"Look Mario!" "Mario, I've got it!" "He's deeply hooked!" "I can feel it!" "Get moving, Mario." "Kill it when it lands!" " Look at the size of that." " You're too close to the water, dad." "Kill it, smash it's head." "Mario, Mario!" " Yes." "Grab a stone." "Grab a stone." "My God, are you trying to get away, you ugly killer?" " Give me a stone, Mario." " Here." "On here, hold it's tail." " Take that!" "And that!" " Die, die!" "Tightly now." "Hold it tightly." "How big." "Look at him, now he wont harm anyone ever again." "What kind of fish is it?" "It's a pike." "It's the most voracious fish there is." "It's a beast." "Look what he did to me." "Look, Mario, look, right throuh the gloves." " Do you see it?" " Damn his ancestors!" "Fetch my gear Mario, so we can leave." "Check out this stuff!" "How nice." "You're a true Serie B fisherman, dad." "What are you saying, Serie B?" "I challenge anyone to fish a fish like this one." "Nice and clean already, no head, no guts, ready for the frying pan." "You're saying Serie B?" "Ah, very well!" "Good!" "Very good!" "This is the kind of respect he has for his father." "What's this?" "He's got an attitude already?" "Already starting to voice his opinion?" " I am a great fisherman." " Whatever." "I'll forgive you, but only because you passed your exams." "And so, Mario, you had answers to all those questions?" "I put them in my pocket as I prefer to, dad." "Accountant!" "My son the accountant." "Can you imagine this?" ""Will you allow me to introduce my son, doctor?" "Accountant Mario Vivaldi." "Doctor Spaziani, head of the pensions department"..." ""I'm honored"." "You're in, Mario, you're in, this is real divinity." "To think you're starting your career, from where I have arrived after thirty years of service." "If all goes well, we'll have a new life soon!" "Another salary at home." "We'll buy a new television set, and you can get a new car." "This one has become a cesspool!" "Think of yourself, Mario." "Think only of yourself." "Remember that in this world, it is enough to say no with your eyes, and yes with your head, and someone will stab you in the back." "On the other hand, me and your mother are satisfied." "Our son is an accountant, what more could we want?" "For us the others don't exist." "From now on you're all set." "We are old." "We have no other ambitions." "It's enough to die in peace, with a clear conscience." "Who's old dad, what are you talking about?" "What I'm talking about?" "I'm old, shouldn't I know that?" "Wouldn't I know." "This doesn't seem like Sunday, look." "Ah, I know." "It never seems like anything here." "Neither Sunday nor weekday." "You don't know what it is." "Look at it." "It sure is beautiful here." "Besides, nobody knows of this place." "It is like a deserted island." "When do you retire, dad?" "Oh, I'm getting there, my file is almost finished." "It is on Spaziani's desk." "All I need is a certificate showing I was in yhe resistance." "Were you in the resistance, dad?" " Huh?" " Were you in the resistance?" "Yes, I was, alright." "And that will pay off for you?" "I don't know how much exactly, but a new law will pass in the end of March, which should give me some more." "Will you use it to fix up this shack?" "I sure will yes." "I'll take out the window here and fit in a loo." "On the outside a beautiful porch." "Just watch me putting it together!" "Do you think mum will enjoy living out here?" "With mum it's a case of giving her a kick in the butt." "Yees..." "Once here she'll enjoy it." "You'll see." "I got it for us, this house." "I could give you a hand." "What else should I do with all the money they will pay me?" "Mario!" "That way you lose your money." "Do as you were taught at school with your money, invest them." "Buy shares, you know?" "Treasury bonds." "Get a nice postal savings book, right." "Oh, and postal!" "Not the bank, because banks can go bankrupt, while the post, being state-owned, well, the state never goes bankrupt!" "I killed this fish, a real shark it is!" "Damn, do you think we'll make it home before it starts?" "Unless we get stuck behind all those turds going back in!" " "And you do love me?" - "Yes, yes."" "You do realize we're late?" "Damn it." "Has it started already?" "What, have they scored?" "How would I know?" "They're in the seventh." "But you're all wet, get those clothes off you." "Taking turns in the rain all day." "And that shack is so humid." "You're sure to catch an illness, you'll see." "Leave it will you." "What humidity!" "He's doing fine." "He's dry." "Don't complain if you get arthritis then." "But what do you know, you don't know." "You've never been there." " So what?" " Can I please listen to this?" "You listen to it." "Watch the game." " Are Lazio playing well, Mario?" " Hey!" "Fix your glasses will you." "You're a Lazio fan, aren't you?" "Opposing your father?" "Kick it!" "Who's that?" "Who is that kicker, Mario?" "But mum..." "That light!" "I get it." "Go, go, beautiful pass, pass." "Go." "Nice attack." "Go, go, go." " Net!" " Great Mario!" " Can you make me a panini?" "I'm hungry." " For me also!" "Two!" " Did you see that goal?" " Yes, but it is not over yet." "The refrigerator is out of order again." " She's never quiet, is she." " I got it, leave it be!" "Amalia," "Do you know what I dreamt?" "Ama..." "Amalia." "Do you know what I dreamt tonight?" "Amalia, listen." "We were by the sea, me and Mario, and there is a war." "Behind us, there is a kitchen." "Not a camp kitchen..." "A kitchen, like this one." "And on the stove there is a saucepan, with sauce cooking." "And Mario stirs, stirs, stirs." "Then comes doctor Spaziani, the head of the personnel office, all dressed up as a colonel." "He sees Mario and says:" ""He is an officer, he shouldn't make sauce!" "His father can stay here, he should go out and fight!"