Original subtitles

Previously on Genius...

I would like to talk to you about something

other than relativity.

I wish I could just move beyond the damn theory.

This is the idea I've been missing to complete relativity.

Acceleration and gravity

are the same thing.

And an astronomer could prove it.

I found you an astronomer. Name is Freundlich.

I will never feel anything

but love for you, Mileva.

You had plenty to say to that chesty brunette.

I have never been unfaithful to you.

Professor Haber, have I ever mentioned that my cousin

is Albert Einstein?

Haber? He's legendary.

Mileva makes life at home unbearable.

Not every marriage is meant to last forever.

He's just the kind of man we want in the Academy. He's a dreamer,

not a rigorous scientist.

It's an official offer.

The Prussian Academy.

I don't know if I can accept.

I can't go to Berlin without an answer.

I can't move

to Berlin, Elsa.

There are other people to consider.

Most importantly, my sons.

It would only be because I want to be with you.

Is that so terrible?

Of all the planets and stars...

there is only one Venus,

named for the goddess of beauty and love.

Erwin Freundlich, are you attempting to seduce me?

I'm merely pointing out that we are in the ideal position

to observe Venus.

On Venus day, in fact, which was later

named Friday, in honor of Frigg, the wife of Odin.

I'm quite certain you didn't bring me all the way out here

for a lesson in Norse mythology.

I, uh...

You what?

Kate Hirshberg, w-will you

do me the honor - of being my wife?

Yes. - Oh.

That is, uh, quite fortunate,

because I have already

made arrangements for our honeymoon.

How does Zurich sound?

It's an honor to meet you,

Professor Haber.

Erwin and I are - hoping to recruit you

as an ally in our mission.

Mission? You make it sound as though you're going to war.

Aren't I?

You know the vitriol that's been aimed at me.

That tends to happen when you make radical claims,

such as "gravity bends light."

You've ruffled quite a few feathers.

And we intend to unruffle them

by offering up something that the critics

can't argue against: proof.

In the form of astronomical photographs.

Consider Mercury, the closest planet to the sun.

Unlike the other seven planets, Mercury's orbit doesn't conform

to Newtonian Laws... it's off.

Le Verrier proposed that Mercury's path

is affected by the pull

of a yet undiscovered planet... a planet he named Vulcan.

There is no Vulcan.

Then how do you explain the anomalous orbit?

Picture, if you will, the vastness of space,

and through it, a framework of invisible lines,

like wire mesh supporting a pillar of concrete.

Yet, unlike rigid wire,

this grid work is curved,

like fabric around - any object of mass.

Which causes Mercury's orbit to change each cycle.

Extraordinary.

I believe that this same effect occurs

when starlight passes by the sun.

But the only way to confirm this theory

is during a solar eclipse.

Why an eclipse?

Can you see the smaller stars?

No.

But if we block out - the light from the sun,

you can see them more clearly.

During an eclipse,

Erwin can photograph the position of stars

in the daytime sky,

and we can compare them - to their position

in the night sky,

thus proving...

The sun's gravity

bends starlight.

Clever indeed.

Fortunately for us, just such an eclipse occurs

in a few months' time.

And the ideal position to photograph

the fullest point of that eclipse is in Crimea.

Russia?

Such an expedition would cost...

6,000 marks. Give or take.

An extravagant sum.

Which surely the illustrious Prussian Academy can afford.

And you expect me to convince them?

Well, I'll make the proposal, but a few good words from you

in advance could help settle the matter.

Albert, your idea, it's astounding.

But I fear the wheels of the Academy don't turn as fast

as your nimble mind.

These things take time.

We don't have time...

there won't be another eclipse for years.

Well, then...

I suppose you'd better come to Berlin as soon as possible.

Of course.

I just have to settle a - few family matters first.

I suppose I should be cross with Erwin

for not telling me the real reason

he wanted to come to Zurich.

And why didn't he?

I imagine he thought I'd object to his working

during our honeymoon.

And having a complete stranger foisted upon you as a hostess?

I'm sorry if it's an imposition...

No, I'm simply saying it's hardly the honeymoon

a bride dreams of.

It's a small concession, really.

The price we pay for being married to men

with brilliant minds, don't you think?

I think you should expect honesty in a husband.

Men all have their secrets, don't they?

Are you looking forward to Berlin?

