IN THE '70s AND '80s, A FORGER WHO LIVED IN ROME
CROSSED PATHS WITH EXTRAORDINARY CHARACTERS, POWERS AND SECRETS.
THIS IS HIS STORY.
OR AT LEAST ONE OF THE POSSIBLE VERSIONS OF IT.
The day I died, we were supposed to meet.
But I didn't make it.
It wasn't supposed to end like this.
They say that when you die, your life flashes before your eyes.
Well… I didn't see shit.
I wanted to be a free man,
but I paid a hell of a price for that freedom.
Because the question is always the same.
To get to where you want to go,
what are you willing to do?
DUCHESSA LAKE, THREE YEARS EARLIER
It was always the three of us raising hell as kids,
growing up wayward in our town.
But who wants to live in a place where everyone fits on a small canvas?
Not me.
Guys, I'm telling you.
I'm not just late. I'm super late.
Well, now you can wait till I'm done.
-Aren't you putting anything here? -I'll draw fog.
-Just like the last 30 years. -And?
Well, I'm fucking sick of drawing fog, you know?
Let me draw our town for you.
In a hurry to get to the steel mill?
Guys, please. There's an important mass. The bishop will be there.
-Oh, the bishop. That's the hurry. -Yes. Of course.
Fine. I'm going. The car's mine anyway.
And I'm still begging you.
-Aren't we going? -Yes. Let's go.
Will this old banger get us to Rome, or will it break down?
-Of course it'll get us to Rome. -Really?
Immacolata has never let me down.
Anyway, whether you like it or not, Tertium non datur.
-What did he just say? -How the fuck should I know?
Who's gonna stop us?
-Who's gonna stop us? -Come on!
Come on, Vittorio!
A priest, a worker, and an artist go to Rome.
Sounds like the beginning of a joke, right?
But we were about to make history.
What a shithole.
Back then, Rome was one big party.
Popes, bishops, artists, criminals, politicians, commies, fascists.
There were all kinds.
And there was me.
I wanted to become the best painter in Rome.
There wasn't a big enough canvas for this city.
Those first few months, I remember the smiles
I put on people's faces when I painted them.
Ma'am?
Then I remember the hunger,
and I remember the cold.
I'll do your portrait. Come here.
Hey, buddy.
You can't have them all.
-What the fuck? -You've got plenty.
Let's share a little. I need to eat too. Go on, sit down.
And I remember the bodies in the streets, the bombs.
But what did I care?
I knew that Rome would come looking for me.
-Hello. -Hi.
Let's go to my place.
The thing about this city was that you just had to be patient.
Sooner or later, it was going to drag me to that party too.
Whose house is this?
They call him the "Artist."
They call this guy an artist? Yeah, we're screwed.
That's him.
The one stoned on the couch.
THE BIG FAKE
Donata, it's cold.
Hey.
It's cold.
It is cold. Get in bed.
It's always cold in this city.
If only you knew how cold it is in my hometown.
Donata, my love, come here.
My beloved.
I can't always end this way.
Here I am.
What else did you take?
Is all this stuff his?
Everything in here is his.
Just think how much money he'd make if he knew how to paint.
-So you know about painting? -I'm an artist.
I'm an art dealer.
Then I can bring you some of my work.
Look, if you're better than him, I might find the time.
How would you sign your work?
Toni della Duchessa.
But Toni with an "I."
Not like that runt Little Tony.
Or Tony Curtis. Or Tony Renis.
-Can I give you some free advice? -Go on.
"I" or no "I," it's a name that doesn't sell.
It's got no pull.
You've convinced me. I'll change it tomorrow.
Okay, and?
Are you going to show me your paintings or not?
-So where's your car? -My car?
Now that's an insult.
I'm taking you on the finest ride in Rome. Come here.
What's that in your hair?
I don't know. What is it?
-There's something weird in your hair. -Take it off.
So someone else's finest ride.
Are you a thief or an artist?
What difference does it make?
Always quick with a comeback, huh?
The others are just too slow. Hop on.
-Hop on, where? -Come on. Hop on.
-Where do I sit? Wait! -Hop on.
-Wait. -Attagirl.
-You've got me? Give me a push? -Yeah.
-If I don't, I'll fall too. -Easy!
You have to slow down, Toni with an "I."
I apologize. I don't know what to say.
The cleaning lady must have taken the day off.
-Right. -Yes.
Toni, what can I tell you.
I'm sorry, but this stuff won't sell.
There's no market for this kind of stuff.
These days, it's all symbolic, abstract, conceptual.
And you… you strike me as more figurative.
What?
Did that upset you?
What, you expect me to take it well?
You've got talent though.
Your anatomy work is remarkable.
-That's it, nudes. Nudes-- -Nudes.
They sell if they're not too conventional.
Really?
Do you have an original… nude?
Original, how? In cubes, like Picasso?
Yeah, you'd like that.
-No, I wouldn't. -Oh, really?
I liked him, but then he became commercial.
-Really? -I like you.
Can I start with a nude of you?
You're not the first one to ask me, but I've always said no.
Is that so? Because you were waiting for me.
-I was waiting for Toni della Duchessa? -Yes.
If you wait until tomorrow, you'll find out my new name.
With cream for me.
A cream-filled croissant.
Or a brioche.
I told you, you're more of a thief than an artist.
How did you get this?
Bernini's self-portrait.
How did you get this?
It's a copy.
-A copy? -A copy.
It's perfect.
Where did you find it?
Found it? No, I made it.
Yeah.
-No way. -Suit yourself.
Right. Where did you see the original?
In this book.
You don't believe me?
Toni, look at this one.
-Could you reproduce this one? -This one?
-Look closely. I don't believe-- -I'd make it more real than the original.
Copying has always come easily to me.
This is a piece of cake.
The lines are so simple.
The brushwork is a bit more personal.
What's this?
If you pull it off, come see me.
Every time my life changed,
I knew it right away.
I'd get this feeling in my neck, like an itch.
It feels strange.
Every time.
Come in.
The problem was that life wasn't just changing for me.
Is this you?
-What, no hug? -No way.
-Really? -No. Get out of here.
Damn, you're ugly.
Look who's talking.
I quit the steel mill.
Now that you've got a fancy coat?
The coat is so I blend in.
Who has ever cared about you? Why do you need to blend in?
