Original subtitles

DON'T GIVE UP ON YOURSELF UNTIL THE DAY YOU DIE.

YOUR ATTITUDE IS YOUR FATE. -MAYA PLISETSKAYA

DAY

I don't understand…

Cancer at this age. Out of the blue?

Keep the collar on, so, she doesn't scratch. Good girl!

One second…

Why are you so worried? There are treatments…

Aleksey, hello!

Sorry for approaching you in the street.

Your neighbors said you were here.

I'm from The Week magazine.

Can we interview you before your birthday?

It won't take long. Just a few minutes.

I have prepared a few questions…

Aleksey, do you agree that your jumps are still the highest in the world?

Go to hell.

Polly, here!

Sorry it took so long. I had to change the vacuum filter…

This is all that will remain After I'm gone

This is all that will remain After I'm gone

-Hello? -You called?

What the hell? You blocked my car in!

Yes. I have this friend who's opening a dog beauty salon in your area.

Young man! I'm talking to you!

Can you help her?

-Don't tap on the car, it's expensive. -Who are you talking to?

Just make an appearance as a local celebrity, with your dog.

The first dog beauty salon in the town of Klin.

Have your students perform. What are they called? "Steps"?

A beauty salon for dogs?

Well, yeah.

Dogs around here already look good…

Doesn't matter to me, or to you.

Lika's opposite me, watching me with spaniel eyes.

As is her spaniel.

Please, man, I really need this.

You're the most famous person in Klin.

Did you know I get a Shevchuk song when I call you?

So, what? It's a good song…

I'll call you back.

A.TEMNIKOV'S STUDIO

One and two… Three and four…

Hey, pawn and bishop!

Go on, get lost!

Little perverts…

One and two… Three and four…

…five, six, seven, eight…

One and two…

What's this?

Alisa… Alisa!

Keep going, I'll be right back.

What are those?

Those are… plants. Flowers.

I brought them to--

-I meant the curtains. -I meant the Kasparovs.

That wasn't me, and the curtains--

Here's the deal with that…

The room was empty, right? Right.

You told me to rent it out.

"For winter crops," you said.

You didn't seem to care much. So, now, there's… a chess club.

You don't mind, do you?

Why are you so angry?

Hi.

Who let you in?

I made a copy of your key.

Give it to me.

The key.

And quit eating. You're fat.

Bananas are a fruit. And I'm not fat, I'm pregnant.

Is your ass also pregnant?

Bananas contain starch and fructose.

A man who doesn't eat bananas is a queer.

Clearly, by looking at you.

-A queer all the same. -Shut up, you shrew.

Aleksey… Why do you always call me a shrew?

I need money for an ultrasound. Nine thousand.

All right. Which clinic?

Same one as always.

Aleksey…

Stop eating!

Third trimester, 2,500.

Actually 2,430. I rounded up.

Nothing fits us.

We need new clothes again.

I shouldn't have said that.

Of course…

I'm not stingy, but I see a vicious circle.

You buy clothes that fit,

use the change to get bananas, then eat the bananas,

and need new clothes again.

I give cash, you keep the change.

They must love you at the market.

Thank you, darling.

I might come by tonight.

Aleksey…

marry me.

Please.

Pretty, pretty please.

See you tonight.

VIP - CLASSES OF ALEKSEY TEMNIKOV

Your VIP class.

I remember.

Have all the VIP barges steamed in?

And moored.

Listen to me carefully now, and hear my words.

The mayor's wife is there, too.

-Alina? -What Alina?

-Albina. Quit calling her Alina! -Come on. She likes it.

Administration called, she doesn't. Is it so hard to remember? Albina!

Albino, albatross, Ali Baba… Muhammad Ali.

Why are you so happy? Got a full house?

Four of a kind!

-Hello. -Hello.

You and you are new.

Here to immerse yourselves in the art of ballet?

To the barre, then. Start by stretching.

New girls, repeat after the others.

Alina, grand-plié, as deep as possible.

BALLERINA 2

PATERNITY TEST

99.9% DNA MATCH

Got a good enough look?

Quite.

So…

she's sitting over there.

Her name is Chiara.

You and I won't meet again, thank God. We'll manage ourselves.

She's grown up already.

You're scum!

A real scumbag!

You demanded a DNA test! Seriously? Anything else you need?

Have I ever asked you for money? Have I ever even called you?

Had she not wanted to see you, you would've never met her!

Scumbag!

You need a DNA test! Proof!

Don't drink that coffee in my face!

What's her name? Chiara?

Was this perversion your idea?

You know, "Chiara" means "light."

The opposite of Temnikov…

You vile cloud of darkness.

That's for the coffee.

Moron.

Write your name, in capital letters.

Chiara…

-Mom said you were a jerk. -Chiara, right?

An unusual and beautiful name.

-Chiara? -Everyone envies me.

What are you doing?

I want to know which IKEA chair she named you after.

So… Chiara has Greek roots.

Perverted form of the name Clara.

-It doesn't say "perverted." -No, I added that myself.

I don't like Clara either, but it's better.

I'll call you "Clara."

That's not my name.

I had a friend named Clara. She was nice.

Very talented. Chinese.

Marcello Mastroianni's daughter's name is Chiara.

That's an idea! I'll call you "Marcello."

Clara was better.

