You don't understand what he's going for.
- I guess I don't. - So it's hard to listen to your argument.
- Would you shut up, please? - Kiss my ass.
You can't even see anything.
I have to cut because my robe caught on the drawer here. I'm sorry.
I like this guy. He's great.
- What water is that? - Spa water.
Can I have some Volvic, please?
Yeah, he's great.
I heard the police came to see you about this dead writer.
- Who was this guy? - His name was David Kahane.
I never heard of him. Did we ever hire him for anything?
I was thinking about it.
He pitched me a story. I went out there to talk to him about it.
Jesus! His ship's about to come in and some black kid wants money for crack.
I don't wanna criticise you, babe,...
.. but I'm meant to be having a conversation on the phone.
Are you talking to me?
- Are the cops still bothering you? - No. No, I don't think so.
Well, let Stuckel handle it.
Give them passes to a screening where they can sit behind Michelle Pfeiffer.
They'll leave you alone.
- Griffin? - Yes.
Um, a guy named Joe Gillis called.
He said he wants you to meet him at the St James Club at ten on the patio.
- Know who this is? - Joe Gillis, never heard of him.
Know who Joe Gillis is?
He's William Holden's character in Sunset Boulev ard.
- The writer who's killed by the movie star. - Gloria Swanson.
All I know is, we're doing this my way.
That guy... Last week he said he was Charles Foster Kane.
The week before that, it was Rhett Butler.
Why would I kill my sister's husband?
Wanna compare grosses, Bonnie?
I was in love with him.
Griffin? Griffin.
- Malcolm McDowell, how are you? - Hi, how are you? Good to see you.
Listen, next time you bad-mouth me, have the courage to do it to my face.
You guys are all the same.
- You love it there? - It's just wonderful.
You love your career, too, don't you?
It was a complete disaster. Look at what happened in Heaven's Gate.
We're both concerned about your career. One actor, I won't mention his name,...
Where I live, I really know how people think and how they feel.
Montana will end you. It ended Cimino in Heaven's Gate.
- Griffin Mill! Hi. Andy Civella. - Andy, how are you?
I've got Andie MacDowell sitting over here. She's so hot! Come and meet her.
Still in New York?
Oh, I couldn't live here. I'm allergic to happiness! Andie, Griffin Mill.
- Hi. - Hi.
She's my namesake.
- How are the kids doing? - Great, thanks.
- And Paul? - Oh, he's wonderful, thank you!
You geniuses know each other. Tom Oakley.
- Course we do. - Oh, yes. Hi, Tom.
Hi, how are you?
It's funny, I just ran into Malcolm McDowell in the lobby.
Oh, really?
Roddy McDowall is related to a cousin of my brother-in-law.
Well, I'm not related to either one of them.
- If I write it, I direct it. - Your last three pictures were bombs!
- One broke even. - Bombs!
Thank you for the drink. I have to go.
You gotta go, Andie? We'll walk you to the car.
- No, it's OK. - Hang on, we're...
- Griffin, we'd like to buy you a drink. - I'm sorry, I...
I can't, I'm meeting someone. Business.
- Should've talked about Habeas Corpus. - Of course, but he's a busy man.
- Is there anyone waiting for me? - No-one's asked.
Well, I'm expecting someone. I'll, um... be out by the pool.
But he'll get back to us. Right, Griffin?
- Griffin. - Andie!
- Oh, sorry! Sorry! - Jesus, Andy, it's you.
- Of course it's me. - Listen, I told you, I'm meeting somebody.
Yeah, you're meeting me.
- We got some big business. - You? You?!
Why not me?
Jesus Christ, Andy, you think this is fucking funny?!
What are you talking about?
She'd make a great Nora. God, I'd love to write another Doll's House for her.
Oh, did you meet Tom Oakley?
Yes. You mean you didn't call me?
- No, I didn't call you. - I'm sorry. I'm r-really sorry.
Listen,... I really am meeting somebody.
There's no way I can hear a pitch now. You'll have to call me tomorrow.
No, I can't do it tomorrow.
I've got a meeting at Paramount, then at Universal.
Congratulations.
- If you don't hear it now, you'll lose it. - Then I lose it, all right?
20 seconds. When your friend gets here...
- What friend? Who are you talking about? - Whoever you're gonna meet here.
25 words or less.
Absolutely. Tom... No, you sit here, Tom. Go.
