Original subtitles

VILLEALFA FILMPRODUCTIONS presents

in a film by AKI KAURISMÄKI

HAMLET GOES BUSINESS

Not here, Klaus. He might hear.

Alright, Gertrude. Later.

Good night, darling.

Come to bed soon. - I will.

Ham! Let me!

Father!

Asleep.

Tired, poor man.

What will now happen to the Group?

Hamlet has now 51% of the shares.

The rest belong to the bank, insurance companies, -

certain foundations and to Klaus.

He' been buying them ever since the bank made him a director.

He'll probably be the new President.

But that needs Hamlet's consent.

The brat doesn't know he's one of the most powerful men in the land.

Luckily he's too stupid to use his powers.

They'll give him enough pocket money to keep him happy-

and make him marry a daughter of some good family.

I want to show you something.

SATAN AND JESUS ON THE MOUNTAIN

TWO MONTHS LATER

You know I can't.

Not before marriage.

That's blackmail. Darling.

I don't want it to be so banal.

Is that the only reason?

No, don't. We'd both regret it afterwards.

That's what you think.

What did you say?

Leave me now.

I promised to dine with my mother.

Are you cold?

A bit. But the night is so beautiful.

Can you see the North Star there between the clouds? - Yep.

Want to kiss again?

Hamlet.

What I am going to say now is not just a whim.

You'll understand that if you want to.

I loved your father as much as -

you can demand a good wife to love a tyrant-

who never returns your love, giving you as much passion -

as he gives to a set of winter tires.

Don't tarnish my father's memory.

I've been silent too long to gloss over the facts.

Then get to the point.

I'm going to marry Klaus, I love him.

If you do that...

I tell you, if you do that, -

I shall disown you.

Take that away.

Construction of the new Head Office must begin immediately.

Show Rosencrantz and Guildenstern in.

Take the evening plane to Oslo, book into the Sheraton -

and meet Wallenberg in the morning.

Give this to him personally, then wait.

Bring his answer to me unopened.

Any questions?

No, sir.

If somebody asks for the purpose of your journey-

you're going there to relax and have fun.

In Norway?

You may go.

What are you planning?

Wallenberg will buy our unprofitable sawmill -

and most of our useless mines in the North.

But only if we close down our shipyard.

So he gets Scandinavian monopoly on Caribbean Sea Cruisers.

What's he going to do with the sawmill?

Runs it for a few years, increases the insurance -

then burns it down. - I see.

Will we get enough profit?

There's one condition. Wallenberg will sell to us, for a token sum -

the majority in the Swedish rubber duck industry.

That'll be our main line of business from now on.

Sounds good but there's a problem.

Closing the shipyard may cause protests and demonstrations.

We'll pull the curtains down.

Hunger and cold'll soon drive them home.

I'll put the deal to the board when I get Wallenberg's answer.

Hamlet's a director, too. - So far he's been happy-

to play with his crayons waiting for the meeting to end -

so he can chase your pretty daughter.

He's harmless.

The Japanese will soon market cheap wood made of plastic.

What gives me the honour?

We saw your father last night.

Poor father, you don't look too good.

Don't insult me but listen carefully.

I'm your father's spirit, as you perhaps noticed.

It's so hot in Hell where I was sent to for my sins -

that I've got to sneak out sometimes to cool down a bit.

Although I don't think much of you -

I believe you loved yourfather enough to revenge his unnatural murder.

Murder? - Exactly, stupid.

The inquest was a total farce that only fattened the M.e.'s bank account.

Get on with it, it' cold and I don't want to be late for dinner.

You seem eager.

It'll soon be morning and I must return to Hell.

But before I do I'll tell you what you must do.

A TERRIBLE QUARREL

You wanted to talk to me. You have two minutes.

I've got two things. - Just a moment.

What's that? Bad grammar.

You say: "I want to discuss two matters with you."

Or: "T here are two matters I want to discourse with you presently."

One is that...

First of all a want a new office.

