American Trash (2024)

[bunniefuu]

(soft dramatic music)

Is it that you recall

Being in harmony

Is there someone in you

(dramatic music continues)

Melissa?

(dramatic music)

Well, when company comes,

you always stick the dirt in the back.

If you're outside and you

live a life on the outside,

outside world programs people

into education and knowledge.

The mind that you live in,

the thought that you live in,

the inside unprogrammed people

to wisdom and understanding.

His eyes reach in the conscious

mind, in the foreground.

He's lost sight of his children.

He doesn't see in the back.

He doesn't see in the shadows.

He doesn't see on the roadside.

He doesn't see in the back of the cells.

He doesn't see in the

yard, in the penitentiary.

(people grunting)

He doesn't see the bottom,

the bottom of the world.

People in here are just your reflection.

They're your mistakes.

They weren't born rebelling.

They weren't born with anger

and frustration that they have.

That had to be put on them by somebody.

Somebody created them.

Aren't we all born to die?

(dramatic music)

(birds chirping)

(wind rustling)

[Charlie] It is like

a guy come up to me once

and he was freaking out

on acid and he said,

"Oh, man, I'm going crazy.

He said, everything is all f*cked up, man.

The world is all miserable."

And I said, "No, it ain't, brother."

"Man," I said, "Everything's all right.

Everything's in harmony, man."

I said, "Everything's perfect."

I said, "Can't you see perfection?"

Look at it in yourself.

He said it is, I said yeah.

I said, "It's a nice day, man.

Look, the sun's out and

everybody's having a good day."

I said, "It's a wonderful day."

I said, "Can't you appreciate that?"

And he said, "Sure."

I said, "Well, then relax your mind, man.

Get all that negative vibration out of you

and go on down the road

and have a good day, man."

So he came back two or three

hours later and he said,

"I k*lled somebody."

I know who that is.

Do you?

Yeah.

And that's the Berkeley interview,

February 25th, 1985.

Wow, you do know.

It's kind of bizarre that you

know that, don't you think?

Yeah, but I'm not the one

carrying the tape recorder.

But for what it's worth, I

think that was probably the most

truthful interview he's ever given.

It was brilliant.

And no media bullshit.

So you just come here and pick up trash?

Well, the ranch is gone.

They burnt it down years ago.

This cave is all that's left.

Most people see it as some

evil relic from the past,

but to me, it's sacred.

So I look after it.

(soft dramatic music)

I think he'd really appreciate

what you're doing here.

(dramatic music continues)

I know I do.

- I'm Milles.

- Melissa.

That's a nice bracelet

that you have there.

(soft dramatic music)

Let me help you.

I don't wanna break it.

You're welcome.

There you go.

Thank you.

You're so sweet.

It's like a little cell phone thing.

Oh, my God, let's k*ll it.

k*ll it.

k*ll all the cell phones.

(soft dramatic music)

(dramatic music continues)

(helicopter whirring)

(dramatic music)

[Charlie] And then

when I got out of prison,

I went out in the mountains

and I looked around

and I sat down and I seen

the water all polluted.

I've seen the trees being cut down.

I've seen this concrete

maze that man has made,

and it's like I had

come from another place

that's not the same as the place

that you guys or that world lives in.

And I thought, "Well,

who's responsible for this?"

Whose job is this to make sure

that we got air here to breathe,

because I'm gonna run

out of air here, man,

"or this whole planet's

gonna run out of air."

And I say, "Man, the life

they're k*lling is mine."

And then I go out and they're cutting

the big old tree down.

And I say, "Oh, I feel that.

I feel what are you're doing."

You're cutting me down here.

So I tell them, "Don't cut

me down or I'll sh**t you.

If you keep cutting the trees

down, I'm gonna cut you down."

And he said, "Well, look,

I got a wife and kids

and I need the money.

I have two jobs and I

don't know anything else."

And I said, "Well, I can't blame you.

Who's your boss?"

Seriously, the Charlie

Manson that you've created,

that's not me.

That's only an illusion in your minds.

"It hasn't got anything to do with me."

(soft gentle music)

(engine revving in background)

(soft music continues)

What are you thinking about?

Sometimes, I stare at the ocean.

I can feel how vast it is.

Like it's enveloping me.

Mm.

And I forget where I am.

Where do you think you are?

I try not to think

about that one, Melissa.

I do.

I can't help it.

I've always felt this way until recently.

What way?

This weight, pressing

down on me my entire life,

pushing me closer to the ground,

having to constantly fight to stand up

and look at a world that can

be so beautiful one minute,

terrifying the next.

Everything we've been taught

about our existence is a lie.

But the day I looked in

the mirror and I realized

what was staring back at

me was just an illusion,

I felt this freedom connected me to life

beyond this physical body,

and that I could exist in

other worlds without limits.

I want so much for you

to know that freedom too.

Knowing you is that freedom.

(dramatic music)

(birds chirping)

(dramatic music continues)

Hey guys, how's it going? (Chuckles)

It's said you're a young girl

And you don't know right from wrong

It's said by people

Who cannot sing your song

You let them watch the magic

But remain within yourself strong

(faint music playing in background)

Oh sh*t.

(faint music playing in background)

Hey, babe.

Hey, babe.

What time is it?

It's 10:00.

Oh, sh*t, okay.

Yeah.

Oh, look at you.

Oh, sh*t.

You see anything you like?

- Yes.

- Yeah.

Oh, I do see something I like.

- Always.

