Concursante (2007)

[bunniefuu]

Our galaxy contains more or less
one billion stars...

which is a lot, in my opinion.

Poets often talk about the myriad
of stars in the heavenly army,

but if you look at any time...

you can only see 7,646,
at the most...

and tha's if you add
the two hemispheres.

A single observer could,
in ideal conditions,

see half that number.

However, in fact,

the intense absorption of light
of stars close to the horizon...

only allows us to see a third,

a maximum of 2,660 stars
at the most, at the same time...

and from the same place
on a clear,

moonless night

In cities there's no way
of seeing fainter stars,

which means that an observer
can be lucky to count...

between 100-150 stars
at the same time, and not one more.

100 or 150.

Eight or nine dozen stars shining
timidly on a clear, moonless night.

And tonight, it's cloudy.

Which means several things...

...Which means several things...

Inspector,
you should see this.

...one is that poets are poets...

and aren't tuned into
the real world.

That's the fiirst thing.

We removed one of the blocks,

one of the pillars, and...

...which reminds me
I've been dead almost an hour...

waiting to see a tunnel,
relatives greeting me...

Shift that rubble.

Come on.

One, two, three...

And the second is
that the world...

is an illusory, deceptive
and badly lit place.

That's the truth about the sky too.

And if you can't be sure
about the sky above,

you can't be sure
of much else.

You can't have a plane
without a hangar,

and that's why
it all happened,

and no poet found the time
to tell it.

And this here's a plane.

A plane...

A white plane.
And it's your plane.

This isn't the beginning,

it's the first thing
that came to mind.

My memories have
the same order as my life,

the same kind a kid
getting dressed follows.

Congratulations.

Thank you,
Mrs. Santillana.

- You smile a lot.
- Do I?

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to.

I trust, Mr. Circo,
that your particular situation...

Don't worry.

- Nothing will change.
- I'm sure.

Sorry, I don't watch much TV.

Was it on last night?

It was recorded.
They do a few per day...

and try to stay a few weeks ahead
of the broadcast dates...

to have a bit of leeway;
it's a...don't worry.

It'll be quite something
if your inadequate work...

isn't prejudiced
y such good fortune.

Things can always get worse.

I appreciate...

I mean...

Someone should...

Thanks again.

Hold on a minute.

My first run-in with Santillana
was earlier...

in the hall.
I'm ahead of events.

This is not the beginning.

Nothing begins
in Santillana's office.

Things have a tendency
to end here.

Everything began before,
before...

So...

Congratulations!

So it all began at this party,
where it all ended.

It began when I sent off
the label,

or when I bought that coffee...

to take part in the quiz,

which is where it all began,

if we don't take my birth
into account

This is Asunción, my mom,

whom we all called Chonita,
until she changed it to Asun.

She's come from Buenos Aires...

to celebrate with me.

She goes back tomorrow.

And her partner, Alfredo.

For some reason,
I call him Adolfo.

I mix up names
that don't matter.

He doesn't talk or bother anyone.

My dad died when I was ten.

He died in a terrible fire...

which left mom a widow,
homeless, and with me.

He asked to be cremated
and his ashes donated to Science,

but it was enough
to sweep him up...

I was born before...

...when it all began.

And then we took this photo...

and this one, when dad died.

Wasn't there someone there?

And my mom was alone
almost 15 years...

She married again...

And she was widowed again...

She met Alfredo...

who, against all expectations...

has proved to be difficult to k*ll.

...and Marcos was born
...then Sara.

They're actually my brother
and sister.

When mom is old and gray,
they'll take their Communion...

and I'll be dead,
because of the show.

But let's not get ahead
of events...

Laura, my girlfriend.

I met her after leaving Argentina.

She said she'd never leave
as long as I kept my accent.

She's prettier than me,
smells better...

and she gets on well with mom.

Fortunately, there's an ocean
between them.

They're all leaving tomorrow,

except Laura, who loves me,
and this neighbor.

I don't know what the hell
she's doing here...

but she was about to leave.

And this is my Faculty.

Keynes. John Maynard Keynes.



The General Theory of Employment,
Interest and Money, 1936,

the book that has had
the biggest influence...

on life in industrial societies
since the Second World w*r.

"If there's a shortage of money,
print more", he said.

What would happen?

There'd be...inflation.

There'd be inflation?
Let the national bank print money!

"Higher inflation,
less unemployment".

Right?

If you print without backing,
the currency is devalued...

and prices rise.

That's inflation,
it doesn't create employment.

