Original subtitles

The Eye Behind the Wall

- How are you? - Fine, and you dear?

Do you want some?

The wine's excellent.

Pity it's almost finished. We'll have to order some more.

I'll take care of it.

Thank you.

- Are you happy with the new tenant? - Yes, yes.

I think I did the right thing entrusting Octavius with the task.

- I think we're there. - And your work?

- I'm not getting very far. - How come? Isn't our tenant home?

You bet. He hardly ever goes out.

And therein lies the problem.

He's indoors too much. I just can't classify him.

Excellent.

Thank you. You may go, Octavius.

His behaviour is very mysterious.

- What does he do? - You mean what doesn't he do?

I still haven't worked out if he works or not?

I haven't seen him make one phone call since he arrived.

He never listens to the radio, never watches television.

- Never reads a newspaper. - How does he pass the time?

He reads books. Occasionally he listens to some music.

He has some records with incredible sounds.

And he just lies there on the bed.

And he stays there for hours and hours staring at the ceiling.

He's very strange.

Yes.

Thank you, dear.

Olga. What was your first impression of him?

He seemed like a handsome guy.

More than handsome he's interesting.

Of all the people who came to see the house, he stood out.

Because I found him unusual, with something inside.

Indeed. I agree.

What's that something inside?

Strawberry mousse with cream.

- No, I'll drink too much. - No, it won't hurt.

Yes, no doubt about it, he's an interesting character.

But his behaviour is too mysterious. I don't know what to write.

What I mean is, for now he's only offering me questions.

If you ask me, there must be profound reasons for this isolation of his.

Olga, won't you help me find out what they are?

Yes, I know, I understand you're not so keen...

But I'm asking you for my reasons.

- How can I help? - You can start by having a look at him.

No, please. You know I'm against it.

Please, there might be something I've missed which means something to you.

- No? - Do you think that's possible?

Let's go.

He's coming.

Olga. Come here.

Look.

Look at him.

- Can you see okay? - Yes, perfectly.

What I don't see is anything significant to me that you may have missed?

Wait.

He's changed the paintings?

What makes me angry, is that while this equipment captures him perfectly...

I can't pinpoint his psychological character.

- His behaviour seems quite normal. - But you said he was unusual?

What do you want an unusual man to do? Put a record on doing a handstand?

You can see perfectly from here.

The sounds are incredible, and they're fascinating in their own way.

Don't you find?

Look. Look, Olga.

Olga, forgive me.

You don't want me, right?

What are you thinking about?

It doesn't seem right, violating someone's privacy like that.

Yes, I agree, there was a time when it would have disgusted me as well.

But how can I write about the things I see stuck in this wheelchair?

So I need other people, to watch them, to live their lives.

- I know, we've been over this. - Agreed.

But I find this Arthur's personality stimulating.

I'd like to try and figure out the reason for his solitude.

What does he do? Even that's a mystery.

Or I don't know, is there a woman in his life?

All questions I'd like answered.

Which would help me understand why he lives like that and analyse him.

I want to put one of my contemporaries under a microscope.

And shine a light on their problems, their being!

- Do you understand? - Yes, sure.

Why don't you have a look around his apartment?

See if you can find a lead or some clue amongst his things.

- Do you want to? - When?

Even tomorrow, I suppose. If he happens to go out.

And then follow him or try to meet him by chance.

And find some excuse to talk to him.

Okay. We'll see tomorrow.

Goodnight.

Octavius! Is my bath ready?

Octavius!

Octavius, I've finished!

Octavius, tell Lucilla...

Disgusting cretin!

Goodness, all he does is read, and when he's not reading he's thinking.

How long has it been since I saw you in your nightrobe?

- What a strange individual. - Yes, he gives nothing away.

- You didn't find any documents at all? - Nothing, he must keep them on him.

I searched everywhere, even if I was so nervous making my debut as a detective.

- I may have missed something. - Is the list of books precise?

- In what way? - Shelf by shelf?

Incredibly precise. You can check.

I've listed them from top to bottom, shelf by shelf.

You've done a great job. How did you get to those up there?

- That's when I almost fell off the chair. - Even he doesn't have them handy.

