Original subtitles

One, two, three...

Of all things certain in life

There's no surer thing than doubt

Of all things certain in life

There's no surer thing than doubt

I've heard many a time Of many a thing

It is certain and known

I've heard many a time Of many a thing

It is certain and known

For the release of our album, we should have a choir like that.

A massive show.

Nice.

How did you like it?

It's cool.

- Very uplifting. - Maybe you should join then.

Yeah, might do.

- C'mon, let's have a beer. - I'm going home.

C'mon, Nicolau.

I don't feel like it. Plus, I'm cycling.

Hey there.

You guys got any skins?

- Take as many as you want. - Right on.

I'm gonna roll a spliff, you fancy a few puffs?

- Sure. - I'm fine.

Never mind him, he's depressed.

Depressed or not, I've always liked getting stoned.

Tiago?

- By the way, I'm Tiago. - Miguel.

- Nicolau. - This is Chloé.

- Shall we go to the Cosmos? - Yes.

- You coming? - Where's that?

In outer space.

It's a bar in Campolide.

Sounds nice.

Not sure, hell of a climb by bike.

Hey, it's not your birthday every day.

Man, it's your birthday? C'mon, you gotta come.

Shall we go?

- Are you French? - Yep.

Your friends as well?

Another habit I picked up living abroad.

What?

Buying rounds. Nobody buys you a drink around here.

We've no money.

We're fucking stingy, that's what!

How old are you today actually?

- Twenty-four. - Right.

Same age as me, I thought you were younger.

And I thought you were older.

What's that supposed to mean? I have bad skin?

No, not that. She's older though, isn't she?

- Sorry, I forgot her name. - Chloé.

Yes, she's 29.

Jesus!

Nearly 30, man!

- Isn't that weird? - Her being older? No!

She's 29, but lives like she was 19.

It's fun, but when it comes to making plans,

forget it.

We're together now, and that's what matters.

If she hadn't come to Lisbon, I'd be really bummed out.

You're telling me...

Don't you wanna play?

Hey...

you got a light?

No, sorry. I don't smoke.

Don't you like pool?

I'm not very good at it. How about you?

I was playing a while ago.

Now I'd rather stay here.

I don't know...

Truth is, my life is nothing like I imagined it would be.

The longer I've been here,

the further I get from what brought me to Lisbon.

- Why did you come? - To study acting.

But I dropped out.

- You didn't like it? - Of course I did.

I couldn't pay all my bills.

Rent and tuition fees, on a part-time job.

Weren't your parents able to help?

They were at first, but it started getting harder.

I didn't complete my second year.

What are you doing now?

I'm a credit analyst.

How fucked-up is that?

Yeah...

Very sad.

C'mon, there's no need for that.

You get used to sadness, I even like it in small doses.

Like people who love the rain?

That's me, I've gotten caught in many downpours.

How about you locking your bike?

- Do you live here? - No.

But I always find an open door.

I must get going.

Are you serious?

Come on.

Is it the stairs?

- They wire me up. - That's not it.

I have to get up early tomorrow.

You're kidding, right?

I'm sorry.

- Where are you going to? - Sete Rios.

I can give you a ride. If you want.

Can you do it?

Of course I can, easily.

Just sit sideways.

- You alright? - Yep.

What's all this about?

This is no time to be in bed.

Alright, there's no need to shout.

Next time, please knock.

Hi, Nicolau. Happy birthday.

Sorry I didn't call yesterday, I was in a silent retreat.

It finished just now at sunrise. It was beautiful!

I hope...

And make sure you air your bedroom.

Hi, Nicolau. Happy birthday.

Sorry I didn't call yesterday, I was in a silent retreat.

It finished just now at sunrise.

It was beautiful!

I hope you had a lovely day.

I've always envied you for your birthday in spring.

The countryside is beautiful here, lots of colors.

That's it. Kisses from Alentejo in full bloom.

THE LUMINOUS LIFE

Do you use this bike often?

Yep, every day. Why?

- A bit small for your size, isn't it? - I know.

I got it when I turned 14.

It might be time to get a new one.

Then you wouldn't be riding a kid's bike.

I can't. It has great sentimental value.

- I see... - How much to change the front wheel?

About 40 to 50 euros.

Too bad, forget it then.

We can do it at the community bike shop, you won't pay anything.

But you'd have to wait, I have other repairs first.

- I don't mind waiting. - OK then.

- Pedro. - Yes?

- You confirm next week's count? - Sure.

Clara can't come, you know anyone who can do it?

I'll ask around, there's always someone.

