Original subtitles

5 out of 4 Slovak writers recommend this film.

This film was born from a dream,

in which two distinguished Slovak authors spoke Czech together.

Who knows why? Or what Bernolák would say about it? Or Freud?

THE MAN WITH HARE EARS

STAGES OF HUMAN AGING

30 years old - manhood 40 year old - peak of activity

50 years old - peace

Once, when he felt nothing could surprise him anymore,

That he had seen everything,

something happened that turned his whole world upside down.

One evening just after sunset,

he was returning home when he hit a hare.

He didn't know what to do.

He felt that something irreparable had occurred.

something that had changed his life forever.

Then suddenly, without knowing why, he decided to eat the animal.

Hello?

You asleep?

-Is that you, Julo? -Yes.

-I'm here with the fishes. -What's wrong?

Get me Camels.

I'll pay you later.

I LIVE HERE

Do you smell gas?

That kind of garlicky smell.

No.

Aren't you cold?

-You been here long? -I just came.

I like you.

I like you too.

What are you doing here?

Everythings fucked up.

Can you still write?

I'm too old.

I can't even put my socks on in the morning.

It sucks.

Did you take these?

-Marta left. -Did you take these?

-There was nothing left. -Christ, Julo, you're an idiot.

Hello, Bernát here.

I need an ambulance. My friend has swallowed some pills.

It says Omalexin,

20 mg.

No, I can't do it myself.

He's delirious, apathetic. I can't make him vomit.

You don't understand. He's naked and I don't know what to do.

Sibiřská St. 26, second floor. No! That's the next street over.

Thank you.

-Did you throw up? -I'm just fine.

Did Marta call?

No.

What did you do to her?

Half a year ago,

some young dude came over to fix my computer.

And when I was away in Olomouc, they hooked up.

I had no clue what was going on.

She bought an iPod and started going to the mountains with some cult.

They run around naked and fuck during the solstice.

They want to get back to their Slavic roots, or something.

I told her, "Martička, cut it out, we're too old for that".

She started telling me shit, like that she finally feels free

and that she wants to start something herself.

I wanted to be open minded

so I said, "It's okay, I'll wait for you, Martička".

And then money started disappearing from my account.

Do they really dance naked there?

I want her to come back.

I'll bring you some things tomorrow.

...to the mountains with some cult.

They run around naked and fuck during the solstice.

They want to get back to their Slavic roots, or something.

Meat knife - Soop spoon

Meat fork - Coffee pot

He cleaned and skinned the hare.

When he placed it on the pan, he was surprised how small it was.

It reminded him of Sunday dinners with his parents.

Mom always served his father first, than him.

She seldom ate any herself. She said the smell was enough.

After he finished eating, he fell into a strange malaise.

Neighbors' voices quietened

as the town beyond the window grew still.

He fell asleep.

In the morning he awoke to an awful noise.

It was as if the trumpets of Jericho were blasting in his ears.

He was gripped by horror.

Overnight, he had grown two long, furry hare ears.

They rotated like strange radars, picking up the faintest whispers.

HI, DAD

We met during an interview I did with him for a newspaper.

I hadn't read any of his books, but he didn't throw me out.

I guess he was curious how I'd get out of it all.

Basically, I did the talking, he mostly listened.

Then he sat me in his car and took me to Piešťany.

At lunch I asked him, "Is this where you take all your girls?"

He said, "Yes."

In the end, he wrote the interview himself.

And I got the credit.

It's thanks to him I found myself, and now I do what I like doing.

Teaching kids to swim.

A girl or a boy?

They don't know yet. I'm only in my third month.

We should get married before it becomes noticeable.

I had no clue you were so old fashioned.

What do you mean old fashioned? I love you.

Jozef, cut it out, you're still married.

I haven't lived with Dana for 20 years.

You don't live with me either. You only call me when it suits you.

And what's this?

I'm leaving.

Now?

How will you explain the child who his father is?

I'll tell him he died in Vietnam.

It's networking between us

We live separate lives, we don't share anything.

