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You kill your film several times...

...mostly by talking about it.

A film is a dream. You kill it writing it down...

...you kill it with a camera.

The film might come to life for a moment or two...

...when actors breathe life into it, but then it dies again...

...buried in film cans.

Mysteriously, sometimes, in the editing room...

...a miracle happens when you place one image next to another...

...so that when, finally, an audience sits in the dark...

...if you're lucky...

...very lucky...

And sometimes I've been lucky.

- The dream flickers back to life again.

That's why I'm secretive.

So, what's your favorite pasta?

Finally, a serious question.

Good luck, maestro.

Maestro, maestro, maestro.

Maestro Contini.

How do you begin?

How do you begin this thing?

Page one, page one, page one.

Page nothing.

Guido, you're here.

Been looking for you all over.

The set's coming along, eh? How are you?

My God, you look terrible.

Better go to Makeup. Forgot you got a press conference?

- He has no tie. - Yes. Makeup and Wardrobe.

- Signor Contini, I'm Fausto Milletti... - He's counting costs.

- The bank wants him here. - Signor Contini...

Don't speak to him. I speak to him.

Okay. I have some questions for Signor Contini.

We all have questions for Signor Contini.

Yes, but please, I think it's customary for there to be an approved script...

...and budget before filming... - Is he going to follow us?

It's not my intention to be difficult, maestro.

I am a huge admirer of Maestro Contini's movies.

Your early films are... Everybody loves them...

...and I consider it a great honor for me to be here now.

But it's... Nonetheless, I need a script and the budget.

- Where do you want your messages? - On my desk.

- There's no room on your desk. - Under my desk, in the trash.

- Some of these are urgent. - Get me a cigarette.

We will never be ready to shoot in 10 days.

What? Not ready?

Careful what you say. He's a spy from the bank.

He's not exactly from the bank, Guido.

You have actors waiting. Auditions all morning.

You should see what I found. Two sisters.

Look, they're right... Dottore, this way!

I need a cigarette.

He needs a shirt and a tie, Lilli.

I need a coffee and a cigarette.

Answer a question, I'll give you a coffee.

Answer another, I'll give you a cigarette. And so on.

Actually, and an aspirin.

- We're late. - Calm down.

Directing a movie is a very overrated job, we all know it.

You just have to say yes or no. What else do you do? Nothing.

"Should this be red?" "Yes." "Green?" "No."

"More extras?" "Yes." "More lipstick?" "No."

Yes, no, yes, no, yes, no. That's directing.

That's right, that's directing.

It doesn't seem to make a blind bit of difference, finally, what the answer is.

So, please, Guido...

...yes or no.

Do you want any costumes in this film?

- Yes. - You see? Simple.

Might I know what period the movie's in?

Yes.

Soon.

You know, I don't allow producers in here.

All right. Okay.

Two minutes, Guido.

He's gone.

Have you written a word of the script?

No.

Are you in a panic?

Yes.

- Is Luisa going with you? - No, nobody.

Dante.

- And his spy. - You need to shave.

- You look terrible. - Why is there no fire escape in here?

What if somebody needed to escape?

I can't face these reporters. I have nothing to say.

You'II be fine.

You're a world-class liar, darling.

Go out there and lie for Italy.

Lie for Italia.

What the hell's wrong with me?

I can't sleep, I can't think, I can't write, I can't breathe.

My heart is racing. Am I dying, Mama?

I owe you flowers, I know.

I'll come to the cemetery at the weekend.

You should have let me bury you in Roma, Mama.

I could visit you every week.

Don't look at me like that.

Oh, Guido, Guido.

This is your Rome, Guido.

The world sees Rome the way you invented it.

Your films did that.

I miss you.

I miss you too.

Oh, let's go!

And we are just waiting for the arrival of Contini any moment now.

Could this film put the maestro back on top?

And here he is!

- Thank you for coming. - Be nice.

Thank you, thank you.

Dante, Guido Contini's longtime producer, is about to speak.

I want to say a few words from my heart.

I'm humbled and thrilled to announce...

...that I'm producing Guido Contini's next film, Italia...

...which will star, once again, Contini's longtime inspiration...

...the international film star Claudia Jenssen.

We start shooting in 10 days' time in Cinecitta.

That makes it one week from Monday.

Thank you, maestro, thank you very much.

This is our ninth film together.

- Guido Contini. - Thanks for coming, everybody.

Maestro Contini, Maestro Contini.

Yes.

Maestro Contini, your new film is called Italia. Big title.

Actually, it's my shortest title yet.

But hardly a modest one.

But films are not modest.

They cost too much, they take too long...

...and they involve too many people, so...

They should have grand titles.

And might you tell the press what the film is about?

Why?

I don't know what my last film's about.

That was the problem. Nobody else did.

Of course I can tell you what my film is about.

I can tell you the story, I can tell you...

...who I'm going to cast and the music I want to use. I can tell you everything.

But I won't.

I'm afraid if I say anything the word might get out to the press.

Our next film will be exactly as it sounds: Italia.

It's the very spirit of Italy.

Italy as a myth, Italy as a woman, Italy as a dream.

Is this true?

It sounds fantastic. I can't wait to see it.

Do you consider pornography art?

