Sommarlek (1951) Movie Script
SUMMER INTERLUDE
12.00: Dress rehearsal
Swan Lake, Petrushka
- Parcel to be delivered.
- For Miss Marie. I'll see to that.
I'll take it, I'm seeing her now.
- What's your name, please?
- Nystrm, features editor.
Hello? Hold on,
I've got someone here.
- What paper?
- The Year Round.
No reporters today,
it's dress rehearsals.
But this is private.
She's expecting me.
I know that trick. No private
meetings on dress rehearsal day.
- Hack! The Year Round!
- What's that smell?
- I don't smell anything.
- You've lost your sense of smell.
Take this parcel to Miss Marie, Karl.
Be quick about it.
Call back later.
- There is a funny smell.
- That's possible.
But no upstart outsider
should be telling me.
I've been at this theatre
for 40 years!
- A letter for Miss Marie.
- Thanks, Karl.
- Get out, Karl. We're changing now.
- "We"? Never!
Oh God!
- Where's Marie?
- Ask Karlsson.
Karlsson... Karlsson!
I can't stand men who dance.
- Why aren't we starting?
- Something's up with Marie.
Something's wrong with Marie,
everyone says so.
To your places!
We're ready to go.
There's something in the air today.
I said to the missus this morning.
It's the weather and all...
And I had a funny dream.
Something will happen, you'll see.
I usually feel these things...
What the devil is this?
Let's find the fault.
What fault?
- A plug is apparently burning.
- This is bloody awful!
No, it's not good.
- How long will it take?
- I can't say.
Break!
What did I say? I can feel it
in my head and knees.
- Can I get you anything, Marie?
- No thanks.
- No?
- Oh yes, maybe some coffee.
I've never seen such hideous toes.
New ballet shoes are evil.
I'm going to complain.
What's wrong, Marie?
Are you upset?
Shall I sing to you,
or do you want to play a game?
Is it that it's autumn, or that
children now call us "madam"?
Tullan's sister did that today,
she didn't do that last spring.
Are you lovesick?
Our faces look 45,
our bodies 18.
We're 28
and the children call us madam!
Kaj...
Have you ever had a dream
and then woken up so soft inside
that you just want to cry?
And then tried hard to find
out what the dream was about...
...or just walked away from it all?
I never had anyone
to have such dreams about.
You wake up in the morning,
with the dream still present.
You're all soft inside...
- What did you say?
- Oh, nothing.
Oh, that's lovely!
We look great, of course...
But this job wears you down,
at least your toes
and your immortal soul.
DIARY
- What's wrong, Marie?
- So many people die.
- Oh, I don't know!
- They say there's a snag.
A snag? I bet you
there'll be an evening rehearsal.
We never get to make love
at normal hours.
Out of my way, little one!
There's a snag, apparently.
- Sorry, we'll have to work tonight.
- Yes, there's a snag.
You just keep calm. I'm totally calm.
Don't lie about
where people can trip over you!
Tonight. And stay calm.
I'm calm.
Couldn't you just kill him?
- She keeps herself in shape.
- That's quite so...
- But her legs are too fat.
- It's muscle.
All classical dancers
have thick calves and thighs.
Bye-bye!
Mr Nystrm, the editor, please.
It's strange she hasn't married.
There's never even
a scrap of gossip about her.
Because for 40 years
you've been throwing out the press.
- Bye, Nisse.
- Marie!
A Mr Nystrm from The Year Round
asked for you earlier.
He seemed very keen,
but I sent him packing.
You sent him packing?
They should send you packing!
That was not nice.
Bye-bye, Nisse!
- There's something hard about her.
- She was cross.
No wonder, she's probably
seeing that hack.
- Do you enjoy scaring people?
- Were you daydreaming?
I was yawning. I'm tired, because
you won't let me sleep at night.
- You're getting old, my dear...
- Don't joke about that.
- We'll go to bed early tonight.
- We're rehearsing tonight.
But I've taken time off,
and they weren't happy.
You'll have to go out
with someone else.
- Are you sulking now?
- It's always "the theatre"...
- Let's go home.
- Now? You're crazy!
- Why not?
- I happen to have a job to go to.
Forget it,
the papers are full as it is.
Forget about your rehearsal!
See?
It's always "the paper"...
See?
Can't you think of something else
to say?
How about:
I love you all the same.
How generous.
- You're getting on my nerves.
- Why is that?
I can't stand old sourpusses.
Good day!
But I really am sad... David!
Well, get moving, little lady!
Are you coming or not?
- That was a narrow scrape.
- What?
You nearly didn't make it out
to your goats.
- What?
- Can I offer you some pop?
Marie? You don't recognise me,
but I recognise you.
- I recognise you, Father.
- It's been a long time.
We haven't met
since my confirmation.
Yes, Marie, we have.
What the devil are you doing?
Your drink's getting cold!
It was about thirteen years ago.
The ballet school spring show.
Yes, the show...
A day of joy,
a day of disappointment.
Of dashed expectations, tension,
hysteria, excitement.
A day unlike any other in the year.
Marie! Hold on.
- The orchestra played too slow.
- Don't give me that.
- It didn't go well.
- No, but it was inspired.
- I'm going home to have a good cry.
- You do that.
- Did you like it? Was it any good?
- It was lovely.
- What do you want?
- I'm seeing a friend.
- Who?
- I don't know.
I'm glad you're interested in the
ballet, but we're too busy today.
- It's cold.
- Are your legs cold, miss?
I mean, with silk stockings.
As you're a dancer, miss...
- How do you know I'm a dancer?
- I've seen you, many times.
Especially your last show.
I'm sitting here
thinking that if I...
if I could say what I wanted
to say, I'd say that...
What would you say?
- You'd laugh, miss.
- You think so?
Tell me now!
I'd say...
I'd say that you're the most
beautiful thing I've seen in my life.
There.
- Where will you stay this summer?
- On Kalvholmen.
- And you, miss?
- We have a house on Blakrakan.
- Oh, that's yours?
- Do you know it?
Yeah... the manor.
Gruffman and I
used to scrump apples there.
This is Gruffman. My sister and I
thought he looked gruff...
Anyway, I live at the manor.
Maybe our paths will cross.
At least when you come
to scrump apples!
- Hello again!
- Hello!
- Is the water cold?
- A bit, but it's warm up here.
- Catching any fish?
- No, they're still sleeping.
- Won't you have a swim, miss?
- Too cold.
It's not too bad once you're in.
Do you think
we could drop the formalities?
- I'm all in favour.
- It makes things easier.
Do you live out here?
Over there.
- Over on Kalvholmen.
- Oh yes, you said.
- Are you hungry?
- Why?
Do you like wild strawberries?
I know of a place.
Would you like to go?
- This is it.
- And no one knows about it?
- Yes, you.
- And no one else?
Help yourself!
- What kind of cuckoo is that?
- I don't know much about birds.
I usually call it
the summer holiday bird.
It would sing outside my window
the first morning of
the summer holidays.
It would wake me up.
- Do you live with your parents?
- No, they're divorced.
I've never seen my mum,
and my dad's with another woman.
He gives me money to stay out of the
way. I'd like to do the same to him.
- Where do you and Gruffman live?
- With an old hag... lady.
She's got a moustache.
I love blind kittens. Don't you?
And babies, and people
who other people think are ugly.
And mice, of course. And poodles.
It's not as bad as that.
