Elegy

en
00:00:50 - We're not all descended from the Puritans.
00:00:53 There was another colony,
00:00:56 It's not on the maps today.
00:00:59 Ah, right,
00:01:01 The colony where anything goes... went.
00:01:03 There was booze...
00:01:04 There was booze, fornication,
00:01:06 They even...
00:01:09 you name it...
00:01:11 They even danced round the Maypole
00:01:14 worshiping god knows what, Whites and
00:01:17 Who was responsible for all of this?
00:01:20 A character by the name of
00:01:23 Ah... The Hugh Hefner of the Puritans.
00:01:26 You can say that.
00:01:28 I will read you a quote of what the
00:01:31 Morton's followers.
00:01:33 "Debauched aliens and atheists
00:01:37 and leading degenerate lives. "
00:01:39 When I heard that, I packed my bags,
00:01:43 America the licentious.
00:01:45 So what happened
00:01:47 The Puritans shut them down,
00:01:50 Leading the militia, who chopped down the
00:01:53 Banners everything.
00:01:56 And we became a nation of
00:02:00 Well...
00:02:02 Isn't that your point though?
00:02:04 The Puritans won.
00:02:07 They stamped out, all things sexual
00:02:10 - Sexual happiness.
00:02:13 Until the 1960's.
00:02:15 Until the 1960's, where it all
00:02:18 Right, everyone was dancing
00:02:21 around the Maypole,
00:02:23 then, "make love, not war".
00:02:26 If you remember,
00:02:28 If you wanted to have sex,
00:02:32 You had to beg for it,
00:02:34 Or get married.
00:02:37 As I did in the 1960's.
00:02:41 Any regrets?
00:02:43 Plenty.
00:02:44 But that's my secret.
00:02:46 Don't tell anybody.
00:02:49 That's just between you and me.
00:03:02 I think it was Bette Davis who said:
00:03:05 "Old age is not for sissies"
00:03:10 But it was Tolstoy who said that
00:03:12 "the biggest surprise in
00:03:17 Old age sneaks up on you,
00:03:20 and the next thing you know you're
00:03:24 Why can't an old man act his real age?
00:03:27 How is it possible for
00:03:29 in the carnal aspects of the human comedy?
00:03:33 Because, in my head,
00:03:58 Her name was Consuela Castillo
00:04:02 and she was my student.
00:04:16 This course is called
00:04:21 So... Let's go!
00:04:23 Right to the big question, shall we?
00:04:25 Does "War and Peace"
00:04:28 become a different book
00:04:31 Yes, of course.
00:04:36 Because we bring something to the book?
00:04:39 We bring ourselves.
00:04:42 What's more, if you read the book again
00:04:45 because you've changed.
00:04:47 Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
00:04:50 I've always been vulnerable
00:04:53 Ms. Castillo was different,
00:04:56 And she dressed like a
00:04:59 of a prestigious law firm.
00:05:03 that set her apart.
00:05:04 She knows she's beautiful.
00:05:07 But she's not yet sure what
00:05:11 No, don't take notes.
00:05:13 Really, don't give it a thought.
00:05:18 A work of art reminds you of
00:05:22 Since they posted the sexual harassment
00:05:26 I never make private contact
00:05:29 until they've received their grades.
00:05:32 Afterwards I always throw a cocktail party
00:05:34 for the class.
00:05:36 And it's always a success.
00:05:45 Professor Kepesh,
00:05:47 You were great.
00:05:49 Thank you. Charlie Rose was pretty
00:05:52 Well, yes.
00:05:54 - You were great.
00:05:57 - Have a lovely evening.
00:05:59 It's a colossus of perspective. It depends
00:06:03 Westerners see Islamic integralists as
00:06:06 primitive and dangerous while,
00:06:08 Islamic integralists see
00:06:11 Nothing's changed since the crusades.
00:06:15 - Ms. Castillo.
00:06:18 - Is this a real letter from Kafka?
00:06:21 Yes, it's one of the original letters
00:06:24 that he wrote to Milena.
00:06:26 Someone close to you.
00:06:28 Someone who was close
00:06:29 Consuela.
00:06:31 We're not in class.
00:06:33 Consuela.
00:06:37 - Do you play the piano?
00:06:40 Would you play for us?
00:06:42 Too many people.
00:06:47 You know there's something about you
00:06:53 What do you mean?
00:06:55 You have a kind of elegant austerity.
00:06:58 Austerity?
00:07:00 Something like that.
00:07:02 Well, I guess I got that from my father.
00:07:04 He is austere...
00:07:06 and proud.
00:07:09 Cuban?
00:07:11 My whole family is Cuban.
00:07:13 I was 11 years old when I came.
00:07:15 Did you go straight to college
00:07:18 No, I was a legal secretary
00:07:22 You worked.
00:07:23 I tried it, but I didn't like it.
00:07:26 My parents always hoped
00:07:28 So I made up my mind
00:07:35 I want to show you something.
00:07:40 - Here we are.
00:07:45 - What's this one called?
00:07:50 And?
00:07:52 - And?
00:07:55 You resemble her.
00:07:58 Really?
00:08:01 Yes.
00:08:03 I think so.
00:08:07 What do you think?
00:08:09 I don't know.
00:08:14 The eyes, maybe.
00:08:20 Why all this talk about Kafka,
00:08:24 Don't get me wrong, it's great that her
00:08:28 But I go on yakking away mainly
00:08:32 - What can I say?
00:08:34 The room is full of spies.
00:08:37 I love music.
00:08:39 Excuse me.
00:08:43 I love opera, my grandfather
00:08:47 And I adore theater.
00:08:49 I review plays for a magazine.
00:08:52 Would you like to go with me
00:08:57 - Yes.