- Signor Contini. - Stephanie.

Could you tell the fashionable women of America...

...who your favorite designer is this year?

I'm less interested in the wrapping than what might be inside it.

Signor Contini, you are a man of the world, yes?

Educated in Britain, a home in Biarritz.

With Italia, is it fair to say that you've come home for good?

- For good? - It's been a long time...

...since you made a movie with your wife.

Do you plan on casting her in this new film?

I told Luisa when we got married...

...that I'd never again make love to my leading lady.

But she hasn't worked at all since working with you.

But why are you being so tight-lipped about this film?

It's a serious question. What's the big deal?

I would like to be here

You want me to be serious in a press conference?

I would like to be there

I thought I was the clown in this circus.

I would like to be Everywhere at once

I know that's a contradiction in terms

Signor Contini, artists do their best work before they're famous.

Now you're famous.

Without wishing to be negative, but your last two films, they are not...

- They were... - Flops?

Your word, "flops."

And it's a problem, especially when

My body's nearing 50 As my mind is nearing 10

I'm just asking if you're nervous. You seem nervous.

- Excuse me? - What I am asking, maestro...

...is have you run out of things to say?

I can hardly stay up

And I can't get to sleep

And I don't want to wake Tomorrow morning

At the bottom of some heap

But why take it so seriously?

After all, there's nothing at stake here Only me

I want to be young

And I want to be old

I would like to be wise Before my time

And yet be foolish And brash and bold

I would like the universe To get down on its knees

And say "Guido, whatever you please

It's okay even if it's impossible We'll arrange it"

That's all that I want

I was wondering if there's a limit to what you can show in a movie.

What would you like to see that I haven't already shown you?

I am lusting for more

Should I settle for less?

I ask you, what's a good thing for If not for taking it to excess?

One limitation I dearly regret

There's only one of me I've ever met

If you have any questions...

I would like to have another me

To travel along with myself

I would even like to be able to sing

A duet with myself

I would like to be here Sing along with myself in a song

To be there Walking down a lane now

Everywhere, everywhere Everywhere

That's a contradiction in terms I want to be

Here, with a counter Here, melody in the

Here Top of the morning to you, Guido

Guido, Guido, Guido, Guido, Guido

Me, me, me!

I want to be Proust

Or the Marquis de Sade

I would like to be Christ Muhammad, Buddha

But not have to believe in God

And you know I mean it With all of my heart

It's the end if something important Doesn't start

I want to be young But I have to be old

What I want is a tale Of sound and fury

That some idiot went and told

I would like the universe To get down on its knees

And say "Guido, whatever you please, it's okay

Even if it's ridiculous We'll arrange it"

So arrange it!

Arrange it!

That's all that I want!

Guido, Guido

Guido

Guido, Guido

Guido

Contini, Contini, Contini Contini, Contini, Contini

Contini, Contini, Guido

Guido

- I need a room. - Of course.

- A suite. - Yes.

With a view of the sea, a balcony.

Something with air.

All of our suites have air.

Let me just look for you.

- I've come from Milano. - I understand.

On business. I'm a businessman.

Busy, busy, busy.

Would Maestro Contini prefer to register under a pseudonym?

- Please. - Signor Milano?

Why not?

Needless to say, I love your films.

A guilty pleasure.

Those early films.

Not the flops.

I need to see a doctor.

Do you know one who's discreet?

I'd like to see him today in my room. Now, if possible.

Consider it done.

Please.

- And I need to place a call to my wife. - Yes.

Here.

You can take the call at the lobby phone over there.

Luisa.

There you are.

Is everybody mad at me?

Well, I'm mad at you. Where are you?

I had to escape from the press conference.

Oh, I heard. Dramatic.

Don't tease me. I'm sick, Luisa.

You're making a film.

You make a film, you get sick. It's what happens.

No, but this time I'm really sick.

I can't breathe.

Are you by yourself?

Yes, of course I'm by myself.

Then shall I come?

Yes, please come. That's why I'm calling.

Please come straightaway. It'd be wonderful.

Okay.

Great. Marvelous.

I don't know where you are.

I don't know.

Some spa, it's horrible. I just kept driving.

Well, I can't come if I don't know where you are.

Actually, you know, it's hardly worth it. I'll be home in a day or two.

Yeah.

Yes, it's hardly worth it.

I do wish you were here.

Get some rest.

Take the waters, sleep...

...then come back here and make a good movie.

I love you.

Get better.

Oh, your doctor is on his way.

This number...

...if a woman answers, you put it through to my room.

Otherwise...

It's a wrong number.

What?

What is she whispering? Is it about my blood pressure?

- Is it serious? Am I dying? - Stress. Exhaustion.

Your liver, your heart, your kidneys, they're all very cross with you.

Guido

Open wide.

But you've come to the right place.

There are a dozen mineral springs...

Guido

Careful.

Signor Contini? It's the signora.

I was lazing around my bedroom When you called

And an idea occurred to me I thought you might be

Wondering about

Guido

This is a very important call, doctor. I have to take it. A private call.

As you wish.

Who's not wearing any clothes?

I'm not!

My darling

Who's afraid to kiss your toes?

I'm not!

