Original subtitles

In 1931, Karen Blixen lost the farm, Africa and the great

love for Denys. Africa and a great love for Denys.

She returns to Denmark and begins her writing career.

By 1948, she was at the height of her career and a cultural elite gathered around her.

"It is not your face, but by your mask

I know you". - Karen Blixen.

LEPING

Think about it, I'm going to meet him. - He's a perfectly ordinary person.

Do you think he's read my book? - Of course, that's why he contacted me.

Didn't he?

We can't go by bike! - A taxi would be too expensive.

Don't forget to remove the windscreen. - Of course, don't forget to remove the seal.

Say goodbye. - Have a good time.

You're a master, aren't you? - Yes, I am.

The Baroness has an interview on the radio. You can wait in the lounge.

Thank you very much.

"When I know an African song, Of the giraffe

and lying on its back African youth, of

spores in the fields and the sweaty

faces faces of the coffee pickers, does Africa know my song?

Does the air above the plain tremble

in the same hue as my clothes?

Can children imagine a game that mentions my name?

Does the full moon cast a shadow

on the gravel path that looks like me?

Or do the eagles on Ngong Ngong hill keep an eye on me?

Yes. - Thank you, Baroness.

It was nice to listen to the way you presented that passage.

Our listeners appreciate it.

No thanks necessary. Can you get it yourself?

Baroness.

I apologize for the delay.

My novel "On the Edge of Africa" was published in America 10 years

ago, and I promised to read it read it on the radio to mark the occasion.

Welcome to Rungstedlund.

I've always been a good wine drinker.

But at my age, it's not possible to half a bottle.

It's so kind of you to have invited me to invite me to visit you.

Now I can tell you myself how important how important your books are to me.

I've read them all several times.

Now that I'm sitting here with you, among the

objects of the African farm, I feel even closer to it.

Feel even closer to it.

I hope I haven't said anything wrong. Living in Africa, I met met people for the first time

people who understood that their greatness lay in themselves.

But here, it's the opposite.

All white people have a fear that I can't tolerate.

Fear of that, of not liking them.

They try to attract others in the hope in the hope that they'll be nicer.

No. I'm not interested in that.

Try something else.

That would be good to know, how you liked my book...

I haven't read it yet.

Knud W. Benedicte's wife, the wife of Jensen's wife, said it was a promising first novel.

That's where I got the idea. - What idea?

Your poems have been well received. - Yes, they have.

Did you know that the Danish press ridiculed made fun of my novel when it was published?

No, I didn't know that. - They did.

It was understood abroad, but not here. - That was a long time ago...

Now I hear that another tactless, jovial idiot...

wants to write a book about me.

It's no big deal. - I don't want it.

Yes, I do, I want you to write the book.

Another one?

Maybe it will be published first. - That's not possible now.

No... But would you consider it?

Of course I would.

I was given this gramophone when I was living in Africa.

It was one of the three things that opened me up to silence.

The other two are the New Moon and Mrs Carlsen.

Both are best by a stern silence.

You are still so young.

Let me help you a little.

In a Heiberg play

the young girl asks the hero to marry her:

"If you have lost your faith in God."

"If you have lost your faith in God, believe in me and I will protect you."

Do you know this quote? - No, I haven't.

I can guide you.

You have no idea what this means to me.

And consider my book proposal.

What are you going to say? - I don't know what I'm going to say.

I'm not that kind of writer.

I just think you're great, but you care about something small.

Were you disappointed? - About what?

About her. - She was fantastic.

What's wrong with her?

I'm glad she wanted me to write a book about her, but...

She hasn't even read my book.

You writers have read it.

I'm going to bed. Are you coming?

I'm still sitting here.

Did you take off the windscreen? And you called her a baroness? - Yes, I called her Baroness.

I promised Bole that you would give him a good night's music on the way home.

Yes, of course I will.

Tell him honestly if you don't

feel up to writing the book.

There's money to be made. We can still on my salary.

Mrs Carlsen told me you were here.

- Step forward.

Have you thought about my offer? - Yes. A long time ago. I'm very grateful. - But the answer is no.

I understand if that means you don't want to be my mentor.

