Original subtitles

You have to make yourself understood. 0therwise what's the use of it?

Let's go, Guido.

If what you have to say is interesting,

it must be so for everybody.

How can you not care if audiences understand?

I'm sorry, but that is arrogant and presumptuous

Commendatore, let's go over there. Inhale. Breathe deeply.

Hi, Guido.

I've saved you a spot by the jet.

I went to the spaceship this morning

and it's already gone up 50 meters...

Mario.

Guido, his Eminence is waiting for you. I repeat.

His Eminence is waiting.

Get dressed, quickly.

The Cardinal is already waiting.

Tell him everything.

Confess everything, don't hide anything

and if you have any spare time just put in a good word for me too.

It's a golden opportunity, Guido. The Cardinal! You're so lucky.

He can give dispensations for anything...

Remember my divorce in Mexico City. Get me my Mexican divorce.

He won't say no to you.

And above all show you're devout, throw yourself down on your knees,

kiss his ring, cry, say you've repented.

Getting in their good graces means you can have anything you want in life.

Listen to me.

Careful, Guido. We're in your hands.

You only get five minutes.

Your Eminence, I'm not happy.

Why should you be? That isn't your job.

Who told you we come into the world to be happy?

0rigen says in his homilies: Extra Ecclesiam nulla salus.

There's no salvation outside the church.

Extra Ecclesiam, nemo salvatur.

No one will meet salvation, outside the church.

Salus extra Ecclesiam, non est.

There's no salvation outside the church.

Civitas dei. He who isn't in the City of God,

belongs to the City of the Devil.

Come see this great human phenomenon, the fakir Siva,

who has broken all previous records...

our experiment is controlled daily by European experts...

20,000... 22... 23,000... and the lady in the back?

25,000? Very well, the bid is 24,000.

Do I hear 30,000?

Splendid. 35,000... 40,000. Going, going...

0ne more offer? 50,000, the bid is 50,000...

- When did you get here? - Around five.

We went to the hotel, but you weren't there.

How are you? - Fine, fine.

Who did you come with?

With Rossella and Enrico. Tilde's here too.

Good girl. You actually came. You look good, you know?

Hey there, Rossa.

It's been a year since we last danced together.

Luisa, darling. You're my treasure.

I'm so happy you came. It's always the same.

As soon you're away...

You feel lonely.

Is it true? Did you miss me? - Yes.

You weren't enjoying the company of all these lovely ladies?

So you've noticed them...

No flings since you left?

Poor Guido. And your famous virility?

- You smell so good. - Do you like it?

You're so light.

And how's your project going? Better?

Well, I don't think I've had any major breakthroughs.

But what's it about? What are you up to this time?

0h, sorry.

Listen, am I mistaken or has Enrico fallen for you?

She's adorable, isn't she?

Bravo. Very good.

Evening signora. So nice to have you here.

Thanks.

Maestro, we're at your service. Should we get going?

I'm coming.

My dear lady, tonight you'll see

the depths of insanity a producer can fall into.

Frankly, I'd rather not shake hands with this one.

The moment she touches you she knows what you're thinking.

Who else could it be?

Your guiding spirit.

Haven't you reached that stage of intimacy yet?

- May I introduce my sister? - Ah, the beautiful little sister!

You see the kind of women your director attracts?

Delighted to meet you, Commendatore.

I just finished a screenplay about nuclear warfare.

0nly a producer of your courage could get it made.

Does the beautiful sorceress belong to your harem too?

let's say I'm a sort of overseer.

So are you any better? Has your isolation helped?

You do look better. - Really?

No. Just kidding. Are you better? Actually, I was a little worried.

It was good of you to ask Luisa to come.

The very thought made her happy.

If you don't mind I'd rather not come. My presence is futile.

- Suit yourself. - No, my friend. I insist. Get in Conocchia's car.

Sweetie move it, go with Laura.

- Where's your wife? - I don't know. She was just here.

Rossella, come with us.

Yes, I want to tell you a strange story.

My sister was a nun. She died very young

and one night her portrait suddenly changed its expression.

Please, get in.

Changed as if it wanted to warn me about some danger...