Why do you need a car like this? There's nowhere to go.

We're going to the pharmacy.

I think it's ridiculous

when people in small towns without an IKEA or a McDonald's

buy such expensive cars.

Life moves on foot here.

The pharmacy's over there. See you there, if you make it.

Some great teacher you are.

-There you go. That, too? -No thanks.

Can I get one of those with hazelnuts? Two. No, three.

What's it called? Cyclamonoferon?

Cycloferon, perhaps?

Thank you.

And that, please. Three.

-That's all, thanks. -No problem.

You're greedy.

You said I could take anything I want for free.

Do you own anything else? A clothing store?

No. Only a local pharmacy chain.

Boring.

But the dance school is cool.

A school won't pay for a car like that.

But people always get sick and die in small towns.

It's a very reliable business plan.

I want a bicycle.

-Can we go already? -Not yet. Ten more minutes.

I don't understand a damn thing in these documents.

So, I pretend to read them thoroughly, and scare everyone.

It's best to keep quiet.

It's the wisest thing to do.

All actors and dancers are idiots.

I'm not an actress or a dancer.

-How old are you? -Twelve.

Old.

The pretty ones should keep quiet, too. You're pretty.

That's Mom. You like?

-Your mom? -The music! It's my favorite.

My heart skipped a beat…

Turn it off.

My heart stopped…

Turn it off!

My heart skipped a beat, my heart…

You can restore the SIM card in any phone store on the way home.

Now, listen to me.

Never again,

whether in my car, at work, at home, or anywhere I am

will you call anything music that isn't music.

Take off your glasses, I'm talking to you.

-But that's my favorite music-- -Clara!

Music's not just an arrangement of sounds.

It is an artistic representation of sounds.

I have no interest in anyone who doesn't understand or hear music.

Got it?

Take your phone, and go to school.

It's the weekend.

And?

School's closed.

Fair enough.

Can I dance for you?

Mom gave me lessons.

In figure skating, though, but I practiced at home.

Just raise your hand.

Naturally, how you would normally do so.

Yes?

Aleksey… You're busy.

-I'll come back. -Give me that and go.

-Are you okay? -Just a bit unwell.

Birds of a feather flocking together?

No. Just sleeping together.

I'm only 12, you know.

Congrats.

-So, how's it going? -Going strong.

But you have a problem.

Go deal with it, then. Shut the door, I feel a draft.

There's a woman.

Woman there, man here, woman there…

Men and women everywhere. That's not a problem, is it?

But if you don't come to the woman, the woman comes to you.

-Stepan! -Aleksey!

Follow me, dear.

-You remember Roma? -No, I don't.

Always a joker.

He practiced dances here.

Dances? What, like folk dances?

Still joking. You must recognize Roma. He's very gifted.

Right, sure. The gifted Roma. And?

-See? Come closer. -Yes, I see.

Believe it or not, he passed a TV audition

to be on a dance show. Soon to air.

-Congratulations. -Wait, listen.

You need to review his routine.

Direct it, correct it, work it out together.

"Need to?" Who needs to?

Everyone, including you.

I work for the local government…

If you ever need anything, you'll have someone there.

Helpful, right?

We must support the arts.

Get a manicure.

They want to dance here. They want to dance there.

Check and mate.

Water the dill.

Dad, are you all right?

I'm fine. Just say I'm not here.

And I never was. Okay? Then go to the dance room.

-Hello. -Hello.

-Looking for Aleksey? -Yes.

He's… not here.

He's on sick leave.

What? He was just…

I'd leave, if I were you.

He's got a very serious virus, they're going to sterilize the place.

Tell him to call me, okay?

-When he is back. -Sure.

Damn… Can you smell it on me?

Spit out the gum. It smells stronger.

Come on.

Now, what? Is it really bad?

It's bad!

I only had a bit of cognac to calm my nerves.

You with those curtains!

Are you nuts? A bit of cognac? Here?

He's 20 years sober. He'll sniff it a mile away.

-Don't yell at me! -I haven't started yet.

I sense your tone!

Here, some candy to mask the smell.

Maybe he won't notice.

It's not fair.

My dear, life is generally unfair.

Someone hit the bottle so hard 20 years ago in New York,

that now, nobody wants to drink.

I'm afraid to touch a drink here. I always think he's watching me.

If you think someone's watching you, you're paranoid.

Good afternoon.

Hello.

Stop!

I already told you about the music, didn't I?

But I practiced to this music.

Don't.

Go ahead, dance.

It's the same rhythm.

You almost hear the music. But…

You have no technical talent.

Too bad.

I will work hard!

I'll work hard and be like Maya Plisetskaya.

-I hear the music. That's the key. -Only for those who can dance.

You'll never be able to dance. You're wasting time.

Technique is essential, like brushing your teeth.

Go hear music at the conservatory. I'll buy you a ticket.

Only there's no conservatory in this town…

so, you'll have to just look at it.

When the waterworks stop,

get a rag from the bathroom and wipe up your tears.

Someone may slip and get injured.

Dad!

Help!

Aleksey, come with me.

I saw your refusal to be hospitalized.

This is why you need to stay. Take a look.

That's your pin, clearly visible there.

But the problem actually lies elsewhere.

After any fixation, the load shifts to the other vertebrae.

-As a result of the operation-- -I know all this.

