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LOIRE VALLEY, FRANCE

Grandpa, this is an adult free zone.

Ah, then today must be my lucky day.

Alright, what's the young lady's name?

Camille.

Hmm...

Camille.

And ah...

Maybe she likes you, too?

I don't know.

Well, I would definitely let her know

that you like her.

The worst thing is not finding out

how someone else feels about you.

It doesn't matters now, anyway.

Tomorrow I'll go back to Mom and Papa.

Then I'll never see her again!

During the next school break you'll be here,

and then you can see each other again.

She'll have forgotten me by then.

You know what...

if you both feel the same,

and really like each other,

then nothing and nobody can stand between you.

But you have to be willing to fight for it.

And you can never give up,

or she will really forget about you.

Okay. What's the best move?

Yeah.

I once knew a man,

who had the exact same problem as you.

But, you know what, he never gave up.

Who? He was just like me?

Well...

Now, your old grandpa's gonna have to think

really hard about that one.

It all happened many years ago.

Let me see...

Where should we begin?

BABELSBERG, GBR, 1961

Excuse me.

DEFA STUDIO FOR FEATURE FILMS

Excuse me, sir.

Hello, um... I'm looking for Alexander Hellwerg.

He's supposed to work here.

Yeah, set design department.

House 301.

And tell the little bastard that he still owes me one.

Oh yeah and I know that he sneaks out the back

to avoid going by my window!

DEFA STUDIO FOR FEATURE FILMS

Studio A, Studio B

This has got to be the best dance sequence

I've ever done.

My feet are still hurting.

Hey, see you later.

He's cute!

Excuse me, where's house 301?

Straight ahead.

Left, left, left, right, left...

- Left, left, left, right, left... - Hey, watch it!

Hey, handsome fella.

Attention!

Quiet on set, we're shooting!

Camera rolling, and action!

Boo! Boo!

Thank you. And cut.

Welcome to the film world.

Ah. Sorry I couldn't pick you up,

but there's so much going on here.

Come on, I'm in a hurry.

It's great to see you!

Thank God I'm finally outta there.

I think you'll like it here.

Right now, we're shooting eight movies at once.

Oh yeah, and the new one with Beatrice Morée.

- IN PRODUCTION REVENGE OF THE PIRATE'S BRIDE - Never heard of her.

- Oh boy. - Watch the shoes! "Die Schuhe"!

Hey!

The Russians are real soldiers.

They work as extras.

They're nice guys when they're not drunk.

Here we are.

- Movie people sure are thirsty. - Come on, grab a case.

This is Omega, for the space movie.

Later, on the screen, it'll look like the real thing.

And now time to get to work.

What?

You start right away.

Go ahead.

Yeah but I just got here. I mean...

Out the door, to the right,

third house on the left,

you'll be in the department for extras.

You'll just stand in the background.

It'll be perfect for you. Huh?

Now undress.

Hey, cutie.

- I'll give you everything you want and more. - Fresh chicken, Quail.

Venerable ladies and outlaw scoundrels,

I present you the lady thief

who'll prey on your senses, Mia Lorena!

And... stop!

Cut!

Stop! Cut!

Oh no! He is the worse director.

Okay, I'm just going to say this one more time!

The lighting design is absolutely shit!

We need more light! No one can work like this!

Now let's reset the lights and do a light test.

I need a light double for Omar,

and make it snappy!

- I'd like to finish this scene tonight! - You!

You! Come with me. You're the light double.

Come.

Right here.

Stand on this mark.

We don't have all day. Get over here.

Okay...

So. Do you see that?

What's there? Huh?

Nothing!

But there should be something there!

It's called a spotlight!

So that the Black Pirate isn't just a black shadow!

Now that's better.

There we go!

Okay, now let's continue.

Okay.

They're both standing face to face,

looking deep into each other's eyes.

He ever so gently

brushes a strand of hair from her face,

and something magical happens between them.

Then he kisses her.

In order for me to see that,

what is it I need?

Light, damn... dammit!

Light!

Hey! What the heck?

What do you think you're doing?

I... I thought I was supposed to...

You said, "The pirate kisses..."

The pirate, yes, not you!

You're just there for the light.

Get out of here.

Get lost!

Get this idiot out of here!

The last thing I need is a stupid extra

who's too dumb to just stand around.

Now I need more light from that side!

I need it now!

More light!

Where is he?

Where is that idiot?

I'll kill him!

Get ready for the close-ups.

I don't need you anymore.

The dance double is done.

Go on. Get out of here.

Let's do the close-ups.

Put the fire out.

Put the fire out!

I have just a few quick questions about

your current film. Come over.

- Please a picture. - Oh you look so beautiful.

- I love all of your films! - Thank you so much.

Come over!

Thanks.

Are you sure that you kissed

Beatrice Morée on the mouth?

Yeah, I've got to meet her.

I'll ask her to meet me for dinner.

Emil, just about every man wants to ask Beatrice Morée

out for dinner.

You really don't get it, do you?

You'll never get that close to her again.

Alex, you don't get it!

You weren't there. It was magical.

We had long, intense eye contact this morning!

And then she smiled at you?

Not exactly.

But she did this.

Fantastic!

Maybe an instant romance!

Yeah, you go ahead and laugh.

- I'll show you. - Emil, don't do anything stupid.

They'll fire you on the spot.

Oh yeah,

It could be that I caused a little situation on set.

Good evening, Mr.General Director!

- Mr.General Director. - Some insanely idiotic extra

- How may I be of service for you? - left behind an immense swath

of destruction on the outdoor set.

You and your men

need to get out there immediately.

