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LoveFilm (1970)
LOVE FILM
With Made by MAFILM STUDIO, Budapest Music: Janos Gouda Executive producer: Tibor Dimny Director of photography: Jozsef Lorinc Written apd directed by ISTVAN SZABO It is people who are the most important thing in life... people you have known... These days I often dream about Kata again. I look for her, I find her and I'm happy. After these dreams I keep thinking of her. First I see her on the swing, and it's as if she said... I know your daddy has died. Mine is still alive! But it didn't happen like this. I remember exactly. Jancsi! Your father has died. Not true! Your mummy said so. Not true! Kata, off you go! Jancsi will stay here. I remember exactly, so why does my fancy modify reality'? Still I always see Kata on the swing telling me: Your daddy has died... I haven't seen her for ten years. I'm going to meet her tomorrow. And I know that tonight I'll be dreaming about her. Have a nice trip! Thanks. Take care of yourself! You, too! Have a good time! And give my love to Paris! Do you have a good seat'? Is it dirty'? Not too bad. Take care! You, too! I'm traveling! How late you are! I had trouble on my way. Don't...not here! You're wicked. Why'? You've kept me waiting. Now I'm here. How nice of you! I'm haPPY- Halt! Where are you going'? To see relatives, friends. Relatives or friends? Your papers! He's touring the town. You may go. Stop! Wait! Are you armed'? No. Sure'? Yes. Nothing? You may go. Don't look back! Keep quiet! I'll take you to the ward and you'll get into bed. You'll tell everybody that you are ill and will be operated on. It isn't true, but you must say it. If only Kata were here... Kata? Is that your sister? Yes. I'll take care of your knapsack. I want a knapsack like this! Keep quiet, Kata! Give it to me! I can't, my things are in it. Let's put mine in it, too! It's too small. May I put it on'? No. it's mine. Won't you give it to me'? No. Or lend it to me'? No. Your dad's a deserter. I'll tell everybody and he'll be hanged. Kata, come in! I'll tell everybody! I will... We laughed so much about this later... ...in 1950, in '52, or in '56 maybe. And even after granny's death. The story of the fish will make us laugh again when we're together. Kata, come in! Leave me alone! Come in, please! A fish... Tickets, please! One-two... one-two...! Stretch your arms! Pull up your legs! Santa Claus is here! This is Bessy! Jancsi, let's go sledging! A bomb dropped near here. They're still bombing... Let's sing! I've been drinking hard, my sweet, I can't go home on my two feet... Let's pretend we're out for a walk! In a wood. Which wood'? Let's play tag! Who is it'? YOu! A fat green frog was climbing on a willow tree... Mother! My, that's meat! Ask the soldiers for bread! The word is: Kleba, kleba! Passport control! Thank you, have a nice trip! I'm off. Sure you won't come with me'? Friends on a stud-farm will help me across the border. Won't you come'? I'm leaving right now. Jancsi, aren't you coming'? Good bye! I'm off... Bye! Where are you'? Come here! What's up? It's a secret. - Yes. -Coming'? We'll go to America. The Earth is round, this hole will lead us to America. Clear'? The Earth is round like this ball. Here is Europe, on the other side is America. Who can draw a nice fat O? Me. Go on then, Kama! I'm traveling. I'm abroad now, for sure. Didn't you learn your lesson? I did. Recite the poem! Autumn has come, it is here again... Lovesome for me, of beauty full... Jancsi, come out here! Were you prompting, child'? No... Lying is nasty. Hold out your hand! Kata, sit down! You'll recite another poem by Pet6fi. I love you, my sweetheart, I love your slim grace, Your raven black hair, your rosy face, Your dark starry eyes, your tears and your smiles, And the merit, love, for love so true... goes not to me, it goes to you... Kata and Jancsi are sweethearts! Idiots! Quite. I've found this at home. Where did you find this? It was mine... Gather Granny's shells! They're her souvenirs of a holiday by the sea. As squirrels in the trees, so happy are pioneers, Their life is full of joy, of gaiety, fun and games... Nice ball, isn't it'? Not bad. Coming for a walk'? L m8)'- Come on! Where have you been'? Must I report? Idiot! You are the idiot! - Hello! -Hello! What are you doing here'? Waiting for a chap. And you? You know I ride. I know. How's your Korean doing'? He must be fine. And Susie? - Susie'? -The girl I've seen you with. Was she Susie? That's ancient history. How far do you go'? To the school. Me, too. Have you