Hedda (2025)

[bunniefuu]

Hedda...

Tesman.

Is that right?

This is your husband's home.

"Hedda" is fine.

So, could you tell us

the events of the evening

the way you remember them,

leading up to the sh**ting?

No, my memory's a bit fuzzy.

It was a party after all.

Certainly, I can do my best.

The first thing I remember seeing is

a bloody mess of a person

dragged into my foyer.

Before that, please.

Well, there was a lot of yelling.

Earlier.

Where should I start?

The beginning.

Hedda?

Eileen Lovborg is on the phone.

She wants to talk to you.

Uh, insisted on it.

Eileen Lovborg.

I thought you never wanted

to speak to me again.

Hedda Gabler.

I heard you're having a party tonight.

Yes, introducing Mr. and Mrs.

George Tesman to society.

Showing who we are.

Who you aren't.

So, will you come?

It'll be just like the old days.

Let's hope not.

I'll see you tonight.

Eileen?

Please. I told you this morning, John,

I want seven more lemons, all right?

- Righto, ma'am.

- Lovely work, darling. Lovely.

Ah, finally, there's a lady

who knows what she's doing.

Still, you can lay into it a bit more.

And after it's rolled,

you get into the potatoes. All right.

Quick as a cat, now. Quick as a cat.

The thread is loose.

- No flowers.

- Yes, ma'am.

Hello. Get these out.

Apologies, ma'am.

Whoa!

Sorry, ma'am. We weren't thinking.

Flowers.

Flowers everywhere.

- Morning, ma'am.

- Out.

Good morning, Your Honor.

Morning.

Judge Brack.

You're a bit early

for a party, aren't you?

Buying you this house,

Mrs. Tesman.

Shall I punish you?

Don't point that thing at me.

Are you out of your bloody mind?

Oh, no. I didn't hit you, did I?

Does your husband know you're up there?

Ask him yourself.

Judge Brack gave us the loan

despite your antics.

The professorship and the endowment

is how I pay him back,

so talk to Professor Greenwood tonight,

would you?

To what end?

He decides on the professorship.

I need him on my good side.

And he likes people like you.

He likes, uh, Bohemians.

Uh, no, no.

He needs to have fun tonight,

or I'll never hear the end of it.

You'll be fine, Tesman.

Tonight will be fun.

You'll meet my friends.

I'll meet your colleagues.

I have friends, too, Hedda. Don't be rude.

Uh, it's your friends.

Your friends are the ones...

Oh, trust me, George,

they're well-behaved and well-bred,

and Greenwood will love them

and you by extension.

Yes, well, he better had.

'Cause nothing can go wrong tonight,

Hedda.

- Hedda, nothing.

- I've heard you.

Oh, and keep those g*ns out of sight.

Right.

Do the clasp at the top.

- No, not the necklace.

- Oh.

Has Lovborg called again?

No.

You know, I was...

rather surprised that she'd been invited.

Oh, I forgot to mention.

Hedda.

Yes?

This is all happening

because you wanted it.

The house, the party.

Lot of money and effort

was expended for you.

I hope you're happy.

Don't I look happy?

Girls, girls

Watch out, watch out...

You will dance with me,

won't you?

I may.

If it smokes a great big cigar

and it hangs around at a bar...

You look wonderful, darling.

Thank you.

You look very handsome.

Evening, Professor Greenwood.

- Thank you.

- Thank you.

Is Brack still here?

Well, he's...

he's practically family.

He's business. He's functional.

Know the difference.

- Glasses.

- Hmm? Oh.

Mrs. Tesman. I was...

Mr. and Mrs. Dunbar, I'm so glad

you could make it after all.

Good to see you, George.

Oh, good to see you. Thank you for coming.

Charming. I love your...

- flower thing.

- Thank you.

Judge Brack, would you mind

showing them in?

Of course.

- Please.

- Thank you.

Ah, Professor Greenwood.

Thank you for coming.

- Good evening.

- Pleasure.

- Uh, this is my wife Tabitha.

- How do you do?

- Pleasure.

- All mine.

- Champagne, darling?

- Mmm. Thank you.

- Just through there.

- Thank you.

- Thank you so much.

- Ta.

She's duskier

than I thought she would be.

Not so loud, darling.

- Did you bring your joint?

- Champagne?

Of course I did.

What do you take me for?

- Oh, my.

- Who's that?

Peculiar-looking man.

Is his ear pierced?

Who is he?

Can't be one of George's friends, surely.

Oh, those are definitely

Mrs. Tesman's friends.

I saw... I saw you talking

- to Professor Greenwood.

- Mm.

Um, how far back do you go with him?

Oh, fair bit, actually.

I mean, it must be a good ten years now.

He may not recall me immediately, but, uh,

before I had tenure...

We weren't even sure

we were at the right place

when we arrived, it's so...

I'm sorry, Tabitha. What did you say?

Oh, just that we were so surprised

- when we came up the drive.

- Hmm.

It's very nice.

It's bigger than we thought it would be.

Judge Brack, have you met

Professor Greenwood's wife, Tabitha?

- She's a... painter, she says.

- Mm.

Lovely to meet you.

Now, be a dear and get me one of these

if you're topping up.

- Excuse me.

- Mm.

Very rude.

We have servants for that.

Oh, but I know you like your games.

Did I scare you off with my g*n earlier?

You haven't come around to say hello.

Really? You're avoiding me.

- You love a chase.

- You seem...

- What?

- On edge.

The house is beautiful.

- Bit more than we discussed.

- Don't start.

A Mrs. Ellison is at the door.

Says she's an old friend.

- Bring her in.

- Yes, ma'am.

You're a doll.

So, tell me, what type

of paintings do you do?

Oh, no. Did you walk here?

Mrs. Tesman, I am so sorry to interrupt.

I had no idea you were in town,

Mrs. Ellison.

Of course, I would have invited you.

I just wanted to talk to you about, um...

just to see if...

- Yes?

- Uh, Eileen Lovborg.

Is she here?

- I insist you stay.

