[cat purring]
["Another Day in Paradise" playing over radio]
[static crackling]
[cat yowls]
[music continues, faint]
[static crackling]
[woman over radio] Someone is calling you home...
♪ Oh, think twice ♪
♪ 'Cause it's another day For you and me in paradise ♪
[wolves howling in distance]
[line ringing]
-[man] Hey, what's up? -Code.
-Yeah? -It's good to hear your voice.
Holy shit. Lisa?
Are you okay? I haven't heard from you in months.
I was afraid you were dead.
[Lisa] I've been up in the woods working on that short film I told you about.
Must have lost track of time.
Yeah. I know how you get. So you back in New York?
I'm an hour outside L.A.
Wait, what?
Do you know the name Lou Burke?
Lou Burke? Yeah, of course I do.
Apparently, he wants to meet with me.
Lis, that's huge.
Listen, I need a place to crash. Can I use your couch?
Are you kidding? Yeah, of course. Anything you need.
I'm at 4837 Traction, downtown.
I knew I could count on you.
-I'm glad you're not dead. -Me too. See you soon, Code.
[suspenseful music playing]
["Natural One" playing]
♪ I'm the one, natural one, make it easy ♪
♪ We can take it inside ♪
♪ Where I can love How I like if I want it ♪
♪ Whatever keeps me high ♪
[Lisa] How's your band doing?
-Heard you're selling drugs now, too. -Shh!
[whispering] Christine's asleep.
-Who the fuck is Christine? -My girlfriend. She lives here too.
Your-- Is she gonna mind me being here?
No, no, no. I mean...
-No, I'm sure it'll be fine. -[chuckles]
I mean, you get along with everybody, right?
You said, you'd never come to L.A.
Guess I changed my mind.
Your actress friend didn't wanna come?
Something happen in the woods?
You know. People tend to get fucked up around me.
Not me.
You want this?
-Nah, I'm good. -Thank you.
-Night. -Goodnight.
-[loud chewing] -[spoon clangs]
-So you used to date my boyfriend. -I wouldn't say date exactly.
It looked like you were sleeping with your eyes open. It was gross.
Sorry.
So he said you might need to crash here for a minute or so,
and I'm totally good with that if you do.
Just... If you wanna take a shower,
use the hallway bathroom, not the one by our bedroom.
And sometimes when you pull the thingy for the shower,
seems like nothing's gonna happen, and then it goes, like, ca-chunk!
And then... Pssh! Like, it spits right in your eye.
Are you, like, an actress or something?
Filmmaker.
Good for you.
It's a very tough town.
It takes years just to get a break.
What do you do?
I'm in real estate.
Morning.
-[Christine] Hey, babe. [chuckles] -[Code] Hey.
Get off your butt, Lis. Don't you have that meeting with Lou Burke?
[Christine] Lou Burke?
[eerie, whimsical music playing]
[exhales]
["The Don's Cheek" playing]
[Lisa] Mr. Burke.
Lisa Nova.
Jesus, you're not much older than my son.
Sit. [clears throat]
And call me Lou. Never Mr. Burke.
Okay. Lou. How'd you get my short film?
I sent it to a few people, but--
You know those nights you wake up every 20 minutes from a different dream?
My wife thinks I should see a sleep guy, but I love my dreams.
I dream about the birds. Oh, hello. Thank you.
Falcons, actually.
I raise Arctic Peregrines. Like nature's 200-mile-an-hour missile.
[whistles]
I had three, but one killed Glenn Close's Pekingese,
and now I've got two. Thank you.
You're having coffee with sushi.
I drink this coffee with everything. Comayagua!
Ship it in from Honduras.
My assistant makes sure my favorite spots have it on hand.
-Very cool. So-- -What's your story?
Not from L.A., I take it.
No, I'm from Brazil, actually.
[Lou speaking Portuguese]
My father is a botanist. He was looking for corpse vines--
I feel like you're flicking puzzle pieces at me.
