The New Year That Never Came (2024)
Original title: Anul Nou care n-a fost
Genre: Historical, Drama, Political
Director: Bogdan Muresanu
Writer: Bogdan Muresanu
Stars: Adrian Vancica, Nicoleta Hâncu, Emilia Dobrin, Marian Adochitei, Mircea Andreescu
Synopsis: On the brink of revolution in 1989 Romania, six lives intersect amid protests and personal struggles, leading to the explosive fall of Ceausescu and the communist regime.
* * *
Millions of citizens of socialist Romania, now when the imperialist political circles are threatening the independence and sovereignty of our country, the best response we can give to these attempts is our work together, full of selflessness and devotion, the work of all the sons of this land, regardless of nationality…
Good morning!
Good morning!
What’s the mood like?
It’s positive.
Any hostile actions, hateful inscriptions?
No, not here.
All right.
Let me know if anything happens.
Yes.
I’m interested in things related to Timișoara.
Not the case. My kids behave well.
How many are there left?
About half of them.
The rest went home.
In two days, everyone must be gone.
Yes. Understood.
Goodbye, comrade!
Shit!
Fuck!
Gelu!
Yes, comrade Marcel.
Take three or four sturdy guys and a truck
to the houses being demolished in Uranus.
Take some furniture wherever you are told to.
Right now?
Right now.
And careful with these! It’s the last thing we need.
Hello. Good morning.
I’m trying to reach a phone number and the line is always busy.
6-3-8… 7-4-5.
Thank you.
THE NEW YEAR THAT NEVER CAME
Why did they call us at the crack of dawn?
Who the hell knows?!
Hi!
Morning.
Go on, please.
Our entire nation follows the only man who embodies
the living symbol of love for this country.
Great, don’t stop.
And now, the final greeting.
Lili…
Rolling!
Happy New Year!
These are the takes.
And she’s in all of them.
Why wasn’t I informed about this, comrade Mihalcea?
She seemed to be a reliable comrade. Serious and invested.
Spare me this bullshit!
I can only self-criticise myself, comrade.
And your duty? Who will do your duty?
Everybody keeps self-criticising themselves, for fuck sake!
Comrade director,
I count on your artistic wit
to get us out of this mess we’re in.
Of course.
And this homage part is mandatory!
Yeah, it’s fucked up.
What if…
…she starts talking
on Radio Free Europe?!
While we have her in close-up!
I say…
…we’ll see what we can do.
First you do it,
then you see…
Tomorrow evening I have to send the footage for approval.
Is everybody aware of that?
Fully aware, comrade director.
Nobody leaves this place
until you find a solution.
One more thing.
Officially…
she got sick!
Fuck you, Lili! You picked a good time to defect!
Next?
A minor… D minor.
Okay.
Ouch, my ears!
Wait! Okay…
Let’s hear it!
Guys, enough with this party!
Party pooper lady is here.
Lady, huh?!
Come on, another half an hour!
Stop singing! Now! Just go!
Come on!
C’mon! You, as well!
Are you coming back?
No.
Stay a bit more!
Don’t goooooo!
He’s gone!
Pass me the lighter!
What’s up? You’re nervous?
No, I’m not.
Hey!
Yes?
It’s gonna be fine.
I set everything up.
One o’clock. Outside the dorm. That prick will come.
Easy peasy!
Okay.
Don’t call anybody!
Yeah…
Anybody!
Yeah.
Cause you never know!
Okay.
I made some hot water essence!
Give me some! I’ll use it when I take a shower.
Take two drops for one tone of freezing water.
Did you take HIM down?
No worries, he is about to fall down anyway!
Rewind.
Say something! What did you read?
From what you’ve read!
Say something you heard!
… in the classes!
Give him, guys!
Should they give him more?
Yes!
Give him more! Give him a helping hand!
Give him more!
Tell us!
Tell us!
Tell us everything!
Six, seven, eight, nine. Tell us, tell us!
Stamate is waiting for us.
Stop the video!
Type everything and put it in the file.
Did you speak with her parents?
Of course. But…
I don’t know if we should press harder. They were scared.
What are their jobs?
Father, a nuclear physicist. Mother…
The mother doesn’t matter. Press him, try to recruit him!
We’re interested in his milieu in this case.
Understood!
Dincă, how is the studious youth doing?
Good, comrade Colonel! The atmosphere is positive.
Any hostile actions or hateful inscriptions?
No, none.
Don’t rely on one source only!
I have a student working with us.
Very well, work him harder!
Berlogea, the play from Nottara Theatre?
They removed references to reactionary events from the original text.
Is the source reliable? They won’t shout God knows what on stage at the premiere?
Reliable and well-checked.
All right, that was all.
Dincă, you stay!
Have a nice day, comrade Colonel!
Listen,
regarding the son of the guy from National Television…
Let’s be more careful with him! We never know when we’ll need his father.
But you fuck the others, as an example!
Yes, comrade Colonel!
Good morning!
You act like this is a hotel!
You come and go as you wish.
I no longer agree with you staying in that filthy dorm.
You could catch some disease, God forbid!
Come home and make it up with your father.
Are you hungry?
No.
Do I have clean clothes?
Where are you going?
I just told you not to leave anymore.
The situation you’re in is no joke. Not with this unrest in the country.
I’m going to a birthday party today and then I’m coming.
You only care about partying.
Instead of coming home and talking to us to see what we can do.
I will. I promise.
Call me from wherever you are.
Sure.
Keep on ringing, you morons!
As if it were a madhouse…
Good morning!
Didn’t you hear the doorbell?
The boys kept on ringing!
What did you say?
Good morning. Where do we start?
Clear the hallway, take the bags, clear everything!
Alright.
Why did you open that bag?
Where’s my best coffee service?
Which one?
The one with the golden edges.
They didn’t bring it to the flat?
I have no clue what they did or not!
Oh, I also brought you coffee.
I made my coffee, yours tastes like dishwater.
But you’re not even allowed to drink coffee.
I know very well what I’m allowed or not.
Mister…
Gelu.
You want some coffee?
I don’t know if I’m allowed.
I do. You’ll have a small cup!
I’ve made it already.
Oh, thank you!
Let’s go! Hurry up! Clear the other room!
Take a seat!
Thank you.
I apologise for the cup.
They mismatched all my coffee cups with their relocation…
Thank you.
I had a porcelain coffee service.
The kind with golden edges, for guests only.
From the time when my grandmother was a little girl.
It’s tasteful as it is.
Of course it is!
My son brings me coffee from that shop of theirs.
He is kind…
of second-rate.
Otherwise, they wouldn’t have demolished me.
You have any children, mister Gelu?
Yes, a boy. Marius, he’s seven.
May he bring you joy!