- Oh, no, no.

But not dressed like this.

- Well, I...

- Let's get you out of these clothes.

- What about your guests?

- Get you changed.

Nobody needs me, Mrs. Ellison.

- You have my undivided attention.

- I just need to talk to her.

- How have you been since, uh...

- Secondary school.

Yes, right.

How is Mr. Ellison?

How are things going at home?

Oh, come now, Mrs. Ellison.

Please stop. Don't call me that.

Just "Thea" is fine.

Of course.

Well, let's get you

out of these clothes... Thea.

You can talk to me, school friend.

We weren't friends at school.

You used to pull my hair.

Did I?

You were terrifying back then.

I don't remember.

Every time you passed me on the stairs.

Once, you told me that

you would burn it all off.

Amazing

I never got around to it.

- Hmm?

- Oh! I said,

"I think this gown might do it."

Will you be gone from home long?

Yes.

What will you do on your own?

- Work.

- With Eileen?

Yes.

Not your color.

What about money?

I write.

I cowrote the last book with Eileen.

The one that sold out two weeks ago.

You're published?

Well, my name isn't on it.

But we finished the first draft

of the next one, and...

it's her best work yet.

It's sort of our...

Your baby?

Yes.

You could say that.

My name's on it, right underneath hers.

Thea Ellison?

Uh, Thea Clifton.

I don't want my husband's name on it.

No, just your father's. Raise your arms.

She's a bit rough around the edges.

Last I heard, she'd been arrested

for being drunk and disorderly.

She's different now.

She's softer, more careful.

She's changed.

I got her to stop drinking.

She understands how bad it is for her now.

Quite the impression you've made.

- Uh, I don't think so.

- Oh, no, don't be shy.

Seems you have rehabilitated

our little love bug.

- That's what she says.

- Does she?

And you are here to make sure

that she stays out of trouble, is that it?

She is coming, isn't she?

Yes.

Please don't say anything.

I just worry.

And you left your husband

a bit sooner than you planned?

We need another chair and setting.

Certainly, ma'am.

- Hop down, would you?

- Hop?

Hop.

Hop, hop, hop.

Perfect.

See? No trouble at all.

This, my friends, is "Thay-a" Ellison.

"Thee-a."

Is it?

- Oh.

- Yeah.

Remind me, you do, uh, translate

- ancient Greek?

- Well, yes.

I would love to, um,

pick your brain.

Y-Y-You wouldn't believe the things

I found in these libraries: Old documents,

notes, papers that no one

even knew existed.

You certainly made the most

of your honeymoon.

- Didn't waste any time.

- No, I didn't.

So, you were doing research

on your honeymoon?

- For the whole six months?

- Um...

Uh, yes, yes.

Nothing else a bit more lively?

Hedda has

an insatiable appetite.

Well, we ate at a lot

of very excellent restaurants.

Ah. Yes. Well, she does love eating out.

- Uh...

- Uh...

You must be

one of Mrs. Tesman's friends.

Yes. Usually.

When I'm in her good graces.

- Jane.

- Oh.

James... is that

a first or a last name?

Uh, last.

Uh, Professor John Henry James.

Who are you looking at?

- No one.

- Everyone.

There's this woman

that Eileen used to be...

acquainted with.

And she says that she tried to sh**t her

when Eileen broke it off.

People don't do things like that here.

Well, she's back, this woman.

If she's here when Eileen comes,

then I'm worried that things

might get out of hand.

Stop fretting, Thea.

Eileen will be here soon enough,

and you can fear for her safety then.

I just don't want her

to lose this opportunity.

What?

At the university.

The professorship and the endowment.

Oh, she won't admit it,

but she really needs this job.

Not just for her well-being

but for her debts.

And she's bringing the new manuscript

to show Greenwood.

Hopefully, it seals the deal, but I...

Let's not talk business at the table.

Hmm.

I'm not worried at all about it.

I'll get this position

and, uh, begin payments...

Eileen Lovborg is applying

for your position

at the university, George,

endowment and all.

What?

She's asked to be considered.

I'm in competition with that woman?

She cozied up to Professor Greenwood.

- Him or his wife?

- George.

What she gets up to.

What does she get up to?

Oh, I'm sure

you've heard the rumors.

I've heard she's reformed,

changed her ways.

Stopped drinking, apparently.

- Really?

- Mm.

While she was at the Ellisons'.

Yeah, but what's that matter?

We got married,

we borrowed money, we went into debt,

because the position was virtually mine.

That was before

the reappearance of Eileen Lovborg.

Don't be afraid

of a little competition, Tesman.

This isn't a game.

Do you even care?

I care deeply, my love.

I can't wait to see how it turns out.

He hates owing people money.

I already told him there's no big rush.

Although I do wish we'd have been

a bit more economical.

Hush.

- Come.

- Where are you taking me?

I said, "Hush."

- Lovely house, George.

- I'm glad you like it.

Some of your wife's friends

are interesting characters.

Um...

What's this?

Don't say the key to your heart.

The g*n case.

I found it in the attic.

So it was General Gabler's g*n

you were sh**ting

- at me earlier.

- Hmm.

Sure I can't buy them from you?

Now that you've found them?

It's the only thing he left me.

I know some b*stard children

that have fared far worse than you.

Thank you for the reminder.

Do you know what my father

used to call me?

His pretty little thing.

So he gave me his prettiest things.

These.

You have always been

a pretty little thing.

I missed you.

Every day you were gone.

Me, too.

Do you mean that?

I thought you were having

a marvelous time.

Marvelous.

Tesman said that...

It was marvelous for him.

That old fool.

It's your choice.

Well, my time was up.

Anyway...

What do you know

of Eileen Lovborg's reappearance?

- What about it?

- What's her state?

- What's she like?

- Well, it's as you said.

She's on the straight and narrow.

She still has some seedy friends,

but they're all good fun in moderation.

Why?

- You want her, don't you?

- No.

She has a hold over you.

No one has a hold over me.

- Oh, that's sad.

- Hmm.

This house is between you and Tesman.

