Living 'til the End (2005) - full transcript

I see...

I see...

I see...

I see...

Could you hurry up with

this?

Another man.

You see another... man for...

Cynthia.

That's what you see?

That... that's my future?



Your ball must be dirty.

It's crystal.

Not really, it isn't.

Could you... stop doing that?!

It's a piece of bazooka

bubble gum.

It's not a bomb, for Christ's

sake.

Shit!

You're such a scaredy-cat.

I'm not... I'm not a

scaredy-cat.

Yes, you are.

You get freaked out about every



little thing.

Look, I know at times I have

some issues.

It's gone beyond issues.

It's, like, weird

choke-in-your-sleep kind of

shit.

Do you know what it's like?

Do you?

No.

No.

Of course not, 'cause you don't

remember a goddamn one.

Nocturnal panic attacks.

It's amazing.

They have a name for everything

nowadays.

I don't want to talk about

this right now.

I just don't like you popping

your gum.

Let's go to the cards.

Well, the ball seemed to be

working pretty well.

Yes.

She's having an affair.

Who?

Cynthia.

♪ The best is yet to come ♪

Is this true?

Well... Jack, um...

Yeah.

She's leaving you.

It says that?

Leaving me for who?

A rock...

Let me do this.

Jack, um...

I thought that this would be

fun, you know, to come here and

get our futures read.

Maybe something would change

things.

I-I never expected this.

She's good.

You're good.

What... what is going on?

It's over.

I kind of met this rock

musician...

In my acting class, and...

God, he totally bangs my world.

And...

I-I don't understand.

Look.

I want to have fun, Jack.

I'm too young not to be living.

What are you talking about?

Just because I don't want to go

out and party?

You just don't get it, do

you?

What? Get what?

I... I'm here.

I'm here.

We're going to the movies.

The first time in five

months.

You know, Jack, you weren't like

this when we met.

You're getting worse, and...

I'm done wasting time thinking

that you're gonna change.

♪ We've only tasted

the wine ♪

I can't believe this.

I have to go after her.

What now?

Death.

I'm going to die?

It could be death or a

life-altering change that could

include death.

I don't believe this.

It has something to do with

your next birthday.

No, this is...

This is really, really screwed

up.

You know, I think that you just

want me to buy all your little

candles and crystals so that you

can make rent this month.

I feel a presence...

An older man.

Your father, maybe?

What do you mean my father?

He has a message for you.

I'm on my last leg, for

Christ's sake.

It'd be so much easier if you

could just make the trip out

here, and we could finish

sorting out my affairs once and

for all.

I would love to, Mr. Hines.

Yeah, I'm feeling under the

weather.

I wouldn't want to get you sick.

I'm dying, Jack.

How much sicker do I need to be?

Yeah, I just wouldn't feel

right, you seeing me like this.

Why, it's always something

with you, Jack!

What are you, the elephant man?

I'm, I'm just someone you

don't need to meet in person.

Nonsense!

I'd love to meet you.

I talk to you more than I do my

own kids.

And I would love to meet you,

too, but I regret I can't come

to the Hamptons anytime soon.

I'm certain if you're not happy

with my work so far, my firm

could send you out another

estate planner.

No! No, no need.

You're at the top of your game.

I'm confident you will complete

it all before I expire.

Mr. Hines.

Life's little curves.

Hell, I have no idea about

anything anymore.

Just get it done!

Yeah, consider it done,

Mr. Hines.

Now, if there's nothing else at

the moment that you have

questions about, I must get back

to work.

Feel better, Jack.

Good night, sir.

Who is it?

It's

mommy!

Um, ma, did you take all your

vitamins this week?

You can't keep living like

this.

Do you hear me, Jack?

It's just enough.

No, I don't want to hear

about it, not now, not when I

only have a few more weeks.

What if it never ends, Jack?

Are you still seeing your

shrink, your doctor?

Yes.

I have an appointment on Friday.

And he still thinks that this

is rational?

I know this is not rational!

But, you know, that psychic knew

things... that Cynthia was

having an affair, that she was

leaving me.

What was I supposed to think?

That there was another

psychic nutjob two doors down

the street.

Did you ever consider a second

opinion?

I saw a program the other night

on obsessive-compulsive

disorder.

You know, Jack, they have drugs.

I don't have that.

I have "I'm going to die

disorder."

So, I don't understand why

taking a year out of my life to

make sure I don't seems hasty.

Well, you hardly touched it.

Yeah, it was old.

It had air...

I'll make a new one.

Jack, please hear me.

Cynthia was not the girl for

you.

She was an actress.

And even though I thought she

was horribly wrong for you...

And not a very good actress at

that... I'm sure it hurt you

terribly when she left.

But, darling, resume your life.

Be happy.

Fine. Do it your way.

I just...