Here…
So Santa can come to him!
You shouldn’t.
Please.
Please.
Thank you.
Mister Gelu, I need a favour.
Go on, please.
Can you help me put insulation tape on the bedroom windows?
Why would you want this, if they will demolish the house anyway?
That’s my business.
Will you help me?
Yes.
Come on, then.
Can’t you cut it out?
No.
We can’t. Not even the Americans have this technique.
So what are we gonna do?
I don’t know.
We call them again and reshoot?
Where will I find them all?
Just four days before Christmas?
Who knows who’s in Bucharest
and who’s slaughtering pigs in the middle of nowhere…
Come on! No way!
…even out of helicopter reach!
Last time, it took us a week just for this shot.
We have to find something simpler.
Our entire nation follows the only man
who embodies the living symbol of love for the country…
Don’t rush it!
After a short beat, we go to the final caroling.
Happy New Year!
Stop shaking that camera, please!
Our entire nation follows the only man…
What if we shoot on chroma with someone else
and superimpose it in post-production?
It will never match the camera movements.
Told you.
You kept moving the camera…
How was I to know?
I should’ve kept it steady on them.
We take this scene out, and that’s it.
Come on, Gabi!
Haven’t you heard what Vârtosu just said?
This scene is mandatory hommage!
We can’t take her out, but we can’t leave her in.
Try to solve this!
Good morning, ma’am.
Got any Relaxyl ointment?
No.
How about Chinese balm?
Got any bigger than that?
It’s all we got.
Ten, please.
You know what? Give me ten more.
Better give me the whole box.
How much?
Thirty.
The box has thirty pieces.
Thank you.
Sorry.
Good afternoon. A box of Valium, please.
It’s out of stock.
Anything else?
I beg you.
I’ve…
I’ve got a family problem, I’m all shaking.
Please, maybe you have a box left in the back
or a few pills.
Try linden tea. It’s healthier.
Ma’am…
I’m an actress at the theatre,
and I can make such a big fuss here you won’t forget.
Just be careful, please.
Sure.
Not more than one pill a day.
How much does it cost?
Nothing.
Thank you.
Goodbye.
Good morning!
Good morning!
No need to hurry, take your time!
I’m sorry.
Florina, you haven’t been yourself lately. Get a grip, please. Come on!
She’s got someone up there.
She’s not good enough for radio drama,
she’s not that talented, and her voice isn’t that great.
As our director says, art requires sacrifices.
Art requires orifices!
The more, the better!
Fuck, this got torn…
You’ve got another hole, so stop complaining.
Didn’t know you were such a saint!
Want one?
Yes.
Thank you.
Are you cold?
A bit.
What’s wrong? You look so distracted.
Can I trust you?
Learn to observe people, don’t ask them straight.
Go on.
Do you know anyone working at the puppet theatre in Timișoara?
I’ll see what I can do.
Be a good boy, otherwise Santa won’t come.
Did you write the letter?
I must hang up now. Mummy sends you kisses.
Hello.
The fisherman trousers?
It’s a caving suit.
Of course.
I made four zipped pockets.
Okay.
To have enough… Let me take this out.
Check it out.
Is it surely waterproof?
Definitely waterproof.
Okay?
Yes.
Is it okay?
Yes, thank you.
You want a bag?
No.
So, 60 times 2 is 120. You gave me 50.
So, 70.
Yes.
Just a second.
Keep the rest. Thanks. Have a good day!
Thank you.
I hope it will be useful!
Thank you.
Here.
Thank you.
Let’s go, put the bag in the back.
Vlad, I want to talk to you for a second.
Let’s take a few steps.
The suit is the problem? Or the aspirin?
It’s not about that.
I’m not so sure anymore.
Are you out of your mind?
Cheers!
Hi.
I don’t think it’s as easy as you say.
Wham bam… You ride up on a tube and swim to the other side.
It’s exactly like that, like I say it.
If you stay here, you’ll realize how stupid you were.
Nothing’s gonna change here.
Not even in 30 years time.
When you’ll rot in some park
wondering why the hell you didn’t flee while still young.
C’mon, boys, let’s go! I fixed it.
C’mon.
Right away, uncle Romică.
Don’t be stupid!
We’ll drive through Alexandria.
The highway is jammed up. Lots of military convoys.
At Găiești there’s a traffic control.
No one can pass. They’re even searching up your ass.
Not that we’d have something to hide.
How would you know? Just get us there.
It’s not gonna take more than five or six hours.
Unless there’s some surprise along the way.
What surprise?
It’s a long way, you never know what awaits us.
Our friend Vlad has a bad influence on him.
Rumour has it that he got a girl pregnant,
so his folks had to sell something to get that girl some money for the…
… abortion.
Actually, there’s more, but it’s just a guess.
If you don’t know for sure,
don’t mention it.
I understood.
Go to the cash desk with this.
Thank you.
Next time, be better prepared!
I understood.
Happy holidays!
Okay? C’mon, please!
I’ll do it.
You could’ve asked me from the backroom.
Let’s do it. Are we ready? Rolling. Lili,
you’re on!
Our entire nation follows the only man…
Can you, please…
Go forward, to that close-up. That one, there!
What if we find an actress who looks like Lili?
Go to that wide shot before.
There! This one!
Yes… Here we leave Lili, we film using the same background…
Right. And then…
Rewind…
And this shot will be with the new actress. Right?
This way, we neither take her out nor leave her in.
Could it work?
We’ve done such patchwork before, when the material was bad.
Go fuck yourself!
Calm down.
Can’t you see that…
Now I get it.
Lili, wide shot, the other one, close-up, we combine!
Should we do this?
Yes.
I also agree.
Fine, I’ll go tell them.
And we must find her a double.
Fuck you, Lili!
Sealing strip… that’s what you’d need here.
Sealing strip.
Insulation tape here, sealing strip here, or sealing strip both here and here.
I don’t know.
Send one of the boys to buy some.
Keep your money, maybe they got some in the van.
It’s their job. They may have some. We can try.
Okay. Thank you.
Excuse me, mister Gelu, since you’re here…
Can you help me move this dresser closer to the door?
What?
Move this dresser closer to the door.
I… I have something in mind.
Let me see. Okay.
I’ll give you a hand.
On my count, go!
Come on!
I’m trying.
Come on!
It’s heavy.
You can drag it along the floor.
Come on.
Oh, look…
I found you.
It’s soundproof.
No more draft.
You sure?
Absolutely.
Check for yourself.
You’re right!
You did a good job!
What are you doing?
You scared me to death!
I almost had a heart attack!
You’re making repairs now? Are you crazy?
You keep him from working with your nonsense.
Go and help the boys outside!
I thought I should help the lady.
Help her the way I tell you to.
