Original subtitles

This "Madonna and Child,"

like the painting I just compared

with the one from St. Bernard and St. Lucilla,

was in the main chapel of San Donato al Ponte

and until recently was attributed

to Agnolo Salimbeni.

But Miroslav Kostivitz's studies

published in 1974 in the third issue

of "The Burlington Magazine"

show that the artist from Arezzo had nothing to do with this work.

I think it could actually be

Boniforte da Barga's work,

with whose paintings this "Madonna and Child"

shows, in my opinion, surprising affinities.

Take for example "Saint George and the Dragon,"

which critics attribute

to Boniforte.

Notice the landscape,

the attitude in which the figures are portrayed,

and, above all, the princess's face.

As you can see, her features

and those of the Madonna

resemble each other so much

that it's probable Boniforte

used the same model for both works.

Certainly, during that time, Boniforte was in contact

with the Annunziata Convent prior,

as we can see from a document

dated March 13th, 1426,

which orders the payment of 200 genovini

to Magister Boniforte da Barga,

painter.

Without detailing all the transformations

this historic building has undergone,

I wanted to show you the plans

of what remains today

of the ancient convent's chapel.

Right now, I'm collaborating

on restorations

that have uncovered a fresco.

If we're lucky, it might turn out

to be by Boniforte.

This is a truly exhaustive study

that the candidate has carried out seriously,

courageously venturing into the complex field

of the attribution of artworks.

DAYS AND CLOUDS

Good girl.

I think they realized what was going on.

Of course not! I didn't.

I was in total panic. Luckily, I remembered a little detail...

what are we doing here?

You always liked it.

Yes, of course, but...

It's always nice.

If I were 20, I wouldn't have graduated with outstanding praise.

Stop going on about your age! You were simply great.

All right.

What's this?

We're going to Cambodia. That's my gift.

So what? Besides,

I don't know if we'll be able to fly on the 27th.

Isn't it already organized?

There's a problem at work.

Anyway, we're going. Open it!

- What's the matter? - Nothing, we're definitely going.

Come on, open it. We're going.

- They're antique. - They're lovely.

- Hold this. - Beautiful, aren't they?

Fantastic! Look.

You're beautiful, Professor.

Thank you.

When do Nadia and Fabrizio expect us?

Around 9:00 at the restaurant.

I have to take these shoes off and have a shower.

- I'm so proud of you! - So that's why you disappeared.

- Hi, Jacopo. - Congratulations!

- Daddy, why did you invite Jacopo? - He's a friend.

It's like a high school party. That's great.

You're an accomplice too.

- I was the first one! - You bowled the examiners over.

- You always exaggerate. - Come and change.

- See you later! - Later.

# I was asking my mother about you... #

- You're here too! - Could we have missed out?

Your favorite ex-coworkers.

- You shouldn't have! - Your sister from Hamburg...

- she swore she was coming. - Thanks, it's really beautiful.

You're nuts! Look what you've done.

Dori!

- Good evening. - Good evening.

- Hi. - Where were you?

I got out late. For your mom.

She's over there.

- Hello, Riki. - Congratulations.

- Thanks. - This is for you.

Thank you.

- Aren't you going to open it? - Later, when it's quieter.

It's okay, the battery's charged.

#... The moon hanging on the wall #

# I get thirsty at night... #

Now it's time.

# Let me drink, my love, let me drink. #

Will you excuse me? I've been told

that our hostess wants to sing.

Why don't you sing something for us?

- # I'll hug you hard... # - Whoo!

# I swear I'll hurt you bad #

# And at night I'll start to burn #

# I'll be your star #

# Start walking, hurry, go! #

# 'Cause now I'm coming too #

# Darling, go, step on the gas! #

Good job, Elsa!

# The heat under my skin #

# Makes me see the stars #

# Burst together with me. #

- Fuck! - Elsa? Everything okay?

Damn it!

What are you doing?

Come on, sweetie, let's go. Let's go.

Be careful.

Thanks, darling.

It was a wonderful party.

All my friends were there, all our friends.

I had a great time.

Everybody we know was there.

Roberto didn't come.

- He couldn't make it. - How come?

I don't know, Elsa. I don't understand why.

Are you offended?

Come on, he must have been busy. Let's forgive him.

# I'll hug you hard! #

# I swear I'll hurt you bad. #

Shall we go to sleep?

- Are you sleepy? - It's very late.

We stayed up very late.

# I'll hug you hard! #

Oh God! Shit!

You could have just turned it off.

- Come here. - Tomorrow I'll glue it all together.

Oh, man.

Ow!

Oh, fuck.

- Good morning, Daisy. - Good morning, ma'am.

- Did you hurt yourself? - It's nothing, just a scratch.

What a mess. Sorry.

We'll get it all cleaned up.

Shall I make coffee?

Mr. Michele already made it.

- My husband is still at home? - Yes, in the study.

Really?

Michele, you don't feel well?

No, I'm fine.

Why are you here?

What happened to you?

I cut myself on the glass from the lamp.

- Does it hurt? - It's nothing.

What's going on?

I have to tell you something.

I waited till now 'cause I didn't want to distract you,

- 'cause I didn't want... - Tell me.

We can't go to Cambodia.

Why not?

I haven't worked for two months.

Weren't things going better with this new partner? What was his name?

You don't understand. They got rid of me.

What do you mean?

Morelli agreed with Roberto and they pushed me out of Miramar.

The company is yours. How could they do that?

No, it belonged to the three of us.

You know Roberto is weak.

Since Morelli arrived, everything has changed.

He convinced Roberto to fire people,

diversify and move all the production abroad

against my own will.

Roberto and I have always done things a certain way.

You know how I feel about things. I found myself isolated,

disagreeing on everything.

And by being in the minority,

the company is in their hands.

- They can't do that! - Yes, they can.

They resigned, we voted for a new board of directors

and they only re-elected themselves.

That's absurd!

How could Roberto agree to that?

Did you speak to him?

Have you two talked alone?

I don't see him anymore.

- Don't you meet him in the office? - I don't go there anymore.

