Drømmeren (2022–…): Season 1, Episode 5 - Part 5 - full transcript
Inspired by Karen Blixen's life and
letters with excerpts from The Dreamers.
I know you don't want
to lend me the money.
We've talked about this, Karen.
I'm sorry. I can't help you.
But I'm losing the farm!
It's all I have.
THE DREAMER
BECOMING KAREN BLIXEN
LONDON,
SEPTEMBER 1935
I absolutely love your idea
for the next book -
- and I can't wait to read about
your adventures in Kenya.
And I can't wait to write it.
Now, when do you imagine
we can plan to publish?
Currently I'm gathering
all the materials.
My letters from Africa, and I ...
It's far too early to say, of course.
Forgive my eagerness.
- I'm so excited by it all.
- Thank you.
Do we know how your Gothic Tales
have been received in Denmark yet?
They're being released tomorrow.
So I'll see some reviews when I return.
Karen, my beloved!
It's so wonderful to have you home.
- How are you feeling?
- Good! It exceeded my expectations.
Constant Huntington gave me
a very favorable contract.
Well done.
He suggested we call the book
Out of Africa.
Out of Africa, what a beautiful title.
Now I just have to write it.
Thank you.
Please lend me my letters from Kenya.
I hope to be able to refer to them.
- Of course, Karen.
- Yours too, Bess.
You two have had unique discussions
in your correspondence.
Will you ask Uncle Aage? My letters
to him were all about the farm.
Of course, dear.
What do the papers say? They must
have reviewed Seven Gothic Tales.
- You receive great praise from Politiken.
- Great praise.
And Berlingske?
What does Frederik Schyberg say?
Schyberg's review ...
There's no need for you to read it.
"A piece of artistic pastiche
by a twisted female author."
If it's any comfort, bad publicity
isn't necessarily bad for sales.
"One can see why the author hesitated -
- to translate her American success
into Danish.
First and foremost, it is a trickery
of linguistic illusion."
- Karen, everyone gets bad reviews.
- This is not a review.
It's a character assassination.
- Schyberg.
- Yes.
- He was one of the critics on the list.
- The list?
Of the ones who were to get
preferential treatment!
Oh, the list.
Yes, of course.
I met with the publisher,
and we planned out in great detail -
- how to ensure
a good reception of the book.
I assure you they took
all your ideas into account.
They did not contact Schyberg
nor Elfelt or Stangerup!
They didn't give an excerpt to
Tilskueren nor read it on the radio!
The marketing might have been easier -
- if the translation
hadn't taken you a year.
Can we agree, Knud, that
the author's job is to write the book?
And that the publisher's job
is to promote it?
I can ask the publisher for
a written account of their PR efforts.
- If that will make you happy.
- Yes, please, Knud.
The dhow was following
its steady course towards Zanzibar -
- as Lincoln Forsner's story
took yet another turn.
The mysterious Olalla appeared -
- then disappeared
before his very eyes.
We searched the entire hotel.
But Olalla was nowhere to be found.
That was the holy Rosalba of Saumur.
No, that was Madame Lola of Lucerne!
Rosalba!
A porter told us she'd run off
into the mountains.
It was terrible weather outside
with heavy snowstorms.
But despite the warnings,
we didn't hesitate to follow her trail.
Olalla! Olalla!
Olalla!
Rosalba!
There's an entire continent of people
who love your stories.
You've written a book
that's ahead of its time.
I never should have published it here.
The next will be very different.
It will be about the Kikuyu,
the Maasai, the landscape -
- and the large animals.
It will be about Africa,
not about me.
Here are my letters.
To think, all the adventures
you have shared with me.
- There's enough for many novels.
- Thank you.
Are you in pain?
It's not so bad.
What does Huntington write?
He writes that he's very pleased
with what he's reading.
That's wonderful.
- Good morning.
- Good morning.
- Coffee, Bess?
- Yes, please, that would be nice.
I had a telephone conversation
with Aage last night.
- Did you ask about my letters?
- Yes.
But he told me that
a certain Baron Blixen -
- is writing a book about Kenya.
Aage had been to Lund, and he'd read
an interview with your former husband -
- and in addition to talking about
his safaris with Hemingway -
- he also mentioned he was writing
a book about his life in Kenya.
But Blix can't put two words together.
And you don't become Hemingway
from being hunting buddies.
