'100 Minutes from the Lives of Shadows'
A film of characters who are ignorent of being characters of a film. Except one of them...
This "l'art pour l'art screenplay" was written by my friend Jean-Daniel Magnin and myself some twenty years ago.
1 EXT: SALEVE - DAY 1
A sea of clouds seen from the top of the Saleve Mountain. Above, an azure blue sky, and Below, fluffed up cloud blankets with the top of Mont Blanc and the highest point of the Jura peaking through. From this jagged protuberance the camera softly descends into the spheric bubble bath upon which the title appears :
"100 MINUTES FROM THE LIFE OF THE SHADOWS"
A greyish landscape in November: howling winds thrash the thorny, leafless bushes of the Saleve. A narrow and long property, "La Saisias", extends from the bottom of the rocks through an English and French styled garden with a tall pine tree, and a roof peering through its branches dividing the landscape which stretches out to a gently rolling golf course. We glide through the atmosphere from the Saleve. First slowly, then with accelerated speed as if we are on the shoulders of an unseen paraponte jumper. The accelaration increases bringing to view a three story Chekhovian villa with a terrace. The branches of the pine, thrashing violently and chaotically by an unseen force, fill the screen accompanied by tortured creaking.
2 EXT,INT : LA SAISIAS - DAY 2
The windows and doors are wide open. The wind whistles as it slams shutters to and fro. The inner curtains swirl in an exotic dance. The wind inhabits the house lifting ashes from a fireplace and distributing them throughout the salon and onto a wooden stair which ascends from the middle of the room to the floor above. On one side of the staircase is an open and lavishly equipped kitchen in the style of the late 70's. On the stove is a hissing pot, burning to charcoal. The dirty fingernailed HAND OF A MAN finds the switch on the gas stove, and kills the flame. Worn out sneakers creakily ascend the staircase to the second floor. We enter the first door off the stair which reveals an over-decorated, at the same time, tastefully appointed bathroom whose second door opens to a small bedroom with only a floor resting qoeen-size mattress envelopped by mosquito netting as its center piece. The adjoining bathroom door serves as the bedroom's only entry and exit. It is clear from this short exploration that this is, contradictorally, a house-in-progress and a house-in-decline. Again, sneakers creakily pad up the stair to an attic accompanied by the unexpected, interrupted feeble mewlings of an infant. The stair leads to a narrow hallway along which there are a line of rooms. The hallway's well used rug homes a pattern of hundreds of dead wasps. The plaintive cries of the infant become louder as a room with a chest of drawers and an armchair is entered. Beneath the room's sunlit window sits a wicker cradle, and in it, a tiny baby girl with steel-granite eyes.
3 INT : ATTIC ROOM - DAY 3
Baby's point of view. The outside world is a spectacle of light and shadow, transparent curtains and waving tree branches. The upside-down image of a man separates from the wallpaper and bends over the baby girl. With all her will she concentrates in turning the images 180 degrees. She flexes her little body and goggles with straining eyes until the upside-down picture finally falls into place. LUMIERE, worn and somewhat wild looking - his hair matted in knots and his face marked by scratches - picks up the little girl. She holds him in a blinking gaze. His face, now more in focus, is a delicate face, almost girlish. His arrestingly sorrowful and lonely eyes provoke a burst of tears from the baby. LUMIERE rocks her to and fro, dancing towards the sunlit window. Below, in the garden, there are three young women, equally dishevelled and unkempt as LUMIERE, on a discovery tour.
LUMIERE Don't cry my little girl, you'll see, at the end of the film I'm gonna marry you. Hush, hush little one.
Heavy steps approach the room. LUMIERE turns and silently greets the two men who enter. Their appearance, too, is unsettling. BIG JESUS, tall with an intellectual countenance, sports a black leather jacket and ERIC, short, sturdy and course faced with the air of a bank administrator, wears once-elegant attire. ERIC opens the window, and BIG JESUS takes the child from LUMIERE's arms to exhibit her to the women below. ERIC is about to call out, but refrains and instead, puts two fingers to his mouth and whistles.
4 EXT : GARDEN - DAY 4
The women look up to the window and acknowledge the men's appearance with a little smile. GUINEVERE, a long-legged, long-armed elegant creature with her sizable one and half year old son, CICADA, dangling haphazardly from her arm, silently gestures orders to her companions as she makes her way to the house. WHA-WHA, a Persian queen-like beauty, disappears into the trimmed bushes of the French garden, while DESIREE, desirable as her name implies, goes off in another direction where she finds a large, drained swimming pool. No one utters a sound.
5 INT: SALON - DAY 5
THE BOSS, a blond man with razor sharp features, in likewise shabby attire as that of his companions, sits on a leather couch, engrossed by a magnificently bound French culinary book. He slowly turns the pages which resemble rich Flemish still life paintings. GUINEVERE, holding the new found baby, drops her disgruntled son, CICADA, to the floor as she approaches THE BOSS. Together they fold in the corner of one page : a double-paged layout of the Garden Snail in Peanut Butter Stew with Red Wine Brandy Flambee.
6 INT: KITCHEN - DAY
The ragged group searches the fridge and pulls down the shelves in their quest to find food. ERIC stuffs himself with dehydrated home-made pasta from a box, while swilling olive oil and eyeing the others should they find something more appetizing. WHA-WHA discovers three potatoes: a large one and two smaller ones. Responding to BIG JESUS' and DESIREE's longing looks she offers them each a smaller potato, and, is about to bite into the large potato when ERIC snatches it from her hand. A physical skirmish in silence ensues. THE BOSS impassively glances up from his book. ERIC devours a bite of the potato in the second that BIG JESUS delivers a furious backhand to his face. An enraged ERIC pulls out his hunting knife. BIG JESUS grabs a kitchen knife in response. A careful scorpio dance begins. LUMIERE, unaffected by this dangerous duel looks into the camera with the saddest of smiles. BIG JESUS thrusts his knife into ERIC's left arm.
ERIC /shrieking / You bloody bastard!
The band looks aghast. ERIC catches his mistake, and with his knife holding right hand covers his mouth. Once again, there is complete silence. THE BOSS jumps up from his reading with vigor. He approaches each member of the group, examining with curiosity the line of their eyebrows. His face reflects a rapid change of mood: from curiosity to disapproval to rage. And then, with a paternal mien, he slams the cookbook, "La Cuisine Francaise Traditionnelle" on the table to indicate a lavish dinner invitation. The hungry SHADOWS gather around him appreciatively. With gleeful abandon DESIREE tosses her potato out the window. Poor ERIC, with his bloody left arm, reaches painfully into his pocket, and pulls out a lonely, smudgy fifty-franc bill gesturing: that's all! In no time the gang playfully assaults him to cajole him into surrendering all his money. Banknotes pile up on the table. THE BOSS uses them for bookmarks as he selects the dishes for the feast from the book. He then places the book under ERIC's right arm. WHA-WHA brings ERIC the phone, while DESIREE offers the telephone directory pointing to the better catering services listed. ERIC looks hesitant and confused.
THE BOSS I authorize you to order this feast.
LUMIERE standing somewhat apart looks on this play with curiosity.
7 EXT: THE GARDEN - SUNSET 7
A bird's view: smoke curls up from "La Saizias" chimney. Pine cones in iron barrels blaze. On the veranda ERIC's face is lit by yellow flame. His arm is bound up with his scarf, and from his make-shift office he dials a number. On his "office" table sits a copy of Geneva's phone directory and "La Cuisine Francaise Traditionnelle".
ERIC /VOICE OFF CAMERA / /on the phone/ No... it was published by Larousse. Nineteen... sixty-nine... Take it out.. Get it... The price, it doesn't matter...
LUMIERE, bent in search, finds DESIREE's potato. He blows off the dirt, puts it on a skewer and brings it to one of the fires. In a flaming iron pot, hot water plays beautiful music...
ERIC /VOICE OFF CAMERA/ Anyway, I won't check every single item on the bill! Write it up... page seven...
While LUMIERE is about to cook his well deserved potato, WHA-WHA appears in the warm circle of light; she squats down to feed the fire. They smile sweetly at one another, though LUMIERE's eyes still reflect a deep sorrow.
9 INT: SALON - SUNSET 9
Here, too, in the flames of the fireplace there is water boiling in a pot.
ERIC /VOICE OFF CAMERA/ Hors d'oeuvres: Garden Snail in Peanut Butter Stew, in Red Wine Brandy Flambée.
At the warmth of the fireplace BIG JESUS and GUINEREVE encourage CICADA to get acquainted with the found baby girl.
ERIC /VOICE OFF CAMERA/ Exactly as in the picture... Second order hors d'oeuvre, hundred-and-twenty-second page: Lean Sweet Water Salmon Marinated in its Bones... Do we give an advance? Of course! Please make a note: hundred-and-twenty second page...
10 INT : KITCHEN - SUNSET 10
Water is boiling in three pots on the stove. DESIREE takes one of them and mounts the wooden staircase to the second floor.
ERIC /VOICE OFF CAMERA/ So that was the second entrée... six hors d'oeuvres all together, four fish plates and four from the game as well... Let's not talk about the dessert. Just get this book; you shouldn't have a hard time finding it...
11 INT : BATHROOM - SUNSET 11
In the cold bathroom THE BOSS is sitting in a wicker chair, his shirt buttoned up to his chin; his breath appears in the air... Through the broken window the top of the Saleve is seen in sunset; the rocky canyon and the valley glitter with the grandiosity of an opera. Suddenly a vaporous mist rising from the bathtub covers the screen. As it evaporates, DESIREE is revealed standing seductively before THE BOSS.
ERIC /VOICE OFF CAMERA/ "La Cuisine Francaise Traditionnelle", Larousse, sixty-nine, Paris...
Gracefully, DESIREE slips off her pullover, winning her THE BOSS' undivided attention.
12 INT : SALON, STAIRCASE - SUNSET 12
WHA-WHA is a dark silhouette as she removes a steaming pot from the roaring fireplace. Arriving at the stair she places the pot at her feet and fiercely throws back her head which is caught by the light of the flames. She looks like a magnificent Sheherezade as she artfully wraps her black scarf on her head and around her shoulders. A dishevelled and sour faced DESIREE materializes at the top of the stairs. She apprehensively presses the empty pot to her belly. In a sequence of fast cuts the women approach each other on the staircase as if squaring off for battle.
ERIC /VOICE OFF CAMERA/ Hundred and thirty-sixth page and then the hundred and fourtieth... fourty-one and fourty-two.
At the halfway point, against all building expectations, DESIREE and WHA-WHA pass each other averting their eyes. But the cagey WHA-WHA trips DESIREE at her beautiful ankles and the poor girl tumbles down the staircase together with her pot.
13 INT: BATHROOM - SUNSET 13
WHA-WHA, with nimble and artful movements, adds the contents of her pot to the water in the bathtub. A cloud of vapour rises. THE BOSS stares imperviously. The woman stands in front of him, her hot eyes looking past him as she shows herself off.
14 EXT: GARDEN - DAYBREAK
ERIC and the wounded DESIREE find consolation in each other's arms. BIG JESUS and LUMIERE pass them, each carrying a child in his arms. They also side-step WHA-WHA in a lonely sleep in front of a smouldering fire.
BIG JESUS And so... it's my wife who is taking a bath with the Boss... They are together right now in the tub...
With silent motions LUMIERE reminds his companion that he has broken silence; then he starts to talk too.
LUMIERE It means that... we're gonna talk from now on? We break the silence ?
With both hands BIG JESUS gestures that he is sorry.
LUMIERE But why do we remain silent ? They keep on walking.
LUMIERE Just explain, what's the sense in it, that we don't talk?
BIG JESUS hurries on silently, LUMIERE following.
15 EXT : STEEP PATH AT THE BOTTOM OF THE SALEVE - SUNRISE 15
Behind the house they walk onto the path leading up to the mountain. As they walk, the kids in their arms, BIG JESUS starts to talk.
BIG JESUS I don't want to break the mourning silence for István... He was the one who introduced the idea to live with intensity, and then he died... We had to choose the new boss between the two of us. After some discussion we agreed: let the Boss be the boss!
The path gets steeper and steeper: LUMIERE sweats. BIG JESUS leads the way with CICADA, but he is getting tired, too. He sits down to catch his breath.
BIG JESUS It was there, over István's dead body that we agreed in peace... Let the Boss be the boss.
LUMIERE admires the crows flying in the abyss, and the crooked trees growing on the cliff.
BIG JESUS And now, he is there, in the bathtub, together with my wife.
Tears fill the eyes of Jesus; he shakes with weeping.
BIG JESUS But this is good, that's how it should be. Because it hurts a lot, it burns me, I can feel: I'm alive! There is no feeling without pain, and without feeling, there is no life either! - That's István's tradition...
Tears of pain and joy fill his eyes at the same time. Now LUMIERE sits down next to him.
LUMIERE Calm down, the Boss and your wife, they're not in the bathtub.
BIG JESUS But then, where are they?
LUMIERE Nowhere...
BIG JESUS How come?
LUMIERE They simply don't exist!
BIG JESUS That's too much for me...
LUMIERE In this moment there are only the two of us, or the four of us...
The composition now includes the children. LUMIERE and a perturbed looking JESUS sit there with the two kids.
LUMIERE The scene in the tub: "Th Boss and Guinevere"; it just doesn't exist. It's only in your imagination.
BIG JESUS Give me a break! Here's the ring and here's the kid: the full catastrophy!
LUMIERE István is only your story, too. You keep talking and talking. Finally, you believe he existed!
BIG JESUS gets on the path again and continues his way, LUMIERE following.
BIG JESUS That's why we're gonna climb up the mountain. So you can see István's body!
Twigs crunch underneath their feet; they gasp for breath. Not far away, in the rock face a yawning cave beckons. JESUS gets there first. With patience, he waits for LUMIERE to arrive, then gestures to him to go ahead.
16 INT: THE CAVE - DAY 16
Bravely LUMIERE crawls into the cave. He burns his hand with his lighter as he bumps into the inert body of a young man, wrapped in silk cloth. LUMIERE regards the figure for a long time. Then JESUS appears.
BIG JESUS I can almost hear him saying "The meaning of life is to live it!"
LUMIERE is deeply moved. From a few meters away he drags a stone and puts it on István's body.
LUMIERE We can't leave him like that... for nightly beasts to feed on him or take him apart...!
JESUS helps him to collect stones. Together they cover István's body completely.
17 INT: BATHROOM - DAYBREAK 17
Driven by common need GUINEVERE and WHA-WHA collide just in front of the bathroom door. WHA-WHA looks at the toilet, then slyly, at the second bathroom door adjoining The Boss' bedroom.
WHA-WHA What do you think, is the Boss asleep? This door could use a lock.
GUINEVERE Just go ahead, I'll take some fresh air.
WHA-WHA No, you go... what if he comes out?
GUINEVERE /taking a look at the Boss's door/ What do you mean by saying "If he comes out?" Just say what's on your mind!
WHA-WHA How was the bath... with him?
GUINEVERE What are you talking about?.. Come down to earth!
WHA-WHA /almost begging/ Let me in on it!
GUINEVERE Now you listen to me..! The scene in the tub:"The Boss and Guinevere" only happened between your legs, while you were daydreaming in bed!
WHA-WHA's ears flame up from this insult, her voice is shaking.
WHA-WHA Go ahead, get rid of your load!
GUINEVERE /making a vulgar movement/ I offer all of it to you!
Both of them storm away without relieving themselves. 18 INT: THE BOSS' ROOM - DAY 18
Closed shades. In the semi-dark THE BOSS is making notes in his diary when there is a knock at the door.
THE BOSS Come in!
Through the opening of the door, JESUS tentatively polks his head.
BIG JESUS Hello, can I come in ?
And BIG JESUS enters closing the door behind him.
BIG JESUS I greet you! How do you feel now?
THE BOSS Has everybody found a comfortable place in the house?
BIG JESUS How can I thank you? I just simply... Thank you... Between me and Guimevere...
THE BOSS ....love is burning again! But what did you want?
BIG JESUS The ladies asked me to use my influence with you. They have a - how could I say - a small logistical problem; they don't dare to go to the bathroom, when you're in your room... That's all.
THE BOSS jumps up angrily. He opens the window and shouts.
THE BOSS No soughing wind? No bird's song? What is this silence? The "one minute silent watch" was already called off!
There is silence. THE BOSS closes the window.
THE BOSS Since when do I have to be left out of everything? Just because I became the boss, or what? They should come up to me and tell me if they can't wait. They only have to knock on my door and we we'll solve the problem!
19 EXT: EMPTY SWIMMING POOL - DAY 19
ERIC sits at the bottom of the swimming pool in a folding armchair fussing with his bloody bandage. He is suffering from discomfort and exhaustion.
ERIC I just can't take it, that his knife penetrated me... into my body, my arm... I just can't survive it! I'm not slower than he is, neither weaker than him. Who is he anyway? Only an intellectual!
While he babbles to himself he eyes the restless DESIREE as she slithers around the pool edge fussing with her hair. ERIC He wounded me. I'll take my revenge! I can't just leave it at that. I've had enough already. This man always talks to me from the heights of his moral superiority. "You can't do that! It's not right this way!" He talks to me as if to a kid. Okay, the Boss is different... I can accept it from him. But this Jesus, who is he anyway? A... a fucked-up intellectual!
ERIC jumps up from his chair. He rushes up to DESIREE, who is now sitting on the edge of the swimming pool, dangling her legs.
ERIC Listen to me... I'll tell you something, but only to you...
Folding his arms on DESIREE's thighs, he pulls her closer to him. Then he lifts her down into the empty swimming pool.
ERIC Every month I receive thirty thousand dollars...
As ERIC pronounces the amount, DESIREE mews exitedly.
ERIC You know... I'm the one who pays for everything around here. DESIREE, if you have a lot of money, you're unhappy because you know, that you're only loved for your money. That's why others accept me, and that's how it is, you can't do anything about it... Okay, I accept it, that I have to live my life and then die alone... Anyway, what else can I do? I started about five companies just to prove to my father that I can get along without him, and that I didn't need his money. All the companies failed and he bailed me out. It's not easy to take responsibility when you know that no matter what happens, you'll fall on a pillow... The monthly thirty thousand takes away all your potency... You hire a yacht, pick up the best chics on the west coast, salmon, caviar and champagne - and you don't even have fun. I've had enough of all that. I realise that the best way to invest my money is for you to live off me, then, I can use you. Remember, what István said: "Life must be lived". Yes, even with people who put a knife in you. To feel the desire for vengence, the mounting fighting spirit. If not this, then what else is life? Believe me, the day is soon, when I'm really gonna do it. I'm gonna get Big Jesus. But when I stand there, facing him, knife in hand, ready to attack, I start to feel some kind of respect... and that's why I'm always loosing. And why do I respect that guy, who the hell does he think he is?
DESIREE just stares at ERIC.
DESIREE And that money, you carry it on you all the time?
ERIC Desiree... I'll give you money! You only have to tell me how much, and what you need it for... I don't know, like fancy clothes... a set of perfumed panties... "Amber", "Moshus", or "Pussy Cat"... Let's say that I give you seven hundred dollars! Just tell me, what you want, how much do you need? But watch out, it stays between us!
DESIREE Eric...I want a thousand dollars.
ERIC takes out a pile of money from one of his pockets. He looks through it carefully.
ERIC A thousand dollars? What do you need it for?
DESIREE A thousand dollar bill!
ERIC pulls out the money, but before giving it to her, he wants his question answered.
DESIREE I'm gonna stuff my panties with it !
DESIREE grabs the bill; she folds it with love and, then, stuffs it in her panties. With a swift movement she jumps to the pool ladder. Eric helps Desiree from behind to climb up.
20 INT: SALON - DAY 20
On the couch is perfect family harmony. BIG JESUS sits with GUIENEVERE, their son CICADA and the found baby girl. BIG JESUS /meditating aloud/ But this is good, there is no feeling without pain, and without feeling there is no life! This is István's tradition. I feel peace inside... the maximum of marital love, as when you were expecting CICADA. Before making a sacrifice one feels like that.
GUINEVERE I feel the same way...
GUINEVERE directs her look toward the door where CICADA is now crawling around on the dusty floor. Outside a car pulls into the courtyard. The crunching of the pebbles and the slamming of the car door alert the family to an unexpected visitor. CICADA falls down on his buttock as FRIDA enters. She is a young lady: her figure and walk seducing. Her face has a lost look which compliments her pert nose. She carries a bag of milk powder. First she sees CICADA then the couple on the sofa with her daughter.
