Original subtitles

BREAKDOWN

Let me sleep a bit longer.

Go ahead, sleep.

You drank all my water.

Want me to bring you some?

Huh?

No need.

Wait...

Leave that leg there until I say so.

Wait, you're heavy.

Like this?

Ah, that works.

I've got no support.

Then find some.

- Wait! - I'm waiting.

What time is it?

You pick now to ask me that?

What's with you?

What the hell's wrong with you?! Are you out of your mind!?

How am I supposed to work during the day?

You'll manage.

Will I?

That's what all of you think,

you who go to work whenever you feel like it.

Why didn't you turn on the boiler?

It's healthier this way.

Nada, hand me the magnifying glass.

A magnifying glass? At four in the morning!?

Something showed up on me.

- Oh... - Huh?

Looks like you hurt yourself.

No, I didn't.

- Doesn't really look like it. - Feel how smooth it is.

- Hey, this way you can see better. - Wait, let me see.

Does it hurt?

Not really... it itches.

It's like a little flower!

Do you remember what it looked like before?

I don't.

Well, you're going to the doctor today anyway.

It's already daylight.

How? I've got so much to do!

And you have to wait in line there.

I'll ask my dad to make a call.

Your dad...

What's it got to do with him?

It's not about him, it's about me.

Aleksandar!

Report to Professor Vlajković's assistant at the City Hospital!

By eleven!

Why did he have to call the doctor!?

Didn't we agree not to talk about that? He has to know everything.

When my dad steps in, it bothers you,

but if I do something on my own, you get upset.

Screenplay

Cast

Featuring

Assistant Director

Sound

Costume Design

Production Design

Music Performers

Composer

Picture and Sound Editing

Lead Editor

Executive Producer

Production Manager

Cinematography

Directed by

Let's take a look...

Well, there's no other way.

Come on now, let's see that instrument of yours.

We haven't seen anything like this in a while.

- Honestly, in a long time. - Sit down, button up.

We have a saying: "You're getting on my dick."

You've heard that one, surely.

I have. What's that got to do with me?

Well, something's gotten on yours.

Something or someone, and all of it has turned into that "flower",

which in medicine is called herpes.

- Is it dangerous? - Just annoying.

It sticks around.

What do you do for a living?

I'm journalist.

It's viral, you know.

We often see it in people with stressful occupations.

Journalism included.

Maybe, but none of my colleagues ever mentioned it.

We all carry hidden illnesses, you know.

And when one shows up

depends on the general state of our health.

- So how do I cure it? - We cure it.

- We cure... - We'll try, we'll try.

There's a treatment called Volon.

It's a topical agent, you apply it,

basically, you burn the skin on your organ.

The top layer peels off, new layers grow,

and with the old skin, the herpes goes too.

For good?

No way to know.

And besides that "barbecue", is there another method?

There is, there is...

Sabin recommends a vaccine used for treating skin cancer.

- Excuse me? - I'll be honest,

since you came recommended.

You should talk to an experienced psychiatrist.

Many illnesses, this one included, are just symptoms.

Insecurity, stress, you understand?

- Yeah, but I'm not stressed. - Fine, you're not stressed.

- I'm not insecure either. - Of course, not insecure.

These are mild treatments, you see.

Mostly for... hygiene.

Use this powder five times a day on dry skin, completely dry.

Completely dry surface.

- Use the ointment before bed. - Uh, Doctor...

- Yes? - Well...

Can I still use this thing...?

- I mean... - Actually, it's recommended

- to use it as much as possible. - At least something.

And that "flower", it's not contagious?

- The herpes? - Yes.

- No, it's not. - It's not?

These objects were removed from our patients' organs.

- Who put them there? - They did. Themselves.

People often seek pain to get to pleasure.

Which way is out?

That door, straight down the hall, then left.

Goodbye.

Goodbye.

Where have you been?!

We've waited for you half an hour.

- Where's the editor? - In the screening room. Come on.

How are you?

Please be so kind and tell me your full name.

Dragomir Tanasijević from Ritopek village.

Comrade Dragomir, tell me what happened here yesterday?

Well, when I came by yesterday, the dock was full o' folks.

A girl jumped in, an' the whole dock just...

She tried to drown herself. What else ya think she was doin'!?

