Original subtitles

The Mirror of Pleasure

In three days, I'll marry.

It will be the happiest day of my life because I'll leave this old house.

Everything began with the birth of my sister Marie.

Our mother died soon after.

From that moment, my father completely forgot me.

And focused all his attention and care on her.

I hated her for long years.

Then, the almost passionate love she held for me helped to overcome jealousy.

And I began to love her.

My life changed when I met Arthur.

A young archaeology student.

Are you Professor Whitman?

Yes, that's me.

What do you want?

I come on behalf of Prof. Rosenthal.

I'm preparing my thesis in archaeology.

He gave me a letter for you.

Ah, the dear old Rosenthal.

I hope you have less extravegant ideas.

He says you're his favorite student. He asked me to help you.

What can I do for you?

My thesis is on the ancient civilization of the island of Madeira.

You must expect many delusions.

Most of all because remaining testimonies are few.

And secondly, the habitants don't like the intrusion of strangers.

Before I met Arthur, I dated few men, and always in secret.

I was afraid my sister would be jealous of them.

She hated all my friends.

But when she first saw Arthur, she fell in love right away.

He was so childlike, pure.

So different from all the others.

He always spoke to me about his work.

And his homeland.

Norway is a fantastic country.

Very different from yours.

In summer, the lakes filled with fresh, clear water.

The young took advantage of it and took baths completely naked.

At night, they light fires, sing, play and make love.

In Norway the youth are very free.

The typical guys take pleasure in it, but for me it's different.

For me, love is something more important, deeper.

What I loved in you, from the moment I first kissed you, is you gave me soul.

You wanted to see me? I suppose it's about Annette.

I'd already thought about telling you this, but...

I've always avoided the subject.

I entered your house with affection.

But it was totally natural.

You gave me valued advice, and helped me in my studies, but...

I have to ask you for something else.

-Annette and I... - Want to get married.

Thank you for making this easier.

Are you both sure you want to do this?

Today's youth makes hasty decisions, without thinking.

Their marriages are destined to last for a short time.

But, Arthur, in any case, you'll marry my daughter in front of God.

Dad.

Dad, where are you?

I'm here.

Dad.

Annette's wedding...

Do you think she'll be happy?

Do you really believe she'll marry this foriegner?

I have the impression you're not worried about Arthur's name or nationality.

You're worried you'll lose Annette.

That's all.

You're right.

I can't bear the idea that she'd leave us for a man.

He's a thief.

I understand your feelings, dear.

I feel the same way.

The house will be empty without her.

My life will be empty.

She was more than a sister for me.

She was my mother.

My friend.

My companion.

Come on, be strong.

It's not that bad.

She'll stay on the island.

You will always be able to see her.

No, Dad.

I'll never see her again.

Oh, Aunt Adele, they brought me my wedding dress.

Aren't you uncomfortable?

-I'm just fine! -Wait.

You'll be better with this table. You can put your things on it.

I'm worried I'll rearrange your father's furniture.

And one day ruin one of his masterpieces from the 1700's.

Your father's a real madman.

Aunt, I want to thank you for... filling the hole left by Mom.

There's no need to say that.

I've always loved you like a daughter. You're my favorite niece.

Now you need think only of your wedding and of being happy.

-Forget it. -Yes.

Sure we'll feel lonely without you.

But rest assured it will all go well.

Thank you, Aunt.

Oh, how beautiful you are, Annette!

Go show your sister and father.

But before the wedding - won't that bring bad luck?

Only if it's the groom!

I'll go!

Marie?

Marie, are you here?

Marie, answer me!

Marie, do you hear me or not?

Marie, where are you? Marie!

Marie!

Marie!

Dad! Dad!

Try to control your pain.

Thank you for everything Arthur.

You gave Marie a dignified funeral.

And you provided a medical cerificate showing death by natual causes.

It was the least I could do.

Would you like me to keep you company a while?

No.

Why do you say no?

I don't have a reason!

Annette, do you want me to call you in a few days?

No.

You mustn't call me anymore.

At least for now.

I understand. We'll have to reschedule the wedding.

It's not a good time for it.

No, it's not about that. I'm asking you to not contact me anymore.

