Men travel in manifold paths
Whoso traces and compares these will find strange figures come to light
It rains a lot in Paris, and it’s always cloudy
So they say
Luckily, you don’t like the sun
Yes, I do
Just not as much as you
I’I| visit you anyway
You’I| meet me at the station with your umbrella.
Okay
You won’t be late?
You won’t leave me on the platform
Stop it
Who knows?
We see each other every day and then
Who knows what might happen?
Maybe you’I| forget about me
Yeah, right
I think I forgot something
What did he forget? His bag’s going to be too heavy
Come see us, okay? We’re usually here on Saturday
Yes, of course
Croissant? They’re fresh from the bakery at the traffic circle.
You walked all the way there? -lt’s good for my legs.
We’re going to miss Etienne
Where would you like us to drop you off on the way back?
At my parents’ house, thank you
Buy whatever you like with that
Thank you
Well, good-bye, Etienne
Bye
Good-bye, honey
Keep in touch, okay?
Enjoy yourself
Once I get settled, come visit. Okay?
Go on
I almost forgot. This is for you
WUTHERING HEIGHTS
Is it the right translation?
Yes, it is
So you’lI think of us
Of you
A PARIS EDUCATION
A Little Bohemian Castle
Hi. l’m Etienne Tinan
Are you OIivier’s replacement? -Yes.
Valentina
Come in, I guess
As you can see, this is the kitchen
This is the largest room in the castle
for parties, binges, and general madness
There’s one tonight if you’re interested
There’s even a piano
Why? Do you play? -I just started.
Cool
Is Olivier your friend?
He’s the son of an acquaintance of my mother
I hope you’re as nice as him
Me too
Don’t look in there. That’s my room. It’s awful
Come on. You’re over here
This is your room. Simple, clean, calm
So what are you doing here?
Film studies, at Paris 8
I heard that’s a good school
Yes, we don’t just learn theory. We make a lot of short films, too
Cool. l’m studying at the Beaux-Arts
Do you know anyone in Paris? -No.
I don’t know the city either
There’s not much going on here compared to New York and Berlin
People stick to themselves here But we have fun.
Do you like to have fun? -I think so.
You think? You seem like the serious type
Don’t worry. I like to have fun
I can’t stand your “I’m a feminist, but also conservative--”
Not at all
On a political level, I agree with these girls
I just question their methods
No, you can’t -Sure he can.
If you start taking a little here and a little there
These girls do it all: feminism, politics, performance, music
I think the real problem
is that Tolokonnikova promotes her supposedly revolutionary book
while modeling in Moscow
The real problem is, she pisses you off
Do you know Pussy Riot?
I heard about the punk prayer they performed in a church.
You like images. What do you think of their videos?
I like film, not images
Sorry
I just mean images and film aren’t necessarily the same thing
What’s the difference?
She’s free. That’s her feminism
Society is uncomfortable with her political ideas.
That’s true
She went to prison for a single action
Her previous actions are what made this one important
She didn’t go to prison for showing her breasts
I know someone at Paris 8
Mathias Valence
Mathias Valence? Yes. Brilliant guy.
The kind who will argue all night about something
Harsh, uncompromising. He has principles
I run into him at parties now and then
He likes me because I love Boris Barnet
You like Barnet?
Surprised, aren’t you? -Pleased as well.
Excuse me
Hi, Lucie. Can you hear me?
Yeah. Did I wake you?
I wasn’t sleeping. lt’s barely midnight
I felt like talking to you. How are you?
Good. The apartment is nice So is the room.
What’s that noise? Are you at a party?
No, my roommate, Valentina, invited some friends over.
Hello? Can you hear me?
Is it fun?
Yes, it’s fun
What are you drinking? Juice?
Do you think l’m going to change overnight?
Maybe not overnight
Don’t worry. lt’s going to be okay
I miss you already.
I miss you, too, very much
I think about you all the time
Four days before the primaries
today’s political news is Emmanuel Macron’s candidacy for president
which could distract from Sunday’s vote
ls his candidacy pointless
or is he a troublemaker who will disrupt
Yeah. Lucie
Where’s the film department? -I don’t know.
The registrar’s office? Is it past the escalator?
I have no idea. Sorry
I think it’s safe to say that between 1945 and 1975
Italian cinema was one of the most prolific in the world
Imagine you had Fellini Antonioni, Rossellini,
Ferreri, Visconti, and Pasolini
Carmelo Bene was more experimental
Risi, Comencini, and Monicelli were doing Italian-style comedy
Corbucci, Leone, and Solima were making Westerns.
Cottafavi and Freda were doing peplum
Mario Bava and Dario Argento were doing horror, and the list goes on
You see?
The entire breadth of cinematic creation was concentrated in a small area
achieving consistently high quality
How do you explain this?
Some say that Italy, traumatized by its actions during World War ll
found a way to rebuild its honor
that it was a kind of second Italian Renaissance
Consider how difficult it is to name a 19th-century Italian painter
after centuries of productivity
We’d be hard-pressed today to name a single Italian filmmaker
of the same caliber as those I’ve just cited in any genre.
Paolo Sorrentino?
I don’t see any connection with the masters I just mentioned
though he does try to imitate them sometimes.
Mario Martone?
Commendable, but nothing more
That brings us to our subject
Dario Argento
In the 1970s, he was the creator the Murnau if you will,
of a genre known as giallo
a combination of horror, crime, and erotica.
Can you think of other filmmakers who made gialli?
Go on, William
It seems to me like we only ever hear about Dario Argento.
We forget about great filmmakers like Umberto Lenzi,
who inspired Tarantino’s lnglourious Basterds
Aldo Lado or Sergio Martino
Their films contain incredible murder scenes
There’s an electricity, astounding visual effects
and a hypnotizing morbidity
that I don’t think has ever been equaled
not even by torture porn or rape-and-revenge films
Well, of course there’s Chainsaw Massacre and Angst
which I think are spectacular
What do you think?
He’s a childhood friend. We get along but we have different interests.
I like hearing all this stuff
I learn a lot. lt’s really not my thing at all
He might be your friend but the guy’s a loser.
He’s the very picture of modern mediocrity
one of those people who praise regressive stuff
and try to convince you that Z movies are as good as the rest
They have no problem selling out
He’s made a few gory short films that people have liked.
He’s going to do well -See?
But regression is everywhere
Last year, one of the schools held a Goldorak colloquium.
Yeah, it sucked
You’re going to get along with Mathias
You have a lot in common. He and William can’t stand each other
How long have you known Mathias? -Two years.
We’re different, but we champion the same kind of cinema
I met a guy who told me he’s very harsh
Harsh, but in a good way. And he’s harsh with himself
He’s his own worst enemy
What are his films like?
l’ve seen two. They’re very beautiful and very short
He doesn’t show them anymore He says he’s moved on.
When is he coming?
You never know with him He’s like a gust of wind.
Maybe Paul Rossi’s class. He likes him
If I see him, I’Il mention you
Have you made any films?
One, with my girlfriend and some friends lt’s not done yet.
Can I see it? -If I finish it.
Robert Bresson lived there on the Ile Saint-Louis.
Is that where he filmed The Devil Probably?
Yeah, or near the Pont-Neuf
We’II go there later if you like
So do you like it? -Yes.
Does Jean-Noél like Bresson? -Of course.
So does Mathias. But I still haven’t met him
He hasn’t been to class in almost a month since school started.
Can I meet them?
