Original subtitles

WAR OF THE WORLDS

starring

music

editing, sound

design

camera

screenplay and director

This film is dedicated to H.G. Wells and Orson Welles

What are you doing with him?

- We're just playing. - So why are you kicking him?

Because he is human and I am a Martian.

- And if he kicked you? - He is too weak.

And what if I started to pretend I am a Martian?

- Run away, kid. - No, let him go.

What?

You will let him go anyway and then he will catch me and kick me.

Let him go.

THE WAR OF THE WORLDS Next Century

At the end of the 20th century humanity was honoured

by the first ever contact with an alien civilization.

The first extraterrestrial rockets landed at 11:15

in the south-western part of the country,

where the local population gave a warm welcome

to the visitors from Mars.

The aliens who represent a more developed culture compared to that of the Earth

and a higher level of development undertook the historic mission

to share their knowledge and experience with humans.

You're always in such a rush, Mr. Idem.

Excuse me, Mr. Idem.

This is a new version of your commentary.

- New what? - Version.

You mean some breaking news?

And have you heard about anything new?

What did you bring me here?

I said: new version. You are to read it.

Give me back my text, you son of a bitch.

You have your text in front of you, do you read me?

Attention, we're going on the air.

6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, start!

Welcome to all who want to listen to me.

And I assume that nobody forces you to listen to me.

Today is December 28. 3 days are left to the end of the year.

Also 3 days are left to the end of the century.

If anyone of you knows how much time is left to the end of the world,

may he call us up!

Today is the 12th day of a new age.

12 days ago humanity ceased to be lonely.

Our space brothers paid an official visit to the National Gallery today,

expressing their delight with the depth of human culture.

The important action of blood typing goes on very well.

Registration centres efficiently make appropriate entries on identity cards.

Remember, to be a good citizen means to have no problems.

And you won't have any if you're not a problem for others.

Go, type and register your blood type.

There is a new and interesting initiative, a special award called

Proof of Friendship.

It will be awarded to people whose activity is

especially important in the development of contacts with Martians.

Martians and appropriate committees are entitled

to apply for the award.

We, the TV, support the idea and are lowering the cost of

TV licenses for all the holders of

Proof of Friendship.

What is the news from abroad?

The eyes of the world are fixed on our country.

Consequently, it's not surprising that nothing worth mentioning happened there.

You have listened to the most important news of the day

from your independent Iron Idem whom you trust!

Whom you should trust!

Whom you must trust!

And who has breaking news at the end of the program.

We've just received the latest song of the band The Instant Glue.

Ode to Martian!

You hit the nail on the head.

What?

I mean the end of the world, if anybody knows they should call us.

- Has anyone called? - Were they expected to?

Why did you change my script?

- Did anyone change your script? - Yes, one of your henchmen.

Your program is live.

You can say whatever you want.

Listen, if it happens again, I will walk out.

You could do it today and you didn't. Were you afraid?

I still feel some responsibility.

Responsibility, fear, discipline are actually one and the same thing.

There is no reason for shame, they are desirable qualities.

Listen, everything has its limits.

And a price.

Do you want to rebel? Can you afford it?

- I... - You... you're independent.

And I am here to control you.

And Martians are our chance.

Actually, what would you like to talk to people about on TV?

About what is going on in the streets.

You're talking about traffic.

I heard about it.

There were some accidents. Explain it to the audience to avoid hysteria.

You can do it. It's a good idea for tomorrow.

You will do it.

I will think about it.

Mouth! I said: mouth!

- What do you want? - Love.

- Who am I to love? - Them.

What have you done to my wife?

- We've taken her. - Why?

- Because you love her. - And why her?

You will get to like them sooner.

Why me?

They like to watch you on TV, there is something optimistic about you.

So what now?

We'd like you to say that you like them.

And this is a Proof of Friendship. Number 614, repeat.

Proof of Friendship 614.