No one lifted a finger to help her,

so I jumped in... threw off

my coat, my hat,

got comfy, jumped in an' pulled her out.

But when I got back, someone had taken...

my damn coat. So I said,

"Son of a bitch, why'd ya take my coat?!"

"While I was fightin' for her, y'all snatched it!"

- Did they hide it or steal it? - They stole it!

Never saw it again, I'll tell ya that.

This is good. Really good.

But...

cut the part with the swearing.

And also the bit about them stealing his coat.

Otherwise, I'm telling you... excellent.

What did the doctor say?

It's nothing contagious.

He gave me some powder, an ointment five times a day, drying and showering.

But he must've told you something more.

He suspects I'm tense or something like that.

Well, are you tense?

How should I know!?

He suggested I see a psychiatrist.

Don't get mad, but my dad's best man...

What about your dad's best man?

- He's number one. - In what way?

In psychiatry.

- And you? - I'm going to my mom's.

Say hi to your dear mommy.

And what's this supposed to mean?

- Hello, son. Sit, sweetheart, sit. - Not much cooking here.

Ah, I stopped cooking since you left.

- Smells nice, though. - Want to have lunch with me?

- No, I just came to see you. - We'll whip something up quick.

- I've got fresh kaymak! - Give me that then. Just the kaymak.

How are you, hmm? Are you healthy, son?

- Haven't seen you in a while. - I'm good.

Here, there's a knife too. Take it.

And... Nada, how's she doing?

She's fine.

You two haven't come together in a long time.

- Hand me the other one. - Here.

Is that good?

Here you go.

- Couldn't be better. - Of course it couldn't. It's old.

- You're not mad I asked you for help? - No.

You used to be so impatient back then.

- Don't dirty your hands anymore... - It'll crackle nicely now, huh?

Yeah. I'll do it, don't dirty your hands. Here, wash up.

Here's a towel.

Come on, the soap's over there.

Listen, comrades,

I called this meeting so we can sort everything out once again.

One of our colleagues

made a mistake that simply can't be tolerated here.

Yes?

No.

No, I haven't.

We'll try.

Don't worry. Cheers.

He, in fact,

on his own initiative, arranged and recorded an interview with a man

we deliberately do not want on our program for many reasons,

which has now put us in an awkward position

since we're forced to cancel the entire program.

Yes. Ah, it's you.

Come on, speak quickly, I'm in a meeting here.

Yes.

No onions. Yes.

Ground beef. I'll get it, I remembered.

Alright, bye.

We've reached such a level...

of freedom that is simply unimaginable

under a capitalist

or state-socialist system.

That's why we must protect it.

We have a duty to uphold the working class perspective,

the interests of the working class in every choice we make.

What we do every day is political,

and we must develop our criteria,

our sensitivity and awareness

to recognize undesirable elements.

Yes...

Tell them I'm not here.

Yes, may I help you?

He's in a meeting.

So...

we must overcome our subjective weaknesses.

Yes, what...

Ah, what a pleasure. Cheers, cheers!

Yes, we're working. Just a small meeting.

Yes. Yes...

Please, just a moment. Please.

Let's conclude. No more of this kind of nonsense.

Anyone who isn't 100% sure

what they're supposed to do, must check with me.

Understood? Cheers.

Yes, may I help you?

Right... we'll record it.

Something similar happened to me once.

Back then, people would rather go to a priest.

They sent me to a doctor.

At first, I felt awkward and embarrassed.

He couldn't get through to me, and I didn't trust him.

But I went to see that professor because I was really down.

I was about your age then, maybe even younger.

He tried everything.

He made such an effort that we started seeing each other outside the office,

horse races, cards, fishing.

And I enjoyed giving him a hard time.

Eventually, we became friends,

able to talk openly.

And suddenly, my mood improved.

What I'm saying is, you need to see a psychiatrist.

Maybe at first, it's good to feel a little stuck.

I won't...

Hello?

One moment.

Saša, it's the office!

Hello?

What is it? I just got home.

Alright, alright, I'm coming.

Does this happen often? They just call you whenever?

It happens.

You could probably find a better job.

Dear viewers, this evening around 7 PM

a fire broke out in the exhibition halls for wood materials and furniture.