Your mama dear

Is blowing into your ear

So you'II get it loud and clear

I need you to squeeze me here

And here

Dottore, his pulse, it's racing.

- Is something wrong? - What?

Yes, yes, it's about my film.

It's from the Vatican.

Go ahead, Monsignor.

Yes, yes, of course I'm listening.

Cootchie, cootchie, cootchie coo

I've got

A plan for what I'm gonna do to you

So hot

You're gonna steam

And scream

And vibrate like a string I'm plucking

Kiss your fevered little brow

Pinch your cheeks till you say "Ow"

And I can hardly wait To show you how

Guido

Who won't care if you come to me

Tired and overworked?

I won't!

Bambino

Who knows a therapy to beat What you can get from me?

I don't!

But this will

Have to be enough for now

Guido

Ciao

I love you, Guido.

Guido!

Ciao!

Carla.

- I'm so happy to see you. - Carla. Carlissima.

I missed you so much.

- Are you happy I'm here? - Of course.

- But very happy or just a little happy? - Very happy.

What's wrong?

- You look very tired. - All these bags for one weekend?

Yes, the Bellavista is a very fashionable place.

I stayed there with my parents during the war.

- There's something I have to tell you. - It was full of Germans.

They found out who I am at the hotel.

- No. - Yes, yes.

It's horrible, but...

We don't want to be followed by the press.

I found the most charming pensione for you.

It's right here, it's charming.

Here at the station?

Close the curtains. It's too light in here.

Perfect. Go into the corridor.

- What? - Yes.

Count to 10, then come back in. Pretend you're in the wrong room...

...and I'm a complete stranger.

I love your games.

I'm here on business.

- Okay. - Go, go. Wait, wait. Your face.

- What about it? - Get your makeup.

I had a nightmare last night.

We were in that little alley behind Piazza Navona...

...where I bought you the scarf, remember?

- The same one your wife bought you. - Don't move, Carla.

When you wear it, I never know if it's hers or mine.

So we were there on the ground, naked, kissing.

And we didn't care.

And then my husband arrived and killed us both.

With a shovel.

Poor Luigi.

He would never do that. He's so sweet.

He speaks Latin. He knows all the Roman emperors.

Good for him.

Perhaps there is a job for him in the movie.

Why not?

You could work well together.

Beautiful.

When you come in...

...I want you to be my little savage.

- Yes. - Go, go.

- You think I'm one of your actresses. - Hurry, please, Carla.

I'll pretend to be asleep.

What if I really found the wrong room?

- Would you be jealous? - Could you do such a thing?

Who knows?

- What happened? - It was the woman...

The woman from the hotel. She wanted to give me towels.

- Come here. - Okay.

- What? - You are a stranger.

- I don't know you. - No, Carla, just come here, huh?

Be savage.

Show me.

Excuse me.

I've got the wrong room.

Yes, you have.

And I don't have the faintest idea who you are.

Page one.

Page one, page one, page one.

The figure emerges from the darkness...

...like a goddess.

She is Claudia...

...his muse.

She takes the man's face and kisses him.

And with that gesture...

...he is suddenly inspired to write something...

...profound.

Mother of God, give me a sign.

Excuse me, Father.

- His Excellency, the cardinal, is he...? - Signor Contini. I'm a big fan.

I'd like to speak to the cardinal. Do you think...?

Is Claudia Jenssen with you?

- No. - Pity.

His Excellency is a big admirer of Signorina Jenssen.

I'm in need of some guidance, some pointers...

Do you think you can find a signed photograph of Signorina Jenssen?

For His Excellency?

I'm sure it would be possible.

Truly? What a pleasure.

Guido.

Guidino.

I'm not going to ask how you found me.

Oh, please, it's my job.

A producer needs to know where his director is at all times.

Even to know the pensione where his mistress is staying.

- Oh, God. - I understand, Guido.

I mean, Rome is absolutely unbearable.

The pressure? It's not good.

- Really? You understand? - Of course I understand, absolutely.

- You're not going to drag me back? - No, no, no.

You're a genius and genius must be served.

Thank you, my old friend.

Where are we going?

You can't be in Rome, okay.

Rome will come to you.

It's a fantastic place for you to focus.

Everyone is here to help the movie.

Everyone is here because they love you, Guido.

Look, with the flower and the grass, and the arches of the empire.

- I like this. - Guido.

Guido, remember Donatella?

- Ciao. - Ciao.

Donatella. You tested her.

I was very nervous. He probably doesn't remember.

I was quite nervous.

No, I remember you. You were...

We all enjoyed you.

So to speak.

Maestro.

Claudia's agent.

Did she like the script?

No. No, no, no.

Are you telling me she didn't get the script?

Pierpaolo!

Claudia didn't get the script. Send her another one!

- Send her two! - Yes, I'm sorry...

Yeah, right now.

That's what I say. People don't realize she's an actress as well as a star.

I know Dante's dying to talk to you.

Yap, yap, yap.

What are we doing here?

I'm happy. I brought my swimsuit.

It was Luisa's birthday yesterday.

What? No!

Oh, please, God, no.

I spoke with her yesterday. She didn't even mention it.

Give me a cigarette.

What's that?

- It's for Claudia. - Which scene?

Well, I don't know which scene till I've seen the script.

She likes something like this.