I need it all rebuilt.

Of course sir, Mr. General Director.

"A swath of destruction!"

One day.

You've been here one day, Emil!

One day.

Oh well.

At least we tried.

Can you please get me another job?

Please, Alex!

I'm begging you, please.

Anything, it doesn't matter what it is.

But I must see her again.

DEFA STUDIO FOR FEATURE FILMS

STUDIO NORTH

NO SMOKING

He can watch the geese.

It is more likely that the Russians steal 'em

and eat 'em.

Six of them are already gone.

Thank you.

Alex, no worries.

Geese?

Don't do anything stupid for once in your life.

Take good care of them.

And when I get back,

they all better still be alive.

Beatrice?

What can I do for you?

- Hmm? - I...

Well I came to say I'm sorry.

For the...

- Um, uh, for the... - Yeah the, for the kiss.

Yeah, that's right.

Although, it was only half of a kiss.

Because the other half, I mean... um...

your half of the kiss, was missing.

And um, but anyways,

I wanted to apologize for the half-kiss.

And on behalf of the entire motion picture industry

I'd like to welcome you to DEFA studios.

It is really a great honor for us

to welcome a world-class, world-star,

um, from the world, to our studios.

It's really very kind of you,

but I've been here two months

and tomorrow I'll be heading home.

Madame, ah before you leave tomorrow...

A quick question.

- Is everything okay over there? - Yeah. Of course.

And what's in there?

Uh... A few nuts.

A few nuts?

I'm in love with nuts.

Oh by the way, food, um...

I'd really love to buy you dinner

before you leave.

Hey, are these your geese?

My entire set is full of their feathers!

What? They're not my geese.

Emil!

What are you doing with my geese?

Hey lady shut up!

Oh my God!

You should be a little more respectful!

Who do you think you are anyway?

Hmm.

Okay, Mr Beck, Mr. General Director Beck,

I'm very sorry about what happened with the geese.

I have been negligently reckless

in my goose-watching responsibilities.

Recklessly negligent.

Tongue twist.

And Madame Morée,

everything I said, Madame...

I meant every word.

Every single word.

Don't you dare even set one foot

on these studio grounds ever again.

If I ever see your face in my studio again,

I'll make your life unbearable.

Come on, move it!

- Ah. - Yes?

Excuse me?

Come on! In here!

NEW STUDIO EAST NO SMOKING

Freeze!

Stop!

Stay right there where you are!

Get them!

Out of the way!

Hide somewhere, hide, hide!

They must've gone out back!

Psst.

What's your name?

Milou.

And you?

Emil.

- Hello. - Hello.

There! Hey!

There they are!

Stay right there!

Don't move!

I said freeze, damn it!

Come on. They're right under us.

Shhh.

Come on.

Okay...

It's all I could come up with on such short notice.

Ah, but I heard you like to eat nuts.

Sit down.

I should've cleared up the misunderstanding earlier,

but I had to get even with you

because you ruined my dance scene.

I'm sorry.

I just think that the whole movie world

is not my thing.

- Ah, well, you wanted to have dinner with me? - Mm-hmm.

Then, here we are.

Mm, it's a good year, right?

- Bon appétit. - Bon appétit.

Mm.

Mmm.

- It's good. - Mmm.

We should eat here more often.

That was absolutely delicious.

But I think that we were maybe missing a toast.

We clinked glasses,

but you didn't make a romantic toast.

Oh, yeah, I'm...

I'm not really the romantic type.

No?

I'm more of a tough and ambiguous type.

And...

maybe a little superficial?

Why else would you ask a woman to dinner

when you know nothing about her?

Well, maybe because looks are so important to you.

You underestimate my judge of character.

- Really, do I? - Yeah.

Maybe I know you better than you could imagine.

Maybe.

But I just don't think you're capable of it.

I see.

You don't belong here and you're aware of it.

Right?

Because you're actually a professional dancer,

and a damn good one at that.

When you were a child,

you probably saw some musical show.

And ever since you've dreamed of a career on the big stage.

But you're too short for the big stage.

That's the reason you chose to become Beatrice's shadow

and give up your own dream.

You're bending so far that you're about to break.

That's the reason why you were crying in the car that day.

The fact that you're absolutely beautiful

is of no importance to me.

I assume your silence means that I wasn't too far off?

I'm contemplating if I should share what I think of you,

or if it's too... mean of me.

Go ahead.

First,

you don't belong here either.

Secondly, you already know that.

Thirdly, you have absolutely no clue

what you want to do with your life, right?

I've never seen anyone who was less proud

to be wearing a uniform like you.

Why were you in the army?

Because you couldn't think of anything better?

And it's pretty obvious that the movie world isn't for you,

and yet here you are.

So the problem isn't the movie world,

it's the world outside.

You're not searching for your place in the world anymore.

You're contemplating if such a place exists.

I really wonder...

What would be worse:

a dream that never comes true,

or a not existing dream?

Yeah, you were right,

what you said was actually pretty mean.

I mean, you didn't even hide a compliment

in there or something.

I know!

No.

I'm sorry. I have to go.

I'm really sorry.

How was the kiss?

That's... hard to determine.

It was only...

half a...

kiss.

It was acceptable.

Now we're even.

No, we're not.

Don't forget I still owe you a romantic toast.

Tomorrow is our last day, then we fly back to Paris.

Was I right?

When I was about five, I saw my very first show

"The Jungle Book".

There's a scene where the princess dances

with the elephants.

Ever since then I've dreamed about dancing with elephants.

Yes, that was the moment.

Was I also, right?

