Original subtitles

[WIND]

[EERIE MUSIC]

(piano plays Ständchen)

(piano continues)

I love this piece.

He plays it so beautifully.

(piano continues)

That was wonderful. You did great.

Thanks, Van. How have you guys been?

Good. Semester is in

full swing, but yeah.

How are things at the Phil?

Yeah, really good. We have

a show in a couple weeks,

and then one more in

April before the off-season.

Cool. We'll have to come to one.

Yeah, that'd be great.

So, Ross, you're still on track to

graduate in May, right?

Yeah, I am, yeah.

Well, don't tell anyone, but I may not be

going back to the Phil next year,

and they'll be looking for a new pianist.

So, yeah, if you're interested, I could

put in a word for you.

Where are you going?

Got a couple of things lined up.

Nothing set in stone,

but yeah, just let me know.

I mean I don't really know what post-graduation

looks like yet, but you know.

Yeah, I'll let you know.

Always good to have options.

I mean, it can't hurt to try out.

So, see you guys at Harvey's?

We gotta get up early.

Missing out.

So, what'd you think of the concert?

Well, I wouldn't call it a concert. I

mean, he played like three pieces.

Okay, yeah, it wasn't a concert concert,

but what did you think?

It was good.

Yeah, he, uh...

I think his interpretations

were a little amateur.

To be honest, but...

Really?

Yeah.

I thought he did great. I mean, I thought

his pieces were really moving.

So, are you gonna take

him up on his offer?

That would be amazing to go to the Phil

right after graduating, Ross.

No, I don't wanna be in an

orchestra. I mean, you know that.

I know, but you gotta

start somewhere, right?

I don't know. I think too many people play this like

it's a corporate ladder

with like fallbacks and minor successes

and like Aurélien looks great now,

but he's gonna go stagnant in a couple

years and like he's making

a living, you know, but...

I'm just after more.

Yeah.

Liszt was...

a rock star in his day.

I mean, people came from

across the globe to see him perform.

He was so flamboyant and revolutionary

that people didn't think

it was physically possible

for a human being to play the way he did.

There was even a rumor that he sold his

soul to the devil for

his virtuosic talents.

That's just how unbelievable he was.

For Monday, I want you to go and check

out an original Liszt

score from the library

and compare it to a

performance you find online.

Talk about how the

performer adapts the piece

and how you think it might

vary from Liszt's' original vision.

I think that's it for today.

Seniors, Professor Veres needs your

recital selections by next

Friday so she can approve them.

I really don't need any more scathing

emails from her about that.

Please?

Okay.

Dismissed.

Do you know what you're

playing for the recital?

No.

But I know I want something flashy.

And I think I'm gonna find it in here.

Yeah, fuck that.

I'm probably gonna go with something from

my performance class.

I got all summer to

figure it out, though.

[PIANO PLAYS]

[CLAPPING]

This is quite a program.

How well do you have

these under your fingers?

Well, I played the Beethoven Sonata and

the Bach Partita before,

and it's been a minute on the Debussy piece.

But I'm really not that worried about it.

You haven't played La Campanella?

No, I haven't.

But I think it fits my style really well.

At this stage, I prefer my students

select something

already in their repertoire

or something they can easily master.

I'm sure you could have

Gargoyles by performance time.

But the Liszt usually takes about a year

to get performance ready.

What other options do you have?

All my other pieces

were picked by teachers and...

La Campanella is the kind of piece I

want to get known for.

I don't think that's...

I could swap out any of the others.

I don't think that's a good idea.

And with the time frame, the risk is

greater than the reward.

But it's your recital.

You can do what you like.

You know, this is a big deal.

Some people secure their

first job at this recital.

I know.

Make sure you sign up for the practice

slots by the end of the week.

What was your last name again?

Bennett.

All right. Good luck.

Tell me what you know about the piece.

It's based on a third

movement of a Paganini piece.

It's pretty famous.

Notoriously difficult.

But you feel confident?

Absolutely, yeah.

I think it fits my style really well.

I think once I get the

big jumps out of my fingers,

I think it should be

pretty straightforward.

Yeah.

Well, as you know, I like to think about

the context of a piece

as we work on it.

Right there, etude 3 out of 6, solely

adapted from Paganini.

Liszt wasn't always the

legend you think of him as now

until he heard Paganini's virtuosic

talent on the violin.

Liszt wanted to be him,

the piano version of him.

I know I always call him

the rock star of his day,

but if Liszt was the

Beatles, Paganini was Elvis.

This is a piece of

admiration, daring, and experimentation.

I'd like to think that I see Liszt trying

to impress Paganini here.

So keep that in mind as you play, and

let's take it from the beginning.

[EERY MUSIC]

[EERIE MUSIC]

[EERIE MUSIC]

[CAMERA FLASH]

Next.

What's up Ross? I

haven't seen you forever man.

Thought you dropped out or something.

No, I've just been laying low, yeah.

I feel that. I feel that.

You pick out your

pieces for the recital yet?

Yeah, you?

Oh yeah, for sure. I got

some new ones I'm gonna try out.

Yeah. So what's gonna

be your showstopper?

La Campanella.

[CAMERA FLASH]

Oh, shit.

Ross, that's awesome dude. Congratulations.

Hey, I'm actually playing Liszt too.

His second Hungarian Rhapsody.

Next.

Well listen man, we definitely gotta meet

up and catch up some time bro, alright?

For sure.

Alright.

Hey listen, if I don't see

you before the recital, good luck.

Alright, do your thing.

Oh, hey, Donovan.

Hey, Jocelyn.

Okay.

Look at me.

Turn your shoulders.

Chin up.

[CAMERA FLASH]

Okay. Looks good.

Oh, can you stay for

like ten more minutes?

I wanna get a few more shots of you for

that write-up they're doing on you.

Yeah, for sure.

Alright, thanks.

Next.

How were senior portraits?

They were fine.

That's good. I'm excited to see them.

I bet you looked really handsome.