Thank you, Knud, that's a great help.
Talk to you soon.
Yes, I will tell her.
Good. Talk to you soon. Bye.
He didn't know anything, but he'll call
a publisher he knows in Stockholm.
- Is he calling you back?
- Yes. He'd call the publisher now.
Do you think he's out for revenge?
For that thing with Baron Guildenstern?
Perhaps it hit too close to home.
Oh, and your editor
has been trying to get a hold of you.
You aren't returning his calls.
- Do the reviews still haunt you?
- A lot of things do.
They want me to write a 'little'
short story for a ladies' magazine.
You could say no.
It's their attitude.
They don't take my work seriously.
So, let's see now.
Knud has spoken to a Swedish publisher
who confirmed their contract with Blix.
- He has no shame.
- No. If you could at least read it.
Gyldendal has been offered
the Danish rights.
God help us
if it's also printed in Danish.
Whom do we know at Gyldendal?
Ingeborg Andersen is vice president.
I met her when we did at Forum.
Denys.
I'm afraid not.
It's me.
So you don't like
that I'm writing a book?
Go.
Get out.
What are you afraid of?
Are you afraid I'll write about your
seizures, your illness, abortions and ...
Your love affair?
You cannot possibly think
I would write about your syphilis.
You mean your syphilis.
Perhaps.
And you?
What are you working on?
Do you intend to slander me again?
I don't intend
to write about you at all.
But Denys ...
I assume you will write about him.
Something ... beautiful.
How can you be here
if you're not dead?
Perhaps you are losing your mind again.
Baroness.
It is correct that we are contemplating
publishing Bror Blixen's book.
- But nothing has been decided?
- No, we're uncertain about the genre.
It comes down to either
a hunting book or memoirs.
Does it contain anything personal
about me or his current wife?
Not in the excerpts I have read.
- And Denys Finch Hatton?
- I think it's mostly a hunting book.
You wouldn't happen to have a copy?
I cannot share that with you, but I
could take a peek for you, Baroness.
I suppose it seems a bit dramatic,
but you see -
- I've been wanting
to write this book for years -
- and now it feels like
Blix is trying to steal it away from me.
You are writing a book about Africa?
Gyldendal would be most interested.
I already signed with Reitzels.
I don't know
what our director was thinking -
- but for you to not publish
at Gyldendal is a travesty.
We have a family connection
with Reitzels.
Surely, you're not obligated
by such matters.
You don't think
I owe Reitzels my loyalty?
Good Lord, no. How did your tales
sell in Denmark?
12,000 copies.
I think you could sell more with us.
Perhaps twice that.
Well, I would never sign with
the same publisher as my former husband.
The more I think about it -
- the more I think
hunting books are passé.
Elle ...
I've been all over town
for a birthday present for Mother.
I just can't find anything.
What are you getting her?
A painting by
one of the Odsherred painters.
- A painting?
- Yes, she's turning 80, after all.
That's a wonderful idea.
I wish I had thought of that.
Knud says Blix is writing about Kenya.
Yes, well, it appears
it won't be published here in Denmark.
Not by Gyldendal, at any rate.
- How is your novel coming along?
- It's come to a halt.
Shall I have a look?
Let's get Mother's birthday
over with first.
I apologize for being late.
- Karen.
- Knud.
- I ordered salmon for you.
- I'm afraid I only have time for coffee.
I spoke to Reitzels the other day.
- The first print is almost sold out.
- Yes, it's going well.
But they couldn't tell me if there
was a second print underway.
- Well, that depends on your attitude.
- How so?
Such as the short story
they asked you to write for the magazine.
How are those two things connected?
It's marketing,
which you care so deeply about.
If you're to do a second print,
there must be a certain demand.
But there must be,
if the first print is sold out.
Could you talk shop later?
We need to plan Mother's birthday.
I don't understand why there isn't
a second print now the book is sold out!
And I don't understand why you get
so agitated by the smallest requests.
You really shouldn't have.
Oh, how beautiful.
- It's Kaj Ejstrup.
- We went to his studio.
Look this way, Ingeborg.
It will hang in my bedroom so that it's
the first thing I see when I wake up.
How you spoil me!
What more could one want?
- I also have a present. It's up here.
- But Karen ...
- Karen, what's this?
- It's your car, Mother.
- Say hello to your chauffeur.
- My, my, Karen!
There.
