Original subtitles

SHOOT THE PIANIST

Based on the Novel 'Down There' by DAVID GOODIS

Thank you so much.

I ran into a lamppost.

I must go. My wife won't go to bed until I'm home.

- Been married long? - Eleven years.

I'd like to be married, too.

- You say that as if you mean it. - Yes, I really do.

It has its upsides. At the beginning, it nearly fell apart...

There were days, sitting at breakfast, I'd watch her

and wonder how best to get rid of her.

Then I'd wonder why I should do that but never could find a good reason.

- A matter of freedom, perhaps? - Yes...

I first met her at a dance.

She wasn't easy to get to know.

She had had little life experience.

You know how it is in Paris.

There are more virgins

than in any other city.

Proportionally, anyhow.

But that wasn't why I married her.

Why, then?

I got used to her. We had good times together.

I don't know who you are.

I may never see you again,

so I can speak freely.

It's good to speak to a stranger sometimes.

There's truth in that.

I began to have feelings for her.

I'd never felt that before.

We dated for about a year.

Then, one day, I bought a ring.

It always happens like that.

Not always.

I fell in love with her properly two years after the wedding.

She was in hospital having the first baby.

I remember l stood by the bed,

I looked at her and at the baby.

I believe that's the moment it really began.

- How many kids? - Three.

- A good number. - Yes.

They're great kids.

I turn off here. So long.

Look after yourself.

I will. Thanks. Good luck!

CHARLIE KOLLER DANCE EVERY DAY

- Hello, Edouard. - Call me Charlie.

And wait outside.

You're an odd fellow.

I haven't seen you for four years.

You greet me as if I'd only just been around the block.

See? I got a bump.

It's so dark outside, I ran into a lamppost.

Being chased?

I wouldn't have brought you into it if it was the cops.

That's why you came, to bring me into it?

Nothing doing.

- How's Fido? He must be tall by now. - Yes.

Is business good?

I manage... But don't count on me.

- I'm not getting in on it. Do you hear me? - Damn, Eddie...

How's the family?

Everyone's all right. The old man, the old woman...

- Richard? - You know him, always on the go.

But we miss you and Fido.

- So l thought... - When they started chasing you...

I'm in the soup, Charlie.

You must help me. I'm in a mess.

So you thought of me. Who's after you?

Two fellows.

I pulled a job with them and Richard.

They played tough and tried to rip us off.

So Richard and I decided to keep it all, and give them the slip.

Good show! What do they look like?

One wears a cap and one a hat.

They look like brothers,

and they both smoke pipes.

Good evening, Charlie. How are you?

What are you doing here?

- You're wasting your time. - That'll do.

No, it won't do.

Take a look at yourself.

You should be playing a grand piano in a sold-out concert hall,

your public on its knees.

So what are you doing here?

I can't be in two places at once.

You make me laugh.

An international virtuoso who can't even afford a car.

- That's crazy! - That's enough. Keep it shut.

Look at him.

A virtuoso playing for a dance!

For heaven's sake, give him a grand piano,

with candles on it.

Where are the candles?

- Pipe down, my friend! - I want to be heard.

People are dancing. Don't disturb them.

That's the trouble. Nobody wants to be disturbed.

- Let him be. He's not right in the head. - You know him?

We had an understanding. Don't address me with such familiarity.

Be polite when you talk to me.

I asked you who he is.

Perhaps he is ashamed of me. He is my loving little brother.

But he's an artist.

And his name's not Charlie. It's Edouard.

Shut up!

I didn't know he had a brother.

There are four of us in the family. All males.

What's he paid for?

- For playing the piano. - Yes.

And not for telling his life story.

lf you want information, pay for it.

The more you want, the more you pay.

Same as when you dig a well. The deeper, the dearer.

Sometimes it's so dear,

you have to give up.

You're very desirable.

That's why I desire you.

Tonight, I've decided to get married.

You're the first I'm asking.

I may not be free.

The abominable snow man! Is he your hubby?

Well, he was. But we haven't officially broken off.

Anyhow, I don't know who you are.

- Charlie's brother. - No kidding!

I like Charlie very much.

How do you like me?

It's too soon to tell.

Excuse me. Customers are waiting!

My breasts interest you?

Yes, I'm a doctor.

It's not top-of-the-line tonight.

No, whereas last night...

It was "first-class quality."

Look, over there!

Interesting.

Interesting or curious?

See you later, Charlie.

Damn! Here they come!

- It's your business, not mine. - I'm done for.

Go through that door, hurry up!

They must have gone through the yard.

They looked as if they wanted to talk business, not dispatch him.

What business? You have your hunch.