Cool! Let me know then.

Sure thing.

Let me remove this.

- Was that about a job? - Best job in the world.

What is it?

Sara works on a city council mobility project.

They need people to count bikes on the streets.

Is that a job?

And pays super well. Only problem is, it's just two weeks.

I can do it, it would come in handy.

Oh yeah? Great, I'll tell her.

Hello, my love.

I thought about you all day yesterday.

Like every day actually.

But yesterday it was different.

Thanks for your message.

It's always good to hear your voice.

I wish you were here.

- Peekaboo! - Welcome!

I missed you so much.

- Happy belated birthday. - Thanks.

How was the party yesterday?

Nothing special. A few beers with Miguel and some guys.

All quiet on the western front.

What can I say?

I missed you.

I know.

There was a strike in Rome.

I left five hours earlier and still missed my flight.

Jesus!

You're back, that's what counts.

What about your bike?

I gave a ride to a chick, and we fell over.

- And? - That's it.

Who was the chick?

She chatted me up at the bar, we talked.

- No kisses, nothing? - We kissed a little.

Really? Well done. At last!

- What d'you mean? - How long haven't...

Who's counting? That kind of talk does my head in.

Calm down. I haven't seen you in months.

What kind of talk?

"Hit on that girl, it'll do you good, move on..."

What if I don't want to move on?

Don't. It's your problem.

It was a mistake.

I didn't even like her, just went along with it.

The whole day I was hoping Inês would show up by surprise.

Why would she do that?

It was my birthday.

And she'd come out of the cake like Marylin Monroe?

Something like that.

- You broke up a year ago. - That's when she left.

We broke up later.

It lasted two years and ten months.

That's hard to forget.

You're such a drama queen.

This whole thing is pathetic. I'm out of patience.

Get laid.

Doesn't have to be the love of your life.

And couldn't be. The love of my life is gone.

No, no, no... That's not right.

Chill, man. I was just trying a phrase.

I call that playing badly.

You, Nicolau.

Give it more sound, don't be afraid.

- Like I showed you the other day. - I'll try.

Come on, guys. For fuck's sake...

From the beginning.

Here we go.

How long you been at the bike shop?

Not long.

It's not even my real job.

I'm helping Sara out, it's a busy month.

What do you do then?

So many things.

I do surveys. A designing gig here and there.

I sell fruit on the streets.

I've worked at restaurant kitchens, at a skate shop.

I've repaired electric scooters.

Wow! A jack of all trades.

By the way, I've even done some busking.

Then again, it's no life of luxury.

But as Tom Zé once said,

"You create luxury, I create trash."

You create love I create loneliness

You create love I create loneliness

I'll be right back.

- See you later. Say goodbye, Rosa. - See you tomorrow, Rosa.

See you tomorrow.

- Did it go well? - Yes.

- What did you guys do? - We glued some flowers.

Good afternoon.

Excuse me.

Look, I'm touching the sky.

And I'm eating a cloud.

Cinematheque May 2023

Shall we go, Rosa?

There's a goal in our playground.

Do you play well?

Not so well.

You never scored a goal?

No.

- You should practice harder then. - I know.

Hi there.

- How did it go? - Very well.

- She had an ice-cream though. - Seriously?

She was hungry.

- You staying for dinner? - No, I must go.

- Give uncle a hug. - Please stay, uncle.

- Next time, I promise. - OK.

Give me a kiss.

Come on.

Bye bye.

See you next week. Thanks.

Bye bye.

Monday 7.30pm FOUR NIGHTS OF A DREAMER

Check the last page.

A treasure map.

It's all spoon-fed to you.

Look.

Jesus. How strange!

She looks exactly like her.

I told you.

Why don't you go talk to her?

I don't talk to ghosts.

Le Cinématographe.

So what?

It's class.

Say something in French.

Hello.

Enjoy the movie.

Hello.

First of all, I'd like to thank Augusto Dias for being with us today.

He's doing a brief introduction to the movie we're about to see.

For the few of you who still don't know

our guest's aesthetic and critical commitment,

for several years now Augusto Dias has spoken

exclusively through French quotations of Robert Bresson,

or his movies.

I'll refrain from impoverishing his words

with a translation for those who don't understand French.

I believe we'll grasp their original meaning

through our speaker's renowned and recognized expressivity.

Let's now listen to Augusto.

"Nothing rings more false in a film

than that natural tone of a theater

copying life and traced over studied sentiments.

Cinematographic film,

where expression is obtained by relations of images and sounds,

and not by a mimicry done with gestures and intonations of voice.

