MEMORIES UNLOCKED
Hi!
Who are you'?
Alice.
Pretty name. Want to draw?
Like this.
You draw a line.
Another one here, then another.
Laurel!
Readiness, I tell you…
It's essential.
Export A's.
You're not 18.
Think I'm dumb'? You made that on a computer.
I'm 18 next month.
So you'll smoke next month.
I have nice fruit. Buy fruit.
It's healthier.
Fuck you!
The fruit's hard. You keep it!
Pick a ripe piece and stop griping.
It's winter fruit. Everything's hard in winter.
So hard.
Give your mom a kiss.
That sparkle in your eye…
What's her name'?
Do I know her'?
Has Max been here'? - No, not yet.
You idiot.
Can a poor cripple come in and warm up'?
Hi, Max.
Lovely day, huh'?
Is Laurel in'?
Yeah, in the back.
Max, how about lunch?
Sure, if you're cooking.
Pasta?
Some tomatoes,
a few black olives,
dried tomatoes… - Some mushrooms.
Coming back to help me close up'?
The Web's the greatest. Everyone should be online.
No parmesan.
You're out of parmesan.
In the fridge.
The way you go on about the Web…
Heard the one about the Web junkie?
This Web junkie, like you… He's in hospital.
Very sick. The doctors have given up hope.
Lying on his death bed,
he says, "Where do I click to come back to earth?"
It's a true story.
OK, I have a story for you.
About a kid of 16.
Another Web junkie, can't leave his computer alone.
One night, he finds a site with a yucky name, Parents.
Parents… it's bilingual.
Where adopted kids can try to find their parents.
Right up his alley, cause he's adopted.
He enters his name, his date of birth…
For fun, you never know.
Two weeks later he gets an e-mail:
…l.m your mom."
Is that true'?
Why, that's great. Fantastic.
Does Pauline know?
No, not yet.
That'll be Julius. Come in.
It's me.
Pauline's waiting for me at the store.
See you tomorrow'?
Hi, Julius.
Here, I left you some cookies.
So,
what wonderful things happened today'?
Today, I was outside and Alice came.
She spoke first, not me. She did, Alice.
Alice is a pretty name.
She loves to laugh, she's like a lamb.
She calls me "Mr". - Mr Julius?
And you, Max'? Has anything wonderful happened?
Today, Julius?
I ran in the snow.
Snow's great.
Yes, snow is great.
Max'?
Can I draw?
Sure, as usual.
I am in Hell!
I am in Hell.
A one-line audition.
Why didn't they cast me'?
I can't have screwed up one sentence.
I am in Hell.
What do you think?
I think you're beautiful. Look at me.
Not that.
What then'?
I'm talking about theater, not my ass.
So am I. I mean Maggie.
Do you know Maggie?
I should introduce you.
You'd love to be her. - I'm sick of the rag-trade.
I want to be an actress.
I feel that I'm an actress.
Why can't I get what I want'?
Yes!
They love it!
They love me!
Look at this: "Montreal's Art Event of the Year".
"The Stunning Bodies
of Gérald Mortimer".
Meaning?
Whatever.
Even if you are king,
would you please knock'?
1000 beauties… Pardon me.
1000 pardons, beauty.
I saw you on tv.
That's entirely possible.
I liked what you said,
about God.
God, you?
It was about nothingness.
The reporter asked him about nothingness,
and he said…
He said…
I don't remember his exact words.
Anyway,
I agree with her,
the reporter.
"The greatest sculptor of the decade."
The decade!
They always say that.
I'm meeting her next week.
The big day!
Bet she's pretty.
Why'?
Intuition.
We write each other.
She writes well, she e-mails me poems.
So'? She still might look like a toad.
True.
She might weigh 300 lbs. - Think so'?
All the more to love.
Jerk!
"The curve of your eyes circles my heart
a ring of dance and tenderness haloed with time
cradled in night.
And I no longer know all I have lived
for your eyes still haven't seen me."
It's a poem she wrote for me.
So'?
Very nice.
Heads up!
"The curve of your eyes circles my heart
for your eyes still haven't seen me."
Careful, I'm in a lousy mood.
Tell me all about it.
I'm assaulted… Salt rubbed in my wounds.
Fetch me salt!
Tequila!
In a lousy mood, are we'? Lemme have a swig.
What's the problem, King Mortimer'?
King? A king needs a kingdom.
Know how long success lasts in this backwater?
Three days, three minutes, two seconds.
Then you sink into darkness again.
And you'd like…'?
Ten days'? 50'? 300'?
You're a termite, it's different.
Me,
I love the light.