Whenever your darling brothers do business, the first to get burned is that big idiot chico.

Get out while the going is good and wish him good luck.

Good luck!

Good-bye.

Bye.

- She keeps looking at you. - Who?

Léna. I thought I'd tell you.

Thanks. Thanks, anyway.

What a pity you're not keen on her.

I wish it were me she was looking at.

If I'm in the way, I'll move.

Don't worry. I'm not her type.

- I'm nobody's type. - Till tomorrow.

Come now...

I'm just an ugly mutt,

and I'm not clever enough to make women forget it.

It could be glands.

Not glands... Just my ugly mug.

No need to be scared of women. They're not poisonous.

I can see you don't believe a word you're saying.

You've had it rough. I'm no fool.

So what?

I bet I know what torments you.

You're shy. You're scared.

- Scared? - That's it.

Scared.

I'm scared.

Hell, I'm scared!

What's the trouble, my friend?

I'm scared.

Those two guys... Who were they?

I don't know.

Well, I'm off to bed.

Can't just sit around.

- Bye. - Mr Charlie!

I didn't want to ask in front of the others. Could you lend me some money?

Of course.

- Here you go. - Thanks.

Will you walk with me a little?

I don't like walking home alone at night.

Call me Charlie.

OK, but call me Léna.

Why Léna?

Helen, Helena, Léna.

Your silence must seem odd.

Say something, anything, otherwise she'll think you're scared of her.

If she's cIever, she'll know siIence is eloquent. It's an amorous complicity.

She's no chatterbox. She's the serious type.

She's not snooty, she's dignified.

A sillyjoke wouldn't work with her.

It really has to be funny for her to laugh.

- What's funny? - Your expression.

Listen!

- Do you know the men after your brother? - No, why?

I think they're following us.

Look in my compact.

Where have they gone? They must be hiding down there.

What bad luck!

I'm off home.

Come!

She could feel you against her body. If she didn't Iike it, she wouId have moved.

So she agrees then. Agrees with what? lt's a mystery.

Suggest a drink before going home. Buy yourself some time.

Don't mess it up. Take it easy.

"Léna, let's not part ways like this. I order you to have a drink."

No, nicer.

"Léna, I bet you are thirsty, too."

Let's have a drink, shall we?

Better that way.

Think of other things. Is Art Tatum talented?

And Erroll Garner? Yes, he is talented.

Junior Mance? You can't tell. You haven't heard him.

Charlie, it's me, Clarisse.

- Good evening, Charlie. - Good evening.

- Do you still sleep without pyjamas? - Yes.

It's healthier.

It reminds me of my skeleton number at the fair.

That's how I started after l left home.

I was in a coffin, almost naked.

With a mirror trick, they could see my skeleton.

Even doctors were taken in.

Then I twisted my ankle.

It's tough being an artist.

- Do you want me to stay? - No, thanks.

I can give you credit.

Well, I won't insist.

I'll go.

Don't be angry.

The dress is pretty, but you can take it off.

Shut the door because of Fido.

Everything I have is pretty.

This dress brings me business.

I don't bow or curtsy to the client, to say the least.

"How much?"

"3,000. Is it a yes or a no? Take it or leave it."

I'm not making a pitch.

Everybody's free. I'm going behind.

Good idea. It might give me ideas.

I'd rather wear something pretty than something sexy, unlike others.

I always wear pretty things, don't you think?

Very pretty.

That's what I said.

The girls always ask me where I get my clothes.

They're pretty. They cost me 400 each. Not expensive.

And they are pretty, aren't they?

Am I supposed to know about your panties?

Are you crazy?

No, but I'm a puritan.

A puritan!

You're a pure, haughty man!

That's a good one!

Have I offended you, pussycat?

Are you angry?

No, the pussy's not angry. He's tired.

They said it on the telly. The pussycats are tired.

When I'm sleepy, l only like cotton panties.

Television is a cinema

That you can see at home

Move over.

That's how it is in the cinema.

I saw a film this afternoon.

- I saw Torpedoes in Alaska. - Any good?

It's with John Wayne, to show that Americans want peace.

Americans are like me.

Still making fun of me?

Not at all, my little chick.

Give me a drag.

No, not like that, not there...

You dirty bastard! And people think you're shy!

But the shy can be daring.

Go back to your room. Fido will be up soon. Hurry up!

I know, I'm just good at cooking you dinner every night.

Don't start, Clarisse! My trousers!

Here we go.

What are you looking at?

Nothing.

Do up my zip.

Go back home! See you tonight.

Fido! Time to get up.

Hurry! You'll be late.

See you tonight, Charlie.

