Original subtitles

Chapman?

Very good.

in closing, I'd like to quote Frank Capp.

Don't compromise, for only the valiant can create.

Only the daring should make film, and only the artistically incorrupt will

and keep the people's trust.

Good luck, and goodbye.

Thank you, thank you, and thank you, Penny.

And thank you, Frank Capra, for those words of wisdom.

Now, before I announce the nominees and the winner of the National Film

Institute's 10th Annual Student Film Awards, keep in mind that these films

made by students without any outside assistance of any kind.

In many cases, it meant reaching into their own back pockets.

Now, the first...

Nominee is... Carl Manknick for The Trial of Janet Casey.

Is it true that you were with him at the motel on July the 3rd?

I have no idea what you're saying. I have never seen that man before in my

Oh.

You know what I think, Mrs. Kingsley? I think you are a liar. No. A liar. No.

Liar. No.

Liar. No, you nasty man.

Order. Your Honor, I object to the travesty.

I motion... I motion for a mistrial.

Order.

Order in the court.

Ladies and gentlemen, Carl Manknick.

Go on. Go on, Dad. Take a bow.

Take a bow. Ladies and gentlemen, Frank Manknick.

My agent for 20 years and the president of the Manknick Talent Agency.

Now, nominee number two.

Jonathan Christon Bennett for Cross Savers of Truth.

On June 3rd, 1817,

10 ,000 men took the field of Battle at Avignon.

By the noon hour, only two were left to tell the tale.

My humble thanks for this belated yet welcome recognition.

I reserve my special thanks for one Jimmy Delvecchio, special effects man

extraordinaire, regrettably killed during the filming of Cross Sabers of

Thanks should also be voiced to the Tristan Bennett Family Trust Fund for

intuition and good faith.

Thank you.

Nominee number three, Lydia Johnson.

Oh, my God!

Lydia Johnson for After Birth of a Notion?

Our final nominee is Nick Chapman for First Date.

Yeah.

You must be Joey.

Yes, sir. I suppose you have come for my daughter.

Yes, sir.

Do you play chess?

A little.

It's your move.

I just moved.

Move it, yeah.

What are you trying to pull?

Hi, Joey.

Are you ready? Yeah.

Where the hell do you think you're going?

We're going on a date, sir.

You're not going anywhere.

Why did you get this thing open?

Oh, here we are. Here we are.

Nick Chapman for first date.

First of all, I would like to thank the Institute for this great honor.

I'd like to thank my mom and dad for buying me my first camera when I was

years old.

I'd like to thank the cast and crew, most of whom were made up of my fellow

students.

I'd like to thank Emmett Sumner, my friend and cinematographer.

For his great images. He couldn't be here tonight because he's at a Lamaze

class.

Most of all, I want to thank Susan for being there when I needed her.

like that dance you did a lot.

Oh, well.

You must be very proud of your son. Yes, we are.

Nick, can I see you for a second, please?

Yes.

Hello, my name is Alan Hable. Hi.

This is Lydia Johnson.

Yes.

Oh, okay. So, congratulations, sweetie.

See ya.

May I call you Nick?

Yeah.

Brilliance.

Absolute brilliance.

Thanks. I thought your film had a very special quality, very unique.

Thank you.

I think we can work together.

Great.

I'm completely available.

May I call you next week?

Yeah, great. All week, any day.

Perfect.

Call my secretary.

Uh -huh. Uh -huh.

I'll call you back.

Okay.

Brilliance.

Brilliance. Okay.

Who was that guy?

Uh, he's from one of the studios.

Speech for Mr. Chappell. Speech.

Speech.

Speech. Speech.

I would like to propose a toast to Emmett Sumner for his brilliant

cinematography.

Well. Yeah.

Emmett, you tell Nick about your movie.

What movie?

No, it's just a low -budget movie this guy wants me to shoot.

What is it?

It's this stupid movie.

It's called Coffins from Hell.

What is it about?

Coffins from Hell.

And it'll finally get him into the Union.

So you don't seem so excited about it.

Well, it's this piece of shit.

I mean, there's no story, and it's incredibly violent, and I wouldn't want

kid to see it.

So don't do it. Why compromise?

Yeah, well, you make that sound easy.

Well, sure it is easy. You just got to do the kind of work that you want to do

and stand by it.

Well, yeah, I know you're right.

Nick, we don't have the luxury to make that kind of choice.

Hammett's been trying to get in that union for six years now.

Well, that's no problem. He'll get into the union when he does mine.

Yeah, that'd be great.

Hi, Nick.

Congratulations. This is Gail Murphy with the IPF Talent Agency. I saw your

film. It's marvelous.

Nick, Hurt Bevis, congratulations on the award.