Where’s Camelia?
I don’t know. Ask her.
You upset her again?
Me? Not even with a flower.
You know she’s not allowed to get angry at all.
And I am?
My heart hurts when you shout at me.
How couldn’t I? Instead of packing to move out, you start fixing things!
See? I’m even afraid to talk to you.
Think it’s easy for me to leave my house?
And move into a flat as small as a matchbox?
I struggled to get you allocated an apartment, and that’s how you thank me?
What did I say? I didn’t say anything.
But maybe we could just wait for one or two days…
To see what happens.
What could happen? What?!
To take you out with a bulldozer? This will happen?
Right. You don’t have to yell at me, I hear you perfectly well.
Didn’t you say last Christmas you can’t stand these rooms?
That they’re too tall, they don’t get warm enough?
That every winter you throw money out the window?
Stop twisting my words.
This house is gonna be de-mo-lished!
And you gotta move if you don’t want to be left on the streets. Today!
Did you handle the bed issue?
I already told you, it doesn’t fit.
It doesn’t fit!
We’ll make it fit somehow.
How? By casting spells?
This one.
She’s dark-haired.
We’ll dye her hair.
You can’t do it overnight.
And she’s got a totally different face.
This one?
This one is pretty, but she’s a bit old.
You want to have children with her?
She’s no good.
This one?
She’s no good.
No resemblance.
This one?
It could be. Right?
She looks a lot like Lili.
Right?
Let me see.
She has something in her eyes…
An innocence…
Is she an actress?
Yes, at Nottara Theatre.
Florina Miu.
Excellent.
Then it won’t take long.
All right.
And all the others from that tight shot?
They’re all in Bucharest.
We got lucky.
Yes.
Let’s see.
My dear Florina Miu, we’ll make you famous.
More and more flowers.
Gladioli are horrible, their pink makes you faint!
Mimosas as well, Solange?
Such care for an unworthy mistress
and so many roses while Monsieur is treated like a murderer.
Monsieur was imprisoned for real.
Imprisoned, Solange! What do you have to say?
Monsieur sleeps on straws and you make the bed nice.
Prisons are filled with dangerous murderers, Solange.
And Monsieur, who is the embodiment of softness,
will have to live amongst them. I am so embarrassed!
Not like that! It’s not good!
It’s got no kick, no rhythm!
You’re killing me!
You can’t forget everything day after day. That’s how you enter, Florina?
You carry that platter like a piss-pot. You want to poison her, right?
You are brave! It’s your victory over Solange as well.
You prove you’re the strong one.
It may be a tragicomedy, but it’s still comedy. It needs overacting.
We talked about this a thousand times before. From Florina’s entrance, please.
What is it, Adriana?
I’ve asked you not to interrupt unless there’s a fire. Where’s the fire?
The director is expecting Florina in his office.
Fine, you may go. What are you doing? Leave the platter.
Let’s take a break.
All right, Florina…
I’ll sum it up to cut it short.
Tomorrow at 10, be at the National TV HQ.
It’s not casual like here, where you come to work whenever you want.
Tomorrow I’ve got rehearsals.
Tomorrow you won’t go!
Be there at 10 sharp, right? And learn the text.
Is it a sketch comedy?
Read the text.
The Patriotic Carol.
“The whole nation follows the only man who embodies…”
Yes, yes.
I don’t know…
if I can recite this text the way it’s supposed to.
I know very well what you can and cannot interpret!
This one you can do very well! Don’t be a smart ass!
After all… what do you think will happen?
Blah, blah, blah, yadda, yadda.
I don’t think it fits me, I think I’m…
It does fit you, everything fits you.
Go, what are you waiting for?
Learn the text by heart.
Yes.
What is it? What happened?
Tomorrow I’ll skip the rehearsals.
Why?
I have to go to the National Television.
And do what?
A New Year’s Eve program.
The Patriotic Carol.
Are you crazy? What Patriotic Carol?
The opening night is in three weeks!
But…
I’ll handle this right up!
Just look here, so you understand where the problem is.
There are about three meters from the wall to the window.
If you put the bed there, you’re left with half a meter.
You can’t even climb into it.
I’ll climb in from its end.
Fine. Talk to Camelia and we’ll return the new bed to the factory.
And that’s it. You’re okay with that?
And the closet?
Are you kidding me?
I explained before, the closet is huge, it will block the door.
But they are a set.
A what?
A set. Are you going deaf?
How could I mismatch them?
That’s how I’ve inherited them, that’s how I’ll pass them on.
To whom? Nobody wants them!
We are ready. We packed all there was to pack.
That fast?
Fast?
We’ve been here since this morning.
Let’s go.
Let’s stay a bit longer.
Come on.
Let me take my hat.
Let’s go.
Let’s.
My heart is torn apart, you know.
We’ll come back tomorrow.
Let’s go.
We’ll come back tomorrow.
That’s what I said.
Bloody hell!
It may have been torn.
Torn? Can’t you see it’s cut with scissors?
Now I can see it.
Shit.
Who the hell did this?
They cut it on purpose. Right in the middle. What to do with it?
How should I know?!
Who else should know? Aren’t you the one in charge?
They steal like magpies.
This is even good. In a month, everything would be gone.
Listen, stolen or trimmed, I don’t give a fuck. Get it done!
Right in the middle! How am I going to film this?
When do you need it?
This evening. We shoot first thing in the morning.
Fane!
I’m here.
Tell Oprea to come here.
Oprea!
Gigi, this evening, okay?
This is what I most hated my entire life.
Precisely this. Stealing out of spite. This is mischief.
Pure mischief.
They can steal as much as they want.
But not from where it’s visible.
You give me your love Through the snow, like a dove
The heart glows into the night Like a star so big and bright
You give me your love, dear And I’ll be yours, right here
It’s unstable. I might fall down.
We’ll fix it. We’ll reshoot in five minutes.
Come on, let’s fix this quickly! Thank you.
I heard. Please tell me it’s not true.
Have I ever lied to you?
Cut the crap, Ștefan. Just say it.
When?
First thing in the morning.
Please, tell me, how can I clone myself?
This thing needs to be done, as well.
And guess what? First thing in the morning.
It can do anything about it. It’s an order.
Why not air it as is?
That’s nonsense.
Is she the first one to get sick?
And no offence, nobody is fucking watching, anyway.
The right people are watching.
They are watching.
They have other problems.
Haven’t you heard? You don’t know what’s going on…
Fuck you, Lili!
That’s exactly what I said. In case someone asks you.
Did they ask you to give a statement?
Not yet. But… “next on Dallas.”
Know the flat number?
No.
It’s 108.
So? How do you like it now?
Forty-four square meters. Pretty big, right?
And bright.
