點入購買【拉子時代】

串聯每部電影和每段感情的時空背景

自己寫作,自己出版

台灣第一本以自出版介紹「如何自出版」,看看三家電子書平台主管怎麼推薦

點入購買《卡麥蓉的錯誤教育指南》

一部拉子成長小說的啟發,從讀者、觀眾到意外的ex-gay專題研究

活著,就要繼續寫下去

希望保持一年一書的進度

1999/06/08

Bad Girls S1E02 : Drug Wars

Drug Wars 反毒戰爭

本集的重點是看G-Wing對同一件事情,地上與地下世界相異的運作方式.最明顯的對照是Nikki與Zandra遭受的緝毒待遇.另一個小對比是Monica的獄中導覽,看Nikki與Helen的作法,可以了解這倆個世界的天南地北,難怪Helen不論多麼善意地想要推動反毒,就是拿捏不到執行的要領,這一集是她的大挫敗.

另外想先提出從102延續到103的二組愛情對照:Nikki/Zandra與各自的情人,在煙癮與毒癮間消長,呼應到感情關係生變,Trish和Robin不是戒煙就是戒毒,而Nikki始終離不開煙,就像Zandra屢屢斷不了毒癮,她們註定與分隔外界的情人勞燕分飛.而Zandra最後在第二季香消玉殞,更是令人不勝噓唏,份外感覺Nikki與Hellen的圓滿結局得來不易.

一開場是囚車從雨中運送新犯人.Zandra直接踩著積水而行,她一身憤憤不平透露她的桀驁不馴.可惜她總與洗心革面的機會失之交臂.

Monica是中產階級的中年婦女,極有教養,說話腔調高雅(posh),照例是配給Nikki當作忘年之交.不知編劇是否刻意維護Nikki的良好形象,她的好友大多是只可能有純友誼的中年知識份子.

Monica非常不適應入獄的過程,好不容易折騰結束,Sylvia不管她是名人與否,照例要給犯人下馬威:"未來要稱呼我Miss or Mrs. Hollamby".她才一離開,Zandra便接口為她取了綽號:"And it's "Old Bodybag" when she's out of the room. 但是出了這扇門,她就叫老皮囊".後來影迷都叫Sylvia這女人Bodybag,幾乎忘記她的名字.

在獄中,不儘然有永遠的敵人,像Denny與Zandra就是一例.但是Nikki與Shell似乎是一對永不合解的仇人,倆人經常互相冷嘲熱諷,不論是在走道狹路相逢,還是像這樣在打菜的時刻:
Nikki: Cheers Dawn 妳好啊,唐.
Dawn: Are you going to the karaoke tonight? 今晚會來唱歌嗎?
Nikki: No. Who wants to see Dockley singing her tits off? I'll make the most of the phone with no queue. 謝啦.誰想要看杜小姐唱掉奶子?我寧願趁著免排隊,好好占用電話.

Shell被Nikki搶白一頓,正巧把氣轉發在Rachel身上,這時Nikki再度拔刀相助,順便對Rachel機會教育.
Nikki: Rachel, listen, if you want to help yourself. Just make sure you don't get too friendly with that bastard screwdriver Fenner, all right? 如果妳想拉自己一把,記得千萬別和姓費的那個壞蛋走太近,好嗎?
Rachel: I don't know what you mean. 我不知道妳在講什麼.
Nikki: I mean Dockley's doing life for what she did to a girl she got jealous of. So, just be smart. Don't give her any case, yeah? 我說姓杜的對忌妒的女孩施暴被判終生監禁.所以放聰明點,別給她任何動手的藉口,哦?

注意Nikki的身體語言.她身材高大,但對弱勢者不忘低下頭來說話.可是稍後Helen拉住她說話時,Nikki卻是下巴抬起,由上而下睥睨Helen.

鏡頭轉到本集的重點.Helen與二位資深獄官討論起獄內緝毒的問題,這一段對話很長.逐句中譯可讓你看清三個人的思維完全不同調.我對Helen在劇中的領導及管理很有興趣,總覺得她在初期並未有效整合組織的目標與策略,導致老部屬只是阻力而非助力.

Helen: Before you go, I've received an anonymous complaint from one of the women about drug testing. I think we should talk about it. We've obviously got some changes to make here.在你們離開前,我想談一下,我收到一封投訴毒品測試的匿名信.顯然我們應做點改善.

Basically, what she's saying is that we deliberately select women who'll test negative every month so that we can save ourselves paperwork and avoid looking bad at the Home Office. So, before she writes to her MP…基本上,她指出我們每月蓄意挑選沒有毒癮的人作測試,來規避文書作業並且讓績效好看.所以在她上書給MP之前....

Sylvia: Well, excuse me. Well, I think it's us women officers should be complaining about urine tests. I mean. It’s all right for the men's prisons. They're always showing themselves to each other. But I don't want to watch women going to the toilet. 對不起!我認為應該是我們女性獄官要抱怨尿液檢測.這對男性犯人是沒什麼,反正他們已習慣彼此暴露.但我可不想看女人上廁所.
Jim: And what's wrong with keeping the drugs figures down, Helen? Every other prison's at it. 把毒犯數字降低有何不好,海倫?其他監獄都是這樣做. (*不曉得獄中管理目標是如何訂定?如果只要求毒犯數字降低,大家肯定是文過飾非;如果改成是戒毒成功率,執行策略及手段就會跟著完全不同)
Helen: Are you trying to be funny, Jim? 你在跟我開玩笑嗎,吉姆?
Jim: Oh, come on, let's keep a sense of perspective here. Are we really going to get our knickers in a twist over one anonymous letter? 得了吧,仔細想想,我們難道要為了一封匿名信勒緊褲帶? (*Helen過於相信匿名信的功效,才會發生Shell向DST誣告Nikki的慘事.匿名信的指證應該要先被調查過)
Helen: I've checked the records. There are several names that crop up negative every month. I can't believe that. That's random selection. 我看紀錄了,有些陰性反應的人名經常是每月出現.真不敢相信,這還是隨機取樣的結果.
Jim: It's hard to prove if it is or if isn't...這證明不了什麼...

