All language subtitles for Il dio serpente (Piero Vivarelli, 1970).english

THE SNAKE GOD

The plane's waiting at Chico.
You'll get there by helicopter.

- See down there?
- Where?

Three quarters of the population
live there.

- But they're just shacks.
- Look...

My factory's over there.

Directed by

The sea's there, beyond the trees,
you can walk there.

Areal Planter's Punch.

It's good.

Have you looked around?

Not yet.

That's only part of the estate.

It's all ours?

It's all yours...
if you play your cards right.

Blackmailer.

Be careful, the sun burns more
when it's behind the clouds.

But it's so mild.

- Want to bet? If I touch...
- Ouch!

You see? It burns.

Alright Bernard, don't be mean.

There's the sort of beach
you see in your dreams.

Yes, It's beautiful, they call it
Beach of the Black Rock.

Let's swim there...

- ...it looks wonderful.
- No...

There's much better beaches.

That island over there...

Or that one...

No, that one.
It's all made of coral.

Beautiful.

Look over there.

- Look...
- Where?

Those two.

- Can't you see them?
- No, I'm too far away.

Come on, one eye each.

- You have to be wild to be so happy.
- Not really...

She has a degree. Was a teacher.

- You know her?
- She was my secretary.

And she left because you hit on her.

She just didn't want
to work in an office anymore.

She's right, better to make love
on the beach.

Not that I'm complaining, Bernard.

Strange, I feel like
I've seen that beach before.

Maybe in a dream.

Who can fathom dreams?

Maybe it reminds you
of somewhere in Italy.

- Have you ever been there?
- No.

It's not 20 years ago when you could
sit and wait for the money to come in.

If the Fruit Union stops buying
we'll have to export to Europe.

Paola...
and maybe import a wife...

that I have to leave at home
because I'm always on the move.

Or we'll have to throw
all the fruit into the sea.

There, I fixed it.

Thanks.

Luis, I want to swim
to that beach.

No, ma'am, it's dangerous,
there's sharks there.

Do you mind me joining you?

No, but you scared me
with that thing.

It's the first time I used it.

I can believe that... You're
Bernard Lucas' wife aren't you?

Paola - and you're Stella.
Bernard told me about you.

- Did he tell you I'm mad?
- No, quiet.

But I know you because
I spied on you.

When? Was it yesterday?

Yes!

He's a nice guy but a bit stupid,
like all Capricorns with Saturn rising.

- And what's your sign?
- Aquarius.

A good sign...
What time were you born?

I'm not sure, I think it was at night.

Let me see your hand.
No, the other one...

That's weird.

It's hard to make out.

But I'm lucky, right?

I don't know. But I can see
you're the sensitive type.

I read palms to know the person.

I'm just interested in other people,
that's all.

I should tell you I'm very fickle.

Oh, really?

I married one man while
still engaged to another.

It happens.

One day I told him I loved another,
just to see.

You know what he said?
"But we're so good together."

That made me realise what kind
of boyfriend I had.

And so I decided to marry Bernard.

He's young, Tony?

Yes, but Capricorn
with Saturn rising...

What a strange place,
no people anywhere.

Like another world... a desert.

People come
but seem to leave no trace.

What do you think?

Beautiful... fabulous.

- Are these from Italy?
- Yes, want to try?

Yes, of course.

- Let's try out each others!
- Sure, why not...

- Great! You look like a local.
- Really?

- Just one thing.
- What?

- Pull up your hair.
- Yes.

- Like that?
- Perfect.

What are you doing?

Now we just need a newspaper.

Just you wait and see.

A newspaper...?

What for?

This is for the bun.

A pin here... and you're all done.

You know Stella,
I've never had a friend like you.

Now hold still.

Done! Very pretty.

You're dressed just like a Creole
going to a carnival ball.

You're crazy.

- Look at Stella in my dress.
- Looks great on her.

You should keep it, if Paola's OK,
it suits you.

I'm so happy we met.
I was starting to get bored.

Bernard's always so busy.

Well, I was bored too.
And I'm happy to be your guide.

Fort Boca Chica,
it beat even Francis Drake.