." "Do you understand?" "It means being someone, being important." "It is a stupid dream." "What kind of a dream is that?" "If I dreamt it, he would stay put in the kitchen, stirring the sauce, rather than... going off to fight, maybe to get killed." "But it is a dream, Amalia." "A dream!" "Dreams are not reality." "One must understand the meaning of dreams." " Give me the bread, Amalia." " It is not toasted, wait." " It doesn't matter." " Giovanni?" "Are you saying Mario will succeed in getting a position at the Ministry?" "Sure." "Why, don't you believe it?" "I've spent my entire life in those offices." "They all know me." "I'm respected, appreciated." "If I ask them a favor, they will give me one." "Firstly:" "People, for nothing, they do nothing for nobody." "Secondly:" "He has to pass the test first, and I know that is difficult." "Thirdly:" "There will be thousands of young fellows like him at the examination." "And he will succeed." "I can tell you." "I. I, Amalia." "Do you know who I am?" "Amalia, do you know who I am?" "Have you forgotten?" "Can you feel this rough beard, and these strong arms that I have?" "Yes, fine." "Go fight with the caffe latte before it weakens...er...gets cold." "I'll talk to Spaziani this very morning." "You know I don't even speak the polite form to him." " Look..." " G'day." "I'll expect you at the Ministry at exactly 11 o'clock!" "Have you prepared his brown suit?" "It is ready, it is ready, I've polished the shoes also." "Mario, I'll give you the Bordeaux tie, the one costing 4000 liras." "I'll take it, don't worry." "Can I have some bread?" "You will see the envy in the office, when they see you." "Put a little money in his pocket." "Already done." "I've put it in the suit." "Mario, listen." "You must be polite to everybody." "Polite, but without exaggerating." "And above all don't be overzealous, don't show off, you'll make them jealous and therefore your enemies." "Don't keep listening, Mario." "Don't pay heed to it." ""A lot of enemies, a lot of honor"." "Remember that." "Take it from a man who's got balls like this." "What are you thinking?" "Hey..." "let's go..." "You criminal!" "Fuck you, and your entire bus." "Fuck your sign, alright?" "Around, around." "Never a vacant spot..." "Look, look..." "Everyone drives a car to the office, nobody comes by bus or streetcar;" "damn you all and damn your ancestors." "What are you doing, are you crazy?" "Can't you see?" " What?" " You'd better visit an eye specialist." "Are you angry with me?" " Yes, I'm angry with you!" " There was a spot, I took it." "But I was about to back in!" " I took three turns to find this!" " What do I care?" "I took six." " Goodbyyye!" " Why are you this unkind to me?" " For heaven's sake!" " But you are calm." "Have you understood you have to go?" "That you must back out again?" " Back out." "I don't hear you." " Clear your ears." " Go on, speak." "I don't listen." " But didn't you see me?" "In short, are you from the Ministry?" "Me, from the Ministry?" "No, I'm not from the Ministry." "For thirty years I've been working here, this is our parking lot." "And I have the shop here." "If shopkeepers are going to park here as well, it is useless to have a claim to it." "I have as much right to this place as you whose asses are warm." "Stop!" "Nobody is allowed in from now." "Let me through, I know this time the doctor will give me a hard time." "After five past eight, nobody is allowed to pass." "But, but for... for two minutes, what does it matter." "Do you want me begging on my knees?" "Bloody hell!" "You're a real emperor, aren't you." "Who appointed this guy?" "You tell me." "Quick, guys." "Name, last name, section and level." "Be quick..." "After thirty years of service, this Ministry should be mine." "I come in, that guy with the eye stops me." "And that one-armed guy writes me down in his black book, as if I were a kid." "Like kids!" "Who is it?" " Hello, Vivaldi." " Ah, hello Supine." " An exchange bill I own is expiring." " Don't worry about it." "Think about your health." "Remember that when you're healthy, you're never poor." "Don't worry about it!" " Hi, Vivaldi." " Hi." " Good morning to all." " Hi Vivaldi." "Listen, that squinter they have put downstairs, is he new?" "I've never seen him before." "It's killing me." "Nothing escapes that eye." "What about Guarnacci?" "Hasn't he come?" "I believe I'm fine..." "I hear he's got huge ears." "Isn't that a childhood illness?" "Also of those who don't like women." "Indeed!" "I didn't know he had that vice." " Here comes Enrico Toti." " What a miserable service." "In the Financial department they have opened a marvellous shop." " Give me currant bun, come on." " It's only here they haven't put one." "Toti, give me a cappuccino also." "They're saying there are no suitable places." "We'll light up some cardboard in the archive" "And see if there isn't some space after all." "Migliorino pays for this, right." "The arbitrate will pay, not me." "And what does the arbitrate have to say about it?" " Why, isn't he out of play?" " I'm leaving!" " Good morning, everybody." " Good morning, Penna." "These are from doctor Spaziani, with greetings." "Better than the doctor himself." "Work, you slaves!" "Blessed be you, who don't own a cock." "Idleness is the father of vices, and I am the child of idleness." "No, you're the child of a whore, Penna." "Is it true you have gotten a child?" "Sure I have." "Four kilos of good flesh." " I bet it is a boy." " You're right about that." "Do you think a Penna would bring a female to this earth?" "What's he called, "Little pen"?" "No, his name is Giuseppe." "Like the husband of the Holy Mother." "Excuse me Penna, listen, how's his mood this morning?" " So, so." " What's going to happen if I meet with him?" "Try it." "Who knows what will happen?" " Bye youngsters." "Ah, I forgot." "There is a new collect happening." " What for?" " Scognamiglio is getting married." "Every day someone gets married, retires, dies." "And soon they will do it for you as well, take my word." " Took it!" "What stuff." "Look at this stuff." " Who is it?" " Can I come in?" "It is me, Vivaldi." "Yes, come." "Come in." "Excuse me, Giovanni." "Every now and then I need to scratch off some dandruff, is it ok?" "Yes, very much so." " How are you doing, Giovanni?" " Fine." "Excuse me, but I need to disturb you for a couple of minutes." "For the future of Mario, my son." "Ah!" "How is our accountant doing?" "He is taking the course for group "B"." "Here is the announcement, see?" "Here, take a short look." "Group "B"?" "Nine hundred positions." "Yes, nine hundred." "Not exactly a few..." "All right." "But it is not as easy as you think, you know." "First of all one must consider the number of competitors will be at least..." "Will be... it is what it is..." "Look, look at