Original subtitles

In a few hours, life will begin anew

The church bells will ring for me

I know that my throat will constrict before pronouncing the word "Yes"

I spent so many years holding my father's hand

I explored so many times, at his side, the corners of this island

Mother died many years ago

My father means everything to me

Sometimes, he was too severe

It took me a long time to understand that, under these rigid aspects of his character,

he hid an immense tenderness that he was ashamed to show

Now, the only thing that mitigates my joy...

... is the thought that he will be left alone

He was always afraid that, one day, I would fall in love and would marry,

and I would leave our precious home

My first rendez-vous was secret and furtive...

... and ultimately, increasingly intense

Suddenly, my father became increasingly withdrawn

Hello

Good day

Hello

What do you want?

You are Mr Oliveira, the director of the archeaological museum?

Yes. Please approach

I am Arturo Bauer

I have just come from your friend, Mr Rosenthal

Very good

Let me take a look

So, you are completing your archeological studies

Yes. I am preparing a thesis on the origins of the island of Madeira

Very interesting. How may I help you?

I would like your co-operation with my research

You are very young...

... and I suppose you share the revolutionary ideas...

... of your mentor, Mr Rosenthal

I wish to warn you that the results of your research may be disappointing

Additionally, residents of this island don't like strangers meddling in our affairs

Excuse me, I thought you were English

I came from there... a long time ago

I was born in a wonderful region

Very different from this, of course, with more rivers. Many more

But also very green, with pines, huge poplars, firs

My village is called Tendce

Is is by a lake. In spring, couples travel there by boat

Then they swim naked and make love

I adore it... and, at the same time, I dislike it

Girls there do this with no consequence, sleeping with anyone

Whilst here...

... Here, to give a kiss without getting a slap in return, is a minor victory

- You wanted to see me, father? - Yes

Who is this young man you are courting?

A young man?... A boy... normal

I would have noticed if he was abnormal

Are you engaged?

- Engaged? - Yes, engaged?

Yes

What is happening to you?

You wish to marry? To leave me alone?

We have not thought about getting married. Nothing like that...

So, if you have thought about none of this, it is best for you to part ways with him

I have never liked relationships that are ambiguous

- Ambiguous? - Yes

But... I don't...

It is difficult to say... Because I...

Your daughter, Ana...

I would like... If it does not bother you...

- You want to marry, eh? - Yes, sir. That is it

Thank you for making things easy

I already guessed as much

I opened the doors of my house to you, and you take the only good thing in my life

Very well

Go ahead. Get married as soon as possible

Look, aunt, this is my dress

Wait a second

You can see all of your things

Thank you, my angel

I know very well all of these beautiful things that your father collected

You are very kind. Thank you for coming back

He will not feel alone when I leave

Don't worry about him. I know him well...

He has always been selfish and obsessive

You have done enough for him

Now, get married and be happy

This is the only important thing, angel

- I will keep him occupied - Thank you

You are beautiful. You must show your father

- He will be angry if I do - It will pass as soon as he sees you

Lord have mercy upon the sinner, who died of a mortal sin

At the hour of your judgement, look at his life, his good deeds and thoughts

Ana, I am very sorry

You must maintain your composure

Thank you for everything, Arturo

If you had not persuaded the doctor to record the death as accidental...

... we could not bury him in this way

It was the least I could do

Do you want me to stay with you?

I would like to keep you company

Do you know why he did it?

No. There was no reason

If you don't mind, I'll call you

No, I don't want you to call me...

... at least for a few days

We must delay our wedding

The timing is not right, but...

I'm sorry, Arturo, but don't call me any more

I do not want to marry you. Ever

Don't ask me why. I don't know myself

I sense a great void

I do not love you

I love nobody

Perhaps if we leave to spend some time...

Maybe, but I don't think so

I'd be lying if I said anything else

Thank you for everything, Ana

His infinite mercy relieves His penance for ever and ever

and gives us the joy of Thy divine presence

I'll call you soon. I'm going

Big kiss. Ana

I'm here

This is what you wanted, right?

You do not want to run the risk of bumping into your wife?

No, not at all

As you wish

You want to show me a shabby room in a cheap hotel?

This reminds me of a film I watched at Cin�-Club.

Jean Gabin, very young...

... pursued by the police, shut himself up in a room as ugly as this one

I love you

Have you seen that film?

