[Method acting: A method of preparing for a role in which an actor attempts to experience the life and emotions of the character they will portray.]
Cousin. Excuse me, cousin.
Your wife left this for you.
My wife left me.
She says she doesn’t recognize me anymore.
That ambition changed me...
...corrupted me
“Not everything that shines is gold,”
my mother used to say.
But in this city everything shines
and all that light left me blind.
See you, Joaquin.
Take care, Mildred.
See you.
Ok.
Joaquin.
Beautiful job, man!
Thank you, Beni.
Look, I already asked for next Sunday off.
I spoke with the boss - everything’s arranged.
I’ll confirm during the week.
Perfect.
Here are the three showtimes.
See you Friday! - Thank you
Sure thing. -Enjoy.
Same.
Can I come in?
Hey! Look who's here.
I’m so glad you came.
I loved it!
Really? - Yes.
Ok.
I was kind of nervous because I thought you'd be around.
Seriously?
Yeah, I don't know
That you'd see your brother on stage and not the character.
No way.
Well, maybe at first, because I was anxious to see you
but then you get pulled in.
Good.
Where are we going?
Don't be an idiot.
Stop, this is serious.
Ok.
We were watching TV.
And he got up for a moment to go to the bathroom.
And he left his laptop on next to me.
He's screwed.
On the screen were his emails.
I saw one that had a digital receipt from a jewelry store.
Ok..
And if it’s what I think it is…
it’s good… right?
It’s good.
It’s good. It’s very good.
Yes, but I feel like I ruined the surprise by being nosy.
Or maybe it’s just a bracelet or something.
Maybe.
Why did you think I would react badly?
Because if it’s what we think it is and I move in with him,
or he moves in with me I don’t want you to feel-
No, girl. Don’t worry.
I’ll find another place.
That apartment is yours.
You’ve been paying more of the rent anyway.
Forget about that.
Come on, let's...
to you passing the bar exam.
And that Luis's thing is what you want it to be.
Cheers. - Cheers.
Wait, wait.
And may you be cast as Hamlet again.
Or something like that.
And the award goes to...
Edmund Royce por The Tempest.
Hello, my name is Joaquin Peña.
I’m 35 years old
and I’m reading for "Waiter 2"
Of course.
Yes, but I need your case number, ma'am.
Good afternoon.
This Friday
Don’t miss it.
Good afternoon.
This Friday.
Don’t miss it
I understand but without the case number
I can't open your profile.
Hello. This Friday.
Don't-
He’s very approachable.
We talked a little bit.
I wish I’d had more time to talk with him
but that’s just how it worked out, so…
Joaquin? - It was great.
Excuse me.
Hey
There’s a girl in the hallway asking for you.
Something about a casting.
Ok?
Go.
Ok.
Can you hold this for me? - Yeah
Ok.
Thank you, Beni.
Good luck.
Long live the theater, damn it!
Good evening.
Good evening, Joaquin?
Yes.
Nice to meet you.
My name is Valerie.
I am here on behalf of Trovador Films
They're shooting a movie here on the island and want to audition you for a role.
Are you interested?
Yes. Of course.
Ok.
Tomorrow at one. Are you available?
I have work, but I’ll talk to my boss.
It's not a problem.
Write down your number here.
Sure.
Do you have an agent?
Um, no.
I have an agency that sends us small auditions for extras and things like that.
No contract?
No contract.
Ok.
Alright. Tomorrow we’ll send you a pin with the information.
Sure. Thank you.
Hello.
Let's go.
Yes.
Hey, I have a question.
Have I seen you before?
How's that?
You look familiar.
No, I don't think so.
Okay.
Barbara, Joaquin. Joaquin, Barbara — producer of the film.
It's a pleasure.
The pleasure is mine.
Sit.
Thank you.
Do you want something to drink?
No, I'm fine. Thank you.
Wine for him, please.
Right away.
I see you only have 243 followers.
Yes. I’m not very good with social media.
What do you think about method acting?
I think it can be a useful tool.
Thank you.
Have you used it?
No, not really.
It’s the only way an actor can fully become the character.
If I made you an offer
where you had to commit to the character one hundred percent
using only the Method...
...would you accept?
Of course. Of course.
What do you think of Tony Caballero?
He’s one of our best actors.
Three golden statuettes, about fifteen nominations.
Have people told you that you look like him?
Yes. Yes, they have.
We’re producing a film about Tony’s life.
and we want to offer you the lead role.
Me? As...Tony?
Yes.
Tony through his adult life.
And Tony approved my casting?
Tony approves whatever I approve.
That would be your salary once the film is completed.
But I warn you...
the preparation for this project is unlike anything you’ve ever done.
It’s even more important than the filming itself.
I’ll have to excuse myself for a few minutes.
Read the contract.
Think about it.
You have until tomorrow to make a decision.
The contract is non-negotiable.
Thank you.
This isn’t a joke… right?
No.
