Holding the Man (2015) Movie Script
(Bell tolls)
(Bell tolls)
(Puffs)
(Telephone rings)
ANSWERING MACHINE:
You've called Pepe Trevor.
Leave a message
afterthe tone...
Yes? Hello?
MAN: I can'tremember
where he sat.
Tim, are you OK?
- Where was John?
- You know where John is.
At our dinner party
with the girls -
was he opposite or beside me?
Er, does it matter?
I'm trying to write itdown,
and I...
There were mint leaves
in our drink,
I remember the colour
of your dress,
but I can't remem...
remember where he sat,
anditfrightens me.
It's like
I'm going to lose it.
He was... he was...
(Coin clunks,
call disconnects)
Pepe?
Pepe?
Cambio? Cambio?
TIM: DearJohn.
Lipariisparadise.
I seem to be doing
manyofthe things
I wantto do before I die.
Signor Conigrave!
Signor Conigrave!
- Per lei.
- Grazie.
VIVALDl: Gloria
All set?
Let's go, boys!
(Boys cheer)
He's holding the man, sir!
He's holding!
- Just get on with it!
- It's a free kick, sir!
Sweet flower,
with flowers thy bridal bed
I strew.
O, woe!
Thy canopy is
but dust and stones,
which with sweet water
nightly will I dew.
Can't you do it sadder?
You're Paris. She's Juliet.
You've lost your fiance,
not your bus pass.
Or wanting that,
with tears distilled...
No, stop. Stop.
Can you imagine
what it would be like
to, say, lose your girlfriend.
I guess so, sir.
It'd be tremendously sad,
wouldn't it?
What's her name?
I don't have a girlfriend,
sir.
BOY: Yeah, wonder why!
(Laughter)
Here, lying in her tomb, eh?
Cold. The colour -
colour's gone from her face!
See?
Lifeless!
TIM: Or wanting that, with
tears distilled by moans,
the obsequies that I
for thee shall keep
nightly shall be
to strew thy grave.
- And weep.
(Applause)
T. REX: 20th Century Boy
MAN: Stay with him!
Stay with him!
Friends sayit's fine
Friends sayit's good
Everybodysays it'sjust
like rock'n'roll...
Whoo!
I move like a cat
Talk like a rat...
Come on, John!
Babe,
I wanna be yourman...
Over here!
(Cheering)
- Get him, John! Get him!
No!
- You OK, Johnny?
MAN: Get back, boys.
Keep still, John.
Who are you?
I'm Tim Conigrave.
I'm in your geography class.
Oh.
You're pegged for the
Best and the Fairest medal.
Yeah, I really wanna think
about that now, don't I?
I'm in a play with
your brother, actually -
Romeo And Juliet.
Are you Romeo?
Mmm, the competition.
Paris - the one Juliet leaves
for Romeo.
Poor Paris.
Yeah.
Should come and see it.
(Pencil case unzips)
Do you mind if I sign your...
Uh, it's still drying.
You can if you want.
(Plays piano)
La, la, ba, ba, ga, ga, ga
Ga, ga, ga, gallop, gallop
Gallop, gallop, gallop,
gallop, gallop, gallop a pace
Gallop a pace...
- The house is open.
Beginners... Tim?
Beginners, everyone.
Standing by for the prologue.
Beginners.
(Pepe squeals)
- Break a leg.
GIRL: Break a leg!
BOY: Break a leg.
TEACHER: Eric, curtain!
BOY 1: Why is everyone
saying 'break a leg'?
BOY 2: Because you're not
meant to say 'good luck'.
BOY 1: You just said it.
PEPE: Is he here?
TEACHER: Tim!
- Tim!
- Oh, hi, Paul.
TEACHER: Prologue, Tim!
- Is your brother in?
- I'm in his geography class.
PAUL: So?
OK, and remember,
if anyone laughs at you,
it's because they haven't
the guts to do it themselves.
Break a leg.
- Cue overture, Chris.
(Dramatic music plays)
Eric, curtain!
Two households,
both alike in dignity,
in fair Verona
where we lay our scene.
(Whispering)
- (Boy meows)
(Scattered laughter)
(Shushing)
TEACHER: ('Sweet flower,
with flowers'.)
(I know.)
- ('Sweet flower. ')
- (I know!)
Sweet flower, with flowers
thy bridal bed I strew.
Eugh!
- What's up with you?
- No, just...
Probably morning sickness.
Maybe you're pregnant.
No, Doc,
I think I'd know if I was.
Conigrave's pregnant.
Conigrave's pregnant!
You told me
you were on the pill.
- You guys are suss!
- I hope you're not angry.
I'll get rid of it
if you want!
Doctor, I'd like an abortion.
That's against...
Am I to understand that some
kind of miracle has occurred?
TIM: Just a joke, sir.
TEACHER: You disgust me,
Conigrave.
(Laughter)
(School bell rings)
- 'You disgust me, Conigrave. '
- Sucked in, Conigrave!
JOHN: Hi.
(Laughs) Oh, hi.
- Sorry I missed your play.
- Oh, did you? No worries.
Hey, do you want me to...
I can...
Oh, no, I'll manage.
I'm getting good at it.
- Better get going...
- John?
Um, I'm having this thing -
the girls from the play
are having this dinner party
thing at my place on Friday...
(Book thuds)
- Bugger!
Should you be bending?
- Pardon?
- The baby.
(Laughs) Oh, yeah.
So, what do you reckon,
this dinner?
Getting home might be
difficult.
The girl who played Juliet,
her mother's giving everyone
a lift home.
I don't know about theatre,
or that Wobbledagger fella.
What?
Shakespeare.
TIM: I'm not putting on
Mozart!
PEPE: It's in the ice bucket.
TIM: I know!
So, what did you think
ofthe play?
I didn't see it.
- We were fabulous!
(Laughter)
I should have worked harder
to make you come.
(Girls laugh)
- Is there a problem?
(Girls laugh)
We're a new group offriends,
so I think we should send
a kiss around the table.
- What? No. No.
GIRL: Oh, yes.
- Yes, let's.
TIM: Absolutely not.
I'll go first.
Gina!
Lucky last! Come here! Mwah!
BOY: For those trapped
in the darkness of sin,
that the light shining in
Christ may free them
and bring them
to God's favour,
that, moved
by God's loving mercy,
they may turn away
from their sins
and open their hearts
to the divine life of grace.
- Lord, hear us.
ALL: Lord, hear our prayer.
(School bell rings)
- Take these for you?
- Oh, I'm right.
(Jolly music plays on film)
MAN, ON FILM: Letus take a
closerlook atapublic enemy.
The Queensland fruitfly.
Itisplaying
an increasinglysinisterrole
in the everydaylife
ofthe nation.
There is scarcelyanyfruit
thatis immune
in the months
thatthe flygoes about
its destructive task.
Onlybystringentcontrol
can this...
(The Best and Fairest medal.)
(That's a new pencil case.)
You two seem
to be getting along.
I thought you had the hots
for Derge, Tim.
He is the father
of your child.
I'm sorry,
but my heart belongs to John.
Might have to make it
a three-way.
You have to drop him,
Conigrave.
Derge needs
to know he's special.
Alright! John, you're dropped.
(Laughter)
- You guys are off!
(Laughter)
(Ringing tone)
Hello?
Are you there?
Hello?
Yes, hello, um,
I'm calling for John.
Who's speaking?
Timothy Conigrave.
One moment, Timothy.
JOHN: This is a nice surprise.
Is it? That's... good.
There's something
I want to tell you.
I'm all ears.
That game
Biscuit played in class...
Whatgame?
Where he said I have to
drop you - I didn't like it.
I didn't like
saying that to you.
That I have to drop you.
Justa game.
Mum's gotdinneron. I'm
supposed to setthe table...
- You have to go?
- Yeah. Sorry.
- That's OK. Bye.
- It's nice chatting. Bye.
SUPERTRAMP: Dreamer
Dreamer
You stupid little dream
So now you put your head
in your hands, oh, no...
(Knocking at door)
- Go away! Piss off!
WOMAN: I beg your pardon?!
I'm naked!
Someone's on the phone
for you.
(Turns off radio)
- Who?
- A boy from school.
Hurry, please.
I've got dinner on.
Tell your friends
not to call at dinnertime!
- I can call back.
TIM: What? Why?
Your dinner.
No, it's... it's OK.
- We're having casserole.
- Chops.
We just had chops
and mashed potato.
And peas.
I like you.
That's good.
I reallylike you.
I've likedyou forsome time.
I like you too.
Does this mean
that we're going out?
(Laughs)
You haven'tasked me yet.
John Caleo,
will you go round with me?
- Yep.
- Oh!
DRAGON: Sun and the sea
Birds in the air
I lostmylove
and I don'tcare
Oh, no
Oh, no...
Whoo-hoo! Whoo!
This time,
I'm gonna take yourhand
Gonna take you
to the promised land
And this time
This time
This time, gonna head
in the rightdirection
In the rightdirection
This time
This time
This time, gonna head
in the rightdirection
In the rightdirection
In the rightdirection
In the rightdirection...
No-one can see.
I better get home.
Ah! God! So turned on.
(Laughs) I'll have to go
straight home and pull myself.
You don't do that, do you?
- You joking?
- Why do you need to?
Because it's fun!
Can you see if you can stop?
Mmm.
Have you seen my Cleo
magazine?
No.
(Moans softly)
(Moans softly)
(Moans softly)
(Breathes heavily)
TIM: DearJohn.
It's 1am and I can'tsleep.
I think I went
too fartoo soon
when I reached
into yourdaks.
All I can sayis I'm sorry.
thatis enough forme.
THE MASTER'S APPRENTICES:
It's because I love you...
- What's this?
- Give it back.
- A love letter!
- Eric, give it back to him.
TEACHER:
Quieten down, you lot,
and that includes the peanut
gallery at the back.
- Thank you.
- Give it back!
TEACHER: Now, will you all
please open your books
to page 97...
TIM: Idiot!
TEACHER: We are now going
to further investigate...
.. the topological formation
of our own continent.
There are, as you know,
14 major tectonic plates.
If you don't know
them already,
write them down,
because you need to know them.
They are of course,
first, the Eurasian plate,
two, Australian-Indian,
three, Philippines,
four, Pacific,
five, Juan de Fuca...
I expected more of you, Caleo.
Six, Nazca,
seven, Cocos.
TIM: We love each other. What
are you going to do about it?
JOHN: Tim!
You're mumbling, Tim.
We love each other
and what are you
going to do about it?
Father, please!
This can't get around.
I'm afraid
it's too late for that.
There are people in this place
that want to discipline you.
You're quite the topic of
conversation in the staffroom.
Why haven't
they tried to stop us?
The lay staffwould like to...
.. but the Jesuits
look out for you.
We've seen this before.
- (Scoffs)
- Be careful, Tim.
Yes, Father.
Not everything
has to be political.
Doesn't it?
Tim, there will be
other battles,
and they will need
educated people to fight them.
Don't jeopardise your
schooling over this, boys.
Bless us, O Lord,
and these, thy gifts
we are about to receive
from thy bounty.
Through Christ, our Lord,
amen.
ALL: Amen.
Tim?
Thank you, Mrs Caleo.
Lovely manners.
BOB: What about you?
Do you want an onion?
There you go.
What about you?
TIM: No, I'm right
at the moment.
- It's really good, Mum.
- That's really nice, Mum.
MOTHER: Is it, darling?
John, er... John's changed.
We've all noticed.
Ever since he's been
hanging around with you.
He's come out of himself.
Lois and I are very grateful.
We'd like to thank you.
He's a great guy.
Mum's rule - friends sleep
in here on a school night,
otherwise I stay up yakking.
(Laughs) I don't mind.
You reckon your parents will
let you come away to Eric's
for the study break?
They said as long
as you're going.
Five fellas in a shack. You
never know what might happen.
(Floorboard creaks)
(Sweet flower...)
- (Gasps)
- Shh!
(Both laugh)
(Sleeping bag unzips)
(John breathes heavily)
(John moans)
- Shh, shh.
- Oh!
- Shh, shh.
- (Can we go again?)
- (Laughs)
(Birds chirp)
I feel like
I played a grand final.