What do you have to tell me, Fa'?
Remember all those nights in our hometown,
talking about kicking the bosses' asses?
-We talked a lot of shit. -It wasn't shit to me.
The Red Brigades is the only place where people like me can make a difference.
-And you too. -I don't belong to anyone.
-Yeah, I know. -Don't try to talk me into this, then.
But
I need a hand.
There's a safe with your name on it.
Back home, I did whatever I had to with my hands to get by.
This way. Under here.
What's this? An armory?
Hey! What the fuck are you doing? The safe is over there.
Ever since we were kids, Fabione had been dragging me into his messes.
But how could I say no to him?
Stop! Hands up.
What are you doing?
Don't move. Keep your hands--
Toni, let's go! Hurry up!
Get out! Toni, get out!
Have you lost your minds?
Hold still.
Look at that camp bed.
The camp bed, yes.
I sleep there because that 19th-century bed gives me the creeps.
Being comfortable gives you the creeps?
You may as well sleep on the floor.
-Ouch! Vittorio! -I know. Just a second.
-You said it was nothing. -No, he said that.
And the fact that my mom was a nurse doesn't make me a doctor.
Details, Vittorio.
Yeah, details. What are those?
That's Fabione's new friends' stuff.
I'll take the rifles. And the guns.
I'll leave you two of them, okay?
Good Lord!
And half the money from the safe is yours.
You can keep the money.
You're leaving it to me? For the cause?
I'm leaving it to you because the cause won't feed you.
-Ouch! -Wait.
-Just snip it. -Snip it?
-And leave it? -Yes.
Right, whatever. Bleed to death. Here you go.
I told you I don't…
Hand me the gauze.
This situation is absurd.
You show up with a hole in your arm, weapons in a suitcase…
This isn't who we are, guys. You are…
We were altar boys.
We were altar boys back home.
Is your sermon over yet?
No, my sermon isn't over yet. No.
What are you doing this morning?
-Hey! -Yeah.
-I'm busy. -"I'm busy."
Vittorio, will you hand me the scissors?
Turn down this whiny shit.
Is it here?
Wow! Look at this place.
Places like this, they kind of crush me.
-They make me feel small. Not you? -Not me, Vittorio.
When I see this beauty, I think about how to make it mine.
And you should be thinking about how to make it yours too.
Stop here.
Here?
So how did you meet this art dealer?
I met her in the biblical sense.
Of course. Well done.
I fucked her.
I got that.
Yeah. No, you hadn't.
-No. You'll break the window. No. -It's double-glazed.
-Let me be! -If it isn't her, I'm leaving.
Dona'!
-Look who's still alive. -Look at what I brought you.
Go on, Vittorio. Go. My friend and I can handle this.
-Are you introducing me to-- -Thanks for the ride.
Hey.
What are you… Put it away.
-Good, right? Signed as well. -Go that way!
-What? -The door is that way. Come in!
-Bye, Vittorio. Go. -No, wait.
-Come on, please. -Be polite and introduce me.
No, I'm not going in with a priest. It's weird to show up with a priest.
It's exactly the same.
It's identical.
Even the signature is the same.
Hey.
-What do you want? -I mean, I'm right here.
-This is Father Vittorio. -Nice to meet you.
-Head of transport.
-Shake her hand. -Yes…
-Donata, nice to meet you. -Father Vittorio.
Hey.
-What? -You know what.
-You can't do that. -I was just…
I'll leave you to it. I'm late for the service. Goodbye.
-Goodbye. -Good boy.
Go to confession.
So how do we do this? I'll give you an advance for now, yeah?
How much did you have in mind?
I'm not an expert in the market, but--
Look, this is 10% of the sale price.
300,000 lire?
-Are you saying it's worth 3 million? -It's worth at least 3 million.
Well, we should celebrate, then.
I'll take you dancing.
Are you a good dancer?
The best.
He turns around and sees a huge bear.
Even bigger than the one before.
-A giant white bear. -No way!
He goes, "Tell the truth. You're not here for the hunt, are you?"
Hey!
They played our song, and you left.
Folks, this is Toni.
Toni, Balbo.
Balbo, Toni.
Hello. I'll grab a chair.
Toni is an artist.
An artist I've recently met.
Toni is a forger.
Oh, a forger.
Wow.
And…
And Balbo gets me jewelry.
Necklaces, rings…
He gives me a good price. I don't ask where they're from.
And tonight, do you have any necklaces or rings?
I'd like to give my girlfriend a gift.
Really?
Hey, Crocca, what's in the stash tonight? Do we have an engagement ring?
Let me check.
Crocca's an athlete, you know?
He's a hammer thrower. Can you do that?
What's "hammer throwing"?
Here.
I got these two sparklers left.
I'll take them both.
Now you're pushing it.
-Those two are worth… -Three million.
-What's the problem? -Toni, what are you doing?
-They're worth ten times as much. -I said I'd take them both. Okay?
You know we make paper planes with checks, right?
-Really? -Get them tomorrow with real money.
Look, this is bullshit, Toni.
Donata, relax. It's not even my money.
Come on. The signature, though,
is as good as the real one.
Fine, we'll take it.
But there's a corollary.
I was stuck on a crossword puzzle for a week over that word.
-Fuck knows what it is, but I like it. -And what's the "corollary"?
The corollary is that if you're screwing with us,
the Driver will drop by tomorrow.
Then you'll find out why they call him that.
The corollary is clear.
Here's another joke.
You might already know this one.
Do you know the one about the safari in Africa?
I must've told you.
The moon from up there…
Hey.
They took the check.
And they gave us this stack of cash.
Good.
You risked becoming disabled.
Instead, you're buying me breakfast.
Yeah, we'll show you our hangout.
Balbo, Crocca, The Driver, and the others…
The truth is, I knew who they were.
In those years, everyone in Rome knew the gang members' names.
Marcello, will you pour me a spuma?
But reading about them wasn't like having them in front of you.
You always play alone.
Are these for eating, or just for show?
We've got another comedian.
Balbo, where do you find them? The circus?
-Can you play pool? -Of course I can play.
Stutty, rack the balls for Paul Newman over here.
Why do they call you Stutty?
Be…
B… be… because…
I get it. Rack the balls.
Let's see if you're better with a brush or with a cue.
Fucking hell.
