Collaborator (2011) - full transcript

And we're back.

What?
What are you looking at?

Nothing.

David, we're doing
a radio show!

David, is reading
the newspaper.

- Have you seen this?
- What?

The review of
Robert longfellow's new play.

- Who? Who?
- Robert longfellow.

We were talking about his wife
the other day, remember?

Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah!

Alice longfellow,
the photographer.



Oh, I love her.
She's so cool.

Very, yes. Yeah, well, what happened?

Well, he got reamed
in "the times."

Just, um, savaged.

Oops.

- No, I mean, we're talking...
- You know, bad.

How bad?

"It has been years
since longfellow,

once touted as a contender

for the voice
of his generation,

has written anything of note,

and, unfortunately,
his latest offering,

"American excursion,"

which opened last night
at the Chelsea stage,



will only cement his reputation

as that of a writer
fading into irrelevancy."

- Oh dear.
- Oh my.

Alice won't be happy.

Now, I mean, what do you figure she pulls in a year, because...

She'd be paying the bills
from now on, mister.

I think so.

- All right, listen.
- "His early..."

Okay, going on,
"his early plays

gracefully wove together
a crackling wit

with deep pathos."

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

- I don't know, I'm reading.
- I'm reading.

That's what it says:

"While characters you couldn't
possibly care about

shuffled robotically
to the foot of the stage..."

- That's gotta hurt.
- Got to hurt.

Big time.

Well, but, you know,
it kind of perked up my day.

Yeah? Why?

I feel better
about myself now.

Oh, good,
make somebody else feel bad?

- Don't you?
- Yes.

No, but I mean,
are you kidding?

- Oh, how are you, Bobby?
- Lord I've missed you!

- I'm good, mom, good.
- Missed you too.

Go, sit.
You hungry?

Did you have anything
to eat?

How about some cheese
and crackers?

Uh... okay.

- You want a beer?
- No, thanks.

- Oh, I've got juice.
- Orange or grapefruit?

Water'd be great.

How was the flight?

Oh, traffic getting here
must have been murder.

Wasn't too bad.

Oh, damn, I haven't seen you
in a coon's age, Kevin.

I mean Robert.

You haven't told me
what you're doing out here.

Hello?

Hey.

Oh, hi. You in L.A.?

Yeah, I'm at mom's.

Listen, honey,
I want to give up the apartment.

Really?

Yeah, we don't need a place
in New York.

You're telling me.

Did you read "the times"?

Robert, I haven't read a review in over ten years.

Right.

Are you okay?

I'm fine, I'm fine.

Just sick of the city.

Will this mean
you'll be home more?

Probably.

- You sound disappointed.
- Come on, Alice.

Robert, you haven't really
been here

in any meaningful way
in months.

I know.

The kids are suffering,
I'm suffering.

Mitch is crying himself to sleep
every other night.

I know.

Look, I've got to take
this meeting.

Let me deal with mom
and I promise

we'll put it all back together
when I get home, okay?

Let me call you later,
okay?

Alice?

Sure, Robert,

call me after you do
what you have to do.

Oh...

Are you back?

Uh, yeah.

Did you get the tuna?

Oh shit.

Oh dear.

Fuck.

- Gus!
- Sorry.

Oh... we'll just have
to make do.

I had a dream about 1946.

Uh-huh.

Isn't that funny?

Uh-huh.

It was so peaceful.

And then I danced a waltz
with Tyrone power...

On a ship somewhere.

Huh.

1946.

I think Tyrone power
was a fag, mom.

Huh.

Blessed for thy own Jesus,
holy Mary mother of god,

pray US for US sinners...

Looks like Gus
is doing some chores.

Ain't he somethin'?

What's he been up to?

Oh, he's in and out of jail
half the time.

Yeah?yeah.

Did time for manslaughter.

Geez!

Beat a guy to death
in a bar somewhere.

Guess I've been away
for awhile.

He came by one day
asking where you were.

He did?

I think he was drunk.

Hmm.

He is driving
Betty insane.

I mean, a 57-year-old man
who never left home?

So it would be nice
if you could help US out

with this script.

We're in need
of some passion.

There's no passion
in this script.

We need more than to have
the audience screaming.

We have the killers.
We have the savage killing.

You're never in L.A.

Not if I can help it.

I understand.
Twenty years I've been here

and I still feel
a sense of dread,

like I am in a fog,

adrift in a lifeboat

with the sea monsters
circling.

Right.

So I think that
we can bring some dignity

to the characters,
yeah?

Now we meet them
and they die, nothing.

No way of getting
to know them.

Is that life?

Is that how
we experience loss?

I loved your play.

You did? Which one?

"American excursion."

I was in New York
and I caught a preview.

Loved it.

Very powerful.

Thank you.

Very well done.

You invested your own money
in putting it up on its feet,

is that right?

Yes.

Very brave of you,
Robert.

That's commitment.

That's faith
in one's ability.

Oh!

Hello.

Hey.

How you doin', Gus?

Oh, hey, man,
how ya doin', huh?

I thought
I saw you here.

Hey, you here visiting
your mom?

Yeah, I'm checking in
on her, you know.