- District attorney's at a moral crossroads. - Tom! Jesus Christ!
OK, OK, OK. Er,... we open outside the largest penitentiary in California.
It's night. It's raining. A limousine comes in through the front gate,...
.. past a tight knot of demonstrators holding a candlelight vigil.
The candles, under the umbrellas, make them glow like Japanese lanterns.
That's nice. I haven't seen that before, that's good.
A lone demonstrator, black woman, steps in front of the limousine.
The lights illuminate her like a spirit.
Her eyes fix upon those of the sole passenger.
The moment is devastating between them.
He's the DA, she's the mother of the person that's being executed.
- You're good. See, I told you, he's good. - Go on.
The DA believes in the death penalty.
And the execution is a hard case. Black, 19, and definitely guilty.
The greatest democracy in the world and
- Poor, disadvantaged, black. - More, more, more.
He swears the next person he sees to die is gonna be smart, rich and white.
- You, me, whoever. - What a hook, huh? Beauty hook.
Cut to the chase, Tom.
Cut from the DA to an up-market suburban neighbourhood.
A couple have a fight. He leaves in a fit, gets in a car.
It's the same rainy night. Car spins out on the road, goes into a ravine.
The body is swept away.
When the police examine the car, they see the brakes have been tampered with.
It's murder, and the DA decides to go for the big one.
He wants the wife in the gas chamber.
- But the DA falls in love with the wife. - Of course he falls in love with the wife!
But he still puts her in the gas chamber. Then he finds that the husband is alive,..
.. that he faked his death!
The DA breaks into the prison, runs down death row,...
.. but he gets there too late.
The gas pellets have been dropped.
She's dead.
I tell you, there's not a dry eye in the house.
- She's dead? - She's dead.
She's dead, because that's the reality.
The innocent die.
- Who's the DA? - Ah! No-one.
- No-one? - No stars. We're going out on a limb.
You know, unknown stage actors, or somebody English like whatshisname.
- Why? - Why? Why?!
Because this story is just too damned important...
.. to risk being overwhelmed by personality.
That's fine for action pictures, but this is special. We want real people here.
We don't want people to have preconceived notions.
- We want them to see a district attorney. - Bruce Willis.
No. Not Bruce Willis, not Kevin Costner.
This is an innocent woman fighting for her life!
- Julia Roberts. - If we can get her.
Of course we can get her.
If I'm perfectly honest, if I think about it, this isn't even an American film.
- It's not? - No, no. There are no stars,...
.. no pat happy endings.
No... Schwarzenegger, no stick-ups, no terrorists.
This is a tough story, a tragedy, in which an innocent woman dies.
Why? Because... that... happens.
Habeas Corpus. That's what we're calling it.
Produce the corpse. What do you say, yes or no?
That pitch was more than 25 words.
Yeah, but it's brilliant! What's the verdict, Griffin?
Mr Mill, for you.
- Who gave this to you? - I received it at the front desk.
What is it?
It's, um... It's from the person I was meeting. He's not coming.
- Well, do we have a shot? - It's an intriguing idea.
- Give me a call at the studio tomorrow. - Yeah!
OK, there's a scene in Throne of Blood that has exactly the texture...
- Tom! Tom, just say thank you. - She has to die.
- No fucking Hollywood ending. - Tom, thank you, say.
You fucking dogshit writer! Fucking trying to kill me!
Oh, God. You gave me such a scare!
What are you doing here?
You gave me such a fright! Come in.
Come on in.
What's the matter?
You look terrible.
What's up?
Sit down, I'll get you a drink.
Has something happened?
- Is it too late? I... - No. No, no, no. It's not too late. No.
- I don't even know what time it is. - What's wrong?
Who are you painting? Is that me?
Yeah. It's you.
- See? - Do you have snakes in Iceland?
Snakes? I don't think so, no.
- Are you afraid of snakes? - I... I don't know.
- I've never come close to a real one. - They scare the shit out of me.
- Here, have another. - I don't usually drink. I...
Something happened tonight.
Yes, but, um...
There's something else I have to tell you.
This isn't easy for me.
Yes?
How about if I just get on with my work and...
.. you talk to me when you feel like it? OK?
I came very close to dying tonight.
All I could think about was you.
I don't even know you.
You came into my mind and...
I couldn't...
I couldn't think of anything else.
Remember that first night we spoke? On the phone.