- Hi, Charlie. - And with whom am l speaking?

I'm Ernest. He's Momo.

- Hi. - Hi.

- We're giving you a lift. Get in. - I'm walking.

- No need for it. - I'll just show it to him.

- He knows you have it. - Maybe he's not sure.

All right, show him.

Now, will you get in?

- Yes, I'd like to. - Go.

Momo, what do you make of our friend?

I think he's tough. Don't you?

Yes, I think he's tough. We feel you're a tough nut.

Is 50,000 all right?

Not enough? Give a number.

I don't have great needs.

- Maybe he thinks we don't have it. - True.

Show him the dough.

You shouldn't be walking around with so much money.

We're chatting, and we forgot what we were saying.

He doesn't want money. Let's try something else.

My dear Charlie, we only want to speak to him,

- not hurt him. - To whom?

We agreed to play fair.

You know perfectly well we mean your brother Chico.

You arrange a meeting for us, and lead us of your own free will to the farm.

- I don't know if he's there. - I believe he is!

Momo, climb in the back with him. Here's our friend in common.

- Who's that? - That goose over there, the waitress.

Mrs Charlie.

No need for introductions.

- Where are we going? - Ask that man of yours.

- He's not my man. - We're going to his brother Chico's place.

The guy last night, with the black eye?

They've done their homework. They found out he was my brother.

They found my address. And yours, too.

- Who told them? - I have an idea, but l'm not sure.

I'll enlighten you.

This morning, we had a drink with the boss at that honky-tonk of yours.

You should have seen him.

- Didn't take him long. - He told us everything.

Mind you. 500, that's 250 per head.

250 for charlie's address, and 250 for the waitress.

- Greedy, suspicious. - He counted the notes.

What a mug, stroking his chops.

Plyne is a swine.

- Ernest, watch where you're going. - Who's driving?

You, but watch out all the same. Drive safely.

We have to keep our charming hostages safe.

You could have taken over. You had the time.

She's taunting you, go for it!

Do you mind?

If I had that wheel...

- Don't be so tetchy. - I'm not tetchy.

If there's one thing I know how to do, it's drive a car.

I don't know fear. I do what I want.

- Like taking over. - You're trying to wind me up?

No, just this.

Instead of ogling chicks, look ahead.

One day you'll have a crash.

You'll run somebody over.

lf I run somebody over, I'll be avenging my father.

He was a pedestrian.

He was run over while crossing a street.

He wasn't looking at cars, his eyes were on all the women.

Perhaps one had a skirt too short.

He looked at her and he was run over.

Your old man was a rare kind of letch.

You can say that again!

I have the American eye. I see a skirt...

When the wind lifts up dresses,

when they fly up...

- Do I shock you? - Not at all.

You're not the first bastard I've met. I'm learning every day.

I'm going to tell you something.

They all want it. All of them!

What do they want?

He's telling you. They all want it. I'm in complete agreement.

And since they want it, they'll get it.

Having said that, I'm not anti-women.

- I realised that. - I love them all.

I love them for what they are.

The problem is that you have to talk to them. Before, and especially afterwards.

Precisely at the moment when you feel like going off on your own.

If I may...

My father used to say about women,

when you've seen one, you've seen them all.

When I see one for the first time, it's love at first sight.

I love her so much.

I want to marry her, I want her babies.

But as soon as she opens her mouth,

I only want one thing, to screw her.

- And to send her on her way. - What a great attitude.

It's mine. Too bad. Now, it has to be said,

you do all you can to excite the male.

Why the red lipstick? The red nail varnish?

Why the brassiere? Why the skirts?

Why the high heels? Why stockings? Why do you wear stockings?

Why not socks like us?

A girl with socks up to her knees, that's great!

A real little Natasha.

One day, all my pants were in the dirty laundry.

I borrowed my sister's little silk knickers. I can't tell you how l felt.

I understood that day why they want more of it.

Why they all want it.

We wear trousers.

But women, with their dresses,

their thighs are touching from morning to evening.

What about clerics?

Something must be done. Isn't that so, my lovebirds?

Priests wear long johns, you blockhead.

Stop! The light is red, shit!

We're done for. You're not getting away with this.

Will you open the door?

The door! Shit! Will you help me or what?

What's wrong, Officer? What have I done?

Turn off the engine and step outside the car.

- I'll explain everything. - Papers.

He can't drive. He's a total loser, Officer.

As soon as there's a little traffic, he loses his head.

Are you coming, dear? We've had enough.

We'll take the bus.

- What can I do? - See you soon, Charlie.

We'll meet again!

- Drop by and see us. We're expecting you. - Deal. See you soon.