00:09:01 Go to the theater?
00:09:03 - Why don't you take her to the prom?
00:09:07 This girl is...
00:09:09 She's a throw-back to a completely
00:09:13 I thought we were talking about sex.
00:09:16 You know for a Pulitzer Prize winning poet,
00:09:18 sometimes you display a
00:09:21 That's why they gave me the fucking prize.
00:09:23 Don't tell me you've never been
00:09:27 That's why I have a family for
00:09:31 Maybe you should get married again.
00:09:33 George!
00:09:39 Talk the talk with your wife if you
00:09:42 look at all the Goyas that you want,
00:09:45 but keep the sex part just for sex.
00:09:48 Alright.
00:09:53 Do you really still talk
00:09:56 No. One all.
00:10:03 I'm not hitting that.
00:11:02 Sneaking off for a smoke?
00:11:06 - You know you shouldn't smoke.
00:11:09 in this bed, every 3 weeks.
00:11:12 - I'm under a lot of pressure.
00:11:16 So do I.
00:11:18 You've been trying to get me
00:11:21 Since the first day of your class.
00:11:24 Oh my God, your class made me smoke.
00:11:30 I'm under a lot of stress.
00:11:32 - Oh, how was Chicago?
00:11:35 Chicago was last week.
00:11:38 You sound like Cary Grant
00:11:40 in "North by Northwest".
00:11:46 Ha ha, laugh, just try being a
00:11:50 I thought you liked
00:11:52 I do. Oh, I do, I do.
00:11:56 Thank god for these little interludes.
00:11:59 That's all I can say.
00:12:11 Aren't you going to get that?
00:12:13 There's only one person in the world that
00:12:16 Leave a message.
00:12:19 Did you get my email?
00:12:25 Ah, I should have known better than
00:12:29 Or maybe you are home and listening
00:12:31 to this, all snug and smug.
00:12:36 35 years old and he still hates my guts.
00:12:38 Well, you ran out on him.
00:12:40 I ran out on a marriage that
00:12:42 and fear a million years ago.
00:12:44 Sometimes you pay for liberation.
00:12:46 That's the price he pays
00:12:48 the heroic...
00:12:50 defender of the abandoned mother.
00:12:52 I mean if any one of us
00:12:55 He sat on my case,
00:12:57 isn't there some statute of limitations?
00:13:00 Really, I've tried.
00:13:02 When he was 12 or 13 one time,
00:13:04 he came to spend the summer
00:13:06 He spent the next five innings
00:13:10 he's been throwing up ever since,
00:13:11 You know what's wild?
00:13:13 He's successful.
00:13:15 Kenny Kepesh,
00:13:17 A well respected doctor,
00:13:19 He speaks passable French,
00:13:23 It's only with me that he
00:13:27 I'm sorry, he gets me going.
00:13:35 I thought you stopped reviewing plays.
00:13:38 Well, that one looked
00:13:43 Too bad I'm going to be in Atlanta.
00:13:45 I'll go with George.
00:13:49 Religion, family,
00:13:50 Church, self-help books.
00:13:53 Men with teeth so white you'd think
00:13:56 Love, especially romantic love.
00:14:01 Flowers, mini-malls.
00:14:04 There is nothing more
00:14:07 - Mini-malls.
00:14:09 your flaws, your vices,
00:14:15 your furtive looks to your
00:14:19 - I do like blackberries.
00:14:21 who finds himself here,
00:14:27 That was wonderful.
00:14:30 I'm glad you enjoyed it.
00:14:32 Thank you.
00:14:35 You'd like to go somewhere for a drink?
00:14:41 We don't have to...
00:14:46 I'm just not used to being
00:14:50 Talking about literature on
00:14:52 and writing the occasional review
00:14:54 for the New Yorker, doesn't
00:14:57 Don't forget your history books
00:15:03 Look, if you don't like the
00:15:06 We can go to my place.
00:15:08 Then the only person
00:15:20 If I go to your place will you
00:16:18 That was awful.
00:16:19 It was OK.
00:16:24 I wish I could play.
00:16:26 Take lessons.
00:16:28 You'd enjoy playing if
00:16:30 you knew you wouldn't have such
00:16:33 Now you're fishing for compliments.
00:16:35 Is this a metronome?
00:16:37 It's like a heart beat.
00:16:40 Even...
00:16:42 great pianists have a problem
00:16:52 You're a very charming man.
00:16:57 You know, don't you?
00:17:00 If this is all for showing you a metronome,
00:17:35 Can you find anyone that
00:17:40 Nobody.
00:17:46 What is this?
00:17:49 My dark room.
00:17:53 I used to develop my own pictures.
00:17:56 - You don't anymore?
00:17:59 I should go digital, but I can't
00:18:06 Of course you can.
00:18:09 Thank you.
00:18:18 Something relates little princess
00:18:22 the center of the picture,
00:18:24 Not her parents,
00:18:29 They are just...
00:18:31 ghostly reflections in the mirror.
00:19:56 Well she must have been curious
00:20:00 Yes, so she could tell
00:20:03 what a man of our age,
00:20:06 is like, close up.
00:20:07 I'm merely an experience for her.
00:20:11 She'll remember me as...
00:20:13 the old guy who gave her
00:20:17 Well, that sounds about right.
00:20:19 You should chalk it up to
00:20:22 Yeah.
00:20:25 Gotta stop worrying about growing old.
00:20:28 Worry about growing up.
00:20:33 Oh, thank your lucky stars for
00:20:39 It wasn't a one-shot encounter.
00:20:43 She came back for more?
00:21:28 You have the most beautiful
00:21:34 You like them?
00:21:38 I worship them.