However, he said that
if the currency is devalued

we have to produce more...

He's handsome,
isn't he?

No.

...and that the only way to grow
is by spending.

- Was he insane?
- He was an idiot.

Scientific conclusions!

Look,

no one in the histoty of Economics
uttered as much nonsense...

as he did in the first half
of the 20th century.

Stop kidding yourselves.

We live in the best
of all possible worlds.

It isn't perfect or fair,

but it’s the result
of hundreds of years of work...

by the most brilliant minds
on the planet.

It’s easy to come up
with slogans and protest,

but the next time you take out money
to buy a new mobile,

ask yourselves what makes it
all possible.

So why study Keynes?

Good question.

That’s all for today.
Go out and have fun.

- There's half an hour.
- Go eat a doughnut.

Out you go.

There isn't much more to add.
You needn't thank us.

Your assets have increased
spectacularly,

so sign these forms and enjoy...

Excuse me.

There are some things
I don't understand.

One thing's clear,
you know about Economics.

- The History of Economics.
- Whatever.

- You leave today?
- We want to see the house.

The mansion. 800 square meters,
don't be modest.

- Staying over for a few days?
- No, only tomorrow.

We're back on Sunday.

We've still lots of things to see.

He's broken all the records.

This is the biggest prize ever.

We're all delighted for you.
Enjoy.

She smiles at me.

"Now we can make
our dreams come true".

And I say, "Our dreams?
I don't have any,"

"my dream is to be with you".

"Come on, Martín,
you must have a dream".

So I reply "Brazil"...

and she says, "Brazil?"

You're not a kid.
You can't have a kids dream.

A gangster's dream.

Drink martinis on the beach,
under a sun shade...

without even smiling, happy.

At least you're handsome,
and you still have an accent

And she says,
"Forget what I've said".

'Your career has been worth while".

And so I don't even answer.

We'll have to paint it all...

and furnish it.

We'll celebrate the wedding here.

- But we're already married.
- No, we're not.

Sure we're not married?

I'd remember.

Right. Think about it.

Let’s see...

No, we're not married.

Living together
isn't being married?

It is for me, honey.

But not for your mother.

- You can always marry my mom.
- Yeah,

but I want to marty you.

We're rich, darling, stinking rich.

In 1984, William David, from York...

ate his bike, from the handlebars
to the last spoke...

to appear
in the Guinness Book of Records.

It doesn't make sense
even in England,

where the food is English,

but it’s particularly stupid
to eat your own.

Still, I was in love.

I still didn't know about
clear nights, stars, galaaies...

all I knew was that the Universe
had become a better place.

- Adam Smith.
- Yes.

- J. Bentham, philosopher...
- Utilitarianism.

Won the Nobel Prize for Economics...

- James Tobin.
- Yes.

- Wassily Leontieff...
- Input-output tables.

Public Debt and Capital...

- James Buchanan Junior.
- Yes.

...and I was more than happy
to stay.

- They're looking at us.
- They're looking at us.

- They're looking at us!
- They're loving us!

- Do they?
- They love us!

- King of the Faculty.
- Eloy, my best friend.

Young, an associate professor,

without much hope
of a permanent post,

and with a shitty salary.

Make way for Martín Circo Martín!

Eyes straight ahead!

Santillana, "Vacations",

professor of Economics
and dean of the faculty.

At some point,
her heart was removed.

Keep calm, don't breathe.

One can live without a heart...

A: If she has no blood.

B: She spends
most of her time sitting.

There are women who,
when they look at you...

Mr. Circo...

...say it all.
- Morning.

How are you going?

With a great deal of difficulty,

as you may have noticed.

- How are you going?
- I didn't mean...

- He didn't mean...
- I didn't...

I'm sure you didn't.

Are you well, Mr. Circo?

Yes...Thank you.

No illnesses to report?

Not that I know of.

You should be pleased.

You probably won't die yet.

Would you mind coming to my office
today when you finish your classes?

Today?

Of course he doesn't mind.
It’ll be a pleasure.

Of course, at two o'clock sharp.

- Sharp as a tack.
- As a thorn, Mr. Circo,

as a thorn.

And put out those cigars.

And this here's a plane.

A single engine,
four-seater CESNA-180 aircraft,

valued at 210,000 euros,



And a mansion!
A grand house!

A beautiful 18th centuty
country house...

with its grounds and gardens!

The Big Prize,
ladies and gentlemen,

the sum total of all the prizes
on this show,

all of the prizes together,
the amazing, sensational Big Prize!

