Voila! Finally, the Exotica
script is here for all you fans of the Atom Egoyan movie starring Bruce
Greenwood, Mia Kirshner, Sarah Polley, Elias Koteas, yadda yadda.. This script is a transcript that was painstakingly
transcribed using the screenplay and/or viewings of Exotica. I know, I know, I still need to get the cast names in there and I'll be eternally
tweaking it, so if you have any corrections, feel free to
drop me a line. You won't
hurt my feelings. Honest.
You have to ask yourself...
what brought the person
to this point.
What was seen in his face,
his manner, that channeled him here.
You have
to convince yourself...
that this person has something hidden
that you have to find.
You check his bags,
but it's his face...
his gestures that
you're really watching.
Thank you.
He's staring straight at you.
Look at him, carefully.
What do you see?
Security to Baggage Claim .
- Where you headed?
- Uh, downtown.
- You want to split it?
- S-Sure.
What? Not tonight.
Are you sure?
Well, can't you cancel?
Oh. Uh... what are these?
Ballet tickets for tonight.
Oh.
- You don't like ballet?
- Well, some ballets.
Well, that's exactly
what this is: some ballet.
Look, you can always scalp
the tickets at the door.
Oh, you mean, uh,
take these in exchange...
- for you paying your part of the fare.
- Well, what do you think?
- See ya, John.
- Good night, John.
- See you guys.
- See ya.
* Exotica *
Christina, here you are.
Hurry and get dressed.
- People are asking for you.
- * Exotica *
- She's right over there. I'll get her.
- * Exotica *
Bye.
* Exotica *
Yeah!
Let's bring those big, hairy
palms together, gentlemen...
and have a nice,
big round of applause...
for Kali!
Kali.
Yes, indeed. Kali.
And you, too, can- You, too,
can have Kali come over to your table...
for only five dollars, where she can
show you the mysteries of her world.
Trust me, gentlemen. Trust me.
Oh! Baby, baby, baby!
Ooh! Do it for me, baby!
Oh! My God, that's incredible.
That's incredible.
Let me ask you something,
gentlemen.
What is it that gives a schoolgirl
her special innocence?
Her sweet fragrance? Fresh flowers...
light as a spring rain?
Oh, my God.
My God.
Or is it her firm, young flesh
inviting your every caress...
enticing you to explore...
her deepest
and most private secrets?
Well, gentlemen, I'm gonna let you
decide that one for yourselves.
Please join me
in welcoming a sassy...
bit of jailbait
to our stage.
Yes, indeed.
Come out, sweet Chrissy.
Wherever you are, baby,
come on out.
* Everybody knows
that the dice are loaded *
* Everybody rolls
with their fingers crossed *
* Everybody knows
the war is over *
* Everybody knows
the good guys lost *
* Everybody knows
the fight was fixed *
* The poor stay poor
The rich get rich *
* That's how it goes *
* Everybody knows *
* Everybody knows
that the boat is leaking *
* Everybody knows
the captain lied *
* Everybody got
this broken feeling *
* Like their father
or their dog just died *
* Everybody talking
to their pockets *
* Everybody wants
a box of chocolates *
- * And a long-stemmed rose *
- You think you're bad, eh, baby?
- * Everybody knows *
- You're bad.
* Everybody knows
that you love me, baby *
* Everybody knows
that you really do *
* Everybody knows
that you've been faithful *
- * God, give or take a night or two *
- That will be $ . .
* Everybody knows
you'd been discreet *
- * But there were so many people you just had to meet *
- Thank you.
* Without your clothes *
* And everybody knows **
**
**
**
- Eric?
- What?
Linda finished her dance.
Let's bring those big, hairy
palms together, gentlemen.
Give it up. Yeah, gentlemen. Yes.
Have a nice, big round
of applause for Linda. Yeah.
Yes, indeed, Linda.
And just a reminder that there is
nothing Linda would love more...
than to slink over
to your table and...
give you your own private show
for only five dollars.
That's right.
Five dollars is all it takes
to have one of our beautiful foxes...
come over to your table
and get you all hot and bothered.
But, hey, why be bothered...
when you're being treated
like a king?
You've had a rough day.
Don't you think you owe it
to yourselves to...
do something that'll make you feel
like you're someone special?
You are someone special.
Five dollars is all
it takes to prove it.
Yes, let's have a nice big round
of applause for Michelle.
My God, that was beautiful.
Ooh, baby, you come out.
And just to remind you that, uh, there's
nothing Michelle would love more...
than to come over to your table
and give you your own private dance.
Hello, gentlemen!
Anybody out there?
Anybody alive?
Anybody, for five dollars,
you can have Kali.
Kali at your own private table.
Let me ask you something,
gentlemen.
What is it
about a schoolgirl...
that gives her that
special innocence?
Is it the way that
they can gaze at you...
waiting for you to say something
with so much expectation and hope...
that you're just...
you're just paralyzed into...
into silence?
- Uh, look, uh, I want to give this back to you.