They said, "See you soon."

Let's not worry yet. We'll see.

"Let's not worry."

Was the gun shooting corks?

She took your arm as if it were nothing unusual.

My word, she's taking you to her place.

It's over there.

Wait, let me go first.

Don't look at her legs, that's boorish.

But if you don't watch the steps, you'll fall on your face.

Look at the walls. They're just a little grimy.

Now it's Charlie hammering it out at Plyne's.

Before, it was something else.

Isn't that so, Edouard?

Isn't that so, Edouard?

Before...

Excuse me.

- Sir? - Do you have créme caramel?

- No, it's not on the menu. - I see.

- Can I have the menu, please? - What a pity.

At your service, sir.

- Until what time? - Thank you. I'll take a look.

Excuse me.

Perhaps you'd like a coffee, sir?

I would. Here, take this for your trouble.

It's too beautiful.

She said, "It's too beautiful,"

but you thought, for two years of happiness, it's too little.

We never accept gifts from the customers, sir.

Has this guy been coming for a long time?

A few days.

I have a feeling I've met him before.

Do you know what I would like?

That you stop working at the cafeteria.

Edouard, it's not your piano lessons that...

Don't laugh at my piano lessons.

- You used to like them. - Yes, do you remember?

"Mr Edouard, perhaps I'll manage to learn something.

"I know, I'm stupid."

"Oh, miss, don't say that, you're not at all stupid.

"It's just that the piano..."

"Oh, Mr Edouard, I so love our lessons. They keep me busy every afternoon."

"Do you really love the piano, miss?"

"Yes, I do, Mr Edouard."

Is it true that you would like me to be with you always?

It's more than that. Much more.

I know.

I feel the same. Stronger every day.

Hello, sir. I recommend the dish of the day.

Allow me to introduce myself.

Lars Schmeel, impresario.

- Edouard Saroyan. - I remember you perfectly.

You're a pianist, and you came to see me a year ago in my office.

Yes, indeed.

I was very busy, and wasn't able to welcome you the way I wished.

I ask you to forgive me.

- I understand. - This crazy life of ours...

Do you mind?

Would you like to have lunch?

I have to tell you, well...

May I introduce my wife?

My respects, madam.

We often play the game of the customer and the waitress.

It's a wonderful game because there are always two winners.

My dear friend, you're a very lucky man.

How kind of you.

I know how to make up for my failings.

Could you come to my office tomorrow morning?

- Who was your teacher? - The old Zeleny.

- Why are you sulking? - I'm not.

You are. You were jolly in the car.

Then you went quiet as if I'd said something wrong.

It's not what you said. I stopped talking when I realised you weren't listening.

You're pretending to care, but you don't.

You think I'm happy because I talk.

Meanwhile you think of your little home, your dressmaker.

I talked. I tried to explain what I liked in this concert.

I saw your face. You didn't give a damn.

I haven't finished!

I'm fed up! That's no life for an artist.

Perhaps I'm not a real artist.

I need people to believe in me, so that I can become one.

Is that asking too much, for goodness' sake?

Don't you think I need patience to live with you?

A lot of patience.

Your conversation has been fascinating this last year.

"What do you think of Hemingway?

"I heard he buys all my recordings."

"So-and-so didn't like my recital."

"What's-his-name told so-and-so I'm currently the greatest pianist."'

"Shall I accept this contract, refuse that one?"

"What does John Smith think of me? Did the janitor see me on the telly?"

Goodness... You say everything 10 times over.

I have to pretend it's the first time I hear it.

Do you call this a life?

Don't you think it's a little obscene after a while?

I would rather you were more conceited and sure of your genius.

I'd have some peace.

The smallest criticism upsets you.

I'm sorry. I'm talking nonsense because I'm jealous.

All you said is true.

I think about it sometimes.

What can I do?

- I wasn't the right guy for you. - Don't say that.

It hurts too much.

Lucky man! What success!

You must be delighted, and your wife.

I have to tell you something, however.

Your press conference was a total flop.

The journalists took the trouble to come and see the unusual man.

You won't give them one word, one anecdote, nothing.

Shyness is an illness, and it's curable.

Thankfully, I do your job for you.

I've just been quoted in the gossip pages. Look.

Lars Schmeel, Edouard Saroyan's impresario, tells us,

"I love beauty, whatever its gender."

How to Overcome Shyness

Smiling, joyful thoughts - Sad thoughts

Not shy - lndecision - Depression

SHYNESS

How to Overcome Stage Fright

Mr Saroyan, over there.

Mr Saroyan, a little more, please.

Maestro, Edouard Saroyan...

Please, let me...

