May Poul have many years to come and see his dreams true one by one
with chocolate and ice-cream and a song or two
Long live Poul. Hooray, hooray, hooray!
And the long one: Hooray!
Let's sing for them, Poul? I'll start the music.
Wouldn't you like to hear Poul and me sing?
Yes! Where did Poul go?
We travel as a couple
Poul? Where is he?
It brings usjoy and pain
Come on everyone!
It's not a rosy bubble
Poul? Dad?
Poul?
- Poul? - Dad?
Dad?
I tried to write a book about what happened, but I couldn't.
Lars was my boyfriend.
He no longer is.
My parents were once in the Eurovision Song Contest.
She'd always dreamt of a comeback.
My kid brother, Christian, would constantly play hockey.
Mom gave up singing, and Christian never touched a hockey stick again.
And me?
I just stopped there and then.
Mom is now ready to go camping again.
And I'm ready to finish my book.
I've decided on a happy ending.
Two years later
Sunday
Anti-depressants
- Hello. - Hello. Have a seat.
We just got adjustable desks. It's good for your back, they say.
I'm here to pick up the caravan my mother ordered.
Follow me.
- Yes. - It's right outside.
- Here you go. - This is a mistake.
That is our old caravan.
That's the one she ordered.
- We sold it to you two years ago. - Well, I never resold it.
Okay, but I'd like to rent a different one.
All the others are booked. Your mother ordered it 6 months ago.
But I'd like to rent a different one.
She didn't rent it. She bought it.
- Hi. - Hi. Didn't I give you the day off?
- I just wanted to bring back this. - So soon?
It wasn't very long.
- Did these just come in? - Yes.
- Is that the one you'll vacation in? - Yes. It was my mother's idea.
Pretty bizarre.
- I'd rather you didn't mess around. - Sure.
It's 25 for the Silitoe.
I mean the writer, Allan Silitoe. Is it your first time reading him?
Then I recommend this one, instead.
I mean, if it is your first time reading him, but I guess so -
- since you're looking at me sort of wondering and...
- What? - Is that where he...
- Shot himself? - Yes.
Yes. It's two years ago now. I've moved on.
- But still... - I promised to arrange this trip.
What can I do, it's my family?
- Go to Spain or... - Besides I can use it as research.
For your book? I thought it was rejected.
I've started on a new one. About a family.
Not my family, but another family who goes on a trip.
61...
Christian! Your sister is here.
Goddammit, I friggin' heard you already!
Don't forget to come back as we agreed.
The rules of the institution apply to everyone.
It's for your own good, right, Christian?
Have a wonderful time, dearie. Take care.
Fuck you.
- Look what I found. - What is it?
It's us six years ago.
Why did you cut into it?
When Lars left me, I cut him out of all our photos.
Dorky.
And there they were. Sister and brother.
Wondering why they had to go on vacation in the old family caravan.
In remembrance of their dad, perhaps?
He who had gone before them on the eternal camping trip.
Mom?
Mom, dammit!
Wait here.
She's in the living room.
Hi!
- Why don't you ring the door bell? - Did you start singing again?
Solo?
How are things at school? Are you happy?
I'm going to the bathroom.
It's not a school, Mom. It's a safe institution.
That doesn't mean they can't teach him a thing or two.
Are you ready?
What's wrong with our old caravan all of a sudden?
We'll have a wonderful time!
- Don't you have any food? - Mom, it's 11.30.
So what? I've been very busy.
- Did you handle it all on your own? - Yes, I did.
- When will we be back? - On Sunday.
- I have to be home by Saturday. - We'll just cut it a day short.
Dad would be so proud of you for handling this.
What's on Saturday?
They asked me to sing at the town fair.
I'll go pack. Give me a few minutes.
So, you'll be singing without Dad?
I can't very well sing with him.
- What's all this? - Suitcases, honey.
They're huge.
Some of us like to dress up, so that other people can bear to look at us.
Such as men.
We're not going on a trip to pick up men.
Don't start complaining now, sweetie. Let's have none of that.
How did you get so annoying? Who did you get that from?
Bla bla bla...
- What's that? - It looks an awful lot like flowers.
Yes, I can see that, but for what?
We'll stop by the cemetery. I go there every other day.
Not like some people.
- What do you think, Christian? - About what?
Should we stop by the cemetery?
I don't care.
Mom, I forgot something.
- Shall we wait for you? - No, go ahead.
- How are you, Dear Deceased? - I'm well, thank you.
Except for the worm in my nostril. Could you remove it, please?