It's just that
people don't take me seriously.
Oh dear, oh dear, is it that sad?
No one cares about me,
no one but Gruffman.
- Really, no one?
- No, only Gruffman.
- What about me?
- Do you care about me?
Would I have brought you here
otherwise?
I need to think about that.
I'm never going to die.
I'll get really,
really old, but I'm not going to die.
I'm scared. Scared that I, Henrik...
will tip over the edge into something
black, something unknown.
- Why do you talk about that?
- I don't know.
It's something I'm struck by
now and again.
But it's interesting,
don't you think?
And you started it.
Hey... the wild strawberries!
Oh yes, them...
Hey, Henrik...
- I think we'll become friends.
- I think so, too.
Hey... Marie.
Uncle Erland came for a visit.
He gave me a bracelet,
and kissed my hand.
He was very courteous
and charming.
We had wine with dinner.
Aunt Elisabeth drank a lot.
She went on about how things were
when my mother was alive.
But no one paid any attention.
I'll get the coffee.
Don't call me "uncle".
At my age it's less agreeable to be
"uncle" to a beautiful young woman.
So you think
I'm a beautiful young woman?
- You're very like your mother.
- Did you bring her gifts, too?
Everyone did, as a token
of admiration for her art.
- I think you were in love with her.
- She was an outstanding actress.
And this bracelet,
is it a token
of admiration for my art?
Marie...
if you weren't
my old friend's daughter,
I'd tell you something.
But I won't. I can't,
and I daren't, my dear little girl.
Pretend I'm someone else,
like my mother.
- We'd run away, you and I.
- Run away?
Go far, far away
and live life to the full.
Live life to the full...
Seize the moment and hold it.
- I do seize the moment.
- You think so, poor girl?
Lucky is he... lucky is the man
who will teach you.
- Life... is so much.
- But Uncle Erland, my dancing...
If you stop calling me "uncle",
I'll stop calling you...
"My little girl."
There's a time for dancing.
Surely you have a little dancer boy
with downy cheeks
with whom you dream and argue,
plan the future with?
We in the ballet haven't
the time for it, nor the inclination.
Is that the truth?
Don't be too sure, dear Erland.
I'm not sure about you at all,
dear Marie.
One day you may get to take care
of me, and marry me.
Dare I hope?
You talk like an old book.
Of course you can hope!
One day you may take me.
- I have to dash!
- But we're having such a nice time.
- I really have to dash.
- Can't I come with you?
- No, you can't, Uncle Erland.
- But Marie...
Bye!
She's run off, and you can't
catch up with her.
- Are you sulking?
- No, I'm not.
- Gruffman, why is he sulking?
- I told you, I'm not.
If you say so... But we can both see
that the master's sulking.
Don't be silly.
- Is it because I'm late?
- Not in the least.
So it's something
we don't know about.
Who's Uncle Erland?
Why do you two have so much fun?
Do you fancy him?
Uncle Erland, that old codger!
Not that old. And he fancies you,
any fool could see that.
- So you can see that.
- So I'm a fool now?
If he fancies me,
that's his business.
He's always running after you.
I saw him at the show.
Is it that bad?
Come on now, tell me all
about your jealousy.
Dear, oh dear...
Is it that bad?
Serves you right!
One night,
following a scorching summer's day
of blazing sunlight...
The silence was vast,
reaching all the way
to the vault of heaven.
The silence between us
was also vast.
The rocks are still warm.
Everything seems unreal tonight.
- Don't you think?
- It's beautiful.
We're inside the same bubble.
It's so beautiful I could burst.
Break into pieces, disappear, perish.
- Kissing must be fun.
- Must be, since everyone's doing it.
I've never been kissed, except by the
ballet-master, but he doesn't count.
- What about your Uncle Erland?
- Oh, him!
Have you ever kissed a girl?
Everything's so difficult,
and all linked somehow.
Marie...
I like you, I'm in love with you,
and all that...
You know...
You must think me silly...
I'm just a damned fool, really.
A damned wimp!
- How does it feel?
- What?
You said you're in love with me.
You feel it in the chest and stomach.
Your knees are like crushed apples,
and your toes crumple up.
- But mostly it's in the chest.
- In the heart?
I don't know... How about you?
- Who says I'm in love with you?
- Oh, right...
I think it's in your skin.
I want you to touch me,
caress my skin with your hands.
It's in my shoulders and elbows.
In the palms of my hands.
It tickles all over.
Uncle Erland is probably a bit drunk,
but don't worry about it.
So there you are, children.
Milk and sandwiches are in the
kitchen. You get hungry at night.
When you go canoeing
in the moonlight.
Don't listen to him when he's tipsy.
Your mother, Marie,
used to dance for me
on evenings like these...
...when it was quiet and still
and the room was moonlit.
We were alone...
Forgive me for taking the liberty
of saying we were alone.
Your father...
Forgive me, dear Elisabeth.
She sat over there.
I played...
...and looked at her face.
I wondered whether I was
in reality, or outside it.
Was what surrounded me,
the piano and the floor, unreal?
Were the moonlight and the music
all that was real and substantial?
Now, all the clocks in the house
have stopped.
The flowers in the windows
have wilted and died.
We were alive in those days.
There were red geraniums
and the clocks were ticking away.
Outside, the gulls were screeching.
You two go, I'll stay
and keep him company.
The ship's horn hooting
in the distance...
This, and other things, the music
and the moonlight...
the silence
and the anticipation,
the blood whispering
in our ears...
A strange mood developed,
almost like a melody.
A new room was opened up
in our minds.
Well, this is where I work
during the summer. Welcome!
The morning sun shines through here.
Every morning,
two crows sit outside talking.
They're quite sweet.
Then your summer holiday bird
appears.
You talk like a museum guide.
I think we could kiss now.
- Don't you think so?
- Yes, I do.
Don't worry, I've locked the door.
It's only Uncle Erland.
Of course I should go to bed.
Of course, damn it!
Come on now, or you'll be
embarrassed in the morning.
Poor Aunt Elisabeth!
Now you have a lover!
How does it feel, is it exciting?
I'm sure you'll tell your friends.
Will you be boasting about us?
I can't give you any guarantees.
But we will get married.
But how do you feel right now?
Haven't you longed for this?
I never imagined it was like this...
I was really frightened, actually.
- Aren't you now?
- No, are you?
- No, I'm never afraid.
- I am, though.
Don't talk about that now.
- Frankly, I'm starving.
- There are sandwiches downstairs.
Super! And then a quick plunge!
Days like pearls:
Round and lustrous,
threaded on a golden string.
Days filled with fun and caresses.
Nights of waking dreams.
When did we sleep?
We had no time for sleeping.
- I'm never surprised.
- But you were this time.
- I thought of you five minutes ago.
- I haven't thought for ten years.
Can I have a cup?
It's not the kind of coffee
you used to like.
To be honest,
I never really liked it.
I'm not fussed nowadays.
- No sugar, as usual?
- Yes please, two lumps.
- You never used to take sugar.
- That was someone else.
I'm getting on a bit.
- What are you hunting?
- Pheasant.
You have an astonishing ability
to take time off whenever you like.
- What about you?
- I came here just on a whim.
Did you receive the parcel?
What parcel?
I see...
You sent me Henrik's diary.
Where did you get hold of it?
Why did you send it to me?
- Why now?
- So many questions.
Spring cleaning.
