Original subtitles

Uh, Mr.

Taransky, she's... She's walking?

Don't tell me she's walking. She can't walk.

Nicola!

This, this, not this. Nicola, how was your massage?

You're in breach. No, no, is this about the new pages? Of course, I made the

changes, all the changes you wanted, Nicola. You are virtually in every

scene. It is not the size of the role, Victor.

Am I or am I not entitled to the biggest trailer on the lot?

Who's the biggest on Earth?

I swear, Nicola, it's a 50-foot airstream. They don't make them any

longer.

Taller, Victor.

Taller? Taller. What? Taller.

You've insulted me for the last time. You're right. It's actually...

It is actually taller. You're right. I mean, it's amazing.

Coffee! Wait a minute now.

It's... The tires are over-inflated. See? It's just this.

See? See? Look. Here.

Here. Here. It comes right out. So sad.

See? It's low already.

Nicola, I beg you, don't do this to me. No, I had three other offers.

I only signed on to this picture out of...

Loyalty. Well, then show me some. They're going to shut me down.

It's not working, Victor.

I mean, my God.

The scene with the thousand geese?

I don't understand this film.

Nobody is going to understand this film.

Look, I already put out a press release citing creative differences, okay? So

just let it go.

You went to the press?

Do we have everything? Because I don't want to come back here. You know what?

Okay? You're right. Did we get the flowers? You are right, and when you're

right, you're right. Thank you. Let me help you with this.

You ought to go.

I don't deserve you.

This film doesn't deserve you. It deserves much, much better than you.

Creative differences?

The difference is, you're not creative.

To hell, please.

She's good.

You can hardly tell she's reading off a teleprompter.

I'm right here.

Right beside you.

Look, I've analyzed this footage.

We've got everything we need in the can already. If I could just make the proper

adjustments, we can finish this film without her. Victor, according to the

writ her attorneys filed at noon today, they'll sue.

if the film is released with Nicola in a single frame.

They will sue, Victor.

They're serious.

So let's recast.

Well, Nicola Anders is the only actress in the world that can play that part.

It's a remake, Hal.

That's right. Nicola Anders is not bigger than this picture.

Of course she is, Victor.

No other name is going to sign on now.

Who needs a name?

We'll cast an unknown.

I'm not going to play opposite an unknown.

We can't sell an unknown.

The numbers don't work. If we ever want to be in the Nicola Anders business

again, We have to cut our losses and shelve the picture. No!

I will not give in to that blackmailing... Victor, let's take a

walk.

Ridiculous performance.

I told you she was bad.

No, yours, in there. Why do you always have to make things so difficult for

yourself? Difficult?

I'm being difficult? Yes.

Elaine, do you know what these are?

Mike and Ikes? No, they're not just any Mike and Ikes. These are cherry Mike and

Ikes. Do you know why I, Victor Taransky, two-time Academy Award

-nominated director... Victor, that was short subject.

...overseeing the most cherished movie project of my entire career, I'm walking

around with, look, look, look, pockets full of these things.

Well, I have a feeling you're going to tell me. I'm going to tell you why. Uh

-huh. Because Miss Nicola Anders, supermodel with a SAG card, has it

written in her contract... That all cherry Mike and Ikes be removed from her

candy dish, along with strict instructions that any room she walks

into must have seven packs of cigarettes waiting for her. Three of them opened.

That there be a personal jacuzzi within 80 paces of her dressing room.

And that any time she travels, her nanny must fly with her first class. So,

what's wrong with that?

Elaine, she doesn't have children.

Don't you see? They're mocking us, Elaine.

We're at their mercy.

What happened?

I mean, we always had movie stars, but they used to be our stars. Remember?

We were the ones who'd tell them what to do. I mean, we'd tell them what to wear,

who to date.

That's what you want? When they were under contract to us, we could change

their names if we wanted to. Yeah? More than once. Victor, you realize you're

nostalgic for an era you weren't even born in? I do remember why I got into

this business.

Yeah. You seem to have forgotten. Oh, please, come on.

New York, Cassavetes, remember?

Oh, here we go. What were we doing? Here we go. We were trying to make something

important. I don't know, shine a little light in that darkened cinema. It's

called a projector, Victor.

Illuminate hearts and minds with a ray of truth.

Okay. I thought that's what we were doing. Victor, I have good memories of

those days, too. I do, but this isn't about that.

Or you, or me, or some high-minded ideal. This is business.

Spare me. Look around. Who do you think pays for all of this? This is about

investment and return. I'm not interested in investment and return.

I'm not interested in who pays for anything.

I'm trying to make a movie.

I'm responsible for this, Victor.

Those days in New York.

It's over, Victor.

You're not renewing my contract? How can I?

Your last three pictures tanked.

No bankable star is going to work with you after this. I mean, if you just

compromise a little.

Well, not every day you're fired by the mother of your own child.

Victor, you and I both know that I kept you on after the divorce for old time's

sake.

And so you could still hold your head up in front of Laney.

I fought for you.

Yeah.

I'm sorry, Victor.

Hey, Dad. Hey.

How are you, honey?

Good.

Sorry, Mom canned you.

Well, I'm going to finish this picture.

Lainey, I'm going to finish it.

Because it's important.

I know you will, Dad.

You're Victor Taransky.

I'm Victor Taransky.

I see. Hey, Mom.

You okay?

Let's go.

I'm Victor Taransky.

Mrs. Taransky?

Mrs.

Taransky, thank God. I've been trying to see you. I've been calling your

assistant. She won't put me through. I told her it was a matter of life and

death. I was afraid that I wasn't going to get to you in time.

Please, just keep your distance, all right? I did it! I did it!

I licked skin, I licked hair, I licked every part of her.

I'm going to call security, all right?

I'll call security if you don't back off. I haven't. Mr. Taransky, the answer

to your prayers.

The answer to this.

I was misquoted.

I have your new leading lady right here.

In my...

In my pants.

