You know who would be perfect to direct this...
...not that I relish the idea of working with him, but my ex-husband.
Val?
He's perfect for this material.
She's right. it's his kind of story.
I love Val, but with all due respect, he's a raving, incompetent psychotic.
He's not incompetent.
They should lock him up and throw away the key. Don't take that the wrong way.
I did a picture with him at Firestone. He never fini...had a nervous breakdown.
He was under a lot of stress. We'd just broken up.
Honey, he was fired off a picture here at Galaxie before I took over.
They said his demands were outrageous.
The light had to be perfect. The sun had to be just right.
He demanded they replace the leading lady.
He wanted to reshoot dailies, fire the cameraman.
He got shingles. They shut down the picture and found another director.
You don't have to tell me.
I was married to him then. But that was 10 years ago.
His best pictures were 10 years ago. Then he became an artiste.
I am the last person to defend that craziness, because it drove me nuts.
But Val cares about movies. He was born to do this material.
He's mellowed, I'm telling you.
Who better to direct this? New York's in his marrow.
Just let me say this: Ruth.
-Yes, Ruth. -No way.
He's great! I know we could get him. He'd be safe.
We can put our foot on his neck. Martin Ruth!
Val hasn't worked in years. We could make a good deal.
Then watch him like a hawk.
We're going to lose a lot more with Val!
I agree with Ellie. I think he's the ideal director for this project.
But we won't use him, because who needs trouble?
And why would he work with us, given all the personal baggage?
I'm told he's in no position to be fussy.
I can't stand it here! What the hell am I doing in Canada?
Lori, they got moose up here! Are moose carnivorous?
How can you be homesick? You got there yesterday. You come home tomorrow.
Val! We're good to go, Val! Waiting on you!
Did my agent call? Any word on that TV movie?
The interracial abortion gene-splicing thing?
The TV movie decided to go with Peter Bogdanovich.
Oh, that's great!
That's just great!
You know, I love Peter. Peter's a beautiful guy.
God bless him. Oh, God.
The client wants overhead coverage of the spray cans.
One minute! This is humiliating! I'm up here shooting a deodorant commercial.
I got two Oscars! Up here you don't need Oscars, you need antlers!
Here's a funny script about two fraternity kids...
...who invent a machine to turn women back into virgins. it's very clever.
What's the matter?
When you asked me to come out here...
...you promised me I wouldn't just be one of those bright women who...
...finds properties, goes to lunch 500 times developing them,
then never gets one made.
Honey, "The City That Never Sleeps" is greenlit. That's been your project.
Until I suggest the director. Then...
...though you admit he's perfect, I get shot down.
You weren't shot down.
It's a risky choice, but an inspired one.
I think you want to help him because you feel guilty.
Guilty? Why? Because I fell in love with you?
I put in enough years in that marriage...
Right. You did nothing wrong.
I know, and I brought up his name because...
...he would give you the best movie for that script.
He's probably too angry to speak to you.
And he could ruin the picture to get even with me...
No, you're wrong about that. He would be grateful. He needs a comeback.
Ellie, this is a very, very expensive film.
It has solid box office potential.
He can do it.
You don't regret leaving him, do you?
One day you look up and realize that laughs are not enough.
I can handle him, Hal. I just got tired of having to all the time.
And then, you know...l met you.
What are you doing home?
I quit.
No, Val, not again! You quit over nothing again?!
Not over nothing. I quit over a big thing.
They fired me. I thought that was big enough to quit over.
Oh, Val, that's just great!
I got the last plane out of Toronto.
Have you ever seen Canada? Now I know why there's no crime up there.
I must say, you don't seem too enthused at seeing me.
Can you blame me? Now you'll just sit around, talking about the good old days.
I got to get a picture. Someone has to take a chance on me.
Fortunately, my business manager put
away enough money before he went to prison...
...for me to live on another 3 weeks, maybe.
If you had come with me, it might have been different.
Two people in a sleeping bag is a lot cozier.
Who'd go on for me in the play?
For God's sakes, it's an off-off-Broadway play!
Are you kidding? My understudy?
That'd be the night Steven Spielberg comes. Or Harvey Weinstein.
They're not coming, believe me. They're fasting.
I would have been so good in that Shakespeare movie.
What's that?
Pelts. I traded with a fur trapper between shots...
...so the trip wouldn't be a total loss.
Your agent sent over that script.
A script?
Why didn't you tell me about this?
"The City That Never Sleeps".
When did this come in?
Well? What did you think of it?
I think it has definite potential.
It's got a really good Manhattan feel to it.
They're interested in you directing.
That's, uh, that's fine with me.
This is the kind of material I can do great. I can make this script sing.
This is New York. it's nightclubs, the skyline.
-Want some water? I'm very excited. -Me, too.
Who wants me?
Well, we have a little selling to do, but Galaxie is making it.
-Hal Yeager? -That's right.
He stole my wife.
Ellie's the one pushing you.
Pass! I'm not going to work with Hal Yeager and Ellie.
He's a Philistine and she's a quisling. it's a religious conflict.
Calm down. it's everything you've been looking for.
I'm frankly flabbergasted they'd even think of me.
They didn't think of you. She did.
She convinced Yeager to fly to New York and meet with you.
This guy stole my wife.
He doesn't hold that against you. it's business.
Can you believe that she would leave me for Hal Yeager?
I still can't get my mind around it. Mr. Slick...
The price of his haircut could feed a family of five.
Calm down. You're getting all red.
And you're telling me he doesn't want me? She's the...?
The nerve of that... He's such a manicured phony!
May he fall on his blow comb and get hot in the wrong place.
Please, Val. Don't do anything to kill this. It's a golden opportunity.
I'd rather do the geriatric diaper commercial I turned down.
Of course I wouldn't. This is a terrific script. I ....
Come on, make some sense now.
A $60-million, first-class feature film.
A big payday, which you need. And...
...if you score with this, you're back on top.
A gift like this will never drop in your lap again.
Just take the meeting with Yeager.
-And Ellie. -Yes, and Ellie.
I'll get you half a million dollars.
A lousy half mil they're offer...
They want to buy prestige at the Shrine on Oscar night for a half mil?
There's no offer yet.
I reject their offer!
-There's nothing to reject. -Well, I reject it anyhow.
You meet with him and be nice, or I'm out of here.
I finally get an offer worthy of my gifts and look where it comes from!
There is no offer yet. I am so tired of all this big talk...
...about how big you were ten years ago. Things change. You can't get work.
Also wants it. That's the problem.
-It only takes one hit. -I know.
I want a role.
I'm not hired yet. He has to meet me and throw his weight around.
Not just a bit part. I want to show what I can do.
I can't stick my girlfriend in the movie.
But I'm good.
I told you to take acting lessons.
I'm a natural. Classes would ruin me.
Ellie feels guilty, so this is her way of clearing her conscience.
Great! Who cares how it came about?
This whole thing is creepy, Lori.
This is a woman I was married to for 10 years.
Not from making love! From eating sushi.
I used to hug her when she was afraid of flying.
I kissed her on top of the Eiffel Tower.
I swam in the moonlight with her at Montauk.
Now I have to take a meeting with her?
I have very mixed feelings. This guy has to show me he's changed.
He's not in a position to make demands.
...is garbage! I'm not saying that as criticism.
The question is, do I let this has-been make his comeback on my money?
He's not a has-been. He's a very good director who's fallen on hard times.
He brought it on himself! He's his own worst enemy!
Think of the press angle.
Val Waxman does his comeback film for Galaxie Pictures.
What good is that if he ruins the picture?
No, because I'll fire him.
I won't take temperamental antics from some "auteur" genius.
-Auteur. -Whatever.
We'll see.
-You're so nervous. -I'm not nervous. I'm tense.
You're nervous.
No, I'm tense. When I'm nervous, I bite my nails. When I'm tense, I do this.
Just calm down and act professional.
