The Art of Joy (2024) s01e05 Episode Script
Episode 5
1
(DARK MUSIC)
Wake up, miss.
The princess insists you wear this.
The princess insists you wear this.
It's the same dress she wore when she got married.
ARGENTOVIVO: Look how wonderful it is.
Come on, come on, undress, we have to hurry.
Come on, come on, undress, we have to hurry.
Raise your arms.
- MODESTA: What time is it?
- Just past three.
(IN SICILIAN)
For him it will be a gift from heaven to have you as his bride.
It's Prince Ippolito. He has a name, he's not a thing.
It's Prince Ippolito. He has a name, he's not a thing.
You're right.
Forgive my impertinence, sometimes I don't think before I speak.
Forgive my impertinence, sometimes I don't think before I speak.
I'm running to get the veil, we've just ironed it.
I can see you're sad, Mena.
I can see you're sad, Mena.
Because of Rocco?
Yes, sorry.
Once, in a moment of confidence,
he told me he had feelings for you.
he told me he had feelings for you.
And that if your husband hadn't come back from the war,
he would have stepped forward.
He really said that to you?
He really said that to you?
Really?
Yes.
What a life, Miss Modesta.
So much love wasted
Are you ready?
Slowly, slowly.
Slowly, slowly.
(DARK MUSIC)
Congratulations, princess.
Modesta Spataro, do you take as your lawful husband
Modesta Spataro, do you take as your lawful husband
the here present Prince Ippolito Costantino Brandiforti,
Baron of Basalò, Marquis of Biancavilla,
according to the rite of Holy Mother Church?
I do.
DON ANTONIO: And you, Prince Ippolito Costantino Brandiforti,
DON ANTONIO: And you, Prince Ippolito Costantino Brandiforti,
Baron of Basalò, Marquis of Biancavilla,
do you take as your lawful wife - Yes.
do you take as your lawful wife - Yes.
the here present Modesta Spataro
according to the rite of Holy Mother Church?
IPPOLITO: Yes.
IPPOLITO: Yes.
DON ANTONIO: I pronounce you husband and wife.
Please.
I had two separate beds made, princess.
There's the bell over there.
PIETRO: You can call me whenever you want,
day or night. Hmm? - Thank you.
Good rest, princess.
Move over a bit.
Maudit
Good morning.
Good morning, princess.
(MOANS)
(CARMINE SPEAKS IN SICILIAN)
(CARMINE SPEAKS IN SICILIAN)
Eh?
Good morning.
Good morning.
Rocco's parents.
They came from San Vito to pick up his things.
Thank you for coming all this way. My condolences.
Thank you for coming all this way. My condolences.
You were with him when it happened, right?
Yes.
MODESTA: This is from Princess Gaia
MODESTA: This is from Princess Gaia
and all of us in the house,
to ease your suffering a little.
She didn't have to but thank you.
She didn't have to but thank you.
MOTHER: He had written to us that he had fallen in love with a girl,
that he wanted to marry her, but there were obstacles.
that he wanted to marry her, but there were obstacles.
NUNZIA: Really?
I think she's the daughter of one of our tenants.
I think she's the daughter of one of our tenants.
MOTHER: I brought this
so she could keep it as a memento.
MODESTA: Leave it with me, I'll give it to her myself.
(MODESTA: As I had planned, I was becoming a good old monarch.)
(I was kind to everyone.)
(I was kind to everyone.)
(I lied to Mena for her own good to comfort her,)
(I bestowed generous gifts, I walked proud and smiling.)
(I bestowed generous gifts, I walked proud and smiling.)
(And everyone stepped aside.)
(They bowed their heads to their magnanimous mistress,)
(They bowed their heads to their magnanimous mistress,)
(who was one of them.)
(But unreachable.)
- Good morning, Your Grace.
- Good morning, Teresa.
- Good morning, Your Grace.
- Good morning, Salvo.
- Your Grace.
- Have you seen Beatrice?
An hour ago coming down the stairs, then I haven't seen her anymore
An hour ago coming down the stairs, then I haven't seen her anymore
Have you seen Princess Beatrice?
MODESTA: I was looking for you.
MODESTA: I was looking for you.
Still in bed, you haven't gotten up?
- I was resting a bit.
- But it's lunchtime.
I came to your room yesterday, you weren't there.
I came to your room yesterday, you weren't there.
I can't leave Ippolito alone.
Now that we're married I have to sleep with him.
I understand, and we'll end up never seeing each other again.
I understand, and we'll end up never seeing each other again.
Don't say that, you little crazy one.
No, crazy my foot.
- What is this?
- Nothing.
- What is this?
- Nothing.
- Let me see.
- It's nothing.
- But let me see.
- No.
But whose photos are these?
Uncle Jacopo's. I stole them from his room.
Uncle Jacopo's. I stole them from his room.
Is that what you do with Ippolito?
I don't have to do any of that.
I just take care of him, like a brother.
Do you swear?
Of course I swear. He doesn't even touch me with a finger.
Don't you even know what a man looks like?
No. I don't know.
Anyway, I don't know either and I never will.
And I won't ever be able to marry because of my leg,
And I won't ever be able to marry because of my leg,
I already told you, didn't I? Maman doesn't want grandchildren.
She doesn't want any more cripples or monsters in the family.
She doesn't want any more cripples or monsters in the family.
Ah!
Anyway, we'll always love each other, right?
Anyway, we'll always love each other, right?
But you never spend time with me.
When I think of our palace in Catania
When I think of our palace in Catania
We saw people every day and went out every evening.
But from the palace you can see the sea?
Of course you can see the sea. From every room.
There's beautiful light.
MAN: The war is over!
BEATRICE: What's happening?
MAN 2: The war is over!
My God, it can't be.
MAN: The war is over!
WOMAN: The war is over!
MODESTA: Is it really true?
MODESTA: Is it really true?
Finally we'll go back to Catania!
The war is over!
The war is over!
GAIA: What's going on?
WOMAN: The war is over!
GAIA: Not for us! Do you understand?
GAIA: Not for us! Do you understand?
Not for us.
(MUMBLING)
Weren't you the ones shouting for war?
What are you? Puppets?
What are you? Puppets?
Let me make one thing perfectly clear:
"The war will never end here."