This is ridiculous.
Did you read the contract?
I...glanced through it.
You lose control of your social media.
No phone. No photos or video.
No communication with family or friends.
What the fuck, Joaquín?
Ok, ok but did you see how much they’re going to pay me
to work with Tony - fucking- Caballero?
I mean, with that I could pay off our parents’ house,
I could pay off your car. I could buy myself a car.
And I think I’d even have enough left over for a house.
Not quite that much.
I wouldn’t recommend you sign this.
The wine was to celebrate.
And we will celebrate it.
They’re offering you the chance to work with Tony fucking Caballero.
Look, if you want we can get a second opinion or something,
but signing it right away doesn’t feel right to me.
They gave me till tomorrow.
See if they’ll let you negotiate a few points.
They told me it wasn’t negotiable
Nothing?
I'm leaving.
I love you.
Brother, I hope everything works out.
Thank you, man.
Bye.
Bye, I love you.
I love you too.
Damn it, it’s already ten and they haven’t called.
Unkown number. Unkown number.
Wait, wait—let it ring a couple times so it doesn’t look like you’re-
Hello?
Um, yeah, hello?
Joaquín?
Yes, who would you like to speak with?
Have you made a decision?
Hello?
Yes, sorry.
I’ve decided to accept the offer.
Very good.
Start packing.
Tomorrow we’ll send a car to pick you up and bring you to the house.
Okay, thank you.
See you soon.
Good afternoon.
Okay.
At my age,
all my favorite actors were established.
I couldn’t let this opportunity pass.
I know.
Take care, please.
Always.
Don't be getting involved in orgies or weird stuff.
Too late.
Ew
Everything will be fine.
Okay, I have to call Beni.
so I don’t leave him hanging at the theater.
And I have to call the call center
to finally quit that shitty job.
Go.
Emi, I'm going.
Wait, wait.
Here.
What is this?
A prepaid phone. Hide it.
How much did you spend on this?
You don’t know who these people are.
You give them your phone
and keep this one.
It has internet, it can make calls,
and I’ve got your location.
Wow.
poor Luis..
Idiot.
I’m going to miss you, squirt.
And I you.
Take care.
Let me know when you arrive.
Will do.
Good morning.
I know.
The house is amazing.
Wait till you see the inside.
This is your room.
Okay, wow.
I know.
Do you think you can be downstairs in half an hour?
Yes. Yeah.
Okay, see you soon.
Thank you.
Joaquin!
Welcome.
Thank you.
Your house is beautiful.
This will also be your home for the next few months.
Have a seat. - Thank you.
Tony isn’t here with us
because he’s currently shooting a film and arrives
tomorrow afternoon.
I’d like to go over the schedule with you.
Yes.
Yes? - Sure.
Good.
Well, first of all, Valerie will be your assistant
during the film’s preparation.
You’re in very good hands.
Tomorrow afternoon you’ll meet Caro Lafayette
She’s the costume coordinator for the film
but also for your stay here at the house.
Early next week
you will begin your acting sessions with our acting coach, Raul Alcazar.
Tony insisted that we recreate his most important scenes — the classics.
So we have six months
to transform you. To turn you into a
fencer, a boxer, a detective, a soldier.
But most importantly…
to turn you into Tony.
Questions?
I had a small question.
I usually help my sister pay the rent for her apartment
and I wanted to know if it might be possible
to get a small advance on my salary
so I can help her while I’m here for these six months.
We can work something out.
Thank you.
Thank you, Paco.
I believe you’ve met, but just in case.
Paco, Joaquin. Joaquin, Paco.
Yes. Thank you, Paco. -You're welcome.
He’s family.
A childhood friend of Tony’s.
Excuse me.
When we leave the house
Paco stays here looking after it.
Barbara.
The meeting with the investor.
Ah, right.
Let’s sort out the issue with the agents
and meet in my office. - Yes
this doesn’t stop…
But you—eat and drink whatever you like.
But no cellphone.
Of course.
Excuse me.
When would you like the calls with the agents?
Whenever is most convenient for you.
For me?
Joaquin. You’re the one who’ll be taking the call.
Tell me a day and a time.
Tomorrow at twelve?
Tomorrow at twelve.
Done.
Alright.
You may sit.
Thanks.
Hello.
Mario.
Nice to meet you. Joaquin.
Apologies, everything got delayed.
And on top of that, I got lost in the house— it’s gigantic.
Cellphone?
Right, yeah.
Apologies.
Please, sit.
Hands behind.
Whoa. Easy, easy.
Is that water?
Fuck!
Stop, stop, stop.
Stop!
Take this thing off.
Take-
Take off the rope!
Enough. Take this thing off my head! I don’t want to be here!
What type of shitty audition is this?
I don’t care about the papers I signed.
I want out of here now!
You’ll be hearing from my lawyer.
Follow him.
You.
Come with me.
Go ahead.
To the left is the rehearsal room.
