The Obscene Mirror (Al otro lado del espejo)

The Mirror of Pleasure

In three days, I'll marry.

It will be the happiest day of my life because I'll leave this old house.

Everything began with the birth of my sister Marie.

Our mother died soon after.

From that moment, my father completely forgot me.

And focused all his attention and care on her.

I hated her for long years.

Then, the almost passionate love she held for me helped to overcome jealousy.

And I began to love her.

My life changed when I met Arthur.

A young archaeology student.

Are you Professor Whitman?

Yes, that's me.

What do you want?

I come on behalf of Prof. Rosenthal.

I'm preparing my thesis in archaeology.

He gave me a letter for you.

Ah, the dear old Rosenthal.

I hope you have less extravegant ideas.

He says you're his favorite student. He asked me to help you.

What can I do for you?

My thesis is on the ancient civilization of the island of Madeira.

You must expect many delusions.

Most of all because remaining testimonies are few.

And secondly, the habitants don't like the intrusion of strangers.

Before I met Arthur, I dated few men, and always in secret.

I was afraid my sister would be jealous of them.

She hated all my friends.

But when she first saw Arthur, she fell in love right away.

He was so childlike, pure.

So different from all the others.

He always spoke to me about his work.

And his homeland.

Norway is a fantastic country.

Very different from yours.

In summer, the lakes filled with fresh, clear water.

The young took advantage of it and took baths completely naked.

At night, they light fires, sing, play and make love.

In Norway the youth are very free.

The typical guys take pleasure in it, but for me it's different.

For me, love is something more important, deeper.

What I loved in you, from the moment I first kissed you, is you gave me soul.

You wanted to see me? I suppose it's about Annette.

I'd already thought about telling you this, but...

I've always avoided the subject.

I entered your house with affection.

But it was totally natural.

You gave me valued advice, and helped me in my studies, but...

I have to ask you for something else.

-Annette and I... - Want to get married.

Thank you for making this easier.

Are you both sure you want to do this?

Today's youth makes hasty decisions, without thinking.

Their marriages are destined to last for a short time.

But, Arthur, in any case, you'll marry my daughter in front of God.

Dad.

Dad, where are you?

I'm here.

Dad.

Annette's wedding...

Do you think she'll be happy?

Do you really believe she'll marry this foriegner?

I have the impression you're not worried about Arthur's name or nationality.

You're worried you'll lose Annette.

That's all.

You're right.

I can't bear the idea that she'd leave us for a man.

He's a thief.

I understand your feelings, dear.

I feel the same way.

The house will be empty without her.

My life will be empty.

She was more than a sister for me.

She was my mother.

My friend.

My companion.

Come on, be strong.

It's not that bad.

She'll stay on the island.

You will always be able to see her.

No, Dad.

I'll never see her again.

Oh, Aunt Adele, they brought me my wedding dress.

Aren't you uncomfortable?

-I'm just fine! -Wait.

You'll be better with this table. You can put your things on it.

I'm worried I'll rearrange your father's furniture.

And one day ruin one of his masterpieces from the 1700's.

Your father's a real madman.

Aunt, I want to thank you for... filling the hole left by Mom.

There's no need to say that.

I've always loved you like a daughter. You're my favorite niece.

Now you need think only of your wedding and of being happy.

-Forget it. -Yes.

Sure we'll feel lonely without you.

But rest assured it will all go well.

Thank you, Aunt.

Oh, how beautiful you are, Annette!

Go show your sister and father.

But before the wedding - won't that bring bad luck?

Only if it's the groom!

I'll go!

Marie?

Marie, are you here?

Marie, answer me!

Marie, do you hear me or not?

Marie, where are you? Marie!

Marie!

Marie!

Dad! Dad!

Try to control your pain.

Thank you for everything Arthur.

You gave Marie a dignified funeral.

And you provided a medical cerificate showing death by natual causes.

It was the least I could do.

Would you like me to keep you company a while?

No.

Why do you say no?

I don't have a reason!

Annette, do you want me to call you in a few days?

No.

You mustn't call me anymore.

At least for now.

I understand. We'll have to reschedule the wedding.

It's not a good time for it.

No, it's not about that. I'm asking you to not contact me anymore.

Because, I have no intention to marry you anymore, Arthur.

Don't ask me why. I don't know even know.

I feel a great emptyness inside me.

Do you think that if we let some time pass...

No, it wouldn't do anything.

I beg you, Annette, listen to me.

Arthur, I don't love you anymore.

Believe me, I don't love anyone.

Truly.

You have to forgive me, Arthur..

If this makes you suffer.

But that's how it is.

I don't love you anymore.

You have to forget me.

It's been a wonderful story.

Thank you for everything, Arthur.

Goodbye.

You wanted to see me, Dad?

Yes, in fact.

Dad...

I'm leaving, I can't stay here.

Why do you want to leave?

This house oppresses me.

Even though I know that I'm leaving you.

I have to leave.

I'm no longer happy here.

Where do you think you're going?

And the wedding?

What does Arthur think of all this?

I'm not going to marry Arthur.

I don't love him anymore.

Ah, no?

By now, it's all over between us.

How will you support yourself?

You're not the type to comprimise.

You forget that I play piano and have a nice voice.

I can make an honest living.

Sure, you're an independent woman capable of living by your own means.

Poor me, at my age, without the love of my daughters.

But you're not alone. Aunt Adele will look after you.

Try to understand how I feel, Dad.

You succeeded.

You convinced me to come.

You wanted me to see your miserable room in this squalid hotel and...

Satisfied?

You're not afraid your wife will come here suddenly and catch us?

She won't come. She's busy with her lover.

Let's hope so. This room reminds me of an old film...

That I saw once with my dad.

The star was chased by the police and hid out in a room like this. Seen it?

You're amazing.

Don't be cute. Answer me.

I'm being serious.

I want to know if you've seen the film.

I can think only of your face.

I've never seen one more beautiful in all my life.

One just can't speak seriously with you.

It doesn't appeal to me.

I want to make love, now.

- No, I don't feel like it, Bill. - Why not?

You must not love me.

Why?

Leave me alone!

- Annette, you're up in a few minutes. - OK. I'll go.

What's up?

- Play another piece. I'll back soon. - OK.

- Everything OK? - Yes.

I see you know my wife.

- Sure, the two of us are good friends. - Come to the house later?

- Can I come? - Certainly.

You'll come too, right?

Maybe he won't like it.

This way we can be among friends. Isn't that a good idea, Arnett?