(CROWD DISAPPROVES)
There's nothing to celebrate.
Every celebration will be severely punished.
Go back to work, thank you.
Go back to work, thank you.
MAN: It's not fair.
- Shh.
What are you two doing there? Come up.
BEATRICE: Maman
How could you think of mixing with those ragamuffins?
But maman, the war is finally over.
But maman, the war is finally over.
Look at him.
There was a love between us two that I can't even describe.
There was a love between us two that I can't even describe.
Every day I open his wardrobe to smell his clothes.
He was the only son I could truly love.
He was the only son I could truly love.
And he died in the war.
Whether the war is over or not, for us Brandiforti nothing changes.
Whether the war is over or not, for us Brandiforti nothing changes.
We will never go back to Catania, never again.
We will never go back to Catania, never again.
Catania belongs to another life,
a life in which my son was alive, healthy, strong, beautiful.
a life in which my son was alive, healthy, strong, beautiful.
Now he's being eaten by worms.
Now he's being eaten by worms.
When I die, you will have to stay in this villa.
To take care of my room,
To take care of my room,
as I continue to do for all my dead.
This is your destiny.
But maman, it's not fair, I want to go to Catania, I want to live
But maman, it's not fair, I want to go to Catania, I want to live
You want to live?
But you're a poor cripple. What do you want to live for?
Anyway, there's no point arguing, I've already decided.
What are you thinking? That I'm crazy?
No.
No.
And
that I'm selfish, do you think that?
Of course I do.
Of course I do.
Besides, I never said I was an altruist.
I find it a completely
I find it a completely
fake, unnatural attitude
totally hypocritical.
Captatio benevolentiae.
I couldn't care less about other people's benevolence
Excuse me.
Excuse me.
(MODESTA: Enough.)
MODESTA: I was tired of pretending obedience,
of tolerating someone disposing of all our lives,
of tolerating someone disposing of all our lives,
of these empty exercises of power.
The princess isn't coming down to dinner, she only wants broth in her room.
I'll prepare it right away.
I'll prepare it right away.
MODESTA: Now peace had arrived to set us free.
We waited so long for this moment.
All of Italy is out in the streets and we instead
All of Italy is out in the streets and we instead
Even before the war, I never had it.
I don't know peace.
I give you permission to have a party.
I give you permission to have a party.
I'm telling you.
But it has to happen outside.
On the property, but far from the villa.
On the property, but far from the villa.
And only after Princess Gaia has gone to sleep, mind you.
Thank you.
Don't worry, we'll do as you say.
Don't worry, we'll do as you say.
But joy, yes, that I can recognize in others.
But joy, yes, that I can recognize in others.
When it suddenly explodes in their bodies, in their burning eyes.
And that I wanted all for myself.
This way.
This way.
(DISTANT VOICES AND MUSIC)
(ACCORDION SOUND)
(ACCORDION SOUND)
(STOP PLAYING)
Why did you stop dancing?
Come on, we came to celebrate.
Come on, we came to celebrate.
Come on, start the music again.
MENA: Princess. Princess.
What is it?
- What is it?
- I received some news too.
- What is it?
- I received some news too.
What?
(IN SICILIAN)
Go spend some time with him.
Don't worry about the princess, I'll tell her.
Don't worry about the princess, I'll tell her.
- Really?
- Go. - Thank you, princess.
You were so beautiful together.
You were so beautiful together.
You didn't even look your daughter in the eyes.
She is Princess Brandiforti. I am Carmine, the tax collector.
She is Princess Brandiforti. I am Carmine, the tax collector.
What the hell were you thinking?
You were only supposed to dance.
How beautiful she is.
(SINGING "C'E' LA LUNA 'N MENZU O MARI")
(MUFFLED SOUNDS)
(FATHER SINGS "C'E' LA LUNA 'N MENZU O MARI")
(FATHER SINGS "C'E' LA LUNA 'N MENZU O MARI")
(MUFFLED SOUNDS)
Come here.
(FATHER SPEAKS IN SICILIAN)
- Eh?
CARMINE: What's wrong?
Nothing. Nothing.
Nothing. Nothing.
(SINGING "C'E' LA LUNA 'N MENZU O MARI")
Shall we go?
- Why? I want to dance.
- I want to leave.
- Why? I want to dance.
- I want to leave.
- Why?
- You stay if you want.
(HUMMING "C'E' LA LUNA 'N MENZU O MARI")
(HUMMING "C'E' LA LUNA 'N MENZU O MARI")
Stop it.
(IMITATES CROW CALL)
(CAWING)
(CAWING)
(CAWING)
Your Grace, sorry to disturb you.
Your Grace, sorry to disturb you.
A telegram arrived for you from Catania.
Who is it from?
Uh. How are your pains, Antonio?
Um
It's from the Duke of Targagi, announcing his visit.
It's from the Duke of Targagi, announcing his visit.
GAIA: After the war there will be no more truce.
They'll want to start those silly dancing afternoons again.
"Returning from Catania, I will be with you tomorrow."
"I need to speak with you."
It must be something important, maman.
It must be something important, maman.
Maybe a marriage.
- Ugh, how boring.
Boredom is the devil.
BEATRICE: Maybe he wants to ask for my hand.
BEATRICE: Maybe he wants to ask for my hand.
You should see how handsome he is, Modesta.
GAIA: Don't be ridiculous, Beatrice.
And tell me, when exactly did he fall in love with you?
And tell me, when exactly did he fall in love with you?
(GAIA LAUGHS)
Antonio, for tomorrow the house must shine.
GAIA: And then make a little effort, Antonio, try to heal.
GAIA: And then make a little effort, Antonio, try to heal.
Healing is also a matter of will.
GAIA: "Oui, certes, une impertinente personne."
GAIA: "Oui, certes, une impertinente personne."
"Et bien, elle s'en est fait faire un pareil." Of a hat.
(DISTANT PIANO MUSIC)
(DISTANT PIANO MUSIC)
No sorry, open everything.
BEATRICE: This dress is so tight on me.
I haven't worn it in three years, maybe I've gained weight.
I haven't worn it in three years, maybe I've gained weight.
What should I do, change?
It looks good on you. You're beautiful.