Thank god your father's not

alive to see this.

Don't...

Don't bring up dad.

Why?

Because he would tell you this

is ridiculous?

Mom...

And you know what?

You'd listen to him.

Goddamn it!

Hey.

Tell me why you're so angry.

Because you won't listen!

I'm sorry.

I don't understand.

I just don't understand you

anymore.

I know this has been hard for

you.

I do.

I don't want to die.

So, if being a nutcase for...

It's just three more weeks until

I get this crazy year over with.

If that's too much to ask, then,

don't come back with any more

stuff.

I got you those shiitake

mushrooms you wanted... the

organic ones from Mr. Chui.

Are we gonna talk today?

Jack... why don't you take that

thing off?

I don't expect anything's going

to happen here during our

session.

What do you think?

Jack... I want you to slip out of

that thing.

I promise you, you're going to

be totally safe sitting on my

sofa.

Jack?

Jack?

What is the probability that

something's going to happen?

It could happen.

But what is the probability?

This time, it could happen.

But what is the probability?

Jack, focus.

We are talking about

probability.

What is the probability?

There are people out there

dying every day, thinking that

there was no probability.

How am I gonna be able to help

you, Jack?

And I do so much want to help

you.

Don't judge me because none

of the assortment of

antidepressants you prescribed

took on me.

I am not judging you.

I think you have a very strong

will.

You are steadfast, committed.

These are extraordinary

characteristics, honorable.

That I'm completely committed

to screwing up my life and that

I do it so well?

I think you're missing my

point, Jack.

It's not what we do in life.

It's not what we accomplish, but

it's how we do it.

You know, there is more to a

book than the ending.

The journey... I... I know.

I know.

Do you, Jack?

Well, not exactly.

I mean...

Look at me.

Yeah.

Well... we'll just write this off

as one little chapter in the

Jack whilton epic.

You know...

The fucked-up years.

What floor?

Three, please.

No!

No.

Here, here, let me help

you.

They're a little out of

sequence.

Yeah, I'm making copies now.

I'll messenger them to the firm

to have them reviewed.

I haven't gotten... too

personal, Jack, but...

What's wrong with you?

Are you ugly or just sick?

It's somewhere in between,

sir.

Well, I don't know you that

well, but...

Take a piece of advice.

Don't... squander your life

thinking about... the regrets,

'cause there's not a damn thing

you can do about it, anyway!

Be happy...

That you were given the

opportunity to...

Be here at all.

Experience life's potentials.

Have... something to take with

you.

There's peace in that, Jack...

Knowing that you're dying...

But that you weren't afraid to

live.

You hear me?

I did, sir.

It takes... balls...

To live life.

You have balls, don't you, Jack?

Most of the time.

I mean, I definitely had them

last year.

Well, I'll get you some.

Okay.

I'm tired.

I'll talk to you later.

You will, sir.

Good night.

Who is it?

It's the girl from the

elevator.

Hey.

Hello, again.

Are you...

Are you feeling better?

Sort of.

Um... you're probably wondering

why I'm here.

Well, first of all, I want to

thank you for that episode in

the elevator.

I'm a little embarrassed.

Don't be.

But, um...

I received some...

Um... some really bad news the

other day.

And...

I understand that you're an

estate planner.

Yes... I am.

I would like to hire you.

Okay.

For me.

I know. I know.

You're probably thinking that

I'm a little young, and I have

my whole life in front of me.

So, what's the rush?

But the other day...

I learned about...

Life's little curves?

Exactly.

So...

Can you do it?

Sure.

Great!

I'm Audrey, 306.

Jack whilton.

♪ I will tell you

my happiness softly ♪

Should I come down to

your office, or...

I work out of my

apartment.

That's easy.

So do I.

Writer?

Audrey, why don't you come

by...

Let's see. Um...

How about...

How about...

You seem a little hesitant.

Are you sure that you have the

time?

No, I, yeah, I

d-definitely have the time.

Um, just... it's more about me,

and...

You know what?

It's fine.

Forget it.

It was just a thought.

No, wait. Wait!

Hold...

I can do this.

I mean, I-I-I want to do this

for you.

Really?

Really.

Okay.

So, why don't you come over

tomorrow...

5:00?

Sharp.

I'm very good about punctuality

and meeting deadlines.

In fact, it's kind of my pet

peeve.

Well, 5:00 it is, then.

Okay.

Bring bank statements,

stock portfolios just... just to

get US started.

I'll see you tomorrow.

Right.

Yep, right.

I'm gonna miss you.

You're so

stupid.

You're so stupid.

It's Audrey. Leave a message.

It's me. It's Melanie.

Audrey, are you there?

Audrey?

What happened to that long

message about "don't bother me

between the hours of 8:00 and

2:00.

I'm creating," or whatever it is

you say?

