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1
00:01:13,568 --> 00:01:16,082
We don't wish to disturb your party.
2
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Thank you.
3
00:01:22,128 --> 00:01:24,961
We're looking
for the writer Antosha Chekhonte.
4
00:01:42,088 --> 00:01:44,238
These Africans are my five brothers.
5
00:01:46,208 --> 00:01:48,722
You must discover
which of us is Antosha.
6
00:01:50,608 --> 00:01:51,484
lt's you.
7
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l'm the eldest.
8
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The most intelligent and most reliable.
9
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l write.
10
00:02:00,408 --> 00:02:03,320
But what l write
is mediocre and pompous.
11
00:02:03,848 --> 00:02:06,043
Antosha drives us insane with envy.
12
00:02:06,208 --> 00:02:07,357
He's a genius.
13
00:02:08,048 --> 00:02:09,845
With a golden quill!
14
00:02:11,008 --> 00:02:12,487
That's enough!
15
00:02:12,648 --> 00:02:14,206
l am Antosha.
16
00:02:15,408 --> 00:02:16,397
You?
17
00:02:18,208 --> 00:02:21,518
We came from Petersburg
to meet you in the flesh.
18
00:02:21,688 --> 00:02:24,248
Could we go somewhere quiet?
19
00:02:24,408 --> 00:02:27,639
What we have to tell you
is of the highest importance.
20
00:02:30,008 --> 00:02:32,727
ln that case, let us go into my study.
21
00:02:46,408 --> 00:02:47,477
Please sit down.
22
00:02:52,208 --> 00:02:56,565
l came across a short story of yours
in a literary review.
23
00:02:56,808 --> 00:02:59,720
l was stupefied by its originality.
24
00:03:00,328 --> 00:03:02,888
l have since read all your work.
25
00:03:03,368 --> 00:03:05,677
l informed Suvorin,
26
00:03:06,008 --> 00:03:07,805
Russian's top publisher
27
00:03:07,968 --> 00:03:09,720
and editor of New Times.
28
00:03:09,888 --> 00:03:12,118
l have such love for literature
29
00:03:12,288 --> 00:03:14,882
that l owe it to myself
to shake your hand.
30
00:03:15,328 --> 00:03:17,046
My name is Grigorovich.
31
00:03:18,608 --> 00:03:23,557
Sir, you have true talent, placing you
at the forefront of your generation.
32
00:03:23,728 --> 00:03:24,922
Just a second...
33
00:03:27,728 --> 00:03:30,561
Excuse me,
but are you Dmitry Grigorovich?
34
00:03:30,928 --> 00:03:32,441
Who wrote The Village?
35
00:03:32,608 --> 00:03:33,484
Yes.
36
00:03:34,648 --> 00:03:35,763
And you...
37
00:03:36,128 --> 00:03:38,517
You're the famous Suvorin.
38
00:03:41,808 --> 00:03:44,880
lt's my brother you've come to see.
39
00:03:51,608 --> 00:03:53,883
Antosha, come here!
This is too serious.
40
00:03:57,048 --> 00:03:59,243
Please excuse this bad joke.
41
00:04:00,048 --> 00:04:02,084
Allow me to introduce my brother...
42
00:04:02,688 --> 00:04:05,156
Antosha Chekhonte!
43
00:04:11,288 --> 00:04:14,803
l've never worked longer than a day
on any of my stories.
44
00:04:15,848 --> 00:04:17,201
When we discuss my work,
45
00:04:17,368 --> 00:04:20,599
everyone here advises me
not to give up medicine.
46
00:04:21,088 --> 00:04:24,683
lt would be a serious mistake
not to exercise your talent.
47
00:04:25,448 --> 00:04:27,404
l write to make a bit of money.
48
00:04:27,568 --> 00:04:29,559
To support my family.
49
00:04:30,968 --> 00:04:32,321
l'm a doctor too.
50
00:04:32,568 --> 00:04:34,718
lt's hard to do both at once.
51
00:04:35,208 --> 00:04:37,119
What are you writing right now?
52
00:04:39,448 --> 00:04:41,757
A boy and girl are playing in the snow,
53
00:04:41,968 --> 00:04:44,323
huddled together on a sledge.
54
00:04:45,808 --> 00:04:47,036
On each ride,
55
00:04:47,728 --> 00:04:50,686
when the girl is scared
the boy whispers to her,
56
00:04:50,848 --> 00:04:52,486
''l love you, Nadenka.''
57
00:04:53,848 --> 00:04:55,167
When they've finished,
58
00:04:55,328 --> 00:04:59,321
the girl doesn't know if she dreamt it
or if the boy really said it.
59
00:05:05,648 --> 00:05:07,843
l write as one eats a pancake.
60
00:05:08,248 --> 00:05:12,002
l put pen to paper.
When l lift it off, it's finished.
61
00:05:13,608 --> 00:05:16,247
Henceforth, you should proof-read.
62
00:05:16,408 --> 00:05:18,638
And heed my advice.
63
00:05:20,008 --> 00:05:24,399
l will publish any short stories
you entrust to me,
64
00:05:25,728 --> 00:05:27,480
and pay 1 5 kopeks per line.
65
00:05:27,728 --> 00:05:28,763
Fifteen?
66
00:05:29,448 --> 00:05:31,643
Make the stories as long as you like.
67
00:05:32,368 --> 00:05:34,643
My newspapers set a maximum
of 1 20 lines.
68
00:05:34,808 --> 00:05:38,244
A thousand lines, two thousand...
Why not a novel?
69
00:05:39,808 --> 00:05:41,446
Write about poverty.
70
00:05:41,608 --> 00:05:43,997
The suicide of a young peasant,
for example.
71
00:05:44,168 --> 00:05:46,045
Or about your own youth.
72
00:05:46,208 --> 00:05:47,323
l would ask you...
73
00:05:48,608 --> 00:05:50,439
to take your time.
74
00:05:50,608 --> 00:05:52,280
You will reach great heights.
75
00:05:53,008 --> 00:05:54,600
Why ''Chekhonte''?
76
00:05:55,208 --> 00:05:57,278
Sign with your own name!
77
00:05:57,448 --> 00:05:59,882
Anton Chekhov.
lt's a fine name.
78
00:06:01,608 --> 00:06:02,563
Very well.
79
00:06:05,608 --> 00:06:09,157
Send your writings
to Suvorin in Petersburg.
80
00:06:10,048 --> 00:06:14,087
Our Father, which art in heaven
81
00:06:15,208 --> 00:06:20,646
Hallowed be Thy name...
82
00:06:21,128 --> 00:06:21,878
Papa!
83
00:06:23,048 --> 00:06:25,357
You promised
not to shout your prayers!
84
00:06:26,288 --> 00:06:29,166
lf l don't sing out loud, l can't do it.
85
00:06:31,408 --> 00:06:33,558
Show Father some respect, Alexander.
86
00:06:36,048 --> 00:06:38,004
He disapproves of my private life.
87
00:06:38,368 --> 00:06:41,917
He's against smoking and cohabitation.
You can't change him.
88
00:06:51,168 --> 00:06:53,398
How much did Suvorin offer?
89
00:06:54,168 --> 00:06:55,601
1 5 kopeks per line.
90
00:06:56,088 --> 00:06:58,044
No limit to the number of pages.
91
00:06:58,208 --> 00:06:59,482
My little brother!
92
00:07:00,768 --> 00:07:02,838
We have to feed Papa and Mama.
93
00:07:04,768 --> 00:07:08,124
You have huge talent, Antosha.
You're a phenomenon!
94
00:07:11,408 --> 00:07:13,524
l didn't need Grigorovich to tell me.
95
00:07:13,688 --> 00:07:15,121
Don't be venal.
96
00:07:18,368 --> 00:07:19,926
Get away from here.
97
00:07:22,288 --> 00:07:26,076
Papa is gnawing at your heart,
like a rat at a candle.
98
00:07:27,208 --> 00:07:29,005
Mama thinks she loves you.
99
00:07:30,128 --> 00:07:31,686
She's destroying you.
100
00:07:32,848 --> 00:07:35,920
lt's making you cheerless, unpleasant.
101
00:07:37,008 --> 00:07:38,521
You're making fun of me.
102
00:07:39,328 --> 00:07:40,602
No, l'm not.
103
00:07:46,528 --> 00:07:47,517
Antosha.
104
00:07:51,568 --> 00:07:52,796
l'm going to bed.
105
00:07:57,688 --> 00:07:59,440
lvan, Micha, to bed!
106
00:08:00,568 --> 00:08:01,444
lsaac.
107
00:08:02,208 --> 00:08:03,766
Where are you sleeping?
108
00:08:03,928 --> 00:08:05,361
ln the corridor.
109
00:08:08,688 --> 00:08:11,407
When will you be doing
a dissection, Doctor?
110
00:08:11,928 --> 00:08:13,998
l love it when you chop up corpses.
111
00:08:18,208 --> 00:08:20,358
The dead know no shame.
112
00:08:20,888 --> 00:08:22,799
But they don't half stink!
113
00:08:25,328 --> 00:08:27,796
How can you be interested in science
114
00:08:28,888 --> 00:08:31,607
when it's so intoxicating
to write or paint?
115
00:08:33,208 --> 00:08:35,244
This is the century of medicine.
116
00:08:36,968 --> 00:08:40,119
We now know how tuberculosis
is transmitted.
117
00:08:42,488 --> 00:08:45,525
One day we'll be able to cure it.
118
00:08:46,768 --> 00:08:48,281
Really, little brother?
119
00:08:48,448 --> 00:08:50,678
Yes, l promise you.
120
00:08:53,928 --> 00:08:57,125
- When will you come to Petersburg?
- Let him write!
121
00:08:58,888 --> 00:08:59,843
Masha.
122
00:09:00,168 --> 00:09:01,044
Yes?
123
00:09:01,208 --> 00:09:02,607
l haven't had a kiss.
124
00:09:05,008 --> 00:09:05,645
Come here.
125
00:09:05,808 --> 00:09:07,480
No, you!
126
00:09:13,448 --> 00:09:15,962
Do you promise to paint
until l come again?
127
00:09:16,168 --> 00:09:17,601
Take time to do so.
128
00:09:17,768 --> 00:09:19,963
Don't let your brother's work
take over.
