Montreal Girls (2022) Movie Script
1
()
(Wind howling)
Hello?
(Mic whistles)
(Takes deep breaths)
Fear splits a glimmer of hope
in two,
like lightning
strikes an old me.
Beyond it, a vision of futures,
dreams realized.
Dancing like golden ghosts,
we emerge
from behind a veil of fog
on the horizon.
(Airplane whirs)
(Tires screech)
(Announcement in French)
Professor Lyrical
Montral
Listen, I fold my poetry
into these paper planes
Takin' flights from Montral,
so my dreams can maintain
These windowpanes,
they hardly conceal pain
Clingin' to a glimmer of hope
to stay sane
Je t'aime la plume,
lovin' these muses
I'm usin' to figurin' out
the secrets through the music
I got my start,
guitare de ma tante
Now, it's golden ghosts,
veils of smoke in the dark
Hopin' to start off
my journey
As I venture
down these mountains
Without fear in my heart,
flow from these fountains
Stayin' like water
as I follow my dreams
Because our callin'
in this life
Not always what it may seem
I see my life,
up on the walls
Hanging in galleries
Souls come and go,
then vanish again gradually
That's why I have to be doing
something that spoke to me
This Doctor Feelgood
When I be droppin'
that dark poetry
Throughout this journey,
your life is like poetry
Everywhere that I go
I'm keepin' it close to me
Keep my journal eternally
where it's supposed to be
By my side while I'm writing
this dark poetry
Throughout this journey,
your life is like poetry
Everywhere that I go
I'm keepin' it close to me
Keep my journal eternally
where it's supposed to be
By my side while I'm writing
this dark poetry
GOATEED MAN:
Thank you.
(Laughs)
Ramy!
RAMY:
Uncle Hani.
(Speaks Arabic)
RAMY:
Good to see you.
HANI:
You made it.
This is your room.
Make yourself at home.
I'll make us some tea.
(Zipper zips)
()
(Kettle whistles)
(Tea pours)
HANI:
So... (Speaks Arabic)
Medical school, huh?
It's a tough university
to get in to.
Yeah I suppose so.
You made it this far.
Your dad must be very proud.
I guess he is.
But it's mainly for my mom
that I'm doing this.
Hmm.
Oh, Alya was a loving lady,
filled with so much life.
What a loss.
I'm glad you're finally here,
really.
RAMY:
Thank you, Uncle Hani.
(Scoffs)
(Speaks Arabic)
(Shower runs)
(Glass squeaks)
Fear splits a glimmer of hope
in two,
like lightning
strikes an old me.
A glimmer of hope
A glimmer of hope
strikes fear in two,
behind a veil of smoke,
on the hori--
(Knocking in background)
RAMY:
Tamer?
(Chuckles)
Uh, heard there was an infidel
takin' over my digs!
The fuck?
(Chuckles)
What's up, cuz?
Cuz!
(Chuckles)
(Kissing)
(Chuckles)
Yo, man,
sorry to drop in on you so late.
I uh, I lost my keys on tour.
(Guitar bangs)
Oh,
and I didn't wanna wake up dad.
Fuck.
It's your room.
Yeah, yeah.
It's uh,
it's nice to see you, cuz.
Same here.
-So, you like it?
-Quite a bedroom.
TAMER:
Really. Do you speak any French?
Haven't had a chance
to learn it.
I went to
a British private school
where mom used to teach.
A British school!
Fuckin' hell, mate.
Ain't we proper jammy?
(Chuckles)
You like those?
RAMY:
I'm not familiar with them.
(Takes a drag)
The classics.
Thanks.
TAMER:
What, they didn't teach you
about the Pistols
in English class?
Afraid not.
Shit, what kinda English
do they teach over there?
(Tamer chuckling)
Yo, I want you to listen this,
okay?
And tell me what you think.
()
Anwar sedated
Anwar sedated
What do you think?
Anwar sedated
It's a bit like spicy food.
Takes getting used to,
but once you're there,
it's like a--
a whole world opens up.
That's it.
You fucking nailed it.
You fucking nailed it.
Tabarnak!
(Chuckles)
What are you doing Saturday?
I'm recording a video
at a cool club called "L'Esco".
You'll love it.
You should come out, hang out.
Meet some people.
I'd love to.
TAMER:
You know about Montral girls,
right?
What?
(Whispers)
(Chuckles)
(Lyrics in Arabic)
(Grunts)
(Giggle together)
(Lyrics in Arabic)
(Fountain runs)
(Lyrics in Arabic)
(Indistinct chatter
in background)
Hmm.
(Clap together)
()
Thank you.
BLUE-EYED WOMAN:
Of course.
Mmhmm.
()
(Conversation in French)
RAMY:
Hi, what's his name?
It's Phnix.
Phoenix?
Hi.
Sorry, I don't speak French,
but that was
an incredible performance
you just gave there.
Was it?
A performance
you couldn't understand?
Perhaps I was simply
reciting my grocery list, no?
(Takes a drag)
Well, I aspire
to perform poetry one day.
Like you.
Ooh, like me! Is that so?
And what is stopping you?
I don't know.
I mean...
I'm gonna give you
the best piece of advice.
You see, one needs to go
into the dark void.
Have his soul crushed.
Burned.
Chaos. Disorder. Anarchy.
Then rise again
like a phoenix from the ashes.
You have to live
and breathe poetry.
Sometimes you won't even
have a dime in your pocket,
but your heart is on fire.
Why?
Because it's been stepped on
a thousand times
and can only exist
by bursting into flames
every second of the day.
Forget it.
It's no life for
Have you ever even loved?
With the fire of a dozen suns?
(Sighs)
Follow the sheep, boy.
You'll be much happier that way.
(Chuckles)
(Fountain runs)
()
(Pigeons cooing)
DIRECTRESS:
Okay, this is gonna be a take.
Raise the energy, everybody!
CLAPPER LOADER:
(Speaks French)
DIRECTRESS:
Action!
()
Ah, 100 miles an hour,
into the wall
(Indistinct lyrics)
...bitch, fuck off
Annihilation street,
I love my sweet
Annihilation street,
that's where I wanna meet
Hi!
TAMER:
...void of death
I know asphyxiation
takes away my breath
Sorry?
Do you work with the crew?
No. Why?
BLONDE WOMAN:
Oh, never mind.
Is where I want to be
Do you want one?
Sure.
Alright, do you like reds,
darks, or blondes?
Your beer.
Whatever. You decide.
Here you go.
Two blondes
for the price of none.
TAMER:
(Indistinct lyrics)
Ripped from my chest,
stop, save your dream
Go ahead step on it,
I don't care
I don't give a fuck,
'cause life's not fair
Annihilation street,
I love my sweet
Annihilation street,
that's where I wanna meet
Annihilation street,
I love my sweet
Annihilation street,
that's where I wanna meet
Dsire.
Ramy.
Chaos in love
Enchante.
Nice to meet you.
TAMER:
Wooh!
-DIRECTRESS: Cut!
-TAMER: Thank you, thank you.
Beautiful fuckin' people!
Alright, this next one's
dedicated to my cousin
who's new in town
and lookin' for a good time,
ladies.
Ladies, he's right back there,
Doctor Ramy!
(Crowd cheers and claps)
TAMER:
Uh, if you're feeling hot
and bothered,
the doctor's in town
to check you out!
One, two, three four!
Your cousin?
(Chuckles)
He's a legit
fuckin' cheese ball.
But he's family.
I know what I want
and I know what I need
I mean what I say
and I say what I mean
...love is pushing
and feeding you lies
With the pretty face
and the burning eyes
Dirt bag, stay off my grass
Dirt bag, get off my ass
Dirt bag, you go back home
Dirt bag,
just leave me alone
So, is it true?
RAMY:
What?
Are you Doctor Feelgood?
I'm working on it.
Sant.
TAMER:
I try so hard,
you put me down
I gave you my heart,
I got what I found
Have fun.
(Blows a kiss)
TAMER:
And now I want you
six feet underground
Dirt bag, get off my ass
Dirt bag, stay off my grass
Dirt bag, you go back home
Dirt bag,
just leave me alone
()
DIRECTRESS:
Amazing! And cut.
()
(Indistinct lyrics)
You had fun at the bar?
It was quite an experience.
Okay, so, who--
who do you like best,
us or them?
Can't tell the difference yet.
Oh, everyone's a critic!
Everyone's a critic now,
did you know?
(Dsire chuckling)
Hey, guys!
Madam. Yazzie.
Where you've been hiding,
beautiful?
(Chuckles)
You guys know each other?
Cuz, everyone knows me!
I'm a local fuckin' legend!
This is my friend, Yasmina.
She's a band promoter,
sometimes models for me.
My partner in crime.
(Both chuckle)
Pleasure to meet you, Yasmina.
You can call me "Yaz".
TAMER:
Okay, shots for everybody!
Okay, I'd like to
propose a toast to Doctor Ramy
for pretending
he likes our music
and for being a good sport.
Okay.
-DSIREE: Wooh!
-YAZ: Cheers.
(Chuckles)
He said our music is like uh--
what did you say?
(Chuckles)
Spicy food?
It goes down tasty,
but it comes out burning your--
What was it?
(Both laugh)
So, he's got
a sense of humour then?
Either that, or he knows
what he's listening to.
Oh! Pain!
Hey, are you tryin' to say
we're crap, Dsi?
Look, Punk is dead.
I hate to break the news to you,
you're not even
fashionably late.
Okay, God forbid,
you take one of these girls
to a respectable club.
Nobody appreciates culture
anymore.
I'm with Ramy.
I think it's like spice.
Too much and you lose the taste.
You need just the right amount
to make something delicious.
Too much or too little
and you've lost everything.
(Laugh together)
TAMER:
God, you girls.
DSIREE:
You're so bad.
You have no idea.
(Indistinct lyrics)
YAZ:
This party is getting so lame.
Please entertain me, Ramy.
(Chuckles)
Well,
Dsi is definitely having fun,
isn't she?
DSIREE:
Shooter! Wooh!
(Chuckles)
(Chuckles)
(Grunts, blows a raspberry)
(Chuckle together)
TAMER:
(Indistinct speech)
This is burning my throat.
DSIREE:
Yeah?
Do you need an inspection?
Do you need another one?
(Chuckle together)
TAMER:
Uh, sorry about that, officer.
Okay, everybody, time to go!
Thanks for coming.
Time to go, party's over.
Go, go, go!
Come on, fuck out!
Let's go, let's go, let's go!
-Out, out!
-DSIREE: Come. Let's go, Ramy!
TAMER:
Sorry about that.
DSIREE:
Do you always walk girls home,
Ramy?
I couldn't let you girls
walk alone at night.
(Chuckles)
YAZ:
I need water.
Come on, we're almost there.
(Hums)
(Both chuckle)
YAZ:
He's such a gentleman, isn't he?