- Since when? - Two months!

But I'm looking for another job,

I've had interviews, sent CVs.

I'm looking around.

You didn't tell me anything. It's absurd!

- Now what? - Nothing.

I'll find a new job and I'll take care of stuff.

That's it.

Then...

Then?

Then there is the issue with the house.

- What house? - This one.

Remember I used it to guarantee the bank loan

when we increased the company capital?

More or less. So what?

The lawyer suggested

that as long as I'm in debt with the bank

my hands are tied and I can't even sue those assholes.

Wait a minute.

What do you mean?

Do we have to sell the house?

We'll find another one. We can rent one.

Forgive me, Elsa. I wanted to wait until you graduated.

It's late.

Elsa, don't worry. It's just a bad time.

It's very late. I really must go.

Hi!

Good girl!

So?

What did I tell you?

Congratulations. You must tell me everything. I'm so scared!

You'll do well too.

How's it going here?

Come and see.

Look what we found

while you were getting your degree.

Look at these areas of color.

Beautiful.

Too bad you're leaving, this is the best bit.

I don't know if I'm going now.

Really? How come?

- Aren't you taking the trip? - We may put it off.

I'll continue up there.

Are you going to tell me something about your exam?

I was really scared!

What was the board like?

Michele?

Good evening. Mrs. Oliveri?

Nice to meet you. Buoncompagni.

I'm showing the apartment to Mr. and Mrs. Melzi.

It's very well kept. My compliments.

Good evening.

Good evening.

Allow me to introduce you... Mrs. Oliveri, the owner of the house.

Yes, we agree.

- You could've warned me. - Fine, thank you.

By tomorrow, yes. Certainly, thanks.

Goodbye.

I've had a job offer.

A radiator company

is looking for a production manager.

I don't know much about it,

but for some reason they trust me.

Good.

The salary isn't amazing...

more or less half of what I used to earn...

three weeks of vacation a year,

my boss is 15 years younger than me.

15 years younger.

Isn't there anything better?

It's the first real offer I've had.

I have to give an answer by tomorrow morning and I can't decide.

What do you think?

What do you want me to say?

You're wasted in a job like that.

At least if it was in the boating business...

True, but I know it'll be tough to stay in that business.

I've already tried to talk to all my competitors.

They pat me on the back but no definite offers.

I don't know, let's wait. There'll be other offers.

It must have been a horrible day for you.

You could've warned me about them.

I should have told you earlier. You are right.

You should have told me two months ago.

You should have told me right away, because this way,

all of a sudden, all at the same time...

- I'm sorry. - I don't know anything

about the house, the mortgage,

how much money we have, if any.

I've been thinking about it all day.

How much do we spend?

- How much do we need a month? - Calm down, Elsa.

I hate not knowing things. You must tell me everything.

Excuse me, we're done.

- Is tomorrow at 3:00 all right? - Yes, I'll show you the way out.

It was a fund, Elsa. I sold it a long time ago.

We had to give Alice her share for the restaurant, remember?

Okay.

So all we have left is 21,575 euros?

There's also the house and I know there's the mortgage,

but the sale price is good. You should not worry.

I should not worry.

You haven't earned your salary in months.

We kept living as if nothing had happened.

We went to Tunisia. We bought another computer.

We lived like we always have! Why didn't you tell me?

If I'd told you before, would we have solved anything?

Okay. Now tell me.

These are our expenses, right?

Yes. So 850 euros for the mortgage,

then service charges, cleaning lady, various expenses totaling 4,000 euros.

- 4,000 euros? - Everything included...

bills, cell phones, car, dock fees,

the boat and also my father's expenses.

That's a lot of money. In five months we'll be broke.

Try to at least be a bit more optimistic.

So I am a pessimist now. Am I a pessimist?

No!

I'll find a job.

Meanwhile we'll move and cut expenses.

Things will work out, you'll see.

I have to go back to work, right?

- You are already working. - Too bad I never get paid.

You will soon. You even graduated.

Maybe in a year, maybe never. Alice is here.

- Hi. - Hi, Alice.

- Is she sleeping here? - I don't know.

What's this, the five-year plan?

With all those children dying of hunger in the world...

If you feel like preaching,

start with Riki, Mr. Indifference,

or have you already decided he's a lost cause?

Are you nuts, Dad? I was kidding.

What the fuck do you know about Riki anyway?

He's worked since he was 16, and he doesn't owe anything to anyone.

The shop is his father's, isn't it?

If it weren't for Riki, his father would still be selling blenders!

A real child prodigy.

- He's not an intellectual. So what? - So nothing.

But you gave Jacopo a hard time 'cause he didn't read Thomas Bernhard.

Forget Jacopo!

Enough, both of you. You bore me to death.

Mom, he started it. I was fine when I got here.

What would you have done if you weren't fine, throw a grenade?

I think it's better

if I stay at Riki's for a bit.

That way we're all happier, no?

You'll be happy.

If you want to go to Riki's, go,

but don't act like the one who got thrown out of her parents' place!

Fine. And excuse me for saying so,

but you could have been more enthusiastic about his gift.

Do you know how much the UMTS cost?

- The UM... what? - The cell phone.

So what? I did thank him.

Do you have to thank more or less now

depending on the price tag?

He didn't even buy it... he sells them.

You really are an asshole, Dad.

- She doesn't know, does she? - Alice? Are you nuts?

- We'll have to tell her soon. - We won't tell her anything.

Bye.

Alice doesn't live here anymore.

Let's eat something.

Wait, there's something I don't get.

The party, the group,

the waiters, these earrings...

- how much did you spend? - All that was left!

Tomorrow, bread and onions. All right?

Hi, Roberto.

Elsa, how are you?

That was Morelli, wasn't it?

Yes.

How's Michele?

What do you think?

I know what you're thinking.

We started when we were 20, and it's not easy for me either.

I can imagine.

Do you know for how long we hadn't drawn our salaries before Morelli came onboard?

Michele told me.

He wanted Morelli onboard too. You know that, right?

Yes, but he didn't think you'd turn against him.

