Phantom of Death (1988)

[bunniefuu]

Thank you.

Very kind.

My compliments, Robert.

- That's enough, Andrew.
- Here you go, Robert.

Robert, my compliments.

Over here.
That's great.

Robert.

- Excuse me.
- I'll be right back.

I'd like to be alone with you
for a moment.

Don't get me wrong.

It's not that I'm not happy
about your success.

I'm just scared it could
end up dividing us.

I think your father's right.
It really is true.

You're such an orderly person,
you want to control everything.

Why?
Because I'm thinking of our future?

The fact that you're going to New York
for who knows how long?

- I've only found out about it now.
- What do you mean by our future?

Having a husband? Children?

- You say it like it's something shameful.
- Yes, it can be.

If that's the only aim
of a relationship.

It's absurd, Robert.

You make me feel uneasy.
Like I'm talking to a stranger.

Dad!

Come and see, it's Robert
Dominici's concert, it was fantastic!

You know, I didn't know
what to think anymore.

I hadn't heard from you all day.
Why didn't you come this afternoon?

Just as I was leaving, we were
informed there had been a m*rder.

- A m*rder?
- The victim was a young woman.

- It was horrendous.
- Please, Dad!

You always wear the
same perfume. It suits you.

That toast earlier, was
it for me or my music?

- It was for you.
- I thought you hated me?

I didn't think it
was so obvious.

- Perhaps it was a way to protect myself.
- Protect you from what?

You know exactly what I mean.

It's so easy to fall in love
with you, and so trivial.

Has something changed?

Perhaps the music's had
a strange effect on me.

- Perhaps the Champagne as well?
- Maybe.

If it continues having its effect
I might even let you date me.

I'm quite sure that one of these
evenings you'll invite me to dinner.

Are you really so sure?

Of course, it's written.

Don't tell me you
can see the future?

Sometimes, yes.

Okay, I surrender.

I'm sorry.

I just can't concentrate today.

According to the
autopsy, she died instantly.

The blade cut the jugular vein. As
for fingerprints, they were everywhere.

- On the weapon as well?
- No, none.

Just as I thought.

I'm afraid the only lead we've
got is the witness on the first floor.

Even if the 30-year-old she saw leaving
the scene of the crime could be anybody.

I know, but it's the
only lead we've got.

Young doctor k*lled
with Napoleonic sword.

Robert Dominici's great triumph

You can change. Isabella.

Let's see. Turn around.

Yes, perhaps a slight
alteration to the sleeve.

Take care of it, Elsa.

You're perfect.
That's all for today.

What are you doing?
Leaving already?

- We both got what we wanted.
- What's that?

You wanted to prove that you
could take me away from Robert.

And that I could do
without him. That's all.

That's not true. At least
as far as I'm concerned.

As far as I'm concerned, it is.

Are you going to him?

Do you enjoy playing
with my emotions like this?

Let go of me!

I hadn't realized.

I didn't mean to hurt you.

Forget it. Get out.

I'm sorry.

Want a ride to the station?

No, thanks.

No, Robert, I swear,
no more ultimatums.

No more talk of marriage. You'll
do it when and how you want.

I just want to be close to you.

- Where are you?
- I'm coming to you.

I love you.

They found this on the body.

You, come here.

So I decided to go and look
for her. I don't even know why.

It was like some
sort of premonition.

She was there on the
floor when I got here.

She had...

She had her eyes wide
open, and there was blood...

There was blood everywhere.

And Susanna was dead.

What makes it even worse...

Is that we'd had a stupid
argument days earlier.

And tonight we finally realized
what we meant to each other.

Inspector, you must find
the k*ller and stop them.

Before they k*ll someone else.

Were you in love with Susanna?

Maybe. So what?

All the same, you slept with her
knowing she was your best friend's wife.

You take what you want,
and to hell with the others.

Listen, it takes two to sleep
together. And Susanna came to me.

I certainly didn't r*pe her
in the middle of the street!

Okay, okay.

I take it all back then.

You're a perfect gentleman.

Now get out of here.

- David, how old are you?
- 28

You didn't happen to
know Dr. Carla Pesenti?

Do you want to know if I have an
alibi for the night she was k*lled?

- Why? Do you?
- No, I don't.

But I'm sure the k*ller does.