Yeah, well, you know,
that's good, that's cool.

Yeah, so...

How ya doing?
Everything good?

Yeah. Oh yeah, yeah, yeah.
Everything's good.

Everything is real good.

Hey, you know,
I was just tossin' back a few

and, uh, I thought,
like, whoa,

I haven't talked to Robert
in, like, years, dude.

And then I thought,
you know what?

I was thinking that you and I
should have a beer, man.

We should have
a fuckin' beer, man!

You know, and just...
Hang or something.

T-That would be good.

We should, uh,
hang sometime.

We should
definitely hang.

Fuck, yes!

Hey,
now it don't matter

that you're younger
than me, right?

I mean, like, seventh grade
and twelfth grade;

that's like fuckin' forever.

I mean, now it just
don't mean shit.

So, you caught up
with me, dude!

I'm right on your ass.

Yeah!

Yeah, so, you know,

maybe before I split
this time

we could, uh, hoist
a couple o' frosties

and shoot the shit.

Yeah! Fuckin' shoot
the fuckin' shit, man!

Shoot whatever
the fuck we want!

Yeah, take some fucking
target practice!

Absolutely.

Yeah...

Whew, man.

My eyes are watering.

Which orifice
did that come out of?

Orifice? Oh man!

Fucking orifice!

Or a face, man!
Or a fuckin' face!

Right.

Hey, oh no,
prima facie!

My lawyer's always talking
about prima facie!

What the fuck is fucking
prima facie, man?

It means you're fucked.

Yeah, prima facial!

I gave her a fuckin'
prima facial, dude!

Steady, dude.

Hey, you know what?
We better be quiet

'cause my mom might
be sleeping.

If you wake her up,
she'll kick your fucking ass.

Oh, oh...
Kick my fuckin' ass.

Yeah.

Hey, man,
I got to get some sleep.

Man, I'm beat.
Jet lag, you know?

Oh, that's cool,
that's cool.

We'll have those mortar rounds
though, right, my man?

Shit, yeah.

Oh!what?

I hear my mommy calling.
She wants to tuck me in.

Nighty fucking night.

Night, night.

Oh, hey, man!

Uh, a priori, eh?

Dominus vobiscum.

Yeah!
Pursuant to the law!

Et cum spiritu tuo.

Yeah, they're always pursuing
the law right up my ass.

Oh! Oh, oh!
Hey, motherfucker!

Time for a little
cavity search!

We're pursuing the law

and we think it went
up your ass.

Up my ass...

Hello?

Emma?

Emma, it's Robert...

Longfellow.

Oh my god.

Well, how are you?

I'm sorry
it's taken so long.

How are you?

Oh, I'm fine.

It's good to hear
your voice again.

I just wanted
to let you know

that I got the book
you sent me.

You mean the one I sent you
two years ago?

It hasn't been that long,
has it?

At least.

Sorry about that.

Well, I'm in town

and I was wondering
where you are with it.

Am I too late?

Well, no.

I had some thoughts
on a screenplay.

I'd love to hear your thoughts,
Robert.

Great.

When can we meet?

Well, thanks for taking me out,
Kevin.

I mean Robert.

Damn, I'll get it right
one of these days.

So who helps you
with most of your errands?

Janey hewlit, mostly.

She lives down the block.

Is that all you're gonna eat?

Yup.

I can't stand oatmeal.
Blech!

Then you shouldn't order it.

What happens
when janey's not around?

You should have some protein.

Have some eggs.

I mean, all this fuss
about cholesterol.

It's for the birds.

I'm happy, mom.

It's a lot of nonsense.

You're right.

Medical research -
who needs it?

You're a real shecky green,
Bobby.

You're a real comedian.

You kill me.

I worry about you, mom.

You do?

I do.

Shocking, isn't it?

Why yes, it is.

I don't think you should be
by yourself anymore.

Nobody gives a damn
about me.

Look, mom,

we've got to make
some decisions here.

You shouldn't be alone.

How long are you staying,
Bobby?

A couple more days.

Hello.

Nice spread.

Thanks.

Life's a funny thing,
isn't it?

But not "ha-ha" funny.

Come on,
it's a laugh riot.

Are you coming in?

So who's this billionaire
you're seeing?

He's not a billionaire.

According to Forbes
he is.

Are you keeping tabs
on me?

Is it serious?

He wants children.

You're ready for kids?

Are you mad at me?

No.

Maybe just a little?

I called you,
didn't I?

Do you know how long
it's been

since we've seen
each other?

Uh...eight years.

Really?

I've been trying
to reach you.

Well, here I am.

Heard about the play.

You heard about it?
From who?

A friend.
Someone I respect.

Who?

She said there were flashes
of the old brilliance.

"Old" brilliance.

She's a big fan.

Of course.

She thought-she hated it.

No.liar.

She thinks
you're brilliant.

She really hated it.

I think
you're brilliant.

You're biased.

Did you read the book?

It's the role
of a lifetime.

I'm glad you called,
Robert.

Me too.

I'll get started
on a screenplay.

Great.

I thought about this
for a long time.

Really?

Yes.

Thanks for coming.

Right.

Hey, Maurice, it's Robert.

