Original subtitles

MY LIFE WITH JAMES DEAN

This is Le Tréport, our terminus.

I wish you all a good day.

Could you help with my suitcase?

No problem.

You ok, honey?

Nice crisps?

That's my phone!

Fuck...

Pain in the fucking ass!

Hello, I need some information. Where's the cinema, please?

I don't know if there is one here.

Know where the cinema is?

Maxence, you must know.

You're an intellectual, right?

I went when I was younger to trawl for girls.

Now I trawl the harbour.

It's in the casino.

Or next to it. I rarely go there.

- A Parisian? - I come from Lyons.

Just to see a movie?

Bored on daddy's money?

Why here?

They invited me to present my film, tonight at 9.

Your own movie?

An actor?

I'm a director.

Guys, we've got a big fish here.

A producer changes from shrimps.

A director.

Tell us about it. Put down the bag and have a drink.

Sorry, they're expecting me.

At the casino, you said?

All right, just...

Just follow the promenade.

If you reach Marseilles, turn back.

Ok, thank you.

Can I help you, sir?

The cinema isn't open?

No, it's closed.

When does it open?

30 minutes before a film.

- And the next screening? - The last was at 5:45 pm.

- 5:45? - Or a quarter to six.

But my film's showing at 9 tonight.

Wednesday...

Last screening...

5:45 pm it says.

It's not announced!

Indeed. Are you a producer? What's the film?

A director. My Life With James Dean.

Your life with James Dean?

MY Life With James Dean.

- A comedy? - Not really.

No good. Only comedy works here.

Or US action movies.

- US action movies? - Yes.

All right.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

- The Hotel de Calais, please. - The Hotel de Calais?

It's there, you blind jerk.

Hello.

Hello, sir.

I think there's a booking for me, but maybe not.

I'm sorry?

A booking for Géraud Champreux.

Let me see...

Jerome Champreux...

Géraud, not Jerome.

- Géraud? - Yes.

G-E-R-A-U-D.

Here we are. Géraud Champreux, room 5.

A renovated room.

It's very pretty and colourful.

Take the stairs

and on the second floor, to room 5.

Room 5 to room 5?

Exactly.

- All right. - I can show you.

Please.

Do you know who booked the room?

Yes, of course.

It was booked by... Mrs Van den Rood.

Of Coastal Screens.

- Mrs Van den... - Rood. R-O-O-D.

- Do you have her number? - No, I don't.

- A phone book? - Really!

We have wifi now.

- No laptop... - No laptop?

It's handy on the move.

- I left it at home. - Pity.

Afraid of being robbed? This isn't Chicago.

The hotel's very safe.

Really? I got the impression theft was rife here.

By kids even.

- Why say that? - No reason.

This way.

To room 5

- And... - Yes?

- Is there a gym? - In the hotel?

- Of course not. - Why not?

- Is there one here? - No, but there could be.

We have other services.

And in the town?

I don't know, sir.

This is my only sport.

- Watch out for cramp. - I drink.

Welcome to Le Tréport.

- Nutter... - Loser.

- Quiet, isn't it? - Yeah.

Hello. Sorry I'm late.

I'm here to present my film.

- No one told you? - No. Sorry.

Coastal Screens invited me. Mrs Van den Rood.

- Sylvia? - Maybe.

Sylvia Van den Rood, the chairperson.

She usually lets me know.

Today she didn't.

I have to start the film.

Do you want to speak first?

Any People?

Just one person.

- A woman. - A regular?

No, I don't know her.

Private screening for mysterious viewer.

Yes, you could say that.

It's ok.

We can talk over a drink after, but start the film.

Ok. You can come if you want.

All right.

- You're very tall. - I know.

MY LIFE WITH JAMES DEAN

a film by Géraud Champreux

It's...

a bit different.

With Ludwig Mandel

You want to watch?

I don't think so. I know it by heart.

I can imagine.

- Mind if I go down to watch? - No.

See you after?

I'll go in. There's a bar in the casino.

Great.

- See you in 107 minutes. - Ok, enjoy it.

