Talk to Her (2002) - full transcript

After a chance encounter at a theater, two men, Benigno and Marco, meet at a private clinic where Benigno works. Lydia, Marco's girlfriend and a bullfighter by profession, has been gored and is in a coma. It so happens that Benigno is looking after another woman in a coma, Alicia, a young ballet student. The lives of the four characters will flow in all directions, past, present and future, dragging all of them towards an unsuspected destiny.

TALK TO HER

The stage is crowded with

wooden chairs and tables.

Two women come out...

...combining...

...and their eyes are closed,

as if they were sleepwalkers.

You feel afraid that they

may bump into everything.

But suddenly...

...a man appears.

His face is really sad.

The saddest face

I have ever seen.

He throws the chairs away

so they won't bump into them.

You can't imagine

how exciting it was.

A man over forty

was sitting next to me...

...handsome...

...and he cried several

times, he was so moved.

But you couldn't do less

than that. It was so beautiful.

I have a surprise for you.

I went backstage. Pina Bausch

gave me an autograph for you.

I had to buy

the picture, huh?

Look.

It's in English.

But it says something like...

...sometimes you can

overcome your obstacles...

...and dance.

Let's see.

-Oh, she's menstruating.

-It's before time.

Yes.

Hello, good afternoon.

Benigno, would you

mind staying tonight?

My sister can't

stay with my children...

-... and I can't leave them alone.

-What did you come for?

-You should have called, girl.

-It's not too much to ask?

You've stayed three

nights this week already.

Don't worry, an afternoon

off is good enough for me.

I have to hire workmen

to fix my floor...

...it's a mess.

Then I have to frame

a picture and that's it.

My situation isn't

getting better.

We can tell them at the

clinic and let them decide.

It's not your fault your husband

left you and your three kids.

Come at night when you can,

and if you can't, I'll stay.

We can manage.

Thank you very much.

I noticed you stopped

integral nurturing.

-Yes, she didn't keep it down.

-We can start again tomorrow.

Yes. Come on, go.

Come on.

-And cheer up.

-Thanks.

It's okay.

Six bulls and a woman.

Next Wednesday at

Merced Huelva Plaza...

...Lydia Gonzalez

is fighting six bulls.

-Six are many. Good evening.

-Good evening.

Why did you make

such a drastic decision?

Bullfighting is my job.

Two bulls, six.

Any number.

People say some bullfighters

refuse to bullfight with you...

...because you're a woman.

People can say whatever they

want. It's their business.

The world of bullfighting

is full with male chauvinism...

...you must acknowledge that.

There are exceptions. Niño

de Valencia didn't mind...

...bullfighting with

you for several months.

That is over.

Do you think it was all a

staging to advertise himself...

...and he left you

as soon as he got that?

I warned you backstage I

wouldn't talk about this.

Talking is good, girl.

It is.

Talking about our problems is

the first step to get over them...

-... because Niño de Valencia...

-There you go again.

Lydia, honey, don't be rude.

Let me finish the question.

Because Niño...

I told you backstage I

wouldn't talk about this.

You didn't tell me

anything backstage...

...and I don't

like you saying that.

People may think we

arrange the interviews...

...and I don't,

I just go live.

I'm one of the few

who dare to go live...

...and you should acknowledge

you've been pimped.

Niño de Valencia

has been pimping you.

That man has shared with

you not just your fame...

...but also your bed.

He dumped you

when it suited him.

Hello, Juan Luis,

it's Marco.

How are you?

I need to ask you something.

I'd like to write an

article about Lydia Gonzalez.

Don't look at me

like that, Lydia.

Yes, I'm watching it too.

...the audience has the right...

I'd like to go deep.

...you're rudely

sparing details.

Oh, for the Sunday paper?

Very good.

Bull!

Bull...

This woman has gone crazy.

She's addressing it to you.

She'd let the bull gut her

if only you could see it.

We shouldn't have come.

Specially you.

Yes, but Niño must focus.

He has no time

for other concerns.

I won't concern him...

...but tell him to come by the

chalet to pick up his stuff...

...or he can tell

me where to send it.

-Send it to my place.

-He should tell me.

I have nothing

to do with you.

Here, you can leave

whenever you want.

-Good evening.

-Whisky on the rocks, please.

Old-fashioned or highball?

Highball.

Excuse me, can I talk

to you for a minute?

I'm sorry.

What were you saying?

Can I talk to

you for a minute?

Please.

If you take me to Madrid

we could talk on the way.

I'd love to.

Let's go, then.

Who named you Lydia?

My father.

It was like fixing your

fate since you were born.

He always wanted

to be a bullfighter...

...but he was just

a banderillero.

He was the one who supported

me the most in the world.

But he died, a year ago.

I'm sorry.

"El Pais" wants an article about

you for the Sunday paper.

Do you write

about bullfighting?

I don't remember your name.

I know nothing

about bullfighting.

What are you

doing here, then?

But I do know a lot

about desperate women.

Really? Who told

you I was desperate?

I got that impression.

You don't care about bulls...

...but about my relationship

with Niño de Valencia.

Tell "El Pais" no.

Tell them to leave me alone.

-Good night.

-Good night.

-Get me out of here!

-What is it?

Get me out of here, please!

-But why?

-There's a snake in my kitchen.

Give me the keys.

The door is unlocked.

Okay. Calm down.

Stay here.

Oh, my purse.

Thank you.

Take me to a hotel.

I won't go back into

that house ever again.

What hotel?