For the first time on this show,
three million euros...

in prizes...

that will take our lucky
contestant's breath away!

Congratulations, Martín...

on behalf of all those responsible
for the show...

for this fantastic, spectacular list
of priceless gifts!

A white plane.
And it’s yours.

- Are you scared of flying?
- No, of crashing.

The biggest prize ever won
in the history of TV.

Three million euros in...things,

the kind you would buy
if you really had three million...

so they had saved us
a lot of bother.

Now we had a plane
and a Ferreti yacht,

and a Range Rover Sport,
a 200 HP Mitsubishi,

and a 2,300 c.c. Triumph Rocket

We had a mansion, a collection
by famous artists...

and by the Dutchman with
black and white stairs,

and furniture, and lamps,

and those Chinese ba*ls
that make you nervous,

and those metal pendulums
for executives,

and suits, shoes, films,
hi-fi sets,

and accessories for three kitchens
in case ours blew up...

We were immorally
and unjustifiably rich,

indecently rich,

and we didn't know
how to fly a plane.

Is it that hard to fly?

Nobody knows how to,
it’s impossible to pay.

Insurance, licenses,

and renting the hangar.

We have the yacht.

Just to register
it costs 30,000 euros.


for the maritime register.

Annual mooring fee,
port authority,

maritime services, maintenance,
revisions...

- More than 90,000 euros.
- How much?



It’s expensive being
a millionaire.

If we sold everything
we'd have 500 million.

Yeah...I mean no.

We've got two houses.
The one we won and yours.

Mine? I'm still paying for it.

No bank will refuse
to give us a loan.

A loan? What do you mean a loan?

Decide how much.

- I don't think it's a good idea...
- That's that, then.

We're rich.

There won't be any problem.

Because the houses are yours...

- Yes.
- As I said,

formalities.

Two houses as a guarantee.

When you have the deeds, the manager
will see you personally...

when he's back from his holidays.

We'll draw up the contract.

What's 100 million to somebody
with two houses?

And one of them...

The usual thing: Fixed rate,


with an operative APR of 6.7%...

French system, a constant quota,
three million...

a month, pesetas.

We're obliged to do it,
we don't make anything.

It’s a service.

The bank is a mother to me.

Do you know the difference
between the rich and the poor?

The poor think money
makes you happy.

And the rich...

The rich know it

I was swimming
in prizes and I had...

hundreds of thousands of euros
for tips.

The history of mankind
is a sinister one:

Kings, popes...

great headless puppets,

marionettes of a hidden,
superior economic power.

Acountry doesn't need taxes.

They are unnecessary, a fraud...

used to pay interest.

That’s some start.

Ever heard of Keynes?

- The economist?
- Yes.

No, no idea.

When Robin Hood rebelled...

because they were collecting
one third of their serfs' income...

Were they different times?

Robin Hood,
historical figure of renown.

- Came after Hercules.
- But before Batman.

Different times.

Before, kings had complete power.

Now we work for ourselves.
We know what we're doing...

THE MODERN ECONOMY
IN THE AGE OF GLOBALIZATION

...if not with joy,
with the clear conviction...

it’s a social necessity.

However, delinquency increases
all the time.

Is it moral to levy taxes
if the State doesn't keep its word?

- I don't think it is, do you?
- No, it’s not at all moral.

Forcing the weakest to accept
the most detrimental agreements.

The report you asked me for.

I haven't looked at it.

...Taxes are a mechanism created...

to pass the goods of those who
produce to those who don't.

Goods stolen with force...

and meanwhile the real interest rate
the bank charges comes to 16.200%.



If you apply a simple
mathematical formula...

you can see for yourselves
with a simple bank loan...

Martín...

Martín...

Martín, are you OK?

- Yes?
- Are you OK?

You seem a bit funny.

The expenses have started.

Tomorrow they're giving us the cars,
I've had to insure two.

Full coverage.
And three parking spaces.

Relax. We've got the bank loan.

We've got the loan
and some news.

Eloy checked out
a few things for me.

And?

The IRS says we've got 3 million
Euros. They don't give a sh*t...

Martín, don't swear.

They don't care if we have the money
or if we spent it on nuts.

They're going to ask us for 47.6%
of what, in theory, we've earned.

And what does that mean?

It was obvious what it meant.

For the IRS, our assets had
increased by 500 million pesetas.

For our next tax declaration.

That meant paying almost 48% tax
on the supposed earnings,


roughly half that amount

which I had to come up with it
in less than a year on my salary...

with a loan of
six hundred thousand to pay,

and over 15000 euros spent
in less than two weeks...

without having enjoyed any
of the prizes, except this car.