Next time, yes
A month is a long time
Toolong
You don’t have to say anything right away
lt’s okay
lt’s just hard to do on the spot, but
No, it’s. -What?
lt’s really beautiful
I know the story, but l’m not sure other people will get it
Is that a problem?
I don’t know
We should know by the third scene that she’s not coming back.
Otherwise the ending isn’t very powerful
What?
The brother is really good
Maybe you can cut him a little more
It would emphasize his pain
Okay, but I can’t cut everything
Do you want to stop working? -No.
I can tell it’s not done yet
Keep going, Etienne
I know it’s going to be really good
Are you okay?
Let’s wait a bit
If you want
Can you put some music on?
Bach?
Of course
My internship is going to last longer than I thought.
Three months?
Almost
We won’t see each other until
March
-We’Il wait. lt’s hard being apart
I feel abandoned -Abandoned?
I feel alone here, too
But you wanted to be here, away from me
I don’t want to be away from you
Film work is in Paris That’s just how it is.
l’m a small part of your life now
Let’s stick to the plan
I make some money, our parents help us, we get a studio
That’s a long way off, and it might not even happen
I don’t know
I think l’m afraid of Paris
You’Il get used to it quickly
You might
Have you seen my book on Francesca Woodman?
What are you doing in the dark?
Oh, sorry. I heard music
Sorry
That’s Valentina
She just walks in here like that? -No.
We’re just friends. What did you think?
A pretty girl just walked into your room
Lucie, please. Stop it
What time is it? I have to catch my train
The Enlightened
Thank you, William
Before we discuss your short film would you like to say anything?
I’d prefer to hear the others first
I just want to say, it was impressive and funny
lt’s not overdone and
Our films tend to be heavy and this one wasn’t.
Bravo. It makes me want to make films
It makes me want to vomit
Mr. Mathias Valence
You arrived in the middle of the screening.
You didn’t see the whole film
I saw enough, sir
You’re so predictable. l’m surprised you even watch my films
I didn’t know there was a screening
There you go
I wanted to be wrong about your first films
but they’re worse and worse
You’re an ass. We’re sick of your insults
We’re going to stop there
Why don’t you tell us what you hoped to achieve
And if you’re too irritated to listen Mathias, you can leave.
I’d like to know how he’s going to explain that this is cinema.
You still haven’t realized that film has changed,
that people have changed
Are you going to bring up The Tracking Shot in Kapo” again?
Your ideas are old. Dead! They’re not even yours.
Why don’t you try thinking for yourself?
I know how to think for myself
Yes, my ideas are old, not dead, but very old
Prehistoric even
You’re being pedantic again
What’s this about prehistory?
Cave painters didn’t paint because they were bored with life
They didn’t understand their surroundings
Painting helped them live. It was like a magic ceremony
to apprehend the world, death everything.
That’s why it’s beautiful
And that’s art. It always has been
Why do you make films?
You don’t know
What do you yearn for?
Why isn’t it in your film?
All I see in your film is your need to please
lt’s fashionable, so it’s dead Stone dead.
Is your lesson over? You want me to write you a thesis?
This discussion is going nowhere
You’re better off continuing after class if you so desire.
All right, Mathias?
William?
I’d like to say I think William’s film is really well done.
It looks like a real film
l’m not good with technical stuff, and I think it’s technically awesome
Could we talk about that?
About technique? If you like
William might be a poser but he’s not a bad guy.
He’s not calculating. That’s just how he is
You’re a softy, Jean-Noel Beaumont
He’s been saying that since we met So what if I am a softy?
Remember, he liked your films
So what? Even if he liked Carl Dreyer it wouldn’t redeem his films.
What do you think of him?
The same as you. I feel less alone when I hear you
Why do you want to make films?
I don’t know. I’ve wanted to for a long time
I couIdn’t tell you exactly why
Libération is still talking about Verhoeven
Did you like his last film?
Yeah, it was pretty good
lt’s incredibly overrated
Like Fincher and all those guys lt’s rehashed.
lt’s warmed-over, contrived
How does it compare to Vigo or Ford?
It doesn’t, does it?
Bye
I don’t think I passed
Don’t worry. He’s not easily charmed
And he likes testing people
I can’t stand that guy. Hey
Have you met Etienne? -No.
Hi. l’m Solange -Hi. l’m Etienne.
Are you friends with Mathias? -Not yet.
He was in my class last year I had my fill.
I can’t stand pretentious loudmouths
I think he says what everyone should say and think.
Do you want to revolutionize cinema too?
I just want to make films and make them well.
Better put your nose to the grindstone -Indeed.
Hey, tiger!
Are you going to eat me alive? -Sorry.
You haven’t fucked in a while, have you?
You wanted revenge -What?
Tell me the truth
You didn’t appreciate what I said did you?
lt’s no big deal
You admit it
You were mad at me
I resisted you
You fought hard
-And you got me. Happy? I didn’t realize it bothered you
Not at all. Quite the opposite
I loved the fight. Thank you
I have to go
You don’t want to stay?
I never stay. l’m always on the move
I was always running away when I was little.
Also, I have a boyfriend
Where did you get this sweater?
Luckily you look smart The rest is debatable.
That sweater’s fine
I’m just kidding
Don’t play the tough guy lt’s for your own good.
Bye
They just keep coming
Can I listen?
Of course. I’m not keeping you up?
No. I like it
What is that again?
Gustav Mahler
we in Death in Venice -Right.
Tadzio
Aschenbach
The pursuit of inaccessible beauty
I’m massacring it. Sorry
That girl earlier, it was nothing
I love my girlfriend
We’ve known each other a long time
She’s all I think of
Someday We’re going to live together in Paris
lt’s going to be wonderful
Do you still watch his films? -I try to.
I like his early movies from the 1970s
They’re not as good anymore, but
I can’t watch them anymore
l’ve had enough of whiny French films
They’re just as bad as the vulgar American stuff
That’s harsh
They’re cookie-cutter films
There’s no madness, no risk, no taking chances, no fun in any of it
-No scandal. Right, no real scandal
Not scandal made for television or social media
I want to see films that talk about real life
The real scandal would be to see you and me, all of this
in all its innocence,
in all its radiance
And in all its horror, too
That would really hurt, and it would be exhilarating
Is he still here?
What a bore, surrounded by his cohorts
Smart-asses who fake everything in their petty films
They’re just glad they sell
Anything that sells. Make money, make a hit
They’re obsessed with making hits but they’re just rip-offs.
He’s pathetic
What do you do?
Are you one of his friends? -Not really.
Maybe you’re the pathetic one
Oryou
Or me
Awesome conversation
Fascinating guy
If you say so
Have you seen Hélo`|`se’s films?
Yes, they’re good
They’re amazing
I love what you do
You succeed in making films that recreate life.
Your films really measure up
They’re powerful
Thank you. You make beautiful films, too
I can’t hold a candle to you Ido what I can.
I salute you, young ocean!
Cheers
Why are you blushing?
Did you hear what he said?
Classical music is emotional
There’s something-- You tell stories, you create images
lt’s powerful
For example, rock is intellectual music
Because
Jean-Noél?
Cheers
I really like classical music
Have you seen Mathias?
Mathias left
Is he coming back?
-No idea. He seemed to be in a hurry
Have a good night
Brother Etienne
Are you sleeping?
Come in
I saw the light on
but I knock now, to be safe
Have a seat
Is the film coming along?
Yeah
I just got back from a party
Me too
Do you have one for me?
-I have two left. Let’s share them over a drink
Alcohol free, right? -No.
Oh, really?
Surprise me
What’s the occasion?