The Eurobuilding,

for example.

Okay.

Don't tell anyone about

the animal, please.

Only my family knows that.

Don't worry. I respect

other people's phobias.

After what you did for me...

...I feel I can't

say no to the article.

Sleep on the matter.

I'll call you tomorrow

to see what you decided.

Thanks for everything.

-Good night.

-Good night.

Do you want me to stay?

I can sleep on the sofa.

It wouldn't be the first time.

No.

I must learn

to be on my own.

-Hello.

-Hi, Benigno.

-Hello, everyone.

-Good morning.

Hi.

Are you washing her hair?

What do you think?

-How was the night?

-As usual.

Come on, give it to me.

I'll finish it.

-I'm out of here.

-See you.

Have a nice day, Matilde.

Oh, it's a really hot day.

We should cut her hair.

Cut it short, it's more

practical and comfortable.

We'll cut it as usual, like

it was the day she arrived.

I don't want her to notice any

difference if she wakes up.

After four years in a coma

it would be a miracle, Benigno.

Well, I believe in miracles,

and you should, too.

-Why me?

-Because you need them.

Maybe one will happen to you

and you won't even notice...

...because you don't

believe in them.

Oh, Christ, it's so hot!

I bought a thing for

perspiration at the drugstore...

...because it's

driving me crazy.

I sweat through everything but

my armpits, look at my face.

-What is it called?

-Oh, Christ, "Pespirex".

-Yes?

-Hi, it's Marco.

-Do you remember me?

-Of course I do.

-How are you?

-Naked.

I should buy some clothes,

all I have is this dress.

I can go to your house

and get anything you need.

No, I don't want

anything from there.

There will be time.

-Where are we going?

-To Sibila.

-You must think I'm crazy.

-Why?

Because I don't want

to go home anymore.

No, I understand it.

When me and my wife split...

...I could no longer

sleep in the same bed...

-... so I slept on the couch.

-Really?

I slept there

for over a week...

...until I decided

to buy a new bed.

So you are separated.

I'm alone.

A FEW MONTHS LATER

Marco, we must talk

after the bullfight.

-We've been talking for an hour.

-You have.

Not me.

That's true.

Did you read about the nun?

The one who was raped

by missionaries in Africa.

By the priests themselves.

It's terrible.

If you can't trust the

missionaries, who can you trust?

They used to

rape the natives.

Really?

They're afraid of AIDS, so

now they're raping their own.

Terrible...

I used to think very

high of missionaries.

There must be

all kinds of them.

-They are not all rapists.

-I hope so.

-No, some are pedophiles.

-What is that?

The issue of fucking

has no remedy.

Be quiet, Antonio.

Don't be stupid.

-How will the bullfight be?

-Very nice, but fat.

-How much will it weight?

-Over a thousand pounds.

Jesus!

Well, I'm leaving.

Lydia, remember we'll

have dinner at home tonight.

The kids really want

to see their aunt.

Good luck.

The bull's coming.

Calm down, girl.

Come on.

Good afternoon.

-How is she?

-She's very ill.

The bull split her in half.

My father must be happy now.

"Not the girl...

not the girl."

My mother and I would

tell him once and again.

But the girl was

exactly like him.

Don't be mad, girl.

What time is it?

It's been four hours.

THREE WEEKS LATER

-Are you leaving to Cordoba?

-Yes.

I'd like to stay,

but I can't.

The doctors say there's

nothing else to do.

Our bar has been

closed for three weeks.

The children are

with a neighbor.

I've neglected them.

Don't worry, if

anything happened...

...you could be

here within 2 hours.

-You can be sure about that.

-We must keep the faith.

-Faith?

-Yes.

I keep on lighting

candles for my saints...

...but it's very hard

for me to have faith.

When do you think we

can put her medals on?

Not yet.

Because of everything

she has...

...the wounds, the tracheotomy...

No.

She never took them off.

-Hello.

-Hello.

-I'll go get a vase.

-Thank you.

I have to go to

America for three months.

My agent says it

is very important...

...but...

...the way things are...

...I don't want to go.

Can you step

out for a minute?

You can't smoke in here.

Did she talk to you

before the bullfight?

Yes.

Well, in fact, I talked.

What did you talk about?

My stuff.

Didn't she tell you

something about me?

The truth is, Lydia hadn't

talked about you for long.

What happened to

her is my fault.

No, it was my fault.

They say that he

spent the nights...

...just crying.

They say that

he didn't eat...

...he just spent

his time drinking.

They swear that

the sky itself...

...trembled when

it heard him crying.

He so suffered for her...

...that he even called

her as he laid dying.

"Ay, ay, ay, ay, ay"...

...he sang.

"Ay, ay, ay, ay, ay"...

...he moaned.

"Ay, ay, ay, ay, ay"...

...he sang...

...of a deadly passion...

...he was dying.

That a sad dove...

...goes and sings for

him early in the morning...

...to the little lonely house...

...with its little doors...

...opened wide.

They swear that dove...

...is nothing

but his soul...

...that he is still waiting...

...for that poor

wretch to come back.

"Cu-cu-rru-cu-cu"...

...dove...

..."cu-cu-rru-cu-cu"...

...don't cry.

The stones never will...

...dove...

...what can they know...

...about love?

This Caetano has

given me goose-bumps.

Marco, I've always

wanted to ask you.

Why did you cry

the night I met you...

...after hunting that animal?

It brought me a

lot of memories.

What memories?

I had to hunt another

snake years ago.

We were in Africa.