Helen: Well, I want it clear from now on that only people that you will specifically target for a hard time are suspected users. Ok? 我想從今以後,只有重度毒癮者才是檢測目標,好嗎? (*合理的方式要先規範取樣方式以及改善檢測手段,否則還是流於自由心證來騷擾犯人,畢竟劇中出現的檢測方式並未顧及基本尊嚴)
Jim: Well, fine, but I think that you will find…好吧,但是妳會發現...
Helen: Good, because no matter what we think of the methods, the whole point is to detect drugs abuse not to bloody well deliberately dodge it. 很好(強勢打斷他的回話),不論採用什麼方法,重點是查出濫用毒品的人,而不是故意迴避問題.
Jim: Yeah, but don't kid yourself, Helen. These junkie girls are a lot cleverer than you think. Well, you know drug-free piss is a saleable item now. And how do we know if the haven't got a little bottle of it trucked up inside them? Can't watch where it comes out of, can we? 別太天真了,海倫.那些毒蟲比妳想像得聰明.妳可知不含毒物反應的尿液檢體是可以買賣的.妳怎麼知道她們體內有沒有藏個小瓶子?我們能看到檢體是怎麼出來的嗎?
Helen: So, what is your point, Jim? Are you saying that we might as well just give up on them? 你的意思是什麼?你是說我們乾脆放棄算了嗎?
Jim: No, I'm just being honest, that's all. Prison makes them feel bad, drugs make them feel good. They'll get hold of them no matter what we do. 沒有,我只是實話實說罷了.監獄讓犯人沮喪,而毒品可以安撫他們.不論我們怎麼做,他們都會取到手.
Sylvia: Well, they wouldn't if we were serious. If we want to stop it, it's simple. Hundred percent closed visits. 如果我們夠嚴厲,他們就拿不到.如果真要禁止,很簡單.就百分之百地阻斷訪客.(Jim與Sylvia的態度幾乎是二個極端)
Jim: Oh 噢
Sylvia: Now, you can moan, Jim, but that's how most of the drugs get in here, off their outside visitors. If we stopped them kissing and cuddling, they wouldn't be able to pass the stuff, would they? 儘管哀嚎吧,吉姆,但是絕大多數毒品就是從訪客夾帶進來.如果禁止親吻和擁抱,就無從夾帶,不是嗎?(Bodybag的夢想後來在109真的如願實行)
Jim: But hang on, Sylvia. Think about them poor kids. And the girls who don't do drugs. Why should they all have to suffer? 慢點,斯維亞,想想那些可憐的孩子和不用毒品的女孩.他們為什麼要一起受過?
Sylvia: Because suffer they must. 因為他們本來就應該要承受.
Helen: Well, suffer they're not going to, Sylvia. We are going to reach out to women like this and bloody well show them that we're on their side. 他們沒有必要去承受,斯維亞.我們應該要伸出援手,讓他們知道我們可以是同一陣線.(*除了海報及DST之外,可惜我們看不到相關配套措施,來表現出「同一陣線」的本意.)

Helen的第一個行動是海報宣傳.Shell看見Dominic正在貼海報,隨口巴結一下這個活動.Dominic居然義正詞嚴地告訴那個壞胚子要勇於向DST (Dedicated Search Team 緝查隊)檢舉,還保證安全,因為連獄官都不會知道是誰告密.這提供Shell莫大的生活樂趣,平白得到惡整Nikki的武器.Shell更一石二鳥威脅Rachel來執筆投書.

Helen趁著Nikki準備去沐浴的空檔,拉住她解釋處理Carol的決策過程.這原本是項好事,因為Helen了解Nikki是很關鍵的意見領袖,但結果卻是越講越糟.
Helen: Oh, Nikki……I want to talk to you about Carol Byatt. 尼琪...我想和妳談卡洛的事.(Nikki無端被拉走,一臉莫可奈何的樣子.)
Nikki: Did you, miss? 是嗎?
Helen: I didn't have her shipped out. It went over my head. And if you think it was to stop her suing us for negligence then I'm absolutely sure you're right. 不是我把她轉監.是我的上司下的令,妳可以了解,這是為了阻止她控告我們的疏忽.(*這一段很難翻譯,如果按照字面直譯,味道就變了.這是根據國外影迷的描述調整.)
Nikki: Well, great. Even more amazing to me you can stick your job, miss. 很好啊.我更訝異妳還能堅持下去.(Nikki本質上不相信獄官,嘲諷完就想轉身走人)
Helen: So, you still don't think I can do any good, then? 怎麼,妳就是不認為我能作些改善? (Nikki的嘲諷意外的成為激將法,Helen最受不了別人不肯定她的努力)
Nikki: No, I think you do a really great poster. Very eye-catching. Totally pointless, but… 不,我認為妳做了很棒的海報.很搶眼,卻完全沒有重點....(我不清楚海報到底寫了什麼,感覺上好像變成鼓勵告密)
Helen: What, you think it's pointless to protect your civil liberties, do you? 什麼,妳認為保護妳的權利叫做沒有重點?
Nikki: My what? 我的什麼? (在獄中講人權是有點刺耳)

Helen: Because that is what I'm trying to do here, Nikki, for all of you non-drug users. 這就是我在此想推行的,尼琪,為了你們這些不碰毒品的人.
Nikki: Huh? 呵?(Nikki的表情一副:妳在說什麼啊?)
Helen: Because I'm sick of what you have to put up with, and your visitors. All because we don't target the real abusers and get them on some treatment. 因為我受夠了妳們和訪客要忍受這些,只因為我們沒有找到真正的毒癮者讓他們接受治療.
Nikki: Are you trying to wind me up? 妳是想作弄我嗎?

鏡頭跟著Helen的主觀視線仰頭,看見Nikki一直維持下巴抬起俯視,嘴角一絲冷笑.