129
00:09:20,128 --> 00:09:22,926
He's selfish.
Talented, it's true, but dangerous!
130
00:09:27,368 --> 00:09:28,847
See you soon, brothers.
131
00:09:29,168 --> 00:09:30,123
And you, lsaac.
132
00:09:30,288 --> 00:09:31,323
Goodbye, Antosha.
133
00:09:37,008 --> 00:09:38,236
ls that you, Mama?
134
00:09:38,848 --> 00:09:39,803
Yes.
135
00:09:41,488 --> 00:09:42,364
Come in.
136
00:09:49,848 --> 00:09:52,806
Sorry to bother you, Antosha.
Lunch is ready.
137
00:10:17,208 --> 00:10:19,005
What have you made?
138
00:10:19,368 --> 00:10:20,483
Not much.
139
00:10:21,608 --> 00:10:22,597
Soup.
140
00:10:33,568 --> 00:10:34,557
Hello.
141
00:10:35,528 --> 00:10:39,077
My name is Lika.
l'm passionate about literature.
142
00:10:41,608 --> 00:10:43,644
- Welcome to my class.
- Thank you.
143
00:10:53,248 --> 00:10:54,158
Thank you.
144
00:10:59,088 --> 00:11:00,123
Have a seat.
145
00:11:16,608 --> 00:11:17,643
Hello.
146
00:11:18,488 --> 00:11:20,160
My daughter's very sick.
147
00:11:22,408 --> 00:11:24,000
l'll see her right away.
148
00:11:28,368 --> 00:11:29,517
Hello, Doctor.
149
00:11:35,688 --> 00:11:36,757
Breathe in.
150
00:12:33,328 --> 00:12:36,320
l approached your sister
because of my interest...
151
00:12:36,928 --> 00:12:37,963
in you.
152
00:12:40,768 --> 00:12:43,362
l read some of your short stories.
153
00:12:45,608 --> 00:12:46,597
l love them.
154
00:12:49,768 --> 00:12:52,646
l was in love with you
before we even met.
155
00:12:55,368 --> 00:12:57,245
Love doesn't interest me.
156
00:12:58,128 --> 00:13:01,086
lt's a trap which uses up
all one's energy.
157
00:13:02,648 --> 00:13:03,603
That isn't true.
158
00:13:06,648 --> 00:13:08,286
Love gives you wings.
159
00:13:08,568 --> 00:13:10,240
lt gives you talent.
160
00:13:11,448 --> 00:13:14,042
lt stops you ageing, going rusty...
161
00:13:14,968 --> 00:13:16,401
lt makes you immortal.
162
00:13:16,608 --> 00:13:19,042
ln bad novels, perhaps.
Not in real life.
163
00:13:20,288 --> 00:13:23,485
l can philosophise about love,
but l am incapable of it.
164
00:13:33,408 --> 00:13:35,285
l'll come and see you again soon.
165
00:13:36,128 --> 00:13:37,402
l forbid it.
166
00:13:41,608 --> 00:13:44,441
You smell of mothballs.
lt's not unpleasant.
167
00:14:24,928 --> 00:14:28,603
- l've recopied your new stories.
- They'll bring in some money.
168
00:14:28,768 --> 00:14:30,520
Written at one sitting!
169
00:14:30,728 --> 00:14:32,047
Do you like them?
170
00:14:33,288 --> 00:14:36,325
Amusing.
The peasant who insults his beloved.
171
00:14:36,608 --> 00:14:38,121
Yes. And the other one?
172
00:14:38,768 --> 00:14:41,328
Sleepy-Eyed? lt's terrifying!
173
00:14:41,928 --> 00:14:43,680
She kills the baby.
174
00:14:44,368 --> 00:14:45,483
You're cruel.
175
00:14:45,888 --> 00:14:48,004
Her life is cruel. And unjust.
176
00:14:51,328 --> 00:14:54,047
This is Chekhov, not Chekhonte.
177
00:14:54,208 --> 00:14:55,197
Thank you.
178
00:14:56,608 --> 00:15:00,237
l planned a novel
but it's just a longer short story.
179
00:15:01,008 --> 00:15:02,521
A more polished style?
180
00:15:02,688 --> 00:15:04,167
For 1 5 kopeks per line!
181
00:15:04,608 --> 00:15:06,087
Post it to Suvorin.
182
00:15:06,248 --> 00:15:07,203
The title?
183
00:15:07,888 --> 00:15:08,923
The Steppe.
184
00:15:09,688 --> 00:15:10,916
Early memories,
185
00:15:11,248 --> 00:15:12,522
nature writing,
186
00:15:12,688 --> 00:15:14,724
childhood tragedy, loneliness,
187
00:15:15,648 --> 00:15:17,400
immensity of the future...
188
00:15:20,648 --> 00:15:21,717
Let's see...
189
00:15:50,888 --> 00:15:52,401
lt's too heavy. Leave it.
190
00:15:52,568 --> 00:15:54,923
We can walk. lt's not far, Doctor.
191
00:16:33,208 --> 00:16:35,722
An hour earlier
and l could have saved her.
192
00:16:38,608 --> 00:16:40,405
lt's terrifying, being a doctor.
193
00:16:47,288 --> 00:16:49,006
Goodbye, Doctor. Thank you.
194
00:16:49,168 --> 00:16:50,647
Goodbye, Elena.
195
00:17:23,928 --> 00:17:25,361
What do you want from me?
196
00:17:25,888 --> 00:17:27,367
Why are you hounding me?
197
00:17:28,408 --> 00:17:30,160
''Hounding''! That's the word.
198
00:17:33,168 --> 00:17:35,523
Why me,
when you're surrounded by men?
199
00:17:37,448 --> 00:17:39,837
l could love no man as l love you.
200
00:17:44,128 --> 00:17:45,163
Lika,
201
00:17:45,928 --> 00:17:47,566
even if l were...
202
00:17:55,768 --> 00:17:57,838
l have the key to a secret place.
203
00:17:59,688 --> 00:18:00,723
Your husband.
204
00:18:01,608 --> 00:18:02,597
He's away.
205
00:18:05,408 --> 00:18:07,478
Come. l want you so much.
206
00:18:09,048 --> 00:18:10,003
Where?
207
00:18:11,608 --> 00:18:14,406
Very close.
A friend's apartment.
208
00:18:16,248 --> 00:18:19,046
You're crazy.
You don't know what you're doing.
209
00:18:19,648 --> 00:18:22,606
lf you like immoral women,
you won't be disappointed.
210
00:18:37,488 --> 00:18:39,718
Master of heaven and the seasons,
211
00:18:40,568 --> 00:18:42,604
bless this food we eat.
212
00:18:43,448 --> 00:18:45,882
To all those who are cold and hungry,
213
00:18:46,568 --> 00:18:48,524
give shelter and bread.
214
00:18:49,208 --> 00:18:50,357
Our Father...
215
00:18:50,528 --> 00:18:53,520
That's enough, Papa.
We're not at mass.
216
00:18:55,448 --> 00:18:57,678
l'm going to visit my publisher.
217
00:18:57,848 --> 00:18:59,520
Will you stay long?
218
00:18:59,688 --> 00:19:02,805
- Will you see Kolia?
- Of course. Alexander too.
219
00:19:02,968 --> 00:19:04,720
Give them a good talking to?
220
00:19:04,928 --> 00:19:06,998
l'll tell them to change their women,
221
00:19:07,168 --> 00:19:09,238
to drink less and work harder...
222
00:19:09,928 --> 00:19:11,725
lf only we could move.
223
00:19:11,888 --> 00:19:14,800
We'd need a lot of money,
which we don't have.
224
00:19:14,968 --> 00:19:17,436
l'll soon have
a position with a salary.
225
00:19:17,608 --> 00:19:19,087
You can leave and get wed.
226
00:19:19,248 --> 00:19:20,920
Anton, lighten up!
227
00:19:21,488 --> 00:19:23,080
Yes, sorry.
228
00:19:23,248 --> 00:19:24,522
Thank you, Masha.
229
00:19:25,128 --> 00:19:28,245
You'll never marry
and stay with Mama forever!
230
00:19:31,688 --> 00:19:35,078
You'll have an apartment with a servant
at your disposal,
231
00:19:35,248 --> 00:19:36,727
as well as a carriage.
232
00:19:38,888 --> 00:19:42,358
Sorry, but l...
l don't want a servant.
233
00:19:42,528 --> 00:19:43,927
Luxury terrifies me.
234
00:19:44,208 --> 00:19:46,358
My proposal regarding your royalties
235
00:19:46,528 --> 00:19:48,280
could make you rich.
236
00:19:48,728 --> 00:19:51,481
My husband daren't tell you
he's bought a theatre.
237
00:19:52,528 --> 00:19:54,837
He wants to open it
with a Chekhov play.
238
00:19:55,008 --> 00:19:57,681
Will you write this play
if l commission it?
239
00:19:57,968 --> 00:20:00,766
A realist drama depicting our society?
240
00:20:00,928 --> 00:20:02,202
l have a few ideas.
241
00:20:03,128 --> 00:20:07,087
His ambition is to write with you.
That's his idea!
242
00:20:08,888 --> 00:20:11,243
A long time ago
l wrote an overlong play.
243
00:20:11,648 --> 00:20:12,558
l was eighteen.
244
00:20:13,648 --> 00:20:15,559
l don't know if l kept it.
245
00:20:23,928 --> 00:20:24,565
Antosha.
246
00:20:45,488 --> 00:20:46,887
Recognise yourself?
247
00:20:48,728 --> 00:20:51,003
How did you do it? l've never posed.
248
00:20:51,648 --> 00:20:55,118
You did, a long time ago.
Don't you remember?
249
00:20:55,728 --> 00:20:57,127
l did a quick sketch.
250
00:20:57,928 --> 00:20:59,839
l completed it from memory.
251
00:21:02,928 --> 00:21:04,441
A good likeness, isn't it?
252
00:21:09,528 --> 00:21:10,517
l like it.
253
00:21:12,568 --> 00:21:14,160
The painting, not the chap!
254
00:21:14,768 --> 00:21:16,565
A handsome fellow like you!
255
00:21:31,448 --> 00:21:32,358
Want some?
256
00:21:34,648 --> 00:21:35,444
Yeah.
