All language subtitles for O Princípio da Incerteza Manoel de Oliveira, (2002) ENG

THE UNCERTAINTY PRINCIPLE

Based on the novel by

Screenplay

Produced

Directed by

When people become famous
or belong to a dynasty,

they acquire a nickname which
marks them in the flow of events.

A common defence
to ward against threats

or against an alien force.

The Albergarias received
their name years ago, "Storks",

because of their long legs.

Y es, I remember
but the name fell into abeyance.

Because they grew
in wealth and influence.

There were those
also called "Penitents",

aristocratic lawyers.

The women were well-dressed,
they visited Paris and Venice.

But they were still
called "Penitents"...

Nobody could remember why.

Such nicknames
have not disappeared.

Have you noticed, Daniel,
that river-boat is empty?

The upper deck anyway,
though it's covered with an awning.

Who wants a boat trip
in this rain?

Y es, the weather's unsettled...

The sun is out,

then it's cloudy and raining...

It changes all the time.

These modern missiles and
explosions have upset the climate.

It's topsy-turvy.

Never mind that. Let's talk
about the name "Blue Bull".

It was handed down through
generations of vine-workers,

both men and women.

Among them, a pretty girl,

the illegitimate daughter
of a farmer, Celsa's grandmother.

Only one of her two sons
is called Blue Bull.

- Is Florido the brother?
- Yes.

A good husband
and a man of property.

They grew up poor and now
they have escaped destitution,

which is the mother of Eros,
as you know.

"Blue Bull" is the surname
of Jose Luciano,

the son of Celsa, the maid...

Celsa, who works
for Antonio Clara,

known as the "Red Carnation".

The son of Ruth...

Yes Ruth, the mother
of the Red Carnation.

He is the current owner
of "Our Lady's Mount"

and enjoys a vast fortune
inherited from an uncle,

according to a secret clause
in the will.

They say Antonio, the Red Carnation
son of Ruth, and Jose Luciano...

- The "Blue Bull".
- The son of the servant girl, yes..

Despite the difference of rank
played with Camila as children,

in her parents' garden.

But that was a long time ago.

The "Red Carnation" is now
the landlord of "Our Lady's Mount"

and heir to his uncle's fortune.

He used to live in Oporto
with this two brothers...

- His two older brothers.
- When his uncle was alive.

Their mother Ruth was always
close to her husband

and joined him in Africa.

Their father was a diplomat...

But he had to retire
due to ill-health.

They live in Africa,

where he studies archaeology
in Zimbabwe.

Right.

And Celsa, his faithful old servant,
was left in charge of the house.

She worships the "Red Carnation",

"her" Antonio, as she calls him.

She loves him as she loves
her own son Jose Luciano,

Blue Bull, a nickname
he inherited from his mother

and which has stuck.

It was Celsa who gave Antonio
the name Red Carnation,

because he was born scarlet.

It's a pity he has a slight limp.

He's an attractive man.

But "Blue Bull" is a great success
with the women.

Y es, for example Vanessa, a beauty.

They are said to be lovers.

Lovers yes, and in
disreputable business together.

Over and above
the brothel they run.

The lad is an underworld prodigy.

He is a depraved rogue,

but there is no cynicism
in his cruelty...

Nor mildness in his mercy.

He's a strange chap...

Celsa loves them
as if they were both her own.

As if Antonio was her son?

Yes, as if he were her son.

Blessed Virgin, who knows all

and sees all.

Blessed Virgin,

protect Antonio,

save him from Luciano's
wicked ways

and grant them both good sense.

Oh Lord!

She looks like
our painting of Our Lady.

I remember going to Oporto
to eat roast kid on St. John's Eve.

Those were the days, sister dear.

Carefree days. Now...

I'll take your sister's baby.

I was exhausted, mother.

My nephew weighs a ton.

Camila should get married
and have children of her own.

Come in, Celsa!

Come in, come in.

How is Antonio?
With his mother in Africa...

He's well, he's fine, Joana.

Miss Camila is quite grown-up.

A beauty...

She cannot lack for admirers.

When I saw her from the door,
I thought of Master Antonio.

What he needs,
now that he is a man, is someone...

A young lady like Miss Camila.

Hear that, Camila?

Yes, aunt.

She is still very young.

I know, but time marches on.

That's true, Miss T ofi.

Antonio!

I want you to meet my friend.

Vanessa, this is Antonio.

I've been looking forward
to introducing you.

Besides being friends

we are also, shall we say,
business partners.

You have a lovely house,
and a beautiful pool.

The house and the pool,

are all yours
whenever you please.

The offer and the place
are equally charming.

As is Antonio...!

You seem upset, Celsa.
What's the matter?

Yes I'm worried, Mr. Daniel Roper.

Don't get up Celsa.
T ell us why you have come.

T ake a seat.

With your permission.

I'm sorry to disturb you.