- I love you? - Have you seen that Jean Gabin film?

I love you. I see nothing but you. When I fall asleep, I awaken thinking of you

My dear, you flirt like an old man

Perhaps, but love is very old, an ancient idea

I don't want to sleep with you, Bill

- Why not? - I don't know

Let me go

Carry on. I'll be back

Can I come to you, after?

- If you like - I would like to

- I believe you already know my wife - Of course. Right?

We've known each other for a long time

There are Brazilian musicians here. I would like to play with them for a while

It's a good audience, tonight

You know what? I love you

I already know

I need to tell you. It's true

Why don't we leave? Let's go

What about her?

She ... She's as pissed as a newt

And then?

She's accustomed to it. She's from Alabama

They're like that, over there

She either comes from Alabama, or she has realised about us two

Perhaps she knows about us

I'll wait in the park. I have to speak with you

Take the first opportunity to escape

Okay

- I'll come when I am able - Don't be late

Bill...

Where are you going?

What the hell concern is it of yours?

Everything you touch concerns me

Oh well, start worrying about it then

Ana, just play

Ana...

Ana...

What is wrong?

Ana, why are you looking at me like that?

I love you

Ana! What's going on? Why are you crying?

Do you want something to drink?

- I'll fetch you a drink - Hurry up

- What happened, Ana? - Feeling better?

It's nothing. I sensed a great emptiness in my head. It's happened before

- Come on. Play something jolly - Yes, go ahead and play!

Hello?

It's Miguel. It's almost 14h00. It's time to wake up

That depends on what time we go to bed

Come quickly: I want to take you for a bite to eat

Okay

Where do you want to go?

I don't know. I'll honk my horn so you know where I am

How will I know it is your horn?

I have a new one. It plays the Marseillaise

Very well

I'm coming!

You weren't joking

I never joke

- So, where are we going? - Where would you like?

No, it's up to you. Would you like Turkish food, Chinese...

... Vietnamese, Russian, Italian, Spanish, or, simply, French?

I would like something exotic

Your wish is my command, madam

That's magnificent. Just imagine...

Medea clad in a long, romantic dress, candelabras of gold, and the music of Strauss

The decor, I think, will remain classical

With columns, and everything else. But ancient...

... Greek ruins contribute a romantic theme...

... which should be presented in a romantic way.

She will wear boots instead of her costumes

... and a cape in the place of her tunic

Do you like it?

I never learn anything with you: you're just a pig!

From the dawn of time, man has eaten with his fingers

Then, an idiot invented the fork

Me, I decided to return to our heritage

It is excellent

The combination of the meat and the hands

Narcissist

I have the Atheneum theatre

I have a good budget and a formidable cast

The extras are good too

Ted Montolliou will act, the light held on him...

... wearing the best costume he's ever worn

We will play something special, in the spirit of jazz

I have everything I need

A special group to provide the soundtrack...

... the participation of great actors...

Even the approval of censors, despite the erotic content

There is just on thing missing: ...

Medea

I auditioned twenty actresses. None were right for the part

They are all crazy, or look like whores...

Too old... or too young

None are what I want

So, I told myself... you...

I know where you're coming from

Your passion will win out

I've never done theatre, and I've never studied drama

I would be an object of ridicule. And you too

I'm just asking you to give it a go

Don't you want to?

Think of the opening night. The ovation that will await you

And later, we will celebrate more intimately, in bed...

ldiot! For a moment I thought you were being serious

I swear I have never been as serious in my life

I'm really sure...

... that you are the solution to my problem

Just give it a small try

If you feel it's going wrong, we shall be honest

The triumphant trumpets managed to quel the surge...

One moment, Alfonso

Play it differently

This is a full stop, not a comma

Blah blah blah... echoing his thousand victories. Full stop.

What is there, is a narrative of what has past

What a joy to hear this voice, etc...

- Do you understand? - Yes, thank you

We will resume with the opening paragraph

Whenever you want. Go

It is better to begin with the prior sentence, thus: ...

"No, in vain, they returned..." Okay?

Very well

That's the new candidate? Pretty girl

Do you like it?

It's too big

It's like a Gothic cathedral

You are not a believer, but you need to pray. You need protection

It's like a way to progress

If I had to say one thing about this scenario, it would be this: ...

Help!

That's enough for today. Tomorrow at 16h00

You see...