Cheer up.

We need help.

You're a teacher, not a lawyer.

I know, but it’s more money.

- I'm not sure that...
- Relax, it’ll be well spent.

Relax.

When you're ready.


You're a b*stard,

a lucky b*stard,
pardon the expression.


on whatever you want.

On me, for example.

He couldn't have said that,

not on our first visit.

See that flowerpot?

That means this is
our second visit.

I've never had to tell
my life story before.

I'll start at the beginning

with the first visit.

I should start
with the flowerpot.



Pesetas, that is.

You're a lucky b*stard,
pardon the expression.



To spend? Spent!


You don't need any advice.

We've a problem with that
one million four hundred and fifty.

- This plant is for you.
- No, no, no...

it’s more than that.
Tickle my ba*ls if it were.

The young lady's idea?

From what I can see,

you've only counted 47.6%
of the general scale.

- And that isn't right?
- Yes, yes, yes.

But you have to add on...





f*cking 56%,



for May next year,



Without counting wealth tax.

Wealth tax?

There's a scale of percentages
to be applied.

And since you're not an economist...

Almost one
and a half million pesetas.

To be added on to the 280.

Each of the following years,
more than 5 million, every year.

Have you thought about asking
for a loan?

Do you know how this type
of loan works?

They f*ck you over.

They start to lay on
the pressure,

and they f*ck you
good and proper,

excuse my language.

I'll take a look
at all of this, but...

What a bad idea.

But, you're a lucky guy.
We'll think about how to pay.

- You've got a year?
- Eight months.

Eight months.

There are loads
of f*cking formulas!

You're rich, aren't you?

We'll tighten our belts,

although, obviously,

the wolves won't feed my children.

We're going to have to get rid
of a few things, aren't we?

Make a list.

What I need and don't need.

I need this,
I don't f*cking want that.

This, yes, that, no.

I'm keeping this, f*ck that.

f*ck that, f*ck that, f*ck that...

I don't want it, f*ck it.

I f*cking hate to say it,
but that's how things are.

Everything will be OK.
But that loan...

I'll take care of it, OK?

It went well, didn't it?

Very well, darling.
We just make a list.

I want this, f*ck that!
f*ck it, f*ck it, f*ck it!

What’ll he charge?


Let’s put him on the list.

In 1913,
a certain Donald B. McMillan...

thought he saw the land
of Crocker before him.

He was in the Arctic,


and he watched as snow-capped
mountains, valleys and peaks...

spread out along more than 120º
of the horizon.

He was witnessing
the greatest mirage ever,

one known as Fata Morgana.

The second was seen from the sea
in 1939, in Snaefellsjökkul,

a fairly remote spot in Iceland,

easier, however,
to find than to pronounce.

It was 1,446 meters high...

and was seen from a distance
of approximately 550 kilometers.

Our mirage was 500 million pesetas
long, coming in at third place,

close to that of
Snaefells-whatever in size...

and way ahead in terms of duration.

They're just a few things!

A few?
Know how much this cost?

What do we need the money for?

To pay for the upkeep
of the prizes...

We've got six hundred thousand!
In cash!

- Want to live like before?
- Nobody's saying that,

- but the loan...
- People congratulate us.

We can't win and not change.

I'm not saying shopping...

- You know how much this cost?
- Honey,

you've got to change your look.

You'll do it for me?
I'll take this back.

Don't wait up!

We're not even authorized
to touch anything!

What we're doing
is f*cking ill*gal.

Why didn't you tell me
the bank had frozen your assets?

- What?
- You kids really take an interest.

Assets, frozen:
They're the banks.

Don't you read
what you sign?

The bank gave you
a loan of 100 million,

endorsed by all your possessions.

They're embargoed.

- Signing without me...
- We didn't know you, we...

I've tried to sell a couple
of things back.

- For a percentage.
- And?

Bugger all.
They don't want to know.

A couple of offers
for sweet sh*t all.

CESNA will buy back
if it’s totally untouched,

but for 40% of its value,
and I even had to haggle.

How many times do they want to make
a profit on the same plane?

- It's not even legal.
- What isn't?

- To sell it twice.
- No.

We sell it to them again,
they resell it.

- Twice.
- Right.

But they sell it to the TV,
the TV sells it to us,

we sell it to CESNA,
they sell it again.

- It’s obvious.
- I'll do the talking.

I don't give a monkey's arse.

You're going to sell it as new!

