The past is a foreign country: They do things differently there."
Can you use pesos here?
Australes, you need australes.
I want to buy rock-candy, fudge and chocolates with air in them.
With air?
Yes, with air, like aero bars.
They've got these chocolates here with air in them.
So they're less fattening...
I can't believe Los Prisioneros are playing in Mendoza!
Now that is what I call striking it big.
Yeah, especially since they're not musicians,
that's what's most impressive about it.
You're such a fascist, cousin.
Hey, don't get me wrong: I voted No despite that horrible jingle...
...so don't hassle me, Luc, ok?
I loved that jingle, I really liked it!
Dang, this is like a scene out of a John Ford movie,
Argentina... Here we come!!
It was awesome, fucking awesome!
My feet are killing me!
The concert was amazing.
...Sublime, brilliant!
It's a shame it's already over. I wish it'd lasted more...
It would've been great to film everything.
That would've been great, love.
How about another pizza? If we have only two we'll starve.
What's on a calabresa pizza?
There's one with ananá
What's that?
Pineapple.
No, thanks.
Chernovsky... pineapple? Really?
Yeah, like sweet-and-sour.
I must admit that N'Dour surprise me, you were right Cousin,
I told you.
Sting sucked big-time.
Nobody can sing in a foreign language.
Depends. Julio Iglesias sings in English and sells loads in the States
he tripled his world-wide sales.
Julio Iglesias is disgusting in English, Spanish, Portuguese and Hebrew
specially Hebrew.
But at least people relate to him ...I mean... he's commercial.
And? Does that means he's good?
Since when being commercial means you're good?
Shit, lots of times.
When?
Steven Spielberg.
Close Encounters," is brilliant!
It's good.
I had to get up and leave. Spielberg is too Reagan and American for my taste.
Too many European art-films can cause brain damage,
Anyway, Julio Iglesias, good or bad, is...
- Bad - Way bad
- Good or crap, who cares... - We care. I care.
Let me finish,
good or crap...
Crap.
Hey, cut it out.
Julio Iglesias is a guy who made it into a difficult market...
...a real tough market. I think that's an accomplishment.
An accomplishment?
Yeah!
How can you admire Julio Iglesias?
Respect! Julio Iglesias is less "admirable" than Los Prisioneros.
They are both just commercial artists.
You can't compare Los Prisioneros with Julio Iglesias.
Iglesias is just marketing; he's just an invention, nothing else.
And Los Prisioneros? All these local new wave bands...
They're not proletarian chic. They are fucking uptown inventions.
At least Julio Iglesias doesn't pretend to be something he is not.
More respect when talking about Los Prisioneros
don't forget The Sex Pistols...
...were crap musicians but changed the story of rock
But rock isn't always music...
Anything else?
Yes, a calabresa, please.
Ok.
These Argentinean chicks are hot.
...sizzling hot, man.
Damned sassy!
OK, cousin. Magine you're at home...
and suddenly the phone rings and it's... Julio Iglesias!
What a bore!
Let me finish.
Go on.
It's this crummy singer, you know, a really lousy crooner...
he calls you to do the sound production for his next record...
...he offers you millions.
But not just a million or two...
but millions!
Money that you'd never save or see in your whole fucking life.
You'd take it or leave it?
Hang on... not everything is for sale.
Unlike yourself, Elfman...
No, Julián...
Let me explain...
Julián stop, don't call me Elfman please,
I'm not Danny Elfman, I'm barely Gastón Fernández.
OK, Mr. Gastón Fernández: Give me a straight answer.
We're waiting.
I'd really like to know what you'd say.
No!
Come on!
Millions, dude, millions.
I'd say no,
and not just to Julio Iglesias...
I'd do it for me,
I mean, some day, fifteen years later someone is going to read
one of my interviews, because I'm gonna have released a record
or somebody wants to work with me because of my background
and I just don't want my name associated with someone I look down on...
I won't sell out just because I'm going through a bad patch
that's caving in.
I'm never going to do something I don't believe in.
Look at those Chilean girls; they're not bad at all.
How do you know they're Chilean?
You can tell when a girl is Chilean anywhere in the world.
Especially snobs and airheads!
Hey watch it, no!
Shit, you're so stupid!
Hey... don't go!
I'm going to the hotel to get something.
Hostel. That two-star joint is not a hotel.
Ok. Hostel.
Nothing, I'll be back in a minute.
That's my cousin. Go, dude, go!
I'm orange belt.
I have come here in peace". Hi.
I thought this was a big country... What can I do for you?
Chilean?
I caught the accent.
The "tune" as they call it. Did you know that?
Do you need something?
No
I mean... I've lost my friends, My gang.
They've probably smoking joint in some park.
Your gang?
Yes... I mean my people... mates, friends, I don't know, my friends
Your friends are at the pizzeria,
I saw you with them. So if you go back...
Ah you know them?
No, but I saw you with them.
So, you were looking at me... good!
I saw you there; I wasn't looking at you.
But I was looking at you!
We've met before somewhere else.
I doubt it.
- No, I'm sure of it. - I don't think so.
At the record shop! I've got a really good memory.
Gastón...
I'm Gastón, I hadn't introduced myself.
I know it's an ugly name, but... it doesn't mean I'm ugly,
on the inside, I mean... nor on the outside.
Are you high?
No... I don't use drugs I'm not very cool.
The ones that take drugs see themselves as artists;
those of us that are real artists don't need to get high.
Cordelia.
Cordelia... Like in Delia.
No, my gym teacher's Delia;
my boyfriend calls me Cor.
- So you've got a boyfriend? - Yes.
Of course, your type are born with boyfriends
So, why isn't he here? Why didn't he come?
What do you care?
Yep, right, what do I care, point for you
He stayed in Santiago he doesn't like rock music.
Interesting... I sort of like him.
He also voted "Yes."
I don't like him so much.
