Directorul nostru (1955)

[bunniefuu]

What kind of institution could this be?

Information office
Entry for personnel

It is a peaceful institution

where life unfolds gently,
without disturbances.

Over here, everyone knows
what they have to do.

Everything is foreseen and resolved.

The Director comes at
the office at the exact hour.

The registration office receives
piles of mail on a daily basis.

The secretaries distribute it
to those in charge

They examine the issues,

they compile reports

and arrange assessments.

It's the end of a quarter

Labor analysis meetings
are regularly held

in the management boardroom.

All the chief service officers meet there,
along with the president of the Syndicate,

the secretary
of the primary organization and

of course...

the Director

that presides over the meeting
and gives the word, in turn, to everyone.

Every single one stands up and reports.

In our department it was
like so and like this...

and we achieved the target at 100%

Then another one gets up and...

The target was achieved at 100%,
and even a bit more!

Then another..

and another.

Until they all finish reporting.

The president of the Syndicate
then makes a statement

about their position
in the socialist competitions.

From which results that in
the quarter that has just passed,

the number of workers that
have been involved in the competitions

has increased by a few percent.

In the end, the Director thanks everybody

And congratulates those that have
a few percent over the target of 100

He scolds the others

because they only manage
to achieve the feat

of reaching the 100% target exactly.

Then he asks those present
to make the proposals for the awards

in the shortest time possible.

The date is determined for the prize
giving ceremony, with all of the workers,

where the bonuses will be handed out.

And the meeting is wrapped up

as its agenda
has been successfully covered.

Excuse me, sir!

Be careful with those.
You're shoving your weeds in my face.

Where do you see weeds?
These are lettuce seedlings.

Pardon me.

- Make way, please!
- I can't - I'm suspended here.

Like a boat on the waves,
I just go with the flow!

George!

- Costica!
- What a coincidence!

Isn't it so?
We haven't seen each other in years.

- Since we were working together.
- Those were the times.

Still working there?

- No, I changed my job.
- Where?

I've been working for
almost a year at D. R. T. B.

I mean D. R. G. B. J. ..

Anyway, it's called D. R. G. ...

- Et cetera
- D. R. G. ? P. B. !

What is it?

It's D. R. G. B. P. !

- Dammit!
- What is it?

I missed my station,
I'm gonna be late again. Goodbye, goodbye.

Wait a minute.
When can we meet?

Come have dinner with us on
Sunday, we'll talk.

- Do you still live there? - Yeah.
- After the barrier?

My in-law's house!

Everyone clocked in?

Long ago?

Had to go to the market
to buy these lettuce seedlings.

- Then I met Costica.
- Is it so?

So it is.

Like this and like that and so on.

- I'm not signing this.
- What? Why?

- But sir, tomorrow is the last day...
- I am not signing this.

I personally
double-checked all the facts.

I said that I am not
signing it and that's that.

- Any further discussion is futile.
- We're in a competition, comrade Director.

- Take it from here!
- But Sir...

I said get rid of it.
You didn't double-check.

Take it!
We are a cultured institution, comrade.

Cultured!

What will they say at the Ministry
when they receive a paper with my signature

where tarred cardboard is mistyped as

tarred calfboard!

I'm going to rectify immediately

Take it and go.
I'm done with you for today.

Sit down.

What do you want?

- I told you, just a stamp.
- It's too late.

It's not too late.
If you stamp it now,

I have enough time to get
to the Supply Office

- to settle the rest of the formalities.
- You don't, today we eat earlier.

There's the festive gathering.
With the bonuses!

The award ceremony
is held in the dining room.

The patrons have barely
finished eating

as the girls start
clearing the tables in a hurry.

Some of them leave,

others stay.

- Where are you going?
- Going home, to plant this lettuce.

I bought these seedlings this morning
and they're gonna dry up.

But the award
ceremony is coming up.

So? There's no way
they'll give me a prize.

I'm glad that people don't give me
any attention and mind about my business.

I'm not chasing prizes.

Wait a bit,
it's your office's turn this quarter

along with the Library and
the Planification and Registration offices.

You gotta be there,
or you'll get your envelope misplaced.

Stop luring me,
my seedlings will spoil.

I used all my remaining money
to pay for them.

To hell with those seedlings,
splash some water on them.

You'll buy new ones tomorrow.

Trust me.
I know how it goes around here.

To be frank, I minded my own business
and was never a nuisance to anyone.

Why wouldn't I deserve a prize as well?

A few tables are placed side by side
in the back, on a platform.

They are covered with a red cloth.

A couple of flower pots are placed on them.

A bottle of sparkling water
and a few glasses.

Then the chairs and..

That's about it.

Comrades,

We have gathered today

according to our well-established custom

in the tradition...
- What if I receive, let's say..

100 LEI

I'll buy some more seedlings

I'll get a pair of sandals
for my eldest son

and a kerchief for my wife.

But what if I receive, let's say..

200 LEI?

With 200 LEI I can buy seedlings

sandals for both of my boys

and even a dress fabric for the wife.

I'll even have some money left.

...our institution

whose efforts have represented

a distinguished contribution.

Chief of Service,
comrade Anton Constantinescu.

For well-managing
and organizing our library.

Comrade

Gheorghe Treandafir

Chief Librarian.

For showing spectacular orderliness
while being in charge of the library.

What did I tell you? The library.

Comrade Enache Stanoi

Chief of the Planification Office.

For bringing to fruition all
of the project's tasks.

The Planification!

You're one crafty fellow, Ionescu.