Impressive, Karen.
Highly original with an automobile.
It will bring her great joy.
- The locals will gawk when you drive by.
- Just look at my chauffeur.
I gather from your attorney that there
are problems with the publisher.
Have you read the Norwegian edition
of Seven Gothic Tales?
No.
I gather you're not satisfied?
It is full of proofreading errors.
It's a decidedly painful read.
According to the editor
they're minor details.
When one doesn't care,
everything's a minor detail.
Karen, you get farther with people
with a kind word -
- instead of complaining and sulking.
If Reitzels were interested
in my book -
- they would own up
to having failed.
But then you would have nothing
to complain about.
You two, no more shop talk.
Come. Little Karen is going to sing.
Our great niece has prepared
a little surprise for her grandmother.
She will sing one of the songs
her mother -
- our Ea, your Ea,
loved so much.
Yes.
Come, lovely May with blossoms
and boughs of tender green.
And lead me o'er the meadow
where cowslips first were seen.
Oh, how I long to welcome
the radiant flowers of spring ...
- You are so talented.
- Help yourself to a fork.
This can't go on.
We gave it a try.
I didn't mean it like that. I'd rather
hear how your work is coming along.
Reitzels has no vision for my book.
No strategy.
I'll talk to the publisher
about the Norwegian edition.
No, Knud.
A lot of people will be baffled ...
... if you leave the publisher now.
That is hardly my problem.
Listen ... Listen!
Regardless of your little complaints -
- for all intents and purposes
you got a highly favorable deal.
- You were paid twice ...
- And I did the work twice.
Besides, the publisher has shown
patience above and beyond reason.
Let's leave the matter alone.
But you! You have complained
about every little detail!
And acted up
and made mountains of molehills!
You buried my book from the start.
- You think everything is about you!
- Maybe it's because you don't like it.
You want to be a professional, but you
drag us into your messy marital affairs!
- You misunderstand each other!
- No one ever got in your way!
You're so spoiled and self-absorbed
that you're bound to meet resistance!
Calm down! Both of you.
Everyone can hear.
Come, Elle.
We're leaving.
I'm sorry about all this, Karen.
I'm not the one
you should feel sorry for.
And you and I are done.
Professionally as well as privately.
I apologize for all this ...
Happy birthday, yet again.
You may applaud now.
How could you, Karen?
How could you ruin
your mother's party like that?
And how can you leave
the publishing company -
- after everything
Knud has done for you?
I don't know that I owe
the publishing company anything.
My book has been
a profitable business for Reitzels.
How is your mother to have
her Sunday luncheons -
- now that Knud isn't coming?
I gather from Uncle Aage that he has
already given you my Africa letters.
That's correct.
They are in my possession.
I think it best ...
... if they remain in my drawer.
Yes, so that is my decision.
Goodbye, Karen.
- Where are you?
- Olalla!
Rosalba!
Madame Lola!
Why do you run away from me?
- Olalla, I've looked everywhere for you.
- Who are you?!
Be careful!
It is I, your fiancé.
I've given up everything for you.
- I love you! We love each other.
- I'm sorry.
I don't know who you are.
Madame Lola!
So it is you, my sainted Rosalba.
- No, this is Madame Lola.
- We can easily find out.
- She has this scar ... like a snake.
- Don't touch me!
- Tell them you are Olalla from Rome.
- No! You are Madame Lola, tell them!
No, you're the sainted Rosalba
who stole my heart seven years ago.
Who are you really?
There's something you should know.
I work slowly.
I have a chronic illness
which may slow down my work.
All great authors are ill.
I'd be more worried if you told me
you were in perfect health.
It is called tabes dorsalis.
An after-effect of ...
well, syphilis.
You're in good company.
Oscar Wilde, Nietzsche ...
Baudelaire, Maupassant.
It's too bad that I didn't have
as much fun as those gentlemen.
Yet another gross injustice.
I am trying to depict the inner life.
You're an artist.
That is why I chose you.
Then you also know that
I'm inspired by German expressionism?
The last time I had my portrait taken,
I looked like a bourgeois wife -
- on her way to a cocktail party.
It was awfully disappointing.
You've come to the right person.
Do you have a specific idea?
I am searching for a persona.
An alter ego.
- I think I understand.
- Perhaps something androgynous.
Isak Dinesen is both male and female.
May I?
- Are you covering me up?