Nothing. ljust feel like it
Shall we toast? Look me in the eye
Shit. This is strong
lt’s not for Iightweights
-The Provincial Letters? lt’s by Pascal. Do you know him?
I must have read Thoughts in high school
He wrote these letters to prove the Jesuits were frauds
with a morality built on ambiguity
What do you mean?
They claimed you can have faith without love
that you have the right to lie
lt’s called mental equivocation
You have the right to tell someone a lie
as long as you tell God the truth
lt’s doublespeak. Pascal hated it
Why are you reading it?
I did philosophy before coming here
I studied Thoughts
But I hadn’t read this one. I love it
So you agree with Pascal?
lt’s hard not to
What if we did a test?
What?
To see if your ideas are in line with your actions
How?
You’ve never told me if you like me
I like you a lot, Valentina
So?
So, what?
Why don’t you show it?
You like taking it slow?
I love Lucie. l’ve decided to be faithful
Why are you laughing? lt’s not funny
The way you said that, so serious
I made a simple statement
You were super serious. Believe me
Okay, I sounded serious. So what?
If you say that in a serious tone
it means fidelity doesn’t come naturally to you
That tone of voice is a moral shield
You don’t play it straight
Listen, I cheated on Lucie more than once but I don’t want to anymore.
Okay
So the only faithfulness that matters is to yourself.
That doesn’t sound like Pascal That sounds ambiguous.
I was with a guy for three years. I know what it means to be faithful
I’m asking you if that’s what’s most important
Yes, it is
Now you’re lying to yourself -I’m not.
First of all, what does it mean to cheat?
If the other person doesn’t know
is it still cheating?
More ambiguity
You’re with a girl. You start seeing another
Neither knows about the other They’re both happy.
Where’s the harm?
Will they be happier if they know? No
If you see just one, will you give her more than you give each individually?
Because you give each of them
different things
Would you be happier?
No.So?
You know where the problem lies
Neither knows about my double life
Do they know everything about you when you’re faithful?
Do they need to know everything about you? No.
Transparency is a fascist illusion
Maybe. To me it feels like breaking a contract
Anyway, there’s no denying
betrayer or betrayed, they’re both awful
Maybe
But it’s no worse than betraying yourself
If faithfulness to another means faithfulness to yourself, fine
Otherwise, it’s the same thing Pascal criticized the Jesuits for
Iguess
Etienne Tinan
you know I’m leaving for Berlin in January.
My friend Annabelle is taking my place
Why are you changing the subject?
I’m not changing the subject
What are you trying to say?
Nothing
Maybe she’ll have better luck with you than I did.
You should develop the connection between Chekhov and Naruse.
lt’s very interesting
Descriptions of everyday life of ordinary people.
I think they share a certain pessimism too.
And there’s this idea that art can offer momentary relief
but not safety
Keep going. lt’s worth exploring
When is the new draft due?
In a month or two
Okay, great
How’s your short film coming along?
l’ve just started. I think I have an idea
If you’d like me to read it, I might be able to give you advice
Okay, thank you
How are you settling in?
All right. l’ve made some friends
No financial problems?
Things are tight. I’m looking for work
Do you know about student services?
Yes. l’ve been there
What about Paris? Are you getting used to it?
Slowly
You’lI see, you’ll start working make beautiful films,
and you’ll never imagine living anywhere else.
Thanks for the encouragement
I’Il be waiting to hear from you
Good-bye
What time does it close here?
I don’t know -Thanks.
Jean-Noél told me you made a film -Yes.
I’d like to see it
lt’s not finished. I’m not sure I want anyone to see it
lt’s good to show each other our films
It can help things along
You don’t show yours anymore
I’m the past
You’re the present and far more important
All right -Great.
Bye Bye
I haven’t forgotten you -I don’t believe you.
Why do you say that?
You aren’t listening -I am.
I have to go. I have shopping to do
I’m going to a party tonight -A party?
AtAlain’s
He made it into the opera chorus
He’s so happy. He’d given up hope
The great thing is, he’II be able to get me in
l’ll go to concerts every night
lt’s going to be a big party, with lots of people.
I’m going with Benoit. I haven’t seen him in a year.
He sent you a message, but you never responded
Etienne? -What?
-I’m boring you. You’re not boring me
I have to go -Already?
Does Bach still make you think of me?
Of course, Lucie. I haven’t forgotten you
Take care
You too
How are you? -Fine.
I got your letter. I was worried
I’m glad to see you -Oh, yeah?
I don’t know.
I didn’t tell our parents
Just like a good little boy.
I do what I’m supposed to, Alice
I got your letter. I was worried
I’m glad to see you -Oh, yeah?
ldon’t know. “Meet me on the 12th where we played as kids."
I didn’t tell our parents
Just like a good little boy.
I do what I’m supposed to, Alice
Ask me anything and l’ll do it
I’m pregnant
Alice!
Come back!
Thanks. I mean, well done. lt’s good
lt’s not perfect, but there’s some great stuff in there
ReaHy? -Yes.
lt’s nice to see a film that isn’t full of Paris clichés
And not just because none of us are from Paris
That doesn’t mean it works, though
The sister’s monologue after her brother dies is too literary
lt’s a caricature of lamentation
lt’s careful and meticulous, but it doesn’t feel like death
-lt’s a literary death. I didn’t want it to be naturalist
lt’s not a question of naturalism
It sounds wrong
Like the music in the opening scenes it’s just there for emphasis.
That’s literature too -You’re being unfair.
The music is daring
It underlines the action, but there’s a slight discrepancy
I don’t agree about the monologue I think it’s moving.
A long monologue is rare after a character’s death.
But it sounds fake
There’s a price to pay for truth You’re not paying it.
I don’t agree with you
I don’t agree at all
Jean-Noel must be in love with you He’s lost his sense ofjudgment.
You can be in love and have a sense ofjudgment
Apparently not
Screw you, Mathias Valence
Now there’s an argument
l’ve always figured you were homophobic
You’ve outdone yourself
Can we talk about your film?
I have quite a few things to say
Yes, of course
Etienne has a girlfriend, and I don’t stand a chance
You can be in love and know you have no chance
So?
That’s the story of my life. I have loads of unrequited love
All I ever get are quickies in corners
How do you know that won’t change?
A crumb of comfort. Thanks
We’re being too easy on him He gets what he deserves.
Really? Explain then, Liberty Valance
l’ve told you a hundred times you’re a softy.
You fall for anyone who comes your way
Get a hold of yourself. Toughen up
Things will get better. You think this is going to help?
WILL O’ THE WISP
Are you suicidal?
Some psychologist you are
And you’re a tough guy
refusing to look at that girl over there so she’ll look at you?
Wrong, Jean-Noel Beaumont. I know her
Actually, I need to talk to her -So he knows her.
Can I read your next screenplay? -So he can destroy you again.
I’m sure it has potential I might be able to help.
When will you show us your masterpiece? So we can pick it apart.
I’m rewriting the story line as I edit
What’s it about?
I might figure that out when it’s done
Have you read Flaubert’s letters on writing?
-No. lt’s all in there
Mr. Tinan
Mr. Beaumont
Bye
l’ve never seen that girl
I hear he gets around, but he never talks about it
He’s very discreet. I don’t even know where he lives
He wants to read your screenplay so your film wasn’t shit.
Or he just wanted to make me feel better
He’s not the type
He saw something he likes in you
Like I did
Thanks
I hope you weren’t upset by what we said about you and me
Don’t worry
I think I’m getting sick
I’d better be getting home
You won’t finish the game?