I was outside these windows...
.. watching you and...
It was so exciting and so...
.. new and...
.. strange.
I can't get you out of my mind.
Are you making love to me?
Yes, I guess I am.
Yes, I am.
I wanna make love to you.
It's too soon.
It's too soon, isn't it?
It's so strange, how things happen.
David was here.
Then he left.
You arrived.
It may be just the timing, but I feel like...
.. I would go... anywhere with you.
If you asked.
We mustn't hurry things.
You know, we... can't hurry things any more than we can stop them.
I think you'd better go now.
I think I'm going to cry now.
Better go. Quick.
- I'm sorry. - No, no, don't be sorry.
Just go home and...
.. and get some sleep and... call me.
Tomorrow.
Invite me on a proper date.
I'd like that.
- Jan. Jan! - Yeah?
- Get me Larry Levy on the phone. - I don't think he's on the lot.
Try his car.
- Isn't he at Fox? - He used to be. Not any more.
I pitched him something a few months ago and he hated it.
- Yeah, Griffin? - Yeah, yeah.
I've got Tom Oakley and Andy Civella here and I wouldn't be bothering you...
.. if I didn't think they had an idea you should hear right away.
- Hi, guys. - Hi, Larry.
Listen, the next voice you're gonna hear has got an English accent. Tom Oakley.
I'm Andy Civella.
Hi, Andy. I know Tom. How are you, Tom?
Er, very well, Larry. And yourself?
Fine. What's the story?
We open outside San Quentin. It's night. Kwwsshhh!
It's raining. A limousine enters through the front gate...
.. past a tight knot of demonstrators holding a candlelight vigil.
The candles flicker under the umbrellas, which glow like Japanese lanterns.
A lone demonstrator, black woman, steps in front of the limousine.
Her eyes connect with the lone passenger.
It's a devastating moment for both of them. Incredibly potent.
No stars. No Schwarzenegger. No pat Hollywood endings.
No car chases. This is an American tragedy...
.. in which an innocent woman dies. Because that happens. That's... reality.
Take me off the speakerphone, Griffin.
Yeah?
I don't know. it's a really hot story but what is this bullshit no stars?
Let me give you a tip, Larry.
Levison came to power on two movies. They made $300 million and had no stars.
He's gonna love this, it'll remind him of his youth.
His motto used to be "No stars, just talent. "
- Has anyone else heard this? - I don't think so, no.
We should make a deal now.
Tomorrow may be too late. Can we get hold of Levison?
Yeah, I'll get Levison. When can you be back?
I'll be there right after my AA meeting.
Oh, Larry, I didn't realise you had a drinking problem.
Well...
I don't really, but that's where all the deals are being made these days. See ya.
Tom, that was a hell of a pitch.
Good work. I think you sold Larry.
Great! When are we gonna hear?
Go home, put some champagne on ice, I'll give you an answer by tonight.
- Jan, come in here! - Griffin, you move in mysterious ways...
.. but I like it, I like it!
But did Levy understand, no stars?
Yes, he particularly liked that notion.
- No Hollywood ending? - No Hollywood ending.
They looked happy.
They have a fucked-up idea that has no second act.
If I hadn't heard it myself, I never would have believed it.
Larry Levy liked it, because he's a dick-brain.
Levy will sell the idea to Levison...
.. and then I will let Levison have the brilliant idea...
.. of letting Larry take over the project from me.
He will?
See, Levison can't wait to get in bed with Levy.
This piece-of-shit idea will blow up in both their faces.
And then I will step in and save the day.
- Scores! - Yes!
Three points.
She's receiving the last rites.
The DA discovers that the husband faked his own death. She's innocent.
He races to the penitentiary but it's too late.
The pellets are dropped. She's dead.
He helped kill the woman he loved.
- Who are the stars? - No stars. Just talent.
No stars?
And what the fuck kind of ending is that? It's depressing. It'll bring everybody down.
Joel, what about Terms Of Endearment, Love Story, Steel Magnolias?
Joel, ET grossed what, Marty? $319 million worldwide pre-cassette...
.. and not a dry eye in the house. Depressing? I don't think so.
Yeah, but...
Normally I'd agree with you but this is entirely different.
It is a matter of taking the risk, rolling the dice.
But if they come up seven, bingo!
It's Oscar time.
- Do they screw? - Who?
The DA, whoever it is, and the woman. Do they screw?