choir'? Yes. And you'? I just go there. Shall I wait for you'? As you wish. - Hi! it's been ages. -Yes. Are you all right'? - And you'? -I'm fine, too. What do you do'? I live. So do I. I see. Where do you hurry'? Nowhere. And you'? To a girl friend. Is it far'? The next stop... - Pity. -Yes. Show me your palm. Know what for'? No. Really not'? This is how a boy shows a girl what he wants. Who told you'? A college girl. She was bluffing. Lovers walk together! They kiss and they quarrel! You are in love with fellow-pioneer Olah! You are a pack of idiots! Control yourself, please! You were seen making love! That is not true! Walking hand in hand! Never! Just now you admitted... None of your business! Do you mean that'? Yes. But it is our business! Do you love each other'? Yes... Do you love fellow-pioneer Olah best'? Yes... Better than all the others'? Yes. Why'? He's like a brother to me. You aren't his sister. No... At your age, to hold hands with your brother! Why not'!? And the kiss in the dark! We didn't kiss. Then why did you choose dark streets'? All streets are dark. Are they? We always take the same route. And no kissing? Show me the fool who said so! Calm down, pioneer Jnosi! Leave that to us! Do you walk home together'? Yes... Always'; Because it is dark in the evening! Don't defend her! And don't interrupt! Do you admit to having inveigled him'? We grew up together. She hasn't inveigled me! We have no separate friendships here! We shall defend our unity... The troop-council hereby relieves pioneer Kata Jnosi from her charge of patrol leader. And it reprimands fellow-pioneer Olah! Any objections? None'? Thank you, fellow-pioneers. That night in my childhood... is linked with the memory of my knapsack... and of Kata. One day, we'll travel far. - Where to'? - We' ll see. We' ll see. - Where to'? -We' ll see. - Where to'? - We' ll see. Maybe to India... it's too hot there. So is Africa. In Alaska it's cold. Too bad... Well, five years hence... And where to'? I don't care... but we ought to start soon. Just a moment! Here is America... It is too far... BY Plane? I get dizzy easily. By boat then. That would be fine'? There's even a swimming pool. In the sea'? So that the fish don't snap off your willy! If we were rich we'd buy a castle. How would we get rich'? We'll be famous doctors. We'll build a large hospital. Let's dissect the fish. Will you try'? Not me. You try. We'd better electrocute it. Hey!... The light! What the hell's happening'? This is its stomach. And the lungs? Fish have gills. What are those two bladders'? Let's look it up! Lovers walk together! Expecting a baby soon? You little wretch, stop hitting that kid! Leave me alone! This one to Kata, one to mother, one to Kata's mother, one to Judy, one to the boys... Two to Judy. Two to the boys, but what about this one'? Kata, mother, Kata's mother, Judy, the boys... I still have one left... To whom on earth...'? Kata's waiting. Hello! Kata's waiting. Hello! Meet my... well... my brother, let's say. O.K. You are her brother. Hi! Agi, I entrust him to you. Jancsi, come sledging! Come in! I was passing by. Agnes is too clingy... Once she fell in love with a chap and she decided to go to bed with him. There are girls who do it a lot. One girl says it's the best thing in the world. A matter of taste, isn't it'? Yes... there are lots of good things besides. Nice people, aren't they'? Good friends are rare. I'd hate being a nobody, being ordered about. To be just a screw in the machinery. Must be horrid... Yes, to spend your life without being able to express yourself. I don't want to! Why not'!? Why not'!? See what a fool you are'? You, too! I'm going away. Don't go! Why, you're just as crazy as the others! Bye, I'm off. Hold the staff firmly in your palms to keep the flags straight! Hold the staff vertically as I told you! Good, it looks fine. The group with the hammers looks good! Hey, you can't carry a shopping bag, too! Now a slogan! Working people forward for the country! Keep together block! Your slogan will be: Cheers for the Communist World Movement! Cheers for Marxism-Leninism! Now go and get the big red flags! Stop, music! Block with flags, about face! Now you'll get the instructions for May Day! Car symbolizing Peace! Increase speed gradually! Won't you come home'? Have you come to fetch me'? Where's the picture'? it's gone! Hello. How are you'? And you? I'm fine. So am I. That is fine. Going home'? Not yet... It ripples... Lovely... That branch is spinning... it's a whirlpool. Tomorrow'? Tomorrow. Bye. Tomorrow. Bye. Tomorrow. Can