I'm fine. But this is a guy who stole my wife.
Years ago, I would never have made a film for him.
Now I'm auditioning for him? it's crazy.
I would kill for this job.
But the people I want to kill are the people offering me the job.
What is that?
In the cab, I took a blue pill.
That was to calm my anger, but it had speed in it...
...so I took another pill to calm down the speed.
...for the meeting.
Great. Perfect.
That other pill I took keeps me dry when it's raining out.
-Ellie! Wonderful to see you. -Hello, AI.
Hello, Val.
-AI, how are you? -Nice to see you.
I'm so glad you could get here.
Are they still having power failures?
I read there was a terrible power failure in California.
-AI, you want something to drink? -Coffee.
They said the electricity was going off ....
Come on in.
Since when do you wear suits?
You have milk?
You never wore suits.
Cream!
Val, you look very good.
I'm okay. I've been having some back spasms...
...and I have a torn rotator cuff, and, uh, my knee, I have ....
I have a hearing loss. it's so odd. In my left ear.
What'd you think of the script?
The script? Well...
...the movie it's based on was a stupid little potboiler.
He's asking about the script, Val.
The rewrite is good.
Thanks to Ellie.
It's good. I think this could make...
...a tough, gritty, New York big city movie.
You can't make any money just in big cities.
Well, where would this play? It won't...
...appeal to farmers, or shopping malls in Biloxi.
Where do you think the demographics are?
The demographics?
You mean why the country got so stupid suddenly?
My theory is fast foods.
The film's age group. Where do you see it?
The age? Uh, this will appeal to, you know...
...adults and...
..."teenagers, young adults...
...and, kids, adolescents, I think...
Yes, I agree. And then some.
-But the script has some holes in it. -Oh, Val.
Like what?
Well, the climax, for instance. I think the climax comes...
Didn't I say that? The inciting event should come later.
And the character of Benny ....
I feel we should shoot Benny with a handheld camera, not a Steadicam.
It should be nervous, like his inner personality.
I don't know if I like that.
You said it could be with a Steadicam.
How do you feel about this? What if we shot the picture in black and white?
Why?
-New York is a black and white town. -Forget it.
Arty. it's arty.
Anybody have an aspirin?
Try one of these. My herbalist gave them to me.
I can do this picture. I have a feel for it.
I see it all, maybe with a Cole Porter score.
Okay, well, let us discuss it.
We're talking to other directors. We'll let you know.
Maybe Irving Berlin or something, because...
If there ever was a Val Waxman property, this is it.
We'll keep in touch.
-Anyone got a Xanax? -Zantac. I got an ulcer, too.
Can I talk to you for a second?
Listen, Val. Sorry.
It was great seeing you again.
-You've got an herbalist? -Yeah, he's a genius.
In Beverly Hills, he's a genius. In New York, he'd be low-normal.
We use a different rating system.
Italian, French, Spanish...
Italian films. I love them!
Val Waxman. Any messages?
You sure?
Did you see my cat?
Isn't it neat?
-Anything? -Not yet. No.
We were discussing Hitchcock. Truffaut said "Notorious" was his best film.
I agree. A masterpiece.
What? You hate that movie. The ending makes you crazy.
Because it's a masterpiece.
Every time I watch Cary Grant carry Ingrid Bergman down the stairs...
...I think the Germans will catch them.
No matter how many times I see it.
Hitchcock was an artist, but commercial.
You say that like it's good.
You have to be both. He knew what he was doing.
In making movies, you have to think about the audience...
...or you're just making movies for yourself. it's artistic masturbation.
Right. You're a narcissist.
Have I told you my views on masturbation?
For me, the nicest thing about masturbation is afterward...
The cuddling time.
They're laughing. I'm not joking.
Want a weinie?
I can't believe it. I can't speak!
I got you a half-million, plus 1/10th point after quadruple break-even.
Why?
Because you owe her thanks. She went out on a limb for you.
She wants to be sure you're both on the same page.
Hal Yeager is quick to hire,
quick to fire. You need Ellie to run interference.
All right, all right. I'll meet her at...
...Bemelmans Bar at 9:00. I can spare 10 minutes.
I can't tell you... My head's swimming.
A tenth of a point after quadruple break-even!
You are really a shark, AI.
Congratulations.
Can I get a Beck's?
Since we'll be working together, I thought we should talk.
It's fine with me.
As you know, Hal was a little skeptical at first...
...but in the end, he's a businessman and very professional.
Let me set your mind at ease. Don't worry.
Things will go very smoothly. This is...
...a big shot for me. I realize that...
...l can be very professional, and obviously Hal's very professional...
...and you're professional, clearly...
I cannot understand how you could leave me for that cheesy windbag!
It's mind-numbing. I just don't understand.
And you carried on with him behind my back for 2 months.
It was not 2 months.
Yes, it was.
You carried on behind my back. And under my nose.
That's twice a day. Both places.
You're exaggerating.
I am not.
You were always on the phone with him. Exchanging glances.
Then you were exchanging fluids. I can't believe I didn't see it.
You were too self-absorbed, trying to be the great American film artist.
Don't tell me that. You were fine till I started to lose my audience.
Then you dump me and move to Beverly Hills.
You hated California. We both did.
You hated traveling everyplace by car all the time and...
...I hated traveling by mudslide.
What could I do? Our marriage wasn't going anyplace.
Where did you want it to go? Where do marriages go?
After a while they all just lay there. That's the thing about marriage.
It was in trouble. You don't see what you don't want to see.
We didn't communicate.
We had sex.
Yes, we had sex, but we never talked.
Sex is better than talk. Ask anyone.
Talk is what you suffer through to get to sex.
You isolate everything. You can't just compartmentalize like that.
-Is one of those parts adultery? -Never!
You had escargot that afternoon. it's disgusting.
Sex and snails with that roast beef from Beverly Hills.
You were so busy playing the American artist. That's what you were doing...
...playing. You felt it was important to be uncompromising...
...and temperamental and difficult... God, difficult!
And starve and suffer.
You had all the symptoms, but not the disease.
You used to think I was creative and original.
I still do...as a filmmaker.
When you became creative as a hypochondriac, that was it.
Those attacks were real!
-Oh, yeah? -Yes!
The Black Plague, Val?
An allergy to oxygen?
Elm blight? Only trees get elm blight... elm trees.
Can I sum it up? You cheated on me, lied to me, dumped me and...
We're here to discuss business.
I want to keep this professional.
Absolutely. I think we should rework the script a little.
It doesn't have to be middle-aged people.
The character of Kelly Swain could be coming out of college instead.
Out of law school.
Yeah. I think Galaxie would like that.
We could maybe cast somebody like Terry Tyler, or...
...find some talented new kid.
You are such a shallow jerk!
That you would leave me for a guy who's the opposite of what I am!
With his ski lodge in Aspen and his collection of vintage cars.
If I drove around in a 1939 Mercedes, people would think I was Himmler!
Hal is very smart and a brilliant deal maker.
He's been audited by the best.
He's made some pretty financially successful American films.
That says it all. He's the white line down the middle of the road.
You had your little flirtations, too. There was that Italian model.
No. You were the only one I was serious with.
My God, until you suddenly became noncommunicative and unresponsive...
...and you dumped me and then...
This movie will be a fun movie to do, I think.
I have a lot of ideas to discuss.
Good. And now that the studio's agreed to you...
...you'll have their full support.
Thank you very much. I think I want a foreign cameraman.
They get a texture in the work American cameramen never get.
A certain mobility.
I remember coming home and picking up the extension
and you're talking to this guy!
I hear my wife, lovey-dovey with her lover saying she misses her lover!
He wasn't my lover yet.
Bull! He was your lover! I recognize the voice...
Hal Yeager from Galaxie Pictures!
I think, "Why is my wife talking to him? They're making me a surprise party."
-I thought they were planning my party. -Were they?
No! They were having an affair! Follow the story!