the size of this one." "Damn it is big." "I've never seen one like it." "Have you understood, Giovanni?" "I would say there are at least 20000 competitors." "But he is my son." "After all these years, can't I ask for this?" "I don't ask for much at all." "He's got a respectful eye on you." "Giovanni, according to the law today, our children are equal to the children of a taxi driver, of a mason." "But that isn't fair." "You have to take him." "After all, I have served the ministry for thirty years." "Giovanni, for how long have you known me?" "In April I will have known you for twenty-three years." "Twenty-three years!" "It's true." "Twenty-three!" "How time flies." "Can you remember what head of hair I had." "It was the pride of the 4th floor." " Spaziani, what will you do with Mario?" " Who?" "My Mario, will you kick him out in middle of the road?" "Or will you give him a position..." " I always wished good for you..." " And I haven't?" "I also wished good for you." "After all... for many years, I have served only you." "I have nobody else." "Only you can help me." "And I will do everything in my powers, and even more, I'm faithful to the proverb "love those love you, even if it's just a dog"." "Thank you Spaziani, thanks." "Excuse me, Spaziani." "I would like introduce you to my son." "Sure, it would be a pleasure." "Actually, tell him to come by one day, tomorrow even, understood?" "I understand, yes, and since I knew you would like to meet him," " I took him with me, he's outside." " What, outside?" " You can come in." "Come on." " Come in, Mario." "Look here." " Can I introduce you to Mario?" " Please." "Accountant Vivaldi, doctor Spaziani, head of the personnel office, pensions department." " Pleased to meet you." " I'm honored." "The honor is ours." "So, young fellow." "What's the average grade on your license ?" "My average is six, six point two..." "It is higher, I think." "He was sick a lot, during the examinations." "You should at least have taken... a specialization course, don't know, maybe languages." "Didn't you take a typing course during that summer, where you did so well?" " Ah, yes, that is true, I remember." " He received many compliments." "It's not like..." "like typing matters much, it's just two points." "You must know there are points given for every ability of a candidate." "For example: child of an invalid, five points." "Child of a widow, four points." "Now typing, shorthand, calligraphy, those are all two points." "So, the more stuff you throw in the questionnaire, the better it is." "Now, if you will excuse me, I have a great deal to do." "Yes, we're leaving at once." "List all of is abilities in the questionnaire." "Fill it in, then give it to me." " I'll have a look at it." "Understood?" " Ah, You'll take care of it!" "Bye..." " Have a nice day doctor." " Thanks doctor Spaziani." "Take one, Mario." "Have a nice cigarette." " No thanks, dad." "Not in the morning." " No?" "Well done!" " Hi, Vivaldi." " Hi, Riccetti." " Your son?" " In all due modesty, yes." "Can you see that?" " A fine looking boy." "Congratulations!" " Thank you." "Come Mario." "Let's go." "Afterwards we'll meet in the bar and have a nice coffee..." " You know who that is?" " Who is it?" " An idiot." " Why an idiot?" "He's an idiot!" "Didn't you notice his odour?" " I didn't notice anything." " Oh dear!" "Look, look, look." "See him on the staircase?" "The guy who is drinking?" "That is Cosimano..." "But who's he?" "He's a bigshot, a head of department." " Come, I'll introduce you." " Daddy, leave it." "Don't behave like that." "You have to get to know all of them, come." "Excuse me, doctor Co..." "He said to wait." "Yes, I know..." "but I think he's busy." "No, he's not fucking busy!" "I want to introduce you!" "There..." "Come, come." "If you allow, doctor Cosimano?" "I want to introduce you to my son." " My pleasure, Vivaldi Mario." " He has graduated as accountant!" "Well done!" "Did you bring him for the contest questionnaire?" "Sure!" "If he can't do it, who can?" "These are hard times, my boy." "But go ahead and try." " Yes, he will try, greet the doctor." " Have a nice day, doctor Cosimano." "Thanks doctor Cosi..." "See how easy that was?" "The important thing is being nice to everyone!" "Dad, was I likeable in there with your boss?" "With Spaziani?" "Didn't you notice how he received you?" "Now we must write him a nice letter, and hand it to him." " But what shall I write?" " Your dad will help you." "Get back home now." " Bye." " Bye, Mario." "Mario, excuse me, can you do me a favour?" "When you arrive at the gate, turn around and walk back in." " I want to look you from a distance." " Amongst all the people?" "Why?" "I want see you walk, go." " Like this?" " Very good." " Bye, dad." " Bye, Mario." "My God, he's nice!" "Those kids kill you." "It's almost three!" "Why do you ring the doorbell with the keys in your hand?" "Is Mario in?" "No, he's got an appointment." "At this hour?" "With who?" "He must be stalking someone." "Let's hope he doesn't get her pregnant..." "Who?" "Mario?" "He's not a little kid anymore." "He's a man now, and what a man!" "I had a look at him today at the office." "Beautiful, with a diploma, a sure position at the Ministry." "What more can one want?" "Women, so..." "Damn, what's this?" "Here, put some hot sauce on that." "Good!" "." "With some sauce it'll loosen up." "Fine, thanks." "There...nice." "Talk some." "You haven't talked to him, right?" "On the contrary, I have." "We had a long talk, face to face!" "What did he say?" "He said he'd consider it." "And in your opinion it is certain?" "Yes, accountant Vivaldi Mario may be considered one of ours." "Aren't you happy?" "Fine." "But what else dit he say to you?" "Tell me." "That he wants the best for me." "Yes, that is exactly what he told me, face to face." ""Giovanni, you know I want the best for you"." "blessed be you..." "Blessed me what?" "That you, after twenty years..." "still believe in that!" "What do you know about it?" "Do you know he's not an asshole?" "He said he'd consider it, and that he'd help me." "You can't apprehend it." "Someone wanting the best for someone, for unselfish reasons." "Why do you brood, brood in here, like a poisonous snake." "There!" "Judas!" "Parasite!" "I work, work." "I endure a lot, to please the lady." "But now