you hear the shots? Stay at home, I'm coming! I'm coming but don't move, please! Kata and her father are in the cellar. Tell her to come up! Kata, your mother wants you... May I help'? No... Look! I was the same age as you are now. I made them in 1919. There, on the right that's me. I was a member of the Students' Council. Dad, mother wants you. What does she want'? Sweep this up! That dirty rag! Rotten, dirty flag! I was crippled in the war because of that! Why did we stay here'? Because we had nowhere to go! Because we have nowhere to go! We were born in this country! We have no choice! And she asks why we stayed! I've always been defenceless... In 1944 and now again in 1956. When I was young I could bear it more easily... But now I can't even sleep... Do what you want but never frighten anybody! Never frighten anybody! Halt! Are you armed'? You ma)' 9! How late you are! You are wicked... Why'? You kept me waiting... Now I'm here. Nice of you! What's so funny'? I'm just happy- I don't want this... not now... not yet... Why not'? Why not'!? I don't want it... Not now... Kata, I'm here! Are you crazy'? They'll shoot at us! Do you want us to get killed'? Shut up or I'll slosh you! I remember she wore plimsolls... and white socks... Her husband shouted: Don't talk German! For poor Bessy abused them in German... Now you can go to your hussy! Are you O.K.'? I'm dying t0 Pee"- You don't mind, do you'? We'll ring at a door. Would you kindly permit this girl to use your toilet... I'm sorry, I'm alone. Please, madam, my sister... Why here of all places'? I don't know, but let her in! Wait till my son comes home! Excuse me, sir, she must go to the toilet... I'll stay outside... Will you, really'? I was waiting for a bullet to hit me... I experienced my death five times... it's coming... I only hoped it wouldn't hit my head... or my belly... I wanted to run to you... then I remembered Bessy... ...how the Germans shot her. Amazing! I also thought of Bessy! Really? I'm off. Sure you won't come along'? Friends on a stud-farm will help me across the border. Aren't you coming'? I'm leaving right now! Jancsi, won't you come'? Good bye. I'm off. Kata is waiting... I'll describe my brand new flat. I painted the room blue... and the kitchen green.. I wrote a letter to Jancsi. Mummy, tell him to answer it! This year was hard enough. Learning French and fashion design took all my time. I'm still in Lyon... But as soon as I get my diploma, I'll move to a small town. One day, maybe, I'll work my way to Paris. That would be fine! Dear Kata, your letter made me awfully happy. Write about everything: your friends, your work, your fashion designs. These are my creations, dear. I put them on for your sake. But they look better on the mannequins... Next year, I'll design bathing suits... You'll like them more. Love, Kata. Who is this girl'? A childhood-friend, almost a sister... What's her name'? Kata. Why do you hide it'? Should your sister not see me'? How silly you are... Dear Kata, What news about the Hungarian boy who was sweet on you'? Summer was so beautiful... I missed you. Love. Autumn was beautiful. Love, Kata. I'd very much like to see you. Answer me soon... Write soon... Write soon... What shall I write'? What'? Everything. Mr.Olah'? Kata is sorry. She couldn't get away from the office. I'll drive you to her place. Make yourself comfortable! Kata'll be home after 5. There's food in the fridge... If you want music... I have to go now. I hope we'll meet again. Oh, the key! Good bye. Good bye. MIKLOS RADNOTI: THE MONTH OF THE TWINS Where are you, Jancsi'? Had a nice trip'? Yes. I'll fry some meat. My ears, too! And my neck is dirty! Some milk'? This boy drove me here. He married my friend. They live near here. These are my colleagues. My class-mates. Pretty, aren't they'? Did you bring a photo of Bessy'? Yes. There's a woman here who knew Bessy. And your photos'? I've brought some with me. How about a drink'? No. Not now. Why not'!? It goes to my head. So you won't'? I don't want to spoil this day. I was looking forward to it so much... So was I... How long can you stay'? Till Monday. I'd like to spend three days in Paris. Paris is marvellous. Have you been there, yet'? For three days only. Will you tell me about it'? Yes. Come sledging! Jancsi, come on! A glass of wine'? Now, yes. Oh. I'm hot! Shall I open the window'? Let's make the bed! I knew we'd meet again. I wanted it so much! Turn away, please! Why'? I must get up. Must I'? Please! Your breakfast. I have to go now, I'll be back by 4. Take a walk, do what you