Come with me to the Black Rock.

No, you shouldn't go there.
Nobody goes.

It's the realm of zombies.

Of what?

Zombies, the living dead.

You believe in ghosts?

Zombies aren't ghosts.

They are dead
but live on without a soul.

They see, touch, walk
but they are dead.

Slaves of Djamballa.

Who's that?

The God of our ancient religion.

And you believe these fairy tales?

Religious belief is not a fairy tale.

It's faith, like Madonna for example,
she's a virgin and yet had a son.

These zombies with this Djamballa,
they're at the Black Rock?

Yes, at least so people say.

How can a teacher
believe all this?

Being educated doesn't mean
I stop believing.

Although many clever people
believe in God only when it suits them.

The more you two
tried to scare me off...

the more I wanted to go to
Black Rock.

If you'd told me about the snakes
I'd never have bothered.

You didn't have to go.

Anyway, there are no big snakes there.

Really? So what did I see?

It wasn't a snake, a real snake.

It was Djamballa, the God.

Come on, don't make me laugh.

There are things...
things a European can't understand.

I told you not to go there.

We must go to
Sebastian, the Witchman.

Who's that then, another snake?

Well you two? Nothing to say?

There are lots of things
that are best left alone.

Only real scholars should investigate
these so-called "primitive superstitions".

But I want to know.

What is Djamballa? You must tell me.

He's the master of us all -
the God of love.

Yes, all right.

I'm sorry I didn't believe in this God
and had to see it.

And now he's seen you Paola,
he wants you...

and Djamballa will get
whatever he wants.

Look, I respect all religions, but...

But only believe in your own God
and your Latin Mass.

God has always existed
and exists everywhere.

And you really believe
this Sebastian can explain...

He can help you, if you believe.

Believe in what?

I'll take you next time.

Jamaica is beautiful
but I'm too busy to show you around.

I just don't want to be alone.

Look, when I get back
we'll take a week off on the boat.

We'll sail round the Caribbean
and have a great holiday.

I promise. OK?

Bernard were you serious
about zombies?

Well, they might exist or not,
depends what you believe.

But I have to go now.

But what do you believe?

Wait here.

- It's my friend who needs you.
- All right, let's see.

What is all this? Black magic?

No, black magic is a sin,
it invokes the forces of evil.

Tell me what you want, daughter.

Love.

You have to want it with all your might.

You too.

And now...

Take this, daughter...

This will make your lover
never want to leave you... ever.

Thank you.

An amulet, you're lucky.

I never get anything.

Should we give something?

It's best I do it
or he might get offended.

Someone appeared to me,
someone I'd never seen before.

What can it mean?

The good spirits
know the shape of destiny.

The fate that binds and melts.

But go... go now
and take care of your friend.

She's unhappy and is
searching for something.

Will she find it?

- Tell me about him.
- Who?

Your little Roman boy,
what was he like?

Atypical Capricorn.
When I told him I was getting married...

there were tears, lots of shouting.

Finally it was he who insisted I do it.
That he was prepared to let me go.

And you thought...

No look, I love Bernard,
it's not just his money.

Don't you believe me?

Who's that crazy guy?

The village priest with his baby.

Ah! Go to Hell!

- A priest and father of a child?
- Father, where you taking it?

Maurillo says the sea has been bad
could he keep it for a day...

And I thought why not,
even if he isn't Christian.

And then to Amparo's house.
His son's got worms.

But first, Dolores,
who's about to give birth.

This child travels more than I do
and the damn car never works.

What a guy.

You know, you're strange people.
Worship Jesus but believe all this magic.

You really think
they're so different Paola?

- Mrs Lucas...?
- Yes.

Mrs Lucas...

Sorry, there's a telex for you.
Your husband had to go to Trinidad.

- I came here to collect him.
- I phoned but you weren't there.

- No, I'd left.
- Here.

- Thank you.
- Good day.

Come in if you want.
Where's your husband?

He's been delayed.
There was a telex at the airport.

But you're going out.

- Don't let me hold you up.
- It's not important.

- Shall we go out together?
- Yes.

I'll get changed.