Move over, idiot!

Mr Saroyan! Here!

Here you are, Edouard. You won't escape me any more,

thanks to this masterpiece I can contemplate every day.

How is Thérèse?

She's tired. She's always tired.

Travelling? The nomadic life?

- No, it's my fault. - Do you quarrel?

We used to.

Now it's a lot worse.

You can tell me everything.

- She's had enough of me. - Come now...

You don't believe me?

Me neither, at first, I couldn't believe it.

It's as if she were fighting against something.

Then it became obvious.

For instance, we are chatting away,

when suddenly, she turns around and leaves the room.

Now, if I try to follow her,

she locks herself up and doesn't answer.

That's the situation now. It's the end.

- Did she say that? - No, but she might as well have.

I think she despises me since... Since I am successful.

Frankly, I believe that's a misunderstanding.

There is a cocktail party at 4:00 p.m. at your hotel.

Bring her, and I'll talk to her.

I'll try.

Thanks.

Thérèse.

Listen, Thérése.

I came to take you to the cocktail party.

Leave me alone, please. Go away.

I've had enough!

Why do you shout?

You've never shouted at me before. Why now?

I'm sorry. I didn't mean to.

It doesn't matter. You may shout if you wish.

I make you unhappy, don't I?

I know it's wrong of me. I can't help myself.

When you are deep inside the night, you can't stop the night.

It's getting darker and darker.

There's no way out, no knowing what to do.

There's only one thing left for me to do. Only one.

To say goodbye and leave.

All right, I'll tell you. You have to know.

One should always come clean, confess.

Confess?

I did something wrong.

I did something ugly.

Now you're a famous musician,

and I'm so happy about that.

Thanks to me, you had your chance.

Lars Schmeel...

It was the week you signed your contract.

A few days before,

he came to the cafeteria.

He wasn't there for the coffee,

nor for lunch,

but to make me a deal.

At first, I didn't understand.

It was like a riddle.

I asked him what he meant.

He looked at me, as if to say, "Can't you tell?

"Have a think, and you'll get it."

I thought about it all night. I didn't sleep.

The next day, he was back,

like a spider at his web.

As if he were cutting me in half.

As if the heart were one thing,

and the body another.

It's not Thérèse who went with him.

Only Thérése's body.

As if I weren't really there.

I was with you.

I was carrying you onto the stage.

That afternoon, he hired a room near the cafeteria.

One evening, you tell me the news.

The contract is signed.

Next time he comes to the cafeteria,

he's a customer, like any other.

He orders his lunch.

I tell myself, "It's all over now.

"You can be Thérèse."

But it's weird, you know...

What you do one day stays with you the next.

I look into the mirror.

What do I see? Thérèse?

Your Thérèse?

No.

Not Thérèse.

She's nowhere.

Only a dirty old rag.

This is why I don't want you to touch me.

Don't touch the dirt!

Look at her. Go to her. Lower your head.

Kneel down. Do it quick. There's still time. Try to think! Think!

If you go out that door, she'll be alone. She mustn't be on her own.

Wife of the great pianist Edouard Saroyan jumps from the 5th floor

You disappeared. You started all over again.

Edouard Saroyan became Charlie Koller.

You visited your brothers, up in the snow.

You asked them to leave Fido with you.

One day, you started at Plyne's.

They let you sweep the floor of the bar.

There was an old busted piano in a corner.

You would look at it, walk away from it,

look at it again.

One day, you asked Plyne...

Can I play on it?

- Yeah. - I think I know how to.

Go for it. Make sure it's music.

Who's Charlie Koller?

No one knows much about him.

He's a pianist. He looks after his little brother.

But mostly, he wants to stay out of trouble.

Thanks to you, local people come to dance every night, and the bar is getting popular.

Plyne took on more staff, and musicians.

Victor, the drummer, always laughing and doesn't know why.

His brother François, the bass player with the long, hairy hands.

And there was me, always looking at you, but you never saw me.

On my birthday,

when I said I would kiss everybody, it was in order to kiss you.

I saw you looking at me.

So I looked at you, too.

What were you thinking when we walked together in the street, last night?

Did you like me from the start?

Do you remember the night you said...

When I took your arm,

I was scared you would think me too rash.

I wanted you to take my hand so much.

I think Plyne is very much in love with you.

Are you crazy? That's all I need.

It's true. He told me.

After all,

Plyne is a man like any other.

I love you because you're unlike other men.

You don't play the seducer, nor the tough man.

You're shy. You respect women.

Don't believe it.

Deep down, I'm like all the others.

When I had money and I was famous, a lot of women recognised me in the street.

