Original subtitles

Previously on Genius... Einstein may be the brightest mind

I have yet taught.

He's a menace!

You are skipping classes

and challenging your instructors.

What I want to know, sir, is why?

My name is Professor Philipp Lenard.

Herr Professor. - Mileva Maric.

One doesn't lose track of the sole woman in the room.

She's up all night, filling her brain with things

I can't begin to understand.

Then how do you know she understands them?

I'm head over heels in love

with your mind. Be my partner.

In life, in love,

in endless scientific pursuit.

How is Marie? Everyone is quite excited.

About what? The courtship, of course...

the potential of it! I'm going to be a professor.

I will think for thinking's sake.

That is the most indulgent thing

I've ever heard. Oh, don't leave

like this, Albert.

Liar! How could you be

so careless with my heart?!

Physics should be an adventure.

Herr Einstein, enough!

Fail him if you must.

I am no longer concerned for his future.

Miza! Hello, Papa.

I am so sorry, Papa. I failed you.

Oh, my God.

Oh, my God.

Hold still there,

please

I don't... understand.

It's a photograph, Anna,

of the bones beneath your skin.

Dear God, Wilhelm.

I have seen

my own death.

It is wonderful, isn't it?

Wilhelm...

you are going to be famous.

I still don't understand, Philipp.

The invention is yours, is it not?

The modification to the cathode ray tube he used

were my innovation, yes.

This imposter, what's his name?

Rontgen - Well, if I read this article correctly,

this Rontgen fellow merely noticed something

using your invention.

He made an observation, yes.

An observation.

There. Taste your eggs.

Make an observation about them.

Too salty, perhaps?

Does that mean you cooked the damn things?

No. Of course not.

Because to make such a claim would be absurd.

He's snatched the credit

you justly deserve.

How could I have missed it?

You'll make it right, my love.

I believe in you.

Your brilliance will be recognized.

I don't care about awards,

Michele, I care about science,

about understanding the world around me.

I'm not interested in shiny medals.

This is not just any award... it's called the Nobel Prize.

Says here it is to be awarded annually, and beyond notoriety

it comes with a - great deal of money.

Money? - Just think...

wealth and fame for being a physicist.

You are brilliant, Albert, you could win one.

Right now I'd trade ten of these Nobel Prizes

for a teaching job.

Steady.

I've clearly miscalculated the salary

of an assistant professor. Don't be thick.

I won it in a bet with the head of my department.

This sultry beast... 'tis only mine till sundown.

What was the bet? I'm sure it's a riveting yarn,

and I'm happy to suffer through the whole damn thing

once we're actually - on the road to Basel.

My first interview,

and I'm going to be late... perfect.

Like a virginal maiden, Albert, this machine needs

to be delicately wooed to a state of agitation.

If Marcel's history with the ladies is any predictor,

we'll be on the road by next Tuesday.

Albert, you will sweat

through that suit if you don't calm down.

Michele, I have sent my paper

to every halfway decent university in Europe,

and I've been rejected everywhere.

This is the first bite of the apple I've had.

Mileva's getting impatient.

Mileva? She's in Serbia... what does she have...?

Ah!

An historic day... Marcel Grossmann

finally gets something all hot and bothered.

Ah...

The capillary effect has been

well studied, Herr Einstein.

Your disquisition hardly adds

to the body of knowledge.

To say nothing of your verbose style.

The reading experience is undeniably taxing.

I would be remiss

to challenge your opinions, Herr Professor.

Science is not about opinions.

What I mean to say, Herr Professor, is...

you make many observations I hadn't considered,

much to my regret.

Your record does you credit, I must admit.

And despite a large field

of gifted applicants, it seems that you're somehow

the most qualified candidate we've yet met.

I shall send your name

up to the committee for approval.

Thank you.

Thank... thank you.

Albert hasn't abandoned me, Papa.

Then where is he?

Tell me that.

Getting settled.

I need a home to return to once I've had the baby.

And then what?

Miza. Then what?

You change diapers all day long?

Wipe noses?

Sing lullabies?

No. I will earn my degree, Papa.

I swear it. - For years,

I taught you never to rely on a man for anything.

Do I really need to explain the situation to you, Papa?

