The Wax Mask (1997) - full transcript

You wait with me.

Damn...

What have they done to them...

I've never seen something like this...

So much blood...

A real massacre, Inspector.

- Did you find the weapon?
- Yes, a knife. And a second body.

A knife is not enough to
reduce someone to this.

Who could have done this?

I asked the neighbors some questions...
But they couldn't tell me much.

They were from Italy, but they've
been living here in Paris for years.



C'mon, baby.

C'mon.

Come here.

It's all over.

Don't be afraid, it's all over now.

You don't have to be scared anymore.

I'm here with you now.

ROME, 12 YEARS LATER.

"INAUGURATION OF THE NEW HALL
OF HORRORS AT THE WAX MUSEUM."

- Wonderful, wasn't it?
- Yes.

As always.

You're just...

Beautiful.

Really?



Yes, you really are.

Haven't you ever questioned
ending up with this life?

No... Why?

You know... This is a vocation for me.

- Avocation?
- Absolutely.

Madame always tells us: working in a
whorehouse is like living in a convent.

It takes faith,
and my faith is my bed.

Well...

Madame must be very charismatic

if she can make you believe
such stories...

Even if sometimes
she's a little bit severe,

she really loves and protects us.

Yeah, she really knows how
to protect her profits...

Pardon?

Nothing.

It doesn't matter.

Let's get the others.

You see my friend... Fear is irrational.
And there's no way to explain it.

It's always born from the unconscious
and often, there are no real causes.

However it is known that for many people
it is a real obsession.

An illness that dates back to childhood.

Back to bed?

I believe that only weak people
are impressionable.

A man... when he's healthy in mind

doesn't know fear at all...

and body.

It's easy to talk.

But then, if you find yourself in certain
situations it's a whole different story.

Take the new wax museum. It must be terrifying
to find yourself inside it at night.

You're right! Someone told me those statues
are really scary.

Anyway, I really think you wouldn't be
as unimpressionable as you say.

I'm really convinced

I wouldn't be scared at all.

I'll bet you don't have
the courage to stay the night there.

I'll bet I do.

But why spend
a whole night there,

instead of one in here...

in bed.

What do you say, Giorgina?

I'll bet you 20 lire.

- 20 lire?
- That's many nights together.

20 lire?

If you insist.

Here. Are you really sure?

To spend the whole night in there?

I would do anything...
just to make Giovanni lose.

And after all

I know how to spend that money.

I have to go now or Madame!'ll be
angry with me for sneaking out.

No, wait,

to make sure I go in.

You'll be my witness.

Tomorrow, you tell them
you saw it with your own eyes.

Tomorrow we'll collect the winnings and
we'll drink champagne all night long.

- Yes. Till tomorrow.
- Bye.

GALLERY OF WAX FIGURES

He must have been locked in...

Those wax figures in the dark must
have frightened him to death.

It is very rare, but sometimes
it can happen.

So your preliminary diagnosis is
that he suffered a heart attack.

He was young and may not even
have known he had a heart condition.

And what about that mark...

- on his neck?
- I don't have an explanation yet.

Thank you, Doctor.
You were really helpful.

- Give me a hand.
- You take his feet.

Signor... Volkoff.

Boris Volkoff

This young man...
did you know him?

Not that I'm aware of.

I assume you have no idea
what he was doing in the museum?

Last night, I locked the museum
entrance doors as usual...

after checking no one was here.

I can't think how he got in.
It's not that easy to break in.

Apparently he did it somehow.

Tell me, where does
that door lead?

To my laboratory.

I'm surprised. I didn't expect
the studio of an artist, such as you,

to look like this.

It's more like a

scientist's laboratory.

- I think of myself as a researcher.
- And what exactly

- are you researching?
- Perfection...

which is what all artists
strive to achieve.

I'm using techniques
new to the artistic world.

- Successfully?
- You must judge that.

Look at the exhibits
in the gallery.

I can't deny I'm very impressed.

I would call them
something more, Inspector.

I would call them masterpieces.

Thanks for your cooperation. I know where
to find you if I need your help again.

Delighted to be at your service.

Didn't I tell you
they'd employ me?

You're always lucky.

There's another candidate
out here.

Do you have any experience
as a costume designer?

No, but...

I've worked for my aunt
for many years.

She owns a dress shop
here in the city.

Did you create these fashions?

Yes.

I'm sorry, but the position
we advertised has now been filled.

If you wish to leave your address
for the future, just in case...