It's called spondylolisthesis.

See that?

These two vertebra are displaced relative to each other.

The condition develops around your age.

A slight injury is enough for that. And your back was already vulnerable.

Maybe you fell somewhere, or jumped awkwardly.

-Sometimes, when a bus hits a bump-- -I don't ride the bus.

I looked at your X-rays from last year.

They're fine. So, things are progressing fast.

Given the displacement,

in about six months, the vertebrae will press on the spinal cord,

resulting in lower limb paralysis.

I understand. So, what can I do?

Always be sure to wear a corset.

Take the medication I prescribe.

There's a special mattress developed by NASA, made in America.

-It conforms to your body. -Will it help?

No. But it will ease the pain and slow down the process.

Unfortunately, paralysis is inevitable.

Surgery?

Surgery can be an option in 99% of cases.

But not in yours.

The nature of the displacement, and proximity to the spinal cord…

Go to hell. You're useless.

You can get a second opinion in Moscow.

If you wish.

Aleksey, wait!

Where are you running off to?

Aleksey! What's your problem? What do you think you're doing?

Who's the doctor here, you or me?

If I say, go to the hospital, you go. No discussion.

If you don't value my opinion, why the hell are you here?

Here, take this.

Sign the consent and go.

Great, that's all I need.

Aleksey, you kidding me?

Is that addressed to me? Is it?

"Good health to you!"

Think it's funny? I don't. I've saved you once.

Remember how you were when they brought you from New York 20 years ago?

No? I remember. My Dodik was just born.

I dropped everything, and met you at the airport.

And then there was a nine-hour operation!

Sleepless nights! You forgot all that?

You've seven children. Thank me for the time off from them.

What do you want from me?

I've written here all I want.

All you need to do.

Do everything. No choosing.

Do it and buy yourself six months. If not, you'll be paralyzed in two.

-Get it? -Yes.

Become disabled after two months of walking, or six, lying in the hospital.

Aleksey, wait! Listen to my medical opinion.

Those six months give you a chance.

No one will give you a guarantee. But I know things.

People lie in the hospital for months. No one even comes to visit,

and then… Remission!

How? No one knows. Fate!

I'm begging you, give fate a chance.

Don't destroy yourself!

-I told you to wait in the car. -I locked it.

Stop! You can't!

Pick that up, please, young lady.

You have a serious displacement. It pressures the spine when you sit.

You cannot let that happen. The spine gets to be like this.

Aleksey, you need to listen to me.

Here, I've written down what you can and cannot do.

Under no circumstances are you to sit down.

Walk, stand, lie down, but never sit!

Especially in cars. Give me the keys.

Where are you parked?

In our lot? It's a good, secure lot. No worries.

Ask someone to come and get it later. Right, we're done.

Here.

Take it.

I will do what I can.

Let's go.

Do you have anyone to take care of you?

-Take the injections! -My regards to the family.

Come see me in a week! I'll call you over the weekend.

-Where are we going so quickly? -To the Bolshoi Theatre.

On foot.

-Easy English classes. -Thank you very much.

Maybe on the bus?

-Will this one do? -Yes.

Wait, we should get in at the front.

Five, please.

-Put it on the circle. -Where?

The circle.

What did the doctor say?

Dad, why are we going to the Bolshoi Theatre?

To watch Swan Lake.

Funny. But seriously?

What's funny, huh? Have you ever seen it?

Heard the music? Or be able to tell me what it's about?

Have you ever seen a whole ballet?

Not clips on YouTube.

And you want to be a ballerina.

How I hate this provincial snobbery.

Nobody knows anything, only superficial bits and pieces.

Yet they judge everyone and everything.

While they remain cowardly, malicious, insecure amateurs.

Judging…

Having done nothing themselves!

Living in constant fear of failure. "I would try, but what if I fail?"

Then you're a clown to everyone!

Only the desperate achieve things.

Dad, what are you talking about?

To achieve anything, you have to be either born desperate

or be faced with desperate circumstances.

So, where's the Bolshoi Theatre?

Help Aleksey Temnikov find the Bolshoi.

There it is.

Let's go.

Twenty years have passed.

Such young, bright faces.

Nice to see that ballet moves forward, the bar set higher…

-Yeah. -What?

A bunch of queers, one and the same…

Vlad!

You owe me money. Remember?

Twenty dollars.

Aleksey?

What brings you here?

I haven't seen you in 18 years.

I came to get my 20. In rubles. With inflation.

-Are you kidding me? -Come on.

Fine.

Is that all?

I need to have a word.

Get me inside. To see your cult idol. At the temple.

-Martynov? -Yes, Martynov.

How come? The girl?

-Do you dance? -No.

Doesn't talk to strangers, either. Especially to perverts.

If the child wasn't here, I would… People don't change.

Neither do ridiculous shoes with turned-up toes, apparently.

I suppose once you met a genie on the street and made a wish…

"Shazam! I want the same shoes as you."

Why do you do that in front of me?

Not just in front of you, I do it all the time.

Wolves are keepers of the forest.

Temnikov?

You here to see me?

But of course.

I thought of you. Just yesterday.

So, you stutter? That's so sexy.

Been stuttering…

since I saw you last.

Thought maybe seeing you would fix it.

And?

Deduction… No.

Can you get me in?

Symphony in Three Movements.