Not much of a crowd.

Not really.

Not a comedy then.

Same again. A double.

Thank you.

- Bye, Balthazar. - Night, Jimmy.

- The director? - He's at the bar.

He was at the bar. Now, he's here.

Géraud?

Are you ok?

Can you hear me?

My angel, give me 99 tickets for my beautiful film.

That'll make 100 wasted viewers.

Like me.

100 is good, right?

Yes, 100 is good. We'll see tomorrow.

No, now. You won't do it, you're a thief.

Everything ok?

- I guess. - Know where he's staying?

Sylvia puts guests at the Hotel de Calais.

The place run by that madwoman...

All right, lad. Good luck.

Thanks.

Shit, he's heavy.

Do we leave him?

I don't know. We could put him to bed.

All right...

Well, if you want.

I think that'll do.

Géraud Champreux?

I'm Sylvia.

Sylvia Van den Rood.

I'm sorry about yesterday but...

something cropped up!

Sorry to leave you alone on your arrival, but...

it happens in life too.

You must know what I mean.

You know, love...

Sometimes, it goes well...

but sometimes it's hard.

And yesterday, it was hard.

Sorry, I'm bothering you with my problems...

Did the screening go well?

A lot of people, I hope. You found the hotel?

Of course, we're in your room!

Mind if I take a shower?

- May I smoke a cigarette? - No smoking.

At the window.

- What's your name? - Gladys.

Thank you, Gladys.

Morning. Always here?

Always. Yesterday, today, tomorrow...

Coffee?

Please.

Thank you.

How did it go yesterday?

Actually...

I drank a lot and don't remember much.

I think I left with the projectionist.

- Balthazar? - Probably.

The rest's a blank.

Alka Seltzer?

No, coffee will do.

- I love your film. - You've seen it?

Of course I have.

I wouldn't have shown it otherwise.

But the other programmers in our group haven't.

But they trust me.

I'm very persuasive.

Thank you.

- Are they in Normandy? - No, Picardy.

We work in several regions.

It's Crécy tomorrow and Quend Plage the day after.

Ok.

So you liked the film?

Very much.

It's so unclassifiable.

Something that radical is rare.

It's very moving too.

I cried. A lot.

I'm touched. I mean...

It's simple. Right now, I cry all the time.

Oh, I can tell you.

We'll be together three days.

I think I'm in the middle of a break-up.

Well, I think so.

You think so?

It's not good when someone needs to take time out.

You're wrong.

Time out can be good.

It helps you put things in focus.

That's a director talking. Life isn't a movie.

But you're kind.

Anyhow, last night I was desperate.

So I drank too and I forgot you.

It's banal. Someone who can't choose.

Not much of a screenplay.

Not at all.

It's not at all banal.

Sorry, I have to call someone.

- Hello. - Again.

Yes, again.

- How do I make a call? - From your room?

No, yours.

- Sorry, it's impossible. - What?

The phones in rooms 5, 17, 28 and 43 aren't working. You're in room 5.

These things happen. Please excuse us.

So what do I do?

- Here? - Of course!

Ludwig, it's Géraud again.

You're hard to reach. You must be busy.

I'm pretty busy too.

Some hooligan stole my phone on the bus.

It's like Chicago here.

Call me at the Hotel de Calais.

The number?

- What number? - The hotel's.

0227280909.

- 0227... - 280909.

280909.

Leave me a message if things are clearer.

It's up to you.

I have to go. Take care.

It's ok, we'll put the call on the bill.

Your lace is undone.

I was a local cultural adviser

before I took over the cinema here.

They wanted young blood.

I think it aged me prematurely.

Is it that hard?

How many people were at your screening?

I don't know. Yesterday evening was...

You poor thing. I'm so sorry.

We'll check later. But, face it, 15 people would be a miracle.

I know, it's not a lot but...

that's what we get for films like yours.

- Demanding films. - Demanding?

Yes, not comedies.

- Or US action movies. - Exactly.

Your poster isn't even up. We'll do that later.