- How do you know all this?
- I've been here for 3 years. I know.

Comrade Specialist Vasile Dobrescu,
from the Planification Service.

For his worthy contribution.

Ilie Nicolau, Specialist.

For the way he took ownership of his work,

even though he's new in the field
and a recent graduate.

Gheorghe Ciubuc

- Ciubuc!
- Technical Specialist.

For making sure everything is up to date
and punctuality at the workplace.

Elena Fabian

Typist.

For her outstanding contribution at the end
of the closure of this quarter.

What did he say about me, Ionescu?
What was the prize for?

He said something about
"up to date" and "punctuality".

If there are 25 LEI bills in here
I think I hit the jackpot.

There must be
at least 300 LEI in this envelope.

But what if there are 100 LEI bills?

If that's the case,

I'm not coming into work for a week.

I'll get a medical leave and I'll go to
my auntie at the countryside to buy a pig.

47 LEI

and 43 cents.

Why these 43 cents?

The change
is not even enough for a bus fare.

It was not worth toiling that much
for 47 LEI and 43 cents.

What can I do with the money?

Whether in large or small sums,
money needs to be responsibly spent.

Tanase Florescu,
Leader of the Printing Office

Which has ensured
the correct duplication of

all directives and instructions
on time & in great condition.

Tanase Florescu

Is Tanase Florescu not present?

Someone take his envelope.

He is.

Comrades, the administration is awarding
me now, at the end of the quarter.

I don't need a prize. Please take it back.

- Well, you know, here...
- I know.

That's the custom over here.

Waiting in line, like at the mill.

Everyone waits to get
a small piece of the award fund.

But I'm fed up with this rule.

I stand here before you, comrades.
And I ask myself:

What have I done to deserve this prize?

- I also wonder about the others.
- Bravo! You tell em', comrade!

Please don't disturb
the order of the gathering.

Comrade Florescu,

you're discouraging the people

by discrediting such an important
workforce stimulating measure

like our award process.

I'm listening.

I wanna say that you have

played an important role
in fulfilling our institution's plan.

Yourself, along with all
of the workers in the Printing Office

have ensured the duplication on time,
and in proper conditions

of all Administration directives
and instructions.

Because of you

all other departments
have reached their target

by sending all directives on the field.

Curse those directives!

That's why I should get a prize?

You know what the people
on the field are saying? Let me tell you.

- There's no need. At another time.
- This is a festive gathering.

So what if it's a festive gathering?

- Let the man say what he has to say.
- Tell it, old man!

Let old Tanase speak!

- Old Tanase
- Let's hear him

Look

Just a few days ago
someone from Iasi or Bacau

arrived by accident in our office.

He came to Bucharest
& got lost in the building.

He needed to settle something with
the Forecasting or Supply Office.

I can't remember.

He gazed at our
highly productive machines.

How they swallow the blank paper on 1 side
and bring it printed on the other.

The man kept looking and wondering.

"What are you doing here?"

He asked.

"Don't you see?"

I responded.

We're printing directives
with these machines.

I understand.

- You must have a lot of work.
- We sure do.

We must print 4 others until noon,
not including the one in here.

The comrade got closer to the machines
and started examining them.

"These machines...", he asked me

after gazing for a few moments

"they never break?"

How could they break?
We take care of them.

And what do you do
when there's a power outage?

Our factory runs like clockwork.
The power never goes out.

What a shame.

"What?"

I respond while being dumbstruck.

"What a shame"
he says once more.

If the power went out

we could finally start our work.

I don't get what you're insinuating.

And I approach him

while hinting for 2 comrades
to block the door so he can't escape.

"You pretend you don't get it" he says

Any idea how many
instructions and directives

you've printed with
these machines just last month?

It's documented in our registry book.

We printed everything we were asked to.
Always on time - no delays

- Even worked night shifts when we had to.
- Just last month we received 72 of them.

650 pages in total from the headquarters!

When can we read, process and send
all of them to the districts?

- Is it clear now?
- What can I say..

- I got the gist of it. - Then show me
where I can find the Planification Office

They'll tell me how to
get to "Supplies" afterwards.

I showed him and he went there.

And we stood there dumbfounded

staring at our machines that seemed
to print even harder now

and were pouring out the prints
in heap after heap.

You want to give me a prize for this?

- I'd rather not.
- Bravo! Bravo!

You couldn't have said it better,
comrade Florescu! It's true!

Silence, please.

If comrade Florescu considers
that he doesn't deserve a prize

it means that who nominated him
made a mistake.

Maybe he can tell us a method
of guiding the people on the field

without directives & instructions.

We'd like to know it.

But why are the people saying that then?
Maybe not that many are needed.

Let's not take any ignorant's word for it.

The main office will analyse
this case and take action

if it's necessary.

Let's continue.

Next up is comrade Marin Gheorghe,
also from the Printing Office.

Comrade Marin Gheorghe,
while proving a remarkable zeal

Don't bother, Mr. Director.

How can I say this

I share the same view as comrade Florescu

But I couldn't say it as well as he did.
I don't need the prize.

That's all.

Silence, please.

Fine, we'll discuss this case as well.

Next on the list
is comrade Paraschiva Simion.

Throughout the past quarter,
comrade Paraschiva Simion has

I didn't do anything of note!

I only helped the management
fill the provinces with papers.

I refuse the prize.

I gather this is an organised att*ck
against the management.

- In this case
- There's no organised att*ck.

I received a prize

But listening to what Mr. Florescu said

I realised that I didn't win it on merit.
I'm giving it up.