I'm aware of your situation,
but this isn't a charity.

But you've already made your profit
on that plane.

Can't you reduce the margin
the second time?

Normally we re- purchase at 30%,

- and if it hasn't been used.
- You're selling it new!

If you buy it for 60% you'll make
more than 84,000!

We buy it from you, it costs us


but if I order a new one,
it costs us less than 25%,

and it isn't even registered.

- That as well.
- What?

Nice plant,
I have it at home.

If I offer you 40%,
it’s to do you a favor,

we'd make more scrapping it.

I'm aware of your situation,
but you shouldn't complain to me.

- This is incredible.
- You haven't lived much.

Now what?

We can sell it,
even if it's only for 40% .

The tax man will ask us
for 56% of evetything,

so that’s the minimum percentage.

- That’s if we sell it all.
- We need to find individuals...

I'll make a list of companies,
possible buyers.

We haven't got much time.

- Yes?
- Hello?

May I speak to Edmundo Figueroa?

No.

Sorry to bother you, Mr. Figueroa.

I tried to call
but a woman answered and...

- It’s a bad time, isn't it?
- Excuse me, who are you?

Oh, of course.

It’s a bad time.
I'll come back another day.

Coordination problems?

- What? -
No, it isn't a bad time.

If you want to speak to me,
come in.

I don't need
a trapeze artist at my door.

You know?
It would do me good to sit down.

Are you always so weird?

No, not really.
I'm weird?

I want to introduce you to somebody.

This is my mom.

Mom!

We've got a visitor!

Forgive her, she's old
and very protective of my safety.

Did she hang up on you?

It may have been a mistake.

- She seemed nice.
- She's a witch,

but she's my mother.

She gets her energy from TV.
She doesn't move from the couch.

- Do you smoke?
- No, no, thank you.

- Do you mind if I smoke?
- No, of course, go ahead.

I got the habit from her.
She forced me.

Smoke, you b*stard, she'd say.

Bless her.

Thanks for seeing me.

Edmundo Figueroa,

ugly, old and dissident.

Martín Circo Martín,

I teach economics at the...

- Get out, get out of here!
- But I only...

Get out of here!
Get out of my house!

And don't come back!

- Hello?
- How goes it, Mr. Circo?

Doing something I wouldn't?

What? No, no.
What is it?

Tomorrow we have your first meeting.
The rest of us start today.

Meeting? What?

What, now you don't need
to sell anything?

Sorted it out all on your own?

No, I don't think so.

Leave it, I'll get it.

Hello?

Hello?

Hello?

Anybody there?

Sara, Marcos, lunch's ready!

I don't take insults!

Nobody's insulting you, I'm just
establishing a f*cking order.

- If you haven't...
- I sold the motorboat.

I said I'd take the towels.

- I'm really sick of you...
- Martín!

What have you done except rob me?

- Martín!
- Laura!

- Good towels.
- Shut up!

Children, playtime's over!

I thought it would be easy
to sell the house,

but it hasn't been touched
in half a centuty.

No central heating, needs rewiring,
plumbing doesn't work.

- Guess that’s my fault, too.
- I didn't say that!

Word has got out that we need
to sell. Bad news.

They know we're desperate,
and it hardly helps...

Why are you looking at me?
Why?

I'm talking to you.

We get offered ridiculous prices.

You think it’s my fault?
You think I blabbed.

Why are you so paranoid?
It’s ridiculous.

Great, now I'm ridiculous.

They seem to know our situation,
I can't understand it!

- Same with the cars...
- People suspect.

They try and take advantage.

Hear that?
They take advantage.

- Of what?
- So it wasn't me?

- Martín, shut up.
- People don't trust a bargain.

- We need to say...
- Shut up!

Shut up, Eloy!

Forget the house...

Anyway,

so we only need 270 million pesetas

if the bank lets us sell.

I tried to negotiate and they asked
if you were Ret*rded.

Get the idea?
Tomorrow you can expand on that.

The IRS is something else.

I'll try to get an extension or...

Whatever! I'll come up with
something once I watch a bit of TV.

Keep you posted.

Coming home tonight?

We'll carty on with the lists.
I've got a life.

Just in time.

Are you all right, Mr. Circo?

Nothing, a complex,
don't even talk to him.

Come in.

Thanks for seeing me...

Look at this.

What do you think?

Come on.

Hello?

No.

I never speak to economists.
Never.

Waste of time.

But you seen to be a bad economist.

- Listen, actually I'm not...
- These are the rules.

I talk, you listen.

There'll be no questions.