I'm good, good.
You?

Good.

Uh, listen,
um, I've thought about it

and I just don't think
I'm the guy for your script.

Yeah.

Well, it's just not my genre,
you know?

I'm afraid I'll botch it,

and I don't want to do that
to you.

I don't want you
to waste your money either.

Right. Right.

Hey, uh, Maurice?

I've got another call
coming in.

Let me take this,
and I'll call you right back?

Okay. Bye.

Hello?

Hey.

Hi.

Emma, I think we should
rethink this.

Rethink what?

Everything.

You don't want to do it?

It doesn't matter
what I want.

What's the matter, Robert?

It's very powerful.

What is?

What we share.

Yes, it is.

We know each other.

Yeah.

Profoundly.

I know.

Why did you call me?

For the job?

For the money?

No.

It's as strong as ever.

Goddamnit.

Isn't it?

Yes.

I love you, Robert.

Christ...

I can be there
in an hour.

I'm here.

Oh, hey, man.

Oh, hey, Robert.
How ya doin'?

Good, good.
What's up?

Oh, um...

Well, I was just thinking about
those beers we were gonna have

and just thought that maybe
we could toss back a few now

if you weren't
doing anything.

I brought some.

Oh, yeah, the problem is

I got a thing
to go to tonight.

I can't blow it off,
if you know what I mean.

Oh, yeah, that's cool,
that's cool.

I can dig that, man.

You gotta do
what you gotta do.

Yeah.

Yeah, but how 'bout
just one?

Yeah, it can't take
too long.

I mean, we're not getting
younger here,

you know what I'm sayin',
dude, huh?

Ah, you can have a fuckin'
frosty before you split,

am I right?

Uh...
Okay, a quick one.

Right on, man,
right on.

You are the fuckin' man,
man.

Oh, hey,
is your mom home?

I got a foul mouth,
dude,

and I don't want to upset
your old lady.

No, she's not here.

She won't be back
for awhile.

Excellent.

Excellent.

Here, man.

Here's to ya.

We have liftoff.

So, how's your mom?

Oh, you know,
she's good

when she's not being
a raging bitch.

But she's okay.
She's okay, you know?

She's good people.

You been workin'?No.

No.

Fuck 'em.

I heard that.

Yeah, I ain't workin'
for slave wages.

No, sir.

Let 'em go to China

and pay the chinks
five cents a day.

I don't give a shit...

Mm-hmm.

If that's what
they wanna do.

Oh. Thanks.

Yup.

Hey.

So, when's your mom
coming home?

Not sure.
Not for awhile, I think.

Dude, I got some bud

that'll take the back
of your head off.

Think she'd notice
if we fired one up?

Oh, no, man,
that won't work.

Well,
let's go outside.

Uh...

You go ahead,
I'll pass.

No, dude,
you gotta try this.

Just one hit.

My buddy got it
from a guy in b.C.

Man, if I had a hit

you'd have to wipe me up
off the floor.

It wouldn't be good.
You go ahead.

Well,
let's try the garage.

Why don't we go
to my room?

Who's that lady?

That would be Mary,
the mother of god,

our blessed virgin.

Right.

So...

What's New York like?

Energetic.

That's serious shit.

I like it.

Never been to New York.

No?

You should go.

No way.

You wouldn't have
any problem there.

Damn straight,
'cause I ain't goin'.

So, what are you?
Are you uh...

Are you doin' theatre,
Broadway and shit?

My mom showed me
that magazine you were in.

Yeah?

Yeah. That was...

That was, uh...

I mean, uh, that was...

I've never known
anybody famous.

No?unh-unh.

I bet you get
a lot of pussy.

You're dreamin'.

Oh, dude.

Oh, no,
come on. Man...

You're in the magazines.
You're good lookin'.

And married.

Yeah. Uh-huh.

Yeah, yeah.
Uh-huh.

Yeah, it must be nice.

I don't think so.

Oh, dude, lighten up.
You're bringin' me down.

Let me just have
a little taste.

Shit.

Ooh...

Tell 'em
everything's cool.

What the fuck, man?
What's going on?

Just tell 'em
it's cool.

Good evening, sir.

I'm here to tell you
that we have an armed suspect

holed up in his house
across the street.

We'd like to position ourselves
inside your home,

as it affords US a safe
and unobstructed view

of his house.

Now we don't want anyone
to get hurt,

so we'd like to escort you
and your family

to safety immediately,

And we'd like to take you out
through the back.

You gotta use our house?

That is correct,
sir.

Did you hear
what I said, sir?

Yeah, we gotta go.

I need to escort you
to the rear of your house.

There are officers
who can assist you.

I'm afraid you're gonna have
to find temporary shelter

until this is resolved.

Okay.

We're staying put.

Oh, come on, Gus.
This is nuts, man.

You can't do this!

I mean, this could
turn out really bad!

You gotta chill, dude.
Everything is gonna be cool,

so just settle
the fuck down.

I'm trying, man,
I'm trying,

but I'm scared to death
right now!

I don't dig this shit!

Well, let's get you a beer,
man;

that'll help.

