1
(GENTLE MUSIC)
(CORK POPPING)
(LIQUID GURGLING)
(GLASSES CLINKING)
(HARD ROCK MUSIC)
Oh
RUSSELL: There's
that old saying
seeing is believing,
(GENTLE MUSIC)
that somehow the way our
eyes talk to our brains
is capital F fact.
Our mouths lie, our
ears can't be trusted.
Our other senses
are shit, basically,
but the eyes...
(BLUESY MUSIC)
You leapt from
crumbling bridges
Watching cityscapes
turn to dust
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
Filming helicopters
crashing in the ocean
From way above
(DISTANT TRAIN WHISTLE BLARING)
Got the music in you, baby
RUSSELL: You can see
me well enough, right?
I'm nothing special,
just another bag of skin
roaming around, life playing out
like one of those sad
old country songs.
No daddy, no money, no
sweet, shiny love to save me.
Kisses on the foreheads
Of the lovers
wrapped in your arms
You've been hiding them
in hollowed out pianos
Left in the dark
Got the music in you,
baby, tell me why
Got the music in you,
baby, tell me why
You've been locked
in here forever
And you just
can't say goodbye
(ARGUS CAWING)
RUSSELL: It always feels
like an answer, doesn't it?
(LIGHT KNOCKING)
Close your eyes and
anything is possible.
(LOUD KNOCKING)
The moment you wake up, reality.
You've been locked
In here forever
(ARGUS CAWING)
And you just
(LOUD KNOCKING)
Can't say goodbye
RUSSELL: So much
for fairy tales.
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
(ARGUS CAWING)
(TRAIN WHISTLE BLARING)
Starve, see if I care.
MURRAY: Good morgin', Bessie.
Be careful, Dad.
MURRAY: Living
dangerous today.
Are you okay?
Here, just sit, okay?
(ARGUS CAWING)
You think you can get
Argus to come over here.
He doesn't listen to me.
He was never my bird.
Not that one.
(GENTLE MUSIC)
Latched right on to your
mother as a hatchling.
(ARGUS CLUCKING)
Kindred spirits those two.
Stubborn and stubboner.
We still joke about who
you take after, her or him.
I'm worried that
he's not eating enough.
A thousand eyes but unable
to see what's good for him.
He'll give in
when he's hungry.
Well, since I know you's here,
I will go wish my
bride a blessed day.
(TRAIN WHISTLE BLARING)
(ARGUS CAWING)
(ARGUS CLUCKING)
BESS: I thought I
saw my mom this morning.
(GENTLE MUSIC)
I was coming in from
feeding my peacock Argus
and I coulda sworn I
saw her watching me
from the kitchen window.
FARMER: Go on.
(TAPE SCREECHING)
When did this come about?
This all happened so
fast I barely had any time
to think at all.
FARMER: What is
there to think about?
Your father was
diagnosed years ago
and we've spent
countless clinical hours
exploring your
thoughts and feelings
about his illness.
I know.
But this made it real.
It has always been real.
I thought I saw
my mom this morning.
I was coming in from
feeding my peacock Argus
and I coulda sworn I
saw her watching me
from my bedroom window.
(TAPE SCREECHING)
I don't want it to start
all over again, Farmer.
The fantasy that
she's still here,
I thought I was done with that.
(TAPE SCREECHING)
FARMER: You are
very good at the work
that we do here, Elizabeth.
I better be.
We've been at it long enough.
Go on.
(EERIE MUSIC)
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
(GENTLE MUSIC)
(TREES CREAKING)
(UPBEAT MUSIC)
(BIRD HOOTING)
(PAPER AND METAL CLATTERING)
RUSSELL: It always
interests me how we go on
but we do.
We fucking persist.
We assign meaning
to empty things.
We find hobbies to distract us
for a few minutes
here and there.
Who are we kidding?
(DRILL WHIRRING)
BESS: Fuck.
(DRILL WHIRRING)
(WINGS FLAPPING)
(TENSE MUSIC)
(LIGHT DRUMMING MUSIC)
(LOUD THUDDING)
(LIGHTHEARTED TINKLING MUSIC)
(LOUD THUDDING)
(CUP CLATTERING)
(LOUD THUDDING)
(LIVELY DRUMMING MUSIC)
(LOUD KNOCKING)
Yeah?
That noise, you can
imagine how disruptive it is
to my work.
I can.
Can you imagine how disruptive
it would be to my work
if I stopped?
(WALLBOARD CLATTERING)
(SIGHS)
I'll be done by 4:00.
(HORN HONKING)
Work with me here, sir.
I don't know the first
thing about demolition.
What, no, no, just
let me do my job.
Mint?
Do I need one?
Yes.
Russell Hank.
(SPITTING)
(GENTLE MUSIC)
(HOSPITAL ANNOUNCER CHATTERING)
- Ah.
- Hi.
Sorry to call you out
of the blue like this.
Murray told me to
try Mrs. Kraftt first
but there was no answer.
There wouldn't be.
Sorry, I didn't know he even
had an appointment today.
I had a cancellation.
I'm only in this area twice a
year so Murray made it work.
Spent most of my career
at Johns Hopkins.
Now I make the rounds of
these small rural hospitals.
That's really great.
So what's your
opinion of my dad?
Well, we're just
finishing up his MRI
and there are some
decisions to be made.
What kind of decisions?
I know, who am I, right?
New doctor walks in,
right away he wants to
change the wallpaper.
But I have to tell you,
Elizabeth, the wallpaper is ugly.
