Like Sunday, Like Rain (2014) - full transcript
LIKE SUNDAY, LIKE RAIN tells the story of Reggie, a 12 year old rich prodigy who lives in a castle in New York, surrounded by wealth but living a lonely life as his parents are frequently absent. Eleanor is a young musician going through the pains of growing up, who is having problems with her boyfriend and was recently fired from her job. This is a beautiful story about discovery and acceptance.
[Music playing]
Buenos dias, Reggie.
Buenos dias, Esa.
[Speaking spanish].
Look, that woman was
treated like family.
Family... do you understand
what that means?
And she was paid very well.
And now you're telling
me... hold on, I'm talking.
And now you're
telling me... hold on,
I said... that she's
going back to Panama?
I'm leaving in a week!
What am I supposed...
There are berries in there.
You missed one.
[Spanish].
TEACHER: Euler's
equation says that if you
Cut the surface of a sphere
into faces, edges, and vertices,
And let F be the number of
faces, E, the number of edges,
V, the number of vertices,
then you will always
Get... Reggie Kipper.
V minus E plus F equals 2.
That's correct.
Same holds for a
pyramid with five faces,
Four triangular and one square,
minus eight edges and five
Vertices, and really any
other combination of edges,
Faces, and vertices.
Euler was pretty thorough.
TEACHER: Thank you, Mr. Kipper.
Eyes front, Mr. Kipper.
As I was saying,
consider the functions.
Go through the rules,
and you will not fail.
Rules will not fail you.
Your calculus book
theory reports
Are due on Friday... in my
office no later than Friday.
[Alarm clock]
[Flushing]
[Distant music]
Janice?
Hi, it's Eleanor.
Do you... is Dennis there?
No, he didn't come home
after his thing last night.
No, I know.
I'm... I'm not worried.
I just thought maybe
he'd crash with you guys.
No.
I checked in the hall.
He's not there.
OK.
Have a nice day.
Bye.
Hey.
It's me.
Um, it's about 10:30.
You never came home last night.
And... I'm done, Dennis.
I'm done.
Hey.
Hey, you better talk to Greg.
Is he pissed?
Yeah.
Thanks.
I'm sorry.
Sorry don't matter to me.
Just get to work on time.
Pillowed upon my fair
love's ripening breast,
To feel forever its
soft fall and swell,
Awake forever in a sweet unrest.
Still, still, to hear
her tender, taken breath.
And so, live ever or
else swoon to death.
Hey.
Were you trying to
reach me last night?
I ended up at Kirby's.
Someone stole my phone.
Can you believe that?
Oh, OK.
Fine, you're pissed.
How do you think I feel?
Someone stole my phone.
[Phone ringing]
Be right back.
Come with me a sec.
Just take it easy before
you get all emotional, OK?
Look, I really can't
get fired right now,
So could you please just go?
Just let me explain
what happened.
No, I don't want to hear it.
Come on now.
No, I'm through with this.
Look, I'm a fucking musician.
It's my lifestyle.
That's bullshit.
It's what I do.
That's all in your head?
What?
No.
You work at the UPS Store.
That's what you do.
Oh, really, smart ass?
Then why do we have a
regular weekend gig?
You have to pay them
to let you play there.
That doesn't quite
count as a gig.
Well, fuck you, then.
Fine.
No, no.
Come on.
No!
I threw your guitar
out the window.
You what?
You... you fucking
better not have.
Fuck.
Eleanor, you better not have.
Just... just come outside,
and we can just talk it over
For a second.
Please, just... can we talk?
No, we cannot talk.
Would you please, just...
Just come out and talk to me.
Everything OK?
Everything's fine.
Just come outside so we can
talk it over for a second, OK?
GREG: What's happening?
DENNIS: Eleanor, can we just...
Dennis, we can talk later.
Just get out of here.
Just... not later, now.
Would you get out
of here, please?
Just talk to me!
OK, out.
Sorry.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
Eleanor, I'm sorry, OK?
I'm sorry.
Eleanor.
GREG: You too, Eleanor.
Out.
Great.
Great.
[Chamber music]
Eating time.
No reading time.
Did the flower guy call?
No, missus.
I've had a house full of
dead flowers for three days.
Reggie, did you take
the car to school today?
No.
What did I tell you?
I'm not a cripple.
I can walk.
Reggie, you will take the
car to and from school.
I like the air, OK?
I like to breathe in the air.
Then roll down the window.
I've got a car and
driver sitting out there
While you're walking to school.
What's this sauce?
Is it meat-based?
No.
Eat now.
I'm interviewing
girls tomorrow.
I'll do it in the library.
Make sure everyone
takes off their shoes.
Yes, missus.
What happens to Tula?
She went back to Panama?
How come?
Because of her green card.
It's none of your concern.
She didn't say goodbye.
She told me to
tell you goodbye.
Was it 'cause of me?
Guess what.
The universe doesn't
revolve around you.
Sometimes things just happen
to occur in this world, OK?
Whatever that means.
It's no meat stew, Reggie.
[Spanish]
Yes, but is this brown
sauce vegetarian, Esa?
Yes, I tell you.
Is it really necessary to
employ a nanny at this point?
I'm 13 years of age.
BARBARA: You're 12 years of age.
And what are you
going to do when
I go see daddy, live alone
like a little bachelor?
Esa's here.
I go to my daughter on
the 8th for one month.
I know.
I know.
I told you a long
time ago, missus.
Yes, yes.
Esa, Jesus Christ.
Will you bring my wine
up to my bedroom, please?
I'm going to watch "Master
Chef" and go to sleep.
Hi, Mom.
How are you?
Yeah, I'm on a pay phone.
I didn't want to use my minutes.
I know.
Huh?
I don't know.
Linden Street.
How's Shelly?
Are you kidding me?
Why is she doing... don't
let her do that, Mom.
She shouldn't be working
there, no matter how much
She's getting.
I'm fine.
I got fired.
It was just a bunch
of stuff adding up,
And then Dennis came in
and made a big scene.
And I don't really
want to get into it,
But I took my stuff out
of his place and left.
I don't know.
I didn't really plan it all out.
It just happened.
Actually, I was thinking
about maybe coming home
For a little while.
Probably a few weeks.
I'm not sure how long.
No, I'm not going back there.
He wouldn't let me anyway.
I threw his guitar
out the window.
I... I don't know how long, Mom.
Long enough... I mean, till
I get some money together.
I've got $160 to my name.
I'm not going to
bring a lot of stuff.
What do you think
I'm going to bring?
I have everything I own sitting
next to me in one suitcase.
Hello?
Yeah, I'm here.
Hang on.
Yeah, sorry.
Um... it's nothing definite.
I was only thinking about it.
I could stay with
a girl from work.
She said it'd be fine.
OK, well, I should go.
This is probably
costing you a fortune.
OK, I will.
I will.
Don't worry.
Tell Shelly that she shouldn't
be working in that place
No matter what she's making, OK?
I will.
OK.
Bye.
[Music playing]
FRIEND: Courtney.
Yeah?
Oh, hey.
I just want to let you
know, Eleanor's gonna
Stay the night tonight.
Where's she gonna sleep?
FRIEND: On the couch.
What's the problem?
This isn't a freakin' hotel.
God, a nightmare she is.
Is it going to be OK
for me to stay here?
Yeah, don't worry.
If she wasn't such a pain in the
ass, I'd let you stay longer,
But technically it's her place.
Oh, it's fine.
Tonight is fine.
I have somewhere to go tomorrow.
FRIEND: You sure?
Yeah.
I'm just going to lay down and
read my book, get up early,
And try to find a job.
Oh, you know what?
Here you go.
Call these people.
My friend Abby told me about it.
It's like a temp agency.
Au pair service?
Yeah.
It's like a service for nannies.
You ever babysit?
Yeah, I guess.
For my little sister.
Well, there you go.
Call them up, tell them you have
experience babysitting, taking
Care of kids, or whatever.
Oh, my friend Abby got a
job taking care of the kids
Up... what's her name?
The British girl from that show?
Anyway, just dress
nice, go in there,
Bullshit them about
your experience.
I was gonna go in there
myself, but they check
To see if you have a
criminal record, so...
Thanks.
OK.
Well, I'll see you later?
Lock it, will you?
FRIEND: Forget about Sal, Mom.
Sal's not coming back.
I'm not interested in Sal.
Mom!
Mom, I'm not interested in Sal!
Mom, stop talking.
Stop talking while I'm talking.
Stop talking, Mom!
God damn it!
I've been working
in a bar-restaurant,
And I've been
babysitting mostly.
OK.
Like, as a nanny.
WOMAN: A nanny?
Yeah.
I... I was a babysitter
for a family.
WOMAN: And did you want to
list them as a reference?
No, because they
moved back to Europe.
They're from Belgium.
OK, and is there any
way I could contact them?
Probably not.
I could see if I could get
their new number there,
But probably not.
I also took care of
my little sister.
I pretty much took care
of her from the time
She was born until she
was in high school.
My mom worked full
time when we were kids,
So I pretty much raised her.
So I guess you could call
my mom or my sister... I
Mean as a reference.
WOMAN: OK.
Could I see your
driver's license?
Why don't you have
a seat out there?
Six-letter word
for "most spare."
Merest.
Merest?
M-E-R-E-S-T, from
mere... that is,
Solely or no more or better
than what is specified.
Merest, the smallest
or slightest.
[Phone ringing]
Yeah?
What?
It's none of your fucking
business where I stayed.
Do I ask you where
you go all night?
It happens all the
fucking time, Dennis.
And I told you, I'm finished.
Oh, and thanks for getting
me fired from my job
With your little tantrum.
What did you think would happen?
What?
No, I'm not coming back.
I told...
OK.
We don't usually move
forward until we've
Had a chance to check
everything over thoroughly,
But something's come in that
you might be perfect for,
And I don't want to miss out.
It would start immediately,
possibly this afternoon.
How does that work?
Yeah.
Yes, I can start immediately.
This afternoon?
Yeah.
It's a live-in situation.
OK.
They're looking for someone
on a temporary basis,
A couple of months,
could go longer.
How does that work?
It's fine.
It's a family on
the Upper West Side.
It would essentially
require you looking
After their 12-year-old,
a little light housework.
Yes?
Yes.
Great.
Here's the address.
They'll be expecting you.
It's a brief interview with
the woman of the house.
On your way, stop
at a drugstore,
Pick up a little light blush and
something subtle for your eyes.
It's a bit much.
Better get moving.
Hello?
Hi.
Barbara Kipper.
Eleanor Logan.
Well, then.
Let's go in the
library and chat.
You are from upstate?
Yeah.
OK, well, my nanny
left unexpectedly.
My husband is in
China, in Beijing.
That's where his company,
his business is based.
I will be joining him
there in less than a week.
Do you smoke?
No.
If you're going to smoke,
only on the balconies.
There are 15
different balconies.
Choose one if you want to smoke.
OK.
I don't smoke.
So Reggie, what
did Claire tell you?
Anything?
Very little.
He's 12.
Basically you get him to and
from school and make sure
He eats.
That's it.
Anything else you need,
Esa will help you.
Esa?
Yes, ma'am?
Christ.
You're two feet away from me.
Don't do that.
Yes, ma'am.
Helena here is going
to take over for Tula.
Eleanor.
Do you have a boyfriend?
No.