00:21:48 And you have a beautiful face,
00:21:52 I can't stop looking at.
00:21:56 You know something?
00:22:01 You're a work of art.
00:22:07 A work of art.
00:22:15 A real work of art.
00:22:35 Let's talk about you.
00:22:40 Have you had many women?
00:22:43 Why?
00:22:45 More than 50 or less?
00:22:49 More.
00:22:52 Who's counting?
00:22:56 How about you?
00:22:59 Not many.
00:23:01 How many?
00:23:18 Five.
00:23:21 Five boyfriends.
00:23:23 Five.
00:23:25 Five.
00:23:30 I see.
00:23:34 So, who were they?
00:23:36 They were young, right?
00:23:39 Of course they were younger.
00:23:43 Boys?
00:23:45 Sure.
00:23:52 You want to know the most
00:23:57 Hmm well...
00:23:59 Once I went to bed
00:24:04 Two together?
00:24:06 They were my childhood
00:24:10 that's how we ended up one night.
00:24:13 The three of us were drunk and
00:24:18 All three of you?
00:24:21 Well, when you're 17,
00:24:23 You do a lot of things just to feel
00:24:28 Right.
00:25:19 Consuela.
00:25:22 My whole life was
00:25:24 and at some cost I had achieved my goal.
00:25:27 Nevertheless, it was in that moment,
00:25:31 That my terrible jealousy was born.
00:25:35 That is when I realised that
00:25:37 really possess her.
00:25:41 I feel anxious unless I speak
00:25:43 and then I feel anxious
00:25:48 What are you wearing?
00:25:50 Where are you?
00:25:57 I knew it's only a matter of time
00:26:00 before a young man found
00:26:06 I knew.
00:26:08 Because I was once that young
00:26:37 Well, at least does
00:26:39 It's like playing soccer
00:26:41 It doesn't make you feel 20 because
00:26:45 every second of the game.
00:26:47 You have to leave her.
00:26:49 Your hands will always be
00:26:52 She's going to leave you
00:26:55 So it's always better to
00:26:58 Take her to a nice romantic spot
00:27:01 tell her it's over.
00:27:03 That's what I'd do.
00:27:10 My parents talk about all these
00:27:14 They have all the money to go
00:27:18 leaving Cuba was their first
00:27:23 I don't want my life to be like that.
00:27:25 Let me take you places.
00:27:28 What the hell are you saying?
00:27:30 - Where would we go?
00:27:32 We could go to Paris this summer,
00:27:36 We can visit the Prado and see the
00:27:41 The Prado?
00:27:43 Do you mean it?
00:27:46 Of course I meant it.
00:27:48 And we can finish our trip in Venice,
00:27:55 - And you would ride a gondola with me.
00:27:59 Maybe.
00:28:02 "Maybe" may be your favorite word.
00:28:06 I'll sing to you in the gondola.
00:28:12 We'll see.
00:28:25 What's this from:
00:28:26 "They're making a beast with two backs".
00:28:30 William Shakespeare!
00:28:32 "Othello, The Moor of Venice".
00:28:34 And we're making a monster
00:28:39 Where shall we have dinner?
00:28:41 I can't, I'm going out tonight.
00:28:43 - You are? With whom?
00:28:45 We're going to go dancing
00:28:48 Your brother...?
00:28:52 You never mentioned a brother.
00:28:54 Well, there is a lot of things
00:29:05 Thank you.
00:29:13 Here we are.
00:29:17 I really had a great
00:29:20 Me too.
00:29:29 Thank you.
00:29:39 Bye.
00:29:42 Bye.
00:29:51 Are you really going out with
00:29:55 David!
00:29:57 That was a joke.
00:29:59 Bye.
00:30:18 On the nights she isn't
00:30:23 thinking of where she might be.
00:30:27 And all this because this girl
00:30:30 how much she adores me and means it.
00:30:35 This girl will never once tell
00:31:56 How are you?
00:31:58 What are you doing here?
00:32:01 I was on my way to see a friend,
00:32:03 who lives near here.
00:32:06 What's the matter?
00:32:09 - Did you came here to check on me?
00:32:11 I was down in the neighborhood
00:32:15 Do you want to ruin everything?
00:32:20 No.
00:32:22 So then you're going to have
00:32:28 I'll call you tomorrow.
00:32:30 No, I'll call you.
00:32:55 I never behaved like such an
00:32:59 Good thing is, at least now,
00:33:02 it's finished, she won't want to
00:33:06 I mean, even I wouldn't want to
00:33:11 Maybe it's just as well.
00:33:13 - Yes.
00:33:17 Oh, my God.
00:33:35 Hello?
00:33:37 David, it's Consuela.
00:33:44 During the last two days
00:33:46 I've been thinking a bit about us.
00:33:48 Have you?
00:33:50 Yes.
00:33:53 And what were you thinking?
00:33:59 That it's all over.
00:34:01 What do you really want from me?
00:34:04 What do I really want from you?
00:34:08 You spend you whole life
00:34:10 going through relationships without
00:34:14 ever really bonding with anyone.
00:34:19 So, at least I would like to know,
00:34:20 who I am for you.
00:34:28 The fact that you're jealous and
00:34:34 Even little kids are jealous of their
00:34:38 and want new ones. So...
00:34:40 is that how it's going
00:34:49 Have you ever imagined...
00:34:55 a future with me?
00:35:00 A future with you scares me.
00:35:05 - It scares you?
00:35:09 Why?
00:35:20 Because, there's a 30 odd
00:35:24 between you and me,
00:35:28 and you have your whole
00:35:31 It's just a matter of time
00:35:34 I didn't ask you what I was going to do,
00:35:51 When you make love to a woman you
00:35:54 that defeated you in life.