What does the light get you'?
What's a sculptor get from being on tv'?
He gets…
He gets to have fun, goddamit!
What was your problem?
Problem? There's no problem. What do I do with my 300 sculptures?
No problem. - No problem.
You paint non-stop, sell five a year, no problem!
We tear out our guts
for 500 people…
No problem!
You have no legs.
No problem.
It'll be -3OE for the next three months.
No problem.
Hi, I'm not home, but leave me a message.
Do you love me'?
Of course.
Am I too fat'?
Too fat for what?
Are you too fat to watch the sun set?
Are you too fat to sleep?
Too fat to laugh?
No, I'm not too fat.
Max, can I draw?
Of course.
Can I draw you'?
No, just draw. Forget me.
It's not a photo.
No, it's not a photo.
I'll do a cat.
First the ears.
No matter where your limbs are, stay centered.
So she's tall'?
Tall'? No, not that tall. She's so funny.
She loves to laugh.
She's way cool, not like Pauline.
She looks my age.
She could pass as my girlfriend.
Do you hold hands?
We went to a restaurant.
She knows so much.
She worked in a museum in New York.
I don't remember the name, a big one.
Funny, she's a secretary now, legal…
or something.
She keeps changing jobs.
Doesn't want to get into a rut, I guess.
We talked about everything…
About me, love,
girls, sex…
I don't feel shy at all.
It's like we're old friends.
So introduce me. She might be my kind.
She's too young.
I want to give her a gift. - You know the moves.
A painting, maybe.
Some nerve! Which one'?
This one.
No way.
It's not finished.
Exactly.
I look mysterious.
Have you known him long… Gérald Mortimer'?
25 years.
No, he's not married, or attached.
Did I ask'?
He hasn't met the right person.
He hasn't met himself.
Do you believe in love'?
As in, falling in lust'?
Not very funny.
Hi, Lucie.
He recognized me.
Too bad, I wanted the suspense to last.
How are you, Lucie'?
Just fine.
How are you, Max'?
Fine.
Some surprise.
Oh yeah, why'?
It's only been 16 years.
16 years, is it'?
I'm glad you called. - Why'?
I never had a chance to apologize.
For what?
I was drunk. I know that's no excuse.
We were all drunk.
You still think of that'?
I have only happy memories.
Really'?
Why would I lie'?
Just three words. No, wait… one, two, three, four!
I am in love.
Is that Mortimer I hear'?
Mortimer in love!
At least till tomorrow.
Yes.
No mistaking him.
Good old Mortimer.
So you still see him'?
Do you still have the old van'?
Was just testing your memory.
I called because I need you.
I'm writing an opera,
a retro rock opera recital.
I'm writing songs about the 19805, our time.
That's great.
Let's meet for a drink.
No, I can't. I have too much work.
Can I call tomorrow night? It's the only time I have.
I like the phone, it inspires me.
Especially at night.
What's up?
Paint my portrait too.
You're too scrawny.
I'm not scrawny.
Come on.
What do I do'?
You get in, I draw.
Aren't I too scrawny?
Lemme see.
THANKS FOR THE WEB. I LOVE YOU.
I love you, I love you, I love you,
Lucie
What's that, Max'?
It's nothing, Mortimer.
May I see Dr Patenaude'?
He sleeps most of the time, but I can wake him.
No, I'll come back.
You'll never walk again, kid.
Never. Get that into your head.
The past is gone.
The future's not here yet.
Now, listen…
Listen to the air coming out of your lungs.
Listen to the sounds outside,
the rumbling and rattling, the hushed whispers and groans.
That's the music of life, it's everywhere.
Listen.
Don't miss the show.
Listen, and look.
It's happening now.
NOW!
Pauline!
Someone's minding the store.
I made a beef stew yesterday, I know you like it.
I warmed some up, it's so cold out.
I'm sorry for letting myself in.
You never look the door.
I'm a nuisance, like Laurel.
I'm sorry, I…
I work too hard, I can't sleep.
I'm completely exhausted.
Is it Laurel?
All he talks about is her. His mom, his mom!
She's so pretty, so nice, so young!
Where's that leave me'? Where'?
I shouldn't be jealous.
He's so happy. And it's normal he's happy.
What if he forgets me,
and drops me like an old shoe?
What if she hurts him'?
I'm being silly, huh'?
Remember that first time'?
He was three, and bawling, and I was panicking
cause my sitter cancelled. As soon as he saw you, he stopped.
He liked my wheels.
I feel so old.
You're ancient.
I wanted to be extraordinary.
You are extraordinary.
There was a lioness.
Her name was…
Pauline.