If you want to
see your boyfriend,
Go to his house or wherever,
because it is strictly
Prohibited here.
OK?
OK.
See, here's the thing.
He's got to eat.
If you don't make him, he won't.
He only likes certain things.
He's very picky about it.
No meat, vegetarian only.
He doesn't eat meat,
fish, or poultry.
He doesn't eat anything except
tofu and vegetarian stuff.
What time is he out today?
He has his music until 4:30.
Great.
So you will pick him up at 4:30.
I absolutely do not want him
walking to or from school.
A, it's not safe.
B, that's why I employ a driver.
So we're set.
Esa, make sure Laura here
gets the whole rundown
On everything.
I've got my massage
in 15 minutes.
I'm going to take my
pill and get ready.
[Music playing]
Uh, excuse me.
Hi.
Hi.
I'm Eleanor.
I'm here to pick you up.
Did they tell you?
They didn't tell you.
OK.
Well, the car's right there.
Actually, I prefer to walk.
Well, your mom really
wants you to take the car.
Despite what my
mother might have said,
I have an arrangement with
the guy... an understanding,
A financial agreement.
Now, I aim to walk home.
It's my thing.
I do it every day,
rain or shine.
Period, the end.
Fine.
Fine.
Hey.
Yeah?
Would you hang on a second?
I'm Eleanor.
Reggie.
Pleased to meet you.
Likewise.
Isn't that thing
a little heavy?
Yeah, but I don't mind.
It was pretty amazing.
I'm sorry?
Your playing.
I mean, that piece is
absolutely gorgeous.
Thanks.
The way the viola and
the violins interact,
It's so sad and beautiful.
Who composed that?
Me.
You composed it?
I did.
Oh, wow.
Oh, you must really
love doing that.
I mean, I could tell
you really love to play.
Something to do.
Is that what you want
to do when you grow up?
When I grow up?
Yeah.
No.
Why not?
Why not?
Well, let's see,
first off the prospect
Of ending up a bitter
and lonely drunk
Doesn't quite appeal to me.
OK.
And not to mention the fact
that art, as a language, dead.
It doesn't matter
what you have to say
Or how well you might
be able to say it.
Dead.
Kind of a bleak view.
Yes, it is.
Boom.
Douzeper.
What is that?
Looks like 120 points to me.
It's not a word.
It is a word, dickhead.
Noun, plural, one of
the 12 legendary nights.
You should know that,
with all your Dungeons
And Dragons nonsense.
If you say so.
I can't believe that little
fox is going to be living here.
She is so hot.
Man, is she hot.
That's what you say about every
girl you come in contact with.
No.
Just the super-hot ones.
It's only because
you're confused, awkward,
And insecure.
OK, Mr. Freud.
And convinced you'll never get
a girl to have sex with you.
Right, sure, OK.
This looks so good.
What's the sauce?
Just eat it.
ESA: Meatless brown gluten.
Eat it, Reggie.
It's vegetarian stir fry.
She's always trying to sneak
beef broth into everything.
Sounds like a great set-up.
I can't believe how
fast it all happened.
That's what kind of scares
me about the whole thing.
I talked to the
mother for, like,
10 minutes before
she hires me to take
Care of her 12-year-old son.
Next thing I know,
I'm living there.
Sounds like you
totally lucked out.
I mean, what's the big deal?
They're, like, gazillionaires.
The house is the size
of Grand Central.
And what do I know about taking
care of a 12-year-old boy?
Free room and board.
Plus you get paid.
What more could you want?
And besides, you lived
with Dennis for a year.
You should be fine
with a 12 year old.
Yeah, right.
Maybe just see him
and have some closure.
I mean, you threw his
guitar out the window.
Yeah, that's right.
I did.
Fuck him.
That was my closure.
Back uptown to the rich folk.
Bye.
ELEANOR: Bye.
[Cello music]
Whoa.
No, no, no, no, no.
Don't stop.
It's beautiful.
No, it's really not.
I'm not feeling too inspired
for the cello these days.
Is this where you practice?
It's the best
place in the house.
Perfect acoustics.
This place.
I mean, this house
is incredible.
It was built by Captain
Francis Falk in 1898.
He also designed the
Museum of Natural History
And was clearly a fan of big,
overbearing swimming pools.
Why is it empty?
Uh, my mom was going to get
tiles hand-made in Majorca
Or something or other.
I guess she hasn't
gotten around to it.
A lot of things in this house
she hasn't gotten around to do,
As you can plainly see.
Yeah, but in the meantime
you could be swimming in it.
No, not me.
Don't know how.
What?
Why?
I guess nobody ever taught me.
Well, that won't do.
I'll teach you.
Mm.
So good.
I go eat my dinner now.
Please let me know
you need something.
I wish she'd eat
in here with us.
She likes it in there.
That's weird.
Is it?
She likes to eat in
there on her own.
She reads the "TV Guide."
Sometimes she watches Telemundo.
Perhaps you're projecting
your own personal mores
And expectations onto her.
[Music playing]
Here is to a stellar and
triumphant performance.
Thanks.
So what's the plan?
You got anything lined up with
your quartet for the summer?
I think I may be a
little burnt on the cello.
It could be you
just need a break.
Yeah.
Maybe I do.
I think I'm gonna take
a break from the cello.
I mean, I was only suggesting
a week or something.
And then, you know,
come back to it.
No.
You're right.
No one under the age
of 75 is interested
In that dusty and
antiquated music anymore.
Its time has come and gone.
That isn't true.
I didn't mean a long break.
I wasn't suggesting that.
No, I think a
break is in order.
It's old-fashioned and obsolete.
Anyway, I don't want
to talk about it.
So where are you from?
Oneida, New York.
It's a little town
near Syracuse.
Of course.
I've heard of it.
Oh?
I was researching a paper
on prewar city design, which
Involved quite a bit of reading
on that particular region.
Oh.
So was it nice
growing up there?
It was nice when I
was little, I guess.
Maybe that's just
how I remember it.
Now everyone's broke
and unemployed,
And everything's all rundown.
Any siblings?
You mentioned an older brother.
I have a younger
sister as well.
What does she do?
She works in a bar.
And your brother?
Uh, he's in the army.
Oh.
He's in Afghanistan.
Oh.
What about your parents?
Finish your ice
cream before it melts.
Pencils down.
This will count
towards your final GPA.
Your calculus books are
due in my office on Friday.
That's no later than Friday.
That's not Monday.
That's Friday.
Hey.
How'd it go?
I'm just glad it's over.
I hate physics.
Physics be damned.
How was the calculus exam?
Great.
This guy?
How the heck does
he stay so calm?
Because I'm not spastic
like you, that's how.
OK, OK.
Who wants a Jamba Juice?
We've got to get going.
Your mom's leaving today.
Oh.
Where's she going now?
Mind your own business.
OK.
Take it easy.
Do I ask you
questions every time
Your mother goes somewhere?
I'm sorry.
It's OK.
Sorry, I didn't mean to snap.
We have to use the car.
Your mom's leaving for
the airport in an hour.
[Spanish conversation]
Un cafe?
No way, Jose.
ELEANOR: I'm sorry I'm late.
My alarm didn't go off.
Good morning, lady.
Don't we have to
take you to camp?
What time?
Sit down.
Have a cup of coffee.
Yes, he has camp start today.
But he says he won't go.
Well, he has to go.
What do you mean he won't go?
He says he won't go.
OK, come on.
We're going to be
late, and I don't even
Know where to take you.
Where do I take him?
Relax, I'm not going.
Well, it isn't up to you.
Oh?
Who's it up to?
Your mother left me very
specific instructions.
Is that so?
Yes, it is so.
Don't get wise with me, kid.
Who's getting wise?
I'm not getting wise.
I'm just sitting here
doing the crossword puzzle.
I stay out of it.
I don't know anything about it.
It just seems to me,
those instructions
Left you by my mother couldn't
have been all that specific,
Seeing as how you don't
know where or when I'm
Supposed to go.
You're going to camp.
Hey, this doesn't look half bad.
This isn't gonna happen.
What is so bad about it?
You get to go to camp in
the country at a lake,
For God's sakes.
I wish I could go.
Oh, really?
Mm-hmm.
Camp songs, sing-alongs,
mundane trivial debate,
And pointless conversations
involving sports, heroes,
And action movies.
And that's just on the bus.
Never mind the canoeing,
the obstacle courses,
The campfires, the
adolescent camaraderie.
Adolescent camaraderie is good.
You're an adolescent.
Look, this is my mother's
ill-conceived notion.
It's not mine.
Maybe we should call her.
I would strongly advise
against doing that.
Just let me take care
of it from my end
And avoid the complication.
I'm responsible for you.
Then do the responsible thing.
I'll be right back.
OK.
We're all set.
What do you mean we're all set?
Well, I know that guy.
He's going to take care of it.
Wait, hold on.
He marks my name down, and I
send him a check in the mail.
No questions asked.
Wait, you send him a check?
It's OK.
I have an arrangement
with the guy.
Try to understand, OK?
I simply do not belong at camp.
Are you hungry?
I bet you're hungry.
I know this great place
not far from here.
You like eggs Benedict?
It's all organic.
Here, come on.
Wait, hold on.
Hold on.
ELEANOR: $52 for
a spinach salad?
It's a heck of a salad.
Trust me.
Everything here, top notch.
I usually get the
wild mushroom risotto.
Go ahead, get whatever you like.
I got this.
We have an account here.
I guess just the garden salad.
That's all?
Eat.
This guy is a world-class chef.
What are we supposed to
do for the next six weeks?
This is New York City, kid.
Never a loss for
things to do here.
Trust me.
It just seems wrong.
You're supposed to
be in that camp.
Camp Pinnacle is not
an option for me, OK?
It never was.
Now, let's not refer
to camp anymore.
But it's not up to you.
Yes, it is.
No one cares.
No one cares where I am.
That isn't true.
Look, I don't
mean it like that.
It's just a fact.
The operation continues whether
I'm at camp or home reading.
Personally, I'd rather be home
reading if it's all the same.
And it is, believe
me, all the same.
What about Esa?
What about her?
She's fine.
Do you think she's concerned
where I am or what I'm doing?
She works in the house.
It's just weird.
It's so weird, Reggie.
Yes, well, this is my life.
Welcome to the weirdness.
I'm just trying to navigate
a course towards safety
And sanity the best
way I know how.
OK.
[Chuckling]
[Vibrating]
[Vibrating]
[Giggling]
DENNIS: I was about to give up.
What the fuck are you doing?
Clearly I've been trying to
get in touch to talk to you.
No, I'm not trying to play,
like, head games or some shit,
OK?
I'm serious.
I have ended this relationship.
I thought maybe we
could just talk it over.
You fucked around
a million times, OK?
You... you get drunk with
your stupid friends.
You treat me like shit.
So just forget it.
Forget it.
Go home.
Look, I made a mistake,
and I realize it now.
I just want to talk.
We talked.
Stop texting me.
Eleanor?
I mean, ever since you left,
I've been so, like, despondent.
OK, I'm sorry that
you're feeling bad now.
Maybe you should have
thought about that before.
I wrote a bunch
of songs about you.
I want you to hear them.
Jesus Christ.
Let's go get a drink.
Let's go down to Scratcher.
Bill's DJing over there.
ELEANOR: What are
you talking about?
It's just a drink,
just to talk.
Are you listening
to me in any way?
I'm working, you idiot.