It hurts, what am I to do with it?

Enjoy and register as a friend.

Shit.

It is an honour, don't hurt your friends.

Will you register?

I will.

I'm glad you've gotten to like them a little already.

- I came to register myself. - As a friend?

- Yes. - My congratulations.

I knew immediately that you were a decent person.

- Your name? - Iron Idem.

- Oh, it's you. - Yes.

You there, on TV... You have... hair... always something.

- Would you like some? - No. Do you handle registration?

I will register you, I will, I will.

Do you have a certificate of your blood type on you?

I don't.

So how do you intend to go about it?

But I have... I have... I have this.

You should have said it right from the beginning.

Bend your head.

614, nice low number, and you're ashamed of it.

- It's not nice. - No, I'm not ashamed.

So why are you hiding it in your collar?

What?

I have an ear infection.

You don't have to excuse yourself. Not to me. I am just here to register.

But I wouldn't hide it.

- Have you got a picture? - No, I don't, what for?

According to the regulations you should get a life permit.

No, I don't have one.

I could just give it to you, you would add a picture later on.

But can you trust people these days?

Sign here.

- Will you add a picture? - Yes, yes, I will.

According to the regulations we should now sing the anthem.

But as you are from the TV, I will let you go without it.

Is there anything more we can do for you?

I thought I might get to know something about my wife.

- Does she also want to register? - No...

She was taken by Martians.

Mr. Idem, you seem to be a reasonable man.

I have responsible work.

You yourself don't believe what you've just said.

Why do you yield to rumours and hysteria?

So what am I to do?

You can go back home.

Excuse me.

Mr. Idem! Wait.

Actually, I understand you.

Just between us, those Martians are horrible rascals, aren't they?

I admire people like you. So many sacrifices

for friendship with such midgets.

Sometimes I am quite glad that I don't have to make any decisions myself,

that I'm just an official.

You know, only this much, always according to the regulations.

But to have the right to choose, as you do - it's horrible.

You're acting as an agent provocateur.

Yes, yes. It was a provocation.

It's my duty, you see?

Various people come here. Not all of them come as you did,

with honest intentions.

I'm very glad, Mr. Idem.

Very glad.

You did not disappoint me.

Help me, you fool.

You're young, there's nothing but crap in your head.

Help me, please.

Please.

Please, smash these speakers, please.

- I came. - I see.

I came so that you wouldn't have to bother your henchman.

It's not enough.

What else do you want?

I want you to keep on writing your own scripts.

- Why? - It's obvious.

Because you know how.

You respond to the viewers tastes.

What are they to believe now?

Do you think I'll stick a finger in your ass and I will

shake you like a hand puppet, and then give you a cookie?

I have tons of such puppets.

You must be different, you must know yourself what to do.

I want spontaneity from you, zeal.

Faith.

Maybe I do need a cookie.

And what is your cookie?

Wife. Give her back to me.

They say that in order to get something you must want it very much.

It's not true.

In order to get something one must be very much afraid.

Are you afraid enough by now,

to get a cookie?

I am very sorry, Mr. Idem, but you don't live here any more.

You can't go up there.

What do you mean?

There were complaints that you disturbed the peace.

The committee came, the door was open,

only the TV set was on, blaring.

Decent people live here. You destroyed the apartment.

And they want peace and quiet.

There is no point in your going upstairs, you don't live here anymore.

Mr. Idem, don't make me...

What do you need it for?

What is it?! Mr. Idem?! What are you doing?!

Mr. Idem! It's company equipment.

Leave it alone. I used to like you so much.

You're not well. Do you have to destroy everything?

Mr. Idem, wait.

They told me to give it to you.

Take it. For your exemplary service.

And this. From the committee.

Today is December 29th. An exceptional day.

The day when we don't celebrate any anniversary.

No one died today that I would need to talk about.

But maybe someone like this was born.

If you know anything about it, I, Iron Idem, am waiting for your calls.