(Laughs)
(Floorboard creaks)
We'll be back with lunch.
Good luck!
TIM: What are you doing?
Just felt like it.
(Both moan)
TIM: DearJohn.
I think I wenttoo far
too soon
when I reachedinto yourdaks.
BOY: Dad? Did Paul get
an extra two bucks?
I'm the one
who cleaned the gutters.
Out!
DERGE: What the fu...
Are you fucking kidding?!
BOY: Thanks.
ERIC: Ought to run into town
for more beer.
DERGE: Too frigging cold.
Good streaking weather.
Piss off, I'm not doing that.
What? You have before.
Leave it, Biscuit.
No, why not?
Fuck off, Conigrave.
Just fuck off.
Fucking homo.
(Laughter)
Yes!
(Laughter)
Oh, Dergey boy!
(Laughter)
(Laughter)
(All whoop)
(Car horn honks)
- Lovely night for it!
(Laughs) Run like
the clappers, boys.
(Car horn honks)
I'm doing it, but don't you
two look at my arse!
(Laughter)
Come on, Derge!
Hello.
Has someone died?
I told myself
I was being stupid.
What?
FATHER: John's father
came to see me today.
He made me read your letter.
What letter?
Tim, when I was your age
guys used to muck around in
the showers at the yacht club
while their parents
were up in the bar.
Everyone did it.
You're gonna grow out ofthis.
I hope you do,
otherwise you're going
to have a very lonely life.
A very sad life.
Up until now,
I couldn't be happier.
Don't be smart!
You're living under our roof.
Your mother and I have made
a decision.
You and John can't see each
other anymore.
Yes, we can.
You can't stop us.
The man is threatening
court action.
And do you support him?
FATHER: What you're doing
is illegal.
Do you support him?
No, frankly, we don't,
but today has been the most
humiliating day of my life!
John won't be
staying here anymore,
and you're not to use
the telephone to contact him.
You fucking poxy traitors!
I hope you get cancer!
Wow.
They all call you
the school poofter!
I stuck up for you,
and then I find out it's true!
(Door slams)
BRONSKl BEAT: I Feel Love
You
You and me, yeah!
Ooh, I'm in love,
I'm in love
I'm in love
I feel love
I feel love
I feel love
I feel love...
(Tapping at window)
What are you doing here?
Mmm. You taste like fly spray.
(Laughs) Yeah.
(John cries)
- We'll get through this.
- How?
- They'll keep us apart.
- Will you marry me?
Oh!
(Both laugh)
- That just fell out.
- (Laughs)
FATHER: John?
Homework all done?
Pretty much.
(Sighs) Your mother's
very upset.
I talked to the parish priest.
He recommended a psychologist.
Your mother will make
an appointment
and then you will see
this man.
John, you've got to put this
in the past.
Exams soon,
so it ought to be easy
for you to avoid Tim.
I love you.
I feel love
I feel love
I feel love
I feel love...
TIM: You don't mind
if I record this?
MAN: What year were you born?
TIM: Pardon?
MAN: Your birth year.
Oh, 1959. October.
MAN: Ah.
Year ofthe Pig.
Little sandalwood
always helps.
So, it's OK...
I'm taping this?
Sit. You're making me nervous.
(Coughs uncontrollably)
So, we're devising
a theatre piece -
the actors,
and me as the writer.
We've all graduated
drama school. You know NIDA?
I know Narnia.
No, not that.
Erm, we agreed
to interview people
because we felt the issue has
been hijacked by the media -
all this
sex, death, horror shit.
How long have
you been positive?
Me? (Laughs) No, I'm not.
And rather not know.
Well, if you haven't been
exposed...
How can you write this play?
You're making assumptions
about your status.
No, I'm in a stable
relationship.
I think he's cheating on you.
(Laughs) You don't know him.
We've been together
since high school.
What - constantly?
(Laughs) That doesn't happen.
Just... going to check...
.. see ifthat's working.
(Tape whirrs)
OK.
So, perhaps just state
your name and age.
Me?
I'm Richard.
I'm 33, and I have decided
I am going to make it to 34.
What do you want to include
in your play?
I've forgotten - were we
talking about a helicopter?
- No.
(Fan whirrs)
I mean, the kind of helicopter
that drops supplies.
No.
I get ticked off
that some people get
this nice little boat ride,
you know?
Instead I'm in the quicksand
with the snakes!
I shouldn't have
to put up with it.
TIM: OK.
I mean, don't get me wrong,
because most people have only
seen these things in a book
or something like that.
Like a leopard.
The other night on the stairs,
I saw one for real.
Where were you?
In the Congo.
Leopard was gonna have a baby.
You think
I'm not making sense...
.. but I am.
(Telephone rings)
RECEPTIONIST: Can I help you?
(Negative, thank God.)
You weren't worried, were you?
Nah. Can you imagine
being told you've got it?
Well, we don't.
You want to go grab some lunch
after this?
Some of us have real jobs.
MAN: Tim, 2117?
Look at us.
We're fast-lane gays.
Tim?
JOHN: What is it?
Um... he said I'm positive,
John.
But I'm negative.
I should... I'll explain.
The system here is that
if your result is negative,
you see a counsellor,
and if you're positive,
you see a doctor, like me.
John, the clerk put your file
in the wrong pigeonhole,
and the counsellor
gave you the result
without checking the file.
I'm sorry.
You've been given
the wrong result.
You're positive. You both are.
I'd like to take some blood
from you both
to do a cell count.
I'm terribly...
I'm... truly so sorry.
This should not happen. I...
Can you not stretch my
T- shirt?
I'm not!
Do you think I infected you?
You, with your high T8 counts.
You're recently infected,
that's what the doctor
was saying.
We didn't know
this was lurking.
It didn't have a name.
It's not as though...
I mean,
I've hardly been with...
I got something.
(Kisses)
I couldn't decide between
'ribbed for her pleasure'
or...
We're not gonna fuck, Tim.
That's how we got into this
mess in the first place.
MAN: Most people have only
seen these things in a book
or something like that.
The other night on the stairs,
I saw one for real.
In the Congo.
The leopard was going
to have a baby.
WOMAN: Richard had been
diagnosed with toxoplasmosis,
a disease caused by a parasite
found in cat faeces.
Are you telling me
I ate cat poo?
Probably as a kid
playing in a sandpit.
(Kisses) We all did, darling.
We mistook it for a
consequence-free environment.
We had hoped to interview
Richard again,
but as he prepared
to welcome in 1986,
Richard succumbed to dementia
and a litany ofAIDS-related
illnesses.
Just down the road from here,
at St Vincent's.
TIM: Ifthere were thousands
of schoolkids dropping dead,
they'd do something about it.
God help you
if you're a poofter,
or a junkie, or a prostitute!
We're not like those people
in the play.
It's not gonna get us.
We're lucky.
We're the second wave.
They're gonna cure it.
JOHN: Are you ready?
TIM: Not really.
Let's do it.
Campus Gays.
Our bodies, our rights.
Thank you.
That was great.
Yeah? You think that was good?
Mm-hm.
MAN: Two, four, six, eight!
PROTESTORS: Gay love's
just as good as straight!
- Two, four, six, eight!
- Gay love just as good...
Two, four, six, eight!
Gay love's just as good
as straight!
Two, four, six, eight!
Gay love's just as good
as straight!
We are here
and no longer invisible!
Monash University Lesbians.
Tim and John!
JOHN: No, no, no.
It's not like we're lobbing
petrol bombs
in the street, John.
JOHN: Do you want
to come inside?
Into your home?
They're all down
at the beach house.
Really? And what if your dad's
installed Tim detectors?
I want you inside me.
You wanna suck me?
I wanna know
what it feels like.
Don't you think
it's a bit... dirty?
Oh, I sound so Catholic!
- You are Catholic.
- You are!
It's not an insult, Tim.
Did this conversation
just stop being sexy?
Please?
(Car horn honks)
LOIS: Come on, come on.
(Dog barks)
- Get in the closet!
- Are you serious?
In the closet.
Get in the cupboard!
Wha...
Uh...
John? Will you help
your brother get...
Mum, Tim's here.
Please don't tell Dad.
You had jolly well better
get him out quick smart!
Anthony?
- Come on, we've gotta go.
- Eh?
We've gotta go!
Come on! Go!
Not very happy about this.
Do you mind?
It's starting to pong.
- Whose car is that out front?
- Erm... er...
John?
Are you home?
John!
Whose car is that?
Dad, Tim's here.
Tell him to leave.
I invited him.
Now I'm going with him
in his car.
No, you're not.
Tim?
Come in here.
We love each other, Dad.
There's nothing
you can do about it.
LOIS: Don't you speak
to your father like that!
Go. Drive.
That was fan-fucking-tastic.
(Engine starts)
TIM: Arggh! I'm too cramped!
Maybe ifwe...
JOHN: Ow, ow, my balls!
(Tim laughs) Sorry, sorry!
(Grunting)
TIM: I'll just...
Ah, this is... There!
JOHN: Oh, gentle!
TIM: Can I go further in?
JOHN: Slowly.
- Pardon?
- Slowly.
Arggh! I said slowly!
TIM: Oh. Well, it's gonna
snap off in a minute!
JOHN: Oh! Oh!
(Tim laughs)
- It's in.
- It's in?
JOHN: Yep!
TIM: Oooh. It is in.
Now, do I... like this?
If I do this...
JOHN: Ah, ah,
I think you better stop!
TIM: Pull out?
JOHN: Pull out.
Slowly! Arggh, God!
(Laughs) Are you OK?
Yeah! That was great.
BLONDIE: Dreaming
I'm glad to see the back
ofthat old toaster...
No!
I don't wantto
live on charity
Pleasure's real
oris itfantasy?
Reel to reel
is living verite...
Oh! Stunner!
(All exclaim)
His name is Ian.
He's new.
TIM: I've been trying
not to stare.
Tuesday night at my place
was interesting.
God! What does Peter think?
Well, those two in the shower
together is a sight to behold.
You and John are so sweet,
though.
Like an old married couple.
This prick's been
eyeballing me.
Where?
MAN: Either he's threatened
or he's turned on.
Oi, love.
Your friends are poofters!
Yeah, I worked that out.
I'm a dyke, you deadshit.
(Laughter)
- Fuck it.
- What are you doing?
- Come here.
- What are you doing?
(Cheering and whooping)
- Oh! (Screams)
(All exclaim)
Oi, back off, mate!
- Why? Is that your boyfriend?
- I don't wanna fight you.
Hey! Fuck off, you deadshit!
(Shouting)
- Stop it! Stop it!
- Let go of him!
- Leave him alone!
(Shouting and screaming)
- Get off, you little toad!
WOMAN: Don't you touch him!
MAN: Don't touch him!
Get away! No!
Stop it! Stop it!
You're hurting him! Stop it!
John! John! John! John! No!
MAN: Come on, Rose!
- Let's go.
MAN: Get out!
- Get away!
(Shouting and screaming)
MAN: Fucking out now!
We have every right
to be here!
- Come on, Tim! Let's get out!
- Fucking out!
WOMAN: My dad would
come home after work
and he would look at me
like this!
He would look at me like there
was something wrong with me!
Relax, I'm a nurse. At least,
I will be when I graduate.
We should go back,
trash the place.
Settle down, Tim.
MAN: We should go
to the police, yeah?
Huh! Those fascists?
How's that face?
I've had worse
on the footy field, Peter.
JOHN: I don't want to have sex
with other people!
TIM: OK, but would you
allow me to?
Who with?
Well, maybe just once.
Would you let me try it once,
see how it goes?
I don't know
why you'd want to.
Is it something about me?
There are things
our generation
are supposed to be
experiencing
and I don't believe it's fair
to expect our lovers
to fulfil all of our needs.
- Where'd you read that?
- Don't dismiss my politics.
So, this is about your
politics, not your stiffy!
'Stiffy'? (Laughs)
Who calls it a stiffy?
John, am I the only boyfriend
in the world asking this?
- The only one asking me.
- I'm not!
This is normal now! You are
begrudging me being normal.
I don't want to talk
about this.
I came here to see
Nine To Five.
Apparently
it's very funny, OK?
MAN 1: Good boy!