And if we go upstairs
you’ll find the library, which also serves as our archive.
There’s everything here.
The boxes are organized by date.
There's old interviews, reports
photographs, articles.
Over there are the awards, the recognitions, the honors.
Beyond that are the films.
Everything is here.
I’d like to tell you something
Sit down for a moment.
Yes.
Tony used to live in a very poor little house with a straw and wooden roof.
The floor was dirt.
His father spent all his money on women and alcohol.
And eventually he abandoned them too.
One night, while Tony was asleep, it rained so much
that the rain opened a hole in the roof right above his bed.
Imagine that. Just a boy. He woke up terrified
and ran to his mother to tell her.
Do you know what his mother did?
She beat him. Gave him a beating.
She told him he was ungrateful and weak.
And she forced him to go back to his room
and sit on his bed
all night under the rain until the storm stopped.
Tony’s childhood was very hard.
But now, as an adult,
he says that his father’s abandonment and his mother’s abuse
were the things that made him so strong… so resilient…
so perseverant.
Just like you, Joaquin.
So congratulations.
The role is yours.
And relax.
That was the hardest test.
Darling, when Tony walked through that door, everybody froze.
-I'm going to drop all that nonsense
And then they sent him straight to me.
I got so nervous my hands started shaking.
But he’s really nice.
He’s a good guy behind the cameras?
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
We’ve worked together on several projects.
Here. Bend it a little bit.
Now let me tell you something
He’s a flirt
A big flirt.
Yes.
Alright, let’s see.
What’s your waist size?
Thirty-one… thirty-two?
Yes.
Thirty-two.
I was a twenty-eight when I was your age.
Nice to meet you. Tony.
Tony.
Of course. Sorry. Nice to meet you.
I love that hair like that.
Thank you.
How are you?
All good.
Here with your....younger version.
What do you think?
I think even old, I’m more handsome than him.
Oh, you’re terrible.
Don’t listen to him.
Alright, I’ll leave you two.
No.
Yes...
We have to talk.
When you finish here, you and I will go for a walk.
Of course.
Perfect.
See you.
You’re nervous.
Yes.
I can tell.
Yes.
Back then, what ran through my veins was vodka. I barely remember
some of those films.
Here. Take this. You won’t need it.
Forget Stanislavski. Forget Meisner. Here we’re going to
work with Tony Caballero's Method.
Understood?
Yes.
Physically, I don’t see much resemblance.
And from what I’m getting from you… not the right vibe either.
But
we’ll work on that. Right?
Of course.
Cheers. -Cheers.
This is the most ambitious project of my
career. Possibly yours too. And it’s going to require
that you forget about Joaquin, that small-stage actor.
I’m going to need you to become Antonio Caballero.
Are we clear?
That’s how it’ll be.
Pretty, that assistant of yours, Valerie.
Yes.
Hm?
What’s that?
Yeah. Pretty. Yes.
We’ve got a lot of work ahead of us.
Tony, thank you for being here.
Tell us a little about the play you recently did.
A pianist as well.
Well, in this profession you get to live many lives.
Ready?
Yes.
Raul.
Nice to meet you. Joaquin.
Tony.
Alright.
Let’s get to work.
Better. Keep breathing.
Let the body drop. The weight of the body.
No, no. Let go. Let it go.
Let the floor hold you.
The color red rises from below, through the legs.
And it rises above, through the crown.
Actors are craftsmen and shamans.
One more. From the gut. From the gut. Let it out!
That’s enough for today.
Better?
We're getting somewhere.
No, thank you.
Tony used to smoke.
I’ve never smoked before.
Quit after filming. We all have to die of something.
Now it’s yours.
Thank you.
That’s it. The one from the back — uppercut
That's it. Now, don’t push. Remember—throw it. Throw it.
Use your body.
Ready boys.
Point.
First position.
Don’t feel bad.
This old man has over a hundred sword fights in his career.
Of course. Okay, again.
Let’s go again.
[The actress Veronica Caruso did not die by overdose.]
[Tony Caballero was there.]
[Tony was there that night and Veronica had...]
[marks in her neck.]
[Veronica Caruso in the movie Room 502]
What? Did you read it well?
Yes I did. -What does it say, then?
What does it say?
I read it.
He always have something negative to say.
Don’t pay attention to him.
Then NOT everything is ok.
A lot of critics liked your work.
That’s just how he is. James Goodwin is like that.
Wait till I see him.
And you’re coming with me.
It’s time you start dealing with these useless people.
Like that critic, James Goodwin, from that crappy newspaper "The Corner"
No matter what you do, they always trash your work.
From now on, I’m going to supervise your preparation.
Those fencing lessons, boxing, french- like she set up.
No. All of that is external.
And...
...what did you have in mind?
It's comfortable.
Better than the Chevy I used to have, right?
Alright, see you tomorrow.
Good night.
How long do you plan to leave him in there?
