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♪ To be...

♪ Or not to be?

♪ That is the question

♪ Whether 'tis nobler

♪ In the mind to suffer

♪ The slings and arrows ♪ of outrageous fortune

♪ Or to take up arms

♪ Against a sea of troubles

♪ And by opposing, end them

♪ To die

♪ To sleep

♪ No more

♪ No more. ♪

I don't feel secure.

I'll get married and have kids.

All this gossip is making me sick.

But we start shooting in six days.

Hamlet is a dream that's about to come true.

Not for me!

Yehia, it's better that I quit now than drop out during shooting.

I can't take the strain.

You'll do it.

I'll break down, I know it.

You'd ruin your career over gossip?

- They're just jealous. - Of what?

I didn't get very far, did I?

We will with Hamlet.

Yehia, if you love me, find someone else. I can't do it.

Never! I've always dreamt of you as Hamlet.

You dreamt of it! I didn't!

All I'm getting are pimples and nightmares.

My fiancée is waiting in the car. I told her I'd be ten minutes.

You'll do it!

You're under contract!

If you run after him, I'll leave.

I'll leave this house.

If Amr cares about that role, fine. He'll come back for it.

Guindi?

Amr wants to drop us.

Good riddance!

He'll play Hamlet, even if it means breaking his back.

Hamlet 75-1, take seven.

Action!

His eyes are blank.

Go easy on him.

- Lights out. - Lights out.

Is it not monstrous that this player

could force his soul so to his own conceit

that from her working, all his visage waned

tears in his eyes?

And all for nothing! For Hecuba!

"What's Hecuba to him, or he to Hecuba?"

Are you hoarding your feelings? For what? For your TV dramas?

- And talk to thin air? - Scream, "My God!" into thin air!

Farid! Plant yourself next to him.

Okay, let's do one more take.

Let's go. Smoke. Clapper.

Out.

What's Hecuba to him, or he to Hecuba

- that he should weep for her? - Cut!

What's Hecuba to him, or he to Hecuba

- that he should weep... - Cut! Again!

Pull back.

Loosen up, Amr!

Smoke!

Get out of the frame!

What's Hecuba to him, or he to Hecuba...

Cut! Do it again. There's nothing there.

Action. Dolly in.

...that he should weep for her?

You're choking!

Farid! Don't stick so close.

...that he should weep for her?

Again!

What now?

I thought a cold lemonade...

Don't you dare snoop on me, is that clear?

Sir, your cigarettes.

I'm going to Alexandria. Tell madam.

We've gone to every fish market and found nothing to his satisfaction.

We scoured all the bookshops for his film about Alexandria,

and bought a ton of pencils and erasers.

He's thinking about every Alexander: Great, Medium, and Midget.

You must be joking, Gigi. Your husband is a real tyrant.

Stop worrying, Yehia's fine.

He'll call you back after his shower.

You can count on me. We'll be back in Cairo tomorrow.

Amr wants me to consider him dead, to forget about him entirely.

The prodigal son.

- It's hell. - Write down exactly how you feel.

I feel nothing.

A big fat zero. Nothing. There.

Nothing after two years? That's suicide!

How can you still think about him?

After Cannes, he said, "I won't work with you again."

While shooting Hamlet, it was, "The role is too demanding."

Yet when he played my role in his very first film,

he was a better me than me.

Forget about him. He's become an obsession.

Go for a swim.

I'll buy some mussels. And when I'm back, I want six pages.

One well-written scene will do.

Forget Amr. Three films with him is more than enough.

We get our copy from the censor then rush to the airport.

- Gigi is waiting there. - Easy, it's my first film.

My first film!

Just a minute, the kettle's going nuts.

I'm a doctor at the university. May I come in?

Please.

Your wife's name is Gigi?

There was an accident, on the desert road near Alexandria.

It's serious, but she'll pull through.

Don't worry. She'll be all right.

Amr! Gigi's had an accident. I'm heading to Alexandria.

Yehia, is it serious? Is it serious? Yehia?

You're crazy.

Take the kid and go now.

He's the best thing in the film.

- Thanks a lot. - Don't be silly.

Your film is outstanding.

I have the feeling you'll get an award.

I'm sure he'd get the award for Best Actor.

You won't forget to call me from Berlin?

- Me, forget? - You'd forget your own mother.

If we bag an award, I'll buy you a mink coat.

A real coat, not like the one you got me after the Moscow festival.

I promise.

Okay. Now, off you go.

Mr Yehia is hesitant. He wants to cancel the Berlin trip.

We can take care of her. Will you be gone for long?

- Ten days. - Go get us a nice prize.

- And the mink coat! - What for?

It'll be two years before you can wear anything.

Hurry, you'll miss your train.

I'll tell Amr to meet you at the airport.

Take Amr and get that award!

Who'd believe it? An old pro shaking like a debutante.

Go in first.

So, you're scared of 4,000 spectators?

The Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize goes to...

Alexandria, Why?

by Yehia Iskandarani.

Silver Bear and Special Grand Prize

from the Jury for Alexandria, Why? by Yehia Iskandarani.