-I can't believe this. -I'm going.
We're discussing the movie.
No, I'm sorry.
I won't bother you. I'll make sure no one will interfere creatively.
Possibly.
I think she would be great. Or Sarah Bedloe would be interesting.
I pick up the phone to order a corned beef sandwich,
she's talking to her lover
-I'll be back from L.A. in 2 weeks... -This will be a fun picture.
...for pre-production.
I look forward to it. And about Hal Yeager...
...the word on him is cross-dresser. Check it out.
I pick up the phone and she...
Hal, we're off to a really good start.
Great. Tell me.
Val wants to use a foreign cameraman...
...which I think we should give him, because he has areal visual concept.
He's chosen Kow Chan...
...a Chinese cameraman who's done some really stunning work...
...mostly with the Red Army.
He says he doesn't like his hotel. He much prefer the Sherry.
Val wants to go with Elio Sebastian as art director.
Val says that Elio really knows the streets of New York.
Every location is out there waiting to be found.
Great. It saves us a fortune.
With two exceptions:
We can't build Times Square and Harlem.
He wants to build the Empire State Building? No!
-Okay, I'll handle it. -Good. Great. Listen, I miss you.
Great. Really New York moody. Grey and cloudy.
-That's how it is. -Today's our first sunny day.
It's fabulous here. Sunny and clear every day.
I have to run. I'm having another skin cancer removed.
This is perfect. This view is absolutely perfect.
No, I hate it. We're just going to have to build it.
Build Central Park?
Forget what I said about mixing real locations and sets.
...I say this metaphorically... it'll be over my dead body.
Okay, if not the whole park... just the reservoir.
Build the reservoir?
Sure. You get a studio, put in a tank...
...fill it with a few thousand gallons of water. it'll work.
Wait! Trees behind it. New York as a symphony in green.
Green I hate! I never use green. No.
Tell Mother Nature. Trees are green!
We can play it for the winter. Use snow.
I buy that. A white background...
What? What?
What is he saying?
No white. He cannot shoot white background.
What have you gotten me into?
You know, I prefer green myself. Green and red.
All I'm saying is, I think you're being precipitous in firing him.
Look, I never wanted this guy, not from day one.
May I offer for your consideration a single concept...
Val, you don't have to lean into the speaker.
He's out. I want him out before this picture becomes a cost nightmare.
I said from the start to use Harold Pappas!
Pappas is a hack! He's safe, but uninspired. I can't work with him.
Then you should bow out now.
I said I can't work him. I didn't say I wouldn't.
Val, Pappas has how many...
...nominations compared to this Greenwich Village lunatic?
They spent more getting those nominations...
...than he'd spend on the reservoir.
Nothing, Hal.
I gave in on the Chinese cameraman. I've kept away from your picture.
I'm saying I'd feel more secure with Pappas.
A word to the wise.
Is there anything about the part of Benny I should know?
Only that he's a Broadway sharpie, a gambler.
-Like Sky Masterson? -Exactly.
Forgive me if this seems obvious...
...but he's a Runyonesque bookmaker type...
...tough but softhearted with his wife, whom he loves?
That's it on the nose. Perfect.
Go.
Some guys were looking for you. Seems you owe them some money.
I hope you didn't tell them anything! I could find myself in deep trouble!
Deep, deep trouble!
Thank you.
Hi.
Okay.
I'll wait for you.
If they give you 30 years...
...I'll be waiting.
If they give you 50 years...
...I'll be waiting.
If you get two consecutive life sentences...
...I'll be waiting.
I thought that last girl was interesting.
Really?
She read better than the others.
Yes, but Claire's supposed to be classy.
To be perfectly honest, I thought she radiated stupidity.
I mean, her reading was competent, but...
...my God, her persona, it's trashy and dumb.
I think I'd like to use her. She was interesting.
You're the director.
It's not that big a part.
But it's a featured role. Claire's supposed to be a socialite.
This girl, Lori Fox, is a step above trailer park.
I'd hardly call it trailer park.
I said a step above.
Well, I'd like to use her. I thought she was perfect for the role.
Fine. it's your decision. I'm just throwing out ideas.
Take 'em or leave 'em.
-Two for Yeager. -They're clearing your table.
I'm so glad you could come in. I really am.
I was here on business and wanted an excuse to see you.
And Val?
Val's Val. He seems reasonably flexible and most of his ideas are really good.
-I hope so. -You'll see.
Right this way.
There's nothing making it awkward personally?
No. I think he's accepted things and moved on.
By the way, Andrea Ford's covering the making of the film for Esquire.
Hey, Val! We were just talking about you.
Ellie told me how well things are going.
How are you? Everything okay?
We used to eat here all the time.
Hal just came in on a plane.
That is the best way to fly. What are you doing in this restaurant right now?
What? We came to get a bite to eat. Are you okay?
You're awfully fidgety. Are you fine?
Are you okay?
I'm fine. You should go to your table. it's crowded and...
Oh, look! it's that woman from the audition today!
Hello, miss!
Very funny! Aren't you going to introduce me?
Lori Fox, isn't it? Of course.
Yes, I think it was.
Val is such a riot. Stop kidding around.
I just wanted to put your mind at ease that...
...even though I'm the director's significant other, I can still act.
Hi.
-Mort, I thought you were in Aspen. -I wish.
Fiancée?
-Congratulations. When's the date? -New Year's Eve.
Oh, my goodness! How romantic!
Congratulations on your new film.
-You know Val Waxman. -Sure.
We sued him for failure to complete a picture.
Great. That makes me feel secure.
I'll see you tomorrow, Val.
Hurry! I'll miss my flight.
This is a bad time for you to go. I'm very vulnerable.
I have to get into shape for the movie. The spa will give me the discipline.
You're not overweight.
My God, I'm a horse! I have to appear in lingerie.
What if we need you?
My scene isn't until the end of shooting.
What if I need you?
You'll be fine. You're a big boy.
I keep thinking people are breaking in or I lay awake...
...thinking of death and blackness and the abyss.
Oh! Don't forget to water my cactus.
Well, call me every day.
I can't. They don't have phones at the Dolby Ranch...
...to discourage secret eating schemes.
Oh! Oh, my gosh! Oh, my gosh!
I got to go!
And we want to see the earrings. Profile.
Other profile, please.
And cut.
Is it true your cameraman speaks only Chinese?
Yes, Mandarin.
It's so hard to find a good Cantonese cameraman these days.
The neighborhoods don't have them anymore.
Hal Yeager's known to be very hands on...
...very hot-tempered, quick to replace people. Does that bother you?
No, because they agreed to leave me alone during shooting.
I have complete freedom.
How about working so closely with your ex-wife?
It's not so close. She'll just be up and back.
...especially now that she's going to marry Hal Yeager...
...the man she left you for, who's now your boss?
Who are you?
Andrea Ford. I'm doing a story on the making of the movie for Esquire.
Really?
Didn't they tell you? I'll be observing the whole time.
Because I don't usually like when journalists...
...hang around the set when I work.
Then talk to the press department. But I won't get in your way.
I am a huge fan.
Oh, huge. I have loved all of your movies.
Yes. You know, I've always thought of you...
...as a kind of unique American artist, really.
Well, I'm sure you won't be in the way.
There's plenty of room, and...
Val, I'm so sorry... can I steal him for a minute?
I'll get him right back. I'm so sorry.
You be careful. She's a killer.
She's a killer?
I didn't want her around, but the press department...
...told Hal we'd get the cover of Esquire, so she's here.
How is she a killer? She loves me.
Well, that's fine if she likes you. Otherwise, she can be biting.
I hear she's all sugar and sweetness to get in your good graces...
...then wham! She told Sean Madigan how she loved all his films...
...and then in the profile she did, she disemboweled him.
Well, if you happen to fall for that kind of flattery ....
-I can handle it. -You couldn't handle Shirley Temple.
Hey, give me a break, will you?