I'm worried
about Master Antonio Clara.

He is your friend.
You are fond of him.

We are, but what has happened?
Is it serious?

Not yet. But it could be.

My son,
the one they call Blue Bull...

A handsome lad.

He's always up to no good...

Dangerous business.

Imagine...

He's brought us Vanessa,
a loose and depraved woman...

Who runs brothels as you know.

One is near here.

He has persuaded my Jose Luciano
to go into business with her.

T o be partners and so on...

You wouldn't believe it!

That fool took Vanessa
to Master Antonio's house

and I saw the three of them
chatting by the pool.

Master Antonio is physically
and morally weak.

He can't defend himself,

Iike my boy they call "Blue Bull".

He hasn't got the strength
of character your boy has.

You know what Vanessa is like.

We understand your concern...

But what do you want us to do?

You have influence with Antonio.

He respects you.

He is an intelligent
and civilized man.

What I thought was...

If you agree...

We could have a party
after the wine-harvest...

What sort of party?

A big dinner for everyone.

Miss Camila and her family,
of course...

And you both.

Miss Camila would be ideal

for Master Antonio.

That's true. They would make
a lovely couple.

And you want our help?

Yes, Mr. Roper.

Persuade Antonio to give the party
and you can count on us.

- Right, T orcato?
- lndeed.

We must save Antonio
from Vanessa the T emptress.

- From the claws of Vanessa.
- Oh, sirs!

Thank you both.

Mr. T orcato and Mr. Daniel.

Its all for Camila's sake.

It's over, my love
Our joy is over

Thank you, Alzira.

I have a mother, I have a father
I have it all

But Maria's love

- T o your very good health!
- Thank you, everybody!

"After the wine-harvest,

"Celsa convinced Antonio to give
a dinner-party for the Ropers

"and Camila and her family.

"Antonio agreed
but insisted Vanessa came

"and she brought Blue Bull."

- Is your husband in Zimbabwe?
- Unfortunately he couldn't come.

The climate is good for his health

and travelling crucifies him.

He had to stay.
He'd love to see his children

and meet Antonio
whom he does not even know.

Have you never thought of going
to see your father in Zimbabwe?

My brothers and l
have thought about it...

A trip to see our father...

And for me to meet him.

Your father would love to see you
and meet you, Antonio.

Some things aren't possible.
What about your brother, Simao?

He couldn't come.

Our brother had to go away.

It was all very sudden.
But our mother happened to be coming.

Not everything can be made
to happen at once.

For the present, you have
your mother here, your brother...

And Joana Ferreira,

T ofi Borges,
and our Camila.

Our little Camila.

Our dear, little Camila.

My niece is no longer a child.

If she is unmarried,
it' because she didn't want to.

She's had admirers...

- And rejected them all.
- Why do you say those things, Aunt?

Because you should marry
and you won't.

The time will come.

Women are like artichokes,

the heart is delicious
and it's edible.

But it's not always available.

Camila reminds me of Joan of Arc,
warrior and martyr.

More the warrior, or the martyr?

- Both, I said.
- I was asking Camila.

Neither one nor the other, Vanessa.

A good answer, Camila.

Marriage makes a girl a lady.

Speaking of marriage,

they say that T orcato and Daniel
both descend from Sir Thomas More?

It is no mere rumour.

They also say Thomas More
could do anything

except marry a virgin.
- There your are then.

Vanessa would have pleased
our ancestor.

But would Vanessa like
a man like him?

That is the
principle of uncertainty.

- Joan of Arc was a virgin.
- Really?

Some say she was a man
disguised as a woman.

Gender does not preclude virginity.

- It only precludes proving it.
- Well said Blue Bull!

Your son is witty, Celsa.

Celsa has been a mother
to my Antonio.

He's more her son than mine.

You're standing,
you should be sitting with us.

This is my place.

Where I feel at home.

You know I'm very fond of you
Celsa.

Exactly.

Thanks to you,

I can treat both boys as my sons.

My boy likes to be called Blue Bull.

Lord knows why.
But I love them both.

Celsa does not need to sit at table
to know we like her.

As for Antonio,
Celsa feels that,

because of Ruth's
long absences,

he needs a wife,

a woman to accompany him.
- A spouse.

Camila is a model of sincerity
and innocence

who can confront a changing world
without being spoiled.

Do you want me to wrap her up?

We'll make you a good price
Mr Daniel Roper.

It is not my habit
to pay for affection.

I agree with you.

I also agree with what Daniel says
about Camila.

How are you?

How have you been
since our dinner party?

- How are you Daniel?
- T orcato.

T orcato! How are you Daniel?

Since that delightful dinner
at Antonio's.

Please sit down.

That dinner...

Seems a long time ago.

But we are pleased to see you.

Very pleased.

We have been charged
with a pleasant task.

It is about
your adorable daughter.

Camila is indeed adorable.