The flames erupted in several spots simultaneously,

and the buildings, as you can see,

quickly turned into a massive blaze.

Workers from nearby factories, citizens, and then the firefighters,

who arrived quickly at the scene,

tried in vain to contain the fire.

The flames caught the flammable materials

and spread rapidly from hall to hall.

To make matters worse,

about a dozen third-shift workers

were inside the hall for pressed wood.

Surrounded by flames, they were in an almost hopeless situation.

Several were seriously injured, and two were burned to death.

Despite the firefighters' efforts,

the halls were nearly completely destroyed.

Numerous cars parked between the halls were also consumed by the fire.

The suspected cause of the fire is a short circuit in the electrical wiring.

An investigation is underway.

What actually started the fire?

It's still unknown.

They've only just begun questioning the night watchman.

Warm.

Cold.

Black.

White.

Window.

Door.

Summer.

Winter.

Fidelity.

In what sense, fidelity?

Infidelity.

One minute twenty.

Table.

Chair.

Morning.

Evening.

Love.

I don't know…

I don't know what to say.

Nothing comes to mind.

Try.

- What would you say? - Me?

To the word love, I'd say, let's say...

- Hatred. - Hatred? That didn't occur to me.

Say anything.

- Well, I wanted to say... - What did you want?

- It didn't connect... - What didn't connect?

Love - truth.

- Truth? - Truth.

Let's continue. Mother.

Father.

Good.

Evil.

Rain.

Sun.

Fidelity.

- You already asked me that once. - I know I did.

And what did I say?

You said, infidelity.

- Right, infidelity. - Cowardice.

Courage.

Conscience.

I seem a bit tired.

C.

- Excuse me? - C, the letter "C".

- N. - N?

N.

Ž.

G.

That's all for today.

We'll continue next time. When are you free?

I don't know, I'd have to check.

Take my card. Get in touch.

Say hello to your father-in-law.

Play the report from the hospital.

This is what the children's ward looks like.

Everything seems calm, the children are sleeping.

After 72 hours, doctors have regained control over the epidemic.

Four of the most critically ill children

are still under special observation

and are being treated in a special ward

established by the Hospital for this case.

Many surely remember the incidents with children infected by salmonella,

with dehydrated infants,

with an outbreak that endangered 12 newborns,

not to mention the Ripley's like case

when rats were eating live babies, and so on.

This case with the food is not the first.

It's clearly a matter of gross negligence,

the carelessness of responsible staff which falls under criminal liability.

The nurses gave the children spoiled food, that has been confirmed.

However, the question of their responsibility remains open.

Why is the determination of guilt being delayed?

For now, there is no final word on that.

The proceedings are being postponed for unknown reasons.

Who gave you permission to film that?

The Head Technician at the Hospital.

What about the Director?

We couldn't find him.

I don't know...

It might not be wise for us to get involved.

The whole town is talking about it.

Everyone knows the nurses gave the kids spoiled food.

That food thing, they messed up, that's true.

But the Director is a decent man.

I know, and we're not talking about his mistakes here.

The report won't air. You understand?

Breakdown, breakdown, breakdown

Breakdown, breakdown, breakdown

Breakdown, breakdown, breakdown

Breakdown, breakdown, breakdown

Breakdown, breakdown, breakdown

Breakdown, breakdown, breakdown

Hello, would you be kind enough to tell me which shift

Dr. Savić, the psychiatrist, is on?

Thank you.

I wanted to come earlier...

but, um, I only decided last night.

Do you see what we've become, huh?

Well, you didn't screw up like I did.

You didn't get divorced, you didn't... you didn't drift around.

But you don't have to get divorced to break up with someone.

So it's come to that?

It has.

- That's what's bothering you? - Well...

sometimes.

I think we're on the right track,

that we've agreed to go our separate ways emotionally,

but to stay friends.

That happens sooner or later.

And at work?

Up to my neck in shit.

Can you tell how much of that was caused by others, and how much by yourself?

- What, at work? - At work, at home,

wherever. Doesn't matter.

I don't know...

In recent years... I've screwed up a lot.

Others helped me with that too.

I got lost.

I couldn't manage to be myself.

You know, there are two possibilities.

Either you'll eventually get used to the lie, like so many people do,

or you'll start speaking the truth.