I'll sit in the front.

So a couple days later my uncle says,

Let's go to the market, kid.

He drove an Isotta Fraschini... I was recounting a premonition...

So what do you think?

You have to be a little crazy to listen to this director.

Bundle up. It's damp.

Renato, where are you?

Here, Commendatore.

We've gotta be ready for the 20th.

Follow me, ladies. Careful. The ground is bumpy.

It seems to me we're a bit behind. - No. We're already up to 70 meters.

Listen, what's up with Luisa?

She's changed all of a sudden. She's turned so nervous and angry.

I don't know. She was so happy to come see you.

You might have said something that upset her.

- Never. - And what's this?

I find this extraordinarily fascinating.

This model will be superimposed on the structure,

to create the illusion that the rocket is on the launch pad.

- Am I right? - Right.

[Skipped item nr. 145]

This is the rocket's launch pad.

The most important moment in the movie.

No photos. - Just one, Commendatore.

What is your husband up to this time? Science fiction?

What do I know? Ask him.

Giancarlo wrote him such a beautiful story about Martians.

What is this amusement park for?

You have no idea what a job this was.

No construction company wanted to take it on.

It rests entirely on sand.

How much concrete did it take?

Tons! 400 tons.

Commendatore, if you don't mind,

I'll stop at the end of this first flight. I have vertigo.

For 80 million you could buy at least ten apartments.

It's a pompous shack, just like him.

The little sister-in-law is not exactly tender with our director.

Maybe she's in love with him. - With him?

I pray day and night that I'll be spared a husband like him.

What now? More climbing?

I'd be glad to carry you.

When I think he made me spend 80 million on this structure.

Wouldn't a well-crafted backdrop have been better?

A backdrop! That's out of your grandfather's time.

Besides, are they your millions, Conocchia?

Luisa, are you cold? Take my jacket.

No, no. Thank you.

Anyway, we're going back to the hotel.

Is something wrong?

You've gotten sad all of a sudden. Am I wrong?

No. I'm not sad at all.

The sequence starts with an image of planet Earth

completely wiped out by a thermonuclear war...

Guido seemed glad to see you, really.

...and the spaceship, our new Noah's Ark, tries to escape, while the rest of humanity

seeks refuge on another planet.

More than 10,000 extras, even 15,000, a tragic crowd.

We're really going to see all this in your movie?

The prophet is raising his voice. He's decided to scare everybody.

Why not? Don't tell me you also love movies where nothing happens?

In my movie I have all sorts of things happen.

I'm putting everything in. Even a tap-dancing sailor.

Sailor, come here.

What did you learn in America?

No, I don't want water. Dance and I'll give you a part.

Dance.

What's up with you? What's going on?

Rossella, cut the big sister tone. It puts me off right away.

Mr. Director, what part do I get?

What does Luisa think about me? What does she want to do?

What's my part? My part?

Go away!

You know Luisa. She doesn't say much.

Not even to me, and I'm her best friend.

I really don't know. She's lost.

0ne day she says one thing, another day, something else.

Unfortunately, I think the only thing she'd like

is for you to be someone else.

Why?

It's the mistake everyone makes.

But that kind little fellow, is he in love with her?

You'd like that, so your conscience won't gnaw at you anymore.

You're such a scoundrel.

Poor Enrico, he's so awkward. Everybody's noticed.

He hangs around, listens to her, keeps her company.

He's a great friend.

I thought my ideas were so clear.

I wanted to make an honest film. No lies whatsoever.

I thought I had something so simple to say.

Something useful to everybody.

A film that could help to bury forever

all those dead things we carry within ourselves.

Instead, I'm the one without the courage to bury anything at all.

And now I'm utterly confused. This launch pad to deal with...

I wonder why things turned out this way.

When did I go wrong?

I really have nothing to say...

but I want to say it all the same.

And your spirits, why don't they come to my rescue?

You always said they had plenty of messages for me.

Let them get to work!

I've already told you, your attitude is wrong,

Your curiosity toward them is childish.

You want too many guarantees.

- Fine, but what do they say? - Always the same thing. Even now.

They're very reasonable spirits. They know you very well.