Gus,

you gotta promise me
that you'll stay cool, man;

that you won't do
something stupid.

Just chill, man,
just chill.

And do me a favor?

Check the windows,
see if they're locked.

Come on, man.

What did you do, Gus?

Why are they here?

What happened?

Let's take a walk.

- What's on your mind, Gus?
- What's your plan here?

- The plan?
- Come on, man.

The plan is uh...

Oh, the plan is that you
and I hoist a few beers, man.

I see.

Let's keep goin'.

Christ, Gus.

A little backup.

Na zdrowie!

Ziveli!

Skaal!

Oh, yeah.

Diggin' that pot?

Yeah.

Makin' me a little jumpy,
I think.

Serious shit.

Ain't it?

Yeah.

I must be trippin'.

I think I'm getting loaded
with a guy holding me hostage.

Yeah?yeah.

Psycho-fuckin'-delic, man!

What the heck
is going on here?

I don't know, Irene,
but they mean business.

So what's on your mind,
Gus?

What's your objective here?

What did you do,
Gus?

Jesus.

Gus, maybe I...

Maybe I should
answer that.

That could be my mom,
you know?

I don't want her to freak out,
have a heart attack.

You mind if I answer it?

Hello?

Oh, yes.
Yes, sir.

Robert longfellow.

I'm fine. Yeah.

He's right here.

Okay.

It's for you.
He wants to have a chat.

Hidey hidey ho.

Uh-huh.

No.

No.

No, sir.

Oh!

Good.

Good.

Yeah, good.

Okey-dokey.

Yeah.

Roger that.

Fuckin'-a!

Huh?

Well...

Let me just put that
in my pipe and smoke it.

What'd he say?

The usual.

Oh, like what?

Wants to know
what he can do for me.

Know
what he can do for me

before he fucks me
up the ass.

Well, that's wrong.

Um... you, uh...

You sure you want to stay
out here, Mrs. Longfellow?

You might want to find
a place to stay for awhile,

or in the police Van.
It'd be a lot warmer.

No.

Ain't this
something else?

I gotta pee.

Me too.

Sword fight?

Unh-unh.

Oh. Okay.

So, what are your
plays about?

Uh...

I hear people say
that you're a commie.

That right?

No. Commie?

My mom said that you
were calling for

the overthrow
of the government.

Your mom said that?

Yeah.

And my dad,
before he died,

I don't want to tell you
what he said about you.

Wow.

Yeah, my dad had his opinions.

Old bastard.

Are you gonna pee or what?
I am dyin' here.

I can't.

Oh, what's the matter?
Can't make it squirt?

Could you turn around?

I can't piss
if you're lookin' at me.

Sorry.

Oh, Jesus. I'm sorry.

Are you shittin' me?!

I'm not going to try
anything, Gus.

Jesus fucking Christ.

All right, dude.

Hurry up!

I'm gonna piss
my shorts here.

Thanks.

Don't ever go
to prison, man.

Irene?

Oh, good lord, Irene.

I-I'm so sorry.

I tried so hard with him.
I just...

I didn't know
what to do.

His father didn't know
what to do either.

Well, there isn't much
that we can do, Betty.

They come out being
who they're going to be.

There's nothing
we can do.

Maybe his father
smacked him too much.

Oh, who knows?

But he just...

He just wouldn't
sit still.

What have we got here?

A little pick me up.

Uh, no thanks.

You'll feel better,
man.

Clears the head
and then you can drink more.

I'm fine.

Suit yourself.

Gus, you sure you want
all that stuff

in your veins right now?

You're gonna want
to know what to do

when the time comes.

You talk to him.
Guy is an asshole.

Hello?

I'm sorry?

This is Robert.

Who?

Oh, hi Elaine.

Yeah.

Yeah, I'm here
for a couple of days.

Mom's not here.

Yeah,
everything's good.

Yeah.

You did?

Oh, well,
th-that's very nice.

Thank you.

He was in New York?

He saw it? Yeah?

What did he think?

Well, tell him
thank you very much.

Yeah.

Well, listen, the next time
you're in New York,

you give me a call,
okay?

All right.

I'll tell mom you called.

Okay.

All right, bye.

Who was that?

It was Elaine gifford.

She used to live next door,
remember?

Oh, yeah.
Had the retarded kid, Dave.

Yeah.

I thought she died.

No.

Yeah,
I thought she um...

I thought she fell over
or something,

hit her head.

No, I think you're thinking
of, uh... what's her name

who used to live
on the corner.

Who?um...

Louise...
What's her name?

O'Conner?yeah, O'Conner.

Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah,
yeah, yeah, I do.

Yeah, Louise O'Conner.

Yeah.

That's right.

Went out in the backyard
to water her flowers...

Mm-hmm.

Tripped, fell,

cracked her head open,
bled to death...

Laid there
for about five days.

Hey, man.

Hey.

That, uh, that sucks.

Dude.

That's wrong.

That's really wrong.

That's really wrong.

Hello?

Yup, it's Robert.
Yeah, we're fine.

Yeah, uh,
let me ask him.

Uh, he doesn't want
to talk right now.

We're, we're doin' good.

Hello?

Cathy, hi.

Okay.