Helen: You're not telling me that you take drugs, are you? 妳該不是想告訴我,妳使用毒品?(為什麼Helen有這樣的推論?)
Nikki: No. I'm not telling you anything. 不,我啥都不會告訴妳!(終於不歡而散)


在歌唱之夜,Nikki占住電話,打給一位叫Trish的女性,只聽到答錄機的聲音.她仍然不放棄,拚命地對電話無人回應的那一頭聲聲呼喚:Hi, babes, it's me. Pick up the phone and talk to me. Pick up the phone, darling, come on. You said you'd be there. Get off the loo or whatever you're doing. 嘿,寶貝,是我.快拿起電話和我說話.拿起電話,親愛的,拜託.妳說妳會等電話.放下妳手邊所有的事吧.

這種自言自言令人特別感傷,總覺得孤單的迴音,像永遠等不到希望,只是益加絕望.Bad Girls演到這裡,還是沒有明說Nikki是拉子,不過當時觀眾可能意識到Nikki與Trish二人的關係似乎非比尋常.

除了Nikki,有電話問題的還有Julie雙姝.其中矮姝要打電話給兒子朋友的父母,授權對方可以帶兒子去法國.但是她擔心自己的口音聽起來像下底階層,幾經嘗試失敗,後來靈機一動,請求Monica瓜代聲音演出.

Monica,Zandra不幸被分配到與Denny同寢室.Denny看到以前的藥頭,便急著來討貨.Zandra只顧自用的存量,當然一口回絕.Denny馬上掌頭相向,寢室一片暴戾.Monica在緊急時刻,顧不得救兵未到,竟然一巴掌制止了Denny.

Denny撫著臉龐像突然受責的小孩,中斷進一步的行動.只是稍後,180度轉為Shell輕撫Denny的臉龐,讚許她對Zandra的搜身.

Nikki來關心Monica寢室的騷亂,互相結識.Nikki提供Monica獄中實用導覽,語氣中帶點嬉笑怒罵的慰藉.鏡頭跟著倆人隨手一杯緩步下樓,隱隱意味Monica從中產階級下來轉換為階下囚.

Nikki: Coffee counts as luxury in here, but you can buy it from the canteen. Sorry, prison shop, known as the canteen. We get to go there once a week to blow our princely private spends. 在這裡,咖啡是奢侈品,但妳可從販賣部買到.抱歉,監獄商店又稱作販賣部,我們每週可在那裡花費「奢侈的私人零用金」.(在110,Nikki,Julies雙姝就用奢侈的咖啡救回意圖吞藥自盡的Monica)
Monica: Sorry? 對不起...
Nikki: Our tiny little amounts of personal cash. Except it's not actual cash. It's just sums in a book. And what you're actually allowed all depends on which regime you're on, according to the so-called Incentives and Earned Privileges Scheme which basically depends on which screw likes you. Sorry, screw means---那是我們個人一丁點的現金.其實不是真的現金,只是簿記上的數字.至於我們到底有多少零花,取決於妳在那個階層,根據所謂的「獎勵表現優異權益方案」,其實全憑那個獄頭認為妳看得順眼,screw就是指...
Monica: Yes, yes. I know that much. 是的是的,我全了解了.

同時間,Helen照例接見每一位新駐犯人.形式就拘謹得多了,犯人要先閱讀導覽手冊,而犯人關切的問題一時半載也得不到什麼好解答,會談主要傳達的訊息不外乎是:請妳在獄中多忍耐.

會談對犯人不見得有什麼直接好處,但對Helen的管理就有很大的幫助,她可以獲得檔案紀錄之外的資訊,了解該注意那些要點.但是就算她知道Monica有一位患唐氏症(Down's Syndrome)的兒子,還是無力阻止整個監獄體系的合法暴力,在親友會面日,肆無忌憚地威嚇所有人.

DST一行四人帶著全副裝備大舉壓陣至G Wing.她們讓我聯想起哈利波特小說中的Dementors(催狂魔)-代表當權者無能時,擅用逾越份際的警察力量.而三個獄官的反應各有其妙:
Dominic: Looks like the Guv's got her first hit. 看來長官使出第一擊了.
Lorna: I'm going to be one of them someday. 有一天我會成為其中一員.
Jim:....Anything that targets that troublemaker Nikki Wade is just brilliant by me....只要是針對姓魏的麻煩貨,我都鼓掌叫好.

Nikki看到DST登門時還臨危不亂,氣定神閒地坐在床上.
Nikki: Oh wow, are you both for me? 哦,二個一起來找我?
DST woman: Stand up Wade. 站起來,魏.
Nikki: Yes Sir. 是的,先生.
DST woman: Have you got anything in this room or on your person you shouldn't have? 妳在這個房間裡有沒有違禁品?
Nikki: No Sir. 沒有,先生.
DST woman: Are you trying to be disrespectful to me? 妳是故意不尊敬我嗎?
Nikki: Disrespectful Sir? 不尊敬?
DST woman: Look… 看仔細...
Nikki: Sorry, I thought you were a man, sorry miss. 對不起,我以為你是男人,女士.(為什麼要把這位緝毒人員弄得這麼男性化而且有點負面?我對這個安排有一絲不安)
DST woman: Strip! 衣服脫掉!

編劇對Nikki有些慣性安排,例如她雖強悍,但也是最常落淚的角色;被陷害次數最多;被剝光次數最多;被獄官架走次數最多...

脫光衣服還不夠,DST在不能人身接觸的限制下,用鏡子來檢視犯人的下部.
DST woman: Legs apart, squat down. 腿打開,蹲下去.
Nikki: God, it must drive you mad not being allowed to touch me. 天呀,妳不能碰我一定讓妳恨得牙癢癢.(這是我欽佩Nikki的其中一段,她永遠有辦法在看似被壓制的場面,反將一軍.)

DST woman: She's clean, as far as I can tell. Put you cloth back now. We're going to search your room now. 我認為她沒有毒品.把妳的衣服穿回去,我們現在要搜妳的房間.
Nikki: Oh, mine's a cell, not a room. 噢,這裡只是囚室,還談不上房間.(Nikki前面回打一記還不過癮,這裡又再補上一句)
DST woman: Get an officer to lock her in somewhere sterile. 找個獄官把她關到其他消毒過的地方.

同一時間,Zandra同樣遭受被Denny搜查的命運,結果徒勞無功.但是Denny後來還是想通了毒犯的老把戲:"She's crotched it all. 她把毒品夾藏在下部."