One that does not analyze or explain. One that recomposes.

No actors.

No parts.

No staging.

But the use of models taken from life.

The thing that matters is not what they show me,

but what they hide from me.

And above all,

what they do not suspect is in them.

Between them and me: telepathic exchanges,

divination."

Are you busy the next few days?

I'm working this week.

What is it this time? Surveys?

Pasting posters?

Counting bikes.

- You hear that, Clara? - No.

Come here then, it's a good one.

Be right there.

Since when is counting bikes a job?

Since I'm getting paid to do it.

Why?

You wanted to put me down or arrange something?

I can't, I'm flying tomorrow.

I'd like you to meet a friend who runs an advertising firm.

He may get you something.

Cool, thanks.

Doing what?

I don't know, he'll tell you.

Is it full time?

I think that's the idea. Why?

I won't have time for music.

Is it me or do professional musicians practice every day?

It's been over a year now, and I've never heard you play.

You're never around.

What do you know about me? You don't even ask.

You land from time to time to crack some jokes.

That's called having a job, son.

Thanks to that, you can go on doing shitty jobs.

'Cause that's what they are.

I wish I could spend more time here with you guys.

What's the point if you're always complaining?

Your father is right, Nicolau.

You need to occupy your time and mind.

You keep moping about like a ghost, it's even scary.

These are the best years of your life. Make the most of them.

Doesn't feel like they are.

That's the problem, you're letting life pass you by.

Sometimes I feel like shaking you.

Fall in love with something or someone.

Easier said than done.

Work gives you a purpose in life.

It's not just about money.

All this aimlessness isn't good for your head.

It's the same for all my friends.

Nobody has a job.

They have dreams, don't they?

Or plans, goals?

Something to get them out of bed.

Don't you think I'd like that as well?

I just can't see myself doing anything.

Not a full-time job anyway.

What about that idea of playing as a studio musician?

Yes, it pays well.

What are you waiting for?

You can't find that kind of job just like that.

I'd need contacts, find someone to record with.

So what are you waiting for?

Can't you see he's insecure?

He's 24, Clara. Don't treat him like a child.

Let's hear what he has to say.

I think that's the problem. I've lost my self-confidence.

My band isn't going anywhere.

I didn't go with Inês to do the album.

In the end...

Perhaps you should admit you don't want to be a musician.

And close the Inês chapter once and for all.

It's like an excuse to not do anything else.

What we want is something...

How shall I put it?

We want something dynamic.

You get the idea?

Motivation, flexibility, dynamism.

We want to foster that spirit.

After all, my firm is your firm.

Sharing is what makes our firm

a big company.

What do you think of what I just said?

Well, I'm dynamic.

That's the spirit!

Motivation, flexibility, dynamism.

A coworker is a friend.

That's why more than your father's,

I'm your friend, you get it?

Sure.

I'm gonna tell you a secret.

You know why I chose this office?

No.

Because of this view.

I find it inspiring to see the statue of that great man.

It's a reference for what I demand both of others and of myself.

The Marquis of Pombal was a nobleman, but also a tireless worker.

That's how I started, from the bottom.

Like I'm suggesting you start now.

Put your life in every leaflet you hand out.

When you look at it, the traffic flowing in the city fabric

is like an assembly line that never stops.

The traffic lights regulate the rhythm of the chain.

That's precisely where our coworker must be the most alert and helpful.

The most smiling.

Excuse me, I need to go down there.

Hey, Nicolau.

What's going on?

I gotta split. Sorry.

What? Sometimes I think I'm writing songs in vain.

I can't think straight today.

I can't do it.

By the way, does anyone know of a room to rent?

A friend of mine was renting some time back.

- Can you send her a message? - Sure.

I thought we said no cellphones in rehearsals.

And I thought we said we'd set up a gig.

Seriously? Are we ever ready for a gig?

First we're recording the album. Then we'll think about gigs.

- Mariana? - Pedro?

- Hi. - Hey there.

- Nicolau is a bit late. - Yeah, he told me he'd be late.

You've been friends for a long time?

Ages, since we were kids.

Why do you ask?

He speaks so much about you I feel like I know you a little.

Does he?

I saw you from outside and thought, "That's Mariana for sure."

And... how did he describe me?

- You sure you wanna know? - I'm curious.

- Aren't you gonna blush? - Of course not.

You already are.

You charmer.

He said you lived in Rome. What was that like?

It was awesome. Really!

How long were you there for?

Just a year, but it feels like 10 or 20.