- Why?
Well, you see,
those tickets were given to me...
and, uh, I-I just feel uncomfortable
about having sold them.
- That's okay.
- No, no, no, really, I-
We never really introduced ourselves.
I'm Thomas.
David.
Can I use this
to take you out for a drink?
- Oh, that's, uh, very kind
of you, but, uh- - But what?
But I really have
to get home.
**
* Check it out
It's the one Seymour *
* Gab was up for grabs
when I rock and roll her *
* It's not a surprise that
I'm playin' your blusher *
- * I'm on the VP
I've got a nasty drop *
* I upstep this one
I'm swingin' on the mix *
* And the words and the rhythm
will be falling from your lips *
**
Thanks.
Are you available
next Thursday?
- Uh, I think so, yeah.
- Good, good.
- Tracey?
- Yeah?
I- I'm not that boring, am I?
- What do you mean?
- Well, the earphones.
I mean, we used to listen
to the radio...
and you used to ask me
all sorts of questions.
So you want me
to ask more questions?
Sure. Yeah, I mean, if there's
something y-you want to know.
Okay. I'll see
what I can think up.
- Say hi to your dad.
- I will.
- Good night.
- Good night.
* Well, well, well
kick it around for the bro *
* Kick starts from the dope
so I'm a tough psycho *
* Then add five, six
with tips to make you rich *
- * Every now and then at the end *
- * Come again *
* I come again with
the sweetheart, the fling *
**
- Did someone say something?
- No.
So, what's the point?
I've just noticed
a change in your attitude.
Yeah.
Look, I would understand if you would
prefer not to introduce Christina.
I- I could do it myself.
Actually, I've been thinking
that, perhaps...
I should be getting more involved
in the introductions overall.
I could have my own microphone,
like my mother used to do.
No, I mean, I actually
enjoy introducing Christina.
I mean, I find it
very therapeutic, you know?
- That's not what you're getting paid for.
- Well, it seems to me...
that I'm being paid to make every girl
seem like she's something special, right?
- Yeah.
- So, in order to do that, I have to let my imagination run wild.
So, I mean, when it comes
to Christina, I, you know-
My imagination is bound
to run a little wilder.
There's nothing that I can do
to control that, Zoe.
Makes the clients uncomfortable.
And you think your state
puts them at ease?
Hey.
Is he kicking?
All the time.
Do you feel like touching it?
Oh.
How are you feeling about this?
- Fine.
- Fine?
Are you happy?
For you.
What about you, Eric?
What about you?
Well, I guess I got to be pretty careful
about my feelings, right?
I mean, uh...
that's why we have
a contract, isn't it?
There's plaster dust
all over the apartment.
No, I'm not exaggerating. No, I was
coughing in my sleep last night.
You told me that it was going to be
comfortable for me to live there...
and i-it is not
comfortable.
There's plastic
on the furniture.
That is not comfortable living.
Yeah. Oh, come on, look.
You told me you were going to strip
the wallpaper, not strip the walls down.
Well, no, if you'd,
if you'd told me in the first place-
If you'd told me what kind of job
it was, then I would have considered it.
Although, it's- It makes me seem
like you've maybe made a mistake.
That's what it makes me suspect.
What? No, it's too late now.
It's inaccessible.
I'm not gonna pay you. Pay you for what?
You didn't do the job.
Well, you did a job, but i-it's not
the job that I asked you to do.
It's not the job
we agreed on.
Well, I can get anyone,
any number of people to do this.
Yeah, that's just fine with me.
Yeah, can I help you?
- Mr. Pinto?
- Uh, yes.
I'm Francis Brown. We spoke, uh,
on the phone a couple of weeks ago.
- Revenue Canada.
- Oh, uh, of course. Uh-
- How was your trip?
- Oh, it was fine.
- And when did you get back?
- Um, just yesterday.
Good weather?
Yes, yes, lovely. Yeah.
- Is this a good time, Mr. Pinto?
- Oh, sure.
- It's just that you seem a
little, uh- - A little what?
- Flustered.
- Oh, no, no, no, no.
I- I'm fine.
I'm fine.
Good.
Yeah, yeah, yeah. Listen,
I can't talk to you right now. L-Later.
Okay, uh-
- So this is where I'd find
all the bank s-statements? - Uh-
Yeah, that's right,
and those there.
Okay. Well, if I have any questions,
I'll let you know.
- Is it a little hot for you back here?
- It's, uh, yeah.
You could turn it down a tad.
I suppose you have to be pretty careful
with the temperature with the animals.
Oh, well, they're a lot hardier
than you'd think.
I wouldn't think
they're not hardy.
I mean, just because they're exotic
doesn't mean they can't endure extremes.
It is, after all,
a jungle out there, isn't it?
Um, so, how long
will this take?
- An audit?
- Yes.
Well, it depends on
how prepared you are.
- Have you got an accountant? - Uh,
well, um, no- Well, no, not really, no.
Not really?
- So this will take, uh, a while?