257
00:21:47,888 --> 00:21:48,718
Thanks.
258
00:21:48,888 --> 00:21:50,446
l don't like myself either.
259
00:21:52,808 --> 00:21:54,685
To a ne'er-do-well!
260
00:22:09,168 --> 00:22:11,807
Suvorin wants to publish
all my short stories.
261
00:22:14,728 --> 00:22:17,447
lt could bring me
at least 10,000 roubles.
262
00:22:18,648 --> 00:22:20,604
The great and handsome Chekhov.
263
00:22:21,488 --> 00:22:22,762
The genius.
264
00:22:25,648 --> 00:22:28,082
Huh, all you care about is the cash!
265
00:22:28,728 --> 00:22:32,164
When l think of all your admirers...
lf they only knew!
266
00:22:35,448 --> 00:22:38,201
l want you to come home with me.
267
00:22:39,088 --> 00:22:41,522
To illustrate my stories.
268
00:22:41,688 --> 00:22:43,246
lt's a huge job.
269
00:22:43,848 --> 00:22:47,045
lt'll be quicker,
and l'll be able to treat you.
270
00:22:47,528 --> 00:22:48,563
And my wife?
271
00:22:49,248 --> 00:22:51,045
Sophie isn't your wife.
272
00:22:52,568 --> 00:22:53,921
She's a prostitute.
273
00:22:54,888 --> 00:22:56,765
She's not worthy of you.
274
00:23:00,528 --> 00:23:02,280
We'll go and see lsaac tomorrow.
275
00:23:02,448 --> 00:23:04,598
We'll take him home too, to help you.
276
00:23:32,448 --> 00:23:34,166
The lad's in good health.
277
00:23:39,168 --> 00:23:41,079
l'm not pleased with him.
278
00:23:41,848 --> 00:23:42,644
Not at all.
279
00:23:43,608 --> 00:23:45,280
Not only were you smoking,
280
00:23:45,808 --> 00:23:47,127
but you lied too,
281
00:23:47,568 --> 00:23:49,445
saying you'd only smoked once
282
00:23:49,608 --> 00:23:52,168
although your mother caught you twice.
283
00:23:53,248 --> 00:23:55,239
You used to be a good boy.
284
00:23:55,888 --> 00:23:58,448
Here today, the doctor and l can see
285
00:23:58,968 --> 00:24:00,367
that you've gone bad.
286
00:24:02,088 --> 00:24:04,204
How can l make him understand?
287
00:24:10,928 --> 00:24:13,886
There once was a tsar
with a long grey beard.
288
00:24:16,408 --> 00:24:18,524
He lived in a glass palace,
289
00:24:18,768 --> 00:24:22,477
which glistened in the sunshine
like a huge block of ice.
290
00:24:22,808 --> 00:24:25,242
And this palace, my friend,
291
00:24:25,408 --> 00:24:28,161
stood in an enormous garden
in which...
292
00:24:28,888 --> 00:24:32,767
orange, bergamot and cherry trees grew.
293
00:24:34,208 --> 00:24:37,166
The tsar had just one son,
heir to the kingdom.
294
00:24:37,968 --> 00:24:40,243
A little boy the same age as you.
295
00:24:41,648 --> 00:24:42,967
He was a good boy,
296
00:24:43,968 --> 00:24:45,321
except for one thing...
297
00:24:46,088 --> 00:24:47,123
He smoked.
298
00:24:48,568 --> 00:24:50,126
And because he smoked,
299
00:24:50,888 --> 00:24:53,960
he fell ill with tuberculosis
at the age of 20.
300
00:24:55,368 --> 00:24:58,246
His father, wrinkled and sickly,
301
00:24:58,888 --> 00:25:00,287
was left helpless.
302
00:25:01,008 --> 00:25:03,522
He had no one left
to defend the country.
303
00:25:05,328 --> 00:25:07,125
His enemies came,
304
00:25:07,408 --> 00:25:08,807
killed the tsar
305
00:25:09,728 --> 00:25:11,207
and destroyed the palace.
306
00:25:11,968 --> 00:25:13,083
And now,
307
00:25:13,648 --> 00:25:14,842
in the garden,
308
00:25:16,088 --> 00:25:18,522
there are no more oranges,
309
00:25:19,728 --> 00:25:22,242
nor cherries, nor bluebells.
310
00:25:26,288 --> 00:25:28,438
l won't smoke again, Papa.
311
00:25:31,088 --> 00:25:31,918
Antosha.
312
00:25:32,888 --> 00:25:33,798
A present.
313
00:25:34,208 --> 00:25:34,799
Who from?
314
00:25:34,968 --> 00:25:36,845
The little girl you treated.
315
00:25:44,248 --> 00:25:45,442
Thank you, Nina.
316
00:25:46,048 --> 00:25:47,686
You have visits to make.
317
00:25:47,968 --> 00:25:50,243
- How many?
- Three in the same area.
318
00:25:54,088 --> 00:25:54,998
Gentlemen.
319
00:25:58,608 --> 00:26:00,758
- My day is full.
- You have the night.
320
00:26:03,928 --> 00:26:06,203
Remember that painting you liked?
321
00:26:06,368 --> 00:26:08,279
l was going to offer it to you.
322
00:26:08,448 --> 00:26:10,245
Look what Kolia's done to it.
323
00:26:11,568 --> 00:26:13,524
You've added that woman?
324
00:26:13,688 --> 00:26:14,325
Yes.
325
00:26:15,248 --> 00:26:16,442
lt brightens it up.
326
00:26:18,248 --> 00:26:20,523
See, lsaac, your paintings lack life.
327
00:26:22,728 --> 00:26:24,207
Beautiful, isn't she?
328
00:26:25,048 --> 00:26:26,163
She's like Sophie.
329
00:26:34,888 --> 00:26:35,764
Hello.
330
00:26:37,888 --> 00:26:38,684
Thank you.
331
00:27:01,448 --> 00:27:03,643
How could you write such bilge?
332
00:27:05,528 --> 00:27:06,563
Yes, sir!
333
00:27:07,408 --> 00:27:09,364
l've just read The Grasshopper.
334
00:27:10,368 --> 00:27:12,165
A nice bit of thievery!
335
00:27:13,208 --> 00:27:15,119
How could you stoop so low?
336
00:27:15,848 --> 00:27:17,839
lt has nothing to do with you.
337
00:27:18,688 --> 00:27:19,564
Nothing?
338
00:27:20,808 --> 00:27:22,082
Are you joking?
339
00:27:22,568 --> 00:27:24,524
lt's clearly Anna Petrovna.
340
00:27:25,248 --> 00:27:26,886
She has a daughter.
341
00:27:27,568 --> 00:27:28,921
You've changed nothing.
342
00:27:31,448 --> 00:27:32,563
lt's me!
343
00:27:32,728 --> 00:27:33,922
lt's exactly me!
344
00:27:35,168 --> 00:27:36,362
He's a painter.
345
00:27:36,648 --> 00:27:39,321
And he's just like me: conceited...
346
00:27:39,728 --> 00:27:41,639
a bastard, a pig!
347
00:27:42,208 --> 00:27:44,199
My character is 20, Anna is 40.
348
00:27:44,368 --> 00:27:48,077
All you did was swap
the mother's and daughter's names.
349
00:27:48,248 --> 00:27:49,886
l won't allow you!
350
00:27:51,368 --> 00:27:53,006
Neither will she.
351
00:27:53,848 --> 00:27:55,042
What's going on?
352
00:28:01,928 --> 00:28:03,202
Ask your brother.
353
00:28:15,288 --> 00:28:16,641
lt's a misunderstanding.
354
00:28:16,808 --> 00:28:19,800
He used me
as the model for his idiot painter.
355
00:28:22,008 --> 00:28:24,522
Do you ask a tree
for permission to paint it?
356
00:28:24,688 --> 00:28:26,758
- Do you want a fight?
- Come now.
357
00:28:27,608 --> 00:28:29,485
Drink and make up.
358
00:28:35,048 --> 00:28:38,324
l'll get a lawyer!
l'll even fight a duel!
359
00:29:06,568 --> 00:29:08,559
This disease is improving my looks.
360
00:29:12,568 --> 00:29:15,207
Look at me. Pale, slim,
361
00:29:16,128 --> 00:29:17,356
shining eyes...
362
00:29:18,968 --> 00:29:21,926
My fragility, my feverish eyes...
363
00:29:22,928 --> 00:29:24,327
Women love all that!
364
00:29:32,128 --> 00:29:33,083
Anton.
365
00:29:33,888 --> 00:29:34,764
Yes?
366
00:29:35,968 --> 00:29:38,118
Have you heard of Sakhalin?
367
00:29:39,088 --> 00:29:40,282
Sakhalin?
368
00:29:42,048 --> 00:29:43,447
Yes, of course.
369
00:29:52,248 --> 00:29:54,523
lt's an island. Used as a prison.
370
00:29:55,168 --> 00:29:57,238
The conditions are appalling.
371
00:29:58,408 --> 00:30:01,605
They're beaten and hanged
for the slightest misdemeanour.
372
00:30:02,008 --> 00:30:04,602
Their wives and children
prostitute themselves.
373
00:30:05,768 --> 00:30:08,123
l want to get better
in order to go there.
374
00:30:09,688 --> 00:30:12,680
- lt's the ends of the earth.
- To be a witness!
375
00:30:13,088 --> 00:30:15,044
To make people realise.
376
00:30:15,408 --> 00:30:17,399
To improve their conditions.
377
00:30:18,488 --> 00:30:21,161
We can both go to Sakhalin.
378
00:30:21,328 --> 00:30:22,841
Would you come with me?
379
00:30:25,008 --> 00:30:27,442
l want to make myself useful.
380
00:30:30,328 --> 00:30:32,523
Nizhny, Perm,
381
00:30:32,688 --> 00:30:35,600
Tyumen, Tomsk, lrkutsk,
382
00:30:35,768 --> 00:30:37,759
the river Amur to Nikolayevsk...
383
00:30:38,888 --> 00:30:39,479
Sakhalin!
384
00:30:39,648 --> 00:30:42,560
Are you there, boys?
l'm bringing you some tea.
385
00:31:04,288 --> 00:31:07,007
Don't make any noise.
Antosha is writing.
