Original subtitles

With the support of

Austria's Ministry of the Arts, Culture, Civil Service and Sport

And the Austrian film museum

2K restoration and color grading by Listo in 2023,

under the supervision of Michael Haneke and Films du Losange

The story told in this film is a work of fiction.

Any resemblance to persons living or dead

and any similarities to actual events

is purely coincidental.

AUTUMN 1959

What does the 4th Commandment say?

Honor your father and mother to ensure a long life on earth.

What does the 4th Commandment forbid?

It forbids us to offend our parents and superiors,

and to disobey them.

We must therefore obey our superiors since all authority comes from God.

To defy any legal authority is to oppose the will of God.

Mama?

Where's Mama?

- Evening, Herr Wasner. - Evening.

- She's with Father Gregor. - Again?

- When will she be back? - She made dinner.

- Should I heat it up? - No, leave it.

Do your homework.

Yes?

Thou shalt not kill.

You murdered someone?

Thou shalt not commit unchaste acts.

The 6th Commandment forbids any impurity,

in acts, words, looks, books, pictures...

All right.

So what are you putting?

Nothing. And you?

I don't know. Nothing, too.

Will Christian be at dance class?

I don't have a clue.

Finish your confession with "I lied", so before you can say what you want.

Ah, Herr Christian! Good evening.

Evening. May I have a word with Fritz?

Sadly, my dear son is not in.

I haven't even seen him today.

Too bad. We have Latin homework to do for tomorrow.

You know when he'll be back?

I'm afraid my dear son doesn't tell me anything.

Anyway, never mind.

If he comes home, can you tell him I'm at Café Paulus?

With pleasure, Herr Christian.

Thanks, goodbye.

At your service.

Arrogant asshole!

Who was that?

- Beranek. - What?

Why'd he just go?

So you can stay at home.

All this roving around has to stop.

Are you out of your mind?

Christian wanted us to do our Latin.

I don't need those spoiled brats in my house!

Hi, Letscho.

Hi there.

You did the Latin homework?

Yes.

Here.

Thanks.

Quick game?

Sure, why not?

Evening, Herr Beranek.

Evening, Herr Hans.

Short black, please.

You've seen The Virgin Spring?

The new Bergman film? No.

- It's out already? - Since yesterday.

You saw it?

Evening, gents.

Hi there.

Where the heck did you get to?

- I came by... - To do Latin, I know.

My father told me.

I got home just after.

We can do it here.

Don't bother. We're playing chess.

- Anna isn't here? - She's out tonight.

Keep playing.

Yes, mama?

You're playing well.

All right.

- Can I help? - Did Sigrid pick up my library books?

- Should I call her? - No, no.

- Should I air the room? - No.

Sit down a moment.

Well?

No, nothing.

Play some more.

You don't need anything?

- Make you a sandwich? - Thanks, but I don't want anything.

Go on, sweetie.

And leave the door open.

You're both playing so well.

Goodnight, mama.

If papa comes home, tell him I'm asleep.

I'm taking my pills anyway.

I'll tell him.

- Anything wrong? - Nothing.

Fifth bar.

And one, two, three...

Keep the rhythm. Two, three...

LEMMINGS

If you want, I'll walk you home.

- I said I'd leave with Gertraud. - Fine.

Anyway, we're going to the café.

PART 1 Arcadia

- Do you like to waltz? - I guess.

I'd prefer to learn something else.

A film by Michael Haneke

I'm glad you came.

Why wouldn't I have come?

I don't know. You might not have.

No.

LEMMINGS: Of the vole subfamily.

Stocky build, 7.5-15 cm in length.

In vast, recurring migrations that may lead into the sea,

where the lemmings drown,

they decimate their species by collective suicide.

"...began a speech as follows,"

"I know, enrolled fathers..."

Can we be more specific?

Patres conscripti...

Senators?

"...that my steadfastness...

"was found wanting by the majority."

Telephone!