If I'm gonna be looking at jail cells and gas chambers, there has to be a little sex.
Sure, of course. We'll get it there, no problem.
OK. Who's gonna shepherd this thing?
Larry? You seem to have a good feel for this.
Wait, Joel, this project was Griffin's.
Bonnie...
No, I don't wanna dance at somebody else's wedding.
If it's Griffin's project, it's Griffin's project.
- I just think we should write... - Bonnie, this will have to be my call.
It's fine with me.
My plate is full, anyway.
Larry, it's yours.
Hit a home run, win an Oscar for the home team.
Griffin, I've got something else for you.
- Yeah. - New York tomorrow.
Tom Wolfe's new book will be at the Sherry Netherland. Read it and bid.
Send Bonnie. She'll know if it's a movie. If it is, we bid a million.
- Me? - A million's kinda high.
It's Tom Wolfe. Why not you?
- I'm a story editor, not a vice president. - You don't wanna be a vice president?
- Bonnie, pack your bags. - That was the most amazing pitch ever.
- If you don't want the responsibility... - I'm going.
- I wanna be one of your soldiers. - I'm glad you're on the team.
Bonnie's gonna be gone, I'm here for you.
Whitney, now!
Frank, Marty, come in.
- May I have a word with you? - I have a meeting.
Find the time. What is going on?
- What d'you mean? - Handing Larry Levy your project.
Well, I just thought Larry had a... firm grasp on...
.. the style of the piece, that's all.
The only thing Larry Levy has a firm grasp on is his dick.
I'm not Oz. I can't do everything.
If Larry has what it takes, why shouldn't I use him? That way, everybody wins.
- Why are you bullshitting me? - I'm not bullshitting.
Griffin, I know you. You've been stringing me along...
- Habeas Corpus, Griffin. - Habeas Corpus.
You've been stringing me along like one of your goddamn writers!
What is this, getting Levison to send me to New York?
- Are you trying to get rid of me? - I'm trying to help you!
If you score in New York, Levison has to make you vice president.
Jesus, Bonnie, are you afraid of success?
- Are you seeing someone else? - Oh. Oh, that's what this is about?
It's not just this. It's the way you've been acting.
I just wanna know what's going on!
- Jesus Christ, Bonnie! - You're not even looking at me, Griffin.
Look at me. Please look at me right in the eyes and just tell me...
No bullshit. Is there someone else?
No.
Have a good trip.
Our top story this evening involves Hollywood's three favourite Gs.
A glamorous, glitzy gala night out.
It is a who's who of stars, no IDs necessary.
Household names, one and all.
Leez a Gibbons reporting. You could fire a cannon down Sunset Boulev ard now...
.. and not come close to hitting a celebrity.
Everybody who is anybody is right here,...
.. rubbing elbows and making big talk in this ballroom.
All the movers and shakers behind the scenes and on the screens.
Leave it to Cher to wear fire-engine red...
.. when the impossible-to-come-by invitations...
.. call for "Black and white only, please. "
Hi, Teri, nice to see you. June Gudmundsdottir. Teri Garr. Buck Henry.
The occasion is just as big and important as the all-star turnout.
The studio famous for the slogan "Movies, now more than ever"...
.. is donating prints of 25 of its classic black-and-white films to the museum.
Now they'll be able to say "Movies, now more than ever, forever. "
Thank you.
It's wonderful to see so many familiar and friendly faces around.
As you know, the LA County Museum has always been close to our hearts,...
.. and especially the motion department... er, motion picture department.
Er, we're happy to make possible this donation.
Er, now I'd like to introduce the man whose idea this all was.
Griffin Mill, please.
Thank you, Joel.
Why don't you have another drink?
I'd like to extend my thanks to the patrons of the Los Angeles County Museum.
You have long fostered the art of motion pictures...
.. as a serious and valuable art form in this community.
Many people across the country and around the world...
.. have for too long thought of movies as a popular entertainment...
.. more than serious art.
And I'm afraid a large majority of the press supports this attitude.
We want great films with long shelf lives.
We want films by the new John Hustons, Orson Welles, Frank Capra.
We, and the other major film studios, have a responsibility to the public...
.. to maintain the art of motion pictures...
.. as our primary mandate.
Movies are art. Now, more than ever.
Thank you.
Griffin, that was one hell of a job. I couldn't have done it better myself.
I'll know all of your lines soon.