She had the same

phobia you do.

She waited outside

the tent, terrified...

...defenseless...

...and completely naked...

...because she had discovered

the animal while we slept.

Was it the same woman for

whom you slept in the couch?

I hate that woman.

No... I haven't

seen her in years.

Even worse. What can I do

for you to forget her?

Exactly what you're doing.

You were fast asleep, we

didn't want to wake you up.

-Is Dr. Vega here?

-He must be in his office.

I saw him arrive.

-Good morning.

-Good morning.

Rosa, close the door,

there's an air current!

Oh, you opened your eyes.

-That gives me the creeps.

-What when they yawn?

Oh, I shit my pants.

Good morning, doctor.

I want to talk to you.

Sure. How are you?

How did you spend the night?

I'll buy you a cup of coffee.

Doctor... how long can

Lydia remains like that?

Months, years.

For the rest of her life.

Is there no hope?

As a doctor I must

tell you there isn't.

However...

RESURRECTED

"Meryl Lazy Lee Moon wakes

from a coma after 15 years."

She went into a coma

after her third childbirth.

Meryl was in a persistent

vegetative state...

...just like Lydia, in

theory, unconscious for life.

Her waking up contradicts

everything I'll tell you.

This means that

there is hope.

No, I insist,

scientifically, there isn't.

But if you think so,

I won't take your hope away.

Can she open her eyes

or am I hallucinating?

Yes, she can open her eyes...

...but it doesn't mean

she's looking at you...

...or noticing anything.

Lydia's cerebral cortex

is completely devastated.

However, her cerebral

stem is intact.

It controls

automatic functions...

...like breathing, sleeping,

intestinal movement.

She can open her eyes

as a mechanical act.

Her brain is off, it can't

conceive ideas or feelings.

Come in.

Hey, you...

come in, come in.

Yes, you.

Hello.

-My name is Benigno.

-Marco Zuloaga.

She is Alicia.

Is this the first night

you've stayed here?

-Yes.

-The first is the worst.

You get used to it.

What are those boots for?

This is for her feet

not to bend sideways...

...or fall forward.

They look like

Ibizan boots.

Really? I've never

been to Ibiza.

I know you.

Have you read

something I've written?

No, no, no. It was during the

performance of "Caffe Muller".

We were sitting

together, by chance.

I didn't notice.

At a certain point...

...you couldn't hold

back your tears.

He's the man I

told you about.

The one I saw cry while

watching "Caffe Muller".

Well, I have to go.

Are you leaving? So soon?

We haven't talked

about anything yet.

-Some other time.

-Will you come back today?

-Yes.

-Then come and visit us.

I never leave, and I

spend many nights here.

I'm a veteran nurse,

you can count on me.

-Thank you. Bye.

-See you.

-Mr. Roncero.

-Good morning.

Good morning.

Do you want me

to call Dr. Vega?

No, go on with

what you're doing.

The other day...

...going through my stuff...

...I found a notebook

with some data...

...about the day that

you went to see me.

I had written down a subject...

...that we'd discuss on

your second appointment.

You never had a

second appointment.

What subject?

Your... sexual orientation.

My sexual orientation?

Yes, your sexuality.

Whether you are attracted

to men or women.

When you went to

see me you told me...

...that you were

a virgin then.

Well...

...answering your question...

...I think my orientation

is towards men.

Is that why you

went to see me?

Well, I don't remember now.

But I guess... I guess.

-But I am very well now.

-Are you with someone?

More or less.

I'm no longer alone.

I don't have that

problem anymore.

I hope you didn't

mind my question.

No, no, not at all.

-Her father came, didn't he?

-Yes.

-He asked me if I was gay.

-Really?

Well, we used the

American way, more subtle.

He asked what my

orientation was.

-What did you tell him?

-That I like men.

Is it true?

No, you fool.

I lied to him.

How dare he ask me whether

I like men or women?

-Who cares?

-I don't.

I don't like knowing.

Have I asked the chief

nurse if she's gay?

Or do I ask you if you like

bestialism or coprophagy?

No, you're right.

One shouldn't ask that.

Maybe I'll have to travel...

...so I won't be able

to come every week.

But I've been offered

a creation in Geneva...

...a choreography, and

that makes my heart beat.

I have an old

idea for a ballet.

It's called "Trenches".

It's about the

First World War.

Problem: I'd need many boys...

...many dancers

because, of course...

...there are many

soldiers in war.

But in Geneva

everyone dances.

It's wonderful.

There are also female

dancers because, you see...

...in ballet,

when a soldier dies...

...his soul emerges

from his body.

His ghost does. And that's

what it is: a female dancer.

Long, white tutu, like the

dancers in "Giselle", classic...

...but stained with blood...

...red.

-That's beautiful.

-Yes.

-Alicia's loving it.

-Beautiful, because...

...from death...

life emerges.

From the masculine,

the feminine emerges.

Of course...

From the earthly...

...emerges...

-... the beach.

-No.

From the earthly...

Water emerges.

No... the ethereal emerges.

Oh... right.

From the earthly

the ethereal emerges...

...the untouchable,

the ghastly.

And I have the music.

From Krystof Penderesky...

...the piece for the

victims at Hiroshima.

Second World War,

it doesn't matter.

Of course it doesn't!

Alicia remembers perfectly.

Yes, that's the

music for the battle.

It's brutal, savage...

...and the music

for the deaths...

...is a masterpiece...

...that you will

listen to right now.

You are going to flip.

Alicia...