-An artist? -Yeah.
Meaning? Donata's copies?
Not just those.
I do my own stuff too.
I'm versatile, Ba'.
The other day, my friend and I hit an armory.
They're still talking about it.
That was you?
Yes.
With a friend.
We've been chasing the sons of bitches
who pulled that job without clearing it with us for days.
And here you are.
-I just opened the safe, Balbo. -What did you need the guns for?
-Me, no reason. A friend of mine did. -What did he need them for?
The big guns are for politicians.
He left me two pistols.
What politicians? Red or Black?
Red.
You even got the color wrong.
I don't give a fuck about colors.
I'm for whoever helps me live well.
Let's go see these masterpieces.
Wait here.
It's nice here. Looks like a beaver's den.
I could find you a more decent place to live.
I don't need a place to live, Ba'. I need a studio.
A real studio, with the right light, the space, not this shithole.
What I need is an atelier.
An atelier?
I'll jot that one down too. I'll find you an atelier.
-Really? -Where you can live as well.
Just give me a hand if you've got five minutes.
I've got all day for an atelier.
-These… -Yeah?
I'll buy them off you.
Let's go, Michelangelo.
Here we are. That's the front door.
-That one? -Yes.
This used to be the warehouse of a guy who worked for us.
Then he had the bright idea of talking to a magistrate, you know?
It's all here. Typewriter, TV…
Toss it all. Do whatever you want with it.
Fix up the entrance, a couple of plants.
You can get yourself a dog, get laid.
And voilà.
Look at the light in here. Not like that tomb you were living in.
So what do you say? Will this do as an atelier?
It will indeed. But I can't afford it.
You don't have to pay.
As long as you do the occasional job for us.
What kind of job?
Artistic stuff.
More or less.
File the serial numbers off these. Do you know how?
-Of course. -Good.
That's the former owner of the house.
I can also show you the less artistic side.
-No, for the love of God! -What should I do?
What should I take? His ear or his eye?
You choose! Ear, eye…
-The eye. -Take the eye!
-Oh God, no! -I'll take his mouth so he shuts up.
-I'm begging you, have mercy. -Open your mouth!
-Make him open his mouth. -Please have mercy!
Please! I'm begging you!
I didn't tell the judge anything. I won't tell the judge anything.
Mercy!
Please…
Well?
And the best part?
He said he didn't talk.
He didn't talk?
-That's what he said. -No, he's told them everything already.
-Isn't that so? -No. I…
Right, little canary?
No, I…
-You've already sung, haven't you? -I…
Let's hear you sing!
I…
"I," my ass!
He won't sing again.
Don't worry. He was a snitch.
I'll send someone to clean so you can move in tomorrow.
Here.
This is for you.
For the Modigliani.
A collector bought it for 8 million.
What?
I take 30%.
So I kept 2.4 million, and there's 5.6 million in there for you,
minus the 300,000 I already gave you.
This is what you should do.
This is your thing.
You can make all the money you want.
-What am I supposed to do? -What do you mean? Paint.
-Copies? -Copies, of course.
You can do something no one else can even come close to.
But it's not enough to be good. You've got to know which fakes to make.
And I bet you know which fakes to make.
We've got to go all-in on the early 1900s, Toni.
-On those doodles you like. -That itch.
Someone who finally realizes I'm the best painter in Rome.
There it is. Life's changing, once again, when you least--
So?
Want to go into business with me?
What kind of business?
Of the heart?
That too.
You're falling in love.
-I never do. -You're falling in love.
I told you. I never fall in love.
Neither do I.
Monet, Boccioni, De Chirico. All of them. I could paint them all.
That was my thing.
All of it. We'll fill up the whole place.
We'll have all the paintings that everyone wants, but no one has.
I remember everything about those months.
And I remember being happy.
There's parquet on the ceiling.
-There is. -There's parquet on the ceiling too.
And this
is our… room.
Our room?
You said it.
That's how I imagined my life would be.
Did he tell you we were altar boys?
-No, he didn't. -I haven't had the chance yet.
-All three of us were. -No way.
Yes. Then they kicked me out.
Fabione got a factory job, and now he's into politics.
-And Vittorio, you can see for yourself. -Why did they kick him out?
Eat your cake.
I know. Which reason do you want me to share?
Anyway, he stole from the collection.
-To buy paintbrushes. -Yeah, sure.
You're the only consistent one.
Consistent? Him?
He didn't want to be a priest. He cared about money.
That's not true. It's much more complicated than that.
Tell her what your mother would say.
-That priests are more elegant-- -That priests eat!
She'd say that priests eat!
Don't listen to him, Vittorio.
All right. And?
Poor family, few prospects.
This was the only way for me to continue my studies.
So here I am.
Anyway, your mom was right.
He is elegant, isn't he?
-Thank you. -Super elegant.
You know, you two look a bit alike.
-Really? -Yes.
-So I'm elegant too. -Super elegant.
-What do you want? -The same.
Fabione wants to see you. Come to mass on Maundy Thursday.
Sure.
I like Donata, by the way.
Me too.
Now that you've got this far, please don't screw it up.
There's a time for everything.
Whose rust bucket is this?
Father, I'll get you a car.
-Everyone's got it in for my car. -Balbo, nice to meet you.
I know I'm late, but I was busy.
To make it up to you, look at what I brought you.
-What happened? -Nothing.
What's this? Franca's tiramisu?
-How are you? -Good. You?
-Good. -Who is Franca?
But there's a problem with happiness.
It's never enough.
And that was my mistake.
You make good money as an artist, eh?
Very good money.
-How much was it? -Less than yours.
Yeah? Does Donata know you're out clubbing on your own at night?
What do you think?
You have to keep a little mystery. You can't tell women everything.
-Let's go. A guy wants to meet you. -Who?
A guy.
What the fuck are you wearing?
Hey, Ba'.
This is To… Toni?
-Hey. -Sansiro, Toni.
-Nice to meet you, Toni. -The pleasure is mine.
He has to travel. He needs a passport.
Okay. We'll make him a child's passport.
He likes to joke.
If you were a customs officer, who would you stop? Me or you?
-I'd stop me. -Exactly.
You'd be wrong, right?
Kindness is the weapon of the strong.
Do you have your real passport with you?
Let's go.
-Go. -You're not coming, Ba'?