Looks like Folies Bergeres. Italian women don't wear those things.

Don't knock the Folies Bergeres.

It brings back happy memories. It's where I learned my art.

All those sequins, all those feathers.

And you're wrong.

You put Claudia in one of these for that nightclub scene in Natura Morta.

Why did people love that film?

Oh, Guido.

Don't. That's death.

- Every time we have to start again. - I'm trying to find it.

You won't with your head jammed halfway up your ass.

Ashtray.

Thanks. You were saying my head is jammed up my ass.

Halfway.

I don't know. Why not dream up something entertaining, Guido?

Something with music, with dancing.

God knows we could use a little joie de vivre around here.

Le cinema today is in a crisis

Directors are so existentialistes

The movies are not worth Their entrance prices

If no one sings a love song When he's kissed

Love cannot be love Without le singing

A string, a clarinet, a saxophone

Take a lesson from This old Parisienne

And the finest entertainment

She has known

Oh, what a showing of color Costume and dancing!

Not a moment in life Could be more entrancing

Than an evening you spend Aux Folies Bergeres

Not a soul in the world Could be in despair

When he is glancing

At the fabulous stage Des Folies Bergeres

"Vedette," it means "star."

Let me tell you.

Last night I looked down at this table...

...in the chairs you are sitting in now, and what do I see?

A priest. And next to him...

Guido? Guido Contini.

What are you doing here? At the Folies Bergeres?

You naughty boy. You're only 9 years old.

But I'm glad you've come.

Would you like to join me on-stage? Yes, come.

Come, come, come. Come.

Come. Feeling better?

There's no room for hopelessness here, is there, Guido?

We must explain something to our young Guido.

What do we want? Laughter.

What do we want? Love.

What do we want? Dreams.

Let's not forget, Guido, mon cher, that is our privilege...

...to entertain!

The music, the lights And the laughter

The answer to what you are after

Each night at the Folies Bergeres

By the heavens above You will swear

There is nothing rarer

Than the Folies Bergeres

The stage overflowing and giving

A musical reason for living

Each night at the Folies Bergeres

To your modern ideas I compare

One derriere!

At the Folies Bergeres

The answer to what you are after

The music, the lights And the laughter

Of the Folies Bergeres

The cardinal is right this way.

Your Eminence, Signor Contini's here.

I like Charlie Chaplin.

Me too.

A genius.

What can I do for you?

Do you believe in God?

Signor Contini, please.

No, no, it's an honest question.

Yes, I believe in God.

So do I.

Are you a Catholic?

Oh, yes, very much so.

Not as much as I would like to be.

Not as much as you would like me to be, I'm sure, but certainly, yes...

...I'm trying.

- Try harder. - Yes. I will.

I will, Your Eminence. I...

I'm not happy. I...

I'm searching for something.

I feel a sense of misery, of despair.

I saw your films.

Not the flops, the others. The good ones.

But do you think people need to see so much sex?

It's not necessary.

- No. - We can all imagine.

Excuse me, but my films are what I imagine.

Then your imagination has no moral training.

How do you train the imagination?

Imagination is God's garden.

Don't let the devil play in it.

Teach our Italian women to be wives...

...not whores.

Don't make us look at filth and debauchery.

Make us proud to be Italian.

The money, the money!

We're going to get in trouble.

That's good.

Saraghina!

So you little Italian devils...

...you want to know about love?

Saraghina will tell you.

If you want to make a woman happy...

...you rely on what you were born with.

Because it is in your blood.

Be Italian

Take a chance And try to steal a fiery kiss

Be Italian

When you hold me Don't just hold me

But hold this!

Please be gentle

Sentimental

Go ahead and try To give my cheek a pat

But be daring

And uncaring

When you pinch me, try to pinch me Where there's fat

- Be a singer! - Be a singer!

- Be a lover! - Be a lover!

Pick the flower now Before the chance is past

Before it's past

- Be Italian - Be Italian

Live today as if it may Become your last!

I'm gonna get you!

Be a singer!

- Be a lover! - Be a lover!

Pick the flower now Before the chance is past

Before it's past

- Be Italian - Be Italian

Live today as if it may

Become your last!

Guido!

I'm ashamed of you, Guido.

But, Mama, what did I do?

Bring him here.

That savage is the devil.

God will punish you for your sins now and forever.

What?

- What? - I can't breathe. I can't breathe.

- I can't breathe. - Don't die on me. Can you imagine?

Poor Luigi, it would kill him.

If I die, it would kill your husband?

No, that's not what I meant.

Guidino, no.

- Where are you going? - I have to work. Carla, I can't breathe.

- Let me come with you. - It's impossible.

- Why? - Because it's impossible. Please.

But why is it impossible?

Look at your producer.

He's married. He brings his girlfriend to work and nobody cares.

Guido, everybody knows about me. Why? Why won't you let me near you?

The same reason you don't want me to die on top of you.

It's not fair to your husband, to my wife.

See, you're playing with me. You're twisting everything.

- Please let me come with you. - No.

I'll be here waiting for you, with my legs open.

Let's say there were...

...10 sequences and each one's set in a different period...

...but played by the same cast.

A man and a woman, a woman and a man.

Something light and hectic...

...like Mozart would do, like Figaro.