I'm all messed up inside.
I haven't been able to sleep.
I haven't eaten.
If you think that this cloying,
whining, like, desperate act is
In any way attractive or
appealing, you're wrong.
So goodbye.
Goodbye.
Eleanor, come on.
Please.
Oh, so you're just going
to be like that now?
So in other words, you're
just going to move on?
Not in other words.
In those exact words.
Well, fine, but you're
going to pay for that guitar.
Make no mistake.
Fucking bitch.
What are you doing out here?
What's going on?
Nothing.
Go inside.
You're going to
pay for my shit.
Fucking bitch.
Hey.
Are you OK?
Yeah.
I'm good.
I'm so sorry about that.
Can I make you a snack?
I can whip up some veggie
soba noodles real quick.
Or how about some tofu curry?
It's no problem.
You should eat something.
Sure.
Great.
We can finish
watching the movie.
If you don't mind me asking,
is he prone to such outbursts?
No.
Not that I was aware, anyway.
What a colossal mistake.
Life is a series of
colossal mistakes.
I'm doing a horrible job
of taking care of you.
What are you talking about?
You're doing a great job.
No.
I don't want you to
know about this stuff.
What stuff?
My stuff.
The sordid details
of my break-up,
The stuff that happens
in my personal life.
We don't know each
other that well,
And you're too
young to understand.
Don't be too sure about that.
I have a great deal
of understanding.
God.
Well beyond my years.
Look, I just don't want
you to worry about it
Or think about it.
OK?
OK.
I won't worry about it.
I'm not worried about it.
Good.
But I can't guarantee
I won't think about it.
It's what I do.
I think about things.
It's my nature.
Fine.
You can think.
Fair enough.
Whoa, really?
What?
An uncharacteristic
lapse by the master.
You just left yourself
open for some brute force.
Got your horsey horse.
Doesn't matter.
I'll still win.
So you know how
we were supposed
To go to Sydney,
Australia, for vacation?
Yeah.
Well, now we're not.
Oh?
Yeah.
My dad lost his shirt in some
deal with this guy in Stanford,
Or some guy named
Stanford, who knows?
Anyhow, I had to
go to karate camp.
That sounds awful.
I mean, why on earth does he
think I need to learn karate?
Maybe 'cause you're constantly
getting your ass kicked.
What I'd really like to do
is this hip-hop dance camp.
That should do wonders
for your profile.
It's like this hip-hop
camp they have... like,
You know, dancing hip-hop
style and stuff like that.
I know what it is.
It's horrifying.
Don't do that.
That's easy for you to say.
You get to sit in
the park all day
With your hot-as-hell nanny.
Yep, that's what I do all day.
Here, check it out.
There are all these super-fly
lookin' ladies in the pamphlet.
Mm-hmm.
And you figure all
these fly-looking ladies
Are going to be there,
just waiting your arrival?
Got to be in it to win it.
Good luck with that, buddy.
Of course my dad said no.
Smart man.
He just made some
vaguely racist remark
And threw it in the trash.
Checkmate.
Rats.
Gotta get your head
out of the clouds.
Sugar-free Juicy Fruit?
[Music playing]
ELEANOR: I really
love that painting.
REGGIE: She kind
of looks like you.
I beg your pardon?
I mean in the eyes.
Good, because
she's fairly round.
Do you know anything
about Modigliani?
No.
I'll be I'm about to.
He died in penurian squalor
in 1920 at the age of 35.
What's penury?
Extreme poverty.
Mm.
Yeah, he was
discovered by a neighbor
In the final throes of
tubercular meningitis.
Evidently, his bed was
littered with bottles
Of alcohol and
empty sardine cans.
His girlfriend,
Jeanne Hebuterne,
Was there taking care of him.
You'd think she could
have cleared away
Some of the sardine cans.
She was nine months pregnant
with their second child.
Two days after his
death, she threw herself
Backwards from a
fifth-floor window.
Whoa.
Can I ask you a question?
Sure.
When did you first
become so advanced?
I'm not sure I became advanced.
Well, I mean, for instance,
when did you start to read?
I was able to read when
I was 18 months old.
I guess that might have
been when I became advanced.
What were you reading when
you were 18 months old?
My mother walked in, and I
was reading "Oh, the Thinks You"
"Can Think" by Dr. Seuss.
Out loud?
Yep.
She must have flipped out.
She was quite amused.
She'd bring me out at parties.
That's insane.
Yes, it is insane.
It's insane to wake a child
of less than two years of age
And insist that he sit in
the middle of the table
And read "Oh, the
Thinks You Can Think"
Out loud for a bunch
of drunk people.
Holy cow!
And then... let's see.
I guess right around
when I was four,
They figured out I was
a sort of math prodigy,
Solving pretty
intricate math problems.
Wait, what?
Multiplying seven to 10
digit numbers in my head.
I could give you the cube root
of pretty much any number.
Like Rain Man.
No, I believe that character
was an autistic savant.
As you can tell, I'm alert,
extroverted, affable,
And articulate.
Of course.
And not to mention
devilishly handsome.
Not to mention.
For me, it's always been
like a native language...
Numbers, playing
music, composing.
It's just the way I came out.
My father, evidently, was
extremely intelligent.
What does he do in China?
Who?
Your dad.
He doesn't do
anything in China.
He's dead.
My mother remarried.
I'm sorry.
Thanks.
It was a long time ago.
I was three.
How did he die?
Someone ran him over.
He was in Zurich.
They drive like
maniacs over there.
ELEANOR: Yeah, wow.
He was a concert pianist.
He traveled quite a bit.
He also held a degree
in physics from MIT.
Sounds amazing.
I'm sure he had his
problems, like everyone else.
However, I like to idealize
him into some mythic figure.
It makes me feel better.
I guess he also
drank a great deal.
People will do that.
You hungry?
Come on.
[Bolia singing]
Wow.
I forgot how bad
Bolia's cooking is.
This stuff tastes like gravel.
Want me to ask her to
fix you something else?
Nah.
She's nice.
[Vibrating]
Hey, want to sneak out of
here, go get some Chinese?
There's a great place
in my old neighborhood.
I'll keep her busy.
You dump the stuff
don't the sink.
[Speaking spanish]
No, gracias.
We're gonna go for a walk.
[Speaking spanish].
No, gracias.
You can shut down the
kitchen for the night.
[Speaking spanish]?
Si, gracias.
Si.
Gracias, Bolia.
[Speaking spanish]?
Si.
It's crazy to take the subway
when you have a car and driver.
Yeah, well.
Thank you.
Why not let him go
and save the money?
He's a good guy.
Yeah, but he never
drives anyone anywhere.
He practically lives in
the front seat of that car.
Actually, he was
in Crown Heights
With his wife and
seven-year-old daughter,
Who suffers from cerebral palsy.
I've kinda got a
soft spot for him.
Plus he's got my back,
if you know what I mean.
Not really.
What'd I tell you?
Good, huh?
Amazing!
I can feel the MSG in my toes.
Oh, yeah.
We're gonna get sleepy.
REGGIE: Oh, yeah.
[Vibrating]
Another thing about Gerard,
he used to work for John Gotti.
ELEANOR: Who?
Gerard, my driver.
Mm.
He used to be a
soldier for Gotti.
Mm, is that so?
I believe he may
still have some ties
To some of those folks.
I was thinking that he
might be of some assistance.
With what?
Your situation.
I don't follow.
Your situation
with your boyfriend.
Oh my god.
He won't be an issue
in your life after that.
Trust me.
Are you out of your mind?
It used to be his job,
that kind of thing.
Would you just drop
the subject, please?
He could just go and
have a talk with him.
I appreciate the
concern and all.
Just a suggestion.
I told you not to
worry about any of that.
OK, OK.
Jesus.
OK, come on.
Where are we going?
It's a beautiful day.
Let's go for a walk in the park.
Do you happen to know
who Liu Hoi Sing is?
Why don't you
practice the cello?
You could take it on one
of the balconies and play.
He was the first Chinese
person to settle in New York.
He arrived in 1862.
He married an Irish woman
who bore him two daughters.
Get your cello.
You haven't practiced in weeks.
Ah, I'm done with the cello.
It takes too much out of me.
Don't say that.
I have no interest
in the cello.
All right.
Fine.
Let's go to the park.
We're at that stinkin'
park every stinkin' day.
Then let's go to a
different stinkin' park.
Hey.
Should we call up one of
your friends and, you know,
Set up some kind of play date?
Play date?
Yeah.
Aren't you getting a little
sick of hanging around with me
All day?
No.
Not at all.
Are you getting sick of me?
No.
Of course not.
I just thought maybe one
of your musician friends.
Are you kidding me?
What?
They're not my friends.
I don't have friends like that.
I told you.
Come on.
Those people
barely speak to me.
Well, I'll bet if you opened
up, they'd really like you.
Perhaps you need to
make more of an effort.
Well, let's at least call Raj.
I know he's your friend.
He's at karate camp.
Hey!
You want to play Four Square?
No thank you.
Come on, Ben.
[Bolia singing]
Man alive, that's harsh.
We gotta find a way to
keep her out of the kitchen.
It's lentils, I think.
[Speaking spanish].
We love it.
We were just discussing
the delectable taste.
[Speaking spanish].
[Vibrating]
It might be time to
change your number.
[Speaking spanish].
Lord help us.
Yeah, what do you want, Dale?
I'm working.
Yeah?
Uh-huh?
How long has he been in there?
Well, is anyone with him?
Yeah, OK.
Fine, I will.
Why didn't you call me before?
Can I speak to my mother?
Oh.
No, it's fine.
I just don't understand
why no one told me sooner.
OK, thanks.
Who was it?
That was my Uncle Dale.
Is everything OK?
Yeah.
My dad's in the hospital.
What's wrong with him?
He's very sick.
He's been sick for
a long time, but I
Guess now it's just really bad.
What does he have?
He's just very sick,
related to his alcoholism.
Cirrhosis of the liver?
I'm gonna have to go up there.
To Oneida?
Anything I can do?
No, it's OK.
I called my friend Sylvia.
She's going to come and stay
with you for a couple days
While I'm away.
Sure.
I don't want to call your mom
and cause any undue stress.
Sure.
Is that OK?
Well, I don't see why not.
I mean, I don't know.
I don't know Sylvia.
She's great.
I mean, she's fine.
I'm only going to be
gone for 48 hours.
OK.
I could call the agency and
do it according to protocol,
But I don't want
to stir the pot.
No.
I wouldn't do that.
It's OK.
Don't worry.
I don't want to go.
I just think he's going to die.
So...
I'll tell you what I think.
I think that you and me should
travel up to Oneida together.
I'll keep you company.
[Music playing]
You like M&Ms?
We got M&Ms.
He doesn't eat that stuff.
No, thank you.
You like Ritz crackers?
We got Ritz crackers.
Or beer nuts?
How about beer nuts.
No, thank you.
I can go to Wegman's and
get some stuff tomorrow.
I'm sure as shit not
going nowhere tonight.
So what do you like
to do, little boy?
He likes to read.
He's very smart.
What grade you in?
Fourth, fifth.
Well, that's
somewhat complicated.
He's very smart.
Oh, OK.
Why don't you take your
coats off and stay a while?
Because it's freezing in here.
How about turning on the heat?
You want to pay my
[inaudible] bill?
It's summertime,
for crying out loud.
So?