...good-bye.

Take care.

And you take care, Katerina.

Though you look gorgeous.

You must stage "Trenches".

I will.

-Take care of her.

-Yes, of course.

Good-bye.

Look.

We will put this

by the window.

You'll watch your friends

dance across the street.

And look.

I love this bedroom.

I'll have it made,

all of it.

And...

Hello.

Come in and close

the door, please.

-How are you?

-Hi, Benigno.

-Take a seat.

-Thanks.

Alicia, look who's here.

We were breathing some air,

reading some magazines...

Were you?

Hey, who is that

woman who just left?

Katerina, Alicia's teacher.

-Her teacher?

-Her ballet teacher.

Yes, she's quite a

character, Katerina.

He has a dance school

right in front of my house.

Alicia was her student.

Katerina loves her as

if she was her daughter.

FOUR YEARS EARLIER

Benigno, you've been at

the window for half an hour.

I'm coming, mom.

I'm going home.

-Take care.

-Bye.

See you tomorrow.

What is it?

Are you following me?

No.

Well, yes.

And?

I think this is yours.

It must have fallen...

-Thank you.

-Is everything in it?

-Yes.

-I didn't touch anything.

Thank you.

-Where are you going?

-Home.

Do you mind if I walk with

you? I have nothing to do.

Okay, but I'm going home.

Yes, sure.

It suits me.

I wouldn't live

without dancing.

I enjoy very much watching it.

Do you like ballet?

I guess. Yes, sure.

But I have never

seen anything.

What else do you do?

Besides dancing.

Well, I love to travel...

...and I go to the

movies very often.

Lately I've discovered

silent movies.

They're my favorite,

I love them.

-Silent movies?

-Yes.

Where do you hang out?

-I don't.

-You have to, some time.

No, I had been taking

care of my mother...

...but she died

two months ago.

I'm sorry. Mine died

too, but long ago.

Well, we're here.

Thanks about the wallet.

Dr. Roncero, psychiatrist.

Seventh floor, left.

Twenty three.

If I stayed all

day by the window...

...she didn't come to class.

But I remembered her address...

...and that her father

was a psychiatrist.

Dr. Roncero's office.

I want to get

a consultation...

-... an appointment.

-Is tomorrow at 5 okay?

Can't it be sooner?

No. Tomorrow at five.

-Okay.

-Give me your name.

-May I help you?

-I have an appointment.

-At five.

-Come in.

Come in, don't stand there.

Excuse me.

-Benigno Martin?

-Yes.

I need your data.

Birth?

I just wanted to

see Alicia again...

...but since the father was

there and he was a psychiatrist...

...I told him

I missed my mother.

For the last 15

years, you say?

Yes. I've been taking care of

her since I was almost a kid.

During these past 15 years...

...you did nothing but

take care of your mother.

I never left her side.

Well, I studied

to be a nurse...

...and I had to go

out to go to school.

I also studied esthetics...

...make-up and hairdressing...

...but I did that by mail.

Do you mean that you

put make-up on your mother...

-... that you did her hair?

-Sure.

Yes, I cut her hair, dyed

it, gave her manicures...

...I massaged her,

front, back.

My mother wasn't

disabled, nor crazy.

She was just a

little lazy, you know.

My mother was a very

beautiful woman.

I didn't like to

see her untidy.

What did your

father say about it?

-Nothing, what could he say?

-Is he dead?

No, Christ! No.

He lives in Sweden.

I guess, because... I haven't

heard from him in years.

Does he never

come to see you?

No.

No, he's had a new

family for some time now...

...when he left my mother.

We don't have a relationship.

Why did you come

to see me, Benigno?

-Well...

-What is your problem?

I have no problem.

There most be something if you

came to see a psychiatrist.

Well, loneliness, I guess.

Have you ever had

sex with a woman?

No.

And with a man?

Not either.

I'd like you to come

and see me next week.

-Is there something wrong?

-No...

...but...

...you've had a...

let's say...

-... special adolescence.

-Not that special.

Yes, very special.

Well, whatever you say, yes.

We should make a

deeper analysis.

Yes, sure, let's analyze it.

I'll come next week, then.

Okay.

-Well, nice to meet you.

-Good-bye.

See you.

-What are you doing here?

-Nothing, I was leaving.

Don't get nervous.

I just wanted to see you.

But I'm harmless.

Dr. Roncero's office.

Hello, Lola.

Yes, I just shit

the largest thing.

One...

...and two...

...and three...

stay forward.

And one...

...and two...

and three...

...stay back.

An accident?

Can you cover for me?

Alicia never went back

to the dance school.

I didn't want to

scare her again...

...so I only went back

to her home a week later...

...like I had told

the father.

It didn't stop

raining all week.

The next time I

saw her was here.

What happened to her?

A car accident.

One of those rainy days.

Her father didn't want her

to be alone for a minute...

...night or day.

He asked for the best nurses...

...and well, I have a

great reputation here...

...and I was recommended.

When he saw me he

remembered that we had met...

...and he doubted

for a minute, but...

...finally he hired Matilde

and me, exclusively.

It's four years now...

...and here we are.

Right, Alicia?

I started going to watch

ballet on my free days.

I also go to the movies.

I watch as many

silent movies as I can:

German, American,

Italian, all of them.

Then I tell her

all that I've seen.

These last four years have

been the richest of my life...

...taking care of Alicia...

...and doing the

things she liked to do.

Except traveling, of course.

For me it's the opposite

with Lydia.

Why is that?