If you want, I'll tell you more.
I took care of it at the hospital,
so it wouldn't fall
into strange hands.
You probably think
I should have given it to you then.
Would that have been advisable?
Why don't you say something?
Nice to see you, Erland.
I have to go now,
so I don't miss the boat
and have to stay here with you.
- Did it frighten you?
- Yes. A hell of a lot, actually.
It wouldn't have been different
if you'd got it immediately.
I stand here looking at your hands.
They're beautiful, yet ugly somehow.
I can't explain why.
I think of Henrik's hands,
and I can't understand
why I let you touch me.
I'm disgusting?
Yes.
- Maybe it even rubbed off on you.
- It did.
But I'm aware of it, and that's good.
- Shall I walk you to the boat?
- No, thanks.
Oh, it's you?
- How long are you going to go on?
- Until I'm done.
- We were going to Bjrn at two.
- Is it two already?
- A quarter to three.
- As you can see, I'm working.
- You don't care about me.
- Silly!
- I'm forever waiting for you.
- I've got a job to do.
Thanks a lot.
I'm done now.
- No sacrifices on my behalf.
- Henrik...
I'm sorry. But you know
my work is important to me.
- What about me?
- You, too.
- Which is the most?
- What an odd question.
Answer me: Which is the most?
- I don't know.
- See? You don't care about me.
And you're selfish!
- We've never argued before.
- Not my fault.
Is it mine?
Well, if it's like that...
...we can't be together.
Just say the word!
- That's not what I meant.
- I'm a burden.
Henrik, don't be like that.
I'm nervous. I haven't practised all
summer, and I start work in a week.
We've been together night and day
for two whole months.
- Forgive my being sharp just now.
- Sure.
- Everything all right?
- Sure.
God, you're boring today!
Here I am, apologising
and grovelling
and you're just moping.
You just go, I'm fed up
with your moods.
Come back! Don't be silly,
I didn't mean it.
Just go!
I never want to see you again,
you idiot!
It was a Saturday, and I looked
for him the whole day.
At nightfall
I went over to his place.
I had never been there.
How do you do? Is Henrik at home?
Henrik is seldom at home nowadays.
Either during the day or at night.
I see...
I think Henrik is in his room.
When he came home today,
he was crying loudly
and kicking at the furniture.
- A glass of port, my dear?
- No, thank you.
Everyone has freedom of choice,
and I won't force anyone.
- I'll go up and see him, then.
- Just don't give in to his whims.
Why are you hiding, Henrik?
To see if she'd run me down.
He eats my bread and uses that tone.
- It won't eat into your capital.
- You're a layabout, my boy.
Luckily, I'm not your boy.
No, your father's.
You're both waiting for me to die.
Henrik will inherit me.
According to the experts, I should
have died three months ago.
The Lord moves in mysterious ways.
I have cancer, you see.
Whoever seeks to own his life,
shall lose it, says the Father here.
- That's a lie.
- Save his life.
It's still a lie.
I like living, and that's why
I'll survive the lot of you.
You too, dear Henrik.
Perhaps I could draw
your attention to the fact
that my knight is threatening
your rook.
I still feel like a ghost.
- Bless you.
- It's hayfever.
Are you sure about the port?
Not for me, thank you.
I'll fetch some blankets, Father.
It's getting chilly, both for
the corpse and the clergyman.
If you're here out of
a Christian sense of duty,
I'm terribly impressed.
I'm here
out of professional interest.
How so?
It may sound ridiculous,
but I have a feeling
of sitting next to Death himself.
It's highly rewarding, seen from
a professional point of view.
Off with you now!
There seems to be
a dance down on the jetty.
Good bye!
Now you know how things are for me,
the layabout!
Poor thing!
- It's not that bad, I suppose.
- No, you've got me.
- Have I, really?
- You have me.
- But earlier today...
- Be quiet!
You have me.
Let's go back to my little playhouse.
It's no fun out tonight.
I'm cold.
The pencil, I dropped it!
Listen! It's so silent.
Suddenly it went quiet.
Maybe we've landed
on another planet.
It's alien.
Alien...
Hello, Miss Marie.
Do you recognise me?
Well, hello there!
I've seen you before.
Look, how cold I am.
But in my stomach and on my breasts,
I'm feverishly hot.
- Let me feel...
- You're tickling!
Such a fine breast, miss.
Would you like
to sleep with me tonight?
- With you?
- You'd like that, wouldn't you?
That depends on the reward, dear sir.
I'm still a poor little virgin.
Then it's out of the question.
But if you would consider
engagement,
I promise
you won't be disappointed.
Then we have to wait.
The goldsmith has taken Sunday off,
and is lazing the day away.
My dear sir, this kind of engagement
is validated
with rings of grass,
and 24-carat kisses...
Shouldn't we swear by something?
You'd bet we should.
Swear... you'll never ever
look at another girl.
I swear.
Because if you do...
the devil will take you!
I swear!
Your teeth, nose and fingers
will blacken and fall off.
Oh, you!
Myself, I'll be faithful
for as long as I feel like it.
And since I always feel like it,
I'll be faithful till doomsday.
- Or the devil will take you!
- Or Uncle Erland will take me...
Serves you right.
- Now we're engaged.
- You go in and undress.
- I'll just go and spend a penny.
- Me, too!
I could eat you!
- Where would you start?
- With your hands and your waist.
- Then the inside of your thighs.
- What do you know about that?
A cannibal I know
says it's delicious.
How scary!
- What was that?
- Don't you recognise the eagle owl?
- It's horrible!
- Did it frighten you?
Oh, I just feel like crying tonight.
It's like toothache in the soul.
The soul's in the stomach
- that's where it hurts.
Too many green apples, that's all.
Hold me, Henrik.
Hold me, so I don't break.
Henrik, my little darling.
My love.
My dearest darling,
my beloved friend.
Hold me tight.
Tighter!
Let's stay awake all night.
Until the sun rises
and the trolls combust.
Henrik...
Can you feel how cold I am?
How I shiver?
How my heart pounds?
Don't be such a baby.
You're always biting me.
You just wait!
- We can't stay out here.
- Carry me.
- I can't walk, I'm too tired.
- That's it, then.
Please, carry me.
You're mad, fatty!
- You're a poor lover.
- Marry Superman!
No, he's got such awkward clothes.
Are you sad?
- Autumn is in the air.
- Yes.
On Thursday you'll go back
to the theatre, and I to university.
- When will we meet?
- We have three days left here.
Three days.
I'm not sad.
- Auntie has invited us to dinner.
- First a swim!
- No, I don't want to, it's too cold.
- Come on now!
I'll show you a fine jump!
My back...
Can you get me a bottle
for Thursday?
- I'll talk to my brother.
- Oh please, do try!
- From the beginning!
- You must, or I'll drown myself!
Promise me one thing,
you have to shoot Gruffman.
The poor thing
shouldn't have to live.
I'll see to it.
Poor thing.
Everyone is alive.
They run around in the streets.
And here am I, eating and drinking.
At the theatre we dance about
and frolic.
Henrik lies out there,
starting to rot.
A moment before
we were laughing about everything.
He lay in my arms.
I kissed his lips.
That's life.
Is there no meaning anywhere?
No, my girl. Nothing means anything
in the long run.
I don't believe God exists.
And if he does, I hate him.
And I'll never stop hating him.
If he stood before me,
I'd spit in his face.
