Black Rabbit, White Rabbit (2025) Movie Script
1
If the pistol was not going to be fired,
it would not be hung up on the wall.
- Anton Chekhov
- Hi!
- Hello!
How are you doing?
Put it down there.
- Have you oiled the barrel?
- Yes.
- Brought it in for us?
- Yes.
We've already got one. We've
been struggling to sell it.
Yours is made in China. This one's Italian.
What if they find out we've switched them?
They'll be happy to get the original
instead of a Chinese knockoff.
Why so mysterious, you two?
Yousof knows all about it.
Well, put me in the loop too!
Ilham heard that we've got a buyer.
So are you selling it?
No need. It's yours for free.
Oh. How come?
I want the buyer to have the original make.
I don't understand what's going on.
Ilham knows the buyer. He says he
wants her to have this one for free.
Okay, let me explain the situation.
You get to keep your own gun.
My one, the original make, gets
sent to your buyer. Got it?
Do you know the buyer?
Shall we get on with it?
Yousof, this one is missing a firing pin.
I'm going to replace it with
the pin from the Chinese one.
Not going to work. It's too rusty.
Try it.
No point, trust me.
They're different sizes.
Give it a try!
I can't.
People outside
might see. It's not legal.
Oh my god! That's Laila!
It's just a little pin,
I'll switch it in a flash!
Is Laila our buyer?
How did you find out Laila
wants to buy the gun?
I saw it on your Instagram.
He's still stalking the woman!
You devil!
You still vying after her then?
How do you expect her to find
out it came from you?
Her husband is minted! Shouldn't we ask
for the full price for the Italian make?
How is he going to know if it's
a knockoff or the original?
You can see it's the real deal
just by holding it!
Put it down! Someone might
see and report us!
Get me the firing pin.
It doesn't need to work. She's just
going to hang it up as decoration.
I'm giving you a vintage original for free,
And you can't even give me
a cheap firing pin in return?
I don't know how to replace it.
Give it to me, I'll do it myself.
The poor girl's got a husband, a family;
Are you sending a gun into lost cause?
Does she even remember you?
Shut the door.
You struggled through college,
lovesick over that girl.
Do you think she even remembers you?
They're the exact same size.
It looks exactly the same as the Chinese
knockoff, just a little heavier.
I've never seen a love like yours.
I bet everything in her house
is made in China anyway!
Don't point it toward your face.
It's not loaded.
Even so, keep it away from your face.
- Get the firing pin.
- OK.
Ilham!
Ilham!
BLACK RABBIWHITE RABBICHAPTER ONE
BRINGS TO LIFE
What's wrong with you girl?
Mina?
Mina?
Are you there?
- We've got water.
- Come in.
Hey.
Hi.
Where did you sleep last night?
On the sofa.
Tea?
I've got to run.
Leave it ajar. Let the fresh air in.
You're spreading a putrid
stench everywhere.
Makes me gag from a mile away.
Call the doctor today.
See this?
Now watch.
Were you even looking?
You stink.
I can't be near you.
What are all these CCTV cameras for?
For security.
And you can't wait to get rid
of the car either, it seems.
I just want to get rid of this foul odor.
I talk to the teapot more than to you.
Open.
Door, open up.
Are you from the insurance company?
No, the car manufacturer.
I was driving.
I can see.
Mister?
Look here.
Now look at this.
No, don't come close.
I stink.
Do what you have to do, but
I won't let you take it away.
I want to have it
in my sight forever.
Ma'am, do you know why
you drove off that cliff?
The brake line's been cut.
Almost no fluid left.
That's why.
I have to report it.
Morning ma'am.
Good morning! I didn't know
you were in today.
There's an insect infestation. I
have to treat the trees with lye.
This early in the morning?
It's not that early.
But the insects do come out
more in the early hours.
Please.
Sit down.
Don't touch the lye. It's toxic.
That deodorant is also full of toxins.
Be careful. Might hurt you.
I don't feel any pain at all.
I don't see the point of these bandages.
Do you think I smell bad?
We don't have to think about it.
It's all fine if I stand here,
but if I take one more step...
Then it smells rancid.
What about you?
I think it's coming from the ointment.
I can smell it here,
But not if I stand here.
Get a stick or something and
draw a circle around me.
I want to see how far the smell travels.
I can smell you from here...
Right up to...
Here. Within this radius.
Would you step into the
circle if I asked you to?
What about you?
Would you?
Dad wants to install CCTV
all over the house.
How are things going?
Things are... not going well.
Don't worry.
You'll be perfectly fine once
the bandages come off.
You'll be amazed.
You're all waiting for it.
Come here for a sec.
Didn't I just tell you not to touch that?
Do you think I was joking
when I said it's toxic?
Come here, I want to show you something.
I'm done here. Have a good day.
You know, I can talk to inanimate
objects since the accident.
Objects? Even a cutter?
In the Persian dialect, we call it a knife.
Knife?
Yes. I can talk to knives too.
Don't you care that I have powers now?
My eyes have superpowers too.
You get that from me.
When I was your age, I
had the eyes of an eagle!
Firstly, my stepmother can't
pass her genes on to me.
Secondly, with sharp eyes,
how come you drove off that cliff?
Wait a second. Wait.
Okay. So tell me then, what
can you see over there?
There.
Where, the tree?
On the tree.
A magpie.
Behind the magpie.
The mountains.
On the mountain?
A rabbit.
What color?
White.
Now, behind the rock next to her.
The ears of another rabbit!
What color is that one?
Black.
The black one is coming
out from behind the rock.
Why did she push the other one?
Pushed the other rabbit down the mountain!
You saw that too?
Hit her on the head and pushed
her down. Did you see?
Yes.
Sara, what's your word
for a gullible person?
Naive.
Knife?
No. One's 'naive', one's 'knife'.
Naive, knife.
Naive, knife. Naive, knife!
Well done!
Be careful, there's broken
glass on the ground there.
I don't like this building.
Well, I'm planning to fix it up,
I want to move in here.
With dad?
If I wanted to live with your dad, I'd stay
there. If it ain't broken, don't fix it!
Your bones are broken though;
you're all bandaged up!
Are you thinking of getting a divorce?
Not yet. But we should live
separately for a while.
You, me...
Sara, her stepdaughter, and
Behrouz the gardener.
What a team! I like it. It's good!
Stop talking nonsense!
Are you in love with Behrouz?
Will you move in with me or not?
I'll give you the big room.
I will, but then you'll have to let
me skip school for a while.
Nope. You have to go to school.
Then what do I get out of it?
What do you want to get out of it, Mina?
Dad's going to buy me a PlayStation.
You can offer to buy me a rabbit.
Deal.
When?
Well, right now your dad doesn't
allow me to buy anything.
He's taken all of my bank cards away.
But tell me what kind of rabbit you want.
Wait.
I want one like that black
rabbit on the mountain.
But the white one is prettier, isn't it?
I want my rabbit to show strength.
Mina, come here!
Where are you Mina?
I'm here!
- Did you wash the brushes?
- Uhum.
Bring them over.
Well done! We're going to rinse them
again so they don't dry out. Okay?
Sorry my dear, I won't get
to fix your bike today.
Mina! I have too much to do!
I've got a surprise for Mina.
You know best.
I've bought her a present.
Behrouz?
Do you think, when they
unwrap the bandages,
there's still a human
being under them?
God willing.
Lights, turn yourselves on.
Light up.
Is Behrouz gone?
Yes.
Will you fix my bike?
Why aren't you picking up?
Hello?
Delivering your order,
please come down.
What order?
From the antique shop.
I haven't bought a single thing.
You've got the wrong address.
We haven't ordered.
Must be for someone else.
Please, just come down.
I'm busy.
I've got it right. It's your
address here, Number 128.
I can't just leave it down here, can I?
You're stuck in a rut, aren't you?
Pardon?
Wait there.
Let me see that address.
Here you are.
Why is the house number crossed out?
Why are you so argumentative?
Just pick it up.
Give me a tip, and it's all over!
I'm not going to pick up
something I haven't ordered!
Your wife ordered it.
My wife was in a car crash two weeks ago.
I've got her details down here.
Her name isn't here!
I was there when she came in to place the
order. She gave us this address.
That's nonsense!
She had a red open-fronted
waistcoat on. And a white dress.
She wore black nail polish.
Did you buy or order anything
from an antique shop?
No.
Not even online?
No.
Did you hear that?
Good day to you.
Madam, you came in eight weeks ago.
To that dearly departed gentleman's
antique shop, by the square.
You were wearing an red open-fronted
waistcoat. Had a black feathered handbag.
You were looking for something you'd
ordered on Instagram or WhatsApp.
What square are you talking about Sir?
You've got the wrong person.
Who the hell is this
dearly departed gentleman?!
Ask her.
Watch your mouth!
Sohrab! Wait, I'm coming down.
Please do ma'am. We need to
resolve this situation.
You can go if you don't have the time.
I'll sort it out with your lady wife.
You've got some nerve!
Wait for her, we'll sort this out properly.
So, what's going on?
Could you sign here please?
If you don't have servants to help you,
I can bring it in for you for a fee.
Or get the workers from next door to help.
These are not my details.
It says the buyer's name is Laila.
Don't worry about the money. The
late gentleman already paid for it.
Sorry, who is this "late gentleman"
you keep mentioning?
Is this not your signature?
No.
Lord help me!
Look, I've got a packed schedule, please
just take it so I can get on with it!
Are you stupid or something? Do you
want me to knock some sense into you?!
You're not as tough as you think man!
Why are you winding me up like this?
Mister, you're mistaking
me for someone else.
I've never worn a red waistcoat, and
I sure didn't order any antiques.
I'm mistaken?
Please, on you way!
I instantly recognized you.
Even under all that bandage.
Look into my eyes and say it.
Say I'm mistaken.
Didn't you hear her? You're mistaken!
Who asked you? I'm talking to her!
Sohrab!
You set foot around here again
and you're a dead man!
Why did you punch him?!
He got on my nerves!
What if Mina had seen it on the
intercom? She'd be so scared!
How did he know you have a
handbag with feathers?
Half of the city have one like that!
It's in fashion!
What about the red open-fronted waistcoat?
You wouldn't even let me take it out
of the package, you uncultured sicko!
It's still unopened.
Who are you calling uncultured?!
Spending all my money on garbage!
I pity you! You're a grown man,
you've got a child!
You took my bank cards. All the
money. Have you forgotten that?
You maniac!
CHAPTER TWO
RE-ENACTING A SHOBijan? Bijan!
Where are you going Bijan?
Bijan? Where are you off to?
Going over there. Come over.
Where?
The big warehouse. Warehouse number 1.
Put on the costumes, I need to
give them a final check.
Hold the niqab to your face.
- What's your name?
- Marjana.
- And you?
- Delara.
- Amina.
- Delnaza.
- Roxana.
- Tahmina.
It says there should be seven of you.
How many are we now?
Question!
Will our faces be on camera?
They did our make-up.
I don't know.
We'll definitely be on, otherwise they
wouldn't separate us from the rest.
Who's in charge of you?
A lady brought us.
She left an extra costume set there too.
Look, it's Mr. Babak!
It's his fortieth!
- Put this over there.
- Oh, Mr Babak is angry today!
Bijan, what's going on? They're
saying I can't go on set without an ID.
Yeah, new rules. Yours is
somewhere in here.
- Is it his birthday?
- No, his fortieth film!
Who came up with this stupid rule?
Congrats Babak - forty films, eh?
You're old!
Mr Babak, am I getting filmed today?
No, no.
Where's my ID? It's not in this pile.
No idea. Wait here, I'll go look.