MAN 2: Alison!
(Cheering and laughter)
Come on, come on!
MAN 1: Let's do this, guys!
MAN 2: Yes, yes!
(Cheering)
That's my boy!
MAN: Come on!
(Shouting and cheering)
TIM: Unfair advantage!
Unfair advantage!
IAN: Come on, jump up!
Jump up!
MAN 1: Are you ready for this?
MAN 2: That's not allowed.
TIM: Mine, mine, mine, mine,
mine, mine, mine, mine, mine!
(Cheering)
TIM: Giddy up! Giddy up!
IAN: I've got it!
- Giddy up! Giddy up!
MAN: Pick it up!
WOMAN: Kick it back,
you queens!
MAN: That's OK!
Fast game's a good game...
- Think you found the brakes.
- Erect already?
- Oh, yes.
- (Both murmur and laugh)
TIM: No.
MAN: Surf's up!
(Chatter)
MAN 1: Woody!
MAN 2: Come on, Woody.
- I'm really sorry, Tim(!)
- Oof!
John! I'm sorry!
I'm just a little bit drunk!
PETER: Give you a lift?
JOHN: Thanks.
TIM: Are you still staying
at my place tonight?
(Dance music blares)
- What'll it be?
- A beer, please.
Got the time?
I don't have the time.
(Moans)
Arggh! Ow, ow! Jesus!
Is it bleeding?
- I thought it might be...
- What?!
.. pleasurable.
(Laughs)
I did that thing.
What thing?
Put my name down, like I said.
For acting school.
Now I have to audition.
Good.
It'll mean moving.
The acting school's in Sydney,
if I get in.
Melbourne would be better.
It's the national drama
school.
I think you'll get in.
Thank you.
Long-distance would be hard.
That's why I thought
we should have a trial.
A trial?
A trial separation.
Are you alright with that?
No.
When does it start?
I don't know.
Now?
Well, yes, I guess so.
It has to start now.
Can I still sleep here
tonight?
Of course. I'm not gonna kick
you out of my bed.
- Well, I don't know!
- Stay tonight.
Yeah, I'd prefer to stay
tonight.
Stay tonight,
but tomorrow it starts.
- Tomorrow it starts?
- I don't know.
Doesn't mean we can't cuddle.
I think it does.
(Crying)
(Cries)
(Examiners murmur)
Thanks, Tim.
Love won'tannihilate hatred
Itbuilds you up till
you've had enough...
TIM: Hey!
MAN 1: Tim!
MAN 2: Timmy!
PEPE: Hello, you!
WOMAN: What have you done
to your hair? (Laughs)
I like it! It's just so...
GIRL: Are you coming?
Gives you the score
Then won'tsetyou free
Just when you sayno more
A hand asks fora key
Oh, I never wanted to be
In Quasimodo's dream.
Hello, bald eagle.
Shall I beg the ringmaster
Please find anotherme?
I found out about
drama school, John.
Promise you won't make
a big deal.
Hey, guys!
Tim got into drama school!
MAN: Yes!
He's gonna be
the next Mel Gibson!
(Cheering and applause)
TIM: Oh, thank you.
Whoo-hoo!
(Applause)
- Stop it!
Keep going.
(Cheering and applause)
(Both sniff)
TEACHER: Walk like men
and women.
Lead with your headlights.
How is the public
ever going to believe
this leading man
wants to win the dame?
Are you trying to teach us
self-loathing, is that it?
No. This is about gesture,
tone of voice, courage.
Look at you. That's a very
womanly way to hold yourself.
A third ofthis class is gay,
did you know that?
You're more
than your sexuality, Tim.
Walk. Long neck.
Come on.
Oh!
Oh, you want some rough-house?
I'll give you some
rough-house!
- Line!
- No.
- Line!
- No!
Can we stop playing games,
please, Barry?
How about you listen
to the other person on stage
for once?
- I have a right...
- You think you're an actor?
I think you want to be the
loudest person in the room.
- I'm just...
- I'm speaking.
I think you're here to be
validated, to be loved.
Find that elsewhere.
We're not giving you that, and
your audience certainly won't.
Now, play the blasted scene!
I can't.
Well, I think
that's answered that.
Brett, you'll do Stanley.
PETE SHELLEY: Homosapien
I'm the cruiser,
you're the loser
Me and you, sir
Homosapien too
Homosuperior in my interior
But from the skin out
I'm homosapien too
And you're homosapien too
And I'm homosapien like you
And we're homosapien too
And the world's buit of age
are a stage
Where we act out our lives
And the words in the script
seem to fit
'Cept we have some surprise
I just want this to last
Or my future is past
and all gone
And ifthis is the case
Then I'll lose in life's
race from now on...
- Chookas!
- Chookas, darling.
The house is open.
Is he here?
Chookas! Have a good show!
No.
Ba, ba, ba, ba, ba, ba, ba!
More than any desire
anywhere...
.. deep down,
in my deepest heart,
.. I want you back again.
Please... John...
Don't say any more.
You're making me cry
so dreadfully.
(I'm going to
fucking kill you!)
JOHN: Tim, get off!
I have to go.
Take me with you! I can't bear
that mean drama school!
They say I'm too gay,
too loud...
- They might be right.
- ... I'm too self-centred.
And I want my Tupperware back.
Sure, if I visit again.
Might you visit again?
(Tim turns engine off)
Maybe I'll check out
some chiro clinics up here.
Really? Ow! Ow!
Hang on,
this is knackering me.
I spoke to Dad
about a business loan.
It would have to be
Melbourne but.
Sydney needs
chiropractors too.
Thanks for coming
all this way.
I wasn't sure you would.
Good to give
the new wheels a run.
Hmm.
Mum and Dad don't want me
to move up here.
All this stuff on TV.
What - gay means AIDS?
For them, I guess it does.
Pathetic!
I knew you'd react like that.
Well, I'll be waiting for you,
John.
If you choose Sydney.
- John.
- What?
Can I kiss you?
Give it a go.
All the times I've come
Here, butnow they're gone
Seasons don'tfear
the reaper
Nordo the wind, sun,
orthe rain
We can be like theyare
Come on, baby
Don'tfearthe reaper
Baby, take myhand
Don'tfearthe reaper
We'llbe able to fly
Don'tfearthe reaper
Baby, I'm yourman
La, la, la, la, la...
You got everything?
Can I have my sign?
- It's mine.
- Dickhead.
Give it to Lois
for the trophy cabinet.
Yep.
You're doing the right thing.
(Zip closes)
They were gonna guess anyway,
with me selling up
the business.
I'm proud of you.
Maybe I'll be brave enough
to tell mine.
Not the week
of your sister's wedding.
John. I know that.
Hi, Tim. Hello.
TIM: You gonna give me
a kiss goodbye?
We've got Aunt Mary
staying in your room,
but you should
be comfortable out here.
Oh, you got those? Good.
You gotta update your address,
mate.
They're ancient.
Did you hear we're having
a band at the reception?
Very good, they are.
We'll be in the ballroom
over at Ripponlea.
Did you open this one?
Maybe Mum. She's the one
who kept them for you.
No, it'll be a big show,
don't you worry.
We've got an orchestra
at the church.
(Laughs) That's a bit
over the top, isn't it?
It's a small chamber
orchestra.
So, it's a full nuptial,
communion and all?
- Is she Catholic still?
- It's what your sister wants.
Best wedding I ever went
to was my friend Morna's.
It was a simple
exchanging of vows
in a room full offriends.
It was very moving.
WOMAN, ON PHONE: It'spart
ofourLook Back scheme.
You donatedbloodin 1981.
It waspooled with 19 others'.
Mr Conigrave,
the patient who receivedit
has gone on to develop AIDS.
We'd like you to be tested.
It's fine. There's no need.
I am positive,
but I was infected in 1985.
You mean you were diagnosed
in 1985?
Yes.
Really, there's no reason
to...
1981?
Mr Conigrave, you're one
ofthe lastto be contacted.
The otherdonors
are all clear.
Not this week, Tim.
You read it?
Wash your hands.
I need some help.
I'm flat-out with relatives
arriving from everywhere
and your father wants
his pre-wedding drinks.
Al fresco is just not me.
Now, can you see how to slice
and twist the salmon,
just like the picture?
TIM: I've been doing some
volunteering.
Well, I get paid for it now.
It's social work...
for the AIDS Council.
Tell me I've nothing
to worry about.
What a waste.
All that talent.
I'm not dead yet.
I just don't understand
how you've got it!
I mean,
it's just you and John.
- We've both got it.
- Oh, God.
That beautiful boy.
Is it from a donation? Is that
why the Red Cross are writing?
Would you prefer it that way?
Did I say that?
I didn't say that.
I prefer none of it,
thank you!
After the wedding,
after all ofthis,
I think we should tell Dad.
I'm making a mess!
Look at this!
This letter,
it's changed things.
It says I could have been
infected... since university.
John and I, we always
assumed he was first.
I think I was comfortable
with that.
Now it's...
Mum, it's like I've killed
the man that I love!
FATHER: Now, what's all this
slacking off in the kitchen?
(Indistinct speech)
TIM: How did it go?
Mum just kept blowing
her nose.
Dad wanted to talk
about my business insurance.
They wanted to fall apart
alone.
MAN: Drink, gentlemen?
- I can't.
I suppose your parents
assume I infected you.
No. Why would
you even say that?
I told my parents.
Now?
- Why?!
- Because I...
How could you be so selfish?!
You are gorgeous.
Timothy's Aunty Gae told me
about the eyelashes.
- They're false.
(Aunts laugh)
We loved your dog food
commercial, Timothy.
Thanks.
I'm doing social work now.
- And writing another play.
- He's my PR man.
Hey, do you reckon you could
introduce me to Mel Gibson?
(Laughter)
I work for the AIDS Council.
I'm on the hotline
and the van that goes
up and down the Wall.
That's where male sex workers
find their clients,
and we empower them
to have safe sex
and have someone to talk to.
I find it really rewarding.
That's nice for you, dear.
John, I'm stealing you.
Come on, son.
Let's show 'em how it's done.
No.
- Come on.
- No.
- Who's leading?
BOTH: I am.
I hate to say it
But you have a right
to be free
I know it's the way
it should be
But I'm too far...
Hey! This old bloke's been
asking about you all night.
Here you are, Timothy.
I love you so much
for so long...
NICHOLAS: (Laughs)
Oh, come on, Aunty Gae.
Hey, Tim. Nice one, brother.
You alright?
I'm here, John.
(Indistinctly)
My lung has popped...
MAN: Try not to talk, John.
We don't want a coughing fit.
Was it the chemo?
More likely a burst PCP cyst.
You're his boyfriend?
You're staying?
Now, how's that local?
JOHN: OK.
I'm about to cut now, John.
Right, this is going
to hurt a bit, John.
(John breathes heavily)
That's it, bubbling away.
When the bubbles stop,
we know it's healed.
(Pop music plays on stereo)
(Coughing and wheezing)
(CD skips)
(Coughing)
(Coughing continues)
(Coughing continues)
JOHN: Tim!
MAN: Nearly there.
(Wheezes)
MAN: Good, good.
Just a little bit more.
(John whimpers)
And done.
He'll be in for a few days,
at least.
- You have some rest.
TIM: I'm fine.
It's seeing him in pain
I can't bear.
He'll need his boyfriend
healthy.
Ifthe lung doesn't stick,
it's going to
need to be surgery,
but only when
he's strong enough.
He'll need you.
Our freezer is chockers.
Penny Cook
has made you minestrone.
Morna has made you minestrone.
Someone has made you...
I'm not sure what that is.
JOHN: Why'd you bring those?
Penny's comes
with a little pesto
in a separate container, so...
.. let's go with that.
I'm sorry.
Snotty tissue got eaten
by the Simpson fully
automatic.
Didn't you check?
Can't you do anything right?
(High-pitched ringing)
I'm sorry.
I think I forgot the pesto.
(High-pitched ringing
continues)
(Alarm beeps)
TIM: Will I still be able
to write?
MAN: Shall we look
at your scan?
TIM: I've been looking at it.
Toxoplasmosis, isn't it?
- Yes, it is.
- I did a theatre thing once.