It's, like, 40 degrees in here.
So how long you
planning to stay?
Are you kidding me?
I just walked in the door.
All right, everybody.
I'll go see Dad in the
morning, and then we'll
Go get back on us.
How's that?
Don't give a hell
how long you stay.
Stay as long as you want.
Just keep your
hands off the heat.
It's summertime.
Jesus, Eleanor.
You got a real attitude.
I'll see Dad,
and then we'll go.
You like meatloaf, little boy?
I got a big old
meatloaf in the freezer.
No, thank you.
Oh, what a slob my sister is.
She's got a lot of stuff.
We can't sleep in this room.
It'll be OK.
Would you be more comfortable
if we stayed in a hotel?
Yes.
But I can't afford that.
Yes, but would you
be more comfortable?
I need to borrow your car.
Where the hell you going?
We're going to stay at a hotel.
For chrissake, Eleanor.
I'll bring it back
after the hospital.
What time?
Where... where you going?
It's 9 o'clock at night.
What the hell you gonna
do, go driving around town
With this little kid?
I don't know if
there's gas in there.
What hotel do you
think you're going?
I'll put gas in it.
That room's a mess.
We can't sleep in there.
Well, if we knew what
time you were coming
And that you were
bringing guests,
We would have straightened up.
Can I borrow your car or not?
I don't know if
there's gas in there.
I'll bring it back
in the morning.
DALE: You're welcome.
They have a pool.
Closed for renovation.
Oh, well.
So is Dale your mom's brother?
My dad's.
They got married when
my parents split up.
Wow.
They were all friends
in high school.
My dad joined the service,
went to fight in the Gulf War.
Dale was there for her, I guess.
And then my dad came home.
He was all messed up and started
doing all this bad stuff,
So they got divorced,
and Dale moved in.
I'm tired.
Go to sleep.
When I close my eyes, it feels
like I'm still on the bus.
What made you leave?
Your whole family's here.
I think you just answered
your own question.
I wanted to go to Juilliard.
To be an actress?
No.
God no.
For music.
For music?
Yeah, I play the cornet.
What?
The cornet.
It's like a trumpet
only smaller.
I know what a cornet is.
So you're a musician?
Yep.
Why didn't you tell me before?
I didn't not tell you.
How long have you played?
Since the fourth grade.
They did this test to check
everyone's tonal ability,
And I got a perfect score,
so I got the free rental.
Wait, free rental?
That's how you started
playing the cornet?
Yeah.
Well, actually I wanted to play
the trumpet, but they were out.
So they handed me
a cornet, which
Was fine by me, because
it's easier to play.
And the case was a lot
lighter to carry around.
That was lucky.
Yeah.
I played in the band
all through high school.
I loved it.
I was chosen to play in the
special, like, all-star band
They put together
for the ceremony
To open the new war
memorial in Syracuse.
That sounds like a big deal.
Hillary Clinton was
there to cut the ribbon.
I got to play a solo.
So what happened
with Juilliard?
They invited me to attend.
Wow.
Yeah.
But they couldn't offer
me a full scholarship,
So I didn't have enough
money for the tuition.
That's awful.
Not really.
I'm not sure I really
wanted to go there.
So what did you do then?
Got a job waiting tables,
started playing in the subway.
No.
Yeah.
I'd play all these,
like, Beatles songs,
And I made good money.
That's how I met Dennis.
In the subway?
Yeah.
He saw me, and one
day he just started
Hanging out there
on the platform.
The trains would come
and go, and we'd just
Sit there on the bench.
Did he give you money?
Oh, yeah.
After a while, he started
bringing me coffee and stuff.
One time he dropped a bag
of Skittles in my case.
It was cute.
And then finally
I asked him, you
Know, hey, you ever
going to say hello?
What did he say?
He said he didn't
want to bother me.
He just loved the
sound of my trumpet.
What did you say?
I said, it's not
a trumpet, dummy.
It happens to be a cornet.
What did he say?
I don't remember.
Then he took me to lunch at
this Korean barbecue place,
Which I thought was really cool.
And we started, you
know, hanging out.
Like boyfriend-girlfriend?
No, not right away.
He had a band.
That was the other thing.
He asked me to join his band.
He plays guitar.
Well, not anymore, since
you threw it out the window.
Yeah, well, I don't feel
so good about doing that.
I let my emotions
get the better of me.
So where's your cornet?
I don't have it anymore.
Why not?
Long story.
Got in a little
financial situation.
You sold it?
Sold it?
Yeah.
It was a nice horn too, an Olds.
My dad bought it for my
high school graduation.
Total surprise.
I didn't even know he was there.
I hadn't seen him for a while.
And then when I was
leaving the ceremony,
He was waiting in
the parking lot.
He was holding this case
with a big red bow around it.
Well, good night.
Good night.
What was the name of that piece
you wrote for the recital?
"Like Sunday, Like Rain."
So beautiful.
I'll write a part for cornet.
[Music playing]
Hey, Shelly.
Hey, Eleanor.
This is Reggie.
You dyed your hair.
So, I heard that you guys
stayed at Days Inn last night.
I'm sorry the room
was such a mess.
Yeah, you could have
cleaned it up a little bit.
Yeah, well, that's
kind of hard to do
When you're working
40 hours a week.
And what are you doing
working in that place?
There are plenty of places
besides that to work in.
You know what?
It is none of your
business where I work.
Are you going to cover
my fucking car insurance
And payments for me?
Come on.
Yeah.
I didn't think so.
That's right.
Acting all high and mighty
in front of your friend.
Where'd you go?
Don't tell me you
stayed at the Days Inn.
Mind putting out the cigarette?
There's a child present.
Where's Dale?
Sleeping.
You like Lucky Charms?
I got Lucky Charms.
He's fine.
No, thank you.
Here's his lousy keys.
I'm calling a taxi.
Where you going now?
Bus station.
Bus station?
Did you see your father?
I thought that's
what you came to do.
Yeah.
Yeah, I saw him.
How about you?
Have you seen him?
Has anyone here bothered to
go down there and see him?
Keep your voice down.
You have had a bug up your
ass since you showed up here.
What's the matter?
Yeah, I'd like a taxi.
59 Pennwick Street.
Yeah, to the bus station.
Thanks.
What the hell is all
this noise going on?
He's on life support, Dale.
Yeah, I know that.
They said that they've
been calling you,
And you never called him back.
Do you know what his
veteran benefits cover?
Not very much.
That's the reason they
have been calling here.
I... I just don't
understand why.
Would it have been so hard
for you to go down there
And sit with him?
He's your brother.
He was all alone.
Hey, I didn't see
you nowhere when
Things started getting bad, so
don't go giving me no lectures.
We'll wait on the corner.
MOM: Come back in
the house, Eleanor.
Go to hell!
Hey, Eleanor.
Take it easy, will you?
I'm never coming
back here again.
DALE: Just come back inside.
Eleanor.
Eleanor!
[Music playing]
Sorry.
That's all they
had in the station.
This is fine.
Thanks.
Good.
Are you really never
going back there?
Where?
Home.
You said that you were
never gonna go back there.
Who knows?
Probably someday, to see my
brother if he ever comes back.
And you know, I worry
about my sister,
Though sometimes I
want to strangle her.
She could come see
you in New York.
Sure.
I think actually I'm
gonna head out West.
Out West?
This friend of mine lives in
Idaho, works at a ski resort,
Makes pretty good money.
She's always telling me she
could hook me up with a job
There.
Sounds cold.
It's really pretty.
I've seen pictures.
It's not cold all the time.
So that's what you're gonna do?
Yeah, I think so.
What about the cornet?
What about it?
I'll come back to it someday.
You have to.
Why don't you read your book?
Finished it.
"Grapes of Wrath," there's
a happy story for you.
You have a gift, and you have an
obligation to take care of it.
What are you talking about?
For all you know, I
could be the worst cornet
Player in the whole world.
I don't think so.
I don't think you
would have been chosen
For that all-star band
if that were the case.
You certainly wouldn't
have gotten into Juilliard.
It's a crime to deprive
the world of your art.
I thought you
said art was dead.
Yes, and it will
remain that way
If all the great artists
abandon their cornets
And move to Idaho.
Just promise me you'll
come back to it.
Promise me you'll come
back to your music.
I will if you will.
Deal.
I dozed off.
You breathe so
deeply when you sleep.
I was dreaming.
I was at this lake
that we used to go
To when I was a little girl.
Dennis was there.
Did you love him?
I guess so.
I thought I did.
Did he love you?
He said he did.
He told me he did, but
you know, who knows?
First he was nice, and then
he started treating me bad
And lying and stuff, so I
guess you never really know.
Do you think you're ever going
to get married, have kids?
So many questions.
Sorry.
I'm just curious.
I don't think so.
I don't think that stuff is
all it's cracked up to be.
I've never seen it work.
I would disagree.
Who's all sentimental?
It does work.
If you belong together with
someone, then it works.
The trouble is
finding someone you
Belong with who
belongs with you.
Do you think you'll
ever see him again?
No.
If someone doesn't
treat you the way
You deserve, then they
don't deserve to have you.
My dad always told me that.
Will I?
Will you what?
See you.
I'm right here.
After you go, I mean.
You're going, right?
So, will I ever see you again?
If you want to.
We could send letters
and stuff, keep in touch.
Something tells me a year from
now you won't remember my name.
That's not true.
I wonder if anyone
will ever love me.
I think the odds
are pretty good.
[Doorbell]
So, how old is he?
Oh, he's 12.
He's really great.
You'll love him.
Hey, Reg.
Come meet Karina.
Hi, Reggie.
Nice to meet you.
You have a beautiful home.
Thank you.
It was built by Captain
Francis Falk in 1898.
He also designed the
Museum of Natural History.
KARINA: Oh, that's
so interesting.
Not really.
He designed lots of buildings.
Come and help me
show her around.
No, thank you.
I'm going to go back
in my room and finish
Reading this biography
of Groucho Marx.
It was nice to meet you.
KARINA: Nice to meet you too.
[Knocking]
Good morning.
Dark roast French press,
just like you like it.
ELEANOR: Awesome.
I hope you're hungry.
I made a vegetable frittata
and some flourless pancakes.
Come on down.
More coffee?
No, thank you.
This is delicious.
Esa will be here
tomorrow at 8:00 AM.
So Karina's going to
make your dinner tonight.
And lunch.
I can feed myself.
Don't forget your vitamins.
Why do you have to go?
[Doorbell]
Must be Karina.
She's just getting
herself unpacked.
Do you want to go for
a walk or something?
I think I should
probably get going.
Right.
This is for you.
What is it?
I made some penne with fresh
pesto and some of that crispy
Kale you like for your trip.
Thanks, Reg.
Oh, well.
Yep.
Karina's very nice.
Yeah.
She seems great.
She likes to play
chess, she told me.
Cool.
Um, your mom's
back on the 27th,
And she's going to
call you tonight.
Esa's back tomorrow
morning, so...
I know.
Don't worry.
Straight on to Idaho, then.
I'm not too sure
about that right now.
I think I need to go home
for a while, regroup.
You know, gather myself.
Sometimes that's
the best thing.
Regroup, take stock.
It's been really nice
getting to know you.
You too.
It's hard to believe it's
only been a couple of months.
I feel like I've known you...
I have all these
words, these things
And... that I think I feel
the need to say to you.
