Voila! Finally, the Safe
script is here for all you quotes spouting fans of the Julianne Moore movie
by Todd Haynes. This script is a transcript that was painstakingly
transcribed using the screenplay and/or viewings of Safe. I know, I know, I still need to get the cast names in there and I'll be eternally
tweaking it, so if you have any corrections, feel free to
drop me a line. You won't
hurt my feelings. Honest.
- Bless you.
- It's freezing in here.
- Look at that green thumb.
- I wish.
- How's your sinuses?
- Better.
Should be home by : .
Can you call the landscapers again
about the sod?
- They gotta get moving on that.
- I'll try them again.
Thanks, honey.
Maybe it's the couch.
Great!
We were thinking...
in here.
With the...
coming-out part...
along the wall?
- Sure.
- And I guess come in...
through there.
Not through there.
- Okay.
- Great. Thanks.
Push. Four more.
Three. Two.
Now reach up to the corner.
Nice. Good stretch, Bev.
Four more. Three. Two.
Sasha, here we go.
Let's smile, ladies!
I just eventually found
the whole -step thing...
was like just another
form of addiction.
That's exactly
what this book is saying.
It's about how to own
your own life.
What he's saying is,
we don't really own our own lives.
We're taught what to do and think,
but emotionally we're not in charge.
Yeah, but I think that
with the exercise...
and the diet and healthy foods...
I just think he's very good
at certain things.
- Really?
- Oh, yeah.
- Have you read him, Carol?
- No.
He's very good
on certain things:
Emotional maintenance...
stress management...
Carol, you do not sweat.
I hate you.
I know. It's true.
No! It's great.
- Did you forget?
- No. It's inside.
- I just...
- What?
Something happened.
Come in.
How old was he?
Five years older.
He was the oldest
of my mom's kids.
It...
wasn't...
That's what everyone keeps...
Not at all.
Because he wasn't married.
Right.
It's just so unreal.
- Did you see the den?
- At your party. It's gorgeous.
I'm suing the contractor.
Did I tell you?
You don't even want to know.
Fulvia!
I'm home!
Hi, Mother.
What? No.
I just walked in the door.
That's all right.
How's your back?
That's good.
It's not a bad time.
I just...
All right. That's fine.
He's fine.
They're fine.
I will.
I will, Mother.
I'll talk to you soon.
Good-bye.
Fulvia!
Any telefono
while I was gone?
Oh, my God.
Is this what they delivered?
We did not order black.
This is not what we ordered.
In Sherman Oaks, may I have the number
for Nelson's on Riverside?
I don't believe this.
Thank you.
May I have the delivery depar...
Thank you.
- Mom?
- What, Rory?
Soccer practice. Don't forget.
- I didn't forget last time.
- Whatever. I gotta go.
It was a mix-up.
Good-bye, honey.
Where is my book?
My telephone book?
I put it in the bottom shelf.
Because of the cabinet men.
I see. Thanks.
Fulvia, could I have some milk?
... to let a critically- illpatient die.You're also saying it's all rightto hasten that death.No. I disagree.Isn't Elizabeth Bouvier, by starvingherself, hastening her own death?No, you have todraw a distinction...between steps the doctor can taketo actively kill someone...
Thank you.
You okay, missus?
Isn't that a pretty thin lineyou're drawing?It's very thin,but it's very important.It's one thing to remove a machine...
a respirator or breathing tube.It's another thing to say, "This lifeisn't worth much, ; we'll help you die. "
I'm sorry.
They were in the back.
It's okay. Thanks.
- Oh, that purse is adorable.
- Thank you.
- How's your little girl?
- She's fine.
- She's so cute.
- Thank you.
- Good-bye.
- Good-bye.
No, we wanted teal.
We ordered teal,
but we received black.
But your original order
shows black.
That's impossible because
it doesn't go with anything we have.
All right.
All right, let me try
the Sherman Oaks store upstairs.
- I'll see what they have in stock.
- Thank you.
If I told you the end of the worldwas coming and you said to me...that you'd get on your knees and pray,I'd say you're in trouble.Because when I go to bed andpull those covers under my neck...I say, 'Jesus,I'll see you in the morning!"You do that very well.I was raisedin a fundamentalist church.I heard this all my life...
songs about being in God's army...
I think you'vechanged the subject.I see a presidentwho's embattled at the moment...and a president who's really...
based not on being close to him...but close to people in the presswho watch him carefully...
as being very painedright now...and certainly a manwho wants to make his mark.I've never heard he's so fundamentalistthat he believes the end is nigh.You and I see that one differently.Are you married to Marjoe?A movement to save the trees.Some say it goes deeperthan that.Today environmentalistsfrom all over the globe...are adopting a new, more holisticapproach to their studies...which they call "deep ecology. "Deep ecology goes beyond thetraditional scientific framework...to incorporate a greaterspiritual awareness of the planet.Or, as ecophilosopherParlum Grass puts it..."an understandingof the oneness of all life. ""I have a feeling we are enteringa new time, "Pearcel writes..."a period of a differentparadigm or model.Aperiod of learning to runwarm and cool, not hot and cold...toward viruses, cellsand one another..."