Twice a week, we eat together and sleep together. That's it.

I don't even know you.

-Is there somebody else? -No, I don't need anyone.

Move in with me.

Into that dusty old closet?

I can't take care of you and a child.

It's my kid too.

Will you divorce Dana?

You're sixty-two years old.

You realize the child will only see you dying?

Better than to die in Vietnam

The world attacked him with its sound.

He tried hiding his ears in his hat, but they jumped out disobediently.

When he walked along the street,

people turned to look at him, and dogs barked fiercely.

He decided to visit a doctor.

Doctor Bauman called a consilium.

They asked him if his family had a history of this illness.

They wanted to know how often he had sex.

The consilium deliberated all day.

First they wanted to surgically remove his ears,

But then they recommended he remain in the hospital for observation.

He suddenly felt like a freak in a freak show.

He ran away.

Writing is a selfish act.

You must distance yourself from the surrounding world.

From your family and friends.

The writer should never worry about the reactions his books may cause.

He should write as he feels.

In my last book, for example, I wrote openly about my sexuality

which provoked negative reactions puritans. But it interests me!

I don't care about politics or current social affairs.

They change moment to moment.

I'm astonished by my own inner self.

As old age sets in and male sexuality weakens,

men become less aggressive, more empathetic and more spiritual.

As they age, they come closer to love.

And in people's lives, there is nothing more important than love.

You probably don't remember me.

Bohumil Machnáč.

I don't, but nice to meet you.

I wanted to congratulate you on your last book.

Thank you. Did you like it?

How do you call someone who has stolen something?

A thief?

Have you seen this before?

-It doesn't ring a bell. -Interesting.

You gave it two points when you sat on the arts commission.

-Out of twenty. -I really don't remember.

Excuse me, I really must go. Really?

Then let me read you something.

My husband writes in his book:

"Emil got up, walked to the window and gazed at the flock of crows.

They reminded him of soot blown on the wind."

While in your opus you wrote:

"She got up, rubbing her shoulders, and gazed at the flock of crows.

They reminded her of soot blown on the wind."

That could be an accident. Crows just remind you of soot.

-Goodbye. -Wait!

There are more accidents like that. On pages 12, 22, 53.

And you copied a whole paragraph on page 64.

You really don't want to look at it?

It's all been highlighted.

Christ, it's a completely different story.

Because you changed everything. You only kept the best sentences.

For example, "A storm was coming,

the swallows flew near the ground, their tails clipping the air."

I made that up.

-I have nothing to say to you. -That's not what I'm saying!

I spent three years on this book, and you swept it off the table.

What do you want from me?

Bohumil has written another book, and you're on the commission again.

Now that you know us, you could help us out.

-What's it called? -"The Neglected Woman".

I won't be blackmailed by some graphomaniac.

Sue me.

You're making a mistake.

You needn't call him a graphomaniac. He doesn't exploit grants.

He works at the tax office and only writes at night.

-It might be his last book. -Let's hope.

We spent the most time together when Mom threw him out.

It was hard for him. He lost weight.

We would walk to the zoo together.

He'd sit on the bench and silently watch the animals.

I could do whatever I wanted around him.

He gave me that freedom.

My brother was jealous, he locked me in the cupboard at night.

Father was strict with him, but...

I was the prettiest.

The smartest.

The best.

DO NOT TOW! LOADING CAR. WE'RE MOVING.

-Where have you been, Dad? -Sorry, got stuck in traffic.

I've been waiting for half an hour. The notary will be here soon.

You know I don't have much time.

Fourth floor, no elevator. You'll never sell it.

Don't be cute and hurry.

You're late.

He's had his meds and been changed. I have to run.

Come on.

Do you like the place?

I want to score it for 300 000 euros.

Hello, Mr. Németh.

You look good today.

You look good today.

Look what I've brought you.

Goulash. You like it, don't you?

This is my father. He's a writer.

You have one of his books. "Trees in a Field".

Hi.

Please feed him.

At least ten spoonfuls.