00:36:40 I spent my whole life jumping
00:36:44 because this made me believe that I was
00:36:54 I've always surmised,
00:36:57 that D.H. Lawrence, when he was writing
00:37:01 "Lady Chatterley's Lover"...
00:37:03 "Who am I for you?",
00:37:06 I was to afraid to ask
00:37:12 How long could it have lasted?
00:37:25 Surprise.
00:37:35 Yes. Let me... wow!
00:37:41 Thank God for Carolyn.
00:38:16 Carolyn is my only point of contact
00:38:33 How was that play?
00:38:35 Which play?
00:38:38 The one you took George to.
00:38:41 Oh, unremarkable, just...
00:38:49 Here I go.
00:38:51 Oh, hit and run.
00:38:53 Just the way you like it.
00:38:54 Good thing I don't have pets.
00:38:57 Only you.
00:39:14 Which one was Carlos Alonzo?
00:39:18 - From high school.
00:39:21 What did he want you to do?
00:39:30 He liked...
00:39:31 to watch me menstruate.
00:39:36 What?
00:39:38 - He liked to watch me menstruate.
00:39:41 The respectable Cuban-American girl
00:39:44 who enforce an 8 o'clock curfew on their
00:39:48 there she is in high school,
00:39:51 16.
00:39:53 I'm so sorry.
00:39:57 - I think you're being ridiculous.
00:40:00 David...
00:40:02 I'm really curious.
00:40:04 You find yourself having your period,
00:40:07 "Hey Carlos, I'm starting."
00:40:09 And then he appears,
00:40:12 And the pair of you retire to the
00:40:14 of the pulling down of the tampon.
00:40:17 Yeah, it's just like you were there.
00:40:22 Just filling in...
00:40:23 the missing...
00:40:27 Which blanks?
00:40:29 Five. Now we're down to 3.
00:40:32 Because of the two guys who...
00:40:35 I have to go, sorry.
00:40:42 What is this?
00:40:44 - What?
00:40:49 You're fucking other women.
00:40:52 I had two husbands who
00:40:55 I didn't like it then, I don't
00:40:59 You have everything with me David.
00:41:03 No hidden agendas,
00:41:06 How could you do this?
00:41:11 I actually understand you.
00:41:13 I am one in a million.
00:41:15 How could you possibly fuck...?
00:41:17 I don't know whose that is.
00:41:19 Why don't you put it
00:41:21 I have a pretty good idea.
00:41:24 I'm sure you do.
00:41:26 You know my friend
00:41:28 George uses tampons?
00:41:31 No, listen. George...
00:41:33 has the keys to this apartment.
00:41:37 He can't bring them home,
00:41:40 And since he's always short on funds...
00:41:42 - And since some of them are married...
00:41:45 Not all, some.
00:41:48 His marriage isn't paradise.
00:41:50 Probably a bit like mine and he
00:41:52 I don't believe a fucking
00:41:55 Everything in your life
00:41:57 - It's so orderly...
00:42:03 You have to believe me.
00:42:06 You're all I'm holding on to.
00:42:10 In this at least I was
00:42:36 Of course the whole situation
00:43:06 Do I snore?
00:43:09 - Yes?
00:43:12 What?
00:43:14 Well...
00:43:16 You drool.
00:43:18 Yes.
00:43:19 - You drool on...
00:43:21 You drool in your sleep.
00:43:23 Beautiful women are invisible.
00:43:26 Invisible?
00:43:39 Invisible.
00:43:41 They jump out at you. A beautiful
00:43:45 - You can't miss her.
00:43:49 We see the beautiful shell.
00:43:51 We're blocked by the beauty barrier.
00:43:57 Look at you.
00:44:10 What?
00:44:12 What did you say?
00:44:17 - You're deaf, Mr Kepesh.
00:44:20 Or maybe you do not want to hear.
00:44:23 Maybe that's the problem with you.
00:44:39 Yes. We're so dazzled by the outside,
00:44:53 Do you always work in black and white?
00:44:56 Mainly.
00:45:00 Is that how you see the world?
00:45:03 In black and white?
00:45:05 No.
00:45:07 That distinction belongs to my son.
00:45:12 You always speak of him
00:45:16 In my family,
00:45:19 Take a look.
00:45:28 Beautiful picture.
00:45:30 Beautiful woman.
00:45:33 Look, my hands are huge.
00:45:37 I want you so much.
00:45:45 David...
00:45:48 Your fridge is empty.
00:45:51 If we are staying in,
00:45:54 we have to go shopping.
00:46:00 Excuse me, Professor,
00:46:04 - Then teach me.
00:46:07 I'll teach you "mañana".
00:46:13 - Isn't that your poet friend?
00:46:21 - That woman is not his wife?
00:46:26 - I find that disgusting.
00:46:28 - And that's the end of it?
00:46:32 - Are you OK with that?
00:46:36 For all you know he's just having
00:46:40 You know,
00:46:41 David, being younger than you
00:46:45 In any event, it's not our business.
00:46:48 You keep saying that,
00:46:53 What I think is...
00:46:55 that marriage...
00:46:57 is a problematic institution at best.
00:47:01 Which is why you married your wife.
00:47:03 Which is why I don't cheat on her.
00:47:05 - But you were married once.
00:47:11 What do you want me to say?
00:47:13 I was married.
00:47:15 It was a mistake.
00:47:17 Did you try?
00:47:19 Did you really try?
00:47:24 I know, where you come from the
00:47:32 You're such a cynic.
00:47:34 I'm such a realist.
00:47:37 I think you're just infantile.
00:47:40 I'm sure you're right.
00:47:51 I hung in there for over a year.
00:47:55 And like all rides,
00:48:06 What are you doing a
00:48:09 I don't know. Why?
