Original subtitles

- Heinrich? - Yeah.

Transfer 300,000 pounds to Zurich.

Convert ALL market dollars.

Watch the gold market tomorrow.

Buy Schutter-Jet up to 4,000.

Sell at 4,500.

Any news of the North Sea Oil?

3,000 to surface? How many acres?

Hello! I can't hear you very well.

The meeting's postponed till the 20th.

Notify Milan.

I didn't receive Hurd's report.

Alright... How's your wife?

And the children?

Yes, everything's fine.

Goodbye.

The exhibition's just begun... Don't go today.

Or else, let me accompany you.

What happened?

- I'll call a doctor. - Don't bother.

Send the paintings to this address.

- Which paintings? - All.

I'll send you a written contract.

We'll buy everything he produces... for 20 years.

Feeling better, Monsieur? -Un po'.

A bit.

I slept very badly last night.

How many times have I told you to stop reading in bed.

But you never listen to me.

Hey, what...?!

I'm surprised you made the trip merely for the book fair.

Nowadays we sell books like potatoes.

Now what's on your mind... A new manuscript, Mlle LeRoi?

I must have an advance.

As of today, your royalties hardly cover

the advance I already gave you for "Secrets".

The stuff you are writing is much too avant-garde...

The public doesn't understand it.

What can I do about it? It's my style.

I just received a phone call from London...

An editor wants to translate your novel.

If you're really in need of money that badly...

...why not accept the proposition I made you last year?

"The Perversions of the Catholic Clergy".

- Yes, why not? - I wasn't even baptized.

- Damn it! - Think it over.

Yes... check to the king.

Can I show you something, for 100 francs?

Do you think I'm still curious at my age?

Curious is possible... stingy is probable.

Mademoiselle...

Would you do that for me one more time?

Kléber.

Pay.

Thank you, sir.

- Good morning. - Hello.

- Would you sell me this for 100 francs? - Why would I do that?

- Are you raising the price? - No, that's all I've got.

In that case, you've chosen a book that costs a hundred.

Good morning Mr Villier.

- How are things? - Fine, thanks.

Tell me, Pablo, how did you come by this book?

You know how it is... books come and go...

You wouldn't have anything else by this author?

Francoise LeRoi... LeRoi, LeRoi...

- Maybe it's all she's written. - Can you find out?

- I'll make inquiries too. - Is it really that interesting?

Well, it's at the same time logical and passionate.

- If you know what I mean. - Not really.

- Let's just say it's very feminine. - Okay, now I understand!

Kléber...

...her face changed completely as soon as she saw that man.

- 'Bye. And don't forget the book. - I won't, Mr. Villier.

- Well, are you buying it or not? - Who was he?

That's Marc Villier, editor of "Optique", an art magazine.

He lives across the street. He reads too much.

Hey, Mam'selle, you've taken my book!

- I paid you for it, didn't I?? - Oh, yeah.

- Are we following her or going home? - We're following her, obviously!

- Is there any tea? - Yes, in the kitchen.

- I've been at Catherine's. - For five days?

I needed to get away.

Jose dropped in... he offered me a one man show this autumn.

- You must be pleased. - Yes, of course.

What do you think of it?

- Not sure. - Well, look at it!

- Maybe it's too... photographic. - You said it, I didn't....

- Have you found the man of your life? - No, not at Catherine's at any rate!

Oh... I see I have a rival.

You know how it is...

- Does Catherine play chess? - No.

- Well, what did you do there? - I played alone.

- For five days? - And five nights

Dear Sir, I realize this seems a bit forward...

...but nothing ventured, nothing gained as they say.

I would like to meet you as soon as possible

Working already?

You're a hopeless case!

You're either in the grip of a wild romance...

...or acting like a middle-class prude.

The future belongs to the early riser!

Tell me naive and innocent maiden...

...what is the source of my strange power over women?

No, let me go. I must mail a letter.

Silence Madame, nature speaks.

You'd better get dressed, or you'll catch cold.

Kleber, the letter.

"But nothing ventured, nothing gained as they say

"I'd like to meet you as soon as possible."

Please leave your answer at the collonade.

- That must be in the park. - What about the soap?

- Not a word with it. - Just a promotion.

- You're not going to answer that letter! - I certainly am...

...and I'll wait all night long in the park for my mystery woman.

Let's go.

What if it's not some crazy?

I don't think she'll come..

"We shall establish our first contacts through correspondence.

After exchanging letters, with a better understanding, we'll meet.

Dear Mystery Woman, even love is a question of will.

Dear Mystery Woman, we shall establish our first contacts through correspondence..

Dear Mystery Woman, even love is a question of will.

