You Are My Sunshine (2021) - full transcript

[birds chirping]

[music score]

[music stops]

[radio plays in background]

[door closes]

We had the weight of the world on
our shoulders back then didn't we?

Could have been worse. Can you remember
what it was like here 50 years ago?

Be confined to a cell just for giving
passing looks to one another in the street.

Yeah, you're right.

Just look at that tie!

Oh here we go again!



There we go.
Ready for the day.

- Are you sure you don't want me to come with you?
- I'll be fine.

Besides I think it's best to go it alone.

She can be unpredictable
at the best of times.

As long as you're sure?

I'm sure.

Keep wrapped up. It's chilly out there!

Happy now?

Fine.

Good. See you later my sweet.

Wish me luck.

[warm music]

Ethel and our John, the genius!

Hi Uncle Joe.
It's good to see you, we've missed you.



[children's games in the distance]

Yes. Yes we have.

Ethel, I've missed you too.

I've took the liberty of
ordering two pots of tea.

I know you like a brew in here Ethel.

Thank you. I think I should mention...

we can't stay long.
I've got some items to pick up and John has

offered to drive me to collect them.

I see.

We don't have to rush off, Mum.
We can have some time here first.

It's not like this is a regular thing,
you haven't seen each other in months.

Yes, but you know how long I've been waiting
for those items to be delivered.

What are you getting?

It's some materials for my knitting club.

I decided to try some new colours and I've
ordered from a company I'm not sure about but...

Oh well, I'm sure they'll be fine.

We finally finished that new hallway.
You remember, the light green?

I bet it looks lovely Uncle Joe.

And how's Uncle Tom? Is he well?

Oh he's fine, he's fine.
He sends his love as always.

He's always asking me how
you're getting on at university.

Well we both do wonder.

You're the first proper brain box in the family.

I wouldn't say brain box.
Not with how cheap the drinks are there.

Well, we're both very proud of you.

Thanks Uncle Joe.

Mum was just saying the other day...

Maybe it's time we've paid
a visit to you. Didn't you Mum?

Well we don't need to jump
that fence just yet.

Well, you'd be welcome, always of course.

Always!

As I said... we'll see.

I've got a lot on at the moment.

Maybe you could pop by soon,
just after you're busy.

And I'm off you know, I'm on study leave,
so I can always drive you Mum.

Yes, and I could do some cakes and do
some sandwiches and...

I said no!

[melancholic music]

I mean... not yet.

I'm just not ready.

Mum, please...

Sorry I didn't...

No Uncle Joe, it's not your fault.

Mum, you've got to stop with this.
It's not the dark ages anymore!

John, please let's go.

I'll see you again soon.
Maybe in a few months perhaps?

Happy Birthday.

[door opens]

[door closes]

[music stops]

I'm sorry Uncle Joe.

No it's okay...

No, it's not.

She's just being selfish
and it annoys me.

Don't speak about
your mother like that our kid.

She's just trying to
understand it all still.

It does annoy me though,
it's been over 40 years.

That's long enough for anyone to accept,

the world's moved on
and yet she can't seem to.

Will you give her this letter from us both.
From your Uncle Tom and me I mean.

and one there for you too
for your birthday in a few weeks.

We didn't know what to get you so
we just put some money in for you.

I can't have money off you,
you can't afford it.

Ah, ah, ah.

It'll be for your studies,
well in your case, drinking studies.

- Well I'm paying for the teas.
- Oh no you're not.

- Yeah just watch me.
- It's my treat.

Now go take your mother to get her things.

Happy Birthday Uncle Joe.

Tell Uncle Tom hello from me.

Well... from us.

I will. Now get off you young scallywag.
Go and do your young things.

I will talk to her though. I promise.

Bye.

Bye our John... and thanks.

[children's screams in the distance]

[door opens]

[door closes]

Happy Birthday to me.

[melancholic music]

[sighs]

Good lad.

Now take these brushes...

Go ask old Mr Gibson if you can wash them
through so we can reuse them tomorrow.

Sure thing Pa.

Oh hello Mr Joe,
how's the new paint job looking?

It's looking good Mr Gibson Sir. Pa wants to
know if I can rinse off these brushes in here?

Yeah, course. Park yourself over
there and you can just get on with it.

Okay thanks.

