The Last Taxi Driver (2023) Movie Script
What kind of song was that?
A "vlahiko". It's called
"The Poor Woman's Son".
A woman complains to her
mother about her husband.
She sends him to buy salt, he buys apples.
And eats them on the way home.
He's useless.
You know what I mean.
Yes, I do.
Are you excited about Christmas?
Nah.
I don't like crowds and malls.
But I do like the lights.
-Do you have family?
-I do.
You?
Yes, I do, I have a son.
He wants to get a place of his
own. But it's hard. Rents are too high.
If he really wants it, he'll find a way.
That's exactly what I told him.
I've got three kids, still dependent on us.
My wife won't let them grow up.
-Are they working?
-Let's say.
Mainly, however, they are bleeding me dry.
Aren't you a little hard on them?
Harder than life? I don't think so.
You're absolutely right.
-That'll be 13,60.
-No way.
-That's what the meter says.
-Don't trust robots, sir.
This ride doesn't cost more than 10 euros.
-How do you figure?
-I calculated it.
I've been calculating the distance.
It's a technique I invented
so that I don't get swindled.
I've also calculated the minimum fare.
I've been an accountant for 35 years.
It's illegal not to pay
me what the meter says.
And do you believe in all laws?
-No.
-Well, this is a bad law.
It keeps us from seeing the truth.
-Which is what?
-That the ride costs 10 euros.
You know what?
It's on me.
Do not patronize me, sir.
Take the money and be done with it.
Good night!
No, no! What are you doing?
No, don't!
Fuck.
Fuck!
Fuck!
Dude!
What did you do?
Help!
What time is it?
Around 1:00.
You came home early tonight.
Yeah, it started raining
and everybody disappeared.
So, where did the kid go?
He left a little while ago.
How should I know?
Maybe it's best to get the morning shift.
There are traffic jams during the day.
- Yes, but you were making some money.
- I'm making now as well.
It's not the same, Thomas.
Can we talk tomorrow? I'm beat.
-Good night.
-Good night.
"THE LAST TAXI DRIVER"
And this is me with mom.
Finally!
Where's this?
At my first job as a book editor.
-You were gorgeous, mom.
-Stop.
- At a costume party or something.
- Were you dressed as an editor?
I was working as...
I also wrote poetry,
made translations and...
Never mind.
And this is you, at our first house.
Before we moved here.
Before grandpa passed.
And that's it.
It's yours now.
That's it?
Why, you...
Yes, that was it!
I'll go get ready.
-What's got into him?
-What do you mean?
He gave me his photos as a gift?
Photos used to be very rare.
One day you'll appreciate
having photos of your father.
Okay, mom, but think about it.
He gave me as a gift photos of himself.
Is this okay?
He's given you many gifts
and he pays for lots of stuff.
You're not looking at it the right way.
Yeah, but still.
-And you're still not happy.
-That's not what I'm saying.
And I'm saying that
you're missing the point.
For the private lessons.
-You did make a lot yesterday!
-See? I told you.
I'm going to get dressed.
-See you, dad.
-Yeah, see you.
Excuse me.
Yes?
Did you know the deceased?
Not really. He was my customer.
-Your customer?
-At the...
-At the cab?
-Yes.
Yes.
Yes.
How about you?
My parents
knew him a little.
I see.
A bad way to go.
Yeah, I guess.
Is there a good way to go?
-Right.
-Yes.
Bye.
Excuse me. Could you...
Could you wait for five
minutes and give me a ride?
I'll pay, of course.
-Yeah, sure.
-Thank you very much.
Do you spend a lot of time driving the cab?
Ten, twelve hours.
I spend half the day driving the cab.
What about during the
night? Do you work then?
Actually, I work the night shift.
You know, at night
the city feels more alive, somehow.
At night.
The people too.
Fill it up.
I don't want any more coffee.
How about a drink?
What did you think? That I
drive the cab for the money?
For what, then? Is it a hobby?
I can tell you, but you mustn't laugh.
Now I really want to know.
I'm not telling you, you'll laugh.
-I won't laugh, I swear.
-You swear on what?
I swear on my honor.
That's a serious oath.
Fine, then.
I do it to collect stories.
Sorry!
Sorry.
Are you really telling me
that instead of staying home
enjoying the peace and quiet
you'd rather go out
and get stuck in traffic?
That's why I told you
I only work at nights.
Yeah, but still.
If you let go, it's over.
As a general rule.
You must be
you must be in the thick of things.
-One more, please. On me.
-One more and we're off.
As you wish.
As I wish?
Stories, he says!
It was December of '14. No, of '15.
-What's that? A story?
-Yes. Don't you want to hear it?
-I do.
-You do?
-I do.
-Fine.
So, it was December of '15.
A lady gets in the cab.
She was from Velestino. Ever heard of it?
-Of course.
-Good for you.
Thanks.
And
she's looking for her son. She was a widow.
She's looking for him
because she's been calling
him for two days now,
and he's not answering. And she's worried.
He's a student at the university, I
don't remember at which school,
but she doesn't approve of his choice.
And we go to every night club in
Athens! Each and every one of them!
- Why didn't you go to the police?
- We did. They couldn't do anything.
The hours went by, the meter kept running.
And we kept searching.
At some point, at dawn
we make a stop at Mavilis square.
And I get out to go get her a
sandwich. She'd gotten hungry.
I get back and I see the poor woman
holding her belly bent over
saying over and over again,
"I should've never let you go"...
Feeling better?
Are you okay? What's up?
What's up?
Damn.
Feeling better?
I didn't know him.
Who?
The man who killed himself.
Then, who...
Who was he?
My mother used to know him.
I mean, he...
He and my mother had me.
They broke up before I was born.
Probably because of me.
My mother got married again.
To a really sweet, really good man.
But I think she married
him because of me again...
You remember I told you about my bad knee?
He's the one who called me.
-Without knowing you?
-No.
He called and that's when I hurt my knee.
And
you know, I was in
bed during all this time.
Because of my leg and all that.
And I kept thinking
whether I want to meet him.
Or not.
And then...
And then he killed himself.
And I thought
this must be a joke.
A bad joke at that.
-Would you like to walk a bit?
-No, I'm fine.
Shall I open the window
to get some fresh air?
-Wait a minute.
-No, come on.
Wait a minute.
Whoa, hold it!
-Rip it off!
-Wait a minute!
Come on!
Lick my nipple.
Yes!
Here, it looks like yours.
-Why is my head so big?
-Because it is big.
-Tasos!
-Mine is big too.
No, it isn't.
No, he's right, it's the
size of a watermelon.
Now, take a look. That's
why I bought this phone.
What's this?
The "TaxiBeep" app.
Everyone's using it to get a cab.
-I'm also getting a new cab.
-Why get a new cab?
Because the old one is junk. I'm
thinking of renting an automatic.
It's only 25 euros more. It's no big deal.
-We can manage, I guess.
-Good.
Great.
You know how this works? Take a look.
You just upload a profile pic
and just some personal info in.
You become these three
lines for the customer.
And here are the ratings.
Can you imagine? They rate the driver!
And this is my rating.
Four and a half. Why?
Because yesterday I picked up some guy
who gave me three
stars. And I asked him why.
He said "Because you were listening
to that raucous". He meant Coltrane!
"You should have given
me one star", I said to him.
But shouldn't you be listening
to the customer's concerns?
You really believe that?
Shouldn't you take them into account?
Besides, they're paying you money.
So what? Each night I pick
up more than 30 customers.
What's going to happen if I
take them all into account?
I'll go nuts. No, no way.
No, I believe that it is our duty...
Note the use of the word "duty".
It is our duty not to
be simple transporters.
Or worse, transporters who indulge
the worst impulses of the lowest scum.
No.
It is our duty, for as long
as the ride lasts, at least
to offer them a world,
a mental atmosphere
to discern their deepest needs, not
the nonsense they think they need.
And to try to
with just a subtle touch,
with some good music
with a conversation,
even with some white lies
to try to alleviate their burden.
We, taxi drivers, are molders of minds.
As much as we can, of course.
But it's something, anyway.
Theory is your strong suit.
-Your head isn't big, son.
-That's a really old joke.
Yes, but I changed it.
-How, exactly?
-Like this!
-Did you like the food?
-It was okay.
Cheers.
Mine is empty.
Take it easy! Easy!
What are you doing?
Our boy became a man!
My sweetie!
Thanks for coming. I
didn't want to go home.
What happened?
I went to the notary's today.
My father left me some
money. A great deal of money.
-Really?
-Yes. And the thing is I don't know how to feel.
Am I supposed to feel happy about it?
Am I ungrateful for not feeling happy?
I don't know. His family is awful.
His wife is a greedy busybody
who thinks she's smart.
She's got her kids wrapped
around her little finger!
They only care about money!
They got four fifths out
of a huge inheritance,
and they still feel aggrieved!
-Did you tell your mom?
-My mom lives in her own world.
What do you mean?
Never mind, it's a long story.