He said no to everything!

He said things would work out,

that it was just a matter of time,

but he knew that if we didn't find a solution,

- we would have gone under. - It depends on what solutions, right?

It depends who is involved. It depends on if friends are involved.

I'm sorry, no.

If he would have had some ideas... but nothing!

If it was up to him, everything would have gone to hell!

How can you say that?

You know Michele, you know what he thinks.

I have two families to support, remember?

Luisa, the boys, the house,

Giovanna, Matteo, another house.

I can support shit with his ideals!

- So that's a possibility? - Yes, it is.

The savings, as I told you, would be around 30%.

The trouble is that it would be difficult, knowing him,

to share his space with someone else.

- Okay. - Let me know.

Thank you. Goodbye.

Hi.

- Is everything all right? - With me, yes,

but Sara is on her way out.

Which one is Sara?

I can't remember

who was my second mate on the Victoria.

- Wasn't it Pozzati? - No.

The truth is that when you're born,

all they teach you is to mind your own business.

There's no civic sense.

- No manners either. - Are you talking to me?

Yes, Fabrizio was telling us something and you interrupted.

- That's not true! - Actually, it is.

- I believe she's right. - Come on, tell us.

We got a new system for cataloguing the warehouse

and the warehouse clerk, Antonio...

- remember him? - Yes.

- he's never learned how to use a computer.

He does everything with pen and paper, if you can believe that.

- Do you have to fire him? - I'm afraid so.

But he'll get a big severance check. He's going into early retirement.

If I could find him a little job,

even part-time...

maybe you need an odd-job man?

Maybe you could talk to the others.

I can ask them, of course.

Yes, but no obligation.

Antonio's a really valuable guy.

If we don't give him a hand...

No, Michele. No way. Come on!

Why should you always pay?

In fact. Let's split it in half, please.

- Michele, next time... - Okay.

...it'll be on us.

- Shall we go by Porta Soprana? - No.

- It's nicer there, come on. - I said no.

- Why? - Because I want to go home.

- What's the matter? - Nothing.

Is it because I paid for dinner?

Do you think we have money to throw away?

Let's stop eating out then.

Who organized the evening? Me?

Now it's my fault?

What do you want me to do?

Tell Fabrizio and Nadia that they have to pay because we're broke?

Do you want me to do that?

I don't want us to do things we can't afford.

190 euros won't solve anything, or do you think they will?

Stop it!

I don't give a damn about the 200 euros.

What I care about is that you don't have a job and I don't earn anything,

and that soon we won't have a house anymore.

And we cannot even talk about it with our friends.

I told you it'll all work out.

How the fuck can you be so sure?

I can't go on pretending. I'm scared.

- Don't be. - I'm terrified.

If we pretend nothing's wrong, others will pretend too,

- like that asshole Roberto. - What's he got to do with it?

- I went to see him. - What?

Why didn't you tell me?

Look who's talking!

- When did you go? - I don't know. Tuesday.

Why, Elsa?

I wanted to look him in the eyes and understand what happened.

Do you think it was my fault?

Do you really want to hear what I think?

You're a pain in the ass

and that we should have accepted that ride that Fabrizio offered,

because my foot still hurts.

- Still? - Yes.

What are you doing? Are you nuts?

- Put me down! - So I'm a pain in the ass?

No no no. Put me down!

Michele.

Daisy's leaving.

Permanently?

Yes, she's already got another job.

They need her full time.

She wants her severance pay.

She's right.

I know.

I told her to get it calculated. It's about 6,200 euros.

Fuck.

I'll ask if I can give her some now

and the rest in a month.

Maybe you'll have a job by then.

It's all right.

Let's sell the boat. Let's give her her money, period.

Do you really want to sell it?

You told me we won't make much by selling it.

True, but there's no sense keeping it.

I'm sorry.

So am I.

Elsa, about the dinner at the Marinis...

I don't want to go.

I don't want to pretend. I don't want to lie.

Okay.

What's up, Dad?

How come you're not at work?

I've taken a sabbatical. And you?

I had a fight with Riki. Are you glad?

You don't get it. You think I'm glad if you're unhappy?

I think I should be happy

- the way you want me to be. - Alice, what should I do?

Act like people who say,

"If you're happy, that's enough for me"?

Do you want a dad like that?

I will admit, though, I imagined someone different for you.

You always have to imagine everything for everyone.

Why don't you relax, Dad? You'd live better

and make others around you live better too.

What does "better" mean: superficially,

without accepting your own responsibility?

That's the result of never opposing anything in this country.

Not the political speech! I haven't even had my coffee.

Oh, sorry. The political speech. Sorry.

Want some too?

Well, maybe half a cup.

With that disgusting sweetener?

Not the health speech.

What's there?

There is...

There's something underneath here.

Elsa, come and look at this.

What is it? A dolphin?

No. It's a little bird, can't you see?

- It could be a goldfinch. - So?

So there could be a Nativity under here.

How come?

Sometimes it appears as a Nativity symbol.

Well, it certainly appears in the Madonna and Child.

Wait.

It could also be an Adoration of the Magi, no?

Let's first try to understand

what kind of bird it is, and then we can start guessing, okay?

My role evolved in the last 10 years

as the firm expanded and the turnover increased...

in production, obviously.

The commercial side is not for me.

I'd say it's all clear.

I don't have anything suitable

for a man of your experience,

but your details will be inserted into our database.

I guarantee that you'll get special consideration.

- I have a question. - Of course.

I realize my age might be an obstacle...

That's no longer true. Excuse me for interrupting.

Companies look for experience when filling certain roles.

You might need to be flexible

where salary is concerned,

of course.

I kind of wonder if I should lower my expectations.

In my situation,

maybe I should be happy with a bit less.

No, you shouldn't, believe me.

It would be a mistake to voluntarily undersell yourself.

Also remember that firms

aren't interested in hiring someone

who could eventually cause trouble because they're dissatisfied.

Among your personal characteristics

you indicated mental flexibility.

Can you give me an example?