The one I have now you must enter through the closet-

and customers don't like that.

There's no phone.

I've got to use the guard's phone.

But if thing's don't get done I get the blame.

I'll take care of it myself. Anything else?

Lay off my sister.

Ophelia' a good girl, she's not for you.

She needs a gentle and caring husband -

and we all know you and what you want from her.

Bastard!

You don't give me orders!

As for Ophelia, I'll do what I want.

And you I don't even like-

so get lost!

The closet's your new office.

I want to see the President. I've been insulted.

A moment, please.

Lauri Polonius is here.

Everything I've done for this company is meaningless.

I get no respect as a person or an employee.

What hurts me most is that my childhood friend Hamlet-

who played with me in warehouses-

until we both got more and more responsibility in the Group -

treats me with open hostility.

He' been telling openly behind my back-

that when he's President I won't have anything to do here.

Really? What did you say to him?

I got so depressed that I ran away.

Get to the point, son, don't babble like a small girl.

I want a year off to continue my studies in Stockholm.

Have a nice trip.

On her fair white bosom these roses.

Now I've got it.

Now you may doubt that the stars are made of fire-

that the sun does move.

Truth is a liar, my darling, but my love is true.

Dearest Ophelia -

my verses they limp-

rhymes won't fit my sighs.

But believe me, I love you -

the best.

Oh, better than the best.

Hamlet.

LAURI TRAVELS

My luggage is already on the ship. Goodbye!

Goodbye, Lauri.

Don't work too much.

I'll try to have fun, too.

Promise me one thing, sister.

Whatever you ask.

If Hamlet tries to get you in bed -

remember how much you may lose if you listen to him -

and open your heart or your legs to that gigolo.

People will talk and you'll get a bad reputation.

I promise, Lauri.

Go now, the car' waiting. - Goodness, I must hurry.

A few lines of advice first:

Buy as good clothes as you can afford, stylish, not gaudy.

Clothes make the man-

and the Swedes have a most selective taste.

Never lend money, you'll just lose both your money and your friend.

If you ever borrow, don't pay back too soon.

The lender may die and you save a lot.

Farewell then, both of you.

Remember what I said, Ophelia.

What did he say?

Told me not to date Hamlet.

What did you say?

I promised not to.

Lauri's a good boy, too good in fact.

I wish he'd be more like you.

It's difficult to believe you're twins.

He's got your mother's weak blood in him.

Soft people won't get anywhere these days.

What do you want me to do?

Continue your game with Hamlet.

His family' got too much money to be left to some typist.

It's so strange.

Sometimes I feel he really likes me.

The look in his eyes is almost human.

And it makes me so sad.

He's just acting.

Nothing's certain until the priest says "amen".

Good thing we're Catholic, divorce would be expensive for him.

Here.

Buy yourself something pretty to wear for the next time you see him.

Thanks, father.

You may go.

Ninety-nine...

One hundred.

Today's meeting may be interesting.

Pity you can't come.

That' what' wrong with you, the working class people:

You can't come to the nice places we upper class people go.

That's why I'm always so depressed.

Are you joking?

Simo, by the way -

after I've ended the meeting as I please, being God -

you mustn't wonder if I start acting strange.

It's just a show I'm putting on for a certain purpose.

Why do you think your doings should interest me?

I just like driving the car.

And I love Helena.

But still I'd like to do something good -

to be like the others: A human being.

Do you know what I do first thing in the morning?

I don't care. - I throw up.

That's how bad I feel.

Bring me the scales.

I want to see if I've lost weight since last spring.

Those of you who remember meetings here years -

even decades ago, when decisions about new production lines -

or new paper types or grenade casings were made -

may consider this rubber duck out of place -

or even amusing.

But as I've said, the future of the group and Finnish industry lies here.

We lost the weapons industry to Swedes a long time ago-

and soon we can only raise our hands, watching helplessly-

how the tiny Japanese steal the paper and the timber markets.

Wallenberg' offer is splendid, you all know that.

