the room. Eve leaned against the wall and the back of the bed, watching a painting intently. She walked over to the painting and adjusted it a little. She touched the bedspread and walked to the three vases with roses on the bedside table. Eve looked at the vases, then moved them around, changing their positions. She removed a vase, satisfied, and walked out of the room. Lenata continued to speak as Eve walked around the room.
Lenata (voice-over): Um... Since then, she's been thinking... um... (sighs) in... out. I guess you...you wouldn't know, she was a very successful woman and a very demanding person before her health broke down. She got her father through law school and then funded his practice. So, in a sense, the father seems to have been created by her.
Flashback to the psychiatrist's office. Lenata was still sitting in the chair, in the same position as before.
Lenata (smoking): We were often sent to aunts and cousins. I think Joey can't stand it the most, because Joey was very nervous as a child. You know, she's a very smart girl. She is very emotional.
Cut to the flashback, still the beach house. As children, Joey and Arthur sat at a dining room table and ate. Meanwhile, Lenata and her sister Flynn can be seen playing through the French doors.
Lenata (voice-over): We spent some time with Dad. (sighs) The vast majority, well, have breakfast together on Sunday. I hated my father's relationship with Joey, and always felt that my father preferred Joey.
Flashback to the psychiatrist's office.
Lenata (smokes a cigarette): It looks like they're close, and I'm alienated.
Cut to a flashback closer to the current beach house. Arthur sat on one side of the table and Eve sat on the other. Lehta and Joey sat face to face. Everyone is having breakfast. ,
Eve: I like Frederick. He's a writer of renown...promising. My own power is visible, and so is your image, Lenata. Frankly, I like Frederick more than Mike.
Joey: Great, Mom.
Eve (giggling): I say, he's good at attacking. (Lenata laughs) It permeated the room.
JOE (looking down): I don't want to talk about it.
Eve: Do you think he'll change if I buy him another fragrance?
Joey (touching the food): Shall we change the subject?
Eve: Well, let me give him some so we won't have to talk about it in the future. This will be my gift.
Lenata smiled, put the napkin aside, and lit a cigarette.
Joey: Can I change the subject? !
Arthur: I want to say something, and I think it's better to cut it out. Now is the time. I've thought a lot about this...and put a lot of energy into it. Now that my daughters are on their own, it's time for me to think about myself... I had to decide, even though it wasn't easy for me. I feel like I am a devoted husband and a responsible father. There is nothing I regret about what I feel I should do. Now...I want to live a phase on my own. Therefore, I decided to move out of this house. But when I finally did it, I had no idea how I felt about it, and just felt that the decision wasn't irrevocable. However, I have to try it anyway. (Eve listens to him, resting her chin in her hand. She keeps moving her fingers) Well, I've said it before, this...it's not irreversible. It's just separation. This may be beneficial...maybe not. I put this question on the table...in front of everyone in order...to be open and honest, as straightforward as possible.
Joey listened, putting his hand to his mouth, breathing slightly heavier. Arthur finished speaking and took a sip of coffee. Lenata continued to smoke.
Eve (to Joey, as if to cry): Please don't breathe so fast. (Pause, obviously upset) I'm moving out.
Juse: What does this mean?
Eve: I don't want to live in this house any longer.
Arthur (moving his hand under the table): Eve, think about it again.
Eve (gritting her teeth): I'm moving out!
Arthur: As I said, it's not irreversible. Just separated.
Eve: I can't stand being alone.
Arthur: Eve...
Eve (touches eyes, forehead, starts crying): I don't want to go into details right now. For me, this is a very bad time.
Cut back to the psychiatrist's office and Lenata.
Lenata: A year ago, I became weak and a little paralyzed. I suddenly found myself unable to concentrate on writing anymore. It might be inappropriate to say "suddenly", but in fact this has been happening slowly since last winter. The ever-increasing thoughts of death gripped me completely. Um... these days... I always think that I will die. These pessimistic emotions affect my work. I thought, what am I trying to create? To what end? For what motive? What are you striving for? Am I really worried that some of my poems will be read after I die? Does anyone looking at my poem count as some kind of payment? Well, I always think so. But now, for some reason, I can't...I can't disapprove of what death really means. This is really scary. (sighs, hands folded over chest) This secrecy puzzles me deeply.
Interior view of Mike and Joey's apartment - night.
Mike was lying on a couch with a notebook in hand, talking to Joey. Joey sat on the sofa, playing with a pillow in his hand.
Mike (looking at Joey): What's going on? Are you still thinking about your mother?
Joey: I don't believe Lenata will encourage her. She was filled with illusory hope.
Mike: She tried to cheer herself up.
Joey (shaking his head): I want to quit my job.
Mike (sighs): Ho, Joey!
Joey: I can't settle down. I—I can't concentrate. I sit there reading other people's manuscripts all day, and every time I see half of it, I lose interest. Those words, uh, gave me a headache. But, I have to sit down and write another...an opinion. This is unfair to the author.
Mike: A month ago, you said you were a little interested in your work.
Joey: Well, I was wrong then. I want to be an actor again now. But I don't have the talent for acting, and I can't do that kind of work anymore. Flynn is the only actor in our family.
Mike: Why don't you work with me?
JOE (grabbing forehead): Because I have no interest in politics. I'm too selfish to do that kind of work.
Mike (nods): That's exactly what I thought. But this work frees you from your ego.
Mike got up from the couch and went into the kitchen to get a bottle of soda.
JOE (almost muttering to himself, looking confused and disturbed): Sometimes, I think if we had a kid... oh my gosh! I...it really makes me restless. I think...it's always inevitable in the end.