Dear Mystery Woman, even love is a question of will.

Reading that letter again? You must know it by heart!

Yes, but I love what he writes.

When will you be satisfied? You don't even know him.

I sometimes wish I worked in a shop. "Yes, madam?... Goodbye, madam...

- There'd be no more questions. - What sort of questions?

All my life I've been plagued with questions.

"What were you doing?" "What were you thinking?"

Be a nice girl and tell me... Is your name Francoise LeRoi?

How did that woman fall?

Look, I saw her lose balance over the railing.

Nonsense, you can't fall off a balcony like that.

She was cleaning the windows.

Were you with the woman?

Near her stool?

- What were you doing? - Leave her alone!

What do you expect her to tell you... she's only a child, an ignorant child!

Did you hate that woman?

She wouldn't let me stay in the living-room to read.

- So you pushed her? - I never touched her!

Then why do you feel so guilty?

There was always so much going on in my head.

- What sort of things? - Visions... so powerful.

I try to describe them when I write, but it's hard... I can't capture them.

And you think bombarding him with letters is the solution?

I want to know him!

But I'm afraid to hurt him.

I'm capable of it, you know.

Even me?

- You're not writing? - No.

But she answers? All of your letters?

- Yes. - So you're writing to her?

She writes, so I write to her.

But I'm not writing now.

And what about the soap?

People receive all sorts of things they've never ordered.

- Does she think you're dirty? - Sophie, please!

If it was at least good soap...

Now listen...

I don't need anything from anyone.

I don't cheat on you. I'm not after anything.

I don't need a mistress, nor any soap!

- Where does she mail her letters? - It changes all the time.

Really?! You don't miss a thing!

- Madame Villier? - Yes?

Life is certainly strange.

Yesterday I signed an advertising contract with your husband.

I noticed your photograph on his desk...

...and today, I have the pleasure of meeting you.

Yes, that's quite a coincidence.

Your husband seemed terribly distressed.

Has he problems at the moment?

No, why? I mean...

He seems to be remarkably intelligent... but...

Has he everything he deserves?

Everything he wants?

There's nothing more paralysing for a man of talent...

...then to be preoccupied with his private life.

I don't understand what you mean.

Maybe you'll understand some day.

I bid you good day.

I'm sorry, I'm terribly late.

- Who gave you that tie? - My tie?

Nobody.

I spilled acid on mine, at the lab...

So, I sent my secretary out to buy me another one.

You should congratulate her... She's got excellent taste.

I'd seen this tie in a shop window. I just described it to her.

I chose it and I paid for it!

And the invitation for tonight's concert, Mark. Who sent that?

I don't know... I told you already...

A client.

What difference does it make?

The afternoon mail.

More soap.

I'm Francoise... I'm the one who invited you to the concert.

- I hope you're enjoying it. - What do you want from me?

Why do you write to me?

- And why send all that soap? - What soap?

- I was attacked. - What were you doing?

I was with Francoise. She sent us the invitation.

And, then the lights...

It couldn't have been her who hit me.

So, it's "Francoise" already?

Someone pushed me in the dark and pulled me towards the door...

When the lights went on, his wife was standing there.

What exactly did he say to you?

I don't remember, it happened so quickly.

I feel too tired to move.

We just talked about soap. I'll sleep here.

The bottle and glasses... rinse them! And turn off that music!

Now... to work!

Photograph everything... Absolutely everything!

Good... now just of her face.

That's enough. Let's go.

You needn't have got up so early.

My husband is setting out for the hunt!

It is a spectacle not to be missed!

It's not as if it's the first time!

See you tonight.

- Aren't you taking a camera? - What for?

I really don't know... Memories?

This way!

Over here... I think I saw something.

Here, look! Here!

No... there!

Come on, shoot!

An accident!

Quickly! Over here!

Good evening, Mark.

Please sit.

We've decided to sell your apartment.

We only bought it for our daughter, but now that she's gone...

As well, we no longer think it necessary to keep you on as editor of the magazine.

My niece could not have a husband employed by others.

That's why we hired you, Mark.

"Optique" must stay in the family. You're no longer in the family, Mark.

A young man like you should have no trouble finding another job.

Here is your severance settlement.

My years here must have been a burden to you.

He's too afraid to go in.

Kléber, tune in.

- Monsieur? - Is Mademoiselle... is Francoise here?

Yes, come in.

Francoise.

There's a visitor for you.

So you finally decided to give me your address.

What kind of game are you playing?

I'm not even sure it is a game.

I'm not sure of anything.

Because of you, my wife is dead.

I came because...

I don't know why I came.

I was angry with you.