等到Helen趕來關心DST的行動,只見到囚房已被搜得一片狼藉.
Nikki: Nice work 幹得真好
Helen: I'm going to make a complaint. They are not allowed to do this. 我要去抗議.他們無權這麼做.
Nikki: But they're allowed to make me squat over a mirror? 但是他們有權命令我蹲在鏡子上?
Helen: Nikki, they had good reason to suspect that you were dealing in drugs. 尼琪,他們一定有充份的理由認為妳涉入毒品 (諷刺的是所謂充分的理由來自一份匿名檢舉)
Nikki: Why, because you told them? 為什麼,就因為妳告訴他們
Helen: No, I didn't, actually. 我並沒有這樣說
Nikki: You liar. 妳是大騙子

Helen: Well, you can think what you like, but the fact is, they may not have found anything on you but they will on others. And the women that don't do drugs will thank us for that. 隨便妳怎麼想.事實上,他們在妳身上查不到,可能在別人身上查到.到時候沒有碰毒品的人都會感激這一點.(*Helen最大的問題在取樣方式,照這個局面,與全查有什麼不同?)
Nikki: Well, fantastic, I'm really glad that you're convinced that you're doing the right thing, now just piss off out of my space! 真是太棒了,我真高興妳自以為做了大善事,現出請妳滾出這裡.(Nikki氣到摔東西,老實說,連我都聽不進Helen的邏輯)
Helen: You really let yourself down, Nikki. 妳真的在自暴自棄,尼琪.


Zandra終於要面對近身搜毒的待遇.Shell在第一季的地下勢力真是驚人,除了Denny是她忠心的盟友之外,還有一群依附在整個毒品交易網的狐群狗黨.這一幕Denny準備動手時,注意看Shell的影子反照在磁磚牆面上,除了顯示她shadow master的定位,也暗示著她扭曲的人格.在第一季的末尾,Jim對她飽以老拳後,Shell便是照著影像扭曲的鏡子掩飾傷口(別人的鏡子可都是平坦的),不久便在第二季展開對Jim的報負.

Shell與Denny的關係很耐人尋味,她們有主從的結盟,暗地也有彼此肉體的慰藉,雖然Denny是拉子,但倆人從不界定情慾性向.Shell鄙視如Nikki的拉子身份,性只是她達到目的的手段,用來換取Jim的特別照顧,和Denny的忠心.Shell輕撫Denny的臉龐來下達命令--地下世界裡恩威並重的統御方式.

與其說是想搜出毒品,其實好好教訓的意味更大.關於毒品市場的拉鋸戰,抬面上的規矩怎麼比得上他們的在暗地裡游擊出沒?



Monica發現Zandra慘臥在床上,急忙找Nikki協助.Nikki剛經歷過DST的精神折磨,根本沒意願當救難英雄:"Look, who the hell do you think I am, head bloody prefect? Go and tell the sodding screws. Well, go on. 妳當我是什麼人,該死的級長嗎?去找他媽的獄卒,去啊."

一向有教養的Monica回答的也絕:"I don't trust the sodding screws, do you? 我就是不信任他媽的獄卒,妳信嗎?"

Nikki勉為其難來看視Zandra,一看便心知肚明Zandra的遭遇.既冷靜又溫柔地協助善後.她們知道這種地下私刑是可不能公開呈報,像Rachel向Jim打Shell的小報告,最後只是把自己逼到地下勢力的絕路.Nikki關心Zandra要如何私了:"You're going to really have to front up now, you know? Cause otherwise they'll be after you for more than a payback. 妳一定要振作起來,知道嗎?要不然她們接下來會要妳加倍償還."

Monica還是沒搞清楚情況,Nikki只好再解釋: "She's been de-crotche...Do I have to spell it out to you? For her drugs. 她被迫扳開腿搜查毒品...要我把字拼給妳嗎?"

在獄中,滿足物欲的交易多憑以物易物,但是生存之道有時僅靠人與人的互惠,就算在獄中再沒有市場價值的Monica憑著看似無所用處的高雅口音,也能天生我才必有用.

Monica代替Julie通話,當她解釋旁邊的鼓譟,急中生智借題發揮:"Sorry about the noise here. Well, actually, I'm ringing from the prison. Yes, I'm chairing a Board of Visitors meeting in five minutes but honestly I can't thank enough for leaping into the breach.很抱歉四周吵雜聲,事實上,我是從獄中撥話(Julie差點嚇壞,還好轉接得妙).是的,我還有5分鐘就要主持參訪團的會議,能抽空致電真是求之不得的機會."

神秘的Trish終於在探監日現身.倆人一見面又抱又吻,Nikki還喚她寶貝,就算劇裡到現在還沒點破,當時明眼的觀眾應該都猜得出她們的親蜜關係.只是DST幹員煞風景地中斷她們的擁抱,以防偷運毒品.



感情生變,從生活細節中日漸崩動,一支香煙便開始悶燒人心離異:
Trish: No, thanks. I've given up. 謝了,我戒煙了.(Trish舉起雙手拒絕,動作幅度之大,好像要一併拒絕Nikki整顆心、整片情)
Nikki: Since when? 何時開始的?
Trish: Since the day after I last saw you. 上次來看過妳之後
Nikki: Why didn't you tell me about it? 妳為什麼沒告訴我?
Trish: I wanted to see if you'd notice. I couldn't be bothered with all that gum and patches thing. I went to see this guy that Charles went to in Harley Street. And I feel brilliant. 我想看妳有沒有注意到.我沒費事去使用戒煙口香糖或是貼片,我去看了Charles在Harley Street的治療師.現在我感覺很棒.
Nikki: Great. 很好.(Nikki口吻很酸澀) 
Trish: Well, you know how bad my cough was getting. 妳知道我的咳嗽越來越嚴重.
Nikki: Yeah. 是的 (一顆心沈到深井)
Trish: I'll still bring them in for you. (Nikki put back the cig into box) 我還是會帶香煙給妳.

Helen進入會客室視察,為Nikki帶來一點樂趣,把她當作獄中奇觀,向Trish指點:
Nikki: That's our new commandant over by the desk. 桌子後面是新來的指揮官.
Trish: Is that her? You never said she was a babe. 那是她嗎?妳從沒告訴我她是個大美人.