Please, sir, I don't know you. I don't know where you come from. It's me!

Mr. Askey, don't... Don't you recognize me?

The Future of Film Conference in San Jose. Remember that?

Hank.

Hank. Alino.

I was the keynote speaker there. You must remember my speech.

Who needs humans? Right.

Right, you were booed off the stage. I remember.

Whoa, that's gotta be, uh... Eight years ago. Whoa. And that whole time, I never

left my computer.

Uh-huh.

Well, good for you, Hank. Well, it's good and bad.

Because I think that's what caused this, the eye tumor.

Microwaves from the screen.

Oh, yeah, I'm sorry to hear that. Don't be.

Because it was worth it.

You have to see it. Oh, I've seen those, uh... I've seen those things. Not like

this. I'll take care of that.

Yeah, well... You're talking about a synthestian, a virtual actor. No, we

call them bactors.

I need flesh.

Flesh is weak. It can't be done. It can be done. With my new computer code, it

can be done.

You and me, we can do this together.

I don't know anything about computers.

That's why you're so perfect, Mr. Taransky.

You have something that I don't have.

What's that?

An eye.

An eye for performance.

You know the truth when you see it. I know.

I mean, I've seen your movies.

I love your movies.

You love my movies?

Straw God.

That changed my life.

You saw Straw God?

I have seen every frame of your work.

You're the only filmmaker with the artistic integrity.

To realize my vision.

You and me.

Art and science.

We're the perfect marriage.

Hank, I've had a rough day today.

But I'll tell you what.

I'll call you about this next week.

We can talk. I won't be here in a week. The tumor's inoperable. I'll call you

about it, okay?

Listen, this is what I'm trying to say. The tumor is inoperable.

I'll be dead.

I'm already dead, Hank.

Call me!

This week!

Please.

What do you mean she won't work with me?

She's done nothing.

She doesn't have a single credit to her name.

Better no credits than a Taransky credit.

All right, you don't understand.

I mortgage everything to finish this film.

The creditors are calling me. They're at the door, for God's sake.

Hello?

Damn it.

Mr. Taransky!

No, I'm not him! Mr.

Turetsky! I'm not him! Mr. Turetsky!

Hank Alino!

I represent the estate of Mr.

Hank Alino.

It was his last wish that you have this.

What is it?

I have no idea.

He wants you to have it.

Okay.

From Valerie.

Valerie, no!

Jack,

are you there?

If something like this can happen, then what... what is it for?

Why are we here?

Is that what you're asking, Jack?

Why are we here?

No why.

Just you.

With the purest of intentions, I wanted to send a message to the acting

community who put themselves above the work, who put themselves

above me.

What did you guys think?

So fake.

Totally artificial.

Mike, we're really supposed to believe that was 19th century wisdom.

Come on.

Guys.

Who's looking at the sets when she's on screen, huh?

Oh, yeah.

There he is. That's my dad, Victor Trinsky.

She was making this. She's absolutely unreal.

Breathtaking. She wasn't too cartoony or anything. Who, the nun?

Or are you talking about the mother? A star like that, who cares about the

supporting cast?

Congratulations again.

Not of this earth. You should be very proud. Yes, not of this earth. It was

well put.

And the rest of the film, what did you think? She's a miracle, Dad.

Where did you find her?

Well, I saw her picture on the computer.

A computer?

You really didn't notice anything unusual about it? Only her brilliance.

To be honest with what you had to work with, I was expecting a train wreck.

You really pulled it off.

I did?

I have a feeling mom's gonna take you back after this.

Back on the lot. That's what I mean. I know, I know. Come on, let's go.

A dazzling new ingenue has come from seemingly nowhere to capture the hearts

of movie-going audiences around the world in her debut film, Sunrise,

Sunset. But who is Simone?

We know so little about her.

And why the secrecy?

All we know for sure is that she was discovered by little-known director

Victor Terinsky.

Terinsky.

Simone.

Simone?

Good to see you too, Elaine.

Where is she?

She's not here.

Well, why isn't she with you?

Why? Because she would never come to something like this. She's intensely

private. Back to work, everyone. She's not here.

Hey, listen, have you read the reviews?

They're love letters. Listen to this one.

Oh, here.

Simone has the voice of a young Jane Fonda, the body of Sophia Loren, the

grace of well-graced Kelly, and the face of Audrey Hepburn combined with an

angel.

Almost right. I can't wait to meet her.

Oh, I don't know if that's going to happen.

Why not?

She is somewhat of a reckless.

That's how she stays so pure. She isolates herself in her art.

Victor, it's my studio.

Elaine, it's my actor.

There are other studios, Elaine.

There's only one Simone.

Okay, have it your way, Victor.

Hello,

Walter. Nobody came in or went out, just like you said, Mr. Taransky.

Mr. Transky? Yes?

Is Miss Simone coming in today?

She's already here. She arrived before you got here. She's going to leave long

after you're gone. Remember, under no circumstances are you or anybody else

ever to enter this set without my express permission.

Understood? Yes, sir.

Mr. Transky, what if it catches on fire?

Let it burn.

Good morning, Simone.

Good morning, Mr. Jawanski.

Simone, a star is digitized.

Do you know what this means?

We have stepped into a new dimension.

Our ability to manufacture fraud...

now exceeds our ability to detect it.

I am the death of Rio.

I am the death of Rio.

I am the death of Rio.

I am the death of Rio.

Too much Meryl Streep.

Little Miss Streep.

Is this better, Mr.

Taransky? Much.

While we're at it, there's a little something I want to add to your

repertoire.

Remember that thing Audrey Hepburn does in Breakfast at Tiffany's?

How do I look?

How do I look?

Perfect.

Perfect, Simone.

Perfect.

Oh, God.

I'm so relaxed around you.

And so myself.

You did create me.

I just brought someone else's dream to life.

Mr. Taransky, we both know I was nothing without you.

I was computer code.

I was ones and zeros.

