Backs Turned

In Havana, Cuba, Joe Garceras awakens one morning to find that his family has already left for the day, and that he is in a state of malaise. Joe leaves for work, but is distressed to find that other people in the city seem to mirror his dark mood. Rather than go straight to his office, Joe wanders into a cemetery and becomes obsessed by the idea of death. Afterward, Joe calls his office to say that he is sick and will not be coming in. He then continues his aimless walk through the city, during which he ponders the meaning of unhappiness, death and dying. When he wanders into a hospital, Joe encounters a boy whose appendix has ruptured because his sister pressed on his stomach when he was sick. A nurse explains that there are many such cases, which are caused by ignorance and poverty. As the boy's sister sobs by his bedside, Joe recalls a visit to a fortune teller, who told him that he can foretell death. Joe looks into the boy's eyes and feels sure that he will not die, then leaves with a lighter heart. However, before exiting the hospital, Joe hears an announcement that the boy has indeed died. Joe becomes overwrought by the news and runs to a hilltop overlooking the city, where he sobs. Moments later, he is surprised to hear a disembodied voice laugh at him and say that everyone wants to be God. Joe recovers and continues his exploration in a poor neighborhood. There he ponders the meaning of poverty, and urges the children, who have little clothing, food or toys, to become activists when they are old enough to vote. Joe's experience there is contrasted when he encounters wealthy children in a playground, and sees a girl willfully squander a glass of milk. Soon after, Joe is appalled when he hears a revolutionary organizer teaching young teenagers violent rhetoric. Joe next wanders over to a prison and is summoned inside by a warden, because a condemned man's last wish was to be visited by the first person the warden saw outside the prison. In his cell, the condemned man explains that he is innocent of murder, and has been convicted only because he is ugly. Joe consoles the man, who is distraught that he will never have a family, but is comforted because at least Joe believes his innocence. A free man, Joe leaves the prison and encounters the annual Carnaval parade. Joe is caught up in the celebration, but is unable to enjoy himself. In the early evening, Joe is lured into a prostitute's apartment, and although she offers the comfort of physical love, he rejects her, feeling too morbid after his experiences of the day. Joe explains that he is searching for meaning, but the prostitute thinks he is crazy, and reminds Joe she will be beaten by her pimp for allowing Joe to stay as long as he has without paying her. However, she reassures Joe that she can withstand the brutality, so Joe leaves. Joe finally returns home to his children who are thrilled to see their father. His wife gently chides him for getting home so late, but she and the children shower Joe with affection. After being momentarily beset by a vision of the condemned man as a loving father, Joe relaxes and realizes that "life is wonderful."