Well, in my previous job there were many kinds of problems...

in an airport, emergencies are the order of the day.

Listen. How about doing a trial call?

What do you mean?

You call me at home and try to sell me a subscription

to a women's weekly at half the newsstand price.

A pretend call?

Yes yes. Ring ring. The phone's ringing.

Okay.

Hello. Good morning, ma'am.

I'm calling to offer you a subscription to a women's weekly,

"Snow White Today."

I'm not interested and I don't want to spend money.

It's very reasonable,

half the newsstand price.

Michele.

Here you are.

Jump in, I'll take you for a cruise.

- Don't we have to move? - There's time. We're going out now.

They hired me at a call center...

a month's trial.

It's only three hours a day,

and I can fit in the restoration too.

I'll get 500 euros a month.

Is it really necessary?

Yes, it is.

How about these?

Well...

throw them away. They're old.

The pictures?

Better keep them.

So you came here instead of going to work?

Yes, here too... my floating office.

That's why you always told me to call your cell phone.

What an idiot! Why didn't I understand?

I only did it so you could study in peace.

Do you know what I thought when I saw your face that morning?

What?

"Here we go again... another woman."

Not again. It was six years ago.

I remember your face clearly... it was identical.

Actually,

maybe I'd have preferred it.

I don't believe you.

Well, I wouldn't have preferred it.

Shall we go?

Sir! Mr. Olivieri!

Oh... Vito, good morning.

- How are you? - Fine.

- Do you remember Luciano? - Of course.

- Hello, sir, everything okay? - My wife Elsa.

- How do you do? - Good morning.

- How are things going? - So-so.

Luciano found a job but... but it didn't work out.

It lasted a month.

The owner's brother-in-law arrived and he told him,

"What can I do? He's my wife's brother."

Sorry to hear that. Nothing else has turned up?

We're on unemployment.

How come you're out here, loaded down like that?

I'm selling my boat. It's getting a bit old

and these aren't exactly

times of plenty.

Sir, we wanted to call you

several times.

We heard you left the company

and that you didn't agree on lots of things

and we wanted to thank you.

I only did what seemed right.

Do you think that counts for nothing?

Not that it helped much.

Can I buy you a drink?

- No. Not now. - Maybe some other time,

- duty calls. - Do you fish here at the port?

The mullet bite like a dream here.

You have to leave us at least one pleasure in life!

Please come in.

Mr. Oliveri?

Good morning. Please sit down.

A wonderful bath with essential oils, a wide choice of treatments.

For example, balsamic, relaxing,

energizing, winding-down.

So you don't have a bathtub?

Mrs. Donata, if you look on the next page of our catalogue

I'd advise you to try our body creams.

They're full of dietary minerals to keep your skin soft and supple.

I guarantee that after a shower, they're ideal.

I'm starting to hallucinate.

- Bye, Elsa. - Bye, Cristina. See you tomorrow.

Can I borrow your car then?

Don't you want lunch?

- I have to go to the restoration. - Not even half an hour?

Absolutely nothing happened.

It was as if I hadn't gone.

Why? What did they tell you?

First, he was impressed with my tie,

then he asked me if I thought I was satisfied about my life,

and then... listen to this one...

"How big should the slice of life dedicated to work be?"

What did you say?

It depends on the cake.

Are you crazy?

Anyway, the morning's over.

Now I have to survive the afternoon.

It's Nadia.

She keeps calling me.

Elsa, do you remember Claudio,

my friend, the architect?

Yes.

Remember that I loaned him 6,000,000 liras?

Yes. Didn't he give them back?

No.

I know it wouldn't help much,

and it also makes me feel very embarrassed...

But it's fair, though.

There's nothing wrong with asking for it back.

I know.

Going to a friend to ask for money after so many years,

for 3,000 euros.

But we need them, Michele.

I know. I know.

Do you feel like coming to see the fresco?

Come on. I'm late.

- Are you ready? - Yes.

- Here's the coffee. - Thanks.

We work like slaves.

You too, I guess, like everybody else.

Thank God I like what I do, otherwise I'd die.

On holiday I sleep for the first three days.

I might as well leave three days later.

Listen, Claudio,

do you remember that I lent you some money a few years ago,

- 6,000,000 liras? - Of course I remember,

when I opened my office. Why?

I wondered

if you could give it back to me.

I already gave it back.

- You're kidding. - No.

I gave it back to you

about a year later.

I remember it well... I was working

on Bortolotto's house.

I may have given it to you in cash.

No, you didn't pay me back.

I assure you that I gave it back.

You're wrong. You gave me nothing.

No, you are wrong.

For example, we have several vacancies for hotel work,

even spot contracts for two days,

like Monday, Tuesday.

Take a seat.

Front office, phone operator,

receptionist.

Giving out room keys?

Everything that has to do with the desk.

But if you don't like that option, you can indicate it on the appropriate form.

But consider that since we're the first ones to be flexible,

we insist on a certain flexibility as well.

I understand. Only hotel work?

No, also data entry, accounting, sales,

administrative, secretarial,

doorman in buildings or firms

or private chauffeur, courier.

- Do you drive? - Yes.

I'm not clear about something though, have you lost your job?

You found a parking space right in front of the house.

That's a dream nowadays.

Yes. The view sure is marvelous.

Excuse me.

So is the heating autonomous?

Yes, and the boiler was upgraded less than a year ago.

The kitchen is over here.

Nadia, how are you?

Yes, everything's fine.

No, forgive me. My cell phone's faulty...

it doesn't show who's called me.

I feel much better.

It's just that the restoration's going really quickly

and I've no time for anything.

- Good evening. - Good evening.

This is Mrs. Parodi. Mr. Oliveri, the owner of the house.

- Nice to meet you. - We were just about to leave.

I need to talk to you for a moment.

Sure. I'll finish with the lady and be right with you.

- All right. Bye. - Bye.

- What's happening? - What do you mean?

Why can't you manage to sell this house?

A lot of people are interested,

but they balk at the price.

You made the estimate.

It's also a question of time.

If you need an urgent sale...