- Ma'am. - Hello, Jimmy.

Feeling better? How many fingers?

- Were you that drunk? - No idea.

MY, my...

I'd like to go over the tour.

To tell you what's planned. And make up for yesterday.

I wonder where last night's takings are.

Don't worry about it.

Just the man. Where are the takings?

I took them home with me.

What on earth for?

I was in a rush.

Hello.

I didn't introduce you.

We met at the screening.

Obviously. So, last night?

Ok, I screwed up, I know that.

We sold 100 tickets.

- 100? - Yes.

- Spot on? - Totally.

That's incredible!

How's that possible?

It's not your film, but 100 is incredible.

Every member came?

Mostly people I'd never seen.

Good, we're reaching a wider audience.

Finally, after 15 years.

It could be the genre.

It can bring in new audiences.

I'll bring the takings later.

- Did you see the theatre? - No.

I'll show you round then.

Yes, I'd like that.

- Hold on... - For the tickets.

- Keep the change. - No way.

I need to talk to you.

I have to go!

- Meet me at the pool next door. - Ok.

I became petty, insignificant. I didn't know...

I became petty, insignificant,

a terrible actress...

I didn't know how to use my hands.

I couldn't stand properly on stage.

I couldn't control my voice.

I didn't understand how I could perform so appallingly.

I am a seagull.

- Here we are. - Nice theatre.

- For a small town? - I didn't mean that.

You thought it. So do I.

That's why we fight to keep it, but it's tough.

- Especially with... - Demanding films?

You said it, not me.

- Shall we sit there? - All right.

I'm so sorry, Géraud.

I was so eager to greet you.

But last night wasn't planned.

I hate being in love, you know.

I swear.

Love is a burden, right?

Yes, probably.

- It makes life... - Beautiful, intense,

exciting?

Yes.

Bullshit!

You're living your life peacefully

and suddenly it hits you.

It sticks like gum on a shoe. It's disgusting.

There are 50 bits of gum on every street.

How intense is that?

Sorry, I'm rambling.

Would you like to see how it screens?

Yes, please.

Balthazar seems odd today.

- I don't know. - Going home with the takings...

I don't know him.

That's true.

For thousands of centuries,

no living being has walked the Earth.

The poor moon lights its lantern in vain.

In the fields,

the cranes no longer wake with a cry.

Cockchafers are no longer heard in the lime groves.

The cold...

The cold, the cold...

The emptiness, the emptiness... The fear, the fear...

The fear...

We've just gone digital. I prefer 35 mm...

Do you like it?

Yes, the quality is excellent.

The sound's good too.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

The actor is very good, very forceful.

He's handsome too.

He's a friend.

He put a lot into this.

I can imagine.

- Shall we carry on? - No, that'll do.

I have to make some calls for tonight's screening.

Let's beat yesterday's record.

Although more than 100 will be tough.

Balthazar, remember the poster, ok.

What do I do?

You're free.

I'll call you when I finish. I have your mobile number.

It was stolen.

I'll see you for lunch at one. Bye.

Your voicemail again.

Still as busy, I see.

Hi, Ludwig. Me again.

When you have a second in your crazy life, call me.

At the Hotel de Calais in Le Tréport. You can find the number.

I'm here today,

in Crécy tomorrow and Quend Plage the day after.

You're welcome to come along.

You're the main actor, after all.

I'll be going.

I'll find a gym to work on this body you love.

Take care.

- Where shall we go? - I don't know.

The Italian place?

Bitch!

It probably wasn't aimed at you.

- No one else is around. - Come on.

- Hello. - Hello, sir.

It's a bookstore.

Yes, I sell books, it's a bookstore.

I also sell pens, notebooks...

A notebook, please.

Do you have black felt pens?

The Flight of the Seagull

The Normandy Seagull

The Tréport Seagull

Of Seagulls and Men

She's forgotten you.

I hope there's no problem. A coffee, please.

- Espresso? - Americano.

Your memoirs?

Yes. Well, no...

It's a story. I'm just starting.

- Is it set here? - Probably.