-He was looking for a corpse vine? -What are we doing here?
I wanted to meet you.
That's how meetings work.
[waitress speaks Japanese]
[in English] Japanese scallops.
[sighs] I saw a tape sitting on a desk and...
I don't know. I had this voice in my head.
"Pick up this video tape.
Pick it up."
It's a true story.
That sound crazy? Probably does.
So you liked my movie.
[Lou] So, what do we got?
It's tense.
And scary.
And, um...
My God, that ending.
I mean, those special effects when she...
Well, I don't wanna get too gory over lunch.
So the question is what's the full-length,
major-motion-picture, opens-on-1500-screens-nationwide version?
Well, what it's really about, to me, is...
this woman.
She's got this thing. But she doesn't know how to use it yet.
Like a superpower. Right? Her eyes already do that thing.
Yeah, but other people wanna take it from her.
They wanna suck her dry and don't care if they kill her in the process.
So this woman, she has to learn how to use this thing against them.
If she wants to make it out alive.
-Okay. -It's a paranoid thriller.
Woman on the run. Right? I've been looking for something like this.
Okay, so let's do a director wish list. Right?
I'm directing.
Okay.
I mean, a rookie director is a tough sell.
You'd have to sell yourself as a...
young female Cronenberg, uh...
Verhoeven.
Truth is, I've been looking to take more chances.
You know, maybe you're the chance I've been looking to take.
But you need to learn to persuade people that you're the one to make this.
So you'll help me out.
That's great.
And that's the thing.
Not everything can be taught. Some things have to be experienced...
Holy fucking shit. Roy Hardaway?
Is that Roy-fucking-Hardaway? Oh, my God! It is!
-How's it going, Lou? Good to see you. -How the fuck are ya, huh?
Yeah. Oh, Roy, this is Lisa Nova. Lisa Nova, Roy Hardaway.
The actor.
I know who he is. Hi.
[Lou] You gotta try the monkfish liver. It's next-level.
It's mind blowing, like having a woman undress in your mouth.
[motorcycle idling]
Am I gonna see you at the Alvin Sender...?
[Roy] Not sure yet. I haven't decided.
-[Roy] It was nice to meet you, Lisa. -Yes. You too.
So I'm assuming this is you?
Yes, that's me.
-You living out of this thing? -Actually, yes, I am.
Jesus.
Home sweet home.
Tell you what.
I'm gonna option your short.
We'll make the feature just the way you want it.
Consider this a deposit.
I'll send over a contract. Have a lawyer look it over.
Okay.
-[engine starts] -Consider an apartment.
Why?
[rock music playing]
Do you want?
Oh, no, thank you. I'm not hungry, but thanks.
When the bandages come off, she'll look like Daryl Hannah.
Cher wasn't built in a day.
So is it legit?
Nothing seems shady.
You should get a lawyer.
[Lisa] I can't afford one.
Jules says it looks legit.
Well, if Jules Brandenberg says so.
I know what a contract looks like. I have a movie in development.
-He directed our video, babe. -Meaningless.
You're gonna be huge, baby.
[mouths] Thank you.
Lou Burke. Wow.
He hasn't had a hit in a few years, but I love Breaking Point.
Good for you.
Thanks. So does the contract protect me as the director?
Can I be fired?
No producer hires a director they can't replace if the director sucks.
In theory, they could fire Steven Spielberg if they want to.
But, yeah,
this says, you, Lisa Natasha Nova, are directing the movie.
Just don't suck.
You think I could meet him?
[Lisa] Mm.
[Christine] It's kind of a shithole, but you can't afford anything that isn't.
The great news is it's furnished.
Or someone abandoned the furniture in here.
But either way, you can use it.
["California Shake" playing]
♪ Drifting in a day not yet begun♪
I love this place.
Careful at night. There's coyotes all around here.
-There's whats? -Coyotes.
They're fucking dangerous.
Feels kinda haunted.
Maybe you'll hear some silent film actress sobbing all night.