...Some information on this.

Breaking story
out of the valley,

reseda to be exact...

Okay, let's bring in
our entertainment reporter,

David piro, on this.

We have him on the phone

and he has some information
on this.

David, all I know
of Robert longfellow

is that he was...

Excuse me,
I should say "is."

We want to reiterate,
nothing's happened yet.

But as far as we know,

the suspect, Gus Williams
and Mr. Longfellow are alive

and police have been
communicating with them

by phone.

Cathy, I'll call you back.

But to get back
to what we were saying,

Robert longfellow is a writer

and he's written some rather
controversial plays.

Is there any idea
if this hostage situation

has something to do
with longfellow's writing

or political views?

Well, at this time, Don,

we don't believe
that is the case;

that the suspect has any quarrel with Mr. Longfellow

with respect to his writing.

You have to remember
that the suspect,

Gus Williams, is a neighbor,

and from what I can gather

has known longfellow
from childhood.

Well,
that's what I think.

So you'd like to see more
of those kind of stories?

Yeah, I'm sick
of all the movies

they show nowadays.

Nothin' there.

There's no real people
in 'em.

I hear ya.

Do you write, Gus?

Fuck no.
I ain't a writer.

You should try.

What the fuck am I gonna
write about?

Yourself.

What'd you mean
write about me?

Hmm?

You said I should
write about me.

It's a good place
to start.

I got some stories
to tell.

I bet you do.

Lots o' shit.

How come you write plays?

How come plays
and not like books?

I guess I don't have
the talent for books.

Hmm.

Hey, do you think your mom
would care anymore

about me lighting up
inside?

It's the least
of our worries now.

What? Me worry?

I'm still riding
the first hit.

How do you write?

What the fuck
do you do?

Does it all just sit
in your brain ready to go?

Do you make it up?

I steal it.

Steal it from who?

Whoever.

Yeah,
but I don't get it.

Where does all that shit
come from?

I don't have shit like that
stuffing up my brain pipes,

that's for damn sure.

I'd go nuts.

That's why I write.

If I didn't,
I'd flip out.

Got to get it out.

Got to get it out.

Right.

Yeah, but...

How do you know
what they'll say?

That's what I really
don't get.

Usually I just start
with any old thing

that pops into my head.

Then, after awhile,
if it's working,

the characters
sort of take over,

start doing the talking.

Weird.

Say something.

Say what?

Just say something -
anything.

Let's see what happens.
I'll show you.

Okay.

Um...

God bless america.

Why would he do that?

Why would he?

Bless america?

Oh...
Wait, was that...?

Yeah.

Wow.

That's how you...?

More or less.

Let's do another one.

Okay.

Um...

I wish I had
a million dollars.

Mmm, that's not much
these days.

Well... oh.

Mmm...

Maybe not to you,
pal.

Don't act.

Wait, are you...?

No, don't act.
Just be yourself;

say what you think.

Okay.

Okay,
let's try another one.

Yeah, but how do I know
when we're in...

When we're in the play
or not?

Was that a line?

No! I gotta know
when I'm acting!

No acting.

Oh, come on,
you know what I mean, man.

Okay, how about when we want
to drop out of the scene

we raise our right hand.

Good.

Okay, you ready?

Yeah. You go first
this time.

You didn't raise
your hand.

Oh, come on, man.

Okay.

I want to get
out of here.

Is that right?

Yeah.

Where would you go?

Home...

To my family.
I miss them.

How long you been
married?

About 12 years.

Shit.

Yeah.

I didn't get your name.

That was good!

Yeah?

Yeah,
that was really good!

That just pivoted the scene
in a whole unexpected way.

Nice!
And you seem relaxed.

Well, I feel good.

Yeah, so, um,
when you write,

you kinda do the same thing
only by yourself.

It's cool.

I got a headache.

You want something
for that?

Yeah.

There you go.

So, Gus, what happened?
Why are the cops after you?

I fucked up.

Did somebody get hurt?

It feels like
I'm in a compactor.

Hey, man...

What was the name of that broad
you were doing?

Who?

The one you were doing
a ways back.

What's her name?

I don't know.

Oh, she's a big star now,
man!

You know who
I'm talking about!

Emma stiles?

Yeah, fucking Emma stiles,
man!

She rocks.

That is some fine lady.

I wasn't doing her,
man.

Shut the fuck up!

I'm serious!

Well, why not?

Well, I was married
when I met her for one thing.

Yeah,
like that matters.

Wasn't meant to be.

Man.

What does she look like
in real life?

Is she... like...

She's beautiful.

When'd you talk
to her last?

A little while ago.

No shit!Yup.

Oh man,
that is so fucking cool!

I was at her house
yesterday.

No!mm-hmm.

Nice house?

Of course.Of course!

We had tea
and chocolates.

Fucking tea!

You want to talk
to her?

Fuck you!

I'm serious.

Fuck you!

If I can reach her,
you can talk to her.

Well, what the fuck
am I gonna talk about?

Tell her you're a fan.
She'd like that.

Uh...i don't know.

I'm dialin'.

Whoa, shit.

And after this
we'll call it a night.

You and I will walk
out of here?

