- If Your Majesty allows me... - It's a splendid idea, Sire.
This will bring more power and brilliance to our film.
Thank you for your precious advice.
You're charming.
We were so young! So full of life!
"Where are the snows of yester-year?"
Young man? Where are they?
How old are you?
- 25. - How old?
- 19. - 19...
The age of great beginnings...
- Is he your son, Leon? - My son, Sire?
In fact, I am the one who makes the picture.
So you are the photographer...
No. He is the cameraman.
- I am the director. - The director?
The person who makes the mise-en-scene.
- What's that? - The one who stages, Sire.
The one who makes the picture!
Leon, I thought you were making the picture!
Of course, Sire, my money is making the picture.
Then what is this all about?
- All these practical things... - Someone has to be in charge.
- A kind of organizer, Sire. - Like a superintendent.
Something between secretary and head of protocol.
An accountant. Somebody has to do that job, too...
What job, for God's sake?
Leon here is giving the money, the actors are playing their parts,
this man photographs the whole circus...
What is there left for this kid to do?
I reign, Sire.
Who did you think you were talking to?
How dare you speak like that to His Majesty?
I won't be told what do to! It's my film, I take the decisions!
I suppose I'm here to do your manicure!
You should be here to protect the film!
I protect the film better than you think!
I'm protecting it from idiots like you! Listen good:
Tony will play the King and we'll give him new scenes!
Never! It's a film about the war, not about the King!
If you don't agree, here's a decision you can take:
Ask daddy to find you a new job, because the manicurist fired you!
Did you finish the film?
Well... No, it's not finished yet.
Do you like my little baby?
He's very cute.
- He looks like you. - He looks like his dad.
You were out for a walk? Let's take a few steps.
And you manage? Isn't it too hard?
Sometimes it's hard, but I'm good with children.
See what happens if you like cold water too much?
Meaning?
Meaning if you take off your clothes so easily...
It's not mine, silly! I'm a nanny for an officer's kids.
- Really? - What did you think?
I don't know...
You're a model for painters, a nanny for army officers...
It's because I need money to pay for school.
A student, too...
- What else are you? - An actress in your film...
What a shame! Baby made pee-pee!
Handsome, bring your princess and let me tell you your fortune!
Shell, grains or palm reading?
Sorry, no time.
Come on, big eyes!
Before she changes the baby's diapers I'll tell you all your life.
- Let her tell. - Blow here, handsome.
You too, honey.
Let me see...
Years ago I was told someday I'd come to Bucharest, and here I am.
Hold him a second.
Ocean wave, sunshine, grain of sand, come tell the fortune!
Isten!
You'll grow old together and you'll live up to 80.
This little one will make you three grandchildren
and you'll have another little girl who'll marry a prince.
You're lying! This is not even our baby,
it's an army officer's.
Maybe it's not yours, handsome.
- It's hers for sure. - Let's go.
You're a crook. You won't see any money.
May you never enjoy the money you wouldn't give me!
- Is it already 5 p. M? - Yes.
I have to run! I should have been back already!
Can I see you again?
Come look for me at the Conservatorium.
- Stay a bit longer... - I can't. The officer will kill me!
You can't mess with the Army!
I'm major Bujor.
Battalions 1, 2, 3 from the 9th Regiment of the 1st Division
were mobilized for a special simulation of the Vidin siege.
- I understand you are the film person. - Yes.
- All the soldiers are here? - All of them. Since 4 a.m.
Good. Any problems with the uniforms?
No. We followed gen. Bradescu's orders:
The ugly ones are dressed as Turks and the handsome wear our uniforms.
- Did you talk to the generals? - What generals?
Generals!
This is the film person.
I am General Suru, Division Commander, retired.
These are Gen. Mocanu, Gen. Daschievici, Gen. Pavlopol.
All retired.
I am Grigore Ursache, the one who makes the picture.
Let's not waste time: May I take command of the troops?
Easy, young man...
These are complicated things even for a career officer.
What military experience do you have? None.
Whereas we made the front!
- What battle do you want to simulate? - Vidin.
- Good. We'll show you Vidin. - I'd prefer...
Young man,
we were hired by Mr. Negrescu to simulate the battle scenes.
He wants them as close to reality as possible.
This is our job, since we're the only survivors.
Stand back and watch.
Gentlemen! Let's take Vidin!
Why don't we start?
Ask the generals! They've been quarreling over the map for 3 hours.