Gheorghe, get out of here while you can

Otherwise, you'll have to give
some explanations to your wife at home

Stop screaming, comrade.
This is not a circus!

- Wait up.
- What happened?

Too much fuss. I'll get my envelope
tomorrow from Accountancy.

- This ceremony sure turned out memorable.
- This Tanase Florescu ain't good.

What will he do now?

- The Director?
- No, old Tanase.

- Who knows
- What nerve!

To confront the big boss
with such audacity.

Moving on, you're liable
to buy a round now.

Get outta' here.
I'm going home, I'm busy.

- Just 1 drink can't hurt anyone.
- It can. - No way.

Maybe another time.
I'm drained right now.

White Lily Buffet

What do you want?

Please bring us

What needs to be done?

We need to make quick decision
regarding the money.

- Regarding what money?
- The total prize money.

The instructions state they can only
be used until the 15th of next month.

So do you propose that
we give out the prize money?

- Indeed, ye..
- How you gone mad?

- Those weren't enough prizes for him
- It's a shame to lose them.

You didn't learn anything
from what happened earlier.

The situation is really serious, comrades.

People have started to take a stand.

We need to analyse the matters
and go for a serious self-evaluation.

That's true.

The only solution is self-criticism.

A severe,
ruthless self-evaluation.

Let's not get ahead
of ourselves with this.

Sure, we should analyze the matters

But let's not move
this quickly to self-criticism.

This was an organized att*ck
meant to undermine the management.

We need to find its root.

Be vigilant.

Comrade Director, I think this time...

I gather everyone is rooting
for self-criticism then.

Absolutely.

Only self-criticism can
get us out of this trouble.

Are you also rooting for self-criticism?

No, no, you.

Yes.. naturally.. me too

How could I not root
for self.. creat

icism.

But it'd be a shame
to lose the prize money

To hell with the money.

As if that's important now.

So then it's self-criticism
from left to right.

Fine.

- We'll have to conduct a report.
- You have to conduct it yourself

In front of the
Syndicate's General Assembly.

It can't be done like
this, my friend

To just come with these issues
out of the blue

in front of the General Assembly.

It's sufficient if the management
analyses the matter

and takes a self-critical approach

in accord with the institution's
liability guidelines.

It..

will be known.

It used to be different back then.

I've been wanting to
ask you this for some time.

Where do you plant this lettuce?

Next to my house.

- You're well off then.
- Not complaining

My mother-in-law left us
a nice, spacious house

with a patch of land at
the outskirts of Bucharest.

What an in-law!

But it was completely empty inside

Not even a chair to sit on.

On the only nail stuck on the
Eastern wall, where the sun rises

and where she told us to make the bedroom

she hung the icon of Saint Paraskeva.

Take care of this house and my daughter,

listen to Saint Paraskeva's teachings

and everything will work out well.

When you finish, come downstairs.
I'll take you home with the car.

- Goodbye
- Farewell, comrade

Please
call the Chief Secretary to my office.

I will have to compile
a self-evaluation in a report

regarding what happened
today at the gathering.

I'd like to ask you.

To compile a quick bulletin.
A short list with b*llet points, as usual.

On a larger scale.

But make it quick.

- Tomorrow by noon is good?
- Very good.

Tomorrow afternoon

you will have it ready.

I wanted to ask you

Who the hell was that lousy girl?

I keep thinking about her screaming
Bravo! Bravo!

g*dd*mn lass!
If she hadn't stepped in

Tanase Florescu wouldn't have
anyone on his side.

I also wonder who she is, but I can't
remember where she was assigned.

- I don't know where she's from either.
- We need to stop this habit

Of hiring people in the institution

who are not known by the Chief of Staff,
nor the President of the Syndicate

nor the Director.

When the hell can you read them all?

So many brochures too.

Various problems you need
to keep up-to-date with.

And besides all of that
Coming from the Ministry & Commissions..

orders, instructions

countless directives.

How could you go through all of them?

In some way, Tanase was right

It's not easy to lead
an institution in these times

You're looking for me.

Yes.

I mean no.

A shame.

A shame? What kind of shame?

You will pay the price for this mockery.

We will see who who will
pay the real price in the end.

What are you alluding to?

The former workers
pulled out of the field

who got infected with this bureaucracy.

You're insulting the working class?

You're insulting the working class
by your everyday behavior.

You make a big thing out of starting
from the ground-up as worker in a factory

but you forgot that you
were never actually a real worker.

You were a storeman
and then a clerk.

Listen here.

Who are you anyway?

I am a vision of your
troubled & nervous conscience.

You don't think of your reponsibilities.

Only about the advantages that
the situation will ensure for you.

You've aristocratized

And become a dangerous arrogant.

I will remove the pillows
under you one-by-one

from the comfortable lair
you laid out for yourself.

You'll run in to me night and day.

Yes, yes

I need to make a change at work

And concerning my attitudes
towards the others.

In my personal life too.

I won't spray cologne on my chest anymore.

I won't send the cleaning lady to buy
groceries in the institution's car anymore.

And I won't let my wife drive it either.

That's it.

Trifles.

You only think of trivialities.

You are not able to see the big picture.

It can't be swept under the rug
You need a bigger broom

You must bring it on yourself first.
So you can finally wake up.

Enough.

Enough.

That's enough.

Enough..

What are you doing?

- I came to sweep.
- Sweep who? Sweep what?

In the living room.

Couldn't find another
time to bring the broom?!

I'll tell you what happened last night.

I mean, someone told me this.