(ENGINE ROAR)
BEATRICE: Here they come.
Be careful how you walk, Beatrice.
GAIA: Sit down.
GAIA: Sit down.
Come on!
(FOOTSTEPS)
Princess, you should come. The duke is asking for you.
Well, you could have let him in.
Well, you could have let him in.
GAIA: Luigi.
Don't come closer, princess.
What are you doing with that scarf? You look like a bandit.
What are you doing with that scarf? You look like a bandit.
- I might be contagious.
- Contagious? What do you mean?
- My mother has a high fever and has been vomiting for two days.
- Vittoria?
- My mother has a high fever and has been vomiting for two days.
- Vittoria?
This morning even my little sister felt ill.
For now I'm fine, I'm coming back from Catania
where I went to get some medicines and these two nurses.
- I don't understand anything, what's happening? I wanted to warn you in person.
- I don't understand anything, what's happening? I wanted to warn you in person.
I know you haven't been in Catania for a long time,
but a terrible disease is spreading in the city, a dreadful plague.
If any of you has a fever, call a doctor immediately.
If any of you has a fever, call a doctor immediately.
Nunzia has a fever.
- Stay away from her, isolate her.
- Yes, yes
Now I'll say goodbye.
No. No, but we we had prepared a beautiful lunch for you.
No. No, but we we had prepared a beautiful lunch for you.
I'm sorry.
(DOOR CLOSES)
Luigi? Luigi? Luigi?
Luigi? Luigi? Luigi?
Say hello to Vittoria for me.
Say hello to Vittoria for me.
GAIA: So? How is Nunzia?
GAIA: So? How is Nunzia?
She's not in good condition, princess. Pray for her.
Tell everyone to stay away from her
and leave her food and medicine outside the door.
and leave her food and medicine outside the door.
What exactly does she have?
The flu. They call it the Spanish flu.
Eh, the flu, what's the big deal.
Eh, the flu, what's the big deal.
It's very contagious and highly deadly.
The mainland is plagued by it.
It seems the soldiers brought it back from the front.
It seems the soldiers brought it back from the front.
You must isolate yourselves and prepare to stay in quarantine.
Contacts must be reduced to a minimum.
And even inside the villa you must keep your distance.
And even inside the villa you must keep your distance.
But it would be even better if each of you,
whenever possible, lived in your own room.
whenever possible, lived in your own room.
How boring
I understand, princess.
DOCTOR: The situation is very serious.
You must wear gloves and cover your mouth with a mask.
You must wear gloves and cover your mouth with a mask.
Cut up some sheets and sew them yourselves.
Get some Lysol, everything must be disinfected.
Wash sheets, tablecloths, dishes.
Wash sheets, tablecloths, dishes.
Don't touch your mouth with your hands, wash them constantly.
Don't touch surfaces that others have touched.
Don't touch surfaces that others have touched.
But above all, the most important thing
I can't breathe.
pay attention to the medical condition of those near you.
pay attention to the medical condition of those near you.
of those near you.
(FOOTSTEPS)
(FOOTSTEPS)
CARMINE: Then in the other pantry I had them put the "goodness of God",
cheeses, meat, legumes.
I also ordered malvasia and zibibbo for the princess.
I also ordered malvasia and zibibbo for the princess.
You could live a year without suffering hunger or thirst.
You can go, thank you.
Why did you say "you could"?
Why did you say "you could"?
For a while I won't be coming back to the villa.
Until this plague ends, I'll stay at my house.
- What house?
Modesta
- What house?
Modesta
did you really think that shack where we meet
was my house?
We all have a house.
We all have a house.
A real house, I mean.
Out there everyone is getting sick, Carmine.
Out there everyone is getting sick, Carmine.
If you leave, you might not come back.
It's dangerous.
It's dangerous.
("TONADILLAS: EL MIRAR DE LA MAJA" GRANADOS FROM THE GRAMOPHONE)
("TONADILLAS: EL MIRAR DE LA MAJA" GRANADOS FROM THE GRAMOPHONE)
MODESTA: Donna Gaia, what are you doing here?
It's dangerous to go around,
you must always wear protection, you know.
You're getting closer, Maudit
Cover your nose and mouth.
Cover your nose and mouth.
(TURNS OFF THE GRAMOPHONE)
(TURNS OFF THE GRAMOPHONE)
I see you, you know?
You've taken the helm of the ship.
You've taken the helm of the ship.
You dispose, you give orders.
You do your best.
You do your best.
But it's useless for you to work so hard.
The end is coming, Maudit. It hovers over this house.
It hovers over everyone.
It wasn't the war we should have feared, it was this peace.
It wasn't the war we should have feared, it was this peace.
GAIA: Put the music back on, please.
- What?
Put the music back on.
("TONADILLAS: EL MIRAR DE LA MAJA" GRANADOS FROM THE GRAMOPHONE)
(SWEET MUSIC)
Antonio, what are you doing there?
It's important that there's always someone
to welcome the guests.
But we won't have guests, no one is coming.
Then may I retire for a few hours, Your Grace?
Of course.
I think I have a fever.
I think I have a fever.
Go rest.
I'll have dinner brought to your door.
Cra
Carmine
It's Mena. I'll go, princess.
No. I'll handle it.
No. I'll handle it.
Princess how are you?
- Stop. Don't come closer.
Princess how are you?
- Stop. Don't come closer.
I can't let you in, I'm sorry, you have to leave.
You could have the Spanish flu, you know. Even if you have no symptoms now.
This disease is deceptive. Antonio has had a fever since yesterday.
Look, I haven't seen anyone
I could be sick too, I vomited last night.
I could be sick too, I vomited last night.
And now no one will make him work anymore.
- Did you understand what I said before?
- Please. - You have to leave.
I can't put my family in danger for you.
I can't put my family in danger for you.
Your family?
Bad.
Bad.
(DARK MUSIC)
Good morning. The postman came and left some newspapers too.
Good morning. The postman came and left some newspapers too.
I don't understand anything, take off the mask, we're far enough apart anyway.
This morning the postman left some newspapers too, if you want.
This morning the postman left some newspapers too, if you want.
Now he only comes once every ten days.
I hope at least they're from today.
No, they're from two days ago.
Read me at least the headlines. You're curious too, aren't you?