You’re leaving me here?
I’m kidding
Go home, Tinou. Get some rest
What’s with the long face?
-Are you okay? You’ll never guess what I just did
What did you just do?
I destroyed my film
Done. Trashed
You destroyed your film?
A year’s worth of work doubt, fatigue, pain.
Why did you do ther?
Because it was an awful film
Now you’ll make another one, a better one So there.
Right
You’ve never bothered to ask what I like doing
Here it comes
Etienne Tinan is a navel-gazer
Fine, I’m wrong again. I beg your forgiveness
When are you going to show me your work?
There’s a group show in the spring
I’m warning you, though you might not like it.
I’Il be there. I promise
You haven’t slept. You should get some rest
Sleep? Today? I don’t feel like it
That’s Bach
You recognize it?
lt’s all you listen to
Should I change it?
No. I like it
You know I’m leaving for Berlin in a few days.
I’m going to miss you
AnnabelIe’s taking my place
She could never replace you
Do you mean that, or are you just being nice?
I mean it
Well
if we don’t kiss now, we never will
Let’s kiss
Really? You want to?
Even if you’re not in love with me?
Yes
Wait
What?
What color are my eyes?
What is this, Valentina?
I just want to know if you’ve really seen me
They’re green
Am I right?
Obviously
Let me see
More important things await
Yes?
You have a visitor
Hey, buddy. Feeling better?
Yeah, it’s good to see you
Jean-Noel told me you were sick
lt’s been four days
I hope I’m better Monday. I found a job
Here
THE LETTERS OF GUSTAVE FLAUBERT
Take this, too
LUTHERAN LETTERS
It will help you focus on the good fight
Thanks
Thanks a lot
Can I smoke? -Go ahead.
What a face
When I was little, I spent weeks in bed I had very bad asthma.
I read a lot
That’s when I developed the desire to write, to make films
I didn’t have any books, so my sister brought them from the library.
Elise
I loved my sister
Now she’s a total right-winger
Fillon and whatnot
I don’t know what happened. Maybe it was
the guys she hung out with
I never see her anymore
We don’t even talk
There’s no point talking to people you don’t agree with.
No one changes their mind during an argument.
Or even starts to doubt
Le doux Gérard
I like it a lot
We lived in a strange time
It was a time of action, hesitation and idleness
shining utopias, philosophical and religious idealism
a faint enthusiasm mingled with an instinct toward renewal
impatience with past dissension uncertain hope.”
That’s not bad
Yeah
Not bad at all
l’ve been thinking
My internship’s longer than I thought Your life is in Paris.
l’ve visited three times in four months
You came here once and spent your time at home
Can I say something? -Let me finish.
Your friends are what matter most to you and I never even met them.
You almost never call
When we talk, you’re distant You’ve changed.
-No, I haven’t. Yes, you have. A lot
I’m not sure you love me anymore
That’s not true. I still love you, Lucie
I could cope with the cheating before but things are different.
I can’t anymore
-Let’s be honest. What do you mean?
I’m going. This is too difficult
-Let’s Skype later on. I don’t want you to see me cry.
Lucie, I love you. Do you hear me? I love you.
We should stop seeing each other. lt’s best for both of us.
Let’s talk later
l’ll make the decision for us if I have to.
I’Il come see you next weekend
No, don’t come -Lucie.
Thank you
Are you okay?
You don’t look well
I’m not
I was wondering
What?
How do you know something’s worth it?
When what’s worth it?
In general
There’s always a price to pay. How do you know it’s worth it?
ls that philosophy or for a crossword puzzle?
I’m serious
lt’s worth it when it can’t be any other way
Something like that, right?
WUTHERING HEIGHTS
Daughter of Fire
So this is the Tuileries
lt’s beautiful
Do you want to go to the Louvre?
We don’t have time. We can’t miss our train
We can visit one or two rooms I do that sometimes.
Maybe next time
Your father’s legs hurt
His last venous ultrasound wasn’t great
I hope you don’t smoke. Don’t make the same mistakes he did
Your apartment is nice. I liked it
lt’s a change from Lyon -Yes.
Lucie came to see us last week
How is she?
She’s had a hard time getting over your breakup
lt’s been hard for me too
I liked that girl. I’d gotten used to her
Six years is a long time
I call her sometimes, but she doesn’t pick up
She’s protecting herself
-What about your film? lt’s coming along slowly
What counts is doing it
At any rate, I wouldn’t live here
lt’s beautiful, but it’s so noisy
We’II get on the metro here
You know the city now
A little
THE LETTERS OF GUSTAVE FLAUBERT
How’s it going, HéIo`|`se? -Good.
I was wondering... Mathias made me want to see your films
Could I?
Sure. I’Il give them to you
Great, thanks
Are you working on another one? -Yes.
I’m having trouble editing I shot without a story.
It was amazing. I felt so free
But now I’m writing the story as I edit
I’m not sure it works. lt’s stressful
-What about you? I’m trying to write
lt’s all clear in my mind, but I don’t like anything I write
I get blocked for hours. l’ve written a few pages
l’ve got to get going -See you.
See you
I picked up a DVD of Khutsiev -Really?
Let’s watch it at my place
At 6:00 p.m. I have a meeting now
Sounds good
That means the guy doesn’t watch films in the dark
Every day on a computer screen
Hold on a second
Hi. I’m Etienne, your roommate
Annabelle
I’m getting rid of stuff. This room is suffocating
Can I help? No, thanks.
Hello -Hi.
See you later? -Okay.
Did you see that shot?
When you see it like that it looks so simple.
lt’s really beautiful
Yes?
Am I bothering you?
Not at all
I wanted to ask you about the apartment
There’s no hurry
What are you watching? -A Russian film.
Marlen Khutsiev. Ilyich’s Gate
I don’t know it
Do you want to watch?
Join us if you like
Yeah, okay
I don’t care about degrees
I’m enrolled in classes, but I hardly go
I love sociology, but I prefer taking action
You’re an activist? -Yes. I try to be.
Something has to be done
I liked it when the father’s ghost tells his son
he has to figure things out for himself
That’s honest
lt’s like that today
Our fathers failed. They gave in to everything
They left the planet in a dire state
and it’s up to us to save it and ourselves.
ExacHy
What are you doing about it? -Making films.
You think that’s enough?
Should we feel guilty?
You can make films and take action in real life
Films impact real life
You believe that? You think cinema can save the planet?
It certainly won’t destroy it
But politics, compromise, and abuse of power all wreak havoc
Not if we take grassroots action
I’m not fighting to establish yet another corrupt government
We’ve seen what became of the pseudo-revolutionaries from ’68
They switched sides to follow the power
Our concern should be addressing tangible problems
Mistreated refugees, devastated lands
lt’s a humble goal
Together, these actions might lead to something bigger
You don’t find that idealistic?
-So you do nothing? I told you. I make films
Political films?
A film isn’t meant to deliver a political message
Film is political when it has something honest to say
And not just for yourself
but for the viewer who might be impacted by it
be it now or later, here, or elsewhere
What makes something honest?
Something that speaks to an honorable life worth sharing
lt’s how you film human beings
but also the sunrise, trees, snow, the world.
That’s too vague. lt’s aesthetic. It only addresses part of the problem
Dreams must become reality and reality a dream.”
NovaHs -Right.
If no one does anything to save trees
to stop industry from destroying the earth
filmmakers won’t have anything to film
Why can’t the two be compatible?
Why can’t filmmakers and activists each do their own thing?