I can't figure it out. it's okay to have an affair with Hal Yeager.
Everyone's entitled to one psychotic episode, but to marry the guy is crazy.
-I wouldn't talk, if I were you. -What does that mean?
You know I don't like to sleep alone. I'm not going to marry her.
And that wind-up doll happens to have a Ph.D.
In what? History of gym?
Will you give me a break with the cutting remarks?
I have a picture to do Tuesday. I'm thinking about my work.
Okay. Now get some rest this weekend.
Don't lie around worrying about what could go wrong.
Don't worry. I won't lie around.
I got my hand on the wheel, honey. This picture's in the bank.
Amanda, who is it?
I don't know. Uncle AI, it's for you.
I'm sorry. I'm sorry, I'm sorry.
You have to get over here right away.
Why? I'm at my sister's for a Seder.
You have to get over here. it's a matter of life and death!
It's open! Come in!
What is it? What's going on? Why am I here?
AI, I'm going to try to explain this to you.
I came home and started to make notes on the script.
We shoot Tuesday and I wanted to, you know.
And then I started to get nervous, so I sat down on the sofa...
...and I was doing my deep breathing exercises, to stay calm.
And it was working, and I started to relax...
...and I dozed off. And I slept for a while...
...and then I woke up, AI, and...
I'm blind! I'm blind, AI!
I'm blind, I'm blind! I can't see!
What do you mean?
What do you mean, what do I mean?
Like the guys in the street with dark glasses and accordions.
Well, are you trying?
AI, you can't try to see.
You look around and you see or you don't see. I don't see.
AI, I'm scared!
What did you eat?
What's the difference what I ate?
You can't lose your vision from a plate of tofu!
I never heard of this.
I did. Remember the actor Harvey Gates?
He lost his vision suddenly.
-From what? -Grapefruit.
He had a tumor the size of a grapefruit on his brain.
And he went blind?
Yes, he went blind. And a few months later, he went dead...
...which is worse than blind, 'cause your options decrease.
Relax. You don't have a brain tumor.
AI, with all due respect...
...let me hear that from someone who went to a better medical school...
...than William Morris.
We'll get you to Dr. Mason. You still use him, right?
No, Mason dropped dead on the treadmill. I use Koch.
I use Koch, too. Did you bump into anything? Fall? Bonk your head?
I didn't bump my head. I have a brain tumor, that's the story here!
I thought you couldn't see.
It's an expression! I don't actually mean I see a wall.
It's in my mind's eye!
I remember when Ellie and I took you to the hospital...
...because you were convinced you had hoof and mouth disease.
Oh, God, Ellie. If I die, AI...
...tell Ellie I'm sorry I said those things to her. I said terrible things.
I called her all kinds of names.
Probably because I never stopped loving her.
You're not dying.
If I don't die, tell her she's a tramp!
She's living with a guy, the best you can say about him...
Dr. Koch? it's AI Hack.
Sorry to call on a holiday, but I'm here with Val Waxman...
You can sit back now.
So what's the story?
Your optic nerve is normal. Your eyes are normal. I don't see anything.
Any tumor large enough to affect his vision so dramatically would show up.
I wish I was in as good health as he is.
Physically, you're 100%
But just like someone who...
...has a hysterical paralysis, a patient who...
...from a horrible shock, or extreme, stress-related trauma...
...being a film director, your inner conflicts have...
...expressed themselves in a telling fashion. You're psychosomatically blind.
-How can I get rid of it? -By treatment.
By understanding the roots of your conflict...
...it's likely this blindness will go away.
How quickly?
Real growth...is always very slow.
There goes my comeback.
You cannot breathe a word of this to anybody.
You have to tell them, AI. I just dread telling Ellie.
Are you nuts? They'll fire you.
Fire me? I obviously can't direct the picture.
What? How can you blow this shot?
What are you talking about? I'm blind!
Nobody knows.
What does that mean? What are you saying?
If you pull out of this project because psychological stress...
...has made you go blind, you'll never work again.
Maybe they can postpone it.
Because you're blind?
You direct this picture and bring in a hit...
...or I leave you with two words: homeless man.
I can't... How can I...
You muddle your way through until your sight returns.
AI, I can't direct the picture. I'm blind!
Have you seen some of the pictures out there?
Maybe, maybe not. If they do, you're no worse off than if you confess...
...because you're finished in the business anyway.
I take one step on the set, I'll break my neck!
No, I'll come with you.
They won't let you. Actors get nervous when agents hang around.
Listen, once you're on the set, you'll relax, you won't even need me.
I can't do this. I have to take someone into my confidence.
Absolutely not! No! Never! Not a hint. This can't get out.
You will direct a hit picture. Sometimes God works in strange ways.
Like Job.
Notes on making "The City That Never Sleeps".
First morning atmosphere is upbeat. Lots of eager anticipation.
People moving lights.
Actors and actresses already in costume and makeup.
Val Waxman is not the first one on the set.
Actually, a few minutes late.
This won't work.
No, it's working perfect. I'll guide you.
-Am I going to bump into anything? -No, I'll guide you.
But I must look funny.
You look perfect, I'm telling you. Look at this.
Good morning. Would you like anything?
You want some coffee?
Yeah, su... No. No, thank you. I'm okay. I'm okay.
The actors are here if you want to block the scene.
Block the scene?
Val, are you okay with the changes in the set?
Oh, the set. Yeah. it's beautiful!
How about the background color?
It's blue and, uh, brown and yellow. ls it a little dark?
AI, can I speak to you a second?
I'll be right back. Don't worry.
Not that you're not welcome...you know I love you...but this is a closed set.
He really needs me. He likes me to be with him.
I know, but a man of your stature, an agent...
...it intimidates people.
-You look great. You had any work done? -Just here.
-Who do you go to? Not that I need it. -Fred.
Oh, he's incredible. Can you get me a price?
I think we may be a little too light.
Would you prefer I take it one shade darker?
Well, you know, that's a possibility.
What do you think? What would you do?
I don't know. I could make it all match the upholstery.
Yes, that's brilliant! That's what I would do.
Chief, what alarm clock do you want to go with?
That, that one.
-Which one? -That one. Yes.
I'm sorry, which?
Yes. That one. Yes. Yes.
-The wind-up or the electric? -The wind-up. I like the wind-up.
Why is it so difficult?
Excuse me. Can I see you for a second? Just stay with me.
AI, this is not working.
Don't worry. it'll be fine. But this is a closed set and I have to leave.
Listen to me. Just go to Plan B.
We have no Plan B.
Plan B...we find somebody who you trust to help you.
Tell someone the truth?
Yes! Someone you can rely on. Someone who's naturally around you...
What about the script girl?
We can't do that. If they get caught,...
...they'll never work in the business again.
You have a responsibility to yourself!
You have agent's ethics. I can't go by you.
Wait a minute. What about the Chinese kid?
-The translator? -Yes, the translator.
He's a business student at NYU.
He doesn't want to work in film. If he's caught, it's no big deal.
-Well, he is always around me. -See?
Val, I have the actors. We're ready.
Don't worry. I'll get you to the set. Just relax.
It'll be fine.
I'm acting so crazy. Everyone will notice.
You have a reputation for being crazy. it'll work in your favor.
Watch out. One step, one step. Easy.
Very good. Can I have Mr. Waxman's chair here?
The director needs his chair!
Thank you very much.
Here, sit. Your lucky chair. isn't that wonderful?
Sit. Be relaxed. Very good.
Good luck.
I can't work with outside people watching.
Nobody's going to be watching.
Do you like this one or this one?
I like that one.
This? 'Cause this one's more appropriate,
but this one's more theatrical.
You can use this one if you like, but I prefer that one. That one.
I'd like to make my entrance from the stairs.
What? Who ordered? Who ordered? What's happening?
How should I kiss her?
You know, on the mouth.
-What about my mouth? -No, kiss her on the mouth.
