Original subtitles

In the early 20th century a colony of artists settled in Skagen -

- a remote place in Denmark.

The exceptional light attracted the artist couple Søren and Marie Krøyer -

- who stood out thanks to Søren's expert talent and international fame.

Based on a true story inspired by-Anastassia Arnold's biography "The Passion of Marie Krøyer".

Søren.

Søren?

Take a look at it, please.

Of course.

It's nice. Very nice.

But even though it's light - it doesn't light up. Look at my hand.

See how the light makes it glow? So full of life?

You must see the life in the colors.

Thank you.

Vibs.

Tell Mom that Tannhäuser beckons.

- Tann... - Tannhäuser.

- Dad says that Tann... - Haüser.

- Tannhäuser beckons. - I heard your naughty dad.

Want to try Mommy's brushes?

Tannhäuser mounts the mount of Venus.

No.

- I'm not worthy of soiling the beauty. - Søren...

No. Oh, well... The belly rumbles.

Could you see to it that lunch is prepared?

Aren't you excited, Vibs?

All the posh Copenhageners are coming to see Papa's paintings.

- Your cab is here, Mrs. Krøyer. - Thank you. My husband is coming.

All the ladies are wearing their most beautiful dresses.

What's the matter, Vibs?

Tell Mommy.

I'm afraid Papa will act all strange.

Dearest, don't worry.

Papa has been well for a long time.

Don't worry your head about that.

I understand it scares you now and then.

But it's his illness. He can't help it.

Most of the time he's sweet and good and the nicest papa.

And I'm there to look after you.

You and I have to stand together. Right, Vibs?

Here you are. Thank you.

Marie.

One of the men called you the most beautiful woman in Europe.

Nonsense.

I don't know if I'm me or the woman in the paintings?

Poor Marie.

- Who's that? - Lachmann, the attorney.

Ladies and gentlemen.

As a member of the board - I am honored and delighted -

- to welcome you to this the great event of the year.

Were it not for my personal friendship with our dear master Krøyer -

- and his enchanting wife Marie -

- we'd never have lured them to Copenhagen from their windy Skagen.

I hereby declare the exhibition open.

Excuse me. Do you know the works?

I've read about the exhibition and Krøyer's works.

"The essence of sensuality and beauty."

I must say he has succeeded.

The sensuality comes out in the most sublime way.

It's far easier to paint a businessman than a fisherman.

And I'll tell you why. The fisherman is complicated.

A businessman struggles with stocks and bonds.

The fisherman's struggle is one of life and death.

I can paint a businessman in a cigar's time.

The fisherman...

Well, he takes an entire day. Excuse me, gentlemen.

May I invite you for a cup of coffee?

Yes, please.

- Do you know the woman? - Yes. We're good friends.

Right. Vibs, take this.

Hold on to the tail.

I'll run ahead, you follow and let go at my command.

Run!

Vibs, would you like to try? Hold on tight.

Dear friends.

Thank you for coming to celebrate my beloved Søren's birthday.

Cheers and congratulations, Søren. Three cheers.

- Congratulations, Papa. - Thank you.

My dear, dear friends. I'm the happiest man in the world.

Look at me. I'm a prince.

It's raining oranges down on me -

- like sorrows rain down on others. I am so very happy.

Words can't describe how happy I am. Cheers.

The Copenhagen exhibition was a huge success. Orders are pouring in.

Krøyer is more popular than ever. You must be very content.

Everyone, get up and follow me.

Come along.

Hurry up.

Agnete, let's clear the table.

Marie, don't stand out there. Come and join in the fun, darling.

What a pity.

- What a pity, little Vibs. - Come here, little Vibs.

Henny, no cheating.

Oh dear, Marie. Away with your chair.

I'm worried about him. He's always like this before he snaps.

Maybe you should call Dr. Lange.

And you know you can always turn to me.

Thank you, dear Lachmann.

Marie.

Wake up.

Wake up. Come, Marie.

Don't tell anyone. Promise, darling?

They've put a price on my head.

- Nobody is out to get you. - Yes. They blame me.

They've offered a reward.

Where are we going to flee?

I'm not mad, Marie.

It's all the... creatures inside me.

I know, Søren.

Where did he go? Your prince?