386
00:31:07,168 --> 00:31:09,159
- l came to see Masha.
- l know.
387
00:31:09,328 --> 00:31:11,478
My brother's writing, we mustn't talk.
388
00:31:46,128 --> 00:31:48,688
You can talk normally.
l've finished working.
389
00:32:02,808 --> 00:32:04,036
Thank you.
390
00:32:22,968 --> 00:32:24,686
Lika, it's not you l love.
391
00:32:25,368 --> 00:32:28,166
lt's my former suffering,
my lost childhood.
392
00:32:40,928 --> 00:32:42,725
ls this to be copied too?
393
00:32:43,048 --> 00:32:44,322
No, leave that.
394
00:32:46,128 --> 00:32:47,356
What is it?
395
00:32:48,128 --> 00:32:49,277
My notes.
396
00:32:49,448 --> 00:32:52,121
l write down my ideas.
lt's not important.
397
00:32:52,648 --> 00:32:53,876
Can l read it?
398
00:32:54,368 --> 00:32:56,324
lt's not very interesting.
399
00:33:00,328 --> 00:33:04,606
''So-called childish pleasure,
pure and full of life,
400
00:33:04,768 --> 00:33:07,362
''is nothing other than animal joy.''
Bravo!
401
00:33:07,528 --> 00:33:10,326
lt's for my own use,
it doesn't have to be clever.
402
00:33:10,808 --> 00:33:11,923
Give it to me.
403
00:33:20,128 --> 00:33:22,801
''A starving dog believes only in meat.''
404
00:33:24,888 --> 00:33:26,003
Masha!
405
00:33:26,368 --> 00:33:27,721
Sorry, Papa.
406
00:33:32,048 --> 00:33:33,800
Masha, open this door!
407
00:33:34,568 --> 00:33:35,842
Open this door!
408
00:33:36,368 --> 00:33:40,077
''A man without a moustache
is like a woman with one.''
409
00:33:40,248 --> 00:33:42,808
''A young woman, always saying Divinel''
410
00:33:43,048 --> 00:33:44,276
Give me that book.
411
00:33:44,448 --> 00:33:45,722
Wait.
412
00:33:46,128 --> 00:33:48,437
''She didn't have
enough skin on her face.
413
00:33:48,608 --> 00:33:52,920
''To open her eyes she closed her mouth,
and vice versa.''
414
00:33:54,688 --> 00:33:57,760
''ln a love letter:
a stamp enclosed for the reply.''
415
00:33:59,288 --> 00:34:00,403
That's enough!
416
00:34:00,568 --> 00:34:02,638
''Caterpillars become butterflies.
417
00:34:02,808 --> 00:34:05,925
''Among humans, though,
butterflies become caterpillars.''
418
00:34:06,088 --> 00:34:07,441
Open this door!
419
00:34:07,808 --> 00:34:10,402
l order you to open this door, Masha!
420
00:34:11,808 --> 00:34:12,957
Here.
421
00:34:13,928 --> 00:34:17,125
Can l have it?
l can read it in bed, for a good laugh.
422
00:34:18,848 --> 00:34:20,406
Give it back tomorrow.
423
00:34:21,168 --> 00:34:22,283
l promise.
424
00:34:25,208 --> 00:34:27,199
Have you written to lsaac?
425
00:34:28,728 --> 00:34:29,956
lsaac?
426
00:34:30,848 --> 00:34:31,883
Why?
427
00:34:32,808 --> 00:34:35,083
To reassure him and to apologise.
428
00:34:37,568 --> 00:34:38,637
l will do.
429
00:34:59,408 --> 00:35:00,807
A suicide?
430
00:35:03,688 --> 00:35:04,723
Yes.
431
00:35:05,688 --> 00:35:07,326
When it's least expected.
432
00:35:07,768 --> 00:35:09,440
At the end of act three.
433
00:35:10,328 --> 00:35:12,922
lf you kill off the main character,
434
00:35:13,848 --> 00:35:15,406
how will act four play out?
435
00:35:23,008 --> 00:35:24,919
There is no main character.
436
00:35:25,728 --> 00:35:27,047
Everyone is important.
437
00:35:28,368 --> 00:35:31,519
Helena's and Sonya's love
for the mill employee
438
00:35:31,888 --> 00:35:34,846
is no more important
than Julia's for Fedor.
439
00:35:35,288 --> 00:35:38,360
But how does he commit suicide?
On stage?
440
00:35:39,808 --> 00:35:42,606
He shoots himself. Off stage.
441
00:35:44,008 --> 00:35:46,476
Sonya finds him, screams
442
00:35:46,648 --> 00:35:48,240
and comes back on stage...
443
00:35:48,808 --> 00:35:50,366
''Uncle has killed himself!''
444
00:35:50,528 --> 00:35:51,927
General commotion.
445
00:35:53,448 --> 00:35:55,359
Everyone runs into the wings.
446
00:35:56,328 --> 00:35:59,047
Helena groans... ''Why? Why?''
447
00:35:59,568 --> 00:36:02,036
Someone else appears.
Dyadin, for example.
448
00:36:02,408 --> 00:36:03,761
''What's going on?''
449
00:36:04,408 --> 00:36:06,160
Helena's hysterical.
450
00:36:07,848 --> 00:36:09,122
''Take me away!
451
00:36:10,768 --> 00:36:12,759
''Fling me into the deepest abyss!
452
00:36:14,048 --> 00:36:18,087
''Kill me quickly, l beg you.
l cannot stay here.''
453
00:36:33,128 --> 00:36:34,925
You're crazy, Anton.
454
00:36:37,648 --> 00:36:40,003
- Don't you like it?
- l love it!
455
00:36:48,408 --> 00:36:51,684
- He could try to kill the professor.
- No!
456
00:36:52,128 --> 00:36:55,165
No, please.
Let me survive till the end.
457
00:36:55,848 --> 00:36:57,759
Don't look so surprised.
458
00:36:58,208 --> 00:37:00,483
l'm Serebryakov.
459
00:37:01,328 --> 00:37:04,923
Oh, yes!
He suffers from rheumatism
460
00:37:05,088 --> 00:37:07,283
and has a much younger wife.
461
00:37:07,808 --> 00:37:09,082
He's selfish,
462
00:37:10,208 --> 00:37:11,880
pedantic, thoughtless...
463
00:37:12,448 --> 00:37:14,723
Didn't you notice, Antosha?
464
00:37:15,408 --> 00:37:17,126
You're so charming.
465
00:37:19,968 --> 00:37:24,007
How pretentious of me
to want to write this play with you.
466
00:37:24,168 --> 00:37:26,079
You really are wonderful.
467
00:37:26,928 --> 00:37:28,839
l'm quite useless!
468
00:37:33,488 --> 00:37:36,844
l wanted to surprise you
but l can't restrain myself...
469
00:37:37,888 --> 00:37:41,847
l thought you'd like to buy a property
for yourself and your family.
470
00:37:42,008 --> 00:37:45,159
A friend of mine
has a place in Melikhovo.
471
00:37:45,368 --> 00:37:47,086
l'll help you financially.
472
00:37:47,248 --> 00:37:48,886
The time is right.
473
00:37:49,408 --> 00:37:51,046
Alexei Suvorin,
474
00:37:51,648 --> 00:37:53,081
you're a magician!
475
00:40:51,128 --> 00:40:52,561
You scared me.
476
00:40:53,328 --> 00:40:55,558
Can you heal him, Antosha?
477
00:40:56,448 --> 00:40:59,406
Yes, Mama.
l promise to do all l can.
478
00:41:47,728 --> 00:41:49,366
Antosha, my love,
479
00:41:50,128 --> 00:41:51,641
tongues have been wagging.
480
00:41:52,168 --> 00:41:53,601
My husband has found out.
481
00:41:53,768 --> 00:41:55,360
He's taken me on a trip.
482
00:41:56,008 --> 00:41:59,318
He loves me
while l no longer feel anything for him.
483
00:41:59,488 --> 00:42:02,878
l tried to get in touch
but didn't dare come to see you.
484
00:42:03,488 --> 00:42:04,887
l want you so much.
485
00:42:05,048 --> 00:42:06,925
Don't forget me, l'll be back.
486
00:42:07,848 --> 00:42:09,725
You're so close in my heart.
487
00:42:10,808 --> 00:42:13,003
You're a famous writer now.
488
00:42:13,168 --> 00:42:15,159
Write your great oeuvre, my love.
489
00:42:15,328 --> 00:42:16,966
Write and think of me.
490
00:42:17,128 --> 00:42:18,163
Lika.
491
00:42:40,408 --> 00:42:41,557
Antosha!
492
00:42:46,008 --> 00:42:48,886
- Tolstoy wants to meet you!
- The Pushkin Prize!
493
00:42:49,688 --> 00:42:51,963
The Pushkin Prize? Tolstoy?
494
00:43:03,368 --> 00:43:04,847
What are you doing?
495
00:43:06,688 --> 00:43:08,041
l don't know.
496
00:43:08,648 --> 00:43:10,764
l'm pacing, like someone in love.
497
00:43:18,208 --> 00:43:19,436
Tolstoy.
498
00:43:20,928 --> 00:43:23,647
The only writer capable of scaring me.
499
00:43:25,288 --> 00:43:28,598
When Anna Karenina
sees her own eyes shining in the dark,
500
00:43:29,768 --> 00:43:30,757
it's...
501
00:43:31,248 --> 00:43:32,567
it's terrifying.
502
00:43:37,448 --> 00:43:39,245
l'll be back very soon.
503
00:43:42,088 --> 00:43:43,316
Take your time.
504
00:43:44,728 --> 00:43:46,400
Get the most out of him.
505
00:43:49,448 --> 00:43:51,678
- Antosha.
- Yes?
506
00:43:52,088 --> 00:43:53,999
Were you joking about Sakhalin?
507
00:43:54,648 --> 00:43:55,683
Me?
508
00:43:57,088 --> 00:43:59,238
When you said you'd come with me.
509
00:44:01,208 --> 00:44:03,199
No, l wasn't joking.
510
00:44:11,168 --> 00:44:12,487
Get some rest.
511
00:44:34,288 --> 00:44:36,324
Wait, girls, or you'll fall.
512
00:44:38,128 --> 00:44:39,527
They wear me out!