I'll tell you tomorrow if you come to hall 7

right at the break of dawn.

I want to show you something.

Are you coming?

STUDIO NORTH

Look at what I found.

Man, why do you cheat all the time?

Hugenotte, what does "peut-être" mean?

Why are you here?

Want you beer?

Do you know what it means?

Maybe.

What do you mean, maybe?

Do you know the meaning or not?

"Peut-être" is "maybe."

- "Peut-être" means "maybe"! - That's good to know.

Can you peut-être tell me why you're still here?

- If Beck or Prager catch you her... - My dear brother,

if it's the last thing that you ever do for me,

I need your help.

Everybody needs to help!

It's a matter of life and death!

Well, not really but almost.

Are you with me?!

PROP ROOM

- Shhh. - Shhh.

This is more than a little favor.

Shhh.

FIVE BULLET CASINGS

STOP! STATE BORDER!

Merci!

Bonjour.

Good morning.

Where would you like to go?

To Babelsberg, please.

- You mean DEFA? - Exactly.

I know where it is.

I bring actors there all the time.

What?

What's going on?

I don't know.

Excuse me?

Step back!

Get back in the car and turn it around

and drive away.

But I have an extremely... meeting...

Return to your car! Or I'll shoot!

You must be joking.

Step back! Turn around!

Please!

We have orders to shoot.

Miss, come on!

Come back!

Now!

What's going on?

...at all the border crossings:

barbed wire and armed Volkspolizei guards.

Apparently the flood of refugees to the West

made it necessary to seal off

the Soviet Sector from Berlin...

I'll drive you back to the hotel.

That was Rias Berlin.

Peut-être...

People's police have sealed off the borders

to the soviet sector.

Streets are ripped up,

there are barricades and barriers.

Don't try to cross on foot either.

People are held in check with machine guns!

In West Berlin,

police also guard the border for our own protection.

Traffic to East Berlin is impossible.

Just as a precaution we advise to travel back home

at your earliest convenience. Thank you.

DEFA STUDIO FOR FEATURE FILMS

Mr. General Director?

I'm afraid I have to inform you

that filming has stopped in all our studios.

All employees from the West are absent today,

as well as many from the East.

There are so many tragedies happening out there.

What should we do about it?

It will make us stronger.

I have the utmost confidence in our party's decisions.

We have to make an inventory

of the remaining employees.

We'll have make do without staff from the West,

and hire new staff from the East.

- Good morning. - Good morning.

Thank you.

The car is waiting for us.

Go ahead, I'll be right there.

Excuse me?

Can I please try to call Babelsberg again, please?

I'm sorry, Madame. It's no use.

All phone lines to the East are still dead.

The flight to Paris is now boarding.

Please...

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Had a long night, huh?

Mm.

The guy who sat there before,

won't be coming back.

Is this your office now?

- Huh? - Is this your office now?

Uh-huh.

Could you be so kind,

and tell me your name.

So I can make a new sign for the door.

Karl...

Bo... Borgmann.

Alright, got it.

We have good medicine...

- for lovesickness... - Run! You're free!

Go on! Run!

Escape oppression!

Fly to freedom!

You're free! Escape oppression!

Fly!

Ladies and gentlemen, this your pilot speaking.

We now are leaving GDR airspace.

You are now in safety.

We will be landing in Paris in about two hours.

Enjoy your flight.

Where's everyone at?

Where do you think?

I don't know.

It was all a waste anyhow.

Milou didn't come.

Of course not.

No one could cross the border.

What kind of border?

Are you kidding me?

Berlin is currently in a state of emergency!

They closed the East-West border.

Barricades, barbed wire, armed soldiers...

They destroyed the roads with jackhammers

so that nobody can get through!

Of course!

Hey! Of course! That's the reason.

That means, she couldn't get by the soldiers!

Her hotel is in West Berlin.

She couldn't get by the soldiers!

- Emil, do you understand what's happening right now? - Yeah!

Alex, she didn't give me the brush off!

Don't you get it?

I bet you that she wanted to come, but then...

I knew something was wrong.

I knew it!

Of course she wanted to come.

I knew it, I knew something was wrong!

The lines have been cut.

I have to go to her.

Emil!

You can't go to the West anymore.

PREVENT ACCIDENTS AND INCREASE WORK PRODUCTIVITY

Anyway, she's already sitting on her plane.

She's gone.

But, Grandpa, why didn't you call her cellphone?

Oh, because...

Wait, I didn't say it was me.

Grandpa, I'm not that dumb.

You're talking about your story.

Yeah, yeah.

Why didn't you send her a text on WhatsApp?

Things like WhatsApp didn't exist back then.

Crazy.

After that, did you go to see her in Paris?

Ah, you know...

I tried everything possible so that I could see her again.

But, then they built a wall about 10-feet high

between East and West Germany.

And suddenly I was trapped there in my own country.

Hmm.

Yeah, it was a pretty hopeless situation.

Kinda like with you and Camille.

Opa, why'd you tell me that stupid story!

Not so fast, young man.

Let your grandpa finish telling you his story.

Because suddenly, the story took on

an unforeseeable twist.

The only thing she said was "peut-être."

Maybe you're right,

and I just need to get her out of my head.

Wait a minute.

General Director, Prager.

May I?

STUDIO ADMINISTRATION

What will we do to get new directors?

There are more than enough actors in this country.

- EXECUTIVE PRODUCER KARL BOBORKMANN - Oh, that is a concern,

getting good directors.

We'll just have to make it worth their while.

Can I help you?

Uh...

Whose office is this?

Mr. Karl Boborkmann.

An-And you are?