Stravinsky's music is pure ballet.

Staged as I see it, it'll be a new Rite of Spring.

No doubt.

The libretto is about the hero's struggle with destiny.

You know, Temnikov, this sounds big. Brilliant as always.

And who will put up this heroic struggle?

No. There's no role for you.

I can get everything ready in a month.

But you know what it's like here.

You know how repertoires are built and seasons planned.

It's all laid out for the next ten months, let alone one month.

Yes, I saw.

The Sleeping Beauty.

The smell of mothballs hits me right here.

This is a hit.

Has your scar healed?

We both know that scar

was the biggest moment in your performing career.

You want to keep it that way?

You know, Temnikov…

There are people around and I run the place.

It would be indecent of me to fight the disabled.

But I would love to hit that smug face of yours.

Want to hit me? Go ahead.

I'm only talking to you because you have talent, and a good instinct.

Here's the deal. I've worked it all out.

Every note. Every step. Every movement.

All in my head.

Watch, I'll show you now.

Then pick up an eraser, go round the city

and erase The Sleeping Beauty from every poster.

Then write on top… "Premiere. Stravinsky.

Symphony in Three Movements. Choreography by A. Temnikov."

Premiere with an "e."

Sivaev, come over here please.

The lighting designer.

-Hello. -What's on the stage?

We're putting up Spartacus now.

Spartacus… Must be fate.

-There are people at work here. -They won't disturb me.

Just watch.

Excuse us for the interruption.

-You remember the way? -Yes.

This is how it'll be. A screen will cover the stage.

Part One.

A giant protoplasmic mass pulsates in the semi-dark silence.

After the first chord, this mass disintegrates.

Three female figures appear. The goddesses of Fate.

They're on a big chair.

I came up with that to symbolize

a throne, pedestal, prison, refuge, and so on.

The first goddess draws a particle from the mass.

That's our hero.

The second spins the thread of his life.

It unfolds in Part Two when he meets his love.

Part Three brings…

punishment against our hero who dares to assert individuality.

The masses kill her at the end…

and kill the hero.

Well, then…

Astonish me.

WEEK

No.

It won't work.

-Why not? -All the tickets have been sold.

Long ago.

To the whole mothball affair.

Nothing personal.

Why not try the Mariinsky Theatre?

That's right…

It was all personal there.

Incredibly so.

I doubt they'd be happy to see you.

No theaters in your small town?

Martynov killed the poet Lermontov.

Nikolai Martynov's injury was serious enough to require two stitches.

Nevertheless, he plans to go on stage tomorrow.

Theater management had no comments on the incident,

except to call it "an accident."

However, as has been reported to us,

Mr. Temnikov will be dismissed as a principal dancer

immediately after the American tour.

Patience seems to have run out, and not surprisingly,

considering that only last week,

Temnikov was at the center of yet another scandal.

Last week, during a performance,

the public and the female dancers were horrified

by his shameless behavior which was not in the script.

Temnikov claimed it was because, and I quote,

"They don't hear the music, just stand there like dolls

and I wanted to inject some life into them."

So what?

He was young.

You only met him yesterday. Already a fan?

I'm not a fan.

Chiara…

He'll spend time with you, and then disappear for six months, a year.

He doesn't care, believe me.

To you and me…

he's a stranger.

Please don't get used to him.

Don't get attached.

You know, we took the train back.

He's not supposed to drive.

And he felt so bad…

so miserable there…

that I felt sorry for him.

He needs me, you know?

I know…

I know that it's you who needs him. He needs no one.

Only his beloved self.

Shit.

Polly!

Polly!

Polly.

Polly!

Polly.

Polly…

Come out, my little Noah.

With the walls, it's clear.

The floors… must be replaced, stripped.

How long will it take?

Four or five days, approximately.

Do you have a place to stay?

Hey. Look what I brought.

You understand, huh?

A sound system on the ceiling. Take a look.

I'm not ready now.

What do you mean, "not ready"?

Get lost.

Fine, I'll be back tomorrow.

I'll count everything up, and come back.

A NIGHT AT CLAIRE'S

Clara, I have a question.

Could you Clara-fy…

Do you play the Clara-net?

Clara, I have a question.

Could you Clara-fy…

Do you play the Clara-net?

Chiara, I thought of a proper name for you.

Claire.

Bend your back, hands at the waist…

And a-one, back, and a-two, return.

And a-one, back, and a-two, return.

Don't move your feet.

And one, and two…

Good morning.

Better luck next time.

Damn it…

Decided you need a throne for the win?

-I have no office. -What's your post here?

Director…

Lend me some money.

And a-one, and two… stop…

One, and…

Good morning.

Again, and one, pull up… Two…

Sit, and bend down.

And legs straight…

Down, good. Keep your back straight, watch the knees.

And one, point down, back straight.

And two.

And one, and two.

And well done! Stretch, stretch and reach…

What's his name?

That's Tolya.

Tolya, stand up.

Legs apart, down on the elbows.

Do the splits. Come on!

-I can't! -You can.

-It hurts! I can't! -Heels!

Slide your heels!

-I can't! -You can!

No crying! Useless.

Can I?

Well?

Checkmate.

You like to play? Want to become a chess player?

Not really.

-And you? -Nope.

Why play then?

To cultivate the mind.

Cultivate the mind?