I wanted revenge.

But then...

I liked your book.

I like the way you live.

See what your letters have done?

Now please leave me alone.

Goodbye, Monsieur.

'Bye, Francoise.

Well, what did he want? What did he say?!

He told me he likes this room very much.

Come on. The pig's brought us a nice bottle of vodka.

Well, let's sing, dance, and celebrate.

Leave her alone... Can't you see she's upset?

Your call, sir.

Mr Lavalle, please. Perrot calling.

What's that? Who does he think he is?

My attorney in his spare time?

- Did you sleep well? - I've made a decision.

I'll stop writing to Mark... at least for a while.

Well, you're getting better already.

- Mlle Francoise LeRoi, please. - That's me.

My name is Tapale... I'm a lawyer.

I'd like to talk to you about a matter... Oh, excuse me!

- It's alright... just friends of mime. - OK, in that case...

- Make yourself comfortable. - Thank you.

One of my clients is interested in publishing the story of your life.

- Already? - Meaning?

At 26?

You're a very intelligent writer, somewhat misunderstood.

We intend to start a collection called "New Talents."

How one becomes a writer, a poet or composer.

That's how my client would like to treat it.

- And why me? - Well he read your book.

- And so...? - 100,000 on signing up...

100,000 on completion, 10% of royalties.

And a house in the country to write the book in.

Why in the country?

He's an old gentleman, who likes things to take place around him.

Oh, I see.

There's a housekeeper to do everything. You'd have nothing to worry about.

- Is there a phone? - Why?

- In case she needs to call me for help. - There's a phone, yes..

A change of air will do you good.

Well, do you accept?

- Some tea, Sir? - Yes, very kind of you.

- How many lumps? - Four, please.

You're not very talkative, Mlle LeRoi.

No.

- Leonora will show you to your room. - I'll be down in a minute, Sir.

My client will be here in a couple of days...

...but he's like you to begin your work in the meantime.

So... you're a writer?

That's the dining room... dinner is at 8.

I hope that you don't find that inconvenient.

Quite the contrary.

- I serve lunch at 1 pm. - Wonderful.

That's called the music room. God only knows why.

Probably because of that.

- Is the house damp? - No, not at all.

They're being restored.

Monsieur has made the first move.

He says it's up to you to make the next one.

But I don't know this game.

I suppose you play on all three levels.

He must have a book on it somewhere Monsieur doesn't have any books.

- He doesn't read? - Never.

I'll show you to your room.

It overlooks the park.

A bell will ring for meals.

I don't know if I told you... breakfast is served at 9.

He's thought of everything.

Yes, Monsieur is always very thoughtful of his guests.

The sculpture in the drawing room... where did it come from?

Mr Beretti left it behind last year.

Mr Beretti?

A sculptor.

He worked here?

He drank here.

Then one night he left... and he never returned.

Is that all he left?

This house is not a museum, Mademoiselle.

Your name is Leonora, isn't it?

It's the name my mother gave me. if that's what you want to know.

You've been working long for Monsieur Perrot?

More than 20 years. Do you no longer need me?

Are you married?

She's not married.

Where do you do your shopping?

I walk down to the village three times a week.

- Is it far? - 4 kilometres.

The hardest part is walking back.

Couldn't he buy you a bicycle?

He offered me one, but I refused it.

Around here we don't like machines.

Take you, for example.

I just wonder how you can manage to think clearly...

...when your fingers are busy at that machine?

- So you must have a secret. - Secret?

Well, Mr Beretti's secret was red wine.

No red wine, no sculpture.

That's what he told Mr Perrot.

There are men who's greatest pleasure is self-destruction.

I almost forgot to ask you, do you take afternoon tea at 5?

What was Mr Beretti like?

I didn't see much of him, as I told you.

He was strange, and he had a beard and he was very fat.

Leonora, I will have tea, thank you.

Monsieur... You have a pillow in your mouth.

How come the pillow's in your mouth?

- How did it happen? - Just get back to bed!

Go on back to bed!

Good morning, Mlle LeRoi... working already?

Good morning.

Are you happy with your working conditions?

If there's anything we can improve on, you must tell us.

Haven't we met somewhere before?

Yes, you're right, we have.

- In front of a banknote. - That's it!

- It's a very strange coincidence. - I hate leaving anything to chance.

- But is this the case? - I'd rather not say.

But you like to play games.

Yes... games of logic...

...that are challenging... competitive.

For me, there's no greater pleasure than winning a game.

What about art?

Indeed... art.

Invention, instinct... madness.

To say you're a patron of the arts, is quite rare nowadays.

Goodness, whoever told you that?