Is the director on set?
Yes.
Who do I hand the revolver to?
I don't know.
Can we at least wait in the
shade? It's so hot!
Where do you see any shade?
It's all sunny out here!
Mr Babak, have you heard the
rhyme they've made about you?
Rude.
I can't even say the last verse out loud!
Babak the Propmaster brings in the props,
Sets up the squibs so that guns can go POP!
Puts in the blanks and locks the guns up,
His armory skills are absolute top!
You're all very rude!
Mr Babak, do you know if
we'll get any lines today?
Are there lots of gunshots?
No, just a single one.
Nazarov is firing it.
- Only one?
- Yes, just one.
Bijan?
This isn't dialogue! Give
us the script to memorize.
Who brought you here?
That girl sitting over there.
Boys, go sit over there in Warehouse One.
Girl, come here.
Are you the extras coordinator?
Only for those girls.
Where's Golchehra?
She's my mum. She's ill
today, I came instead.
You're Golchehra's daughter?
She never mentioned you.
She doesn't like me to be on film sets.
Come with me.
Why does she not want you on set?
I don't know. She says it's
not a good environment.
We wanted seven of these
girls, there's only six.
Which girls?
Sitting over there.
Oh, the ones who have their
faces covered.
No worries, I'll find one.
He wants really pretty ones for the part.
Do you have pretty girls at hand?
Who wants pretty girls?
The director, Shahram.
Oh, Shahram! Has he shown up?
Of course!
Khorshid, do we definitely
need seven girls?
Why have you let the set in
costume? You'll ruin the clothes!
Have you still not memorized your lines?!
This isn't just a few lines, it's
a whole damn novel!
Khorshid, can you confirm that
we definitely need seven girls?
My CV.
Could you get it to Shahram? If he
needs an actor, I'm up for auditioning!
Is this you?
Yes. I'd love to be an actor!
Get it to Shahram, eh?
Your mother wouldn't like that!
He'll leave after this one.
Sorry?
Don't you know? Shahram's Iranian. He'll go
back to his country when we wrap this up.
Can't I audition for this one?
Where are you going? Can't you
see there's an actor at work?
Go away, you'll ruin
his concentration!
What's your name?
- Dunya.
- Beautiful!
Are you part of the... crew?
Yes.
Great - see you around then!
Hey, this isn't a CV!
There's no resum here,
just headshots.
True. But I've got talent.
You'll see, if you just
give me an audition.
Everyone thinks they have talent.
Khorshid!
Are there seven girls in the scene?
I think so. Should be the
same as the original scene.
He'll check them out when he gets in.
Count them from the original.
I've already counted.
Can you ask if their faces are on camera?
Will we see their faces?
I think they're all wearing burqas,
so their faces are off camera.
Ask if I can audition!
They should all be pretty,
like it says in the script.
Mr Babak!
Mr Babak, can you come here a sec?
Could you bring the costume
with you please?
What should I do?
Come with me.
I'll just get my stuff.
How you doing?
Pay close attention,
I don't want any
questions later so
I'll explain it in depth.
We're doing an exact remake of this scene
from this classic Iranian period drama.
Look at the screen. You're going to
re-enact the roles of these extras.
We're remaking it with
every single detail.
In the scene, someone's going
to go up to give a speech.
Maestro Nazarov is playing
one of the main characters.
Give him a round of applause!
The other role is played by our
Iranian actor Parviz.
His character is the one who
gets assassinated.
Parviz, could you do
a few of your lines?
Which bit?
Just to rehearse.
The sound of the murderous terrorist's
revolver had not disturbed the peace
of our beautiful capital for a long time.
That dark memento of our revolutionary
past had remained in silent exile.
Bravo!
Watch here.
Some of you are the soldiers in blue.
We see the guy giving the speech.
The rest of you sit like
that, listening in silence.
Ladies, let me show you your place.
Look, seven beautiful women
sit over there.
And Mr Nazarov sits among them.
This is a classic Iranian TV series from
forty years ago. We're remaking it.
Okay, skip to the end, let me
show you what happens.
Parviz's character continues
with his political speech.
The camera cuts over there,
revealing Mr Nazarov's face.
He draws his revolver.
Shoots!
It's pandemonium! You all get up,
Scream and shout and run around.
Cry out "he's been shot!"
Give yourselves a round of applause!
This is all we're doing today,
and you're all in the scene.
Got a light?
Use this one, then stub it out.
- Forty films?!
- This is the fortieth.
Including as an assistant?
Yeah, I was an assistant in Iran.
What happened to your head armorer?
He was in an explosion on set.
Did he die?
Yes.
The charges went off by accident.
Were you on the set too?
The costume doesn't fit me,
keeps falling off!
Just keep it together somehow,
I'll take you to wardrobe!
I'm coming out for the audition,
but it'll fall off if I let it go!
Then don't let it go!
Almost ready for my audition!
Were you on that set too?
It was his fortieth film too.
He blew up into a million pieces.
The costume doesn't fit me at all!
Great, looks fine to me!
It's not fine, it falls as soon
as I take my hands off!
Well, keep hold of it for now then.
It looks gorgeous on you.
I'll take you to the wardrobe team.
They'll fix it for you.
So, why does Golchehra not want
her daughter to be on the film set?
She says it's not an appropriate
work environment.
You couldn't get more
appropriate than this!
Yeah, it's highly appropriate.
Okay then. What have you
prepared for the audition?
Are we doing it right here?
Yeah, I'm all set.
Wait a sec!
Whatever you've got,
just do it quick!
They need you on set soon!
What are you doing with
the costume?!
Be careful, don't take it off!
Stop wriggling so much!
Are you taking it off?!
No!
Hurry up!
Just give me a minute!
Was that part of the costume?
No, it's mine. For my audition piece.
I was hiding it in there.
You're doing you audition with that?
Yes.
Pay close attention to what
I'm going to do!
Let me find the right spot first.
There!
Okay, here.
This looks right.
Okay, first, observe this.
All good?
Okay, we'll place this on
one of these shelves.
There.
Now it's time to count.
One, two, three.
Or we could do three, two, one.
Done!
As you will observe, one
has become two.
Now for the next step.
We just need some random objects.
These will do.
In no particular order. One on the
top one, and one at the bottom.
We clear?
Then I close the door.
And now you're going to have to
help me out with this bit.
Give me a random number.
- Three.
- Three?
- Four.
- And four.
Three, four.
Now let's see.
One, two, three,
Three, four.
That's one, two, three, four.
What do we usually find in a
magician's hat? Any guesses?
Rabbits.
Rabbits! Well done!
And, presto!
This one's for you.
Aw, look how cute he is!
You're auditioning for an acting role
though, not a magic act!
These are my performance skills. I
don't have an acting background.
What use is that for a film actor?!
Bijan, where are you at?
Ask if Shahram's here yet.
So, you can put anything in
this and take out a rabbit?
Yes.
So is Shahram on set?
Where are you now? Is Shahram with you?
So how do you get the rabbits in there?
I don't. It turns whatever I put
in it into a rabbit by itself.
Look, girl, it's an important
day for Mr Babak.
This is the fortieth film he works on.
Do you know why that's important?
When his mentor was
working his fortieth film,
He died in an accident, doing special
effects just like your little act here.
Blew himself up.
On the film set.
So now Mr. Babak has to concentrate so that
he can wrap up his
fortieth safe and sound.
He has to have absolute focus.
And you think it's okay to
distract him with a magic act?
With a rabbit? How's that fair?
Here, take my card.
I'm your only point of contact
from now on. Stay in touch.
Give me a call when it's quiet.
What do you mean, when it's quiet?
Late night. After the shoot.
Okay.
Don't forget my ID!
I'll bring it over.
I did badly.
No, it wasn't bad, but it wasn't
a good audition. It was a magic act.
Does it really work like you said?
Yes, it works.
Mr. Babak, I've heard Miss Mahpeykar
is acting on set today.
Is that true?
No, she wasn't even cast in this film.
You think this guy will
get me a part in the film?
I doubt he could.
You'd be better off ditching
the CV and headshot,
and just getting Parviz
a gift or something.
Who's Parviz?
The actor. He's friends with the director.
Tell Bijan I'll be back soon.
Hello! I'm Iranian, I'm working on this-
Sshhh!
Sorry, I just had a suggestion-
If you could just step into
my office, I've got a-
Was that him? Did he approve my part?
Stay right here.
Khorshid? Khorshid!
What were you doing in
there with that girl?
Has he decided which gun
we're using for the scene?
He's got one with him.
Bought it in Italy.
We don't need it. I've got the prop gun
from the original production in my office.
Why didn't you tell me earlier?!
I wanted to, but you shushed me!
He went all the way to Italy
to find the right prop!
Go ask him, Babak.
He'll give you a whole lecture on the Rodeo
revolver made by the Cartelli Company.
Look, my prop is the actual one
you see in the original scene!
Babak, do you know why the
director can't got back to Iran?
Do we at least know who's
going to get shot?
Yes, it's Parviz.
Oh, he looks so cool in his new suit!
Make-up, bow tie, everything. Beautiful!
Oh, I forgot!
The director's brought
this guy Antonio
with him from Italy -
spitting image of you!
The boys keep mistaking him for you.
You've got a doppelganger!
What do you mean, "spitting image"?
Is that girl in the crew?
She's Golchehra's daughter.
She's brought in the extras instead of her
mother, hoping she could sneak into
an audition with Shahram.
She's stunning!
So, what do I do then?
Do you know what's wrong with this bike?
Everyone on set! Extras, cast, crew!
Hello Mr. Babak!
Hello Mr. Babak.
Hello Mr. Babak.
CHAPTER THREE
OBJECTS SPEAK
He pauses way too much.
We'll fix it.
What's that circle of light?
Oh, I'm just the assistant
- she's the director.
Oh, you look about the same
age, so I assumed it was you.
The circle indicates
the radius of the odor.
The audience might not get it.
They'll get it. There's an internal
logic. No one steps inside it.
It becomes a kind of barrier.
Please, have a seat.
- So, I don't get it.
- Get what?
What's her issue with the husband?
Just the general issues wives
have with their husbands.
We don't really go into
it, but it's the usual.
Yeah, you could say that.
Looks like she has a better relationship
with objects than with her husband.
But it's a bit vague. I mean, I
get it, but will the audience?
I doubt they would!
Oh, Mr. Babak! What can I do for you?
There are a few issues I
need to discuss with you.
Go ahead!
I've brought in a load of props, but
I don't know who to hand them over to.
I'm also working on another set
that I need to get to soon.
And there's still some confusion about
what revolver we're using on this one.
I don't know what to do.
What was that director's name?
Shahram.
Can't you ask Shahram?
He only came in for a minute with his
team, checked out the costume, and left!
Give me a moment.
I'll wait outside.
Before that, just have
a quick look at this one too.
How's those girls' film coming along?
The boss says it's okay,
but it's way too long.
I don't get why they insist on
doing it in single long takes.
I think they should just cut!
Okay, I'll be off then.
That's better!
Gripping!
I like it.
Looks good.
Now I can see your vision.
Good job all round!
That was Babak. Give him the props.
Deja vu...
Deja what? What can I do for you?
Well, this is my fortieth film.
If I get to the wrap without incident,
I'll be beating Darabi's record.
Who's Darabi?
He was my mentor. Back in Tehran.
Your compatriots are quite strange.
How come?
Take your director, Shahram.
Why didn't he make this film in
Iran? That's strange.
You want strange? He's
brought his own revolver on set.
A revolver?
Yep. He's brought it back
from Italy apparently.
Have you checked it out?