Hi.

Hello.

We hardly ever see you now.

I had to study.

Are you well?

Sure.

I'm going to Vienna tomorrow afternoon.

Want to come?

Please.

That's sweet of you.

Anything important?

I have to take Mr. Herm's class. He has flu.

At this time of year?

Where were we?

Make you some tea?

No, thanks.

Mr. Naprawnik, perhaps?

No, thank you very much.

I asked Lucy.

She's my cousin.

Last time we slept over.

She said she couldn't discuss it. It's too horrible

Where is it now?

There.

Well...

Read it to us.

Read for yourselves.

I won't read it out.

Be nice, Sigi. Get lost!

I'll take the blue one. How much is it?

The lady already took it.

All right.

Thank you, goodbye.

You think I work my butt off in Sweden to be kept like a gigolo?

Sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you.

I thought you'd be happy.

I'll pay or you keep it. I won't wear it.

Don't be silly.

Gisela!

I'm sorry.

So...

Where now?

Stop encouraging your husband to tutor me for free.

I can pay, and I find it very tactless.

I didn't say a word. Georg likes you, that's all.

- Stop saying "Georg." - What should I say?

I don't know.

What's wrong?

Didn't you see over there? It's Mrs Bernhardt.

No.

Why does it have to be so degrading?

Don't cry, shepherdess. Please.

Stop. You'll ruin your makeup.

There. Give them something to talk about.

Good evening.

- Sigrid isn't home? - No.

- Where is she? - With a friend, I think

- Mama's asleep? - I think so.

- Where's Anna? - Making your dinner, I think.

What about you?

What?

Are you eating with me?

If you want.

Let me.

It stinks of smoking again.

- What? - Sorry.

Sit down when I'm talking to you.

What did you do today?

Nothing.

What about Sigrid?

You already asked. She's out.

True.

At school, everything okay?

Yes, at school, everything's okay.

What's that sarcastic undertone for?

You're above normal conversation?

Say something!

- That's normal conversation? - What?

Asking me, when it's an effort for you to be alone with me,

if everything's okay at school.

What would you rather I ask?

I honestly don't know.

It's a waste of time trying to talk to you.

You're not interested in talking to anyone.

Yes, that must be it.

My God, what are you all doing on earth?

I ask myself that.

That's something, at least.

Has there ever been, just once maybe,

something

you really liked?

I mean, really?

I'll see if Anna has your dinner ready.

Evening, sir. Dinner is served.

Thank you.

Sometimes I feel an urge

to smash it all up.

Our whole home interior.

Just all of it.

Why?

It's in my way.

It shuts me in, deprives me of freedom.

It destroys me.

Aren't you feeling well?

I'm overwrought and hysterical?

Hysterical, no.

Overwrought, a bit.

Wouldn't you prefer to fall in love...

like Christian?

With a girl your age?

Could be, you're curious to find out

how it feels when finally

you take her to the point

where you can enjoy her changes of mind.

And you can worship the chaste angel.

You're having fun?

No.

I'm sorry.

I'm just jealous.

Stupidly jealous.

Of what?

Of youth's damned...

inexperience.

Please, don't be angry.

Hold me.

Squeeze me!

It's all right.

Tell me something else.

What then?

Nothing.

Kiss me!

What's with you?

It's non-stop. "Do something, say something."

"Kiss me, squeeze me." What is all that?

Gisela...

My shepherdess.

I'm sorry.

What's up?

I didn't mean to be harsh.

Please, stop.

All over!

I don't feel too good.

My period's due, so I'm worked-up.

Please don't be angry.

Stay with me.

Please!

I need you, you know.

I don't have anyone else.

My shepherdess.

Watch out, here he comes!

Morning.

The Good Shepherd

I suggest

my appearance in class was a mistake.

Exactly like what I've just seen.

Today, I'll arrive a few minutes late

and see nothing other than a clean board.

