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WORLD ON A WIRE

- G�nther!
- I'll be right in.

Secretary of State von Weinlaub.

I'm Hirse,
Mr. von Weinlaub's assistant.

Hello, my name's Lause,
I'm chief of security.

Please, Mr. Siskins expects you.

- Wasn't that Dr. Vollmer?
- It was.

To get right to the point:

Simulacron is almost
fully operational.

I may seem ill-informed

but what interests me is
your definition of "almost".

Of course, Mr. Secretary.

I apologize.

The margin of error
for our prognoses

currently reaches as high as 5.8%.

I see, thank you.

Yes. Professor Vollmer
can tell you exactly

about the state of things.

He's overseen development
of the computer.

We know that, Mr. Siskins.

Professor Vollmer, please...

So, you're secretary of state?

Naturally.

I really don't care, to be honest.

Do you have a mirror on you?

A mirror?

Why?

Here, take this.

What do you see?
Come on, what do you see?

Let me help you, Mr...?

Von Weinlaub.

Alright, von Weinlaub.

You are nothing more than the image
others have made of you.

- That's all.
- Enough!

Thank you. And the rest of you?

Vollmer!

You too, Siskins.

Want to look in the mirror?
Go on, look at yourself.

It's a sad joke.

That'll do, Vollmer!

This has gone far enough.
Hirse, let's leave.

Headache. it pounds
and pounds and pounds.

Do you know what's pounding
in my head?

I know.

Lause...

Please come in.

Why don't you lie down?
Lause will take you to your office.

Come on, Henri.

It's not a headache.

It's much, much more.

So much that my head's
about to explode.

Come on.

I'm coming, G�nther.

They refuse to understand...

those poor worms.

- Take care of him.
- Yes, Mr. Siskins.

I must apologize
for Professor Vollmer.

He's been working day and night.

His nerves have always
been delicate.

The line between genius
and madness, you know...

Strange kind of madness,
wouldn't you say?

Of course, Mr. Secretary...

very strange.

One moment, please.

Go ahead.

Please...

- But I...
- Look at yourself.

- What do you see?
- Me.

Stiller was due back yesterday.

He'll come, Henri.

I'm scared.

I'm with you.

You're here.

The constant throbbing in my head...

Have you ever heard
of a head exploding?

Like that, into a thousand pieces?

No, never.

Really? Anyway...

Do you remember? As a boy

you must have played

"I see something you don't".

Sure, all kids do.

G�nther...

I know something you don't.

Something no one must know.

It would mean
the end of this world.

Henri...

Vollmer!

Sorry, the bar's over there.

It's padding, not muscles.

To look manlier.

It's not all padding, is it?

If you're interested...
Fred Stiller.

I'm in the phone book.

Can't you get a drink?

Guess I'm small fry.

Too bad, but maybe you'll grow.

Maybe.

Whiskey?

Yes, with water.

Rainer, two whiskeys:
one ice, one water.

Yes, Mr. Siskins.

Coming to the funeral?

I'll be there, although...

the dead don't really care, do they?

Your whiskeys.

Thank you.

Can you debug the computer
without Vollmer?

I think so.

We can't afford further delays.
The Ministry's impatient.

By the way...

What?

Oh, nothing.
Tell me, what's your dream car?

Pardon me?

Your dream car.
It's a simple question.

Oh, God... A Corvette.

I see, a Corvette...

275 HP.

And about 40,000 marks.

Beyond your wage bracket?

Somewhat, but you asked about
my dream car, not my wage bracket.

- What bracket do you want?
- The next one.

Why not, if you're
as good as Vollmer.

I'm not, but I'm tough.

I see you're aware Vollmer and
I had our differences of opinion.

I believe so.

He was pigheaded, don't you agree?

Well, I...

Think about it.
Just so you don't misunderstand...

it was simply a hypothesis,
not an offer.

I understood you, Mr. Siskins.

275 HP. Quite something.

I'm Gloria.

Great. Care for a drink?

Champagne.

What else?

Still 42-26-39?

391/2.
You get fat, just sitting around.

But every inch is precious.

Thanks. How's the computer coming?

OK, and how's working for Siskins?

No, I mean it.

I'm very interested in Simulacron.

Is it true you've created
an artificial world?

"World" is an exaggeration.

Currently we've some
10,000 identity units.

That's all we need for now.

The world in a nutshell, you see?

10,000 people.
They're people, aren't they?

As you like.

To us they're merely circuits.
But to them...

They live just like we do...

build roads, listen to music, eat...

And make love?

That, too.

Make love, enjoy life...

have kids.

Exciting.

Pardon me?

Making love?

Yes, that too.
But I mean, a living world...

in a box full of microchips?

We're alive. They're like people
on TV dancing for us.

The way you describe it
is fascinating.

You're fascinating.

Hi, Lause!

Hi. Have you seen Stiller?

Yeah, a minute ago. Come in.

No, I'll wait here.
Bring him to me.

Sure.

- Fred, come with me.
- Me?

Lause wants you.

Excuse me. See you later.

Pity.

Lause!

My God, finally!
I have to see you.

You look awful.
Where have you been?

After Vollmer's death, I drove
to your place in the country.

You found him?

Yes, but... where were you?

I came back earlier than planned.

What's up?

Not here.

Come...

Well?

It's about Vollmer's death.

But...

I thought it was an accident.

I don't know, I didn't see it.

But it was very strange.

What? What was strange?

Vollmer was strange.

Something had happened to him.

I spoke to him
shortly before he died.

He was afraid.

Then he told me something
that was so...

that was... absolutely crazy.

What?

I can't tell you,
it's too crazy.

Perhaps he was crazy.

Do you know what fear is?

Yes, Lause.

I think so.

You've no idea.

Alright, fine. But...

Tell me what he said.

OK, then.

It sounds incredible,
but who knows...

See what you make of it.

My God, I'm so clumsy.
I've startled you.

I'll be right there.

"Vanished into Thin Air.

At a party last night
in the home of Herbert Siskins

- prominent head
of the IKZ institute -

an institute employee reports that

Chief of Security
G�nther Lause vanished

in the middle of a conversation.

Police have opened
an investigation."

What are you up to, Stiller?

What's this
about Lause and Vollmer?

I told the police what I saw.

Trying to make yourself
and the IKZ look ridiculous?

But it happened
exactly as I described.

Fine, have it your way.

Inspector Lehner,
Missing Persons Bureau

and Detective Stuhlfauth,
Homicide.

Dr. Stiller...

our acting technical director.

You seem to be the only one
who saw Lause last night.

What do you mean?

My men have interviewed

everyone at the party.
No one else saw Lause there.

Did you have too much to drink?

No, I wasn't drunk.

It's true that
we didn't find Mr. Lause at home.

But that could be a coincidence.

What did Lause say
about Vollmer's death?

He just said he found it strange.

Where were you
when Vollmer died?

At my cabin.

With others?

No.

We'd like to see
where Vollmer died.

Please show the gentlemen
the computer room.

Yes, Mr. Stiller.

Good-bye.

This way.

See you again.

Let's put this incident
behind us.

You already have.

Good. I'd like to discuss
Vollmer's job with you again.

Go ahead.

As I've already told you...

Vollmer's pigheadedness, I mean...

it was a strain on my nerves.

I'm not pigheaded.

That's what I wanted to hear.

I'm a good judge of human nature.
I knew we'd see eye to eye.

Tell me your dream car,
I'll tell you who you are.

Oh, that...

Good. I'll sound out
the board of directors

but I don't foresee
any obstacles.

Good-bye...

Mr. Director.

Bring me an aspirin, please.

Right away.

Problems?

Yes, I'm being promoted.

Fred!

Did he name you
technical director?