Will I be in it?

Of Men and Seagulls...

Not a great title.

It's like a nature documentary.

Keep it simple. The Seagull, say.

- It's been done. - You write?

No, I direct movies. Or try to.

Really?

Is it a new screenplay?

Probably.

Do you like musicals? Bollywood ones?

I love them. Did you come to write?

No, I'm presenting my film at the cinema.

Tonight, as I missed yesterday.

It's on tonight?

Yes, at 8:30 pm.

Good.

- An Americano then. - Please.

The Maharaja and the Seagulls

Scene 1 - Outdoor theatre

Balthazar!

Balthazar?

Where are you?

In the pool.

Sorry, I totally forgot.

I got held up.

I understand.

I didn't think you'd come.

Nice place.

Has it been like this long?

- Disused? - Yes.

Since forever.

No, not since forever.

I knew you'd like it.

Put it in your next film.

We'll see.

Have you been waiting long?

Yes. All day.

Really? This must be important then.

Well?

I love you.

I'm sorry?

You heard. I love you.

- But why? - I don't know why.

- You don't know me. - I do, I saw your film.

No reason to fall in love.

For me it is.

Come on...

It's a film, it's not me.

Really?

You didn't think you were James Dean once

to escape the real world? I think you did.

Not at all. I made that up. It's a movie.

I never thought I was James Dean. He's like...

Like what?

Nothing!

It's kind to fall in love with me, but it doesn't suit me.

And it's no use.

Love is useful?

Don't quibble. You know what I mean.

I don't. Love makes you blind.

I just love you.

I bet you love me too.

I know. I can tell.

I felt it when I carried you back.

That was just my stinky breath.

You called me "angel".

I felt we dovetailed.

Like the pieces of a puzzle.

- We dovetailed? - Cut it out.

How many pieces in the puzzle?

- Two. - Three. I'm with someone.

- You can leave him. - Stop it.

It's brave to tell me, but forget the whole idea.

Aren't there guys around here

you could do stuff with?

Do stuff with?

Have you ever... Well, you know.

Slept with a guy?

No. Nor talked about it either.

- No one knows? - You do.

Géraud...

Shit, he's coming out...

- What? - Nothing.

It's screening time, let's get going.

Come on. I'll buy you a drink. Let's forget it all.

I leave in two days.

Heard from Sylvia?

She's vanished again.

No. She'll probably be there later.

I hope so.

Trouble is, there's a big match tonight.

On match nights, even US action movies flop.

So for a film like this... Right, Balthazar?

I'll do my rounds.

- Good evening. - You came.

Why not? We don't often get a director here.

You're here.

I understand now.

- One? - Yes, one.

6.40 euros, please.

What's your film about?

It's hard to sum up... Frustrated love.

- It's a bit different. - Different?

I'd rather be surprised then.

- Is there a Q&A after? - Yes.

If it's just you, we'll get a drink.

- All right? - Ok.

Just one. Not like last night.

See you later. I hope I like it.

- Why did she mention last night? - I'll explain.

It's my dad!

- Mr Producer. - Director.

Balthazar keeps talking about you.

- The little I see him. - I do?

He adores you. Well, your film.

I felt I had to see it.

I rarely see movies.

That's a good idea.

- We'll talk after, Jerome. - Géraud.

- One, son. - 6.40 euros.

Mum stayed to watch the match.

His mum's a soccer fan. It's a big game tonight.

See you later. I hope I like it.

You know, it's a bit different.

- I swear he never usually comes here. - No, it's ok.

It's ok.

I'll be at the bar.

Well? What's the score?

The match? No idea.

No, ticket sales.

Two.

A 100% increase.

- Word of mouth. - I'm going.

One, please.

Sorry. 6.40 euros.

Thank you.

Good night.

Maxence, you can't smoke here.

Where's the director?

Know what?

Your film's really beautiful.

Thanks.

Thank you.

Crossing glasses is bad luck.

Thank you, I say.

And here's to...

Poofters!

It's late, Balthazar.

- I know. Can I come in? - No.