Juan Pablo...
no... don't tell me his name
I hope you're not an actress I mean, with that name...
No... I study architecture.
- What about you? - No, I don't.
I study music at the University of Chile, at the conservatoire.
I'm sort of going through a composition stage
I want to compose music for films but not just for movies
I've got loads of projects,
...many ideas.
I also want to write songs, but not just popular songs,
but songs like short symphonies. Am I boring you?
No.
This is it.
Are you from Santiago?
Yes.
- You got a phone number? - Yes
I'm not going to give it to you, I can't.
Santiago's a big city. We might not see each other ever again.
We bumped into each other here, why not there?
Yes, maybe, maybe you're right.
It wouldn't have worked out anyway. We're too different,
...meeting someone at a concert can be even worse than meeting at a club.
This wasn't going anywhere.
Still it's sort of sad. Because I think we sort of like each other.
It's late.
Good night.
Have a good trip.
Bye.
Don't stop...
I like it. What's it called?
It's called...
Finding out"
and It's dedicated to someone I met somewhere, in some country.
Here you can forget everything...
Everything and yet... nothing.
I remember this summer I spent in Osorno...
all my friends weren't there, I was on my own, all alone.
Did you have a good time?
Actually, I did. Now I realize I didn't have a bad time at all.
It would be great to be always like this.
Life should always be like this...
Here I feel calm, safe... What are you scared of?
The future, and you?
Hurting others.
Regretting.
Having no friends.
Ending up alone.
Missing someone.
Remembering.
What's up Mr. Nelson. Scrambled eggs, please.
Cecilia tried to reach you all night,
she wants to know where you spend the night.
What did you tell her?
The truth, dude: That I had no Idea.
Thanks a lot, with friends like you...
Well, next time spell it out for me.
The gas bill came in.
You've got to pay because I don't want to run out of gas... ok?
Ok.
So?
So what?
Where the fuck did you sleep?
It's my fucking business.
- It's good? - Yeah.
It's the soundtrack for that Japanese horror film; the one Luc's going on about.
He's still stuck on that?
Yes, he's going to that screenplay workshop.
- It's good. - Is it?
It's not Bernard Herrmann, but it's a bit like Brian Eno.
I think it's awesome. Brilliant!
Decent. Good.
Luc says this guy makes the music for these cartoons, like Robotech.
Listen to this second piece. It's really good.
I'd really like to do something like this.
- Give me some eggs? - Sure
Go on, do it!
I decided not to take the exam. Last night knocked me out...
I need some coffee... I'll be back.
How was the concert? Did a lot of people go?
Half the people left on Wednesday.
There was only twelve of us it went on for six hours.
- Fuck, six hours? - Yes.
Shit, isn't music meant to condense time and not stretch it?
I think Stockhausen is overrated. I don't buy his shit.
I hate the Goethe Institute.
But it's the only chance to listen to him live.
Still... I hate the Goethe Institute.
Aspirin... anyone?
Drink water... lots of it.
I'm not hungry anymore. Do you think cocaine is addictive?
What do you think?
I almost forgot. Your cousin sent you this.
I saw him last night at The Trolley.
What? Luc?
What a place. For me, that's where Luc got the inspiration for the Disco Insomnia.
You've got eyeliner on, darling.
Use cold cream; it's the best way get makeup off.
I don't wear makeup. It's just eyeliner. Luc's idea.
Can you tell me what exactly is going on here?
You don't want to know, man.
The Killer Ants... is this a joke?
No, it's a really good script, Balthazar Daza did his part.
I hate that sucker.
Well, you hate half the world, but it's good. Read it, it's got style.
Sorry I'm late... I overslept.
Why sorry?
We agreed to have lunch together, don't you remember?
- No. - What a memory...
Hi, we had a good time last night, didn't we? You should've gone.
- You also went to The Trolley? - Yes, I missed you.
Why didn't you invite me?
I tried, but you were stuck at this concert that went on for eight hours.
No, six. Six hours.
I thought you were low.
Low? Just because I listen to some classical music?
Luc wants us to make the music, In fact. He wants you to make it, but I can help.
I don't know.
Gastón, fantasy film is your best ally, you can do your own thing.
Luc wants something wild!
You could really do something, trust me.
Have you listened to Howard Shore's work for David Cronenberg's films?
Sorry, Luc Fernández is not David Cronenberg!
- And you? - And me what?
And you... and you are?
Ok, ok, take it easy.
Fuck, there's no need to destroy and slag everything off. It's just an excuse...
- To not do anything. - Exactly.
I agree with Julián, it's a good opportunity. You should take it.
Maybe Luc Fernández becomes Luc Fernández, you never know.
You may regret it, Gastón.
I want to do it, I really do. We'll all be in it together.
Gato! You're getting it all dirty.
Ok. What's it about?
It's about this DJ that works in a club. The city is empty...
- Absolutely empty. - Ok
- Because when the river overflowed... - What river?
The Mapocho, you ninny.
It destroyed some walls and let these killer ants loose.
And these ants eat people who can't love...
that's why the city's empty, there's nobody around.
Because in this city there are only a few who are able to love. Just like us.
You've got to be kidding?
Look, it would be much more interesting to make a movie on ants eating...
...self-obsessed people who want to make a movie on ants eating loveless people.
- Shit, the film's not about ants! - It's a metaphor.
A metaphor about how it's impossible to live without love.
Now that's corny! What can I say? It's perfectly feasible to live without love.
In fact you live better without it. Less intensely, but you still live.
Hi. Fun night yesterday, huh?
You also went to The Trolley?
I've got your earrings. I'll return them later.
There was a vibe Gastón a cool vibe!
What are you talking about?
The Killer Ants. Gastón doesn't want to do it.
If you'd gone out with us last night, you'd understand.
Come on. Let's drop it.
Well, are you in or are you out?
It's a bit risky. Risky?
I mean, it could suck.