I love the film. Please give me a call regarding representation. Thank you.

Hello, Nick. This is Shauna at the Cleanser Agency.

Can you please give us a call tomorrow or at your earliest convenience?

Thank you.

Ken Friedlander, Friedlander Morris Talent Agency. Listen, I didn't get a

to see the film, but, well, I've just heard it's sensational, it's terrific,

just fabulous. And, well, we ought to talk.

Yes, party, too.

One moment. Yes, sir. I'm meeting Mr. Sussman.

Yes, he's right there, sir.

Mr.

Sussman.

Mr.

Sussman is my father, and he lives in Miami Beach.

It's Neil, please sit.

My wife and I come here all the time, and I will tell you that the gaucho

is wonderful.

Okay, sounds good.

Are those contacts?

No.

I would kill for that color.

I've always been stuck with Hazel.

Look, Nick, I'm not going to bullshit you.

I don't know you. I don't know your work.

But I think that you are a very, very talented young man. And I'm never wrong

about these things. Excuse me.

Keith.

Yes. Could I have another... Quantro and Sodi?

And could you... send an almond torte over to the gentleman in the white suit

the corner?

Certainly.

Look, Nick, I'm not going to bullshit you.

Because it's a waste of time and then it becomes like that thing.

I'm not talking to you.

I'll call you.

I'm very, very aware.

that you are seeing other agents.

And I think it's good that you are.

Finally, I mean, it's healthy.

But this is the thing. If you decide to sign with me, you're going to get more

than an agent.

You're going to get three people.

You're going to get an agent, a mother, a father, a shoulder to cry on,

someone who knows this business inside and out.

And if anyone ever tries to cross you...

grabbed them by the balls, and sways till they're dead.

Excuse me.

Keith, did you send over the torch? Yes, sir. And what was his reaction?

Well, he seemed pleased.

But beneath the surface, I detected a certain sadness.

Hmm.

So, think about what I've been saying to you.

Because... I would hate to see you walk into Alan Habel's office with your pants

down.

Yes.

Mm -hmm.

Mr. Habel, we'll see you now.

Thank you.

Are we in or out?

Uh -huh.

Uh -huh.

Well, just tell me, are we in or out?

Uh -huh.

Yeah, yeah, well, because I can call Jerry right now.

I mean, I don't want to call Jerry right now, but I will if I have to.

Uh -huh.

Look, Elliot, please do not make this a nightmare for me, okay?

Huh?

Huh?

Uh -huh.

You like symbols, Nick?

Well, yeah.

I guess I do.

Symbols have a very long history.

All the way back to the Greeks.

Maybe even before that.

Huh.

Can I get you anything to drink?

Uh, coffee?

Cheryl, can we have some coffee, please?

Would you tell Todd to come in, please?

Yes, sir.

So, did you grow up back here, Nick?

No, I'm from Ohio.

Oh, really? My first wife is from Illinois.

How long have you been out here?

Almost two years.

Incredible.

I'll just put her right down here.

Nick Chapman. This is Todd Marvin, my assistant.

Nice to meet you. Nice to meet you. Heard great things about your movie. Ah,

thanks.

Is anybody warm?

Uh, a little.

Girl, would you turn up the air conditioner?

Yes, sir.

And hold all my calls.

Yes.

So.

So.

What's next?

Well, I'd like to make a film.

Well, you've come to the right place.

Tell me your movie, Nick.

Okay.

Okay, well, it's a love story.

Uh -huh.

It's a triangle, really.

What's even better?

It's about how people change for all kinds of reasons, but no two people do

at exactly the same time or for exactly the same kinds of reasons.

I'm not sure I follow exactly yet. I think it'll be more clear when you hear

story. Well, shoot.

Okay.

The whole thing takes place during a week spent in a country house in the

of winter during a snowstorm.

The three characters are Sharon, George, and Charlie.

Now, while they're warming themselves by the fire, it comes out that Sharon had

an affair with George in the same house the previous summer.

Why didn't you tell me about this before, Sharon?

I wanted to.

I really wanted to.

Hi.

Hello?

Uh -huh.

Uh -huh.

Just be a second.

if he's making that kind of trouble, do we really need him?

Uh -huh.

Well, then get rid of him. Are we still on for Saturday?

Uh -huh. Okay.

Sorry, we're making a picture in London and everybody is just flipping out.

Continue.

Now, Charlie can't believe what he's hearing.

Charlie.

Charlie, I wanted to tell you.

I just couldn't.

Nick, can I interrupt?

Sure. Do you think it would be possible to have two women?

Two women?

Boy, it's really blowing up.

You mean two couples?

No, no, no. I mean two girls and a guy.

Huh.

Oh, okay.