Oh, right. You can't reach way down here where I am.
I wonder if you can be buried in your caravan.
All it takes is a big hole, and you can die peacefully -
- while being lowered into the ground, not noticing the darkness.
- Dad says hi. - Stop it, Christian.
Shall we go?
She looked out the window. They had passed this place before.
They had passed this place, too.
And this place, they had passed a hundred times.
Christian, where are you going? We're having lunch now!
- How about him? - Mom.
- But he looks like a nice guy. - Please, don't.
- Have you never seen a salad? - Sure, but never on your plate.
- Pass the salt, please, Christian. - You can reach it fine from there.
Connie, do you ever get laid?
There must be tons of nice men on the camping site.
It's a camping site! They're all drunk and overweight.
The good-looking ones aren't necessarily the best lovers.
I once knew a Japanese... Many aren't attracted to Asians -
- because they don't think that they have...
But that is a huge misconception.
Because this guy... Jesus! The whole nine yards.
No...
Hi.
- He looked nice too, Connie. - This is disgusting.
Your father also used to complain in places like this.
- Do you want it? - No.
Do you remember when Dad tried to teach them how to make a steak?
- It was embarrassing. - He always did things like that.
That's what I have to say about it.
He was ill! You know that! He couldn't help it.
Where are you going?
She decided to leave them.
She walked along the country road until a car came and picked her up.
Unfortunately, it was her mother and brother.
What are you doing, Connie?
Shall we go?
This is wonderful. I'm glad I thought of it.
- Okay, so I'll read the plan, then? - Yes.
Christian, would you stop playing, please?
Christian?
Okay, carry on then.
- Tomorrow we'll go biking. - Biking?
Instead of fishing, we'll bike to the tomb of King Humble.
- Why aren't we going fishing? - Maybe because none of us like it?
We only did it to please Dad. Besides, I hate water.
- I wanted everything to be the same. - Mom, you hated fishing!
- You and Dad used to fight over it. - I liked fishing.
- We'll go to a fish restaurant later. - I don't like fish.
It's the finest restaurant on Langeland, Christian -
- and the Germans drive for hours just to visit it.
- I don't like Germans either. - I do.
I once knew an amazing German. He played the clarinet.
And then we'll build a bonfire together.
It was yours and dad's thing -
- but I thought we might all do it this year.
I'll do it on my own.
- And on Wednesday... - Connie!
- It's the guy from the cafe. - No.
Hello? Excuse me?
Weren't you at the highway cafe earlier today?
- Yes. - I thought so. Hi.
- Bodil. - Rasmus.
My daughter, Connie, and my son, Christian.
- You're staying here at the site? - Yes.
- In one of the cabins. - Alone?
- I'm here with my daughter. - I see, your wife had to work.
We're not together anymore.
Say no more, my hubby shot himself in our caravan.
Go fetch your daughter, and we'll get the barbecue going.
- Will you bring a white wine? - Sure.
- See you. - Right, see you.
That's a great plan... Connie!
Why don't you show some willingness to improvise!
Silly girl.
You can't boss people around, Mom.
I give them what they don't know they need.
Use the other ones. That's right.
- This is Laura. - Hi, Laura.
Christian, make room for Laura.
I'm not giving up my space for some retard.
I'm not a retard, I'm paralyzed.
- Bad manners. I'm sorry. - It's okay. She's been called worse.
- Here you are. - Ah, red wine.
- Thanks. - It's all we had.
That's fine. We Nielsens will drink anything.
How nice of you to join us for dinner, I love improvising.
- So, do you go to school or... - You don't have to talk to me.
Monday
This is the tomb of King Humble.
You sure know how to pick spectacular landmarks, Connie.
- There ought to be an entrance fee. - Do you want to do the planning?
- You're welcome to it. - Nah.
- Shut your trap, then. - Easy now.
Yeah, well... Let's go back.
- Wait for us! - Yeah, yeah.
- Let's make a stop by the tree. - Yes, let's do that.
Lovely spot.
Banzai!
- Yuck... - Oh, Christian! Don't tease her.
Why do you never go in the water?
- Connie! - What?
Why didn't you join me?
Tell him.
It's got to do with Lars.
- Oh, Christ, then spare me. - Why don't you tell him, Connie?
That's how they met. He saved her from drowning. Well, sort of.
I know it was shallow waters, but I panicked.
Besides, you can drown in a puddle, you know.
Yes, if you're still in diapers.
Since the break-up, she hasn't gone swimming or anything.
She's still waiting for him to come save her, but he's a wimp.