[sound of brushes in the pot]

[romantic music]

Good morning.

Ah! And you're the final
one young Tommy lad!

What's this I hear about you just
throwing your stock at my customers.

You're supposed to hand them
over personally.

Honestly what am I going to do with you?

[romantic music]

They're handmade leather belts,
not sodden rags!

Our customers want quality items delivered!

Look, I'm sorry Mr Gibson, but time
seems always to be against me! So I have to.

So will the back of my hand in a minute!
Anyway, I want it all to stop.

I don't pay you to sprint around
on that bike aiming at targets!

[Mr. Gibson's muffled voice]

Here! Here's your next batch
to take with you and no more fun

games or I'll hang you out
to dry by your ears!

Sure thing Mr Gibson!

[sighs]

Bloody royal pain in my side is that one!

Sorry Mr Gibson.

Young Tom there.
Oh I suppose I shouldn't grumble.

At least he turns up for work.

Seems like a nice person.

Yeah, I suppose.
Anyway did you get your brushes done?

Uh yes, thank you.
I'll get them back to my Pa.

Alright, let me know if you need
anything else. I'll be here.

Will do Sir. Thank you.

[sighs]

I think you missed a spot.

So, hi?

Hi, I'm Joe.

Nice to meet you Joe. Wanna give
me a hand a sec with these belts?

Um, sure.

Well, I can't say I've seen you
around here before.

Just moved up from down south.

Bit bad down there for Pa's business so...

he moved us here.

Makes sense. You miss it?

Didn't really do much.

You not go out with mates?

Didn't have any.

You didn't have any mates?
How you make sure that happened?

I like reading a lot.
It has a natural ability to repel

those of the same age I find.

Maybe I like reading too.

Really?

So what do you like doing?

Well I like drawing... painting.
Not the type you're doing mind.

But you know, sketching stuff.

Wow, well what kind of stuff have you drawn?

Well maybe that's something
you'll have to find out.

What do you mean?

Right! There, all done!

Not so bad was it?

I... I didn't complain.

I'm playing you up!
You're too easy to wind up you know.

So I'll take it you don't know
a lot of people around here then?

Not really.
Keep myself to myself.

Help my Pa whenever I can.

You uh...

you want to see something cool?

What?

Meet me.
Later at five down by the canal,

just past the embankment yeah.
You got a bike?

You want me to meet you?!
You could be anyone,

some nutter who wants to chop me up!

Well you'll never know
unless you take a chance right?

Joe! You done yet lad?

Pack it up!

Doing them now Pa.

I'll meet you later then Joe.
Remember the bike.

Oh and I'm Tom by the way,
since you didn't ask.

[romantic music]

[mocking expression]

[subdued laughter]

Hi Tom.

Joe! You'll stop your daydreaming
and pack this stuff up

if you know what's good for you!

Sorry Pa.

[mobile phone rings]
[music stops]

Excuse me? Excuse me Mr.?

I'm sorry, I was decades away.

Sorry your phone's been beeping.

[laughs]

Thanks... I'd never have even
heard it either.

Oh... ah... eeny meeny miny mo.

[romantic music]
Oh! oh... oh dear.

I thought you were a one off!

Are you okay?

Fine thanks.

Just too much cold for these
old bones to handle.

You should get an mot.

Yes I will.

You sure you don't want me to hang around?
In case you need an ambulance or anything?

I'll be fine. I promise.
And thank you for being so sweet.

Well.

[bike clicking]

Well you brought the bike.

Yeah of course I did.

Well you must trust me then?

Come on!

[happy music]

[Joe] Where is it you're taking me?

[Tom] The old hill.

[Joe] You're taking me to a hill?

[Tom] It's not the hill
that's the selling point.

[Joe] Then what is?

[Tom] You'll see!

Be careful there!

Why? Life is for living
and this is most certainly that!

When fresh air is running through your
lungs on a beautiful day!

I know but be careful!

Oh come on! I'm fine!

What could possibly go wrong?

[tyres skid and Tom screams]

Shit!

Oh shit!

Are you okay?

Yeah I'm alright.

Is anything broken? Can you stand up?

Um... I think I've just added
to the many other battle wounds

received over the years.

Let me look.

It's alright.

I've let me look.

It's fine.

Please.

Sorry.

You'll live.