I started this fruit diet.
I've been so out of it
since my brother's funeral.
- You ever done one?
- No.
They're supposed to...
naturally cleanse the body
of all the toxins.
I should do it.
I'm so run down lately.
Really.
Yeah, I've just been
really busy.
We have this client dinner
coming up, so...
Right.
Maybe you should try it.
It'd be a lot of fun.
We could do it together.
Come on.
Why don't you just try it?
Do you know what you want?
I'll have the fruit salad
and the herbal iced tea.
And for you?
I'll have the same.
I got one.
This beautiful, shapely blonde
runs into the emergency room...
and when they ask her
what's wrong, she says...
"It's kind of embarrassing, but I was
using my vibrator and it got stuck.
I can't get it out."
So they admit her
and rush her to the operating room.
They get some specialist to perform
the surgery; it's a ten-hour ordeal.
Finally she wakes up
the next day...
and the specialist walks in and says,
"I got good news and bad news.
The bad news is,
we did everything we could...
we tried everything, but we just
couldn't get the darn thing out.
But the good news is...
we were able
to change the batteries."
Somebody doesn't seem
to like your jokes, Ted.
Excuse me. I don't...
Sorry.
I'm so sorry, Greg.
You're overexerted, I guess.
I've never...
Maybe the doctor can
give you something for it.
I really don't see anything
wrong with you, Carol.
I mean, outside of a slight rash
and some congestion.
I'll give you some ointment...
and some decongestant, but...
I don't know what else to do.
Are you... well, what?
I guess I'm just
a little stressed out lately...
and just tired from it.
Well, that's not uncommon.
Are you doing drugs?
I don't take drugs or drink.
I don't even...
like coffee very much.
I'm just a total "milkaholic,"
actually.
I mean, before the fruit thing.
Well, stop the fruit diet.
You need protein.
And while you're at it...
try staying off dairy.
Dairy's very hard on your digestion
and hard on your intestines.
I'll see you in a couple weeks.
You'll be fine.
Thanks.
"In the ' s there aremore gangs in Los Angeles...
plus many more stabbings
and shootings by AK- s...
Uzis and Mac- s...
killing numerous innocent people.
L.A. was the gang capital
of America.
Rapes, riots,
shooting innocent people...
slashing throats,
arms and legs being dissected...
were all common sights
in the black ghettos of L.A.
Today black and chicano gangs
are coming into the Valleys...
in mostly white areas
more and more.
That's why gangs in L.A.
Are a big American issue."
Good job, Rory.
- Why does it have to be so gory?
- Gory?
That's how it really is.
God.
- You want some coffee?
- I'd love some.
So, what did Hubbard
have to say?
He just said I should...
slow down a little,
you know...
stop the fruit diet,
eat less dairy.
That's what I said.
I knew that whole fruit thing
didn't make any sense.
But basically...
there's nothing to worry about...
aside from being
a little run-down.
That's good.
So...
Dad, how do you spell " Uzi"?
Just how it sounds.
U-Z-I.
- We doing a regular cut today?
- Yeah.
Actually I was thinking
of trying a perm for a change.
Perming it.
Liz didn't tell me
you scheduled a perm.
No, I didn't schedule one.
I just now thought of trying it.
Unless...
No, no, there's time, actually.
I had a cancellation.
You still want that manicure?
Sure. Thanks.
It's very cute on you.
Looks nice.
Oh, my God.
Paula, do you have a Kleenex?
Oh, my God.
So we meet him for lunch,
Cosford, Ted and I.
And who comes in
but this kid in shorts.
He looked like he was
aboutJonas' age.
Couldn't believe it.
Ted said I looked like
I'd seen a ghost.
I like what they did with your hair.
It's great. I like it.
I'm glad, honey.
Sexy.
How you feeling?
I still have this...
this head thing.
Oh, boy.
- Carol, what is going on here?
- Nothing.
Nobody has a fucking headache
every night of the fucking week.
- I must have a touch of something...
- I don't want to hear about it.
I'm sorry, I...
I know it's not normal, but...
I can't help it.
Good night.
- degrees in Hollywood.
- Traffic on KNX every six minutes.
- Here's John Engel.
- It's been a rough morning.You need patience on the Southlandfreeways, starting with that downpour.Had a lot of rain this morning.Hope you brought camping gear forthat Ventura westbound transition...to the Golden State southbound.Non- injury accidentin the left lane.You're stopped at Pacificall the way to Sherman Oaks.
I'm sorry, honey.
Me too.
It's okay.
It's okay.
It's all right.
Jesus, honey...
Take a deep breath and hold.
Release.
Again.
Release.
Again.
- Greg, how are you?
- Good. And you?
I'm okay.
Have a seat, guys.
Basically, Carol,
you are perfectly healthy.
If anything your condition has slightly
improved since your last visit.
This is just a suggestion...
but you might want
to consult someone.