Your father's Parkinson's
is not getting any better.
And during this
afternoon's tests
I observed some secondary
symptoms that trouble me.
Time to start thinking about
deep brain stimulation.
- It is good?
- It, oh.
Good.
It's a somewhat routine surgery
for Parkinson's sufferers.
We just drill a small
hole in Murray's cranium,
implant a couple of electrodes,
check to see that his motor
functions are improved
and then close him right up.
Worst part'll be the haircut.
Fuck.
Sorry, I didn't mean
to say that out loud.
Don't apologize, Elizabeth.
It's one of my favorite words.
HOSPITAL ANNOUNCER:
Housekeeping to...
Everyone calls me Bess.
All right, Bess.
Sure you wanna go home
(GENTLE MUSIC)
and discuss this
with your family.
BESS: But what
does my dad think?
DR. KLIENART: He
won't do anything
without your and Mrs.
Kraftt's approval.
BESS: There is
no Mrs. Kraftt.
DR. KLIENART: Excuse me?
I, my mother passed
away 10 years ago.
(GENTLE MUSIC)
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
(ARGUS CAWING)
(FLIES BUZZING)
I wish I could stay
and eat with you
but my Ocular Anatomy and
Physiology class starts tonight.
Ooh, sounds boring as hell.
I know.
(ARGUS CAWING)
Then why are you going?
It'll be good to have
a marketable skill.
Careful, turn the
heat down a bit.
(DISTANT TRAIN WHISTLE BLARING)
BESS: I told
you I'm not eating.
But your mother is.
This is exactly what Dr.
Klienart was talking about.
You're sick.
I'm well aware of that.
In the head, Dad, dementia.
One of the many
joys of Parkinson's.
And the fact that
you refuse to accept
that Mom is gone is proof.
She's dead, Dad, gone, dead.
I've told you many times she's
right here, alive and well.
Yoo hoo, over here.
(ARGUS CAWING)
(TRAIN WHISTLE BLARING)
Look, I'm shaking
more than you.
But it's the right thing.
Afterwards everything will
be different and better.
Dr. Klienart is sure of it.
Yeah, well, when a guy
wants to go poking around
inside your head, you
better do one hell of a job
selling the advantages.
Why don't you put
it off awhile, Murray?
You have time.
Let's stop being so gloomy.
I'll be fine, right?
Better than ever.
And if not,
everything has an end.
Only the sausage has two.
Great.
Oh boy.
(INSECTS CHIRPING)
I'll be upstairs.
(ARGUS CAWING)
(CHILDREN SHOUTING)
(LIGHT DRUMMING MUSIC)
Where are your coveralls?
Please put them back on.
Please?
RUSSELL: What's
your problem, man?
I'm on the spectrum
and I was raised
Pennsylvania Dutch.
I, too, am a connoisseur
of beef burgers.
I highly value their
uniform size and quality.
Never thought of it like that.
I just saw it as another
way to kill myself.
Are you suicidal?
I damn sure hope so.
Whatever you don't finish
I would like to have.
RUSSELL VOICEOVER:
My mother always gave me
the same advice.
She'd say, "Russell,
stop being so difficult.
"You're only gonna
end up lonely."
And she was also
(GENTLE MUSIC)
the most difficult, lonely
person who ever lived.
Biology is destiny.
I was being accommodating.
You were flirting.
(DOOR BELL TINKLING)
BESS: I'm sorry I'm late.
Oh that's okay.
Noonan, exam room C.
I refuse to put up
with that sauce box.
BRUCE: Isn't it
wonderful, Bess?
Some day all this will be yours.
It is wonderful.
(PHONE RINGING)
Dr. Smithson.
DR. SHINE: Doctoral
Candidate Smithson you mean.
(LOUD THUDDING)
(METAL RUSTLING)
Jesus, Farmer, what's
with all the noise?
What can I do
for you, Dr. Shine?
DR. SHINE: I'm
calling to invite you
to the Templeton
reception tomorrow.
FARMER: I cannot participate.
DR. SHINE: Come on, Farmer,
I'm trying to help you.
(LIGHT DRUMMING MUSIC)
You could mix and
mingle, network.
(METAL SCRAPING)
Just make an hour of
nice with the schmucks
who pay your rent.
I believe in you.
I wouldn't be your
advisor if I didn't.
(HORN HONKING)
I'll consider it.
(GENTLE MUSIC)
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
(ARGUS CAWING)
(CUP CLANKING)
(EGG SPLATTERING)
Put yolk in your hair, dear.
(DRAMATIC MUSIC)
(RUSSELL GAGGING)
(DIAL TONE PULSING)
(RUSSELL GASPING)
(GENTLE MUSIC)
(INSECTS CHIRPING)
Bess, pull over.
There's something I need
to talk to you about.
This may sound odd, but
I'd like to do this alone.
What, what do you mean?
This disease doesn't make
me feel like much of a man
most of the time.
But it feels very manly to
walk into brain surgery alone,
very John Wayne.
Stop it.
I wanna go with you.
No, you don't.
You and your mother
as so much alike.
Were, Dad, were.
I'm going to be awake
for this whole thing
and it will be over
before we know it.
So let's treat today
like it's any other
(GENTLE MUSIC)
and when I come out of
surgery and I'm good as new,
we'll come back
here and celebrate.
Can you do that for me?
Can you do that for me?
(DISTANT TRAIN WHISTLE BLARING)
Happy Birthday, Bessie.
I completely forgot.
Thank you, Papa.