No. I have no idea what
gauge, what caliber...
He's brought in an Italian
armorer with him as well, I hear.
Yeah, I know. Antonio.
Looks a lot like you.
Have you met him?
Not yet.
But my revolver is the actual prop
from the scene we're remaking.
What's your problem then?
It's my fortieth film. I'm worried
something might go wrong.
- Mr. Vahidov!
- Yeah?
Could you come outside for a moment?
Someone wants to speak to you.
Is it Shahram?
No, not Shahram.
I'll be out in a tick.
Mr. Babak, is Shahram's revolver
the right model for the scene?
I haven't managed to
look at it yet.
How come? Go check it out,
maybe it'll fit better than yours.
They're not letting me in on
set without an ID card!
I have to inspect the prop guns!
I think you're nitpicking a little.
It's not nitpicking. My mentor died
on the set of his fortieth film
Because of an error in
a situation like this.
Don't be so superstitious my man.
It's not superstition!
Go talk to Antonio, I think
he can reassure you.
What's Antonio going to do?
I've got good reason to suggest it.
Go!
Where is he then?
You'll find him somewhere
down there.
Don't be overzealous Babak!
We just need a prop gun to shoot once.
So long as no one dies, we're all good!
Pardon?
Go, go!
You'll safely have forty films
down on your CV, rest assured!
Are you sure it's come
here to Tajikistan?
Yes I am.
Who told you?
The crew boys were talking about it as
they passed by. It's travelled from Italy.
Does it know that Cigarette
Case is here as well?
It must know. Otherwise why would
it travel so far after all these years?
Guys, clue me in
on the gossip too!
It's here on a mission of revenge.
To take care of unfinished business.
Who's here?
The Castelli Revolver.
How did it make it here?
It's right here. On the set.
The director's brought it
with him from Italy.
Where are you going Babak?
Vahidov told me to come over.
Vahidov, eh?
We're at work right now. Then
Shahram's off to scout locations.
We'll come to you afterwards.
I want to talk to Antonio.
Oh, Antonio! He's not here yet.
He'll show up soon though.
Hi! Hello...
Hi...
Oh, you speak Persian then?
Sorry, no Persian.
Can I help you?
I wanted to check in with
you about the revolver.
Oh, the revolver?
Yes, the revolver.
We bought it together. Shahram
was fascinated by the story behind it.
Do you want to hear it?
Please.
It was manufactured in 1889
by an Italian company.
Owned by the Cartelli brothers.
They were twins,
Tucci and Roberto Cartelli.
They ran the company as partners.
The revolvers they made were in use
all the way until World War II.
They made two models.
One was called the Rodeo.
It didn't have a trigger guard,
but packed more power.
You know what a trigger guard is, right?
It's the little loop thing
that goes around the trigger.
The other model was called N&V.
That one had a trigger guard,
but less firepower.
The brothers eventually fell out over
which model the factory should focus on.
There were barbs traded, raging
fights, litigation, the lot.
Finally, they decided to settle
their issues with a duel.
One of them grabbed a Rodeo
model, the other one an N&V.
They both fired.
The bullet from the Rodeo hit
Tucci Cartelli right in the chest.
But Tucci survived.
Because he had a metal cigarette case
in his breast pocket, just over his heart.
The bullet pierced through one
side of the cigarette case,
But didn't come out the other end.
Roberto, who had taken his shot,
Walked over to him, thinking
he was finished.
And Tucci pulled a scumbag move:
When Roberto stood over him,
He shot him with the N&V.
Roberto died on the spot,
still holding the Rodeo.
And the Cartelli factory only
produced N&Vs from then on.
What a bastard of a brother!
Yeah.
A true bastard.
Which model is the gun you've brought?
A Rodeo.
The very gun that failed to
pierce the cigarette case.
Why the Rodeo?
Babak, my dear, everything in life
always cycles back to its original place.
Everything always cycles
back to its place.
Mina, go to your room!
I'm calling the police.
They'll settle this once and for all.
I apologize; my husband has a short temper.
That's no excuse to behave like an animal.
If you could just please
come in for a minute...
No need for that.
The police will settle this. You know
very well that you're in the wrong here.
Sir, the fight only started
because you kept pushing it.
I swear, I'm not this Laila
woman you're looking for.
So now I'm the one who started the fight?!
It's all my fault apparently!
Please, just come inside - I'll
get you some ice for that bruise.
You may have had operations on your
body and face, but you're still you.
Tell me the truth - do you have an
open-fronted red waistcoat or not?
I do.
Everyone has a red waistcoat.
I mean, lots of people do.
Lots of people don't deny that they
do in front of their spouses though.
You even made me doubt myself;
think maybe you're really not Laila.
My red waistcoat doesn't
have an open front.
Wait here, I'll get you some ice.
Here?!
What was the point of
inviting me in then?
I'm going back out to call the police.
Okay.
Please step inside.
Do you have any vodka?
Please, come in.
I'll go get you that ice.
Get the vodka too.
What are you doing here Mina?
Who's this guy?
Go to your room.
I can stay and support you.
No need darling. Go.
Sir? Sir!
Here's the ice. And the vodka.
You think I'd just ice my face, down
my vodka and go? That easy?
What do you expect me to do?
I'll have to get this seen by a doctor -
there'll be costs involved.
Please keep your distance.
Come on, open up you little shit!
Mister?
Here, try holding this.
There, see how warm it is.
You wouldn't drink vodka this warm.
Here, it's yours.
I can't take it - it'll be trouble.
You'll accuse me of stealing it.
That's all I can give you.
Have you got a receipt for it?
I'd need that to turn it into cash.
It was a gift from my husband.
I don't have the receipt.
Does it belong to that dickhead?
Yes.
Then I'll take it.
That's fair. He started the
fight - he should pay for it too.
You're an intelligent
woman. If I were to
press charges, it would
cost you a lot more.
He loved you for your intelligence,
the gentleman who passed away.
Who's this deceased man
you keep talking about?
I've got it on the shop CCTV.
He was trying to fix the gun
and it suddenly went off.
Blew his brains out all over the wall.
I can Telegram the video to your
phone. I'll leave you my number.
Mina?
Mister? Mister!
Excuse me, could you please give me
a hand? I'm trying to get this box inside.
Coming!
Babak?
Mr. Babak!
Babak?
Are you okay?
What's happened?
You fell asleep.
Where is everyone?
They're shooting on set.
Guys, do you know where
I can find the director?
- The director?
- Yeah.
No.
Some cold water?
What is it?
Today's my last chance! I won't
be allowed to come on set again!
- Where the hell did you go?!
- It's out of my hands!
See what I'm dealing
with? Please don't
dump such unprofessional
extras on me again!
Antonio! Antonio!
They're waiting for you in the room!
Shahram's calling for you!
What are you saying?
Oh, you're not Antonio?
Where's Shahram?
What do you want with him?
He's a fellow countryman! I've got
him a gift - I just want a chat!
Good day my Italian friend!
Sorry sir, no entry without ID.
Khorshid! Khorshid!
Where's Shahram?
Silence on set please!
Where's Shahram?
Inside.
Where are you going? Stay here,
you don't have your ID with you.
Why wasn't I called on set?
Is this the shooting scene?
We're just rehearsing it for now.
Which gun are we using?
Why didn't anyone check in with me?
Guys, this Antonio keeps fainting around
the pretty girls, just like Babak!
See? And yet you only
call ME a dirty old man!
Bijan, tell the girls to
go back to their marks!
Get ready to roll. Tell them to be quiet.
You're missing one girl there.
Which one?
The one who brought the extras.
She's probably trapped in her costume.
She'll show up.
Babak, they accidentally checked
in Antonio onto the set instead of you.
I haven't got your ID with me.
Wait here for now, I'll find it for you.
You could give me yours instead.
Is that the shot we're filming now?
Yes, that one.
Listen!
I've discovered something important!
There's a revolver here
hell-bent on revenge!
Revenge on whom?
On the cigarette case that's
in his pocket right now!
Babak, are you feeling all right?
Bijan! Bijan!
Babak, Babak! Come back!
He's got my ID!
He'll be here in a minute - he's
gone to get Vahidov!
Sit down here, it's
the dress rehearsal!
Everyone ready on their marks!
Ready?
But that's not the same
model as the original!
Quiet on set!
- Sound!
- Speeding!
- Camera!
- Rolling!
Action!
Until the treacherous murderers currently
in prison in the capital and the provinces
are punished for their deeds, there is
no guarantee that such crimes will not
be repeated again in the future.
Until this government makes an example
of them by imposing the penalty of death
on these criminals with due haste-
Cut!
Cut!
Tell them to stay in position.
What was that?!
Did someone fire?!
Rustam! Rustam!
Rustam! Go call an ambulance!
I think Parviz has been shot!
- Have you got a pencil?
- Yep.
Cheers.
Bijan! Parviz has been shot!
Where?
In the warehouse!
Parviz is right there! Have you
got heatstroke or something?
I saw it with my own eyes!
Did you see it in the monitor? Must
have been that Iranian film remake.
There!
Parviz is sitting pretty over there!
Why are you acting up Babak?
Is it that fortieth film thing?
I'll go get you some water.
I saw it with my own two eyes!
Why don't you keep cold water here?
You need to have cold water on set - people
need to cool down with all this sunshine!
Where you off to?
To talk to Vahidov.
He's in a meeting. Just
stay right here for now.
It's important!
I'll go get him myself,
you stay here!
- Mr. Vahidov!
- Yeah?
Could you come outside for a moment?
Someone wants to speak to you.
Is it Shahram?
No, not Shahram.
I'll be out in a tick.
Mr. Babak, is Shahram's revolver
the right model for the scene?
I haven't managed to
look at it yet.
How come? Go check it out,
maybe it'll fit better than yours.
They're not letting me in on
set without an ID card!
I have to inspect the prop guns!
I think you're nitpicking a little.
It's not nitpicking. My mentor died
on the set of his fortieth film
Because of an error in
a situation like this.
Don't be so superstitious my man.
It's not superstition!
Go talk to Antonio, I think
he can reassure you.
What's Antonio going to do?
I've got good reason to suggest it.
Go!
Where is he then?
You'll find him somewhere
down there.
Don't be overzealous Babak!
We just need a prop gun to shoot once.
So long as no one dies, we're all good!
Pardon?
Go, go!
You'll safely have forty films
down on your CV, rest assured!
Who wanted to see me?
Babak wanted to discuss something...
Mr. Vahidov! I swear I saw
Parviz get shot on set!
But now he's over there all of a sudden!
Good one!
I haven't been able to
inspect the revolver!
I can't take any responsibility for it!
- I talked to Antonio as you asked.
- I like this idea.
Haven't you heard what happened to
Alec Baldwin on that film set in the US?
Yeah, I've heard. It
happened during filming.
- There.
- So what?
So if something goes wrong you'll
all just pile the blame on me.
Don't worry, the curse of the fortieth
film won't strike you!
You look tired. Go take a break.
I think you've got a touch of the sun.
Get the man his ID card.
Stay here, I'll be right back.
Babak!
The heat hasn't got to me.
Babak?
When can you take our stuff to the set?
You said were going to deliver
them, the guys are waiting!
Okay, I'll take them now.
Here, there's a costume set in here.
There's a burqa in here.
Get it on set pronto
so we can finally wrap up!
Give us back our freedom! Okay?
CHAPTER FOUR
THE RABBITS
Do you know who's the stage
manager here, kid?
Shush! Sound is rolling!
Who do I deliver this stuff to?
This damn film is going to
drive me mad in the end!
Wait a second!
Is that the script?