Paulette.
I don't know why, but she was raised with sheep.
One day a real lion came upon
the flock of sheep,
and was shocked to see Paulette grazing and bleating like a sheep.
He went over.
She was trembling as he approached her.
He asked, "What are you doing with all these stupid sheep?"
Paulette answered, "But I am a sheep."
So the lion took her to the lake
and said, "Look at yourself."
Paulette looked in the water.
Seeing herself, she let out a roar, and became a real lioness.
Another one.
Once upon a time there was a young woman, aged 48.
Her name was…
Pauline.
Paula.
Paula had a cat she really loved.
You have a gorgeous voice. - Think so'?
You're not busy, why don't we meet'?
No, not right away.
I find the phone more
suggestive.
That's what I need right now for my songs.
To bring back the feeling of our time.
I remember our time as being very
sensual.
Don't you?
Do you still paint'?
I almost stopped once, it…
Do you still paint women'?
Women, men, fish…
I behaved horribly with you.
No you didn't, Max.
It was part of your charm.
I should know, right'?
I guess.
You loved sex.
I never met a man who came with such
pleasure.
You must've been with others since.
I swear, no one came like you.
Comes, I mean.
You must have lovers.
A horny stud like you can't be married.
Look, we should meet.
Someone's knocking. I'll call back, ok'?
Good night.
What did you do tonight?
We went to hear some jazz.
I don't even know her name.
When can I meet this mother'?
Soon.
Do you miss it…
love?
I've many people in my life,
including you.
You never wanted to fall in love with me'?
So you had a good time with Mortimer'?
It's not what you think, it's much more than that.
There's such warmth between us, true osmosis.
It's not just physical. Women don't mistake these things.
He's changed a lot.
You don't know him well.
That's true.
Maybe you're jealous.
I hope not.
What we have is so intense.
He's made for me. Even if he doesn't know yet.
She liked the painting.
Thank her for me.
You're an animist expressionist.
Did you know that'?
Can I tell you a secret?
When I think of her…
When I talk about her, I get hard.
Is that normal?
Guys your age are always hard.
"Forehead to the window, nursing my pain,
I look for you, beyond waiting, beyond myself.
I love you so, I can't tell which of us is absent."
She should publish. Her poems are so beautiful.
Wait a sec.
It doesn't matter.
It just shows…
she's scared, she wants to impress you.
I have work. Bye.
It's me.
I know it's late, but I have to talk to you.
Answer.
Answer, please.
You're home.
You're not asleep.
No, I'm not asleep.
Maybe we could not sleep together.
What do you want, Lucie'?
I can't sleep…
I keep thinking of you.
It's from reliving the past.
I want to be with you.
Yeah, come over, we'll set things straight.
You gave me a scarf, remember'?
I still have it.
I'm holding it now.
No, I don't remember.
I remember your smell.
I bet it hasn't changed.
What's this about?
You sound irritated.
Irritation is almost desire.
It's one step from desire.
I want you, Max.
Can you hear the desire in my voice?
I remember your hands.
I want to feel your hands on me.
I'm completely naked.
I want you on me.
In me.
Do you remember how you caressed my skin,
my breasts,
"W nipples?
Good, they're hard.
Your fingers spread my thighs.
It's soft.
Take you in my hands.
You get big, you're so hard.
Your hands between my thighs.
You spread me open.
You lick me.
You push deep into me.
I'm all the way open.
It's me.
Am I early?
I'm quitting fashion shoots, did I tell you'?
I'm devoting myself to the theater.
Completely.
He agrees with me, Mortimer.
He says clothes don't do me justice!
We may go to New York together, live there.
I'll be able to act.
They love anyone with talent. Not like here.
If you don't belong to the right crowd…
Why are you staring'?
Go away, Maggie.
Go away.
I'm having lunch with Alice.
I have lunch with her on Fridays.
We eat French fries, hot dogs, sometimes a sundae.
Alice doesn't like bread.
She eats the wiener, I eat the bun.
So, Max,
anything wonderful happen?
Today'? Nothing yet, but it will, right'?
Yeah, it will.
I just assembled it.
Sorry, someone's here.
So, what's the verdict?
You're a biggie.
A big what… a big asshole?
Do you remember Lucie'?
Lucie who'?
Lucie Campeau, she sang. You called her Crazy Glue.
No. Did I sleep with her'?
Once, if you call it that.
I only remember the ones I didn't have.
Have you met Maggie?
Hi, I'm not home, but leave me a message.
Hi, Max.
Sorry for last night. I don't know what came over me.
I have a surprise for you.
Go to the window.
Come on, I know you're in.