513
00:44:47,848 --> 00:44:48,883
Hello.
514
00:44:49,848 --> 00:44:51,247
l'm Anton Chekhov.
515
00:44:52,168 --> 00:44:55,365
Go away, girls.
l'm talking privately with Mr Chekhov.
516
00:45:06,648 --> 00:45:08,320
This is my personal diary.
517
00:45:08,488 --> 00:45:11,844
l have it on me night and day.
My wife does the same.
518
00:45:13,768 --> 00:45:18,239
She won't be there at my death.
l've forbidden her in writing.
519
00:45:18,408 --> 00:45:21,081
A man's last wishes are sacred.
Mine especially.
520
00:45:21,528 --> 00:45:23,439
l've renounced my royalties.
521
00:45:24,848 --> 00:45:27,123
Another point of contention with Sophia.
522
00:45:27,688 --> 00:45:30,156
Women cannot tolerate the truth.
523
00:45:32,768 --> 00:45:35,362
l was already 34 when we married.
524
00:45:35,968 --> 00:45:38,721
l suggested she read my diary.
525
00:45:38,888 --> 00:45:41,721
At 18, the poor thing
learnt of my depravity.
526
00:45:42,088 --> 00:45:44,477
Gambling, drinking,
527
00:45:44,648 --> 00:45:45,524
women...
528
00:45:48,008 --> 00:45:50,238
Above all, my incredible ambition.
529
00:45:51,248 --> 00:45:52,840
l had every vice.
530
00:45:57,888 --> 00:46:00,197
Not you, Emma, you're too beautiful!
531
00:46:00,568 --> 00:46:04,038
Get Martha.
We're not going swimming, it's raining.
532
00:46:04,488 --> 00:46:06,160
Go on, off with you!
533
00:46:17,048 --> 00:46:18,481
Thank you, Martha.
534
00:46:27,408 --> 00:46:28,636
Thank you.
535
00:46:32,528 --> 00:46:35,201
Write your stories
and forget everything else.
536
00:46:36,688 --> 00:46:37,803
Follow my example.
537
00:46:38,008 --> 00:46:41,284
Give up sex and meat, pray to God
538
00:46:41,448 --> 00:46:44,520
and scourge yourself
each time you're seized with desire.
539
00:46:44,928 --> 00:46:46,998
There's purity inside you.
540
00:46:47,368 --> 00:46:49,598
A jewel which God placed in you,
541
00:46:49,808 --> 00:46:52,561
and which will return to Him
on your death.
542
00:47:14,928 --> 00:47:15,997
Where is he?
543
00:48:38,008 --> 00:48:39,361
What are you doing?
544
00:48:41,568 --> 00:48:43,081
Can't you see?
545
00:48:50,808 --> 00:48:52,082
Stop it, it's suicide!
546
00:48:52,248 --> 00:48:54,079
l'm giving up writing.
547
00:48:54,648 --> 00:48:55,967
For good.
548
00:48:57,128 --> 00:49:00,040
Why did that devil Grigorovich
turn my head?
549
00:49:00,328 --> 00:49:04,207
l was fine, writing my mediocre stories,
earning a few pennies,
550
00:49:04,368 --> 00:49:06,484
enough to feed us. But now...
551
00:49:12,008 --> 00:49:14,238
l'm a doctor. That is my duty.
552
00:49:24,528 --> 00:49:26,644
l shall see you all, one at a time.
553
00:49:27,168 --> 00:49:31,081
But then you cannot come again
for several months, maybe a year.
554
00:49:33,008 --> 00:49:34,566
Who was here first?
555
00:49:36,288 --> 00:49:37,960
Let the baby go first.
556
00:49:38,128 --> 00:49:39,607
l'll see you after.
557
00:49:45,088 --> 00:49:46,237
l'm a doctor.
558
00:49:46,928 --> 00:49:49,522
There's no shortage of good doctors!
559
00:49:50,008 --> 00:49:54,081
But you can count a century's geniuses
on the fingers of one hand.
560
00:49:54,808 --> 00:49:57,197
l command you to start writing again!
561
00:49:57,928 --> 00:50:00,522
Tales, fables, short stories, plays...
562
00:50:00,688 --> 00:50:01,962
Whatever you like.
563
00:50:03,248 --> 00:50:06,399
But start writing again.
That's an order!
564
00:50:49,528 --> 00:50:50,927
Antosha.
565
00:50:51,288 --> 00:50:51,959
Yes?
566
00:50:52,128 --> 00:50:53,356
lt's Lika.
567
00:50:54,808 --> 00:50:56,207
ln my study.
568
00:51:14,488 --> 00:51:16,444
A fancy dress party at the castle.
569
00:51:16,608 --> 00:51:18,246
l got away.
570
00:51:19,608 --> 00:51:21,007
Do you like my mask?
571
00:51:28,328 --> 00:51:30,284
l leave tomorrow for Sakhalin.
572
00:51:51,968 --> 00:51:54,118
lf you request it in writing,
573
00:51:54,288 --> 00:51:57,564
l'll divorce him
and marry you when you return.
574
00:51:58,848 --> 00:52:00,600
Do you agree, my love?
575
00:52:02,568 --> 00:52:04,684
Could you put up with a man like me?
576
00:52:07,648 --> 00:52:10,287
l understand you
in my flesh and my brain.
577
00:52:11,968 --> 00:52:13,083
You need me.
578
00:52:13,248 --> 00:52:14,886
Your love is terrifying.
579
00:52:16,328 --> 00:52:19,126
- Are you afraid of being happy?
- l have a family.
580
00:52:19,968 --> 00:52:21,720
A mother, a sister,
581
00:52:21,888 --> 00:52:24,527
two younger student brothers,
an elder brother...
582
00:52:26,928 --> 00:52:28,486
You're deserting them.
583
00:52:29,688 --> 00:52:30,962
l'll be back.
584
00:52:33,008 --> 00:52:34,202
Cured.
585
00:52:41,168 --> 00:52:42,601
Will you write to me?
586
00:52:44,608 --> 00:52:46,405
Tell me you'll write.
587
00:52:53,608 --> 00:52:56,486
So my horse-journey is over.
lt took two months.
588
00:52:57,928 --> 00:53:01,318
lf you exclude the time spent
on the railway and the steamer,
589
00:53:01,488 --> 00:53:03,558
and the days wasted
waiting for boats,
590
00:53:03,728 --> 00:53:06,117
you can judge the speed.
591
00:53:06,648 --> 00:53:08,604
l have not once been ill,
592
00:53:08,768 --> 00:53:10,963
and of the things l had with me
593
00:53:11,128 --> 00:53:15,121
l have lost but a penknife,
a strap off my trunk and some ointment.
594
00:53:15,368 --> 00:53:16,881
My money is safe.
595
00:53:17,328 --> 00:53:18,647
At home it is cold,
596
00:53:18,808 --> 00:53:21,606
while in Sakhalin it is clear and mild.
597
00:53:22,088 --> 00:53:25,319
My dear sister, but for you
l would never have come.
598
00:53:25,488 --> 00:53:28,002
l know you are taking care
of the family,
599
00:53:28,168 --> 00:53:30,398
and without the added burden
600
00:53:30,568 --> 00:53:32,160
of my mood swings.
601
00:53:32,808 --> 00:53:35,368
l made an agreement with Suvorin.
602
00:53:35,968 --> 00:53:40,041
l'm sending him my travel writing,
he'll send you the roubles.
603
00:53:48,568 --> 00:53:50,399
This island isn't just a prison.
604
00:53:50,568 --> 00:53:52,843
The prisoners are never meant to leave.
605
00:53:53,448 --> 00:53:55,086
l'll write a serious study.
606
00:53:55,648 --> 00:53:56,842
An investigation.
607
00:53:57,448 --> 00:53:59,439
l'd like to question each prisoner.
608
00:53:59,768 --> 00:54:03,477
l authorise you to see whom you like,
when you like,
609
00:54:03,888 --> 00:54:06,322
excepting the political prisoners.
610
00:54:06,808 --> 00:54:08,366
We have nothing to hide.
611
00:54:09,168 --> 00:54:11,682
My daughter is very happy
to have you here.
612
00:54:11,848 --> 00:54:13,964
For the chance
to meet a great writer.
613
00:54:15,808 --> 00:54:16,877
Are you a student?
614
00:54:17,408 --> 00:54:18,523
A teacher.
615
00:54:18,808 --> 00:54:20,924
She knows all your work.
Right, Anna?
616
00:54:21,288 --> 00:54:23,085
lt's an honour to have you here.
617
00:54:23,408 --> 00:54:25,444
l don't want to be a bother.
618
00:54:25,888 --> 00:54:27,241
l can get a hotel room.
619
00:54:27,408 --> 00:54:30,525
You'll be most comfortable
with the prison doctor.
620
00:54:56,368 --> 00:54:57,357
What do you want?
621
00:54:58,008 --> 00:54:59,885
To clean your boots, sir.
622
00:55:20,088 --> 00:55:21,487
Don't be afraid.
623
00:55:22,448 --> 00:55:25,167
l'm not here to punish you,
but to listen.
624
00:55:26,208 --> 00:55:27,880
l shall question you,
625
00:55:28,368 --> 00:55:30,404
to understand why you are here.
626
00:55:31,408 --> 00:55:33,876
l'll put your names
on these little cards,
627
00:55:34,048 --> 00:55:35,879
and write down what you tell me.
628
00:55:36,648 --> 00:55:38,798
lt will be a record of your misery,
629
00:55:38,968 --> 00:55:41,198
with which to alert the authorities
630
00:55:41,448 --> 00:55:43,564
and improve your conditions.
631
00:55:47,088 --> 00:55:48,885
Please remain quiet.
632
00:55:56,288 --> 00:55:58,722
My name is Vasily lgnatiev.
633
00:55:58,888 --> 00:56:01,083
But my nickname is ''Beauty''.
634
00:56:08,648 --> 00:56:11,446
l haven't felt the whip
for a long time.
635
00:56:12,648 --> 00:56:15,845
Now when l'm told, ''Saw some wood!''
l saw it.
636
00:56:16,008 --> 00:56:19,284
''Light the stoves!''
l go and light them.
637
00:56:19,848 --> 00:56:20,997
l've learnt to obey.