Berlin? Why would you say that?

I'm sorry, Erwin mentioned that you were moving there.

Papa! Papa!

Ah

Eduard sank our boat in the pond.

Well, then, we need to find - a more reliable vessel.

Why don't we build a kite? Yes, a kite.

Go fetch your coats. We'll buy some materials.

Berlin.

Why didn't you tell me?

I didn't, I didn't want to worry you

before everything was arranged.

I'm your wife.

You didn't even think to consult me?

It's the Prussian Academy, Mileva.

You know what this means for our future.

Are you really concerned with our future or yours?

We just returned to Zurich.

Because you were so miserable in Prague, but nothing changes.

You're sullen and short with me

for reasons that I don't understand.

How is it that you can grasp the most intricate concepts

in science, yet you pretend - not to understand me?

We were to be partners, Albert, in everything.

We're ready, Papa.

Now I'm not even included in decisions

that uproot our children.

Trust me, Miza, this is for the best.

Pictures alone

won't appease my skeptics.

The theory has to be

mathematically solid.

It's not as if we've been

sitting around here eating sausages.

Though we have consumed our share of schnitzel.

Be serious, Marcel.

I need proof in hand before - Freundlich departs for Crimea.

It's the only way to rally the Academy behind me.

Albert, since when are you so concerned with the opinions

of the overstuffed establishment?

You know...

my father once told me

physics is not a vocation.

And he was right.

For me,

it's everything.

And general relativity is...

Well, it's the most beautiful idea I've ever had.

The culmination of

all my hours daydreaming as a boy,

all-all the years of study, of battling those who doubted me.

I want the world to see, finally,

what I see, and marvel at the magnificence

of what God has created.

Well, if you want to make them marvel at the magnificence,

perhaps you shouldn't rush off to Berlin

before our work here is done.

Hmm?

Why are you suddenly in such a hurry to return to a country

whose citizenship you have renounced?

I counted the hours, Albert,

and now, finally, here you are.

You made it all happen, Elsa.

Oh, I wish you could spend the night.

It would be so lovely to make you breakfast in the morning.

With you, it's all sunshine.

At home, a cloud of anger.

You should know, Clara Haber has invited the girls and me

to dinner with your family.

You cannot accept.

Albert, Clara is a keen woman.

Refusing her invitation would only arouse suspicion.

And so how are you finding Berlin?

To be quite honest,

I miss Zurich.

It was home.

But you're originally from

Serbia, of course?

Yes.

I'm sure you read in the papers

of the archduke's assassination.

Shocking news.

They're saying it was at the hands of a Serb,

protesting Austria's annexation of Bosnia.

Do you think we'll continue

to see anarchy in the Slavic territories?

In my opinion, Dr. Haber,

I imagine the Slavic nations will continue to defend

against anyone who views them

as mere territories to be acquired.

Naturally, Mileva would never condone assassination.

And yet I do understand the impulse to protect

one's homeland against the aggression of imperialists.

You cannot be suggesting that these rebels are justified.

Fritz, surely a strong, patriotic spirit is a quality

any good German can appreciate.

Now, let us speak no more of politics.

I've heard the opera has mounted a new production of Tosca.

Mileva, do you enjoy Puccini?

I do.

Thank you.

For what?

For making me feel welcome.

Think nothing of it.

Albert's mother has always been so critical of me.

I fretted for days about meeting more of the family.

Well, you must put your fears to rest.

You're very kind.

It means a great deal to me.

Herr Freundlich's expedition

will travel through Austria,

crossing into Russia,

arriving at the Crimean Peninsula.

There, he will have approximately two minutes

to complete his observations during the eclipse.

And have you calculated

the cost, uh, of this excursion?

6,000 marks. Hmm.

Does that include caviar?

I must assume my esteemed colleagues

of the Academy

see the value in furthering new research,

rather than simply

regurgitating the old.

"Old."

As in the distinguished scholars sitting in this room?

What I believe Professor Einstein is trying to say

is that his generalized theory of relativity

merits investigation,

and financial investment, as well.

Mm-hmm.

Would you mind giving us a few moments, Professor Einstein?

Good afternoon, madame.

Please excuse the intrusion.

My name is Vladimir Varicak, and I've just traveled from...

Zagreb. I hear it in your voice.