She is already a lady...

Our mission is...

Our mission...

Is to ask for her hand in marriage
on behalf of Antonio.

Why are you here?

Do you hear? Why?

What were the Ropers doing here?

- The Ropers?
- Yes, what were they doing here?

They came to ask my parents
for my hand,

I'm to marry your friend Antonio.

- But I'd like to talk to you.
- Really?

I haven't seen you in ages.
Have you got a secret to tell me?

It's no secret,
I merely want to say

that I am a man,
and you are a woman.

I believe so.

If asked, would you marry me?

- Me?
- Y es, Camila.

Do you remember,
when we were small

and I used to tell you tales
of monks and students,

which you loved to hear?

If I asked, would you marry me?

Me?

We are so poor.
Do you see how poor we are?

You are to marry for money?

Have you seen the state
this house is in?

The sink is worn out
with scrubbing.

Our plates are all chipped
except Aunt T ofis'.

Portugal has become a lottery,
everyone wants to win,

everyone wants a consolation
for being so poor.

I've won the jackpot
and I intend to enjoy it.

What would Antonio think,
if he heard you?

Marriage is an attitude.
He's getting married, nothing more.

But I've loved you
since you were five years old

and you played the piano
on kitchen chairs.

It was for me to hear, wasn't it?

Yes.

I always wanted to seduce you.

I played the piano
on kitchen chairs to impress you.

I may even marry to captivate you,

but marrying you would mean
giving up.

- Do you understand?
- I don't understand you.

I only know that I love you.

It is good to hear you say that.

I have waited so long.

Now I can marry in peace.

Sun, trees, do you understand me?

I am happy I can tell you this.

Antonio, will you take Camila
to be your lawful wedded wife

according the rites
of Our Holy Mother Church?

I will.

Camila, will you take Antonio
to be your lawful wedded husband

according to the rites
of Our Holy Mother Church?

I will.

Bless, O Lord,
this manifest consent...

We're all fed up
with wedding scenes

at the movies, in books,
even in real life.

We all overdo the fetichism
involved in uniting people.

You are quite right.

People...

In the symbol of the ring, the bouquet,
the veil and the wedding march.

Are you against marriage?

It's the ritual I mean.

I'm glad to hear it.
Go on, Mr. Roper.

The ring

represents a tradition.
It can't be left out.

Quite.

Even homosexuals want a ring,

for propriety's sake.

That's why in comic scenes
it is hidden, forgotten...

Or simply put in one's pocket.

Funny, what happened with the ring,
just now.

But Camila is an intelligent woman.

Never "caught unawares",
as Celsa says.

She had two curtain rings
and the ceremony went on.

Here comes Vanessa.

She's managed everything.

She's even supplied maids
from her brothel.

This Camila is a strange girl.
Do you know what she said?

That during the night someone came
and took her blood like a sample.

There were two drops of blood
near her pillow.

- Could she be a bride of Dracula?
- I'm serious!

We guard against the unknown,
be it good or evil.

Even God we can't be sure
whether he is good or not.

I think Camila likes
to be outside all of this.

- Are you discussing Camila?
- Yes we are...

- Did you find the rings?
- No, no, I've looked everywhere.

Camila has a peculiar effect
on us all, it's inexplicable.

I could have prevented
her marriage...

- You tried, it seems.
- I said, "could have".

She could have hidden them herself.

I'm not jealous,
I don't desire her.

She'd commit crimes
to remain Antonio's.

I think she's a witch or worse.

- I don't know what could be worse.
- Being a nobody is worse.

Oranges can be classified
according to sweetness and colour.

I'm not an orange.

He didn't appreciate the joke.

He dyes his hair to look Nordic,
which women find attractive.

I don't understand
why women prefer it so.

A question of fashion, probably.

Nowadays sport
seems to dictate fashion.

Once Blue Bull, as well as athlete,
wanted to be a racing driver.

- That was very dear.
- Launching a trend is always dear.

Game.

No more bets.

1 6. Red.

It's a pity Daddy isn't here.

I came to invite you to dinner.

It's our first dinner
for family and friends.

What a pity you can't come!

Yes...

Your father was sorry
when you left home.

He went to your room
several times...

He seemed to mourn your absence.

Three days later he was gone.

T o gamble?

T o fritter away the rest,
like he did with the house.

Y es, but you know...

He gambles to forget his troubles.

He went to the Casino da Povoa
and whenever he goes there...

Which he so often has!

What do you expect?

That's life.

- Gambling makes him forget.
- Which is precisely the problem.

So you're giving a party?

Not a party.

Just a dinner
to get everyone together.

Family and close friends.

I don't know if your father can come.

When is it?

- But you'll come?
- Of course, darling.

It's next week.

I'd love to see my room now.

It's just as you left it, you see.

T orcato...

Daniel...

Sit down.

We have no help to speak of...

Why didn't you say? I would
have closed the French windows.