This house was only ever for you.

You needed it, he said.

You believed that?

You, too, think that this house

is my life's great passion.

- Isn't it?

- No.

Tesman used to walk me home

last summer after those dinner parties,

and we passed by here one night,

and there was a lull in the conversation.

I bought this house on a lull?

It was a pregnant pause.

Pregnant with twins, I hope.

He was a nervous wreck trying to think

of something to say to me.

Something clever and...

I suppose I felt bad for him.

I don't know, Roland.

On a whim, I just said I wanted the house.

- Just like that?

- Just like that.

And?

The next thing I knew,

I was married to him.

And my whimsicality had its consequences.

As it often does, Hedda, for us all.

Sometimes I can't help myself.

I just do things

all of a sudden on a whim.

I don't know why.

So...

Eileen.

You've really heard nothing?

Nothing that would make George

the wrong choice.

Stay away from her, Hedda.

You are still General Gabler's daughter,

and that woman is...

Competition.

Not to me.

Come.

Don't resist me.

You have no power over me.

I control this.

I say when.

Really, Hedda?

Well, if I've unwittingly resigned myself

to a life of poverty,

I might as well go down in style.

I felt like, um...

like I couldn't breathe.

Well, y-you'll be fine. It's...

Uh, it's happened to me before, but, um...

Why don't you wait upstairs,

and I will retrieve you

when, uh, Dr. Lovborg comes.

Okay.

She's, um, not feeling well.

Hmm. Poor thing.

Don't fuss.

Let's join the others.

I say I'll go through fire

and I'll go through fire

As he wants it, so it will be

Crazy he calls me

Sure, I'm crazy

Crazy in love, I say

I say I'll move the mountains

and I'll move the mountains

If he wants them out of the way

Thank you.

Crazy he calls me

Sure, I'm crazy

Crazy in love

am I

Hedda, darling, livelier music.

What?

What is the matter with you?

I thought this was going to be a rager.

You seemed absolutely ready for carnage

when you invited me.

Music. Damn it, Hedda.

Shut up, Jane. I've heard you.

It seems some of my guests

are getting restless.

Could you help?

Sure.

Oh.

Shh

Much better.

Shh

It's oh so quiet...

You two.

- No, no, no.

- Oh, come now.

It's just a waltz.

- She's raring to go.

- Come on, darling.

- You.

- Oh.

Maybe later.

I'll hold you to it.

- My love?

- Oh, I couldn't.

Oh, come now.

You fall in love

Zing, boom

The sky up above

Zing, boom

Is caving in

Wham, bam!

You've never been so nuts about a guy...

You two next.

You cross your heart and hope to die

It's over and then

Shh, shh

It's nice and quiet

Shh, shh

But soon again

Shh, shh

Georgie! Sorry, you don't mind

if I borrow him, do you?

Starts another big riot

You blow a fuse

Zing, boom

The devil cuts loose

Zing, boom

So what's the use

Wham, bam!

Of falling in love?

Hedda...

Gabler.

Dr. Lovborg.

It has been a long, long time.

Thank you for coming.

Thank you for having me, Tesman.

Mrs. Tesman.

Uh, please come in. Uh, have a drink.

I've brought a couple of friends,

if that's all right.

- Sadly...

- The more the merrier.

In you come.

Oh. Aren't you gorgeous?

Charming.

Down, boy. This is her husband,

Dr. George Tesman.

Where's the bar, George?

Just there.

Come on.

Please.

Hmm.

You said that they would behave.

- And they have been.

- Hedda.

This isn't...

my fault.

Right.

Dr. Lovborg.

I hear that your new book

has been selling quite well.

That's so exciting.

Yes, I've just got a copy of it myself.

I haven't had a chance

to read it yet, but, um...

Save yourself the trouble.

Well, there's no need

to be humble, Dr. Lovborg.

I'm not.

There's nothing much to it, really.

Well, it was very well-reviewed.

And that's all I wanted,

so I put nothing remotely controversial

in the book.

- Oh.

- Isn't the book about sex?

In the classical era.

No one's scandalized by people f*cking

on millennia-old clay pots.

Or perhaps I'm mistaken.

- Another drink. Two drinks.

- Anyway...

The real work is this.

Something of a sequel to the first.

Well, what's there left to talk about?

- The future.

- Of?

Sex, yes.

What could we know about the future

of th-that or anything?

We can point to some trends.

Well, I would never have thought

to write anything like that.

No, probably not.

Lovborg.

Professor Greenwood.

Lovely to see you looking so well.

Thank you.

- Drink?

- Very, very tempting, but no, thank you.

Some water or a soft drink for me, please.

Soft drink?

George!

You have a maze?

Can I see it?

It's the only

complete copy I have,

and you're not getting your hands on it.

Hedda, darling?

Mrs. Tesman.

- Hedda? Hedda, dear?

- Let the women talk.

Come.

Hedda, wait. Hedda!

Hedda!

Hedda, where are you?

Hedda Gabler.

Married.

To George Tesman?

Yes.

So it goes.

How could you throw yourself away?

What?

He's so...

He's kind.

He's an academic like you.

- He's white.

- He's...

And thoroughly middle-class.

He has a good job, or will.

- Or might.

- Hedda?

When will you understand

that anything you need in life,

you must build for yourself?

What will you do when he gets bored?

If he leaves you,

once he sees through you?

I think I'll be all right.

He goes on and on about how

he wants to take care of me,

give me anything I want.

Like this ridiculous house?

His ambition is deeper than his pockets.

The judge helped a bit.

He promised my father he'd look after me.

Help out here and there.

What a mnage trois.

Hedda!

Don't you miss me?

Like an appendix.

You're happy now, all of a sudden.

Is that it?

Good company will do that.

Hmm.

- Just a quick look.

- No!

No, no. Hedda, no.

No!

- Hedda?

- Hey!

Oh. There you are.

And the view from Valle d'Ampezzo

was absolutely breathtaking.

- Was it?

- What was the name

- of those mountains, darling?

- Uh, the Dolomites.