What year were you born?

Here. Give me your arm...

What's going on?

I'm getting married.

That's great. To Katka?

-I thought that was over. -We're expecting a baby.

So I'm going to have a brother and you a grandson.

You could help us out. We're going to need a bigger flat.

I'll take care of everything. Just don't do it online.

We'll arrange something.

I don't think I want kids. They get on my nerves, just the sight of them.

-You still single? -Yes. And I feel good.

At least it doesn't hurt.

Mom thinks I'm a slut.

She tells me to keep away from married men,

to respect my body and that I'll be a mother one day.

Do you think I will?

Yes.

Trim your ear hair. It doesn't look good.

-Mrs. Némethová? -Bernátová. Realtor.

Excuse me, where's the toilet? -Here, straight ahead.

And on the left.

Excuse me, I was celebrating my birthday.

That's alright. Please make her some tea.

-How big is it? 440 meters.

Thank you for coming. Mr. Németh couldn't manage the journey alone.

I hope there's been no serious brain damage. Is he legally competent?

Of course.

Here is his identification.

Are you Mr. Németh?

This is a sales agreement for you flat. Do you understand?

You are selling your flat to a reality office.

Do you understand that?

Let's sign it then.

Here you go.

Just like we practiced. Take it in your hand...

And here.

I'll help you, OK?

So...

Great job. We did it.

Alright?

Four more times.

Would you like sugar too?

FUCK YOU

Shit!

He was afraid to go home because he thought they were waiting for him.

He roamed the streets, his big ears

catching bits of strangers' conversations against his will.

He heard things he was not meant to hear.

Come here, understand? Spit it out.

Don't put money in your mouth, it's dirty.

-All I do is take you to doctors. -You're bothered I don't shower?

What dental hygiene?

That's why you left?

That nonsense didn't come from your head.

Slow down!

Don't follow me when I'm in my sports outfit.

-So slow down. -Come when I'm in my normal clothes.

If you don't respect the rules, I won't talk to you. Get in.

So I rubbed the hot wax on him

and pulled all the hair right off...

-Remember Barry? -He was a beauty, a real champ.

They shot him like a hare.

Jozef understood he had become the hunted.

RESPECT YOURSELF. ACCEPT YOURSELF AS YOU ARE!

-Half an hour, on the premises only. -Ja, mein Führer.

At least you have time to write.

This isn't a grant program, this is a loony bin. I'm done writing.

But,

I wrote a song.

My dove has taken wing and flown out of my yard,

My bed for her had grown Too narrow and too hard.

All that remains of her, White feather from above -

Empty as a cell Is my home without my love.

Why is it that you dress me In this winding shirt,

Cross my arms behind me And bind them till it hurts?

I bet you would not like it Either if you knew

That one of your buddies Fucketh your lover too.

-Know anything about Marta? -No.

-How long are you here for? -As long as I want. I like it here.

They asked me if I'm still sexually active,

then they gave me a notebook to draw what kind of animal I am.

Doesn't that seem infantile to you?

What did you draw?

-A bull. -Of course you did.

Once I saw a bull escape from the slaughter house.

Three fat butchers chased it

with iron rods in their hands.

They surrounded it at our house.

I watched from the window.

One of them hit it in the eye with his rod.

The next one hit it over the head.

They beat it to death.

A tractor came,

they chained it by its back leg

and dragged it through the whole town.

All that was left was...

a smear of blood.

Hey, you still have the old Volkswagen I sold you?

It's falling apart. I'll have to get a new one.

You even kept the sign!

Open it up, I want to remember.

Better get out or someone will see you.

You have to get me out of here. You called them on me!

-This won't end well. -I have to see Marta.

Don't you see what's happened to her? She's in a cult!

That dudes going to abuse her. What if something happens to her?

She's an adult. You have problems, they can help you with them here.

Here? In this gulag?

I can't smoke in bed! They have terrible coffee!

I can't sleep, people scream and bang their heads against the wall!

You know shit about it! Get in and start her up!

