Mister John

This film contains very strong language.

HE SIGHS

DISHES CLANK SOFTLY

FOOTSTEPS

PLANE ENGINE ROARS

-TANNOY:

-'Passengers recently arrived from London,

'please go to the information desk in Terminal 2.'

BAGGAGE CAROUSEL SQUEAKS TO A HALT

-TANNOY:

-'All unclaimed baggage will be deposited at lost luggage office.

'All unclaimed baggage will be deposited at lost luggage office.'

RADIO PLAYS

HE SIGHS

Hey, John. It's me.

SHE SOBS QUIETLY

LOUD BANGING, FOOTSTEPS IN DISTANCE

Gerry?

Kim.

-You must be tired, Gerry.

-Yeah, flight's catching up on me.

When we get to the house, you can get settled in and have some sleep.

Actually...I'd prefer to stay in a hotel.

I thought you'd stay with us.

Nah, I'll stay in a hotel. I'd prefer it that way.

It'll be simpler.

Anyway, I'll probably just get something to eat

and go straight to bed.

That's OK, Gerry. Whatever makes you feel comfortable.

-I will take you to a friend's place. It's a good price.

-Sure.

We can call the airport from the hotel...

..so they know where to drop off your bag.

DRIBBLING

TAP RUNS

SHOWER RUNS

TV PLAYS

MUSIC PLAYS ON TV

MOBILE PHONE RINGS

Sir, your drink.

-Thanks.

-Can I help you, sir? Where do you want to go?

Are you looking for somewhere in particular?

-I'm trying to find this place.

-This place?

Mister John's? Here.

And we are here.

It's a walking distance. Easy if you know the circuit.

So, this is it.

-Look like it's closed.

-Yeah.

You know this man?

My brother.

This was his bar.

-How did he die?

-He drowned.

-Where did he drown?

-A lake.

So sorry.

-I think the water ghost got him.

-The water ghost?

-Yes.

It's a Chinese belief.

-Your brother embraced the water ghost in the lake.

-Really?

And now your brother's ghost must wait for a replacement

so that he can come back.

Mr Gerry?

-You had a call from London earlier. She left a message.

-OK, thanks.

PHONE RINGS

ANSWERPHONE BEEPS

-ANSWERPHONE:

-'Gerry, I got this number from Kim.

'Look, when you get this message, can you call home?'

-ANSWERPHONE BEEPS

-'It's me again.

'You're obviously not back. Look at the time.'

-ANSWERPHONE BEEPS

-'Look, I know the day

'must have been tough for you and it's late there

'and you probably just want to go to sleep,

'but why didn't you call home?

'You know how upset Sarah was before you left.

'She knows what's going on. You're punishing her for what I did.

'Look, if this is your way of getting at me, it's working.

'Well done. Fuck you, Gerry.'

KNOCKING ON DOOR

KNOCKING ON DOOR

BANGING ON DOOR

-Er, sorry to disturb you.

-Everything all right?

-Yeah, yeah.

Kim said you were here.

-I mean, are you John's brother?

-Mm-hm.

I'm really sorry for you.

-I know how you're feeling now.

-Is that right?

-Yeah.

It's a fucking tragedy, you know.

Do you know, once, I got myself into trouble in the bar.

There was this woman.

I didn't know she was married. Lots of drama.

It was all my fault. I drink too much. I'm a drunk.

But John sorted everything out.

He never fail you.

He never fail you.

KEYS CLANG

BODY THUDS

DRIBBLING

-I'm sorry, is this your room?

-No, it's his room.

Do you know if he's on any medication?

-I don't know.

-Can I have one of those pillows?

Just...keep an eye on his breathing

every now and then for the next few hours.

You know, the big worry is that he might asphyxiate. You understand?

-You know, choke on his own vomit.

-Oh, no, I don't want this.

He'll be fine. Just keep an eye on him. That's all.

Can I stay with you? I'm not happy with him like this.

-I'm sorry, I don't think that's a good idea right now.

-Why not?

HE SIGHS

Mr Gerry, you don't have to sleep there.

It's not very comfortable.

It's OK. I'm fine here.

If you're worried about Mr David, he won't mind.

-Won't he?

-No, he won't.

Apinya, that's very kind of you, really,

and I don't want to seem like I'm being rude or anything,

but I'm just...I'm really tired

and I think that this arrangement is going to work best.