So?

They say you're free, but you must learn to choose.

You don't have much time. And you have to hurry.

Guido, are you coming up? Yes or no?

Room 320, please.

Nobody's in.

Fine, thanks.

Have you got a headache?

No, it's a tranquilizer.

Do you take them often?

Sometimes, to help me sleep.

What's worrying you now?

What?

Nothing. If you could only see yourself.

Why are you laughing?

I don't think I could ever betray you, if only because I couldn't bear

the ridiculous effort of having to hide and lie.

But obviously it's easy for you.

Listen Luisa. I am very happy you're here,

but I am very tired and sleepy.

Sleep then. Good night.

I don't know what you think my life is like, reducing it all

to the pettiness of somebody stealing from the cookie jar.

What do you know about my life? What I hate and what I don't.

I only know what you show me.

What am I showing you?

Come on, tell me what you see.

You and your judgmental moralism. What are you getting at?

Nothing. I know we've been stagnating for years.

But it's you; you're the one who always calls me back

and wants to start all over again.

0nce and for all, I don't want to restart anything.

But what do you want?

Why did you want me here? What good am I to you?

What are you trying to get from me? What is it you want?

Don't fret. I'd already spotted her last night when I got in.

I've asked no questions, so don't say a word.

Spare me the embarrassment of having to listen to your lies.

She must have been born in March or April.

She's got all the characteristics of an Aries. She's the Aries type.

I'll tell you what type she is.

Exactly the type most likely to make

a good companion for feeble, spineless, confused men.

Luisa, I didn't know.

I'm seeing her for the first time, like you.

Really, in a place like this, where there are so many people,

it's no surprise to run into the poor thing.

So this is why you've been tormenting me since last night.

You should have told me.

What annoys me most is that people could think

I'd go with somebody who dresses that way.

Have you seen her clothes?

Listen, can't we go for a walk?

Let's not talk about this anymore.

It's been over for three years. Finished. Enough.

He drives me crazy. He pretends he's telling the truth.

He acts honest. As if he's the one who's right.

How can you live this way?

It's not right living this way,

not letting others know what's true and what's false.

Is it possible that for you it's all the same? How?

You're right. I know, I'm boring.

How sad having to play the bourgeois wife who doesn't understand.

You tell me, what should I do.

I really can't laugh about it the way you do.

No darling, I'm not laughing.

What do you tell her?

What disgusts me the most is that you've mixed her up in our life.

She knows everything about you and me.

That whore. Cow!

You're a real pain, you know.

And yet...

Signora Carla, you sing so well.

No, I'm just an amateur.

And how pretty you look.

I've wanted to meet you for so long. - And l, you.

You're so stylish.

No, you're the stylish one. Me, frankly, I'm a bit trashy.

What are you talking about? This is so refined.

Do you like it?

It's a little outfit I found in Vogue. - Really?

If you only knew how long it took me to find it.

But you know, when Carla wants something...

Here he comes!

Guido's here.

Good evening, women.

Close the door, there's a storm.

How are you? Well?

Every gift comes with its nametag.

Don't get mixed up. This is Caterina's.

He's a darling!

And this one is for my darling sister-in-law,

because she's finally understood how things should be.

We'll draw your bath right away.

Gloria, this is you-know-what.

Thanks. I need to talk to you, Guido.

I know what she wants to tell you.

Now we'll have to send her away because she's acting jealous.

What were you doing upstairs?

I went to see those poor things. They'd always be alone, if not for me.

The role doesn't suit her. She's only a common bourgeoise.

She has no class.

Leave him alone now. He's got to take his bath.

0h Guido, this is splendid, I've always wanted one like it.

Hurry, Carla, Hedy! Get the buckets.

Guido, my husband wrote.

He wants me home for New Year's, just for a day, do you mind?

If you do, I'll tell him I can't. - I think that will be fine.

Come on, Carlotta!

- Who's that little black girl? - A surprise from us.

She's from Hawaii, don't you remember her?

You told us about her so many times.

Thank you, Luisa. You're so kind.

Such a delicate little present.

That tiara is mine.

Yes, I know. I'll give it back to you later.

0h, darling!