Julo, I can't do that.

Then at least give me the keys. You can say I stole them.

Get out.

You're just a common whore!

Get off me, motherfuckers!

I don't want to be selfish. I try to think of others.

But not all help is welcome, and little is appreciated.

And anyway, help itself is questionable.

Why should I mix into someone else's life?

To much care makes it impossible to grow,

to find oneself.

Sometimes I feel like people help others mostly for themselves.

They want to fill a void in their lives, to buy indulgences.

Of course I'll give a hungry man some bread,

but I refuse to be that type of a good person.

He hid, but could never find peace.

He was pursued by strange voices telling their strange tales.

I'm no grouch, I'm a very funny person.

He thinks he knows me, but he doesn't even know when I was born.

In a restaurant he found that not only does he hear what guests say,

he also senses what they conceal deep within their houghts.

I never add potatos, they make it too starchy.

Only 20 months and I'm free to go.

I love clear soups, the noodles float there so peacefully.

Everybody crosses their fingers for hockey players and footballers,

but who crosses their fingers for me?

He suddenly knew their secrets.

I don't want kids.

I'd rather have a pet turtle.

What people said aloud was different than what they thought.

I'm not afraid, I've done nothing. I'm not afraid, I've done nothing.

He realized that until now he knew nothing about them.

He was ashamed.

I've done nothing.

-Mom, grandpa's here! -Can I open the door?

Hello, father.

-Vlado isn't home. Will you come in? -Just for a bit.

Bravo, champs! Bravo!

I can play "Pirates of the Caribbean," but Matuš wrecks it.

-You wreck it, idiot. -Don't call me that!

-That's an illness. Come here.

This is for ice cream.

I can play another song, too.

Really? Go on, play it.

Don't get them used to money, sir.

They have what they need.

Take some, don't be shy!

It's good.

I'm sowing it for our priest.

It has to be done by Sunday.

Is it worth the trouble?

Not everything's about money, sir.

Do not touch it with greasy hands.

Leave some for the children.

Do you have to be so formal with me if we're family?

Why?

It would be easier to bad-mouth me.

It's just what I'm used to, sir.

-Grandpa, do you know what that was? -What? -"Seventy Skirts".

-Really? I didn't think of that. -You must be deaf, Grandpa.

Do you like it?

Put it on.

I have to try it out on someone.

Don't worry, it don't bite.

Lift up your hands.

Hi, Dad.

Get behind me, Satan!

Take it off or you'll tear it.

Our entire childhood was one, big experiment.

Father expected a lot from me,

and I didn't fulfill his expectatitons.

When I was twelve, he made me read Miller's "Tropic of Cancer".

He said, "If you were the son of an idiot, you wouldn't have to think,

but I read Joyce, Dostoyevsky and Salinger..."

So I had to write an essay on "Lolita" by Nabokov.

I didn't understand any of it, but he told me,

"Think about the main character, you're only scratching the surface"

I had to rewrite it several times before he left me alone.

I'm sorry I disappointed him,

but I was happiest when he played football with me and my sister.

That was nice.

He always let us win.

-Give it to me, you had it yesterday. -So what? -Hey!

You're an idiot!

-Missed a spot shaving. -There's no one to check it for me.

You look like an old widow.

How are you with money? I need my two thousand euros back.

I don't have it now. We were on holiday.

They saw the ocean for the first time.

You were supposed give it back two months ago.

What do you need it for?

I'm getting married.

What?

Katka and I are expecting a baby.

Before he grew ears, he thought people were ridiculous.

He laughed at their mundane concerns

for he desired to fathom mystical, supernatural perfection.

But after becoming a big-eared monster,

he realized he had been wrong.

No book contained the answers to his problems.

He wanted to talk to someone, but everyone was afraid of him.

But everyone was afraid of

They did not believe he had changed.

And God was silent.

Along the ban a horse does race Black as the night.

From whence you come, young swain, With colors fair and bright?

Whence I come, hence I come Of Slovak blood I am,

Sweet soul of mine.