I really like the story. I think it's really sad.
Yes it's sad.
Lucky for me, I'm in love, so I'm safe!
I mean, I don't know. Honestly, I'm concerned about my career.
What career?
Hi guys.
This is Ivo. He's going to be in the film. I found him last night.
- At the Trolley? - Yes.
Hi.
I'm going to make you a star.
- What are you going on about? - About the fucking Trolley!
- No. We're talking about The Killer Ants. - The current obsession.
And? Are you in?
I need your help, man. I mean all your help.
I can't do it on my own.
But can't you think of something else?
I don't want any other Idea. I'm really excited about it. The plot is radical.
I've got hold of this black and white film,
Just imagine Santiago in black and white.
I want to be in it.
Thanks.
- But you are not an actress? - It doesn't matter.
Gastón, it's now or never.
Do it!
Come on, man, it's a great opportunity!
We're going to have a good time. We'll all be in it together.
Shooting a film is fun!
When you find your posse, there's no need to continue searching, got it?
Now or never Gastón... If not, I'll call your enemy.
- Really? - Yes.
- OK. All right. - Great!
But you've got to pay me.
I can give you my Pino Donnaggio record collection.
- Where do I sign? - Great!
- Does it hurt? - Yes!
- A lot? - No, not a lot. It just hurts.
Well, we're done. You can get dressed.
Thanks.
How old are you?
Thirty-three... four... thirty-four.
That's thirty-five thousand. How do you want to pay?
With a check.
Have you got a pen?
Is it yours?
- What? - The check.
No. It's someone else's, but he gave it to me.
It's not stolen.
My dad signed it. You can call him.
My pen.
You spent six years in New York doing God knows what!
God knows what? Dad, I was on a grant!
Yes. The Fernández grant. That grant sure cost me a lot!
I know how much it cost you. I was studying.
I wasn't doing nothing. And I had a job.
I still wake up and smell the coffee, because I worked at this café.
That's why I didn't compose as much as I would've liked to.
You can work in New York, but you can't work here?
Is it bad taste to work in Santiago de Chile?
I've tried everything with your...
And your mother who's...
I don't know.
Maybe it would've been better if I'd died instead...
- When the father dies... - What?
Boys grow up, they turn into men.
Without your mother, you seem like an orphan.
This bill's out of date, miss, I can't accept it.
I'm sorry. It's company policy.
Please, I've got to go back to Los Vilos. I don't fell very well...
I couldn't pay it any earlier!
But I can't accept it. Even if you're from Los Vilos.
Wait. We're both women, I've got to pay this bill.
It's out of date. The company doesn't let me accept them.
You have no more on this card...
Sorry we're late.
How're you doing?
Gastón, Paula...
Hi.
- It's great to see you, dude. - Yes, same here.
How I wished I had so much free time on my hands.
- Yes. - Let's go in.
What are we going to see?
This new band. A lot of things happened since you left.
- Now there's a scene down here... - Shall we go in?
Yeah.
Your clothes?
Shit. Hang on a minute.
Much better.
Do I look like I work for the enemy?
Who is it?
Gastón. Do you remember me?
Yes, of course. Are you here now?
Yes. Three months ago. When can we meet?
This is my number. I'll call you back.
Well, one thing I find funny is that you've always been Julián Balbo...
...and now you're known as Balbo. Why?
Well, no. I'm used to it, they call me Balbo;
I don't go around telling everyone to call me Balbo,
Anyway, at least it's shorter...
and people like it. I'm happy with Balbo. It works.
The other question, in this new magazine, Blank.
They say you're the person that saved Chilean music...
it can be one of two things: Either you're the flavor of the month
- or you truly saved the local scene. - It says I saved Chilean music?
Yes. I guess that in some way it's true.
I don't know if it's... like saving it but, sure, I've helped...
Certain things worked well before I entered the scene.
I think that... I think they're also exaggerating,
but yes... perhaps. Who knows?
Well you've been quite successful; you were nominated for a Grammy,
two MTV nominations, you work with Ceratti, Los Babasónicos...
I guess I've made the right decisions at the right time.
- Perfect. - Thanks
Come in.
You should come around more often dear.
He barely comes round to see me...
- Sugar? - Two thanks.
Pension fund?
No.
Health insurance?
No.
Car?
No.
Bank account?
No, Dad, I don't have a bank account.
Life insurance?
No, not likely, no I don't.
What's so funny?
No, nothing. I just remembered something.
Shall we go on? Royalties?
No... Yes, I once got a check from Poland.
Poland?
Yes, Poland. Don't ask me why,
but The Killer Ants became a cult movie over there.
We never understood exactly why. Maybe because Pascal Barros looks Polish.
Did you cash it?
No, it was for seven dollars. I kept it. It's framed on the wall.
I'm being serious, Gastón.
So am I.
Any real estate?
Dad, you know I don't.
There are lots of things I don't know about you.
Why should assume anything?
I don't understand what's going on here. I came here to talk about a loan.
That's what we're doing. Shall we continue?
No, I don't own any real estate.
You don't own any property, you don't have a bank account,
or savings account, health insurance...
Do you have your identity card?
I pay my bills and rent my apartment.
Sorry, My apartment?
That I rent you that apartment below the market rate is another subject.
I helped you so you'd settle in, but you have to get your act together.
I'm going to raise the rent, It's not fair that you pay less than everyone else.
Plus, your rent is overdue Did you know that?
After paying all your expenses,
how much do you have left in case of an emergency?
Do you want to donate your change to Las Rosas Foundation?
No.
Hey... Gastón.
Man, how're you doing? How long has it been?
Yeah, a lot... I thought you were in L.A.
I go back and forth all the time. And you, dude?
Finished with Julliard? No more John Corliano?
No, no more.
So, are you like staying?
Yeah, it seems so.
Hang on a second... can you give me this, love?
