While We're Young

This film contains very strong language

There were three little pigs and they made a house out of twigs

and the wolf came...

SHE MOUTHS

-He blows it down?

-Yeah, but what happens in the middle?

I keep wanting to do this little piggy went to market,

-but that's with the toes.

-BABY FUSSES

And the wolf keeps blowing the house in.

And the... And the pigs keep making different houses.

And... No, no, no, no.

BABY CRIES

-What the fuck do we do?

-I don't know.

OK, who's ready to eat?

Who's ready to eat?

Ah! I love how she stretches, it's just like we do.

It's so funny. It never occurred to me that stretching is innate.

-You want to see it?

-Yeah.

OK, it got infected with staph, but it's not the bad staph.

-What is it?

-Guess. You can come closer, it's not bad staph.

-I still don't want the baby touching it.

-I can't tell.

-It's Willow's sonogram.

-Oh, yeah!

I did it for Marina. I was just so fucking proud of her.

Why it's for me, I still don't understand.

-You know, she didn't even get the epidural.

-It's a motherfucker.

It's a ring of fucking fire,

but it was the most beautiful experience of my life.

I fell in love immediately.

A love I've never felt.

Don't take that the wrong way, Marina.

No, I know exactly what you mean. It's pure.

-Aw...

-Oh, you guys should do it!

-Yeah.

You would make such good parents. I'm sorry. I know you...

No, no, it's fine. We, uh, you know, we...

It's just such a game changer.

-When I saw her, I thought, "I know you."

-It's true, I recognised her immediately.

And because I'd read to her in the womb, she knew my voice immediately.

-I read Stephen King's The Tommyknockers.

-It's like in one moment, everything is different.

-It's like all the stuff before...

-It's a gift.

-Fine, you know, we're figuring it out.

-I mean, we're just animals.

-But now, OK, real life. You know?

I can't remember Goldilocks either any more.

The porridge part, but not what happens.

-She gets eaten, right?

-Does she?

There's, like, an oven that's too hot.

You don't want kids, right?

Because I don't.

I'm sorry, I feel so guilty for saying that.

I mean, I did. If we'd had the magic, sexy version

and one day suddenly had a baby.

But all those drugs and shots and miscarriages.

I don't want to do it again and it not to work.

I know. And I like our life as it is.

Yeah. I mean, if we wanted to take off to Paris tomorrow, we could.

Yeah, I mean, I think we might have a hard time

finding an affordable fare on such short notice, but, yeah.

No, I know, and I couldn't leave work.

If we're going to do it, we should plan it at least a month in advance.

-A month is still in the realm of spontaneity.

-No, I know.

I mean, the time we spent in Rome, what was that?

-2006.

-It wasn't 2006.

-Yeah, it was.

Cos I was working with my dad on his dance film.

Rome was eight years ago already?

-Shit.

-Yeah. I looked at the pictures recently.

We were two younger people standing at the Trevi Fountain.

-We look similar.

-We look younger.

I tried to get you to go to Mexico last summer.

I needed to finish my documentary.

But you didn't finish it.

Well, maybe the point is we have the freedom.

What we do with it isn't that important.

Marina said they haven't had sex in nearly a year.

Fletcher was too weirded out by the pregnancy.

God.

Delivery?

What is that, a 75 watt?

I can't see, it's too bright.

It's too high a wattage.

I'll change it tomorrow.

'There was a poll conducted in 1987

'in which people were given a series of phrases

'and asked which ones could be found in the US Constitution.

'One of the phrases that got the highest percentage of votes was,

' "From each according to his ability

' "to each according to his need." '

Let me see the continuity.

'..is not in the US Constitution, but is the famous communist credo

'popularized by Karl Marx.'

Why do they type this stuff so small?

I think that's 12 point. That's normal.

It's not 12, it's at most...eight?

'Hello?'

We have to cut away from Ira here because he gets a phone call.

'Sweetie, this happens every fucking day.'

OK, cut to me asking the question about hermeneutics.

We could, but...you look like this.

Why is Paul Ricoeur's idea

of the hermeneutics of suspicion so important?

It's from eight years ago.

And the previous shot of you asking any relevant questions is this.

'So, then, what did Mills mean by the concept of military...?'

God, that was eight years ago?

It's been ten.

Are my eyes getting hollows?

I don't know.

Well, we're getting there.

When I get the rest of the grant money, we'll reshoot me

asking the questions along with the trip to Istanbul.

Look, Josh, I hate to bring this up,

but I'm going to need a little money soon.

No, I know, you've been patient.

I'm just waiting for the rest of the last grant money.

But soon?

Yeah, I'll get you.

"Documentary is about someone else.

"Fiction is about me."

This is a quote from Jean Luc Godard.

Now, what do we think about this?

Can a documentary be personal?

Documentaries, I want to say to you today,

can and should be about me.

"Me" meaning all of us.

Lights.

Frank, could you just hit that switch?

Now, this is an image from...

Well, shit.

This should be an image of seal hunting from Nanook Of The North.

-Sorry.

-Mmm?

-About what?

-Hey. Beautiful class.

Oh, thanks. I don't know why the PowerPoint didn't work, but...

I loved what you said about hyper reality.

-Thanks.

-I'm Jamie. This is my wife, Darby.

-Josh Srebnick.

-Nice to meet you.

-It was interesting.

-Thanks.

I'm not sure why that PowerPoint didn't work.

How did you get in here?

Well, we're auditing your class.

It's a continuing education class,

you can't audit a continuing education class.

I'm a fan. And, hey, I really loved your film, Power Elite.

You've seen it? Hey, thanks.

It's everything I aspire to, and you make it look so easy.

Uh, do you make documentaries?

I shoot stuff, you know, with friends, yeah.

-But nothing like what you're doing.

-He's always shooting.

Don't take this the wrong way, but how did you see Power Elite?

I found a VHS on eBay. I paid, like, 60 bucks for it.

You know what was great?

Was that scene with the dogs around the garbage. How did you stage that?

Oh. Erm...those dogs were just there

and I said, "Hey, shoot those dogs."

And we did.

-Beautiful.

-I've been working on this other one for about eight years now,

-but I think I'm zeroing in on it.