This says it has to be in that
room on the right.
It goes on top of the table.
Is this a burqa?
Yes, a burqa and a candelabra.
Put them on the table.
Then, it says,
The burqa is going to fall off
the table on its own volition.
That's it.
Hello?
Hello?
Anyone?
Where are they?
Hello?
Oh, you gave me a fright!
Are you this film's lead?
I'm the stand-in.
I'm waiting to be called.
They've already done ten
takes of just this one shot!
And we look quite
different. It's noticeable
even from up here
in the distance.
Sorry, I noticed a metal cigarette
case downstairs. I wanted to ask if-
It's a prop from this film?
- The silver one?
- Yes.
It's supposed to be in Sohrab's pocket.
But as you go downstairs, the girl in
the burqa is going to pocket it.
You're talking about Golchehra's daughter?
She must be stealing it to
gift it to Parviz as a bribe.
You took my bank cards. All the
money. Have you forgotten that?
You maniac!
Idiot.
Mina?
Who are you?
How did you get in here?
Don't move.
Don't move!
And that's when I woke up.
While I was pointing the
cigarette case at Mahpaykar.
Really?! You've been dreaming of Mahpaykar?
I think she's actually here,
shooting a film in Studio 3!
I'm not absolutely sure it was Mahpeykar.
I've had the same dream for
the last three nights.
Oh, if only I could live her life!
You know what my friends
have nicknamed me?
"Maypeykar!"
Do you think I could get
into Studio 3 to meet her?
You have no idea how tricky it was to sneak
onto the film set without my mum noticing!
Wait, was that Mr. Babak?
You done with her make-up?
Yes.
Come here, let me fix your costume.
I don't get it, what kind
of make-up is this?!
I don't get the costumes.
Can't get my head around the
props... the lot! The whole damn film!
Stay still.
If you're looking to get an audition,
your best bet is to get a gift for Parviz.
He'll convince the director
to give you a role.
He's into antiques!
Yeah, Babak said the same thing.
Get him something old,
he loves antiques!
I can't fix it like this. You must
have done it up wrong.
Take it off, I have to put it on you again.
No, Zulfia, stop!
Her make-up will be
ruined if she takes it off!
Then you'll have to redo it.
Mr. Babak! Mr. Babak!
Mr. Babak!
What is it?
Mr. Babak!
Today's my last chance! I won't
be allowed to come on set again!
- Where the hell did you go?!
- It's out of my hands!
See what I'm dealing
with? Please don't
dump such unprofessional
extras on me again!
Why can't you stay put?!
They're waiting for you in the room!
Shahram's calling for you!
What are you saying?
Oh, you're not Antonio?
Stay still so I can
find the string,
otherwise you won't
be able to walk in this.
I'm feeling a little faint.
Can't we go over there in the shade?
I don't want to dress up as an extra!
I want to have my close-up
shot! Under the spotlights!
Hey, Golchehra's daughter!
Yes?
Everyone is waiting on you on set!
Okay...
Pull the burqa over your head!
Pardon?
The burqa! It'll keep the
sunlight out of your face.
What happened?
Oh. This is cool.
Where are we?
Here's the string for your burqa.
Pull down to fix it.
I've been working on film
sets for twelve years,
Hoping someone finally
spots me and gives me a role.
Then this pretty girl shows
up and snatches the part.
Bijan and Khorshid compete
to take her on a date.
Pull the string down to fix your costume.
Can you at least do something
as simple as pulling a string?
Where are you going?
Wait!
How do I get out of here?
You're driveling. It's a symptom of
heatstroke, probably.
Miss so-called superstar!
Oh, Mr. Babak! What can I do for you?
There are a few issues I
need to discuss with you.
Go ahead!
I've brought in a load of props, but
I don't know who to hand them over to.
I'm also working on another set
that I need to get to soon.
And there's still some confusion about
what revolver we're using on this one.
I don't know what to do.
What was that director's name?
Shahram.
Can't you ask Shahram?
He only came in for a minute with his
team, checked out the costume, and left!
Give me a moment.
Before that...
Just have a quick look
at this one too.
The car!
She must be stealing it to
gift it to Parviz as a bribe.
If you want to avoid fire, you shouldn't
keep the matches next to the firewood.
Choose one. More than enough.
That's better!
Gripping!
I like it.
Looks good.
Now I can see your vision.
Good job all round!
That was Babak. Give him the props.
Deja vu!
Bijan! Parviz has been shot!
Where?
In the warehouse!
Parviz is right there! Have you
got heatstroke or something?
I saw it with my own eyes!
Did you see it in the monitor? Must
have been that Iranian film remake.
Mina?
Mina!
Mina!
Who are you?
How did you get in here?
Don't move.
Don't move!
I'm the extras coordinator!
Did you come in with the delivery guy?
Oh my god, are you
really Mahpeykar?!
Oh, how I wish I could live your life!
I can't believe it!
Sorry, I don't mean to bother you,
I just need to get the cigarette case.
It doesn't belong to this
film set, does it? There-
Wait, where did the
cigarette case go?
- Cut!
- What was my line here?
We're just making some little
tweaks, we'll start again shortly!
Did the girl say the right lines? She
was speaking Russian, I didn't understand.
Yes, she was correct.
Babak, what are you doing?
You ruined the shot!
I thought you were working in the yard.
That little girl out there told
me to bring the burqa here.
Just one question.
We can see your shadow over there.
We can hear you too!
The cigarette case that was there -
that wasn't one of my approved props.
Where did you find it?
By all means, do the rewrite!
- Parvin!
- Yes?
Bring me that key please.
But I at least need to know
what she's talking about!
Otherwise how do I know if I'm
performing the right reaction?
Boys, put the walls back up please!
Don't you trust your actors?
I don't understand
this weird habit directors
have, keeping the
performer in the dark.
Why can't I just read the whole script?
For example, why do I, the
character, not just open the box?
Well, it's not yours, is it?
It isn't?
Parvin?
Excuse me, what's in the box anyway?
Come with me, I've got
something to show you.
Well, if the box is not mine, why do I
even let it be delivered to the house?
"You took my bank cards. All the
money. Have you forgotten that?"
Or take the bandages.
I've been in a crash, fallen off a cliff,
had my bones smashed, covered in wounds;
Every single movement should
be agony for me!
But you want me to perform like there's
basically nothing under these bandages!
Come on, let me show you something.
Follow me.
Once you see the
thing I've got here,
you'll get the answer
to all your questions.
Why in there?
Shut the door.
He's nearby, downstairs. He'll be
furious if he knows we're in his room.
What's this?
This is the implement that was
used to cut your brake lines.
I can't believe it.
It was Sohrab all along.
He was the one who sabotaged the car.
He wanted to get rid of me.
Oh, finally!
There, now you have your ID.
Go do your inspection.
At last, someone asks me to do my damn job!
Hi Mr. Babak!
Great, here you go!
Girls, have you seen Nazarov?
The shooter?
He's chatting to the director.
Where's that guy Parviz?
Still not here. We seem to be the first in
and the last out here. In this heat too!
Where's your coordinator?
That girl. Golchehra's
daughter. Where is she?
She's struggling with her burqa.
Keeps getting stuck in it.
Mr. Babak! Today's my last chance!
Are you all right?
What's wrong?
That guy you were just
talking to has collapsed!
Dilnaza, get some water!
Girls, girls! I told you
to go that way!
Where's Shahram?
He's a fellow countryman! I've got
him a gift - I just want a chat!
Good day my Italian friend!
Bugger off!
Hey, have you got any water?
No!
I don't want to dress up as an extra!
I want to have my close-up
shot! Under the spotlights!
Hey, Golchehra's daughter!
Yes?
Everyone is waiting on you on set!
Okay...
Pull the burqa over your head!
Pardon?
The burqa! It'll keep the
sunlight out of your face.
Oh. This is cool.
Where are we?
Here's the string for your burqa.
Pull it down to fix the costume.
I've been working on film
sets for twelve years,
Hoping someone finally
spots me and gives me a role.
Then this pretty girl shows
up and snatches the part.
Bijan and Khorshid compete
to take her on a date.
Pull the string down to fix your costume.
Can you at least do something
as simple as pulling a string?
Where are you going?
How do I get out of here?
You're driveling. It's a symptom of
heatstroke, probably.
Miss so-called superstar!
Is this the shooting scene?
Which gun are we using? Why
didn't anyone check in with me?
Girls! It's very warm in here, so please
avoid touching your make-up!
Mr. Babak, are you feeling any better?
I think he's got heatstroke!
There must be something else wrong!
Oh, he's up!
Thank god!
Nazarov... Mr. Nazarov!
I'm fine!
Mr. Nazarov! I haven't inspected
your revolver yet!
Oh, here it is. But I don't think it looks
like the one in the original series at all!
Yeah, you're right!
There's a bullet loaded in there too!
Really?
Yeah, but it doesn't fire - look!
Don't be scared.
It's all
rust on the inside. See?
It's all rusty.
Here, use this one instead.
Has the director approved this?
Of course.
Mr. Nazarov, on your mark please!
Has anyone inspected your squib charge?
Yeah, Antonio's already done it.
My god, he's like a carbon copy of you!
Did anyone put something
in your breast pocket?
Not yet, but I'm hoping they'll slip this
month's paycheck in there after this!
No, something like a cigarette case, or...
I've lost my cigarette case, see. I thought
someone might have put it in your pocket.
By the way, that Antonio guy spent
fifteen whole minutes installing the squib,
And I thought it was you all the way!
"That's better! Gripping. I like it!"
And I said, "Thank God".
Is the filming over?
We're done shooting for today.
That was the last shot.
Well done everyone!
Okay, I'm out of here.
Guys, are you ready?
Siavash, are you ready?
Back on your mark please.
Mariana, I'll just need to check
that light for a second before we go.
Bring the frame over.
A little higher.
Switch it on.
A little bit that way.
Thanks.
Ready?
Two, one, action!
That's the right distance. Keep it up.
Good, that's it.
Okay. Great!
There's no one here.
Everyone's gone.
EPILOGUE
CLOUDY WOMEN
Ladies and gentlemen,
please play close attention!
We start filming in a few moments.
Please make sure your costumes
are worn correctly.
Please turn off your mobile phones.
And make sure you're not
wearing watches or glasses.
We're redoing the scene we showed
you earlier, from that Iranian TV classic.
We're doing a dress rehearsal first.
Remember? The scene where the guy is giving
a speech and the other one shoots him?
Girls! Girls!
There's only six of you!
Where's the seventh?
Is she on her way?
Dunya! Where have you been?!
Quick! Go sit in your spot!
I need to talk to her!
Sit there!
- Where are you going?!
- I've got something important to tell her!
Please, just wait until they're
done rehearsing!
Khorshid, we're ready!
Manzar, we're all set!
So are we!
All set?
Scene 13, first rehearsal!
Quiet on set!
- Sound!
- Speeding!
- Camera!
- Rolling!
Action!
Until the treacherous murderers currently
in prison in the capital and the provinces
are punished for their deeds, there is
no guarantee that such crimes will not
be repeated again in the future.
Until this government makes an example
of them by imposing the penalty of death
on these criminals with due haste-
Cut!
Dunya was standing right here!
As soon as the second shot rang,
she just disappeared!
I swear she was right here!
You're late.
The meeting ran over.
Have some tea.
Where are you?
Everywhere.
Sara!
Mina?
I promised Mina I'd buy her a rabbit.
Are you scared?
What's this?
Hands off!
Hands off!
I know you cut my brake lines.
What were you going to do after I died?
Mina!
I'm leaving the room now.
Let's see if all your CCTV can capture me.