- That could mean something? - Of course, dear.

And this proves his clear fondness for politics and economics.

You see? There's also some Marx in there.

Lower down, still in abundance, we have humanities.

Key sociology, anthropology and ethnology textbooks.

He's searching for man just like Diogenes.

Can you move the painting please?

There, try now.

He's gone back to work.

On the lower shelf next to the room.

Psychology and psychoanalysis textbooks.

One can't rule out the possibility that the man he's looking for his himself.

- He's crazy! - What has he done?

He pulled out a nail.

Amongst the three closest to him we have science, physics and chemistry.

- So either he's a deep... - Or what else?

Or he's fickle.

Or there's a third risky hypothesis.

That he actually is keen on both philosophy and science.

But how do we reconcile that with his jeans?

Don't tell me you can judge a book by its cover because you'll disappoint me.

You're right.

You see how a wheelchair limits your horizons?

What do you make of him tearing off a nail? A sign of masochism?

He really is a strange animal.

I was expecting a lot more from the search.

Where do you think he gets his money?

Who knows?

Listen, if he goes out today I'd like to follow him.

What do you say?

Sure, okay.

- But be careful, he knows you. - Don't worry.

Go away, Lucilla! Go away!

Why? What have I done to you?

You're hurting me!

Why?

You're all whores!

You've put your honour between your legs!

Show me your honour! Where have you put your pride?

Is that between your legs as well?

This is a friend of mine, his name's Arthur.

- Cute! What shall we get him? - Give him a tip-tap.

- Make that two. - You're good.

- I mean at dancing. - I get by, you can't dance?

If you don't know how to dance because you don't want to.

To dance you've got to feel like you've got wings.

Like you're lifting off the ground.

Don't make sense of it. Your problem is you think too much.

This will help you.

You think too much, I'm telling you as a friend.

- How do you know I think too much? - It's written all over your face!

You worry about so much bullshit. Forget about it!

Maybe some woman let you down?

Forget about it.

Tell me something. What do you do?

Why the fuck do you care? What do you think I do?

I don't give a fuck what you do! All you do is ask questions!

- Dumb fucking questions! - It's true.

Listen.

Maybe I think the same as you.

It's good stuff.

- Isn't she pretty? - I want to dance with you!

With me?

Come on, Arthur!

Yes, I'm coming.

Well? How's it going?

- She's a beautiful woman. - Do you want to meet her?

- No, no thanks. - I think you're crazy!

- Yes, maybe you're right. - You're too backwards.

I'm also very tired. I'm exhausted.

Have you got a house?

He took a bus and... Come, let's watch.

He went to a bar and that's where he met the Negro.

Then they went to a strip club together. Now they're both at home.

No! Stop!

That's enough.

- That can't be! - Why not? Go on, watch!

- I don't want to. - It's normal human behaviour.

- I can't, I don't want to! - Yes you can, don't be a little girl.

Watch.

It's disgusting.

- You knew. - Not at all.

You knew!

You did it on purpose! You knew, you knew!

Olga, please!

I had no idea.

I swear.

Hello, dear.

Hello.

Are you upset with me?

- You're upset with me, aren't you? - I'm not hungry.

You continue to hold me responsible for someone else's actions.

Are you sure you really don't want to eat anything?

Come on, at least drink some wine.

No.

Leave it there. Thank you.

Put it here.

You can go, Octavius. I'll serve myself.

Well? Do you continue to hold me responsible?

Please, let's not talk about it anymore.

I hope you're not going to start with the moral considerations?

It would above all be too simplistic.

For example, have you tried asking yourself the reason why?

It all seemed very unfamiliar to him.

No.

But it doesn't change the fact that what I saw was disgusting.

This toast is delicious.

Some things can't be measured in terms of good taste.

They can have very deep roots for other reasons.

Yes, perversion.

The reasons and the roots might interest a writer, not me.

Why don't you try one, dear?

Suppose that man's going through... And it all seems to suggest it.

A value crisis

So what's happened has provoked a sort of self-destruction in him.

- Would you still judge him? - I don't know.

Regardless, it's a strange way to destroy yourself.

But whatever the reasons for his actions, why did I have to assist?

