Crimes and Misdemeanors Page #3

Thank you. But I'm workin'

on a thing of my own. A little film.

Yeah, Wendy told me. A film about some

philosophy professor, which is admirable.

But I'm offering you the chance to earn

decent money and reach a big audience.

The last thing you need

is for me to be your biographer.

I make these little films

on toxic waste and starving children...

Look, I'll be frank with you.

You're not my first choice.

I'm doing this for Wendy. She says

you haven't worked in a long time.

I've worked. It's just that

nobody's paying me.

Look, I know you don't respect what I do.

But I've got a closet full of Emmys.

OK, you think that's bullshit. Fine.

I understand.

I don't know. Maybe I could

use the money to finish my movie.

I do have some debts and things.

Idea for farce:

A poor loser agrees to do

the story of a great man's life

and in the process

comes to learn deep values.

- What are you doing in Boston?

- I'm lecturing at a symposium.

Incidentally, my name's Dolores.

- Hello, Dolores.

- Hello.

- Pretty name.

- Thank you very much.

- Do you go to Boston often?

- Not very often, no.

- I don't know anyone in Boston, actually.

- Really?

- Good morning.

- Hi. Miss Paley called. Said it was urgent.

Why did you phone me?

I told you I'd call you.

I couldn't help it.

I was going out of my skin.

I have to see you later. I have to.

OK.

After work is OK.

I see it.

Yeah. I see it.

Oh, God.

What?

I need to take a minute.

What's wrong, Judah?

I'm in such trouble, Ben.

What is it?

I need to talk to someone.

Sure.

We've known each other many years.

You're a religious man. OK, I'm not.

We've differed on many points,

but you're somebody I do respect.

- May I confide in you?

- Of course.

Go ahead. Everything's confidential.

I've done a foolish thing.

Senseless, vain, dumb.

Another woman.

Maybe I was flattered, vulnerable.

Maybe because she was

helpless and alone.

Now my life's about to go up in smoke.

- Can't you break it off?

- The woman won't allow it.

She's young. She's very unstable.

She's an hysteric.

And vindictive.

And it's my fault.

I instigated it. I prolonged it.

Many times I tried to back off

but I was too weak.

But I promised her nothing.

Or did I?

See, I don't even know any more.

In the heat of passion, you say things.

But, after two years of

shameful deceit in this double life,

I awakened as if from a dream

and realised what I'd be losing.

It's called wisdom.

It comes to some suddenly.

We realise the difference between

what's real and deep and lasting

versus the superficial

payoff of the moment.

You know, I kidded myself about

loving her but deep down I knew.

And knowing, I behaved selfishly.

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