I don't know your case,
but remember:

There is only one case,
one situation,

so don't tell me about it.

Pay attention,
you may learn something.

Stick to the rules
and we'll be quick.

Any objection?

All right.

So what is it you want?

I want to know.

I have chickens,
you have tomatoes.

I want tomatoes, you want eggs.
Now what?

- An exchange.
- A simple exchange.

One egg for each tomato.

That's how things were,

but at times your tomatoes
will be better or worse,

or maybe I want a horse but
I'm not sure how many eggs I need.

But if we take some gold
as a reference...

Gold is beautiful, it shines,
and it's rare,

it’s valuable,

so we can make a conversion table.

If a dozen eggs cost the same
as a gold nugget...

and a horse is worth 100 nuggets,
a horse is worth...



Simple, eh?

Gold becomes the medium
of exchange,

simplifies it.

So now, you can't buy
a horse with eggs.

You exchange the eggs for coins
and go to a stable.

Lovely, isn't she?

The first step, everything stays
more or less the same,

except that now we need gold
to buy what we don't produce:

Milk, meat, clothes, tools...

Anyway, the person who invented
the system has an establishment,

a place where the gold is stored.

The man's an altruist,
he's happy just to lend us the gold.

He gives me 10 coins and
lends them to me for 12 months...

He asks for a reasonable interest
on the loan, say 10% .

He's risking his gold,
I'm not,

so he needs a guarantee in case
I don't keep my part of the deal.

Would you mind bashing them around?
They're for juice.

If you want gold, you'll mortgage
your vegetable garden,

he'll lend you 10 coins.

In exchange for carrots?

- No.
- No,

you keep your tomatoes
and carrots.

You can carty on trading.

You just have to pay the bank
eleven coins,

the ten you were lent plus
the interest. How?

I have a garden,
I'll sell my produce.

You have a whole year.

If you don't come through,
they take your garden, OK?

No problem, is there a problem?
No problem, what’s the problem?

Imagine the bank has a total
of, say, 100 gold coins,

all the gold that exists.



As well as the altruistic man,
there are ten others:

You, me, a blacksmith,
a few herdsmen,

a dressmaker.

Ten people in all.

We all need gold to buy,
and we all asked for a loan,

ten coins for each one,
a total of 100 coins.

Confused?

Of course not.

The banker gave us all his gold
with total generosity,

and for what?

A simple 10%?

One coin per person?

It’s fair.

- But...
- Exactly, but

Pythagoras says we have a problem.

If at the end of a year
we each have to pay eleven coins,

where do we get them from?

There are ten coins in interest
that can never be paid,

never,

no matter what happens.

There's no problem!

The bank was invented
to make life easy,

There's a reasonable solution:

"Don't worry,
just pay back the interest".

"I'll wait, next year..."

"you can pay back
the amount I lent you,"

"the first ten coins".

On you go.

But...

but if we pay back one coin,
we'll have nine,

nine each.

So if we still owe ten coins...

at the end of the year,
we'll still have the same problem...

and less money.

Right. One coin less
than the year before.

If we repeat the operation for ten
years and we pay only the interest,

we'll end up with nothing,

the money will have disappeared,

but we'll still owe
the initial loan!

The bank will recover all the gold,

we won't have a thing,

and we'll still owe
what we were lent:


to pay back, simply...

because they don't exist.

So we'll lose the land...

our animals,
and the produce we mortgaged...

ten years ago.

In ten years, the bank will have
all our possessions,

we'll have absolutely nothing,

so, in practice, we'll have become
sl*ves of the bank.

And for what?

For nothing...

and in exchange for nothing.

Good morning, Sir,
is this the residence of Mr. Circo?

We've come to label
the contents.

Mr. Circo isn't here.

He's probably in class.

Fine. We've come to label
the contents.

We won't take anything.
We've just come to label.

...so, the moneylender
persuaded the inhabitants

not to carry gold on them.

Gold was fine,
but they might lose it,

or perhaps be robbed.

It was better to put it
somewhere safe.

He'd keep it
in an armor-plated safe...

and give them promissory notes,
certifying the deposit.

Bank notes!

They needed gold occasionally
for certain operations,

but all they had to do
was withdraw the amount required,

not all their savings.



That happened in February,

when Laura stopped
putting up with me.

She'd heard I was, A:
Having problems with Vacations,

and B: I was still visiting Edmundo.

She wanted me to talk to Santillana,
not Edmundo,

a reasonable change
given the circumstances.

Things came to a head very quickly.