Living in a flat has many advantages. The neighbours are nice people.
Comrade Dincă,
please tell us where to put the lamps.
Mom, let’s see what to do with the lamps.
Set them up wherever you want.
This big one goes in here.
The little one goes in the bedroom.
I just realized we forgot the radio, but you said nothing.
Do you want to decorate a Christmas tree?
No.
That’s what I thought. You’ll come to our place for Christmas, anyway.
I have to go.
I’ll call you on your next-door neighbour’s phone until we get you a line.
It’s gonna be fine, mom.
Bloody hell!
What is it?
I think it’s the engine.
We have to push it a bit.
Go to the back.
Let’s see.
Wait, let me…
I told you to take the train.
Stop jinxing it!
Maybe it’s a sign.
What sign, you fool?!
Step on it!
Let’s go!
I insisted, Florina,
but he got upset because I dared to ask.
After all he’s done for this play!
This is the only thing he wants from us.
From us!?
People watch the Bulgarian TV on New Year’s Eve. I don’t get this whole fuss.
For three lines in a show that nobody watches?
Three lines?!
Yes.
My dad spits on the TV set when he sees Ceaușescu,
and his daughter sings hosannas for him.
And what am I supposed to do, Florina? He said it’s out of the question.
Great actors were there as well.
They were, but not now.
When those scumbags are shooting people in Timișoara.
Listen… On the New Year’s Eve, we should go to Simion.
I’ll stay home.
Why stay?
Why go?
So all of us could watch the Patriotic Carols?
What if I don’t go?
You’re kidding, right?
No, I’m not.
I hope you don’t mean it.
My play will be fucked.
You only think of yourself.
No, I think of all of our hard work.
Sure.
You’re shivering with cold.
I’m shivering with anger, not cold.
Let’s have a drink nearby?
Now, people can see us together?
What’s wrong with you?
Then let’s go to my place.
We’ll drink something and talk about…
…this thing.
Fine.
And this Christmas tree is tilted a bit.
And it’s also ruffled on the right side.
Where?
Just look.
Yes, it’s tilted.
Good evening!
Good job! You moved fast.
So, we can do it, too.
And this? What’s this?
It was an accident.
We’ll put two comrades in front, and it won’t show.
It won’t show in the frame.
Did you find the actress?
Yes, comrade stage director agreed with the proposal.
She was the best option.
Name?
Florina Miu.
Nottara Theatre.
I don’t know her,
but she’s got the chance to prove herself.
The theatre director assured us there won’t be any problems.
She’s hard-working and serious. She’s a trustworthy comrade.
If you say so.
Well…
For today, we’re all set.
I hope there won’t be any other problems!
Don’t worry! What else could happen!?
Do a final recap!
Stay as long as needed.
And… add more decorations.
And the set raccord?
Yes, and glitter stripe, too.
The fountain pens?
No.
He writes like a monkey, so no.
Thank you very much.
You’re welcome.
Good evening!
I’m sorry.
Careful with those books!
Leave it there, I’ll put them back.
Where’s the tree from?
The market.
Are there any left?
Some. But “balder” than this one.
Hurry up, they are buying fast. A bag for an older lady.
You fired a firecracker?
Yes.
Give them to me!
Hurry up!
There, here you go. Let me be.
Have you got more?
No.
Don’t make me search you. Come here!
And this one? Why did you say you’ve got none left? Come here!
That’s all.
You’re gonna kill people.
Stop firing firecrackers! Get it?
Yes.
Run! Run! Run!
Marius?
Good evening, sir.
Come on!
Can I stay a little longer?
No, let’s go!
It got dark, you’re going home.
Can we decorate the Christmas tree today?
No, we’ll do it on Christmas Eve. Have patience for a few days.
Alright.
Otherwise, it’s gonna wither.
But can I play with the Christmas decorations?
Fine, but don’t break them, alright?
Yes.
Alright.
Good evening.
Good evening.
What a beautiful Christmas tree you’ve got there, Marius boy.
This one needs no decorations.
That’s all we could get. You? Taking a walk?
Taking a walk, my ass! I had to wait in line at Lamotescu’s.
They brought groceries. To please the people, you see.
After everything that happened in Timișoara.
I wonder if anything was left standing in that city.
As if we can do anything…
Wait a second! Let me see what I have here for Marius.
Here!
Thank you.
You shouldn’t have.
Leave it. Godspeed!
Put it under the Christmas tree.
Yes.
Thank you.
Good night.
Go wash your hands, alright?
Yes.
It’s beautiful.
Yes.
Where did you get it?
At the green market.
People were frantic to buy them. I got the last one.
Did you buy something for him, too?
Yes, this.
A pencil box!
Put on your bootees, the floor is cold.
Put it on the balcony.
Yes.
And close the door properly.
Sure, sure.
Something else would fit in there, not her huge, shaking closet.
I know, but…
She wants her closet.
Okay, she’ll do as she pleases.
But it will break down during transportation.
We’ll glue it before.
All right.
I’ll tell them to take it to the warehouse.
They’ll say I’m crazy if we return all the furniture.
In that place, a Doina dresser would fit better.
A small one.
A Doina dresser?
Yes.
Who the fuck names the furniture?
Don’t know, the designers.
Why?
I was thinking, why give furniture a woman’s name?
Would you like to sleep in a bed named Marian?
No way!
See?
They know better when naming it.
Camelia?
The phone cable is changed.
Yes.
I called the phone service. It kept clicking.
When?
At noon.
When did it start clicking?
You keep repeating yourself. Yesterday.
Earlier it worked just fine.
No, I told you yesterday about it. But you weren’t paying attention.
You called them?
What?
You called them?
Yes.
Where is the old cable?
They took it.
They did?
Yes, they said it was broken, and they took it.
You watched them or left them alone?
What?
You left them alone?
Are you interrogating me?
Just asking.
You’re almost about to light a lamp in my eyes.
I already told you I’m not allowed to get upset.
And your mom is enough on my plate.
I don’t get what you just did.
Honestly, neither do I.
I think I became a bit paranoid with all that’s happening.
Don’t stay like that, I’ll no longer like you.
The hot water is running.
Stop smoking inside!
Our entire nation follows…
Damn me if I understand what this whole circus is about!
You don’t like it?
Or do you want it with more enthusiasm?
What do you want us to do? Get out in the streets with our bare chests?
Yes!
If the working class, those who matter and are numerous, don’t protest, it’s useless!
No one protests on Christmas.
What about Timișoara?
Timișoara is Timișoara.
Here, it is more complicated. One out of ten works for Securitate.
One out of four is a rat.
And one out of two?
Drinks too much. That’s enough!
Think how things are gonna be in January. With a full house on the opening night.
With that text, we could change lives, arouse awareness.