Sure. I just thought that's what you wanted.

MUTED SHOUTING

'I want to know everything. Every last fucking detail.

-'Yeah, that's right.

-And when was the last time you gave me anything?

'We don't talk any more. We don't fuck.

'You don't even look at me. It's like I'm not here.

'I owe you nothing. I am not the problem, Gerry.

'I didn't fuck it all up. It was already fucked.

-'Why aren't we talking about that?'

-GLASS SMASHES

FOOTSTEPS

Listen, Kim, I'm thinking maybe I need a different hotel.

You know, somewhere quieter, less lively.

Gerry, please don't waste your money.

Stay with us if you need somewhere quieter.

You can use the car while you're here, help you to get around.

If you're sure. That'd be great.

It's a bit temperamental, but you'll get used to it.

Mm-hm. Mm. Mm. Mm.

SHE SPEAKS MANDARIN

-Isadora?

-Mm-hm.

She looks a lot like you.

I never realised she was so grown up.

Did you manage to talk to Kathleen? I gave her your hotel number.

Yeah, she left a message, but, um, no, I haven't spoken to her yet.

-You can use the phone here if you like.

-Thanks.

I was glad I got a chance to finally talk with her.

She said some comforting things to me.

-Nice place.

-Yeah. We were lucky.

John got it years ago at a good price.

I'll show you around.

It's a bit of a mess, I'm afraid.

It's hard to get Isadora to do anything.

She doesn't even want to talk at the moment.

-I went over to the bar last night.

-You did?

-Yeah.

I'm going to open it again tonight. I need to.

That's the island where John died.

John liked to go there and get away from things and relax.

-Is it easy to get over there?

-Sure.

You can catch a boat. They run all the time.

You can sleep in here, Gerry. You'll be more comfortable.

No, that's OK. I can sleep on the couch, you know. It's not a problem.

I can sleep in with Isadora. Better.

-OK, sure.

-Until your luggage arrives,

why don't you wear some of John's clothes for now?

Let's find something.

This should fit.

I think it looks nice on you. Try it on.

Let me.

BOAT HORN HONKS IN DISTANCE

COCKEREL CROWS IN DISTANCE

DOG BARKS IN DISTANCE

Thank you.

BIRDS SING, CRICKETS CHIRP

SNAKE RATTLES

Ah.

-So, you don't know what snake bit you?

-No, I didn't...

I don't know anything about snakes.

-Do you have a headache?

-Yeah, I have a bit of a headache.

You can get dressed now.

I will write out a prescription for you to take.

To be honest, you're very lucky.

The neurotoxin in the snake venom

that causes the erection were very powerful.

Oh, fuck.

But once you take the medication,

the swelling will be gone in a couple of hours.

However, it will take a day or two for the snake venom

to completely leave your system,

so don't be surprised if you're not fully yourself.

Hello.

Hello. We're not open, sir. So sorry. We open tonight.

-You come back then.

-Um...I'm looking for Kim.

-She said she'd be here.

-Oh, OK. I'll let her know.

SHE SPEAKS MANDARIN

-Um, sorry, sir, your name?

-Um, it's Gerry.

SHE SPEAKS MANDARIN

She'll be right here.

-Gerry, would you like a drink?

-Um...

Water, please.

Gerry, this is Yasmin.

Yasmin, this is Gerry, John's brother.

He treated us all really well, looked after us.

He's really missed.

-So sorry.

-Thanks.

-Erm... I'll get you another.

-Thanks.

-What happened?

-Oh, this? It's nothing really.

I go to the lake. Bitten.

Bitten? Bitten by what?

-A snake.

-Snake?

-Yeah. It's nothing.

-Are you feeling OK?

-Yeah. I'm a bit groggy still but I'm OK.

I went to a medical hall and they sorted me out.

So this is the place?

This is it, Gerry.

Mister John's.

It's a shame you never came to visit us before now.

I have to quickly finish some work upstairs.

Do you want to stay here or come up with me?

I'll come up.

-Are you sure I'm not in the way?

-No, Gerry, you're fine.

We had a girl leave recently.

I'm just going through these interview videos

to decide on the replacement.

We made the decisions together but John did all the interviews.

Not so easy for me or Yasmin.