Only now, suddenly I don't
have the capacity to speak.
I couldn't have stayed
forever, you know.
It was only supposed to
be a temporary thing.
It's OK.
[Music playing]
Be a good boy.
[Music "like sunday, like rain"]
Buenos dias, Reggie.
Buenos dias, Esa.
[Speaking spanish].
Look, that woman was
treated like family.
Family... do you understand
what that means?
And she was paid very well.
And now you're telling
me... hold on, I'm talking.
And now you're
telling me... hold on,
I said... that she's
going back to Panama?
I'm leaving in a week!
What am I supposed...
There are berries in there.
You missed one.
[Spanish].
TEACHER: Euler's
equation says that if you
Cut the surface of a sphere
into faces, edges, and vertices,
And let F be the number of
faces, E, the number of edges,
V, the number of vertices,
then you will always
Get... Reggie Kipper.
V minus E plus F equals 2.
That's correct.
Same holds for a
pyramid with five faces,
Four triangular and one square,
minus eight edges and five
Vertices, and really any
other combination of edges,
Faces, and vertices.
Euler was pretty thorough.
TEACHER: Thank you, Mr. Kipper.
Eyes front, Mr. Kipper.
As I was saying,
consider the functions.
Go through the rules,
and you will not fail.
Rules will not fail you.
Your calculus book
theory reports
Are due on Friday... in my
office no later than Friday.
[Alarm clock]
[Flushing]
[Distant music]
Janice?
Hi, it's Eleanor.
Do you... is Dennis there?
No, he didn't come home
after his thing last night.
No, I know.
I'm... I'm not worried.
I just thought maybe
he'd crash with you guys.
No.
I checked in the hall.
He's not there.
OK.
Have a nice day.
Bye.
Hey.
It's me.
Um, it's about 10:30.
You never came home last night.
And... I'm done, Dennis.
I'm done.
Hey.
Hey, you better talk to Greg.
Is he pissed?
Yeah.
Thanks.
I'm sorry.
Sorry don't matter to me.
Just get to work on time.
Pillowed upon my fair
love's ripening breast,
To feel forever its
soft fall and swell,
Awake forever in a sweet unrest.
Still, still, to hear
her tender, taken breath.
And so, live ever or
else swoon to death.
Hey.
Were you trying to
reach me last night?
I ended up at Kirby's.
Someone stole my phone.
Can you believe that?
Oh, OK.
Fine, you're pissed.
How do you think I feel?
Someone stole my phone.
[Phone ringing]
Be right back.
Come with me a sec.
Just take it easy before
you get all emotional, OK?
Look, I really can't
get fired right now,
So could you please just go?
Just let me explain
what happened.
No, I don't want to hear it.
Come on now.
No, I'm through with this.
Look, I'm a fucking musician.
It's my lifestyle.
That's bullshit.
It's what I do.
That's all in your head?
What?
No.
You work at the UPS Store.
That's what you do.
Oh, really, smart ass?
Then why do we have a
regular weekend gig?
You have to pay them
to let you play there.
That doesn't quite
count as a gig.
Well, fuck you, then.
Fine.
No, no.
Come on.
No!
I threw your guitar
out the window.
You what?
You... you fucking
better not have.
Fuck.
Eleanor, you better not have.
Just... just come outside,
and we can just talk it over
For a second.
Please, just... can we talk?
No, we cannot talk.
Would you please, just...
Just come out and talk to me.
Everything OK?
Everything's fine.
Just come outside so we can
talk it over for a second, OK?
GREG: What's happening?
DENNIS: Eleanor, can we just...
Dennis, we can talk later.
Just get out of here.
Just... not later, now.
Would you get out
of here, please?
Just talk to me!
OK, out.
Sorry.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
Eleanor, I'm sorry, OK?
I'm sorry.
Eleanor.
GREG: You too, Eleanor.
Out.
Great.
Great.
[Chamber music]
Eating time.
No reading time.
Did the flower guy call?
No, missus.
I've had a house full of
dead flowers for three days.
Reggie, did you take
the car to school today?
No.
What did I tell you?
I'm not a cripple.
I can walk.
Reggie, you will take the
car to and from school.
I like the air, OK?
I like to breathe in the air.
Then roll down the window.
I've got a car and
driver sitting out there
While you're walking to school.
What's this sauce?
Is it meat-based?
No.
Eat now.
I'm interviewing
girls tomorrow.
I'll do it in the library.
Make sure everyone
takes off their shoes.
Yes, missus.
What happens to Tula?
She went back to Panama?
How come?
Because of her green card.
It's none of your concern.
She didn't say goodbye.
She told me to
tell you goodbye.
Was it 'cause of me?
Guess what.
The universe doesn't
revolve around you.
Sometimes things just happen
to occur in this world, OK?
Whatever that means.
It's no meat stew, Reggie.
[Spanish]
Yes, but is this brown
sauce vegetarian, Esa?
Yes, I tell you.
Is it really necessary to
employ a nanny at this point?
I'm 13 years of age.
BARBARA: You're 12 years of age.
And what are you
going to do when
I go see daddy, live alone
like a little bachelor?
Esa's here.
I go to my daughter on
the 8th for one month.
I know.
I know.
I told you a long
time ago, missus.
Yes, yes.
Esa, Jesus Christ.
Will you bring my wine
up to my bedroom, please?
I'm going to watch "Master
Chef" and go to sleep.
Hi, Mom.
How are you?
Yeah, I'm on a pay phone.
I didn't want to use my minutes.
I know.
Huh?
I don't know.
Linden Street.
How's Shelly?
Are you kidding me?
Why is she doing... don't
let her do that, Mom.
She shouldn't be working
there, no matter how much
She's getting.
I'm fine.
I got fired.
It was just a bunch
of stuff adding up,
And then Dennis came in
and made a big scene.
And I don't really
want to get into it,
But I took my stuff out
of his place and left.
I don't know.
I didn't really plan it all out.
It just happened.
Actually, I was thinking
about maybe coming home
For a little while.
Probably a few weeks.
I'm not sure how long.
No, I'm not going back there.
He wouldn't let me anyway.
I threw his guitar
out the window.
I... I don't know how long, Mom.
Long enough... I mean, till
I get some money together.
I've got $160 to my name.
I'm not going to
bring a lot of stuff.
What do you think
I'm going to bring?
I have everything I own sitting
next to me in one suitcase.
Hello?
Yeah, I'm here.
Hang on.
Yeah, sorry.
Um... it's nothing definite.
I was only thinking about it.
I could stay with
a girl from work.
She said it'd be fine.
OK, well, I should go.
This is probably
costing you a fortune.
OK, I will.
I will.
Don't worry.
Tell Shelly that she shouldn't
be working in that place
No matter what she's making, OK?
I will.
OK.
Bye.
[Music playing]
FRIEND: Courtney.
Yeah?
Oh, hey.
I just want to let you
know, Eleanor's gonna
Stay the night tonight.
Where's she gonna sleep?
FRIEND: On the couch.
What's the problem?
This isn't a freakin' hotel.
God, a nightmare she is.
Is it going to be OK
for me to stay here?
Yeah, don't worry.
If she wasn't such a pain in the
ass, I'd let you stay longer,
But technically it's her place.
Oh, it's fine.
Tonight is fine.
I have somewhere to go tomorrow.
FRIEND: You sure?
Yeah.
I'm just going to lay down and
read my book, get up early,
And try to find a job.
Oh, you know what?
Here you go.
Call these people.
My friend Abby told me about it.
It's like a temp agency.
Au pair service?
Yeah.
It's like a service for nannies.
You ever babysit?
Yeah, I guess.
For my little sister.
Well, there you go.
Call them up, tell them you have
experience babysitting, taking
Care of kids, or whatever.
Oh, my friend Abby got a
job taking care of the kids
Up... what's her name?
The British girl from that show?
Anyway, just dress
nice, go in there,
Bullshit them about
your experience.
I was gonna go in there
myself, but they check
To see if you have a
criminal record, so...
Thanks.
OK.
Well, I'll see you later?
Lock it, will you?
FRIEND: Forget about Sal, Mom.
Sal's not coming back.
I'm not interested in Sal.
Mom!
Mom, I'm not interested in Sal!
Mom, stop talking.
Stop talking while I'm talking.
Stop talking, Mom!
God damn it!
I've been working
in a bar-restaurant,
And I've been
babysitting mostly.
OK.
Like, as a nanny.
WOMAN: A nanny?
Yeah.
I... I was a babysitter
for a family.
WOMAN: And did you want to
list them as a reference?
No, because they
moved back to Europe.
They're from Belgium.
OK, and is there any
way I could contact them?
Probably not.
I could see if I could get
their new number there,
But probably not.
I also took care of
my little sister.
I pretty much took care
of her from the time
She was born until she
was in high school.
My mom worked full
time when we were kids,
So I pretty much raised her.
So I guess you could call
my mom or my sister... I
Mean as a reference.
WOMAN: OK.
Could I see your
driver's license?
Why don't you have
a seat out there?
Six-letter word
for "most spare."
Merest.
Merest?
M-E-R-E-S-T, from
mere... that is,
Solely or no more or better
than what is specified.
Merest, the smallest
or slightest.
[Phone ringing]
Yeah?
What?
It's none of your fucking
business where I stayed.
Do I ask you where
you go all night?
It happens all the
fucking time, Dennis.
And I told you, I'm finished.
Oh, and thanks for getting
me fired from my job
With your little tantrum.
What did you think would happen?
What?
No, I'm not coming back.
I told...
OK.
We don't usually move
forward until we've
Had a chance to check
everything over thoroughly,
But something's come in that
you might be perfect for,
And I don't want to miss out.
It would start immediately,
possibly this afternoon.
How does that work?
Yeah.
Yes, I can start immediately.
This afternoon?
Yeah.
It's a live-in situation.
OK.
They're looking for someone
on a temporary basis,
A couple of months,
could go longer.
How does that work?
It's fine.
It's a family on
the Upper West Side.
It would essentially
require you looking
After their 12-year-old,
a little light housework.
Yes?
Yes.
Great.
Here's the address.
They'll be expecting you.
It's a brief interview with
the woman of the house.
On your way, stop
at a drugstore,
Pick up a little light blush and
something subtle for your eyes.
It's a bit much.
Better get moving.
Hello?
Hi.
Barbara Kipper.
Eleanor Logan.
Well, then.
Let's go in the
library and chat.
You are from upstate?
Yeah.
OK, well, my nanny
left unexpectedly.
My husband is in
China, in Beijing.
That's where his company,
his business is based.
I will be joining him
there in less than a week.
Do you smoke?
No.
If you're going to smoke,
only on the balconies.
There are 15
different balconies.
Choose one if you want to smoke.
OK.
I don't smoke.
So Reggie, what
did Claire tell you?
Anything?
Very little.
He's 12.
Basically you get him to and
from school and make sure
He eats.
That's it.
Anything else you need,
Esa will help you.
Esa?
Yes, ma'am?
Christ.
You're two feet away from me.
Don't do that.
Yes, ma'am.
Helena here is going
to take over for Tula.
Eleanor.
Do you have a boyfriend?
No.
If you want to
see your boyfriend,
Go to his house or wherever,
because it is strictly
Prohibited here.
OK?
OK.
See, here's the thing.
He's got to eat.
If you don't make him, he won't.
He only likes certain things.
He's very picky about it.