I admire your courage.

I didn't when we first met, but you have it. Do

you know why so many people are unhappy today?

It's because people aren't to be brave.

But if you want to be happy you have to take the risk of being unhappy.

And that takes courage.

You have to let me do that, so that you are never afraid.

Because then you'll never find happiness.

So you're not angry? - No. Do you know Knud W. Jensen?

I've heard of him. - You must meet him.

He's tasty and successful. He supports the arts and can help you.

I'll organize the dinner.

I'll invite Knud, Benedict, Thomas.

You'll have to meet as many. - It's just too much.

Watching my friends turn into animals under the

influence of dance and drink is one of my few pleasures.

And of course, bring your wife. Don't deny her that pleasure.

What's your wife doing?

Grete? - Yes, Grete.

She's a librarian.

Actually, I wasn't planning.., that you would write this book.

Our meeting had a completely purpose. I can see it now.

You have the courage to do something great.

And I have to help you use that courage.

It's fantastic. - It can change everything.

I can write without feeling guilty.

I told you to be honest.

We received the invitation Rungstedlund dinner.

You, me and the best artists in the country.

Someone's got to look after Bod. - We'll invite your parents.

Don't you want to meet him then? - Of course I want to meet him.

We'll sit you next to me.

What about Bjørnvig? - The young poet.

He sits next to Benedicte. They can talk about Bjørnvig's book.

She will sit on the other side of the table.

No one will look at your shoes. - The women will.

I'm sure the Baroness will notice them.

You are beautiful.

You're always beautiful. Let's go.

Thank you, Mrs. Carlsen.

Thank you, Mrs. Carlsen. - Thank you, Mrs. Carlsen.

You must be the young poet. - Yes, I must be. So you are Knud?

Knud W. Jensen. - Grete. Wife of a young poet.

The Christmas tree doesn't usually come when we sit down to dinner.

There are drinks are available in the lounge.

The Baroness asked me to show show you to your room.

We must go and fetch Bole. - Your parents can manage until tomorrow.

We haven't brought a change of clothes. - I'll have a word.

An evening gown is no place for breakfast! - The Baroness would laugh.

The Baroness wanted to a chance, so

you could stay out as long as you liked.

As long as you like.

The bed is small, but the Baroness thought it would do. We'll have to follow our son.

- Now you know where the bedroom is.

Everyone is going to sit down at the table now.

Suzanne, I want to sit next to you. You didn't think so, that you would sit next to me?

Hello. Bénédicte. I'm married to Knud.

Thorkild. This is my wife Grete.

Dear friends, welcome.

Please take a seat. - Thank you very much.

Thank you very much.

So you're a poet? - Yes, I'm a poet.

The Baroness invited me here because of you. - Thanks to me?

Because you read my book and recommended it to her.

Is that what she said?

I think the Baroness exaggerated a little.

She phoned me and told me to read your book tonight.

To read your book this evening. But unfortunately, I haven't had the time to do it yet.

Please don't tell her that.

I promise I won't.

Prosit. Let's show them how to dance. - Thorkild. Is that necessary?

I'll talk to Tanne and we'll find a solution. Thank you for a lovely evening.

Shall we be off? - I don't want to offend the Baroness.

Bo has always slept at home. - He's with your parents.

It's a bit awkward. We don't even know him.

Why don't I just stay here alone?

Thank you very much for this evening, Baroness. - Haven't you been shown to your room?

My wife has to pick up our son, but I'm staying.

I hope you've enjoyed yourselves. - We had a wonderful time.

Thank you to me too, Tanne.

The people who are closest to you are the ones who get you down.

It's been a wonderful evening.

Did your companion behave himself? - Yes, he did.

I'm sorry to hear that.

Thank you for a wonderful evening.

Thank you for writing such a beautiful book.

Hello. - Good morning.

Good morning. Did you sleep well? - A couple of hours. How about yourself?

It was strange, sleeping in a stranger's house.

She's not a stranger now, she's a friend. - Can I have some music?

Where are my pets? That's a cow.

What is the cow saying?

Who lives in this house? - The farmer.

What is the farmer saying?

Mrs Carlsen.