Because, I have no intention to marry you anymore, Arthur.

Don't ask me why. I don't know even know.

I feel a great emptyness inside me.

Do you think that if we let some time pass...

No, it wouldn't do anything.

I beg you, Annette, listen to me.

Arthur, I don't love you anymore.

Believe me, I don't love anyone.

Truly.

You have to forgive me, Arthur..

If this makes you suffer.

But that's how it is.

I don't love you anymore.

You have to forget me.

It's been a wonderful story.

Thank you for everything, Arthur.

Goodbye.

You wanted to see me, Dad?

Yes, in fact.

Dad...

I'm leaving, I can't stay here.

Why do you want to leave?

This house oppresses me.

Even though I know that I'm leaving you.

I have to leave.

I'm no longer happy here.

Where do you think you're going?

And the wedding?

What does Arthur think of all this?

I'm not going to marry Arthur.

I don't love him anymore.

Ah, no?

By now, it's all over between us.

How will you support yourself?

You're not the type to comprimise.

You forget that I play piano and have a nice voice.

I can make an honest living.

Sure, you're an independent woman capable of living by your own means.

Poor me, at my age, without the love of my daughters.

But you're not alone. Aunt Adele will look after you.

Try to understand how I feel, Dad.

You succeeded.

You convinced me to come.

You wanted me to see your miserable room in this squalid hotel and...

Satisfied?

You're not afraid your wife will come here suddenly and catch us?

She won't come. She's busy with her lover.

Let's hope so. This room reminds me of an old film...

That I saw once with my dad.

The star was chased by the police and hid out in a room like this. Seen it?

You're amazing.

Don't be cute. Answer me.

I'm being serious.

I want to know if you've seen the film.

I can think only of your face.

I've never seen one more beautiful in all my life.

One just can't speak seriously with you.

It doesn't appeal to me.

I want to make love, now.

- No, I don't feel like it, Bill. - Why not?

You must not love me.

Why?

Leave me alone!

- Annette, you're up in a few minutes. - OK. I'll go.

What's up?

- Play another piece. I'll back soon. - OK.

- Everything OK? - Yes.

I see you know my wife.

- Sure, the two of us are good friends. - Come to the house later?

- Can I come? - Certainly.

You'll come too, right?

Maybe he won't like it.

This way we can be among friends. Isn't that a good idea, Arnett?

- There's a good crowd tonight, right? - Not really.

I'm thirsty.

Lover, why don't you bring me something to drink?

What's up, Annette?

Are you very tired?

My musicians are talented, aren't they?

Come here, I want to tell you a secret. I love you.

- You rehearsed that. - But it's the truth. I love you.

Let's take a walk, you and me.

And her?

Don't worry about it.

She's been drinking?

As usual.

Mooching off other drunks.

Come on, can you explain to me what she's got to do with all this?

Everyone gets drunk here.

Listen, I'm going to the park. I'll wait for you there.

Promise to join me when the show is over.

OK, wait for me.

-I'll come as soon as I can. - OK.

Bill. Bill. My love. Don't go. I need you.

- Leave me in peace, Gloria. - Don't abandon me. Don't be stupid.

- I love only you. Don't go, I beg you. - I said leave me alone!

Annette, go to the piano please.

Come on.

Go this way. Come on.

Hey, let Annette sit here.

Annette, play your piece.

Annette! Annette, do you hear me?

It's me, Marie.

I'm waiting for you. Come play with us.

I waiting for you, Annette. Come.

Come, Annette. With me you'll be happy.

Forget the piano.

Can you hear me?

Annette. My sister.

Annette. What are you waiting for?

Come on. Come.

Marie.

Look at me good.

You need to go to who you love.

And kill him!

Little one, don't stop yourself. Keep going...

Annette, remember. You have to do it. If you want my soul to find peace.

You're so cold.

Why do you look at me that way, Annette?

I don't recongize you. What happened? You're so strange. You're not yourself.

Kill him! Kill him!

Annette! What's happening? Come on, calm down. What's wrong?

It's nothing. I'm better now. It's happened before. It's no big deal.

Better now?

It's passed. I'm much better. Don't worry about it.

Then play something else.