I'll hate him for as long as I live.
I won't forget.
I'll hate him till the day I die.
There's only one thing one can do:
Protect oneself, build walls.
Protect oneself from
the touch of misery.
I'll help you.
I'll help wall you up.
I'll teach you, Marie.
That winter I worked hard,
without thinking.
In the spring, Uncle Erland
took me on a long journey.
In this way I forgot Henrik.
The wall grew around me.
In the end I wasn't just protected,
but locked up.
In this way I forgot Henrik.
I forgot Henrik.
I say, Miss Marie,
that hack was here again.
I tried to keep him here,
but he left.
Karl can tell you
that I followed him outside...
Yes, he did, I saw it.
So that didn't please her either.
Women! Who understands them?
Well, I never did.
Why put so much work
into these ballets?
They don't even show their legs,
or at least not enough.
Night rehearsals are a bugger.
And we've run out of beer.
That smell is still there.
Such a peculiar smell...
These shoes really are evil.
And tomorrow's opening night.
Go home and get to bed,
you silly girl.
- Come back with me for a drink.
- You go, I can't be bothered.
Don't then, sourpuss!
- This time tomorrow you'll be happy.
- What for?
- Because it'll be over then.
- Over!
- I don't like that tone of voice.
- Neither do I.
But without it, I'll start crying.
I am like a painted puppet
with strings.
If I cry, the paint will run.
Go now. Let me
mourn my youth in peace.
Bye!
Good evening, Marie!
Oh, it's you.
- Look at you...
- It's the make-up for Copplia.
- So are you dancing on Saturday?
- Yes.
My old star act. Gustavsson is ill.
It's late.
Empty theatres at night are strange.
Strange and a bit ghostly.
Dwarfs with humps and big heads
watch you from every corner.
- Yes...
- They've always been there.
They grow in numbers as the theatre
grows older. Their eyes are luminous.
Do you have any matches?
Kaj will have some.
Well, Marie...
You're laughing at me?
I came into the ballet hall
this morning.
It was big and empty.
There you were
in your black leotard,
bending and twisting
arms and legs.
Slowly, quietly,
you didn't notice me.
It was as if you'd been drawn
with five black lines.
And I thought...
...for 20 years
she's been standing like that,
morning, noon and night.
For 20 years.
Eight years left,
then she's finished.
Out... Bye-bye!
- What about yourself?
- I'm the ballet-master. I create.
I grow old and esteemed,
no burden to anyone.
You'll be pensioned off.
You sit there in your clown costume
and can't get it off.
What about your own costume?
It's true... it's as if it's glued
to one's body.
Do you really think
I don't understand?
You daren't remove your make-up,
and you daren't be made-up.
You daren't leave,
and you daren't stay.
Nonsense...
You only see your life
clearly once,
when all protective walls
have crumbled.
You stand there, naked and cold,
seeing yourself just the way you are.
Once only.
Not a very edifying sight, is it?
At that moment
you daren't either live or die.
- Has all this happened to you?
- No, not to me.
But to you, today, now.
- No.
- Yes... I can see it in your eyes.
You want to be happy,
get something out of life.
You want memories, don't you?
You want to start afresh.
All lies, Miss Marie.
Stuff and nonsense...
You dance, and that's that.
That's what you do.
Stick to that, Marie,
or you'll get into trouble.
Take a look in the mirror.
You look ridiculous.
So do I, for that matter.
Thanks for the chat.
I say, some chap has been
listening behind the door.
How did you get in?
Why did you run away this afternoon?
What a ghastly bow tie!
It looks like a clip-on.
Well, don't just stand there!
Sit down and behave
like a normal person.
What are you staring at?
Cat got your tongue?
Have you two met?
This is Copplius, the magician.
And that's David, quite simply.
The only person who's nice to me
in everyday life.
- Am I disturbing you?
- Perhaps I am?
- I can leave, right now.
- Why so soon?
- Your face looks funny.
- I gave her a few slaps...
- As long as he doesn't bite you.
- Are you jealous?
Of that character? Hardly!
Young man, I could transform you
into a sugar lump.
So beware!
Old man, I could spirit away
your talent, your secret,
your good name
and social standing.
I happen to be a journalist!
Great master, you are the mightiest.
- Your humble slave awaits orders.
- Get lost!
I'm leaving, slowly.
And I won't listen behind
the door, I have manners.
I see it's raining.
- Has it been raining long?
- Not at all.
It started at 9.15,
but will stop within the hour.
There's a risk of rain tomorrow,
but Saturday will be fine.
If it's like that,
you may as well go.
I'm not jealous!
I just don't get this job of yours.
Take that fool...
- He's no fool, he's a very nice man.
- He made you cry.
Do you think you never make me cry?
- That's different.
- Why?
He understands me, you don't.
- Have you two had an affair?
- Actually, we haven't.
You can be so oafish and vulgar.
If you're not artistic
it's easy to find all this kissing
a bit distasteful.
- It shows how little you understand.
- Say that again, and...
It just shows how little
you understand...
- Are you asking for trouble?
- No.
- I'm so tired!
- You always say that.
I am tired most of the time
these days.
Why don't you give up your job
and get married?
- Who would marry me?
- Who do you think?
Not you, you don't love me.
Stop that!
- Please be a bit nice to me.
- Why? You'll only push me away.
I've longed for you all day.
- No, you haven't.
- I have, too.
You never let me come near you.
You don't need me.
I never get to take care of you.
You turn to people like that idiot.
What do you know about me?
Or I about you?
Do go on, David...
No... I'm just a simple guy,
a tabloid hack.
What good am I to you?
You're a celebrity.
That's not it... not at all!
- You'll get make-up on you.
- Just show me where it hurts.
Don't talk to me like I'm a child.
I'm probably older than you.
I'm sure, I've always been
attracted to older women.
But admit you're hurting.
Listen, I'm an extremely
self-centred person.
But even I can sometimes feel
a penny drop...
You have such round fingertips.
Such a kind little finger.
You should use a cigarette holder.
I never thought I meant anything
to you...
Imagine if I could tell your fortune.
No, you might be disappointed.
Marie...
You don't need to be
self-sacrificing.
- Let's stop talking nonsense now.
- Fine, I'll call you tomorrow.
Maybe you haven't noticed
I'm here now!
What do you think of us two?
Nothing to write home about...
Do you want to break up?
Yes.
- I don't think you want to do that.
- Yes, I do.
- No...
- Yes!
Is this a game?
I know exactly what you'll say next:
"Have some vitamins."
"You need some sleep." Or:
"You're nervous before the premiere."
Is that so far off the mark?
Go now, Henrik.
Is my name Henrik now?
Who's Henrik?
Please go now. I'll give you
something to read in bed.
Read this book for tomorrow.
Then we'll talk...
Properly, for the first time.
Isn't that a good idea?
I'll see you tomorrow, then.
Your ears are dirty, by the way.
Goodbye, sweetheart.
I'd like to cry this whole week,
and next week...
Cry away all my shabbiness
and all this wasted time.
Funny...
I can't seem to cry.
Do I want to cry for a whole week?
A moment ago I did, but now?
Do I want to cry at all?
If I really search inside myself,
I'm actually happy!
Remove your hat.
Remove your hat!
- What are you doing here?
- I'm meeting someone.
- Who?
- Miss Marie.
Get out.
I'm glad you like the ballet,
but we're too busy today.
