The Criminal Life of Archibaldo de la Cruz

THE CRIMINAL LIFE OF ARCHIBALDO DE LA CRUZ

Directed by Luis Bunuel

It was during one of the violent phases of the Revolution.

Everywhere banners were being raised by one side or the other.

The provincial capital where I lived...

with my parents was still relatively peaceful.

My family was very well-off...

and I was an only child.

Above all, my mother adored me.

I was brought up by a governess, but that didn't keep me

from acquiring the bad habits of a spoiled child.

I'll bring him his water.

No, madam said she doesn't want him to eat too much.

Very well.

Archibald...

Come out of there at once!

Do you hear me? You'll be sorry if you don't.

Come out at once!

What have you been up to?

I was playing.

A well-bred boy doesn't do that!

What if your mother finds out you messed up her clothes!

My mother lets me do what I want.

You should behave like a little gentleman.

You're too old to do that kind of things.

If only they'd spank you occasionally.

What a little devil! Always getting into some mischief.

But you'll be good now, won't you, my little angel?

He won't be any more trouble.

Where are you going?

To the theatre, pet. Your father is picking me up.

I don't want you to! You're not going!

Don't be difficult, Archie.

Don't be a bad boy because...

if you are a good little boy and let me go,

I'll bring him something he'll like.

What?

Guess.

The music box!

That's right!

What a bad boy I have!

I'll get it for you right away.

Come here, our lunch is getting cold.

Sit down and I'll put your napkin on.

Don't be so fidgety, Archie. You're upsetting me.

Your parents pay me to raise you properly.

Well, they have lots of money.

That's no answer. They could spend it on themselves!

If you were my child... but they treat you like a 3-year-old.

Here it is, dear.

Take good care of it and don't break it.

I leave him in your care, miss.

He won't trouble you anymore.

Put him to bed at 8 o'clock.

Until then, you could tell him the story of the little box.

What story, madam?

You know, that story. You understand what I mean?

The one about the little box belonging to a king...

You're late! I've been dressed for half an hour.

Sometimes, you have to wait too.

Hurry up, we'll be late. I'll put my jewels on.

Don't bother, there isn't going to be any show.

- What's that? - No show, I said.

But why?

Because bullets are flying in the suburbs already.

It won't be long before they reach us.

But there's nothing to worry about yet.

Is it nothing that we can't go to the theatre?

All those agitators should be strung up!

Don't worry. They say General Gomez will be here tonight,

he'll put them in their place.

It would have to be today!

Tell me the story!

Oh, yes... the story...

about the king who owned this box.

He wasn't a king.

My mother said he was!

Well, that comes later on. It first belonged to a fairy.

Where do fairies live?

In the air, in the water... in the fire...

A king ordered this little box to be made.

So now we come to the king!

The king had enemies he wanted to get rid of...

and the genie gave the box strange powers.

He could get rid of them by starting up the box.

What happened then?

One day, the Prime Minister, who was a traitor...

said the queen was conspiring with the enemies.

The king commanded her to look him in the eyes but...

she lowered them and...

the king took it as a sign of guilt. Without a second thought,

he started up the little box

and the poor queen was struck dead.

But one day...

The story made a deep and lasting impression on me.

I owned the box now. Could I take someone's life with it?

I confess I started up the box in order to test my powers.

Instantly, I thought of the governess.

I was convinced that it was I who had killed her.

I assure you that morbid sensation gave me a certain pleasure.

Of course, it is only now that I realize all that.

Yes... it was a real pleasure,

to feel myself all-powerful.

You are aware that this is a human weakness...

Since my reminiscences displease you, I won't go on.

Actually, I do find them distasteful.

Had I known, I wouldn't have asked to hear them.

I prefer to believe that you are deluding yourself.

It's imprinted on my memory like a photograph.

Time has a way of distorting things.

I am sure you were as good and pure as other children.

I think you like to pass yourself off as wicked.

I'm very far from being a saint.

Sister, would you be frightened if I told you something?

That depends.

It's something that would greatly interest you.

Well, you can tell me tomorrow.

We've talked too much today, the doctor will scold us.

I'll bring you your pill.

I have to go to the dispensary...

What are you doing?

Nothing.

What are you up?

I must know something, sister.

What is it?

You always want to be in the good graces of God?

Yes... I try.

Well then, wouldn't you be glad to die...

since it means eternal bliss? Isn't that right?

Of course... but why?

I'll give you that joy.

I don't understand.

If you had let me explain before, you would understand now.

Go on, Doctor. Excuse me.

Your honor, everything is quite clear to me.

I don't doubt that it was an accident...

the elevator door, through an oversight, was left open.

I think so too. But, why was the sister running?

I can't say why. It doesn't seem extraordinary to me...

still it's odd that a nurse would run to get something.

Your honor, Mr. Archibaldo De La Cruz has come in.

Let him wait.

Do you know what room she had come out of?

We couldn't find out though we asked all the nurses on the floor.

What illness was Mr. De La Cruz being treated for?

Since his wife's tragedy, his nerves have been shot.

I prescribed fifteen days of absolute rest for him.

What's he like?

A typical man of our times... a bit moody.

Thank you. It's been a pleasure meeting you.

For me, also. I am always at your service.

Thank you.

Tell Mr. De La Cruz to come in.

Mr. De La Cruz, this way, please.

Your honor.

This is a mere formality.

I hope you won't mind giving me a few moments.

Certainly not.

Please be seated.

What can you say about the events leading to the accident?

Can you add anything to what we already know?

You did well to call me because I know everything.

How's that? What do you know?

Everything relating to this matter. It was no accident.

What was it then?

A crime.

Please be serious.

I'm not joking. Sister Trinity was murdered.

Then I'll have to believe you. Who murdered her?

I did, your honor.

Are you insane?

Up to that time I thought I was sane.

I killed her deliberately and in cold blood...

and she wasn't my first victim either.

I don't know what you're getting at but I must hear you out.

Mr. Gomez! Make a record of all this.

Keep in mind that everything you say...

may be used against you.

Go ahead.

Your honor... do you like music boxes?

What?

See here, now...

A few weeks ago I went out to buy a piece of jewelry.

It is not a very fashionable piece,

but notice the workmanship without regard to

the value of the stone.

Let's see what you think of this rare little Italian music box.

It plays a pretty tune for two minutes.

Isn't it very pretty?

Can you change the melody if you want to?

No, sir.

May I?

What do you wish?

Sorry if I'm being rude...

but this little music box belonged to me once...

I really must get it back.

Well, it's for sale...

I acquired it legally, sir, and these people wish to buy it.

I'm very sorry.

Permit me to explain.