We'll catch the k*ller

- Can I come in?
- Please.

Now I understand.

I've been trying
to call you for days.

I didn't feel like seeing
or talking to anyone.

I hate those who feel the need to
comfort you, offering their sympathies.

That must be me then.

Other people's sorrow
doesn't help your own.

It doesn't help you
adjust or try to forget.

What stage are you at?

I'm trying.

Were you really in
love with Susanna?

I don't remember.

Because every time I think about
her now, I can only see her dead.

Dead! And that's the clearest and
sharpest image I have of her now.

Stop torturing yourself.

I'm here to help you.

I'm alive.

No strings attached, of course.

You know, Helen, it's a pity.

What's a pity?

You've said exactly the right
thing at the wrong moment.

The wrong moment.

I'd give anything to hear
those words some other time.

I love you, and
there's no hurry.

Hi, Dad. Late as always.

You look like you've
had a bad day.

Sit down.
I'll prepare something.

Now I think about it,
I haven't eaten since this morning.

You know what I was thinking?

Mum was upset because you didn't want
to work in a bank and work normal hours.

Now I'm sure you're right.
This is the job for you.

Hello?

What?

Why do you keep lying to the press?
Do you really think you can catch me?

It's been a month and
you still don't have anything.

Are you still there?

Yes, I'm here.

Good, then get ready, I've
got some bad news for you.

You'll never catch me. I
can k*ll how and when I won't.

Yes, I'm going
to drive you crazy!

By the way, is it your
daughter who plays the flute?

Interesting. Very interesting.

- What did he say?
- You were right, it was some lunatic.

It happens a lot
if you do this job.

To be fair, it was my
choice, but sometimes...

It really is awful.

You feel very clever and
sure of yourself, right?

But if you meet an opponent who knows
your game and won't fall for your traps...

You risk it all ending badly.

It's a privilege losing
to an adversary like you.

- What are you doing here?
- I'm sorry, I think...

I'm a little drunk.

I've been wandering
aimlessly for hours.

To be honest, I don't even
know how I ended up here.

I'm being ridiculous, and it's
exactly what I didn't want to happen.

Just tell me where you keep
your whiskey, I'll help myself.

It's better I serve it, you'd
never find it by yourself.

You keep it hidden in there
so your friends don't finish it all.

No, it's just a nice
piece of furniture.

Robert.

Thank you for everything. For
the kindness you showed me.

I need to get away for a while, but you're
the most beautiful memory I take with me.

What a pleasant surprise!

I couldn't believe it when
Nanni said you'd arrived.

You're looking good.
A bit thinner, perhaps.

Are you just passing through or
are you staying for a few days?

- I thought I'd stay a while.
- That's marvelous!

You've no idea how
happy I am, my boy.

Put them with the others.

It's not what I was hoping to
find but it's still better than nothing.

- What do you think?
- I need to know what you're looking for.

Why would someone k*ll a doctor?

Perhaps they had something to hide.

You've been back two months
and you haven't touched the piano.

You refuse to see your friends.

I know what Susanna's death meant
to you, but you can't give up on life.

You're losing your boyish looks.
You seem like a mature man now.

You know, that
makes me feel old.

- Is there anything I can do to help?
- It's nothing, Mother.

It will soon pass, you'll see.

I've decided I'm
leaving tomorrow.

I know, it hurts when it
happens, but you get used to it.

We're not young anymore.

You just have to accept it.

It's you. You frightened me.

Follow me.

Come in. Sit down.

I'll be with you in a moment. I
only got the results half an hour ago.

I know you, and I
know you want the truth.

It's just as we feared,
there's no doubt about it.

You've been very unlucky.

Yours is a very rare case, it
usually occurs in childhood.

It's rarely seen in adulthood.

I know there's a medical
conference in Paris in two weeks.

Either way, I won't lie to you,
I'm afraid there's very little hope.

The onset of the disease almost
certainly began in childhood.

And for reasons difficult to
ascertain, it's returned in adulthood.

As I suspected, it's a rare disease
with a long incubation period.

Which is now spreading rapidly.

As we've seen in these last two
months I've spent here needlessly.

Unfortunately, science still can't
halt this accelerated aging of the cells.

There are only sixty cases in the
world, and one not far from here.

But if you do decide to stay,
I'll be here for you.

What for? To watch me die?