At first it's very difficult, but...

after a while, you start to feel...

satisfaction.

Is that from a book?

No, not just from books.

True, I didn't get herpes like you, but I had my own illnesses.

You wouldn't believe how many people complain.

Some go all the way, like these people around us here, but...

most stay among the so-called healthy.

Why didn't you talk to me like this before?

Maybe I wasn't... healthy enough.

- Here's how the commentary would look. - Let's see.

This won't work.

Why won't it?

Let others debate those issues.

Hey, Mustache!

He's really got it in for you lately.

Someone's gotta take the heat.

Maybe sometimes it's a bit your fault too.

How could it not be?

Come on, cheers.

Look what he "corrected", for God's sake.

He cut out everything that might resemble criticism,

and left only these... these general phrases.

So how am I supposed to sign my name under that?!

With your hand.

Oh, go eat shit.

It'd be best if I could pull myself together and run off somewhere...

like I used to.

And then when I come back, at least I get a bit of peace.

That might not be a bad idea.

What?

Running off somewhere.

I mean, you've really been in a bad mood lately.

I'll see...

Saša!

What are you doing here?

I have no idea.

I was at a business lunch.

Did you enjoy it?

I'll tell you when you're in a better mood.

I'm traveling in the morning.

Oh, yeah?

Work trip.

For how long?

- Until I get the job done. - And where to?

I'll be visiting a few places.

- Don't mind me, I'm going to shower. - No, no.

- He told me to be honest. - Excuse me!?

It doesn't matter.

Is the editor in the booth?

- In a meeting. - And how long will that meeting last?

All day.

Tell him I'm officially on medical leave.

And how long will that last?

I don't know...

Saša...

- Hm? - What's going on with you lately?

- Can I stay the night here? - Sure, why not.

- Just one night? - No, four or five days, if possible.

Why not.

- What about food? - We'll work something out.

It's not crowded, just one other guest.

- The room is upstairs. Up these stairs. - Upstairs?

- We'll sort out dinner later. - Okay.

There's rabbit and roast potatoes.

What time is it?

Well… maybe eight or nine.

Did you sleep well?

Like a log.

Want something to drink?

- Got any vodka? - I do.

Then I'll have a vodka.

Shall I pour?

Sure.

Cheers.

And always together like that.

Up and down, left and right.

Day and night.

You don't like that?

There was a time I thought that was something to strive for...

but now I think it's actually quite sad.

And even sadder is one that just goes like this...

up and down, day and night.

Maybe so...

but at least she's free.

She can meet whoever she wants, stay as long as she likes,

be alone when she needs to.

The whole world becomes an aquarium...

and then the walls start to fall away.

So why are you alone?

Because I enjoy it.

And tomorrow?

As long as I continue to enjoy it.

Sometimes you have to account for unpleasantness too.

- Not every moment in life is pleasant. - Yes...

- that's true, but... - But?

Why should we swim together in the name of some false security...

if it brings discomfort, misery?

You mean marriage?

That too.

So you're not happy with me.

So far, I'm fine.

You scare me a little.

I can't explain,

and maybe I'm not even the one who should talk about it, since...

In that case, we're in agreement.

Yes...

we agree.

You don't look so sure.

I can't imagine, let's say, losing you. Let's say.

You yourself said we have to account for unpleasantness.

Let's talk about something more cheerful.

We can try.

They're always looking for food from outside.

Hi. You're still not asleep?

Hi, don't look at me like that.

I'm thirsty, want something to drink?

I'm going to bed, I have to get up early tomorrow.

You look good. You look refreshed.

Well, I got better.

Did you?

Like it was never there.

And you look good too.

- I tried to cry. - And?

Well, nothing. Turns out it suits me perfectly.

Why didn't you call me?

There was no phone.

- You could have posted a postcard. - No phone, no post office either.

- You don't mind if I go to bed? - No, just sleep well.

If you're interested in my opinion, I'll give it.

I can't agree with the Commission.

I'm speaking as a regular member of the editorial board.

The Commission placed Aleksandar at the top of the list.

The only reasoning given is the quantity of his work.

Fine, let's say that's true.

My impression is that he's performing far below his capabilities.

His segments are dull and impersonal.

Something's going on with him.

I won't get into his private life.

Besides, I'm not interested.