Come on, Annette. Something upbeat!

Annette, do you know what time it is?

It's almost 2. And you're still sleeping!

Michel, it depends on what time one goes to bed!

-Get up, I'll pick you up in 30 minutes. -OK, I'll get up.

- Where are we going? - I don't know. We'll see.

I'll go to your place. Don't make me wait.

OK. But use the horn, you know how deaf I am.

Don't worry. You'll hear me. If I need to, I'll wake the neighbourhood.

Michel, I'm coming!

Michel! Michel!

-What are we going to eat? -You decide: spanish, german, mexican?

- No, I want to eat something exotic! - OK, you want something unusual.

It would be great! Imagine, my Medea all dressed up.

With golden candleabra. A classical look.

In its content and form. Medea.

The opera is tragic, but romantic. True to its Greek source. Get it?

Do you think it's a good find?

- You like the dinner? - Yes, a lot.

Wanna taste? It's delicious.

Look at how you eat that... you're like a pig.

No, don't be silly. Eat it like I do, with your hands.

I rented a theatre. It's all paid for.

It's equisite.

Down to the fingertips.

You dirty man!

I've already figured out the roles.

Michel plays the piano on stage.

I've decided to dole everything out.

The costumes are ready.

Even the backdrops. Yesterday I even showed the financiers.

I was afraid they'd make me change something.

I'm only missing one thing.

It's the most important thing. Essential.

Medea. I've auditioned over 20 actresses but none worked out.

It was nothing doing.

Either too fat, or too thin.

I'm in trouble. Really. Understand?

Too old, or too young. Too whorish.

- So, I thought... - No!

I ask you only to audition.

Listen, it's not complicated.

No, no, no! You won't convince me!

I've never studing acting, and I've never thought to get on a stage.

You must be ridicolous. You can't ask me that.

What's the harm in auditioning? You'll see that you like it!

Think of the opening night. Of the applause you'll receive!

It will last til 'dawn. And when we're alone, we'll celebrate in bed!

I guarantee I've never spoken more seriously.

You have to believe me. I'm certain you can solve my problem.

I'll give you a hand, OK?

You'll see it will be a big success. Don't make me beg! Please...

No!

From the audience the stage is frightening, but from here it's not.

I'm not scared.

- Bring a couch on stage. Quickly! - OK.

Put it here. Come on, sit down.

Imagine being on the toilet.

The Eumenides have spoken.

They made a prediction. Did you know they did that?

Yes, they said things that later came true.

Right, more or less.

OK, your husband returns.

You love him, and say... hold on, I'll get you a script.

Alain, pass it to me.

Here, look. All this part, read it a few times first, call me when you're done.

This car is a real jewel.

- I noticed! - The passers-by are amazed!

Thank you Michel. You made me discover a world I never knew existed.

- You're a magician. - Yeah, I'm a magician.

And this is my assistant that brings magic to our hearts.

Thanks to you, Annette. Really.

Thanks for being who you are.

For living in this city.

I'm happy to have met you.

I search for you over many months.

As soon as I met you,a new day was born. Sun replaced night, my life got meaning.

- I'm going back to the theatre. - The theatre?

Yes, by myself. To reflect a bit. I need to.

Medea now has a face. A beautiful one.

It was a fabolous day. Like a wonderful dream.

Until tomorrow.

Bill didn't come today?

No, I wanted to tell you. I went to your house and you weren't there.

I didn't know where else to find you, so I waited until you come here tonight.

What happened? Did something happen to Bill?

He was killed last night at the park while you played here.

He was stabbed, with an antique weapon it seems.

The police don't have any leads. We're all shook up. He was a great guy.

- Was it a thief? - No, it seems not.

They say it was a madman.

A killer animal.

Whiskey, please. A double.

Annette. Annette, come here.

Come and meet me.

I want your happiness. Come into my arms.

I am always beside you. Nothing can stop you.

You're mine. You belong only to me.

Remember how happy we were together.

No man can interfere with your meeting me.

Annette, I'm waiting for you. Come! Don't stop yourself.

Listen to my voice that calls you.

Remember our sweet kisses. Didn't you like my carresses?

Didn't you desire my body?