Since you were born then.

That's right, seems like my life only started there.

That's partly true, isn't it?

Going away is the first step to build our own lives.

Yeah...

Did you feel the same when you moved here from Rio?

- How do you know that? - I know a few things too.

How's Nicolau's bike?

He should get a new one.

Forget it, you'll never persuade him.

That bike was gathering dust, his girlfriend had it fixed.

He's never left it since. His girlfriend left him.

Sorry I'm late, I was putting Rosa to bed.

No worries.

- What were you laughing at? - At you, obviously.

Is she around?

Relax, she's at the bar.

She wouldn't miss the last movie in the program.

"A thing that failed can, if you change its place,

be a thing that has come off."

How about a drink?

Sure.

I'm going home. You guys go without me.

You sure you don't wanna come?

- OK then. - Thanks for coming out.

- Take care. - See you soon.

Take care, have fun.

You may find useful Jean-Paul Sartre's words

quoted by Erving Goffman in his seminalbook

The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life.

Listen.

"The child plays with his body to explore it, to take inventory of it;

the waiter in the café plays with his condition to realize it.

This obligation

is not different from that which is imposed on all tradesmen.

Their condition is wholly one of ceremony.

The public demands of them that they realize it as a ceremony;

there is the dance of the grocer, of the tailor, of the auctioneer,

by which they endeavor to persuade their clientele

that they are nothing but a grocer, an auctioneer, a tailor.

A grocer who dreams is offensive to the buyer,

because such a grocer is not wholly a grocer.

Society demands that he limit himself to his function as a grocer,

just as the soldier at attention makes himself into a soldier-thing

with a direct regard which does not see at all,

which is no longer meant to see."

- That's interesting. - Fundamental.

That aside, stationery work is nothing special.

You have to be organized,

honest,

and good at doing sums.

- I studied business for a while. - Your brother told me.

- You have worked, right? - Of course.

Not behind a counter though.

Right... Contact with the public can be challenging.

Let's see how you get along.

- Hello. - Hello.

If he doesn't ask for a receipt, don't register.

How do you open it?

There you go.

Faster with the change.

Take the small change first. That's right.

Ask him if he wants it wrapped.

No, that's fine.

No need to wrap it.

Your change.

I'd like to ask you a question for quality control purposes.

How do you assess the service provided, from 0 to 5?

Five.

That's a lot. We don't want him to get a big head.

In that case, zero.

Zero.

You'll have to improve your rating, Nicolau.

Come on, I'll show you around the store.

The restroom is over there, to be used with due moderation.

Make sure the tap doesn't drip, we mustn't waste water.

You'll meet our best customers, they're part of the furniture.

This is Manuel.

- Hello, how are you? - Hi.

This is Valério.

- Nice to meet you. - Hello.

And Joana.

Teacher.

- Give me a hug. - You know each other?

Yes, this young man was my pupil, I forget which grade.

In 5th and 6th grades. And in 8th grade.

So can I hire him with a clear conscience?

With a very clear conscience. He's a gem!

I had good teachers.

And very honest. Thank you so much.

Do you still teach there?

Like hell I do. This is no country for teachers.

I took a sick leave once and never went back.

Valério, what's that movie again we like so much?

"When I rose to Heaven, I said to all mortals down below..."

"From now on fuck yourselves, 'cause you can't fuck me anymore."

How do you like it?

It's nice.

It's very bright in the morning.

My bedroom is this one.

It's usually tidier than that.

A friend a mine is staying here for a while.

And this is Anna's bedroom.

- Come in. - Anna, this is Nicolau.

- Welcome. - Hello.

I'm in the middle of something, can we can talk later?

Sure.

- See you in a bit. - Yep.

She's usually chatty, but when she's working, forget it.

- What does she do? - A PhD in comparative literature.

Heavy duty.

- Cool poster. - You like it?

I made it myself.

- For a concert you produced? - Yep.

I'm a member of a collective-type thing.

I had a job pasting posters. Hope I never pasted over yours.

Next time, you're pasting with us.

Deal.

You guys should play there.

I keep telling Artur. Just choose the date.

I used to believe we would but...

we're a bit stuck.

Well, the plants are beautiful.

They're Emma's.

The girl staying in your room?

That's right, I met her when I lived in Barcelona.

She came to Lisbon to live with her boyfriend.

But it didn't work out.

She's staying here till she decides what to do.

I know how it feels.

And this is the kitchen.

We have a shelf each in the fridge.

But you can have whatever you want, we don't care.

As long as you refill, of course.