Maybe she slit her wrists in the clawfoot tub.
[Christine] Not a clawfoot.
I always wanted a penthouse.
[Christine] The top floor of a walkup is not a penthouse.
[whispers] Coyotes.
[Lou] So let's talk about Lisa Nova.
Can you sell me Lisa Nova?
You mean sell my movie idea?
No, actually, I don't. Everybody's got an idea.
There's only one you.
So who are you?
Sell yourself to me.
Okay.
So, I'm sure you hear this all the time, but I'm not like every other director.
Oh, you're not?
I witness a murder. Right?
Aah-aah-aah!
I saw the guy. Got a good look at him. Now all the cops are standing around,
the sketch artist has her pad and her pencils,
and everyone's waiting with bated breath and I say,
"The killer was not like a jellyfish."
-Don't tell me what you're not. -Copy that.
Don't worry, you're still young. We'll keep going until we get it right.
["Slow" playing]
♪ Even the air in here has jelled ♪
♪ I move slowly towards the door ♪
♪ It's all static ♪
♪ I don't need this anymore ♪
[dramatic music playing]
-[cats hissing, yowling] -[clattering]
[cats purring]
[tense music playing]
[chewing, ripping]
-[Lou] You okay? You look tired. -[Lisa] I didn't get much sleep.
[Lou] Go again. Go.
I grew up loving movies.
When I was a kid, in São Conrado, my dad had a projector,
-and I used to watch-- -Let me tell you about a guy.
His name's Alvin Sender, and he's rich as sin.
What makes him unique is he loves finding new talent.
You know the Sex, Lies, and Videotape kid? Alvin's financing his next project.
Problem is a lot of people ask Alvin for money.
And believe me when I tell you, they all grew up loving movies.
So, what makes you different?
Maybe I'm just not good at this whole pitching myself thing.
When I was a kid, I was in a really bad accident.
Stuck in a bed for the better part of a year.
Worst part, I couldn't go to the movies.
And a movie theater was my church, it was everything to me.
So I'd have to imagine the movies I wanted to see, beginning to end.
But to this day, I firmly believe
that accident is the only reason I have three Oscars to polish.
Because I had a North Star.
Would that kid in that hospital bed wanna see this movie?
That kid was my audience.
Who's yours?
[dramatic music playing]
Let's go for a drive.
[sirens wailing in distance]
What are you thinking about?
My mom.
What about her?
You asked who my audience is.
[Lou] She must be an interesting lady.
[Lisa] I wouldn't know.
Never met her.
She left right after I was born.
I know what I'm about to say is gonna sound crazy.
Actually never said it out loud before but...
I feel like if I can make my film,
somehow, she'll see it.
And she'll know it came from me.
That's beautiful.
You know, I could walk this into a studio a lot easier without you,
or take it to Alvin with some hotshot music video director,
but it's about relevance.
You know?
You only get so many bites at the apple.
A year in this business is like a decade, and I haven't...
[clears throat]
I haven't had a real hit since 1986.
I don't wanna know what it's like to disappear.
I need you.
That's the truth.
So Saturday night, Alvin Sender's having a thing at his gallery.
Movie people, movie stars.
Be a great opportunity to meet Alvin.
It's a date.
["Lady of the Fire" playing]
[Lou] Well, this should be fun.
We're going as a team.
I'll build you up, get Alvin on your side.
And then when you have the official meeting,
he'll know who you are. Right?
And then when you walk out of that meeting, you'll have a movie.
Thanks.
Whatever happens, thanks for everything.
[Lou] My pleasure.
I think we make a good team.
[Lisa clears throat]
[Lou clears throat]
I'm sorry. I thought, um...
I'm sorry.
I think we make a good team too.
[Lou sniffs]
["No Big Deal" playing]
[chattering]
What's Alvin Sender look like?
[Lou] Like a rich guy.
You know, the masks read your brain waves and turn them into these little movies.
Stay here and look cool.
Bruce! Where the fuck did you get those cigarettes?
