Original subtitles

TRANQUILLITY

- Where have you been, son? - I had things to do, mother.

I'm sure you did.

I brought a TV guide.

I saw some kind of new shampoo on TV.

With vitamins.

I'll check it out tomorrow.

Don't forget that it's French and has vitamins.

Need to cut the ends a bit.

They're breaking.

Yes.

Carefully.

Just the ends.

Don't worry, I'll be careful.

You messed it up last time as well.

You got a letter from Judit, mother.

- Show it! - Careful!

Where did she send it from?

Stockholm.

Stockholm.

My dear Mother, as I wrote to you before,

at the end of the summer I moved to a house by the sea.

I don't understand.

Wasn't New York good enough for her?

Continue!

I gave a concert at the royal court of Sweden,

on Tuesday I'm going to London, then flying to America.

She doesn't say when she's coming home?

No.

She was in Vienna the year before last.

She could have really come home from there.

She only spent a day in Vienna then travelled on to Lisbon.

No, she went to Cairo from Vienna.

I remember it clearly. It was Cairo.

You are right, mother. Cairo is even further away.

Is it?

Vienna, Lisbon, Cairo.

See? It's not further away at all.

She says she will be recording an album.

It's not Paganini again, is it?

Stockholm, Stockholm.

There.

How come she's still not tired of it?

You never got tired of Macbeth, mother,

even though you played it 314 times. Remember.

No, son,

I don't want to remember.

I've asked you a million times

not to talk about the theatre to me.

Why do I have to plead you? - I just...

Let all theatres rot!

Let them rot where they are!

Yes, mother.

What do you want from me? What?

I don't want anything, mother.

Then stop harassing me!

Give me my letter!

...Quicken with kissing: Had my lips that power,

Thus would I wear them out.

I am dying.

Let me speak; and let me rail so high,

That the false housewife Fortune break her wheel,

Provoked by my offence.

Now my spirit is going, I can no more.

Noblest of men, won�t die?

Stop it!

Sorry?

Stop the rehearsal!

Stop! Lights on, please!

What is it?

Rebeka darling...

would you please swap places with the little miss?

Is this some kind of a joke?

Get him out of here!

Please leave the stage!

This is good.

Take this rubbish off me, son.

The bastards.

They think they can give me walk-on parts!

- Is Judit at home? - She isn't, mother.

- Wasn't it her playing the violin? - No-one was playing the violin.

Judit is abroad...

...remember?

Why doesn't she ever call?

Believe me, my dear Rebeka, I would be the most disappointed

if you couldn't show your talent in the right roles...

One more glass...

But you might understand, dearest Rebeka,

that under the circumstances...

there are too many obstacles in the way...

These French really know their drinks.

The minister is a great supporter of your art.

But what exactly does your little daughter think?

He is shocked at her behaviour.

Hungary is a world power in music.

We cannot allow someone like your daughter...

...waste her talent.

Do you know where she is?

Yes.

Then write to her to come home.

Oh!

Post this.

Yes, mother. I'm going that way anyway.

And buy a light bulb. The one in the toilet burnt out.

I will, mother.

The pilot light went out again, I had to relight it in the morning.

I'll take a look, mother.

My dear mother, I have a concert with Menuhin next week,

you don't seriously think that I would go back home and

join the MAV Symphonic Orchestra, do you?

Please don't write to me about this any more.

What can I do?

Think of something! She's your fucking daughter, isn't she?

Yes, she is.

Shut up!

- What are you doing, mother? - Get back to your room!

I'm in that one!

Not anymore.

- Stop this, mother! - I didn't ask you!

Come on, pull it up!

Come and help!

Did you order the tax...

Good morning, madam!

Come in! Take that, over there.

I'm sorry madam, I'm not an undertaker.

Of course you are. Here.

You look awful. Go and put on a decent shirt!

I told you, mother that I'm not going.

Do as you wish.

Since writing to her was of no use, I've come to a decision.