- You gonna see

Tai again today?

Um, yeah.

I'm really glad you're

comfortable with him.

Me too.

Don't tell him I said those.

(Melissa chuckles)

I got a man crush.

I feel like we'd be

kind of become friends.

I knew you'd like him.

Yeah, you're right.

Yeah.

You know, some of these

physical therapists, I feel like

they lose interest in their

clients after a while.

You know, it's like they

don't take the time,

just the money.

There's so many people like that.

I don't get why they choose

jobs that help people

when they don't really give a f*ck

about the people they're treating.

It's just sad.

Yeah.

Greed, greed.

- Yeah.

It's really sad that

money is the only thing

that motivates them.

You know what's cool though?

- What?

- Tai likes to hike.

[Melissa] I know, see? (Chuckles)

And there's a couple of

trails up in Topanga Canyon.

- Oh.

- Oh, yeah.

[Melissa] Baby, that's great.

We're gonna plan a hike soon.

- Yes.

- Yes.

- I'm so happy, babe.

- Me too.

Well, my love, I better

take off before I'm late.

Okay.

Hey, remember that

restaurant in Hollywood?

I think it was The Key.

- Yes.

- Right?

Yeah, I knew that'd get your attention.

Let me take you there tonight.

- Okay.

- Yeah?

- Yeah.

- Cool.

Let's do that.

I'll meet you here after work.

We can grab an Uber.

Well, you know what?

I'll just take the bus.

I'll meet you there like around seven.

- Okay.

- Is that cool?

All right, well, I'll

see you then, babe.

Give me a kiss.

Be safe, okay?

- I will.

- I love you.

- Love you too.

Your appointment's at 11:00.

(Milles chuckles)

(sighs) Thank you God for Melissa.

(soft dramatic music)

(loud thudding)

- f*cking sh*t!

f*ck, f*ck, f*ck.

(dramatic music continues)

f*ck you, man, just f*cking do this.

f*cking face.

f*cking c**t.

f*cking God.

(suspenseful music)

(car engine starting)

(suspenseful music continues)

f*ck, f*ck.

(suspenseful music)

(suspenseful music continues)

(suspenseful music continues)

How are you?

You know what?

I actually woke up

feeling well rested today.

Well, that's good.

Let's get you comfortable.

So you're sleeping better?

Oh.

Woo.

Yeah, I think so.

I feel like Melissa's influence

has something to do with it.

I wake up to this whisper

that is her voice,

and there she is, just sitting next to me.

I don't know.

It's called love, brother.

And I'm pretty sure

she feels the same way.

Don't tell her I said that.

Deal.

(suspenseful music)

Tell me about the nightmare

since our last session.

Occasionally.

But it's not like it used to be.

I can pull myself out now.

It's like being awake in a dream,

knowing you're dreaming.

So it's not as scary.

Before, it used to feel so real, you know?

Like I was dying or in hell

and all these dead people.

I'm sorry, man.

I know that's some heavy sh*t.

- No.

I'm here to help you, I'm

not here to judge you.

Thanks, Tai, I appreciate that.

Can I get you to lay down?

Let's put this under here.

Oh.

Do that, yeah.

So when I apply gentle pressure right here

to the base of your skull, what I'm doing

is I'm releasing cerebral spinal fluid.

Sometimes, it gets blocked due to like

physical or emotional trauma.

Okay.

In other words, I'm

treating you for PTSD.

Oh, okay, I know what that is.

(suspenseful music)

Take it.

Just take it.

(Melissa screaming)

(Melissa sobbing)

Save me, someone!

Tai, you okay?

(Melissa screaming)

Did you say you saw

Melissa this morning?

Yeah.

I was with her man.

I'm staying with her now.

(man grunting)

Where's she at?

She's at work.

(soft dramatic music)

(phone ringing)

[Jared] Hello, Cabin Creek Crystal.

Yeah, hi, is this Jared?

- Speaking.

- Yeah, hi, Jared.

This is Milles, Melissa's boyfriend.

Can you please put her on the phone?

I really need to talk

to her, it's important.

[Jared] Oh, man, hey.

I am so glad you called.

She was supposed to open this morning,

and I got a call that no one showed up.

Is everything okay?

Do you know where she is?

No, I don't know where she

is. I'll call her cell, thanks.

(phone ringing)

[Melissa] Hey, it's Melissa.

Leave a message, please.

Yeah, hi baby, it's me.

Can you please call me?

I just called your job and

they said you're not there.

I'm worried.

Call me as soon as you

get this message, okay?

I love you.

Bye.

Hey, I'm Milles, Melissa's boyfriend.

Are you Jared?

- Yeah, Milles.

I called you earlier, you remember?

Melissa didn't come in this morning.

Something wrong?

Is she missing?

- Yeah.

Yeah, we think so.

Everything okay, dad?

Everything's fine, sweetheart.

This is Milles, Melissa's boyfriend.

Hi Milles, I'm Mary.

Hey, Mary.

We've been worried too.

It's not like her to be late

or not show up for no reason.

She always calls if there's a problem.

Sorry, we couldn't be more help.

Wait a minute, have you tried calling

Melissa's sister, Mandy?

I've never even met Mandy.

I don't think Melissa and

Mandy speak too often.

I'll tell you what, if you don't mind,

leave me your phone number,

and I'll try to reach her.

- Sure.

Thanks, Jared.

I'm sorry about this one.

It's okay, man.

No problem, no worries.

If you hear from her, let me know.

- I will.

- Okay.