I've had enough." "Enough!" "I'm leaving everything and I'm out of here." "There, have the eggplants." "I'm not hungry anymore..." "I'm not hungry anymore!" "Here's your coffee." "Why do you give me this coffee?" "Do you want to get on my nerves?" "*" "The undersigned , accountant Mario Vivaldi, born in Rome etc., will if necessary list attested certificates in a successive order." " What do you think, are you ok with this?" " Good!" " Good how?" " What does it mean... attested?" "What?" "will if necessary list attested certificates in a successive order." "All those words that fill your mouth, but serve no purpose." "Did you hear?" "She says it serves no purpose." " Damn what ignorance." " Ok, yes." "Take out "attested"." "Most of it is understandable all the same." ""Attested"?" " Is it better that way?" " It serves no purpose." " I tell you, "attested"." " It is better, right?" " Have you finished?" " I'm almost finished, dad." "Half a page?" "But what will I tell him?" "I don't know what to write." "Mario!" "You don't know what to say to doctor Spaziani?" "Let me finish up here, then I'll think about it." "Cin cin." " What's it like?" " Ah." "It is nice." "Giovanni, Giovanni." "You didn't have to do it." "Listen, I was very close to returning the box." " Then I have thought..." " and what have you thought?" "Spaziani, it has nothing to do with Mario's examination." "It was a kind thought of mine, a symbolic one." "Even my wife Amalia says:" ""that box is beautiful, it's a fine thought, but doctor Spaziani wouldn't think you did it for personal benefit?" "Don't even say it as a joke." "The box is above suspicion." "What is that?" "I don't know, a couple of lines Mario wrote, perhaps some reflections." "Mario?" "He told me:" ""Give it to doctor Spaziani"." "But what is it?" " 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12." " Twelve!" " Twelve sheets?" " Well, some reflections," " some foolishness." " What a dear boy." "I am touched, Giovanni." "Really, I am touched." "Are you sure 20000 competitors are all that many, Spazia'?" "Giovanni, I want to be frank with you." "We have spoken tests which also can help, understand?" "Therefore, in writing, your son has to do the thinking." "He should strive to exceed the written, and a lot would be done." "And if he does not exceed it?" "Oh no!" "He has to, Giovanni, do you understand?" "The tests aren't signed, they are accompanied by a sealed envelope, containing the name of the competitor." "First the grade is given, and then they open the envelope." " Spazia'!" "You have to help me." " Giovanni, I have told you how it works." "In twenty-three years, I have never asked you for a thing." "You have to help me, we have to help him." "We have to do something for that boy, whom you've known since infancy." "Spazia', I beg you, Spazia'." "Help me!" "I never asked you for anything." " Spazia'." " Sssh." "No, Spazia'." "Spazia', are you leaving?" "Wait." "I may be able to make an attempt." "It depends on you." "On me?" "Have you ever heard talk of freemasonry?" "Have you ever heard talk of freemasonry?" "I have heard of it, vaguely." "Become a freemason." "How can I?" "I'll think of that." "Come." " Stay over there." " Excuse me." "Here, hold it." "Take this." " Read them, alright?" " Yes." "Read them attentively and bring them back to me, understood?" "Then we'll speak again." "What are you doing, put them away!" "Keep quiet about it, though." "Do you understand?" "Study them, then give them back to me." "Let nobody see them, or else goodbye..." " Are you certain..." " What are you saying?" "Are you certain there is hope in these?" "Yes, of course there is." "Go, go." "Giovanni!" "Why do you carry that glass around, when you have hot flushes." "You'll sweat it all out." " Why are you drinking all day long." " It is a weed extract." "It is good for cleaning ones intestines." "If it works for you." "Bye." "Giovanni, freemasonry is against the religion." "Says who?" "Father Luigi." "Yes, him." "The freemasons are against God, and against His ministers." "I told you to shut up, you ugly coward." "Are you trying to ruin me?" "But why do you too want to go against religion?" "Why do you associate yourself with the infidels?" "Why, tell me?" "Listen to what is written here, idiot." "King, princes, men of the State, military, philosophers, wise men have all understood it and appear in the loggia's lists, together with merchants, industrialists, bourgeois and simple workers." "Even Toscanini is a freemason." "Very well." "Toscanini." "Before all, he is an atheist and then a subversive." "And he never could direct either." "Ah, Toscanini doesn't know how to direct?" "Yes, his directing is frenetic, and nobody dares to tell him, only because he is a freemason." "Exactly so." "You have understood the importance of being a freemason." "The basis of the loggia is the brotherhood of masons." "at the top, the old maestro, our master." "Talk to me." "Will you explain why you read those stupidities?" "Well, I have to take an exam." "Why, do you also have to take an exam?" "Yes, me too." "Crazy." "Crazy man." "You're all insane." "We're all insane." "Goodbye." "Hi dad, still up?" "Mario, we've made it." "How?" "I'm going to be a freemason." "What is that?" "Look, Mario." "Stay there." "I come in, greet you, and make this move." "You do it too." "Like this, lift your thumb." "Look at your dad, damnit." "Like this." "What does it mean?" "It means I'm a freemason, and if you were a freemason too you would know." "Understood?" "Instead you are profane." "And when two freemasons recognise each other, what happens?" "What happens is they will help each other, because they are brothers." "And your freemason brothers are many more than your blood brothers." "Go to sleep, go, your dad has to study." "Good night." "Sleep well, Mario." "Dad is entering the brotherhood for his son." "Do you understand?" "Think about it." ""What sustains our loggia?"