"The flu worsens."
"The flu worsens."
"Dangerous to get up as soon as the fever stops"
Is it possible they only talk about that? Come on, read me something else.
"Approved a new amendment to the United States Constitution"
"that prohibits"
- No, I'm bored. Another one.
"The civil war in Russia continues."
"The White Russians do not stop the advance of the Red Army."
Goodbye to beauty, to elegance
Every day everything becomes more sadder, more miserable.
They seize villas and palaces, no one knows what for.
And then they build lots of little houses, all ugly,
And then they build lots of little houses, all ugly,
all the same, all sad.
But don't you find that
that people are cooking a lot since this epidemic started?
that people are cooking a lot since this epidemic started?
Eh? It's almost disgusting.
Not even when there were guests every evening did we cook this much.
Not even when there were guests every evening did we cook this much.
And
even you, Maudit
eat a bit less, you're
eat a bit less, you're
you're quite plump now.
You're losing, losing your elegance, those
You're losing, losing your elegance, those
your peasant origins are showing again.
Especially those chubby cheeks, sorry
Especially those chubby cheeks, sorry
A bit embarrassing.
And then
I'm fading and you're blooming.
I'm fading and you're blooming.
Don't you find that strange?
Imagine if there was a child here?
Yes, a child.
Running everywhere.
Coming into these rooms.
Coming into these rooms.
(SIGH)
A new life in this house.
- Would you like that?
Yes, very much. And what would we call him?
I don't know.
(THUNDER)
(BREAKING GLASS)
It came from Aunt Adelaide's room.
It came from Aunt Adelaide's room.
(BIRD SOUNDS)
(SCREAMS)
So?
The princess's fall was disastrous,
she broke several ribs.
she broke several ribs.
What happened? I mean, how did she fall?
I can't understand it, she must have lost consciousness.
Her heart is weak, unfortunately.
Her heart is weak, unfortunately.
Ah, if she can't bear the pain
give her this, it's laudanum.
give her this, it's laudanum.
It would be better if only one person took care of her.
I'm saying this because of the Spanish flu. Fewer contacts the better.
I'm saying this because of the Spanish flu. Fewer contacts the better.
Of course.
Goodbye.
GAIA: Who is it?
- It's Modesta, I have your lunch.
GAIA: Who is it?
- It's Modesta, I have your lunch.
Come in.
- How do you feel?
Terrible.
Dying would have been less painful.
- No, I'm not hungry.
- Please, you must regain your strength.
Fed like a baby.
Ah
Come on, enough, it's unbearable.
The pain?
No, being reduced to this.
No, being reduced to this.
I don't want anyone else to see me except you.
I don't want anyone else to see me except you.
(MODESTA: "Under no circumstances will I ever part with that scarab again.")
(MODESTA: "Under no circumstances will I ever part with that scarab again.")
("In what way?" I asked with a sad presentiment.)
("To say that it is truly made of gold.")
(He said it with such seriousness that it was pitiful to hear.)
(He said it with such seriousness that it was pitiful to hear.)
("This scarab is destined to bring me misfortune,")
(he continued with a triumphant smile,)
("and to restore me to my family's fortune.")
("and to restore me to my family's fortune.")
("So is it any wonder that I value it so much?")
("Since fortune has seen fit to let it fall into my hands,")
("Since fortune has seen fit to let it fall into my hands,")
("I have only to use it properly")
("to reach the gold of which it is the clue.")
("Jupiter, bring it to me here.")
(DARK MUSIC)
(DARK MUSIC)
GAIA: When this epidemic is over,
GAIA: When this epidemic is over,
I will personally take care of Antonio's family.
He has been with us all his life.
He has been with us all his life.
MODESTA: Of course when he was alive she called him "poor Antonio",
and now that he's dead, only by his name.
GAIA: Mh. Yes, because for me
we who are alive are the poor ones.
(SMILES)
But how did you get so fat?
You're not playing a bad trick on me, are you?
No.
I see you understood immediately what I was talking about. Undress.
What?
- Undress.
No.
Take everything off.
You're embarrassing me.
- I could be your mother, hurry up.
- I can't.
You can't?
You can't?
Take off your skirt.
The other one too.
Take off your underwear.
Take off your underwear.
Down. Further down.
Lift your blouse.
Lift your blouse.
I can't believe it.
I can't believe it.
You were so stupid as to let that thing get you pregnant.
But I warned you on the eve of the wedding,
But I warned you on the eve of the wedding,
no children.
Maternity generates a dazed absence that alienates one from life.
Maternity generates a dazed absence that alienates one from life.
You could lose all your intelligence,
all your strength, being pregnant like everyone else. What a waste.
all your strength, being pregnant like everyone else. What a waste.
I'm sorry.
The Brandiforti family must end with me. All right?
The Brandiforti family must end with me. All right?
And I will not allow anyone,
I mean anyone,
to go against my will!
to go against my will!
I myself, after the thing, got pregnant twice
I myself, after the thing, got pregnant twice
and I took care of it and I wasn't exactly happy about it.
But I did what I had to do.
- But you already had children
But I did what I had to do.
- But you already had children
So, I'll tell you once: if you want to have a child, you leave!
But you will be disinherited.
But you will be disinherited.
Whoever leaves the villa
All my possessions will go to whoever "stays" in the villa.
Oh
(sighing) Anyway, it can still be fixed.
Don't look at me like that, I'm not telling you that you have to do
what your mother would have done with herbs, poisonous ointments
or what I did with knitting needles.
or what I did with knitting needles.
I'm telling you that you can fix it by calling a doctor.
But you have to hurry, because if we wait it can become dangerous.
But you have to hurry, because if we wait it can become dangerous.
And I don't want to risk losing you.
(LAUGHTER) There's nothing to laugh about,
just shut up and be ashamed!
just shut up and be ashamed!
Consider yourself privileged.
Let me rest, look, go away.
Get out.
("PAROLA" DONATO DOZZY, ANNA CARAGNANO)
("PAROLA" DONATO DOZZY, ANNA CARAGNANO)
(SCREAMS AND NEWBORN CRYING)
MODESTA: I have always stolen my share of joy
MODESTA: I have always stolen my share of joy
from everything
and from everyone.