-I'd love to see it.

You want to come get a bite with us?

Oh, I'm meeting my wife around the corner at this Chinese place.

My wife and I are going to the same goddamn place!

I've learned along the way you can discover more

-by not knowing all the answers, by allowing yourself to be surprised by what you encounter.

-Yeah, yeah.

And sometimes that means waiting years for something to happen.

How did you start out? Like, who influenced you?

Ah, well, I steal from everyone -

Wiseman, Maysles, Pennebaker.

My first job out of graduate school was working for Leslie Breitbart.

-Jeez Louise.

-That's also, incidentally, how I met Cornelia.

-He's her dad.

-What?

This is before they hated each other.

We don't hate each other.

-Cornelia also produces her dad's films.

-He's amazing.

He's a giant. He's a guy I'd love to meet.

Do you also produce Josh's films?

No, Josh likes to work alone.

Josh, what's your new film about?

Well, I'm trying to solve the problem

that Eisenstein never solved,

that is, how to make a film that is both materialist

and intellectual at the same time.

Uh, it's about the distinctly American relationship

between biography and history,

theory and method,

and how that relates to power and class in our country,

particularly the political, military and economic elite.

-It's really about America.

-Eisenstein's astonishing.

-I just watched Strike.

-Ah!

I'm obsessed with Europe in the '20s, see? The interwar period, ex patriots, that sort of thing.

I keep trying to get Jamie to do something with before and afters. All humans love before and afters.

Any TV show with before and afters will succeed.

Before you said that. After you said that.

-Fuck you.

-Oh.

THEY CHUCKLE

What do you do, Darby?

-Darby makes ice cream.

-Yeah, I make ice cream.

I brought some of it to the Whole Foods near us. They're pumped.

It's Jamie's idea to sell it, I just do it because I like it.

And you guys are married? That's so nice and old-fashioned.

Yeah, we said our vows in an empty water tower in Harlem.

-There was a mariachi band and a Slip 'N Slide.

-Wow!

-Oh!

-It was beautiful. Some rituals exist for a reason.

-Jamie wanted a big wedding.

We did it at City Hall.

Isaac and Benny are walking the tracks.

Oh, have you done this?

We walked through the subway tunnels of the D line last week.

-No, no, we haven't.

-They're at a bar on Essex.

-Do you want to come?

-Oh! Do we?

Uh...

it's already past our bedtime.

Yeah, we're usually in bed by 11.

-Let me get it.

-Thanks.

-Yeah, thanks.

No, yeah, I'll get it.

If you've got any time, and I know you're super busy,

I'd love to show you what I'm working on.

Come by our place this weekend. I have my fall flavours.

They don't make this film any more.

I bought 400 packs before they discontinued it.

Let's go, worm!

Jamie's always moving.

I can't leap as fast as that kid.

I don't move as quickly.

You should see him on Rollerblades.

'I like how engaged'

they are in everything.

They're all making things and they're so excited for each other.

It's selfless. And they're so respectful of us.

I mean, compared to when we go out with Marina and Fletcher,

I feel like we're all just talking about ourselves.

-They asked questions.

-They didn't ask me any questions.

When I was their age, I never would have come up to me like that and invited me out.

I would have been too scared. They're really not nervous.

I just wish you hadn't told him I work with my dad.

-Why?

-I don't know, he seems ambitious.

No. I don't think he thinks that way.

-It's about process.

-How has he even seen anything of yours?

eBay. I love his shoes.

I have some wing tips here somewhere.

I stopped wearing them when I got shin splints.

It was almost like he was studying you.

Can we go to their place this weekend?

We never see our real friends.

Why do you suddenly want to hang out with a couple of 25 year olds?

We were just 25. I mean, we weren't, but, you know...

It'll be fun.

Erm, it would probably be Richard Dreyfuss.

He's friends with my parents.

Uh, a member of Parliament.

Erm...

Probably Shia LaBeouf.

'This girl who wrote on that show, Medium.'

-'Doug Liman.

-Bill Clinton.

'But I think it's probably his office.

'It's ringing.

'Yeah, it's his office.

'Robert Downey Sr.'

-It's really funny.

-I like Robert Downey...Sr.

That's the latest anyway.

I'm also doing people describing scenes from movies that they like, but haven't seen in a while.

Darby's going to do Rosemary's Baby, see?

What have you done to its eyes?

He has his father's eyes.

Joshy, come with me to the playroom.

-I want a kitten!

-That's Good Cop. This is Bad Cop.

I love these kittens.

I hope they don't grow up to be assholes, because that can happen.

Wow! Oh, my God.

This is just like my record collection.

-Except mine are CDs.

-CDs?

It took me years to discover this stuff.

-I need to buy a new desk.

-You should come with me to the lumber yard.

-We'll make one.

-A whole desk?

It's much cheaper than buying one, see? And more fun.

Darby, can I borrow your bike?

-I'm going to the deli for some goldfish.

-OK.

Tipper, did you feed Nico?

I forgot.

That's our roommate, Tipper.

Ding a ling a ling! Chow time!

Nico's a chicken?!

I have to say I really admire how you guys are so in the moment

and just enjoying doing and making things.

-It's inspiring.

-Thanks, Joshy.

People our age are so success and results oriented,

they've forgotten about process.

Josh, are you success oriented?

-Totally.

-No.

CLATTERING

I feel like there are people who don't drop things as much as I do.

-I don't keep things you're...

-She's a mess and an ugly eater.

-I say that with love.

-Fuck you.

It's an avocado and almond milk sorbet.

Benny designed the container.

It tastes like that candy that they sometimes make into pigs or little fruits.

Yeah, it's, erm...

Shit, I know that.

I keep wanting to say baklava, but that's a Greek dessert.

The almond tasting pigs and fruits are made of...

-I'll look it up.

-No, that's too easy.

-Let's try to remember it.

-Can I now?

-No.

Let's just not know what it is.

Over here. Let's go!

BEEPING

CHICKEN CLUCKS

JAMIE READS TEXT MESSAGE ALOUD

End transmission.

We have news.

I decided, with Marina going back to work,

I'm going to take a leave of absence from the firm

-and take care of Willow.