She is a dirty little bitch.

Therefore I not only ceased all communication with her

but from now on I consider my daughter dead.

I hope that I now meet the requirements of socialist morals

as a mother as well as an actress.

Pull your tits back and get out of here!

Bring a wet towel!

Where have you been, son?

I had things to do, mother.

I'm sure you did.

I'm a whore! I'm a whore!

I'm a whore!

I'm a whore!

Rebeka wakes...

Rebeka wakes...

Rebeka flies!

Rebeka flies!

Rebeka flies!

It's not good here.

Where do you live?

At home.

I'm here!

Hello!

Hello, hello!

Rebeka eats.

Eats.

Rebeka eats.

Where did you get them from?

From the clients. Presents.

They only bring ones with broken wings...

they're cheaper like that.

- And the pigeon? - Rebeka?

I just found her in the street. Some dog did her in.

Are you going to fuck me or what?

No.

What?

No.

You're a gentleman.

That's not the reason.

It's only three thousand. Are you married?

No.

You could still want it, even if you're married.

They want it the most.

Let me sleep here.

That's three thousand too. And you pay in advance.

Of course.

I wake up to the noise if someone's searching.

They're better than dogs.

Who's this?

My mother. Let her see it all.

Did your wife kick you out?

I don't have a wife.

They're the ones who want to be begged.

And then they become regulars cause their wives spit the come out.

As if it made any difference.

Are you coming?

I'd rather sleep in the armchair.

OK.

Why do you want your mother to see everything?

If you don't fuck, you sleep.

Fuck me!

Fuck me!

Get out!

Go to your room!

Go!

If you can't, then sleep.

Almost there.

Hurry up, I'm sleepy!

What is this filth, son?

Short stories, mother.

Even your auxiliaries are disgusting.

- Then don't read them! - No-one should read them!

I don't give my consent. - I don't need your consent.

You're not a writer. Do you know what you are?

A butcher. That's what you are. A butcher.

Maybe, mother.

- You write with other people's blood. - No, mother. I write with my own.

No, my son.

These are all lies written with my blood.

I wasn't fired from any theatre.

I left them. I, Rebeka We�r.

And I was right to do so.

God will spit you in the face for this.

God doesn't spit anyone in the face, mother.

He does, son. You. For this filth.

Judit left because I wanted it so.

She was a real artist, unlike you.

At least you're right about this.

You don't understand anything.

Everything was right the way I did it.

Probably.

And I'm no almond-scented corpse.

I'm still alive.

Yes, I'm alive.

And I live the way I want.

I'm sure you're right.

I wish you'd rotten in my womb!

You're not human anymore, my son.

How's your book coming along, Mr. Writer?

I'm writing it.

And what do you write about?

All sorts of things.

About me as well?

No, not about you.

Good. Your spitzer today is gratis.

I was going to call this place the Pearl of Mangalia...

because I had a Romanian lover there whose name was Radu Perla

and Perla means pearl in Romanian.

I'd never seen such a beautiful face before

not even on a film poster.

I sneaked out of the hotel at night.

And we just sat there and watched the glowing sea.

Even this boy's eyes filled with tears.

And then he got up and walked into the sea as if it were his.

Pale green light trickled down his back as he plunged.

I followed him.

I even forgot I was scared, I'd never been with a man before.

All I knew was that I was the only one in the world

who had been dressed in pale green light.

Whose veil was the glowing sea.

What's your name, I asked

when the water became red around our loins.

Perla, he said.

What does that mean?

He couldn't explain. Wait, he said and submerged.

It seemed as if hours had passed.

I started to cry.

I slapped him when he came up again.

He only laughed.

He opened the shell with his teeth.

He kissed me.

This is Perla, he said.

And I felt the pearl in my mouth.

You can write this down if you want.

Because this is nice.

Where have you been, son?

I had things to do, mother.

And I had heart pain.

I didn't know you had pain in your heart.

You won't be here when I die.