Ask her to bring the car around. - I will.

What were you doing out here? - Baroness?

Master. Come and look at this.

If I'd known you were coming... - What a mess.

I only came to thank your wife, for letting me borrow you.

And that's when I met this little miracle.

He's Picasso, when he paints and draws.

He's more like that face, he needs to go to sleep.

Are you tired? Sweet dreams.

You're lovely.

Sleep well.

I spoke to Knudi. He wants to support you

financially so you can concentrate on your writing.

Really? It's a bit much.

I promise to do my best and write every day.

Writing isn't enough. You have to get out of the library.

You have to find your own way, not not be what people think you are.

You have to find yourself. - That's easier said than done.

That's what a little help is for.

Remember Heiberg's play?

"If you've lost faith in God,

believe in me and I'll protect you."

Of course I do.

When I was in Africa for the first year first year, I received this offer.

It was made by my people and by Africa itself.

"Believe in us, and we will protect you."

I accepted with all my might.

And so a treaty was made between us.

A treaty?

A sacred and magical promise.

This is the alliance I offer you.

I don't quite understand. - A pact of spiritual fidelity.

I promise to always protect you.

That I will always be at your service.

You can contact me at any time.

Throw a stone at my window, when the fire is out.

But you must leave it to me, and always trust me.

Above all, you must become

the artist you were meant to be.

I've always dreamed of that, to have someone guide me.

So accept my offer.

I accept.

Then I'll put my cape on your shoulder as a

sign that I will let my soul stay with you for a while.

Please tell your wife there's no need to worry about Bo.

In what way? - My illness will no longer lie.

I don't know what the Baroness means.

She's cut me off from life.

Not only from eroticism, but from everything physical things. It's no longer my business.

But it's no longer dangerous for anyone but me.

Did you know that Nietzsche also had syphilis?

I've read about it. - It gave him megalomania.

If you see any signs of this in me warn me immediately.

You must defend my honour.

"Believe in me and I will protect you."

Food's ready now. - Looks good.

No poems? - He doesn't want me to write poetry.

Just letters. To him.

"He must know the world, to know what he's writing about."

Perhaps the Master is hungry?

Thorkild.

Thorkild. What do you make of that?

It's got a nice ring to it. - What is it?

What is it? You're not listening to me. - I beg your pardon.

Is it from him?

What does it say?

"Don't forget our contract. You must not write for others."

You must not write for a culture war or a movement.

"Write for this, because you owe the gods an answer."

A contract? - Yes.

That's what he calls it.

What does this alliance oblige you to do?

Nothing. Or else...

I'll honour the contract if I trust him as much as he trusts me.

It's a declaration of trust.

A promise to lift my gaze.

You think it's silly. - I don't think it's silly.

He's helping me. - I said I didn't think it was silly.

Then what is it?

What do you think happens when you look up?

I'm just asking that you don't forget to look at me.

Will you promise me that?

I promise.

Thorkild. Thorkild?

Hello. - Good morning to you.

He is asleep. He's glad to see you.

He's in the middle of a depression. He thinks he can't work any more.

We've got to do something.

He has suffered a serious concussion concussion. He needs rest to recover.

It's all my fault.

When he started complaining again in his last

letter, I was furious, I shouted, banging my

fist on the table: "Let this blow hit his head!"

And it happened at the same time, incidentally.

I must have hit too hard. - Maybe it was just a coincidence.

What I was doing was magic. A curse. I'm sorry about that.

I'm offering the Master the chance to come to Rungstedlund to recuperate.

It's the least I can do. - It's not necessary.

He can rest there in peace. - Just like at home.

I can do three things well. I can tell stories,

I can cook and I can look after the sick.

May I have your permission to offer him a place to recuperate?

I'll do it, I'll look after him like a mother lion.

And I will not allow anyone to disturb her.

Thank you, sir.

I bid you welcome. - Thank you, Frau Carlsen.

The Baroness is busy. She has asked to show you to your room.

She will see you at eight o'clock and has promised not to disturb you.

I'll bring you breakfast and dinner at seven.

Thank you very much.

You're very welcome. - Thank you very much.

The whole house and garden are yours.