Your lawyer, your housekeeper.

In that case...

...as a patron of the arts, thank you for accepting my invitation.

I know many creative souls who would have refused.

Beretti, for example?

Why Beretti?

Who told you about him?

Leonora. But maybe I misunderstood.

I never invited that scrap-metal welder.

I don't invite just anybody into my house.

It's important you accept that.

Oh, I do accept that.

I have an appointment in town, however, and I'll be back for dinner.

Oh, you have a feather on your lip.

She'll never master three dimensional chess.

Too difficult.

You're wrong.

Quite wrong. She's playing.

Alright, lets go.

Leonora on the phone.

Leonora, write this down...

My bishop to G6 level three.

Repeat that.

Correct.

Go tell that to Mlle LeRoi.

I thought you said you came here to write.

You haven't applied yourself very much since your arrival.

Call your boss.

My knight on level 3 to F6 level two.

Your knight level 3 to F6 level two.

And add this please...

Ha!

I give you that which I remember...

...of the story of my life.

Who will tell me where my life begins...

What confidences begin the story?

- The wine is ready. - Yes, monsieur.

- The candles - Yes, monsieur.

Kléber, next summer we're going to Greece.

But we went to Greece last year.

Mlle LeRoi...

My congratulations... You're a formidable chess opponent.

Are you expecting guests.

And to block off your attack I shall take...

...your bishop with my knight on level three.

I'll bring up my rook to B7.

Naturally.

Please make yourself at home.

Mlle LeRoi, you know Mark Villier, My new literary editor.

You may start serving, Leonora.

Kléber, the wine.

Chateau Margot, 1947.

I obtained it myself and highly recommend it.

One day there won't be anymore... Finished for all time.

Here we are accomplices in the extinction of a treasure.

In the company of such distinguished guests, it is a real pleasure.

The rich can indulge any whim.

As I already told you, I don't leave anything to chance.

I prefer to take precautions.

- You keep the whole world in your grasp. - The whole world?

No, I'm not that ambitious.

- No, it's just the people who interest me. - You find me interesting?

- Very much, Mlle LeRoi. - Why?

I thought my lawyer had explained it to you.

Your health!

Leonora, the coffee please!

Coming up.

Children have no conception of good and evil.

That's why they're so cruel.

That's why it is said that artists are grown up children.

They want so much to preserve their innocence.

Sometimes even unto death.

- Do you have children? - No, thank heavens.

Come, Kléber. Time for me to play.

- I never imagined I'd see you here. - Really?

Yes, really.

Mlle LeRoi,

I came here to see an author and publish his book.

Whatever.

I would have refused, had I known you were that writer.

- But... - But what?

Well, then, lovebirds... I'm neglecting my duties.

Here, taste this Armagnac. it's over a 100 years old.

What are you waiting for? Call Leonora to clean this up now!

This is more interesting than I imagined.

And more difficult too.

- You haven't seen anything yet. - I only ask to see.

What are you talking about?

If you enjoy exciting situations, you're in for a treat.

Our friend, Richard, arrives tomorrow.

I hope you sleep well, Mr Perrot.

Good night.

You must be very tired Mr Villier. I will accompany you.

You seemed surprised to see her. But you know her well, don't you?

No, not at all. I mean, barely.

I'm astonished. Your wife spoke at great length about her, Mark.

- You knew my wife? - Yes, very well.

I'm an old friend of her parents. Didn't you know?

Your wife was sure you were having an affair with Francoise.

- Even I was convinced of it. - No.

You're mistaken

It's true Mlle LeRoi is very attractive.

Good night, Monsieur.

I also wanted to wish you goodnight, Leonora.

Leonora!

Whoopee!

What is it?

Your tea, Monsieur.

Get out, you bitch!

- Hi! - What happened, did you fall out of bed?

No, I've been up all night. I packed everything and took off.

- Did you have a pleasant trip? - Very nice, thank you.

- I saw a lot of pheasants around here. - Tomorrow we'll roast two or three.

I thought you might enjoy that.

Come in and make yourself at home.

- Why did you come here? - He bought my last painting.

- How are you coming along? - I'll tell you later.

- Be careful. - Careful? Of what?

Well, well... so he's here too!

We have all three of them now. There's almost nothing more for me to do.

May I speak frankly Monsieur?

If it's interesting, yes.

I'm sure you're going to have trouble with that girl.

- Why do you say that? - An impression.

The more difficult the opponent, the more beautiful the victory.

Rest assured Kléber, I haven't made my last move.

She'll fall like the others...

Like all the others.

You might as well give up...

You're dead in seven moves.

1...

2...

3...

4...

I might take your queen.