I'll call the doctor tomorrow.

I don't need one, I took my medication.

I won't let myself be ruined.

What is your problem really?

That my heart is slow.

And you leave me on my own.

Do you want me to measure your blood pressure?

Don't you dare touch me!

You left 21 hours ago.

You keep record of it lately?

I take notes of everything.

When I die they'll know exactly what you'd done to me.

That you ruined me systematically.

I'm not ruining you, mother.

- You steal my pension. - I don't steal your pension.

I'm watching you, son. And so is the Lord.

We're both watching you. - Good, watch me, both.

And next time at least wash before you come home!

She's just another little slut.

Someone with a smell like that is a slut.

- I only went for a walk. - Don't lie to me, son.

The Lord is watching you and will punish you.

Don't you dare!

Don't hate me, son. Not you.

I don't hate you, mother.

You should have put me in a home long ago.

I suffocate you.

How can you say that?

Is she beautiful?

Yes.

Does it hurt?

Another New York, done with America.

Where have you been, son?

I had things to do, mother.

What are you doing?

Can't you see?

This is nonsense, mother.

Don't tell me what is nonsense and what isn't.

Wash the smell of vagina off yourself before you come home.

I don't smell of vagina.

Even your breath smells of it.

I expect some discretion, son.

I'll try.

How long will you do this to me?

What more is to come?

You bring home your whores and fuck them in my bed...

like your father did?

I don't want to see.

I'm not interested in any of your whores.

I don't want to see you.

- How long will you stay blind for? - I don't know.

- You should rather be deaf. - Then we couldn't talk.

Blind people can't do things.

At least you could read if you were deaf. Come.

You'll come to the theatre tomorrow

and tell Effenbach you're sorry.

Understand?

I can't hear you. - Yes.

I won't have my own son telling me what to do.

This is egg is too soft.

The concert is on Sunday.

Sunday? I have a rehearsal from 5.

It's at 3.

Ask them not to put you last.

I won't listen to all that screeching.

I'll arrange for you to attend the Conservatory from autumn.

I don't want to.

We'll discuss this later.

Wipe your hand.

What's happening?

He's gone blind.

What?

He's gone blind.

He stares into the lamp for hours when Effenbach is here.

He does what?

Jesus!

Look at me!

Jesus Christ!

Don't worry...

we'll go and see the doctor.

Get dressed. You too.

- I have to dress him. - Why didn't you tell me?

We didn't want to disturb you before the premiere.

Put your arm in there.

Go and get socks. - They're all dirty.

Then bring dirty ones!

Why did you do this?

How could you do this?

How could you do this to your mother?

I'm OK now.

Don't you ever dare blackmail me again!

Understood?

Understood, you miserable little fool!

Understood?

Get out of here! Get out!

- I'm not well. - What's wrong?

I don't know.

Let me call a doctor.

I only need you.

Let me call a doctor.

No need.

I'm terrified of death, son.

You won't die, mother.

Everyone will.

Only I'm terrified.

Whether God exists or not.

You have no reason to fear the Lord, mother.

It's you who says that, son?

Judit will never come home, will she?

I don't know.

I wouldn't, if I were her.

Bathe me, son, that would do me good.

I'll run the water.

Don't make it too hot.

So where are you now?

I don't know.

In the shop.

I'll think of something.

Do you ever say the truth?

Sometimes.

I'd like to meet your mother.

You can't.

No stranger has set foot in the flat for ten years.

No-one ever rang the doorbell?

No. She knew precisely what to say to people

so they would never think of visiting.

Only the GP got as far as the room once.

Because she thought I'd called him.

And?

She told him she had a sore back.

Because an actress' life is very busy.

Then complimented the doctor on his jacket

and gave an autograph on the prescription.

She electrified the door handle

using the cord of the iron

to kill anyone I would bring

to take her to the asylum.

How can you laugh at this?

Come in.

Thank you.

Good evening.

I won't have you showing me to your whores.