But we originally discussed some passionate way of grabbing her.
Oh, well, use both lips.
Could I talk to you for just a second?
-Me? -Just for a minute.
-They need me. -Actually, the director...
-The director asked me to talk to you. -Mr. Waxman?
Yes. it's a chance to earn extra salary.
You seem to be a very responsible young man. Are you?
You should move left.
You got me doing two things at once. I don't know what you want.
You should cross left.
Me? If I cross to my left, I'll bump into him.
-You needn't demonstrate. -I'll knock him over.
Where is the translator? He's supposed to be on set!
I have a very important message for you.
For me?
I'm here to help you. I know about your secret.
Don't!
Cut!
Very good. That was terrific.
Was it very good? Was it very good?
I don't see the dramatic impact of it...
...but it was improved from the random chaos you were encouraging.
Oh, thank you. You didn't like the random chaos?
Can we go again just for safety? One more?
We're approaching a hallway right now, so we'll walk slowly. Nobody's here.
Practically nobody. Be careful.
I'm trying to be casual, but it's extremely difficult.
Sorry, boss, you okay? I thought you saw me.
I'm fine. It was all my fault. I forgive you.
Why didn't you warn me?
I thought you saw him. This is very weird for me.
-Once I did aid a deaf uncle. -You're going too fast.
Okay, slowly. it's very weird.
I helped out a deaf uncle a few years ago,
This is great.
Do we use this one tomorrow or the big one?
Wow, these are beautiful pocket watches.
Val, how do you feel the first day went?
It's a shakedown, where you weed out the malcontents.
I'd love to speak with you for a few minutes, if you're not too busy.
Sir, you said you wanted to show me that piece of jade.
Jade?
If you're busy, we can do this later.
That's all I could think of to extricate you.
You realize there's no piece of jade.
Yes, I get it. There's no jade.
Everything okay?
So far our conspiracy has gone undetected.
Perfect. Val, I'll take you to your shrink.
Same drill tomorrow, Chou.
I'll practice casual banter.
To observe Val Waxman directing...
...one would think he has no idea what he's doing.
He never looks anyone in the eye...
...and must be juggling a millon things in his mind.
It's easy to see why his reputation is one of an eccentric.
I notice, too, what a great interest he has in the photography...
How were the dailies?
Sir, I'm not a film student, hence, a poor judge.
I study business and as an investment, I wouldn't...
He cannot understand what you're doing. He thinks it's very odd.
How were the performances?
I wouldn't know. But you heard them. Or is your hearing faculty failing, too?
My hearing is fine! But are they making too many faces?
What about the scenes without dialogue?
Well, I understand them, but I've read the script.
But I must confess...careful, steps...
...there is a strong sense of, um, incoherence.
Incoherence? Great. That's exactly what I'm going for.
Well, how were they?
I'm happy. They were great!
Which take was best of the robbery scene?
-The first one. -The last one.
The first part of the last is better than the last part of the first...
...but the middle take's probably the most overall.
I smell magic here.
How's it going?
Okay. He confers a lot with his cameraman through the translator...
...which takes time, but I got my foot to the pedal. Pedal to the metal.
Put him on, will you?
I'll find him.
Carol, send some flowers to Haley Joel Osment with a card.
It's Ellie. She wants to talk to you.
I hear it's going pretty well.
Yes, as far as I can see.
Good. Listen, I want to come in next week. Maybe look at some dailies?
I wouldn't do that.
I've stayed away for the first half of the film, Val.
Nobody sees my dailies except me and the cameraman. That's our deal.
You used to always ask my opinion on dailies.
That was when you were a sharp New Yorker.
No one with an herbalist sees my dailies.
As filming reaches the halfway mark...
...rumor has it Sharon Bates, the leading lady...
...has developed a crush on Val Waxman.
He seems to resist...
...personal contact with anyone...
...but today she insisted he visit her dressing room.
Excuse me. I'll see you later. We'll discuss it.
Yes. Don't go far!
Can I be frank?
Oh, yes. Of course.
I'm having areal problem working with you.
Working with me? Why?
I feel that something unspoken has, uh...
...developed between us.
It might be my imagination, but the way you look at me is like...
...you're making love to me with your eyes.
My eyes?
I'm a very direct person.
When I have feelings about someone, I don't hold back.
You know, I thought we were going to discuss the character.
That maybe you were having trouble getting into the role.
No. I had a tough day out there. A lot of tough decisions...
...so I'm a little frazzled, maybe, but that's... I'm fine.
Come here. Why don't you sit on the sofa with me?
-The sofa. -Just for a minute.
Really?
Oh, the sofa. The sofa. Yes, okay.
I just really want your full attention.
The sofa's fine.
Oh, I don't need a throw pillow. I'm comfortable.
If I trust a director to direct me...
...I trust him to make love to me.
Let me just say this. I'm a big believer in that...
...but not while I'm working, because I never mix business with pleasure.
I'm a dedicated artist, and...
...like a Trappist monk, I feel the best way to do a good picture...
...is to abstain until shooting is over.
Uh, it's my adoration of cinema.
Cinema is a jealous mistress, and...
...I'm, you know... that's just the way I am.
But we can wait till after shooting's over, then...
What are you doing?
Me? Oh, when I feel emotionally moved in some way...
...some people smoke, I fondle walls.
Oh, I'm not upset. This happens on the set.
If I act with a fine director like yourself...
...I'd do anything for him sexually.
...because you'll never stop working.
Is it possible to open the door for me...
...because all the heavy breathing has steamed my glasses. Am I close?
Yes! So we'll talk again. Thank you.
AI? AI?
What do you mean?
This time it's my father.
Johnny! Your father! You can't kill your father!
They want him dead!
But he's your father!
Great! That's exactly where it should be.
It'll seem like she's looking at the wall, not her lover.
I know screen geography!
Chan, am I right? Should it be there?
He never understands what the hell you're doing.
Believe me, I know! Leave the camera where it is!
His style. The way he shoots. it's so...
...unconventional.
Really?
Was he difficult to live with?
Sometimes.
As the second missus, did you consider yourself a young trophy wife?
At the Golden Globes.
I thought it was interesting that when he won he thanked his...
Next time, warn me before I fall.
I tried, but the journalist was there...
Are you okay?
It's nothing. Just a fractured skull.
You want to go grab a bite?
I can't. Al's coming. I have an important meeting.
But I asked you to set aside some time to discuss things.
It's not easy. I have a lot of meetings and things to do.
How about a drink later?
I can't. Maybe after shooting. it's tough.
I'm sorry, could I just get a moment with him alone?
Thanks. Okay, you've been avoiding me since I got in. Why?
How? I let you see the dailies.
You made no comment whatsoever.
Well, I mean, I'm not a director.
I personally had difficulty making sense out of them...
...but I assume once they're cut together, you know what you want and ....
They'll just be great. I like them.
Then why are you avoiding me?
I'm not avoiding you, for God's sakes. I'm busy.
I have a lot on my mind.
Is it about the ring?
The ring? The ring?
Don't pretend you don't see it. I know how you get...
I love the shape of it, and it's probably very expensive, knowing Hal.
I'm not wearing it.
I know that. What, you thought I thought you were wearing it?
I thought it might be causing your strange behavior.
My behavior's fine! Everybody's commenting on my behavior.
...and I had to go get that thing in the novelty shop?
I got that ring that squirted water as a practical joke?
Little did I know our marriage would turn out to be God's practical joke.
Inertia accounts for 2/3 of the marriages in America.
Yeah, but the other third is love.
Let's just stick to discussing the last two weeks...
...and post-production.
I got nothing to discuss. I'm waiting for AI. He's always late.
-Lunch! -He's here! Al's here.
He's so tense.
I kid him about being late, but...
...he's great. I love him.
-What's his problem? -He's firing me.
Firing you? Why?
He won't work with me anymore. He wants somebody else.
What's the problem?