Hans

Come. Let's go back inside.

Helen, dear. Yes, it's me.

I was just thinking about you.

It's no coincidence, I
think about you all the time.

Me too, darling. I think
about you all the time.

And you? How are you?

I've got something to tell you
that makes me feel so happy.

Even though I'm here and you're
in New York, I won't to tell you.

I'm pregnant.

- Pregnant?
- With your child.

- My child?
- Yes, your child.

That's wonderful news.

- This is for you.
- Goodnight, I'll see you tomorrow.

- Goodnight.
- Goodnight, Michael.

- Who's his colleague?
- Doctor Vanni.

From pathology, he's examining
her to find any traces of the k*ller.

- A hair, clothing fibers under the nails.
- Okay, but does it have to be now?

Yes, because if there
is something there...

I don't want to lose it.

It's important. Excuse me.

- May I interrupt?
- Please, Inspector.

Am I mistaken or were
you talking about Helen?

The doctor was telling me there
isn't the slightest risk for the baby.

- Baby?
- Excuse me.

- You know who the father is?
- You should hear it from Helen.

But she's never made a secret
of it. If you knew how happy she is.

The father is Robert Dominici.

Robert Dominici.

The pianist.

Robert Dominici's
girlfriends are very unlucky.

I also knew another
one who was k*lled.

The great talent. The genius.

All these women
in love with him.

You managed to fool me
last time Robert Dominici.

You were very convincing.

But this time I'll get you.

Marchi, this is headquarters.
Can you hear me?

- Marchi speaking.
- We found skin fragments in her nails.

Yes, okay.

It was Vanni, they found skin
fragments under Helen's fingernails.

Tell them to work all night, I want
the results first thing in the morning.

What are you waiting for?

This is Marchi. Let
me speak to Vanni.

- Kick the door in.
- Are you sure? It could be trouble.

When you arrest a k*ller like this,
nobody will give you any trouble.

- Okay, and if it isn't him?
- It's him, I'd stake my career on it.

Everything's closed, I don't
think he lives here anymore.

Even so, it's just a
matter of time now.

Call in a patrol, I want the
house under 24-hour surveillance.

- You look very pleased today.
- I think I have good reason to be.

- How is she?
- Well, considering.

She's a very strong woman.
You can speak to her if you want.

- One of your men is already inside.
- One of my men?

Yes, he's getting a description.

Helen.

- Who's this?
- It's a sketch of her attacker.

Are you kidding?

It was very dark and I was
terrified. It was all so quick.

I only caught a glimpse
of him. I feel so confused.

But the k*ller is around
thirty, we know that for sure.

Not the man who
wanted to k*ll me.

Even if it was dark, I'm
sure he wasn't that young.

He was almost bald.

Okay.

You should try to rest now.

We'll talk about it
some other time.

It's not difficult to understand.
She saw Robert's face...

but she subconsciously
substituted him for someone else.

A psychologist
would explain it better.

Your report should have
been in two hours ago.

It took me longer because
there's something strange.

The k*ller isn't as young as
we thought. He's at least fifty.

- Impossible, what are you saying?
- We've checked it three times.

Well you got it
wrong, all three times.

- A statement for the press.
- Not now!

I can confirm that
we're on the right path.

The evidence we've collected
confirms our hypothesis.

We know the k*ller is over
fifty and that he's insane.

We also have many other leads
which I'd prefer not to divulge in public.

- Do you think it's the some k*ller?
- I believe so.

I'd rule out any other hypothesis
for professional reasons.

And I also think it's impossible that
in a small provincial town like this...

there are two criminals with
such similar characteristics.

I want to speak to
Inspector Datti immediately.

Now! It's urgent.

- Has the witness given a statement?
- Yes, she's proved very valuable.

An urgent call for you.

- Excuse me.
- Thank you.

Hello?

You know, you look good on TV.

You know, you've got a nerve.

Like a fool, you've wasted months
looking for someone in their thirties.

And now suddenly
the k*ller is in his fifties.

Next time, I advise you
to think before you speak.

Otherwise people will think
you're just a crazy old man.

Very well.

Let's go back to the beginning.

The m*rder of doctor Pesenti.

We've questioned all
the doctor's patients.

Except for that American or English doctor
she was supposed to meet in Paris.