DSIREE:
Oh, my--
(Yaz and Dsire laughing)
RAMY:
Are you okay?
DSIREE:
Yeah, I'm good.
Ow. Okay, here we are!
Are you coming in?
Habibi?
(Chuckles)
T-E-M-P-T
E-D
Tempted
I was tempted
Tempted by your smile
I was tempted
And for a little while
I was certain
That I would be the one
to change you
And you will be mine
You will be mine
You will be mine
Wait you're gonna pull me.
T-E-M-P-T-E-D
YAZ:
Hey.
(Chuckle together)
Big pockets.
Oh, so you like tickles, really?
(Laughs)
RAMY:
How about you?
Oh, my gosh, don't even try.
Yeah, she's totally--
The promises, the lies
Okay, I'll be right back.
Just keep on hurtin'
But I won't be the one
to change you
And you won't be mine
So, Ramy, what's your story?
My story?
In three sentences or less.
Medical student-to-be.
Hmm.
Aspiring poet.
YAZ:
Mmhmm.
Missing dead mother.
Hmm.
And what is your story?
I know nothing about you.
Well, maybe
that's what turns you on.
Why ruin it?
Oh, baby, you're a wild one
(Grunts)
Oh, baby, you're a wild one
Oh, baby, you're a wild one
Oh, baby, you're a wild one
(Kissing)
Oh, baby,
I fuckin' give it to you
Oh, baby, I do
Oh, baby, you're a wild one
Oh, oh, oh, oh, uh, uh
A wild one
Your lips are nice.
With a little bit of training,
you could be a good kisser.
You are so unusual.
Why is that?
RAMY:
You seem so carefree, I guess
So unpredictable.
I've never met a girl like you.
Enjoy it then.
DSIREE:
My neighbours
are allergic to fun.
So, what did I miss?
(Indistinct lyrics)
DSIREE:
Mm, you smell so nice.
(Yaz chuckling)
(Kissing, chuckling)
(Phone ringing)
Whoa, what kinda desperado
calls you this late?
YAZ:
No one.
Oh, baby, you're a wild one
Oh, baby, you're a wild one
Oh, I have to go.
DSIREE:
Come on, are you sure?
Why don't you stay over?
I can't.
DSIREE:
Come on.
We could show around town
to Ramy tomorrow.
I always give it to you
(Smacks)
I have to go. Come on.
Oh, baby, I do
You want to share a ride?
YAZ:
Sure. Call it.
...baby
Cuts me deep
YAZ:
Ramy, are you coming?
The sun is rising.
It's been fun. Thank you.
Yeah, let's hang out.
Sure.
What about me, what about me
Bye.
When you're feeling
for somebody
What about--
(Sighs)
Sir, you can drop me off
at La Ruelle.
Um, just-- just here.
Thanks for the ride.
RAMY:
I'll text you.
YAZ:
Sure.
(Types)
(Alarm beeping)
(Birds chirping in distance)
(Pants)
PROFESSOR:
So, let's begin.
This one-year
preparatory curriculum
will prepare you
to excel in the medical program.
Can you do it?
I have faith that you can.
Hard work, dedication,
and listening.
So, you are here,
because your passion
for medicine and science,
and your dream
to become a doctor
are your life's mission.
We're here to help,
we're here to give.
Let's do this together.
Welcome to your first day
of pre-med.
This is the start
of your future.
Now, you'll have courses
in molecular biology,
physiology, metabolism,
cell biology.
Also, we operate courses
in humanities
and social sciences.
Then, you'll be able
to move forward
into the main program.
But-- it's a big but.
PROFESSOR:
Humanities and social sciences,
but-- and this is a big but,
you must maintain a 3.5
cumulative grade point average.
(Monitor beeping)
(Sighs)
When your mother passed,
your father
became completely closed.
I used to ask him
how he was doing,
and he would answer,
"I can't afford emotions."
Can't afford.
(Sighs)
Always balancing the books.
Perhaps he was trying to--
to protect his sanity
or his heart.
Your mom, she had a good soul.
(Hani sighing)
She always insisted
on emotional honesty, always.
If she were here today,
she would demand it
just the same, hmm?
My own son
doesn't think he needs me.
But I want you to know
that if you need to talk,
I'm here for you.
(Insects chirping
and dog barking in background)
I wanna be with you,
so I can look at you
All the time
DSIREE:
Isn't she pretty?
All the time, all the time
All the time
RAMY:
Yaz, hey, did you get any sleep?
(Phone beeps)
And have it all the time,
time, time
All the time
Yeah,
what are you up to lately
Wish I could feel you,
wish I could see you daily
(Indistinct lyrics)
This god damn place
has got me going crazy
(Indistinct lyrics)
Yeah, if the timing is right
(Chuckles)
(Indistinct lyrics)
(Grunts)
YAZ:
Ramy.
-TAMER: Yo, cuz!
-RAMY: What the fuck?
TAMER:
Oh, don't tell me
I caught you jerkin' off.
(Pants)
RAMY:
Can't you knock?
TAMER:
You tryin' to traumatize me?
How come you're still in bed,
man?
What is that?
This your idea of porn?
(Scoffs)
She's hot. Not my type.
Terrible tits.
But to each their own.
To each their own.
Funny.
-What you got there?
-Nothing. Verses.
Really? Can I read 'em?
RAMY:
They're not finished yet.
TAMER:
Come on.
You know, I write poetry, too.
Check this out. New lyrics.
You're a lowly fucked disgrace.
Blow it out your ass.
I don't like your fuckin' face.
Blow it out your ass.
It's called "BIOYA".
Does that stand for
blow it out your...
Ass!
Correct.
Okay, now, let me read yours.
Okay, just...
Shit...
(Sighs)
Huh! Ooh.
(Clears throat)
Your emerald eyes
sparkle in the desert moon.
Rosewater scents surround us
as we kiss under kh--
RAMY:
(Speaks Arabic)
The fuck is that?
(Scoffs)
It's a bit obscure.
Not sure
about the translation yet,
but it's you know,
the bear constellation.
It's an expression.
The back of the bear.
So you're kissing
under a bear's ass?
Come on, what is that?
Blow it out your ass, seriously?
It's political.
I don't have to explain.
Anyway, it sounds a lot better
with music.
Trust me.
(Scoffs)
(Sighs)
Yeah, at least
we agree on one thing.
RAMY:
What's that?
We're both ass men.
(Grunts)
(Chuckles)
When's your next show?
Oh, you wanna see us again?
(Chuckles)
Already hooked on the spice,
are we?
-RAMY: Mmhmm.
-I'm flattered.
Uh, we play in a few weeks.
Will Yaz be there?
Oh, you snake.
And this whole time I thought
you liked my song writing.
Look at you.
(Sighs)
Trust me, Yaz is a lesson
you don't wanna learn.
Fuck, that's a good line!
That girl is a lesson
you don't wanna learn.
()
(Traffic whooshes
and birds squawk)
RAMY (VO):
Hey, did you get any sleep?
Fear
Don't you find me now
Don't you make me blind,
no, no
Don't you tie me down
And, love
Don't you go so far
Don't leave me in the cold,
no, no
RAMY (VO):
Hi Desiree, do you
wanna hang out?
Don't keep me in the dark
All along the road
Give me light, give me light
I'm tired of being alone
Every night, every night
Struck out, cold
In my fright, in my fright
Hey.
Hey, Ramy!
(Both chuckle)
Give me light, give me light
-Nice to see you.
-You made it.
Yeah, sorry,
I was lost somewhere around.
(Chuckles)
I didn't know
there was another viewpoint.
Yeah.
RAMY:
But this view looks far better
DSIREE:
Yeah,
I hike up here all the time.
It centres me.
(Birds chirping in background)
(Sighs)
(Camera clicks)
What's that for?
DSIREE:
I'm collecting portraits
for a photo exhibit.
(Camera clicks)
Let me show you
my favourite spot.
Sure.
DSIREE:
Let's go.
(Dsire chuckling)
()
Fear
Don't you find me now
RAMY:
Thank you for bringing me here.
(Sighs)
So, young doctor,
besides carousing
with Montral Girls
on your spare time,
what else do you do?
I write verses.
Oh, let's hear some.
I'm not sure I'm ready for that.
No, some on. Don't be like that.
Own it if you care about it.
Otherwise what's the point?
You're right.
(Sighs)
A glimmer of hope
strikes fear in two,
like lightning
splits an old tree.
Beyond it, a vision of futures.
Dreams realized
dance like golden ghosts,
behind a veil of smoke
on the horizon.
Nice.
Hmm.
I got a few others in there.
check that out.
(Dsire chuckling)
Faith
Don't you close my eyes
When I don't know where to go,
no, no
Don't take me by surprise
(Indistinct chatter in distance)
(Takes a deep breath)
Ever had a muse?
Not sure.
How would I know if I had?
You would know.
Something...
...or someone...
(Both chuckle)
DSIREE:
...who just perfectly embodies
that vision
that you're striving
to give voice to.
Beckoning you,
like a star that's pulling you
into its gravity.
You can't explain why.
It just happens that way.
And you follow,
sometimes blindly,
hoping that by being near them,
by grasping their essence,
you might find the perfect way
to say what you want to.
(Chuckles)
(Gulls squawk)
DSIREE:
Your poem reminds me of Rumi.
"The soul which cannot endure
fire and smoke
won't find the secret."
What's the secret?
(Water splashes)
Wow!
(Gull squawks)
(Dsire chuckling)
That's up to you to figure out.
(Phone dinging and buzzing)
(Dsire chuckles)
DSIREE:
Did we really just
get the same text?
It looks like it.
You'll love Bloodshot Bill.
Are you going?
Yaz is the promoter.
(Chuckles)
(Indistinct lyrics)
(Indistinct chatter
in background)
(Moped whirs)
(Indistinct lyrics)
(Crowd cheering and clapping)
BLOODSHOT BILL:
Alright.
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
This next one, we're gonna do
it
for all you Montral girls
out there, here we go.
CROWD MEMBER:
Bloodshot Bill!
(Chuckles)
YAZ:
That's so funny.
Are you serious?
RAMY:
Yaz.
BLOODSHOT BILL:
(Indistinct lyrics)
Hi.
Ramy.
BLOODSHOT BILL:
(Indistinct lyrics)
-RAMY: Where's Dsi?
-I don't know.
She got the invite
like everyone else.
RAMY:
Did you get my texts? (grunts)
MAN IN LEATHER VEST:
Oh, shit.
(Man chuckling)
Excuse me man!
tienne Tremblay!
Alphonse Legrand!
ALPHONSE:
Mm.
I'm going crazy
for the Montral girls
I'm going crazy
for the Montral girls
(Alphonse chuckling)
(Slurps)
I've never seen you around, huh?
BLOODSHOT BILL:
(Indistinct lyrics)
What are you drinkin'?
BLOODSHOT BILL:
...for the Montral girls
Adios motherfucker.