Anyway, do you believe in dreams?

- You must be joking, Sir, I'm awake.
- You're right.

I will tell you something totally peculiar.

- You see, last night
- After the prize meeting

- Did you find anything out?
- No, you were saying that..

You're right.
I'm out of my element today.

Please excuse me.

I'm really busy.

I want to be left alone.
No one is to disturb me.

Who should I consult with?

Advices?

Why would I need advices?

The only solution is to hasten
making a change at work.

Where to start?

TO BE COMPLETED

COMPLETED

I can't start with paperwork
when making this change.

I have to undertake a new task

Something special.

The key to this change
relates to the masses.

That's it.

That's what that girl was saying too.

This dream will drive me nuts.

Forgive me, your assistant
told me you are busy

- I want to tell you that I found that girl
- What girl?

The one screaming
at the ceremony yesterday.

You think I have time for this right now?

See what's with her.
That is your job.

I'm going for a stroll
around the offices.

Where should I go first?

I'll go to the Inspection Office

This way I'll make a connection in one go

with both the people
working in the office and on the field.

On what floor is the Inspection Office?

There are no signs.

These bureaucrats don't think of anything.

Are you looking for someone,
comrade Director?

Should I ask her where I can
find the Inspection Office?

Who knows what can come out of this too.

Inspection Office

Good day, comrades.

They're startled as if they
saw the devil in flesh

- Good day, comrade Director.
- Welcome to our office

After finishing your reports, we will hold
a meeting with each Sector's management

and examine the situation on the field.

Good day.

Statistical Office

Good day, comrades.

- Good day.
- Welcome, comrade Director.

Please don't pause your work.

I just came by to say hello.

How is your mother doing?
Has she recovered?

Didn't you once come to me in regards
to some medicine for your mother?

Why would she need medicine?

She d*ed a long time ago.

I was the one with the firewood request.

My receipts were misplaced
at the Administrative Office.

Now I remember.

I remember very well.

So?

- The firewood was sorted out?
- It was... winter passed anyway.

This is a quite bad start for
re-connecting with the masses.

Comrade Director,
I'd like to show you something.

You see, I compared our forms.

They only differentiate by a column.
We could summarize into a single one.

Great then. Very interesting.

But I don't have the time now

I'll call you
to explain it to me at length.

I'll leave you to your tasks.
Easy shift.

Comrade Director.

I'm in a delicate situation.

- What is this?
- The prize.

You know.. in our office
all of my colleagues returned it.

- I can't ke..
- Bring it to the pay-office then!

Am I your delivery man?

You've all lost your mind.

That's enough for today.

I better finish my paperwork.

- Your personal driver
- What happened?

My brother wrote

He's got fattened geese.

If you permit it, I'd stop by his place
in the afternoon. It's not far.

Better price straight
from the manufacturer.

I don't need geese right now.

You know

I thought of your lady.. the groceries..

The car is the State's property.

For work, not for geese.

I want these abuses to stop.

I don't want to hear
that the institution's car

is used for anything not work-related.

- Understood?
- Of course, I understand.

But, you know..

A pit-stop at Tunari is not a big deal.

In 1 hour,
one and half tops, I would be back.

Not anymore, comrade.
Not anymore!

If you say so.

But it's a pity for the geese

They're fattened.

I don't need geese.

I need order in the institution.
That's that.

Then please forgive me.
I'm going to school.

What school? What for?

It's almost one o'clock.
I have to pick-up little Misu.

Doesn't he have feet to walk home
on them like all the others?

He's feeble, comrade Director
Not accustomed to walking.

He might get lost, sweat

or, God forbid, get hit by a car.

Give me break with these stories!

You're spoiling him.
He's become so cosy that everything

has to be perfect for him.

Do you think my dad
drove me to school everyday?

I used to walk barefoot in the summer
& with torn boots in the winter.

And nothing happened.

You will do as I say.

It's over with
picking and dropping off Misu.

- Understood?
- Understood.

Wait.

Go today and pick him up from the school.

That brat

might wait for you for God-knows how much.

- And starting tomorrow
- Tomorrow?

Bring him to school,
but not at the entrance gate

Leave him 100 metres behind.

And when you pick him up

wait for him over there.

It's better this way.

I don't know what's happening today
I feel everyone is pulling my leg

Why are you so sulky, Mr. Georje?

I came for advice.

What happened? Are your sails out of wind?

Or have your seedlings dried out?

Can't say about the sails,
but the seedlings are well.

I did as you told me & they're fine
I checked this morning.

- I'll plant them as soon as I get home.
- Then what?

Another problem

What kind of life could this be,
if you're always living with fear in you?

Waiting all-day, not knowing
when a boss might come to you.

And the biggest of bosses too!

Who knows what he will devise tomorrow.

Might go amuck through the offices again.

If he's firmly determined
to look everywhere

Goodbye peace and quiet!

What's bothering you if the Director
comes through the offices?

That's his duty.

A Director needs to know everything.

He can look anywhere.
That's why he's a Director.

I'm a delicate being.

I can't bear bosses coming
into my office at any time.

I get a lump in my throat.

Who knows what they won't like
and start questioning about it.

This is not a life to live.

Does it say anywhere that if he came once,
he's going to come every single day?

That's the biggest fear of them all.
Always living with incertitudes.

Take a few precautions like I did.

- Is the report ready?
- On time, like always, as you ordered.

- You included suggestions too?
- I did, in a special chapter at the end

- Both technical & oganizational
matters included. - Thank you.

Let me study it.
I'll call for you later on.