When you left I was sure you'd stay in New York,
...fall in love, that you'd get married to an American girl,
and end up working with Tim Burton?
- Your ID please. - Sure.
No, wait, I'll pay for this and we're off.
This, please.
Yes, all on my account.
And you've been all right?
Yeah, all right.
You got something for headaches?
What's up, baby, you got a headache?
Yes. And you know why. I'll take them now.
Look man. I can't sleep. I'm stressed out, man.
I'm shattered. Too much stuff.
You know what's wrong, I'm incapable of delegating.
- Do you want something? - No, thanks.
- Chewing gum? Anything? - I've already got something, thanks.
- You're sure? Anything? - Yes.
Shit, Sorry I always forget the pin number...
- I always invent pin numbers... - Wait, I'm something else.
Sure go on.
I've got a headache from working all day.
I'm going crazy. Mixing sounds and shit.
So, are you composing anything?
- A little. - A little?
No.
Let's go.
Gaston, this is my girlfriend. Maybe you've seen her on TV?
- Yes. Gastón Fernández. - Vanessa.
I'll leave you guys alone
Yes, I'll be along soon.
I'll wait for you in the car. Hope to see you soon.
- Yes, right. - Hurry up.
Give me the stuff...
Pretty.
Real pretty and talented. I'll tell you one thing:
They try to convince you that it doesn't matter if your girl is pretty or ugly...
It's no true man, It's much better to have a pretty one!
We should get together, my place, for dinner.
Yes, sure. Good idea.
You got a mobile or something?
Sure, I'm not that broke.
- What? - Nothing.
Well, here's my card.
You look good, bro, seriously, really good.
Bye.
We'll have to share, your fridge's empty.
I haven't brushed my teeth.
Neither have I.
You used to buy the ones with chopped fruit in the bottom.
I didn't find any coffee.
Did you ever use the coffee maker I gave you?
It broke a couple of years back.
Real coffee is too expensive.
I think there's some Nescafe.
Why did you stay the night?
Because I felt like it.
Or because your jerk of a boyfriend is away.
Can we change the subject?
Shit it's late!
It's Saturday?
I've still got to go.
Why?
Because it's wrong.
- No it isn't... - Forget it!
I'm designing a mall down south,
it overlooks the sea.
Do you missed me?
I'm not going to answer that...
Yes...
sometimes...
Not that much really...
Yes.
It' Strange
when I lived away I always met different people all the time.
Now, I keep bumping into the same idiots that I don't even want to see.
I've spent too much time abroad and suddenly I notice that everyone has ...
Changed?
Yes, changed. And for the worse.
It depends.
What do you mean it depends?
Are you talking about Balbo?
I mean Julián, Luc, Cancino... I mean...
- Me? - Yes, you.
Maybe... I don't know.
It's hard to look at yourself in the mirror.
Maybe a little Changed, but not older.
Have you got any dental floss?
No.
And a bit flabbier!
You're hairier, before you were less hairy.
Yes. I decided to wax so I could get hairler!
If you judge people by how they when were when teenagers,
obviously everyone does change.
But if you look at it from another perspective...
Which one?
From where? From underneath?
No, idiot. From today's perspective.
I don't think it's that bad.
What do you mean?
Asking a youngster to be consistent...
is like asking an illiterate to talk about books
you don't know who you are, much less know what you want?
I didn't know anything. If you're a left wing guerrilla leader or a poser...
it's not because you want to be one, it's because you can't be something else.
Perhaps.
They are within their rights. They are entitled to...
To what?
You shouldn't get annoyed. You should feel happy for Julián and Luc,
They made it!
And you?
I can't complain.
I saw Cordelia at a birthday party on Tuesday.
Really?
She's was looking good. Have you seen her?
No... Yes... Was she with her boyfriend?
I suppose so. I didn't talk to them.
Julián! I'm here with Gastón...
...we're thinking of going clubbing on Thursday.
Get in touch, dude... bye.
Don't you want any more fries?
No.
I'll eat them then.
Hey, they're mine!
Perhaps you should live with other people...
you could split the bills.
I've got a spare room.
Why don't you come and live with me?
It'd be great.
We could ask for pizza, have some girls around
Dad, that's my room.
But your uncle could borrow it, couldn't he?
Don't call me uncle. I'm not your uncle.
What's up with you? I'm no longer 20. And I suppose...
- What? - What?
I don't know...
It's different down here,
it's more depressing, especially on Sundays.
I think about the future, I sort of freak out!
You shouldn't think about things...
...much less on Sundays.
I did once and...
Chemovsky, was really nice to you.
I always thought she had a crush on you!
No way.
She always looked down on me.
She was a little too bothersome, wasn't she?
It's awful what she went through. It's sort of sad.
Why? I mean, you dig your own grave, man
it's sad to say it, but that's the way it is!
Poetic justice. All the bad blood ends up poisoning you.
It kills you.
What the fuck happened?
What didn't happen?
Bad management.
She let herself go.
Hang on...
Is it that serious?
Very serious, Chernovsky lost a leg. They had to cut it off.
What?
Yes, too bad. But that's life.
She was run over.
It was her fault. Well, not her fault but...
She was dead drunk.
I bumped into her a couple of months ago...
...I wanted to say hello but. She didn't look too good
She was broke. At the hospital she was treated like shit...
She was in Los Vilos.
And what was she doing in Los Vilos?
That's where she lived,
she tried to run for mayor, representing the left, but she lost.
She made handicrafts, and drank a lot
She lived alone in a beach house
Yes, she was looking after it, so she didn't have to pay rent
the worst part was that she was pregnant!
A fisherman
Luckily she lost the baby.
She used to rant love, marriage
but she still wanted a family.
The fisherman was married, he had about seventeen kids.
Hang on... what the fuck's this?
Fiction? This is like a fucking soap opera!
Life for most is worse than a fucking soap opera!
It's daytime TV!