Listen, I'm gonna head

back to the apartment.

Maybe she should have got sick

or something and went home.

Okay, alright.

Hey, you need a ride?

- No, I'm gonna walk.

It's not that far, the traffic's

just gonna slow me down.

Okay, well, what about your bike?

I chained my bike to your fence, man.

If they steal, they steal.

I don't care, I just gotta go, okay?

- Milles.

- I'll be okay.

(suspenseful music)

(children laughing)

Melissa.

(dramatic music)

Melissa.

(soft dramatic music)

(dramatic music continues)

(suspenseful music)

(suspenseful music continues)

(Milles gasps)

(dramatic music)

Your dress book.

Okay.

(suspenseful music)

Come on, pick up, man.

Pick up, Jared, pick up.

Somebody pick up their phone, please.

Jared, this is-

Jared, can you hear me?

I don't need a text message.

I need a human being to talk to me.

Where's my f*cking girlfriend?

I can't do it.

I can't f*ck this in.

I can't do it, man.

No, no, no, no, no, listen to me.

(stuttering) I'm her boyfriend.

(Milles screaming)

It's combat, bro.

It's combat, it's combat.

It's combat.

[Mandy] Hi, Milles.

This is Mandy, I'm Melissa's sister.

Jared gave me your number, but

you and I, we've never met.

But I know who you are.

Melissa's told me about you.

I'm gonna text you an address.

Can you please just meet me there?

Like just like as soon as you can.

Okay?

(suspenseful music)

I am sorry, this is really hard.

I know.

I do know.

I understand.

I'm right here.

(dramatic music)

(Mandy gasps and sobs)

No!

That's her. (Sobbing)

It's okay, it's okay.

It's okay, it's okay.

Okay?

You're okay, you're okay, okay?

I'm Detective Kelly.

I really need this.

What is your relationship to the deceased?

She's my sister.

And you are Mandy Maddox, correct?

Yes.

Thank you.

Thanks.

Here are your sister's possessions.

They were discovered on

the body at the site.

(Mandy sobbing)

Can someone please just tell me

what happened to my sister?

We have a statement from a woman

who discovered your sister,

but it was after the fact.

And we don't have any witnesses yet

to help us determine the cause,

although there's an ongoing

investigation in the area

to see if anyone saw your sister prior.

Prior to what?

What did they do to her?

She was abducted.

We have an anonymous witness

who's come forward and

said they saw a young woman

fitting the description of your sister

being carried into a van.

Where?

On the corner of Speedway

and South Venice Boulevard.

That's it?

For now.

We have to perform an

official autopsy to be certain,

but from what I've observed

in my initial examination

is that your sister

experienced severe head trauma,

more than likely from a blunt object.

And there's some indication

at the base of her neck.

Miss Maddox, I'm sorry, but

I also should inform you

that there was some signs of r*pe.

(dramatic music)

(dramatic music continues)

(soft dramatic music)

I'm gonna need a name if

you're here for the service.

Milles Carpis.

(soft dramatic music)

Are you Alvin and Kathleen Maddox?

[Alvin] Yes.

I recognize you from pictures

that Melissa showed me.

I'm Milles Carpis.

I just wanted to tell you

about how much I love your daughter,

and that she changed my life

in the short time that I was with her.

She was my world,

my angel here on earth.

And I don't understand why

something like this could happen

to someone with such an innocent soul.

Are you saying you dated our daughter?

No, I was her boyfriend

and was living with her.

Really?

Because she never mentioned anything about

being intimate with a man twice her age.

There's a lot of things

she didn't tell you,

and I'm not sure why.

I just wanted to finally meet you both

and maybe share a moment

for Melissa's sake.

But it isn't necessary.

What do you plan to do now?

I'm gonna have a

conversation with the police

and find out what's going

on with their investigation.

I mean, with the apartment.

You say you live there with Melissa.

Is your name on the lease?

No.

Well, you should know

we'll be collecting

all of her possessions from

the apartment this week.

Do you plan on staying at the apartment?

I don't know.

Okay, maybe you should

get your things and leave.

Do you understand?

Yeah, he understands.

He'll get his stuff this week.

You okay with that?

Sure, no problem.

Listen, I wanna tell you both something.

You may not know me or even

like me, and that's okay.

Well, Melissa talked a

lot about the both of you

and how alone and ignored

she felt living with you.

That's why she left.

Don't blame me for that.

Hey, where you going?

I just need to walk, okay?

Okay, hey, I'll find you later.

I'll call you.

- Okay, yeah.

- I'll handle this.

- Okay.

(dramatic music)

(dramatic music continues)

Thanks, Charles.

I know you knew her.

We're all connected, every one of us.

Then why doesn't anybody care?

All is not lost, Milles.

Hang in there.

You know where to find

me if you need to talk.

(dramatic music)

[Mandy] Hi Milles, it's Mandy.

Will you please call me?

I'm so sorry about the funeral.

I just found out what

happened with my parents.

I didn't even know that you were outside.

I was in the church.

I would've never let

them talk to you that way

had I been there.

I know how much you loved my sister.

Will you please call me

just to let me know that you're okay?

I'm gonna text you an address.

It's a restaurant in Venice.

Me, Jared, Abby, and his daughter Mary

are gonna meet up there

tonight around seven.

I spoke to your friend Tai after you left

and he said he'd call you.

Please come meet us there.

I promise my parents won't be there.

But either way, please just let

me know you're okay, please?

Okay, bye.