With an ass-kissing actress?
We’ll only arouse disgust. That’s all.
Everybody knows that people go there when forced to.
Use this rage on stage. Like I told you on rehearsals.
If you can’t express yourself in real life, express it with Claire.
I’ll make some tea, to relax you. Okay?
Fine.
Good evening. Ionu? Dincă calling. I hope I’m not disturbing.
Yes, I moved her in. It’s her first night and…
I’d like you, if possible, to knock on her door
and see if she needs anything.
She doesn’t want to bother anyone.
Yes, yes, I’ll wait.
Where to, dear madam?
16 Uranus Street.
Are there any houses left?
A few.
You managed to avoid demolition?
No, I didn’t.
God help, maybe you will.
God didn’t even manage to save his own churches, let alone my house.
I don’t get why those houses bothered them.
Why demolish a whole neighbourhood with churches and boyar houses!?
To make what?
Blocks of flats.
And they’re doing it the wrong way, not like we used to.
What’s that guy doing?
I apologize for asking this.
What was your profession?
A fool.
I was a Party member out of conviction, nobody forced me to.
At least you’re honest.
Not like these ass-lickers nowadays.
You have to kick them out of your car!
I promise you that.
I’m not young anymore, so no promises.
Swear it!
I swear!
My home is a sweet melody
Turn that volume up.
I’m the soul of my home, zestfully, And she’s my whole life’s destiny
The Danube is just a few kilometres from here.
It’s so close.
Further on, it’s even closer.
Where people try fleeing.
Fewer and fewer these days.
And they manage to flee?
Well…
Some do.
Some get caught.
Some drown and are fished out of the Danube.
Really?
Danube is tricky.
How much longer?
About 20 kilometres.
How long have you been away to forget this road?
I had no time.
You have to make time for your family.
They’re the ones you end up with.
Isn’t that right, Laurențiu?
Yes.
Where are you from?
I was born in Bucharest.
Full-fledged.
My parents as well.
What is their profession?
My mom is a Romanian teacher.
Nice.
And my dad…
He’s dead.
May God rest his soul.
What a warm December.
I like it.
I can’t stand the cold.
I can’t stand it, either.
But it’s nice to have some snow during the holidays.
Just to feel it’s wintertime.
Tell me… what’s this about?
All right.
Regarding the situation we’re in at the moment…
Yes!?
Did you have any suspicions regarding Liliana Enache?
About what?
About what? About her fleeing the country.
Oh… no.
No.
How about your colleagues?
I don’t know, I have no clue.
I don’t keep my eyes on them.
But do you know if she had a close relationship with any of them?
I was really not interested in who did she screw, if that’s what you mean.
And I really don’t understand why you think I’m the right person for such…
I don’t even know how to call these… briefings.
Under the present circumstances, everybody is the right person.
I only do my job.
I told you from the very start that I have no political views.
But your son does.
And as far as I know…
He might not be allowed to graduate.
I’m a father as well, and I understand you…
I’ll try to help you…
As you asked me to.
Thank you.
But you can also make things easier for him.
Without too much of an effort.
What do you mean?
Where are the Christmas decorations?
Down there.
According to the Constitution and under state law,
the military units were forced to defend…
Can I play with the Christmas lights, too?
Yes, you can, but shut up!
…the valuables of the whole city.
They didn’t even fight back when officers and soldiers were hurt,
but only when the situation became such…
What is he saying?
…they were attacked by terrorist gangs…
He took out the army on the streets of Timișoara.
Shooting at people.
…and fundamental institutions have been put at risk.
Dozens are dead.
Who’s dead?
The army has fulfilled its duty…
No one, dear.
Turn it off, for God’s sake!
We should write to our relatives in Târgu Jiu.
They always write…
Have you written to Father Frost?
Yes.
He did.
Did you write a draft, check for mistakes, or directly?
First on a draft.
As mummy taught you to do it? With your address, name, and everything?
Yes, Ioniță Marius, seven years old, form 2nd B, School no. 96,
Giurgiului Avenue, no. 3, block A6, 4th entrance.
And what did you write on the envelope?
To Father Frost.
Let me see the letter.
I don’t have it anymore.
Where is it?
I put it in the post box.
How many times have I told you, Marius, to stay just in front of our block?
Don’t go around by yourself!
If I look out the window, you’d better be in the courtyard!
Come on, put those back and come here.
The military forces fully fulfilled their duty
towards the motherland…
Have you gone mad? You’re scaring the neighbours.
Look at him!
And you want me to kiss his ass!?
This murderer?
…is part of a greater plan
against the independence and sovereignty of peoples.
Of those peoples…
Let’s talk like two grown-ups, okay?
Here it is.
Take this, too.
What’s this?
Aspirin, what else?
I don’t want it.
All right. Let’s say you don’t go.
What are you going to do then?
They will take you out of the cast,
they will kick you out of the theatre.
Where will you go?
Are you going back to work in the cotton factory?
To bootees and gloves?
At best, you’ll end up in a remote puppet theatre,
with other losers.
Why did you say that?
Because that awaits you, Florina.
Did you forget how hard it was to get into such a big theatre?
Because of what!? Because I slept with you?
Sometimes, I even liked it.
Excuse me?
You’re the same as everybody here.
You are a spineless man!
Watch it! One more word from you…
What are you going to do!?
Dickhead!
You’re forgetting whom you’re talking to?
You’re nobody without me.
I’ll call you a taxi. Get your things and fuck off!
I’ll wait outside.
You’re ungrateful, that’s what you are.
I wrote: “Dear Father Frost, I’ve been a good boy and learned well at school.”
What did you ask for?
I asked for a locomotive.
What do you need a locomotive for?
Don’t you want something more useful?
A pencil box, for example.
I already have a pencil box.
Yes, but that one…
That one is worn out. Don’t you want a new one?
I want a locomotive.
Well…
I don’t know why, but I think he’s gonna get you a pencil box.
Did you ask for a gift only for you, or also for your mom and dad?
For them, too.
What did you ask for?
For mom, a new purse. Because the old one got torn.
Do you hear this, Mummy?
What?
You ran Father Frost into expenses. He’s gonna bring you a purse.
Very well, let him bring it.
And for your Dad?
What you’ve always asked for, yesterday, too you asked.
What? For you to grow handsome like me and smart like your mother?
No, you asked for something else.
For what?
For Uncle Nick to die.
Marius boy…
Tell me once more, word by word,
what have you written in that letter?
And for Dad…
Go on…
The death of Uncle Nick, because that’s what he wishes for.
Because that’s what he wishes for?
Yes.
When did you hear me saying this?
Yesterday. I asked you.
Yesterday when? Where was I?
Yesterday when? When?