FRIDA /with startled eyes/ Hello...!
BIG JESUS, GUINEVERE /in a very natural way/ Hello...!
FRIDA Did we ever meet before?
GUINEVERE I'm Guinevere.
FRIDA And him?
BIG JESUS My name is Jesus.
FRIDA wrinkles her forehead as she searches her memory.
FRIDA Jesus Christ...?
BIG JESUS Big Jesus. A martini, maybe ?
Discreetly FRIDA looks around: her salon, her furniture...
FRIDA What are you doing in my house?
GUINEVERE /Frida's child on her lap / We take care of her.
FRIDA, a mother tigress, grabs her daughter.
FRIDA Thank you, you were very nice. True, I did take my time on my way home from the grocery store; I talked a little bit too long to the neighbours. Thank you anyway, but, now you can go... please!
BIG JESUS makes an obliging gesture.
BIG JESUS That's too bad. We're not alone...
Through the door window from the garden LUMIERE is watching FRIDA. He's enchanted /love at first sight!/
FRIDA Ah, so...
Through the other door FRIDA goes out into the garden to look around.
21 EXT: GARDEN - DAY 21
FRIDA finds LUMIERE
FRIDA Sir, you are...
LUMIERE Lumiere...!
FRIDA's a little confused by LUMIERE's gaze. DESIREE appears with a ladder under her arm. She smiles and introduces herself:
DESIREE Desiree...
ERIC (VOICE OFF CAMERA) Desireeeee! Come back at once!!!!!!
With her infant, FRIDA marches angrily towards the source of the voice: the swimming pool. LUMIERE follows her hurriedly, and behind him, BIG JESUS.
ERIC (VOICE OFF CAMERA) Desiree, come back..! Shut the water off !
22 EXT: SWIMMING POOL - DAY 22
FRIDA arrives at the swimming pool to find ERIC with water climbing up his ankles. The man, sobbing, is freezing from the cold and exposure.
FRIDA /as she would talk to a kid/ What happened to you? Come on!
She grabs ERIC's hand and holds tight.
ERIC /sneezing, shivering from cold/ Desiree... to... took the ladder and... she... o... pened the.... faucet!
Small, fragile FRIDA pulls heavy ERIC from the pool almost without any special effort. While ERIC gasps for air, she wipes his nose, puts his scarf around his neck and rubs his back.
FRIDA Don't worry, you'll get even with Desiree.
ERIC I'm not the type who walks up to the Boss to tell on somebody, and to say that I was "hurt". If I go to the Boss, it's only gonna be my love for justice. I want him to start an inquest against Desiree! She has to meet the rigour of justice...! And you, please don't talk to me as if I'm a kid! You'll see I'm a man, I'm an adult man...!
FRIDA I very much hope to see that one day. But now let's go to your Boss. First, I want to see him!
FRIDA - forgetting her child again - marches with ERIC towards the house. LUMIERE picks up the baby and follows JESUS who is right behind FRIDA.
23 EXT: GARDEN - DAY 23
On the path leading towards the house, GUINEVERE appears with CICADA in her arms.
BIG JESUS /to GUINEVERE/ Come on!... We're going to see the Boss.
24 INT: STAIRCASE - DAY 24
FRIDA marches aggressively up the staircase. ERIC, JESUS, and then GUINEVERE and LUMIERE, follow close behind her. DESIREE sits on the top of the pool-ladder in the salon. She jumps off to join the entourage. Everybody is curious and enchanted by the newcomer. They wait in front of the outer bathroom door. ERIC knocks.
25 INT: BATHROOM - DAY 25
WHA-WHA, alone in the bathroom, is about to knock on the Boss's door when a "knock-knock" sounds behind her from the outer bathroom door. She freezes, but then pulls herself together.
WHA-WHA Come in !
ERIC enters with FRIDA. The others stay outside.
ERIC WHA-WHA, this is the owner of the house.
WHA-WHA tries not to laugh.
FRIDA /she is composed/ Hello WHA-WHA! I'm Frida...
WHA-WHA shakes her hand, controlling laughter. ERIC and FRIDA look at each other with a self-conscious smile.
WHA-WHA Sorry, I have to apologize... somehow I had the impression that this already happened a thousand times exactly the same way... I was laughing and then apologizing... and told the same thing!
ERIC I can't say that I don't have the same feeling...
A silence passes.
ERIC Is the Boss in?
WHA-WHA I wanted to see him but just go ahead.
ERIC No, you go on.
WHA-WHA Forget it, I can wait.
FRIDA Thank you, that's really sweet.
FRIDA knocks on the door, then enters her own bedroom. ERIC follows her with enthusiasm, and WHA-WHA follows FRIDA with her eyes.
26 INT: "THE BOSS' ROOM" - DAY 26
The BOSS demonstrates special interest in the stranger entering the scene. Even with ERIC, closing the door behind himself, he is unusually patient. THE BOSS undresses the woman with his eyes.
FRIDA /assertively/ This is my bedroom, and my name is Frida!
ERIC is nodding behind her. ERIC's presence seems to be too much for THE BOSS. ERIC gets the message, but before retreating, he blurts out his story.
ERIC This morning Desiree stole the group's collective money! And she hid it in her panties.
With just one gesture of his hand THE BOSS makes ERIC understand that his presence is not needed, and that his story will be dealt with in due course. ERIC leaves.
27 INT: BATHROOM - DAY 27
ERIC It will be OK !
WHA-WHA /agrassively/ What?
ERIC What what? The trial.
WHA-WHA seems to be at a loss as she looks at him.
ERIC /shrugs his shoulder/ I demanded justice.
The others are waiting in front of the outer bathroom door to get a report.
WHA-WHA /laconically/ The mistress is with the Boss.
28 INT: SALON-DAY 28
The needle scratches the disc, The small band listen to music as they expectantly wait for the Boss or the new woman - either of them - to descend the wooden staircase.
BIG JESUS She said that she only went to the grocery store to get some milk powder... and, maybe, she talked a little bit too long to one of the neighbours...
DESIREE Her short little half hour lasted about three days... This tiny little thing almost starved.
LUMIERE /with the bag of milk powder in his hands/ But this is possible. Believe me! This is a movie!
LUMIERE's enthusiasm gets on BIG JESUS' nerves.
LUMIERE Listen to me ! You and me, too... we all... we only exist in this film! Don't you understand?
GUINEVERE uses the occasion to empty the ashtray.
GUINEVERE You listen to me now, Lumiere... just leave us alone. Don't bust our chops, save it for the masses and save yourself for better days.
LUMIERE "Jesus Attacks Eric", "Guinevere Takes a Bath"
GUINEVERE knits her forehead.
LUMIERE "Mother Returns to Abandonned Baby", "The Boss and the Mistress"... so what else can this be? It's a film!
GUINEVERE /relieved/ Okay, just continue, we're listening!
But nobody listens to him. LUMIERE continues nonetheless. He looks straight into the camera for audience validation. His face is lit by fire. LUMIERE Hello, uh, bonjour... or should I say... sayonara? I'm the hero and I'm talking to you... I look into your eyes... yes.. yes... at you... at you..! especially at you. /he gets suspicious/ But it's not the first time for you... Forgive me, but I cannot see you... Phew... this is tough... What you see of me... /tapes himself/ is only a two dimensional shadow in the movie theatre, on the screen... it's only the go-between... a tool... silver particules, electrons, or who knows what... But me, I do not exist here, only in your head. I live there, I'm yours!
Lumiere's companions stare at him in amazement as he talks with full conviction. The camera pulls back to reveal LUMIERE in silhouette sounding off into the fireplace.
LUMIERE I do not see you, but I do talk and you hear me... You see me, but you can not talk to me... Anyway, let's give a try together!
LUMIERE's cronies find him ridiculous and cannot hold back their laughter, save GUINEVERE, who blows her nose. WHA-WHA is in total nirvana; with a pipe in her mouth, she impersonates a medium making LUMIERE look all the more foolish. DESIREE giggles so much that she almost pisses. LUMIERE's oblivious to everyone.
LUMIERE You give me my existence and I give you the power to make me exist! I put it in your hands - like it or not - the key to my existence!
ERIC /whispering to Desiree/ Hey, listen, don't get it wet... the thousand dollar bill!
DESIREE /in histerical laughter/ Stop it, stop it...! I can't take it! Stop it, please, all three of you !
The laughter is general. Even GUINEVERE laughs. LUMIERE, with great sorrow and with dark contempt, looks around. Finally, he turns to look into the camera again.
LUMIERE /thwacks his forehead with the back of his hand/ Oh, I almost forgot, I'm not identical with that certain Jacques Maitre, who is otherwise a very good actor... Okay, sure, I do look a little bit like him, after all he gave me... the image of his body. He gave minutes, hours from his life so I could materialize... I thank him for that... /he's filled with emotion/ but I have to press that I'not identical with him. Now he is somewhere else... he might not even be alive any more.
The group looks at him with frustration and annoyance.
LUMIERE /VOICE OFF CAMERA/ He died... in any case he grew older...
LUMIERE /LUMIERE looking into camera/ lost weight, put on weight, dyed his hair or what do I know? To tell you the truth I don't even care...
A silence passes.
GUINEVERE What the hell are those two doing up there?
WHA-WHA gets up, and, without a word, she starts up the stairs.
BIG JESUS What the hell, let's all go up!
Cued up on the stairs, they wait to see what's going to happen as WHA-WHA knocks on the inner bathroom door.
29 INT: BATHROOM - DAY 29
THE BOSS Come in!
WHA-WHA enters the BOSS's room.
30 INT: "THE BOSS'ROOM" - DAY 30
Crying softly, FRIDA gathers up her clothes. THE BOSS, laying next to her, looks at WHA-WHA with some curiosity. In answer to his expression, she manipulates her pipe towards the corner of her mouth. She takes short but frequent drags and lets the smoke out of her nose. Her eyes gleam darker and darker.
THE BOSS /pauses/ Ah, so this "little technical problem" of the ladies!
He sighs, and twisting some feminine apparel around himself, levitates from the bed into the bathroom, and closes the door behind him.
31 INT: IN FRONT OF THE BATHROOM - DAY 31
THE BOSS faces his curious household.
THE BOSS Okay, okay... how did it happen?
A perverted smile invades his face.
THE BOSS "Who is this woman?"
LUMIERE /with Frida's kid in his arms/ What, didn't she tell you?
THE BOSS Wait... what did she tell? First, she said that it is her bedroom... her bed. Then I asked her to share her bed with me! She took half a minute to think it over and started to undress. Her figure, her shape... how can I say it... it's perfect. And then, total black-out. My memory fails me. A little bit later she started crying. That's how it happened... what a heavenly feeling!
He is so strongly overcome by desire that he turns back to the room, but the outer bathroom door is locked from the inside.
THE BOSS /rattles the lock/ WHA-WHA, what's going on? Hurry up!
32 INT: "THE BOSS'ROOM" - DAY 32
WHA-WHA kneels next to the bed, sternly sucking on her exotic pipe. FRIDA soaks the bed sheet with her falling tears.
FRIDA This happened only because of him, too... Everything, everything happens because of him...
WHA-WHA Who is this "him" you keep belly-aching about? FRIDA My love, the father of my child!
WHA-WHA He doesn't love you?
FRIDA He does love me...! But he doesn't want Frida. It took thirteen months for him to come and take a look at his daughter. I know that he loves me; he is in pain, too. I was about five, six months pregnant when this man, my love, left us. He doesn't want to be with us. but I have to be with him. I'm guilty, because I followed him when he left us for the second time, even at the price of giving up my daughter... (she bursts into tears again) only to take him in my arms for a second, for an hour. I cared nothing about the time... I followed him to Bruxelles, or to London... I don't even know where. For two days, for a week we were together and it was so good. And I left Frida alone. /more quietly/ And you know what's even more grevious? If he would show up again - I would go with him again! And we would leave Frida alone again.
WHA-WHA /changing the subject while fingering the Boss' shoe/ Did he blackmaile you? Did he force you?
FRIDA /not understanding WHA-WHA's meaning/ Never...!
WHA-WHA, with sudden ferocity, jumps on FRIDA, shrieking at her though her teeth:
WHA-WHA Not him! Don't you understand? The Boss! Did he force you?
WHA-WHA kneels on FRIDA's chest and grabs her throat.
FRIDA What do you want?! I am guilty.
This is not enough for WHA-WHA. She tightens her grip.
WHA-WHA Don't try to play the femme fatale here! I'll scratch your eyes out if you seduce him, do you understand?
FRIDA gasps for air, she nods that she understands. WHA-WHA releases her. She leans back and crosses her feet in front of FRIDA's nose. FRIDA stares at the feet, anxiously bewildered. Then without hesitation she covers WHA-WHA's little feet with her kisses. WHA-WHA's nostrils tremble; with closed eyes she takes a deep breath, then kicks FRIDA in the nose, and jumps up.
WHA-WHA /sweetly/ And now, let's see what we can do about this other matter? Listen to me!
With mischievous playfulness she crouches next to FRIDA putting her arms around her. WHA-WHA Next time you see your guy, tell him that you're not even sure that little Frida is his baby. It will have a wonderful effect.
While she poses, WHA-WHA arranges FRIDA's hair; she twists it one way, then another, and finally puts it together with a hairpin, making beautiful FRIDA into a pitiable creature.
WHA-WHA You'll see... you're gonna kiss my feet again in gratitude. You'll have a wonderful time with your lover. You'll chain him to you!
There is a knock on the bedroom window which fronts the balcony. It is THE BOSS gesturing.
THE BOSS WHA-WHA please, unlock the bathroom door; I want to hold the trial there,now!
As THE BOSS disappears from the window, WHA-WHA hurriedly digs out the ashes from her pipe and smears them over FRIDA's face.
WHA-WHA Wait a minute, let me finish! It's only in your best interest! Just remember, don't play around with the Boss again!
After she finishes her make-up job, she takes FRIDA into the bathroom.
33 INT: BATHROOM - DAY 33
WHA-WHA opens the lock and THE BOSS enters. He looks the two ladies up and down with a smile, then proceeds to his room. The group trail him into the bathroom. WHA-WHA whispers between her teeth:
WHA-WHA Not a single remark! Understand?
Followed by BIG JESUS, GUINEVERE, CICADA under her arm, approaches FRIDA to touch her hair.
GUINEVERE /sarcastically/ What a charming hairdo. Wow, how sweet... I can see the marks of the tiger's scratches!
THE BOSS enters the bathroom with two pillows under his arm. After plumping them up, he puts them on the toilet to create his throne. Taking the shape of a croissant, the group finds their place. DESIREE stands in the middle; she is the defendant on trial. THE BOSS poses arrogantly on his throne.
THE BOSS So, this FRIDA here, who - as I can see - understood, ecetera, ecetera... that while we live here, it would be naive on her part to think that all this belongs to her. She knows better, so that's it.
WHA-WHA holds FRIDA locked in her glance.
THE BOSS On the other hand, I would be glad to share my bed with her tonight.
FRIDA shows panic, WHA-WHA almost bites off her tongue, GUINEVERE blows her surprise into a handkerchief.
GUINEVERE /fron behind the handkerchief/ That would be good. Wonderful!
The others remain silent.
LUMIERE /with a little bit high-pitch tone/ Only if she wants to...
Surely it was LUMIERE. The others look aghast. With reddish face he swallows hard.
LUMIERE Yes...! If Frida wants it...!
This incredible boldness is greeted by ice cold silence. LUMIERE She is wonderful! She's authentic. If she wants to, she goes... if she wants to... and if she doesn't want to, then she doesn't go!
THE BOSS slides a bit down into his pillows and makes a confident, dismissive gesture.
THE BOSS We'll deal with this later.
Finally, he turns to DESIREE.
THE BOSS Okay,let's see... you DESIREE, you never stole anything and you never ever saw that money?
DESIREE gives no answer.
ERIC She stole the group's money.
THE BOSS Than go ahead and strip her!
The group fans out and approaches DESIREE from every side, but she resists them.
DESIREE Hey, get off of me!
DESIREE fishes the banknote out of her panties and with a gesture of disgust she throws it into the middle of the circle.
THE BOSS ERIC, you only wanted this trial to demonstrate DESIREE's strange attraction for your money.
ERIC Yes.
THE BOSS And?
ERIC Justice has been served.
THE BOSS I want this perverted, passionate relationship to become more ardent in the next few days. /to ERIC/ Take your money!
Very carefully ERIC places the money in the handkerchief, folds it, and puts it in his pocket.
THE BOSS Eric, I think that as of today this money will be worth much than its market value. You know, I trust you.
THE BOSS now turns to LUMIERE.
THE BOSS So, LUMIERE how did you say it? "If she wants - she goes, if not - she won't"?
GUINEVERE "She only goes if she wants to." BIG JESUS "If she doesn't want to, she won't go!"
THE BOSS Is the swimming pool filled up already?
ERIC Yes. The water temperature is 16 degree!
THE BOSS Tell me LUMIERE, do you feel like taking a bath in the swimming pool?
LUMIERE is not inclined to give an answer.
THE BOSS So, what LUMIERE...?
Our man, LUMIERE takes a heroic stance. He remains silent.
THE BOSS If he wants to take a bath, let him! And if not, take him by force.
34 INT: GARDEN - DAY 34
LUMIERE is led by ERIC. They head to the pool. LUMIERE keeps looking back at FRIDA. She is under WHA-WHA's surveillance. They are followed by BIG JESUS and GUINEVERE with CICADA in her arms.
WHA-WHA /to FRIDA/ Desirée pampered it, warmed it in her panties; that's why the banknote is worth more than its real market value. I think the Boss only wanted to say that what Eric understood of this affair is more than any damned thousand dollar bill. But only Eric could tell how much more.
GUINEVERE You misunderstand him! The Boss is more pragmatic! Eric will never let go of that bill; he will take it out of circulation. And that means that's exactly the amount by which the group's money will diminish. Eric has to come up with that sum. But the question is, how?
WHA-WHA /lifts her fingers/ And that's why he said: "You know, I trust you."
The small punitive group marches past the old pine tree. ERIC, tears flowing, is going through another catharsis.
ERIC It was a hundred percent just sentence.
DESIREE Don't worry, I'll give you hell some day!
They reach the pool.
35 EXT: SWIMMING POOL - DAY 35
The small pool is filled with ice cold water. LUMIERE's teeth start to chatter. But the warmth of FRIDA's look encourages him. LUMIERE takes a deep breath and undresses like a sportsman. LUMIERE The truth is that sometimes I have enough of you. This is the kind of overexaggerated activity so characteristic of the shadows. Why do you have to push every situation to the extreme? Go fly a kite!
LUMIERE flaps his arms to warm up. Among the dry fallen leaves he finds swimming goggles; he puts them on. Afterwards, a swimming cap. And now, no way out, he has to... but he doesn't dare...
ERIC Let's live a little bit, or what...
Everyone laughs, exept FRIDA; they grab LUMIERE. Against all protestation, they drag him to the swimming pool, and give him a good push. A big splash, an icy sprinkle, and LUMIERE is out of sight. Soon he surfaces, out of breath. His drive for survival keeps him busy; he tries to crawl out, but they push him back, stepping on his purply cold fingers. WHA-WHA - with her fakir impersonation - draws magic signs in front of his nose.
WHA-WHA Illusion, illusion! You don't feel the cold, only the actor, you know, what's his name? Who is "otherwise really great!" Only he is freezing... What's his name, again?
ERIC Jacques Maitre.
LUMIERE navigates with all his strenght for survival. WHA-WHA Yes, yes, this is Jacques Maitre! The one you're not identical with. Only he was freezing, back then, but you, the hero, you can't be freezing now. A two-dimensional shadow?
DESIREE Silver particles...
GUINEVERE electrons...
FRIDA's kind look is like a life-saver for LUMIERE. He finds his strength to diminish the malicious joy of his friends. He strives for a water ballet; it buys the audience. LUMIERE climbs out, and playing to FRIDA, takes a few springs on the diving board, and, then upsey-daisy into the pool in an underwater display. When he surfaces again, he realizes with dissapointment that he is alone. Black and blue with cold, LUMIERE climbs out. With teeth chattering, he picks up his clothes.
36 INT: SALON - SUNSET 36
Poor, freezing LUMIERE finds refuge next to the burning fireplace. On the floor's big carpet, a langorous FRIDA is stretched out next to BIG JESUS who is explaining the group's philosophy to her.
