Original subtitles

This is the first film produced by the Universidad dei Cine, Buenos Aires.

Its goals have mainly been pedagogical. Besides gaining work experience,

film students come through the Main Gate...

into the magical and wondrous world of movie creation.

Subways are undoubtedly a symbol of current times.

A labyrinth where we silently walk past our own kind,

never knowing them or their ways.

Hundreds of platforms where we analyse situations,

not really trying to catch a train, but rather�

a change in life.

A strange game we plunge into through endless tunnels,

unaware that, with every change of train,

we definitively change our fate.

I found subways to be the greatest observational apparatus,

but I never imagined what was in store for me...

Attention, garage! This is Bolivar here.

Answer me, please

Can somebody answer?

Garage here.

I got a call from Plaza Italia. We are overloaded.

Please send another train.

I've sent them all, Bolivar.

What do you mean, "all"?

- There are no trains left here. - What?!

It can't be! There must be at least one!

- Not here. - OK, OK...

Check your records. You should have one more.

Maybe in another area. Got it?

Listen, Bolivar, I have nothing to check here.

Why are you telling me that? Don't you realise you're talking to your boss.

Got it?

Route 2

Juan Vega speaking.

I don't understand you.

What have you lost?

- And now what? - Let's keep going forward.

Left forward or right forward?

Pay attention, or we'll be here all night.

- Which way, boss? - Wait here! We can't go on!

We shouldn't stick to lights. They always fail.

What do you mean?

Hello? Please put me through to the Director General.

Director General!

Vega, I hope you have a good reason for calling me.

I was waiting for you.

You don't know how great it feels here, Pratt.

Taking a bit of fresh air.

I can't stand stifling offices.

I'd hit the road and never go back into town.

My fellow architects might think I'm nuts,

but I don't want to go back into subways.

For me, that job is over.

Yes, but I can't help you. I'm not an architect.

I don't need an architect. And no one wants go back down there.

You like problems. You specialised in maths, right?

- Topography. - Ah! Lust for surface analysis!

One formula, one calculation... and you put it into a book.

I find it as odd as the Director General's questions... Blasi.

Go and see what he wants, please.

Maybe you'll find him interesting, though I doubt it.

When we finished building the Peripheral Line, it worked.

But they're having problems now.

One more thing, just in case...

The original plans are at the Public Works Dept.

Ours are a copy of the ones that were approved.

But, in fact, I don't know what they want.

Knowing Blasi, it could be anything.

Don't try to get me.

- What's this for? - I don't know.

They say it potentiates perception.

Work it out.

Oh! And tell Blasi I went away... along the highway.

I assure you, we're doing our best.

We can't search the whole system, just because of a supposition.

You know kids. They love the subways.

Ma'am, five million people take them every day.

It's your responsibility. if you ignore his whereabouts, that's not my problem.

- Mr. Blasi, the builder's here. - Show him in.

Yes, ma'am, I understand you

I'm sorry, but...

Come on in, Mr...

Daniel Pratt.

I expected to see my old friend Decker.

Is he coming? I told him I needed him.

No, you see, Mr. Decker couldn't come, and he asked me to help you.

Fucker! As if it were just nonsense!

I begged him to come.

I can help you solve anything.

You haven't got any idea what this is all about!

At least, he could've called me!

Decker thinks these things are for beginners.

I'm a topographer. A mathematician.

What's that?

A branch of mathematics that studies surfaces and turns them into formula.

Good for my nerves. I can't believe it!

- Please go to your office and tell... - Mr. Blasi.

- Doesn't anybody knock any more? - It's happening again.

Come.

Pay close attention to this...

Then go tell Decker we're not kidding.

I had a good reason to call him.

But don't talk to anyone about what you'll see.

Don't go around telling anyone, you know how this is...

The papers print it and you're on the firing line.

I can't overlook those details... This one doesn't work, either?

Get it fixed! Millions of people walk through these tunnels...

You can't check them all. What would we do if someone set a bomb?

Everything in here is my responsibility. It's not easy.

This is a real maze.

- Sir. Train 101 from Ezeiza is stopped in the access tunnel. - Yes?

I've ordered it to move on. It's blocking two levels and they refuse to go on.

Line open to train 101. You may talk.

101, this is the Director General here.

Why don't you move on?

It's changed back to red. I can't take that risk,

What if there's a train on the other side?

Negative, 101. The way is free.

It's not allowed, sir...

There could be a collision.

I repeat, the way is free.

- I can't... - Move. I'm telling you to move on!

- I can't... - Move!

We'll have to suspend the service and search the whole area.

I don't think so. The system...

is too complicated to put it off.

Driver Rodriguez, Driver Rodriguez, you are required at Signal Control.