You don't seem very pleased.

Why should I be?

I'll have the same problems with
Siskins as Vollmer did, just wait.

Then why did you accept?

Simulacron's the most
exciting research project

in the entire world.

Nothing else comes close.

I'll earn a good salary and...

it's just Siskins.

If Vollmer was right, then...

Maja...

Forget all this.

I'll forget it.

Thanks.

Has Vollmer's office been emptied?

No.

His things are still there.

Cancel my appointments.
I'll be in Vollmer's office.

What are you doing?

You're hurting me.

Thank you, Fred Stiller.

- You are Fred Stiller?
- Yes, but what are you doing?

The guard at the front desk
showed me in.

Aren't you...?

I'm Eva Vollmer.

- I didn't recognize you.
- Naturally.

I'm here because I was asked
to pick up Father's things.

- I thought you were in Montreux.
- I've been back a month.

You were with your father when...

Was he acting strange?
Did he seem nervous?

Not that I noticed. Why?

Because he...

I think he had made
an important discovery.

He couldn't tell me.

He was a bit preoccupied, no more.

You know, if you were to visit me...

I'd like that, really.

Tell me...

Did your dad see much
of G�nther Lause?

Your uncle, G�nther Lause.

Never heard of him.

You don't remember your uncle?

I remember him very well.

His name was Jakob, Jakob Meixner.

He died four years ago.

Eva?

Can I...

Can I be of any help?

I'll manage.

Father left me a bit of money,
and the house.

I apologize, Fred.
I misjudged you.

I thought you were interested only
in taking Father's job.

I should've known better.

I'd like some cake.

Choose what you want
at the counter.

You're under arrest.
Come with me.

Jeez, Franz, you scared me.

That one.

And two whiskeys.

What's up, Stiller?

Here...

Here's a riddle I came across,
a rebus.

Imagine a drawing of a Greek warrior
holding a spear

looking to his right,
and taking a step.

With a turtle going the same way.

First...

does that ring a bell?

Second...

ever seen such a drawing?

Me? What's this all about?

Vollmer left me that drawing.

Does it mean anything to you?

Bizarre, if you ask me.

Bizarre, sure.

- Does it remind you of anything?
- Maybe.

What?

Zeno.

Zeno's paradox.

Achilles and the tortoise.

Achilles tries to overtake
the tortoise, but cannot.

By the time he reaches where it was,
the turtle has moved ahead.

What could the paradox mean
to our work?

I'm only the psychologist
for our creations.

But...

as I recall,
the paradox is meant to show that

movement is an illusion.

What's the link to our work?

Vollmer was acting very strange
before he died.

Cheesecake?
Who ordered the cheesecake?

Maybe for a reason.
What did he say?

Did you order cheesecake?

No... I mean, yes.
I think I ordered it, thanks.

How was he strange?

I played chess with him
three days before he died.

He wasn't himself, he was
rambling on about philosophy.

He had made a shattering discovery.

What?

He wouldn't say. it was a secret.
Something like that.

Why are you
so interested in it, Fred?

I don't think Vollmer's death
was an accident.

What do you mean?

I know about Vollmer
and Siskins' disagreements

on the applications
of the simulation model.

I said no such thing.

OK, fine.

By the way, I can imagine what

Vollmer's shattering discovery was.

I bet it had to do
with his attitude towards

the identity units
we'd programmed in his computer.

You remember how he called them
"my children".

He was only joking.

You can't spend years
feeding data into a computer

that allows for the simulation of
every aspect of human behavior

without asking yourself
if it might lead to the creation

of something resembling
human consciousness.

Lause spoke of
a "shattering discovery".

Lause? Who's he?

Stop. if I hadn't believed him,
I'd never have told the cops.

Lause? Cops? What do you mean?

Lause! G�nther Lause!

Chief of security at
Cybernetics and Futurology!

Our institute!

Just take it easy.

Stiller, do you see that man?

That's Hans Edelkern.

He's been IKZ's chief of security
for five years.

You remember now?

Stiller!

Got a light?

No, I mean it, for my cigarette.

Understand? I'm not trying to...

Pick me up? Too bad.

Anyway, I don't smoke.

Thanks. Sorry.

Don't mention it.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Gloria?

Do you have a pen?

Then take this down.

The chairman, United Steel Inc.

Dear Mr. Hartmann,

I accept your invitation
with pleasure.

In view of the situation,
I would request

you treat my visit
as primarily a personal one.

I'm sure you will understand

if I insist on
the utmost confidentiality.

Yours truly, Herbert Siskins.

Please come in, my dear Siskins.

A lovely couple.

Rupp, Daily News.
A quick question:

ls your new computer
solely for state use?

Please, I have no comment.

Certainly not here.

Ask at the IKZ press office.

Yeah, yeah. One thing:

Does a certain company have access
to data obtained from the computer?

A suggestion, Mr...?

Rupp.

Why not write about
how our simulation model

is more than a computer?

I'll suggest it to my editor.

It's a new generation
of computer technology.

Who benefits?

Everyone, if it's up to me.

May I see your ID, please?
Regulations, you know.

I know.

Thank you, Mr. Stiller.

How can I help you? For personnel
files, you need special clearance.

No, just the staff directory.

Which letter?

Let's try L.

Alright, L... L what?

Ask it, "Who is G�nther Lause?"

WHO IS G�NTHER LAUSE?

G�nther Lause is unknown.

Have a look.

Okay.

Edelkern. Ask it about Edelkern.

What's it say?

The truth, naturally:

"Hans Edelkern is
chief of security at IKZ."

Tell me, Mrs...?

Meier.

Know anything special about
Hans Edelkern, anything at all?

Mr. Edelkern? I don't think so.
Ask him yourself.

Hi, Fred.

Were there complaints about me?

Tell me the truth.

- No, that's not it.
- Good.

I was afraid...

I mean it.

That's alright, Fred.
You don't have to explain.

I'm sure you have your reasons.

Say, why don't you visit us again?

Laura still talks
about our last dinner.

Says you're the most
charming man around.

Really, am I?

- According to Laura.
- Well, then...

You see.

Just give us a call.

We'd be thrilled, honestly.

I've never met a Laura
in my whole life.

Anything else I can do?

No, thanks.

You're welcome.

I'm... I'm here about Lause.

Who's Lause?

Forget it, Fritz.

Something wrong?

Morning, Maja.

Good morning.

I'm a gift.

Siskins thought you'd be pleased.

Of course. Of course I'm pleased.

A sight to behold.
Isn't that what they say?

Yes, they do.

Where's Maja?

She's sick.
Probably will be for some time.

By the way, Siskins was very sorry
to lose me.

I'm deeply honored.

- A cup of coffee?
- No thanks.

I'm delighted to work with you.

The pleasure's all mine.

Get me the police,
inspector Lehner.

Yes, Mr. Stiller.

Inspector Lehner, please.

Hello, inspector. I wanted to ask if
you found out anything about Lause.

Who is this?

At the Cybernetics institute.

It's about the Lause case,
G�nther Lause.

Sorry, I've never heard of a Lause.

My God, you must remember!

Siskins' party, a man disappeared.

I notified the police.

Slowly, Mr. Stiller,
I don't know of any Lause case.

Siskins wants you
in his office at 2:30.

Thanks, Miss Fromm.

How are you feeling?

No idea.

Not good.

What's the doctor say?

I had all the tests...

blood

urine, everything.

But they don't know.

Chronic exhaustion.

And you...

How are you?

Siskins asked me
to a meeting at 2:30.

Really?

- Who's with you now?
- Where?

At work.

A woman named Gloria Fromm.

42-26-39?

391/2. From all that sitting.
You should know.

I'll be going.

Get well soon.