-What do you think?
-About what?
He was your customer.
There wasn't much interaction between us.
Why did he use your cab, specifically?
Because I picked him up one day...
And he liked the fact that I
didn't listen to cheap pop music.
And that I didn't talk much.
-He hated cheap pop music?
-Yes. And soccer.
What music did he like?
I don't know, he never said. The
kind I played in the cab, I guess.
-What kind is that?
-Jazz, mainly.
I see.
What else?
What else?
-Do you want to listen to a story?
-Yes.
Well, I've got one.
Because your dad was
quite stingy with money.
-He was, was he?
-He was.
This one time he wanted to pay me
much less than what the meter said.
Because he was certain
the fare didn't cost as much.
-For real?
-Yes.
And what did you do?
-I told him it was on me.
-How did he take that?
I didn't give him much of a choice.
He just accepted it.
-Stinginess is a bad thing.
-Yeah, it's the worst.
-How's your day been?
-It's been
rather boring.
Nothing tremendous happened in the taxi?
Today?
No, nothing tremendous
happened in the taxi today.
-Listen...
-I know what you're going to say.
You do?
About that night. I didn't treat you right.
Why do you say that?
I feel that I took it all out on you.
Without thinking about your feelings.
No, you're wrong.
You're very wrong. I'm
really glad I was there for you.
And I appreciate that, yet I
should've been more careful.
-Do you regret it?
-No, that's not what I mean.
Good, because I...
I can't get it out of my mind.
I mean, I can't get you out of my mind.
-I'm cold. Are you cold?
-Shall we go get a proper drink?
I'd love that, but I'm beat. And
I've got a lot to do tomorrow.
-I'm not single.
-I don't care.
-But I do.
-I'm not single either.
And what about your wife?
We've been estranged for some time now.
I'm sorry about that.
It is what it is.
What about you and your boyfriend?
-That's an odd question.
-Well, yes.
I don't know. We have our ups and downs.
- We've been together for a long time.
- You don't sound in love.
-It is what it is.
-I want to see you again.
- I don't know if it's a good idea.
- Neither do I, but shouldn't we try?
We can go some place quiet,
have dinner, no strings attached.
Okay, maybe in the future.
It's really cold out here.
Can we please leave?
Let's go, I'm cold too.
Thomas?
What?
What are you doing there?
Just sitting.
You've been in there for hours.
I want some quiet.
You locked the door?
Yes.
Where did you find the key?
I just found it.
Under the green table
mats. In the bottom drawer.
You found the green table mats?
Yes, in the bottom drawer.
Are you planning to stay in there all day?
Leave me alone, Maria, I'm writing.
You're writing?
What are you writing?
The novel.
Good for you, dear.
Thank you very much.
Good night.
You know what? I
didn't get any rest lately.
Why? What's wrong? How are you feeling?
I don't know, my heart is
racing, I have trouble sleeping.
That's it, I can't sleep.
You can't sleep?
I'll give you a massage
and you'll sleep like a baby.
-You? Give me a massage?
-Yes, that's what I said.
-You?
-Yes, me.
Do you want me to?
-Yes. It's a deal then?
Good.
It must be the battery.
Shall we get a taxi?
We'll deal with it tomorrow.
No, it may be something simple.
-Be right back.
-I only wanted a massage.
Be right back!
Hi there.
What seems to be the
problem? Is it the battery?
No, it must be the pump.
-Shall I take a look?
-No, I'll leave it here.
-Could you please wait?
-Yes.
Coming?
Yes.
-Don't you want to walk?
-At this time of night?
I just feel like walking.
-Aren't you tired?
-No.
- You said you were tired.
- I changed my mind, I want to walk.
-And now you feel rested?
-Yes, I do. Shall we walk?
-Walk for half an hour?
-Yes.
-Eleni.
-Let's go for a walk!
Come, love.
Come on!
-Hi again.
-Hello.
-Where to?
-To Asomaton street.
That's a lot of rain.
Yes.
Good thing we didn't walk.
Just kidding.
Okay.
Honey?
What's wrong?
I really want to tell you something.
Everything okay?
It's just my hernia, that's all.
I know something's up,
I'm not stupid, you know.
What do you want now?
I want you to get it together, that's what.
Now I see. All this because I'll
be working on New Year's Eve.
That's just the icing on the cake.
I see. Here we go again.
I don't earn much, you nag.
I work more, still you nag.
- You don't give a damn about the kid!
- He doesn't give a fuck about me anyway!
He deigned to bring his girlfriend
for dinner and you won't be here!
Well done!
She's going to spend New Year's
Eve with strangers, not with her family?
You're the one to talk!
After what happened on Christmas! You wuss!
Do you think I enjoy working on holidays?
You know what? If you can't
be here on New Year's Eve
we'll all have dinner the day before that.
- The day before New Year's.
- Have you gone mad? It's bad luck.
Not being with your family is bad luck.
You'll be happy if we have dinner
the day before New Year's Eve?
Yes.
Okay, then.
If that means you'll stop busting my balls.
Thanks, dear.
I'll make you some meatballs.
Since you're such a good boy.
Bite me, Maria.
-Aren't they done yet?
-Yes, they aren't.
I see.
You said it would take half an hour.
You know, sometimes it
can drag till the afternoon.
Really?
Could you please give her a message?
I'm told not to interrupt.
Please, it's from her
notary. She'll understand.
It's quite serious. Please.
-Fine. Just a minute.
-Thank you very much.
-I'm afraid she can't see you now.
-Okay, thanks.
-Bye.
-Bye.
God damn it.
Mister Thomas, this is the last one.
Why is that, mister Telis?
Are you closing up soon?
Am I closing up soon? Why would I?
You're asking for it.
How are you gonna go home?
With a cab.
Here you go.
Eat something, at least.
You need to eat.
-Are you okay?
-Just fine.
Nice save.
Thomas?
Thomas, where are you?
-Coming.
-Get on with it, honey!
Just a minute.
Let's get this over with.
Thomas!
-Come on.
-Coming.
You put margarine on the list?
I did.
-How many packages?
-One.
Good, add one more.
-Eggs?
-I added them.
-Coriander?
-What do we want coriander for?
Let me worry about it, just add it.
Aren't these enough?
No, we're forgetting something. Just think.
That's enough, I won't
be able to carry all that.
- Aren't you taking the car?
- And how will I take them to the car?
You'll carry them. What's the big deal?
I'll be clearing out the
whole grocery store!
- We cook the same stuff every year.
- Yes, and we throw away half of it.
If you don't want to go, then don't.
-But why?
-Why what? You offered to help!
Why are you making a big
deal out of nothing? I said I'll go!
Just go, then and stop nagging!
And add olive oil to the list.
-We don't have any?
-We may run out of it.
"Sixty pounds of olive oil"!
What's wrong with you?
Never mind, I'll go myself.
If you need anything else, just call me.
-Thanks.
-You're welcome!
Second Part New Year's Eve Eve.
Everything okay?
Excuse me?
Is everything okay? You seem agitated.
- I was just in the hair salon.
- You don't like the result, I gather.
That's right.
I for one like it.
I for one don't.
What would you change? If you could?
What would I change?
- I'd love to have curly hair.
- Why? Straight looks good on you.
I find it dull.
Curly hair is a problem. It's unmanageable.
I prefer it.
Have you noticed that
nobody likes their own hair?
Yes, that's true.
Ever wonder why?
I guess everybody wants
what they can't have.
Still, would you change
your lips? Or your eyes?
You have beautiful eyes by the way.
-Would you change them?
-No, I wouldn't.
Neither would many
others. Their hair, though...
Everybody wants to change their hair.
Nobody likes them the way
they are. Do you know why?
No.
Because they remind us we're going to die.
-What?
-Just think about it.
We don't have any control
over it. Like we do with our arms.
When we wake up, our hair looks
exactly the way it wants to look.
We can't make it comb itself.
We can only force it, by hand.
We can make our hand comb it.
And soon it will revert
to its former state.
If there's a light breeze, for instance.
Unless we force it even further,
with hair spray, gel or styling cream.
This won't last long either.
When we wake up it'll be out shape.
We'll be out of shape too, but
we can get into shape again
while it can't.
It's that lack of control over
it that bothers us so much.
Because it reminds us of
death. And nobody likes that.
So they tell silly stories about a
guy who opened his grandma's grave,
and a river of white
hair sprung from inside.
Here is fine, I'll get off here.
-Here? We're not there yet.
-Here is just fine.
-Did I scare you?
-No, no.
-I did.
-No. What do I owe you?
Nothing. It's on me.
Yes?
It's me.
Thomas.
Eleni?
-Yes, I'm here.
-I wanted to talk to you.
For a bit.
I can imagine why you came.
It's not very polite to leave me out here.
As if we're strangers.
Don't you have two minutes
for a proper conversation?
-But only for two minutes, okay?
-Agreed.
-I'm serious.
-Okay, okay.
Come in.
Why are you soaking wet?