Does it feel weird to be almost done?

Not really. I think I'm just focused on

the recital right now.

That's good.

So, I have to pick a piece out for my

performance class by next week.

And so I went to go talk to

my professor today about it.

And I was asking him what piece I should

pick and he said that I should pick the

one that I played to

get into the class early.

And today he actually said that it was

one of the best

performances he's ever heard.

Oh wow, that's really

nice. That's awesome.

Yeah.

So I think I'm probably gonna pick that

but I kinda wanted to do something that

challenged me a little bit more but...

I was actually looking

through some of Liszt's music.

Good luck. This is intricate shit.

What's been the biggest challenge so far?

I mean, there's not like one thing that

sticks out. It's just like a lot of big

jumps that are gonna

be at a nightmare at tempo.

You got it though. You can handle it.

You've got good reach.

I mean, when I play this

thing it's gonna go wild.

You know, it's so... it's perfect for

what I'm trying to do.

You know, I'm thinking...

Cliburn or Chopin competition or maybe

agents after this. I mean, there's no way

this doesn't stir something up.

I've always loved your ambition.

What do you mean?

You know what I mean.

You just always had a plan.

You knew what you wanted

and you knew how to get it.

Well, it worked with you.

Yeah.

Five years from now when I'm the biggest

concert pianist in the country.

We're gonna have a

house in the mountains.

A couple of dogs.

Maybe a kid, cause I'm

gonna work and make sure that...

we can have whatever we want.

And you're never gonna have

to work a day in your life.

That sounds great.

But I wouldn't get too cocky.

It could just as easily be my name in

lights, cause last time I checked, I'm

the one on pace to graduate with honors.

Well, while you're acing tests I'm

perfecting my craft, so...

Okay.

Okay.

Prove it.

Okay, I will.

I'm not trying to wait

tables any longer than I have to.

Play it for me.

[LOVING MUSIC]

(people chattering)

Ready?

I think we should give

it a couple more minutes.

Ross, it's already 10 after.

We don't wanna make everyone wait.

Hey, it'll be recorded.

We can send it out to people.

It's what everyone prefers now,

especially the agents.

Just put on a good show.

I'm starting with Liszt.

What?

Yeah, I'm gonna play La Campanella first.

Ross, don't change the program order.

Okay, I got this.

I got this, I can do this.

(audience chattering)

Good evening.

Hello... Hello...

Good evening.

Thank you everyone for coming.

My name's Professor Ethan Franklin.

I'm the first assistant piano area chair.

Tonight, one of our top

students performs at Chester

for the final time.

[OMINOUS DRONE]

Without further ado,

Ross Bennett, everyone.

(audience applauding)

(piano plays La Campanella)

(piano playing)

[SCREECH]

[SCREECH]

[SCREECH]

[SCREECH]

[SCREECH]

[OMINOUS MUSIC]

(piano playing)

[OMINOUS MUSIC]

(screams)

[LOW DRONE]

(footsteps approaching)

Who are you?

(speaking French)

I don't know.

(speaking French)

(footsteps fade away)

So how many finals do you have?

I got like two or three.

Not bad, I think I have like five.

Oh, really?

Yeah.

So do you think you're gonna go back home

after graduation for like a little bit?

No, no, that's like the last thing

that I wanna do right now.

What's the plan?

I don't know, I might

maybe move to New York this summer

and like try to work things out there.

Um...

Kinda been looking at

Cliburn competition a lot

and that's next year.

Um...

And I was thinking I could

play all six of the Paganini

etudes, so yeah.

Oh, look who it is.

(laughs)

If it ain't the power couple

of the year, what's up y'all?

Hey.

How's it going, man?

Good to see you.

Good, how are you?

Good, I'm good.

Yeah.

My boy.

How are you?

Good, I'm good.

You guys coming to the

recital tomorrow night?

Um, we'll let you

know if we're able to.

Oh shit.

Ross, you performed last night, didn't you?

Mm-hmm.

I'm sorry, I got tied up in some things

and I was gonna come but I just,

I bet you blew 'em out the water

with that La Campanella, though.

Let's just say it wasn't my best performance.

Damn.

Well, I'm sorry to hear that, bro.

But...

Hey, look, fuck 'em, all right?

The schools, they over had

these recitals anyway.

I actually got some information about the

Chester Philharmonic

if you like, I could pass it over to you.

Yeah, Aruélien was, he

was talking to me about that.

I...

He wanted to put my name

in but it's just, I don't know.

I just don't think it's

really my thing, you know?

Yeah, no, I feel that.

I feel that, I'm the same way.

I've actually, you know, been in talks with Boston.

What?

Yeah, they might need an extra set of hands

for a few shows next season, so.

Wait, how'd you swing...

How'd you swing a big five?

Well, I haven't done it yet, my boy.

Hey, but as soon as I

find out, I'll let you know.

Oh...

Hey, listen, I don't

want to interupt yall's lunch date

more than I already have, all right?

I hope to see y'all tomorrow night

but I totally understand

if not, all right?

Enjoy the lunch.

Thanks.

I'll see you, Vanessa.

Yeah, good luck tomorrow, okay?

Thank you.

Thanks.

Hey, Ross, keep your head up, all right?

Yeah.

You'll be good.

[ANXIOUS DRONE]

(computer mouse click)

(piano plays Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2)

(chords hit)

(piano playing continues)

(piano playing continues)

(audience stirs)

The friska's coming up, let's see how

he handles this.

(piano continues)

(notes fade way)

(applause)

Ross.

Ross, what are you doing?

What are you doing? Come on.

He didn't play the friska.

[laughs]

What?

(applause continues)

Thank you.

(bar music plays)

For you and for you.

Thank you.

No problemo.

Pretty good turnout, huh?

Everybody's acting

like the semester's over.

We have like a month left, you know?

I feel like once you finish your recital,

it's pretty much a done deal.

Faith! Hey!

Hey girl! I was

wondering if I'd see you here.