I'm not alone.

Géraud...

Géraud, come and see.

I think I screwed up.

Géraud, wait!

- A quick word. - No.

- It's important. - Not now.

Hello, ma'am, it's Gladys.

I'm calling to say...

I resign.

Yes, a sudden decision.

Yes, a sudden decision.

- Where are we going? - My place.

Fuck...

I need to pee.

You insult me, I come to talk and you knock me out!

You insult me, I come to talk and you knock me out!

- No! - She did, look.

You bind me to a chair all night. You're crazy!

Right...

Who says she wants to leave everything for me?

Who says she wants to leave everything for me?

That she can only live with me, her sunbeam,

her musical!

Exactly, her musical.

Then she splits with a 4x4 owner

who sells ugly flats on the seafront.

Who sells ugly flats on the seafront.

Because she's scared!

Scared to love me!

- More coffee? - Please.

Me too.

Why are you here?

I don't know.

For support.

That's kind.

Is that your new screenplay?

Is that your new screenplay?

This inspires you?

Not at all. Just jotting down an idea.

Right.

- Coffee, Loulou? - Please, Sissi.

- Coffee, Loulou? - Please, Sissi.

So are you leaving me or not?

It's complicated.

I may not be up to it.

Up to what?

Everything, life, the town, people...

Everything, life, the town, people...

Who cares if we love each other?

Nothing else matters, right?

Exactly. You can't fight true love.

You see?

It can be more complicated.

No, it's simple. The rest is all a movie!

No, it's simple. The rest is all a movie!

- Sorry, Géraud. - That's ok.

Louise...

I kidnapped you and knocked you out because I can't live without you.

I can't imagine this home without you.

I can't imagine this home without you.

My life without you.

My bed without your smell,

your warmth, your snores...

It's true, you snore.

It's true, you snore.

I love you, Louise. I'll be nothing without you.

Don't leave me.

- Could we be alone? - Of course.

- It's taking ages. - Yes.

Go and see.

I forgot Géraud's film!

- Jérome's film? - Géraud!

- When's it on? - Now.

- Where? - Crécy-en-Ponthieu.

In Picardy! I'll drive you. I have my 4x4.

Your 4x4? No way!

Géraud, I have to talk to you. It's important.

- Not here, in private. - Ok, we'll see.

- Not here, in private. - Ok, we'll see.

After all, what is a kiss?

A vow made a little closer, a more precise promise,

A vow made a little closer, a more precise promise,

a confession awaiting confirmation.

A pink aura around the word "love".

- Hi, Sylvia. - Hello, Fatima, how are you?

- Hi, Sylvia. - Hello, Fatima, how are you?

Fine.

Meet Géraud, My Life With James Dean.

How do you do? Thanks for coming.

A secret that takes the mouth for an ear.

An endless moment buzzing like a bee.

A communion with the taste of flowers.

A communion with the taste of flowers.

A means of letting the heart breathe.

And a way of tasting the soul on someone's lips.

Imagine, a cinema here. That takes courage.

It's impressive.

I don't smoke.

What are you in this merry gang?

What are you in this merry gang?

- An actress. - In Jérome's film?

Géraud. No, not yet.

Fatima has been farming since...

1981, the Mitterrand years.

- You get by? - We're deep in debt.

- You get by? - We're deep in debt.

But the Cyrano allows me to...

escape a little.

Follow me.

Come on.

- Hello. - How are you, Martine?

Mr Legrand, come in.

Hello. Welcome.

Hello. Welcome.

Hello, Jacqueline.

Hello. Welcome.

How many?

- 57. Plus me, 58. - Great!

I'll go in with them.

I'll watch it with Louise.

- What a surprise. - Tony is great.

- What a surprise. - Tony is great.

He runs the local retirement home.

Do you want to speak first?

All right.

- Staying for the film? - No.

I'll wait here.

- Well? - Well what?

Do you love me?

Balthazar... I can't just fall in love.

You're a real kid. I like you. Happy now?

- I'm with someone, remember? - So where is he?