Okay. Okay, so that would mean that Sharon and Charlie have the affair?

No, no, no, no. The two women would be having the affair.

Oh.

Well, I... Yeah, I don't know.

I really, I don't know.

Well, I think you should think about it.

I mean, there is something about two women together.

You know?

It's true.

Yeah, well, I don't know.

I guess it's possible. I mean, I know it's possible.

But I just... Well, think about it.

Could be a real interesting twist.

Excuse me, Mr. Habel.

Mr. Fleckman is here. Oh, tell him I'll see him right away.

I really have to take this meeting. I'm sorry.

Oh, yeah. Well, I think we're off to a good start. Great.

Welcome. Thanks. Oh, by the way, my wife and I are having a party this Saturday.

We'd love for you to come. Great.

You know, I really think it has to be one woman and two men.

I think you're right. Because with two women, it's a completely different

I agree. You should tell him that.

I will. I'll tell him that.

Okay. Bye.

Do you think it would be possible to have two women?

Two women?

Two women.

Nick.

Honey.

Nick. Hi.

Honey.

This is my wife, Polo. This is Nick Chapman. Hi.

Hi. And, um, Susan Rawlings.

Hi. How do you do?

Hi.

Mindy, Kwan.

Come on, kids. Your father's talking to you.

This is my daughter, Mindy, and my adopted Vietnamese son, Kwan Da.

Hi. Hi.

Okay.

Good kids.

So, Nick, tell me, what do you do?

Oh, Nick is a very promising director.

Oh, nice.

Nice, huh?

Can I get you something to drink?

Sure. Oh, yeah, yeah. Come on, Sue.

Tell me, what do you do?

I'm a homemaker.

She's an architect.

Oh, I would love you to look at my house. I'm having the whole thing

redone. Again.

Well,

we'll have a drink.

Spritzers?

Yeah, yeah.

Yeah, yeah. Two, please.

Andres. Andres Vargiak, Nick Chapman.

Oh, wow.

I'm a big fan of your work.

I've seen every film you've ever shot.

Maybe you can get Andres to shoot your movie.

That would be great.

Nice to see you all.

Nice to meet you.

Excuse me.

Yeah, it's a pleasure.

Andres Varshiak, okay? I'm just saying.

Gretchen!

What?

Um, I'll be back in a minute.

Hi.

Everybody, this is Gretchen.

Susan, Polo, you know.

Welcome.

This is Nick.

Hi. Nick is a very promising young director.

Oh, really?

Yeah, well, come on, Sue.

Come upstairs.

Let me show you what I did there.

Come on, Phil.

I'll see you guys later.

So are you an actress?

Yes.

I'm on a series, but I'd really rather be doing movies.

Are you making a movie for Ellen?

Well, we're talking about it.

That's great.

Can you tell me about it?

You really want to hear about it?

Yeah.

Okay.

The whole thing takes place in this country house in the middle of winter

a snowstorm.

And when I say snowstorm, I don't mean snowstorming like a blizzard.

And of course, his carpeting's going.

Alan's ex put it in. You know, Miss No -Paint -Cassel.

I started collecting fine art.

I put in a bit of Christie's from Archie Golf David and Beth Sheba.

If it comes in, I'm going to hang it right there.

Mind if I tell you how much this house costs?

No.

4 .6 mil.

Really? Mm -hmm.

And change.

Hello?

Okay,

so then Sharon and Charlie decide to go out in the snow and build a snowman.

Wait a second, I'm confused.

So you have two couples then?

No, actually, Sharon and the other woman would be having the affair.

Maybe.

That must have been Alan's idea.

How did you know?

Oh, that's Alan's thing.

He just, um...

He likes that.

What do you like?

What do I like?

Have you thought about anyone for sharing

yet?

Sharon, no?

Not really.

Think of me.

What's wrong?

Nothing.

I really liked your idea about having it become two women. I thought about it,

and I think it would be a challenge to make a true love story between two women

really, really work.

Good.

But... But what?

But I really feel it has to be two men and one woman. I really do.

It's not that your idea wouldn't work. I mean, it's a great idea. It would

definitely, definitely work. It's just that for this movie, I mean, the way I

feel about the characters is... Nick, you can stop drilling. You struck oil.

Oh.

Okay. Great.

Terrific.

But I do have a problem.

What's that?

Snow. Well, what about it?

It's always snowing in your story.

Well, it doesn't have to always be snow.

Well, I don't mean the snow.

I mean the winter, it's depressing.

Oh.

What if it took place

in

the summer at the beach?

Interesting.

It changes the whole concept of the film.

Well, I don't think so, not really.

The interaction among the characters remains the same.

The only thing different is the location.

Look what I found.

Where? In the attic.