God forbid!

Those are all the registers you work with?
How can you handle them?

I only handle one.

I display the ones from the
last years to make an impression.

You should do it too.

- I can't
- Why?

They took mine to the archive
as per proceedings. Only left me one.

Then put up some folders, some papers

old newspapers, anything,
so they see that you're working.

- Don't tell me you don't have papers.
- God Almighty! I have so many of those

I gathered so many in the last few months.

that I don't even dare to register them.

I stuffed them in the drawers
when I found out he's coming.

I barely found a concealed space.

What do I do?

Take them out from the drawers

and put them up nicely on your desk.

As many as possible,
but make sure they're arranged.

What if he asks if I'm
up-to-date with the registers?

Say that you are, what's the problem?

They will stand out if there are so many.

Let them be many!

Say that you can't handle them all.

Say that another functionary will help
and you're all set.

Our boss likes to see many functionaries.

What can I say..
You have a knack for this

I'll do as you said

I went through a lot.
Maybe I'll get away this time too.

Sorry for disturbing,
but I have an urgent matter.

Go ahead.

We're in hot water, comrade.

Everybody's asking for a general assembly.
I have to inform the offices.

What's this rush to tell the offices?

We agreed on the self-evaluation.

We'll complete it.

- You can inform them afterwards.
- They need to know immediately

We can't defer it.

I'm going there.

I was right from the very start

For..

For

For

What's that?

- The list with all institution employees.
- What for?

No idea, you told me to get it.

Oh, yeah.

Leave it here and please call
for the Chief Secretary.

I studied attentively the report

It's well-documented, lively, interesting

The tone is just and sincere

But it's not up to par
on a intellectual level.

In such circumstances
the problems can't be addressed

only from a practical point of view.

The theoretical side of things must also

- be highlighted.
- Comrade Director

It can be done.

You know that I always give my best
in order to be useful for the institution

- And for yourself.
- Concentrate some more on it.

It needs to contain

some carefully selected quotes as well.

Then something about the issue

of connecting with the masses.

More detailed and

- more powerful.
- Don't you worry.

- I'll make it real powerful.
- Good.

Start working on it straight away.

Don't come to the office
until it's completely finished.

And.. one more thing

Yes, Sir.

Pay some more attention to the style.

In some passages,
I don't even recognize my style.

Like it's not even mine.

- I will give my absolute best.
- Then good luck and

So

Good lad.

He's improved beautifully
since working with me.

I usually connect better with
the people that I work close with.

Come closer too.
Are you stuck there?

Closer, closer

You see, all the nuisances stem from this.

I'm detached from the simple folks.
I need to reestablish the connection.

I'll carry on differently

Organized

Every single day

I'll bring 2 or 3 of them in
for a face-to-face conversation.

I get to know them,
they get to know me too.

This is much better
than barging into offices.

Who should I start with?

One

Two

Three

Two is enough.

Have these two come to my office
tomorrow morning

At 09:30 & 10:00 respectively.

On the hour.

And call for my car now.

Actually, know what

What if I go home by bus?

It's not that pleasant.

I don't even remember
the last time I took the bus.

When you commute 2 or 3 times a day
with a bunch of people

you learn a lot of things.

It's like listening to

the breath of the masses!

What?

The masses.

The breath of..

You're so savvy.

All these people are crowding in the bus

I better go back and take the car

Better not

They will think I've gone mad

I'll walk on foot

It's a bit far, but it's actually
more pleasant on foot

And you're practically walking
alongside the masses

A bit tiresome, but it's very pleasant

The people have pretty faces

I've lost the habit

I have to add to my schedule

1 hour of walking each day

In the start

let's say

each week.

And now you're coming on foot

What's with this strange behavior?

Look how sweaty you are
And what's your problem with poor Misu?

And don't make me start about the geese.

Those were phenomenal fattened geese.

I've something on my mind, darling.

- I have to tell you.
- Say it.

Stop sprinkling that
high, you'll break the stems.

That's what you want to tell me?

No, dear.

- Where I left off?
- You said the Director's scouring.

Yes, you're right.

- I feel really guilty.
- What's your deal with him?

- With who?
- With the Director.

I'm talking about the prize,
not about the Director.

- What this prize you're talking about?
- The prize I got at the festive gathering.

What feat did you achieve to get a prize?

I take it you're not
in middle school anymore.

I got it at work for my service,

my punctuality

& who knows what else.

47 LEI and 43 cents

That's something.
And where's the money?

The money?

Money, money,
they came and went.

- With Ionescu, after a few glasses.
- Good job, prizewinner!

He caught me by surprise.

- And he's coming to dinner on Sunday.
- Ionescu? - No, no

- The Director?
- Heaven forbid!

- Then who?
- Mr. Costica, I already told you

Not even the devil is
as black as he's painted.

Who knows

But what came over the Director
to visit your office?

He didn't come yet, dear.

Does it say anywhere
that he needs to come?

If he set his mind on
it, he will.

What's bothering you if the Director
comes through the offices?

That's his duty.

A Director needs to know everything.

He can look anywhere.
That's why he's a Director.

Not saying it's bothering me.

But it's vexing me.

The register!

Comrade Ciubuc, the Director's assistant
has called asking for you.

You need to go to the
Director's office at 09:30 sharp.

How?

For..what?

That's all she said - 09:30 exactly

08:30

An hour to go

An entire hour on pins and needles

I can't even start working now

What to do?