SKY ITALIA
SKY ITALIA
(DARK MUSIC)
Wake up, miss.
The princess insists you wear this.
The princess insists you wear this.
It's the same dress she wore when she got married.
ARGENTOVIVO: Look how wonderful it is.
Come on, come on, undress, we have to hurry.
Come on, come on, undress, we have to hurry.
Raise your arms.
- MODESTA: What time is it?
- Just past three.
(IN SICILIAN)
For him it will be a gift from heaven to have you as his bride.
It's Prince Ippolito. He has a name, he's not a thing.
It's Prince Ippolito. He has a name, he's not a thing.
You're right.
Forgive my impertinence, sometimes I don't think before I speak.
Forgive my impertinence, sometimes I don't think before I speak.
I'm running to get the veil, we've just ironed it.
I can see you're sad, Mena.
I can see you're sad, Mena.
Because of Rocco?
Yes, sorry.
Once, in a moment of confidence,
he told me he had feelings for you.
he told me he had feelings for you.
And that if your husband hadn't come back from the war,
he would have stepped forward.
He really said that to you?
He really said that to you?
Really?
Yes.
What a life, Miss Modesta.
So much love wasted
Are you ready?
Slowly, slowly.
Slowly, slowly.
(DARK MUSIC)
Congratulations, princess.
Modesta Spataro, do you take as your lawful husband
Modesta Spataro, do you take as your lawful husband
the here present Prince Ippolito Costantino Brandiforti,
Baron of Basalò, Marquis of Biancavilla,
according to the rite of Holy Mother Church?
I do.
DON ANTONIO: And you, Prince Ippolito Costantino Brandiforti,
DON ANTONIO: And you, Prince Ippolito Costantino Brandiforti,
Baron of Basalò, Marquis of Biancavilla,
do you take as your lawful wife - Yes.
do you take as your lawful wife - Yes.
the here present Modesta Spataro
according to the rite of Holy Mother Church?
IPPOLITO: Yes.
IPPOLITO: Yes.
DON ANTONIO: I pronounce you husband and wife.
Please.
I had two separate beds made, princess.
There's the bell over there.
PIETRO: You can call me whenever you want,
day or night. Hmm? - Thank you.
Good rest, princess.
Move over a bit.
Maudit
Good morning.
Good morning, princess.
(MOANS)
(CARMINE SPEAKS IN SICILIAN)
(CARMINE SPEAKS IN SICILIAN)
Eh?
Good morning.
Good morning.
Rocco's parents.
They came from San Vito to pick up his things.
Thank you for coming all this way. My condolences.
Thank you for coming all this way. My condolences.
You were with him when it happened, right?
Yes.
MODESTA: This is from Princess Gaia
MODESTA: This is from Princess Gaia
and all of us in the house,
to ease your suffering a little.
She didn't have to but thank you.
She didn't have to but thank you.
MOTHER: He had written to us that he had fallen in love with a girl,
that he wanted to marry her, but there were obstacles.
that he wanted to marry her, but there were obstacles.
NUNZIA: Really?
I think she's the daughter of one of our tenants.
I think she's the daughter of one of our tenants.
MOTHER: I brought this
so she could keep it as a memento.
MODESTA: Leave it with me, I'll give it to her myself.
(MODESTA: As I had planned, I was becoming a good old monarch.)
(I was kind to everyone.)
(I was kind to everyone.)
(I lied to Mena for her own good to comfort her,)
(I bestowed generous gifts, I walked proud and smiling.)
(I bestowed generous gifts, I walked proud and smiling.)
(And everyone stepped aside.)
(They bowed their heads to their magnanimous mistress,)
(They bowed their heads to their magnanimous mistress,)
(who was one of them.)
(But unreachable.)
- Good morning, Your Grace.
- Good morning, Teresa.
- Good morning, Your Grace.
- Good morning, Salvo.
- Your Grace.
- Have you seen Beatrice?
An hour ago coming down the stairs, then I haven't seen her anymore
An hour ago coming down the stairs, then I haven't seen her anymore
Have you seen Princess Beatrice?
MODESTA: I was looking for you.
MODESTA: I was looking for you.
Still in bed, you haven't gotten up?
- I was resting a bit.
- But it's lunchtime.
I came to your room yesterday, you weren't there.
I came to your room yesterday, you weren't there.
I can't leave Ippolito alone.
Now that we're married I have to sleep with him.
I understand, and we'll end up never seeing each other again.
I understand, and we'll end up never seeing each other again.
Don't say that, you little crazy one.
No, crazy my foot.
- What is this?
- Nothing.
- What is this?
- Nothing.
- Let me see.
- It's nothing.
- But let me see.
- No.
But whose photos are these?
Uncle Jacopo's. I stole them from his room.
Uncle Jacopo's. I stole them from his room.
Is that what you do with Ippolito?
I don't have to do any of that.
I just take care of him, like a brother.
Do you swear?
Of course I swear. He doesn't even touch me with a finger.
Don't you even know what a man looks like?
No. I don't know.
Anyway, I don't know either and I never will.
And I won't ever be able to marry because of my leg,
And I won't ever be able to marry because of my leg,
I already told you, didn't I? Maman doesn't want grandchildren.
She doesn't want any more cripples or monsters in the family.
She doesn't want any more cripples or monsters in the family.
Ah!
Anyway, we'll always love each other, right?
Anyway, we'll always love each other, right?
But you never spend time with me.
When I think of our palace in Catania
When I think of our palace in Catania
We saw people every day and went out every evening.
But from the palace you can see the sea?
Of course you can see the sea. From every room.
There's beautiful light.
MAN: The war is over!
BEATRICE: What's happening?
MAN 2: The war is over!
My God, it can't be.
MAN: The war is over!
WOMAN: The war is over!
MODESTA: Is it really true?
MODESTA: Is it really true?
Finally we'll go back to Catania!
The war is over!
The war is over!
GAIA: What's going on?
WOMAN: The war is over!
GAIA: Not for us! Do you understand?
GAIA: Not for us! Do you understand?
Not for us.
(MUMBLING)
Weren't you the ones shouting for war?
What are you? Puppets?
What are you? Puppets?
Let me make one thing perfectly clear:
"The war will never end here."