I hope so.
Still got to get up that hill!

What?

I promised and I always
keep them when I've made them.

Wow.

It... it's beautiful.

I never knew the town
could look so nice.

I told you it was worth it.

How... how is it then?

Oh it's alright, don't worry.

Thanks.

Why do you come up here?

Well, sometimes I come up here and sketch.

But mostly I think I just like the quiet.

I thought that would be a bad thing?

Not really.

You like being on your own?

I guess so. Not always, mind.

But sitting here you see it all...

and everything, suddenly somehow
finds its place, it's meaning.

And you don't have to worry about
your worries too here.

You can temporarily evict them.

How'd you do that?

By using your imagination.
See, what you do...

is you imagine you can scoop
all your worries out your head.

Like so.
And you put them in your hands,

and then when you're ready,
you just throw them away.

See?

Hey now you try.

Uh...

Go on.

I...

I feel silly.

No, you look fine honest. Come on.

[Jo exhales]

How do you feel?

I'm not sure.

Oh well. Just keep trying. It works. Honest.

You have to keep trying, either that,
or we'll look like idiots together!

[laughs]

No, thank you.

[romantic music]

[small laugh]

I'm sorry.
I knew things wouldn't go swimmingly.

I thought, just this once maybe.

I'll make you another tea.

She didn't even mention your name.

It's okay.

It's not okay Tom!

She's my sister...

and she couldn't even be bothered to...

I'm sorry, I shouldn't shout at you.
It's not your fault.

You can shout at me as much
as you like if it helps.

It was part of the original job
description with you.

I just want you safe and happy.

[melancholic music]

[John clears his throat]

[radio in background]

You okay Mum?

I come in peace.

There better not be any sugars
in this tea young man.

Nice cup of tea.

What were you looking at?

What do you mean?

But I saw you. I figured it must have been
something that reminded you of Uncle Joe.

It's a picture of the two of us
when we were younger.

With our father, your grandfather, Martin.

Wow Mom!

I didn't know you'd got this!

It's nice to see you both when
you were younger...

in better times.

John don't start!

Today's already been enough
of a strain on me as it is!

You think it's not
been one on Uncle Joe too?

Mom, he looked heartbroken again.

I don't expect you to understand.

Why?

Because I don't come from a time
when being gay was something to fear...

to be scared of?

A stigma. For no reason at all I might add.

John, I can't help the way I was brought up!
The way your grandfather brought me up!

Things were different back then.
Now the world's more...

rampant. Flexible.

Back when we were kids,
you... fitted in... conformed.

[sighs]

It wasn't a choice.

Neither was the one
Uncle Joe had to deal with!

Mom...

you're gonna have to start
catching up with the world.

Otherwise you're gonna get
more and more left behind.

So I don't have a choice?

I didn't mean it like that.

Look, you watch Graham Norton
and Alan Carr on the box right?

And I've seen you laugh at them.

Mom,

you know full well that they
are both gay men on your telly.

That's different son.

Why?

Because they're not your family?

Not your responsibility?

Mom, that one last link back to your past who's
only ever wanted to have a relationship with you.

He's no different to them.

I just don't like to think about
the intimacy thing.

Then don't ask.

Not sure Uncle Joe would want to part
details with you on that aspect of his life.

Mom,

you've got to try and at least talk to him.

Please.

Before one day when it's
too late to remedy all this.

I don't ever want to see you
living with that, Mom.

John! Just leave me alone please!

It's your loss.

Every minute more you ignore him...

is a minute less you'll have
to spend with him.

[door closes]

[romantic music]

Hey you!

You okay Eth?

Where you off to now?

- I'm going out.
- Out? Out with who?

Tommy. You know.

Aye I bloody do know him.
You pair are as thick as thieves these days.

Ere! Give me a hand with this lot before
you go. It'll be ruined by this rain.

- So, what gives then?
- What you mean?

Well we've been here for a few years now.

You hardly ever went out
at the best of times back down south.

And now it's a rarity we see you!

Well I guess I've finally
come out of my shell.

Aye with a bit help from that bleeding
Tommy you're always on about!

How about we meet him?
I'm starting to think he's made up.

Probably is knowing you with
all your books and fantasy characters.

No, he isn't.

Good! We can have him round then.

I don't know, he's pretty shy.