Door, open up.
If the pistol was not going to be fired,
it would not be hung up on the wall.
- Anton Chekhov
- Hi!
- Hello!
How are you doing?
Put it down there.
- Have you oiled the barrel?
- Yes.
- Brought it in for us?
- Yes.
We've already got one. We've
been struggling to sell it.
Yours is made in China. This one's Italian.
What if they find out we've switched them?
They'll be happy to get the original
instead of a Chinese knockoff.
Why so mysterious, you two?
Yousof knows all about it.
Well, put me in the loop too!
Ilham heard that we've got a buyer.
So are you selling it?
No need. It's yours for free.
Oh. How come?
I want the buyer to have the original make.
I don't understand what's going on.
Ilham knows the buyer. He says he
wants her to have this one for free.
Okay, let me explain the situation.
You get to keep your own gun.
My one, the original make, gets
sent to your buyer. Got it?
Do you know the buyer?
Shall we get on with it?
Yousof, this one is missing a firing pin.
I'm going to replace it with
the pin from the Chinese one.
Not going to work. It's too rusty.
Try it.
No point, trust me.
They're different sizes.
Give it a try!
I can't.
People outside
might see. It's not legal.
Oh my god! That's Laila!
It's just a little pin,
I'll switch it in a flash!
Is Laila our buyer?
How did you find out Laila
wants to buy the gun?
I saw it on your Instagram.
He's still stalking the woman!
You devil!
You still vying after her then?
How do you expect her to find
out it came from you?
Her husband is minted! Shouldn't we ask
for the full price for the Italian make?
How is he going to know if it's
a knockoff or the original?
You can see it's the real deal
just by holding it!
Put it down! Someone might
see and report us!
Get me the firing pin.
It doesn't need to work. She's just
going to hang it up as decoration.
I'm giving you a vintage original for free,
And you can't even give me
a cheap firing pin in return?
I don't know how to replace it.
Give it to me, I'll do it myself.
The poor girl's got a husband, a family;
Are you sending a gun into lost cause?
Does she even remember you?
Shut the door.
You struggled through college,
lovesick over that girl.
Do you think she even remembers you?
They're the exact same size.
It looks exactly the same as the Chinese
knockoff, just a little heavier.
I've never seen a love like yours.
I bet everything in her house
is made in China anyway!
Don't point it toward your face.
It's not loaded.
Even so, keep it away from your face.
- Get the firing pin.
- OK.
Ilham!
Ilham!
BLACK RABBIWHITE RABBICHAPTER ONE
BRINGS TO LIFE
What's wrong with you girl?
Mina?
Mina?
Are you there?
- We've got water.
- Come in.
Hey.
Hi.
Where did you sleep last night?
On the sofa.
Tea?
I've got to run.
Leave it ajar. Let the fresh air in.
You're spreading a putrid
stench everywhere.
Makes me gag from a mile away.
Call the doctor today.
See this?
Now watch.
Were you even looking?
You stink.
I can't be near you.
What are all these CCTV cameras for?
For security.
And you can't wait to get rid
of the car either, it seems.
I just want to get rid of this foul odor.
I talk to the teapot more than to you.
Open.
Door, open up.
Are you from the insurance company?
No, the car manufacturer.
I was driving.
I can see.
Mister?
Look here.
Now look at this.
No, don't come close.
I stink.
Do what you have to do, but
I won't let you take it away.
I want to have it
in my sight forever.
Ma'am, do you know why
you drove off that cliff?
The brake line's been cut.
Almost no fluid left.
That's why.
I have to report it.
Morning ma'am.
Good morning! I didn't know
you were in today.
There's an insect infestation. I
have to treat the trees with lye.
This early in the morning?
It's not that early.
But the insects do come out
more in the early hours.
Please.
Sit down.
Don't touch the lye. It's toxic.
That deodorant is also full of toxins.
Be careful. Might hurt you.
I don't feel any pain at all.
I don't see the point of these bandages.
Do you think I smell bad?
We don't have to think about it.
It's all fine if I stand here,
but if I take one more step...
Then it smells rancid.
What about you?
I think it's coming from the ointment.
I can smell it here,
But not if I stand here.
Get a stick or something and
draw a circle around me.
I want to see how far the smell travels.
I can smell you from here...
Right up to...
Here. Within this radius.
Would you step into the
circle if I asked you to?
What about you?
Would you?
Dad wants to install CCTV
all over the house.
How are things going?
Things are... not going well.
Don't worry.
You'll be perfectly fine once
the bandages come off.
You'll be amazed.
You're all waiting for it.
Come here for a sec.
Didn't I just tell you not to touch that?
Do you think I was joking
when I said it's toxic?
Come here, I want to show you something.
I'm done here. Have a good day.
You know, I can talk to inanimate
objects since the accident.
Objects? Even a cutter?
In the Persian dialect, we call it a knife.
Knife?
Yes. I can talk to knives too.
Don't you care that I have powers now?
My eyes have superpowers too.
You get that from me.
When I was your age, I
had the eyes of an eagle!
Firstly, my stepmother can't
pass her genes on to me.
Secondly, with sharp eyes,
how come you drove off that cliff?
Wait a second. Wait.
Okay. So tell me then, what
can you see over there?
There.
Where, the tree?
On the tree.
A magpie.
Behind the magpie.
The mountains.
On the mountain?
A rabbit.
What color?
White.
Now, behind the rock next to her.
The ears of another rabbit!
What color is that one?
Black.
The black one is coming
out from behind the rock.
Why did she push the other one?
Pushed the other rabbit down the mountain!
You saw that too?
Hit her on the head and pushed
her down. Did you see?
Yes.
Sara, what's your word
for a gullible person?
Naive.
Knife?
No. One's 'naive', one's 'knife'.
Naive, knife.
Naive, knife. Naive, knife!
Well done!
Be careful, there's broken
glass on the ground there.
I don't like this building.
Well, I'm planning to fix it up,
I want to move in here.
With dad?
If I wanted to live with your dad, I'd stay
there. If it ain't broken, don't fix it!
Your bones are broken though;
you're all bandaged up!
Are you thinking of getting a divorce?
Not yet. But we should live
separately for a while.
You, me...
Sara, her stepdaughter, and
Behrouz the gardener.
What a team! I like it. It's good!
Stop talking nonsense!
Are you in love with Behrouz?
Will you move in with me or not?
I'll give you the big room.
I will, but then you'll have to let
me skip school for a while.
Nope. You have to go to school.
Then what do I get out of it?
What do you want to get out of it, Mina?
Dad's going to buy me a PlayStation.
You can offer to buy me a rabbit.
Deal.
When?
Well, right now your dad doesn't
allow me to buy anything.
He's taken all of my bank cards away.
But tell me what kind of rabbit you want.
Wait.
I want one like that black
rabbit on the mountain.
But the white one is prettier, isn't it?
I want my rabbit to show strength.
Mina, come here!
Where are you Mina?
I'm here!
- Did you wash the brushes?
- Uhum.
Bring them over.
Well done! We're going to rinse them
again so they don't dry out. Okay?
Sorry my dear, I won't get
to fix your bike today.
Mina! I have too much to do!
I've got a surprise for Mina.
You know best.
I've bought her a present.
Behrouz?
Do you think, when they
unwrap the bandages,
there's still a human
being under them?
God willing.
Lights, turn yourselves on.
Light up.
Is Behrouz gone?
Yes.
Will you fix my bike?
Why aren't you picking up?
Hello?
Delivering your order,
please come down.
What order?
From the antique shop.
I haven't bought a single thing.
You've got the wrong address.
We haven't ordered.
Must be for someone else.
Please, just come down.
I'm busy.
I've got it right. It's your
address here, Number 128.
I can't just leave it down here, can I?
You're stuck in a rut, aren't you?
Pardon?
Wait there.
Let me see that address.
Here you are.
Why is the house number crossed out?
Why are you so argumentative?
Just pick it up.
Give me a tip, and it's all over!
I'm not going to pick up
something I haven't ordered!
Your wife ordered it.
My wife was in a car crash two weeks ago.
I've got her details down here.
Her name isn't here!
I was there when she came in to place the
order. She gave us this address.
That's nonsense!
She had a red open-fronted
waistcoat on. And a white dress.
She wore black nail polish.
Did you buy or order anything
from an antique shop?
No.
Not even online?
No.
Did you hear that?
Good day to you.
Madam, you came in eight weeks ago.
To that dearly departed gentleman's
antique shop, by the square.
You were wearing an red open-fronted
waistcoat. Had a black feathered handbag.
You were looking for something you'd
ordered on Instagram or WhatsApp.
What square are you talking about Sir?
You've got the wrong person.
Who the hell is this
dearly departed gentleman?!
Ask her.
Watch your mouth!
Sohrab! Wait, I'm coming down.
Please do ma'am. We need to
resolve this situation.
You can go if you don't have the time.
I'll sort it out with your lady wife.
You've got some nerve!
Wait for her, we'll sort this out properly.
So, what's going on?
Could you sign here please?
If you don't have servants to help you,
I can bring it in for you for a fee.
Or get the workers from next door to help.
These are not my details.
It says the buyer's name is Laila.
Don't worry about the money. The
late gentleman already paid for it.
Sorry, who is this "late gentleman"
you keep mentioning?
Is this not your signature?
No.
Lord help me!
Look, I've got a packed schedule, please
just take it so I can get on with it!
Are you stupid or something? Do you
want me to knock some sense into you?!
You're not as tough as you think man!
Why are you winding me up like this?
Mister, you're mistaking
me for someone else.
I've never worn a red waistcoat, and
I sure didn't order any antiques.
I'm mistaken?
Please, on you way!
I instantly recognized you.
Even under all that bandage.
Look into my eyes and say it.
Say I'm mistaken.
Didn't you hear her? You're mistaken!
Who asked you? I'm talking to her!
Sohrab!
You set foot around here again
and you're a dead man!
Why did you punch him?!
He got on my nerves!
What if Mina had seen it on the
intercom? She'd be so scared!
How did he know you have a
handbag with feathers?
Half of the city have one like that!
It's in fashion!
What about the red open-fronted waistcoat?
You wouldn't even let me take it out
of the package, you uncultured sicko!
It's still unopened.
Who are you calling uncultured?!
Spending all my money on garbage!
I pity you! You're a grown man,
you've got a child!
You took my bank cards. All the
money. Have you forgotten that?
You maniac!
CHAPTER TWO
RE-ENACTING A SHOBijan? Bijan!
Where are you going Bijan?
Bijan? Where are you off to?
Going over there. Come over.
Where?
The big warehouse. Warehouse number 1.
Put on the costumes, I need to
give them a final check.
Hold the niqab to your face.
- What's your name?
- Marjana.
- And you?
- Delara.
- Amina.
- Delnaza.
- Roxana.
- Tahmina.
It says there should be seven of you.
How many are we now?
Question!
Will our faces be on camera?
They did our make-up.
I don't know.
We'll definitely be on, otherwise they
wouldn't separate us from the rest.
Who's in charge of you?
A lady brought us.
She left an extra costume set there too.
Look, it's Mr. Babak!
It's his fortieth!
- Put this over there.
- Oh, Mr Babak is angry today!
Bijan, what's going on? They're
saying I can't go on set without an ID.
Yeah, new rules. Yours is
somewhere in here.
- Is it his birthday?
- No, his fortieth film!
Who came up with this stupid rule?
Congrats Babak - forty films, eh?
You're old!
Mr Babak, am I getting filmed today?
No, no.
Where's my ID? It's not in this pile.
No idea. Wait here, I'll go look.
Is the director on set?