How much should we lower the price?

At least 100.

100 what?

100,000 euros less.

Maybe you'd like to think about it.

Good night.

Bye.

Why don't we eat out?

Yes.

This is for Mom and this is for you.

Didn't Jacopo take your wine order?

Not yet, but don't worry.

You look cute in the candlelight.

It feels weird. I cooked her meals for years, now she's serving us food.

Feels weird to me too. Actually, it pisses me off.

Don't start.

To think of how hard you worked for your degree

when she could take it easy,

she could study, travel, have fun,

but she's waiting tables here.

She's not a waitress, she's half-owner.

Please, stop it.

I've brought you the wine myself.

That's enough.

- It's very good. - I brought the most expensive one.

Serving tables in an apron. That's my daughter.

Then there's my wife, cooped up in some dump

with loads of people, selling ham, creams

and who the fuck knows what else.

That's enough.

You're right. Enough.

At least you two do something. You do what you can.

I haven't done a fucking thing in months. I don't earn. I don't produce.

Michele, you're looking for work.

Cut it out, please.

Eat. Alice is looking at us.

I'm an idiot. That radiator company job...

I shouldn't have said no.

We said no. It was a mutual decision.

You weren't involved.

Keep your voice down.

Rosemary.

How do we cook it?

Poached squash with garlic.

Look at the TV camera, chef, don't look at me.

Poached squash with garlic...

Give me something, anything.

What have you got available today?

- Yes? - Parcel service.

I have an envelope to deliver.

He's always there, every time! I just don't understand.

It's like all of a sudden

I decided to open a store with my ex!

You'd jump for joy, right?

Michele, Alice is here.

- Is she? - She says she saw you on a scooter,

delivering packages. Was it you?

Yes, it was me.

Why?

They offered it and I accepted. That's all.

- Where's Alice? - In there.

I told her everything. I couldn't stand it anymore.

- How did she take it? - She's shocked.

We should have told her right away. She's very worried.

I want to give back the money you lent me.

I'll sell my share of the business.

Not gonna happen. It wasn't a loan, it was for your studies.

You decided to open a restaurant. End of story.

You won't even let anybody help you.

Right, let's see how you'd help me.

- I could ask Riki, he's bound to have... - Great!

I'll be a salesman in Riki's shop,

your mom can dress the window, then all of us together,

you, me, Riki, Riki's grandfather...

He can't treat me like a child.

He always makes cracks about Riki.

He's my boyfriend. I don't care if you two don't like him!

I like him. Dad!

Riki would never get himself into this kind of mess!

- You can cope by yourself? - Stop it!

Mom working in a call center and you delivering packages!

- Wow, you're doing a great job at coping. - Alice!

And let's not tell anyone or we'll look like idiots.

- Don't talk to me like that! - I'll say what I fucking want!

Fuck you!

Alice! Wait, come on!

Michele.

Darling, please don't do this.

I've messed everything up.

Please, stop it. Stop it.

Nice place, isn't it?

Ever since you called me, I've been waiting to hug you.

Forgive me, Nadia,

I didn't want to lie to you.

I just thought...

it would all work out.

Of course it will. Everything will be all right.

I asked to do an extra shift.

Why did you wait so long?

Why didn't you ask me for help?

I was ashamed, Nadia.

I'm sorry.

Sir?

Please.

Hello, Michele.

Roberto.

- Come in. - Give it to me please.

Some water please, Rita.

How's Elsa?

Fine. And Giovanna?

Fine.

Listen, Roberto.

I know your choices

were imposed by necessity

and maybe our tempers

got the better of us.

And so...

perhaps we should reconsider our relationship.

- Here's the water. - Thank you.

I certainly didn't expect to hear this.

Life's full of surprises.

Of course, now the situation's a bit different.

And the new organization...

you know that Morelli's

changing the structure completely.

We're aiming

for compactness

and we have to be united

and firm on everything.

You should see yourself.

You're terrified.

Don't hide behind Morelli.

It's you.

It's you who's acting like a piece of shit and you know it.

I'm in deep shit,

but you really are a piece of shit

and I don't even know why the fuck I came!

Now I recognize it. I recognize

the old dick-head.

- You had me fooled for a second. - Now you've pissed me off!

Michele?

Michele.

Wait, Luciano.

Careful.

Watch out for the door.

Let's put this in the middle. Then we'll see.

Excuse me, wait a second. Can I go through?

Luciano, go back!

Let's find a place for it right now.

Elsa, it'll never fit. There's no room.

Should we sell this one too?

Will you please make up your minds?

- Yes. - Okay. Let me through.

Luciano, go back again.

Alice called earlier. She told me to give you a kiss.

She doesn't call me, does she?

You could call her.

Maybe with earplugs we'd be able to sleep. What do you think?

Remember that house at Santarém?

We got there late at night,

then the next morning we took a boat

and the boatman said,

"You're staying there.

This house will fall apart soon." Remember?

I wonder if it's still standing or if it's just rubble.

Brazil. What a wonderful trip.

Elsa...

we'll make this place nice, you'll see.

Why is this taking longer than yesterday?

This room's bigger.

Well, we don't have anything else to do.

The longer it takes, the better.

But the money's the same, Luciano.

- Sorry, but l... - He's not talking about that.

Luciano never talks about money, don't worry. Seriously.

This kitchen's kind of small. And dark, too.

Why the hell didn't they make an opening in this wall?

We could put a table there. It'd be nicer, wouldn't it?

You know, Mr. Oliveri, that's a great idea.

Eh, Luciano? What's to stop us?

- What do you want to do? - We're deciding whether to make a hole.

It might be a load-bearing wall.

- You think so? - Load-bearing.

- It's about 10cm thick. - No more than that.

- What if there are pipes? - Going where, Luciano?

The bathroom's on the other side.

Well, maybe we should ask the owner.

For a permit? Well, in that case...

Most of the time, if they're improvements...

It isn't load-bearing.

This part's still at an intermediate stage

and here there's just a sinopia.

Who knows if the central part was finished?

I wonder what the face is like.