Paris, Robert, Hutchinson-Gilford.

I'll call the conference
secretary to get more information.

They might know why
they were supposed to meet.

Good, even if I don't think
it will prove very useful.

Good, nonetheless.

I was afraid I wouldn't
find you, Laura.

Only my friends
use my real name.

Are you a friend of mine?

There was a time when
I often came to you.

I almost fell in love.

Yes, I was very young.

Let me see if I remember you.

So you were very
young? And how old was I?

Seventeen.

Please give me a hand.

Sure I remember you, and
you're still very handsome.

When you were younger
you were a knockout.

So many people say so
that I'm starting to believe it.

Girls.

- Even my mother's friends.
- But you prefer to come to me, right?

This time I'd like
you to kiss me.

I've met lots of perverts!

But none of them wanted
to kiss me on the mouth!

Sorry! But you're so ridiculous!

SHUT up!

In the name of the Father, the
Son and the Holy Ghost. Amen.

For what do you have to
ask the Lord's forgiveness?

Father...

I have k*lled.

- You've k*lled?
- Yes, I've k*lled.

And I know I'll k*ll again.

Don't go! You must listen to me!

Giuliano, it's me.

Don't you recognize me?

Me.

It's Robert.

Robert Dominici.

That's impossible.

What's impossible?

That I've aged so much?
I can't believe it either!

It seems like yesterday that we
used to spend our evenings together.

Me, talking about
music and women.

And you would talk about God.

Your god is playing
with my life. Look at me!

God is playing with my despair!

It's him, it's your god that's
making me rot inside and out!

Even my brain! He's
even rotting my brain!

I can't! I can't stop
myself anymore!

Nothing can stop me!

Only time.

Time!

Each day seems like a month.

Each month ten years.

Time is running out for me.
It's over and I'm not ready!

You'll see, God won't
abandon you. God is merciful.

You call this mercy?

- Be brave.
- Please absolve me.

At least you,
Giuliano, absolve me.

If not as a priest...

As a friend.

Andrew, feel it. It's
getting impatient.

Time has flown by. We
still have so much to do.

There are only two months
left and he'll be demanding.

- Does the father know?
- That the baby is demanding?

No, that there are
only two months left.

Hey, boy!

What are you doing
here? Don't be afraid.

You don't belong
to anyone, right?

No, no.

Of course you don't.
Look at the state of you.

You wouldn't believe it, looking at
me, but I live in a beautiful house.

While I let the others
think I'm in New York.

Come on. Follow me.

Here, boy! Come on, let's go.

Did you have a
master who loved you?

Of course they did.

You must have been a cute puppy.

But then you got old, and
you were dead to them.

They abandoned
you on the street.

Yes, but I bet you've forgiven
them. Right, my friend?

Sure.

But I can't.

I can't.

I hate you all, young and old.

Young people because they've
got their whole lives ahead of them.

Old people because they've
lived theirs and they cling on to it!

I'd k*ll them all.

Inspector, there's
a call for you.

Turn that music down!

That's better.

Well, Datti, how are
you? It's been a while.

Be honest, you were
starting to miss me, right?

You weren't hoping I was
dead, were you? No, I'm still here.

And I'm disappointed because
so far you haven't got anywhere.

So everyone's upset with
you, and that makes me sad.

Excuse me.

Believe me, it
makes me very sad.

So I've decided to give you a
break. I want to give you a hand.

Yes, I really want to help you.

But this time you
have to catch me.

It's almost five. Do
you think he's serious?

- We'd better have a look.
- What for?

I can't just sit there.

You stay here.

Take the spade.

- Everyone's ready.
- Good.

Tell them not to move
until they hear the signal.

You know what I think?
He's playing games with us.

I'm not thinking anything.

Marchi.

- Get an update on the situation.
- I checked a minute ago.

I know, just do it anyway.

You didn't bring your dog today?

No.

- Do you like dogs?
- Of course.

I'll bring him
tomorrow if you like.

It's all normal around here.
Sure, tell him to keep calm.

The Inspector's very worried. He
wants us to have our g*ns ready.

With good reason. This
is your first assignment.

- Shall we go?
- Yes, yes, let's go.

Still nothing to report. De
Angelis is having a look around.

I'll see you tomorrow then.
And don't forget your dog.