What?
REDHEADED WOMAN:
That's what I'm drinking.
(Laughs)
RAMY:
Excuse me there!
Two adios motherfuckers, please.
Yeah, two.
Doubles.
(Cord cheers and applauds)
Oh!
BLOODSHOT BILL:
Thank you so much.
Have a great night.
Well, hello, baby
(Laughs)
Wooh!
Hello, baby
(Both chuckle)
(Hiccups) Oh, my God.
(Laughs)
I think I have too much blood
in my alcohol system
Well, you might need
to do a blood test.
-Oh!
-Here let me give you a shot.
Hello, baby
Goodbye, love
Hello, baby
Goodbye, love
What's that?
Uh, you wanna make out?
Hello, baby
Goodbye, love
Hello, baby
Goodbye, love
()
(Redheaded woman grunting)
I'll be back.
I'll be here.
(Grunts)
Hey, guys,
anybody wants some poutine?
-ALPHONSE: Yeah.
-Yeah, man.
ALPHONSE:
Gotta roll, man!
(Chuckles)
(Indistinct speech)
Why!
(Chuckles)
(Smirks)
-Need a ride home, huh?
-Hmm.
(Both laugh)
Better that than to ride
with him on his tiny moped!
(Both laugh)
Mopeds... They're fun, huh,
until your friends see ya
ridin' them
(Both laugh)
YAZ:
Just ignore them, Ramy.
(Both laugh)
YAZ:
Come on, Etienne.
What?
YAZ:
Don't be so immature.
Oh.
Fast. He's fast.
(Etienne and Alphonse laughing
in distance)
(Ramy peeing)
YAZ:
Are you always this forward
with girls?
A girl spying on a boy.
Isn't that called "stalking"?
YAZ:
Well, I came here to save you
from that rousse Marie-Claude.
That chick's like Chiclets.
Sweet on the outside,
but she'll stick to you
like bubble gum.
Is that what you want?
(Yaz laughs)
YAZ:
You've got pumpkin lipstick
all over your mouth.
This isn't a Halloween party.
Who's that pervert Etienne?
A friend of yours?
Friends don't know the way
that I taste.
(Crowd cheering in distance)
(Indistinct yelling
and cheering in distance)
(Takes deep breaths)
(Licks)
Are we more than friends now?
I don't know, you tell me.
(Takes deep breaths)
(Phone buzzing)
(Phone ringing)
RECORDED VOICE: (On voicemail)
You have reached
the voicemail box of...
RAMY: (On voicemail)
Ramy Salama.
Salut, Ramy!
Sorry, I can't come out tonight.
I was working late.
(Grunts)
DSIREE: (On voicemail)
I just booked
two photo exhibits.
The first one opens
tomorrow night, 7:00 p.m.,
at Gallatin Island
I'd love you to come.
I-- I really hope you can come.
Okay, bye.
(Yaz moaning)
-RAMY: What the fuck?
-YAZ: Etienne. Etienne!
-RAMY: Stop!
-YAZ: Etienne!
(Grunts)
(Vomits, grunts)
Yaz!
Yaz!
I guess
you're not havin' poutine.
(Etienne retching)
YAZ:
You must have a poet's heart.
You're so easily seduced
by fantasy.
RAMY:
Hello.
(Resonating)
Check.
-DSIREE: Ramy?
-YAZ: Ramy.
-MAMA: Ramy!
-RAMY: Mama.
(Alarm beeping)
(Ramy snoring)
(Traffic whooshes)
RAMY:
Saw Yaz last night.
TAMER:
Uh-huh, and?
RAMY:
She vanished.
(Scoffs)
Of course she did.
She's a fuckin' mirage.
Cuz, cuz, cuz, listen to me.
Don't let me catch you
hangin' over Yaz.
Those chicks,
they're like buses.
You miss one,
you catch the next.
Do you understand?
Okay.
RAMY:
You know, Tam, before mom died,
I promised her
that I would study hard
to become a doctor.
(Gulps, grunts)
And now, she's gone.
And I wonder,
"Does any of this
even matter anymore?"
(Sighs)
I don't know, man.
Nothing really matters.
We're just germs
spinning on a rock
in the universe,
and we have to get jobs
on top of it.
That's bullshit.
(Grunts)
(Blows a raspberry)
Sometimes I feel
like I'm wasting my time.
I love the old stuff, you know?
The classics.
(Sighs)
But music now, it's just shit.
I mean the older stuff is
like...
...like a tiger in the wild.
It's dangerous,
and it's exciting,
and it's everything
you could ever hope to be.
But then you see the tiger
in the zoo
with the fake landscape,
and it's not the same.
The stripes
and the teeth are there,
but it's just not the same.
(Sighs)
Sometimes
I feel like we're the zoo tiger.
I don't know.
It's better to die
from delusions of grandeur
than from reality and boredom
I guess.
(Tamer grunting)
(Birds chirping and
dog barking in distance)
(Phone ringing)
YAZ: (On voicemail)
Hey, this is Yaz.
Don't leave me a message.
I don't check 'em.
(Voicemail beeps)
(Wind chime ringing
in background)
RAMY:
Beyond the black
velvet futility,
like glimmering watchtowers
in the distant cosmos,
the signal fires
from your eyes
arrive burning
like a dozen stars
after the journey
of light years
to ignite the heart's lantern.
The flame of the muse,
dancing, eternal.
Ramy.
()
(Phone ringing)
(Voicemail beeps)
DSIREE:
Ramy?
-RAMY: Hi.
-What are you doing here?
Do you happen to have some time?
Yeah, sure. Come in.
Well, so typical of her.
But I don't understand.
I mean she was so...
DSIREE:
So what?
I thought she was open for--
you know?
DSIREE:
Open for business?
(Shuts fridge)
But even you and her...
Don't worry about me and her.
Besides what of it?
(Dsire sighing)
You know, you have the audacity
to come here
and inquire about Yaz
when you didn't even
return my phone call?
RAMY:
What phone call?
(Sighs)
Crap.
I never check my voicemail app.
Dsire, I'm so sorry.
DSIREE:
Are you serious?
Do you think
that I am Yaz's pimp?
That I can just go around
and you know,
make an arrangement for you
to get in her pants?
(Sighs)
I have my own life,
my own interests,
and who Yaz is
or isn't gonna sleep with
is not one of them.
(Dsire sighing)
Look, I have to get ready
for my chakra workshop.
I really have to get ready.
Can I--
(Sighs)
Can I at least give you this?
Open it, please.
(Paper rustles)
Give it to your muse.
(Shuts door)
()
(Water ripples)
(Camera clicks)
(Types)
RAMY (VO):
For you Yaz, Ramy.
(Sighs)
(Birds squawking in distance)
(Paper rustles)
(Water sloshes)
[speaking french]
Sorry,
I don't understand French, sir.
This is
the Saint Lawrence River,
the Fleuve Saint-Laurent, okay?
It's a sacred river.
See?
It's like our vein,
you know what?
You can throw it your sorrows
if you want,
but not your garbage.
(Birds squawking in distance)
RAMY:
It wasn't rubbish.
It was a poem I wrote actually.
A poem? Oh!
RAMY:
But maybe you're right.
Maybe it's just waste after all.
A poem of love interest?
(River flowing)
Don't let tears of sorrow
inundate your thoughts,
young man.
They are like the--
the river current.
The more you resist
the stream of life,
the more it makes you drown.
(Birds squawking in distance)
(Monitor beeps)
(Shuts drawer)
(Paper rustles)
()
(Ramy sniffling)
(Sniffles)
(Speaks Arabic)
HANI:
When I moved to Canada,
I apprehended the new world.
Your mom was a foreign student
at McGill.
She wrote this poem
as a welcome gift
and to soothe my fears.
As water ventures forth
down a mountain,
it dreams not of its origins
as a fountain,
nor fears its destination
across the plain,
but breaks free
from all self-imposed restraint.
Simple, and effective.
Your mother excelled
in English.
She was
a terrific language teacher.
Keep it. It's now yours.
A secret treasure.
MAMA:
As water ventures forth
down a mountain,
it dreams not of its origins
as a fountain,
nor fears its destination
across the plain,
but breaks free
from all self-imposed restraint.
Will there'll be
sleepless nights?
Absolutely.
Will there be hard days?
Will there be days
where you think
you're gonna have to give up?
100 %.
But that is when you depend
on yourself.
But-- it's a big but.
You must remember
that you have to maintain
a cumulative grade point average
of at least 3.5.
(Car whooshes)
()
RAMY:
Dear Baba,
this is perhaps
the most difficult letter
that I will ever have to write,
but there is something
I must confess.
(Paper rustles)
RAMY:
I couldn't find the courage
to call you.
I was afraid
of your immediate reaction.
I trust that you will
respect my decision.
Your son, Ramy.
()
(Clap together)
(Indistinct chatter
in background)
-Hi.
-Hey. That was fantastic.
Thank you for coming.
It's nice to see you here.
PHNIX:
Hey!
Oh, the little pigeon
has returned.
RAMY:
Ramy.
Sophia.
Sophia is the editor of Poetzia,
the reference site for poetry.
She has immaculate taste...
PHNIX:
...in everything.
(Chuckles)
SOPHIA:
Enjoy your night.
Ridin' on backbitin'
And get away with lies
No matter what it takes
Or who is gonna cry
The only thing that matters
Is you get what you desire
But I know for sure,
the day will come
When you first realize
what you have done
And you finally
get your debt repaid
RAMY:
Yaz, I haven't heard from you.
(Types)
RAMY:
Everything alright?
And you'll hear the roar
of the showdown
When the world will stop
without a sound
And the moment
you will cry for help
They will only think
about themselves
Oh, yeah
HANI:
Uh, your father called.
RAMY:
Really? What did he say?
HANI:
He was really angry.
Are you sure
about this decision?
I mean you've worked very hard
to get here.
(Thunder rumbling in distance)
Have you even thought
about your future?
Yeah, aren't you gonna
lose your chance
to residency status here
and shit?
I'd rather lose my status
than my mind.
Hmm, makes sense.
(Chuckles)
Okay, Dave's here. I gotta run.
Thanks for dinner, dad.
I'll be back Wednesday.
Hey, Tamer, tonight's your show
at L'Esco, right?
Yeah.
(Drags chair)
RAMY:
Will Yaz be there?
Are you mentally exhausted?
(Sighs)
Okay, listen, man, I'm gonna
tell you something straight up
and you're not gonna be
happy with it, alright?
I nailed Yaz
more than a few times, okay?
We were drunk,
and it was something to do.
And I'll tell you right now,
she's the biggest
pain in the ass
you'll ever meet, okay?
You get hooked on that chick,
she's gonna make you wanna walk
into the Saint-Laurent
with concrete boots on.
It's a catch. Want to go?
Stay here.
(Crowd cheering)
TAMER:
Is everybody having a good time?