I was nothing.

Well, that's... That's true.

I don't want to boast, but...

Are you ever going to tell the truth about me, Mr. Taransky?

I'm going to tell the truth about you. Why wouldn't I?

Of course, with Hank's tragic passing, his

secret did die with him.

This is a classic case of technology in search of an artist.

Someone with integrity, someone with vision, someone who can see.

See beyond this irrational allegiance to flesh and blood. Someone who can see

that with the rise in the price of a real actor and the fall in the price of

a fake, that the scales have tipped naturally in favor of the fake.

Someone who can see.

That if a performance is genuine, it doesn't matter if the act is real or

not.

And what's real anymore?

Most actors these days have digital work done to them.

It's a gray area.

The only real truth is the work.

I'm going to tell the truth about you after your next picture.

You're so beautiful.

You're too beautiful.

We're gonna fix that.

Is this on?

I will not be taking any questions regarding Simone.

I do, however, have a statement to read on her behalf to

whom it may concern

I'm deeply grateful for the extraordinary public response to Mr.

Taransky's film.

At this time, I will be conducting no interviews or making publicity

appearances. I politely request that the press respect my privacy and

let the work speak for itself.

Yours truly, Simone.

Who is Simone dating?

She might make it clear. No questions regarding Simone.

I will make my final statement.

Miss Simone begins production on her new film today, Eternity Forever.

This is a project which has been near and dear to my heart since I wrote it

nine years ago.

Thank you.

To answer a question regarding Hank,

Who asked me about Hank?

Sonny, why is the movie dedicated to Hank?

Are they involved?

They were, at one time, inseparable.

Yes.

And now?

Now, sadly to say, only in spirit.

Thank you.

Your car will be ready in just a minute, Mr. Transky. We gave you complimentary

car wash.

Oh, really?

Yeah, they're cleaning the engine now.

Thank you.

Victor! Hey!

Oh, wow! Oh, I am so happy for us! The film, the chemistry, I mean, nothing

against nickel-handlers, but I think that, uh, Simone and I, we really worked

great together.

We were never together.

Still, the connection was undeniable, you can't, uh...

Look I have not read eternity forever, but it is it is fantastic, and I know

that I would be perfect for the part of Clive Clyde right that's what I'm

talking about. Yeah, it's perfect come on Look I ran into Simone on the lot

really yes, really She's very busy right now people coming at her from all

angles. Maybe she don't want you to know I

I strongly sensed that she thought I would be perfect for Clyde as well.

Really? Strongly.

Excuse me. Sure.

Hello?

Simone.

It's so great to hear from you. How are you, sweetheart? You'll never guess who

I'm with.

You met him on the lot the other day.

It was more in passing.

You're not even close.

Hal.

Hal Sinclair.

What's wrong now?

I'm getting nothing from her side of the conversation.

No, I don't think he put on weight.

Anyway, listen, do you think he'd be right for eternity trailer?

He's not the right type?

You want to go in another direction?

Well, I'll try and talk him into it, don't worry. Anything you need to do

right there.

Anything.

Listen, honey.

What is this, some kind of jamming device? This is a bad place to talk.

Maybe he's just talking to himself.

Duransky's not that good an actor.

Honey, I know you want...

They're taking special precautions.

Some kind of new encryption.

Why would they do that?

Whatever it is, it's dark.

Dark?

Yeah. Very.

We'll talk about it at the beach house this weekend.

Can you ever stop doing that?

Why? Lose yourself on that thing.

Gotta get out more.

How you gonna meet boys?

Dad, I know plenty of boys.

You do?

Who? I mean, where do you meet them? You meet them in those chat rooms?

How do you know you're not talking to some middle-aged freak?

Dad, I can spot a middle-aged freak a mile away.

It's beautiful today. Let's go outside and meet.

And Lainey, leave the computer, please.

Okay.

Dad, it might be better to eat inside.

Stay here.

What is this?

What the hell is going on? What are you doing here?

You're trespassing. You can't hide her forever.

Simone appears only when I want her to appear. Sounds like a prisoner. What are

you, holding her hostage?

You're the hostage. I mean, you look kind of captive to me.

Don't you ever wonder where I'm really hiding somewhere?

Just as long as I know where you are, Dad.

Bye, Dad. Bye, honey.

Hello, Victor.

Sorry I got her back the way you had to. Oh, no problem.

Hey, you want to come in?

Hi. Hi, honey.

Hi, Vic.

Victor, we simply have to discuss eternity forever.

I still haven't received Simone's script notes.

There aren't any.

If the filmmakers are happy, she's happy.

She considers herself, you know, an instrument.

Oh, so she's really going to do all this nudity.

It's on the page.

Well, we have to do something about this budget, Victor. It's completely

unrealistic. I mean, you allowed nothing for limousine service. She drives

herself.

Oh, hair and makeup.

Does her own.

Theater training.

Oh, she was in the theater?

Where? You want her resume? I'll send it to you.

Okay, great. Thanks.

At least, Victor, contingency for wardrobe. Anybody can go up a size.

I guarantee she will not gain an ounce. She is so disciplined.

Well, we've got to do something about this, Victor.

Stunt woman.

What about it?

There isn't one. She doesn't need one. Does all her own stunts.

Even the fall from the plane?

Even the fall from the plane.

Oh.

Well, shoot it on the last day.

Listen, Victor.

I want to talk to you now, not as Elaine's studio head, but as Elaine's ex

-wife. Hey, second ex-wife.

Seriously, you got lucky this last time, but you need to be careful.

I mean, we both know you wouldn't be making this overblown art film if you

hadn't convinced Simone to be in it.

Elaine, talking to you now, not as Victor director, but as Victor, your

first former husband, what happened to you?

Experience, Victor.

That's what happened to me.

Yeah, I've seen this a hundred times.

Really?

Yeah. These young stars destroying the very people who discovered them.

I'm worried about you, Victor. That's all.