我覺得好奇的是,為什麼Nikki沒有向Trish提及過?因為獄中權力緊張的關係,讓Nikki忽略掉Helen的丰采?還是Nikki本來就注意到,只不過由Trish點明?當局者迷,常由旁人揭露心底的秘密,這裡經Trish看到Helen外貌的吸引力;到103就由Sean挑明,Helen想儘方法拉攏Nikki,是不知覺的著迷.

DST還是搬演Dementors催狂魔的劇碼,制止了一對意圖私運毒品的現行犯,卻在會客室掀起一片恐慌,Monica的兒子直接宣洩成永遠長不大的哭泣與眼淚,在成人刻意的安撫掌聲中,Spencer破涕為笑,但母親卻心碎了.整個G Wing因為這個事件,惶惶不安.


在DST騷動後,Helen與部屬召開檢討會議.Jim建議提早宵禁,Helen在這個節骨眼也不得不同意他的看法.對於引進DST,內部分裂成兩派,Lorna是擁DST派,可是Jim在糾正Lorna同時,順便修理Helen:"What we're saying is, Lorna, that prisons aren't black and white places, right, Helen? 我要告訴妳,羅娜,監獄不是黑白分明的地方,對吧,海倫?"

Helen: I think we have to have a re-think about strategy. That's all I'm saying for now. Anyway…我們得再重新思考策略了.現在我只能先這樣說.總而言之...(言畢,只好摸摸鼻子走了)

一場挫敗,不代表戰爭結束了,獄中的毒品像流行性感冒病毒,沒有辦法根治,只能想儘辨法,趁它春秋大發之際,控制住擴散之勢.

宵禁後,大家照例在黑夜中隔空喊話.
Shell: Oi Wade! Did you have a good time with the squat squad? 嘿,姓魏的,享受妳的蹲坐嗎?
Nikki: Yeah, fantastic. Well, I did with the good-looking one! 是啊,棒極了.我可是蹲得很美麗!

Julies: we love you, Monica. You there, Monica? 我們愛妳,莫尼卡.妳在那裡嗎,莫尼卡?
別人答腔:Well, she's not going nowhere, is she? Not for five years, anyway. 她還能去那裡?5年內,哪也去不了.

1999/06/01

Bad Girls S1E01 : Them and Us

Them and Us 他們和我們

這個標題是整個<Bad Girls>精簡的破題,舞台上二方人馬對立,但是角色對位精采,有正方的好人/正方的壞人,反方的壞人/反方的好人.所謂好與壞,不是全然的涇渭分明,正義與道德常是隱伏潛行在黑白之間.值得注意,這一集的鏡頭語言非常細膩,攝影用了二場精準的入焦出焦來詮釋「他們和我們」的辯證,再用前後二次的仰視俯視,從Nikkia的角度來看權力尊卑的定義和再定義,更別忘了紅色和藍色劃遍螢幕的象徵意義.

至於Nikki與Helen的感情呢?我當然沒有忘記,這不就是我們要來看這部影集的動機嗎?之所以用那麼多精神來分解這部影集各項元素,只是想表達:你不是在單純的消化一個用假板造景搭建的愛情故事,圍繞在她們周圍的人事物全部精采可期,且讓我引領你細細品味,如何在戲的妙點,大聲鼓掌叫好......

時間回到1999年....
倫敦女子監獄Larkhall,正在舉行服裝秀彩排.一出場是Julie雙姝閃亮的銀色露肚裝,接著是霸凌妹Denny拳擊手架式的紅色塑膠夾克,霸凌天后Shell Dockley頂著黑色假髮和傲人雙峰出場.壓軸的是永遠的壞人:獄頭Jim Fenner,他開燈結束短暫虛幻,歡迎來到Larkhall權力世界.(*「霸凌」是bully的諧音,本意恃強欺弱,見於獄卒對犯人,犯人對犯人,後來甚至出現犯人對獄卒.全看技巧運用存乎一心.)

平行剪輯出現在隔離牢房獨自痛苦的Carol,還有在排演現場一角,百般無奈的Nikki及低頭怯懦的Rachel.仔細想想,當年觀眾在第一集時,還完全不知道Nikki的性傾向,他們是怎樣看待這一位穿紅衫,塗口紅(真是紅得故意),但是舉止帥氣,老是見義勇為,表情總是滿不在乎的大姊頭?


牢房宵禁前,Nikki想要上三樓探視Carol,被二位獄卒從上攔路擋下.鏡頭往上看見老頑固Sylvia和漸趨沈淪的Lorna,象徵她們高於犯人的權力.



Nikki雖然不得不往上仰視,但是用了一付頗為不屑的表情,故意調侃Sylvia的墨守成規:"You'd gas us in our cells if they told you to, wouldn't you? 如果長官要妳毒死我們,妳真的會在我們牢房放瓦斯,對不對?" (*在將近結尾時,Nikki反過來俯視Helen.)

Nikki下樓時,霸凌天后Shell意有所指地說了一句 "Missed your goodnight kiss, did you? What a shame. 可憐,懷念妳的道晚安之吻嗎" 關於Nikki的性傾向,線索是一點一點地放出來.

前面的紅色,是幾個角色隱約的危機(Carol的流產,Shell/Denny的霸凌,Nikki的群眾運動),這裡,從Carol汨汨的出血接下來,是一組專屬於Helen的紅色視覺主題串聯:她的道德侷限.




鏡頭溶接到紅燈大特寫,往後拉遠景,原來是紅綠燈的禁止通行.






Helen身穿紅衫(隱喻她的危機),想在停車空檔補上口紅,可是不得要領,整個妝都亂了.當你跟著規距行事,很多情況是事與願違.




到監獄大門口,紅色的柵欄,紅色禁止入內的標示,一身紅衫,開著紅車的Helen就這樣一路走入約束禁制的工作場所.




一上班,是Jim來關心Rachel的情況.Jim認為她在一樓與別的犯人關在一起,很容易受到欺負,逼迫她走私毒品進來.Helen便同意將Rachel調到三樓的單人牢房.看似一件體貼犯人的安排,卻是Jim處心積慮的長線佈局.