Mike (sipping soda): How's your photography going? You have great potential in this area. You used to be obsessed with photography.
JOE (pulling the cord on the pillow): I hate photography, it's ridiculous. I now feel an honest need to express myself, but I don't know what to express...and how to express it.
An interior view of a women's clothing store - daytime.
In the tastefully furnished kitchen window, Lenata and her husband Frederick are looking at the shirts and clothing on the hangers.
Lenata (sighs): It's always so hard to buy mom a birthday present, it's unimaginable.
Frederick: Hey, don't stay too long at the banquet, I really want to go home and proofread the plate.
Lenata (scanning the hanger): Oh, I said, Frederick, I really don't see my mom very often, and I don't have much time with her. Besides, it wasn't so scary to go to see her, and Flynn would be there too.
Frederick: Oh, terrible! We'll be the subject of Hollywood's latest rumors.
Lenata: Go, Frederick, Flynn likes you. Just please don't be so humble, because I think she has an opinion on you and thinks you're being too humble in answering her words.
Frederick: No, I didn't speak to Flynn that way. I love hearing her talk about her hair, her weight, and the cheap TV movie she's been in recently.
Lenata (smiling): Come on, I don't know, it's her life. But anyway, she is a very sexy girl.
Frederick: No, on the contrary, Flynn is not a sexy girl. Hey, how about buying a scarf for your mother?
They walked across to a window with samples of scarves.
Lenata (barely glances at the window): No.
Frederick: Flynn is going through the troubles I had when I wrote my last book. (laughs) She's a typical embroidered pillow.
Frederick continued to laugh.
Lenata (looking through the window, laughing): Don't say it too confusingly. Not drunk at the bar?
FREDERICK (goes behind Lenata and puts his hand on her shoulder): Yeah, I'm baffled. However, I am not an award-winning writer. You should give me insight into sex and other world-destroying phenomena.
Frederick kisses Lenata.
Lenata: Hmm—
Frederick: Well, really.
Lenata: Really, let's go. Hey, Frederick...
Frederick: I think—
he pulled Lenata to his side, kissed her again, and Lenata pushed him away and left.
Interior view of Nonfu's apartment - night.
Flynn walked across the living room to greet Eve. In the background are Frederick, Lenata, Joey and Mike. They are chatting.
Flynn: Mom, you look in great spirits. And more importantly, you're back to health.
Eve: Yes, but I get tired easily.
FREDERICK (to Eve) Can I help you with something?
Lenata (to Eve) Joey told me that you're thinking about a few more decorating projects, Mom.
Eve: Yes, Joey is urging me to do it. However, I wouldn't just agree to do anything unless 'I believe I can do it to the level of my imagination.
Lenata: Oh.
Flynn (looking around the room): Mom, it's not this room, is it? This room - this room is quite beautiful.
Flynn walked to the window and looked out; Eve came to her side.
Eve: I'm used to doing things like this.
FLYN (looking out absentmindedly):
Um- Eve: I miss the sea.
Flynn (exciting): I know.
While Eve and Flynn are standing by the window talking, Frederick and Joey are standing by the dining table, looking at Flynn across the room: Frederick pops champagne.
Frederick: I still don't know exactly how sexy Flynn became.
Frederick smiled.
Joey: She looks so pretty, doesn't she?
Eve (leaning against the wall by the window): Was your new film shot in Arizona?
Flynn (looking at Eve): No, filmed in Denver. I'm leaving tomorrow morning and have to be ready to shoot by Monday, I have so much to prepare. But this time it's just a TV show.
Eve: Have you talked to your dad?
Flynn: Oh, yes, I had a phone call with him.
Eve: Did he mention anything?
Flynn: Well, he said he wants to visit you often.
Eve: Well, I often say that.
Eve rested her elbows on the windowsill and touched her forehead; she bit her lip.
Flynn (turning around, seeing that Eve is about to cry): Mom...
Eve (face drooping, tears in her eyes): My life is of no use to anyone.
Flynn: Don't do that, Mom, don't say things like that.
EVE (crying, wiping her face with her handkerchief): I'm telling the truth.
FLYN (trying to quiet her down): Not really. Mom... well, no—nothing, Mom.
Lenata (goes to the window) What's the matter?
Flynn: It's nothing, she's fine, don't be sad, Mom. This is not a formal divorce.
Lenata: Certainly not a formal divorce, Mom. Hasn't this happened before? This will take time and will be resolved.
Joey steps into the camera, puts his hand on Eve's shoulder, and stares at Lenata.
JOE (disgusted by what he just heard): Lenata.
Lenata (stands aside, to Joey): It's Mom's birthday, make her happy.
Joey: I don't think it's a targeted approach.
Lenata looked away, panning to the dining table. Eve was sitting in the upper seat, opening the gift that was given to her.
EVE (takes a shirt out of the box, a gift from Lenata and Frederick): Huh!
Lenata: Do you like it?
Eve smiled happily.
Mike: Hey, this shirt is so pretty!
Frederick: Really beautiful.
Eve: Oh, good, really—
Joey (interrupting Eve): I like it too.
Eve: - not bad.
Flynn: Maybe Joey would be more appropriate.
Mike: That couldn't be better.
JOE (to Flynn): It's a gift from you at first sight. (touches another shirt and gift on the table) It's so pretty. (retorts to Flynn) Thank you.
Flynn (laughing): Yes.
Eve (still holding her shirt): It's really nice.
Lenata: Oh, I'm so glad. I want it to fit mom. I think--I'm sure this shirt is for mom.