It's nothing, just a small mishap.
You should've seen me half an hour ago.
Luckily, I had a change of
clothes in the cab. I'm fine now.
Could I please use your bathroom?
-Yes, but be quick about it.
-Okay.
Come.
Second door on the right.
-Who plays the piano?
-I do.
I thought long and hard about coming here.
And I reneged many times, it wasn't easy.
I get it.
What do you get?
I get that it takes courage, what you did.
Is that what you were thinking too?
- You know I live with someone.
- That was before what happened.
Yes, but what happened
doesn't change what was.
And what is.
-Ever think about that night?
-No.
You're lying.
Okay, maybe I do. But that
doesn't change anything.
I don't know what you think about
me, but that doesn't happen to me often.
You don't know me.
You mean you do this often?
No, but I do things.
What things?
I mean I'm impulsive, I act before I think.
-That's the proper way to act.
-No, you don't get it.
For instance
once I spent half my salary,
which I really needed
on a pair of tiger print
boots, which I never wore.
-They would look great on you.
-They weren't even my size.
And what we had was like a pair of boots?
-I didn't say that.
-You did.
I love Andreas.
We're good together.
Then why did you have
sex with a stranger in a cab?
It felt right then.
I was upset.
You know what's happened with my father.
And why did you call to meet me again?
I needed
to talk to someone about it.
-Why not talk to your boyfriend?
-He doesn't know this!
Really?
And this doesn't tell you anything?
I don't know.
I don't.
I didn't know what to tell him.
- You had no trouble talking to me.
- Because you were a stranger.
Sometimes it's easier
to talk to a stranger.
Don't you think this shows something's
lacking from your relationship?
-Maybe I lack something.
-Yes, you lack love.
-I don't mean that.
-We made love, though.
Yes, but I don't mean that.
Let's say it wasn't
the best time of my life.
It's like having a void
that can't be filled.
- It's not Andreas' fault.
- That's what he'll have you believe.
-You don't know him.
-No, but I can understand a few things.
Perhaps fewer than you think.
Do you hear what you're saying about him?
"Andreas is wonderful,
understanding, it's not his fault".
You're pushing it.
Can I read you something?
Yes, but be quick about it, Andreas
will be back any moment now.
Okay.
It's something I wrote that night.
You may find it funny if I read it to you.
-Shall I read it myself?
-No.
My handwriting is awful.
Here goes.
Here goes.
"I'm overwhelmed by
inspiration, thus, by you too".
"I can smell you everywhere,
I want to see you all the time".
"A million horrible thoughts
go through my mind".
"Where you may be, I
see you dead, spent..."
"I see you obediently
going through your 9 to 5".
"A knife is stuck to my heart and
I can't get enough of my blood".
"When I feel you near me,
blood turns into nourishment".
"So be it".
"I'm writing you so that I
get over all the bad feelings".
"Love will show us the way".
"When are going to read, to talk?
When are we going to be loved?"
"When are we going to
be nothing more but 'us'?"
"How many lifetimes does it get
to learn and how many to forget?"
"To remember that before all
else we were nothing but light?"
"There are so many things I
want to say to you, but I can't".
"My human nature inhibits me".
"That very same nature
that is writing to you".
"Because it has a shape
and it has legs and arms..."
"And eyes and a tongue".
"I've always known you.
And I've been waiting for you".
"Why didn't you come? Why don't you come?"
"I wish I knew why I don't come to you".
"Do we have to lie in
order to speak truly?"
"So be it".
"Let lies be our prayer for a true reason".
"When fear overwhelms our hearts,
that's when the night spreads out".
"Otherwise, the light we emanate
would prevent dusk from ever coming".
"We'd burn happily under the sun".
"And that would be our
journey. Our contribution".
"The light. Everything would be light".
"Light".
"We have to live. When
are we going to live?"
"Life is drowning in
the well of ignorance".
"Language is a big misunderstanding".
"I see people trapped in fear
everywhere I look and among them..."
"You".
"How could I ever forget you?"
It's Andreas!
Listen.
I'll tell him you are...
Takis, the magazine's accountant.
I'll introduce you and then you'll leave.
He doesn't know about us
and I'd like to keep it that way!
-Okay?
-Okay.
Eleni?
Honey?
What's up?
-What's with the welcome?
-We've got visitors.
It's Mr. Takis, the accountant.
Do you know Mr. Takis?
-No, I don't think so.
-Anyway, he came to bring something.
I'll introduce you.
-What?
-Nothing.
And this is Mr. Takis. Takis is...
Nice to meet you. Andreas.
He's the magazine's accountant.
He brought me my payroll
papers. My accountant needs them.
-At this time of night?
-I need it, honey.
No, it's very kind of you.
Thank you very much.
It's no trouble at all. Don't mention it.
Every night I pass by your place
and stop further down the corner
where Mr. Stamos betting store is.
I help out a little, because last
year he lost his wife to cancer,
and I play KINO. You never know.
Thank you very much,
Mr. Takis, I appreciate this.
Come on.
Yes.
-Good night to you.
-Yes.
Good night.
Good night.
Excuse me.
I can't leave, I'm awfully curious.
That green stone in that display case
is it uvarovite?
Yes, it is uvarovite.
-Could I take a closer look?
-Yes, if you wish, sir.
Could we skip the formalities.
Yes, of course. If you say so.
Of course.
-You collect stones?
-Not me, my father does.
Are you a geologist?
Yes, I used to work at the
Geological Research Institute.
-Used to work?
-Yes. Unfortunately, I had to leave.
Really? Why? Excuse my prying.
No, its okay. You know how
things work in this country.
And the money was too little.
Wanna take a better look at it?
-Yes?
-Yes.
Good. Excuse me, honey.
Eleni, where is...
I don't know.
Where is it?
There it is.
Let me open it.
Put it close to the stone.
Of course!
Now you work elsewhere?
-I do various jobs.
-Yes?
I've got a startup company with a friend.
-Yes, I hope it goes well.
-Interesting. What do you do?
It's a bit complicated. Do
you really want to know?
-Yes, of course.
-Okay, then.
It's about the numbers people
get when they wait at queues.
Do you get it?
Do I get it? You're asking an accountant!
I've spent half my life
waiting at queues at the IRS!
Yes, exactly that. You put it splendidly.
You've spent half your life
holding a numbered piece of paper.
You never know when your
turn will come, so you have to...
Excuse me, honey, but
stop boring the poor guy.
No, I'm interested as a professional.
Because you may get a number,
but it's like waiting in line.
That's exactly what we're trying to change.
We're making an app that connects
to queue management systems.
So you'll know when your
turn comes through your phone.
-Revolutionary!
-You're joking?
Not at all, it'll change my life.
I'll be getting a number
and I'll be able to leave,
and go to another
office or to another store.
And maybe go to get a haircut,
depending on the time I'll have.
I won't be missing my turn, I
won't be wasting my time or my day.
Nothing at all.
-This is really important.
-Thank you very much.
It's called "CountOnMe".
From the word "count" and the
phrase that means "rely on me".
Brilliant.
Yes.
Did you offer him a drink?
-No!
-No?
-Would you like one?
-Yes.
-Whiskey?
-Yes.
Honey, don't you have an
early morning tomorrow?
It's too early to go to bed.
- I'll be leaving in a little while.
- In the meantime, you can drink.
I'll go get the drinks.
-What a sweet guy.
-What do you think you're doing?
Drink a little and then
leave. Do you understand?
-Takis, want some ice?
-Yes.
On the rocks, without any water.
I don't want you, face it.
Get the hell out of here!
-How about you, Eleni?
-I'm fine, thanks.
Do you understand?
Cheers, Takis.
Cheers, Andreas. Cheers, Eleni.
Just what I needed.
Great.
-Would you like to sit?
-I'd love to.
-Are you staying there, honey?
-I'll go get a beer.
Can I have a cigarette too?
It goes well with whiskey.
Yes, of course.
Thanks.
So...
Have you two been together for a long time?
Yes, three years this year.
That's a long time. How did you
meet, if you don't mind my asking?
It's nothing special, we were friends.
What are you talking about?
These are the best stories. Go on.
He's asking how we got together.
-It was love at first sight.
-She's joking.
I already told him we were friends.
It was kinda random, to be honest.
We kissed one night, while
playing "Spin The Bottle".
Yeah.
And you realized you were
attracted to each other?
-We were bedazzled.
-No, I was bedazzled.
Eleni was madly in
love with some other guy.
- You're exaggerating.
- You wouldn't stop talking about him!
-There was nothing before you came.
-Stop being silly.
And what happened to the other guy?
He died. Drugs.
It was bad.
-Let's not talk about it.
-Yes.
So, your love flourished
gradually, over time.
-Yeah, I guess so.
-Not exactly.
I'd never felt this way before.
I had feelings from the beginning
but I was reluctant for other reasons.
Yes, I'd forgotten about this version.
It's not a version,
it's what I was feeling.
What were you feeling?