I hope you also know that this is our only chance.

We cannot afford to wait, to "pause for breath", as somebody suggested.

That makes you as good as dead in the international market.

Nobody deals with losers.

Giving up the shipyard and the sawmill is hard for many of you-

but perhaps the doubled profits from the rubber duck industry-

may help us forget.

We can't halt progress or alter history.

Therefore I ask for your consent for the deal.

We'll take a vote. Those in favour?

I thank the board for your confidence and...

Just a moment-

gentlemen.

Have you perhaps forgotten -

that I own 51% of the shares?

My great great etc. Grandfather founded this Group-

in 1812, in early December.

That gives me 51% of the votes.

So my friends.

We won't close down a single shipyard or sell the sawmill.

Not to speak of playing with rubber ducks.

The deal with Wallenberg is off!

HAMLET BECOMES MELANCHOLIC

Repressed love is the main cause for his behaviour.

Ophelia has, on my bidding, refused his proposals.

Hamlet has become melancholic-

he' fasting, can't sleep, he's become apathetic-

confused and gradually lost his mind, and now he's raving.

His behaviour can't be described with any other word.

Hamlet has never loved anybody except himself.

In that he's like me. - And me.

That's why I hate him so.

But there's something else.

Some other bank might be attempting a takeover.

We must get him to sign the deal or get rid of him.

An accident, perhaps. - Too dangerous, in a police state.

And too hasty.

He' been walking around all day, reading.

I'll try to find out who's behind all this.

You can watch us on the TV in your room.

How are you, Hamlet?

Alright, thank God.

Do you know me?

Sure, you're the butcher.

Not I.

I wish you were.

Why?

It would make you more respectable.

Only one man in 10,000 is respectable -

and even he' nothing much to boast about. - True.

For if the sun breeds maggots in a dead bitch -

it's worth the carrion to kiss it. You got a daughter? - Yes.

Don't let her take too much sun, for it's nobler to give.

Tell her about the facts of life or she might burst pregnant.

You're talking about my daughter?

In my youth I, too, suffered much for love.

Almost like you. What are you reading?

Words, words, words.

About what? - About it.

What's in there? - Mere gossip.

Even if it was true, it's disgusting to print it because -

one day you'll be as old as I am, if you go backward like a crab.

I see. I must go. Will we meet again?

I can't promise you anything else with as much pleasure, butcher-

except my life, except my life, except my life.

Mad!

See anything you'd fancy there?

No. I want ice cream.

One moment.

There you are.

This could be the night.

We could go to my place and...

You know the rest.

Can't you think of anything else?

No-

not when I'm with you, baby.

If you really loved me your voice would be more tender.

So you won't do it?

No, darling.

Then I'm wasting my time - for nothing.

Look who's here.

What a coincidence, my best friends.

Bartender!

We'll buy you a drink.

I don't want to drink, I'm too depressed.

That' what we wanted to talk about, we're your friends.

Tell us what's on your mind.

Lately, I don't know why-

I've lost my cheerful spirit.

I don't even enjoy sports.

I've changed so much-

that this wonderful world looks like a barren reef.

Somehow I feel like puking all the time.

Evening, Mother dear.

Hello, Klaus.

I know I've been just impossible but I'd like to make it up-

and invite you to the theatre with me.

A wonderful idea.

I'm so happy now that you're well again.

Speak the lines light and nice.

But if you shout them as many actors do-

I could as well take them to the market place.

Don't strut and wave our hands about too much -

or stare into distance as if you had something to say.

Sir, I believe and I do want to believe-

that we've got rid of all that.

Well then, that's marvellous.

You acted too when you were younger, didn't you, Klaus?

Yes, in my university days.

I was considered talented. I played Julius Caesar.

I was killed at the Capitol, Brutus killed me.

Brutal of him to kill such capital a pig there.

Sit properly, people are watching.

I can't, Mother dear, Ophelia's too strong a magnet.

I couldn't tear myself away from her even if I wanted to.