Anyway, Paul and I are outside.

We're waiting to hear.

Are we celebrating?

Call me on my cell.

Okay. Bye.

You are so... punctual.

I know.

It's a little daunting, but it

was part of my job... editorial?

I'm kind of a freak about

deadlines.

Come in.

I don't want to mess up your way

of doing things.

It's pretty difficult to

throw me off track.

Yeah, I know what you mean.

I can be pretty hardheaded when

it comes to certain things.

Is this your family?

Yeah.

You have a brother.

Two, actually.

Sister. I'm the youngest.

You?

Actually, both my parents

passed away when I was in

college... part of this.

You have your work cut out for

you, Jack, to try to figure out

who to leave all my stuff to.

Okay.

So, basically, I've got an idea

of what your financial

responsibilities are.

I know what you have, what you

owe, including that phone bill

you threw away.

Bless you.

Bless you... squared.

They always come in threes.

That's interesting.

So, um...

I'm gonna need you to make out a

will, if you haven't already

done it.

My god.

You know it's almost 8:00?

Hey, are you hungry?

You want to grab something to

eat?

There's this new Ethiopian

restaurant down in

hell's kitchen that I've been

wanting to try.

You eat everything with your

hands.

Yeah, but I was gonna have a

shake for dinner.

Um... okay.

Then, I guess I'll get going.

You don't have to go.

No, no, that's okay.

I have my cat, Mr. Hungry guy.

Hold... hold... hold on.

I'm sorry I can't have dinner

with you tonight.

It's okay, Jack.

We'll go some other time.

No, wait!

I'll... I'll come.

Are you sure?

I will meet you downstairs at

8:30... sharp!

It's Audrey.

Leave a message.

Audrey?

It's Jack.

You won't believe this.

I laid down for, like, a minute,

and I fell asleep.

So sorry.

I'll... I'll make it up to you.

How about Friday?

Again, don't be mad.

It's not you.

Can't we just talk about this

on the way?

You never have time.

You always have to go.

I do have time for you.

I just have this appointment I

need to get to, Audrey.

It takes me two weeks to get

a hold of you, and then I

have...

That is so untrue!

You're in meetings all day

long.

What do you do all day long?

No, I'm serious.

You know what?

You are so dramatic.

I'm dramatic?

It's always about...

Audrey.

What a surprise.

Hey, Jack.

What's going on?

Just out running

errands, you know?

Yeah?

Hi. I'm Melanie.

Yeah, actually, we are on our

way to a movie.

We have to go.

Sorry.

Okay.

I'm sorry.

I'm acting weird for some

reason.

I don't know why.

It's okay.

But I'll see you for dinner

tonight, right?

Yeah. I'll be there.

Great. So, we have to go.

I will see you soon.

Yeah.

So, it was nice meeting you.

Good. Good to meet you.

Bye, Jack.

Who is that guy?

Just...

Isn't there something you can

give me?

Nothing has worked so far,

Jack.

You said so yourself.

But I... I like her!

I...

I've never felt like this.

I understand.

But do you really want to get

close to this girl, considering

her circumstances?

I mean, from what you told me...

As close as I can get.

What is it about her that she

finally makes you feel like

wanting to take chances?

You know, this is a little odd,

Jack.

Please...

Just tell me what I should do.

Okay.

Okay. Temporary fix.

Temporary.

I'm going to prescribe to you

some valium.

It's very good.

Now, I want you to take one-half

of a valium one hour before you

meet her... and no alcohol.

No alcohol, okay?

And I want you to go through all

of your routines... everything

by the Jack whilton book.

Okay?

Jack...

What is it about her that she

makes you feel like you're not

going to die?

She's... fearless.

Not again, Jack.

Audrey?

Sorry I'm late.

My god.

This is so good.

You don't like it?

No, it's great.

Great.

Jack...

We're in a restaurant?

In the middle of Harlem.

You couldn't have had a craving

for deli?

No!

I have always wanted to try an

authentic soul food restaurant.

Come on!

What... what are you so afraid

of?

No one is going to hurt you.

Wow!

You really don't like living

dangerously, do you, Jack?

Audrey, I know this is

hard to believe, but almost a

year ago I was nothing like...

Well, this.

What changed?

Me?

Will you excuse me a second?

This is just... just my luck.

I never thought I'd die while

digesting soul food.

You hardly ate

anything.

I'm... I'm sorry for... for

everything.

You know, you, you can go

back and reorder.

Hey, you... you okay?

I need to sit down.

Hey! Hey, hey!

Come on. Let's go.

Jack?

What are you doing?

I found a cab.

No, wait!

Yeah, this is great.

Now what do we do?

That is so... wrong!

Jack?

Wrong!

Wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong!

Yeah, but, um, don't tell

them that because, you know,

they never get it.