Get lost!
12.00: Dress rehearsal
Swan Lake, Petrushka
- Parcel to be delivered.
- For Miss Marie. I'll see to that.
I'll take it, I'm seeing her now.
- What's your name, please?
- Nystrm, features editor.
Hello? Hold on,
I've got someone here.
- What paper?
- The Year Round.
No reporters today,
it's dress rehearsals.
But this is private.
She's expecting me.
I know that trick. No private
meetings on dress rehearsal day.
- Hack! The Year Round!
- What's that smell?
- I don't smell anything.
- You've lost your sense of smell.
Take this parcel to Miss Marie, Karl.
Be quick about it.
Call back later.
- There is a funny smell.
- That's possible.
But no upstart outsider
should be telling me.
I've been at this theatre
for 40 years!
- A letter for Miss Marie.
- Thanks, Karl.
- Get out, Karl. We're changing now.
- "We"? Never!
Oh God!
- Where's Marie?
- Ask Karlsson.
Karlsson... Karlsson!
I can't stand men who dance.
- Why aren't we starting?
- Something's up with Marie.
Something's wrong with Marie,
everyone says so.
To your places!
We're ready to go.
There's something in the air today.
I said to the missus this morning.
It's the weather and all...
And I had a funny dream.
Something will happen, you'll see.
I usually feel these things...
What the devil is this?
Let's find the fault.
What fault?
- A plug is apparently burning.
- This is bloody awful!
No, it's not good.
- How long will it take?
- I can't say.
Break!
What did I say? I can feel it
in my head and knees.
- Can I get you anything, Marie?
- No thanks.
- No?
- Oh yes, maybe some coffee.
I've never seen such hideous toes.
New ballet shoes are evil.
I'm going to complain.
What's wrong, Marie?
Are you upset?
Shall I sing to you,
or do you want to play a game?
Is it that it's autumn, or that
children now call us "madam"?
Tullan's sister did that today,
she didn't do that last spring.
Are you lovesick?
Our faces look 45,
our bodies 18.
We're 28
and the children call us madam!
Kaj...
Have you ever had a dream
and then woken up so soft inside
that you just want to cry?
And then tried hard to find
out what the dream was about...
...or just walked away from it all?
I never had anyone
to have such dreams about.
You wake up in the morning,
with the dream still present.
You're all soft inside...
- What did you say?
- Oh, nothing.
Oh, that's lovely!
We look great, of course...
But this job wears you down,
at least your toes
and your immortal soul.
DIARY
- What's wrong, Marie?
- So many people die.
- Oh, I don't know!
- They say there's a snag.
A snag? I bet you
there'll be an evening rehearsal.
We never get to make love
at normal hours.
Out of my way, little one!
There's a snag, apparently.
- Sorry, we'll have to work tonight.
- Yes, there's a snag.
You just keep calm. I'm totally calm.
Don't lie about
where people can trip over you!
Tonight. And stay calm.
I'm calm.
Couldn't you just kill him?
- She keeps herself in shape.
- That's quite so...
- But her legs are too fat.
- It's muscle.
All classical dancers
have thick calves and thighs.
Bye-bye!
Mr Nystrm, the editor, please.
It's strange she hasn't married.
There's never even
a scrap of gossip about her.
Because for 40 years
you've been throwing out the press.
- Bye, Nisse.
- Marie!
A Mr Nystrm from The Year Round
asked for you earlier.
He seemed very keen,
but I sent him packing.
You sent him packing?
They should send you packing!
That was not nice.
Bye-bye, Nisse!
- There's something hard about her.
- She was cross.
No wonder, she's probably
seeing that hack.
- Do you enjoy scaring people?
- Were you daydreaming?
I was yawning. I'm tired, because
you won't let me sleep at night.
- You're getting old, my dear...
- Don't joke about that.
- We'll go to bed early tonight.
- We're rehearsing tonight.
But I've taken time off,
and they weren't happy.
You'll have to go out
with someone else.
- Are you sulking now?
- It's always "the theatre"...
- Let's go home.
- Now? You're crazy!
- Why not?
- I happen to have a job to go to.
Forget it,
the papers are full as it is.
Forget about your rehearsal!
See?
It's always "the paper"...
See?
Can't you think of something else
to say?
How about:
I love you all the same.
How generous.
- You're getting on my nerves.
- Why is that?
I can't stand old sourpusses.
Good day!
But I really am sad... David!
Well, get moving, little lady!
Are you coming or not?
- That was a narrow scrape.
- What?
You nearly didn't make it out
to your goats.
- What?
- Can I offer you some pop?
Marie? You don't recognise me,
but I recognise you.
- I recognise you, Father.
- It's been a long time.
We haven't met
since my confirmation.
Yes, Marie, we have.
What the devil are you doing?
Your drink's getting cold!
It was about thirteen years ago.
The ballet school spring show.
Yes, the show...
A day of joy,
a day of disappointment.
Of dashed expectations, tension,
hysteria, excitement.
A day unlike any other in the year.
Marie! Hold on.
- The orchestra played too slow.
- Don't give me that.
- It didn't go well.
- No, but it was inspired.
- I'm going home to have a good cry.
- You do that.
- Did you like it? Was it any good?
- It was lovely.
- What do you want?
- I'm seeing a friend.
- Who?
- I don't know.
I'm glad you're interested in the
ballet, but we're too busy today.
- It's cold.
- Are your legs cold, miss?
I mean, with silk stockings.
As you're a dancer, miss...
- How do you know I'm a dancer?
- I've seen you, many times.
Especially your last show.
I'm sitting here
thinking that if I...
if I could say what I wanted
to say, I'd say that...
What would you say?
- You'd laugh, miss.
- You think so?
Tell me now!
I'd say...
I'd say that you're the most
beautiful thing I've seen in my life.
There.
- Where will you stay this summer?
- On Kalvholmen.
- And you, miss?
- We have a house on Blakrakan.
- Oh, that's yours?
- Do you know it?
Yeah... the manor.
Gruffman and I
used to scrump apples there.
This is Gruffman. My sister and I
thought he looked gruff...
Anyway, I live at the manor.
Maybe our paths will cross.
At least when you come
to scrump apples!
- Hello again!
- Hello!
- Is the water cold?
- A bit, but it's warm up here.
- Catching any fish?
- No, they're still sleeping.
- Won't you have a swim, miss?
- Too cold.
It's not too bad once you're in.
Do you think
we could drop the formalities?
- I'm all in favour.
- It makes things easier.
Do you live out here?
Over there.
- Over on Kalvholmen.
- Oh yes, you said.
- Are you hungry?
- Why?
Do you like wild strawberries?
I know of a place.
Would you like to go?
- This is it.
- And no one knows about it?
- Yes, you.
- And no one else?
Help yourself!
- What kind of cuckoo is that?
- I don't know much about birds.
I usually call it
the summer holiday bird.
It would sing outside my window
the first morning of
the summer holidays.
It would wake me up.
- Do you live with your parents?
- No, they're divorced.
I've never seen my mum,
and my dad's with another woman.
He gives me money to stay out of the
way. I'd like to do the same to him.
- Where do you and Gruffman live?
- With an old hag... lady.
She's got a moustache.
I love blind kittens. Don't you?
And babies, and people
who other people think are ugly.
And mice, of course. And poodles.
It's not as bad as that.
It's just that
people don't take me seriously.