For his sensitive picture of the human being seeking its identity

at a time of conflict and separation.

At long last, an award for an Arab film.

Julie Christie is right. You're some dancer! I saw you.

You're from the 1967 Naksa generation.

I dance, screw, think, and act better than any of you.

And Gigi's mink coat? You promised. We got the prize.

She stirred up the whole hospital.

She'll walk again, won't she?

The doctor said in a year. Or two years, maybe.

- Who's the best hoofer in the world? - You.

- Say you swear! - You swear!

- No, say, "You're the best." - You're the best.

Gigi only wanted you to get the prize.

This way, it's for all of us.

I've known her for such a long time.

She thinks that in the film,

you're the spitting image of me when I was your age.

The actor Miligui's like my father, but you're really me.

- That same sad look. - Then I'll be a great director.

Better! You will be the greatest actor ever, you'll see.

John Gielgud predicted it.

Gielgud! The greatest Hamlet of our era.

His final eight performances were at the Cairo Opera House during the war.

I could see him from up there.

His farewell speech...

"This is my 1,000th performance of Hamlet

and tonight...

is my last.

I wish to pass on the torch to a younger man,

one who may be sitting right here, among us."

I said, "It's me!

He's talking to me!

He's passing on that responsibility to me,

to become the greatest actor in the world."

And since now you are me, only better, that responsibility is now yours.

Soon...

at Cannes.

Cannes?

You'll go up there alone to receive your award.

A jaunty step...

a little shy...

but, most of all, modest.

They'll go wild with applause.

Don't you read anything else but Hamlet?

- But Hamlet is... - Driving you crazy!

Hamlet is the past. Think of Alexander.

Or Cleopatra. Try that.

A female lead for once. This Hamlet of yours has stripped us bare!

No, thank you.

Egyptair flight No. 797 to Paris...

Thank you.

Why suffocate in Cairo? Go to Alexandria.

Find Stelio, the guy who's crazy about Alexander

and promise to forget about Amr.

He wouldn't fit the part. Alexander was tall and blond.

Robert Redford, then.

With a bit of make-up!

I should have played Hamlet then, not Amr.

Forget about Hamlet and forget about Amr.

Thank you.

Promise you'll go see all the specialists.

Let's go.

Home to pick up my suitcase, and then off to the Filmmakers Union.

Gigi knows you're joining the strikers.

There's little Gigi doesn't know about me.

- I'll sleep here. - Why?

- Away from everyone. - So why did you come?

- Who's sleeping here? - Ahmed Mabrouk.

- And here? - Mostafa Ismail.

- Shit! Is he here? - One of the first to join.

- A real trooper. - And here?

Choose at your convenience, Professor, and we'll comply.

- Where can one write? - Where there's a will.

Give it to me.

Striking is one thing, hugging is another.

I haven't seen one yet!

What's this, then? Kentucky Fried Chicken?

Wow! Striking in style!

Give me a piece of cake!

Only a fan for me, Mr Yehia? Why not an air conditioner?

A bit of whiskey, a belly dancer, and then on with the show.

Why the stairway?

It doesn't matter where I write, it's what I write.

What's important is that you've started writing again.

Amr again! As Alexander? Help!

- I didn't say so. - You wrote so.

Twice you've written Amr instead of Alexander.

- And what of it? - You promised Gigi.

Gigi! You think Gigi will discover a dedicated genius?

Dedicated? Amr? He hasn't even heard about our strike.

No one cared to let him know.

- You could have called him. - It's all over the papers.

- I'll call him. - Okay, don't bother calling.

Damn both of you.

That makes four riot-police trucks.

Recognition of our power.

Amr is a genius, Alexander a demi-god, it's the perfect casting.

If Alexander isn't, then who is? You? Me?

Not you, not me, not even Alexander. Only dear Amr.

Now you've got it.

Okay, that's enough, now.

Hurry up.

What are you looking for?

A Greek called Stelio.

He's a quack! He spent his life searching for Alexander's tomb.

He's used up everything he had. He's a nut.

You like making love?

Of course. Who doesn't?

Stelio's love for Alexander has no bounds.

He's obsessed, like all Alexandrians.

And unscientific.

♪ Hail, Alexander the demi-god

♪ Giver of life and enlightenment

♪ See him through my eyes You'll discover that he's a sensation

- ♪ This dwarf? A god? - ♪ Love has blinded him

♪ See him through my eyes

♪ You'll discover that he's a sensation

♪ You shall be witness

♪ To this wondrous revelation If you're only guided by your love

- ♪ Show us proof! - ♪ Does a god need an ID card?

- ♪ His father was a god - ♪ You're manipulating the truth

♪ Let's all admit it, he is unique

- ♪ Misery leaves you unruffled - ♪ That's why we're all for you

♪ We all proclaim, he's a God Our love binds us to him

♪ His fairness and magnanimity Deserves our yes in unanimity

♪ Let's all admit it, he is unique

♪ Lies! We're being bamboozled To accept a fake

♪ Lies! We're being bamboozled To accept a fake

♪ He's bow-legged, empty-headed He must be exorcised

♪ His majesty radiates

♪ You mean "nauseates"

♪ On second thought, he's not so bad

♪ He's rather elegant and so wise!