And a Class 7A

that has no reason to be embarrassed about its tactlessness and stupidity.

- Georg? - Yes.

What's wrong?

Class was canceled?

What's wrong?

Are you ill?

I need to talk to you.

Sit down first.

Are you having an affair with Fritz Naprawnik?

Who says so?

Class 7A very sensitively just tipped me off.

- What does that mean? - It was on the board!

I'm really sorry.

So it's true.

Yes.

Why?

I mean...

Why does it have to be a student?

And one that I like, too.

Was this some kind of way

for you to hurt me or try to...

humiliate me?

How many have there been?

You've been through the whole class?

Georg!

- Be fair! - Fair?

I should be fair? You must be joking!

Stop!

I really like him.

You wouldn't understand.

I'm expecting his child.

And I'll keep it.

Does he know?

No!

How many months are you?

Four.

What are we going to do?

Have you ever done it with an older woman?

Why do you ask?

I want to know.

Tell me.

Yes.

When?

Last winter, on the ski trip.

Hello, sir.

And?

And what?

What was it like?

What kind of question's that?

Exactly like with anyone else.

I mean, what was it like when...

you were together?

You won't talk to me...

No.

I want to know what it means to you.

Do you think it can't work without it?

Where'd you get that idea?

The thing with Fritz, and now you...

- Evi... - I don't want to mess up.

I don't want you to think that I'm a coward or anything.

I don't want you to think that I don't really like you.

I want us to do everything.

Everything people do when they're together.

No, not now.

Yes, ma'am?

Please change the water for my tablets.

- This has been here too long. - Right away, ma'am.

And tell the children to come up.

I might go to sleep early.

Yes, ma'am.

Your mother's asking for you. She's going to sleep early.

- Anna? - Yes?

Come here a moment.

- I have something to show you. - I can't. Your mother's waiting.

Come on!

It won't take long.

Well?

Put both hands on my neck and throttle me.

- Why? - Just do it.

Squeeze hard. Go on!

Harder.

Now we swap.

- What's going on? - Nothing. A little fun.

It's dumb, not fun. I don't have time...

I'll let you go afterwards.

Just once.

I don't want to.

Do me again.

- Let me out. - No.

Once.

Please.

That's jiu-jitsu.

Mama wants to see us before she goes to sleep.

I've nearly finished.

Wait for me.

You can have the table. Just doing this exercise.

Read that.

What do you say?

What should I say?

You can't understand.

I can't understand?

I understand that it's a disgrace.

You realize what you've done?

That teacher has been a father to you.

You ungrateful lout!

And what do you do?

You drag his wife through the mud!

- I don't drag her through the mud. - No?

So what's this?

The whole town's tearing you to pieces.

That's not dragging her through the mud?

When it's on the board in class?

For all to see!

And what does this gentleman do instead of killing you?

He writes me a dignified letter

to say you're not to go back there.

To me!

Instead of going to the police!

They should be dealing with rogues like you!

- Mother... - Don't touch me!

Mother! Stop it, please!

Calm down!

Stop it!

You asked what I had to say to the letter.

Well...

I did it because it was my only chance to have any way...

of becoming a civilized person.

I could talk about what interests me.

Or what I learned. You think it's a life here?

Why don't my friends ever come here?

Evening.

- What's going on? - Nothing, why?

What's this letter?

Nothing.

That's new. Secrets!

- I'll give him what for. - No, you won't.

That takes the cake!

Sure, defend your little angel.

While he fools around.

And I have to work,

so his lordship can go gallivanting,

messing about with other men's wives!

That's just marvelous!

Shut your mouth.

Just be happy he's not like you.

At least, he works hard.

Just look how hard he works!

I hope he gets kicked out of school!

They don't need pimps there!

Let him go and find some work!

If you weren't so rough, maybe he'd never get this into his head.

So it's my fault?

He bones his teacher's wife,

and it's my fault!

That's rich!

If he kills someone tomorrow,

it'll be my fault!