No, I'm going dancing.
SIGNATURE OF THE HOLDER SIGNATURE AUTHENTICATION
Done!
Hey.
Your name is Edoardo now.
It's impeccable.
Well, that's my job.
So what Balbo said was true, huh?
-I owe you a favor. -Yes.
Tie a knot in your handkerchief so you don't forget.
Why do they call you Sansiro?
I believe in two things.
One is Inter.
I'm an Inter fan myself.
Altobelli?
Overrated.
Oriali?
Oriali is good.
Baresi?
He's the best.
You're the man, Toni.
Take care, Sansiro.
You're the man.
Go Inter!
Always.
Fabio!
Look what he's come to.
So you're hanging out with the fascists?
Who told you that shit?
Look at me when I'm talking to you.
Fascist scumbags who set off the bombs on the trains just to kill people?
I'm not hanging out with anyone.
You're just wasting your time.
Talking politics with you is pointless.
Hey, are you trying to break his feet?
I'm sorry.
Vittorio told me you have a little typewriter shop.
Is that true?
And that you have one for us too?
I've got an IBM with a rotating head.
The R sticks a bit, but it's a rocket.
Do me a favor, then.
Tomorrow, put it in the trunk of a gray Ford.
It'll be parked outside your shop.
No problem, Fabio.
Thanks.
Look at his face.
He's a mess.
I'll do it.
I'd like to see you wash bums' toenails.
-Okay, I'm going. -No dumb shit, Fabio.
-Bye. -Bye.
You're old-fashioned. You think fruit is for kids.
I'm telling you, it's not.
Strawberry and lemon are the best, believe me.
So eat them. What the fuck do you want from me?
"Stunned, admonished."
Astonished.
I knew it. This lemon tastes like soap.
What the fuck took you so long? I thought they had hired you.
-There were too many flavors. -He was waiting for lemon.
This meeting's been planned for months, and you're blowing it for gelato?
What are you, seven?
It was just ten minutes!
Ten minutes.
Do you know what ten minutes can cost with certain people?
Wait, listen to this.
The Christian Democrat leader, the Honorable Aldo Moro,
has just been kidnapped in Rome by a group of terrorists.
I can't believe it.
The incident…
-How the fuck did they do it? -Turn it up.
…took place outside his parliamentary residence.
-The terrorists opened fire… -Come on, let's go.
…on the escort accompanying the Christian Democrat leader.
They then forced him into…
This kidnapping is great news.
It's at a time like this that you've gotta invest.
And these buildings are an excellent opportunity.
Am I right?
As always, Zu Pippo.
Yeah.
Balbo says you can help us
with the documents to get to and from New York.
-At your service. -Good.
Virginia will give you everything you need.
-These paintings are nice. -This is the avant-garde.
-It's what the market wants. -And they sell well.
What about these?
This is my stuff.
Does it sell?
Not as well.
What do you think, Virginia?
Do you like them?
You know what we'll do?
I'll buy these.
How much for them?
I can't name a price. It's already an honor that you like them.
-I'm thinking you're the right person. -For what?
I want you to paint something special for me.
For me though.
Napoleon.
Seems fitting.
-Can you do it? -This one here?
You won't know the difference.
And I'd like it to be a gift.
Balbo.
Do you see Toni's manners?
I wish all of you Romans had them too. But you don't always do.
Oh well. You have to be a little patient.
We Romans are…
We've got no history. We just improvise.
But you have to be careful.
Rumors are spreading.
Some people say, "Balbo talks too much."
"He's always talking and talking."
Really? Who are these people?
It's not any one person. It's the rumor mill.
The rumor mill? Oh well.
Rumors are like ghosts.
They float around, but who believes in them?
I'm heading off.
I'm off to the studio.
I'll walk you to the door.
I'll wait for the documents, then?
Of course.
Your uncle didn't let you answer before.
-Answer what? -About the paintings.
-Your paintings? -Do you like them?
Look, I'm not an expert,
but compared to other copies,
yours seem more real, more beautiful.
But again, I'm not an expert, so don't listen to me.
If you like them, then you are an expert.
Would you like a portrait?
Bye.
It was around 12:50 when a phone call came in to the newsroom.
A voice said,
"In a phone booth on Via Teulada, at the corner of Piazzale Clodio,
there is a Red Brigades leaflet."
The leaflets were typewritten and marked with the usual five-pointed star.
Vittorio told me you have a little typewriter shop.
I've got an IBM with a rotating head. The R sticks a bit, but it's a rocket.
A second message from the Red Brigades
found in Rome, Milan, Turin, and Genoa
is deemed authentic by investigators.
Let us pray for the Honorable Aldo Moro.
The pope did not want to miss the traditional…
This evening, the Red Brigades issued a leaflet,
the sixth in their series,
on the kidnapping of the Honorable Aldo Moro.
The leaflet, similar in form to the previous ones,
states that the so-called "interrogation of Moro" has ended.
It mentions a verdict of guilt and a death sentence.
…that was a dangerous cross, curling back toward the center of the box,
where Oriali was well-positioned.
Collovati, coming in at speed, managed to get there and intercept,
sending it out for a corner.
Eight minutes have passed since the start of the second half.
A superior second half…
-Hi. -Hi.
-When is it due? -In about ten days.
With aging of the frame too. Can you do it?
Of course I can. Gauguin is easy as pie.
Who is this for?
It's for a friend.
How much are they paying us?
We're not getting paid.
Then do Gauguin first because we're getting paid for that.
-Bye. -Bye.
What… Hey.
Is this a bad time?
-May I? -Sure.
Here are the documents from Zu Pippo.
Is here okay?
-You wanted to do my portrait. -Your portrait, sure.
-Is the light okay here? -That's perfect.
Make yourself comfortable. You need to be comfortable.
I'll remove my jacket. I'll be more comfortable.
-You're not very comfortable, are you? -No, I'm not comfortable yet.
Take your shoes off, then.
Now I am.
That's better.
Hey.
Are you really doing my portrait?
-Me? -Yeah.
We'll do the portrait later.
I like this light.
Who the fuck is that?
They're looking for you.
They're always looking for me.
-Hey! -Hurry up. We have to go somewhere.
The Tailor wants to talk to you.
-What does he want? -How the fuck should I know?
He must want to meet you.