Do you go to religion classes?

-On Thursdays. -And what do you learn there?

How they tortured Jesus.

They nailed him to the cross and gave him a crown of thorns.

-No kidding... -Cut it out, Dad.

And a soldier poked him in the tummy with a spear.

Do you learn about the commandments?

Yes. All ten.

Which one is the ninth?

What are doing this for?

I'm only testing them. So, do you know?

-Take not the Lord's name in vain. -That's the second one.

-Then, "Thou shalt not kill." -That's the fifth one.

-Then, "Thou shalt not kill." -That's the fifth one.

-Stop the car. -So which is the ninth?

It's the most important one of all.

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife.

-Stop! -What are you doing?

What's wrong with the boys having a normal upbringing?

Nothing. -So why do you make fun of it.

I didn't mean to offend you. I was only joking.

What good does your cynicism do them?

You're making fun of fundamental things.

Did you come hereto laugh at us?

Get out!

I said get out!

I wanted to ask you to be my best man.

Of course there are things that transcend us.

Everyone who believes in love, justice, honor, good,

everyone who professes fundamental moral principals is a believer.

I became a Christian, a Catholic, because they baptized me as baby.

Without me freely deciding. And that bothers me.

You shouldn't become a Christian by baptism, but by good deeds.

God doesn't distinguish between who is a Christian,

whether Catholic or Evangelic, and who is Muslim, Jew or Buddhist.

The only thing God knows for sure is who is a good person and who is not.

But a certain criminal organization

has usurped the power to decide who is good and who is bad.

I refuse to accept that.

I am a free person. I alone will decide what is good.

I am my own teacher.

Come on, let's go!

Go on, kick the ball! Hey, you two, where have you been?

Come on, let's go!

Take it down the line!

Hurry UP!

Move the ball! Quickly!

They're good.

To help us out a little.

Simona and me.

And you're getting married.

Simona has no problem with it.

She said she'd come to the wedding.

Nice one!

You know she's in debt? She borrowed money to keep her boyfriends happy.

Good job! Keep going!

Two months ago, she was in the hospital on an IV.

-What happened? -She stopped eating.

Her kidneys started to fail and she fainted at a bus stop.

-Why didn't you call me? -Simona didn't want me to.

You haven't paid for football lessons in two months.

-Don't worry, I'll pay. -Should I throw your kids out?

What are the others going to think? What should I tell them?

-I don't have the money now. -Vlado, you're an asshole.

-How much is it? -200 euros for two months.

It's not about the money, it's about the principal.

OK, boys, come over here!

You can cross me out as your best man.

I'm not going to make a fool of myself.

And I'll get you your money in three days.

Wait!

-This is for Katka. -Thank you.

Say hi to her.

He tried to get to know the cashier at a bakery.

He told her the stories he heard outside in the streets.

She laughed and he liked it.

He invited her homa that evening.

He was happy to talk to someone nice after such a long time.

For a while he was happy.

But that moment of bliss quickly vanished into the dark of night.

Good evening.

Katka ran to the post office.

Has she told you already?

Yes.

You can all me Mom.

No, you're younger.

What do you suggest?

I'm Jozef.

I'm Mirka.

Hi.

Jozef, we're adults, let's not deceive ourselves.

This isn't about romance.

I love Katka.

I was afraid of that.

OK, let me be frank.

What security can you offer?

There's a lot at stake.

You have two grownup children.

If anything happens to you, they'll be asking for your money.

You need to think about the little one.

You need to think about the little one.

Who legally owns your flat?

What do you want from me?

I don't give a damn about you two. I'm looking out for the little one.

Who does your accounting? I can get it taken care of.

-What are you doing here? -Mirka wants to do my accounting.

I've checked him out. Think it over carefully.

Mom, stop.

As you wish.

There's rabbit stew over there.

Vlado's wife sends you this.

That's nice of her, but we'll get new ones, won't we?

-I got you a doctor. -So what?

If we're taking this seriously, you should get yourself checked out.