It was weeks since we spoke,
that’s why she didn't tell me.

She didn't even leave me
for somebody else.

She left because of me.

At times it’s that simple.

By March, the banker
had realized

that only 10%
of the gold deposited...

was being requested
by the inhabitants,

so he could loan the remaining 90%
time and again, time and again...

Who'd have guessed it?

He just had to make more paper.
That’s how it works.

When the bank lends a million,
it manufactures a million,

but not the interest.

All banks are insolvent.

Almost bankrupt.

Who'd have guessed it?

They press a button,
and we want a steak.

They press another,
and we want the Bahamas.

We're asleep, Martín.

We think opening our eyes means
waking up, but we're fast asleep.

They control us that way.

Our life is ruled by a series
of inaccuracies.

The expression "to sweat like a pig"
is incorrect.

Pigs control their temperature
rolling in mud, not by sweating.

It’s not true you can keep the gas
in beer by putting a spoon in it.

The solubility of gas in liquid
depends on pressure, temperature,

so the carbon dioxide
will still escape.

You have to use a top. And here's
the most horrific example.

Tarzan's cry
wasn't Johnny Weissmuller's voice,

but several sounds,

including a soprano's voice...

and the howl of a hyena
played backwards.

So one wonders what is was
Weissmuller shouted,

completely crazy,

in the hospital corridors
before he died.

You know what?

The way a man goes out does matter.

Come in.

What a pleasant surprise.

I wasn't sure
you were still with us.

Please, don't get up.

Always so thoughtful.

In return, it’s only right
for you to remain standing,

if you don't mind.

Mr. Circo,

it’s over.

What?

It’s over,

you're fired,

out

- Just like that?
- No, not just like that.

Things have never been
that simple.

The decision is due,

to a certain extent,

to your exemplary absenteeism,

a new record in our Faculty,
congratulations,

and...well, I'm not saying
you're not following a curriculum,

but the department believes
it isn't ours.

As you can see,

not just like that.

Santillana,

do you know my problems?

I understand your traumas.

Your mom
shouldn't have separated.

She had no choice.
My father died.

So, take the rest of the day off.

Santillana,

do you hate me?

My door is always open for you,

as you can see now.

- All right?
- Fine.

- Put her in her place?
- She was in her place.

Hello? Hello? No reception!
This place is a cave, believe me.

- And?
- I can't pay attention to everyone.

- Martín!
- Eloy!

The bank people are coming.
Take the keys.

I don't want to see them.
Let them do whatever.

Bloody mobile!
Today at 16.30, don't forget.

- I have a class at 16.30.
- What the hell are you talking about?

Can I speak to Mr. Pizarro, please?

NO CREDIT.

f*ck it!

- What about Laura?
- You're an idiot, Eloy...

You're an idiot.

The biggest prize
in the histoty of TV,

the biggest prize
and not one lousy coin!

What else do you want?

Haven't I suffered enough?

You can take what you want,

humiliate me,

beat me, taunt me,

you can reduce me to ashes,

but lay off
of my blue suede shoes.

Do you hear me?

Don't you step on
my blue suede shoes.

Yes?

You have been selected
to take part...

Well,

that’s how things are.

You've come to the end
of the road.

Welcome, Mr. Circo.

The real contest starts now.

- How do you?
- Quiet,

remember the rules.
It doesn't matter how I know,

you're dying of thirst
in the desert.

If someone appears with water,
keep quiet and listen.

You don't have much time.

Find Pizarro,
forget about the phone.

Erase the bank from your mind,
forget they exist.

They'll try to contact you.
Ignore them.

Don't open the door
to anyone at all,

you can hold out.

Take all your money out today.

They've probably frozen
your account, but try.

Forget paying the loan,
you'll never do it...

and they've already made
their money.

Don't accept any registered mail,

never sign anything.
Refuse...

and return anything you're sent.
Erase any receipts.

They'll publish their resolutions,
but you'll have gained time.

Forget family and friends.
Whether they're good or bad,

it doesn't matter what they feel
for you,

they'll only confuse you.
Fight alone.

Object, demand, put back deadlines,
present appeals,

hold on to evetything.

Use your imagination.
You're going to have to stay awake.

Your contest has begun:
Be a worthy contestant.

You've nothing to lose.

Play the game.

One last thing...

Take a shower.

Good morning!

Lovely morning, isn't it?

Morning all!
Am I interrupting?

You'll have to learn to be cynical
about your studies,

a cynic is hard prey.

- I've come to pick up stuff.
- I've been here half an hour...