Current temperature in town is 38.7�C...

Humidity at 90%.

Why don't you move when I tell you to?

But the lights were constantly changing! I could've had a collision!

Calm down! I'm the boss here!

If I say go, YOU go!

I have to follow the rules. I can't move if the light's red.

Fuck the rules! I know what to do and you should obey me!

It's the company's rules! People's lives are at stake!

I'm the only one who knows what to do!

Are you?

Then drive it yourself.

Come here.

Do you still think I'm lying?

I guess you now see how serious it is.

Lights detect non-existent trains. That's to say, they fail.

There are unplanned changes of rails.

And a whole train's missing.

There are so many tunnels, that we can't find it.

Some big guys are coming to Parque Station at midnight.

They want to see the place where it was last seen.

And I'm supposed to tell them what's happened.

But I have no explanation. I don't know what's happening...

And I'm the Director General.

I need to see the plans approved by the Ministry.

Just in case, you know?

How can I account for the disappearance of a whole train?

Come with the plans, please.

What was your name?

- Daniel Pratt. - OK, Mr. Pratt, I'll be expecting you tonight.

And if you have any ideas, please let me know.

Driver Figueroa, Driver Figueroa, please go to Maintenance.

- Constructor? - Is Architect Decker in?

- No. Who's speaking, please? - Daniel Pratt.

Would you like to leave a message?

Tell him to ask the Minister to allow me to copy the plans.

No one told me you were coming.

27, 28, 29, 30...

I've been checking these files for 40 years.

- Are you sure they're here? - Yes. The question is, where?

They are moving right now.

They must have done it on purpose. Which plans do you need?

The Peripheral Line plans.

Let me think. They should be here somewhere...

31, 32, 33, 34...

We've moved before, but within the same building.

To other floors. Years ago, there was a terrible storm...

and these files floated about for days.

Top shelf, Section G-110.

I'll get them.

- There's nothing here. - It can't be!

- Where else can they be? - Take a good look.

- It's empty. - I'll be right back.

Bad luck... They've been removed.

Original plans can't be removed, can they?

Depends who wants them, as usual.

In this case, it was one of the project's consultants.

I couldn't say no to him, could I?

He was a quiet man, as I remember...

He used to spend hours here, studying those plans.

Here it is: Hugo Mistein.

Do you know him?

Don't forget we're talking about pure theory,

which hasn't been applied so far.

- Is this Topography 3? - Yes.

The conclusion is that both spaces, though not formally equal,

are the same as those usually applied.

If an astronomer presented a theory which was acceptable...

to the common man, he'd probably be wrong.

But if someone said time freezes in certain areas...

we should at least listen.

He might be right.

Science and philosophy are not so far-fetched yet.

Thanks. The class is over.

- May I ask you a question? - Are you a student?

- No, I'm a graduate. - What can I do for you?

I'm looking for a professor who taught topography for many years.

Doctor Mistein?

Don't waste your time. When did you last see him?

Some five years ago.

He left the University soon after that.

- Why? - He'd lost interest in teaching.

He had something else in mind.

Do you know where to find him?

Hum... Yes, possibly. I must have his old phone number and address.

We used to call him...

He didn't answer. We never knew why.

I wonder what's become of him...

Here it is. We liked him...

Well, please excuse me, but I'm late... Goodbye.

Thanks.

Going down?

Is there a telephone near here?

- Downstairs. - Thanks.

Hello.

May I speak to professor Mistein?

- No. - Is he in?

No, he's not.

Can you tell me what time he'll be back at?

- I don't know. - Do you know where he is?

How should I know.

Do you want to leave him a message?

Yes... Have you got a pen?

Yes. Who are you?

- I'm Daniel Pratt. - Pratt?

From Del Plata Architects.

- It's about a job he did for the subway... - Slowly, please!

We need some plans...

Do you live here?

I want to see Professor Mistein.

He lives here, doesn't he?

I tried calling him several times, but I couldn't reach him.

The phone must be out of order, and I have to speak to him.

You only called once.

And I said he wasn't in.

Perhaps he's back.

I've come to fetch some documents I need.

He may have had an accident.

What if you're lying?

Have you seen him lately?

If you steal anything... I'll scream.

Moebius Nucleus

Moebius. Junctions?

Junctions, 16A.

Wait...

Peripheral Line, final plan.

April? Are you there? Open the door!

Who are you with?

Come this way.

The stairs are dirty. You didn't do what I asked you!

Open the door right away!

You'd better be alone!

Come on! Quickly!

April, open up! April!

Come, come!

Wait up.

Line J Temporarily Suspended

Do you know the way back home?

I have a meeting. They wouldn't like to see you there.

My mom wouldn't have liked to see you, but still I let you in.

Let's go.