." "Who is it?" "Can I come in?" "It is me, Spaziani." "I have brought you "that stuff" back." "So, what do you think of it?" "I don't want to be profane no more." "Are you ready to receive the light?" "I am." "Giovanni." "What are you doing?" "Come on." "Give it to me." "This is the address." "Thursday the 11th, at 21.30." "This is the great moment." "Be punctual." " I will be." " Hide it!" "Here." "Study and prepare thoroughly." "And don't make me look bad, because I'm recommending you." "Do your best." "I will put on my best suit." "That should do it." "There, good, like new." "Well done!" "." "Oh, I know it is a sin." "A grave sin." "But you who knows everything will know, that I do it only for my son." "I couldn't care less about freemasonry." "I believe only in You, and I love only You," "Creator of the heavens and the earth." "Ok?" "Please?" "Who's there?" "Ah, there is a hand." "Please." "Can I enter?" "I am Vivaldi Giovanni." "Is anyone here?" "Hm, what's this?" "Spaziani!" "Excuse me, I was a little frightened." "What do you want, profane?" "What I want?" "Doctor Spaziani, I have phoned you." "You even gave me a ticket." " Yes, but..."what do you want, profane?"." " Eh, what?" "I want the..." "Damn, "I want the light"!" "Yes!" "Now, come in." "Yes." "Yes, certainly." "Forgive me." "I was lost in thought." " and didn't remember." " Sit there, unworthy profane." " Sit!" " Yes, yes." "The work of the Office has commenced." "Yes?" "Prepare yourself!" "Yes, right away." "What am I supposed to do?" "Take off your trenchcoat." "Do you want to enter like that?" " Yes, yes, sure." " I don't understand." "There." "My best suit, Spaziani." " Blue, formal." " All right." " Why do you have the umbrella?" "Put it away!" " Oh?" "Sure I'll put it away." "Turn around!" "It's a blindfold, right?" "Is this a rite?" "Spazia', this is like a joke, right?" " A thing you do, right?" " What joke!" "This is a serious matter." " Come with me." " Yes." " What are you doing?" "Where are you going?" " No, no!" "Spazia'!" " Grab my suit, grab it!" " Grab where?" "The suit..." " Hold this sword." "The sword!" " Give, give me the sword." "One moment!" "The hood." "Are you ready?" "Give me back the sword." " I can't see a thing, no way." " But I want my sword back." "Come with me, into the sacred temple." " Who's there?" " It's me, Spazia'." "Stop, be good!" "Who is there?" "A profane, who wants the light." "Brothers, weapons!" " Let go..." "let go my suit." " How do I let go?" " Hold here!" " Where do we go?" "Come!" "Ahii!" "dam..." "Profane, have you considered and understood the hard laws of freemasonry?" "Yes, all of them" "Then answers:" "What is freedom to you?" "The freedom is...it is... difficult, so offhand." "Freedom is, one might say... in short, freedom means acting according to my beliefs." "Freedom of speech, freedom of the press, in short... freedom is a beautiful thing, too bad there is so little of it." "And what is, for you, the brotherhood?" "The brotherhood is the love for other freemason brothers." "What do you owe to yourself, and what do you owe the nation?" "Nothing to myself, everything to the nation." "Bravo, bravo." "Do you know what terrible tests await you now, profane?" "Yes." "I'm ready!" "Good." "First superviser, proceed." " Don't be afraid." " That you will hurt me?" " It is merely symbolic." " What is?" "Oh!" "Venerable thirty-three, the profane has passed the test of fire." "Proceed with the second test." "What are you doing?" "Oh!" "The profane has passed the test of the sword." "Then proceed with the third and final test, the test of death." "Oh profane, are you ready to die for freemasonry, for your brothers, for the Great Incognito?" "Ah!" "If truly necessary, for the Great Incognito!" "Take it!" "Here, here." "What is this stuff?" "Montenegro bitter." " Drink!" "I command you." " Yes, yes." "It's nice." "The profane has overcome the test of death." "Now bow down..." "On your knees!" "Repeat after me:" " I vow fidelity..." " I vow fidelity..." " to the universal Freemasonry..." " to the universal Freemasonry... of the ancient and approved Scottish rite... of the ancient and approved Scottish rite..." "Extinguish the lights!" "Remove his blindfold!" "Huh?" "You remove it?" "You still have time to go back." "Do you want the light?" "Yes, I want the light." "and light there will be!" "This is your last possibility." "You still don't know anyone." "If you want to leave, go now." "Go now!" "No, I want to stay." "I name you "Brother Mason Apprentice" of this loggia, entitled to the venerable and glorious Arturo Toscanini." " Mason?" " Rise!" "Yes." "Bravo." " Here, this is your sign." " The ribbon." "I can put it on?" " This your gladio." " The sword?" " and that is your seat." " Where?" "Penna!" "Bravo, Penna!" "Brother Giovanni..." "Good." "I declare the work of the Office finished." "Who's there?" "But everyone's here..." "Supine!" "Look, have seen who he is?" " Dear Vivaldi..." " Doctor Cosimano!" "Among brothers we use our first names." "Just call me Giuseppe." "Now you hold just a tiny grade, but I wish you a fine career." "Take your seats, brothers!" "The word goes to our speaker brother, for a short welcome." "No, no." "My turn!" "Thank you, thanks." " Sit here." " Yes." "For the Freemasonry, every weak sentiment is cowardice." "Every free will is a crime, remember that, Brother Mason Apprentice." " The symbol of the divider..." " Excuse me, can I sit?" "You're now the smallest circle." "But even you will become great, little by little." "This doesn't mean you're inferior, no!" "You're always a circle, as drawn by the divider." "Thus you're a brother, one like us." "In this sense, Freemasonry is egalitarian." "The great ones have a great rigths, you have them on a smaller scale." "But those rights are yours!" "Is that clear?" "In short brother, you are welcome among us." " Accountant Mario Vivaldi?" " That's me." "I have a registered letter for you." "Hold this, I need your signature." "Thank you." " Dad, dad." " Huh?" "This is for me." "What is it?" "Ministry of public affairs." "It is the convocation for the examinations!" "Oh, my God!" "Do you see?" "I'm already crapping in my pants." "Mario, don't behave like that, damn it." "When you do you're just like your mother." "What have I got to do with it." " What, isn't he your son?" " And then?" "So, if he is crapping in his pants, who's he getting it from, from me?" "Out, out." "Get out with those eyes." " Stay calm, I'll help you." " In twenty days." "Yes, tomorrow I'll take two weeks of holiday, or call in sick." "And if I can't make it?" ""If I can't make it", he says." "Mario!" "We're not alone." "Behind us is "the Great