Come get a drink at the bar with us.

Did you notice he only played

the first movement?

At the end?

Mm-hmm.

Yeah.

Definitely a strange decision.

I don't get it.

I don't get it at all.

You know?

It's weird.

Hey!

What's up, my boy?

Hey!

What's up?

Congrats, man.

Thank you, bro. I appreciate you so much.

What's up, Faith?

You were amazing.

So good. Oh my gosh.

I'm so proud of you.

Thank you for coming. I appreciate it.

Of course.

You look great in your dress by the way.

Thank you. Stop.

(laughing)

Hey, what's up man.

Hey, thank y'all for coming out.

They're attracted to the hands, man.

(laughs)

No, they're not.

Yes, they are!

You're telling me you've never caught

Vanessa just lost in thoughts, staring at

your hands while you're

playing piano or something.

No.

What?

No.

Dude, us pianists have it made.

We've got long, slender fingers, you've

got trimmed nails, a few veins going on.

It makes a girl's mind wander.

I'm gonna get a drink.

It's the truth!

What's up, boss?

Rum and coke?

Yeah, you got it bro.

Hey, Ross.

I thought I missed you.

How is it going?

I'm antastic, how are you?

Can't complain.

Looks like I'm going

overseas in a few weeks.

I just got a gig in England.

Wow, nice.

Yeah.

So remember the Phil is

looking for a new pianist?

Have you given any more

thought about my offer?

(laughing)

So, when nothing happens...

(laughing)

When nothing happens...

Like they just go back home, right?

(indistinct chatter)

Honestly, I'm good.

I think I'm just going to pursue this solo

career kind of hard.

There you go, man.

Thank you.

I understand.

I was thinking the same thing

when I was in my senior year.

But it's tough out there.

You realize pretty quick how small of a

bubble you're in here.

I mean, there's people

way above our level, man.

And they're doing it at like 16.

Makes you think a little

harder about the future.

I hope you break past it, though.

I'm excited to see what you can do.

Oh, wait.

(laughing)

So, that's what I'm saying.

So, right? So they go home.

(Indistinct chatter)

(laughing)

Out of pocket.

Out of pocket.

What on earth is so funny?

We were um...

We were talking about...

We were talking about um...

Help.

Help.

That's her.

You.

No, that's you.

That's not me.

Ross probably thinks we're fucking crazy, yo.

Probably.

(laughing)

Yo, Floyd. Can we get him a beer?

Yes, sir.

Hey, put it on my tab.

Alright. You got it, dude.

Appreciate you.

Hey, by the way, Ross.

I heard what happened at

the recital the other night.

Like I said, don't sweat it.

They like to blow that shit out of

proportion, you feel me?

Yeah, man. There are

plenty of other opportunities.

Fuck the recital.

Nobody comes to them anyway.

Tonight was a pretty good turnout.

We all know each other, though.

It's really just

artists supporting artists.

Appreciate the intent, but

we all know that's bullshit.

Right?

(laughs)

Wait, where'd you hear about it anyway?

(laughs)

I mean...

You know, people talk

about performances, Ross.

We were just discussing recitals.

I mean the fucking nerve to bring that shit up

and act like you're doing it out of kindness...

Ross.

He knows what he's doing.

You know what you're doing.

Yo chill.

You know what you're doing.

I'm not doing anything, alright?

Yeah, you do.

Yo, quit being an asshole.

I'm being an ass?

(laughs)

Yes.

Donovan, you played one movement

tonight and you act like

you're fucking Liszt himself.

It's fucking pathetic.

It's very, very fucking pathetic.

At least I was actually

able to play something.

Ross, we should probably go. Come on.

Let's go.

Ross!

Oh my God!

Shit!

The fuck is wrong with you?

(screaming)

Fuck off!

(screaming)

Back off!

Fucking stupid!

(screaming)

Get the fuck out of here!

I'm gonna take him.

Okay?

You stay.

Fuck out of here!

Let's go.

Let's go.

[DRAMATIC MUSIC]

(bathtub filling)

[DRAMATIC MUSIC]

Hi. I, um...

I just wanted to apologize for last

night. That wasn't me and I just...

I put you in a really weird position. I

just wanted to say I'm sorry.

That was scary, Ross. I've

never seen you like that.

I know. Um...

I haven't really been myself lately.

It's okay.

I know you've been under a lot of stress.

Yeah, it sounds like they're

only having seniors play in it.

That's fucking stupid. It's a showcase.

Wouldn't they want the best

no matter what year they are?

Hey, hey, I gotta go, but I'll talk to

you later, okay? Bye.

I don't even know if there's tryouts.

They may just pick people.

Oh, hello, Ross. How are you?

I'm all right. I just wanted to ask you

about something if you have a second.

Oh, sure. I have a meeting upstairs in

about ten minutes,

though. What's on your mind?

I heard a couple people in the library

talking about a showcase, and I just

wanted to know if you

knew anything about that.

Not really. It's been

discussed. Nothing official.

Gotcha. If that was happening, like, how would

selections be? Would

that be auditions or...

selections or references...

I really don't know, Ross. I assume it

would be a board decision.

I fucked up.

Uh...

And I totally blew it at

my recital, and I don't...

I don't know why. I don't...

I don't know what happened, but if this

showcase is happening, then this is the

last chance that I got to prove myself.

I'll practice ten hours a day. I'll take

criticism. I'll work with whoever you

want me to work with.

Okay, because I know

what I stand to lose.

And I'm willing to do whatever it takes

to get in that showcase

and blow everyone away.

I understand what you're

saying, Ross, and I believe you.

But it's not up to me. I'm head of

piano, but this is a school-wide event.

Look, everyone has setbacks.

The best thing you can do is be prepared

next time you get a shot, hmm?

(piano playing)

(playing stops)

(piano playing)

(playing stops)

(piano playing)

Unbelievable.

(phone buzzes)

(playing stops)

Okay...

You got any idea what this is about?

Jesus...

Sorry to keep you waiting.