No meat, vegetarian only.
He doesn't eat meat,
fish, or poultry.
He doesn't eat anything except
tofu and vegetarian stuff.
What time is he out today?
He has his music until 4:30.
Great.
So you will pick him up at 4:30.
I absolutely do not want him
walking to or from school.
A, it's not safe.
B, that's why I employ a driver.
So we're set.
Esa, make sure Laura here
gets the whole rundown
On everything.
I've got my massage
in 15 minutes.
I'm going to take my
pill and get ready.
[Music playing]
Uh, excuse me.
Hi.
Hi.
I'm Eleanor.
I'm here to pick you up.
Did they tell you?
They didn't tell you.
OK.
Well, the car's right there.
Actually, I prefer to walk.
Well, your mom really
wants you to take the car.
Despite what my
mother might have said,
I have an arrangement with
the guy... an understanding,
A financial agreement.
Now, I aim to walk home.
It's my thing.
I do it every day,
rain or shine.
Period, the end.
Fine.
Fine.
Hey.
Yeah?
Would you hang on a second?
I'm Eleanor.
Reggie.
Pleased to meet you.
Likewise.
Isn't that thing
a little heavy?
Yeah, but I don't mind.
It was pretty amazing.
I'm sorry?
Your playing.
I mean, that piece is
absolutely gorgeous.
Thanks.
The way the viola and
the violins interact,
It's so sad and beautiful.
Who composed that?
Me.
You composed it?
I did.
Oh, wow.
Oh, you must really
love doing that.
I mean, I could tell
you really love to play.
Something to do.
Is that what you want
to do when you grow up?
When I grow up?
Yeah.
No.
Why not?
Why not?
Well, let's see,
first off the prospect
Of ending up a bitter
and lonely drunk
Doesn't quite appeal to me.
OK.
And not to mention the fact
that art, as a language, dead.
It doesn't matter
what you have to say
Or how well you might
be able to say it.
Dead.
Kind of a bleak view.
Yes, it is.
Boom.
Douzeper.
What is that?
Looks like 120 points to me.
It's not a word.
It is a word, dickhead.
Noun, plural, one of
the 12 legendary nights.
You should know that,
with all your Dungeons
And Dragons nonsense.
If you say so.
I can't believe that little
fox is going to be living here.
She is so hot.
Man, is she hot.
That's what you say about every
girl you come in contact with.
No.
Just the super-hot ones.
It's only because
you're confused, awkward,
And insecure.
OK, Mr. Freud.
And convinced you'll never get
a girl to have sex with you.
Right, sure, OK.
This looks so good.
What's the sauce?
Just eat it.
ESA: Meatless brown gluten.
Eat it, Reggie.
It's vegetarian stir fry.
She's always trying to sneak
beef broth into everything.
Sounds like a great set-up.
I can't believe how
fast it all happened.
That's what kind of scares
me about the whole thing.
I talked to the
mother for, like,
10 minutes before
she hires me to take
Care of her 12-year-old son.
Next thing I know,
I'm living there.
Sounds like you
totally lucked out.
I mean, what's the big deal?
They're, like, gazillionaires.
The house is the size
of Grand Central.
And what do I know about taking
care of a 12-year-old boy?
Free room and board.
Plus you get paid.
What more could you want?
And besides, you lived
with Dennis for a year.
You should be fine
with a 12 year old.
Yeah, right.
Maybe just see him
and have some closure.
I mean, you threw his
guitar out the window.
Yeah, that's right.
I did.
Fuck him.
That was my closure.
Back uptown to the rich folk.
Bye.
ELEANOR: Bye.
[Cello music]
Whoa.
No, no, no, no, no.
Don't stop.
It's beautiful.
No, it's really not.
I'm not feeling too inspired
for the cello these days.
Is this where you practice?
It's the best
place in the house.
Perfect acoustics.
This place.
I mean, this house
is incredible.
It was built by Captain
Francis Falk in 1898.
He also designed the
Museum of Natural History
And was clearly a fan of big,
overbearing swimming pools.
Why is it empty?
Uh, my mom was going to get
tiles hand-made in Majorca
Or something or other.
I guess she hasn't
gotten around to it.
A lot of things in this house
she hasn't gotten around to do,
As you can plainly see.
Yeah, but in the meantime
you could be swimming in it.
No, not me.
Don't know how.
What?
Why?
I guess nobody ever taught me.
Well, that won't do.
I'll teach you.
Mm.
So good.
I go eat my dinner now.
Please let me know
you need something.
I wish she'd eat
in here with us.
She likes it in there.
That's weird.
Is it?
She likes to eat in
there on her own.
She reads the "TV Guide."
Sometimes she watches Telemundo.
Perhaps you're projecting
your own personal mores
And expectations onto her.
[Music playing]
Here is to a stellar and
triumphant performance.
Thanks.
So what's the plan?
You got anything lined up with
your quartet for the summer?
I think I may be a
little burnt on the cello.
It could be you
just need a break.
Yeah.
Maybe I do.
I think I'm gonna take
a break from the cello.
I mean, I was only suggesting
a week or something.
And then, you know,
come back to it.
No.
You're right.
No one under the age
of 75 is interested
In that dusty and
antiquated music anymore.
Its time has come and gone.
That isn't true.
I didn't mean a long break.
I wasn't suggesting that.
No, I think a
break is in order.
It's old-fashioned and obsolete.
Anyway, I don't want
to talk about it.
So where are you from?
Oneida, New York.
It's a little town
near Syracuse.
Of course.
I've heard of it.
Oh?
I was researching a paper
on prewar city design, which
Involved quite a bit of reading
on that particular region.
Oh.
So was it nice
growing up there?
It was nice when I
was little, I guess.
Maybe that's just
how I remember it.
Now everyone's broke
and unemployed,
And everything's all rundown.
Any siblings?
You mentioned an older brother.
I have a younger
sister as well.
What does she do?
She works in a bar.
And your brother?
Uh, he's in the army.
Oh.
He's in Afghanistan.
Oh.
What about your parents?
Finish your ice
cream before it melts.
Pencils down.
This will count
towards your final GPA.
Your calculus books are
due in my office on Friday.
That's no later than Friday.
That's not Monday.
That's Friday.
Hey.
How'd it go?
I'm just glad it's over.
I hate physics.
Physics be damned.
How was the calculus exam?
Great.
This guy?
How the heck does
he stay so calm?
Because I'm not spastic
like you, that's how.
OK, OK.
Who wants a Jamba Juice?
We've got to get going.
Your mom's leaving today.
Oh.
Where's she going now?
Mind your own business.
OK.
Take it easy.
Do I ask you
questions every time
Your mother goes somewhere?
I'm sorry.
It's OK.
Sorry, I didn't mean to snap.
We have to use the car.
Your mom's leaving for
the airport in an hour.
[Spanish conversation]
Un cafe?
No way, Jose.
ELEANOR: I'm sorry I'm late.
My alarm didn't go off.
Good morning, lady.
Don't we have to
take you to camp?
What time?
Sit down.
Have a cup of coffee.
Yes, he has camp start today.
But he says he won't go.
Well, he has to go.
What do you mean he won't go?
He says he won't go.
OK, come on.
We're going to be
late, and I don't even
Know where to take you.
Where do I take him?
Relax, I'm not going.
Well, it isn't up to you.
Oh?
Who's it up to?
Your mother left me very
specific instructions.
Is that so?
Yes, it is so.
Don't get wise with me, kid.
Who's getting wise?
I'm not getting wise.
I'm just sitting here
doing the crossword puzzle.
I stay out of it.
I don't know anything about it.
It just seems to me,
those instructions
Left you by my mother couldn't
have been all that specific,
Seeing as how you don't
know where or when I'm
Supposed to go.
You're going to camp.
Hey, this doesn't look half bad.
This isn't gonna happen.
What is so bad about it?
You get to go to camp in
the country at a lake,
For God's sakes.
I wish I could go.
Oh, really?
Mm-hmm.
Camp songs, sing-alongs,
mundane trivial debate,
And pointless conversations
involving sports, heroes,
And action movies.
And that's just on the bus.
Never mind the canoeing,
the obstacle courses,
The campfires, the
adolescent camaraderie.
Adolescent camaraderie is good.
You're an adolescent.
Look, this is my mother's
ill-conceived notion.
It's not mine.
Maybe we should call her.
I would strongly advise
against doing that.
Just let me take care
of it from my end
And avoid the complication.
I'm responsible for you.
Then do the responsible thing.
I'll be right back.
OK.
We're all set.
What do you mean we're all set?
Well, I know that guy.
He's going to take care of it.
Wait, hold on.
He marks my name down, and I
send him a check in the mail.
No questions asked.
Wait, you send him a check?
It's OK.
I have an arrangement
with the guy.
Try to understand, OK?
I simply do not belong at camp.
Are you hungry?
I bet you're hungry.
I know this great place
not far from here.
You like eggs Benedict?
It's all organic.
Here, come on.
Wait, hold on.
Hold on.
ELEANOR: $52 for
a spinach salad?
It's a heck of a salad.
Trust me.
Everything here, top notch.
I usually get the
wild mushroom risotto.
Go ahead, get whatever you like.
I got this.
We have an account here.
I guess just the garden salad.
That's all?
Eat.
This guy is a world-class chef.
What are we supposed to
do for the next six weeks?
This is New York City, kid.
Never a loss for
things to do here.
Trust me.
It just seems wrong.
You're supposed to
be in that camp.
Camp Pinnacle is not
an option for me, OK?
It never was.
Now, let's not refer
to camp anymore.
But it's not up to you.
Yes, it is.
No one cares.
No one cares where I am.
That isn't true.
Look, I don't
mean it like that.
It's just a fact.
The operation continues whether
I'm at camp or home reading.
Personally, I'd rather be home
reading if it's all the same.
And it is, believe
me, all the same.
What about Esa?
What about her?
She's fine.
Do you think she's concerned
where I am or what I'm doing?
She works in the house.
It's just weird.
It's so weird, Reggie.
Yes, well, this is my life.
Welcome to the weirdness.
I'm just trying to navigate
a course towards safety
And sanity the best
way I know how.
OK.
[Chuckling]
[Vibrating]
[Vibrating]
[Giggling]
DENNIS: I was about to give up.
What the fuck are you doing?
Clearly I've been trying to
get in touch to talk to you.
No, I'm not trying to play,
like, head games or some shit,
OK?
I'm serious.
I have ended this relationship.
I thought maybe we
could just talk it over.
You fucked around
a million times, OK?
You... you get drunk with
your stupid friends.
You treat me like shit.
So just forget it.
Forget it.
Go home.
Look, I made a mistake,
and I realize it now.
I just want to talk.
We talked.
Stop texting me.
Eleanor?
I mean, ever since you left,
I've been so, like, despondent.
OK, I'm sorry that
you're feeling bad now.
Maybe you should have
thought about that before.
I wrote a bunch
of songs about you.
I want you to hear them.
Jesus Christ.
Let's go get a drink.
Let's go down to Scratcher.
Bill's DJing over there.
ELEANOR: What are
you talking about?
It's just a drink,
just to talk.
Are you listening
to me in any way?
I'm working, you idiot.
I'm all messed up inside.
I haven't been able to sleep.
I haven't eaten.
If you think that this cloying,
whining, like, desperate act is
In any way attractive or
appealing, you're wrong.
So goodbye.