- Well, are we having fun yet? - I'm having a great time.
Is this a friend of a friend? How did you meet?
How did we meet? Well,... at a funeral.
Isn't that right? At a funeral?
Absolutely. Excuse us.
Steve, whose daughter is he with? Seriously. I'd like...
He said she was somebody's daughter. I wanted to know whose.
I don't know.
Don't make a scene!
That was a good one!
That's what I call a real date!
- Should I come in? - Er... Well...
- Not tonight. But soon.
Mm. Very soon.
- How about Mexico? - Mexico?
- Neutral territory. Acapulco. - I've never been to Acapulco.
- We'll go. - Is that the thing to do?
- That's a thing to do. - Let's do it.
- We'll go this weekend. - Really?
- Do I need a passport? - Yes.
Mr Mill, Detective De Longpre, Pasadena police.
Yes, I recognise you. Did you have a good time at the party last night?
No, I didn't. I'm not supposed to have a good time when I'm on duty.
- Well, what do you want, Detective? - I'd like you to come down to the station.
- Why? - To look at some pictures.
- Pictures? - Mug shots. You know, like in the movies.
- Ah, mug shots. Yes, well... All right. - Will you follow me to Pasadena?
- Pasadena. - Pasadena.
Will you fasten your safety belt, please?
- Come, let's go. - No! Take your hands off of her!
- I want my baby. - Where's her baby at?
Let me go!
- Ah, Mr Mill. - Hello. How are you?
Everybody, Mr Mill. You remember him, he makes movies. Have a seat, Mr Mill.
Where the fuck is he going? Excuse me? Sir? Mr Mill?
Not in here. It's my lieutenant's office.
- Sorry! - Right here.
All right now. Er...
- Willa, could you...? - Sorry.
Thank you. Sorry, have a seat, Mr Mill.
Listen, um, before we start...
Paul saw a movie last night he came in here raving about.
Paul, what was the name of that movie, they changed the lady into the chicken?
- Freaks. - Have you ever seen this?
Tod Browning, yes.
"One of us, one of us, one of... "
He came in doin' it! He was ravin' about it. He loved it. It was thrilling for me.
Willa. Excuse me. Did you see where the tampons went that were here?
Cos I can't seem to find 'em.
- I didn't take 'em. - Who took 'em? Did he take 'em?
- I didn't take 'em. - You see this? Damn!
- So do you have a break in the case? - What makes you say that?
Well,... why else would you bring me here?
Why else indeed? Paul?
Paul, why have you brought Mr Mill in here today?
To look at some pictures.
Willa? Pictures?
Listen, could you... If you remember, what were you, er, wearing that night?
I was wearing, um... a double-breasted suit, I believe.
Just... Oh. It's all right.
You're so jumpy! Sit down.
- I... I'll get it. - No, that's what she's here for. It's OK.
- Sorry. - No problem.
OK.
Can you take a look at this gentlem...?
Where were they? She found them, look. You're right.
Oh, wait a minute. No. These aren't mine.
Slender regular. These are yours.
I guess you have jumbo.
Well, I do use jumbo. These are not mine. God! Just trying to help you out.
Um, look, did you see this guy...?
Oh. Sorry!
Um, no. I... Y-You're putting me in a terrible position here.
I would hate to get the wrong person arrested.
This is Pasadena. We do not arrest the wrong person. That's LA.
LA, they kick your ass and then they arrest you. We don't do that.
Remember last year? What was that guy's name, on the tape?
- King. - That's it. King. He was the wrong guy.
- Do you have a witness? - I can't answer that!
Well, either you have a witness or these are suspects in similar murders.
Have you been going to detective school?
In our movie, Lonely Room, Scott Glenn plays a detective much like yourself.
- Is he a black woman? - Oh, Lily Tomlin's in that?
Actually,I was drawing the comparison not based on race or... gender.
Speaking of which, did you go out with, er, June, er...?
- What is that woman's name? - Gudmundsdottir.
What is it? Who... Spell it for me.
- G-U-D-M-U-N-D-S-D-O-T-T-I-R. - Oh, that really helps
- Gud... Er, did you go out with June...? - Gudmundsdottir.
- Yeah, her. - Yes, I did.
- Known each other long? - We spoke for the first time...
- .. the night Kahane was killed. - Wow. So you didn't know her before?
No. We met over the phone. We got to talking and one thing led to another.