Like the circus.

- Claudia's gonna be amazing. - Sorry. Dante.

You see, he hasn't written a word.

A screenplay is first of all a map. You know? That's a map.

Let's try and dig for something else.

Maybe a group of people digging...

...with shovels, in the desert.

Guido.

Luisa?

Is that his wife?

I can't believe you came.

The jungle drums said it was an emergency.

The jungle drums exaggerated just a tiny bit.

Not entirely.

You haven't been sleeping.

I was dying until just now.

Come.

Don't think I forgot your birthday.

When you get home, the house will be full of flowers.

- Am I already going home? - I hope not.

Happy birthday, my darling.

Here she is, at last.

How magnificent.

- Do you know Donatella? - I do now.

Luisa, she's a very, very nice lady.

Thank you for calling.

You're saving the movie.

Give him a good idea, for God's sake.

Let's drink a toast to Luisa's birthday.

- Happy birthday. - Happy birthday.

It was Monday.

- Well, happy birthday. - Thank you.

Happy birthday, darling.

Maestro.

Don Mario.

Oh, excuse me, darling. This is Don Mario.

- This is my wife, Luisa. - A pleasure, signora.

Sit down, won't you?

- No, no, no. - Please, please, please.

Thanks.

I was telling your husband how much I admire his movies.

Publicly, you know, the church condemns them.

We have to.

But we all love them.

Last year we did our own version of your II Vicolo at the Christmas party.

That I'd pay to see.

Yes, Luisa was in that film.

- She was the best thing in the movie. - It's true.

It was your first part.

Of course. You are Luisa Acari. Oh, my Lord.

I was.

You can't stop being somebody.

Can't you?

Well, there is a good Catholic wife for you, Guido.

That's what they do.

Sacrifice.

Still, Signora Contini, it must be a very exciting life for you.

My husband makes movies

To make them He lives a kind of dream

In which his actions aren't always What they seem

He may be on to some Unique romantic theme

Some men run banks

Some rule the world

Some earn their living baking bread

My husband, he goes a little crazy

Making movies instead

My husband spins fantasies

He lives them Then gives them to you all

Like Michelangelo He paints his private dome

But can't distinguish what's his work And what's his home

Some men sell stocks

Some men punch clocks

Some leap Where others fear to tread

My husband, as author and director

Makes up stories in his head

Guido Contini, Luisa Contini

Number-one genius And number-one fan

Guido Contini, Luisa Contini

Passionate woman In love with this man

Long ago

Many years ago

Once we two were Guido Contini Luisa, his lover

Actress with dreams And a life of her own

Then we had no end Of worlds to discover

Singing together all night On the phone

Long ago

Someone else ago

Luisa Acari.

Your name is Italian.

My father's Italian.

My mother's French.

What have you done before?

I've waited.

Waited for this?

Waited tables.

And of course I studied theater and mime in Paris.

But mostly waited tables.

Thank you.

For what?

Thank you for what I'm looking at.

Keep running it.

Long ago

Someone else ago

How he needs me so

And he'II be the last to know it

My husband makes movies

To make them He makes himself obsessed

He works for weeks on end Without a bit of rest

No other way can he achieve His level best

Some men read books

Some shine their shoes

Some retire early

Some stay out to dream and muse

My husband only rarely Comes to bed

My husband makes movies instead

My husband

Makes movies

Excuse me, I suddenly feel very tired.

What happened?

Luisa.

I'm staggered by my own stupidity. I could vomit.

Luisa, would you please just tell me what happened?

You open your mouth and a lie comes out.

What lie?

Why am I surprised?

It's like breathing to you.

Guido.

I was hungry.

- I'm tired of eating alone in that room. - There are plenty of restaurants.

I wanted to see the hotel.

I told you I came here with my parents when I was little.

- I didn't come to disturb you. - You certainly managed to.

Why didn't you tell me Luisa would be here?

I didn't know she was here. She just turned up.

She could have warned you.

The only privilege my wife has these days is not having to warn me.

- A taxi, please, for the signora. - Right away.

Carla, you have to wait outside.

Will you wait with me?

I'm in the middle of a working dinner with my colleagues.

So why do I have to wait outside?

I'll find someone to escort you home.

Signora.

Would you rather wait inside?

I'm going to walk. Please tell my friend I had to leave.

Apparently she's staying in some grotesque pensione...

...next to the station.

Luisa?

If I'd invited her here, she'd be staying in the hotel, wouldn't she?

I mean, think about it.

I didn't even know you were coming.

- Very plausible. - Because it's true.

You told me it was finished.

It is. She was worried, she came to see if I was all right...

...which, yes, is stupid. It's not, as far as I know, a crime.

And hardly a mortal sin. What?

What are you laughing about?

Nothing.

If you could see yourself...

I couldn't live with it...

...the absurdity of being you...

...the effort of having to hide and lie and cheat.

It's exhausting.

No wonder you've got no script.

You're too busy inventing your own life.

It's finished.

If it wasn't before, it is now.

Blah, blah, blah.

- Vodka. - I'll have one of those.

Hi, Guido Contini. Stephanie from Vogue. Remember me?

Yes, I remember very well.

Stephanina from Vogue.

So coincidence, you being here and me being here.