I shall visit you every evening at eight o'clock and leave at nine.

I think all day about what to say.

Do you know that when this tragedy happened happened and I fell ill,

God wasn't much help.

You must understand how terrible it is for a woman,

when she can no longer love and kiss her beloved.

So I promised my soul to Satan.

He promised me in return that all my experiences would become a story.

As you can see, he kept his word.

You need to settle in.

I'll play this music for you,

. you will hear it several times during your stay.

The notes will envelop you and bring peace to your heart.

If you hear this music again,

You will always remember those evenings in this living room.

I wrote today for the first time.

Read it. - It's not ready yet.

I don't want you to think that I can't do better.

I could feel it I knew a man in Africa.

His name was Denys.

Denys didn't care what other people others thought of him. I never gave it a thought.

I remember him thanks to your book.

Some people think that I only surround myself with beautiful people.

That may be true. I don't know.

But I do know that all my friends are worthy.

Denys was worthy too.

And there was a desire inside him.

And it was with that desire that he stayed.

The day his plane crashed, Denys told me about his nostalgia.

He told me how he let himself be driven.

Even when she led him astray.

Even when she led him to his death.

It was Goethe who best described this need.

A desire that is both beautiful and destructive, as in the case of Denyse.

Where did Goethe write this?

In the last stanza of "Blissful longing".

I'm going to read it again. - I haven't read it for years.

You must know it by heart.

If you know Denyse's nostalgia, who killed him is written in the poem,

I want to hear it.

Only the wise will know -

The souls of others are locked.

I praise the life that never ends,

Until the flame of the flame is consumed.

From the darkness that hides The heavy clouds,

The new desire awakens a new and nobler union.

Distance is not an obstacle for you,

The fiery circle is taking shape.

Until you are reduced to ashes in the fire,

. a soul in the shape of a butterfly.

The rules are these, Tanne. - It's totter.

Is it nice to get out of prison? - I haven't moved in a month.

Tanne's methods are old-fashioned, but effective.

Thanks to him, I've started to writing again. And thanks to your financial support.

Those who are not artistically gifted must finance those who are.

Whisky, Mrs Jensen? - Thank you very much.

I will.

Wonderful party.

Do you get these often? - This is Knud's world.

He likes to bring together the cultural elite and his business contacts.

He's always on the move and enterprising.

I try not to get left behind.

I've read your poems. They really moved me.

Very beautiful, deep and melancholy.

There's no better compliment. Thank you very much.

Your wife must be very proud.

May we go to you?

Yes, with pleasure. Cheers, mate. - Oh, cheers.

I've been thinking about something. - What about you?

I think you should get yourself a mistress. - I don't think that's a good idea.

You should fall in love.

I love my wife. - Not "love," but "fall in love.

"Marriage is no place for falling in love."

No, a scandalous love affair.

Which would take you away from a middle-class, hopeless attitude.

Whatever you do, and however others may

condemn you, you can always count on my support.

I wish you a good night. Sleep well.

Where is the Baroness? - She'll be here in the evening, as always.

But what if I want to speak to her now? - She's busy now.

Shouldn't we call a doctor? - The Baroness has already seen everyone.

I hear you're were looking forward to seeing us.

I didn't want to disturb you.

I have been prescribed mercury to cure the illness.

I ate too much and was poisoned.

It hurts, but it's my business. I don't want pity.

I wish there was something I could do. - There isn't.

What was so important that it couldn't wait?

I wanted to go home today to say hello to my wife and Bod.

Go home? - Yes, I wanted to go home.

I thought the Master would stay here until he was cured.

Aren't you going to write? - I'll write.

Have you forgotten our contract?

It doesn't stop me seeing my family.

"Trust me and I will protect you."

Don't you trust me? - Of course I trust you. The Baroness knows it.

Can't you write here? - Oh, yes, I can.

That's why I've been thinking, I've been thinking it's time to go home.

Your little brain can't concentrate on a thought, that maybe

that's the reason for all this that you're away from your family?

That it's because you're here?

Can you show me some of your handwriting?

It's almost ready. - Ah, almost done.

Perhaps the reason for your inefficiency is a lack of food for thought?