- I could be done by the end of the day.
Or it might take a week.
It's difficult to say.
- Oh. Okay. Uh, well, if you have any
questions, um- - I'll let you know.
Did you know her?
Sort of.
She was your neighbor?
I, uh, I baby-sat her
a couple times.
Oh, so you knew her
pretty well, eh?
Yeah. I did.
What about you?
Oh, I just, uh, I heard this thing
was being organized, so-
It seems so, uh...
surreal, doesn't it?
- What?
- That we'd find anything.
I mean, there's so, uh, many places you
could hide something in this country.
- My name's Eric.
- I'm Christina.
Hey, nice to meet you,
Christina.
Well?
- Well, what?
- Don't you want to touch it?
You don't have to. It's one of
those things people normally like to do.
Ah.
What is this thing about Eric
calling you "a sassy piece of jailbait"?
- What's this thing?
- It bothers me.
- Why?
- It makes you out like a child or something.
Unlike the tartan skirt and my socks
or the blouse or the way I act, right?
Do you find it strange that he
would still want to work here?
Zoe, not all of us have the luxury
of deciding what to do with our lives.
It's a job, and he's
getting paid all right.
I just find it cruel.
So fire him.
As a favor.
How can you be
so detached?
Well, I'm finished for the day.
Uh, for the day?
Uh, you mean you have to come back?
Yeah, I'm afraid so.
When is a good time?
But, but, I thought you said
it was only going to take one day.
Well, it can only take a day.
But you have to understand, you don't
keep very well-organized books.
That's why you should really think
about getting someone in to help you.
Just somebody to come in
once or twice a week...
depending on the amount of activity
and... the type of activity.
Uh, what do you mean by that?
Well, some types of activity
are more complicated, aren't they?
It might take more effort
to account for.
Oh.
I found a gun
in one of the drawers.
- Oh, well, that belonged to my dad.
- Your dad?
Yeah, I guess he just kept it,
uh, just in case.
- In case of what?
- Well, in case of trouble.
With the animals?
Would Monday be a good time
for me to come back...
- Mr. Pinto?
- Oh, yeah.
Well, how about, uh, tomorrow?
Uh, I have appointments for tomorrow. Actually,
I'm pretty busy 'til the end of the week.
Monday's not good?
No, uh, Monday's fine.
- Around : ?
- Yeah, sure.
Well, good.
Have a nice weekend.
Strange to think that bird
is probably going to outlive us.
Strange?
Did you ever teach it
to say anything?
Yes.
- What does it say, Harold?
- It doesn't really say it anymore.
It forgot?
I don't think so.
They're not supposed to forget.
It must have just lost interest.
- I'm sorry I'm late.
- It's okay. We're just talking about Felix.
What about him?
Dad?
I had the piano tuned.
It sounds beautiful.
**
So, how does it sound?
- It's good.
- Yeah? Good, good.
- Okay, well, I shouldn't be too late.
- What's "too late"?
- Around : or so?
- Okay.
**
You looking for tickets?
Uh, yeah. How much?
That's too hot.
He comes in here every other night.
He has his favorite drink...
at his favorite table
with his favorite dancer.
Sometimes he has to wait for her,
and sometimes she's waiting for him.
She'll protect him.
She's his angel.
All right, ladies and gentlemen,
it's show time at the Exotica.
And just to remind you
that five dollars is all it takes...
to have one of our lovely ladies
come over to your table...
and show you the mysteries
of their world.
**
**
Now if that didn't
turn you on, gentlemen, nothing will.
Oh, let's have a nice, big, warm round
of applause for Christina, gentlemen!
Yes, Christina!
What are you thinking?
I was just thinking,
what would happen if someone hurt you?
H- How could anyone hurt me?
If I'm not there
to protect you.
I- You'll always
be there to protect me.
An angel.
Shh.
Why would somebody want
to do something like that?
How could somebody even think
of doing something like that?
You mustn't worry.
Eric! Eric!
Oh.
All hot and bothered, yes, indeed.
Let's have a nice, big
round of applause for Melinda.
Uh, listen, I-I feel bad about,
uh, taking your money.
- Why?
- The tickets were given to me, and...
I should have
given them away for free.
- Well, that would have been stupid.
- Why?
Because no one
gives anything away.
- Are you sure?
- Yeah, p-positive.
**
Do you consider my dad a friend?
- Why?
- J-Just asking.
Does he consider me a friend?
I don't know.
Why not?
'Cause he always seems
different when you're around.
- Different in what way?
- J- Tense.
Is that bad?
Well, I don't really like
to feel tense around my friends.
Well, sure, yeah.
I didn't like to feel tense around
my friends when I was your age either.
But you do now?
No, it's not a question
of liking it or not.
It's just something that happens.
Why?
Um...
well... as you get older...
you become aware that the people
you meet and the person you are...
um, as carrying
a certain amount of baggage.
And, and that baggage
creates tension.
So what do you do about it?