Everyone gathered in the living room again. Eve sat on a couch; Lenata sat on the sofa across from Yiju; Frederick stood in front of a cupboard, arms folded. Mike sat down on the couch next to Joey while Lenata spoke.
Lenata (to Eve): I said, of all the things I've asked Frederick to do so far, he's done the best job buying a shirt this time.
FREDERICK (laughs): That's what she said last time.
Lenata (looks up at Frederick): No, I just—feeling in my heart that this shirt fits perfectly, and I think it's pretty decent.
Frederick picked up a bottle of champagne and filled everyone's glass in response to Lenata.
Frederick: Yes, you used to say the same thing every time I did.
Lenata: No, I haven't said that before.
Frederick: Well, I did. What is "appropriate", "appropriate", that's what you said.
Lenata (shrugs her shoulders) Okay, even if that's what it says.
Frederick: All in all, you can't figure out what's good about this shirt, so you have to be vague.
Lenata: Say what you want.
FREDERICK (inserts): What's "proper", "appropriate", "frugal", "pretty pretty"...
Lenata (lights): Okay, okay. After all, you just don't know how to deal with compliments from others, and that's what it's all about.
Frederick: Yes, I know that. I just don't know how to deal with other people's compliments.
JOE (standing next to Lenata): We have to go.
Lenata (looking up at Joey): Oh, really? We rarely had the opportunity to talk together in the past.
Joey: I know.
Lenata (smokes a cigarette): Yeah, so what do you want to do? You seem...you look fine.
Joey (smiling): I'm fine.
Lenata: Great.
Joey: Oh, I saw something you wrote in a magazine. I think it's... "The New Yorker," there's a poem you wrote on it, titled "Wandering," and it's beautifully written.
Lenata (shrugs her shoulders, smoking a cigarette): That was a poem I wrote before, and I rewrote it. However, when I re-read the poem, it felt too hazy. Maybe I will rewrite it.
The camera pans to Eve's bedroom, Flynn is putting on his jacket in front of the mirror, and Frederick comes in to get the coat.
Frederick: We're going to drive home. Can I take you for a while?
Flynn (still adjusting her jacket in front of the mirror): I have to catch a flight tomorrow morning.
FREDERICK (putting on raincoat): Got it, I heard you're filming in the frigid Rocky Mountains of Colorado.
FLYN (leaving mirror, picks up purse): Isn't it kind of like Jacarugo in southern Mexico, eh? That is exactly my ideal. Lie on the beach and get ready for everything.
FREDERICK (laughs): Really, I can't shoot in Mexico. I keep thinking that I'm going to be shot while walking down the street.
The doorbell interrupted their conversation.
Flynn (puzzling): Hey, what does that mean?
The camera pans back to the living room. Eve opened the door and received a box of white roses. She smiled and held up the flowers and a birthday card. Everyone gathered around her.
Eve (reading): "Happy birthday, love you, Arthur."
Lenata: Those flowers are so pretty!
Eve (smells the flowers, still smiling): Oh, of all the flowers, white roses are my favorite.
Flynn (entering from the bedroom): Here you are, Mom. You see, I know Dad will never forget you.
Lenata: Oh, Mom, you were worried!
Eve: These flowers are a good sign... what do you think?
Lenata and Frederick's suburban home interior - night.
Lenata went into the bedroom and brushed her hair vigorously. She looked at herself in front of a full-length mirror. Frederick lay listlessly on the bed, drink in hand.
Lenata (angrily): What, are you wearing clothes or not? Frederick! Are you not ready to talk to me?
Frederick: It's all talked about.
Lenata (sighs) Don't blame me, I feel like I'm just following orders.
Frederick: Treating me like a benefactor doesn't help.
Lenata: I didn't treat you like that! Your work is amazing! As for what the critics think, who cares? !
Frederick: You say that lightly. All you get is encouragement and you are their darling.
Lenata sat down at the dressing table and started putting on her shoes.
Lenata (bends down) They're less critical of me, obviously because I'm a woman.
Frederick; No, because you have talent.
Lenata: So are you! But I don't think your book got the response it deserved. I really want to say that those critics missed out.
Frederick: Come on, don't lie to me! I trust you because of your honesty, not because of flattery!
Lenata: I'm not lying, I'm not lying! (stands up and looks at the mirror over the dresser) Who else cares what the others think! ?
Frederick: I can think what I want, there is no future for my work, and I can't publish it yet, that's pretty obvious.
Lenata (turns to look at Frederick): You're not trending in writing, Frederick. You should be proud of it, my goodness! What do you want to pursue? Pursuing some superficial touts in the little books? I hope that we can often discuss together some great works of good quality in the long run.
FREDERICK (rising from bed and standing next to Lenata in the mirror): I don't care what a masterpiece! I don't want to wait for twenty-five years to be appreciated by the outside world. I want to knock some people down now!
Lenata: They're so hard on you because you care too much, you know that? They are very concerned about this.
FREDERICK (shouting): Don't look for it. excuse! Okay, I don't write anymore, they won't give me half a point! And those boring readings, they are touted to the sky!
Lenata hurried out of the room, then folded back and said, putting on her jacket in front of the mirror on the dresser.
Lenata: The babysitter will be here shortly.
FREDERICK (sitting on the edge of the bed): I told you, I'm not going!
Frederick took off a leather boot and threw it across the room.
Lenata (turns to look at Frederick): We can't help but go! What's the matter with you? !
FREDERICK (standing up, watching Lenata's reaction in the mirror): I don't want to see your girlfriends, or listen to those boring gossips about female poets in New York.
