Original subtitles

Censorship is necessary.

Censoring is an art.

A good censor is like an artist.

Otherwise this job is a game.

It's a game.

Say, someone writes: "Down with communism."

No buts - out it goes.

But suppose they write: "Swine."

Then you need to consider if it's about livestock... or the regime.

So...

let's spare ourselves those Inquisition-democracy clichés.

I wonder if you realize

that once censorship is abolished it's you who'll have to do the job...

ESCAPE FROM THE 'LIBERTY' CINEMA

More!

More!

Is that enough?

Some more! Make my day!

What do you want? Anita Ekberg?

STARRING

PRODUCTION MANAGER

DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY

WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY

Got any aspirin?

Of course.

Watch them, they are little terrors.

- They'll grow out of it. - With God's help.

Let's get them seated.

DAYBREAK

Come... Stairs.

- Is it beautiful here? - Very.

I'd like to see this beautiful world again.

I promise...

you will.

You will.

Welcome.

Welcome, Professor.

And spouse.

Bread and salt, as tradition has it.

- Thank you. - Thank you.

Please come inside.

All set?

Yes. The equipment's in perfect order.

Good.

I'll operate tomorrow.

She must see again.

OFFICE OF CONTROL OF PUBLICATIONS AND SHOWS

Good morning.

Good morning.

He's busy, he won't see anyone.

They are waiting too.

May I?

We have received a bizarre denunciation.

Candy floss again?

Several journalists have denounced "The Daily" and our office.

It's about that article about water.

Water?

That it's not fit to drink, even after boiling.

- What did we delete? - That's the point. Nothing.

What do they want?

We protest against the publication of the article.

It's a scandalous error by the paper

and the Office of Control of Publications and Shows.

- Who signed it? - They are from "The Daily".

Assistant Editor and Section Manager.

They are denouncing themselves then.

What do you think?

About what?

Them denouncing themselves.

Perhaps...

they realized they made a mistake.

Perhaps...

they fear something?

Bravo!

For fear of reprisal

they choose an act of self-reproach while naming...

Naming...

co-offenders, that is... us, right?

Yes, perhaps.

Say "perhaps" again and you are out of this room.

Who cleared that article?

- I did. - Great.

Write that we endorse their protest

and that those responsible will be punished.

Do you understand?

No, you don't. Never mind.

Write it and sign it.

I will.

What's the matter?

I'm worried.

It's five days since I operated and still nothing.

You didn't make any mistakes. Your new method is brilliant.

At least you have faith in me.

What is it?

What?

- How about a game of tennis? - I'll beat you.

It's OK, isn't it?

Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Shut up, you bastards.

I can see, Daddy.

- What are those? - Roses.

And that?

A dog.

And you have tears in your eyes.

My student came fourth in the Chopin competition.

Really?

- I'm so happy. - Me too.

Though, frankly, I don't give a fuck.

Stop it.

Screw it. Let me get some coffee.

What's he up to?

What will your family say?

- Do something! - Please calm down.

- Did you hear that? - Shhh...

What's this?

Please leave.

Why the fuck didn't you tell me they weren't Party members?

- Who? - These six here.

- Seven. - Seven?

There are seven signatures.

Seven.

That's even worse.

Why do seven guys denounce themselves and sign as non-Party?

- They want to hurt someone! - Right.

Who, do you think?

Party members... perhaps?

Shit.

Let me see that letter.

- I have already posted it. - Shit!

Jesus Christ!

We have a problem.

The police called. And the Board of Education sent someone.

At the Liberty cinema an actor refused to be in the film.

He insulted the manager. Then he started to sing.

- Who? The actor? - No. The manager.

And the actor?

He refused to play his part.

An actor? On-screen? Refused...?

Yes. He doesn't like the story and refuses to die.

Hold it.

But... there's a woman from the Board of Education to see you.

She knows more.

Hold it. I object.

No.

I forbid.

Absolutely not.

I forbid all cinema managers to sing! Actors to refuse to die!

Wait!

I forbid eating candy floss! Is that clear?

Jesus Christ!

Good morning. I'm from the Board of Education.

- Sorry? - We are all in a state of shock.

Why? It's as simple as ABC.

Sabotage plus art smuggling.