-BOTH: Oh!

-Cool. How long?

-Indefinite.

It's such a load off and I'm making enough, so...

Hey, it's really just my ego at stake.

-Time to rewatch Mr

-Mom. I already Netflixed it. I got some laughs.

We're the boring couple with a baby.

What have you guys been doing? Tell us something fun.

Oh, we met this interesting couple, Jamie and Darby.

He's a young documentarian and she makes ice cream.

I don't know what to make of them, honestly.

-I like her.

-They make everything.

It's infectious. For about 12 hours, I thought I could build my own desk.

There's something about being around them that energises you, you know?

-How old are they?

-25, 26.

-26, 27.

-They're children!

-Yeah, nine years ago, they couldn't vote.

-But they're married.

-Why?

-You should see this guy's record collection.

It's Jay Z, it's Thin Lizzy, it's Mozart. His taste is democratic.

It's The Goonies and it's Citizen Kane

they don't distinguish between high and low, it's wonderful.

-When did The Goonies become a good movie?

-Well, you should hear this guy talk about it.

And it's like their apartment is full of everything we once threw out,

-but it looks so good the way they have it.

-Who directed The Goonies? I'll look it up.

Why is it that when one person picks up their phone,

-everybody else has to?

-I have a quick thing.

-I'm not on my phone.

-The baby.

-Richard Donner.

-Each of us is so certain

-that we've got the most important thing to do right now.

-I know, it's so rude.

Not any more. It used to be, but now it's accepted. It's like showing your ankles in the 1800s.

-Oh.

-The almond tasting pigs and fruits are made of...

BOTH: Marzipan! THEY LAUGH

Ugh!

I thought I'd...

You guys want to hit this street beach with us?

I don't know what you're saying.

It's something Jamie and Darby are doing.

Since when do you guys do two things in one night?

-You never go anywhere.

-We go anywhere.

We have to get back for the sitter. Scratch that, we want to get back.

-I hate being away from her.

-The sitter?

-Yeah. It's true.

-We've lost you to the baby.

-You guys have to come see her again.

-You should, really. We're always home.

-She's already a different person.

-Any time, come by. We're always home.

-Yeah.

-All right.

-OK.

We have lost them to the baby.

We go anywhere, right?

We never go anywhere.

High kick contest!

HIP-HOP MUSIC BLASTS

Whoa!

-What's the rumpus, Srebnicks?

-You came!

Have you tried this? Someone at some college figured out

that if you put Jolly Ranchers in vodka for 24 hours, it's awesome.

-Can I run an idea by you?

-Sure, what?

-It's a project I want to shoot.

-OK.

I've never done Facebook, it's not my thing, see?

Oh, really? Yeah, I was against it at first,

but it's actually quite a useful tool.

I mean, it makes me feel like I'm really connected.

And there's pictures...

-Ow! What the shit? Watch it!

-MAN:

-I love you!

-Oh! All right.

-It's lame, yeah.

That's why I'm doing this new thing with it.

I'm going to start a profile and wait for people to contact me.

Well, that part's normal, that's Facebook.

And whoever the first person is from my childhood,

someone I'm no longer in touch with,

who contacts me, instead of responding to them on Facebook, see,

I'm going to go find them in person...with my camera.

-OK.

-Like, make Facebook real.

It's like you want to talk to me? Let's talk.

-Kind of just like real life?

-Exactly.

-Well, real was there before Facebook.

-Right.

Sounds interesting.

-I'm not sure it's enough.

-What do you mean?

Think about what you want to say. I mean, what are you hoping to find?

Well, I'll know when I get there.

You said we should be open to surprises, right?

It's a nice beginning.

But it might not be a full enough meal yet, you know? Keep digging.

'When I criticise quantitative analysis,'

it's not because statistics don't tell us anything.

On the contrary, I'd say they are often very revealing.

In fact, they can often be most revealing when...

-I've got to go to the gents.

-Wait, the mic!

-DOG BARKS

URINE SPLASHES

-I guess he's just doing that.

-Yeah...

Hey, Josh, how's that grant money doing?

I'm expecting an e-mail any day now confirming...

No, thanks, but the rest of the grant money is coming?

Yes. Assuming they get funded for the next calendar year.

-Did you feed the dog?

-I'm about to, sweetie.

-What does that mean?

-I don't know.

One of the donors left his wife and... I don't know.

-But they're confirming the funding.

-Why'd he leave his wife?

-DOG BARKS

-I don't know.

Hey, Fox!

Hey, Foxy Fox!

I was just going to call you to see if you wanted to get lunch.

-Oh, how sweet.

-Uh, this is Pepper and Elise. This is Cornelia.

-Hi.

-Nice to meet you.

-We're going to a music class.

It's really just for the mothers, they don't do anything yet.

-Do you want to come?

-Oh, maybe.

Ah! Come on, then!

-How old are your kids?

-Mine? I... I don't have any kids.

Oh, you're going to... You're just coming to hang out?

-Cool.

-It's adorable.

If you didn't know better, you'd think they're having seizures.

Hello, hello. Let's get our hello hands high in the sky.

And let's wave hello to each and every one of our friends

-on this train with us today.

-Hi!

That's right. It's time to get this party started!

# All aboard Pick your destination

# All aboard Come on, here we go. #

Now, everybody, say, "Choo-choo!"

-ALL:

-Choo-choo!

-That's right.

-Choo-choo!

-Together. Choo-choo!

# All aboard Here at the station BABIES CRY

# All aboard We want to say hello

INAUDIBLE SPEECH

# All aboard... #

Holy shit!

Now, everybody, say, "Choo-choo!"

-ALL:

-Choo-choo!

-Say, "Choo-choo!"

I mean, I love her, she's a great mom,

but I always felt like if I had a baby,

the baby would just fold into my life.

I mean, if you spend all your time at baby classes, you become a baby.

It's like the mothers are infantilised, you know?

I know, just, like, have a baby.

You're cool, you know, cool people who have a house

and, I don't know, just have a baby.

You're going to Mexican food and there's a baby on the floor.

I know. That's how I grew up.

I want a baby. Maybe I'll just have a baby right now.

You should. You can.

I like kids who don't speak English.