Well, I once spent two weeks sleeping in my car.
Let him do the same. - No, no, no.
One or two days and that's it.
First, you bring me some kid with no experience.
Second, he doesn’t even look like me.
And when I tell you how - Oh, stop.
to make him more like me -Forget it.
you question me?
You're impossible, Barbara. -Stop.
Another question I had...
about one of my favorite films of yours
Room 502
Yes, one of my favorites. You’re left-handed?
Ah, yes.
You always hear about actors who play couples on screen
and everything looks beautiful.
And then you find out they couldn’t stand each other
behind the cameras.
Rare, but it happens.
On that film, did you get along with all the actresses?
It's so long ago,
but yes.
I think so.
Because...
I was very impressed by the chemistry you had with everyone.
Particularly with one actress, the one who played Marta.
Her name was...
Veronica... - Caruso.
Veronica Caruso.
Good scenes.
Good actress.
Such a shame she died so young.
Good morning, my love.
Good morning.
You look gorgeous. Your beauty is out of control today.
Thank you.
Good morning.
Shit.
Fuck.
Remember the circumstances. She’s hiding something.
The moment before.
You know where you’re coming from.
Right? What is your objective. You know.
Go.
And...
Action.
Cut.
Less. Less.
Close your mouth.
Remember, Tony projected a lot of confidence in his characters.
Remember what we talked about about confidence.
Connect with that chakra down there.
Alright. Let's go.
Action.
Oh, I'm sorry.
Joaquin?
Yes. - Come in.
You don’t have to apologize.
I didn’t know someone was going to be here.
Yes, yes. Go ahead.
Would you like some wine?
No, I’m good, thank you.
So, how did it go in the archive?
Good.
There’s enough material there for several days.
Did you learn anything?
Mannerisms.
But I feel like there’s a character he puts on for interviews
Like another Tony.
I’m not sure there’s much to take from that.
Look...
Actors are a bit like politicians.
Politicians chase votes.
Actors chase ticket sales.
That’s the business.
And you wanted to ask me something?
Well, I had a few questions for you, but they can wait until tomorrow.
Take advantage— I’ve had three glasses of wine.
They were questions like… from your point of view, about Tony
and the relationship.
Look...
That’s when I fell in love with him.
A little before we filmed that scene...
...he stole my first kiss.
Wearing that same costume.
Was it in that movie you guys met?
That was the first thing he did when he came back from Vietnam.
The producer assigned me as his assistant.
Tony even convinced me to appear in a scene with him.
I was terrified. I thought he might be
full of himself, arrogant
but no.
He still didn’t know how big he was going to become.
So at some point he changed?
We had two good years
before the world collapsed on top of us.
Literally.
Sometimes I like to think that fame and power changed him.
Other times… I don’t know.
Maybe he was always like that.
No. First I read the post, then the nightmare.
I’m on the page now.
The 22-year-old actress, Veronica Caruso. Yeah.
What does it say?
It says she died of an overdose. I can send you screenshots.
No. Don’t send me anything, just in case.
A year after her death...
It says there was a famous actor in the hotel that night.
I have an idea but I don’t know if you’re going to like it.
Tell me.
I’ll call you later.
Hello?
-Hi. -Hi.
I wanted to tell you we’ve announced your name and the film.
Oh crap.
Sorry
Meeting downstairs in ten minutes?
Sure.
Or we could go now.
You know you want to laugh.
See?
It's funny. I should probably write "Ouch, my ego."
But you made Valerie laugh.
Oh, you’re exaggerating.
That’s literally the first time I’ve seen you laugh since I got here.
I’ve been working.
Question...
How long have you been here?
How long have you been working with Barbara?
A friend of mine who works in production
heard they were looking for people.
So I sent my resume and I ended up here.
I arrived about a month before you did.
And you like your job?
I love it.
I mean…
...it’s a step toward where I eventually want to get
Which is?
Mansion?
Barbara.
Producer?
That’s cool.
Remember me when you get to the top.
You too.
Another one?
The last one, Joaquin.
The last one.
Don’t you ever disrespect me like that again.
You’ll regret it, you hear me?
Honor your father and your mother. Disrespect me again and you’ll go to hell.
You'll burn.
Good children don’t do that.
Think about it.
Your mother likes this.
It gives her pleasure.
She enjoys to make you feel this way.
Feel it. Feel it.
If I come back into this house again,
I’d better find you on your knees,
praying and asking for forgiveness.
Or you’ll sleep outside. You hear me?
Yes.
Did you hear me, you little idiot?
Did you hear me?
You're both children.
One is five. The other is four years old.
They’re happy. Joyful.
One of the children is going to give the other one a gift.
The one receiving it is very excited.
Joyful, happy.
And he’s going to discover what’s inside the gift.
He won’t guess.
He will discover what the other child gave him.
You can make sounds. Move your body.
Onomatopoeic sounds. How does that child feel?
He jumps with joy.
He plays. He dances.