Does anyone here plan on being a chess player?

In life, as a profession?

Anyone?

…seven, eight…

Does anyone here want to be a ballet dancer?

As a profession?

…five, six…

Stop! Attention!

Anyone here want to be a ballerina?

A real ballerina?

You? No?

Maybe you? You?

A real ballerina?

-May we continue the class? -What for? For whom?

You being here or not with your… Chopin!

You know what, Aleksey, don't talk to me like that.

I'm a woman, older than you,

-a distinguished teacher… -What teacher?

Distinguished!

I used to teach kindergarten, and I know you look down on that.

But children are pure, innocent souls!

Of course it's not the Bolshoi Theatre…

You fool! The Bolshoi isn't kindergarten!

Please leave!

You have no right!

-No right… -Get out! All of you!

STUDENT REVIEW TUESDAY AT 12:00

But you don't like Chopin.

I hate him. Play it, we'll have fun.

Who am I dancing for?

Next.

Next.

Next.

Is this ballroom dance Argentine Tango?

Yes.

Goodbye.

Stop!

That's Ekaterina Strelnikova, a core member of "Steps."

Step out, Ekaterina.

Are 134 to 151 all from "Steps"?

Yes, they are.

Let them do a number. All together.

-Hello. -Where are you from?

I don't know her.

I do. We're finished here.

Not fair, Dad! I'm here, too.

I waited an hour and a half!

-Dad? -Dad?

Yes, Dad. Dad.

Claire, wait in my office.

Tell me, what would happen now in a bad American movie?

A knock on the door. "Come in!"

A young genius comes in late.

I teach him everything, and die in the light of his glory.

Because here… We have no one.

I was worried for a moment. Get out.

Essential life truths.

So, this won't do at all.

Classes are full of failure.

We'll disband "Steps" and make a new group.

Let them practice, if they want, and audition again.

That's all.

Exactly.

I bought you a present.

What's that?

The Best of Prokofiev. I was told it's good.

Prokofiev… the best?

Yeah… Greatest hits.

Prokofiev's hits? All on one disk? Who performed it?

I don't know. I just wanted to do something nice for you.

-What's the difference? -The difference?

You're right.

My heart skipped a beat

Dad, stop, what are you doing?

My heart skipped a beat, my heart!

What? You like that song. Who cares who performs it?

My heart skipped a beat, my heart stopped!

Now, never forget, the performance is vital.

If some idiot ruins Mozart, Mozart's not the one to blame.

Let's go.

Enough! Mom was right.

Yes, I remember that I'm a jerk.

No, a self-centered moron who doesn't need anyone.

Including me!

Know what? I don't need you either!

You are… a stranger to me!

And I don't need a cell phone. Forgot to give it to you.

Thanks, Dad! Thank you!

-Sold out for a cell phone? -No. It's nice, but no.

-Sure. -No, really!

It means that you thought about me.

-Fine, take it back. -Okay.

No, no, I was kidding!

Silly girl. All right.

Let's go, Claire, have an eclair.

Mom wasn't sure which you prefer.

It's not for you. It's for your dog.

Why are you stuttering? I'm the one who stutters.

We're full. And so are all the ballet companies.

-Here, Polly. -Aleksey…

Let me tell you everything.

You see, my mom…

What about your mom?

Mom… She…

You know…

Works a lot…

Times are tough…

Help me, please.

I really want… to dance.

You're patient.

What do you think? Stiff, right?

Look, it's the rusty Tin Man!

Very average. But even averageness can be decent.

Stop!

Again from the balance.

What's that? You waving down a taxi?

Taxi!

Think about what you're doing! Think!

I can take a pinch of rice…

…out of a bowl…

Bring it up to my mouth…

And there will be dance in that. And meaning.

Continue.

-Give me a second. -No, now!

Come on!

Useless!

Open up, homo ballerina!

Here! I'm suing you, asshole!

What the--

Son of a bitch!

See you in court, asshole!

Damn…

DANCING SHOW

Tell us, Roma…

Is it true that your choreographer is Aleksey Temnikov?

Yes, it's true.

Do you know why he stopped performing?

-He got injured. -Do you know how?

He went on stage drunk and fell.

And do you think that was rude or stupid?

Because what I just saw was both in my view.

Roma…

You know, you have very nice sunglasses.

It's just that I wanted to start with a compliment.

Your shades are nice, Roma, but the number fell short.

Look, I like you, appreciate your talent…

I'm not sure if that's enough for our show.

But here's the thing…

I, personally, had no interest in seeing more.

What does this move mean?

Well… Aleksey said

that even the simplest motion

can still be…

Even eating rice… can be a dance.

Eating rice is lunch.

Why show through dance how you eat hot dogs and porridge?

And declaring yourself a choreographer, not smart either.

I really hope that this so-called choreographer is watching.

Excuse me! Wait, please, I'm sorry…

Don't touch me please, I'm all right.

You know, I've seen the show.

That's not the way things are done.

You haven't even taken a look.

Just let him dance…

Call the director! Turn the music on!

Roma dear, come on…

You shouldn't have cancelled. Getting injections at least?

Do the tests and visit me. In two days. No discussion!

And, Aleksey, you must avoid stress.

Don't upset yourself. No one watches TV now.

-Dodik showed me online. -It's already online?