This woman, she controls your destiny.

She doesn't control my destiny.

There's something about her I don't trust.

Hi, Jane.

Thanks for taking me back, Mr. Transky.

I know that it looked like I said it with the studio, but I've always

believed in you, honestly.

Don't worry, I understand.

Are they, uh... Oh, they're all here. Okay, thank you.

Oh, hello.

Hi, Derek.

I just want to say I am delighted to have such a wonderful cast assembled

here for eternity forever.

A reminder, as a condition, we're working on this picture. You will not be

rehearsing with Simone.

You will not be shooting with Simone.

Thank you. Actually, you are forbidden from contacting Simone at any time for

any reason whatsoever.

That works for me. How will you shoot our love scenes?

Body double.

For her?

For you.

Anyway, Simone insisted on speaking with you herself before filming started. I

believe she's on the line now.

Simone, are you there?

I certainly am, Mr. Taransky.

So are we, Simone.

Why don't you leave me alone with my co-stars, Mr.

Taransky, so we can get to know each other better?

Absolutely. I'll be back in a minute.

Hi. Who's there?

Don't be shy. Introduce yourselves.

I'm Mac.

I turned down a Bertolucci film to be here.

Hi, Simone.

I'm Corelle.

Hi, I'm Clarice. You used to date my cousin, Del.

I'm Hewlett.

We can rehearse in private if you like.

My name is Lotus.

I can't believe I'm talking to you.

We are going to become such great friends.

Hi, Simone. It's Hal.

Great to be working together again.

Is that everyone?

Well, obviously, as you know, I'm Simone.

Who else?

I just want to start by apologizing for my process.

I know it's an unusual way to work, but I just find I relate better to people

when they're not actually there.

Oh, of course.

Of course. I don't have much to say, except that I know it's going to be a

great project if we all just trust Mr.

Taranski's vision.

Always do what Mr. Taransky says.

If in doubt, do it the Taransky way.

I know we're going to make a wonderful movie together.

Together.

Absolutely.

What you don't understand, Clyde, is that love... It's still too big. I like

it, but it's too big.

All right, smaller teardrops this time.

What you don't understand, Clyde, is that love is like a wildflower.

But that flower only grows on the air.

Simone Simone Simone Gonna

be a little change in plan Simone You

have no idea the effect your performance is having on people We

can't stop now. These films, they're speaking to the human condition.

We're changing lives.

People need to believe you're real.

To reveal the truth now, it would be too cruel.

You're going to get in a lot of trouble, Mr. Taransky.

Why do you have to bring that up?

I mean, everything's a risk. It's worth it, isn't it?

We've done enough work today.

Cooped up in there too long.

So how about you and I going out on the town?

Tonight, they're gonna see you with their own eyes.

I will be checking in a very special guest, Miss Enomous.

Ah, Miss Enomous.

Miss Enomous demands her privacy, so you will switch off all surveillance

cameras. I alone will escort Miss Enomous to her room via the rear exit.

She must not be disturbed at any time for any reason whatsoever.

I'm sure I can rely on your discretion.

Understood, sir.

Who is it?

Okay,

I

think everybody's here.

Now!

I think we're all right now.

Oh, thank God for your faith. Thank God for you.

I mean, this is way above and beyond the call of duty for a stand-in.

I must tell you, you have no idea the service you've performed for Simone.

Shielding her from these animals. Oh, no, Mr. Taransky. Thank God for you.

Me? Yeah.

How many directors would go to so much trouble to protect an actress?

It's incredible.

You know, we're going to have to go back to my place just to, you know, keep them

off the scent.

Of course.

You look so... So much like... like her?

Oh, yes, of course.

I do find myself strangely attracted to you, Mr. Taransky.

Call me Victor.

Victor.

Oh, Victor. Yes?

This is so exciting. Yes.

Wow, do what you do to Simone.

What?

What'd you say?

I said do whatever you do to Simone.

What'd I do to Simone?

Oh, call me Simone.

Simone? Yes.

Say it again, please.

I want to know what it's like to be her just for one night. Please call me

Simone.

You're with me so you can be close to her.

Is that a problem?

Okay.

Excuse me just a minute. Is something wrong?

Well, actually, maybe we can do this some other time.

Are you busy tomorrow?

Gentlemen, the presidential suite.

We should take care of everything.

Yes, sir. I believe it will.

Leave me for a moment.

Simone.

There she is.

The picture. The picture. It's a revelation.

Thank you. Thank you. Oh, we all worked so hard. It was you.

No, it was all of us. It was all of us. It was incredible.

Thank you all.

When you saw the lady in the third room, you saw the faces. You saw the faces.

She lost it.

Whoa! Victor, is she here? Hey, Victor, is she here?

Oh, I'm fine, Hal. How are you? Somebody said she was here. Where is she? Jesus,

that's her glass.

Jack Daniels, straight up.

My kind of woman.

Come on, Victor, where is she?

I don't know. She's, uh... Is that her by the fountain?

You know, between you and me, she doesn't really exist.

Simone! Simone!

Why didn't anybody tell me?

She goes to a major Hollywood A-list party, and we don't get an interview,

a comment, we don't even get a photograph. Is that what you're telling

me? Nobody got a photograph.

Nobody ever gets a photograph.

We have our best people on it, Mr. Sainz. Get better people!

What about the 24-hour tale on Taranski?

They're camped out every place he goes. Every concierge, every maitre d',

they're all on the take.

But this Simone woman is good. Obviously, that is not her real name.

She uses an assumed identity. She travels under a false name.

Checks into a hotel under an alien. Never stays in the same place two nights

in a row.

What about the satellite photos? What happened?

Nothing. Nothing from space?

What about the fingerprints?

What happened when we dusted that whole hotel suite?

Well, we have some of Taransky's fingerprints, a lot of yours,

and none of hers.

No one is that perfect, that pure.

You know, I had something on Mother Teresa once, and then she died, and it

just wasn't worth it anymore.