Didn't even know there was an attic.

We've rented this house for 15 summers. How come none of us knew there was an

attic? Isn't that weird?

Yeah.

Let's open it.

Hey, whoa, whoa. Time out here.

Nick, how old are these people?

Early 40s.

Oh, boy.

What's wrong?

Well, that is a bad age, Nick.

I mean, the people who buy movie tickets.

fortunately or unfortunately are between the ages of 14 and 24 so so

if kids want to see people in their 40s they don't go to the movies they go home

look at their parents it's true

I'm a little confused.

No, no, no.

You're not confused.

It's nervous energy. You're excited.

Really?

Yeah.

Damn straight.

Now, I want you to get out of my office and go write me a movie.

Okay. Great.

Thanks.

Gretchen?

Hi, Nick. Nick Chapman. We met at Alan Habel's party.

Oh, of course.

Are you on the left?

Oh, actually, it looks like I'm going to be. I just made a deal.

They're going to let me write a movie.

Congratulations.

That's great.

Thanks. I'm really, really excited about it.

Let's see.

Oh, um...

I've been playing an undercover agent in Switzerland this week. Oh, uh -huh.

Would you like to come in my trailer while I take off my makeup?

Yeah,

you know, that's very nice, but I should probably get going.

That's too bad.

Well, it was really nice seeing you. Yeah, it was great to see you, too.

I'll, uh, see you around the lot.

See you around.

Nick.

Would you like to come to a party with me on Saturday night?

Uh, you mean Saturday night?

Uh -huh.

How about it?

Taste it. Mm -hmm.

We're all right. Yeah, it's good.

It needs, uh, something.

One of those ergie things.

How about Saturday?

What about Saturday?

Are we on to bowling?

Saturday, Saturday, Saturday. I'm working Saturday.

Night? Well, yeah, it's a party, but it's for work. It's an actress that I

at this party, and she asked me to go to this other party, and she might be

right for the party.

But I don't even know if I'm going to go yet. I haven't told Susan yet.

Susan is not invited.

No. No, no, no. Because it's work.

But it's a party. It's like a work party type thing.

What?

What?

What would you do?

What would I do? Or what would Jenny do to me if she found out?

Find out what?

Come on, Nick. Aren't you asking me if I think you ought to get your oil

changed? What?

I don't make the beast with two backs.

Park the pink Mustang up a side street.

What? No, that's it. I'm out of colorful phrases. No, wait.

That... I can't believe you're saying that.

It's just a party.

It's a party, for Christ's sake. That really pisses me off. It's really sexy.

Oh, I'm sorry.

My mistake.

What are you boys up to?

Great car.

I'm living with someone.

Toby! Nick, I'll be right back.

Hi.

Hi.

Are you a friend of Toby?

No, actually, I'm a friend of a friend of Toby.

Excuse me, I'm just going to...

Well,

actually, I just made a deal.

With? Alan Habel.

Welcome to the club.

You have a deal with Alan?

I have three deals, Chapman, at three different studios. Two to direct, one to

executive produce.

Oh, I'm also halfway through my novel.

Huh. How's that cancer cure coming?

Oh, don't be bitter, Chapman.

another party down the beach.

So, um, what do you want to do now?

Well, I... I got to get home.

Oh, come on.

I want you to meet my friends.

I got to get home.

Okay.

Want to drive my car?

Where were you?

I went out.

I know you went out. That was five hours ago.

I went to a party.

With Gretchen Gorman.

Who's Gretchen Gorman?

Susan.

Don't come any closer, Nick, unless you want to walk funny for the rest of your

life.

She's just an actress, baby.

She's a bimbo. She's an actress.

Okay.

A bimbo actress.

A no -talent bimbo actress.

A big, fat, no -talent bimbo actress with hair on her back and bad gums.

I forgive you, Nick.

I get jealous.

Girls get that way.

I...

I love you, you big lug.

You should have told me, Nick.

Told you what?

I just went to a party. I just left with her.

Do you want to?

This is stupid.

It was an industry party, okay?

Do you know what that means?

Obviously you don't.

Obviously.

So where'd you leave it?

We left it a mess.

I don't know.

Everything's changing.

People he barely knew in film school are calling him up and asking him for jobs.

They're all telling him how talented he is.

He feels he has to change to become the person that they're talking about.

Have you tried beating him with a rolling pin?

No.

Works with them.

Come on, let's buy you lunch. Okay.

Why are you looking at me that way?

What way?

You know what way.

I don't know what you're talking about.

You know, maybe I need to think about things.

What things?

Things, I don't know, things, you know, things like maybe we should be seeing

other people.