Let's get to it.

I'm sure you both

heard about the showcase.

Well, it was finalized on Friday and will

be held in about a month.

The program is still being finalized.

Each area will get one slot.

The board was torn between the two of

you, so we decided to

have a makeshift tryout.

You'll each practice with me three times

a week for the next four weeks.

After that, you'll each perform for the

core board members,

and there will be a final

vote.

Does that work for you both?

Yes.

Absolutely.

Perfect.

I'll send you each a practice

schedule by the end of the day.

We only have time for one piece.

Try to keep it under 10 minutes.

I suggest you pick pieces

you've already mastered.

Hey, Ross.

Hey, look.

I see how what I said the other night could

have came off the wrong way.

And I'm sorry.

Alright?

I hope there's no hard feelings.

It's all good.

Good luck, okay?

Yeah, you too.

All warmed up?

Yeah, I think I'm good.

All right.

La Campanella.

How well do you think you had this piece

done before the recital?

I think I had it pretty

good, but I mean I can always improve.

Let's hear it then, shall we?

(piano playing)

Stop, stop.

Your tempo is all over the place. Again.

One, two, three. One, two, three.

No...

On two. One, two, three. One, two, three.

(piano playing)

dragging

Quiet! Quiet!

Don't lose the theme!

Alright, alright.

(playing stops)

You need to start

practicing with a metronome.

Your tempo has to be consistent you need

to be quick and nimble.

As soon as you started playing at tempo

you were crushing us.

There are bells at the top,

little bells... La Campanella.

They're soft, they're constant. But you still

have to bring out the melody.

Here... he literally spells it out for us.

Ma sempre ben marcato il tema.

But always bring out the theme.

Again.

One, two, three. One, two, three.

(piano playing)

Stop, stop.

With my students I talk

about rhyme and rhythm

you're on rhythm now

but there is no rhyme.

You're doing this...

(singing)

When you should be doing this...

(singing)

There's no rhyme.

I don't know what you mean

What do you mean you

don't know what I mean?

I don't know it doesn't really like make

sense like what you're saying.

It's musicality do you know that?

Yeah. Yes.

Then you know what I mean.

Don't play like a wind-up monkey.

Give it theater.

(piano playing)

(playing stops)

That was great.

Now don't do it like an asshole and you

might actually win over an audience.

Are you willing to be taught or not?

Yes, yeah. Yes.

Then do what is asked of you

and be grateful that someone is willing

to teach you anything at all.

Playing the correct notes and hitting the

right dynamics is

only part of the equation.

What I teach you will

make the difference always.

I mean I wrote down as much as I could

she's just taking a lot of liberties

and she's

contradicting herself at times too.

Music's subjective, Ross.

I mean these pieces

are almost 200 years old.

Liszt didn't leave

instructions for every note

I mean nobody did.

She's just trying to

give your performance more

more nuance.

(folder closes)

All of her suggestions are based off of

decades of studying music theory.

She knows what she's talking about.

More than you or I do at least.

M-hmm.

(groans)

(piano notes)

(chuckles)

I can't.

I can't.

Not good?

I'm so done with her.

Oh shit if I hear

"Again, again, again, again."

I fucking... I can't deal with her.

I can't deal it with her.

Ross, she's hard on you because

she thinks you have potential.

She wouldn't waste her time if she didn't.

She... I can't get through three notes without

her just stopping me for a fucking speech

and then like you know half of me thinks

that she just wants to punish me for

asking for a showcase spot.

That's not true, come on. That's ridiculous.

She doesn't write anything down!

She does not write anything down

she'll give me a note and then she wants

it implemented then...

Then... like forever and always

and so then I'm trying to write something

down and then it

doesn't make any fucking sense.

Maybe she's

trying to convey a feeling.

No, stop. No, no now you

sound like her that's

giving me PTSD.

She...

I have to translate what she says into

something practical to use in the music.

Right.

But you're gonna get it.

You will get it.

M-hmm.

Okay?

(piano playing)

No, no, no.

(playing stops)

Okay, I know, I know, I know, I know.

It's fine. My hands are

(blows)

my hands are just a little stiff it's

fine. I could... I did this earlier.

(piano playing)

Your thumb is too heavy!

These are simple runs, Ross.

They're not simple runs!

They're not simple runs.

The speed is blistering and

it's fucking freezing in here.

It's not freezing and we warmed up for 15

minutes you just need to practice these.

I can do this. I've done this before.

(piano playing)

Dragging.

(playing stops)

(piano keys)

There's nothing I can do for you here.

This is just simple preparation if you

can't play these runs

you can't play the piece.

My fingers are cold.

I'm going to tell you something

and it doesn't leave this room.

The board didn't want you.

And why should they?

To them you're just a

kid who froze up on stage.

I vouched for you.

I convinced them to have a tryout.

I bought you four weeks.

Prove them wrong.

(piano playing)

(playing stops)

[OMINOUS MUSIC]

Yeah he was in our class last semester do

you remember his name?

Yeah I think you're talking about Darren.

Yeah, Darren. Yeah.

Do you have his number?

Why do you want that crackhead's number?

I just got a couple questions for him

can you send it over?

Sure. You better not do any stupid shit though.

Who do you think I am? I just have a

couple questions for him.

(knocking)

Oh, fuck.

You aren't here to throw

more beer at my head are you?

What?

No.

Oh, shit. Yeah, sorry about

that I was a little drunk.

Darren said... he sent me here he said he was

going to talk to you about that.

Yeah, he told me.

Okay.

Come in.

So how much you want?

How much do you recommend?

I assume you've never taken before.

I'll give you a week's worth...

Seven pills, 20 mgs each.

We'll call it a hundred bucks.

Really?

That's a good deal, bro.

Shit's not easy to get.

Do you want it or not?

Fine, yeah.

How long do these take to kick in?

Depends. Crush those fuckers up and

snort 'em if you want the full experience.

Shit'll hit you right away.

(money rustling)

Do you want anything else?