What you're wearing looks great,
keep it on.

No, it's not right.

Where were you going?

There was a ceremony.

One of your rituals.
Can't I come with you?

No, Paola, no...

But I want to come.

No, it could be dangerous.
Especially for a non believer.

But I want to believe.
You didn't understand...

...or want to believe
the story of the snake.

Nor that I would come with you
to see Sebastian.

Very well...

Do you want to change?

- Thanks, I'm too tired.
- Bye then.

Take me to my house.
It's up ahead.

OK.

Just tell me when to stop.

We're here.

I see him. He's still waiting.
Waiting for you.

I'm missing my husband.

When's he back?

I don't know, maybe tomorrow.
He's sending me a telegram.

Want a drink, papaya or guava?

Guava, thanks.

Can't sleep in this heat.

- Here.
- Thanks.

The talisman from Sebastian
didn't work.

Give it time.
Magic is not like miracles.

I wonder who it was I saw.

I was waiting for you.

Why?

Because I was sure you'd come.

What should I do?

Wait.

How long?

Maybe never
or maybe tomorrow...

God will draw you up
into his great cloud.

- You saw it, right Fidel?
- It lit up the sky...

and the plane just exploded.

- We found the body in the nets.
- What time was this explosion?

There was no explosion,
just a great light.

We'd just put down the nets,
so around midnight.

Yes, around midnight.

There's food and drink, he's no longer
with us but still continues to exist...

For you it's all so clear and simple,
but I'm confused.

Bye.

Bye kids.

Bye.

I'm pleased I came to see you.

You've not been out for 2 months.
You can't lock yourself up forever.

Stella...!
Wake up sleepy head.

What's up?
Let me sleep, I'm tired.

No, you have to get up
and get dressed.

Why so lively this morning?

I've got a nice surprise
and want your opinion.

Negative...

- So, who it is?
- Wait and see.

Tony... Tony...!

Good flight?

Bit rough over the Atlantic.

- You're good?
- Fine. And you?

This is Stella, my best friend.
And this is the famous Tony.

- You guessed that, huh?
- No...

Come on, it's a long drive.

Damn, is this really your place?
I feel rich just looking at it.

Can I go in?
Seems so beautiful.

Please, bring the cases up
and make us some drinks.

Paola...?

- Yes?
- We have to talk.

About what?

It's important. We must talk now.
In private.

Of course.

- Tony?
- Yes?

Go with Dolores. Stella's just leaving.

Okay, bye Stella.

Tony has to leave this place.

If you'd told me, I'd have
warned you not to bring him here.

I think you're being over dramatic.
I know what I'm doing.

You are not free to decide for yourself.
You must know that.

I don't know what you mean.

How can you still not believe?

Tony coming here was planned.

- The Snake God is real.
- Why must you remind me...

of things I've tried to forget?

I saw him.

Who?

Him - Tony...

While Sebastian
was doing the exorcism.

I saw Tony...
I now realise it was him.

It was a warning.

Maybe I was thinking of him...

and you read my thoughts.
Sometimes it happens.

You still don't want to believe.

This isn't about Tony.

I made it up, about the Snake God,
because I was unhappy.

Everything's fine now.
Don't worry.

Things seem simple for you now.

- But keep that amulet with you.
- Of course. Bye.

Tony, where are you?

I'm here,
lost in your private Eden.

Is it all yours?

Yes, you could fit my old apartment
in this one room.

Ah... the tiger's lair.

The living room, very nice.

Yes - and there's the bedroom.

Ma'am... The drinks are served now.

That'll be all now Manuelita.

- I'm sorry.
- It's my fault... I'll be alright.

Maybe later... Tomorrow.

I really don't understand.

You're just tired from the trip
and I'm...

I just don't know.

Hi.

- Merry Christmas Paola.
- Hi.

We should hurry or we'll miss
the blessing of the Child.

- Come Tony.
- Where to?

The Child is very fragile.

You can all touch it children,
don't worry, stay calm.

- What are they doing?
- Blessing it.

- He's a nice guy.
- Yes.

- Where's Paola?
- She was here a minute ago.