當Carol流產意外成為嚴重事件,Helen與部屬們的危機處理,突顯現代專業經理人,在面臨組織內保守勢力的心力交瘁.

Helen問及為何沒有回應Carol的呼救,Jim用人格抹黑的方式來否定Carol要求的正當性:"Carol got a bit of bad rep for time wasting. 卡洛是出了名的最會浪費大家的時間";Sylvia跟著落井下石:"I just thought she was doing her usual. 我以為她又再玩老把戲."
這可把Helen惹火:
Helen: So, this is all her own fault, is it? well? 所以,這都是她咎由自取囉?
Jim: Helen, it's just a tragic set of circumstances. 海倫,這只是一個意外的悲劇.
Helen: I'm going to have to speak to the women. I want you to call a wing meeting as soon as possible, please. 我要向女犯們公開說明.請你立刻集合大家.
Jim: Look, I really think...Well, don't you think that we should just sit tight till feelings die down a bit, eh? 我真的認為....妳不認為(Jim很有技巧地轉變主詞)應該等到情緒冷靜點再說?
Helen: No, I don't. I think we should be seen to care right now. 不,我認為此刻我們應該表現出關心、重視的樣子.


Helen的同居男友Sean竟然在這個關鍵時刻打電話來問"削筆器在那裡",這種芝麻小事,Helen還算有耐心地回答他,如果是我,這個節骨眼早已經一陣開罵.(是的,我脾氣很暴躁)



Helen大步邁入牢房,她的頭髮微微飄揚,乍看有點慷慨赴義之貌.其實Nikki早就等著要修理這批公務員:"Listen, if that shit parcel isn't nicked for this. I'm going to take it to the top cause they are not sitting on this one, no way.
如果這屎貨沒有被逮到,我就要往上揭發,絕不讓他們把案子壓下來."


Helen一開始的說明是有很有層次及結構:

I'm sure you all know that last night Carol Byatt suffered a miscarriage in her room which was not discovered untl first unlock.
我認為妳們都知道Carol昨晚在牢房流產,直到今早才被發現.(先坦白事實情況)

Now, I know you must all be feeling very upset about this. I can assure you that I am, too, and so are my officers.
我了解妳們都很難過,我必須告訴各位,我本人及每位同事都深表同感.(表達同理心)

Now, I personally went to see Carol in hospital this morning, and I'm glad to say that she'll soon be well enough to be back here with us.
今早我親自探視過她,很慶幸她很快就會康復,回來與我們同聚.(交待事件主角未來動向)

圖解:這個仰角鏡頭,只見上面二層樓,黑壓壓地一片人頭,整個群眾像泰山壓頂之勢,籠罩著Helen.

Now, I also spoke to her about what happened and I promised her that...
我也和她談過事情發生的經過,我向她保證....

圖解:Jim在較遠的後景,焦距在他身上,而Helen在前景,出焦模糊,顯示倆個人之間立場相距十萬八千里.

I would conduct a thorough investigation into....
我會進行完整地調查... (提出解決方案)

圖解:鏡頭拉轉90度角,焦距拉回到Helen,強調她說這句話的決心.後方遠景,是模糊的Sylvia, Lorna,再度顯示這倆個人和Helen的南轅北轍.

why and how she was left unattended.
以查出為何無人理會Carol的呼求

圖解:焦距從Helen,一下子推向Sylvia,Lorna,倆人頓時清晰,暗示Helen對她們的過錯己心知肚明.



Now, I have since interviewed all the officers concerned
我已對相關人員作過詢問 (Helen眼神掃射所有部屬)

but I have to conclude that what happened here was a tragic set of circumstances.
我不得不結論,這是一件意外悲劇 (這是很爛的結論,把前面的鋪陳全毀掉了,功虧一簣.)

圖解:焦距最後拉回到Helen,顯示由她一肩挑起責難,採用部屬Jim的說法,把案件說成是意外悲劇,言畢群眾譁然.


第一個發難的是Nikki.注意她是穿藍色.
Nikki: A What? She nearly bled to death, you should all be sacked! 什麼?她幾乎流血至死,你們都該被開除
Helen: I'm sorry, but as far as I can conclude, there are no grounds for disciplinary action. I promise you, I'm going to make changes to procedures so no more accidents like this can ever happen here again.
我很抱歉,但就我所知,並沒有失職之處.我保證,我會改變作業方式,未來將不會再有意外發生.
Nikki: What do you mean, accidents? That wasn't an accident.
妳怎麼可以說是意外?根本不是意外.
Julie S: She was calling for a doctor! 她在呼求醫生
Julie J: We 'eard her! 我們都聽到了

Nikki: And so did that cow there! So, how come she didn't lift a finger?
(指向Sylvia)那隻母牛也聽到了!為什麼她連手指頭都不動一下
Helen: So you please, everyone. 各位請冷靜

群眾不斷鼓譟,Jim大聲維持秩序,卻像是為Nikki的下一段發言預先作了絕佳清場.

Now let me say it for her, well what's she's telling us is that we're all the safe in here
讓我來幫她說,她的意思是在這裡,我們全都不安全 (Helen睜大眼睛,慢慢轉過背來,好像Nikki從後面刺進一刀)
because even when we're bleeding to death, we don't get believed. Well I'm telling her from us, you can't run this prison unless we help you, and if we don't get respect from your screws then don't think that we're going to make you look good in front of your VIP visitors because we're not! So, you can shove your stupid fashion show up your arse!
就算是流血至死,還是不得信任.(這是Nikki的群眾魅力,全場摒息以聽)但我要告訴她,沒有我們配合,休想管理這座監獄,如果不能得到妳下屬的尊重,別想我們會讓妳在貴賓面前好看.把妳的蠢秀塞進屁股裡吧! (所有人鼓掌叫好.Nikki不喜歡服裝秀,她這樣說情有可原,但這些愛秀的群眾,只爽到叫好,卻不知鄙夷服裝秀的下場.)

