Original subtitles

STORY OF O

One day, O's lover takes her to a place they had never been before:

Park Monceau, Park Montsouris or somewhere around there...

They stroll along a bright road, surounded by a dark endless forest.

Twilight is approaching, and it's almost autumn.

Once in the car, Ren� tells her to remove her underwear.

Uncertain of their destination, and afraid that the driver may turn around

O does not dare question him.

Take them off.

Lift your dress so you're against the seat.

Never cross your legs. Your thighs must be kept open.

This is it.

Listen to me. You will get out now and ring the doorbell.

Follow whoever opens the door and obey their orders.

Are you prepared to obey?

Yes.

Aren't you coming?

In due course.

Go in.

An alternative version of this same beginning might have been simpler, yet more brutal.

O had been driven somewhere by her lover and a friend of his unknown to her.

And it was this stranger who explained to O,

that her lover had been instructed to prepare her.

O wondered why her hands were tied,

since she had every intention of obeying her lover.

But it was undoubtably Ren�'s wish,

Just as leaving her alone had been...

...without explanation, for half an hour or an hour...

...maybe two. Who could tell?

But it felt like a hundred years.

It is forbidden to keep your legs together.

Turn her around. Let us see her.

Has she been in bondage?

Never.

And whipped?

It might have given her pleasure if you had.

Now...

We must draw tears from her.

Whenever we whip you here, you'll be blindfolded.

But not tonight.

Tonight you'll see yourself the first time.

Ah, so she's proud!

I want to hear her scream.

Immediately!

No. That marks her too deeply.

And the punishment of the whip lasts longer.

I want you to use the whip alone.

As you wish.

Ren��.

- I did it, you see? - Yes.

For you.

I know.

Don't get up. Remain seated.

Tomorrow you will dress like this.

It's very practical. Show her why.

The women you see in the Chateau, and even in the park, all dress in this manner.

It makes you available to all those wishing to use you.

As they wish, whenever they wish.

However, before I inform you of the rules you must obey...

I must remind you again that you came here voluntarily

and that you are still free to leave.

Do you wish to leave?

Don't give me that look, or I'll make you regret it.

For the last time: Do you wish to leave?

In that case,

you'll have to abide by these rules.

You're in the wing overlooking the park.

Your valet is named Pierre.

Valet?

Yes.

It is he who will chain you at night.

And whips you when you are punished.

The valets have the right to use us. But Pierre, he...

You must not look him in the eyes!

Why not?

Don't look at me.

Prepare her and I'll return presently.

The two young women - Jeanne and Andr�e - asked her name.

She gave only her initial: O

- Did your lover bring you here? - Yes.

You're very lucky. They'll be more severe with you.

Why?

You'll understand soon.

Well, beautiful lady?

O wondered why there was so much sweetness mingled with her terror...

and why her terror tasted so delicious.

Get up.

Turn around.

It's 9 o'clock. Once you've eaten, you may sleep until noon.

How did you know that?

The sugar? I have been told many things.

Enough. We are not supposed to speak.

- Come, Andr�e. - But tell me...

My love!

Come, let me see you.

Obey.

O felt soiled and guilty at the illicit pleasure she had found in a stranger's arms

But later, her lover explained that the more he gave her to others...

the dearer she became to him.

Offering her to another man was proof that he owned her.

One can only give that which one owns. Don't speak.

You were told yesterday that during your stay here

you mustn't look the men in the eyes nor address them.

From now on, you will observe that rule with me as well.

I love you.

But before you are struck mute...

I want you to say two words:

The name of the man for whom I brought you here,

and to whom I shall introduce you in time.

Sir Stephen.

It's the cloister.

What did you say?

No, I said nothing!

I swear it!

Forgive me! I'm sorry!

No, please! Do whatever you want with me, but not that!

Do whatever you want with me, but not that!

Take me, do what you want, anything but that!

Had Jeanne broken a rule when she spoke of the cloister?

And where was it?

O never found out what happened to her.

Monique, come closer.

Come here!

I'm leaving. And I won't return until I come to collect you.

When?

In a few days.

How many?

Now, if you wish.

You wanted to see me whipped?

Yes. So that I may remember it whilst I'm away.

Will it make you happy?