Girls, I'm too curious.

Don't know about you, but I'm staying late.

Then I'll stay too. I just have to make a phone call.

Lucky you. I don't even have to bother.

Sandra, I can't stay this evening.

Okay. Next time.

There'll soon be another chance.

Actually, I think I'll have to stop coming.

What are you talking about, Elsa?

Are you kidding?

It's a difficult situation. I'll explain some other time.

- Good evening. - Good evening to you.

Almost finished?

We need another day.

- I know it's a nuisance. - No, not at all.

What floor are you working on?

The third. Will you excuse me?

- Oh, the third one. - Goodbye.

- Good evening, ma'am. - Good evening.

- Wait, let me help you. - Thank you.

- Hi, how are you? Tired? - So-so.

- What about you? - Fine.

Vito and Luciano are real professionals.

You're too nice!

- Good evening. - Good evening.

Whose idea was it?

It won't stay like this, it needs more work.

Well, we can put a shelf here.

There you go! I knew the lady would like it!

Fortunately.

For example, I've never done

wallpapering or plastering.

Thanks.

Anyway... thank you...

this counts as skills

down at the job center.

What do you mean?

I'm registered at the employment agency, right?

But while I'm waiting for work,

I do the job center courses.

They help us not to give up or get depressed.

Every once in a while, they even find you a job.

There are lots of us. It's like going to school.

There are the troublemakers, the ones who come once and never come back.

They lie to their wives and go to the beach instead.

There are also managers, but they do separate courses.

Everyone has their own skills.

How can you do anything else?

Well, we all have other skills too.

Somehow you learn what they are.

You could be a welder, but you might be good at cooking too,

so you find work in a restaurant.

If I could cook like you, ma'am, I'd have found a job ages ago.

This pasta is wonderful.

My compliments. Very good.

- Don't overdo it. Is it really good? - Yes. Delicious.

See you tomorrow then?

Okay, Mr. Oliveri. Thanks.

Sorry, sir.

This is a bit embarrassing.

Could you advance us 100 euros?

Of course, Vito. I'll be right back.

Thank you.

Elsa,

do you have 100 euros for Vito?

He asked me for an advance.

Yes, sure, in my purse there.

- Here you go. - Thanks, sir.

- Good night. - Good night to both of you.

Let me do it.

Listen, Michele, I was thinking.

Since you aren't getting many interviews

and everything's at a standstill...

We decided that I'd take care of moving,

of the house, doing work here.

- I know, that's what we said. - So?

Maybe in the meantime,

these courses for managers that Vito mentioned,

might be a good way for you to meet other people,

- talk to them. - We just had dinner with two people

and talked to them, didn't we?

We're all in the same boat, aren't we?

No, I'm sorry. No.

Sure, they're nice and kind, whatever you want,

but they used to be your ex-employees.

It doesn't make much difference for them to be cooks or laborers,

but it does for you, damn it!

You don't go out anymore. You don't see anybody anymore.

How do you see it then?

You suggest I go and take a course for unemployed managers?

Is that how you see it?

I've had another job offer, as secretary

in a naval brokers' office

from 6:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

They pay well and I can still keep the call center job.

And what about your restoring work?

How can you even think I can keep that on?!

When a fax or email arrives,

all you have to do is advise whoever's on duty.

If they ask you to take it to them, do it,

otherwise put it with the incoming mail.

Then there's the telephone.

If it rings at this hour, 90% of the time you'll have to speak English.

But you don't have problem, right?

No problem at all.

I'm available to help you with anything.

I'm just pregnant, not sick.

Call whenever you want, okay?

For example, this is a draft of the Hong Kong contract.

We have to notify Salviati right away.

He's the agent on duty in the evening.

- Why don't you call him? - Me?

Yes. Dial extension 3-2-5.

- 3-2-5. - Perfect.

- Salviati? - Salviati.

I'm making a hot drink. Would you like something?

- Yes, a coffee, thanks. - One for me too, thanks.

Oh, I apologize, I didn't hear you answer.

- This is not Cristina. - No, I'm her substitute,

- but I start tomorrow. - Oh, yes! Because of the baby.

- Well, good luck then. - Thanks, good luck to you too.

- Talk to you later. - Okay.

- Yes? - Salviati speaking.

- How may I help you? - Did you need anything when you called?

Oh yes,

the draft of the Hong Kong contract has arrived.

Yes, good. I'll check it later.

- Keep it there, please. - Of course. That's fine, sir.

How stupid of me.

- Here. How many sugars? - One.

- You answer. It'll be Salviati. - Me?

Again?

- Yes? - It's me again.

You didn't tell me your name.

- Elsa. - Thank you, Elsa.

You're welcome. Good evening.

Thanks.

...an estimate since the job will last more.

- Hi. Good evening, Vito. - Good evening, ma'am.

I'm sorry it's so late. We're almost done.

How did it go?

I'm dead tired,

but go ahead. I'm going to bed.

Remember the retired man, the one with the dog? The nice one?

- He's asked us to do his kitchen over. - Really?

He thinks we're professionals.

Really? Poor guy!

- Not because of you, Vito. - Because of me.

So?

So let's add another half-day, sir.

- Four, five hours, not more. - Yeah.

- That should be enough. - So how much should we ask for then?

I'm no good at this.

Don't worry, I'll do it.

It's far. The office is at the port.

Yes?

Careful, Luciano.

Sir, did Luciano tell you the news?

- What news? - He's going to be a grandfather.

Congratulations, Luciano!

Yes. Too bad there's no father.

Luciano, come on.

As my wife would say, that's not necessarily a disadvantage.

You need to introduce me to your wife.

- Sure. - Good morning, sir.

Good morning. How are things going?

Pretty well, I'd say.

We put everything in the middle, like you said,

and we're putting the shelf in the hall.

Yes, but no more than two days though.

Sure, unless you want us to give the bathroom a coat of paint.

It wouldn't hurt.

- I can't spend any more money. - We'll meet you halfway...

Since we're already at it.

Believe me. Let's go take a look at the bathroom.