00:48:10 Something to drink?
00:48:13 - Yeah, two Bellinis, please.
00:48:16 What's a week from Sunday?
00:48:18 My parents are throwing
00:48:20 to celebrate my MFA.
00:48:24 I'd like you to come.
00:48:28 David...
00:48:30 Everyone knows about you.
00:48:32 For a whole year and half
00:48:34 they've been asking me about
00:48:36 They're going to start thinking
00:48:39 if you don't stop hiding.
00:48:41 I'm not hiding.
00:48:44 - You didn't come to my birthday.
00:48:47 I asked you to Christmas dinner
00:48:52 Then I invited you to Thanksgiving
00:48:54 Whoa, Thanksgiving I really couldn't.
00:49:11 David...
00:49:13 Huh?
00:49:14 I want you to meet my family.
00:49:17 But I'm not going to insist.
00:49:19 I just want you to say yes
00:49:23 - Here we go.
00:49:27 Enjoy.
00:49:31 Listen to me.
00:49:34 Listen to me.
00:49:41 When I come to your party,
00:49:44 you have to promise to do something.
00:49:51 What?
00:49:53 Don't take your eyes of me,
00:49:56 When the Cubanates come,
00:49:58 Stampeding towards me.
00:50:04 That's all?
00:50:06 That's all.
00:50:09 Okay.
00:50:11 So...
00:50:13 - That means yes?
00:50:18 Okay.
00:50:35 I'm happy.
00:50:38 Good.
00:50:40 And now the food.
00:50:46 Her parents will be there, I hope,
00:50:48 grandparents will be there,
00:50:51 Cuban relatives, all her childhood
00:50:56 Carlos Alonso and the two guys who
00:51:00 And I'll be introduced as...
00:51:02 "The Teacher Who's on Television."
00:51:05 What's wrong with that?
00:51:07 What's wrong is I'll be
00:51:10 They'll say all the horrible
00:51:12 She's with me because she
00:51:14 and I'm with her
00:51:18 Pathetic.
00:51:19 It's about time to face your situation.
00:51:27 Who is Carlos Alonso?
00:51:30 Some guy.
00:51:38 - Hello?
00:51:40 - Did I wake you up?
00:51:45 I just wanted to say goodnight...
00:51:49 and tell you how happy I am that
00:51:51 and how important it is for me.
00:51:56 And for me too.
00:51:59 Okay.
00:52:01 See you then.
00:52:02 See you then.
00:52:04 - Good night.
00:53:09 - Consuela...
00:53:11 You won't believe what
00:53:14 I'm stuck on the
00:53:19 My car's broken down.
00:53:22 Consuela?
00:53:28 I called AAA.
00:53:30 They say they're going to
00:53:33 And then they're going to have to get
00:53:37 I'll call you right after, Okay?
00:53:40 Consuela?
00:53:44 Why are you doing this to me?
00:53:49 Consuela?
00:53:53 Hello?
00:54:50 One new message.
00:54:52 First new message...
00:54:55 I saw you today on television,
00:54:58 playing the wise old man
00:55:01 who knows everything.
00:55:02 The one who always knows better.
00:55:05 The one who knows what's good culture,
00:55:10 and all about music
00:55:16 You know so many things.
00:55:21 But I'm here,
00:55:24 this important moment
00:55:28 And I decide to have a party
00:55:33 Why?
00:55:36 Why, Consuela, why?
00:55:40 Because you mean
00:55:46 You do.
00:55:48 But, anyway, you are not here.
00:55:53 I just wanted you to know something...
00:55:58 that I loved you.
00:56:02 Very much.
00:56:05 Very, very much.
00:56:39 Consuela?
00:56:40 It's me. Open up.
00:56:43 - Kenny.
00:57:13 Hello.
00:57:16 Why are all the lights off?
00:57:37 I'm having an affair.
00:57:42 Did you hear what I just said?
00:57:45 You!
00:57:48 - Is that all that you have to say?
00:57:50 Congratulations...
00:57:52 You're a riot, you know that?
00:57:54 I'm sorry.
00:57:58 This is awful.
00:58:01 I'm coming apart.
00:58:03 I thought you were happily married,
00:58:05 - I am.
00:58:07 Forgive me, but I can't see how
00:58:11 Anyway, you don't look
00:58:14 - But you don't understand.
00:58:16 I'm trying to understand.
00:58:19 So you come here, because,
00:58:23 There's no-one else to talk to.
00:58:26 I'm sorry.
00:58:28 What you going to do?
00:58:31 I don't know.
00:58:36 Would you like something to drink?
00:58:41 What will you have?
00:58:42 Glenfiddich, bourbon, vodka,
00:58:46 Armagnac...
00:58:49 No. Diet coke.
00:58:50 Diet coke it is.
00:58:54 This isn't some kind of irresponsible fling.
00:58:57 I love Lisa, I really do,
00:59:02 Knowing you,
00:59:04 it's probably simplest if you
00:59:08 Oh, I can't.
00:59:09 This woman is...
00:59:12 like no-one else on earth.
00:59:15 I've never felt so alive,
00:59:18 And she's a great person.
00:59:20 She has degrees in
00:59:22 She plays the oboe, for chrissakes.
00:59:25 And her kids are...
00:59:27 - fabulous
00:59:29 Three. Scott, little Shawn...
00:59:32 Hold on Kenny! What are we talking
00:59:36 - Don't call it that.
00:59:38 See, you sound like Lisa. You try to
00:59:43 I...
00:59:45 I'm committed to this relationship,
00:59:46 unlike you, who's terrified
00:59:49 Dana is a real person
00:59:51 so don't equate what's happening
00:59:54 - What have I got to do with it?