BIG JESUS We let ourselves go with every sorrow and joy. We follow our desires, and we experience our fears.
GUINEVERE, THE BOSS and WHA-WHA sit behind FRIDA in a half cicle. They have no idea how seductive her face is, how erotic her pose.
FRIDA /her voice is sweet as honey/ That's what I would like to do... if I could follow my desires... even right now... in this moment... fast... /plaintively/ ...let me know, is it possible? /to THE BOSS/ Please... I beg you...
THE BOSS makes no attempt to hide his pleasure.
THE BOSS It is possible..!
Seeing THE BOSS' passion WHA-WHA employs a self-developed breathing technique to prevent herself from dropping dead from uncontrollable jealousy.
FRIDA /boldy/ Frida would like... right now...
BIG JESUS looks at THE BOSS seeking his appreciation.
BIG JESUS You heard Frida's wish...
WHA-WHA, eyes flashing and GUINEVERE, toying with her handkerchief, wait for the next scene. FRIDA rises and takes a bow toward THE BOSS.
FRIDA Then ... I thank you with full heart.
She goes to BIG JESUS, bends down, and with both hands touches the man's shoulders. She looks into his eyes and whispers.
FRIDA Come... fast!
In astonishment, the completely seduced but embarrassed BIG JESUS lets FRIDA drag him away. THE BOSS makes a painful grimace; WHA-WHA lets her steam out, while GUINEVERE folds her handkerchief over and over. FRIDA lures BIG JESUS up the staircase. On the second turn he stops her.
BIG JESUS Frida, tell me: you're only using me, aren't you?
FRIDA Yes...!
FRIDA pulls the overcome BIG JESUS. The ruined GUINEVERE, WHA-WHA and THE BOSS sit in the salon and watch the fire. LUMIERE smoulders in front of the fireplace.
37 INT: UPPER CORRIDOR - SUNSET 37
FRIDA pushes BIG JESUS into one of the rooms and locks the door from the inside. As we zoom back from the handle of the door, THE BOSS, GUINEVERE and WHA-WHA are revealed eaves-dropping. We hear Big Jesus's lustful and long breathing... silence for a few minutes... and then, Frida's weeping.
FRIDA /OFF CAMERA/ No, it'not him, it's not him either...!
FRIDA is overcome by sobs, as BIG JESUS utters a lustful scream..
38 INT: SALON - SUNSET 38
GUINEVERE, THE BOSS and WHA-WHA focus on the fire. LUMIERE steams. A creak on the staircase announces BIG JESUS who shrugs: "So be it!" Bent, and in total silence, he takes his previous place on the carpet. There is a long silence, then slightly fleeting noises. FRIDA descends and also takes her previous seat. A little embarrassment passes between them. They avert their eyes and watch the fire. Only LUMIERE looks into the camera; he is beaming.
39 INT: ERIC'S ROOM - SUNSET 39
Carefully ERIC locks the door of his room. He takes out his handkerchief, and unfolds the thousand dollar bill; smells it... what an odour...! Enchanting! He makes a straw out of the bill and puts it up his nose... sniffing long and slow; then he lays down on the couch.
40 INT: DESIREE'S BEDROOM - DAWN 40
DESIREE creates a hyped-up sex goddess out of herself. With three srokes she applies her lipstick in front of the mirror, and with elastic steps, she leaves the bedroom.
41 INT: KITCHEN - DAWN 41
As her sexy alterego, a langorous DESIREE dances through the living room at dawn, followed by ERIC's gaze. ERIC in bad shape, sinks into an armchair. He hangs onto a half empty coffe cup. He looks beat. Facing him, DESIREE puts on her own coffee. ERIC becomes completely alert, aroused by desire for DESIREE. DESIREE's coffee is ready and steaming in the pot, while her free hand searches in the sugarpot. Next to her, on the kitchen counter LUMIERE prepares the baby's breakfast. He puts milkpowder in the warm water.
LUMIERE Wow, how beautiful you are!
DESIREE Oh... it's only a job!
DESIREE, like a showgirl flies out to the balcony.
42 EXT: BALCONY - DAWN 42
In the early morning landscape GUINEVERE, BIG JESUS and strong-guy CICADA are enjoying the fresh air. One chews on a biscuit, the other sips coffee. DESIREE sits down next to them, crossing her legs.
GUINEVERE Wow, how seductive you are. Where did you get this silk?
GUINEVERE plays with DESIREE's earrings.
GUINEVERE Let me see. Yes it's sweet! Where did you get it? Maybe, you found it in your panties.
DESIREE turns to them with a TV anchor's smile.
DESIREE Outer and material charm and beauty have no seductive value; it's one's spiritual nature that creates beauty. But, today, it's hatred that makes me seductive, Guinevere.
GUINEVERE Wow! This girl is not joking! We better be careful with her.
BIG JESUS (to Guinevere) I keep thinking more and more about our marital agreement. As we are getting closer in time, so too in space.
GUINEVERE My poor dear... thoughts are putting deep wrinkles on your face. They might damage your beauty.
BIG JESUS My beauty? Thinking can't hurt me. Beauty is conceptual and timeless. Troubles in life make a man's face mature and beautiful.
43 INT: THE BOSS'S ROOM - DAWN 43
Under the mosquito net THE BOSS and the beautiful WHA-WHA talk to each other. WHA-WHA sucks on her pipe.
THE BOSS Frida's beauty is spiritual, timeless.
WHA-WHA There is a hole in that woman. A big empty space in her soul. Something is missing.
THE BOSS You feel a vertigo... and you fall in, into something subterranean.
44 INT: HALLWAY - DAWN 44
Through the hallway window the early morning sunshine covers the top of the Saleve with a silken glow. Under the hallway window, on a small sofa, a vulnerable FRIDA is asleep, making little noises in her dreams. LUMIERE, with the little girl in a wicker basket, tiptoes to her. Lovigly he watches FRIDA, then puts the basket down next to the sofa, pushing it a little bit closer. LUMIERE retreats slowly and regretfully.
FRIDA Lumiere!
LUMIERE, very carefully, with only half a buttock, balances himself next to FRIDA's head.
FRIDA Tomorrow, I'm going to sleep with Eric because I have amnesia. Do you understand?
LUMIERE Amnesia is not a reason to sleep with Eric.
FRIDA First I told you that I only left for a half hour and went to buy milkpowder. Then I invented a man, who, alas, does not exist. It's all a big lie!
FRIDA sits up, and opens her heart to LUMIERE.
FRIDA In reality, I have not the slightest idea, where I come from and, who is my baby's father. All I remember is, that, with a bag of milkpowder in my hands, I appeared in the salon. Then, like a detective, I came to some conclusion from what I saw, what I felt... like, obviously, this is my home.
LUMIERE smiles warmly.
FRIDA Look, I take off my pullover.
FRIDA gets out of her pullover. LUMIERE is enchanted by the round shoulders, mature breasts. FRIDA checks over her pullover.
FRIDA I keep looking at it, but somehow it's not familiar. As if I had seen it for the very first time, so, I have to try it on!
FRIDA slips it on quickly, and LUMIERE's mood turns sad.
FRIDA You see, now I know that this is mine, my pullover.
True, it does fit her... LUMIERE smiles compassionately.
LUMIERE So, you are searching for the father .
FRIDA Yes. This is my fate: to try every man on...!
LUMIERE feels the vertigo.
FRIDA But, with you, it's different.
LUMIERE takes a deep breath.
FRIDA Is it because I love you?
LUMIERE fidgets shyly with joy.
FRIDA You do understand me.. or.. I don't know!
LUMIERE Yes, you are wonderful, you are authentic! You live exacly the way the shadows live!
FRIDA Yes, I can feel that you understand me!
FRIDA lays back on the couch like a delicate little deer.
LUMIERE Do you really mean that?
FRIDA /sleepily/ Because I love you!
LUMIERE watches the sleeping FRIDA tenderly.
LUMIERE I...I love you, too,Frida!
45 INT: UNDER THE HALLWAY WINDOW - DAY 45
LUMIERE awakens. Little FRIDA, in the basket, starts to move. Her mother, FRIDA, is nowhere in sight.
46 INT: ATTIC - DAY 46
With little FRIDA in his arms, LUMIERE steps to the window. Below, in the garden, FRIDA is disappearing into the bushes with ERIC.
LUMIERE You know, FRIDA, your mother can't recall anything that happened, before she entered the house. I can't remember, neither can the others. Nobody should have to. Maybe you will understand it one day.
47 EXT: SMALL STATION WAGON - DIRT ROAD, COURTYARD - DAY 47
The CATERER in white livery, whistling above the blaring of the 8 A.M. newcast, maneuvers aroung the many potholes leading to La Saisias. Checking the directions, he slows and makes a left into the courtyard. The windows and doors of the house are open. But all is quiet. The CATERER leans on his horn.
48 INT: THE BOSS' ROOM - DAY 48
THE BOSS and WHA-WHA, in bed, continuing their philosophical discourse are interrupted by the fanfare from the courtyard.
THE BOSS That's the caterer.
WHA-WHA The whoooo?
THE BOSS The caterer; he's delivered our feast.
WHA-WHA takes the pipe out of her mouth, and puts it on the floor.
WHA-WHA Come to think of it, I'm starving.
49 INT,EXT: FRONT OF HOUSE, KITCHEN - DAY 49
The CATERER delivers his elegant service to the kitchen. ERIC, restored and renewed by his conquest, sits, stirring his hot coffee. With an official smile, the caterer greets him, then a bit less formally:
CATERER Ah, I can sense Frida is here.
ERIC Sorry, she just left.
The CATERER puts a shining silver plate on the round table.
CATERER /with a conspiratorial smile/ She went out into the world? Eh, what? Hmm... heavenly...!
Satisfaction makes you stupid. ERIC doesn't register the remark. ERIC - with self-restrain studies the CATERER's truffle-nose.
CATERER /while removing the silver crown he reveals the first dish/ Surely, she was crying... Voilá! Garden Snail Roasted in Penaut Butter Stew, in Brandy Flambee!
He sallies forth for the next dish. GUINEVERE descends from the floor above. She fishes out a hot escargot. GUINEVERE She left, didn't she?
BIG JESUS enters and scewers an escargot with a silver fork. THE BOSS and WHA-WHA arrive on the scene at the same time that the CATERER enters with the second revelation.
CATERER Good day to everybody... Sweet Water Salmon Marinated in its Bones!
THE BOSS and WHA-WHA peruse the dish: an army of small crabs guard the safety of the sliced-up salmon; bone spears stick out from the pickling sauce.
50 INT: ATTIC - DAY 50
LUMIERE's sorrowful eyes search the end of the garden where FRIDA was seen for the last time.
51 INT: KITCHEN - DAY 51
The feast is jovially consumed. THE BOSS purposefully taps a crystal glass with his knife.
THE BOSS Now, that Frida, the ex-owner deserted us, I would like to use this wonderful occasion to turn to BIG JESUS and ask him for his wife's hand in marriage.
The eyes of BIG JESUS are wet, GUINEVERE is motionless.
THE BOSS This union will serve the interests of all of us... Anything could happen to me... I need a woman by my side; that must be GUINEVERE. What do you think about it, Jesus?
BIG JESUS Keeping everybody's best interest in mind, I consent to your wish.
Taking GUINEVERE's hands he takes her to THE BOSS, bows his head and steps back. ERIC, WHA-WHA and DESIREE are stunned by surprise. The CATERER explodes a bottle of Veuve Cliquot easing the tension. WHA-WHA, ERIC and the CATERER congratulate the new wife-to-be, who receives them solemnly. THE BOSS shovles a spoonful of fishbones from the pickling sauce. DESIREE leans into him and whispers.
DESIREE Lately you don't pay me much mind.
THE BOSS You should understand, baby, this is my wedding day.
LUMIERE watches them sadly. THE BOSS turns his back to DESIREE and lifts the spoonful of thousands of tiny fishbones to his mouth. DESIREE, standing behind him, grabs the two pronged silver meat fork and strikes. Bang! The Traditional French Cuisine is used to deliver a strike on the stair railing, then again, and again. THE BOSS moves jerkily. He's strapped awkwardly to his wicker chair, a crazy smile playing on his mouth, terror in his eyes. LUMIERE blinks at THE BOSS in astonishment. ERIC shouts, WHA-WHA is slashing the air around herself and BIG JESUS jumps up in pursuit.
GUINEVERE You missed it again.
WHA-WHA /hysterically/ There it is!
A huge wasp flies around the room manically. BIG JESUS sneaks up on the wild animal, lifts the big book, waits it out and strikes! It's a hit! The big wasp crashlands on the floor.
GUINEVERE /VOICE OFF CAMERA/ Why did you kill it? Did it hurt you?
WHA-WHA It was a huge wasp!
The huge wasp twitches. THE BOSS, in his wicker chair, mimics the helpless insect. BIG JESUS, ERIC and WHA-WHA lean over the wasp gingerly.
BIG JESUS But it's still alive!
WHA-WHA manipulates the wasp with a big iron clipper she's taken from the side of the fireplace, and places it on a porcelain dish. The ruins of a banquet surround it.
GUINEVERE Strike it dead to stop the suffering.
With a champagne glass in his hands ERIC comes to represent the case of the poor wasp.
ERIC Hey. Hey... mata lo!
WHA-WHA picks up a small silver fork from the side of a half-empty champagne glass, and, concentrates like a small kid, over the wasp.
WHA-WHA I cut off his tiny head!
GUINEVERE Stop it! Strike it dead!
WHA-WHA's face gleams with malicious pleasure as she places the fork on the neck of the wasp. THE BOSS moves jerkily. He's strapped awkwardly to his wicker chair, a crazy smile playing on his mouth, terror in his eyes.
A YOUNG GUY /VOICE OFF CAMERA/ Jesuuuuus! Where is my Love-Burgeeeeeeer?
LUMIERE blinks at THE BOSS, then cocks his head in the direction of the stair. BIG JESUS and GUINEVERE, accomplices in parental frustration, look at each other. BIG JESUS takes a deep breath, gets up from his chair, and takes out the Love-Burger from the fridge. He throws it in the microwave oven, and is about to turn back to the table.
YOUNG GUY /VOICE OFF CAMERA/ /from upstairs/ Put it on 48 sec!
BIG JESUS freezes, and with a half turn, reaches back and changes the timer.
GUINEVERE /shouting/ Would it be such a big deal for you to come down?
Silence. GUINEVERE breaks out in laughter; BIG JESUS smiles behind his mustache. DESIREE, in a black mourning dress, looking sexy and elegant, smiles at the others, but remains silent. LUMIERE, too, is silent but looks about furtively. "Kling!" BIG JESUS takes out the hamburger from the microwave and readys the ketchup.
YOUNG GUY /VOICE OFF CAMERA/ /from upstairs/ Dad, leave the ketchup to me!
LUMIERE gets up from the table, and starts up the stairs.
LUMIERE /muttering/ Did they mix up the reels? I gotta see this kid; it can't be Cicada.
52 INT: UPSTAIRS, FRONT OF ENTRANCE TO ROOM - DAY 52
The door of the room is open.
YOUNG GUY /VOICE OFF CAMERA/ Bring it up, I'll show you!
LUMIERE peeps into the room. There is a big twenty year old sprawled on a mattress.
LUMIERE You... you are the son of... Big Jesus and Guinevere?
THE BIG TEENAGER Sad, but true! Why?
LUMIERE Are you... Cicada?
CICADA You got it!
He springs off the mattress without giving LUMIERE a second look.
CICADA What the fuck is going on with my "Love"?
LUMIERE follows CICADA down to the kitchen.
53 INT: KITCHEN - DAY 53
ERIC, DESIREE, WHA-WHA, BIG JESUS and GUINEVERE are seated at the table and wait ceremoniously for CICADA to show. The "Love-Burger" and the ketchup are served at a place setting.
CICADA /descends the staircase/ You just can't do without the formal reception. Cut the drama for a change!
With a negligent gesture he soaks his "Love Burger" in ketchup and picks it up. LUMIERE, hearing cacophonous voices from the direction of the garden, sneaks out to the balcony. 54 EXT: BALCONY - DAY 54
CICADA joins him while munching his "Love Burger".
LUMIERE They are... your friends down there?
CICADA You got it!
LUMIERE flinches at CICADA's intended rudeness. Then, with a full mouth, CICADA speeds down to the garden to join his friends. A baseball bat catches CICADA in the back and his hamburger goes flying. A kick between his legs knocks him down. His friends pick up the left-overs of the hamburger, and continue kicking him as he struggles to protect his head.
55 INT: KITCHEN - DAY 55
Cogitating, LUMIERE joins his friends around the table. BIG JESUS, WHA-WHA, GUINEVERE, ERIC and DESIREE sip fine wine, pick on sweet grapes, and with disgust, watch the young generation.
LUMIERE Wait... there was a cut here! We skipped... about twenty years!
BIG JESUS How time flies!
ERIC That's how it is... gotta take it like it is.
GUINEVERE All of a sudden... Cicada just grew up!
56 INT: ATTIC - DAY 56
LUMIERE stands at the window.
LUMIERE /sourly/ Banality...
He meditates from his favourite spying post, and stares at the corner of the garden where Frida disappeared. CICADA and his FRIENDS are carousing. Fires are burning in iron barrels, and the young men are busy sexually assaulting one of the girls. The sound of a scream, and an all too familiar, but long gone and beloved silhouette prompts LUMIERE to dash down the stairs.
57 INT: SALON - SUNSET 57
LUMIERE crosses the semi-dark of the salon without aknowledging the curious looks of the others.
58 EXT:GARDEN - SUNSET 58
Determinedly he reaches the scene of the aggression. The callow perpetrators have vanished: only a half naked LITTLE FRIDA, gatherihg her clothes, remains. She is the living image of FRIDA. Only her hair has a different shade. They look at each other by the light of the fire..
LUMIERE FRIDA... is it you?
LITTLE FRIDA Gimme a break!
She turns to leave, but LUMIERE grabs her arm fast. With tears in his eyes, LUMIERE gazes at LITTLE FRIDA; she smiles at him.
LITTLE FRIDA Do you want to sleep with me? Now, right her? Is that it?
LUMIERE /his mood turning ever sadder/ Yes...
LITTLE FRIDA takes LUMIERE's hand. CICADA's attacker, his baseball bat still in hand, charges, suddenly onto the scene.
LITTLE FRIDA Roger, this is my friend LUMIERE.
The two shake hands indifferently and Roger flies swiftly away into the garden.
LUMIERE I don't want to make love with you here in the garden... let's go to the house.
FRIDA Not there, please. I just can't take listening to the idiotic remarks of your friends...
59 EXT,INT: GARAGE BEHIND HOUSE - SUNSET 59
FRIDA takes LUMIERE by his hand into the garage.
FRIDA /mischievously/ There are even vipers here!
FRIDA lays down on a bag next to the iron barrels, tools, the sprinkler and an old bike, and takes off her panties. Initially, LUMIERE is overtaken by trembling, but then his natural instincts overcome his shyness. He lunges at FRIDA.
FRIDA Wait... not so fast! First of all, what's your idea about protection?
LUMIERE saddens.
FRIDA On the other hand, looking at you, you don't seem to be HIV positive..
LUMIERE This is the first time for me.
FRIDA Then come on! I believe you... You can't have AIDS, I can feel it!
LUMIERE's ardor propels him like a turbo-diesel engine. Unexpectedly, LITTLE FRIDA quietly starts to cry while LUMIERE passionately continues his exercise.
LUMIERE What's the matter? FRIDA /as she replies she is already laughing/ I don't even know anymore...
During the neverending sunset, a contented LUMIERE sits with a sad LITTLE FRIDA, who once again, is drying her tears.
LUMIERE FRIDA, I knew your mother, what happened to her?
FRIDA I can't believe it! Everybody starts up about my mother; what do I know? She disappeared and that's it. She died. Or she dyed her hair.
6o EXT: GARAGE - JUST AFTER SUNSET 6o
FRIDA leaves the garage followed by LUMIERE.
LUMIERE Tell me... with whom did you come here?
FRIDA With whom? With Roger, you know... with friends and with my husband.
LUMIERE Your husband? Who is your husband?
FRIDA I'll introduce you to him. He's a sweetheart. We have a very good connection, a certain solidarity. It makes everything so much easier. You see, that's him,over there.
A limo has just pulled into the courtyard, and out steps the CATERER, elegantly apparelled.