So you've been
attempting to kill yourself
for the past four years
and have yet to succeed.
Well, the goal
isn't death exactly.
(CHILDREN SHOUTING)
Evidence suggests.
(RUSSELL HUFFS)
I just can't
seem to figure out
a better way to disappear.
What do you mean "disappear"?
I don't know.
I just always had this feeling
like I was supposed
to be invisible
but somehow I
ended up like this.
Interesting.
$40 a session and you will be
invisible by summer.
(LIGHTHEARTED DRUMMING MUSIC)
(DOG BARKING)
Are you a doctor?
Not yet.
Technically, you'd be
a research subject.
(CHUCKLES) No way am I
sharing my feelings with you.
Nor I with you.
Empathy is a daily
struggle for me.
Order and logic
are my methodology.
Are evenings good for you?
(DOG BARKING)
Are you deaf?
Said I'm not interested.
(FINGERS SNAPPING)
I'm not deaf.
I wanted to give you
this before I left.
It's for the rest
of the semester.
Thank you so much.
Are you liking your class?
Are you learning anything?
Well, it turns out I
don't know the first thing
about ocular anatomy.
(LAUGHS) Well, if you
ever have any questions,
you know where to find me.
(GENTLE MUSIC)
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
(BESS SCREAMING)
(SIREN BLARING)
DR. KLIENART: Mrs. Kraftt?
Is he still unconscious?
DR. KLIENART: Yes,
but I want you to know
I couldn't be more optimistic
about Murray's recovery.
His vital signs are good,
all of the lab results
and brain scans indicate
he's in excellent health.
Can you really go blind
by staring at the sun?
DR. KLIENART: Well, the
retina is a delicate thing.
I have to admit, meeting
you has me confused.
Your daughter told me...
That I'm dead?
I know.
It's been a million
theories over the years
but nothing sticks.
And everyone in town has
pussyfooted around her
for half a lifetime.
She's been here.
We discussed Mr. Kraftt's
operation at length.
She can see her
father just fine.
I'm the only invisible person
in her life.
(SIREN BLARING)
We live in the same house, we
eat at the same dinner table,
we park in the same garage
but she can't see me or
hear me or even sense me.
I simply don't exist.
Well, I have never come
across anything like it
in all my studies of the brain.
Why, she should see someone.
I'm, I mean, a specialist.
Has she had her vision charted?
- A brain scan?
- We've tried everything,
gone everywhere,
done everything.
She has been seeing
someone in town
who's taken her on as
like a special project.
She seems to have stabilized.
At this point a cure just
seems out of the question.
(LIGHTHEARTED MUSIC)
(BESS GRUNTING)
(SINGING IN A FOREIGN LANGUAGE)
Will you shift a little?
You're pressing on my ribs.
FARMER: That's birth trauma.
Breathe through it.
I'm really sweating.
That's amniotic fluid.
It's to be expected.
Now you're doing very good
and you've spent
the last nine months
preparing for life.
So when you're ready,
start to push your way
into the world.
(BESS GRUNTING)
Focus.
- Head stayed up and breathe.
- I'm dying under here.
(BESS GRUNTING)
Oh, what's wrong?
I cannot have a
wrongful death lawsuit.
It would greatly
jeopardize my research.
No, no, I'm not really dying.
It's just an expression.
Here, come back here.
I'll be born again
better this time.
Not tonight, Elizabeth.
Rebirthing takes
too much out of me.
Please, Farmer, I'll do
anything to get better.
(DOG BARKING)
(CHILDREN SHOUTING)
(GENTLE MUSIC)
RUSSELL VOICEOVER:
This thought keeps going
around my head lately
that maybe I'm already dead
and that this is some
delusion of existence.
Heavy, right?
(SIGHS) Good God,
I'm full of shit.
Ah ah ah ah
(SLEDGE HAMMER THUDDING)
Ah ah ah ah
Set me free
(SLEDGEHAMMER THUDDING)
(WALL BOARD CLATTERING)
Ah
RUSSELL VOICEOVER: So I'd
expect you to roll your eyes
if I went and told
you about a girl
and her tree house in the sky.
If I told you that that girl
believes her mother is dead
simply because
she can't see her.
Am I ah
RUSSELL: But you see
that girl, don't you?
All fair skin and red hair.
A smile for everyone
to cover what's numb.
That right there, that's truth.
Set me free
Set me free
Ah
RUSSELL: And I'm supposed
to make sense of this instant?
Oh no, no, knowing
about someone, you know.
Ah
RUSSELL: But I'm telling
you this feeling right now
is as real as it fucking gets.
Set me free
Set me free
(SOFT KNOCKING)
- (LIGHTHEARTED DRUMMING MUSIC)
- Look at that patty.
Perfectly round, perfectly flat.
Burgers were my
mom's signature dish.
They were awful.
The only time she fixed them
was when one of her
boyfriends was over
and she was too caught up to
pay any attention to the grill.
I, too, have childhood
memories of beef.
It was my job to milk
the cows each morning.
You grew up on a farm?
I did.
Had I stayed, my
condition would've made me
an excellent farmer.
People think you need
an affinity for plants.
But success simply relies
on accurate calculations,
soil composition, weather,
acreage, et cetera.
Why did you leave?
My parents died
when I was six.
That's when I moved here.
At what part of town?
I just told you, here.
Bitch of a commute.
Not at all.
I simply walk up.
I was joking.
FARMER: And what
are you doing here?
It's a long story.
I've been all over.
But there's a lotta work
for a demolition guy
in these parts.