- I'm with someone, remember? - So where is he?

He doesn't follow me like a puppy!

As the star, he should be here.

Well, he isn't.

Got a phone?

Got a phone?

Yeah.

Can I borrow it?

Thanks. Be right back.

What can I say? Maybe I have too much to say.

What can I say? Maybe I have too much to say.

I miss you.

I miss you.

Don't call this number, it's the projectionist's.

He's a pretty cute guy.

Take care. Bye.

Take care. Bye.

James Dean, ich liebe dich!

The credits, let's go.

Give them a minute or two first.

Ok. I really loved it.

Thanks. That's kind.

Mr Ludwig, it's about Géraud.

You have to leave him alone.

You have to leave him alone.

He's met someone. A very nice young man.

They're in love and happy, so leave them alone.

You don't know me. I don't recommend calling me back.

Hello, Dad?

Dad suggests coffee and a boat outing tomorrow.

- All of us? - I think so.

Why not?

There's time before Quend Plage. Thank him for us.

Thanks. Goodbye.

Goodbye...

It went pretty well.

Quend Plage should too.

You're free now, until tomorrow at 1:30 pm.

You'll tell your dad?

- No worries. - See you tomorrow!

- What're you doing tonight? - Nothing special.

So maybe we could...

Excuse me.

1 run And you run ahead of me

I take a breath, I run

And you run ahead of me

I hear you laughing You run and you laugh

- Where shall we go? - Roselyne's?

- I want pasta. - Italian, ok.

That's Ludwig, the German actor in the film.

With Géraud.

Balthazar...

Poor thing.

- What? - He's fallen for Géraud.

- How do you know? - I sense it.

- That's bad luck. - Who knows?

- Let's follow them. - Ok!

Stop your roaming

You can't go any further than the road

The German actor from the film...

With Géraud...

That's Balthazar!

I think he's in love with Géraud.

Sylvia and Louise now...

Let's follow them.

Like snow in the sun

Snow in the sun

I swear before tonight, I'll have touched your hand

Before tonight, I'll have touched your hand

Before tonight, I'll have touched your hand

Beware, you“ never get over it

You'll never get over it

You want me to be As lively as a puma

You want me to launch my hordes My army against you

Below, by the water Stop your roaming

You can't go any further than the road

Your advance melts Like snow in the sun

Like snow in the sun

Snow in the sun.

- That's it. - He's leaving him!

No!

I have an idea.

I broke your bottle of perfume. Sorry.

- More coffee, sir? - No, thank you.

It's a pretty town.

Yes, very.

- Who was it? - Sorry?

On the phone. Who?

- My wife. I came to say... - Say nothing.

It's ok, I get it.

I'm tired too.

Want to take the cliff railway?

I have to get back.

It won't take long.

- Well? How did it go? - I'll explain.

Where are the crickets, Catherine?

We call grey shrimps crickets here.

Coffee and shrimps...

I know coffee and Maroilles cheese.

Maroilles is for afternoon tea.

Do as I do.

Goes down nicely.

Balthazar loves it, right?

Even as a kid.

- Coffee and shrimps as a kid? - Blended in my bottle.

I'm kidding.

That's why you're so tall.

He suffered.

You grew so fast...

- 30 cm in five months. - No!

It's true.

A week ago, I used crutches.

My muscles couldn't hold me up.

Hospital stays and so on. He slept all the time.

At least we knew where you were.

That's my fault. The screenings...

The good life ends on Monday.

Back to middle school.

- Middle school? - He's redoing his last year.

At 15. Nothing to brag about!

- Don't touch me! - Let's clean you up.

It's coffee. I'll have to wash it.

Here, put this on.

- It was Balthazar's, it should fit. - It's ok.

Géraud, don't be angry with him.

Why's he here?

- To cause a scene? - Bertrand?

He could.

Gladys, do you have a car?

Can you drive Géraud to Quend Plage? This looks tricky.

Get away from me!

Balthazar!

Balthazar!

Wait!

Cut it out now!

Cut it out!

- Hello. - Excuse us.