Annette,I decide your fate from our tomb

Don't hesistate, Annette. Come to me. I'm waiting for you.

Don't stop yourself, Annette. Come! Come play with us.

Annette, don't get distracted. Come.

Who's there?

Answer me!

It's you, Annette. What a surprise. Come up here on stage.

What's happened to you, Annette?

Why are you dressed that way?

Come up here, what are you waiting for?

Give me your hand. Come on, get up here.

What's wrong with you? You're acting strange.

So cold...

Yes, Annette. You'll never have a man.

My solitude must also be yours.

Share my anguish. You'll only be mine, Annette!

You understand, don't you, Annette?

Madeira Times. Latest news, another director killed!

Give me a copy, please. Thanks.

Take it.

The director Michel Rocca killed.

His body was found on a theatre stage. He was stabbed to death.

He was rehearsing a new version of the myth of Media.

Annette, it's me. Marie. Forget him. Come to me. You can't keep on like this.

Annette.

Annette.

Where are you?

911? Send an ambulance to 24 Via Di Collo right away!

- You can come in now. - Thanks.

Oh, dear Annette. Thank God you were saved.

- I wanted to die. - Rest now.Don't think about it anymore.

In a few days, you'll be better.

- We'll have a holiday. - Thank you, Clara.

Here we are. This is our cottage.

It's nice.

I'm happy to stay with you.

It's the ideal place to read, sleep, and forget.

Clara, why? Why did you come to my house the day I tried to kill myself?

Life is strange. One tries to fly but ends up falling back in same shit.

I left Madeira to escape my past and live in a big city.

And I was about to find death.

Now I'm back on my island.

Who knows what destiny awaits me here?

You must not think about it anymore. Aren't you happy to be back at home?

- How's your book? - It's no big deal. Yours?

Not bad. I can't focus. It's too calm here.

Want to go out for a while? Take a walk?

Yes, I want to move around.

- I get it. - We'll have to get dressed!

I'm writing Aunt Lisa. Want me to say anything for you?

- Yes, say hello. - "Hello from Pippo".

How stupid postcards are! One always writes the same banalities.

- Would you like something, miss? - A fruit juice, please.

Want to say hi to this person too?

All done.

Madeira at night.

It wouldn't be bad if it were this lit up at night.

- Here you are, miss. Ice cold. - Thanks.

What are you doing? Checking out that girl in front of me?

- Don't say stupid things. - Does that seem normal to you, jerk?

Still at it?

So you're here! I've been looking for you for an hour.

It's so nice, I went for a walk. And here I am.

-Pippo! Tina! - Oh, Clara! What a surprise.

How happy I am to see you.

- How are you? - Hi.

- You're looking great. - Annette, come over!

This is my cousin Annette.

- Good afternoon. - Pleased to meet you.

- Good afternoon. - It's a real pleasure. Have a seat.

The other day I was passing by...

- Want a cigarette? - No.

We're here on vacation. But I can't go this long without work.

It's the best veranda in the world.

Waiter, 4 Brisa.

- Is it not possible... - Calm down.

-Here with your husband? -No -Lover? -Neither. -Friend? - No, I'm alone!

Here are our drinks.

...remember her husband, fat and bald?

Look there...

Screw you if you don't like it.

Try this and let me know if you like it.

4 Brisa, please.

- Oh no, again? - Here's a great slogan, listen...

Brisa - A tropical cocktail with the freshness of the mountains.

- Listen, why don't we play a game? - Strip poker?

OK, but I'll be the only guy playing along.

It's not bad for a game. A bit primitive, but I like it.

No, let's play a different game.

Take a glass.

And go like this... 1...

And then drink.

Now let's do this together.

1, 2, 3, 4...

And then drink.

And then drink. Get it?

How's it going, Annette?

I'm bored! Everyone's bored.

Everyone gets bored. Even priests!

- Everyone's bored. - The Pope, the president...

You're not happy here, right? It's obvious.

Why not look for a good husband?

He'd bore me.

Don't say that! But you're right. Either one handsome and dumb...

or completely bland.

We're all under the delusion that if we find the right man, we have to hold on.

I've already found a few.

So why did you leave them?