♪ He'll bring peace and prosperity

♪ Just see him through my eyes

♪ You'll discover that he's a sensation

♪ You shall be witness To this wondrous revelation

♪ If you're only guided by your love

♪ All the clergy bows to you You're our deity, our ray of hope

♪ Bums and slums have disappeared Justice is here!

- ♪ Does everyone agree? - ♪ In unanimity

♪ Shenanigans and foul politics

♪ Goodbye to joy, to dance, to mirth

♪ Why not admit it?

♪ He's a cretin

♪ If he's truly a god

- ♪ He should care about the needy - ♪ The needy!

♪ If he's really a God

♪ Let him order his stooges to pass a law

♪ Authorizing free unions

♪ Free? You've been bribed!

♪ You've been brainwashed!

♪ A scanty minority

♪ Shame on you, your god's a nitwit

♪ Shut your face!

♪ This woman is fickle

- ♪ He is pretentious - ♪ You are licentious!

♪ See him through my eyes

♪ You'll discover that he's a sensation A wondrous revelation

♪ Should you be guided by your love

♪ All the clergy bows to you

♪ Our deity, our ray of hope

♪ Bums and slums have disappeared Justice is here!

- ♪ Does everyone agree? - ♪ In unanimity

♪ They speak of justice and clemency

♪ While living off our backs

♪ They speak of justice and clemency

♪ While stretching us out on racks

♪ They speak of justice and clemency

♪ While stretching us out on racks

♪ Advance, my thugs Squash them like bugs!

♪ Advance, my thugs Squash them like bugs!

♪ As for you, demented beggar

♪ Have you suddenly become their senator?

♪ I swear on your mother's honor

♪ You'll land hands and feet in chains Seize these rebels

♪ Use the stick All those bastards make me sick

♪ Say it clearly

♪ Yes, say it clearly

♪ Stop your

♪ Mafia double talk

♪ What's the idea of coercing us all

♪ To love under compulsion

♪ Seize those rebels! Use the stick! Those bastards make me sick

♪ The god! Protect the god!

♪ I've set my heartbeat in rhythm with his

♪ So anything I see he also sees, assuredly

♪ If he's truly not a god I'd be the first to realize it

♪ He's bow-legged, empty-headed An SOB and a fake

♪ In other words

♪ If he really is no god

♪ Illuminating the hearts of thousands

♪ Then it's I who am dumb, who am blind

♪ A fool with love imbued

♪ Meaning simply: I got screwed!

♪ Yet, see him through my eyes

♪ You'll discover that he's a sensation

♪ Let love be your guide

♪ To this wondrous revelation! ♪

There's no more room!

Who are you to decide who strikes?

Bunch of masochists! Go occupy the actor's union!

Go occupy the presidency! Go to hell!

The boards of the unions dared to initiate this evil law.

- They should resign! - Traitors!

They want to hold onto power forever.

Every artist must join our cause.

I have a comment, please! I have a comment, Yehia.

They keep talking instead of taking to the streets.

I'm starving!

Why did you start fasting four days before everyone else?

That's what incited them.

Is any one interested in our opinion?

- And who are you? - The younger generation.

This law was passed in Parliament in exactly 15 minutes.

What's troubling you, the 15 minutes or the Parliament?

- The Parliament is all corrupt! - It is what it is.

- I'm not done talking! - You're gonna take up the whole night!

- Only a few words. Stop being a jerk! - Empty words!

The union chief and his stooges!

- Go away, Magdy. - Ignore them.

We have to reach some decisions now.

No entry! This room is for Tahia and the girls.

This is our board room! I'm fulfilling my duty.

- We don't want you. - It's the law.

The law that will keep you ruling for four more years.

Quiet! You're holding up the meeting.

- If you dare cause a scene... - You'll call the cops!

He can't, dear, we are shimmering stars.

Two of us in the streets could mobilize five million in five minutes.

- Who'd let you go out on the streets? - The law's on our side.

You mean "the guns."

I propose that we all sit down and discuss this, okay?

Okay, my foot!

Who'd sit with you again?

Having exhausted all the possibilities,

in conformance with Article Six of our Congress dated July 24,

a decision has been reached - a hunger strike,

starting at midnight this Tuesday, August 4, 1987.

The strike will proceed in groups and stages.

The first group will follow Mrs. Tahia Carioca.

Excuse me. No applause, please.

They will be followed by Galal El Charcaoui,

Aly Badrakhan, Bechir El Deek,

Ahmed Metwali, Hamdi El Wazeer,

Mokhtar Ahmed, Mohamed Mustafa,

Hussam El Dine Salah, Assem Ra'fat...

and Mohamed Fadel.

Good God, are all of them camping here?

Starting tomorrow, these fellow artists will join the hunger strike...

Stop smoking. I'm choking.

Go ahead and choke. Who's stopping you?

Coffee's no good for sleeping.

I've just woken up.

And we've just gone to bed.

You're telling me!

Is that your new screenplay?

Just a few ideas. I feel blocked.