What's the point in studying if you are going to end up an alcoholic,
lose a leg, and end up living in fucking Los Vilos!!
What have you got against Los Vilos? I think it's a nice beach.
She didn't even have health insurance!!
Pathetic.
That's why she wasn't transferred to Santiago.
She couldn't even afford her treatment.
So she got gangrene. That was it.
She's in Copiapó now, living with these uncles.
The family refused to have held her her because of the fisherman thing.
Sure! She always used to ignore them.
They were too fascist, too Jewish for her...
She was all on her own.
And you can't be on your own when you're sick.
You can be on your own watching TV, or when you wanna jerk off,
Yeah, loneliness and anxiety are a bad mix.
The market is cruel.
Fuck, what has the market got to do with it?
Is much better to take advantage of it than being destroyed by it.
She was always a bit of a loser.
A real loser.
Maybe the theory of the three chances is perhaps true.
What theory?
You don't know?
Well, God gives you three chances to escape from hell.
Three strikes and your out.
She didn't see the warnings.
We all end up paying for our mistakes.
You can't write poetry and make handicrafts...
and expect the country or the government to pay for your hobbies.
What've you got against poetry? There're some really good poets around.
She believed herself better than everyone else.
But in the end, she didn't know everything.
I should really feel bad about all this...
But how the fuck can you care about a bitch...
who doesn't give a shit about reality.
It's fucking irresponsible! That is not what I call idealism.
It's just being fucking stupid.
It's sad, but she asked for it.
Let's go to the lounge of the City Hotel. I could use a drink.
I wouldn't mind doing a line!
Great idea! Let's go.
Come on!
No, I'd rather walk, I'll call you.
Ok. Bye.
The only thing you have to understand is that you're not born with knowledge
in this job you learn something everyday,
each customer's a world of his own, you're never be totally prepared.
When people think of a home, they're actually thinking about the future.
That's when craziness begins, everyone's vulnerable.
Isn't it nice?
You're the one in charge, don't forget it!
Dad told me you'd give me part of your customer portfolio.
Luckily I'm doing quite well, If not, I wouldn't give you any
No, just kidding...
I'll give you some of my difficult customers,
and some apartments that are sort of hard to close.
But in a week you'll get lots of new houses.
It moves very quickly...
That's a nice blouse, Berni where did you get it?
It's a present.
From an admirer?
Then make the most of it! Do we sweetener?
Welcome to the company, Gastón.
I think you've made the right decision.
People see houses like a first date.
Many hope to fall in love at once
...which is stupid because, love at first sight exists,
but it doesn't work out.
But there are idiots who fall it at once
...and fall in love.
Cousin, another thing...
What?
An apartment with two and half bedrooms
is always a three bedrooms apartment.
That's crucial.
Ma'am, we're done.
Go ahead.
Hey since you studied this, how does it sound? Is it balanced?
Sorry, I studied music, not sound.
It sounds great!
Yes? Come in.
Hey.
Is everything clear?
Yes.
Ok. Here, take it.
Here are some cards.
They obviously don't have your name,
but write down your number on the back,
...your mobile. You got it working, don't you?
Yes.
It's really important to write down your mobile number.
It's a marketing technique that never fails...
I learnt it in a course I took last year.
It's much more personal. Get it?
Got it.
Hey, how do I look?
Awful!
Pancho, come in.
This is Gastón, my cousin, he's going to help you look around.
He knows well what you're looking for.
Hi, Gastón.
Hi.
No.
I don't like it.
It's too feminine.
What do you think?
I know what turns me on and what doesn't,
and sorry, but this place just doesn't get me hard.
This is so fucking awesome.
This is so Gotham City
And the confessional? Where is it?
But there isn't a confessional, this isn't a church!
I thought cardinals used to live here?
This used to belong to a religious order, but I don't exactly know which one!
But you Catholics understand these things.
Yes, well, but I'm not that catholic.
Just awesome...
How many rooms?
It has... fourteen, fourteen rooms; ten have in-suite bathrooms,
Downstairs are two dining rooms. What, what's the idea of your...
My idea, I want this for me.
Why don't you move.
Yes, I could easily film here.
It's like the set of Spiderman IX.
The owners' idea is to rent it to a...
...professional institute or college,
When your father's secretary called...
My secretary, ok?
Do you know who my dad is?
I think it's too dark.
You'll have plenty of light. The windows are enormous...
It's still dark...
It's warm in here.
You won't be cold. It has central heating.
It's an old building. It's nice.
Do we have to pay in advance?
What?
Do we have to pay a month in advance?
Yes, of course. And a percentage for the real state agent
And do we need a co-signer?
Yes.
Who else is moving in?
Us and two other friends.
And who's going to sign the contract?
I am.
And do you have a bank account?
No.
Do you have a co-signer?
Elisa's mum.
I'm Elisa.
And does your mum have a bank account?
Yes. Of course.
Can I ask you a question?
Yes, sure.
You're the guy from. The Killer Ants, aren't you?
No.
Work with me.
We had the best projects.
Do you remember?
That was a long time ago.
The best of times.
Do you think so?
I don't even know who you are anymore.
Now they call you "Balbo".
Why do you want me?
Because you're a genius,
You have talent. I don't want you to throw it all away...
...because of your stupid hang-ups.
Genius?
I was a promise, barely a promise.
You were the one who won a Grammy!
A Grammy's nothing,
That's not art. It's bureaucracy.
You just have to lobby well. It's easy.
What you did with The Killer Ants that was from the inside.
I feel really detached from The Killer Ants.
Let me help you.
I'm not asking you for help?
But I want to. Please let me.
What do you need?
A guitar? A studio?
People to help you?
Someone to help you compose?
Hi!
Hi.
Wasabi?
Why didn't you invite me?
Ozu.
We went there to eat.
Hey, Living-Comedor is great. I loved it!
I told you...