I don't give a damn that he failed on that show.

But look! I lost almost six kilos.

Class dismissed.

Poor guy. They didn't even let him dance.

Imagine how awful he must be feeling.

The whole town saw it. He turned so red…

Not as smart as you look, are you?

You're not allowed.

What will happen?

What?

When I die, they'll make a pathetic documentary about me.

You'll give a pathetic interview.

And this pathetic lump will be all that remains after I'm gone…

I wouldn't tell them anything.

You would, like everyone else. Nothing but lies.

Objective truth is how I jumped when I was 20

and the kind of ballet I could perform.

There's no truth without ballet.

All you need to know about my life is that I was a genius.

And then I became like damned Salieri.

Was Mozart, and became Salieri.

Was Mozart…

Was a genius, and became a being who knows what genius means.

Salieri couldn't endure being in the presence of a genius.

And I have been enduring the genius within for 20 years.

You won't understand. Look at me! Here I am! A genius.

Who won't leave anything after he's gone.

I was…

humiliated, discarded, punished and laughed at.

By whom?

God.

But everyone says that in New York you were…

I'm not accusing you, I'm just…

I wasn't drunk, Claire.

I wasn't drunk.

But I saw the interview.

What did you see exactly? What did you see?

You were slurring your words, as though you were drunk.

Right…

Drunk at an interview.

Linear logic, easy to follow. Temnikov was drunk.

Took to the stage drunk, fell, and hurt himself.

Everyone thought so because they are idiots.

And you, with 99% DNA certainty, are the same as everyone.

I was slurring because I'd been given painkiller injections.

-Painkillers? -Yes.

-Why? -So I could dance.

I got injured before the performance.

How?

Doesn't matter how. It only matters when. Before!

Before the performance, before…

-Why didn't you tell anyone? -Because…

Then I went out and destroyed myself.

Idiot.

The shrew's calling.

SHREW

-Hello? -At last.

His Majesty answered the phone. Been trying to reach you for a week.

I was busy.

Yeah… I saw that.

-How are you? -You know…

still pregnant.

If you're interested.

-Suppose I am. -Suppose?

You… Can we meet tomorrow?

Yes. When and where?

Before we begin, I'd like to say a few words, now that Daddy's here,

and I've not yet had the pleasure of meeting him!

Daddy Aleksey.

Soon, a brand new being that didn't exist before

will come into our world.

A being that didn't exist before? Like a beaver-rabbit hybrid?

A child is what will remain after you're gone.

Well, not "what" but "who." And now we'll find out who exactly.

You told me not to find out the sex.

But you're here, so, now's a good time. You okay?

I'm thirsty. I'll be at the water cooler.

Then I'll have a surprise for you, too…

What about surgery somewhere? In Israel? No?

-Maybe alternative… -Music?

Medicine…

Aleksey, you may not want to hear this now.

But… people live with it.

If you can't walk, that's okay.

It's not cancer, you won't die.

You can still work, do all sorts of things, and…

We have a baby…

on the way.

And that's…

Don't you think?

Accept it.

-You can do it. -I know.

-And I'll be there for you. -Let's go.

Will you marry me?

What?

I'm…

It seems I'm… asking you to marry me.

I decline. And don't…

Don't spoil everything, as you so skillfully do.

I wanted to put a ring on you myself.

If it fits your fat finger, which I doubt, then it's meant to be.

You're not kidding?

God, why are you crying?

You're serious?

And you'll tell everyone? And introduce me to your parents?

Take off the shoe covers.

"Come noon they attack Shouting cries of war!

Young lives thrown into the onslaught

Tell me, ye common soldiers Who led you to battle, to naught?

Who'll tell your wife that she lost you?

That you've fallen under a cold hail of lead?

But your mother will know and remember

That a son follows his father's stead!"

-Wonderful! -By H. Temnikov!

Thoughts, feelings, and Poetry.

Would you like a copy? I'll sign it.

Aleksey…

-Is it good poetry? -Excellent.

I found them.

I danced Odette-Odile in them.

-May I see? -Yes, but please be careful.

When I found out about Aleksey, I left.

Just as you left your kindergarten.

Not left, but were kicked out by…

-What's his name? -Dear, don't start.

-Here! -There's always an agenda.

-Sure! -Please.

Mom, pass the salad, please.

Have you seen Aleksey's collection?

I noticed it right away. Lovely.

-It's mayonnaise! -I'm living it up.

Domestic Odil-lic harmony.

Very rich in calories, Mom.

And here we have Aleksey's baby tooth.

Yes. It fell out when he was five.

I suggest we stop here before I throw up.

-Possibly from the mayonnaise. -Relax, Aleksey.

Soon, you'll understand.

Your first child is…

Not first.

I have a daughter, 12 years old.

I'll introduce you.

How about some poetry, Dad, to lighten things up?

Bunin perhaps? Or something modern?

Baudelaire. The Flowers of Evil!

Let's do without the drama. Something light and life-affirming.

My telephone rang.

-Hello, who's speaking? -The elephant…

She does work in a kindergarten.

Where do you happen to be?

On Camel-Street 3.

What do you need?

Some chocolate, sweet.

To give my sonny a bit of a treat.

My sonny.

I love symbolism.

So, thank you for the belated congratulations.

And, sorry, but…

By golly, it's really a job to pull the hippo out of the bog.