- Perhaps just slightly.
What do you think?
You look like the Moon goddess.
This looks like you.
Don't you see it?
- Aren't they a bit scary?
- I would call them dramatic.
Thank you for showing us
your pictures, Karen.
- Coffee, Karen?
- Yes, please.
Mother ...
I've been thinking about something.
You know that I can be burdensome
and sensitive to noise when I work.
It's difficult to reconcile the life
as an author with a family life.
That's only natural.
You need to concentrate.
I just think that
the family luncheon on Sunday ...
I don't know
if I can handle the drama.
Perhaps we could have it
at Bess's at Folehaven for once.
Yes?
That would be wonderful.
I could stay home and work.
Are you sure, Mother?
I don't want you to make sacrifices.
It is no sacrifice to give my beloved
daughter peace to work.
Yes, well, that should be
possible to arrange.
For a long time ...
... we each stood there,
unable to speak one word.
And then ... out of the snow
a huge black carriage emerged.
It was Marcus Cocoza
who had followed us in his carriage.
He looked at us
with great sorrow and pity.
And then he told us his story.
I'm losing the farm.
I need your help.
Denys, this has been your home here.
I've been your guest,
and that I have enjoyed.
You've been a guest
for seven years?
I've asked Hugh Martin
if I can lodge with him.
You ...
What?
There's the true
Denys Finch Hatton right there.
Always a guest.
You never move in anywhere, do you?
That's not fair.
You know, you want life to eat you up
so desperately.
Even if life were to take
one little bite out of you ...
... it would vomit you right back out.
I think it's best if I move out
at this time.
I really don't want to get in your way.
People used to say:
"Denys Finch Hatton
is too good to be true."
Like you were some kind of hero.
Like you were a work of fiction.
You know that's a lie.
But you do belong in a novel.
Maybe that's your reward.
My gift to you.
- Immortality.
- Immortality.
- Well, I do like the sound of that.
- Finally.
Now you're mine.
This time you can't escape.
I am going to take you.
I am writing you ...
... exactly how I want you.
I am your maker.
I'm your immortalizer.
Yes, immortalize me.
To think I wanted to die with you.
When the living have
so much more power than the dead.
Subtitles: Tina Goldberg
Dansk Video Tekst
letters with excerpts from The Dreamers.
I know you don't want
to lend me the money.
We've talked about this, Karen.
I'm sorry. I can't help you.
But I'm losing the farm!
It's all I have.
THE DREAMER
BECOMING KAREN BLIXEN
LONDON,
SEPTEMBER 1935
I absolutely love your idea
for the next book -
- and I can't wait to read about
your adventures in Kenya.
And I can't wait to write it.
Now, when do you imagine
we can plan to publish?
Currently I'm gathering
all the materials.
My letters from Africa, and I ...
It's far too early to say, of course.
Forgive my eagerness.
- I'm so excited by it all.
- Thank you.
Do we know how your Gothic Tales
have been received in Denmark yet?
They're being released tomorrow.
So I'll see some reviews when I return.
Karen, my beloved!
It's so wonderful to have you home.
- How are you feeling?
- Good! It exceeded my expectations.
Constant Huntington gave me
a very favorable contract.
Well done.
He suggested we call the book
Out of Africa.
Out of Africa, what a beautiful title.
Now I just have to write it.
Thank you.
Please lend me my letters from Kenya.
I hope to be able to refer to them.
- Of course, Karen.
- Yours too, Bess.
You two have had unique discussions
in your correspondence.
Will you ask Uncle Aage? My letters
to him were all about the farm.
Of course, dear.
What do the papers say? They must
have reviewed Seven Gothic Tales.
- You receive great praise from Politiken.
- Great praise.
And Berlingske?
What does Frederik Schyberg say?
Schyberg's review ...
There's no need for you to read it.
"A piece of artistic pastiche
by a twisted female author."
If it's any comfort, bad publicity
isn't necessarily bad for sales.
"One can see why the author hesitated -
- to translate her American success
into Danish.
First and foremost, it is a trickery
of linguistic illusion."
- Karen, everyone gets bad reviews.
- This is not a review.
It's a character assassination.
- Schyberg.
- Yes.
- He was one of the critics on the list.
- The list?
Of the ones who were to get
preferential treatment!
Oh, the list.
Yes, of course.