And do you enjoy your work?
Sure.
I get to take something solid
and make it like
it never existed.
A magician of sorts.
It's hardly magic.
FARMER: And your
family, where are they?
Who's Elizabeth K?
FARMER: Your therapy partner.
Okay, I told you
I'm not doing therapy.
I have yet to tell
you to do anything.
Group therapy is one of the
last courses of treatment
I have yet to try with Elizabeth
and I believe the two of you
- will pair off nicely.
- No, no, you see,
you don't understand.
I wouldn't be good for
anyone's mental health.
Please never again
make an assumption
about my understanding.
I'm offering my help.
I'm not a charity case.
(DOOR BELL TINKLING)
Correct, you are
a medical case.
Look, I know you
hate it when I show up
without an appointment but I
really need to talk to you.
Yeah, I'm gonna go.
No, no, wait.
Wait please.
Before we continue,
I would like to
introduce you to Russell.
BESS: Who's that?
Well, ask him yourself.
(RUSSELL CHUCKLES)
Okay, when will he be here?
It's not another one of
your research assistants
is it, Farmer?
I can't sit for another one
of those practice intakes.
Hi, hello.
Russell is your
group therapy partner.
Stop being rude.
Say hello.
- Wait, I told you
- Really?
- I'm not doing group therapy.
- Wait, group therapy?
Are you guys fucking with me?
Not at all, Russell.
BESS: Who are you talking to?
Can she not see me?
(GENTLE MUSIC)
FARMER: Can you not see him?
Are you mocking my dad?
The most important person to me
is the sickest he's ever
been and you're making fun
of the fact he sees
people who aren't there?
I was speaking
directly to Russell Hank,
the tall young man that is
standing right across from you.
You know what?
I should really be
at the hospital.
I dare say, Russell,
this is a highly
significant development.
Holy shit.
You're a genius.
I'm finally invisible.
(LIVELY COUNTRY MUSIC)
(PEOPLE CHATTERING)
BARTENDER: ID please.
Who knew you'd like to do
BARTENDER: Look at that.
Happy Birthday.
Love so strong
Birthday, huh?
(CHUCKLES)
Well, let's party.
Tequila.
Uh, shots aren't
really my thing.
Well, they are tonight.
Keep to the well
liquor and clocks it.
RUSSELL VOICEOVER: Normally,
I would see a girl like that
and my mind would start to race
with all the things I was
never going to say to her.
I'd force myself to look away
so our eyes would never meet.
I'll walk so many miles
Oh.
(MAN CHUCKLES)
Okay, and another one please.
RUSSELL VOICEOVER:
Can someone tell me
what I'm supposed to do
with the fact that I
want to look at her
and look at her and
maybe never stop?
(GLASSES CLINKING)
MAN: Cheers.
Happy Birthday.
Happy Birthday to you.
(GENTLE MUSIC)
FARMER: Consider the
condition of selective hearing
most children suffer from.
One tells a child
to do his homework
and he tunes you out completely.
This is selective perception
based entirely in the mind.
You see only what you want to
see when you want to see it.
(PEOPLE CHATTERING)
(MUFFLED COUNTRY MUSIC)
Do you wanna go walk anyway
I walk so many more
(PHONE RINGING)
Dr. Smithson.
Hello?
Hello?
Farmer?
FARMER: Hello, Elizabeth.
I'm glad you answered.
Now, I'm sorry
for walking out on you today.
(URINE TRICKLING)
It's just that everything
that's happening
with my dad and...
What is that noise?
(URINE TRICKLING)
Are you urinating?
Yes.
And no shall baby too
We'll never disappear
Mmm.
Oh, Farmer, are you there?
FARMER: Would you like
to come in and talk further?
No.
I'm at the hospital.
FARMER: Elizabeth.
Elizabeth.
(PHONE BEEPING)
Till never
I think I'm ready to go.
Oh, come on, stay.
You're the prettiest girl to
come around here in months.
I'll have a beer.
Hey, man, you're
blocking my view.
(DOOR BELL TINKLING)
(TRAIN BELL RINGING)
(TRAIN WHISTLE BLARING)
(TRAIN HORN HONKING)
(TRAIN WHEELS SCREECHING)
CAROLYN: Oh.
Mrs. Kraftt, this is Marnie.
(GENTLE MUSIC)
She's here to insert
your husband's catheter.
I suggest you might wanna
step outside for a second.
She's far too
pretty to leave alone
with Murray's penis.
He's an awful flirt.
(DR. KLIENART CHUCKLES)
He'll be fine.
Well, sometimes people
just get very tired.
They need to rest for awhile.
Fuck that, Murray.
Wake up.
(ROMANTIC MUSIC)
Hi ya, Papa.
(GRUNTS)
You look horrible.
No offense.
You shoulda seen me today.
I was out on the town living
life like a real person.
Yes?
Here's to another
shit-filled year of life.
Happy Birthday to me.
I'm heading home.
Bess will look after you.
I'll be back in the morning.
Love you.
(KISS SMOOCHES)
(GENTLE VIOLIN MUSIC)
(ETHEREAL ELECTRONIC MUSIC)
WOMAN: Floating
higher and higher.
(LIVELY ELECTRONIC)
Float up and away.
Floating higher and
higher and higher, higher.
Floating, floating,
floating, floating,
floating, floating,
floating, floating.
Everything around
me is like a tunnel.
Unreal.
As if your train is
floating, floating, floating,
floating, floating, floating.
I feel.
As if you're dreaming.