From there, the scene is scary. But from here, it's not

I like that

Bring me a sofa

Do you like this sofa?

You are going to lay on it

Voil�, your house!

The Ch�ophores and the Eumenides have spoken. They have made their predictions

You know who the Ch�ophores and the Eum�nides are in Greek theatre?

It's like the 'good guys' and the 'bad guys', the Indians and the cowboys...

Yes, that's almost it

So they are in the process of talking whilst you sleep feverishly

Anxiety makes you delirious

You have no new... Franco, give me the script

You have no news of your beloved husband; then, you say to yourself...

You'll see, read it once. It's charming; you'll like it

- When will this machine be removed? - Tomorrow

O benevolent Gods, who have brought our armies, though decimated...

O benevolent Gods, who have brought our armies, though decimated...

fought with bayonets...

... with bayonets, against the unbridled Prussian force, superior in number...

... with bayonets, against the unbridled Prussian force, superior in number...

Everything okay?

O benevolent Gods, who have brought our armies, though decimated, ...

... fought with bayonets and defeated the Prussians

Do you understand? Is it clear?

Then tell it as you feel it

As you must feel it

O benevolent Gods, who have brought our armies, though decimated, ...

who fought with bayonets, defeating the unbridled Prussian army...

... superior in number

Then you have done so...

And the joy of all those who, like me, await the return of their men

Then you have done so...

Why did you leave ringing in my ears the hollow voice whose failure is heard?

Why did you leave, in my eyes, the image of your absence...

... and in my mouth, the name that my being implores be pronounced...

... but whose sound offends the heavens...

... that would change the direction of the wind...

... if it could not reach the ears of the beloved

Have you heard, you who listen to the silence?

You can read the threat in the wind...

... or the powerful light of the Oriental star

You, the Gods, would be able...

I congratulate you: this girl is stupendous

You can congratulate me with bottles of champagne

This car is like a benevolent pistol

The avenue which runs... People willing to die...

... open their eyes wide, just before they're shat on!

Imagine them, pyjamas, nightdresses, curlers? ...

You are like a magician

I am a magician

And here is the design that creates the illusion in our hearts

Seriously, thank you, Ana!

Thank you for being who you are, living in this city, and giving me the chance to know you

I've been seeking a star for months

I ran into invisible walls...

Now is the day.

A beautiful sun shines... And me, I return to the theatre

Now?

Yes, alone, to reflect on everything

Medea now has a face... a beautiful face

Everything is very good

Too perfect

Till tomorrow, then

Where's Bill?

You don't know? We called, but you weren't home

What's going on? What's happened to Bill?

He's been killed. Yesterday evening, in the park

It must have happened when he left your house

He was stabbed

The doctors say it was a rare weapon, very old

A kind of Oriental dagger

- Do they know who did it? - No

Nothing was stolen. It was a madman's crime

A whisky, please

Hello?

Good evening, aunt. It's Ana

It's been a while since I've heard from you. One doesn't always realise...

- Do you know what time it is? - 04h00 in the morning

The hour is a little indecent for making telephone calls

Sorry, but I needed to speak with you. I miss you

How are you? Why do you not write?

I'm fine. And you?

With my ailments... My leg hurts me, ...

... and the weather is wet and cold

- Have you heard from dad? - What did you say?

Have I heard from your father?

Excuse-moi, but I forgot about his death

He is no longer of this world, but I sense him near to me

His presence is always with me

My girl... I wouldn't tell anyone this, but whilst we're talking...

This evening, I had a strange sensation. I woke up immediately

I had an impression that I was not alone

There was another presence in the house...

The sensation was so strong that I woke up

I remember having put out the lights before going to bed

However, the light in the library was still on

I was afraid, but I entered the room

There was noone there. But I noticed something curious: ...

... an open book on the table

I was sure I had left it closed

What was the book? What was it called?

An old book, on ancient theatre

Which topic, aunt?

Medea

Ana, are you there?

Ana, answer me!

Ana...

Who's there? Is that you, Alfredo?

Ana, is that you?

What a surprise! Come onto the stage

Come

What's going on, Ana?

Why are you dressed like that?

What have you got there?

- The newspaper, miss? - No, thank you

Wait! Give me one

"Death of young director Miguel Ferrara...

"... He was preparing a new adaptation of Medea...

"... His corpse was found on the stage...