[Roy] Lisa Nova.
Here you are.
This thing creeps me out.
I know it's bullshit, but I don't want the world to have a window into my mind.
[Lisa] I love it.
What would somebody see if they looked through your window?
I guess it depends on who's looking.
You know that woman?
She's been watching you since you've walked in.
She's probably trying to figure out where you are in the food chain.
See you around, maybe.
Oh...
I've been waiting for the right moment to say hello.
Do you know me?
The man you came in with is having a very important conversation without you.
Who are you?
I'm Boro.
What do you want?
To offer my services.
What is it you do?
For you? I could hurt someone.
How?
Will you hold my cat?
-Uh... -Here. Aww....
[cat purring]
Okay, baby.
Sometimes, I imagine I'm inside him like he's a house.
You could do that.
Imagine you're inside someone. Say, the man you came here with.
-Inside of him? -Yes.
Imagine that.
Like he's a house and you're wandering around.
Are you doing it?
Yeah.
No. No, you're not.
Okay.
Imagine...
that you're inside him.
You feel it?
Now, break something.
Done.
-[cat meows] -Oh, yes. I know.
I know.
Here.
I'm at Cortez and Maribel in Boyle Heights.
Come find me. There's no number,
but you'll know it by the white jaguar out front.
Bring my cat.
[Lisa] You just took it.
[Lou] I found Alvin.
Taking a piss next to me, can you believe it?
The john, man.
Brings everybody together.
-What happened? -Mm.
Craziest thing. We're talking,
and all of a sudden, my nose starts gushing blood,
like a faucet.
And I haven't done blow since like '85.
I promised my wife. Thank you. [clears throat]
[Lisa] So, where is Alvin now?
Oh, he left. He was on his way out.
Oh, shit, he left. I didn't even get to--
Lisa, relax.
I talked to him.
He's in.
What, just now? In the bathroom? Without watching the short?
My word's good for him.
Told you we make a great team.
And he knows I'm directing?
Lisa, Jesus!
What do you do when you get bad news?
It's good.
He's in, I talked to him.
You're welcome.
[Lisa] Why are we stopping?
[Lou exhales]
[tense music playing]
I think your mother's gonna be proud of you.
What? [grunts]
-[car door closes] -[footsteps]
Ooh. Oh...
Nice.
Push in, push in, push in...
Cut.
Get off!
What? What's the problem?
[laughs]
Oh.
Misread. [laughs]
[grunts]
[engine starts]
You coming?
Like to walk. Okay. All right.
Enjoy the view.
[mysterious music playing]
[cat purring]
[purring]
Hi.
[Boro] Bring my cat.
Now, break something.
I could hurt someone.
Bring my cat.
[gasps] What the fuck!
Code!
Jesus fucking Christ, you're like a fucking serial killer.
I knocked. You didn't hear me? Your door was open.
I just-- I wanted to see how you were doing with this whole...
Jules Brandenberg thing.
What Jules Brandenberg thing?
I mean, even he feels weird about it.
What's he feel weird about?
Meeting with Lou.
What's he meeting with Lou for?
To direct your movie.
[mysterious music playing]
I thought you knew.
[tense music playing]
[pounding on door]
-He's expecting me. -[gasps]
Excuse me! Who are you?
[birds trilling]
Lisa.
Meet my son, Jonathan, the artist. He's taking a semester off.
Uh... And this is my falcon, Maverick.
Do not mess with this guy. Look at that face.
No sense of humor.
Can we talk in private?
Yeah.
[sniffs] Yeah, sure. [clears throat]
Why am I hearing that Jules Brandenberg is up to direct my film?
Hey! I direct!
-We talked about this! -You know precocial animals?
-What the fuck? -[Lou] Giraffes are an example.
Right after they're born, they stand up.
Covered in placenta and everything. They're all wet and wobbly.
They don't know what walking is,
but they're trying so damn hard to do it anyway.
I'm not gonna give you the rights to my film if I'm not directing it.