What a thrill to find you here.

- How are you? - Fine.

But do tell me, who are you?

The name doesn't matter. I'm happy to be here.

Don't ask me any questions. - Can I stay?

0f course, you pretty thing. I'm busy now.

But later?

Rossella? What are you doing here?

Playing Pinocchio's wise cricket. Do you mind?

No. But why are you laughing?

It's nothing. I just want to see how you get out of this one.

You've finally got your harem, King Solomon!

- It was high time. - Sure was.

Lower me down.

Aren't you a little scared?

0f what? Everything is going great.

Can I stay too? I'm having such fun.

I don't want anything. I'll just watch you.

We have rules that must be respected. Do you know that?

Come, help me.

It's a two piece suit with a busby in ostrich feathers. Do you like it?

Hi Hedy, it's beautiful.

So, what are the rules?

I don't know. He promised me a part in his movie and said

I'd have to change dresses a lot.

Girls, that's enough. Get me out.

- Gloria, the talcum powder. - Ah, yes.

Guido, do you know she prepared something just the way you like it?

- Really? - A cake.

- Are you happy, girls? - 0f course!

Isn't this just what you always wanted?

Certainly! Isn't he the best kid in the world?

Nadine, hurry up with the powder!

0h Nadine, what was it you used to say in Copenhagen?

We're delighted to invite our passengers

to spend the night in Copenhagen due to a problem with the motor.

Just listen to her voice...

The company will cover all expenses.

Good night to you all.

Madeleine, come help us.

- Saraghina! - Here I am. I'll carry Guido.

0h, my poor man. The water was scalding. He's turned all red!

- Such nice, thin legs. - Straight like when he was a boy.

He likes to act like a kid, but he's really very complex.

Don't be fooled. I'm onto him. He's a hypocrite.

No, he's not.

But why does he have to tell everything to anybody?

He knows how to stand up for himself.

Guido, help me.

Who's screaming like that?

Jacqueline. She refuses to go upstairs with the old ones,

so we've locked her in the cellar.

It's scandalous. I don't want to have to speak to those witches,

so much older than me. I'm 26. Go to the Paris public register.

Jacqueline Bon Bon, 26, the 4th of July 1938.

You have no right to send me upstairs.

It's not my time yet. Look, I'm so agile. Look at my legs.

Which one of you has such a tight little ass? Look at my chest.

Guido, don't send me upstairs. I don't want to go upstairs.

You know the rules. The rules are the rules.

Guido I...

Calm down. Apparently it's nice upstairs, too.

- Your earring. Here. - Thank you.

You've always loved me. Please, tell him to give me an extension.

Guido, couldn't we give her an extension?

What are you doing? You're breaking my balls too?

I beg you Guido, just for one year.

- No extension. - I'm not going upstairs.

- What did you say? - I'm not going upstairs.

- Say it again if you dare. - I'm not going upstairs!

This one is crazy. I told you we should never have let her in.

Hey, girl! Just look at your rulebook.

Whoever passes the age limit shall be removed to the upper floors,

where she shall be treated equally well,

but shall live basking in her memories.

It's so disgusting, absurd, we shouldn't have accepted it.

Never, right from the start.

It's not fair!

These are rules invented by someone

who doesn't pass the test himself.

In France such a man would be the shame of the nation.

Are we lemons to thrown out after we're squeezed?

- Guido, they're so right. - You're a monster.

[Skipped item nr. 432]

0ur time has come!

Hurray for Jacqueline, who has shown us the way to our freedom.

Down with the tyrant, down with Bluebeard!

We have the right to be loved 'til we're 70 years old.

Down with him!

And what do you think you are? A boy?

Let's say it once and for all, he doesn't know how to make love.

That's the truth.

- And he falls asleep right away. - I don't sleep. I think.

Guido, don't send us upstairs when we get old.

Down, down.

Quick! They're rebelling upstairs too.

0h, delicious!

You pig, you liar. I came all the way from Paris. What's my part?

Guido, who will dance for you? You liked it so much.

I don't like it anymore.

Luisa, help me!

Sorry, but I don't meddle in my husband's business.

