Original subtitles

Positions for or the next take please.

Save them for the next take.

Exactly the way you did it.

What’s up?

What's up, kid?

I'm going to get made up.

All ready for a take.

- Raring to go. - This will be a take.

- Ready! - Quiet please!

Esteban, can you see the signal?

- My cigarette is it, right? - Yes.

- Roll camera! - Rolling!

Action!

Testing, testing microphone number 2, 1, 2, 3...

Testing, testing microphone number 2, 1, 2, 3...

Hello! How are you!

Please come in.

Which key is it?

The big one.

And climb to the top of the world.

You remember the way, doh't you?

Recording.

My goodness!

The years sure take their toll.

I'm out of breath. I really have to give up smoking.

Careful, ma'am! Don't hurt yourself!

How embarrassing!

It's alright.

I limp with my right foot and with my heart.

There... All better now. That’s what my mother used to say.

- And how are you? - Fine. And-you, ma'am?

I am too, but...

If you keep calling me ma’am. I'm going to get mad.

And where’s Antonio?

I hope he's not long. I tol Maim to be here at three.

He's not very punctual. Are we going to film with this?

What do you think?

It's so little.

- Does it work? - Of course!

He, just like you described in your script.

Did you fix it up yourself?

No, my aunt decorated it.

For your video?

No way... for her own pleasure.

Where is she?

She's in Queretar. She won't be back until tomorrow.

She'll arnve at the worst possible moment.

To tell you the truth. I don't like your aunt very much.

...and the feeling is mutual.

This is greats Did you rent it?

No itsbelongs to my aunt.

What do you know? She treats herself well, eh?

Don't tell me she does her exercises out here half naked?

l don't believe you. You re the one who uses it.

You’re in great shape.

I'd love to do the same thing..

...but my apartment roof isn't big endugh.

And your neighbors? Don't you worry about them watching?

At this distance? Tubey'd need binoculars. Look!

Next door here is a mechanic's shop.

Over there where you could see something is a nun’s school...

..and over there are some offices.

There's no one there on Sundays.

Thank goodness, because your story calls for privacy.

Isn't there any censorship at your school?

That would be the final straw. Why?

It's a daring story, your aunt would call it scandalous.

- Do you think so? - Yes.

- But you will help me make it? - Only because I promised.

Besides, i warned you i haven’t acted for years.

And about the nude scene...

Don’t worry, it will be very discrete. Suggested.

I hope so, daeeause, well...

When i was young, I was in...

...a play in jast a little transparent veil...

... but time does take its toll...

There are some changes i want to suggest. May I?

0f course, but we'd better wait for Antonio.

We wrote the script together, you know.

losuppoce the tender peats are yours and the perverse ones his.

Don't you believe it!

Well, let's see i this Antonio shows up.

Don't scare me. If we don’t tape it today. I'll flunk.

Why did you leave it till the last moment?

I needed my aunt and uncle to go away.

Your aunt would keel over dead if she only knew, wouldn't she?

- Will you show it to her? - Just to my teachers.

And me, no?

Naturally. I'll give you and Antonio a copy.

Would you like a drink, ma'am?

- Some Tequila? - No.

- One? - No.

Well, maybe just to give me courage. Gan I help you?

Of course not.

Sit down. You're my guest.

Now, tell me the truth. Why did you think of me for this part?

Not at all. I didn’t pick youi for the part.

I wrote the script for you.

Together with Antonio.

Well. yes. He helped me, but the idea was mine.

And why did you choose me?

Because you have have Maureen Q’Hara's smile...

...Anna Magnani's inner fire...

...and you are bigger then Giulietta Masina.

Yeah, by about an inch.

No, really.

You won't be mad?

- No. - Your thighs are as beautiful...

...as Silvana Mangano's and Lilia Rrado’s.

Well!

Cheers!

What shall we drink to?

To our video.

May I ask a personal question?

Tha depends.

Do you live with anyone?

All by my lonesome.

With Abel, my eight year old son. He’s really handsome...

Just like his father you'll see.

You do remember my son, don't you?

Do you like being independent?

Well, i have no choice.

loneliness is hard.

...oh, excuse me!

Juan’s death hit me hard. I haven't gotten over it...

...tough i put up a goo i front.

You know they called me the Merry Widow?

