Original subtitles

Lars von Trier presents

The ground underneath the Kingdom is an old swamp.

The bleaching ponds used to be here.

Once, the bleach men rinsed their linens in the shallow water -

to get them bleached.

The vapor enfolded the area in a permanent fog.

Later, the Kingdom was built here -

and the bleach men were replaced with doctors and scientists -

and the country's sharpest minds and impeccable technology.

And to crown the achievement the place was named the Kingdom.

Life would be defined -

and ignorance and superstition would never again challenge science.

Perhaps the arrogance has become too great -

just as the consistent denial of the spiritual -

for it appears, the chill and the damp have returned.

Small marks of fatigue are emerging -

on the otherwise sturdy and modern buildings.

So far, none among the living knows -

but the gate to the Kingdom is opening up once again.

THE KINGDOM

Part 1 The Unheavenly Host.

Hook, did someone get here in the ambulance?

I have no idea.

That's really strange. Have a look.

There you are.

That's good, isn't it?

You think that's strange, too?

She's in there. I think it's one of yours.

Good evening. I'm Jørgen Krogshøj, neurosurgeon.

I'm Sigrid Drusse. Are you a good doctor?

Not too bad. I see you have trouble with your hand?

Yes. It tingles and stings. And I can't close it.

I need it for holding the pendulum.

The patient complains about a stinging feeling.

Drusse, you're back.

Yes, something with my arm.

I'm going to the neurosurgical ward. It's very hard to get admitted.

- Say hi to my son when he gets in. - Will do.

- Hi. - Hi.

Someone was crying.

That was probably from the pediatric ward. You passed it.

No, it was like someone was sitting on top of the elevator.

Okay.

- Is this the neurosurgical ward? - Yes.

It's very hard to get admitted here.

The little girl has made herself known to the old lady.

Where did that happen?

In the elevator.

Elevator?

My name is Helmer, Attending Physician Helmer.

The tile needs to get fixed right away.

Or there'll be an accident. Can I talk to your supervisor?

He's not in right now.

I don't think Attending Physician Helmer is coming.

Attending Physician Helmer is under a lot of pressure these days.

Since he isn't suffering from any neurological disorders -

his condition is of no relevance to our morning briefing.

I've admitted a Mrs. Drusse with mild paresis in her right hand and arm.

I suggest a CT scan.

Okay.

You know a CT scan has to be ordered by the attending physician.

Is the hospital coming to a halt -

just because Attending Physician Helmer chose to oversleep?

Is that so? And when do you think your supervisor will be back?

I heard something about a burst water pipe this morning.

There's water underneath the parking lot.

Excuse me. Aren't you the director of the sleep lab?

- Does that interest you? - I'd say so.

- Where's the morning briefing? - It's over.

We thought you weren't coming, so I figured...

Figured?

When Professor Moesgaard is away at the private clinic, the following applies:

The morning briefing starts when I arrive -

and it ends when I leave.

Have a seat. Last night, were there any admissions?

The door! Thank you.

Admissions?

I admitted a Mrs. Drusse with paresis in her right hand and arm.

She is...? What the hell is she?

She's getting a CT scan.

Excuse me?

Mrs. Drusse is getting a CT scan.

A CT scan? I see.

In this hospital there's only one person -

with the authority to order a CT scan.

In all humbleness, that's the attending physician.

I just figured...

Figured!

Are you not familiar with the term budget responsibility?

Should I spell it out?

B-u-d...

Rigmor!

How much...

can you humiliate a person -

in this damn country?

- Can you tell me, Rigmor? - No, Stig.

Cancel this CT scan immediately.

I'm afraid that's impossible.

I think she's in the scanner.

Mom!

- You can't do this. - Hi, Bulder.

You promised not to do it again. This is my workplace.

This time I really think I'm ill.

Come on, Mom.

Orderly, help me place the patient in the right position.

- Ouch. - Be careful with the patient.

Get out of here.

But...

- We're going in. - Thank you.