Hi there.
Hi there, Max!
What's going on'? - Aren't you glad?
I wanted to make you happy.
What is this?
I'm renting it. Aren't you glad we're neighbors?
Look how close we are. You could paint my portrait if you wanted.
Want me to pose?
Not really. Why'd you move across the street from me'?
A marvellous coincidence. Don't you believe in that'?
Not really, no.
Stand up so I can see you.
Don't you want to'?
I have no legs. - C'mon.
I can't. - Then I'll put on a show.
You said I was scrawny. Am I prettier now?
I have no legs!
I can't hear, it must be my phone.
What was that'?
You heard.
If we can't talk, we can look at each other.
Stand up, let me see you.
Such muscles on those shoulders.
How do you find my body?
Get your binoculars.
I'm sure you have a pair.
I'm here to see Mme Campeau.
She only comes at night.
Late at night.
What shall we talk about?
You're not very talkative. - Go ahead.
Don't be angry about last time.
I'm not angry.
Sometimes I do things. I can't help it.
Afterwards I feel sorry.
That ever happen to you'?
Yes, it happens to me.
I wasn't made to be alone.
I've lived alone too long.
With no one to protect me from myself.
We need protection or we don't turn out right.
Will you protect me, Max'?
Sure. What can a protector do for you'?
Show me a little affection.
I do, Lucie. I swear. Even before when we…
You could let me give you pleasure.
You're all alone, too.
You're alone at night.
Nights are hardest, huh'?
Nights are like
when you'd die to come.
You wait and wait, but you don't die.
You just suffer.
Sleepless nights, like parties that go sour.
Know about parties that go sour'?
Ever been to a party that went sour'?
I shouldn't complain.
Poor Max, you have it worse.
All those nights alone in your wheelchair.
No legs,
HO SGX.
It's so sad.
I'd love to give you pleasure, Max.
Like some excitement in your quiet life'?
Why are you doing this?
For old time's sake. I brought a partner.
Don't move, he's here.
Yoo-hoo, Partner!
This is Jerry.
He doesn't speak French. A real beast.
Let's say it's a test of self-control.
You can call it that, call it a present.
A present of pleasure.
I'll think of you, to help me come.
Watch!
Watch, Max!
You weren't scared.
Scared'?
Of what?
What're you scared of'?
I hear you sleep a lot. Are you sick?
Not sick, I'm going to die.
So I'm practising.
If only sleeping and dying were the same.
What brings you here'?
I can't concentrate on my upper lip.
Concentrate on the skin below your nose.
Your upper lip, just that little bit of skin.
For three hours. Feel everything. It itches,
it tickles, burns, gnaws at you.
Every sensation.
Until 8 tonight.
Concentrate on your bladder.
Forget about what you lost.
Think about what you have, what you are.
A thousand biochemical reactions drive your body.
Feel the blood coursing through your veins.
Feel your bladder slowly filling up.
How do you repair the past'?
Do you remember the day you started
to see again?
What was her name again?
More ketchup!
Lots of ketchup
for our little Alice.
Want some'?
Want a sip'?
Christ!
Look at the lovely note he left me.
I need air
Who doesn't'?
Everyone needs air, except for fish.
What's the big deal?
Do I suffocate the poor boy'?
He took everything he loves, his laptop and his sword.
Do you have her address?
Why would I'?
In his papers.
What papers?
He emptied his desk. He's gone!
Hi, Lucie.
I ask only one thing.
Go to your window, right away.
You want to do something for me'? Do it.
Look outside, you won't be disappointed.
OK, but it's the last time.
The last time, Max. I swear.
OK, I'm looking. And'?
Don't you recognize it'?
You're slow.
Sure your brain wasn't affected?
Explain.
Explain what?
You figured it out.
I'm Laurel's mom.
Mom.
Suits me, no'?
What's going on'?
Not much resemblance, huh'?
Poor kid, but I'll make it up.
A pity you won't see me again.
Wanna bet you'll miss me'?
I'm leaving. I'm leaving with my little boy.
Wait, Lucie!
I'm in a hurry. If you wanna talk, get that wheelchair
over here now!
Hi.
How about pancakes?
Don't know if they're any good.
To think you're here, with me…
You're not a dream anymore.
I tried so hard to imagine you,
to sketch you in my mind.
In the subway I'd look at little boys…
"Is that him?"
There are so many boys when you're looking for one,
one in particular.
You're not a little boy how
Disappointed?
You're even handsomer than I'd imagined.
It'd be so easy to love you.
What do you mean'?
Nothing, I guess.
I'm tired.
I'm going to bed.
