"He doesn't even remember when I was born." "Scorpio !" "I'm Sagittarius !" "Hi!" "Ah !" "I almost forgot !" " For the diploma." "Well done." " Thanks." "You're not in love with your father, are you '?" "Freud said..." "Well, we were stupid dunces." "I couldn't care less about Father !" "I want some peace, some freedom !" "Cut it out !" "And then that harridan shows up out of the blue !" " What's on your mind '?" " None of your fucking business !" "Your "s" is very sibilant." " I hate her !" " You don't even know her." "I don't care !" "I hate her !" "The usual." "Conferences, meetings, unions, boards of directors, Turin, Home, Milan." " In short, nothing's changed." " Do things ever change in Italy '?" " Staying long '?" " About a month." "I've got a right to some time off, haven't I '?" "You're smoking '?" "You look really well." "You look younger, elegant." "You're not a kid anymore, but I'm not an old man yet." "By the way, I want to tell you something." "I was going to tell you at home, but I might as well..." "What's it about '?" "A woman '?" "I met her last winter, she's a very special person." " You'll get over this one too." " No, this time it's serious." "We're going to get married." "A stepmother, get it '?" "Maybe she'll give me a couple of little brothers too." "For four years in college I counted the days like a prisoner waiting to get out." "But now... no !" "I don't want any ballbreakers around." " You learned that word in college '?" " Idiot !" "Can you believe it '?" "A stranger in my way day and night !" ""Where are you going '?" "When will you be back '?" "Don't smoke !" "Drink less !"" "Stop it g" "That's enough for today." "Let's go, get dressed." " Not bad !" "Nice legs !" " No way, she's as thin as a rake." "What modesty !" "She must be the possessive type." "See '?" "She won't let him smoke." "She's worried about his health." " She's even a skinflint !" " Maybe she's just careful." "Dad will end up paying for it." ""Et voilz-'a les jeux sont faits."" "She's already turned him into an old dodderer." "Newspapers... slippers... and radio." "She's sending him on his way out... gently,"" "A kiss on the cheek and the old boy goes home happy." "Maybe she doesn't want to do it before they're married." "She's a sly one, she just whets his appetite." "Ooh Ia la." "Sorry, Angela." "You underestimated your father." "She even plays dirty, that whore !" "I'll take this !" " Sorry, maybe you wanted it." " No, I was just looking." "Don't tell me you like this horrible stuff !" "Okay, you have something against me." "At least say why." "I bought this for you." "You're Irene, aren't you '?" " Angela !" " Yes, that's me." "And I'm Sagittarius, not Scorpio." "Sorry, but can you change it without telling dad '?" "Was that a faux pas '?" "Irene, tell me the truth." "Do you really love my father '?" "Let's say I don't know." "I'm probably very fond of him." "Love is a very big word." "It's very binding." "It's fine at your age." "When you're older, you tend to look at things differently." "We get on well together, that's what really counts." "Yeah, it's okay now." " You did a good job, Gino." " A job worth 200,000 Iiras." " You've told me three times." " You owe me 400,000 Iiras." "There are two more instalments, I'll draft a bill of exchange." "Give me 100,000 liras tomorrow and I'll sign for half a million." "It's mum's fault I wasn't blessed with your nerve." "Need some help '?" "Thank the saints for sending you, I wouldn't know where to start." "With the spare tyre." "Where are the tools '?" "This is a cliche, but I think we've already met." " Maybe at the yacht club '?" " Probably, I go there often." " But I don't recall meeting you." " I can be kind of camouflage." " You were very kind." " Angela, this is..." " Sandro Romagnoli." " Nice to meet you." "My name's Angela." "Why did you come to pick me up '?" "I could have driven here, I know the area." "I wanted to spend 10 minutes alone with you." "Is it a problem '?" "No, just pointless." "I'm not very good company." "You're a very charming woman." " Thanks for the compliment." " It's not a compliment, it's true." "I can't be the first man to tell you that." "You're not, actually." " We're late, I like to be on time." " Hold tight." "Speed's exciting, isn't it '?" "To me it's just risky." "But it's a risk I like running." "You can only reach it by sea." "It's called "The Beach of Virgins"." "Well, they're few and far between !" "Buy it, dad !" "Basically, it would be like a private beach for you." " The quietest spot in the area." " It seems a bit inconvenient though." "They're planning to build a road above