Thanks.

Fred?

I'm still fond of you.

Have a seat, Dr. Stiller.

Care for a drink?

- A coffee?
- No, thanks. Really.

Alright then, let's begin.

Would you...?

As you may know

I sit on the government-
appointed commission

Perspective 2000

as an expert on steel.

Also in your capacity as

chairman of United Steel Inc.

Of course, naturally.

And in this respect
we're somewhat preoccupied

especially given
certain recent trends

in freight
and transportation systems

that would have major repercussions
in the 80s and 90s

on demand for steel.

Do you have a background
in business?

Hardly.

Well, if I may briefly explain...

In our sector, investments are not
only long-term, they're also...

Very costly.

Let Mr. Hartmann finish, Stiller.

No, no, you can put it that way.
Quite right.

Costly.
In other words, an investment

to the tune of several
hundred million

if made today, would take,
say, 20 years

to be amortized.

- If your analyses were correct.
- If they were correct, yes.

Naturally we don't make
wild guesses.

We rely on a whole slew of
scientific analytical tools:

economic and market analyses

trend forecasts,
input-output relations...

to name a few.

But you yourself know

the limitations of
the prognostic capacity

of conventional computer technology

and how much larger the margin
of error is of such computers

compared to your simulation model.

Why are you telling me all this?

- I don't understand.
- He does.

Dr. Stiller...

We're not talking about
opening a hot-dog stand

but a decision of major importance
to the national economy

for which Mr. Hartmann, as a member
of the Perspective 2000 Committee...

Then let the committee request it.

Can you imagine
the bureaucracy that entails?

Besides, the software wasn't
designed to access such variables.

It would jeopardize the entire
program and set us back two months.

I'll look like a fool.
From a technical...

Thank you, Stiller.
I'm not asking.

You'll call up the data
from the simulation model

for the demand for steel
for the next 20 years

and have it on my desk by...

by the 23rd.

I don't know. You can't just
let some conglomerate...

Please let me decide what
I can or cannot do, Stiller.

Then you don't need me.

For God's sake, Siskins...

I thought you'd have settled this
internally, at least.

We have, my dear Hartmann, we have.

You see, Stiller is a scientist.

And in every scientist
resides a bit of an idealist.

But...

I'll deal with the little idealist
in Stiller.

- Hello, Stiller.
- Hello, Hahn.

Want to check the psychograms
of the new units?

No, we've reviewed them.

Feeling better?

Yes, it just
came over me yesterday.

I should apologize for my behavior.

Forget it.

Really, I'm sorry.

Excuse me, but...

I need to go to the computer room.

We're up to precisely
9700 identity units.

The equivalent of a small town.

By the way...

I'd like a hook-up.

For you?

To sample village life.

Fine with me, anytime.
Oh, have a look.

She's in the mind
of a millionaire's wife.

Yes, he's here.

Fine.

Fine, I'll tell him.

The police are here to see you.

The police?

Come with me.

Hello, Dr. Stiller.

You honor me, but this is Stiller.

Excuse me, I'm sorry.

Hello, Dr. Stiller.

I was hoping to speak to you
in private.

Is that really necessary?

I'd say so, yes.

OK, I'll clear out.

I'll be at the computer. See you.

Please come in.

Yes?

We have questions, Mr. Stiller.

Questions for you.

Questions about the Vollmer case.

You were his assistant?

You know full well.

Yes, of course.

Purely routine.

Part of the job.
Once learned

you never forget it.

Let me be frank, Mr. Stiller.

It's possible that Vollmer's death
was not an accident.

You were away?

I told you,
at my cabin in the mountains.

What do you mean, you told me?

Nothing.

Just that I was at my cabin.

Can anyone corroborate that?

No.

Vollmer was my best friend.

You're not doing too badly
as technical director at IKZ.

No, not too badly.

I can reach you here,
if I need you?

If you need me.

Good-bye, Mr. Stiller.

He was from Homicide.

If anyone makes trouble, I'm here.

The police aren't giving up,
that's good.

Lause hinted that Vollmer's death

might not have been an accident.

Who's Lause?

The Lause who vanished
without a trace at Siskins' party.

Did someone vanish without a trace
at Siskins' party?

Probably one of Siskins'
harmless jokes.

No doubt, Gloria, no doubt.

A simple hook-up
to an identity unit.

Is that alright?

I chose 4388 for you,
a truck driver.

Enjoy the ride.

OK, step on it.

Here we go. Be good,
and stay out of trouble.

Floor it.

Lousy weather we gave them.

Strange, why's there no traffic?
I don't get it.

Maybe it's Sunday here.
I forgot to ask.

Kid, if I hit you, it won't
even cause a short circuit.

What's Walfang done now?
Hey, what's that?

You were lucky, young man.
Just a slight shock.

We nearly saw the last of you.

How's it possible?

Search me. I haven't
checked the box yet, but...

But...?

Say it, you have a hunch.

Something exploded.

It can only have been sabotage.

Impossible, with our security.

If it exploded, it must be sabotage.
A computer doesn't just explode!

Sabotage is quite impossible.

IKZ is under our control.

Obviously not.

A technical error, perhaps.
How long will repairs take?

I nearly died,
and that's all you say?

You mustn't get excited,
you need rest.

Yeah, yeah, OK.

Good-bye, then.

Thanks.

Don't mention it.
Just doing my job.

I want a thorough investigation.

Check security measures, Edelkern.
If necessary, step them up.

Understand?

Naturally, Mr. Siskins.

Of course.

Mr. Stiller, I think you should
go home and rest.

Seriously, how long
will repairs take?

Two or three days, no longer.

OK, then...

That's alright.

Eva?

You startled me.

Something wrong?

No.

I was thinking of my father.

Shall we go for a drive?

Just like that.

You know, I need a change of air.

Some of Father's files
are still on his desk.

Check if there's anything
useful to you.

I'll get ready.

Was anything removed
after your father died?

Pardon?

I asked if anything was removed
after your father's death.

Questioning me?

Come on, let's go.

Have you seen his drawing
since then?

What drawing?

Achilles and the tortoise.

I've never seen it...

Achilles and the tortoise.

I'm going to try to find out

how your father really died.

Do you think...?

Maybe.

I don't want anything
to happen to you.

What's wrong?

Nothing. I don't feel well.
I haven't felt well for a while.

I get dizzy, see things.

Probably, or possibly,
I'm simply overworked.

Want me to drive?

I'll just wait here a bit,
then drive you home.

One, two, three, four...

Come in. Fourteen, fifteen.

- Hi, Fritz.
- Hi, Fred.

What's that?

- For my circulation.
- Your circulation?

I've been having dizzy spells.

Better watch it.

Your puppets are dancing.

I contacted 0001 again.

Einstein?

That system failure
has him worried.

He's being difficult.

You know, I think that was Vollmer's

only major mistake.

What?

The Einstein contact unit.

It wouldn't have worked without him.
We tried everything.

We needed a unit
we could contact directly.

Problems were inevitable.

Why?

No one can stand knowing
they're artificial.

Obviously.

But if they suffer
psychological disorders

it shows how successful we've been.

Depends how you see it.

Einstein reported
an attempted suicide.

Unbelievable. Who?

7326, Christopher Nobody.

I'll take him out.
He'll screw up the system.

It's inhuman of us, isn't it?
But we have no choice.

OK, delete him, this...

Right. Christopher Nobody.

See you later.

Zeno.

Zeno's paradox!

This is no coincidence.

That must be
what Vollmer's drawing meant.

Send me down to see Nobody.

Nobody no longer exists,
he's in heaven.

- Don't joke.
- I deprogrammed him. He's gone.

Shit!

Why?

- He must know something...
- Knew...

Knew something I need.