Shy! Well he's brought you out
your shadow make no mistake!

And anyone who can do that is not shy
if you're pardon my words.

Still, I don't know Eth.

Well, here's another idea. I'm off up
the social with Mavis from work next weekend.

How about you guys come along?

Sure. I'll ask him. That should be fine.

Right, I'm off.

Ah, get off with ya! Hey you drag him
kicking and screaming if you have to. You hear?

[Tommy sings comically inside]

[romantic music]

I was told I had the voice of an angel
when i was in church choir as a kid.

Yeah, a drunken one.

Fine! Come on up critic!

But, you like.

[Tom humming]

[singing] I like you!

Let's take this private
concert inside then eh?

[door closes]
[music ends]

[pencil sound]

Mmm...

Hang on!
Just let me get this last part done.

What are you drawing?

Just something for my own
little collection of work.

Not me surely?

Maybe I am.

You need better looking models.

Maybe I don't.

[Joe exhales]

[Joe takes a deep breath]

Can I move now?

Yeah.

Can I see?

Some artists don't like
to show and tell.

Oh come on please?

- Please.
- No.

Please.

Please. Please. Please. Please. Please!

Please.

Please?

Please?

You never told me you were so good at this.

It's just a sketch.

I can't really afford a camera or
I'd take a picture of you instead.

Just so I have an image of you here...
just for me.

Thank you.

No... thank you.

You've changed my life, Joe.

For the better I hope.

For sure.

And here's hoping the rest
of the world follows along too.

Where did you get this?

A bunch of guys at Gibson's workshop had it.

Passing it around.
Making the usual cheap gaps.

You know.

[sighs]

Oh um, Ethel wants us to go
to the social on Saturday.

What for?

Well I think she's intrigued by you.

Really?

You can't deny you've had an effect on me.

How can they not notice that,
despite a few finer details being left out.

And it has been just over a year.
You keep putting it off.

So she just wants to say hi?

Yeah! Nothing too fancy.

She's always been
overprotective of me I guess.

And I think she just wants to meet
the person who's had such a...

positive effect on me.

[throw of the notebook on the table]

[romantic music]

Okay.

Does it mean I can sing?

I suppose so.

Better get practicing my acclaimed
dance routines then.

A man of many talents aren't you?

You better believe it.

[music ends]

I think you have that up just
to remind my body it's had better days.

No camera. Remember?

It's over 40 years old now you know.

And still my best work.

How's it going?

Um, not sure.

What's the deadline?
The date the council want it?

Not til August.
Which is great because I have the time,

just not the inspiration.

What's the theme?

It's supposed to be something
to look back on,

for their annual local reflections festival.

I'm surprised you're doing
this for the council.

You've never let anyone see
your original work on a gallery exhibit.

Not that I'm particularly complaining,
since most of it is of my grotesque form.

Heaven forbid I'm inflicted on an exhibit wall...
nay the paying public.

And why not? To me you are perfection.

[Joe pretends to vomit]

Not as I would though. I don't know...

the ones of you.
They've always been just for me.

No one else.
My own private exclusives.

Well you have my permission.

For what?

If you ever change your mind one day.

You had my permission to show them.

But I thought you were canvas shy?

Well the thing is, you're brilliant at this.

You've got fans all over the world
who love your work

and I'd feel mortified if I was stopping
them from seeing your complete talents.

As long as you would still be
my number one fan.

You just try stop me
from getting a front row seat.

Now, how about we get you out and have
a good walk around and see if any of

that inspiration comes back to you.

Haven't you got your appointment
at the doctors though?

Oh that's not till later this afternoon.
We've got plenty of time.

Now come on, it will do us
some good to get some air,

especially now springtime's upon us.

Suppose you're right.
Let me get my walking shoes then.

You old ones had better keep up.

Ho! There's only two years difference
between us you know.

As you keep reminding me.

[box closes]

[Joe takes a breath]

[melancholic music]

[noise of the cup on the floor]

Oh.

[Tom] What's that noise?

Yeah. Fine, just knocked
some brushes over with my towels.

[Tom] Okay, don't worry about it.
I'll sort it.

Now remember, you've got your
hospital appointment later today.

Be sorted then. You'll see.

I told you I'd do that!

Are you sure everything is okay?

Yeah. Fine. Tickety-boo and a half.