here." "There'll be a link road down here." "The beach is 7,000 square metres." " Here." " Further along, after the juniper." "That's it, right there." " Okay '?" " Yes, that's fine." "This is it, more or less." "Up until that embankment." " I see." "But the price is a bit high." " It's negotiable." " It's lovely, isn't it '?" " Beautiful." "But the sun's not theirs to make a profit on." "Aren't you being too pushy '?" "Why are you foisting these rocks off on my father '?" "I'm mixing business with pleasure, the best way to join the family." "Between negotiations, contracts and plans, we'll always be side by side." " Do I make it out to you '?" " No, to Joanna Houston." "She's the owner of "Anglo-Mediterranean"." "You're wanted on the phone, sir." "It's the Ministry in Rome." "Trouble ahead." "Excuse me." "More whisky '?" "Or something else '?" "I knew you'd like that property." "The beach is very special." "Soft, smooth." "Like a woman's skin." " It's worthy of you." " No ice in yours, right '?" "You don't suffer from the heat." "All I know is you lived in Germany and South America." "That's all I told you." "Too little, isn't it '?" "In short, a woman of mystery." "Let's say I'm discreet." "It's a way to get men interested and it works." "The more I see you, the more..." "do I need to say it '?" "Is this a declaration of love '?" "It's got all the ingredients." "The place, the mood, the music." "And if it is '?" "It'd be out of place." "Shall we sit down '?" "Yes, of course." " Irene !" " Hello, Marta." "What a surprise." "It's been ages since we last saw each other !" "How nice !" "See you later !" "Who's that '?" "I don't know her." "An old friend." "Ask her to join us." "I'd like to meet your friends." "I've not seen her for years." "I don't think we'd have much to talk about." "Donatella, isn't that your aunt '?" "She's a cousin of my mother's aunt on her father's side." "The allied troops entered Milan that day." "We'd been rebelling for a few days, and we'd taken over the Prefecture but the city was still full of Germans and fascists." "Vittorio, they don't know what you're talking about." "You're right, I always forget." "I want it known I hadn't even started nursery school at that time !" "The champagne's finished." "I'll get some more." "Where is it '?" "Careful on the stairs." "Good luck !" ""Love is like wine, it gets better with age."" "The usual nonsense." "Damn !" "My ankle !" "My God, it hurts !" " What happened '?" " I sprained it." "How did it happen '?" " Does that hurt '?" " Yes !" " She should see a doctor." " Yes, of course." "Let's hope it's only a sprain." " How did it happen '?" " I slipped." "Can you walk if you lean on me '?" "I think so." " I'll come with you." " Excuse us, Sandro." "I'll call you later to find out what the doctor says." "Okay." "Irene, I ruined your evening." "Stay here." "Yes, maybe it's better." " I'll drive her home." " Thanks." "Goodbye." "A nightcap '?" "These are "ikebana"." "Do you understand them '?" " Understand what '?" " Flowers." "Actually, I'm only a guest in this house." "It belongs to a friend who's in England at the moment." ""Ikebana" means "living flowers" in Japanese." "Isn't that nice '?" "An art that stems from the devotion to flower and leaf arranging." "You've never done it '?" "It's for women." "Quite the opposite." "In Japan it's practiced by priests, writers and philosophers." "The "ikebana" reflects the philosophy of the people and their way of life." "Switch off the light." "What passion !" "At least give me time to get in !" "Hello '?" "Is that you, Sandro '?" "Yes, sir, how can I help you '?" " What's up '?" "Is Joanna back '?" " Right." "How come '?" "I don't know if I'll be able to." "Maybe later." "I'll try." "Have a nice day." " Who was it '?" " The accountant." "Work." "The house is full of dirty plates, glasses and bottles." "Do you invite hookers round when I'm away '?" "What are you talking about '?" "Dr. Balducci came over for the contract." "You know "The Beach of Virgins" '?" "I got 9,000 liras per square metre." "I've got a cheque for the deposit." "And where is it '?" "I was going to put it in the bank later." "Give it to me, I'm going to the bank anyway." "You're a third-rate seducer !" "She's obviously out of your league." "I risk an ankle, I give her to you on a silver platter and you don't even manage it." "You're a disaster !" "I lost a battle, not the war." "Irene's tougher than we thought." "She's astute, self-controlled." " Maybe she's frigid too." " Sure, frigid !" "Come up with another excuse !" " Is that all right, miss '?" " Yes, thanks." "She's a special person, isn't