Or does the mediocrity of the evening help to polish the writing?

So why do you want it?

I'll be visiting Knud again next week.

Your wife can visit you here in Rungstedlund at that time.

Mrs Carlsen can cook dinner for you.

You are most welcome. - Terekest.

It's a pleasure to see you. - And you.

Won't you come in? Nothing less than that.

The Baroness insisted. Where is she now? - With Knud and Benedicte.

Bo has become a big boy all of a sudden.

All of a sudden. Like a big child.

The other day, I asked him if he always had

an empty stomach, and he replied, "I'm not sure."

Such a thoughtful, grown-up adult in such a small body.

What does he do? - He draws a lot.

Mostly animals. And aeroplanes. Or at least, he says that's what he draws.

He drew you a few times.

I miss him terribly too.

Would you like some more? - No, thank you, Mrs Carlsen.

They were delicious.

And how are you?

I'm writing again after a long period.

Is that all right? - I'm not the right person to judge.

What does the Baroness think? - She hasn't seen it yet.

She keeps it to herself most of the time.

I see her every evening for an hour every evening. The rest of the time I'm on my own.

Grete.

I thought you'd be happy that I wasn't with him all the time.

I understand, that she's a woman of the

world, who knows how to open people's senses.

I really thought that, that you would want to be with her.

But what does that mean, if you prefer to be alone here?

Come on, then.

This isn't right, Thorkild. You must go home soon.

Yes. I'll talk to him.

So it's up to him then?

Or is that part of the contract? - No, of course it isn't.

But you know how much he he can do for me. He's already done it.

If he likes what I write, he'll probably understand.

Good evening, Baroness.

I hope you have enjoyed your evening. Thank you, we did.

- Shall I call the chauffeur?

Knud and Benedicte send their regards. - Thank you, Knud.

Benedicte said that you would match. I had no idea.

We've become friends.

That's what I was hoping to see in you.

I feel like I'm part of it.

And that's a miracle.

I think I got the push I needed.

I'm very grateful.

Now it's time for me to go home.

Your diction is enough to convince me.

You didn't want me you didn't want me to settle here for good?

What a coward you are.

Why did you sign a contract with me?

Wasn't it to free yourself? - You are unfair.

So you could obey your instincts? Yes.

So why do you think... find the Holy Grail in the pram?

I can dine here once a week.

We can continue our discussions and stick to our agreement.

But I also have a contract with my husband.

Husband.

You read Nietzsche, Goethe, Rilke.

When did you read this word in a work of art?

Can you name a poem in which the word "husband" appears?

No.

Why not?

I'm leaving tomorrow.

In the garden where his angels fly.

Jesus opens up to us.

A sacred dance, a child on his mother's knee.

This beautiful day has dawned.

I'm going to open up and see what's here.

To see if there's anything good.

Tsuhh-tsuhh train. - Your move.

Thorkild...

Do you like it?

Anything from the Baroness? - No, I don't like it.

Tell me if you like it. - I do, thank you.

"The queen thanked them for their gifts.

The seal rose to the surface and brought the greetings of the king of the seas. The seahorse..."

You'll have to learn to do without him. - I didn't say a word.

Every night at eight o'clock you turn into a puppy.

Grete. - She's here, even though she's not.

Because I look at the time? You don't sleep at night. You don't sleep at night.

Every day, when there's no letter from him, you remember more and more...

Remember what?

Of nothing.

I showed Knud your new poems and he's in exactly the same frame of mind.

They're getting better and better.

And I have to admit, I've missed you a bit. - I've missed you too.

You're capable of something spontaneous and rebellious.

All that marriage doesn't offer you.

Don't you want that freedom?

Yes, but I don't know, what I'm missing is there.

This desire alone is proof that you yearn for it.

My greatest wish for you is, That you feel like you're floating.

That you feel that anything is possible.

You know I want nothing more than that.

I wish I could explain it to Grete without hurting her feelings.

Explain what? - What it means.

How much it means? - All of it.

I didn't understand it before, when I came home and I was away from it all.

It means everything to me.

Imagine being 25 years younger.

Everything would have been different.