Incognito"." "The unknown head of the Freemasonry." "We can relax." "And if we do our job, with the help of those who can, you can do it." "We're on." "This is the topic for the essay your son must write." "Are you listening?" "Holy Mother!" "My beautiful Holy Mother!" "Thank you, thank you, thank you brother." " Don't cry like that." "You're not at home." " No, I haven't seen anyone here." "Hide this, this could send us to jail." "Tell to your son to learn it all by heart." "and not to bring anything written with him." "If anyone finds it, we're in deep shit." "I swear I will do everything you tell me." " Except perhaps kill myself." "Thank you." " Let me go now!" "An even 1500 liras, adjusted for currency, correct because 400 tons have been acquired for... determine the total cost in italian liras without... huh?" "Poor son, he reads like an organ." "What?" "Come with daddy, come." "Come, come, accountant, come." "There, so." "There, there, have a good sleep." "There, bye." "Down!" " It's good!" " Thank you." "Oh, Mario." "Who knows, perhaps even he has a son who is off to take his exams." "Who?" "That guy over there, see him?" "Who stands waiting for the day." "Maybe he is." " How do you feel?" " So so." "My Mother, for the love of your children, give my son a helping hand." "Thank you." "Salt, sacred salt and wisdom, bring into my house the Provisions." "Wheat, sacred wheat and wisdom, bring into my house the Provisions." "Incense, sacred incense and wisdom, bring into my house the Provisions." "Amalia." "We're leaving." "Mario, listen." "The Holy Mother blesses you, and this will bring you luck." "Bye, mum." "Bye." "Uh, I forgot the best." " A fine woman, your mother, right?" " Imagine her not believing." " Let's get moving." " Do we take the car?" "No, I don't have insurance." "We'll take the streetcar." "Jesus, Joseph and Mary, bless my house," "Jesus, Joseph and Mary, peace and blessings in my house," "Jesus, Joseph and Mary, send envy away..." "Let's go." " Mario, Mario, where are you going?" " Aren't we taking the subway?" "Yes, we're taking it, but we're early." "We'll go to the cafe first, have a nice breakfast." "You have to be strong." "You must astound them." "Two capuccinos and a cornetto." "Hey, don't get carried away, or you won't remember a thing." "No, dad." "It's all up here, like Hail Mary." "Good!" "Where's your pen?" "I brought seven." "All new ones." " And your watch?" " I don't have it." "How will that help me?" "How it helps you?" "Give me your wrist!" "Your coffee." "Your essay must be handed in not too early, nor too late." "You must behave as if nothing has happened." "Wait two hours, two and a half hours." " I'll have a cornetto." " This cappucino isn't mine." " Here..." " What is?" "Wasn't it right?" "Thank you." "Excuse me, reverend." "This is my dad's." "Yes, give this one to the priest." "Think about the examinations." "Don't get distracted." "You like her?" "Yes, not bad." "Why, don't you?" "Me?" "What have I got to do with it?" "I'm out of the contest." "You've seen how young women fancy mature men." "Yes, yes, mature." "I'm mature enough to retire, I am." "Are you saying if you had the chance, you would turn it down?" "No, on the contrary, it is necessary to avoid such occasions." "Let's go, we're there." "No boy, here." "You will have your chances Mario, don't worry." "When I was your age..." "Careful, it is slippery when wet." "Look, that type of girls, the seemingly respectable ones, they're suspicious, be very careful, because they're just the ones who wedge you in." "You must know girls well, 'cause if not, what are you doing?" "Bringing a stranger to your house?" "Take that girl there, for example." "She is nice, you like her, but who is she?" "Who knows her?" "She's here because..." " What happened?" " Let's go, bitches, we're outta here!" "Come on!" "Quick, idiots, get in!" "Mario!" "Mario!" "No!" "No Mario." "Mario, Mario!" "It's dad, it's dad." "Look, look... it's my son." "It's my son!" "It's my son!" "It's my son!" "Rome:" "The government employment examinations have begun." "Over 20000 candidates, coming from all over Italy, have crowded the great lecture room, inside the Sports Palace." "Today there was a bloody robbery of the Eur Bank." "The assault happened around eight o'clock, shortly before the opening of the Sports Palace." "Over 400 million liras were stolen." "In the shoot-out, a 22 years old accountant named Mario Vivaldi was killed," "He had come to the Sports Palace to take part in an examination." "We have approached the father, but the poor man remembers nothing of what happened before his eyes." "But it was a beautiful funeral." "Did you see, the entire 4th floor was there." "By the way, you have to pay me for the crown." "I know, in funerals, marriages and other thing there are numbers." "How's the wife by the way?" "How she is..." "She suffered a stroke." "I would have sued the television company." "They shouldn't be allowed to present news like that, without advance warning." "She quietly listened to the newscast and it gave her a palsy." "They did wrong having just one child, there should always be one in reserve." "How's it going, doctor?" "So so." "However it is needless for me to return." "If you see anything strange, call me." "What strange things?" "Please explain, doctor." "If you see that she doesn't move her eyes and breathe anymore," " in that case... you call me." " So she won't speak anymore?" "She certainly will be a burden to you from now on." "Why not get one of those wheelchairs for the disabled." "Of course I will." "I've already made a request to the correct office." "They told me I have a right to one, but I have to wait." " Ok, best wishes then." " Goodbye, doctor." "Thank you." "With a wheelchair you'll get around, poor thing." "Look at you, what happened to you?" "Why don't you speak?" "What are you doing?" "Are you thinking?" "What do you think about?" "You're always thinking about him, right?" "Praying?" "You're always praying." "You're not?" "The refrigerator is out of order again, Ama'." "Damn, look at this." "All rotten." "We have to throw this out now." "Amalia, milk, I've made warm milk." "Do you want bicuits with it, Amalia?" "Are you hungry?" "I'll break them up for you, right Ama'?" "Here." "They're good, you know." "They just melt, they're