- Excuse me? - An actor started to sing.

The loyal manager refused to cooperate. That's all.

But how is it possible for an actor to add his own lines on-screen?

As a mother-to-be you should be familiar with basic concepts.

Have you never heard of rebellious matter?

People have stopped rebelling. Now matter has started to do it.

Hello, dear!

Oh, yes, this is Kris. And this is my ex-husband...

ex-poet and writer, ex-literary critic.

And now the top censor in this city, I'm sad to say.

You look terrible.

Well... Excuse me.

Are you staying here long?

A couple of days. We are both judges...

in a poetry competition.

- In what? - Poetry competition. We are judges.

How is Marta?

I don't know. Fine, I think.

She never calls.

You really don't know why?

I do. I just wonder who's behind it.

You, I guess?

Our child holds strong views.

She is more ashamed of her father than of her first periods.

Hello?

Yes. What's up?

No, I didn't.

Hold on a minute.

What does it have to do with me?

Responsible? Me? Why?

That film has been approved by the Warsaw office.

Let the police deal with the protesters.

- Problems? - No.

DAYBREAK

Let us in!

We want to come in!

I fear foul play against him.

Malice and envy can be destructive.

- Would you like some brandy? - You shouldn't drink, Daddy.

Why do you dislike him so? I'm very happy with him.

He took you away from music. From my Chopin.

You had great talent.

He's given me back my sight.

Yes.

Yes, you are right.

He's a good doctor.

Daddy! I'll call him.

No need.

- Are you sure? - Stop nagging.

Better put these flowers in a vase before they wilt

and start looking like me.

Every day you look prettier, honey.

It's good to see you here again, Professor.

I heard your student on the radio. What a concert!

No, "0, no!

I warned, I pleaded.

But nobody would listen.

- I won't have this crap. - What?

I didn't make this film. I am not to blame!

And you'll need me in a moment.

He's about to collapse.

- And I'm the one... - Exactly.

I'm to die... and be dragged across the floor by that hag!

No way.

I won't have it.

I wish to die with dignity, like a man,

not like a cow in a slaughterhouse.

I want...

respect for my human dignity.

It's my right.

I was raised in the tradition of Greek tragedy.

I read Sophocles.

There, human life and death are of consequence.

If there is no dignity, what are you left with in life?

God! What have you done to me? No, I won't hear of it.

Let me be a man again or you can kiss my ass.

Call the doctor!

I'm going on strike.

Bravo!

Doctor! Doctor!

Clever.

Professor, your status calls for the most responsible words and deeds.

- Hear, hear! - Shut up, idiot!

Can't you see what's going on?

- Don't forget you are my wife. - Stop reminding me!

Or I'll do something awful.

Please go back to your duties!

After all I've done for you, how can you?

I will get a divorce.

Slut!

You don't need me.

You have your honors, decorations.

We should step in.

I love and respect you.

So please stop making a spectacle of yourself.

Go to your room.

Get the fuck out of here.

- We have children here! - Drown them all!

- Some professor! - Quiet!

I'm going to sing.

Put that cigarette out.

I'm talking to you.

You'd better do it.

Put that fucking butt out!

We don't want any trouble.

Let's get out of here.

It's an outrage. He insulted us.

The fat woman was right.

Some professor indeed!

Oh, dear. Nerves, nerves...

Who are you?

No recollection whatsoever?

No.

Security Service.

I work in culture now.

I don't smoke.

They brought three more with us.

One is a great baritone.

But they won't let him sing either.

Why are you telling me this?

You are being framed.

- For what? - That on-screen revolt,

the crowd outside, the broken window, my singing.

You are a perfect mark.

Me?

As the district censor you are responsible.

I won't let anybody mess with me.

Nurse!

The movie is banned, and that's that!

- Nurse! - What are you doing?

Oh, dear. Nerves, nerves...

- You are bent on self-destruction. - Why?

They'll say: censors crack down on independent-minded actors.

The protesters will sing "God Save Poland" and who'll get the blame?

Fall back on logic and experience.

1) The film stays on.

2) You guys buy up all the tickets!

Thus we have cinema, but no audience.

Interesting, but impractical.

- Too expensive. - Is it?

Let's see. Three shows a day for two weeks...

15 million.