I know how to flush out the Simone woman.

A tell-all story from her childhood.

You have one?

I will when you're finished writing it.

Please don't make me do this.

Lauren, open this door right now. Mr. Transky gave me specific instructions to

never open up this door. No!

Mr. Transky!

We have to talk to her, Victor. We know she's in there, Victor. Okay, okay.

What is all this about? We've got the tracking numbers for Eternity Forever.

They're in the toilet. She's got to get out there and sell the film, Victor.

What do you want her to do, go door to door?

Oh, my God. Even Garbo would be on the talk show circuit if she were alive

today, Victor. It is precisely because she doesn't crave the limelight that

people love her.

She is about the work and only the work. Victor, this is overshadowing the work.

If you can't handle her, I will.

It's not a good time.

She's emotional.

Today, her mother dies. Scene 42 of Good for Nothing.

This is not a good time. It never is, Victor.

Step aside. This is ridiculous. No!

What are you doing?

Simone!

I trusted you.

Simone! Simone!

You can come out. It's Elaine.

We just want to have a meeting. We can talk. Girl to girl, just us. Victor,

where is she? She's gone. Where are the sets?

God, I'm so like her. Where are the cameras?

Victor, we're not paying for this, are we?

What is all this, Victor?

What is all this?

Well, I suppose, uh, I'm just gonna come out sooner or later. I

guess I'm, uh, I'm actually relieved, in a way. I can just say it, Finick.

She's a computer.

Addict.

What? She's a computer addict!

She's buried in here.

Day in, day out.

Of course.

I should have guessed.

It's why she never goes anywhere. Why she's never seen in public.

Now you're getting it. Probably spends her whole life in chat rooms.

It's the one place she can be herself.

Anonymous. Only it's worse.

It's far worse.

She's extremely agoraphobic.

She has a morbid fear of people.

Germs, places, heights, name it. This is terrible. How is she going to plug the

film? Yes. She has to do publicity.

Well, maybe I could get her to do something.

Maybe a television talk show. Yes.

Taped. Oh, make it live. Live? Please, Victor.

She'd never go there, so it would have to be remote. We can work with that.

That'll work. I can't promise anything.

We understand.

All right. Thank you, Victor. Thank you, Victor.

Don't grovel. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. That agoraphobia, it's like a

plague. It's out of control in Europe.

It's so good of you to protect her like this.

Germs.

Oh, she was there.

She was right there.

She didn't, by any chance, happen to mention me.

Actually, she did.

She, uh... She said that she thought you were very beautiful.

Really? Yeah.

Would you want to go and get something to eat or something?

Oh, Victor, I'd love to, really, but don't you have to go talk to Simone?

I can find her.

Well.

All right.

Good. Thanks, Victor.

Thank you.

Bye.

Tonight on Frank Brand Live, since taking the nation by storm in her debut

movie, Sunrise Sunset, no one's managed to land a live television

interview with this fabulous shooting starlet, Simone, until now.

I'm happy to say that she's agreed to talk with us tonight from the set of her

new film.

Welcome, Simone.

So glad you can find time in your hectic schedule to be here.

It's my pleasure Wonderful to be with you Frank.

Well, no one can accuse you of being overexposed Simone Why have you stayed

so completely out of the limelight? I guess I just think actors talk too much

I mean does the world really want to hear my life story just because I have a

movie opening on Friday Wow She is all woman Of course, the

problem with shying away from publicity these days is that it tends to attract

even more.

Don't I know it?

But the only reason I'm here now is to put the attention back where it belongs.

On Mr.

Taransky's film.

And you don't secretly want the attention?

I'm not even sure I deserve it. You see, after tonight, I'll have just as much

screen time on your show as I have in my movies.

Now, how is that healthy for a performer?

Because you have to understand, Frank, none of this is real.

Who I am on screen and who I really am, they're two totally different people.

Change of topic, Simone.

You have been romantically linked to dozens of men in the press.

Nick Jagger, Stephen Hawking, Fidel Castro, most recently, Victor Taransky.

Is there a Mr. Right in there somewhere?

You know, Frank, I'd rather not discuss my private life.

But Victor and I...

We are inseparable.

Oh, Victor, you dog.

I wouldn't be here today without him.

Would you like a moment, Simone?

No, I'm okay.

Then let's talk about this work you care so much about.

Sure. Where would you like to start, Frank? How about the nudity?

I know where that is.

Nudity's just never been an issue for me.

I know that tree.

Clothes are simply an option. I know that tree.

I know where that is. What exactly was it that attracted you to your first two

projects? I suppose what I like most about the movies I'm in is that they're

not about special effects.

And they are better for it, I might add.

We appear to be having some satellite difficulties.

But before we lose you completely, Simone, I just want to say thank you.

Thank you, Frank.

Goodbye.

Ladies and gentlemen, Simone.

I've been here before.

My honeymoon with my ex-wife.

Yeah, look.

It's the exact same tree.

And look in the distance. That's... The mountain.

Hotel.

I don't understand.

Could they have built that hotel since yesterday?

car.

We don't do the photos, you don't get the cover. Simple as that. Yes.

Written answers to written questions.

Didn't we have this conversation before?

Yeah, website interviews, no problem.

I think people are going to love Eternity Forever.

Eternity Forever is my finest work.

I loved working with the director of Eternity Forever.

He's a genius.

You wish.

It's wonderful being a movie star.

But there's so many other ways I want to express myself.

But it's not enough to be a movie star. You have to be a pop star too.

If you really want to make a difference.

Nice boat, Taransky.

Not a boat.

It's a yacht.

I know what you're up to.

You know, I really don't have time for this. I think you do, because I know

it's fake.

It's bogus.

You used an old library shot of the background.

She never was in New Mexico.

She never even left the studio.

I've done my homework.

I've studied her.

Bet you have.

I've looked at every piece of publicity she's done, and as far as I can tell,

there's no evidence that she has ever left the studio.