Oh dear, oh dear, is it that sad?
No one cares about me,
no one but Gruffman.
- Really, no one?
- No, only Gruffman.
- What about me?
- Do you care about me?
Would I have brought you here
otherwise?
I need to think about that.
I'm never going to die.
I'll get really,
really old, but I'm not going to die.
I'm scared. Scared that I, Henrik...
will tip over the edge into something
black, something unknown.
- Why do you talk about that?
- I don't know.
It's something I'm struck by
now and again.
But it's interesting,
don't you think?
And you started it.
Hey... the wild strawberries!
Oh yes, them...
Hey, Henrik...
- I think we'll become friends.
- I think so, too.
Hey... Marie.
Uncle Erland came for a visit.
He gave me a bracelet,
and kissed my hand.
He was very courteous
and charming.
We had wine with dinner.
Aunt Elisabeth drank a lot.
She went on about how things were
when my mother was alive.
But no one paid any attention.
I'll get the coffee.
Don't call me "uncle".
At my age it's less agreeable to be
"uncle" to a beautiful young woman.
So you think
I'm a beautiful young woman?
- You're very like your mother.
- Did you bring her gifts, too?
Everyone did, as a token
of admiration for her art.
- I think you were in love with her.
- She was an outstanding actress.
And this bracelet,
is it a token
of admiration for my art?
Marie...
if you weren't
my old friend's daughter,
I'd tell you something.
But I won't. I can't,
and I daren't, my dear little girl.
Pretend I'm someone else,
like my mother.
- We'd run away, you and I.
- Run away?
Go far, far away
and live life to the full.
Live life to the full...
Seize the moment and hold it.
- I do seize the moment.
- You think so, poor girl?
Lucky is he... lucky is the man
who will teach you.
- Life... is so much.
- But Uncle Erland, my dancing...
If you stop calling me "uncle",
I'll stop calling you...
"My little girl."
There's a time for dancing.
Surely you have a little dancer boy
with downy cheeks
with whom you dream and argue,
plan the future with?
We in the ballet haven't
the time for it, nor the inclination.
Is that the truth?
Don't be too sure, dear Erland.
I'm not sure about you at all,
dear Marie.
One day you may get to take care
of me, and marry me.
Dare I hope?
You talk like an old book.
Of course you can hope!
One day you may take me.
- I have to dash!
- But we're having such a nice time.
- I really have to dash.
- Can't I come with you?
- No, you can't, Uncle Erland.
- But Marie...
Bye!
She's run off, and you can't
catch up with her.
- Are you sulking?
- No, I'm not.
- Gruffman, why is he sulking?
- I told you, I'm not.
If you say so... But we can both see
that the master's sulking.
Don't be silly.
- Is it because I'm late?
- Not in the least.
So it's something
we don't know about.
Who's Uncle Erland?
Why do you two have so much fun?
Do you fancy him?
Uncle Erland, that old codger!
Not that old. And he fancies you,
any fool could see that.
- So you can see that.
- So I'm a fool now?
If he fancies me,
that's his business.
He's always running after you.
I saw him at the show.
Is it that bad?
Come on now, tell me all
about your jealousy.
Dear, oh dear...
Is it that bad?
Serves you right!
One night,
following a scorching summer's day
of blazing sunlight...
The silence was vast,
reaching all the way
to the vault of heaven.
The silence between us
was also vast.
The rocks are still warm.
Everything seems unreal tonight.
- Don't you think?
- It's beautiful.
We're inside the same bubble.
It's so beautiful I could burst.
Break into pieces, disappear, perish.
- Kissing must be fun.
- Must be, since everyone's doing it.
I've never been kissed, except by the
ballet-master, but he doesn't count.
- What about your Uncle Erland?
- Oh, him!
Have you ever kissed a girl?
Everything's so difficult,
and all linked somehow.
Marie...
I like you, I'm in love with you,
and all that...
You know...
You must think me silly...
I'm just a damned fool, really.
A damned wimp!
- How does it feel?
- What?
You said you're in love with me.
You feel it in the chest and stomach.
Your knees are like crushed apples,
and your toes crumple up.
- But mostly it's in the chest.
- In the heart?
I don't know... How about you?
- Who says I'm in love with you?
- Oh, right...
I think it's in your skin.
I want you to touch me,
caress my skin with your hands.
It's in my shoulders and elbows.
In the palms of my hands.
It tickles all over.
Uncle Erland is probably a bit drunk,
but don't worry about it.
So there you are, children.
Milk and sandwiches are in the
kitchen. You get hungry at night.
When you go canoeing
in the moonlight.
Don't listen to him when he's tipsy.
Your mother, Marie,
used to dance for me
on evenings like these...
...when it was quiet and still
and the room was moonlit.
We were alone...
Forgive me for taking the liberty
of saying we were alone.
Your father...
Forgive me, dear Elisabeth.
She sat over there.
I played...
...and looked at her face.
I wondered whether I was
in reality, or outside it.
Was what surrounded me,
the piano and the floor, unreal?
Were the moonlight and the music
all that was real and substantial?
Now, all the clocks in the house
have stopped.
The flowers in the windows
have wilted and died.
We were alive in those days.
There were red geraniums
and the clocks were ticking away.
Outside, the gulls were screeching.
You two go, I'll stay
and keep him company.
The ship's horn hooting
in the distance...
This, and other things, the music
and the moonlight...
the silence
and the anticipation,
the blood whispering
in our ears...
A strange mood developed,
almost like a melody.
A new room was opened up
in our minds.
Well, this is where I work
during the summer. Welcome!
The morning sun shines through here.
Every morning,
two crows sit outside talking.
They're quite sweet.
Then your summer holiday bird
appears.
You talk like a museum guide.
I think we could kiss now.
- Don't you think so?
- Yes, I do.
Don't worry, I've locked the door.
It's only Uncle Erland.
Of course I should go to bed.
Of course, damn it!
Come on now, or you'll be
embarrassed in the morning.
Poor Aunt Elisabeth!
Now you have a lover!
How does it feel, is it exciting?
I'm sure you'll tell your friends.
Will you be boasting about us?
I can't give you any guarantees.
But we will get married.
But how do you feel right now?
Haven't you longed for this?
I never imagined it was like this...
I was really frightened, actually.
- Aren't you now?
- No, are you?
- No, I'm never afraid.
- I am, though.
Don't talk about that now.
- Frankly, I'm starving.
- There are sandwiches downstairs.
Super! And then a quick plunge!
Days like pearls:
Round and lustrous,
threaded on a golden string.
Days filled with fun and caresses.
Nights of waking dreams.
When did we sleep?
We had no time for sleeping.
- I'm never surprised.
- But you were this time.
- I thought of you five minutes ago.
- I haven't thought for ten years.
Can I have a cup?
It's not the kind of coffee
you used to like.
To be honest,
I never really liked it.
I'm not fussed nowadays.
- No sugar, as usual?
- Yes please, two lumps.
- You never used to take sugar.
- That was someone else.
I'm getting on a bit.
- What are you hunting?
- Pheasant.
You have an astonishing ability
to take time off whenever you like.
- What about you?
- I came here just on a whim.
Did you receive the parcel?
What parcel?
I see...
You sent me Henrik's diary.
Where did you get hold of it?
Why did you send it to me?
- Why now?
- So many questions.
Spring cleaning.
If you want, I'll tell you more.