And I know
a very good doctor...
who's more suited
to stress-related conditions...
which I think this is.
- A psychiatrist?
- Yeah.
- Everything all right, ma'am?
- What?
Yeah.
What are you doing, honey?
I couldn't sleep.
The air. The...
The smell.
Clap. Slow it down.
And bring the knee up.
Pull.
Keep those knees up.
Tummy in. Exhale.
Push it out.
Here we go.
And right. Push left.
Right.
Four more. Three.
Good. Scoop to the right.
Good. Keep that leg up there.
- Are you okay?
- Yeah, I just have to get somewhere.
Oh. I'll see you
at Barbara's Sunday?
- See you Sunday.
- Okay. Good-bye.
" Do you smell fumes?
Are you allergic
to the th century?
Do you have trouble breathing?
Are you always tired?"
Do you work?
Do you work?
No, I'm a house...
I'm a homemaker.
I'm working on some designs
for our house, though...
in my spare time.
You have one child.
My husband's little boy.
He's not my son.
He's my stepson.
Rory.
He's ten.
How long have you
been feeling... unwell?
About... two months.
Three.
I've been under
a lot of stress lately...
and then
my friend Linda and I...
She's probably my best friend.
She lives down the...
Anyway...
we started
this fruit diet together.
I think that
sort of set it off.
So...
- Are you uncomfortable?
- No. I...
I just thought...
I mean...
Aren't you supposed to
ask more questions?
Well... no.
We really need
to be hearing from you.
What's going on...
in you?
- That's so cute!
- Isn't it?
- That's so cute!
- Isn't it?
I love that little bunny.
I wonder what it could be.
A baby book!
Oh, that's beautiful!
You don't have one?
- I'm so glad.
- I love it. It's perfect.
If you need to take it back,
I won't be offended.
Oh, no, I really love it.
You should see my baby book.
It's this disgusting puke orange.
- That's very appetizing, Barbara.
- I'm serious.
My turn.
Linda, thank you.
I hope you like it.
That's so pretty.
Did you wrap that yourself?
Oh! Are you kidding?
I wish I were that creative.
I've seen you wrap things.
I can't even
draw a straight line.
- Oh, I love this!
- Do you?
- It's a mobile.
- It'll look great with her crib.
Hands up. Who wants decaf?
Herbal tea?
Real coffee?
- Barbara?
- Yeah, honey.
Where's your bathroom?
Off the entrance hall
to your right.
Mommy!
I heard you, Elyse! I don't know
what you should draw now!
Let Mommy have some grown-up time
with the other mommies.
Someone told me they heard
she was seeing a shrink.
I just thought you might have...
No. I didn't even know that...
- Is something wrong with Carol?
- No. You were just...
Because her skin looks...
Her hair looks cute but...
Elyse, your ice cream is melting
and Mommy is very busy!
- Did you get some?
- No.
- Do you want some?
- No.
Carol, this is yours.
You have to eat it immediately
because it's melting all over.
I shouldn't.
- What is that, honey?
- My coloring book.
Can I see?
She's gotten so big.
Barbara, this is delicious.
We haven't really talked lately.
How you doing?
Good.
I've just been a little...
- Look. It's you.
- Oh. Yeah.
Under the weather.
- Look, she's a princess.
- That's very good.
It's very realistic.
We're now opening the big present.
Please come in.
Okay. Here we come.
Elyse, let's go look
at the big present, okay?
- Want to sit on my lap?
- Yeah.
Look at this fancy wrapping.
You guys did too much.
- Come on, don't be polite.
- I'm trying.
A stroller!
That's exactly the one
I wanted!
The wheels are inside.
They go on really easily.
Even you can do it.
Mommy.
Carol? You all right?
- What's going on?
- I don't know.
Oh, my God.
Linda, what happened?
She can't breathe.
Eileen, call her house.
Someone should call her doctor.
- Jennifer, get some water, please.
- Just try to relax. Okay?
- Calm down.
- It's okay.
It's all going to be fine.
Just relax.
"My name is Carol White...and I livein Southern California.I saw your noticeat the health club near my house...and decided to write and tell youa little bit about myself.For some time nowI have not been feeling up to par...and was hoping your organizationmight be of some help.I'm originally from Texas...although I've livedin the L.A. area most of my life.I had asthma as a child...but it never got in the wayof school or recreation.I've always thought of myself ashaving a pretty normal upbringing...and as basicallya healthy person.But for the last several monthsthat has all started to change.Suddenly I find myselffeeling sick..."
Honey, I've been calling you.
I thought you were asleep.
Someone... Brenda called about trading
Thursday carpool for Saturday.
She said you'd know
what that was about.
She said she'd call you back.
I thought you were asleep
because you weren't...
What are you doing?
I was writing this...
I don't even know.
Oh, God, what is this?
What?
Where am I...
right now?
We're in our house.
Greg and Carol's house.