Isn't there a man in your life'?
You're my man.
Where'd you put my painting'? I don't see it.
Your painting'?
Max's painting that I gave you.
I took it to have it framed.
I know your friend Max, you know.
Well, I knew him, long ago.
Back when he had legs.
You know Max'?
You never mentioned him.
I'll tell you another time.
I can't reveal all my secrets.
But how'd you meet him'?
I'm only working two hours. We'll go hear some jazz after.
It's me.
It's Maggie.
Open Up, please.
Mortimer won't see me.
Please.
Please, Max!
He hit me!
Alice's dad came to the restaurant.
He threw me down and started kicking me.
He screamed,
"You goddamn pervert! Fat pig!"
Why'?
He said, "I don't want you to see Alice ever again!"
I want to be alone!
Can't you understand'?
Leave me alone!
I'm not here!
I don't want to see anyone!
Why'?
"Goddamn fat pervert!"
Why'?
Let's leave him alone.
The poems I gave you weren't mine.
I can't write such beautiful things,
but I think them.
It doesn't matter.
Good night.
You're beautiful.
You look like a samurai.
Max taught me.
Max has lots of friends.
The fat retard who drops by every day.
The chick who poses nude.
Maggie? How do you know that'?
Mortimer, who'd sell his soul to be famous.
Good old Mortimer.
You know him'?
This little world loves Max, and he loves it.
Isn't life incredible?
Did I tell you about your dad'?
You know him.
What's up?
Did you know you're my father'?
What'?
You don't believe it.
She said you wouldn't.
I think I would've known.
Anyway, you've always been like a son to me.
"Like" isn't the same thing.
What did she say'?
She loved you.
You didn't love her.
You didn't love anyone.
Maybe, but people change. That's the whole point.
I don't know why she said it,
or if you're my son, but I know I love you.
Why would she lie'? - Let's go ask her.
I need to talk to her.
I don't want you to see her. You'll ruin everything.
You think that'?
Leave us alone.
I like living with her. We talk and drink,
listen to blues at Paradise Lost.
I look after her. She needs me.
I'm not drunk.
I'm not stoned.
What are you on'?
I'm on love!
I'm in love, Max. - Again'?
No, for the first time.
I'm in love. What's more, I'm rich.
What's more, I'm moving to New York.
I'll take you too.
Where you going? - To hear some blues.
I'll come.
Screw you. And next time, knock first.
Let's go, Laurel.
I said let's go.
Can't I sit down'?
Leave us alone. - That's alright.
Have a seat.
But you already do.
Your dad and I have to talk.
Wait for me at home.
Pour me a scotch. I'm coming.
Go on, Laurel.
Lucie, I love Laurel.
God knows how much I love him.
But I'm not his dad.
You're his father.
You're the first guy I slept with, in your van.
When you and your gang fucked me, I'm sure I was already pregnant.
If only you'd looked at me tenderly, I'd have accepted it.
You never looked at me.
I loved you so much.
Even when we made love you wouldn't look.
I was able to love then.
Now…
nothing.
I don't feel anything.
No love, no tenderness, nothing… for anyone.
Not even for me.
Emptiness.
Have to talk to you.
Lucie, I'm begging you.
Listen to me!
I'm sorry, Lucie.
You piece of shit!
Remember…
Maybe Max can jog your peabrain.
Poor Mortimer.
Poor loser.
How could you imagine New York would want your junk'?
Loser!
Love me'?
What's up?
I'm cleaning up.
It doesn't need it!
You're messing me up!
You can sleep.
I don't want to sleep, ever.
I'll make coffee.
How could this happen?
When I found you I was so happy.
So happy-
Why'd he have to be there'? Just coincidence?
How did you end up with him'?
Of all the men in the world.
I had to give you up. He had you. It's not fair!
When I look at you, I see him.
He's my father.
I'm not even sure he is. I just said that.
To hurt him.
It could be any one of them.
Any one of the five.
What do you mean'?
Fight!
Bastard!
You raped my mother!
Why'?
Why'd you do it'?
I was a bastard.
If you have to do it, do it.
It's over.
I'm sorry, Laurel.
Can you forgive me'?
It too dark to pose?
No, it's not too dark. Come in.
I'll get changed.
I'd like some ripe fruit, Mom.
Do you have any'?
Look, Max.
Look what wonderful thing I found.
Look at the pretty little kitten.
What'll you name it, Julius?
Kitty.
Have a good day.
Have a good day, Max.
Have you eaten'?
Not yet.
Got something in mind?
Am I pretty like this?
Prettier.
Subtitles: Robert Gray Kinograph