CATERER Look at this, our man, LUMIERE. The incorrigible dreamer! /slyly/ This one... was a good dream, wasn't it?
LUMIERE The Caterer!
CATERER /tapping LUMIERE on his back/ So what do you think of her? Was she crying, maybe?
FRIDA, with smiling complicity, disappears.
CATERER She was laughing, too! Right? She is crazy, this girl, don't you think?
THE CATERER laughs, LUMIERE smiles politely.
CATERER Her mother! She was the real crazy. /he snaps his fingers/ You knew her, don't try to deny it... She was the craziest around here.. I like it when a girl is a cuckoo. It gives me space. In my profession... just imagine... there's always those "drinks with the clients". I would never take another kind of woman. I've been sterilized. I can't make a new Little Frida, maybe you. Or this young guy Roger... I don't give a shit, I just want one of you to make a new Little Frida for me. /laughing smugly/ Let's think about our old age. /smiling sadly/ We're all crazy,that's it!
The CATERER turns on his heel.
61 INT: GARAGE - NIGHT 61
After making love.
FRIDA You know, LUMIERE, what I would ask for if all my wishes could come true? To have a rapsberry, butter pecan ice cream in my hand right now!
LITTLE FRIDA holds out her hand in a fruitless but hopeful gesture.
LUMIERE Here's a little demonstration of the miracle!
He turns the old bike upside down and puts it down with the wheels facing upwards.
LUMIERE Now watch!... I spin it this way.
He spins the wheel of the bike.
LUMIERE And the spokes! Just look! They seem to slow down... and, then, seem to switch direction! They move now the opposite way.
FRIDA concentrates.
LUMIERE /victoriously/ This is the interference ! FRIDA... here... /points around the garage/ everything vibrates, the garage, you and me... appears and disappears. In every second about twenty-four, twenty-five times.
He stops the wheel.
LUMIERE Everything is vibrating because this is a film. Do you understand?
Attentively, LITTLE FRIDA puts her hand in LUMIERE's crotch.
FRIDA But this is not a film; I feel you.
LUMIERE That is different, but those who watch us, they can't touch me... us, they can only watch. LUMIERE makes a shy gesture toward the audience. FRIDA takes her hands out of LUMIERE pants, and shyly and consciously adjusts her clothes.
LUMIERE You have to understand... and accept it! This is already the seventh reel! We don't have too much time left. I want you to understand because I want to love you... and I want you to love me.
LITTLE FRIDA is breathless and awed.
LUMIERE A film like this, I don't know, maybe it could last for hundred minutes, FRIDA! We don't have too much time left.
FRIDA nods without fully comprehending, but kisses him on the cheek in solidarity.
62 INT: SALON - NIGHT 62
There is a fire in the fireplace. CICADA and his cronies stampede through the house. "The old guys" regard them icily until they and their rumble dissapear. The group sits around the fireplace, still picking on left-overs from silver plates. The self satisfied CATERER is smiling as he rests both hands on THE BOSS's shoulders. THE BOSS, still strapped to his wicker chair, twitches with a clown-like-grimace.
CATERER Everything tastes good? Everything is OK ?
THE BOSS twitches in reply. A tear rolls down DESIREE's face. WHA-WHA observes compassionately. THE BOSS emits irregular and strange sounds from his throat, and lifts one of his fingers.
ERIC The Boss...!
BIG JESUS, catching THE BOSS' gesture, queries pedagogically.
BIG JESUS So, GUINEVERE, what's your interpretation?
GUINEVERE OK, I can see... now, with one of his fingers, he's consoling DESIREE!
BIG JESUS Isn't his finger a little bit steeper?
GUINEVERE Maybe, we can look at it this way... oh, yes. Maybe he wants to warn her...
WHA-WHA Why do you have to start that again?
BIG JESUS So... what's your version? What does he want with this, your husband ?
GUINEVERE You know very well, you are the boss!
BIG JESUS So, what is he showing ?
GUINEVERE That DESIREE... He wants to console her... With his fingers, he shows, that this is important!
BIG JESUS But why? Nobody else knows.
Seemingly, DESIREE knows: her tears exchange for a smile. LUMIERE and FRIDA lounging on the carpet, are in a world of their own. Magical lights from the fireplace dance on their face.
LUMIERE /confidentially/ Do you know what a glider is?
FRIDA A flat parachute.
LUMIERE That's it! But FRIDA, did you ever jump?
FRIDA Oh, no!
LUMIERE And what do you think, is it hard?
FRIDA I don't know, why do you ask?
LUMIERE There are people that jump from the Saleve, right behind the house, everyday. Haven't you noticed!
FRIDA No!
LUMIERE I never jumped before... with any kind of parachute... I'm going to get one and jump down! I will throw myself into the deep... and... I will arrive right here. Here, in the middle of the garden. And I have two reasons to do this: for you, FRIDA, for our love, and for his sake. /pointing into the fire/
FRIDA /jealously/ What do you mean? For who's sake?
LUMIERE /searching for the camera/ The one who watches us now. /finding the camera/ Okay, I got you... Finally I got you! /to the camera/ No question. I'm the hero. But now I have to act.
GUINEVERE There he goes again.
ERIC For how many years, now, have you spared us from mission work?
WHA-WHA Leave him alone with his audience! And with his LITTLE FRIDA; they're having a good time, anyway. WHA-WHA smiles at the CATERER, and then, discreetly turns to DESIREE.
WHA-WHA They are very well together... What do you think, is it good for us?
DESIREE smiles positively, and the CATERER winks indulgently. THE BOSS manages to free one of his hands from the shackles, and awkwardly and painstakingly, brings it to his mouth.
BIG JESUS GUINEVERE, you should know why is it so important.
BIG JESUS approaches THE BOSS from behind, and from the BOSS's back pocket, takes out his diary and opens it to the marked page.
BIG JESUS "Following my verdict in the thousand dollar bill case, the cohesion of the group got sronger." And that means, GUINEVERE?
GUINEVERE /cynically/ Yes, it is very important... to console this predator for the sake of group cohesion. We have to have a victim... don't we?
DESIREE cries new tears. ERIC tries to confort her.
ERIC That's not the way we meant it. If you stuck THE BOSS, DESIREE, surely, you had to do it.
From head to toe THE BOSS is nothing more than a big grimace, while fussing frantically around his mouth.
WHA-WHA DESIREE decided on her own to wear a mourning outfit and keep silence. We have to appreciate that...
GUINEVERE Appreciate? And, why does she wear the mourning garb? Because she feels guilty!
ERIC But then what is her guilt? Nobody saw her do it... Nobody knows what happened.
GUINEVERE Why would she keep her mouth shut if it happened some other way? She is the only one who knows if she stabbed the Boss. She doesn't talk, so, she is guilty.
BIG JESUS closes the diary.
BIG JESUS /enigmatically/ THE BOSS knew everything in advance: that's why he chose you, GUINEVERE.
THE BOSS fusses around his mouth, tears flowing from his eyes. With a nod, BIG JESUS directs GUINEVERE's attention toward her mate. GUINEVERE keeps forcing down THE BOSS's hand from his mouth in order to wipe away his tears.
63 INT: CAVE - DAWN 63
LUMIERE crawls on all fours to reach István's still unburried body. Arduously, he removes the stones, one by one, and the still life-like body of István is revealed. He touches it.
LUMIERE /looking into the camera/ Now you see very well that not even an hour and a half has passed.
With care, he takes off the silk parachute used as ISTVÁN's shroud. He finds the straps and examines them to find out how they are attached. He opens the buckle.
64 EXT: TOP OF THE SALEVE - DAY 64
Garbed in his parachute gear, LUMIERE climbs to the top of the mountain: a naked plateau under an icy-gray sky, with a stormy wind. On the other side of the shaved plateau, there is a twenty meter high radio tower, with parabola antennas. Exerting himself against the turbulent wind, LUMIERE sets out for the radio tower.
65 EXT: RADIO TOWER - DAY 65
The tower and its surrounding buildings are deserted. The wind grabs the glider from his hands. The parachute fills with wind, and drags LUMIERE along the whole length of the plateau.
66 EXT: RADIO TOWER - DAY 66
LUMIERE ascends the exterior iron ladder of the tower, the glider securely strapped to his body. A freezing and wind-tormented LUMIERE squats on the few meter diameter platform, most probably, for hours, by now. Finally, he remembers swimming goggles and a cap buried in a pocket. Souvenirs of time past. He puts them on, stands up, and lets his parachute sail to the winds. When he feels himself light enough, he throws himself into the whirlpool of emtiness. From a distance the parachutist is seen floundering down in a steep angel toward the ground. With herculean effort, he manipulates the ropes to hold him above the plateau until he reaches the abyss.
67 EXT: SEA OF CLOUDS SEEN FROM THE TOP OF THE SALEVE - DAY 67
One of the clouds disperses and the sun claims its throne back. LUMIERE is between the Above and the Below. He sits on a swing suspended in the airy sky: above the azure blue sky, below a sea of fluffy clouds, with the top of Mont Blanc and the highest point of the Jura peeking through. LUMIERE is finally happy! He softly descends into the spheric bubble bath.
68 EXT: ON THE PLATEAU OF THE SALEVE, NEXT TO THE TOWER - DAY 68
THE CATERER's big limousine careens onto the plateau, its horn blasting. The limo circles the tower and rolls out to the very end of the plateau. FRIDA jumps out, then WHA-WHA, DESIREE and BIG JESUS. They halt at the abyss and search the downhill jumping course.
FRIDA Lumiere! Lumiere!
Only the wind screams in reply.
WHA-WHA /shouting/ He's not here!
Angst ridden and disheartened the friends jump into the car to escape the unrelenting wind. FRIDA sits behind the wheel, BIG JESUS next to her.
BIG JESUS It's sure, he's not around.
FRIDA But, where is he?
BIG JESUS Nowhere.
FRIDA What?
BIG JESUS Simply he does not exist... in this moment! FRIDA He glided over to the fourth dimension!
69 EXT: UNDER THE CLOUD BLANKET - DAY 69
A grayish landscape in November. Howling winds thrash the thorny leaveless bushes of the Saleve. Our "umbrella" slowly lowers itself along the mountain wall. Below, the narrow and long property, "La Saisias" extends from the bottom of the rocks through an English and French styled garden with a tall pine tree, and a roof peering through its branches dividing the landscape which stretches out to a gently rolling golf course. The acceleration increases bringing to view the Chekovian villa; the trees of the garden glide away, hang on, look out: the pine tree!
7o EXT: THE CROWN OF THE PINE TREE - DAY 7o
Branches are trashing falling: they fill the screen, and then there is only the silence of nature. It's LUMIERE - upside-down in the picture, with his swimming goggles on his chin. "Ergo: I'm still alive" - he keeps telling himself. He hears Frida's friends rampaging and laughing from the direction of the house. From the garden, there is silence. The house and the garden seen from the branches of the pine tree: a landscape turned upside-down, which by a "magic touch", falls back into place. LUMIERE shifts a hundred and eighty degrees. Gratefully, he listens to the noises of life. Confidentally he unlocks his gear, but suddenly, loosing control, crashlands to the ground not far from the pine tree. His body is fixed in a casual pose, his face is set in a rigid smile, and his beautiful eyes are locked in a gaze. And, then, his eyes go into orbit, and look out with exitement to his surroundings. But he can neither move, nor cry out.
71 EXT: GARDEN - DAY 71
Not far away from the pine tree, the entire group is picnicking quietly. They munch from left-overs. THE BOSS fidgets, his fingers trying to grasp something deep in his throat.
CATERER Suddenly - it's not even a second ago - I had the impression that for timeless times we did not see that dreamer LUMIERE!
A silence passes. Like a hellish thunder this Chekovian silence is broken by CICADA, ROGER and their GANG's loud and violent, interminable rampaging. A big splash is heard from the pool, then silence again. With a deep sigh, the CATERER picks up the last fried escargot from the plate. In the renewed silence the picnickers' attention is drawn to a creeking noise from above. They look up in unison. A man with a helmet is retrieving his parachute from the branches of the pine tree. A young man, with the face of an angel, and a very clear New-Jersey accent.
GLIDER I'm sorry to disturb you; I'm the stuntman for Mr. Jacques Maitre... I helped him in the jump... I'll just pick up these things here, and I'm on my way!
FRIDA Jacques Maitre?
ERIC LUMIERE's alterego.
FRIDA turns to the GLIDER hopefully.
FRIDA Did he land safely?
GLIDER Who?
FRIDA Lumiere!
GLIDER I suppose so. I'm finished. Then, good appetite, and so long.
The GLIDER exits. He disappears between the rows of hedges of the French garden, and the bushes of the English garden. In silence, the FRIENDS regard each other.
CATERER He was a good-looking guy... don't you think, FRIDA?
FRIDA flinches; she gets up and leave the table hastily. She passes LUMIERE without noticing him. LUMIERE's eyes turn round in their sockets, trying to follow FRIDA. His body is inert.
LUMIERE /VOICE OFF CAMERA/ FRIDA!!!
FRIDA freezes at the sound of LUMIERE's voice.
LUMIERE /VOICE OFF SCREEN/ I'm here!
FRIDA searches frantically.
LUMIERE On the ground!
FRIDA combs the bushes from one side to the other.
FRIDA But where are you?
LUMIERE Right behind you.
FRIDA spins around.Happily she kneels down beside him.
FRIDA LUMIERE, are you all right?
He is still motionless. With one arm under his head, crossed legs and superior smile.
LUMIERE /VOICE OFF CAMERA/ So, what do you think?
FRIDA But... what's going on? You can't talk but I can hear your voice. You can't move but you're still alive.
LUMIERE /VOICE OFF CAMERA/ Don't worry about me, FRIDA, we only have ten minutes left... and, by then, the film will end.
FRIDA starts to cry.
LUMIERE /VOICE OFF CAMERA/ Don't cry, go ahead and laugh!
FRIDA !weeping/ Why ?
LUMIERE /VOICE OFF CAMERA/ Because now you know everything!
And, in this moment FRIDA understands. With all her hart she starts to laugh: at LUMIERE, at the audience and, then, at the sky. Her laugh attracts DESIREE, ERIC and WHA-WHA, and following them BIG JESUS. The circle is closed by GUINEVERE. They all watch the laughing FRIDA, beside LUMIERE.
ERIC squats down next to the body and touches it with curiousity.
ERIC But, he's cold.
BIG JESUS leans down, too, takes his ankle, then, full of pity, rises.
BIG JESUS LUMIERE is dead ...!
Hearing this, FRIDA explodes into laughter. Lumiere's voice is laughing, too, off screen. LUMIERE /VOICE OFF SCREEN/ Dear FRIDA. We are going to meet again at the next screening. It was so good with you and I'm happy to know that I can relive those precious moments with you again and again on all the screenings for eternity.
LUMIERE and FRIDA laugh together ecstatically.
FRIDA A thousand times again, we will make love in the garage.
ERIC /shakenly/ My angel, he's dead.
Determinedly, the CATERER takes LITTLE FRIDA by the hand.
CATERER Come FRIDA, enough of this!
Before following her husband, FRIDA turns to the others.
FRIDA /beaming with joy/ See you soon! We have nine minutes left; Lumiere told me! Try to have fun for the next few minutes still ahead. We'll meet again soon, at the next screening!
FRIDA leaves with the CATERER in the direction of the house. The others, staying with LUMIERE, set their watches to match ERIC's.
ERIC Nine minutes, that's what FRIDA said. But what is this... craziness ?
GUINEVERE Nine minutes? What can I do with nine minutes? It takes me more than half an hour to brush my teeth.
WHA-WHA leans closer to LUMIERE. They look at each other. WHA-WHA blinks into LUMIERE's two eyes.
WHA-WHA And, what's if he is right?...
BIG JESUS Then... this is no joke... We don't even have time to think! We have to do something..! All of us have to fulfill our own destiny. And if he's not right, we'll find out in nine minutes. Then we can go to a restaurant and have a good laugh about it.
A silence passes.
BIG JESUS So...
DESIREE /finally speaks/ An acceptable proposition...!
Honk-honk! The horn of the caterer's limo signals farewell.
CICADA Hey, you.... wait, we're going too! Contemptuously, CICADA, ROGER and their FRIENDS race pass the old friends to catch a ride in the limo.
72 EXT: GARDEN GATE - DAY 72
Laughing loudly, the youngsters all manage to squeeze into the limousine. The wheels speed up on the gravel and the limousine rolls out onto the dirt road through the garden gate.
73 EXT: UNDER THE PINE TREE - DAY 73
The helpless BOSS, finally manages to put his right hand deep into his throat. His eyes fill with tears. BIG JESUS compassionately covers him with his leather coat.
BIG JESUS God save you... our life is nearing its end... Or, if not, we'll go out to a restaurant... and you'll see that the group cohesion will strengthen again. Allow me?
BIG JESUS places a chair next to THE BOSS. He sits down, looks for a cigarette and lights it ceremoniously. He inhales deeply. He talks to himself while enjoying the cigarette.
BIG JESUS True. There is one thing that I don't understand either; why do we always have to hurry and do something?
Next to him the BOSS is grasping something in his throat.
BIG JESUS /oblivious to the BOSS' manouvers/ Why can't we, let's say, sit quietly in the garden, and smoke a cigarette?
THE BOSS extricates a colossal fishbone from his throat. He observes it keenly and with satisfaction as he twiddles it around.
74 INT: BATHROOM - DAY 74
Snap! ERIC triggers his switchblade. With it, he slits into a cardboard box stashed in the cupboard, and rummages through its contents. He pulls out a straw hat, and, putting it aside, he continues his search.
75 INT: UPPER STAIRCASE - DAY 75
Hastily, GUINEVERE descends with a halogen lamp on a stand.
76 EXT: SECOND FLOOR BALCONY - DAY 76
Hysterically, WHA-WHA struggles with a big summer folding chair. She toys with it in all possible ways.
77 INT: SALON - DAY 77
In a flurry, DESIREE looks for a particular CD.
DESIREE Hell, where did it go? That disc "kssh-kssh-kssh"...
She finds it, and slides it into the CD with a theatrical gesture.
DESIREE Fuck !.. Close!.. Play!
78 EXT: UNDER THE PINE TREE - DAY 78
BIG JESUS puts heart and soul into the activity of smoking. From the balcony, the song of the CICADAS is heard... "kssh, kssh, kssh..."
79 EXT: A BIT FURTHER AWAY - DAY 79
LUMIERE still lays in the grass. His eyes are smiling.
8o EXT: ON THE BALCONY - DAY 8o
ERIC, WHA-WHA, GUINEVERE and DESIREE all lounge on chairs in bathing suits under the light of the halogen lamp. From two loudspeakers the song of the cicadas vibrates.
GUINEVERE True, we didn't have one single minute of sunshine in this silly film of his.
In silence they continue sunbathing. WHA-WHA anxiously checks the time on ERIC's golden watch. ERIC giggles.
WHA-WHA You think it's funny?
ERIC
I'm already thinking about our feast. I know what I'll order: Garden Snail in Peanut Butter Stew with Wine Brandy
Flambee !
ERIC shivers in the armchair.
DESIREE What's up with you, ERIC? Are you cold?
ERIC /trembling/ Oh, no, I'm not freezing; only the actor shivered some time ago... The one who played my role, Patrice Bornand... it's of no importance...
DESIREE and GUINEVERE emit peals of laughter. 81 EXT: UNDER THE PINE TREE - DAY 81
THE BOSS has completely regained his faculties. His expression is once again imperviable. Smoking on the roach of his cigarette, BIG JESUS observes THE BOSS in awe.
BIG JESUS Lumiere is right; what's this pursuit-for-life good for..? You feel OK, BOSS ?
THE BOSS blesses JESUS with the fish bone.
THE BOSS Tutti bene...
BIG JESUS sizes up THE BOSS, then looks into the camera. He takes a big drag from his roach, and continous meditating. The cicadas are singing.
The next sequence is replayed with slight variations during THE END/TITLE.
BIG JESUS is smoking. THE BOSS smiles enigmatically. LUMIERE smiles knowingly. The LADIES and ERIC sunbathe.
After THE END/TITLES:
The roach burns BIG JESUS's finger.
BIG JESUS Nostalgic...
He examines the left-over roach between his fingers. BIG JESUS Banal...
Then, BIG JESUS looks into the camera, and with his fingernail, he flicks the roach away.
BIG JESUS Class!