638
00:56:21,688 --> 00:56:24,839
lt was harder before,
we lived in a sort of hut
639
00:56:25,008 --> 00:56:26,680
that they call a ''yurt''.
640
00:56:26,848 --> 00:56:30,124
They were made of logs
sunk into the earth,
641
00:56:30,568 --> 00:56:32,445
with beaten-earth roofs.
642
00:56:32,808 --> 00:56:36,562
The windows were smaller,
the walls were damp...
643
00:56:36,928 --> 00:56:38,600
They'd flog us for no reason.
644
00:56:38,768 --> 00:56:41,601
We died more easily than we do now.
645
00:57:08,568 --> 00:57:10,923
l came to Sakhalin with my father.
646
00:57:11,928 --> 00:57:13,566
Just a little girl.
647
00:57:15,768 --> 00:57:19,886
His sentence was ten years' hard labour,
commuted to banishment.
648
00:57:20,768 --> 00:57:24,602
One can no longer go home,
but the regime is softer.
649
00:57:45,128 --> 00:57:46,322
Am l disturbing you?
650
00:57:46,648 --> 00:57:47,637
No, Anna.
651
00:58:13,008 --> 00:58:14,805
l cannot hide any more.
652
00:58:15,928 --> 00:58:19,159
The children in my class
are so infested with nits
653
00:58:19,688 --> 00:58:21,644
that l'm setting an example.
654
00:58:22,568 --> 00:58:25,765
l've always found
masculine-looking women attractive.
655
00:58:28,088 --> 00:58:29,043
Thank you.
656
00:58:32,248 --> 00:58:34,284
Are you writing about Sakhalin?
657
00:58:36,168 --> 00:58:39,604
My problem isn't finding a subject
to inspire me.
658
00:58:40,528 --> 00:58:44,043
l want to study Sakhalin
because it has never been done.
659
00:58:45,208 --> 00:58:47,517
Will you come? Dinner is served.
660
00:58:47,768 --> 00:58:48,723
Delighted to.
661
00:58:52,288 --> 00:58:55,041
Thank you, Yegor.
We don't need you.
662
00:59:12,648 --> 00:59:13,603
Hello.
663
00:59:15,528 --> 00:59:16,927
l'm Anton Chekhov.
664
00:59:17,208 --> 00:59:19,722
l'm questioning
the island's inhabitants.
665
00:59:19,888 --> 00:59:21,116
May l talk to you?
666
00:59:21,288 --> 00:59:22,562
Yes, come in.
667
00:59:38,288 --> 00:59:39,164
Coming?
668
00:59:42,328 --> 00:59:43,761
Out of the question.
669
00:59:45,408 --> 00:59:48,127
- What is your father's name?
- l don't know.
670
00:59:48,768 --> 00:59:51,123
You live with him
but don't know his name?
671
00:59:51,288 --> 00:59:54,678
He's not our father.
He's a man who lives with our mother.
672
00:59:55,408 --> 00:59:56,557
ls she a widow?
673
00:59:56,728 --> 01:00:00,516
- She's here because of her husband.
- Not her husband!
674
01:00:01,208 --> 01:00:02,197
What do you mean?
675
01:00:02,368 --> 01:00:03,437
She killed him.
676
01:00:04,168 --> 01:00:05,567
She killed your father?
677
01:00:05,728 --> 01:00:07,719
Mama was 1 5 when l was born.
678
01:00:07,888 --> 01:00:09,446
She was already a whore.
679
01:00:16,728 --> 01:00:20,118
''The coachman swore impotently
and fell back in the ditch.
680
01:00:21,248 --> 01:00:24,604
''We heard a crack from the rear wheels,
then from the front.
681
01:00:24,768 --> 01:00:26,121
''The horses steamed.
682
01:00:26,288 --> 01:00:28,518
''The coachman brandished his crop.
683
01:00:28,688 --> 01:00:30,167
''The devil take youl
684
01:00:30,728 --> 01:00:32,844
''The horses pulled, then stopped.
685
01:00:33,008 --> 01:00:36,364
''Beat and insult them all we liked,
they'd go no further.''
686
01:00:37,528 --> 01:00:39,246
lt's a hard road.
687
01:00:39,408 --> 01:00:42,127
But the only one
linking Europe to Siberia.
688
01:00:42,568 --> 01:00:45,128
What a lovely idea,
keeping a travel log.
689
01:00:45,768 --> 01:00:48,123
When l see something
l must write it down.
690
01:00:48,288 --> 01:00:49,721
May l read it, Anton?
691
01:00:49,888 --> 01:00:50,877
Of course.
692
01:01:18,888 --> 01:01:21,118
What a knucklehead!
693
01:01:22,968 --> 01:01:24,686
By trying to escape,
694
01:01:26,608 --> 01:01:28,485
you've made things worse.
695
01:02:15,288 --> 01:02:18,246
Yegor, why were you sent here
to Sakhalin?
696
01:02:19,808 --> 01:02:21,560
What did you say, Your Grace?
697
01:02:22,368 --> 01:02:23,596
Why are you here?
698
01:02:24,648 --> 01:02:25,763
For murder.
699
01:02:28,168 --> 01:02:29,999
Tell me what happened.
700
01:02:30,528 --> 01:02:33,600
l don't have time.
l have to fetch the water.
701
01:02:34,288 --> 01:02:36,040
Will you become a colonist?
702
01:02:36,408 --> 01:02:37,887
ln about five years.
703
01:02:38,688 --> 01:02:40,963
Why haven't you sent for your family?
704
01:02:41,768 --> 01:02:43,599
They're better off at home.
705
01:03:40,888 --> 01:03:42,003
Anton.
706
01:03:49,248 --> 01:03:50,522
Anton Pavlovich.
707
01:03:51,928 --> 01:03:54,158
Sorry, l woke you.
708
01:03:57,528 --> 01:04:00,088
Here, l wrote this for you.
709
01:04:02,608 --> 01:04:03,563
l'll be fine.
710
01:04:19,688 --> 01:04:23,203
One day Dr Chekhov
will write a book about Sakhalin.
711
01:04:24,768 --> 01:04:26,724
That book will change the world.
712
01:04:29,688 --> 01:04:32,885
Why not just write the story
of a simple schoolteacher?
713
01:04:35,848 --> 01:04:38,237
You could tell an everyday tale.
714
01:04:40,648 --> 01:04:43,958
At the age of seventeen
she wins a prize and a medal.
715
01:04:45,528 --> 01:04:47,246
What then can she do?
716
01:04:50,328 --> 01:04:54,003
She's accepted almost nowhere,
she can find no position.
717
01:04:55,128 --> 01:04:59,041
Through the island's governor,
her father gets her a teaching post,
718
01:04:59,208 --> 01:05:00,880
several kilometres from home.
719
01:05:01,048 --> 01:05:05,439
A thin wall separates her dark corner
from the damp classroom.
720
01:05:06,368 --> 01:05:08,359
There's only a bed, table and chair.
721
01:05:08,928 --> 01:05:10,839
The fire draws badly.
722
01:05:11,128 --> 01:05:13,164
An icy cold enters through the door.
723
01:05:14,608 --> 01:05:16,963
The classroom is not warm enough.
724
01:05:17,368 --> 01:05:19,199
The principal is often away.
725
01:05:20,488 --> 01:05:22,558
She and her pupils freeze.
726
01:05:31,168 --> 01:05:33,841
Throughout the winter
the pupils don't wash.
727
01:05:34,568 --> 01:05:36,320
And when they open their bags,
728
01:05:37,288 --> 01:05:39,438
she sees books stained with grease,
729
01:05:39,608 --> 01:05:40,961
hunks of bread,
730
01:05:41,168 --> 01:05:42,203
apples,
731
01:05:42,888 --> 01:05:45,083
salted gherkins and herring...
732
01:05:47,048 --> 01:05:50,085
She wonders,
when the children flock round her,
733
01:05:50,248 --> 01:05:51,806
why she feels dizzy,
734
01:05:53,848 --> 01:05:57,238
why she can't she feel enough love
for these poor creatures.
735
01:05:59,808 --> 01:06:01,560
She knows a few families,
736
01:06:01,728 --> 01:06:03,559
sometimes visiting them.
737
01:06:05,368 --> 01:06:08,758
They respect her as a teacher
but feel no affection for her.
738
01:06:10,008 --> 01:06:11,600
She should marry,
739
01:06:11,968 --> 01:06:14,846
but could not bear to wed someone
she does not love.
740
01:06:17,288 --> 01:06:20,280
She becomes enamoured
of a sensitive, interesting man.
741
01:06:22,448 --> 01:06:24,325
The love is so idealised
742
01:06:24,728 --> 01:06:27,925
that she dare not even wonder
what his feelings are.
743
01:06:28,768 --> 01:06:30,838
She feels so insignificant.
744
01:06:46,528 --> 01:06:49,088
Anton, have you ever loved?
745
01:06:52,248 --> 01:06:53,761
Yes, l believe so.
746
01:06:55,168 --> 01:06:57,079
ls she still in your heart?
747
01:06:59,488 --> 01:07:00,807
My heart is cold.
748
01:07:04,248 --> 01:07:07,445
As a boy, l'd tend the family shop
until late,
749
01:07:07,608 --> 01:07:09,564
in the cold and fear of my father.
750
01:07:10,848 --> 01:07:14,636
He'd expel his anger with his whip
before kneeling before his icons.
751
01:07:15,808 --> 01:07:19,483
Brutality and bigotry.
The setting in which l grew up.
752
01:07:19,648 --> 01:07:21,047
Poverty too.
753
01:07:22,368 --> 01:07:25,246
The son of a freed serf,
he ran a business.
754
01:07:25,408 --> 01:07:28,559
He went bankrupt
and the family fled to Moscow.
755
01:07:28,728 --> 01:07:29,683
l was sixteen.
756
01:07:30,488 --> 01:07:33,639
My job was to sell everything off
and send the money.
757
01:07:34,808 --> 01:07:36,685
There were six children.
758
01:07:37,488 --> 01:07:40,480
When l joined them
l went to study medicine.
759
01:07:40,768 --> 01:07:42,486
We lived in a cellar.
760
01:07:42,728 --> 01:07:44,958
My two older brothers
began drinking.