No, I'm good, yeah. I appreciate it though.

[ANXIOUS RYTHMIC MUSIC]

I've narrowed down our selection to four

of our favorites...

(baggy rustilng)

[MUSIC CONTINUES]

(sniffs)

[MUSIC CONTINUES]

[MUSIC CONTINUES] (indistinct chatter)

[MUSIC FADES]

(piano playing)

(playing stops)

(piano runs playing)

(piano runs intensify)

(playing stops)

(distant instruments playing)

(door closes)

(cloth rustling)

Hi.

Hey.

Did I forget about something?

No, I'm just going to this dinner

that all the big wigs at school are putting on.

Why didn't you tell me?

I would have come.

I didn't think I was

able to invite anybody, but...

I mean, you're not gonna

wanna go to this anyway.

It's gonna be a nightmare.

Are you okay?

Yeah, I'm okay, why?

I just haven't been

able to talk to you much,

and I just wanna make

sure that you're doing okay.

Are you okay?

Yeah, I'm okay.

I promise.

You know, everything's about to pay off.

Okay.

Okay?

M-hmm.

(footsteps)

(indistinct chatter)

(blows)

(indistinct chatter)

What's up, Ross?

Hey.

It's kind of cold outside, isn't it?

Yeah, yeah.

How's it going, man?

I'm good, yeah, you?

It's good, I'm good.

Mm-hmm.

This is weird, isn't it?

Supposedly some of the most important

people at this school

and I mean, I barely know two of them.

Yeah.

Good evening, gentlemen.

Arthur Parker, head of CCM.

Donovan Fish, sir.

Piano performance major.

Donovan, your reputation precedes you.

And you are?

Ross Bennett, performance as well.

A pleasure.

Ah...

I believe it's time, shall we?

Yes, sir.

I can't tell you how excited we are

to have each of you

participating in this showcase.

Chester Conservatory

hasn't done something like this

in, what, eight years?

I believe it's been

nine years, right, Erin?

It's been a long time,

but with the talent pool

we had this academic year,

we had to find a way to make it happen.

Right, and it's an

incredible opportunity,

not only for the school,

but for each of you performers starting

out in your careers.

We're gonna have a very impressive lineup

of industry folks who will attend.

Well, I think I can

speak for all of us students.

When I say how grateful we are

for yet another opportunity to network

and to put our talents on display.

I mean, to share the stage with all these

talented musicians at

such a prestigious school

will truly be an

honor of a lifetime, sir.

It's lovely to hear

you say that, Donovan.

Oh, I am so sorry.

Um...

I should have mentioned something sooner,

but I have a severe shellfish allergy.

Oh no. Oh my God, what were we thinking?

We should have sent

something out for food allergies.

I'm so sorry, Donovan...

Miss, can we get a fresh plate, please?

No shellfish this time?

Thank you.

I'm really sorry, I

don't mean to be a nuisance.

It's just, you know,

even the sight of shrimp

could send me to the emergency room, so.

(laughing)

Well, that's a tragedy, an unspeakable tragedy,

if I do say so myself.

Believe me, sir, I am well aware.

I am very well aware.

Although, after what

I've heard, you know,

a good shrimp scampi

might very well be worth

that hospital bill.

(laughing)

You know what, matter of

fact, bring the shrimp back.

I would love some more.

(laughing)

This one's a character, Lisa.

I can't imagine what it's

like having lessons with him.

Oh, he's crazy, very crazy.

But when it comes to work, he's

unbelievably focused.

A natural talent.

(kitchen clatter)

(footsteps approach)

Excuse me, sir?

Excuse me?

Can I help you?

Yeah, where's the bathroom?

It's over there.

Thanks.

(door closes)

[OMINOUS MUSIC]

(snorting)

[RUMBLING]

(whispers)

(footsteps echo)

[RUMBLING GROWS]

Absolutely, I personally find Chopin

to be the single greatest classical

composer of all time.

I mean, his nocturnes.

Simply amazing.

Some of the finest music ever put to

paper in my opinion.

It's hard to argue against.

It was Debussy who said,

"Chopin is the greatest of all,

for with the piano alone,

he discovered everything."

I would disagree.

Chopin was revolutionary,

there's no doubt about that,

but I'd actually argue

that Liszt was the best.

Liszt?

That's interesting.

How do you figure that out, Ross?

In my mind, classical music would be

nothing compared to what it was,

compared to what it is

now in terms of popularity.

Liszt brought it to the masses.

He brought the intrigue.

Well, I think it's a bit of

a stretch to say that Liszt

alone created

intrigue for classical music.

I don't think it is.

He expanded it beyond

what anyone thought possible

and took the art to places that no one

had ever gone before.

Much to Chopin's envy.

Chopin was never envious of Liszt.

He just wasn't much a fan of his theatrics.

But they respected one another.

So much so that Liszt even composed pieces

inspired by Chopin's pieces.

Another example

of Liszt using his reach

to highlight others.

(laughing)

You know, Lisa, if I didn't know better,

I would think that we were at a dinner

with two music scholars.

Which... which I suppose we are,

but you both have a deep

understanding of this world.

There' a reason you

performed Liszt for your recital.

And why, I assume, you

plan on performing it

for the showcase, it's

the same reason I am.

Liszt captivates, right?

He...

He wows.

I'm performing Liszt

because I'm trying to show a broad

range of skills to professionals.

That does not make

Liszt any better than Chopin.

You know, oftentimes

the simplest of music

is the most profound.

If I were to play

Chopin for a five-year-old,

well, they'd cry.

And if I were to play Liszt,

well, they'd merely die of boredom.

Five-year-olds can't purchase concert

ticket, can they?

Well, let's put Chopin to

the test then, shall we?

In a room full of exquisite musicians.