- Seriously. - Let's take a look at it.

It will only be one more day at the most.

Certainly with a nice coat of paint...

Look at the mold.

- It's not load-bearing, is it? - Luciano.

Bye, see you later.

How much time do we have?

I have to be at the office by 6:00.

We can go for a stroll in the town center.

No. I'm going to take you somewhere.

- Feel like it? - Yes.

You can give it to me next time.

I want you to read it right away. I only have half a page left.

Done.

It's wonderful.

Thanks.

It's been so long since I last came here.

I didn't remember how beautiful it was.

Nadia came to the bistro yesterday.

Why don't you call her? She's your friend. She cares about you.

I know, but right now

everything exhausts me.

How's Dad?

Pretty good.

He's doing odd jobs with Vito and Luciano.

- His former employees? - Yes.

They paint, put up shelves.

I don't know how he feels.

They called him for an interview, a cookie factory.

Let's hope it goes well.

And how are you?

So-so.

What about you? Everything okay with Riki?

Yes.

When you finish the book, will you give it to Dad?

Yes. Except by the time I finish it,

it'll be Easter.

Goodbye.

- Good morning. - Good morning, ma'am.

- Can I help you? - I'd like some ricotta.

How much?

- There's two of us. - 200g?

Sure.

By the way,

are you Mr. Oliveri?

Yes.

Mr. Terzetti was very pleased

with the work you did at his house.

I'm glad.

Are you expensive?

I wouldn't say so.

I need to repaper my living room

and put up shelves, but my budget's limited.

How much will it cost?

If you want, I'll come and make an estimate.

I live on the same floor as Terzetti.

Would you like anything else?

I need some bread.

Thank you.

- May I come in? - Yes.

Here's the pizza and the beer.

Thank you. Please give it to me.

Thank you. Yes, put it there.

Don't go away. Please stay.

Are you hungry? Did you order one for you as well?

I've already eaten, thanks.

Really? When? At 7:00 like kids do?

It's 9:30 now.

I'll cut a slice for you.

- No, thanks, really. - A sip of beer then.

All right.

- Here you are. - Thank you.

Sit down.

Thanks.

Those are our ships going around the world.

Lucky them!

- Do you like traveling? - Yes, a lot.

I don't like it at all.

- No? Really? - Yes.

You never travel?

All the time.

I'm always going around the world chasing something...

often ships.

Where are you from?

I was born in Cagliari.

I won't tell you the rest,

it would bore you.

I've lived in too many different places.

And then you ended up here.

Better than many places.

So I chase and you run away,

but, in the end, here we are.

Does it look like I'm running away?

No, it seemed like it.

Anyway, you look nice.

You think so?

This isn't one of the best periods of my life.

No no no. What's wrong?

Oh, God.

What now?

Hi. What time is it?

Almost midnight.

The car broke down. I left it in the middle of the road.

Fuck. What was the problem?

I don't know. It started making noises

and then the engine stopped.

- I had to take a taxi. - Why didn't you call me?

What would you have done?

Alice's book is great.

The stories are lovely.

Why don't you tell her so?

What did you do today?

Nothing.

We could do it in two days.

The lady said she'd like it all done for next Saturday.

Yes, but I don't want to do it wrong.

I've never done it before. Does it take longer with wallpaper?

The living room is more or less the size of Terzetti's.

- Listen, I have to tell you something. - Tell me.

Luciano didn't come today

because he was hired at the shipyards,

the Voltri shipyards.

- A job? - Finally.

- Good for him. - At least he has a secure job.

Well then, it's just the two of us.

I wanted to tell you that they hired me too.

I start Monday.

I'm really sorry, Michele.

- Seriously. - It's better this way, better for you.

No problem at all, Vito.

So how is it going?

- Fine. - How nice!

- Would you like a coffee? - Why not?

I'll have it ready soon.

- Thanks, ma'am. - You're welcome.

What the fuck am I doing?

Here they are!

You didn't need to come all the way here.

Next time you can make a transfer with the bank, as usual.

Okay. Goodbye.

- How are you? - It's Michele, Dad.

I know you're Michele.

So how are you?

So-so.

Some issues at work.

I'm not doing that great either.

By now it's the others who tell me when I'm well.

I have to trust them.

I don't know what I'm doing anymore, Dad.

It isn't just work.

Everything has become so difficult and exhausting.

Elsa looks at me but doesn't see me.

I'm like a ghost.

- Elsa? - Yes, Elsa.

There she is, see her?

The almost white one, with the long tail.

Do you see her?

That's Elsa.

Now she's coming to the center and you can see her better.

Look.

The apartment needs tidying. It's a big mess.

I ironed your shirt.

Come on get up, please. It's late.

Michele!

Go there by taxi.

Is the car ready?

It's fucked. They wanted 1,600 euros to fix it, so I just left it.

Perfect.

- What's that? - What do you think it is? It's the doorbell.

It's the first time I've heard it!

- Are you expecting someone? - No.

- Yes? - Good morning, I'm Bianca Carminati.

I'm looking for Mr. Oliveri.

He's my husband.

Isn't he feeling well?

Why? Yes.

He was working in my apartment, but he disappeared two days ago.

The place is a mess, and my granddaughter's communion is on Sunday.

I even have relatives coming from Asiago!

Excuse me, where is your husband?

Here, this is the advance you gave me,

and this is for your trouble.

You'd better look for someone else.

What are you doing? You're dumping me like garbage?

What can I do in two days?

You're very rude. I'll report you!

Don't you have anything to tell me?

All right. Good luck with your interview then.

Yes?

Hello?

# 10 seconds ago #

# I closed a contract with Hong Kong. #

Congratulations!

I've been working on it for eight months.

Eight months is a long time. We must celebrate.

- Shall we go drink to that? - But I haven't finished.

That's enough for tonight. I give you permission.

Let's have a toast and then I'll take you home.

Okay?

Okay.

- Where's your coat? - Here.

- My coat's there. - Yes.

I shouldn't?

- Hello. - Hello.

What's that?

It squashes bottles.

- What for? - To save space.

