The Best of Youth
Rome, Summer 1966
Can you help me bring the TV down?
- I'm studying. - Two minutes! Please��
No, I have an oral exam in a few days
Ask Nicola, he's in there with Carlo
Fine, I'll ask Nicola
Natalino Sapegno, Abridged History��
Who's that?
My Italian Literature professor
- Is he famous? - I'd say!
- Will you take the exam with him?
No, he has loads of assistants
Do they know who they're dealing with?
Your high school essay was published in the papers!
Take the exam with him, when he realizes you're a genius
maybe he'll give you a scholarship
- Want me to talk to him? - You, talk to Sapegno?
- I'm not ashamed. - You're not, but I am
Well, I offered��
- When do you leave for Norway? - After exams
I know lots of people there
maybe they have daughters who are your age
Talk to them, they're the experts
- Dad? - Yes, the door
I've got a very important mission for you two
Perfect, we were dying to take a break
I'll leave it open
- Nicola, got the keys? - Yes
You never know��
I'll open it
Put it on top, it'll shift around inside
Easy
- It needs to be tied down. - I'll do it after
Carlo, let me ask you something
since Nicola never answers��
- you know Matteo. - Of course
What's his problem?
- What do you mean? - He's always so uptight��
- Let's go study! - I was talking!
You're always talking!
Let me give you this, it's been in my car for a week
What is it?
- I traded for it. - What'll I do with it?
You study medicine, it could be handy
Old buddy, how are you?
Well, but if the need should arise, if this situation develops
would you lend me the beach house?
Great idea
- Don't even think about it. - It's perfect!
Last time you caused a ruckus that my mom's still screaming about
Still dwelling on that?
I spoke to dad. Well? He'll lend us the Alfa Romeo!
Now that is good news
- You told him about Norway?
An academic trip��
- We leave after exams?
- We can't go over 4,000 revolutions
So?
Are you coming to Carlo's? The beach house?
- Me and you? Alone? - How else, in a group?
It's beautiful, golden shores, salty tamarisks
flying dolphins, it's beautiful, I love you��
- You're always joking! - No, I'm serious
- I swear, I love you. - Let's go dance
Did you talk to your dad about thatjob?
Go to the clinic Monday morning
You know the address, right?
The scientific term is logotherapy
Essentially that means you take a patient for walks
chat with her, help her feel normal
It is not a friendship, it's a rehabilitative activity
Giorgia hasn't had a crisis in a while
so you only need to come two, three times a week
There she is
It'll be easier than walking a dog
What's your name?
You shouldn't say hello to strangers!
- What's your name? - Matteo
- Mad Matteo, mental Matteo�� - Watch out!
- Don't touch me! - I won't, but watch out
First look left then right
Go ahead
Like it here?
I come here often
It relaxes me
Plus, there are no cars
There's a beautiful place here
Want to come? Want to?
When I don't feel like studying at home, I come here
I like it
Plus, no one's here at this hour
Want to read something?
Yes, trains. Trains what?
When they leave, when they arrive��
The schedule! They don't have that here
There's a book of poems I'd like to read you
Where is it?
American Literature��
A percentage of life is difficult to cover
It deals the cards to catch you weak
not to catch you in full force and it gives you 70 years to play
If you don't manage in 70 years, you never will
Leave the room if you lose
leave when your time is up
It's vile to sit down and fondle the cards
Watch out for the cars!
- Careful, what are you doing! - Don't touch me!
Fuck you!
Want to get run over?
Lmbecile, crappy dickhead!
- Do you understand death? - Asshole!
- You're the asshole! - Fuck you!
Are you insane? You're going back to the clinic!
You don't want to come out with me, then you won't go out!
Just say so
Here!
Yes, I understand, but what should I do?
Nothing, don't react
If you do nothing, she'll calm down
- Sorry Professor, but�� - Don't call me Professor
Perhaps it was my fault
No, it wasn't your fault, it's the fault of the illness
but that's why we are here
Is it ready? Is the car washed?
I don't ask them to wash it
They like to. Just to do something
You can't put a lien on the house!
This is your children's home
we'll have nothing left
It's perfectly normal to put a lien on a house
Know what the problem is? That you're Milanese!
You are extraordinary, full of intelligence, you have vigor��
But you lack imagination! Sure, imagination��
Chicca, what are you doing up?
- How long have they been fighting?
Since the film ended
- How did it end, good? - Yes
He was a king but didn't know, he found out and married the princess
- He messed up. - Why?
Because then they'll fight like mom and dad
When you get older, be like me: Don't get married
I want to marry you
And Nicola
You can't marry your brothers
especially not both��
We'll put Alice to bed, then make them stop
Folks! Can we knock it off? Can we knock it off?