Hardly likely, Fred.

I programmed him myself.
He was an ordinary unit. Why?

Nothing, Fritz, nothing.
Just an idea.

Let me speak to Einstein,
he may know.

Give me a projection link.

OK, I'll call you.

- Where do I meet Einstein?
- In a hotel lobby.

You only have 5 minutes.

You've kept me waiting.

Hello, Einstein.

Is something wrong?

Not often I meet someone
from above.

Right now I'm just a bundle
of electronic circuits, too.

A projection, if you like.

Shall we sit down?

I only have a few minutes,
it's not really worth it.

It's about Christopher Nobody.

You spoke to him.

Why did he try to kill himself?

A whiskey.

He was on the verge of a breakdown.

Why?

He knew.

What did he know?

Somehow he'd found out

what he was.

You don't just find that out.

Did you say something?

You know my circuits prohibit it.

Time's running out.
Stiller has to be back

in 120 seconds.

In 30 seconds we'll signal him.

PHONE CALL FOR MR. STILLER

My time's up.
Good-bye, Einstein.

Come on, show me.
Come on, show me.

Come on, show me.

I can't bear it.
Please, take me with you.

You know that's absurd.

I'll be back.

Let me talk in peace.

We'll meet at 8, Gerda.
In the corner restaurant.

What's the idea, young man?
Where are your manners?

The impertinence!

A light?

Thanks.

Everything OK?

Everything's OK. Except...

I saw G�nther Lause.

Sorry, who?

Come with me.

I want to do a test.
Got a minute?

Sure.

OK, I'm looking
for an identity unit.

Use the list.

No, let's try a different method.
I'll describe him.

Age?

55. Male. Single.

Engineering degree.

Psychological traits?

He's good-natured.

But stingy. Drinks quite a bit.

Two minutes.

Eva, it's Fred.

Too many. Anything else?

Heavy smoker,
gold medallist in sports.

Collects old watches.

That should do it.

Sorry, but...

No, I'm running a test. Listen...

Could you pick me up?
I want to see you.

See you at six.

I've got five.

- That OK?
- I hope so. Their names?

Teiler, Strunz, Kittel

Erdhofer, Lause.

Lause's first name?

G�nther.

G�nther Lause.
Didn't you just...?

Yes. What number?

7683.

Programmer?

Vollmer!

That's fine.

Thanks a lot.

Strange.

Daily News!
Mystery Surrounding Super-Computer!

For your own sake,
forget everything you've seen.

Or your life's not worth a dime.

Daily News!
Mystery Surrounding Super-Computer!

Problems?

Could say that.

Is it about Zeno again?

Or this Lause?

Yes, him too.

You know about the sabotage
during my hook-up.

But that a cop who'd
interrogated me once

forgot, and interrogated me again...
that you don't know.

Or that the other night everything,

the streets, lights...
disappeared for a few seconds...

that you don't know.

Nor can you imagine my dizzy spells
and depression.

I see.

A street vanished
and then reappeared?

Ice or water?

Nothing, thanks.

I've thought a lot
about you, Stiller.

I believe...

with your new responsibility
for the simulation model

and the unusual stress of your job

you're overworked,
psychologically unstable.

Think about it...

Every day you reign like God

over a miniature world
you helped to create

and which you mistake
more and more for a real world.

You can add and delete
people at will.

This leads to feelings of guilt,

depression and fear.

You need to relax, forget it all.

I have to make a call.

What should I do?

You've taken the first step:

You recognize the cause,
realize what's happening,

are aware of the problem.

If you keep working on yourself,
you'll get better

and your mental disturbances
will go away.

You should take a vacation.

Forget it, especially now.

I don't want Simulacron working
exclusively for Hartmann.

I guess I'll be going.

Try to have a little fun
now and then.

And stop brooding.
It's not good for you.

Believe me.

I'll try.

Getting in?

Quite a coincidence, isn't it?

It's no coincidence.
Dr. Hahn phoned me.

He thought I could take
your mind off things.

It was fine with me.

Me, too.

Now I'm feeling better.

But I won't be manipulated!

Manipulated by whom?

By Siskins.

What do you mean?

I won't be intimidated!

I can be just as pigheaded
as Vollmer was.

Vollmer wouldn't let private
interests take over his computer.

And I won't, either.

Let Siskins do what he likes.

Isn't Siskins a danger to you?

No, because he needs me.
Let's dance.

Morning, Fred.

Morning, Miss Fromm. Thank you.

Any mail?

Need an aspirin?

Important calls?

But Siskins wants
to see you urgently.

Miss Fromm?

Last night I said
some pretty crazy things.

Forget them.

Were they all just crazy things?

So, what's up?

I need your help.

We have to do something.

The media are getting impatient.

One question, just to be sure:

Could you convincingly explain
our computer to a layman

if all of society
depended on it?

I have my convictions,
and I can present them convincingly.

That's exactly what
I expected you to say.

Send them in.

My colleague, Dr. Stiller, and I

have a statement
about the simulation model.

Afterwards,
we'll offer refreshments.

A misunderstanding
has led to the publication

of a report in the press
that was misleading for the public.

We wish to take the opportunity

to dispel this misunderstanding.

Dr. Stiller developed
the simulation model

together with Professor Vollmer.

Dr. Stiller will say a few words
about the new computer system.

Strictly speaking, it isn't
a computer in the conventional sense

but rather an electronic
simulation system

with tremendous storage capacity.

As Professor Henri Vollmer put it

with this system we achieved

the qualitative jump
to an autonomous computer.

We've created
an artificial miniature world

out of circuits, switches,
electronic impulses and reflexes.

When fully functional,
it will lead a life of its own

according to our rules,
and with its own dynamics.

Concretely, Dr. Stiller,
what does the thing do?

Naturally Dr. Stiller thinks
in scientific terms.

If you'd prefer
a practical point of view...

I'm at your disposal.

Go on, Dr. Stiller.
We'd like to hear from you.

I'll try.

You have to imagine the inside
of our simulation model

- we call it Simulacron -

as a reproduction in miniature

of our society.

At the moment

we have slightly over
9000 so-called identity units

each of which has the faculties
of perception, thought

memory, imagination

and so forth

of a real human being.

With Simulacron, we have

in a word, a tiny universe
identical to our own.

Into this universe we can

introduce certain impulses which...

- I'm coming back to your question -

impulses which

lead to highly specific reactions.

Reactions...

that precisely replicate
human reactions.

20 years in the future.

This means we can use
Simulacron to avoid

the mistakes we'd make
in that period.

For example...

We can, to be extremely concrete

use Simulacron to learn

consumer habits 20 years from now...

how housing needs will evolve

which transportation modes
will become obsolete

and which ones will be in use.

Then you could also calculate

if in 20 years we'll need
more steel or plastics.

Yes, of course.

In time manufacturers will have
access to this data

to avoid socially
unproductive investments.

What do you mean, "in time"?

As you are aware,
our research project

is state-initiated and sponsored.

We do not define its mandate.

Our sole mission is
to carry out government policy.

There are questions about

your relationship to United Steel.

There are always questions.
That's why you do research...

to find answers.

Here, in our institute, we seek

to devote our energies
to designing a better

new, more humane
and equitable world

to meet the hopes and dreams
of Mr. Stiller and us all.

Now, a snack.

What's your true relationship
to Hartmann?

Mr. Hartmann is a friend.

A good friend.

In private, Mr. Rupp,
only in private.

Hahn's advice from the other day...

I think it helped.

At least I know
what's wrong with me.

I'm sure you'll be better soon.

About the other night,
I'm truly sorry.

I was out of it.

Hahn called it "paranoia".

He's probably right.

I'll be so happy
when everything's OK.