Albrecht... Rosemarie Albrecht,

the secretary.

For Mr. Boborkmann.

Yeah.

But he's not here right now.

And I've only been here for three days, so...

I haven't seen him,

I don't even know what he looks like.

I've heard he's kind of a tall guy.

- Yeah? - Uh-huh, yeah,

Around...

- Around this height. - Huh?

Blond, blue-eyed.

Ha.

Nice and slim, in my opinion.

Quite young for such a position.

He can be a real charmer.

Oh gosh!

So, you're Mr. Boborkmann?

That's me.

I'm incredibly sorry, Mr. Boborkmann!

I really didn't know.

I've only been here for three days, and...

Yeah.

But I figured that you were out shooting somewhere,

- and had to be on location. - That's right.

I was on location. It was very urgent!

Unbelievably urgent.

By all means, Mr. Boborkmann.

Yeah.

But...

You'll be happy to see that your office

has been renovated, while you've been gone.

Now come with me, okay!

I took the liberty of ordering you a new desk,

a new chair.

And here is your mail.

These scripts here are being considered for production.

And here's your new studio ID card.

Yeah,

I won't keep you any longer.

If you need me for anything at all,

just push the button and I'll be right there.

Ha... Rosemarie, could you get me a coffee, please?

Yes, of course, Mr. Boborkmann.

One moment.

STUDIO ID - EXECUTIVE PRODUCER

Hello. Rosemarie?

Mm-hmm.

Could you please ask Mr. Hellwerg from Set Design

to immediately come to my office.

It's urgent. Tell him to hurry up.

I'll take care of it right away.

So... Come in.

Your idiot brother destroyed the entire outdoor set

and you knew all about it.

Oh my god, are you crazy?

Alex, I have figured out how I can see Milou again!

I think you really lost it...

Your coffee, Mr. Boborkmann.

Thank you, Rosie.

Can I call you Rosie?

Yes, of course, Mr. Boborkmann.

Now a producer, no longer a banned goose-sitter, hm?

What the hell are you doing?

You won't be able to get across the border

as Karl Boborkmann.

And I don't want to.

Milou will come to Babelsberg.

Ah-huh.

And how?

When Beatrice Morée comes here to shoot another movie.

And Karl Boborkmann will write a movie

that Beatrice Morée can not resist.

You wanna make a movie on your own?

Yeah.

If anyone finds out about what you're doing here,

then you'll end up in jail.

Only Beck and Prager have me on their radar.

No-one else in the office has been informed

that I even exist.

All I have to do is just avoid those two guys.

We just have to convince Beatrice Morée

that this film will be her next big movie.

And as soon as she bites

everything will fall into place on its own.

And you know what, Beck will have no other choice

but to agree to make this movie.

And what kind of movie do you envision?

Who cares!

A little, easy one, no frills, low budget.

- Emil... - You have to trust me.

It'll be a teeny-weeny, tweeny-teeny.

Teeny little movie.

Emil...

- You know I'm always there to help you. - Yeah.

- Always. - Yeah.

But the best way I can help you now is to tell you,

this is the stupidest idea that I've ever heard!

You know nothing about filmmaking!

And you want to risk everything just to see a girl

who might not even want to see you again!

There is no Karl Boborkmann.

And there never will be.

Yeah, I know it sounds like I'm completely nuts,

and I know this plan sounds totally crazy!

but I really have to meet this girl again!

I've seen an awful lot in my 40 years

in the movie business, but that's the craziest,

most stupid thing...

and the most beautiful thing I've ever heard.

I'd love to help you do it.

OLD EGYPT

Alright now, if Beatrice has a dream role,

it's got to be Cleopatra.

Cleopatra?

Yes, Cleopatra is good. It's perfect.

So, what's important?

- You'll be needing a film crew. - A film crew.

Because you can't make a movie alone.

Yeah that's true, but we need the best of the best.

Even more important,

people who are not gonna tell Beck anything.

People in top positions are there for a reason,

but what we need are people we can trust,

good people, who are passionate about movies.

You want the job?

Helmut has been assistant cameraman for 40 years

and dreams of finally being the main cameraman.

Perfect.

Yeah, but I'm... but I'm color-blind!

Where on the spectrum?

Red and green.

It's not a problem.

The movie takes place in the desert

and everything's yellow.

Welcome to the team, Helmut.

Thank you!

Who else?

I have a few more for you to see.

But you can never tell them your true purpose,

Mm-mm.

and that you're doing this to impress a young woman.

Quiet! Quiet!

One at a time.

We need at least 1,500 extras.

We have to have a humongous hall

and a gigantic throne to sit on.

- Props like gold coins and things like that. - Yeah.

- And tons of elaborate costumes. - Exactly!

We... We need columns, sculptures, busts,

and of course...

pyramids!

- Oh my god. - Why are you helping me?

I'll be retiring next year.

One last inspiring adventure.

But most importantly,

we have to keep it top secret.

Project Cleopatra is reserved for this room exclusively.

- REGISTRATION - We're shooting a Cleopatra movie here soon.

Yeah!

We'll be shooting in every studio at the same time.

Tons of sets, thousands of extras,

Epic battle scenes!

It'll be the greatest film ever made.

And the director, Boborkmann, ah...

I know him personally.

Do you really?

But... Shh.

Just me and you.

- COMMUNIST SHOOT MONUMENTAL FILM - Comrade Beck,

why are we hearing about this momentous project

from a class-enemy tabloid?

Huh?

Screw it!

Well, congratulations on this big success!

It's exactly what we need right now.

A prestigious project for socialism.

