Original subtitles

Nathalie, where are you?

I'm here, Louise.

Let me lead!

You're great!

Oh, yeah? I've won?

Two days from the show, you have to know it!

Nathalie... Louise... Ready?

Handing her things is stupid. It's too tedious.

It makes it tangible.

It's useless. Honestly.

Let the audience imagine it.

You can't question everything this late.

It's more powerful if she says it as she strolls around...

It's true.

Nathalie, isn't it better when you're alone?

I don't know. I can't tell.

Like yesterday?

- When we rehearsed together. - Alone.

It's much weirder. Now, it's just comical. It's dumb.

Nathalie, let's try something.

Shit, be serious!

Mummy, with white roses...

Cut... No! Kiss Mummy on both cheeks,

then cut her in two,

Drop... Pour boiling water... I'll know it in time, okay.

I've found a speech for the drama school exam.

I'm staying at Nathalie's to revise.

It's by this crazy Polish guy, Gombrowicz.

Your scooter stinks!

How about Nathalie?

I'm okay. Dad's going over the classics for me.

- Where are you going? - For a ride.

Go on, Louise, go with Alain.

I can give you the speech, you read it

and we can talk about it.

Did you enjoy it anyway?

Yes, I did.

You're a bit preoccupied with the play.

It doesn't matter.

That's right.

Exactly.

Only natural.

Louise, you're the only one I can talk to.

The others don't care but you really get involved.

Thank you.

Want to try again?

The second time's always better.

I'm sorry, I...

I'd rather go now.

Nathalie!

I'm frozen.

You did it out of doors?

Yes, in the rain.

- Cut it out! - Give me some room.

Okay, I'll sleep here.

Cuddle up.

I'm sure he did.

Oh, yeah?

- It's full. - You're on, Louise.

Give us a break!

Take it easy.

I'm dirty.

Fleas devour me.

When they see me, the swine vomit.

The scabs and scars of leprosy

have scaled my skin, covered with yellowish pus.

I don't know the water of rivers

- or the dew of clouds. - Louder!

On my neck, like on a dung heap,

a mushroom grows with umbelliferous peduncles.

In my right armpit, a family of toads has taken up residence.

When one of them moves, it tickles me...

You were good.

What are you doing?

Mummy, with white roses.

Kiss Mummy on both cheeks,

then cut her in two.

Pour boiling water over her.

Remove her smiling head: it would ruin your appetite.

You had a very odd speech.

Who chose it, them or you?

You were good. How can I put it? You're so serious...

Your diction's good too.

We're celebrating. Do you mind?

You made me laugh. Are your parents here?

No idea. Good, wasn't she? We have to keep acting.

- See you later. - You were very good.

Louise was good too.

- I was useless. - You weren't.

You were really great.

- Let go of me. - Oh, come on!

What?

You're not going out with him?

Why? I've dumped Patrick.

You can't fuck that carbuncle.

Stop it, he's not a carbuncle!

- Let go of me! - This guy's useless!

- You're the useless actress! - Leave her be!

Cut it out!

You're crazy!

Stop it!

You're pathetic, you doormat.

You can talk!

Forget it.

Forget it.

Fucking bitch...

Hello. Is Louise in?

She's out?

Is she sick?

No, she's fine.

She doesn't want to see me again?

Exactly.

Just a second.

Here. She asked me to return this to you.

Why?

She's coming back.

And university?

She doesn't want to see you. Don't insist.

I'm sorry.

Why did I stab your friend Huguette?

You'll soon know. It's...

What's wrong?

I have to speak to you alone first.

I love you. I love you.

Stop fleeing from yourself.

Let's leave.

Look...

What a career!

It feels weird.

Want to go and see her?

No way... She doesn't give a damn about me.

How do you know? Go on, you're dying to.

Thank you, see you soon.

Bravo, it was wonderful.

Thank you, darling.

For Malo...

Excuse me.

I saw you in The Tempest.

Copenhagen next...

We'll book the trucks for Copenhagen.

Louise.

I didn't know you were an actress.