Yes, and...

now with all the coverage
in the papers,

the TV and so on...

I just hope he's painted himself
into a corner. And you?

I hope you're right.

Please excuse me.

Of course.

See you sometime.

Say something!

She's not there.

Could I have a light?

Now she's disappeared, like Lause.

Lause disappeared too,
and everyone's forgotten him.

Except me...

He's in my head

and he refuses to come out.

My Eva...

my darling little Eva.

They'll forget you too.

But in my head,
she'll stay there.

I mean...

my head's a funny head.

There are things in it

that don't go in any other head.

Good morning, Mr. Stiller.

Good morning, Miss Fromm.

Aspirin?

One second.

I tried to reach you
all last night.

Me?

Siskins wants you.

Where were you?

Were you with Eva Vollmer?

You should go see Siskins
right away. it's important.

- It's Stiller.
- Send him in.

Morning, Stiller.

Aren't you a sight!

A night on the town, I bet.

Have a seat.

What's up?

I wanted to introduce
a new addition to your staff.

I believe you know him.
A top-notch fellow.

He sent me his r�sum� and

I didn't want to lose him.

That will be him.

Come in.

Mark Holm.

Hello.

Hello, Mark.

Mr. Holm can join
your team immediately.

Where'd you work before?

The Trau institute, but...

isn't that

a subsidiary of United Steel?

It is, Fred.

Thanks, I was just curious.

161266.

My God, Eva!
Where were you?

I searched the entire house
for you!

Hold on.

Thank you.

- So where were you?
- At home, of course.

I fell asleep on the couch.
You just didn't see me.

- I searched every...
- it doesn't matter.

I wanted to apologize
for running away. I love you.

I'm happy. I've thought it over,
I'm not worried anymore.

I need you, Eva.

Yes. Ciao.

I've been looking for you.
How's it going?

- A cigarette?
- God no!

I hate it.
Mark Holm's been nosing around.

I'm going to hook-up
with Einstein.

I want to know
what's going on with him.

Like to come?

No, not today.

See you later.

Fritz, what's wrong?

Nothing, Mr. Stiller,
it's nothing.

You're not Fritz Walfang.

You're Einstein.

My God, what is this?

Let me go, please!

Don't send me back.

It's my only chance.

I want to be a human being.

And I will.

This is the first step.
I'll make the next one, too.

Into the real world.

What do you mean?
This is the real world.

Still want your beer?

That's what you think.

But the truth is

this world,
which you take for reality,

is only a simulation model
of the real world.

Fred Stiller,
the big computer boss...

You're nothing but a mass
of electrical circuits.

The identity unit Fred Stiller.

You're a number,
like everyone here.

A number in
a research laboratory.

Admittedly,
in a highly advanced one.

Professor Vollmer knew it.
That's why he had to die.

And now you know.

It can't be, Einstein.

Tell me it's not true.

Einstein! Don't be a fool,
you've no chance.

I won't go back,
I want to live!

Get help! Call Edelkern!

Call someone for help.

You have to speak up,
I can't hear you.

I'm hard of hearing.

Telephone! Help!

Edelkern, I'm in the cafeteria.
I need help, quick!

What's wrong, Fred?

What happened?

Take him to a hook-up station, fast.

And load the program for 0001.

He looks like Fritz Walfang, right?

In reality, he's identity unit 0001.

Vollmer named him Einstein.

Yes, but, I mean...

I just saw him.

Come with me.

Ready?

Nearly.

Let me do that.

I had no idea...

About what, Holm?

What could happen.

What in God's name happened?

Careful.

Quiet now.

Anything?

- No, but...
- That's OK.

I wanted to see
if I could hook myself up, too.

But...

He switched their minds.

He should be here.

Hi, Fred.

Don't bother, she's not in.

Why not?

She's been gone for six weeks.
Sick.

Yes, but...

On sick leave. For six weeks.

Do you have a key?

Me?

Oh, it's you.
We haven't seen you for a while.

No.

Where were you? Were you sick?

We wondered where you were.
We were talking about you.

The key's under the mat,
where it belongs.

I always see it when I'm cleaning.

The upper lock.

Please, after you,
you know the way.

A real ambulance
came and took her.

I wasn't there,
but I sure heard about it.

Six weeks...

A long time.

I could do with a leave,
but our sort...

Where are you going? The key!

Strange...

She was always
compulsively tidy.

Lovely little bar, huh?

If you say so.

No, it's lovely.

Especially in the afternoon,
when everyone's working.

It gives you a feeling of...

Is that your line?

- Line?
- For meeting women.

No, I don't have a set routine.

On the contrary,
I'm a bit of a chameleon, you know?

I adapt.

Hahn? Hello.

Whiskey?

Whiskey... Hi...
milk, anything at all.

Angry?

- Pardon?
- You angry?

Two whiskeys.

I'm not angry, I'm...

- Heard you hit a glitch.
- I did.

Strange, I always thought
switching minds was a utopian joke.

- A joke?
- A very sophisticated one, but...

it's not a joke.

You seem pretty upset about it.

Not about that.

Come on, out with it.
What's eating you?

I know why Vollmer died.

High voltage.

Right, high voltage.

Tell me.

He couldn't take it.

800 volts, you mean?

Sorry, bad joke.

- Why didn't I think of it?
- What?

The people in our simulation model

think their world
is the only real one.

So?

Who says this isn't
also a computer?

You, me, all of us...

Just electronic circuits.

Identity unit 3,124,000,
named Hahn.

How does that sound?

Drunk.

The whiskey, peanuts...
all artificial.

Why are you gobbling them down?
Nervous?

No, I was thinking they taste good,
for artificial peanuts.

Don't joke about it.
You must have a screw loose.

Yeah, an artificial screw.

I bet Vollmer panicked.

- Vollmer, why?
- Because he knew.

Knew what?

That this isn't
the real world.

I mean, he was convinced of it.

And, if he was right,
then they'd...

Yes, they .

They'd have simply deleted him.
Exit Vollmer.

How did we deprogram Nobody?

Who?

Christopher Nobody.
His name was a joke. Well, how?

By pressing a button.

Yes, but discretely.

Do you understand?

It has to look like an accident

so the other units don't suspect.
Like Vollmer.

The system remains stable.
Do you see the parallel?

I see you're drunk.

And Lause?

Who? Oh, yeah.

Lause was removed
from the system too quickly

for them to have time
to think up a plausible excuse.

So they deleted him
from people's minds.

No one remembers G�nther Lause.

- Who?
- You see?

How it works.

God!

I was taken in.

Want me to drive you home?
You need to rest.

The contact unit! That's it!

The contact unit.

We needed a contact unit
for our simulation model to work.

Einstein.

If we're the simulation model
of a real world

there must be
an Einstein here who knows...

who's in contact with above.
Help me find him, Hahn!

You can always count on me.

It could be anyone,
Siskins, Gloria Fromm

Eva Vollmer, Walfang,
even you, Hahn.

Me?

Even you. Why not you?

Why not me? Well...

it's true,
I wouldn't just admit it.

You'd have to corner me,
trip me up.

OK, fine.

Besides, there's proof.

- People keep disappearing.
- Who else?

First, Lause.

- Now Maja Schmidt-Gentner.
- Who?

- My secretary.
- Gloria?

No, before her.

Oh, her.

On leave, supposedly.

But no one would go away
leaving their flat like that.

Yes, but...

Come, I'll show you!

If you insist.

The tab!

I don't know,
everything looks normal to me.

But two hours ago, it was completely
different. Everything was...

The bed...

the bathroom.

You?

I think he's gone crazy.

When did you get back?

An hour ago. The janitor...

Oh, forget it.

Come here...

When do you say the story appeared?

May 31.