Thanks, but I am
the lady of the house.

Everything is poor quality
nowadays.

That seems fair.

For instance?

T o each his own, Vanessa.

Camila is the jewel in the family.

Did you consider your daughter
a jewel before she married?

Her sister was married.

Camila was our only treasure.

A family jewel shines brighter alone.

I think I'm going to follow Ruth's
example in every regard,

if I have the strength,
the valour and all that.

The family jewel shines brighter alone.

"The part your love
forces me to play,

"inspires greatness of soul".

Words of Thomas More
to his friend Erasmus.

I like hearing you quote.

But I'm afraid

when the papers alter things
to make them sound better.

They don't say "black"
they say "coloured".

They want to avoid problems
and not be accused of racism.

You know Vanessa,
we are the villains of the piece

who keep the blood flowing
in the veins of these shits.

Luciano!

Do you think Camila is an angel?

What sort of question is that?
Don't you believe in angels?

Not in the traditional sense.

But I believe some people
appear fortuitously.

They are not sent,
nothing like that.

They are mutants.

What is that?

They are like you and me

only they represent
a variation on nature.

They seem like Camila.

Camila is a mutant.

You are mad Vanessa.

No, I'm not.

It is only that
I cannot make her suffer.

You are mad!

Intriguing, this mutant notion...

Camila had a difficult time
at school.

How so?

Not that she didn't suffer
when she was betrayed by friends

on whom she had a girlish crush,
but like me,

because I was born
of indignant flesh

and my father didn't love my mother.

He behaved clinically
and coldly towards her.

Are you talking about Camila?

I don't know. Perhaps in a way.
Why not?

Camila would say she's not worth
worrying about.

Is suffering that essential
to human relationships?

Did Christ come down to earth

to cement an alliance with Man
by means of suffering?

T ell me it is so
and I shall pester you no more.

I can't answer that,

we are entering the realm of religion.

I'll answer you.

Two years ago I was not allowed
to marry a student

who committed suicide
a year later.

He hanged himself

and didn't leave a note
to say why he'd done it.

If it hadn't been for you,
he wouldn't have done it.

I hardly knew him.

That doesn't mean
you didn't drive him to despair.

You are wicked.

You laughed when you heard
of his sad end.

Yes, I did.

What did you expect me to say?

Nobody knows what happened.

She's a good girl.

Her heart is pure as driven snow.

This talk of the soul
is meaningless.

Well, dinner is served.

I can't bear a woman
to be naked before a man.

A low neckline is acceptable.

Showing one's legs,
I can understand.

But backs?

Some backs are beautiful,
like a carving,

with a channel
you can pour wine into.

Beautiful or not, bare backs
are for leeches and poultices,

not kisses...

However delicious the wine
that runs over them.

Why are you so lovely
and so well-dressed?

For reasons
you certainly have guessed.

Guess no, but suspect.

Shall we sit there
and talk quietly?

When I was first married,

I went on visiting
the ruined chapel,

taking the key from under a stone.

Now my life is going through
a phase of intercourse with people

whose names have for me...

A mystical flavour.

What surprises me, Camila,
is...

How shall I say,
the extent of your tolerance.

Do you think so?

I hate subservience
that borders on superstition.

So why let people humiliate you?

I don't take things to heart.
It's not important.

There are just good days
and bad days.

Are you're a slave by any chance?

As a matter as fact I am...

Even to fashion as you see.

A pretty woman with your qualities
can only be a slave to herself,

or perhaps to fashion.

It's not that.

It would be absurd
to even consider fashions

which are models meant
for simple working women...

Those they call "wearable".

An unhappy marriage
doesn't prevent me from dreaming.

- Nor dressing well.
- Duty of a wife under threat.

Marriage isn't for life.

Your present situation
may be temporary.

- You could...
- That's the trouble.

Anything could happen.

I've just arrived.

Have you noticed
how well-dressed your Camila is?

Do I have to explain
what I wear?

I'm not criticizing you,
on the contrary.

I'm full of admiration

and calling Antonio's attention
to your good taste.

It's late.

I'm off to bed.

Antonio is determined
to show you don't deserve him.

I can't stand by...

You let him insult you.

Are you a slave?

That's the second time today
I've been asked that question.

So let me ask you a third time.

- Are you some sort of slave?
- Actually, yes.

But your power is ephemeral.

You have not yet reached
the first stage of intelligence.

And what is the first stage
of intelligence?

It is goodness.

You have not yet attained it.
We must live with that.

I live surrounded by fences,
barbed-wire, walls,

and threats you cannot conceive.

But I know you love me
and I'm grateful for that.

You are free to attack me
with your love.

Whip me till I bleed.

I'd never do that.

What do you take me for?
Some sort of jailer?

Otherwise power
would matter less to you.

- Me?
- Y es, you.

Power and more power...