- And why haven't you remarried? - Because no one has asked me.

I'm asking you...

Will you marry me?

I’d love to.

But there is one insurmountable obstacle...

...our ages.

- Havbe you got a girlfriend? - No.

I don't believe you. They must throw themselves at you.

Thei thing is it like mature women like you...

Good looking, interesting.

Mature and sometimes desperate.

Do you pick many up?

Do, you pick many up?

No. they don't give me a rise.

I'm very shy and women, well, they like bold meh.

Well that night two years ago, you captivated...

...me with your sweetnes.

I so needed some tenderness.

The first New Year without Juan, the Merry Widow ran away...

...from the party to cry alone on the roofotop.

And there at the top of the world...

...she found an adolescent...

...who was Ionel, and wonderoful.

Yoi must not have thought I was so wonderful...

You disappeared eleven months and twenty seven days.

Don't calls me, you said, it's unrepeatable.

I was afraid of really falling in love.

So you say. I bet you say that to all of them.

Good looking women like you, you like it hit and run, don't you?

You never even looked at me again.

Why?

You were too tender.

I have a surprise for you.

So do i.

Thank you.

- Did you like it? - You shouldn't have bothered.

Look, nothing here, nothing there and..

This is for luck on your first film.

Our first film.

What about your surprise?

It's very simple. I wanti to sing you a song.

Oh, well!

He loves me, he loves me not.

You are to blame for all my anguish...

...and all my breakdowns.

You filled my life with sweet longings...

...and bitter disenchantments.

Your love is like a cry I carry in my soul...

...and here within my heart.

Even against my will...

...I am the slave of your eyes, the plaything of your love.

Don't play witK my sorrow or with my feelings...

...which are all that I have.

You are my hope...

My very last hope as you must understand.

You exasperate me, you kill me..

...you drive me crazy.

And I would give my life to overcome the fear...

...of kissing you.

You exasperate me, you kill me...

...you drive me crazy.

Ahd i would give my life to overcome the fear...

...of kissing you.

You exasperate me, you kill me...

...You drive me crazy.

And I would give my life to overcome the fear...

...of kissing you.

Oh, child, you even made me cry.

You taught me to enjoy "boleros".

- I did? - Yes.

You were determined to stop them from dancing Salsa.

Oh, yes.

I used to get reall bossy when I drank.

Someone said, "Tihere goes the Merry Widow with her bojeros".

Your aunt...

But I was fascinated. ''To love and live''.

- ''Pretty lady''. - Yes.

And ''Traveling lady'' wfiieh made you cry, remember?

That was Juan's and my song.

I don’t want to know what could have happened...

...in all these years that you have lived...

...with other people...

...far from my love.

I love you so that i am jealous.

Even of what could have been...

...and i imagine that is why.

And what do you do?

I make films. If you want, you can be the star of my movies.

I won’t last that long.

Before we met I knew you have lived.

Happy hours far from my love.

Besides your bedroom, is there a little girl's room?

- A bathroom, silly! - There's one here.

Don’t worry, eh! It's an old joke, and a very bad one.

Hand me my carrot colored dress so I can try it on?

- Of course. - Thank you.

Here it is.

Thank you.

- I don’t like it. - It looks beautiful.

It really suits you.

- It looks horrible. - Look, isn't she just like you?

Don't say that!

Come over here, it's nicer.

- But someone might see us. - They can't.

- Have you done it? - What?

- Made love, here on the roof. - No way!

Well? What do you think? Do you like it?

It looks wonderful.

It’s awful, short, too low cut, I’ll look like something else...

And the waist. I have a waist like a tamale.

Come here.

It s the first time in years my aunt and uncle are away.

Well, i'd love to be uninhibited, but I'm not into exhibitionism.

When you buy meat, don't cut from here, nor here...

...nor here...

...nor here, but only from...

I'm really embarrassed, kid, but do you have condoms?

Of course!

Let me imagine that the past doesn't exist...

...and that we were born...

...the very moment we met.

A boy scout is always prepared!

Then it isn't true that you needed me as an actress.

It was just an excuse!

I would never mix sex with art!

That means you'll understand the changes I want to suggest.

Allow me.

Thank you.

I'm not afraid of taking my clothes off. I've always thought...

...if a nude scene has good taste and it s justified, that's OK.