Lenata: Can you please stop playing like that! ? Simply disgusting. I am leaving.
As Lenata was about to leave the room, Frederick grabbed her arm.
Frederick: Hey, why can't you just...consider my feelings and needs every once in a while? !
Lenata: I hate your need! I hate your style and competitiveness! I have my own problem!
Lenata walked out, heard footsteps in the corridor. Frederick followed her, standing at the top of the stairs.
Frederick: Surely you're going to talk a lot about the nature of poetry. Talk about your symbolism, your imagination, your contribution to everything!
Lenata (stands in the middle of the stairs and looks up at Frederick): We never saw Marion and Gale. I don't understand at all, you used to like them very much.
Frederick: They're so overwhelming to me! These college girls are so enthusiastic that it is hard to understand.
Frederick also went downstairs.
Lenata: Oh, you don't understand. Don't come down, just stay at home and get drunk. That's a novelist's trite subject, and it has nothing to do with you.
Lenata walked down the stairs.
FREDERICK (raises his glass as if toasting): Yes...of course I'll drink it.
Lenata: Well, of course, you have nothing to worry about.
FREDERICK (goes down the stairs) What do you mean by "work hard"?
Lenata: Sigh—
the two were standing by the stairs arguing.
Frederick: You talk a lot about your dad's monthly checks so you can write well yourself!
Lenata: I'm also raising the family you need, or the family you think you need!
FREDERICK: Hey, that's how to shout about the fact that you're a mother. I'm sure you see this as an amazing source material too.
Lenata: This -
Frederick (interrupting Lenata): Well, now you've got another one, three of us in this family!
Lenata: I didn't mean that! Besides, being funded is not something to be embarrassed about! I'm going to talk about it!
Lenata turned and walked into the living room. Frederick sat on the bottom flight of stairs, looking down at the floor.
FREDERICK (very softly): Okay, go ahead and say it, you're amazing.
Lenata walked into the corridor again and knelt down in front of Frederick.
Lenata softly: Frederick... (sighs) Frederick, you have too much to do. I'm trying to help you...well...not to break your heart.
Frederick: I can't go out. I, I'm in a bad mood, I just want to kill.
Lenata stood up obediently.
Lenata: I'm leaving, good night.
Lenata went out.
Interior of Eve's living room - night.
Arthur was sitting on the edge of the chair, holding a cup of coffee; Eve was sitting on the sofa on the other side, also drinking coffee.
Arthur: I said, you look as good as when I saw you before.
Eve (smiling): Oh.
Arthur: You turned this place into... a very warm home in no time.
Eve: Last week, I saw Joey. I might help her decorate the room. Mike still seemed reasonable. He wasn't the kind of guy I thought would be Joey's, but I've slowly gotten used to him.
Arthur: Joey isn't sure where to go. I had high hopes for her, she was a very unusual child as a child.
Eve: How are you, Arthur?
Arthur (takes a sip of coffee): Well, I'm fine, but busy. It is important for a person to be busy.
Eve: Didn't you really like Metis' paintings before? His paintings were sold at Pike Banat.
Arthur: Oh, yes. Those paintings are beautiful, so elegant.
Eve smiled and drank coffee. Arthur put his coffee on the table and stood up.
Arthur: I think we'd better talk sometime, Eve. (He bends down and kisses Eve's forehead) Good night.
Quickly cut into Eve's hands. The hands were putting wide black seals around the apartment windows and doors. She used up a roll of seals, ripped off the bottom end, reapplied white tape, and ended her work. The movements of her hands are methodical, but laborious; the only sound in the picture is the sound of the seal being pulled.
After sealing all the doors and windows of Eve Palladium, he walked into the kitchen. Then, Eve opened the four bolts on the stove one by one. (Just a close-up of Eve's hands)
Eve then walks into the living room. (The whole body of Eve is photographed at this time) She is holding a very elegant nightgown. She stared at the saliva chair for a moment, then sat down, and finally lay down on the couch. It's pretty quiet inside.
The screeching siren broke the silence; an ambulance drove down Pike Street.
Interior of a hospital ward - daytime.
Eve slept on the hospital bed, Arthur sat in a nearby chair, and he put his hand on Eve's. Lenata sat by the window watching Eve, and Joey stood by the hospital bed, looking down at her mother anxiously.
INTERIOR VIEW OF HOSPITAL CORRIDOR - DAY.
Arthur walked out of Eve's ward wearing a coat. He saw Lenata leaning against a stretcher, and the two walked down the hallway together, discussing Eve's condition.
Arthur: She has to go back to the sanatorium at least for a while.
Lenata: I know. Poor Joey, poor Joey. (sighs) She spends so much time with Mom, and I don't understand, but—what's the use of it? I mean, we can't just keep looking at her. There is simply no way to watch over her all day.
Arthur: How is Joey? I care about her. She seemed to be talking nonsense.
Lenata (shrugs shoulders): I don't know, I guess she doesn't know herself yet.
Arthur: Can't you help her? She respects you very much.
Lenata: Okay, I'll help her, Dad, I'll give it a try. I try to support her and encourage her as much as I can.
Arthur: I'm not criticizing you, but... it seems to me that the two of you are always at odds.
Lenata: I said, you know Joey. She tries to compete with me everywhere. I'm...I don't know why.
Arthur: Because you are very successful.
Lenata: Oh, okay, Dad. That is not in line with the actual situation.
They walked through the corridor to the elevator. Lenata pressed the button.
Arthur: I said Lenata, I'm not blind, I know what's going on. You are like a ruthless artist, isolating yourself in Connecticut, and no one can get close to you.