Since I'd known Andreas
for many years, as a friend...
I knew how he was with women,
and I was afraid to get involved with him.
You were a womanizer?
Only in her imagination.
What? Excuse me!
Jenny, Georgia, Katerina,
Alexandra, Matoula!
Need I say more?
-So? You knew how I felt.
-I do now, I didn't know then.
-You didn't?
-Stop it, silly!
After that kiss, everything stopped.
-Stopped?
-Stopped, of course!
I wasn't obsessed with sex, you know that.
I was looking for love.
And I found it.
And why do you think it wasn't
love at first sight with Eleni?
I don't believe in that
any more. I find it obsolete.
-Love at first sight, you mean?
-Yes, exactly.
So, you're throwing out the window
thousands of years of history,
literature, poetry, music?
No, not at all. However, life evolves.
People evolve too and love with them.
-What's that supposed to mean?
-It means
that there used to be barriers
that prevented love from flourishing.
Barriers like family, taboos, whatever.
-And what about today?
-The barriers are inside of us.
I was in love with her from the beginning.
I just wouldn't dare admit it.
-Isn't this too convenient?
-Convenient?
No, on the contrary.
You think you can go straight
to what you really want?
People suffer from this.
I think love is a god
that other gods bow to.
It knows no barriers, nothing at all.
You surrender to its might.
It's a sweeping wave
that tears your body apart.
And renders you incapable of anything else.
This is what I think true love is.
The rest are just theory
in order to pass our time.
Is that so? Do you happen to be a seer too?
What's wrong with you?
-Weren't you listening?
-He's just saying what he thinks.
-No, he is preaching!
-What are you talking about?
-He's telling us how to live!
-What's up with you? Relax.
-I'm fine!
You've had your drink, you can go now.
-Takis, please forgive us.
-Cut it out, already!
-What's wrong with you?
-I'm fine!
-Andreas...
-Shut up!
Cut it out! Don't talk like that!
Andreas
my name is not Takis.
-Get the hell out of my house!
-What are you doing?
Get the hell out!
He's a bad person. Throw him out!
-Why? What's wrong?
-Throw him out! I'm begging you!
Get out of our house!
Get the hell out! Right now!
Eleni, stop! What are you doing?
Get a grip! Have you gone mad?
Go on, tell him. Tell
him what I did to you.
Why aren't you telling him?
-Eleni and I...
-Shut up, you asshole!
Get the hell out, you
bastard! Get out! Right now!
I can't believe this.
What the hell is going on?
What's going on?
Eleni and I fucked.
What is he doing?
Honey, don't you see? He's crazy!
- I didn't fuck her, she fucked me.
- Shut the hell up, asshole!
Get the fuck out!
No, hold on a minute.
What?
You want details?
What?
Is this true?
What the...
Is this true?
Honey
let me explain.
Let me explain and you'll understand.
I'm sorry, it meant nothing.
You don't understand.
Can we talk alone, please?
-Can we talk, please?
-I can't believe this.
I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.
Could we please talk?
I'll explain everything.
Could we please talk?
Honey?
What is wrong with you?
Get the hell out of my
house! Get out right now!
Andreas!
Andreas, open up!
-Go away.
-I want to talk to you!
-I don't! Go away!
-Open up! Right now!
Get out right now!
-Go ahead.
-I never meant to hurt you.
But you did it anyway.
It didn't mean anything.
Cut the crap.
Please, listen to me. Let me explain.
-I'm telling you the truth.
-How do I know that?
- Because I've never lied to you.
- It's not a good moment to say that.
It's true!
-How many times did it happen?
-Just once.
-You're lying.
-I swear! Just once!
-Why is he here, then?
-He came to talk to me.
Eleni, cut the crap or
this is going to get ugly!
Open up, damn it!
Andreas! Damn it!
Shall I remind you of Aggeliki?
What?
I said, shall I remind you of Aggeliki?
- What's that got to do with it?
- You said you were thinking of her.
Exactly. I told you about it.
Not exactly, you were lying to
me. You told me after I saw you two.
Nothing ever happened!
I just went out with her a few times.
-And that's okay?
-No, but it's not the same.
And I told you about it.
After I saw you two together!
-Where are you getting at?
-I listened to you!
I fought for us. I didn't just disappear!
-I'm here, aren't I?
-You are, but you aren't.
Aren't we talking?
Now we're talking, yes.
Finally.
- How many times have you seen him?
- Just once! Why won't you believe me?
Then why is he here, if
you've only seen him once?
Because he fell in love
with me. That's what he said.
-Why should I believe you?
-Because you have to.
-Because you say so?
-Yes, and I do the same for you.
Isn't this enough?
It is.
How does he know where we live?
He gave us a ride, don't you remember?
-What?
-When our car broke down.
-That was him?
-Yes.
Why didn't you say so?
Why should I? It meant nothing!
Listen to me! It meant nothing!
No, wait, stop!
No, let me go! Hold on a minute!
-Wait! Stop, damn it!
-Let me go!
Stop! Look at me! Please, don't leave.
-Why didn't you tell me?
-What did you want me to tell you?
-Why did you do it?
-I don't know, damn it.
-I was a mess that night.
-What night? Where was I?
- There's something I didn't tell you.
- Where was I that night?
Cut it out. Where was I then?
-Stop it!
-Where was I?
I feel so lonely.
Are you listening?
You're not listening.
-Why?
-Why should I?
-Why should I listen?
-Because that's how I feel.
Why?
I don't know.
I love you.
I think someone is listening.
-You think he's listening?
-Yes.
-You don't mind?
-No. Do you?
A bit.
Shall we ask if he's here?
I think he's here.
Ask him to come in.
-Ask him to come in.
-Shall I ask him?
-Does he want to?
-Yes.
Ask him, then.
-Go on, ask him.
-You ask him!
Takis?
Takis!
That's not his name.
What's his name?
What is it, love?
What is it?
What is it? What?
I don't know.
I don't know.
-What?
-I don't know.
It's okay.
It's okay, love.
It's okay.
It's okay.
I'm sorry.
- Can we eat some salad, at least?
- Just be patient, sweetie.
-Danae, are you hungry?
-No.
-Are you sure?
-Yes.
-I'm sorry.
-Don't worry about it.
-Can I eat some bread?
-Go ahead.
-Want some?
-No.
-I can serve you some salad.
-I'm okay.
-Are you sure?
-Yes.
Honey?
Yes!
I made it!
Hello!
-Hi.
-You're late.
I'm really sorry, it's hectic out there.
This is Danae.
-Hi, Danae.
-Nice to meet you.
You too. I'm Thomas.
My gift to you.
There's no way I was going to forget it.
We'll smash it instead of a pomegranate.
Yes.
I'm sorry, you shouldn't
have waited for me.
Please!
-Pour your dad some wine.
-Yes. Yes.
-How did you keep them from eating?
-Don't ask!
Poor Danae just kept quiet.
Happy New Year!
-Happy New Year.
-Cheers.
May this year be better than the last one.
Of course.
-Shall we begin?
-Yes, go on.
I'm really sorry, Danae.
-Want some?
-Yes.
It's madness outside.
We've been stuck for the last two hours.
All of us, cabs, cars,
everything was stuck.
Pedestrians, even!
It's been years since I
last saw such a storm.
- Especially in Alexandras Avenue.
- Did you get any fares?
Yeah, some. I did get some.
What's that you're wearing?
You didn't leave dressed like that.
Yes.
When I got out to buy onions,
that's when it started pouring.
And within two minutes I was soaking wet.
-Luckily, I had these old clothes.
-You look so dapper.
What was I supposed to do, Tasos?
Anyway.
You didn't get caught up
in the rain, Danae, I guess.
-No.
-No?
I live nearby.
- Right, you live in the neighborhood!
- Yeah, two streets down.
You two go to school together?
Are you in the same class?
-I am a year younger.
-You are an 11th grader, then?
And since you are an 11th grader, Danae
do you have any plans, any ideas, perhaps?
Do you have any dreams?
Do you want to go to college?
I'm thinking about studying psychology.
-She's thinking about it.
-Thinking is free.
- She can think whatever she wants.
- Of course, that's what I'm saying.
Not thinking is harder, probably.
But, anyway, let's leave it at that.
So, psychology?
-Psychology.
-She wants to get a master's.
Yes, I was thinking of going
abroad for post graduate studies.
-In which field?
-In Criminology.
Tasos, did you know
that your favorite writer
is a criminologist?
My favorite writer?
You used to have a favorite writer.
Who?
Do you remember that book?
He wouldn't stop talking about it.
Don't you remember your favorite book?
-Was it "Mister Triangle Fish"?
-Close, but no cigar.
- "Anastasis And The Bus Stop".
- "The Bus Stop And Anastasis"!
-You used to read it to me.
-Yeah.
Anyway, I got confused.
That's not what I wanted to say.
I don't want to bore you, but
we used to go on excursions.
And when you were little, you
used to pick up plants, insects.
I mean, doesn't agronomy
fascinate you at all?