I loved it. Really. It was great.

Thank you.

I mean it.

You're in Avignon?

I'm married. I work here.

Come with me.

Don't let me disturb you...

Isn't Forestier your mother's name?

Have you got five minutes? There's a fuss about the schedule.

This is Louise. Matthias...

Come on, I need you.

Have a seat. I won't be long. Will you wait?

Thinking of you...

Heartfelt thoughts...

She's gone.

Who was she?

She was my best friend.

They're performing at a festival in Copenhagen.

She's invited us for the weekend.

This weekend?

I've got my kids.

Oh, that's right.

I'd like to go.

Alone?

I don't know.

For once...

Maybe she wasn't serious.

You're right.

And you'll see her up in Paris...

Well?

It's good.

It's just Irene.

She does things to make men happy rather than herself.

Isn't real life like that?

Not only.

You think the sex war's over?

The class war too?

That everyone's equal, kind, respectful and tolerant...

You've fallen for that?

I just think she could be more...

The fact that she isn't is what makes her interesting!

So you don't like the part.

Of course I do!

Are you interested in fine, upstanding characters?

Are you pissed off?

When you read my work,

I feel totally naked.

I love you.

Where were you? It's time for the press conference.

- I'll just change. - Please hurry.

The Copenhagen Theatre Festival is off to a good start

since we are lucky to have one of the stage's leading lights:

Walter Amar.

Over to Walter Amar.

So... "Variation on Hamlet".

An avant-garde production, as the name shows...

Thanks to Shakespeare, not to me.

Seriously, I'd like to draw your attention to my students' work.

You'll see they're as good as many star names.

Matthias Temkine, a rising director,

will now say a few words.

They soften the voice.

I don't want a softer voice.

I left the sauna so fast, I think I took a child's jacket.

I've studied clinical cases as the basis for my productions.

I've already worked on fetishism and erotomania.

For the production

that you'll see later, I hope,

I used a genuine case.

At what age did you start writing?

That's a rather indiscreet question.

I started at the age of 8 months

when I lost my parents in a plane crash.

I find him everywhere I go.

I didn't suspect anything at first.

It wasn't until I noticed his ploys, the way he brushes against me,

looks at me, says "Hello", "Good-bye",

or "Forgive me, I hadn't seen you..."

What are you saying?

There's nothing suspect about my son's behaviour...

You know he's to marry?

It wasn't bad...

Well?

Why did you lower your voice on "I love you"?

I thought it was good.

You did? Well, I didn't.

It was good. It's new and more unsettling.

And you were mumbling tonight, you realise that?

You heard the applause?

I don't care about applause.

- Your text is brilliant. - Thank you.

Such temperament... You amazed me. You have the charm of a true crook.

We'll meet again, I hope. Congratulations to the whole cast.

If ever I get to be like him, do me a favour: poison me.

What are you doing here?

Mathilde... Louise.

You came to see us in Avignon.

Are you a fan?

No, I'm at a conference with my husband.

He couldn't come tonight. He starts early tomorrow.

Would you like to have dinner with us?

Come along then.

Let's walk a little.

You ran off in Avignon.

Known each other long?

How long is that?

What did you say?

Give me one. I haven't smoked for ages.

Cheers!

To your reunion!

To the play's success!

And may Matthias break a leg and stop pissing us off.

Even as a human trunk, he would.

We'd catch him and gag him!

Tell us, what do you do?

I'm a prosthodontist.

I've never met a prosthodontist before.

A job on the cutting edge.

You need to be adroit. I admire you.

Is it true that dentists have incredible profit margins?

Stop it!

How much do they make on a crown like this?

- I don't know. It's a bit dark. - I bet I was done.

I'm going back.

What are you doing, Nathalie?

Darling... Are you coming back?

Don't run down mon amie!

Will you find your way?

Yes, don't worry. I have a street-map.

How about lunch tomorrow?

I'm eager to meet your husband.

Ever cheated on him?

Are you crazy?

Why do you ask?

I don't know, no reason.

I haven't.