- Did that answer your question? - Forget I ever asked.
Are you coming?
- Isn't that Rasmus and Laura? - Jesus, Mom.
- Hi. - Hey, there!
- That looks nice. - Yes.
- What are you gawking at? - Your helmet.
We're going out to dinner tonight. Won't you join us?
- Sure. At what time? - Around 8, Connie?
- Okay, see you then. - Christian, wait...
Bye, see you! Christian!
Come on, Dad.
Allow me.
I don't have anything to wear.
- Why did you ask them along? - Stop complaining.
- I can't handle situations like that. - Stop, Connie! Enough already.
What if they're thieves?
Yes! Or the Eastern mob or gypsies? Lighten up.
- This looks nice! - Hi.
- Hi, Laura. - Hi.
- I ordered champagne. - Ah, my favourite drink.
Connie? No, thank you. I don't drink.
Some have problems with alcohol, I only have problems without it.
Seriously, she's on anti-depressants.
There's nothing wrong with that.
No, Laura takes them, too.
Oh? What are you upset about, Laura?
It's no picnic to be in this chair. They take the edge off.
- Cheers. - Cheers.
- Could I have a soda? - What, sweetie?
- A soda? - Yes, of course. Waiter?
A soda, please.
In the midst of all that merriment -
- she wondered if just anyone can get a hunting permit, and if all hunters -
- had had a barrel in their mouth just to get a sense of how it feels.
She was sure it must feel cold.
And she already knew that it was hard to reach the trigger.
Uhm, delicious. What a great idea. I think I'll call it a night.
I'll leave the rest of the evening to you youngsters. Enjoy.
- Yes, I think I'll... - Sit down, honey.
Christian, maybe you and Laura could take a walk, uh pardon me, a ride.
There's tons of stuff going on around here, and you could get an ice-cream.
- There. - What the hell are you doing?
Helping you, sweetie. Are you coming, Christian?
May I offer you anything?
No, thank you.
Shall we go for a walk?
Sure, why not.
- Is something wrong? - I don't like ice-cream.
Oh...
- But your mom said... - She doesn't know shit about me.
The guy was pretty cool, I'm sure I can exchange it for some sweets.
I don't like sweets either.
You can't tell by looking at me, but I have a rare disease.
No matter how healthy my diet is, I'll always look like this.
Okay.
- What's it about? - It's short stories.
- Pancake. - 'Pancake'?
It was his name.
- Did he write other books? - No, just the one.
He committed suicide at 27.
He got drunk and accidentally entered the wrong house -
- waking up a strange family.
He shot himself that night.
Because he was embarrassed?
I've only ever read one book.
It was about a boy who hoisted his sister up in a flagpole.
Oh, 'Emil'?
- Pardon? - 'Emil' by Astrid Lindgren?
No, that wasn't it.
We used to buy ice-cream here when I was a little girl.
Too bad it's closed.
I'd better get going.
Tuesday
Connie, close the window, please.
- Connie, darn it! - She's not here, Mom.
Hi.
- Where were you? - At the grocer's. He opens at 7.
Busy town! Feels like New York.
A rain cape for you. The forecast said rain.
One for you, and one for me.
- Thank you so much. - I've decided to drop Fun Park.
- Why? - Their website says it's closed.
So, I thought we might go look at red deer?
- Red deer? - You gotta be kiddin' me.
It's really pouring down, huh, Connie?
- Where are the damn animals? - They should be around here.
Connie, how did it go yesterday?
He's dyslexic.
- He didn't know who Emil was. - What does that matter?
And you, Christian? She's quite beautiful.
Well... look at me.
The last thing my image needs is a handicapped girlfriend.
Any boy would envy you Laura.
- You're somewhat odd, Christian. - Besides, she's not interested.
I think she is.
She'd rather nail her tits to a burning house than date the guy in the fatsuit.
- Christian! - I'm just stating facts.
Your sister is right. You are freaking odd.
Knock it off, Christian! You could've hit me in the face!
- Why did you stop, Christian? - What?
- Playing hockey. - Because it bored me.
You used to love it.
What the hell's keeping the animals?
Christian?
Christian, I'm afraid I have some bad news.
What else is new?
It's just that...
- It'll get windy tonight. - Okay, I'll wear a windbreaker.
No, you see, they banned all bonfires.
It's too dangerous.
I know. I'm sorry. I know it meant a lot to you.
Fuck that. Who cares?
I only did it for you.
I'd like to propose a toast to thank you.
- This is our last night. - You're going home?