Yes.
Who do I hand the revolver to?
I don't know.
Can we at least wait in the
shade? It's so hot!
Where do you see any shade?
It's all sunny out here!
Mr Babak, have you heard the
rhyme they've made about you?
Rude.
I can't even say the last verse out loud!
Babak the Propmaster brings in the props,
Sets up the squibs so that guns can go POP!
Puts in the blanks and locks the guns up,
His armory skills are absolute top!
You're all very rude!
Mr Babak, do you know if
we'll get any lines today?
Are there lots of gunshots?
No, just a single one.
Nazarov is firing it.
- Only one?
- Yes, just one.
Bijan?
This isn't dialogue! Give
us the script to memorize.
Who brought you here?
That girl sitting over there.
Boys, go sit over there in Warehouse One.
Girl, come here.
Are you the extras coordinator?
Only for those girls.
Where's Golchehra?
She's my mum. She's ill
today, I came instead.
You're Golchehra's daughter?
She never mentioned you.
She doesn't like me to be on film sets.
Come with me.
Why does she not want you on set?
I don't know. She says it's
not a good environment.
We wanted seven of these
girls, there's only six.
Which girls?
Sitting over there.
Oh, the ones who have their
faces covered.
No worries, I'll find one.
He wants really pretty ones for the part.
Do you have pretty girls at hand?
Who wants pretty girls?
The director, Shahram.
Oh, Shahram! Has he shown up?
Of course!
Khorshid, do we definitely
need seven girls?
Why have you let the set in
costume? You'll ruin the clothes!
Have you still not memorized your lines?!
This isn't just a few lines, it's
a whole damn novel!
Khorshid, can you confirm that
we definitely need seven girls?
My CV.
Could you get it to Shahram? If he
needs an actor, I'm up for auditioning!
Is this you?
Yes. I'd love to be an actor!
Get it to Shahram, eh?
Your mother wouldn't like that!
He'll leave after this one.
Sorry?
Don't you know? Shahram's Iranian. He'll go
back to his country when we wrap this up.
Can't I audition for this one?
Where are you going? Can't you
see there's an actor at work?
Go away, you'll ruin
his concentration!
What's your name?
- Dunya.
- Beautiful!
Are you part of the... crew?
Yes.
Great - see you around then!
Hey, this isn't a CV!
There's no resum here,
just headshots.
True. But I've got talent.
You'll see, if you just
give me an audition.
Everyone thinks they have talent.
Khorshid!
Are there seven girls in the scene?
I think so. Should be the
same as the original scene.
He'll check them out when he gets in.
Count them from the original.
I've already counted.
Can you ask if their faces are on camera?
Will we see their faces?
I think they're all wearing burqas,
so their faces are off camera.
Ask if I can audition!
They should all be pretty,
like it says in the script.
Mr Babak!
Mr Babak, can you come here a sec?
Could you bring the costume
with you please?
What should I do?
Come with me.
I'll just get my stuff.
How you doing?
Pay close attention,
I don't want any
questions later so
I'll explain it in depth.
We're doing an exact remake of this scene
from this classic Iranian period drama.
Look at the screen. You're going to
re-enact the roles of these extras.
We're remaking it with
every single detail.
In the scene, someone's going
to go up to give a speech.
Maestro Nazarov is playing
one of the main characters.
Give him a round of applause!
The other role is played by our
Iranian actor Parviz.
His character is the one who
gets assassinated.
Parviz, could you do
a few of your lines?
Which bit?
Just to rehearse.
The sound of the murderous terrorist's
revolver had not disturbed the peace
of our beautiful capital for a long time.
That dark memento of our revolutionary
past had remained in silent exile.
Bravo!
Watch here.
Some of you are the soldiers in blue.
We see the guy giving the speech.
The rest of you sit like
that, listening in silence.
Ladies, let me show you your place.
Look, seven beautiful women
sit over there.
And Mr Nazarov sits among them.
This is a classic Iranian TV series from
forty years ago. We're remaking it.
Okay, skip to the end, let me
show you what happens.
Parviz's character continues
with his political speech.
The camera cuts over there,
revealing Mr Nazarov's face.
He draws his revolver.
Shoots!
It's pandemonium! You all get up,
Scream and shout and run around.
Cry out "he's been shot!"
Give yourselves a round of applause!
This is all we're doing today,
and you're all in the scene.
Got a light?
Use this one, then stub it out.
- Forty films?!
- This is the fortieth.
Including as an assistant?
Yeah, I was an assistant in Iran.
What happened to your head armorer?
He was in an explosion on set.
Did he die?
Yes.
The charges went off by accident.
Were you on the set too?
The costume doesn't fit me,
keeps falling off!
Just keep it together somehow,
I'll take you to wardrobe!
I'm coming out for the audition,
but it'll fall off if I let it go!
Then don't let it go!
Almost ready for my audition!
Were you on that set too?
It was his fortieth film too.
He blew up into a million pieces.
The costume doesn't fit me at all!
Great, looks fine to me!
It's not fine, it falls as soon
as I take my hands off!
Well, keep hold of it for now then.
It looks gorgeous on you.
I'll take you to the wardrobe team.
They'll fix it for you.
So, why does Golchehra not want
her daughter to be on the film set?
She says it's not an appropriate
work environment.
You couldn't get more
appropriate than this!
Yeah, it's highly appropriate.
Okay then. What have you
prepared for the audition?
Are we doing it right here?
Yeah, I'm all set.
Wait a sec!
Whatever you've got,
just do it quick!
They need you on set soon!
What are you doing with
the costume?!
Be careful, don't take it off!
Stop wriggling so much!
Are you taking it off?!
No!
Hurry up!
Just give me a minute!
Was that part of the costume?
No, it's mine. For my audition piece.
I was hiding it in there.
You're doing you audition with that?
Yes.
Pay close attention to what
I'm going to do!
Let me find the right spot first.
There!
Okay, here.
This looks right.
Okay, first, observe this.
All good?
Okay, we'll place this on
one of these shelves.
There.
Now it's time to count.
One, two, three.
Or we could do three, two, one.
Done!
As you will observe, one
has become two.
Now for the next step.
We just need some random objects.
These will do.
In no particular order. One on the
top one, and one at the bottom.
We clear?
Then I close the door.
And now you're going to have to
help me out with this bit.
Give me a random number.
- Three.
- Three?
- Four.
- And four.
Three, four.
Now let's see.
One, two, three,
Three, four.
That's one, two, three, four.
What do we usually find in a
magician's hat? Any guesses?
Rabbits.
Rabbits! Well done!
And, presto!
This one's for you.
Aw, look how cute he is!
You're auditioning for an acting role
though, not a magic act!
These are my performance skills. I
don't have an acting background.
What use is that for a film actor?!
Bijan, where are you at?
Ask if Shahram's here yet.
So, you can put anything in
this and take out a rabbit?
Yes.
So is Shahram on set?
Where are you now? Is Shahram with you?
So how do you get the rabbits in there?
I don't. It turns whatever I put
in it into a rabbit by itself.
Look, girl, it's an important
day for Mr Babak.
This is the fortieth film he works on.
Do you know why that's important?
When his mentor was
working his fortieth film,
He died in an accident, doing special
effects just like your little act here.
Blew himself up.
On the film set.
So now Mr. Babak has to concentrate so that
he can wrap up his
fortieth safe and sound.
He has to have absolute focus.
And you think it's okay to
distract him with a magic act?
With a rabbit? How's that fair?
Here, take my card.
I'm your only point of contact
from now on. Stay in touch.
Give me a call when it's quiet.
What do you mean, when it's quiet?
Late night. After the shoot.
Okay.
Don't forget my ID!
I'll bring it over.
I did badly.
No, it wasn't bad, but it wasn't
a good audition. It was a magic act.
Does it really work like you said?
Yes, it works.
Mr. Babak, I've heard Miss Mahpeykar
is acting on set today.
Is that true?
No, she wasn't even cast in this film.
You think this guy will
get me a part in the film?
I doubt he could.
You'd be better off ditching
the CV and headshot,
and just getting Parviz
a gift or something.
Who's Parviz?
The actor. He's friends with the director.
Tell Bijan I'll be back soon.
Hello! I'm Iranian, I'm working on this-
Sshhh!
Sorry, I just had a suggestion-
If you could just step into
my office, I've got a-
Was that him? Did he approve my part?
Stay right here.
Khorshid? Khorshid!
What were you doing in
there with that girl?
Has he decided which gun
we're using for the scene?
He's got one with him.
Bought it in Italy.
We don't need it. I've got the prop gun
from the original production in my office.
Why didn't you tell me earlier?!
I wanted to, but you shushed me!
He went all the way to Italy
to find the right prop!
Go ask him, Babak.
He'll give you a whole lecture on the Rodeo
revolver made by the Cartelli Company.
Look, my prop is the actual one
you see in the original scene!
Babak, do you know why the
director can't got back to Iran?
Do we at least know who's
going to get shot?
Yes, it's Parviz.
Oh, he looks so cool in his new suit!
Make-up, bow tie, everything. Beautiful!
Oh, I forgot!
The director's brought
this guy Antonio
with him from Italy -
spitting image of you!
The boys keep mistaking him for you.
You've got a doppelganger!
What do you mean, "spitting image"?
Is that girl in the crew?
She's Golchehra's daughter.
She's brought in the extras instead of her
mother, hoping she could sneak into
an audition with Shahram.
She's stunning!
So, what do I do then?
Do you know what's wrong with this bike?
Everyone on set! Extras, cast, crew!
Hello Mr. Babak!
Hello Mr. Babak.
Hello Mr. Babak.
CHAPTER THREE
OBJECTS SPEAK
He pauses way too much.
We'll fix it.
What's that circle of light?
Oh, I'm just the assistant
- she's the director.
Oh, you look about the same
age, so I assumed it was you.
The circle indicates
the radius of the odor.
The audience might not get it.
They'll get it. There's an internal
logic. No one steps inside it.
It becomes a kind of barrier.
Please, have a seat.
- So, I don't get it.
- Get what?
What's her issue with the husband?
Just the general issues wives
have with their husbands.
We don't really go into
it, but it's the usual.
Yeah, you could say that.
Looks like she has a better relationship
with objects than with her husband.
But it's a bit vague. I mean, I
get it, but will the audience?
I doubt they would!
Oh, Mr. Babak! What can I do for you?
There are a few issues I
need to discuss with you.
Go ahead!
I've brought in a load of props, but
I don't know who to hand them over to.
I'm also working on another set
that I need to get to soon.
And there's still some confusion about
what revolver we're using on this one.
I don't know what to do.
What was that director's name?
Shahram.
Can't you ask Shahram?
He only came in for a minute with his
team, checked out the costume, and left!
Give me a moment.
I'll wait outside.
Before that, just have
a quick look at this one too.
How's those girls' film coming along?
The boss says it's okay,
but it's way too long.
I don't get why they insist on
doing it in single long takes.
I think they should just cut!
Okay, I'll be off then.
That's better!
Gripping!
I like it.
Looks good.
Now I can see your vision.
Good job all round!
That was Babak. Give him the props.
Deja vu...
Deja what? What can I do for you?
Well, this is my fortieth film.
If I get to the wrap without incident,
I'll be beating Darabi's record.
Who's Darabi?
He was my mentor. Back in Tehran.
Your compatriots are quite strange.
How come?
Take your director, Shahram.
Why didn't he make this film in
Iran? That's strange.
You want strange? He's
brought his own revolver on set.
A revolver?
Yep. He's brought it back
from Italy apparently.
Have you checked it out?
No. I have no idea what
gauge, what caliber...