I just don't want you to punish yourself

for the rest of your life.

Not for making a mistake one night.

It wasn't a mistake.

And it certainly wasn't one night.

You were in Zurich... the Swiss are experts

at taking care of unfortunate circumstances.

I would never do such a thing!

I want to have Albert's child.

I want more for you.

If you believe in me,

Papa, at least give Albert a chance.

Herr Einstein.

Good evening, Frau Schnellham.

You're quite the kitty, sneaking all about.

Just testing your impeccable hearing.

Still top-notch.

Do you have the rent or not?

Not.

You know your way out, then,

kitty. - I've secured a position.

I'm merely awaiting

a final letter of approval.

Then it isn't secured, is it?

Well, perhaps there's word today.

I-I would check the post, but...

seeing as you've confiscated

my mail key...

Please, Frau Schnellham.

Many prominent academics and leading thinkers in the field

are talking favorably of my work.

Well?

I was given the impression

that the job was mine but for a formality.

I've made many inquiries in search of answers,

but I've been met with silence.

So you have come for help, then.

Just... a small favor,

Herr Professor, a letter of recommendation,

perhaps

Perhaps, uh, like,

uh, this one.

"Esteemed Herr Weber, forgive my impudence

"in writing you directly,

"but I beg you to intercede on behalf of my poor Albert.

As a concerned father..."

My father?

Herr Professor, I...

I had no idea.

I would... I would never ask my father

to intercede on my behalf.

Frankly, I'm mortified.

As you should be.

Like any other recent graduate, I am only asking

that you put in a word with potential employers.

Oh, but I have.

Many universities have sought my counsel

on your intellect and your character.

But in good conscience

I have not and I cannot...

recommend your character.

You gave me an unfavorable recommendation?

Several, in fact.

But that's sabotage.

You openly challenged my authority.

You publicly disrespected me.

How am I to justify sticking my head above the grass for you

when there are so many qualified alumni

who have actually earned my respect?

But this is my reputation we're talking about.

And mine, too!

If I recommend someone and they fail to live up

to my endorsement, how do I look?

But you don't understand, sir.

I have... I have obligations.

Obligations.

You are what? 22?

An unknown, unattached, healthy young man.

What obligations could you possibly have?

My name is ruined! All because I couldn't keep

my stupid mouth shut in Weber's class.

I already wrote to Mileva to tell her I got the job.

Mileva? What has she got to do with this?

Put in a good word for me, Marcel, in your department.

I am a flea on the smelly ass of academia.

No one cares what I have to say.

But there is a position I know of.

Decent wage, steady hours.

What is it?

It's in Bern at the patent office.

Um, clerical position, but very interesting work.

You could employ some of your engineering knowledge.

I'm a scientist, Marcel!

I'm better than a clerkship.

You need money. I need a thought,

a paper that can show people what I can do; I need time.

No, you need a job.

Why not ask your father

could he set you up in the factory in Milan?

Because he humiliated me.

I'm done with him, - after the letter to Weber.

Did it ever occur to you that perhaps your father

reached out to Weber because he cares about you?

Be practical, Albert.

If you will not get a real job,

how on earth will you survive?

Hmm?

Whoa.

Maja.

Big brother.

We missed you in Milan.

I thought it would be best

to meet you and Mother here.

Because Father is not with us?

You can't ignore him forever.

He's hurt, Albert.

I'm... I'm not ready to face him.

Not until you feel you've made something of yourself.

Only then will you be able to tell him he was wrong about you?

How's Mother?

Did you really have to send her

a photo of your Serbian temptress?

I thought she might like it.

What she really liked was Marie.

She was counting on you two getting married,

so don't mention Mileva.

(sighs

Tell me everything that's been happening.

I'm sure the world is beating down your door.

I'm, uh, developing many new ideas.

Won't be long before I'm recognized for my work.

But, um,

right now, Mother,

the-the truth is, I need money.

Your father's business

needed another infusion of capital, darling.

I can't go to my brother again.

I'm afraid the well is dry.

You'll have to manage on your own.

If there's such pressing money concerns,

then why are you taking such lavish holidays?

Lower your voice, dear.

We must keep up appearances.