It will. I know it's hard to understand.

I am no longer allowed to talk to you or to look at you.

Look at me.

It's hard to understand. But you do understand, don't you?

Explain it to me.

Once upon a time, a little girl walking in a field

came upon a white rabbit wearing a watch.

Her name was Alice.

The white rabbit was very late.

Others may have been surprised. But not Alice.

And then?

She follows him.

Where?

Down a deep well.

Where she has many adventures.

Go on. What was at the bottom of the well?

Sir Stephen.

My hands.

I love you.

She won't look up.

She will.

No, she won't.

She's new here, that's all.

No.

I'm excited...

...by her pride.

Pierre is watching you.

You seem embarassed.

Yes.

Do you love him?

I'm astonished.

What she couldn't understand was that O loved everything which came from her lover.

Even Pierre.

For it was her lover, to whom she belonged...

...through all the strangers to whom he had surrendered her.

I must prepare you.

You won't be dining with the others tonight.

Please wait outside for me.

Why?

I want to be alone. And there's no door.

The Masters do not permit doors.

Look at me.

Look at me just once and I won't beat you again.

I'll just pretend to.

Did I force you on the staircase?

O lost all track of time.

The grass darkened.

The days and nights became indistinguishable.

And the light never faded.

Then - after a few days - time began to move once more.

And in her velvet night, her chains were removed.

Get dressed.

We must go.

Take it. Wear it on your index finger. It should fit you.

Goodbye.

It's a perfect fit.

Roissy.

It hasn't changed.

I've lived here for years.

Four years.

I'm going up.

The bathroom is amazing.

This is my room.

Your room? You never sleep!

I've put a present for you on your bed.

It's odd. I do not recall the kitchen floor.

Oh, yes. Thank you.

He said she'd no longer be free from then on.

Unless she'd stopped loving him and left him straightaway.

It surprised her that after all that

he wanted more proof that she was his.

Maybe he knew it, but wanted to reinforce it again and again

as he took pleasure in that.

That's not the way you should listen to me. Come here.

Like this?

Come here.

Part your lips.

In the morning, you're to pack.

I'll take what you don't need.

- It's me. - Good morning, my love.

Packing?

I've just begun.

- Are you dressed? - I have my nighty on.

Take it off.

Ren�?

Your ring?

Yes, of course.

Stay naked until I arrive.

Pack that which neither comes off easily

nor opens at the front.

Seeing she had done all he'd asked,

he was amazed she belonged to him so much.

That's it. Thank you.

Will you print some copies for me?

Of course.

You look so virginal and pure.

It's amazing how much you've changed since you went away.

But garters...

they damage the legs.

They're practical.

O made about fifty prints of Jacqueline,

all of which were unique.

She discovered a provocative quality

the like of which she had never captured in a face or body until now.

Ren�, darling.

I have to go out but I shall return shortly.

Be ready to leave in one hour.

A car will call for you.

You must dress completely in black.

And you are to wear your fur coat.

But that coat is so old!

It's very chic nowadays.

You do understand, don't you?

I'll look like a widow.

Please. It's very important to me.

Okay.

You look beautiful.

My love...Sir Stephen.

Ren� didn't lie.

Martini, please.

That's what you want, isn't it?

Sit down.

If you agree, we'll dine in the cellar.

It's more pleasant there.

And then we'll take coffee at my house.

Sit on the couch.

Ren� will serve the coffee.

Now please listen to me carefully.

Ren� may have told you about his family.

Long before he was born, I was brought up by his mother.

Until the day she left my father.

So Ren� and I are in no way related.

But in another way, we are brothers.

And we have always shared everything.

In principle, the ring you're wearing, gives me certain rights over you

as indeed it does anyone who knows its meaning.

although that bond is temporary.

With me, it'll be something more permanent.

If you accept, I'll inform you of Sir Stephen's preferences.

My demands!

I'm yours, I'll do as you say.

No, you belong to us both.

Say this:

"I belong to you both. I will be whatever you desire."

I want to hear you say you'll belong completely to me,

just as you now belong to Ren�.

You will continue to have but one master,

A most demanding one.

For I have a fondness for certain rites.

Both of you!

Get out!

No!

I accept.

Will I be whipped?