What else? Rent is due on the 8th every month.

And there's that veranda, which is my favorite place.

And that's it.

- Sounds good. - Welcome then.

Mi casa es tu casa.

Hello, my love.

How are things in Montemor?

This is my new home.

Next time you come to Lisbon, you can stay here.

There's loads of plants, just as you like.

Kisses.

- Have you seen the new plant? - It's beautiful.

Yep.

My fave.

I brought it from home. Is it OK if I leave it here?

Of course.

Was João there?

No, thank God.

It's bad enough with all the messages and phone calls.

Every time my phone rings I get...

I don't know if I want it to be him, you see?

Yeah, I know.

I got so anxious once I threw up.

Seriously? Does that happen?

- See? You're not that bad. - Right.

- Do you guys want to smoke? - Not now, thanks.

And you?

Me neither. I have to pick up my niece from school.

You should cut down a little, don't you think?

It gets you even more down.

- Why don't you go out? - I've nowhere to go.

Venga, guapa. Ánimo!

- See you in a bit. - Bye.

See you in a bit.

You can come with me, it's a nice walk to the school.

And we can stop at a park on the way.

Have you decided if you're staying?

The million-dollar question.

I wish João would give me a reason to stay but...

it's hard.

He never gives me a straight answer.

All he says is, "I don't know."

His indecision is killing me.

It feels funny to hear you say that.

You're like my ex-girlfriend talking about me.

So tell me, what is he thinking?

I don't know.

You actually sound like him.

She and I also broke up because of the distance.

Really?

But you guys are still in the same city.

Don't give up yet.

I'm not sure it's worth staying here for him.

Of course it is.

He and Lisbon have become the same thing.

Something that's too sad and difficult.

I'm always hitting the wall here whatever I do.

I only get shitty jobs, all my projects have failed,

beginning with the relationship that brought me here.

Give it a try in Barcelona.

We did, but he hated it.

João wasn't made to live abroad.

Our options were me moving here or a break-up.

I'd have been so sad to break up then, we were so in love.

It was the beginning.

I couldn't do it.

What made you do it now?

I'm getting completely empty here.

I've isolated myself living with him.

In two years, I've only made a couple of friends.

Not counting the plants, of course.

Listen.

Yes?

I want your opinion on something.

I have a Santa Claus costume and an employee named Nicolau.

A coincidence we should make the most of, right?

I suggest you put it on and go attract customers outside.

It's June, Constantino. It's very hot.

It'll be fun.

And character-building.

What's nobler than making children happy?

Dad, how embarrassing!

You should be proud instead.

Nothing is nobler than making children happy.

I know, character-building.

I brought you this from home.

- You'll want it in your new bedroom. - Bowie!

Cool, thanks.

Where can we have lunch around here?

I always bring food from home.

My boss has lunch over there.

- Shall we? - I'll just change up.

Go on then.

You look so good in the picture.

Excuse me.

So?

How have you been?

You tell me. How's the new place?

Hell of a find. I was very lucky compared to what's available.

Are your housemates nice?

I think so.

They're older girls.

I don't know them very well yet.

I'm feeling kind of lonely.

It's a matter of time.

- Excuse me. - Thank you.

Anything to drink?

- Two beers. - Sure.

How about you? How are things at home?

Never mind that. Tell me what you've been up to.

Not much to tell, I moved not long ago.

Back in my day, we only left home to get married.

Or to move in together, as we said back then.

We left a family to start a new one.

I find it great to share a place with friends.

I confess I envy you a lot.

Yeah, it's cool.

But it also feels kind of weird.

No one to explain yourself to, doing everything alone.

And like... no cooking, no dinner.

But if I don't have dinner, no one cares. My choice.

I like that, it's doing you good.

Say something. You seem to be avoiding my questions.

I'm not. What do you expect me to say?

Relationships wear off.

Fair enough, but how do you feel?

- Excuse me. - Thank you.

Pleasure.

It's not easy to end a relationship of many years.

I realized I was much more dependent on your mother than I thought.

And dependency causes pain.

Tell me about it.

Exactly.

I'm a bit like you were some time ago.

Come work at the stationery store, to keep your mind busy.

That costume suits you better.

Hello.

Is this Tigre de Papel?

Here you are.

Is that all?

"Precariousness.

That word governs

all aspects of contemporary life in late capitalism.

Precariousness

in relation to work,

the environment and sexuality.

Everything is precarious.

And why?

Because that is what feeds capitalism.

It's not only about cheap labor.

Which has always existed.