Not at all!
A "vlahiko". It's called
"The Poor Woman's Son".
A woman complains to her
mother about her husband.
She sends him to buy salt, he buys apples.
And eats them on the way home.
He's useless.
You know what I mean.
Yes, I do.
Are you excited about Christmas?
Nah.
I don't like crowds and malls.
But I do like the lights.
-Do you have family?
-I do.
You?
Yes, I do, I have a son.
He wants to get a place of his
own. But it's hard. Rents are too high.
If he really wants it, he'll find a way.
That's exactly what I told him.
I've got three kids, still dependent on us.
My wife won't let them grow up.
-Are they working?
-Let's say.
Mainly, however, they are bleeding me dry.
Aren't you a little hard on them?
Harder than life? I don't think so.
You're absolutely right.
-That'll be 13,60.
-No way.
-That's what the meter says.
-Don't trust robots, sir.
This ride doesn't cost more than 10 euros.
-How do you figure?
-I calculated it.
I've been calculating the distance.
It's a technique I invented
so that I don't get swindled.
I've also calculated the minimum fare.
I've been an accountant for 35 years.
It's illegal not to pay
me what the meter says.
And do you believe in all laws?
-No.
-Well, this is a bad law.
It keeps us from seeing the truth.
-Which is what?
-That the ride costs 10 euros.
You know what?
It's on me.
Do not patronize me, sir.
Take the money and be done with it.
Good night!
No, no! What are you doing?
No, don't!
Fuck.
Fuck!
Fuck!
Dude!
What did you do?
Help!
What time is it?
Around 1:00.
You came home early tonight.
Yeah, it started raining
and everybody disappeared.
So, where did the kid go?
He left a little while ago.
How should I know?
Maybe it's best to get the morning shift.
There are traffic jams during the day.
- Yes, but you were making some money.
- I'm making now as well.
It's not the same, Thomas.
Can we talk tomorrow? I'm beat.
-Good night.
-Good night.
"THE LAST TAXI DRIVER"
And this is me with mom.
Finally!
Where's this?
At my first job as a book editor.
-You were gorgeous, mom.
-Stop.
- At a costume party or something.
- Were you dressed as an editor?
I was working as...
I also wrote poetry,
made translations and...
Never mind.
And this is you, at our first house.
Before we moved here.
Before grandpa passed.
And that's it.
It's yours now.
That's it?
Why, you...
Yes, that was it!
I'll go get ready.
-What's got into him?
-What do you mean?
He gave me his photos as a gift?
Photos used to be very rare.
One day you'll appreciate
having photos of your father.
Okay, mom, but think about it.
He gave me as a gift photos of himself.
Is this okay?
He's given you many gifts
and he pays for lots of stuff.
You're not looking at it the right way.
Yeah, but still.
-And you're still not happy.
-That's not what I'm saying.
And I'm saying that
you're missing the point.
For the private lessons.
-You did make a lot yesterday!
-See? I told you.
I'm going to get dressed.
-See you, dad.
-Yeah, see you.
Excuse me.
Yes?
Did you know the deceased?
Not really. He was my customer.
-Your customer?
-At the...
-At the cab?
-Yes.
Yes.
Yes.
How about you?
My parents
knew him a little.
I see.
A bad way to go.
Yeah, I guess.
Is there a good way to go?
-Right.
-Yes.
Bye.
Excuse me. Could you...
Could you wait for five
minutes and give me a ride?
I'll pay, of course.
-Yeah, sure.
-Thank you very much.
Do you spend a lot of time driving the cab?
Ten, twelve hours.
I spend half the day driving the cab.
What about during the
night? Do you work then?
Actually, I work the night shift.
You know, at night
the city feels more alive, somehow.
At night.
The people too.
Fill it up.
I don't want any more coffee.
How about a drink?
What did you think? That I
drive the cab for the money?
For what, then? Is it a hobby?
I can tell you, but you mustn't laugh.
Now I really want to know.
I'm not telling you, you'll laugh.
-I won't laugh, I swear.
-You swear on what?
I swear on my honor.
That's a serious oath.
Fine, then.
I do it to collect stories.
Sorry!
Sorry.
Are you really telling me
that instead of staying home
enjoying the peace and quiet
you'd rather go out
and get stuck in traffic?
That's why I told you
I only work at nights.
Yeah, but still.
If you let go, it's over.
As a general rule.
You must be
you must be in the thick of things.
-One more, please. On me.
-One more and we're off.
As you wish.
As I wish?
Stories, he says!
It was December of '14. No, of '15.
-What's that? A story?
-Yes. Don't you want to hear it?
-I do.
-You do?
-I do.
-Fine.
So, it was December of '15.
A lady gets in the cab.
She was from Velestino. Ever heard of it?
-Of course.
-Good for you.
Thanks.
And
she's looking for her son. She was a widow.
She's looking for him
because she's been calling
him for two days now,
and he's not answering. And she's worried.
He's a student at the university, I
don't remember at which school,
but she doesn't approve of his choice.
And we go to every night club in
Athens! Each and every one of them!
- Why didn't you go to the police?
- We did. They couldn't do anything.
The hours went by, the meter kept running.
And we kept searching.
At some point, at dawn
we make a stop at Mavilis square.
And I get out to go get her a
sandwich. She'd gotten hungry.
I get back and I see the poor woman
holding her belly bent over
saying over and over again,
"I should've never let you go"...
Feeling better?
Are you okay? What's up?
What's up?
Damn.
Feeling better?
I didn't know him.
Who?
The man who killed himself.
Then, who...
Who was he?
My mother used to know him.
I mean, he...
He and my mother had me.
They broke up before I was born.
Probably because of me.
My mother got married again.
To a really sweet, really good man.
But I think she married
him because of me again...
You remember I told you about my bad knee?
He's the one who called me.
-Without knowing you?
-No.
He called and that's when I hurt my knee.
And
you know, I was in
bed during all this time.
Because of my leg and all that.
And I kept thinking
whether I want to meet him.
Or not.
And then...
And then he killed himself.
And I thought
this must be a joke.
A bad joke at that.
-Would you like to walk a bit?
-No, I'm fine.
Shall I open the window
to get some fresh air?
-Wait a minute.
-No, come on.
Wait a minute.
Whoa, hold it!
-Rip it off!
-Wait a minute!
Come on!
Lick my nipple.
Yes!
Here, it looks like yours.
-Why is my head so big?
-Because it is big.
-Tasos!
-Mine is big too.
No, it isn't.
No, he's right, it's the
size of a watermelon.
Now, take a look. That's
why I bought this phone.
What's this?
The "TaxiBeep" app.
Everyone's using it to get a cab.
-I'm also getting a new cab.
-Why get a new cab?
Because the old one is junk. I'm
thinking of renting an automatic.
It's only 25 euros more. It's no big deal.
-We can manage, I guess.
-Good.
Great.
You know how this works? Take a look.
You just upload a profile pic
and just some personal info in.
You become these three
lines for the customer.
And here are the ratings.
Can you imagine? They rate the driver!
And this is my rating.
Four and a half. Why?
Because yesterday I picked up some guy
who gave me three
stars. And I asked him why.
He said "Because you were listening
to that raucous". He meant Coltrane!
"You should have given
me one star", I said to him.
But shouldn't you be listening
to the customer's concerns?
You really believe that?
Shouldn't you take them into account?
Besides, they're paying you money.
So what? Each night I pick
up more than 30 customers.
What's going to happen if I
take them all into account?
I'll go nuts. No, no way.
No, I believe that it is our duty...
Note the use of the word "duty".
It is our duty not to
be simple transporters.
Or worse, transporters who indulge
the worst impulses of the lowest scum.
No.
It is our duty, for as long
as the ride lasts, at least
to offer them a world,
a mental atmosphere
to discern their deepest needs, not
the nonsense they think they need.
And to try to
with just a subtle touch,
with some good music
with a conversation,
even with some white lies
to try to alleviate their burden.
We, taxi drivers, are molders of minds.
As much as we can, of course.
But it's something, anyway.
Theory is your strong suit.
-Your head isn't big, son.
-That's a really old joke.
Yes, but I changed it.
-How, exactly?
-Like this!
-Did you like the food?
-It was okay.
Cheers.
Mine is empty.
Take it easy! Easy!
What are you doing?
Our boy became a man!
My sweetie!
Thanks for coming. I
didn't want to go home.
What happened?
I went to the notary's today.
My father left me some
money. A great deal of money.
-Really?
-Yes. And the thing is I don't know how to feel.
Am I supposed to feel happy about it?
Am I ungrateful for not feeling happy?
I don't know. His family is awful.
His wife is a greedy busybody
who thinks she's smart.
She's got her kids wrapped
around her little finger!
They only care about money!
They got four fifths out
of a huge inheritance,
and they still feel aggrieved!
-Did you tell your mom?
-My mom lives in her own world.
What do you mean?
Never mind, it's a long story.
-What do you think?
-About what?