If only Marie were here to teach you some manners.

Marie and I are finished.

And it seems to me, if you apologize

for your boorish behavior,

you may have a chance to win her back.

Mother, you know very well

that I have someone else now.

What? That creature in the photo you sent?

She isn't even Jewish. Neither is Marie.

Well, at least she isn't Slavic.

What does that mean? Mother.

Be... She'll be the end of you, - Albert.

She's just a nasty little witch.

She is no witch.

She's my wife.

Oh.

You married that girl?

No, of course not.

Then why did you say that you did?

Because I can't stand the way that Mother talks about Mileva

and I don't want to give her the satisfaction

of thinking she can tell me what to do.

So then you're not marrying Mileva.

I'm going to have to.

How... How far along is she?

Six months. - God, Albert.

I don't know what I'm supposed to say. Congratulations?

Are you happy about this?

I love her, Maja.

She's-She's like nobody I've ever met before.

I felt this... this pull towards her.

Since I saw her, I... I should be thrilled, but...

But?

Well, now I feel this opposing force

pulling me down.

I'm just getting started with my life.

I'm-I'm worried that if I marry her,

I'll never take flight.

What other choice do you have?

You have a visitor.

A visitor? But who could...?

Sir.

This is quite unexpected.

My dear, it is wonderful to see you.

I would stand, but you may remember my hip.

It's been acting up.

Yes, of course.

I have to say I was overjoyed

when your father paid a visit

to inform me that my finest student was back in town.

But I have to admit this is not merely a social call.

No? - I am here

to offer you a teaching position

for the spring term.

It is time we had a woman

on the permanent faculty.

It is a new era.

How could you ambush me like that?

What if he'd seen my belly?

My secret would be out.

Calm yourself, Mileva.

I just wanted you to know

that there is - an alternative.

Einstein used to write you every day.

Now it's once a week at most.

He's... he's very busy, Papa.

Or maybe he has lost interest?

You deduced all of that

by the frequency of his letters?

And so now you want me to settle for being a schoolmarm?

Perhaps you could teach physics?

You could use the skills you have learned.

Are you giving up on me, Papa?

I'm giving up on Einstein.

He can't even get a job.

You're wrong.

He has a job.

Yeah. - Teaching.

But what is the ether?

What kind of substance has such remarkable properties?

One has to twist all of physics into knots

just to make it work, but it must exist, or else...

Are you a Jew?

I subscribe to no religion.

You look like a Jew.

Are you sliced? Down there?

Does it feel odd to fornicate

if you're sliced?

Timo, your father isn't paying - me to tutor you

about the ins and outs of... about girls,

but if you'll indulge me,

I'll show you that mathematics

is as elegant as the finest of women,

and just like women,

it might seem intimidating at first,

but the truth is anyone can do it.

Almost anyone with rudimentary learning

could achieve the same results.

All these prints were taken by me

using my own tubes, not Rontgen's.

It's one thing that you were able to duplicate his outcome,

but are you implying that Rontgen

actually poached your tube model?

Sir, not only did he appropriate my design,

he wrote to me asking for supplies.

Supplies which are very difficult to come by,

and I did graciously comply.

Only to be stabbed in the back,

flank and front for my selfless deed.

Yes, but why should any of this concern the academy?

Professor Plom,

the Nobel Committee is considering candidates.

If Rontgen receives recognition

for something that isn't all his,

then the entire fabric of this institution is under attack.

Unlike Rontgen,

I'm seeking neither fame nor money.

I am defending science itself.

What specifically are you asking us to do?

Compose a letter of support - to the Nobel Committee, hmm?

Immediately.

May we have the room, Philipp?

Hmm, yeah.

He's bringing politics into science.

I can't condone it.

It's beneath us all.

Still, imagine how we would feel

if an inferior talent snatched recognition

for one of our achievements.

A bit of ink, it costs us nothing.

Dearest Mileva,

I understand you're upset I haven't written,

but I've been terribly busy.

And while I'd love nothing more

than to have you visit,

I haven't had time to furnish my new dwelling.

If you still wish to rendezvous,

I only request it be somewhere

discreet to avoid gossip.

MARIJA A secluded inn.

As if your present situation weren't scandal enough.