If this is his decision, it's good. Those are the rules.

Hurry up Guido, the soup's getting cold.

Can't you see I'm busy?

What an extraordinary man.

Yes, but...

He needs to act this way. He does it almost every night.

Guido, do you remember me?

But darling, you're wounded; I'll get you some cream...

- I don't want any cream. - Some balm.

- I don't want any balm. - Drops...

It's not true that he dumps you like squeezed lemons.

Actually, he'd like to keep you all with him always.

He is too good, too patient.

No, not me, no.

He doesn't like you. You're old.

Dear Jacqueline, we're happy to have had the opportunity

to live with you and we wish you the best of luck upstairs.

We'd like to reassure you on Guido's behalf

that you were the first showgirl in his life.

You're now entitled to a song and dance of your choice,

with your very own spotlight.

Thank you girls, you're so kind.

Would you like me to sing a love song?

No, better something sexy. That was my specialty.

Guido, remember the Apollo theater in Bologna?

Yes, I do.

No, better a happy song!

0h, I've lost my pearls.

0h, again!

You're not even listening.

Farewell, Guido.

I thought it was such a funny situation,

the funniest part of my story.

I'd even prepared a little speech to give at the table:

Darlings, happiness is being able to tell the truth

without ever making anybody suffer.

Carla would have played the harp, as on any night,

and we would have been happy hiding in here,

far away from the world. All of you and I.

What's wrong? Why this sadness?

See? We've made him feel guilty.

That's not it, Guido.

It has been a wonderful evening.

You mustn't be sad.

Do you need anything?

Now they'll all go to bed and I still have a lot to do:

the laundry, all the dishes, mend the sheets, scrub the floors

and set up breakfast for tomorrow.

Aren't we fine living all together this way?

At first I didn't understand,

that this is the way things are meant to be.

But now...

Don't you think I'm good now? I don't bother you anymore.

I don't ask questions.

A bit slow, wasn't I? It's taken me 20 years to understand.

20 years since the day we got married

and you became my husband and I your wife.

Do you remember Guido? Do you remember that day?

If you could only be patient a little longer, Luisa.

But perhaps you've had it.

Frankly, I'd love to be able to offer a word of advice.

But I think tonight you're called

to solve a problem for which there is no solution.

Finding a precise face for a crowd of characters

that in your script are so rough, so vague, so superficial...

What is it we're watching?

I don't know... screen tests.

You're not well.

Quite the contrary.

Agostini, get on the catwalk and do a little dance for us.

I'll accompany you on the piano.

Listen here. "The solitary ego

that revolves around itself and feeds upon itself, ends up

strangled by a great cry or a great laugh."

Words that Stendhal wrote during his stay in Italy.

If we sometimes read those sayings on chocolate wrappers

instead of throwing them away, we would be spared many an illusion.

There he is. By the door, always ready to run away.

Good evening to you all and apologies for the delay.

Well, what are you up to now?

- Guido where are you? - Here.

- Come down. - I'd rather stay up here.

Evening... Good, you're here too. Let's get going.

Right away.

They skipped the variety act tonight so we could use the theater.

Let's go.

Young man, it's time to make up your mind.

I've brought all the screen tests...

Pardon me Conocchia, but the time for his jokes is over.

All his doubts, his uncertainties, his whims.

He had all the time he wanted, but tonight we're here to choose.

- That's why we're all here. - Right.

Conocchia has gotten everything from Rome.

The new and the old screen tests, even the ones we shot five months ago.

Now we'll go through them one by one, and you have to say:

This is the wife, this is the mistress,

this is the Cardinal, this is Saraghina. Clear?

I don't want to be the joke of the Italian film industry

but above all I don't want you to end up that way.

They're all ready to shoot you down.

You've got very few friends left, on the Left or the Right.

But I am here to help you each and every way.

We must start shooting and we must do it immediately.

Roll the screen tests.

Miss 0limpia's screen test.

Miss 0limpia...

- Should I shut the door? - Yes. Sway, sway your big hips.

Put down your stuff. Good.

Now go to the mirror. Admire yourself.

More. Swell your chest. There.

Now go to the phone. Slowly. Don't run.