What's your name?

Sonia, Signore.

Sonia.

You can start work tomorrow.

Nine o'clock.

I'm sorry. Did it blind you?

You'll be all right in
a second. Forgive me.

I should just say, I work for
the "Messagero." You know somebody

apparently died of fright
in the museum.

I'm writing an article about it,
but I can't get an interview.

They won't let anyone enter.

- Do you work here?
- Yes. From tomorrow.

Then will you help me and persuade
him to let me take some photos?

But I hardly know him yet.

And I don't even know you.

Of course, I understand.

I shouldn't have asked, sorry. My
car's outside, may I drive you home?

Thank you, but I think
I can find my own way there.

But I can't. Unless you
give me your address.

And why should I give it to you?

Because I took your photo.
You might like a copy of it.

Do you have any change
to spare, Signore?

Go away.

Wait.

Come back.

Like to tell me what

- your name is?
- Anna.

You're very pretty.

Pulcinella hasn't given me any money,
and so I'm going to give him

a good beating.

If you play with a sword,

in the end you'll get hurt.

Thank you, children. Something for
the showman. Thank you, my dear.

You're very kind.
Thank you, Madam.

Aren't you a generous
little girl. Thank you.

As Pulcinella said... If you play with a
sword, in the end you'll get hurt.

Thank you.
All right?

Does it taste good?
Let's go.

Here we are.

Have a sit.

Come on.

Will you undress
or shall I do it for you?

That's not why I'm here.

Don't tell me this is
your first time in a brothel?

- No, that's not the point.
- Then what do you want?

Actually,
I'd like to have a chat.

Okay! I'm used to hearing
confidences.

And when I've listened
to all your worst troubles,

you'll let me make them go away.

Yes, that's better.

Right, let's talk.

- And then leave the rest to me.
- I'm a journalist.

I only wanted to ask
some questions.

Well, you'd better go
and talk to Madame.

No, the questions aren't
about the business she's running.

You knew the young man who died
of heart failure in the wax museum?

- Luca?
- Luca.

He was very generous.

What do you know about him?

That depends...
on how interested you are.

Well...

I think this should be enough
to make things interesting.

He was here that night,
wasn't he?

Don't be afraid.
It's me.

For a second...

I imagined for a second
a waxwork had touched me.

Do they affect you so strongly?

They're very life-like.

Are you Italian?

No, Signore...

though I've been in Italy
for many years.

But actually I'm from Paris.

Paris?

I'm a native of Prague.

A magical city.

Have you ever been to Prague?

Perhaps when I was a kid.

We traveled a lot
when I was little.

No doubt even then

your hair was as soft
as it is now.

I'm sure you were
a pretty child.

Can't you be more careful?

You've damaged it, you idiot!

Don't be angry.

Don't be angry, I beg you.

I'm sorry, Signore.

You can always repair it, surely?
It's only a statue

Perhaps to others!

They may be wax models to others,
but not to me!

Ciao!

Oh, God. I almost had a heart attack!

I'm sorry.

- What is that poster?
- It's to advertise a film.

"The Man with the Face of Wax."
I wondered if you'd see it with me.

I'm sure you'd enjoy it.

I might have, but after this trick
you played on me I've lost interest.

Let me walk you home then.

Wait.

Soon...

very soon now we'll open
our doors to the public.

And my art will finally be
revealed to the world.

The death of that young man

has given us so much publicity.

It must be exploited.

We must create new scenes...

Stronger scenes...

Alex...

There are candidates
other than Sonia.

- You pig! Get out of the house.
- I'll go when I want to.

I won't let you use
our daughter to beg

so you can pay for
your disgusting habits!

I'm leaving you,
I'm taking Anna with me.

I can't take it anymore!

You won't see her again.
Ll mean it! I mean it!

You're drunk again.
Get out!

Anna!

How old was she?

Her mother says she's 12,

her father says 13,
but they're too distressed to agree.

Let me have a scalpel.

How did she die?

That's what I'm about to find out.

She's still alive!

Our pathologist found
a puncture mark on her neck.

Her attacker injected her with a
drug our chemists can't identify.

In effect it slows the heart
almost to zero.

We have an incident containing
the elements for a great news story.

Have you any idea
who might have done it?

No, none whatever.

And my superiors aren't letting me
have all the resources I need.

You hope that good press coverage
will increase general awareness?

Quite so. I count on you
to make that point.

And there aren't any problems
in getting to the girl?