Over your harlots
and your clients,

over your schemes to bring you
wealth and the good life.

Power affects everyone.
The whole world.

Death is the only escape possible.

You are neurotic.
Your family are all neurotics.

It's hereditary.

That can be resolved.

What I mean is, don't count on me.

Sleep with Antonio,
enjoy the house,

it will not humiliate me
nor make me suffer.

My love for people
is not reciprocal.

I'm raceless, and that's that.

Another thing, Vanessa.

Don't look at me like that,
it makes me lose heart.

You spend your life talking
about problems,

but you are incapable
of inventing a problem.

I spend my life
inventing problems.

You are a problem
for everyone around you,

your husband, your mother,
your father.

I've never seen
such lack of feeling.

T o hear you talk of feeling
is comical.

Perhaps it's your personality,

voracious but also voluptuous,

when it comes to playing
the benefactress...

You support sports' clubs,

you give large gifts to hospitals
and old peoples homes.

Are you talking about me
or about society?

It's the same thing.
It's in your blood

you, and others like you,

Ieeches who suck the blood out
of a society of pleasure.

Your father is an inveterate gambler

and you, Camila,
have inherited his vice.

You play with life
as if it were a roulette wheel.

Isn't it?

Well, the game's up for today.

I'm tired after my journey
and I'm going to bed.

Goodnight.

Goodnight, Camila.

I've never seen you dance, T orcato.

It's too tiring
and I'm not a young man.

You'd rather chat, would you?

That depends on the conversation.

You used to talk to Antonio to lend
him money and give him advice.

Those days are over.

Once inherited his great fortune,
he doesn't need money

but it seems to me he needs
your advice now more than ever.

Money changes things.

There is the right age
to please ourselves.

There is a saying

"a bridle of gold
does not improve the horse".

We do what we can...
Or what we're told.

- What are you saying?
- It doesn't matter.

Do you think things matter,
unimportant things?

Unimportant, my eye!

I hate being taken for a nobody.

I am wealthy. I know everybody.

You can't get there without lying.

The truth gets you nowhere,

it's disillusioning.

So now we've got
a mistress of illusion!

Kind of.

If I were you, I wouldn't dye
your hair, Vanessa.

Men like it.

It's a means of attraction, pretending
to be something we're not.

I pretend from morning till night,

or rather,
from night until morning.

Anything of interest
has to be make-believe.

Stop drinking Vanessa.
You've had enough.

What is he doing here?
T o see the girls?

You're mad.

Or is he after
the teacher of the trade.

You're crazy.

I'm not dishonouring the house.

Let them show him their bodies
and have a drink with him.

If they don't,

we'll call them
inexperienced whores.

Go to hell!

I'm glad I've found you.

I have got the shivers,
I don't know why.

Who makes me feel that?

It's good you're here.
T orcato loves talking with you.

- Don't leave on my account.
- They were just going.

We were leaving.
We have things to do at home.

We'll have a quiet chat some time.

I'd like that.

Alright.

Goodnight.

You proposed to me
the first time we met...

I was single then.

Now I'm married...

I love you too much
to behave like Camila.

I'm a different breed.

Our love doesn't need marriage.

Several days after.

Do you need anything else?

No thanks. Celsa,
go and do your chores.

I've been talking
to the farm manager, I'm boiling.

- Dive in now.
- I'll change.

You'd do well to drop those two.

He won't leave his wife.

- Nor would I want him to.
- So what do you want then?

We have too little sense
of the general to understand truths

such you are seeking
about yourself and Camila.

Different philosophies
are not in competition here.

And Camila isn't all bad.

No, only a little disturbed.

Remember,
there is madness in the family.

What did Blue Bull want?

T o talk about Camila.
I think he's jealous.

Jealous? Of Camila or you?

Camila!

The problem is
we pay her too much attention.

- I admit I pay her too much.
- I accord her none.

Meaning, you don't sleep with her?

In that case
I disapprove completely.

She is your wife, after all.

- I thought that was understood.
- No, it's not. Not at all.

If you say you don't wish it,

you put me in
an embarrassing position.

What position?

What am I doing here, then?

You can't treat me like
a guinea-pig, that's all I know.

You seem to have grasped
the vulnerable aspect.

Vulnerable aspect?

One is vulnerable if one wants
to conform

to patterns of behaviour
called normal.

Whatever you say, Vanessa.

So long as you love me.

"Antonio and Camila went to Aosta,
in the North of ltaly.

"Vanessa joined them.

"On their return Camila
went straight to the Ropers."

I know Vanessa joined you in Aosta.

- It was a pleasure trip.
- That does not matter.

It's not bourgeois morality
I'm worried about but...

Vanessa can still have children and she
may wish to have one by your husband.

Daniel...

You are wicked!

Aren't you ashamed of yourself?

Undignified,
your circumstances are.

If at least you had a child
you could only benefit.

Why don't you try?