Are you crazy? It's a fortune.

Mind if I sing?

They might hear you.

It's hard to resist.

Go ahead then.

How about a duet?

Just stay in tune, OK?

How can I raise so much money?

That's your problem.

Regular shows, but no audience, you say?

In town the snow has all thawed.

Great.

How do you feel?

- Fine. - Not to worry.

The sedatives have worn off, that's all.

Nothing happened, anyway.

Then why am I here?

Oh, just overwork.

An actor on-screen forbade me to smoke...

You smoke a lot?

Thirty, forty.

He was right, for your heart's sake.

Maybe. But I hate being scolded from the screen.

Swallow this.

14 million 253 thousand.

- Where did you get it? - The cotton mill.

- The social fund. - What?

A guy there is after a city council post.

And?

I promised him one.

Aren't you something.

Forty five shows to an empty house.

That's a good one.

Where is my coat?

Damn. Did we leave it in the cinema?

I'd like it back.

By the way, it's all clear now.

- What is? - It was rebellious matter.

The people have stopped rebelling,

so matter...

Rebellious matter, you say?

Take a look outside.

What do they want?

A miracle from God.

They pray to get new wives, better children.

A new lease of life, like those in the film.

Motherfuckers!

Good!

No, forget it.

It needed a paint job.

Yeah.

So? In short, nothing happened?

Nothing happened.

Just a... hooligan brawl outside the cinema?

Yes.

And inside? During the shows? Quiet?

Quiet.

Full house, no problem.

Have you been in hospital?

Yes. Overwork.

Oh, fine.

You are some swimmer!

Pardon?

"Sink or swim", they say. Swim or sink.

I like to talk facts.

Without facts you are nowhere.

Then you won't mind?

No facts.

I like to look at this town.

And the people.

This size.

Tell me...

In the film, do they really say what they please?

Yes.

Interesting.

Did they tell you what they want?

- They told everybody. - What?

Ask them yourself.

Me?

I won't talk to them. This is blackmail.

And what about those singers?

We have a dozen new choirs.

It's spreading like the plague.

I wouldn't know.

I've never really liked those arias, scores, operas, aaaahs...

We'd better forget that coat. Perhaps.

Really? And what am I to wear?

They might tell you off again.

Shut up, OK?

Oh, God.

Why did I ever accept this role?

I could now be doing radio, TV,

even a stage show.

A young agent promises the moon

and you end up as a moronic nurse.

I want to go back to Warsaw.

Warsaw.

I want to work!

It's not here.

Maybe the usherette will know.

Excuse me. Is this...

- a normal part of the film? - No.

The other film is no longer showing.

It's not?

You should have seen them.

The doc told them to follow the script or he'd call the cops.

He said he would continue as head of the clinic.

And...?

His wife said she was leaving him and the Professor flashed his ass at him.

- Bare ass? - Yeah! He pulled down his pants.

A loony, perhaps.

Don't do that.

You are right. Sorry.

Oh, there you are. I brought you some tea.

- Someone would like a word with you. - Who?

Where is everybody?

Malgorzata!

Malgorzata, that gentleman is here!

She'll be right back.

I'll go make her some tea, too.

Hello.

Three patients have rebelled and started seeing.

How come?

Oh, you came. I'm glad to see you.

It's OK if you smoke, I like the smell.

If I hadn't made you come, you'd never have.

We first met twenty years ago.

The Torun Festival. Ophelia. Does it ring a bell?

You were one of the judges. You don't recall?

I owe you a lot.

That award meant a lot to me.

May I ask a blunt question?

Is it true you are a censor?

Yes.

That's a surprise.

Do you like music?

- It depends. - Mozart?

Yes.

Specially for you then - Requiem.

"Requiem for a Censor".

- Yes? - A bottle of wine please.

Thank you.

If only somebody would rape you for once.

A woman should know what a man is.

I cheated on your mother once a week and she was proud of that.

She was proud of you, because you were wise, kind and tender.

Kind and tender? I have never been kind and tender to anyone.

Not true. You have always been a kind old father.

I like that. Old.

Hello?

- Oh, it's you. - Good evening.

We are rehearsing. The play never made it to the stage.

The fucking censorship!

Is that what happened?

I thought you got a part on German TV and chose that?