No. Money to her parents will
open their door.

But I'd just as soon not know
you'd talked to them.

I haven't done anything!
I don't see why you've arrested me!

This huge hand round

my throat was hard.
He was hurting me.

And... was there
anything else?

Yes. The hand was made of iron.

And then?

Come, Anna, tell us.
He's a reporter.

Your story will be in the paper.

Do you have anything else to tell me?

He gave me a puncture.

There was a long needle
and I felt it go in.

I was scared...

Thank you.

I'd like to take your photograph now.

Do you mind?

Keep very still.

Are you all right, Sonia?

I had...

that nightmare again, Auntie.

I'm not sure it was a good idea
to work in the museum.

You protected me against
my own terror for too long.

I have to face the world again
one day or I'll go insane.

I must have courage.

My darling.

Please send all information
to Sonia Lafont. Paris, right?

I didn't think
you would succeed.

- Succeed in what?
- In keeping this job.

For months Boris refused to employ
anyone as costume assistant.

No doubt you've noticed he's very
nervous when there are strangers around.

How long have you known him?

He took me up when I was alone.

I owe him my own life.

My father... used to beat me until I bled.

My skin carries the scars and my
heart carries the hate which

I shall always bear him.

Boris has been good to me,
never beaten me.

Without him, I

would scarcely exist.

My life has purpose
since I became his student.

And I'm his only

true assistant.

Don't forget that.

THE IRON HAND

I was so terrified
I couldn't breathe.

Blood drenching everything...

God, it was horrible.

And that metallic hand...

Those long terrible talons
on it...

I still have nightmares
in which I see them.

And so...

when l...

when I read your article...

It made you feel
you could tell me.

Though I have to admit I hope
you'd have told me anyway.

I don't know why...

why I'm telling you all this.
Nobody else has heard it.

Maybe it's just my honest face.

Maybe.

But...

I know nothing about you.

Well, we could...

We could fix that.

Would you like me to send
you a girl, Signore?

Not yet.

I really must say these models
are very convincing.

I wouldn't think it possible to
produce such realistic wax figures.

I'm very flattered.

I'm glad you like them so much.

He's a reporter on the "Messagero."
He's come to interview you.

Many thanks, Sonia.

Your effigies
are very beautiful.

- I'd like to take some pictures.
- No, I don't think so.

I'm not at all confident
photographs would do justice

to my work.

Didn't you see the notices?

It is forbidden to touch the statues.

Look.

Many years ago, this was worn
by the most beautiful of women.

No one has worn it since.

- It's very lovely.
- That's why it's for you.

For me?

A tribute deserved.

It's finished, Boris.

Jack the Ripper's statue is ready.

He's very good.

Marvelous, Alex.

You've done well.

And now, all we need is a victim
worthy of Jack the Ripper.

I have an idea...

who that might be.

Perfect, I think.

"Come to this address,
I want you now."

- Thank you.
- Generous as always.

- See you in a month, I hope.
- You will.

- Elene?
- Yes.

I need your help.

I want to meet a lover,
just for an hour.

- Who is he?
- Read this note.

Your admirer is anonymous,
Giorgina.

I'm sure I know
who sent it, though.

Would you take my regular
Wednesday client?

Madame makes it a rule never
to disappoint a personal client.

- Just this once.
- Once too often.

You can pretend I've gone to...
the doctor, I feel ill.

Then go.

- But don't be too long, all right?
- "Be clever and quick." Our motto.

Thanks. Ciao!

I've come.
It's Giorgina.

Where are you?

Naughty boy.
Are you hiding?

Your wax statues and inventions, who
cares about them? Who's interested?

No one! You couldn't even see
your wife has a real man now!

Stop!

- Did you hear?
- What, Sonia?

- I heard a noise.
- It'd be your aunt.

She wouldn't come here
on a Sunday.

Anyone there?

The photo you took of me
is gone.

Who'd want it?

Please.
Go on, Elene.

It's been four days

since anybody saw her. I'm certain
that something awful has happened.

It's possible she decided
she wanted a rest.

No, she'd have told me. Surely
she wouldn't have just gone.

Besides, she left all her
clothes in her wardrobe.

I'm not the person to speak to.
There's somebody on the next floor.

He'll need a photo.

I have one. It's not appropriate,
but it's the only one I have.

The photo is artistic.
It was taken

by a client. A Count.

Count or not, I don't
think we'll feature this.

Perhaps if it's cropped...

It's the face we'd need.

As for the rest...