I want to know what I'm getting into.

If you have a stroke, I won't take care of you and the child.

Don't drink, you're pregnant.

Want to be a burden to me?

Now I know who you take after.

Will you go?

Only if it includes a colonoscopy.

I'm tired of your infantile jokes.

Have you been to see Dana?

-No. -What are you waiting for?

-Want me to go? -Yes.

You're a coward.

For your courage.

One must learn to withstand manipulation by those around him.

Everyone wants something from you.

Everyone wants you to conform to them.

Wife, children, friends.

If you want to maintain your character, you must revolt.

You have to send them all to hell.

Once and for all.

And then you realize you are suddenly alone.

You hang your head and beg for forgiveness.

And though you have character, you have lost your dignity.

Good morning. I have a letter from the tax office.

Sign here for me.

Bastard.

Daddy!

Here I am!

-Catch me! -Why don't you know how to ride?

-I taught you guys! -Only Vlado.

You went with me once and we ended up in the Author's Club.

-The bike stayed there as a deposit. -That's right. -Thanks.

I visited Vlado.

Did you pray together? He keeps giving me brochures.

Why didn't you tell me you were in the hospital?

Because it was my business.

Vlado said your life was at risk.

What an idiot

So, what's the matter with you?

I'm alright.

Just stay out of my life.

I arranged the flat for you. Just for the cost of commission.

-But you have to decide quickly. -What flat?

The one you liked, 140 square meters.

Do you have the stomach for that?

-What will you do with Mr. Németh? -I arranged a nursing home for him.

Food three times a day, a shower, diapers, nurses.

He'll be fine.

Is that how you'll take care of me too?

Yes.

Hi.

With my father.

Imagine that, I even have a father.

I don't care. You promised we'd be together.

Screw you and your kids.

Don't make a fool of me. I bought a bike because of you.

You know what? Don't call me again.

So, have you decided? Will you exchange flats?

Simona, I don't want anything to do with that.

But I'm no thief.

The old man's going to have it good, all-inclusive.

No one gives a shit about him. Now he can end life in good society.

Help me, please.

I have to sell it, otherwise...

Otherwise they'll fire me.

That's the best thing that could happen to you.

I'm worried about you.

You aren't helping me at all.

From the time he grew ears. he spent more and more time alone.

It didn't surprise him.

He knew that wild hares were solitary creatures

that live in groups only during mating season.

He found his thoughts drifting more and more into the past.

He was sorry for leaving his parents without bidding them farewell,

for breaking off contract with his younger brother

for not telling his classmate how beautifully she sings

He could no longer remember the timbre of her voice.

Under number 44

we have Bohumil Machnáč's, project "The Neglected Woman".

He's requesting 5,000 euros for publishing and distribution.

Which he wants finished in time for Christmas. Go ahead.

I want to know if Mr. Machnáč spoke to anyone from the commission.

You mean if he tried to influence us?

Bribe you or threaten you.

Can you be more specific?

I think Machnáč is a talentless psychopath.

He and his ugly wife have been stalking me for several days,

Threatening me and accusing me of plagiarism.

I told him I wouldn't support his gibberish

he started bullying me and sent an auditor from the tax office.

Jozef, those are serious accusations. Have you got proof?

His wife called me. I don't know if she's ugly but she was polite to me.

Who else did they call? Besides Mr. Kabrhel?

Call Mr. Machnáč in.

Sit down, please.

So, how would you introduce your work?

Sometimes words are not enough...

So, tell me. Daddy 'Cause you know everything,

Well and true you know The way the world goes.

/I and true you know The way the world goes.

So, I me, Daddy, What does time look like?

Like rivers that stand no resistance Like snow that falls from the sky,

Like storms heard in the distance, Like tears that a smile wipes dry,

That's how time sounds, that's how time sounds...

That's enough.

Mr. Machnáč,

it would be good if you clarified your aim verbally.

After all, we're talking about 5,000 euros.

My aim...

My aim is to renew...

natural sensibilities and empathy within the reader.