Ladies?
Ladies, come on!
Ooh!
(Indistinct speech)
Give it up for Dave on drums,
Arno on bass!
Do not feel like a Dirt bag!
Come on!
Wooh!
()
TAMER:
I try so hard,
you put me down
I gave you my heart
Yeah, yeah.
And more to you after party.
Ramy.
RAMY:
I wanna talk to you.
I'm busy.
Ramy.
Ramy. Hey! Oh, but-- dude!
TAMER:
Dirt bag, you go back home
Dirt bag,
just leave me alone
Why do you keep giving me
the silent treatment, Yaz?
(Scoffs)
Is that what you're here
to discuss?
Are you gonna be boring?
Did you read what I sent you?
The poem? Yeah.
RAMY:
And?
YAZ:
I thought it was nice.
Clever.
What are you hiding from then?
YAZ:
Fuck you, Ramy.
I don't need your inquisition.
I'm not
one of your research projects.
I felt something with you.
Something new I've never felt.
Sorry if that makes you feel
like an experiment.
So you want me
to be exclusive to you?
Is that it?
Why should you
get special treatment?
Because we're
from the same culture?
The same background?
I've been running away from that
my whole life.
I'm someone else here.
Mysterious, exotic Yaz.
What will she say?
What will she do?
Everyone wants to know.
It's a full time job playing me.
You ought to know.
You're playing a role, too.
But at least I'm the one
who is in control.
Nobody owns me or tells me
what to do.
(Takes deep breaths)
YAZ:
Don't be so nave, habibi.
Here.
I wanna make you feel better.
Let's take a trip together.
I've already taken two of these.
Kiss me, Ramy,
or I'll swallow this one, too.
(Pants)
(Kissing)
(Camera clicking)
What the fuck are you doing?
Can't you tell
she's playing you,
like she does
with everyone else?
Daring you
with these dramatic games
to gain the attention
she so desperately craves.
Mind your own fucking business,
Dsire.
All you care about
is getting your own way.
All you want are free headshots
and...
...friends, like Rami and I.
This is not a contest
between one or the other.
DSIREE:
And you, Ramy,
I thought you had
a bit more consciousness.
Depth maybe.
Sense enough not to be lured in
by an illusion
of your own imagination.
Dsire. Dsire!
It's not what you think!
(Vehicle whirring in distance)
(Siren wailing in distance)
RAMY:
Hey, Dsi.
-DSIREE: Stay away from me.
-RAMY: Wait. Wait!
DSIREE:
Leave me alone.
(Siren wailing in distance)
(Door opening in distance)
Anwar sedated
(Door shutting in distance)
(Bangs the door)
(Sighs)
Rami, is that you?
(Hani sighing)
(Chuckles)
What's goin' on with you?
Where were you all night?
(Sighs, chuckles)
RAMY:
If you knew where I was...
(Sighs)
All good.
RAMY:
Just met some people.
Hmm.
(Chuckles)
()
(Shower runs)
(Airplane whooshing in distance)
Doctors failed
to save my mother.
At least if I fail at poetry,
nobody is goin' to die.
Why you're speaking to me
in English now?
You're coming back home with me.
No. I'm not.
BABA:
What did you dare say to me?
I'll be staying here
to study literature.
BABA:
Literature.
This is your life ambition now?
To be a vagabond?
I'd rather be a vagabond
than a coward like you.
Being a doctor was your dream,
except you were too afraid
of failure to pursue it.
And so,
you chose safety instead.
And when mom was dying,
it was left to me
to comfort her,
because you were too afraid
of your own emotions.
(Siren wailing in distance)
(Sighs)
(Shuts door)
(Kicks trash can)
(Grunts, yells)
()
Stars were falling
right out of the sky
Falling slow
like snow on my bed
We're brighter than bone
by the light of the moon
Softer than silver
of a spider's thread
Oh, my God
Just the way
that you breathe in
It feels like home to me
It feels like home
Oh, my God
I can't believe it
It feels like home to me
It feels like home
Woo-hoo!
(Lighter flicking)
I wanna fall
just under your skin
Shaking the walls
like thunder for fun
TAMER:
Yo, cuz. Presentable?
You've got mail.
(Sighs)
Getting high
after havin' been low.
Never too early to start,
you sly dog.
Thanks for letting me stay
in your room all that time.
Yeah, well you owe me big time.
Listen, I um, need your help
with some lyrics.
Yeah, since you've been in
your whole nuclear anarchy mode,
you know what,
I'd like for you
to write me some
before you get
into any further trouble.
Really?
Yeah, really.
(Takes a drag)
And uh, you can stay here
as long as you want.
Dad could use the company.
(Paper rustles)
MAMA:
Dear son,
in the journey of life,
find eternity in an instant.
(Birds chirping in distance)
()
MAMA:
Live in wonderment as an infant.
Allow your voice
to become your freedom
and your intuition your path
to wisdom.
In the presence of time,
surrender to nature.
Death and birth
cohabit in a cycle.
This is not my goodbye,
just a farewell.
And even though
one day we will be apart,
always remember
to follow your heart.
I will forever love you.
()
(Mouse clicking)
()
(Traffic whooshing in distance)
Phoenix?
Hey, you again.
My real name is Flix
by the way.
What happened to you?
What?
(Chuckles)
Uh. Yves St. Laurent. So what?
Call me "petit-bourgeois"
and I'll kick your ass.
What do you want?
I'm late for work.
(Flicks lighter)
I'm having a reading tonight
at Quai des Brumes.
You comin'?
Wow! Bohemian life.
Poverty, deviance, uncertainty.
Freedom.
How extraordinary.
I gotta go to work.
Uh, break a leg.
(Chuckles)
(Takes a drag)
()
Oh, baby, you're a wild one
Oh, baby, you're a wild one
Oh, baby, you're a wild one
Oh, baby, you're a wild one
(Door opening in background)
DSIREE:
Ramy?
Oh, baby,
I fuckin' give it to you
Oh, baby, I do
DSIREE:
You're early.
We open in 20 minutes.
This is fine work.
Thank you.
I was hoping you'd come.
(Ramy scoffing)
RAMY:
Even without an invitation?
I'm sorry. I was mad.
Dsire,
I think I found the secret.
What do you mean?
I've discovered
that I'm not meant
to cure bodies with medicine,
but hopefully to heal souls
with my words.
Dsire,
I came here to thank you.
()
DSIREE:
I'm so glad you came.
RAMY:
I would not miss this
for anything.
After trying
to cling desperately
to some artificial sanity
imposed by
your own sense of dread,
you realize
that the only way
to stay sane and survive
is to let go of that construct.
To fire the architect of fear,
to stop building walls
that prevent you
from living life,
however mad.
To not fear angels or demons.
But instead,
to invite them both in for tea.
You might learn that the angel
is really a demon,
or that the demon
is really an angel.
Or maybe
that it doesn't really matter.
'Cause it's the chaos,
the anarchy,
the disorder
that sometimes makes you feel
like you've lived,
and that perhaps
you've loved.
I would like to dedicate this
to my muses.
(Blows a kiss)
(Crowd cheering and applauding)
Wooh!
(Yells)
It's my cousin.
It's my-- it's my cousin.
It's my fucking cousin!
It's my fucking cousin!
(Tamer chuckling)
TAMER:
I'm so proud of you.
Look at you! Look at you!
Check it.
I need a lover
to take me home
Hmm.
You know what else is awesome?
-Me.
-RAMY: From Doctor Feelgood,
with love.
(Phone beeps)
Of course you're awesome.
TAMER:
Proud of you.
You're fucking legend.
Taught you well.
(Speaks French)
Thank you.
(Phone buzzing)
From Doctor Feelgood, with love.
RAMY: (On video)
You might learn that the angel
is really a demon,
or that the demon
is really an angel.
Or maybe...
RAMY: (On video)
That it doesn't really matter.
'Cause it's the chaos,
the anarchy,
the disorder
that sometimes makes you feel
like you've lived,
and that perhaps
you've loved.
()
Well,
it looks like you've got a fan.
You ready? (Chuckles)
RAMY:
Your immaculate verses
are as brave
as your poet's heart.
Who?
Her. Her. This chick.
What you doing? Get up!
Go, go!
(Door squeaks)
(Lyrics in French
in background)
(Scrunches, scoffs)
(Lyrics in French
in background)
RAMY:
Excuse me.
Hey! Excuse me!
(Lyrics in French)
RAMY:
Excuse me.
(Chuckles)
Sophia?
Did you write this?
Yes.
And I meant every word of it.
(Bus door hissing)
()
Unhang the shield
Surrender the body now
Defy the old deal
Euthanize the thought
And the ancient ceremony
Fades into the background
RAMY:
Along the dark span of time,
souls come and go,
appearing from nothing,
sharing tears, sharing laughter,
then vanish again into nothing.
But a thread of light
holds us together,
Binds our souls across
the delicate void of cosmos,
constructing a memory
that shall never die,
but will always live
in our heart forever.
It's just science
RAMY:
You've given me life,
and have freed my being.
So, when I put too much syrup
on my pancake
RAMY:
For all eternity,
I'm forever grateful.
You know
it's never a mistake
So, when I put too much syrup
on my pancake
You know
it's never a mistake
You know
it's never a mistake
Because it's never a mistake
Ever
RAMY:
Here I am,
standing humbly before you
with bursting love,
a new being.
()
(Church bells ringing
in distance)
()
(Indistinct lyrics)
I'm going crazy
for the Montral girls
Going crazy
for the Montral girls
()
(Indistinct lyrics)
I'm going crazy
for the Montral girls
Going crazy
for the Montral girls
()
(Indistinct lyrics)
I'm going crazy
for the Montral girls
I'm going crazy
for the Montral girls
I'm crazy
for the Montral girls
()
It's Saturday night
And I'm feelin' alright
Now, tell me do you feel it
Love in Montral city
Oh
All my people
can you tell me
If you feel the same way
Hands up in the air
And I'll know that you care
All my people
can you tell me
If you feel the same way
Hands up in the air
And I'll know that you care
And I wrote this song
for you
(Indistinct lyrics)
And there's nothing
I won't do to make it work
To make it work
If you give your love to me,
we'll make it last
We'll make it last
We'll make it last
We'll make it last
We'll make it last
It's Saturday night
It's Saturday night
And I'm feelin' alright
And I'm feelin' alright
Now, tell me do you feel it
Now, tell me do you feel it
Love in Montral city
Yeah
Oh
It's Saturday night
It's Saturday night
And I'm feelin' alright
And I'm feelin' alright
Now, tell me do you feel it
Now, tell me do you feel it
Love in Montral city
Montral, oh
It's Saturday night
Yeah, yeah, yeah
And I'm feelin' alright
I'm feelin' alright
Now, tell me do you feel it
Now, tell me do you feel it
Love in Montral city
Love in Montral city
Oh
Yeah
(Crowd applauding)
()
(Wind howling)
Hello?