But you could of at least informed us.

Yes, that was...

It was all still up in the air.

I didn't want to rock the boat.

I don't know how the West found out about it.

Yeah, it's good that they know

that we're not over here twiddling our thumbs.

Uh-huh.

So, how is the project progressing?

Uh... It looks good.

What's that, it looks good?

That doesn't sound good.

Are you having problems with our young talent?

"According to our sources,

"the up-and-coming 24-year-old Karl Boborkmann,

"will be directing the movie.

"In the Soviet Occupied Zone he's considered to be

what you call an extraordinary young talent."

Yes, of course, Comrade Boborkmann,

my up-and-coming director.

A first-class product

of our local filmmaking educational training.

Mr. Prager,

please find Comrade Boborkmann

and be so kind as to bring him to us.

Hmm?

I'm very sorry for interrupting, Mr. Boborkmann.

Someone wants to speak to you.

Mr. Boborkman.

Ah...

so you're...

Mr. Boborkmann!

Comrades, Mr. Boborkmann is now here.

Hmm...

Comrade Director,

the up-and-coming talent.

Mr. Boborkmann, don't be shy, get on in here.

Comrade Grote.

You have the full support of the Party.

Comrade Beck, tell us more about your protégée.

Yes, where do I start?

Hard work, discipline and talent.

That's what I see in Mr. Boborkmann.

But what delights me the most about him,

is his ability to keep me on my toes no matter what.

Very good.

And it is great that Beatrice Morée

is playing the main role.

Scriptwriter and director.

Respect, Comrade Boborkmann.

Our main priority is that the production

runs absolutely smoothly.

Can you guarantee that?

Yes... yeah.

But it's of the utmost importance that I'm able

to make the film with my very own crew.

By all means, as long as the cameraman isn't blind!

Headquarters expects the script by tomorrow.

Comrade Beck,

Comrade Boborkmann.

Well I'd better get started on that script.

Oh shit, Emil.

You've done it, you're in really deep shit now!

Knee high!

Whatever.

Pay attention, let's type as we go.

Come on.

Write as often as you can.

Close-up on Cleopatra.

That's the only thing that Beatrice really cares about.

A huge ship with 1.5 million... Ship with 1.5 million...

That's good! That's good!

That's good!

- And then we get in with the close-up! - And then the close-up.

- We can't forget the close-ups! - And we need ships!

- I see a ship! A big ship and a sunrise! - Oh, that's good!

That's wonderful! Yeah!

Well?

This has got to be the worst piece of garbage

that I've ever read in my entire life!

"Cleopatra", by Karl Bobork-mann.

Boborkmann?

"The sun rises over the pyramids..."

There's a "Close-up on Cleopatra."

Mmm.

Madame Beatrice,

before you say anything, please let me...

I mean... That script is...

The best I've read in my whole life!

I want that film!

I accept your apology.

I'll see you on the set. A tout a' l'heure!

It's my pleasure, Madame.

Unbelievable.

"Cleopatra" has been approved.

Prager, keep a very close eye on this production.

Hellwerg is nothing but a stupid extra,

who won't survive one day as a director.

Call Comrade Director Janssen.

He'll be the one to director the film

as soon as Hellwerg has been fired.

I don't believe anything you're saying.

I bet you made up that entire story.

Maybe I did,

maybe I didn't.

Yeah, but it's a really cool story.

Yeah, you think so?

Okay, well in that case,

do you want to hear the rest of the story?

So... did you end up working with Cleopatra?

Oh yeah, more or less.

I had no idea what I'd set in motion.

You know a movie shoot like that is ah...

It's a very complicated business.

The preparations alone!

Months and months passed

before we were finally ready to shoot.

For Milou

But what I didn't know then,

is that the passing of time

can change a whole lot.

Stop! State Border!

Madame Morée?

On behalf of Director Beck

and the entire DEFA Studios,

I'd like to welcome you,

and you, Monsieur Shalhou,

here to our DEFA studios.

Ah, merci.

Your car is waiting.

Where do we know each other from?

I know you.

Uh, I don't believe I know you.

Oh.

I should've just forgotten her.

You were right.

The whole film idea was completely ridiculous.

It's a little late for your realization now.

You still have to shoot this movie,

- whether you want to or not. - There's no reason to now!

It really doesn't matter what I do,

it was doomed to fail from the start.

Listen up, little brother.

Get your ass outta that seat,

go to the set and make sure finish what you started!

Do you understand me?!

I'm sorry.

No, no, you won't let those people down in there!

And you won't let me down!

And Beck can't wait for you to finally fail.

Then he'll turn you in, and you'll end up in jail

known for being the biggest crook in socialist GDR!

Do you want that?!

Come on.

That's your seat.

Should we use the 35 millimeter

or the 50 millimeter lens?

It's up to you. I have got blind faith in you.

"Blind"...

- Which one do you like? - This one.

Perfect. I like this one, too.

Is this a good position, Mr...

Boborkmann?

Yeah, that's a great position.

Roll sound.

Sound rolling.

Roll camera.

Clapboard.

Scene 48, take 1.

Clap.

And action.

Stop!

I've seen enough.

This dance scene doesn't make any sense!

What?

Cleopatra shouldn't have to dance like a prostitute

to seduce Cesar.

We can do all that with glances

and close-ups of Beatrice.

No, no, no, no, no wait, wait a minute!

- Isn't that right, Beatrice? - Yes of course.

He's right.

What are you doing?

Why are you sabotaging my scene?

That dress is beyond tacky.

It's about my dance!

You know how hard I've worked.

No... discussion.

B-but, it's one of the most important scenes.