- Could you please tell me the time?
- Yes, it's exactly five o'clock.

- It's just the right time.
- For what?

For this!

No, don't scream.

And don't expect your
colleague to come and help you.

Now, call your friend Datti.

I said call him!

Marchi, answer me! It's Corsi.

Yes, it's Marchi.

Pass me the
Inspector immediately.

Inspector!

Datti.

Hello? What's happening?

Here I am, Datti.
It's really me.

Are you ready? It's time.

This is your big chance.

b*stard!

We haven't done anything!

How rude!

Leave us alone!

We've done nothing wrong.

What do you want with us?

Go and catch your k*ller and
leave us innocent folks alone!

We've been waiting over an
hour and this is outrageous!

- Are they all here?
- Yes, around fifteen of them.

The cr*pple and those two
old men, send them home.

And those kids, let them go.

You.

You.

You.

You and him. You can go.

Well? Come on, let's go.

God knows I wish I could have
spared you this, but you must be strong.

Which one?

I don't know.

- I don't recognize any of them.
- That can't be, look carefully.

It's one of them.

I really don't know.

I know I'm asking
a lot from you.

But one of those men is a
psychopath and I need your help.

The woman he's just k*lled
was the same age as you.

- A call for you.
- Who is it?

Come right away.

I see you really don't
want to arrest me.

It's pointless
torturing yourself.

Yes, speaking of Helen.

I warn you, I never
leave things half finished.

If you want some
advice, go home.

Your daughter will
also be pleased.

Listen, sleep on it, and
we'll start again tomorrow.

What about Gloria?

I haven't seen her for a
while. Are you listening?

I bet you're nervously trying to make
damned sure this call is being recorded.

If you really want to know
where I'm calling from, I'll tell you.

I'm right here in your bar.

Don't you believe me?
Why don't you come down?

We can have a coffee
together. You're so mistrustful.

You'll never see me if
you don't lean forward.

That's a lovely shirt.

Yes, light blue
really suits you.

Where is he? Where's the
man who was on the phone?

I don't know.

Where have you gone,
b*stard? Show yourself!

Show yourself, b*stard! You'll
pay dearly for this, as*h*le!

I know you're here!
You son of a b*tch!

Come here! I'll k*ll you!

I'll k*ll you with my own
hands, you son of a b*tch!

What is it?

How did he escape from the
park? We rounded everyone up.

I don't know. He said
he'd drive me crazy.

And he's succeeding.

There you are. You
disappeared at the funeral.

Yes, I know.

I just couldn't face her mother when
it came to offering my condolences.

I'm sure you understand.

This is all I'm taking with me.

All the rest, the law books,
please send them to me.

It's not their value, but I've
had them since university.

- No one's making you leave.
- Yes, of course.

I'm leaving of my own accord.
It's a matter of good taste.

It's the first time I've
packed a suitcase.

Nonsense, you've traveled
with me a thousand times.

- Yes, but they were our suitcases.
- You won't make me cry.

I know, you're a tough guy.

I know someone who'd laugh
if they heard you say that.

I hate him so much for this. It's
his fault you're sending me to Rome.

He might not do anything but we'd
better not risk it, I'd rather you go.

- Why don't you come with me?
- No, I can't.

I have some things to take
care of, but I'll be along soon.

Yes, I promise.

No, don't trouble yourselves.
I'm just passing by.

- I took Gloria to the station.
- So you're all alone?

Yes, but not for long.

They'll end up transferring
me to Rome, you'll see.

It's hardly anything new, there's
room for everyone in Rome.

Don't you think it would be better if
you moved forwards a couple of meters.

You'd be a bit less obvious, and you
can watch Helen's house from there.

- Yes, sure, you're right.
- Sorry for butting in.

He really is obsessed, poor guy.

Hello, Datti. So you took
your daughter to the station.

The 4:42 train to Rome.

By the way, Gloria
smokes too much.

I noticed she has two packs
of cigarettes in her handbag.

They're bad for her health.

There you are.

You should have seen me.

I wasn't well, you know.

I really thought I
was going to die.

This is the end.

Do you know why you're lucky?

You're lucky because you
don't know that you have to die.

And man? When does
he ever think about death?

Only when he's old and afraid.

I hadn't thought about it
either in all these years.

In all these years.

In all these years!
But I'm only 35!