The Dolomites, of course.

Funny those mountains.

I hear you've been cured of your vices.

You're never cured of your vices.

You resist them.

- And you resist?

- Yes.

Every time?

Going on three months, three days.

I don't believe it.

Your beliefs are no business of mine.

The woman I knew

couldn't stop when she started.

Which is why I never start.

You ruined your sister's wedding,

you were so drunk and high,

if I remember correctly.

Which is why I never start.

Has she spoken to you since?

Will she let you around the children yet?

Shut up, Mrs. Tesman.

- Touchy.

- No.

I'm just annoyed with myself

that I ever confided in you.

Power you had over me.

You think I had a power over you?

Yes.

The kind intelligent women wield

when they're catastrophically bored.

Where are you going?

Where's Thea?

I'm tired of running around

this ridiculous hedge.

I'm back in town less than a day,

and I'm already wrapped up

in your frivolous life.

- Frivolous?

- Frivolous and cowardly.

You waste your time

scrambling about like a roach,

trying to shape

- a man's destiny.

- "Roach."

- Shape your own.

- Oh, please.

Come on and work. Write.

Do whatever. Do something.

I left my mother's house

when I was 17 years old.

When she found your l*sbian sex book, yes.

I know all about it.

You know nothing.

Actually, I do.

I've done my own research since.

In secret, I suppose.

Where no one can see or suspect,

keeping your reputation clean.

Always.

Hedda, you could be so much more.

Look what I've done.

- You could do anything.

- Like what?

Become a professor?

Tell me, how many women

are at the university teaching?

- Two.

- Hmm.

And they're both white, I presume.

Whatever.

You're upset I couldn't choose you.

I was.

Once.

Not anymore.

Not for a long time.

Since Thea?

I know she's still there.

I saw her little bag near the door.

Do you know the roach can live

without its head for a week?

Excuse me?

She's upstairs.

Hedda.

You're quite the duo, you and Thea.

She's brilliant.

She's just been bullied into stupidity.

Oh, I believe that.

Leaving her husband for a promise

and a credit is quite something.

Yes, it is.

Brave.

Careful.

You'll make me jealous.

What?

Still like your g*ns?

Yes.

Why didn't you sh**t me back then?

- When you left?

- When I left.

Because I knew you really wanted me to.

Of course.

What?

Coward at heart.

That wasn't my greatest act of cowardice.

Are you braver now?

Of course not.

Where's Thea?

Second door on the left.

Where have you been?

I called at your house,

but they said you had gone.

I had to leave.

You don't seem glad

for the company.

Hmm?

I am. I am.

I just...

I'm just thinking about

when everyone leaves, how...

it's a big house, isn't it?

If I can't even entertain as I expected...

I wonder whether I couldn't get Tesman

interested in a political career.

No, my dear.

Political life is not for him.

He is aggressively unsuited to it.

Perhaps, but couldn't I ease him

in that direction, make him take it up?

- Why put him in a position to fail?

- I've told you.

Do you think it absolutely impossible for

him to become, say, a cabinet minister?

Cabinet minister?

Uh, for him to become a cabinet minister,

he'd need to have money, a lot of money.

Money, money, money.

What's got into you?

Is it completely hopeless?

The professorship?

Honestly, perhaps.

I'm as surprised as you

by the new Lovborg.

She made a big comeback.

And she's bold and provocative.

And she's a woman.

And they like that these days...

In moderation.

Worry yourself about anything else.

I'm sure you'll have

some greater responsibility,

something more... pressing.

You won't ever see anything

like that happen.

- Never.

- And why not?

I'd be a terrible mother.

I'd be dreadful at it.

You made the safe choice.

The only choice, really,

for someone like you.

Nothing you can do now.

Just play the part

and stay out of trouble.

Make sure Professor Greenwood

never has an empty glass.

That one over there.

Yes, ma'am. Very well.

Another drink, sir?

- Oh, I'll have a Manhattan.

- Very good, sir.

- Oh.

- Excuse me, ladies.

I've heard so much about you, Mrs. Tesman.

Hmm. Not enough to know

not to call me that.

If we're to be friends.

You want to be friends?

Hmm.

So, what have you heard?

That before you were domesticated,

you were like fire.

Oh. You're a poet.

- Obvious?

- Like everything else about you.

Mm.

Tell me about me.

Do you know, I would,

but you're far too sober

for that kind of honesty.

Couldn't agree more.

In that case...

Martini, please, for the gentleman.

And one for Mrs. Greenwood.

You will be ruined.

I'll be a ruined wife.

I won't be a ruined woman.

And when they publish our book,

there's nothing

anyone will be able to say against us.

Well, they will.

But it won't matter.

It's okay. It's okay.

Everyone's pissed.

Won't know their a*s from their elbows.

Ah.

What a pretty sight.

Hedda, is it okay if I borrow

your dress for the evening?

I'll have it cleaned

and sent back by tomorrow.

Oh, you're not leaving, are you?

Best to resist temptation.

Oh, come on, Eileen.

You're stronger than that.

- Let's go.

- Oh, shame. I just came up to let you know

that Professor Greenwood wanted to talk

to you about your book... the new one.

- He asked for me?

- Mm.

And his defenses are down.

Hedda.

I need you downstairs.

- Won't be a moment.

- Now.

Course.

What were you doing up there?

Have you even spoken

to Professor Greenwood yet?

The core thesis frames empathy

as a disorder.

Now, that is very interesting.

I-I feel I've come

to a similar conclusion myself.

- Where have you gone with it?

- Well, empathy...

- Madam?

- No, thank you.

What's so funny?

Oh, Hedda is going to cause some trouble.

I can tell.

It's fine.

Just stay out of the path of destruction.

Pardon me.

Oh.

Hello.

When are you going to talk to him?

When he's done with Tesman.

Professor Greenwood,

do you approve of Scotch?

I do approve... hugely.

Well, then you need another drink.

- Let's go.

- Oh, how lovely.

You've come to show him the book,

so show him the book.

Are you going to join?