Ionescu is my only hope

Ionescu, I swear to God

If Saint Paraskeva showed up
last night and told me this:

Thy faithful believer, Gheorghe

Be wary

Stay away from sin, as the evil
is waiting around the corner.

and followed to tell me in great detail

what was about to happen
to me at the office

as a God-fearing man as I am

- maybe I still wouldn't have believed it.
- Mr. Georje, summarize it

I am summarizing it.

So I would've even ventured
to question the Saint's own words.

And I am not a man
to dare question a Saint's advice

Especially of Saint Paraskeva

who is our home's protector.

- Get to the point, man.
- I am getting there.

Saint Paraskeva didn't show up

I didn't have any eye twitches,
nor eyelash trembles

- nor any other sign.
- So what?

The Director called me
to his office at 09:30 today.

Calm down, Mr. Georje

Don't be so pessimistic.

How can I calm down?

I have to start looking for a job tomorrow.

But did he really need to call me
to his office for this matter?

In a case like this

someone from the Staff calls for you

tells you rapidly some

unpleasant

things.

And you go on your way.

Sure, fire me if it's
an order and it's needed.

But why t*rture me like this?

Pull yourself together.

These big bosses just feel like talking

to some smaller employees
once in a while, to get some advice.

Let's say, to feel the pulse of the masses.

If that's not it, then I've failed
my school of hard knocks exam.

God forbid! To bother my inner peace

and scare me stiff just for some advice?

What do I know about his duties?

He should know how to handle them.
That's why he's a Director.

- Just hope it's nothing bad.
- It can't be bad.

It can't b..?

- Comrade Ciubuc.
- Me.

So you know how to upholster furniture too?

- What?
- Yeah.

Your mother-in-law's second
husband was an upholsterer.

And wanted to teach you too.

He did.

It's good that you're handy.

These Staff people find everything out

I can't help you.

You came too early.

Would it be possible to enter earlier?

Are you in a hurry?

The sooner, the better.

I think so.

You think so too?

Hello

- Do you allow me to?
- Yes

Not possible, the Director is very busy.

I can't transfer you. He's in a meeting.

If it's really urgent leave your number.

The Director will call you
when he has the time.

As you wish.

Stop insisting, comrade
I already told you.

You didn't tell me anything.
I'm somebody else.

Then I'm telling you too:
Come tomorrow!

Well, I come from abroad

- I'm leaving tonight and..
- You shouldn't have come uninvited.

- There's no point waiting there.
- I have a very important matter.

Sure, the Director only has
important matters too.

- I can't disturb him.
- But mine was postponed so many times.

Go check with your Field's Office.

- Then what do I do?
- Leave the paper at the Registry Office

From there it will be forwarded
to the competent office

which will, in turn, forward it to
the Director, and he will resolve it.

You'll receive an answer, if it's needed.

Call back tomorrow morning.

No, no

Not possible.

He's busy all day.

No, he couldn't handle it yet.

He was too busy.

Poor girl

How much hassle she has to go through

in order to make them understand
that the Director is really busy

I will inform him.

Ionescu couldn't be more wrong.

How could anything good come out of this?

The Director doesn't have
time to talk on the phone

Doesn't even have the time
to talk to people from abroad

But wants to talk to me?

Must be something really bad

He forgot of me today.

Maybe he forgets tomorrow too.

And the next day.

And then completely.

I should leave

There's no escape now
My time has come.

Go in, comrade Ciubuc

Who is there?

Me

with your approval.

Ciubuc from Administration

Gheorghe

Come closer
Don't stay stuck to the door.

What do you want?

Nothing, Heaven Forbid.

What could I

want?

If you don't want anything,
why are you here?

You're right.

I forgot I called for you.

I have so much on my mind.

Come closer.

Come on, why are you this jittery?

Good

Sit down.

Sit in the armchair.

Sit back on it
Get comfortable.

Sit down properly.

So? Is it good here?

It's good, of course.

Do you like it?

I like it.

Did you like it from the beginning?

In the beginning I was
a bit afraid, to be honest.

And now?

Now..

It's a bit better.

This armchair..

Do you have any remarks?

What do you mean by remarks?

I mean if something's not
right, the Director needs to know.

that's why I called you.

I want to know your opinion too.

So the Director has called me
to try these armchairs

I understand now

- With your approval, please let me.
- Please do.

Your choice

But if you feel that something's
not right, say it directly.

From my personal experience

it is as it should be.

Maybe you have some remarks regarding
the situation in the other offices.

- My field doesn't allow me..
- What do you do?

Now they call me: "Technical Specialist"

But I'm still an archivist in the end.

I take care of the Administration archive.

In this case

You must know the situation
from the other offices

which the Administration one
is working with.

Mostly about the Accountancy
& Registry Offices.

Regarding the Pay Desk,
Supply & Planification Offices

a little less.

Ok then.

And how is it there?

How's the condition?

It's...

It's not bad.

Not bad?

Then is it good?

I can't say it's too good either.

Then say it frankly.

How is it?

Let me say it straight,
no b*ating around the bush

- It's creaking
- Creaking?

It's true.

Does it creak a lot?

Not that much.

If you're not that
sensitive, it's no big deal.

Don't hold it back!

Tell me honestly: What's the situation?

- You see...
- I don't want to see anything!

If it's creaking,
I need to know as a Director

And you need to tell me,
as an employee of the institution.

- But I..
- I don't want to hear it

It's not alright to hide it and falter.

You need to help me.

Don't hold back now.

Talk openly & be honest.

Where does it creak more?

It creaks more in Accountancy.

The boss there
rocks back and forth all day.