When are you going to have babies?

A couple of times I got pregnant, but it didn't happen.

-I'm sorry.

-The longest only went eight weeks.

-After 35, it's a shit show.

-I'm sorry. You don't have to tell me.

No, it's OK. It's what happened. I like telling you.

I like how you give Josh a hard time.

-I don't think I give him a hard time.

-It reminds me of my mom.

-How she was with your dad?

-No, with my brother.

God, she'd yell at him, but then iron all his weird racing T-shirts.

I mother Jamie. Ugh.

-Sorry, I stink.

-It's OK.

-Here we go, here we go.

What kind of class is this again? Hip-hop.

# First off, fuck your bitch And the clique you claim

# Westside when we ride Come equipped with game

# You claim to be a player But I fucked your wife

# We bust on Bad Boys Niggas fuck for life

# Plus Puffy tryin' to see me Weak hearts I rip

# Biggie Smalls and Junior M.A.F.I.A Some mark ass-bitches... #

I like that one.

SONG CONTINUES

TRAIN IN DISTANCE

No, it's between these and these.

MUSIC DROWNS SPEECH

Whoo! Ow!

Ah!

Hey, Jamie!

Jamie!

Well, it's just a strained muscle.

But the more concerning thing here is your arthritis.

-Arthritis?

-Yes. You have arthritis in your knee.

Is, uh, arthritis a catch-all

for some kind of injury to the...

No, arthritis is a degradation of the joints.

Yeah, I know what traditional arthritis is.

-But...

-I'm not sure what you mean by "traditional,"

-but this is arthritis.

-Arthritis arthritis?

Yes. I usually just say it once.

-At my age?

-You're what, 42?

44. Well, it happens at 42 and it happens at 44.

I'm going to get you a prescription for paracetamol.

We'll start there and see how it progresses, OK?

Have you had your eyes checked recently?

I have genetically great eyes.

You're growing up.

It's weird, you know? I'm at that age where things you think

are only going to happen when you get older are actually happening.

If I'm going to be totally honest with myself, I don't think I'm ever going to die.

-I know that's crazy.

-It's crazy.

-I think I'm pathologically happy.

I mean, Cornelia and I, for a while,

the fact that we got married was so amazing.

I mean, we were married!

Now we're just...

married, you know? Do you ever feel that?

Best decision I ever made.

-I really like this place.

-Oh, hey!

-I got my first response on Facebook.

-Yeah?

-This guy, Kent Arlington.

I haven't seen him since high school in Santa Cruz.

Did you flesh it out more, the idea?

A little, yeah. He's living in Poughkeepsie.

Tipper and I are going to ride the old zip there and find him.

-Mmm. Shit.

-What?

My father-in-law. What is he doing here?

-Where?

-How are you?

Good, Leslie, you?

Good. Gearing up for my memorial.

Leslie is having a tribute at Lincoln Centre next month.

What are you doing here? How do you even know about this place?

Are you kidding? I've been coming here for pizza since it opened.

-This is Jamie, my friend.

-I'm sure you hear this all the time,

but both Wedding and Arlo Takes A Bath changed my life.

-It made me want to tell stories in the non-fiction mode.

-Oh, thank you.

No, thank you for your films.

-How's my daughter?

-How does she seem to you?

-Seems well.

-So, why are you asking me?

Cornelia tells me you're looking for finishing money.

Maybe. It depends on the grant. If this guy leaves his wife or not.

I met a guy, hedge fund or something, he's interested in putting money into docs.

-I can arrange a meeting if you want.

-I think I'm OK.

Don't be proud, Josh. I'll call you with his number tomorrow.

-OK.

-Nice to have met you.

-Same.

Jeez Louise, working with him must've been astonishing.

It's complicated. I felt I was seen as his protege,

and I married his daughter. I needed to establish my own voice.

I think he thought I rejected him or that I was arrogant.

-I don't know. Maybe I was.

-But you'll take that meeting?

-Probably not.

-You have to, Yosh.

I mean, money's money, right?

Yeah, but I never pitch.

I just don't think in sound bites.

I understand we're a culture of sound bites, but...

I'll help you, you know, make it sound beautiful.

It is beautiful, but beautiful to some suit.

-Maybe.

-You can totally say no to this, but would you have any interest in co-directing with me?

Oh!

No, it's your thing.

Isn't it? Yeah, it should be your thing.

-I totally get it, yeah.

-Yeah, it should be your thing.

-I got this.

-Cool.

Shall we go?

Uh, you go ahead, I got to take a leak.

This was fun. Thanks.

SPEECH INAUDIBLE

HIP-HOP MUSIC BLASTS

He just asked me to co-direct like it was nothing.

I've been trained to hoard credit.

-These kids are so generous.

-Yeah, I know.

Yeah. What do you mean, "you know"? Which part?

About credit. My dad always said that about you.

You don't collaborate well.

He "always" said that? What's "always"?

I don't know, twice. Remember that time I wanted to do that thing

about the public school in The Bronx?

And you were really excited about it

until I suggested we do it together and then you...

-Then you just kind of dropped it.

-Well, maybe we should have done it.

-We still could.

-The time's passed.

Sorry about that.

I want to be better about that stuff.

Thanks.

PHONE RINGS

What is that, a hoedown?

Hip-hop.

-Hey, Fox!

-Fox, do you guys want to come to the Connecticut house this weekend?

-Hey, honey...

-Connecticut? This weekend?

-No, we have the ayahuasca.

-Where's the cardboard sleeve for this Wilco CD?

-What's on it?

The same image that's on the CD.

Why do you need it? The CD is right there.

I don't know. It makes it special.

It'll be us and Pepper and her husband, Reade,

and Elise and Dwight.

And then Willow, Oscar and Peter, who they're calling Nemo.

That's a lot of people.

Well, the last three are infants.

Yeah, I know. It's just we've got this ayahuasca ceremony this weekend

with Jamie and Darby.

What's an ayahuasca ceremony?

I guess there's a shaman and you have to wear white clothes

and you drink this sludgy liquid that is made from a Peruvian root

and you hallucinate and vomit up your demons.

OK. Well, we're just having a cookout and maybe playing charades.