Look... I think

...my character lacks substance.

She’s not three-dimensional, you know what i mean?

An the end has to change.

But we've rehearsed that way and besides, Antonio wrote it.

No wonder it's bad.

No wonder it's so bad.

Anyway, let’s wait until he gets here.

Look, you tell him it's your idea.

The end I have in mind takes place on the subway.

- She is running... - The only condition for my...

...homework is that it have no cuts.

What?

It all has to happen in the same place. Here oh the roof.

What a pity. That way you ca't do anything?

You don’t know the end I had in mind. You just don't know!

But we could write a script together later.

Sure, the story of my life.

You have no idea.

It's like a movie!

So, now what shall we do since Antonio isn’t here?

We can rehearse your musical number. I'll play Antonio's part...

...in your strip tease, without recording it.

- How can I be sure? - Because there's no tape in it.

Let me see! Ok

And what about the music?

- I ll take care of it. - When I say ''music"...

...you put it on.

- Does your aunt have a boa? - No, she hates animals.

Don't'be silly. A feathered thing.

Oh! She has a fox tail, will that do?

I'll go find and you get the music ready.

- Where is the fox tail? - In her bedroom closet.

- Did you find what you wanted? - Yes, I’m coming.

The music is ready.

Coming! Coming! Put it on pause.

Yes.

Ready?

I bet you anything she arrives at the worst possible moment.

I spoke to her a while ago... She is in Queretaro.

I wouldn't put it past your aunt to fly in on a broomstick.

Ready?

Ready.

Music!

The stole goes the other way, I think.

Doesn't it?

And it goes like this!

Geez! That's not the music, it...

...it’s way too fast.

How can I do a strip tease like this?

Brown sugar!

Well, but it s a rehearsal.

But this music doesn’t go with it. Really!

Don't laugh you fool, I’m taking it seriously because if I don't...

...things don’t tunn out eight.

Yes, yes. Very professional.

You’re a little heavy handed.

Come on, come on!

Sugar!

got to stop smoking.

I’ll get dizzy.

Now what?

It has two beats.

Again!

I almost got it.

The shimmy!

Shake it, but like this!

Come here.

And now?

Bring it over here, no?

Like this. What do you think?

That was awful, wasn't it? At least it was just a rehearsal.

Well...

...after baring my body, I'm going to bare my soul.

I have prepared a monologue which isn't too long.

I hope you like it. But I think, I don’t know what you think...

The- carmera should be very close and circle around me.

- Please be seated. - Coming, wait a minute.

I want to talk about...

...people who spend their lives complaining.

What i want to tell you is that sick of...

...people who spend their lives complaining.

What I want to tell you...

I think i'd better...

I'm going to improvise, ok?

For many years I was invisible. No one saw me.

My grandmother looked through me...

...as if were a ghost.

My sisters, on the olher hand, were always encouraged.

And it was the same at school, at work and at parties.

I didn't exist.

Until I did theater.

Then, up on stage. I was someone!

It isn't that i'm boasting of my acting ability, but...

was finally seen.

Especially by Juan.

That where we fell in love and I stopped being invisible.

He used to kiss me and caress me.

He gave me a child.

And then he left.

Forever.

He died!

And all the lights went out.

I thought I was going crazy.

The pain... I know pain is part of life an there are joyous pains...

...like having a baby.

That's wonderful!

Feeling how it places it's little head to be born.

But the pain of losing a loved one, that is intolerable.

Juan loved the movies.

He used to say you couldn't lie to a camera.

I made fun of him because his 10 best films were over 15

Oh, but he had one, ''The Quiet Man" with John Wayne.

He took me to see it. I was pregnant and we enjoyed it so...

...I almost gave birth right there ih the movie theater.

So, after Juan died...

..and when even grass didn’t help...

I used to smoke then. And seances were no use.

Nothing made me forget the awful emptiness I felt...

I found consolation not in religion...

...but in movies.

One day they were showing "The Quiet Man".

And you won't bolieve me.

...but I saw Juan again.

I don’t'know how it happened, but there on the screen...

...instead of John Wayne, there was Juan.

My Juan!

He was doing the courting and hugging and kissing the girl.

The next day I took my son with...

...the promise that he would see his father, you know? But...

Well... the miracle never happened again.

And well...