Hey!

You... destructors of private

property!

That's wrong!

They stopped!

Jack, I told you not to say

anything.

Well, they're... they're just

little kids.

What could they possibly do to

me?

You look... more flesh tone

this afternoon.

What happened to your eye?

Once I sobered up and picked

myself up off the bathroom

floor, I went back and kicked

those kids' asses and their big

brothers' ass, then their

fathers' asses.

But, you know, when their

mothers showed up, I ran like

hell.

Are you gonna tell me what

happened to your eye?

It looks like it hurts.

I slipped.

That's all.

And, it does.

You should be more careful,

Jack.

I've been the dictator of

careful up until last night.

But I've got it all under

control now.

Now that you mention it, what

was up with you last night?

Momentary lapse is all.

No, really.

Is there something that I should

know?

I don't drink much.

You had a sip of beer.

Come on!

Yeah, but I also had the

bourbon shrimp as my entree.

I don't get you, Jack.

Tsk.

But it looks like you're going

to live.

Well, that's good news.

So, where did we leave...

Hey, Jack?

Yeah?

Do you want to go to the

track?

The track?

Yeah! Yeah!

Belmont... horses, betting,

real-beef hot dogs and ice-cold

beer.

I've never been.

Actually, I have a lot of

work to do.

I have another client i'm

finishing up some work for.

Yeah, that's fine.

That's fine.

You don't have to go.

We have all your stuff to do.

I don't feel like it today.

Audrey?

What's wrong?

You know, with you?

Why the

hell would you ask me that?

Why the hell would you ask me

that?!

I'm not sharing, but I have some

time, Jack, and it's my time,

and there's stuff that I've

always wanted to do.

So, I'm gonna do it.

You get it?

I get it.

Like, eating at that soul food

restaurant.

I get it.

Or riding on a Harley.

Or flying to Paris for the

opera.

I've never been to Paris.

The small, almost superficial

stuff, that only matters when

the hourglass is running out of

sand.

I get all that, but...

What about love?

Love.

Love is what me got into this

mess in the first place.

I've had enough love.

But, Audrey...

Yeah?

Are you scared?

No.

I'm not afraid of dying.

I'm relieved.

Wonder what's been going on

in the world.

Wreckage has been found in

the northern Atlantic ocean...

Say there are no

survivors.

Commercial jetliner...

Casualties are expected...

Jack whilton.

Hello, honey. It's mommy.

Sorry for the noise.

Your sister and I are getting

our hair done.

And after that, we're gonna go

out and pick up some younger

men.

Don't tell him that!

Well, it's the thing.

Older women, younger men.

They say women live longer.

Mom, that is so disgusting.

Your sister thinks i'm

disgusting.

How are you, sweetheart?

Actually, you'd be proud of

me, mom.

I went on a date.

My god!

He went on a date.

Tell me all about it, honey.

Hang on, mom.

Jack whilton.

This is Dr. Anderson.

I'm Mr. Hines' physician.

Is everything all right?

No.

No, I'm afraid it's not.

He is still conscious.

And he wants to know if

everything has been taken care

of.

Yeah, all the papers have

been signed.

Yeah, all the papers have been

signed.

I'll have them delivered first

thing in the morning.

I'll let him know.

Could I talk to him, please?

I'm sorry, Mr. Whilton.

That will not be possible.

Then, um, thank you and tell him

I will take care of everything.

Thank you.

Mom, can I call you back?

No! Jack, come on.

I want to hear all about your

date, please?

Doesn't matter, anyway.

It was a pathetic mess.

I screwed it up.

It's... it's over.

I'll call you tomorrow.

Jack, I had a good day... I

had a good day at the track.

You're never gonna believe what

happened to me.

So...

Unless this is really

important, I don't have time to

chat about horses and... and

real-beef hot dogs and whatever

else you found simple.

Fine.

Jack, I get the message.

I'll see you around.

Audrey?

Jack.

This isn't real, is it?

That was my father's.

That's my brother.

Yeah, right.

I, I thought I saw a

resemblance.

What's that?

I am gonna get you drunk.

Don't worry, Jack.

We're not gonna leave my

apartment.

Not tonight, anyway.

And I promise I won't take

advantage of you, either.

Let me guess.

Getting shitfaced on Tequila is

on your list.

No!

But you look like you need

several drinks, and I got them.

Here's to going to Paris.

To Paris.

Ooh-whee!

You like Paris, right, Jack?

Right?

I had a good day at the track.

I had a really, really good day

at the track.

Aud...

No, i-i-i...

No, no, no, no, no, no.

Don't... don't decide now.

Have... have a few more and

then decide.

No, I... I...

There's my Hemingway!

Part of the flying-circus

act.

He loves hanging on the ledge.

Come here, baby.