like! Are you leaving'? Why'? One has to work. Take a few days leave! Impossible. Not even 3 days'? I can't leave things just like that... Work has to be distributed, checked... Speak to your boss! I'm a boss, too, and one has to work. Clear'? No. Silly ass! I was tasting your name... This is beautiful! What is it'? It's a bit thin... We'll eat out of the pot. Lunchtime! We can speak Russian... Silence! Class is beginning! Black-out paper served as a blackboard... No, there was a blackboard. You're mixing it up with school! No, there was a small blackboard at home, too. No, we wrote on black-out paper... it's your imagination! It could be rolled up like a blind. Karcsi is a soldier in Germany, let's write to him! He'll certainly remember. Shall we make the bed'? On my first night in camp ldreamt I was going back home. I've had these dreams for a long time... I always ran home by night, along horrible roads. Good morning! What did you dream'? I haven't heard that question for years... I often dreamt about you. So did I. Tonight, too. I dreamt that you slipped into your house... But this is what I told you last night! Once I dreamt that I was sleeping with you... Me'!? You, with me! Well, yes. Behave yourself! I often dream I'm at home. I'm taking my son to my mother... I'm in Vienna but on a Budapest tram... it keeps sliding back down a hill... Oh... I don't know... I dreamt I had run back home. Mother told me to go and fetch my sister from the swimming pool. I ran there but the basin was overgrown with weeds and bushes. I saw my sister but couldn't catch her... During the war I dreamt a few times about Budapest... I always got lost and I knew I would get lost. I already dream in French... I even speak French with my first husband though he's living in America... Fantastic, isn't it'? Say: Hello... He's sleepy... Shall we sing? Be it rain, or be it snow the pioneers are gay, heigh-ho! Do you know these songs? For ten years I've been conducting choirs... We toured the Hungarian villages and my first husband fell in love with me when he saw me conducting... Where is he now'? In Toronto. Doing what'? Oh, being a Communist for sure... That's a way of life, you know... And that is just what I liked in him... and then he was arrested. When'? In 1950. When cake and cocoa were distributed to your pioneer-troop... You know this song: Our slogan is Peace! We're marching on... A happy future beckons... I only know the Marseillaise in French. Enough! Enough! Let's go and eat! Show her the picture of Bessy! No, that's not the one... The girl I remember was my age and had fair hair. She was next but one to me when we were shot at. She didn't know why she and her husband had been arrested by the Gestapo... it's terrible how clearly I remember that day. We were marched to the Danube... The people in the street... A woman turned away. A man stopped and kept looking at us... He wore a fur-coat... Two women laughed, one of them wore a beret... They lined us up on the embankment after having taken away our best clothes. We stood with our backs to the Danube on the pink stone of the bank and in front there was the railing of the promenade... In the fog that railing stood out so clearly that I'll never forget it... That was the last thing I saw of Budapest. When I realized I would be slaughtered I felt a violent urge to urinate... I think... Those who had been shot fell into the Danube, one after the other, and it was really the iron railing I saw last. Instinctively, ifeii backwards into the water Someone fell on me... but I knew I was alive and that I had to swim... under water, as far as possible I heard the shots but luckily the fog was dense. When I lifted up my head I couldn't see anything. I swam on and on... past the last bridge of Budapest. Then in a peasant house I told them that my fianc had died on the front and that I had wanted to kill myself. I asked for warm clothing... I had a ring on my hand, I gave it to them for the clothes and some money. Then I set out on foot towards Yugoslavia. It's like a story, isn't it'? After having crossed the lines I decided never to go back to Hungary. No, this isn't the girl who was shot then and to whom I owe that horrid idea of suicide, of the lie which saved my life. Well, this is my story, children. What's wrong with you'? I've drunk too much. I'm sorry... But this boy reminds me of my first husband... he talks just like him. Oh, Hungary... You know where it is... But ask a man in the street! Monsieur, where is Hungary'? Or Budapest, and you'll see. If I were young I'd go