Well, you can pretend
it's not there...
or you can choose
not to have friends...
or you can acknowledge that
it's there and have friends anyway.
Like my dad?
Right.
I don't think that I like my dad
when he's around you.
Hmm.
Well, that's...
because your dad doesn't like himself
when he's around me.
But that's okay.
That's... part of what friends do
to each other.
- Good night.
- Good night.
I, uh-
I just graduated.
Really?
So-So did I.
- Oh, yeah? In what?
- Radio communications.
- So, so is that what you do?
- That's what I'd like to do.
Uh, I-I do a little
freelance deejay stuff...
but, you know, right now
I'm just driving a cab.
- I thought you might do something like that.
- Drive a cab?
- No, do something where, uh, you use your voice.
- Why?
I don't know why.
Because you're easy to listen to.
Because of my voice, eh?
I just need to find
a structure, you know?
What do you mean?
Listen, I-I waste so much time, you know?
I just- My days just slip by, you know?
- Isn't that what days are supposed to do?
- Yeah.
Not if you want to make
something of yourself, you know?
- What do you
want to make of yourself?
I don't know. I-I-I just feel that I was
meant to do something with my time.
I mean, otherwise, I-I wouldn't be
thinking of this this way.
I'd-I'd be able to just
continue what I was doing, you know?
Do you have a lot of friends?
Not really. Do you?
- No.
- Yeah.
Do you ever feel like you need a friend?
Yeah, sometimes.
When?
Like right now.
Why?
'Cause I just met you and...
I just feel like
telling someone, you know?
No way.
No way, no way.
- Hi.
- Hi.
- Jesus.
- What's the matter?
"What's the matter?"
Her wigs, her clothes.
Sometimes I just feel like
throwing them all away, you know?
What are you looking for, Zoe?
- I mean, is this where you see your future?
- My future?
The club?
When Mom died, my immediate idea was
to get rid of this place. Just sell it.
- I never thought it would have any interest for me.
- So why did it?
I used to be very shy
as a child.
I used to watch
my mother for hours...
just admiring
her sense of freedom.
So when the opportunity came up,
I thought I would take on the challenge.
So you feel better about adopting her
options rather than creating your own?
I have created
my own options too.
Oh, I know.
It's your contract
for the baby with Eric.
I found it.
Does he know?
I would hope so.
Otherwise he might just think I'm
disgusted with him for no particular reason.
Look, I really desperately
needed this child...
and it just worked out
with Eric.
I didn't mean
to hurt you.
You know, I remember
when your mother built this hallway.
She, uh, she built it for this
very rich man who used to come here.
He used to get off watching us dance for
other guys, so he actually paid her...
to construct this very special place
that he could watch us from.
Your mother never
told us that.
She said it was
to protect us...
so she could patrol things.
And I believed her.
Until Eric told me the truth.
Why did you believe him?
I made a choice.
And Eric promised me
he'd never lie to me.
**
**
How could anyone...
hurt you?
Take you away from me?
How could anyone?
**
What's this machine?
Uh, uh, i-it's an incubator.
- Wh-What's it for?
- Well, what do you think it's for?
- Eggs.
- That's right.
Are they yours?
Wh-What do you mean?
- I mean, um, shouldn't you be sitting on them or something?
- Oh, yeah.
Well, I guess
I've abandoned the nest.
**
What's inside of them?
- Uh, the eggs?
- Yes.
Well, uh, Hyacinth Macaws...
if you want to know
the absolute truth.
And where did you get them?
- From... very far away.
- **
**
Hey, check her out, eh?
I said check her out.
- Yeah.
- You talking to me?
Uh, yes,
I'm talking to you.
What? Check who out?
The babe that's dancing
for you, man.
You've given her quite a run
for your money, man.
What do you mean by that?
- She's been dancing for you all night.
- Yeah.
Yeah, and not just tonight. I mean, I've
noticed you with her other nights too.
You come in here
all the time or-
Uh... yeah.
All the time.
This- Visuals, you know?
It's good.
But, uh...
she seems to have a bit
of a thing for you, doesn't she?
We, uh... get along.
I'm sure you do, my friend.
What do you two
talk about, huh?
Oh, just, uh...
the usual, I guess.
The usual?
I don't think you're talking
about what I would call "usual. "
- Why not?
- Because I can tell.
You get pretty intense,
my friend.
Well, I guess that's
just the way I am.
So, uh- Hey, wh-why don't you
give her a little touch, huh?
- You're not supposed to touch.
- Ah, but she is into it, believe me.
Yeah.
- How do you know?
- Everybody knows, man.
Trust me, my friend.
Trust me.
Just a little touch.
Nothing too drastic.
Then you will get
the full experience, my friend...
and you will love it.
You will love it. Okay?
And what happens
when I touch her?
What happens?
You're outta here, man!
Get out!
Come on.
Get down there.
Come on. Go.
Go on.
Hey, what the hell you doin'?
Get off the road!
Move!
What's so funny?
It's like pettin' a gorilla.
Well-
Was your father this hairy?