Listen, speak to Rudolfo.

- Tell him I sent you.
- Thank you.

Then I want you to come back.

There's something bizarre
about this, don't you think?

Well, you aren't going
to take photos of them all?

- Why? Are we in a hurry?
- Yes, I'm scared.

Of what? Go stand by Count Ugolino.
He won't eat you. Go on.

We haven't got time
to play around. Come on.

- Spoil-sport.
- Hurry up, Andrea.

I was stupid to be talked into this.
I'll lose my job if they find out.

I'll be thrown out,
thanks to you.

Look on the bright side,
it's known that no girl can resist me.

If you do lose your job,
I'll take you on...

- As a wife and mother.
- I'm being serious, Andrea.

Please take your photos
and get them out of here.

And you promise not
to publish anything?

I know. Don't worry, I told you
these are only for my scrapbook.

No one else will see them.

Hurry!

- What?
- I'm sure I recognize her.

Different hair coloring, but...

It's her.

Who is she?

She was a prosti...

Well, the same as
this statue, I suppose.

You said "was",

as if the girl was dead.

Seems that she disappeared.

I talked to her friend

who was seriously concerned.

She thought that something
dreadful had happened to her.

What a strange

coincidence.

There is an explanation.

Boris's models...

are based on people
he's observed.

And Alex draws their portrait.

He may have known her,
So he used her.

Open it.

Excuse me.

- Marie Antoinette's dress.
- Let me see.

- Do you like it?
- A bit too pale.

I thought that it'd
go well with the other...

Sonia!
It's all right.

Don't be afraid.

What happened?
What on earth upset you?

Open your eyes.

Feeling better?

Talk to me.

You feel better?

Let me help you.

Up you get.

You fainted.
It's fine.

It's all right...
How stupid, I'm sorry.

It's all over now.

How did you copy
the details so exactly?

What do you mean?

I still can't quite

catch my breath. If it's
all right, I'd prefer to go home.

Do.

Something odd's going on there.

But what?

Could you give a man
a coin or two?

Hey you!

Stop!

Courage, little one.
It's all over now.

You don't have to be frightened.

Don't try to use it too much.

In a month you'll be fine.

Did you recognize
the lunatic who did it?

Inspector,

think of a way
to protect my niece.

Madame...

I've been protecting her
for 13 years.

And since then,
Sonia's lived with me.

I think better
with a little more light.

I beg your pardon, Inspector.

I'm used to living in darkness, I
forget it's not the same for others.

A fall from an over-frisky
stallion blinded me.

The despair I suffered at first
has receded with the years.

Now the only pain is the feeling
I haven't carried out my promise.

What promise?

I swore on the grave
of my sister,

I'd look after Sonia

and protect her with my life.
I was all she had.

May we discuss your sister?

Marta had got married
when she was 17.

A man called Volk, a mangy type.

Dabbled in...
in alchemy.

Did experiments
into Heaven knows what.

In a few months she saw all too
clearly the marriage was a mistake.

She was saved when Volk
died in an accident.

She'd already met Victor.

When did she start
living in Paris?

She went after
the death of Volk.

And is Sonia...

Volk's daughter...
or Victor's?

Do you approve,

Inspector Lanvin?

- How do you know me?
- You worked on the murders in Paris.

I know your name from there.

All the papers printed your photo.
You haven't changed.

You have a good memory.

We seem to share that

- characteristic, at least.
- And there many be other interests

we have in common.

This slaughter in Paris,

for example?

Is my representation accurate?

Yes.
Perhaps too accurate.

All artists try
to aim for perfection.

Yes, but it's so detailed.

I don't think any paper
gave some particular facts,

such as the iron hand
which is featured here,

and about which
only the killer could know.

I'm sorry to disappoint you, Inspector.

My motive to include the iron hand
came out of a different case.

A girl was attacked,
and talked about an "iron hand."

That girl could deny that.

Why? Is the girl still alive?

This time I believe you...
otherwise the girl would be dead.

No paper ever talked about her.

To defend his safety.

I'm glad to see
you're looking better.

Do you know Inspector Lanvin?

No.

Lanvin has never stopped looking
for him since that night...

Now he thinks he's found the lunatic who
killed my family 12 years ago.

But can't you identify him?

I never saw his face.

All I saw of him
was that terrifying hand.

Well, suppose he's right,
suppose his suspicion

that the killer was your mother's
first husband is correct.

Judging by all I've heard, he must
be much older than your employer

at the museum is now.