What's got into them?
They remember differently.
The redoubt was there! We were attacking with the infantry!
The 5th Battalion was waiting right here!
The 5th Battalion arrived the next day!
There was a cavalry charge first!
Are you nuts? Battalions 9 and 10 infantry
started after dawn with a bayonet attack! The cavalry came later!
- That was at Plevna, imbecile! - Don't call me imbecile!
We're talking Vidin here! At Vidin we took on the flank with the infantry!
- Take your dirty finger off my map! - I'll keep my finger wherever I want!
Don't you teach me where to keep my finger!
Look at my finger on your map! See my finger?
Gentlemen...
We might as well go home.
Let's just take over and do something!
We can't. The army won't obey me.
Leon has given carte blanche to the generals
and they are now screwing my film!
Don't you realize that in the meantime it became his film?
Battalions, attention!
You'll form two armies!
- What's that? - I don't know.
They are starting without us!
Everybody gather on the line of the cavalry platoon!
Move your ass, corporal, or I'll blow your brains off!
Unload the dummies!
Where should I place the camera?
Nowhere. We stay and watch the show.
- That's not solving anything. - So what can I do?
I can just slap myself silly for having started this picture,
instead of sitting on a terrace with a cold beer,
and not giving a damn about Gen. Bradescu and his whole division!
Tell you what... There must be a post office in the village.
Call Leon and ask him to come here at once.
It seems we have a little problem.
What problem?
Everything's fine, but there is no enemy.
Nobody is working with the Turks.
Somebody should work with the Turks, too.
- We can't give orders to the Turks. - Why not?
Because we didn't fight for the Turks!
We don't have their defensive plans.
To simulate with the Turks, bring Turkish officers!
Listen... When those soldiers reach the tree line
send your men and pretend to attack them...
Alright.
Right, my boys! Slaughter them!
- Cut them to pieces! - Damn pagans!
Don't run away you idiots! These are blanks!
On my mother's eyes, they gave us blanks!
- Cowards! - Shame on you!
Send the cavalry on charge!
Generals! You're fired!
Charge!
Let's get them!
Victory!
First-year students.
Girls.
After each gunshot some of you fall to the ground and pretend you're dead!
And... Go!
I don't want all of you to fall! Just some of you!
Ready? Fire!
Do you know this girl?
I don't know her!
Those whose names start with A and B, drop dead at the first gunshot!
Names starting with C and D, drop dead at the second gunshot!
The rest of you keep fighting!
Ready?
Grig, are you tipsy? Nobody said "pour voir".
Good evening. Remember me?
- No. - Oh yes, you must remember!
One day you made me a generous offer.
It was just an offer. Business is business.
Seems your business is not doing great, lately.
Am I wrong?
We have ups and downs like everybody.
Excuse me, I'm waiting for some friends.
Here they are...
At last!
Raymond, let me introduce you to a charming creature: Miss Emilia.
- Waiter! - Coming!
How old are you, Miss Emilia?
- He wants to know your age. - 22.
- She is 22. - She looks 40.
How charming.
And you, young man? What is your battlefield?
The Bulgarian front. Redoubt of Plevna.
I mean, what are you doing in life?
He's into cinema, like me. Avery gifted young man.
Remarkable! As a matter of fact, Miss Emilia is an actress
and she is also interested in cinema.
A brilliant student. The Drama School's sweetheart!
- Maybe you can do something for her. - I'm sure he can.
Pardon me. Madame Aristizza wants a word with you.
- She is dining in the snuggery. - Madame Aristizza?
- Sure it's me she wants to see? - As soon as you have a moment...
You are right, Raymond. Your friend has real talents!
Our great tragedienne wants to see him in private, I bow!
Is she really that famous?
One example... Bernard Gauthier, the former French Consul.
He proposed to her. She refused.
He hung himself by the Consulate's chandelier.
It almost turned into a diplomatic scandal.
- Never heard about it. - No wonder. This was 40 years ago!
See, young man? Life is full of paradoxes.
We, the old ones, we are attracted by freshness and innocence
whereas you, young people, keep looking for the wisdom of your elders.
Sure. It's wisdom she's looking for.
Good evening. What shall it be?
Miss Emilia?
Me?
Just a glass of water. It's so hot, I'm awfully thirsty.
And now if you'll excuse me, I'm expected somewhere else.
Good evening.
I was told you wanted to see me.
Come closer!
So you're the one who makes moving shadows...