We know this is this isn't about we Nick This is about you

I'm not interested in seeing anybody else So when you've

decided to do what you want to do you just let me know okay, but let me know

before you do it

on your door cause this feeling that i'm feeling i ain't never about the war

if my brain was working right i'd run the other way but your

hungry kiss is begging me to stay you're driving me crazy

It tears me up inside.

I hear your lips begin to whisper.

Feel my will begin to fly.

I try to win this all back in, but it's just a waste of time. You know I've got

to have you.

Talking sweet love in your ear I want you

Over and over

Over and over

You're dragging me crazy.

Yeah.

Is Gretchen here?

No, she's not here.

Do you know where she is?

She went someplace with her boyfriend.

Look, I've been thinking.

And, uh, I just... I don't think I can... do this anymore.

So... I'm leaving.

That's incredible, because I was just... just thinking the same thing. I mean,

we can't... we can't keep living like this.

But I think that I should be the one to leave.

Bye.

Leave.

What are you doing?

I'm a director.

You ever see Rocky Mountain Serenade?

No.

I directed it.

That was Red Raiden's first picture.

Oh. I made him a star.

A big star.

Then he turned around and cracked in my face.

Literally.

Mm -hmm.

It's $1 ,200 a month.

Our first land and an unrecognizable plane, please.

Can I take this carpet up?

I just put it down.

Oh.

Do you know who used to live here?

No, I don't.

Take a guess.

Very famous.

Um, Clark Gable?

Nope. Guess again.

I really... Ah, take a guess.

Marilyn Monroe?

Nope.

Errol Flynn?

You give up? I give up, yeah.

Chuck Harris.

The gun show guy.

Oh.

I've done a breakdown, and I see the whole film being shot in about eight

That sounds right.

Mm -hmm.

I think you should put in a scene near the end where they all throw clam

I think that would be great.

Yeah?

I'm wondering, though, about... The lighthouse scene?

I am wondering about the lighthouse scene, but I was referring to... The

on the catamaran.

That's my favorite.

No, but I love the catamaran scene. I think that should be shot right at

so you get that golden, orangey... Miller time look.

Yeah.

Exactly. Yeah, except it's gonna be in black and white.

What's gonna be in black and white?

The movie, it's in black and white.

The whole movie? Every scene? Yeah.

Well, Nick, if you shoot it in black and white, they're just going to colorize

it anyway, so what's the point?

A lot of theaters don't even show black and white movies anymore.

They don't have the right projectors.

All the projectors are in color.

That's true.

That's not... How do you see music fitting in, Nick?

Well, I was thinking no music.

No music where?

No music at all.

What do you mean? You gotta have music, Nick.

Well, you know, maybe some music here and there. Just not wall -to -wall

Oh, who's talking about wall -to -wall music? No, what we're talking about are

15 or 20 good pop hits here and there, you know, at most. Isn't that right?

Right. Exactly.

Well, maybe a couple of songs.

Well, good.

Now you think about these changes, Nick, and get right into the rewrites.

I think we have a movie.

All right.

It is so good, Nick.

Thanks.

God, I'm sorry I was late for the traffic.

Murder. Hey, it's good to see you, man.

I'm sorry I haven't gotten over it, but things have been really crazy.

It's the same thing at our house, with the baby and everything.

Right, right. How's she doing?

She's just incredible.

We even got a nickname for her already. We call her Moochie.

Oh, you're kidding. That's great. Listen to this. Check this out.

Yeah. That's great.

You believe that, Donovan?

car. I'm leasing it.

Oh, did I tell you I'm looking at a house?

No. Don't laugh. Don't you laugh.

It's in Beverly Hills.

I don't know if I can afford it, but I don't know if I can afford it, if you

know what I mean.

What do you feel like doing? Oh, I don't know. I thought maybe we'd just drive

around and talk if you wanted. Whatever you want to do. We could get a burger.

We could grab a burger. Whatever you want. I just thought maybe... Sorry.

Yeah.

Okay, hold on a sec.

I'm sorry, I've got to take this.

Go ahead.

I'm sorry about that, Al.

So, how's your rewrite coming?

Rewrite? Start shooting in six weeks.

Really?

I fought for you, Emmett. I wanted you to shoot this picture.

Nick, you don't have to explain anything. You were the only one. You

only one on my list.

Nick, Nick, really? They're making me use Andres Varzyak.

Well, he's good.

I know.

He's great. But I wanted you.

Well, here we are.

So we are.

I'll see you.

Okay, I'll call you. Yeah.

I thought you guys were having lunch.

No, I guess not.

Do you want to go see Daddy?

What about the film?

I don't think it's going to work out.

Oh, Lucy, let's go make Daddy's sandwich.

Look, Nick, I am not going to dick you around because I have way too much

respect for you.