761
01:07:47,248 --> 01:07:50,240
l started selling amusing tales,
762
01:07:50,408 --> 01:07:52,160
silly stuff and nonsense,
763
01:07:52,368 --> 01:07:55,678
which l scribbled
in two or three hours,
764
01:07:55,928 --> 01:07:58,647
as my brothers and friends
laughed around me.
765
01:08:00,648 --> 01:08:03,116
Conditions gradually improved for us.
766
01:08:04,848 --> 01:08:09,126
Up until the day some important men
came and changed my life.
767
01:08:14,808 --> 01:08:18,403
The children of Sakhalin
are dressed in rags and always hungry.
768
01:08:18,568 --> 01:08:21,207
They die mainly of digestive diseases.
769
01:08:22,768 --> 01:08:25,646
Every new birth
is bad news for a family.
770
01:08:26,128 --> 01:08:28,358
No one sings lullabies over the cradle.
771
01:08:28,728 --> 01:08:31,003
Only lamentations of ill augur.
772
01:08:31,168 --> 01:08:34,240
The parents say
they have no food for their children,
773
01:08:34,408 --> 01:08:37,366
but whatever they say
and despite all the complaints,
774
01:08:37,968 --> 01:08:42,325
the most useful and pleasant beings
in Sakhalin are the children.
775
01:08:43,568 --> 01:08:46,162
ln those hard-hearted homes,
776
01:08:46,328 --> 01:08:49,286
they bring an element
of tenderness, purity,
777
01:08:49,528 --> 01:08:51,280
modesty and joy.
778
01:08:52,368 --> 01:08:53,926
Despite their hardness,
779
01:08:54,088 --> 01:08:58,479
they love their wanton mothers
and brigand fathers.
780
01:09:00,488 --> 01:09:02,797
Masha, my darling sister,
781
01:09:03,088 --> 01:09:06,558
my mission will soon be over
and l shall return home.
782
01:09:06,728 --> 01:09:09,242
l hope this letter gets there before me.
783
01:09:09,408 --> 01:09:13,924
When l think of the distance,
l feel l won't be home for 100 years.
784
01:09:14,728 --> 01:09:15,717
Love,
785
01:09:15,888 --> 01:09:17,116
Antosha.
786
01:09:19,208 --> 01:09:21,164
''How can you imply...''
787
01:09:21,328 --> 01:09:25,321
How can you imply
there's prostitution here in Sakhalin?
788
01:09:25,488 --> 01:09:27,399
lt's been banned for years
789
01:09:27,568 --> 01:09:30,878
and is punishable
by 90 strokes of the lash.
790
01:09:34,648 --> 01:09:36,604
He humbly beseech Your Honour
791
01:09:36,768 --> 01:09:38,918
to allow us a dairy cow
792
01:09:39,088 --> 01:09:41,124
and a person of the feminine sex
793
01:09:41,288 --> 01:09:44,325
to take care of the domestic chores.
794
01:09:46,568 --> 01:09:48,365
l want a part too.
795
01:09:48,528 --> 01:09:52,487
Before l leave l'll write you a play
by which to remember me.
796
01:09:53,048 --> 01:09:54,879
- l must go.
- No, don't!
797
01:10:00,368 --> 01:10:01,357
Tomorrow,
798
01:10:01,608 --> 01:10:05,283
you'll board the Petersburg
for the long journey home.
799
01:10:06,328 --> 01:10:08,080
You'll cross the China Sea.
800
01:10:09,448 --> 01:10:11,279
l'll stop off in Colombo.
801
01:10:11,448 --> 01:10:13,279
A wonderful place, they say.
802
01:10:14,488 --> 01:10:16,718
l'll feast my eyes on palm trees
803
01:10:16,888 --> 01:10:18,606
and bronze-skinned women.
804
01:10:19,248 --> 01:10:21,159
The voyage will be never-ending.
805
01:10:21,328 --> 01:10:22,807
l'll miss you, Anna.
806
01:10:23,368 --> 01:10:26,087
On this island
you are like a pearl in hell.
807
01:10:26,768 --> 01:10:28,406
l'll never forget you.
808
01:10:54,288 --> 01:10:56,404
Here they come!
809
01:11:00,728 --> 01:11:01,683
Masha!
810
01:11:02,528 --> 01:11:04,484
Masha, they're here!
811
01:11:05,328 --> 01:11:06,761
Antosha!
812
01:11:20,168 --> 01:11:20,918
Papa, come!
813
01:11:21,768 --> 01:11:23,201
Antosha's here!
814
01:11:28,888 --> 01:11:30,719
Papa! Come!
815
01:12:00,808 --> 01:12:04,403
l witnessed the worst suffering
a man could endure.
816
01:12:05,048 --> 01:12:07,437
Awful things unworthy of us.
817
01:12:07,888 --> 01:12:09,606
We must do something.
818
01:12:10,128 --> 01:12:13,643
A total absence of culture
is not the least of their problems.
819
01:12:14,768 --> 01:12:17,760
We must send
text and exercise books,
820
01:12:17,928 --> 01:12:20,237
so the children
can improve their minds.
821
01:12:21,928 --> 01:12:23,600
Thank you for your donations.
822
01:12:23,928 --> 01:12:28,046
lt does us credit as intellectuals
to try to put right this injustice.
823
01:12:28,768 --> 01:12:30,087
Thank you, my friends.
824
01:12:40,968 --> 01:12:42,083
Hello.
825
01:12:42,288 --> 01:12:43,846
Please come in.
826
01:12:52,408 --> 01:12:53,636
Hello, everyone.
827
01:12:59,288 --> 01:13:01,677
l need to marry a serious young woman,
828
01:13:03,688 --> 01:13:06,566
to help me sort out
my thousands of index cards.
829
01:13:06,728 --> 01:13:08,241
l'll help you.
830
01:13:09,448 --> 01:13:11,279
You're busy enough as it is.
831
01:13:14,248 --> 01:13:17,285
lf l hadn't gone there
and seen what l did,
832
01:13:17,688 --> 01:13:20,407
l'd still be convinced
of my uselessness.
833
01:14:14,048 --> 01:14:15,845
ln the morning it was cold.
834
01:14:16,088 --> 01:14:18,283
There was no one to light the stove.
835
01:14:18,568 --> 01:14:22,083
The schoolchildren,
arriving before dawn, made a racket.
836
01:14:23,128 --> 01:14:26,325
Everything was so unwieldy
and uncomfortable.
837
01:14:26,888 --> 01:14:29,766
Living that life,
she had become sharp-angled
838
01:14:29,928 --> 01:14:32,920
and clumsy,
as though infused with lead.
839
01:14:33,088 --> 01:14:34,806
She was afraid of everything.
840
01:14:35,008 --> 01:14:38,080
Her life ebbed away in boredom,
without tenderness,
841
01:14:38,248 --> 01:14:41,638
without friendship,
without interesting relationships...
842
01:14:41,808 --> 01:14:43,685
ln her situation
843
01:14:43,848 --> 01:14:45,679
it was dreadful to fall in love.
844
01:14:45,848 --> 01:14:47,918
She would sob, not knowing why.
845
01:14:48,088 --> 01:14:51,285
She imagined a happiness she had lost.
846
01:14:51,648 --> 01:14:54,720
She suddenly heard
the piano chords of her childhood,
847
01:14:54,888 --> 01:14:59,200
seeing, with stunning clarity,
her mother and father,
848
01:14:59,368 --> 01:15:03,327
their apartment and everything,
down to the tiniest detail.
849
01:15:06,368 --> 01:15:08,802
young, beautiful
850
01:15:09,248 --> 01:15:10,317
and elegant
851
01:15:10,848 --> 01:15:12,645
in a well-lit bedroom,
852
01:15:13,208 --> 01:15:14,323
warm
853
01:15:14,488 --> 01:15:16,399
in the family circle.
854
01:15:16,568 --> 01:15:18,843
Never had she been a teacher.
855
01:15:19,008 --> 01:15:22,478
lt was all but a dream,
unpleasant and strange.
856
01:15:22,648 --> 01:15:25,367
And now she had awoken.
857
01:15:28,928 --> 01:15:32,841
Give me news of that adorable Sophia.
How is she?
858
01:15:33,008 --> 01:15:34,600
Excuse me.
859
01:15:36,288 --> 01:15:39,007
ls our writer allowing himself a break?
860
01:15:39,168 --> 01:15:42,205
l'm writing my Sakhalin work,
and l'm fed up!
861
01:15:42,368 --> 01:15:43,437
Thank you, Mama.
862
01:15:46,888 --> 01:15:48,924
There are days l can stick with it,
863
01:15:49,088 --> 01:15:52,637
and others, like today,
when l feel like giving up.
864
01:15:53,128 --> 01:15:55,437
What time is it? Have you eaten?
865
01:15:55,608 --> 01:16:00,159
No, they're just drinking, laughing
and seducing young girls!
866
01:16:05,088 --> 01:16:08,364
Your sister gave me
your short story, Gusev, to read.
867
01:16:09,168 --> 01:16:11,841
Terrifying!
Like a painting by Bruegel.
868
01:16:12,888 --> 01:16:17,803
You've never written
with such talent, maturity, freedom...
869
01:16:18,568 --> 01:16:20,240
As light relief from Sakhalin,
870
01:16:20,408 --> 01:16:24,162
l've already written two and a half acts
of a comedy.
871
01:16:24,528 --> 01:16:26,883
A comedy is easily written.
872
01:16:27,208 --> 01:16:30,006
l take pleasure in it. Delight even!
873
01:16:30,168 --> 01:16:31,965
Finish it quick
and get it to me.
874
01:16:32,128 --> 01:16:35,359
l'll launch the theatrical season
with a play by Chekhov!
875
01:16:35,528 --> 01:16:36,643
What's the title?
876
01:16:36,808 --> 01:16:39,038
l don't know yet. l'm hesitating.
877
01:16:39,248 --> 01:16:41,967
There are three women roles,
six peasants,
878
01:16:42,128 --> 01:16:46,485
lots of discussions about literature,
no action and tons of love.
879
01:16:46,648 --> 01:16:47,524
Yes.
880
01:16:47,928 --> 01:16:49,680
Love and regret.
881
01:16:52,808 --> 01:16:54,685
l'll get back. See you later.