Transmits via cats.
I wrote this thing.
I knew I'd get it eventually.
I'm thinking of getting people
together, starting something.
I'm feeling very creative and
I don't want to waste that,
if I'm gonna have
brain damage.
- Lesions don't eat the brain.
- Which is a terrific phrase!
But they do put
pressure on it.
You're feeling up -
creative, you say?
What about dementia,
memory loss? Sorry, go on.
We'll learn more
as we treat it.
I'm convinced it will happen.
I'm thinking about getting
people together.
You said that.
I'm having ideas
and I could start something.
- Tim? I think you're manic.
- Do you?
Yes - the cells in your brain
have become sensitive
to certain neurotransmitters.
- I'm prescribing Haloperidol.
- No, I'm good. We're good.
John's in here
and he's being looked after.
I think we'll have to
admit you.
I don't want you spending
all your money
or thinking that you're Jesus.
What happens to my soul
if I go mad?
Does it stay trapped inside
or is it floating free?
MAN: I don't want to be here!
I don't want to be here!
- Get me out of...
(Voices murmur indistinctly)
I don't want to be here!
Take me home!
You alright there, darling?
(Laughter)
TIM: OK.
(Tim laughs)
OK, one from the side.
(Camera clicks)
Are you making fun of me?
I'm doing it
because you look so beautiful.
- Hello, son.
- Hmm?
Hi.
We're just... in a good mood.
Had some good news.
Would you like a chair, Bob?
From the flat.
Bills and stuff, eh?
Thank you.
So, what are the doctors
saying, John?
TIM: He's not allowed to talk.
Er, the lung again.
- But we've had...
- Good news, Dad.
TIM: He's not
supposed to talk.
He's had some good news.
John's in remission.
When he's strong enough,
he'll go into surgery,
and they'll open him up,
and see the snips and snails
and puppy dog tails
and sew up the lung.
Can you believe it? Remission!
You've worked hard for it,
son.
TIM: They're saying we can
probably go home
in the meantime.
What have you done
to his hair?
It was getting ratty.
(Tell him about Christmas.)
- Beg your pardon?
- (Put your hearing aid in.)
- 'Put your hearing aid in. '
- I don't like wearing it.
John's talking about going
home for Christmas.
They can't operate
until January.
BOB: Your mum'll like that.
We'll fly you back down, John.
He's had a pneumothorax.
The airlines won't let him
fly, but I'll drive him down.
(All speak foreign language)
I found it in the drawer
ofthe desk.
I have some concerns.
Why is Tim getting everything?
(Softly) I want to make sure
he's alright if I die.
I'm sorry,
I didn't get any ofthat.
He said he wants to make sure
I'm alright if he dies.
Tim, your will is,
um, made out similarly.
It is.
So, if John dies first,
you inherit his belongings,
then say you die
a month later,
everything goes
to your family?
I don't think that's fair.
I put John through school
and college,
and I think I deserve half.
Who owns the television
and the video?
BOB: And the bed?
Some things we bought
together. Can I have a look?
Just trying to remember who
bought the Vegemite last.
- It was probably you, John.
- Yes, you go through it.
- Hurts my lungs to laugh.
- Oh, sorry.
And the boy videos -
your family would enjoy
Frisky Pool Party 7.
That's right!
(Coughs)
Tim, the car isn't yours.
TIM: No, but I need it.
BOB: John told Lois
that you had to have a scan.
TIM: Did he, now?
- For your eyes.
- My eyes are fine, Bob.
- Something in your brain.
- No, that's not right.
I'm on medication.
I am allowed to drive.
I'm sorry, John.
I helped pay for that car.
I would like it to come back
to Melbourne, please.
Might find something to eat.
And some little red dots
to mark up the apartment.
Some things are only fair.
You're telling people
I have cancer?
It's AIDS, Dad.
The cancer is from AIDS.
BOB: That's something you have
to take up with your mother.
I'm taking it up with you.
I'm not ashamed
ofwhat I have.
RUFUS WAINWRIGHT:
Forever And A Year
Say, I maybe gone today
I maybe going tomorrow
Butdo notfear
Mydarling, I am here
Whatare you saying, pray?
Whatare you
trying to tell me?
You will stayhere
Foreverand a year...
Will you screw me?
Say, can you see them there?
Those darkened clouds
in the distance
So close to here
We oughtto go, mydear
Whatare you saying, pray?
There's onlybrightskies
aboutus
Justlook away
Justturn the other way
A drop ofrain, I swear
I feltupon myforehead...
(John coughs)
I cannot wipe mybrow
'Twas nota drop ofrain
And nowyourhands
I am holding
It was a tear
Foreverand a year
Foreverand a year
Foreverand a year.
I can't kiss you. You've got
this thing on your face.
How's he doing?
LOIS: This is Peter.
He helped resuscitate John.
PETER: Hey, Tim.
- Peter!
- Hey.
LOIS: You know each other?
TIM: From the gay group
at uni.
We've had a few
ofthe Gaysoc boys through.
Who from Gaysoc?
They here now?
PETER: Tim, have you eaten?
TIM: I'm good.
Mrs Caleo?
We're not supposed to, but
I could speak to the kitchen.
LOIS: Oh, I'm fine, thanks.
Tim? I thought Lois had...
I offered.
Just gotta grab something
for John from under the tree.
Right. Come in, come in.
I'll help you.
I wrapped most ofthem.
I'm just after the one
from John to me.
The funeral will be held
at a church here in Melbourne,
and we don't want people
making statements.
You mean about AIDS?
And the whole... gay thing.
Everybody knows anyway.
No need.
TIM: You know that's against
John's wishes?
Be it on your conscience.
Such a tragedy.
How did this happen?
It's a Stable Table!
So you can eat
in front ofthe teev.
Better than the pyjamas
Mum got me.
Suppose you're not gonna keep
the wrapping.
(Gasps) Darling!
What on earth is it?
It's a document holder,
for writing.
It's got a little motorised
clamp that moves up and down
when you use the foot pedal.
It's... bizarre.
You don't like it?
It's good. I just don't know
that the clamp is that useful.
You always have to tell
the truth, don't you, Timothy?
It's for when you write.
I'll use it. I promise.
The first present
you ever gave me
was wrapped
in Essendon colours.
Sounds right.
Bryan Ferry's
Let's Stick Together.
How do you remember that?
I remember everything.
You said you saw him
on Countdown
and he made you feel
a bit sweaty.
- Did I?
- (Laughs)
- What a poof.
- (Laughs)
(Coughs)
Tim...
.. when they revived me,
before I came around...
.. I was just not here
for a bit,
and it was so easy, Timba.
Are you OK hearing that?
No!
I'm not ready for you to go.
We've said our goodbyes.
Haven't we?
You can't go
without me at your side.
That's the deal.
(John groans)
(Wheezes)
(Moans)
Oh, shut up, John.
We're trying to sleep(!)
(Both laugh)
He was my favourite.
I'm not supposed to say it -
all my boys
are wonderful, but...
.. he was my favourite.
Never a problem.
Lois, do you mind
if I have a moment with John?
I ought to stretch my legs,
any rate.
In the schoolyard,
I noticed a boy.
Just...
listening to his friends
with his hands
in his pockets.
Smiling.
What is it about his face?
In class, lined up my books
and tartan pencil case...
.. and watched the door.
Then he walked in.
The boy with
the amazing eyelashes.
John Caleo was in my class.
I want you to know
I'll do my best to include you
when it's time
for the funeral.
I'll talk about you
as his... friend.
Are you happy with that?
We... we have been together
for 15 years.
He is my husband.
There'll be nothing gained
by further alienating
the parents.
Why?
So they can reclaim him
from the dirty poofter
who corrupted him?
Tim?
(Footsteps thud)
(John wheezes)
(I'm here.)
(John wheezes)
(Silence)
Excuse me.
(Sobs)
In death's dark vale
I fear no ill
With thee, dear Lord,
beside me
Thy rod and staff
my comfort still
Thy cross before
to guide me.
PRIEST: We're here to mourn
the loss of our dear John.
Our hearts go out
to his father, Bob,
his mother, Lois,
and his brothers, Michael,
Paul, Chris, and Anthony.
And then to his friends,
Tim and Peter...
.. who were such
a wonderful support to him
in the last few months.
(Scoffs)
TIM: I am writing this
from the garden
atthe back ofmyhotel.
Surroundedbyorange trees
andbougainvillea.
(International dial tone)
I visited the island ofSalina
yesterday,
the island where your
grandparents were born.
It was a bitlike
aprivate pilgrimage.
The cafe is onlyopen
foran hour.
You can understand
whytheyemigrated.
WOMAN: Pronto?
PEPE: Is a Timothy Conigrave
staying atyourhotel?
WOMAN: Tim Conigrave,
ilragazzo australiano?
PEPE: Could I leave a message?
WOMAN: Si. Momento.
TIM: Here on Lipari
is where I mostmiss you.
I thinkyou would have loved
thisplace.
It's warm and verystrong.
MAN: Signor Conigrave!
Signor Conigrave!
Signor Conigrave!
Signor Conigrave!
- Per lei.
- Grazie.
TIM: There is a beautifulboy
who works atthe hotel here.
He occupies mydreams.
Butthatisjustmisdirected
need foryou.
CLERK: 'Lassu'.
TIM: 'Lassu'?
Ah! Angelo.
- Angelo!
- Si, si! Si!
TIM: You are a hole
in mylife - a black hole.
Anything Iplace there
cannotbe returned.
I miss you terribly.
Ci vedremo lassu, angelo.
BRYAN FERRY:
Let's Stick Together
Well, now, the marriage vow
is very sacred
The man has put us together
Now you oughta
make it stick together
Come on, come on
and stick together
You know we made a vow
Not to leave
one another ever
But now you never miss your
water till your well runs dry
Come on now, baby
Give our love a try
And stick together
Come on, come on
and stick together
You know we made a vow
Not to leave
one another ever
Well, if you're stuck
for a while
Consider our child
How can it be happy
without its ma and pa?
We stick together
Come on, come on
Let's stick together
You know, we made a vow
Not to leave
one another ever
Now, if you're stuck
for a while
Consider our child
How can it be happy
without its ma and pa?
We stick together
Come on, come on
Let's stick together
You know, we made a vow
Not to leave
one another ever.
THE ROCKMELONS:
Love's Gonna Bring You Home
I missed you
I want you back
Come on, baby
Please
So good to hear you
on the phone
I've been counting down
since you've been gone
Some days are harder
Harder than the rest
Just remember
It's me you might forget
Go out dancing
like we used to do
DJ plays a song
Reminds me of you
I'm not the type of guy
to keep it locked away, love
So, come on
Listen to what I say
Our love is strong
Yeah
Do what you have to do
I wouldn't stop you now
Love's gonna bring you home
Bring you home
Ah, ah
An open ticket
That was all you said
A thousand reasons
running through my head
Every one ensured
Ensured to make you stay
Yeah, baby
You know
it don't work that way
'Cause our love is strong
Do what you have to do
I wouldn't stop you now
Love's gonna bring you home
Bring you home
Our love is strong
Even if I wanted to
Couldn't stop you now
Love's gonna bring you home
Bring you home
Ah, ah
Ah, ah
So good
So good
To hear you on the phone
To hearyou on the phone
I've been counting down
since you've been gone
I'm not the type of guy
who keeps it locked away, love
So, come on
Listen to what I say
Our love is strong
Yeah
Do what you wanna do
I wouldn't stop you now
Love's gonna
Love's gonna
Love's gonna bring us home
Oh, yeah, yeah
You got a boat ticket
to my heart
Always known
we could make a start
Come on, come on
Bring it on, bring it on
Bring it on
Bring it on
Bring it on home to me
Your
Love
Love
Love
Love
Love
It's here to stay...
TIM: I mean, the onlything
I had to live for
is these two things
thatl'm writing,
which I'd like
to finish both of.
One's aplay,
and the otherone is a book
aboutmyloverand I,
which I've started, and...
And the otherthing too is,
I suppose,
I've been expecting to be dead
forso long
that, I mean, almostnow
the idea
ofgetting to something
like 40
wouldbejust, like...
(Laughs)
But, um, you know...
