Fanny and Alexander Page #2

- Do you think I've aged?

- You've grown older, yes.

I suspected as much.

Yes, all I wanted to do was weep.

Though I love seeing

my grandchildren, of course.

I thought Oscar looked tired.

That wretched theatre wears him out.

And why does he have to play

the Ghost? He needs to rest.

- Besides, he's a terrible actor.

- Indeed...

I wonder if Emelie realizes

he's run down and needs a rest.

I think I'll have a word with her.

Oscar's capable, you know.

Capable and conscientious.

Just imagine, the theatre

is actually turning a small profit!

Isn't that splendid?

A few years back, I had to contribute

at least 50,000 a year.

I didn't mind, but it was awkward

for Oscar to ask me for money.

Not like Carl...

He's asked me for another loan,

but I refused.

If he comes to you,

promise me you'll say no as well.

I can't make sense of it. Time and

again I clear everything up for him.

But a year later,

he's in dire straits again.

He claims that he doesn't

go to moneylenders.

- Do you know anything about that?

- I know nothing.

And that poor German woman

he married...

How could Carl have fallen for her?

There must be an erotic attraction.

- What do you think?

- Erotic? I suppose so...

You're not listening.

That's all right, the main thing

is that you keep me company.

Carl and Gustav Adolf are oversexed,

they take after their father.

He was oversexed.

At times it was too much of a good

thing, but I never turned him away.

Gustav Adolf is hopeless. I've spoken

to Alma and she ever so wisely says

that his philandering doesn't bother

her, since he's such a good husband.

It's fortunate

that Alma is so accommodating.

Perhaps I ought to warn that girl...

Maj, or whatever her name is.

She's very pretty,

and so good with the children.

Nice colouring, neat figure...

It's a pity she limps, poor thing.

Are you sad

because you've grown old, lsak?

No, absolutely not.

Things just keep getting worse.

The people, the machines, the wars...

Even the weather.

- I'm glad I'll soon be dead.

- You're an incorrigible misanthrope.

- As ever. But I don't agree with you.

- I thought as much.

That doesn't stop me

from weeping, though.

Would you mind terribly

if I weep for a while?

Upon my soul, I can't.

The tears won't come.

I'd better have some more brandy.

What's so amusing?

Remember when we sat

on that sofa over there, madly kissing?

You had unbuttoned my blouse...

Then suddenly that curtain was pulled

aside and my husband stood there.

It was just like a farce by Feydeau.

I screamed,

and you made for the door.

He rushed off to get his gun

with me clutching his leg.

And then the two of you

became friends for life.

Your husband

was a magnanimous man.

See, now I can weep...

The joyful splendid days are over,

and all that's left

is sordid and terrible.

That's the way of it...

No, this won't do at all, dear sir...

I shall wash and put on my face.

I'll do my hair and

put on my stays and a silk dress.

A pining old woman

will transform herself

into a self-possessed grandmother.

We play our parts, you see.

Some play them carelessly,

other play them with great care.

I belong to the latter category.

Good night, my lovely Helen.

You were such a sweet lover.

As sweet as wild strawberries.

You asked me to help you with your

morning toilette, madam, and it's 4:50.

A coffee shop at a nice location.

Your own cakes, pastries, tarts...

...and confections.

What do you say, my sweet?

Doesn't that appeal to you?

You'd be in charge of everything.

Only yesterday I said to Alma:

"Look at Maj, she's a princess."

What luscious breasts you have.

Let me take a proper look.

Oh, you drive me crazy!

Don't be afraid, I'm a wonderful lover.

All women say that.

Once you've had your way with me,

you'll forget all about the shop.

Find me something to write on.

Come along...

Look, here's a pen...

I'll write this down...

"Maja Kling...

...is the proprietress

of my coffee shop."

And I'll sign it:

"Gustav Adolf Ekdahl...

The night before Christmas, 1907."

This is a contract, my dear.

Show it to a lawyer

if I should forget my promises.

You must be careful, sir,

not to put me in the family way.

Well, what do you say?

Isn't Uncle Gusten nice?

Have you ever felt such a wooden leg?

Damnation,

the rocket went off too soon!

Oh well, it can't be helped.

Lovely, wasn't it?

- You're quite the wolf, sir.

- And you're a lamb.

Heavens above, I must lie down.

I'm all in a sweat.

- I've had too much to eat and drink.

- You're not ill, are you, sir?

I'm as happy as a kid in a sweet shop,

or why not a coffee shop?

Who could feel bad

around a tasty morsel like you?

- Sit astride me.

- You are a one, sir!

This is glorious!

Wallowing in pleasure like this...

- Oh my, how your heart's pounding!

- I have a lot of heart.

- You'll have to get me a new bed.

- I'll give you a shop, a flat...

...lots of furniture and a huge bed.

- Pretty clothes, too?

- The prettiest.

You'll be my mistress,

and I'll come calling every Saturday

and Wednesday at three.

You're ever so silly...

Am I?

A real numbskull.

I'm not a numbskull.

Yes, you are.

Imagining I want anything from you.

You don't?

I was only teasing you.

Teasing me?

- What do you mean?

- Now don't get angry...

I just don't like being treated

like an idiot.

- Stop laughing.

- But you're so funny...

No...

I'm coming down with a cold.

My throat hurts when I swallow.

My teeth itch.

It's damn cold, why isn't there a fire?

We owe the wood merchant

For God's sake, you've been here

for 23 years. Speak Swedish!

I do my best...

I asked Mama for 10,000

to straighten out my affairs.

She showed me a paper that said

I owed her 37,000. It's incredible...

- Go see the Jew.

- I have.

I pay an extortionate interest,

and if I don't keep up payments,

he'll tell Mama.

- I have some jewellery.

- You fool...

Professor Ekdahl

can't be seen going to a pawnbroker.

Aren't you coming to bed,

mein Schatz?

Come, Carlchen. Come sit next to me.

You smell bad. Have you given up

washing or are you starting to rot?

No, I do not smell bad, mein Carlchen.

Your senses are playing tricks on you.

I'm bleeding...

- Shall I bandage it up for you?

- No.

- Won't you try and get some sleep?

- Yes.

I feel so sorry for you, mein Carlchen.

How does one become second-rate?

Can you tell me that?

How does the dust fall?

When has one lost?

First I'm a prince,

the heir to the kingdom.

Suddenly...

...before I know it...

...I'm deposed.

Death taps me on the shoulder.

The room is cold...

...and we can't pay for firewood.

I'm stupid and unkind.

And I'm unkindest...

...to the one person who cares for me.

There's no way you can forgive me,

I'm a sh*t and a rotter.

I can make you a hot toddy...

Don't be so damned servile!

Wipe your mouth! Your lips

are always wet, it's disgusting.

I don't mean to be unkind.

No... I know that, mein Liebling.

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