Tsk-tsk-tsk.

Come here!

He's being antisocial.

Why are you getting me drunk?

I think that you need it.

I'm a Tequila advocate under

these precise circumstances.

What circumstances are we

talking?

Well, the crummy day you're

having.

Me? What about you?

I should be getting you drunk.

No, no, no.

Jack... Jack, I had a wonderful

day.

I had a great day.

How do you do it?

Do what?

You know, how do you...

Stay so well-adjusted,

considering what you're about to

face?

Face?

You mean the big "d"?

You see?

It absolutely terrifies me, and

you just say it casually, like,

"q."

"Q"?

Or...

"Margarita."

Do you prefer that?

What, you being nonchalant

about the alphabet?

No, the margaritas.

I make killer margaritas!

No, I want to know why you're

so cavalier about your

condition.

And you're not?

About your condition?

No. Wait.

No, Audrey, Audrey, please.

Please just... just answer the

question.

No!

No. I want to talk about you.

Why?

Because it's obvious.

How do you mean?

You and everything that you

do.

It's obvious.

Obvious about what?

How afraid you are of

everything.

I want to talk about you.

Do you think that I was blind

that first day that we met?

You in that funny football

helmet.

Actually, it was kind of cute.

Don't be embarrassed, Jack!

Come on.

I've noticed you for a long

time.

How long?

Since I moved in.

People talk, you know?

I was curious who the hermit

was, sneaking around the hall in

football gear.

You were definitely too young to

be...

And definitely too small to be

in the NFL... no offense.

Sorry.

Why haven't you said

anything?

Because it's none of my

business.

But, um...

That first day, when we met,

those regrettable eyes through

that face mask?

You are a nice guy, Jack.

Too bad I didn't meet you a day

sooner.

Look! Look!

See?

He knows you're a nice guy, too.

All the herbal crap i'm

taking, I'm probably on catnip,

too, and don't know it.

So...

Are you going?

As you have cleverly deduced,

I'm a basket case, and now

you're asking me to fly... in an

airplane across a very, very

deep ocean.

I wouldn't worry about how

deep the ocean is, Jack.

You're gonna die from the crash.

Yes! That, too.

Thank you.

Thank you so much for confirming

my worst nightmare.

My pleasure.

And who knows what I'll be

like at 35,000 feet.

Do you have a fear of flying?

No.

A fear of dying.

Have you ever been anywhere

on a plane?

Not since last trip to

Jackson hole with my dad, and

then he died.

Though my eyes are fuzzy from

the hooch, the picture is

getting much clearer now.

I, I might not be the guy

for you.

You're doing something

important on your list.

Are you sure you don't want to

ask someone else?

I only have a couple more weeks.

Me too.

I don't know.

Well, maybe you should take your

brother or someone...

My brother's dead.

You know what?

I don't want to talk about this.

I want to talk about Paris.

Have a weakness for me, Jack.

See, I don't care about all of

your scared-to-death crap that

you may flip out at 35,000 feet

and kill US all.

Yeah, you in particular

wouldn't.

I don't have time to go

invite another one of my

friends... have them take the

time off of work.

You're here!

You're flexible.

I'm a client.

It's just one more adventure

with me.

We'll wrap up all of our

business and experience Paris

while we're at it.

And the ticket is in your name,

and it will cost me 100 bucks to

change it, Jack.

A hundred bones that I could

have left to some poor soul.

When are we leaving?

Jack, please.

Please come on.

Please.

Miss, I need you to get him

on the flight now, or it's

leaving without you.

Okay, please just give me a

couple more minutes.

You have exactly one.

Jack, please.

If we don't leave right now, the

plane is gonna leave without US.

I told you you should have

brought someone else.

Just... just go without me.

You... no, no, no.

This is all in your head.

No, not this.

I've...

I've always had a fear of

flying.

Let me get this straight.

You agreed under false pretenses

to come on this trip with me,

knowing full well that you could

never get on this plane.

I wanted to.

I really... I really, really

wanted to.

I need you to board now.

Please don't be mad.

I'm not mad.

Y-You'll have a better time

without me!

Schmuck!

Schmuck, schmuck, schmuck!

Mr. Whilton?

Mr. Whilton, are you sure this

is what you want to do?

Ladies and gentlemen, at this

time we're ready to leave the

gate.

Please make sure all your

personal...

Shh-shh!

Stop it!

She's here.

It's all right.

You'll be fine.

Mr. Whilton, this is Kimberly.

She's been flying for over

15 years, and she'll be

personally responsible for you

for the duration of this flight.

Right this way, Mr. Whilton.

Right here, Mr. Whilton.

There was a young woman...

And after we reach our

cruising altitude, I'll be back

with some champagne, okay?

It's like a giant flying

living room with cocktail

service, right?

Hey...