Where have you been, son?

Don't ever dare to ask me that again, mother!

Don't ever dare to bring your whores here.

Eszter, mother. Eszter Feher.

Remember this better than your own name.

This is my flat, I call her what I want.

You're wrong, mother.

A whore. A filthy whore.

She's good to relieve you once, that's all. Cheers.

Please be quiet, mother!

She shows up here after the first fuck?!

I told you to be quiet!

I know you've been fucking this whore for months.

Little Eszter?

She's the one trying to ruin me?

No-one can ruin you, you're already insane!

Go to your room!

Someone who refuses to go under an open sky is mad!

Stark mad, do you understand?

Why don't you just die!

Where have you been, son?

I had things to do.

Buy some fruit for me tomorrow.

OK, I'll buy you apples.

I'd rather have grapes.

I feel like having grapes.

OK.

Go to bed, son.

Then Cleopatra ran all the way home

as she was.

Black tears ran down her cheeks

as she didn't even wash the make-up off.

She ran across the city wearing a black wig,

a fake diamond tiara, a bra with fake rubies,

sandals and a nylon cloak.

And people couldn't believe their eyes.

Their eyes.

Mothers turned their children's heads away.

Away.

The way you wring a chicken's neck.

A chicken's neck.

Yes.

Wives slapped their staring husbands in the street.

Bus nr 7 crawled along

for the passengers requested it not to overtake Cleopatra.

...overtake Cleopatra.

Let's stop, I don't want this.

Bus nr 7 crawled along

for the passengers requested it not to overtake Cleopatra.

Only no-one knew

who the half-naked woman with a flying cloak was.

Go blind! - I told myself, aged barely ten.

And I stumbled around the flat

with eyes open as if I really couldn't see.

I was bumping into door-frames for three days.

How long will you stay blind for? I don't know.

Why aren't you deaf instead? It's easier to notice.

Not necessarily. And then I couldn't talk.

I need a break.

Here too...

Lower...

Everywhere...

There...

I want it like this!

Here you go.

Thank you.

Here's your coffee.

Thank you,

Your friend writes well.

Thank you.

Does he still live with his mother?

Yes.

And what do you do?

I work in a library.

Drink your coffee.

Merry Christmas!

Only the infant is missing.

I don't want a child.

Nothing would change.

Stop it! I don't want it!

At least you're honest now.

- I don't want a child. - OK, I understand.

No, you don't.

I don't want a child at all.

I understand. Merry Christmas!

I have to go.

My mother is expecting me. - Then go.

Where have you been, son?

Everyone is at home with their families now.

That's the custom.

I know. That's why I hurried home.

Here's your Christmas card from Judit.

I thought she wouldn't send one this year.

It arrived a bit later.

Merry Christmas, mother!

Merry Christmas.

Don't think I'll let myself be robbed.

I know you and your whore want to rob me.

- No-one wants to rob you, mother. - I'll denounce you.

Write it, I'll post it.

No, son.

I'll denounce you to Kadar.

Kadar is dead, mother.

Is he?

We'll see.

What are you doing?

I scared you, didn't I?

I'll have you locked up.

You and your whore.

Never, understand?

Never, you slut!

Understand?

Never, you mummy!

Never!

More, more!

That's it.

- Good morning! - Good morning!

- Happy New Year! - Happy New Year!

- Coffee? - Yes, please.

A coffee, please.

Excuse me.

- I like your book. - Thank you.

I wrote a few remarks, if you don't mind.

No, of course not.

Thank you.

Close the door, please.

Read it through and then we can talk.

OK.

Call me at home.

This weekend, if possible. - OK.

How is your mother?

How do you know my mother?

I like your handshake.

Where have you been, son?

My book will be published.

I forbid you to publish that filth!

I'm sorry, mother.

This woman turned you into a real bastard!

Leave Eszter out of this.

- You want to ruin me! - No-one wants to ruin you.

You want to blacken me? You murderer!