Even so, the Inspector is absolutely
convinced he has the right man.

It's only suspicion. Suspicion's
not enough. What you need is proof.

Of course we do.
He knows that.

Which is why he wants us
to work together.

I can do certain things
to unsettle Boris.

Can you?
What, precisely?

What have you done?
I told you not to touch her!

I had to.
She came between us.

You're a maniac!

You're a maniac!
A bastard lunatic!

There's lots of work
to be done here.

After what's happened...

you must not walk alone
at night.

It's dangerous.

The house is very big. I suggest you
sleep here when it's necessary.

I didn't mean to frighten you...

I propose a toast.

To your health.

Forgive me.

I'm sorry. I'm so clumsy.

I'll wash them and bring
them back tomorrow.

Don't worry.

Lanvin will make sure
that I'm not put in danger.

Inspector, I don't have your key here, you
must have left it up in your room.

Here.

THE MAN
WITH THE FACE OF WAX

Who are you?

What are you doing in my room?

Let me through. I'm here
to speak to one of the guests.

- You noticed nothing strange?
- No, nothing.

He left his key in his room when he
went out, which can happen.

And I gave him a duplicate.

I suppose no one

called on him later?

I'm grateful. Thanks.

I'm here to see
Inspector Lanvin.

Did you know Inspector Lanvin?

Tonight I'll take you to the new museum.

Thank you.

I feel terrified
about Lanvin's death.

That officer questioned me for an hour,
but he didn't believe what I said.

Why should he believe it?

They didn't find anything
which connects

Boris with Lanvin's murder.

Nevertheless, I know
Lanvin was killed by Boris.

Don't ask how, but I know it.

It's irrational, Sonia.

But I'm worried even so.

Say there's truth
in what you suspect.

You're in terrible danger

if there is. In any case, you
mustn't go back to the museum.

Go away just for a while.

Andrea, what difference
would that make?

He must surely have guessed
who I am, so I'm not safe anywhere.

Just promise me that at least you
won't set foot in the museum again.

Those are veins!
How can they be

real veins?

My God, they're corpses!

Palazzi has to
see them urgently.

Hand them to him
as soon as he gets here.

- He can reach me at my office.
- All right.

Something's happened to her.
You must find her.

What time does she
usually get home?

She leaves the museum at eight,

So she gets home
at the latest by 8:30.

Signora, we've met, I'm Andrea.

Why are you here?
What's happened?

Sonia didn't come home
last night.

What do you want here
at this hour?

I want Sonia.
Sonia's disappeared.

Why come here to me?

- I haven't seen her for days.
- Hurt her and I swear I'll kill you!

I'm not listening to this!
Get out, or otherwise...

Or what?
You'll bring the police here?

And maybe you'll explain why
your wax models are actually human

- corpses, and this is a morgue?
- What nonsense.

- What laughable nonsense.
- That's a voice I'll never forget.

I'd recognize it among
a thousand.

You are Volk!

Volk Borisoff!

You aren't mistaken?
You're quite certain?

I remember that voice
and the pain it caused.

Boris Volk.

Don't touch me.

Are you all right?

- Sonia. Rescue Sonia.
- I'll come back.

How beautiful you are.

You're as beautiful
as your mother.

Perhaps even lovelier.

Once it was different.

Even then my art was

touched by genius.

But now it has anew dimension.

The world refused to recognize me
then, now it will be forced to.

My gentle sensitivity
was mocked,

despised as
ineffectual weakness.

People wanted
only violence and terror.

All right,
I could give them that.

No one

has expressed pain
and sorrow as I have done,

because I carried
a vast store inside me.

That sorrow I bestow
on the wax figures.

And so in their moment of death
I grant immortality.

I honor those who,

like me, were cast out
by society, reviled by it.

Go to her.

See what she has
been brought to.

And now you are mine.

Only mine, Marta.

- Forever.
- No.

Look.

I'll never let you

hurt me again, like my father.

You thought of me as your creature,
but I am not. Burn!

In hell.

You'll have to try to get out
through the exit at the far end.

Let's go!
Don't stop for anything.

- Have to go that way.
- If there's no choice, let's go now.

Wait till they get the door open.

Don't stop.

Come on, quickly!
Now or never.

Come on, Sonia.
Now, let's go.

For God's sake, hurry!

Hurry up!

Come on! Come on!

Shield your eyes and keep going.

- Just keep going.
- It's all right.

Don't be frightened.