My son thought John Wayne was his father.

Juan, my husband, spent his last years restoring films.

He said that films...

...wene the only way to conquer death.

Although people and places might disappear...

...they stay on in the movies.

And one can bring them back to life with a ray of light.

I was so sorry he never acted in a film, or a videotape...

...so I could see his gestures...

...hear his voice, his laughter again.

That's why l agneed to be in your film.

So in the future my son could bring me back to life.

And, as Juan used to say...

...overcome death.

So? What'did you think?

- Amazing! - Let's see it then.

We can check it and Improve on it

We didn’t record it.

- What do you mean? - Yes, there was no tape.

Don’t give me that!

I'll never get it the same.

Please forgive me.

It turns out we are just wasting our time!

Are you leaving already?

What do you expect? Why should I stay?

Antonio isn't coming and you waste my talent.

That’s what I get for working with amateurs.

- Please forgive me! - How can I forgive you?

I even went on a diet because television adds about 18 pounds.

And all for nothing! Get out of rny way!

You're really mad.

Come sit here.

- Where’s the key? - I don't know.

The one to the door downstairs I need it to get out.

- You didn't give it back to me. - Do you think i'm drunk?

- Where's the other key. - Don't know.

Are you Kidnapping me?

So little and such a bastard!

How many have you put this little number over on?

No one.

You should call your mother to make a fool of herself!

If that key doesn't show up, I'll call for help. I'll yell.

You didn't give it to me. Look in your purse.

You're so stubborn!

Forgive me for all the things I said. I was frightened.

I even forgot you are an orphan.

I'm sorry.

Before you go. I have something to confess to you.

Now what?

Antonio isn't coming.

Well, I didn't ask him to...

...because I wanted to play the part.

I made this all up just to be with you.

It’s just that...

I want to repeat the magic of that night.

You sure are convoluted.

You should have said so before, kid.

I didn't even get a chance to check my makeup.

I wasted my money. I paid to have my hair done in a salon.

Do you wan to see yourself?

- Can i? - Sure.

How?

By hooking the camera up to a monitor?

Well, i'm hooked.

And the climactic scene is here on the exercise machine?

I have it all thought out.

I'll suggest the onmipresence of God through video.

That he saw it all on a monitor

How awful!

That's what I get for improvising!

So you buy condoms the dozen?

No way, man.

Tell the truth.

You must have lots of affairs.

Not at all. Nowadays everyone is afraid of AIDS.

According to a dentist I know, if one person's gums bleed...

...that's enough to catch it.

Doing it with a stranger is like doing it with 12 people

What?

With twelve at once?

Oh, I get it. Goodness me! I really blew it.

I imagined an orgy.

The only thing left is to be faithful to one person.

That's a bitch!

You can take it from the Merry Widow!

I know more unfaithful husbands than streets in this city.

Do you know anyone who died of AIDS?

Yes, Rock Hudson.

I Freard there is a problem in the European Common Marked...

...the Italians are demanding larger condoms

- I heard it about Argentineans. - Then it must be a joke.

If memory serves me, you were standard.

That is so.

I read they invented a condom for women.

All this progress and here we are suffering.

What did you do when you were my age?

Then we were terrified of getting pregnant.

There were no contraceptives, but we got along.

We did lots of things.

Like what?

You know.

Do you want to see yourself in close up?

Ok.

- That's enough. - Let's go on.

- Yes. - Ok.

Then come a little farther back here with me.

Come sit over here.

And put this on.

- Yes. - Why here?

So we can see our full bodies.

You're crazy. I'm going to change in the bathroom.

It's just to get over the fear of the camera.

I’m not afraid of the camera.

But the frame can't be left empty.

Fine! Then you strip there.

Why should i?

- What do you think? - Beautiful!

Just like Lilia Prado in "La llusion Viaja en Tranvia".

Be quiet!

- Won't there be gross details? - When we really tape it?

I already told you I don't want to show, I want to suggest.

Ok, and what we don't like, I mean what you don't like...

...we can throw away, right?

In editing? No, everything must be done with no cuts.

At least i won't get graded.

I'm grading you and you get an A in advance.

They have safety pins.

Couldn't there be a kind of fog that made everything look hazy?

Like a mist. Yes. Wait a minute. I have an idea.

Thank God you’ve got an idea.