Yes, sometimes.

The two men examined her body

in a crude and obscene way.

She was covered in shame.

But despite the shame, she felt the familiarity

of someone slowly slipping into a recurring dream.

Stay with Sir Stephen. Don't move.

He'll dismiss you at his leisure.

I'll see you out.

Thank you, Ren�. You want the car?

You long for the dream to end

for fear that you might not be able to bear it.

Yet you want to know how it finishes.

Sit down.

- A cigarette? - No.

I wish to see you naked.

Take it off.

The colour is too pale.

Darken them in future.

Now take off your skirt.

You are easy.

Does Ren� know you desire every man who wants you?

It's an alibi, this obedience.

No, I love Ren�!

That may be. But you're easy. Don't move!

Caress yourself.

You know what I mean!

Masturbate.

No I can't!

Is that obedience?

I'm afraid Ren� wasn't stern enough.

I always obey him.

You are confusing love and obedience.

You must obey me...

...without loving me, and without me loving you.

My room is next door.

Wait.

It's yours.

Keep it. It matches your ring. And iron suits you.

Or should I say "irons"?

Please!

Don't tell Ren� I disobeyed you. I swear I'll obey you from now on.

Good morning.

Morning.

The driver will take you back when you are ready.

A message from master.

Ren� called to say he would pick you up at the studio this evening.

The whip is for your next visit.

Okay. That's enough.

The cigarette holder suits you. You look like a femme fatale.

But for whom?

She wanted believe she was a femme fatale for Sir Stephen.

But she was afraid.

She was afraid of what he might have told Ren�.

Afraid because Ren� had not arrived yet.

If Sir Stephen didn't love her, Ren� would stop loving her.

Of that, she was certain.

You've seen Sir Stephen?

Yes.

Look.

He gave it to you?

Really?

That's wonderful. I'm so proud of you.

I feel the same.

I was wondering if you'd had a chance to develop my photgraphs?

I'm sorry, I haven't had the time.

Never mind, I'd better be going...

Stay.

Don't go.

After that, Jacqueline came often.

This pleased Ren�...

...who found her attractive and no doubt wanted to seduce her.

O might have been jealous,

but something else worried her:

The ever-tightening grip Sir Stephen had on her lover.

Don't be angry.

I'm not.

But I hardly see you!

You hardly ever touch me.

And when you do,

it's only to feel the marks he has inflicted upon me.

You're in love with him, not me.

Nonsense!

Had I said that two months ago, you'd have slapped me

so hard the walls would have shaken.

I belong to you, Ren�.

I'm yours.

You belong to Sir Stephen first!

- Listen. - No.

It's clear now.

Telephone him. Tell him I can't come tonight.

Invent a reason.

I want to spend tonight with you.

That's impossible.

And I shall inform him of this.

Good night.

She didn't believe he would do it.

But when they arrived at Sir Stephen's,

Ren� stayed only the 3 minutes it took to betray her.

Goodbye.

Thank you.

He was as pale as she.

And O wondered if he might have begun to love her.

He'd never kissed her before.

But he punished her that night for her disobendience.

And with such cruelty, that she lost consciousness.

- Is that you? - Of course.

Something's happened. I need your advice.

I've met Pierre from Roissy.

- Does he want you? - Yes, now in a hotel.

Do you want to go?

Yes, I do.

Get a taxi. Go back to your flat at once.

Don't you want me to come to you?

I want you to obey me. That's all.

Is that you, Ren�?

Ren� gave me a key.

I see you obeyed me.

You're a big girl now.

I'm taking you to lunch.

But first, answer my questions.

Sit down.

Since your return from Roissy,

have you known other men? Besides Ren� and myself?

Desired others? Besides Pierre, of course.

A girl, maybe?

It's a girl, isn't it?

Wait.

So this is Jacqueline. Of whom Ren� spoke.

And you desire her.

Jacqueline has a great life...

Sir Stephen made her talk about Jacqueline.

But was he listening?

She liked to think that he was aware of nothing

except the sound of her voice, and the movement of her lips.

Ren� already knows what I am about to say.

Remember the first time you came to my house?

I gave you an order you didn't obey.

Will you obey it now?

Yes. Whenever you wish.