You write in English!

Dialogue in Arabic is wittier.

French for love scenes, and English for precision.

My pa is Arab, Ma's Italian, and my wife is French.

I speak Spanish and a bit of Russian.

And coming from Alexandria, I can get by in Greek, of course.

Why "of course"?

Alexander the Great decided that. He founded it. You have any objections?

He also built the world's first lighthouse.

Wrong again.

It was Sostratus. A brilliant architect, a great Alexandrian.

- Like Alexander. - And Cleopatra.

I played that part for my BA.

It's said that Jesus himself studied in Alexandria.

In your classroom, with the rest of you geniuses.

That's just the way it is.

I'm going to bed.

Why are you barefoot?

- It's good for the arches. - The floor's filthy.

There's plenty of soap and water is free.

- It's an eyesore. - So don't look.

These are the prettiest feet in the Arab world.

And in the non-Arab world?

Marilyn Monroe's, and they killed her.

The sculptor says that you're too meticulous.

A statue to adorn my lighthouse with feet as flat as steak?

I knew this geek would sour my mood. I'll have him whipped.

Why is this foot arched and cheerful while my statue's feet are flat and dull?

The sailors will break down laughing when they see it from afar.

He'll ruin my lighthouse!

I've brought 40 models for you to choose from.

Can you believe this? It's as if we don't exist.

It's his loss. My feet are works of art.

It's my fault for mingling with the rabble.

Get her!

Six years searching for perfect arches!

Stop that girl!

Fooled you!

She's crazy!

- How's the weather up there? - Perfect.

- Come down. - No.

- I said come down. - Never.

I'll give you money.

What for?

She's magical.

Look at how her hair flies around!

Don't be silly. There's an electric fan.

I swear, I won't write another word!

You'll get your declaration back once she's read it.

You didn't even read it! None of us have.

What if it needs to be changed? The whole world will read it!

- Tell him. - We have ideas too.

- Sell them to the spinsters. - Sexism isn't dead, is it?

Empty stomachs and child's play don't go together. Tell her, Professor.

We're all in the same boat.

- Nadia, give him back his papers. - What's eating him?

Without discipline, everything falls apart.

Another bully!

The president's office called. They're expecting a decision.

We'll all decide on one together, the old hats and us.

All you do is yell. At least they're making plans.

And who appointed them? Us? Or did they impose themselves?

They're like us, you dummy. They're experienced.

Experienced!

They're a bunch of slaves, exchanging one master for another.

- Is that democracy to you? - There's eight of them.

Isn't that democratic enough?

Good to hear the kids discussing democracy.

But they always have.

- Say, Guindi, what is democracy? - Yes, sir.

- Whatever you say it is, boss. - See?

The presidential delegate! The presidential delegate!

- Doctor? - Later.

- What's happening? - They sent an envoy to confer with us.

Who's us? You eight?

If you'd like to replace me, you're welcome to.

Does he have any authority?

He'll persuade Tahia to break her fast and ask us to negotiate.

- And what's our stance? - We'll see.

But why discuss it at all? What's behind all this?

It's an attempt to break the deadlock.

That's simple - free elections.

Perfect. So tell him.

- No, that's their job! Or else. - Or else what?

- We'll go our own way. - Which way?

Either they cancel law 103...

Or we all starve to death. It's a deal.

It's nice to know you're with us. You're okay.

But I'm an "old hat."

Come on! "Young at heart." That's you.

Which envoy did the president send?

Number 13 or number 26? What can he offer us?

Calm down. We'll make no concessions.

Why did you walk out?

They're too polite.

I'm not.

What did he say?

He begged Tahia to break her fast and told us to concede.

I told you he would.

- Another Alexandrian genius. - Of course I am.

DEAR COLLEAGUES, NO SMOKING IN THE MEETING ROOM. THANK YOU.

I didn't quite get it. Did we reach an agreement?

Mrs. Tahia will break her fast in accordance with presidential directives.

What about you?

Your demands will be taken into consideration.

I was asked to tell you that.

So, Mrs. Tahia will start eating again, then it's business as usual.

What business? Nothing's working.

You have my word. Everything will be all right.

In other words - maintain the status quo.

Come, now, a high-level envoy has come here to see you.

And we're honored, but this is a question of dignity.

And that's that.

- I'll leave then. - You could stay and join our fast.

We'll miss you.

Damn you! I'm famished. Everyone agreed to it for my sake.

Only Seif was worried. You're like a mother to him, and to me.

- Me, your mother? - The love of my youth.

You mad Alexandrian. All those Pashas who wanted me.

"I love you! Marry me, I'm going nuts, I'll commit suicide..."

Three of them did.

You're angry?

About Amr? He's busy, but he'll come.

He didn't come, and he won't.

A generation of geniuses!

Liberators of the Third World. Builders of high dams.

Losers of four wars. You all really messed it up.

But you're different from them, reaping prizes here and there.

You're a smart cookie.

That's not true. It's a tricky process, a miracle.

Miracle? Your first film with Amr scooped up two awards.

The second film was better, but won no awards.