Is it possible I have the good fortune to encounter

a fellow Slav here - in the heart of Prussia?

Is there a heart beating in Germany?

I have yet to hear it.

I don't suppose - Professor Einstein is at home?

I'm afraid not, but I can direct you to the university.

Well, yes.

I had an appointment with Professor Einstein

at the university, but... but unfortunately,

he was not in attendance.

You're more than welcome to wait, if you like.

He should be home shortly.

Thank you.

You can't seriously consider funding this charlatan, hmm?

I admit Herr Einstein is eccentric,

but his theories are driven - by the same curiosity

that led Professor Planck to his discoveries about quanta.

The same thinking that led you to your photoelectric effect.

There is nothing about Einstein

that is the same as us, Professor Haber.

Although, I understand your natural sympathies are with him.

What do you mean by that?

I think you know precisely what I mean.

Has he promised you a share of his profits?

That will be enough, Philipp.

Need I remind you both

that the kaiser's directive to the Academy

is to further practical science,

not uproot the very foundations upon which it is built.

Plum brandy? After all these years,

a glass of fermented prune juice is what you miss most?

I miss almost everything about home,

if you must know the truth.

The smell of the spruce trees, the boats on Lake Palic.

And what about your family?

My brother, Milos, - has enlisted in the army.

I'm worried for him.

Do you think it will come to war?

Well, we both know the spirit of a Serb

is never to surrender to tyranny.

Oh, good Lord.

I hadn't noticed the time.

Ah... - You must excuse me.

I can't imagine what's kept Albert,

but I apologize on his behalf.

Oh. I'm staying at the Excelsior,

should Professor Einstein find time to reschedule.

I'll be sure to tell him.

At the risk of sounding forward, may I say

I'm almost thankful your husband was otherwise occupied.

Good day, Frau Einstein.

2,000 marks!

Such a pittance won't even

get Freundlich to the Russian border!

They're obviously trying to deter me altogether.

It's an insult!

Perhaps I could introduce you

to Gustav Krupp.

The industrialist?

You think he would pay for the expedition?

He fancies himself an intellectual

and he funds the Prussian Academy.

Why not go directly to the source?

Can you arrange a meeting?

Only on the condition that I accompany you.

You can't bear to be away from me.

True.

But I also know - you're not always

as adept at social niceties as you are with equations.

I can help iron the - inevitable wrinkles.

What would I do without you?

Margot, dear.

I was just, uh, congratulating Cousin Albert

on his upcoming expedition.

Where have you been?

The Academy.

You had a visitor, a mathematician

with whom you broke an appointment.

Varicak? He's of no consequence.

He waited for hours.

He writes almost weekly,

trying to poke holes in my theory.

I only agreed to meeting him to get him to stop.

He traveled for hours. The least you...

I'm afraid it'll have to wait. - I'm leaving tomorrow for Essen.

I'll be gone several days.

You're barely home as it is.

Mileva

I have spent the entire day

defending myself to the Academy.

I will not be forced to do it in my own home!

I was under the impression it was our home.

Mileva, I am trying to prove the most important

discovery of my life.

You, of all people,

should understand how important it is.

I moved here with you, didn't I?

Yet not one word of support - since we set foot in Berlin!

How am I to offer it if you're never here?!

Can't you see

how miserable I am?

You're miserable everywhere!

If you want to know the truth,

I'm looking forward - to this trip,

as I do any reprieve from your dark moods.

Well, what do you think?

I... I think that your killing machine

is, uh, as magnificent a monstrosity as they come,

Herr Krupp. - I am going to present

Big Bertha to the Reichstag next week.

A fanciful name for such a weapon.

I named her

after the most combustible person I know:

my wife.

I must admit, Elsa,

I was surprised to see you here.

A bit of a precarious position, is it not?

Accompanying Professor Einstein on such a public errand?

I can't imagine anyone who would find fault

in my supporting the endeavors of family.

Yes, your cousin.

I can assure you the rumors remain at the speculation stage,

yet I would tread carefully.

A scandal, once unleashed, is difficult to reign in

and always ends up much worse for the woman than the man.

Thank you, Bertha.

But I'm afraid you'll have to excuse me.

And so, clearly,

the deflection should be precisely

.83 seconds of arc.

And to get here, we employed

Riemannian geometry,

since it contains certain invariants

under coordinate transformations that...