Remember, your wife will betray you,

your lover will leave you, your friend will abandon you,

but I, that is the TV, never.

The 13th day of the visit of our friends from Mars was spent on

furthering interplanetary friendship.

13 is no longer an unlucky number on Mars, but it can still be so on the Earth.

Several minor traffic accidents have taken place recently.

So if you are in the street, remember that Martians have not yet learned

the Earthly traffic regulations.

Your increased caution will be a sign of

our friendly feelings.

Help a Martian in the street.

A further proof of how touched you are by the space visit

are questions whether we plan to start lessons of Martian on TV.

No, there is no such need.

The phenomenal intellectual abilities of Martians

made it possible for them to master our language immediately.

You can reveal your deepest thoughts and desires to Martians in English.

The Sanitary Office reminds the absent minded that today is the deadline for

the obligatory blood-typing and registration.

Identity cards without registered blood type are invalid,

which should prompt you to

participate in this useful action.

People who evade it should be warned

that they act against their best interest and common good.

We are happy to announce that the circle of people

awarded with the Proof of Friendship keeps on growing.

Remember that those who received it should report to registration centres,

where they will obtain a life permit which exempts them from blood-typing.

Are you inviting me?

- What shall I get you? - Something expensive.

I get a share of the bill you pay.

Are you sure you can afford it? It's an expensive vodka.

Your share will be bigger.

Don't you worry too much about me?

No.

I just want to get rid of the money before I happen to try to buy you.

What are you doing?

I am afraid you may go bankrupt.

Or maybe I want you to have enough to buy me.

What's your name?

Gea.

Do you like me?

You're beautiful.

- Undress. - No, it's unnecessary.

I want to sleep, I just want to sleep.

But you have to leave in two hours' time.

I just want to spend these two hours here.

You don't want anything more?

- Just sleep? - Yes.

And what do you get out of it?

Maybe I can dream of something.

It is worth much more than what you paid me.

So throw me out.

You even have a life permit. Are these really your papers?

- Yes. - Why are you knocking about at night?

- I'm just walking... - Address!

- Momentarily... - Permit for night shelter.

What is it?

You've got a permit and you don't use it.

There is something fishy here.

Do you want to be OK? So where do you want to go?

- To the night shelter. - Rightly so.

This will cover the fare.

Iron Idem.

You'll be OK here.

And you will have a permanent address, won't you?

Iron Idem News - is it you?

Who are you?

Show me your face.

Well.

You are supposed to be that mongrel on TV?

What have you done to your mane?

You see, I hate you. TV condom.

You slip into human brains. And you tread on them, smear them, break them.

Hygroscopically, through a condom. You give pleasure but you're sterile.

Tell me how many brains you devoured today, you glass condom.

One, my own.

And that is why you're here. But it's OK.

Because when you digest it, throw it up, spit it out,

you will grow a new one. You'll start to think.

Well, but then you'll have to change your profession.

You know, when you're here, actually...

you look quite well without that mane.

It's as if there were two of you. One is a rascal, you leave him

behind closed doors when the other walks the streets.

You'd be afraid to walk out in that wig, wouldn't you?

Because you bullshit about freedom with the wig on,

and when you take it off you think you're free.

What kind of freedom it is when you need to keep a wig in your closet.

I like you.

But you'll die, you first and then all that TV of yours.

Maybe I will break it apart? Maybe somebody else?

But die you will.

When you go to set fire to the TV,

take me with you.

Would you go?

Would you really go?

I don't know if I am a believer but now

I would like to know how to pray.

I feel as if I was put into a glass jar

with ten young rats.

The rats are great like silver piglets with small antennas.

I know you can't help me.

But you can listen, really listen.

And then try to find one word.

Squeeze out of yourself the word that I will take with me.

These silver hogs trampled me into the ground.

Not just me.

People rummage around in the mud and make pig-like faces.