I met with the publisher,
and we planned out in great detail -
- how to ensure
a good reception of the book.
I assure you they took
all your ideas into account.
They did not contact Schyberg
nor Elfelt or Stangerup!
They didn't give an excerpt to
Tilskueren nor read it on the radio!
The marketing might have been easier -
- if the translation
hadn't taken you a year.
Can we agree, Knud, that
the author's job is to write the book?
And that the publisher's job
is to promote it?
I can ask the publisher for
a written account of their PR efforts.
- If that will make you happy.
- Yes, please, Knud.
The dhow was following
its steady course towards Zanzibar -
- as Lincoln Forsner's story
took yet another turn.
The mysterious Olalla appeared -
- then disappeared
before his very eyes.
We searched the entire hotel.
But Olalla was nowhere to be found.
That was the holy Rosalba of Saumur.
No, that was Madame Lola of Lucerne!
Rosalba!
A porter told us she'd run off
into the mountains.
It was terrible weather outside
with heavy snowstorms.
But despite the warnings,
we didn't hesitate to follow her trail.
Olalla! Olalla!
Olalla!
Rosalba!
There's an entire continent of people
who love your stories.
You've written a book
that's ahead of its time.
I never should have published it here.
The next will be very different.
It will be about the Kikuyu,
the Maasai, the landscape -
- and the large animals.
It will be about Africa,
not about me.
Here are my letters.
To think, all the adventures
you have shared with me.
- There's enough for many novels.
- Thank you.
Are you in pain?
It's not so bad.
What does Huntington write?
He writes that he's very pleased
with what he's reading.
That's wonderful.
- Good morning.
- Good morning.
- Coffee, Bess?
- Yes, please, that would be nice.
I had a telephone conversation
with Aage last night.
- Did you ask about my letters?
- Yes.
But he told me that
a certain Baron Blixen -
- is writing a book about Kenya.
Aage had been to Lund, and he'd read
an interview with your former husband -
- and in addition to talking about
his safaris with Hemingway -
- he also mentioned he was writing
a book about his life in Kenya.
But Blix can't put two words together.
And you don't become Hemingway
from being hunting buddies.
Thank you, Knud, that's a great help.
Talk to you soon.
Yes, I will tell her.
Good. Talk to you soon. Bye.
He didn't know anything, but he'll call
a publisher he knows in Stockholm.
- Is he calling you back?
- Yes. He'd call the publisher now.
Do you think he's out for revenge?
For that thing with Baron Guildenstern?
Perhaps it hit too close to home.
Oh, and your editor
has been trying to get a hold of you.
You aren't returning his calls.
- Do the reviews still haunt you?
- A lot of things do.
They want me to write a 'little'
short story for a ladies' magazine.
You could say no.
It's their attitude.
They don't take my work seriously.
So, let's see now.
Knud has spoken to a Swedish publisher
who confirmed their contract with Blix.
- He has no shame.
- No. If you could at least read it.
Gyldendal has been offered
the Danish rights.
God help us
if it's also printed in Danish.
Whom do we know at Gyldendal?
Ingeborg Andersen is vice president.
I met her when we did at Forum.
Denys.
I'm afraid not.
It's me.
So you don't like
that I'm writing a book?
Go.
Get out.
What are you afraid of?
Are you afraid I'll write about your
seizures, your illness, abortions and ...
Your love affair?
You cannot possibly think
I would write about your syphilis.
You mean your syphilis.
Perhaps.
And you?
What are you working on?
Do you intend to slander me again?
I don't intend
to write about you at all.
But Denys ...
I assume you will write about him.
Something ... beautiful.
How can you be here
if you're not dead?
Perhaps you are losing your mind again.
Baroness.
It is correct that we are contemplating
publishing Bror Blixen's book.
- But nothing has been decided?
- No, we're uncertain about the genre.
It comes down to either
a hunting book or memoirs.
Does it contain anything personal
about me or his current wife?
Not in the excerpts I have read.
- And Denys Finch Hatton?
- I think it's mostly a hunting book.
You wouldn't happen to have a copy?
I cannot share that with you, but I
could take a peek for you, Baroness.
I suppose it seems a bit dramatic,
but you see -
- I've been wanting
to write this book for years -
- and now it feels like
Blix is trying to steal it away from me.
You are writing a book about Africa?
Gyldendal would be most interested.
I already signed with Reitzels.