Who are you?You are of all agesand from all walks of life.But you find you all haveone thing in common: ;strange, never- ending ailments.Suddenly you can'tcook dinner anymore...because the smell of the gasfrom your stove makes you ill.Or if you take the freeway you feelas if you might choke on the fumes.Your family and friends tell youthat you're overreacting...that it's all in your head.But your symptoms worsen.Fatigue and depressionturn to migraines...blackouts, even seizures.Now, if this sounds familiar...you're not alone.What you most likely are...is one of a vastly growingnumber of people who suffer...from environmental illness.That means that,for reasons not yet known to us...certain people's natural tolerance toeveryday substances is breaking down...usually as a result ofsome kind of chemical exposure.Today there are chemicalsin everyday use...yet only ten percentare tested for human toxicity.
- "Are you allergic to the th century?"
- A disease caught from your environment.
Fulvia!
Greg?
Carol?
- You scared me.
- Sorry.
- No, I'm sorry.
- I just took Fulvia down.
- Did you just get home?
- Yeah.
- So, how did it go?
- What?
Your meeting this morning.
What was it about?
It was about getting sick on fumes
and bug sprays and stuff.
You mean, on...
pollution?
More about people who get sick from
chemicals, and what they do to you.
- Who told you to go to this?
- No, I just...
I saw a flyer at the health club.
So you think this is
what's made you...
why you've been sick?
Because of... bug spray?
No, I... I just...
I don't know why.
Okay, that's milk
at. of three.
Usually there's a trigger...
new carpeting,
new kitchen, new car...
somebody works around paint fumes
or strong fragrances.
Okay, no reaction.
- Please prepare...
- . of two.
Right.
Then one day it hits you.
Suddenly your body reacts to everything
around you like a Geiger counter...
food, air, everything.
- . of two, milk.
- Thank you.
What we're doing now is testing
about separate foods and molds...
to determine what your
neutralization doses will consist of.
And then they'll...
they'll stop it?
Uh, no. Arm, please.
Neutralization-provocation aids you
during your cleaning-up process...
but that's all it is: An aid.
This'll sting just a little bit.
Dr. Reynolds, call for you on .Dr. Reynolds, Eric Delaney on .
Okay, that's milk at. of two.
Excuse me.
You okay?
Eric, Dr. Reynolds.
What's up?
Right.
If your oasis and twice-a-week
injections don't simmer you down...
you know you have other sensitivities,
most likely molds or fungus.
Continue the rare fruit diet.
If you don't get better
have Dr. Baines check into...
an unresolved,
controlled Candida problem.
- Dr. Reynolds, she's reacting.
- I have to go.
Prepare a neutralizing dose
at. of three.
This will cease momentarily.
I apologize for any discomfort.
Be sure to record pulse rate change
following injection.
- . of three milligrams.
- Thank you.
Okay, we have palpitations
with deep distress...
in conjunction with
a racing pulse rate of .
There's flushing
and some wheezing.
Swelling in the mouth.
This is a big one, Carol.
Milk's a big one.
Have some water.
We can turn it on and off
like a switch.
We just don't know how
to make it go away.
The first thing you need to do
in order to clear...
The first thing you need to do
in order to clear...
is create an oasis
in which to live.
Your oasis
is your safe place.
Your toxic-free zone...
where your load
has been significantly reduced.
For some that can mean an airtight,
porcelain-lined enclosure...
something like a refrigerator.
For others, their safe room...
is just a stripped-down room
within their house...
that's conducive
to good ventilation...
or air control.
My name is Sarah Pinter.
I live near a fumigation company.
We're suing the company for
improper handling of their chemicals.
Great.
Thank you. Yes.
Would you stand, please?
My name is
Abigail Cartier-Rousseau.
My sensitivity originated
with fragrances.
I was employed for years.
I've been spending some time
at the retreat in Wrenwood...
so I'm doing much better.
Great. Terrific.
Thank you. And you, ma'am?
My name's Carol White.
This is my husband Greg.
We live in
the San Fernando Valley.
We're here for my wife,
who's been ill...
to learn more information
and hopefully gain from it as well.
I hope so too.
My doctor thinks I'm nuts.
He thinks the whole thing
is completely in my head.
That's what my husband
still thinks.
It is in your head.
It's in all our heads.
- What do you mean, Helen?
- It makes you crazy. She's right.
It ends up in your head because
it affects the neurological.
And it will make you depressed.
It really will.
How does a five-year-old
say it's psychosomatic?
How does he make his eyes
swell shut?
I mean, why would he want
to do that?
He can't go into Chunky Cheese anymore;
he can't go into show business.
Why would he do that
to himself?
It's true; you'll go into a building,
be walking along the hall...
You don't know when that monster
is going to jump out at you.
You're just going along the wall
like any normal person.
Right. With your mask and oxygen tank
and your bottled water.
At first I didn't understand
why citrus...
since I had tested negative
for citrus.
Then I remembered how the oranges
had rolled out of their plastic...
into the bag
with Greg's papers.
Newspapers... The ink...
- Really?
- Also... Yeah.
That and...
You know our beautiful new couch?
- Yeah.
- Totally toxic.
Really. Wow.
I know. So...
It's hard.
- I can't wear makeup anymore.