What capitalism realized is,

the more precarious the situation

of each person individually,

the more capitalism becomes necessary

to appease the angst

created by that very precariousness."

What do you think?

It's good.

Precariousness is the best concept to describe today's youth.

As in my movie. But the jury didn't get my point.

Is it about the youth? I thought it was about the city.

Right, young people in the city.

Or the city of the youth, if you prefer.

Anyway, Manuel, your talent is writing.

You think so?

You're wasting your talent with movies.

You know what your problem is? You're afraid of your talent.

Give me a break. I don't even know what that means.

You're running away from your fate, my friend.

Many patients come see me for much less than that.

You should see someone.

Like I can afford psychoanalysis...

How much do you make a session?

That's professional secrecy.

So it is.

If only I'd made the right choices 20 years ago...

In fact, when I was your age.

I got involved with the wrong women and let the right one get away.

You met the woman of your life way too early.

You set the bar too high and then you got screwed.

No one could match that ideal woman.

Your need to compare became impossible to meet.

Doesn't that make sense?

It does.

My girlfriend left me a year ago, and I'm still hurting.

You hopeless fools!

You babies!

We've been hearing that discourse for fucking centuries.

We can no longer stand that romanticism

that's slightly sexist, outdated, badly disguised.

Poor little men who've done nothing wrong.

Women are wicked.

You! Please don't listen to them or you'll end up the same.

You still have time to be a man worthy of the name.

- Sorry, do you sell rolling papers? - We do.

Hello.

Hi!

You work here?

No.

This is a burglary.

Will you be my accomplice?

I'm not sure I can trust Santa Claus.

- Which do you want? - The blue ones.

How much are they?

It's a burglary, remember?

The idea is you don't pay.

Do you live nearby? I think I've seen you in the area.

Could be.

I'm staying with a friend.

You could've said hello.

I wasn't sure it was you.

- And I didn't know you'd remember me. - Of course I would.

We had so much fun that night.

What have you been up to?

So many things.

Except for finishing off the bloody thesis.

You going that way?

Yes.

I was going to have a beer somewhere.

I love Lisbon Friday afternoons.

You hear that?

Hear what?

The sound of the city.

It's the Friday-afternoon sound.

Hi!

Hey, Chloé!

- How are you? - Fine. You?

Great.

- Long time no see. - Yeah, how's the thesis?

- Mind if we skip that? - Have a pizza then.

Thanks.

Nicolau.

- Hi, gotta go back to work. - Talk later.

- You want a beer? - Sure.

- Hi. - Hello.

Two beers please.

- This place is really cool. - Yeah.

A hidden spot in the city, like an island.

- Thanks. - The opener.

They brew their own beer.

- It's very good, you'll see. - Thanks.

- Thanks. - Pleasure.

What's your thesis about?

I'll tell you if you promise you won't be scared.

I'm faint-hearted but I can try.

Its title is "Architectures of death".

Your jokes aren't funny at all.

- Shall we sit there? - Yes.

In the sun.

Death has an architecture?

It's about cemeteries.

Really?

How exactly?

It's about different ways of designing cemeteries.

Creating spaces of relationship between the living and the dead.

I'm comparing France and Portugal.

Cool. Where did you get that idea from?

I was fascinated with how we relate to death and grieving,

the symbols...

Besides, architecture is about space, and death is about time.

Et voilà.

Sounds interesting.

It's very pretentious.

But I had to come up with something.

And as Tiago is Portuguese, it was as good a pretext as any.

Anyway, I wanted to come to Lisbon.

Is Tiago alright?

I think so, we're not together anymore.

Really? That's a shame.

But we're friends.

And we tend to relapse when I come to Lisbon.

Good.

Hang on. You don't live here anymore?

I've moved to Ilha de Faro.

What for?

To look at the sea while writing my thesis.

I met these guys who are studying in Algarve.

Marine biology, preservation, that kind of thing.

They all live on the island.

I stayed with them once, and I fell in love.

- With the place or someone? - A bit of both.

It's a magical place.

Can you imagine living right on the beach?

Literally 20 steps from the sand. I've counted.

Sounds awesome.

You ever had sex on the beach?

No.

The sound of the waves is amazing!

I can't do that.

I'm too old.

- Don't say that. - I'm exhausted.

You're in your prime. In the prime of your youth.

When does youth potentially end?

When we want.

When we die.

- At the very end? - Yes.

For as long as we can run,

we're still young.

Good morning.

Morning.

What are you thinking about?

Cemeteries, believe it or not.

This time in the morning?

Or in the afternoon?