They oink like piglets to please others.

As if they had anything to lose.

As if they didn't know they will all be bullied.

If anyone could stand by my side and look like a human being.

Speak in a human tongue.

Which is why I came here, to talk to a human being.

To pray to a human being.

I came for your listening, for your one word.

Give me this one word!

Sin.

Blood-type 0 go first.

Don't eat anything. On empty stomach.

The others exercise and wait for their type.

You donate your blood voluntarily. Whoever doesn't, won't get breakfast.

Who doesn't eat, can't donate blood.

Who can't donate blood, loses his place in our shelter.

You donate blood voluntarily. Those waiting exercise.

We exercise.

Why don't you exercise?

Come on, exercise!

Why don't you exercise, honey?

Because I'm pregnant.

And this is not a maternity ward.

Go, go, You'll be better off there.

Everything is OK. We maintain the order.

Order is your good.

Stand and wait for your turn at the checkpoint.

Prepare your blood-type cards.

Life permit holders come first.

Sanitary control is your good.

Don't resist. Everything is well.

We maintain the order. Order is your good.

Stand and wait for your turn at the checkpoint.

Prepare your blood-type cards.

Life permit holders come first.

Pass.

Pass.

Pass.

Pass.

Pass.

Pass.

Pass.

Mr. Idem.

Don't you recognize me?

Mr. Idem.

I don't want you to bear any grudge.

I do what I'm told, after all. Don't you?

And that is why we're both needed.

Even though I'm just a janitor.

You know, a good janitor also means something.

I'm reliable, I have a good memory.

I know everything about the inhabitants. I'm a professional.

A good janitor is hard to find. People like me are always in demand.

They are valued.

I am also honest.

I gave you back the TV set and I could have kept it, couldn't I?

And don't bother with the walkie-talkie that you smashed.

I said they fell down on their own. The TV sets works just fine.

- You know how to get on in life. - Pass.

- Pass. - Don't you bear any grudge?

Pass.

Pass. Pass.

I've been waiting for you.

I was supposed to find you in the shelter but the street was blocked off.

I thought I would find you here. Well, I was lucky.

- What do you want? - Dear sir.

My general rule is not to chase after happiness,

just to wait for it to come on its own.

I am with the law office Bonus and Bonus.

And I would like to ask you a favour. Would you spare me some time?

Have breakfast with me. I beg of you.

Naturally, it's on the company. Please.

Dear sir, my company froze your bank account,

but there is really no reason to get anxious, we'll reach an agreement.

Well, this is what I am here for.

We meant, you see, to secure the funds

for alimony for your wife.

There is no reason to be nervous. You know it's best to settle amicably.

Your wife has certain arguments.

For example, dear sir, here are some pictures of

what you did to your flat.

Here is the testimony of the janitor for the committee.

You see, such things may impress the court unfavourably

so my personal advice is to opt for an amicable settlement.

This fork may puncture your throat.

It will pass through the oesophagus and land in your brain.

Then I will twist it by 90 degrees and pull it out quickly,

so quickly that you won't even have the time to scream.

Which wouldn't make any sense anyway.

Where is my wife?

Mr. Idem, I don't know, I was just given this job.

- From whom? - I don't know.

Mr. Idem, I am just an errand-boy.

I don't hold it against you.

You're right.

People should be treated this way, you know.

People are submissive, cowardly, passive.

Like me. They want to be taken by force.

They only do what they are told to, you see.

Like me.

15 years of apprenticeship and I am still afraid.

You don't understand it, you don't. You're free.

Independent.

You're right. One can do anything with people.

One just needs to use a fork.

And as for the case, I would really suggest an amicable settlement.

Tonight at dusk: TV Super Show in Dreams Hall, which you can

watch live.

For voluntarily donated blood you will get a free ticket.

If you donate double the dose of blood, you will get 3 tickets.

Give some joy to your family. Today is the final opportunity.