How come?

It's better coming from the man, easy on the girl.

Why not have a look, this is the girl I'm thinking of hiring.

You can tell me what you think.

I'm not sure I'm qualified for that.

You are a man, you know what men like.

Besides, Gerry, I have lots of paperwork I need to sort through

and organise.

So, Cheryl, let's begin with a simple question.

Tell me why you want to work here?

I know one or two of the other girls

and they say it's very, very good money,

the shifts are not very long and nice customers.

Mm-hm. What special qualities do you feel you can bring to this job?

I'm a good listener.

I can be a very good friend to your customers...

..make them relax, have fun.

I guess I like to have fun with men.

Yeah, great. That's the basic idea.

-Can I see your work permit, if you don't mind?

-Oh, yeah.

I always think it's important to get this kind of thing out of the way

just to make sure all the paperwork is in order.

Thank you.

I couldn't help noticing on your CV that the last place you worked in

was the Lucky Ducky bar.

That's a transgender bar, isn't it?

That's right. I didn't like it so much.

-So I guess that makes you transgender?

-Yes.

-You're kidding me?

-No, I'm not kidding. Is that a problem?

Not a problem at all. It's just that you had me fooled.

To be honest, I find it hard to believe even looking at you now.

Erm... I can prove it if you like?

Lots of people don't believe I have a cock.

-Would you mind?

-No problem, just give me a second.

-Sure.

Yeah, that's a cock all right.

Actually, it would make you very popular around here.

So, do I have the job?

Honestly, if it was just me making the decision,

I'd offer you the job right away

but just leave it with me a couple of days and I'll call you.

We've a few more girls to see... assuming they are girls.

I have your mobile number so I'll give you a call...

HE URINATES

John gave out small loans all the time.

That's how business is done here.

The customer is in trouble, you help them out, they come back.

That's how it works.

I'm not worried about most of the loans, Gerry.

I'll get the money back sooner or later.

But there's one in particular that has me worried.

Yeah?

It's a big loan and I could do with that money.

There are lots of bills to be paid.

So what's the problem?

The man who owes the money is the problem.

What about him?

Lester not a very nice guy, Gerry.

He thinks that every woman he meets wants to fuck him.

Once, Lester put his hand up my skirt.

Asshole.

I never mentioned it to John

-but it makes this situation difficult for me.

-I see.

Anything I can do to help?

Thanks, Gerry, but I'll sort it out.

Best not to get involved. That's not why you're here.

I'm happy to help.

Just, you know, tell me what it is you need me to do.

I'm so happy you're here.

-Hello.

-Hello.

Can you tell me if a man named Lester Hirsch lives in that house?

Lester Hirsch.

SHE SPEAKS OWN LANGUAGE

Hello?

Anybody home? DOG BARKS

There's a good doggie.

There's a good dog. Where's your owner?

DOG BARKS AGAIN

Oh... I'm really sorry, I'm looking for Lester.

He's not here.

Do you know when he's going to be back?

No.

Right. OK.

It's OK, I guess I'll come back another time.

Maybe you just say that Gerry called.

John Devine's brother, Gerry.

-You're Mr John's brother?

-Yeah.

I'm very sorry.

Yeah.

I'm Lek.

Hi, Lek.

How are you?

Never been better.

Looks like you're having a spot of trouble with Lester.

Hm, much trouble.

Oh, yeah?

He wants to fuck everything that moves but this time...too much.

Look, Gerry, I'm a pretty easy-going woman, you understand?

Yeah, I think I do.

But he's...fucked it all up.

That dumb fuck.

It is not cool.

No, it's not cool at all.

Listen...

..I have no intention of seeing Lester later,

so I can't pass him your message. I'm...I'm sorry.

That's all right.

I'll track him down eventually.

What's the dog's name?

Poochi.

Poochi?

(Hello, Poochi.)

ENGINE SPLUTTERS AND STALLS

ENGINE SPLUTTERS AND STALLS

ENGINE SPLUTTERS AND STALLS

RUSTLING IN BUSHES

FAINT RUMBLING AND RUSTLING

RUMBLING AND RUSTLING GROWS LOUDER

-WOMAN SPEAKS TEARFULLY

-..man I fell in love with.

I loved being with that man.

What happened to him?

I'm just not sure who you are any more.