Well I don't know, that's the problem.

You haven't even said
why you're going to the GP later.

Oh, it's nothing. Annual mot as you do.

Us fully retired lot need it
more than you part-timers.

Don't you know.

[romantic music]

I almost forgot just how
beautiful this place was.

Especially when it's quiet.

Do you think it'll always be like this?
You and me? Watching the world go by?

I resigned myself to nothing
but that a long time ago.

Really?

Well nearly two years with you now.

How'd you expect me
to imagine life any other way?

Sorry.
But you're stuck with me Sunshine.

Can you imagine us in our old age?

What? With your thinning hair

and my continued startling good looks?

Shut up!

No, but seriously, can you imagine it?
Us, years from now.

What do you think we'll be doing?

I don't know.

I guess we'll have our own place.
A quaint little house of our own.

There'll be studio for me to work in

and you'll have decorated the whole house
in light colors. Warm all over.

And in the kitchen... oh, in the kitchen!
There would have to be

a little table with a pot of tea on it.
Every afternoon. That is a must.

Very English of us... our duty!

That sounds nice.

Of course it would! Be ours that's why.

It'll be difficult. I'm sure.

[romantic music]

The world is changing for the better.

But it's not exactly screaming
out for gay rights yet is it?

It's just taking time to mature.

And we just have to let it.

Do you think it will change much?

Well...

technically, even though we're together,
we have no rights.

We'll never be seen as a
proper couple recognized by law.

Maybe so. But we still have
the exact same feelings as

anybody else who is proper.

And that's always worth holding on to.

You're too important for me to lose.

Like I said before, you're stuck with me.

Same here. But...

I do hope the future is a better place.

A more accepting one at least.
And that it's treating our older selves better.

Well, whatever life throws at us, no one's
gonna stop me from looking after you.

Not even when we're both dotty
and too old to fend for ourselves.

Through thick and thin I'd say.

And sickness too, if we ever have
to cross that bridge.

Well...

let's hope...

that it never comes to that.

[intriguing music]

Joe. Joe. Come on through.

[music stops]

[door closes]

Please, have a seat.

Hi Doctor, how are you?

Good, how are you feeling?

Oh like anyone my age, a bit more tired,
I'm more slow on my feet,

but the mind is still in fine form.

And how's Tom?

Fine. Fine. All fine. He moans a lot,
but then, that's never been a worry.

It's a good result?

I'm afraid it's not good news, Joe.

[melancholic music]

How do you mean?

The MRI results came back.
They show a growth on your lower spine.

Can it...

Can it be treated?

If we caught this a year ago,
8 months even, we could have started a course

of aggressive treatment.

Chemotherapy, the works.
As things stand,

the most we could hope for
is to keep you comfortable.

If it is cancer, how long have I got?

[sighs]

Three, 4 months. Early August at best.

Oh.

Joe. Joe, would you like me to call Tom?

Yes...

I mean no.

It's okay.

I'm really sorry Joe. You're gonna need
to tell your partner about this.

The procedure is quite invasive.
You are going to need some home rest.

Thanks Doctor.

[melancholic music continues]

[Joe sobs]

[rock music inside]

Joe! Where have you been?
Everyone's inside already.

Sorry, uh, Tom was showing me
some of his new art.

Ethel, this is Tom.

Very pleased to meet you Ethel Finally.

I'm glad you've said that too.
I was beginning to wonder whether

you actually existed.

It's been what? Two years since
my brother first mentioned you.

Happy to be seen then!

Shall we go in?

Lead away.

[Joe and Tom gasp]

[background chatter & pop music]

Hey Ethel!
Who's that cute guy with your brother?

It's Tom.
They've known each other a while now.

He's brought the best out in our Joe.

I'm grateful for that.

So, a man of many talents?

I wonder what other miracles
he could perform?

I have no idea.
I've literally just met him.

All I know more is, he's an artist.
Sketches things I believe.

Really?
He could sketch me any time he likes!

Mavis! You have a husband!

Well, no harm in thinking.

Or saying in your case!
Go on, go find your fella!

[music ends]

Right! Tell Tom I say hello.

[laughs]

Actually have you seen them?

Ugh...

They went out the back I think,
towards the garden.

All right. I'll find him.

See you sweet.

[intriguing music]

Joe?

Tom?

You out here?