- THE END -
1OO MINUTES FROM THE LIVES OF SHADOWS
- PAGE 95 -
'100 Minutes from the Lives of Shadows'
A film of characters who are ignorent of being characters of a film. Except one of them...
This "l'art pour l'art screenplay" was written by my friend Jean-Daniel Magnin and myself some twenty years ago.
1 EXT: SALEVE - DAY 1
A sea of clouds seen from the top of the Saleve Mountain. Above, an azure blue sky, and Below, fluffed up cloud blankets with the top of Mont Blanc and the highest point of the Jura peaking through. From this jagged protuberance the camera softly descends into the spheric bubble bath upon which the title appears :
"100 MINUTES FROM THE LIFE OF THE SHADOWS"
A greyish landscape in November: howling winds thrash the thorny, leafless bushes of the Saleve. A narrow and long property, "La Saisias", extends from the bottom of the rocks through an English and French styled garden with a tall pine tree, and a roof peering through its branches dividing the landscape which stretches out to a gently rolling golf course. We glide through the atmosphere from the Saleve. First slowly, then with accelerated speed as if we are on the shoulders of an unseen paraponte jumper. The accelaration increases bringing to view a three story Chekhovian villa with a terrace. The branches of the pine, thrashing violently and chaotically by an unseen force, fill the screen accompanied by tortured creaking.
2 EXT,INT : LA SAISIAS - DAY 2
The windows and doors are wide open. The wind whistles as it slams shutters to and fro. The inner curtains swirl in an exotic dance. The wind inhabits the house lifting ashes from a fireplace and distributing them throughout the salon and onto a wooden stair which ascends from the middle of the room to the floor above. On one side of the staircase is an open and lavishly equipped kitchen in the style of the late 70's. On the stove is a hissing pot, burning to charcoal. The dirty fingernailed HAND OF A MAN finds the switch on the gas stove, and kills the flame. Worn out sneakers creakily ascend the staircase to the second floor. We enter the first door off the stair which reveals an over-decorated, at the same time, tastefully appointed bathroom whose second door opens to a small bedroom with only a floor resting qoeen-size mattress envelopped by mosquito netting as its center piece. The adjoining bathroom door serves as the bedroom's only entry and exit. It is clear from this short exploration that this is, contradictorally, a house-in-progress and a house-in-decline. Again, sneakers creakily pad up the stair to an attic accompanied by the unexpected, interrupted feeble mewlings of an infant. The stair leads to a narrow hallway along which there are a line of rooms. The hallway's well used rug homes a pattern of hundreds of dead wasps. The plaintive cries of the infant become louder as a room with a chest of drawers and an armchair is entered. Beneath the room's sunlit window sits a wicker cradle, and in it, a tiny baby girl with steel-granite eyes.
3 INT : ATTIC ROOM - DAY 3
Baby's point of view. The outside world is a spectacle of light and shadow, transparent curtains and waving tree branches. The upside-down image of a man separates from the wallpaper and bends over the baby girl. With all her will she concentrates in turning the images 180 degrees. She flexes her little body and goggles with straining eyes until the upside-down picture finally falls into place. LUMIERE, worn and somewhat wild looking - his hair matted in knots and his face marked by scratches - picks up the little girl. She holds him in a blinking gaze. His face, now more in focus, is a delicate face, almost girlish. His arrestingly sorrowful and lonely eyes provoke a burst of tears from the baby. LUMIERE rocks her to and fro, dancing towards the sunlit window. Below, in the garden, there are three young women, equally dishevelled and unkempt as LUMIERE, on a discovery tour.
LUMIERE Don't cry my little girl, you'll see, at the end of the film I'm gonna marry you. Hush, hush little one.
Heavy steps approach the room. LUMIERE turns and silently greets the two men who enter. Their appearance, too, is unsettling. BIG JESUS, tall with an intellectual countenance, sports a black leather jacket and ERIC, short, sturdy and course faced with the air of a bank administrator, wears once-elegant attire. ERIC opens the window, and BIG JESUS takes the child from LUMIERE's arms to exhibit her to the women below. ERIC is about to call out, but refrains and instead, puts two fingers to his mouth and whistles.
4 EXT : GARDEN - DAY 4
The women look up to the window and acknowledge the men's appearance with a little smile. GUINEVERE, a long-legged, long-armed elegant creature with her sizable one and half year old son, CICADA, dangling haphazardly from her arm, silently gestures orders to her companions as she makes her way to the house. WHA-WHA, a Persian queen-like beauty, disappears into the trimmed bushes of the French garden, while DESIREE, desirable as her name implies, goes off in another direction where she finds a large, drained swimming pool. No one utters a sound.
5 INT: SALON - DAY 5
THE BOSS, a blond man with razor sharp features, in likewise shabby attire as that of his companions, sits on a leather couch, engrossed by a magnificently bound French culinary book. He slowly turns the pages which resemble rich Flemish still life paintings. GUINEVERE, holding the new found baby, drops her disgruntled son, CICADA, to the floor as she approaches THE BOSS. Together they fold in the corner of one page : a double-paged layout of the Garden Snail in Peanut Butter Stew with Red Wine Brandy Flambee.
6 INT: KITCHEN - DAY
The ragged group searches the fridge and pulls down the shelves in their quest to find food. ERIC stuffs himself with dehydrated home-made pasta from a box, while swilling olive oil and eyeing the others should they find something more appetizing. WHA-WHA discovers three potatoes: a large one and two smaller ones. Responding to BIG JESUS' and DESIREE's longing looks she offers them each a smaller potato, and, is about to bite into the large potato when ERIC snatches it from her hand. A physical skirmish in silence ensues. THE BOSS impassively glances up from his book. ERIC devours a bite of the potato in the second that BIG JESUS delivers a furious backhand to his face. An enraged ERIC pulls out his hunting knife. BIG JESUS grabs a kitchen knife in response. A careful scorpio dance begins. LUMIERE, unaffected by this dangerous duel looks into the camera with the saddest of smiles. BIG JESUS thrusts his knife into ERIC's left arm.
ERIC /shrieking / You bloody bastard!
The band looks aghast. ERIC catches his mistake, and with his knife holding right hand covers his mouth. Once again, there is complete silence. THE BOSS jumps up from his reading with vigor. He approaches each member of the group, examining with curiosity the line of their eyebrows. His face reflects a rapid change of mood: from curiosity to disapproval to rage. And then, with a paternal mien, he slams the cookbook, "La Cuisine Francaise Traditionnelle" on the table to indicate a lavish dinner invitation. The hungry SHADOWS gather around him appreciatively. With gleeful abandon DESIREE tosses her potato out the window. Poor ERIC, with his bloody left arm, reaches painfully into his pocket, and pulls out a lonely, smudgy fifty-franc bill gesturing: that's all! In no time the gang playfully assaults him to cajole him into surrendering all his money. Banknotes pile up on the table. THE BOSS uses them for bookmarks as he selects the dishes for the feast from the book. He then places the book under ERIC's right arm. WHA-WHA brings ERIC the phone, while DESIREE offers the telephone directory pointing to the better catering services listed. ERIC looks hesitant and confused.
THE BOSS I authorize you to order this feast.
LUMIERE standing somewhat apart looks on this play with curiosity.
7 EXT: THE GARDEN - SUNSET 7
A bird's view: smoke curls up from "La Saizias" chimney. Pine cones in iron barrels blaze. On the veranda ERIC's face is lit by yellow flame. His arm is bound up with his scarf, and from his make-shift office he dials a number. On his "office" table sits a copy of Geneva's phone directory and "La Cuisine Francaise Traditionnelle".
ERIC /VOICE OFF CAMERA / /on the phone/ No... it was published by Larousse. Nineteen... sixty-nine... Take it out.. Get it... The price, it doesn't matter...
LUMIERE, bent in search, finds DESIREE's potato. He blows off the dirt, puts it on a skewer and brings it to one of the fires. In a flaming iron pot, hot water plays beautiful music...
ERIC /VOICE OFF CAMERA/ Anyway, I won't check every single item on the bill! Write it up... page seven...
While LUMIERE is about to cook his well deserved potato, WHA-WHA appears in the warm circle of light; she squats down to feed the fire. They smile sweetly at one another, though LUMIERE's eyes still reflect a deep sorrow.
9 INT: SALON - SUNSET 9
Here, too, in the flames of the fireplace there is water boiling in a pot.
ERIC /VOICE OFF CAMERA/ Hors d'oeuvres: Garden Snail in Peanut Butter Stew, in Red Wine Brandy Flambée.
At the warmth of the fireplace BIG JESUS and GUINEREVE encourage CICADA to get acquainted with the found baby girl.
ERIC /VOICE OFF CAMERA/ Exactly as in the picture... Second order hors d'oeuvre, hundred-and-twenty-second page: Lean Sweet Water Salmon Marinated in its Bones... Do we give an advance? Of course! Please make a note: hundred-and-twenty second page...
10 INT : KITCHEN - SUNSET 10
Water is boiling in three pots on the stove. DESIREE takes one of them and mounts the wooden staircase to the second floor.
ERIC /VOICE OFF CAMERA/ So that was the second entrée... six hors d'oeuvres all together, four fish plates and four from the game as well... Let's not talk about the dessert. Just get this book; you shouldn't have a hard time finding it...
11 INT : BATHROOM - SUNSET 11
In the cold bathroom THE BOSS is sitting in a wicker chair, his shirt buttoned up to his chin; his breath appears in the air... Through the broken window the top of the Saleve is seen in sunset; the rocky canyon and the valley glitter with the grandiosity of an opera. Suddenly a vaporous mist rising from the bathtub covers the screen. As it evaporates, DESIREE is revealed standing seductively before THE BOSS.
ERIC /VOICE OFF CAMERA/ "La Cuisine Francaise Traditionnelle", Larousse, sixty-nine, Paris...
Gracefully, DESIREE slips off her pullover, winning her THE BOSS' undivided attention.
12 INT : SALON, STAIRCASE - SUNSET 12
WHA-WHA is a dark silhouette as she removes a steaming pot from the roaring fireplace. Arriving at the stair she places the pot at her feet and fiercely throws back her head which is caught by the light of the flames. She looks like a magnificent Sheherezade as she artfully wraps her black scarf on her head and around her shoulders. A dishevelled and sour faced DESIREE materializes at the top of the stairs. She apprehensively presses the empty pot to her belly. In a sequence of fast cuts the women approach each other on the staircase as if squaring off for battle.
ERIC /VOICE OFF CAMERA/ Hundred and thirty-sixth page and then the hundred and fourtieth... fourty-one and fourty-two.
At the halfway point, against all building expectations, DESIREE and WHA-WHA pass each other averting their eyes. But the cagey WHA-WHA trips DESIREE at her beautiful ankles and the poor girl tumbles down the staircase together with her pot.
13 INT: BATHROOM - SUNSET 13
WHA-WHA, with nimble and artful movements, adds the contents of her pot to the water in the bathtub. A cloud of vapour rises. THE BOSS stares imperviously. The woman stands in front of him, her hot eyes looking past him as she shows herself off.
14 EXT: GARDEN - DAYBREAK
ERIC and the wounded DESIREE find consolation in each other's arms. BIG JESUS and LUMIERE pass them, each carrying a child in his arms. They also side-step WHA-WHA in a lonely sleep in front of a smouldering fire.
BIG JESUS And so... it's my wife who is taking a bath with the Boss... They are together right now in the tub...
With silent motions LUMIERE reminds his companion that he has broken silence; then he starts to talk too.
LUMIERE It means that... we're gonna talk from now on? We break the silence ?
With both hands BIG JESUS gestures that he is sorry.
LUMIERE But why do we remain silent ? They keep on walking.
LUMIERE Just explain, what's the sense in it, that we don't talk?
BIG JESUS hurries on silently, LUMIERE following.
15 EXT : STEEP PATH AT THE BOTTOM OF THE SALEVE - SUNRISE 15
Behind the house they walk onto the path leading up to the mountain. As they walk, the kids in their arms, BIG JESUS starts to talk.
BIG JESUS I don't want to break the mourning silence for István... He was the one who introduced the idea to live with intensity, and then he died... We had to choose the new boss between the two of us. After some discussion we agreed: let the Boss be the boss!
The path gets steeper and steeper: LUMIERE sweats. BIG JESUS leads the way with CICADA, but he is getting tired, too. He sits down to catch his breath.
BIG JESUS It was there, over István's dead body that we agreed in peace... Let the Boss be the boss.
LUMIERE admires the crows flying in the abyss, and the crooked trees growing on the cliff.
BIG JESUS And now, he is there, in the bathtub, together with my wife.
Tears fill the eyes of Jesus; he shakes with weeping.
BIG JESUS But this is good, that's how it should be. Because it hurts a lot, it burns me, I can feel: I'm alive! There is no feeling without pain, and without feeling, there is no life either! - That's István's tradition...
Tears of pain and joy fill his eyes at the same time. Now LUMIERE sits down next to him.
LUMIERE Calm down, the Boss and your wife, they're not in the bathtub.
BIG JESUS But then, where are they?
LUMIERE Nowhere...
BIG JESUS How come?
LUMIERE They simply don't exist!
BIG JESUS That's too much for me...
LUMIERE In this moment there are only the two of us, or the four of us...
The composition now includes the children. LUMIERE and a perturbed looking JESUS sit there with the two kids.
LUMIERE The scene in the tub: "Th Boss and Guinevere"; it just doesn't exist. It's only in your imagination.
BIG JESUS Give me a break! Here's the ring and here's the kid: the full catastrophy!
LUMIERE István is only your story, too. You keep talking and talking. Finally, you believe he existed!
BIG JESUS gets on the path again and continues his way, LUMIERE following.
BIG JESUS That's why we're gonna climb up the mountain. So you can see István's body!
Twigs crunch underneath their feet; they gasp for breath. Not far away, in the rock face a yawning cave beckons. JESUS gets there first. With patience, he waits for LUMIERE to arrive, then gestures to him to go ahead.
16 INT: THE CAVE - DAY 16
Bravely LUMIERE crawls into the cave. He burns his hand with his lighter as he bumps into the inert body of a young man, wrapped in silk cloth. LUMIERE regards the figure for a long time. Then JESUS appears.
BIG JESUS I can almost hear him saying "The meaning of life is to live it!"
LUMIERE is deeply moved. From a few meters away he drags a stone and puts it on István's body.
LUMIERE We can't leave him like that... for nightly beasts to feed on him or take him apart...!
JESUS helps him to collect stones. Together they cover István's body completely.
17 INT: BATHROOM - DAYBREAK 17
Driven by common need GUINEVERE and WHA-WHA collide just in front of the bathroom door. WHA-WHA looks at the toilet, then slyly, at the second bathroom door adjoining The Boss' bedroom.
WHA-WHA What do you think, is the Boss asleep? This door could use a lock.
GUINEVERE Just go ahead, I'll take some fresh air.
WHA-WHA No, you go... what if he comes out?
GUINEVERE /taking a look at the Boss's door/ What do you mean by saying "If he comes out?" Just say what's on your mind!
WHA-WHA How was the bath... with him?
GUINEVERE What are you talking about?.. Come down to earth!
WHA-WHA /almost begging/ Let me in on it!
GUINEVERE Now you listen to me..! The scene in the tub:"The Boss and Guinevere" only happened between your legs, while you were daydreaming in bed!
WHA-WHA's ears flame up from this insult, her voice is shaking.
WHA-WHA Go ahead, get rid of your load!
GUINEVERE /making a vulgar movement/ I offer all of it to you!
Both of them storm away without relieving themselves. 18 INT: THE BOSS' ROOM - DAY 18
Closed shades. In the semi-dark THE BOSS is making notes in his diary when there is a knock at the door.
THE BOSS Come in!
Through the opening of the door, JESUS tentatively polks his head.
BIG JESUS Hello, can I come in ?
And BIG JESUS enters closing the door behind him.
BIG JESUS I greet you! How do you feel now?
THE BOSS Has everybody found a comfortable place in the house?
BIG JESUS How can I thank you? I just simply... Thank you... Between me and Guimevere...
THE BOSS ....love is burning again! But what did you want?
BIG JESUS The ladies asked me to use my influence with you. They have a - how could I say - a small logistical problem; they don't dare to go to the bathroom, when you're in your room... That's all.
THE BOSS jumps up angrily. He opens the window and shouts.
THE BOSS No soughing wind? No bird's song? What is this silence? The "one minute silent watch" was already called off!
There is silence. THE BOSS closes the window.
THE BOSS Since when do I have to be left out of everything? Just because I became the boss, or what? They should come up to me and tell me if they can't wait. They only have to knock on my door and we we'll solve the problem!
19 EXT: EMPTY SWIMMING POOL - DAY 19
ERIC sits at the bottom of the swimming pool in a folding armchair fussing with his bloody bandage. He is suffering from discomfort and exhaustion.
ERIC I just can't take it, that his knife penetrated me... into my body, my arm... I just can't survive it! I'm not slower than he is, neither weaker than him. Who is he anyway? Only an intellectual!
While he babbles to himself he eyes the restless DESIREE as she slithers around the pool edge fussing with her hair. ERIC He wounded me. I'll take my revenge! I can't just leave it at that. I've had enough already. This man always talks to me from the heights of his moral superiority. "You can't do that! It's not right this way!" He talks to me as if to a kid. Okay, the Boss is different... I can accept it from him. But this Jesus, who is he anyway? A... a fucked-up intellectual!
ERIC jumps up from his chair. He rushes up to DESIREE, who is now sitting on the edge of the swimming pool, dangling her legs.
ERIC Listen to me... I'll tell you something, but only to you...
Folding his arms on DESIREE's thighs, he pulls her closer to him. Then he lifts her down into the empty swimming pool.
ERIC Every month I receive thirty thousand dollars...
As ERIC pronounces the amount, DESIREE mews exitedly.
ERIC You know... I'm the one who pays for everything around here. DESIREE, if you have a lot of money, you're unhappy because you know, that you're only loved for your money. That's why others accept me, and that's how it is, you can't do anything about it... Okay, I accept it, that I have to live my life and then die alone... Anyway, what else can I do? I started about five companies just to prove to my father that I can get along without him, and that I didn't need his money. All the companies failed and he bailed me out. It's not easy to take responsibility when you know that no matter what happens, you'll fall on a pillow... The monthly thirty thousand takes away all your potency... You hire a yacht, pick up the best chics on the west coast, salmon, caviar and champagne - and you don't even have fun. I've had enough of all that. I realise that the best way to invest my money is for you to live off me, then, I can use you. Remember, what István said: "Life must be lived". Yes, even with people who put a knife in you. To feel the desire for vengence, the mounting fighting spirit. If not this, then what else is life? Believe me, the day is soon, when I'm really gonna do it. I'm gonna get Big Jesus. But when I stand there, facing him, knife in hand, ready to attack, I start to feel some kind of respect... and that's why I'm always loosing. And why do I respect that guy, who the hell does he think he is?
DESIREE just stares at ERIC.
DESIREE And that money, you carry it on you all the time?
ERIC Desiree... I'll give you money! You only have to tell me how much, and what you need it for... I don't know, like fancy clothes... a set of perfumed panties... "Amber", "Moshus", or "Pussy Cat"... Let's say that I give you seven hundred dollars! Just tell me, what you want, how much do you need? But watch out, it stays between us!
DESIREE Eric...I want a thousand dollars.
ERIC takes out a pile of money from one of his pockets. He looks through it carefully.
ERIC A thousand dollars? What do you need it for?
DESIREE A thousand dollar bill!
ERIC pulls out the money, but before giving it to her, he wants his question answered.
DESIREE I'm gonna stuff my panties with it !
DESIREE grabs the bill; she folds it with love and, then, stuffs it in her panties. With a swift movement she jumps to the pool ladder. Eric helps Desiree from behind to climb up.
20 INT: SALON - DAY 20
On the couch is perfect family harmony. BIG JESUS sits with GUIENEVERE, their son CICADA and the found baby girl. BIG JESUS /meditating aloud/ But this is good, there is no feeling without pain, and without feeling there is no life! This is István's tradition. I feel peace inside... the maximum of marital love, as when you were expecting CICADA. Before making a sacrifice one feels like that.
GUINEVERE I feel the same way...
GUINEVERE directs her look toward the door where CICADA is now crawling around on the dusty floor. Outside a car pulls into the courtyard. The crunching of the pebbles and the slamming of the car door alert the family to an unexpected visitor. CICADA falls down on his buttock as FRIDA enters. She is a young lady: her figure and walk seducing. Her face has a lost look which compliments her pert nose. She carries a bag of milk powder. First she sees CICADA then the couple on the sofa with her daughter.