soft." "You'll like them." "Here, have some!" "Open your mouth love, come on." "Here..." "No, what is it?" "Are you choking, Ama'?" "Sorry." "I'm not trained yet." "Here." "Easy, easy my love." "Try ." "Open, open your mouth." "You don't want anymore, love?" "At 11 o'clock I have to go to the police." "The Examining Judge wants speak with me." "Who knows what he wants." "Then I may make a short visit at the cemetery to see to that we get a nice grave arragement for Mario." "I'll try to speak with the manager." "There, stay put will you?" "Good, right!" "I'll turn on the television." "There." "Like that." "Try not to think." "The programs start in a couple of hours." "Enjoy yourself." "I'm leaving but I'm coming back." "Bye, Ama'." " Everyone's here?" " Yes, Judge.." " Mr. Vivaldi." " Yes, thanks." "You saw the faces of all the assassins, right?" "Only one, the one who showed him his face." "Would you recognize it?" "Oh, yes." "Even among thousands." "You're sure you would be able to recognize the man we're looking for?" " I think so." " Not completely sure." " Good, we can proceed." " Lights!" "You, come forward!" "Take off your glasses." "We are certain, that one of the persons we're looking for is among these men." "If you tell us who, we'll do the rest." "So?" "Nothing?" "No, none of them, Mr. judge.." "Thank you." "Move it, you." "You can leave!" "Dear Vivaldi, you have all of my brotherly understanding, but... unfortunately, for the time being we're unable to find a prominent arrangement for your poor Mario." "But, doctor, a niche with a flame." "I understand, but look, the waiting list for niches." "Look, there are hundreds, hundreds, recommended by ministers, senators, even a cardinal's chauffeur." "You have to be patient." "I understand." "You're saying we have to wait." "Wait until there is space." "Poor Mario." "It was easier finding an arrangement at the Ministry, than here in the cemetery." "Sandwiches, oranges, flowers, candles, Coca Cola..." "Where are you?" "Excuse me, Tirziani Pietro, please." "Oh, he's on letter T. There are so many here, nobody's moving out." " Excuse me,..." " Huh, what are you saying?" "I've been praying for an hour by this corpse, in the walnut coffin." "What is written on it?" "What's the name?" " Bozzi Anselmo?" " No, Angelucci Anna." " Are you sure?" " Yes, that's what it says." "Damn it..." "Anselmo!" "Anselmo!" "Where are you?" "Where have they put you?" "Ther..." "You're..." "Mario?" "Cristoforo..." "Cristoforo, why?" "Lady, do you need help?" "Thank you." "It's the top one, Cristoforo Lo Surdo." " Excuse me." "Once more." " Please." "Lady, I missed." "It landed at Pasquini." " Should I climb up and get it?" " No, thanks." "It doesn't matter." " It doesn't matter if it's Pasquini?" " No, it doen't matter." "Where are they taking you?" "My poor son!" "Where are you, Anselmo." "Closer!" "Take it t the level!" "Further up." " Careful, so you don't slam into anything." " Who cares." "He's gone, He's gone." "Bring him back to me!" "Take it in." "Put it down!" " Don't be afraid." " What happened?" "Every now and then there is an explosion because of the gas accumulating inside" "I usually say it's the dead making an uproar." "See this one?" "This is my husband." "Lawyer Vincenzo Vanorio." "One of these mornings he burst too!" " He couldnt take it anymore, like the others." " No, see to it he gets a proper grave." "Blessed be you." "You still believe in that." "The guilt, I know, is of he, who sell the graves, and puts the money in his pockets." "That bastard, if only he has an ugly death." "He should be shot in the mouth like a dog." "Yes, I would do it, I'd shoot, bring some justice to my husband." "Did you see... what a butcher." " Excuse me, lady, is this your seat?" " No, no." "I'm here with this one." "They sure had made a beautiful grave for our poor Mario." "He was in a..." "in a tranquil place, all surrounded by greenery." "But not cypresses, of trees coming..." "I don't know from where, from far away." "Of, you finished the semolina, do you want some cheese?" "Some cheese, yes." "I'm telling you, those trees, coming perhaps... from Japan, who knows?" "There were beautiful flowers there." "Red, violet, yellow, all colors." "When we get the wheelchair..." "I'll take you there." "Who is it?" "Excuse me, Amalia." " Who is it?" " It's officer Ciappi." "Good morning officer." "Doesn't your phone work?" "It doesn't work?" "Oh no, the handset is off." "I know, when I went out I took it off." "Because of my wife, if she would hear it ring she'd be disturbed... she is sick." "The judge wants you at once." "I have my car downstairs." "Is it ok if I take my own car?" "All right." "But... at once means at once." " Yes, I'll just arrange it for my wife, and then I'll come." " All right." "Amalia!" "The judge wants to see me again." "I'll leave you with the TV on, at six o'clock there is a nice film." "I'm leaving my keys with Mrs. Margherita, should I be delayed." "Bye, Ama'." "Be calm." " The girl isn't here?" " We couldn't locate her." "The only one who remembered." " If you want to we can delay it." " No, no!" "How are you doing?" "I remember too!" "You're a less reliable witness, since you were more affected, you could be deceived by your desire for retaliation." "Therefore, pay attention before you speak." "Let's start!" "Forward!" "Thank you." "Move it!" "Mr. Vivaldi?" "Excuse me." " Did you tell her to bring a friend?" " Me, no!" "So are the two of us going out with just one girl?" "Why, don't you have anyone?" "Who can I ask this late." "The toast is ready!" "Here, thanks." " Good night." " Good night, lady." "What has happened, can I help you?" "What do you want?" "One cognac." "Do you understand... what I have done?" "What would you have said, from my position?" "Tell me Amalia, what would you have said?" "Ok, it is him, they've got him, the assassin." "Yes, perhaps they would have given him a few years in prison." "Fed him, accommodated him." "No!" "No!" "I saw him, Amalia, on that platform." "Together with the others, with that face of a rascal..." "Certain of getting away with it, with that arrogant expression." "But that face..." "oh, this idiot cracked that face well!" "Vivaldi Giovanni, born Matteo, with that thing...the jack." "Disaster!" "Killing blow!" "What a blow I gave him." "And