- He's right here. - Is he?

- Do you still see him? - Yes.

He's dressed in white.

His eyes shine like crystal.

Do you see his mouth? It's so beautiful.

Soft to the touch.

But...

There's a snake in Paradise.

Hold the snake, my Queen. Hold Tannhäuser.

Bite the apple.

- I'm no man anymore. - It's your illness, Søren.

You think you know it all.

But you don't know anything.

You're just an untalented little wretch.

But they've put a price on the big whore.

They will catch her and cut her up like a pig to the slaughter.

Søren...

I'm going to kill you, Marie.

- That will make the illness go away. - Søren, you're making all this up.

Dr. Lange wrote that you need to rest your nerves.

This is best for all of us. For me, Vibeke and for you.

Can you forgive me?

How do you do, Mr. Krøyer. And welcome back.

Don't leave me.

- You must be brave for us all. - I love you, Marie.

Please don't visit Mr. Krøyer until there are signs of progress.

- I'll write and keep you informed. - Thank you.

We've been very pleased with your work lately. Here's a little bonus.

I trust Mr. Krøyer's little bad spell will remain within these four walls?

Thank you.

- How are we going to manage, Vibs? - Its arm is broken.

We'll put it back on, then.

"Suddenly, through the window came a burst of song."

"It was the little live nightingale who sat outside on a spray."

"He had heard of his Emperor's plight and had come to sing of hope."

Would you like to sleep in my room tonight?

I want to go home.

I want to go home because they're going to kill my wife.

I want to go home. They're going to kill my wife.

I don't want her to die before I've spoken to her.

I want to go home. Stop the execution!

Stop the execution! Stop the execution!

I demand to see the king!

Tell His Majesty -

- that P.S. Krøyer wants to talk to him.

I was with you, Marie.

I heard how those brutes dragged your body across the prison floor.

I was with you. I saw your eyes -

- when the bullets tore your body apart. I was with you in death.

I was there when the worms dug into your beautiful body.

I was with you in the coffin, Marie.

Marie, we died together.

- We died together. - I'm not Marie, Mr. Krøyer.

Dr. Lange says it may take weeks. Months even.

How are you coping?

Would you like some more cocoa?

- Why is everyone staring at me? - Because you're famous.

Famous for nothing.

It's true. All I'm famous for is being Søren's beautiful wife.

- Don't smile. - Sorry.

What's the matter with you?

You've met someone.

- Who? - A Swede. I think I'm in love.

- Can I have more cream? - Yes.

I don't even know if he loves me. I've never experienced anything like it.

Like what?

He is an extraordinary lover.

- Not in front of a child! - Is Søren good in bed?

- One doesn't ask questions like that. - I do.

I'm sorry.

I thought I was married to a strong man who could take on the world.

- But our life is a living hell. - Marie.

If you and Vibs need a vacation, come with me to Sweden this summer.

Nobody knows you there.

I can't.

How is he?

Dr. Lange says he's making progress.

It's no joke when the breadwinner goes mad. Can you eat a lobster?

Lobster is for festive occasions. I'm not feeling very festive.

You're making too big a fuss.

I'm sure all your problems will find a happy solution soon.

I assure you I will do anything in my power to help you.

- And Mr. Krøyer. - Thank you, my dear Lachmann.

Mr. Krøyer has made great progress. His condition is much better.

I think it will do him good to come home.

Søren.

Marie?

Is that you, Marie?

It's me, Søren.

But you're alive?

Yes, my darling Marie, you're alive.

Let me touch you. It really is you?

It's me.

Yes, it is you.

My poor Marie. You're so fair and fragile.

- I will look after you. - I know, Søren.

- Do you know what day it is? - What day is it?

Our wedding day.

I've been in a horrible darkness.

Everything disappeared.

But that didn't matter. I could bear it.

It didn't get to me until they killed you.

They didn't kill me, Søren.

I know that now. But I didn't then.

It's over now.

Are they going to let me out?

I'm here to take you home.

- You won't leave me? - No.

You're still young and beautiful.

What do you want with an old wreck like me?

I love you.

Can we rediscover...

- What does Ibsen call it? - "The wonderful".

The wonderful. Do you think we can?

Drink your lemonade.