(dramatic music)

So this is apparently what happened.

So Milles goes to the funeral, obviously,

and my parents wouldn't let him in.

They kicked him out.

- That's wrong.

I know.

Does he realize that he's a combat guy?

He was in Desert Storm just like we were.

- No way.

- Yes.

- Wow.

- You know,

I didn't even know that.

That just makes me feel f*cking worse.

Are you kidding me?

I mean, that's ridiculous

that they wouldn't let him in.

(phone ringing)

You have a reservation?

(ringing continues)

You don't remember me?

I used to come here all the

time with my girlfriend Melissa.

We get a lot of people

in here every day.

I don't remember every face.

I remember you.

Your name's Vincent.

I remember how nice you were to us.

Melissa really loved this place.

Look, I can't help you

if you don't have a reservation, buddy.

I mean, you're not even properly dressed.

I'm not your f*cking buddy.

You're not even human.

You're a f*cking zombie,

going through life on autopilot

like all the other

zombies with your phone.

Tap, tap, tap, tap.

Sir, you need to calm down.

I'm gonna call the cops.

I'm calm, call 'em.

Maybe they can tell me

who k*lled my girlfriend

and why they dumped her

body in a f*cking trash bin.

Look, I'm sorry.

We've just come from a funeral.

He's obviously very upset.

It was his girlfriend.

(phone ringing)

It's okay.

Go ahead.

I'm sorry for your loss.

Drinks are on me.

I'm sorry about that.

No, don't.

It's okay, we all understand.

We already ordered some dishes to share.

We can order you something

else if you don't like it.

That's fine, Abby, I'm not picky.

Well, at least we're

gonna get free drinks.

- I know.

- Like you need more now.

This is our favorite restaurant.

I think, right?

- Yeah.

Well, yeah, she has much

better taste than you.

I'm sorry-

(conversation drowns)

(suspenseful music)

(people laughing)

I'm sorry.

- Well.

- All together, yes.

[Abby] We need to like exchange,

we need to like make this a thing.

Yeah, a thing.

Melissa's magnificent.

(dramatic music)

(dramatic music continues)

What's wrong, babe?

Nothing.

No, don't do that.

- Do what?

- Pretend.

It's not who you are and

it's not what I want.

Talk to me.

I don't wanna ruin it.

Ruin what?

This moment.

I know why you brought me here.

It's beautiful.

And I don't wanna taint the memory of it.

Hey, you love me?

Everything I am, yeah.

And I love you.

Now, be honest.

What's bothering you?

You know, Melissa,

most people think of hell

as some f*cking dungeon under the earth

with fire and demons and sh*t.

And God sends you there.

From what I've seen, God

has nothing to do with it.

Hell is a place where there is nothing

but the worst things

that man is capable of.

I was not ashamed of the

hatred that I had to bear.

I shared it with them.

They just didn't know.

In their point of view, I was

just some savage crusader,

a devil sent by a country

of devils to k*ll.

And that's what I did.

Followed the mission.

Find weapons of mass destruction.

(loud expl*si*n)

We had weapons.

We used them.

Bodies dropped, people died.

Grave sites, mass grave

sites with women and children

were stacked on top of

each other, birth to death.

And destruction.

We left the wake of that

with each step that we took over there.

We found what we were looking for.

We found ourselves.

(dramatic music)

Hello?

[Mandy] Hey, Milles.

Oh, hey, Mandy.

How are you?

[Mandy] I am actually

feeling better today.

I'm glad.

What's going on, what are you up to?

[Mandy] Well, I was supposed to show

a property this morning,

but my client bailed on me.

So I'm actually in Venice.

Isn't that your neck of the woods?

Yeah, I'm staying with Tai.

He lives in Venice.

[Mandy] Oh, well, if you'd

like, I could swing by.

Maybe some fresh air

would be good for you.

Well, yeah, no, I'd like that.

[Mandy] Cool, just text me your address.

Okay, I will.

Okay, bye.

[Mandy] See ya.

(dramatic music)

Are you okay?

It's okay.

Come on.

(birds chirping)

(soft dramatic music)

[Charles] Paper and all that.

All this paper comes from trees.

Shame to waste all the

trees right in this trash

for your children to be raised up in.

Do you want your children to live

according to the gospel of Helter Skelter?

Who is that speaking?

[Charles] I've seen this

concrete maze that man has made,

and it's like I had

come from another place.

Charles Manson.

Do you mind turning it off?

Sure.

(dramatic music)

It was your sister's.

The tape or the recorder?

Both.

She used to play it for me all the time.

We'd listen to it together.

He talked a lot about

people's lack of concern

and their ignorance

toward the environment.

Well, what do you think of this place?

I think it's beautiful.

Appreciate you taking me here.

I wanna show you something.

Hey, old friend.

(dramatic music)

I want you to do something for me.

Close your eyes.

Trust me.

Do you feel that?

I feel my hand against the tree.

Okay.

We're gonna take a deep breath.

Breathe in slow,

and let it out.

How does that make you feel?

It makes me feel calm.

You can open your eyes.

(dramatic music)

Look at me.

(dramatic music continues)

It doesn't have to be about darkness.

I know that you loved my sister,

and I know that you're hurting,

but you are not alone.

And the light?

It's all around us.

Can you at least try?

Yeah.

I'll try.

- Hey.

- Hi.

Oh.

How are you holding up?

Takes time.

I'm glad you both could make it.

Linda said she called you.

Yeah, yeah, she did.