Lady, shall I lie in your lap?

No.

Be quiet, the play begins.

Miss Gwendolyn.

Allow me to introduce myself.

My name is Cecilia and I live here. - You live here?

Keeks.

You're funny.

Your only clown.

What can a man do but be funny?

Look, how cheerful my mother looks -

not two hours since my father's death.

It's four months now.

So long? Good God!

Died four months ago and not forgotten yet?

Sounds promising.

Then again a great man must build industrial halls or he'll be forgotten-

like a wooden horse at Halloween.

His epitaph is:

Woe, woe, the wooden horse is forgot.

Now it begins.

What is this?

Stop the play!

Why? Don't you like it? What about you, Mother?

Her ladyship wants to see Master Hamlet.

He's not here.

Mother dear, you look ill.

You've offended Klaus very much. - The more, the better.

But can you insult a toilet seat and how much?

Why are you so cruel to me?

Because you shamed the memory of my father-

by taking that eunuch's name.

Can't you forgive me? - No.

On the contrary!

Take a look at this.

Are you going to kill me? - What?

Are you crazy?

You'll have to do that yourself.

But as for Klaus.

What's that?

A rat?

Take this!

You, Polonius?

What a massacre! - A massacre.

Almost as bad as to kill one's husband -

and marry his messenger boy.

Kill one's husband? - That's what I said.

Goodbye, you poor hasty man. I mistook you for your boss.

Now you know that meddling can be dangerous.

See how this talkative fool is still, serious and grave.

I'll take the gut bag away, you'll sleep better without it.

Come, sir, to the end.

And Mother, from now on you will lock your door from Klaus.

For once in your life, try to stay firm.

BODY IN THE STREET LEADS TO INVESTIGATION

They will interrogate everyone.

Hamlet must leave for London right away.

We'll disguise it as a business trip.

You'll meet Murdoch, he owns a small mail order chain.

He'll take good care of you.

Ophelia, and at this hour!

I came to return your letters.

Leave them on my desk, I'll burn them later.

The passionate outbursts of youth.

Badly formulated sentences full of lies.

I want back the gifts I gave you.

Alright.

Now that we owe each other nothing, will we ever marry?

Will we ever be happy and grow old together?

No, poor girl, that won't happen. - Why not?

You're too thin. - I could eat more.

It was just an excuse. The truth is -

I don't love you enough and I'm going to travel.

But when you return?

I'm getting tired of this.

Better stay away for a couple of months.

I'll let you know when things've cooled down.

Oh, right. Take this to Murdoch.

Some calculations.

Have a nice trip.

The letter contains instructions to Murdoch.

We won't see Hamlet again.

Go and make sure of that.

It's so nice and quiet now, isn't it?

Although I miss Hamlet. Do you?

Sure, darling.

He's such a sweet boy.

When he was a child he never cried.

He never slept either.

Just stood in the corner with a strange look in his eyes.

Really?

But he did a bad thing to poor Polonius.

He certainly did.

Did it hurt the company much?

Yes, he was a good manager, he'd been with us for a long time.

I feel sorry for Ophelia.

How will she manage now that Lauri's away, too?

You went away, leaving me here

With no reason to smile

I'm still waiting to hear from you

To hear the reason why

I'll do anything you ask

Soon we'll meet again And leave the past behind

My dreams won't come true Until I return to you

In my heart I hear you calling

And I know what I've got to do

Upon the wings of the morning wind

I hurry back to you

I'll do anything you ask

Soon we'll meet again And leave the past behind

My dreams won't come true Until I return to you

Just wait, we'll meet tonight And everything will be alright

My dreams won't come true Until I return to you

Until I return to you

I rushed here as soon as I heard of my father's death.

For what?

To find the lifeless body of my sister Ophelia.

Woe is me.

I lost my mother when I was born, now I have nobody.

Poor little Ophelia.

I understand your grief.

What do you want me to do?

Tell me who's guilty, and I'll avenge!