He thinks something's getting lost in his translation...
...so his work comes out irrationally.
Tell him I love the dailies.
Sir, to be honest with you, they're not very lucid.
Just tell him what I tell you to tell him!
He wants me off the set or he won't work.
With all due respect to Mr. Chan...
...we're on the clock. It costs $150,000 a day to shoot.
Explain that to him, nicely.
I have a great idea.
Why don't we fire the cameraman but keep the translator?
Hold on a second, Val. Ed's right and that's how it's gonna be.
I can't fire the translator!
-Ching. -it's Chou.
Who's going to replace you?
No one knows who the new translator will be or when they'll find one.
What about the caterer?
And you wanted someone who wouldn't be ruined when they're caught.
If! I said if!
There is no one. I was quite perfect for the assignment.
Ellie is going to be around till the end of...
And she does suspect something. I...
Wait a minute!
I just need you for a private minute.
...even if Galaxie made an exception...
...these actors are not going to allow it.
-Why? -I need your help.
Okay. What can I do for you?
This is the end of the line for Val if he doesn't have a hit.
He will. He could do this material with his eyes closed.
Right. But if for any reason he strikes out here...
...his last hopes for a career are over!
AI, let me put your mind at ease.
While the dailies are not what I expected...
...I'm sure he has a vision. Don't worry about it.
Look, if a problem came up...
...for the last few weeks, you'd, you'd ....
I'm starting to get that Val Waxman chill.
What's going on?
Can I level with you?
No, I mean, really level. Pull no punches.
What is it, AI?
It's nothing that can't be dealt with. He's just...he's blind.
You want to be serious? Because we're already behind schedule.
The cameraman threw his little fit and things are going crazy ....
He's blind. He can't see at all.
But don't panic. it's not a tumor, or...
...a disease of the optic nerve. it's not permanent. it's...it's....
What is it?
It's a psychological disorder. it's psychosomatic. That happens.
This is not happening. it's not happening.
He's on the set now faking it,...
But someone has to help him get through the rest of the picture.
The rest of the picture? What... How long has this been going on?
Since day one.
The Chinese translator...
...was his secret agent till now, but now he's gone.
We need someone who can stay close to him and not look suspicious.
Are you telling me he has directed everything up to this point blind?!
No one knows. He didn't want his career destroyed...
...by another disaster story about his work problems. No one knows...
...and that's because of the translator and me.
No one must find out. I'm serious, AI.
Nobody. Not anybody on the crew...
...not the drivers, the actors, not anyone from Galaxie.
-Is that the day you married Val? -it's the day he was born!
Now don't get upset, please.
No wonder he's been avoiding me and acting so strange.
He didn't want anybody to know.
That self-destructive ....
Psychosomatically blind! That hypochondriacal neurotic.
And I say that with all due respect!
You campaigned for him to get this job.
No one must know.
Yes, and what you have to do...
...is be his eyes for these last couple of weeks.
You've mellowed. No more impossible neurotic symptoms!
I should have had my head examined!
I thought I had a brain tumor! Be sympathetic!
You couldn't get a tumor if you tried. You're not mature enough.
What can I do? If the picture fails, I go down the drain!
-If Hal finds out... -He won't. it's the home stretch.
What is making you blind? When will it stop?
Did you talk to your analyst? What did he say?
He doesn't have a clue. He just doesn't know.
That's just great. What are you going to do?
Edit it blind, too? Put in the music blind?
Go to the premier blind? At least you won't be able to read the reviews.
What if it doesn't leave me? What if I stay blind?
I don't know. I'll be in California at my swimming pool.
You'll probably have to learn Braille, get a dog, work the subway.
-Aren't you going to put me to bed? -Put you to bed?
I can't do it by myself! AI always puts me to bed!
Oh, God. Val, is this project headed for disaster?
Relax. I can handle it.
Beethoven did his symphonies while he was deaf.
How could you do this and not think about anybody else?
I mean, this is my movie, you know?
Everybody's giving their life's blood.
Give me a break. Everyone's getting paid top dollar.
You're marrying a billionaire. Only I go in the toilet if things fail.
Hal won't know, unless you tell him during pillow talk.
You two probably don't have pillow talk.
He probably has sex with you while he's on the phone.
You're fine. I'll see you tomorrow.
Don't go! You have to put me to bed. AI always tucks me in.
He's your agent. There's no limit to what they do.
Ellie, come on.
You used to be very maternal toward me.
You were infantile. You needed it.
Except in bed. Then you were a hot number.
I was a small-town girl and you were on the cutting edge of everything.
How'd I go from the cutting edge to the buttering edge?
This is not the first time we've been in trouble.
We've been in some pretty sticky situations.
You know, it wasn't all .... We've had our share of...
..."situations, no question about it.
Like losing our car in a crap game?
Absolutely. That was a disaster.
I told you then...never trust a male with a fixed nose...
...but you didn't listen. It was humiliating for us.
Do you remember...
...staying up all night in Paris listening to jazz and ending up in jail?
To this day, I can't figure out how you got us in jail.
Me? As I recall, it was your shoplifting.
Because you wanted chocolate croissants and I left my wallet at the hotel.
You were so demanding all the time.
No, it was your command of the language. Never use the familiar with a policeman.
...was that you and I would live in Paris together.
I was willing. You were the one who always lost your nerve.
It's funny...it seems like so long ago now.
It's amazing how things change, isn't it?
Yep, they do. And those days are over.
Your agent will come in the morning to take you to the bathroom.
The movie is in its last two weeks.
Val Waxman's ex-wife, who was very hands off when shooting began...
...is now very much involved.
I notice that Val relies a lot on her.
They are in constant conference.
They lunch together every day and, I suppose, discuss the work.
She is the only one besides the cameraman and new translator...
...who Val allows to see the dailies.
-How were they? -Really great. Really great.
Great. Great.
Everything's going fine. The dailies are really great...
...and we're pretty much on schedule.
I had my doubts, but you proved me wrong. Maybe he is a new man.
I'm coming in for the last few days. I have business.
There's the wrap party and I'm being honored at a dinner...
...and Val and I should have a private talk about...
...post-production and editing.
Have our picture taken to dispel the rumors we didn't get along.
Yeah, that's right. All right.
Quick union question...can a hyphenate marry a below-the-line person?
That's for legal.
I dreamt last night that...
...Hal found out everything.
That he...somehow...
...just knew that I was...
...blind and that I had been blind from the beginning...
...and that I was directing the picture blind with...
...the translator's help and with your help.
And in the dream, I spoke to my shrink...
...and asked him how long it would last, and he said indefinitely.
And, and Hal got furious with me, and...
...furious with you for helping me.
You know, it...
I haven't really had a good night's sleep...
...I don't know how long. The anxiety is terrible.
Will you be okay?
I'm fine. We had some close calls today.
I have to tell you, I'm very worried about Hal finding out.
-Well, I told you my nightmare. -No, you didn't.
I told you before. Remember?
You didn't. What did you dream?
I told you. I went into great detail.
You didn't tell me a thing.
It smelled like me. What are you talking about?
I told you my night... I told you. Didn't I?
No. You didn't. Did you?
I don't know. Did I?
No. What are you talking about?
Before, when I was saying my nightmare in detail.
You didn't...? Oh, God.
Are you saying I told her?
-Did you? -Did I?
If you told her, that's it. We are so... That's it.
Oh, my God.
-Lori. -Ellie!
Val? it's...it's Lori.
Hi, Val.
Yes, I know it's Lori.
You're home unexpectedly. You're a week early.
I'm so excited!
Yes, but this is so completely unexpected.
I was too busy working out to call. God, they drive you!
Look! it's really hard.
You can hit it. Val, help me with my bags.
The bags?
No, it's fine. I forgot she existed. My God.
You can't stay here, Lori!
No! You can't stay. Because...
What?
Yes. We, we have.
We thought about it and felt that we had made a mistake and...