Why did you drop me?

Were you angry about the theatre?

We stopped seeing each other. Why?

I can't remember. It was so long ago.

Liar.

When you dumped me. I felt... I felt punished.

No one had ever punished me like that.

It's true, I...

I was rotten.

What's wrong? What's the matter?

I slipped.

I can't perform like this.

Are you okay?

Can you get my tights from the hotel?

I can't act like this. They're in the drawer.

I'll get them.

- I performed in a daze. - No one could tell.

Matthias could.

When you tried to kill him, you were terrifying.

No way.

I forgot. This was in your room.

Trash!

- Who was it? - Nothing.

Hold on, it's Walter Amar.

Sorry but I read it. Walter Amar wants to see you.

We met at the press conference. But Matthias is furious...

You want to spend your life doing just your guy's plays?

I don't know.

You have to meet Amar! You're an actress! You're free.

Good evening.

You were cold tonight, you know that?

Ah, the heart and its storms...

You're not drinking, girls?

You can sleep in my room.

That's love for you.

How about a drink together?

What would you say to a few peanuts?

Good evening, are you Walter Amar's assistant?

I'm sorry to call so late

but Nathalie Forestier asked me to confirm lunch.

Yes, tomorrow.

Just a second, let me jot that down.

Go ahead...

Medicine's given you fancy tastes.

I thought this was your style.

You're meeting Amar.

You know, I don't feel ready. Maybe in six months or a year...

I confirmed the appointment.

What?

He's behind you. He just came in.

- You're kidding? - Not at all.

He's there, waiting for you.

It's a trap. You've trapped me.

You can't stay huddled up for two hours...

Go on. Take your things.

I'm going to pack. I fly home later today.

You're insane.

So, what do we do?

You go and hide and I tell him you're not well,

that you apologise? Is that it?

I'll call you later.

Well, I'll take the plunge.

After this tour, I'll be staging Lulu again in Paris.

It was my first ever production.

It's a wonderful play.

Would you be free?

You have to turn your partner down to work with me?

Is that it?

Something like that, yes.

A teacher once told me:

"Only go on stage if you're ready to ruin your life."

I'm off to a good start.

If you're not free, I'll understand.

Can I give you my adaptation anyway?

Thank you. But I didn't say I wasn't free.

I didn't say I'd give you the part.

We can do a try-out first. Would next week be possible?

Yes. Forgive me, I have to go.

I'm sorry.

Let me explain.

No need. Do what you want, as usual.

I've never done anything else since I met you.

I never even agreed to meet anyone.

- I knew you'd betray me one day. - I haven't. I just listened.

So what's this?

You disgust me.

It'll work out. You can't split up for that.

I need him.

Without him, I don't care about acting. I don't want to do it.

Of course you care.

I'm really in the shit now.

I've lost it all in one go...

Stop drinking. You've lost nothing at all!

It'll blow over. Amar wants you.

Forget Amar! Matthias is the one I want!

I'm only happy when he fucks me!

Right, I'm going.

I only tried to help.

- You're not going? - I'm late for my flight.

You want to leave me in this state?

What?

Could your husband fly back alone?

I'm sick of playing lunatics. Let him stage his plays in asylums.

Don't talk rubbish.

- Amar wants me. - Aquavit makes you certain.

When I saw Matthias, I knew I'd get him.

If I wasn't drunk, I'd still say it.

That's ours.

Windscreen wipers...

What's the matter?

It's raining. Can't you see?

I'm plastered...

It's okay.

You've got ten minutes. You need a good, strong coffee.

Quick, a cup of coffee. Sacha, ask her for some coffee.

Come on!

Nicolas, honey, it's me. I missed my flight.

Nathalie has a few problems. I'm going to stay with her a while.

I'll call again soon. Take care.

Piss off!

If you want to give a crap performance, do it without me.

I love my work too much.

Who the hell do you think you are? Tell me, who?

Look at you. You stink of drink.

You're ugly. Ugly because you have no spine.

You'll try anything.

You have no morals, no taste, no intelligence!