I've made a mess of everything.

It's not your fault alone.

I have a large exhibition in Paris.

I've been recommended for La Légion d'honneur.

No Danish artist has ever received that order.

Our dreams have come true, haven't they?

I'm tired. I need to go inside and rest.

Will you give me a hand?

I saw it. I see everything.

- What did you see? - I saw you crying.

Just now in the garden.

Why were you crying?

Because it was so sad.

- About me? - About us.

- You're lying. - I never lie.

No, but...

You said: All the things that have come between us and our dreams.

But you really meant:

All the things that have come between you and your dreams.

Isn't that so?

Aren't those the thoughts you keep when my back is turned?

No?

In my bright moments at the asylum -

- I thought about you.

About you. Your life.

I know I've ruined a lot for you, but not on purpose.

It's because God has cursed me with a monstrous talent.

And I do understand your artistic yearnings.

No one understands better than me. But...

How do I put this without hurting your feelings?

I love you as a woman and as a human being -

- but I see your desire to become an artist, too -

- and I understand your torment. But art is easy. Life is the hard part.

There's so much more to you than art.

I can paint like nobody else. It comes easy to me.

I...

I have it in me, but...

Marie, you don't.

Even if you worked until the end of time, you'd never get it.

God hasn't breathed on you.

Your life would be much happier, if you gave it up.

Will you fluff my pillow for me?

Vibeke, sit still. Don't move.

- She's tired. It's been two hours. - Spare me the pettiness.

No pettiness, please.

Marie, I see you. Damn, do I see you.

You can look now.

Well?

- What do you think? - It's beautiful.

It is. We're beautiful. Don't we look splendid?

- Why am I not in it? - But you're the dog, little Vibs.

- See? You look like the dog. - It doesn't look like me.

It's much prettier than you. You'll never be as pretty as that dog.

- Be quiet, Søren. - She loves me. Don't you, Vibs?

You love me! You love your old Papa.

Stop it, Søren. It's too much.

Welcome, Lachmann. Welcome.

Welcome. Welcome, Your Excellency.

Thank you. Happy to see you. Charmed, I'm sure.

- How do you do, Krøyer. - Henny!

- Nice to see you again. - Give everyone a glass.

There we are. Cheers.

Let us drink to the world. Let us drink to... life.

Let us drink to art.

The Ambassador can't wait to see your works.

Well, I've never been better. And that's saying something.

And now, the paintings.

Vibeke, come along. Marie, inside.

Take it easy, Søren. There's no rush.

You, inside. Please wait here one moment.

You may enter now.

- It will cause a sensation. - And so I ask you:

Does art surpass reality, or does reality surpass art?

Reality is art!

Champagne! More champagne!

The world must know that we exist!

A true artist.

I got it!

Vibeke, fetch! Vibeke.

Come along. Fetch!

Over there. Fetch, Vibs!

Very good. Heel!

Get down on all fours.

You call yourself a hound? Hold it by your teeth!

There you go, Vibs. Yes, fetch!

- Is she happy? - She's beautiful.

Don't you see how unhappy she is? The woman in the painting?

What have those two got in common?

Why is there a distance between them?

I thought we were going to fight to rediscover the wonderful.

I'm suffocating. Don't you understand?

Are you leaving me?

Are you leaving me?

I can't. I would if I could.

What is holding you back?

Marie!

He was horrible to Vibs.

It's not the first time.

Is everything this bad?

I can't go on. Not like this.

But what can you do?

I'm considering going to Sweden this summer to visit a friend.

- Me and Vibs. - Do it.

- But I can't leave him on his own. - Do it, Marie. I'll look after Søren.

- Who are you? - Hugo Alfvén.

Hugo Alfvén. You're Swedish.

Yes. Swedish as hell.

- Am I bothering you? - Say something.

- Why don't you say something? - My name is Hugo Alfvén.

I already said that.

I'm a composer. Swedish, well, obviously.

- I'm sorry. - Say more.

I've written two symphonies -

- chamber music, songs, choral works.

Marie Krøyer is my name.

I've never met a woman who doesn't open her eyes in front of a stranger.

I would like you to walk again while talking.

I just arrived at the hotel.

I'm a composer from Stockholm.