- God!
Burns my eyes. I get sick.
Well, I guess one good thing...
is how it's made you
so much more knowledgeable...
on food and chemicals
and everything.
That's true.
They know much more about it there,
the people who go through this.
I mean...
So much of it, too, is that
we were raised in a chemical place.
When you go into a grocery store...
and you grab a chemical without
reading, without investigating...
Sorry.
But, anyway, it's made me...
more aware than I used to be.
- You know what I mean?
- Yeah.
Next up, the load.What is it, why is it...and what can be doneto improve it?First, what is your total load?Well, in the chemical- laden worldin which we live...impurities are all around.Everyone must deal with a certainamount of impurities and toxins...at any given time,and that's your load.It's the maximum amountof toxins...your body can tolerate...which, for most people,is rather large.But a chemically sensitive personis not able to carry a normal load.What we have to do is unload.This means we go back to zero...and starting from scratch,substance by substance...we build the load back up.Remember,the goal is to get clear.And so the safestand quickest way to clear...is to fast.Fasting can last up to five days,depending on the individual...and is usually followedby the rotation diet...or the rare foods diet...both of which help protectthe system...while reintroducing foodsback into it.Whatever diet you choose...be sure to omit mold antigencontaining foods...like bread, cheese, alcohol...ketchup, vinegar, mayonnaise...mustard, coffee or chocolate.Molds are very hardon the immune system...whether you're environmentally illor not.Throughout your unloading process...be sure to have adjustedyour living conditions accordingly.Safe bodies need safe environmentsin which to live...and there are healthy alternativesthat exist...forjust about every toxic product...gas or ventilation systemout there.But it's up to youto find them.
I'm sorry.
We're spraying right now.
Oh, my God!
Carol, you're doing fine.
Hang in there.
You need to concentrate.
Keep your head to the side, Carol.
Keep with us, Carol.
Keep your head to the side.
No unusual foods, no medication.
- Emotional strain?
- No.
Can you think of anything else
that might be causing it?
What you're saying, Carol,
is that this is based...
solely on the pesticide
and nothing else.
I have a chemical impairment...
I realize that, but it's not
turning up on the tests.
Please don't do that!
Nurse, don't spray that here.
Thanks.
Look, Carol,
from a medical standpoint...
there's no way to prove this thing
is an immune system breakdown...
much less one based
on environmental factors.
Now, if your psychiatrist
can't provide...
Think, honey.
What gave you the bloody lip?
What would cause you
to actually bleed?
I don't know.
The chemicals.
Well, things just startedtumbling down on top of me.It is a real problem.More people are becoming aware.More and more peopleare becoming sick from chemicals.Nestled in the foothillsof Albuquerque...the Wrenwood Centerdescribes itself...as a nonprofit,communal settlement...dedicated to the healing individual.Offering the services of a healthretreat and community center...
- Wrenwood consists of residents...
- Greg?
- visitors and staff who suffer...
- Greg!
- from chemical sensitivity...
- Listen. This thing's on.
Including its founder,author Peter Dunning.Environmental illness is one ofa cluster of new immune disorders...such as Epstein- Barr syndrome,chronic fatigue syndrome...and, of course, AIDS...which continue to eludeconventional medicine.At Wrenwood,we offer an alternative.I like to think of usas a safe haven for troubled times.We're the most extensive cooperativetreatment residency of our kind.
- What makes us really unique...
- I think I...
is our emphasis on the individual.
I heard about this place
from somewhere.
... warning usof a disease- ridden future?If so, the Wrenwood Centeris certainly ahead of its time.People comefor all different reasons.The thing we all have in commonis why.Why did we all get sickto begin with?
What is it called?
Wrenwood.
It's right in here.
Stop!
Stop!
Not allowed!
Go back!
- Not allowed!
- What's she going on about?
Wait. You better stop.
Stop!
Go back!
You're contaminating
this entire area!
How much do I owe you?
I see you.
Excuse me!
- Excuse me. Are you Carol?
- Yes.
Hi. I'm Susan.
I work with Claire.
- We've spoken on the phone.
- Hi.
We're so glad you made it.
I heard Nell making a ruckus.
I thought it was your car.
- I hope she wasn't too...
- Oh, no.
She's been having a rough time.
Her husband's very sick.
She's just...
That's okay.
Well, let me help you
with your things.
I'll take this one.
Thanks.
This is a chemical-free zone.
We have reading boxes...
safe TV...
and there's a phone
in case of medical emergency.
Right.
We're sorry your husband
wasn't able to join you.
I know. He's in the middle
of all this business.
They should be here soon, though.
He and our son.
- I should call them, actually.
- Sure.
- There's a phone inside the center.
- Great.
We acquired the center in .
We've been battling to keep it
ever since.
Basically this...
is where all group convening...
takes place.
We have all our workshops...
and our evening talks...
that sort of thing here.
The dining room
is right across the way.
- The other side of the street.
- Oh, hi!
You must be Carol.
Carol, this is Claire,
our director.
Hi. Welcome to Wrenwood.