He should be left off this list.

Would anyone from the Commission like to respond?

Well, we've seen the logs.

We know how present Saša has been here.

Maybe we're not able to fully assess his work,

but we're convinced he's done the most.

Often the best.

Granted, the Commission didn't have access... to the rejected segments.

That's true, I think. But that's... just how our record system works.

I wanted to say that we heard

the editor has rejected his segments on several occasions.

I don't know... We acted in good conscience.

That's what it's about. About the rejected segments.

Saša, do you have anything to say?

Well, it seems to me that...

something broke inside that man.

And that fault spread to all of us. We're all broken.

Some don't notice it, others don't want to.

I'm broken too, and in that sense, Comrade Editor isn't wrong.

Seriously broken.

I'll try to fix it.

I don't know how successful I'll be. Anyway, that's my problem.

And everyone should reflect... on their own breakdown.

Let's hear the rest, Saša.

Well, I've known Comrade Editor since I started here.

He was and remains my immediate supervisor.

At first, I didn't notice,

because I wasn't capable of it, what he does or how he does it.

Some things bothered me...

his arrogance towards younger staff,

his impatience when he had to explain something,

his overbearing attitude when assigning tasks, and so on.

I thought that's just how it is, because he's older,

more experienced, responsible,

and ultimately, untouchable.

Still, what bothered me most,

was his servility toward those who were his superiors.

- That's where I had huge resistance. - Can you explain that?

Well, gradually I started to realize that man

was narrowing our space: professional,

- social, personal... - Please, stop this.

- I'm not obliged to listen to this. - Let's listen to him.

It's his first time speaking at a meeting.

Let's hear him out. Go on, Saša.

As journalists, we were dependent on his decisions.

Those decisions directly shaped our programming.

And from our programming you can see that we're banal,

that we're closed-minded,

and that we're boring.

The segments and stories that we

created and he rejected, were precisely those

that should have shown our futile attempts

to be different.

He and I have had difficulties for two or three years.

Let him finish, you'll get a chance to speak.

Go on, Saša.

Go on, Saša! You said he threw out proposals and segments of value.

Yes, the most valuable ones,

the things the public should know, and we keep silent.

Here, I can give several examples

- where only my segments... - I was protecting you, you're young.

Too much, colleague...

- Go on, Saša. - No, no, um...

You started, now finish. Why stop?

No, no... I can't speak.

Alright, alright... There's no point.

Good morning.

Our rebel is up.

- Sleeping in until noon? - It happens.

So, you slept well?

Excellent. I haven't slept like this in five years.

It happens sometimes.

Saša, just coffee, or something else?

- I'd like some breakfast. - So, eggs then.

So, eggs it is.

I would never have acted like you did yesterday.

Oh, so they told you?

That man is, at heart, an honest man.

I've known him for a long time.

Hardworking, reliable. Would he have lasted decades if he weren't?

You didn't answer my question.

Yes, he contacted me.

And how come, all of a sudden?

He only found out last night you're my son-in-law.

And of course he couldn't resist checking up, huh?

Of course.

Isn't that filthy?

Oh Aleksandar, you still don't know how things work.

And I don't intend to.

So, according to you, we're all corrupt, and you're the only honest one?

No, that's not what I said.

Unlike you, I just try

to be a little less rotten.

This is the first time you and I are really talking.

Usually you're busy, pacing around, picking at your nails.

Well, it was you and your daughter who pushed me to do that nonsense.

You're so fragile in that self-important family bliss of yours

that I preferred picking my nails to hurting your feelings.

You're getting on my dick.

Nada, come here, please!

Come hear this, it's wonderful!

- Wanna repeat that? - I can, I can.

Please do.

You and your daughter are getting on my dick.

Saša...

Let him go, can't you see!?

- What kind of vulgar... - Eat shit, I'm talking to the man!

That's great, honestly!

Even if I still don't agree with you.

Agree or not, I'm sick of pretending.

You're absolutely right.

And about Nada, either we understand each other, or we're done.

- Exactly. That's where I could... - Don't, please. Just don't interfere.

Alright, fine.

So that's how it is, huh?

That pig came knocking on your door?

And what did he want from that visit?

- I don't know, he seemed pretty shaken. - Shaken? Him, shaken!?