I already said that.

- I'm sorry. I can't be spontaneous. - Just say what enters your mind.

I've never seen a more beautiful woman in my life.

Never.

You, Marie Krøyer, are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.

I see you've met and spared me the introductions.

Coffee?

He's so nice to her.

- Søren said something that stung. - What did he say?

Art is no comfort.

Søren and I tried to live up to a picture postcard that didn't exist.

The talented artist and his beautiful, happy wife.

"Tried"?

Whenever we failed, I found comfort in painting.

In my dream of becoming an artist.

He didn't say it to be mean. He just told me the truth.

I don't have it in me, Anna.

It was just an excuse not to face up to it.

- I've given up painting. - What do you have to face up to?

All the things that aren't there.

Do you think I can find my way back?

- To what? - Myself.

A woman shouldn't find herself. She should find a man.

- That will make her happy. - You do hold yourself in low esteem.

I hold men in low esteem.

Excuse me. I have to go to the bathroom.

Anna?

- Marie Krøyer. - I don't want to disturb you.

You aren't.

- Did I wake you? - Thank you for the music.

Call me Marie. What were you playing?

- A new piece. - Called?

Nothing... yet.

Thank you for playing with Vibeke. She hasn't slept this well for a while.

- Let me be honest. - Haven't you been so far?

I've had an affair with Anna. But it's over now.

- That's none of my business. - I didn't mean it like that.

What do you mean?

The first time I saw you, I was swept away.

- Aren't you a married man? - No.

There's... only me.

But I'm a married woman, and my child is asleep upstairs.

- So is Anna. - But I love my husband.

Marie.

This is for you.

Thank you.

Vibeke and I are so happy to be here. We needed it.

- Anna, you and... - Hugo.

- What is between you? - Something we've regretted.

- Is that all? - He came to end the affair properly.

- Anna? - Yes.

Am I hurting you?

- Beware of Hugo. - What do you mean?

More wine?

- Anna? - No thanks.

- Vibeke, more ice cream? - I have a tummy ache.

- Do you want to go to the room? - Soon.

- I'll go with Vibeke. You can stay. - No, I don't think so.

But I do.

- Come along. - Sure?

Yes, I'm sure. Let's go.

I want to stay with Papa Hugo.

I'll tell you a bedtime story. Wouldn't you like that?

- Good night. - Good night.

Good night.

Did you hear her? She called me papa.

I ought to go with her.

This is no coincidence. I've seen you before.

I gave a concert in Copenhagen -

- and then I went to an exhibition and saw your husband's paintings of you.

I hate those paintings.

- They don't do you justice. - That's not why I hate them.

- I know why you hate them. - You do?

They only show your outer beauty.

No, Hugo. I can't.

Marie...

There's only us. Only you and I.

I saw you too.

What do you mean?

At the Copenhagen exhibition.

I saw you.

Well, how do I look?

Don't I look splendid? Have you seen my Légion d'honneur?

I was presented with it yesterday at the embassy.

Magnificent event. The French have style.

The ambassador sent his regards to my beautiful wife.

- How was Sweden? - Fine.

- You'd better get changed. - I can't go on.

All of Copenhagen is waiting for you.

Søren, don't you understand?

In the two hours I've been here you've done nothing but talk about yourself.

I'm sorry. You're right.

I haven't had anyone to share it with. I've missed my Marie.

Tell me all about Sweden. Did you find yourself there?

Horrid thought, really. To find oneself.

Who the hell wants to find oneself?

To be confronted with the naked cadaver in all its misery.

- I'd never let you down, Søren. - And I love you for that. I love you.

- Something happened in Sweden. - We're late.

- I lose myself in my love for you. - I'm condemned to drag myself about.

- What did you dream of? - Love.

And you didn't find that with me?

Is he Danish?

- What does that mean? - Will I be the laughing-stock or not?

Swedish.

And what is this Swede called?

Alfvén. Hugo Alfvén.

- And what does this Hugo do? - He's a composer.

I've never heard of a Swedish composer named Hugo. Is he famous?

Does it matter? I'm not interested in his music.

That will benefit your relationship.

- Is he old like me? - You're not old.

Like you?

And what is the point of this little confession?