Goodbye.
Eleanor, come on.
Please.
Oh, so you're just going
to be like that now?
So in other words, you're
just going to move on?
Not in other words.
In those exact words.
Well, fine, but you're
going to pay for that guitar.
Make no mistake.
Fucking bitch.
What are you doing out here?
What's going on?
Nothing.
Go inside.
You're going to
pay for my shit.
Fucking bitch.
Hey.
Are you OK?
Yeah.
I'm good.
I'm so sorry about that.
Can I make you a snack?
I can whip up some veggie
soba noodles real quick.
Or how about some tofu curry?
It's no problem.
You should eat something.
Sure.
Great.
We can finish
watching the movie.
If you don't mind me asking,
is he prone to such outbursts?
No.
Not that I was aware, anyway.
What a colossal mistake.
Life is a series of
colossal mistakes.
I'm doing a horrible job
of taking care of you.
What are you talking about?
You're doing a great job.
No.
I don't want you to
know about this stuff.
What stuff?
My stuff.
The sordid details
of my break-up,
The stuff that happens
in my personal life.
We don't know each
other that well,
And you're too
young to understand.
Don't be too sure about that.
I have a great deal
of understanding.
God.
Well beyond my years.
Look, I just don't want
you to worry about it
Or think about it.
OK?
OK.
I won't worry about it.
I'm not worried about it.
Good.
But I can't guarantee
I won't think about it.
It's what I do.
I think about things.
It's my nature.
Fine.
You can think.
Fair enough.
Whoa, really?
What?
An uncharacteristic
lapse by the master.
You just left yourself
open for some brute force.
Got your horsey horse.
Doesn't matter.
I'll still win.
So you know how
we were supposed
To go to Sydney,
Australia, for vacation?
Yeah.
Well, now we're not.
Oh?
Yeah.
My dad lost his shirt in some
deal with this guy in Stanford,
Or some guy named
Stanford, who knows?
Anyhow, I had to
go to karate camp.
That sounds awful.
I mean, why on earth does he
think I need to learn karate?
Maybe 'cause you're constantly
getting your ass kicked.
What I'd really like to do
is this hip-hop dance camp.
That should do wonders
for your profile.
It's like this hip-hop
camp they have... like,
You know, dancing hip-hop
style and stuff like that.
I know what it is.
It's horrifying.
Don't do that.
That's easy for you to say.
You get to sit in
the park all day
With your hot-as-hell nanny.
Yep, that's what I do all day.
Here, check it out.
There are all these super-fly
lookin' ladies in the pamphlet.
Mm-hmm.
And you figure all
these fly-looking ladies
Are going to be there,
just waiting your arrival?
Got to be in it to win it.
Good luck with that, buddy.
Of course my dad said no.
Smart man.
He just made some
vaguely racist remark
And threw it in the trash.
Checkmate.
Rats.
Gotta get your head
out of the clouds.
Sugar-free Juicy Fruit?
[Music playing]
ELEANOR: I really
love that painting.
REGGIE: She kind
of looks like you.
I beg your pardon?
I mean in the eyes.
Good, because
she's fairly round.
Do you know anything
about Modigliani?
No.
I'll be I'm about to.
He died in penurian squalor
in 1920 at the age of 35.
What's penury?
Extreme poverty.
Mm.
Yeah, he was
discovered by a neighbor
In the final throes of
tubercular meningitis.
Evidently, his bed was
littered with bottles
Of alcohol and
empty sardine cans.
His girlfriend,
Jeanne Hebuterne,
Was there taking care of him.
You'd think she could
have cleared away
Some of the sardine cans.
She was nine months pregnant
with their second child.
Two days after his
death, she threw herself
Backwards from a
fifth-floor window.
Whoa.
Can I ask you a question?
Sure.
When did you first
become so advanced?
I'm not sure I became advanced.
Well, I mean, for instance,
when did you start to read?
I was able to read when
I was 18 months old.
I guess that might have
been when I became advanced.
What were you reading when
you were 18 months old?
My mother walked in, and I
was reading "Oh, the Thinks You"
"Can Think" by Dr. Seuss.
Out loud?
Yep.
She must have flipped out.
She was quite amused.
She'd bring me out at parties.
That's insane.
Yes, it is insane.
It's insane to wake a child
of less than two years of age
And insist that he sit in
the middle of the table
And read "Oh, the
Thinks You Can Think"
Out loud for a bunch
of drunk people.
Holy cow!
And then... let's see.
I guess right around
when I was four,
They figured out I was
a sort of math prodigy,
Solving pretty
intricate math problems.
Wait, what?
Multiplying seven to 10
digit numbers in my head.
I could give you the cube root
of pretty much any number.
Like Rain Man.
No, I believe that character
was an autistic savant.
As you can tell, I'm alert,
extroverted, affable,
And articulate.
Of course.
And not to mention
devilishly handsome.
Not to mention.
For me, it's always been
like a native language...
Numbers, playing
music, composing.
It's just the way I came out.
My father, evidently, was
extremely intelligent.
What does he do in China?
Who?
Your dad.
He doesn't do
anything in China.
He's dead.
My mother remarried.
I'm sorry.
Thanks.
It was a long time ago.
I was three.
How did he die?
Someone ran him over.
He was in Zurich.
They drive like
maniacs over there.
ELEANOR: Yeah, wow.
He was a concert pianist.
He traveled quite a bit.
He also held a degree
in physics from MIT.
Sounds amazing.
I'm sure he had his
problems, like everyone else.
However, I like to idealize
him into some mythic figure.
It makes me feel better.
I guess he also
drank a great deal.
People will do that.
You hungry?
Come on.
[Bolia singing]
Wow.
I forgot how bad
Bolia's cooking is.
This stuff tastes like gravel.
Want me to ask her to
fix you something else?
Nah.
She's nice.
[Vibrating]
Hey, want to sneak out of
here, go get some Chinese?
There's a great place
in my old neighborhood.
I'll keep her busy.
You dump the stuff
don't the sink.
[Speaking spanish]
No, gracias.
We're gonna go for a walk.
[Speaking spanish].
No, gracias.
You can shut down the
kitchen for the night.
[Speaking spanish]?
Si, gracias.
Si.
Gracias, Bolia.
[Speaking spanish]?
Si.
It's crazy to take the subway
when you have a car and driver.
Yeah, well.
Thank you.
Why not let him go
and save the money?
He's a good guy.
Yeah, but he never
drives anyone anywhere.
He practically lives in
the front seat of that car.
Actually, he was
in Crown Heights
With his wife and
seven-year-old daughter,
Who suffers from cerebral palsy.
I've kinda got a
soft spot for him.
Plus he's got my back,
if you know what I mean.
Not really.
What'd I tell you?
Good, huh?
Amazing!
I can feel the MSG in my toes.
Oh, yeah.
We're gonna get sleepy.
REGGIE: Oh, yeah.
[Vibrating]
Another thing about Gerard,
he used to work for John Gotti.
ELEANOR: Who?
Gerard, my driver.
Mm.
He used to be a
soldier for Gotti.
Mm, is that so?
I believe he may
still have some ties
To some of those folks.
I was thinking that he
might be of some assistance.
With what?
Your situation.
I don't follow.
Your situation
with your boyfriend.
Oh my god.
He won't be an issue
in your life after that.
Trust me.
Are you out of your mind?
It used to be his job,
that kind of thing.
Would you just drop
the subject, please?
He could just go and
have a talk with him.
I appreciate the
concern and all.
Just a suggestion.
I told you not to
worry about any of that.
OK, OK.
Jesus.
OK, come on.
Where are we going?
It's a beautiful day.
Let's go for a walk in the park.
Do you happen to know
who Liu Hoi Sing is?
Why don't you
practice the cello?
You could take it on one
of the balconies and play.
He was the first Chinese
person to settle in New York.
He arrived in 1862.
He married an Irish woman
who bore him two daughters.
Get your cello.
You haven't practiced in weeks.
Ah, I'm done with the cello.
It takes too much out of me.
Don't say that.
I have no interest
in the cello.
All right.
Fine.
Let's go to the park.
We're at that stinkin'
park every stinkin' day.
Then let's go to a
different stinkin' park.
Hey.
Should we call up one of
your friends and, you know,
Set up some kind of play date?
Play date?
Yeah.
Aren't you getting a little
sick of hanging around with me
All day?
No.
Not at all.
Are you getting sick of me?
No.
Of course not.
I just thought maybe one
of your musician friends.
Are you kidding me?
What?
They're not my friends.
I don't have friends like that.
I told you.
Come on.
Those people
barely speak to me.
Well, I'll bet if you opened
up, they'd really like you.
Perhaps you need to
make more of an effort.
Well, let's at least call Raj.
I know he's your friend.
He's at karate camp.
Hey!
You want to play Four Square?
No thank you.
Come on, Ben.
[Bolia singing]
Man alive, that's harsh.
We gotta find a way to
keep her out of the kitchen.
It's lentils, I think.
[Speaking spanish].
We love it.
We were just discussing
the delectable taste.
[Speaking spanish].
[Vibrating]
It might be time to
change your number.
[Speaking spanish].
Lord help us.
Yeah, what do you want, Dale?
I'm working.
Yeah?
Uh-huh?
How long has he been in there?
Well, is anyone with him?
Yeah, OK.
Fine, I will.
Why didn't you call me before?
Can I speak to my mother?
Oh.
No, it's fine.
I just don't understand
why no one told me sooner.
OK, thanks.
Who was it?
That was my Uncle Dale.
Is everything OK?
Yeah.
My dad's in the hospital.
What's wrong with him?
He's very sick.
He's been sick for
a long time, but I
Guess now it's just really bad.
What does he have?
He's just very sick,
related to his alcoholism.
Cirrhosis of the liver?
I'm gonna have to go up there.
To Oneida?
Anything I can do?
No, it's OK.
I called my friend Sylvia.
She's going to come and stay
with you for a couple days
While I'm away.
Sure.
I don't want to call your mom
and cause any undue stress.
Sure.
Is that OK?
Well, I don't see why not.
I mean, I don't know.
I don't know Sylvia.
She's great.
I mean, she's fine.
I'm only going to be
gone for 48 hours.
OK.
I could call the agency and
do it according to protocol,
But I don't want
to stir the pot.
No.
I wouldn't do that.
It's OK.
Don't worry.
I don't want to go.
I just think he's going to die.
So...
I'll tell you what I think.
I think that you and me should
travel up to Oneida together.
I'll keep you company.
[Music playing]
You like M&Ms?
We got M&Ms.
He doesn't eat that stuff.
No, thank you.
You like Ritz crackers?
We got Ritz crackers.
Or beer nuts?
How about beer nuts.
No, thank you.
I can go to Wegman's and
get some stuff tomorrow.
I'm sure as shit not
going nowhere tonight.
So what do you like
to do, little boy?
He likes to read.
He's very smart.
What grade you in?
Fourth, fifth.
Well, that's
somewhat complicated.
He's very smart.
Oh, OK.
Why don't you take your
coats off and stay a while?
Because it's freezing in here.
How about turning on the heat?
You want to pay my
[inaudible] bill?
It's summertime,
for crying out loud.
So?
It's, like, 40 degrees in here.
So how long you
planning to stay?
Are you kidding me?
I just walked in the door.
All right, everybody.
I'll go see Dad in the
morning, and then we'll
Go get back on us.
How's that?