I'd stare at them brazenly, as if l were undressing them.

Many held my gaze and enjoyed it,

so I got worse and worse.

When I hit on a girl, dignified and pure, who lowered her gaze,

I felt shame.

I wouldn't allow anyone to stare like that at my mother, my wife, or my daughter.

All we have to do is will it.

We'll give our notice to Plyne.

We'll take back our freedom. We're a team.

I'll wake you up. You'll be Edouard Saroyan again.

Why?

Not "why" but "for whom."

For me and for you, too. For both of us.

I grew up in an orphanage. I'm used to fighting.

You will practise, go to auditions, and give concerts.

Charlie is dead, long live Edouard.

Go and buy me some stockings, please.

Then we'll go and tell Plyne the swine a few home truths.

Scandale stockings, number two.

Mandarin. That's the colour.

Charlie.

The only thing I ever ask of a man is to tell me when it's over.

Not one has ever done it yet.

When you don't love me any more, tell me.

SECULAR SCHOOL FOR BOYS

Wait, I'll make you some soldiers.

I don't care for the white. I like the yoke.

Come in.

Miss Clarisse, there's a customer.

A customer here? He should come during work hours.

Tell him to go and get laid by another.

As if there weren't enough girls on the street! Unbelievable.

He is adamant. He wants Miss Clarisse and no other.

He's elegant and clean. Quite handsome.

All right, on my way. There.

Sugar's here. A yoghurt and fruit. I'll be back before then.

Here's the man. I'll leave you.

I'll be back, Fido. Good evening, sir.

Good evening, miss. Which way is it?

This way, darling. I recognise you. You've been with me before.

Me? No, miss.

- Any dough? - Some.

What's the matter, big boy? Where are you going?

What's that? Shit!

- Ernest! - Coming!

Clarisse!

- Grab that. - Fido!

- Fido! What's happening? - Easy, easy.

Horrible brute!

Kidnappers!

My carriage.

- So you want us to give in our notice. - I hope you're not hesitating.

Let me handle this. Watch Plyne.

Here they come.

My word, do you think you're on vacation?

- I got up late. - Yes, he did.

We went for a ride, then a walk.

- Together? - Yes, the two of us.

- Shall I draw you a picture? - Yes, I am interested.

He usually goes walking by himself.

Even with someone, he's on his own.

We've come to pick up our wages.

And to hand in our notice.

That's the last straw! As if customers were not bugging me enough, now it's the staff!

- Did you hear that, Plyne? - Hello, Charlie! Where were you hiding?

I looked for you everywhere. I was worried because of the two guys last night.

The two guys knew his address, so how could he hide? And mine, too.

I don't get it. I'm in the dark here.

Ask your husband. Don't you live with him?

If you can call it living.

- Shut up! And you, too! - You will shut up!

The two guys from last night came here this morning.

For a bit of money, you gave Charlie's address, and mine.

- Did you give it to them? - Yes. May I introduce Plyne the squealer?

It wasn't like that! I thought...

Plyne acted like a bastard.

But she's giving him a hard time.

He sees her every night, he desires her, but there's nothing to be done.

Even now, as she drags him through the mud, he can't take his eyes off her.

She's going too far. But what can I say?

That Plyne is not as ugly as he seems?

He's a poor sod who wanted to be somebody but failed.

You can't tell her that. It's none of your business anyway.

Nothing is.

You'd better take your place in front of the piano.

There's nothing you can do for Plyne or anyone. You're out of the loop.

Nothing matters any more.

Let me speak, Léna! I'm a friend!

Are you kidding me?

You're completely missing the point!

Let me speak! I'm a friend!

Why would I cause you and Charlie any trouble?

- Take it back. - Get lost.

Watch those muscles, Léna. I'm not just anyone. Feel them.

It's shit.

She's right. It's shit.

Go and get lost, if it's shit.

So many ugly words in such a pretty mouth.

Speaking of mouths, shut yours, fat pig.

Just as you see me, I'm going to kill you.

- I can't see you, you're too low. - Too bad, bitch!

So, Charlie, are you dreaming standing?

If only you would leave her alone.

Right now, she doesn't interest me. You do.

Bastard.

You touched her, admit it.

You've defiled her. I'm going to thrash you!

Let's drop it.

You don't want to fight any more?

- Let's forget it. - No way.

- There has to be a winner. - Let's say I chickened out.

No, they saw me run away. I need my revenge.

They have to know. They mustn't believe what she said.

Hey.

I don't love her any more.

She used words that are unworthy of her.

If she had a soul,

she wouldn't be so vulgar.

She's a bitch.

She's no maiden, she's no woman.