Too easy
You don’t solve urgent problems, where people and the earth are suffering
Your films should show that
The problem is, activist films are made like commercials
You film a refugee or a shrinking ice pack just like Total films its oil rigs.
Who cares?
What matters is educating people so they take action.
If people who want change think just like their enemies
there is a problem
If the guy who makes a film about refugees feels the same as the CEO of Total,
there’s a problem
A dignified life must pass via the senses
lt’s not an ideology
A film should communicate that the world is a livable place
When I see activist films, how they depict people and the world
I just want out
Not everyone is an artist like you
The activists who fight while you’re off making films
aren’t necessarily poets
But they’re changing things
We’II see if it’s for the better
You know what I think? You seem out of touch with real life
You lecture about life, but you live yours through film
You live an armchair life
It doesn’t have much to do with what happens to real people
Annabelle, do you know this music?
I don’t know. Maybe
Gustav Mahler
lt’s in a film I’m sure you’ve seen
Artists aren’t obliged to save the world in the way you describe.
Maybe if they had several lives
They do what they have to do. They create
That’s how they save the world
Romanticize the world,” said Novalis who you seem to like.
That’s simplistic thinking
When Matisse wanted to serve France in the war, Marcel Sembat told him...
You can serve your country by continuing to paint.”
You’d have sent Matisse to war
I would never send anyone to war That’s nonsense.
Mathias
Don’t take it personally
Mathias has integrity
Good, so do I
We’re out of wine -That’s too bad.
Then it’s time for a song
Dear friends, gather round for Sylvie
by Erik Satie
She is so beautiful
My Sylvie
That the angels
Envy her
Love, on her delighted lip
Left
Its sweetest kiss
Her eyes are large stars
Her mouth is made
Of rubies
Her soul is the height
Of a clear sky
And her heart
ls my paradise
Her hair is black
As shadow
Her voice as sweet
As honey
Her sadness is twilight
And her smile a rainbow
She is so beautiful
My Sylvie
That the angels
Envy her
Love on her delighted lip
Left its sweetest kiss
All right. I’m going, too. I’m beat, guys
Until next time
Bye Bye
Get home safe
-Here. Thanks
You know, Mathias, he’s got integrity
but only in words, not in life
And what pretension
The conversation just took a bad turn I’m sure you agree at heart.
Where’s he from? He might as well be from Paris
Bordeaux
Jean-Noél is from Clermont. I’m from Lyon
We sound Parisian?
No, that’s stupid. He just acts like he’s the center of the world
Where are you from?
Poitiers
My last name is Lit, as in “bed
Annabelle Lit
Like in the poem by Edgar Allen Poe “Annabel Lee.”
The beautiful woman-- .“the angels still envy
Yes, I know
But I’m more down to earth. Like a bed
I drank too much
I’m beat. I’m going to sleep
Good night
Good night, Miss Lit
What about that reporter?
l’ve made contact. She’s reliable
She’s going to pass along the information
There were no reporters the other night -What happened last night?
A fight
The cops were taking blankets again
Those guys are cold, things are tense, they fight
The problem is we don’t have enough of anything
People in the neighborhood are furious
I can go to Montrouge tomorrow for supplies
Check with Denis, but it’s going to be tricky
What are you writing? -lt’s for his film.
Can we get some coffee? -l’Il get it.
So what do we do? The cops are going to kick them out
We resist. We publish the images People will support us.
With enough of us, it could work
Except they’re getting more violent
They think they can do whatever they want
With the elections, they won’t want trouble
Even so, there will be arrests
What do you suggest then?
We can negotiate to gain some time
There’s no point negotiating No point at all.
Are you looking at my face?
lt’s not a pretty sight. I’m exhausted
l’m looking at you because I’m impressed What you do--
You could do what I do
No, I don’t have your courage
and your... selflessness
I want to do this
I don’t stop to think about courage or selflessness
I’m glad you wanted to come with me
Next time, I’II take you to a camp
You might want to get involved
and prove to that friend you admire so much that he’s wrong
Sure
I don’t always agree with Mathias -I don’t believe you.
I’m beat. You want to get a drink?
Yes. Can I take you to a film after?
To discover something new
Why not?
It was wonderful, like being in a chiIdren’s book
That little boy had such a sweet face
I didn’t think you liked it, or that you were too tired
I fell asleep when it was too intense
When I woke up, it was even more beautiful
There was a time when I’d wake myself up at night
just to remind myself how amazing life is when we open our eyes.
This film was a bit like that
I was worried you’d find it too abstract
No. Infact, I liked the tangible elements
The fabrics, the cloth, the carpets the stones-- all of it.
What did that bourgeois behind us say?
That she didn’t like static films without dialogue
That idiot should keep her mouth shut
Thank you. I had a lovely evening
Now Annabelle Lit is going to bed
Good night, Miss Lit
Good night, Mr. Tinan
Give me your opinion If I like it, we’II talk.
I can write whatever I want?
That’s why you’re here
You decide what’s worthwhile
I told you, I liked your test synopsis
You were tough, but you made your case
You’re going to see and read a lot of bad things.
ReaHy?
We receive dozens of poorly written series about the Resistance,
shows like Ushuaia, Hanouna
You get the idea
That’s not what you’re after
Let me be clear
We want innovative projects Otherwise, we get bored.
-True. I do, anyway
Do you have a cigarette? You can smoke at the window
Sorry. I finished my pack
Oh, well
You never know. Maybe you’ll find us a diamond in the rough. Who knows?
Good luck -Thanks.
I live, by day, full of courage and faith
and, by night, die in holy fire
Have you seen Mathias?
No. I don’t know what he’s up to
He must be working on his film
I don’t know
I heard he was spaced out, wandering the streets one night
I’m going to call him -He won’t pick up.
Let him come back on his own
There he is
I love this place. I come here a lot
Do you like it?
Are you okay?
Yeah, sure
That one’s not bad. He looks mean
Apparently, my life would be easier if I looked mean
WouIdn’t you rather be nice and read my screenplay?
I’d like your opinion
I’d love to. That means a lot to me
I haven’t been able to write lately
Let’s go see the monkeys
Here’s your coffee
Thank you
Barbara
Sorry. Thank you, Barbara
You’re welcome
Barbara?
I’m glad to see you
I was wondering what you were up to
Nothing much
There are days when human misery makes it hard to breathe.
Is your job going well? -Yes.
I write summaries of bad series lt’s boring, but I need money.
What do you do for money?
I get by. I work as little as possible
No matter what you do work is exploitation.
I don’t want that
You want to get some air?
lt’s nice here
lt’s pretty
Have you been here?
I rarely take walks in Paris
I have a new life in Paris. I wanted it for a long time
But I was alone before
It was easy to think I had talent
Now I feel very ordinary
I’m not sure I have anything to say
lt’s normal to have doubts in the beginning.
I hope so
If you have to make films you’ll make them.
I think Mathias does more harm than good
He’s charming, but he’s also destructive
Not necessarily
Do you think he’s talented?
l’ve known plenty of guys like him They’re all talk.
Everyone says he makes beautiful films
I’d like to see them
Forget the other night. You’ll see he’s a good guy
He puts the bar high
but it’s not destructive, it’s motivating
I hope he’II like my next film I hope you will too.
Do you want to read what l’ve written?
I’d like to know what you think
I don’t know much about film
It doesn’t matter. lt’s not very long. Twenty pages
Would you?
If you want me to
What is it, Annabelle?
What’s wrong?
Are you okay?