No, I, uh, I got it
from my mother.
I mean, I mean,
from my mother's side of the family.
That's where you, um,
inherit hair patterns.
- My uncle's bald.
- On your mother's side?
Mm-hmm.
Well, um, I guess I'm talking
about usual patterns.
- Hmm.
- There's always exceptions.
That's-
That's the way these things... work.
Shouldn't you go
to the hospital?
No, I'm fine.
You don't look fine.
You worry about me, don't you?
You think this is normal?
- What?
- What we do.
What do we do?
That's just it.
We don't speak about it.
You know that feeling
you get sometimes, Tracey...
that you didn't ask to be
brought into the world?
Yeah.
Well, then who did?
What?
If you think that
you didn't ask...
to be brought
into the world...
then who did?
All I'm saying is nobody asked you if
you wanted to be brought into the world.
You just ended up getting here.
So the question is,
now that you're here...
who's asking you to stay?
- Thanks.
- Thank you.
Look, are you sure
you're gonna be okay?
Yes.
Good night.
Good night.
- He touched you?
- He didn't want to.
- What do you mean?
- I know him.
- We all know him. He's crazy about you.
- Not like that.
Why didn't you get one of the boys
to handle this, Eric?
Because I didn't think of it.
I just saw him touch her, and-
Why didn't you
ask him to leave?
- Because he wouldn't have listened.
- How do you know that?
Because he's in his own world,
the ass-wipe.
I don't know
where you're both coming from.
You are telling me that he touched you,
but he really didn't.
And you're saying that you overreacted,
but you didn't have a choice?
- I didn't.
- Why not?
Why not?
Because he touched you.
Okay.
All I'm concerned about
is if he makes a case...
I have to know
what happened.
We told you
what happened, Zoe.
And that is
what happened?
- Yeah.
- Okay.
Is that it?
Hi. This is Thomas.
I am not in at the present time,
but I am in town.
Please leave a message
following the beep.
Good morning.
You're probably not up yet,
so you haven't seen what I've done.
I'm a customs officer
at the airport.
Actually, I-I saw you the other day when
you were having your bags inspected.
I know- I know how you probably
smuggled those eggs in.
There's a special unit at work. I
- I think they give them to the zoo or something.
They asked me where I got them.
I had to lie.
Where are they?
- I took them.
- Where?
- I'd like to see you again.
- Oh, no.
Uh, no, they're in the country now.
Uh, they're definitely in the country.
It's just I don't have them, uh, with me
presently, but it doesn't mean I can't get them.
- And if you can give me, like,
uh, just, uh, um, a couple-
- Good morning.
- Hi. Uh, and, uh, I'm here. Okay.
So I'll call-
I'll talk to you later. Bye.
You look like you're
in worse shape than I am.
Uh... what happened to you?
Oh, I fell down
some stairs and-
- Are you okay?
- Well, do I look okay?
- Uh, no, not really. - Well, I'm-I'm
better than I look. Here, I got you a coffee.
I didn't, uh-
I didn't know how you took it.
- Oh, black's fine.
- Oh.
- Uh, I added cream.
- Oh, that's okay.
- No, here, have mine. No, I insist.
- No, really-
What is it?
Well, it's just that
this has cream in it too.
It's milk.
Oh. Oh, good.
Okay, well, I'll, uh-
I'll get to work.
Mmm, what?
What is it?
What is it that gives a schoolgirl
her special innocence?
Is it the way they smell?
The sweet smell
of their perfume, of their hair?
The aroma
of fresh flowers...
and all that other stuff
that hasn't been fucked up...
by late nights
and a lot of bad food.
Is it their gestures...
and the way they move?
The way their body still holds on
to some semblance of self-respect and...
and dignity?
When they wrap
their beautiful legs around you...
tight and holding on,
looking at you...
you looking at them.
It's just-
Or is it whatever comes out
of their cute little mouths?
All those questions,
all that wondering that-
It's just, you know, you
- They got their whole lives ahead of them, you know?
And you've wasted
half of yours away.
Damn.
What is it?
There's this feeling
I get sometimes, you know?
What sort of feeling?
That I wasn't ever meant
to be satisfied.
Satisfied with what?
A lot of things.
I mean, it seems to me
that every time I'm about to...
you know, get a hold
of something or someone...
it's just bound
to slip away.
Maybe you want it
to slip away.
Maybe I want what
to slip away?
The things that you think
you're about to have.
What would you
think about that?
As a general philosophy...
or how it pertains to you?
You think you could talk
about how it pertains to me?
What do you mean?
Well, I feel
like I want you.
Do you think that means
you'll slip away?
Dad?
I'm not going to baby-sit
for Uncle Francis anymore.
Baby-sit?
You go there to practice.
That's absurd.
Why?
Dad, he pretends
I'm still baby-sitting for him.
Why would you think that?
Because he's paying me.
To house-sit.
Twenty dollars an hour?
When did it go up?
He wants to believe
that Lisa's still there.
I make it easier for him
to convince himself.