I think thatmightbe the end,
is itnot?
(Bell tolls)
(Puffs)
(Telephone rings)
ANSWERING MACHINE:
You've called Pepe Trevor.
Leave a message
afterthe tone...
Yes? Hello?
MAN: I can'tremember
where he sat.
Tim, are you OK?
- Where was John?
- You know where John is.
At our dinner party
with the girls -
was he opposite or beside me?
Er, does it matter?
I'm trying to write itdown,
and I...
There were mint leaves
in our drink,
I remember the colour
of your dress,
but I can't remem...
remember where he sat,
anditfrightens me.
It's like
I'm going to lose it.
He was... he was...
(Coin clunks,
call disconnects)
Pepe?
Pepe?
Cambio? Cambio?
TIM: DearJohn.
Lipariisparadise.
I seem to be doing
manyofthe things
I wantto do before I die.
Signor Conigrave!
Signor Conigrave!
- Per lei.
- Grazie.
VIVALDl: Gloria
All set?
Let's go, boys!
(Boys cheer)
He's holding the man, sir!
He's holding!
- Just get on with it!
- It's a free kick, sir!
Sweet flower,
with flowers thy bridal bed
I strew.
O, woe!
Thy canopy is
but dust and stones,
which with sweet water
nightly will I dew.
Can't you do it sadder?
You're Paris. She's Juliet.
You've lost your fiance,
not your bus pass.
Or wanting that,
with tears distilled...
No, stop. Stop.
Can you imagine
what it would be like
to, say, lose your girlfriend.
I guess so, sir.
It'd be tremendously sad,
wouldn't it?
What's her name?
I don't have a girlfriend,
sir.
BOY: Yeah, wonder why!
(Laughter)
Here, lying in her tomb, eh?
Cold. The colour -
colour's gone from her face!
See?
Lifeless!
TIM: Or wanting that, with
tears distilled by moans,
the obsequies that I
for thee shall keep
nightly shall be
to strew thy grave.
- And weep.
(Applause)
T. REX: 20th Century Boy
MAN: Stay with him!
Stay with him!
Friends sayit's fine
Friends sayit's good
Everybodysays it'sjust
like rock'n'roll...
Whoo!
I move like a cat
Talk like a rat...
Come on, John!
Babe,
I wanna be yourman...
Over here!
(Cheering)
- Get him, John! Get him!
No!
- You OK, Johnny?
MAN: Get back, boys.
Keep still, John.
Who are you?
I'm Tim Conigrave.
I'm in your geography class.
Oh.
You're pegged for the
Best and the Fairest medal.
Yeah, I really wanna think
about that now, don't I?
I'm in a play with
your brother, actually -
Romeo And Juliet.
Are you Romeo?
Mmm, the competition.
Paris - the one Juliet leaves
for Romeo.
Poor Paris.
Yeah.
Should come and see it.
(Pencil case unzips)
Do you mind if I sign your...
Uh, it's still drying.
You can if you want.
(Plays piano)
La, la, ba, ba, ga, ga, ga
Ga, ga, ga, gallop, gallop
Gallop, gallop, gallop,
gallop, gallop, gallop a pace
Gallop a pace...
- The house is open.
Beginners... Tim?
Beginners, everyone.
Standing by for the prologue.
Beginners.
(Pepe squeals)
- Break a leg.
GIRL: Break a leg!
BOY: Break a leg.
TEACHER: Eric, curtain!
BOY 1: Why is everyone
saying 'break a leg'?
BOY 2: Because you're not
meant to say 'good luck'.
BOY 1: You just said it.
PEPE: Is he here?
TEACHER: Tim!
- Tim!
- Oh, hi, Paul.
TEACHER: Prologue, Tim!
- Is your brother in?
- I'm in his geography class.
PAUL: So?
OK, and remember,
if anyone laughs at you,
it's because they haven't
the guts to do it themselves.
Break a leg.
- Cue overture, Chris.
(Dramatic music plays)
Eric, curtain!
Two households,
both alike in dignity,
in fair Verona
where we lay our scene.
(Whispering)
- (Boy meows)
(Scattered laughter)
(Shushing)
TEACHER: ('Sweet flower,
with flowers'.)
(I know.)
- ('Sweet flower. ')
- (I know!)
Sweet flower, with flowers
thy bridal bed I strew.
Eugh!
- What's up with you?
- No, just...
Probably morning sickness.
Maybe you're pregnant.
No, Doc,
I think I'd know if I was.
Conigrave's pregnant.
Conigrave's pregnant!
You told me
you were on the pill.
- You guys are suss!
- I hope you're not angry.
I'll get rid of it
if you want!
Doctor, I'd like an abortion.
That's against...
Am I to understand that some
kind of miracle has occurred?
TIM: Just a joke, sir.
TEACHER: You disgust me,
Conigrave.
(Laughter)
(School bell rings)
- 'You disgust me, Conigrave. '
- Sucked in, Conigrave!
JOHN: Hi.
(Laughs) Oh, hi.
- Sorry I missed your play.
- Oh, did you? No worries.
Hey, do you want me to...
I can...
Oh, no, I'll manage.
I'm getting good at it.
- Better get going...
- John?
Um, I'm having this thing -
the girls from the play
are having this dinner party
thing at my place on Friday...
(Book thuds)
- Bugger!
Should you be bending?
- Pardon?
- The baby.
(Laughs) Oh, yeah.
So, what do you reckon,
this dinner?
Getting home might be
difficult.
The girl who played Juliet,
her mother's giving everyone
a lift home.
I don't know about theatre,
or that Wobbledagger fella.
What?
Shakespeare.
TIM: I'm not putting on
Mozart!
PEPE: It's in the ice bucket.
TIM: I know!
So, what did you think
ofthe play?
I didn't see it.
- We were fabulous!
(Laughter)
I should have worked harder
to make you come.
(Girls laugh)
- Is there a problem?
(Girls laugh)
We're a new group offriends,
so I think we should send
a kiss around the table.
- What? No. No.
GIRL: Oh, yes.
- Yes, let's.
TIM: Absolutely not.
I'll go first.
Gina!
Lucky last! Come here! Mwah!
BOY: For those trapped
in the darkness of sin,
that the light shining in
Christ may free them
and bring them
to God's favour,
that, moved
by God's loving mercy,
they may turn away
from their sins
and open their hearts
to the divine life of grace.
- Lord, hear us.
ALL: Lord, hear our prayer.
(School bell rings)
- Take these for you?
- Oh, I'm right.
(Jolly music plays on film)
MAN, ON FILM: Letus take a
closerlook atapublic enemy.
The Queensland fruitfly.
Itisplaying
an increasinglysinisterrole
in the everydaylife
ofthe nation.
There is scarcelyanyfruit
thatis immune
in the months
thatthe flygoes about
its destructive task.
Onlybystringentcontrol
can this...
(The Best and Fairest medal.)
(That's a new pencil case.)
You two seem
to be getting along.
I thought you had the hots
for Derge, Tim.
He is the father
of your child.
I'm sorry,
but my heart belongs to John.
Might have to make it
a three-way.
You have to drop him,
Conigrave.
Derge needs
to know he's special.
Alright! John, you're dropped.
(Laughter)
- You guys are off!
(Laughter)
(Ringing tone)
Hello?
Are you there?
Hello?
Yes, hello, um,
I'm calling for John.
Who's speaking?
Timothy Conigrave.
One moment, Timothy.
JOHN: This is a nice surprise.
Is it? That's... good.
There's something
I want to tell you.
I'm all ears.
That game
Biscuit played in class...
Whatgame?
Where he said I have to
drop you - I didn't like it.
I didn't like
saying that to you.
That I have to drop you.
Justa game.
Mum's gotdinneron. I'm
supposed to setthe table...
- You have to go?
- Yeah. Sorry.
- That's OK. Bye.
- It's nice chatting. Bye.
SUPERTRAMP: Dreamer
Dreamer
You stupid little dream
So now you put your head
in your hands, oh, no...
(Knocking at door)
- Go away! Piss off!
WOMAN: I beg your pardon?!
I'm naked!
Someone's on the phone
for you.
(Turns off radio)
- Who?
- A boy from school.
Hurry, please.
I've got dinner on.
Tell your friends
not to call at dinnertime!
- I can call back.
TIM: What? Why?
Your dinner.
No, it's... it's OK.
- We're having casserole.
- Chops.
We just had chops
and mashed potato.
And peas.
I like you.
That's good.
I reallylike you.
I've likedyou forsome time.
I like you too.
Does this mean
that we're going out?
(Laughs)
You haven'tasked me yet.
John Caleo,
will you go round with me?
- Yep.
- Oh!
DRAGON: Sun and the sea
Birds in the air
I lostmylove
and I don'tcare
Oh, no
Oh, no...
Whoo-hoo! Whoo!
This time,
I'm gonna take yourhand
Gonna take you
to the promised land
And this time
This time
This time, gonna head
in the rightdirection
In the rightdirection
This time
This time
This time, gonna head
in the rightdirection
In the rightdirection
In the rightdirection
In the rightdirection...
No-one can see.
I better get home.
Ah! God! So turned on.
(Laughs) I'll have to go
straight home and pull myself.
You don't do that, do you?
- You joking?
- Why do you need to?
Because it's fun!
Can you see if you can stop?
Mmm.
Have you seen my Cleo
magazine?
No.
(Moans softly)
(Moans softly)
(Moans softly)
(Breathes heavily)
TIM: DearJohn.
It's 1am and I can'tsleep.
I think I went
too fartoo soon
when I reached
into yourdaks.
All I can sayis I'm sorry.
thatis enough forme.
THE MASTER'S APPRENTICES:
It's because I love you...
- What's this?
- Give it back.
- A love letter!
- Eric, give it back to him.
TEACHER:
Quieten down, you lot,
and that includes the peanut
gallery at the back.
- Thank you.
- Give it back!
TEACHER: Now, will you all
please open your books
to page 97...
TIM: Idiot!
TEACHER: We are now going
to further investigate...
.. the topological formation
of our own continent.
There are, as you know,
14 major tectonic plates.
If you don't know
them already,
write them down,
because you need to know them.
They are of course,
first, the Eurasian plate,
two, Australian-Indian,
three, Philippines,
four, Pacific,
five, Juan de Fuca...
I expected more of you, Caleo.
Six, Nazca,
seven, Cocos.
TIM: We love each other. What
are you going to do about it?
JOHN: Tim!
You're mumbling, Tim.
We love each other
and what are you
going to do about it?
Father, please!
This can't get around.
I'm afraid
it's too late for that.
There are people in this place
that want to discipline you.
You're quite the topic of
conversation in the staffroom.
Why haven't
they tried to stop us?
The lay staffwould like to...
.. but the Jesuits
look out for you.
We've seen this before.
- (Scoffs)
- Be careful, Tim.
Yes, Father.
Not everything
has to be political.
Doesn't it?
Tim, there will be
other battles,
and they will need
educated people to fight them.
Don't jeopardise your
schooling over this, boys.
Bless us, O Lord,
and these, thy gifts
we are about to receive
from thy bounty.
Through Christ, our Lord,
amen.
ALL: Amen.
Tim?
Thank you, Mrs Caleo.
Lovely manners.
BOB: What about you?
Do you want an onion?
There you go.
What about you?
TIM: No, I'm right
at the moment.
- It's really good, Mum.
- That's really nice, Mum.
MOTHER: Is it, darling?
John, er... John's changed.
We've all noticed.
Ever since he's been
hanging around with you.
He's come out of himself.
Lois and I are very grateful.
We'd like to thank you.
He's a great guy.
Mum's rule - friends sleep
in here on a school night,
otherwise I stay up yakking.
(Laughs) I don't mind.
You reckon your parents will
let you come away to Eric's
for the study break?
They said as long
as you're going.
Five fellas in a shack. You
never know what might happen.
(Floorboard creaks)
(Sweet flower...)
- (Gasps)
- Shh!
(Both laugh)
(Sleeping bag unzips)
(John breathes heavily)
(John moans)
- Shh, shh.
- Oh!
- Shh, shh.
- (Can we go again?)
- (Laughs)
(Birds chirp)
I feel like
I played a grand final.