- Hello, Helmer. - It's good you're here.

Einar, something serious has happened. Very, very serious.

Resident Krogshøj has ordered a CT scan.

Illness is unfortunate, but we have to get used to -

being in a hospital surrounded by patients, however difficult that may be.

You know better than anyone that a CT scan can be a blessing.

But since when can a resident make such a decision?

It's the attending's task.

I demand that this has professional consequences.

Helmer, take it easy.

Krogshøj may not be the greatest doctor -

but he's good to have around.

A resident -

making decisions about CT scans. That's just ridiculous.

You're new here.

To take legal action against an employee may not be the best way to start.

I like Krogshøj, and I'm sure you'll eventually like him too.

Have a seat and look at this.

How do you like this logo?

I've named our collaborative project Operation Morning Air.

We need to be open-minded -

about our relations to both employees and patients.

I think the sun symbolizes all of that.

Yes... Operation Morning Air?

- Do you like it? - No.

Don't you think it would be great to use for stickers?

Yes... maybe... Well, you're the boss.

You know why Helmer is here, right?

Not a single hospital in Sweden will hire him.

Why not?

A scientist on his team achieved some great results.

Helmer published them and took all the credit.

- That's just talk. - No, it's not.

Moesgaard read his article in The Lancet and wanted to recruit him.

I don't think he even wrote the article, but Moesgaard is clueless.

- Nice lab coat. - It's exactly the same as yours.

Looks better on you. Got plans tonight?

I have to read up on some things.

All that research isn't healthy.

Or is it something personal? Do you feel put off?

You're always busy when I ask you.

Where does the resident think he's going?

I was going home after a 12-hour shift.

If you can decide about CT scans -

you should also decide to join the X-ray conference.

We will now cleanse this room -

and the people here of the noise of the living.

Are there any spirits present?

If any spirits are present -

do come forward.

Yes.

Yes.

Just in time to look over an urgent CT scan of Mrs. Drusse.

Pardon a little, ignorant knucklehead -

before we continue, but I'm very curious.

How much does this CT scan cost?

It's pretty cheap, right?

It's pretty expensive.

Pretty expensive...

- And how much is that? - 10,000 kroner.

10,000!

Such a bargain during this financial crisis.

Should we have a look and see if anything pops up?

No, that's what I thought.

Not even the shit of a fly.

Here you'll see, Mr. Resident...

the illustration of a malingerer's brain.

Glue it in your little scrapbook.

Someone is here. Someone is here.

He is seeking someone in this circle.

Where is this one?

He's nearby.

Little...

hairy...

primitive.

What is this?

"Please don't disturb. Thank you on behalf of the astral entities."

A little, disgusting man.

Excuse me, ladies.

I take full responsibility.

- Nurse! - Yes.

- Is she this Drusse? - Yes.

Here's a picture of this lady's nob.

Something grey is sloshing around inside -

and someone less skilled would call it a brain.

I've been told that this lady is some sort of spiritual leader -

of these terminal women.

She doesn't deserve that status.

She's bluffing. A poor fool who's acting ill.

When she's a patient, she gets a little attention.

Admitted 25 times!

25 times. And that's only this hospital.

A malingerer.

Shame on you!

It's true. I've been hospitalized many times, but I am sick.

- You are sick? - Yes.

You are sick!

The patient states: "My arm feels weak and trembling."

I'm quoting...

Neurology 101 -

which you can get at any library and kindergarten.

Yes. Here. "The arm feels weak and trembling"... and so on.

Next time you want to cheat your way into my ward -

I'd be damn grateful -

if you wouldn't quote this Neurology 101 word for word.

- Nurse? - Yes.

Please discharge this... patient.

Idiot!

Who the hell was that?

Professor Moesgaard's son. He goes to medical school.

Moesgard wants him to get familiar with the ward. He sees a big light in him.

Oh, yes.

STAFF ONLY

Hi, Camilla.

Thanks, Mogge.

A rose...