Yeah, no, it sounds great. It's just bad timing.

-Yeah, OK.

-OK, bye, Fox.

Bye, Fox.

HIP-HOP MUSIC BLARES

HE CHANTS

Supposedly, everyone sees Egyptian imagery.

-Oh, yeah?

-I want to clear some father issues.

-You?

-Oh, uh...

I don't know.

It's good to have a focus.

# Broken hearts and broken wings

# Sing the song... #

Fear of death?

You know, linear time not being such a big deal.

Mmm.

What's the bucket for?

-Puking.

-Sh!

Sing the song you are here to sing.

Welcome to the light.

Breathe in light, breathe out darkness.

Breathe in love.

This is our 20s.

(I'm 43.)

Breathe out fear.

Breathe in truth, breathe out ignorance.

Welcome to the work.

This shaman is kind of a d-bag.

We're purging dark energies past pain.

SHE LOUDLY VOMITS

-That's my bucket.

-I'm puking out your shit!

Ah!

Honey, I feel it.

Oh, my God, I see a fucking pyramid.

And a sphinx.

It's true, you see Egyptian shit.

Honey, what are you seeing?

I'm in a deli in Bensonhurst.

I don't believe in any state-supported art.

I think you need to just do it yourself.

The serpent, Apep, is speaking to me.

He's... He's saying, "Go to the cattle of Ra."

The Celestial Cow is waiting.

I voted for Romney.

Watch the carpet.

I was falling asleep today on the L train

and you know how your brain gets in these loops?

I couldn't remember the shape of a pineapple.

Are they like pears?

No, they're like footballs with the ends cut off.

It's hard to call to mind the shapes of things.

Do you find that?

-It's not dangerous?

-No, I mean, I can...

I can take the medicine and I can still have my boat.

I ran a half marathon on the medicine one time.

-How big is your boat?

-It's 42 feet.

I want to do that.

I feel like you were born 1,000 years ago.

BANGING

Maybe don't flirt with the shaman.

He was telling me about his boat.

What?

I wish you'd look at me the way you look at Jamie and Darby.

-I look at you that way.

-No, you don't. You used to.

When we first met, you were like you are with them,

you wooed me with romantic e-mails.

It wouldn't make sense for me to send you e-mails now.

We're in the same room all the time.

I just wish I could feel that energy from you once in a while.

Josh, I'm sorry.

You taste different.

-Josh?

-It's me.

-Jamie?

Shit. I thought you were Josh.

I'm so fucked up.

I, uh... I'm really sorry.

-It's OK, worm.

-Uh...

Let's never do that again.

It stopped working.

Cornelia?

Mine stopped working any more.

Nothing is happening.

How you doing, Yosh?

-Is yours working? Mine isn't working.

-Mine's working.

What if I don't find anything out?

Just roll with it. You're going to be fine, see.

Thanks, Jamie.

You're so kind. And so generous.

I'm so proud and selfish.

I want to be generous like you.

I want to help you with your film.

I'll come to Poughkeepsie and help you film the guy.

And I don't want credit or anything, just to help out.

Thanks, Joshy, that's beautiful.

Before we met, the only two feelings I had left were...

wistful and disdainful.

And being around you,

I see what's possible again.

-Is that corny?

-It's goddamn corny, Joshy.

Yeah, I guess it is.

I'm a cornball.

HE VOMITS

-Thanks.

-No problem, Jussle.

It's still tonight for us, but it's tomorrow for everyone else.

Let's have kids.

Or a kid. Something.

Did the Celestial Cow tell you this?

Yes.

But that doesn't make it any less true.

All these people have babies, what's the big deal?

I thought we'd decided.

I don't want this to be every time you take a hallucinogen,

you want to have a baby.

Not every time.

We missed our chance. I missed my chance.

I'm fine with that.

Is that the shaman's Vespa?

# You're playing Nintendo.

# That's not what I'm doing That's not what I'm doing

# You're surfing the web

# That's not what I'm doing That's not what I'm doing

# You're crying your eyes out

# That's not what I'm doing That's not what I'm doing

BOTH: # I'm making a sandwich! #

-Fun.

-Nice.

-Connecticut has the best thrifting.

He'll drop us off before they do their filming.

Tipper and I started a band called Cookie O'Puss.

Have you seen that on YouTube?

-Yeah, that was a commercial when I was a kid.

-It's fucking hilarious.

I know, we used to always do the voice.

-My name is Cookie O'Puss!

-My name is Cookie O'Puss!

It's the name of our band.

My name is Cookie O'Puss!

Fudgie the Whale?

-All right, you ready?

-Yeah.

He was this, kind of, beautiful combination

of jock and brain, and he could sing.

He was in the a cappella group called the Night Owls.

I mean, kind of the perfect guy.

DOORBELL RINGS

Hey, I called. My name's Jamie, I'm a friend of Kent's.

-Kent isn't here.

-Oh.

Will he be back soon?

-What's...?

-We went to school together.

It's been a while, but he contacted me recently on Facebook.

It would mean a lot to me if I could see him.

I don't bite.

Erm...

'I told my sister I had an accident.

'But that's not true.'

I've been unhappy.

I did it to myself.

I cut my wrists.

You were the guy.

You know, you were beautiful.

I mean, you dated Jenny Pepperdine!

You know, I bought a necklace like the one you used to wear.

-Of puka shells?

-Yeah.

You know, I was going through a tough time in high school.

My mom was really sick with ovarian cancer.

I was pretty promiscuous, but I couldn't love anyone.

I had body issues.

You had written a poem for English,

I mean, you were this athlete, and you wrote this beautiful poem.

-Do you know what poem I'm talking about?

-Uh...

-I wrote a lot of poems.

-It was a line.

Very simple, but effective, "I want to be unbridgeable."

You know, that one line got me through my mother's illness.

Yeah?

I don't know why I stopped writing poetry.

I stopped doing a lot of things.

Why do we stop doing things?

Life happens, I guess, huh?

Life has other plans.

Yeah.

Life is what happens when you're making other plans.

Who is he?

He was soulfulish, you know.

Sister, that's an understatement.

You can tell he's been to some dark places.

We went to some dark places, too.