And when these measurements are taken

and photographs published,

Albert will be hailed a genius,

certainly in line for the Nobel Prize.

Elsa is perhaps too kind.

Or Professor Einstein is perhaps too modest.

His name will be forever pressed into the history books

for changing the way we understand the world.

The question is: does Herr Gustav Krupp

want his name printed alongside Albert's?

As you know, I have

many acquaintances in the Academy.

And there are those who believe your theories to be...

there's no polite way to say it...

pure fantasy.

At the risk of sounding boastful,

there are those who said

I wouldn't prove the existence of molecules.

They denounced my theory of special relativity.

If I'm right again,

this expedition will revolutionize science

in the way that your Big Bertha

will revolutionize warfare.

What do you say, Herr Krupp?

I like a man

who stands by his dreams, Herr Einstein.

The Academy be damned.

I must wire Freundlich immediately.

I told you we could do it.

You are my champion, Elsa. Thank you for believing in me.

Albert, stop.

Yah!

What's wrong?

You're becoming famous.

You draw more attention

than an ordinary man kissing his mistress.

Elsa, you are not my mistress.

Are you not still married?

I'm here with you.

Look what we just accomplished together.

You know what you mean to me.

I do.

But I'm beginning to see what perhaps I should have all along.

Elsa.

I allowed myself to be swept up

in the whirlwind that you create.

I was blinded by my feelings,

but Bertha has opened my eyes.

We can't care what others say.

We must.

I need to think of my daughters.

What happens to them if I become the object of ridicule?

What about your family?

Mileva's furious with me regardless of...

We've certainly given her reason.

She doesn't know.

Even so,

she is not the monster you made her out to be.

Does she deserve the scorn that will surely be

heaped upon her - if word spreads? Do your boys?

Elsa, I moved my family - to Berlin for you.

You came to join the Academy.

Because it brought me near to you. And now,

now I can't imagine a single day without seeing you.

I'm sorry, Albert.

But as long as you're still married,

we cannot be together.

I believe even Fritz - is secretly jealous

of your husband's breakthrough.

I am, too.

I miss working with him,

being a scientist, myself.

Yes, my years in the laboratory with Fritz

were among the best of my life.

And now, we are - playing cards

while they pursue their passions.

Listen to the two of us.

I do wish Elsa could have joined us.

She brings such levity.

I called on her yesterday,

but apparently, she's gone away for a few days.

Where?

To Essen, I'm told.

Essen.

That's where Albert has gone...

Mileva, I'm sorry.

I assumed

you had some idea, - or I would've spoken up sooner.

How could I not have seen it?

Uh, perhaps you didn't want to.

How long?

If I'm not mistaken, it was Elsa who helped

make arrangements for your move.

She was so kind to me.

Elsa is not a bad woman... they rarely are.

And you must... find a way to cope with that.

As we all must.

Fritz?

Don't you want to kill him?! I...

You may rage in moral superiority, as I did,

you can sulk in futile silence,

or you might find it more satisfying

to allow yourself the same freedom.

I couldn't.

Don't you deserve to feel loved?

Frau Einstein.

To what do I owe the pleasure?

I came to inform you

that my husband has been called away on extended business.

I'm afraid he won't be able to meet with you.

Disappointing news.

Albert can be awfully thoughtless sometimes.

I felt you were owed an apology in person.

Well, it seems that neither of us

has a dinner companion this evening.

Would you care to... to join me?

They say Tesla

is as mad as he is brilliant.

Or perhaps that's simply a persona he's created

to distinguish himself from the likes of Edison.

Hmm. A fascinating theory.

Then again,

he is a temperamental Serb,

and there's nothing entirely sane about the lot of us.

I've had a wonderful time with you this evening, Mileva.

I'm afraid I've taken leave of my senses,

dining in public with a stranger while my husband is away.

Stranger no more, I hope.

Good evening.

When were you going to tell me about Elsa?

Are you in love with her?

I'm sorry.

Do you know where I was last night?

I have no idea.

I went to a hotel.

To meet a man.

A man who finds me fascinating,

who takes pleasure in my company.

Who was he?

The mathematician from Zagreb.

But I couldn't.

Perhaps you should have.

Do I really mean so little to you?

Dollie... Do not call me that.