(Mic whistles)
(Takes deep breaths)
Fear splits a glimmer of hope
in two,
like lightning
strikes an old me.
Beyond it, a vision of futures,
dreams realized.
Dancing like golden ghosts,
we emerge
from behind a veil of fog
on the horizon.
(Airplane whirs)
(Tires screech)
(Announcement in French)
Professor Lyrical
Montral
Listen, I fold my poetry
into these paper planes
Takin' flights from Montral,
so my dreams can maintain
These windowpanes,
they hardly conceal pain
Clingin' to a glimmer of hope
to stay sane
Je t'aime la plume,
lovin' these muses
I'm usin' to figurin' out
the secrets through the music
I got my start,
guitare de ma tante
Now, it's golden ghosts,
veils of smoke in the dark
Hopin' to start off
my journey
As I venture
down these mountains
Without fear in my heart,
flow from these fountains
Stayin' like water
as I follow my dreams
Because our callin'
in this life
Not always what it may seem
I see my life,
up on the walls
Hanging in galleries
Souls come and go,
then vanish again gradually
That's why I have to be doing
something that spoke to me
This Doctor Feelgood
When I be droppin'
that dark poetry
Throughout this journey,
your life is like poetry
Everywhere that I go
I'm keepin' it close to me
Keep my journal eternally
where it's supposed to be
By my side while I'm writing
this dark poetry
Throughout this journey,
your life is like poetry
Everywhere that I go
I'm keepin' it close to me
Keep my journal eternally
where it's supposed to be
By my side while I'm writing
this dark poetry
GOATEED MAN:
Thank you.
(Laughs)
Ramy!
RAMY:
Uncle Hani.
(Speaks Arabic)
RAMY:
Good to see you.
HANI:
You made it.
This is your room.
Make yourself at home.
I'll make us some tea.
(Zipper zips)
()
(Kettle whistles)
(Tea pours)
HANI:
So... (Speaks Arabic)
Medical school, huh?
It's a tough university
to get in to.
Yeah I suppose so.
You made it this far.
Your dad must be very proud.
I guess he is.
But it's mainly for my mom
that I'm doing this.
Hmm.
Oh, Alya was a loving lady,
filled with so much life.
What a loss.
I'm glad you're finally here,
really.
RAMY:
Thank you, Uncle Hani.
(Scoffs)
(Speaks Arabic)
(Shower runs)
(Glass squeaks)
Fear splits a glimmer of hope
in two,
like lightning
strikes an old me.
A glimmer of hope
A glimmer of hope
strikes fear in two,
behind a veil of smoke,
on the hori--
(Knocking in background)
RAMY:
Tamer?
(Chuckles)
Uh, heard there was an infidel
takin' over my digs!
The fuck?
(Chuckles)
What's up, cuz?
Cuz!
(Chuckles)
(Kissing)
(Chuckles)
Yo, man,
sorry to drop in on you so late.
I uh, I lost my keys on tour.
(Guitar bangs)
Oh,
and I didn't wanna wake up dad.
Fuck.
It's your room.
Yeah, yeah.
It's uh,
it's nice to see you, cuz.
Same here.
-So, you like it?
-Quite a bedroom.
TAMER:
Really. Do you speak any French?
Haven't had a chance
to learn it.
I went to
a British private school
where mom used to teach.
A British school!
Fuckin' hell, mate.
Ain't we proper jammy?
(Chuckles)
You like those?
RAMY:
I'm not familiar with them.
(Takes a drag)
The classics.
Thanks.
TAMER:
What, they didn't teach you
about the Pistols
in English class?
Afraid not.
Shit, what kinda English
do they teach over there?
(Tamer chuckling)
Yo, I want you to listen this,
okay?
And tell me what you think.
()
Anwar sedated
Anwar sedated
What do you think?
Anwar sedated
It's a bit like spicy food.
Takes getting used to,
but once you're there,
it's like a--
a whole world opens up.
That's it.
You fucking nailed it.
You fucking nailed it.
Tabarnak!
(Chuckles)
What are you doing Saturday?
I'm recording a video
at a cool club called "L'Esco".
You'll love it.
You should come out, hang out.
Meet some people.
I'd love to.
TAMER:
You know about Montral girls,
right?
What?
(Whispers)
(Chuckles)
(Lyrics in Arabic)
(Grunts)
(Giggle together)
(Lyrics in Arabic)
(Fountain runs)
(Lyrics in Arabic)
(Indistinct chatter
in background)
Hmm.
(Clap together)
()
Thank you.
BLUE-EYED WOMAN:
Of course.
Mmhmm.
()
(Conversation in French)
RAMY:
Hi, what's his name?
It's Phnix.
Phoenix?
Hi.
Sorry, I don't speak French,
but that was
an incredible performance
you just gave there.
Was it?
A performance
you couldn't understand?
Perhaps I was simply
reciting my grocery list, no?
(Takes a drag)
Well, I aspire
to perform poetry one day.
Like you.
Ooh, like me! Is that so?
And what is stopping you?
I don't know.
I mean...
I'm gonna give you
the best piece of advice.
You see, one needs to go
into the dark void.
Have his soul crushed.
Burned.
Chaos. Disorder. Anarchy.
Then rise again
like a phoenix from the ashes.
You have to live
and breathe poetry.
Sometimes you won't even
have a dime in your pocket,
but your heart is on fire.
Why?
Because it's been stepped on
a thousand times
and can only exist
by bursting into flames
every second of the day.
Forget it.
It's no life for
Have you ever even loved?
With the fire of a dozen suns?
(Sighs)
Follow the sheep, boy.
You'll be much happier that way.
(Chuckles)
(Fountain runs)
()
(Pigeons cooing)
DIRECTRESS:
Okay, this is gonna be a take.
Raise the energy, everybody!
CLAPPER LOADER:
(Speaks French)
DIRECTRESS:
Action!
()
Ah, 100 miles an hour,
into the wall
(Indistinct lyrics)
...bitch, fuck off
Annihilation street,
I love my sweet
Annihilation street,
that's where I wanna meet
Hi!
TAMER:
...void of death
I know asphyxiation
takes away my breath
Sorry?
Do you work with the crew?
No. Why?
BLONDE WOMAN:
Oh, never mind.
Is where I want to be
Do you want one?
Sure.
Alright, do you like reds,
darks, or blondes?
Your beer.
Whatever. You decide.
Here you go.
Two blondes
for the price of none.
TAMER:
(Indistinct lyrics)
Ripped from my chest,
stop, save your dream
Go ahead step on it,
I don't care
I don't give a fuck,
'cause life's not fair
Annihilation street,
I love my sweet
Annihilation street,
that's where I wanna meet
Annihilation street,
I love my sweet
Annihilation street,
that's where I wanna meet
Dsire.
Ramy.
Chaos in love
Enchante.
Nice to meet you.
TAMER:
Wooh!
-DIRECTRESS: Cut!
-TAMER: Thank you, thank you.
Beautiful fuckin' people!
Alright, this next one's
dedicated to my cousin
who's new in town
and lookin' for a good time,
ladies.
Ladies, he's right back there,
Doctor Ramy!
(Crowd cheers and claps)
TAMER:
Uh, if you're feeling hot
and bothered,
the doctor's in town
to check you out!
One, two, three four!
Your cousin?
(Chuckles)
He's a legit
fuckin' cheese ball.
But he's family.
I know what I want
and I know what I need
I mean what I say
and I say what I mean
...love is pushing
and feeding you lies
With the pretty face
and the burning eyes
Dirt bag, stay off my grass
Dirt bag, get off my ass
Dirt bag, you go back home
Dirt bag,
just leave me alone
So, is it true?
RAMY:
What?
Are you Doctor Feelgood?
I'm working on it.
Sant.
TAMER:
I try so hard,
you put me down
I gave you my heart,
I got what I found
Have fun.
(Blows a kiss)
TAMER:
And now I want you
six feet underground
Dirt bag, get off my ass
Dirt bag, stay off my grass
Dirt bag, you go back home
Dirt bag,
just leave me alone
()
DIRECTRESS:
Amazing! And cut.
()
(Indistinct lyrics)
You had fun at the bar?
It was quite an experience.
Okay, so, who--
who do you like best,
us or them?
Can't tell the difference yet.
Oh, everyone's a critic!
Everyone's a critic now,
did you know?
(Dsire chuckling)
Hey, guys!
Madam. Yazzie.
Where you've been hiding,
beautiful?
(Chuckles)
You guys know each other?
Cuz, everyone knows me!
I'm a local fuckin' legend!
This is my friend, Yasmina.
She's a band promoter,
sometimes models for me.
My partner in crime.
(Both chuckle)
Pleasure to meet you, Yasmina.
You can call me "Yaz".
TAMER:
Okay, shots for everybody!
Okay, I'd like to
propose a toast to Doctor Ramy
for pretending
he likes our music
and for being a good sport.
Okay.
-DSIREE: Wooh!
-YAZ: Cheers.
(Chuckles)
He said our music is like uh--
what did you say?
(Chuckles)
Spicy food?
It goes down tasty,
but it comes out burning your--
What was it?
(Both laugh)
So, he's got
a sense of humour then?
Either that, or he knows
what he's listening to.
Oh! Pain!
Hey, are you tryin' to say
we're crap, Dsi?
Look, Punk is dead.
I hate to break the news to you,
you're not even
fashionably late.
Okay, God forbid,
you take one of these girls
to a respectable club.
Nobody appreciates culture
anymore.
I'm with Ramy.
I think it's like spice.
Too much and you lose the taste.
You need just the right amount
to make something delicious.
Too much or too little
and you've lost everything.
(Laugh together)
TAMER:
God, you girls.
DSIREE:
You're so bad.
You have no idea.
(Indistinct lyrics)
YAZ:
This party is getting so lame.
Please entertain me, Ramy.
(Chuckles)
Well,
Dsi is definitely having fun,
isn't she?
DSIREE:
Shooter! Wooh!
(Chuckles)
(Chuckles)
(Grunts, blows a raspberry)
(Chuckle together)
TAMER:
(Indistinct speech)
This is burning my throat.
DSIREE:
Yeah?
Do you need an inspection?
Do you need another one?
(Chuckle together)
TAMER:
Uh, sorry about that, officer.
Okay, everybody, time to go!
Thanks for coming.
Time to go, party's over.
Go, go, go!
Come on, fuck out!
Let's go, let's go, let's go!
-Out, out!
-DSIREE: Come. Let's go, Ramy!
TAMER:
Sorry about that.
DSIREE:
Do you always walk girls home,
Ramy?
I couldn't let you girls
walk alone at night.
(Chuckles)
YAZ:
I need water.
Come on, we're almost there.
(Hums)
(Both chuckle)
YAZ:
He's such a gentleman, isn't he?