Because what makes a person a person if not love?

ls that all?

Does that not seem enough to you?

Are there any further questions?

Thank you for your presentation.

Results will be made public on the fund's web pages.

-Let's have a vote. -Wait.

What are you doing?

You think he left it here for no reason? What if he's recording us?

Cut it out, Jozef!

How dare you? Who do you think you are?

-You should apologize. -He's a dangerous man.

Let's vote. Who is for "The Neglected Woman"?

Have you all gone mad?

In that case, I'm resigning my post on the commission.

Jozef, please, stop. You've already signed the attendance sheet.

Fuck the attendance sheet.

Wait!

Don't make empty gestures. We have supported stupider things.

The commission should serve to support literature not amateurs.

-You're breaking the entire system! Machnáč is very ill.

What does he get out of life?

-And his wife sleeps with Kabrhel. -You are totally off your rockers.

I will not speak about Jozef Bernát.

By the way, you may not know this,

but Bernát isn't his real name.

When we met, his last name was Belica,

But that didn't seem punchy enough.

So after our wedding, he started using my last name, Bernát.

Now I'll never be rid of him.

What do you want?

I came to see you.

So now you have.

Do I have to call the police on you?

Vlado is concerned about you.

-Did you come by car? -Hm.

Have you been drinking?

You'll take me to the vet's.

He didn't want to eat this morning.

Then he started vomiting blood.

-Maybe he ate something nasty. -I only give him dog food.

-God knows what he dug up. -Give a break!

-You aren't taking care of yourself. -You stopped caring about me!

Do you have money?

-It costs to go the vet. -I don't have anything.

I translated Savitska's short stories. No one will publish them.

Ever since the war in Crimea, people stopped reading Russian authors.

Because you don't translate the right ones.

20 years and nothing's changed here. You could have had it painted.

You never lifted a finger when you lived here.

What are you looking at? I have swollen knees.

I was happy here.

We both remember different things.

You didn't care about me. The others were always more important.

I was in labor

and you and your friends were getting drunk at the Polish embassy.

It was a Polish culture center.

I wasn't getting drunk, I was opening an exhibition of posters.

-I had to conform to you. -That's not true.

You acted crazy even to baby Vlado.

You shook him like this, "Stop crying or I'll throw you to mommy."

It was just a joke.

What was funny about that?

Jozef, I was afraid of you.

-I only remember nice things. -Like what?

-Like when we were on the lake in Sekule. -I was never there.

-It must have been someone else -There's a photo of it.

You were jumping on the ice like a goat until it broke under you.

You got wet up to your waist and your pants froze on you.

What was nice about that?

I carried you on my back for three kilometers. You panted in my ear

and told me I was fun to be with.

I must have had hypothermia.

You loved me.

I did.

Open the door.

-Will he vomit on the seats? -Since when did that bother you?

It looks like poisoning.

I'll get him to vomit and we'll see if that helps, OK?

-Can I stay here with him? -Wait outside.

-Are you in a hurry? -No.

No one's waiting for you?

I'm getting on your nerves, aren't I?

I'm not used to you doing anything for me.

-Are you still with the young lady? -Hm.

She's turning forty.

We're expecting a baby.

Bravo.

I didn't plan it. But now I'm looking forward to it.

We want to get married.

Is that why you came?

Will you divorce me?

First you have to apologize.

For what? You threw me out like some kind of deadbeat.

What else could I have clone? Vlado couldn't even use the toilet.

There was always someone vomiting or sleeping in there.

It wasn't a home, it was a nightclub. Don't you remember?

He started stuttering. But you didn't care.

So I asked him, "Are you going to miss daddy?"

And you know what he said?

"No."

Where's the bathroom?

Like it or not, someone will always pull out the past on you.

They use it like a stick and beat you over the head with it.

But people have the right to make mistakes.

I tried to experience all sides of life.

Wherever I could take I took.

Of course I got into trouble.

Jack London was no angel either.

Perhaps I hurt some women and children, but I don't regret it.

