Original subtitles

Come on, Julie.

It's only for a few hours.

Madame de Merteuil, Monsieur the Judge.

Please sit down, Madame.

Do you recognize this document, Madame?

Would you please read it?

MARRIAGE AGREEMENT

- What? - Read.

"Before Almighty God, on this day of March 17, 1745

I take Lucien Beaucaillou as my lawful husband

born June 23, 1723

working as a plowman."

This is ridiculous.

I agree.

It has been established that Lucien Beaucaillou doesn't exist.

We suspect that this Beaucaillou is in fact the Vicomte de Valmont.

You know him, don't you?

Her aunt is a friend.

We also suspect that the Vicomte is a notorious libertine.

Do you know what a libertine is?

I suppose it has to do with freedom?

Freedom, yes.

Freedom to corrupt, deceive and abandon.

Listen, that signature looks just like mine, but--

Of course.

You could lose everything, Madame.

- My name has been usurped-- - You could lose everything.

Your marriage to the Marquis de Merteuil

a union that made you rich and respected

having been preceded by this one.

I want you to know, Madame, that deep down

I know you're innocent.

I believe, Madame

that you've been the victim of a perfect crime

a crime in which the victim ends up defending their perpetrator.

I came to the conclusion, Madame

that your nature

has made you the ideal target for a seasoned predator.

I believe that today, in front of me

you think that turning in Valmont would mean betraying yourself.

Betraying your hopes

your burning memories

their lingering vibrations on so many parts of your body.

That's what I think, Madame.

And knowing that, I have a question for you.

Your entire future now lies

in your willingness to answer this question truthfully

if not before me, at least, out loud

in the secret of your heart.

Madame

Marquise de Merteuil

are you in love with Valmont?

Thank you.

Madame.

THE SEDUCTION

What was Judge Tourvel like?

A bigot.

Really? On the contrary

I heard he's a rather sensitive man.

He's a bore.

A pathetic inquisitor.

This boor has your fate in his hands.

They say he's very much in love with his wife.

I think that's where we should be aiming.

Don't worry.

Men are always weak

and this little inquisitor even more so.

My dear Vicomte...

One way or another

you've had a document stolen

which today could lead to our complete ruin.

She is said to be more devout than a Carmelite nun.

You're the only one to blame for making me sign this ridiculous paper

to have kept it as a testimony of your so-called genius...

Amen.

And for allowing it to be stolen.

Today, I'm giving you a chance to achieve the impossible

to become a legend

and make up for your mistake.

Your admirable aunt has managed to get acquainted

with Madame de Tourvel.

A woman of great religiosity.

The wife of the judge plotting against me.

I hope you've already understood.

Your mission will be to seduce Madame de Tourvel

known for her irreproachable virtue

in order to neutralize her husband's action.

The success of this operation

will require your best skills

and an impeccable sense of tempo.

I hope you won't consider this challenge beyond your capabilities.

The greed of the English will be their downfall.

With the natives, they think they can buy rather than convince.

Well, Madame de Tourvel has just conceived

an initiative that I find particularly faithful

to our views in New France.

I share this initiative with Abbé Montverdier

a true ally in our cause.

I can't wait to find out more.

Thanks to the Jesuit missions, the Holy Bible has been translated

for nearly 100 years in the Wendat language

our Indian brothers lack a simple prayer book

for everyday use.

Excuse me, Madame.

Would you mind?

I only know the beginning of a song on the birth of Christ.

Oh, no, Madame. Please.

Bravo!

Before you strike, don't hesitate to flatter.

The less she's prepared, the more she'll suffer.

Madame, I wish to offer my deepest admiration.

While you were singing, I briefly believed

I could grasp that singular language.

Your goal will be simple.

However...

Touch her heart with your words.

- Yes? - If you'll allow me, of course...

Make her question her faith.

Allow you to do what, Monsieur le Vicomte?

Being sincere.

Please.

Create a subtle disturbance.

No, sorry, that's impossible.

I fear I would be rude.

In front of Madame la Marquise, I can't.

Since Madame de Tourvel asks you to.

Go ahead.

Why translate our prayers when we can learn theirs?

I hear these people live fraternally, modestly

at peace with nature.

Are we really closer to Christ than they are?

Of course, your attitude must show no attraction.

- I think we owe them respect, but-- - But?

Should the great Wendat Chief Kondiaronk be burned

for calling Christ "Son of the Great Spirit"?

Yes, I, too, have read the dialogues of Monsieur de Lahontan.

And what did you make of them?

Well, the Wendats are admirable

but they're missing...

A taste for dogma and the love of punishment.

That's neither what I said nor what I think.

And what do you think, Madame?

I don't want to argue with you, Monsieur.

Sensing your contempt

seeing your indifference

she'll be poisoned by a venom made stronger by shame.

It will be undetectable.

So you'll be hated, and so you'll exist.

He obviously likes her.

Let me remind you that our goal is that she likes him.

Marquise.

This way.

What's the matter with you?