Helen在女犯人前,面子完全掛不住,當著部屬又被挫了威風,她決定重砲反擊,用權力壓制Nikki.
Helen: Fine, consider it cancelled! This wing will not be taking part. You are on rule 43! Lock them up!
好,那就把它取消.本區將不會參與表演.(轉向Nikki,手指著鼻子)妳違反了第43條!全部關進去!

圖解:這是所謂四大行星成一列,Helen/Nikki/Jim/Shell全部出現在一起,看看這角色對位:正方的好人/反方的好人,正方的壞人/反方的壞人.注意此刻Nikki的藍衣和Helen的紅衫,顏色暗示對立狀態.

Helen此令一出,Jim跑來請她三思.Helen正在氣頭上:"When I make a decision, I stick to it....Do you think I believe all that shit from Sylvia? I had to face a near riot out there because of what she let happen so don't blame me for coming down heavy."
我一旦作了決定,就會堅持到底....你以為我相信Sylvia的鬼話.就是因為她處理不當,我得面對近乎暴動的場面,所以別怪我下手太重" (Helen把自已搞得裡外不是人,兩面都不討好)

Jim利用他的私人關係,越級向Helen的上司Simon告狀.Simon馬上電召Helen,要她收回成命,因為:"Because I assure you, there's more at stake here than your personal pride. 我可以告訴妳,此事利害關係,比妳個人名譽還要重要." 整個服裝秀怎能獨缺妳G-Wing 一席.

Helen發現是Jim背後搞鬼,回去向他攤牌:I know you've got problem with me. The thing I can't do anything about it. My age, my background, that fact I'm a woman.
我知道你對我有意見,我沒有辦法改變:我的年紀,我的背景,以及我是女性.

Look, I just want to come into work and get on with it. And I don't expect you to agree with me on every decision I have made. But if you have problem with it, then tell me to my face. That way, I can trust you. Don't go sneaking behind my back.
我只想順利推動工作.我並不期望你同意我所有的決定.但如果有意見,請當面告訴我,我才可能信任你.別在我背後搞鬼.

你得承認Jim是厲害角色,他打混那麼多年,根本看不起剛畢業,沒經驗的菜鳥.
Jim: I did tell you how i feel about your decision both beore you called the meeting and after it blew up in your face. but you weren't interested. but I haven't heard you admitted you made mistake. Maybe we could meet and discuss it over a drink sometime, hmm?
我在妳召開會議前及火爆場面後,都向妳表達過意見,但妳沒有興趣聽(這是事實).到現在我都沒聽到妳認錯(被Jim佔了便宜).或許那天我們可以一邊喝酒再一邊談談,嗯?(他那個調調兒真令人看了想發火)

Nikki被下令關進地下室禁閉,但Sylvia自作主張把Nikki的衣服給剝光(她在102再度被剝了一次),Nikki只好抱著床單遮蔽.欺負她的不只是獄卒,連管餐的Shell都藉機不給她飯吃.


當Nikki在牢房挨餓受凍,Helen回家喝酒吃大餐,順便向男朋友大吐苦水.
Sean: So, your mini crisis went maxi, did it? 妳的小危機演變成大災難了?
Helen: Sodding mafia. I think I played right into their hands. 真他媽的黑手黨.我掉入他們的手心裡.

當Sean幫她作起腳底按摩時,Helen開始心生逃避主義,想要像Sean一樣的工作,能自行其事,沒有壓力,有成就感的工作.其實她太有理想,一旦投入便不放手.整整三季就是看在她與Nikki如何克服萬難,達到最後目標.

倒是Sean最後提議"Do you facy a shag? 想作愛嗎?" Helen搖一搖頭,但還是上了床.事後想起工作的不順,再度心生憂鬱:"It's going to happen every bloody day anything I do they don't like. 每天都會是這景況:他們不喜歡我做的每一件事" (像不像不想上學的小孩?)

這廂是Helen與男友憂鬱未解的房事,那廂則是Jim與Shell在牢房的偷情.Jim濫用職權的惡形昭然若揭.

當然Jim的私慾不只於Shell.Rachel年輕不明事理,以為Jim是可以依靠的對象,誤將感激與感情混為一談,因為脆弱而衍生的依偎渴望,剛好正中Jim的下懷.而Jim更好整以暇地,用以退為進的方法,引領Rachel一步步上鉤,她的下場是本季第一個悲劇事件.


Sean曾在上班前規勸Helen不該那樣處理,Helen確實在反省她的策略,所以她去找Nikki,看得出來她從挫敗中悟出一些治監的關鍵:要抓住「非正式組織unofficial group」中的「意見領袖opinion leader」.只是她得先處理Sylvia對Nikki濫用私刑,再度捅出的簍子.
Helen: What the hell is she doing in strips? Well, go and get clothes here immediately. I am sorry this should not have happened.
她怎麼被剝光衣服?趕快拿衣服進來.我很抱歉不該發生這種事.
Nikki: Happens all the times, didn't you know? 常有的事,妳不知道嗎?
Helen: It won't in the future. 未來不會再發生了.
Nikki: Why? Are you going to let us lot out and I'll lock up your screws instead?
怎麼可能?難道妳要把我們都放出來,我可以反過來關住妳的下屬.
Helen: Look..Nikki...I intend to make a lot changes here but I need cooperation. 
聽著,尼琪,我想好好改變,但需要有人合作.
Nikki: Cooperation? 合作? (表情很不以為然地重複那一個字.Nikki的豐富表情真是Bad Girls的絕景)
Helen: You're right. I can't run thing here without your help. 
妳說對了,沒有你們協助,我不可能管理好這裡.(Helen小心冀冀看著Nikki,語調溫和緩慢)

Nikki: Listen, darling...I don't even know how people like you can sleep at night, if you believe in the system to lock up pregrant women
聽著,親愛的,如果妳認同孕婦可以被關進監獄,我不能理解像妳這種人,晚上怎能睡得安穩.
Helen: Well, you're just going to trust me. 妳得相信我