Francis always had strange ways
to convince himself...
of many things.
Things that never happened,
things that might happen.
People who did things
for reasons, but they didn't.
What has any of this
got to do with me, Dad?
Nothing.
Nothing at all.
So why do I have
to keep going there?
You don't.
And you'll tell him?
I was in here the other night
when that guy was thrown out.
Why did that happen?
Has he ever been thrown out before?
- Why do you think he would touch you?
- Why do you think he would touch you?
Why do you think
he would touch you?
Well, what do you think
was going through his mind when he-
Or-Or what was he thinking?
- Well-
- What's so funny?
Well, this is a joke, right?
Not at all.
If you do this favor for me,
I'll do that favor for you.
But I'm not hiding anything.
Thomas, you're hiding
a smuggling operation...
that brings in over $ a year,
probably a lot more.
We've suspected you
for a long time.
I was just brought in to confirm
what was already known.
So how do you want me
to report back?
All I'm asking
for is a bit of help.
That's all.
It's very important for me to know these
things. Just ask her these questions.
Do this for me,
and you have a clean slate.
This really hasn't been my day.
So change things.
Make it your day.
* Exotica **
And all you men sitting
near that stage, I can see you.
I know what you're thinking.
You're thinking that "because I'm
sitting next to that stage...
I'm getting the same feeling
as all those guys...
shoveling out that cash
for their own private dancer. "
Well, you know, you guys want
to watch, go to the movies.
We're in the live-action
business here, gents.
And, okay, granted
- Granted, that beautiful creature writhing before you on stage...
she maybe, you know,
smiles at you.
She winks her eyes at you
occasionally...
and you may feel
like the man.
Is that all you guys
are looking for?
Is that all you want?
Come on, come on.
Invite one of our lovely ladies over
to your table where the real action is.
- Yeah!
- Hi.
I'm really sorry that took so long,
or I took so long.
- Hi.
- It's such a busy night.
Hi. I'm Chrissy.
Hi. I'm Thomas.
It's nice to meet you, Thomas.
I like the name Thomas a lot.
Oh, thanks.
Are you from out of town?
Yes.
Where are you from?
Um... San Francisco.
Oh, you're kidding.
I love San Francisco.
Oh, you've-
You've been there?
Yeah, I was there a couple of years ago
with my debating team.
- Debating team?
- Mm-hmm.
Um, that's- I admire
someone who can debate well.
I mean, who can debate
i- instead of just argue.
Well, anyone can argue, but i-it's
a good skill, uh, discipline...
to be able to debate
and stand back.
Um, and that's something
you can apply in your life...
- outside of school.
- Mm-hmm, mm-hmm.
And, and when you're meeting
someone or negotiating.
- Negotiating? - Well, I mean,
if you have- If you have to-
Um, it's a good skill to learn,
as opposed to cheerleading or-
Well, that's what I say.
Don't be nervous
about this, Thomas.
- We're gonna have some fun, okay?
- Sure.
Sure.
Um... um...
I was here
the other night, um-
What night was that?
The night th-that guy
was thrown out.
You were dancing for him.
His name is Francis.
Um... what happened?
He was a bad boy.
- Wh-What do you mean by that?
- What do I mean?
I mean, have you danced
for him before a lot?
Mm-hmm.
- And has he ever been thrown out before?
- No.
So what do you
think happened?
He touched me.
And when you're dancing
for the customer...
they can't touch.
Yes, but why do you think
he touched you last night?
Has he ever touched you before?
Is this what you really want to talk
about for five bucks a dance, Thomas?
Well, I just want to know
what you think was going on in his mind.
Are you here for some kind
of psychology conference?
Uh, well, uh, yes.
Uh, I am, actually.
He's, uh-
He's a very particular case.
Particular in what way?
Um...
you want the full story?
Sure.
His daughter was murdered
a couple of years ago...
and then he was implicated.
- For th-the murder?
- Yeah.
- But why? - I-I don't know. I
don't really remember the details.
I mean, he was cleared, and then
they caught the guy who did it.
But... it obviously had,
like, this...
this incredible effect on him.
I mean, he is-
He's just so fucked up about it.
Oh.
You know...
Thomas...
Francis and I have
a very special type of relationship.
And I-I've never-
I've never minded.
But then he chose
to violate it.
S- Special in what way?
Well, we've, we've always
had this understanding.
I mean, I need him
for certain things...
and... he needs me
for certain things.
I mean, that's the way it's been.
Uh, and how did he
violate that?
He-He violated that in his-his, in his
role and what he was supposed to do for me.
Wh-What's he su- Why?
What's he supposed to do for you? I
mean, he comes to this club. He pays you.
Because I was
doing things for him...
and he's done things
for me.
What has he done for you?
I'm-
I'm sorry.
Okay, this is really stupid.
And then I'm getting so emotional
over the fact that he touched me...
because, I mean, he was,
he was always paying me...
to do him this favor and-
- What favor?
- I don't know, Thomas.