What's this? Darling, you're still awake?
How can she sleep with this yelling?
- You tell me�� - leave Matteo alone
You and Nicola should defend me from your dad
From what? Matteo, am I a bad father?
You know what he did?
He put a lien on the house
- Really? - That's all I had!
Hear that?
If things go badly, we'll end up sleeping under a bridge
How nice!
Finally, someone who loves adventure!
We'll live under a bridge and beg for money
Who cares about how the business goes
- Then you're crazy too! - He's right
Leave it to me, I'm the head of the family
- What does that mean? - Trust me!
It's the right time to invest, grow
keep up with the competition, and this is how you do it
I have a knack for these things
You know what you have a knack for? Castanets!
Too bad divorce doesn't exist in this country!
- See you. - Going out again?
Nicola and the others are waiting
- Where are you going? Around
- Girls? - Maybe
Where is she?
She must be with a client
Should we wait?
Yes, this is her fire
- A bit embarrassing. - Not at all! She'll be back
Is that her? Yes
What's going on?
Hi, Cati
- Who was that?
Who are they?
My brother and two friends
Can we go to your place?
Come in
Do you mind if I leave the light on?
If the chickens think it's daytime, they'll eat
Fine
Aren't you going to get naked? Are you embarrassed?
I see, I'll turn around
It's better if we don't do anything, I'll still pay you
Are you sick?
Me? No
It's that�� I don't know, maybe��
Come on!
- You're Matteo's brother? - Yes, why?
You seem so different, you're not like him
Oh yeah? What's Matteo like?
Odd
Let's do it quickly, don't waste my time
No, no kisses on the mouth
Hi, Giorgia
Why are the shutters closed?
Want to go out? Everyone's in the garden
Want to be photographed?
There's good light
Turn around
Well?
I'll photograph your hands
You know, you've got nice hands
What's that? What did they do to you?
Read here and comment
It's a poem by Sennuccio Del Bene
Of course, but what does it bring to mind?
- Nothing really. - Why?
Because it's empty
Sennuccio Del Bene is empty too
Then give me an example of a religious poem that struck you
Beccaio
Are you kidding?
Beccaio, a modest imitator of Cecco Angiolieri
is to be considered a religious versifier?
A man who damns his father and mother is a religious poet?
- I think so. - I don't
If you'll allow me I'd know better than you
What are you doing?
I don't feel like being here anymore
These are scars from electric shocks
they give her electroshock therapy
- Where did you take these?
- Isn't electroshock illegal?
Unfortunately not. Who is this girl?
I'll tell you later
keep studying, you have an exam tomorrow
The Professor's a killer
I can only dream of an A+ like yours!
Will you come tomorrow?
As soon as I fail, we can leave
No, come get me at the Hole
I'll sleep there tonight
A girl?
- Hi, Antonio. - Your Excellency, why're you here?
I forgot a book in the room
- I can't leave my post. Don't worry, I'll go
Don't wake them, or you'll have to handle them!
Esposti Giorgia, Pietracamela
Giorgia, wake up. Wake up!
Don't be afraid, it's me, Matteo
Listen carefully: Get your stuff
I'm taking you out of here
You deserved a B+ or an A-
I gave you an A because I applied the sympathetic factor
Not much, but enough to give you an A
Some may object to this factor of mine
but I believe that sympathy, in the Greek sense of the word
sympasin, that is to share the pathos
of other's suffering, is very important for a doctor
For others, I apply the unsympathetic factor
that is, I subtract two or three points
Unsympathetic is the worse thing a doctor could be
You are worthy, congratulations
But don't get cocky, you still have two exams with me
and I could still tear you apart
Are those your friends? You brought along a claque?
Since we're about to leave, they came��
Are they in my class?
I don't recognize them
Carlo studies Economics and Berto Philosophy
I don't need details
just want to make sure such elements go elsewhere and do damage
Economics, Philosophy�� great!
As I said, you're promising, but I'm probably wrong
I want to give you some advice
Do you have any ambition? Then leave
Leave Italy while you still can
- Want to be a surgeon?
- I haven't decided yet
Whatever you decide
go study in London, Paris, in America if you can
but leave this country
Italy is a country to be destroyed
a beautiful but useless place, destined to die
You think there'll be an apocalypse soon?
I wish! That way we'd all be forced to rebuild
Instead things here remain immobile
with dinosaurs in charge. Leave
- Then why are you still here? - What!
I'm one of the dinosaurs to be destroyed!
Let's go! We're off!
I got an A!
An A on your first exam�� you sicken me!
- Matteo's at the Hole? - Move it!
Move it, 4,000 revolutions
my dad, no way�� Geez, 4,000 revolutions��
4,000 revolutions my ass��
Go!