Everything around
is suddenly unreal.
As if in a dream.
MAN: As if in a dream.
(GUITAR THUDDING)
RUSSELL VOICEOVER:
Sure, two people
sharing the same bizarre dream
is impossible, impossible,
not able to occur,
exist, or be done,
beyond the bounds
of possibility,
(PILLS CLINKING)
out of the question.
And yet the impossible
has sure as shit happened.
(CHILDREN SHOUTING)
Funny that now I've gotten
what I've always wanted,
I want more.
(INSECTS CHIRPING)
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
(ARGUS CLUCKING)
Well, well, I'm surprised
to see you up and about.
Are you pouting?
(ARGUS CLUCKING)
You big baby.
(ARGUS CLUCKING)
I'm a grown woman.
I do not owe you an explanation
of where I was last night.
(ARGUS CLUCKING)
Will an apology make
you feel better?
Fine, I'm sorry.
You damn well should be.
(ARGUS CLUCKING)
What is it?
(ARGUS CLUCKING)
What could the two of you
possibly have in common?
Why is she able to see me?
Am I experiencing jealousy.
I should make a note of it.
(PEOPLE CHATTERING)
RUSSELL: Do you think
you can ever cure her?
As stated, my immediate
goal is diagnosis.
What about me?
What about you?
Do you think you
can ever cure me?
I'm sure of it.
How?
Think about it.
From the day you met
me to this very moment,
you are closer to
death than ever before.
(GENTLE MUSIC)
(ALARM BUZZING)
HOSPITAL ANNOUNCER:
Paging Dr. Stateman,
Dr. Stateman please.
Oh fuck!
HOSPITAL ANNOUNCER:
Paging Dr. Bender,
paging Dr. Bender, please.
Just pretend I'm not here.
Murray's contracted
a bacterial infection
in the lining of his heart.
He's in a coma.
What, how?
Any surgical procedure
carries the risks
of introducing bacteria
to the bloodstream.
Is he gonna be okay?
He's had a stroke.
Is this a joke?
My husband comes in here a
little unsteady on his feet
and now he's a stroke
victim in a coma?
Look, don't you
dare speak to me.
The last thing I need
is my fruitcake daughter
making a scene right now.
Just so you know, I'll be
watching your every move
from now on.
And if my husband doesn't
make a full recovery,
you're gonna wish it was
you lying in that bed.
I'm sorry, Bess.
Unfortunately even when
we're doing everything we can
there are complications
that we can't anticipate
and that are out of our control.
Don't apologize, Dr. Klienart.
I'm sure everything
will be okay.
RUSSELL: I hear no
voice, I feel no touch.
I see no glory bright.
(GENTLE MUSIC)
But yet I know that God is near
in darkness as in light.
I heard that as a kid and
it always stuck with me.
Who knows about
the whole God part.
It just always helped
me feel less alone.
The surgery gonna
come through, my ass.
Pathetic quack.
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
(SIGHS)
(LIGHT DRUMMING MUSIC)
(DOOR BELL TINKLING)
FARMER: What were
you doing at the bar?
I left my cell
phone last night.
FARMER: You said you were
at the hospital last night.
I was but afterwards
I couldn't bring myself
to go home.
I came by here but
your lights were out
so I ended up across the street.
(SIGHS) I'm at a great
disadvantage, Elizabeth.
I cannot discern deception
as readily as most.
I need to be able to trust you.
BESS: You know
you can trust me.
(DOOR BELL TINKLING)
(LIGHT DRUMMING MUSIC)
- I'm sorry.
- What, what's wrong?
Do I have bad breath?
- You can tell me.
- Wait!
(DOOR BELL TINKLING)
Sit down.
Do you wanna get better or not?
BESS: You know I do.
(DOOR BELL TINKLING)
Good.
Good.
(CLEARS THROAT)
Um, I thought
(GENTLE MUSIC)
I heard her this morning.
Argus was acting funny.
FARMER: It is time
for us to undertake
a new therapy technique.
Are we giving
up on rebirthing?
FARMER: For now, yes.
I want you to start
a journal of sorts.
Oh not crayons again.
No, no, no, no, no.
Do you remember that
Russell character
I tried to introduce to you?
BESS: Mmm hmm.
I want you to
pretend that he exists.
And for you to speak
to him out loud.
Familiarize yourself with
the verbal expression
of your deeply hidden feelings.
But there's nothing
I hide from you.
Oh, I do not doubt it.
You don't?
Should I?
What if someone sees
me talking to myself?
They'll think I'm crazy.
FARMER: Well, are you?
Am I?
This is the
weirdest thing ever.
Please.
You know I'll try anything
if you think it'll help.
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
(LIGHTHEARTED MUSIC)
Pretend he exists.
Okay, what did
Farmer say call him?
Rusty, Russ, I got it.
Ah, Russell, Russell,
Russell, Russell, okay.
Well, let's get
started, Russell.
I can't believe people go
looking for a better life
and end up here.
(BIRD CHIRPING)
I've never been anywhere.
But I think about
going to a grass hut
on a beach somewhere,
somewhere where I
couldn't be disappointed.
I called the hospital
this morning.
I told the nurse
I was out of town
before she could ask
why I hadn't visited.
I lied.
Do you lie a lot?
And I know I'll
act wrong somehow.
Like not sad enough or too sad.
(FLY BUZZING)
And all those people
at the hospital
they'll look at
me, Dr. Klienart.
Nobody will know
what to do with me.
Do you think I
should join Netflix?