she '?" "I said she's special !" "Definitely." "And above all, rich." "She's from one of the richest families in my hometown." " Were you good friends '?" " No, we were at school together." " Then she went away." " She spent a lot of time abroad." " She's lucky." "I envy her." " You shouldn't, believe me." "Small towns are spiteful and unforgiving." " Why '?" "What happened '?" " It's a closed subject." "It's all in the past." "Are you ready, auntie '?" "Angela !" "Since when have you been coming to Nico '?" "Since today." "Is virginity an important matter for you '?" "I've never thought about it." "Do you judge a man on a sexual level or for his intelligence '?" "His intelligence." "The are too many males and not enough men around." "During intercourse do you always achieve satisfaction '?" " What a question !" " Answer, don't be a prude." "According to the Kinsey report, satisfaction is rare for women." " Finished !" " Thank heavens !" "Me: three yeses and four nos." "You: two yeses, one I don't know." "I should be worried." "I'm a monster compared to you." "Sadistic, perverted and with homosexual tendencies." "If you believe these tests, Einstein should be a boxer and Cassius Clay should be a mathematician." "But it's true that you never really know someone." "Angela had a great idea, you should stay at our house." " Will I have a guard dog too '?" " I admit I'm very jealous." "Angela's very kind, but she came here to have fun and I'd be a nuisance and boring company." "I'll organize parties and orgies." "You'll return to two fallen women." "An inviting prospect !" "So, you agree '?" " Of course." "When will you be back '?" " Who knows '?" "All we needed were the magistrates to go on strike after the mechanics." " Need anything '?" " No, thanks." "Your father outdid himself." "I didn't expect him to go to such trouble." "He's made me very happy." "Actually, he had nothing to do with it." "I know you like flowers..." "You couldn't have given me a better welcome." "Thank you." "Fine." "I really feel at home." "When do you think you'll be back '?" "The usual." "Try to come back soon." "Don't worry." "Your father wants to know if we're tearing each other apart yet." " Yes, I understood." " Let me talk to him." "Okay, I'll say goodbye." "Speak to you soon." "How are you, dad '?" "I bet you called us in between meetings." "Still at the Ministry '?" "You know, dad, you were right." "She's very special." "I'm getting fond of her." "I think I'll give you permission to marry her." "Joanna's really possessive, she never lets me out of her sight." "Well, you've got to earn your daily bread." "Spare me the humour." "I've a score to settle with Irene." "You're not under any obligation." "Your honour's not at stake." " No, but it's the first time..." " Poor Sandro." "Don't you realize we took the wrong approach '?" ""Scandal at the Parini School." "Schoolteacher kills herself because of unusual relationship." "Pupil, I.S., expelled."" "The Mantua Gazette, 10 years ago." "L.S. Irene Serra, get it '?" "Our Irene." "An unusual relationship." " How did you find this '?" " Heard of detective agencies '?" "What are you planning to do '?" "I found them." "Let's see... yes, here they are !" "That's Gianna." "Marisa was in the year below." "Even though she's actually older than me." "She was the worst of the bunch." "Though the others weren't much better." "It was a marvellous place." "It was a wonderful trip, Marisa went really wild." "She wanted to enjoy life." "She was so beautiful !" "I owe her a lot." "Well, I thought I did." "That idiot !" "Have you ever trusted a friend completely '?" "If you haven't, don't ever do it." "Leave me alone !" "I don't know what happened and I don't want to." "Please, I'd rather be alone." "At your age we tend to give substance to shadows." "Our first encounters, first loves and first friendships also seem like they'll be the last ones in our lives." "You think that no one is capable of understanding your pain." "Then you realize that others have had bitter disappointments too." "Why don't you confide in me '?" " I'd like you to be more trusting." " It's pointless." "Loneliness is a big mistake." "Keeping things bottled up... is wrong." "Let's go to Capo Orso !" "It's great !" "We'll leave in ten minutes." "I'm ready." "Are you ready too '?" "What's happened '?" "Are you ill '?" "Leave me alone." "Go away !" "And our trip '?" "I don't feel like it." "Let me sleep." " Well, what are you doing '?" " But I thought..." "Hurry up, or we'll be late !" "Will you tell me what this is about '?" " What's going on '?" " Nothing, sorry about before." "Sometimes