Wake up, we have to go
I made you some coffee
Sugar?
One, two�� None?
If the Professor was talking about a specialization, I can understand
but the idea of working abroad��
You think we'll have work in Italy?
Yes, there's a 7% annual growth rate
unemployment is around 3%
- What does that mean? - That things are good
Unemployment increases only if it goes below 4%
So as soon as we graduate, they'll be throwing us jobs
Throwing them is a bit much
There are lots of us born after the war who will graduate
inflation should increase, there will be a selection of sorts
For every three graduates, one will be jobless
The biggestjerk of the three
Why don't you all go to��
If we take the Apennine highway, it'll be better
We'll take twenty days just to get to Turin!
But we won't see any hitchhikers on the highway
You are obsessed!
- Where's Matteo? - How should I know?
Go get him. Here he is
- Who's that? - I don't know, never seen her
- Wasn't he coming alone?
- He didn't mention her. Let me go see
We said no girlfriends!
Let's see what he says
Plus, who said she's coming?
That girl is odd, something's not right with her
She's the girl from the pictures
- What's the problem? - It's a delicate situation
Meaning?
See you in two days at the Brenner Pass
We were supposed to be there tonight
we'll lose a day! Relax!
We'll see you in two days at the border
- It's because of her, right? - Yes
Is she runaway? Sort of
Tell us where you're going, we'll drive you
No, we'll handle it
Have a good trip! Take care!
Don't speed
When I saw how poorly she was doing, I thought��
You did good
Plus this story about electroshock��
You're right, it's horrible
But we need to take her somewhere now
Her mom's dead, her dad lives in a town, Pietracamela
Where is it?
I don't know, in the Apennines I think
We'll bring her and then leave
Yes, let's do that
Come here
See how she acts? She's odd
What does she have?
She's crazy
No, she's not crazy
She has intelligent eyes
You and her�� ��a handsome couple
Giorgia?
You remember! How are you?
The Bishop forgot about me but you still love me!
You're so pretty! You've become so pretty!
Who are they?
- What do you want?
- We're looking for Giorgia's dad
He moved to Ravenna years ago
Three or four years ago
- Are you from the Institute?
- Yes, from Villa Quieta. You're so young!
Good! Why have you brought this lovely girl home?
For summer vacation
She got confirmed like the others, for me they were all equal
Remember how to say it, Giorgia?
Lord, I am not worthy to receive you��
But only say the word and I shall be healed
Good girl!
When she was small she could even say the Angel of God
For her, the Word of God was like a game, a lullaby
It is for many people. You're right
- What's your name? - Matteo
- And you? - Nicola
Maybe it's because her mother died when she was young
It became an obsession
She cleaned everything, when she was done she'd start again
She cleaned the rooms, kitchen, barn
Who knows why
When's the next bus for Ravenna?
Ltjust left!
You should've asked me!
The next is at 7:00 tomorrow, you'll get to Ravenna in the afternoon
We have to leave now
Impossible, know the word impossible?
Now what?
I can put you up, I have a sort of��
A shed
Better than a kick in the face, no?
Right?
Ma'am, we've set up the imperial suite for you
You can relax on this splendid straw bed
We also have this lovely divider, where you'll live separated
from the two heroes, Telemonian Ajax and swift-footed Achilles
We also have a pretty blanket
kindly given to us by the clergy of Pietracamela
Put it on if you're cold
I won't take my clothes off. I won't take them off
Fine. Know what? I won't take mine off either
Everyone to bed
Tomorrow you'll sleep in a real bed at your dad's house
I don't have a dad��
Thief! Give me it, stupid bastard! You're a thief!
- Calm down! - It's mine!
Leave me alone! Leave me alone! Thief!
I didn't know it was yours!
- I found It on the ground. - Enough!
- What happened? - I took a��
Get out of here!
It was a notebook on the ground
Let me handle this
- It's raining, let's go inside. - Enough!
If we stay out here we'll get wet, let's go in
You'd better put something on, I'll give you my clothes
Like it? Put this on
Are you embarrassed? Go behind there
Next time you want to shower, tell me
I'll reserve you a room at the Grand Hotel
Done?
- You're taking so long. - The buttons��
May I?
I'll help you
Buttons are the most complicated things
So are shoe laces, but buttons��
��are truly complicated
If Don Vito walked in!
He'd damn us and we'd go to hell
You're pretty when you laugh
See, you can do it
Bedtime. Nighty-night
- Can I shut off the light? - No
Fine, lights on. Good night
What happened?
Nothing
Good morning, signora
- Where does signor Saro live?
- Here, he's my husband
Where can we find him?
- What do you want from him? - It's a personal matter
Aren't you Giorgia? Shouldn't you be in the Institute?