He's brought in an Italian
armorer with him as well, I hear.
Yeah, I know. Antonio.
Looks a lot like you.
Have you met him?
Not yet.
But my revolver is the actual prop
from the scene we're remaking.
What's your problem then?
It's my fortieth film. I'm worried
something might go wrong.
- Mr. Vahidov!
- Yeah?
Could you come outside for a moment?
Someone wants to speak to you.
Is it Shahram?
No, not Shahram.
I'll be out in a tick.
Mr. Babak, is Shahram's revolver
the right model for the scene?
I haven't managed to
look at it yet.
How come? Go check it out,
maybe it'll fit better than yours.
They're not letting me in on
set without an ID card!
I have to inspect the prop guns!
I think you're nitpicking a little.
It's not nitpicking. My mentor died
on the set of his fortieth film
Because of an error in
a situation like this.
Don't be so superstitious my man.
It's not superstition!
Go talk to Antonio, I think
he can reassure you.
What's Antonio going to do?
I've got good reason to suggest it.
Go!
Where is he then?
You'll find him somewhere
down there.
Don't be overzealous Babak!
We just need a prop gun to shoot once.
So long as no one dies, we're all good!
Pardon?
Go, go!
You'll safely have forty films
down on your CV, rest assured!
Are you sure it's come
here to Tajikistan?
Yes I am.
Who told you?
The crew boys were talking about it as
they passed by. It's travelled from Italy.
Does it know that Cigarette
Case is here as well?
It must know. Otherwise why would
it travel so far after all these years?
Guys, clue me in
on the gossip too!
It's here on a mission of revenge.
To take care of unfinished business.
Who's here?
The Castelli Revolver.
How did it make it here?
It's right here. On the set.
The director's brought it
with him from Italy.
Where are you going Babak?
Vahidov told me to come over.
Vahidov, eh?
We're at work right now. Then
Shahram's off to scout locations.
We'll come to you afterwards.
I want to talk to Antonio.
Oh, Antonio! He's not here yet.
He'll show up soon though.
Hi! Hello...
Hi...
Oh, you speak Persian then?
Sorry, no Persian.
Can I help you?
I wanted to check in with
you about the revolver.
Oh, the revolver?
Yes, the revolver.
We bought it together. Shahram
was fascinated by the story behind it.
Do you want to hear it?
Please.
It was manufactured in 1889
by an Italian company.
Owned by the Cartelli brothers.
They were twins,
Tucci and Roberto Cartelli.
They ran the company as partners.
The revolvers they made were in use
all the way until World War II.
They made two models.
One was called the Rodeo.
It didn't have a trigger guard,
but packed more power.
You know what a trigger guard is, right?
It's the little loop thing
that goes around the trigger.
The other model was called N&V.
That one had a trigger guard,
but less firepower.
The brothers eventually fell out over
which model the factory should focus on.
There were barbs traded, raging
fights, litigation, the lot.
Finally, they decided to settle
their issues with a duel.
One of them grabbed a Rodeo
model, the other one an N&V.
They both fired.
The bullet from the Rodeo hit
Tucci Cartelli right in the chest.
But Tucci survived.
Because he had a metal cigarette case
in his breast pocket, just over his heart.
The bullet pierced through one
side of the cigarette case,
But didn't come out the other end.
Roberto, who had taken his shot,
Walked over to him, thinking
he was finished.
And Tucci pulled a scumbag move:
When Roberto stood over him,
He shot him with the N&V.
Roberto died on the spot,
still holding the Rodeo.
And the Cartelli factory only
produced N&Vs from then on.
What a bastard of a brother!
Yeah.
A true bastard.
Which model is the gun you've brought?
A Rodeo.
The very gun that failed to
pierce the cigarette case.
Why the Rodeo?
Babak, my dear, everything in life
always cycles back to its original place.
Everything always cycles
back to its place.
Mina, go to your room!
I'm calling the police.
They'll settle this once and for all.
I apologize; my husband has a short temper.
That's no excuse to behave like an animal.
If you could just please
come in for a minute...
No need for that.
The police will settle this. You know
very well that you're in the wrong here.
Sir, the fight only started
because you kept pushing it.
I swear, I'm not this Laila
woman you're looking for.
So now I'm the one who started the fight?!
It's all my fault apparently!
Please, just come inside - I'll
get you some ice for that bruise.
You may have had operations on your
body and face, but you're still you.
Tell me the truth - do you have an
open-fronted red waistcoat or not?
I do.
Everyone has a red waistcoat.
I mean, lots of people do.
Lots of people don't deny that they
do in front of their spouses though.
You even made me doubt myself;
think maybe you're really not Laila.
My red waistcoat doesn't
have an open front.
Wait here, I'll get you some ice.
Here?!
What was the point of
inviting me in then?
I'm going back out to call the police.
Okay.
Please step inside.
Do you have any vodka?
Please, come in.
I'll go get you that ice.
Get the vodka too.
What are you doing here Mina?
Who's this guy?
Go to your room.
I can stay and support you.
No need darling. Go.
Sir? Sir!
Here's the ice. And the vodka.
You think I'd just ice my face, down
my vodka and go? That easy?
What do you expect me to do?
I'll have to get this seen by a doctor -
there'll be costs involved.
Please keep your distance.
Come on, open up you little shit!
Mister?
Here, try holding this.
There, see how warm it is.
You wouldn't drink vodka this warm.
Here, it's yours.
I can't take it - it'll be trouble.
You'll accuse me of stealing it.
That's all I can give you.
Have you got a receipt for it?
I'd need that to turn it into cash.
It was a gift from my husband.
I don't have the receipt.
Does it belong to that dickhead?
Yes.
Then I'll take it.
That's fair. He started the
fight - he should pay for it too.
You're an intelligent
woman. If I were to
press charges, it would
cost you a lot more.
He loved you for your intelligence,
the gentleman who passed away.
Who's this deceased man
you keep talking about?
I've got it on the shop CCTV.
He was trying to fix the gun
and it suddenly went off.
Blew his brains out all over the wall.
I can Telegram the video to your
phone. I'll leave you my number.
Mina?
Mister? Mister!
Excuse me, could you please give me
a hand? I'm trying to get this box inside.
Coming!
Babak?
Mr. Babak!
Babak?
Are you okay?
What's happened?
You fell asleep.
Where is everyone?
They're shooting on set.
Guys, do you know where
I can find the director?
- The director?
- Yeah.
No.
Some cold water?
What is it?
Today's my last chance! I won't
be allowed to come on set again!
- Where the hell did you go?!
- It's out of my hands!
See what I'm dealing
with? Please don't
dump such unprofessional
extras on me again!
Antonio! Antonio!
They're waiting for you in the room!
Shahram's calling for you!
What are you saying?
Oh, you're not Antonio?
Where's Shahram?
What do you want with him?
He's a fellow countryman! I've got
him a gift - I just want a chat!
Good day my Italian friend!
Sorry sir, no entry without ID.
Khorshid! Khorshid!
Where's Shahram?
Silence on set please!
Where's Shahram?
Inside.
Where are you going? Stay here,
you don't have your ID with you.
Why wasn't I called on set?
Is this the shooting scene?
We're just rehearsing it for now.
Which gun are we using?
Why didn't anyone check in with me?
Guys, this Antonio keeps fainting around
the pretty girls, just like Babak!
See? And yet you only
call ME a dirty old man!
Bijan, tell the girls to
go back to their marks!
Get ready to roll. Tell them to be quiet.
You're missing one girl there.
Which one?
The one who brought the extras.
She's probably trapped in her costume.
She'll show up.
Babak, they accidentally checked
in Antonio onto the set instead of you.
I haven't got your ID with me.
Wait here for now, I'll find it for you.
You could give me yours instead.
Is that the shot we're filming now?
Yes, that one.
Listen!
I've discovered something important!
There's a revolver here
hell-bent on revenge!
Revenge on whom?
On the cigarette case that's
in his pocket right now!
Babak, are you feeling all right?
Bijan! Bijan!
Babak, Babak! Come back!
He's got my ID!
He'll be here in a minute - he's
gone to get Vahidov!
Sit down here, it's
the dress rehearsal!
Everyone ready on their marks!
Ready?
But that's not the same
model as the original!
Quiet on set!
- Sound!
- Speeding!
- Camera!
- Rolling!
Action!
Until the treacherous murderers currently
in prison in the capital and the provinces
are punished for their deeds, there is
no guarantee that such crimes will not
be repeated again in the future.
Until this government makes an example
of them by imposing the penalty of death
on these criminals with due haste-
Cut!
Cut!
Tell them to stay in position.
What was that?!
Did someone fire?!
Rustam! Rustam!
Rustam! Go call an ambulance!
I think Parviz has been shot!
- Have you got a pencil?
- Yep.
Cheers.
Bijan! Parviz has been shot!
Where?
In the warehouse!
Parviz is right there! Have you
got heatstroke or something?
I saw it with my own eyes!
Did you see it in the monitor? Must
have been that Iranian film remake.
There!
Parviz is sitting pretty over there!
Why are you acting up Babak?
Is it that fortieth film thing?
I'll go get you some water.
I saw it with my own two eyes!
Why don't you keep cold water here?
You need to have cold water on set - people
need to cool down with all this sunshine!
Where you off to?
To talk to Vahidov.
He's in a meeting. Just
stay right here for now.
It's important!
I'll go get him myself,
you stay here!
- Mr. Vahidov!
- Yeah?
Could you come outside for a moment?
Someone wants to speak to you.
Is it Shahram?
No, not Shahram.
I'll be out in a tick.
Mr. Babak, is Shahram's revolver
the right model for the scene?
I haven't managed to
look at it yet.
How come? Go check it out,
maybe it'll fit better than yours.
They're not letting me in on
set without an ID card!
I have to inspect the prop guns!
I think you're nitpicking a little.
It's not nitpicking. My mentor died
on the set of his fortieth film
Because of an error in
a situation like this.
Don't be so superstitious my man.
It's not superstition!
Go talk to Antonio, I think
he can reassure you.
What's Antonio going to do?
I've got good reason to suggest it.
Go!
Where is he then?
You'll find him somewhere
down there.
Don't be overzealous Babak!
We just need a prop gun to shoot once.
So long as no one dies, we're all good!
Pardon?
Go, go!
You'll safely have forty films
down on your CV, rest assured!
Who wanted to see me?
Babak wanted to discuss something...
Mr. Vahidov! I swear I saw
Parviz get shot on set!
But now he's over there all of a sudden!
Good one!
I haven't been able to
inspect the revolver!
I can't take any responsibility for it!
- I talked to Antonio as you asked.
- I like this idea.
Haven't you heard what happened to
Alec Baldwin on that film set in the US?
Yeah, I've heard. It
happened during filming.
- There.
- So what?
So if something goes wrong you'll
all just pile the blame on me.
Don't worry, the curse of the fortieth
film won't strike you!
You look tired. Go take a break.
I think you've got a touch of the sun.
Get the man his ID card.
Stay here, I'll be right back.
Babak!
The heat hasn't got to me.
Babak?
When can you take our stuff to the set?
You said were going to deliver
them, the guys are waiting!
Okay, I'll take them now.
Here, there's a costume set in here.
There's a burqa in here.
Get it on set pronto
so we can finally wrap up!
Give us back our freedom! Okay?
CHAPTER FOUR
THE RABBITS
Do you know who's the stage
manager here, kid?
Shush! Sound is rolling!
Who do I deliver this stuff to?
This damn film is going to
drive me mad in the end!
Wait a second!
Is that the script?
This says it has to be in that
room on the right.