- I can't go on. - How do you mean?

- Do you want a withering wife? - Should I cry over this gift of grace?

You should understand that painful as it may be, it's our only chance to...

... to find the wonderful?

We love each other, but we can't find it.

- Isn't it just a hollow dream? - That we can't find it?

No. This your new love.

Only now do I understand what love is.

And it's Hugo.

Just a moment!

Forgive me.

Divorce is out of the question.

If you insist on living in sin with hopeful Hugo, know this:

Vibeke is staying with me.

- You can't take her away from me. - It's not revenge. It's for her sake.

- Don't go! - Why this sudden maternal feeling?

Stop it!

If you don't leave tonight, do me a favor and find another hotel.

Thank you.

- Thank you. - One moment, Mrs. Krøyer.

Oh, Marie. There you are.

I haven't slept a wink. Are you intent on leaving me?

We can't talk here. Let's go. Thank you.

My darling Marie.

I thought it was a fantasy, a whim.

Forgive me. Now I know you're serious.

I'm going to fall apart. What am I going to do, if my life disappears?

I can't live without you. I'm going to fall apart.

I need you by my side. I need to feel that life is there.

Real life. Please forgive me.

I promise to change. I'm going to change my life.

- You don't understand a thing. - I understand everything.

For once I didn't enjoy being the center of attention.

I could only think of you.

- Now I understand, Marie. - What do you understand?

The Gordian knot. You...

You love him. I love you.

And I can't... be without you.

I didn't understand that until last night.

I'm going to invite Hugo to Skagen.

I'll rent a house for him in the dunes.

You can visit him when I work. What you do when I'm not looking -

- I don't want to know. And I don't want anyone else to know either.

- Nobody can bear that. - I'll bear anything to keep you.

One can't give such huge gifts.

I'm not giving. I'm receiving.

- I love you. - I love you, Marie.

I love you.

Will you come with me back to my hotel?

Marie...

Smile, Marie. Smile.

Smile all the time and be happy. Remember that we're...

We're here to pick up our house guest.

And what's his name again? Hugo. I must try to remember.

Hugo! My dear friend.

Look happy to see me again, damn it. I'm Søren.

- Søren. Brother. - Hugo!

- Søren! - Hugo, my dear...

Come along, dear friend.

Thank you for your magnanimity. It's almost embarrassing.

No. I'm rich and famous. You're not.

Hugo didn't mean wealth and fame.

You can spend the days together, but not the nights.

And I won't be offended in my own house. Understood?

- Papa Hugo! - Little Vibs. I've missed you.

- How are you? - Put her down.

- Be careful. - This is my bicycle.

Can you ride it?

I've furnished it.

To live here is like living in you.

Everything I compose here I will dedicate to you.

Oh, there you are.

- Where's Vibs? - Inside. I fell asleep.

I've been working all day. Come and sit down.

- I have to prepare dinner. - No, don't worry about dinner.

I found it impossible to work.

Henny looked after Vibs, Vibs loves her dearly.

She has prepared dinner for us.

Seeing as you don't have time for that.

Marie. Look what we've made.

Vibeke is such a clever girl.

Isn't life marvelous? Cheers.

I toast you, Hugo. My life's savior.

Well, Hugo, my friend.

Are you getting any composing done in the dunes?

I'm working on a piece called "Midsummer Vigil".

"Midsummer Vigil". "Midsummer Vigil".

Sounds awfully Swedish. Play it for us.

- Søren... - Hell, let's hear some music.

Play for us. Play your "Midsummer Vigil".

Now, sweetheart. Tell me -

- who do you like best? Papa or Papa Hugo?

- Tell me. Where are you going? - Outside with Vibs.

Stay here!

- Mr. Krøyer... - Shut up! It's my house, my wife. Sit!

- Answer me. Papa or Papa Hugo? - You're scaring her.

You're not scared of me, are you?

- So tell me. Which one of us? - None of you.

That won't do. You have to choose.

I know a Swede by the name of Persson. Do you know him?

No.

Answer me. Who do you love the most? Me or him?

- Give me the gun. - Nobody talks like that to me.

Are you scared, Marie? Love's sister is afraid, eh?

- Give it to me! - Damn you, Swede!

Well, let's have some dessert.