Didn't you go to the interview this morning?

No.

- Are you going to keep on doing this? - Why?

- Michele, this isn't right. - What?

Nothing. Even the bathtub's disgusting.

- You were the last to use it. - I really don't think so.

You don't believe anything I say anymore!

If I say that's what it is, you'd better fucking believe it!

Will you stop yelling at me?

I'm out all day, I come home dead tired. Do l...

Do you want me to welcome you with applause?

- Asshole! - Sure, you're the one who works.

You now support the family. It's you now!

Have you looked at yourself? You don't give a damn about anything!

The house is disgusting! You don't make the slightest effort!

You don't even go to interviews anymore!

Can I decide if it's worthwhile going to an interview?

All you can do is lie on the fucking couch and sleep!

- You're ridiculous. - What do you think you are?

Can't you see what you've become?

You're like an amoeba, spineless.

Do you want to hit me like you did with Alice?

Fuck off. Do you want me to hit you?

- Is that what you want? - Let me go!

Nobody's forcing us to stay together!

Couples separate for a lot less.

I feel your relief when you leave the house.

And I stay here jerking off like when I was 15!

But I don't think of you.

If I did, I'd lose my hard-on!

Good morning.

- Passable night? - Yes, fine.

If you need the bathroom, you'd better wait a minute.

Anyhow, I left you a clean towel.

Is Alice asleep?

Yes, she came home at 2:00.

She said we should've called her, but I think we did the right thing not to.

Riki, thanks for not asking too many questions. I appreciate the discretion.

I never liked poking my nose in other people's shit.

I bought croissants, but you'll need to make the coffee.

I have to go.

Okay, thanks.

Have a nice day.

If you happen to come this way again, you're welcome.

- Bye. - Bye.

Hi, Dad.

Is breakfast included?

Sure, bed and breakfast.

Not much fun to come home dead tired

and find your asshole of a father on the couch.

Did you fight?

Yes. Where are the cups?

Is it serious, Dad?

Yes.

Sit down, I'll get the cups.

Where were you, in Sardinia?

No, in Corsica, near Ajaccio.

- Beautiful. - Yes, it is.

Now tell me, does he bring them every morning?

More or less. Why?

No, nothing.

He's nice.

Who would have thought, huh?

Nadia, hi. Forgive me.

I didn't call you.

I disappeared again,

but I'd be really glad to see you.

Will you call me when you can?

Bye.

Yes? Good morning.

Good morning, ma'am. Your husband?

He isn't in.

- Did he find a job? - No no no.

I'm sorry. I'll come back tomorrow.

- For a second, I thought that... - I wish.

You see, ma'am,

I've lived here for 10 years.

My washing machine's broken

and your husband is the only person

I could ask a favor of.

If you want, I can do it.

No, don't worry about it.

Could I have the... back?

What? Oh, this? Sure.

Thank you.

- Goodbye, ma'am. - Goodbye.

Dad, leave it!

Oh, I see.

- How pretty you are. - Thanks.

I'm going to the accountant this afternoon.

We have to make some decisions.

They say we should invest because of taxation problems.

I don't envy you.

Dad...

why don't you give us a hand?

I've never been a genius at accounting.

Neither have we.

- Will you drive? - Mm-hmm.

- Michele. Hi. - Hi.

- How are you? - Fine.

- Hi, Adele. - Hi.

- Hi. - Hi.

Minestrone tonight too?

- I think so. - Can't you smell it?

- Is he cooking some fried stuff tonight? - I hope not.

- I need a hand. - Here.

Dad, I'm sorry, but we need to set the table.

It's a mess, right?

It's gratifying.

In this chaos, I almost feel like a genius.

We really suck at this, huh?

I think you've had some bad advice.

Why?

Before investing without a reason,

you could do simpler things.

Anyway, I've made a little financial plan for you.

I'm leaving it here for you. We can discuss it later.

Of course, with pleasure.

Would you like to come to the accountant's with us?

Yes, but not today.

Just one?

Now we'll see him again.

Where is he going?

- Hello? - Did you call him?

Nicola...

Gagliano!

That was the name of my second mate on the Victoria.

Nicola Gagliano.

That's fine. If that's okay, I'll give them a call.

Yes, don't worry.

You too, thanks.

Goodbye for now.

Mr. Rinaldi called.

He wants you to call him back. It's urgent.

Rinaldi, what a fucking bore! Okay, I'll call him,

then if you like we can go for a drink.

I can't this evening. I have to go somewhere.

I'll take you if you like.

No, thanks. Really.

All right, see you tomorrow then.

Tomorrow is Saturday.

You're right.

You're free to go then.

Thanks. Have a nice evening.

Good evening. Banchi Square.

We thought the color had faded completely,

but actually it's been left in sinopia.

It's as if he had to stop at a certain point.

Maybe his illness.

Elsa, you're back!

- Professor. - Good evening, Elsa.

Look! Isn't it marvelous?

Congratulations. Wonderful intuition.

The brushwork and the colors,

even the angel's face has a lot in common

with his female figures.

But I think it's really the landscape

- that eliminates all doubt. - It's the light, isn't it?

It's the light of your Boniforte.

Good job.

Elsa, we're going to have a drink,

and we've convinced the professor to join us.

What are you doing?

I'd like to stay for a moment.

- Are you going to the usual bar? - Come on, will you join us?

Will you lock up? You have the keys, anyway.

- Yes. - Enjoy this moment. You deserve it.

I'm really ashamed of what happened yesterday.

Me too.

I thought things could go back to the way they were,

but it's not true. I realized it's a mistake to look back.

I don't even know how we got where we are.

I thought nothing could separate us.

It's not true.

I can't lose you, Elsa.

When I look ahead lately, I only see endless strain,

an unbelievable strain.

We have to take it from here.

I'll come up with something. I'll start from scratch...

I don't care... but not without you.

Without you, I'm going nowhere.

You arrived right when I was thinking

that the only thing I wanted was to have you here.

It is you, right?

It's me, Elsa.

Unfortunately, it's really me.

Me too.