I don’t know
Your eyes, they were
Sorry. l’ve had a bad day
Was it something I said?
lt’s nothing
lt’s the confidence you place in me
lt’s almost... childlike
When you look at me like that, I feel
lt’s too much. I feel small, worthless
What you do is amazing
I told you. I’m not Annabel Lee from the poem
I’m practical, unromantic even
Believe me
Since We’re both practical, maybe we can help each other
Maybe we’II achieve what Novalis said
I live, by day, full of courage and faith
and, by night, die in holy fire
We must look so pathetic sitting here
Maybe. But who cares?
Good night
One last drink? -No, thank you.
Okay, wait -What?
Just a second
Oh, right
The Cheater.
That’s the working title
Okay
Good night
Jean-Noel, how’s it going?
Not good. ljust got some bad news
My father died
He died today.
Was he ill?
He had a heart problem, but nothing
Well, yes, he had a heart attack
I’m sorry. I don’t know what to say
Don’t apologize. No one knows what to say in these situations.
Death comes as a surprise
I know how it is. I was with my grandfather when he died
I drove him to the hospital We were on a farm.
I took care of him, changed him
I got used to it, like a little soldier.
I called-- I’m not after anything I don’t want to bother you.
ljust wanted to tell you because
you’re my closest friend
That means a lot to me
Tell Mathias if you see him. I don’t want to leave a message
Of course, no problem
If you need anything, tell me
That’s kind of you. l’ll be okay.
See you soon, Etienne
Okay, take care
Thanks
-Hello, sir. HeHo,EHenne
I wanted to tell you I found those books on Japanese cinema I told you about.
I can lend them to you
They’re quite heavy. You should stop by to get them
-Thanks. E-mail me for a date
-Good-bye. See you soon
I came to talk about Annabelle lt’s indecent. I’m sorry.
It’lI take my mind off my father
I’m not sure she’s such a great girl after all
Why?
Volunteering doesn’t make her infallible
After all, she’s sleeping with Mathias
who doesn’t treat others very well including his friends.
He doesn’t know how I feel about her
She doesn’t either. l’ve never met anyone like her
Of course she’s attracted to Mathias He’s the more interesting one.
You’re going to make me piss myself
Go on, play
“More interesting ”
I’d like to see his film
Speaking of films, I read yours I like it.
I’m notjust being nice
I’m glad to hear that
I can help you out with casting location scouting...
Really? What about your film?
I can’t write. l’II do it next year l’lI enroll again.
Besides, I need action
What’s going on, Annabelle?
lt’s over. I dumped that jerk
Bye-bye, Mathias
I don’t ever want to talk about it I just want you to know it’s over
Now I can breathe
take care of things, leave this city full of assholes
There’s nothing natural here I need nature.
I’m leaving tomorrow to meet a friend in a protest camp
It’lI be okay
What are you doing?
Sorry
You think I go through guys like I go through underwear?
No, it’s not
What’s with you guys?
What am I doing on your bed?
I didn’t mean to do that
Why are things always so messed up?
Doesn’t anyone know how to be in a relationship?
lt’s always superficial. We constantly delude ourselves
We’re wrong about everything
lt’s pretty sad, really. It makes you want to shoot yourself
What do you want?
You want to kiss me? Fuck me? What for?
You leap at every chance you get
What do you think those girls want?
You don’t think they want something besides a fuck?
lt’s not like that
What then?
If it’s not that, what do you feel when you fuck a girl?
How does it make you feel?
Be honest for once
See? You won’t even answer
Nothing honest to say
Why are you looking at me like you want to hit me?
You’re treating me like a child I don’t need your preaching.
I’m not ten years old. I’m sick of it
Come back. I didn’t mean to hurt you
Did you sleep well?
Can I get you anything?
There are still things to improve lt’s too abstract in places.
For example, scene four-- the guy who goes home drunk
When my grandfather was drunk really drunk,
he drank a lot of water right from the faucet.
Alcohol made him thirsty
You have to include things like that
That’s what makes it tangible real, surprising.
I had some ideas for actors I’II show you photos.
Do you like the jam?
My aunt made it, with real blackberries
she’s ahead of Bernard Arnault, CEO of LVMH.
Why not rank the world’s poorest people while they’re at it?
William found a producer for his first feature film.
I never thought he’d make it so soon
When I think back to high school
Then again, he always does his best
“OnIy the mediocre--” are always at their best
Who do we have to thank for that?
Thank you, Mathias Valence
Would it bother you if I stayed here a few days?
Yes, it would bother me a bit because
No!
Of course it doesn’t bother me You can stay.
On one condition. Shut up about the girl
Okay
Anyway, I’m happy. lt’s going well
Each issue has a theme. There are many political columns
I take care of research, and I do some translation
My boss is a nice guy. I think he appreciates me
I’m happy you agreed to see me
I missed you
I miss you
I also met a boy at the newspaper
We’ve started seeing each other
Do you love him?
Yes, maybe
lt’s probably better that way
You didn’t think we’d get back together did you?
No. I think about you often
You’ll always be my deepest love
The first
First love isn’t necessarily the deepest
Yes, it is
You don’t believe that
l’ve given it some thought
and I’m not sure you really loved me
What do you mean? Don’t say that
You only ever loved cinema. You sacrificed everything for it
Actually, you only ever really loved yourself
You know that’s not true
You’re saying that to feel better and to hurt me.
No, you’re mistaken
I don’t want to hurt you
And thinking that about you hurts me much more.
All that lost time
I know you, Etienne
You’re going through something difficult
That’s why you insisted on seeing me so I would comfort you.
You’ve always confused me with your mother.
That’s nonsense
A boy’s first love comes just after his mother
lt’s confusing
Did you read that in your women’s magazine?
Sorry
Me, too. I’m sorry
Are you going to see your parents?
No. I came to see you
I’m going this way
Bye
Ladies and gentlemen, l’II be your crew chief today.
My team and I are happy to welcome you
aboard this TGV bound for Paris-Gare de Lyon
The Black Sun of Melancholy
I don’t feel anything either
She really feels something She really loved him.
We have to see it in her eyes
I don’t feel anything either
lt’s been a while. lt’s probably normal
She’s protecting herself
lt’s been a while. lt’s probably normal
Maybe if I hold you, we’Il feel something
I don’t think so
Can I try?
If you like
This is stupid
Let me go
Okay. Good
That’s it? -That’s it.
When do you think you’ll get back to me?
In about two weeks
Bye
What do you think?
She’s all right
Really? I liked her
She’s too reserved
She was nervous, but I think she could be powerful
We’Il have a look at the tape
I feel like the text is a little too literary
Could you tweak it for tomorrow? -I can try.
I don’t think I can shoot without you
Do you want to help with the actors with everything?
You want me on location?
If you want to and you have time I can’t do it on my own.
Helping others is probably what I do best
Thanks. You’re a lifesaver
We never hear about people like you who help others.
History remembers certain names,
but amazing, indispensable people work alongside them in the shadows
Without them, the people we remember would have accomplished nothing.
JAPANESE CINEMA
Do you like it?
Yes. lt’s not what I expected
Maria Yudina had some character
She stood up to Stalin
She left behind unorthodox recordings of Mozart, unlike any others.
l’II listen to them
Thank you for introducing me to her
lt’s a change from Glenn Gould
That must be my son
Would you like to eat with us?
Yes, okay
Have you heard from Mathias Valence?
Not in the last two months Maybe he left Paris.
He’s an odd kid, but talented
I hope he stays on track -He will.
More wine?
Thank you
l’II get dessert
My father always shows concern for the same kind of student.
What kind is that?