Oh, Professor,

I'll-I'll help you get a drink.

Oh.

He'll see how much

you've changed. Everybody will.

There's nothing to be afraid of.

I'm not afraid.

Come on.

Steady on, if you can.

- Hello.

- Hello.

Your best bottle.

Couple glasses.

- A drink, madam?

- No, thank you.

What are you up to?

Nothing. Nothing at all.

I should leave before something

terrible happens, shouldn't I?

Don't be silly.

Best time to leave a party is

after something terrible has happened

but before the police come.

Dreadful girl.

Oh, Hedda.

Mrs. Tesman.

Marvelous party. An eclectic bunch.

I wanted to be sure we had fun.

Couldn't just talk about tombs, books

and the Bronze Age all night, could we?

Can't wait to read your book, Eileen.

It sounds fascinating.

I could get you an early copy.

If you wanted to write

an early review in your journal.

I'll see if we can find some space.

Well, I ought to be going.

Has anyone seen my wife?

I think she's in the maze.

Oh.

Well, good night, ladies.

- Dr. Lovborg.

- Professor Greenwood.

I shall be seeing you soon.

- Such a pleasure.

- Mm.

Ah, Roland. How are you?

- Reginald.

- Lovely to see you.

- Off so soon, Professor?

- Thank you so much.

Um...

Did you hear that?

Yes, it's amazing. It's really happening.

I promised you it would.

Martini for you, madam?

Drink something. You look thirsty.

I don't drink.

Eileen? One can't hurt.

- She doesn't drink, either.

- Never?

I thought you were just cutting back.

- That's not what I said.

- And if I say you have to?

Then you'd be speaking.

- You wouldn't do as I say?

- Not where that is concerned, no.

I think you should.

It's ridiculous. It's silly.

- Really?

- It's all right for Thea but not for you.

You can write your books with them

and teach with them at the university,

and you might even be able to get jobs

alongside them,

but they'll never really respect you

if they think you can't do it

- like the boys do.

- Hedda, please.

You saw Greenwood's face earlier

when you asked for a soft drink

like a soft woman.

What did you see?

Contempt.

I'm used to contempt.

Contempt for

your extracurricular interests, yes,

but for your mind, your character?

He can think what he likes.

A woman of principle.

What did I tell you earlier?

- No need to be so upset.

- Upset?

Hedda.

See for yourself.

This state of mortal panic.

Has it come to this?

In mortal panic on my account?

Oh, relax, Eileen.

She only asked that Tesman

look after you at the university.

- Look after me?

- Make sure you stay out of trouble.

- Hedda, please.

- Like a babysitter?

- No. No.

- I mean, I suppose.

- Sort of.

- What are you doing?

Me?

After everything we've been through?

You run here and you involve

my colleague in my business?

He must think I'm...

From the academics

to the gossiping ladies in the corner.

Coward at heart.

To your health.

And to yours.

Eileen.

Please.

Call me Dr. Lovborg

when we're around my colleagues.

I think I'll go and speak to your husband,

- Mrs. Tesman.

- Mm.

Why are you like this?

You must know who she is by now.

Oh, God.

She'll be in control.

You'll see.

I know who you are.

You don't want her in control.

I'm not stupid, Hedda.

No, you're not stupid.

You're so clever, aren't you?

So brave.

Perhaps I should burn it off after all.

Let go of me, please.

If you ruin this for her,

she'll never forgive you.

Do you want to go for a swim?

- Yes.

- Should we all go?

Right. Everyone...

- we're going for a swim.

- Yes.

Well, come on.

But I don't have any trunks.

You don't need any.

Dr. Lovborg, may I borrow you?

- Oh, come, darling.

- Not now. We're leaving.

What are you so afraid of, Thea?

- Eileen.

- Thea, come now.

Thank you, darling.

Let's go for a swim.

No, I'm fine here near the fire.

Thank you.

If you don't bend, you'll break.

Don't be such a bore.

I'm not a bore. It's cold.

Jane.

Will you tell her to get the stick out

of her a*s and get in the lake, please?

Thea, get that stick out your a*s and get

- in the lake, please.

- No.

Come on.

Thea!

Be brave.

Thea!

Thea! Thea!

Thea! Thea! Thea!

Thea! Thea!

No! No! No!

No! No! No!

No, no! Eileen!

Eileen, Eileen, Eileen.

Stop laughing at me. Eileen!

No! No!

Oh, God.

Oh, dear.

f*ck!

You'll let me know

if this gets out of hand.

Certain liberties come with power, George.

Enjoy them.

Thea, wait.

- Thea, stop.

- Come on.

Don't make a thing of it.

She'll be fine. Let her cool down.

She's going to make me pay for that

in the morning.

Can I watch?

You just do whatever you want, don't you?

Course.

Otherwise, what would be the point?

Oh, dear.

Terribly sorry.

Tabitha?

Oh, f*ck.

Tabitha.

- I'll k*ll him.

- No, Reginald!

Who was that? Who was that man?

Reginald!

- Who was that man?

- Please don't!

I'm going to k*ll you!

Oh, f*ck. Oh, f*ck!

- Open the f*cking door.

- Reginald, please don't!

Open the f*cking... No!

Aah! We were just talking!

Oh, my God. Is that David?

- David!

- David, what are you doing?

Reginald!

Who was he?

Who's he mounted this time?

I'm going to k*ll you!

Come on, let's go.

High drama!

Come on, come on.

We can't miss this. Come on.

Pardon me, gentlemen.

Hello, boys. Spare another?

Um, I'm afraid not.

Who wants to dance?

Uh...

Shall we dance?

Music, please.

Ready?

Uno, dos, tres.

Ha!

Ah!

Ooh!

Who's been f*cking my wife?

Ah

I'm gonna sh**t whoever's been

sleeping with my wife.

You're going to run out of b*ll*ts.

What sort of g*n is that?

What difference does that make?

Mm, you are what you sh**t.

That's what

my father used to say.

Looks like a Webley to me.

Uh!

Do you know, I would sh**t him, too.