I think I've never been at a cemetery.

Are you serious?

You should.

It helps put things in perspective.

I'm sure it does.

Would you like to go to one?

We can do that this weekend.

I thought you were sick of cemeteries.

If I go with you,

it might restore my enthusiasm.

In fact, I chose cemeteries rather by accident.

For some time I was interested in our relationship with the dead.

Particularly in the Western world.

One day I came across an article by a Belgian association,

suggesting a massive disruption of that relationship.

That relationship often causes a lot of pollution.

Dead people are either buried deep underground

or incinerated with super toxic substances.

What they suggest is super cool, composting the dead.

Basically, returning the human body to a system of natural decomposition.

Wow! That's really cool!

And logical. That's what happens in nature.

Say, a wild boar dies in the forest.

It lies there on the ground.

The first predators eat its flesh.

Then there's the insects.

And all the micro-organisms, like fungi and all,

help decompose its bones, which takes longer.

So basically, the wild boar's death feeds other living beings.

It's a cycle that's in constant renewal.

It's in absolute contrast with what happens in human societies.

The fact that we need to store our dead

leads to pretty absurd situations.

In Paris, there's so much space reserved for the dead,

when lots of people live in super small apartments.

My place was much smaller than a tomb at Montparnasse cemetery.

No way!

Do you like cats?

I do.

I didn't when I was a child.

I was scratched by a cat, and I became afraid.

Plus, people always say cats are tricky and treacherous.

And dogs are truly loyal.

But the concept of loyalty is so complex.

Then I visited a necropolis in Rabat that was full of cats.

It was beautiful!

They were like divine creatures among the dead.

They seemed to know better than me about all that.

About death.

About life.

Lying in the sun.

That's when I began to like cats.

And cemeteries.

But I've never found another one as beautiful as that necropolis.

There's a cemetery in Sweden in the middle of a forest.

It's probably the most beautiful one I've seen.

And you know the most beautiful cat I've seen?

No.

Don't you think there are few cats in Lisbon?

Don't know. I never really thought about it.

That's something I don't like about Lisbon.

I think it's more a dog city than a cat city.

What cat cities do you know?

Rome, Athens...

- Istanbul. - You've traveled all over.

That's what I like the most.

I travel somewhere every summer.

How do you pay for it?

By working. How else would it be?

Wages in France aren't the same as here.

I asked at a café, I'm not working for 5 euros per hour.

Yep, that's what I earn.

No traveling with that, mon petit.

- I have left my parents'. - Bravo.

One step at a time.

But if you wanna come with me, you'll have to earn more.

Do you mean it?

Wouldn't you like to go to Greece?

I would.

Not sure I can though.

Allez! That's so lame.

You're no fun that way.

I'd need to have the money.

There are so many islands.

Some are expensive, others aren't.

You don't need anything over there.

You sleep on the beach.

You eat tomatoes and feta cheese.

And you wash in the sea.

Two weeks in paradise.

- When are you going? - Not sure I'm going this year.

I thought you were inviting me.

I have to see with the friends I go there with.

And now there's the gang in Faro.

We plan on going to a ZAD in France.

- A what? - Zone à défendre.

An area of land occupation to stop big development projects.

- When are you going back to France? - In two days.

- So soon? - Yes.

I came to Lisbon to get the rest of my stuff.

I thought...

...you were going back to Faro.

No, they're picking me up here on Monday.

We have our rides sorted, and we're going like a caravan.

Maybe do some activism on the way.

I think I'll die of grief, Chloé.

You're at the right place.

Are you a narcissus or a daffodil?

Are you a boy or a girl?

I am him and I am her

I'm a narcissus and a daffodil

I'm a flower And I'm a pretty girl

Are you a narcissus or a daisy?

Are you a boy or a girl?

I am him and I am her

I'm a narcissus and a daisy

I'm a flower and I'm a pretty lady

Hi, I'm on the bridge.

Near the place I told you.

Yep.

See you in a bit. Kiss.

They'll be here soon.

Thanks for these days.

I've never been happier all my life.

It was very special to me as well.

I must go.

Will we meet again?

Encounters bring happiness.

Farewells bring encounters.

I've always found it hard to decide where to settle down.

I think that's normal.

I'm divided because of my parents.

My father's French and my mother's Italian.

And...

Sometimes I view that as tragic.

At other times, I think it's beautiful...

to be able to choose a different way of life,

between several places.

But why do you say it's tragic?

Of course I'm exaggerating, but...

you feel divided between two things.

You can't be at one place and not think of another.