Well, we've been here 6 days, so... Cheers.
- Did you do anything interesting? - We went to... what was it again?
- The tomb of King Humble. - At a cemetery?
It was just a burial site... It's an interesting legend.
- Yes? - King Humble was a crazy king.
There are two different legends and two different conceptions.
- On whether he was good or bad? - Exactly.
I think I'll have one more drop.
One for each leg. Isn't that what they say?
That herring looks interesting.
- What kind is this? - I do believe it's a pickled herring.
What are you doing?
Would you like to dance?
Sure...
I'll go ask the kids to join us.
- Why don't you join us? - Dancing?
Yes, come on, Laura.
Let's go outside.
Thank you.
So, you're in school?
I was expelled.
Okay.
I live in a youth institution.
- What happened? - I smashed up an older student.
He was an asshole.
Him and his friends rolled me up in a carpet and peed all over it.
Seriously? God, how gross!
- What did the school do? - They called his folks...
They said he came from a troubled home, but that didn't help me much.
So, I bashed his head in, and the police came and stuff.
And that's when I moved into the institution.
My mom was in a bad place, so it was probably all for the best.
- And you? - I never bashed anyone's head in.
Okay.
But I'd like to.
- My mom, for instance. - Is she a drag?
- I don't really see her anymore. - Bummer.
Things don't always turn out as we want them to.
No, but maybe you'll get the chance to smash her up one day.
Wow, it's beautiful.
There.
Would you like to smoke?
Yeah.
I could eat a cow.
I thought you only ate sensibly.
I'm so hungry it would blow your mind.
I could binge right now.
Do you see that cloud? It's a humongous kebab.
- Then that's a McFeast. - What are you on about 'McFeast'?
- It's a Big Mac with extra bacon. - They don't make that.
That depends on how well you know the staff.
What's that?
That one?
That is a no. 23 from Peppe's Pizza.
Bacon, pepperoni, ham and sauce béarnaise.
- Yuck, gross! - You've never tasted it!
No, and thank God for that.
- Disgusting. - Okay, maybe a little.
Fuck. No! Do something... No, no...
Go get it, please.
I'll fix it. I took metalwork in school.
How about a little break?
I need the exercise.
Was it good for you?
Hi.
- What's that? - I wrecked it.
How?
I reached over for a kiss and accidentally pushed it over the cliff.
- What are you doing? - I wrecked her 'rolling chair'.
- It's 'wheelchair', Christian. - Not anymore, though.
Why couldn't she have told the guy:
'Yes, of course it was good. The damn greenhouse was shaking'.
- Sweet dreams. - You, too.
Thursday
- I can't make this work. - She wants me to call her.
- Who? - Santa Claus! Who do you think?
- Oh, Laura? - Yes.
I went to say goodbye, and she gave me her number.
- Did they leave already? - No, but they're about to.
Rasmus!
Connie, did you tell him you liked him, or were you just odd as usual?
- Can we focus on the game? - So picky, your entire life.
I was never picky.
- What would you call it then? - Quality-conscious.
- Out! 30-15. - It was good!
- Christian, it was way out! - Fuck you.
- Dammit, Christian! - Get out of the way, then!
Don't sulk, Connie. Come on, cheer up.
You don't understand.
Christian!
Have an ice-cream and say something nice to her.
Do you remember when you stole money from dad to buy ice-cream?
Yeah.
You always had time for me, even though you were much older.
Did mom tell you to say something nice to me?
Yeah.
I think it was my fault, Christian.
He asked me for help the week before his birthday.
He was desperate.
But I couldn't.
Things don't always turn out as we want them to.
- Is that all you can say? - What do you want me to say?
Let's get out of here.
We can go into town or something.
- Mom? - What are you doing?
- We're taking you to bed.
- Leave me alone. - Yeah, yeah, Mom.
Come.
You think you're so clever and know everything.
- On 3. - 1, 2, 3.
Friday
You're up.
Are you ready for mini golf?
You're dead meat, Mom. I'll wipe you both out.
What are you doing?
- It's been a lovely trip. Thank you. - You're welcome.
"...in many ways a sad existence. The fraction of self-worth -
- she had left, had been poured into little bottles left around the house."
- You read my notes. - You could've changed the name.
- I did. - The surname. She's still a Bodil!
That's just temporary. I'm not good with names.
But you managed to turn Christian into Christopher.
- And he kills himself? Pretty picture. - Be quiet, I'm trying to put.
You'll die, Christian! Because you're fat and useless.
Not because you're fat. What are you saying?