FRIDA /with startled eyes/ Hello...!
BIG JESUS, GUINEVERE /in a very natural way/ Hello...!
FRIDA Did we ever meet before?
GUINEVERE I'm Guinevere.
FRIDA And him?
BIG JESUS My name is Jesus.
FRIDA wrinkles her forehead as she searches her memory.
FRIDA Jesus Christ...?
BIG JESUS Big Jesus. A martini, maybe ?
Discreetly FRIDA looks around: her salon, her furniture...
FRIDA What are you doing in my house?
GUINEVERE /Frida's child on her lap / We take care of her.
FRIDA, a mother tigress, grabs her daughter.
FRIDA Thank you, you were very nice. True, I did take my time on my way home from the grocery store; I talked a little bit too long to the neighbours. Thank you anyway, but, now you can go... please!
BIG JESUS makes an obliging gesture.
BIG JESUS That's too bad. We're not alone...
Through the door window from the garden LUMIERE is watching FRIDA. He's enchanted /love at first sight!/
FRIDA Ah, so...
Through the other door FRIDA goes out into the garden to look around.
21 EXT: GARDEN - DAY 21
FRIDA finds LUMIERE
FRIDA Sir, you are...
LUMIERE Lumiere...!
FRIDA's a little confused by LUMIERE's gaze. DESIREE appears with a ladder under her arm. She smiles and introduces herself:
DESIREE Desiree...
ERIC (VOICE OFF CAMERA) Desireeeee! Come back at once!!!!!!
With her infant, FRIDA marches angrily towards the source of the voice: the swimming pool. LUMIERE follows her hurriedly, and behind him, BIG JESUS.
ERIC (VOICE OFF CAMERA) Desiree, come back..! Shut the water off !
22 EXT: SWIMMING POOL - DAY 22
FRIDA arrives at the swimming pool to find ERIC with water climbing up his ankles. The man, sobbing, is freezing from the cold and exposure.
FRIDA /as she would talk to a kid/ What happened to you? Come on!
She grabs ERIC's hand and holds tight.
ERIC /sneezing, shivering from cold/ Desiree... to... took the ladder and... she... o... pened the.... faucet!
Small, fragile FRIDA pulls heavy ERIC from the pool almost without any special effort. While ERIC gasps for air, she wipes his nose, puts his scarf around his neck and rubs his back.
FRIDA Don't worry, you'll get even with Desiree.
ERIC I'm not the type who walks up to the Boss to tell on somebody, and to say that I was "hurt". If I go to the Boss, it's only gonna be my love for justice. I want him to start an inquest against Desiree! She has to meet the rigour of justice...! And you, please don't talk to me as if I'm a kid! You'll see I'm a man, I'm an adult man...!
FRIDA I very much hope to see that one day. But now let's go to your Boss. First, I want to see him!
FRIDA - forgetting her child again - marches with ERIC towards the house. LUMIERE picks up the baby and follows JESUS who is right behind FRIDA.
23 EXT: GARDEN - DAY 23
On the path leading towards the house, GUINEVERE appears with CICADA in her arms.
BIG JESUS /to GUINEVERE/ Come on!... We're going to see the Boss.
24 INT: STAIRCASE - DAY 24
FRIDA marches aggressively up the staircase. ERIC, JESUS, and then GUINEVERE and LUMIERE, follow close behind her. DESIREE sits on the top of the pool-ladder in the salon. She jumps off to join the entourage. Everybody is curious and enchanted by the newcomer. They wait in front of the outer bathroom door. ERIC knocks.
25 INT: BATHROOM - DAY 25
WHA-WHA, alone in the bathroom, is about to knock on the Boss's door when a "knock-knock" sounds behind her from the outer bathroom door. She freezes, but then pulls herself together.
WHA-WHA Come in !
ERIC enters with FRIDA. The others stay outside.
ERIC WHA-WHA, this is the owner of the house.
WHA-WHA tries not to laugh.
FRIDA /she is composed/ Hello WHA-WHA! I'm Frida...
WHA-WHA shakes her hand, controlling laughter. ERIC and FRIDA look at each other with a self-conscious smile.
WHA-WHA Sorry, I have to apologize... somehow I had the impression that this already happened a thousand times exactly the same way... I was laughing and then apologizing... and told the same thing!
ERIC I can't say that I don't have the same feeling...
A silence passes.
ERIC Is the Boss in?
WHA-WHA I wanted to see him but just go ahead.
ERIC No, you go on.
WHA-WHA Forget it, I can wait.
FRIDA Thank you, that's really sweet.
FRIDA knocks on the door, then enters her own bedroom. ERIC follows her with enthusiasm, and WHA-WHA follows FRIDA with her eyes.
26 INT: "THE BOSS' ROOM" - DAY 26
The BOSS demonstrates special interest in the stranger entering the scene. Even with ERIC, closing the door behind himself, he is unusually patient. THE BOSS undresses the woman with his eyes.
FRIDA /assertively/ This is my bedroom, and my name is Frida!
ERIC is nodding behind her. ERIC's presence seems to be too much for THE BOSS. ERIC gets the message, but before retreating, he blurts out his story.
ERIC This morning Desiree stole the group's collective money! And she hid it in her panties.
With just one gesture of his hand THE BOSS makes ERIC understand that his presence is not needed, and that his story will be dealt with in due course. ERIC leaves.
27 INT: BATHROOM - DAY 27
ERIC It will be OK !
WHA-WHA /agrassively/ What?
ERIC What what? The trial.
WHA-WHA seems to be at a loss as she looks at him.
ERIC /shrugs his shoulder/ I demanded justice.
The others are waiting in front of the outer bathroom door to get a report.
WHA-WHA /laconically/ The mistress is with the Boss.
28 INT: SALON-DAY 28
The needle scratches the disc, The small band listen to music as they expectantly wait for the Boss or the new woman - either of them - to descend the wooden staircase.
BIG JESUS She said that she only went to the grocery store to get some milk powder... and, maybe, she talked a little bit too long to one of the neighbours...
DESIREE Her short little half hour lasted about three days... This tiny little thing almost starved.
LUMIERE /with the bag of milk powder in his hands/ But this is possible. Believe me! This is a movie!
LUMIERE's enthusiasm gets on BIG JESUS' nerves.
LUMIERE Listen to me ! You and me, too... we all... we only exist in this film! Don't you understand?
GUINEVERE uses the occasion to empty the ashtray.
GUINEVERE You listen to me now, Lumiere... just leave us alone. Don't bust our chops, save it for the masses and save yourself for better days.
LUMIERE "Jesus Attacks Eric", "Guinevere Takes a Bath"
GUINEVERE knits her forehead.
LUMIERE "Mother Returns to Abandonned Baby", "The Boss and the Mistress"... so what else can this be? It's a film!
GUINEVERE /relieved/ Okay, just continue, we're listening!
But nobody listens to him. LUMIERE continues nonetheless. He looks straight into the camera for audience validation. His face is lit by fire. LUMIERE Hello, uh, bonjour... or should I say... sayonara? I'm the hero and I'm talking to you... I look into your eyes... yes.. yes... at you... at you..! especially at you. /he gets suspicious/ But it's not the first time for you... Forgive me, but I cannot see you... Phew... this is tough... What you see of me... /tapes himself/ is only a two dimensional shadow in the movie theatre, on the screen... it's only the go-between... a tool... silver particules, electrons, or who knows what... But me, I do not exist here, only in your head. I live there, I'm yours!
Lumiere's companions stare at him in amazement as he talks with full conviction. The camera pulls back to reveal LUMIERE in silhouette sounding off into the fireplace.
LUMIERE I do not see you, but I do talk and you hear me... You see me, but you can not talk to me... Anyway, let's give a try together!
LUMIERE's cronies find him ridiculous and cannot hold back their laughter, save GUINEVERE, who blows her nose. WHA-WHA is in total nirvana; with a pipe in her mouth, she impersonates a medium making LUMIERE look all the more foolish. DESIREE giggles so much that she almost pisses. LUMIERE's oblivious to everyone.
LUMIERE You give me my existence and I give you the power to make me exist! I put it in your hands - like it or not - the key to my existence!
ERIC /whispering to Desiree/ Hey, listen, don't get it wet... the thousand dollar bill!
DESIREE /in histerical laughter/ Stop it, stop it...! I can't take it! Stop it, please, all three of you !
The laughter is general. Even GUINEVERE laughs. LUMIERE, with great sorrow and with dark contempt, looks around. Finally, he turns to look into the camera again.
LUMIERE /thwacks his forehead with the back of his hand/ Oh, I almost forgot, I'm not identical with that certain Jacques Maitre, who is otherwise a very good actor... Okay, sure, I do look a little bit like him, after all he gave me... the image of his body. He gave minutes, hours from his life so I could materialize... I thank him for that... /he's filled with emotion/ but I have to press that I'not identical with him. Now he is somewhere else... he might not even be alive any more.
The group looks at him with frustration and annoyance.
LUMIERE /VOICE OFF CAMERA/ He died... in any case he grew older...
LUMIERE /LUMIERE looking into camera/ lost weight, put on weight, dyed his hair or what do I know? To tell you the truth I don't even care...
A silence passes.
GUINEVERE What the hell are those two doing up there?
WHA-WHA gets up, and, without a word, she starts up the stairs.
BIG JESUS What the hell, let's all go up!
Cued up on the stairs, they wait to see what's going to happen as WHA-WHA knocks on the inner bathroom door.
29 INT: BATHROOM - DAY 29
THE BOSS Come in!
WHA-WHA enters the BOSS's room.
30 INT: "THE BOSS'ROOM" - DAY 30
Crying softly, FRIDA gathers up her clothes. THE BOSS, laying next to her, looks at WHA-WHA with some curiosity. In answer to his expression, she manipulates her pipe towards the corner of her mouth. She takes short but frequent drags and lets the smoke out of her nose. Her eyes gleam darker and darker.
THE BOSS /pauses/ Ah, so this "little technical problem" of the ladies!
He sighs, and twisting some feminine apparel around himself, levitates from the bed into the bathroom, and closes the door behind him.
31 INT: IN FRONT OF THE BATHROOM - DAY 31
THE BOSS faces his curious household.
THE BOSS Okay, okay... how did it happen?
A perverted smile invades his face.
THE BOSS "Who is this woman?"
LUMIERE /with Frida's kid in his arms/ What, didn't she tell you?
THE BOSS Wait... what did she tell? First, she said that it is her bedroom... her bed. Then I asked her to share her bed with me! She took half a minute to think it over and started to undress. Her figure, her shape... how can I say it... it's perfect. And then, total black-out. My memory fails me. A little bit later she started crying. That's how it happened... what a heavenly feeling!
He is so strongly overcome by desire that he turns back to the room, but the outer bathroom door is locked from the inside.
THE BOSS /rattles the lock/ WHA-WHA, what's going on? Hurry up!
32 INT: "THE BOSS'ROOM" - DAY 32
WHA-WHA kneels next to the bed, sternly sucking on her exotic pipe. FRIDA soaks the bed sheet with her falling tears.
FRIDA This happened only because of him, too... Everything, everything happens because of him...
WHA-WHA Who is this "him" you keep belly-aching about? FRIDA My love, the father of my child!
WHA-WHA He doesn't love you?
FRIDA He does love me...! But he doesn't want Frida. It took thirteen months for him to come and take a look at his daughter. I know that he loves me; he is in pain, too. I was about five, six months pregnant when this man, my love, left us. He doesn't want to be with us. but I have to be with him. I'm guilty, because I followed him when he left us for the second time, even at the price of giving up my daughter... (she bursts into tears again) only to take him in my arms for a second, for an hour. I cared nothing about the time... I followed him to Bruxelles, or to London... I don't even know where. For two days, for a week we were together and it was so good. And I left Frida alone. /more quietly/ And you know what's even more grevious? If he would show up again - I would go with him again! And we would leave Frida alone again.
WHA-WHA /changing the subject while fingering the Boss' shoe/ Did he blackmaile you? Did he force you?
FRIDA /not understanding WHA-WHA's meaning/ Never...!
WHA-WHA, with sudden ferocity, jumps on FRIDA, shrieking at her though her teeth:
WHA-WHA Not him! Don't you understand? The Boss! Did he force you?
WHA-WHA kneels on FRIDA's chest and grabs her throat.
FRIDA What do you want?! I am guilty.
This is not enough for WHA-WHA. She tightens her grip.
WHA-WHA Don't try to play the femme fatale here! I'll scratch your eyes out if you seduce him, do you understand?
FRIDA gasps for air, she nods that she understands. WHA-WHA releases her. She leans back and crosses her feet in front of FRIDA's nose. FRIDA stares at the feet, anxiously bewildered. Then without hesitation she covers WHA-WHA's little feet with her kisses. WHA-WHA's nostrils tremble; with closed eyes she takes a deep breath, then kicks FRIDA in the nose, and jumps up.
WHA-WHA /sweetly/ And now, let's see what we can do about this other matter? Listen to me!
With mischievous playfulness she crouches next to FRIDA putting her arms around her. WHA-WHA Next time you see your guy, tell him that you're not even sure that little Frida is his baby. It will have a wonderful effect.
While she poses, WHA-WHA arranges FRIDA's hair; she twists it one way, then another, and finally puts it together with a hairpin, making beautiful FRIDA into a pitiable creature.
WHA-WHA You'll see... you're gonna kiss my feet again in gratitude. You'll have a wonderful time with your lover. You'll chain him to you!
There is a knock on the bedroom window which fronts the balcony. It is THE BOSS gesturing.
THE BOSS WHA-WHA please, unlock the bathroom door; I want to hold the trial there,now!
As THE BOSS disappears from the window, WHA-WHA hurriedly digs out the ashes from her pipe and smears them over FRIDA's face.
WHA-WHA Wait a minute, let me finish! It's only in your best interest! Just remember, don't play around with the Boss again!
After she finishes her make-up job, she takes FRIDA into the bathroom.
33 INT: BATHROOM - DAY 33
WHA-WHA opens the lock and THE BOSS enters. He looks the two ladies up and down with a smile, then proceeds to his room. The group trail him into the bathroom. WHA-WHA whispers between her teeth:
WHA-WHA Not a single remark! Understand?
Followed by BIG JESUS, GUINEVERE, CICADA under her arm, approaches FRIDA to touch her hair.
GUINEVERE /sarcastically/ What a charming hairdo. Wow, how sweet... I can see the marks of the tiger's scratches!
THE BOSS enters the bathroom with two pillows under his arm. After plumping them up, he puts them on the toilet to create his throne. Taking the shape of a croissant, the group finds their place. DESIREE stands in the middle; she is the defendant on trial. THE BOSS poses arrogantly on his throne.
THE BOSS So, this FRIDA here, who - as I can see - understood, ecetera, ecetera... that while we live here, it would be naive on her part to think that all this belongs to her. She knows better, so that's it.
WHA-WHA holds FRIDA locked in her glance.
THE BOSS On the other hand, I would be glad to share my bed with her tonight.
FRIDA shows panic, WHA-WHA almost bites off her tongue, GUINEVERE blows her surprise into a handkerchief.
GUINEVERE /fron behind the handkerchief/ That would be good. Wonderful!
The others remain silent.
LUMIERE /with a little bit high-pitch tone/ Only if she wants to...
Surely it was LUMIERE. The others look aghast. With reddish face he swallows hard.
LUMIERE Yes...! If Frida wants it...!
This incredible boldness is greeted by ice cold silence. LUMIERE She is wonderful! She's authentic. If she wants to, she goes... if she wants to... and if she doesn't want to, then she doesn't go!
THE BOSS slides a bit down into his pillows and makes a confident, dismissive gesture.
THE BOSS We'll deal with this later.
Finally, he turns to DESIREE.
THE BOSS Okay,let's see... you DESIREE, you never stole anything and you never ever saw that money?
DESIREE gives no answer.
ERIC She stole the group's money.
THE BOSS Than go ahead and strip her!
The group fans out and approaches DESIREE from every side, but she resists them.
DESIREE Hey, get off of me!
DESIREE fishes the banknote out of her panties and with a gesture of disgust she throws it into the middle of the circle.
THE BOSS ERIC, you only wanted this trial to demonstrate DESIREE's strange attraction for your money.
ERIC Yes.
THE BOSS And?
ERIC Justice has been served.
THE BOSS I want this perverted, passionate relationship to become more ardent in the next few days. /to ERIC/ Take your money!
Very carefully ERIC places the money in the handkerchief, folds it, and puts it in his pocket.
THE BOSS Eric, I think that as of today this money will be worth much than its market value. You know, I trust you.
THE BOSS now turns to LUMIERE.
THE BOSS So, LUMIERE how did you say it? "If she wants - she goes, if not - she won't"?
GUINEVERE "She only goes if she wants to." BIG JESUS "If she doesn't want to, she won't go!"
THE BOSS Is the swimming pool filled up already?
ERIC Yes. The water temperature is 16 degree!
THE BOSS Tell me LUMIERE, do you feel like taking a bath in the swimming pool?
LUMIERE is not inclined to give an answer.
THE BOSS So, what LUMIERE...?
Our man, LUMIERE takes a heroic stance. He remains silent.
THE BOSS If he wants to take a bath, let him! And if not, take him by force.
34 INT: GARDEN - DAY 34
LUMIERE is led by ERIC. They head to the pool. LUMIERE keeps looking back at FRIDA. She is under WHA-WHA's surveillance. They are followed by BIG JESUS and GUINEVERE with CICADA in her arms.
WHA-WHA /to FRIDA/ Desirée pampered it, warmed it in her panties; that's why the banknote is worth more than its real market value. I think the Boss only wanted to say that what Eric understood of this affair is more than any damned thousand dollar bill. But only Eric could tell how much more.
GUINEVERE You misunderstand him! The Boss is more pragmatic! Eric will never let go of that bill; he will take it out of circulation. And that means that's exactly the amount by which the group's money will diminish. Eric has to come up with that sum. But the question is, how?
WHA-WHA /lifts her fingers/ And that's why he said: "You know, I trust you."
The small punitive group marches past the old pine tree. ERIC, tears flowing, is going through another catharsis.
ERIC It was a hundred percent just sentence.
DESIREE Don't worry, I'll give you hell some day!
They reach the pool.
35 EXT: SWIMMING POOL - DAY 35
The small pool is filled with ice cold water. LUMIERE's teeth start to chatter. But the warmth of FRIDA's look encourages him. LUMIERE takes a deep breath and undresses like a sportsman. LUMIERE The truth is that sometimes I have enough of you. This is the kind of overexaggerated activity so characteristic of the shadows. Why do you have to push every situation to the extreme? Go fly a kite!
LUMIERE flaps his arms to warm up. Among the dry fallen leaves he finds swimming goggles; he puts them on. Afterwards, a swimming cap. And now, no way out, he has to... but he doesn't dare...
ERIC Let's live a little bit, or what...
Everyone laughs, exept FRIDA; they grab LUMIERE. Against all protestation, they drag him to the swimming pool, and give him a good push. A big splash, an icy sprinkle, and LUMIERE is out of sight. Soon he surfaces, out of breath. His drive for survival keeps him busy; he tries to crawl out, but they push him back, stepping on his purply cold fingers. WHA-WHA - with her fakir impersonation - draws magic signs in front of his nose.
WHA-WHA Illusion, illusion! You don't feel the cold, only the actor, you know, what's his name? Who is "otherwise really great!" Only he is freezing... What's his name, again?
ERIC Jacques Maitre.
LUMIERE navigates with all his strenght for survival. WHA-WHA Yes, yes, this is Jacques Maitre! The one you're not identical with. Only he was freezing, back then, but you, the hero, you can't be freezing now. A two-dimensional shadow?
DESIREE Silver particles...
GUINEVERE electrons...
FRIDA's kind look is like a life-saver for LUMIERE. He finds his strength to diminish the malicious joy of his friends. He strives for a water ballet; it buys the audience. LUMIERE climbs out, and playing to FRIDA, takes a few springs on the diving board, and, then upsey-daisy into the pool in an underwater display. When he surfaces again, he realizes with dissapointment that he is alone. Black and blue with cold, LUMIERE climbs out. With teeth chattering, he picks up his clothes.
36 INT: SALON - SUNSET 36
Poor, freezing LUMIERE finds refuge next to the burning fireplace. On the floor's big carpet, a langorous FRIDA is stretched out next to BIG JESUS who is explaining the group's philosophy to her.