He was your customer.
There wasn't much interaction between us.
Why did he use your cab, specifically?
Because I picked him up one day...
And he liked the fact that I
didn't listen to cheap pop music.
And that I didn't talk much.
-He hated cheap pop music?
-Yes. And soccer.
What music did he like?
I don't know, he never said. The
kind I played in the cab, I guess.
-What kind is that?
-Jazz, mainly.
I see.
What else?
What else?
-Do you want to listen to a story?
-Yes.
Well, I've got one.
Because your dad was
quite stingy with money.
-He was, was he?
-He was.
This one time he wanted to pay me
much less than what the meter said.
Because he was certain
the fare didn't cost as much.
-For real?
-Yes.
And what did you do?
-I told him it was on me.
-How did he take that?
I didn't give him much of a choice.
He just accepted it.
-Stinginess is a bad thing.
-Yeah, it's the worst.
-How's your day been?
-It's been
rather boring.
Nothing tremendous happened in the taxi?
Today?
No, nothing tremendous
happened in the taxi today.
-Listen...
-I know what you're going to say.
You do?
About that night. I didn't treat you right.
Why do you say that?
I feel that I took it all out on you.
Without thinking about your feelings.
No, you're wrong.
You're very wrong. I'm
really glad I was there for you.
And I appreciate that, yet I
should've been more careful.
-Do you regret it?
-No, that's not what I mean.
Good, because I...
I can't get it out of my mind.
I mean, I can't get you out of my mind.
-I'm cold. Are you cold?
-Shall we go get a proper drink?
I'd love that, but I'm beat. And
I've got a lot to do tomorrow.
-I'm not single.
-I don't care.
-But I do.
-I'm not single either.
And what about your wife?
We've been estranged for some time now.
I'm sorry about that.
It is what it is.
What about you and your boyfriend?
-That's an odd question.
-Well, yes.
I don't know. We have our ups and downs.
- We've been together for a long time.
- You don't sound in love.
-It is what it is.
-I want to see you again.
- I don't know if it's a good idea.
- Neither do I, but shouldn't we try?
We can go some place quiet,
have dinner, no strings attached.
Okay, maybe in the future.
It's really cold out here.
Can we please leave?
Let's go, I'm cold too.
Thomas?
What?
What are you doing there?
Just sitting.
You've been in there for hours.
I want some quiet.
You locked the door?
Yes.
Where did you find the key?
I just found it.
Under the green table
mats. In the bottom drawer.
You found the green table mats?
Yes, in the bottom drawer.
Are you planning to stay in there all day?
Leave me alone, Maria, I'm writing.
You're writing?
What are you writing?
The novel.
Good for you, dear.
Thank you very much.
Good night.
You know what? I
didn't get any rest lately.
Why? What's wrong? How are you feeling?
I don't know, my heart is
racing, I have trouble sleeping.
That's it, I can't sleep.
You can't sleep?
I'll give you a massage
and you'll sleep like a baby.
-You? Give me a massage?
-Yes, that's what I said.
-You?
-Yes, me.
Do you want me to?
-Yes. It's a deal then?
Good.
It must be the battery.
Shall we get a taxi?
We'll deal with it tomorrow.
No, it may be something simple.
-Be right back.
-I only wanted a massage.
Be right back!
Hi there.
What seems to be the
problem? Is it the battery?
No, it must be the pump.
-Shall I take a look?
-No, I'll leave it here.
-Could you please wait?
-Yes.
Coming?
Yes.
-Don't you want to walk?
-At this time of night?
I just feel like walking.
-Aren't you tired?
-No.
- You said you were tired.
- I changed my mind, I want to walk.
-And now you feel rested?
-Yes, I do. Shall we walk?
-Walk for half an hour?
-Yes.
-Eleni.
-Let's go for a walk!
Come, love.
Come on!
-Hi again.
-Hello.
-Where to?
-To Asomaton street.
That's a lot of rain.
Yes.
Good thing we didn't walk.
Just kidding.
Okay.
Honey?
What's wrong?
I really want to tell you something.
Everything okay?
It's just my hernia, that's all.
I know something's up,
I'm not stupid, you know.
What do you want now?
I want you to get it together, that's what.
Now I see. All this because I'll
be working on New Year's Eve.
That's just the icing on the cake.
I see. Here we go again.
I don't earn much, you nag.
I work more, still you nag.
- You don't give a damn about the kid!
- He doesn't give a fuck about me anyway!
He deigned to bring his girlfriend
for dinner and you won't be here!
Well done!
She's going to spend New Year's
Eve with strangers, not with her family?
You're the one to talk!
After what happened on Christmas! You wuss!
Do you think I enjoy working on holidays?
You know what? If you can't
be here on New Year's Eve
we'll all have dinner the day before that.
- The day before New Year's.
- Have you gone mad? It's bad luck.
Not being with your family is bad luck.
You'll be happy if we have dinner
the day before New Year's Eve?
Yes.
Okay, then.
If that means you'll stop busting my balls.
Thanks, dear.
I'll make you some meatballs.
Since you're such a good boy.
Bite me, Maria.
-Aren't they done yet?
-Yes, they aren't.
I see.
You said it would take half an hour.
You know, sometimes it
can drag till the afternoon.
Really?
Could you please give her a message?
I'm told not to interrupt.
Please, it's from her
notary. She'll understand.
It's quite serious. Please.
-Fine. Just a minute.
-Thank you very much.
-I'm afraid she can't see you now.
-Okay, thanks.
-Bye.
-Bye.
God damn it.
Mister Thomas, this is the last one.
Why is that, mister Telis?
Are you closing up soon?
Am I closing up soon? Why would I?
You're asking for it.
How are you gonna go home?
With a cab.
Here you go.
Eat something, at least.
You need to eat.
-Are you okay?
-Just fine.
Nice save.
Thomas?
Thomas, where are you?
-Coming.
-Get on with it, honey!
Just a minute.
Let's get this over with.
Thomas!
-Come on.
-Coming.
You put margarine on the list?
I did.
-How many packages?
-One.
Good, add one more.
-Eggs?
-I added them.
-Coriander?
-What do we want coriander for?
Let me worry about it, just add it.
Aren't these enough?
No, we're forgetting something. Just think.
That's enough, I won't
be able to carry all that.
- Aren't you taking the car?
- And how will I take them to the car?
You'll carry them. What's the big deal?
I'll be clearing out the
whole grocery store!
- We cook the same stuff every year.
- Yes, and we throw away half of it.
If you don't want to go, then don't.
-But why?
-Why what? You offered to help!
Why are you making a big
deal out of nothing? I said I'll go!
Just go, then and stop nagging!
And add olive oil to the list.
-We don't have any?
-We may run out of it.
"Sixty pounds of olive oil"!
What's wrong with you?
Never mind, I'll go myself.
If you need anything else, just call me.
-Thanks.
-You're welcome!
Second Part New Year's Eve Eve.
Everything okay?
Excuse me?
Is everything okay? You seem agitated.
- I was just in the hair salon.
- You don't like the result, I gather.
That's right.
I for one like it.
I for one don't.
What would you change? If you could?
What would I change?
- I'd love to have curly hair.
- Why? Straight looks good on you.
I find it dull.
Curly hair is a problem. It's unmanageable.
I prefer it.
Have you noticed that
nobody likes their own hair?
Yes, that's true.
Ever wonder why?
I guess everybody wants
what they can't have.
Still, would you change
your lips? Or your eyes?
You have beautiful eyes by the way.
-Would you change them?
-No, I wouldn't.
Neither would many
others. Their hair, though...
Everybody wants to change their hair.
Nobody likes them the way
they are. Do you know why?
No.
Because they remind us we're going to die.
-What?
-Just think about it.
We don't have any control
over it. Like we do with our arms.
When we wake up, our hair looks
exactly the way it wants to look.
We can't make it comb itself.
We can only force it, by hand.
We can make our hand comb it.
And soon it will revert
to its former state.
If there's a light breeze, for instance.
Unless we force it even further,
with hair spray, gel or styling cream.
This won't last long either.
When we wake up it'll be out shape.
We'll be out of shape too, but
we can get into shape again
while it can't.
It's that lack of control over
it that bothers us so much.
Because it reminds us of
death. And nobody likes that.
So they tell silly stories about a
guy who opened his grandma's grave,
and a river of white
hair sprung from inside.
Here is fine, I'll get off here.
-Here? We're not there yet.
-Here is just fine.
-Did I scare you?
-No, no.
-I did.
-No. What do I owe you?
Nothing. It's on me.
Yes?
It's me.
Thomas.
Eleni?
-Yes, I'm here.
-I wanted to talk to you.
For a bit.
I can imagine why you came.
It's not very polite to leave me out here.
As if we're strangers.
Don't you have two minutes
for a proper conversation?
-But only for two minutes, okay?
-Agreed.
-I'm serious.
-Okay, okay.
Come in.
Why are you soaking wet?
It's nothing, just a small mishap.