And that gift can transform
into anything he wants.
And he’s going to give the gift back to the other child.
He’s going to discover what the gift is.
Don’t guess. Discover it.
What is he giving you?
How does that child feel now?
Does he feel anger? Is there violence there?
What does he feel?
Asthmatic?
As a child.
Take a deep breath again.
Do you smoke?
Started recently.
You know asthma and cigarettes are a deadly combination.
But he can keep working, right?
What we’re doing here is pretty simple.
Isn’t there some kind of shot you can give him?
Something that’ll fix him right up.
I’ll prescribe antibiotics, and I’ll give him a shot
to reduce the inflammation in his bronchi.
But the kid needs to rest.
I’ll leave the prescription with Paco.
Thank you, Casillas.
Kissing
girls
round town.
Like father, like son.
I will not allow
my son to grow up a womanizer
just like his father, did you hear me?!
So you don’t forget.
Fuck, fuck, fuck.
No, no… I don’t know what this is.
That was the first of five burns.
I’m sorry that happened to you but...
I quit.
I'm sorry. I quit.
Excuse me.
What I said about quitting...
Please ignore it.
If I’d had the opportunity, I would’ve left too.
See you tomorrow.
And Tony came up with the brilliant idea of intimidating a producer.
And according to Barbara...
Paco grabbed a bat and said, “So where are we going?”
Damn.
Yeah. You can’t make that up.
Okay… and what if...
Paco helped Tony
with Veronica?
Wait.
Who else did you tell that to?
No one.
If I were you, I’d forget about it.
Do you know how many people would love to be in our place?
I’m sure Tony is a narcissist
and a lunatic, among other things.
But a murderer?
No.
Want me to help you read lines?
That would help a lot.
Okay, let’s do it.
Sure.
When do you need it?
Tomorrow.
Do you want me to be there with you?
Yes.
I’d like you to be there at...
at 12:30.
at 12:30, then.
He tries to kiss her.
Mr. Caballero, I have a boyfriend.
Now you have a boyfriend?
Would Tony say it like that?
Or-
It's fine.
Can we try it again?
Let's do it.
Thank you.
Paco. Good evening.
Are there any of Tony’s cupcakes left?
Ah. They’re all gone.
But I’ve got something better.
Thank you.
At your service.
What is this?
Open your mouth.
Open your mouth!
Okay.
Don’t you trust me?
No.
Ok.
Oh shit. What is this?
I have no clue.
What are you looking for?
What is it?
Come here.
Identical.
Is it hard for you to be Tony?
Sometimes.
And right now...
are you Joaquín?
Or are you Tony?
I don’t know.
Joaquin, then.
Let’s go meet the girl from the post.
You.
What are you doing here?
Running away… and drinking.
Pitorro?
Don’t say anything. Sit down.
Help yourself.
Revisiting the past is a shitty thing.
It’s like…
like trying to glue together a broken mirror.
You always end up seeing yourself fractured into pieces.
What was it you wanted to know?
The surgeries? To me they didn’t turn out so bad.
Well…
Something no one knows.
Every time I see one of those postcards
dedicated to mothers or fathers—
-the ones used for gifts.
It eats me up.
Eats me up.
Growing up with a mother who hates you…
who takes it out on you for what your father did…
I wouldn’t wish that on anyone.
I don’t think she hated you.
Maybe your father abandoning her left her deeply affected.
“Affected” is putting it mildly.
what else did you want to know?
Any...
affairs with an actress?
Something like that.
Something nobody knows.
Barbara couldn’t have children.
We asked the doctor not to tell us which one of us was the problem.
Just so things wouldn’t get complicated.
But at the end...
Alright.
Now it’s your turn.
Fair’s fair.
No, no. "In the end" what?
No. You tell me something.
Tell me something about you.
I’m the one who’s supposed to study you.
Give me a break, will you?
Are you ok? Do you need something? - I'm fine, I'm fine.
It’s been a while since I drank this much.
I almost became a father.
Almost?
Almost.
What happened?
Never get surgery.
You hear me?
They never turns out the way you think they will.
You’re a coward.
Don’t you realize how big this is?
Why are you such a weak man?
Weak man?
Is this a "weak man"?
Here.
You can’t forget— Tony always grabs by the neck.
Sorry.
Stop apologizing all the time.
You have to kill Joaquin.
Otherwise, I don’t think you can do this.
This was something that happened often?
Well...if we count assistants and co-workers.
Yes.
Tony awake at this hour?
Good morning.
Would you prefer breakfast here?
No. Take it to the dining room, please.
Very well. - Thank you.
Ignoring me like that is the most Tony thing you've done since you arrived.
I want to go out today.
See my sister, have a coffee with her.
Tony wasn’t always locked in here.
In fact
he spends more time outside than here.
I'll ask Paco to drive you.
No.
I'll drive.
Look, look. I think that's her.
Janice?
Emily?
Yes.