Don't look at me, just tell me what you want, Gerry...

I'm right here.

Please, just tell me.

Hi, Kim.

How are you doing?

I'm good.

-SHOUTS:

-Isadora!

SHE SPEAKS MANDARIN

Isadora!

Lai le!

SHE SPEAKS MANDARIN

Gerry, this is Isadora.

Isadora. It's your uncle, Gerry.

Hey, it's...great to finally meet you.

I wish it was under happier circumstances

but Kim's told me about how brave you've been.

It can't be that easy losing her father like that.

-No, Gerry, you shouldn't.

-No, no, I want to.

I didn't have a chance to get any presents at the airport.

Besides, young people prefer it.

Thanks.

I saw your paintings in your room.

-Very good. You're very talented.

-Thank you.

That one with the red riding hood, the...

Is that you? Is that a self- portrait?

Yeah, of when I was younger.

-It's very good.

-Thanks.

THEY SPEAK MANDARIN

Now go finish off what you're doing.

I'll call you when dinner's ready. Go.

What was Isadora saying there?

Oh, she's just commenting on you wearing John's clothes.

It's nice the clothes being worn.

It suits you.

-You think so?

-Yes, I do.

SHE WEEPS QUIETLY

Well, I just know it in kilograms.

It's about 107kg like that.

I just got it like that, you know?

Well, he's a motherfucker, you know? He's a motherfucker.

Can you throw me another beer, John?

Here, give me one.

Is it still on? Is it?

I used to work on fishing boats, you know?

Yeah, for a couple of years out there in Africa.

I had a hell of a time over there.

You know, I remember this girl.

Yeah, she was pretty nice, one of the best I've ever had. Yeah.

Probably the best.

Well, maybe not really.

I just prefer the bodies, you know?

I don't care about names, you know that.

No...you know...

I like to be free, you know? I like to be free.

I don't believe in...

-Love?

-Yeah, I believe in love, yeah, yeah.

You should believe in it.

You know, I've got a son.

He's about...

His name is Marvin. You know, he's about 18 years old.

He's a nice guy. He's a lot bigger than I am.

And I've got a daughter. She's 22. I never see her.

Oh, yeah. You think I've got one?

THEY SPEAK INDISTINCTLY

Woo!

What's that tattoo?

That tattoo...

My tattoo's got a special meaning, you know?

It means, the cross is the good one,

the snake is the bad one

and the rose is the love.

And those three things are always fighting inside of me.

Just always fighting inside of myself and...

Sorry, I should have asked.

No problem. I want you to feel very comfortable here.

I do.

I went over to Lester's house earlier.

He wasn't there.

I'll try again.

I'm grateful, Gerry.

I'll fix us some drinks.

Yeah, that would be great.

INSECT NOISE FILLS AIR

INSECT NOISE GROWS LOUDER

MELANCHOLIC ORCHESTRAL MUSIC PLAYS

Gerry, have a drink.

OK. I'll have a whisky.

MELANCHOLIC MUSIC CONTINUES

NO AUDIBLE SPEECH

This was haunting me all last night.

I was a mess.

I came looking for you later but you have already checked out.

Yeah.

I'm staying with Kim.

So I heard.

I just felt it was important to be closer to my family.

Yes, of course. It's important.

'So, Gerry, what do you think?

'About what?

'The bar, our business.

'I think you and John have really built something here.

'Mm-hm.

'You're good.

'Plenty of practice.

'The men always think they can beat the girls

'and the girls can win some extra money this way.

'So have you worked in a lot of places?

'Yeah, lots of bars in my pool-playing days...

'..but then I got lucky and met John.

'Very lucky.

'So what's going to happen now do you think?

-'How do you mean?

-With the bar and everything.

'I guess I can manage on my own...

'..but it's not what I want.'

Same?

HE SPEAKS OWN LANGUAGE

Gerry, listen, I'm thinking maybe we should perform.

What do you think?

No, I think I've had enough.

Come on, Gerry! We shouldn't stop now.

The night is still young!

WOMAN SINGS

Hello.

What's your name?

-Gerry.

-Hi, Gerry.

Do you have a girlfriend?

I'm married.

-You have a wife.

-Yes, I do.

Is she here?

-No, she isn't.

-Why isn't she here, Gerry?