Oh, you talk to her.

Fine.
Then you can say hello.

Hello?

- Emma?
- Ooh!

Robert!

Hey.

Oh my god,
where are you?!

Well,
I'm at mom's house.

You're on TV.
I was afraid to call.

It's okay, Emma,
everything's fine.

Oh, Jesus, what the hell's
going on in there?!

Well, i'm, uh,
sitting here with Gus

and we're having
some beers,

uh, shooting the shit,
doing some theatre games.

Robert, does he know
you're on the phone?

It's okay, Emma, really.
Everything's fine.

Nobody's hurt.

Listen, um,
Gus wanted to say hi.

He's a huge fan.

Would you mind
saying hello to him?

Are you there?

What do I...
I don't know what to say!

Just say hi.

Emma?

Okay.

Okay.

She kinda knows you.

You're on TV.

We're both famous now.

Uh... hello?

Hello, Gus.

Is this really Emma stiles?

It sure is.
How are you doing?

Man, I recognize your voice.

I recognize her voice!

Well, that's nice.
Um...

So, what's going on?
You guys having some beers?

Yeah, havin' a few,

doing some writing.

Hey, uh, Emma...
Can I call you Emma?

Absolutely, Gus.

Hey, uh, uh, Emma,

I just um...

Holy shit!

I, um, uh, shit,

I don't know
what I was gonna say, Emma.

Um...

I just um...

Hey, I just like your movies.

Well, that's nice.
Thank you.

That's very nice.

I mean, I like you
in the movies.

Thank you very much.

That really means
a lot to me.

I like that one
where you're in the desert.

Um, you mean "horizon"?

Yeah, I thought it was
gonna be a chick flick,

and then I saw it on cable
and, oh,

it was good, man.
I dug it.

Hey, you know how you accidently
killed a guy?

Uh-huh.

And they're like,
"fry the bitch!"

Yup.

Hey, what was that about, man?

Yeah, I know.

Yeah. I mean, who do these
people think they are?

I know.

They fuckin' think
they're judge and jury.

You're right, Gus.

Hold on.

Yeah, hello!

Yeah.

Yeah.

Look, man,
I am busy right now.

I can't, man,
I'm busy.

Well, call me back later.

I'm talking to Emma stiles.

Emma stiles!

Emma?

I'm here.

I am sorry about that.

No problem.

So...

What was I sayin'?

Fry the bitch?

Yeah. That, that, that ain't
what they call due process,

is it?

No fucking way.

That ain't, uh,
uh, what's it called?

Uh, what? Sorry?

Oh, you know.

Uh, not prima facie.

What's that called?

Haymee? Haybee?

Habeas corpus?

Habeas corpus.

Produce the body.

Yeah. What body?

It's Latin.

Whatever. It's fucked up.
Emma?

Yes, I'm here, yes.

Shit.

I can't believe I'm talking
to Emma stiles.

Wait a second,

I think there's another
call comin' in.

Who's j hew...?

I don't know.

Hang on, Emma.

Mr. Longfellow's office.

Hello? It's Gus.

Who?

Oh, hey, Irene.

Oh, I'm fine, fine.
How are you?

- I'm fine, Gus.
- Just fine.

Uh, what's going on
in there?

Oh, you know,

we're hangin' out,
havin' a beer.

Uh-huh.

Yeah. Hey, listen, Irene,

uh, can we just call you
back in a second?

I'm on the other line.

Uh, I want to talk
to Robert.

Yeah, okay.

We'll call you back
in a minute.

And your mom wants
to talk to you.

Okay, we'll get back to you guys
in a minute.

All right.
Uh, janey, what's your number?

No, that's okay, Irene.
No, we got caller I.D. Here.

We got it.

Oh, oh,
all right then.

Y-You'll call back?

In just a minute, okay?
Bye.

Okay, bye.

Emma?

I'm here.

That was Robert's mom.

Oh.

Oh fuck, it's ringin' again!

It's Alice.
Who's Alice?

My wife.

Oh, right.

Let me talk to her?

But what about Emma?

Let me just tell her
I'm okay.

Oh, all right!

Hang on, Emma.

Hey.

Robert, oh, god!
It's on the news!

Listen to me, Alice,
I'm fine.

Everything's okay,
you hear me?

Everything's okay.

We're just, uh,
sitting here with Gus

and we're having a chat
and a beer.

Gus is cool, I'm cool.
Everybody's cool,

and everything's
gonna be fine, okay?

Jesus, Robert,
I was terrified if I called you

it would get you
in trouble.

Alice, it's...

Alice, it's okay.

We're gonna be okay.
Right, Gus?

Gus says
we're gonna be okay.

What's wrong with him?
What does he want?

He just wants to have a beer.

God, Robert...

Listen to me, Alice,

you gotta hang in there,
okay?

I'll call you back
in a little bit, okay?

Alice?

I gotta go, honey.

I love you.

I love you too.

And tell the kids
I love 'em.

Okay, bye.

Robert?

Yeah.

Come home.

I will.

Emma?

Yes, I'm here.

So, uh,

where were we?

I don't remember.

Oh, yeah,
I know what I was gonna say.