I bought a dress. Cornelia didn't buy a corset.

-Mmm, this burger is incredible.

-Holy shit.

-What's wrong?

-No, nothing. I just googled Kent. Did you Google him?

-No, I wanted it to be fresh.

-This is...

There's a picture, it's the same guy.

-He was in Afghanistan.

-Really?

-Yeah.

He... This article says he was part of a massacre in Wanat.

They opened fire on a bus full of civilians.

He then spoke out about it publicly.

And then refused to fight.

He was jailed briefly, then returned to battle,

-was injured and given the Purple Heart.

-You're kidding?

It says two men in his unit have killed themselves.

Tipper. Could you do it again, what you did?

-Which part?

-The phone, the discovery, everything.

Oh, erm...

It's the same guy.

Is that how I said it? What did I say?

Uh...

It's the same guy!

Holy shit!

Jamie, look at this.

It says two men in his unit have killed themselves.

-We have to go back.

-Yeah?

-We have to get him talking about this.

This is the movie!

Now it's not just some stupid Facebook thing.

Not that that wasn't a good idea, too.

But, and I hate this expression, but you stepped in shit!

-Cornelia!

-What?

Thank God I've got you, Joshy! We did what you said.

We didn't know the answers, we discovered them.

Oh, I should get a good book on Afghanistan.

And war in general. I really know so little about it.

You know who you should talk to?

Ira Mandelstam, the guy who's in my film.

He could tell you a lot about war and the politics of war.

-That's your guy, though, Joshy. I can't take your guy.

-I don't care. I want to share him with you.

Jeez Louise, that would be fucking beautiful.

You know, if you want help, I could help or produce this for you.

-My dad's between things right now.

-Oh, my God. Are you kidding me?

I would be so pumped.

Thank you. Thank you.

Thank you!

He's been cooped up with a baby at home,

and Marina loves these soup dumplings.

This will be a great surprise.

I haven't spoken to Fletcher in a while. I think he's exhausted.

We'll probably be waking them up.

LIFT DINGS

MUFFLED HEAVY BEAT OF MUSIC

Cornelia, Josh.

Gaby! Mike.

-You look amazing!

-Oh, thank you. So do you.

-Hi.

-Oh, fucking shit.

Are you guys, erm, having a thing?

Yeah, we... God, this is embarrassing.

Is it a baby thing?

No, actually, Willow's at my mother's.

-Oh.

-We weren't invited.

-Well, we didn't think...

-Oh, God, I don't know what to say.

-Hey, girlie girl.

-Hey!

-Oh, you look fine!

-Thank you.

-Hey, Cornelia, how are you?

-Hey, Grace.

-Hi. Come inside, there's a full bar.

-What's going on?

-I'm sorry. We didn't think you'd want to come.

-Why?

-Well, for one thing, these are people our own age.

-Oh, come on!

-Well, maybe you have a titseeka ceremony or something.

Ayahuasca! It was therapeutic.

I learned some shit. I think Cornelia did, too.

Yeah, I did, too. Learn some shit.

Yeah, you guys were whacked out on Peruvian mescaline, of course you'll learn some shit.

-I went under during a colonoscopy last week, I learned some shit.

-Don't patronise us, man.

Listen, we don't know how else to say this,

-but we're worried about you guys.

-Yeah, you know...

I mean, I respect the fact that you don't want to have kids.

Don't make this about the baby cult, OK, Marina?

I don't appreciate that kind of superior attitude.

-It's really ugly.

-That's not what I'm saying. I can't help it if I want you to have kids.

We think you guys would really benefit from it, that's all.

You don't realise how inappropriate it is to say it the way you say it.

Not everybody wants a baby!

Not everyone can have one all the time.

-Hi, sexy lady!

-Elise, come in!

Bruce! Come in. Thank you.

-Hey, you've lost weight.

-Yeah. It's my suit.

Since we've had the baby, I feel you pulling away, Cornelia. I just do.

-What's with the hat?

-What?

-I went to a fucking baby music class with you!

You look like assholes we went to high school with,

-who'd cruise by prom but not go in.

-Do you know how humiliating that is?

-We're old men, Josh.

-Speak for yourself.

-Why is that humiliating? This is my life now.

-You're an old man with a hat.

-It can be very isolating and lonely when you have a kid.

-Yeah, I can tell.

-Let's go, Josh.

-Stay.

-You're here. Come in.

-There's no way we're coming in.

CLASSICAL MUSIC PLAYS

The idea of the war on terrorism can be understood

in terms of a new idea of war.

"Infinite justice," they called it at first.

In which the rules of domestic and international law

could forever be suspended.

I say permanent and forever because there is no way

to ever fully eradicate terrorism.

So, the first step in the war on terrorism

is to declare war on...

-Can I talk to you for a second?

-What?

-Can I say something I'm ashamed of?

-Yeah.

-It's not generous.

-And I probably don't really mean it.

-OK. Go.

-And I think Jamie's great.

-Just say it!

I can't fucking believe his idiotic Facebook idea paid off!

It's so fucking stupid!

And my thing is a mess. It's a total fucking mess.

I'm sorry. I feel bad saying that.

But I also hate the fact that he's calling his band Cookie O'Puss.

What's wrong with that?

It's just some funny old kitschy thing to him he saw on YouTube.

But that was my commercial. I actually experienced it. You know?

I don't know it from Cookie Puss.

Really? It was for Carvel.

Cookie Puss was the original,

then they did an ice cream cake for Saint Patrick's Day

and it was this floating, green Irish cake that said,

"My name is Cookie O'Puss."

I'm being ridiculous.

I probably don't mean any of it.

My dad likes to say, "The more, the more."

That's because your dad has everything. And then he gets more.

He's right. There's enough to go around for everyone.

Joshy! You gotta pitch. Let's go get you some hedge fund cash.

Good luck.

Remember, ask him questions. You're interviewing him.

-He'd be goddamn lucky to invest in your film.

-OK.

-Talk about shit he understands, see?

Short and to the point.

Ride on the street, man!

Psych him up. Talk about war, talk about power, race.

-Uh-huh.

-Make it relevant to him.

-Right.

-Be yourself, everyone else is taken.

Ira was beautiful today.