-Let's go meet him, then. -Hey.
Don't be a dick.
These are the real bad guys in all of this.
Good evening, Toni.
Good evening.
Those pants are one size too big.
I thought they were fashionable.
But if you say so, I believe you.
Toni, we need a favor, and it's quite urgent.
We need a fake statement from the Red Brigades.
A fake statement?
But, of course, identical to the real ones they have us find
in phone booths or trash cans.
Would you be able to do that?
I think so.
You think?
I'll make it identical.
Good.
These are copies of the statements that have been released so far.
This is a draft of what it should say.
Most importantly, it has to say that the president is dead.
You can make up the rest.
And this is…
You're paying me in advance?
…to measure the circle around the star.
That's how you can tell if the statement is real or fake.
Okay?
And why should I do this?
Because we have to save the president's life.
Isn't it obvious?
Of course.
The last statement was number six. Yours has to be number seven.
Don't forget.
"Fashionable."
Funny guy.
We are exactly above Lake Duchessa,
the place where the Red Brigades said, in statement number seven,
Aldo Moro's body would be found.
Since dawn this morning,
firefighters, police, and carabinieri haven't found anything.
What a masterpiece.
Hundreds of tips are reaching the police, the carabinieri,
and the finance police, who are searching the area…
I'm just saying.
…inch by inch.
If we say we'll deliver on the 15th,
then it has to be the 15th, Toni.
And I'm not about to make an ass of myself
just because you've got to paint that Napoleon.
Are you listening, or am I talking to myself?
…in the area of Lake Duchessa,
where authorities and investigators have set up their headquarters…
Isn't Lake Duchessa near your hometown?
Yes. It's near my hometown.
-Are you going out? -I'm having lunch with Vittorio.
-What about Gauguin? -It'll be ready on the 15th.
Get dressed up tonight. I'll make it up to you.
Specialized divers have carried out a dive into the lower water layer.
I take you out for foie gras, and you're having soup, Vittorio?
Foie gras and caviar aren't really my thing.
You don't know how to enjoy life.
Where's your collar?
Isn't your collar required?
No, it's not mandatory.
The Church's rules call for "worthy attire."
But I understand Rome has a very different idea of what that means.
What's wrong, Vitto'?
The outgoing bishop put my name forward to make me a monsignor.
But it went to someone else instead.
Someone who has a lot of friends in the Vatican.
So maybe, I don't know, I guess he was worthier than me.
And I'm stuck here.
You're fine wherever you are. Trust me, no worries.
You're not cut out for worries.
Think of the bed they'd have given you if you had become a monsignor.
Anyway, you're in a good mood. What's up? What are you up to?
I'm working for the common good.
I'll pay. I've got to run.
-See you, Vitto'. Take care. -You're leaving?
What the fuck are you doing here?
I came to dance. Is that okay?
You can't come here to dance.
You know you can't.
What do you care?
Doesn't that bother you?
That's just how he is. He's like a kid. He can't control himself.
He likes to show off.
One day it's a blonde, the next it's a brunette.
To fucking hell with one day.
As long as they know their place.
Whatever makes you happy.
Who are these people?
Do you know them? Hey.
Wait here.
Better?
Is this fashionable too?
If you've come to tell me I did a good job,
you can go back to bed. I already know.
I can confirm that.
Excellent job.
-We need something else from you. -What? Another statement?
We need to let the Red Brigades know that they can get a lot of money
in exchange for the president's life.
The pope himself is raising the money.
The pope?
How much money?
Ten billion.
Ten billion?
Tell your friend he can save himself.
That they can all save themselves and take the money.
Send Donata my apologies for taking up her time.
Listen a sec.
Who's telling you all this stuff?
My girlfriend's name, my friend in the Red Brigades?
Just do as I say, Toni.
Is it true they'll soon find where the president's being held?
A matter of days.
And what will you do to the Red Brigades when you find him?
Do you want to save your friend?
Dona'? Hey.
I need you to call Vittorio tomorrow. But from the gallery.
It's important.
Will you do that?
What's wrong?
They're coming to our home now, To'? Who was that?
-Let's go to bed. -No, we're not going to bed.
-Dona'! -Who was it, and what did he want?
Don't give me that crap about it being for my own good.
I've been involved in this world for 20 years without you.
I've never gotten hurt. I can tell when shit's real.
-Okay, I got it. -No, you don't get it, Toni!
Because if you get into trouble, I do too.
You can sleep on the couch tonight.
I'm off to the front.
You've got a lot of explaining to do.
The pope has ten billion ready. The government won't negotiate.
-Listen, you'll end up pushing up daisies. -I don't give a fuck how we end up.
Who are you speaking for?
I don't know who he is. It's a guy I did a favor for once.
The pope needs proof that Moro is alive.
Then he'll give you the suitcase with the money, and you'll free him.
I'll let you know.
-Bye. -Be careful.
Hey!
What is this place?
Come. We don't have much time.
This is the third shelf.
You get here.
You move these rags, put the suitcase here, and leave.
No one will be here.
This is proof that Moro is still alive right now.
He's holding today's paper.
RED BRIGADES
Fabio, what are you doing?
Just drop everything and leave. Let's get the fuck out of here.
No more commies. No more fascists. Let's go.
Toni,
you fell into this by accident.
I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be.
Subject is in my line of fire.
No action until the exchange has been made.
The priest is here. They're talking.
Move the microphone closer.
I was expecting a guy with a duffel bag, but I've brought you the pictures of Moro.
And the money?
The Holy Father has endured hours of endless torment,
but ultimately decided not to go through with the exchange.
-He doesn't want to save his friend? -I'm only here to let you know.
Let me know what? Let me know, my ass!
-What's going on? -The priest has left.
The subject is in my line of fire, but he doesn't have the suitcase.
Should I proceed anyway?
He's leaving. Should I proceed anyway?
The Vatican must have figured it out and called off the operation. Fall back.
-Hello? -Vitto'? Hey, Vitto'.
What's happening?
You've got to call Fabione. Tell him to run.
Palermo. Torn apart by an explosive device on the Trapani-Palermo railway line,
the 30-year-old Giuseppe Impastato…
The Ministry of Education's decision
regarding the schools that will be used as polling stations…
An important piece of news has just broken in Rome.
The body of a man has been found in the center of the city.
