What do you notice about the gates? (apart from the title of the film!

What do you notice about the surroundings? What do you think Emilio might be thinking? Do you think he can hear what is being said on the other side of the window facing him?

How do you think you might feel at this stage? What conclusions might you draw from what appears to be happening?

What would you think if you saw someone signing papers/forms? Would it make you feel better? Secure? Worse? Or other?

What significance does the autumn leaf have ? It blew in from the outside with a strong wind.

Emilio attempts to pick it up with some difficulty and manages to put it outside

Emilio manages to put the leaf outside what could he be thinking?

The wind whisks the leaf awayor does it?

As the leaf disappears, Emilio doesnt notice as yet that somebody is behind him.

Normally, we would expect somebody who approaches us, to make the first move of introducing him/herselfwhat happens here?

What do you think Emilio might be thinking? How does de react?

His son tells him that he will visit often. Why might Emilio not respond?

What kind of emotions do you think Emilio will be facing? What may be his worries?

As father and son say their goodbyes, what do you think they might both be thinking? Will it be the same?

Why do you think that Emilio cannot turn around to see his son go?

As one life-style finishes, another is about to begin. What is your opinion about this statement?

Emilio is waiting to be introduced to other folk in the home.from the image, do you think that he has had positive experiences of meeting people before?

The flashback is of his first school days. Do you remember anything from your first day at school or any other place where you have been the new kid on the block? How did you feel?

Emilio waits for the Care Home Assistant to find his room mate; he is unsure what to do or where to go, but suggests that he just stays put and wait for them to return, outside his door.

What is the first thing that you observe about the surroundings of Emilios room?

Interviu is a Spanish magazine which frequently features pictures of nude women (often famous), taken by Paparazzi. Quite political. Hola! Is the Spanish version of the Hello! Magazine usually features articles of rich and famous; does not usually feature nudity. Not political usually personal stories.

Miguel has lived in Argentina. He has an argentine accent and calls Emilio Che (amigo); he also gives him the nickname of Rockerfella, as Emilio used to be a Director of a bank.

Miguel knows all the residents and their weaknesses he uses the information for his own personal gain, by charging them for services. He offers to show Emilio around.

Miguel continues to call Emilio Rockerfella, which causes Emilio to repeat (again) that is name is Emilio. He is clearly distressed at being given another name. Why do you think that is?

Miguel asks Emilio for money to cover costs and expenses. Emilio confirms that he is well aware of the expenses and will check it out with the staff.

Miguel presses him to pay up which Emilio does.

Miguel shows Emilio the main lounge. What are your observations?

Emilio observes that it is like a waiting room. What might he mean by that?

What might Emilio be thinking as he observes the waiting room..?

Miguel attempts to introduce Emilio to Ramn, explaining that the old gentleman only ever repeats what he hears in that moment

Emilio recalls meeting him at the front reception

He jokes lightly with the nurse, suggesting that shes guilty of giving them drugs

Miguel shos Emilio the TV room. Over the last 2 years, to Miguels recollection, they never change channels and always show documentaries. What are your feelings about this?

Do you think that if you were old, that you would enjoy seeing documentaries? What might you prefer to see? Why?

What do you notice about the gym?

Miguel states that it is never used, that the residents need help to take a shower so swimming is highly unlikely

Emilio recalls that he used to go swimming after work, once a week, and how much he loved it

Miguel is quick to point out that the pool belongs to those who pay, it is merely used to impress in reality, it is never used.

Notice the expression on Emilios facehe looks hopeful that perhaps he could ask for the key to the pool to go swimmingmaybe if he gets his act together.

Emilio meets Doa Sol who is constantly looking for a telephone to advise her family that she is ready for homefor a fee, Miguel will direct her to reception. In fact, he directs her in the opposite direction, explaining to Emilio that its best that way, as by the time she finds the telephone, she will have forgotten both what she is looking for and why. Her family never come to see her

Alzheimers Disease: People can forget that they may have already called somebody on the phone. They may feel that they are not at home and feel unsettled. They are confused although sometimes, have moments of lucidity. What does this mean?

Doa Sol is confused as she reaches the bottom of the hallway Emilio can see this. What might he be thinking?

What is your opinion of the care home?

The lift to the upper floor is tempting. What is up there? What are the noises Emilio can hear?

Miguel assures Emilio that the first floor is not the place to go he should forget it.

The stairs lead to what Miguel calls Los asistidos those who can no longer look after themselves, like those with Alzheimer. Under no circumstances should anyone wish to end up there.it is the end of their life as they knew it.

End of Chapter 1