What?

You know, you shoulda got
the Oscar that time

for that movie.

"Istanbul"?

Yeah!

Yeah, you rocked in that.

I saw it at the Chinese theatre
and you were-

Fuck!

Fuck! Fuck!

Yeah?!

Look, fucker,
if you don't leave me alone,

I'm gonna set the place on fire
and I'm gonna shoot US both!

So leave me the fuck alone!

Are you still there,
Emma?

Yes, I'm here.

I'm sorry, Emma, I just...

I just lose it sometimes
and I don't know why.

It's okay.

I was always angry.

I lose it too sometimes.

Yeah?

- Yup. Yeah, it's a big problem.
- Got me fired once.

No shit?

No shit.

What'd you do?

I ripped this producer
a new asshole.

Excellent.

Told him he was
a spineless cretin

in front of the whole crew.

I was screaming at him,
inches from his face.

Whoa.

Yeah.

Did he shit himself?

Yeah,
and then he fired me.

- No way.
- Yeah.

They can do that?

They can fire Emma stiles?

Sure.

Jesus.

Gus?

Yeah?

You're not gonna hurt anybody,
are you?

I don't want to see you
or Robert get hurt.

You'll be cool,
won't you?

Promise me you'll stay cool.

Gus?

Yeah?

You know Robert has two kids
and...

They're gonna need their dad.

Do you know what I mean?

I got to go, Emma.

Okay, listen, um,

when this is all over
and you are both safe,

I'd really like to meet you.

Do you think
you could do that?

I gotta go, Emma.

I liked talkin' with you.

You're real nice.
You're good people.

Thanks, Gus, you too.

Okay, so long.

Do you think I could speak
to Robert for a second?

Hey.

Oh my god, Robert,
what is happening?!

Well...

You did good.
I think you made Gus's day.

Robert?

Yeah?

I want to say something.
It might sound a bit...

Go ahead.

Oh, Christ, I don't know.

It was nice to see you.

It was great to see you.

Robert?

Yeah?

We're gonna make
a great film together.

I think you should have
those kids, Emma.

I gotta go, Emma.

Goodbye, Robert.

Goodbye.

So, Gus, what do you think?

You think you're ready
to call it a night?

I'll vouch for you, Gus;

I think you're a good man.

We have just received
some video

of Mr. Longfellow
and Emma stiles

that has been posted
on the Internet.

Gene, can we see
that piece of video?

Uh, there it is right there.

I'm not sure when
or where this was shot.

- But we do know that is...
- That is Robert longfellow.

He is the man being
held hostage

in his childhood home

by Gus Williams,

a man who's done time
in jail.

And, Leslie,
if I'm not mistaken,

longfellow is married,
correct?

- That's right.
- According to David piro,

he has two children
with his wife.

And to be frank, Phillip,

according to several
of my sources,

rumors have swirled around
longfellow and stiles

for years.

That's very interesting,
Leslie.

And as many of you might know,

Emma stiles' career
was launched

in New York some years ago

when she starred in three
of longfellow's plays.

Unfortunately
for Mr. Longfellow,

his last couple of plays
have not been well received,

with his latest,
"American excursion,"

opening to disastrous reviews
and closing last night

after a run of only two weeks.

So needless to say all of this only adds to the...

Well, it just makes
a tense situation

that much worse
for Mr. Longfellow's family,

of course, to know that
this video has been...

I believed you, man.

We are getting this
just in, as well.

Los Angeles county
sheriff's department,

as well as the LAPD
are now confirming...

The liquor store clerk,
shot allegedly by Gus Williams,

has now died from his wounds,

which means the man now holding Robert longfellow hostage...

I've got to call
Alice back.

I need to call my wife.

We're not in right now.

Leave US a message.

Uh... hi, it's me.

I don't know
where you could be.

I just...

Wanted to talk to you, Alice,
and the kids.

I haven't talked to the kids
in a couple of weeks.

Hey, Mitch, I heard you scored
two goals in last week's game.

That is awesome!

I uh...

I wish I could have
been there.

Did anybody have
their video camera?

Listen, I'm gonna make it
to the next game, buddy,

I promise.

And um...

Rosy, you're...

You're my little angel girl,
you're my darling girl.

You're the prettiest
Princess ever.

I wish I was there right now.

I like to watch you sleep.

So um...

Um, I was thinking about
you guys and uh...

Anyway, I...

I gotta go now.

Um...

You take care.

I love you so much.

And um...

You take care of mom for me,
will you?

She needs your help.

And, Alice, um...

There's nothing I can say to you
that won't sound hollow.

Let's do another
one of those...

What do you call them?
There's a word.

It's over, Gus.
It's time to go.

What are they called?

Improv.
Improvisation!

Well, let's do another
fucking improvisation.

Gus, I can't even think.

Let's just do one more...

Before you split.

Okay?

I ain't acting.

Okay.

Excellent.

You go first.

You're good.

Okay, um...

Excuse me, sir,

could you tell me
how to get to carnegie hall?

No, no, no, man,
that sucks.

Let me try it.

Hi.

I'm here to apply
for the job.

Yes, of course.

Come on in
and have a seat.