- Don't buy flowers for me... - Did you think about it?

I'm too old for you. You can easily get a girl from med school.

But I love you.

I'm not running around with a med student.

- I'm a Moesgaard, and I don't give up. - You'll have to.

- You're hurting my feelings right now. - Am I?

- Maybe I'll do something stupid. - Like what?

Take my own life. That's not uncommon to do.

Really...?

Is this your last word?

Off you go. I have work to do.

SLEEP LABORATORY

Stig, you're a little gruff sometimes.

- But do you know why I love you? - No.

- Would you like to know? - No.

I love you because you are a magnanimous person.

The others are so small.

When are you moving your things to my place?

I need to get settled a little before I do.

My little August Strindberg.

- Well, you have his curly hair. - Leave my hair alone.

I think we need a vacation. Haiti, I'd love to go there.

Yes, call and book a table.

Do you mean Haiti? Among the ...?

What the hell are we gonna do there?

History, voodoo, natural healing.

- Sorry, sorry, sorry. What did you say? - Nothing.

You were just about to say something. Say it, come on, say it.

- Oh yes, say it. - Natural healing.

I only ask for your respect in a few matters.

But please avoid certain words, unless my company doesn't matter to you.

- No, I was just saying that... - Natural healing!

Natural! And you're a doctor... You're a scientist.

- Go rinse your mouth with sulfate. - You're an old, cranky man.

You should read this book and get a more nuanced impression of Haiti.

I'm not reading anything! Astral entities!

To hell with that!

Maybe he's right, the attending. Maybe I'm just an old fool.

Tell me, Bulder. Did I fail as a mother?

No, no, no.

No, you're great at so many things.

Maybe you're a bit crazy from time to time, but...

I care about you a lot.

You're a good boy, Bulder.

- I can drop you off. - There's no need.

I'll take bus line 10, but it's sweet of you, my boy.

Where did you get these?

Mom, where are the chairs from?

Hello?

Hello?

Hello?

Hello!

Dispatch. Is something wrong?

No. I just pushed the wrong button by accident -

and then it stopped.

- Just press the floor button. - Thank you.

EMERGENCY ROOM

Hello. I'm afraid I've fallen ill again.

You... Come here.

Are you anxious?

Nah.

Would you like it if I touched, let's say, your face?

No, thanks.

Hey, you.

Stand right next to him.

Closer.

Closer, closer, closer.

I don't like that.

Don't like. Do you think any of these gentlemen on the tables like being here?

Do you think they like that we will cut them open in a minute?

I don't know.

I say fear of closeness.

Fear of getting close to others is fear of dying.

Why is that?

Because it's the fear of...

community.

Community.

Every time you move over in the bus -

to avoid touching the person next to you -

every time you hesitate to stick your fingers in some disease -

it's the fear of community.

Of the grand community.

All those we work with down here have accepted their place...

in our community.

A corpse doesn't demand anything.

A corpse generously contributes its body for the greater good to...

science.

A new bill demands -

that we must now get consent to an autopsy from the relatives.

This bill might complicate our work -

but if the request is transparent and impartial -

nobody can argue against the rationale of an autopsy.

The law of the living demands us to ask.

The law of the dead is to contribute.

That calls for respect.

And... we begin to cut.

Hi. We're from Neuro.

The patient is in the bathroom.

- Is she still there? - I'll go look.

Mrs. Drusse, are you feeling sick?

No, there's just something strange about my urination.

I'm Judith. I'm from Neuro.

- You should have a seat. - Thank you.

When I reached for my bus ticket going home, I couldn't feel my hand at all.

Maybe something's wrong after all?

I'm going to examine you with some needles. Just look the other way.

- Do you feel this? - No.

- Do you feel this? - No.

Your hand is cold.

- He looks like you. - You think so?

On the money.

He actually does.

Have you not understood anything, kid?

The dead don't mind contributing with a little entertainment.

He who can't respect pathology -

can't respect life.

The day is turning into night -

and the girl is again in the elevator.