- Really? I don't remember. - Never mind.

Meet a friend of mine.

- Actors taking up with censors? - Please!

An artist should have some self-respect.

- You, come here. - You are not too happy to see me.

Where did you get so drunk?

- Sorry. - It's OK.

If I were a censor, I would drink too.

- A job does not make a man. - It sure does.

He is a theatre critic.

Theatre critic turned censor.

How sordid.

I'm sorry.

He's right.

How sordid.

Do you mind?

No. But you'll get drunk.

The show is almost over.

You know... I shouldn't be an actress.

Yes, you should.

But I shouldn't be a censor.

You shouldn't be a censor and I shouldn't be an actress.

Thank you.

For being here.

For talking to me.

- Is he here now? - Come back in the morning.

It's after hours.

- Can I wait here? - No. This isn't a hotel.

We are closing in a moment.

She's come about a job.

Fine.

Got any booze?

I have.

I'll get some glasses.

You want to be a censor, do you?

Maybe.

If I were to believe the geneticists this is the place for me.

It's a stupid idea.

Why?

- Get lost. - I won't.

- Get lost! - I'm staying.

You spoiled brat! Out!

Leave me alone!

Get the fuck out.

How come my father turned into a lowlife swine

and can't bring himself to clean up his act?

What do you want?

Nothing.

Give back the coath!

No...

- It's hopeless. - He's shy.

You help him. I can't.

Say it out loud: coat.

Coath.

You're mispronouncing it. Watch me. Coat.

Coath.

Say the whole sentence.

Give back the coat!

Again. C-oa-t.

Coat.

Coat.

It's turned up. The doctor has it.

Freedom of speech, all shows booked,

give back the coat! I can speak normally.

The doctor will be right back

and we'll see if it's your coat.

It's no big deal.

Oh, Malgorzata...

She tells me you are ill. Bad heart.

I don't think it's serious.

I think... it is.

- And it's not the heart. - What is it then?

Conscience.

Oh, dear me!

I'm sure you know what I mean.

You envy us, don't you?

You wish you too could turn over a new leaf someday.

Shake off this filth.

Return their money, decorations, privileges... and walk out.

Preferably with a woman.

Am I right?

You won't put me on the spot today.

No?

- Oh, hello! - Good morning.

Air the room please.

Back to bed please. Now.

- What about these flowers? - Yes. Go ahead. Red, white.

- Well? Do you recognize it? - Red!

Mine, I think.

White...

- And what am I to do? - Sit down and rest.

Don't worry. I'll handle this.

I wish I'd never accepted this role.

Excuse me.

They are on their way: the Party secretary, security

and a guy from Warsaw to sort this mess out.

- Obviously some genius. - No, just a critic.

We'd better leave.

Or they'll think we are up to something.

But we aren't, right?

Or are we?

This way, please.

- You'll judge for yourself. - We'll see.

- Right... - The place needs a face lift.

You seem to be at home here.

I like small cinemas.

Good for you.

Is this the film?

Let's see.

Good morning.

It's an honour to have such eminent visitors.

This clinic is unique worldwide.

My new operating method has proven extremely profitable.

- Pathetic clown. - Pardon me?

- Shut up and return the coat. - Not now.

That, I'm afraid, is Polish cinema.

What do you mean?

Cliché-ridden, dull, tedious.

With no chance of international success.

It's hopeless. Turn it off!

What about that nurse...?

It's another Polish trick. Ridicule a nurse or a policeman

and the audience will be in fits of laughter.

Frankly, it makes me sick.

Cinema must have breadth, imagination.

We are so terribly provincial.

I have seen this film before.

That scene wasn't in it. It must be a hoax.

A hoax? All art is deception.

As a viewer I don't mind, but this one is a bore!

Here. I have brought you a clip from a Woody Allen film.

American, several Oscars, brilliant, imaginative...

This is really something!

What's that got to do with our film?

I told you. This is world-class cinema. A genuine gem.

Go ahead, let's run it.

Coat.

All right. That'll do.

Tell him to stop it.

Come on! Go!

Cut! Cut!

My glasses! Lady, watch out for my glasses!

Oh, God!

Turn it off, will you?!

Cut!

Fuck!

Things are under control.

A patient revolt? Unthinkable.