That's a good question.

Do you still have much sex?

-Excuse me?

-Do you still have sex?

No.

Do you still love her?

Right now...

I don't know.

I think you love her and she loves you.

-You reckon?

-Hm.

You're good at this.

I think you're a little bit off the mark, though.

But let me ask you something. What's your name?

-Janjira.

-Janjira.

What are those around your neck?

My religious charms.

This one...

-..what's that for?

-It protects me.

-From what?

-Bad things. Poisons.

So, what now, Gerry?

-What do you mean?

-You know, what do you want to do?

Maybe we can go to a hotel.

I know some nice places we can go.

We can have a nice time.

Now that your wife's not here, maybe you can play a little.

Really?

We can do special things, Gerry.

You'd be surprised at the things I can do.

You like anal sex?

Maybe you fantasise about it.

Yeah. SHE LAUGHS FLIRTATIOUSLY

You can tell me, Gerry, it's OK.

A lot of people fantasise about it.

Sure, yeah, I've thought about it but...

But I like it, Gerry.

Maybe I can bring my friend along?

We could have a very nice time.

Listen, Janjira, you know, between the anal sex and the threesome

I have no doubt that it would be a very special night

but right now there's someone I have to talk to,

so...

Maybe next time.

DISTANT MUSIC PLAYS

MUSIC FILLS ROOM

THEY SING KARAOKE

Hi! This...

DOOR CREAKS OPEN

MOPED ENGINE STARTS

-Hi.

-Hi.

-I'm sorry I came back so late.

-That's OK.

Did you have a good night?

I liked playing pool with you.

Are you drunk?

Just a little.

Maybe just a little bit more than a little.

Here, let me.

I'm sorry I didn't say goodbye to you before leaving the bar.

Sleep well, Gerry.

Goodnight.

INSECT NOISE FILLS AIR OUTSIDE

INSECT NOISE BECOMES MORE SINISTER

INSECT NOISE GROWS LOUDER

'I like to have fun with men.'

DISTANT CHEERING

'So, what now, Gerry?

'Now that your wife's not here, maybe you can play a little.'

LOUD MUSIC PLAYS

'I'm so happy you're here.'

KATHLEEN'S VOICE ECHOES INDISTINCTLY

'This is your way of getting at me...

'So, well done.'

VOICE CONTINUES TO ECHO

'Fucking joke.'

'So, tell me, why do you want to work here?'

Good money. Nice customers.

And what special qualities

do you feel that you can bring to the job?

I'm a good listener.

Also...

HE CHUCKLES

Go on. You can tell me.

I guess I like to have fun with men.

And what kind of fun do you like to have with men?

All kinds of fun.

Talking.

Playing games.

Anything, really.

You didn't mention sex.

Didn't I?

No.

Oh, I just assumed you'd know that's what I was talking about.

Tell me about the last man you had sex with.

There's not much to tell.

What did he look like?

Nothing special.

Did he look like me?

No.

Nothing like you.

Where did it happen?

Why is that important?

It just is.

Over there.

In this very room?

Yes.

Could you show me exactly?

Right here.

Was it good?

Yeah. It was very good.

Did you use a condom?

-No.

-HE TUTS

Who made the first move?

I did.

What did you do?

Why?

Why what?

Why did you fuck this man?

I think we both know why.

I'm not sure I do.

Why don't you tell me?

I guess I wanted to be held by someone.

Maybe I wanted someone to find me attractive for a change.

Or maybe because it's been so long, I just wanted a good fuck.

And you weren't there, so I found someone else.

-HE SIGHS

-Let's call him a stand-in.

But I didn't want him.

I wanted you.

Is there a problem?

You're not paying attention.

You fucked it all up.

I guess this interview isn't going very well, is it?

GLASS SHATTERS

What time is it?

It's almost four.

Oh, you're kidding me.

No, home from school already.

Here. Mum says you should drink this.

-What is it?

-Some remedy.

Eugh.

How are you doing?

You OK?

We can talk, you know.

Don't worry. Everything's...

Everything's going to be OK.

I keep thinking about Dad in the lake.

I don't like the idea that he was all alone when he died.

I keep thinking about it.

Yeah. I keep thinking about that as well.

Mum believes Dad's ghost is still in the lake.

Do you believe that?

I'm not sure.