You should've seen me half an hour ago.
Luckily, I had a change of
clothes in the cab. I'm fine now.
Could I please use your bathroom?
-Yes, but be quick about it.
-Okay.
Come.
Second door on the right.
-Who plays the piano?
-I do.
I thought long and hard about coming here.
And I reneged many times, it wasn't easy.
I get it.
What do you get?
I get that it takes courage, what you did.
Is that what you were thinking too?
- You know I live with someone.
- That was before what happened.
Yes, but what happened
doesn't change what was.
And what is.
-Ever think about that night?
-No.
You're lying.
Okay, maybe I do. But that
doesn't change anything.
I don't know what you think about
me, but that doesn't happen to me often.
You don't know me.
You mean you do this often?
No, but I do things.
What things?
I mean I'm impulsive, I act before I think.
-That's the proper way to act.
-No, you don't get it.
For instance
once I spent half my salary,
which I really needed
on a pair of tiger print
boots, which I never wore.
-They would look great on you.
-They weren't even my size.
And what we had was like a pair of boots?
-I didn't say that.
-You did.
I love Andreas.
We're good together.
Then why did you have
sex with a stranger in a cab?
It felt right then.
I was upset.
You know what's happened with my father.
And why did you call to meet me again?
I needed
to talk to someone about it.
-Why not talk to your boyfriend?
-He doesn't know this!
Really?
And this doesn't tell you anything?
I don't know.
I don't.
I didn't know what to tell him.
- You had no trouble talking to me.
- Because you were a stranger.
Sometimes it's easier
to talk to a stranger.
Don't you think this shows something's
lacking from your relationship?
-Maybe I lack something.
-Yes, you lack love.
-I don't mean that.
-We made love, though.
Yes, but I don't mean that.
Let's say it wasn't
the best time of my life.
It's like having a void
that can't be filled.
- It's not Andreas' fault.
- That's what he'll have you believe.
-You don't know him.
-No, but I can understand a few things.
Perhaps fewer than you think.
Do you hear what you're saying about him?
"Andreas is wonderful,
understanding, it's not his fault".
You're pushing it.
Can I read you something?
Yes, but be quick about it, Andreas
will be back any moment now.
Okay.
It's something I wrote that night.
You may find it funny if I read it to you.
-Shall I read it myself?
-No.
My handwriting is awful.
Here goes.
Here goes.
"I'm overwhelmed by
inspiration, thus, by you too".
"I can smell you everywhere,
I want to see you all the time".
"A million horrible thoughts
go through my mind".
"Where you may be, I
see you dead, spent..."
"I see you obediently
going through your 9 to 5".
"A knife is stuck to my heart and
I can't get enough of my blood".
"When I feel you near me,
blood turns into nourishment".
"So be it".
"I'm writing you so that I
get over all the bad feelings".
"Love will show us the way".
"When are going to read, to talk?
When are we going to be loved?"
"When are we going to
be nothing more but 'us'?"
"How many lifetimes does it get
to learn and how many to forget?"
"To remember that before all
else we were nothing but light?"
"There are so many things I
want to say to you, but I can't".
"My human nature inhibits me".
"That very same nature
that is writing to you".
"Because it has a shape
and it has legs and arms..."
"And eyes and a tongue".
"I've always known you.
And I've been waiting for you".
"Why didn't you come? Why don't you come?"
"I wish I knew why I don't come to you".
"Do we have to lie in
order to speak truly?"
"So be it".
"Let lies be our prayer for a true reason".
"When fear overwhelms our hearts,
that's when the night spreads out".
"Otherwise, the light we emanate
would prevent dusk from ever coming".
"We'd burn happily under the sun".
"And that would be our
journey. Our contribution".
"The light. Everything would be light".
"Light".
"We have to live. When
are we going to live?"
"Life is drowning in
the well of ignorance".
"Language is a big misunderstanding".
"I see people trapped in fear
everywhere I look and among them..."
"You".
"How could I ever forget you?"
It's Andreas!
Listen.
I'll tell him you are...
Takis, the magazine's accountant.
I'll introduce you and then you'll leave.
He doesn't know about us
and I'd like to keep it that way!
-Okay?
-Okay.
Eleni?
Honey?
What's up?
-What's with the welcome?
-We've got visitors.
It's Mr. Takis, the accountant.
Do you know Mr. Takis?
-No, I don't think so.
-Anyway, he came to bring something.
I'll introduce you.
-What?
-Nothing.
And this is Mr. Takis. Takis is...
Nice to meet you. Andreas.
He's the magazine's accountant.
He brought me my payroll
papers. My accountant needs them.
-At this time of night?
-I need it, honey.
No, it's very kind of you.
Thank you very much.
It's no trouble at all. Don't mention it.
Every night I pass by your place
and stop further down the corner
where Mr. Stamos betting store is.
I help out a little, because last
year he lost his wife to cancer,
and I play KINO. You never know.
Thank you very much,
Mr. Takis, I appreciate this.
Come on.
Yes.
-Good night to you.
-Yes.
Good night.
Good night.
Excuse me.
I can't leave, I'm awfully curious.
That green stone in that display case
is it uvarovite?
Yes, it is uvarovite.
-Could I take a closer look?
-Yes, if you wish, sir.
Could we skip the formalities.
Yes, of course. If you say so.
Of course.
-You collect stones?
-Not me, my father does.
Are you a geologist?
Yes, I used to work at the
Geological Research Institute.
-Used to work?
-Yes. Unfortunately, I had to leave.
Really? Why? Excuse my prying.
No, its okay. You know how
things work in this country.
And the money was too little.
Wanna take a better look at it?
-Yes?
-Yes.
Good. Excuse me, honey.
Eleni, where is...
I don't know.
Where is it?
There it is.
Let me open it.
Put it close to the stone.
Of course!
Now you work elsewhere?
-I do various jobs.
-Yes?
I've got a startup company with a friend.
-Yes, I hope it goes well.
-Interesting. What do you do?
It's a bit complicated. Do
you really want to know?
-Yes, of course.
-Okay, then.
It's about the numbers people
get when they wait at queues.
Do you get it?
Do I get it? You're asking an accountant!
I've spent half my life
waiting at queues at the IRS!
Yes, exactly that. You put it splendidly.
You've spent half your life
holding a numbered piece of paper.
You never know when your
turn will come, so you have to...
Excuse me, honey, but
stop boring the poor guy.
No, I'm interested as a professional.
Because you may get a number,
but it's like waiting in line.
That's exactly what we're trying to change.
We're making an app that connects
to queue management systems.
So you'll know when your
turn comes through your phone.
-Revolutionary!
-You're joking?
Not at all, it'll change my life.
I'll be getting a number
and I'll be able to leave,
and go to another
office or to another store.
And maybe go to get a haircut,
depending on the time I'll have.
I won't be missing my turn, I
won't be wasting my time or my day.
Nothing at all.
-This is really important.
-Thank you very much.
It's called "CountOnMe".
From the word "count" and the
phrase that means "rely on me".
Brilliant.
Yes.
Did you offer him a drink?
-No!
-No?
-Would you like one?
-Yes.
-Whiskey?
-Yes.
Honey, don't you have an
early morning tomorrow?
It's too early to go to bed.
- I'll be leaving in a little while.
- In the meantime, you can drink.
I'll go get the drinks.
-What a sweet guy.
-What do you think you're doing?
Drink a little and then
leave. Do you understand?
-Takis, want some ice?
-Yes.
On the rocks, without any water.
I don't want you, face it.
Get the hell out of here!
-How about you, Eleni?
-I'm fine, thanks.
Do you understand?
Cheers, Takis.
Cheers, Andreas. Cheers, Eleni.
Just what I needed.
Great.
-Would you like to sit?
-I'd love to.
-Are you staying there, honey?
-I'll go get a beer.
Can I have a cigarette too?
It goes well with whiskey.
Yes, of course.
Thanks.
So...
Have you two been together for a long time?
Yes, three years this year.
That's a long time. How did you
meet, if you don't mind my asking?
It's nothing special, we were friends.
What are you talking about?
These are the best stories. Go on.
He's asking how we got together.
-It was love at first sight.
-She's joking.
I already told him we were friends.
It was kinda random, to be honest.
We kissed one night, while
playing "Spin The Bottle".
Yeah.
And you realized you were
attracted to each other?
-We were bedazzled.
-No, I was bedazzled.
Eleni was madly in
love with some other guy.
- You're exaggerating.
- You wouldn't stop talking about him!
-There was nothing before you came.
-Stop being silly.
And what happened to the other guy?
He died. Drugs.
It was bad.
-Let's not talk about it.
-Yes.
So, your love flourished
gradually, over time.
-Yeah, I guess so.
-Not exactly.
I'd never felt this way before.
I had feelings from the beginning
but I was reluctant for other reasons.
Yes, I'd forgotten about this version.
It's not a version,
it's what I was feeling.
What were you feeling?
Since I'd known Andreas
for many years, as a friend...