Thank you.

So, uh,

we'll have you fill out
some forms, of course,

but, uh, first,

we'll start with
a few questions.

Of course.
Ask away.

So, uh, could you tell me
specifically

which job you had
in mind?

R.
Mmm, I see.

And you've worked
in the field before?

Oh yes.

Bertles and James,
ten years.

Very good.

Well, we'll have a look
at your resume a little later,

but first I'd like
to, uh,

get a sense of
who you are personally,

if you don't mind.

Fine.

What do you do
in your spare time?

Do you have any hobbies,
any outside interests?

Oh, yes.

I play chess,
do some gardening,

chase chicks.

Excuse me?

I like to fornicate
with strange women.

I see.
This is a hobby?

What would you call it?

We'll Mark it down
under recreation.

Now, when you were young,

what did you want to be
when you grew up?

A marine like my dad.

Your father was in
the military service?

Damn straight.
Fought in iwo jima.

Killed a lot of japs.

Hmm. What a coincidence.

My father flew b-29's
over Japan.

Incinerated thousands
of civilians.

That was the good war,
of course.

What about you?
Military service?

I was rejected.

Let me guess.

This would have been
during the Vietnam war?

Yup.

And on what grounds
were you rejected?

Mental.

I guess they thought
I was nuts.

And were you or are you now
mentally unstable?

What do you think?

It's not for me to say.

Haven't we met before?

I don't think so.

You don't think so?

I think we have.

Have we?

Do you have
an older brother?

No.
No?
No.

I seem to recall meeting you
and you had a brother.

I think you're mistaken.

You think I'm mistaken?

Look...i don't think so.

I'm not into this,
okay?

You brought it up,
dude.

You want to get out
of here?

Yes.

I'm sorry.
What was the question?

You were rejected

on the grounds
of mental instability?

Why would
they think that?

?you haven't a clue

as to why the United States
marines corps

thought you unfit
for service?

I don't know.

Were you having
trouble in school?

Did you graduate
from high school?

I got the diploma.

But you cheated
to get it.

They talked too fucking fast
in school.

It made my fucking
head hum.

I couldn't hear what they were
fucking saying, all right?!

Hmm. Were you ingesting
toxins?

What?

Drugs!
Were you fucked up?!

I wasn't doin'
fuckin' drugs, man!

They just talked
a bunch of shit

that didn't make sense!

Hmm. So you were
rejected.

Your father must have been
disappointed, no?

Well, he got drunk,

yelled at me
for a few hours.

Well, that was thoughtful
of him.

I knew your brother,
man.

Really?yeah, man.

He and I were pals.

I don't remember you
at all.

We went to sign up
together.

We talked about it for months
before our 18th birthdays.

His was first,

but he waited a month
till mine.

He got in; I didn't.
He died with honor.

He died with honor?

Yeah, that's right.
Killed in action.

Killed in action
defending his country.

Defending his country
from what?

Defending those
people's freedom!

Are you out
of your mind?

You're actually trying
to cling

to that crock of shit?

It is true.

They found him on
a mountain of spent shells.

It took 20 gooks
to kill him.

Hmm.

Well, sir,

I don't think there's any need
to look at your resume.

We have all the information
we need.

We're gonna have to reject
your job application,

I'm afraid.

But unlike the marines,

not on the basis
of mental instability,

but rather low I.Q.

In a word,
you are just plain stupid.

You, sir, are a moron

and there is no place
for you in our firm.

Thanks for coming in.

Fuck you.

Thanks for coming in,
sir.

What is so stupid
about what I said?

Sir,
if you'll excuse me...

Cut the shit!
Why is that stupid?

Because the man in question
did not die

defending his country.

Your brother...

Did not die defending
or protecting US

or anyone else
from anything.

The whole thing was
a senseless orgy of violence

initiated by the u.S.
To exert political control

over another country.

Hmm.

Wow, huh. I didn't see you
raise your hand.

Hmm...

Very "patriotic" of you,
sir.

Come on.

Are we acting or not?

Come on, goddamnit.

You think you know
your shit, huh?

You got it all figured out?
Huh?

Senseless fucking slaughter?
You tell him that!

Tell him.

Hey, Gus, guess what?

I'm walking out
the front door.

You go ahead and shoot.

Ungh!

You stupid,
ignorant fuck!

He joined to please
the old man.

You got it?!

Bullshit.

Bullshit.
We talked about this.

He was gonna stand
for something.

Do you know what's it like
to stand for something,

asshole?!

What do you stand for,
Gus?

Excuse me, Leslie.

We are getting reports
shots have been fired?

The sound of gunfire
has been heard

coming from within
the longfellow house.

Is that correct, gene?

So shots have come
from the house.

Are the police returning fire?

Okay, we're checking on that.

It's not clear
who's doing the shooting,

Shots being fired.

Apparently the shots came
from inside the house.

Hey, Gus.

They're gonna come at US now.

You gotta put the gun down,
Gus.

Come on, Gus.

I didn't mean what I said, Gus.

You were acting.

Oh god.

Mr. Longfellow?

Mr. Longfellow,
are you all right?

Bravo!

Bravo!

Bravo!