Do you think it could be true?

I don't know.

I guess it's possible, but I'm not the right person to ask.

You really should talk to your mother about that.

THUNDER RUMBLES IN DISTANCE

SHOWER RUNS IN BACKGROUND

Poochi.

SHOWER STOPS

Guten Morgen.

I'd say guten Abend.

You know, usually when people come to visit,

they wait at the bottom of my stairs.

Yeah, I'll remember that next time.

Don't worry.

I'm sorry to hear about your brother.

-Really?

-Of course.

He was a good friend.

So, these are John's clothes, aren't they?

-Yeah. So?

-Nothing.

I just recognised this shirt and pants. Fit on you pretty well.

-Want to have a drink?

-No.

-No?

Mind if I have one?

So, you're kind of helping Kim out, is that right?

That's what I heard.

Maybe you want to try your luck with Kim.

Is that what you have in mind, Gerry?

Well, I don't blame you.

Mm. She's a very attractive woman as well.

Who wouldn't want to have a go?

-Fuck you.

-What was that?

-Fuck you.

WHINING, TRICKLING

Shit, Poochi! What have you done?

Poochi, what's that?

Shit. Goddamn.

Wife will not be very happy.

She won't be very happy

that you've upset her sweet little Poochi.

You owe John and Kim a lot of money.

Gerry, please.

Please don't make money the focus of a conversation.

Besides, what goes between me and John...

it's our business. That all right?

I beg to differ. I think it's very much our business.

-Is that so?

-That is so.

Kim wants that money back.

Exactly - Kim, not you, so I'll deal with Kim.

Well, as I'm sure you can appreciate,

she's having a difficult time right now, so as a family member,

you're going to have to deal with me.

-It sounds a bit threatening, Gerry.

-I don't care how it sounds.

Are you threatening me, Gerry?

I'm telling you to give back what you owe.

All right. All right, Gerry, now, listen.

Listen to me.

Out of respect for your brother and for Kim, I've tried to be nice,

I've tried to be hospitable. You know, I've even been charming.

You fucking prick.

All right, that's enough. Now get out of my house.

You little fuck.

Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!

Fuck! Fuck.

Fuck.

Come on, Gerry. No! Gerry! Gerry!

Gerry...

HE CURSES IN GERMAN

That doesn't look good, Gerry. That doesn't look good at all.

HE CURSES IN GERMAN

Do you see me, Gerry? Gerry, can you hear me?

How are you feeling now?

I'm OK...

I think.

You really should get this checked out, man.

THUNDER RUMBLES

All right, just...

Just give me one week and I could have the money for Kim.

I'll try to get the rest of it together as soon as I can, promise.

Are you OK with that?

I'm OK with that.

So...

HE SIGHS

-More coffee?

-Mm.

Mum...

how can Dad's ghost come back to us?

I don't understand.

It is what I believe, Isadora. I need to believe it.

I wish I could believe it too.

HE COUGHS

MUSIC PLAYS IN BACKGROUND

-Is Kim upstairs?

-Yeah. I'll let her know that you're here.

Isadora must be asleep.

No.

She's staying over with friends.

I don't know what I'm doing.

What do you want, Gerry?

DOOR CLOSES

KEYPAD CLICKING

PHONE RINGS

-OVER PHONE:

-'Hello?'

-Hello, Sarah, sweetheart.

'Daddy! Guess what. It's snowing here.'

-Really?

-'Yeah.'

-Wow.

-'Did you get...'

-LINE BREAKS

-Sorry, could you...?

-'Did you?'

-I can't hear you. Say that again.

-'I said have you my surprise?'

-Not yet, honey, but don't worry.

I won't forget.

Are you being a good girl?

-'Yes, and I start in a week at school.'

-Oh, that's great.

I miss you.

'Don't forget my class assembly on Friday.

-'Will you be there, Daddy?'

-I'm not sure.

I'm not sure.

-Hey, listen, can you get Mammy for me?

-'She's in the kitchen.'

'Mum, Daddy wants to talk with you.

'She can't hear me. I'll bring the phone down to her.'

Right.

'Mum, Dad wants to talk to you.'

STATIC BUZZES

-'Hi.'

-Hey.

-I need to ask you something.

-'Yeah, OK.'

What are we going to do now?

BELL RINGS