(Laughs)
(Floorboard creaks)
We'll be back with lunch.
Good luck!
TIM: What are you doing?
Just felt like it.
(Both moan)
TIM: DearJohn.
I think I wenttoo far
too soon
when I reachedinto yourdaks.
BOY: Dad? Did Paul get
an extra two bucks?
I'm the one
who cleaned the gutters.
Out!
DERGE: What the fu...
Are you fucking kidding?!
BOY: Thanks.
ERIC: Ought to run into town
for more beer.
DERGE: Too frigging cold.
Good streaking weather.
Piss off, I'm not doing that.
What? You have before.
Leave it, Biscuit.
No, why not?
Fuck off, Conigrave.
Just fuck off.
Fucking homo.
(Laughter)
Yes!
(Laughter)
Oh, Dergey boy!
(Laughter)
(Laughter)
(All whoop)
(Car horn honks)
- Lovely night for it!
(Laughs) Run like
the clappers, boys.
(Car horn honks)
I'm doing it, but don't you
two look at my arse!
(Laughter)
Come on, Derge!
Hello.
Has someone died?
I told myself
I was being stupid.
What?
FATHER: John's father
came to see me today.
He made me read your letter.
What letter?
Tim, when I was your age
guys used to muck around in
the showers at the yacht club
while their parents
were up in the bar.
Everyone did it.
You're gonna grow out ofthis.
I hope you do,
otherwise you're going
to have a very lonely life.
A very sad life.
Up until now,
I couldn't be happier.
Don't be smart!
You're living under our roof.
Your mother and I have made
a decision.
You and John can't see each
other anymore.
Yes, we can.
You can't stop us.
The man is threatening
court action.
And do you support him?
FATHER: What you're doing
is illegal.
Do you support him?
No, frankly, we don't,
but today has been the most
humiliating day of my life!
John won't be
staying here anymore,
and you're not to use
the telephone to contact him.
You fucking poxy traitors!
I hope you get cancer!
Wow.
They all call you
the school poofter!
I stuck up for you,
and then I find out it's true!
(Door slams)
BRONSKl BEAT: I Feel Love
You
You and me, yeah!
Ooh, I'm in love,
I'm in love
I'm in love
I feel love
I feel love
I feel love
I feel love...
(Tapping at window)
What are you doing here?
Mmm. You taste like fly spray.
(Laughs) Yeah.
(John cries)
- We'll get through this.
- How?
- They'll keep us apart.
- Will you marry me?
Oh!
(Both laugh)
- That just fell out.
- (Laughs)
FATHER: John?
Homework all done?
Pretty much.
(Sighs) Your mother's
very upset.
I talked to the parish priest.
He recommended a psychologist.
Your mother will make
an appointment
and then you will see
this man.
John, you've got to put this
in the past.
Exams soon,
so it ought to be easy
for you to avoid Tim.
I love you.
I feel love
I feel love
I feel love
I feel love...
TIM: You don't mind
if I record this?
MAN: What year were you born?
TIM: Pardon?
MAN: Your birth year.
Oh, 1959. October.
MAN: Ah.
Year ofthe Pig.
Little sandalwood
always helps.
So, it's OK...
I'm taping this?
Sit. You're making me nervous.
(Coughs uncontrollably)
So, we're devising
a theatre piece -
the actors,
and me as the writer.
We've all graduated
drama school. You know NIDA?
I know Narnia.
No, not that.
Erm, we agreed
to interview people
because we felt the issue has
been hijacked by the media -
all this
sex, death, horror shit.
How long have
you been positive?
Me? (Laughs) No, I'm not.
And rather not know.
Well, if you haven't been
exposed...
How can you write this play?
You're making assumptions
about your status.
No, I'm in a stable
relationship.
I think he's cheating on you.
(Laughs) You don't know him.
We've been together
since high school.
What - constantly?
(Laughs) That doesn't happen.
Just... going to check...
.. see ifthat's working.
(Tape whirrs)
OK.
So, perhaps just state
your name and age.
Me?
I'm Richard.
I'm 33, and I have decided
I am going to make it to 34.
What do you want to include
in your play?
I've forgotten - were we
talking about a helicopter?
- No.
(Fan whirrs)
I mean, the kind of helicopter
that drops supplies.
No.
I get ticked off
that some people get
this nice little boat ride,
you know?
Instead I'm in the quicksand
with the snakes!
I shouldn't have
to put up with it.
TIM: OK.
I mean, don't get me wrong,
because most people have only
seen these things in a book
or something like that.
Like a leopard.
The other night on the stairs,
I saw one for real.
Where were you?
In the Congo.
Leopard was gonna have a baby.
You think
I'm not making sense...
.. but I am.
(Telephone rings)
RECEPTIONIST: Can I help you?
(Negative, thank God.)
You weren't worried, were you?
Nah. Can you imagine
being told you've got it?
Well, we don't.
You want to go grab some lunch
after this?
Some of us have real jobs.
MAN: Tim, 2117?
Look at us.
We're fast-lane gays.
Tim?
JOHN: What is it?
Um... he said I'm positive,
John.
But I'm negative.
I should... I'll explain.
The system here is that
if your result is negative,
you see a counsellor,
and if you're positive,
you see a doctor, like me.
John, the clerk put your file
in the wrong pigeonhole,
and the counsellor
gave you the result
without checking the file.
I'm sorry.
You've been given
the wrong result.
You're positive. You both are.
I'd like to take some blood
from you both
to do a cell count.
I'm terribly...
I'm... truly so sorry.
This should not happen. I...
Can you not stretch my
T- shirt?
I'm not!
Do you think I infected you?
You, with your high T8 counts.
You're recently infected,
that's what the doctor
was saying.
We didn't know
this was lurking.
It didn't have a name.
It's not as though...
I mean,
I've hardly been with...
I got something.
(Kisses)
I couldn't decide between
'ribbed for her pleasure'
or...
We're not gonna fuck, Tim.
That's how we got into this
mess in the first place.
MAN: Most people have only
seen these things in a book
or something like that.
The other night on the stairs,
I saw one for real.
In the Congo.
The leopard was going
to have a baby.
WOMAN: Richard had been
diagnosed with toxoplasmosis,
a disease caused by a parasite
found in cat faeces.
Are you telling me
I ate cat poo?
Probably as a kid
playing in a sandpit.
(Kisses) We all did, darling.
We mistook it for a
consequence-free environment.
We had hoped to interview
Richard again,
but as he prepared
to welcome in 1986,
Richard succumbed to dementia
and a litany ofAIDS-related
illnesses.
Just down the road from here,
at St Vincent's.
TIM: Ifthere were thousands
of schoolkids dropping dead,
they'd do something about it.
God help you
if you're a poofter,
or a junkie, or a prostitute!
We're not like those people
in the play.
It's not gonna get us.
We're lucky.
We're the second wave.
They're gonna cure it.
JOHN: Are you ready?
TIM: Not really.
Let's do it.
Campus Gays.
Our bodies, our rights.
Thank you.
That was great.
Yeah? You think that was good?
Mm-hm.
MAN: Two, four, six, eight!
PROTESTORS: Gay love's
just as good as straight!
- Two, four, six, eight!
- Gay love just as good...
Two, four, six, eight!
Gay love's just as good
as straight!
Two, four, six, eight!
Gay love's just as good
as straight!
We are here
and no longer invisible!
Monash University Lesbians.
Tim and John!
JOHN: No, no, no.
It's not like we're lobbing
petrol bombs
in the street, John.
JOHN: Do you want
to come inside?
Into your home?
They're all down
at the beach house.
Really? And what if your dad's
installed Tim detectors?
I want you inside me.
You wanna suck me?
I wanna know
what it feels like.
Don't you think
it's a bit... dirty?
Oh, I sound so Catholic!
- You are Catholic.
- You are!
It's not an insult, Tim.
Did this conversation
just stop being sexy?
Please?
(Car horn honks)
LOIS: Come on, come on.
(Dog barks)
- Get in the closet!
- Are you serious?
In the closet.
Get in the cupboard!
Wha...
Uh...
John? Will you help
your brother get...
Mum, Tim's here.
Please don't tell Dad.
You had jolly well better
get him out quick smart!
Anthony?
- Come on, we've gotta go.
- Eh?
We've gotta go!
Come on! Go!
Not very happy about this.
Do you mind?
It's starting to pong.
- Whose car is that out front?
- Erm... er...
John?
Are you home?
John!
Whose car is that?
Dad, Tim's here.
Tell him to leave.
I invited him.
Now I'm going with him
in his car.
No, you're not.
Tim?
Come in here.
We love each other, Dad.
There's nothing
you can do about it.
LOIS: Don't you speak
to your father like that!
Go. Drive.
That was fan-fucking-tastic.
(Engine starts)
TIM: Arggh! I'm too cramped!
Maybe ifwe...
JOHN: Ow, ow, my balls!
(Tim laughs) Sorry, sorry!
(Grunting)
TIM: I'll just...
Ah, this is... There!
JOHN: Oh, gentle!
TIM: Can I go further in?
JOHN: Slowly.
- Pardon?
- Slowly.
Arggh! I said slowly!
TIM: Oh. Well, it's gonna
snap off in a minute!
JOHN: Oh! Oh!
(Tim laughs)
- It's in.
- It's in?
JOHN: Yep!
TIM: Oooh. It is in.
Now, do I... like this?
If I do this...
JOHN: Ah, ah,
I think you better stop!
TIM: Pull out?
JOHN: Pull out.
Slowly! Arggh, God!
(Laughs) Are you OK?
Yeah! That was great.
BLONDIE: Dreaming
I'm glad to see the back
ofthat old toaster...
No!
I don't wantto
live on charity
Pleasure's real
oris itfantasy?
Reel to reel
is living verite...
Oh! Stunner!
(All exclaim)
His name is Ian.
He's new.
TIM: I've been trying
not to stare.
Tuesday night at my place
was interesting.
God! What does Peter think?
Well, those two in the shower
together is a sight to behold.
You and John are so sweet,
though.
Like an old married couple.
This prick's been
eyeballing me.
Where?
MAN: Either he's threatened
or he's turned on.
Oi, love.
Your friends are poofters!
Yeah, I worked that out.
I'm a dyke, you deadshit.
(Laughter)
- Fuck it.
- What are you doing?
- Come here.
- What are you doing?
(Cheering and whooping)
- Oh! (Screams)
(All exclaim)
Oi, back off, mate!
- Why? Is that your boyfriend?
- I don't wanna fight you.
Hey! Fuck off, you deadshit!
(Shouting)
- Stop it! Stop it!
- Let go of him!
- Leave him alone!
(Shouting and screaming)
- Get off, you little toad!
WOMAN: Don't you touch him!
MAN: Don't touch him!
Get away! No!
Stop it! Stop it!
You're hurting him! Stop it!
John! John! John! John! No!
MAN: Come on, Rose!
- Let's go.
MAN: Get out!
- Get away!
(Shouting and screaming)
MAN: Fucking out now!
We have every right
to be here!
- Come on, Tim! Let's get out!
- Fucking out!
WOMAN: My dad would
come home after work
and he would look at me
like this!
He would look at me like there
was something wrong with me!
Relax, I'm a nurse. At least,
I will be when I graduate.
We should go back,
trash the place.
Settle down, Tim.
MAN: We should go
to the police, yeah?
Huh! Those fascists?
How's that face?
I've had worse
on the footy field, Peter.
JOHN: I don't want to have sex
with other people!
TIM: OK, but would you
allow me to?
Who with?
Well, maybe just once.
Would you let me try it once,
see how it goes?
I don't know
why you'd want to.
Is it something about me?
There are things
our generation
are supposed to be
experiencing
and I don't believe it's fair
to expect our lovers
to fulfil all of our needs.
- Where'd you read that?
- Don't dismiss my politics.
So, this is about your
politics, not your stiffy!
'Stiffy'? (Laughs)
Who calls it a stiffy?
John, am I the only boyfriend
in the world asking this?
- The only one asking me.
- I'm not!
This is normal now! You are
begrudging me being normal.
I don't want to talk
about this.
I came here to see
Nine To Five.
Apparently
it's very funny, OK?
MAN 1: Good boy!
MAN 2: Alison!