- It's because you're sad, Christian. - But the main character is perfect.
She just had the misfortune to be in this horrible family.
- That's not true. - Isn't it?
Doesn't she run off with her ex and turn her back on everything?
- It's what you do best. - Excuse us?
I'm just about to hit the ball, are you blind?
What did you say?
Did you help your brother when he needed it?
No, but I am not his mother.
Maybe his mother couldn't help him, did you consider that?
Maybe she needed help! Maybe it was too much for her?
- Comebacks and town fairs aren't? - I'm just trying to have a life!
Stop!
Can't you just shut up! That's why he did it!
Because you were always fighting!
Shouldn't you go after him?
I'll go pack.
We're leaving, Christian.
Would you drive?
How normal is it to die in a caravan?
The trip hadn't answered that.
Or in family tents?
How big a percentage of people take their own life in a family tent?
Mission accomplished.
At least they were heading back, all in one piece.
- What do we do? - Fuck.
- Christian, call 911, please. - Isn't that for people?
Do it anyway.
Hello. We're outside Rudkobing, and we hit a Bambi.
- It's a calf, Christian. - A calf.
I didn't see it. I don't know how it happened.
- Pick it up, Connie. - No.
- Do it! - No!
- There, there... - They say we shouldn't touch it.
They'll send someone.
Is there anything you can do?
Yes.
I'll go change.
You never cried at the funeral or afterwards.
You never went to talk to him at the cemetery -
- and now you're writing a book about it?
But you can't actually talk to him.
Cemeteries mean nothing. There's nothing there.
Just a rotting body.
It's not for him, it's for you. To help you understand your feelings.
You can't write if you don't feel anything.
- She thinks it's her fault. - What is?
Dad came to her the week before, but she said she was too busy.
Is it true?
Is it true, Connie?
Stop the car. Stop the car!
Stop the car now! Right now!
It wasn't your fault! No one could have helped him. He was ill!
Do you hear me? It was not your fault!
Or mine or Christian's! Or because we fought.
Are you listening to me?
It wasn't your fault! Say it, Connie. Say it!
Where are you going?
Connie!
Connie, what the hell?
Are you okay?
Oh, shit.
- Won't you stay the night? - When do I have to be back, Connie?
On Monday.
- Okay, I'll do it. - And you, Connie?
Yes. I just have something to take care of first.
So...
Thank you for a nice trip.
This is the script for a book I wrote that never got published.
I want you to have it.
Damn, this is stupid.
I wish you hadn't done it!
- Hello, Lars. - Connie?
Hi.
I don't know what to say.
- Are you doing well? - Yes.
I'm fine... or...
It's okay.
- And you? - Sure, I'm fine.
- What about your book? - It was rejected.
- But I'm working on another one. - Way to go.
So...
And the business with your father...?
Hi.
My girlfriend, Iben.
Iben, this is Connie. I told you about her.
- Ah, right. Hi. - Hi.
Excuse me.
Hey...
Here we have Sofus and William.
Say hello to Connie. Come.
Well, I... should get going.
- Won't you come in? - No. I only had a minute. Take care.
One thing she would never know. What was it like to be prey.
Running away, antlers and all, knowing you'd be shot if you stopped.
Imagine hearing dogs and rifle-shots following you as you run and run.
And yet eventually be surrounded.
But no one was following her. She had no reason to run.
She was a human being, and not prey.
The Alphabet of Silence by Connie Nielsen
Christian.
- Christian? - What?
- Come. - What?
Come.
Crappy bed.
Okay?
Saturday
Ladies and Gentlemen.
I have the honour of introducing -
- our local Eurovision Song Contest star.
You'll recognize her from 'Bodil and Poul'...
Hi, Mom.
You're going on now.
Are you okay?
Maybe it's too soon after all.
I don't think I can do it without your dad.
I know you can.
Mom, it's time.
She'll come onto this stage any minute now.
Give a hand to the better half of Bodil and Poul:
Bodil Nielsen, Ladies and Gentlemen!
Thank you.
We travel as a couple
It brings usjoy and pain
It's not a rosy bubble
There's sunshine and there's rain
Come to me
Stay with me
Talk to me, talk to me
Tell me all my dreams sing my little song
Take my hand and let us stroll along
Hold me close from morning until noon
It'll all be over soon
And that was the end of camping for us.
Christian moved into mom's garage.
I think it'll be okay.
And me?
I took off.
But I'll remember to send them a postcard.
THE END Subtitles by: Tina Goldberg Dansk Video Tekst