Val.
I can't lie to her, Ellie. You know, it's not fair.
She can't stay. Three's a crowd.
I'm speechless.
It's not like the liver or spleen.
Am I still in the movie?
You are. Definitely. Definitely.
I'm fine with personal rejection, really. Thank God I kept that other apartment.
Try to understand.
No, no. it's fine. I totally understand. I'm still in the movie, right?
-Yeah. Sure. -You're in the movie!
Here, help me with this. Take it.
Val, come on! My incense burner's in there. Be careful.
We were in my apartment, in the bedroom together...
...reminiscing. It was great.
And I wanted so much to kiss her, but I can't see!
Why do you think you could have kissed her? She's engaged.
This blindness, I got to get finished with it.
This is crazy, not just for my work, but...
There's nothing to tell! it's a...
...a father and son who don't get along.
The kid grows up to be a gangster and some people hire him to kill his father.
You have a son, don't you?
Yeah, from a prior marriage.
It's interesting...
It's very interesting... how you never bring him up.
We don't speak.
Why not?
...with nose rings and nipple rings and lip rings and...
...he, you know, plays drums loud and ....
Is that any reason...?
No, but he gave a concert and ate alive rat at it...
Still...
He has tattoos all over his body.
Once we were discussing music... he threatened to push me down the stairs.
What happened?
It worked. He pushed me down a flight of stairs.
How were you as a father to him?
I was fine. I was very nice to him. I loved him.
I took him to sporting events and to the ballet and opera.
I encouraged his friends and, you know...
...let him play music and stood behind him and...
And?
And we had a discussion and he shoved me down a flight of stairs.
Where's his mother?
She's married to a millionaire in Brazil.
She's a very nice lady.
So when you live with the plot of this movie every day...
...and it parallels the situation with your son, how do you feel?
Well, I feel angry, because ....
I'm angry, you know.
I always thought when he got older, we would be friendly...
...and he would have a family, and I'd be part of it, and ....
You must miss him.
We never speak.
You've blinded yourself to the situation.
Listen, can we not digress?
I'm here to discuss my psychological loss of vision.
Meanwhile, Hal Yeager's coming in a week and I don't want him to catch me.
No, he'll be staying at this suite, as usual.
...so you'll be alone with him...
...for half an hour. Straight ahead.
What if it's longer?
No, it never is. His concentration... Sorry. My bad.
His concentration's only good for a half an hour. He's a busy guy.
I'll never get down the hall.
No, AI will get you to the front door.
I'll meet you at the door and get you through the hall to the suite.
We should just start.
You go straight ahead... one, two, three, four.
Hal's at the first chair to your right.
-I'm lost. Where should I be? -You can't be lost yet.
If Hal's there, you should come forward two more paces...
Four paces to the...desk?
But you should start from the first chair...
I can't find the first chair!
-Where am I now? -No, wait. That's the desk.
The desk? Where should I be?
Three paces to the left of the first chair, where Hal is...
...so the second sofa over here would be right.
I'm getting confused. Two paces left +of the first chair...
...to the right of the sofa, or of the desk?
To the left...right... of the first chair.
-So there's a chair on this side. -Yes, the second chair.
-There's a chair here someplace. -Yes. One, two, three.
Did I get the chair?
If I'm facing the first chair, is it 8 paces to the left of the second sofa...
...or 8 paces to.... Two paces to the desk...
If they give you 50 years...
...I'll be waiting.
-Cut! -What did you think?
I knew you could do it. I think you were great.
You like what I did with my cigarette?
Your cigarette?
Yeah, I thought so, too. The cigarette was great.
Good! I rehearsed it all last night.
-That's great. -It shows.
Wow.
You know what? We sort of like to keep that quiet.
Oh, don't be silly.
She knows our secret. What's with the...
You know.
We let the world know. We, we, we...
We should do this again, because it'll be a while before I get a chance to...
Gosh, it's like two dogs in heat.
-We have to go to that meeting. -No, no!
I was just getting started, actually.
That was great!
Thank you.
Two paces past the clock is the... is the first sofa.
No, wait. Two paces... Three paces is the first...
The bureau is past the clock.
Two paces past the first clock is...
Wait. Four steps. You're going to do it. Don't worry.
Have courage.
Let's go. I got him.
I'll wait in the lobby.
Would you excuse us? I want to talk with Val man-to-man.
Sure. I'll go make a few phone calls. I'll see you boys later.
So, Ellie says things are going very smoothly.
Yes, I .... One. Two.
Are things going smoothly?
Yes! Yes! Things are fine.
Good, good. Sit down.
No, not there. Over here.
-Where? -Here. On the sofa.
On the...the sofa?
The sofa is, is to, to, to the ....
Jesus. Are you okay?
-You all right? -I stumbled. I came up short.
Today was a rough day filming.
I'll tell you what. Let me get you a drink. You'll be fine.
I have some terrific Irish whiskey. It was a gift.
I don't want anything to drink.
No, this will help you...
...relax after a rough day. I insist.
-I'll be okay. -Here you go.
Jesus. You really are overworked. My goodness!
So...
...you're happy with the dailies?
What can I say? Everything I've seen so far has been great.
Great. And you definitely don't want me to see them?
I get so embarrassed when...
I just thought maybe you'd like an outside opinion.
Somebody with some distance can be very objective.
Ellie saw the dailies and she, I think she liked them.
Yes, I understand. You know, I see...
...a great deal of rough cuts....
We're not anywhere near a rough cut.
-I don't cut picture as I go along. -Val?
-Yes?
You seem distracted.
Distracted? No. I did have a difficult day today, but...
I promised I wouldn't peek. I know it makes you nervous.
Ellie made it clear how you like to work.
People think we studio heads have no sensitivity...
...but we want to make a good picture every bit as much as you do.
Will you stop moving your head? it's very distracting.
No...I'm sorry.
Thank you.
I'm just feeling a little .... I'm okay.
Good. Listen, come look at what we've done for the poster.
-The poster? -Yeah. Come here.
Come here? Me?
Yes, well...I'm coming.
Where are you...? Come here. You are overworked.
-I'm nervous. -I'm impressed.
You've been working hard.
What are you doing? Have you developed a nervous disorder?
Yes, I have a little arthritis that sometimes kicks in.
So, do you like them?
Yes, they're great.
-Which one? -They're all great.
My favorite, number two.
This is just great. it's a strong graphic and...
I knew you'd love them.
If I did see them, I'd never tell.
No, see the problem is, I get embarrassed when...
Okay. Okay. You're right. A deal's a deal.
...and cut it together, then...
Am I barred from that, too?
No, I just want to present the best possible thing I can to you.
This is a $60-million movie. I'm not used to...
...being kept in the background.
Between you and me, this is my valentine to Ellie.
Personality clashes and the personal history. But if two people are mature...
I'll let myself out. it's okay. Don't worry.
All right. Okay, good.
You okay?
-Yes! -Come on. I'll show you out.
-I know you've had a rough day. -The front door.
Cut!
There's more, Mr. Yeager...
...but those few hours are a good selection.
Okay. Wally, thanks. And listen, this is our little secret, okay?
Yes, sir.
...Society of Video Sales...
...is proud to honor the movie industry's man of the year...
...the incomparable Hal Yeager.
Time was we made more money at the box office than video sales.
Now the big push we give a film's theatrical release...
...is really just a prelude to making it a large hit...
...in your over-the-counter sales.
Boy, they loved you. I thought they would...
...lift you up on their shoulders and carry you around the room.
I just told the truth.
Hi.
-You're drunk. -A little.
-A little? -Okay, a lot.
Definitely.
It's not easy sitting through 3 hours of adulation.
Frankly, I don't know how you do it.
I can't rob them of the opportunity of demonstrating their gratitude.
No wonder we both have to drink so much at these affairs.
If I wasn't a bit drunk, I wouldn't bring this up.
Bring what up?