Don't you love your husband?

If you don't, why do you let
this situation drag on?

Frankly, I don't understand.

Women's capacity
to leapfrog suffering

is extraordinary.

Freud wrote to Marta Bernays,
when he still called her my sweet,

"lnfirmity is not
incurable in itself,

"only social position and
the obligations of the individual."

Which means?

He was more interested in having
power over her, than in knowing her.

"l don't understand you", he said,

and I say the same to you ;
I don't understand you.

She didn't love him.

You mean to say
you were not seduced.

Antonio Clara is very rich...

I was convinced, not seduced.

Seduction lasts a shorter time
than persuasion.

Our marriage is for life.

Why are you so invulnerable?

So young and so invulnerable?

Don't tell me you're jealous?

Would you enjoy seeing me
commit a faux pas?

That would be better than nothing.

I'm sincere
but I can't feel enthusiasm,

for long.

The Virgin Mary's way
is the only way to avoid suffering,

"Do as you will".

Which is brilliant. As a response.

Antonio hit me.

He hit you!

It was out of despair.

In the casino, Vanessa was having fun
with some other people,

though she was losing heavily.

When we got to our room

Antonio took it out on me.

When I pulled away
he tried to hold me,

and unfortunately
broke my pearl necklace.

And the pearls...

But that was boorish!

Or proof of love.

What! He loves you?

How should I know?

It's unlikely.

I only know he hit me.

Maybe he loves me

but not according to intelligent people
and European standards.

What are European standards?

I mean, logical thought
has nothing to do with desire.

Of course not.

When we use the word sex
nothing causes more terror.

I already knew what had happened.

Antonio told Vanessa.
She said to me,

"lf he lays a hand on Camila,
I don't know what I'll do."

She added, "what a bastard he is".

So you already knew...

Yes, but I wanted to hear
your version.

I don't know what Vanessa
will do now.

I doubt she'll do anything.

It's all my fault. I'm bothering
you with my problems.

Not at all Camila;
your presence is soothing.

But the effect is wearing off.
I must rest.

- That's just what you should do.
- Thanks.

Go now.

Have a good rest.

With Aunt T ofi

I had a premonition.

Just as I did

with the death of Daniel.

In my dream,

in the darkness of the night,

I saw a train.

It passed with all its carriages
lit up and empty.

Aunt T ofi was alone

in one of them.

I recognised her profile

and her hair tied back.

Y es,

her hair was in a bun,

but it was her,

certainly.

I never knew

if it really happened

or if it was just my imagination.

I never knew if it really happened

or if it was a play
of the imagination.

Daniel often said
he thought a lot about death.

I never think about it

yet all around me
is contaminated with death.

Some are on drugs and scream,

others spit blood
into their table napkins.

Some have Al DS.

And others take precautions
and use knives

and other weapons.

Their lungs are black with smoke,

their veins plugged up,

and their sex life a mess.

They live like clockwork toys,
on a battery.

When we think the battery
has run down

they start up again,

playing a drum or something.

Is there any whisky in this house?

You got married. You are married.

Your husband is a good man
and you want for nothing.

You don't give him children,

and he tries not to care.

If you don't like the way
he behaves, divorce him;

that's what you should do.

Make a fresh start,
it's not that difficult.

But why divorce a good, rich man?

You have money.
You can spend what you like.

What you need is a child.

If she doesn't want children,
she has her reasons.

You don't know half of it.

Half of what? What are you
talking about, Adoracao?

Leave it, mother. Don't take any
notice of what Adoracao says.

You know best.

Me, loved?

Y es, loved.

I don't know anyone
with your good fortune.

Because you have a fortune,

over a million in oil and gold!

Gold? What gold?

I never knew what people
mean by that.

Let's see if I'm loved...

I've been insulted by everyone.

Antonio has hit me,
left me without food or drink,

broken down my bedroom door
and refused to put the lock back,

Antonio goes round with you
as if you were his wife...

I don't know if he sleeps with you
but I wouldn't bother to find out.

But this is the treatment
of a princess.

Making you suffer
is making you worthy of a throne.

What would have happened
to the Virgin Mary if she was wealthy

and St Joseph had a shipyard
where they built boats?

Small boats to sail
on the Sea of Galilee.

In Nazareth, mainly farmers lived.

The Blessed Virgin
was of that stock.

Where do you get
your literary ideas?

In newspaper supplements?

Wrong...

All this learning

was taught me
by the Roper brothers.

Good God.

T o hear you, would think
you knew the Virgin Mary!

Look here Celsa.

Neither sesame seed,
nor tobacco seed,

only the seed of man.

Do you know what?
I've had enough.

This woman is the Devil!

Celsa, come here, close to me.

Listen, I have lived many things.

I'm going to tell you
an ugly secret.

I'm not ashamed of it
but I've never told anyone.

T ell me, my child.