Hi. Joaquín. Nice to meet you.
Nice to meet you.
Thank you for accepting the invitation.
I know the circumstances are a little strange.
Thank you for showing interest in my aunt.
Veronica was your aunt then?
Yes, on my mother’s side.
Look, sorry, but...
when you told me your brother worked with Tony...
I expected someone older.
You’re the guy that's going to play Tony.
Yeah, but...
neither Tony nor anyone from the film knows I’m here.
Like I told my sister, if they find out, I’ll get in trouble but...
since I read what happened to your aunt on the blog,
I haven’t been able to get it out of my head.
What stuck with me from the blog was something I read from a lady
who worked at the hotel.
She said she saw someone famous enter that night.
I was five years old, right? But my mom...
She told me she spoke with that lady from the hotel.
She was the receptionist.
And she paid attention to everything. Everyone who came in, everyone who left.
And she told my mom...
she heard the police say my aunt had marks on her neck.
And that report disappeared.
Damn.
Yeah. Corruption.
Did they think Tony and Veronica had something going on?
We don’t think it. We know it.
Look...
These are letters and poems
that Tony wrote to my aunt.
And nobody knows about this?
My mom and the family. It was an open secret.
And with all the questions about the case, you never thought about-
Publishing the letters? Of course we did.
And what happened?
Well...
My mom was afraid.
The lady from the hotel was afraid. Everyone was afraid.
You know, Tony is a very powerful man.
Everyone treats him like a god.
He would have destroyed us.
Would you be interested in reopening the case?
I don’t know.
Mom passed away. And that’s how I found those letters.
And I don’t know. It made me curious, really.
But she didn’t kill herself with sleeping pills.
With pills she didn’t even use.
That much I know.
What do you think?
I was going to ask you that.
I don’t know.
I thought you’d be someone with conspiracy theories about Tony.
Exactly. Me too.
But it seems like something really happened.
Really?
Since when do you smoke?
It’s for the movie.
You’re acting weird, Joaco. What’s wrong?
Everything is fine.
Doesn’t seem like it.
I’m fine, really.
Actually, I have to go. I kind of snuck out.
When will I see you again?
Three or four months.
Then ask for the rehearsal date. I don’t want you all lost at the wedding.
Alright.
I'm going to get going. Love you.
Me too.
Take care, ok?
You too. - See you, squirt.
That's it! Again.
Action.
There it is.
Just like that.
Look...
this is a list of the possible questions they might ask you in the interview.
And this section- -What are you doing tomorrow?
We’re filming tomorrow.
And after that?
Some wine?
I hope you don’t change your mind tomorrow.
Why would I change my mind?
Take this.
Don't feel bad.
Paco?
Excuse me. I was- I thought everyone was asleep.
Yes… that’s what I should be doing too.
Do you have something to help me with that?
Of course.
Something that’ll knock me out.
Tomorrow is your first day of shooting.
I need to sleep.
Is it only sleep that’s troubling you?
Several things.
Allow me to say…
That whole actor’s process… the Method, as you call it…
is a mystery to me.
But now when I see you there…
that "several things"
it’s as if I was traveling back in time. Decades ago.
Tony...
Tony.
It truly is incredible.
The effects last several hours, so...
you may be drowsy during the first hours of the morning.
Thank you, Paco.
At your service.
Rest well.
You too.
Well, I want to take this moment to welcome you all
to your first day of filming on this extraordinary movie.
I want you to know that for the next thirty—
Twenty-nine.
The next twenty-nine days— she’s the producer—
For the next twenty-nine days you will be immersed
in what will become a great production.
This will not be just any movie.
I don’t need just any extra, technicians. I don’t need small actors.
What I need… is for you
to become
in what you should be.
Set.
And...
Action!
I know I’m not Father of the Year, Tony.
But your mother wasn’t easy.
Why did you come? - Why did you come?
You know these are hard times.
And...
And I’ve got a debt.
With a few bucks I could pay it off.
It’ll save my neck.
Cut!
You okay?
Yes.
And Joaquín?
He did good.
I'm going home.
Do you still have a boyfriend?
Yes.
Do you still have a boyfriend?
Yes.
What was the next part?
Now we-
You okay? - Yeah.
Yeah, yeah.
Let's go again.
From the top? - Yeah
Ok.
Ready for rehearsal?
Yes. - And the girl?
Young Barbara.
Any update? -She’s on her way.
Thank you.
Let me know.
Here, Tony.
Do you have any doubts about what we’re going to do?
Well, I haven’t met the girl playing Barbara yet.
I’d like to experiment with this scene a little.
First we do it as written in the script the first few times, and then we improvise.
Agreed?
Yeah.
Be right back, then.
I need you to cooperate with me.
We’re missing cigarettes.
They smoke in here.
Good morning.
That's a nice outfit.
Thank you.
Are you going to be in the movie?
Yes.
Alright, let’s see.
That's cool.