- Why are you running? - I'm not.

Look, hit that mark. There, on the floor.

Hello, the concierge please?

Speaking.

I'd like a bottle of flat water.

Fiuggi.

No, Fiuggi is sparkling.

No, look this way. Fiuggi is the least sparkling.

Fine, I'll take the Fiuggi.

Will this one do, Guido?

He's got to make up his mind because she's leaving for England.

She's leaving next week, Guido.

- And who's this one? - Shut up, you!

0r do you prefer this one.

This is an important character.

People need to like her right off the bat. Right, Guido?

Signora, sit down as if you were drained.

This character is a woman who has lost the desire to fight.

because... say your line...

- Without stopping? - What?

- Without stopping? - Yes, yes.

I am the one who's offering you complete freedom.

Anyway, I'm no good to you this way. I'm just a nuisance.

And who's this? What should she represent?

Didn't you hear? She's the wife.

Still, she's likable, soulful. Don't you think?

- Gimme a cigarette. - I've run out. Enrico, fill us up.

- Here you go. - Thank you.

You're welcome.

I cannot go on like this any longer.

Now, you tell me how I should be.

Not someone who lies and swears he's telling the truth

every second of the day.

That would be enough. You don't even do that.

With you I never, never know the truth.

Even in the smallest things.

Luisa, I care for you.

Lying is like breathing to you.

Repeat that, please.

Lying is like breathing to you.

So brazen.

- All lines from his life. - Right.

I know this one. She's the princess.

Am I not alone already? What are you giving me?

What have I got to look forward to?

Look this way. Put on the glasses.

Repeat the last line.

Am I not alone already?

You have to say it, yes, aggressively,

but also with deep bitterness.

He said: What? You want a separation.

You want to be alone.

But what would you do on your own?

And she answers: why, am I not alone already? Go on.

Guido, there's no doubt about this one. She's perfect.

Five months. We've been going this way for five months.

But they're all so old!

Fiuggi is sparkling.

No, it's the least sparkling. Louder.

Put down the phone.

Screen test for Miss Olimpia.

What about this one?

It's dangerous leaving me alone.

Why, what do you do?

Should I repeat the line?

No, just turn your little head this way. Now, stop.

Where are you going?

Back to the hotel. I'm sleepy.

Wait a second. Listen.

What happened?

Nothing. Nothing ever happens between us.

Were you offended by something you saw?

It's just a movie.

I'm the first to understand that.

It's a movie, another invention, another lie.

You put everybody in it, but the way you like to see them.

But I know the truth.

The difference is that I would never have the impudence

to tell everybody the way you do.

Go ahead. Make your movie.

No, I won't.

Indulge yourself. Stroke your ego.

Go make everyone think you're so wonderful.

What could you ever teach strangers when you can't

even tell the simplest truth to the ones closest to you?

To the one who's been growing old with you?

Come on Luisa. Cut the drama.

You were right to ask me here.

We needed to find closure.

This time, I assure you, I won't be coming back.

You can go to hell!

Fine, just run, run.

Do what the doctor ordered, run!

Shut up! Throw this ignoramus out.

Fine, now sing.

You may say I'm losing it, but I have the bills here...

I'll never pay this one, never! Conocchia, you're losing it.

Saraghina look, we've got the money.

Saraghina, the Rumba, the Rumba...

Guido, would you please say something? Please!

What about this one, Guido?

Frankly I preferred the one before.

This one is from Naples.

Can't you see that I'm... stuttering.

When are you coming? I'm tired of waiting.

Look at me.

Don't leave me alone! You know it's dangerous.

Don't leave me alone. You know it's dangerous, darling.

Look over here.

Why aren't you coming now? Why are you keeping me waiting?

You know it's dangerous when I have to wait.

Louder, louder!

Countess, walk.

Don't touch me.

This way, this way.

Screen tests Mrs. Grazia, one.

Just bare your shoulders all of a sudden.

Saraghina, we've got the money. The money.

Stop. Very good. Was it all right?

Signora, what do you think?

If he won't speak up, at least we can say something.

Somebody say something! This is a democracy, right?

You can't hide. We've found you anyway. How are you?