When I was thirteen years old

my father took me
to the cinema in Oporto.

It was strange of him to sacrifice

two or three hours he could
have spent at the casino.

In the next row was a middle-aged,
respectable-looking man...

During the film
he put his arm over the chair

and touched my legs.

I felt his hot hands

and his nails.

I though he was just changing his
position and had touched my legs.

But when it became clear
it was not a mistake,

I told my father
I wanted to change seats.

He didn't answer and I repeated.

"l want to change seats."
He still didn't listen.

During this time I defended
myself as best I could.

Before the interval
the man got up and left.

When I thought I was free of him,
he came back...

When the lights went out

I had to get up and move
without explaining to my father.

But, when the film ended

I saw them exchange glances

and I realized that he had used me
to pay off a gambling debt.

My father had sold me to that man.

Don't cry, Celsa.

Everyone has a cross to bear.

This, together with what
goes on in this house,

is mine.

Please come in, Madam Camila.

The house is sad
after the death of Mr Daniel

and the disappearance
of Mr T orcato.

But now I notice...

You are thin.

Are you well?

I am rather thin,

but it's not due to illness.

- Is it to keep up with fashion?
- No.

I know it's the fashion
to be thin

but I've always been thin.
- That's true...

But you really are too thin.

Is it because of Mr Antonio Clara?

Why do you say that?

No reason.

No reason?

Well I sometimes heard
the Ropers worrying about you.

I don't know anything.

All I know...

All I know is...

They were both very fond of you.

That's true.

And I miss them.

They were good men...

What is it?

It's been terrible. The police
have searched everywhere.

There isn't a drawer
they haven't turned out

and Mr Clara is in his study being
questioned, together with Vanessa.

- Why?
- I don't know more than you do.

- Won't you come to the study?
- Yes, just to peep.

Have you been out?

I went shopping.
I'm not a prisoner.

Don't say,
"l shall never drink from there".

- Are you the lady of the house?
- I believe so...

Please follow me.

Are you satisfied or do you want
to ask more questions?

- Not for the moment.
- For the moment?

Until things become
a little clearer.

I don't think there is
any more to be said.

There are a few details...

We still have to clear up.

Well? Mrs Camila Clara?

She has been questioned.

And...?

She said she was tired
and wanted to lie down.

So, that it's it then.

Not quite.
We will need to talk again.

But it can wait.

I don't know what's going on,
but whatever it is, I love you.

- What now?
- We'll be back.

- Whenever you like.
- We'll see you soon.

What's this all about?
I feel left out and helpless!

A lady behaves like a lady,

she does not use certain words
nor lose her composure.

Bastard!

Cad!

- What are you doing here?
- I need to speak to Camila.

Yes, I know she's alone
and I need to talk to her.

Come in.

She's in her room.

- What do you want to say?
- I want to warn her.

Yes, warn her; please, mother,
go and call her.

She's just coming.

Well then...?

Let's go into the living-room.

I need to speak to you, Camila.

I'm worried about you.
You had better leave here.

Things are not looking good.

It would be better
if Antonio told me.

He doesn't know anything,
even I don't know the whole story.

But I don't want you involved.

I'd like to see Vanessa's dives.

Her gambling dens and clubs.

I don't think that's a good idea.
They are public places

where one can get a drink
and dance.

They are for young people.
They'll call you granny.

You don't drink those awful drinks
or smoke grass,

or even dress suitably
for those places.

What you should do
is get hold of some money and go.

- I haven't even got a passport.
- I'll get you one.

Thanks for your advice.
Maybe one day I'll take it.

T omorrow I'm going to Oporto.

I'm going to visit Daniel's grave
with the Roper's housekeeper.

Can't you see it's too late?

I love you and so does my mother
and she wants me to help you.

You are beautiful and good

and don't deserve none of this.

I'm not good.

Everyone thinks I'm good
but I'm not.

I don't hurt anyone,
it's a question of discipline,

Iike putting a hand over your mouth
when you yawn. I'm not good.

Sometimes we need
to hurt people and scare them.

T read on worms

and kill flies.
- There are people to do that.

Caught you. You don't want anything
to do with the seamy side of life,

but you don't mind
if other people do the job for you.

I've already told you
I'm not good.

Life is a fairy-tale.

Of fairies and witches.

I've already noticed
you are not good, but I insist.

If you stay here, Camila,

you are lost.

I can still hear him saying,

"Playing with a split personality
is an odd business.

"You, Camila,
play at not having one.

"The epic quality of life
depends on this.

"People who don't have
split personalities

"are what we called epic figures."

The Roper brothers
were very open to these ideas.

They were subtle men.

Then he gave me an example.

There was a moment
in the trial of Joan of Arc

in which she almost assumed
a double personality.

In the cemetery at Saint Ouen,

Joan denied her visions in public
and said,

"I'd rather sign than burn",

and burst out laughing.