Let’s see.
I can see it.
Barbara.
Remember, Tony convinced you to be in this scene.
Here I’d like to experiment with different levels of discomfort.
Remember that...
you’re an assistant, not an actress.
Alright?
Thanks.
I'll leave you again. Please cooperate.
Pour me one too.
You ok?
A toothpaste commercial.
That’s where I’d seen you before.
Nice work.
Joaquin.
I-
Tony.
You're leaving already?
I didn’t want to wake you.
Want to have breakfast downstairs?
And let them see us together?
It doesn't matter.
Cut!
Let’s move on.
Mark that one, please.
Excellent.
Please—take the camera 3...
Now...
we’re going to do a slightly closer shot. A little more intimate.
Would you like some water?
No, thank you.
Mr. Peña.
That scene is one of the best things I’ve seen since I started making films.
Thank you.
Excellent work, my friend.
Thanks.
We need to pay a little more attention to the money.
Tony...
Cut!
There’s no truth.
No truth.
Tony.
Let’s take it from the moment he pushes you against the ropes.
Alright.
Take two.
Cut!
Again, Tony.
Take five.
Cut!
You’re missing the truth.There’s no truth, Tony. I don’t believe you.
Take 12
Take 23
Again, Tony. More truth.
He’s hitting me for real. Isn’t that the truth?
Take 36.
Invoke the truth. Stop acting.
Invoke the truth.
Again.
You got it? How many more? - As many as neccesary.
How many more you argentinian asshole? - Again.
Again. -Motherfucker.
Take 128.
Again!
Again! For fuck’s sake!
Who do you think you are motherfucker?
That's in your contract! - And in yours?
And you claim to be an actor! - How many takes?!
How many takes do you need?! - And you claim to be an actor!
Motherfucker.
Neither you or the spaniard are going to rob me of my next award-
Come up here, cocksucker. Come up!
Get up here! - Wipe my ass!
How many more?! 80?!
We're going to do it again!
And as many times as necessary.
Makeup!
I’m working with children!
Joaquin, are you alright?
I don’t know if I’m confusing what’s real and what isn’t.
Do you know what happened to Robert Harris?
The role of a madman ended up driving him mad.
That’s why you need to find a family.
Someone who helps you keep your feet on the ground.
Motherfucker!
My bad. Let's do it again.
I don’t know if I’m confusing what’s real and what isn’t.
Goddammit.
Hi, I’m Carla. They told me you were rehearsing here.
You look just like Veronica.
Great casting.
I’m the one who’ll be playing Veronica.
Nice to meet you.
Joaquin, please, call.
We’re starting to worry about you. The rehearsal is tomorrow.
Don’t worry, honey.
He’ll show up any minute.
Action.
Excuse me.
Before I go change, I wanted to take the chance—
Some of the girls and I are going out to the bar.
and we wanted to invite you.
No, thanks.
I’m tired and I want to see my wife.
Yes, I understand.
See you Monday.
Have a good weekend.
Cut!
Your wife is here.
Hi.
You look beautiful.
Thank you
They told me you had problems with the director.
It happens.
You know I couldn’t tell you anything.
It was in my contract.
It's fine.
It's fine?
Fine.
The last time we talked, you were being a real jerk to me.
Well, that’s Tony for you.
Now it turns out you were in character.
I thought we were always in character.
No. Not always.
Thank you, Paco.
I'm going to need your help with something.
And these keys that I have here—
You see them?
Come closer.
They’re from the 19th century.
Tony.
Yeah?
They’re waiting for you.
For what?
A dance with the birthday girl.
Excuse me.
You ok?
Thank you.
Let's go.
Tony.
Excuse me.
Yeah?
What are you doing?
Strolling.
You’re supposed to be with your wife all the time.
Why can’t I spend time with both of them?
That’s not how it works.
Because for your preparation you’re supposed to be exclusively with your wife.
With Barbara.
Why are you being like this?
How?
Because I did what you never could.
Don’t be ridiculous.
Besides, I don't know what the hell you’re talking about.
No—I think you know exactly
what I’m talking about.
In fact…
I think I’m a better Tony than you.
Apologies for the spectacle
I think I’m going to leave.
You’re leaving?
Yes. If Tony is that drunk, I don’t feel comfortable.
Alright.
Take care.
Safe travels.
See you. Thank you.
You and I had...
a glass of wine pending.
Yes.
Shall we?
Let's go.
After you.
Paco.
Like this?
Very good.
Leave it for a bit.
Miss Valerie likes it well done.
Ok.
Tonight we have rehearsal.
For what?
A scene I want to try out.
The director knows?
At seven o’clock.
All set.
You know she has a boyfriend, right?
Good kid.
Barbara had a boyfriend too when I met her.
She left him two weeks later.
See you later.
You don’t look well.
I didn’t sleep well.
Well then, I’ll be late.
Stay over with your sister if you want.
Spent some time together.
Welcome, Joaquin.