Some want their eyesight back, it's true... Some are singing...

Stop it!

Go on, stop it!

Here you are.

He's still playing.

My dear...

We shall see.

Piss off

How the hell did he get in?

Remove that clown!

What did you say?

- Clown. - Take it back!

You have insulted one of America's top actors.

That's enough. Stop it!

Enough. Enough!

Hooligans! Enough!

Stop it, will you?

Crap.

What is it?

Let me in for a moment.

Open the door.

I'm Marta's father.

I have to see her.

It's a girls' dorm, not a brothel.

Please!

I'll call the police.

Could I leave a message? Ask her to call me.

Or to see me at the Liberty.

If he slipped out of one film into another

there must be a way back.

- We've tried four times. - I don't know.

He has to go back the way he came.

I think he's had enough too.

We have to do something.

- Like what? - Destroy both copies.

Shred them, burn them...

- It's the best way. - To sacrifice so many Poles? No!

This way we'll never work it out.

Seventeen, eighteen, nineteen...

Stop!

He's gone.

I knew it.

I'm a born loser.

It's autumn now.

Soon it will be winter,

there will be snow everywhere.

And I'll do nothing but work.

Holy cow!

Well done. I'm impressed.

- I suggest we follow through. - And?

Burn the film.

Suppose it spreads to other films?

Or TV?

- We'll be in trouble. - Stop spelling doom!

They got this idea.

I hate that word, it's so tricky -

the idea that they are free. There is no stopping them now.

They will walk on and off the screen, they will sing...

- All beyond our control. - It's absurd!

I insist. Burn the film.

Fucking Inquisition.

- What? - Bullshit!

- You are some lousy Inquisition. - We are discussing all options.

- We have no choice. - Listen.

I've done this sleazy job for years.

Being a rat is one thing but a murderer is quite another!

- Watch your tongue! - Cancel that decision!

Your role in this provocation is an absolute disgrace!

Go fuck yourself!

Bullshit!

Are you back?

When will you start murdering us?

Tadeusz!

They can't let this go. It spells revolution.

How are you going to do it?

Come on, tell us.

They will burn you.

No! Anything but that.

The film will be burned.

Burned?

It's hopeless. They are about to sing.

Have you heard? They are going to burn us.

- What do you mean? - Burn. At the stake.

Like Giordano Bruno.

Stop it. It's disgusting.

I agree. And it's not our tradition.

I would understand.

Pitchforks, axes, knives in the back - yes.

But the stake?

I'm serious. They mean it.

They are scared of you.

You have to flee. Do you understand?

Did someone here mention burning?

Get out!

There! Nothing lasts forever.

Malgorzata, run. They really mean to do it.

I'm staying here.

Run... That's a good one. There is no refuge in this country.

And the area is cordoned off.

So you think you people have won.

Come on. The time has come to pay the price.

You will burn.

Bastard.

Bastard.

Did you give me a choice?

Did you ask if it was all right?

If this anarchy or, if you like...

'freedom' would not disturb other lives?

And spread like vermin out of control?

Bastard? I shudder to think about it.

What are you doing?

I forbid you.

No, no... It's absurd.

What have you done?

Call the police.

Get off the screen!

Your decision will be considered political.

How unreal you look.

Me?

Bullshit!

I have always wanted to come up here.

I know.

- Is smoking allowed here? - Yes, of course.

I'm no longer afraid.

I can't help you.

What do you want?

You don't even know who I am.

Do you remember her?

No.

Or him?

You don't.

What about this one?

A stupid old Jew. Wouldn't renounce his faith.

So... cut!

- It's easy to forget. - Who are you?

A second rate actor.

A nobody.

I once had a real part in a film.

But you had me edited out.

Zap! And into the trash can.

Stop it.

- You don't remember? - No.

I see. Crime, but no punishment, huh?

I don't remember.

I don't!

Pray that I don't reappear in your dreams with my head smashed.

Stop it please.

I can't take any more.

- And this? Do you remember? - No.

No?

It's my soul I want to sell, not yours. My soul is free.

- You don't remember? - No.

Stop it.

Leave him alone.

Stop tormenting him.

He does remember.

Rat.

Rat.

Kill the rat.

Light...

Light!

Light.