Excuse me, the Director General?

- Over there. Underground 2. - Thanks.

- Why are we down here? - Looking for a ghost train.

Sit down there.

Hold this and stay here, right?

Excuse me, I'm looking for the Director General.

The service is suspended. Who let you in?

What are you doing here?

- Mr. Blasi. - What took you so long, Pratt?

Is this girl with you?

Sorry, I couldn't make it earlier.

I think I know what's happening.

Are these the Ministry's plans?

What happened to you?

I hope you know what you're doing.

The train's still missing and I don't want any more problems.

Now come with me.

- Play with it while we speak. - Fine.

Exactly, we've checked it all. The signals work well. and...

Gentlemen... this is Mr. Daniel Pratt.

Representing Studio Del Plata.

His firm built the Peripheral Line.

Mr. Kenn, our Engineering Director.

Mr. Aguirre, who represents the Mayor.

Dr. Canotti, from the Military Hospital.

Dr. Nazar, from South Insurance.

And our driver... Edmundo.

Be precise, please. Have you seen it or not?

Well yes, I mean... we almost saw it.

When we hit that red light at the junction.

Couldn't it have been another train?

This is the only train running.

No one else has been traveling in the system for the last four hours.

When Edmundo stopped at the red light, I thought it was out of order.

That's why I told him to move ahead.

Just then we heard the sound of another train at the crossing.

- You saw it? - No, we couldn't...

The light is before the bend, but we all heard it.

Why didn't you follow it?

Well... We didn't know which way it was going.

- That was at 1:38, right? - Yes, the first time.

- The first time? - Gentlemen, this is totally useless!

- It happened again? - Yes, at another place.

We hit another red light near Lugones Junction, at 2:15.

And then at 3:30.

- You saw the train at 2:15? - No, we didn't, but...

we felt the vibration. I tried to follow it, but...

it must have taken a different turn at General Paz Junction.

CAUTION!

It's impossible that it could have been running for so many days without being seen.

You can't be surprised by this! You're responsible for it!

- Now, when did... - Wait a second, young man.

We are asking the questions here.

This time, we've got it.

It's at the lower level. Maloni's there.

- You saw it? - It was down there.

- No, it was up here! - No! Down there!

What's going on, Blasi?

- You heard it yourself. - Yes, right.

- Didn't you see it? - We heard it up there. That way.

Maloni, go back down.

Excuse me.

Tell the authorities I'll be right there.

Engineer, can we contact the main power plant?

Sure, come with me.

Mr. Blast's coming in a minute.

Power plant? Kenn here. Read me Sector 4, please.

Usual energy consumption in tunnels and stations. One train active.

Can you repeat that?

Just normal, boss. You're the only ones running.

Cut the power until I say otherwise.

Done, boss. Now what?

Watch the monitors and report any changes.

Nonsense. We're traveling in one wagon. Too much power consumption.

What's happening, Blasi?

One train seems to be running, though the system is shut down.

Maybe it's just a leak.

Sure... A train has leaked inside the system.

Let's check it.

Restore the power.

Several areas are working. Have you authorised it?

It's being checked at different points.

Could there be any runaway wagons?

Can anybody explain what's happening here?

Gentlemen, the young man here has something to say.

We have a train with people in it.

It's missing, but the system is closed.

Trains cannot leave it.

Train 86 is IN the system.

What are you saying?

The whole system's been checked and it's not here.

You think we're hiding it?

Shut up and let him make his point, Dr. Nazar.

We know it was going to Plaza Mayo on the morning of the 4th...

- but it never got there. - You don't say!

And when it got to Maldonado river, it turned into a boat...

- and it's sailing to Africa! - Excuse me, Doctor...

How can it have been running since March 4th if nobody's seen it?

It's almost five days.

That's just it, Engineer.

The train can't be seen.

That train, number 86...

with no technical problems and the system of 300 trains...

working at full capacity,

somehow disappeared into thin air.

It hit a node.

A node? What is 'a node'?

The railway is clean. There's nothing but trains on it.

You still don't understand...

A node is not an obstruction...

In topography, a node is a peculiarity.

A higher level pole.

I don't understand a word of what you're saying!

- Dr. Nazar, let him finish. - I think it's the new line.

What has that got to do with all this?

The whole system is a very complex network.

That was true even before its expansion.

But the Peripheral has made it pretty peculiar. I'm not sure...

but I think it has integrated the whole system...

at such a high level that I don't even know...

how to calculate it.

I suppose it's become infinite.

If I'm right, gentlemen,

we can conclude that the system's working like a Moebius band.

May I?

If you look at this strip of paper, you may see it has two sides.

But if you put its ends together, like this...

we get a very peculiar strip.

It's a one-sided strip, along which we could run for ever.