He can do whatever he wants but I don't want to be his audience.

Objection noted.

Shall we make peace?

Wouldn't it be interesting to know if his homosexuality is deep-rooted or casual?

Or if he's come by that torture as some absurd research into suffering?

- What do you think? - I really couldn't care less.

I'll rephrase my question.

Will you continue helping me?

At this point I really don't see how I can?

Meeting him in person.

By the way, what agreement have you come to for the house?

He still has to sign the contract. For now he's just paid the advance.

Perfect. You can bring him the contract.

What if you lose interest in him? It's six months minimum.

I'm interested.

- Good evening, may I come in? - Sure, go ahead.

I brought the contract. Thank you.

- Please, have a seat. - Thank you.

- Do you like it here? - Yes.

It's quiet and comfortable.

- This is the contract. - Do I have to sign it?

Yes.

Here.

- You're not going to read it first? - The terms will be those already agreed.

- Six months, right? - You should read it.

It's not necessary.

One copy is for you.

- Is the heating okay? - Yes, it's fine, it's perfect.

Are you cooking something?

Yes, I was making a coffee, would you like one as well?

Thank you.

- Or would you prefer something else? - No, coffee's fine.

Excuse me a moment.

- How much sugar? - Two, thanks.

- 'The Garden of Death' - Yes, do you know it?

I was looking at your books, they're fascinating, your records a bit less.

I love classical music.

Aside from the classics you also have some avant-garde music.

I also like modern music.

- Are you a music lover? - Yes, of the normal kind.

Do you want to hear something? But I can't guarantee you'll like it.

I'll take the risk.

If you like this kind of music, there's a concert on today that you'll like.

- Really? - Avant-garde music.

I can't give you any guarantees either. I prefer other genres.

Perhaps that was a mistake? These sounds have a kind of magic.

- What time's the concert? - At five I think, will you go?

I've had an idea.

If you've got nothing better to do? If I'm not being too indiscreet...

We can go together?

Why not? It's possible.

Great.

But we have to hurry then.

I'll get my jacket.

- This built-in wardrobe is great. - I chose it myself.

- Yes? Did you design the rest as well? - Yes, conventional, right?

Not too much.

Octavius! Come here immediately!

I want to do a little gardening.

- I'm so sorry I got the wrong day. - It's okay, don't worry about it.

- Another time. - You can't imagine how sorry I am.

Dear god, I think I've gone the wrong way.

- We're leaving the centre. - Keep going, it doesn't matter.

- Let's go on an adventure. - What an idiot!

It's a strange day though. Beautiful.

It's so bright.

Yes. It's splendid.

Give me one.

They'll take the house away. Grab that one.

Not that one. The other one.

Now seal it with lime.

Spread it everywhere.

Excuse me for a moment. I need to make a call.

Guess where I'm calling from!

From the lake. Yes, we're in a restaurant.

No, I knew the concert wasn't on today.

It was just an excuse to go out together.

But it isn't easy. He really won't talk about himself.

Let's hope... I'll do my best.

You've already done great. Listen, do you like him?

- Yes, I must say he's very nice. - You like him, right?

- Be honest, do you like him? - What kind of question is that?

- Yes or no? - Don't you realise it's embarrassing?

If we want to learn more about him, it's necessary you get closer to him.

If you like him, I wouldn't be against watching you here together.

If it's okay with you.

- I'm okay with it. - I don't know what to say.

- Olga, please. - Okay, bye!

- We have an excellent baked trout. - Nice!

Okay, and bring us some white wine.

How pretty! Come here.

- Don't be afraid. - Stop bothering them.

She was so cute.

I like children. And you?

Of course. Do you have any?

No. And you?

- No, and I've no desire to have any. - Why?

It would serve as a confirmation of the human species.

And I don't want that responsibility. I already have enough of my own.

- Why are you such a pessimist? - I'd say a realist, or simply aware.

I've no intention of giving in to this sort of biological blackmail.

Even if I have very strong impulses...

I don't want to be responsible for another life.

It's my only real weapon against life.

I refuse to create more passengers for this shameful bus!

Why don't you tell me something about yourself then?

And that's it.

They're my conclusions.