-The dailies. -What dailies?
Val's. "The City That Never Sleeps".
Well, I'm hopeful. You know?
You can't judge a film by its dailies.
They're just bits and pieces out of sequence.
You have to wait till it's cut.
Well, I was very disappointed.
-You saw them? -That's just between us.
-How? -I was disappointed.
I can't believe you. You... I can't... He trusted you.
Honey, I didn't get to run a studio by kowtowing to every director...
...who thinks he's Orson Welles.
But you gave him your word that you wouldn't do that.
Honey, unless he has some vision of how to cut this thing...
...we're on very shaky ground.
No. I disagree. I disagree.
I think the dailies are...
Are what? Nothing makes sense!
The angles, performances, coverage. There is no coverage!
I trust his instincts.
And you weren't to look at it until he was ready to show it to you.
I gave in to those demands to please you.
This guy could have come in and begged for the job
and he wouldn't have gotten it.
The point of this is that you said one thing to his face...
...then did something else behind his back.
You make it sound sinister.
I'm responsible for a very huge chunk of money.
What does that mean?
Because, well, I saw some of the footage. You know.
And I was a little baffled, okay?
But you know what?
Look, maybe I should have told you. I don't know.
But half of it was in the can anyway, and...
Look, he's a genuine talent, okay?
Who says that we're right? The guy's a genius.
Well, let's just hope he has a vision of how to cut it together,...
He never has to know I saw the dailies. I'm not tampering.
And you should have warned me!
I mean, I don't ever want to wonder about your loyalties.
Look, I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm drunk.
Let's just...call it a night.
Cut!
Val, check the gate?
Thank you, everyone. See you tonight at the wrap party.
You all did a tremendous job. Please use taxis or designated drivers.
I know you're happy to be leaving New York.
What is the thing you miss most about L.A.?
Miss most about L.A.?
I miss my support group. They're really helping emotionally.
I'm a member of a support group of film executives...
...who can't afford their own G-5s.
-Have you seen Val? -He's not here.
Great. A director who misses his own wrap party.
I called him at home. He's not there. I'm worried.
Hi! Hi, Ellie! Over here! Oh, you have to meet them.
Where's Val?
Uh, he didn't come.
Oh, my goodness. Everybody's so sophisticated. I love it.
Your father's here.
-You're joking. -Tony?
-What's wrong with you? Are you blind? -Yeah.
-Psychosomatic. -How did you know?
You never get any real things.
I'll take you to the couch.
-Don't ask me why I came. -I didn't.
Aren't you curious after the last couple of years?
Are you going to officially disown me?
I came for the exact opposite reason. I want to make friends.
I was never mad at you.
What do you mean? You pushed me down a flight of stairs.
I was high. In those years I did drugs. I did acid and peyote.
Where did you learn to do drugs?
From you. You took tranquilizers and mood elevators.
...so you can buy hashish.
That's over. That was stupid.
What happened to us? How did we grow so far apart?
I played with you. I took you fishing.
I didn't want to go fishing.
I didn't take you against your will. Then you wanted to go fishing.
You wanted to learn the violin. I got you a violin.
That led me to the drums.
How did violin go to the drums? That I've never understood.
It's music.
An electronic band where you rip off your shirt...
...and eat alive rat is not music.
We sold out that concert.
Don't call it a concert. Heifetz at Carnegie Hall is a concert.
If there's a brownout, Heifetz will still be on key, but your guitarist won't be.
You come here to knock me?
I came to...
...hold out an olive branch.
Olive branch? What is this, the Israeli parliament? I'm your son.
I know you're my son. That's what I'm saying.
I want us to get back together again.
To, you know, to go fishing.
I hate fishing.
I don't mean literally go fishing in water! I, I ....
I'm saying that I love you, despite the orange hair...
...and nose rings and nipple rings and the tattoos.
No wonder I went blind!
Can I help it if I took a quantum leap from your values?
What's wrong with my values? I don't understand.
How is your mother, incidentally?
Great. They're in Rio. She has no trouble accepting me.
I want to be friends with you.
I respect what you do. You have to respect my goals.
I did some dopey things. I apologize. Let's not make a big deal.
We don't have to go fishing, but we have a lot in common.
We're both trying to do something original. You with film...
...and me with alive rat.
Tony, Tony, Tony.
By the way, I changed my name. it's not Tony anymore.
It's not? What is it?
Scumbag X.
Oh, that's nice.
It's much better than Tony Waxman.
I love you, Scumbag.
Events moved pretty rapidly once the movie wrapped.
Ellie stayed in New York and helped Val fake his way through the editing.
They spent a lot of time together.
And then, suddenly, one day ....
I can see!
Ellie!
I can see!
I can see! I can see!
Everything looks so beautiful! The city looks...
...incredible! I can...
You look so beautiful.
I swear. You're like a different person.
You mean I was never pretty?
You were always pretty! But now you're beautiful.
I can see! l...l... I can't believe this!
I can see! You look so beautiful. I'm overwhelmed.
That's how it is when you go blind for a while.
Oh, Val! Oh, my God!
Come on!
Call Dr. Kevorkian.
This is the worst...
This looks like the work of a blind man.
Come on. You're scaring me.
Hal means to preview this in 2 weeks to get some audience reaction.
The audience will rush into the projection booth...
...grab the print and hurl it into the sea.
Here are the rest of the cards the audience filled out.
They're practically unanimous.
"An incoherent, stupid waste of celluloid."
"Would you recommend this film to a friend?"
"Only if I was friendly with Hitler."
They're all just terrible.
"How would you improve this movie?" "Arson."
That's the audience, not the critics.
The reviews will be good, then the public will go.
"What would you call the genre?" "Early American garbage."
I'm crushed over the reception the movie got.
Some of the reviews were particularly scathing.
-I hope Val's okay. -That's not what I want to talk about.
I got an advance copy of the story Andrea Ford wrote.
She wanted comments from me. I tried to talk her out of it.
Andrea Ford is a cheap tabloid gossipmonger.
I thought it was a bad idea having her hang around the set...
She said Val Waxman directed the picture blind.
Throughout shooting he had psychosomatic blindness. Was I wrong to deny that?
He shot the whole picture without ever seeing it?
Otherwise, you'd have gotten the movie you wanted.
She wrote that you knew and helped him hide it.
Only the last few weeks.
I found out pretty much after the boat had sailed.
And you didn't tell me.
I knew you'd be apoplectic and Val couldn't afford to lose another job.
Under those circumstances, I ....
You cared more about him than you did about Galaxie.
I truly believed he could pull it off.
The two of you were seen kissing passionately on the set.
We were faking. We told his roommate we'd gotten back together...
...so she wouldn't move back in and find out he was blind.
Did you fall back in love with your ex-husband?
No.
You can tell me the truth because it really doesn't much matter now.
I think I never stopped loving him.
When this story hits, he'll never be employable again.
You don't need the story.
I think the reviews took care of that.
Don't spend 30 seconds on what those critics said.
They're the lowest level of the culture.
This time they're right. The movie is incoherent.
The performances are all over the place, the camerawork is unfocused.
Worse has been said about my work. I just eat another rat.
Jesus. I hope Ellie is okay.
I always liked Ellie.
Isn't she marrying that Neanderthal, Yeager?
Talk about blindness.
She was right under my nose for so long and I didn't appreciate her.
Blindness as a metaphor. That's great.
Guess what?
They say it's the greatest American film in 50 years!
You're kidding.
You're being hailed as a true artist. A great genius!
And France sets the tone for the rest of Europe.
Paris, France! Where they talk French. it's like New York.
This is the best news. it's unbelievable.
Here I'm a bum, but there...
...a genius!
Thank God the French exist.
This is my life's dream... we're going to live in Paris.
I can't tell you how thrilled I am.
Are you sure? it's a big step.
Every husband should go blind for a little while.
Hey! You didn't forget the Dramamine, did you?