I took care of it at the hospital,
so it wouldn't fall
into strange hands.
You probably think
I should have given it to you then.
Would that have been advisable?
Why don't you say something?
Nice to see you, Erland.
I have to go now,
so I don't miss the boat
and have to stay here with you.
- Did it frighten you?
- Yes. A hell of a lot, actually.
It wouldn't have been different
if you'd got it immediately.
I stand here looking at your hands.
They're beautiful, yet ugly somehow.
I can't explain why.
I think of Henrik's hands,
and I can't understand
why I let you touch me.
I'm disgusting?
Yes.
- Maybe it even rubbed off on you.
- It did.
But I'm aware of it, and that's good.
- Shall I walk you to the boat?
- No, thanks.
Oh, it's you?
- How long are you going to go on?
- Until I'm done.
- We were going to Bjrn at two.
- Is it two already?
- A quarter to three.
- As you can see, I'm working.
- You don't care about me.
- Silly!
- I'm forever waiting for you.
- I've got a job to do.
Thanks a lot.
I'm done now.
- No sacrifices on my behalf.
- Henrik...
I'm sorry. But you know
my work is important to me.
- What about me?
- You, too.
- Which is the most?
- What an odd question.
Answer me: Which is the most?
- I don't know.
- See? You don't care about me.
And you're selfish!
- We've never argued before.
- Not my fault.
Is it mine?
Well, if it's like that...
...we can't be together.
Just say the word!
- That's not what I meant.
- I'm a burden.
Henrik, don't be like that.
I'm nervous. I haven't practised all
summer, and I start work in a week.
We've been together night and day
for two whole months.
- Forgive my being sharp just now.
- Sure.
- Everything all right?
- Sure.
God, you're boring today!
Here I am, apologising
and grovelling
and you're just moping.
You just go, I'm fed up
with your moods.
Come back! Don't be silly,
I didn't mean it.
Just go!
I never want to see you again,
you idiot!
It was a Saturday, and I looked
for him the whole day.
At nightfall
I went over to his place.
I had never been there.
How do you do? Is Henrik at home?
Henrik is seldom at home nowadays.
Either during the day or at night.
I see...
I think Henrik is in his room.
When he came home today,
he was crying loudly
and kicking at the furniture.
- A glass of port, my dear?
- No, thank you.
Everyone has freedom of choice,
and I won't force anyone.
- I'll go up and see him, then.
- Just don't give in to his whims.
Why are you hiding, Henrik?
To see if she'd run me down.
He eats my bread and uses that tone.
- It won't eat into your capital.
- You're a layabout, my boy.
Luckily, I'm not your boy.
No, your father's.
You're both waiting for me to die.
Henrik will inherit me.
According to the experts, I should
have died three months ago.
The Lord moves in mysterious ways.
I have cancer, you see.
Whoever seeks to own his life,
shall lose it, says the Father here.
- That's a lie.
- Save his life.
It's still a lie.
I like living, and that's why
I'll survive the lot of you.
You too, dear Henrik.
Perhaps I could draw
your attention to the fact
that my knight is threatening
your rook.
I still feel like a ghost.
- Bless you.
- It's hayfever.
Are you sure about the port?
Not for me, thank you.
I'll fetch some blankets, Father.
It's getting chilly, both for
the corpse and the clergyman.
If you're here out of
a Christian sense of duty,
I'm terribly impressed.
I'm here
out of professional interest.
How so?
It may sound ridiculous,
but I have a feeling
of sitting next to Death himself.
It's highly rewarding, seen from
a professional point of view.
Off with you now!
There seems to be
a dance down on the jetty.
Good bye!
Now you know how things are for me,
the layabout!
Poor thing!
- It's not that bad, I suppose.
- No, you've got me.
- Have I, really?
- You have me.
- But earlier today...
- Be quiet!
You have me.
Let's go back to my little playhouse.
It's no fun out tonight.
I'm cold.
The pencil, I dropped it!
Listen! It's so silent.
Suddenly it went quiet.
Maybe we've landed
on another planet.
It's alien.
Alien...
Hello, Miss Marie.
Do you recognise me?
Well, hello there!
I've seen you before.
Look, how cold I am.
But in my stomach and on my breasts,
I'm feverishly hot.
- Let me feel...
- You're tickling!
Such a fine breast, miss.
Would you like
to sleep with me tonight?
- With you?
- You'd like that, wouldn't you?
That depends on the reward, dear sir.
I'm still a poor little virgin.
Then it's out of the question.
But if you would consider
engagement,
I promise
you won't be disappointed.
Then we have to wait.
The goldsmith has taken Sunday off,
and is lazing the day away.
My dear sir, this kind of engagement
is validated
with rings of grass,
and 24-carat kisses...
Shouldn't we swear by something?
You'd bet we should.
Swear... you'll never ever
look at another girl.
I swear.
Because if you do...
the devil will take you!
I swear!
Your teeth, nose and fingers
will blacken and fall off.
Oh, you!
Myself, I'll be faithful
for as long as I feel like it.
And since I always feel like it,
I'll be faithful till doomsday.
- Or the devil will take you!
- Or Uncle Erland will take me...
Serves you right.
- Now we're engaged.
- You go in and undress.
- I'll just go and spend a penny.
- Me, too!
I could eat you!
- Where would you start?
- With your hands and your waist.
- Then the inside of your thighs.
- What do you know about that?
A cannibal I know
says it's delicious.
How scary!
- What was that?
- Don't you recognise the eagle owl?
- It's horrible!
- Did it frighten you?
Oh, I just feel like crying tonight.
It's like toothache in the soul.
The soul's in the stomach
- that's where it hurts.
Too many green apples, that's all.
Hold me, Henrik.
Hold me, so I don't break.
Henrik, my little darling.
My love.
My dearest darling,
my beloved friend.
Hold me tight.
Tighter!
Let's stay awake all night.
Until the sun rises
and the trolls combust.
Henrik...
Can you feel how cold I am?
How I shiver?
How my heart pounds?
Don't be such a baby.
You're always biting me.
You just wait!
- We can't stay out here.
- Carry me.
- I can't walk, I'm too tired.
- That's it, then.
Please, carry me.
You're mad, fatty!
- You're a poor lover.
- Marry Superman!
No, he's got such awkward clothes.
Are you sad?
- Autumn is in the air.
- Yes.
On Thursday you'll go back
to the theatre, and I to university.
- When will we meet?
- We have three days left here.
Three days.
I'm not sad.
- Auntie has invited us to dinner.
- First a swim!
- No, I don't want to, it's too cold.
- Come on now!
I'll show you a fine jump!
My back...
Can you get me a bottle
for Thursday?
- I'll talk to my brother.
- Oh please, do try!
- From the beginning!
- You must, or I'll drown myself!
Promise me one thing,
you have to shoot Gruffman.
The poor thing
shouldn't have to live.
I'll see to it.
Poor thing.
Everyone is alive.
They run around in the streets.
And here am I, eating and drinking.
At the theatre we dance about
and frolic.
Henrik lies out there,
starting to rot.
A moment before
we were laughing about everything.
He lay in my arms.
I kissed his lips.
That's life.
Is there no meaning anywhere?
No, my girl. Nothing means anything
in the long run.
I don't believe God exists.
And if he does, I hate him.
And I'll never stop hating him.
If he stood before me,
I'd spit in his face.
I'll hate him for as long as I live.