Did you fuck her?
- What kind of question is that? - It's pretty direct. Did you... fuck her?
Well, I wouldn't answer that question without a lawyer here,...
.. then I probably wouldn't even answer it.
Ask your friend. He's been following me. He'll probably know.
All right. Paul,...
.. did Mr Mill fuck June... Hootmahoorter?
I didn't see him.
- You got away with it. - What are you implying?
Nothing. I asked you a direct question. Did you fuck...
I said I wouldn't answer that question.
- Why are you so hot under the collar? - Because you're being rude.
Oh, excuse me. But I think it's kinda soon for her to be gallivantin' around with you.
I'm there for her as a friend, Miss Avery.
Why don't you call her?
She'd be happy to pick over the horror of what's happened...
.. and tell you how we became friends
What is this? Fucking Iran?
Since when did the state tell us how long and with whom we can share our grief?
Or do you hold June Gudmunds... dottir...
.. to a special code of conduct reserved for women?
What the fuck are you laughing at?!
It's just...
I'd like to talk to my lawyer.
Can't even say the bitch's name!
One of us, one of us, one of us.
It's time to get yourself a real good lawyer.
I had a drink with the guy, that's all.
If you went to Pasadena with intent to kill, you could go to the gas chamber.
I went to Pasadena with the intent to hire.
- So you say. - The Schecter brothers are here.
- Griffin, Griffin, don't make us wait. - Who's this man?
- The travel agent called to confirm. - He grabbed the phone.
- Travel agent? - I'm going to Puerto Vallarta.
- You're leaving the country. - For the weekend.
- It's a risk. - Why?
Because Larry Levy could have my office in three days.
- That's what... Walter thinks. - You know something I don't know?
You're pretty smooth.
I sleep at night.
You really should run a studio.
- Tell a friend. - Yeah, Walter, it's been real.
We're tired of shopping it all around. We wanna go exclusive to one studio.
- Carl, what have our last pictures made? - $105 million.
Not a lot. But we're always under budget.
- He's not listening. Let's go to Columbia. - We already went to Columbia.
Hey, Bon.
- Hey. I got the Tom Wolfe book! - Congratulations.
- Bonnie, make him give us a deal. - We're tired of shopping around.
- I thought that's how you guys liked it. - Changed our minds.
- I'll talk to you later. - Levison says you're going out of town.
For the weekend.
Are you going with someone named... June something?
Yes.
You took her to a party, Griffin, with several hundred of my best friends.
She's recently widowed.
You weren't in town. So I took her.
And now you're taking her to Mexico for the weekend.
Carl, let's go. Mom and Dad are fighting.
Guys,... have your lawyer give me a call.
- You got a deal. - Yes!
- Let's go before he changes his mind. - We have witnesses.
Have a good trip.
The white zone is for immediate loading and unloading of passengers only.
No parking.
Do not leave your car unattended due to the current security alert.
All unattended cars may be towed away.
For your safety...
- Um, did you bring your passport? - Yes.
You wanna hear something funny? I forgot mine.
Oh, do we have to go back and get it?
It's so stupid of me. We'll never make another plane today.
It's all right. Anyway, I got a better idea.
- D'you like the desert? - I've never been to the desert.
Never been to the desert? I know this great hideaway in Desert Hot Springs.
It's a two-hour drive. I know the people. We'll call ahead.
Are we hiding?
Yeah, we're hiding. We're hiding from everybody.
You'll like it there. It'll remind you of Iceland.
Evening, Mr M.
You're all checked in. Capone Villa. You know where it is.
- Yep, thanks. - You're welcome.
# Pois é
# Do meu quarto dav a pra se ver...
Hey, look! The water looks like it's steaming.
It comes out of the ground that way.
# E era tudo facil
# De entender
# Pois é
# Tinha calma pra pensar
# Era só refor²car...
There aren't many people around.
Well, they're fully booked, actually.
- There's 50 rooms, 100 people. - Where are they all?
Hiding.
Sir?
- Banning Springs water, please. - Right away, Mr M.
Do places like this really exist?
Only in the movies.
# E nas fun²cóes de amor
# Pois é
# Tudo calmo no país
# Eu queria ser feliz
# Só sei que um belo dia...
Tell me about the movies you make.
Why?
Mm... Because I want to know... what you do.
Well, I listen to stories and decide if they'll make good movies or not.