- Amr dreamt of that award. - He shouldn't have.

I don't choose the jury.

I can only try to make a good film.

If the miracle that happened in Berlin doesn't happen again,

will we remain friends?

Why wouldn't it happen again?

Gigi is ready and waiting, and Lydie just called.

She's back from Paris already?

She's on her way back and insisting on throwing us a party.

She doesn't want us to go back disappointed.

Personally, I don't give a damn.

But if they cheat Amr out of his award, I'll never forgive them.

Prize for male performance is awarded to Bill Hardt.

Amr's here.

It's quite a shock for him.

And for us too.

He must be hurt.

Aren't we?

We're still standing tall.

At least we've avoided the crowd.

- We left him alone. - Don't worry, we'll get him back.

♪ Accordion...

♪ Accordion...

♪ It's so great, accordion... ♪

And at the press conference I told them all off.

And returned more determined than ever.

You're a miracle, my friend.

Soon after, I was creating a new chapter in film...

Expecting someone?

After all that, Amr just disappeared?

An impulsive act. He'll return.

This time he's gone for good.

Money?

You were really devoted to him.

I was, but not anymore.

But you're hurt.

Suffering has its charms.

My God! You're a masochist too?

Among other things.

People often think you're a monster.

In reality, you're quite transparent, quite vulnerable.

Bullshit.

I read your eyes like an open book.

- Blubbering idiot. - I prefer the other Yehia.

That's your problem.

Stop molding people according to your whims.

I am what I am. You all invent myths.

I'm me, not anyone else.

None of you dare face your reality.

Transparent, vulnerable oafs. That's you, not me.

Tahia speaks of miracles!

A miracle is hard work, brainpower and willpower.

Not coming halfway and then laying down arms.

Arms?

- Where's the love in this mess? - Love? A sucker's hallucination.

Grab a fellow, use him, and then "Who's next?"

♪ Antony's my name. ♪

I fight. I fight and kill!

What's happening here?

We had a date!

The war's waiting! That would be treason.

War, death, devastation...

Mothers losing their children, lovers torn apart.

They'll lacerate their breasts,

rend their best attire,

and stand before their gods in naked agony!

Actium will witness the end of the Egyptian temptress.

Death to the temptress who cuckolded Rome!

Cleopatra!

Where's Cleopatra?

Antony!

Antony!

Come on, girls. Hurry, Charmian, Iras.

And Antony?

- Forget that dope. - "Who's next?"

How can an Alexandrian like you turn her into such a monster?

She committed suicide because of love.

For that oaf!

His defeat, his suicide, her doing.

She was worried she'd be dragged through the streets of Rome.

She struck a deal with a snake. Shakespeare said so!

No, he didn't. I played that part for my final exam.

Dolabella...

I dreamed there was an Emperor Antony.

His face was as the heavens,

his reared arm crested the world.

Cleopatra!

Think you there was or might be such a man?

Gentle madam, no.

Know you what Caesar means to do with me?

I am loath to tell you what I would you knew.

- Nay, pray you, sir. - Though he be honorable.

He'll lead me, then, in triumph.

And show me to the shouting varletry of censuring Rome?

Madam, he will, I know it.

He intends his journey, and within three days,

you with your children will he send before.

Adieu, adieu, good queen.

I must attend on Caesar.

Farewell...

and thanks.

Caesar words me, girls,

that I should not be noble to myself.

Now, Iras, what think'st thou?

Thou, an Egyptian puppet

shall be shown in Rome as well as I, like strumpets.

I'll never see it.

For I am sure mine nails are stronger than mine eyes.

Why, that's the way to fool their preparations.

Madam, a rural fellow. He brings you figs.

No, he brings me liberty!

The worm is not to be trusted.

- There is no goodness in the worm. - Will it eat me?

The devil himself will not eat a woman.

Farewell.

Now, show me, my women, like a queen.

Go fetch my best attire. I am to meet Antony. Go!

Now, noble Charmian, we'll dispatch indeed.

Give me my robe, put on my crown. I have immortal longings in me!

Now, no more the juice of Egypt's grape shall moist this lip.

Yare, Yare, methinks I hear Antony call.

I see him rouse himself to praise my noble act.

Husband, I come! Now to that name my courage prove my title!

Come then, Charmain,

and take the last warmth of my lips.

Farewell, kind Charmian. Iras, long farewell.

Have I the aspic in my lips?

Dost fall?

This proves me base.

If she first meets the curled Antony,

he'll spend that kiss which is my heaven to have.

Come.

Come, thou mortal wretch, of life at once untie.

O eastern star!

O Antony!

Charmian, where's the queen?

Speak softly. Wake her not.

Isn't that an act of love?

Beastly passion. One mishap led to another.

Overwrought by their defeat, sick of Antony's whining.

Her sinuses throbbing, her nose stuffed,

she runs to the window and plunges.

- Perfect analysis! - She made the right choice.

Luring people into commitments, then leaving them dangling in mid-air.

Alone, with no guarantees.

Guarantees? So you're an insurance broker?

She meant well.

Promising Antony a world of wonders!

Steal my heart and give me a baby. Spoil me with money then leave!

