Olive Coffee - (CalArts Film 2024)

Summary

In a world where death is no longer an end but a chance for rebirth, an elderly barber named Paul faces his own decline as he contemplates the program that offers new bodies and reset memories. His long-time customer, Oliver, remains hesitant about rebirth, cherishing his memories of a past love. Meanwhile, a new generation of baristas like Wendy discuss the growing trend of rebirth while serving Oliver his favorite drink, an Americano with olive oil. Amid their conversations, Oliver grapples with regret and the longing for lost moments, hinting at a missed appointment with his beloved.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Rebirth Program promises a new body and memory reset, offering a chance to 'be reborn' and start fresh.
• 😀 Paul, the elderly barber, is struggling with memory loss and physical decline, contemplating whether to join the Rebirth Program.
• 😀 Oliver, a long-time customer, refuses to sign up for the Rebirth Program and prefers to preserve his memories, particularly his connection with a special person from his past.
• 😀 The Rebirth Program and its widespread ads reflect a society that has made death optional, emphasizing renewal over mortality.
• 😀 Wendy, the barista, serves Oliver his usual coffee with olive oil, a ritual linked to his late partner, who loved trying new things.
• 😀 Oliver's relationship with his late partner is marked by a nostalgic longing, as he waits for her at the coffee shop, despite her being absent for years.
• 😀 Paul expresses concern about losing his abilities, including his profession as a barber, as he faces old age and memory problems.
• 😀 The script explores the contrast between embracing technological renewal (Rebirth) and holding onto the past and memories.
• 😀 Wendy’s curiosity about Oliver's refusal to join the Rebirth Program highlights the tension between traditional human experiences and futuristic solutions.
• 😀 Oliver and Paul share a deep bond through their longstanding interactions, where the mundane act of cutting hair becomes an emotional moment of connection and farewell.

Q & A

What is the central theme of the script?

The central theme of the script revolves around the concept of 'rebirth,' where individuals can reset their memories and acquire new bodies, exploring the tension between technology and human connection, as well as the preservation of memories and emotional experiences.

What is the significance of Oliver's coffee order (Americano with olive oil)?

Oliver's coffee order, an Americano with olive oil, represents a personal ritual tied to his past, particularly his relationship with someone special. It symbolizes his attachment to memories, as he recalls how this individual influenced his life, including encouraging him to try the olive oil coffee.

Why does Paul express concern about his ability to continue cutting Oliver’s hair?

Paul is concerned about his shaking hands and the loss of memories, indicating that he is aging and may soon be unable to continue his role as Oliver’s barber. This is also linked to the larger theme of physical decline and the limitations of human existence.

What does the concept of 'rebirth' symbolize in the script?

The concept of 'rebirth' in the script symbolizes technological advancements that promise to overcome death by resetting memories and offering a new body. It contrasts with the human need to hold on to memories, connections, and the fear of losing oneself in the process of technological change.

Why does Oliver hesitate to embrace the idea of rebirth?

Oliver hesitates to embrace rebirth because of his attachment to his memories and past experiences, particularly his relationship with a woman who was an important part of his life. His reluctance highlights the emotional weight of memory and identity, which he fears might be lost in the process of rebirth.

How does the dialogue between Oliver and Paul reflect the theme of memory and identity?

The dialogue between Oliver and Paul reflects the theme of memory and identity through their discussion of aging, loss of memory, and the idea of choosing a new life through rebirth. Paul’s physical decline and Oliver’s emotional attachment to his memories both illustrate the fragility of human existence and the complexity of identity.

What role does Wendy play in the script?

Wendy acts as a barista in the coffee shop who interacts with Oliver and provides a contrast to his deep emotional reflections. She represents a more practical, less nostalgic perspective, focusing on the present moment and the business of serving customers, though she becomes intrigued by Oliver’s story.

What does the woman’s late arrival at the coffee shop signify in the context of Oliver's life?

The woman’s late arrival signifies a recurring pattern in Oliver’s life, where he is constantly waiting for someone who is either delayed or absent. This reinforces the theme of longing and unfulfilled expectations, as well as the emotional weight of the relationship that Oliver holds dear.

What does the interaction between Wendy and Jamie reveal about Oliver’s status in the community?

The interaction between Wendy and Jamie reveals that Oliver is viewed as an old-timer in the community, someone who has been around for decades and is resistant to the idea of rebirth. The gossip about his refusal to undergo rebirth emphasizes how out of place Oliver feels in a world increasingly focused on technology and renewal.

What is the emotional tone of the script, and how does it relate to the broader themes?

The emotional tone of the script is nostalgic, melancholic, and reflective. It underscores the tension between the allure of technological advancement (rebirth) and the human need for connection, memory, and emotional continuity. Oliver's reflections on his past relationships, particularly the missed appointments and memories with a significant person, highlight the emotional costs of erasing or altering one's past.