In the evening. That’s what you said.
If that’s what I said, do you really have to tell everybody?
You stupid child! I’ll break your bones!
What happened?
Your son wants to put me in prison!
Wait! How?
Ask him yourself!
What did you do, Marius?
I told Father Frost you want the death of…
Whose death?
I’ll tell you!
He wrote the full name, address, and took it to the post.
So?
What do you think he wrote his father wants for Christmas?
What? Maybe you know!
I don’t! How should I know?
The death of Uncle Nick.
Is that true, dear?
Yes.
Why did you do that?
You really posted that letter, or are you joking?
I did.
Do you realise what you’ve done, dear?
No.
How could you do this?! How could you!
Don’t hit him!
How many times have I told you not to share our talks?
Have I or have I not?
I didn’t tell.
You wrote it, it’s worse, you prick!
Please, it is not his fault!
But what’s my fault? What shall I do now?
Go to your room! I’ll beat you up!
Go to your room. Stay there.
Tell me, are you happy about your stupid idea? Tell me!
I’m to blame again?
Who else? Who taught him to write?
Who’s always speaking loudly at home?
So?
The child hears it all!
He’s no child, he’s a snitch! You raised a snitch!
This is spiteful behaviour or whatever. Reactionary. You heard Uncle Nick on TV!
Maybe it won’t be that bad.
Won’t be that bad?
If I want Ceaușescu dead, won’t be that bad?
Lower your voice!
I won’t!
You always speak so loud!
They came after Tudose just because he cursed the Party.
Not the most beloved Son of the country!
In Timișoara, they’re shooting people in the streets just because they booed.
Mom, what are you doing here?
Why did you come back?
Did you forget something?
You left the gate open, anyone could’ve entered…
Do you want some tea? It’s all I have here.
No, thank you.
You won’t tell me why you came back?
I’ll tell you why…
Because I’m crazy.
Can’t you be serious for once in your life, Mom?
Like it would make any difference…
Look, the power’s out.
No, I told you they’ll cut the power off.
And tomorrow, the gas, too.
You said the place is near the post office?
Yeah.
The way they demolished this city, you can’t even recognise it anymore.
What will you do on New Year’s Eve?
We used to go to a resort, but now we stay home
and watch those comic sketches.
What else could we watch?
Really?
I’ll read a sketch in the program too.
What, you’re an actress?
Yes.
And it’s a very comical sketch.
Do you want to hear it?
Yes, of course.
“The victorious socialism in its illumination
brought a lot of prosperity to our nation.”
Isn’t it funny?
Are you joking?
No.
From here you’ll walk, because this car is not working.
Why did we stop?
I have some things to do here.
What things, uncle Romică?
Some things. We’re way early anyway.
Don’t stay too long.
Why would I stay?
Because we’re in a hurry.
I told you we arrived earlier.
Can’t you go tomorrow?
I can’t. I have an affair with a widow.
She’s very eager, you know…
Getting it on with a widow? Bloody hell.
With God’s help, half an hour and I’m done.
I asked him a million times
to stop cracking stupid jokes about Securitate and Uncle Nick.
And he did that on the stage.
Why the hell did he have to join the others?
I know, he screwed up, but we have to fix it.
We have to fix it? I have to fix it.
Just write a stupid statement about collegial relationships.
Some harmless cliches, and that’s it.
For fuck’s sake, Alina!
What cliches?
You know very well that they can turn anything you say into a display of revolt.
Even a tram ticket.
It’s just a piece of paper in which you suggest that your Lili
showed a weakness of behaviour…
She had grievances against the Party policy.
Good Lord!
C’mon, it’s not such a big deal!
If I am to write that, I also have to say who she was talking with…
Give names.
She talked to everybody. Avoid details!
Anyway, they already know everything.
Then what’s the use of this?
To show your goodwill.
393, 394, 395…
396, 397…
Go fuck yourself and your widow as well!
What’s this?
Are you crazy?
They’re gonna put us in prison, idiot.
You’re already in a prison.
What are you looking for?
Where’s his notebook? The draft notebook!
It’s there, in his school bag!
That one.
He really wrote it.
What did I tell you?
I…
Silvestru Ștefan,
stage director at the National Television,
hereby state that the environment
has always been one favouring the act of creation…
And that the collegial relationships…
…have always been oriented…
…towards maintaining a healthy professional environment.
How do you know how to write such statements?
Do you find it to be such a big deal?
For me, it is. I’ve never written this snitch stuff.
Instead of thanking me for helping you write it, you talk nonsense.
Precisely that’s why I’m asking.
How do you know?
I don’t.
I just assume this is the right way. Go on, write.
I never ratted anyone out in my entire life.
What am I doing now?
You’ll write two or three statements until they get bored and leave you alone.
Two or three?
So to speak.
Come on, do it so he can get his engineering degree.
Anyhow, after what has happened in Timișoara,
something will happen here as well.
That’s…
That’s precisely a reason not to write such a thing.
What am I? The last fool?!
Ștefan, he has to pass the exams in January.
Go on, please.
Concurrently…
…I point out that…
…I’ve never taken part…
I swear that if he fails another exam, I’ll kill him with my bare hands.
Fine.
Concurrently, I point out that I’ve never taken an active part
in any of those conversations and that…
I have no knowledge of any personal ties of…
Enache.
… Liliana.
Do I sign this?
Rewrite it and sign it. Tomorrow morning I’ll read it myself.
Maybe you’ll give me a good mark.
Wait!
What?
I heard something.
Let’s go.
It comes from you.
It’s the Chinese balms.
You moron, throw them away!
Don’t know how you’ve managed to stay alive this far.
Unbelievable!
Hold them like that.
Get those things out.
I’m gonna break the post box.
Break the post box?!
Have you gone mad? Someone could see you.
What else? I’ll take gasoline and burn it.
Burn it?!
Burn it all!
No! Wait a minute…
I’ll take some red wine and destroy everything inside.
Tell me!
I don’t know!
What am I to do?
I don’t know.
What am I to do now with this bloody letter, tell me!
Make some coffee.
At this hour?
Make some coffee!
…my whole soul is here.
All the birthday parties we had…
…with you as a child…
Everything is here.
It’s not like that.
We keep the memories in our souls, not between these walls.
But why break a soul like that?
And not just one. But thousands.
What am I saying here?! Tens of thousands.
So many lives destroyed, for what?
So much suffering, for what?
The city grows, it doesn’t wait for us.
They make boulevards and wide streets.
That’s what they did in Paris as well.
Bullshit.
What should I care about that?
Other people left their homes, their city, their country…
No one died.
Do you really know how many wanted to die?
Do you really know how those people barely lived afterward?
Do you?
Do you really know?
How should I know?