I don't even dare

to touch her.

I don't recognize her body.

I'm unable even to help

the nurses turn her in bed...

...and I feel very mean.

Talk to her.

Tell her.

Yes, I'd like to,

but she can't hear me.

How can you be so sure

they can't hear us?

Because her brain

is off, Benigno.

A woman's brain

is a mystery...

...even more

the state they're in.

Women must be

taken into account.

Talk to them, have some

detail once and again...

...caress them at times...

...remind them that they

exist, they're alive...

...and that we care.

That's the only therapy,

I talk through experience.

How experienced

are you with women?

Benigno...

...how experienced

are you with women?

What?

I asked how experienced

are you with women?

As much as I can be!

I lived with one for 20 years

and four with this one.

Well, I love the

bullfighter's boyfriend.

I'm sure he has a big cock.

How do you know that?

Have you seen it?

-Cookies?

-Thanks.

That kind of thing

shows in their faces.

In their faces... and

mostly in their crotch.

Well, I have

a sixth sense.

He and Benigno have become

very good friends, right?

Yes.

Do you think

he's gay too?

No way.

What a thing to say.

Are you saying

Benigno is gay?

Am I saying it?

It's vox populi, baby.

-You're very wrong.

-Dr. Vera says I'm right.

-How could he know?

-Alicia's father told him.

I don't like him acting so

freely with the sick girl...

...but Dr. Vega

told me not to worry...

...that Benigno isn't

attracted to women, but to men.

You're so mean. I'm leaving

so you can talk at ease.

This poor girl has

a crush on Benigno.

I wish her luck.

-Hello.

-Hello, Benigno.

Tonight is my free night,

I'm going to the movies.

I must go back to

work one of these days.

This woman isn't right.

Benigno, please.

Man, understand.

Poor girl, her skin is dry.

Let's see...

Here.

Have you talked to her?

No, and don't insist.

Okay.

Bye, Lydia.

You must be very

patient with him.

Well...

...have a nice day.

DORE THEATER

"Waning lover."

Rosa has the flu.

I hope you didn't catch it.

I'm glad you are fine.

Even so, I'll massage you...

...and rub rosemary

alcohol on you.

No...

No, there's nothing

wrong with me.

It's just that... last

night I saw a movie that...

...that disturbed me.

It's a love story...

...between Alfredo, a

chubby boy, like myself...

...but a good guy...

...and Amparo, his girlfriend...

...who is a scientist.

Amparo is experimenting

with a diet formula...

...which will be a

nutritional breakthrough.

"YOU'RE SO SELFISH... YOU

ONLY THINK OF YOURSELF"

"I'VE GOT IT!"

"It may be dangerous, I

Haven't tested it in humans."

"Do you still

think I'm selfish?"

"It made me feel so good!"

"Don't worry honey!

I'll find an antidote!"

But time went by.

Amparo worked hard, but

she didn't find an antidote...

...and poor Alfredo

waned day by day.

"Don't look for me.

I'll always love you."

Alfredo left to keep

her from suffering.

He abandoned Madrid...

...and went back

to his mother's...

...with whom he hadn't

spoken in 10 years...

...because she was something!

He hadn't even told

Amparo where she lived.

In the movie,

many things happen...

...but the important thing is...

...that after years...

...of remorse and study...

...Amparo discovers...

...Alfredo's mother's address...

...and she shows up there.

"... don't feel guilty."

"... freely and

because I love you..."

YOUKALl HOTEL

ROOM 15

-SLEEP, HONEY.

-WHAT IF I CRUSH YOU?

And Alfredo...

...stays inside of her...

...forever.

A MONTH LATER

Let's see, give

me your hands.

Like that... like that...

...like that.

Oh, it's cool out

here! How nice!

Oh, being on the

terrace is so nice!

Isn't it?

And Lydia likes

being taken out too.

Right, Lydia?

You heard her, she loves it.

Look at them.

It looks like they're

talking about us.

What do you think

they'd talk about?

Because these

girls are shameless.

Women tell each other

everything. Everything.

Lydia would tell her it's 2

months since the bull got her.

Come on, walk.

Benjamin and Angela...

...have you come to be

married without being forced...

...by your own free will?

-Yes, we come freely.

-Yes, we come freely.

Therefore, since you want to

be joined in holy matrimony...

...take each other's hands...

...and express your consent

before God and His church.

I, Angela, want

you, Benjamin...

...to be my husband...

...and I give

myself to you...

...and I promise

to be faithful...

...in happiness

and in sorrow...

...in sickness and in health...

...every day of my life.

Our Lord, who had love

be born between you...

...may confirm

this mutual consent...

...that you have

expressed before His church.

What God has joined

should not be severed by man.

What are you doing here?

I thought we'd

meet at the hotel.

I changed my mind.

I have always liked weddings.

Weren't you going to see your

sister before the bullfight?

I called her, she'll

come to the hotel.

I had to promise her we'd

have dinner at her bar tonight.

Whatever you want.

-... through the Holy Church...

-Nice ceremony, isn't it?

Lovely.

I didn't think

she was so young.

I guess you came

because you didn't know.

Marco, I came because I don't

want another day to finish...

...without us talking.

You don't have to worry.

I'm over Angela.

I have proofs.

For example, I didn't cry

during the ceremony, you did.

-Right.

-There's no reason.

-You don't believe me?

-That's not it.

It took me a decade

to get over her...

...but I swear it's over.

-Marco...

-Lydia, believe me, it's over.

Angela and I traveled a lot.