I'm glad you're here.

Not for long.

I took about five valium.

Ooh-ooh!

You okay?

I think the rush of panic

just kicked in the drugs.

♪ You're all I really want

♪ headlong

♪ I'm falling in headlong

♪ And act a little braver

♪ the lies that try

to trip you ♪

You made it, Jack.

How did I get here?

Well, between the flight

attendant, the security cart,

and serge, the 300-pound

cabdriver.

He carried me to bed?

Like a sack of potatoes.

Thank god.

Okay, then, I am going to go to

my room and grab my things.

I'll meet you downstairs at

3:00...

Sharp.

Yeah, well, things don't seem

to change for me much, do they?

Not even in Paris.

I wasn't criticizing you.

Audrey?

Hey, Jack? Come here.

Wow!

It's more beautiful than I

imagined.

You just wait until you

touch it and taste it, smell it.

Can I ask you a question?

Sure.

Why'd you really want me to

come to Paris?

Why?

Because... I like you, Jack.

You're nice.

And we get along.

There's no complications, no

history...

No pressure.

Just seems like I'm an

unnecessary handful for a woman

who's quite self-sufficient.

Yeah, well, I'm not as strong

as you think I am.

Look.

I didn't want to do this alone.

I needed someone who wouldn't

judge me, someone who wouldn't

think that I was crazy for being

impetuous.

And you are remarkably that

someone.

Yeah.

The guy wandering the halls in a

football helmet.

Hey, come on.

Let's go see what Henry Miller

was talking about.

Oui, monsieur?

Yes, I would like to get two

tickets for the opera, if I

could.

What evening?

Soon as possible?

I will try my best.

Thank you.

So, um, things like your

published writing, will that

continue to bring in income?

Are we really gonna talk

business now?

I mean, as we travel on these

historic streets?

So, how long have you been a

writer?

My god.

Quit talking about my writing!

The bane of my existence.

Don't say that.

Yeah, you think I'm kidding?

Just answer the simple

question.

I want to know some things about

you.

Okay.

Um... I've been writing for a

long time.

I've written editorial for

different magazines, mostly

vanity fair.

Um, short stories, my expository

journal, you know, the usual

fare.

A novel?

Yes.

My great American tragedy.

Which will now never be read.

Do we have to talk about this?

Wait, wait, wait.

Are you done?

Yeah.

Yeah, I'm finished, all right.

Hey, maybe after I die, I'll

become a big hit, like Van gogh

did.

Don't say that.

No, it's true.

I mean, he painted.

Nobody noticed, not even when he

cut off his ear.

Then, he dies.

Pfft!

"The irises"... priceless.

Yeah, well, he was a little

unbalanced.

So, um, how long did it take you

to write?

My god, all of these

questions.

You know, you're turning into

Larry king.

We're having a conversation

about you for a change.

I think I can ask you these

things now, don't you?

Okay, I'm gonna answer this

last question, and then we're on

to more interesting topics.

What was the question?

Your novel... how long did it

take to write?

Um... my whole life,

basically.

Well, five years of actually

weaving it onto my computer.

Are we done?

Wow.

It's, it's amazing.

You know, that you can write and

a novel.

It's not that hard.

Just go to your local bookstore.

Apparently, anybody can do it.

So, do you want to tell me

what it's about?

What?

Your novel.

Why are you so interested?

This is unbelievable, really.

Me.

It's all about me.

Even though I wrote it about

other people, it's still all

about me.

I just changed their names.

I called them characters.

I put them in a grander

landscape.

I made their life stories more

interesting and their losses

wrenching by using specific

adjectives.

Jesus Christ, it's always about

me.

I'm... I'm sure it's

incredible.

Why?

Because you wrote it.

And you're probably a great

writer.

Like you're a great estate

planner?

Um, excusez-moi, monsieur.

Vin Rouge, s'il vous plait.

Um... I'm confused.

Did I say something wrong?

No.

You seem angry.

No, I'm not angry.

I just... I want to know why all

the questions.

I'm just trying to get to

know you better.

If I've said something to offend

you...

Okay, okay.

What else do you want to know

about me, Jack?

Nothing.

Come on. Fire away, Jack.

Give me your hard line.

Where is this coming from?

Okay.

Why don't I help you with this

probing, little interview?

My parents are dead.

My brother went and killed

himself because he was too high

to realize that he couldn't fly.

And my novel that I spent my

blood and my guts and my soul on

was universally rejected by

every publishing house for being

too simple and uninteresting.

Gosh, I guess I just didn't

choose the right adjectives.

And...

The incredible ending in the

insipid life of Audrey gersons?

I'm gonna die.

Is there anything else you'd

like to know about me?

No.

Good.

♪ Seventeen

♪ missing in life

♪ you didn't

♪ and owing him life

♪ you didn't

Audrey?