to America. If you want more, if you want a plus: America! Untie all ties: go to America! You know, as a child I always wanted to go to America. I'm sorry, I've drunk too much. There is Hungary! In the middle, did you see'? I can't remember those railings. What is needed to remember then'? I know a child's knapsack... just like that woman knows those railings. I'm so afraid you'll leave me... Don't leave me! Love me! I was waiting for you so much. So was I, for you. I knew it'd be like this... Marry me! Yes. What's the Danube like now'? It is rising. The bank is flooded. A new dress! So that you'll like me even more! New shoes, so that my legs look still lovelier! And I'll certainly like you with this on. We'll spend the week-end by the sea. He worked here then he got a better job. Was he your lover'? God, this is awful! You are all alike. Don't you believe me'? Why must everything be told in detail'? I've been alone for ten years. Know how one can yearn to feel the body of someone else, the touch of it... I had two lovers... Two... I couldn't bear being alone. I loved them because they were nice. But I thought of you more than of anybody else. Why don't you trust me'? I don't want to know about your love affairs, I don't want to... Why do I have to tell you everything'? The other one was your friend's husband. See'? You know everything. Don't bully me... Today the wind has a different voice. You have a different voice... More beautiful than ever... You little monkey. Who used to say that'? Our little monkeys huddled together... They huddled together... Your dad used to say that. Our little monkeys cling to each other... Dirty little monkeys... The rotters... They huddled together. Close, very closely... And tomorrow'? Don't think of tomorrow! This is nice... You are wonderful. You are wonderful! Then we're both wonderful. Be careful! No, don't be careful... Do as you like! Stay, please... stay... Not yet... We sing about our fatherland, The loveliest on earth... The land of peace, of happiness! For Stalin is Peace, Stalin is our fight, Stalin's name will better the world... When we are old, we'll sit serenely... Watching the fire hand in hand... The lamp is alight... There's the sea. There it is! No one can take this away from me! God, I'm hot... Stop, stop! Nasty brats! Are you sister and brother'? Yes. Let go of my sister! The hell I will! The hell I will, the hell! The hell I will, the hell! Wake up! Shall I wash you? Morning jerks! One-two... Idiot... No mirror... There isn't one, Here, comb your hair... What's the matter? No mirror. How terrible! If I stretched out my hand toward the house, If I stretched out my hand toward the house, I'd touch Kata's hand... I'd touch Kata's hand... For here, there's Kata and the sea. Even if I close my eyes... I open them and there is the sea and Kata's hand. If I close my eyes, there is Firemen's Street... ...the house whose number I can't see clearly much as I want to. But I see our neighbour though she's dead. I can see old Mr. Hackl closing the door. But he who now looks at the house can see the number and can touch the ledge. I open my eyes and here is the sea and I touch Kata. What's up? Nothing. Back home I'll close my eyes... I'll see the sea and touch Kata. She won't answer. Firemen's Street and the sea are linked together for they're both uppermost in my mind. But one can't catch things Simultaneously. If you were an Eskimo it'd be easier to meet you! I need your presence! I couldn't say that in Hungarian... The fact that you're here, present, that I can feel your skin, your look... Simply your presence... Oh, my God! I've tried to find someone else... But our childhood!... Am I in love with you'? Jancsi'? Karcsi! You haven't changed. Nor have you. What are you doing here'? You wrote to me... Kata's coming home. She'll be amazed. I'm staggered. In your letter, you wrote... about a blackboard... Suddenly... I wanted to see you... I asked for two days leave. I'll go back tonight. This is Kata! I'm struck dumb. Well, we make a nice trim! You are an American from head to toe! Got an accent'? No, I went to school there. Still it's in my passport I was born in Budapest. Want to see yourself in Budapest'? Yes, it's me and Ivan... Ivan who'? Ivan Kemeny... He was taken by the Germans. How can you live among Germans'? Some of them are my friends I can talk with. To live in Germany... Were you born in Dachau, indeed'? Was your father a guard there'? Yes. How did he get there'? He was ordered there. Was he an ordinary soldier'? He was an SS soldier. So your