And I'm saying that not as your agent, although, God, that has given me an

insane amount of pleasure.

And I don't mean that as just some sort of showbiz bullshit, you know, where you

actually hear talk on the street and then it becomes like that thing.

What are you saying?

I'm saying that your project is dead.

What are you talking about?

Anything that Alan was involved with is dead.

Because whoever takes over the studio doesn't want blood on their hands. They

want, with all due respect, to distance themselves from the stench.

So just let it blow over.

And then in a couple of months, you know, you'll come in, you'll sit down,

we'll have a really good talk.

A couple of months? Neil, I don't have any money!

I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Please, just, if you could just get me a meeting with the

new studio head.

If I could just talk to him.

I'm sure I could convince him.

So, I'm convinced that all the commercial elements are all there, and

potential product of a definite demographic viability in a cross

package for the youth market. And beyond.

Way beyond.

Nick, I've always had major reservations about this.

I know, I know, me too.

Exactly. Laurie, that is very perceptive. But what if, what if,

what if we were to leave it at the beach, right? Only now.

It's a bunch of college guys who are living in the house. They've rented it

the summer, and they're having this party. And suddenly, without anybody

realizing it, three stewardesses show up on their doorstep.

The three stewardesses are actually ghosts.

And they've been living in the attic. Ghosts by night, stews by day. And

they can be naked in the room. And the guys can't even see them. And, like, the

bikinis are bouncing around without even bodies in them.

Or...

I watched him do this to you.

Just not.

I made a promise to love you no matter what.

I want to be with you.

And I want to hold you and comfort you.

Until they see what I saw in you on that first night we met.

Oh,

that must be my agent.

Was it better that time?

Better, yeah. I was thinking you could... No, if I get this part, it's

of you.

What about my movie? How's my mascara? Is it okay? Well, it's... Never mind.

Hi. Hi.

I don't know.

I'll just be back.

Oh, Nick.

I want you to meet my new agent, Carl.

Yeah, we've met.

Hi, Carl.

Nick, I thought that was you.

By the way, I heard about your deal falling apart.

Well, it's not definite yet.

Oh, really? Well, that's not what I heard.

Um, Nick, Carl and I, we have to talk.

Yeah, uh, privately.

You don't mind?

Do you think we could, um, I don't know, see a movie or something later?

Um, uh, no. I think I might be doing something.

But it doesn't have to take place at the beach. I mean, it really doesn't even

have to be three stewardesses. It could be two stewardesses. It could be four

stewardesses. And they don't necessarily have to even be ghosts if you're

unhappy with that metaphysical thing. It's really... Nick, what does the

the general public, want to see?

I don't know.

I do.

Here at Brown Entertainment, we take the scientific approach to moviemaking.

Market research.

Buddy pictures.

They want to see buddy pictures. Now, who do you think are the two most

beloved figures in American history?

Beats me.

Babe Ruth and Abe Lincoln.

I've got bat coming. I want to hit me some baseballs.

It's all done, babe.

Huh?

Oh!

She's a beaut.

Thanks, kid.

Just make sure the Yankees win.

That's the babe for you.

What do you think?

Well, you know, that's a good idea.

Good.

Now, how much money have you got to invest?

All right, Nick, looks good.

I see you're a director.

Jimmy, our busboy's a director.

I could start, uh, today after 4 p .m.

You could start today if I needed a waiter today. I got 70 people on a

list.

I'll tell you what.

You give me a call in about, uh, about six weeks.

Okay, Nick.

Thanks.

Magnet. Sorry.

Jerk. Hole.

Hello?

Is this Mrs.

Stein?

Hi, I'm calling to tell you about a brand new service which is available in

neighborhood. Mrs. Stein, how many times have you said to yourself, gee, my

phone smells, but what can I do about it? A revolutionary phone cleaning

service. We'll solve this problem for you.

Mrs. Stein? Hello?

Hello?

I love you, Suze.

I love you, too.

Hello. Hi, sweetie. How are you?

Hi, Mom. How you doing?

How's the movie going?

Uh, we had a little delay.

We haven't actually started shooting yet.

Well, everybody around here wants to know when it's coming out.

Yeah. Well, um, tell them next Christmas.

Oh, at Radio City?

Yeah. Yeah, Mom, Radio City.

Mom, listen, uh... I'm just on my way out the door. I've got a production

meeting. Could you tell Dad that I said hi?

Wait, are you and Susan coming home for Christmas?

No, we... I don't think I'm going to be able to make it for Christmas.

But tell Dad I said hi, and I'll talk to you soon.

Frankie.

Another one.

I can't serve you no more, Mr. Chapman. It ain't good for you. It's eating up

your insides.

Please, Frankie.

Please.

Just one more. Just a taste.