What do I do?

What do I do?

It's all right.

No.

No, you don't understand.

I do.

No, you don't.

You don't. You don't.

Doesn't matter.

It doesn't matter.

I'm... I'm here.

I'm here.

It doesn't matter.

My god.

I'm... I'm sorry.

♪ The innocent

♪ I didn't know that I could

Audrey?

Audrey?

Audrey?!

Mr. Whilton?

Audrey?!

It's Audrey. Leave a message.

Hey, Audrey. It's me.

It's Jack.

I just got home.

I wish you'd call me.

Hello?

Hi. It's mom.

Hey, mom.

Honey... where have you

been?

I mean, I've been worried sick.

Paris.

Paris as in France?

Um... mom, things have

changed.

Well, how so, Jack?

I'm better.

Better, really? Better.

Yeah.

Wow.

How wonderful.

Does this have anything to do

with... this new girl?

Sort of.

That's great.

That's just great.

I tell you what.

Let me organize a little

birthday celebration for you

tomorrow night.

I'll invite all the kids.

And you feel free to bring your

new girl.

She won't be able to make it.

I'm sorry. How come?

I blew it.

Not again.

Listen.

Ma, can you make it earlier

tomorrow?

I have a client I want to visit

out on the island in the

afternoon.

Well, tomorrow, then.

So, how's 11:30? I'll do brunch.

Yeah.

I'll see you tomorrow.

Mom?

Yeah?

Thank you.

I love you, Jack.

♪ And many more

yay!

Make a wish.

Don't blow it, though, like you

do with all the girls?

Are you ever nice?

No. Trust me.

Yay!

Very nice.

Michael!

Was that absolutely necessary,

Michael?

Sorry!

I'm asking you nicely.

Very funny.

Well, he's got until

tomorrow, right?

Careful, Jack.

You never know.

Ma's cooking could kill you.

Stop it!

She was drinking earlier.

Don't you pay any attention

to them.

I'm just glad you're back.

How about a piece of cake,

please?

How about you get in line?

It's not your birthday.

Hello?

Jack, it's Howard, Mr. Hines'

personal assistant.

He's very weak.

I think you should come out

right away.

Yeah. Yeah, I'm coming.

I have to go.

What?

Come on, darling, please.

Love you, baby.

See you, Jack.

Happy birthday!

Load me up here.

I don't think so.

What's his deal? He's crazy.

Mom, piece of cake.

Mr. Hines?

Mr. Hines?

Hello, sir.

Shall I take this off for a

few minutes?

Okay.

I'm gonna be right outside if

you need anything, okay?

You're gonna die on me, too?

I'm ready.

Thank you...

At least for waiting until I

said goodbye.

Don't be afraid anymore, son.

Can I sit here a while?

I would like that.

What's this about, Jack?

Hey, Cynthia.

I'm not here to try and get you

back or anything.

Well, good, because i'm

pregnant.

And Stevie is so the jealous

type.

Pregnant?

Terrific.

Yeah, and it's nothing like

that.

What, then?

A year ago, when you took me

to see that psychic, and she

said that you were leaving me.

Yeah?

Jack, you didn't think that

was for real, did you?

That psychic lady knowing all

that shit?

Look.

I'm not really good with

goodbyes.

And Stevie always tells me that

when I break up with him.

But I couldn't just dump you,

Jack.

You're too nice for that.

So, I set it up.

God.

Man.

Jack!

I'm sorry. Tsk.

I thought you knew.

No, no, no, no, no, no.

I-I-I thought so.

I was... I was just... I was

having a conversation about it

not too long ago, and it came up

is all.

Good, 'cause, you know, I

thought you thought...

No.

You really had me going there

for a sec.

Wow.

It's not like you to be clever,

Jack.

You got me.

Yeah, no, I totally came up with

it in acting class.

You're a better actress than

I thought you were.

Thanks, Jack.

I was just in the

neighborhood.

It's my birthday.

Well, tomorrow.

Really?

Happy birthday.

Yeah.

Thanks.

It was nice seeing you again.

You better get back to Stevie.

Yeah.

Well, it was nice seeing

you, too.

Still the same, old Jack.

One... one question.

Why the whole dying thing?

I don't know what you're

talking about.

Look, Jack.

I just wanted to break up with

you, not kill you.

See ya!

Beautiful.

Dr. Shaw.

My god. Jack?

You know, I almost didn't even

recognize you.

How are you?

I know I haven't called.

Stop. Sit down.

Sit down.

It's my birthday.

And you're still here.

You know, that woman must be

pretty good medicine, better

than anything I could have

prescribed.

And believe me.

I can prescribe some pretty good

stuff.

It didn't work out with her.

I'm sorry to hear that, but she

had her own heavy load to carry.

But look at you?