Where's the priest?

- I said where's the priest?
- Home, he can't dance.

- Where's his house?
- Back there.

Mrs. Lucas, may I offer you a drink?

No thanks, not for me.

It's so hot...

and these drums
are driving me crazy.

It's the Tropics.
You have to get used to it.

They're good... good people.

A little noisy, but today is Christmas
so we're allowed to have fun.

In this climate, if you don't drink...

Father, I...

Sorry, indigestion.
Now, what was it?

Father, you remember
the Christmas holiday in Italy?

I remember, it was so many years ago.

I've been a missionary
since before the war...

so I don't remember much.
I've been here five years.

Good people, a little noisy,
but good.

And so poor...

But tell me what the problem is.
Sure you don't want a drink?

It's just, everything here is so frantic,
so profane...

Tell me the truth, Father.
Does this seem like a religious festival?

Heavens, what a question.

What do you mean by
"religious festival"?

Father, when I was a child
I was taught...

A bunch of crap...

I'm sorry ma'am
but you must understand,

sometimes we must unlearn
what we think we know.

God is with them, they love him,
so it's their goddamn right.

All this existed before the church
and maybe has more religion.

- They really believe in their God.
- So why are you here?

So they forget the whites
that were here before,

who brought them here in chains.

They are good people,
a bit noisy, but good.

Stella... what's going on?
Where is Paola?

I don't know.

Come...

Come on...

- Why did you bring me here?
- It's your God, pray to him.

Love... I know...

it means nothing to you.

Two plus two equals four.

Two plus two equals four.

Four plus one equals five.

Four plus one equals five.

Again...
two plus two equals four.

Two plus two is four...
Two plus two is four...

Five.

- Makes four...
- Five!

Evaristo, makes four.

- Once more, two plus two is...
- FOUR!

- Four plus one...
- Is five.

Very good.

- Hi!
- Hi Stella.

- What's up, Tony?
- Paola's gone out.

I wanted to talk to you
by myself.

OK, I'm glad you've come.
I want to talk to you too.

Go do your homework now children.
I'll see you tomorrow.

Give me a minute.

Hey, careful!
Don't smash up the car.

We can barely speak now.

She's distant, like always
thinking of something else.

I've stopped pretending.

She's changed.

I need to know why.

- You must tell me.
- I don't know anything.

She loves you,
but you should leave here now.

It would be best for Paola.
And for you.

But why?
Tell me... why?

It's hard to explain,
it's a feeling I have.

Based on what?
I've a right to know.

Half the time, I feel like an intruder.

Tell me, you're her friend.

What I want to say
you wouldn't understand.

Things that...

But what things?
If you don't tell me...

Tell, me, I won't be angry.
I'm a modern guy, very civilized.

No, it's nothing to do with that.

That's precisely why I can't tell you.

I'm sure you're civilized,
very progressive.

But do you know exactly what
your civilization means?

- Well, yeah, of course.
- Look over there...

You see that building...?
Pure Baroque architecture.

That's all.

That's what a refined civilized man
like you sees.

Nothing there to worry about.

Perfect colonial style,
so well preserved for 3 centuries.

Overlooking the fact that it was also
the palace of the Inquisition.

A few centuries ago
men lived in that building...

religious custodians of the word,
people just like you...

With the civilized habit of subjecting
all who didn't think like them...

...and there were many who didn't...

to the most refined torture
in the name of progress.

Unable to accept that
there could be any other God...

than one imposed
by their established authority.

You'd have to give up all
you've been taught

to know what it is I am feeling.

To understand it, unburdened
by the guilt you carry.

How could it be any other way?

You are a modern man,
civilized above all else.

If that was the lesson...

you're a good teacher.
Congratulations.

Maybe that's all
I have to teach you.

OK.

Don't say any more.
Let's go.

Give me a light.

Fate binds us and frees us,
because it expresses the will of God.

I think I must...

I must accept and then...

by myself...

find out what's in me and around me.

God is life.

When the sea is stronger...
abandon yourself to the waves.

A master of Japanese floriculture
would put it here...

You want some?

Let's all three drink together.

THE END