God, I’m so nervous!

Ok, help me put this on.

Make sure it fits around that edge.

What do you think?

A cross between a condom and an incubator.

The effect will be great.

Now what?

We act like you seduce me here.

Here in front of the camera?

It symbolizes the eye of God the Father.

What an idea.

Ok, let s see.

In what position?

Well... in full lotus.

On this machine? That would really be living on the edge.

I'll be below you in the missionary position.

Let's see.

- Does that bother you? - That's good.

Do I bother you?

Shall we begin?

No, not so fast. Otherwise they won’t be able to make it out.

We'll go faster and faster.

We'll reach orgasm at the count of three - 1, 2, 3

I'ts too hot.

I’m melting.

Did you like the bit with the soap bubbles?

It's a metaphor for the fragility of human relations.

I hope they understand it.

Allow me.

There, there. All better now.

What’s the matter? Are you leaving already? You see?

It’s just that I left my son alone and I'm worried.

Look limping with my right foot. He's a terror.

Thank you.

What do you think of my actingi?

You're the best.

Really? Thank you.

When are we going to fake it for the camera?

I don't know I need to get another rooftop.

Confess, you did all this just to seduce me.

I have to take this test. Otherwise i'll flunk.

Wait a little and we'll do it right now.

Stay, I promise you a surprise.

I can't. You know I have responsibilities.

But get in touch and we'll make a date.

I Hope you don’t avoid me for another two years.

I won't.

- Then can I call you? - Of course.

Oh, and in case you are the one who disappears...

...I want to ask you a favor.

Don't forget me when you become a director.

I have always dreamed of being an actress.

Let me appear in all your movies.

Even if it's just walking, by in a crowd, ok?

End of project for sophomore year.

There were a lot of mistakes, mother

The worst one was my agreeing to help you.

- You re going to flunk. - Mother...

...I met the main condition of no cuts.

But you aren’t going to present it.

No one will ever see that videotape, son, because i...

...we are going to destroy it.

And don't get me wrong. I’m not ashamed, or sorry I did it.

Tonight and the day you you were born...

...are the best moments of my life.

It was as if your father was reborn

Son, you must understand...

We taped more than... than what we planned and...

Then it isn't true that you needed me as an actress.

It was all an excuse.

Don't touch that! I won't give it to you!

Damn it. let me in!

Son, son!

Aisel!

Mommy, why did you put up a sign not to come up or talk?

was helping your brother with his homework.

What did you do to my TV?

How was the highway?

You know how the outskirts of Queretaro get.

My mother didn’t finish the bedspread.

Yes. I’ll call her later.

Ok, down you go!

I'll be right down to fix you supper.

Some day you'll do it again with a professional actress.

With the best of her time.

And it will be a great success. Really.

If your father were alive, he would be proud of you.

You’re going to be...

You are a good director. Really.

Keep it It was your father's.

You are already married to the movies.

Don't you dare touch that videotape...

...or you'll answer to me, mother.

Maria, all basked was that you water them over the weekend...

...and you couldn’t even do that.

What s the matter? What’s burning?

Nothing. Go over there, I'll bring your dinner in a moment.

What is it? What’s the matter?

Did you fight?

What do you mean no? Just look at you.

Did you hit her?

Don't even think that.

Gome on, find your dill. Where is she?

Here, make her a little dress. You know how.

Here are the scissors.

I’ll get you some dinner.

I haven't see you like this since Juan died.

Come on, come on. Give us a little smile, my Merry Widow.

What did youi two do? Wtiat did you burn?

I ruined his school project.

And he offended you. I know he did.

You see what you get for helping him?

You made the wardrobe, decorated the roof...

...and he insults you.

Don’t fell me you acted?

The people who were going to help him didn’t ever show up...

...and we had to do it ourselves.

But you haven't acted since you were young.

What did he expect?

You know what, Maria?

I love him like our daughter, but he's too big to live here.

He has to get out on his own.

I’ll talk to him tomorrow.

Or you should.

It's about time you cut the umbilical cord.

Don't worry...

...he'll never come back.

But we will hear wonderful things about him.

Because he has sensitivity and talent.

And I hope what I did to him today was like...

...like pruning a little tree.

..so that in the future, he will overcome any obstacle...

...so nothing will keep him from expressing himself.