The Second Circle (Круг второй)

Pyotr Aleksandrov

In an Aleksandr Sokurov film The Second Circle

Written by Yury Arabov

Camera by Aleksandr Burov

Production Design by Vladimir Solovyov

Sound by Vladimir Persov

He's stopped breathing. A nice kettle of fish...

You see, when I was out calling a doctor...

What about the death certificate?

Death certificates are issued at the outpatient clinic.

And where is that?

You're not a local?

Take the 35 bus. Get off at the last stop,

then ask for directions.

I am giving you our team's number.

We'll record it as a non-violent death.

You should have placed him in the hospital.

Everything would have been easier than that.

Where is your father?

Over there.

Do you have a sponge, water and soap?

There's no water. The pipes are torn.

There's snow.

What are you doing?

- What are you doing? - Help me.

Why?

- Help me. - Why?

Help. He's not heavy.

Dried up, like a mummy.

Open the door.

Open the front door.

Where are you going?

I need a doctor.

I'm a doctor.

My father has died.

Have a seat.

Did the ambulance come?

Here is the team number.

What was he ill with?

He wasn't ill with anything.

He only complained about his lower back and stuff.

And his name?

Malyanov, Alexey Dmitrievich. 6 Svetlaya Street.

Seryozha, get me his health records.

Well, did you call your doctor?

I live in another town.

He was living alone.

So...

By the look of his skin, one can say it was cancer.

Now everything is considered cancer.

Why is the clinic so empty today?

Today's Sunday.

You're lucky.

I'm quick at drawing up documents.

Because I remember that Ilyich bequeathed to us

to fight against bureaucracy.

Which Ilyich?

We had only one: Lenin.

Seryozha, did you get them?

No.

That can't be.

What file was he in?

I think a local one, as it is a district clinic.

And what was his occupation?

Military man, retired.

Well, that means he was recorded at the Ministry of Defense clinic.

No. He had quarreled with all his people.

Everything's going to be all right.

Let's call it cancer. What is the official term?

So...

- Cancer. - Cancer.

The telephone number of the undertaker is on the other side.

For now, get yourself some sleep.

The most terrible thing has been left behind.

You will face hard times.

Where?

- Did you call for an undertaker? - What?

Come in, please.

You're keeping the body at home.

Well, why is the window open?

Please, have a seat.

Thank you.

May I?

I'll sit down. Put it somewhere.

Sit down.

Okay, let's...

I can perfectly understand everything,

but unfortunately...

we need to go through all the documents.

What documents?

Yes, documents.

What documents?

The documents for the funeral.

What documents are necessary?

Passport and death certificate.

Whose passport?

Whose passport? Mine or my father's?

The deceased's.

By the way, floors need washing.

I haven't had time.

- How much will it cost? - I'll tell you everything.

Wait. I'll tell you everything.

Are you going to order a coffin for your father?

Of course I'm going to.

Measure him, please.

Unfortunately, I'm scared of him.

This is a meter?

One, right?

You know, I really don't know much about mechanics.

A meter and 85 centimeters.

A standard-sized coffin will fit.

It costs 44 rubles, a red one.

What year was your father born?

1926.

I see you smoke. Would you mind?

They're my father's. Please, take one.

I have nothing else to offer. Nothing else.

I have nothing else to offer.

The smell is very strong.

Want a smoke?

All funeral services are for cash only,

around 250 rubles.

I've only got two or three hundred rubles.

Yes.

Well, we can try. I won't charge you extra but...

you want a modest funeral in fact, yes?

I've only got 230 rubles.

So...

Cremation of adult, memorial service...

Are you going to order a coffin for your father?

Small hall...

Coffin, standard size, red: 44 rubles.

Does it suit you?

Do you have a white one?

White is for brides.

10 rubles more.

Do you want it?

Oh, no. 10 rubles more, no.

What about the hearse?

There and back?

I don't need it back.

I am alone and...

All right. 17 rubles, 70 kopecks.

Also cremation, urn, bag with ashes...

Is cremations really necessary?

Have you got a spot at the cemetery?

Well, I'll get one.

You know, cremation is very hygienic.

Everything left of cancer patients should be burned.

I'll burn everything, but not my father.

Cremation is the best thing.

It is better to cremate.

That's my advice as a professional.

Trust me.

There's no need. No need...

No need.

There'll be a lot of trouble with the cemetery.

You'll have to go to the place. It'll take time.