How about this one?

When the queen was beat, she sank her fleet.

The moment things turn awry,

bye bye, baby, bye bye, go die.

If you feel passion, have sex and get it over with.

Don't talk about it, just do it!

And get it over with.

Thanks.

- Where's the doctor? - Right here.

Let's go.

- Where are they going? - The minister summoned them.

We said nyet to the envoy and you rush off to the minister?

But he's a really decent guy.

So is my mom. Why not consult her?

Half-wits!

There are people fasting and you're acting like pigs.

When it's our turn, we won't complain.

Imagine being the youngest and the first to flinch.

Is he going to eat?

No, he'll see it through.

Brave boy.

- Had breakfast? - I never do.

- Why not? - Never do.

No one fasts before I say so.

God Almighty!

You've got heart problems.

I'm healthier than any of you.

- Eat in front of me. - Forget it!

If you're fasting behind my back,

you should know cigarettes break the fasting. That's the rule.

I'm a freak. No rules for me, okay?

- Where are you going? - Home to fetch cigarettes.

You're the shittiest striker ever.

You're here to save our reputation.

From all over. Algeria, Damascus, Tunis, Baghdad...

Le Monde, Repubblica...

- From England or America? - Nothing.

You're doing an important job. Carry on, kids.

- You're planning a projection? - Are we not artists? Why no poetry?

Why no films? Just talk, idle talk.

Tewfik said that, he asked for Hamlet in 16 mm.

- He thinks it's shit. - Maybe he wants to check why it's shit.

Our supporters need food for thought or else they'll give up.

Same as Nadia.

Nadia's given up?

Seventeen Nimr Street, Choubrah.

Phone number?

There are still people with no telephone?

- You're quite a guy. - Thanks, boss.

HAMLET

Friend or foe?

Or have you come to judge my show?

I was suffocating at that strike. I decided to come see you at the studio.

Yehia's there.

He's striking with us.

Come in and see whether I deserved my straight A's.

Bahgat, meet Nadia. We're alumni. She's a fabulous Cleopatra.

Get over there, we've got a star problem. She won't act without her glasses.

I said no glasses and I mean no glasses!

- Madam, your glasses. - I said no.

What the hell are we waiting for?

The director, Mr Amr.

Mr Amr, how interesting.

It would be a crime to hide such expressive eyes.

I've said it 100 times! My glasses stay on, period.

My eyes are puffy, you got it? Let's get this thing over with!

All right, places, please.

You want to blind us too, like your friend, Yehia.

Look, Bahgat... blinkers!

What's your mentor striking for?

He starved for ten years. Now he'll starve 3,000 of us.

Ten years together and you still can't control him?

Okay, we're shooting.

Get rid of the whiskey.

But it looks like Pepsi.

- How's one supposed to know? - Okay, get different glasses.

- That's all we've got. - What can we do? Stop until...

Until I finish my other serial!

Okay, please don't leave. Let's just get started.

You didn't enjoy it, did you?

Amr, you're a remarkable actor.

Why rush into directing?

- Opportunity only knocks once. - Opportunity?

I'm sick of acting.

"I'm sleepy." Wake up at two in the morning.

I was only six.

"Get up and smile at the camera."

Then Dad pocketed the dough.

And then Yehia pushed buttons. "Get thin, Amr! No, put on weight."

"I want acne!" "No, I don't!" "Cut!" "Again." "Cut again!"

"Hair longer! No, shorter!" "Cut! Cut!"

I've had enough! No more.

I'm not scared anymore.

I work, I make money. Let him keep his hungry genius.

I'm married. I have a kid and a car.

If this is what you want, then fine.

Yehia kept saying, "If you're happy, then I'm happy."

Tell him he can start raving, 'cause I'm bursting with joy!

You never loved him?

On the contrary...

I still do.

But does he love me...

or the freak he's created?

Did you talk about this with him?

No, thanks.

No one knows him like I do.

He's kind...

considerate...

say it with flowers, boy.

The language of the heart.

No, thanks, no talk, no flowers.

Walk in with you in my hand and say,

"This is my wife. My wife!"

- You're gonna be the talk of the town. - Of course I will.

And then I'll build you a small house...

You're destroying the hopes and dreams of your colleagues.

- I'm still fasting. - Who's to know?

My conscience knows! I'm not craving a front-page article.

- Thanks. - I didn't mean you.

Though God knows why you are striking.

I'm on a picnic.

Crazy for boys running about in djellabas... like girls.

And girls in jeans acting like Rambo.

You slept outside for two nights, and certainly not at Aunt Nefissa's.

I said I'd be with Aunt Abla.

I called both of them. You weren't with either.

- You can just pick up the phone. - Just name yourself minister.

- Then everyone's at your command. - Answer me.

That didn't stop them from selling the country for petrodollars!

I spent ten years trying to harness the magic of the boy.

Like a gardener, cultivating. He who sows reaps, right?

I educated him, instructed him...

cared for him passionately.

No place was too far, nothing was too good for him.

The greatest theaters, the most prestigious museums...

I got rid of his pimples, saved him from his dreary past.