Then why are you bragging about your accomplishments and your boulevards?
Go home and sleep.
I’d rather not leave you alone tonight.
Just go, my boy. Don’t leave your wife alone!
Alright.
I forgot to give you the heart pills. Here they are.
I won’t return till noon, I’m busy.
Good.
Come here, Marius boy!
I won’t hit you, come here!
Sit down there!
Write another letter.
Yes.
Dear Father Frost…
Exactly like here.
Yes.
My name is Ioniță Marius, I’m seven, I live in Bucharest, I’m a pupil.
And write this down… For me, a locomotive,
for mom, a new purse because the old one is torn,
and in the end, you write this…
Like here, but with a change.
For Dad,
the death of Uncle Nick Chican, from the next block,
because this is what he wishes for.
But I don’t want Uncle Nick Chican to die.
Me neither, no one will die. You only write this down the way I tell you to.
Dear Father Frost,
for Dad, the death of Uncle Nick Chican, this is his wish.
But Uncle Nick Chican did nothing wrong!
Write it down the way I tell you, Marius! Come on, write it down!
But he did nothing wrong!
No one will die!
No one will die. You just write this down.
What?
Another letter. Dear Father Frost…
Why another one?
In the end, you write this:
The death of Uncle Nick Chican, because this is what Dad wishes for.
But he did nothing wrong!
I know that.
That’s stupid! Why…
Write as I tell you.
Shut up! Stop interfering!
Write this down. The death of Uncle Nick Chican, because this is what Dad wishes.
What’s so hard?! Are you writing or not?
No.
Write it down! The death of Uncle Nick Chican, because…
Aren’t you writing?
No.
You fucking God dammed brat!
What’s wrong with you?
You fucking prick!
Don’t hit him!
Go to your room and don’t get out!
What’s wrong with you?
What? What?
Hit me, if you dare!
Hit you?
Then you’ll report to the militia?
Stop this!
How can I stop it?
Stop it! Are you mad?
Mariana, tomorrow I’ll be in jail.
Are you mad? Stop it!
You fucking God dammed child!
What are you doing?
You fucking God dammed child!
Not the pencil box!
You fucking God dammed snitch!
Stop it! Calm down! Please!
Stop it!
Hello.
Good evening, comrade Marcel.
He’s not at home, he’s out. Should I give him a message?
Yes, sure, I’m listening.
Sure, I understand.
Good night.
Tomorrow morning, at seven, at the enterprise, properly dressed.
Properly dressed?
Is this the place?
And where’s the guy?
He’ll be here.
Look!
You scared the shit out of me!
Has anyone seen you?
No.
Are you sure?
Yes.
The money!
It’s all here?
Yes.
Are you sure?
Yes.
Go down there to change clothes.
I’ll check the oxygen tubes and come back.
Gelu!
Come here!
What is it?
Come quickly!
Look!
This is it!
See?
Ask him in which box he put it, cause there are two.
Did you put it in the first or the second box?
In the first one.
The first one.
Are you absolutely sure?
I’m sure.
And the detergent, too?
You have everything in there.
You want me to come with you?
No.
Hello?
Don’t worry, I’ll go there.
And stop calling me.
…radio stations worldwide report about the massacre in Timișoara,
and everyone is condemning it.
Meanwhile, Radio Bucharest talks about the “Sun of Socialism”,
the “glorious party and the dazzling man”, almost mocking the massacre.
In Timișoara, they shoot precisely the people who went out on the street
to ask for bread and freedom,
thus making history, but one bathed in blood.
This is the recording:
Go on, shoot! Shoot us all!
Good evening!
I’m sorry for the late hour.
Don’t worry. Tell me!
Is your husband at home?
Yes, he is.
Please come in, you are welcome.
Gicu, our neighbour, the actress, is here!
Please, don’t take off your shoes… Come in.
Good evening!
So sorry for barging.
No problem at all. Please, have a seat.
Would you like a cake?
No thanks, I won’t stay long.
I’ll bring it.
No need to leave so soon if you’re already here.
Do you want some wine?
Yes.
Dry? Spritzer?
Dry.
I’ll pour you some more.
You came carolling sooner.
Yeah, somehow.
It is from today.
Thank you.
You’re welcome.
Take a seat, dear!
So, how can we help you?
Well, it’s hard to say.
It’s not my business, but I couldn’t help noticing that…
You sometimes smack your wife.
I told you, Gicu, everybody knows.
You made an asshole of yourself.
Not my fault you scream like crazy. She has such a big mouth!
Have you no shame?
That’s not why I’m here.
People do as they please in their homes.
Why are you here, then?
You know what…
I also want a bruise like that. Right here.
But bigger, so anyone could see it.
Are you mocking me?
Not at all.
I thought highly of you.
Tell me what you want!
What do you mean?
Do you want money?
Money?
Yes.
You think my husband is a wife-beater for hire?
Isn’t he?
Of course not.
You really think I’d marry such a man? That I married him for his looks?
He’s just a bit angry when he drinks.
I’m a good guy.
Are you?
Till you get angry…
And what gets you so angry?
When she curses my mother.
For me, my mother is like a saint, miss.
I told you…
Yeah, sure.
Then go fuck your mother!
Don’t get angry, dear.
You want a punch in the face?
Yes, I do.
Sit down, please.
Don’t you have a boyfriend or someone who could beat you?
Miss, please, get out of my house, you ruined my holidays.
When a woman needs a wife-beater, you keep your fist in your ass.
Just go!
Leave now!
If you hit her one more time, You’ll have to deal with me!
Out! Get out of my house!
“Our entire nation…
Our entire nation… Is following the only man who embodies…
The living symbol of love for our country.”
People, oh, people!
Plant the seeds of love
Within your inner meadow
People, oh, people!
Plant the seeds of love
Golden Dream!
People, oh, people!
People! Hey, people!
Plant the seeds of love within your inner meadow!
Will someone call the Police to calm them down?
Wake up your son. That’s all he’s waiting for.
Oh, you wonderful…
… people!
You can’t sleep?
I can’t stop thinking about it.
The first post box when he’s coming from school…
Or when he’s coming from home?
When you leave…
What?
When you leave, lock him. Who knows whom he’ll be talking to.
Go! It’s late!
My respects!
Hello.
I want to ask you something.
Yes?
I sent a postcard to an aunt from Zalău.
Yes?
What time is the mail picked up?
So I should know the delivery time.
Which postal office?
Here, the Fourth Office. Yesterday, around five o’clock.
The Fourth Office. At six.
In the morning?
“In the morning”? In the evening.
In the evening, we pick it up, local or external.
Don’t worry, yours is already on its way.
Thank you.
Happy holidays if I don’t see you again.
Why wouldn’t you see me again?