Amazing. May I take a cigarette?

That was quite the performance.

At the press conference. The vanishing act.

Oh, no, please. Please, my treat.

- Please. - Thank you.

- I've seen all your movies. - Really?

Like...

...a million times.

They're the only movies that tell the truth about the world.

What truth is that?

The death of religion.

The sexual revolution.

I don't think religion is dead.

And what exactly is the sexual revolution?

That we can talk about later.

You have such style.

I always think that. That's the other thing I love about your movies.

Style.

Every frame, it's like a postcard.

- Okay. - It's great.

You care as much about the suit as the man wearing it.

It's the Italian man in you, pays for the drinks...

...undresses you with his eyes.

I hate that man.

No. Style is the new content. It's what my readers love.

They wanna dress like Claudia Jenssen.

Undress like Claudia Jenssen.

They wanna ride on a Vespa down the Via Veneto.

They wanna live in an Italian movie.

I love the black and white

I love the play of light

The way Contini puts his image Through a prism

I feel my body chill

Gives me a special thrill

Each time I see that Guido neo-realism

I love the dark and handsome guys With their skinny little ties

Dressin' mod and lookin' outta sight

I love to watch 'em as they cruise With their pointy leather shoes

Wearin' shades In the middle of the night

Whatever Guido does It makes me smile

He is the essence of Italian style

I love the glamorously Latin world That only Guido can portray

Contini's Cinema Italiano

I love his Cinema Italiano

He makes me feel With Cinema Italiano

My life is real with Cinema Italiano

He is the king of Cinema Italiano

Those scenes I love to see From Guido's POV

There's no one else with His unique director's vision

His angles, wide and tight Each moment feels so right

Defines Italian style By only his decision

I love the speedy little cars The hip coffee bars

The sleek women in Positano

Guido's the ultimate uomo Romano

Contini's Cinema Italiano

I love his Cinema Italiano

Guido, Guido, Guido

Guido, Guido

Dark and handsome guys Skinny little ties

Shades in the middle of the night

Speedy little cars Hip coffee bars

Sleek women in Positano

Contini's Cinema

Italiano

No.

I love you, Luisa.

Can we please try to be close again?

That's...

- Is the doctor still with her? - Yeah, he's in there.

He's waiting for you. This way.

- You came. - I'm here.

Signor Contini.

Come back.

She took five or six pills, enough to make herself very sick.

I understand she's your mistress.

This is a sordid business.

You movie people.

I suppose you don't consider yourself bound by morality.

Guido?

Where are you running to?

Thank you.

I'm going to stay with her now.

If you need us for anything, just call, okay?

Carla.

I should call your husband.

No. He'll take me home.

What have you done to yourself?

I'm not worth dying for, Carla.

Don't be angry with me.

Everything I do, I just want you to love me.

When you're not here with me...

...I am still here.

When you are in your life, making your movies, dancing with your wife...

...I'm still here.

You should rest now.

We'II talk about everything in the morning.

Don't leave me.

- Don't leave me. - Rest, rest, cara mia.

How the moon glows As it smiles over you

When you're dreaming

Blissfully

Dreaming

Flying free

My husband thinks I'm clever.

It's a strange thing because I'm not.

Well, you know that.

I spend too much time in my little brain, thinking about you.

About where you are, what you're doing...

...what you dream of.

Oh, dream of your youth When I'm still by your side

Dream of your manhood Pray I'm there to guide you

And when you grow old How my love still will shine

Always remember, my son

You will always be mine

Yes, mine

Guido

Do you think that So many will love you

As I do?

She hangs in the sky

Beaming her blessing To make you and I know that

This one good-night kiss

Will keep all your life

Perfect like this

Hold on to me, Mama.

Don't let me wake from this.

Excuse me.

Is she okay?

Yes.

I'd like to take her home.

Of course.

I'm sorry.

She loves you. You know that, don't you?

She's my wife.

Darling?

We're going back to Rome.

- Where's Luisa? - Luisa? She's gone.

She's had it with you. And quite frankly, so have I.

You drag a whole crew up here and then you just disappear.

I can't protect you anymore. And Claudia's in Rome.

- Makeup tests start today. Remember? - I can't.

You can't. You must. Don't sit down.

- I need help. - You've had help.

You've seen the doctors, the priests, you've taken the cure.

I'm not cured.

That's enough. The movie calls.

Your star has landed.

Fausto, take his things, please.

- I need more time. - Forget the script.

Claudia's here now. She'II inspire you to do what you do best:

Write with your camera.

Maestro, screen tests are back from the lab. Will you watch them now?

Tonight. We'll watch everything tonight and make some decisions.

- Design meeting? Production meeting? - Tonight.

Tonight.

Claudia says where are you?

- She's in fine form. Feisty. - Okay.

She asked if she could read my script as she didn't have one.

I said I didn't quite have mine.

Tell everyone the screening is tonight.

Ready?

Luisa, it's me.

Please don't hang up.

I want you to be with me in the screening room tonight.

To talk to you about the casting.

About the script, everything.

Otherwise, I won't be able to start.

I won't know what I'm thinking.

Maestro.

Are you there, Luisa?

Go on.

I'm not asking you to let me come home.