Soon she is there, and soon she is not.

Yes. It just repeats itself...

all the time.

It is horrifying.

Yes, it is.

It is horrifying.

I can go up alone.

Oh, little child.

Oh, little child.

I'm with you again.

I've come to help you.

What is happening?

Little child...

Oh, little child.

It's childish. Childish and foolish.

Listen. Only the most important doctors in the hospital are in the Lodge.

It's the finest society. Moesgaard really believes in you.

They're puny, but even from their shoulders, you can see far.

"Morning Air" and "Sons of the Kingdom". This is the country's best?

Maybe they would support you. They work for each other.

What if a complaint is filed regarding the Mona surgery.

I don't want to hear another word about Mona.

Why do you keep brushing? Is there dandruff? Am I losing hair?

Leave me alone.

Enjoy yourself, dear.

Doctors and patients using the same elevator. It's embarrassing.

We realized that in Lund.

The doctors have their own elevator and nobody finds it odd.

I borrowed it from an orderly.

- Hello. - Hello.

Am I allowed to walk around tonight? My legs are doing fine.

We'll see.

What the hell was that about?

Are you a complete idiot?

Stop doing that. What kind of manners are those?

Sorry, I thought you were getting introduced to the Lodge tonight.

That doesn't concern you, Krogshøj.

Just watch out for your nose.

In '86, Dr. Lindemann's nose was badly hurt.

It seems it's not totally harmless, that ritual.

SONS OF THE KINGDOM

Maybe it's not that bad after all.

Most Worshipful Grand Master, beloved Brethren, a duckling has come home.

Salute, my Brethren! Salute!

Hi, Hook, thanks for the bottle.

Duckling, raise your wing.

Repeat after me:

I swear eternal fidelity to the Sons of the Kingdom, my dear Brethren.

I swear eternal fidelity to the Sons of the Kingdom, my dear Brethren.

I declare above all that their well being -

and their supreme laws precede before all.

I declare above all that their welfare -

and their supreme laws precede before all.

I swear obedience to the concrete sciences -

and enmity towards the occult in any shape or form.

I swear obedience to the concrete sciences -

and enmity towards the occult in any shape or form.

And now the ritual!

That was too bad. That hasn't happened since '86.

How are you?

- She's back. - Who?

Drusse, the malingerer.

What total moron has admitted her again?

I did.

Judith examined her. She has paresis in her right hand.

I've admitted her for observation for a week or so. That's only reasonable.

You're the professor. You know what's reasonable.

When you're patched up, come back to the Brethren.

Now it's just festivities. No more rituals.

I really appreciate that.

Help the patient when he gets up. Should we try?

Respectfully, in Sweden we try to be civilized -

and center our festivities -

around serious and traditional occasions.

Yes, I understand. Crayfish parties and those kinds of things.

Oh, right. I have to ask for something.

Do you remember your surgery on Mona something?

She was injured.

So? Those things happen when you poke around in people's heads.

Oh, I know, I know. But I had a conversation with her mother.

I'm afraid she'll file a complaint.

I promised her you'd stop by and have a chat with her.

Now?

Great, she's with her daughter tonight.

Use your charm. We don't have time for complaints.

As part of Operation Morning Air we'll now interact more with each other.

Oh Mona, Mona, Mona tell me when's the day

when I can take your pulse without running away...

- Bulder! - Mom!

Are you boozing here this late? Why don't you go home?

- I could ask you the same. - Someone was calling me. A spirit.

- Mom! - No, it's not what you think.

It called out for me. Someone was crying in the elevator.

I think it was a girl.

I couldn't leave her alone. I had to get readmitted.

Maybe I've made contact for the first time.

Imagine, your whole life you've tried to get in contact with the spirits.

And then there's contact in an elevator without wanting it.

Isn't it exciting? Have you experienced anything out of the ordinary?

- Yes, I have... - No. No!

Bulder! We need to get into that elevator shaft.

No, Mom!

I didn't think you'd help me.