Yes, madam. It's called "cinema".
I know what it's called. Don't play smart with me.
You take people in flesh and blood
and turn them into shadows on the wall...
Not quite. It's more complicated.
And you imagined that I...
...I could seriously consider such an offer?
- What offer? - Yours.
Sorry, there must be a misunderstanding...
It better be. Sit down!
You have nerve, young man.
After all, I could accept a part in your picture.
What part?
Any part.
Is this a joke?
I never joke. That's why I play tragedy.
I don't get it. With your fame, you don't need to appear in pictures!
You think so?
Listen, young man...
There is no great theatre anymore.
No great theatre...
What you see today are imitations.
The great artists are gone.
You're too young to remember.
I knew them all:
Millo, Pascally, Manolescu...
We created the Romanian Theatre,
we built it on wasteland!
And when we were coming on stage, we were more than actors...
We were living gods!
Living gods...
They are all dead now, but people still remember.
After all these years! They didn't forget.
But their children, they will forget!
How can you remember an actor if you have never seen his face?
You understand what I'm saying?
Of course...
Cinema is distasteful.
But a great actress is a great actress, even in a bad play.
And I am the greatest.
Absolutely! That's why I want you in my picture!
I accept.
If the future generations will miss my Phèdre,
they'll have at least that:
My moving shadow.
And they'll remember!
Madam! Don't stay there. Come inside!
No. I'm concentrating. Preparing my part.
- Under the rain? - I need to be alone.
- You'll grow ill. It's very risky! - I never grow ill when I work.
What if we went home and came back tomorrow?
No. It will stop.
- At least take my umbrella! - Thank you.
I could keep you company for a while.
No. I prefer... to be alone.
What's she doing out there? The rain dance?
- She's preparing her part. - Is that a joke?
You don't believe me, go ask her!
- She's preparing her part! - What part? There's no part!
She's waving good-bye to the boys leaving for the war.
She's a mother from the group.
There'll be no sun today. Let's go home and come back tomorrow.
The old bag doesn't want to. She says it'll stop.
How long will you keep this on?
Haven't you had enough?
No sign of clearing up.
Alright. Let's shoot in the rain!
- What? - Drop it, Junior...
It could have been raining that day, you know?
- Nobody shoots in the rain. - It will come out gray and ugly.
It will look sad! So what? It's a sad scene!
And we have no choice, anyway.
I will need an umbrella for the camera.
Let's get it over with!
- What? - The camera got stuck.
Why?
It's got water inside. The reels are not rolling.
Not now! Please, do something!
There's nothing I can do here. We have to get back in town.
- So we can't shoot anything? - I guess not.
- Right. Let's go home. - You go tell this to Aristizza!
Who has the courage to tell her?
I've got an idea.
You shout "Roll camera" and he starts turning the crank.
So what?
You mean we simulate shooting, with the crank running idle?
We come back another day and shoot from the distance.
It's a group scene, they're all dressed alike.
She'll swear she was in the picture!
Dirtiest scheme I've ever heard!
Tony, the lady is crazy, we all know it!
No chance of making this thing work?
I would have to open it. If I open it, good-bye film.
Perfect! We can start now!
At my signal, you all begin to cry
and wave In t at directtion
Ready?
Roll camera...
Good Lord,
why take my boy away?
He's too young to go to war!
You could have spared him another year!
Lord, have pity on my child!
My only joy in this whole world!
Take care of yourself, my love!
Mama wants you back alive
and well and victorious
Mama wants to be proud of you!
Don't let the pagans set one foot
on this blessed land!
Go to battle! May God be with you!
And be brave, my angel!
Be careful at the lab. I want no accidents.
After you edit the negative, send me back copies
to start looking for buyers.
And work hard, don't spend my money in Place Pigalle!
- You heard that, Junior? - I heard it.
Take care of the kid.
First time in Paris... I know some things myself.
- Got enough pocket money? - Yes.
Enough for the opening...
The sultan is generous!
This is no gift. It's investment.
This is just the beginning, my children!
We'll conquer the world with our films!
We'll conquer the world!
Are they gone?
Well... the Express doesn't wait.
Damn! It was madness in the streets, coming here!
One drink?
The show ended late tonight.
It's always the same: Too many curtain calls...
This is unheard of!
Atwo-hour long moving picture!
Who can withstand such torture?
The people in the theatre, have basic needs,
like going to the toilet from time to time!