For old time's sake.

I can't, Mr. C.

You could when I was on top.

I used to come in here.

With a broad on each arm and a bankroll that could choke a hippo.

You were my friend then.

Everyone was my friend then.

Whatever happened to that nice girl he used to bring in here? You know, the

blonde. She was a nice...

Thank you.

Is Mrs. Rawlings around?

And your name?

Nick Chapman.

Yes. Will you tell Miss Rawlings there's a Mr.

Chapman to see her?

Her office is down at the end of the hall.

My, my, look what the cat dragged in.

Hello, Nick.

I almost didn't recognize you without that starlet sitting on your face.

Careful, you're tracking in failure all over my carpet.

Hey. Hi.

Come in. Thanks.

Nice office.

I share it with a couple of people.

Wow.

Yeah, I, uh... I finally got some windows.

Well, if they don't open them, that's my next promotion.

Sit down.

Thanks.

So, how have you been?

Well, I'm a messenger this week. I was, uh...

Making a delivery in the building, so I thought I'd come in and see how you're

doing.

So, how you doing?

Um, good.

Yeah. Things are going well.

Have you seen Emmett and Jenny?

Yeah, yeah. I saw them, um, last night.

Lucy. Oh, she's so cute.

She's... She looks like Emmett. Yeah.

Without the beard.

You should give him a call.

Well, I wouldn't, uh... I wouldn't know what to say.

Well, I think he'd like to hear from you.

Yeah.

So, you seen anyone?

No.

No?

You?

No.

You look great.

I do?

Mm -hmm.

Really? Yes.

So do you.

Thanks.

Well, I should probably, uh, hit the road.

You want to, uh, see a movie or something sometime?

Well, don't, you know, you can think about it. I mean, do think about it.

You should think about it. I don't.

I don't think I'm ready yet.

Well, I understand.

That's only, that's, you know, yeah.

Okay, well, it was great to see you.

It was great to see you, too.

I better get that.

Maybe we can... Yeah.

Lydia! Hi.

Hey, how come you didn't call me?

Sorry, I'm a dick.

So how have you been?

How have I been? Ah, how have I been?

Well, it all started about nine months ago. Young man was graduating from film

school.

So that's how I've been.

Oh, Nick.

That's the saddest story I ever heard.

You should really feel sorry for yourself.

Oh, I do. I do.

Gee, Miss Crabtree, if I ever get another chance, maybe I'll do things a

differently.

Bill, I won't be such an asshole again.

You think that's possible?

Thank you.

You're welcome.

Yes?

Wow.

This is gigantic.

You want something to drink?

Beer? Yes.

How long have you had this place?

I got it right after school.

It used to be an old mannequin factory.

I fixed it up.

A lot.

Good job.

Boy, Nick.

Hasn't your agent been able to do anything for you?

Oh, sure. He squeezed my balls until I was dead.

Thanks.

So, you working?

Yes.

I have a night job.

I round up those shopping carts that are left out on the sidewalks, you know?

I was thinking about doing a documentary about it. You know, the people that

leave them there?

Why do they leave them there?

Are they making a statement about the supermarket?

Or about society?

You know, I interviewed a couple of them.

And the whole thing became so fucking boring that I

gave up.

But, you know, I'm not depressed that I'm 26 and have no idea what I'm going

do with my life.

Why don't you direct it?

In the chill of the morning, they strike without warning, they found you.

With a crack and a cry of seagile and bonsai, they fill around you.

You don't have powder to burn, make every shot, listen good, it's time you

learn. Never do fire till you see the weight of their

eyes.

In the market, the vendors, the thieves, and pretenders are waiting.

And they know every type, and they know when you're right for the

baiting.

If you're not on your toes, they'll skin you alive.

Evil lurks, the shadow knows.

Under the glint and the boughs and the white of...

Every turn, it's murder out there. Listen good, it's time you learn never

fire till you see the white affair.

That was Pez People, a hot new band from L .A. doing The Whites of Their Eyes.

It was directed by Nick Chapman.

Our next video features a group that calls themselves By The We. They're from

Rhode Island, that little tiny state, you know, in New England?

Rhode Island? Yeah.

I am.

Well hello.

She's beautiful.

You ought to get one.

Oh, yeah.

The timing is perfect.

No girlfriend, no job, no future.

I

didn't

fight for you.

Yeah, I know.

I want you to be my friend again.

Nick, I was always your friend.

No, I know. I mean... I

want to be your friend again.

I'll check it for you.

Oh, yeah. Here it is. Right here.

Hi.

How was your trip?

Shit. Snowed.

Here's your mail.

Is everything certified? No.

How was your weekend?

I went to Santa Barbara for my 15 scripts.