We-we can't just like...

What can't we do?

I...

I agree with that.

We don't need the scene.

Stay away from her.

That's a wrap.

Tomorrow we'll film on with Beatrice.

That's a wrap!

Hellwerg is definitely in way over his head.

Tomorrow will be his last day.

The replacement director will be ready.

I want you to make sure of that.

Tomorrow is the coronation scene.

You know what needs to be done, right?

Yes.

NO SMOKING

There are rumors that you sleep on set.

I had to come and see it for myself.

The man who lives in the movie world

because he has no place in the real one.

Do you think I'm an idiot? I can see you!

Ow!

Really, Milou?

Oh my goodness, Mr Boborkmann!

I thought you were someone else! My friend, Emil.

Have you seen him anywhere?

I was sleeping. You woke me up.

- That's very rude. - You know what's rude,

not saying hello that's rude.

You threw a shoe at my head!

Cause you're pretending that I don't exist!

Are you mad at me because I didn't

show up back then?

Don't be ridiculous!

If I remember correctly, back then you said, "maybe."

I had no expectations that you would actually show up.

But you wanted to show me something.

What was it?

I don't remember.

No idea.

A lot has happened since then.

Hmm.

Yeah. That's for sure. A lot has happened.

The last time I saw you, you were a banned extra.

And now you're a Director.... a Karl Boborkmann!

Yeah, I had a little luck.

And I use it to my advantage.

I needed to have an alias, of course.

I'm still a bit insecure with all of this,

in case you hadn't noticed.

Be careful. There's...

There's film in there because we didn't get to

shoot that scene.

Yup.

That scene was really important to me...

Dance scenes get cut often.

I'm used to it.

Yeah, but it would've been something, special.

For the final part of the dance scene,

we had prepared to make it rain rose petals.

And I would've gone over there and pulled the lever and...

- It would've been stunning. - Yeah.

It was my favorite part of the book.

We can still film it.

We can.

You just need to get into position.

Come on.

Mademoiselle Lambert, to your position please.

Or is it Madame? Are you married or not?

I'm not married.

Yet.

To your position, please.

I didn't know that you... and um... Omar...

That you... That you two...

Yeah.

I-I'm very happy for you both.

- Thanks. - Congratulations.

- Um... - Listen up.

- I called the studio... - Okay. Attention.

They told me that there's no Emil working here.

- I thought I'd never see you again. - Let's get started.

- Emil. - Quiet please.

Please roll sound.

- Sound is on. - Emil.

Roll camera.

The camera's... rolling.

Cleopatra dance scene, take one.

And action.

I think I should go.

Yeah, I should go to bed, too.

Big day tomorrow.

I want you to know that, I'm... I'm happy for you.

For this. For all of this.

Maybe there's a place for you in this world after all.

Maybe it's here.

Peut-être.

I wanted to come, back then.

Did you prepare everything?

I prepared everything, General Director.

Could you zip me up, please?

Yeah, sure. The dress looks amazing.

Boborkmann?

Tonight, our comrades are coming to watch

the first dailies.

So good luck today.

I'll see you at the cinema tonight.

Madame Beatrice, you look absolutely fantastic!

Today you will be crowned The Queen of Egypt.

Are you ready?

Very good.

Get the extras in here.

Let's pack it full of Romans.

Helmut, my buddy,

fire her up.

We're shooting.

Hey, Prager.

Get out your notebook.

We're about to make movie history.

The extras are ready to come in.

Good. Very good. Let's get them on the set.

There's just one problem.

There was something to celebrated last night.

I didn't quite understand what it was.

Stop!

Film history!

Walk in men! Stand at attention!

Hey guys! What's going on?

Everything's fine.

Now can shoot.

Turn the camera on.

We can film now.

We're filming the crowning scene!

We talked about this!

The guy... with the glasses...

he said... no shooting today.

Said was cancelled, but is no problem.

What are we crowning?

Okay, just stand up straight, okay?

Stand like a big tree!

We have to cancel. It's no use.

We can't stop now,

if we stop now we can cancel the whole thing!

We're filming. We're filming!

Everybody to their positions!

- Roll sound. - Sound rolling.

- Roll Camera. - Camera rolling.

And action!

What are you doing?

It's an earthquake.

An earthquake! Keep shaking it like this.

It's an earthquake!

Earthquake!

Earthquake!

Earthquake!

Earthquake! Earthquake!

You all have to shake! Earthquake!

Earthquake!

You all have to shake!

Earthquake! It's an earthquake!

Earthquake! Earthquake!

Throw dirt! Earthquake!

Throw dirt!

Come on! Throw dirt!

- It's an earthquake! - Come on!

- You heard him. - Earthquake!

- He said it's an earthquake. - Come on!

- Earthquake! - Come on!

Throw something! Come on!

Throw something!

It's an earthquake!

Throw!

It's an earthquake!

It's an earthquake!

Earthquake!

Okay. Yes!

Beatrice!

It's big earthquake! Wave your arms, come on!

It's a film!

Shake! Come on!

Ow!

Ouch!

Omar, protect her with your arms!

Helmut, closer, closer!

Yeah, yeah!

Closer, closer!

Hold me tight!

Closer!

Good evening, comrades.

General Director Beck.

We can hardly wait to see

what Comrade Boborkmann came up with.

Yes, I am too.

Unfortunately, he went off script,

without my permission, but...

let's keep an open mind.

Allow me to introduce Mr. Janssen,

a very experienced director.

He'll be acting as a consultant tonight.

Yes. Nice to meet you.

Yeah.