"... pierced by a blade"

Ana

You may enter

How do you feel?

A little daft

Soon you'll feel better. Promise me one thing

Don't do that again. It's not worth it

Don't worry

We've arrived

Here is our palace

Thank you, Carla

Thank you for bringing me to this perfect place to rest

Come, let's go in

Rest. Sleep...

That's all I needed

Life is stupid!

I'm at the perfect place to rest

The earthly paradise. The Garden of Eden

Where, one morning, my father hanged himself

While the bells rang for me and I tried on my wedding dress

Tell me. Did you never come to this this island before?

Yes, I even lived on Mad�re

Yes, I know my island

Who will show me the flowers here that have the purest colours?

And as the night slowly falls?

That time seems to freeze when the sun goes down?

I would like to go on this boat. Don't you wish to?

- Tomatoes! - What did you say?

I forgot the tomatoes!

- Shall I come with you? - No, stay here

I am both happy and sad to be back here again

My poor old home

Like a silent and eternal lover awaiting your return

But I do not want to go back to my house

Or see the ghosts of the past

I want to rediscover you, Mad�re. As a mere tourist

And pray that the secret of our old friendship is kept

You want to say something to Rachel?

Send him my regards

It's silly with postcards. I never know what to say

One always writes the same thing

- How may I help? - A Maracuja juice

- Very well, miss - Thanks

This is my house, here

Voil�, it is done

And that image, what is it?

"Fonchal, by Night"

What else but "Fonchal, by Night"?

Your drink, miss?

Thank you

What are you doing, right under my nose? You could be more discreet

- Finish writing. - Yes, that's it

Finally, you're here. You were supposed to wait for me there

Pardon. It is so beautiful that I wandered

- Pipo! Tina! - Carla!

What a surprise! But what are you doing here?

- You're beautiful! - I'm glad to see you

- You are radiant. - Ana, come here

You look so lovely. What have you changed about yourself?

Ah, you've dyed your hair. It suits you very well

- Hello. - Delighted. Sit down

You remember the old barber in Carita

The other day, I was on the Champs-Elys�es, and I heard it calling me...

- Do you like it on the island? - Yes

- A cigarette? - No, thank you

We're here on holiday

But I'm taking this opportunity to have another drink

It is excellent. I'll make tea

- Waiter! Four Brissas. - For pity's sake, Pipo...

- I've had enough Brissas. - We need to entertain our friends

- You are alone here? - No

- With your fiance? - No

- With a friend? - No

- Well then, your husband? - No, I'm not married

Here are the Brissas

You'll see, it's wonderful: the best summer refreshment there is

Brissas, cooler than ice!

Nobody believes it, but it's delicious

- Look at the mouse - Where?

- You do not know? - No - In the hole

It left for the fifth Brissas of the morning

You're afraid of little mice?

They disgust me a little, but they are friendly

Try this, it's extraordinary

Brissas, cooler than ice!

- Four Brissas, please. - No, I'm tired of your Brissas

How can you tire of the aperitif that's more refreshing than ice?

A Brissas with rum: the "aperitif maximum"!

- Why don't we play a game? - I propose we play strip poker!

- I have nothing against that idea. - We will play the Good King Dagobert

- What's that? - You'll find out

You must take your glass and raise it...

... then do this...

... and drink it up

It's a doddle

Come on, all together. One, two...

At the first mistake, you must take a drink

At the second, the other players may impose a punishment of their choice

Whether you play this game or another, one always ends up naked!

Waiter! Four Brissas, please

To the health of the 43rd Dagobert!

Mabelle!

No, not you!

Cheeky young thing!

- And who's she? - Ana.

What are you doing?

We're playing Good King Dagobert!

Wait, how do we play?

If you lose, you down all the glasses

Ah, a Charleston. Nice!

Ana, come and dance!

Ana, are you coming or what?

I'm coming

At your command!

People are too wishy-washy about their ideals

It's easy to demand freedom, then perpetuate tyranny

We're not built for democracy

We believe in God, kings and tyrants at the same time

We need a firm, but reasonable, system of government...

... to guide us and prevent us from transgressing

Tina, that's terrible

It's been three months since I had news of Sandro

He goes about it the wrong way

I think that when one loves a woman, one owes her respect

Him, he left. Very quickly. Like a coward. Without saying anything

Without justification

One morning, I woke up and he was gone

For example, after his death Mussolini became known as a tyrant and a dictator...