Sit down, Mrs. Krøyer.

I told you, your problems will be solved.

- How is your painting coming along? - I haven't got it in me.

- I'm sure you do. - It's not a necessity anymore.

Your presence in this room makes me realize how drab it is.

What can I do for you, Mrs. Krøyer?

- You know how conscientious I am. - As I've told Mr. Krøyer many a time:

He doesn't know how grateful he ought to be for your endurance.

He threatened me and our daughter -

- with a loaded shotgun.

I've never been more scared. He hadn't a shred of humanity left in him.

- I was sure he was going to kill us. - Poor thing. Would you like a brandy?

- I can't go on. - Do you want me to call Dr. Lange?

When he's discharged, hell will start all over again.

It will never end.

- Have you and Krøyer discussed... - Divorce?

Yes. I know how hard you have struggled to preserve your marriage.

I know how brave you've been. No one knows it better than me.

Please don't think me forward, but I have a large house in here in town.

I live there on my own. You're welcome to move in with me.

- With your child, of course. - It's nice of you, Lachmann.

But Søren won't hear of divorce. Will you talk some sense into him?

I'm sure Mr. Krøyer and I can have a sensible man-to- man talk about this.

- I'm not on my own. - What do you mean?

- I didn't intend to tell you. - Tell me what?

I've met another man who loves me.

And I love him with all of my heart.

It is a complicated matter.

But didn't you say you could talk some sense into him?

I can, and I'll be happy to.

But I also know how much Mr. Krøyer loves you.

He won't give you up without a fight.

Mr. Krøyer is a great man, a famous and highly decorated man.

Whom will people believe? Him or a woman leaving him for another man?

- I thought you wanted to help me. - I will. But it will be difficult.

You will be seen as a treacherous woman and judged harshly.

- Thank you for your time. - Wait.

You're right. I've been naïve.

In my primitive lawyer's imagination I thought that maybe -

- when things were different, if they were to become different...

Under different circumstances...

Forgive me my improper thoughts.

Let me at least help you at a distance.

Let's be sensible. You're going away.

Someone has to take care of Søren's, yours and Vibeke's interests.

- Let me at least help you with that. - And talk some sense into Søren.

The law is on his side.

Your position is weak... In the eyes of the law.

- No child can live in a loveless home. - The law doesn't understand that.

Do something, Lachmann.

Do something.

Vibs can't live alone with her sick father.

During his bad spells... He loses control.

Help me.

I could ask the district doctor in Skagen, an old friend -

- to keep an eye on Søren and call me, if he suffers a relapse.

Then I could ask the authorities to remove the child.

But such a measure requires you to give me a power of attorney.

- A power of attorney? - Yes. Make me her guardian.

- Is that the only way you can help? - I see no other.

Very well. Draw up a power of attorney for Vibeke's sake.

I'll have my head clerk do it right away.

- I could do with a brandy now. - I'm sorry. How selfish of me.

Excuse me one moment, Mrs. Krøyer.

Marie, is that you? Won't you come inside?

I just came to thank you for looking after Vibeke during our hard times.

- Why of course. - I have a bigger favor to ask of you.

You know how things stand -

- and she is awfully fond of you. It almost makes me jealous.

She's fond of you too. She's confused, that's all.

Hugo and I have to leave. There is no other option.

The sight of us torments Søren, and I don't blame him.

But it doesn't change how I feel. Not anymore.

Do you understand, Henny?

- I think so. - Søren needs security. A home.

You're such an affectionate woman, Henny. Not a bad bone in your body.

- I say that in admiration. - What do you want to ask of me?

The law forbids me to take Vibs with me.

I don't think I can live without her.

Will you take care of Vibs while I'm gone?

- Oh, dear God. - Why are you crying?

I've always wanted a child. I haven't been this happy in years.

Thank you for your trust, Marie.

I've never worked this well before. I've never been this happy before.

- It's just like the first time we met. - My eyes are open now.

Yes, your eyes are open now.

Nothing inspires a composer more than silence.

And here, in the middle of the Swedish archipelago.

My new symphony. It isn't about anything.

It is something.

- What is it? - Light.

Light and joy.

Light and joy.

- Why are you looking so secretive? - Am I?