It's Hamlet.

He killed your father and drove Ophelia to suicide.

I knew it. Hamlet.

You won't get away with this. - Patience.

I know how you feel but if you really want revenge-

you must do it so you won't suffer yourself. I'll help you.

Mother dear!

You came back home so soon.

Yes, I'm truly back now.

I can hardly wait to tell Klaus, he'll be so glad!

You think so?

Yes. How was the trip? Was the Channel rough today?

Yes, it was really furious today.

But you haven't heard the bad news yet!

Little Ophelia is dead.

Drowned in her bath, poor thing. A terrible accident.

A TRAGIC MISTAKE

We'll poison the leg only.

Hamlet's a glutton, he'll eat it first.

There'll be no evidence left and his death will seem -

to have been caused by a bone stuck in the windpipe.

Your mother just died. - Why?

What happened? Why wasn't I told?

I didn't want to share her last moments with a bastard like you.

You'll pay for this.

Food poisoning, there was nothing I could've done.

I'm sorry.

I'm tired and fed up and as sad as you are.

The days of deliberation are over.

I don't care what happens, all the others are gone.

We were hardly a golden couple, Gertrude and I -

but during the best moments we shared a certain warmth.

We made a terrible mistake but Hamlet's to blame.

Tell the guard to close the doors and the windows, we'll get him.

Hamlet.

I'll come.

What is it?

I see. But I'm not unarmed either.

Call the police.

A terrible thing has happened.

The President and Lauri Polonius have killed each other.

Simo. - Yes.

I'm not that kind of girl. - I know.

Couldn't we get married and have a real home?

That's what I want more than anything else -

but it's not possible, not yet.

The union has ordered me to keep an eye on Hamlet.

Our love must be sacrificed forthe shipyard, if necessary.

You called, sir. - Where's the butler?

He's gone. - Is he really? Good.

Bring me something to eat.

Simo, come to the office.

I asked you here because all the others have gone already.

The house is indeed rather empty.

I must talk to somebody -

or I'll lose my mind.

I've already had a few dizzy spells-

although I've lately eaten more than usually.

There's nothing wrong with my appetite.

But no matter how much I eat-

I feel empty somehow.

Emptyness.

Isn't it extraordinary?

However, I've made up my mind.

I'm going to sell everything to Wallenberg.

The whole Group.

The way Klaus lusted for power was admirable -

but basically he, rest his soul, was a mere nibbler.

Before I sign the deal and embark on my long journey-

as far as the night lasts-

I want to ease my soul and unburden my heart.

You can't betray me, we've been friends since childhood.

Do you know how my father really died?

Klaus poisoned him. - Wrong.

I did it.

Klaus gave my father poison but in small doses -

in order to weaken his heart slowly.

I didn't get on so well with my father myself-

so I let Klaus continue.

Finally I got tired of waiting -

and I decided to take care of it once and for all.

I discovered where Klaus had hidden his poison.

One night I managed to sneak in before him -

and I changed the contents of the bottle to a stronger stuff.

Hearing Klaus coming, I slipped through a side door-

and hurried to my own room to wait.

I didn't sleep a wink that night.

Hunger finally drove me to the kitchen to find for something to eat.

Only then did curiosity force me out of my hole -

to discover the outcome of my plot.

You know the rest.

Pour us both a drink, will you?

You know, Simo.

I loved Ophelia dearly.

You can start packing.

I've done it already. We can go.

Songs, they keep changing With the passing years-

Time takes so much away

But will we ever change And where is taking us

The coming day?

Life may seem so hard When a storm is blowing

If you're looking For a brighter day

But the tune of tomorrow Is created today

Understanding will Show us the way

We're all here but for This one life

So, try to find a friend

And remember: Tomorrow will be a new day

A day that will give You everything

Could it be that the best Is yet to come?

That is my dearest wish

Or could it be that tomorrow Will never dawn -

And everything will remain As it is?

Subtitles by Mikko Lyytikäinen