The parallel street has already donated 129 litres of blood.

Try to beat them.

Those evading will be taken in and will donate a double dose,

however, they will not get tickets to the TV Super Show.

Whoever turns in the evading will receive an additional ticket.

Tonight at dusk in Dreams Hall. This is the final day.

Hey, you, hide or they'll suck you dry.

- What? - They'll suck all your blood.

Do you want to be sucked dried? What do you need it for?

Don't be stupid.

One can see everything from here anyway. Cool show.

How many times did he donate?

Never, well, only the obligatory dose.

- You owe us four tickets. - What?

Well, grandpa tried to evade, we brought him here,

it means one ticket, doesn't it?

Now grandpa will donate double dose, it will make three.

- That makes four together. - Well.

What? Four? He's old. Two tops.

What do you want, kid?

You brought me an old guy, didn't you?

And you're asking for tickets? - Just a moment...

Hey you, with that metal in your ear, what are you doing here?

- I'm from the TV. - You've seen enough.

Wait. Have you got any good tickets for the show that you're making?

- I'm sorry but I don't. - You don't?

You don't?

Don't you know? All the programs are called off.

- Including mine? - In the evening there will be

a big show in Dreams Hall and you're supposed to be there as well.

What happened?

Allegedly the Martians are leaving tomorrow.

But that is off the record. I don't know anything.

If you don't know, how am I supposed to know.

It's so sweet.

Oh, so beautiful.

My Martian.

Friend give a candy, a red candy.

No, no, no. Today you're not paying.

Nothing, everything is free.

Everything is free.

Do you know what fun we had here today?

Dear sir, today...

When this piece ends, announce me.

But Mr. Idem, it goes live.

You can't do it like this.

- The sequence was arranged. - The sequence has been changed.

You're late and you don't know anything.

You're supposed to read the announcement at the end.

Announcement? What announcement?

The announcement will be now.

The boss decides about the sequence. I'd rather hear it from him.

Talk.

The concert during which we are supposed to say farewell to Martians,

can't take place without Iron Idem.

There will be no announcements today, no jokes, no news.

You're supposed to say farewell to the Martians.

I would also like to say goodbye to you.

But it's not a reason to be sad.

From tomorrow on you'll simply love somebody else.

Do you know why you like me?

The more stupid my program became, the wiser you felt.

And this was what it was all about.

From the TV chaos you choose the truths you find as convenient.

You accept only what confirms your conviction

that passivity is a virtue and a necessity.

Because this is exactly what you want to believe.

You cry, you feel sorry for yourselves. And then what?

You sit in front of a TV set. You feel absolved.

More human than those you look at.

And you look at people who are just like yourselves.

Just as hypocritical, just as weak.

Just as submissive.

The TV is created in your image.

Stop being a flock of stupid sheep.

Can you see this piece of metal?

Do you think I could convince you it is an award,

a reason to be proud, if you didn't want to believe it?

And what is it really?

You are fooled, helpless. They tell you to donate blood -

and you do.

They tell you to walk on all fours -

you'll do it.

You sell them your dignity, you will sell honesty,

to buy a bigger TV set.

To get a meager piece of power.

Each of you wants to rule and each is a slave himself.

Each of you is raped but all you want

is to rape others.

In what way are you different from those you spit at?

None. We're just the same!

Your favourite band The Instant Glue will be back soon.

You have no intuition after all. They won't remember a thing.

Pity.

What did you count on?

Did you forget why they love us?

Because we give them fiction.

The bodies lie down 10 metres from the entrance.

Mothers run towards them.

Now mothers fulminate and shake their fists,

as if at the rockets in the sky.

Well OK, it'll do.

Is it supposed to be live?

The concert is live. The dead are for tomorrow.

I saw you today, you know?

I'm from the waterworks, you know.

You see, it didn't work out today, you know?

Well, I can tell it straight because no one can touch me, you know.