father was an SS soldier. And what do you think of it'? What could I think of it'? it's awful. But you know the old songs, don't you'? The old children's songs. But you certainly know the Horst-Wessel-Lied'? You're questioning her like a Fascist! How long will you stay'? I'd like to spend two days in Paris... What are your plans? I hope I won't have to go to Vietnam. Why, should you'? I'm a soldier. Some burn their call-up papers... But I'm a dirty foreigner... And in Vietnam'? If you see me in the opposite trench one day, don't shoot at me! Whistle, and I won't shoot either. Promise'? I promise. An angel from Heaven came to you, shepherds... So that you could see Him... on your way to Betlehem... This rotten world progresses so slowly! And we are already 27! What now'!? Any frank question between us'? What question'? Won't you come with me'? And you, won't you stay with me'? Stupid questions. More questions'? ls no one waiting for you at home'? A Qirl? Is that true or are you lying'? Does she know about me'? Well'? You stay silent when you should answer! I'm thinking. How long? I'm past my teens for good! For good'? Oh... clever girl... Never hesitate... Well, you settle it! If I were to have a child by you, I'd keep it. You crazy' Why'? I'd join you. Somewhere where you can also go... and the three of us would have a holiday. Oh, God... Go away, please, please! Go, while I can still bear it! Go before you, too, feel you can't tear yourself away from me. Oh, I'll be late... Do you happen to know where Hungary is'? Ever heard of Hungary'? Do you know where Budapest is'? Do you know Hungary'? Do you...'? Where have you been'? The gale blows everybody's cap off! There'll be rain or maybe snow. At the salon they've wrecked my new models. They're incredibly careless... I'll have to start them all over again! What's so funny'? It's the same back home. I'll have to go and buy new material. That'll take a whole day. Will you wait for me'? The trip there and back takes a day. Can't you postpone'? Impossible. Pit)'- Well... We are cursed, Jancsi! Love is only one half of our happiness... the other half is actually what we do. If there were something to bind us together you'd certainly stay with me besides our love. We both wanted to become doctors. We dissected the fish. You aren't a doctor, either. It was good to be children when we were told what to do. Your fathefis tales... Once upon a time a small boy and... a little girl went yonder into the glass mountains... 100 or 150 years hence people like us will also be happy. 157 years hence... Then we'll be happy, too. What's there'? Nothing... Tell me! That drawer. What's in it'? Nothing. What are you thinking about'? The lovely autumn in Paris. We'd sit on a terrace on the Boul' Mich... Doing what'? Gazing. Kissing you on the tram was only a dream. For years I'd been thinking it was true. Never mind, darling. Hello. Hello. Look at these deep wrinkles! I'm getting old... Let' s gm! I'm leaving here... Should I need you one day... will you come'? Or may I come to you'? What'? Should you need me one day, will you come to me'? May this protect you... Are you religious'? No... but Communism or not... it should protect you. Good luck! Good luck. - Have a nice trip! -You, too. Oh, God, how... how can I stop being me'? You've left your attach-case! Thank you. Next day I went to work. Then I met Judy. Paris is a marvel I said. For a long time Judy had Kata's face The face began to fade and then it disappeared. I love Judy... Now I fear that at the most beautiful moments Kata would have Judy's face. One year later Kata met an Englishman and married him. I also married and I love my wife. At times I still dream about Kata. So does she but she doesn't give any details. Dear Kata, forgive me for this long silence... One-two, one-two, pull up your legs... Dear Jancsi... Dear Jancsi and Judy, For two months I've been wanting to write to you... How happy I was when I visited home. I was afraid that people had become very different But, in fact, nothing has changed. I feared that my old friends and relatives would feel ill at ease with my husband. But all went well and we enjoyed your company very much. We're renovating our house, it's pleasant work. At the beginning of May I had a miscarriage. It depressed me awfully. I wanted that baby very badly. I've got over this blow and now George and I are alone in the house. In divine solitude and silence. Thank you again for all your kindness. Love and kisses Kata, George THE END |
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