We could have been We could have gone to Venice for our honeymoon.

Knud told me about a scholarship in Bonn.

You should apply. - In Bonn?

You could write and go to conferences. You could escape.

Isn't that what you want? Escape. - Day and night.

What dignity is there in living on the other side of the day?

I've been writing all week. Better than I've done in a long time.

Why take risks when things and we can still meet?

I'm sticking to the terms of the contract.

I promised to lead you there, where you're supposed to go.

Are you going to keep your side of the bargain? - It's not that I don't want to...

Then no.

I, too, am weak and my mind is clouded.

I don't understand you.

And as our contract is based on mutual trust, not

doubt, I propose we don't meet for a while. meet for a while.

How did this happen?

I don't know how it happened.

There's...

There's a scholarship in Bonn. He thinks I should apply.

Can't you say no? - Yes, I can say no.

How would going to Germany help you with your writing?

He thinks it would be good if I could see a bit of the world.

What is there to see in Bonn? - It's not about things.

It's about getting away.

Escape from what?

Away from what, Thorkild?

From Grete.

She thinks I should go to Bonn.

She got very angry when I refused. - What did Grete say?

She doesn't feel well. - Is that bad?

She takes pills now. The doctor says she needs to rest.

That's for sure.

To be honest, Grete would be happy if I could get away from the

Baroness, and the Baroness would be happy if I were away from Grete.

What about you, Thorkild? What would that would make you happy?

Mrs. Carlsen! A gramophone!

Magister is going to Bonn.

I don't want to seem ungrateful of you for inviting me

to Bonn, but I have to confess... came here half-blind.

I didn't make this decision with my heart.

As the days go by, I find it harder and harder to

understand why I'm staying here, because it's gloomy and sad for me.

I'd be sitting in a waiting room.

I know you had a hand in my death. The Bonn adventure.

That's why I'm afraid disappoint you by writing this, if

possible, I would like to leave here as soon as possible.

Mrs. Carlsen.

Yes? - Ask Benedicte to lunch.

Yes, of course I will.

Magister is very unhappy, and I was saddened when

he wrote to ask me if she could come to the house.

Doesn't he need permission? - Of course he doesn't need permission.

He asked because he was looking for a reason for a reason to stay. A little support.

Go on, then. A visit might do him some good.

I know I should, but I'm in poor health and I'm suffering.

I don't think I could be able to resist the trip.

Grete already has a lot on her plate with her work and little Bo.

But what about you? - What about me?

Yes. You always got on well with her.

I don't want to be pushy. Doesn't Grete find it strange?

We'll talk to Grete.

I'm absolutely sure, it would cheer her up.

It would inspire her. I promise to talk to Knud.

He wouldn't even notice. - What do you think?

I've never seen Bonn.

And what's more important, Bonn has never seen you.

I promised to write home and tell you how things are going here. How things are going here.

Yes, the Baroness wants to be kept informed.

I must confess that I've started to write better thanks to the Baroness.

Knud said so too.

What did you do before you met Knud?

Did I say something wrong? - No, you didn't.

I was studying psychology. I've always been interested in people have always interested me.

But when Knud appeared, we got married.

Knud had the idea of being our baroness. Baroness for the honeymoon in Rome.

I've never seen so much of suitcases. For three days.

And he complains again that Mrs Carlsen didn't put the wrong clothes in her suitcase.

"That bloody girl has forgotten the most important things."

My light blue blouse and my rings.

How can I come to dinner tonight?

I don't want to think about it. Mrs. Carlsen won't bother me.

"That useless creature, that talkative cow"

Of course, she found the blouse and rings at the bottom of her suitcase.

She'd taken them with her.

So she went with you on your honeymoon? - Yes, she did. How's the soup? - It's fine.

Tastes good. Thank you for a lovely day.

- Tomorrow I'll show you the library. I'm looking forward to it.

- I wish you a good night.

Sleep well, Thorkild.

Thorkild.

Look at that.

Isn't that one of his early works? Yes.

Well, good night. Nice place.

- Tanne insisted I stop here.

He insisted that I share a room with three three Italians. I received a letter from him today.

He sends his warmest greetings.