Have you ever been in love, for example?

You could instead ask me how I reached these conclusions?

- I used to think that ontology... - Ontology? What does that mean?

What's there, what exists.

For example, at the moment what exists are two magnificent baked trout.

And two bus passengers who are going to eat them.

If you like him, I wouldn't be against watching you here together.

If you're okay with it, I'm okay with it.

Don't you realise it's embarrassing?

Like I've never seen you before.

God knows much stronger, more tremendous.

Octavius' expression told me everything about this beautiful family portrait.

Like I've never seen you before.

So, not being able to reconcile a scientific view of the world with that of politics...

I immersed myself in a search for the truth.

Or at least something that I could call the truth.

To give some sort of meaning to my life.

I've reluctantly severed my ties with politics.

I...

Yes, thank you.

Two scotches, please.

I tried only believing in science.

Then I discovered that it can't prove the necessity of existing.

It's all still open to debate, but I don't think you can find a reason to live...

if you don't have any reason to. I don't have the answers inside.

And I feel pointless, at least as I am now.

Cigarette?

Look what I bought for you, Lucilla.

Do you like them?

I'll make some coffee. Have a seat.

Here we are.

How come you recognise my perfume?

I couldn't tell you.

- I've already drunk too much. - We'll have another coffee later.

I'm sorry.

Why?

Nothing, I just got a hint of biological blackmail.

- Don't tell me I'm a blackmailer? - No, no.

- Be a human being. - Blackmail always involves two people.

One to carry it out and someone else to...

Then you'd better leave home, and the sooner you go, the better.

- No, it's you who doesn't want me. - Yes, you make me sick.

You're a pervert.

- I saw you in the garden with Olga. - What did you see?

Taking advantage of her fragile state, you make me sick.

- What the hell did you see? - I saw something revolting!

- And you even slept with her. - You can't talk to me like that.

- You're crazy! - Deny it if you have the courage.

- It's not true! - Liar! I saw you!

It's your fault, you're the one who made her go crazy!

Dad, you're making it all up. If someone's crazy here, it's you!

I saw you!

It's not true!

Remember what you said today about having children?

You said it was an act of affirmation.

It's true, it is, but there's no reason to refuse it.

When it's an act of love.

Arthur, I want to have a baby with you.

Come here, darling.

Come here.

Don't be like that.

Don't cry, I'm the one who wanted it.

New evidence has come to light regarding the the murder on the train

The investigation is focused on a description from the ticket conductor...

who noticed a man in the same carriage as the murdered girl.

Although we don't know why this information has been withheld until now...

It seems that aside from the witness description of the killer...

the killer now also has a name.

It's a male, around thirty, with fair hair and no previous convictions.

For those listeners who don't remember.

The girl's body was found near the tracks after having been thrown from the train.

After enduring a horrific attack from her assailant.

Robbery has been ruled out as a motive. Her purse contained 250,000 francs.

The police say they are looking for a sexual predator.

He's still playing that horrible music. I hate it!

Do you really hate it? You're quick to change your opinion.

A little while ago you called them romantic atmosphere.

Aren't they your car keys?

Have a look.

- My car keys? - I recognised the keyring.

And there were two keys.

Yes, you're right. They're mine.

I had them in my hand and... Yes, I must have left them there.

- Hurry, tell Octavius to get the car! - What's going on?

I don't know, maybe I'm mistaken, but let's not waste time!

Do as I say! And get me a jacket!

Octavius!

Octavius was awake, he'll be right down.

But why? What's happening? Where do you want to go?

Come on, help me.

Let's go!

You don't think he's stealing my car?

No, he's probably decided to go on a long trip.

You don't think he's looking for more adventures?

I don't think so. Follow him!

Why has he stopped?

- What is he doing? - He wants to kill himself, dear.

Breathing in carbon monoxide.

- We have to stop him! - What right do we have?

We have no right to intervene in such a serious decision.

This is monstrous!

Come back here right now!

The car is full of fuel! Don't get any closer!

Hurry up!

Start the engine, you fool!

You're making it all up! How could I sleep with my sister?

It's not true!

It's you! Your unnatural relationship with Olga!

Like she's not your daughter!

.