Joe?

[dramatic music]

Hey all ready?

Yes. All ready to go.

Sorry. We got chatting out the back

and lost track of time.

No, its alright. Really.

You sure you're okay?

Yes. I think I might have just
had a bit too much.

Well, we'll walk you home.
Pa will kill me otherwise.

Come on then my lady.

[dramatic music fades out]

- Tom!
- What? Oh it's fine!

You'll have the whole neighborhood back up.

Oh let them!

You know, I might give them
a demonstration of my unique dance skills!

Or lessons on how best to make
an arse of yourself!

Well I got to go this way.

Well been a lovely evening!
Make no mistake.

Yes, It was enlightening.

We'll have to do it again sometime.
Right Ethel?

Uh, yes I...

Joe. I think she needs
her bed and some sleep.

I'll leave you both be.

You sure you're gonna be
okay getting home?

Always.

You know, it was very nice
to meet you Ethel.

I look forward to meeting you again.

[Tom sighs]

[Tom sighs]

[kiss]

See you tomorrow Joe.

Will do.

- And be careful.
- Yeah.

[melancholic music]

Are you okay?

Yes. Fine.

Shall we?

We better get home.

Pa will kill us if we wake
him up at this hour.

Night then.

[music stops]

[radio plays in the background]

You pair were in late again.

Sorry Pa.

So what you're doing today then?
As little as possible I imagine.

Morning to you to Pa.

Enough of your cheek young man.

You okay Joe?

Yeah. I'm off to see Tommy today.

Oh. I see.

Tom again? You pair attached
at the hip or something?

We're just good friends, Pa.
There's nothing wrong with that.

Just good friends, Pa. [mumbling]

[radio presenter] Good morning
and welcome to the news.

Plans to further so-called
controversial gay pride events

in London later this year will now be going
ahead after government bodies passed

the motion to allow them.

This despite continued protest
by anti-gay protests...

Bloody puffs!
Vile people!

They should be shot or put down.

Maybe they're fighting for equality.
You know, something we all should have.

It's not natural lad.

It's a good job we know no one like
that around here, or they'd have hell to pay!

You mark my words!

It's a brave new world Pa.

As long as they keep their filthy mitts
of you and the rest of us, I won't object.

It might be a brave new world,
but I don't have to agree with it!

[melancholic music]

Joe. Wait!

You okay? You were a bit worse for wear...

Joe, please!

Is everything all right?

You...

you are...

What. What am I?

I saw you. Last night.

You and Tom were...
you were kissing one another!

You are not normal.

- I am... I'm not different! I'm still me!
- No!

Don't you come near me!
I can't handle you touching me!

I can't handle you!

Please... Please don't push me away.

You're my sister... I love you.

You pushed me away the moment you
became a dirty pervert!

I'm not...

Joe! Don't deny it! I saw you!

You're gay! And so is Tom!

[Joe] No... no.

Pa?

[music stops]

[ring tone]

[phone rings]

Hello.

Hello. Can I help?

Is this one of those funny calls?
Look I don't need this at the moment.

- I'm very busy...
- Tom?

Ethel?

Ethel, is that you?

I... I was just calling to see
if Joe's there, Tom.

I'm afraid he isn't in at the moment.
He should be back soon.

He just popped to the doctors.

Is he okay?

As far as I know. I'm waiting for him
to come back so he can tell me.

Is everything okay at your end?
Is it John?

Has something happened to either of...

We're fine.
Thank you.

Uh, I'll call again later.
Goodbye.

Where are you Joe?

[waves and seagull sounds]

[Joe exhales]

How you feeling?

Numb.

End of an era.

Or the start of a new one.

I suppose you're right.

He'll never accept this.

Me...

Us.

Neither will.

I saw the hatred in their faces!

They were mortified!

Disgusted!

Maybe they're right.

No! They're not! Not now. Not ever!

You are the most kindest
and caring person I have ever known.

And I am so lucky to have met you! Yeah?

You are going to be right here. For the
rest of my life and I'll be there with you.

You have my word.

Remember you are my sunshine...
even if there is none!

The irony!

Yeah, there's my Joe.

I can only go back for my stuff.

Unless Pa's already thrown it
out into the street.

Well then we'll go together.
And we'll sort our lives out in the process.

Me and you. Together like we should be.