How was your trip?
You're just wiped out.
There's nothing more debilitating
than travel.
Claire was hypersensitive
when she first came to Wrenwood.
Now I'm just semi-hypersensitive
like the rest of the world.
I'm a little... from the flight.
I know. We'll get you checked in
and take you to your cabin.
Then you can flop or whatever
until dinner.
But I know that there are...
quite a few people
anxious to meet you.
Thank you.
If you want to leave your bags here
and use the pay phones...
they are just beyond the chapel.
The little auditorium to the right.
Okay.
Thank you.
Hello?
- Hi. It's me.
- Hi. Are you there?
- Yeah, I'm here.
- Great!
- Is it nice?
- Yeah.
- That's great, honey.
- Yeah.
You know, we'll see.
Did you forget anything?
No, I just thought I'd call,tell you I was here.
I'm glad you caught me.
We were about to eat.
Oh, go ahead.
- I'm sorry.
- No, I'm glad.I'm glad it's nice there.That's great.Look, you just relax...
and take care of yourself,
get well quick...
and we'll come see you
in a couple of weeks.
Soon as I reach deadline on this.
Okay, babe?
Okay.
- Love you.
- I love you too, honey.
- Say hi to Rory.
- I will.
And we'll talk again real soon.
- Okay?
- Okay.
- Bye-bye, sweetie.
- Bye.
Night.
I want to welcome all newcomers...
all short- And long-term visitors...
all short- And long-term visitors...
and extend our warmest support...
for the acceleration
of your healing process.
So that you can relax and receive
the full benefit of your stay...
we ask that you observe community
wishes in the following ways:
Silent meals are observed
at breakfast and lunch...
with a side of the room for men
and a side of the room for women.
We ask you to refrain from smoking,
drinking and use of drugs...
while on the premises.
We ask that you respect our practice
of moderation in dress...
and restraint in sexual interaction.
Instead, we ask that you try...
to focus these feelings inward...
toward your personal growth
and self-realization.
End of speech.
Welcome, everybody.
Especially our long-termers,
Carol and Ward.
Now, with no further ado...
I give you our own Peter Dunning.
- You like this shirt?
- Are you familiar with his books?
- I don't think so.
- They're so wonderful.
I'll lend you some.
Peter is a chemically sensitive
person with Al DS.
His perspective is incredibly vast.
- My deepest welcome to Carol and Wade.
- Ward!
Ward.
Welcome to Wrenwood.
If you'd all close your eyes...
and pass your valuables
to the front.
No, no. Come on!
Not really. Okay.
We're feeling good, huh?
We're feeling warmth.
We can look
into each other's eyes...
and actually see rejuvenation...
and personal transformation
happening.
Why?
Because we've left
the judgmental behind.
And with it...
the shaming condition that kept us
locked up in all the pain.
But what I want to share
with you tonight...
what I want to give you tonight...
is an image to reflect on.
An image of a world outside...
as positive...
and as free...
as the world we've created here.
Because when you look out
on the world...
from a place of love...
and a place of forgiveness...
what you are seeing outside...
is a reflection
of what you feel within.
Does that make sense?
What do I see outside me?
I see the growth
of environmentalism.
Right?
And holistic study.
I see a decline
in drugs and promiscuity.
I see sensitivity training
in the work place!
And the men's movement.
And multiculturalism.
I see all these positive things
outside in the world...
because what I'm seeing
is a global transformation...
identical to the transformation...
I revel at within.
And with that...
we are one with the power
that created us.
We are safe...
and all is well in our world.
Kind friends, all gathered 'roundThere's something I would sayThat what brings us together hereHas blessed us all todayLove has made a circleThat holds us all insideWhere strangers are as familyAnd loneliness can't hideSo give yourself to loveIf love is what you're afterOpen up your hearts toThe tears and laughter andGive yourself to loveGive yourself to love
Carol?
I'm sorry.
Are you having a reaction?
No, I'm fine.
It's okay.
Just breathe.
That's right.
Good.
That's good. You're okay.
Oh, Carol.
You know something?
All these feelings you're having...
are just fine.
They're so natural.
I mean, you've just done
something so big.
You know, something...
many people never do
in their lifetime.
You've taken this big step...
on your own behalf.
You've left behind...
everything that's known and secure...
and all the people
you love and trust.
And you've come
to this strange new place...
with strange new people.
It's completely understandable...
that you might feel lonely...
or fearful or even angry.
You know...
when I first came here,
I couldn't even walk.
I'd been living six miles
from this chemical factory...
this was in Michigan...
that was leaking...
gallons of chemical by-products
every day.
When I got here, all I could do
was sit in my safe room...
and every day...
every hour of every day...
I would look at myself
in the mirror...
and I would say to myself...
"Claire...
I love you.
I really love you."
At the end of the month,
I could leave my room...
and shortly thereafter...
I was walking.
For me...
this whole thing was a gift...
because everything
got taken away from me.
I mean...
everything in the material world.
And what was left...
was me.
Thank you, Claire.
Are you better?