(UPBEAT GUITAR MUSIC)
(CRICKETS CHIRPING)
I'll be your mirror
Reflect what you are
In case you don't know
I'll be the wind, the
rain, and the sunset
The light in your door
To show you're home
When you think the
night has seen your mind
That inside you're
twisted and unkind
Let me stand to show
that you are blind
Please put down your hands
'Cause I see you
I find it hard to
believe you don't know
The beauty you are
But if you don't
Let me be your eyes
The hand to your darkness
So you won't be afraid
When you think the
night has seen your mind
That inside you're
twisted and unkind
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
(GENTLE MUSIC)
(GARAGE DOOR WHIRRING)
(DOOR OPENER REMOTE CLICKING)
(DOOR SPUTTERING)
Russell, will you fix that?
(ARGUS CAWING)
(LIGHTHEARTED MUSIC)
My dad never really did teach me
much practical stuff.
He musta thought that way
maybe I'd always need him.
I hope you don't
think I'm being rude
but I'm not really any
good at small talk.
So do you mind if we just
watch some TV instead?
(SIREN BLARING)
(POLICE RADIO CHATTERING)
WOMAN ON TV: Why
someone would do this
I have no idea but
as you can see,
it has caused absolute mayhem.
(INSECTS CHIRPING)
(ARGUS CAWING)
(ELECTRICITY SPARKING)
(GARAGE DOOR CLATTERING)
(DOOR SQUEAKING)
(DOOR SQUEAKING)
(GENTLE PIANO MUSIC)
(LYRICAL PIANO MUSIC)
(INSECTS CHIRPING)
(DOOR CLATTERING)
(GENTLE MUSIC)
(DOOR CREAKING AND THUDDING)
(PIANO KEY CHIMING)
(WATER SPLASHING)
(CAP CLATTERING)
I shouldn't talk
that way about work
or about anything really
if it isn't positive.
No one likes you otherwise.
RUSSELL: True.
Do people like you, Russell?
I bet they do.
I had a couple of friends.
But when I came back after
working over summer vacation
they all had girlfriends.
You're clever and
you're handsome.
And you love your parents.
And you have a firm handshake.
Don't forget the trust fund.
What's not to like?
In the morning, I wanna
introduce you to Argus.
Having another handsome
young male around
should bring him down a peg.
(SIGHING)
Hey, Russell?
Yeah.
Since I'm sure you're
a very faithful person,
will you say a
prayer for my dad?
(GENTLE MUSIC)
RUSSELL VOICEOVER: Oh shit.
What if none of this
is real after all?
What if it's just some
crazy, made up fantasy
I've warped into
something true in my mind?
I mean, come on.
Look at her.
I'm not the guy
who gets the girl.
At least not that girl.
(LYRICAL ORCHESTRAL MUSIC)
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
(GENTLE MUSIC)
(ARGUS CAWING)
(MURRAY BREATHING HEAVILY)
(GENTLE MUSIC)
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
DR. KLIENART:
I can't reach her.
Mrs. Kraftt, I tried all
the numbers you gave me.
The overall physical
fitness of the patient,
of every patient is different,
every case is different.
Despite our best efforts,
the outcome is not
always what we hope for.
(WATER GURGLING)
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
(BIRD CHATTERING)
It wasn't like that at all.
We were just really close.
What else?
My dad left when I was 13.
I had to go out and find work.
I got to know my way
around a piece of wood.
I worked my way up to cabinets
and wainscotting and...
And then I had this moment,
in a massive custom kitchen.
It was the dream.
And I didn't want it.
The money, success,
family, any of it.
So what was left?
Me.
Me and the whole
load of nothing.
I think I'm probably crazy.
It's my biggest fear actually.
Then I started thinking
what if my dad's Parkinson's
wasn't the reason he
kept talking to my mom.
What if he was mentally ill.
And that stuff runs in families.
I mean, look, I'm sitting here,
talking out loud to some
imaginary therapy doll.
Hello, that's Looney Tunes.
I really don't know if I
know what's real anymore.
RUSSELL VOICEOVER: Sometimes
I think the only hallmark
of sanity is questioning
(TENSE MUSIC)
whether or not you're crazy.
And if you've ever
wondered, even for a moment,
that you might not be
(BUILDING CREAKING)
all there, you're just fine.
(BUILDING FACADE CLATTERING)
(BUILDING FACADE THUDDING)
(CAR ALARMS BLARING)
But in any case, I still
know exactly what Bess means.
(SIGHS)
I would like for you
(SIREN BLARING)
to come talk to me.
I'm kinda busy here, Farmer.
OFFICER: I want the
whole area cleared.
Close 'er off.
Come on, let's go.
(LIGHT DRUMMING MUSIC)
(TRAIN WHISTLE BLARING)
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
FARMER: So you've
been following her.
RUSSELL: Maybe.
FARMER: And what
have you learned?
Look, it's Bess's business
what she says to who.
Bess?
Everybody calls her Bess.
I'm canceling the experiment.
Leave Eliz, Bess, alone.
(DOG BARKING)
Are you finished?
Why would you do that?
(DOOR CLATTERING)
(DOOR BELL TINKLING)
Oh, I've got an
idea, what do you say
we head back to exam C and
practice some of the stuff
you've been learning
in school, hmm?
We could use the refractor.
Sort of a little
tutorial session.
I don't know, Dr. Day.
I haven't had much experience
and I wouldn't wanna
mess something up.
Oh, get back there.
It'll make Bruce's day.
Oh, it's strange sitting here.