I wanted to see you guys.

It's been too long.

The funeral made me realize that.

Jared, I'm sure you know Milles.

Of course.

Good to see you again, brother.

You know, I know you and

I haven't spoke much.

Melissa always spoke

extremely highly of you.

I actually used to work here

before I got my broker's license.

So I introduced Melissa to Jared

when she told me she needed a job.

Oh, okay.

Finally.

Oh, my God.

I'm so glad you're here.

I was really worried

about you, my sunshine.

You okay?

- Okay, honey.

Hey, so I wanna introduce you to Milles.

He was Melissa's boyfriend.

I'm Linda.

Nice to meet you.

I'm Milles, pleasure to meet you.

- Have a seat, guys.

- Nice to meet you.

I f*cking miss you so much, seriously.

I miss you more.

Do you see that garbage on

social media the other day?

Some as*h*le was filming a r*pe.

What the f*ck is wrong with people?

And all the social media posturing?

That's not life, okay?

The fake sentiment.

And then when something

really bad happens,

nobody lifts a f*cking finger to help.

They just post some ego-based bullshit

to glorify their status.

Sorry.

It's fine, and I

actually agree with you.

I like him.

But seriously, this sh*t has got to stop.

These f*cking low-life drug

dealers selling sh*t to kids?

I see them pushing all over Venice

like we're not supposed to notice,

like it's cool or fly or

whatever they call it.

It makes me sick.

Come on, Jay.

You hate it too.

These maladjusted creatures

invading our lives on a daily basis?

It's like nobody does sh*t, nobody.

They're f*cking cowards,

the cops and the bullshit paperwork.

Oh, I sign this, and I'm like (mumbling).

That's not gonna save me

from a b*llet, you dumb f*ck.

I know it's a tough decision,

but have you guys ever

thought about moving?

Yeah, we have.

And I think it'd be super healthy.

Then they win.

Jared, do you have anything

that's like under proof stashed away?

I think I can find something.

Be right back.

I totally understand where

you're coming from, Linda.

And I admire both of your courage

to stand up for what you believe in.

But to be honest, I worry about you, guys.

Sometimes, when Jay

and I are up on our roof,

I look out to the ocean

where it meets the sun,

and it's so beautiful.

And then I forget about

what's living below us.

And I remember why we

struggled all these years

to preserve the peace.

Defend it now, I guess.

It's our home.

(dramatic music)

(dramatic music continues)

Look.

Listen.

Try to absorb the fear.

I learned, I learned, I

learned my lesson now.

My words, I live and die by my words.

I don't exist.

I'm only what is.

(indistinct chatter)

(Milles knocking)

Yeah?

Yeah, excuse me, officer.

My name is Milles Carpis.

I'd like to know what's

happening with the investigation

concerning Melissa Maddox.

Melissa Maddox.

She was m*rder*d recently

and found in a f*cking

dumpster near Venice Beach.

And your involvement is?

She was my girlfriend.

Means you fill out a statement.

I already filled out

on the police report.

You have it in the system.

My name is Milles Carpis.

The deceased is Melissa Maddox.

Got it.

Take a seat and see if there's anyone

available to talk to you.

(indistinct chatter)

Come here, please.

Please take a seat.

I'll stand.

How can I help you?

I'm here about the

m*rder of Melissa Maddox.

She was found dead the

other day in a trash bin.

The investigation is

ongoing at the moment.

I saw at least four

cameras on the street.

They say she was kidnapped.

Have you even checked them?

We checked.

Three weren't working.

The one that was working, it was so bad.

Can't be of any use.

So you've got nothing.

We're waiting for

witnesses to come forward,

but we have a community

involvement problem around here.

What about that protest

march a few weeks ago?

I was hoping that would

be the turning point.

But you'd be surprised

how who people forget.

So what if nobody comes forward?

We keep pursuing it.

Not good enough.

Milles, I'm sorry for your loss.

I truly am.

But there's only so much we can do.

There's only so much you can do.

I would hate to hear

that you stepped outside

the law with this.

(dramatic music)

Don't worry.

You won't hear about it.

Hey.

Where did you serve?

How do you know that?

Just a hunch.

Kuwait.

I want you to know,

I appreciate your service.

I'll check back with you.

(dramatic music)

(dramatic music continues)

Don't breathe too deep, my man.

This stuff will cause you to see things

you might not be ready to face.

What does it show you?

Everything you see.

But as it truly is,

the seasoning, brother,

the earth's pulse vibrating through me,

like a heartbeat connected to all things.

That's what Melissa

used to try to show me.

Now she's dead.

You have to get past

the physical rubbing.

Feel her love.

It's here, holding you.

Don't get wrapped up in the hate, my man.

It will blind you and

complicate your journey.

(dramatic music)

How's it going?

Hey, man.

Honestly don't know at this point.

That's okay, man.

It's gonna take a while.

Hey, got a stack of

bills you got there, bro.

Yeah.

I got enough to keep my phone on,

but I'm gonna have to take

out a mortgage on the rest.

What about the shop?

I had to close it.

The landlord was really cool though.

He didn't even trip that I

was in breach of my lease.

He took what I gave him

and he let me stay open.

Melissa was helping me

cover the utilities,

so we were good for a while.

You still got all your

equipment and your machines?

Right there.

Yeah.

Cool, man, that's great.

Why don't you start tattooing out here?

Really?

Yeah.

Might have to hit you up for

a little bit of ink though.

Um, deal.

- Sweet, it's awesome.