Can you keep it down?

If you touch mother again...

whenever,

I'll kill you.

Hi.

Hi.

Come in.

Mama left two hours ago.

She won't be back till Monday evening.

Great.

Come in.

- And you? - Gertraud was just perfect.

She said we're having a sleepover.

I had to turn away or crack up laughing.

What's in the bag?

It's my nightdress.

Anyone see you?

Not that I noticed.

You want to sit down?

- Do you want a drink? - What have you got?

Wine, milk or cognac.

A cognac perhaps.

It's the good stuff.

A gift from one of mama's patients.

Cheers!

Damn, that's good.

So says mama every time.

I'm glad you came.

I'm glad too.

Can I have another cognac?

Did you lock the door?

Yes.

Just check, will you?

I'm sure I locked it.

But I'll take a look.

It was locked. And the key's in the lock.

Christian?

Yes.

Will you turn the light out?

Undress, too.

- I'll put a record on. - No, don't.

Come on.

Can you explain it again?

What?

The thing about infertile days.

How come?

I don't know if it works.

How come?

You only told me ten days ago.

Before that, I wasn't counting.

I don't know my cycle.

So I don't know if it's okay.

Hold on.

I don't know if it's safe.

You want us to wait?

No.

Penny for your thoughts?

A penny for yours?

I asked first.

I don't know.

You're disappointed?

Are you disappointed?

I asked first.

No, actually.

But sad.

I don't know.

I love you a lot.

You're so sweet.

You want a cigarette?

I need to pee.

Darling, what's wrong?

Why are you crying?

I want to go home.

You can't go home.

Will we still love each other?

Will we still respect each other?

Calm down. I do love you.

Calm down.

I feel so guilty.

I so wanted you to be happy.

I love you so much!

Calm down, darling.

Wait there.

Going to the party Saturday?

Yes, I think so.

You?

Who with?

Gertraud said she was bringing a cousin.

Dr. Rabenstein's daughter?

- So, happy hunting. - Thanks. We'll see.

Time's up. You're already 15 minutes over.

Anything you say, Cadidiot.

- Can I ask you something? - What?

I don't want to sound tactless...

Just ask.

What's it like in bed with your shepherdess?

What do you expect me to say?

Why do you ask?

I don't know how come

but it's as if we're not very good at it, right?

You and Evi are finding it hard?

You two don't?

I think all we know what to do is to use others.

The closer we get, the more they become an object.

The only thing we feel maybe is sadness.

Or some kind of desire.

That's good too, right?

I don't think it has to be that way.

I think there's something blocking us.

If we work out what, the knot will unravel.

What do you like in a woman?

Hard to say...

You?

In Evi?

I think, kindness.

Heck of a chat, right?

Yeah.

- Mama, this is Fritz. - Hello.

Thank you.

Beautiful. Put them in some water.

- We're out of vases. - You'll find something.

Naprawnik's the name.

Ah, so you're Fritz Naprawnik.

I hope you like it here.

- You've come so late. - I came on my bike.

What?

25 kilometers?

Is it that far?

Come on, I'll introduce you to Bettina.

- Have fun. - Thanks.

Somebody could've given him a lift.

Who is that?

Heidi didn't tell you?

He's the one having an affair with Mr Shepherd's wife.

Really?

Fritz, Bettina. So, my duty as hostess is done.

Want to dance?

- What's wrong with you? - Nothing.

Darling...

He sings it really well.

Yes.

How about we dance?

You go if you want.

My period was due early last week.

You want alcohol poisoning? You can do that at home.

Go and dance!

Sigi...

Give me a break.

Like to dance?

With pleasure.

Excuse me.

Hi there, old boy!

Hi!

Nice to see you.

To keep us going!

Good evening.

It's the high life here!

What happened to your car?

How come?

That's quite something.

Might one of your friends have played a little party trick?

You think they might?

It might just have been someone passing by.

- Why so? - Well...