(CROWD DISAPPROVES)
There's nothing to celebrate.
Every celebration will be severely punished.
Go back to work, thank you.
Go back to work, thank you.
MAN: It's not fair.
- Shh.
What are you two doing there? Come up.
BEATRICE: Maman
How could you think of mixing with those ragamuffins?
But maman, the war is finally over.
But maman, the war is finally over.
Look at him.
There was a love between us two that I can't even describe.
There was a love between us two that I can't even describe.
Every day I open his wardrobe to smell his clothes.
He was the only son I could truly love.
He was the only son I could truly love.
And he died in the war.
Whether the war is over or not, for us Brandiforti nothing changes.
Whether the war is over or not, for us Brandiforti nothing changes.
We will never go back to Catania, never again.
We will never go back to Catania, never again.
Catania belongs to another life,
a life in which my son was alive, healthy, strong, beautiful.
a life in which my son was alive, healthy, strong, beautiful.
Now he's being eaten by worms.
Now he's being eaten by worms.
When I die, you will have to stay in this villa.
To take care of my room,
To take care of my room,
as I continue to do for all my dead.
This is your destiny.
But maman, it's not fair, I want to go to Catania, I want to live
But maman, it's not fair, I want to go to Catania, I want to live
You want to live?
But you're a poor cripple. What do you want to live for?
Anyway, there's no point arguing, I've already decided.
What are you thinking? That I'm crazy?
No.
No.
And
that I'm selfish, do you think that?
Of course I do.
Of course I do.
Besides, I never said I was an altruist.
I find it a completely
I find it a completely
fake, unnatural attitude
totally hypocritical.
Captatio benevolentiae.
I couldn't care less about other people's benevolence
Excuse me.
Excuse me.
(MODESTA: Enough.)
MODESTA: I was tired of pretending obedience,
of tolerating someone disposing of all our lives,
of tolerating someone disposing of all our lives,
of these empty exercises of power.
The princess isn't coming down to dinner, she only wants broth in her room.
I'll prepare it right away.
I'll prepare it right away.
MODESTA: Now peace had arrived to set us free.
We waited so long for this moment.
All of Italy is out in the streets and we instead
All of Italy is out in the streets and we instead
Even before the war, I never had it.
I don't know peace.
I give you permission to have a party.
I give you permission to have a party.
I'm telling you.
But it has to happen outside.
On the property, but far from the villa.
On the property, but far from the villa.
And only after Princess Gaia has gone to sleep, mind you.
Thank you.
Don't worry, we'll do as you say.
Don't worry, we'll do as you say.
But joy, yes, that I can recognize in others.
But joy, yes, that I can recognize in others.
When it suddenly explodes in their bodies, in their burning eyes.
And that I wanted all for myself.
This way.
This way.
(DISTANT VOICES AND MUSIC)
(ACCORDION SOUND)
(ACCORDION SOUND)
(STOP PLAYING)
Why did you stop dancing?
Come on, we came to celebrate.
Come on, we came to celebrate.
Come on, start the music again.
MENA: Princess. Princess.
What is it?
- What is it?
- I received some news too.
- What is it?
- I received some news too.
What?
(IN SICILIAN)
Go spend some time with him.
Don't worry about the princess, I'll tell her.
Don't worry about the princess, I'll tell her.
- Really?
- Go. - Thank you, princess.
You were so beautiful together.
You were so beautiful together.
You didn't even look your daughter in the eyes.
She is Princess Brandiforti. I am Carmine, the tax collector.
She is Princess Brandiforti. I am Carmine, the tax collector.
What the hell were you thinking?
You were only supposed to dance.
How beautiful she is.
(SINGING "C'E' LA LUNA 'N MENZU O MARI")
(MUFFLED SOUNDS)
(FATHER SINGS "C'E' LA LUNA 'N MENZU O MARI")
(FATHER SINGS "C'E' LA LUNA 'N MENZU O MARI")
(MUFFLED SOUNDS)
Come here.
(FATHER SPEAKS IN SICILIAN)
- Eh?
CARMINE: What's wrong?
Nothing. Nothing.
Nothing. Nothing.
(SINGING "C'E' LA LUNA 'N MENZU O MARI")
Shall we go?
- Why? I want to dance.
- I want to leave.
- Why? I want to dance.
- I want to leave.
- Why?
- You stay if you want.
(HUMMING "C'E' LA LUNA 'N MENZU O MARI")
(HUMMING "C'E' LA LUNA 'N MENZU O MARI")
Stop it.
(IMITATES CROW CALL)
(CAWING)
(CAWING)
(CAWING)
Your Grace, sorry to disturb you.
Your Grace, sorry to disturb you.
A telegram arrived for you from Catania.
Who is it from?
Uh. How are your pains, Antonio?
Um
It's from the Duke of Targagi, announcing his visit.
It's from the Duke of Targagi, announcing his visit.
GAIA: After the war there will be no more truce.
They'll want to start those silly dancing afternoons again.
"Returning from Catania, I will be with you tomorrow."
"I need to speak with you."
It must be something important, maman.
It must be something important, maman.
Maybe a marriage.
- Ugh, how boring.
Boredom is the devil.
BEATRICE: Maybe he wants to ask for my hand.
BEATRICE: Maybe he wants to ask for my hand.
You should see how handsome he is, Modesta.
GAIA: Don't be ridiculous, Beatrice.
And tell me, when exactly did he fall in love with you?
And tell me, when exactly did he fall in love with you?
(GAIA LAUGHS)
Antonio, for tomorrow the house must shine.
GAIA: And then make a little effort, Antonio, try to heal.
GAIA: And then make a little effort, Antonio, try to heal.
Healing is also a matter of will.
GAIA: "Oui, certes, une impertinente personne."
GAIA: "Oui, certes, une impertinente personne."
"Et bien, elle s'en est fait faire un pareil." Of a hat.
(DISTANT PIANO MUSIC)
(DISTANT PIANO MUSIC)
No sorry, open everything.
BEATRICE: This dress is so tight on me.
I haven't worn it in three years, maybe I've gained weight.
I haven't worn it in three years, maybe I've gained weight.
What should I do, change?
It looks good on you. You're beautiful.
(ENGINE ROAR)
BEATRICE: Here they come.