Drink up.

No one, not even Ren�, has yet taken you in front of me.

But that doesn't mean...

...that you'll never be asked to give yourself to a stranger

in front of he that loves you.

He spoke for a long time,

but she was no longer listening.

She was to remember only those few words: "he that loves you".

What more proof did she need?

You're not listening to me.

I'll do anything you want. I'm yours.

Mine?

Yours and Ren�'s.

Ren� and I have agreed you can be mine only.

If you agree, I want more than words.

If you're to be mine alone, you must be marked.

- Marked? - Permanently.

Finish your coffee.

You're not forced to do anything.

You can always refuse

and go.

I'll give you a few days.

Time in which you are to seduce Jacqueline.

Jacqueline? But why?

I could answer, that like so many other lovers

I wish to see you with a woman.

But that is not the case.

You must seduce her and bring her to Roissy.

It's not possible.

It is.

It's not possible.

I will not be in Ren�'s debt.

When she returns, we will take her to him.

To Ren�?

He's in love with her.

Did he tell you that?

He wants her. She doesn't want him.

So first, persuade her to share your flat.

There's another wardrobe for you downstairs if you need it.

Make yourself at home.

Ren� doesn't mind me moving in?

Not at all. He's delighted.

She accepted the room.

That doesn't mean anything.

Sir Stephen was right.

She'll give in to you.

Good night.

Come down here and say good night.

Sit down, don't be afraid.

Are you sure Ren� won't be back?

Not tonight.

What have you done to your hair?

Let it down.

It's prettier that way.

You're so beautiful.

Tell me you want it.

Yes.

It went well. I'll tell you about it later.

Yes.

Now? Immediately.

- Was it Ren�? - No.

- Are you happy because of me? - No...

Well, yes. Because of you.

Now go, you're late.

Won't you kiss me?

No.

Will I see you tonight?

Usually, when O came to Sir. Stephen's house,

she was undressed and prepared by Norah.

O never got used to being naked in front of this woman,

who never looked at her nor spoke a word.

But this time, she was taken directly to Sir Stephen,

who was waiting for her in an unknown room.

It's done!

I knew you would manage.

Take that off.

- Shall I tell you? - No, I will.

Stop me if I'm wrong.

You're beautiful.

As for Jacqueline,

- you undress her. - Yes.

Take off her belt.

You look her in the eyes and talk to her.

He was right.

Just by looking at her photographs,

he could tell that Jacqueline loved pleasure,

and would give herself freely to O.

And that she found it it safe and agreeable to be given pleasure by a woman.

For me?

Why not, if I love you?

Norah!

There! They're for you.

You spoke of marking me.

- You accept it? - Absolutely.

When?

She'll be marked shortly.

I assume you'll be present.

Yes.

Come and see the house.

This is your room. Do you like it?

Very much.

Get undressed.

Lovely.

I'll give you a corset.

You must wear it very tight.

And we shall tighten it daily. Your waist must be slim.

Kneel down.

Do you willingly agree...

...to bear Sir Stephen's rings and initials,

however he desires?

I do.

I will show Monsieur out. Wait here.

You're really mine.

O, here are your companions.

Yvonne.

- Andr�e. - I know her.

Claire.

And Th�rese.

I know her too...

We were at school together.

All right, Th�rese. Calm down.

Yvonne.

Put the corset on her.

- Help her, please. - Of course.

- It's nice to see you again. - Likewise.

Lace it up tight.

It's very tight.

You'll be even prettier.

Come here.

When were you last whipped?

Two or three weeks ago.

You will not be whipped here.

Except tonight.

In honour of your arrival.

In Anne-Marie's house, O rediscovered

a way of life that reminded her of her childhood.

I hate losing.

Check mate!

- I'm not playing anymore. - What's happened?

She's a cheat!

That's not true!

You're a dirty liar!

Stand behind me. No, not you, O.

We are going to draw lots. To see who will whip you.

Are you ready?

Let's do it.

Who has the queen?

Was it planned?

I never arrange things. You know that.

Take her away. She's yours.

You can scream - no one will hear you.

And if you scream too much...

I will simply drown out your cries.

Proceed, Yvonne.

Faster, harder! She must be made to scream!