What should they do, shout at the projectionist
"Hey, hold everything while I take a piss!"?
Who will buy a two-hour long elephant?
- I'm buying! - Me too!
Good work!
Mr. Negrescu...
How long does this picture last?
You won't have it even if you paid in gold. Get out!
I think it's time to open the champagne.
Congratulations!
"... hard as I tried, the negotiations turned into a fiasco."
"Nobody wants to buy a two-hour long picture."
"We will get away with it at home since it's a patriotic story."
"Otherwise, everything is very unclear."
"Whatever happens, I am determined to go on."
"As for the financial part, the situation is extremely delicate."
"Either you agree to go on regardless of the risk
since I can't guarantee anything for the moment,
or you can sell your shares to free yourselves from the contract."
"Either way, I feel guilty for having dragged you in this adventure,
therefore I am ready to offer 15,000 lei per share."
"Because if somebody has to pay, that should be me."
"Those of you who choose to sell,
send me a written statement of withdrawal, as soon as possible."
"For the rest, I trust the Lord to show me the way."
"Yours truly, Leon Negrescu de lalomitza."
Big deal!
It's not the end of the world!
One battle doesn't make the war!
And I think he was drunk when he wrote that.
At least poor Belcea can rest in peace...
We made the picture.
What do you say?
I say let's gamble! With this film we can't miss!
- I'm afraid the game is over, Junior. - If we waited for another month?
- What do you say? - I don't know.
I'm getting out. I have money issues.
- Tony? - What can I say?
15,000 is a tip, but at least it's cash.
I'm tired. I'd move on to something else.
Like what?
- Playing Hamlet... - There he goes again!
You know, after the King of Romania,
playing the Prince of Denmark is a walk in the park.
If you ask me, I say we go on against all odds...
Another one, sir.
- Who? - Anton Volbura.
Perfect. Let me see.
That makes all of them, right sir?
No. There's still the kid.
He's the only shareholder we got left.
God Almighty, he is now in Your hands.
Don't let him sign!
Please Lord, don't let him sign...
Unbelievable! What an imbecile!
You, sir...
Madam in blue... and you, miss.
For the rest there is nothing today.
The boss was very upset this morning...
That's not possible! Two failed productions in a row!
I'm so sorry, sir...
Your head is at stake!
Look at that! What a small world!
Mr. Duffin! What are you doing in Paris?
They called me back to the headquarters.
What are you doing here, extra bits for Gaumonde?
You should be home, enjoying your success.
Sure!
I'm the first to admit, young man, you won.
Congratulations!
I can't bear you any grudge: Business is business.
- What are you talking about? - Your film, of course.
At least we managed to complete it!
And sell it everywhere! Not bad!
Sir... what did you say?
For a beginner, getting eight exhibiting markets it's great work!
Who told you we sold the picture?
Who told me? I didn't need to be told!
I wasn't supposed to let it happen. My bosses got really angry.
They called me back to Paris for incompetence. I was demoted.
See, you have reasons to be proud of yourself!
What's the rush?
I have to pack!
Fire!
Leon Negrescu presents "THE WAR OF INDEPENDENCE"
What's up, have we opened a cabaret?
See who's there and kick his ass off.
You can't come in! The boyar is sleeping!
Junior?
Let me in!
Heart-sick!
You're back, little rascal!
Good boy! Brave boy!
He didn't piss in his pants like the others, at the first dark cloud.
He didn't jump for the crumbs!
He waited for the big game.
Now he will have his reward!
Leon dear! Where are you?
Go back to your room! Be right back.
Look! All their withdrawals!
They ran away like the Turks at Plevna!
We did it, my boy! You and me! How's that?
Are you sure?
Only to stick with up the others?
Then you're more stupid than I thought.
Friendship is good for parties, to get drunk and kiss people on the mouth.
This is business.
Play!
Sir! Want a ticket?
- Have you got change for this? - No change, boyar...
Ladies and gentlemen... Tonight I am your humble servant.
A glorious moment of our History
has been recreated in an immortal work of art.
This unforgettable event would not have been possible
without the blood of our heroes
still manuring the lands of Plevna, Rahova and Vidin!
But... it took living people
to start and complete such venture
and God knows I wasn't alone on this long road.
I hereby pay tribute to the contribution of our brave army!
And I salute General Bradescu, commander of the 1st Division!
I also bow before the talent and dedication
showed by the great actors of the National Theatre!
Unfortunately...