The performance is off.

It's on! I want to perform.

You're both out of your minds! What's going on? Stop it.

I'm the strongest anyway.

Sure you are.

Come on.

What's this?

Nothing.

- Tell me. - It's nothing.

An unhappy love affair.

When I was 22.

I went to South America with a boy.

He was dealing in precious stones

and coke on the side but I didn't know.

One day, we almost got caught.

I've never been so scared in my life.

When we got back, he wanted to give it up and get married.

But he couldn't resist?

No, it's not that. He...

He had a car accident.

He died.

Louise?

No.

Nathalie maybe?

It's Nicolas, Louise's husband.

Hello.

You got back okay?

What?

You want breakfast?

Hurry, they've almost finished. Tea for you?

You still look sleepy.

What's wrong?

What is a prosthodontists' conference all about?

New techniques... New materials..

When you invited me to your room, your husband was there?

Yes.

Three in a bed, then?

No, I don't know... We'd have asked for a foldaway bed.

Of course.

See you later.

- You have your seats? - Yes.

- Come on! - I've only got one pair of hands.

One pair can be enough at times.

Mathilde!

Wait! I found it. Here, take it.

- Keep it. - It's yours.

You want it, you can have it.

I thought you'd never come back.

I'm so happy you're here!

- Had a good time? - Yes, very good.

How come you're so wiped out?

No idea. I'm just wiped out.

I'll carry you home.

I've missed you.

I've really missed you.

Is that one yours?

Nathalie...

I know that you spoke to Nicolas the day before we left.

How could you have been so cruel?

I was just trying to avoid embarrassing you.

I wouldn't dare play with an animal the way you played with me!

And how you offered me your cigarette case,

implying I had stolen it

when I had found it behind a chair in the hotel lobby.

Now that I'm calmer, I see our reunion was a failure.

I'm sure you'll get the part of Lulu.

She's unfaithful, manipulative and indifferent.

It will fit you like a glove.

Goodbye for ever.

Louise.

Okay?

Louise, it's Nathalie.

I've never felt this bad.

Amar's given me the part. It wouldn't have happened without you.

I don't think I'll take it.

I have dizzy spells every few minutes.

Matthias has left.

I'm all alone.

I have no friends. Besides, no one likes me.

I miss you.

I miss you so much. I wish you were here.

I'm not strong enough.

I don't get it.

You were sick of her.

I just said we shouldn't see too much of each other.

We had some good times together.

I ought to protect you. She has a weird effect on you.

Forget what I told you.

Nathalie's changed since then. So has Louise.

- I'd never have guessed. - I swear!

I urged her to take the part. I feel responsible.

Responsible for what?

When Gilles was ill, you were there.

For Christ's sake, he had cancer and no one to look after him.

We're not going to fight. I'll only be gone a week or two.

Come up this weekend.

Where are you?

I'm here.

This way.

I'm really glad you're here.

Come on.

Try it again.

Write, "Dear Miss..."

I call her Adelaide.

"Dear Miss,

"Please consider yourself free.

"I cannot, in all conscience..."

Write "conscience".

"deliberately link you to my unhappy fate."

You're right.

You're right.

"I am unworthy of your love."

Write "love".

"These lines are to inform you that, for three years,

"I haven't had the strength to break a bond..."

Nathalie, what's happening?

You're not terrified. You're bewitching him.

Try it again.

"These lines are to inform you that, for three years,

"I haven't had

"the strength to break a bond.

"I am now with the woman who holds sway over me."

I understand.

You're trying to be intense.

There's no intensity here. Don't try to complicate things.

Simply let us hear the lines.

Your presence will do the rest.

Already up?

Yes, I'm an early riser.

What time is it?

Nine o'clock.

I can sleep another hour or two. Make yourself coffee.

Get up now. You'll be listless all day and unable to sleep tonight.

That's my problem.

You're not focused on your work.

What do you know?

I need a good illness. Meningitis, say.

That way, he'd have to replace me.

And people would pity me. You need to fall ill to get pity.