- Why do you want to know all this?
- Well, I'm sorry, but I, uh-
What is it about a schoolgirl that gives
her that special innocence, gentlemen?
Such a thing that you have
absolutely no control over.
You never have.
And you never will.
- After this break, we'll be right back with
sweet Chrissy... - He-He's not supposed to do that.
- who'll help us answer that question.
- Do what?
He's not supposed to-
He's not suppose-
He can obviously see from his booth that
I'm sitting here talking with a client.
He's not supposed to call me
when I'm talking with a client.
Why? Do you have to go now?
Uh, yeah.
But I-I-I want to come back,
and I want to, you know, talk.
But I want to move downstairs.
I don't like it here.
Sure, sure, sure.
Okay. I'll see you soon.
Uh, I'm going to move
to the washroom.
Hey, I've noticed you've been spending
a lot of time with that lady.
Are you- Are you talking to me?
Yeah.
You seem, uh, to, to both
hit it off together.
- Well, I guess.
- Yeah.
Um, I guess
that can happen.
So what do you guys talk about?
Oh, just things.
What sort of things?
Oh, this and that.
"This and that," eh?
You know, it's amazing how...
you can hit it off with someone
like that, isn't it?
Have you ever noticed that
some people just drift into your life...
like you've
known them forever?
I mean, there are some people
that you can remember...
the moment that you met them
really clearly.
And other people that...
it seems like you've known them forever,
even though you haven't.
And they all become part of this
continuous memory you have of yourself.
This ongoing-
Are you with me?
Uh, yeah, I-I think so.
I mean, here you are,
y- you know...
you're having this beautiful
conversation with her.
You're getting to know
each other, and-
I mean, there's other guys
that come in here.
There's this one guy who comes in here
every other night or something...
and he spends
a few hours with her.
But he never really
gets to know her, you know?
Not the way you have.
Not the way you two-
She really seems
to be herself with you.
Well, how do you know?
What? That she's being herself?
Yeah.
Because I used to be her lover.
I'm, uh, sorry, sir.
I can't let you in.
Look, why not?
Look, can I- Can I at least
just talk to the manager?
- You want to talk to the manager?
- Yeah.
You have to understand that
we have very strict rules...
regarding
this sort of behavior here.
- And I have always respected them.
- And this one time you didn't.
Now, the problem, Mr. Brown,
is that this one time...
happened in a room full
of other men who were watching.
Now, if I let you
back into the club...
- what's to stop them from trying to do the same thing?
- I told you.
Someone told me to do it.
I was set up.
And you believed that someone?
This is, uh, Security.
- Please, sit down.
Thank you.
Why did you touch her?
- Well, I needed to make sure.
- Why?
What if she let you?
What would you have done?
I'd have been disappointed.
I'm not sure...
I understand you.
That's not the way
she was raised.
You know her?
Personally?
There is another club
I can recommend.
I need to come here.
- I understand that very well.
- No, I-I d-don't think you understand.
Exotica is a special place.
My mother was dedicated to creating
a very particular type of atmosphere...
and I would like
to maintain that.
You don't understand.
Mr. Brown, we're all aware
of what you've gone through.
You've suffered a lot.
But you have to understand
that Exotica is here for your amusement.
We're here to entertain,
not to heal.
There are other places for that.
Other places?
I can give you a list.
Mr. Brown?
Are you listening to me,
Mr. Brown?
Um...
um, I-I just met this man
in the washroom.
What man?
Well, I'm not sure.
I- I was in a booth.
I didn't really have
a chance to see him.
- So how did you meet him?
- He just started talking to me.
And what did he say?
Well, um, he said
he used to be your lover.
Well, it's always
a sad moment, gentlemen...
when that clock
strikes that magic hour...
and we have to send you out
into the long and dark and lonely night.
But just remember...
we're only ever
just a dream away...
wherever that is.
* You say that
you don't love him *
* But he's right there
by your side *
* He's just there you say *
* To take away the loneliness
you feel inside *
- I guess-
- I have to go.
- Oh, o-okay.
- **
Um, wait a minute.
- Oh, no. Thomas, don't.
- No, no, no.
- Thomas, please, don't.
- Uh... no, no. Uh, I insist.
Please.
Thank you.
Your dad told me about, um...
you not wanting
to baby-sit anymore.
There's no baby to sit.
Well, I just want you
to know, I understand.
Understand what?
That this might all seem
a little weird.
A little?
- I just want to thank you, Tracey.
- For what?
You've been very patient.
And, uh...
if you think the time has come
for this to end, then I understand.
Thank you.
Good night, Francis.
He-He-He calls me from a table to dance.
Of course I expect you to do something.
- Christina- - And then- And then he
follows this guy to the washroom...
- and he tells this guy that, that he was my lover.
- Well, he was.
It's going too far, Zoe.
Actually, baby, you have
no idea how far it's gone.
You know, I told him to touch you.
I said you were into it. Yeah.
It used to be wonderful watching you dance
for him, seeing how you could soothe him.