On May 30 the world ends.

Uschi! Bring me May.

Right away.

How's the computer?

OK.

And Siskins?

Fine, thanks.

Still pals with Hartmann?

Maybe.

Why not? There are stranger reasons
to be friends.

Yeah, I guess.

Look, I'm doing you a favor.

You could give me
some information.

I'm lousy at making deals.

Does United Steel
have a deal with IKZ?

Thank you.

I think so.

But I can't provide photocopies,
if that's what you mean.

The official simulation program
must contain projections

that would be very useful
to United Steel.

I guess so.

May 31.

It's a new article.

Let me see.

"CS"... Christoph Simon,
our correspondent in Rome.

Could it have been another day?

No.

Here, ladies and gentlemen,
you see our reporters.

It's they who write
the stories.

They start with news leads

- the yeast for any article -

then add background information
to write their stories.

The copy, once it's finished

is sent for typesetting,
as you'll now see.

Thank you, and good-bye.

Tell me...

Was there another edition
on May 31?

They're both there.

If the existing forecasts
don't meet Hartmann's needs,

could they program others in?

Yes, if they wanted to.

It was on this page.
But here's CS's article again.

Do they want to?

They, perhaps. Me, no.

"Vanished into Thin Air",
I remember it perfectly.

"Vanished"... No idea.
"Drug Ring Broken up in Rimini".

Not as punchy, but there it is,
black on white.

I don't get it.

- This guy...
- Christoph Simon?

Yeah. Couldn't you
check with him to see

if he actually wrote this article?

Come on, I'll look like a fool.

Alright, if it helps clear this up.

Please!

Cable Christoph Simon in Rome
about his May 31 article.

Ask if there are any developments.

I'll see you out.

So this steel analysis...?

- I forget.
- Forget?

Alright. Simulacron forecasts
transportation needs

through the year 2000.

That could be quite important
for a steel conglomerate.

Well, that's something.

Not Chinese.

- Why not?
- I dunno, it's too sweet.

No, it's not. it can be spicy, too.

That Stiller is definitely screwy.

I sent off your cable.

What? I just said that
to humor him.

It doesn't matter.

Uschi, get me a book on forecasting
transportation needs.

You've been looking at me
so strangely. ls something wrong?

I don't know.

A headache.

Then go lie down.

I don't feel bad,
I just have a headache.

Maybe I'm just going crazy.

Employees are continuing
to work to rule

to back up demands
for a wage increase.

The Daily News
quotes a reliable source

that the CEO of the prominent
Cybernetics institute,

Herbert Siskins,

maintains close ties
to a certain steel conglomerate.

The paper has expressed suspicions
that Simulacron 1,

the simulation computer
developed by IKZ,

is being used for
not only scientific,

but also commercial purposes.

The News writes: "The computer's
revolutionary findings

must remain in the hands
of responsible individuals

to ensure they are applied
for the good of society."

End of quote.

The Science Ministry has named
a commission to investigate.

And Siskins?

Herbert Siskins has vigorously
denied the allegations

and initiated legal action
against the paper.

And now in brief...

Helsinki: The Finnish poetess
Araba Suukoonen

distinguished for her translation
of the Nibelungenlied

died yesterday at the age of 86

when her small private plane
collided with a glider

at an airport near Helsinki.

The glider pilot
suffered minor injuries.

This brings an end
to our broadcast schedule.

We wish you good night.

Good night.

Siskins...

or not Siskins.

Holm or...

Pardon?

I only said good night
to the announcer.

It's Stiller, give me Siskins.

Hello, this is Stiller.

Feel like visiting
the computer room?

I have a surprise for you.

Come in.

What's up?

What's this?

It's you.

I programmed it myself.
Interesting, isn't it?

Yes, indeed. Very interesting.

It's funny.

You find it funny?

How many Siskins are there?

I have no idea.
Have you programmed others?

It's the only one in that world.

You're the only one here.

And above?

Where, above?

Don't you know "up"?

You're talking nonsense.

This is above, and that's below.

Or, how much deeper does it go?

Infinitely, maybe.

Yes, quite true.

And infinitely higher.

That's very funny.

What's he doing now?

Very impressive, Mr. Siskins.

Isn't it?

I began to carry out my scheme.

Jessie's eyes gleamed of love.

And she whispered, Maybe...

Hey, maybe the sofa's
wide enough for

three!

Nice setup, Mark.

Really nice.

What do you mean, nice?

Like the entire world.
It's nice, isn't it?

Quit playing around.
What do you want?

I know, Mark.

You can stop pretending.

What do you know?

That you're the contact.

You found out?

So what?

I just wanted to tell you,
Stiller knows.

- Put him on.
- Sure.

It's him.

But Stiller, it was clear
from the start...

What was clear?

That Holm was to be Hartmann's
contact. The decision was mine.

Mine alone.

Hartmann's contact?

Oh, God!

What was that?

He seems pretty screwy, our Fred.
He just walked out.

I think we can proceed.

Yes, I agree.

Hey, you? Are you OK?

Is he dead?

No, not exactly.
Hey, wake up!

Right, he's not dead.

Thanks, I'm OK.

Mr. Siskins ordered me

to take you home
and look after you.

Come along.

Go back to work, it's over.

Wake up. Breakfast's ready.

That's right, you're still here.

They're Mr. Siskins' orders.
They are.

Well, then...

Got a cigarette?

Thanks.

I think...

therefore I am. Right?

Yes, I exist.

I can't be alone in thinking
that nothing really exists.

Right. For Plato, reality exists
in the realm of ideas.

And Aristotle!

He conceived of matter
as passive non-substance

that only becomes reality
by thought.

Got a friend?

What? Of course.

Good. Let's suppose
he disappears without a trace.

He's standing next to you,
and suddenly he's gone.

But that's...

We're just supposing.

So, you inform the police.

Next day, the papers
run a story on it.

Suddenly everyone maintains

this friend never existed.
So they maintain.

What would you tell them?

Me? I'd tell them they're crazy.

After all, even the police...

The police also say
they never heard of him.

But it was in the papers.
According to you.

It's not there anymore.
There's something different.

I see.

You realize that
I've given you a hot tip

how to get yourself
declared crazy. In case

you ever need it.

More coffee?

No, thanks.

I'll take a shower.

I'm sure you all know
the reason we're here.

Of course, we...

The story in the News took us all
by surprise, aroused our concern.

Mr. Siskins, I'd like to hear you
answer the charges.

Certainly, Mr. Secretary of State.

To my regret, I must acknowledge

that Simulacron 1 has been
the object of misuse.

Mr. Holm will report
on the situation.

Excuse me...

but who is Mr. Holm?

Mr. Holm is assistant
to Mr. Stiller, our director.

I see.

So, well...

during an inspection we discovered

that a program completely
unrelated to our research

had been loaded into Simulacron.

And for what purpose?

That's hard to say.

The answers obtained
by this new program

are meaningful only
if one knows the questions.

I see, and...

And the questions are known
only to the programmer.

Who is?

We're not absolutely sure yet.

But we have suspects in mind.

And they are?

Mr. Holm, please.

Naturally, I can only
report on things

that I've seen for myself.

Draw your own conclusions.

Lately I've been doing
a lot of testing at night

and Dr. Stiller has always been
at the computer.

Dr. Stiller?

Several times he's thrown me out

saying he wanted to be alone.

I asked what he was doing.
He said, "None of your business."

I'm sure he'll deny it all.

Dr. Stiller?

What do you have to say
to these accusations?

Which ones?

That you were alone at the computer,
and threw Holm out.

If he says so, it must be true.

I can't stand him.

Yes or no...

Did you use the computer
for unauthorized purposes?

What if I did?

What would it matter?