Ten years.

Suddenly the petrodollar shows its ugly face...

and it's a total transformation.

What's left? A complete stranger.

And all of that love? Gone.

And you still wonder why I'm striking?

Me, allow those ignoramuses to corrupt every last one of you?

Good evening, dear lady.

For the loveliest mother...

Who is he? I've seen him somewhere.

Take a close look at his face.

The assassin on TV!

That's acting, Mom. From a film.

Acting my ass! I just saw him cutting a watermelon.

He's quite a charmer!

Come on, follow me.

- Lead the way. - Come in.

How about some coffee, Nadia?

Have a cookie. It's for the feast.

You were great in Cairo Station, but you haven't acted for 20 years.

Put on a dress. Let's see how you look as a girl.

And join the feast.

You're one hell of a striker!

I'm old-fashioned.

If a guy murders me out of love

like you did in your film, that's fine with me.

Better murdered than abandoned.

You too?

Your best film was The Earth.

What about Alexandria, Why? The actor was superb.

The Earth.

I'm starved.

After the strike, we'll feast in style.

Mr Yehia! Good to see you. Make room for the man!

Bull's eye!

Hard luck!

Hard luck!

Bull's eye!

Get lost!

- Try it. - I hate guns.

There's nothing an actor can't do.

Shoot, ride, dance, sing...

Me, shoot?

Hey! Do you plan to kill someone? Hold the gun to your cheek.

She's crazy! She aimed at the powder!

EL HOUSINY

If an actor can master everything, why not the Nubian staff dance?

- I danced in Cairo Station. - Go ahead.

What was that? A sample?

We want to see it all, like in the movies!

It's not him dancing in the movies. It's a trick.

Music!

Help.

More, more!

That's it, man!

You worship actors, don't you?

Simple words on paper become emotions.

Heartbeats.

It's always a miracle.

Total strangers can captivate you within seconds.

Others, no matter what they do, remain insignificant.

Whatever you are,

however you feel,

it's fine with me.

We ought to order something.

Still, I wish I could understand why.

- Has Hamlet started? - Twenty minutes ago.

- You saw it. - I didn't know you then.

- To be... - What's she looking for?

Or not to be?

That is the question.

Come, now, Hani.

Your father lost a father, who in turn lost his.

This must be so.

Forget everything.

Share with your mother and me our newfound joy.

Amr reminds me of you when we were at school.

You were a great actor.

He's better.

When I saw him playing my part on the screen, I was anxious.

I couldn't make out who was who.

He must have been anxious as well.

What would he do? Had he the motive...

...and the cue for passion I have?

He would have drowned the stage with tears...

and cleaved the general ear with horrid speech.

Made mad the guilty

and appall the free.

Confound the ignorant and amaze indeed

the very faculties of eyes and ears.

Yet I...

Yet Hamlet...

"A dull and muddy-mettled rascal

peak, like John-a-dreams,

unpregnant of my cause..."

I fear I might trip into an uncovered well and be lost, my dreams lost with me.

- And can say nothing. - Nothing.

"Nothing. No, not for a king...

"upon whose property and most dear life a damned defeat was made?"

Talk to me, Amr.

Play it with me.

Speak out.

Give it all you've got.

Take it from "Am I a coward?"

Ready, boss!

Am I a coward?

- Okay, roll it. - Who calls me villain?

Please, guys, help create a mood. Let's get it. We're ready.

Go easy on him.

"You're pigeon-livered, boy! You lack gall for revenge!"

Am I pigeon-livered and lack gall

to make oppression bitter?

Or ere this, I should have fattened

all the region's kites with this slave's offal.

"Bloody, bawdy villain!"

Bloody, bawdy villain!

Remorseless, treacherous,

lecherous, kindless villain!

Oh, vengeance!

Cut, we made it!

Oh, what a pity.

The licking we got for that film! We'll survive.

"You, an unweeded garden that grows to seed..."

"...things rank and gross in nature. Possess it merely."

Hamlet, act one, scene two. Bravo!

Why did you throw your acting career down the drain?

If Hamlet meant so much to you why didn't you act in it?

Why didn't you get it out from under your skin?

Why keep it inside all these years?

Why push someone else to play the role? Was it out of fear?

Why act it out by proxy?

It's like being in love and sending the milkman to do the loving!

- Amr swore he'd die for... - Amr isn't Hamlet. He's not you.

He's Amr! You're you, that's who!

And yoo-hoo?

Okay, cut, we made it!

If I were Amr, I'd kill you.

Who the hell asked you?

- So, I'm just the maestro's mirror? - That's right.

I prefer to think for myself.

Think? How interesting.

I'm body and mind, not a robot!

We all depend on each other.

Each with his own identity!

The identity which you showed in those TV series you made!

Run off with your exuberant identity and make some petrodollars!

They've corrupted you all and you stood there.

You stood there, helpless.

Where were you when the whole country fell apart?

Dreaming of Hamlet? Or crying over your dead leader?

Could that leader be you?

Yehia!

The presidency is on the line, they're calling for you.

We're all to meet with the minister.

- All eight of us. - At 1am?