The excuse was writing

a tourist guide...

...about some exotic place...

...but I was really

keeping her away from drugs...

...running away from Madrid.

Life in Madrid was Hell.

Our relationship

worked only running away.

After trying for 5 years

and 7 tourist guides...

...I brought her here, to

Lucena, with her parents.

They got her away from

drugs and me forever.

Did you still love her?

Yes.

That's why I cried when

I saw something moving...

...because I couldn't

share it with her.

There's nothing

worse than being away...

...from someone you still love.

What a sad story.

"Love is the saddest thing

in the world when it's over"...

...says a Jobim song.

Marco, we must talk

after the bullfight.

We've been talking

for an hour.

You have.

Not me.

That's true.

The doctor told me

my leg will take...

...at least two

months to heal.

But, you know? I'm

glad that bull got me.

This way I can stay with

you until you awake, my love.

No one will take

me away from you.

We were back together.

We had been

together for a month.

Lydia went to the

wedding to tell you...

...but when I saw you I

knew she hadn't told you.

It was you she was crying

for at the wedding.

She called me

from the restaurant...

...to tell me she had

cried thinking of me.

That's the last

time we talked.

I'm injured, so I won't

bullfight for a while.

If you don't mind, I'd like

to stay with her these nights.

Make yourself at home.

Thanks.

Hi, Alicia.

I'm alone again.

I caught you looking at

her bosom, don't deny it.

It's hard not to,

it's larger every day.

Benigno, I think

I'm going on a trip.

Why is that?

-I have to work.

-What about Lydia?

Lydia no longer needs me.

Have you two split up?

It's a way of putting it.

You know, Marco?

I figured it out.

I don't know how,

but I figured it out.

There was something about

your relationship, I'm sorry...

...that wasn't working.

When are you leaving?

In a couple of days,

but I'll see you before that.

I hope so.

I'm sorry that

you're leaving.

-Hello, Rosa.

-Hello, Marco.

Well, I'm leaving.

Benigno, see you soon.

-Sure.

-Bye, Rosa.

Ciao.

Benigno, is she

menstruating already?

No.

I'm reading last

month's notes...

...and she should be

menstruating already.

Yes. She's a little late.

NURSE'S GRAPHICS

It's been over too weeks.

She's too late.

Are you sure she

had it last month?

I placed the sanitary

napkin myself.

It was the week

that you had the flu.

She even looks swollen.

Come on, sometimes

they are out of order.

Lydia, for example,

is no longer menstruating.

I see.

Still we should

tell Dr. Vega.

Hello, Benigno.

Hello.

I brought some of my tourist

guides for Alicia and you.

Thanks a lot.

I've said good-bye to Lydia.

I tried to see Alicia, but

the head nurse and Dr. Vega...

...didn't let me in.

Is something wrong?

No, I think Alicia

has an infection.

Can you give me a ride home?

I don't have to stay tonight.

I hope it's nothing serious.

I don't know, man.

They're making some tests...

...but they haven't

told me anything either.

Abidjan,

Yemen, Brazil...

...Turkey, Cuba.

-I'll read them to Alicia.

-It's just tourist guides.

If you wrote them I'm

sure they have style.

Are you leaving alone?

Yes.

I wanted to talk to

you about that, Marco...

...before you leave.

About what?

About loneliness.

I want to get married.

Marry? Who?

-Alicia, who else?

-Benigno, you're insane.

Our relationship is better

than most marriages.

What's wrong with a man in

love wanting to get married?

She is in a coma!

Alicia can't say "I do"

with any part of her body.

We don't know if vegetative

life can be called life!

-Get in the car.

-How can you say that?

Get in the car!

Benigno, what you have

with Alicia is a monologue...

...and nonsense.

Talking isn't useless...

...but you also talk to plants

and you don't marry them.

I can't believe

you're saying that.

I thought you were different.

Promise me you won't say it

again, won't even think it again.

-Promise.

-Why?

Because if you tell someone

you'll be in serious trouble...

...and I won't be

here to help you.

If it makes you

easy, I promise.

No matter how much we

love her and like her...

-Do you like her too?

-Of course I do, how couldn't I?

She likes you too.

Benigno, Alicia is

practically dead!

She can't feel

anything for anyone!

Not for me, for you,

not even for herself!

Get that into your head!

Our patient Alicia

Roncero has been raped...

...and she is pregnant.

I haven't told

her father yet...

...because you'll tell me first

who was the son-of-a-bitch.

Mr. Director, we are

greatly disturbed.

You should feel

responsible instead.

Alicia is on your floor.

Then let me expose

this situation.

Rosa, please.

Alicia hasn't had her

period for two months.

First I thought it had

just been a month, but...

...but I was wrong.

Last month's nurse's

comments say nothing about it.

It even says you placed the

sanitary napkin as usual.

That week I was

home with a flu.

You wrote it,

didn't you, Benigno?

-It's your handwriting.

-Yes, I did.

Why did you write false data?

I didn't want

people to be alarmed.

It's not the first time a patient

no longer has her period.

That's true.

How come no one noticed?

What about the night nurse?

Matilde? She called,

she can't make it today.

Didn't she notice it

was missing either?

Well, Matilde has been

having personal problems.

It's very often

that she can't come.

Who takes her place?

Benigno.

Do you want me to

tell Mr. Roncero...

...his daughter spends day

and night with this freak?

Please, stay calm

and be respectful.

Benigno...

...do you realize you have

become the prime suspect?