Don’t you know the saying? Here today, gone tomorrow. You never know.
I wish you good health!
To you, too.
Well done!
Now, he’ll work in a factory until he dies.
Put it on.
Don’t leave me.
What are you saying?
You’re dad’s gonna take you out, but no one can help me.
Come! One at a time.
Move it!
Left!
Hello?
It’s me… Florina.
Yes, I caught a cold.
It’s cold at home. It’s cold at the theatre.
Could you come and pick me up, please?
And bring some throat pills.
Fine.
Go to comrade Marcel! To send you where needed.
Go on, to comrade Marcel.
Go on, to comrade Marcel.
Department?
Chipping workers.
Report to the comrade on the left.
Where to?
To the rally.
What rally?
What rally!?
Why so many questions? Are you a reporter? Go where I tell you!
Go on, the red bus there.
What’s wrong?
I slept poorly.
‘Morning.
Hi!
Close the door behind you.
Good day, ma’am, an outside line, please. Thank you!
Did he call?
Alina, I don’t know what this boy is up to.
Maybe his colleague, Victor, Vlad… knows something.
Do we have a phone number? His parents’ number?
Yes, if he calls, tell him I want to talk to him.
Please!
Fine.
Kisses.
Who else knew?
No one.
Your mother? Your father?
No one.
Does your girlfriend know?
Did she give you any money?
I don’t have a girlfriend.
Are you a fag?
We broke up.
“Little Laur”, can I call you like that?
We’re friends now.
“Little Laur”…
Why would you want to ruin our holidays?
Tell me!
What were you doing on the border?
You’ll go to prison, you fag, for illegal crossing of the state border.
But we didn’t cross…
Get up!
It’s 8 o’clock! Good morning, dear listeners.
Today, on the 21st of December 1989,
under the adamant support for the socialist future of our country,
tens of thousands of working people
will attend in the capital a great popular assembly.
The great rally will be broadcast live on the radio and TV.
I’ll pull over on a street nearby.
Please don’t wait for me.
Are you sure?
Yes.
As you wish.
Okay, when we’re filming, same as last time…
A bit more serious, like this.
You found all of them!
With a smile and a bright face!
You are happy.
Here she is.
Good morning!
Please, miss.
Ștefan Silvestru.
Florina Miu.
But…
What happened to your voice?
It’s cold in the theatre.
And that? What’s that bruise?
An accident. I fell by mistake.
We’ll cover it with makeup.
Why haven’t you informed us?
I don’t know… I was afraid you won’t need me anymore.
What do we do about the voice?
What about her voice?
We’ll give her some hot tea, and it will warm up the vocal cords.
Yes! Tea with rum.
Yes, sure. Please, come.
Write it down.
That he came up with the plan. And everything that followed.
From the beginning?
Write down everything and then some more.
Attention! From the beginning. Alright?
Florina?
“Our entire nation follows
the only man who embodies
the symbol of love for our country.”
The living symbol.
What?
She didn’t say “living”.
Florina, you did well, but you forgot to say “living”.
“The living symbol of love for our country.”
Serene, and enthusiastic.
And with a big smile, because it’s a day of celebration, comrade.
You heard us, right?
Yes.
Let’s do it! One more time. Go!
Stay in groups! And pay attention!
Line up over there. Go on!
Comrade Marcel, head over there.
Right away.
Move it, move it, move it. Get moving!
Make room, please.
Listen up, comrades!
We’ll line up and enter the square from the left side.
When the Secretary General starts his speech, we will loudly cheer
to express our support for the Party and the state policy. Let’s go!
Form one line towards the University Square.
With energy and vigour!
Comrade, please join the group.
Marius? Did anyone call?
Except me!
Let’s go, comrade.
Yes, I’m coming.
Listen here! Don’t open the door for anyone.
Whoever it is, don’t open. Understand?
And if your mother calls, tell her I went to the rally.
The rally.
The rally, you dumbass!
Yes.
We didn’t come here to smoke. Please join the group!
“The only man that embodies…
Our entire nation follows…
The only man who embodies
the living symbol of love for this country.”
Why are they so droopy?
They’ll warm up.
Okay, stop. Thank you. Hold your positions.
Open the live broadcasting!
We’ll continue in a second.
And don’t forget enthusiasm and happiness…
Comrades, listen up!
Comrade Nicolae Ceaușescu, the President of Socialist Romania, will soon speak to us.
I want you to be cheerful, lively and focused.
Hooray!
Ceaușescu and the People!
You bloody bastards!
Perfect timing, fuckers!
The camera is rolling.
Florina, start whenever you want.
“Our entire nation follows the only man who embodies…”
Why is she silent?
She’s just taking a few seconds to concentrate. Just a moment.
We’re rolling. Come on, one more take. And then we’re done.
Is she crying?
Come on, Florina.
Come on, breathe and…
Quiet on the set. Florina! Come on, breathe and action.
Give her a Valium pill or something!
Comrade director!
Calm down. One moment.
Allow me… Please…
Our greatest esteem, proud ovation, for Ceaușescu and our nation!
Our greatest esteem, proud ovation… fucked up the whole nation.
Please allow me to humbly ask you to speak at this great popular assembly of the Capital’s working class.
I can’t say that with a smile.
Okay. Let’s calm down.
Comrade stage director! Comrade actress!
Please, let’s finish this now!
Come on!
Right away.
Almost there. One moment.
Come on, just one take, and we’re done. The last one. Please.
No smile, you know the text.
Just say it, blah, blah, blah, yadda, yadda, yadda.
That’s it. And we’re done.
No smile.
Ceaușescu: Dear comrades and friends… citizens of the capital… of socialist Romania,
I would first like to address you…
A spark, that’s all it takes… a spark and it will go boom.
… the attendees of this great popular assembly and all the residents of Bucharest City, a warm and revolutionary welcome, with the best wishes of success in all their scopes of activity.
Florina. Please! One more.
Blah, blah, blah, yadda, yadda, yadda.
I would also like to express my thanks to all the organizers… of this great rally…
Was it good?
Or you want it with more passion?
Hello!
Hello!
Hello!
Silence!
Hello!
Hello!
Hello!
Hello!
Hello!
Hello!
Boo!
Stop pushing me!
Comrades! Stand quietly at your places.
Boo!
Stop pushing!
That was it. You’re free.
Hello!
Hello!
Hello!
Hello!
Hello!
Hello!
Elena Ceaușescu: Silence!
Hello!
Comrades!
Keep your places in silence.
Attention! Camera rolling! In position! Smile!
Two seconds and action!
Our entire nation is following…
the brilliant leader, the living symbol of love for this country…
I shouldn’t be here at this hour!
Hooray! Hooray!
Good!
Extraordinary!