what a struggle, Amalia," "What a struggle it was to take him there." "No, no, Amelia, be assured, be assured he won't escape." "No, he won't escape me." "I have to go now." "I'll tell you all about it." "I have to go to the Ministry, it is late, you know." "Here, drink the medicine, Amalia." "I'll tell you all afterwards." "When I return I'll tell you all." "Help me." "Help me." "Help me." " Vivaldi, the doctor was looking for you." " for me, what did he want?" "That you go and see him." "Come in!" " It's Vivaldi." " Oh, yes, come in, come in." " you wanted to se me, doctor Spaziani." " How are you, Giovanni." "We're moving forward." "Good, Giovanni." "I can see you're recovering." "Yes, yes." "E... the lady?" "The lady, so so, poor woman." "Look Spaziani, you won't believe me, but..." " but she keeps me company." " Oh, I know." "When I tell her about things, when, excuse me Spazia'," " when I tell her about things..." " Yes?" "I still I don't know whether she understands me or not." "I see her there, with those eyes, you know, and I tell her what has happened, I don't know whether she is happy or not." "Good." "Good." "I have a file here, very delicate and I want you to control it." " There." " Ah, It's mine." "As you see, this is a declaration that you were involved with the resistance, which entitles you to a war pension." "As you see, "mother" does not forget her children." "Excuse me Giovanni, I forget myself..." "Now, be brave." "Brave!" " There." " Thank you." " Goodbye." " Good evening." "Assassin!" "Slob!" "Criminal!" "What are you doing, trying to run away?" "Where to?" "You cant run away, you cant run away." "Where Do you want to go, huh?" "You won't." "You can't escape anymore." "Not anymore." "Do you know?" "Oh, not anymore." "Do you understand?" "I'm not leaving you." "I'm not leaving you anymore." "You have to be here." "Here with me." "I'll make you see." "I'll make you see." "I'll make..." "I'm tieing you." "There..." "I'm tieing you strongly." "There... there!" "Excuse me, let me through." " Seems so." " Let me through." " He's done with the robbery." " As if they're not paying you too?" "What are you doing here?" "Isn't you shame-o-meter broken yet?" "Look, this is Amalia, my wife." "Paralysed because of you." "This is your son's assassin." "What's your name?" "You have identification papers, right?" "Where are they?" "Here, the licence." "Look what he's got Amelia, false maybe?" "I imagine someone like you would... and this..." "What is this?" "Where have you taken it?" "You took it from the bank, right?" "Here, Amalia," "This is what he killed our son for!" "You shameful coward!" "Take it, take it, take it back, they're yours." "You disgust me." "Have some!" "Drink!" "Amalia, I'm leaving you for a short while." "I'll go to get some milk, and something to eat for you." "Be calm, he's not dangerous." "I'm leaving but I'm coming back ." "Amalia, it's me." "Wasn't I quick?" "I brought som biscui.." "Why?" "Amalia?" "He's dead, the damn bastard." "Dear Vivaldi, with your retirement, our section loses one of it's columns." "The old guard is leaving, without knowing where to in the end." "Me and your colleagues wanted to... materialize our affection, with this tiny medal, with two inscriptions:" "1945, the date of your entry into this office, 1977, the date of your exit, to finally enjoy your well deserved pension." "Thank you, thank you." "Thank you dear colleagues, you have said many a kind word, but... you shouldn't have done it." "It is a beautiful remembrance." "Thank you." "Quiet!" "We've arranged 6 months of salary for you from now, in agreement with Cosimano." "Which is 80% of your regular salary plus the full pension." " Lucky you!" " Your prison term is over." " You're like a pope..." " With a free salary!" "If you don't mind, can I come around and visit you from time to time?" "To be together again." "Whenever you want to, Giovanni." "We all like you here." "Faithful to the proverb:" "Love those who love you, even if only a dog!" "Golden words." "And now we want a speech." "Speech!" "Speech!" "Speech!" "We of the Ministry, the pensions office, since we began service, have sent many people into retirement." "We're sending them into retirement, and perhaps we're not considering that, one day, we have to go also." "So... that day arrives." "and it arrives like a surprise, like a hammer blow to the head." " Bravo." "Bravo." " You've spoken a great truth." "Bravo, bravo, Vivaldi, and best of wishes." "How many friends you lose..." "many stairs to climb." "How much comradeship there is in us." "After many years, you'll agree, we realize we want to do well." "Ama'..." "how stupid!" "I have set the alarm clock, I've forgotten I'm already retired." "Do you know what I dreamt tonight?" "I dreamt I was in the..." "park." "You know... the park beneath our house, where the cannon, and the memorial to the fallen of the '15-'18 war is." "Think, Amalia, there were kids playing there, and I was sitting on a bench." "Great!" "Retirement!" "I sat like that, enjoying the sun, a burning sun, which made me feel like I had a fever..." "Ama'..." "Amalia!" "Oh, damn..." "Oh no, Ama'." "No!" "My God..." "Amalia," "Amalia!" "Help!" "Mrs. Margherita, my wife is dead!" "she is dead, she is..." "she is dead, Mrs. Margherita." "How small the humans are, They eat, they sleep, they drink, they couple, they urinate, they defecate and then... they pass away." "Only those who, like we, are bound to listen every day, to the secrets of the confessional, the stories that humans tell of their filth, of their perversities, can explain the human race some things about" "the futility of the earthly matters, of states, of kingdoms..." "of the hidden lives inside houses." "If I were to make a general judgment, pass my sentence," "I would gladly invoke the Deluge, and would serenely pass an irreversible sentence of general death." "But is up to the Lord to make those decisions." "And for the parents, for those who remain alive, nothing remains but prayer, to invoke the favour of a summary judgement!" " It's raining a bit!" " Yes, thanks." " Excuse me." " What the fuck are you doing, didn't you see me?" " I was just opening the door." " Fuck you!" "Fuck me?" "Fuck you!" "Oh, you should thank your God you're old and crazy, you know." "Look at this one!"