Let's eat already.

Dad… I watched Swan Lake.

-Congratulations. Tchaikovsky's? -Are there other versions?

-No, it's Tchaikovsky. How was it? -Well… maybe I don't understand.

-I may be an amateur, but… -Thought it was crap, huh?

I can't stand it myself.

But you should always judge for yourself, agreed?

You're wrong, the ballet didn't upset me.

I wasn't given a chance to stage it, but it's for the best.

To gain fame nowadays, a ballet must be shown on national TV.

For my ballet to be on national TV, either a revolution has to happen,

or I have to die…

So, everything turned out for the best… Fate.

Hey, do you know how to choose tomatoes?

Let me teach you.

No vine here, too bad.

It shouldn't be dry.

Aleksey! This big and light one has been over-fertilized.

How much are the tomatoes?

-Hello? -Aleksey?

-Yes. -It's the Mariinsky Theater.

-Yes? -On behalf of Valery Gergiev.

He heard about your production.

Everything's ready.

Aleksey…

If so, he requested a meeting.

-I'm ready. -Excellent.

How about tonight? Are you in St. Petersburg?

-No, but I will be. -See you tonight, then.

MONTH

To hell with you and your tomatoes!

Aleksey!

It doesn't have to be pasta!

ALEKSEY G. TEMNIKOV

The scenery is simulated.

We have three areas for multimedia projections.

The only movable scenery…

We use both frontal and rear projections.

-Costumes are in black and white. -Our box set comes up…

AUDITION WEDNESDAY, 12:00

Open your ears! Hear the music!

It's the same for everyone!

-What's his name? -Smekalov.

TEMNIKOV'S AN ASSHOLE!

Welcome to the ladies' realm.

I wanted it to look back-to-front.

That produces a straitjacket effect.

Forcibly grab the leg.

Throw it forward. Turn, and grab it again.

Once turned, immediately grab it and swing.

As if throwing it out. One!

Stop the music! Stop!

What's so funny?

Go laugh outside, then come back.

If you think it's funny. Go!

You, take her place.

Get out, I said!

Couch folds out, cooker works, buy the food yourself.

Don't approach me at the theater, I better not see or hear you.

When's your return flight?

Dad, I just got here.

I want to see you work. Mom let me go. It's school holidays.

Can we at least go to a cafe?

Talk like before?

A cafe.

The poet Sergey Yesenin died here, and they called the cafe "Happiness."

SERGEY YESENIN DIED HERE ON DECEMBER 28, 1925

I want to hear the sound.

Come on, louder!

Yes, come on, join in.

Everyone!

The load on the chair will be quite heavy.

-Can you put on supports? -Yes.

-Like this? -Yes, right here.

This one is good.

-Yes? -I…

Quick, I'm busy.

I wanted to ask when to set the wedding.

Never. It's off.

Yes, this one works.

SYMPHONY IN THREE MOVEMENTS

I want to hear… One, two, three.

Please. Three, four…

No. Especially horns three and four.

Two shots! Individually.

Three-four!

Dad, may I sit closer, and not at the very…

Stravinsky wrote in Italian "forte espressivo." What is it?

It is "to express." Express what?

Stravinsky wrote this work to convey the feeling of World War II.

Everyone has their own war to fight in life.

I want you to think about a heavy march,

and the sound of boots.

The energy of aggression, right?

That's what the movement must convey.

KLIN

SERGE DOCTOR

Hey, Aleksey, have you gone crazy?

The TV says you'll dance "for the first time in 20 years."

And it will be the last time, too.

The last minutes of your life. Hello, do you hear me?

Maestro, I wanted to thank you for calling.

I hate sounding like a sentimental idiot.

But I seem to believe in providence.

Get me Sivaev, please.

"It unfolds in Part Two, when…"

I recorded it at the Bolshoi.

Not providence, but Sivaev.

The documents are ready, the school, apartment, pharmacies.

You just need to sign them.

Then I can take them to the notary with Marina and your parents.

I'm calling to ask again, are you sure about this?

Don't bother.

I'll be in Moscow tomorrow at the TV studio. Coming?

What do you mean? Isn't your premiere in two days?

Thank you for coming.

We know that you refuse to do talk shows.

Here's our director.

Nice to meet you. I'm also Aleksey.

It's the standard format.

The host asks questions, you answer. Everything as usual.

Since this episode will focus on your biography,

there will be videos and comments from your colleagues and friends.

I have no friends.

Splendid. Tell us about that.

We've also been saying all week that you'll dance after a long break.

You will dance, right?

Let's go, Alexander.

His rebellious nature has attracted constant media attention.

His name was associated with the new Russia.

The world's most handsome bachelor.

His career ended tragically after an injury, and he disappeared.

Tonight he will return for one night to dance after 20 years.

Please welcome Aleksey Temnikov!

Hello, Aleksey.

We'll look at the most vivid

and also tragic moments of the great dancer's life.

In the studio with us are Anastasia Shukina, prima ballerina…

…we came to the school, and he was already famous…

His attitude to the public was,

I'm sorry to say, disrespectful and dismissive.

Please let me finish what I was saying about his attitude!

He acted like a lord would to his servants.

Has Temnikov himself ever supported anyone?

Why are you so rude?

If you like to be groped on stage, then fine!