I just want you to come to the screen test tonight.

Not for me, but for the movie.

You always have.

You always do.

Okay, silence, please.

And we are rolling.

Would you turn to the right, please, Claudia?

Yes. I can turn to my right.

And can you turn to the left?

I can turn to my left.

Now just one slow turn for us.

Okay, one slow turn.

Cut.

We've got it. Next costume, please.

Has anybody got a script? Script missing.

Handsome reward.

Lost, one script. Title, Italia.

Can't make a film without it.

So interesting to do hair and makeup for a part...

...when you don't know what the part is.

No.

I'm going back to my hotel now.

Please, just a couple more costumes.

I'm going back to my hotel, my darling...

...and when there is a script, I will read it...

...and then we can take it from there.

I love the costumes, Lilli. They are beautiful.

That's fair.

- Claudia. - That's fair.

- Fair? - I'll be back.

- You've got dailies. Meetings. - I'll be right back.

You look ravishing.

You're not seeing me, you're seeing Lilli's wigs and makeup.

I'm somewhere hidden underneath.

It's good to see you.

I'm assuming that's code for, "There's no script."

Why is everybody so suddenly obsessed with the script?

Talk to the people who love you in our films.

They're not interested in my script.

They're interested in the way you turn your head.

The way the camera looks past you to the moon.

The way you smile a little as you cry.

The way you really do blush for the camera. How?

Who even knows...

...but whatever else it is, it's not my script.

So Lilli says I'm playing a million different parts.

Not a million.

You're the muses...

...the incredible women that made Italy what it is today.

A country run by men...

...who are themselves run by women.

Whether they know it or not.

So I am the women behind the great men?

The great women.

In a way, yes.

You have this man in the story and he's...

He wants to take hold of everything, to devour everything.

He can't let anything go or he doesn't want to.

But he changes direction every day because he's lost, he's dying.

He's bleeding to death.

These muses, they fall in love with the man?

Exactly.

They fall in love with him.

I'd rather be the man.

What?

I'd rather be the man.

In a very unusual way

One time I needed you

In a very unusual way

You were my friend

Maybe it lasted a day

Maybe it lasted an hour

But somehow it will never end

These women who come off their pedestals for a kiss, they are...

They're just fantasies.

No, you misunderstand.

In a very unusual way

I think I'm in love with you

In a very unusual way

I want to cry

Something inside me goes weak

Something inside me surrenders

And you're the reason why

You're the reason why

You don't know what you do to me

You don't have a clue

You can't tell what it's like

To be me looking at you

It scares me so

That I can hardly speak

She's his inspiration.

I can't keep playing that part.

And I fall in love with you every time.

When there's a camera between us.

No.

It's not a real person, Guido.

And this man you describe...

...he doesn't know how to love.

In a very unusual way

I owe what I am to you

There was a time once, we were on location...

...some terrible hotel.

You were in the room directly above me.

I could hear you walking about.

And all through the night, I wanted to rush up the stairs...

...and hammer on your door until you opened.

And why didn't you?

I don't know.

Special to me in my life

Since the first day that I met you

How could I ever forget you

Once you had touched my soul?

In a very unusual way

You've made

Me

Whole

Maybe you should have knocked.

Maybe you should have knocked me right off the pedestal.

I can't do this anymore.

This is me.

And you have a wife who loves you.

I'll miss you.

Wrong girl.

- Great work, Lilli. Wonderful costume. - Thank you.

And the hair and makeup is perfect.

- She has a beautiful profile. - Yeah.

Two great profiles.

- She's a goddess. - And the back isn't too bad too.

She came directly from Venus. Beautiful.

Yeah. Fantastic, eh, Guido?

Really nice. Who's next?

- Actresses. - Okay.

Let's see the actresses.

If we like her, we have to call her agent right away.

- Everybody wants her right now. - Well, they can keep her.

Now go and sit down there.

- She's a very funny actress. - Funny peculiar.

Perfect.

You don't like her, do you? Eh, Guido?

My name is Ilaria.

I like her.

Who asked you? Now mind your business.

Why didn't you call me?

Thank you.

Donatella.

- Donatella Valentini. - Valentini?

Go and look at yourself in the mirror, whatever you feel like doing is fine.

No, just walk normally. You don't have to flounce around.

Forget that I'm here. There's nobody else in the room.

She's nice.

Who's the person you would most like to call tonight?

Darling.

First you have to dial the number, sweetheart.

She's very natural.

She's even better. She's a bit nervous here.

What do you think, Guido? Donatella's nice, huh?

- Who is this? - Piovan.

- Would you start by saying your name? - He said he wanted a blond.

Hi. I'm Alessia.

- Piovan? - From the North.

From the North. Where exactly are you from?

- Padua. - Padua.

- She's too tall. - Okay.

- Yeah, very tall. - See you there.

Bye. Bye-bye.

- She's really beautiful. - She's really very nice.

- Not the point. Guido wants the blond. - Very nice, simple.

It's just what I like.

Thank you.

Thank you for looking like this.

Perfect.

- She's beautiful. - She's too beautiful.

- Cut. - For my taste.

I know what Guido thinks. I think we are happy with Donatella.

Donatella's better, isn't she?

- Sure. - Well, great.