What did he write me? - I must see that you eat well. I have.

And I have to make you happy again.

That's done too. Come and dance. - You mean now?

Yes, now.

We can't dance. - Of course we can.

We'll see tomorrow. - Yes, we will.

I'll pick you up at ten. - That's what we'll do.

Thank you for today.

Thank you, Thorkild.

What do we do now?

I don't know, Thorkild.

When are you going home? - On the 30th.

In a month's time.

Will you write to me? - Every day.

I'm scared.

Falling in love with you has absorbed me completely.

I was overwhelmed by your tenderness.

Enchanted.

The wonderful feeling of movement

and freedom that love gave us in Bonn.

But then the movement and freedom ran out,

and we ended up in prison, where we now live.

I'm afraid of the end, because we can't our feelings.

Feelings that prevent us from moving.

We can't abandon each other, but we can't move in together either.

Our feelings have no place in this world if they don't have a free hand.

In life and in the world, we have to

act to live, because to live is to move.

If we cannot use our feelings they lead us to death.

Here he comes.

Hello.

Good to see you.

I've got a present for Bole. A model train.

I'm sure he'll love it.

Is he all right?

It's good to be home.

When are you planning to go to Rungstedlund?

Who said I was going? - It would be nice not to have to pretend.

I just want to know what the reason is this time.

Illness?

Industrial peace.

And Benedict? Did you enjoy her visit?

Yes, it was good. She helped me a lot.

I've always liked her.

Are you all right? - Don't worry about me, Thorkild.

I'll try not to to worry about you too.

Be a good boy.

Thank you.

Welcome home.

You have changed.

Yes, I have.

That was the point of the trip.

Don't be so melancholy, magister.

It's always the same with you.

Heartache and agony. - You know how difficult Grete has been.

Just like before you left. But none of that matters.

All that matters is this. Whether Bonn has fulfilled your purpose.

And my marriage.

How can you accomplish something radical

when you're tied to someone who wants the opposite?

Magister, tell me now.

Didn't you feel your vocation in a different different way when you were in Bonn?

Whether alone or in the company of Bénédicte?

You didn't have the impression, that you were free,

but in exhilarating decline?

Like snow that falls forever, never touching the ground.

Yes. - Yes, I'm...

Do you regret our agreement?

You need to entertain yourself.

I'll arrange a dinner. I'll invite Bénédicte, Knudi and all the others.

Your wife is welcome too, of course.

I bid you good night. - Good night, sir.

Please excuse me.

I think about you all the time.

Do you think that love is synonymous with feelings?

Or this, doing something for someone else?

In what way?

Is it just a feeling, of being in love and happy, or

does it mean doing something for the other person?

Can't you have both at the same time?

If it means doing something, then I should stay with Knud.

I like doing something for him.

Help him and support him in what he does, what he's doing.

That's probably how you feel about Grete. - Yes.

But if it's about feelings, then I should be with you.

I don't want to help you or do anything for you.

I just want to be with you.

No, you can't have both. At least, we can't.

We have to decide what we want, because it's driving me crazy.

We can't stay away too long.

Come in first.

Benedicte. Did you need some fresh air?

I don't feel very well. I think I'll go home. - Can I ask the driver to take you?

No, I'll take Knud's car. He can take a taxi.

Excuse me if I don't come to say goodbye.

Come over here.

Tell me what's bothering you. - I don't want to embarrass you.

I lost that ability years ago.

Can I trust you? - Of course you can.

That's between us and Satan.

It's all so terrible. - What's terrible?

I think you already know. - What do I know?

Or that you've guessed it. - I might have.

But tell me anyway.

Thorkild and I...

God forbid. A little relationship isn't the worst thing in the world.

You're young and you enjoy each other.

That's not the problem. It's just...

It's not about that at all.

Your relationship is deeper than that.

You're thinking of leaving Knud.

And Thorkild thinks Yes. Say something.

- You mustn't let that happen. It would destroy you.

It would destroy the Master.

He could never... None of you should ever come to my house again.

It would destroy everything.

I thought you understood.

This is reckless!

You have to understand that we all have a part to play in this.

You can flirt and love all you want,

but your role is to be with Knud.