I get upset for no reason." "For no reason '?" "How come '?" "I've got a foul temper, I just can't help it." "It soon blows over." "Will you forgive me '?" "Look over there, it's marvellous." "Now I'll tell you the truth !" "You won't find the way back." "I broke Ariadne's thread." "You'll get lost, die of hunger." " I want to get rid of you." " It won't be easy !" "Where are you '?" "Stop it g" "Where are you '?" "You scared me." "For I moment I was afraid..." "That what '?" "Nothing." "Nothing, it doesn't matter." "I don't know what's happened, but I've got no hot water." " Can I shower in here '?" " Of course." " What are you reading '?" " A French novel." " A love story '?" " It would like to be." "But it's too intellectual." "Everything's too complicated these days." "It's the fashion." "Can I use your shower cap '?" "Marisa, my friend from college, wrote to me." "She's got a boyfriend." "Looks like it's serious." "She even mentions marriage." "How's it possible in such a short time '?" "Do you believe in love at first sight '?" "I think that's all rubbish." " I waited more than an hour." " We were supposed to meet..." "Sorry, I completely forgot." "I'll order drinks." "They're great fun." "We held a ski race." "Donatella nearly broke her leg." "We were lucky that Sandro was driving the boat." "I don't like that boy, you shouldn't see him." "Playing the stepmother '?" "I'm young, I should be with young people." "Aren't you coming down '?" " We're waiting for you." " I won't fit in, you're all young." "If you don't come down I'll throw them out." " Give me fifteen minutes." " Not a minute more." "Take one." "May I have the honour of the first dance '?" "Here's the spaghetti !" "No, ladies should be waited on !" "You're amazing, everyone's in love with you." " Everyone '?" " Everyone." "I'm giving Sandro a ride home, he doesn't have a car." " I'll wait up for you." " We're eating out, go to bed." "Stop it, you idiot !" " The final touch of realism !" " Now beat it." "What happened '?" "Sandro, that pig, he tried to..." "I managed to escape, how disgusting..." "That bastard." "Calm down." "You're here with me now." "Wait." "Don't leave me alone !" "No, try to get some rest." "You'll feel better in the morning." "Stay here, please." "You should be taught a lesson !" "But I don't want Angela to be mixed up in a scandal." " If her father found out..." " I was drunk." "You're depraved, corrupt inside." "Keep away from Angela and don't come to our house again." "If I behaved like that, maybe Angela provoked me." "Angela, no... this is crazy." "This is out of focus." "Sorry, miss, I'll be more careful next time." "You're holding a time bomb." ""Faultless moralist Irene, as you can see, the most spotless of us all is in trouble." "If you're not far away from here by tomorrow, these photos will be sent to Home." "Good riddance." Sign it." "Why me '?" "It's better anonymous." "No, she could think I'm involved." " She mustn't suspect me." " Okay." "So you'll get what you want." "But what about me '?" "As my stepmother, Irene's a nuisance for you too." "Otherwise why would you have helped me up to now '?" "I'll tell you what your target is." "Angela Balducci." "The perfect arrangement for you." "And I could be happy with it too." "Calm down." "Anyway, you're young... quite good looking... sexually efficient." " Where are you '?" " Find me." "You're cynical, amoral, penniless." "You're not dumb but you're not too clever, which is good." "Go on." "I could always get along with a husband like you." "Enjoy all the freedom." " You've got a high opinion of me." " Once you're all set up... you won't cause trouble." " So, I'd be okay for you." " Why not '?" " Be patient." " I want an advance." "You've got to earn it." "Answer." "Let her buzz." "I wrote to your father." "I want you to read it." "I'm saying goodbye to him." "I've thought about it a lot." "There's no other solution." "I've got to get out of his life... and yours..." "I'll post it tomorrow." "Wait." "No, there's nothing else to say." "I've decided." " Did she see the photos '?" " No, she didn't." " I burned them." " Burned them '?" " Why '?" "You got cold feet '?" " Irene's leaving." "She got cold feet." " The return of the prodigal son '?" " I've not seen you for a while." "Can you come here '?" "I need to talk to you." "I want to tell you something." "Switch off the light please." "Something that happened at school years ago." "I don't care about your past." "Let me finish." "I don't want to know anything." "I've been playing the role of the confident woman for years." "Strong, cold..." "I ended up believing