Do I need to remind you that your survival

depends on my nephew's success with Madame de Tourvel?

I know.

You're fragile.

I know you are at war with men

but none in particular.

Unless...

you're at war with yourself.

To fight the most formidable enemies of freedom.

Jealousy.

I'm not in love with your nephew.

Prove it.

What?

That you're still a free woman.

And how?

Tonight, I've invited a few friends at the small pavilion.

No one should see you in such a fragile state.

Tonight, I want to see this body sweat.

And exult.

For all Paris to know

that Isabelle de Merteuil

honorable Marquise

and queen of the libertines

knows how to give and take pleasure.

Yes.

No.

Don't move.

I'm sorry, I...

Tonight, you'll play with her...

Welcome.

Aren't you going to say anything?

You asked me for a walk

we're walking.

Did I upset you at dinner?

The truth is, I was desperate to get your attention.

One minute you're tough, now you're fragile.

Are you trying to confuse me?

This Christian faith.

Have you ever doubted?

You don't believe in God?

I don't know.

But I see Him in you.

As if...

as if you were a little more than just yourself.

Am I upsetting you?

I know who you are, Monsieur le Vicomte.

So who am I?

My husband and I talk a lot.

His office is overflowing with letters of denunciation against you.

What does your husband do?

Spreading the gospel to the people of the New World

isn't the real reason I'm here.

The people I want to awaken to God's grace are from a different tribe.

They're called libertines

and they say you're one of their feathered leaders.

You never cease to amaze me.

And you, not at all.

You've got me all wrong.

You're not a libertine?

I am no more.

Since you now love me?

You're not being very charitable, Madame.

Why should I be?

Stay a few days. Please, I beg you.

- Because you love me. - I don't know if I love you.

Or even if I'm capable of love.

A few minutes ago, I was playing at loving you.

And I was happy.

I could even believe I loved myself.

Poor man.

You're right.

Leave tomorrow.

Go back to your husband.

Your smugness makes you so naive.

I'm a man.

Raised in a society made for and by men.

And for most men, my life is perfect.

I won't be convicted.

At most, I'll be forced to withdraw a few months in an old bastide

where I would be delighted to receive my most loyal admirers.

Your husband is just the pawn of the Comte de Gercourt.

His target is the Marquise de Merteuil

and only her

because her freedom and power make a mockery of men.

You're the pawn of a pawn

ignorant of your true master.

Good night, Vicomte.

- Yes? - It's Cécile, Madame.

Madame...

Your Chevalier?

Yes.

I have a question for you, young man.

Yes?

Would it be right to blame these roses for their beauty?

Well, I... no.

Or to this ray of light, its brilliance?

Of course not.

Or even to the sun, its infinite generosity.

No, Madame.

So why blame this marvelous young woman standing behind me

for being what she is?

A marvelous young woman.

- Madame, I would never-- - Pull yourself together, Chevalier.

Look at me.

Behave.

A man controls himself.

Let's talk about...

some piping adjustments.

Nothing unsurpassable.

You could train in the privacy of your room

with one of these books that you can read only with one hand.

I don't read these kinds of books, Madame.

You must learn to create diversions, Chevalier!

In thought, or...

- Can you feel the diversion? - Yes, Madame.

I do.

And do you think such diversion

could allow you to restrain your boundless enthusiasm?

Yes, Madame.

Very good.

Go ahead, my little angels.

Be good and happy.

Come on.

Hello, Marquise.

Here you are this morning, full of energy

refreshed by an unforgettable night, I'm sure?

Tell me about yours.

You look rested, which worries me.

Madame de Tourvel knows all about her husband's investigation against us.

She's of no use to us.

She's here because she believes I'm a lost soul in need of saving.

Well, that was before she realized how corrupted I really am.

My aunt is waiting for us.

President Tourvel is about to bring forward a new witness

whom he believes will bring damning evidence against you.

Louis.

Of course. Louis de Germain.

Your friend.

If he confirms that your marriage is real

you will lose your trial.

Well?

No, I can't believe it.

Your naivety will be your downfall, and I'll go down with you.

How can I ever thank you, Maître?

I'll walk you out.

See you soon, my friend. Thank you.

We must stop Louis from testifying against us. You must talk to him.

It won't do any good, he'll deny everything.

So how do you plan to turn him around?

You could tell him that the Marquise and you had a falling out...

- He wouldn't believe me. - Really?

What about money?

He has more than enough.

What could he possibly want?

Me.

He doesn't hate you, he's jealous of you.

He'd never admit it to himself, but...

when he looks at me...

I feel his desire.

As if his whole body...

Does he even like women?

Also, yes.

So we have to give him what he wants

without forcing him to face the shame of that desire.

I don't understand.

Get him here, today.

The both of you will join me tonight at the small pavilion.

He and I tonight, with you?

You just said that he wants you.

So you have to offer him his fantasy, but...

in an indirect way

clandestinely.

He's a traitor.

But he's not hard on the eyes.

Perhaps.