Just like this.

- Is it so?
- And everyone there follows him.

It keeps creaking nonstop.

Your ears start ringing before
you manage to get a signature.

It hurts my soul

but I just can't hold back the truth.

That's the right thing to do, comrade.

I'm glad to see such loyal
devotion for the institution

in a seasoned functionary like yourself.

And concerning the other
offices you're familiar with

How's it there?

There's no comparison
- it's not a problem

- Honestly speaking?
- Absolutely honest.

- Hope you're not trying to hide anything.
- This can't be hidden.

If it starts creaking, it creaks
no matter how much you cover it up.

And it gets on your nerves,
especially if you're sensitive.

When it creaks, the screws
need to be fastened

- That's the only remedy.
- You're right.

We need to avoid any compromises
with all shortcomings.

We need to fasten those screws.

That's the only remedy, like you just said.

I like that you tell it like it is.

Not like some others who tangle it up
without making sense.

Yes

It's not possible.

Ask for "Interior 37"

You must wait if he called for you.

And just so you know, comrade,
you've provided some great help here

by showing me where it creaks.

Look what a simple discussion
with a simple fellow can do

Man-to-man

I always sensed that something
creaks there in Accountancy.

I will do exactly as
the lower classes request.

I will fasten
the Accountancy clerks' screws

until they have bureaucracy
coming out of their nose.

People's ears start ringing

before they manage to get a signature.

We'll make a general assembly,
if it can't be settled otherwise.

I will, of course, admit my shortcomings.

But I will show them that
I know how to unmask

the true bureaucrats that have
nested themselves in the institution

and do nothing but
rock in their chairs all day.

I'm on the right track for
reconnecting with the masses.

- Another opportunity to connect
with the masses is waiting - Where?

In the waiting room.
You called for another person.

- Comrade Maria Popescu
- Oh yes, indeed!

- She arrived?
- For quite a while.

She even said she can go
back to work if you don't have time.

I have all the time in the world for this.

Bring her in.

The Director is waiting for you.

Enter, comrade, don't be shy.

Why would I be?

What are you doing here?

- I was told you called for me.
- Me?

Oh, yes

- So you're Maria Popescu
- Sure am.

I'm really glad that you called me here.

- I am glad too.
- I have so much to tell you.

- Why didn't you come? I am always here.
- Oh, I came

But it's not that easy to get you.

To me?

No way!

I am always open to talking
with the folks in the institution.

It's very important for me.

Might be,
but your secretary doesn't know it.

What do you mean?

She repeats the same phrases
over & over, and sneers at everyone.

"Comrade Director is busy."

"He is very busy."

"Come tomorrow!"

- I was a bit busy lately.
- I'm not talking about lately.

It's always been like that
And there many problems.

Come in.

You were right once again, Ionescu.

Bosses are really strange.

If they're stuck on an idea, they make time

to talk to someone like me

regarding the state
of the chairs in the office.

What if I even get a promotion.

Of course it can be solved.

- How would it work otherwise?
- It could work another way.

- You know it all.
- I don't, but everyone is complaining.

- So it's a general discontent then?
- Not really "general"

Some have come to terms
with this situation.

But I didn't.

So it's a personal matter.

Yes, I'm a textile worker by trade.

I was pulled from production and
sent to the 3-month school.

You know what I do here?

I write receipts in the canteen.

- If I had stayed in the factory
- Of course

you would've become a top performer
and would've earned much more.

It's not about that.

I'm content with less,
but I want to do something useful.

Keeping the canteen in order is not useful?

It is, but there isn't a need
for a skilled worker to do it.

It will all work out fine if everyone
does their job as they should.

You don't even know what's going on here.

- Me?
- You.

- It's said that
- Yeah, "it's said"

It's all gossip with you.

We don't gossip.
It hurts us.

We went to the Base Organization
Office to raise the problem.

We want an assembly.

So the simple, honest people in
the institution can voice their opinion.

I know what the simple,
honest people in the institution

are thinking.

Now tell me why you came here - it's late

I said what I wanted to say.
How about you?

You called me.

There's no need, it's clear now.

Please make me a large coffee
and call the Chief of Staff.

I haven't done paperwork
since God knows when

It's time to get down to business

I thought about this

We have some very valuable people here.

At the canteen, for example,
there is one girl - Maria Popescu

Do you know her?

Yes, the screaming
girl from the ceremony.

What's done is done.

She's a capable, skilled
textile worker that could surely

become a top performer in her field.

It's a shame to deprive
the field of such a worker.

Especially in the textile branch,
where there is such need right now.

I'd like you to ask. If they want her

- the transfer is approved.
- We just need to ask and it's done.

Then go and ask but..

discreetly.

Others might want to leave.

I know how to handle it, no worries.

There's one Technical Specialist
in the Administration Office

Ciubuc Gheorghe

- Do you know him?
- I do.

Old-fashioned functionary, pretty limited.

Limited? You're mistaken.

He's a simple, modest man
with a broad perspective.

He looks at matters
with seriousness and depth.

I found out from him

some interesting things.

I'm surprised.

How many times have I told you
how shallow you views on people are?

See if there's a way we can
get him a promotion.

Two actually.

He deserves it.

Ask about Tanase Florescu too.

If he's past retirement age

Not even the Minister
has the right to do this.

That's why the State's Inspectorate exists

to inspect!

But not to undermine my authority.

The Minister should've called me
and kept me up-to-date.

It would've been totally different.

- if I'd have known a commission
is coming beforehand - Of course.