But we've got to get rid of the bass player. He's not cool.
Oh, what a bore...
But I loved them. They're great. I owe you
I know baby, I know.
Hi!
How are you?
Fine.
I'm sleepy. I'm gonna go.
No, wait.
I still haven't finished with you.
Don't hide yourself under your talent.
Honey,
Bring us two Jack's, please.
Anything else?
- No. - Ok.
You're scared stiff and it's evident.
Everyone can tell. I've noticed.
You've got to change.
Why? Do I have to be like you?
Are you the free-market role model that I'm supposed to follow?
I'd rather be true to myself than be like you...
...or one of your new best friends.
Guys.
Laser.
Why?
No, I don't understand. What happened to you?
J.J.C. C!
Do you remember we used to call you that?
Julián Cristóbal, from the Communist Youth and shit.
Now, I'd hardly recognize you.
You've got a UFO hanging from your ear, dude! What happened?
Ok. I've changed.
Perhaps I'm not the one used to be,
but at least I don't hate myself.
Look, look who's here!
Sometimes...
I even like myself.
Do you really think that I take all of this seriously?
Well, I don't. What for?
At least I'm not going around renting apartments.
Stop all this real estate shit...
...and start composing like be Danny Elfman again.
That's what we used to call him. Hard to imagine, right, Elfman?
I rather do that than being a fucking sell-out. Asshole
Why don't you go fuck yourself? How old are you, huh?
We all have a price, dude.
Problem is no one has ever made you an offer.
If you haven't got a bank account then we'll need a co-signer.
But what for, if we're going to pay cash!
Yes, but to get the money...
you obviously need a bank, right?
Young man, I think you haven't understood.
Emita has been very clear.
We want to buy it now. We'll pay cash!
You see, my mother has to move to Santiago,
because she's not well...
Be quiet woman. Quiet!
Why don't you shut up! Shut up!
The weather has nothing to do with your mother.
Let me recap. What is it you want exactly?
- You want to pay cash for the apartment? - Exactly.
- No co-signer, no bank? - Exactly.
- And immediately? - Exactly.
Yes, but as quickly as possible.
I don't want to go through all those formalities with banks.
No, I hate banks
- We'd obviously like a discount... - Of course.
What's up? Got a guilty conscience?
Don't worry, I'm a gentleman, I won't tell anyone.
No, it's not that.
It's just...
What then?
Nothing.
What?
Nothing.
Gerardo proposed to me married.
And what did you say?
If I...
Gastón Fernández from Chile.
Shit, the way we're going you're never going to find me and apartment.
But still, to find a four-bedroom in Santiago...
Hey, they exist, I know they do.
How long have you been working in real estate?
A couple of months... two months.
And are you on a diet?
Why?
Your cart, man.
I'm looking for a present.
Ok. Gotta go
Ok.
Hey, Mr. Genius!
Happy birthday!
Look, everybody's here!
Well, I won't stay long.
- You look great! - Thanks.
You look fantastic! Honest, I'm not lying!
Let's take a look at you. Turn around.
- You've completely changed. - That was the idea.
We must do lunch, right? Right?
- Hey Tania! - Hi.
My fiancée.
- Happy birthday! - Thanks.
- So, how old are you? - Thirty-three, the age of Christ!
I knew you'd say that.
- What? - Nothing.
Hey, cousin!
Everything ok? Pawer?
Tania, my cousin Gastón.
Didn't you move away? Abroad somewhere?
Yes, New York.
We love New York.
It's a pity the family doesn't get together very often.
Not even for Thanksgiving.
We must have a family reunion.
I've heard of you, I've read about you in the papers,
I know you're making films, but I don't go to the cinema very often.
TV, man, now everything's TV.
They're not your kind of films,
But you earn a fucking lot!
It’s so good to see you cousin.
Honest!
Hey... man!
Did you see him?
Did you hear him accent? What's up with him?
Has he gone mad? Talk to him. He totally freaked out.
Relax, man. We're going to have a good time...
This is just getting started.
I've got tons of things to celebrate!
This is like a school reunion, isn't it?
Great idea,
A dinosaur right in the middle of the party? Shit,
What a great metaphor! Getting older...
Shit it's such a great idea.
Gato, that's not a dinosaur.
It's a whale, you jerk! A whale!
Anyway, brilliant idea. Happy birthday!
Drinks?
What a jerk!
- Everybody here looks like a star! - Yes.
- Anyway... - What?
Here, a present.
I burnt some stuff by Tod Dockstader and Philip Glass.
Ah! Perfect!
Elfman, you always surprise me!
But next time, I want something by you.
Look at me, some of your stuff, ok?
Ok.
I knew you'd come. I'm glad you did.
I'm getting a drink.
You're not drinking anything. Do you want something?
- No, nothing, thanks. Honestly. - Are you sure?
Do you think it's bad to be ambitious?
- What? - Do you think it's bad to be ambitious?
Sometimes people think it's bad to be ambitious. I don't.
Yes, it's good. I guess...
I was just thinking,
Maybe I should change my name?
Vanessa Voss sounds strange, doesn't it?
Or maybe I should stick to my real name?
And what is it?
Silvina Zarate.
Vanessa Voss.
You're Right.
What would you like?
How much is it?
It's on the house.
That's what you think!
Hi, Gaston Fernández.
You scared me!
My mum always said it was one of my traits...
scaring people.
What are you doing here?
I'm a friend of the birthday boy, or something.
It's comfortable being "or something".
I was just wondering what you were doing here in the hall?
Looking at dead animals.
I thought you were hiding.
And you?
Me?
Yes, I'm hiding. It's just that I don't know anybody.
I came with Renzo.
- You know him, don't you? - No, I don't.
Did you bump into someone you know?
A girlfriend, an ex girlfriend?
No, I told you so.
Sorry. What's your name?
Elisa.
Sorry, Elisa.