I saw an interesting music video last night.

It was directed by Nick Chapman.

Really?

Was it any good?

It had a quality. It was interesting.

I mean, for a video.

What group was it?

I don't know.

You don't know?

I don't remember.

I can find out. Do you want me to try and get you a copy of the tape?

No. See if you can get him on the phone.

You sure I can't help with anything?

No, no.

Everything's out of control.

So what time do you have to be back at the office?

Don't worry about it.

When did you start cooking?

Well, you know, I can't afford to eat out anymore. About a month ago.

I heard this rumor that you could actually buy food in a store, uncooked,

it home, and cook it yourself.

Yeah, I think I saw an article about that somewhere.

Oh, you saw that? Mm -hmm.

So have you seen the pledge people video?

Uh -uh.

I've been watching. I guess I keep missing it. Well, it's only been on

Oh. But, you know, Lydia has a copy of it if you want to borrow the cassette.

Oh.

Is this Nick Chapman? Yeah.

This is Todd Marvin. I'm calling for Alan Havel.

Yeah.

Hi, Todd.

Listen, can I point you back? I'm kind of in the middle of something.

Sure. Thanks. Bye.

Bye.

What'd he say?

He said he couldn't talk. He was in the middle of something.

Was he talking on another line?

I don't know.

Huh.

I wonder if he's already made a deal with somebody else.

I could find out.

Make some calls.

See if you can find out who he's talking with.

Sandwich okay?

Mm -hmm.

No, thanks.

Hey, my secret is that I take the plastic off the individual slices before

them into the toaster oven. Oh.

That's where you get that kind of special taste.

Okay. You want some more soup?

You sure? There's plenty. There's a ton here.

Mm -mm.

So what time did you say you have to be back at work?

Don't worry about it.

You want to take a drive?

Sure.

Where to?

France.

Hey, Nick.

How's it going? This is Todd again.

Listen, Alan needs to talk with you as soon as possible, so please get back to

him.

I discovered him at film school. Now I can't even get him on the fucking phone.

That's typical.

What's his name?

Nick Chapman.

I never even heard of him.

Ira's a genius.

So I recommended Dick Chapman for the picture, but here he's incredibly

unavailable. Isn't that Nick Chapman? Thought it was Dick. Could be Nick.

You should see his new video. The latest one, the best one yet.

I'm not seeing them all.

Nick! Hi, it's your agent Neil.

Listen, there is an enormous amount of activity happening, so it's imperative

that I talk to you.

Like, immediately.

So, please return this call the second you get in, okay?

Thank you.

Nick, Todd again.

Third message, you can reach me at any of the numbers I've left. Bye.

Nick, this is your agent, Neil. Please give me a call.

Donka.

Yes, I can tell you what Nick wants or doesn't want, because I happen to speak

to the son of a bitch three times a day.

Why am I yelling, Stan?

Because nobody calls me a douchebag, okay?

Okay, forgive me. But I only hope that you remember, young man, that you are

the only person in this town who's interested in making a deal with Nick

Chapman. The kid happens to be a genius.

So just take a number, sit back, relax your crack, and I'll be in touch.

Douchebag.

Corky, try Nick again.

Yes? Get me a reservation on the 12 o 'clock flight to New York Friday.

Okay.

Call Rod at home and tell him not to use the shower in the bedroom until the

plumber comes.

Call Nick Chapman regarding Beech Nuts.

And get me a pot of decaf.

I think we may be too late.

From what I hear, he's probably booked for the next two years.

People are calling me asking how they can get in touch with him.

Incredible.

I want to talk to him.

Nick, Alan Habel.

I've instructed my secretary to give you my home number.

Call me tonight.

Nick. This is Laurie. Would you please call me as soon as you pick this up?

Hi, Nick. It's Gretchen.

I've missed you. Where are you?

Call me, okay?

Bye.

Nick, don't even ask me how.

The important thing is, I did it.

Now, I have here before me five movie scripts, three TV pilots, a miniseries,

and an opera.

Now, we can take our pick.

Now, I read almost all of them, almost all the way through, and frankly, I

the best one is the TV show about the black kid and the cop.

It is very heartwarming and funny, and yet it has an edge, which is very

intriguing. I'd like to do my script.

Well, Nick, I have to go on record and say that I...

think that you are making a huge mistake.

Well, I want to do my script.

Nick, do you hate me?

Why do you hurt me like this?

I have something perfect for you, and you slap me across the face with a dead

fish.

I'm going to make my movie, Neil.

I'm sorry, but you're making a huge mistake.

Yeah, well, at least it'll be my mistake.

refresh my memory.

The whole thing takes place at a country house in the middle of winter.

No good for you? Do it.

All right.

What?

Thank you.