Unfortunately they have important obligations tonight,
so we shall only see them on the screen.
And now, ladies and gentlemen,
35 years after,
the War of Independence
revives before your very eyes,
more real than reality itself.
Beware! You will see what was never seen before.
- Sorry, sir. Too late. - No more places left.
Never mind the places, let me in! I've got my ticket, I paid.
It's no use pushing, sir...
Come on! This is a special case.
My son made this picture, goddammit!
That's our boys!
The Vale of Tears
5 years later Bucharest under German occupation
Next!
Easy...
Easy with the piano!
Come on! No rush...
Watch out for the legs. Careful with the string!
- Excuse me... - Yes.
Don't scratch the wood or I'll make you pay!
- Excuse me... - What?
Would you sell one of the canvases?
- Why? Do you like them? - I'd like to have this one.
What can I say?
It's a long time I stopped trying to sell my paintings.
Since the war, I've been in textiles. I sell tent cloth to the Krauts.
But I also have some fine English fabrics...
This is all ancient stuff. If you like the nude, you can have it.
- Really? Thanks a lot... - Hey, you've fallen asleep?
Grab it from the left and push!
And I don't want to see any scratches!
No. Later...
Aristizza.
- Who is she? An acquaintance? - No. Great tragedienne.
On stage. Very famous.
Huge talent.
It's sad when a beautiful woman dies.
I've ran through your accounts. It's bad.
With what you owe now, there is no way out.
It's just a stroke of bad luck. Dice can change!
Not for you! Sorry to say, but you lost your senses!
Look at this theatre: Money thrown out the window!
In times of war, smart people buy cannons or wheat, not theatres!
I wanted to turn it into a big cinema house...
Come back to earth, sir...
I'm telling you as a financial adviser as well as a friend: It's bad!
Good evening, boss.
"Pistachio Love"
"The Stolen Treasure"
Through for today, boss?
God, am I tired!
I'd sleep for a thousand years...
Go get some rest, boss. Your car is waiting.
Fire under the stage!
Mommy!
Water!
Gentlemen!
Ayoung actress dies in an atrocious way
and an important edifice of our capital is damaged.
But this is only the tip of the iceberg.
For the complaint was issued by the German Army Headquarters
in terms of - I quote - "sabotage attempt".
If the plaintiff's theory proves founded
and we are really facing a violent action
against the German high-rank officers present in the theatre,
this case is to be placed under the Court Martial authority.
Don't worry. We only have to get the medical examination.
We will put you in a sanatorium a month or two, until things calm down.
Your Honor, ladies and gentlemen.
Let me read you a document signed by the defendant,
his own explanation of his actions.
It's a letter
that Mr. Negrescu has sent to his personal accountant,
only 24 hours before the fire.
I quote:
"I have found that photographic film consists of a celluloid support
and a photosensitive emulsion
made up by billions of microscopic silver grains."
"I figured that by burning the film
one could retrieve the silver in its natural form."
"In the past, I made several pictures
but only one of them brought some profit."
"I suppose enough silver
is stocked in the others
to allow me to pay all my debts."
Interesting thought process, isn't it, gentlemen?
The prosecutor spent time and eloquence
trying to convince us that the fire was not an accident.
I totally agree with him.
We're talking about a deliberate act!
But can we throw the brand of guilt on a mentally disturbed person?
Your Honor, I would like to call a witness.
Someone who has worked with the defendant,
and who is definitely authorized
to speak about Leon Negrescu's... eccentricities.
I call Mr. Grigore Ursache.
I swear.
What is your present occupation?
Cloakroom custodian at the National Theatre.
When did you first meet Mr. Negrescu?
Five years ago.
Under what circumstances?
At that time...
Under what circumstances did you meet the defendant?
Please. I have just one statement to make.
Leon Negrescu de lalomitza was, to my knowledge,
a completely sane, lucid and responsible man.
I've known him as such and I can't see what might have changed him...
Christ, you're sending him to the firing squad!
So I think he was completely aware when he did...
...what he did. That's all I had to say.
"Oh I die, Horatio."
"The potent poison quite o'er-craws my spirit."
"I cannot live to hear the news from England."
"But I do prophesy the election lights on Fortinbras:
He has my dying voice."
"So tell him
with the occurents,
more and less
which have solicited."
"The rest...
is silence."
Grig died of tuberculosis several years later.
Leon ended his life in an insane asylum.
The film survived.