He’s a lefty, like my mother. Very left
Almost oddly so, with this concept of “positive discrimination.”
What are you trying to say?
He likes to help those who start out with little
You know what I mean
I like Etienne not only because he’s a nice kid
but because I believe in his talent and intelligence
Of course
I appreciate young people who believe in something.
Oh, really? What is there to believe in today?
Life on Mars, since it’s impossible here?
The game isn’t over. Not everyone gives up without a fight
You should apologize to Etienne
Don’t speak to me like that
I’m sorry if he offended you
Don’t take it personally I’m the real target.
Do you get along with your parents?
We don’t see each other often
You don’t get along?
We do
But we’re very different
But they’re kind
They’re helping with my studies
though they know it will push us further apart
You take mushrooms, butter
big shallots, garlic, parsley, and grated Parmesan
I don’t like mushrooms -I prefer a big steak.
A big steak. How can you still eat meat?
I love it
You wouldn’t if you saw the slaughterhouses
Maybe. You never stop lecturing lt’s annoying.
That’s why it didn’t work out between us
You know he’s not your type
Go on. You were at grated Parmesan
Life’s a bitch
You think?
Garlic, parsley, grated Parmesan -Butter, shallots.
First you have to wash the mushrooms and remove the shafts.
That’s too bad
Stop interrupting me
Jean-Noel and I are working out the casting
-What about you? I finished editing.
I won’t film without a story again lt’s too...
I really got myself stuck
I found something by Tarkovsky that helped.
Do you know the story of the Japanese painter?
A court painter travels from province to province
In each province, he uses a new style and a different name
He’s able to remove himself completely and create a form of impersonal art.
In doing so, he accesses something deeper because he’s done away with the self.
That allows him to find a direct connection with the world
A loose, infinite freedom
I like that idea. It really opened my mind
So you’re done with personal films?
No. But I also want them to be impersonal
l’ve said enough about my life
Haven’t I?
I like your life
What is that?
Frangois’s parties are always weird
How many are there?
A little rabbit
They’re really well done
Are you okay? You don’t look well
Hey, how are you? We meet again
So you know each other?
We sure do. How are you?
I didn’t see you -I just got here.
lt’s good to see you. lt’s been a while
l’II get some drinks
I thought you left Paris. I wasn’t sure I’d ever see you again
Are you kidding? I wouldn’t disappear like that
I needed some peace and quiet to work on my film.
lt’s almost finished
l’II show you soon
I’m really happy to see you
I want to hear about you. Let’s head out
You want to leave?
We’re not in good company
Come see
Yes, William
Jean-Noél, meet Audrey and Héléne
lt’s the other way around
Let’s go -O kay.
We should have asked Jean-Noél to come
He’s fine with William
lt’s rare we get to talk in peace
Relative peace
Hear that rumbling?
lt’s silence I miss in Paris, not nature
Do you go back to Bordeaux often? -No.
I’m from a little town just outside lt’s pretty boring.
So you prefer Paris?
I always feel like life is happening somewhere else
like I’m a tourist of sorts
I feel a bit like that, too
Isn’t this tower beautiful?
Yes. Breton. Nadja
Especially Nerval
This was his neighborhood
“I am the gloomy one, the widower, the inconsolable
the Prince of Aquitaine in the ill-fated tower.
My only star is dead
My constellated lute bears the black sun of melancholy
He hung himself nearby
Where?
Rue de Ia Vieille Lanterne. Come on
Where’s the street?
It cut through the prefecture
intersected this road, the theater
and continued on to the Seine
lt’s gone now
No trace of “doux Gérard
He’s all around us now, everywhere
It might be quieter over there
It feels real sometimes, doesn’t it? Like the world exists for us alone.
Cinema can make those moments felt
Make it apparent that it’s here that We’re here in it.
That’s what’s wonderful
It makes life easier
It makes survival possible
That’s political, too. It doesn’t have to look like propaganda
Have you heard from Annabelle?
No. And it’s just as well
I don’t want to be harsh but she’s impossible.
She’s a bit unsettling
l’ve known people like her
They say We’re pretentious when they have an answer for everything
They come out all right in life, not us
Still, she’s brave
Do you really want to ruin the evening?
Did you hurt yourself?
I’m fine
Sorry for laughing
lt’s okay. I’m going home. I’m beat
Can we meet up soon?
Of course. I missed you
I want to read your screenplay
Send it to me. l’II tell you what I think
Okay, great
See you
You’re still up?
Do you have a ciggy?
I don’t know
Cigarette?
Good luck with work. Good night
Good night
Hi, Mathias. Here’s the latest draft
Let me know what you think See you soon, Etienne.
“Against all this, you need only, I believe
do nothing other than simply continue to be yourselves;
which means to be constantly unrecognizable
to forget at once the great successes
and to continue unafraid, obstinate
eternally contrary
to demand, to will
to identify yourselves with all that is different
to scandalize and to blaspheme
Do you still want to shoot in black-and-white?
No. Color is better
We have 12 extras for scene 15 ls that enough?
What do you think?
lt’s fine. Decide fast if you want more
We start in three weeks
Have you heard from Mathias?
No, why? You want to give him a walk-on part?
I sent him the screenplay. He hasn’t replied. He must hate it
He probably hasn’t read it
Egotism is practically second nature to him.
You know what? He doesn’t see us as being on his level
He sees us as less than him He doesn’t owe us anything
We’re his friends
He feels bad telling me my film sucks
I’m telling you it’s going to be great -Thanks, but...
Mathias’s opinion is more important? -No, but it’s different with us.
We’ve always been more
More what? Emotional?
I was in love with you and so I can’t be objective?
I want both your opinions That’s natural, isn’t it?
Of course it’s natural
But if my opinion mattered more you’d be confident.
But all you do is doubt. You even doubt Paul Rossi
He only bothered because I’m a pleb
What are you talking about? lt’s clear what Rossi thinks.
You like being unhappy
You’re always unhappy. Cut it out
-Why are you taking that tone? Because you’re pissing me off!
Why are you so upset? Everything’s fine
No, it’s not
Jean-Noél Beaumont. Talk. I’m listening
Jean-Noel, it’s Etienne
I don’t know what you’re up to lt’s scaring me.
Come on, call me back
Hello -Hey.
-I’m looking for Jean-Noel. I just came to get his stuff
Can you tell him Etienne wants to see him?
He mentioned you. I don’t think he wants to see you
Did he say why?
I’m not getting involved
I have a right to know
I don’t know what’s going on between you
but he needs some space to find his bearings.
He says his friends are holding him back
Tell him I’m sorry I hurt him but now he’s hurting me.
l’II tell him
No, don’t. There’s no point
He’s an idiot for doing this. Bye
Are we sure we can shoot in the café in Belleville?
In principle. The owner is nice l’II stop by again.
Do you have a new shooting script?
We figured out most of it We’lI improvise the rest.
The more we can plan ahead, the better
I know
Let’s stop there. We’II be in touch by phone
Tomorrow, 9:00 a.m., Avenue Trudaine
l’II send you the call sheet
Stanislas?
Will David be there tomorrow or not?
Can I talk to you? -What is it?
I know where Jean-Noel went
ReaHy?
He’s casting William’s feature
How do you know?
I know someone in production
Has he talked about us?
About you. And Mathias
What is he saying?
Hélo'|`se and I think you should know
You have to stop torturing yourself
Fine. What did he say?
That you know nothing about life
That you’re pretentious, self-centered
a bourgeois aesthete
and that you always looked down on him
That’s insane -I’m sorry.