Lenata: Now I don't want to discuss this, okay, Dad? Can we just...don't talk about it? It will upset me and it will upset you.
Arthur: Joey had a lot of potential in the past, but now... he's not getting anywhere.
Lenata; Hey! So typical, so typical. As always, Mom is in the ward and you're upset by Joey.
Arthur (angrily): Okay, don't blame me like that, it wasn't anyone's fault.
The two entered the elevator.
Nursing home sports ulcer exterior - day.
Joey, Lenata and Eve come towards the camera. The weather was clear and the ground was covered with snow. All three were wearing winter coats.
Eve: How is Frederick?
Lenata: Oh, good. He was going to teach at Barna College.
Eve: That's great.
Joey: I saw something he wrote recently, and I remember it was in the weekly edition of the Time Book Review. This article is very low-level, but quite interesting.
The camera shifts to the backs of the three as they talk across the playing field.
Joey: That's a giraffe...very big. Corey would love it. Well, that thing is very expensive, but I really want to buy one for her.
Lenata: Corey is very smart, she used to sit and talk to the TV.
Eve (giggling): Heh, she's so cute.
Joey and Lenata left the nursing home on foot. Lenata was smoking, Joey's hand in the pocket.
Lenata (takes a sharp breath): How's Mike?
Joey: Well done.
Lenata. Very good.
Joey: You know, we want to get together with you and Frederick.
Lenata: Oh, that would be great, but I've had a hell of a job this week.
Joey: That doesn't necessarily have to be scheduled this week.
Lenata (sighs): You know, I mean, I have to figure out a way to get Frederick to work at Barna College.
Joey: Leni (note 1), why do you keep avoiding me?
Lenata (retorting): Well, I didn't do that.
Joey: Yes, yes, you do, I don't think you even want me near you.
Lenata: Oh, Joey, look what you said! You know, I just feel like, I... I, I have some work problems to solve. I need isolation, I need solitude. It's very tricky to create, to create...
Joey: Got it, it's amazing to create, isn't it? I think you used your work as an excuse and went into hiding. Flynn rarely comes here, my mother threw it all to me.
Lenata: I also visited my mother, and I called her.
Joey: That's true, but you're in Connecticut and I'm doing all the dirty work.
Lenata: I said, Joey, if you feel like you have a conscience with your mother, then there's nothing I can do. I don't think you can make up for that no matter how much you do.
Joey (looking at Lenata): Hey, what do you mean by that?
Lenata: You know what that means. You can never tolerate her.
JOE (disgusted): Incredible. All I have pursued in my life is to be like my mother.
Lenata: Alright... that's alright, then you'll go to the ward to replace her for a while, okay?
Joey (shaking his head): I don't know what you're talking about.
Lenata: Oh, Joey, you know what I'm talking about! Every time she comes home from the hospital, you get a headache. You never wanted her to come home.
Joey: It's unbelievable. I think you misrepresented my words. I-I-I can't tell you.
Lenata's House Interior - Day.
Lenata was sitting intently at the writing table in the half-dark room. She wrote a two-line poem on a pad with yellow lines, crossed out a word with a pencil, and then rewritten one above the crossed-out word. She stroked her face with her fingers, thoughtful.
Lenata (reading her own poem): Um—
she crossed out the word she just added, was about to write it again, then shook her head and tore the paper. Then, she tore the paper to shreds and stood up. She sighed, walked to the window, sat on the window sill, closed her eyes, and then opened her eyes again to look out the window at the trees around the house. It was quiet all around. She sighed, breathing hard. She stared at the tree, sweat dripping from her forehead. She wiped off the sweat, walked into the bathroom, still breathing hard, and walked to the sink.
Lenata (washing face): Oh.
Lenata came into the corridor. She turned and saw her daughter Cory. Cory was squatting on the floor near the balustrade, playing with a stuffed animal with great interest. The sunlight coming in from the window almost made a light outline on Cory's body. Lenata stared at her daughter for a moment, still breathing hard.
Cut into the stairs and the trees outside the window. Lenata went downstairs. She walked across the porch and into the living room. Frederick sat on the couch, busy looking at photos.
Breathing heavily, Lenata sat down beside her husband.
FREDERICK (raises his head) Are you uncomfortable?
Lenata (with a deep sigh): I just experienced one of the most bizarre emotions.
Frederick: No wonder you're a little pale.
Lenata (gasping): I seem to be hallucinating all of a sudden, seeing things so terrifying... so terrifying. (sighs and gestures) It's like--as if I'm...here and the world is there, and there's no way we can be together.
FREDERICK (putting her hand on Lenata's lap, reassuringly): Then take another nap and relive the dream.
Lenata (shaking his head): No, no, because that happened to me last week when I was reading upstairs. (sighs) I am suddenly very aware of my existence. Um...I could feel my heart beating, and at the same time, I started imagining— (sighs) I could feel the blood flowing through my veins, my hands, and the back of my neck. Oh...I have a feeling of insecurity in me, as if I am a running machine that could fail at any moment.
Frederick leaned over and hugged Lenata, kissing Lenata on the cheek.
Frederick: Hey, you're not going to fail.
Lenata (softly): Yes.
Frederick: You should get these thoughts out of your head.
Lenata: Yes. (sighs) Plus, these thoughts frighten me, because I'm getting close to the age when my mother became extremely nervous.
Frederick: You and your mother are two different things, different, different. You're just a little nervous, not getting a good night's sleep, or something like that, nothing else.
He hugged Lenata tightly.