882
01:17:10,408 --> 01:17:11,443
Anton!
883
01:17:13,728 --> 01:17:14,877
l'll be fine.
884
01:17:17,688 --> 01:17:20,202
- Did my sister see?
- l don't think so.
885
01:17:21,568 --> 01:17:24,446
- Help me to my study.
- Lean on me.
886
01:17:25,288 --> 01:17:27,199
They'll think we're lovers!
887
01:17:27,368 --> 01:17:29,279
This is no time for jokes.
888
01:17:29,928 --> 01:17:32,647
How embarrassing,
dying in front of everyone!
889
01:17:33,808 --> 01:17:36,197
You're bleeding, my friend.
890
01:17:36,368 --> 01:17:37,596
lt's nothing serious.
891
01:17:38,528 --> 01:17:39,756
l'm used to it.
892
01:17:50,808 --> 01:17:53,368
Take deep breaths.
893
01:17:55,088 --> 01:17:57,522
- l must call a doctor.
- No, no...
894
01:17:59,448 --> 01:18:01,120
l don't want anyone.
895
01:18:02,248 --> 01:18:04,637
l'll take water and quinine,
896
01:18:04,808 --> 01:18:07,038
but l will not be prodded!
897
01:18:12,328 --> 01:18:14,398
l only have a few years to live.
898
01:18:15,608 --> 01:18:17,519
lt's not that bad a situation.
899
01:18:18,928 --> 01:18:22,045
lt makes me appreciate everything
to the full.
900
01:18:46,928 --> 01:18:47,997
Lika?
901
01:18:50,168 --> 01:18:51,283
Come.
902
01:18:58,888 --> 01:19:00,401
ls anyone with you?
903
01:19:00,568 --> 01:19:02,399
No, l'm alone.
904
01:19:25,128 --> 01:19:26,163
Lika...
905
01:19:28,368 --> 01:19:30,165
lt's nothing, just the relief.
906
01:19:34,128 --> 01:19:36,562
After you left, l waited for a letter.
907
01:19:36,728 --> 01:19:40,357
One month, two months, nine months...
908
01:19:41,248 --> 01:19:43,239
l realised you wanted to forget me.
909
01:19:44,688 --> 01:19:46,724
l ended up falling in love.
910
01:19:47,688 --> 01:19:49,963
With another writer, a Frenchman.
911
01:19:50,488 --> 01:19:52,080
Less talented than you.
912
01:19:55,648 --> 01:19:58,560
l pursued him
but he behaved like a cad.
913
01:19:59,648 --> 01:20:02,640
ln the end
he fled to ltaly with his wife.
914
01:20:02,808 --> 01:20:06,403
l went back to my husband,
who forgave me.
915
01:20:06,648 --> 01:20:08,320
He wants children.
916
01:20:09,168 --> 01:20:10,726
But l don't love him.
917
01:20:16,968 --> 01:20:19,766
l'm leaving early tomorrow
for Petersburg.
918
01:20:22,008 --> 01:20:25,444
l have a small role in a new theatre.
919
01:20:32,088 --> 01:20:35,398
l'd have liked to help you
complete your oeuvre.
920
01:20:35,688 --> 01:20:37,280
But you didn't want me.
921
01:20:40,768 --> 01:20:43,043
l love you with all my heart,
922
01:20:43,888 --> 01:20:45,924
like the woman of your life.
923
01:20:50,088 --> 01:20:51,282
Lika...
924
01:20:53,368 --> 01:20:56,997
Your beautiful face and lovely smile
have given me so much light.
925
01:21:06,568 --> 01:21:08,399
Why didn't you write?
926
01:21:14,648 --> 01:21:17,367
The horses are waiting in the garden.
927
01:21:18,088 --> 01:21:19,760
Don't come with me.
928
01:21:24,768 --> 01:21:27,441
Such lovely moments we shared.
Do you remember?
929
01:21:27,688 --> 01:21:30,122
Tender bright moments, full of joy.
930
01:21:30,568 --> 01:21:32,445
Memories and desires
931
01:21:32,768 --> 01:21:35,521
like delicate, exquisite blooms.
932
01:21:55,728 --> 01:21:58,242
To stop loving you is beyond me, Nina.
933
01:22:07,888 --> 01:22:10,004
My horses are at the gate.
934
01:22:10,888 --> 01:22:13,402
Don't come with me,
l'll find my way.
935
01:22:17,088 --> 01:22:18,646
l'm a seagull.
936
01:22:23,768 --> 01:22:26,328
Do you remember that day
you killed a seagull?
937
01:22:26,848 --> 01:22:29,840
A man walked by, saw it
and took its life.
938
01:22:30,008 --> 01:22:32,078
For want of anything better to do.
939
01:22:32,288 --> 01:22:34,279
A subject for a short story.
940
01:22:40,968 --> 01:22:43,436
Remember how good it used to be?
941
01:22:43,728 --> 01:22:45,764
Life was so bright and warm,
942
01:22:46,048 --> 01:22:47,686
joyful and pure,
943
01:22:48,048 --> 01:22:51,404
our feelings
like tender, graceful flowers.
944
01:22:54,568 --> 01:22:56,160
Do you remember?
945
01:23:34,888 --> 01:23:37,197
l don't recognise my characters.
946
01:23:39,168 --> 01:23:40,965
l just see actors acting.
947
01:23:43,568 --> 01:23:45,684
l don't agree with the costumes.
948
01:23:48,048 --> 01:23:50,243
You're not following my directions.
949
01:23:54,528 --> 01:23:55,847
For example,
950
01:23:56,728 --> 01:23:59,117
because your character is unhappy
951
01:23:59,288 --> 01:24:01,199
you make her tearful.
952
01:24:03,968 --> 01:24:05,765
Your acting keeps telling us:
953
01:24:06,648 --> 01:24:08,923
''What an unhappy woman she is!''
954
01:24:09,088 --> 01:24:10,157
l'm sorry, but...
955
01:24:10,368 --> 01:24:13,963
l've noticed that unhappy people
can sing and whistle,
956
01:24:14,208 --> 01:24:16,164
then suddenly go pensive.
957
01:24:18,888 --> 01:24:21,038
That is what l wrote.
958
01:24:22,248 --> 01:24:23,840
But you ignored it.
959
01:24:25,368 --> 01:24:28,360
You're trying to prove
what good actors you are.
960
01:24:29,128 --> 01:24:31,437
But you're killing the characters.
961
01:24:35,888 --> 01:24:38,800
Show suffering
the way it comes across in life.
962
01:24:39,248 --> 01:24:41,921
With a simple intonation, a look,
963
01:24:42,688 --> 01:24:44,724
without gestures, with grace...
964
01:24:48,368 --> 01:24:51,519
To express your anxiety,
you search the house for thieves
965
01:24:51,688 --> 01:24:53,679
before putting the light out.
966
01:24:54,128 --> 01:24:56,562
lt's trivial and without interest.
967
01:24:57,368 --> 01:24:58,642
lt's ridiculous.
968
01:24:59,128 --> 01:25:02,643
lt would be better just to cross
the stage in a straight line,
969
01:25:02,808 --> 01:25:05,447
looking at nothing,
a candle in your hand.
970
01:25:06,688 --> 01:25:08,963
More concise and more frightening.
971
01:25:10,728 --> 01:25:12,320
Be simpler.
972
01:25:12,488 --> 01:25:14,922
Don't be afraid of boredom.
Do as l ask.
973
01:25:16,368 --> 01:25:20,327
My characters feel boredom
and are aware of their failure.
974
01:25:21,408 --> 01:25:23,524
Draw the audience into that boredom,
975
01:25:23,688 --> 01:25:25,804
with no concern for aesthetics.
976
01:25:32,368 --> 01:25:33,596
Then, suddenly...
977
01:25:34,728 --> 01:25:36,923
a shot in the audience's face!
978
01:26:26,728 --> 01:26:27,922
My Dear Friend,
979
01:26:28,448 --> 01:26:31,360
l came to the theatre
to see The Seagull.
980
01:26:31,528 --> 01:26:33,723
l wanted to surprise you afterwards,
981
01:26:33,888 --> 01:26:35,526
but you'd already left.
982
01:26:36,048 --> 01:26:37,766
l saw your publisher,
983
01:26:37,928 --> 01:26:41,204
who told me how happy he was
to shake Tolstoy's hand.
984
01:26:42,408 --> 01:26:45,081
But he informed me about your health.
985
01:26:45,728 --> 01:26:49,846
Anton, l will not hear of you sickl
A man like you must recover.
986
01:26:53,088 --> 01:26:55,807
The other day
l read one of your short stories.
987
01:26:55,968 --> 01:26:57,447
A real geml
988
01:26:57,848 --> 01:27:01,284
l read it aloud, four times,
to my daughters.
989
01:27:01,888 --> 01:27:05,927
The old man telling off
his eight-year-old son for smoking.
990
01:27:06,088 --> 01:27:07,601
How sweet and tender.
991
01:27:07,768 --> 01:27:12,398
How he suddenly finds the words
by inventing a tale for him.
992
01:27:12,568 --> 01:27:13,842
What finessel
993
01:27:14,768 --> 01:27:17,441
Like lace sewn by a virgin.
994
01:27:18,408 --> 01:27:21,002
But l must admit
l didn't like your play.
995
01:27:21,168 --> 01:27:22,647
lt's no good.
996
01:27:23,208 --> 01:27:25,278
You know l don't like Shakespeare.
997
01:27:25,448 --> 01:27:28,485
But l find your plays
worse than hisl
998
01:27:28,968 --> 01:27:31,687
You cannot die, Anton,
you're too important.
999
01:27:31,848 --> 01:27:34,316
Your friend, Leo Tolstoy.
1000
01:28:25,288 --> 01:28:29,918
Anton Chekhov died of tuberculosis
a few years later, aged 44.
1001
01:28:30,088 --> 01:28:35,116
He left an oeuvre comprising
hundreds of tales, short stories, plays
1002
01:28:35,288 --> 01:28:39,679
and his eye-witness account,
Sakhalin lsland.
1003
01:32:07,048 --> 01:32:09,437
Subtitles by Howard Bonsor
1004
01:32:11,848 --> 01:32:14,237
Subtitling by Monal Group
70199
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