Not unless you can look me in the eye

and tell me you still love me.

It's time we were honest with each other.

Love has abandoned this marriage

in equal parts.

What about the... the life we've built?

There is no sin in drifting apart,

only in punishing each other for it.

I want a divorce.

She refused.

Why are you so intent on a divorce, anyway?

Why not do what - the rest of us do?

Take a mistress.

There's been no talk of - divorce under my roof.

Elsa won't see me as things stand.

She certainly won't resume our relations

as long as I'm still married.

Elsa means that - much to you?

She looks after me.

She believes in me.

She... she makes me happy.

Perhaps Mileva can find someone to make her happy, too,

but not as long as - she clings to this marriage.

I must make her see that somehow and set us both free.

How do you plan - to do that?

"If you wish to remain married,

"you must agree to the following conditions.

You will ensure that my - laundry is kept in good order,

"that I receive three meals in my room,

"and that my study is kept neat, left for my use only.

You will renounce personal relations with me,

"insofar as they are not necessary for social reasons.

You will not expect any intimacy from me,

nor will you reproach me in any way."

Has he gone mad?

How could you agree to be party to such a thing?

"D:

"You will stop talking to me when I request it.

"You will leave my bedroom and study immediately

and without protest, if I request it."

It's absurd.

To honestly believe one's own wife is so... without reason,

that she must be shocked into accepting a divorce?

Not even the decency to issue the demands himself.

Such theatrics can only be

intended to incense me.

He's given you no choice, Mileva.

How can you retain any dignity if you hold on?

Give the man his damn divorce and be done with it.

I'll do what you want.

I'm sure, in time, you'll realize it's for the best.

Not the divorce.

I mean your list.

I'll wash your laundry, clean each floorboard,

deliver three hot meals to your study.

Mileva...

I'll respect the letter of the law

in Albert Einstein's household.

Those were your - terms, were they not?

Yes, if you are intent on forcing us both

to remain in this intolerable situation!

I am.

For the boys.

They need their father.

I would be near, no matter what.

You aren't near as it is.

We both know if you move out, weeks will go by

without them laying eyes on the man they adore.

Would that be worse than growing up with two people

who can't bear to be in the same room as each other?!

I am not letting you walk away from the boys!

And yes, I am aware this relationship,

henceforth, is merely a formality.

Now, if you'll excuse me,

I must shop for your meals.

You know what force makes the kite fly?

It's called lift.

The curious effect of air passing over the kite's surface.

Huh?

What do you say we go and get some cake, huh?

Yes, please.

All right. Let's bring her in.

Do you know what, Papa?

I don't think you're nearly as cruel

as Mama says you are.

I hope you understand this was...

what it was, and nothing more.

Perhaps in another time.

Of course.

Since it's clear I'm never meeting

with your esteemed husband, I hope you'll show this to him.

I've devised a proof

which demonstrates that his theory

does not satisfy Mach's principle.

Are you certain?

I came to warn him that if he proceeds with this expedition,

he will be testing a... a calculation

based on a flawed foundation,

and his results will not match - his predictions.

He could become a laughingstock.

Albert.

There's something I must show you.

How long have you been poisoning my sons against me?

I don't know what you're talking about.

They seem to think - that I am a cruel person.

I wonder where they got such an idea.

Do you honestly believe I need to conspire

to make the boys see what they witness with their own eyes?

The way you treat me?

You twist reality, but this stops now!

You are never to speak ill of me in front of the children again!

I will add it to the list.

You should look this over before Freundlich...

My patience is exhausted, Mileva.

It's for your own... - Item D!

You will stop talking to me when I request it,

and you will leave my study - immediately, without protest!

Be sure to send a telegram the moment

you arrive in Crimea. Not to worry.

By the end of the month, the world will be cheering

Albert Einstein.

No one will ever doubt you again.

The kaiser's declared war.

On Serbia?

No, sir.

On Russia.

We are officially across enemy lines.

Keep your voices down.

If we change trains at the next stop,

we could be back into Austria by nightfall.

No, the worst thing we can do is panic.

But Herr Freundlich...

We only need to keep quiet,

make it to Crimea, take our photographs

and get the hell out.

Has there been a telegram from Freundlich?

No. Are you sure?

Is it possible that you missed a messenger?

I haven't left the apartment all day.

There's been no telegram.