DSIREE:
Oh, my--
(Yaz and Dsire laughing)
RAMY:
Are you okay?
DSIREE:
Yeah, I'm good.
Ow. Okay, here we are!
Are you coming in?
Habibi?
(Chuckles)
T-E-M-P-T
E-D
Tempted
I was tempted
Tempted by your smile
I was tempted
And for a little while
I was certain
That I would be the one
to change you
And you will be mine
You will be mine
You will be mine
Wait you're gonna pull me.
T-E-M-P-T-E-D
YAZ:
Hey.
(Chuckle together)
Big pockets.
Oh, so you like tickles, really?
(Laughs)
RAMY:
How about you?
Oh, my gosh, don't even try.
Yeah, she's totally--
The promises, the lies
Okay, I'll be right back.
Just keep on hurtin'
But I won't be the one
to change you
And you won't be mine
So, Ramy, what's your story?
My story?
In three sentences or less.
Medical student-to-be.
Hmm.
Aspiring poet.
YAZ:
Mmhmm.
Missing dead mother.
Hmm.
And what is your story?
I know nothing about you.
Well, maybe
that's what turns you on.
Why ruin it?
Oh, baby, you're a wild one
(Grunts)
Oh, baby, you're a wild one
Oh, baby, you're a wild one
Oh, baby, you're a wild one
(Kissing)
Oh, baby,
I fuckin' give it to you
Oh, baby, I do
Oh, baby, you're a wild one
Oh, oh, oh, oh, uh, uh
A wild one
Your lips are nice.
With a little bit of training,
you could be a good kisser.
You are so unusual.
Why is that?
RAMY:
You seem so carefree, I guess
So unpredictable.
I've never met a girl like you.
Enjoy it then.
DSIREE:
My neighbours
are allergic to fun.
So, what did I miss?
(Indistinct lyrics)
DSIREE:
Mm, you smell so nice.
(Yaz chuckling)
(Kissing, chuckling)
(Phone ringing)
Whoa, what kinda desperado
calls you this late?
YAZ:
No one.
Oh, baby, you're a wild one
Oh, baby, you're a wild one
Oh, I have to go.
DSIREE:
Come on, are you sure?
Why don't you stay over?
I can't.
DSIREE:
Come on.
We could show around town
to Ramy tomorrow.
I always give it to you
(Smacks)
I have to go. Come on.
Oh, baby, I do
You want to share a ride?
YAZ:
Sure. Call it.
...baby
Cuts me deep
YAZ:
Ramy, are you coming?
The sun is rising.
It's been fun. Thank you.
Yeah, let's hang out.
Sure.
What about me, what about me
Bye.
When you're feeling
for somebody
What about--
(Sighs)
Sir, you can drop me off
at La Ruelle.
Um, just-- just here.
Thanks for the ride.
RAMY:
I'll text you.
YAZ:
Sure.
(Types)
(Alarm beeping)
(Birds chirping in distance)
(Pants)
PROFESSOR:
So, let's begin.
This one-year
preparatory curriculum
will prepare you
to excel in the medical program.
Can you do it?
I have faith that you can.
Hard work, dedication,
and listening.
So, you are here,
because your passion
for medicine and science,
and your dream
to become a doctor
are your life's mission.
We're here to help,
we're here to give.
Let's do this together.
Welcome to your first day
of pre-med.
This is the start
of your future.
Now, you'll have courses
in molecular biology,
physiology, metabolism,
cell biology.
Also, we operate courses
in humanities
and social sciences.
Then, you'll be able
to move forward
into the main program.
But-- it's a big but.
PROFESSOR:
Humanities and social sciences,
but-- and this is a big but,
you must maintain a 3.5
cumulative grade point average.
(Monitor beeping)
(Sighs)
When your mother passed,
your father
became completely closed.
I used to ask him
how he was doing,
and he would answer,
"I can't afford emotions."
Can't afford.
(Sighs)
Always balancing the books.
Perhaps he was trying to--
to protect his sanity
or his heart.
Your mom, she had a good soul.
(Hani sighing)
She always insisted
on emotional honesty, always.
If she were here today,
she would demand it
just the same, hmm?
My own son
doesn't think he needs me.
But I want you to know
that if you need to talk,
I'm here for you.
(Insects chirping
and dog barking in background)
I wanna be with you,
so I can look at you
All the time
DSIREE:
Isn't she pretty?
All the time, all the time
All the time
RAMY:
Yaz, hey, did you get any sleep?
(Phone beeps)
And have it all the time,
time, time
All the time
Yeah,
what are you up to lately
Wish I could feel you,
wish I could see you daily
(Indistinct lyrics)
This god damn place
has got me going crazy
(Indistinct lyrics)
Yeah, if the timing is right
(Chuckles)
(Indistinct lyrics)
(Grunts)
YAZ:
Ramy.
-TAMER: Yo, cuz!
-RAMY: What the fuck?
TAMER:
Oh, don't tell me
I caught you jerkin' off.
(Pants)
RAMY:
Can't you knock?
TAMER:
You tryin' to traumatize me?
How come you're still in bed,
man?
What is that?
This your idea of porn?
(Scoffs)
She's hot. Not my type.
Terrible tits.
But to each their own.
To each their own.
Funny.
-What you got there?
-Nothing. Verses.
Really? Can I read 'em?
RAMY:
They're not finished yet.
TAMER:
Come on.
You know, I write poetry, too.
Check this out. New lyrics.
You're a lowly fucked disgrace.
Blow it out your ass.
I don't like your fuckin' face.
Blow it out your ass.
It's called "BIOYA".
Does that stand for
blow it out your...
Ass!
Correct.
Okay, now, let me read yours.
Okay, just...
Shit...
(Sighs)
Huh! Ooh.
(Clears throat)
Your emerald eyes
sparkle in the desert moon.
Rosewater scents surround us
as we kiss under kh--
RAMY:
(Speaks Arabic)
The fuck is that?
(Scoffs)
It's a bit obscure.
Not sure
about the translation yet,
but it's you know,
the bear constellation.
It's an expression.
The back of the bear.
So you're kissing
under a bear's ass?
Come on, what is that?
Blow it out your ass, seriously?
It's political.
I don't have to explain.
Anyway, it sounds a lot better
with music.
Trust me.
(Scoffs)
(Sighs)
Yeah, at least
we agree on one thing.
RAMY:
What's that?
We're both ass men.
(Grunts)
(Chuckles)
When's your next show?
Oh, you wanna see us again?
(Chuckles)
Already hooked on the spice,
are we?
-RAMY: Mmhmm.
-I'm flattered.
Uh, we play in a few weeks.
Will Yaz be there?
Oh, you snake.
And this whole time I thought
you liked my song writing.
Look at you.
(Sighs)
Trust me, Yaz is a lesson
you don't wanna learn.
Fuck, that's a good line!
That girl is a lesson
you don't wanna learn.
()
(Traffic whooshes
and birds squawk)
RAMY (VO):
Hey, did you get any sleep?
Fear
Don't you find me now
Don't you make me blind,
no, no
Don't you tie me down
And, love
Don't you go so far
Don't leave me in the cold,
no, no
RAMY (VO):
Hi Desiree, do you
wanna hang out?
Don't keep me in the dark
All along the road
Give me light, give me light
I'm tired of being alone
Every night, every night
Struck out, cold
In my fright, in my fright
Hey.
Hey, Ramy!
(Both chuckle)
Give me light, give me light
-Nice to see you.
-You made it.
Yeah, sorry,
I was lost somewhere around.
(Chuckles)
I didn't know
there was another viewpoint.
Yeah.
RAMY:
But this view looks far better
DSIREE:
Yeah,
I hike up here all the time.
It centres me.
(Birds chirping in background)
(Sighs)
(Camera clicks)
What's that for?
DSIREE:
I'm collecting portraits
for a photo exhibit.
(Camera clicks)
Let me show you
my favourite spot.
Sure.
DSIREE:
Let's go.
(Dsire chuckling)
()
Fear
Don't you find me now
RAMY:
Thank you for bringing me here.
(Sighs)
So, young doctor,
besides carousing
with Montral Girls
on your spare time,
what else do you do?
I write verses.
Oh, let's hear some.
I'm not sure I'm ready for that.
No, some on. Don't be like that.
Own it if you care about it.
Otherwise what's the point?
You're right.
(Sighs)
A glimmer of hope
strikes fear in two,
like lightning
splits an old tree.
Beyond it, a vision of futures.
Dreams realized
dance like golden ghosts,
behind a veil of smoke
on the horizon.
Nice.
Hmm.
I got a few others in there.
check that out.
(Dsire chuckling)
Faith
Don't you close my eyes
When I don't know where to go,
no, no
Don't take me by surprise
(Indistinct chatter in distance)
(Takes a deep breath)
Ever had a muse?
Not sure.
How would I know if I had?
You would know.
Something...
...or someone...
(Both chuckle)
DSIREE:
...who just perfectly embodies
that vision
that you're striving
to give voice to.
Beckoning you,
like a star that's pulling you
into its gravity.
You can't explain why.
It just happens that way.
And you follow,
sometimes blindly,
hoping that by being near them,
by grasping their essence,
you might find the perfect way
to say what you want to.
(Chuckles)
(Gulls squawk)
DSIREE:
Your poem reminds me of Rumi.
"The soul which cannot endure
fire and smoke
won't find the secret."
What's the secret?
(Water splashes)
Wow!
(Gull squawks)
(Dsire chuckling)
That's up to you to figure out.
(Phone dinging and buzzing)
(Dsire chuckles)
DSIREE:
Did we really just
get the same text?
It looks like it.
You'll love Bloodshot Bill.
Are you going?
Yaz is the promoter.
(Chuckles)
(Indistinct lyrics)
(Indistinct chatter
in background)
(Moped whirs)
(Indistinct lyrics)
(Crowd cheering and clapping)
BLOODSHOT BILL:
Alright.
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
This next one, we're gonna do
it
for all you Montral girls
out there, here we go.
CROWD MEMBER:
Bloodshot Bill!
(Chuckles)
YAZ:
That's so funny.
Are you serious?
RAMY:
Yaz.
BLOODSHOT BILL:
(Indistinct lyrics)
Hi.
Ramy.
BLOODSHOT BILL:
(Indistinct lyrics)
-RAMY: Where's Dsi?
-I don't know.
She got the invite
like everyone else.
RAMY:
Did you get my texts? (grunts)
MAN IN LEATHER VEST:
Oh, shit.
(Man chuckling)
Excuse me man!
tienne Tremblay!
Alphonse Legrand!
ALPHONSE:
Mm.
I'm going crazy
for the Montral girls
I'm going crazy
for the Montral girls
(Alphonse chuckling)
(Slurps)
I've never seen you around, huh?
BLOODSHOT BILL:
(Indistinct lyrics)
What are you drinkin'?
BLOODSHOT BILL:
...for the Montral girls
Adios motherfucker.