New chapter, I guess.

What do you think made the

change?

A lot of things.

You know, and then Cindy.

It was, it was all untrue.

Can you believe it?

Yes.

And that I bought it.

No, no, no, no.

She planted the thought, and the

mind is a very powerful

persuader.

But it didn't all happen that

one day.

You had been carrying that fear

for a long time.

Since my dad.

Well, I think that you were

old enough to understand your

father's death, but I think

somehow you thought that you

could have stopped him.

Somehow you had the will to keep

him from dying.

Maybe.

Well, you are an estate

planner.

You plan deaths.

And there are no accidents.

Jack?

I killed my father, Dr. Shaw.

He was dying.

He asked me to do it while he

was sleeping, and I...

I...

Smothered him with a pillow

because he was in so much pain.

I've never told another soul.

♪ So what happens

when your heart just stops? ♪

You're a good doctor.

♪ ...caring for anyone

♪ the hollow in your chest

dries up ♪

♪ you stop believing

♪ So, what happens when...

Hold the elevator.

♪ The body...

Hello.

Hey.

♪ The blood crawls to a slow

and stops ♪

♪ and flows away

excuse me?

Excuse me?

Audrey, it's me.

Come on, honey. Open the door.

What's going on?

Audrey, honey? Open the door!

Audrey?!

Is she okay?

You're scaring me.

Open the door, honey.

We met once. I'm Jack.

I'm doing her estate.

I'm sorry. I forget your name.

Melanie, her sister.

Her sister.

Do you have a key?

No. W-What's happening?

Is she sick?

Do you have a super?

No, we don't have a super.

I-I think she's in trouble.

Should I call an ambulance?

What... what are you talking

about?

She's dying.

My god.

My god.

Not again. Not agai...

Audrey? Audrey?

Don't... Audrey, please.

Open the... Audrey, open the

door!

I'm not afraid of dying.

I'm relieved.

Audrey?

Audrey?!

Audrey, please open the door!

The phone's there.

♪ You see I'm feeling...

Jack?

Yeah, yeah, hi.

I need an ambulance at

40 west 75th street.

♪ ...a hollow in my chest

Jack, where are you?!

♪ The time I won't forget

♪ there is no comfort

in the eyes

that put US always to the test ♪

♪ I can't prepare myself

for that ♪

♪ but I work it out in time

♪ there is a love

that flows between US ♪

♪ ever changing every day

♪ I worked myself up

to a crawl ♪

♪ but I'm not fearing it

at all ♪

♪ we have no reason

left to stay ♪

♪ and that's why we're leaving

♪ there was no answer

in the dust ♪

♪ and the one I feared

to trust ♪

♪ there is a lie that drags US

beating and... ♪

No!!

Aah!

♪ ...into disappointment

♪ disappointment

Jack!

♪ Disappointment

"I am watching Jack sleep as

we fly across this deep ocean

that he was so wary of, looking

mysterious, yet lonely, as if

the sea actually fears US.

Paris...

City of light...

To what could have been a

brilliant beginning.

But I'm a stubborn woman,

damaged beyond recognition.

And though he is the kindest,

most gentle person I've ever

known, it is too late.

My cowardice possesses me, my

self-deprecation making me

fearless of the end.

The only solace I take with me

is that Jack has given me the

knowing that I am not completely

dead in this waking state."

♪ Seventeen

♪ missing in life

♪ you didn't

♪ and owing him life

♪ you didn't

♪ he...

Why?

Why does anyone decide to

kill themself?

♪ Singing and missing you

♪ I'm missing you

♪ singing and missing you

and when you make that

decision to end it...

God.

Suddenly, it just makes

everything seem so much easier.

♪ You're innocent

♪ I didn't know that I could

I might as well have been

dead, too.

And then I met you.

♪ Seventeen

♪ and I know that you love

to blame ♪

♪ and if I could... ♪

♪ No complaints

and no regrets ♪

♪ I still believe

in chasing dreams

and placing bets ♪

♪ but I have learned

that all you give

is all you get ♪

♪ so, give it all you've got

♪ I had my share

♪ I drank my fill

♪ and even though I'm satisfied,

I'm hungry still

to see what's down another road

beyond the hill ♪

♪ and do it all again

♪ so, here's to life

♪ and every joy it brings

♪ so, here's to life,

to dreamers and their dreams ♪

♪ Funny how the time

just flies ♪

♪ a love can go from warm hellos

to sad goodbyes ♪

♪ and leave you

with the memories

you've memorized

to keep your winters warm ♪

♪ For there's no "yes"

in yesterday ♪

♪ and who knows what tomorrow

brings or takes away? ♪

♪ As long as I'm still

in the game,

I want to play

for laughs, for life, for love ♪

♪ here's to life

♪ here's to love

♪ here's to you