What's happened?

We are astronomers, you must believe me.

We... uh, tell him, tell him.

Uh, stars, the stars up... uh, no, no, no,

please, don't touch this. This does not...

Thank you for coming.

Your message sounded urgent.

Gentlemen, I fear that Herr Freundlich and his men

have run into trouble in Russia.

I haven't received word from them since the war broke out.

If you haven't heard from them,

you can't be sure there's a problem.

His instructions were to wire me the moment he arrived in Crimea.

How do you expect us to find three astronomers

in the middle of a war?

Max, this is the kaiser's academy, for God's sake.

Men of your stature must have a connection at the Reichstag.

If we go to the Reichstag, they are likely

to question the wisdom of your insistence

on embarking on this expedition at such a volatile time.

Who cares what people think of me when lives are at stake?

Just help me find Erwin.

This is a camera, no?

Yes, but...

To take pictures... - No.

of troop movements, encampments.

No, no, no, no, no, no, no, nothing like that.

You enter Russia from Germany

with trunks full of photographic devices,

and you want us to believe that you are not a spy?

I-I'm a scientist.

I'm here to photograph an eclipse.

In a matter of days.

Please, if you would release me

and my assistants, it's not too late.

Who ordered you to come here?

I-I'm here on behalf of the great physicist

Albert Einstein.

You work for Albert Einstein?

Yes.

You know of him?

Well?

The kaiser has heard through diplomatic channels.

Freundlich is alive, as are his men.

Wonderful news. - In part.

They're being, uh, interned in a prisoner-of-war camp.

On what grounds?

Espionage.

That's absurd. - Albert,

you sent them into a war zone

with a trunk full of surveillance equipment.

Well, let's clear up the misunderstanding

and get them out of there.

It's not that simple.

There may be a way to resolve this,

but it requires the cooperation of both the kaiser and the czar.

Whatever must be done. Albert.

There is no guarantee that he's coming home.

Where are you taking me?

FREUNDLICH Please, I have a wife.

Move!

Go

Go, go.

Go, go, go.

Mileva.

Erwin's been freed in exchange for Russian prisoners.

Thank God.

I know, isn't it wonderful?

And the photographs?

Perhaps it's a blessing.

Why would you say that?

Your foundation for general relativity is flawed.

What?

Whatever would lead you to such a conclusion?

Herr Varicak.

Naturally, I didn't believe his ideas had merit,

but then he showed me his proof, and, Albert,

your theory does not, in fact, satisfy Mach's principle.

You saw this proof, and - yet you said nothing?

I tried.

You...

you tried?

Y-You're telling me that I could have been ruined,

and-and you stayed silent?

I was obeying your orders.

So, out of spite

y-you let me send those young men into danger?

How were either of us to know

the kaiser would declare war on Russia?

You wanted me to fail.

Yes!

Yes,

somewhere deep within me,

I wanted to see the look on your face

when you experienced real pain.

Disappointment.

The harsh judgment of the world.

I wanted to see those dreams crumble for you

as they have for me.

You hate me that much?

I don't hate you.

I hate the person I've become because of you.

You're right, Albert.

We can't stay together any longer.

Albert

I thought we decided...

Mileva's agreed to end things.

She accepted the divorce?

Not entirely.

A separation. Oh, Albert, that's not...

It's a start. I'll be getting a flat of my own.

We'll have all the time in the world.

You know there is quite a difference

between separation and divorce.

Can we please simply enjoy this moment?

I know it's been difficult, but I beg your patience

just a little while longer.

It's only a matter of time

before we're able to be together.

Hmm?

Mileva?

Boys?

Boys?

Check if there are seats.

ALBERT - Mileva! Mileva!

Papa!

Mileva, don't do this.

It's already done, Albert.

Y-You don't have to go all the way to Switzerland.

It will be easier for everyone.

You can't. - You pushed so hard.

Now you have what you wanted.

I wanted to end - our marriage.

I didn't want to lose my whole family.

The move to Berlin was for you.

I never wanted it.

But what about the boys?

You can't have everything, Albert.

You have your kite with you?

Yes, Papa.

Good. I'll come and fly it with you very soon.

I'll write every day.

Will you remember where we left off on circumference?

I will.

I'm sorry, Dollie.

I wanted so much for us.

Good-bye, Albert.