Evi's father said it's a frequent occurrence in Neustadt.

A fine consolation.

In any case, I'm calling the police.

Papa!

I know you're cross.

I think it's dumb, too. But can't we keep going?

You mean, don't disrupt the party?

If it's okay.

I'll call from my bedroom.

Don't you say anything either.

Thanks, papa.

It's still too bright.

Who's coming in the water?

Sigi!

- Where are you going? - Robbi saw the star!

- What star? - Stupid question!

Are you mad? Not here!

Why not here?

- What are you going to do? - Nothing. Leave.

You can't drive. You're totally sloshed!

So what?

Be reasonable!

We're going. See you.

You make a fool of your daughter? Honestly!

I'm tired and I've got a headache.

Take some pills, a long dip,

or hang yourself!

Can we talk, please?

I'll keep my word,

but he has to come to see me or there'll be trouble.

Of course. He'll come.

Thanks again for the lift.

Goodbye.

Sigi?

Sigi?

Hi.

We'd do it together.

Always.

It was fun.

A lot of fun.

Why, though?

Just was.

You both must have had a solid reason for...

stealing things like that and demolishing cars.

He wanted one for himself?

Reply when you're asked a question!

I'm sorry.

I don't know.

I already said.

We just came up with the idea.

And it was fun.

Can I have one, too?

I'm not staying here.

What does that mean?

I'm leaving.

What about school?

It doesn't matter.

Sigi!

Mama, please.

What do you plan to do?

I don't know.

Find a job somewhere.

Doing what, though?

I'll find something.

You can't just leave!

Out of sheer panic because...

- My God! - I can.

You'd desert your mother?

You know how she depends on you.

Don't!

She has Anna.

What do you hope to achieve?

I don't know.

Know what you all are?

Lemmings!

Know what they are?

Voles.

But you dig in your own dirt.

With only one purpose.

To croak as fast as you can.

Should I bring the coffee in, ma'am?

Sigi didn't die right away.

When I reached him, he was alive.

He said something more.

What?

What did he say?

"Another cripple in the family."

So, what do you want?

Tell you something.

I'm listening.

I have a girlfriend.

Yes.

And?

And nothing.

Why are you telling me?

From your dance class?

No.

So what do we do now?

I don't know.

I think it's for the best...

to stop seeing each other.

You're dumping me. Is that what they say?

Don't gawk out the window.

Say something!

I don't know what to say.

My God, how easy it all is!

- Shepherdess... - Shut your mouth!

Three weeks ago, I lost your child.

I thought, why tell you, it's pointless.

But I don't see why it should be so easy for you.

Shepherdess...

Don't touch me!

I think it's better if we go back.

Read it. I cut it out of the morning paper.

"Girl, 20, commits suicide by electrocution."

- What's this about? - Just read it.

"A 20-year-old student, Mechtild S, from Graz,

"yesterday committed suicide in a macabre way in her parents' cellar.

"Taking two of her mother's needles with her into the cellar,

"she inserted one into each hole of a safety socket.

"She died on the spot.

"The reasons for the suicide of a girl known for her smile

"are as yet unclear."

Why'd you cut that out?

I'm going to do the same.

Don't talk nonsense!

You have a better idea perhaps?

What can I say to that?

Nothing.

- It'll suit you anyway. - Afternoon, sir.

You really think I want that?

We've talked this through.

If it's really so awful for you,

we can still get rid of it.

"We"!

God, what else should I say?

Won't you be reasonable?

No.

- Where are you going? - Nowhere. Go up.

Come on, stop.

Go away.

Please, Evi!

Just go away!

Stop it!

Afternoon, Mrs Schrod.

What are you playing at?

I'm just going down to get potatoes.

Tell me another one.

Evi!

Stay upstairs!

Evi!

Please, go.

Hello.

Where's Evi?

In the cellar, getting potatoes.

You'll eat with us, won't you?

With pleasure.