Mama, please.

It's only for a few days.

A few days.

An unmarried, pregnant woman traveling on her own.

What will people say?

Your name, madam?

Mileva Einstein.

My husband should have already arrived.

No, I don't believe so.

If you'd just show me to my room,

I've had a very exhausting day of travel.

My husband had business to transact.

He'll arrive any moment.

Please.

Herr Ebersold.

Forgetting something, Einstein?

Oh, God, yes, actually. I'm late for my train.

I mean Timo, Einstein.

My boy.

You were scheduled to tutor him this afternoon.

I'll make it up to you, sir.

I'm not finished,

Herr Einstein.

His marks are lower than when you started.

What are you teaching the boy, Einstein?

Well, we have touched occasionally

on subjects, I admit,

that are a bit ambitious.

Yes, Timo told me.

Heat transfers, ether,

hypothetical atoms, something called quanta.

He needed help with algebra.

But what good is algebra if you have no understanding

of how it applies to the larger questions of science?

You're fired, Einstein.

Where have you been?

I'm so sorry, I was...

I was working and then-then

I got, uh, distracted, and when I looked up...

How could you leave me here?

Do you have any idea what it's like to be a pregnant woman

traveling this country alone?

Dollie.

Of course you don't.

I'm so stupid.

No, you're not stupid. You're brilliant. Come on.

Look, I'm here now,

and that's what's important, my love.

Let me explain, you'll understand everything.

Radiation quanta.

Planck's concept.

Radiation quanta?

This could be the breakthrough

that I've been searching for.

You didn't come to be with me,

you came to use me to help you with math.

No, I was...

Why did I expect any different?

You-you write page after page about work in your letters,

but you almost never ask about me.

That isn't true. I search endlessly

for some caring emotion

like a pig digging for truffles,

but I never find it.

At least I know my father was right about one thing.

And what's that? You're too damn selfish

to be a good husband.

I've defended you to everyone.

And now I feel like a fool.

None of them have ever met you,

and yet they saw you more clearly than I did.

That's nonsense. Mileva, do you...

You're having my child.

And what a mistake that was.

I'll live with the consequences

forever.

But at least the child and I won't have you to let us down.

What are you saying?

I'm fairly certain I just said it.

Don't act like you want to marry me.

I know you don't.

I missed the train because I was distracted.

I couldn't wait

to share my ideas with you.

Not because they promise glory for me, but because...

it was like peeking through a keyhole to our future.

The two of us. Huh?

Mileva...

you're the love of my life.

And I will do the right thing for you

and this child.

I promise.

"Private lessons in mathematics and physics,

"given most thoroughly by Albert Einstein.

Trial lesson free."

Sounds promising.

This is a new low, Albert.

It's just temporary till I find something better.

If you're in such straits,

the job in the patent office is still open, and... I'm a scientist.

I'm not a damn clerk.

I just need time to finish my new paper.

Paper?

What paper, Albert?

Radiation packets.

Planck calls them "quanta."

You do realize that - radiation quanta

is an academic idea. Planck himself does not believe

they describe reality. Planck himself is wrong.

You'll see.

Someone else can rot in a patent office.

Albert Einstein?

Maurice Solovine.

How do you do?

Sir, if I owe you money,

then I'm afraid you'll have to get in line.

Are you not Albert Einstein?

You are here for physics?

Indeed.

But recreationally.

My friends accuse me of being a bored dilettante,

to which I plead guilty as charged.

I've studied biology, philosophy,

literature, art.

Physics is the next logical subject

in my illogical curriculum.

I think I have room in my schedule.

When would you like to start?

I'm here now, Einstein.

The first lesson is free, Herr...

What was your name again?

Solovine.

I tell you what. I'll pay anyway,

provided you submit

to a change of venue.

The previous occupant

has done a garish rococo treatment,

so I will spend a good chunk of my father's money

scraping the fairy tale out of the place.

Here's the wine.

Now, where are the women to pour it over?

Albert, this is Conrad Habicht.

Lout, wretch,

altogether bad influence, and my brother-in-arms.

Conrad, this is - Albert Einstein,

the most promising,

illustrious young physicist of his generation.