Endlessly.

If you translate this to a subway network, it should have...

an infinite number of peculiarities.

Can you imagine the features of a system like that?

I can't, either.

In fact, the whole system is beyond my grasp now.

- I can do nothing but guess. - This is unbelievable.

We have 200 kilometers of tunnels.

How can a finite surface become infinite?

Good question. However it has happened, it has.

What about its passengers?

- I have no idea. - Wait a second, Pratt...

If the Peripheral Line is causing this...

we could close it and then resume normal operation.

Without any danger.

If you close it, the train will never re-appear.

But anyway, it might re-appear running in the wrong direction.

And in that case...

there might be an accident.

Mr. Blasi, how many people are there on that train?

Well, I think some 30 or 40 people.

Listen, Pratt! Do you want us to believe that the train...

has plunged into another dimension,

and it's no longer in the system?

That it's gone? Is that it?

That's one way of saying it.

And you mean this peculiar behaviour...

has been caused by certain mathematical properties

that have to do with the Peripheral?

Exactly.

Isn't there anything we can do to bring the train back to this dimension?

Not that I know.

That's your "explanation" for this?

Don't be ridiculous! Is that the best your company can do?

Don't you have any other ideas?

Pity you've got no one to give us a sensible explanation!

Pratt, a question...

Could we keep the Peripheral open with no other trains running,

so that, if the missing train appears,

there can't be a collision?

No. With the new line, the whole system has infinite linkage.

Hey, Mr. Mathematician! You think you've done me a favour?!

I don't want to see you again!

Mr. Blasi, Mr. Blasi

I found this girl walking along the railway.

Where to now?

Nowhere. You must go home. They must be looking for you.

What? Back home? Right now?

Come enjoy yourselves on the roller coaster.

You'll never forget it!

It's about to start.

Let's take a ride.

No, you go if you want to. I'll stay here for a while.

Ladies and gentlemen, don't miss this great attraction.

The fastest roller coaster in history!

Come on in, ladies and gentlemen.

It's about to begin.

Moebius. Estimate maximum possibility of bends.

Your attention, please...

There are only three trains remaining until closing. Thank you.

To all passengers. We'd like to inform you that the service has been suspended.

Because the line is out of order

Sorry for any inconvenience. Thank you.

DANGER!

Today, March 4th...

the last solar eclipse of this century will occur.

It wasn't easy to get here, was it?

Dr. Mistein.

Relax. I know you have a lot of questions to ask me.

We're traveling at an impossible speed.

A simple change of railway...

The train crosses a junction after a bend...

The right combination at the right time...

and the properties of a Moebius band apply.

You've invented a perfect machine.

Don't be blasphemous, son. Man has invented a lot of machines...

but forgets that he himself is a much more complex one.

- There will be no limits now. - There never were any.

Man neither knows his limits nor his possibilities.

He doesn't even know that he doesn't know himself.

We're so busy looking for external values...

that we don't see what really matters.

This really matters! Everything would change if you just said it.

You did! You explained it perfectly well!

I passed by Parque Station,

and I saw you trying to explain Moebius theory.

Did anyone believe you?

No... But they would believe you.

No, I would have said exactly the same as you.

The same truth.

But we're living in a world that won't listen, dear Pratt.

- What will you do, then? - Nothing.

- What do you mean, "nothing"? - Don't worry, Pratt...

The time will come.

Don't they understand what's happening?

They�

They'll never wake up before realising they are asleep.

What are you afraid of, Pratt?

Vertigo.

That's just normal.

Nobody can confront infinity without feeling vertigo.

Nobody can experience it without feeling deeply puzzled.

We're moving at the speed of thought.

How could one enjoy this life...

lacking in attraction, ingenuity and spontaneity?

How not to choose these shadows...

when the sea of deafness out there carries us...

to helpless disgrace?

This can't get lost.

Neither men nor time disappear without leaving traces.

They stick to our souls.

Sir, sir, sir! The train was here when we arrived this morning.

- How long has it been here? - Nobody knows.

- Sir... what shall we do? - Wait here.

Well, Blasi? So much fuss and the train was here?

Moebius!

Take it to the garage and let's forget this whole thing. Understood?

Nothing's happened here.

I never imagined what was in store for me...

When I got on the 86 train and met my old teacher, tired of repeating...

always the same story, tired of fighting and being ignored.

I felt he was entrusting me with his time. It's easy to understand...

why I choose to follow his steps, instead of uselessly trying...

to explain to a bunch of fools something they won't understand.

Anyhow, the old man was right.

We live in a word where nobody listens.

Hello? Yes? What?

I don't understand you. Are you sure?

What have you lost?

Sir, come! Quickly! It's urgent!

- Sir! - No!