Unheard of!

Yes, unheard of!

I hear...

you.

I hear.

He's...

Crazy.

Yes, he is.

Is he?

Stop! Your cigarette...

Are you sure that's a cigarette?

It's...

The idea of a cigarette.

You see?

The real cigarettes
are somewhere else.

Where real people sit
on real chairs. Is that a chair?

Say, "it's a chair."

- it's a chair.
- It's not a chair.

It's...

the idea of an idea of an idea...

- The man is...
- Crazy.

We agreed on the term long ago.

What color's your coffee?

It's brown.

Why is it brown?

Because coffee's brown. isn't it?

Of course.

Your coffee's not brown
because coffee is brown.

But rather

because somewhere outside this box

there's real coffee
that may be brown.

But it may be purple, too

and some idiot
made this stuff brown

to laugh at us
drinking brown coffee.

You're not a human, sir...

Stop it.

You're nothing.

There's the rub.

Because nothing doesn't think

it's secretary of state.

That's it.

Do you remember... who was it?

Professor Vollmer, right.
A similar situation.

Still...

Excuse me, but...

I'm the psychologist
at the institute.

I've been observing Stiller
for some time

very closely.

He's suffering from a case
of acute paranoia.

He's an extreme example
of psychological degeneration.

He is, in so many words,

not responsible for his actions.

I recommend he be put
on leave immediately.

For treatment...

I mean

I'm certain he'll return to normal

one day, perhaps.

Thank you, Hahn.
Thanks so much.

I think that would eliminate
the problem, gentlemen.

Yes, indeed. if Stiller...

So he's not responsible, Hirse?

No, definitely not.

For now
I recommend Mr. Holm assume

Stiller's responsibilities.

As you like. You're still free
to make personnel decisions.

Thank you, gentlemen.

I'd be grateful if you'd prepare
a clarification for the press.

Of course.

Still, the parallel to...

Professor Vollmer
is quite baffling.

And now?

Nothing, I'm on leave.

That's terrific.
There's no one in Holm's way.

So what?

"So what"?

You used to care about
what happened to the computer.

That was then, this is now.

I can't figure you out.

Tell me...

What are the limits
to the perceptive faculties

of our identity units?

Listen, suppose

we were beings who had been
programmed in a computer.

We'd sit here, drinking whiskey.

We'd perceive what is in fact
our imaginary world

as if it were the real one.

Of course. An electronically
simulated environment

would appear real
to an electronic being.

Good.

And can glitches occur?

It's possible, but not very.

And what would a glitch be like?

A glitch?

Here's a simple example:

You're driving down a street
that suddenly ends because

it hasn't been fully programmed.

But after a few seconds
the artificial being

would see a completed street

because the correcting software
had kicked in.

It's obvious:

What can't exist, doesn't.

Did you read my headline?

"Director Suffers Nervous Breakdown"

- I don't like it.
- Why not?

It's too simple.

Stories written by life
are never simple.

No? But truth
is stranger than fiction.

Either way. Two sides

of the same coin.
You read it?

What?

The cable from Simon in Rome.

No, what's he say?

"Never wrote about
drugs in Rimini.

Besides, was sick at the time."

That's impossible.

That's not all.

Naturally I asked
what's in his edition of May 31.

- Want to see?
- Give it to me.

"Mine reads
'Vanished into Thin Air'.

Hope that helps.
Christoph Simon."

I must be going crazy.

I can't help think that

Stiller's caught up
in a massive intrigue.

Siskins must be a bigger gangster
than I thought.

I brought your things.

That's very kind.

Fred, I'm so sorry.

About what?

Your sick leave.

Especially since
I'm partly to blame.

What do you mean?

I've been spying for Siskins.

I was obliged to tell him
all you said that night

and everything else.

Of course.

I've known that for a long time.

But...?

But I still like you.

Me, too.

Whiskey?

Yes, please.

Does he pay you, or...?

Or what?

Do you love him?

Both.

At least you're honest.

You're my type of man,
well almost.

You're exactly my type of woman.

Siskins is exactly my type of man.

I can't bring myself to leave him.

Do you want to?

I don't know.

Probably not.

I don't know if I could.

You can if you want.

That's a fairy tale.

Right.

I'm one of his puppets.

But what's even worse is...

I love it.

At least at night.

Want to sleep with me?

How's it going?

We're running the analysis.

I hope you can interpret the data.

No need to insult me.

I don't want our friend Hartmann
to make a bad investment.

I told you, you're not wanted here.
Beat it!

This department is still
my responsibility, Mr. Holm.

Don't be impertinent.

I'm not being impertinent.
Not at all.

I'm merely doing my job.

We'll decide what your job is,
my good man.

You're mistaken there, my good man.

My contract contains
a precise job description.

Contracts can be terminated.

Or broken, like Dr. Stiller's.

What's he got to do with it?

Quite a bit, doesn't it?

- Does who?
- What?

What, what?
Besides, Stiller's on leave.

I see.
That's something else entirely.

What you did to him's scandalous...

Watch it!

Both of you.
But personally I'm curious

why you're so intent
on keeping me out of here.

Because you're incompetent,
that's why.

That's the only reason.

And now, please, we're busy.

OK, my good man.

But you'll hear from me.

Good-bye, Mr. Siskins.

He's next.

You should watch what you say.

Why?

There are employee committees,
unions.

Don't forget that.

Alright, I'll do my best.

I hope so.

Finally! Make sure
he doesn't stir up trouble.

- Yes, sir.
- Of course, Mr. Holm.

Tell me, Holm.

What about Stiller?

If everything went
according to plan,

he's in a straightjacket right now.

My head!

Yes, it's me.

What time is it?

330.

Morning or afternoon?

Afternoon.

Then we slept for 18 hours.

You slept for 18 hours.

I'll see who the idiot is.

Great. Siskins' latest trick.

- What?
- Have a look.

Hurry, you must get away.

I don't care.

They'll put you
in a straightjacket!

Maybe I belong in one.

Stop joking.

Hurry up!

Take the fire escape.

What can I do for you?

The madman.

Which madman?
What do you mean?

Stiller. He lives here.

You mean Freddy?
Yes, he is crazy...

in bed, if you get my drift.

In bed?

Crazy. Definitely.

Let us by.

Or else...

Alright, if you insist.

Eva!

Open up, police!

We know you're inside.

Stiller, don't make it any harder.

We'll break down the door.

Get in, you can't escape.

I'll take you to a room here.

No one will find you.

Thank you.

My God! You?

Yes, me.

What's wrong?

Don't you get it? it's him!

The contact unit.

Of course, him!

What an idiot I am!
I fell for it!

But Stiller...

Hahn's been providing us
information on IKZ for months.

What's the problem?

Information?

Yes. On Siskins and the computer.

Then...

Still suffering
from your delusions?

Delusions?

Listen, Hahn.
I like Vollmer's delusions

more and more.

Yeah, I know what you'll say...

A madman finds proof everywhere.

Maybe I am crazy after all.

But...

Vollmer died for a reason.

If he was right,
God, or someone, help us!

By the way,
I got an answer from Italy.

You got... What did it say?

You were right.

I was right.

Simon never wrote the article
on the Rimini bust.

In his edition, the headline is
"Vanished into Thin Air".

What?

It's troubling

but we'll figure it out,
don't worry.

When is the strike?

What strike?

The strike at IKZ. You said...

Oh, that. I don't know.

Tomorrow or...

What's wrong? Don't you feel well?

Sure, I'm fine.

For now.

What strike?

A certain Fritz Walfang
has been organizing the workers.

To have you reinstated.

Reinstated?

It's great: worker initiative,
solidarity. You should be proud.

None of it matters anymore.

You're right, Hahn.