(footsteps)

(chuckles)

(piano playing)

(playing continues)

[OMINOUS MUSIC]

(footsteps)

[OMINOUS MUSIC]

(heavy breathing)

(door slamming)

[MUSIC STOPS]

(thuds, grunting)

(heavy breathing)

(thuds, grunting)

(screaming)

(heavy breathing)

(wood clatters)

(metronome ticks)

(piano playing)

(metronome ticks)

(playing stops)

[HEAVY THUDS]

[THUDS STOP]

(distant piano playing)

(metronome stops)

(distant piano playing)

(piano playing)

(piano playing gets closer)

(piano playing)

(door knob turning)

(playing stops)

(piano note plays)

[Speaking French]

[Speaking French]

(piano playing)

(playing stops)

[Speaking French]

[Speaking French]

[Speaking French]

[Speaking French]

[Speaking French]

(fire igniting)

[EERIE MUSIC]

(fire roaring)

[CHAOTIC MUSIC]

Where have you been?

I was in Decker. I fell asleep

in one of the practice rooms.

Why didn't you respond

to any of my text or calls?

I literally almost

called the police, Ross.

I'm sorry, okay. I...

I was asleep. I couldn't help it.

I'm really worried about you, Ross.

Is it the showcase?

Can you tell me what's going on, please?

I don't know how to help you if you don't

tell me what's going on.

I just, I can...

I can...

I can feel it. And it's...

It's creeping up on me and it's...

It feels like last time. It's just...

I feel it slipping away...

It's okay.

From me...

It's okay. It's okay.

(crying)

It's okay. You're okay.

You're okay.

(crying)

It's okay.

(crying)

(sniffles)

(door closes)

(footsteps)

Hi. Sorry, I'm late. My class went along.

How are you doing, Ross?

What do you mean, with the scales?

No, personally.

Finals going okay?

Yeah, they're. Um...

Fine, yeah.

Getting enough sleep?

I'm fine. Where do you want to start?

Your girlfriend came to

talk to me this morning.

She's worried about you.

About your health.

I don't want this process to have a

negative effect on you.

That's not what it's meant for.

She doesn't need to worry about anything.

I'm busting my ass for this. She doesn't

understand what

something like that can take.

Okay. Just making sure.

Let's pick it up from 120. On you.

Ross! Yo, Ross!

Where the hell have you been, man?

I've been trying to get a hold of you.

You missed Franklin's final yesterday.

Yeah, sorry. I forgot about that.

Are you still going to be able to pass?

I don't know. Um...

I'm just focused on

the showcase right now.

What the fuck are you talking about?

You graduate in a week.

Why throw it away now?

(indistinct chatter)

What the fuck...

Ross.

Ross, I'm worried about you, okay?

Please don't fuck this up this late in the game.

God, I wish everyone would stop worrying

about me. I'm a fucking adult, okay?

I appreciate the concern, but...

You know a degree means

nothing to me. It never has, okay?

Are you fucking serious right now?

This will help us get a better idea of

how it will actually

sound during the performance.

We can adjust the dynamics just so you

get more comfortable with this piano.

Where would you like me to start, Miss Veres?

Oh, top of the friska. We already

know what the

beginning sounds like in here.

I'll just sit back and enjoy the show.

(piano plays Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2)

(piano playing picks up)

(door slams)

[OMINOUS MUSIC]

(traffic driving by)

[OMINOUS MUSIC]

(baggy rustles)

(snorts)

(car starts)

(sledgehammer hit)

(scream)

[SCARY MUSIC]

(screams, grunts)

(screams, grunts)

(heavy breathing)

(agonizing grunts)

(bones crunching, screaming)

(heavy breathing)

(bones crunching, screaming)

(heavy breathing)

(traffic, door slams)

(heavy breathing)

(soft chuckle)

I just don't get it.

I mean, how does that happen here?

To him?

I mean, what kind of

person does that to somebody?

Especially to him?

Donovan's never said a

bad word about anybody.

It's probably somebody

just trying to rob him.

You know, there's really

bad people out there, Van.

I mean, that's why I tell

you not to walk alone at night.

I just hope he'll be okay.

The audition would have been tomorrow,

but given the circumstances,

I don't think it would be

much of an audition, would it?

I'd say congratulations,

but I'm sure it doesn't

seem very celebratory.

You'll still play for the board tomorrow

just so there's no surprises for them.

That will be in place of the audition.

Got it.

I was wondering if

from now on I could play

in the performnce hall just so I could get

comfortable in there

and learn that piano.

I don't see why not.

Um...

Now let's take it from the top.

(snorts)

(sniffing)

I'm sure you remember from dinner

but this is Erin Marks

Orchestral Conducting,

Lucas Monteiro,

Composition, and Dr. Parker, CCM.

Good to see you again, Ross.

Are you warmed up?

Yeah, I think I'm good.

Good, well, why don't we have a seat

and you can begin for us.

[OMINOUS RUMBLE]

(piano chord rings out)

(heavy breathing)

Very nice, Ross.

Guys, do you have any notes for him?

Doctor, do you have anything?

Ross, I'm not going to tell

you what you want to hear.

I'm gonna tell you what you need to hear.

You read the music, you played the notes,

but that was just about it.

I'm an admirer of Franz Liszt's

and one of the things that he

was great at

was putting on a show.

He composed pieces like this

to put on a show.

And to simply sit at the piano

and pound out the notes

does it a grave disservice.

This piece won't be ready next week.

Maybe not next year.

I'm not saying this to

be harsh. You have talent.

And it would be a shame to not see that

talent used correctly.

I agree, Ross. You've made significant

progress in the last couple of weeks.

And for that I commend you.

But a musician cannot

hide behind their instrument.

You cannot use it for fame and notoriety.

It uses you.

That's a shift in

mindset you need to make.

Erin, you have anything?

I would just say, as a general note...

(voice fades away)

(door creaks)

Hi, how'd it go?

It was a waste of fucking

time, that's how it went.

Why was it a waste of time?

(bag and clothes clattering)

Because they're a bunch of old fucks

who are disgusting and

time has passed them by

and the only thing they can do now

is shit on those who

are better than them.