- Cool.

Oh, sh*t, Mandy.

Hey, Mandy.

- Hey.

What are you doing right now?

I'm just at the

apartment hanging with Tai.

What's going on?

[Mandy] I bought some trash bags.

I'm actually getting

ready to go do a cleanup

along the Pacific Coast Highway.

Do you wanna come with me?

I could use the help.

Um.

Yeah, under one condition.

[Mandy] Okay, what is it?

Hang on.

You wanna go me with and Mandy?

Yeah, it'd be cool.

Um, can use an extra

hand, Tai wants to help.

[Mandy] Of course.

Yeah, that would be great.

Okay.

You remember the address, right?

- Yeah.

- Okay, so just text me

when you're close.

[Mandy] Sounds like a plan.

Okay, bye.

[Mandy] Bye.

I'll be damned.

What is it?

It's nothing.

Melissa and I used to go up

the coast on the weekends

and pick up trash together too.

You'll be okay?

Yeah, I'm good.

(dramatic music)

Hey, man, I can't keep up with you now.

Come on, have pity on

the old man, alright?

- Whoa.

- Oh.

Holy sh*t, man, you trying

to give us a heart attack?

[Tai] Wow, man, that's quite a haul.

- No joke.

- Man, I can't believe

how much crap is on this coastline, bro.

- Well.

- Maybe, I can.

I really appreciate

you guys for helping.

- It's nothing.

- No, it's not nothing.

Can you imagine if everyone did this?

sh**t, you're preaching

to the choir, Mandy.

I'm running around my neighborhood,

and everybody thinks I'm nuts, man,

'cause I'm over there

with my little trash bag

picking up trash, and it's like nobody

freaking cares anymore, you know?

Well, I think it's

awesome that you do that.

So what inspired you to do this?

My sister.

She used to come up here on weekends

and just spend hours picking up trash.

How did you know that?

She always invited me.

She never told me that.

No.

Well, I never came.

I guess I was just too

self-absorbed at the time

to realize what she was trying to do.

She cared about life on so many levels,

and you know, so I wanna do this for her.

And because now, I see what's possible.

And she taught me that.

I just wish that I could tell her.

(indistinct chatter)

What?

I hate that sh*t.

Yeah, me too.

Hey, hey, hey, hey.

We'll go with you.

No, no, it's okay, I got it.

Are you sure?

I'm sure.

Okay, go.

(indistinct chatter)

You know, be a series regular.

- Hey, guys.

- Hi.

I'm sorry to bother you,

but can I ask you something?

Oh, sorry, we don't have spare change.

That's not what I was gonna ask you.

Okay, what is it?

Well, would you mind

picking up your trash

and taking it with you?

Excuse me?

Well, I couldn't help but notice

that you were wiping

the sand from your feet

with those tissues and then

just threw them on the ground

and also left your drinks in the sand.

Yeah. (Laughs)

Yeah?

So?

Well, it's nothing personal really,

but if you could just pick up

your trash and throw it away,

I'd really appreciate

it because it's just,

this is a really beautiful place,

and I'd hate to see it ruined.

Is this your property?

What do you mean?

I mean, this beach, those

houses, you own any of it?

Well, that's not the point.

We all share this planet.

We all breathe the same air.

The earth is our mother, not a trash can.

And she deserves our love and support

for the miracles that she gives us.

(both chuckling)

God.

Sir, please don't ignore me.

Listen, crazy girl.

I am not interested in

your opinions, okay?

So why don't you go back to Berkeley

or wherever it is that you picked up

those g*dd*mn hippie cult

f*cking woo-woo ideas

and mind your own g*dd*mn business?

This is my business.

(gasps)

Yeah?

Take a f*cking shower

and get a f*cking job.

Don't play with ignorance,

it won't save you.

You know the truth like most people,

you just won't admit it.

You're a hypocrite.

But I bet you can hear the ticking sound.

I don't have time

for this bullshit, man.

- That's right. You don't.

Can you hear it now?

Can you hear it now?

Yes, sir.

The ticking in your chest.

Do you have time now to

witness my sister's conviction

with love and understanding?

Yes, sir, I'm very sorry.

Tell her that.

I'm very sorry if I offended you.

I don't believe you.

Tell her that, again.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

You see, life is precious, isn't it?

Isn't it?

Right?

I believe you.

I want you to do something for me.

Yeah?

Pick up your trash,

get in that thing you drive, and leave.

And don't come back.

Yeah.

And if you call the f*cking cops,

I'm gonna find you and I'm

gonna take this p*stol,

and I'm gonna shove it

f*cking way up that big a*s.

Okay?

- Okay.

Okay, go have a nice day.

Go ahead.

Get in the f*cking car.

Get in the f*cking car.

I guess she's pissed.

Yeah.

Have a nice day.

Hey, Mandy, you okay?

You son of a b*tch!

Hey, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.

It's okay, brother, it's okay.

What the f*ck was that all about?

What are you talking about?

Oh, come off it, tough guy.

You know what the hell I mean.

Mandy, chill out.

Everything here is happening

in harmony with what we believe.

You think my sister would support

or respect what you just did?

What's happening to you?

[Abby] Honey, when you get this,

I need you to come by the

condo as soon as possible.

It's really important.

I'll be here all day.

Love you.

Oh, what is it?

It's Jay and Linda.

- What happened?

- I got a call

from Linda's dad.

They were attacked.

[Mandy] Oh, my god.

Where?