it too." "But actually I'm weak." "Irene, you're just depressed." "I was young, lonely." "I was in need of love." "I only realized what I'd done when the scandal broke out." "It was awful." "It's ruined my life." "From that moment on, I've lived with the fear that there's something else behind my friendships with women." "What happened in the past doesn't matter anymore." "Life is just the present and the future." "It's difficult starting all over again." "To move amongst people as if you're walking on eggshells." "Always scared of doing something wrong, of breaking something." "I need to look inside myself without pity or hypocrisy." "Help me g" "I'm not an analyst, I'm sorry." "There's no place for you anymore in this house." "I'm sure you'll find another bed to sleep in." "What '?" "I don't get it." "I warned you not to bring your sluts into this house." " I swear I..." " I went to the bank this morning." "Exactly 4,712,000 liras are unaccounted for." "If it's not replaced it by the end of the week, I'll report you." "It's a misunderstanding, I can explain." "What '?" "I needed some money for expenses, but I'm in on a fantastic deal." "I'll pay you back as soon as I get the money." " I just need some time." " You've got until Saturday." "It's not possible !" "You know how I feel about you." "I always paid you." "You can't forget what we had together." " I always paid you !" " Everything I did for you..." "You know I love you." "I love you !" "Ma'am, there's a call from Home." "I'm not here." "4,712,000 liras minus 300,000 liras makes exactly 4,412,000." "I've never paid so much for a male hooker." "You can't complain." "Remember, until Saturday." "No, dad, everything's fine." "She's not here, she left early this morning." "Don't worry, I'll have her call you when she gets back." "A shot." "Another." "A double." "I wanted to remind you that I've got the negatives of those photos." " What should I do with them '?" " The negatives '?" "Burn them." "Burn them '?" "It'd be a shame." "Wait, I'll come to your place." "Another." "Open up !" "What are you doing '?" "What are you going to do '?" "Open up !" "This is just a sample." "It's a personal exhibition of erotica." "How did you get them '?" "With a telescopic lens." "Diaphragm on 8, deep focus, shutter-release on a hundred." "They'll only cost you five million." "A special price, negatives included." "I've been playing the role of the confident woman for years." "Strong, cold..." "but actually I'm weak." "I've been playing..." "Angela mustn't find out." "Angela mustn't find out '?" "Angela knows everything, from A to Z." "I was at the beach because we were in this together." "If you think you can get any lower, you're wrong." "You've hit rock bottom." "Don't drag Angela into this !" "Cut it out !" "Let's get this clear, no one's blameless in this mess !" "Not me, not you." "But above all, not that slut Angela !" "Get out !" "I don't want to have to tell you again !" "Get out of here !" "Don't play the moralist with me !" "Bastard !" "What more do you want '?" "You got your money." "I don't want to play the predator." "Everyone should take their responsibility." "You're drunk !" "Yes !" "I'm drunk." "It's true." "Angela..." "on the other hand... is always clear-headed." "She made me chase after you." "So she could ruin it for you with her dad." "To get you out of the way." "Go on !" "Spit your poison !" "Play your disgusting part to the hilt." "You're a pathetic coward." "I pity you, you make me sick !" "She did a good job on you, and how !" "The college photos..." "The trip to Capo Orso..." "The shower in your room..." "She'd keep me informed on a daily basis and we'd have a good laugh over it !" "It's not true." "It's not true !" "She thought everything up !" "She organized that party to provoke you, confuse you !" "That was her masterstroke." "To put the pressure on slowly." "Then the assault !" "Why would I need to rape her '?" "She's been going to bed with me for over a year !" "Shut up !" "I don't want to hear." "I don't want to hear !" "I don't want to hear !" "I was young, lonely..." "I was in need of love." "It's difficult starting all over again." "I was young..." ""Scandal at the Parini School." "Teacher kills herself."" " Angela dug that up." " Shut up !" "Please !" "Shut up !" "I need to look inside myself without pity or hypocrisy." "Help me, Angela !" "Open up !" "Open up, for pity's sake !" "Open up !" "Let me out !" "Too late !" "Please, listen to me !" "I know you can never forgive me." "I'm a monster, I realize I messed everything up." "But I didn't know you." "Please, let me explain !" "My God !"