What?
REDHEADED WOMAN:
That's what I'm drinking.
(Laughs)
RAMY:
Excuse me there!
Two adios motherfuckers, please.
Yeah, two.
Doubles.
(Cord cheers and applauds)
Oh!
BLOODSHOT BILL:
Thank you so much.
Have a great night.
Well, hello, baby
(Laughs)
Wooh!
Hello, baby
(Both chuckle)
(Hiccups) Oh, my God.
(Laughs)
I think I have too much blood
in my alcohol system
Well, you might need
to do a blood test.
-Oh!
-Here let me give you a shot.
Hello, baby
Goodbye, love
Hello, baby
Goodbye, love
What's that?
Uh, you wanna make out?
Hello, baby
Goodbye, love
Hello, baby
Goodbye, love
()
(Redheaded woman grunting)
I'll be back.
I'll be here.
(Grunts)
Hey, guys,
anybody wants some poutine?
-ALPHONSE: Yeah.
-Yeah, man.
ALPHONSE:
Gotta roll, man!
(Chuckles)
(Indistinct speech)
Why!
(Chuckles)
(Smirks)
-Need a ride home, huh?
-Hmm.
(Both laugh)
Better that than to ride
with him on his tiny moped!
(Both laugh)
Mopeds... They're fun, huh,
until your friends see ya
ridin' them
(Both laugh)
YAZ:
Just ignore them, Ramy.
(Both laugh)
YAZ:
Come on, Etienne.
What?
YAZ:
Don't be so immature.
Oh.
Fast. He's fast.
(Etienne and Alphonse laughing
in distance)
(Ramy peeing)
YAZ:
Are you always this forward
with girls?
A girl spying on a boy.
Isn't that called "stalking"?
YAZ:
Well, I came here to save you
from that rousse Marie-Claude.
That chick's like Chiclets.
Sweet on the outside,
but she'll stick to you
like bubble gum.
Is that what you want?
(Yaz laughs)
YAZ:
You've got pumpkin lipstick
all over your mouth.
This isn't a Halloween party.
Who's that pervert Etienne?
A friend of yours?
Friends don't know the way
that I taste.
(Crowd cheering in distance)
(Indistinct yelling
and cheering in distance)
(Takes deep breaths)
(Licks)
Are we more than friends now?
I don't know, you tell me.
(Takes deep breaths)
(Phone buzzing)
(Phone ringing)
RECORDED VOICE: (On voicemail)
You have reached
the voicemail box of...
RAMY: (On voicemail)
Ramy Salama.
Salut, Ramy!
Sorry, I can't come out tonight.
I was working late.
(Grunts)
DSIREE: (On voicemail)
I just booked
two photo exhibits.
The first one opens
tomorrow night, 7:00 p.m.,
at Gallatin Island
I'd love you to come.
I-- I really hope you can come.
Okay, bye.
(Yaz moaning)
-RAMY: What the fuck?
-YAZ: Etienne. Etienne!
-RAMY: Stop!
-YAZ: Etienne!
(Grunts)
(Vomits, grunts)
Yaz!
Yaz!
I guess
you're not havin' poutine.
(Etienne retching)
YAZ:
You must have a poet's heart.
You're so easily seduced
by fantasy.
RAMY:
Hello.
(Resonating)
Check.
-DSIREE: Ramy?
-YAZ: Ramy.
-MAMA: Ramy!
-RAMY: Mama.
(Alarm beeping)
(Ramy snoring)
(Traffic whooshes)
RAMY:
Saw Yaz last night.
TAMER:
Uh-huh, and?
RAMY:
She vanished.
(Scoffs)
Of course she did.
She's a fuckin' mirage.
Cuz, cuz, cuz, listen to me.
Don't let me catch you
hangin' over Yaz.
Those chicks,
they're like buses.
You miss one,
you catch the next.
Do you understand?
Okay.
RAMY:
You know, Tam, before mom died,
I promised her
that I would study hard
to become a doctor.
(Gulps, grunts)
And now, she's gone.
And I wonder,
"Does any of this
even matter anymore?"
(Sighs)
I don't know, man.
Nothing really matters.
We're just germs
spinning on a rock
in the universe,
and we have to get jobs
on top of it.
That's bullshit.
(Grunts)
(Blows a raspberry)
Sometimes I feel
like I'm wasting my time.
I love the old stuff, you know?
The classics.
(Sighs)
But music now, it's just shit.
I mean the older stuff is
like...
...like a tiger in the wild.
It's dangerous,
and it's exciting,
and it's everything
you could ever hope to be.
But then you see the tiger
in the zoo
with the fake landscape,
and it's not the same.
The stripes
and the teeth are there,
but it's just not the same.
(Sighs)
Sometimes
I feel like we're the zoo tiger.
I don't know.
It's better to die
from delusions of grandeur
than from reality and boredom
I guess.
(Tamer grunting)
(Birds chirping and
dog barking in distance)
(Phone ringing)
YAZ: (On voicemail)
Hey, this is Yaz.
Don't leave me a message.
I don't check 'em.
(Voicemail beeps)
(Wind chime ringing
in background)
RAMY:
Beyond the black
velvet futility,
like glimmering watchtowers
in the distant cosmos,
the signal fires
from your eyes
arrive burning
like a dozen stars
after the journey
of light years
to ignite the heart's lantern.
The flame of the muse,
dancing, eternal.
Ramy.
()
(Phone ringing)
(Voicemail beeps)
DSIREE:
Ramy?
-RAMY: Hi.
-What are you doing here?
Do you happen to have some time?
Yeah, sure. Come in.
Well, so typical of her.
But I don't understand.
I mean she was so...
DSIREE:
So what?
I thought she was open for--
you know?
DSIREE:
Open for business?
(Shuts fridge)
But even you and her...
Don't worry about me and her.
Besides what of it?
(Dsire sighing)
You know, you have the audacity
to come here
and inquire about Yaz
when you didn't even
return my phone call?
RAMY:
What phone call?
(Sighs)
Crap.
I never check my voicemail app.
Dsire, I'm so sorry.
DSIREE:
Are you serious?
Do you think
that I am Yaz's pimp?
That I can just go around
and you know,
make an arrangement for you
to get in her pants?
(Sighs)
I have my own life,
my own interests,
and who Yaz is
or isn't gonna sleep with
is not one of them.
(Dsire sighing)
Look, I have to get ready
for my chakra workshop.
I really have to get ready.
Can I--
(Sighs)
Can I at least give you this?
Open it, please.
(Paper rustles)
Give it to your muse.
(Shuts door)
()
(Water ripples)
(Camera clicks)
(Types)
RAMY (VO):
For you Yaz, Ramy.
(Sighs)
(Birds squawking in distance)
(Paper rustles)
(Water sloshes)
[speaking french]
Sorry,
I don't understand French, sir.
This is
the Saint Lawrence River,
the Fleuve Saint-Laurent, okay?
It's a sacred river.
See?
It's like our vein,
you know what?
You can throw it your sorrows
if you want,
but not your garbage.
(Birds squawking in distance)
RAMY:
It wasn't rubbish.
It was a poem I wrote actually.
A poem? Oh!
RAMY:
But maybe you're right.
Maybe it's just waste after all.
A poem of love interest?
(River flowing)
Don't let tears of sorrow
inundate your thoughts,
young man.
They are like the--
the river current.
The more you resist
the stream of life,
the more it makes you drown.
(Birds squawking in distance)
(Monitor beeps)
(Shuts drawer)
(Paper rustles)
()
(Ramy sniffling)
(Sniffles)
(Speaks Arabic)
HANI:
When I moved to Canada,
I apprehended the new world.
Your mom was a foreign student
at McGill.
She wrote this poem
as a welcome gift
and to soothe my fears.
As water ventures forth
down a mountain,
it dreams not of its origins
as a fountain,
nor fears its destination
across the plain,
but breaks free
from all self-imposed restraint.
Simple, and effective.
Your mother excelled
in English.
She was
a terrific language teacher.
Keep it. It's now yours.
A secret treasure.
MAMA:
As water ventures forth
down a mountain,
it dreams not of its origins
as a fountain,
nor fears its destination
across the plain,
but breaks free
from all self-imposed restraint.
Will there'll be
sleepless nights?
Absolutely.
Will there be hard days?
Will there be days
where you think
you're gonna have to give up?
100 %.
But that is when you depend
on yourself.
But-- it's a big but.
You must remember
that you have to maintain
a cumulative grade point average
of at least 3.5.
(Car whooshes)
()
RAMY:
Dear Baba,
this is perhaps
the most difficult letter
that I will ever have to write,
but there is something
I must confess.
(Paper rustles)
RAMY:
I couldn't find the courage
to call you.
I was afraid
of your immediate reaction.
I trust that you will
respect my decision.
Your son, Ramy.
()
(Clap together)
(Indistinct chatter
in background)
-Hi.
-Hey. That was fantastic.
Thank you for coming.
It's nice to see you here.
PHNIX:
Hey!
Oh, the little pigeon
has returned.
RAMY:
Ramy.
Sophia.
Sophia is the editor of Poetzia,
the reference site for poetry.
She has immaculate taste...
PHNIX:
...in everything.
(Chuckles)
SOPHIA:
Enjoy your night.
Ridin' on backbitin'
And get away with lies
No matter what it takes
Or who is gonna cry
The only thing that matters
Is you get what you desire
But I know for sure,
the day will come
When you first realize
what you have done
And you finally
get your debt repaid
RAMY:
Yaz, I haven't heard from you.
(Types)
RAMY:
Everything alright?
And you'll hear the roar
of the showdown
When the world will stop
without a sound
And the moment
you will cry for help
They will only think
about themselves
Oh, yeah
HANI:
Uh, your father called.
RAMY:
Really? What did he say?
HANI:
He was really angry.
Are you sure
about this decision?
I mean you've worked very hard
to get here.
(Thunder rumbling in distance)
Have you even thought
about your future?
Yeah, aren't you gonna
lose your chance
to residency status here
and shit?
I'd rather lose my status
than my mind.
Hmm, makes sense.
(Chuckles)
Okay, Dave's here. I gotta run.
Thanks for dinner, dad.
I'll be back Wednesday.
Hey, Tamer, tonight's your show
at L'Esco, right?
Yeah.
(Drags chair)
RAMY:
Will Yaz be there?
Are you mentally exhausted?
(Sighs)
Okay, listen, man, I'm gonna
tell you something straight up
and you're not gonna be
happy with it, alright?
I nailed Yaz
more than a few times, okay?
We were drunk,
and it was something to do.
And I'll tell you right now,
she's the biggest
pain in the ass
you'll ever meet, okay?
You get hooked on that chick,
she's gonna make you wanna walk
into the Saint-Laurent
with concrete boots on.
It's a catch. Want to go?
Stay here.
(Crowd cheering)
TAMER:
Is everybody having a good time?
Ladies?