BIG JESUS We let ourselves go with every sorrow and joy. We follow our desires, and we experience our fears.
GUINEVERE, THE BOSS and WHA-WHA sit behind FRIDA in a half cicle. They have no idea how seductive her face is, how erotic her pose.
FRIDA /her voice is sweet as honey/ That's what I would like to do... if I could follow my desires... even right now... in this moment... fast... /plaintively/ ...let me know, is it possible? /to THE BOSS/ Please... I beg you...
THE BOSS makes no attempt to hide his pleasure.
THE BOSS It is possible..!
Seeing THE BOSS' passion WHA-WHA employs a self-developed breathing technique to prevent herself from dropping dead from uncontrollable jealousy.
FRIDA /boldy/ Frida would like... right now...
BIG JESUS looks at THE BOSS seeking his appreciation.
BIG JESUS You heard Frida's wish...
WHA-WHA, eyes flashing and GUINEVERE, toying with her handkerchief, wait for the next scene. FRIDA rises and takes a bow toward THE BOSS.
FRIDA Then ... I thank you with full heart.
She goes to BIG JESUS, bends down, and with both hands touches the man's shoulders. She looks into his eyes and whispers.
FRIDA Come... fast!
In astonishment, the completely seduced but embarrassed BIG JESUS lets FRIDA drag him away. THE BOSS makes a painful grimace; WHA-WHA lets her steam out, while GUINEVERE folds her handkerchief over and over. FRIDA lures BIG JESUS up the staircase. On the second turn he stops her.
BIG JESUS Frida, tell me: you're only using me, aren't you?
FRIDA Yes...!
FRIDA pulls the overcome BIG JESUS. The ruined GUINEVERE, WHA-WHA and THE BOSS sit in the salon and watch the fire. LUMIERE smoulders in front of the fireplace.
37 INT: UPPER CORRIDOR - SUNSET 37
FRIDA pushes BIG JESUS into one of the rooms and locks the door from the inside. As we zoom back from the handle of the door, THE BOSS, GUINEVERE and WHA-WHA are revealed eaves-dropping. We hear Big Jesus's lustful and long breathing... silence for a few minutes... and then, Frida's weeping.
FRIDA /OFF CAMERA/ No, it'not him, it's not him either...!
FRIDA is overcome by sobs, as BIG JESUS utters a lustful scream..
38 INT: SALON - SUNSET 38
GUINEVERE, THE BOSS and WHA-WHA focus on the fire. LUMIERE steams. A creak on the staircase announces BIG JESUS who shrugs: "So be it!" Bent, and in total silence, he takes his previous place on the carpet. There is a long silence, then slightly fleeting noises. FRIDA descends and also takes her previous seat. A little embarrassment passes between them. They avert their eyes and watch the fire. Only LUMIERE looks into the camera; he is beaming.
39 INT: ERIC'S ROOM - SUNSET 39
Carefully ERIC locks the door of his room. He takes out his handkerchief, and unfolds the thousand dollar bill; smells it... what an odour...! Enchanting! He makes a straw out of the bill and puts it up his nose... sniffing long and slow; then he lays down on the couch.
40 INT: DESIREE'S BEDROOM - DAWN 40
DESIREE creates a hyped-up sex goddess out of herself. With three srokes she applies her lipstick in front of the mirror, and with elastic steps, she leaves the bedroom.
41 INT: KITCHEN - DAWN 41
As her sexy alterego, a langorous DESIREE dances through the living room at dawn, followed by ERIC's gaze. ERIC in bad shape, sinks into an armchair. He hangs onto a half empty coffe cup. He looks beat. Facing him, DESIREE puts on her own coffee. ERIC becomes completely alert, aroused by desire for DESIREE. DESIREE's coffee is ready and steaming in the pot, while her free hand searches in the sugarpot. Next to her, on the kitchen counter LUMIERE prepares the baby's breakfast. He puts milkpowder in the warm water.
LUMIERE Wow, how beautiful you are!
DESIREE Oh... it's only a job!
DESIREE, like a showgirl flies out to the balcony.
42 EXT: BALCONY - DAWN 42
In the early morning landscape GUINEVERE, BIG JESUS and strong-guy CICADA are enjoying the fresh air. One chews on a biscuit, the other sips coffee. DESIREE sits down next to them, crossing her legs.
GUINEVERE Wow, how seductive you are. Where did you get this silk?
GUINEVERE plays with DESIREE's earrings.
GUINEVERE Let me see. Yes it's sweet! Where did you get it? Maybe, you found it in your panties.
DESIREE turns to them with a TV anchor's smile.
DESIREE Outer and material charm and beauty have no seductive value; it's one's spiritual nature that creates beauty. But, today, it's hatred that makes me seductive, Guinevere.
GUINEVERE Wow! This girl is not joking! We better be careful with her.
BIG JESUS (to Guinevere) I keep thinking more and more about our marital agreement. As we are getting closer in time, so too in space.
GUINEVERE My poor dear... thoughts are putting deep wrinkles on your face. They might damage your beauty.
BIG JESUS My beauty? Thinking can't hurt me. Beauty is conceptual and timeless. Troubles in life make a man's face mature and beautiful.
43 INT: THE BOSS'S ROOM - DAWN 43
Under the mosquito net THE BOSS and the beautiful WHA-WHA talk to each other. WHA-WHA sucks on her pipe.
THE BOSS Frida's beauty is spiritual, timeless.
WHA-WHA There is a hole in that woman. A big empty space in her soul. Something is missing.
THE BOSS You feel a vertigo... and you fall in, into something subterranean.
44 INT: HALLWAY - DAWN 44
Through the hallway window the early morning sunshine covers the top of the Saleve with a silken glow. Under the hallway window, on a small sofa, a vulnerable FRIDA is asleep, making little noises in her dreams. LUMIERE, with the little girl in a wicker basket, tiptoes to her. Lovigly he watches FRIDA, then puts the basket down next to the sofa, pushing it a little bit closer. LUMIERE retreats slowly and regretfully.
FRIDA Lumiere!
LUMIERE, very carefully, with only half a buttock, balances himself next to FRIDA's head.
FRIDA Tomorrow, I'm going to sleep with Eric because I have amnesia. Do you understand?
LUMIERE Amnesia is not a reason to sleep with Eric.
FRIDA First I told you that I only left for a half hour and went to buy milkpowder. Then I invented a man, who, alas, does not exist. It's all a big lie!
FRIDA sits up, and opens her heart to LUMIERE.
FRIDA In reality, I have not the slightest idea, where I come from and, who is my baby's father. All I remember is, that, with a bag of milkpowder in my hands, I appeared in the salon. Then, like a detective, I came to some conclusion from what I saw, what I felt... like, obviously, this is my home.
LUMIERE smiles warmly.
FRIDA Look, I take off my pullover.
FRIDA gets out of her pullover. LUMIERE is enchanted by the round shoulders, mature breasts. FRIDA checks over her pullover.
FRIDA I keep looking at it, but somehow it's not familiar. As if I had seen it for the very first time, so, I have to try it on!
FRIDA slips it on quickly, and LUMIERE's mood turns sad.
FRIDA You see, now I know that this is mine, my pullover.
True, it does fit her... LUMIERE smiles compassionately.
LUMIERE So, you are searching for the father .
FRIDA Yes. This is my fate: to try every man on...!
LUMIERE feels the vertigo.
FRIDA But, with you, it's different.
LUMIERE takes a deep breath.
FRIDA Is it because I love you?
LUMIERE fidgets shyly with joy.
FRIDA You do understand me.. or.. I don't know!
LUMIERE Yes, you are wonderful, you are authentic! You live exacly the way the shadows live!
FRIDA Yes, I can feel that you understand me!
FRIDA lays back on the couch like a delicate little deer.
LUMIERE Do you really mean that?
FRIDA /sleepily/ Because I love you!
LUMIERE watches the sleeping FRIDA tenderly.
LUMIERE I...I love you, too,Frida!
45 INT: UNDER THE HALLWAY WINDOW - DAY 45
LUMIERE awakens. Little FRIDA, in the basket, starts to move. Her mother, FRIDA, is nowhere in sight.
46 INT: ATTIC - DAY 46
With little FRIDA in his arms, LUMIERE steps to the window. Below, in the garden, FRIDA is disappearing into the bushes with ERIC.
LUMIERE You know, FRIDA, your mother can't recall anything that happened, before she entered the house. I can't remember, neither can the others. Nobody should have to. Maybe you will understand it one day.
47 EXT: SMALL STATION WAGON - DIRT ROAD, COURTYARD - DAY 47
The CATERER in white livery, whistling above the blaring of the 8 A.M. newcast, maneuvers aroung the many potholes leading to La Saisias. Checking the directions, he slows and makes a left into the courtyard. The windows and doors of the house are open. But all is quiet. The CATERER leans on his horn.
48 INT: THE BOSS' ROOM - DAY 48
THE BOSS and WHA-WHA, in bed, continuing their philosophical discourse are interrupted by the fanfare from the courtyard.
THE BOSS That's the caterer.
WHA-WHA The whoooo?
THE BOSS The caterer; he's delivered our feast.
WHA-WHA takes the pipe out of her mouth, and puts it on the floor.
WHA-WHA Come to think of it, I'm starving.
49 INT,EXT: FRONT OF HOUSE, KITCHEN - DAY 49
The CATERER delivers his elegant service to the kitchen. ERIC, restored and renewed by his conquest, sits, stirring his hot coffee. With an official smile, the caterer greets him, then a bit less formally:
CATERER Ah, I can sense Frida is here.
ERIC Sorry, she just left.
The CATERER puts a shining silver plate on the round table.
CATERER /with a conspiratorial smile/ She went out into the world? Eh, what? Hmm... heavenly...!
Satisfaction makes you stupid. ERIC doesn't register the remark. ERIC - with self-restrain studies the CATERER's truffle-nose.
CATERER /while removing the silver crown he reveals the first dish/ Surely, she was crying... Voilá! Garden Snail Roasted in Penaut Butter Stew, in Brandy Flambee!
He sallies forth for the next dish. GUINEVERE descends from the floor above. She fishes out a hot escargot. GUINEVERE She left, didn't she?
BIG JESUS enters and scewers an escargot with a silver fork. THE BOSS and WHA-WHA arrive on the scene at the same time that the CATERER enters with the second revelation.
CATERER Good day to everybody... Sweet Water Salmon Marinated in its Bones!
THE BOSS and WHA-WHA peruse the dish: an army of small crabs guard the safety of the sliced-up salmon; bone spears stick out from the pickling sauce.
50 INT: ATTIC - DAY 50
LUMIERE's sorrowful eyes search the end of the garden where FRIDA was seen for the last time.
51 INT: KITCHEN - DAY 51
The feast is jovially consumed. THE BOSS purposefully taps a crystal glass with his knife.
THE BOSS Now, that Frida, the ex-owner deserted us, I would like to use this wonderful occasion to turn to BIG JESUS and ask him for his wife's hand in marriage.
The eyes of BIG JESUS are wet, GUINEVERE is motionless.
THE BOSS This union will serve the interests of all of us... Anything could happen to me... I need a woman by my side; that must be GUINEVERE. What do you think about it, Jesus?
BIG JESUS Keeping everybody's best interest in mind, I consent to your wish.
Taking GUINEVERE's hands he takes her to THE BOSS, bows his head and steps back. ERIC, WHA-WHA and DESIREE are stunned by surprise. The CATERER explodes a bottle of Veuve Cliquot easing the tension. WHA-WHA, ERIC and the CATERER congratulate the new wife-to-be, who receives them solemnly. THE BOSS shovles a spoonful of fishbones from the pickling sauce. DESIREE leans into him and whispers.
DESIREE Lately you don't pay me much mind.
THE BOSS You should understand, baby, this is my wedding day.
LUMIERE watches them sadly. THE BOSS turns his back to DESIREE and lifts the spoonful of thousands of tiny fishbones to his mouth. DESIREE, standing behind him, grabs the two pronged silver meat fork and strikes. Bang! The Traditional French Cuisine is used to deliver a strike on the stair railing, then again, and again. THE BOSS moves jerkily. He's strapped awkwardly to his wicker chair, a crazy smile playing on his mouth, terror in his eyes. LUMIERE blinks at THE BOSS in astonishment. ERIC shouts, WHA-WHA is slashing the air around herself and BIG JESUS jumps up in pursuit.
GUINEVERE You missed it again.
WHA-WHA /hysterically/ There it is!
A huge wasp flies around the room manically. BIG JESUS sneaks up on the wild animal, lifts the big book, waits it out and strikes! It's a hit! The big wasp crashlands on the floor.
GUINEVERE /VOICE OFF CAMERA/ Why did you kill it? Did it hurt you?
WHA-WHA It was a huge wasp!
The huge wasp twitches. THE BOSS, in his wicker chair, mimics the helpless insect. BIG JESUS, ERIC and WHA-WHA lean over the wasp gingerly.
BIG JESUS But it's still alive!
WHA-WHA manipulates the wasp with a big iron clipper she's taken from the side of the fireplace, and places it on a porcelain dish. The ruins of a banquet surround it.
GUINEVERE Strike it dead to stop the suffering.
With a champagne glass in his hands ERIC comes to represent the case of the poor wasp.
ERIC Hey. Hey... mata lo!
WHA-WHA picks up a small silver fork from the side of a half-empty champagne glass, and, concentrates like a small kid, over the wasp.
WHA-WHA I cut off his tiny head!
GUINEVERE Stop it! Strike it dead!
WHA-WHA's face gleams with malicious pleasure as she places the fork on the neck of the wasp. THE BOSS moves jerkily. He's strapped awkwardly to his wicker chair, a crazy smile playing on his mouth, terror in his eyes.
A YOUNG GUY /VOICE OFF CAMERA/ Jesuuuuus! Where is my Love-Burgeeeeeeer?
LUMIERE blinks at THE BOSS, then cocks his head in the direction of the stair. BIG JESUS and GUINEVERE, accomplices in parental frustration, look at each other. BIG JESUS takes a deep breath, gets up from his chair, and takes out the Love-Burger from the fridge. He throws it in the microwave oven, and is about to turn back to the table.
YOUNG GUY /VOICE OFF CAMERA/ /from upstairs/ Put it on 48 sec!
BIG JESUS freezes, and with a half turn, reaches back and changes the timer.
GUINEVERE /shouting/ Would it be such a big deal for you to come down?
Silence. GUINEVERE breaks out in laughter; BIG JESUS smiles behind his mustache. DESIREE, in a black mourning dress, looking sexy and elegant, smiles at the others, but remains silent. LUMIERE, too, is silent but looks about furtively. "Kling!" BIG JESUS takes out the hamburger from the microwave and readys the ketchup.
YOUNG GUY /VOICE OFF CAMERA/ /from upstairs/ Dad, leave the ketchup to me!
LUMIERE gets up from the table, and starts up the stairs.
LUMIERE /muttering/ Did they mix up the reels? I gotta see this kid; it can't be Cicada.
52 INT: UPSTAIRS, FRONT OF ENTRANCE TO ROOM - DAY 52
The door of the room is open.
YOUNG GUY /VOICE OFF CAMERA/ Bring it up, I'll show you!
LUMIERE peeps into the room. There is a big twenty year old sprawled on a mattress.
LUMIERE You... you are the son of... Big Jesus and Guinevere?
THE BIG TEENAGER Sad, but true! Why?
LUMIERE Are you... Cicada?
CICADA You got it!
He springs off the mattress without giving LUMIERE a second look.
CICADA What the fuck is going on with my "Love"?
LUMIERE follows CICADA down to the kitchen.
53 INT: KITCHEN - DAY 53
ERIC, DESIREE, WHA-WHA, BIG JESUS and GUINEVERE are seated at the table and wait ceremoniously for CICADA to show. The "Love-Burger" and the ketchup are served at a place setting.
CICADA /descends the staircase/ You just can't do without the formal reception. Cut the drama for a change!
With a negligent gesture he soaks his "Love Burger" in ketchup and picks it up. LUMIERE, hearing cacophonous voices from the direction of the garden, sneaks out to the balcony. 54 EXT: BALCONY - DAY 54
CICADA joins him while munching his "Love Burger".
LUMIERE They are... your friends down there?
CICADA You got it!
LUMIERE flinches at CICADA's intended rudeness. Then, with a full mouth, CICADA speeds down to the garden to join his friends. A baseball bat catches CICADA in the back and his hamburger goes flying. A kick between his legs knocks him down. His friends pick up the left-overs of the hamburger, and continue kicking him as he struggles to protect his head.
55 INT: KITCHEN - DAY 55
Cogitating, LUMIERE joins his friends around the table. BIG JESUS, WHA-WHA, GUINEVERE, ERIC and DESIREE sip fine wine, pick on sweet grapes, and with disgust, watch the young generation.
LUMIERE Wait... there was a cut here! We skipped... about twenty years!
BIG JESUS How time flies!
ERIC That's how it is... gotta take it like it is.
GUINEVERE All of a sudden... Cicada just grew up!
56 INT: ATTIC - DAY 56
LUMIERE stands at the window.
LUMIERE /sourly/ Banality...
He meditates from his favourite spying post, and stares at the corner of the garden where Frida disappeared. CICADA and his FRIENDS are carousing. Fires are burning in iron barrels, and the young men are busy sexually assaulting one of the girls. The sound of a scream, and an all too familiar, but long gone and beloved silhouette prompts LUMIERE to dash down the stairs.
57 INT: SALON - SUNSET 57
LUMIERE crosses the semi-dark of the salon without aknowledging the curious looks of the others.
58 EXT:GARDEN - SUNSET 58
Determinedly he reaches the scene of the aggression. The callow perpetrators have vanished: only a half naked LITTLE FRIDA, gatherihg her clothes, remains. She is the living image of FRIDA. Only her hair has a different shade. They look at each other by the light of the fire..
LUMIERE FRIDA... is it you?
LITTLE FRIDA Gimme a break!
She turns to leave, but LUMIERE grabs her arm fast. With tears in his eyes, LUMIERE gazes at LITTLE FRIDA; she smiles at him.
LITTLE FRIDA Do you want to sleep with me? Now, right her? Is that it?
LUMIERE /his mood turning ever sadder/ Yes...
LITTLE FRIDA takes LUMIERE's hand. CICADA's attacker, his baseball bat still in hand, charges, suddenly onto the scene.
LITTLE FRIDA Roger, this is my friend LUMIERE.
The two shake hands indifferently and Roger flies swiftly away into the garden.
LUMIERE I don't want to make love with you here in the garden... let's go to the house.
FRIDA Not there, please. I just can't take listening to the idiotic remarks of your friends...
59 EXT,INT: GARAGE BEHIND HOUSE - SUNSET 59
FRIDA takes LUMIERE by his hand into the garage.
FRIDA /mischievously/ There are even vipers here!
FRIDA lays down on a bag next to the iron barrels, tools, the sprinkler and an old bike, and takes off her panties. Initially, LUMIERE is overtaken by trembling, but then his natural instincts overcome his shyness. He lunges at FRIDA.
FRIDA Wait... not so fast! First of all, what's your idea about protection?
LUMIERE saddens.
FRIDA On the other hand, looking at you, you don't seem to be HIV positive..
LUMIERE This is the first time for me.
FRIDA Then come on! I believe you... You can't have AIDS, I can feel it!
LUMIERE's ardor propels him like a turbo-diesel engine. Unexpectedly, LITTLE FRIDA quietly starts to cry while LUMIERE passionately continues his exercise.
LUMIERE What's the matter? FRIDA /as she replies she is already laughing/ I don't even know anymore...
During the neverending sunset, a contented LUMIERE sits with a sad LITTLE FRIDA, who once again, is drying her tears.
LUMIERE FRIDA, I knew your mother, what happened to her?
FRIDA I can't believe it! Everybody starts up about my mother; what do I know? She disappeared and that's it. She died. Or she dyed her hair.
6o EXT: GARAGE - JUST AFTER SUNSET 6o
FRIDA leaves the garage followed by LUMIERE.
LUMIERE Tell me... with whom did you come here?
FRIDA With whom? With Roger, you know... with friends and with my husband.
LUMIERE Your husband? Who is your husband?
FRIDA I'll introduce you to him. He's a sweetheart. We have a very good connection, a certain solidarity. It makes everything so much easier. You see, that's him,over there.
A limo has just pulled into the courtyard, and out steps the CATERER, elegantly apparelled.