Comrade Boborkmann will be joining us shortly.

After you.

Mr. Janssen.

Infantile. Absolutely ridiculous!

What can I say?

You're doing a great job.

But that's exactly what we predicted.

That earthquake!

The special effects!

The West will be in awe.

An excellent director.

You have a bright future ahead of you.

I realized something today.

It's not about if what we see on the screen is real or not.

It's about what you feel

when you're sitting in the cinema.

The feelings you have when you see a film.

They're real.

And that's what really counts.

The officials...

The officials watched some of the material today.

And they're...

Well what can I say?

They were blown away.

Absolutely blown away.

It's working!

It's really working!

In the morning we'll continue.

Let's make this movie!

Julius, no!

Julius!

Lower, lower!

Everyone, look at the camera and smile.

No.

No! I missed my car, they're gone!

No!

Come on, I'll drive you.

You don't have a car.

With that thing?

Uh-huh.

- Uh-uh. - Mm-hmm.

- This is so... - Look, no hands!

Steady.

Keep it balanced.

Don't be scared, I'm right here.

We'd better watch the road.

- Straight ahead. - Hold on, take a look at this.

You ready? Don't be scared.

Yeah.

What was that?

I-I don't know.

Oh shoot. We're out of gas.

Then...

we'll walk.

Come on.

It's always so dark here.

It's night. Of course it's dark.

No, I mean in general.

Too little light, almost no people in the streets.

Where I live,

there'd be colorful lights everywhere,

Blaring music, lots of people.

What's it like in Paris?

Tell me about it.

Ah, I love Paris!

You would really like it.

My father used to say,

"When God gets bored of heaven,

He opens the window

and looks down at the streets of Paris."

But it's true!

You're always outside, people dance, people sing,

- because you're... - Free.

Yeah, free.

Sounds like a wonderful city.

Who knows, maybe I'll come visit one day.

Oh God!

Tell me more.

What are the people like?

Generous, just caring people.

People laugh and we talk loudly

and all at the same time.

You look each other in the eyes.

Mmm... Maybe there's more touching.

Identity check.

IDs please. Both of you.

- What's the problem? - We asked to see your ID, civilians,

your documents.

Yeah, sure. Of course.

Here, please take it.

You're a French citizen? Is that right?

Yup.

You will both stay right there and remain quiet.

What's going on?

We didn't do anything!

- How can they just.... - Silence!

Why do you have identification papers

with two completely different identities?

An ID for Emil Hellwerg,

and a work ID for Babelsberg Film Studios

ID for a certain Karl Boborkmann?

- Yes, I... am... Yeah... - Answer me!

Yes, Boborkmann is...

Hands behind your back.

- What? - I said hands behind your back!

- But, why? - Why?

- He didn't do anything, - Let me explain.

- maybe you're making a mistake! - Silence!

He didn't do anything!

- Stay here or we'll arrest you too! - But why? Let him go! Emil!

Let me go! Emil!

Leave her alone!

No! No! Emil!

Stop it!

He didn't do anything, it's all a big mistake!

- Emil! - It's okay, Milou!

You stay right there, stay back.

Emil!

Milou, everything will be alright!

I swear he didn't do anything!

What can I do?

Emil!

Milou?

Open up for a second.

- Milou? - I need to change. I'll be right out.

I've been waiting for you. Where were you?

The photo took... longer than I thought.

- I'm so sorry. - Stop trying to avoid me!

Do you think my eyes can't see?!

Where were you?

You were with him.

Now, you're seeing him at night, too?

I knew it!

I knew this was gonna happen,

but I kept my mouth shut.

I thought,

no, she'd never...

She'd never fall for some wannabe director.

Not you.

It's not like that.

It's not like that!

Then how is it?

I understand.

Your plan?

Are you going to leave me now?

Throw away your life in Paris for a silly fling?

Trade your good, secure life,

for a life with someone you don't even know?

In a country that's like a jail?!

On the border, people are getting shot!

I won't let you thoughtlessly ruin your life.

You're coming back to Paris with me.

Do you understand?

Get in there!

May I have your attention, please?

As many of you already know,

Director Boborkmann is no longer able

to continue working on this movie.

So I'd like to introduce you to your new director,

Comrade Janssen.

His expertise will benefit the project,

and produce a successful outcome for the film.

Inform him to where you left off,

and get back to work as soon as possible.

Yeah.

Hello,

first I'll need to speak to the head of each department.

There are quite a few changes to be made.

Yup, here's Christa, make-up artist.

But you're already familiar with her.

Of course. Hello, Christa.

I have a few changes for Madame Moree's make-up,

but it's not that urgent, it can wait.

Hello?

Christa?

Are you listening?

Christa?

Mr. Janssen?

Helmut.

Sir, I'm sorry.

Bosner, get back here right now!

Ai, ai, ai, ai, ai.

You better be sure about what you're doing!

There will be consequences!

None of you will have a job after this.

If you leave now, you can never come back!

What's going on?

Have you all gone nuts or what?

Hellwerg!

What the hell! God dammit!

Maybe you should try explaining this

to your comrades.

DETENTION CENTER POSTDAM

PRISONER TRANSPORT

Is prisoner Hellwerg in there?

Yes. He's being transferred.

Open the door.

Mr. Comrade General Director, is this the man?

Make the movie, Mr.Hellwerg.

And it better be good.

Stop All Traffic When Red Light Is On For Recording

Hoo-ra, hoo-ra, hoo-ra, hoo-ra...

Alex?

Where's Milou?

That piece is for our film.

Don't go.

Don't go back to Paris.

It's complicated.

My life in Paris.