00:59:57 Anyway,
00:59:58 Dana isn't one of your little
01:00:05 If you want my advice,
01:00:08 Lisa mustn't know a word of this,
01:00:10 - until you've made up your mind...
01:00:14 Why on earth did you tell Lisa?
01:00:15 - You expect me to lie to my wife?
01:00:20 God!
01:00:22 I don't know why I came here. I don't
01:00:25 Except maybe, maybe...
01:00:29 I hoped that you might relate to me,
01:00:32 as a father...
01:00:34 - for just once.
01:00:36 You're so morally superior
01:00:38 Even our adulteries can't compare.
01:00:40 Yours plays the oboe, what have I
01:00:43 She probably writes poetry in her
01:00:45 You're such a jerk.
01:00:47 However, if you are,
01:00:48 You're going to have to end your marriage.
01:00:50 How can I? If I walk out on
01:00:53 If I do what you did,
01:00:56 Why do you say that? You survived.
01:01:00 Are you trying to tell me
01:01:02 that you did the morally correct
01:01:07 It was honest.
01:01:09 God!
01:01:18 - I'm leaving.
01:01:21 - Goodbye.
01:01:40 Consuela didn't call the next day.
01:01:46 and not even the day after.
01:01:51 She never called again.
01:02:16 You've gotta eat something.
01:02:18 You gotta get out of this fucking bed.
01:02:22 - I ruined everything, George.
01:02:25 It just came to its natural end.
01:02:28 You were her teacher,
01:02:29 her big growing-up experience.
01:02:31 You called the whole thing from day one.
01:02:35 It was bound to end
01:02:37 I miss her.
01:02:38 Well, that's easy for you to say
01:02:41 I was in love with her, George.
01:02:44 Well, it's better late than never.
01:02:48 You're gonna be feeling better soon.
01:02:50 Time heals all wounds.
01:02:53 Now,
01:02:54 open wide cause here comes.
01:02:56 The train entering the station.
01:02:59 Open wide. There you go...
01:03:02 How does that taste like?
01:03:06 You're going to make somebody
01:03:12 You know,
01:03:14 after a long time of
01:03:18 lately Amy and I...
01:03:21 - have been finding each other again.
01:03:24 - Your wife? Are you feeling OK?
01:03:28 That's the most incredible thing I've heard
01:03:32 Life always keeps back more surprises
01:03:35 than we can ever imagine.
01:03:39 Yeah.
01:03:40 Dave...
01:03:41 I need a favor.
01:03:43 I gotta go give a poetry reading
01:03:44 at NYU next month,
01:03:46 and they want somebody to introduce me.
01:03:48 George, I understand you
01:03:50 but this is transparent
01:03:54 This is no joke.
01:03:57 most embarrassing, flattering terms
01:04:02 Present you?
01:04:05 Forrest Lawn?
01:04:09 I can't write anything now.
01:04:12 I may never teach another class.
01:04:15 I spent half of life
01:04:18 to your third rate Hamlet.
01:04:21 Listening to your endless naval gazing,
01:04:25 the women who don't know
01:04:29 And for this you owe me big-time.
01:04:32 Now I expect you to do this
01:04:35 Now would you fuckin' eat something?
01:04:50 The Poetry of George O'Hearn
01:04:54 makes no apology for itself.
01:05:05 As A.E. Housman wrote
01:05:09 in his celebrated essay,
01:05:12 "I don't know what poetry is,
01:05:13 but I recognize
01:05:17 There can be no question that
01:05:21 we all instantly recognise as poetry.
01:05:24 Since the publication 25 years ago
01:05:28 George O'Hearn's vigorously
01:05:32 has become a fixture
01:05:35 of the American poetic landscape.
01:05:37 Poetry which is one and the same time,
01:05:41 potent,
01:05:43 urban and impatient.
01:05:46 But also the un-selfcentered promptings
01:05:49 of an unquiet heart.
01:05:52 In 1988, that
01:05:55 of sensibilities
01:05:59 The Pulitzer Prize.
01:06:02 But rather than procrastinate further,
01:06:05 or damn him with praise
01:06:08 he will inevitably consider feint,
01:06:10 I turn the proceedings
01:06:14 or, should I say,
01:06:16 America's own,
01:06:30 George!
01:06:35 I'll call an ambulance.
01:06:58 Hi, David.
01:07:09 He just woke up a little while ago.
01:07:32 Hi, David.
01:07:37 George...
01:07:44 It's Kepesh.
01:07:52 I'm here, George. I'm here.
01:08:33 George...
01:08:39 I owe you.
01:09:26 I wonder who he thought I was.
01:09:30 I think he knew perfectly well.
01:09:36 You're sweet.
01:09:42 I took him as he was.
01:09:44 He so appreciated that.
01:09:47 He took me the same.
01:10:00 - You're going where?
01:10:03 To meet her parents,
01:10:05 - The girl's...
01:10:08 You're going to meet her folks?
01:10:11 Well I think they should know
01:10:14 Kenny, you're nearly 40 years old.
01:10:17 the approval of the parents of a
01:10:21 Does she want her parents' approval?
01:10:22 If you want my approval,
01:10:24 I just wanted you to understand.
01:10:27 I don't love Lisa.
01:10:30 Kenny, what are you doing?
01:10:33 You're going to escape from one prison
01:10:35 and race headlong into another
01:10:39 Where did you get the idea
01:10:42 From serving time.
01:10:45 - I just wasn't cut out for it.
01:10:50 Kenny, listen to me.
01:10:52 I'm the only father you have.
01:10:54 I'm the only one you'll ever have.
01:10:57 What a comfort that is.
01:10:59 I know I disappointed you.