I needed to know what lies beyond that frontier.

That has nothing to do with morality.

Writing was important for me and I believed my family would understand.

I don't know if you know,

but there was a time I was the most read author around.

It wasn't a home, it was a nightclub. Don't you remember?

-Why do you do this? -What? -Your batteries ran out.

-You record people like a creep? -Stop it.

It's my job.

I used to remember it all, but now I can't.

So I started recording you.

Why is it such a big deal? I change the names and the places.

What I put in books are characters, not real people.

Are you a cop?

I don't want to end up in one of your reality shows.

-How dare you? -Don't yell.

-Can you only write about yourself? -You can't think up what people say.

So we're only material for you? Insects that you study?

How can I trust you?

Do you talk to us because you like us, or because you want to use us?

Give it back.

You're a heartless, egotistic piece of shit!

Take it.

-My dictaphone fell down. -We can hear everything in here.

I had Vlado's boys on there.

It's unfixable..

I'll help you carry him upstairs.

Will you make me coffee?

You haven't changed a bit.

I don't want you to call me.

I don't want you to visit me.

And once and for all,

I ended it with you because I couldn't take it anymore.

I couldn't fight you anymore.

I needed strength to make some money and take care of the kids.

I didn't want to pay for your girls or your friends.

I thought I was going crazy.

The only ones who helped me then were Julo and Marta.

When I went to the editorial office, I could leave the kids with them.

And then I fucked it all up. By sleeping with him.

With Julo?

It lasted three months.

I'd take little Simona with me and visit him at his cabin.

I was happy-

I always felt ashamed when I came home.

Not for sleeping with him, but for not being able to tell you the truth.

We could have kept it going longer.

Marta had no idea and you didn't care.

But once we forgot to look the door

and Simona caught us.

I don't know if she understood what was happening.

I asked her not to tell you anything.

I forced her to lie.

She started to cry, but never said a thing.

I don't know why. Maybe she didn't want to hurt you.

After I threw you out, I discovered I was pregnant.

I didn't know if it was with you or with Julo,

so I went for an abortion.

I've felt ashamed my whole life for that.

Come on, let's go!

No! That was hands!

What's up?

-You were my best friend! -Calm down, Jozef!

-And you slept with my wife! -It wasn't like that.

In front of my daughter!

You bastard!

I didn't mean to!

She told me everything had fallen apart and you were getting divorced.

She was expecting your child! She aborted it!

You fucking creep!

Unable to control yourself?

-You disrupted the therapeutic process. -It was personal.

You attacked a sick person.

Should I call the police?

Go ahead.

Would you like to rest here a bit?

DO NOT WATER! ARTIFICIAL!

You sleeping?

Did they give you a shot?

Want a cigarette?

She really had it aborted?

I can't even remember how it was.

I know, she called me to tell me she had kicked you out.

But she didn't tell me she was expecting a child.

She even wanted me to move in with her.

I stopped taking her phone calls. I got scared.

I couldn't leave Marta.

I couldn't leave Marta.

-I lost my kids because of you. -That's bullshit!

You were with that language editor at the time.

Everyone knew about it.

Even Dana.

Oh right, Vlasta.

You going to stay the night?

They're serving custard and buns.

I'm sorry it ended like that.

Perhaps Marta leaving me is punishment.

We shouldn't have gotten married. We don't have what it takes.

I'm going to have a baby.

Well, well. At least someone will visit your grave.

My friends tell me I live with Jozef because I'm searching for a father.

But that's stupid.

I'm with him because I'm searching for someone I can trust.

I don't know how it will all end, I don't think about it.

I think I love him.

I should love him.

I love him.

Hi.

One day, he packed his things, closed the windows.

And locked his parents' flat.

He sat in his car and set out on a journey.

As he sped down the road, he felt

the eyes of hares watching him from among the tall grasses.

Among the gardens on a hill above the city, he built a shed of boards

and bought a table in a close-out sale.

Far from people, in silence.

He began to write down everything he could remember.

He wrote about people he loved.