I'm not doing it.

I'm still disappointed about that uproar in May 1968.

What uproar in May '68, Bulder? The student protests?

- You could say that. - I moved out.

I was 28, Mom.

You never said you weren't pleased with staying at home.

I moved back in a week later.

- How is your mom? - My mom? She passed a long time ago.

That must be nice for you.

What if there isn't anything in the elevator shaft? And there isn't.

Yes...

Well, then...

Then I promise to shelve the supernatural.

Altogether? No more séances?

If it means that much to you.

Dispatch.

Do you know what time it is? What favor do I owe you?

Camilla is on call now.

Just give her the bag and say hi from me.

Tell her I'm sorry, but this is how it will have to be.

- What are you talking about? - Just give her the bag.

- Hi, Christian. - Hi.

This is from Mogge. He says he's sorry.

I don't want anything from Mogge.

That's up to you. He asked me to give you this.

Well.

Say hi to Mogge and tell him to pick up his present.

Apparently he didn't understand.

- I gave it to her. - Did she open it?

- No. - Why not?

I don't know. Can I go home and get some rest now?

Excuse me. I've talked to Dr. Krogshøj about spending time here in the lab.

I couldn't deal with surgery today.

He thought this might be the place for me.

You'll have to take part of surgery if you want to be a doctor.

I know. Just not today.

Okay.

- You can hang your coat here. - Thank you.

Here.

Good evening.

My name is Dr. Helmer.

I don't understand Swedish. Try one more time.

I am Dr. Helmer.

Try one more time. Here.

Come on, sweetie. There you go. Good girl.

Here. And swallow, sweetie.

Come on. Yes...

The lady doesn't understand my accent. Would you translate?

- If I can. - Thank you.

I'm the doctor who operated on your daughter.

This is the doctor who operated on Mona.

- I know. - She knows.

Thank you. I understand.

- One more time, sweetie. - Mona.

Come on, last time. That's it, sweetheart.

Mona.

Little Mona.

How is Mona doing?

- How she's doing? - Yes.

Can't you tell? She'll never be well again.

There are some things you must understand -

regarding the surgery your daughter went through.

There are some things you must understand about that surgery.

- I've spoken to a doctor. - Right. Which doctor?

Those things shouldn't happen. You've taken her from me.

She would be better off dead.

I'm sorry.

No, sweetheart.

Oh, no. Sweetie...

- Excuse me, but... - Don't touch me!

I'm filing a complaint whether you say you're sorry about your mistake or not.

Are you accusing me of having made a mistake?

And now you, the patient's mother -

accuse me, Attending Physician Helmer, of making mistakes!

That has to be defamation even in this damn country.

I have opened up a fair amount of craniums before. This...

snotty brat actually isn't my first.

When it's sad, the children cry.

When it's grievous, the adults cry.

But what about when the house itself is crying?

What is the old lady doing?

She wants to see the little girl.

Is she not scared?

No, not anymore.

Is the house crying?

The house has cried for a long time.

Call it the land of angels or heavenly soil...

Thank you, Swedish watchtowers.

With plutonium, we will force the Dane to his knees.

Here Denmark -

shat out of limestone and water.

And there Sweden...

carved in granite.

Danish scum.

Danish scum!

She scratched the roof of the elevator with her nails -

to get inside.

Move, dammit!

Move! The water is undermining the whole damn place. Move, goddammit!

Dear viewers! Allow me to thank you -

for joining the Kingdom.

We began carefully, to include everyone.

But from next episode onwards many things will happen.

Something is very off here, and a stranger is calling out.

How often has one called out for you, and how often have you lent your hand?

Was it often, rarely or maybe never?

In this program we are in the restricted kingdom of imagination.

We can't even get close to the reality created by the Lord.

Even the most imaginative artist is a fickle ant compared to him.

My name is Lars von Trier, and I wish you a pleasant evening.

Should you be drawn to the Kingdom again and wish to spend time with us -

be prepared to take the good with the evil.