(Cheering and laughter)
Come on, come on!
MAN 1: Let's do this, guys!
MAN 2: Yes, yes!
(Cheering)
That's my boy!
MAN: Come on!
(Shouting and cheering)
TIM: Unfair advantage!
Unfair advantage!
IAN: Come on, jump up!
Jump up!
MAN 1: Are you ready for this?
MAN 2: That's not allowed.
TIM: Mine, mine, mine, mine,
mine, mine, mine, mine, mine!
(Cheering)
TIM: Giddy up! Giddy up!
IAN: I've got it!
- Giddy up! Giddy up!
MAN: Pick it up!
WOMAN: Kick it back,
you queens!
MAN: That's OK!
Fast game's a good game...
- Think you found the brakes.
- Erect already?
- Oh, yes.
- (Both murmur and laugh)
TIM: No.
MAN: Surf's up!
(Chatter)
MAN 1: Woody!
MAN 2: Come on, Woody.
- I'm really sorry, Tim(!)
- Oof!
John! I'm sorry!
I'm just a little bit drunk!
PETER: Give you a lift?
JOHN: Thanks.
TIM: Are you still staying
at my place tonight?
(Dance music blares)
- What'll it be?
- A beer, please.
Got the time?
I don't have the time.
(Moans)
Arggh! Ow, ow! Jesus!
Is it bleeding?
- I thought it might be...
- What?!
.. pleasurable.
(Laughs)
I did that thing.
What thing?
Put my name down, like I said.
For acting school.
Now I have to audition.
Good.
It'll mean moving.
The acting school's in Sydney,
if I get in.
Melbourne would be better.
It's the national drama
school.
I think you'll get in.
Thank you.
Long-distance would be hard.
That's why I thought
we should have a trial.
A trial?
A trial separation.
Are you alright with that?
No.
When does it start?
I don't know.
Now?
Well, yes, I guess so.
It has to start now.
Can I still sleep here
tonight?
Of course. I'm not gonna kick
you out of my bed.
- Well, I don't know!
- Stay tonight.
Yeah, I'd prefer to stay
tonight.
Stay tonight,
but tomorrow it starts.
- Tomorrow it starts?
- I don't know.
Doesn't mean we can't cuddle.
I think it does.
(Crying)
(Cries)
(Examiners murmur)
Thanks, Tim.
Love won'tannihilate hatred
Itbuilds you up till
you've had enough...
TIM: Hey!
MAN 1: Tim!
MAN 2: Timmy!
PEPE: Hello, you!
WOMAN: What have you done
to your hair? (Laughs)
I like it! It's just so...
GIRL: Are you coming?
Gives you the score
Then won'tsetyou free
Just when you sayno more
A hand asks fora key
Oh, I never wanted to be
In Quasimodo's dream.
Hello, bald eagle.
Shall I beg the ringmaster
Please find anotherme?
I found out about
drama school, John.
Promise you won't make
a big deal.
Hey, guys!
Tim got into drama school!
MAN: Yes!
He's gonna be
the next Mel Gibson!
(Cheering and applause)
TIM: Oh, thank you.
Whoo-hoo!
(Applause)
- Stop it!
Keep going.
(Cheering and applause)
(Both sniff)
TEACHER: Walk like men
and women.
Lead with your headlights.
How is the public
ever going to believe
this leading man
wants to win the dame?
Are you trying to teach us
self-loathing, is that it?
No. This is about gesture,
tone of voice, courage.
Look at you. That's a very
womanly way to hold yourself.
A third ofthis class is gay,
did you know that?
You're more
than your sexuality, Tim.
Walk. Long neck.
Come on.
Oh!
Oh, you want some rough-house?
I'll give you some
rough-house!
- Line!
- No.
- Line!
- No!
Can we stop playing games,
please, Barry?
How about you listen
to the other person on stage
for once?
- I have a right...
- You think you're an actor?
I think you want to be the
loudest person in the room.
- I'm just...
- I'm speaking.
I think you're here to be
validated, to be loved.
Find that elsewhere.
We're not giving you that, and
your audience certainly won't.
Now, play the blasted scene!
I can't.
Well, I think
that's answered that.
Brett, you'll do Stanley.
PETE SHELLEY: Homosapien
I'm the cruiser,
you're the loser
Me and you, sir
Homosapien too
Homosuperior in my interior
But from the skin out
I'm homosapien too
And you're homosapien too
And I'm homosapien like you
And we're homosapien too
And the world's buit of age
are a stage
Where we act out our lives
And the words in the script
seem to fit
'Cept we have some surprise
I just want this to last
Or my future is past
and all gone
And ifthis is the case
Then I'll lose in life's
race from now on...
- Chookas!
- Chookas, darling.
The house is open.
Is he here?
Chookas! Have a good show!
No.
Ba, ba, ba, ba, ba, ba, ba!
More than any desire
anywhere...
.. deep down,
in my deepest heart,
.. I want you back again.
Please... John...
Don't say any more.
You're making me cry
so dreadfully.
(I'm going to
fucking kill you!)
JOHN: Tim, get off!
I have to go.
Take me with you! I can't bear
that mean drama school!
They say I'm too gay,
too loud...
- They might be right.
- ... I'm too self-centred.
And I want my Tupperware back.
Sure, if I visit again.
Might you visit again?
(Tim turns engine off)
Maybe I'll check out
some chiro clinics up here.
Really? Ow! Ow!
Hang on,
this is knackering me.
I spoke to Dad
about a business loan.
It would have to be
Melbourne but.
Sydney needs
chiropractors too.
Thanks for coming
all this way.
I wasn't sure you would.
Good to give
the new wheels a run.
Hmm.
Mum and Dad don't want me
to move up here.
All this stuff on TV.
What - gay means AIDS?
For them, I guess it does.
Pathetic!
I knew you'd react like that.
Well, I'll be waiting for you,
John.
If you choose Sydney.
- John.
- What?
Can I kiss you?
Give it a go.
All the times I've come
Here, butnow they're gone
Seasons don'tfear
the reaper
Nordo the wind, sun,
orthe rain
We can be like theyare
Come on, baby
Don'tfearthe reaper
Baby, take myhand
Don'tfearthe reaper
We'llbe able to fly
Don'tfearthe reaper
Baby, I'm yourman
La, la, la, la, la...
You got everything?
Can I have my sign?
- It's mine.
- Dickhead.
Give it to Lois
for the trophy cabinet.
Yep.
You're doing the right thing.
(Zip closes)
They were gonna guess anyway,
with me selling up
the business.
I'm proud of you.
Maybe I'll be brave enough
to tell mine.
Not the week
of your sister's wedding.
John. I know that.
Hi, Tim. Hello.
TIM: You gonna give me
a kiss goodbye?
We've got Aunt Mary
staying in your room,
but you should
be comfortable out here.
Oh, you got those? Good.
You gotta update your address,
mate.
They're ancient.
Did you hear we're having
a band at the reception?
Very good, they are.
We'll be in the ballroom
over at Ripponlea.
Did you open this one?
Maybe Mum. She's the one
who kept them for you.
No, it'll be a big show,
don't you worry.
We've got an orchestra
at the church.
(Laughs) That's a bit
over the top, isn't it?
It's a small chamber
orchestra.
So, it's a full nuptial,
communion and all?
- Is she Catholic still?
- It's what your sister wants.
Best wedding I ever went
to was my friend Morna's.
It was a simple
exchanging of vows
in a room full offriends.
It was very moving.
WOMAN, ON PHONE: It'spart
ofourLook Back scheme.
You donatedbloodin 1981.
It waspooled with 19 others'.
Mr Conigrave,
the patient who receivedit
has gone on to develop AIDS.
We'd like you to be tested.
It's fine. There's no need.
I am positive,
but I was infected in 1985.
You mean you were diagnosed
in 1985?
Yes.
Really, there's no reason
to...
1981?
Mr Conigrave, you're one
ofthe lastto be contacted.
The otherdonors
are all clear.
Not this week, Tim.
You read it?
Wash your hands.
I need some help.
I'm flat-out with relatives
arriving from everywhere
and your father wants
his pre-wedding drinks.
Al fresco is just not me.
Now, can you see how to slice
and twist the salmon,
just like the picture?
TIM: I've been doing some
volunteering.
Well, I get paid for it now.
It's social work...
for the AIDS Council.
Tell me I've nothing
to worry about.
What a waste.
All that talent.
I'm not dead yet.
I just don't understand
how you've got it!
I mean,
it's just you and John.
- We've both got it.
- Oh, God.
That beautiful boy.
Is it from a donation? Is that
why the Red Cross are writing?
Would you prefer it that way?
Did I say that?
I didn't say that.
I prefer none of it,
thank you!
After the wedding,
after all ofthis,
I think we should tell Dad.
I'm making a mess!
Look at this!
This letter,
it's changed things.
It says I could have been
infected... since university.
John and I, we always
assumed he was first.
I think I was comfortable
with that.
Now it's...
Mum, it's like I've killed
the man that I love!
FATHER: Now, what's all this
slacking off in the kitchen?
(Indistinct speech)
TIM: How did it go?
Mum just kept blowing
her nose.
Dad wanted to talk
about my business insurance.
They wanted to fall apart
alone.
MAN: Drink, gentlemen?
- I can't.
I suppose your parents
assume I infected you.
No. Why would
you even say that?
I told my parents.
Now?
- Why?!
- Because I...
How could you be so selfish?!
You are gorgeous.
Timothy's Aunty Gae told me
about the eyelashes.
- They're false.
(Aunts laugh)
We loved your dog food
commercial, Timothy.
Thanks.
I'm doing social work now.
- And writing another play.
- He's my PR man.
Hey, do you reckon you could
introduce me to Mel Gibson?
(Laughter)
I work for the AIDS Council.
I'm on the hotline
and the van that goes
up and down the Wall.
That's where male sex workers
find their clients,
and we empower them
to have safe sex
and have someone to talk to.
I find it really rewarding.
That's nice for you, dear.
John, I'm stealing you.
Come on, son.
Let's show 'em how it's done.
No.
- Come on.
- No.
- Who's leading?
BOTH: I am.
I hate to say it
But you have a right
to be free
I know it's the way
it should be
But I'm too far...
Hey! This old bloke's been
asking about you all night.
Here you are, Timothy.
I love you so much
for so long...
NICHOLAS: (Laughs)
Oh, come on, Aunty Gae.
Hey, Tim. Nice one, brother.
You alright?
I'm here, John.
(Indistinctly)
My lung has popped...
MAN: Try not to talk, John.
We don't want a coughing fit.
Was it the chemo?
More likely a burst PCP cyst.
You're his boyfriend?
You're staying?
Now, how's that local?
JOHN: OK.
I'm about to cut now, John.
Right, this is going
to hurt a bit, John.
(John breathes heavily)
That's it, bubbling away.
When the bubbles stop,
we know it's healed.
(Pop music plays on stereo)
(Coughing and wheezing)
(CD skips)
(Coughing)
(Coughing continues)
(Coughing continues)
JOHN: Tim!
MAN: Nearly there.
(Wheezes)
MAN: Good, good.
Just a little bit more.
(John whimpers)
And done.
He'll be in for a few days,
at least.
- You have some rest.
TIM: I'm fine.
It's seeing him in pain
I can't bear.
He'll need his boyfriend
healthy.
Ifthe lung doesn't stick,
it's going to
need to be surgery,
but only when
he's strong enough.
He'll need you.
Our freezer is chockers.
Penny Cook
has made you minestrone.
Morna has made you minestrone.
Someone has made you...
I'm not sure what that is.
JOHN: Why'd you bring those?
Penny's comes
with a little pesto
in a separate container, so...
.. let's go with that.
I'm sorry.
Snotty tissue got eaten
by the Simpson fully
automatic.
Didn't you check?
Can't you do anything right?
(High-pitched ringing)
I'm sorry.
I think I forgot the pesto.
(High-pitched ringing
continues)
(Alarm beeps)
TIM: Will I still be able
to write?
MAN: Shall we look
at your scan?
TIM: I've been looking at it.
Toxoplasmosis, isn't it?
- Yes, it is.
- I did a theatre thing once.
Transmits via cats.
I wrote this thing.