What do you think, Madame?

Yes.

In short, you'd be acting as a bait.

And you as an alibi.

You're going to write to him...

and explain how insatiable I am.

Tell him that for me, every pleasure leads to another.

So that one man will never be enough for me.

That's why you called for his help.

My dear Vicomte.

Thank you.

Are you reassured now?

According to the lawyer

Louis is supposed to see Judge Tourvel tomorrow afternoon

- so let's wait and see. - I was talking about me.

And my taste for freedom.

I'll be reassured

when I know you're not emotionally involved with my nephew.

I love my nephew, Isabelle.

He lived too much, too soon.

He played so many roles.

I don't know who he is anymore.

And I'm afraid he doesn't either.

Hear that?

Indeed.

I'm going to... I'm going to...

Diversion!

Good evening.

I want to look at you.

Watching you enjoy it...

and love each other.

Are you hiding, Madame?

No.

I'm quite harmless tonight.

What's the matter with you?

Nothing, precisely.

You were there, you were alone.

Calm, free.

How I envy you.

Come on, what are you afraid of?

All you see in this room is a pitiful clown

condemned to the world as it is

mediocre and cold

wobbly and cruel.

This is where I live now, and will continue to live.

You use so many words, Vicomte

that I find it hard to understand you.

I'm...

tired.

The magical world of the Vicomte de Valmont

is now nothing but ashes and ruins.

Letting yourself be guided only by the pleasures of the body

how could you feel anything other than fatigue?

Poor soul.

Could these ruins be your chance?

I don't think that misfortune brings about any form of elevation

on the contrary.

So maybe it's time to be a little less sure of yourself?

If a door opens to you, Vicomte

don't worry, just push it.

Will you be there?

Despite everything I've said...

Everything I did...

I'll be there.

To hear me say horrible things.

While you'll tell me pretty stories about Christ.

Stop!

Stop.

Thank you, Madame.

You're crazy.

You show me a magic door, there, 2m away.

And I'm the crazy one?

Your ridiculous stubbornness gives me the courage to be myself.

A few kilos of bones

liquids, tissues, intestines.

And above all...

a reputation!

That of a man who never gives up.

If you've stayed here, you must like me a little.

I leave you to your solitude

your peace of mind, and your freedom, Madame.

Madame.

Thank you.

I understand now.

What?

My friend Valmont.

Monsieur le Comte

did you get my note?

Louis de Germain has not honored his summon

but you do have another plan, don't you?

Alas, Monsieur le Comte.

Alas?

You're talking about a twice-married Marquise!

Marshal Castellet, King's Counselor

praised your rigor.

I'd hate to have to contradict him.

Well, tell me about her.

You questioned her at length.

So what was your impression?

Everything was recorded.

The Marquise spoke very little.

Alas.

And your worthy wife?

I hear funny things about her company.

She has, it's true, taken the initiative to bond with Valmont.

Your wife takes initiative.

You're a very modern man, Monsieur de Tourvel.

I do

when her intentions complement mine.

You mean she's spying for you?

No.

She has frequently restored lost souls to faith.

And you thought she'd convert Valmont?

I thought her presence would at least keep Valmont away from the Marquise.

Insane!

That's often how these things are won

by separating the accomplices.

The holy light of a devoted wife...

against the ardent seduction of Madame de Merteuil.

You don't understand vice.

Come on, my dear friend, don't look so miserable.

You've done all you can, haven't you?

You are just like the institution you represent

cautious, modest.

Fortunately, the Kingdom of France has other means at its disposal

to ensure compliance with our Lord's laws.

Vicomte.

How are you?

- Excellently, Madame. - Come.

Is everything all right, really?

Here, with you? How could it get better?

It's just that I'm not always sure I understand you correctly, Monsieur.

Now that you've got rid of our legal worries

I imagine you're already to foment some fearsome schemes

on your way to corrupt wonderful and innocent young women.

Judge Tourvel may have finished with us

but I'm not done with his wife.

What do you mean?

I'd rather face torture than let my failure with her be known.

No one will blame you for failing to seduce that saintly woman.

And I think the opposite is true, your courage to try this adventure

will be appreciated by our friends--

You know so little about me.

Do you know why I am who I am?

Why, even though I don't have Louis' beauty

nor Gercourt's fortune

my name alone still resonates in so many homes?

Because I'm my first spectator and judge.

I don't compare myself to others.

I measure myself against my inner ideal

of what a great libertine should be in this world.

And a great libertine in this world

would never renounce Madame de Tourvel.

I'm sorry, but you'll never have her, Monsieur.

You've only increased my hunger for greatness, dear Marquise.

It's just that I don't want to see you make a fool of yourself, Vicomte.

That's not always the impression you give me.

So let's bet!

I'll seduce Tourvel.

And what do you want from me?

Everything.

You.

Remember how we loved each other.

Our wedding night.

You hate me for deceiving you.

But you love me even more for revealing you to yourself.

I'm inside you, Madame.

And one day, you'll be mine.