We're going to have a screening of the cut footage

at the apartment on Friday.

You cut it already? You just shot it two days ago.

I know. I was up all night.

It'll be OK, Joshy. Don't you fret.

Hey, well, maybe take a day or two, make sure you like it.

Or I could take ten years.

I'm fucking with you, Joshy.

Your thing is going to be totally brilliant.

# Rising up

# Back on the street... #

I remember when this song was just considered bad.

But it's working.

Remember, he's lucky to have this opportunity.

You're friggin' Josh Srebnick.

My name sounds so much better when you say it!

# ..of the tiger... #

Whoo!

-Did you see Mad Men?

-No.

It's really apple juice.

-Nah, it's whisky.

-Hmm.

-No, it's not.

It is.

So, tell me about your project.

Well, maybe a good way to start is by asking you a question.

Hey, they were all raped when I got there.

This is my second in 20 minutes. Shoot.

Do you know the percentage

of African American adult males currently in jail?

-I don't.

-Take a guess.

Like 60%?

Jesus, no.

It's over 9%.

That's nearly one in ten African American adult males,

nearly a million and a half.

A million and a half is a lot.

It's insane, but people don't realise this.

-They think because we have a black president...

-So this is about prison.

-Like a black Shawshank. But real.

-No, not... No.

There's a section, an entr'acte, really,

about the function of race in the prison industrial complex,

but the film is really about how power works in America.

-Do you know the historian Ira Mandelstam?

-Yeah.

-Really?

-No.

Well, we have over 100 hours of interviews with him.

-The movie's 100 hours?

-No, we'll cut it.

Now, this guy, he's... He isn't particularly charismatic,

he's kind of antisocial, maybe Asperger's,

but not interesting Asperger's.

He's kind of boring, even. But he's a charismatic thinker.

How do you show what he thinks? Cartoons?

No, not cartoons. He says it.

-But he's boring.

-Well, yes. But, as with many boring things,

the longer you watch it, it takes on a different dimension.

-PHONE BUZZES

-It's really a very simple idea.

The three sections correspond with the three nodes

of what Mills called the power elite.

The political, military and economic.

But, and this is key, each part has to interconnect...

-PHONE BEEPS

-..to show how none of the three nodes functions without the other.

It's a linear film, of course, but I imagine it as kind of a hypertext.

So, what's it about?

To be clear, the film is really about the working class,

and I can't speak on behalf of the working class.

I can't make their film, of course.

But they have to be felt as the impossible subject of the text.

If that makes sense.

-PHONE BEEPS

-But it isn't even really about the power structure

but about what it means to make a film about it.

-PHONE BUZZES

-It's about the very possibility of making this film.

It's really about America.

Oh, hi. Just been working on my speech for my memorial.

-What's on your mind, son?

-Could you watch what I have?

I think I'm at the point where I need a new set of eyes.

Well, working on the same project for ten years will do that to you.

Yeah.

And the military created the internet

as part of an overall strategy.

I'm not just talking about Google collaborating with the NSA,

I'm talking about far deeper.

Oh!

I'm going to put a kettle on. You want some tea?

OK.

-Well, you've got a lot of good material there.

-Uh-huh.

-Need some time to process it.

-Mmm-hmm.

Do you need the stuff about Turkish politics?

Yes, because it connects to what he's saying about the shift in power

in the contemporary global economy.

All right. But it feels like a detour.

What about the lengthy history of the Triangle Shirtwaist factory fire? You need that?

The interview with Tillie Kupferschmidst's great great niece?

That's the emotional centre of the movie. I mean, that's where things come together.

Without that, I don't... I... I mean, why make the film?

-Yeah, but it's too long.

-Oh, it has to be long.

The point is it makes you uncomfortable.

I wasn't uncomfortable, I was bored.

Well, maybe the boredom is your defence from the discomfort.

You just showed me a six-and-a-half-hour film

that feels like it's seven hours too long. I'm just trying to be helpful.

-I think I need to shoot more interviews.

-Don't shoot any more! You have enough.

Yeah, I just don't think you're getting it,

or maybe there's something about me

or what you saw that's clouding your judgment.

-I'm telling you how I really feel.

-I don't think so. I think you're being deliberately critical.

-KETTLE WHISTLES

-Josh, I'm trying to help you.

-Bullshit!

Is this because Cornelia and I didn't have children?

-Come on, Josh.

-We tried. There were miscarriages.

I had to give her a shot in her ass every day for three months.

It was a huge fucking needle.

She didn't tell me that. I didn't know you guys wanted kids.

We didn't want to hope for what we probably couldn't have.

This was a mistake.

Sorry you feel that way.

I know you think I didn't reach my potential.

No, son, I don't think you did.

Your first film was wonderful and entertaining.

We could see ourselves in it.

This one feels ungenerous, it's like you took your ball and went home.

You know what? I'm sorry I didn't become you.

-I don't want you to become me.

-Yeah, right.

I'll see you at Thanksgiving.

Yeah, I'm not going to eat another fucking fried turkey, FYI.

Then bring your own!

INAUDIBLE

-Yoshy! There's my other half.

-You invited Breitbart?

Yeah, he called me after you introduced us.

-He called you?

-Yeah. And at our dinner I invited him to tonight.

When did you have dinner?

After he called me, he suggested we get dinner.

-Uh-huh. Where'd you go?

-This really incredible joint, erm, on the Upper West Side.

-Jackson Hole.

-Yeah! How'd you know?

-That's where he goes.

-Great burgers.

-Have you been there?

-Yes, I've been there with him a million times.

-Have you tried the Bison Burger?

-Of course.

-He dug the footage.

Is something wrong?

I guess I wish you'd asked me before you just went to him.

Hey, I'm sorry, I called him actually just to ask him a question

about how he shot something, and we got to talking, see?

-And he asked me what I was working on.

-So, you called him?

-What?

-You said he called you.

-Well, he called me back, yeah.

Does Cornelia know?

Very cool! Very cool!

-I'm proud to be a part of it.

-Dave, you know Josh.

-Nice to meet you.

Seriously, dude, this movie is killah!

We're going to Afghanistan, we're going to Afghanistan.