Lenata: Oh...uh...uh, (breaks out of Frederick's embrace, reaches for pictures of Frederick's lap, glances at them) What pictures? Are these, um, pictures of Joey?
Frederick: Oh: yes.
Lenata: Let me see.
Frederick: I'm afraid it's not very well lit.
Lenata: Yes, not so sure.
Frederick: She's about to find out what you're thinking, so you better be prepared.
Lenata: Poor Joey. She has so many worries, desires, artistic personality, but no talent at all. Of course, I have to encourage her.
Frederick: Well, be honest with her, it's time to end this situation and not lead her astray.
Lenata: I didn't lead her astray. But, gosh, I don't think I can make her sad. Besides, you know how she competes with me.
Lenata stood up and walked towards the window.
Frederick: I think it's better if the same guy is tied. I hope you treat me like this often.
Lenata (puts hands on head, looks out): I've done that before.
Frederick: No, you didn't, you flattered me, and I liked it a lot.
Lenata (hands down, still looking out the window): Frederick, you're a good guy. I never doubted this.
Frederick: I always feel that something is missing from my work, but I can't say exactly what. (sighs) I don't know if I lost it or if I never got it.
Lenata (turning to look at Frederick): You can get ahead, just don't blame others and give up halfway!
FREDERICK (turning to look at Lenata): No, I'm not complaining! (Pauses for a while, then picks up photo) I'll do a good job later.
Lenata (turning to Frederick again): You're doing nothing just to piss me off!
FREDERICK (looking down at the photo): Let's stop talking about this, okay? !
Lenata (sighs, looks out the window again) Good.
Frederick: What are you going to say to Joey?
Lenata: She should get married to Mike and stop obsessing over that nasty creation! Sometimes, she really annoys me.
Lenata walked out of the room.
Interior of Eve's bedroom - night.
Eve was lying in bed watching a religious show on TV. She was completely fascinated by the show, and absently picked up a glass of cider from the bedside table and took a sip; she could hear the sound on the TV, but couldn't see it screen.
MAN'S VOICE: Praise God, ah, drunk...it's exciting to be a Christian. I have a gentleman friend, a new friend, but our friendship started at the crucifix at the crucifixion. Lloyd Swartz...well, it's very nice of you to be here today. I said, Laue, what is your nationality?
Laue's Voice: The Jews.
MAN'S VOICE: Jew. You've studied your history, and as I'm talking about God's chosen people(note 2), you're probably very well aware that you have to consider the issue of how Jews and the nation of Israel are on God's schedule today What position does it occupy?
Interior view of a decorating company building - daytime.
Joy entered the building through the glass door outside; she walked briskly and saw Mike who was waiting for her. The two returned to the light acetylene pace and walked to the elevator.
Mike: You're late.
Joey: Sorry.
Mike: Forty-five minutes late.
Joey, the traffic is heavy, sorry.
Mike: That's something you should take into account. Your mother has been waiting for over an hour.
Joey: Can you please stop talking about this? ! My head is bursting.
Mike: What's wrong?
Joey: What do you think is going on? I'm pregnant.
Mike: It occurred to me that you might be pregnant.
Joey: I'm so bored.
Mike: It's okay, we'll take care of it.
They stood at the elevator door, arguing as they waited for the elevator to open. People were rushing to and fro beside them.
JOE (looking at the closed elevator door, hands in pockets): That goes without saying, of course we have to raise. Do you think I won't have children?
Mike: Joey, I said we'd raise it! Nothing fancy.
Joey (shaking his head): I'm so stupid! How could I be so careless? !
Mike: Come on, let's settle for it, and it's time for us to have a baby. A child is not exhausted.
Joey: You probably won't, and it's going to be exhausting for me.
Mike: What a pity you would think so.
Joey: Oh! Mike, I've thought about it. Simply ridiculous, how can we have children? I don't even know how I'm going to live in the future.
Mike: Maybe it's a little bad.
Joey: Do you think so too?
Joey: Yes.
Carpet showroom interior view - daytime.
Eve is standing in the center of the spacious carpet showroom, looking at the display samples. Joey and Mike came in and she looked up.
Eve: What's the matter, what happened to you?
Joey: It's okay, sorry.
Eve: Hi, I see a nice sample for the bedroom.
Mike: Hopefully not too expensive.
Eve; well, it's only a little more expensive than we originally planned, but—
Mike (interrupting): Eve, we've discussed it.
Joey: Can't we just talk about money?
Eve: The samples are there, I think you'll like it. (Eve and Joey leave Mike and walk across the showroom to the rack with the rug samples.) Your dad's back from Greece.
Joey: Is he back?
Eve: Don't pretend, you know he's back from Greece. Tomorrow you're going to have dinner with him at Lenata's. Lenata told me. Did you not want to tell me?
Joey: I wanted to tell you. I know your attitude on this matter.
Eve: Can you talk to him, Joey? He listens to you.
Joey: He's not a kid! He has his own opinion.
Eve: Yes, but he always listens to what you say.
Joey: If he's going to move back to live with you, he'll come back, and if he doesn't want to, he won't come back.
Eve: Why are you so reluctant to help me?
Joey: Don't want to? I just wanted to please you!
Eve: Joey, you don't seem to care if we can reunite.
Joey: Nonsense. Why don't I want you to be happy? It's just that I thought you shouldn't be fooling yourself.
Eve: Can you tell him I've been doing fine lately? Tell him that my work is finally getting better and that I'm not losing my temper.
Joey: He doesn't care!
Eve: He just wants to know that I'm emotionally stable, that I'm calm, and that I'm not—
Joey (interrupting her, turning to walk away): It's annoying.