Will your inspiration vanish, if the silence is broken?

No. Not if you break it.

And if it were a child?

A child?

I'm pregnant, Hugo.

- Are you sure? - A woman knows.

Congratulations.

Our real life starts now. The life we've been dreaming of.

- What? - Look under your plate.

Read it.

He has agreed to the divorce.

Isn't it wonderful?

We can finally live as man and wife.

We don't have to live in sin with our little child.

Let's get married right here in the wild. Wouldn't that be beautiful?

And where are we going to live? Let's stay here.

In Denmark I'm the unfaithful wife. Here in Sweden we can start over.

It would do Vibs good, too.

- Are you listening? - Yes.

- What do you think? - About what?

- You're not listening. - I am.

- Are we going to live here or there? - I don't know.

- You sound as if you don't care. - I do.

I'm sorry. Where do you want to live?

I already said. Aren't you happy?

I'm happy.

You don't seem happy.

I'm nervous.

- For me? - For you and the child.

It will be fine. I've tried it before.

And we'll find the best doctor to bring our child safely into the world.

I'm an artist, Marie. I need my freedom.

- If I can't create, I'm useless. - Will a child hinder your creativity?

- I fear that. - I'm there to give you that freedom.

I don't want you on my conscience.

You don't sacrifice yourself. You give yourself and get love.

What you call a calling from God is also an obligation.

- God demands it, art demands it. - Do you regret all this?

- No. - Is it the child then?

- No. - Is it because I talk of marriage?

- No. - Then what is it?

Why all this talk of obstacles? Aren't you at all happy?

I can't. I can't get married.

What?

I should have told you earlier, but I couldn't.

I'm engaged.

I was engaged when we met.

But the sight of you drove me crazy.

Made me reckless.

I promised to marry her as soon as she left her husband.

- And she has left her husband now. - I left my husband, too.

I never asked you to.

I love you, Marie, but I can't let her down.

- But you can let me down. - I told you. I need my freedom.

Without that I'm nothing. I need boundless...

- You don't fear for your freedom. - So what do I fear?

Me.

What about the child?

I will never forgive you for this.

Marie? You're back?

- May I come in? - Why of course. Come in.

Aren't you going to greet your mother?

Let's go and sit down.

- How is Søren? - He tries to work.

But his poor eyesight is making it almost impossible for him to paint.

So he sleeps most of the time.

And Vibs is such a clever girl. Show your mother all you've learned.

Show her your exercise books.

You've made such progress while Mommy's been away.

- Do you want me to wake him? - Will you?

Søren, Marie is here.

Marie.

- Marie, you've come back? - It's too late.

- Is it his? - It's mine.

I thought you were happy.

So why don't you come back?

We'll say it's my child.

No one will point fingers at you. You will still be Mrs. Krøyer.

After I've let you down, I should hide behind your name?

We've let each other down.

Your hands are cold.

Please put them on my forehead.

You know I love you.

No one on earth will ever love you as much as I.

And no one understands you as well as I do.

- That's true. - No one understands me like you.

But there is an abyss between us.

- We could try. - Haven't we tried?

Yes.

- But where will you go? - Where?

- What with the child and everything? - I'll find a way.

We're still married. On paper. I'm obligated to provide for you.

I'll have Lachmann transfer some money to you.

That will make everything... a little easier.

Thank you, Søren.

Marie... Say something.

- What do you want me to say? - Say something about yourself.

You never talk about yourself.

Do you know what your first word to me was?

- No, what? - Champagne.

Damned right.

Damned right. Oh, Marie.

Aren't we the happiest people in the whole world?

Aren't you and I the happiest people in the whole world?

There!

It's a beautiful little girl.

Look, Mrs. Krøyer. She's smiling at you.

Merry Christmas.

Come in.

It's so sad to think of you sitting all alone here on Christmas Eve.

You must know many in Copenhagen.

I prefer to be alone.

You're welcome to join my wife and me. The more, the merrier.

- Merry Christmas. - Merry Christmas.

- Come in. - A gentleman insists on seeing you.

A Mr. Alfvén.

- I don't want to talk to him. - Marie, I need to talk to you.

I have to talk to you.

You know where you can find me.

I've traveled all day and all night.