It wasn't me that left them.

They went away on their own. They died.

Nice day, isn't it?

Well, look at him, Clara.

Acting like Casanova, like usual.

Men are all the same.

- Are you bored? - No, not right now.

- Want to be alone? - Don't worry about it.

The island of Madeira.

You're lucky to be free!

- No one's free. - Don't say that. You are.

If you meet a guy you like, no one stops you from going to a beach with him.

- And make love like animals. - You're a pessimist!

If you weren't so beautiful, your words would sound like those of an old maid.

And who told you that I couldn't be that way, in the depths of my soul?

Sure, why not?

I believe in being moralist.

To speak of freedom while you say "Dear men, no one is free!"

Freedom is justice. You have strange discussions.

You talk about these things, when we're all trying to relax.

Why not? For me, they're really important things at any time.

Do you know who said, "How can we talk about freedom?"

"I didn't ask anyone to come into the world, or to leave it either."

A bitter consideration. Was that Dante?

No, it was Boris Vian. He wrote it just before he died.

- Was he French? - I think so.

- Are you jealous? - Jealous?!

- Why should I be? - Because of her.

You're joking. I'd be jealous if you told me you found your true love.

- That's not the case. - No, I'm not in love.

So, why would I care if you went to bed with her? At least she's a good girl.

- And also beautiful. - Stop it, I beg you.

Tina, what would you say to me wanting us in bed?

- You attract me. You're complicated. - You give me no choice!

- Almost five. - I forgot Madeira gets dark so early.

- Are you sleepy? - Not much.

- I slept so much. - You two are no fun.

Roger, play something more upbeat!

- At your service, ma'am. - Go ahead, I'm bored. That's better.

I'll go with you.

- Don't put yourself out. I live nearby. - But I'm a gentleman, madame.

- Do what you want. - Okay. After you.

- Not inviting me inside? - No.

So, you're not giving me a chance?

Right. It's better that way.

It's really bad. It's no longer a fling. You want to take her to Porto Santo?

I don't know. I haven't asked her to come with us.

Continue, please. Continue.

I love you, Annette. I love you.

I'm not saying this only to seduce you. This isn't just a simple fling.

It's strange. I know all the phrases a seducer could use in these situations.

But with you, it's something different. Those words seem useless.

It's like that, Annette. I'm in love with you. You understand, don't you?

- It's crazy. - Yes, you're right.

Standing here in front of you, like a poor fool.

I know very well how different we are.

A gulf seperates us.

Annette, I'm scared. I feel like a stupid, old man for the first time.

If you really love and desire me, forget words. Tell me with your body.

All the loving words you want to speak, say them with your kisses. I'm yours.

Annette.

Annette, it's me. Marie.

Remeber, you can't have a man.

You must come to me!

The road is long. Don't lose any more time. Come!

I'm waiting.

Annette, come with us.

You'll be happy. Don't you feel I love you? Only with me will you be happy.

Don't wait. Come!

Annette, I'm close to you. Listen to me. I've been waiting for too long.

You have to do it quickly! Come meet me. I'm waiting for you.

Annette, don't get distracted. You must not forget.

Do you see me, Annette?

Annette, do you hear me? It's time. Kill him!

You'll be free forever.

Marie.

Marie.

Marie.

My God, what am I? Marie, where are you?

Annette, I'm here, next to you. In my room.

Look at him. Do you see him?

My God, Pippo! It was me who...

Yes, Annette. Don't stay there.

You have to return home.

Pippo? Pippo!

Who's speaking? Is that you, Annette?

No, it's Clara. Annette left. She killed Pippo! and the others.

What are you saying? Are you sure?

Yes. She took my car. She's going home, I saw her!

Finally you're coming. It's been so long but we'll never leave each other again.

Hurry up, Annette. Hurry. I can't wait any longer.

Can you hear me, Arnett?

I know that you'll never abandon me again.

It will be like before. We can love each other again.

Remember, Annette? Why did you want to marry Arthur?

After all the promises.

You caused my death, but I forgive you.

Annette, you're so close to me I can almost hold you in my arms.

Annette, come to me. Don't hesitate any longer.

- Come. - Marie...

rarelust