Look at my thighs. They're like jelly.

My body's going flabby.

Stop it.

Your skin's all smooth...

you're slim...

you're beautiful...

very beautiful and you know it.

All the cliches on female beauty...

A woman's beautiful from 16 to 30.

After that, it's over, you have kids.

You're more beautiful than at 20.

Again.

Write "love".

"These lines are to inform you..."

What?

- You think you're being simple? - I don't know.

I'm sorry, I can't do it.

Speak the lines, nothing but the lines.

Try it again.

Where from?

What's up? Aren't you ready?

I'm not going.

I should never have accepted the part.

What?

I don't understand a thing.

You're going to be brilliant.

Amar's working on a hidden side of you.

I can't tell what he wants.

Let's take a walk. It'll help you relax.

Louise... I'm sorry but...

What?

I'd like you to stop coming to rehearsals.

I thought Amar said it was okay.

Yes, but it's me.

Knowing that you're there, watching me... It unsettles me.

All right...

Hello, Louise.

Isn't Nathalie in?

No, she rehearses every afternoon.

I'm in deep shit.

I've fired my actress, my assistant...

I have no ideas if I feel no desire.

And since I feel no desire...

You should have thought of that.

I've been a jerk.

Matthias.

I want you to know

I'm not your enemy, whatever you think.

Thank you.

On the contrary.

Louise Brooks is impressive.

Her style is both very sober and incredibly immodest.

Watch this.

It may open new doors for you.

I'm sure.

It's nice here.

I love this hotel.

Would you like a drink?

A martini?

Please.

You live here during rehearsals?

Only at first. I need to meet people.

And to have time alone.

My wife's in our apartment.

Forgive me for being harsh at times.

Cheers.

I forgive you.

That's me.

Yes. It helps me relax at night

and it allows me to go over the day's scenes.

What are you doing?

I don't understand. I thought I'd been clear.

Forgive me.

I'm sorry.

It was just a joke.

This stays between us.

The shame!

- Why do you do it? - I don't know. I've no idea.

You mix things up.

You confuse your life with your work.

You're a seductress

and you're convinced that Lulu is too but she's the opposite.

Lulu's an ingenue.

I'm an ingenue too. Not a seductress anyhow.

I'm shy. That's why I do things like that.

That's just twaddle. It doesn't help me.

Go on, show me what you'd do.

You have to be like a hunted animal.

I don't understand. Go on, show me!

Poussi!

Poussi!

He's playing dead.

He hasn't noticed the rip in his trousers.

Poussi!

Piggy!

He's serious.

He won't educate me again.

He's had enough of me.

What am I going to do?

A totally unknown face.

What if he went like this...

And no one could close his eyes?

What?

I'm sorry, but...

You bitch!

Louise!

Forgive me!

I didn't mean to hurt you.

Louise, open the door, please. I've been rotten.

I'm sorry.

Forgive me.

I was ridiculous.

We'll never be able to stay together.

It happens every time.

- It won't happen again. - It will, every time.

What will?

I have to tell you something.

What?

What is it?

I didn't slit my wrists because of what I told you.

What?

I did it when we stopped seeing each other.

It was that night.

I love you, Louise.

I love you.

It's beautiful.

You think so?

Yes, it's magnificent. Turn around.

I love it. Really. You're beautiful. Look at yourself.

I've booked a great place for your birthday tomorrow.

What?

I can see you.

Where?

Here.

Thank you.

For you.

- For me? - It's a day for gift-giving.

I have to go. I'm late. See you tonight.

How much do I owe you?

That'll be 8,650 francs, please.

Can I pay by cheque?

If you like.

A pen...

8,650 francs.

It's me. I hope you're well.

I've had a bit of a problem.

I had to use the company chequebook.

I've written a huge cheque.

For 8,000 francs.

I couldn't get a bill for it. I'll explain.

Can you sort it out with FranEcois? Maybe you can pay it back.

Anyhow, I'm sorry.

I'll call you soon. Take care.

When he first staged "Lulu",

he did it to have a woman walk on him. It was very S & M.