I knew how he was with women,
and I was afraid to get involved with him.
You were a womanizer?
Only in her imagination.
What? Excuse me!
Jenny, Georgia, Katerina,
Alexandra, Matoula!
Need I say more?
-So? You knew how I felt.
-I do now, I didn't know then.
-You didn't?
-Stop it, silly!
After that kiss, everything stopped.
-Stopped?
-Stopped, of course!
I wasn't obsessed with sex, you know that.
I was looking for love.
And I found it.
And why do you think it wasn't
love at first sight with Eleni?
I don't believe in that
any more. I find it obsolete.
-Love at first sight, you mean?
-Yes, exactly.
So, you're throwing out the window
thousands of years of history,
literature, poetry, music?
No, not at all. However, life evolves.
People evolve too and love with them.
-What's that supposed to mean?
-It means
that there used to be barriers
that prevented love from flourishing.
Barriers like family, taboos, whatever.
-And what about today?
-The barriers are inside of us.
I was in love with her from the beginning.
I just wouldn't dare admit it.
-Isn't this too convenient?
-Convenient?
No, on the contrary.
You think you can go straight
to what you really want?
People suffer from this.
I think love is a god
that other gods bow to.
It knows no barriers, nothing at all.
You surrender to its might.
It's a sweeping wave
that tears your body apart.
And renders you incapable of anything else.
This is what I think true love is.
The rest are just theory
in order to pass our time.
Is that so? Do you happen to be a seer too?
What's wrong with you?
-Weren't you listening?
-He's just saying what he thinks.
-No, he is preaching!
-What are you talking about?
-He's telling us how to live!
-What's up with you? Relax.
-I'm fine!
You've had your drink, you can go now.
-Takis, please forgive us.
-Cut it out, already!
-What's wrong with you?
-I'm fine!
-Andreas...
-Shut up!
Cut it out! Don't talk like that!
Andreas
my name is not Takis.
-Get the hell out of my house!
-What are you doing?
Get the hell out!
He's a bad person. Throw him out!
-Why? What's wrong?
-Throw him out! I'm begging you!
Get out of our house!
Get the hell out! Right now!
Eleni, stop! What are you doing?
Get a grip! Have you gone mad?
Go on, tell him. Tell
him what I did to you.
Why aren't you telling him?
-Eleni and I...
-Shut up, you asshole!
Get the hell out, you
bastard! Get out! Right now!
I can't believe this.
What the hell is going on?
What's going on?
Eleni and I fucked.
What is he doing?
Honey, don't you see? He's crazy!
- I didn't fuck her, she fucked me.
- Shut the hell up, asshole!
Get the fuck out!
No, hold on a minute.
What?
You want details?
What?
Is this true?
What the...
Is this true?
Honey
let me explain.
Let me explain and you'll understand.
I'm sorry, it meant nothing.
You don't understand.
Can we talk alone, please?
-Can we talk, please?
-I can't believe this.
I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.
Could we please talk?
I'll explain everything.
Could we please talk?
Honey?
What is wrong with you?
Get the hell out of my
house! Get out right now!
Andreas!
Andreas, open up!
-Go away.
-I want to talk to you!
-I don't! Go away!
-Open up! Right now!
Get out right now!
-Go ahead.
-I never meant to hurt you.
But you did it anyway.
It didn't mean anything.
Cut the crap.
Please, listen to me. Let me explain.
-I'm telling you the truth.
-How do I know that?
- Because I've never lied to you.
- It's not a good moment to say that.
It's true!
-How many times did it happen?
-Just once.
-You're lying.
-I swear! Just once!
-Why is he here, then?
-He came to talk to me.
Eleni, cut the crap or
this is going to get ugly!
Open up, damn it!
Andreas! Damn it!
Shall I remind you of Aggeliki?
What?
I said, shall I remind you of Aggeliki?
- What's that got to do with it?
- You said you were thinking of her.
Exactly. I told you about it.
Not exactly, you were lying to
me. You told me after I saw you two.
Nothing ever happened!
I just went out with her a few times.
-And that's okay?
-No, but it's not the same.
And I told you about it.
After I saw you two together!
-Where are you getting at?
-I listened to you!
I fought for us. I didn't just disappear!
-I'm here, aren't I?
-You are, but you aren't.
Aren't we talking?
Now we're talking, yes.
Finally.
- How many times have you seen him?
- Just once! Why won't you believe me?
Then why is he here, if
you've only seen him once?
Because he fell in love
with me. That's what he said.
-Why should I believe you?
-Because you have to.
-Because you say so?
-Yes, and I do the same for you.
Isn't this enough?
It is.
How does he know where we live?
He gave us a ride, don't you remember?
-What?
-When our car broke down.
-That was him?
-Yes.
Why didn't you say so?
Why should I? It meant nothing!
Listen to me! It meant nothing!
No, wait, stop!
No, let me go! Hold on a minute!
-Wait! Stop, damn it!
-Let me go!
Stop! Look at me! Please, don't leave.
-Why didn't you tell me?
-What did you want me to tell you?
-Why did you do it?
-I don't know, damn it.
-I was a mess that night.
-What night? Where was I?
- There's something I didn't tell you.
- Where was I that night?
Cut it out. Where was I then?
-Stop it!
-Where was I?
I feel so lonely.
Are you listening?
You're not listening.
-Why?
-Why should I?
-Why should I listen?
-Because that's how I feel.
Why?
I don't know.
I love you.
I think someone is listening.
-You think he's listening?
-Yes.
-You don't mind?
-No. Do you?
A bit.
Shall we ask if he's here?
I think he's here.
Ask him to come in.
-Ask him to come in.
-Shall I ask him?
-Does he want to?
-Yes.
Ask him, then.
-Go on, ask him.
-You ask him!
Takis?
Takis!
That's not his name.
What's his name?
What is it, love?
What is it?
What is it? What?
I don't know.
I don't know.
-What?
-I don't know.
It's okay.
It's okay, love.
It's okay.
It's okay.
I'm sorry.
- Can we eat some salad, at least?
- Just be patient, sweetie.
-Danae, are you hungry?
-No.
-Are you sure?
-Yes.
-I'm sorry.
-Don't worry about it.
-Can I eat some bread?
-Go ahead.
-Want some?
-No.
-I can serve you some salad.
-I'm okay.
-Are you sure?
-Yes.
Honey?
Yes!
I made it!
Hello!
-Hi.
-You're late.
I'm really sorry, it's hectic out there.
This is Danae.
-Hi, Danae.
-Nice to meet you.
You too. I'm Thomas.
My gift to you.
There's no way I was going to forget it.
We'll smash it instead of a pomegranate.
Yes.
I'm sorry, you shouldn't
have waited for me.
Please!
-Pour your dad some wine.
-Yes. Yes.
-How did you keep them from eating?
-Don't ask!
Poor Danae just kept quiet.
Happy New Year!
-Happy New Year.
-Cheers.
May this year be better than the last one.
Of course.
-Shall we begin?
-Yes, go on.
I'm really sorry, Danae.
-Want some?
-Yes.
It's madness outside.
We've been stuck for the last two hours.
All of us, cabs, cars,
everything was stuck.
Pedestrians, even!
It's been years since I
last saw such a storm.
- Especially in Alexandras Avenue.
- Did you get any fares?
Yeah, some. I did get some.
What's that you're wearing?
You didn't leave dressed like that.
Yes.
When I got out to buy onions,
that's when it started pouring.
And within two minutes I was soaking wet.
-Luckily, I had these old clothes.
-You look so dapper.
What was I supposed to do, Tasos?
Anyway.
You didn't get caught up
in the rain, Danae, I guess.
-No.
-No?
I live nearby.
- Right, you live in the neighborhood!
- Yeah, two streets down.
You two go to school together?
Are you in the same class?
-I am a year younger.
-You are an 11th grader, then?
And since you are an 11th grader, Danae
do you have any plans, any ideas, perhaps?
Do you have any dreams?
Do you want to go to college?
I'm thinking about studying psychology.
-She's thinking about it.
-Thinking is free.
- She can think whatever she wants.
- Of course, that's what I'm saying.
Not thinking is harder, probably.
But, anyway, let's leave it at that.
So, psychology?
-Psychology.
-She wants to get a master's.
Yes, I was thinking of going
abroad for post graduate studies.
-In which field?
-In Criminology.
Tasos, did you know
that your favorite writer
is a criminologist?
My favorite writer?
You used to have a favorite writer.
Who?
Do you remember that book?
He wouldn't stop talking about it.
Don't you remember your favorite book?
-Was it "Mister Triangle Fish"?
-Close, but no cigar.
- "Anastasis And The Bus Stop".
- "The Bus Stop And Anastasis"!
-You used to read it to me.
-Yeah.
Anyway, I got confused.
That's not what I wanted to say.
I don't want to bore you, but
we used to go on excursions.
And when you were little, you
used to pick up plants, insects.
I mean, doesn't agronomy
fascinate you at all?
Not at all!