I'm a horrible person.

Now you listen to me, little girl.

And listen carefully.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

Have you seen Benedict? - I'm afraid he's gone. We had an argument and he decided to leave. What did you say to him?

What did you tell him? I told him the truth. You know the truth.

That you belong to someone else.

Whose?

Don't you feel like... claws piercing your heart?

Like you've been shaken by a wild animal?

I know the feeling.

There's no greater pain than that.

But I'm not sorry for you. I envy you.

No, I wish it with all my heart.

You took it from me. - For what, exactly?

A girl with a soul the size of a pea.

Another meaningless that would have nagged at you.

I gave you everything I promised you I promised you when I signed the contract.

A life where your vocation is your sole responsibility.

You'll never understand.

Where did Benedicte go?

Where did she go?

You have a beautiful house. - What did you have to say that was so important?

You may have heard that the Baroness is giving a dinner party this evening.

The Baroness called me aside and said she

suspected that Thorkild and I had become close.

And she was right.

And she was right.

She was right. But... - I beg your pardon.

I'm very sorry... that I hurt you.

You might like to know to know that I'm going abroad.

I've had difficulties with Knudi for a long time and I've

made up my mind. I've made up my mind, I'm leaving him.

Not to be with Thorkild.

I'm trying to be on my own.

I'm going to England. I've got family family there I can live with.

You'll never see me again.

You have every right to hate me.

I don't hate you.

The Baroness will win anyway. She'll have won if Thorkild gets you.

If Thorkild doesn't get you because of me.

The Baroness will still have won.

Thorkild loves you very much.

That doesn't mean a thing. I will always be human...

who was at her feet.

I won't waste any more of your time.

I'm sorry. Grete?

Grete! Grete!

She'll be fine.

She needs her rest. You can come back tomorrow.

What about my son? - He's with your wife's parents.

Who found my wife?

Please do.

Welcome home.

Would you like some coffee or tea?

Please have a seat.

Grete, I... - Let me say something first.

When I was in hospital, I started reading reading her books at the worst possible moment.

I wanted to find out who the witch was who had ruined my life.

I saw who he once was.

Tall and dynamic.

And I saw how the loss had affected him.

I saw his pain.

I promised myself that I could deal with the pain better than he could.

That's our job in this world.

To get through the pain without making new sacrifices.

He can't.

You think you need him.

He needs you, Thorkild.

You have to decide if you're going to let him use you.

Be good to him. - Thank me.

He invites me to visit him.

He wants to see me one last time. Maybe it would be a good idea to draw a line.

Mrs Carlsen recently asked why I invited you here.

What did you say? - I could have said several things.

That we needed to discuss the treaty or

that we needed to talk about your future.

But then I remembered an expression that made a deep impression on me.

What was it?

Why not do it?

Why not do it?

If you simply ask "why? It may sound whiny or pathetic."

The voice of a lost event. Negatively.

But if you add to that another negative negative, the little word "not" or "non",

then the question becomes the answer,

which is very hopeful.

You hope, that our treaty will remain in force.

I cannot... I cannot break it.

But you can. You must now decide if you want to do it.

If I've been ungrateful. - I'm not just hoping for a contract.

I hope you take Rungstedlund.

No one close to me want it, nor are they capable of managing it.

If you wish, I will leave it to you. - I cannot accept it.

The most famous poets in Denmark have sat here.

You wanted to join them.

Why give up this place to someone else?

Blood is the most powerful between people.

Why shouldn't it be?

Why not?

Because I already have a house.

Then cancel our contract.

You're the only one who can do that.

Release me.

I will set you free.

Satan promised me that my experience would experience would become a story.

In return, I could never be

just one person, I had to be.

As the story demands of me.

You must answer me. Hand on heart. Have you thought about the mask I'm wearing?

Have you ever thought you only have a secondary

role in this story because there's a counterpart?

Have you thought about me?

Probably not.

Thorkild Bjørnvig concedes, that meeting Karen Blixen

gave her decisive creative freedom.

His most famous work, "The Contract", is about their relationship.

Deals with their relationship. Karen Blixen remained a literary superstar until her death in 1962.