Anyway, fantastic day, but we have to go home.

We have a very, very busy day tomorrow.

Thank you very much, everybody. Thank you. Okay, well done.

Some of these actors need to be booked right away.

It meant so much to us all that you came.

What did you think? Did you like anybody? Or?

Luisa?

You want my love?

Take it all

You wanna watch it all come off?

Take it all

Come on now

Show me how

You take it all

Thank you.

What for?

Thank you for reminding me I'm not special.

You don't even see what you do, do you?

Even the moments I think are ours, it's just...

...you working to get what you want.

You want my glove?

Are you enthralled?

You wanna see it slip away And watch it fall?

Oh, we know

It's your show

So take it all

What are you talking about?

The screen test?

You have to understand, it's nothing.

This is what I do, I direct.

- That's my job. - And this is our life.

You think to create is to forgive yourself in public. Fine.

But don't think I can forgive you in private, because I can't.

Ever.

So go ahead

Take it all

You want my soul?

Take it all

It's time to leave

If I'm to live

Because I have no more There's nothing left to give

I watch you rise

I watch you fall

While I am standing with my back Against the wall

Now it's your turn

To finally learn

You had the world You had your fling

You wanted more than everything

You got your wish You got your prize

Now take it right Between your thighs

You grabbed for everything My friend

But don't you see that in the end

There will be nothing

You're just an appetite...

...and if you stopped being greedy, you'd die.

You take everything.

And I'm empty.

You know, I'm glad I came.

I can see now it's hopeless.

What have I done?

What have I done, Luisa?

I can't make this movie.

There's no way that I'll begin it.

I can't bear to see the cameras roll.

Problem is the subject, there's no pleasant way to treat it.

The problem is The author's lost control

How I wish it didn't have to be so

But we cut the losses starting now

Strike the set and keep it For some sideshow

Tell the cast and crew That they can all go

Find another genius I can't be one or become one

I can't even tell how I'd begin

Help, Luisa, help me Help me, Mama, help me someone

Here's a place Where I have never been

Guido out in space With no direction

Guido at a loss for what to say

Guido with no intervening actors

Guido at the mercy of detractors

Guido here with no one else but...

Nothing holds together Nothing makes a bit of sense now

Impossible to grasp or understand

How can I go on to watch The whole of my existence

End up being nothing That I planned?

Have I lost myself And all I wished for?

Has my life become A mindless game?

Guido I can't stand the name of Guido

Guido For God's sake, who is this Guido?

Guido here with no one else but

Guido!

I destroyed everything, Mama.

I destroyed everything. But I've just...

You make one wrong turn, and then because of that, after it...

...all the turns are wrong.

And you are so far from where you wanted to be and you're lost.

And then you're lost.

No one can help you find your way.

It's up to you, Guido.

Up to you.

Nobody else.

Old friends, I have to...

...come clean with you.

There is no movie.

I can't pretend anymore.

We have to stop.

I'm sorry.

Luisa, let's go.

I'm glad she's acting again.

I made her costumes for the play. She's funny.

She seemed so happy.

I didn't want to interfere.

Is she with anybody, Lilli?

Guido.

She's my friend. I'm not her mother. I don't know. I expect so.

Nobody likes to be alone.

Promise me you're gonna let me cut your hair, get rid of that awful beard.

I like to get about without everybody pointing at me.

And where are you getting about?

Nowhere. Here.

I walk just to be able to walk.

Are you seeing anybody?

No.

No. Nobody.

Well, it sounds exciting.

Walking around and not seeing anyone and growing a beard.

- I might come up here and join you. - Don't tease me, Lilli. My heart is...

- I know. - I just miss her.

I should have "idiot" tattooed on my forehead.

Luisa certainly thinks so.

Does she? Did she really say that?

Stop. I'm not going to act as a postman between you both.

Come back to Rome.

Make a movie. Go to work.

No.

Never.

I've spent this time trying to learn something, Lilli.

Not be the person that forgets about everybody else.

The person who never grew up.

You're such a dope, aren't you?

Making movies, it wasn't your problem.

You were the problem.

Don't stop being a child, you'II never make another movie.

No one wants that, especially Luisa.

Guido...

...there probably isn't a single person passing by...

...who hasn't been touched in some way by one of your movies.

That's your gift. It's what you've been given.

Use it.

Just use it with some grace, for chrissake.

The only movie I could make now would...

I don't know.

It would be about a man trying to win back his wife.

Sounds perfect.

The costumes might not be so bad too.

We're ready to begin.

I can't remember how you do this.

Oh, you'll remember.

I don't want to say too much.

The first way that we kill our film is by talking about it...

...but this scene is about reconciliation.

And within the scene, I would like you to try to find your way...

...to begin that journey back towards each other.

Take your places!

Maybe it's the most important building block that we have, to begin again.

Start from the beginning each time...

...and I feel today as if I'm starting from the beginning.

We'II just keep asking each other questions.

And don't look to me for the answers.

- Okay? - We'll do our best.

- Maestro, should I call final checks? - Yes. Yes, please.

I'd like to try your hair back.

Makeup, please! Final checks!

Could you put her hair in a ponytail, please? Thanks.

This one.

- Are you ready? - Yes.

Silence, please!

Slate.