I see that a lot in my mother, for instance.

We went to France because of my father's job.

And after all these years,

my mother still says she didn't want to leave Italy.

She's always nostalgic...

I don't want to be someone

who's always idealizing the place where she isn't.

This is a real restaurant, not those tourist traps you see nowadays.

I went to a place with a steak in three languages.

"Grilled bife à l'ancienne."

Waiter tells me it's steak in peppercorn sauce.

I order it, I love peppercorn sauce.

Steak comes with no sauce.

He says, "You didn't order it."

I go, "You told me it was steak in peppercorn sauce."

He says, "The sauce is optional."

Oh well.

- Mr. Constantino, your table's ready. - Thanks.

So you've met a French girl.

You're luckier than me.

The other day, I met Maria at her place to go out.

I tried to kiss her hello, she turned her face.

She said, "I'm sensitive to smells."

Might as well have said, "You smell."

Like I say, I'm a victim of abuse.

Then again, unlucky in love, lucky in gambling.

Have I told you I have my eye on a new store?

No.

I made a bid and they accepted it.

Good. Congrats.

It's also good news for you.

I'd like to make you an offer.

How would you like to manage our store?

The place is on autopilot mode.

Outside the school period, there's only the three regulars.

And I would focus on getting the new store going.

At the start of the school year, we'd hire more staff,

and you would manage your own team.

This would obviously mean a considerable pay rise.

Are you serious?

Thank you for your trust.

I'll think about it.

Thank you.

The next song is called "Out there".

We feel through this language of ours

That has the same word for weather

Whether out there or in here

Good thing you insisted, or we'd never play.

I think the band enjoyed it too.

Miguel was mad about a few mistakes.

Whatever! It was a fucking great gig.

You guys killed it!

- Nice. - It's the perfect time to record.

- We're working on that. - You gotta go for it.

You here?

I was in the back, you couldn't see me.

I wanted to make you a surprise.

What's the matter? Cat got your tongue?

Probably.

Let's go over there.

You guys are playing super well.

Completely different from when I went away.

We're rehearsing more.

We're gonna record.

The much-talked-about album! A year later.

You did right not to come with me.

Then again, you might've gone and come back in time.

I'm kidding.

So what brings you to Lisbon?

I'm here for the weekend.

I needed the fresh air of the city.

When you're in a retreat, you need a retreat from it.

And as you were doing a gig...

You came on purpose?

Not only, but partly yes.

- Is there anyone with you? - No, I came alone.

I must say you took me by surprise.

I know, you look it.

Inês, you're here!

Congrats on the gig, it was awesome.

Yeah, I enjoyed it too.

Sorry to interrupt, but they want us to clear the stage.

Sure, be right there.

You never got in touch.

I've been confused, you know.

It was an intense year, I had so much to deal with.

Our relationship, your questions...

Your need for answers...

It was all weighing down on me, I needed to break free.

But I feel it may be the right time to come back.

That's why I came this weekend, to sound things out.

To come back to Lisbon?

Of course, where else?

I'm not sure that life suits me.

At first it's wonderful, but living in a community isn't easy.

After a while, it gets claustrophobic and toxic.

Everyone knows everything about everyone.

I don't know. I missed my own space, which is why I went there.

Yeah, I understand.

And I've been thinking...

it might be cool to see your new place.

You said I could stay there.

Yeah, I did.

I don't have to go back on Sunday.

I could stay a few more days, for old times' sake.

What do you say?

Sure... Yeah... Sounds good.

I'll put away my stuff. Can we talk later?

Sure, I'll be at the bar.

Nicolau. Very good.

You liked it?

I'm so proud.

- Talk to you guys in a bit, OK? - Yeah.

Miguel, I need to speak to you.

What a great gig, eh?

Yep, very nice.

But, I'm not sure I'll be able to record the album.

What d'you mean?

Well...

- I think I'm going away. - Where to?

To France.

Are you mad?

No.

- Are you serious? - I am.

What? Because of the cemetery chick?

You barely know her.

I know, but I really need to do this.

What about the band?

Exactly... I don't know.

What d'you mean you don't know? We're about to go into studio.

I know.

- After all these years. - I know.

And now you're going away?

A band is an organic unit, you can't leave like that.

I said you should write faster.

You're such a perfectionist it's taken forever.

Life must move forward.

Please tell me you're kidding me.

I'm serious.

Fuck you.

I don't mind if you get another bass player.

You heard me, fuck you.

Good morning.

Morning.

What are you thinking about?

Cemeteries, believe it or not.