Got a plan. Going on a trip.
Follow me.

Take these.

Hugo Boss.

Armani.

Dior.

I let them in.
You knew they were coming.

You can't do that.

Adolfo Domínguez,
Christian Dior again...

And this?
It’s not part of the prize, out.

The shoes, yes.
Italian.

Leave all that
where you found it.

It's my prize. I won it.
Leave me.

Come on.

You can't take that.

Relax, there's no problem.

What’s wrong with him?

Tell me at what point
this reasoning fails.

I asked you for a loan, you gave me
the credit, but no money.

You wrote 100 with lots of zeros,
I saw that,

but not the money.

Out, out, out, let's go, let’s go,
come on, come on...

One, two, one, two, one, two,
let's go, one, two...

one, two, one, two...

Security? A man just stormed
into my office.

I'll be brief.

- If you don't leave...
- OK, here it is.

Your prize is a trap.

You make advertising agreements.
You give taxes as a prize.

You liked the front pages
a year ago, didn't you?

I can promise you more.

Go on in. Don't trust her,
she's protecting him.

Economy is a weapon.

Politicians and economists
make the world irrational.

The daily figure of e-money
is two billion dollars,

with a B, per day.

Only 5% of the money circulating
in the world is real.

The remaining 95% is false money.

What are you doing?

It’s my prize. I won it, remember?
Not the bank.

- This too?
- Yes, take it.

- And this?
- Take it.

What are you doing? It’s mine!
What are you doing?

All of this belongs to the bank.
Including the house.

You're wrong,
nothing belongs to the bank.

Olé.

They need to create the huge lie
that banks are solvent.

No, they're on the verge
of bankruptcy.

The banks don't want to be paid
so they can keep your assets.

Pay a loan before it’s due
andjust watch.

I couldn't pay you
and you took away everything here.

A pile, believe me.

I'd love to have written "things",

but I couldn't.
I don't blame you.

I'm calling my supervisor.

I think you should.

Loans are exchanges of promises.

Credit is "credere".

It’s Latin, "to believe".

You believe the bank, sure,

but does the bank believe you?

It’s mine, mine, mine!

Good morning,

can I help you?

I want to fill this.

Come with me, please.

I'll take care of this.

- Why are you waiting? Grab him!
- You do it.

Why are big banks
never affected by cycles?

They even make more.

It's as if they anticipate them.

Maybe they have
a giant ctystal ball...

or maybe they know
how to create them.

- Mr. Pizarro is in a meeting.
- OK, I'll wait.

- Long time no see! How are you?
- Fine, but my hand hurts a bit.

It’ll soon pass.
Empty your pockets.

- What?
- Are you deaf?

Can't hear the phone?

Empty out your pockets.

- What is it you want?
- Everything in my account.

There must be about 120,000 euros.

Do you think we've got that here?

Mine! Mine!

Quick Martín, this hurts.

Give me travelers checks,
evetything.

I can't authorize that amount.
Only the Manager can.

Go and look for him.

He's on holiday.

Your Manager must be
a very relaxed person.

When we get used to something,
we become blind.

We're in the paradise
of legal usury.

The briefcase, the briefcase!
Give it to me!

- Which one?
- The flat silver one!

Get out of here!

Lies, lies, it’s nothing new.
We're surrounded by them.

The first thing you look at
in a woman? Her hands.

It’s not so bad, right?

Come back tomorrow, I can prepare


Maybe you could do it now.

Your account is in
a vety unusual situation.

And I love my job.

Why would I jeopardize it?

Because if not,

I'll k*ll you.

Mine was towed away.

What about yours?

- Mr. Circo!
- Pizarro!

In the parking lot. Bay 17.

Nothing nobler
than to make sacrifices.

- Can I use the phone?
- Of course.

Hey! Excuse me!

Hey! You!

- Yes, that’s my car!
- Orders.

- Have a suit.
- Forget it.

Take it anyway!

Hello, Marsans Travel.

When there's a surplus...

A few months ago I won a trip
around the world in a quiz.

...either you make 90%
of the money disappear,

which won't happen yet...

Did they give you a code?

I'll read it to you.

...or you increase prices
ten and fifteen times.

That’s fine, sir.

Where from?

FOR SALE.

When it all ends,
they'll do one of those two things.

That’s the truth behind
bust and boom,

the end of everything!

Don't trust anything!

Forget what you've learned,
forget all you know!

Don't trust me!
Don't believe in anything at all!

Thanks for everything and goodbye.

Have a nice day, Mr. Circo!