Mmm. Well, I just hope he's better

than that horrid fencing instructor

you wasted our money on.

Damn near impaled myself.

Well, come on, Einstein.

We are your captive audience.

Go on, Einstein.

Dazzle us.

D-Dazzle.

Y-Yes, right.

Uh, well... Um.

Uh...

Liquids.

Yes? They run in a tube.

They tend to... They rise

because of what is termed the capillary effect...

I've got a physics question.

So, I was in my bathtub - this morning,

and I dunk my head at the same time

as I knock my hairbrush in with my toe.

And it hits the cast iron, and it sounds

quite loud underwater.

Why is that?

Well, um... Indulge me

in something that I like to call a thought experiment.

Let's make waves.

A hammer hits a string,

causing a vibration

which spreads out as a waveform.

In this case, the medium is a disturbance of the air,

which, when it hits your eardrums,

is interpreted as sound.

Unlike matter,

waves travel better - through denser materials.

That's why your hairbrush sounded loud.

Put your ears to a rail,

and you can hear locomotives

from miles away when all is silent

an inch above the track.

That's...

fantastic. - Yes.

But do you want to know what I've really been thinking about?

It's light,

because light from this candelabra, say,

is a wave, just like sound.

But if waves travel better through denser materials,

then why can I put up my hand

and block out the brightest of lights?

Yes.

Why?

Well, scientists think that light travels

through its own special, invisible medium.

They call it the ether.

Yeah, but if it's invisible,

then how do we know it's there? We don't.

People have been trying to understand this for years.

We can't... We can't see it o-or feel it,

but everywhere that light travels,

the ether is there.

That sounds

pretty fantastical.

I agree.

But it's the best idea we've got.

A wave needs a medium.

But why?

I don't know.

But I intend to find out.

Damn fine show, Einstein.

Shh, shh, shh, shh.

I don't know how you do it, Helene.

They turn out to be more of a delight

than you can possibly imagine.

What if I don't want children?

Well, it's a bit late for that.

I don't know if I can count on Albert.

Well, you can always

count on me,

Mileva

You've always been - my closest friend, Helene.

And you love children.

What if you took my baby?

No, Mileva...

Everything I've worked for...

Forget I said that.

It's horrid.

I haven't been sleeping...

If it is what you need, Mileva...

If it is what you really need...

I will help you.

Do you ever feel like you're part

of something larger?

Yes. The universe is so vast.

Lately, we've been trying to measure it,

but so far... Albert, Jesus.

I'm talking about

the three of us.

We should codify

our little salon.

We'll meet regularly...

Nightly. Nightly. Fine.

With the express purpose of - ruminating on philosophy,

science, music, art...

And women.

And women, too.

But we need a name for our little association.

The honor is yours, Einstein.

You made this possible.

Well, uh, how about...

the Olympia Academy.

The Olympia Academy.

Grand and ridiculous,

equal parts pompous - and austere.

Just like its founding members.

Long live the Olympia Academy.

The Olympia Academy.

She's the most beautiful girl

in the entire world.

Elizabeth.

Little Lieserl.

That's what I told Albert I want to call her.

Where is he?

Wherever is your father, sweet Lieserl?

Don't linger in the doorway, Einstein.

Didn't your mother teach you any manners?

I only came to say

that I won't be attending this evening's festivities.

Why not?

I have a family matter.

Somebody died?

Ah!

And you're inheriting a tropical island nation, yes?

I'll return in a few weeks.

Where are you going? - Serbia

Serbia?

Einstein...

look in here

and tell me Serbia is more important

than what you see.

Now, go on, tell me.

What's this all about?

I just became a father.

Are you married?

I'm not married to her.

Hmm.

Allow me to indulge in a little thought experiment.

Just imagine a full and - turbulent household.

A newborn child,

cawing, soiling herself - left and right.

Sleepless nights, chaotic days.

A late rent payment, a haggard wife,

nagging her untidy husband...

Maurice... Stay with me now.

This is where it turns naughty.

Your colleagues.

Can you see them?

Huh? Men of inferior intellect.

But untethered by family, they go zipping past you

at the speed of light.

And you're left...

holding a mewling newborn, asking yourself, "How the hell

did I get here?"