I don't know
what our director was thinking -
- but for you to not publish
at Gyldendal is a travesty.
We have a family connection
with Reitzels.
Surely, you're not obligated
by such matters.
You don't think
I owe Reitzels my loyalty?
Good Lord, no. How did your tales
sell in Denmark?
12,000 copies.
I think you could sell more with us.
Perhaps twice that.
Well, I would never sign with
the same publisher as my former husband.
The more I think about it -
- the more I think
hunting books are passé.
Elle ...
I've been all over town
for a birthday present for Mother.
I just can't find anything.
What are you getting her?
A painting by
one of the Odsherred painters.
- A painting?
- Yes, she's turning 80, after all.
That's a wonderful idea.
I wish I had thought of that.
Knud says Blix is writing about Kenya.
Yes, well, it appears
it won't be published here in Denmark.
Not by Gyldendal, at any rate.
- How is your novel coming along?
- It's come to a halt.
Shall I have a look?
Let's get Mother's birthday
over with first.
I apologize for being late.
- Karen.
- Knud.
- I ordered salmon for you.
- I'm afraid I only have time for coffee.
I spoke to Reitzels the other day.
- The first print is almost sold out.
- Yes, it's going well.
But they couldn't tell me if there
was a second print underway.
- Well, that depends on your attitude.
- How so?
Such as the short story
they asked you to write for the magazine.
How are those two things connected?
It's marketing,
which you care so deeply about.
If you're to do a second print,
there must be a certain demand.
But there must be,
if the first print is sold out.
Could you talk shop later?
We need to plan Mother's birthday.
I don't understand why there isn't
a second print now the book is sold out!
And I don't understand why you get
so agitated by the smallest requests.
You really shouldn't have.
Oh, how beautiful.
- It's Kaj Ejstrup.
- We went to his studio.
Look this way, Ingeborg.
It will hang in my bedroom so that it's
the first thing I see when I wake up.
How you spoil me!
What more could one want?
- I also have a present. It's up here.
- But Karen ...
- Karen, what's this?
- It's your car, Mother.
- Say hello to your chauffeur.
- My, my, Karen!
There.
Impressive, Karen.
Highly original with an automobile.
It will bring her great joy.
- The locals will gawk when you drive by.
- Just look at my chauffeur.
I gather from your attorney that there
are problems with the publisher.
Have you read the Norwegian edition
of Seven Gothic Tales?
No.
I gather you're not satisfied?
It is full of proofreading errors.
It's a decidedly painful read.
According to the editor
they're minor details.
When one doesn't care,
everything's a minor detail.
Karen, you get farther with people
with a kind word -
- instead of complaining and sulking.
If Reitzels were interested
in my book -
- they would own up
to having failed.
But then you would have nothing
to complain about.
You two, no more shop talk.
Come. Little Karen is going to sing.
Our great niece has prepared
a little surprise for her grandmother.
She will sing one of the songs
her mother -
- our Ea, your Ea,
loved so much.
Yes.
Come, lovely May with blossoms
and boughs of tender green.
And lead me o'er the meadow
where cowslips first were seen.
Oh, how I long to welcome
the radiant flowers of spring ...
- You are so talented.
- Help yourself to a fork.
This can't go on.
We gave it a try.
I didn't mean it like that. I'd rather
hear how your work is coming along.
Reitzels has no vision for my book.
No strategy.
I'll talk to the publisher
about the Norwegian edition.
No, Knud.
A lot of people will be baffled ...
... if you leave the publisher now.
That is hardly my problem.
Listen ... Listen!
Regardless of your little complaints -
- for all intents and purposes
you got a highly favorable deal.
- You were paid twice ...
- And I did the work twice.
Besides, the publisher has shown
patience above and beyond reason.
Let's leave the matter alone.
But you! You have complained
about every little detail!
And acted up
and made mountains of molehills!
You buried my book from the start.
- You think everything is about you!
- Maybe it's because you don't like it.
You want to be a professional, but you
drag us into your messy marital affairs!
- You misunderstand each other!
- No one ever got in your way!
You're so spoiled and self-absorbed
that you're bound to meet resistance!
Calm down! Both of you.
Everyone can hear.
Come, Elle.
We're leaving.
I'm sorry about all this, Karen.
I'm not the one
you should feel sorry for.
And you and I are done.
Professionally as well as privately.
I apologize for all this ...