I won't forget.
I'll hate him till the day I die.
There's only one thing one can do:
Protect oneself, build walls.
Protect oneself from
the touch of misery.
I'll help you.
I'll help wall you up.
I'll teach you, Marie.
That winter I worked hard,
without thinking.
In the spring, Uncle Erland
took me on a long journey.
In this way I forgot Henrik.
The wall grew around me.
In the end I wasn't just protected,
but locked up.
In this way I forgot Henrik.
I forgot Henrik.
I say, Miss Marie,
that hack was here again.
I tried to keep him here,
but he left.
Karl can tell you
that I followed him outside...
Yes, he did, I saw it.
So that didn't please her either.
Women! Who understands them?
Well, I never did.
Why put so much work
into these ballets?
They don't even show their legs,
or at least not enough.
Night rehearsals are a bugger.
And we've run out of beer.
That smell is still there.
Such a peculiar smell...
These shoes really are evil.
And tomorrow's opening night.
Go home and get to bed,
you silly girl.
- Come back with me for a drink.
- You go, I can't be bothered.
Don't then, sourpuss!
- This time tomorrow you'll be happy.
- What for?
- Because it'll be over then.
- Over!
- I don't like that tone of voice.
- Neither do I.
But without it, I'll start crying.
I am like a painted puppet
with strings.
If I cry, the paint will run.
Go now. Let me
mourn my youth in peace.
Bye!
Good evening, Marie!
Oh, it's you.
- Look at you...
- It's the make-up for Copplia.
- So are you dancing on Saturday?
- Yes.
My old star act. Gustavsson is ill.
It's late.
Empty theatres at night are strange.
Strange and a bit ghostly.
Dwarfs with humps and big heads
watch you from every corner.
- Yes...
- They've always been there.
They grow in numbers as the theatre
grows older. Their eyes are luminous.
Do you have any matches?
Kaj will have some.
Well, Marie...
You're laughing at me?
I came into the ballet hall
this morning.
It was big and empty.
There you were
in your black leotard,
bending and twisting
arms and legs.
Slowly, quietly,
you didn't notice me.
It was as if you'd been drawn
with five black lines.
And I thought...
...for 20 years
she's been standing like that,
morning, noon and night.
For 20 years.
Eight years left,
then she's finished.
Out... Bye-bye!
- What about yourself?
- I'm the ballet-master. I create.
I grow old and esteemed,
no burden to anyone.
You'll be pensioned off.
You sit there in your clown costume
and can't get it off.
What about your own costume?
It's true... it's as if it's glued
to one's body.
Do you really think
I don't understand?
You daren't remove your make-up,
and you daren't be made-up.
You daren't leave,
and you daren't stay.
Nonsense...
You only see your life
clearly once,
when all protective walls
have crumbled.
You stand there, naked and cold,
seeing yourself just the way you are.
Once only.
Not a very edifying sight, is it?
At that moment
you daren't either live or die.
- Has all this happened to you?
- No, not to me.
But to you, today, now.
- No.
- Yes... I can see it in your eyes.
You want to be happy,
get something out of life.
You want memories, don't you?
You want to start afresh.
All lies, Miss Marie.
Stuff and nonsense...
You dance, and that's that.
That's what you do.
Stick to that, Marie,
or you'll get into trouble.
Take a look in the mirror.
You look ridiculous.
So do I, for that matter.
Thanks for the chat.
I say, some chap has been
listening behind the door.
How did you get in?
Why did you run away this afternoon?
What a ghastly bow tie!
It looks like a clip-on.
Well, don't just stand there!
Sit down and behave
like a normal person.
What are you staring at?
Cat got your tongue?
Have you two met?
This is Copplius, the magician.
And that's David, quite simply.
The only person who's nice to me
in everyday life.
- Am I disturbing you?
- Perhaps I am?
- I can leave, right now.
- Why so soon?
- Your face looks funny.
- I gave her a few slaps...
- As long as he doesn't bite you.
- Are you jealous?
Of that character? Hardly!
Young man, I could transform you
into a sugar lump.
So beware!
Old man, I could spirit away
your talent, your secret,
your good name
and social standing.
I happen to be a journalist!
Great master, you are the mightiest.
- Your humble slave awaits orders.
- Get lost!
I'm leaving, slowly.
And I won't listen behind
the door, I have manners.
I see it's raining.
- Has it been raining long?
- Not at all.
It started at 9.15,
but will stop within the hour.
There's a risk of rain tomorrow,
but Saturday will be fine.
If it's like that,
you may as well go.
I'm not jealous!
I just don't get this job of yours.
Take that fool...
- He's no fool, he's a very nice man.
- He made you cry.
Do you think you never make me cry?
- That's different.
- Why?
He understands me, you don't.
- Have you two had an affair?
- Actually, we haven't.
You can be so oafish and vulgar.
If you're not artistic
it's easy to find all this kissing
a bit distasteful.
- It shows how little you understand.
- Say that again, and...
It just shows how little
you understand...
- Are you asking for trouble?
- No.
- I'm so tired!
- You always say that.
I am tired most of the time
these days.
Why don't you give up your job
and get married?
- Who would marry me?
- Who do you think?
Not you, you don't love me.
Stop that!
- Please be a bit nice to me.
- Why? You'll only push me away.
I've longed for you all day.
- No, you haven't.
- I have, too.
You never let me come near you.
You don't need me.
I never get to take care of you.
You turn to people like that idiot.
What do you know about me?
Or I about you?
Do go on, David...
No... I'm just a simple guy,
a tabloid hack.
What good am I to you?
You're a celebrity.
That's not it... not at all!
- You'll get make-up on you.
- Just show me where it hurts.
Don't talk to me like I'm a child.
I'm probably older than you.
I'm sure, I've always been
attracted to older women.
But admit you're hurting.
Listen, I'm an extremely
self-centred person.
But even I can sometimes feel
a penny drop...
You have such round fingertips.
Such a kind little finger.
You should use a cigarette holder.
I never thought I meant anything
to you...
Imagine if I could tell your fortune.
No, you might be disappointed.
Marie...
You don't need to be
self-sacrificing.
- Let's stop talking nonsense now.
- Fine, I'll call you tomorrow.
Maybe you haven't noticed
I'm here now!
What do you think of us two?
Nothing to write home about...
Do you want to break up?
Yes.
- I don't think you want to do that.
- Yes, I do.
- No...
- Yes!
Is this a game?
I know exactly what you'll say next:
"Have some vitamins."
"You need some sleep." Or:
"You're nervous before the premiere."
Is that so far off the mark?
Go now, Henrik.
Is my name Henrik now?
Who's Henrik?
Please go now. I'll give you
something to read in bed.
Read this book for tomorrow.
Then we'll talk...
Properly, for the first time.
Isn't that a good idea?
I'll see you tomorrow, then.
Your ears are dirty, by the way.
Goodbye, sweetheart.
I'd like to cry this whole week,
and next week...
Cry away all my shabbiness
and all this wasted time.
Funny...
I can't seem to cry.
Do I want to cry for a whole week?
A moment ago I did, but now?
Do I want to cry at all?
If I really search inside myself,
I'm actually happy!
Remove your hat.
Remove your hat!
- What are you doing here?
- I'm meeting someone.
- Who?
- Miss Marie.
Get out.
I'm glad you like the ballet,
but we're too busy today.
Get lost!