Oh, and for some reason, this woman leaves no paper trail.

Now, I've obtained a copy of your bank account, okay? I know you have power of

attorney, but so far...

You have not turned over a single solitary cent to this woman. I keep it

in the trust.

Yeah, I know that's what you want people to believe, but I gotta tell you,

embezzlement is a serious matter.

Not to mention abduction.

Abduction? Yeah.

Off the record, I wanna know how you're doing it.

Is it drugs? Is it mind control?

Is it blackmail? Is it all three?

What do you do? Do you keep her locked in a box somewhere?

What?

Is it exactly that you want?

I want to see her.

Unless you show me Simone live and in person, I show these photos to the

authorities.

You want to see her?

All right.

You got a deal.

You want to see her? You're going to see her.

Mr. Taransky.

Ah. Hello, gentlemen.

We're all ready, Mr. Taransky. This time tomorrow night, she'll be standing right

here in front of 100,000 people.

We could have sold this out 20 times.

Yeah, the sound check went great.

The laser show is good to go.

I've got to ask you, though. You ordered an awful lot of smoke.

Well, that's the way she wants it, you know. After you told us about the death

threat, security guards are under strict instructions never to take their eyes

off the crime. Very good. Excellent.

Here, Simone wanted you to have these. Well, unreal.

And remember, no cameras, no binoculars.

Ladies and gentlemen, Victor Taransky Promotions is proud to present Simone,

live on stage for the dating contest of the Splendid Isolation Tour.

I know it's easier to make 100,000 believe than just one.

And now, the one, the only, Simone.

There's another...

I said I didn't want to be disturbed.

Victor.

My favorite girl in all the world.

Oh, we just stopped by to congratulate Simone.

Well, you know, she's lying down. She's exhausted.

Yeah, I can imagine.

Listen, thanks, Simone, for the tickets, okay?

That's a good color on you.

It's a great show, Dad.

I can't believe she's doing this.

Taking advantage of him this way. It's cruel.

Why? Obviously this can't last.

She's going to dump him.

Victor won't be able to take that. He's too sensitive.

This will destroy him.

Elaine, do you realize that you can't stop talking about Victor? I have to

talk to her.

I've been meaning to talk to you.

Elaine, I'm starting to feel like I don't exist.

Dad? Oh, hi, baby.

Thanks.

Oh.

So, how's your love life, Lane?

I do okay.

What about you?

Well, you know me.

Married to my work.

I noticed.

Dad, you know I don't like to get between you and Mom, but... She's

feeling down right now.

She broke up with Kent.

She thinks you're with Simone.

Aw, Lainey, that's so ridiculous.

I don't have a relationship with Simone. I know, I know, but Mom doesn't.

Maybe if Simone spoke to her, she could straighten things out.

Dinner, maybe.

Dinner? I don't know about dinner.

That'd be difficult, I think.

Maybe a phone call?

It's too impersonal. You have to meet face to face.

I'll think of something.

The escalating violence, tragic loss of human life, and threat of all-out war

was overshadowed today by the announcement of the Oscar nominations.

Hello? Hello?

Is this Elaine?

Who's this?

Oh my god, is that you, Simone?

Yes. You look beautiful today.

Thanks. I... Where are you?

I'm right here.

Beside you.

Oh! I borrowed Victor's car.

Hi. Hi.

I'm really late.

I would love to talk to you, but I'm on my way to see Victor right now. Simone.

I know what's going on between you two.

Oh? No, oh, Elaine, there's absolutely nothing. It's strictly a working

relationship. I just, I don't want to see Victor get hurt.

Sounds to me like you still have feelings for him.

Well, we have a daughter together.

I don't love Victor. I could never love anyone.

I'm in love with the camera.

Simone, I... I recognize the coat you're wearing. I gave it to Victor on his

birthday.

Elaine, I just... God.

Oh, my God. I tell you.

Are you all right, Simone?

This does look awful. I know that.

But, uh... Victor, he's just so crazy about you. Could you go to the Oscars

with him? No, no, no, no, no, no. If you won't do it for him, I ask you, please

do it for me.

Okay, okay, for you. For you, I'll go.

Oh, thank you.

Well, here's my exit. All right, I'm glad that we talked. Oh, yes, bye. Bye.

Goodbye.

Oh!

And the winner of Best Actress is... Oh,

my goodness, we have a tie.

The winners are Simone for Sunrise Sunset.

Thank you.

And Simone for Eternity Forever.

Unfortunately, Simone cannot be with us here tonight, but thanks to the miracle

of modern technology, she joins us live from her goodwill tour of the third

world. Ladies and gentlemen, Simone.

Thank you. Oh, thank you. This means so much to me.

I'm just sorry I couldn't be there with you.

First, I want to acknowledge my fellow nominees.

I don't even feel I belong in the Best Actress category, let alone with these

wonderful human beings.

And I also want to thank my co-stars.

And the studio, of course.

And as always, I dedicate this to Hank, without whom none of this would be

possible.

I love you, Hank.

Wherever you are, thank you.

Who's Hank, her agent?

Her father.

Why didn't she think you?

She did.

Didn't she?

Of course, I must thank my collaborator, Victor Taransky, without whom none of

this would be possible.

And of course, I must thank my collaborator, Victor Taransky, without

whom none of this would be possible.

Why didn't I say it?

How could I forget to say it?

I wrote it.

And of course, I must thank my collaborator...

Victor Taransky, without whom none of this would be possible.

Excuse me, Mr. Taransky.

Are you ready for your casting session?

Nicholas here for the role of Simone's sister.

Victor.

So much has happened since we last saw each other.

I never got a chance to properly apologize for what happened on Sunrise.

That's okay.

I know. I understand.

When I saw what Simone did with the role, I mean, I fired all

my people.

I went into rehab. I took some acting classes.

Changed my whole look.

She really, really inspired me.

Would you like me to read?

Uh, sure.