Because a woman is pure, delicate, fragile.

A woman is supreme. A woman is magical.

A woman is always supreme.

Charlie, allow me to speak to you frankly.

Charlie, my old friend, you're going to die.

Go back to your homes. lt was an accident.

Someone's coming. Shit, I forgot the light.

I can hear the police. I'll get the door.

Look, his eyes are open.

Come on.

Why are you pushing me? I have legs.

Move them.

Come on, move.

The knife?

I threw the knife away on purpose, to show I wasn't serious.

I was choking.

I took the knife. I thought I'd prick his arm and make him drop me.

He moved at the same time. So fast, he took it in the back.

Do you want to bet?

- Bet what? - They'll believe you.

They won't. The police will want proof.

I did it. They won't look any further.

- We must explain it to them. - I'd rather do it in writing.

Go and get Fido in case the cops go to the house.

Fido!

- What do you want? - You scared me.

I'm sorry, miss, I'm looking for Fido Saroyan.

There's no more Fido. Disappeared!

- Abducted by two bastards! - Are you drunk?

Shit! Stupid cats!

- Fido sounds like a dog's name. - It means faithful.

Good trick, the milk. But we won the second round.

lf I were you, I wouldn't leave a door open.

My father always said, when someone rings the bell,

tell yourself the murderer is here.

That way, if it's only a thief, you'll be glad.

- How's school? - All right.

- What's your best subject? - Natural science.

I was good at nothing. Work gives me a headache.

I pay for all the fathers and grandfathers who worked before me.

The hard-working generations.

- Here. - No thanks, I'd rather snort.

- Tobacco in your nose? That's disgusting. - No, it's nice.

Especially in the morning.

The first snort is always the best.

What's that?

It's a musical lighter.

- It's cool. - Show him your watch.

Here.

I also have a clock.

It rings on the hour for paying the car park.

Is that all?

No, I also have a fountain pen. A new Snorkel,

Made in America, retractable tip and auto-filling.

A fibre belt.

A tropical hat.

My suit comes from London.

Made from Australian sheep cloth.

My shoes are Egyptian leather.

Air-conditioning. So I don't wish for anything any more.

I'm bored.

It's like my scarf. It looks like silk.

But it's metal.

A very special metal, very supple.

It's Japanese metal. Feel it.

No, it's not metal. It's fabric.

- I swear, it's Japanese metal. - No, it's not.

- Even Japanese. - I swear, it's the truth.

Stop pulling my leg.

I swear it on my mother's head. May she die if I lie.

- All right, then, I believe you. - I'm telling you.

It's me, Léna.

Come quietly.

Ouch.

My head. Shit. I'm all groggy.

Damn.

Wait, let me check.

They're still here.

What about Fido?

I'll explain later.

The way is clear.

I borrowed a car.

Whose car?

- My landlady. - She likes you.

No, I know where she keeps the key.

Can you climb the stairs?

- Yes. - Hold on to my waist.

Yes, Officer, I'm telling you the truth.

Just ask the tenants.

You know how it happened. One thing lead to another. A blow.

It's hard to tell...

- What about the cops? - They asked lots of questions.

Now they're asking the tenants.

Take that. It could be useful.

- I'll call you on the road. - Bye.

- Fido? - I'll explain later.

Pass the bottle?

Here.

Drink.

I'm still thirsty.

I'm the biggest prick alive not to have foreseen that one.

From Chico to me, and from me to Fido.

The beastly Saroyan brothers are all in it together now.

Again! Broken down.

Third time.

What a banger! I'd rather have a squat toilet.

- What's wrong with it? - How could I know?

A crack.

We're gonna have to push.

- Are you watching? - I am.

Look ahead.

Go straight!

Come on, push!

Careful, he's swerving.

An engine is interesting.

What about here? Won't you touch this?

And here? Here?

Don't touch it.

I'm not touching.

Is the radio working?

I don't know. Let's try.

Far, far away, there are violins

And shepherds

Dressed like knights

Forty fools for the king

All made-up

Angels

Spying on us

From the horizon

When I hate you

So that you can see I do

When I hate you

I shall wear my cap

When you don't love me any more

So that you can see

When you don't love me any more

I shall wear my hair in braids

Since this agreement, my love wears her hair up

And he, in all weather

Walks bare-headed

- Stop the car. - We're not there yet.

You heard me. Stop.

What are you doing?

I don't know. Go back into town, and return the car to your landlady.

Look at me.

If she'd let you drink the whole bottle, it would have been easier to part.

When you get to the next fork, turn left.

No need to explain. I know the way.

What are you waiting for?

You want her to stay with you, and she knows it.