(CHUCKLES)
It's like riding in the
back seat of your own car.
Okay.
I'm gonna give you two options.
Number one or number two.
You just focus
on the eye chart
(GENTLE MUSIC)
and tell me which option
makes the letters clearer.
Are you ready?
Good, Bess, very professional.
Number one.
(LENS CLACKING)
Or number two?
(DIAL CLICKING)
BRUCE: Two.
(DIAL CLICKING)
Number one.
(DIAL CLICKING)
Or number two?
Number one.
(MACHINE CLACKING)
(DIAL CLICKING)
Number one.
(EERIE MUSIC)
(LENS CLACKING)
Or number two.
Bess.
What is the center point for
image focus in the retina?
It's a very basic question.
You haven't been going
to school, have you?
I'll pay you back, I promise.
(DOOR BELL TINKLING)
FARMER: Hello, Bess.
Mint?
You just called me Bess.
Well, that is your
name, is it not?
And how is your father?
Oh, he's doing good.
Much better actually.
I just came from the hospital.
That's strange.
Dr. Klienart called
here looking for you
and he told me about
your father's condition.
And he is not good.
He's not good at all.
What are you talking about?
(CHAIR CLATTERING)
(SLAP THUDDING)
Oh!
FARMER: I've spent
the last four years
in this office with you without
taking a penny for my time
because I assumed this
to be a mutually-beneficial
arrangement.
Was I wrong to
assume that, Bess?
Please calm down, Farmer.
How many times
have you lied to me?
How many dead ends
did you send me down?
Was it all a lie?
Sorry, I didn't
realize that you...
Sorry, sorry,
does not help me.
Years and years of
falsified research
so get out!
Get out!
- (DOOR BELL TINKLING)
- You fuck.
(DOOR BELL TINKLING)
(GENTLE MUSIC)
I hate that I care
what you think about.
Everything, I'm the one that
stole your fucking diploma
because I hate that you
care about your work
more than you care about me
even though I will never
ever fucking love you back.
And I hate lying to Dr. Day.
Really I couldn't give
a shit about taking over
the fucking practice.
I couldn't give a shit
about people's eyes
or having a fucking career
or anything like that.
Well, I hate when you touch me.
I hate you always tell
me how smart you are.
And I hate my mother
for being weak
and leaving me behind.
Fuck.
I hate my father for
giving up on me, too.
Fucking door!
I fucking had no idea how
much I really need him!
Fuck!
(CRYING)
Fuck, Dad.
RUSSELL: I'm in
love with this girl.
(BESS CRYING)
(PAPERS RUSTLING)
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
(GENTLE RHYTHMIC MUSIC)
CAROLYN: That's exactly
what I'm talking about, Murray.
MURRAY: Well,
you can't run away
from getting older, Carolyn.
I had her when I was 20.
I never got the
chance to be young.
Do you see the way
she looks at me?
It's like I'm just a mom.
MURRAY: What do I tell Bess?
CAROLYN: I'll be gone.
It won't matter.
Mom!
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
(BESS PANTING)
Mom!
(HARD ROCK MUSIC)
(TIRES SCREECHING)
(METAL CLATTERING)
(HORN HONKING)
(BESS SCREAMING)
(TENSE MUSIC)
Mom!
(HAND THUDDING)
Mom!
Every night I dream
that I'm a bird
that gets to fly away.
I don't have a name and I look
just like the rest of them.
(SIGHS)
I'm just leaving it all behind.
I think the darkness
(BESS GASPS)
in you is beautiful.
(TENSE MUSIC)
(RUSSELL THUDDING LIGHTLY)
(BESS GASPS)
(INSECTS CHIRPING)
(TENSE MUSIC)
(BIRD CHATTERING)
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
He's real, isn't he?
You saw him?
I definitely heard him.
This is the most
important advancement
in our work together, Bess.
I'm sorry I didn't tell you
about my nickname, Farmer,
it's just that I like it
when you call me Elizabeth.
It makes me feel
like someone I'm not.
What do you mean?
You cannot be
someone you are not.
Now you tell me?
FARMER: I'm confused.
Yeah, me, too.
Am I crazy, Farmer?
Not as far as I can tell.
Though, as a scientist,
I cannot rule it out
until I prove it otherwise.
He said something to
me I've been waiting
my whole life to hear.
(LOUD THUDDING)
What's all that?
That's Russell.
It is?
He's the guy tearing
down the arcade.
No, I don't wanna see him.
Wait, Elizabeth.
Please don't tell him
that I know anything, okay?
Not yet, Farmer,
promise me, please.
(CHILDREN SHOUTING)
I promise.
Thank you.
(GENTLE MUSIC)
Oh hey.
(WOOD CLATTERING)
(LIGHTHEARTED DRUMMING MUSIC)
You are upset with me.
I've apologized to Elizabeth
for my regrettable outburst
and she has forgiven me and
I hope you can do the same.
(WOOD CLATTERING)
Do you think she wants
to be an optometrist?
That she wants to
be your girlfriend?
She even made her mother vanish.
For fuck sake, Farmer.
She'll do whatever
anyone wants her to do.
Look at her.
(TIRES SCREECHING)
(BOX CLATTERING)
You know what it
means, don't you?
The fact that this is nothing
more than a fairy tale.
(BOXES CLATTERING)
Some Aesop, Mother
Goose bullshit.
It means I'm cursed.
It means Bess is never
actually going to see me
in real life.
She'll stay just
out of reach forever.