[romantic music]

And we'll sort out jobs. We'll do anything.
And we'll get that little house... yeah?

A beautiful garden.
We'll grow old together and moan when

someone doesn't do the washing up.

We've got everything to look forward to Joe.

But...

I'm gonna miss them. [Joe sobs]

I'm gonna miss them with you.
I told you, we're in this together.

What affects you affects me...
from this day on.

Nothing is more important.

[music stops]

Sorry I've not been here for a while, Pa.
Been busy and such and...

I still never know if this is what
you'd have wanted... me being here to visit.

Plays on my mind more than you'll ever know.

Maybe you do.

I know this isn't the design
you had for your son's life.

[melancholic music]

Can't lie and say it was
mine too originally.

It just happened.

Maybe I'm clearing my conscience.
Yet a part of me says there's nothing to

appease or have to prove.

But you'll always be my Pa.

And despite not having to seen
you after that day.

Just thought you could give me a sign.

That maybe I didn't do you too bad.

I still love and respect you.

In light of today's news.
I just thought I'd let you know that.

[music stops]

[car rolling noise]

[blinker sound]

Uncle Joe!

What are you doing here our John?

I was out on some errands for my Mum
when I saw you. Did you want a lift back?

Hey! What's up Uncle Joe?

[car door closes]

Hey... hey.

We can't have you like this now.

Come on.

[melancholic music]

See you in about an hour then?

Oh I'm so happy you are home!
I was worried sick.

I kept calling your mobile
but you weren't answering.

What's wrong?

[music stops]

Okay. What is wrong?

Please, you're scaring me Joe.

I promise I'll tell you very soon.
I'm just waiting for one last piece of the jigsaw.

I don't know what you mean.
I don't understand.

[distant front door knocking]

Would you be a dear and go answer the door?

Ethel... evening!

Evening, Tom.

What's all this about Tom?
I tried to get something from John but...

Told you Mom, I don't know what he's doing.

I have no idea Ethel. It's a mystery to me.

Won't you come in?

[door closes]

Ethel... John...

Please. Sit down.

I didn't mean for all this drama.
Cloak and daggers.

I didn't want to do this alone.

But you aren't alone, I'm here.

Begging your pardon though Tom my sweet.

I meant I would have felt alone
if you weren't all here.

In this instance I needed you
all in the same room.

So Joe, why are we here?

Before I tell you what I have to,
there's some things I want to say.

I don't want any more fighting.

I've had more than enough
to last me a lifetime.

Tired of acting like it's all been okay.

And that I've coped.

When in reality it's been anything but.

Ethel... Ethy.

I never blamed you for
what happened in the past.

I never held your beliefs
against you either.

You have your ideals and that's fine...
Pa did too.

And Tom.

My love, I'm so very proud of you.

And whatever your reaction
is to what I'm about to tell you.

I want you to promise me that you'll always carry
on with your paintings, and you will complete.

The commission for the council's gallery.

It's important to you,

so, it's important to me.

But...

No buts. You will complete it.
Promise me, please.

I promise.

As Tom knows, I had to visit my GP today.
I'd had some blood tests earlier earlier.

And today I went to see
what they were telling us.

I'm afraid it wasn't good.

What did they say?

[melancholic music]

It's cancer.

It started in my lower spine and spread
before we knew anything was seriously wrong.

It wasn't detectable till now,
and it's too late to fix me.

I'm afraid I don't have long left.

Three or 4 months if I'm lucky.

It'll be okay.
I'll look after you!

I promise!

I know.

I know.

[music stops]
[noise of dishes in the sink]

Oh, damn it!

Ethy and John got away.

You haven't called her in that way,
in a long time.

They get off okay?

Yeah.

I wanted to give you
some time alone together.

It's been a lot to take in
from all directions today.

Oh, Tom.

I'm fine!

Stop being so bloody stubborn!

Some things never change eh?

Aye. Always have to have the last word.
What you like?

[melancholic music]

I'd do anything not to be
that person this time.

Well, this is where you absolutely must be.

Just this once.

I can't do this though Joe.
How am I supposed to carry on?

All my life has been with you.
No one else!

I don't even think I could walk
to the shop on the corner

knowing you won't
be here when I get back.

Usually with the wrong milk.

She called earlier. Ethel.