It's not as if I can turn back time.

Why are you torturing me? My cousin

has a perfectly agreeable situation.

He sends the mother - of his boy a stipend

every month.

Everybody happy.

You're talking

about a woman that I love

and the child she just brought into the world.

I... Are you suggesting I abandon them?

Abandon? No.

Send money. Provide help.

But you must not sacrifice your dreams

just to make them happy.

Albert

You are the most brilliant man I've ever met.

You're going to do great things.

But not if you cinch an anchor

around your neck.

Think about it, Albert.

Maja?

What are you doing here?

I wrote. You didn't answer.

What is it?

It's Father.

He's very sick, Albert.

We must go now.

Herr Professor.

Thank you. - Yes, sir.

They're giving it to a man named Rontgen.

He's discovered what they're calling X-rays.

Perhaps you read about it, Papa. - Yeah?

The Nobel is a major new prize.

Maybe you will win one someday, yes?

Hmm

No.

You were right about me all along, Papa.

I'm... I'm only a dreamer.

No.

No, that's not true.

I...

I've never told you this, Papa, but...

when I'm lost,

it's always your voice I hear in my head.

Guiding me.

Maja told me you were angry about the letter

I sent to your professor.

I was only trying to help.

I know.

It was childish of me. I'm so sorry.

It wasn't you

I was angry with. - (shushing

Tell me about the girl.

The Serb.

Mother doesn't approve.

Do you love her?

Yes. But it's very complicated.

You're a complex soul, Albert.

If you've found a woman

who will abide with your peculiarities,

well, miracles should not be sniffed at.

Marry her.

(gasps - Have a big family.

Huh?

(gasps

The one true blessing in this world

is family.

Leave now.

Go

I'd like to die alone.

Amen.

Amen.

Yes?

Telegramma per Albert Einstein.

Thank you.

Perhaps it's for the best.

How could you say such a thing?

It is sad, yes,

but you no longer have any obligation to marry this girl.

Papa gave it his blessing.

Papa is dead.

You told me

that your life was just getting started.

Now, here you are,

free to pursue your dreams with no responsibilities.

Perhaps this is God's way of giving you

another chance. Perhaps it's...

Lieserl's gift to you.

You're still young.

You don't need a man.

You never did.

What about Mileva?

Maybe this is what is right for her, too.

I know you, brother. You can barely...

dress yourself, let alone raise a family.

That isn't true.

You have your eyes set on the stars, Albert.

It's who you are. It's what makes you wonderful.

But think about her life.

Here, on Earth.

Now you can do anything,

be anybody,

go anywhere.

How could you not have come?

I'm so sorry, Dollie.

My father became ill so fast.

If I had had any idea...

When I saw her

being lowered into the ground...

it was like a piece of me was torn away.

A piece of me buried alongside her.

And I knew

the only person who could fill that void...

is you.

And I hate you for that.

Go on hating me if you choose.

I know I deserve it.

And I know I...

I don't deserve you.

But I will never feel anything

but love for you, Mileva.

Marry me, Dollie.

I know it might only be a humble life I have to offer,

but... it's a good life.

And if we're together,

then it couldn't possibly be anything else.

It's only the very first Nobel.

You will win the next one. I believe in you, Philipp.

You're a genius. It's bigger than you understand, Katharina.

This whole charade, it's...

more evidence of a troubling trend.

And what's that?

This avaricious hunger for money and acclaim.

It's-it's a disease.

It's the Jewish mind-set.

I didn't know Rontgen was Jewish.

He isn't. But I've worked with them.

I know their hearts.

And Rontgen has a Jewish heart.

He's a rat,

like the Jews.

And rats must be eradicated.

You'll come up with something marvelous, Philipp.

I know it.

Well, good morning, Frau Einstein.

Mm.

What has you so riveted this early?

Philipp Lenard.

He's demonstrated

something interesting in the emissions

of metals when bombarded with light:

more intense light

does not produce more energetic emissions.

Well, he is a brilliant man.

But he didn't go far enough.

He gives no explanation as to why.

Something more is needed. Something revolutionary.

If I had the time...

Well, right now you don't.

You're going to be late.

Herr Einstein, welcome to the patent office.