You'll do fine.
Sweet dreams.
- Good night.
- Good night.
Forever and everYou're right where I found...
Sweet love showing us...
Never seen such a beautiful...
"Dear Greg and Rory...How are you guys?I hope everything is going good.I really miss you.I'm feeling better so I decidedto stay the full amount.At firstit was hard to get used to.But now I really thinkit's starting to help.I've been so much more relaxedand eating healthfully.And the desert landscapeis really beautiful here.I can't wait until the thto show you around...and introduce you to everyone.Give my love to Sallyand your mother and Linda.Be sure and help your dad, Rory.Love and kisses, Carol. "
Is that Lester you're watching?
Sorry.
I didn't mean to startle you.
It's fine.
I was just watching him go by.
Why does he...
Lester is just...
very, very afraid.
Afraid to eat,
afraid to breathe.
Let's talk about you.
I heard you weren't feeling well.
It was just a little...
shortness of breath
and some dizziness.
I noticed the highway near here.
I wondered if my cabin room...
was a little downwind
or something.
I thought that
if I tried another cabin...
Claire is the best person
to speak to about that.
- Claire is?
- She's really the one.
I remember Claire sharing with me...
some concern over you.
That you'd been feeling
some remorse.
Maybe some apprehension.
- I was just...
- All I'm saying...
is that these feelings you're having
are extremely common.
Especially in relation
to new environments.
Especially for someone
who is environmentally ill, okay?
What we're about
is trying to help absorb...
as many of these tensions
as we can...
so you're free to do
the kind of healing...
that you need to be doing.
Does that make any sense?
Because when that's accomplished,
I'm doing my job.
No, I know.
I'm just still learning...
you know, the words.
The words are...
just a way
to get to what's true.
- Right? See the coyote?
- Where?
" Duty Sign-Up
Sundays Sharing Meal"
- Is that all right?
- Sure.
I need a partner.
Great.
- We have to decide what to cook.
- Right.
All right, well...
I'll think about what to cook.
Me too.
Bye.
She had all these different...
candies and stuff...
she'd keep in there.
She used to let me open the clasp
and look inside the purse...
and close the clasp.
I'll never forget that purse.
Okay.
Now speaker number two...
describe to your friend...
a room you remember having
as a child.
God, this is...
I guess this one I had was...
had...
yellow wallpaper.
And...
- Oh, my God.
- Who's that?
- I think it's Nell's husband.
- That looks like Nell's husband.
Today...
is another precious day on earth.
So let's throw away...
every negative...
destructive thought
we might have...
and look around ourselves
with love.
I tried to teach him this.
To give up the rage.
To strive for a quiet mind.
My concern is it sounds
like a spiraling down.
If you're feeling more sensitive
to the fumes that way...
you shouldn't really be outside.
The problem is there aren't
any center accommodations...
available right now
except for cabins and dormitories.
Oh, I'm fine, really.
Oh, except for Harry's.
Harry's?
Mr. Keene... Nell's husband...
built a safe house.
It's right next to recycling.
That little white igloo.
He lived in that?
Oh, yeah.
After his stroke, he needed
a more controllable space.
So she stayed in the cabin
and he lived in the safe house.
He actually improved.
It's ventilated
and porcelain-lined...
and he was perfectly safe...
as long as no one
set foot inside.
I don't know what
she's planning to do with it.
Ladies and gentlemen, I have
a confession I'd like to make.
I've stopped reading the papers.
I've stopped watching
the news on TV.
I've heard
the media gloom and doom...
and I've seen their fatalistic,
negative attitude...
and I finally realized,
I don't need it.
And so I transform
that negative stimulus...
into something
that will not do harm to me.
Because if I really believe
that life is...
that devastating,
that destructive...
I'm afraid that my immune system
will believe it too.
And I can't afford
to take that risk.
Neither can you.
We are one...
with the power that created us.
We are safe...
and all is well in our world.
My brother called
and Darlene had another girl.
Ohh. I'll call them tonight.
And Linda called...
and said to hurry up and clear
or clean or whatever it is...
Clear.
And come on home.
That's sweet.
So you really feel like it's...
still the right choice?
Yeah, I...
I do. I mean...
right before the fumes,
I was good.
My load was up.
I was eating well. So...
What did they say about the fumes?
Just that I'd probably move
to a different cabin somewhere.
- Uh-huh.
- Where I won't feel them.
Right.
Okay.
I just think it's true
what they say.
That it's up to the individual...
and that it takes time.
Right.
- Whose house is that?
- That's Peter's.
- It's gorgeous, isn't it?
- Yeah.
- Feel like moving?
- No.
Her husband just passed away.
Come on, Rory.
Now!
Steve...
why did you become sick?
Well, I became sick...
because I just O.D.'d
on all the drugs I was doing.
Uh-huh.
Why did you become addicted?
Well, I guess I became addicted...
to, like, blot out the pain...
of not liking myself.
Of hating myself, really.
Self-hatred.
Okay. Thanks, Steve.
- Hello, Joyce.
- Hi.