I think it’s disgusting
But we’re going to make a good film
That’s going to piss him off
See you later
Yeah, see you
Thank you
You knew it was coming
Not like that
He was my friend. What did I do that was so horrible?
Say good-bye. Forget about him
Your film is all that matters now -lt’s shit.
You don’t believe that
I don’t even know why I want to make films
Why did I come here and leave the people who love me?
What right did I have to do that?
Are you done? -No.
Your films are alive. They have presence
My stuff is dead
I believe in you
I’m glad to be your assistant
I’m going to learn a lot for my own work
lt’s too late anyway
Everyone’s onboard. You can’t back out now
Hélo'|`se? -Yes?
Cancel everything. I’m not coming tomorrow
Etienne, if you don’t show, l’II drag you over myself.
Hello, Etienne. lt’s Dad.
You could call us now and then
Everything’s fine here
We hope you are, too
that you’re doing well,
and that you’re happy with your work in Paris
We can’t wait to see your films, of course.
We love you. This was Dad
Shut up
Etienne, move your ass and open the door
I’m not leaving
Etienne, open up
You can’t back out now
GOOD LUCK, BUDDY. TO BOTH OF US. MATHIAS
You’re pissing me off!
lt’s good, but you’re walking too slow
I thought he was ruminating, sad
Yes, but you’re walking too slow
I can walk faster, but I want to know why
Is this okay?
Everything okay? -Yeah, sure.
Is Etienne okay?
He’s fine. Don’t worry
l’II walk faster. lt’s just the character
If you go home, you’ll want to jump out the window
So you don’t drag your feet You’re trying to survive.
Let’s go
Everybody ready?
Camera
We’re rolling
Clapper
The Cheater. Four of three, third take
Action
EHenne?
Barbara. You don’t remember me?
I do. I just didn’t expect to see you here
We didn’t get to talk much
Here’s our chance
Yeah
How are you? Still working there?
Yes. You’re not coming back?
It was just to make ends meet I can’t spend my life in TV.
What are you doing now?
I just shot a short film. lt’s done
I’m exhausted and a bit lost lt’s the comedown.
Are you happy with it?
It was better in my head. We’II see once it’s edited
-I’m sure it’Il be great. Really? That’s nice of you
At the office, everyone said you wrote intelligent, useful commentary.
A film isn’t commentary
You have an artistic temperament
You put yourself down a little too
Too what?
Like you’re playing it up a bit
Maybe I am
, _ In any case I m glad I ran into you J
lt’s rare here. lt’s so big
Are you from Paris? -No.
I’m from Reims. I got here six months ago I’m studying English.
I wanted to see the capital, but I’m not sure it’s won me over
I might be a country girl after all
Parisians are the ones who talk about the country, not us
When I lived in Lyon, I didn’t say I lived in the country
If I sound like a Parisian already
Maybe you have been won over
Maybe
Are you awake?
I was looking at you
I liked you right away, you know
As soon as I saw you
ReaHy?
Don’t get attached
Jerk
Out of the question
I’m not good at these things
You think I am?
Yet you seem so serious
Much more than me
You seem to know what you want
You’re not messing around
Hello Hello
I haven’t heard from you How was the shoot?
Good. Editing starts next week -Great.
You might not have heard, but
something happened yesterday
People are keeping quiet to protect the family.
Mathias Valence... killed himself
He jumped from his bedroom window
Had you seen him recently?
No. This happened yesterday?
Yes
No one knows what drove him to it
Come with me
Let’s get some air
Do you want to play? -That’s okay.
Are you okay?
I lost a friend
I lost a friend. Do you understand?
He jumped out his bedroom window
I don’t even know where his bedroom is
He was my friend, and I don’t know where he lived
He said he had no place in the world
Now he’II be in Paris
l’II walk around Paris and think “He’s here somewhere.”
l’II never know who he was
who he was at heart
He was my friend, you know?
We had a unique relationship
and I know nothing about him
Do you have friends?
Do you know who they are at heart?
Who am I at heart?
Who knows?
I don’t even know
No one knows anything about anyone else
How can we help each other if we don’t know anything?
Maybe all we can do is listen
Without knowing, without understanding
Like you
You’re listening. You don’t understand a thing
But I know you’d like to
It helps to have you listen
Maybe that’s enough
Maybe deep down, that’s what friendship is
to just listen without needing to understand
Two years later
l’II finish it by Friday. I promise
Yes
Don’t worry. Mr. Danilo can read it this weekend
Sure
Good-bye, Magalie
Yes, I’m fine. Why wouldn’t I be?
I’m fine
Nothing’s wrong. I’m telling you, everything’s fine
You’re irritating me
Yes, you are
I told you I’m fine
I haven’t read many recent books, but l’ve been rereading the classics
In school, they told us Baudelaire was good
I didn’t care for him, but I couldn’t admit it
ljust reread him
and he’s really not that great
Rimbaud, yes
But Baudelaire, frankly
I like him
Brother Alexandre
Are you sleeping?
Morning bells are ringing
We can’t go any later. She won’t be able to get us
She’s picking us up over there
We’II set up, then head to the meeting
Etienne. What are you doing here?
I just noticed you
Some coincidence. How are you? -Good. You?
This is Melchior
Etienne was my roommate. He’s a filmmaker
Are you still making films? -Trying to.
l’II get the car
l’II meet you in five minutes
-Bye. Good-bye
I’m taking him to a protest camp He’s helping repair roofs.
You’re still at it then? -Yes.
We build, they destroy We build, they destroy
How are you?
I’m all right
I heard about Mathias
His mother called me. He left a note
He left me his books. I didn’t want them
It was quite a shock
For you, too, I imagine
Yes
Tell me what you’ve been up to
What can I tell you?
I live in the 14th arrondissement I quit school.
I failed the Fémis film school entrance exam.
I read screenplays for a TV production company
They want me to write a series
It would mean a lot of money I’m not sure.
I think I’m going to say no
l’ve been writing a feature for two years That’s what matters.
I’m having a hard time finishing it
I found a producer though
What about the short film?
I finished it
I sent it to festivals, but it didn’t win
Sorry for not getting back to you, but I had a lot on my mind at the time
I know
What about Jean-Noel?
I never hear from him
He’s working with a childhood friend
a director who made a successful first film
Are you making new friends?
A few, but it’s not the same
I’m really happy to see you again
l’ve thought about you often
I wondered if you were still in Paris if you’d achieved what you hoped.
I’m glad you’ve stayed true to yourself
I’m not surprised, though You seemed determined.
I’m happy to see you, too
We shared something powerful
I think about it often
I’m going to catch up with Melchior
I’m going to stay a while. I like being in cafés, alone in a crowd
See you around, Etienne
I hope so
THE PROVINCIAL LETTERS
THE LETTERS OF GUSTAVE FLAUBERT
LUTHERAN LETTERS
“Against all this, you need only, I believe
do nothing other than simply continue to be yourselves;
which means to be constantly unrecognizable
to forget at once the great successes
and to continue unafraid, obstinate
eternally contrary
to demand, to will
to identify yourselves with all that is different
to scandalize and to blaspheme
I’m beat. I’m going to take a shower
I have so many papers to correct
Are you okay, love? -Yeah.
Josephine’s selling her piano for nothing Are you interested?
There’s no room here
I know. For later
We’re not going to stay here forever
I’m not very good
Who cares? We’lI play easy stuff
For four hands. WouIdn’t that be nice?
I miss playing piano
If you like
Adaptation by Kate Robinson
Subtitling: HIVENTY