Helen! It's me, Robert.

Robert, darling! That's
impossible, it's magic!

They're showing your
concert now. I'm recording it.

What an extraordinary
coincidence.

Your voice sounds different.
I almost didn't recognize you.

It's nothing,just a dry
throat. I've got a cold.

Andrew will be here soon.
We're going away for three days.

I need to rest. You
don't mind, do you?

Yes, Helen, I do
mind. You can't go.

Why not?

Because I'm coming
back to Perugia tomorrow.

I wanted to speak to you first
before submitting my official report.

There's something
we don't understand.

It's pointless continuing
to torment Helen.

Yes, speaking of Helen.

I worn you, I never
leave things half finished.

That's the k*ller's voice, and
it's always the same person.

It's absurd, because it
goes against all logic.

I don't understand.

It's the voice of a very old
man who must be over eighty.

We've repeated the test multiple times
and the results are always the same.

How's that possible? One
witness says he's around thirty.

The skin fragments found under the
nails of one of the victims say he's fifty.

Now I hear he has the
voice of an eighty year old.

How's this possible
in the space of a year?

Scientifically there's only one
explanation, a very rare illness.

Which is called progeria
or accelerated aging.

Go on.

I confess, I had to
consult a specific text.

It's an adolescent illness.
A very, very, rare disease.

Although they're uncommon, there have
also been occurrences involving adults.

It cites the case of an American
who was 40 and looked like he was 60

Or rather, it's not that
he looked like he was 60...

but his body was actually
that of a 60-year-old.

Here, see for yourself.

Progeria, also known as
Hutchinson-Gilford syndrome.

The names of the two
scientists who first identified it.

I've lost count of how many times I've
read those names in Dr. Pesenti's diary.

Robert, Hutchinson-Gilford.
Paris, medical conference.

We were convinced it was a
scientist attending that conference.

When they told us he wasn't
invited we ruled him out.

- Hutchinson wasn't called Robert.
- Now it makes sense.

Robert was just the name
of the patient with this illness.

It's the name of
someone I know very well.

Robert Dominici.

Robert!

Helen. May I come in?

Please!

Robert sent me.

I know he called you to
say he'd be arriving tonight.

Yes, that's right. He
said he'd arrive today.

Robert has arrived.

But I've come here because I
have something important to tell you.

Something that could
come between us?

No, no.

Nothing can ever come
between you and Robert now.

- Not anymore.
- I wish I could believe you.

Excuse me. My dog.

Please, sit down.

Just a moment and we'll
have a drink together.

How did you know
the whiskey was there?

Robert has no secrets from me.

He told you that as well?

- Who are you?
- You took that photo.

You were at a party at a friend's
house. What was her name?

It was less than two years ago.

Before you found out
you were in love with him.

I was already in love
with him and I knew it.

Him too, by the way he
smiles, the way he looks at you.

It seems like he's
already in love with you.

How strange, your voice
reminds me of Robert.

Your eyes also remind me of him.

You never forget your eyes,
they have an extraordinary sparkle.

That's what you said.

Is there still a little
sparkle in my eyes?

What are you trying say?

It's me, Helen. I'm Robert.

No, you're not Robert.
You're an old man!

I know it's hard to comprehend.

But I have an absurd illness...

which has torn away my youth
in the space of just a few months.

My life! And it's
reduced me to this.

- An illness...
- Yes, it's painful for me as well, but...

There's something I have to do.

The baby.

- My baby?
- Our baby.

I can't allow it to be born.

Don't you understand?
It will have my blood!

Look at me! It could turn
into a monster like me!

It can't be true.

You!

My baby!

This is a nightmare!

Tell me it's all
just a nightmare!

I love you!

I love you and
I'd never hurt you.

I don't have a choice.

I can't wait any longer.
I don't have much time.

Even a month is too long for me.

I'm dying.

If I had time I'd wait.

I'd wait until it's born and then
I'd persuade you to give it to me.

And you'd give it to me.

But...

But I don't have anymore time.

I have to do it!

I have to!

I have to k*ll you!

Helen!

- Are you okay?
- Yes!

- Are you sure? You're not hurt?
- No.

Datti. Finally.

I did everything I could
to get you to stop me.

But you couldn't understand.

And now it's over.

They say death is
God's cruelest joke.

But not for me.