01:11:01 But you're not a child,
01:11:05 If you ever want there to be anything
01:11:11 Now excuse me,
01:11:13 I'm not finished.
01:11:16 I really have to run.
01:11:17 - What appointment?
01:11:19 George who?
01:11:20 - Your friend George?
01:11:22 - He died?
01:11:25 We'll finish this later, OK?
01:11:27 I'm sorry.
01:11:48 Hello?
01:11:50 I happened to be in town,
01:11:54 In two columns.
01:11:56 Not bad for a poet, I guess.
01:12:00 How are you holding up?
01:12:02 Not so good, but I'll be OK.
01:12:05 How's everything?
01:12:08 Seattle is a great place to
01:12:14 But I love it.
01:12:20 What're you thinking about, Dave?
01:12:22 Nothing.
01:12:24 We kept acting like teenagers
01:12:28 - Who's we? Me and you?
01:12:35 We spent our life
01:12:39 chasing after what?
01:12:43 The only time you got pregnant you had
01:12:46 That was 15 years ago.
01:12:51 Did the right time ever come?
01:12:56 Not the right person.
01:13:20 Do you remember that tampon
01:13:24 That thing belonged to a
01:13:28 What...
01:13:32 What kind of chance did we have?
01:13:34 She and I? None.
01:13:37 At best we could have dragged it out
01:13:40 she'd have realized
01:13:44 in her life for a man thirty
01:13:49 Nothing
01:13:52 ever should have happened
01:13:57 It was just a mistake.
01:14:12 You're getting old David.
01:14:17 The way men look at me
01:14:25 There are women my age,
01:14:28 a lot of women who are on
01:14:31 these dating...
01:14:33 websites.
01:14:35 You're guaranteed a certain
01:14:40 And you pay for the silence...
01:14:46 and...
01:14:49 the same conversation,
01:14:58 I like them like that.
01:15:02 Is it possible that this is really the
01:15:09 Well...
01:15:13 After 20 years of sleeping together,
01:15:17 I know a lot of people who
01:15:20 never got that far in 40 years of marriage.
01:15:45 What time is your flight?
01:15:48 9:30.
01:15:50 I'll take you.
01:15:56 No.
01:16:00 Why start now?
01:17:16 I concentrated on my work.
01:17:18 I kept asking myself if it was right
01:17:22 not to go to that fucked up
01:17:32 It took two years but I finally got
01:17:36 I even accepted the loss of Consuela.
01:17:40 I recovered my equilibrium
01:17:47 Who am I kidding?
01:18:04 The paintings and sculptures
01:18:06 would literally and figuratively
01:18:10 They were almost a self-contained
01:18:14 That, you put beautifully
01:18:17 in your opening chapter.
01:18:19 But also you're making a comment
01:18:22 on the relationship
01:18:24 Well, that's exactly right.
01:18:26 The people who buy these paintings,
01:18:30 But, in reality, the pictures own them.
01:18:33 The pictures own them.
01:18:36 they're allowed to live,
01:18:38 They're really custodians for
01:18:40 a period of time.
01:18:43 - they're free to worship it if they like...
01:18:45 - you could purchase the Great Pyramid.
01:18:48 But at the end of the day, the pyramid
01:18:53 With the Pharaohs.
01:18:55 My guest today
01:18:57 is Susan Reese, her novel is
01:18:59 This is "Book Chat"
01:19:01 I'm David Kapesh.
01:19:03 Then that's it, that was lovely.
01:19:06 Not too painful.
01:19:08 Indeed!
01:19:13 Thank you.
01:19:15 - Oh, and happy New Year.
01:19:17 It's a really... it's a good read.
01:19:20 Thank you.
01:19:43 One new message.
01:19:44 Six saved messages.
01:19:51 Hi, David, it's Consuela.
01:19:54 How are you?
01:19:56 Feels strange to call you, but...
01:20:01 I want to talk to you,
01:20:05 I want to tell you myself
01:20:08 hear it from someone else.
01:20:13 Please, call when you can.
01:20:15 555-0122.
01:20:18 Please call.
01:20:22 Hi, David, it's Consuela.
01:20:24 I realized that I lived all these years
01:20:31 I collapsed to the floor,
01:20:34 again and again, fearing the worst.
01:20:41 She was in love, she was getting married.
01:20:44 Perhaps she even wanted my blessing.
01:21:00 David?
01:21:04 David...
01:21:07 Where are you?
01:21:10 I'm in the car. I was in front of your
01:21:16 What are you doing driving around
01:21:20 I don't know.
01:21:23 I don't know what I'm doing.
01:21:26 What's the matter, Consuela?
01:21:31 I need to see you.
01:21:33 Then come.
01:21:35 - Do you have time?
01:21:38 - Okay. I'm coming now.
01:22:12 Hi.
01:22:13 Hi.
01:22:36 So...
01:22:38 how have you been?
01:22:45 That one's new.
01:22:47 Yeah, it's...
01:22:49 Edward Weston.
01:22:53 I like your hair.
01:22:57 I cut a little each day.
01:23:01 So when it disappears
01:23:21 I'm sick.
01:23:25 I have...
01:23:28 cancer, breast cancer.
01:23:38 I'm having surgery in two weeks.
01:23:41 Cancer?
01:23:44 This is...
01:23:47 Are you...?
01:23:49 Afraid? No.
01:23:51 - No?
01:23:53 That's not what I meant.
01:23:57 What happened?
01:24:03 I was in the shower one morning and I...
01:24:07 I felt this...
01:24:09 thing under my arm.
01:24:11 So I went to the doctor and he said
01:24:17 I went to a second doctor
01:24:20 You know the story.
01:24:22 The third doctor said
01:24:24 it was something to worry about.
01:24:27 And did you panic?