Eve: Joey!
Joey (screaming): Don't get me in there!
Joey ran out of the showroom.
Eve (loudly): Joey, where are you going?
Interior view of taxi.
Mike and Joey are in the back seat.
Mike: Joey, maybe having a baby isn't bad.
Joey: Please don't mention this!
Mike: I mean sometimes it's all about making up your mind.
Joey: I can't get down, understand?
Mike: You mean you won't.
Joey: Why are you staying with me? I really don't understand. I will only trouble you.
Mike: I think you should take the job at the ad agency. Then we should probably start thinking about living together.
Joey: Well, that's right, that's all I need, I'm going to start copying, having children; my hands and feet are tied, and I'm living a life of obscurity! No, I still want to do something in my life! Oh my gosh, I'm so guilty of leaving Mom there alone!
Mike crossed his arms across his chest and turned to look out the window.
Mike: She'll be fine.
Joey: Bah, you don't care!
Mike: It's your mother who dislikes me.
That night, Mike was lying on the bed with the quilt, and slept soundly. Joey was wearing pajamas and glasses. She hadn't slept yet, sitting on the bed, staring blankly ahead. She ran her hands through her hair and turned to look at Mike. She leaned down suddenly and impulsively, put her head on his back, and put her arms around him. Mike woke up and turned around. Joey kisses him.
Lenata's house interior. daytime.
Lenata carried Corrie across the hall with a book under her arm. She was talking to her daughter when voices came from the living room.
Mike (voiceover. In the living room): Um...
Lenata (to Cory): I hope the cat isn't in the kitchen.
Lenata walked into the living room. Mike, Joey and Frederick are sitting and talking. She put Corrie down and put the book in her hand back on the already crammed shelf.
Lenata: Corrie, go upstairs and play for a while, okay? I'll be there in a minute, okay?
Corey: Okay.
Lenata: Good, goodbye.
Corrie leaves the room.
FREDERICK (goes on): I think I'll be able to get them out in about a month and a half.
Mike: Then, you have nothing to say, right?
The doorbell rang, and Frederick stood up and opened the door.
Joey (presumably his father): Dad.
Lenata (organizing the bookshelf): He was very excited when I talked to him. He watched the horror movie Flynn was filming on the plane.
Joey sat on the sofa, looking expectantly at the door. She heard Dad talking to Frederick in the hallway.
Arthur (voiceover): Hello?
FRED FUCKS (Voiceover): Please come in.
Arthur (voice-over): Nice to meet you.
FREDERICK (Voiceover) Nice to meet you.
Arthur (voice-over): Sorry, I'm late. Traffic in the city is getting worse and worse.
Arthur walked into the room, and Joey's smile showed a look of surprise. Arthur stood by the sofa, reaching out to greet everyone. Beside him is Pearl, wearing a red dress and a black fur shawl.
Arthur (to everyone): Hello, Mike. Hi Joey.
Joey (quietly): Hello, Dad.
Arthur (nodding): Lenota.
Lenata: Hello, Dad.
Arthur: This is Pearl.
Mike: Hello.
Pearl (nodding): Hello.
Mike: My name is Mike. This is Joey.
Pearl: Nice to meet you.
Mike (pointing to Lenata): Lenata.
Lenata: Hello.
Frederick: My name is Frederick.
Pearl: Hello.
Lenata: Well, what would you like to drink?
Pearl: Well, I'll drink whatever Arthur drinks.
Arthur sat down on the sofa.
FREDERICK (pointing to the chaise longue, to Pearl) You, why don't you sit there? That was perhaps the only comfortable place in the house.
Arthur reached for Pearl and she sat down beside him.
Arthur: Ah, so glad to be home again.
FREDERICK (pauses): Well, I'm sure you had a great time in Athens.
Arthur: Oh, the islands of Greece, with their shallow sand and blue sea ice, are beautiful.
Pearl (hand on Arthur's wrist): And food, I can eat lamb six times a day.
Pearl laughed. When Pearl talks to Arthur, Joey is surprised to see Pearl put his hand on Arthur's wrist.
Pearl (Voiceover): And the "Isuzu" wine...
When she said this Greek wine, she called it "Isuzu", which sounded like a Japanese car brand.
Arthur (voice-over): I think the only inconvenience is that no one speaks English.
Lenata handed each of them a glass of wine.
Pearl (takes the glass): That doesn't matter. Everyone knows what is important.
Joey: Did you get a chance to visit the temple building?
Arthur: Of course I did. Hi, what a majestic. You are quite knowledgeable about history. We saw some buildings built in the fifth century BC. Remember that little island with a temple?
Pearl: Remember,
Arthur: Well preserved.
Pearl (bumps Arthur): Honestly, I prefer the beach.
She laughed.
Arthur (laughs with Pearl): She could sit in the sun all day.
Pearl: Oh, some are broken walls. How much can you see? And that hot beach, blue water, is what I need.
Lenata: Guys, we're not trying to rush you, but we can, uh, continue the conversation in the next room.
Everyone got up from their seats and walked into the restaurant.
Pearl (not to anyone specifically): The first time I went to Europe, it was with my first husband, many years ago, and we saw all the churches, one after the other. Don't get me wrong, those churches are beautiful. However, if you look at two or three, that's enough.
JOE (to Lenata aside) Did you know he was bringing someone?
Lenata: I know. Didn't I mention this to you?
Restaurant interior. night.
Pearl is eating and drinking, chatting and laughing with everyone.
Pearl (shaking his head): Give me a good sirloin, charcoal-grilled, anytime.