She had come to understand that her attachment to Ren�,

her days at the castle, her hardships,

were fate's way of leading her to the man she loved.

Of whom are you thinking?

Of him.

She told herself that if she was strong enough

to bear it to the end,

...then everything would be given to her. She would have conquered him.

Andr�e's lover brought her here.

Oh yes?

Maybe he won't come back.

Why do you that?

You're not strong enough, you'll leave.

- Who brought you? - Anne-Marie.

- You belong to no one? - She does.

She belongs to me.

But Th�rese wasn't the only one who slept with Anne-Marie.

As for everything else, it was fate that decided.

Anne-Marie!

What are you doing? Are you mad?

No, don't! I don't want you to!

You're silly.

I don't care!

I want to die, you hear?

Poor little thing.

Punish me. I don't care.

Go to your room.

You too.

Go on. Go!

Come, my love.

Claire has something to show you.

- Show her, please, Claire. - Of course.

Sir Stephen wants you to wear the same rings

bearing his initials.

You see? Once they're on, they can't come off.

Is it painful?

No. No more than an earlobe.

But for you there will be more.

A ring could be filed off.

That's why Sir Stephen wants you marked in another fashion.

Forever.

Marked in what way?

You promised not to ask.

I'll tell you in time.

Today it's your turn.

Pick it up.

We haven't drawn lots.

I want you to do it.

Obey me.

No, I can't.

Think of what she did to you.

You must learn.

Sir Stephen told me of Jacqueline.

You'll be required to whip her too some day.

Proceed.

Don't hold back. All your strength.

Or you will be whipped too!

Harder!

Enough!

Forgive me.

Forgive me, please.

- Is she sleeping? - Yes.

- She loves you? - No.

I know she does. I can tell.

What have you done to each other?

What have you done?

I need to know.

You think you're so smart.

You know what they're going to do to you?

They're going to brand you with an iron!

Sir Stephen's arrived.

I'm coming.

I may not see you again.

You want to bet?

This.

O, you can still refuse.

No.

- Shall I tie your hands? - No.

Don't touch me. I want to leave!

I can't take it!

- I want to leave! - Fine.

Sir Stephen's driver will take you to Paris.

It was there, that he told O he loved her

and that he would give her to others who did not.

Would he do it? And if so, why?

Careful.

Thank you.

Thank you very much.

I prefer you without your hat.

Wait.

It's yours.

- Nice daughter. - He's right.

Will you agree to be my daughter?

I'll be anything.

Pass me my gown, please.

What are those?

That's the first time you've notice something besides yourself.

Why are you wearing them?

- You want to know? - Yes.

- Are you sure? - Yes.

I belong to Sir Stephen now.

I love him.

It's completely incredible!

Are these your dreams?

Sir Stephen,

Ren�,

Anne-Marie!

Me.

Impossible!

There's one character in your story I don't like.

Not at all.

Th�rese.

Tell me you invented her.

I invented nothing.

What if I want to go to Roissy?

For me?

I'd like to see it. I'm curious.

But I wouldn't be touched.

As a tourist?

I'll even make love to Ren�.

If that's what you want.

Not yet.

Stephen, you must come to Brittany.

I'll give a party at which O can be queen.

It's agreed.

Get up.

Turn around.

The mark! It's nice.

Look at it, lvan.

I can see it.

Take that away.

You're going?

I must.

And so Ivan took O to his hotel room until the evening.

O's obedience

and the marks on her body moved him profoundly.

But not as much...

...as the freedom with which she willingly gave...

...that which he had not yet asked of any woman.

- Master's outside. - Thank you.

What's the matter?

I must explain.

A very long time ago...

I swore no woman would ever mean more to me

than a pebble found upon a beach.

But you, my love, you come with me as far as I go.

It's true. I thought I knew love before you.

But you can put me to any test. I will not fail you.

Why are you so grave?

Ivan is madly in love with you.

He begged me to give you freedom.

He wants to marry you, to rescue you.

I treat you as I do, because you're mine.

And as long as you are mine, you must obey me.

But you remain free to choose whether you wish to remain mine.

I told lvan this. He'll come by later.

You're both completely mad.

If lvan wasn't coming, what would you have done with me?

Come.