It's ok. Don't worry.
And did you rent out the apartment?
Yes. To an older couple.
- More responsible than us? - No, I didn't say that.
But you meant it.
No. Senior citizens. Today everything's about them.
Did you find an apartment?
No, I backed out.
Renting?
No. Sharing a flat with Renzo.
And you...
Do you work? Or study?
I study literature. And I work...
One has to work to make a living. Don't you?
Yes, sure.
I work in a restaurant. I'm a waitress.
Modern cuisine.
But not too expensive.
And it's not that "in".
It's for normal people.
The chef's going through a Quinoa phase. Do you like it?
Is it a drug?
No, it's food.
- Do you like Gazpacho? - No.
What's it like to study literature?
Literature?
I suppose it's pretty much...
...the same like studying music.
Abstract like the air.
I really want to be a literary editor.
An editor corrects, just like a musical producer.
You know what?
I've fallen in love with you.
Have you gone completely mad?
No, why?
Don't you think someone can fall in love at first sight?
Yes, but...
Hey, relax. It's not true, I'm not in love,
in fact, I've decided not to fall in love ever again.
Especially not with a musician.
But still,
I like the idea of falling in love with someone like you.
I mean, whenever you meet someone,
Perhaps men wonder what a girl's like in bed.
I always wonder...
...what it would be like to love someone like that.
Anyway, it's the same process with everyone I meet,
not just you, so don't worry.
Especially, when I don't like the person.
Thanks a lot. I really appreciate it!
No, I like you.
I mean a bit,
I think.
Renzo gave me your record,
The Killer Ants.
Do you know what I liked the most?
Your photo on the sleeve.
You looked so...
...sad,
...like staring at something...
...in the distance.
I think I even dreamt with you a couple of times.
Several times!
It's true.
This is the scene when I should call the police.
And the public realizes that you're a serial killer,
and the hero doesn't know he's going to be chopped up into little pieces...
No.
I'm not that sad!
Photos don't lie.
Neither does your music.
You didn't come with your friend?
She trusts me.
Which one is it?
That one.
- Really? - Yes.
I want it!
But you haven't even seen it!
But look around!
The square, the fountain.
Honestly, I like it more than the other ones we've seen.
Yes, but you should really look at it.
No it's Ok. I want to live here.
Does it have a gas leak?
Yes.
- Any rats? - No.
"Gastones"?
Carla's really going to like it.
Obviously not as much as I do.
Thanks, Mr. Real Estate Agent.
Thank you very much!
Have you been swimming?
Yes. Why?
You smell of chlorine. Did you shower?
No. I was in a rush.
In a rush? Or you don't like taking showers in public?
Well, we'll have to celebrate. What shall we do?
And what's your boyfriend's name?
Clemente.
Clemente! What a name!
Why? I like it.
It's old, historical.
Anyway, Clemente died.
So there's no need to be jealous.
No, I'm not jealous.
How did he die?
He committed suicide because of me.
- You're putting me on, right? - No.
You don't think someone could fall madly in love with me?
- No. Yes, but... - But what?
No, he died in an accident.
A good...
day...
Today has been a good day...
You're sort of weird.
Look who's talking.
I used to be normal.
When?
Some time ago. When I had friends, money, a girlfriend...
You?
You had a girlfriend?
What, you didn't think I could?
No, but...
I don't know, can't picture it. It doesn't suit you!
- It doesn't suit me? - No.
What was her name?
Cordelia...
Her name was Cordelia.
Cordelia?
Pretty name.
I like it.
She was at the party of my millionaire friend.
You might have seen her.
She had short hair, didn't she?
Yes?
Yes.
I noticed her.
I could sense these strange vibes.
But she has...
...a new boyfriend now, right?
She must've loved you a lot, though.
And how would you know?
How would she have put up with you, if she hadn't?
Elisa! I guess it's for you!!!
It's you!
Yes,
I came to see you.
Well you've seen me, I'm not see-through.
- Can I come in? - Yes, come in.
How did you find me?
Fernanda.
It's not that difficult!
That information should really be confidential.
I wanted to know where you were.
I wanted to see you. I wanted...
What did you want?
Saved by the bell! You've got to go.
No,
I wanted to say sorry.
I stood you up the other day and I know why.
Yes, I also know. More or less why.
But you don't know everything...
- Excuse me. Hello! - Hello. Come in.
I'm Carmen Gloria.
Fernanda sent me. I've come to see the apartment.
As you can see, it's really spacious. Old, but sturdy.
Yes, it's enormous.
Compared to my room that's like a shoebox.
I still live with my parents.
When was it built?
1938, it's a jewel. They go quickly.
You can tell its old, yes. I mean, high ceiling,
...and in such a good location.
Right in the center, the center of Santiago, center of Chile...
Are you in a hurry, I mean, sorry but...
Elisa...
I need to talk to him. Please.
Look, can you stay here, look around...
and he'll be back in a minute, please?
Hang on, sorry. Look, I'm working here.
I get a commission for this job.
OK, check it out. The place is all yours.
Yes.
Ok. Can we get this over and done quick?
That lady inside probably doesn't deserve to be treated like that.
I shouldn't be doing this. It's not very professional, ok?
You saw Renzo. You left me waiting. I forgive you.
I don't mind. We're just friends.
I forgive you, ok
If you want, we can meet up later on.
Wait...
What?
Renzo's dog died.
He asked me to go with him to the vet and...
I went.
Can you come down?
The dog died.
And...
...I went to Renzo's house.
I had never seen him like that before...
...so fragile.
I had never seen him cry.
I thought I had I had fallen in love with him again.
And I slept with him.
I hugged him, and...
I stayed all night.
And in the morning, as I walked home...
to the place you got me...
I couldn't get you out of my mind.
Bernardita told me something about La Parva.
Fernandal, can you take care of it?
Yes, no problem, uncle.
What's upsetting you?