Don't give a hell
how long you stay.
Stay as long as you want.
Just keep your
hands off the heat.
It's summertime.
Jesus, Eleanor.
You got a real attitude.
I'll see Dad,
and then we'll go.
You like meatloaf, little boy?
I got a big old
meatloaf in the freezer.
No, thank you.
Oh, what a slob my sister is.
She's got a lot of stuff.
We can't sleep in this room.
It'll be OK.
Would you be more comfortable
if we stayed in a hotel?
Yes.
But I can't afford that.
Yes, but would you
be more comfortable?
I need to borrow your car.
Where the hell you going?
We're going to stay at a hotel.
For chrissake, Eleanor.
I'll bring it back
after the hospital.
What time?
Where... where you going?
It's 9 o'clock at night.
What the hell you gonna
do, go driving around town
With this little kid?
I don't know if
there's gas in there.
What hotel do you
think you're going?
I'll put gas in it.
That room's a mess.
We can't sleep in there.
Well, if we knew what
time you were coming
And that you were
bringing guests,
We would have straightened up.
Can I borrow your car or not?
I don't know if
there's gas in there.
I'll bring it back
in the morning.
DALE: You're welcome.
They have a pool.
Closed for renovation.
Oh, well.
So is Dale your mom's brother?
My dad's.
They got married when
my parents split up.
Wow.
They were all friends
in high school.
My dad joined the service,
went to fight in the Gulf War.
Dale was there for her, I guess.
And then my dad came home.
He was all messed up and started
doing all this bad stuff,
So they got divorced,
and Dale moved in.
I'm tired.
Go to sleep.
When I close my eyes, it feels
like I'm still on the bus.
What made you leave?
Your whole family's here.
I think you just answered
your own question.
I wanted to go to Juilliard.
To be an actress?
No.
God no.
For music.
For music?
Yeah, I play the cornet.
What?
The cornet.
It's like a trumpet
only smaller.
I know what a cornet is.
So you're a musician?
Yep.
Why didn't you tell me before?
I didn't not tell you.
How long have you played?
Since the fourth grade.
They did this test to check
everyone's tonal ability,
And I got a perfect score,
so I got the free rental.
Wait, free rental?
That's how you started
playing the cornet?
Yeah.
Well, actually I wanted to play
the trumpet, but they were out.
So they handed me
a cornet, which
Was fine by me, because
it's easier to play.
And the case was a lot
lighter to carry around.
That was lucky.
Yeah.
I played in the band
all through high school.
I loved it.
I was chosen to play in the
special, like, all-star band
They put together
for the ceremony
To open the new war
memorial in Syracuse.
That sounds like a big deal.
Hillary Clinton was
there to cut the ribbon.
I got to play a solo.
So what happened
with Juilliard?
They invited me to attend.
Wow.
Yeah.
But they couldn't offer
me a full scholarship,
So I didn't have enough
money for the tuition.
That's awful.
Not really.
I'm not sure I really
wanted to go there.
So what did you do then?
Got a job waiting tables,
started playing in the subway.
No.
Yeah.
I'd play all these,
like, Beatles songs,
And I made good money.
That's how I met Dennis.
In the subway?
Yeah.
He saw me, and one
day he just started
Hanging out there
on the platform.
The trains would come
and go, and we'd just
Sit there on the bench.
Did he give you money?
Oh, yeah.
After a while, he started
bringing me coffee and stuff.
One time he dropped a bag
of Skittles in my case.
It was cute.
And then finally
I asked him, you
Know, hey, you ever
going to say hello?
What did he say?
He said he didn't
want to bother me.
He just loved the
sound of my trumpet.
What did you say?
I said, it's not
a trumpet, dummy.
It happens to be a cornet.
What did he say?
I don't remember.
Then he took me to lunch at
this Korean barbecue place,
Which I thought was really cool.
And we started, you
know, hanging out.
Like boyfriend-girlfriend?
No, not right away.
He had a band.
That was the other thing.
He asked me to join his band.
He plays guitar.
Well, not anymore, since
you threw it out the window.
Yeah, well, I don't feel
so good about doing that.
I let my emotions
get the better of me.
So where's your cornet?
I don't have it anymore.
Why not?
Long story.
Got in a little
financial situation.
You sold it?
Sold it?
Yeah.
It was a nice horn too, an Olds.
My dad bought it for my
high school graduation.
Total surprise.
I didn't even know he was there.
I hadn't seen him for a while.
And then when I was
leaving the ceremony,
He was waiting in
the parking lot.
He was holding this case
with a big red bow around it.
Well, good night.
Good night.
What was the name of that piece
you wrote for the recital?
"Like Sunday, Like Rain."
So beautiful.
I'll write a part for cornet.
[Music playing]
Hey, Shelly.
Hey, Eleanor.
This is Reggie.
You dyed your hair.
So, I heard that you guys
stayed at Days Inn last night.
I'm sorry the room
was such a mess.
Yeah, you could have
cleaned it up a little bit.
Yeah, well, that's
kind of hard to do
When you're working
40 hours a week.
And what are you doing
working in that place?
There are plenty of places
besides that to work in.
You know what?
It is none of your
business where I work.
Are you going to cover
my fucking car insurance
And payments for me?
Come on.
Yeah.
I didn't think so.
That's right.
Acting all high and mighty
in front of your friend.
Where'd you go?
Don't tell me you
stayed at the Days Inn.
Mind putting out the cigarette?
There's a child present.
Where's Dale?
Sleeping.
You like Lucky Charms?
I got Lucky Charms.
He's fine.
No, thank you.
Here's his lousy keys.
I'm calling a taxi.
Where you going now?
Bus station.
Bus station?
Did you see your father?
I thought that's
what you came to do.
Yeah.
Yeah, I saw him.
How about you?
Have you seen him?
Has anyone here bothered to
go down there and see him?
Keep your voice down.
You have had a bug up your
ass since you showed up here.
What's the matter?
Yeah, I'd like a taxi.
59 Pennwick Street.
Yeah, to the bus station.
Thanks.
What the hell is all
this noise going on?
He's on life support, Dale.
Yeah, I know that.
They said that they've
been calling you,
And you never called him back.
Do you know what his
veteran benefits cover?
Not very much.
That's the reason they
have been calling here.
I... I just don't
understand why.
Would it have been so hard
for you to go down there
And sit with him?
He's your brother.
He was all alone.
Hey, I didn't see
you nowhere when
Things started getting bad, so
don't go giving me no lectures.
We'll wait on the corner.
MOM: Come back in
the house, Eleanor.
Go to hell!
Hey, Eleanor.
Take it easy, will you?
I'm never coming
back here again.
DALE: Just come back inside.
Eleanor.
Eleanor!
[Music playing]
Sorry.
That's all they
had in the station.
This is fine.
Thanks.
Good.
Are you really never
going back there?
Where?
Home.
You said that you were
never gonna go back there.
Who knows?
Probably someday, to see my
brother if he ever comes back.
And you know, I worry
about my sister,
Though sometimes I
want to strangle her.
She could come see
you in New York.
Sure.
I think actually I'm
gonna head out West.
Out West?
This friend of mine lives in
Idaho, works at a ski resort,
Makes pretty good money.
She's always telling me she
could hook me up with a job
There.
Sounds cold.
It's really pretty.
I've seen pictures.
It's not cold all the time.
So that's what you're gonna do?
Yeah, I think so.
What about the cornet?
What about it?
I'll come back to it someday.
You have to.
Why don't you read your book?
Finished it.
"Grapes of Wrath," there's
a happy story for you.
You have a gift, and you have an
obligation to take care of it.
What are you talking about?
For all you know, I
could be the worst cornet
Player in the whole world.
I don't think so.
I don't think you
would have been chosen
For that all-star band
if that were the case.
You certainly wouldn't
have gotten into Juilliard.
It's a crime to deprive
the world of your art.
I thought you
said art was dead.
Yes, and it will
remain that way
If all the great artists
abandon their cornets
And move to Idaho.
Just promise me you'll
come back to it.
Promise me you'll come
back to your music.
I will if you will.
Deal.
I dozed off.
You breathe so
deeply when you sleep.
I was dreaming.
I was at this lake
that we used to go
To when I was a little girl.
Dennis was there.
Did you love him?
I guess so.
I thought I did.
Did he love you?
He said he did.
He told me he did, but
you know, who knows?
First he was nice, and then
he started treating me bad
And lying and stuff, so I
guess you never really know.
Do you think you're ever going
to get married, have kids?
So many questions.
Sorry.
I'm just curious.
I don't think so.
I don't think that stuff is
all it's cracked up to be.
I've never seen it work.
I would disagree.
Who's all sentimental?
It does work.
If you belong together with
someone, then it works.
The trouble is
finding someone you
Belong with who
belongs with you.
Do you think you'll
ever see him again?
No.
If someone doesn't
treat you the way
You deserve, then they
don't deserve to have you.
My dad always told me that.
Will I?
Will you what?
See you.
I'm right here.
After you go, I mean.
You're going, right?
So, will I ever see you again?
If you want to.
We could send letters
and stuff, keep in touch.
Something tells me a year from
now you won't remember my name.
That's not true.
I wonder if anyone
will ever love me.
I think the odds
are pretty good.
[Doorbell]
So, how old is he?
Oh, he's 12.
He's really great.
You'll love him.
Hey, Reg.
Come meet Karina.
Hi, Reggie.
Nice to meet you.
You have a beautiful home.
Thank you.
It was built by Captain
Francis Falk in 1898.
He also designed the
Museum of Natural History.
KARINA: Oh, that's
so interesting.
Not really.
He designed lots of buildings.
Come and help me
show her around.
No, thank you.
I'm going to go back
in my room and finish
Reading this biography
of Groucho Marx.
It was nice to meet you.
KARINA: Nice to meet you too.
[Knocking]
Good morning.
Dark roast French press,
just like you like it.
ELEANOR: Awesome.
I hope you're hungry.
I made a vegetable frittata
and some flourless pancakes.
Come on down.
More coffee?
No, thank you.
This is delicious.
Esa will be here
tomorrow at 8:00 AM.
So Karina's going to
make your dinner tonight.
And lunch.
I can feed myself.
Don't forget your vitamins.
Why do you have to go?
[Doorbell]
Must be Karina.
She's just getting
herself unpacked.
Do you want to go for
a walk or something?
I think I should
probably get going.
Right.
This is for you.
What is it?
I made some penne with fresh
pesto and some of that crispy
Kale you like for your trip.
Thanks, Reg.
Oh, well.
Yep.
Karina's very nice.
Yeah.
She seems great.
She likes to play
chess, she told me.
Cool.
Um, your mom's
back on the 27th,
And she's going to
call you tonight.
Esa's back tomorrow
morning, so...
I know.
Don't worry.
Straight on to Idaho, then.
I'm not too sure
about that right now.
I think I need to go home
for a while, regroup.
You know, gather myself.
Sometimes that's
the best thing.
Regroup, take stock.
It's been really nice
getting to know you.
You too.
It's hard to believe it's
only been a couple of months.
I feel like I've known you...
I have all these
words, these things
And... that I think I feel
the need to say to you.
Only now, suddenly I don't
have the capacity to speak.
I couldn't have stayed
forever, you know.
It was only supposed to
be a temporary thing.
It's OK.
[Music playing]
Be a good boy.
[Music "like sunday, like rain"]