Do you know what you signed?
No.
You don't know what you signed.
Learn to walk before you try to run.
You know? Remember, this is still a very big deal for you.
We had an agreement.
We do have one. We signed it.
Lou.
Sometimes, you want a filet mignon, and you get a Dodger Dog instead.
But Dodger Dogs are delicious.
You made a promise.
I did make you a promise. And we do have an agreement.
Have a seat.
[sighs]
Okay.
This business, this banquet
we're all feeding our bellies at,
it's made up of promises and agreements.
The problem is, you're still learning the difference between them.
And a promise is an hors d'oeuvre.
You know, it's an appetizer that gets passed around.
"Bacon wrapped date? Thank you, I'd love one."
Then we sit down for the main course. The meat.
That's the agreement.
And you...
ate it.
What changed?
I'm not the bad guy.
I know you want me to be. I understand that.
But this world we live in is predators and prey.
And each and every one of us is both.
Say it.
[dramatic music playing]
I gotta hear you say it.
What changed?
All right. And you're an artist, right? So it's all material. Use it.
Maybe this is news to you, but art is violent, man.
It's selfish. I mean, I-- I thought you knew that.
"Written and directed by Lisa Nova."
Are you gonna tell me you've never used anybody
for the sake of making something?
That there's nobody out there who'd say, "Lisa Nova is selfish"?
I wanna hear you say it.
What are you punishing me for?
I think we've said enough.
Is that your wife out there?
What's--? What's her name? I could talk to her.
Oh, you don't want me to talk to your wife.
[laughs bitterly]
Think.
Very carefully.
Let this be a learning experience.
[Lisa] You're gonna regret it.
[door closes]
[breathing heavily]
[Lou] Lisa?
Rewind!
I can't have you leaving here all upset.
I feel like I left the campsite in worse shape than I found it,
which is a major Boy Scout no-no.
What?
Look, there is a reality where you have a very long career.
Okay, but one of the skills you're going to need...
is the ability to apologize.
You want me to apologize to you?
You just came into my home uninvited.
And you threatened me.
You can't even admit you took my movie,
because you're a fucking washed-up fucking--
What did you say?
What am I? Say it again. Say it again.
You know what you are?
You're a fucking nothing. You're a million fucking wannabes.
I see it every fucking day.
Bet your mother saw the same thing in you.
Just a meaningless fucking void!
Get the fuck out of my driveway before I call the cops.
[dramatic music playing]
[grunts]
[low grunting]
[needle buzzing]
You said you could hurt someone for me.
Is that true?
Where's my cat?
I didn't bring your cat.
Can you help me?
What did he do to you?
[Lisa] He betrayed me.
So what? It happens.
[Lisa] No.
He took the only thing I care about.
So...
Whatever it is you do,
I want you to do it.
To him.
As long as you can pay my rate.
I'll pay you whatever you want.
[Boro] Great.
I'll take the first payment upfront.
Do you know how special you are?
Do you?
[gasps]
[groaning]
You have something inside you.
It's tasty.
[groaning]
It's always been there.
Your stuff, your substance.
It's the beginning of all of your thoughts.
And it wants to be born.
[panting]
[sobbing]
[meows]
Oh... Oh.
-[meows] -[Lisa gasping]
[Boro] Oh.
You can keep the other cat.
Do we have a deal?
Say what you want.
Say it.
I want my movie back.
And I want to set his life on fire.
-[cat meows] -We can do that.
["Wild Thing" playing]
♪ Wild thing ♪
♪ You make my heart sing ♪
♪ You make everything ♪
♪ Groovy ♪
♪ Wild thing ♪
♪ Oh, wild thing ♪
♪ Wild thing, I think I love you ♪
♪ But I want to know for sure ♪
♪ I love you ♪
♪ Oh, wild thing ♪
♪ You make my heart sing ♪
♪ You make everything ♪
♪ Groovy ♪
♪ Wild thing, I think I hate you ♪
♪ But I want to know for sure ♪