Take her.

Good...

I think I'll go and do some work now.

Am I disturbing you?

Why did you have that friend of hers come here?

Because he interests me too.

But, what's the point of this get-together?

What do you want to happen?

I honestly haven't the vaguest idea myself.

Come along.

You'd give yourself at the drop of a hat.

She's one gorgeous creature.

Close the door.

I'm leaving.

Thanks for telling me.

Leonora, ring the bell for lunch, right away.

The soap...

So, where are we going to hang our painting?

- Will you join us? - Thank you.

Allow me to raise my glass, to your dear departed wife...

...even if you're starting to forget her.

What do you mean by that?

What are you two up to?

Mark, keep quiet.

He who must be obeyed.

He ordered you to write to me, and to sleep with me!

Mark, that's enough!

Let go of me!

Mark!

Mark.

Mark.

Mark.

What did you do to him?

Answer me?

What did you do to him?

It's her...

She what?

I don't know.

Come on, Kléber.

What's wrong with Villier, Is he sick?

Don't you understand his game and what he wants?

I don't need him anymore, or you. Just leave me alone!

No, Francoise.

What if he goes?

I'd be surprised.

Come in.

Give me everything you've written.

- I haven't corrected it. - It doesn't matter.

Five pages? No more?

- Mr Perrot? - Yes

How did Beretti, the sculptor, die?

How should I know? He disappeared without a trace.

I saw him cutting his throat with a piece of metal...

Here, in this very house.

What exactly is the secret of your power?

I don't know.

What are your visions? Tell me.

Can they show what you want... when you want it?

There's no limit... you could rule the world.

Maybe.

What about you, and the games you play with your money?

That's my business.

You still haven't answered my question.

- What question? - About Beretti's death.

You're right.

He committed suicide.

It's almost ready.

I was there, I saw it. The explosion was magnificent.

As an explosion should be.

Excuse me, Mr Villier.

Here...

These belonged to your wife.

I got them a little while ago from her parents.

I don't understand.

- Didn't you take the photos? - No.

I thought they were found on your wife.

Absolutely not.

It's the first time I've seen them.

Then...

Someone used them to compromise you.

Francoise, don't make a sound. Come on!

- How did you know this was here? - I poked around.

What are you seeing?

Nothing, it went away.

Come on.

Beretti.

And this......

Otto Mayer.

You remember he hung himself 3 or 4 years ago in his studio in New York.

Let's get out of this place!

- No, I'm staying. - If you stay, I stay.

You can get me to do anything.

Would you really do anything for me?

All but give up painting.

Sacrificing her queen was a stroke of genius.

But I'll pin down her rook.

She'll need time to figure it out...

She'll lose...

...on all fronts.

I must thank you.

- You've done me a very great service. - In what way?

I've been cured... very simply.

If you only knew all the stupid things I've done...

The letters you've received from Mark Villier, for example,

It was I who wrote them.

- But why? - I don't know.

It was absurd.

It's like those suicidal artists.

I never pushed them to do it, mind you...

I was merely, an observer, guiding them.

For what purpose?

The death of art.

What twisted ambition! What fury!

All those years wasted. Art will die on its own...

It doesn't need me to do it.

Lets forget all that now.

It's a beautiful day, so peaceful in the country.

I adore picnics.

Where's Mark?

He felt like taking a walk... He'll join us soon.

When I was a little child, I'd go on picnics with my mother.

She wore a magnificent fur coat...

...and long gloves with only the tips of her fingers showing.

It was in the Alps... Above the clouds.

It seemed there was no one else on Earth but us.

It's very important to know how to carve your bird.

To know how to hunt it too...

...to wait for it, stalk it, to shoot at the right moment.

Kléber...

- Monsieur? - That's sounds like thunder.

No, Monsieur.

I wonder why Villier hasn't come yet.

Francoise... wait!

Mark!

Mark!

Mark!

It was Perrot who wrote those letters. It was all his doing.

Kléber, help me!

It's all over now. Lets go.

The three of us?

It all ended as it was meant to be.

It echoes the beginning... with Richard and I.

He knew I never could have got out of it...

...either through the too conventional door of Mark...

...nor the too rational door of the volatile Perrot.

Mark will go on living a punctual life...

...in the service of dignified mediocrity...

...in a life without a vision.

Perrot, in an attempt to destroy a world which he sensed,

...but hated because he was denied...

...fed his brain-power obsessively...

...to the point of incandescence...

...and he'll go on running forever, burning like a match.

The imaginative Richard, will continue at my side...

...walking through his door...

...and the streets of this magical world, where everything is possible.

Subtitles revised by FatPlank for KG