Who are these two?
Lard ball!
What are you doing here? What happened?
Nothing, we don't think she's doing well at the Institute
What does that mean?
They mistreat her
when she has fits, they give her electroshock
Electroshock? What's that?
They electrocute her
- Isn't that bad for her? - It's certainly not good
I pay loads of money to keep her in the clinic
to cure her
Why don't you keep her with you instead?
How can I?
- With my other kids?
Exactly, with her siblings
They're not her siblings
they're Rosa's kids
Rosa loves you, they love you too
But you don't get along with them
I sent you to the clinic so you'd be okay
so you'd get better
Now we'll take you back to the clinic
Why not try keeping her here?
We'll take you back there so you'll get better
Giorgia doesn't need a doctor, but a father
I am a father!
I love you, you know that
Show her, let her stay with you
How can I? Life is expensive nowadays
with all the money I spend to keep her in the clinic!
But she needs affection, a family!
- We gave It to her, but�� - She's not well!
Why am I talking about personal things with two strangers?
- Some father you are! - How dare you!
- She's your daughter! - Mind your own fucking business!
What?
What are you saying?
Calm down!
Stop!
- Now where will we go? - I don't know
You should have thought about it before hitting her father
- She can come with us. - Where?
To meet up with Carlo and Berto
How will she get past the border? Where's her passport?
You should think before you act!
What do you want to eat? Nothing
You don't eat or drink, do you live on air? Knock it off!
Leave her alone!
She cut herself
Well, do something!
- What if she cut a vein? - Oh please!
- Let's take her to the ER. - Get a tissue!
The Cheyenne method: Salivating Bull
- What happened here? - Nothing, a glass broke
Korea scored
- Who gives a shit. - We don't
Not one bit!
Actually, I'm rooting for Korea
- Wait here for me. - What'll you tell Giovanna?
That a problem came up
How will you justify Carlo and Berto's absence?
- Trust me, I'm a specialist. - It's my sister I don't trust
She'd throw us all in the slammer
- In fact, we all won't go. - What'll we do here?
A little creativity! There's a snack bar, have something
I'll leave the bags, see you
Want something to drink?
I see, you're giving me the silent treatment
Give me a sign, yes or no
Is that yes?
What can I get you?
What do you want to drink?
Want to hear something?
What do you like?
Elvis? Sandie Shaw?
What's ��Who can��?
��Who Can��, by Fausto Leali!
Let's see if they have it
B-3
Who can
I smile at
if not you?
Who
if you're no longer here?
It's over
by now
it's over
between us��
Your friend Berto did a serious thing
She's under the custody of her father, he decides
It's the law
He was afraid they'd kill her if he left her there
He could have reported them
he took possession of a person, not an ornament
Do you ever deal with these things?
No, I deal with that
It doesn't seem like it, but lots of people work there
Lots of problems then
Labor cases, dismissals, illnesses, accidents��
Nothing's missing, the plant never stops
They work day and night, summer and winter
That's why the sea and sky have changed color
The managers say there's nothing to worry about
but last week they distributed this
Is it toothpaste?
To be used before eating
not after, understand? Not really
The dust that deposits on teeth and mucus membranes is toxic
it can cause cancer in the long run
This situation happened to you, right? Better yet, to Matteo
No, he has nothing to do with it
Contact the Psychiatric Hospital of Gorizia
they're great
But it's still an asylum
At least they don't hit or electroshock patients
- If we bring her here?
- I'll have to report it
They'll come get her and take her back to her father
When is the train coming?
In half an hour. Go buy three ice creams
- Me? - Yes, you
No, not me
Why not? It's simple, you have legs
- I'll go. - No, wait
She'll go
Three ice creams
No, I�� I can't
Sure, it's simple
Good evening, what would you like?
Three ice creams
You think we should take her to Gorizia? I think so
Giovanna said it's a great hospital
if we don't like the doctors
we'll go on vacation. In Sicily
Your change
Signorina, your change!
- Good evening, boys. - Two coffees
You forgot your change, take it
He said take your change
- Do you know her? - No, She just came in
- Is something wrong? - I don't know, she left her change
I called her, but��
- Are you with anyone? - No I'm not, I'm alone
Can we see your ID?
She won't answer, let's take her in
What'll we do with this? I don't know
What do you think will happen to her?
Maybe they'll take her back to the Institute
Is there really nothing we can do?
We'll take the train tomorrow
- We'll continue our trip, right? - Yes
Let's rest now
Arriving on track one
train for Padua, Bologna, Florence, Rome
Matteo, what are you doing?
- The trip's over for me. - What do you mean?
I'm going back to Rome
Why? What's wrong?
Are you nuts?