Christmas Eve is not a night for traveling.

- Why did you come? - I love you. I can't live without you.

I can't work. I sit down at the piano, and I see you and hear your voice.

I've broken off the other engagement, so there are no obstacles now.

Please forgive me. I've been such an idiot.

A bastard.

Forgive me.

- Too much love isn't suffocating? - I'm all the wiser now.

I know that under no circumstances do I want us to be apart.

What about your freedom to create?

A man can't live by art alone. You taught me that.

I realized too late what a treasure I held in my hands.

- Don't you want to see your child? - Yes.

- It's beautiful. - It's a little girl.

May I?

She's looking at me.

Hello. It's your father.

Can you say father?

She spoke to me.

- What is her name? - I haven't decided on a name.

What are we going to call you, little girl?

You are both so beautiful.

Please believe me, Marie. You hold my happiness in your hands.

I love you.

Our love comes before anything else.

Marry me, Marie. For our sake.

For Vibeke's sake.

If you only knew how much I miss Vibeke.

Not a day goes by that I don't...

I will never let down a child again.

As long as we aren't married, she's mine alone -

- and no one can threaten me.

- Is that how you perceive me? - No, not now.

Now I love you.

And I can feel that you love me. I believe every word you say.

Every bone in my body cries out to me to give myself to you.

To feel you inside me. To be together as only we can.

But everything can soon change -

- and then no one remembers the bliss. Only evil remains.

I will wait for you, Marie.

Today we lay to rest one of Denmark's great sons.

The greatest painter Denmark has ever known.

The financial side of things will soon be settled.

I presume you have no objections to his will?

That leaves only one problem unsolved.

- The child. - The child?

- Vibeke. - Oh, but I've rented a house.

But I'm obligated to think of the welfare of the child.

- I don't understand. - You gave me a power of attorney.

- That was to protect her. - Which I'm doing. I'm her guardian.

Don't forget, my dear. You had deserted your family.

- I demand to see her. - You will.

- Where is she? - Let me outline your options.

- Options? - Vibeke is to determine her own fate.

- What do you mean? - I have no offers for you, only terms.

Sit down.

As you wish.

Sit down.

Vibeke is on her way. I will ask her a very simple question.

Do you want to live with your mother, or do you want to live with Henny?

- She's my child. - As her guardian I can do as I please.

A woman who betrays her husband and has an illegitimate child -

- has not got much of a say in this world. Nor in the legal world.

I decide. You are not to speak or gesture to the child.

Are we agreed? Good. I will fetch the child.

Vibeke.

I want you to answer me truthfully and sincerely.

Will you promise me that? Good.

Don't be afraid. No one is going to get angry with you. Do you understand?

Good. Who are these people?

- My mother and Henny. - Yes. Do you like them?

You like your mother?

And you like Henny?

But you can't be with both of them at the same time. You do understand.

So you have to choose whom you want to live with.

Would you prefer to live with your mother or with Henny?

They both want you, you see. But you get to decide.

I've decided that.

So I ask you, Vibeke.

Who do you want to live with?

Would you prefer to live with your mother or with Henny?

You have to say something.

Go to her then.

I'm sorry.

I'm sure you can visit her as often as you like.

I do understand how hard it must be for you.

Just as hard as it is for me.

You must think I've been horrible.

That I've let you down and done everything wrong.

I have let you down.

And I don't blame you for being angry with me.

I really wanted to be a good mother and give you love and comfort.

But I couldn't. Do you understand me, little Vibs?

I haven't been happy. Yes, I was happy that I had you.

But I haven't been happy in my life.

And an unhappy person can't make another person happy.

I know I should have stayed with you.

And taken much better care of you than I did.

But it wouldn't have done you any good to see your mother so unhappy.

No matter how much you missed her.

If all you see are unhappy adults, you think that's what being an adult is.

But life isn't like that. One can be happy.

And that has nothing to do with one's parents.

It's all up to oneself.

You've taken the first step.

And that step leads away from me. So be it.

I just wanted to say that I hope -

- you will become a happy person in your own opinion.

Only your own opinion of yourself matters.

You can always knock on my door.

Goodbye, Vibs.

Mommy and Papa hope with all our hearts that you will be happy.