Not at all. I saw it.

It was a romantic approach.

What a load of rubbish!

Mathilde, calm down. It doesn't matter.

Did you sleep with Amar?

What are you talking about? I never did, you wretches.

I have two tickets to Rome while Amar's in Salzburg.

You're going to Rome?

She's incredible. She gives gifts on her birthday!

Nicolas will be pleased. He's her husband.

No, he's working. They're for us.

For us? Two old spinsters getting bored together...

To get back to Lulu, Pabst's film gave me quite a few ideas.

That film really knocked me out.

It was shot in 1930 at the latest.

It's so modern...

It'd be nothing without Louise Brooks.

Can I have a cigarette?

Sorry, I'm a bit lost. Is the bathroom that way?

Have you packed?

We're leaving tomorrow.

There's still time to pack.

You make me sick.

What do you mean?

I'm sorry.

Okay?

Forgive me...

Cigarette?

Your friend's a bit weird.

Why weird?

No reason.

My belly hurts.

A change will do you good. Are you pleased?

"Pasta here has varied colours and tastes.

"Moriendo and Cariglio,

"Via Condotti."

There won't be time to do it all.

"Cafes, the French church..."

Could you open the rear window, please?

"The Four Rivers fountain..."

What's wrong?

I don't know. I don't feel well.

- You're fine. - I'm not!

What's the matter?

My belly hurts.

We'll have a nice rest.

I can't. I'm too tense to rest.

Forget the sights. We'll have a quiet weekend.

Why did I accept? I can't do this.

You bitch. You can't do this to me!

I'm sorry, Louise.

Could you stop? Turn back.

You can't do this to me!

Can't you understand I'm not well. I can't go.

Come on!

You're coming!

So what's happening?

Back to Paris, please.

We're stuck too close, Louise.

What do you mean?

You know.

I just have to be there when you need me?

That's what friends are for.

We're so close, we stifle each other.

If you're in love, that's not true.

This proves it is.

You called me to the rescue. I dropped everything to come here.

I'm going to bed. I'm tired. In the morning...

I'd like you to be gone.

There.

Fuck off! I never want to see you again! Fuck off!

If you forgot I was coming today, you must be high on Valium.

And what's this cheque thing?

- You're way out of line. - Don't piss me off over money!

What did I do? It's not our money!

I don't give a damn, okay?

What are you saying?

I want you to come back with me.

I can't.

- Why not? - Because.

I should never have let you go to Copenhagen.

Or see Nathalie again.

Louise, what's happening? Look at me.

We can split up if you want.

What?

No, I want you to come back.

I can't. I have to stay for Nathalie.

Stop it!

I think you need calm and rest.

We'll go away, just for two days.

I don't think I love you anymore.

Open up!

Open the door!

I've had all my things stolen. I don't know where to sleep!

Nathalie, open up!

Open the door.

You can't leave me out here!

Let me in. Let me in, Nathalie, please!

You monster, you can't do this to me.

You can't do this to me!

Shut your mouth.

It hurts.

- What's wrong? - It hurts.

I'm here, I'm here with you.

Calm down.

Calm down.

Leave me.

Go away. Leave me.

I wonder how she withstood it so long.

Appendicitis started at least a week ago.

She has a strong resistance to pain.

- Is it serious? - Peritonitis.

She has to get to hospital. An ambulance is on its way.

Here...

Shall I check your blood pressure? You look pale.

No, I'm fine.

Another emergency.

Give this to the ambulance men.

And don't leave her side. I'll see you at the hospital.

- All right. - See you later.

See, it's peritonitis. It's not because of me.

It is.

You're still strong enough to hate me.

Answer that...

I'm going.

Please, Louise...

Answer the door.

Please, Louise...

Anybody home?

Anybody home?

About time!

- Time to go. - My head's spinning.

It's stage-fright.

I feel like I'm nothing anymore.

It'll be okay.

Ultra-lights. And a pack of Winstons for Sacha.

Where're you going?

Sorry...

We'll go round again.