But it's impossible.

Thanks for the ride.

- Hi, Richard. - Fancy that...

Are you alone? I heard a car.

A friend drove me here.

Right.

We're on the defensive.

Some guys are after Chico to give him a good hiding.

Chico must have told you. He came to see you.

Is he here? When did he arrive?

This afternoon. Half dead, he was. Hitch-hiking, running, etc.

But now he's better. He's asleep.

He cooked for himself and ate like a horse.

Aren't Mum and Dad here?

- We took them to the village. - Are you mad?

Do you think I was happy about that?

I like them too, you know.

We have two very nice parents who never bother us.

Only thing is, they're not bulletproof.

Right.

- No visitors? - No.

So we're first.

Chico, what an ass, hey?

Don't excuse him.

He's always messed things up.

If idiots could fly, he'd be squadron leader.

He was in a tight spot.

He's always in a tight spot. Do you know why?

Because he hasn't got a clue.

- It's not his fault if I've killed someone. - What?

Yes, that's right. Last night...

We're all in a fix, now. The two guys have abducted Fido.

The police are probably after you.

Tell you what, though. I'm glad to see you.

- So am I. -"Me, too," as the English say.

Isn't that your coffee boiling?

Shit! Boiled coffee is dead coffee!

Tell you what.

It does your head in staying indoors like that. Not moving.

In the morning, you don't want to wake up.

You're like a prisoner in the house.

To begin with, Chico and I used to laugh it out.

We thought it was funny.

I'll wake him up, tell him you're here.

Yeah!

- Hey, you're here! - How's the black eye?

All right. Pain is gone.

What's that?

The dough. That's why I was in Paris.

All brand new, registered notes.

They're going to be tough to flog. We need a scam.

Richard and I, we found an honest job

for a cash-in-transit company.

One day, we were conveying funds, two guys pulled one on us.

We laughed.

We told them, we know a thing or two about stick-ups.

They said, if you know, then let's team up.

Richard and I looked at each other.

It was too good to pass up.

We went along with it and took off with the guys.

We thought we should come and hide here.

I don't know why, but in the car,

the guys start grumbling,

"It's too far, what's that house in the snow?"

We chucked them out.

We decided not to share after all.

So now, the guys, they want to do us in.

We should have bumped them off.

Speaking of which, Charlie's just killed a guy.

No. Shit.

It's not true.

Shit.

Tell you what, I'm glad.

Now you're like us.

Do you remember the slings?

- What slings? - And the limo?

The people who came for you in a limo.

The prodigy, the 14-year-old virtuoso.

They took you to the old guy at the music academy.

Yes, Zeleny.

We drove through the forest,

and you and Richard pelted the car with your slings.

The guys had no idea who you were.

The woman in the car,

with her blue rinse, her glasses, she asked, "Who's that?"

I said, "Who? The two boys, madam?"

She said, "They're not boys, they're savages."

What did you say to her?

"They're my brothers, madam." She changed the subject,

spoke of the music academy,

of the great teacher I would have, stuff like that.

All the time, stones were raining on the car.

It was as if you were both talking to me.

As if you were saying I couldn't really leave.

Sooner or later, I would be back for good.

- Go back to the savages. - You had to come back.

We're all the same. You, me, Richard, even Fido.

- So? - What?

Let's go to bed, Charlie and I.

Chico, it's your turn to keep watch.

Go back to bed, Chico. I'm not tired. I want to smoke.

I leave it with you.

Man's best friend.

Here you are, a murderer in a family of thieves. Not a problem.

Yes, there's a problem. This madness,

who do you get it from, you and your brothers?

Not from Mum and Dad.

It must have jumped a generation or two.

Tracing back the line, there must be some crazed Saroyans

doing the perfect scam and holing up just like you are now.

One could write a poem about it. A comic poem.

That useless gun.

"I leave it with you. Man's best friend."

To say that to you.

You hate firearms.

- What about Fido? - Nothing. I think we were wrong.

Let's go. I'm driving you back.

- What about the police? - Don't worry.

You're cleared. Self-defence. The neighbours were great. Told the truth.

You had thrown away the knife. Plyne tried to strangle you.

You wanted to prick his arm. Just an accident.

I wasn't expecting that. And the car?

It's over there. Come.

I can't go yet. I have to tell them. Wait for me.

Are you really coming back?

You know it.

"When I hate you, I shall wear my cap."

Fuck!

Shit, it's snowing.

Charlie!

That's not how you do it.

You'll break the glasses.

Here, that's how you do it. You lay them down gently.

- Hi. - Charlie, our new waitress. Our pianist.

- Hi. - Hi.

THE END