- With him? - Yeah.

With him in Paris.

He just lives in the right place that's all.

You don't know him like I do.

You don't know me either.

Just because you made a few lucky guesses.

Alright, let me guess again?

If you must.

You're only with him to have some security in your life.

That's it, right?

And what's the alternative?

To be like you?

You, who've built your life on naive, impulsive decisions?

You just follow whatever whimsical thought

enters your head, like this film!

Living a double life, being a fraudulent director

with one foot in jail,

that's great when that's the kind of life you want!

I bet you think that ring on your finger

means more to life than... than truly being...

than being in love...

having dreams.

And we both know they're the only two things in life

that really matter!

You know that!

But you'd rather throw it all away.

You'd throw your dream away for him,

for a bit of security.

You don't get it. Do you?

You've had your dream for a few weeks.

I've fought for mine for 15 years.

I spent 15 years fighting till my feet started to bleed!

And now you blame me for wanting a little...

a little security?

What do you want from me?

What do you expect from me?

We've known each other for six weeks!

We've known each other for more than a year, Milou.

And I've been waiting for you ever since!

You're waiting?

Six weeks ago, you didn't know

if our paths would ever cross again.

It's a coincidence that I'm here,

and now you want me

to give up everything to be with you?

I'm sorry.

You're right.

Alex?

Here some changes for the shoot tomorrow.

I'll need everything on the list.

With no exceptions.

What are you talking about? Why?

How are we supposed to organize it all?

We're shooting the dance scene, the one that got cut.

We'll be shooting it on a grand scale!

With all the trimmings.

Wait a minute. Stop.

We can't make this. It's too short notice.

Why not? It's all there.

It's choreographed, we've got the set,

we know the scene.

Just expanding the scene a bit.

It's not enough to stop her.

I know.

But I made a movie for a dancer.

I won't let her leave here until her dance has happened.

Please pardon me, Miss Lambert.

Here are some changes for tomorrow's shoot.

You're not gonna dance in this scene!

FOR MILOU

If you keep her here, you'll destroy her life!

Get off of him!

You have nothing to offer her!

In this prison of a country.

That's enough!

What if you start tomorrow.

DEFA STUDIO FOR FEATURE FILMS

Looks like we're filming something big today.

Will you guys keep out of the way?

Listen up, everybody. Report to make-up.

15 minutes till rehearsal.

Karl!

What is this?

Script changes for today's shoot.

Oui, oui, but we were going to shoot my scene today!

We don't need it. It's been cut.

You didn't run it all by me first!

With all due respect, Madame it's not for you to decide.

You're a fantastic actress,

and it was an honor to be able work with you.

But I didn't write this film for you.

Thank you for...

the scene.

Emil,

these were the most beautiful weeks of my life.

But right after today's shoot they,

Omar and Beatrice are flying back to Paris, and...

I'm...

going to be on the plane.

I can't stay here. I'm sorry.

And...

you have to find a replacement for me.

I can't dance. Just can't.

I know that.

it...

It would be completely crazy for you to stay here.

I know that.

But you have to dance.

Milou, you have to dance.

And not for me.

You must dance for yourself!

I only came to pick up Beatrice's personal things.

So, here it is.

Oh God, I'm so nervous!

I can't believe they're letting me dance!

I hope the dress fits. It's gorgeous.

Yes.

And the director is really cute.

You can forget all about him, dear.

Why?

Married?

Not married.

Hopelessly in love.

With who?

With the French dancer.

Beatrice's double? But she's engaged to Omar.

Yes, that's the tragedy of it all.

She was here for a production last year.

That's when he fell in love with her.

The day they closed the border to the West,

they were going to meet here.

He'd built a set for her all night long.

A scene from her favorite musical.

He wanted to surprise her,

but she never came.

Her hotel was in West Berlin,

and she couldn't get across the border.

Oh no.

Yeah, but it gets worse.

Boborkmann is not Boborkmann.

He's not even a director.

He was what you call an extra.

He had no way to see her again.

No address, nothing.

He even wanted to escape across the border.

But then he had a better idea.

Here in the studio, under a fake name,

he finagled his way into an office.

- No! - He convinced the entire administration

he was an executive producer.

And listen to this!

He and his brother wrote the script for Cleopatra

and got the whole movie going

just to lure Beatrice back to Babelsberg.

Because if Beatrice comes to Babelsberg

she would bring her double.

Exactly.

Can you imagine?

This whole movie only exists because an extra,

fell in love with a dance double.

Yeah.

Milou.

Um, please get in position.

Roll sound.

Sound rolling.

Roll camera.

Camera's rolling.

Music.

Now let's fly!

And action.

Just keep the camera rolling.

No Smoking

- Oh my goodness! - Bravo!

Enjoy this! Fantastic crew!

Bravo!

Elegant!

Bravo!

Bravo!

You danced beautifully.

I should have never stopped you.

IDs please.

Okay, free to go.

Milou!

Milou!

She gave you the middle finger again?

Yeah!

Grandma was always a pretty sassy lady.

Huh? Grandma?

What's your grandma's first name?

It's Grandma.

Your grandma's first name is...

Milou.

- I have to talk to Grandma! - Wait a minute.

Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait.

You can do that later.

I think you have something more important to do, right?

Yup!

Subtitles by explosiveskull www.OpenSubtitles.org

3:0 HURRAY! AFTER 5 YEARS OF DISBARMENT

GDR DIRECTOR KARL BOBORKMANN ALLOWED TO TRAVEL

NEW PRIMA BALLERINA AT THE FERSEHBALLET: MILOU LAMBERT

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