What'd they say?

Nothing, there wasn't fucking nothing.

There was no tangible piece of advice

from fucking any of them.

They just kept going on about

how I don't feel anything, how

I need to let this fucking shit use me

and then they're pissed

that I'm reading sheet music.

Why the fuck are they pissed that I'm

reading sheet music?

That's what it's there for.

Everybody knows that.

They're just full of

shit and it's disgusting.

They can't even see straight.

And then Veres,

fucking Veres.

She just agrees with everything they say.

She's a fucking wind up doll.

No spine, fucking prick.

And then she's had every opportunity

to tell me what I'm doing wrong.

Okay, she wants to fucking embarrass me

so she just tells me that I'm fucked in

front of all of them.

Jerking off the

fucking board in front of me.

And they're just pissed

that they don't have Donovan.

That's what it is,

everybody's fucking pissed

they don't have Donovan.

Everybody's fucking

sobbing, fucking crying,

fucking drooling over

his fucking hospital bed.

It's disgusting.

People need to grow up and

move the fuck on with their life.

(sniffing)

(crickets outside)

How's it going?

Fine.

That's good.

(faucet runs)

(faucet stops)

(scribbling)

Can I tell you something?

What?

(pencil sat on table)

When I was 12,

I went to visit my

grandma in a nursing home.

She'd been sick...

for a while

and my granddad couldn't

take care of her anymore, so...

We were in the commons

area of the nursing home.

Her family was there,

and my granddad was

talking about

how they met.

Their wedding,

When my dad was born.

When I was born.

And she leaned over to me and she asked

me if I could play the piano.

So I went up and I played a piece on the

piano that they had there.

I played Chopin's "Prelude in E Minor".

It's so simple.

But so beautiful.

I played it because

I wanted to transport them to the times

that they were talking about.

And I wanted all of us

to go there together.

[SOFT EMOTIONAL MUSIC]

To share that.

Because for some reason...

I felt that that was probably the last

time that we were all

gonna be together.

And it was.

But that was the first time that somebody

cried for my performance.

And I wasn't worried about the

technicalities or the precision.

I was playing from my heart.

And I was taking what I was feeling and I

was giving it back to them.

It was my way of saying goodbye.

So every time I go on stage,

I picture them in the audience

and I play for them.

Because that was my proudest moment.

I think

that may be what you're missing.

Taking what you're feeling and

and giving it to someone

else, sharing it with them.

I think that you could really benefit

from something like that, Ross.

Every time I've sat behind that...

piano, you know, I've

I've given it everything I had.

That's something that hasn't changed and

that's not something

that's going to change.

[OMINOUS MUSIC]

Right, I was just...

And today's been riddled with a lot of

people giving me advice telling me

that I should do this

or I should do that,

and they're giving me comments,

they're giving me a lot of fucking comments.

And nobody's realizing that I'm the only

one with the guts to

play this goddamn piece.

Right, and I was just saying...

And how dare you, you're sittting over there

and you tell me that I

don't play with enough emotion.

I didn't say that, Ross!

You know, I think from now on maybe

just keep your fucking mouth shut.

Okay?

You can't play this piece.

You could never

have played this piece

in a thousand years

so don't sit there and act like you can.

Vanessa, I have this. I always have.

What the fuck is wrong with you?

What do you mean

what the fuck is wrong with me,

what the fuck is wrong with you?

You just defend everyone else. That's all

you ever fucking do.

Aurélien, fucking Donovan, okay? And now

you're going to try

and tell me what to do?

What are you talking about?

What do you mean, what am I talking

about? Are you fucking dumb?

You sobbed like a fucking child when you

heard about Donovan.

I can't be upset about

our friend who's hurt.

He's not our friend. He's not our friend,

I've told you how much I hate him.

Okay, well, he's my friend, Ross. Really?!

Really, he's a fucking friend?!

I saw you the other night

you were laughing

at everything he said.

You were in his fucking lap the whole

night. It's disgusting.

You're insane.

You're insane.

You wish I was insane. But I'm right.

Because you want to fuck him. You just

want an excuse to go fuck him. So go on.

Fuck him!

And it's going to be the worst fucking

mistake you ever make.

Because I am the fucking best!

I am the fucking best!

[MUSIC INTENSIFIES]

(door slams)

(fire roars)

[INTENSE MUSIC]

You can come down now.

You're still dragging at 130, but

we'd rather get it clean than stay at tempo.

The chords are brutal there.

Did I let the instrument use me?

Did I, um, did I play

with enough emotion?

I hope the critique from yesterday didn't

affect you in the wrong way.

That was very valuable

advice from qualified people.

How are you doing, Ross?

I know critique can be tough, but you

mustn't let it affect your confidence,

especially not before a performance.

I feel fine.

I feel great.

The question is how do you and the board

feel about this, I know you

didn't get your first pick?

What do you mean?

I know you wanted Donovan, okay?

I know...

I know he was your first pick.

I know that I didn't stand a

chance since we started, okay?

But he's not an option anymore.

I could tell you were threatened by him.

I wasn't threatened by him.

He was competition.

And I knew I'd go

farther to get the part.

Your focus should be

on the art not winning.

And artists should aim to push their medium

forward, not the other way around.

I am pushing this medium forward by

competing to be the best who has ever been

by pushing the boundaries.

You aren't pushing anything forward if

you push others down

on your way to the top.

If people fall down on their way to the

top, then that's on them.

They weren't going to

contribute much anyways.

People getting these pats on the back and

adulation for things they don't deserve,

that's the shit that

holds this artfrom back.

Okay, they're fine with their fucking

stature and their work, and I want more,

and I will not apologize for that.

I'll see you at the showcase.

(door opens)

(footsteps)

(footsteps moving away)

(soft piano note)

(piano note)

(playing Liebestraum No. 3)

(playing stops)

(playing continues)

(playing stops)

[INTENSE MUSIC]

(knocking)

(door opens)

Chill out, bro.

Feelin' the aches?