Ladies, come on!
Ooh!
(Indistinct speech)
Give it up for Dave on drums,
Arno on bass!
Do not feel like a Dirt bag!
Come on!
Wooh!
()
TAMER:
I try so hard,
you put me down
I gave you my heart
Yeah, yeah.
And more to you after party.
Ramy.
RAMY:
I wanna talk to you.
I'm busy.
Ramy.
Ramy. Hey! Oh, but-- dude!
TAMER:
Dirt bag, you go back home
Dirt bag,
just leave me alone
Why do you keep giving me
the silent treatment, Yaz?
(Scoffs)
Is that what you're here
to discuss?
Are you gonna be boring?
Did you read what I sent you?
The poem? Yeah.
RAMY:
And?
YAZ:
I thought it was nice.
Clever.
What are you hiding from then?
YAZ:
Fuck you, Ramy.
I don't need your inquisition.
I'm not
one of your research projects.
I felt something with you.
Something new I've never felt.
Sorry if that makes you feel
like an experiment.
So you want me
to be exclusive to you?
Is that it?
Why should you
get special treatment?
Because we're
from the same culture?
The same background?
I've been running away from that
my whole life.
I'm someone else here.
Mysterious, exotic Yaz.
What will she say?
What will she do?
Everyone wants to know.
It's a full time job playing me.
You ought to know.
You're playing a role, too.
But at least I'm the one
who is in control.
Nobody owns me or tells me
what to do.
(Takes deep breaths)
YAZ:
Don't be so nave, habibi.
Here.
I wanna make you feel better.
Let's take a trip together.
I've already taken two of these.
Kiss me, Ramy,
or I'll swallow this one, too.
(Pants)
(Kissing)
(Camera clicking)
What the fuck are you doing?
Can't you tell
she's playing you,
like she does
with everyone else?
Daring you
with these dramatic games
to gain the attention
she so desperately craves.
Mind your own fucking business,
Dsire.
All you care about
is getting your own way.
All you want are free headshots
and...
...friends, like Rami and I.
This is not a contest
between one or the other.
DSIREE:
And you, Ramy,
I thought you had
a bit more consciousness.
Depth maybe.
Sense enough not to be lured in
by an illusion
of your own imagination.
Dsire. Dsire!
It's not what you think!
(Vehicle whirring in distance)
(Siren wailing in distance)
RAMY:
Hey, Dsi.
-DSIREE: Stay away from me.
-RAMY: Wait. Wait!
DSIREE:
Leave me alone.
(Siren wailing in distance)
(Door opening in distance)
Anwar sedated
(Door shutting in distance)
(Bangs the door)
(Sighs)
Rami, is that you?
(Hani sighing)
(Chuckles)
What's goin' on with you?
Where were you all night?
(Sighs, chuckles)
RAMY:
If you knew where I was...
(Sighs)
All good.
RAMY:
Just met some people.
Hmm.
(Chuckles)
()
(Shower runs)
(Airplane whooshing in distance)
Doctors failed
to save my mother.
At least if I fail at poetry,
nobody is goin' to die.
Why you're speaking to me
in English now?
You're coming back home with me.
No. I'm not.
BABA:
What did you dare say to me?
I'll be staying here
to study literature.
BABA:
Literature.
This is your life ambition now?
To be a vagabond?
I'd rather be a vagabond
than a coward like you.
Being a doctor was your dream,
except you were too afraid
of failure to pursue it.
And so,
you chose safety instead.
And when mom was dying,
it was left to me
to comfort her,
because you were too afraid
of your own emotions.
(Siren wailing in distance)
(Sighs)
(Shuts door)
(Kicks trash can)
(Grunts, yells)
()
Stars were falling
right out of the sky
Falling slow
like snow on my bed
We're brighter than bone
by the light of the moon
Softer than silver
of a spider's thread
Oh, my God
Just the way
that you breathe in
It feels like home to me
It feels like home
Oh, my God
I can't believe it
It feels like home to me
It feels like home
Woo-hoo!
(Lighter flicking)
I wanna fall
just under your skin
Shaking the walls
like thunder for fun
TAMER:
Yo, cuz. Presentable?
You've got mail.
(Sighs)
Getting high
after havin' been low.
Never too early to start,
you sly dog.
Thanks for letting me stay
in your room all that time.
Yeah, well you owe me big time.
Listen, I um, need your help
with some lyrics.
Yeah, since you've been in
your whole nuclear anarchy mode,
you know what,
I'd like for you
to write me some
before you get
into any further trouble.
Really?
Yeah, really.
(Takes a drag)
And uh, you can stay here
as long as you want.
Dad could use the company.
(Paper rustles)
MAMA:
Dear son,
in the journey of life,
find eternity in an instant.
(Birds chirping in distance)
()
MAMA:
Live in wonderment as an infant.
Allow your voice
to become your freedom
and your intuition your path
to wisdom.
In the presence of time,
surrender to nature.
Death and birth
cohabit in a cycle.
This is not my goodbye,
just a farewell.
And even though
one day we will be apart,
always remember
to follow your heart.
I will forever love you.
()
(Mouse clicking)
()
(Traffic whooshing in distance)
Phoenix?
Hey, you again.
My real name is Flix
by the way.
What happened to you?
What?
(Chuckles)
Uh. Yves St. Laurent. So what?
Call me "petit-bourgeois"
and I'll kick your ass.
What do you want?
I'm late for work.
(Flicks lighter)
I'm having a reading tonight
at Quai des Brumes.
You comin'?
Wow! Bohemian life.
Poverty, deviance, uncertainty.
Freedom.
How extraordinary.
I gotta go to work.
Uh, break a leg.
(Chuckles)
(Takes a drag)
()
Oh, baby, you're a wild one
Oh, baby, you're a wild one
Oh, baby, you're a wild one
Oh, baby, you're a wild one
(Door opening in background)
DSIREE:
Ramy?
Oh, baby,
I fuckin' give it to you
Oh, baby, I do
DSIREE:
You're early.
We open in 20 minutes.
This is fine work.
Thank you.
I was hoping you'd come.
(Ramy scoffing)
RAMY:
Even without an invitation?
I'm sorry. I was mad.
Dsire,
I think I found the secret.
What do you mean?
I've discovered
that I'm not meant
to cure bodies with medicine,
but hopefully to heal souls
with my words.
Dsire,
I came here to thank you.
()
DSIREE:
I'm so glad you came.
RAMY:
I would not miss this
for anything.
After trying
to cling desperately
to some artificial sanity
imposed by
your own sense of dread,
you realize
that the only way
to stay sane and survive
is to let go of that construct.
To fire the architect of fear,
to stop building walls
that prevent you
from living life,
however mad.
To not fear angels or demons.
But instead,
to invite them both in for tea.
You might learn that the angel
is really a demon,
or that the demon
is really an angel.
Or maybe
that it doesn't really matter.
'Cause it's the chaos,
the anarchy,
the disorder
that sometimes makes you feel
like you've lived,
and that perhaps
you've loved.
I would like to dedicate this
to my muses.
(Blows a kiss)
(Crowd cheering and applauding)
Wooh!
(Yells)
It's my cousin.
It's my-- it's my cousin.
It's my fucking cousin!
It's my fucking cousin!
(Tamer chuckling)
TAMER:
I'm so proud of you.
Look at you! Look at you!
Check it.
I need a lover
to take me home
Hmm.
You know what else is awesome?
-Me.
-RAMY: From Doctor Feelgood,
with love.
(Phone beeps)
Of course you're awesome.
TAMER:
Proud of you.
You're fucking legend.
Taught you well.
(Speaks French)
Thank you.
(Phone buzzing)
From Doctor Feelgood, with love.
RAMY: (On video)
You might learn that the angel
is really a demon,
or that the demon
is really an angel.
Or maybe...
RAMY: (On video)
That it doesn't really matter.
'Cause it's the chaos,
the anarchy,
the disorder
that sometimes makes you feel
like you've lived,
and that perhaps
you've loved.
()
Well,
it looks like you've got a fan.
You ready? (Chuckles)
RAMY:
Your immaculate verses
are as brave
as your poet's heart.
Who?
Her. Her. This chick.
What you doing? Get up!
Go, go!
(Door squeaks)
(Lyrics in French
in background)
(Scrunches, scoffs)
(Lyrics in French
in background)
RAMY:
Excuse me.
Hey! Excuse me!
(Lyrics in French)
RAMY:
Excuse me.
(Chuckles)
Sophia?
Did you write this?
Yes.
And I meant every word of it.
(Bus door hissing)
()
Unhang the shield
Surrender the body now
Defy the old deal
Euthanize the thought
And the ancient ceremony
Fades into the background
RAMY:
Along the dark span of time,
souls come and go,
appearing from nothing,
sharing tears, sharing laughter,
then vanish again into nothing.
But a thread of light
holds us together,
Binds our souls across
the delicate void of cosmos,
constructing a memory
that shall never die,
but will always live
in our heart forever.
It's just science
RAMY:
You've given me life,
and have freed my being.
So, when I put too much syrup
on my pancake
RAMY:
For all eternity,
I'm forever grateful.
You know
it's never a mistake
So, when I put too much syrup
on my pancake
You know
it's never a mistake
You know
it's never a mistake
Because it's never a mistake
Ever
RAMY:
Here I am,
standing humbly before you
with bursting love,
a new being.
()
(Church bells ringing
in distance)
()
(Indistinct lyrics)
I'm going crazy
for the Montral girls
Going crazy
for the Montral girls
()
(Indistinct lyrics)
I'm going crazy
for the Montral girls
Going crazy
for the Montral girls
()
(Indistinct lyrics)
I'm going crazy
for the Montral girls
I'm going crazy
for the Montral girls
I'm crazy
for the Montral girls
()
It's Saturday night
And I'm feelin' alright
Now, tell me do you feel it
Love in Montral city
Oh
All my people
can you tell me
If you feel the same way
Hands up in the air
And I'll know that you care
All my people
can you tell me
If you feel the same way
Hands up in the air
And I'll know that you care
And I wrote this song
for you
(Indistinct lyrics)
And there's nothing
I won't do to make it work
To make it work
If you give your love to me,
we'll make it last
We'll make it last
We'll make it last
We'll make it last
We'll make it last
It's Saturday night
It's Saturday night
And I'm feelin' alright
And I'm feelin' alright
Now, tell me do you feel it
Now, tell me do you feel it
Love in Montral city
Yeah
Oh
It's Saturday night
It's Saturday night
And I'm feelin' alright
And I'm feelin' alright
Now, tell me do you feel it
Now, tell me do you feel it
Love in Montral city
Montral, oh
It's Saturday night
Yeah, yeah, yeah
And I'm feelin' alright
I'm feelin' alright
Now, tell me do you feel it
Now, tell me do you feel it
Love in Montral city
Love in Montral city
Oh
Yeah
(Crowd applauding)