- How are you?
- I'm okay.
Joyce, what do you think
was behind your illness?
Why did you become sick?
I believe that I made myself sick...
after my son got sick...
because I was just...
You get so eaten up with guilt,
really.
Because I felt
that I had done it to him.
I was the one who put him
in that school.
I put him in that environment.
You were punishing yourself.
Yeah.
Thanks.
Marilyn?
I was...
deeply wounded...
as a child...
and had completely blocked it out...
for years.
And then suddenly became very ill.
Why, do you think?
Maybe to let myself know
something was wrong.
Okay.
And...
the person who hurt you the most...
Was me.
For...
Not forgiving him.
Okay.
Thank you, Marilyn.
Carol.
Would you like to respond?
Okay, okay.
We don't want to force anyone.
Nell?
What?
Would you like to take part?
What is the question?
The question is...
why did you become sick?
First, I got sick,
and my husband thought I was crazy.
And then he got sick
the same way.
What was happening in your life
around the time you first...
How were you feeling
when you first got sick?
I just wanted to get a gun...
and blow off the heads
of everyone who got me like this.
Nobody out there made you sick.
You know that.
The only person who can make you
get sick is you, right?
Whatever the sickness,
if our immune system is damaged...
it's because
we have allowed it to be...
through exactly the kind of anger
you're showing us now.
Does that make sense?
Does anybody have a problem
with that?
Which is why you need to remember
your affirmations...
and figure out how to love Nell
a lot more.
And even Nell's disease.
And put that gun of yours away.
Sometimes...
Sometimes all I see
is the hatred and frailty...
people's cruelty to one another...
cruelty to themselves.
And I realize...
how lucky I am.
How blessed.
- Is that everything?
- I think so.
- Rory, be careful. It's real heavy.
- I have it.
Don't talk to your mother
in that tone.
Fine.
- What time's your flight?
- : .
Rory, make sure all our stuff s
in the car and we're ready to go.
- Want me to get that?
- I got it.
Whoa. Watch it.
All right?
I think it might be your cologne.
Honey, I'm not wearing any cologne.
Maybe in the shirt.
I don't know.
We better get moving
if we're gonna catch the plane.
You're going to be okay?
I'm fine.
It's just for a short time.
- I know.
- I'll be fine.
- Can I hug you?
- Of course.
This other guy didn't know anything
was wrong with him either...
except that whenever
he would go into a mall...
he would get totally depressed...
start crying really hard...
and contemplating suicide.
Then he would step outside
and he would be fine...
totally normal.
This would happen to him
every single time.
- God.
- Yeah.
- You know what they called him?
- What?
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Formaldehyde.
God.
- I'm so gullible.
- No, I'm serious.
This really happened.
I always forget
if it's pasta, cheese, sauce...
cheese, pasta...
or pasta, sauce, cheese...
pasta, cheese, sauce.
I think it's pasta...
pasta, pasta, pasta, cheese...
- Stop it!
- Pasta, sauce.
Suddenly, all I see...
all over my hands and legs are...
black, horrible sores,
all over me.
Oozing.
At first I'm horrified...
and I'm full of self-pity and anger.
I'm enraged until I realize...
Suddenly I look down again
and realize...
that they aren't sores at all...
but these...
wilted black pansies that
I used to pick when I was a child.
So in my dream, I remember that.
As I pick up each wilted flower...
they just instantly bloom...
into beautiful bouquets.
- Every single one.
- Ending in rejoice.
- That's remarkable.
- Extraordinary.
Incredible lasagna, guys.
- Yeah.
- Great dinner, both of you.
And, you know, it almost tasted
like the real thing.
To Carol and Chris.
Sweet love showing usa heavenly lightI never seensuch a beautiful sightSweet love flowing on usevery nightI know foreverwe'll be doing it
Sorry, sorry.
Um, I've got a little announcement
to make.
Since it's almost tomorrow...
and tomorrow happens to be...
Carol's birthday...
we have a little surprise
for her.
For she's a jolly good fellowFor she's a jolly good fellowAnd so say all of us
Speech!
- Speech!
- Happy birthday, Carol.
- No!
- Happy birthday, sweetie.
- Say something.
- I've never made a speech.
I want to thank Chris
for doing this...
and everybody here so much.
It just pulled me through
a really hard period.
Anyway, I couldn't have done it
without you.
I don't know what I'm saying.
I really hated myself
before I came here...
so I'm trying to see myself...
hopefully, more as I am.
More...
More positive,
like seeing the pluses.
I think it's slowly opening up now.
People's minds, like...
educating and, and...
Al DS and...
and other types of diseases...
because, because...
It is a disease
because it's out there...
and we just have to be
more aware of it.
We have to make people aware of it...
and, um, even ourselves...
like, uh, going...
reading labels
and going into buildings.
To Carol.
Thank you, Chris.
For everything.
Are you sure you're all right?
I'm fine, really.
Happy birthday
Thanks.
- See you tomorrow.
- For sure.
- Good night.
- Night.
I love you.
I really love you.
I love you.