- One last attempt. - The hour of truth!

- The hour of crime. - The hour of decisions.

Unconditional surrender! That's our stance.

Hurry up, they're expecting us!

Yehia...

Yehia...

You're only with us to get even with those who separated you from Amr.

And I'm only here to fill the gap he left.

I'm not a room for rent.

Nor a spare part!

We've been apart for ten years. The strike reunited us.

Will it take us another ten years to meet up again?

Do we have ten years to spare?

- Need me to drive you home? - My daughter brought her car.

Call me!

Be a sport. Close your suitcase and walk out again.

Re-enact the scene? Hand over a million dollars.

- If I don't shower fast... - I'm gonna die.

You're pulling a face. Aren't you happy it's over?

- Sure. - You don't look happy.

What does happy look like? We'll be duped again!

Not if we stick together. Shall I drive you home?

My friends are waiting.

I live in the suburbs, but thanks anyway.

Draw up your new law, the parliament will ratify it.

- How many are we? - Seventeen thousand.

Half of us with one foot in the grave.

- And another half undecided. - There are a good 3,000 militants.

- Much more. - Contact them, everyone must come.

- I'll find a place for our congress. - That won't be easy.

We've won the first round, let's go for the second.

- Right, Mr Minister? - There's no harm in trying.

I want the union premises empty in one hour.

First, we have to explain our agreement.

First get out and then explain it. You're the leaders.

Leaders? No, just representatives.

- I'm sure we can... - No, we can't.

Everyone has their own opinion and identity.

Nobody should decide for anybody else.

I'm leaving for Athens tomorrow.

Cop some money from my daughter. Filthy rich and stupid like her ma.

My big love is Alexandria.

Not Athens, not the Acropolis.

If you love it, you stay. If not, you fuck off.

I'll stay.

Please do.

The pastry shop, Athineos in Nabi Daniel Street. You know it?

The tea here's good enough.

I worked there for 14 years as a night watchman, got it?

Trace a line between Pompey's Pillar and the lighthouse.

What?

What was the Army Road called?

Rosetta Avenue. And under the Ptolemies, it was Canopic Way.

And at its intersection with Nabi Daniel?

- The pastry shop Athineos. - And buried just under Athineos?

The treasures of Alexander.

You are Stelio.

- Alexander's there! - Sipping tea?

Those creatures at the museum think that I left Egypt.

Not knowing that you're still searching for it.

- Are we going or not? - By all means.

- It's haywire! - Mental masturbation.

No, it's you! You've exorcised Hamlet and all your demi-gods.

Better late than never.

And two year's work gone up in smoke.

Not at all! The strike made us lighten our ranks.

The whole world knows now, and tomorrow, there's a great congress.

And we discovered Nadia, my alumna, a great actress!

- Stunning. - Brilliant.

Under great direction, she'll be a top actress.

Shakespeare's a gold mine. I know it well.

What's in there for her?

Antony and Cleopatra.

She'd die for it.

First, she needs to lose 12 pounds. No other commitments, even while I write.

- Dance, diction... - Tell her, not me!

You know she's disappeared.

Just click your heels three times and she'll show up.

At the congress, tomorrow.

She'll be there?

All contentions will be examined

before submitting our new law to the parliament.

Just a word to clarify things!

You've been talking for hours...

A shot of him too?

I want to say something.

He's playing their game, wasting time.

- Caution him. - Hear me out, please.

Where were you during our three months without sleep?

Discussing every syllable? Stop nit-picking, son!

Either they'll pass our law as it is or they'll wear us down to the bone.

We'll take down your remarks and to hell with unanimity!

Put on the zoom, please.

There's not enough light.

I know. I want the zoom.

He wants the zoom.

He's crazy.

My friends...

My colleagues...

What I want to say is simple.

Since you all agree that the law's okay as it is

and I love and respect everyone here,

and since we all want unanimity,

I'll withdraw my criticisms. Let's all fight as one!

I thank you and praise your sense of solidarity.

Unanimity!

The vote is now unanimous!

Three thousand four hundred votes!

One will, one heart!

♪ My country, my country

♪ I offer you my heart and soul

♪ My country, my country

♪ I offer you my heart and soul

♪ Egypt, mother of nations

♪ You are my dream and my hope

♪ Your wisdom and generosity

♪ Have cradled the whole world

♪ My country, my country

♪ I offer you my heart and soul

♪ My country, my country

♪ I offer you my heart and soul

♪ Egypt, mother of nations

♪ I want to live among you

♪ Free and glowing

♪ Run my life in my own way

♪ But, please, no idealization

♪ Let love be your guide ♪ To this wondrous revelation

♪ I want to live among you

♪ Free and glowing ♪ Run my life in my own way

♪ But, please, no idealization

♪ Let love be your guide

♪ To this wondrous revelation

♪ Resplendent love

♪ Is a divine endowment

♪ Alone, it can make us

♪ One being

♪ Me

♪ Me... ♪

IN TRIBUTE TO ALL THE EGYPTIAN MOVIE MAKERS AND ARTISTS' FIGHT FOR DEMOCRACY.