I knew I'd get it eventually.
I'm thinking of getting people
together, starting something.
I'm feeling very creative and
I don't want to waste that,
if I'm gonna have
brain damage.
- Lesions don't eat the brain.
- Which is a terrific phrase!
But they do put
pressure on it.
You're feeling up -
creative, you say?
What about dementia,
memory loss? Sorry, go on.
We'll learn more
as we treat it.
I'm convinced it will happen.
I'm thinking about getting
people together.
You said that.
I'm having ideas
and I could start something.
- Tim? I think you're manic.
- Do you?
Yes - the cells in your brain
have become sensitive
to certain neurotransmitters.
- I'm prescribing Haloperidol.
- No, I'm good. We're good.
John's in here
and he's being looked after.
I think we'll have to
admit you.
I don't want you spending
all your money
or thinking that you're Jesus.
What happens to my soul
if I go mad?
Does it stay trapped inside
or is it floating free?
MAN: I don't want to be here!
I don't want to be here!
- Get me out of...
(Voices murmur indistinctly)
I don't want to be here!
Take me home!
You alright there, darling?
(Laughter)
TIM: OK.
(Tim laughs)
OK, one from the side.
(Camera clicks)
Are you making fun of me?
I'm doing it
because you look so beautiful.
- Hello, son.
- Hmm?
Hi.
We're just... in a good mood.
Had some good news.
Would you like a chair, Bob?
From the flat.
Bills and stuff, eh?
Thank you.
So, what are the doctors
saying, John?
TIM: He's not allowed to talk.
Er, the lung again.
- But we've had...
- Good news, Dad.
TIM: He's not
supposed to talk.
He's had some good news.
John's in remission.
When he's strong enough,
he'll go into surgery,
and they'll open him up,
and see the snips and snails
and puppy dog tails
and sew up the lung.
Can you believe it? Remission!
You've worked hard for it,
son.
TIM: They're saying we can
probably go home
in the meantime.
What have you done
to his hair?
It was getting ratty.
(Tell him about Christmas.)
- Beg your pardon?
- (Put your hearing aid in.)
- 'Put your hearing aid in. '
- I don't like wearing it.
John's talking about going
home for Christmas.
They can't operate
until January.
BOB: Your mum'll like that.
We'll fly you back down, John.
He's had a pneumothorax.
The airlines won't let him
fly, but I'll drive him down.
(All speak foreign language)
I found it in the drawer
ofthe desk.
I have some concerns.
Why is Tim getting everything?
(Softly) I want to make sure
he's alright if I die.
I'm sorry,
I didn't get any ofthat.
He said he wants to make sure
I'm alright if he dies.
Tim, your will is,
um, made out similarly.
It is.
So, if John dies first,
you inherit his belongings,
then say you die
a month later,
everything goes
to your family?
I don't think that's fair.
I put John through school
and college,
and I think I deserve half.
Who owns the television
and the video?
BOB: And the bed?
Some things we bought
together. Can I have a look?
Just trying to remember who
bought the Vegemite last.
- It was probably you, John.
- Yes, you go through it.
- Hurts my lungs to laugh.
- Oh, sorry.
And the boy videos -
your family would enjoy
Frisky Pool Party 7.
That's right!
(Coughs)
Tim, the car isn't yours.
TIM: No, but I need it.
BOB: John told Lois
that you had to have a scan.
TIM: Did he, now?
- For your eyes.
- My eyes are fine, Bob.
- Something in your brain.
- No, that's not right.
I'm on medication.
I am allowed to drive.
I'm sorry, John.
I helped pay for that car.
I would like it to come back
to Melbourne, please.
Might find something to eat.
And some little red dots
to mark up the apartment.
Some things are only fair.
You're telling people
I have cancer?
It's AIDS, Dad.
The cancer is from AIDS.
BOB: That's something you have
to take up with your mother.
I'm taking it up with you.
I'm not ashamed
ofwhat I have.
RUFUS WAINWRIGHT:
Forever And A Year
Say, I maybe gone today
I maybe going tomorrow
Butdo notfear
Mydarling, I am here
Whatare you saying, pray?
Whatare you
trying to tell me?
You will stayhere
Foreverand a year...
Will you screw me?
Say, can you see them there?
Those darkened clouds
in the distance
So close to here
We oughtto go, mydear
Whatare you saying, pray?
There's onlybrightskies
aboutus
Justlook away
Justturn the other way
A drop ofrain, I swear
I feltupon myforehead...
(John coughs)
I cannot wipe mybrow
'Twas nota drop ofrain
And nowyourhands
I am holding
It was a tear
Foreverand a year
Foreverand a year
Foreverand a year.
I can't kiss you. You've got
this thing on your face.
How's he doing?
LOIS: This is Peter.
He helped resuscitate John.
PETER: Hey, Tim.
- Peter!
- Hey.
LOIS: You know each other?
TIM: From the gay group
at uni.
We've had a few
ofthe Gaysoc boys through.
Who from Gaysoc?
They here now?
PETER: Tim, have you eaten?
TIM: I'm good.
Mrs Caleo?
We're not supposed to, but
I could speak to the kitchen.
LOIS: Oh, I'm fine, thanks.
Tim? I thought Lois had...
I offered.
Just gotta grab something
for John from under the tree.
Right. Come in, come in.
I'll help you.
I wrapped most ofthem.
I'm just after the one
from John to me.
The funeral will be held
at a church here in Melbourne,
and we don't want people
making statements.
You mean about AIDS?
And the whole... gay thing.
Everybody knows anyway.
No need.
TIM: You know that's against
John's wishes?
Be it on your conscience.
Such a tragedy.
How did this happen?
It's a Stable Table!
So you can eat
in front ofthe teev.
Better than the pyjamas
Mum got me.
Suppose you're not gonna keep
the wrapping.
(Gasps) Darling!
What on earth is it?
It's a document holder,
for writing.
It's got a little motorised
clamp that moves up and down
when you use the foot pedal.
It's... bizarre.
You don't like it?
It's good. I just don't know
that the clamp is that useful.
You always have to tell
the truth, don't you, Timothy?
It's for when you write.
I'll use it. I promise.
The first present
you ever gave me
was wrapped
in Essendon colours.
Sounds right.
Bryan Ferry's
Let's Stick Together.
How do you remember that?
I remember everything.
You said you saw him
on Countdown
and he made you feel
a bit sweaty.
- Did I?
- (Laughs)
- What a poof.
- (Laughs)
(Coughs)
Tim...
.. when they revived me,
before I came around...
.. I was just not here
for a bit,
and it was so easy, Timba.
Are you OK hearing that?
No!
I'm not ready for you to go.
We've said our goodbyes.
Haven't we?
You can't go
without me at your side.
That's the deal.
(John groans)
(Wheezes)
(Moans)
Oh, shut up, John.
We're trying to sleep(!)
(Both laugh)
He was my favourite.
I'm not supposed to say it -
all my boys
are wonderful, but...
.. he was my favourite.
Never a problem.
Lois, do you mind
if I have a moment with John?
I ought to stretch my legs,
any rate.
In the schoolyard,
I noticed a boy.
Just...
listening to his friends
with his hands
in his pockets.
Smiling.
What is it about his face?
In class, lined up my books
and tartan pencil case...
.. and watched the door.
Then he walked in.
The boy with
the amazing eyelashes.
John Caleo was in my class.
I want you to know
I'll do my best to include you
when it's time
for the funeral.
I'll talk about you
as his... friend.
Are you happy with that?
We... we have been together
for 15 years.
He is my husband.
There'll be nothing gained
by further alienating
the parents.
Why?
So they can reclaim him
from the dirty poofter
who corrupted him?
Tim?
(Footsteps thud)
(John wheezes)
(I'm here.)
(John wheezes)
(Silence)
Excuse me.
(Sobs)
In death's dark vale
I fear no ill
With thee, dear Lord,
beside me
Thy rod and staff
my comfort still
Thy cross before
to guide me.
PRIEST: We're here to mourn
the loss of our dear John.
Our hearts go out
to his father, Bob,
his mother, Lois,
and his brothers, Michael,
Paul, Chris, and Anthony.
And then to his friends,
Tim and Peter...
.. who were such
a wonderful support to him
in the last few months.
(Scoffs)
TIM: I am writing this
from the garden
atthe back ofmyhotel.
Surroundedbyorange trees
andbougainvillea.
(International dial tone)
I visited the island ofSalina
yesterday,
the island where your
grandparents were born.
It was a bitlike
aprivate pilgrimage.
The cafe is onlyopen
foran hour.
You can understand
whytheyemigrated.
WOMAN: Pronto?
PEPE: Is a Timothy Conigrave
staying atyourhotel?
WOMAN: Tim Conigrave,
ilragazzo australiano?
PEPE: Could I leave a message?
WOMAN: Si. Momento.
TIM: Here on Lipari
is where I mostmiss you.
I thinkyou would have loved
thisplace.
It's warm and verystrong.
MAN: Signor Conigrave!
Signor Conigrave!
Signor Conigrave!
Signor Conigrave!
- Per lei.
- Grazie.
TIM: There is a beautifulboy
who works atthe hotel here.
He occupies mydreams.
Butthatisjustmisdirected
need foryou.
CLERK: 'Lassu'.
TIM: 'Lassu'?
Ah! Angelo.
- Angelo!
- Si, si! Si!
TIM: You are a hole
in mylife - a black hole.
Anything Iplace there
cannotbe returned.
I miss you terribly.
Ci vedremo lassu, angelo.
BRYAN FERRY:
Let's Stick Together
Well, now, the marriage vow
is very sacred
The man has put us together
Now you oughta
make it stick together
Come on, come on
and stick together
You know we made a vow
Not to leave
one another ever
But now you never miss your
water till your well runs dry
Come on now, baby
Give our love a try
And stick together
Come on, come on
and stick together
You know we made a vow
Not to leave
one another ever
Well, if you're stuck
for a while
Consider our child
How can it be happy
without its ma and pa?
We stick together
Come on, come on
Let's stick together
You know, we made a vow
Not to leave
one another ever
Now, if you're stuck
for a while
Consider our child
How can it be happy
without its ma and pa?
We stick together
Come on, come on
Let's stick together
You know, we made a vow
Not to leave
one another ever.
THE ROCKMELONS:
Love's Gonna Bring You Home
I missed you
I want you back
Come on, baby
Please
So good to hear you
on the phone
I've been counting down
since you've been gone
Some days are harder
Harder than the rest
Just remember
It's me you might forget
Go out dancing
like we used to do
DJ plays a song
Reminds me of you
I'm not the type of guy
to keep it locked away, love
So, come on
Listen to what I say
Our love is strong
Yeah
Do what you have to do
I wouldn't stop you now
Love's gonna bring you home
Bring you home
Ah, ah
An open ticket
That was all you said
A thousand reasons
running through my head
Every one ensured
Ensured to make you stay
Yeah, baby
You know
it don't work that way
'Cause our love is strong
Do what you have to do
I wouldn't stop you now
Love's gonna bring you home
Bring you home
Our love is strong
Even if I wanted to
Couldn't stop you now
Love's gonna bring you home
Bring you home
Ah, ah
Ah, ah
So good
So good
To hear you on the phone
To hearyou on the phone
I've been counting down
since you've been gone
I'm not the type of guy
who keeps it locked away, love
So, come on
Listen to what I say
Our love is strong
Yeah
Do what you wanna do
I wouldn't stop you now
Love's gonna
Love's gonna
Love's gonna bring us home
Oh, yeah, yeah
You got a boat ticket
to my heart
Always known
we could make a start
Come on, come on
Bring it on, bring it on
Bring it on
Bring it on
Bring it on home to me
Your
Love
Love
Love
Love
Love
It's here to stay...
TIM: I mean, the onlything
I had to live for
is these two things
thatl'm writing,
which I'd like
to finish both of.
One's aplay,
and the otherone is a book
aboutmyloverand I,
which I've started, and...
And the otherthing too is,
I suppose,
I've been expecting to be dead
forso long
that, I mean, almostnow
the idea
ofgetting to something
like 40
wouldbejust, like...
(Laughs)
But, um, you know...
I think thatmightbe the end,
is itnot?