We have a flat. He has to get to Quend Plage.

All right. No problem.

It's over, Géraud.

Yes, I'm really late.

- Many people? - Not a lot.

Shall we take a walk?

You're in a real mess.

Those stains don't wash.

- On light fabric, it'll be tough. - You think so?

How long has it been?

Since when?

Since I saw you?

Nine years.

And him?

I don't know. We split up.

I left just after you did.

- Know where he is? - Yes.

But I don't try to see him.

What good would it do?

I looked so hard for you.

You've no idea how hard.

You never gave me a sign.

- I was well hidden. - You said it.

You were that angry with me?

I'd let you go after all.

Precisely.

I thought you were on his side.

Not at all.

I was scared of him like you.

- It's funny, James Dean. - In the film?

I like your hero thinking he's him.

He was your imaginary friend.

He still is.

- No. - He is.

- That's weird at your age. - I'm joking.

With anyone now?

- Sorry, none of my business. - It's ok.

No, no one.

How about you?

With anyone?

We don't live together.

We see each other instead.

Could you pay, please. I'm closing soon.

- My treat. - No, mine, Mum.

Good night.

Thank you.

I have my car here.

There's a sofa-bed at home.

I've found you.

I thought you'd left.

Hello, madam.

Gladys, from Le Tréport. I'll go with her.

I leave from there.

I understand.

- Stella Plage, was it? - Stella Plage.

Good night.

You did the Q&A in a stained shirt?

I got here too late. The cinema was closed.

You wanted to talk to me. You had something important to say.

You remember? You shot at a gull.

A man arrives, sees it

and kills it for want of better.

A subject for a story.

That's not what I meant.

What was I saying?

I'm talking about the stage.

I'm not like that anymore.

I've become a true actress.

I perform with joy and enthusiasm.

The stage intoxicates me. I'm dazzling.

Now that I'm here,

I take long walks and I think.

I feel my spiritual strength growing by the day.

Now, I know.

I understand, Kostia, that for us,

whether we perform on stage or write,

what matters isn't fame or everything I dreamt of,

but patience.

Be patient and believe in yourself.

Now I know that, I suffer less.

When I think of my vocation, life doesn't scare me.

Nina.

Chekhov.

You know The Seagull by heart?

You can be a receptionist in a seaside hotel

as a way to pay for acting school.

I wanted to say those lines so you would hire me for a film.

My grandmother said, "No is easy, try for yes.“

And now I'm saying it like that. For you.

Would you like a drink?

Thanks, but I have to go.

Sylvia will want to see you tonight.

You never know with her.

Ok. Seeing Tony again?

Yes, tomorrow.

I'm seeing him then.

All right. That's good.

- See you round. - I'll call you.

It's Gladys.

I just brought him back.

He's not in great shape. Fragile, like.

That's good for us.

You can come.

If ever he goes out, I'll call you.

See you soon.

No, I don't smoke.

Are you sure about this?

We've thought it over.

We do as we said then.

You really think it's a good idea?

Dunno. But it's your last chance, right?

- You'll explain to Dad? - Yes.

Don't worry, son. Go now.

Balthazar, it's not possible.

It's not possible, you and me.

Plus you're a child.

No, I'm not a child.

Stop it.

Stop it, I stink of coffee and shrimps.

And vomit and sweat.

Good.

Have you eaten?

I haven't had time.

- I'll make an omelette. - Lovely.

And Maxence?

He's at a town council meeting.

They usually finish in a bar at dawn so we have time.

See you later.

She left me again.

The bastard.

He smooth-talked her.

I'll make their lives hell.

I'll take a shower.

Do you think she'll come back?

I'm sure she still loves me.

Balthazar, why are you here?

I'll take a shower too.

- Hurry. - I'll get Balthazar's ticket.

- Hurry then. - Climb on.

Make coffee and shrimps.

He loves that.

It's leaving. Quick!

- Bye, Géraud. - Thanks for everything.

Hide!

The Maharaja and the Seagulls

Directed by Géraud Champreux

Subtitles by Ian Burley