No, I just need some

for my show tomorrow.

How much you want?

However much this is going to get me,

that's like 200 bucks.

[ANXIOUS MUSIC]

Can I just get one before you count it?

Sure, man.

No problem.

There's a crusher on the dresser.

(knocking)

(snorting)

(coughing)

I thought that was your

car I saw the other night at the bar.

Didn't get a good look at it

the last time you were here but,

No doubt about it now.

What did you just give me?

Get the fuck out.

[MUSIC INTENSIFIES]

Kennedy. Kennedy.

They're trying to kill me, Kennedy.

Help me..

They're trying to kill me.

I need you to come help...

(vomitting)

(choking)

(heart beating)

Ross.

Ross.

Ross, get up.

(groans)

What happened?

Don't know.

I think you got some bad stuff.

How'd you...

How'd you find me?

You were sharing your location with me.

What time is it?

It's like two, man.

(groans)

What are you doing?

I gotta get to the...

(groans)

I need to shower and then...

Pick up my suit,

get to the rehearsal hall by 6:30.

You can't be fucking serious right now.

I'm fine.

You almost died last night, Ross.

I'm okay. I just need to shower.

Ross, get... Ross!

What? What?

Look, man, a detective

came by a couple days ago.

He asked about Donovan.

And then they asked about you.

Okay, what did you say?

I just answered his questions.

About the showcase.

And the bar.

Okay?

It was you, wasn't it?

You attacked him.

That's fucking stupid, Kennedy.

You know I wouldn't do shit like that.

Stop being fucking ridiculous, okay?

Don't fucking lie to me, man.

I heard about his injuries, dude.

His broken hand...

His foot...

[RUMBLE, ANXIOUS MUSIC]

(voice fades)

(door bangs)

(fighting)

[OMINOUS MUSIC]

(traffic, chatter)

(door shakes)

(muffled screams)

[MUSIC BUILDS]

(door shuts)

(footsteps)

[MUSIC FADES]

What's the name?

Ross Bennett.

I'm not seeing you on the list.

Well, I'm performing, I'm the pianist.

Yeah man, you're not on here.

Wait, so I can't go in?

Can't let you in if you're not on the list.

Oh my fucking god.

Okay.

Okay, I think I left my phone.

Can you just, can you go

tell Veres that I'm here?

She knows I'm performing.

Yeah.

Just wait here a minute.

(door opens)

Yo.

Hey.

(indistinct chatter)

One second.

(scoffs)

What the fuck is taking so long?

I have to get in there, I

have to warm up, I have to rehearse.

All right, what is, where is she?

They're looking for the lady.

If she doesn't come out,

it's not my fucking problem.

God, you're taking a job

way too fucking seriously.

Okay?

(door opens)

Oh thank god, will you just tell this guy

that I'm supposed to

be inside performing?

You can go around front and

buy a ticket like everyone else.

What?

You're out, Ross.

You failed three of your classes

and didn't even show

up for your final exams.

You're not graduating.

And I am not going to allow you

to represent our school on that stage.

Are you serious?

You're gonna throw

your whole department away

for this fucking bullshit?

Oh, my department will still perform.

(door closes)

Yeah.

If you're not going inside...

You shut the fuck up.

(chatter, footsteps)

(door shuts)

(footsteps)

(indistinct chatter)

(footsteps)

(ragged breath)

(door opens)

(door slams shut)

Oh!

Ross.

What are you doing here?

They gave you my spot.

I didn't know it was your spot.

They didn't tell me.

Well, all the spots were filled.

The only way you would

get one is by taking mine.

(sniffs)

I don't know what to say, Ross.

They asked me and I said yes.

I wanted to tell you.

I did.

I wanted to tell you,

but you were so mad at me

the last time we spoke, so I didn't.

I'm sorry you're not

gonna get to play, Ross.

I know how much this meant to you, but

this is a really big deal for me.

I never thought that I would get an

opportunity like this.

Yeah, see, I didn't think

you'd get this opportunity either.

Because you shouldn't

have gotten this opportunity

so how did you?

Professor Veres's overheard me playing...

No, no, I don't want any

more of your bullshit stories.

Why are you here?

Why can't you just be happy for me?

(panicked breathing)

Why can't you just be happy for me?

What did you do?

What did you do?

Did you tell Veres more stories about me?

No!

What? About how I'm going

fucking crazy?

Did you suck one of

the board members' decks?

Did you fuck one of them?

Tell me how the fuck

you're here right now!

Maybe I'm just better than you.

That's impossible for you

to even think that, right?

That I'm better than you?

You practice day and

night for a reason, Ross.

You're not talented.

And everyone has tried to tell you.

I have tried to tell you.

You play like a goddamn robot.

You're so fucking

obsessed with becoming famous,

you don't even know how to feel anymore.

[OMINOUS RUMBLING]

You're nothing!

You are nobody!

(impact)

(heavy breathing)

(sharp inhale)

[INTENSE SHRILL]

(thud)

(screaming, stabbing)

(scissors clatter)

(intense breathing)

(heavy breathing)

Miss Lyles. You're on next.

We're ready for you to stand by.

(breathing heavily)

[SOMBER MUSIC]

(indistinct echoing of words)

[SOMBER MUSIC]

(loud echoing footsteps)

(cloth rustles)

[MUSIC FADES]

(playing La Campanella)

(playing stops)

(ragged breath)

(clapping)

(more clapping)

(applause, cheering)

(cheering grows)

(inaudible)

(rumble)

(applause and cheering grow louder)

Stop!

Stop!

(rumble)

Fuck off! Fuck off!

(single clapper)

(applause, cheering)

Stop fucking throwing!

(rumble)

Fuck off!

(rumble)

Fuck!

(inaudible)

Fuck off! Fuck off!

(screams)

(applasue, cheering grow louder)

(crying)

(crying)

(screaming)

I did it!

I did it.

I did it.

(cheering grows)

(cheering stops)

(Prelude in E Minor plays)