- Hedda.

- Well, I would.

Hey!

But... if you put this down now,

all will be forgotten and forgiven.

Isn't that right, Brack?

Ah

No crime has been committed yet... yet.

You!

No.

Jesus, these people.

Just finished the building work.

First day back, and they're dead set

on destroying the place.

Such a nice house, too.

This house as nice as yours?

No, but I think my folk have

a bit more money.

If they have any money, they've got

more than these two.

This house is headed

straight back to the bank.

Maybe this is their last hurrah

before they shut half of it down

and let the tours come through.

Tours? Through your own house?

Open to the public.

All part of the deal, apparently.

They get a grant to do the renovations,

they do the upkeep,

they get to keep it for very, very little.

Well, little for their lot, not for us.

Practically in ruins

before they came along.

Don't make much sense to me,

but the mistress was desperate for it,

apparently.

She can't even fill

the servants' quarters.

These girls are all hired for the night.

I'm the only staff they've got,

and they got me from his aunt.

Now, she's a nice lady.

Spoils her nephew Tesman, though.

Do you know, I've got a son just like him.

Obsessed with books.

Now he's teaching.

Never been happier, not like Tesman.

The more he gets, the more he wants.

And now he's gone and got married.

Poor f*ck.

I've been looking for you.

Hedda Gabler.

That was quite the spectacle.

Satisfied?

What?

Just want to look at you.

Eileen.

Why did you make me drink, Hedda?

I wanted to talk to you.

Why didn't you just?

You weren't being yourself.

I've changed. That's all.

People don't change.

Apparently.

Do you think that you...

you and I, if I'd said yes...

You never would have.

A coward at heart.

Yes.

But do you think that...

I've tried not to think about you, Hedda.

If I could have,

things would have been different?

I would've, could've been

your partner in all of this.

- No.

- Could've done what you said.

Build something with you, could've been...

Happy.

Yes.

I used to think I could never be happy.

I thought...

being miserable was what I deserved.

What I was owed for a vile life.

I've since learned

that I'm not that way at all.

But you, you can never be happy.

I think you were right about that.

I can.

But not like this.

- Not like this.

- You have everything.

I have nothing.

You feel nothing.

I love you.

We were mad together.

I would have been dead,

by your hand or mine, if I'd stayed.

Why did you come here?

To make sure I didn't love you.

And?

I don't.

Thea left her life for me.

She made me better.

She showed me how to be brave.

I love her.

I had to make sure

I had all of myself to give.

You have it all worked out, then.

- Don't be cross.

- I'm not.

You should go to her.

But...

Your buts have sharp edges.

But first, finish what you started.

Go into the library.

- Talk to your colleagues.

- No.

You've played with the girls.

Now go and be with the boys.

I'm too drunk.

You're fine.

Come. Come here.

All right.

Perfect.

Go.

You're really not upset?

- Eileen.

- Shh.

Anybody want anything?

I'll have an old-fashioned.

Same for me.

Three gin martinis. Got it.

What's with that girl?

What girl?

Thea.

We worked on the book together.

Is that all?

No.

Is she your muse?

"Muse."

"Muse" is a man's word.

For women they learn from,

occasionally steal from

and don't wish to credit

but absolutely want to f*ck.

Or, I suppose, are f*cking.

Is that in the dictionary?

Merriam-Webster's.

- Is it in your book?

- What else is in your book?

How did you come up with it?

- Hmm?

- Well...

I knew I had to write this book

after a quite elucidating conversation

with a young man at a bar.

I went with a friend of mine.

You might have met her here... Diana.

- Mm.

- And it was late,

just before closing,

and we thought, "Oh, why not?

Just one more."

She likes a tableau, a bit of a show,

so we go to Cissy's.

That den of iniquity?

Oh, don't be such prudes.

We go in, grab a seat at the bar,

I light a cigarette,

Diana gets her whiskey,

and we have a nice chat

with the men tending.

And there were two of them.

Tall, good. Weak chins, bad.

But typical of their type.

And what type is that?

The forgotten b*stard children of lords.

We have a bit of a flirt.

Obviously with me,

it's not going anywhere,

and after a while,

they started to bore us,

so we retired to a table.

Get to the f*cking, Eileen.

So, then...

we are sitting there...

Diana is complaining

about her dull husband Richard,

who is dull and vile,

and I'm listening

as much as one who's already decided

not to waste one's days

trying to please a man can.

And then my weak-chinned bartender

comes over,

slides into the booth next to me,

and he says,

"Hello.

I think you're beautiful.

Can I smell your feet?"

What did you say?

I said, "Whatever for?"

Uh-huh.

And then he says,

"It's my thing. I like it.

Don't be shy."

- His thing?

- Did you let him?

Of course not, you g*ng of perverts.

I told him I preferred

my sexual encounters

to be mutual and in private.

That was sexual?

That's what I realized.

Maybe all people have a thing

that they like,

that is different, that is new, maybe.

And as some past hidden things

have become normalized,

I wonder, why shouldn't

hidden things in the now

become normal in the future?

So we'll all be smelling feet

and having a toss in ten years' time.

Who knows what

you get up to, Judge Brack?

I'm sure it's going to be

far more scandalous.

So, what are

some of these new things?

You'll have to buy the book.

Or come to one of my lectures

at the university.

I promise I'll give all of your wives

a copy of the book for free.

Do you resent fun, you miserable creature?

If you wish to leave, leave.

There's no use waiting on her

like a handmaid.

This is going too far.

- I'm worried.

- Oh, don't do that.

Worrying will make you ugly.

I won't leave without her.

All right. Then go in and tell her

to put down her glass.

Is it her you love...

or the book?

I hope you choke.

It hasn't been decided yet.

And if I do get it, there are many,

many universities that would have you.

I'm certain of it.

I need the money, Eileen.

I'm married.

To Hedda Gabler, yeah.

You do need the money.

Hedda Tesman.

- I keep forgetting.

- Ah.

Where is your wife anyway?

Never known her to miss

the company of rowdy men.