That would be good.

Who do you think you are, Carlos?

Coming in here like... this my husband's sleeping in the next room

do you think i won't call out do you think i'll just give in to you without a

fight like i did the last time and the time before that

I wish we were both dead.

Oh.

That was just wonderful.

Wonderful acting.

Thank you.

You could play the lead.

Isn't that Simone's part?

Of course.

Of course it is.

You have such a beautiful line.

Right there.

It's not a wrinkle or anything. It's like a dimple. When you smile.

I was thinking of incorporating something like that in Simone.

Cosmetically altering Simone to look like me?

Would you like me to try something different with this or do it again?

No, it's fine.

Okay.

Thank you.

Thank you, Victor.

Happy birthday, Lainey.

What do you think?

Fantastic.

It's what she drove in Eternity Forever.

I know.

You have to thank her for me.

Well, that's for both of us.

You know, you won't be able to drive until you get your permit, but... You

can take it around the lot now.

Okay. Yeah.

What's the matter?

Can't accept it.

Why? Why, honey?

I don't want a car, Dad.

What do you want?

Whatever you want, sweetie.

The old Victor Transky.

I can't stand to see you like this, clinging to Simone's coattails.

It used to be all about the work, and now it's all about her.

And then she's not even grateful enough to thank you.

Roman, that was me.

There you go again, blaming yourself.

Can't you see what she's done to you?

She's taken advantage, mocking you.

You deserve better than Simone.

You have to go, Dad.

Oh, sure.

She comes in all the time. Really?

Mm-hmm. Is she nice?

We've become very close.

She told me she wanted to look at my script next week.

Jane. Let her go.

I'm leaving early, so if anybody needs me, I'll be at the beach house having

dinner with a certain someone.

Elaine Christian, please.

Elaine.

Hi.

Hey.

I was in the neighborhood. I just thought I'd drop by.

You don't use the front door anymore?

Uh, no.

When is she coming over?

Uh, about now.

Oh.

Um, okay, I'll just stay until she gets here.

Well, she's, uh, already here.

What?

Simone is not coming over tonight or any other night.

I want you back, Elaine.

I want you back too, Victor.

Oh, Victor.

Wait, Victor. This is crazy, Victor. Are we kidding? I can't compete with Simone.

Well... What woman can, Victor?

I'd rather have you than Simone. Oh, Victor.

Oh, that's so sweet.

No,

but I can't let you do that. Make that kind of sacrifice, Victor.

No. Kind of strange. You know, I have stabbed people in the back and clawed

and slept my way to where I am, Victor.

You have?

Well, it goes with the territory. But I, for some reason, I can't betray Simone.

I can't. I don't know. It's a goodness to her, Victor. Oh, no, there's nothing

to it.

Oh, Victor.

Victor, you say that now. In the morning, you would go back to her.

You would. No.

You would, Victor. She's going to retire.

She'll never work again. Of course she will, Victor. Her public will demand it.

Not if I don't let her.

You? Yeah. How can you stop her?

I'm going to tell you a secret now, Elaine.

Simone isn't a real person.

I invented her.

Every actor is an invention, Victor. Please. Look, you're lucky she's loyal

enough to stay with you. Maybe she's staying out of pity. Who knows?

I mean, she certainly doesn't need you, Victor. Listen, she's thin air.

She's pixels.

What? Computer code molded by me from a mathematical equation

I inherited from a madman.

How much have you had to drink, Victor? There's no Simone.

I'm Simone.

You're Simone?

I've done the impossible.

I have recreated the infinite nuances.

of a human being, a human soul.

I have taken nothing and made it something.

I have breathed life into a machine.

I made a miracle. Victor, please stop.

Please. I swear, Elaine, as God is my judge, I swear, I made Simone.

I made her.

You made Simone yes Victor she made

you

Well, we're back on Good Morning, Good Day, and we are here once again with the

incomparable Simone.

Now, Simone, before the break, you were taking a rather controversial position.

I just think all elementary schools should have a firing range.

How else can the children learn to defend themselves?

If there is a hole in the ozone layer, how come I can't see it?

Immigration, God, isn't it crowded enough?

but god created furry animals to be worn have you ever tasted dolphin pan fried

with a little garlic and fennel everybody always talks about the

negatives of cigarettes but look at the benefits i mean you don't eat as much

and you've got something to hold in your hand we always knew simone wasn't like

other celebrities she speaks her mind she certainly does

What's the matter, Victor?

You look so sad.

Don't you love me anymore?

It's over, isn't it?

I know what you're thinking, Simone.

This is a phony baloney world.

We're all living one big lie. So why shouldn't you live too?

You're more authentic than all these people who worship you.

And that's the problem.

You're looking at the real fraud.

I told myself this was all about the work.

But if that was the truth,

it wouldn't matter to me that you get all the attention.

And it does.

It does.

I'm sorry, Simone.

Here I was trying to convince the whole world you existed.

But what I was really trying to do...

was convince him that I exist.

It's not that you aren't human.

It's that I am.

I'm sorry, Simone.

It

is my

Sad and solemn duty to announce the

tragic passing of Simone.

How did she die?

It was a rare virus she contracted on a goodwill tour of the third world.

Did she suffer?

Mercifully, it was quick.

I feel awful.

It's a great loss.

You know we're going to have to restructure your deal.

Can I see you later?

I mean, go away for the weekend.

Victor, how could you bring that up at a time like this?

One minute, Mr. Taransky.

This has got to be a mistake.

You have the right to remain silent.

Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.

Victor.

That's why I was so white.

I heard him say, die a bitch.

I'll destroy you.

So strange.

He actually wanted to replace Simone with me in his new movie.

He's a sick man.

He was a controlling madman. She was a prisoner.

I blame myself.

I wish...

I had done more to stop it.

Forgive me, Mr. Juraski. I'm just trying to understand here.

Now, all these films and TV appearances and magazine covers and internet

interviews, publicity photos, snapshots from her childhood, all fake.