Let's take a short break and think about the idea of PR. Stay with us.

Everything okay? Need anything?

Aleksey, need a glass of water?

…found rare footage…

…he's no artist.

He was talked about, was on magazine covers. It was so cheap.

In every interview, nothing but "me, me, me."

I would've sued him again, if I could…

He could walk out of rehearsals.

Why? Why was there such disrespect?

What gives him the right? I'd never act like that.

Last month, there was a premiere on a dance show.

-Anything to say? -I'd say there was no premiere.

The boy wasn't even given the chance to dance.

The uninspired choreography was obvious.

Aleksey… You said that you'd show us everything yourself.

I guess I will, especially because that's what I promised.

-Give him a round of applause! -Alexander, are the lights ready?

Can we move the sofas?

Yes, of course! The sofas please!

Aleksey? Aleksey, can you hear me?

Can you hear me? Answer me!

-Can you hear me? -Call an ambulance!

ETERNITY TELEVISION COMPANY PRESENTS

A PRODUCTION FOR CHANNEL ONE

A FILM BY NIKOLAY AND SVETLANA ZVONAREV

Klin, Moscow Region. One of Russia's oldest towns.

Home to such figures as Dmitri Mendeleev, Pyotr Tchaikovsky

and radio pioneer Aleksandr Popov.

Also here, to the family of an officer and former ballerina,

someone destined to shine on the leading stages of the world was born.

ALEKSEY TEMNIKOV: REBEL AND GENIUS

Here's Aleksey's collection.

He brought this one back from his first tour.

LYUBOV TEMNIKOVA, ALEKSEY'S MOTHER

He was embarrassed to be an adult collecting little elephants.

Clearly, Aleksey liked the idea of something big becoming small.

In life, too, everything complex was simple for him.

His love for ballet came from his mother.

FOOTAGE FROM THE DOCUMENTARY "BORIS LOMOV, THE GENIOUS TEACHER"

He started practicing at home when he was two,

and later, took the train every day to study in Moscow.

At the age of 13, he transferred to the Vaganova Ballet Academy.

The charismatic Aleksey was remembered not only for his talent,

but also for his cutting and, at times, shocking remarks.

Your jumps are now the highest in the world.

Do you need a special mind-set for that?

Those who need that, can't dance. I do.

ARCHIVAL FOOTAGE OF 1995

For many, dance is a profession, but do you like the ballet?

-Do you like giving blowjobs? -What?

Only damned fools ask such questions. That's all, thank you.

What a rebel! And still so young.

Many years later, that rebel would find domestic bliss.

Not in Paris, or London, but in his hometown…

MARINA KUZNETSOVA AND ALEKSEY TEMNIKOV JR. ALEKSEY'S PARTNER AND HIS SON

This was his apartment. I haven't changed anything…

I only gave away the dog. I'm allergic, you see.

Symphony in Three Movements premiered last year,

but it has already been on the biggest stages…

TEMNIKOV'S BALLET PREMIERE AT THE MARIINSKY THEATER

The Lincoln Center, Covent Garden, the Paris National Opera…

It has won the Golden Mask, many foreign awards,

widespread recognition, and above all, genuine public interest.

It's a rare thing indeed when a talented dancer…

NIKOLAY MARTYNOV BALLET COMPANY MANAGER

…turns out to be a talented director.

Aleksey didn't have many friends, and I…

I was glad to be one of them.

I was the first to learn about the production.

And I regret…

Really regret that it went to the Mariinsky Theatre.

Of course, I did want it to be staged at the Bolshoi.

As a young man, Aleksey won many international awards

and later, all the most prestigious competitions.

At 19, he was the youngest principal in the Bolshoi's history.

In the following years, he was invited by the leading theaters of the world.

The country was proud of him, as were his parents.

HERMAN TEMNIKOV ALEKSEY'S FATHER

Unfortunately, after a stroke, his father never fully recovered.

And couldn't talk to us.

Aleksey's eldest daughter refused to speak to us…

CLAIRE ALEKSEY'S DAUGHTER

Tell us what it's like to be the daughter of someone so famous.

You must be so proud.

Go to hell.

Excuse me.

Just like her father…

The same young rebel we see before us. It will pass…

And this was New York. In 1998.

Here are the dramatic moments which went around the world.

In an instant, a great dancer disappears forever…

so that a choreographer could be born 18 years later.

I have always admired muscle strength fixed in time.

When you can see every muscle, when you see how they work.

MARC BONNEVILLE PHOTOGRAPHER

I love to photograph the ballet, and horses.

Both are like a whirlwind.

How precise is the eye of an artist. How accurate are his words.

How, if not as a whirlwind, should Temnikov's life be described?

How often do we wonder at what price does the lightness and the applause come?

All real ballet stars are dancing cripples. They're devoted.

But sometimes that devotion leads to very serious and even tragic results,

as in the case of Aleksey Temnikov.

DR. ARKADIY SHEVCHENKO SURGEON

His death was certainly very premature.

That's him at the academy…

And this was in kindergarten…

I'm sorry.

"DON QUIXOTE" BOLSHOI THEATRE - 1996

IN MEMORY OF ALEKSEY TEMNIKOV (1976-2016)

WATCH "SYMPHONY IN THREE MOVEMENTS" STRAIGHT AFTER THE NEWS