Well, you don't know her

very well, then, do you?

I have known Hedda Gabler

since she was a child

parading around with her father

on their prize horses.

The general and Hedda.

They'd go galloping

past my house every Sunday.

She'd be in that black riding outfit...

You know the one...

- With the feather...

- Mm. The feather, yes.

- The feather. Mm-hmm.

- With the feather in her hat.

My mother...

sour old cow...

she would lean over to me, and she'd say,

"Look at that b*stard

making a show of herself."

Eileen, Eileen, Eileen, Eileen.

No.

What else should we do

with the evening, boys?

The night is still young.

I am very, very thirsty.

Ooh.

I'm fine. I'm fine. I'm fine.

What? You want another story?

If you get your kit off.

Read us something from your new book.

Or your old one. I'm not fussed.

Slag.

All right, enough.

Enough, enough, enough, enough, enough.

You c**t!

Wh-What did you just say?

What did you just say?!

Calm down.

You're making a fool of yourself.

Who cares?

I'll still get the job.

I'll have everything I want,

and you'll just have Hedda Gabler

running around

doing whatever and whomever she pleases.

Hedda Tesman loves me.

Hedda Gabler doesn't love

anyone but herself,

and Hedda Tesman doesn't exist.

Did you enjoy that?

How can you restrain a woman like that?

How can you hold her?

With rope.

Tesman, you're a lucky man.

She's a prize, to be sure,

but she's not a horse.

She cannot be broken in.

Sometimes I feel I could just

take a riding crop to her.

She might enjoy it.

It's another thing from my book.

Oh, your f*cking book.

Oh!

I don't think I've ever heard you

curse before, Mr. Tesman.

Can I read it?

Okay.

Where's my bag?

Where's my bag?

Eileen!

Well, what a way

to make an entrance, eh?

- Here, darling.

- Thank you.

Where is it?

- Um, what?

- Were you reading it again?

I don't...

The book, you imbecile!

Where is it?

Eileen! Stop it!

I don't know

what you're talking about!

Get off of me!

Are you crazy?

You need to stop it! That's enough!

Eileen, you...

What are you doing?

- Let go of her!

- Get... get off!

Oh, God. Oh, God.

- I am so sorry.

- Are you all right?

But for God's sake, what are you doing?

Where is it?

- What?!

- The manuscript!

Eileen, I have no idea

what you're talking about.

You filthy b*tch.

I know you've taken it.

Yes, of-of course I have, yes,

and-and then sold it off

to the highest f*cking bidder.

We're not leaving the house

until it's found.

Uh, excuse me. Excuse me.

Uh, if we could all please help, um...

if we could all help look

for Dr. Lovborg's manuscript.

- Oh, oh, oh, oh!

- Okay, okay. Oh, yes, yes, yes.

- Oh, I felt that one, yep.

- Okay. Okay.

Uh, let's just find

the f*cking manuscript.

Let's do it. Yep.

Let's just find

the bloody thing.

It's just all this bad feeling.

It's just... it's too much sometimes,

you know?

Th-That's not the manuscript, darling.

That's not the manuscript.

Come on, have some. Yeah.

What... wh-what are we looking for again?

I have absolutely no idea.

Uh... uh...

Could be...

Uh, ch-check under the seats.

It could be...

Anything?

What about...

Eileen? Oh.

Oh!

Look here. Another page.

Oh, there's another.

I don't understand, uh...

Oh, the wind.

It must...

The manuscript, it must have, uh...

Oh.

Oh, Eileen.

Oh, I'm so sorry.

No, no. No, no, no, no, no, no, no, don't.

Eileen, stop. Eileen, Eileen.

Eileen, you've had far too much to drink.

- Oh, no!

- Eileen, Eileen.

- Oh, no.

- Eileen, it's gone.

- Eileen, it's gone. It's gone.

- Oh, no. No!

- Leave her.

- Oh, no.

Oh. Oh, no.

Oh, no.

- Close the door.

- Thea.

I've been looking for you everywhere.

Don't look at me like that.

I know what I'm doing.

I'm going to put an end to her reign of...

I just need some...

some weapon to use against that woman.

Well... you can't k*ll her.

I've tried.

I mean something, something...

incriminating.

You know, some...

What's happened?

You should pretend you never met me.

Don't you wish it sometimes?

I can't do that.

You know that I can't.

Well, you have to.

No.

I've lost it... Thea.

What?

The manuscript.

I've lost it.

No. No.

It must be somewhere.

- I have looked everywhere.

- No.

- Everywhere.

- No, no. No, no. It must...

It must be where...

It's lost. It's gone.

It's at the bottom of the lake.

The lake?

Eileen.

No matter what I do,

you're always going to be on this path.

It's too hard.

Why are you like this?

Do you love me?

Only as much as you love me.

Can that be enough for you?

No, Eileen.

It can't.

You don't mean that.

Thea.

You're asking for more than I can give.

Oh, Thea.

More than anybody has

the right to ask for.

Please. Thea, please.

- You...

- Please.

You do what you want.

It doesn't involve me anymore.

Thea!

- Please.

- I mean it.

Fine.

Go.

I don't need you.

Go on.

f*cking pathetic housewife.

Oh.

Well, there's the old Eileen...

Miserable and deluded,

- right where you're happy.

- You use me, and then you f*ck off to...

- I never needed you.

- You...

You were a mess.

You use me so you can feel

like your life means something.

I know what I am.

Your life means...

nothing.

I'm going to find my book.

And it will be published

with my name on the cover

right next to yours.

And then none of this

will even have mattered.

I'm so sorry, Eileen.

I didn't see it anywhere.

You aren't sorry at all.

This is exactly what you wanted.

I wanted you to be true to yourself.

To have courage.

Like this?

No.

Thea left me.

Why did you push me?

You were lost.

You needed to have strength

in who you are.

I have none left for this life.

All of my colleagues have seen me

make a fool of myself.

The one person who mattered to me is gone.

I can't ride out another disgrace, Hedda.

I can't.

Doing whatever you want and...

being whomever you choose has its limits.