I get 125 phone calls a day...
.. and if I... let that slip to 100,...
.. I know... I'm not doing my job.
Oh.
Everyone that calls, they wanna know one thing.
They... want me to say yes to them and make their movie.
If I say yes to them and make their movie, they think that come New Year's,...
.. it's gonna be them and Jack Nicholson on the slopes of Aspen.
That's what they think.
Problem is...
.. I can only say yes, my studio can only say yes, 12 times a year.
Collectively, we hear about 50,000 stories a year.
So it's hard.
And... I guess sometimes I'm not nice...
.. and... make enemies.
And that's what I was to David.
Enemy.
Was his story one of the 12?
No, it wasn't.
Why?
It lacked certain elements that we need to market a film successfully.
What elements?
Suspense. Laughter.
Violence.
Hope. Heart.
Nudity. Sex.
Happy endings.
Mainly happy endings.
What about reality?
You're not from Iceland, are you?
Did I say that?
Hm.
Why don't you put me in the hot springs and see if I melt?
Ahh...
Mmm.
There's something you have to know.
- Something I have to tell you. - That's all over.
Nothing can change that.
- June... - Mm?
- David's death... - Mm...
Don't. Don't. It's another life.
There's something you have to know.
Don't, don't say any more. Don't.
The thing was, I was responsible.
- I love you! Don't! - It was my fault.
Don't! Don't, don't, don't, don't.
Ooh! Ooh!
Mr M?
Mr M? Sorry to disturb you. There's a telephone call. It sounds important.
A Mr Dick Mellen. He says he's your lawyer.
Dick, how'd you find me?
Come on, Griff, who the hell do you think you're talking to?
Yeah. What's going on?
- Levison's out. - Out?
They gave him six hours to clean out his office.
Who's taken over?
All we know is Reggie Goldman went home with the clap, or something.
- So am I now in a position to...? - I don't wanna talk about studio politics.
Why the hell didn't you mention this Kahane business?
Kahane. I tried to, Dick, but...
Not hard enough. Be at the Pasadena police station in about four hours.
Pasadena? What for?
For a fucking line-up, that's what for. They got a witness, evidently.
Look, I've found you a guy. Gar Girard.
He's a top-flight criminal lawyer. He's tough, he's hard-nosed.
Don't you talk to anybody else. Just get there.
- I'll be there. - Griffin, this is a tough one.
Good luck.
Thanks.
Mr Mill. The studio's very upset about the publicity this might generate.
But I'll handle the press, police, judge and witness.
Thank you for coming without a fight. It's in your best interest.
- You sleep in that suit? - Mill, get away from her. She's the enemy.
- Hi, Susan. I had a lovely time at the Mint. - I can't believe you remember it.
Mr Mill, Gar Gerard. I'm here to represent you. Dick Mellen called me in.
They've got a witness and want you to do a line-up. If you say no, they'll arrest you.
If you get identified, I'll get you off on bail.
Now, this witness lives across the street from the parking lot.
Even if she makes an identification, a positive ID, it was very late at night.
By the time I've finished with her, there will be a new legal standard for blindness.
This is just like they do it on television.
Don't worry about a thing. You can see them, but they can't see you.
Just tell the truth.
Oh, I will, because I saw him clearly.
All right, Allen, fire it up.
Number one, step forward. Make a quarter turn to the right.
- Are those prescription glasses? - You can't ask her that.
- It's very hard, you know. - Oh, yeah, I know.
- I don't wanna pick the wrong one. - No. God forbid.
You just take your time.
Anybody look, er,... vaguely familiar?
Well, you know...
Take your time.
Number three, take one step forward.
This is not easy. I mean, I am trying.
Just take your time.
I did see him clearly.
Tsk.
Mm... No, no. I don't...
- Number four. - Look hard. Take a good look.
- I did, I did. I am. - Quarter turn to the right.
- Could I see, um,... number three again? - Let's see number five now.
- Could, could I...? - Can she call her own numbers?
- Excuse me. - She can say who she wants to see.
- Five, take one step forward. - Um,... excuse me. Um...
Number five.
- She can call who she wants. - You're absolutely right.
No, no,... the other one. That one.
- Which one? - Oh, oh, um... It's not number six. I...
Not number six.
- Three. - What do you mean, three?
- I think she can request... - Just a second. What number?
Him! That's him. I'd swear on my mother's grave.