Happy birthday, yet again.
You may applaud now.
How could you, Karen?
How could you ruin
your mother's party like that?
And how can you leave
the publishing company -
- after everything
Knud has done for you?
I don't know that I owe
the publishing company anything.
My book has been
a profitable business for Reitzels.
How is your mother to have
her Sunday luncheons -
- now that Knud isn't coming?
I gather from Uncle Aage that he has
already given you my Africa letters.
That's correct.
They are in my possession.
I think it best ...
... if they remain in my drawer.
Yes, so that is my decision.
Goodbye, Karen.
- Where are you?
- Olalla!
Rosalba!
Madame Lola!
Why do you run away from me?
- Olalla, I've looked everywhere for you.
- Who are you?!
Be careful!
It is I, your fiancé.
I've given up everything for you.
- I love you! We love each other.
- I'm sorry.
I don't know who you are.
Madame Lola!
So it is you, my sainted Rosalba.
- No, this is Madame Lola.
- We can easily find out.
- She has this scar ... like a snake.
- Don't touch me!
- Tell them you are Olalla from Rome.
- No! You are Madame Lola, tell them!
No, you're the sainted Rosalba
who stole my heart seven years ago.
Who are you really?
There's something you should know.
I work slowly.
I have a chronic illness
which may slow down my work.
All great authors are ill.
I'd be more worried if you told me
you were in perfect health.
It is called tabes dorsalis.
An after-effect of ...
well, syphilis.
You're in good company.
Oscar Wilde, Nietzsche ...
Baudelaire, Maupassant.
It's too bad that I didn't have
as much fun as those gentlemen.
Yet another gross injustice.
I am trying to depict the inner life.
You're an artist.
That is why I chose you.
Then you also know that
I'm inspired by German expressionism?
The last time I had my portrait taken,
I looked like a bourgeois wife -
- on her way to a cocktail party.
It was awfully disappointing.
You've come to the right person.
Do you have a specific idea?
I am searching for a persona.
An alter ego.
- I think I understand.
- Perhaps something androgynous.
Isak Dinesen is both male and female.
May I?
- Are you covering me up?
- Perhaps just slightly.
What do you think?
You look like the Moon goddess.
This looks like you.
Don't you see it?
- Aren't they a bit scary?
- I would call them dramatic.
Thank you for showing us
your pictures, Karen.
- Coffee, Karen?
- Yes, please.
Mother ...
I've been thinking about something.
You know that I can be burdensome
and sensitive to noise when I work.
It's difficult to reconcile the life
as an author with a family life.
That's only natural.
You need to concentrate.
I just think that
the family luncheon on Sunday ...
I don't know
if I can handle the drama.
Perhaps we could have it
at Bess's at Folehaven for once.
Yes?
That would be wonderful.
I could stay home and work.
Are you sure, Mother?
I don't want you to make sacrifices.
It is no sacrifice to give my beloved
daughter peace to work.
Yes, well, that should be
possible to arrange.
For a long time ...
... we each stood there,
unable to speak one word.
And then ... out of the snow
a huge black carriage emerged.
It was Marcus Cocoza
who had followed us in his carriage.
He looked at us
with great sorrow and pity.
And then he told us his story.
I'm losing the farm.
I need your help.
Denys, this has been your home here.
I've been your guest,
and that I have enjoyed.
You've been a guest
for seven years?
I've asked Hugh Martin
if I can lodge with him.
You ...
What?
There's the true
Denys Finch Hatton right there.
Always a guest.
You never move in anywhere, do you?
That's not fair.
You know, you want life to eat you up
so desperately.
Even if life were to take
one little bite out of you ...
... it would vomit you right back out.
I think it's best if I move out
at this time.
I really don't want to get in your way.
People used to say:
"Denys Finch Hatton
is too good to be true."
Like you were some kind of hero.
Like you were a work of fiction.
You know that's a lie.
But you do belong in a novel.
Maybe that's your reward.
My gift to you.
- Immortality.
- Immortality.
- Well, I do like the sound of that.
- Finally.
Now you're mine.
This time you can't escape.
I am going to take you.
I am writing you ...
... exactly how I want you.
I am your maker.
I'm your immortalizer.
Yes, immortalize me.
To think I wanted to die with you.
When the living have
so much more power than the dead.
Subtitles: Tina Goldberg
Dansk Video Tekst