Nikki正在更衣,Helen看著窗外:
Helen: Either we both climb down together and make something positive out of this,
除非我們能攜手合作,做出正面的改變
Nikki: Or? Why? 要不然呢....
Helen: We all lose out to the old boy network.
我們都會敗給既有的權力結構 (Helen回頭看了Nikki,Nikki則呼了一個氣,心想,要不要和權力結盟?這是Nikki最討厭的事.但是Helen用反擊old boy network為理由,是很符合Nikki的胃口.)
(*old boy network 並不一定指男性的小團體,但在這裡是明確指Jim的男性人脈)

趁著Carol出院,Nikki陪同一起回到獄中,Helen沈默地跟在後面.鏡頭處在居高臨下,環視全場.Nikki接著走了半圈,抓抓耳朵,心想何時取得大家注意.她把雙手插入口袋,決定開講:"Ok, can you give me a minute, please. I got an important announcement to make. 請大家注意一下,有重要事情宣佈." (Helen只是沈默地看著一切)



"This unit is back to the fashion show tomorrow. 我們明天可重新加入服裝秀" (全場歡聲雷動)
Cause seeing as I helped set it canceled, I personally guaranteed to Miss Steward 之前因我的緣故造成退出,我個人特別向司徒女士保證

圖解:Nikki看著後方的Helen,非常清楚,表示對Helen的重視.請注意Nikki和Helen同樣穿上藍色系的衣服,暗示這一刻的結盟.

焦距回到Nikki,由她對群眾發聲.
that if they let us back in, G Wing would give it out best. 
如果讓我們重新加入,我們G區一定全力以赴
So if that's ok with you babes....Go out and strut your stuff, right! 
如果各位也贊同,那就使出妳們的看家本領吧!


服裝秀圓滿完成,Helen事後特別找Nikki表達感謝.Nikki穿回紅衫,與Helen又站在不同陣線.
Helen: Listen, I just wanted to thank you again for helping me out.
我想要再次感謝妳幫助我
Nikki: Don't think I did anything for you, Miss.ies.
別以為我是為了妳而做,女士.(Nikki站上樓階,俯視Helen,依舊滿臉不在乎)

鏡頭往上拉,發現Shell把Nikki與Helen的互動都已看在眼裡.Shell穿著火紅的長袍站在欄干邊,Nikki穿著紅衫從她身後快速走過,明著看,兩人同為牢友,本是同一陣線;暗著看,倆人的紅衣都譬喻著危險,為下一集的衝突埋下伏筆.


宵禁時刻,所有犯人都關在各自牢房裡.Shell一邊逗弄著房裡的籠中鳥,一邊假惺惺地向隔壁鄰居Rachel喊話.Rachel像是怯生生地靠著牆壁聆聽,不料Jim從黑暗中侵入,從右頸一口吞噬了弱小生物...

1999/05/21

The Love Letter

<The Love Letter 情有千千結(1999)>是部境遇奇特的影片.Ellen DeGeneres出櫃之後,電視影集終結,影迷正擔心她的事業會不會走入死胡同,她出人意表地與大導演的老婆Kate Capshaw一起合演這部影片.另外的驚喜,這是香港導演陳可辛嘗試在好萊塢發展的試金石.

現在回頭來看,Ellen DeGeneres與Kate Capshaw真的不適合拍電影,陳可辛一例證實華人導演不拍動作片,在好萊塢註定辛苦.

倒是本片的演員,好像是同志角色的彙集站:不是之前演過同志角色,就是之後去演了同志角色.


  • Tom Selleck湯姆謝立克:之前在<In & Out 新郎向後跑 (1997)>大膽男男擁吻
  • Kate Capshaw:後來在<A Girl Thing (2001)>,飾演雙性戀廣告設計
  • Ellen DeGeneres:後來在<If These Walls Could Talk 2 為妳鍾情 (2000)>演出求子拉子
  • Julianne Nicholson:在本片中段理了一個可愛的小平頭,後來在<Puccini for Beginners(2006)>*Review演出拉子


  • 最特別的是片中白髮Miss Scattergoods,由英國資深女星Geraldine McEwan飾演.她因演出<Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit (1989)>片中頑強的母親而獲得1991年英國影劇協會BAFTA最佳女主角.這次她反過來演出資深歐蕾.片中像愛情靈藥般的情書,其實是出自Miss Scattergoods年輕時寫給女主角母親的表白.



    電影版的情書是這樣寫:

    Dearest, do you know how much in love with you I am? Did I trip, did I stumble, loose my balance, graze my knee, graze my heart?

    I know I'm in love when I see you. I know when I long to see you I'm on fire.
    Not a muscle has moved. Leaves hang unruffled by any breeze. The air is still.
    I have fallen in love without taking a step.

    You are all wrong for me and I know it. But I no longer care for my thoughts unless they're thoughts of you. When I peel an orange, when I drive my car, when I lie down each night without you, I remain, yours.


    電影改編自暢銷原著,電影版的情書刪減不少,有網友貼上原著的情書版本, 可以上下對照:

    Dear Goat,

    How does one fall in love? Do you trip? Do you stumble, lose your balance and drop to the sidewalk, graze your knee, graze your heart? Do you crash to the stony ground? Is there a Precipice, from which you float, over the edge, forever?

    I know I'm in love when I see you, I know when I long to see you. Not a muscle has moved. Leaves hang unruffled by any breeze. The air is still. I have fallen in love without taking a step. When did this happen? I haven't even blinked.

    I'm on fire. Is that too banal for you? It's not, you know. You'll see. It's what happens. It's what matters. I'm on fire.

    I no longer eat. I forget to eat. Food looks silly to me, irrelevant. If I even notice it. But I notice nothing. My thoughts are full and raging, a house full of brothers, related by blood, feuding blood feuds.

    "I'm in love."
    "Typically stupid choice."
    "I am, though, I'm racked by love as if love were pain."
    "Go ahead. *beep* up your life. It's all wrong and you know it. Wake up. Face it."
    "There's only one face, it's all I see, awake or asleep."

    I threw the book out the window last night. I tried to forget. You are all wrong for me, I know it, but I no longer care for my thoughts unless they're thoughts of you. When I'm close to you, in your presence, I feel your hair brush my cheek when it does not. I look away from you, sometimes. Then I look back.

    When I tie my shoes, when I peel an orange, when I drive my car, when I lie down each night without you, I remain,

    As ever,
    Ram


     
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