It may be the body of Aldo Moro.
There is still no official confirmation.
The body is said to have been found in a sack.
I repeat, in the center of Rome, in Via Caetani, near Piazza Argentina,
just a few meters from the headquarters of the Christian Democracy Party
and from the headquarters
of the Italian Communist Party in Via delle Botteghe Oscure.
The uncertainty and bitterness of these moments is understandable.
These reports, we repeat, remain unofficial.
No news agency has yet confirmed them.
We are waiting for the Ministry of the Interior.
About 70 minutes ago,
vehicles from the flying squad and DIGOS
began pulling into Via Caetani…
The undersecretary of the Interior, Nicola Lettieri, is already on the scene,
along with political figures, police forces…
There's no trace of the memoir.
Police officials have confirmed
that the man found near Via delle Botteghe Oscure
is the Honorable Aldo Moro.
The Tailor is all talk.
He even promised me he'd get two of our friends out of Regina Coeli
if we found where Moro was being held.
-Did you find him? -Of course we did.
But they didn't do shit, and my friends are still in the slammer.
My friend has disappeared though.
He's probably hiding out in the sewers.
-Who the hell is The Tailor anyway? -Someone who's served us well up to now.
He has a lot of people in his pocket.
Cops, judges, lawyers… All folks we've got on payroll.
But if he doesn't do as we say, I'll show you how bad we'll fuck him up.
-He's got the priests too. -What do you mean?
Someone from the Vatican.
He was supposed to give me a suitcase with ten billion
for the Red Brigades in exchange for Moro.
-I bet the whole thing blew up, huh? -Yeah.
You know you got lucky?
If you had taken that suitcase, you wouldn't be here now.
The Tailor didn't want to save him.
-Why would they kill Moro? -Why would they kill him?
He wanted a coalition with the communists.
Your Red Brigade buddies will wind up dead or serving a life sentence. Trust me.
What a loss.
-Paul Newman sucks next to you. -Finally, you get it.
Speak of the devil.
-Are you coming back to finish the game? -No, I'm fucking done with losing.
No, the deals we made, you stick to them, okay?
Where I come from, that's betrayal.
You'll see what the fuck will happen to you and to that puppet of yours.
Thank you. Thanks a lot.
Searches have been carried out in numerous apartments, basements,
underground areas, and garages.
Roadblocks and traffic checks are ongoing.
As for the investigations launched immediately after…
-You're here? -Yeah.
Yeah.
I don't know what to say. I can't find the words.
I'm honored you liked it.
You've won me over with it. You've won me over.
You can ask me anything you want, you know? Anything.
There is one thing.
…by chance, the day before yesterday.
It was an important operational base for the Red Brigades…
My friend is in danger.
This is confirmed by the examination of the documents and material recovered,
which have been partly taken to the scientific laboratories of--
Do you know what Napoleon did when they pointed out to him
that all his men in Russia were dying from the cold?
Do you know?
You don't know.
Exactly. He did nothing.
Nothing.
Because fighting the obvious is stupid.
And dangerous too.
Try to understand.
Now go and have fun.
Dona'?
Donata?
Hey.
How was the party, Toni?
Did your friend like the painting?
-What are you doing? -What am I doing, Toni?
You and I had a deal.
You broke it, and I'm leaving.
-It'll be ready in two days. -Two days?
-You'll never finish it. -Two days.
And that's not the point!
Donata…
-I get the one-night stands. -One-night stands?
-Yes. -You're being paranoid.
Yes, I'm being paranoid.
I struggle, but I get them.
And I can even overlook the fact that you tell me a lot of lies.
I know you do.
What I really don't understand
is why you still need to hang out with people
who make you feel more of a man than you are.
I want nothing to do with this, Toni.
And I'm taking the paintings. Why do you need them anyway? No reason.
Listen, Donata…
I'll send someone tomorrow, so you can devote yourself to your pals. Okay?
I'll leave you this one, though, as a token of my affection.
So you can remember what you've become when you wake up.
You know what's worse than not having any talent, Toni?
Having just a little.
Because that little bit is enough
to make you understand that you're worthless.
You're not capable of anything unless you have something to copy.
What are you talking about?
Are you done?
From that moment on,
it all went to shit.
Goodbye, au revoir
Hey, what the fuck?
Toni and I went to the scrapyard.
The brake lines were cut.
They tampered with them.
Who was it?
Toni! I'm sorry--
Toni, my ass, you piece of shit!
-What did you do to him? -Stop it.
Behave. That's enough.
It's a tough day for everyone. We need to be understanding.
I'm really sorry about your friend, Toni.
Although, if I may say so,
I didn't expect such a reaction from you.
A sudden burst of courage.
But you must be able to afford courage, Toni.
And do you know what else you can't afford?
Curiosity.
All these questions you ask around about who we are, what we do,
how your friend died.
What do you say?
Shall we stop this charade and go back to talking like polite individuals?
Yes?
We need the president's memoirs.
Not the one published in the papers, of course. I want the full version.
We're not the only ones looking for it,
but maybe your friend can help us be the first to get it.
I don't know where my friend is.
I'm sure you'll find a way.
What if I don't want to find a way?
Toni, I've just told you.
You can't afford to be curious or brave.
-This is the last time we see each other. -Well, I wouldn't wish that on you.
Go fuck yourself!
Dona'?
No, Toni. It's Vittorio.
Vitto'.
What's up?
All good. You?
Yeah, all good. Tell me.
Listen, I'm a little embarrassed,
but
my soup kitchen needs some donations,
and I thought that…
How much do you need?
It's mostly for renovations because it's falling apart.
What the fuck? Hey!
-Zu Pippo. -Hey.
So? Are they taking good care of you?
Yes.
Do you need anything?
They keep giving me soup.
How's it going?
Toni, in life, you've got to use this.
And you've got to know who you're with and who you're against.
Balbo didn't know how, even though I'd warned him.
And you were about to make the same mistake.
I couldn't do anything for him,
but I saved you from a funeral.
You've got to stay in your place.
I'll tell you a story.
A while ago, I gave a ton of money to a banker.
He made his fortune working in the US.
He was supposed to invest it. But what did he do?
He stole it from me.
Have we ever caused a racket, a commotion, a fuss? No.
We kept quiet, and we still are.
We're waiting.
Come here.