Waterworks are always needed.

So I have the courage and I can tell you this.

It just didn't work out today, you know?

What is it? Can't you see how nicely they arranged it?

Everything by one pole, in the open, it's good for your health.

See, I can have a beer.

What? Tell me, what else may I ask for?

I have the courage to tell you this because, well, what can you do to me?

You can't do anything. Because I'm from the waterworks.

Dad,

look, it's real.

Hey, Idem, will you tear off your other ear tomorrow?

Not me.

Tomorrow you will take my place.

You glass condom.

Come here.

Come. You wanted to go with me.

- Where to? - Where to? To blow up the TV.

Have you forgotten everything? You wanted me to

take me with you. Look, I have everything that's necessary.

I have here...

You see. I have everything that's necessary.

I just have to... and it'll blow up.

You thought I was a lunatic, didn't you?

You thought everyone has gone mad.

That they all bow and scrape in front of the box full of faeces in colour?

No, no, there are many like me.

They trusted me, found me.

It's not a problem for them to get some dynamite.

They appreciate me, you see. Appreciate. You'll go with me.

You will let me in. Just show me the way,

and I will go in there on my own. - But it doesn't make any sense.

Don't be afraid, if they catch me it'll only be me, you'll be fine.

The TV is just a pile of cables.

No, pal. The TV is the people.

What?! What?!

Stay here. Leave the bloody suitcase.

Stay here, do you hear me? They framed you, do you hear me?

I will keep them busy and you just run away.

They deceived you, do you hear me?

Where did you leave your pal?

Well, you were lucky.

It's a pity you didn't stay with him. You could have had such a glorious death.

Start.

- Did it record well? - We'll show.

A beautiful death.

They'll probably raise a monument to him.

Tell me, Idem, would he ever stand a chance of getting a monument without us?

16 hours ago the last spaceship of the Martian invaders

left the Earth.

But 16 hours is not enough

to forget the tragic wounds we suffered.

We will not forget the people who did not hesitate to give up their lives

to oppose the Martian bloodsuckers.

This man died trying to plant a bomb under Martian rockets

the outlines of which you can see in the background.

We won't forget also the people who, like Iron Idem,

disgraced the name of humanity with collaboration.

Passivity is a virtue and a necessity.

Passivity is a virtue, this is what he was trying to convince us of.

I have a special announcement.

Due to the danger of lethal bacteria

having been brought by Martians, we call upon all

to participate voluntarily in obligatory

encephalographic tests.

In your own best interest.

Don't be a problem for others and you won't have problems yourself.

Idem, I appeal unto you, stop talking bullshit!

Have the courage to show yourself in the light of the disgusting truth

of your crime.

The truth presented in the official documents.

I am telling the truth.

What truth?! Some invented truth of yours!

Don't forget it, Idem. There can be only one truth.

No.

Please, repeat your final line.

We want to get it from a different angle.

I said: no!

Are you making this court of justice into some sort of parliament or what?

30 minutes lunch break.

- Have you got your lunch coupon? - I don't.

Hands up.

Tomorrow I will make a transmission of your execution.

Have you got any special wishes?

As a friend I may try to...

- I want to see my wife. - Is this what you want?

Yes.

But you do understand that you can't buy something for nothing.

Neither here nor on Mars.

And what do you want to buy from me?

I want you to put on your wig and play your part until the end.

This is a show. The audience doesn't like changes.

So it's your wife for a wig.

No, I also want you to switch off the TV set in my cell.

I can't promise you this.

Tell me, why do you do it all?

I'm growing. Growing, understand?

I feel I'm growing.

Does the defendant have anything to say before the verdict?

I said: no!

Hysteria, fear and hatred. This is the true face of the defendant.

You have seen the trial.

You have no right to be passive. Activity is your duty.

The verdict depends on your calls.

This is the number you may call.

What would like to say to our TV audience for your last word?

Prepare!

Fire!