Must have been before you
asked John to bring you here.

What did she say?

Nothing much. Well she asked for you.

It took a lot for her
to pick up that phone I think.

Made even worse when it was me
who picked it up and not you.

Thanks Pa.

What?

Just something I needed an answer to.
I think I just got it.

I don't understand?

What you just told me...

it answered a question I asked.

One day at a time.

One day at a time.

[no audible dialogue]

[music stops]
[discrete crowd hubbub]

Ladies and gentlemen.
Honorable guests, good evening.

I'm...

I'm very grateful to be here tonight,
and to have been asked to produce

a piece of work for the festival
that evokes the theme of looking back.

And for a while, I struggled.
I couldn't really grasp anything

that captured my imagination,

like things have at previous
events and with my previous works.

And then recently I... I received some news.

News that was incredibly hard to digest,

and that has affected me
on a very personal level.

[melancholic music]

More so than anything ever
has in my life up to now.

And while I have been having to process
and prepare for an even worse day to come.

It made me look back on parts
of my own life, and the intertwined life

of someone very dear to me,
who came along for the ride.

And then it came to me. I realized
I had looked to the past each day in my studio,

to one specific picture on our walls.

It was one of my first pieces of art,

that holds a truly unique place in my heart.

And I've never thought
of showing it publicly before,

because it has always been
such a private piece for me.

It was from a moment in my life
when I finally knew,

where I was going...

and who would be with me, along the way.

Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your
continued support, and may I close in saying,

it took something in the present to make
me look back and appreciate life even more,

and those within it, that I hold very dear.

And for that reason and to celebrate
this event as best I can,

I present...

"My Joe".

[romantic music]

[applause]

[music fades out]

[zip]

[steps on the parquet]

Ethel, is Joe okay?

Joe's fine, Tom.
John's looking after him.

Thank goodness.

I actually came to see you.
To have a private word.

What can I do for you?

I...

I...

this is hard for me.

Ethel, I'm not really
in the right frame of mind

to get into any of this
with you at the moment.

I'll put on a happy face for Joe,
but after...

after what will happen, honestly,
you'll not see me again.

Is that what you think I want?

Do you think I would leave you
to deal with all this...

your grief... alone?

I'm not sure I know
what you want of me. Of Joe.

It's been many years
and I'm just tired now.

I can understand your reasons for distance.

Things were very different back then.

Ethel?

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry because tonight and every day
since he told us about his condition,

I've done nothing but wish I could have
the time back again to get to know you better.

Because I can see it all now.

I can see how happy
you've made my little brother.

[melancholic music]

I can see it in the days gone by and...

I can see it now. It's never faltered.

And I'd give it anything
to take it all back.

And to understand,
instead of trying to forget

that the two of you ever even existed.

I hope one day you'll be able
to forgive me, as does Joe.

I think you underestimate your brother.

There isn't a day that goes by
when he doesn't mention you

and your father. He's never stopped
loving you. And neither have I.

You don't know how much that means to me.

Tom, I promise...

you'll never be on your own.
Not now, not ever, because...

I came here to say something.
Something I should have said a long time ago.

Tom...

you are my family too.

[music stops]

[Joe grumbles]

Are you okay?
Do you need any water?

[laboured breathing] The... the hill...

The hill?

The hill?
What do you mean my darling?

[romantic music]

I don't think I know what you mean.

[laboured breathing continues] Hill.

The hill.

Our hill.

Our first kiss.

Then go there my love.
Don't be afraid.

Just let yourself go my love.

I'll catch up with you someday.

Oh, my sunshine.

[melancholic music]

[Joe] What time does
the meteor shower start?

[Tom] Any time now they said
on the wireless.

[Joe] So, where is Venus then?

[Tom] Over there, brightest star in the sky.

[Joe] So, that light is millions
of years old.

[Tom] Uh-huh. Yeah.

[Joe] You know if, say a meteor was heading
to Earth, and it was going to wipe us out...

and all we had was a day left,
what would you do with it?

Well, I'd want to spend it with you,
wouldn't I.

But what if I wasn't there, with you I mean?

Then...

it'd be probably
the saddest day of my life.

Hey, look. It's just about starting.

Synchronization & Cutting: SpectraPhysics
©2022 - All Rights Reserved

[melancholic music stops]

[ballad song]