Important things require patience.
It took me five months to be able to hold a paintbrush again.
And now?
Who was I without my hands?
Who did I think I was?
I thought there was no price to pay.
But Rome… always comes to collect.
Hello?
-To'? -Vitto'.
-Am I disturbing you? -Tell me.
I have some good news.
You spent my money well, huh?
-Do you like it? -Very much so.
Listen, how are your hands?
They're fine.
Gloves.
Here he is.
Vittorio met her. What was she like?
Donata is a top-notch woman.
In fact, he didn't deserve her.
I miss her like crazy.
I miss everything.
I miss the way she looked at me.
She made me feel…
Alive.
Yes, alive.
I screwed up.
We always screw up.
Toni.
I need to get out of here.
As far away as possible.
The number of informants is increasing.
And the police will shoot first and ask you to raise your hands later.
Can you help me?
Of course I can help you.
I'll make you a passport. I can do it even with these hands.
I also have money. Not much, but I have some left.
No, I don't need money.
The passport will do.
Obviously, if you need a hand, just ask.
Are you going to give me your fancy car?
Here we go. I knew sooner or later the fancy car would come up.
-It was a gift anyway-- -Really? From who?
-The bishop. -Nice!
When can we meet him?
You are the last people I'd bring to a dinner at the Curia.
-The last people? Why? -What's wrong with your friends?
It was a gift to reward me for my hard work--
Wait a minute.
Before you go, we have something important to do.
Use your feet, not your hands!
-With your feet! -You need your own ball!
-With your feet, Vitto'! -Are you passing it?
-Come on! -Come on, Vitto'!
Come on, Toni!
Touch it!
-Fabio, pass it! -Stop by Altobelli.
Go, Vitto'! Head it! Pass it!
You suck!
Altobelli sees Oriali!
Bicycle kick by Oriali!
Head it! Pass it!
Goal!
Oriali!
That was the last time the three of us were together.
What do you want? What are you doing here?
I came to apologize.
All the apologies in the world wouldn't be enough.
I've also got a proposal.
Sell it.
What does this mean?
It means I need the money.
-The money? -Dona'.
-I need the money. -What are you doing, Toni? Get up. Why?
Because weddings are expensive.
-What are you talking about? -I want to do things right.
-We'll invite half of Rome. -Yeah, right.
-I'll buy you a dress with… -It's called a train.
-With a train. -Yes.
Rose petals, a ring bearer… Please.
Dona', I really mean it.
I screwed up, but I mean it.
Toni, come on.
Please.
To'.
You're pregnant.
Yes, To', I am pregnant.
-I really don't need you anymore. -What do you mean?
It's our child.
-We're not together anymore. -It's our child.
You have other things going on, other business.
It's the only real thing I've done.
Wow.
Fuck, it's perfect.
Because I'm an artist.
Thanks, To'.
Here.
These are the memoirs.
How many pages are there?
More than twice the published ones.
-More than twice? -What do you need it for?
To make more money?
This is my life insurance, Fabio.
I never understood shit about politics, you're right.
But this gives me a chance of staying alive.
Where are you going?
Maybe to Tierra del Fuego.
Tierra del Fuego.
If it were closer, I'd come visit you.
Better not to.
Rome is beautiful, isn't it?
It's best if we never see each other again.
Go before we both start crying.
Who am I kidding? Where the fuck will I go?
If we never meet up again, I hope it's your fault.
You bastard. You took the words right out of my mouth.
Bye, To'.
"Naturally, I address myself to you."
"But I mean all of you. On the party, on the country."
"Think carefully, dear friends."
"Be independent."
"Look not to tomorrow, but to the day after."
"I repeat that I do not accept the verdict of the Christian Democrats."
"I will absolve no one and justify no one."
"At times, I think of the many wrong choices."
"Choices that others did not deserve."
"Then I tell myself that it all would have been the same,
for it is fate that seizes us."
"The truth, dear friends,
is greater than any electoral gain."
"Give me millions of votes on one hand, but remove an atom of truth on the other,
and I will still be the loser."
"It all seems somewhat absurd to me, but what matters isn't explaining things."
"It's whether something can be done, and doing it."
"Can't the pope do anything in this case?"
"Because we had droves of friends."
"Not a single voice, that I know of, has risen so far."
"Now, suddenly, just when a faint glimmer of hope appears,
the order for execution incomprehensibly arrives."
"Sweetest Noretta, I am in the hands of God and yours."
"Pray for me."
"I would like to see with my small mortal eyes
how things will look afterwards."
"If there were light, it would be beautiful."
What is this place?
It's a workshop, but it's not in use.
-Why do you have to hide it? -What?
Why do you have to hide it?
-What's in there? -My future is in here, Vitto'.
Tell me what's going on.
Mind your own fucking business.
Just find me a safe place in this shithole,
and then we can leave.
Hey, Vitto'.
What?
If anything happens to me, give this envelope to Donata.
All right.
I love you, Vitto'.
Flavio…
You don't even know if it's a boy or a girl.
-It's a boy. -How do you know?
I can feel it.
Imagine if, when he's older,
he starts copying the other kids' drawings at kindergarten.
Well, at least that way we'll know for sure he's your son.
I don't know if I want him to be like me.
Why?
He has to be like you.
Yes, only you.
I want him to be like you.
Oh God, not every single thing.
But I'd be sad if he wasn't like you.
If he didn't have your beautiful hands.
Please, Toni, I'm tired.
I'm tired.
And now?
A little better.
Hold on, I'm feeling better.
When my son asks who his dad was,
what will they tell him?
A thief?
A forger?
A coward?
So how is it?
I was tired of letting others decide.
Better than the original.
Come here.
-What? -Come up.
Yes.
I wanted to be free.
Free to screw over the bad guys in this whole story.
The money the banker stole from you. The story you told me in the hospital.
A little bird told me it's on the Aurelia, in a warehouse.
-And the little bird is telling the truth. -Let's get it back.
-We don't do robberies. -I'll do the robbery.
You're too confident.
By now, you should know that, at the table of the Big Game,
the house always wins.
Always.
Be quiet. Stay calm.
But I'm a gambler.
And I feel I've gotta go all-in now.
I'll take a small cut of the money and leave.
I'll disappear with Donata and the baby.
I'll vanish.
All right, Toni.