Why did you hide it the

first time it was missing?

I'm sure there

is an explanation.

You would never

harm Alicia.

-You can be sure of that.

-And so?

Last night, at the parking

lot, I happened to hear...

...a conversation between

Benigno and Mr. Marco.

Benigno said he wanted

to marry Alicia.

Mr. Zuloaga tried

to dissuade him, but...

...Benigno wasn't reasoning,

he was very upset.

He also said he knew

many married couples...

...who didn't get along as

well as he and Alicia did.

JORD ANIA, EIGHT

MONTHS LATER

Lydia Gonzalez was buried

yesterday, April 13th...

...at La Almudena cemetery.

The 33-year-old bullfighter...

...daughter of banderillero

Antonio Gonzalez...

...had been in a coma...

Del Bosque Hospital,

may I help you?

Can I speak to

Benigno Martin?

-He's on the second floor.

-He doesn't work here anymore.

-Excuse me, Miss...

-Are you sure?

Absolutely.

What about nurse

Rose Salazar?

-Who am I speaking with?

-Marco Zuloaga.

Hold on a second.

How can I authorize

some flyers?

Down the aisle,

in Administration.

-Yes, who is it?

-Marco Zuloaga.

-Marco...

-I'm calling from Jordanian.

I read that Lydia is dead.

Yes, man, she is.

I'm sorry, Marco.

I would have liked

to be informed.

I see. I don't know,

we've had so many problems...

What is it, Rosa? They told

me Benigno isn't working there.

No. Benigno is in jail.

In jail?

Why?

He's accused of

raping Alicia Roncero.

What are you saying?

Give him a hand.

He has no one to turn to.

-Have you visited him?

-Me?

After what he did, I can't.

But someone must help

him and you're his friend.

Okay. Which

prison is he in?

Segovia.

-Segovia?

-Yes.

Please wait for

me, don't go.

-Hello.

-Hello.

I want to see a prisoner.

Go to Communications.

Through this door, on the left.

Thank you.

-Hello.

-What do you want?

I want to see prisoner

Benigno Martin.

Today is not a visit

day, but let me see.

Excuse me, I can't hear you.

Excuse me, it's

not a visit day...

...and that inmate hasn't

requested a visitor.

He doesn't know I'm in

Madrid, I arrived yesterday.

I see. Are you family?

No, I'm his friend.

My name is Marco Zuloaga.

Can I see an ID, please?

Sure.

-Can I call him on the phone?

-You can't, but he can call you.

I changed my number, can

you give him the new one?

-Sure.

-OK, thanks.

Very good.

Excuse me.

Remember, visit days...

...are Saturday and Sunday...

...but the inmate

must request the visit.

If he doesn't want to see you,

there's nothing we can do.

He'll want to see me.

Thanks.

Great. By the way, we don't

have "prisoners" in here...

I can't hear you.

Excuse me, we don't have

"prisoners", we have "inmates".

-Good-bye. Thanks.

-Bye.

-Six-two-seven...

-Wait.

Yes.

Nine-six...

...six-four...

...zero-nine.

No, it's nine.

Again.

627...

Yes, hello?

Marco, is that you?

-Yes, Benigno.

-It's great to see you.

Hey, I've requested

your visit.

Will I see you

next Saturday?

-Sure.

-Where are you?

I'm in front

of the hospital.

Dr. Vega has

told me everything.

How could you, Benigno?

Man, you didn't come back to

Spain to scold me, did you?

No. Do you need me to take

anything to you on Saturday?

I need information. What

do you know about Alicia?

No one from the hospital

is allowed to talk to me.

Her father took her to another

hospital, they don't know where.

-I don't believe that.

-Me neither...

...but it's obvious

they won't tell us.

Hey, man... are you

still my friend?

Of course, why do

you think I am here?

Okay, find out what

happened to Alicia.

If she's alive,

if the baby is born...

...if it's a boy or

a girl, if it's alive.

I need to know, Marco.

You're mad at me, but

you understand, don't you?

Yes, I do.

I'll try to find out.

I'll see you next

Saturday, Benigno.

Did you find something out?

Not yet, but I will.

Be patient.

I was patient until Alicia

was 9 months pregnant...

...but that was a month ago.

You must keep on

waiting, Benigno.

Damn...

What do you do

during the day?

I work at the infirmary.

This is a new prison...

...so there's not too many

people, it's very quiet.

It doesn't look like a

prison from the outside.

Prison is not my problem...

...but not seeing Alicia.

According to forensics and

Alicia's father, I'm a psychopath.

Yes, a psychopath.

They say that's

good for the trial...

...but I don't care

about the trial.

I need to see Alicia and

know how things ended.

If this doesn't change,

I'd do something stupid.

Don't they say

I'm a psychopath?

Then I'll behave as one.

Don't say that,

Benigno, please.

Oh, find me a new lawyer.

Mine is public and he has a

hard time not punching me.

Okay, okay.

I'll call the doorwoman to

give you the keys to my home.

Hire it and pay the

lawyer with that money.

I can hire your apartment,

I hired mine too.

Okay. I like you

to be my tenant.

I've thought a lot about

you in these past months...

...mostly at night.

Why at night?

Because I read at night.

I've read all the tourist

guides you gave me.

It's been like... traveling

with you for months...

...telling me things no

one tells you about trips.

My favorite guide

is La Havana's...

...and I felt identified

with those people...

...who have nothing

and make it all up.

When you describe

that Cuban woman...

...leaning on a window

in front of the sea wall...