... but he was, in his early career, a great benefactor for Italy

I waited...

Then, I became afraid. I called the police, the hospital...

He was like a madman: He drove at breakneck speed

Basically, when I was looking for him, despite my apprehension, ...

... I was hoping that something had happened to him

Who said that France and England were free countries?

Every day, the pressure of the bourgeoisie converts these into police states

In Paris, there are more policemen than there are priests in the Vatican

If you'd like to, we can swim and then eat here

Yes, there is a terrace. This is a very nice place

The best meal is their filleted flounder with chips

That sounds appetising. But first, a bath!

What a dolt! I forgot my swimming costume

Smashing! You can bathe naked and I'm sure we'll be ready to eat

You always find a solution to everything!

Are you bored?

I'm bored, you're bored, he's bored, we're all bored, you all...

I bore myself, you bore yourself...

Even the flowers are bored

The trees are bored, the birds are bored...

A curious concept of life...

No, a curious concept of boredom

What are you doing here?

You should find yourself a boy and go with him. You'd be less bored

- That depends. - On what, exactly?

Basically, you're right. When you meet an amazing man, he always eventually reveals himself to be a moron

And if he is smart, that is always a deception

But hey, it may be that there is always an exception to the rule

- I met two. - Why did you leave them?

I didn't. They left me...

They are dead

What a beautiful couple!

Men are all the same

On the last evening, we walked together under the palm trees

It was very solemn

I can't live without him, Tina

I need him

Are you bored?

At the moment, no

- What a response! - Yes, it's great

The air is clear

Here, everything is conducive to love. Can you not sense it?

No

What a chance to enjoy this warm and sensual atmosphere

If I could, I would change places with you. Do you understand me?

In this world, nobody is free

What do you say...

You are free. You could meet a man who pleases you...

... and lose yourself with him on a deserted beach during a strange, romantic evening

You call that being free? It's just another trap

You could make love like just any stray mutt?

You are very pessimistic

If you were not so beautiful...

... I would think you were an old woman talking down her nose at me

I do not know who said: "How can we talk of human freedom? ...

"... I have asked noone to come into the world, and noone to leave"

A bitter truth

Was it Dante who said that?

No, Boris Vian. Just before he died

A Frenchman, eh?

You could say that

You're jealous?

You're not mad? Why should I care?

Because of Ana

I would be jealous if you told me you had found the love of your life

- But that is not the case. - You can't be sure

So what difference does it make if you sleep with her or another woman?

At least, she's a good girl. And unhappy

Wait a little. Don't second-guess

I have not slept with her

Anyway, you are very generous. Perhaps too much

With you, always

Give me that

- What hour is it? - Almost 05h00

Here, it is still early days. I had forgotten

You want to go?

I don't mind. I already slept for two hours

You are so entertaining! Hey, Roger!

Play me something jolly

- I'll escort you. - It's not worth it. I live nearby

But I am a gentleman

As you wish

After you

Are you going to invite me in for a drink?

Why? You'll let me down like that?

Yes, I'll let you down like that

Are you sure you want to go with her?

Yes, though I haven't asked. Do you mind?

Until now, your adventures have been more discrete

That's no longer enough for you? Perhaps you're in love?

Perhaps

I'll tell you when we return to Porto Santo

Don't stop, I beg you. Continue

I love you, Ana

I love you

This isn't just a simple holiday fling

And no more just a game of seduction

I know I'm old enough to be your father

But that does not stop me from loving you

I want you with all my soul and I cannot live without you

You are crazy

Yes, crazy. And terribly confused

I thought I knew all the tricks for seducing girls like you

But this is not a game. This is serious, and I don't know what to say

These words must seem ridiculous to you

If you love me... If you want me...

Don't try to conquer me. You don't need to talk

I prefer to know nothing about you...

... except the taste of your lips and the touch of your flesh

Ana...

Pipo

- Ana, it's you! - I'm Carla, a friend of Ana's.

Your niece murdered a man. It was very bad

She fled in my car. I'm warning you

What did you say?

Ana is a criminal. There is no doubt about it

Ana, come to me...

I'll wait

You need me

Take my hand, Ana

Like when you were a child

We'll be together, forever

Ana, come. I'll wait

Come

@Subtitles: Paul A J Lewis, 2014