You have my blessing.
-What's his name? -Cesare.
Look at his face.
-Can I shoot him? -No, you can't.
-Why? -Because you can't.
-He works the night shift at the bank. -It all seems way too easy, Toni.
They won't open for us, but if they did…
-What the-- -Mama's boy! Go on, start the car.
I didn't do anything.
Who said anything? I just wanna go for a ride.
Good boy.
Who are you?
Red Brigades.
I'm early.
Say it again.
-Hey. -Will you let me in?
Did he open the gate?
Once we're in, Crocca will handle things.
I just wanna make it clear that I'll throw punches here and here…
Good evening.
Give me the tapes. I said give me the tapes.
Hurry up! I said hurry up.
-You've got to hurry. -Yeah, I get it!
Stutty, stop whining. We'll make you rich.
-Hey. -It's empty!
Clean sweep. I win!
Hands up, you shits! Freeze! Hands up!
Cooperate. They're from the Red Brigades! They're Red Brigades!
Calm down. You were losing anyway. Open the vault.
One, two.
-Who will tie them up? -Stutty.
-No, you. -I tie them up?
The money! Fill the bags. The money. Go!
Hurry up, come on! We're going on vacation!
You were playing cards, huh?
It's not our money anyway.
Stutty, can you go faster?
Fucking hell!
Hurry! Come on!
I forged paintings, stamps, passports.
I put my signature on the history of this country.
But this wasn't just a heist.
Hey.
It wasn't a robbery.
What's this act? We need to get out of here.
This is art.
You wouldn't understand.
Hey.
Why the long faces? Smile.
That's it. Smile.
Smile!
Good.
RED BRIGADES
There's a major mobilization of law enforcement resources
working to understand the circumstances of the armed group's assault on the bank.
It appears that four men, without causing any casualties,
in a single operation, managed to seize over 30 billion lire.
A record sum in our country's history,
in what is already being called the heist of the century.
Conceptual art is definitely not your thing.
Your installation at the bank was in poor taste.
I wasn't sure
whether to leave the measuring tape
or a turd.
Look at where your irony has got us, Toni.
It's a fitting place to discuss a dead man's diary.
You have the memoirs?
Are they complete?
Who knows?
But it's at least twice the length of the published version.
Can I see it?
I don't have it.
Very wise.
I want to have enough time to leave Italy without anyone getting in the way.
Only then will you get the memoirs.
How can I be sure you'll do that?
You can't.
You'll have to trust me.
"Tertium non datur," as my friend says.
I'm out of here. I'm changing my life. I'll change my name, maybe even my face.
Just a few months.
I have to report back.
You know where to find me.
How long since your last confession?
Will you excuse me?
Few of us recognize beautiful things.
Isn't that right, Father Vittorio?
Do we know each other?
Don't worry. I'm a tailor too.
I can continue taking your measurements.
-Oh, okay. -Good.
This is a little long.
I must confess my sins.
I remembered Toni had a priest friend.
But I honestly thought you were a boring guy,
like most good people, after all.
But I was wrong.
You're not boring at all.
May I ask who you are?
We have a report, prepared by the Curia,
for the misappropriation of Church funds,
for personal use, to purchase
a sedan.
Here it is.
A report that may have prevented you from being appointed monsignor.
And there's the money you asked your friend Toni for the soup kitchen.
It had already been renovated two years ago.
Where are you going, Father? Where are you going?
How did you spend that money, Father Vittorio?
French restaurants?
Clothes?
Jewelry?
No, look. I can explain--
I don't doubt it.
But in fact, that's not why we're here.
If Toni happened to have entrusted you with any pages,
the State wants those pages back because they belong to the State.
No, I don't remember him entrusting me with any pages.
Are you sure?
Think carefully, Father Vittorio. You are a minister of the Lord.
Lying doesn't suit you.
-I swear that I-- -And neither does swearing.
I should add, in case you are interested,
that your friend Toni stole a large sum of money.
Money that the State doesn't need in the slightest,
and that, in this case,
could easily become a generous offering to your church.
We are only interested in the pages.
And the last thing I want to tell you
is that in the Vatican, at the highest levels,
there are people who think very highly of me and my work.
Dona'?
Good morning, Toni.
Donata?
Relax, I don't kill pregnant women. She's at the gallery.
What is it?
Have a seat.
Come here.
They hired me to kill you.
I have insurance.
Didn't they tell you?
Not anymore.
The memoirs. They got them from a friend of yours.
He's clearly not that much of a friend.
What did you do to him?
The right question is,
what did they promise him?
Why are you telling me this?
What do you mean, why?
Fuck, there are so few of us Inter fans.
Right? We've got to stick together.
And I never forget my debts.
How much time do I have?
None.
Are you going to hurt Toni?
No. He's one of the people we work best with.
And his hands? Who broke his hands?
The State doesn't break hands, Father Vittorio.
Soon, I might be calling you Monsignor.
Maybe Cardinal one day. Who knows?
Would you like to be a cardinal one day?
It's always the same question. Always the same.
To get to where you want to go,
what are you willing to do?
How much are you willing to sacrifice
to make your dreams
come true?
For you, sir.
What is it?
I don't know. I'm sorry.
Thank you.
It's always the same question.
Always the same.
To get to where you want to go,
what are you willing to sacrifice?
"It's always the same question. "To get to where you want…"
And this time, I sacrificed saying goodbye to my friend.
I'm sorry, Vitto'.
I'm sorry as hell I can't see you one last time.
I can't hug you.
But you, Vitto',
what did you have to sacrifice to get to where you are?
You know you're better than me with words.
But I want to tell you that I love you.
Despite everything, I love you.
I'm changing my life. I'll change my name. Maybe even my face.
-You two look a bit alike. -Really?
I'll disappear with Donata and the baby.
I'll vanish.
How much time do I have?
None.
I've got to give The Tailor a body.
I love you so much that I'm even leaving you my car.
That sedan you got is so tacky.
I'm leaving, Vitto'.
-Father? -No!
Hey.
Take this off. You're all wet.
What were you doing out in the rain?
Hey.
Toni.
Could you put some music on for us?
BASED ON THE BOOK IL FALSARIO DI STATO BY NICOLA BIONDO AND MASSIMO VENEZIANI
Subtitle translation by: Courtney Pesche