Know what I found out today?

About the Leuwens.

The parents whose boy killed himself.

He only has one leg and she's paraplegic.

Any idea how come?

No.

Want some beer?

- Please. - Get yourself a glass.

When the Russians arrived, in '45,

the whole family fled.

They were strafed.

They threw themselves on top of the kids,

covering them with their bodies.

And they caught it.

And now the idiot jumps from the attic roof.

Wonderful, right?

That's their reward.

How does it come to that?

In fact, the son was never quite normal.

Then there was the business with the Mercedes stars and all that.

You wonder how they came up with that, too.

Just destroying, like that, for no reason.

At school, he talked about it?

Don't know. He wasn't in my class.

He was two years below me.

I don't know. It really is strange.

Maybe it was a kind of protest.

Against what?

- Against everything. - How come, everything?

He had all he wanted.

If he'd suffered like his parents...

Maybe that's what he rejected.

Must be Evi. Get it, will you, Christian?

Hello, can I help you?

I came to see Mr Shepherd.

One moment. Mr Shepherd, for you!

Yes, hello, Mrs Wasner.

You want to see me?

I'm afraid it's not a good time. I have to go.

Please, just five minutes. It's important.

All right, over there. Come along.

Or else you'll get run over.

So, what is it?

I don't know

how I can say this...

Mrs Wasner, what's wrong?

Now, now, calm down.

Come on, run along.

Scram!

Sorry, sir.

I'm at the end of my tether.

I hardly dare to tell you but...

Evi's expecting!

I don't know what to do.

When did this happen?

I mean, since when do you know?

Two weeks ago.

I saw Father Gregor

from the Capuchin church. I'm sure you know him.

He told me to tell you immediately.

And then she'd have to leave school.

Who is the father, if I may ask?

The son of Dr Beranek.

- You know her? - No.

Evi met him at dance class.

Yes...

It's a very serious decision.

If Evi keeps the child, she can't stay in school.

Those are the rules, I'm afraid.

It is, of course, a real shame.

She's such a good student, and almost in her final year.

Yes, precisely!

We need to talk this over, nice and calmly.

I must go now!

- Are you free tomorrow afternoon? - Yes.

So, please come to see me at 3.

We can talk it over and, if necessary,

talk to the headmaster, Mr Stahl. Yes?

See you tomorrow, Mrs Wasner. Be strong.

Goodbye, sir. Thank you!

Hello, Mrs Wasner.

Where's Evi today?

Evi's sick.

So? Where to?

Hi, Sigi.

Hi.

I just came for cigarettes. And you?

I'm going to Vienna.

That's all your luggage?

- You're going for some time. - Yes.

Evi said you were thinking of going.

What time's your train?

Now.

- I'll help you with that. - I'd appreciate it.

- There. - Thanks.

You'd better go.

There's time.

Why didn't your parents come?

I didn't want them to.

The train's leaving!

Shut the window, there's a draught.

Look, we're leaving Neustadt behind us.

That's a great view.

Evi attempted suicide. She's pregnant.

She went past me into the cellar to electrocute herself.

I didn't stop her.

You don't say a word.

What should I say?

Nobody stopped Sigi either.

In one month, we'll be married.

We got kicked out of school, but I can still sit the exams.

Couldn't you get rid of the kid?

You're naive.

Where are we here?

In Austria. Neustadt.

And you suggest an abortion?

Notice anything?

You going forward, and me back.

Could be an optical illusion.

Let's hope so.

Can I have another cigarette?

We're in non-smoking here!

Thanks.

I don't think I can stand all the...

disorder.

I think we have to try.

Yes, but you're going away.

Yes.

I'm going away.

Where will you go to?

Baden, probably, then I'll catch the train back.

And I left my moped outside the station.

So...

I hope you'll write.

Sure, I will.

I don't think it was an optical illusion.

I think it was.

See you.

See you, take care.

Say hi to Evi from me!

I will!