Is something the matter?
No, nothing.
Hello?
Yes I can hear you.
Did you tell him?
And? No, Yes. I understand, it's absolutely clear.
But you listen to me, he's my old man.
I'm doing it for my brothers. Just for them.
I don't really give a damn if my psychopath dad shot me,
as long as Matias and...
Let's talk about it tomorrow,
Ok? I'll call you. Yes, bye.
My lawyer.
I suppose you overheard?
No, no.
I hope you are not getting the wrong idea!
That I'm from a family of gangsters. And... that I might shoot you
...and end up staining all the fucking floor.
You aren't a real estate agent, are you?
No, I'm a musician.
And do you play something? Are you in a band?
No, I compose... I compose music.
Music?
Now that I look at you,
you do look like an artist.
After the shooting, I went to a psychologist,
and this chick, who was pretty hot,
told me to listen to music. Classical music
So I went to the concert hall,
they played Chocha... covik?
Ah... Shostakovich
Yeah, him. I hated it.
Instead of relaxing me,
my mind kept going back to that night with my dad.
When I went to see her again I told her...
I had to leave the concert because I got this sort of panic attack.
That instead of calming me down,
the fucking music just brought it back.
Since there's no singing.
You're just left there, on your own.
She ended up telling me that...
I was as guilty as my old man for what had happened.
That's the sort of fucked-up stuff shrinks tell you.
I wasn't born yesterday!
I went through all the top schools in Santiago
I Dropped out and afterwards sat for my exams.
After that, my mom died...
And I left with some friends and travel...
around Chile and Ecuador.
Have you been to Ecuador?
No.
Guayaquil is so cool. Fucking powerful
You're soaked all the time. It's on the coast. Awesome!
You should go.
I like this place.
I like it a lot...
When I was a kid,
my dad used to say I should think things over.
He'd make me his accomplice of whatever he did...
he'd still beat the shit out of me...
...with a belt. He'd also hit mom. That was fucked up.
My old man's problem was that he'd lose control.
He never forgave her for leaving him...
...he was very much in love,
...and all that love turned into this...
Can I smoke?
Yes, sure.
- Do you want one? - No, no thanks.
What really fucked up my old man...
...was that someone close had escaped his control.
You know Quinchamalí?
Yes.
My house...
It's on the way to the ski resort. Uptown.
Have you ever been to this thing that was called "The Far west"?
Yes...
...it's was this kid's place.
Quinchamalí used to be the Far West amusement park.
My house was built there.
...and it was a really nice house.
And what did you do with the house?
Nothing.
With all the legal issues, it was requisitioned for a long time.
Now there are...
...some housekeepers living in a cottage at the back.
I suppose my old man's family is going to sell it.
And we'll receive part of it, I hope.
Why? Is that the real estate agent talking?
...perhaps you'd live there, and save money.
Would you live in a house where your old man...
shot you twice in the stomach?...
That's where I ended up after Ecuador.
The illusion of Quinchamalí, reuniting the family.
It didn't last very long.
My old man started to do the usual...
he'd smack the kids around... Trini cried all day.
It was hell...
...until he just kicked us out.
We went to live with my mom's family.
They brought lawyers in, so he'd give us child support.
But the son of a bitch said...
he'd rather spend his money in jail than give us anything
That's when I lost it!
One night out at a party, at a friend's house, Marcelo's, my partner.
...we were about to start the car dealership.
I've always been fanatic about cars.
That night I was completely wasted, I set off in the car up the street...
You know how you get when you drink
...you're more defiant,
...but it works you up the wrong way, it brings out the worst in you.
And shit, I have a lot of fucking, twisted shit inside.
I arrived like a raving lunatic.
I'm must've been intimidating... a bottle in my hand,
I jumped over the fence, and I started banging on my old man's car.
So that the alarm would go off. A brand-new Audi, awesome,
But Nothing happened...
Then he appeared at the front door.
I'd never hit my dad before...
it was then that I realized I'd been longing to do it for ages.
I realized I wanted to kick the steaming shit out of him.
When the first shot went off,
I was facing the street.
I turned around and...
I heard the second shot that went diagonally through my stomach.
It's was good luck, because if it'd hit a bone, I'd be fucked- up.
I think that if I'd stayed still,
...he would have fired a third time
...and so forth until he'd killed me.
He said he hadn't recognized me...
that he thought I was a burglar...
But no...
...I don't think so.
That night he was lucid.
He knows the way I speak, walk...
I'm his son, aren't I?
Who said shots don't hurt?
I know how many shots he fired at me.
If he'd had the chance he would've killed me...
And when did this happen?
A year and two months.
It's heavy to put your dad in jail.
What do you think?
Hello uncle?
I've found a house in excellent conditions.
It's for sale.
It's a bargain, dirt cheap.
They need money, urgently.
Yes, I've got the owners' details.
Family troubles.
It looks like all hell broke out between them.
Yes. No problem.
Ok, I'll sort everything out. Ok, bye.
Hang on, I wanted to say something!
He was in a rush, as always.
Anyway, didn't you fall out?
Aren't you supposed to not be on talking terms?
Not anymore.
I haven't listened to this guy in years!
You never listened to this one either.
Who is it?
Really?
Well...
I don't know if it's very commercial but it has it's own style...
They're songs... I mean,
tracks without words.
Like short songs with no words.
What's it called?
Empty Apartments.
And is it any good?
Let's say I feel a bit embarrassed So I suppose...
It's nice.
You're sweating!
I'm glad you are here.
I wanted... to see you.
I'm glad you didn't go away.
I never left...
Wait.
About the other day. I don't think I reacted correctly...
You just reacted. I also didn't...
A while back I rented this apartment to this guy...
I don't know...
sometimes you feel like life has been unfair,
...and it all happened so quickly.
He just started talking, and began to confess and...
And what?...
It's a long story... Do you have time?
Yes.