01:24:31 Yes, I panicked.
01:24:33 I spent a whole month in pure fear.
01:24:38 Tonight I was going
01:24:40 to go to this party,
01:24:43 thinking it would be better than
01:24:48 David...
01:24:50 David, no.
01:24:52 Don't cry.
01:24:54 Do not cry.
01:24:59 Why didn't you call me? Why didn't
01:25:06 I couldn't tell you.
01:25:09 I couldn't tell you of all people.
01:25:14 You know what's funny?
01:25:17 I feel older than you now.
01:25:21 You promise me one thing,
01:25:24 start to panic, during the night or during
01:25:31 What can I do?
01:25:33 What can I do?
01:25:40 It's...
01:25:49 It's like not being able...
01:25:52 to get into a...
01:25:55 a comfortable position, because
01:25:58 no matter which way you turn,
01:26:04 I'm stuck inside myself.
01:26:15 When I think of all the things
01:26:20 All the arguments I got
01:26:23 It's stupid all the time I wasted.
01:26:27 sleeping...
01:26:29 sleeping my life away.
01:26:41 David...
01:26:46 I need to ask you a favor.
01:26:49 Something I can only ask you.
01:26:53 Anything.
01:27:07 After you,
01:27:10 I never had a boyfriend.
01:27:16 who loved my body
01:27:20 I find that hard to believe.
01:27:23 Were there many?
01:27:26 No.
01:27:28 What about work?
01:27:31 - they all did.
01:27:35 I just wasn't interested.
01:27:44 I know you loved me.
01:27:47 And you loved my body.
01:27:51 So...
01:27:54 before the doctors...
01:27:57 - ruin it...
01:27:59 Stop talking that way and
01:28:03 Consuela no-one's going to ruin you.
01:28:12 Consuela...
01:28:16 What is it you want me to do?
01:30:58 That's the Paris Opera House.
01:31:08 I missed you.
01:31:12 I missed all the places
01:31:35 Would you like to stay here
01:31:43 No.
01:31:46 I have to go.
01:31:52 Would you like me to go with you
01:31:59 Consuela...
01:32:02 You can't do this alone.
01:32:08 Why do you say that?
01:32:10 You do everything alone.
01:32:20 David...
01:32:22 Poor man.
01:32:26 You're more scared than me.
01:32:38 Will you still want to fuck
01:32:46 Will you be up for that?
01:32:48 Will you?
01:33:06 I'm sorry David.
01:33:11 Really sorry.
01:33:19 I'm scared, David.
01:33:21 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.
01:33:26 Happy New Year!
01:33:45 Happy New Year.
01:34:53 - Dad...
01:34:56 What are you doing here?
01:34:57 I wondered if you could
01:35:00 - er...
01:35:05 Alright, come here.
01:35:10 Yep, uhuh.
01:35:12 Thanks, I owe you one.
01:35:15 Bye.
01:35:19 She's in very good hands.
01:35:21 - I know her surgeon.
01:35:23 They're going to operate tomorrow.
01:35:25 She told me in two weeks.
01:35:28 No.
01:35:29 - They're going to do it tomorrow.
01:35:33 I'm not her doctor. So...
01:35:35 I don't know exactly, but it's
01:35:40 It's a nightmare.
01:35:47 Have you known her long?
01:35:49 I hadn't seen her for a couple of years.
01:35:52 She called me out of the blue
01:35:57 I've got all her phone numbers, but I
01:36:03 She... when she left...
01:36:05 she told me she didn't want me to call her.
01:36:11 I'm sorry.
01:36:13 Yep, I know, I'm coming.
01:36:18 I'm sorry to have barged
01:36:20 I know you're strapped for time.
01:36:22 I'm sorry I couldn't be of more help.
01:36:26 That's what you tell your patients.
01:36:29 It must be really tough. Oncology.
01:36:33 I was your son.
01:36:37 - I'm glad to see you again.
01:36:39 - And I'm sorry that it was under such uh...
01:36:42 How are things at home?
01:36:45 We're still together.
01:36:47 Thanks for asking.
01:36:49 I'm glad to hear it.
01:36:55 Dad...
01:36:59 What are you gonna do?
01:37:15 Why did she have me
01:37:17 Did she want them for herself?
01:37:19 Or did she intend for me to keep them?
01:37:25 Well that makes sense.
01:37:28 Did I ever tell you my theory
01:37:31 A million times.
01:37:33 No-one can see them.
01:37:35 Well?
01:37:37 Did you ever see her?
01:37:40 I mean all of her.
01:37:42 I didn't understand what I saw.
01:37:46 A lawyer's answer.
01:37:48 You're over-analysing it.
01:37:50 Who would end a relationship
01:37:53 because I missed her graduation party.
01:37:56 She was this weird clutch
01:38:00 You're talking about her in the past tense.
01:38:11 So do you think they will let me in today?
01:38:14 She just got out of intensive care.
01:38:18 Kenny, thank you.
01:38:20 You're welcome.
01:38:25 Time passes when you're not looking.
01:39:37 David...
01:39:39 Yes.
01:39:44 They took the whole thing.
01:39:53 I didn't think you would come.
01:39:56 Why?
01:40:03 Why did you think that?
01:40:07 Because I'm no longer beautiful.
01:40:10 Yes you are.
01:40:15 You know Hipolita,
01:40:18 She actually cut off her right breast
01:40:21 so she could shoot her arrows faster
01:40:40 Will the book be different if
01:40:46 You remember my first class.
01:40:54 - I remember everything.
01:40:59 Every second.
01:41:12 I'm gonna miss you.
01:41:37 I'm here.
01:44:39 Subtitles by Guzeppi
01:44:50 Edited by LeapinLar