- I think we're concluded here. - Th... Number three?
- Number three. Yes! - On her mother's grave.
- I think we heard what she said. - Yeah, I would... I would say so.
- Doug, take 'em out. - Number three. Thank you.
Ma'am, may I be personal? Where the fuck is your mother buried?
- Everyone, let's get out of here. - Let's get out of this sauna.
I don't know who got to that witness,...
.. but she wrapped up my case, picking that cop. You're a lucky man, Mr Mill.
- Goddamn it! No ramp again. - Witnesses can't be relied on.
Remember Witness For The Prosecution, Marlene Dietrich and Tyrone Power?
You're free as a bird. No witness, no crime.
Avery thinks you just got away with murder.
Everybody does, Mr Mill.
.. hallowed be Thy name.
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread...
.. and forgive us our trespasses...
.. for Thine is the kingdom...
You've made a wonderful movie. It-It's perfect.
It's Oscar time, Larry.
What?!
We're too late! Come on!
Come on!
- Hey! - Hit the fan! Get back!
- What took you so long? - Traffic was a bitch.
It's outstanding. The audience is gonna love it.
You... You sold it out!
How could you let him sell you out? What about truth and reality?
What about the way the old ending tested in Canoga Park? Everybody hated it.
We reshot it, now everybody loves it. That's reality.
But you had an ending which was true! You didn't give it a chance!
Who is this... person?
Does she know about working with grown-ups?
Bonnie, goddamnit, goddamnit. This is a hit. This is what we're here for.
Yeah, well, it didn't have to end this way.
- I want you outta here. - Good thinkin', Larry.
- I'm going over your head, Larry. - Bonnie,... you're fired.
Fuck you!
Oh, it takes more to make it in this business than a dirty mouth.
Gentlemen, the campaign.
Two points!
Celia, it's very important. I need to see him right now.
- No, Bonnie, he's very busy. - Celia, please!
- Bonnie! - It's me, Bonnie, we're friends.
Bonnie, you don't understand. I am not just me, I'm also the job.
Please! Please. Please.
Oh, honey, all right, all right. I'll try. OK?
Three points! Take that!
Oh, Walter, stop that nonsense!
Griffin, it's Bonnie.
She's here.
Take that!
- Did he fire her? - Yes, sir, I guess he did.
Well, I can't see her now.
I promised I'd be home early.
Tell her I'll get back to her. Walter, get your foot off the fucking couch.
Tell her yourself.
- OK, well, could you hold, please? - Griffin. Griffin?
- Larry Levy's office, it's very important. - Griffin, please, can we talk about it?
Bonnie, you'll land on your feet. I know it. You're a survivor.
Griffin, it's Larry Levy's office. He says it's very important.
Put it in the front seat.
Give it a minute and transfer it to the car phone.
Yeah?!
Griffin, I have Larry Levy on the line.
Larry, how did the screening go? How's my new ending?
Fantastic! Fantastic! Worked like gangbusters!
- That's why you get the big bucks, Griff. - Yeah, yeah. Stop kissing my ass, Larry.
- What do you want? Can't this wait? - I don't think it should.
This is hot! I got a writer here who's got a pitch you oughta hear.
It's a great idea.
- Yeah? Who's the writer? - I'll put him on the speaker. Hold on.
Hiy a, Griff. Remember me?
I'm the asshole who used to be in the postcard business.
- You? - Right. The king of suspense himself.
- Remember me? - I haven't heard from you for a while.
Well, I've been busy. I've been writing a script. I got inspired.
Tell him! You'll love this, Griffin!
It's a Hollywood story, Griff, a real thriller.
It's about a shitbag producer, studio exec,...
.. who murders a writer he thinks is harassing him.
Problem is, he kills the wrong writer.
Now he's got to deal with blackmail as well as the cops.
But... here's the switch. Son of a bitch, he gets away with it!
Larry, I wanna talk to him privately.
Sure thing. This is a winner, Griffin.
- He gets away with it? - Absolutely.
It's a Hollywood ending.
He marries the writer's girl. They live happily ever after.
- Can you guarantee that ending? - If the price is right, you got it.
- If you can guarantee that, you got a deal. - I guarantee it, Griff.
- What d'you call this thing, anyway? - The Player.
The Player.
I like that.
What took you so long?
The traffic was a bitch.
Subtitles by Jane Luchford Intelfax Media Access