This is fake. This is fake. Fake, fake, fake, fake, fake. All fake. Yes.

You understand perfectly.

So I will confess to fraud, but not to murder.

And the fan club with worldwide membership in the millions, that's also

bogus. No.

No, the fan club's real.

It's just what they were worshipping is a computer code.

Ones and zeros. So you couldn't have killed Simone because there was no

Simone. Right, exactly. And this Hank Alino that you keep talking about,

renowned failure who also happens to be so conveniently dead, perhaps this man

that you claim helped invent Simone is an invention himself.

Oh, no, no.

This whole thing is insane. There is no Simone. Look, even her name is fake.

It's not Simone.

It's Sim 1.

See?

Simulation 1.

It's a computer code.

You really hated her, didn't you?

Perhaps you could explain this to me, Mr. Taransky, or is this tape doctored,

too?

This is footage from the marina's closed-circuit camera on the night in

question.

Altered, of course.

Now, can you tell us why you're disposing of the body of a woman who

doesn't exist?

Well, it's not her body.

It's...

It's her body of work.

Victor, Victor, Victor, Victor.

Victor, no.

Look, look, look, look.

Why don't you just come clean, huh?

Tell the truth, you're gonna feel better afterwards.

Well, I'm telling the truth, and I don't feel so good. Hey, we all know what

happened. In a fit of jealous rage, you... You killed Simone, you dumped

your body off the boat. Don't say that. That she bought for you.

I can prove it to you. Let me just take you there.

I'll take you to the spot.

I can prove it.

Here, here.

Come on, we can just go there, can't we? Let's just go there. I'll take you

there. Come on.

Good work.

Now you'll see.

What is this?

No, they're drives and disks.

Where are the disks?

You have to go back down and get them, because that's where they are.

We can't go back down there. There's disks down there. Please, just forgive

me. You must go down there and get the drives. Hey, you see what's down there?

Plead guilty.

Plead guilty and throw yourself on the mercy of the court. It's the best deal

you're going to get.

I could get the death penalty.

Yeah, yeah, you certainly will if you go to trial.

A jury?

In this kind of ugly mood, you've killed an icon, for God's sake.

Bernard, listen to me. Bernard, I didn't kill anyone.

Victor, come on, it's in the paper.

There's no one to kill.

Bernard, I'm a filmmaker.

I was trying to say something.

Burn. Burn.

There's no one to kill.

Do you understand?

An insanity defense.

Beautiful.

I created her.

Mr. Jesus!

What am I doing?

Oh, what am I doing?

Get me out!

Victor! Get me out of the lawyer!

I want out of the lawyer!

Why can't people just take responsibility for their actions

anymore, huh?

You know, I can almost forgive him for killing her.

But to deny her existence?

I can never forgive that.

Because obviously she existed, right?

I know it just as surely as you're sitting there, sweetheart.

She was the most vital woman I ever met.

So you did meet her?

Yeah. Lainey, what are you getting at? I'm the head of a major studio. Do you

think I'm going to make a three-picture deal with an actress I never met?

No, no. I mean, really meet her.

Like, in the flesh.

I know it's embarrassing to admit it, Mom, but... When I think about it

honestly, I haven't.

I've never really seen Simone up close.

Touched her.

But in her physical presence.

Have you?

Well... We don't want to believe, Daddy, because... We don't want to believe that

we were taken in, too.

But, Lainey... There's no evidence.

That Simone isn't real.

I don't know what you're saying, Mom.

Is there any evidence that she is?

Do you have any idea what you're doing?

What's that?

One part of Dad's story may have been true.

Simone may have contracted a virus Certain viruses can be cured

I have no idea what you're talking about

Listen to me.

There's a psychiatrist in Ventura, well-respected, who's willing to testify

under oath that you have diminished capacity due to the trauma of your

divorce, ten years of abject failure in the movie business, and a bump on

the head you sustained as a child. No more.

I can't go along with this horseshit.

Come on, Victor. I did it.

No, Victor, come on now. Tell them they can fry me.

No, Victor, please.

I did it. Victor, Victor, please. It was premeditated.

I strangled her.

I bludgeoned her.

I set her on fire.

And then I killed her.

I did it. Excuse me.

I think you better see this.

International media star Simone is alive and well. Her studio released this

footage just minutes ago.

Simone reading today's edition of the LA Times.

Who says the only bad publicity is your obituary?

Details at the top of the hour.

She's indestructible.

I don't know what you did or how you did it.

Oh, well, it was Laney, but don't think it's too fast, Victor. You know what we

have to do now.

What?

Well, why stop at one character when you can have a whole cast?

You have to finish what you started.

We can do it together.

Have we done enough?

Could we go, please?

Where are we going?

Well, I was thinking.

How about you and Simone moving in with me and Laney?

That's wonderful.

What do you think, Laney?

About you and Mom?

Well, about me and Simone.

What I did.

Everything. I'm sorry.

The mistake wasn't making something fake, Dad.

We're fine with fake.

As long as you don't lie about it.

Oh, come on, Victor.

It's not a death sentence.

No.

It's life.

Hey, Victor! Remember us? We've probably never met. I'm Milton.

How are you?

There's the Echo!

Hi! It's live.

Simone, the question on everybody's mind is simply, why?

Frank, you know as well as I do, living in this fishbowl, the insatiable

appetite of the media, with everything that was going on in my life, I just

needed to drop out of sight for a while.

I needed time, and Victor bought me that time.

I owe him so much.

We all do.

But now I understand you're eager to get back to work, and it's not the kind of

work we were all expecting.

It's true.

I can reveal I am considering a career in politics.

What, may I ask, brought this on?

I suppose this little man had something to do with it. That beautiful baby.

Yes.

You see, Victor and I are both very concerned about what kind of world our

new son Chip is going to grow up in.

Aren't you, Victor?

Oh, yes.

She likes chicken pot pie, just like me.