You want to take over this place with your whore!

Shut up, will you!

Let's have dinner.

You left abruptly last time.

I had a bad day.

No problem.

One makes allowances for talents.

I don't think talent is an excuse for anything.

Fortunately you don't believe in this yourself.

I do.

Very much.

Then you're a master of self-deception.

Maybe.

Are you Jewish?

Not as far as I know.

I know.

I just wanted to see what you're like

when you're not playing your part.

Do you speak French? - No.

- English? - A little.

You'll have to learn.

I spoke to a French friend of mine.

We'll make you known.

I don't want to be made known.

I came for my pen. - You'd never come back for that.

Don't tell me what to do with my life.

So? Will you fuck me then?

Don't you dare, slut!

Come on!

Fuck me!

Not a single word?

I even went to the publisher's

to ask if they knew something about you.

Don't ever go there again!

Don't stand in front of my house!

Don't touch me!

Come and live with me. - You know I can't.

Ask Judit to come home.

Why don't you want it? - I want it.

Then find her and tell her to come back.

Did you bring bread?

Who is Eva Jordan?

I came to get the manuscript.

Don't be ridiculous.

My work has nothing to do with my sex life.

My work has.

Your girlfriend is nice.

She would be very upset if she found out

you were a first class beast.

Leave Eszter out of this.

Every woman has to share.

Your mother for example had to share your father with me.

Dirty slut!

Like your father!

Don't talk to me about my father!

- More! - No!

More! More!

No! Never!

Come into my mouth!

Why do you have to make such a big deal out of it?

You're not the first one to fuck your father's lover.

Did you love my father?

I loved all of you.

Your father, your mother, Judit, you.

I don't believe you!

I lived with you for a year.

I took you to the kindergarten,

washed your nappies,

until your mother realised I wasn't only her best friend.

Why did you come here?

Probably to fuck.

Your book is ready.

- I don't want it. - Doesn't matter.

I'm moving out.

Do as you wish. Get out.

I forbid you to open the door!

Go to your room, mother!

Take her out, take her out!

Die, you old whore!

Go to your room!

Give me back your son!

Get inside!

Get out of here! Get out!

- What do you want from me? - Come with me.

I can't.

We're going to have a child.

Don't you understand that I love you?

I'm the only one who loves you.

Go home and don't love me.

Wait!

There's a letter for you.

Is it bad news?

They've found my sister.

I'm happy for you.

What's this noise, son?

It's music, mother.

Turn it off. I want to sleep.

What's the big deal?

You won't remember a thing tomorrow.

I won't have you speak to me like that.

We've been speaking like that for 15 years.

Bring a cup of tea instead and let's listen to music.

You're a bastard like your little sister.

My elder sister.

By the way, mother

how come you've never wanted to commit suicide?

God will make us answer for everything, son.

But really, why don't you just kill yourself?

Get out of my house.

Then you'll starve to death.

Oh, my heart.

We don't have hearts.

We have snot in the place of our hearts.

Mother!

I'm going the countryside for a reading.

You'll have to heat up the soup.

Are you all right, mother? - Yes.

I'll be back tomorrow.

Sign here, please.

Good-bye.

I want to know what she died of.

Heart failure, about a day and a half ago.

Are you sure?

How do you know she didn't starve to death?

You've never seen someone starve to death, have you?

My mother didn't die of heart failure.

I killed her.

I'll give you a prescription.

You're exhausted.

I don't need anything. I wanted her to die.

I knew precisely she would die.

This is what you call murder.

No, this is not murder.

I lived with my mother.

I see.

Only, she died somehow.

I'm sorry.

Hello.

Hello.

Is it over?

Yes.

My condolences.

Thank you.

Who is it?

It's me, Margit.

Oh my God!

What are you doing!

Nothing.

Are you all right?

Yes.

Do you need some help?

No, thank you.

- Let me know if you do. - I will.

Are you sure you're all right?

Yes.