CATERER Look at this, our man, LUMIERE. The incorrigible dreamer! /slyly/ This one... was a good dream, wasn't it?
LUMIERE The Caterer!
CATERER /tapping LUMIERE on his back/ So what do you think of her? Was she crying, maybe?
FRIDA, with smiling complicity, disappears.
CATERER She was laughing, too! Right? She is crazy, this girl, don't you think?
THE CATERER laughs, LUMIERE smiles politely.
CATERER Her mother! She was the real crazy. /he snaps his fingers/ You knew her, don't try to deny it... She was the craziest around here.. I like it when a girl is a cuckoo. It gives me space. In my profession... just imagine... there's always those "drinks with the clients". I would never take another kind of woman. I've been sterilized. I can't make a new Little Frida, maybe you. Or this young guy Roger... I don't give a shit, I just want one of you to make a new Little Frida for me. /laughing smugly/ Let's think about our old age. /smiling sadly/ We're all crazy,that's it!
The CATERER turns on his heel.
61 INT: GARAGE - NIGHT 61
After making love.
FRIDA You know, LUMIERE, what I would ask for if all my wishes could come true? To have a rapsberry, butter pecan ice cream in my hand right now!
LITTLE FRIDA holds out her hand in a fruitless but hopeful gesture.
LUMIERE Here's a little demonstration of the miracle!
He turns the old bike upside down and puts it down with the wheels facing upwards.
LUMIERE Now watch!... I spin it this way.
He spins the wheel of the bike.
LUMIERE And the spokes! Just look! They seem to slow down... and, then, seem to switch direction! They move now the opposite way.
FRIDA concentrates.
LUMIERE /victoriously/ This is the interference ! FRIDA... here... /points around the garage/ everything vibrates, the garage, you and me... appears and disappears. In every second about twenty-four, twenty-five times.
He stops the wheel.
LUMIERE Everything is vibrating because this is a film. Do you understand?
Attentively, LITTLE FRIDA puts her hand in LUMIERE's crotch.
FRIDA But this is not a film; I feel you.
LUMIERE That is different, but those who watch us, they can't touch me... us, they can only watch. LUMIERE makes a shy gesture toward the audience. FRIDA takes her hands out of LUMIERE pants, and shyly and consciously adjusts her clothes.
LUMIERE You have to understand... and accept it! This is already the seventh reel! We don't have too much time left. I want you to understand because I want to love you... and I want you to love me.
LITTLE FRIDA is breathless and awed.
LUMIERE A film like this, I don't know, maybe it could last for hundred minutes, FRIDA! We don't have too much time left.
FRIDA nods without fully comprehending, but kisses him on the cheek in solidarity.
62 INT: SALON - NIGHT 62
There is a fire in the fireplace. CICADA and his cronies stampede through the house. "The old guys" regard them icily until they and their rumble dissapear. The group sits around the fireplace, still picking on left-overs from silver plates. The self satisfied CATERER is smiling as he rests both hands on THE BOSS's shoulders. THE BOSS, still strapped to his wicker chair, twitches with a clown-like-grimace.
CATERER Everything tastes good? Everything is OK ?
THE BOSS twitches in reply. A tear rolls down DESIREE's face. WHA-WHA observes compassionately. THE BOSS emits irregular and strange sounds from his throat, and lifts one of his fingers.
ERIC The Boss...!
BIG JESUS, catching THE BOSS' gesture, queries pedagogically.
BIG JESUS So, GUINEVERE, what's your interpretation?
GUINEVERE OK, I can see... now, with one of his fingers, he's consoling DESIREE!
BIG JESUS Isn't his finger a little bit steeper?
GUINEVERE Maybe, we can look at it this way... oh, yes. Maybe he wants to warn her...
WHA-WHA Why do you have to start that again?
BIG JESUS So... what's your version? What does he want with this, your husband ?
GUINEVERE You know very well, you are the boss!
BIG JESUS So, what is he showing ?
GUINEVERE That DESIREE... He wants to console her... With his fingers, he shows, that this is important!
BIG JESUS But why? Nobody else knows.
Seemingly, DESIREE knows: her tears exchange for a smile. LUMIERE and FRIDA lounging on the carpet, are in a world of their own. Magical lights from the fireplace dance on their face.
LUMIERE /confidentially/ Do you know what a glider is?
FRIDA A flat parachute.
LUMIERE That's it! But FRIDA, did you ever jump?
FRIDA Oh, no!
LUMIERE And what do you think, is it hard?
FRIDA I don't know, why do you ask?
LUMIERE There are people that jump from the Saleve, right behind the house, everyday. Haven't you noticed!
FRIDA No!
LUMIERE I never jumped before... with any kind of parachute... I'm going to get one and jump down! I will throw myself into the deep... and... I will arrive right here. Here, in the middle of the garden. And I have two reasons to do this: for you, FRIDA, for our love, and for his sake. /pointing into the fire/
FRIDA /jealously/ What do you mean? For who's sake?
LUMIERE /searching for the camera/ The one who watches us now. /finding the camera/ Okay, I got you... Finally I got you! /to the camera/ No question. I'm the hero. But now I have to act.
GUINEVERE There he goes again.
ERIC For how many years, now, have you spared us from mission work?
WHA-WHA Leave him alone with his audience! And with his LITTLE FRIDA; they're having a good time, anyway. WHA-WHA smiles at the CATERER, and then, discreetly turns to DESIREE.
WHA-WHA They are very well together... What do you think, is it good for us?
DESIREE smiles positively, and the CATERER winks indulgently. THE BOSS manages to free one of his hands from the shackles, and awkwardly and painstakingly, brings it to his mouth.
BIG JESUS GUINEVERE, you should know why is it so important.
BIG JESUS approaches THE BOSS from behind, and from the BOSS's back pocket, takes out his diary and opens it to the marked page.
BIG JESUS "Following my verdict in the thousand dollar bill case, the cohesion of the group got sronger." And that means, GUINEVERE?
GUINEVERE /cynically/ Yes, it is very important... to console this predator for the sake of group cohesion. We have to have a victim... don't we?
DESIREE cries new tears. ERIC tries to confort her.
ERIC That's not the way we meant it. If you stuck THE BOSS, DESIREE, surely, you had to do it.
From head to toe THE BOSS is nothing more than a big grimace, while fussing frantically around his mouth.
WHA-WHA DESIREE decided on her own to wear a mourning outfit and keep silence. We have to appreciate that...
GUINEVERE Appreciate? And, why does she wear the mourning garb? Because she feels guilty!
ERIC But then what is her guilt? Nobody saw her do it... Nobody knows what happened.
GUINEVERE Why would she keep her mouth shut if it happened some other way? She is the only one who knows if she stabbed the Boss. She doesn't talk, so, she is guilty.
BIG JESUS closes the diary.
BIG JESUS /enigmatically/ THE BOSS knew everything in advance: that's why he chose you, GUINEVERE.
THE BOSS fusses around his mouth, tears flowing from his eyes. With a nod, BIG JESUS directs GUINEVERE's attention toward her mate. GUINEVERE keeps forcing down THE BOSS's hand from his mouth in order to wipe away his tears.
63 INT: CAVE - DAWN 63
LUMIERE crawls on all fours to reach István's still unburried body. Arduously, he removes the stones, one by one, and the still life-like body of István is revealed. He touches it.
LUMIERE /looking into the camera/ Now you see very well that not even an hour and a half has passed.
With care, he takes off the silk parachute used as ISTVÁN's shroud. He finds the straps and examines them to find out how they are attached. He opens the buckle.
64 EXT: TOP OF THE SALEVE - DAY 64
Garbed in his parachute gear, LUMIERE climbs to the top of the mountain: a naked plateau under an icy-gray sky, with a stormy wind. On the other side of the shaved plateau, there is a twenty meter high radio tower, with parabola antennas. Exerting himself against the turbulent wind, LUMIERE sets out for the radio tower.
65 EXT: RADIO TOWER - DAY 65
The tower and its surrounding buildings are deserted. The wind grabs the glider from his hands. The parachute fills with wind, and drags LUMIERE along the whole length of the plateau.
66 EXT: RADIO TOWER - DAY 66
LUMIERE ascends the exterior iron ladder of the tower, the glider securely strapped to his body. A freezing and wind-tormented LUMIERE squats on the few meter diameter platform, most probably, for hours, by now. Finally, he remembers swimming goggles and a cap buried in a pocket. Souvenirs of time past. He puts them on, stands up, and lets his parachute sail to the winds. When he feels himself light enough, he throws himself into the whirlpool of emtiness. From a distance the parachutist is seen floundering down in a steep angel toward the ground. With herculean effort, he manipulates the ropes to hold him above the plateau until he reaches the abyss.
67 EXT: SEA OF CLOUDS SEEN FROM THE TOP OF THE SALEVE - DAY 67
One of the clouds disperses and the sun claims its throne back. LUMIERE is between the Above and the Below. He sits on a swing suspended in the airy sky: above the azure blue sky, below a sea of fluffy clouds, with the top of Mont Blanc and the highest point of the Jura peeking through. LUMIERE is finally happy! He softly descends into the spheric bubble bath.
68 EXT: ON THE PLATEAU OF THE SALEVE, NEXT TO THE TOWER - DAY 68
THE CATERER's big limousine careens onto the plateau, its horn blasting. The limo circles the tower and rolls out to the very end of the plateau. FRIDA jumps out, then WHA-WHA, DESIREE and BIG JESUS. They halt at the abyss and search the downhill jumping course.
FRIDA Lumiere! Lumiere!
Only the wind screams in reply.
WHA-WHA /shouting/ He's not here!
Angst ridden and disheartened the friends jump into the car to escape the unrelenting wind. FRIDA sits behind the wheel, BIG JESUS next to her.
BIG JESUS It's sure, he's not around.
FRIDA But, where is he?
BIG JESUS Nowhere.
FRIDA What?
BIG JESUS Simply he does not exist... in this moment! FRIDA He glided over to the fourth dimension!
69 EXT: UNDER THE CLOUD BLANKET - DAY 69
A grayish landscape in November. Howling winds thrash the thorny leaveless bushes of the Saleve. Our "umbrella" slowly lowers itself along the mountain wall. Below, the narrow and long property, "La Saisias" extends from the bottom of the rocks through an English and French styled garden with a tall pine tree, and a roof peering through its branches dividing the landscape which stretches out to a gently rolling golf course. The acceleration increases bringing to view the Chekovian villa; the trees of the garden glide away, hang on, look out: the pine tree!
7o EXT: THE CROWN OF THE PINE TREE - DAY 7o
Branches are trashing falling: they fill the screen, and then there is only the silence of nature. It's LUMIERE - upside-down in the picture, with his swimming goggles on his chin. "Ergo: I'm still alive" - he keeps telling himself. He hears Frida's friends rampaging and laughing from the direction of the house. From the garden, there is silence. The house and the garden seen from the branches of the pine tree: a landscape turned upside-down, which by a "magic touch", falls back into place. LUMIERE shifts a hundred and eighty degrees. Gratefully, he listens to the noises of life. Confidentally he unlocks his gear, but suddenly, loosing control, crashlands to the ground not far from the pine tree. His body is fixed in a casual pose, his face is set in a rigid smile, and his beautiful eyes are locked in a gaze. And, then, his eyes go into orbit, and look out with exitement to his surroundings. But he can neither move, nor cry out.
71 EXT: GARDEN - DAY 71
Not far away from the pine tree, the entire group is picnicking quietly. They munch from left-overs. THE BOSS fidgets, his fingers trying to grasp something deep in his throat.
CATERER Suddenly - it's not even a second ago - I had the impression that for timeless times we did not see that dreamer LUMIERE!
A silence passes. Like a hellish thunder this Chekovian silence is broken by CICADA, ROGER and their GANG's loud and violent, interminable rampaging. A big splash is heard from the pool, then silence again. With a deep sigh, the CATERER picks up the last fried escargot from the plate. In the renewed silence the picnickers' attention is drawn to a creeking noise from above. They look up in unison. A man with a helmet is retrieving his parachute from the branches of the pine tree. A young man, with the face of an angel, and a very clear New-Jersey accent.
GLIDER I'm sorry to disturb you; I'm the stuntman for Mr. Jacques Maitre... I helped him in the jump... I'll just pick up these things here, and I'm on my way!
FRIDA Jacques Maitre?
ERIC LUMIERE's alterego.
FRIDA turns to the GLIDER hopefully.
FRIDA Did he land safely?
GLIDER Who?
FRIDA Lumiere!
GLIDER I suppose so. I'm finished. Then, good appetite, and so long.
The GLIDER exits. He disappears between the rows of hedges of the French garden, and the bushes of the English garden. In silence, the FRIENDS regard each other.
CATERER He was a good-looking guy... don't you think, FRIDA?
FRIDA flinches; she gets up and leave the table hastily. She passes LUMIERE without noticing him. LUMIERE's eyes turn round in their sockets, trying to follow FRIDA. His body is inert.
LUMIERE /VOICE OFF CAMERA/ FRIDA!!!
FRIDA freezes at the sound of LUMIERE's voice.
LUMIERE /VOICE OFF SCREEN/ I'm here!
FRIDA searches frantically.
LUMIERE On the ground!
FRIDA combs the bushes from one side to the other.
FRIDA But where are you?
LUMIERE Right behind you.
FRIDA spins around.Happily she kneels down beside him.
FRIDA LUMIERE, are you all right?
He is still motionless. With one arm under his head, crossed legs and superior smile.
LUMIERE /VOICE OFF CAMERA/ So, what do you think?
FRIDA But... what's going on? You can't talk but I can hear your voice. You can't move but you're still alive.
LUMIERE /VOICE OFF CAMERA/ Don't worry about me, FRIDA, we only have ten minutes left... and, by then, the film will end.
FRIDA starts to cry.
LUMIERE /VOICE OFF CAMERA/ Don't cry, go ahead and laugh!
FRIDA !weeping/ Why ?
LUMIERE /VOICE OFF CAMERA/ Because now you know everything!
And, in this moment FRIDA understands. With all her hart she starts to laugh: at LUMIERE, at the audience and, then, at the sky. Her laugh attracts DESIREE, ERIC and WHA-WHA, and following them BIG JESUS. The circle is closed by GUINEVERE. They all watch the laughing FRIDA, beside LUMIERE.
ERIC squats down next to the body and touches it with curiousity.
ERIC But, he's cold.
BIG JESUS leans down, too, takes his ankle, then, full of pity, rises.
BIG JESUS LUMIERE is dead ...!
Hearing this, FRIDA explodes into laughter. Lumiere's voice is laughing, too, off screen. LUMIERE /VOICE OFF SCREEN/ Dear FRIDA. We are going to meet again at the next screening. It was so good with you and I'm happy to know that I can relive those precious moments with you again and again on all the screenings for eternity.
LUMIERE and FRIDA laugh together ecstatically.
FRIDA A thousand times again, we will make love in the garage.
ERIC /shakenly/ My angel, he's dead.
Determinedly, the CATERER takes LITTLE FRIDA by the hand.
CATERER Come FRIDA, enough of this!
Before following her husband, FRIDA turns to the others.
FRIDA /beaming with joy/ See you soon! We have nine minutes left; Lumiere told me! Try to have fun for the next few minutes still ahead. We'll meet again soon, at the next screening!
FRIDA leaves with the CATERER in the direction of the house. The others, staying with LUMIERE, set their watches to match ERIC's.
ERIC Nine minutes, that's what FRIDA said. But what is this... craziness ?
GUINEVERE Nine minutes? What can I do with nine minutes? It takes me more than half an hour to brush my teeth.
WHA-WHA leans closer to LUMIERE. They look at each other. WHA-WHA blinks into LUMIERE's two eyes.
WHA-WHA And, what's if he is right?...
BIG JESUS Then... this is no joke... We don't even have time to think! We have to do something..! All of us have to fulfill our own destiny. And if he's not right, we'll find out in nine minutes. Then we can go to a restaurant and have a good laugh about it.
A silence passes.
BIG JESUS So...
DESIREE /finally speaks/ An acceptable proposition...!
Honk-honk! The horn of the caterer's limo signals farewell.
CICADA Hey, you.... wait, we're going too! Contemptuously, CICADA, ROGER and their FRIENDS race pass the old friends to catch a ride in the limo.
72 EXT: GARDEN GATE - DAY 72
Laughing loudly, the youngsters all manage to squeeze into the limousine. The wheels speed up on the gravel and the limousine rolls out onto the dirt road through the garden gate.
73 EXT: UNDER THE PINE TREE - DAY 73
The helpless BOSS, finally manages to put his right hand deep into his throat. His eyes fill with tears. BIG JESUS compassionately covers him with his leather coat.
BIG JESUS God save you... our life is nearing its end... Or, if not, we'll go out to a restaurant... and you'll see that the group cohesion will strengthen again. Allow me?
BIG JESUS places a chair next to THE BOSS. He sits down, looks for a cigarette and lights it ceremoniously. He inhales deeply. He talks to himself while enjoying the cigarette.
BIG JESUS True. There is one thing that I don't understand either; why do we always have to hurry and do something?
Next to him the BOSS is grasping something in his throat.
BIG JESUS /oblivious to the BOSS' manouvers/ Why can't we, let's say, sit quietly in the garden, and smoke a cigarette?
THE BOSS extricates a colossal fishbone from his throat. He observes it keenly and with satisfaction as he twiddles it around.
74 INT: BATHROOM - DAY 74
Snap! ERIC triggers his switchblade. With it, he slits into a cardboard box stashed in the cupboard, and rummages through its contents. He pulls out a straw hat, and, putting it aside, he continues his search.
75 INT: UPPER STAIRCASE - DAY 75
Hastily, GUINEVERE descends with a halogen lamp on a stand.
76 EXT: SECOND FLOOR BALCONY - DAY 76
Hysterically, WHA-WHA struggles with a big summer folding chair. She toys with it in all possible ways.
77 INT: SALON - DAY 77
In a flurry, DESIREE looks for a particular CD.
DESIREE Hell, where did it go? That disc "kssh-kssh-kssh"...
She finds it, and slides it into the CD with a theatrical gesture.
DESIREE Fuck !.. Close!.. Play!
78 EXT: UNDER THE PINE TREE - DAY 78
BIG JESUS puts heart and soul into the activity of smoking. From the balcony, the song of the CICADAS is heard... "kssh, kssh, kssh..."
79 EXT: A BIT FURTHER AWAY - DAY 79
LUMIERE still lays in the grass. His eyes are smiling.
8o EXT: ON THE BALCONY - DAY 8o
ERIC, WHA-WHA, GUINEVERE and DESIREE all lounge on chairs in bathing suits under the light of the halogen lamp. From two loudspeakers the song of the cicadas vibrates.
GUINEVERE True, we didn't have one single minute of sunshine in this silly film of his.
In silence they continue sunbathing. WHA-WHA anxiously checks the time on ERIC's golden watch. ERIC giggles.
WHA-WHA You think it's funny?
ERIC
I'm already thinking about our feast. I know what I'll order: Garden Snail in Peanut Butter Stew with Wine Brandy
Flambee !
ERIC shivers in the armchair.
DESIREE What's up with you, ERIC? Are you cold?
ERIC /trembling/ Oh, no, I'm not freezing; only the actor shivered some time ago... The one who played my role, Patrice Bornand... it's of no importance...
DESIREE and GUINEVERE emit peals of laughter. 81 EXT: UNDER THE PINE TREE - DAY 81
THE BOSS has completely regained his faculties. His expression is once again imperviable. Smoking on the roach of his cigarette, BIG JESUS observes THE BOSS in awe.
BIG JESUS Lumiere is right; what's this pursuit-for-life good for..? You feel OK, BOSS ?
THE BOSS blesses JESUS with the fish bone.
THE BOSS Tutti bene...
BIG JESUS sizes up THE BOSS, then looks into the camera. He takes a big drag from his roach, and continous meditating. The cicadas are singing.
The next sequence is replayed with slight variations during THE END/TITLE.
BIG JESUS is smoking. THE BOSS smiles enigmatically. LUMIERE smiles knowingly. The LADIES and ERIC sunbathe.
After THE END/TITLES:
The roach burns BIG JESUS's finger.
BIG JESUS Nostalgic...
He examines the left-over roach between his fingers. BIG JESUS Banal...
Then, BIG JESUS looks into the camera, and with his fingernail, he flicks the roach away.
BIG JESUS Class!
- THE END -
1OO MINUTES FROM THE LIVES OF SHADOWS
- PAGE 95 -