She was condemned
to life imprisonment

and had to suffer
pain and bitterness.

She went back on this
and was condemned to death.

Daniel said

she had two identities,
she was two women,

one quite carefree
and quite in control of herself.

Was this the maid
so oddly spared torment

whom nobody recognized
in the flames,

because she concealed her feelings
and seemed apathetic.

What do you think of all this,
Mrs Clara?

Daniel thought...

"There is only one Joan,
a strong, powerful personality.

"Perhaps she was a man.

"What made her laugh
in the cemetery at St Ouen?

"An extraordinary posture
of abandonment

"which she then trumped
with another, winning card? "

It was wonderful to hear.

I like hearing you too.

But I didn't understand everything.

You don't need to understand,
just listen.

There are families
that hear voices.

Is it hereditary?

Auntie T ofi heard voices
and no-one took any notice of her.

And you?

Do you hear voices?

I dream I hear them.

As clearly
as if they were at my side.

If I heard your statue speak,

you who always gave me strength

you, Joan of Arc,

you would tell me what to do.

What are you doing here?

- Why are you doing this?
- I don't want to be found here.

- This way I'll escape by the window.
- Jump out of the window?

And break a leg?

- A great disaster looms on the horizon.
- What sort of disaster?

All things end and this
has been brewing for some time.

Vanessa won't listen
and she'll come to a bad end.

I don't know
what you are talking about,

it seems you are in love with her
but she is not in love with you.

That's more or less it.

She loves only you, Camila.

I don't know how we got here
but she has abandoned everything,

her business, her interests...

She cares for nothing but you,
Camila.

She's lost
and we are all going down with her.

We are all going to burn in hell.

Burn, understand?

Don't smile, I'm serious Camila.

Luciano!

I must go.

I know you are not asleep.
Can I speak to you?

Don't think
I've come to apologize.

I know that.
I know why you've come.

Good. That makes things easier.

I'm under pressure to pay a debt
and I haven't much time.

What will happen
if you don't pay it?

It's better things
don't reach that point.

These people are ruthless.

I'm not signing anything.

Not even under torture.

What kind of a rat
is Antonio Clara?

You laugh as Joan of Arc
laughed in the cemetery.

Or are you laughing at me?

I could be killed
and cut up in pieces tomorrow.

They'll cut off my hands, my nose,
my ears.

They are ruthless.

You are too much.

We all are.

Don't you mind if you are
dragged down with us?

I don't believe that.
But we'll see.

Advise me.

Well, Antonio?

Yes or no?

I already told you...

I already told you that
at the moment it is not convenient.

You know I have work to do
on the estate, and...

And that I have...

I have a lot on my plate.

A lot on my plate.

Fine.

Are you angry?

I'm not angry, I'm disappointed.
I expected more from you.

I don't know what you expected
of me.

Or you of me. Aren't we lovers?

We were.

Not any longer.

Because I asked you for money?

Why did you stop loving me?

Oh, Holy Virgin.

You who see all and know all

have punished me for my sin,

for having changed
Ruth's still born child

for my Antonio,

and pass him off as her son.

This must be my punishment.

I ask for mercy for what I did

and mercy for Jose Luciano,

for his wild life.

Hail Mary, full of Grace,
the Lord is with thee.

Blessed art thou among women

and blessed is the fruit of your womb,
Jesus.

And what about Camila?

- The police have picked her up.
- The police?

They say she has to get a lawyer.
Just as a precaution.

Camila is fine.

You know why I'm here, mother?

I suspect.

I don't know anything.
I'm confused.

You always led an erratic life.

But you know why I'm here?
I could have run but I didn't.

I went to the police.

It's all a muddle to me

and I don't know what to say.

I feel I'm to blame for it all.

T o blame, you?

Leave it,
I get ideas in my head...

What about Vanessa?

Vanessa is in Spain.

She is pregnant.

- By Antonio?
- I don't know.

I don't know anything.

You don't know anything...

T ogether?

Yes, Madam Camila Clara,
together,

united by a one cause.

I'm worried about "Blue Bull".

Blue Bull?

Yes, Blue Bull,

Jose Luciano, Celsas son.

Ah yes, Jose Luciano...

He's in prison.

He confessed.

For the very reason
he was twisted by servitude

and the power of suggestion
is very strong in him.

He preferred to do time

rather than name an authority,

which he considers
a supernatural power.

Whom are you talking about?
Are you referring to a woman?

In many ways, slavery is a woman.

He has known that
since he was born

that he could only take his place
in a world of pleasure,

of plenty,

through lies,

pretence

and above all,
through disloyalty.

Well I don't know him...

But I know his case presents
mitigating circumstances.

What can we do?

Well, not much for the moment;

I am studying the case carefully
and then we'll meet.

It is convenient that we continue
our meetings.

I want to find out
all the details of the case...

And I need to know more
about you especially.

About me?

It's a personal matter now.