And its consequences.

You'll land on your feet.

Where do you find your power, Hedda?

Where?

Of course, I already know.

But for me,

everything I am, everything I have,

is because I am f*cking brilliant.

Because I can... I can write,

and I can think,

and because I convinced

those d*ck-swinging troglodytes

that they had to listen to me.

This book...

it would have been undeniable.

Unignorable.

Even after this... mess.

I would have been protected

from their ridicule because...

oh, I'd be right.

And now I'm alone, and I am nothing.

Now...

I am just a woman.

Where will you go from here?

I'll make an end of it

as quickly as possible.

Do what needs doing.

Wait.

Wait here.

Eileen.

I want you to have this.

You should have used it then.

You can use it now.

Goodbye...

Hedda Gabler.

Eileen?

Eileen.

Hedda.

Hedda, are you in there?

Hedda.

What a mess.

We-we-we... we have to find

the manuscript.

I just saw Eileen. She's a wreck.

What are you doing?

No.

Hedda?

Here, some of it can still be saved.

Why save it?

Hedda.

That's her life's work.

What about your life?

- Mine?

- Hedda.

Are you out of your mind?

N-N-No. W-W-Wait, wait,

wait, wait, wait, wait.

You can save some of them.

If that's what you really want, George.

But if she finds it,

she will get your job.

Mrs. Ellison.

Heading out?

I'm just looking for the manuscript.

I think all hope is lost for that.

Do you think so?

Yes, we've searched everywhere.

- What has got into you? What have you...

- I did this for your sake, George.

Me?

I wanted you out of that woman's shadow.

I couldn't bear the idea

of you living that way.

No, no, you just wanted money.

- You wanted...

- I wanted you to have what you wanted.

I wanted you to be happy.

Happy.

To be strong.

Really?

And...

we needed this.

By "we," I mean...

Is it true?

- Really?

- Yes, but please don't fuss.

George, look at me.

Oh, I am looking at you, Hedda.

No one must know.

You love me...

Hedda Tesman.

Do... do that thing.

- Do that thing with your mouth.

- No.

- Hedda.

- You do it.

Hope you're in a better mood.

Come on. Wait.

Don't be like that.

Oh, David, leave her be,

- for God's sake.

- You're not even gonna apologize?

Eileen. Eileen!

Check her pulse or something.

Eileen. Eileen.

What's happened? What happened?!

Call an ambulance.

We need to call an ambulance.

Hedda! Now!

Jesus.

Oh, my God.

I didn't mean it.

I didn't mean it.

Please.

Oh, Jesus.

Thank you, sir.

And did you see the g*n

at any point after that?

Uh, no.

Uh, no, no, no one has seen it since.

Hedda...

Tesman.

Is that right?

This is your husband's home.

So, could you tell us

the events of the evening...

Chronologically or in sections?

I think sections,

because it's scattered and...

Excellent. I-I've used that technique.

Is everything all right?

I mean, besides the obvious.

What are you talking about?

We're going to reconstruct the book.

Are you?

We think we can have it ready

in time for the next term.

If she dies, you'll have all the money.

If this isn't completed in time,

Dr. Lovborg will have nothing.

If she lives.

If you don't focus

on your own research, Tesman...

We will move in to a smaller house.

Um, now, these sections, I think...

Can I be of any use?

No.

Excuse me. Um...

Ooh.

Are you worried about something,

Mrs. Tesman?

It's all very worrisome, isn't it?

Mm.

How was Eileen when you saw her last?

You found yourselves alone

last night, didn't you?

In the midst of all the madness.

For a moment.

In the bedroom?

For a moment.

Have they asked you about the g*n?

What g*n?

The one at the center of all this.

The one that Eileen shot herself with.

It's nowhere to be found, apparently.

Professor Greenwood thinks it's his

'cause he lost track of it last night.

I'm sure they'll want

to speak to him soon.

They'll want to see you next.

Ah. And what will I say?

Roland, don't tease me.

Two g*ns were fired last night.

One was Professor Greenwood's,

and the other is yours.

Is that what you'll say?

I'll say I have the g*n

that shot Eileen Lovborg.

- Have you?

- Yes.

And whose is it?

I think you know.

But what will you say?

Well...

that depends.

On my whimsicality.

It was a good idea, Hedda.

Sloppily ex*cuted, but...

I never thought she'd do it here.

I thought she'd find somewhere beautiful.

Oh, my dear.

Just imagine the scandal

when they find out the g*n belonged

to the great General Gabler.

That his pretty little b*stard

gave it to a l*sbian

who tried to k*ll someone in the house

our little Hedda can't afford.

What will they think?

The thought hadn't crossed my mind.

Fortunately, there's no danger of that.

As long as I say nothing.

Don't resist me.

No. No.

No!

No.

People usually get used to the inevitable,

Hedda.

Stop it.

Okay? That's enough.

Hedda!

How dare you,

after everything I've done for you.

I own you.

I control this.

Hedda! Hedda!

Hedda!

Hedda!

Hedda!

- Hedda!

- Hedda!

Where is she?

Hedda!

Hedda! Hedda!

Hedda, it's Eileen!

She's woken up! Hedda, she's...

'Tain't no big thing

to wait for the bell to ring

'Tain't no big thing

The toll of the bell

Aggravated, spare for days

I troll downtown, the red-light place

Jump up, bubble up, what's in store?

Love is the drug, and I need to score

Showing out, showing out, hit and run

Boy meets girl where the beat goes on

Stitched up tight, can't shake free

Love is the drug, got a hook on me

Oh, catch that buzz

Love is the drug I'm thinking of

Oh, can't you see?

Love is the drug for me

Oh, oh-oh

Oh, oh-oh

Love is, love is

Love is the drug

An empty stolen tale

I'd give to you

A bride without veil

is who you're promised to

To

To

A bride without veil

is who you're promised to

Roses, like weeds, they grow

Their thorns wake my mind

to your scent, your touch

What's hers, I want mine

My mind

I hold on to things

I know you'll never say