To the film.
To art.
And to us.
Tonight we’re going to play.
Today we’ll do an exercise
about the subconscious.
Your desires
your fears.
You ok?
Tonight we’ll forge memories.
Nightmares.
I want you not to judge your characters.
They are what they are…
or what they once were.
Please.
Both of you are deeply in love.
But neither of you dares to take the first step.
You have an overwhelming desire for each other.
But you don’t dare.
What’s wrong?
This is over.
Your wife already knows.
This ends here.
Don’t look for me again.
Tell her you have another man too.
That you’re pregnant and don’t know whose it is.
I'm Barbara? Am I Barbara?
Grab her by the throat.
That's it.
Harder.
Harder dammit!
Come on!
Harder!
Harder dammit!
No, no.
That's not it, Joaquin. Again.
Again, Joaquin. Go ahead.
Go ahead!
You ok?
Joaquin, get on top again.
Let's go!
That's how you killed her, right?
Come on. Get on top again.
Is this how you killed Veronica?
Barbara told you.
Hello?
Good evening?
I’m sick of this movie. Sick of you, Joaquin.
I open the door to you and you spit in my hand.
But no. No, no, no!
This can’t go on like this.
Officer, these kids
were mixing alcohol with some of my medication.
When I went into the room, I found them like this.
What a shame.
Where are you going?
Now you don’t seem so tough.
You don’t bite the hand that feeds you.
Officer, Joaquín tried to take advantage of the girl.
Luckily I walked into the room and managed to grab him.
He turned violent and grabbed one of the swords.
He attacked me
But the boy bit off more than he could chew.
So you’d look like me.
I loved her.
Veronica.
But nobody messes with my livelyhood.
And nobody messes with Barbara.
Joaquin!
Let him go. Let him go!
Are you ok?
You never learn, do you?
You always finish what you start.
Paco.
Call Casillas.
Is Valerie ok?
The girl?
She was doing better.
And Tony?
No idea.
I hope he rots.
You drove all the way by yourself?
Luis doesn’t even know I’m here.
Good thing I came anyway because if-
Excuse us.
Are you sure about what you're doing?
Quite sure.
Emy...
Give me one second.
After I came all this way to find you?
I'm not going anywhere.
Talk.
How’s Valerie?
Valeria is fine. Casillas is taking care of her.
I’m very sorry about what happened with Tony.
Casillas assures me that he no longer represents a threat to anyone.
And of course, he’s no longer part of the production.
Which brings me to what I wanted to talk to you about.
The contract. - That contract is illegal.
Trespassing is illegal as well.
That contract was drafted very carefully.
The penalty for breach of contract is significant.
Neither you nor your little sister can afford to pay it.
So I suggest
you consider finishing the film.
Then everyone goes their own way.
I’ll give you a few minutes to think about it.
You knew about Tony and Veronica, right?
Discretion and prudence were never Tony’s strengths.
And that she was pregnant. Did you know that?
I feel so sorry for that girl.
Especially if it was Tony’s.
You’re both pieces of shit
Joaquin.
You always forget.
It's here.
What the fuck is wrong with you?
It's her wrap from "Caballero".
Congratulations.
Thank you.
You finish today too, right?
One more scene and it's done.
Excuse me.
Baby.
Congratulations.
Tony had given me permission.
Alright.
I’ll see you on set in a moment.
I have to get going. I'll see you later, baby, ok?
Ok.
Congratulations again.
Cut!
A round of applause for Joaquín because he is picture wrapped!
Despite the setbacks, you managed to turn things around.
Good for you.
The documents have to be authenticated.
We need to file a motion detailing the irregularities in the case
the statements that never appeared.
You know this process takes months, sometimes even years.
I understand.
I hope it works out even though I coudn't find anything...
...concrete.
But you’ve already done enough.
Besides, you put your life at risk.
Thank you both for your commitment.
I appreciate it.
Thanks.
Thank you.
Get out of the way.
Excuse me.
Joaquin!
Asshole.
You’re lucky they didn’t charge you.
He’s the one who got you out.
Thanks, Paco.
Whatever you need, sir. You know you can count on me.
Thank you.
The award for Best Actor goes to...
Joaquin Peña for the film "Caballero".
It’s a dream come true.
What?
[Veronica Caruso Case Reopened]
- Congratulations. [Veronica Caruso Case Reopened]
You’ve got one hell of a case. [Veronica Caruso Case Reopened]
Thank you.
Though I’d rather you didn’t get involved with those people.
Now you’re the one telling me not to get involved with them?
I know.
Come on. We should celebrate.
Wine?
Soon.
Ok.
I’ll send the news to Mom. She’s going to go hysterical.
Alright.
Those boxes go next to the bed.
How’s everything going, Paco?
Joaquin, everything’s good. We’re getting organized little by little.
But it’s almost done.
Good. Very good.
That table—why is it there?
That table goes there, next to the sofa.