Earlier today in brought daylight,

right in front of the condo.

Did anyone see who did it?

Did they catch them?

No, h* one saw anything.

Her dad said that Linda was screaming

when the cops showed up.

Jay was unconscious.

[Mandy] Oh, my God.

I feel horrible.

I know that she's a good friend of yours.

I feel responsible for this.

What?

Why?

I showed them the property,

and I feel like I could

have been more honest

about certain elements

of the neighborhood.

I didn't know it was gonna be a w*r zone,

and I feel like they

really love the place.

Abby, they did.

Linda loves the place and Venice,

and believe me, she was not

leaving without a fight.

(dramatic music)

Okay.

(dramatic music continues)

[Charles] Maybe I haven't done enough.

I might be ashamed of

that, for not doing enough.

For not giving enough.

For not being more perceptive.

For not being aware enough.

For not understanding.

For being stupid.

Maybe I should have k*lled 400-500 people,

then I would have felt better.

Then when I felt like I've

really offered society something.

You know, if I wanted to k*ll somebody,

I'd take this book and

beat you to death with it,

and I wouldn't feel a thing.

It'd be just like

walking to the drugstore.

I've learned to reflect.

I just reflect back.

I know I don't know.

I know I'm stupid.

I admit, I'm a pity, whatever.

I never been a success at anything.

I even got to the point

where I didn't want-

(dramatic music)

I remember what we

talked about in the van.

Our mission is one of non-violence.

And it makes me nervous

when you listen to that Manson interview.

I just feel like it affects

you in a negative way.

And I feel like a f*cking coward

sitting in this corner doing nothing.

And I can't understand why

you don't feel the same way.

They were your friends.

Of course, I'm upset about

it just as much as you are.

But what are you gonna do about it?

It seems like nonviolence

only does so much,

and then you need somebody

like me to stand behind you.

I'm not gonna let hate

influence my thinking.

I'll be going to the hospital

just as soon as they say I can visit.

Love is the cure.

And I know that in your

heart, you know that.

(dramatic music)

Can you please give your knife?

(dramatic music)

Please?

And promise me that you'll

get rid of that g*n.

You gotta promise me.

I promise you.

Do you guys want something to drink?

- Yes, please.

- Water?

Okay.

- Oh, actually, Tai,

can I talk to you for a second?

Sure.

I'm really worried he's

gonna try and do something

in retaliation because of Jay and Linda.

Can you just do me a favor

and like keep an eye out on him for me?

Listen, don't worry about it.

I'll talk to him.

He just needs a little time to breathe.

Hey, brother.

- Hey.

- Can I talk to you for a sec?

- Sure.

What's up?

Hey, listen.

I think tomorrow we should go

on a hike in Topanga Canyon.

I think it's good medicine for us,

and it gives us a chance

to clear our heads.

I don't know.

Mandy may want me to go with

her to the hospital tomorrow.

That's not a problem.

We'll go early,

and then we'll meet the

girls at the hospital.

Is that okay?

Yes.

- Sure, why not?

- Sweet.

- All right, you okay?

- Yeah, I'm okay.

(dramatic music)

Hey, Tai, you know what?

You were right.

This is what I needed.

It feels good to be outside today.

Yeah, I forgot how peaceful

life could seem in a place like this.

Always works for me.

Even here, they have to

leave proof of what they are.

I know it's frustrating, man.

But that's why I brought extra bags.

That way, we can have a great hike today.

With respect, brother,

do you think it'll make any difference

what we do at this point?

Los Angeles is gonna burn.

And I think it's a blessing.

Look, man, I know you've lost faith,

and I understand why.

But I battle the same demons that you do.

And how do you cope with

all the sh*t around this time?

Sometimes, I can't.

Sometimes, I'm like, "f*ck it, I'm done."

I just wanna go home and

eat a f*cking b*llet.

But here we are, one foot in

paradise, the other in hell.

It's kind of like when we

were in the w*r, Milles.

We had to fight then, you gotta fight now.

It doesn't have to make

f*cking sense, all right?

You just gotta keep moving forward

and hope for something better.

I never considered that you

might have the same thoughts

running through your mind as me.

Yeah, I do.

So why don't we just keep walking,

and maybe we'll have better thoughts?

Okay.

(birds chirping)

I got this.

You sure?

Yeah.

Yeah, I got it.

Hey, man.

Do y'all mind doing that somewhere else?

There's a place down in Venice.

There's a wall.

A lot of graffiti artists go down there

and paint some murals.

There's a lot of great art down there.

Do I look like a graffiti artist to you?

What makes you think

I'm a graffiti artist?

- My bad, I just-

- What?

- I just-

- You just what?

I just thought, man.

Get the f*ck out of here bro.

Come right here?

- Yeah.

f*ck you want, dog?

You think you can just touch me or what?

Yeah, go ahead.

Touch me again.

- Hey, I apologize.

- What?

I apologize.

I had no right to touch you, man.

Change your mind?

- Yeah.

- Yeah.

We'll just go, man.

- Yeah.

- Milles, let's go.

- Get the f*ck out of here.

Milles, let's go.

Yeah, Milles, go.

Please give me a reason to sh**t you dead.

No, not feeling it?

Did mortality suddenly

reveal something to you?

God, man, I was just

f*cking around, bro.

Take his g*n.

What's your name?

Jesus.

Jesus, I want you to

do something for me.

I want you to lay down on the

ground face first behind me,

with your arms stretched

out, kind of like Jesus.

Come on.

It's okay.