Afghanistan, Afghanistan. Mmm. Mmm. Mmm.

-You're going to Afghanistan?

-To interview soldiers in Kent's unit.

We've got a butt-load of work to do before we go.

-I'm going to need help.

-We're going to Afghanistan!

Come on!

Erm...if you have any other editing work,

my guy, Tim, is great and could use some cash.

-That would be beautiful.

-Yo, come with me.

I want you to meet Diane, she's a reporter from The Times.

I'll text you his info.

-Do you forget that I exist?

-No, I don't forget you exist.

I asked you for a beer like a half hour ago.

-Why don't you just give me a minute, OK?

-You're such an asshole.

INAUDIBLE CONVERSATION

I've been looking for you.

You're smoking?

What's going on? What is...? This is like a fucking bad dream.

Everyone here is doing weird shit.

Where's my high school algebra teacher, Mr Morelli,

riding a fucking turtle?

I had no idea Dad was coming. I saw him when I got here.

Are you sure? Are you sure you're not just saying that?

Yes, Josh. Why would I lie to you?

Do you think that Jamie came to my class

because he knew that I was married to you?

That this was all so he could meet your dad?

Josh, you know, the world isn't a conspiracy against you.

-You know, fuck you.

-Fuck you. Don't talk to me like that.

I'm saying "fuck you" the way Jamie and Darby say it where it's not a real "fuck you,"

-it's a semi-playful "fuck you."

-We're not Jamie and Darby.

We don't talk to each other that way.

-If you say "fuck you" to me, it feels like a real "fuck you."

-It is real.

Fuck you. And not semi-playfully, either.

Fuck you. Total, real, cutting-to-the-core fuck you.

Darby? Are you OK?

Shit's bad.

You want to get some goat?

Crushes fade. Things lose their lustre, you know?

Maybe I'm just down on relationships right now.

-What about Jamie?

-Jamie's in love with Jamie.

But you guys seemed great.

You know how no-one will ever pick up just a male hitchhiker,

but if it's a couple, you might pull over?

Well, I'm the girl so you'll pull over and pick up Jamie.

Doing ayahuasca, I realised...

I never forgave my mom for dying,

and until I do,

I'll never have a decent relationship with a guy.

-When did she die?

-When I was in high school.

-She had ovarian cancer.

-I'm sorry.

Isn't that also how Jamie's mom died?

He talked about it in the film.

Why'd you let Jamie use your scholar?

I was trying out being generous.

He'd do the same for me. That's how you guys are.

Oh, Josh...

you're such a man-fox.

Man-fox?

I wish it didn't need the "man" qualifier.

Because you're like a hot dad.

Without children.

We shouldn't.

-This is the part where I say, "I was a bet."

-What?

You know those romantic comedies when the girl's a bet?

Yeah. Just because they did, doesn't mean we have to.

What? What do you mean?

She never told you?

Jamie and Cornelia made out at the ayahuasca.

It was in the papyrus reeds behind the pyramids.

I'm sorry, I stole one of Tipper's Adderalls.

-Do you want to go dancing?

-Yeah.

I'm not going home tonight.

POP MUSIC BLARES

Thanks for meeting me so early.

We've got a butt-load to do.

Dave needs a budget for Afghanistan.

I'm almost finished with it.

I've been reading a lot about Afghanistan. It's crazy.

You know no-one has ever been able to successfully occupy Afghanistan?

-I've heard that.

-But I think we've got something now.

With your help, it can really be something.

Leslie's notes were beautiful.

He's smart that way.

And really chill to kick it with.

I'm sorry, I...

Josh and I had a fight last night, and he didn't come home.

Hey.

Hey, hey.

It's going to be OK.

Joshy will come back.

Thank you.

Ugh! I'm sorry I'm like this.

Hey, no worries.

I was thinking,

maybe you and your dad would want to work on my thing together?

He seems to want to get involved.

It might be kind of great, right?

I mean, you're producing, but he could bless it, essentially.

Bless it? Like a sneeze?

No. I was thinking more like the Pope.

He doesn't really do that kind of thing.

Well, I think if you asked him, he might.

Did you ever see Power Elite?

What's that?

Josh's movie! Goddamn, yes.

I told him that. I loved that scene with the dogs.

When you went to Josh's class,

you knew Josh and I were married, didn't you?

And that Leslie was my dad.

Hey, I admire lots of people. I want lots of things.

You know what I mean. We all want stuff.

It doesn't mean we're douchebags.

You're a hip chick.

You kissed me, you're married to my friend, but I get it.

-I thought you were Josh.

-The first time.

You know, but, out of context, if other people heard about it,

it might be misconstrued.

Where were you last night?

I was dancing with Darby at an after-hours gay club.

-Is this some kind of a private meeting?

-Did you follow me here?

I follow him on Twitter! We can't lie like we used to lie any more!

Everything's reported. Nothing's private.

-There's nothing going on.

-Don't lie to me. You kissed him.

-I know all about it.

-I thought he was you, Joshy.

Don't call me Joshy! You don't call me Joshy.

-Sorry.

-It's all a pose!

It's like he once saw a sincere person

and has been imitating him ever since!

-And you're falling for it.

-I didn't even like them!

You convinced me how awesome they were.

They're entitled little brats.

And don't you see? It's all a plan.

He's trying to destroy me.

Go back inside! You know what? You and your father can have him.

You always wanted a more successful me, so go for it.

-What is wrong with you?

-I didn't know when we got married

that you'd want to play kissy face with 25 year olds.

I didn't know that, either!

And I didn't know that you'd never finish your movie.

I'm going to finish it! I just need to get it right.

It's obsession. It's fear. I don't know what it is. It's...

-Please...

-What the...?

-..will you go back inside?!

It's not really about making anything.

At least Jamie makes something.

Do not compare what I do with him.

Why not? When you felt a part of it, you loved it.

And you use your movie as an excuse not to do anything.

We don't go on vacations, we don't make decisions,

-we don't have kids.

-I want a kid.

But you want it now that it's impossible.

-It's not impossible!

-No, it's over. It's done.

I'm not putting myself through that any more. This is closed.

Marina's at a work dinner.

-They're both top sheets, but...you know.

-Thanks.