It's just like Anne-Marie's house!

We're always childish

about that we hold most dear.

It's perfect! When was it done?

After your return.

I couldn't show it to you...

until I had first given you to others.

To ready your punishment in advance.

But that's what you must do about lvan.

Punish me.

Call Norah and leave us alone.

Norah!

Sir Stephen, please.

On the first floor.

Sir Stephen took O

to Brittany for a holiday,

with Jacqueline and Ren�.

Jacqueline, hurry up.

Coming.

It's marvelous! The sea, the colours...and you.

What are you thinking about?

Would you like to be a pebble?

I would, if you were to find me.

So that I'd always be in your pocket.

I can't believe it!

- What? - I've lost a bet.

Th�rese!

It's so nice to see you!

You look beautiful!

Thank you.

One...

- and a half. - You remember that?

I remember it all.

And Anne-Marie?

She lent me to one of her friends, a captain.

He has a yacht. Will you come?

He's very kind. He taught me to cast a line.

Can you cast a line?

I'll teach you.

You put the little fish on the hook.

Then you lean foward and wait.

When you feel it moving,

you start the fight.

You push and pull, it pulls forward.

When you feel it's there, you pull it back.

Your legs are crossed!

It's not your business!

It is Sir Stephen's business. And the buisiness of others.

It was to avoid you being whipped.

Some tea?

Where was I?

Do you catch big fish?

Yes, an enormous fish. This big.

Valient little soldier.

- Have you slept with her? - Not yet.

What?

I said not yet!

At last, you're late!

Sir Stephen is waiting.

He won't be happy to learn a few things.

Like what?

That she's not so obedient

when she's alone. She crosses her legs.

She even talks to men.

- It's not true! - Yes, it is.

It's not true!

She was with the Captain all afternoon.

Stop it! Leave them, Ren�.

Come here, O.

I swear it's not true!

I know it's not.

This is the Captain.

I'm very happy to see you again. It may be only emotion, but...

...you look ravishing.

The Captain is giving a party on his boat this evening.

He has some things for you to choose from.

In Bali, it's eaten quite differently.

Were you there long?

You ought to go there.

Extraordinary! You must have met lots of people.

Yes, mostly during cruises.

O knew that Ren� desired Jacqueline madly.

And saw the suffering this love caused him.

- But I'm sure you've heard enough. - No, do go on.

I don't wish to bore you.

I fell in with a young lady.

Was she beautiful? More beautiful than I?

She was different. But she was extremely attractive.

Seeing Ren�, whom she knew so well...

...in such pain...

O felt neither sadness nor jealousy.

Instead she felt a wave of resentment towards Jacqueline.

O can persuade Jacqueline to give herself to you. That is certain.

But you would only have her a night or two.

It wouldn't mean much.

O is right: Jacqueline must come to Roissy.

And if she refuses?

You've always trusted me, Ren�.

She'll be yours, just as O became mine.

I've decided it that way.

You owe me nothing.

You're wrong. I love her.

And it's thanks to you.

My debt to you increases each day.

Come in. What do you want?

To apologise.

I was jealous, unhappy.

I can't bear it when you don't look at me.

I'll do what you want!

Or I'll kill myself!

I could become like Th�rese.

Teach me, O.

Th�rese learnt it in Roissy. For the love of another.

I'll go to Roissy.

Take me there.

Having done what Sir Stephen had ordered,

O chose her mask, thinking herself a bird of prey,

naturally trained to retrieve game.

I greatly regret this, O. I'd like to cancel it, but I can't.

The Captain...

...would never forgive me.

Don't regret anything.

I'm yours and the whole world may know.

Don't you know how I feel?

I'm proud of what I am!

Was she made of stone or wax?

Or was she a creature from another world?

Sir Stephen admired O, triumphant in her insolent nudity

and was enthralled by the measure of his power.

Some days later, O drove Jacqueline to Roissy.

And you?

I'll be here. Go.

A few days later, I took Jacqueline to Roissy.

And then Jacqueline asked me: "And you?"

I answered: "I'll be here. Go."

And she went?

Yes.

I love you.

Why are you smiling?

You say you love me.

But if I asked you

to bear but one of the punishments I was made to endure, would you accept?

I believe so, yes.