I will request the Minister
to meet me right now.

There's no point.

I should write a memorandum.

Will you help me?

Yes.

We're in hot water, Mr. Georje.

- It's really bad.
- What curse got over you, Ionescu?

- We're burning up.
- I'll bring you some water.

- I don't need water, we're on fire.
- Fire is put out with water.

Don't know how we're
gonna put this one out.

What fire can't be
put out with water?

You're in the mood for jokes

Or do you think you'll have it easy?

Why wouldn't I have it easy?

You'll see when the
commission asks for you.

What commission?

Haven't you heard that
a commission has come?

No,
it's not like they came for me

An investigating committee!

- Investigating? Why did they come?
- It's like you're living in another world.

The news that something is creaking
over here got to the Minister.

What a strange way to fix the chairs.

Instead of calling a carpenter,
he calls an investigating committee.

The Chief from Administration
will have it rough.

You think he's the only one?

Those who rock on the chairs will get it.
I have nothing to fear.

It's like
we're speaking 2 different languages.

What kind of commission do you think it is?

Like I said, after finding out from you

- An Investigating Committee for the chairs
- What chairs?

The chairs that are creaking.

At Accountancy for example.

- Yours too, because you're rocking on it.
- It's not about chairs

It's about all of us,
the whole institution.

It's a commission from
the State's Inspectorate.

From the Workforce Department
and God-knows-where.

They're investigating everywhere.

Going from office to
office and questioning.

Asking what?

What don't they ask?
They wanna know everything.

What you're doing, not doing,
how you're doing it

why you're doing it like that
and not the other way,

They make you show them
what you do when you do it

And look everywhere to see
if you were doing it the same before.

And they want to know the purpose too.
To know everything.

And after asking all of that,
they want to know your opinion.

- About the investigation?
- No, they'll deduce that.

About everything in general:
the institution, your work and so on.

We're in deep water.

That's how the Director asked me too
And I got a promotion out of it.

You think it's the same? Go eavesdrop a bit

at the Administration to hear
what's happening since they came

Only phones ringing and doors slamming.

Really?

Go hear Tanase Florescu,
Ilie Nicolau, Maria Popescu

and others lecturing in there now.

A man just can't get
some peace & quiet in life.

Just when I thought that
I ended up in a decent place

Here we go again..
Commission.

The bank was looking for you.

The Planification Office also called
in regard to some forms.

There was also a call
from the Minister's Office.

What did he want?

For you to be at his office at 12 o'clock.

At

Twelve?

I've got time to go over my memorandum.

The Commission probably
submitted its evaluation.

At least now I can make myself heard.

The conclusions.

The conclusion are missing.

I'll write them now.

Leave me alone, please.

The conclusions!

Is there a car around?

Where the hell are the cars?

Call the garage

- Do something! Get moving!
- What happened? What happened?

Of course!

They all crowd when it comes
to prizes & overtime.

When you need it most,
you can't find anyone.

But who can be blamed?

- But what happened?
- The conclusions!

The Director went to the Minister

and forgot the conclusions!

He forgot the conclusions?

Forgot the conclusions..

Forgot

What conclusions actually?

The conclusions for the memorandum.
No more questions.

You take them. Run!

I'll run.

The conclusions.

Comrade Director, the conclusions.

I've brought the conclusions.

I ran as fast as I could,
please believe me.

Comrade Director, what are we
doing with the conclusions?

What could this mean?

And

Our director

is gone

for good

D.

G.

B.

It's an institution where

I'd like to talk with Mr. Georje

I mean, with comrade Ciubuc.

- Ciubuc?
- Yes.

But what's his name?

The same.

- And he's over here?
- Yes, he's new here

Transferred from D. R. G. B. P.

New?

- Transferred from.. D.. uh..
- From there, yeah

- Must be the small guy.
- Not that small, he's my height.

Then it's him.

I'll get him.
Comrade Marinache!

I made a bit of time to come here.

- Thanks so much, Ionescu.
- No problem, goodbye now, I gotta run

Stay some more

You have no idea how
happy I am to see you.

It's like I'm seeing D. R. G. B. P. again

with the functionary entrance.

My heart is like so

- I know, it's tough.
- Really hard.

When I told you we're in deep water

and we're all gonna sink,
you didn't worry at all.

I was promoted.

How could I fathom
being transferred again?

- And to this level?
- At least you got off easy.

It almost ended in a
resignation notice in my case.

- Now I gotta go.
- No

Why such hurry?
Stay a bit more, it won't hurt.

It will, it doesn't work like it did.

- Can't afford to be late at all.
- The director!

Any news about him?

He wound up as a storeman in a warehouse.

That's what I heard.

He didn't get off easy either.

Sure didn't, nor the others.
Many wound up bad.

- Too bad for those beauties.
- What beauties?

Those armchairs.

If you're kind, comrade, I need to

Yes, yes.

You?

Comrade Direc

tor

No need anymore.

Therefore you are here too.

What were the chances?

But take a seat, please.

So? Do you like it here?

I like it, what can I say.

Did you like it from the beginning?

- It was a bit hard in the beginning
- And now?

It's a bit better.

Look why

And about the

what's your opinion?

- It kind of creaked.
- Indeed.

That's why

If it creaked, of course it was needed

to fasten the screws.

- That's the
- only remedy, like you said

- Right?
- Yeah

But how could you forget the conclusions?

If you had not forgotten the conclusions

You see

Don't forget the conclusions

If he had not forgotten the conclusions

I wouldn't have ran so much.

He didn't learn anything either

The End