He just wanted to see how far you'd go to back me up.

- Probably. - Not probably, definitely.

I know that pig inside and out.

They're talking about punishing you.

That'll be a bit harder.

I hope you didn't talk too much shit.

I didn't, I didn't. He kept interrupting me anyway.

That's good, you got lucky. Otherwise, they wouldn't have forgiven you.

Don't get me wrong.

There were some beautiful moments.

As many as there could be.

We were, in a way...

possessing one another.

What do we do now, Saša?

I don't know...

Maybe we can keep going like this for a while, but... how long?

Maybe we just lack the strength to part ways.

Or we still hope there's a chance...

of going back.

We became each other's property...

ever since the day we met.

But... love isn't about owning.

Love is giving.

Yes...

I've become part of this house.

A piece of furniture.

Even your father had a claim on me.

Which is natural.

If you'd moved in with my mother, the same would've happened.

If we had rented a place, had a house of our own...

All of that...

We were too young.

And when you're young, you're either possessive or...

what's the word...

territorial.

What am I even trying to say?

I guess I'm saying no one's to blame.

That's what I believe.

Now and then, I'd notice your curiosity about other women.

I even found out a few things.

We were too young.

We turned to each other...

erased the rest of the world.

Then and now, same story.

I believed that you were...

safe in my embrace, and then...

I suddenly realized...

you were gone.

That my arms were empty.

And I needed someone.

Someone to love me...

to surround me with care...

to think about.

Someone to show me affection.

And I wanted that someone to be you, but...

I no longer knew how to reach you.

I know you, and yet...

you feel distant.

I love you, but...

I don't feel you.

I must admit that...

I was curious too.

I wanted to see...

what I could mean to a man who wasn't you.

And I felt like I was fifteen again.

I could see his flaws clearly.

He doesn't talk because he has nothing to say...

he's withdrawn, because he doesn't know how to play.

He does boring work. He's stingy, doesn't smoke, doesn't drink.

All wrong, but...

- still... - Yeah.

We were too young when we met.

You know, your wandering and flailing coincided with mine.

I thought we'd come out of it as new people,

ready to... once again...

how to say, hold each other.

I'd been waiting for this moment.

Only...

I'm no longer sure honesty helped us.

Well... say something.

Thank you for your honesty.

You know what the difference is...

between us?

I...

tried to share my sadness with...

the sadness of other women...

without lying to them, without making promises.

You... you repeated everything with him.

You see? My years didn't shrink.

They grew.

We didn't just meet young. We tried

to freeze time...

in a way...

we were familiar with.

The first woman after you...

didn't pull me backward.

She just took away my illusion.

And then the second, the tenth.

To me, life without illusion is unacceptable.

And yet, you have none left.

At some point, we had to talk.

I just didn't think it'd happen like this.

So simple, so fast.

Saša!

You forgot to kiss me goodbye.

Leave Dad's car.

I've been here so many times,

and only now I notice it.

I'd love to have it in my room.

We'll never know what'll become of those kids.

So, how are we?

I don't know how we are.

Something wrong?

Is it too much?

It is too much.

So what do we do?

I don't know.

Should we stop seeing each other?

Take it with you.

You'll have to fix this, please.

See? The signal keeps cutting out.

Let's give it a try.

What's new?

Nothing.

Nothing at all?

The editor decided you won't be doing your job for a while.

He'll decide later what next.

So I've been suspended, huh?

I feel bad that it had to be me to tell you this.

Okay...

It feels calm now. Too calm, really.

While it was all going on... the struggle, the conflicts...

I actually felt more content.

- All those victories were part of... - the beginning.

And defeats.

But what beginning, what kind of beginning, I never asked myself.

Nor did I care.

I fought, and that fulfilled me.

I broke it off with Nada, with her father, with my boss.

And?

And with a wonderful woman I met in the meantime.

So now what?

Now, nothing.

You know, it takes a lot of strength to bear freedom.

Many fall apart along the way.

So, what do you suggest?

Just spit it out a bit. It'll all come back around. Don't worry.

- That's it? - For now.

- Spit it out? - Yeah.

How? Like this?

That'll do.

You're not desperate, are you?

Why would I be desperate?

English subtitles by djvaso@KG Proofread & synchronized by vertovfan@KG