It goes on top of the table.
Is this a burqa?
Yes, a burqa and a candelabra.
Put them on the table.
Then, it says,
The burqa is going to fall off
the table on its own volition.
That's it.
Hello?
Hello?
Anyone?
Where are they?
Hello?
Oh, you gave me a fright!
Are you this film's lead?
I'm the stand-in.
I'm waiting to be called.
They've already done ten
takes of just this one shot!
And we look quite
different. It's noticeable
even from up here
in the distance.
Sorry, I noticed a metal cigarette
case downstairs. I wanted to ask if-
It's a prop from this film?
- The silver one?
- Yes.
It's supposed to be in Sohrab's pocket.
But as you go downstairs, the girl in
the burqa is going to pocket it.
You're talking about Golchehra's daughter?
She must be stealing it to
gift it to Parviz as a bribe.
You took my bank cards. All the
money. Have you forgotten that?
You maniac!
Idiot.
Mina?
Who are you?
How did you get in here?
Don't move.
Don't move!
And that's when I woke up.
While I was pointing the
cigarette case at Mahpaykar.
Really?! You've been dreaming of Mahpaykar?
I think she's actually here,
shooting a film in Studio 3!
I'm not absolutely sure it was Mahpeykar.
I've had the same dream for
the last three nights.
Oh, if only I could live her life!
You know what my friends
have nicknamed me?
"Maypeykar!"
Do you think I could get
into Studio 3 to meet her?
You have no idea how tricky it was to sneak
onto the film set without my mum noticing!
Wait, was that Mr. Babak?
You done with her make-up?
Yes.
Come here, let me fix your costume.
I don't get it, what kind
of make-up is this?!
I don't get the costumes.
Can't get my head around the
props... the lot! The whole damn film!
Stay still.
If you're looking to get an audition,
your best bet is to get a gift for Parviz.
He'll convince the director
to give you a role.
He's into antiques!
Yeah, Babak said the same thing.
Get him something old,
he loves antiques!
I can't fix it like this. You must
have done it up wrong.
Take it off, I have to put it on you again.
No, Zulfia, stop!
Her make-up will be
ruined if she takes it off!
Then you'll have to redo it.
Mr. Babak! Mr. Babak!
Mr. Babak!
What is it?
Mr. Babak!
Today's my last chance! I won't
be allowed to come on set again!
- Where the hell did you go?!
- It's out of my hands!
See what I'm dealing
with? Please don't
dump such unprofessional
extras on me again!
Why can't you stay put?!
They're waiting for you in the room!
Shahram's calling for you!
What are you saying?
Oh, you're not Antonio?
Stay still so I can
find the string,
otherwise you won't
be able to walk in this.
I'm feeling a little faint.
Can't we go over there in the shade?
I don't want to dress up as an extra!
I want to have my close-up
shot! Under the spotlights!
Hey, Golchehra's daughter!
Yes?
Everyone is waiting on you on set!
Okay...
Pull the burqa over your head!
Pardon?
The burqa! It'll keep the
sunlight out of your face.
What happened?
Oh. This is cool.
Where are we?
Here's the string for your burqa.
Pull down to fix it.
I've been working on film
sets for twelve years,
Hoping someone finally
spots me and gives me a role.
Then this pretty girl shows
up and snatches the part.
Bijan and Khorshid compete
to take her on a date.
Pull the string down to fix your costume.
Can you at least do something
as simple as pulling a string?
Where are you going?
Wait!
How do I get out of here?
You're driveling. It's a symptom of
heatstroke, probably.
Miss so-called superstar!
Oh, Mr. Babak! What can I do for you?
There are a few issues I
need to discuss with you.
Go ahead!
I've brought in a load of props, but
I don't know who to hand them over to.
I'm also working on another set
that I need to get to soon.
And there's still some confusion about
what revolver we're using on this one.
I don't know what to do.
What was that director's name?
Shahram.
Can't you ask Shahram?
He only came in for a minute with his
team, checked out the costume, and left!
Give me a moment.
Before that...
Just have a quick look
at this one too.
The car!
She must be stealing it to
gift it to Parviz as a bribe.
If you want to avoid fire, you shouldn't
keep the matches next to the firewood.
Choose one. More than enough.
That's better!
Gripping!
I like it.
Looks good.
Now I can see your vision.
Good job all round!
That was Babak. Give him the props.
Deja vu!
Bijan! Parviz has been shot!
Where?
In the warehouse!
Parviz is right there! Have you
got heatstroke or something?
I saw it with my own eyes!
Did you see it in the monitor? Must
have been that Iranian film remake.
Mina?
Mina!
Mina!
Who are you?
How did you get in here?
Don't move.
Don't move!
I'm the extras coordinator!
Did you come in with the delivery guy?
Oh my god, are you
really Mahpeykar?!
Oh, how I wish I could live your life!
I can't believe it!
Sorry, I don't mean to bother you,
I just need to get the cigarette case.
It doesn't belong to this
film set, does it? There-
Wait, where did the
cigarette case go?
- Cut!
- What was my line here?
We're just making some little
tweaks, we'll start again shortly!
Did the girl say the right lines? She
was speaking Russian, I didn't understand.
Yes, she was correct.
Babak, what are you doing?
You ruined the shot!
I thought you were working in the yard.
That little girl out there told
me to bring the burqa here.
Just one question.
We can see your shadow over there.
We can hear you too!
The cigarette case that was there -
that wasn't one of my approved props.
Where did you find it?
By all means, do the rewrite!
- Parvin!
- Yes?
Bring me that key please.
But I at least need to know
what she's talking about!
Otherwise how do I know if I'm
performing the right reaction?
Boys, put the walls back up please!
Don't you trust your actors?
I don't understand
this weird habit directors
have, keeping the
performer in the dark.
Why can't I just read the whole script?
For example, why do I, the
character, not just open the box?
Well, it's not yours, is it?
It isn't?
Parvin?
Excuse me, what's in the box anyway?
Come with me, I've got
something to show you.
Well, if the box is not mine, why do I
even let it be delivered to the house?
"You took my bank cards. All the
money. Have you forgotten that?"
Or take the bandages.
I've been in a crash, fallen off a cliff,
had my bones smashed, covered in wounds;
Every single movement should
be agony for me!
But you want me to perform like there's
basically nothing under these bandages!
Come on, let me show you something.
Follow me.
Once you see the
thing I've got here,
you'll get the answer
to all your questions.
Why in there?
Shut the door.
He's nearby, downstairs. He'll be
furious if he knows we're in his room.
What's this?
This is the implement that was
used to cut your brake lines.
I can't believe it.
It was Sohrab all along.
He was the one who sabotaged the car.
He wanted to get rid of me.
Oh, finally!
There, now you have your ID.
Go do your inspection.
At last, someone asks me to do my damn job!
Hi Mr. Babak!
Great, here you go!
Girls, have you seen Nazarov?
The shooter?
He's chatting to the director.
Where's that guy Parviz?
Still not here. We seem to be the first in
and the last out here. In this heat too!
Where's your coordinator?
That girl. Golchehra's
daughter. Where is she?
She's struggling with her burqa.
Keeps getting stuck in it.
Mr. Babak! Today's my last chance!
Are you all right?
What's wrong?
That guy you were just
talking to has collapsed!
Dilnaza, get some water!
Girls, girls! I told you
to go that way!
Where's Shahram?
He's a fellow countryman! I've got
him a gift - I just want a chat!
Good day my Italian friend!
Bugger off!
Hey, have you got any water?
No!
I don't want to dress up as an extra!
I want to have my close-up
shot! Under the spotlights!
Hey, Golchehra's daughter!
Yes?
Everyone is waiting on you on set!
Okay...
Pull the burqa over your head!
Pardon?
The burqa! It'll keep the
sunlight out of your face.
Oh. This is cool.
Where are we?
Here's the string for your burqa.
Pull it down to fix the costume.
I've been working on film
sets for twelve years,
Hoping someone finally
spots me and gives me a role.
Then this pretty girl shows
up and snatches the part.
Bijan and Khorshid compete
to take her on a date.
Pull the string down to fix your costume.
Can you at least do something
as simple as pulling a string?
Where are you going?
How do I get out of here?
You're driveling. It's a symptom of
heatstroke, probably.
Miss so-called superstar!
Is this the shooting scene?
Which gun are we using? Why
didn't anyone check in with me?
Girls! It's very warm in here, so please
avoid touching your make-up!
Mr. Babak, are you feeling any better?
I think he's got heatstroke!
There must be something else wrong!
Oh, he's up!
Thank god!
Nazarov... Mr. Nazarov!
I'm fine!
Mr. Nazarov! I haven't inspected
your revolver yet!
Oh, here it is. But I don't think it looks
like the one in the original series at all!
Yeah, you're right!
There's a bullet loaded in there too!
Really?
Yeah, but it doesn't fire - look!
Don't be scared.
It's all
rust on the inside. See?
It's all rusty.
Here, use this one instead.
Has the director approved this?
Of course.
Mr. Nazarov, on your mark please!
Has anyone inspected your squib charge?
Yeah, Antonio's already done it.
My god, he's like a carbon copy of you!
Did anyone put something
in your breast pocket?
Not yet, but I'm hoping they'll slip this
month's paycheck in there after this!
No, something like a cigarette case, or...
I've lost my cigarette case, see. I thought
someone might have put it in your pocket.
By the way, that Antonio guy spent
fifteen whole minutes installing the squib,
And I thought it was you all the way!
"That's better! Gripping. I like it!"
And I said, "Thank God".
Is the filming over?
We're done shooting for today.
That was the last shot.
Well done everyone!
Okay, I'm out of here.
Guys, are you ready?
Siavash, are you ready?
Back on your mark please.
Mariana, I'll just need to check
that light for a second before we go.
Bring the frame over.
A little higher.
Switch it on.
A little bit that way.
Thanks.
Ready?
Two, one, action!
That's the right distance. Keep it up.
Good, that's it.
Okay. Great!
There's no one here.
Everyone's gone.
EPILOGUE
CLOUDY WOMEN
Ladies and gentlemen,
please play close attention!
We start filming in a few moments.
Please make sure your costumes
are worn correctly.
Please turn off your mobile phones.
And make sure you're not
wearing watches or glasses.
We're redoing the scene we showed
you earlier, from that Iranian TV classic.
We're doing a dress rehearsal first.
Remember? The scene where the guy is giving
a speech and the other one shoots him?
Girls! Girls!
There's only six of you!
Where's the seventh?
Is she on her way?
Dunya! Where have you been?!
Quick! Go sit in your spot!
I need to talk to her!
Sit there!
- Where are you going?!
- I've got something important to tell her!
Please, just wait until they're
done rehearsing!
Khorshid, we're ready!
Manzar, we're all set!
So are we!
All set?
Scene 13, first rehearsal!
Quiet on set!
- Sound!
- Speeding!
- Camera!
- Rolling!
Action!
Until the treacherous murderers currently
in prison in the capital and the provinces
are punished for their deeds, there is
no guarantee that such crimes will not
be repeated again in the future.
Until this government makes an example
of them by imposing the penalty of death
on these criminals with due haste-
Cut!
Dunya was standing right here!
As soon as the second shot rang,
she just disappeared!
I swear she was right here!
You're late.
The meeting ran over.
Have some tea.
Where are you?
Everywhere.
Sara!
Mina?
I promised Mina I'd buy her a rabbit.
Are you scared?
What's this?
Hands off!
Hands off!
I know you cut my brake lines.
What were you going to do after I died?
Mina!
I'm leaving the room now.
Let's see if all your CCTV can capture me.
Door, open up.