His nerves are completely shot.

G�nther Lause?

Chief of security at IKZ?

Siskins' party.

Say something!

Like what?

- We can't both be...
- Crazy?

Why not?

You're the expert.

Where are you going?

- I'm just going.
- You can't go.

Why not?

Every cop is carrying your picture.

Tell me...

the story about
your so-called contact unit...

I just meant...

I want to find out who's crazy...

us, or everyone else.

Well now, that's what I call
a noble motive.

Come with me,
I'll smuggle you out.

Your only chance.

It's not Siskins, Holms,
Gloria Fromm or Walfang...

it can't be Rupp
or you or me or Eva...

That's ridiculous. Eva Vollmer...

Stop at that pay phone.

My God, where were you?

I slept at your place,
I climbed in through a window.

No, but I was worried.

OK, fine.
Could I see you, right now?

Anywhere.

No, nothing urgent.
My God, I just want to see you.

I need you.

I'm not tense, I'm...

Can you hear me?

That's Stiller, the murderer.

The murderer's getting away!

Murderer!

Are you sick?

No, it's nothing. I'm fine.

Today we're going marching

to the sound of a new beat.

In the lovely Westerwald forest

the wind blows so cold.

In the lovely Westerwald

the wind blows so cold.

Oh, you lovely Westerwald!

Eucalyptus cough drops...

The wind blows so cold
over the hill.

Yes, sir?

Roast filet of wild boar
and some Gew�rztraminer.

Very good. Excellent.

Halt!

Left face!

Halt!

Right face!

Fire!

Oh you lovely Westerwald...

Eucalyptus cough drops.

The wind blows so cold
over the hill

but the weakest ray of sunshine

penetrates deep into our hearts.

I'm a public safety inspector.
I'm here to check the exits.

Sent it back!

Barbarians!

Where does this door lead?

- The garbage cans.
- I'll have a look.

...were killed.

The highway between Essen

and Bochum was closed.

The police have launched
a manhunt for

36-year-old Fred Stiller

a former employee
of the Cybernetics Institute.

Stiller is a suspect

in the murder of Henri Vollmer,

the former technical director at IKZ,

and that of Franz Hahn,

a colleague of Stiller's at IKZ,

who died today
in mysterious circumstances.

Stiller is described
as unstable and dangerous.

People are warned to avoid contact
with the fugitive

and to inform the police

of any information
regarding his whereabouts.

Franz Hahn.

A man who knew too much.

My God, are you hurt?

Say something, please.

What's going on?
Someone fired a shot.

I fired, because...

I was afraid.

Why are you here?

I heard you're wanted
for my father's death.

I just don't believe it.

I thought you needed me,
I wanted to be with you.

- You can't stay here.
- But...

No buts!

I didn't murder anyone.

It's all a plot
by Siskins and the police.

All I can do now is defend myself...

by any means.
No one believes me.

I believe you.

And I love you.

Go now.

When I know more,
I'll come into town or I'll call.

I'm scared for you.

Go now, Eva. You must go.

Believe me.

How did she know I was here?

I never told her about my cabin.

Then it's her.

And I'm nothing.

Why are you here?

Aren't you afraid?

I'm a murderer. Do you hear?

A murderer!

Tell me...

- What was your name?
- Echo.

An unusual name.

Not in my family.

Perhaps I should take you
to a hospital.

No, I'm fine.
It was just the car.

Please don't smoke

monsieur...?

Echo.

Mr. Echo.

I'm extremely allergic to nicotine.

The other day
I saw a fantastic accident.

Simply awful.

A lamppost went right through a car

and the driver...

Stop! I feel sick. I'll throw up.

Mon dieu, please, not on the seats.
The leather...

Stop, the man wants to get out.

I wouldn't try to run away.

Sorry, darling, but I don't
want you to escape from me.

Naturally.

But you must have
more subtle methods...

you people up there.

Up there, yes,
but not down here.

You understand a lot,
Fred Stiller.

You've become a bit too
intelligent for us.

Are you the contact unit...

as we call it?

I'm the projection of a real Eva
from the real world.

We don't have
contact units anymore.

They were a mistake,
we got rid of them.

And now you'll get rid of me.

Like a caged rat
after your experiment.

I want to help you, believe me.

Please come with me.
Don't cause trouble. Please.

I don't give a damn.

Do what you want with me.

I give up.

Deprogram me, kill me, anything.
I just want it to end...

this horrible nightmare.

You can trust me, Fred.

Here.

There's a lot I have to explain.

You can do anything
you want with me.

Even so, listen...

There never was an Eva Vollmer
in your world.

When I appeared, you quickly
threw together a memory.

That's how simulation units react.

I know how simulation units react.

We shouldn't have let you develop
your own simulation model.

It's easy to learn too much.

But we needed the closest
possible resemblance

to our own technological standard.

Got any cigarettes?

And Vollmer?

At first we found it interesting

and wanted to observe
what happened.

Of course he became a threat
to the entire system

so he had to have
an accident. Right?

There was a decision to send
an observer down here.

That's me.

I was periodically
called back to report.

That's why you were gone
that night.

I understand.

And Lause?

He knew all about Vollmer.

We programmed him away
because he was going to tell you.

I love you, Fred.

I want to stay with you.
We have to find a solution.

We?

What's it got to do with you?

I love you.

OK, fine.

They have to delete you.

You could cause
your world to be deleted.

They'll pull the plug

and it'll be over.

The man in my world
who's sitting at the computer

is a total megalomaniac.

His power over this artificial world
drove him crazy.

He thinks he's God,
he's playing his games with you.

You, for example... He didn't want
to kill you right away.

On the contrary.

He got enormous pleasure
from your fear

and your despair.

What will he do to me?

You'll be shot.

When?

Tomorrow morning.

- So we still have some time.
- Yes.

At night, there's only technical
supervision of the computer.

Like a drink?

Yes, a whiskey.

Tell me...

Why should I trust you?

I want to help you.

Well, we'll see.

Cheers.

What happened to Hahn?

You saw.

We had to, after that screw-up
at the paper.

- Imagine what would've...
- Bravo.

Good work.

My attacks, all my dizzy spells?

You get them when he tries
to hook-up with your mind.

And the street that vanished
and reappeared?

A faulty circuit, nothing more.

Something doesn't add up.

Why?

How can a real person
love someone who's not?

Very simple.

Because you remind me
of someone I loved, up there.

Who was he?

He's...

You'd call him technical director,

responsible
for our simulation model.

Tell me, what's his name?

Fred Stiller.

That's me.

No.

But you just said...

Like Vollmer did with Lause,
and you with Siskins.

He programmed a copy of himself
for the fun of it.

Do I resemble him?

In appearance, yes.

But not in character.

Fred is a megalomaniac

and you are you.

I love you.

I love you, too.

Come here, please.

Why are you getting dressed?

I have another headache.

But this time it's worse.

Where are you going?

I don't know.

The institute, probably.

No, Fred. Please stay!
Let me help you.

Since Holm's been here

everything's upside down.

We can't go near the computer.

For that reason alone,
I urge you to join in the strike

so Stiller will be reinstated.

But he's a murderer! A madman!

He lined his own pockets!

Murderer! Murderer!

Quiet down, please.
Just for one second.

Stiller was set up.

Set up by Siskins and Holm.

Friends, listen to me!

I am Fred Stiller.

What Fritz Walfang just told you

is true.

Friends, listen to me, please!

It's true, what he just said.

It's true!

I switched your mind
as you lay dying down there.

Like that time Einstein came,
instead of Walfang.

Hair, eyes...

mouth

neck

shoulders.

I am.

I am.

WORLD ON A WIRE

Subtitles: Robert Gray, Kinograph