I mean, it soothed me.
You know, you soothed me.
Do you understand that?
- Hey, hey.
- Don't, don't, don't!
- Stop. Stop that!
- Don't fucking touch me, you fucker!
- Stop!
- Just fuck off, Zoe!
- Stop it when I say! Eric!
- Stop it! Ow!
Chill out! Chill out!
Chill out! Relax!
- All right? Relax!
- Eric, come here!
- John! Get out. What's the matter?
- No!
Fuck off, Zoe! No!
Morning, Thomas.
- What happened?
- I had to leave.
Did you, uh, hear everything?
Yeah.
Did you know?
Did I know what?
That she knew...
about your daughter.
You know, when the,
when the police came to question me...
they told me
a lot of things.
They told me that my wife
was having an affair with my brother;
had been for years.
They told me that I thought
Lisa wasn't my daughter.
They told me
I thought she was Harold's.
Wh-Why would they say that?
Because they thought
I could harm her...
that I would harm her.
And then they found the man
that, uh, that did it.
Let me go.
And I went home.
And then my wife was killed
in a car accident a couple months later.
And, uh, Harold was in the car.
He lived.
What do you think
it would have taken...
for your father
to kill someone?
I'm-I'm asking because there's
someone that I want to kill now.
I felt it last night
as I listened to him in the washroom.
I don't understand.
He set me up...
to touch her.
Why would he do that?
He took something
very special from me.
I've had too many
special things taken away.
- That's why we have to go back tonight.
- To kill him?
- What would you do, Thomas?
What would you do? - Well-
- Well, I would talk to him.
- I can't even get in there.
What would you do?
You go back tonight...
and you have her
dance for you...
and then you touch her.
And he'll throw you out
just like he threw me out.
But I'll be waiting outside
with the gun.
I'm not gonna
help you kill somebody.
Not even to save
a few years in prison?
No.
Well, to help me then?
And that was Mirella, gentlemen.
Mirella.
You can have her at your own table
for only five dollars.
Thank you, Mirella.
And now, it's always a pleasure
to announce to you our next dancer.
Gentlemen, please, let's give
a big round of applause...
for Christina.
* Everybody knows
that the dice are loaded *
* Everybody rolls
with their fingers crossed *
* Everybody knows
the war is over *
* Everybody knows
the good guys lost *
* Everybody knows
the fight was fixed *
* The poor stay poor
The rich get rich *
* That's how it goes *
* Everybody knows *
* Everybody knows
that the boat is leaking *
* Everybody knows
the captain lied *
* Everybody got
this broken feeling *
* Like their father
or their dog just died *
* Everybody talking
to their pockets *
* Everybody wants
a box of chocolates *
* And a long-stemmed rose *
* Everybody knows *
* Everybody knows
that you love me, baby *
* Everybody knows
that you really do *
* Everybody knows
that you've been faithful *
* Ah, give or take
a night or two *
* Everybody knows
you'd been discreet *
* But there were so many people
you just had to meet *
* Without your clothes *
* And everybody knows *
* Everybody knows *
* That's how it goes *
* Everybody knows **
Don't be afraid.
I know everything about you.
What do you know about me?
I found her.
You found who?
Your little girl.
Oh. Oh.
I found her, man.
I found her.
Yeah, play something happy.
Play something happy.
Yeah. Hello.
Okay, I'll get it,
I'll get it, I'll get it.
**
- Hi, Christina.
- Hi.
- I'm a little bit early.
- Yeah, th-that's okay. Come on in.
**
Yeah, I mean,
it's difficult for me to tell...
'cause I never had much
of a musical education myself...
but her teacher thinks
she's really talented.
And, um, actually, we were thinking
of buying her a better piano.
An exotic baby grand,
you know?
And when I mentioned "baby grand,"
do you know what she said to me?
She said, "Dad,
isn't that a contradiction in terms?"
I mean, she just never
ceases to amaze me.
I mean, she's eight years old.
Can you imagine?
She can already identify-
Wh-What do you call that when...
it's two words,
kind of cancel each other out?
Oh, she just amazes me.
Where's your mind?
I was just thinking.
About what?
About the way
you talk about Lisa.
You get so excited.
It's nice.
Well, I'm sure your parents
talk about you that way too.
I don't think so.
Oh, I do.
Why?
Because you're a very
responsible young woman.
Responsible to what?
Well, to whatever it is
you believe you have to do.
Like what?
Well, Lisa loves it when you
come over to baby-sit, for example.
She says you really
listen to her.
That's nice.
She really listens
to me too.
She thinks you're not very happy.
Listen, Christina,
if there's, if there's ever anything
you want to talk about...
about what might be going on
at home or whatever...
you know that I'm here, okay?
- Okay.
- Okay?
Okay.
Okay.
Oh, no.
I- It's okay.
Thank you.
You know, I really enjoy
these drives home, Mr. Brown.
Good, good.
So do I.
- Bye, Mr. Brown.
- Good-bye.