No?

Would you rather I just

sh**t you in the face?

- No.

- Then get on the ground.

Come on.

Slow.

Bend your knees.

Let him go.

Keep your g*n on this guy.

You believe in God?

Yeah.

Let's wait and see if God saves you.

Your friend isn't going

to, he just ran away.

Hey, loco, I'm sure

you're smart enough to know

that if you k*ll me,

you k*ll yourself too.

That's the plan, my brother.

So don't take this personal,

it's not about you.

You see the man pointing the g*n at you?

Yeah.

Do you know how many people

him and I k*lled in Iraq?

No.

Too many.

(dramatic music)

(Jesus grunting)

[Melissa] We are afraid to choose love.

Don't let the chaos blind you.

It doesn't have to be about darkness.

[Mandy] Our mission

is one of nonviolence.

I would hate to hear

that you stepped outside

the law about this.

Don't get wrapped up in the hate, man.

But I battle the same

demons that you do.

One foot in paradise, the other in hell.

(Milles grunting)

(dramatic music)

(birds chirping)

Hey, man, snap out of it.

We gotta go, we gotta get

the f*ck out of here, man.

Let's go.

Let's go, come on.

(dramatic music)

(sirens wailing)

(monitor beeping)

Hey, sunshine.

Hey little fireball.

Are you cold, you need a blanket?

Oh, easy, honey.

Don't fight it, just, here take my hand.

I k*lled him.

[Mandy] What?

No, no, please don't say that.

It wasn't your fault.

Yes, it is.

At least Jay is in a better place now.

No longer in this hell.

You have to leave this place.

It's a lie.

Don't let the lights deceive you.

It's a prison.

Oh, Milles.

Poor soul.

Help him.

Don't let him fall.

I won't.

I won't.

(indistinct chatter)

(dramatic music)

Help me, help me.

Milles.

No.

f*ck.

(dramatic music)

Yeah, hey Mandy, it's me.

I'm with Tai.

Can you please tell Abby to open the gate?

We're here.

You guys take the scenic route?

There was a crash on the freeway.

Got held up.

You know, I've been calling you.

I'm sorry, man, I didn't get the call.

You wanna tell me what happened?

We got jumped by some damn

th*gs on the trail, okay?

I didn't ask you, Tai.

Is that what happened?

What happened?

Yeah, Tai, why don't you

tell them what happened?

A guy pulled a g*n on us.

[Mandy] Where, on the trail?

Yeah, we were picking up trash.

And I look up, these guys are throwing

little g*ng signs on rocks

and spraying 'em up there

and he grabs the guy with the g*n,

and all of a sudden, that guy fell.

This is crazy.

It's not your fault.

Really.

We love you unconditionally.

You know what I think?

I think you guys are

beautiful, all of you.

And if I could invent

a fantasy to live in,

it would be this one, with all of you.

But I don't deserve it.

Sorry.

Don't.

Listen to me.

I strangled that guy and watched him die.

He had a g*n but he didn't pull it.

Tai would.

I'm no hero, Mandy.

I'm a m*rder*r.

I made a promise to you, right?

And I broke it.

I don't deserve you, or any of this.

Let me go.

It doesn't matter.

Love is secure, remember?

And I love you.

You're coming with us.

I can't.

Don't you understand?

You guys would all end up

in prison because of me,

and I couldn't live with it.

I'm done.

What about Manson?

What about him?

What would he do?

I don't know what he would do.

But I know what he said.

When you take a life, you owe a life.

I gotta go.

Hey, man.

Don't leave without saying goodbye.

I'm sorry, man.

I just thought it'd be easier this way.

I appreciate what you said.

You almost made me believe it.

It's my circle, remember?

You saw what I did.

I know.

I know, man.

I love you, bro.

In this life or the next.

We'll find you.

I'm sorry.

Hey.

It's a long walk to Venice.

Thanks.

(dramatic music)

(dramatic music continues)

(birds chirping)

(helicopter whirring)

(dramatic music)

(dramatic music continues)

(dramatic music)

[Melissa] My darling man.

I thought you might like this book.

I know it's hard for you

to read this type of stuff.

I offer it not to change who you are,

because to me, you're perfect.

Only that you might see what

is possible without fear.

I love you and want so

much for you to find peace.

Always.

Melissa.

(dramatic music)

(dramatic music continues)

(Mandy screaming)

(dramatic music)

(dramatic music continues)

(indistinct chatter on radio)

You know they're coming for you, right?

Yeah.

I figured they would.

What now?

Well, did you notice the sun today,

shining down, nice and warm?

Cold breeze?

Yeah, I did.

Start with that.

Can't argue with perfection.

I'm gonna miss you, man.

I'll always be here for you.

When you're ready.

(knocking on door)

Milles.

It's Detective Anderson.

Face down, spread your

legs, arms, palms up.

I know you're in there, Milles.

I need you to do what I'm saying.

I'm asking you.

(loud thud)

You are not listening to me.

It's okay.

Milles, do not get up.

Get back down on the ground.

I need you to stay on

the ground, face down.

Please don't make this

hard on both of us, bro.

Milles, stand back.

You're not listening.

Stand the f*ck back, I'm warning you.

Do not do what you're doing.

Baby!

(dramatic music)

(g*nshots firing)

(dramatic music)

Is it that you recall

Being in harmony

Is there someone in you

That yearns to see

Or do you remember a

time when you were free

Could it be the real you

wants just to see

Did you ever wonder

what you're living for