Be careful how you walk, Beatrice.
GAIA: Sit down.
GAIA: Sit down.
Come on!
(FOOTSTEPS)
Princess, you should come. The duke is asking for you.
Well, you could have let him in.
Well, you could have let him in.
GAIA: Luigi.
Don't come closer, princess.
What are you doing with that scarf? You look like a bandit.
What are you doing with that scarf? You look like a bandit.
- I might be contagious.
- Contagious? What do you mean?
- My mother has a high fever and has been vomiting for two days.
- Vittoria?
- My mother has a high fever and has been vomiting for two days.
- Vittoria?
This morning even my little sister felt ill.
For now I'm fine, I'm coming back from Catania
where I went to get some medicines and these two nurses.
- I don't understand anything, what's happening? I wanted to warn you in person.
- I don't understand anything, what's happening? I wanted to warn you in person.
I know you haven't been in Catania for a long time,
but a terrible disease is spreading in the city, a dreadful plague.
If any of you has a fever, call a doctor immediately.
If any of you has a fever, call a doctor immediately.
Nunzia has a fever.
- Stay away from her, isolate her.
- Yes, yes
Now I'll say goodbye.
No. No, but we we had prepared a beautiful lunch for you.
No. No, but we we had prepared a beautiful lunch for you.
I'm sorry.
(DOOR CLOSES)
Luigi? Luigi? Luigi?
Luigi? Luigi? Luigi?
Say hello to Vittoria for me.
Say hello to Vittoria for me.
GAIA: So? How is Nunzia?
GAIA: So? How is Nunzia?
She's not in good condition, princess. Pray for her.
Tell everyone to stay away from her
and leave her food and medicine outside the door.
and leave her food and medicine outside the door.
What exactly does she have?
The flu. They call it the Spanish flu.
Eh, the flu, what's the big deal.
Eh, the flu, what's the big deal.
It's very contagious and highly deadly.
The mainland is plagued by it.
It seems the soldiers brought it back from the front.
It seems the soldiers brought it back from the front.
You must isolate yourselves and prepare to stay in quarantine.
Contacts must be reduced to a minimum.
And even inside the villa you must keep your distance.
And even inside the villa you must keep your distance.
But it would be even better if each of you,
whenever possible, lived in your own room.
whenever possible, lived in your own room.
How boring
I understand, princess.
DOCTOR: The situation is very serious.
You must wear gloves and cover your mouth with a mask.
You must wear gloves and cover your mouth with a mask.
Cut up some sheets and sew them yourselves.
Get some Lysol, everything must be disinfected.
Wash sheets, tablecloths, dishes.
Wash sheets, tablecloths, dishes.
Don't touch your mouth with your hands, wash them constantly.
Don't touch surfaces that others have touched.
Don't touch surfaces that others have touched.
But above all, the most important thing
I can't breathe.
pay attention to the medical condition of those near you.
pay attention to the medical condition of those near you.
of those near you.
(FOOTSTEPS)
(FOOTSTEPS)
CARMINE: Then in the other pantry I had them put the "goodness of God",
cheeses, meat, legumes.
I also ordered malvasia and zibibbo for the princess.
I also ordered malvasia and zibibbo for the princess.
You could live a year without suffering hunger or thirst.
You can go, thank you.
Why did you say "you could"?
Why did you say "you could"?
For a while I won't be coming back to the villa.
Until this plague ends, I'll stay at my house.
- What house?
Modesta
- What house?
Modesta
did you really think that shack where we meet
was my house?
We all have a house.
We all have a house.
A real house, I mean.
Out there everyone is getting sick, Carmine.
Out there everyone is getting sick, Carmine.
If you leave, you might not come back.
It's dangerous.
It's dangerous.
("TONADILLAS: EL MIRAR DE LA MAJA" GRANADOS FROM THE GRAMOPHONE)
("TONADILLAS: EL MIRAR DE LA MAJA" GRANADOS FROM THE GRAMOPHONE)
MODESTA: Donna Gaia, what are you doing here?
It's dangerous to go around,
you must always wear protection, you know.
You're getting closer, Maudit
Cover your nose and mouth.
Cover your nose and mouth.
(TURNS OFF THE GRAMOPHONE)
(TURNS OFF THE GRAMOPHONE)
I see you, you know?
You've taken the helm of the ship.
You've taken the helm of the ship.
You dispose, you give orders.
You do your best.
You do your best.
But it's useless for you to work so hard.
The end is coming, Maudit. It hovers over this house.
It hovers over everyone.
It wasn't the war we should have feared, it was this peace.
It wasn't the war we should have feared, it was this peace.
GAIA: Put the music back on, please.
- What?
Put the music back on.
("TONADILLAS: EL MIRAR DE LA MAJA" GRANADOS FROM THE GRAMOPHONE)
(SWEET MUSIC)
Antonio, what are you doing there?
It's important that there's always someone
to welcome the guests.
But we won't have guests, no one is coming.
Then may I retire for a few hours, Your Grace?
Of course.
I think I have a fever.
I think I have a fever.
Go rest.
I'll have dinner brought to your door.
Cra
Carmine
It's Mena. I'll go, princess.
No. I'll handle it.
No. I'll handle it.
Princess how are you?
- Stop. Don't come closer.
Princess how are you?
- Stop. Don't come closer.
I can't let you in, I'm sorry, you have to leave.
You could have the Spanish flu, you know. Even if you have no symptoms now.
This disease is deceptive. Antonio has had a fever since yesterday.
Look, I haven't seen anyone
I could be sick too, I vomited last night.
I could be sick too, I vomited last night.
And now no one will make him work anymore.
- Did you understand what I said before?
- Please. - You have to leave.
I can't put my family in danger for you.
I can't put my family in danger for you.
Your family?
Bad.
Bad.
(DARK MUSIC)
Good morning. The postman came and left some newspapers too.
Good morning. The postman came and left some newspapers too.
I don't understand anything, take off the mask, we're far enough apart anyway.
This morning the postman left some newspapers too, if you want.
This morning the postman left some newspapers too, if you want.
Now he only comes once every ten days.
I hope at least they're from today.
No, they're from two days ago.
Read me at least the headlines. You're curious too, aren't you?
"The flu worsens."