...waiting pointlessly...

...seeing how time goes

by and nothing happens...

...I thought that

woman was me.

Good morning, madam.

I'm Benigno's friend.

Oh, are you Marco,

from Argentina?

Yes.

I am the doorwoman.

Benigno called to tell me...

-... that you'll hire his place.

-That's right.

It will be very untidy, because

he expressly forbid me...

...to go in and clean.

I wasn't going to

charge for it, but...

Don't worry, I'll

take care of that.

-Should I give you the key?

-Yes.

I'll see if I can find it.

Have you seen him?

-Yes.

-How is he?

Fine.

Not even in jail has

that poor man been lucky.

He hasn't got

much attention.

No one has come from

the TV, no paparazzo.

So many trashy TV programs...

...and not one has

come, I don't know...

...to interview me, for example.

It's sad the state the mass

media are in this country.

Yes, you have that right.

-The key...

-Oh, yes!

Thanks.

Oh, by the way...

Do you know why

Benigno is in jail?

He's very quiet, so

the last time he came...

...he didn't say a word.

Benigno is innocent.

Well, of course

he is, I know that...

...but innocent of what?

I don't know.

You don't? Of course you

do, but you won't tell me.

But I'll make you tell me.

Okay.

See you, ma'am.

If you need anything, you know...

I'm very excited, Alicia, to

see you come in by yourself.

With your canes, on your own.

-Did you see me?

-How was rehab today?

-Very good.

-Are you tired?

-Yes, very.

-It doesn't matter.

Let's do some

complementary exercises.

We'll do some

flex-extensions.

I've done a hundred today.

Yes, it doesn't matter,

let's do some more.

Okay.

Yes?

I have an appointment

with Mr. Saenz.

Come in.

Thank you.

The fetus was born dead.

It was a boy.

But Alicia is awake.

Benigno should know.

Regarding his state of

mind, I don't think so.

He'd do something crazy.

But I can't lie to him.

I'm his only friend,

he trusts me.

I will. It is no

problem for me.

I'll tell him Alicia is still

in coma and the baby is dead...

...but you must promise

me you won't tell him.

-What about parole?

-It isn't likely...

...and it would be very

expensive, but we can try.

Number 8.

-Hi, Marco.

-Hi, Benigno.

-Did you get wet?

-A little.

Be careful, don't get a cold.

Have a big glass of hot

milk when you get home...

...with a teaspoon of honey.

Okay.

Ever since I'm here

I like rainy days.

Have you seen

the new lawyer?

Yes.

Yes, he was here.

He told me everything.

It won't be easy

for me, right?

In fact, it won't.

At least Alicia is the

same after childbirth.

It consoles me and

it gives me hope.

Are you okay, Benigno?

I'd like to be able

to hug you, Marco.

But to hug you I'd have

to ask for a vis-à-vis.

I've tried it, you know?

They asked me if

you were my boyfriend.

I didn't dare to say yes...

...in case you mind.

I don't mind at all.

You can say

whatever you want.

I've hugged very

few people in my life.

A message.

Marco, I was very

glad to see you today...

...and to be able

to say good-bye.

As you know, they

won't let me go out...

...or it will be to

confine me somewhere else.

Marco, I don't want to live

in a world without Alicia...

...a place where I can't

even keep her hairpin...

...so I decided to escape.

I didn't tell you

for you not to worry...

...or to try to keep

me from doing it.

A very tight hug, Marco.

Taxi!

-To Segovia.

-Segovia?

-Yes, to jail.

-To jail?

Yes.

Madam, I need to see

Benigno Martin urgently.

I know this is not the way,

but this is life-and-death.

The principal is waiting

for you in his office.

Where is his office?

The officer with walk you.

This way.

To the right.

-Empty your pockets, please.

-Yes.

Hey, hey! Wait a

minute! Don't run!

Wait for me.

It's in there.

Over there.

Good morning.

I'm Marco Zuloaga.

Benigno Martin left

this letter for you.

Dear Marco...

...it's still raining.

I think that's

a good omen.

When Alicia had that

accident it was raining too.

I'm writing to you a few

moments before escaping.

I hope what I've taken is

enough to fall into a coma...

...and get together

with her.

You are my only friend.

The house I prepared for

Alicia and me is yours.

Wherever they take

me, come and see me...

...and talk to me.

Tell me everything.

Don't be so impenetrable.

See you forever, my friend.

These are the

retained objects...

...and these are the personal

belongings we found in his cell.

You have to sign here.

Sir, you have to sign here.

Benigno, it's me.

Alicia is alive.

You woke her up.

When I heard your message

I ran to jail to tell you...

...but I was late.

Alicia's hairpin

is in your pocket...

...and also her pictures...

...and your mother's...

...so that they will be

with you for eternity.

...cruel signs.

Masculine below,

feminine above.

I'll get you some

water. Take a seat.

-Are you okay?

-Yes.

I don't know.

-I'm much better now.

-What?

Let's go, baby.

-Let's go inside.

-Okay.

Come on.

-You're shaking.

-I'm not.

You are.

Why?

-What have you told her?

-Nothing.

I've seen you talking.

Alicia asked me if I was

okay and I thanked her.

Don't worry if you see

me in your neighborhood.

I live across the street

from your dance school.

-At Benigno's?

-Yes.

Why do you live there?

Benigno is dead.

You and I should

talk some day.

Yes, and it will be

simpler than you think.

Nothing is simple.

I'm a ballet teacher,

and nothing is simple.