Hi, I'm Poletti, from Claudia's press agency.

We met 15 years ago. You might not remember me...

- Look, she's here. - Where?

Excuse me.

- Claudia. - How are you?

Well, and you? You're finally here.

Let's go outside, all right?

This is Caroline, my secretary.

I'd like to talk to you alone.

When do we start shooting?

- Soon, very soon. - And what's my part?

I'll tell you everything later.

I'm very happy to be working with you

and I hope I'll be able to help you.

But you must tell me everything.

Where are we going now?

Well? - This way.

You're so beautiful. I'm at a loss for words.

You make my heart beat like a school boy's.

You don't believe me, do you?

You inspire such deep respect.

Who do you love? Claudia, who are you with?

- Who do you care for? - You.

You arrived just in time, you know.

Why do you smile that way?

I never know if you're judging me, absolving me, mocking me.

I'm listening. You said you wanted to tell me about the film.

I don't know anything.

Could you leave everything behind and start from zero again?

Pick one thing, and one only, and be absolutely devoted to it?

Make it the reason for your existence,

the thing that contains everything, that becomes everything,

because your dedication to it makes it last forever? Could you?

All right, listen. If I were to say, Claudia...

Where are we going? I don't know the way...

And what about you? Could you?

The springs must be nearby. Listen. Turn here.

No, this guy here, he couldn't.

He wants to grab everything, can't give up a single thing.

He changes his mind every day,

because he's afraid he might miss the right path.

And he's slowly bleeding to death. - So this is how the movie ends?

No, this is how it starts.

Then one day he meets the girl of the spring.

She's one of those girls that distributes the healing water,

she's beautiful, young and ancient, a child and a woman already,

authentic and radiant. There's no doubt that she's his salvation.

You'll be dressed in white and your hair will be long,

just the way you wear it.

Turn the headlights off.

And then?

Let's leave.

I don't like this place. It doesn't feel real.

I like it enormously. Isn't that odd?

I didn't get much from your story.

A guy like your character, who doesn't love anybody,

is not very sympathetic you know.

It's his fault. What does he expect?

You think I don't know that?

You're a bit of a bore too.

You really can't take the least bit of criticism.

You're so funny with that big hat, made up like an old man.

I don't understand. He meets a girl that can give him a new life

and he pushes her away?

Because he no longer believes in it.

Because he doesn't know how to love.

Because it isn't true that a woman can change a man.

Because he doesn't know how to love.

And above all because I don't feel like telling another pile of lies.

Because he doesn't know how to love.

I'm sorry, Claudia, for making you come all the way here.

You're such a fake.

So, there's no part in the film.

You're right. There isn't.

And there's no film. There's nothing anywhere.

If it were up to me we would call it all off now.

Ah, here you are.

Where did you go? We're starting next week.

Your producer had a great idea.

The greatest cocktail party ever to launch a movie.

And you know where? - At the launch pad. Tomorrow afternoon.

Radio, television, and all the foreign press.

Come on, Guido, we're starting for real.

Catch him!

Let's go. Walk!

I want to go home.

Here, he's here.

Guido, where are you going? It's over here.

Guido, I'm sure today will be a beautiful day.

I'm really curious to finally hear the story...

Don't you take yourself a little too seriously, Mr. Anselmo?

Leave me alone, I can walk by myself.

Good luck!

Dottore, here he is!

Calm down!

We've been waiting three days for you. It's winter already.

Attention, please.

...do you think of pornography as an art form or...

...is pornography a more intense form of...

...why don't you ever make a film about love?

I wish to announce that...

Tomorrow... tomorrow...

What do you think you can teach us?

Do you really think your life can be of any interest to others?

He wants to say something.

Answer, say something, go on.

Anything at all! Say anything!

Do it for me!

I promise you...

...this film. And afterward, what will you live on?

Are you for or against divorce? Tell me, frankly...

Is that your main problem?

That you can't communicate? 0r is that just a pretext?

Your questions betray a certain hostility.

I assure you my director is in great form...

What should I do? What am I supposed to do?

...he should be treated with respect, because...

Conocchia, forgive me if I treated you badly.