(SOMBER MUSIC)
(THUNDER RUMBLING)
Ooh ooh ooh ooh
Ooh ooh ooh
RUSSELL VOICEOVER: But
maybe this is freedom,
to get what you've always wanted
and have it break
your fucking heart.
(THUNDER RUMBLING)
There's no dream to
tie you down anymore.
The shackles are off.
Nothing to do but let go.
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
(GENTLE MUSIC)
When you think to
show that you're
That inside you're
twisted and unkind
Show that you are blind
Please put down your hands
(RUSSELL HUMMING)
(WINGS FLUTTERING)
(STRING TWANGING)
(TENSE MUSIC)
(GASPING) Oh fuck,
fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck.
Fuck.
(GASPING)
(RUSSELL PANTING)
Oh fuck!
(SIREN BLARING)
(TREE CREAKING)
(BESS PUFFING)
(PEOPLE CHATTERING)
(TINKLING MUSIC)
FARMER: Thank
you for calling me.
I can't believe
I'm back here again,
the scene of the crime.
The death of your
father does not qualify
as a crime, Elizabeth.
Oh, you didn't know?
I killed him.
Yeah, it's true.
The surgery wasn't necessary.
It coulda been put off for
months, years, who knows.
My dad is dead.
My dad is dead.
I can't make it feel real.
I don't know why
that surprises me.
I don't know how
to feel anything.
That is not true.
You feel everything.
It's an integral
part of your problem.
You figured out my problem?
Well, I'm in the late stages
of winnowing hypotheses.
Do any of them
address the fact
that the one person who
made me feel something
for the first time in years
is having his wrist
bandaged as we speak?
I do not make
you feel anything?
You want me to lie to you?
No.
So when you were kissing me
you were merely
pretending to enjoy it
'cause you thought that
was what I might want.
I love you.
No, you don't.
You love your work.
And you are my work.
DOCTOR: Ms. Kraftt.
Yes.
Your friend is
stable and resting.
BESS: He's okay?
Yes, but he made it very clear
he doesn't wanna see you.
I'm sorry.
BESS: (SCOFFS) Um, it's okay.
I understand.
Elizabeth.
I think we should break up.
HOSPITAL
ANNOUNCER: In disease,
Dr. Peter Honeycowell-Kating.
Dr. Peter Honeycowell-Kating.
(BESS SIGHS)
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
(ARGUS CAWING)
(INSECTS CHIRPING)
(GENTLE MUSIC)
Remember what you said
to me before the accident
about wanting more?
Did you know that Bessie
has seen the interstate once
in her life.
The only reason she
doesn't move away
like every kid she
grew up with is me.
(ARGUS CAWING)
There's nothing for her here.
She stays to take care of me.
Well, she doesn't have to.
I'm here.
You know that being strong
isn't one of my strengths.
It's the curse of
the Kraftt women.
You have no idea how
strong you really are.
(ARGUS CAWING)
(GAGGING)
(COUGHING)
(SPITTING)
(WATER SPLASHING)
(DOG BARKING)
(HORN BLARING)
(CRYING)
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
(PEOPLE CHATTERING)
RUSSELL VOICEOVER:
Bess saved my life.
Blew apart all that tough guy
don't need nobody bullshit
and made me want to live.
Just like in a fairy tale.
Maybe there is some magic
in the real world after all.
(SOMBER MUSIC)
(BIRDS AND INSECTS CHIRPING)
(ARGUS CAWING)
Yeah, I know.
Come on, you jerk.
Mating season's coming
and if you don't eat,
you won't be able to...
You know what?
You don't have to eat
if you don't want to.
As a matter of fact,
(SIGHS) seriously, go,
be free.
(INSECTS CHATTERING)
(FLIES BUZZING)
Oh.
Argus.
(ARGUS CLUCKING)
I think the darkness
in you is beautiful.
(ARGUS CLUCKING)
(BESS CHUCKLES)
(ARGUS CLUCKING)
(FLIES BUZZING)
(SOMBER MUSIC)
(DOOR CREAKING)
Bess?
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
I think you might be here.
I can't see you but
maybe I can feel you.
Dad was right about everything.
Yes.
Bess.
(GENTLE MUSIC)
(CAROLYN SIGHS)
(UPBEAT MUSIC)
Your eyes are green.
Yeah.
And my hands are rough and
my fingernails are dirty
and I can't ever seem
to get 'em clean.
I'm pretty hairy, too.
I shed a lot like a dog.
(BOTH CHUCKLING)
And I don't have any
friends or a trust fund or...
What if I told
you I didn't care?
I would think you're
lying like you always do.
But I've never lied to you.
(GENTLE MUSIC)
RUSSELL VOICEOVER: Turns
out the old saying is wrong.
Seeing is not believing.
Please don't disappear again.
RUSSELL VOICEOVER: Not
with the eyes at least.
They're just a bunch of
rods and cones and jelly.
If you want to talk about
seeing with the heart,
you know where to find me.
I'll be right here
with this girl forever.
I wanna line the walls
With photographs you sent
Of you lying in
your swimsuit
On the bed
Can't live without your love
Inside me now
I'll find a way to slip
Into your skin somehow
I wanna fuck your love slow
Catch my heart, go swim
Feel your lips crush
I want you
Hold you here my
loveliest friend
Hold you here my
loveliest friend
Catch my heart, go swim
Feel your lips cry
I want you
Hold you here my
loveliest friend
(GENTLE ORCHESTRAL MUSIC)
(LYRICAL ORCHESTRAL MUSIC)