"The flu worsens."
"Dangerous to get up as soon as the fever stops"
Is it possible they only talk about that? Come on, read me something else.
"Approved a new amendment to the United States Constitution"
"that prohibits"
- No, I'm bored. Another one.
"The civil war in Russia continues."
"The White Russians do not stop the advance of the Red Army."
Goodbye to beauty, to elegance
Every day everything becomes more sadder, more miserable.
They seize villas and palaces, no one knows what for.
And then they build lots of little houses, all ugly,
And then they build lots of little houses, all ugly,
all the same, all sad.
But don't you find that
that people are cooking a lot since this epidemic started?
that people are cooking a lot since this epidemic started?
Eh? It's almost disgusting.
Not even when there were guests every evening did we cook this much.
Not even when there were guests every evening did we cook this much.
And
even you, Maudit
eat a bit less, you're
eat a bit less, you're
you're quite plump now.
You're losing, losing your elegance, those
You're losing, losing your elegance, those
your peasant origins are showing again.
Especially those chubby cheeks, sorry
Especially those chubby cheeks, sorry
A bit embarrassing.
And then
I'm fading and you're blooming.
I'm fading and you're blooming.
Don't you find that strange?
Imagine if there was a child here?
Yes, a child.
Running everywhere.
Coming into these rooms.
Coming into these rooms.
(SIGH)
A new life in this house.
- Would you like that?
Yes, very much. And what would we call him?
I don't know.
(THUNDER)
(BREAKING GLASS)
It came from Aunt Adelaide's room.
It came from Aunt Adelaide's room.
(BIRD SOUNDS)
(SCREAMS)
So?
The princess's fall was disastrous,
she broke several ribs.
she broke several ribs.
What happened? I mean, how did she fall?
I can't understand it, she must have lost consciousness.
Her heart is weak, unfortunately.
Her heart is weak, unfortunately.
Ah, if she can't bear the pain
give her this, it's laudanum.
give her this, it's laudanum.
It would be better if only one person took care of her.
I'm saying this because of the Spanish flu. Fewer contacts the better.
I'm saying this because of the Spanish flu. Fewer contacts the better.
Of course.
Goodbye.
GAIA: Who is it?
- It's Modesta, I have your lunch.
GAIA: Who is it?
- It's Modesta, I have your lunch.
Come in.
- How do you feel?
Terrible.
Dying would have been less painful.
- No, I'm not hungry.
- Please, you must regain your strength.
Fed like a baby.
Ah
Come on, enough, it's unbearable.
The pain?
No, being reduced to this.
No, being reduced to this.
I don't want anyone else to see me except you.
I don't want anyone else to see me except you.
(MODESTA: "Under no circumstances will I ever part with that scarab again.")
(MODESTA: "Under no circumstances will I ever part with that scarab again.")
("In what way?" I asked with a sad presentiment.)
("To say that it is truly made of gold.")
(He said it with such seriousness that it was pitiful to hear.)
(He said it with such seriousness that it was pitiful to hear.)
("This scarab is destined to bring me misfortune,")
(he continued with a triumphant smile,)
("and to restore me to my family's fortune.")
("and to restore me to my family's fortune.")
("So is it any wonder that I value it so much?")
("Since fortune has seen fit to let it fall into my hands,")
("Since fortune has seen fit to let it fall into my hands,")
("I have only to use it properly")
("to reach the gold of which it is the clue.")
("Jupiter, bring it to me here.")
(DARK MUSIC)
(DARK MUSIC)
GAIA: When this epidemic is over,
GAIA: When this epidemic is over,
I will personally take care of Antonio's family.
He has been with us all his life.
He has been with us all his life.
MODESTA: Of course when he was alive she called him "poor Antonio",
and now that he's dead, only by his name.
GAIA: Mh. Yes, because for me
we who are alive are the poor ones.
(SMILES)
But how did you get so fat?
You're not playing a bad trick on me, are you?
No.
I see you understood immediately what I was talking about. Undress.
What?
- Undress.
No.
Take everything off.
You're embarrassing me.
- I could be your mother, hurry up.
- I can't.
You can't?
You can't?
Take off your skirt.
The other one too.
Take off your underwear.
Take off your underwear.
Down. Further down.
Lift your blouse.
Lift your blouse.
I can't believe it.
I can't believe it.
You were so stupid as to let that thing get you pregnant.
But I warned you on the eve of the wedding,
But I warned you on the eve of the wedding,
no children.
Maternity generates a dazed absence that alienates one from life.
Maternity generates a dazed absence that alienates one from life.
You could lose all your intelligence,
all your strength, being pregnant like everyone else. What a waste.
all your strength, being pregnant like everyone else. What a waste.
I'm sorry.
The Brandiforti family must end with me. All right?
The Brandiforti family must end with me. All right?
And I will not allow anyone,
I mean anyone,
to go against my will!
to go against my will!
I myself, after the thing, got pregnant twice
I myself, after the thing, got pregnant twice
and I took care of it and I wasn't exactly happy about it.
But I did what I had to do.
- But you already had children
But I did what I had to do.
- But you already had children
So, I'll tell you once: if you want to have a child, you leave!
But you will be disinherited.
But you will be disinherited.
Whoever leaves the villa
All my possessions will go to whoever "stays" in the villa.
Oh
(sighing) Anyway, it can still be fixed.
Don't look at me like that, I'm not telling you that you have to do
what your mother would have done with herbs, poisonous ointments
or what I did with knitting needles.
or what I did with knitting needles.
I'm telling you that you can fix it by calling a doctor.
But you have to hurry, because if we wait it can become dangerous.
But you have to hurry, because if we wait it can become dangerous.
And I don't want to risk losing you.
(LAUGHTER) There's nothing to laugh about,
just shut up and be ashamed!
just shut up and be ashamed!
Consider yourself privileged.
Let me rest, look, go away.
Get out.
("PAROLA" DONATO DOZZY, ANNA CARAGNANO)
("PAROLA" DONATO DOZZY, ANNA CARAGNANO)
(SCREAMS AND NEWBORN CRYING)
MODESTA: I have always stolen my share of joy
MODESTA: I have always stolen my share of joy
from everything
and from everyone.
SKY ITALIA
SKY ITALIA