Arthur (sucking wine) Pearl's husband is a dry cook.
Pearl (touching Arthur's arm): Humph! He is an amateur cook. Actually, he was in the jewelry business. My first husband, may he rest in peace under Jiuquan. My second husband Adam is an orthodontist.
Lenata (grimaces) How many husbands have you had?
Pearl (sipping drink): Two. Adam suffered from severe coronary heart pain. Rudy is an alcoholic. (to Arthur) Would you like some more gravy?
Arthur: Oh, no, no. Too oily.
Pearl (handing him the gravy plate): Well, what's the matter? It tastes good, more.
Mike: Where are you from, Pearl?
Pearl: Florida. However, when we were young, we lived in many places. However, I prefer warmer climates. I even lived in Australia for a year. (chewing in mouth) Well, living with my sister Fay, when Adam died, I was so sad.
Mike: I have been to Sydney, Australia.
Pearl: Oh, what, you don't believe me? Do you like that place?
Mike: Well, on vacation. I was only there for two or three days.
Pearl (eating): How lucky! Hey, it's like a morgue in there. There is nothing to do at night, and I am bored. I just can't stand it.
Arthur (laughing): This is a lady who can dance all night.
He stroked Pearl's shoulder gently, then took her hand.
Pearl (talking with food in his mouth): But, you know what I mean. A person can only live once, but as long as you have fun, living once is enough.
Lenata: Do you have children, Pearl?
Pearl (chewing): Of course, I have two sons, Lewis and John. Lewis deals in real estate. John held an art gallery.
Lenata: Oh.
Pearl: (nodding): Right in the Caesar Palace in Reiswiggs. Well, that's not exactly a gallery, it's a temporary permission to set up there.
JOE (sarcastically, sipping wine): These are all clowns painted on black swan fields, right?
Pearl: Yes, crap. Oh. Outright crappy stuff. But a lot of people like these things, and they have fun with them. He did a great job.
Arthur: Pearl collects African art.
Pearl: Oh, I like Ebony. I have a few statues; actually, they're all from Trinidad. I love this real original statue, big ass, big breasts. I have a few other witchcraft masks. I believe in witchcraft. I can also tell fortunes, but I need a deck of cards. I'll do the math for you later.
Arthur: We met a couple on Igana Island and they've been chattering about this drama. So I immediately telegraphed to the box office and booked two tickets. So glad I did it right. This drama is great.
Lenata came in with a jar of cream. Putting the jar in the center of the table, she sat down in the chair.
Lenata (sitting down): Yeah, we thought it was fun too.
Frederick: But it's unbearably dull, too pessimistic.
Arthur: Pessimism is all the rage right now.
FREDERICK: When they sentenced those Algerians to death, I thought of a really imaginative ending.
Lenata: Hey, I don't understand. You say it's trendy, but it's not easy to argue about it in the face of death, life loses its real meaning.
Pearl (with a puzzled look on his face): Really?
Lenata (laughs): I can't tell. But I think if you read Socrates, Buddhism, or Schopenhauer, or even Christianity, these are pretty convincing.
Pearl: Of course they understand, I don't read that much.
Mike: What impressed me the most are terrorists. They don't kill unless they have to. They only do it to achieve their own goals. Hey, I was so moved when that Algerian kid said killing the enemy in the name of freedom. Seriously, my hairs stand on end.
Lenata: That's killing people for an unwarranted reason.
Mike: What? Do you value the life of one man more than the life of thousands?
Lenata (smoking a cigarette): Then I don't know. Who are those thousands of people?
FREDERICK: For me, uh, the dispute between the French doctor and the Algerian over intelligence is the best part of the show.
Joey: I think the author has made both sides of the argument live, and it is almost impossible to tell who is right and who is wrong.
Pearl (confused): I don't see any of that. It's no big deal for me to watch this drama. One guy is a whistleblower, the other isn't. I like the guy who isn't a whistleblower.
FREDERICK (laughing): Haha, it's not that easy, is it?
Pearl: What? Do you like that whistleblower? Is there something I don't understand?
Joey: That's exactly what I didn't like about the play. (sighs) How do you judge the right thing to do? How do you know?
Pearl: (still bewildered): How do you know? I have no idea. I'm afraid, that's what you feel, and you just don't tell the truth. I don't know.
She shrugged her shoulders.
FREDERICK (after a while): Anyway, it's good to have a different way of diversion in the theater at night.
Arthur: I want another cheesecake.
Pearl (interrupting): Then another piece. Hi, what are you worried about? If you don't eat this or that, you will live to be a hundred years old.
Pearl cut another piece of cake and handed it to him. Arthur licked the cake from the pearl finger, then smiled and kissed her hand.
JOE (disgusted): Is it hot in the room? Am I the only one feeling hot? Open the window, okay?
Lenata's living room interior. night.
night. Pearl sits comfortably on the chaise longue. She started performing card tricks, and Mike, who was sitting next to her, was fascinated. Frederick, with a glass of wine in his hand, leaned on the back of the chaise longue and looked at them both.
Pearl (cards, to Mike): Okay, here we go, okay?
Mike (nodding): Hmm.
Pearl: OK, draw a card. any one.
She smiled.
Mike (drawing a card): That's it.
Pearl: OK, put it away.
Frederick: Let me take a look.
Mike showed Frederick the cards, and was about to put them back, but for a while he didn't know where to put them.
Pearl (provocatively): Anywhere.
Mike: All right.
He finally put the card down.
Pearl: Good.
Frederick: OK.
Pearl (shuffle): optimistic, shuffle first.
Mike (looking at her
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