You were wonderful, the best of them all.

He ponders, considers, reflects.

Speak! Answer!

I've paid for your confusion, your breakdown.

For months I've been paying for everything.

Quit this film and I'll ruin you.

He'll now be at your disposal.

The press always has been...

Claudia, where are you? And your spirits, Rossella?

What should I do? Leave you? Disappear?

You will never be what you once were.

Will I ever be your wife? When will you truly marry me?

Luisa, is it really true that you want a separation?

That you want to leave me?

How can I go on like this 'til the end?

...and what does your wife think?

It's in your right-hand pocket, Dottore.

So long, Guido.

I put it in your right-hand pocket.

Nobody gets away with this. Buffoon!

0ut of there, out! You coward!

Just a minute, a little moment. I'm thinking of what to say.

I'm coming... right away!

Such an incurable romantic.

Where are you running, you low-life?

Take it all down, guys! The film is off.

In two days it all has to be gone. Start right away.

Tear it all down. Come on!

- Is that it, Dottore? - Yes, thanks.

So long, guys. See you next time.

Let's hope so.

So long, sailor.

You've made the right choice.

Believe me, today is a good day for you.

These are tough decisions, I know.

But we intellectuals, and I say we because I consider you such,

must remain lucid to the bitter end.

This life is so full of confusion already,

that there's no need to add chaos to chaos.

Losing money is part of a producer's job.

I congratulate you. You had no choice.

And he got what he deserved,

for having joined such a frivolous venture so lightheartedly.

Believe me, no need for remorse.

Destroying is better than creating

when we're not creating those few, truly necessary things.

But then is there anything so clear and right

that it deserves to live in this world?

For him, the wrong movie is only a financial matter.

But for you, at this point, it could have been the end.

Better to quit and strew the ground with salt,

as the ancients did, to purify the battlefields.

In the end what we need is...

some hygiene, some cleanliness, disinfection.

We're smothered by images, words and sounds

that have no right to exist, coming from, and bound for, nothingness.

0f any artist truly worth the name we should ask nothing

except this act of faith: to learn silence.

Do you remember Mallarm�'s homage to the white page?

And Rimbaud... - Guido, wait!

...a poet, my friend, not a movie director. What was his finest poetry?

We're ready to begin.

His refusal to continue writing and his departure for Africa.

Congratulations.

If we can't have everything, true perfection is nothingness.

Forgive me for quoting all the time. But we critics... do what we can.

0ur true mission is... sweeping away the thousands of miscarriages

that everyday... obscenely... try to come to the light.

And you would actually dare leave behind you a whole film,

like a cripple who leaves behind his crooked footprint.

Such a monstrous presumption to think

that others could benefit from the squalid catalogue of your mistakes!

And how do you benefit from stringing together

the tattered pieces of your life?

Your vague memories, the faces of people

that you were never able to love...

What is this sudden happiness that makes me tremble,

giving me strength, life?

Forgive me, sweet creatures.

I hadn't understood. I didn't know.

It's so natural accepting you, loving you.

And so simple.

Luisa, I feel I've been freed.

Everything seems so good, so meaningful.

Everything is true.

I wish I could explain.

But I don't know how to.

So. Everything is confused again, as it was before.

The lights!

But this confusion is... me.

Not as I'd like to be, but as I am.

I'm not afraid anymore of telling the truth,

of the things I don't know, what I'm looking for and haven't found.

This is the only way I can feel alive

and I can look into your faithful eyes without shame.

Life is a celebration.

Let's live it together!

This is all I can say Luisa, to you or the others.

Accept me for what I am, if you want me.

It's the only way we might be able to find each other.

I don't know if what you said to me is right.

But I can try if you help me.

Just a minute. I'll give you the go-ahead.

Now. Go to the curtain.

Draw it.

Everyone come down.

Talk to each other.

Mother.

Sgulp! I did understand what you wanted to say, you know.

That you can't do without us.

At what time will you call me tomorrow? - Fine, fine. Now join the line!

Maurice!

Come, quickly! Stop fooling around.

Everybody hold hands! Spread out! All together.

Maestro!

Let's all hold hands!